bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deletion of FHL2 Gene Impaired Ischemia-Induced Blood Flow Recovery by Modulating Circulating Proangiogenic Cells
Authors: Huang Po-Hsun , Chen Chi-Yu , Lin Chih-Pei , Wang Chao-Hung , Tsai Hsiao-Ya , Lo Wei-Yuh , Leu Hsin-Bang , Chen Jaw-Wen , Lin Shing-Jong , Chu Pao-Hsien 
Published: February 2013

Objective—
The four and a half Lin11, Isl-1 and Mec-3 (LIM) domain protein 2 (FHL2) is a member of the four and a half LIM domain-only (FHL) gene family, and has been shown to play an important role in inhibiting inflammatory angiogenesis. Here, we tested the hypothesis that impaired ischemia-induced neovascularization in mice lacking FHL2 is related to a defect in proangiogenic cell mobilization and functions in vasculogenesis.

Approach and Results—

Unilateral hindlimb ischemia surgery was conducted in FHL2
−/−
mice and wild-type (FHL2
+/+
) mice. After hindlimb ischemia surgery, expression of FHL2 protein was noted in ischemic tissues of wild-type mice. All FHL2-null mice (100%) suffered from spontaneous foot amputation, but only 20% of wild-type mice had ischemia-induced foot amputation after ischemic surgery. Blood flow recovery was significantly impaired in FHL2
−/−
mice when compared with that in wild-type mice as determined by laser Doppler imaging. Histological analysis revealed that the capillary density in the ischemic limb was increased in wild-type mice, whereas no such increase was noted in FHL2
−/−
mice. Flow cytometry demonstrated that the number of CD34
+
or CD34
+
/Sca-1
+
/Flk-1
+
in peripheral blood after ischemic surgery significantly decreased in FHL2-null mice than those in wild-type mice after hindlimb ischemia surgery. FHL2 deficiency impaired ex vivo angiogenesis in mouse aortic-ring culture assay, which revealed that the mean density of the microvessels was significantly higher in the wild-type aorta than in the FHL2
−/−
aorta. Western blot analysis showed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels were significantly downregulated in ischemic muscles in FHL2-null mice compared with wild-type mice. Deletion of FHL2 protein by FHL2 small interfering RNA impaired VEGF production under hypoxia conditions, and also suppressed endothelial progenitor cell angiogenic functions, but these effects could be recovered by administration of VEGF.

Conclusions—
Deficiency of FHL2 impairs ischemia-induced neovascularization, and these suppressive effects may occur through a reduction in proangiogenic cell mobilization, migration, and vasculogenesis functions.
Redox-Sensitive Transcription Factor Nrf2 Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration and Neointimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Ashino Takashi , Yamamoto Masayuki , Yoshida Takemi , Numazawa Satoshi 
Published: February 2013

Objective—
Reactive oxygen species are important mediators for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells, whereas excess reactive oxygen species–induced oxidative stress contributes to the development and progression of vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), is pivotal in cellular defense against oxidative stress by transcriptional upregulation of antioxidant proteins. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Nrf2 in PDGF-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell migration and neointimal hyperplasia.

Approach and Results—
PDGF promoted nuclear translocation of Nrf2, followed by the induction of target genes, including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1, heme oxygenase-1, and thioredoxin-1. Nrf2 depletion by small interfering RNA enhanced PDGF-promoted Rac1 activation and reactive oxygen species production and persistently phosphorylated downstream extracellular signal–regulated kinase-1/2. Nrf2 depletion enhanced vascular smooth muscle cell migration in response to PDGF and wound scratch. In vivo, Nrf2-deficient mice showed enhanced neointimal hyperplasia in a wire injury model.

Conclusion—
These findings suggest that the Nrf2 system is important for PDGF-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cell migration by regulating reactive oxygen species elimination, which may contribute to neointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury. Our findings provide insight into the Nrf2 system as a novel therapeutic target for vascular remodeling and atherosclerosis.
Toll-Like Receptor 4 Mutation Protects Obese Mice Against Endothelial Dysfunction by Decreasing NADPH Oxidase Isoforms 1 and 4
Authors: Liang Chao-Fan , Liu Jacky TC , Wang Yu , Xu Aimin , Vanhoutte Paul M. 
Published: February 2013

Objective—
To analyze the role of toll-like receptor 4 in modulating metabolism and endothelial function.

Approach and Results—

Type 2 diabetic mice with mutated toll-like receptor 4 (DWM) were protected from hyperglycemia and hypertension, despite an increased body weight. Isometric tension was measured in arterial rings with endothelium. Relaxations to acetylcholine were blunted in aortae and mesenteric arteries of Lepr
db/db
mice, but not in DWM mice; the endothelial NO synthase dimer/monomer ratio and endothelial NO synthase phosphorylation levels were higher in DWM preparations. These differences were abolished by apocynin. Contractions to acetylcholine (in the presence of L-NAME) were larger in carotid arteries from Lepr
db/db
mice than from DWM mice and were inhibited by indomethacin and SC560, demonstrating involvement of cyclooxygenase-1. The release of 6-ketoprostaglandin F
1α
was lower in DWM mice arteries, implying lower cyclooxygenase-1 activity. Apocynin, manganese(III) tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin, catalase, and diethyldithiocarbamate inhibited endothelium-dependent contractions. The mRNA and protein levels of NADPH oxidase isoforms NOX1 and NOX4 were downregulated in DWM mice arteries. The in vivo and in vitro administration of lipopolysaccharide caused endothelial dysfunction in the arteries of wild-type, but not toll-like receptor 4–mutated mice.

Conclusions—
Toll-like receptor 4 plays a key role in obesity and diabetes-associated endothelial dysfunction by increasing oxidative stress.
Stress Hypoperfusion and Tissue Injury in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tyan Chung Chun , Armstrong Sarah , Scholl David , Stirrat John , Blackwood Kimberly , El-Sherif Omar , Thompson Terry , Wisenberg Gerald , Prato Frank S. , So Aaron , Lee Ting Yim , Drangova Maria , White James A. 
Published: February 2013

Background—
Ischemia and tissue injury are common in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging offers combined evaluations of each phenomenon at sufficiently high resolution to examine transmural spatial distribution. In this prospective cohort study, we examine the spatial distribution of stress perfusion abnormalities and tissue injury in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—
One hundred consecutive patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Cine, stress perfusion, late gadolinium enhancement, and T2-weighted imaging techniques were used. Each was spatially coregistered according to predefined segmental and subsegmental models and was blindly analyzed for abnormalities using validated techniques. Spatial associations among stress perfusion, late gadolinium enhancement, and T2 imaging were made at segmental and subsegmental levels. Of the 100 patients studied, the phenotype was septal in 86 and apical in 14. Late gadolinium enhancement imaging was abnormal in 79 patients (79%). Eighty-six patients met prespecified safety criteria to undergo stress perfusion, and ischemia was identified in 46 patients (57%). T2 imaging was available in 81 patients and was abnormal in 19 (29%). The dominant distribution of all 3 findings was to segment with hypertrophy. Subsegmental analysis revealed geographic dominance of ischemia within the subendocardial zones. However, this zone was most commonly spared from late gadolinium enhancement and T2 abnormalities, typically seen in midwall and subepicardial zones.

Conclusions—
Inducible hypoperfusion is a common finding in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and is typically identified within segments exhibiting imaging markers of tissue injury. However, the respective transmural dominance of these phenomena seems distinct. Alternate factors contributing to a regional susceptibility to tissue injury are deserving of further study.
Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging May Underestimate Acute Ischemic Lesions
Authors: Kawano Hiroyuki , Hirano Teruyuki , Nakajima Makoto , Inatomi Yuichiro , Yonehara Toshiro 
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose—
Diffusion-weighted imaging sometimes fails to detect early computed tomography (CT) ischemic lesions in acute ischemic stroke patients, which is termed reversed discrepancy (RD), but its clinical significance remains unclear. The incidence and factors associated with RD in acute ischemic stroke patients within 3 hours of onset were examined.

Methods—
A total of 164 consecutive patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke was enrolled. All patients underwent both magnetic resonance imaging and CT within 3 hours of onset and before treatment. Their early ischemic changes were evaluated with the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score. RD was defined as present when the early ischemic change detected on CT was not seen on diffusion-weighted imaging.

Results—

RD was found in 40 patients (24%). RD group patients were older (78.7±9.6 versus 74.1±12.1 years;
P
=0.03) and had a higher admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (median, 22 versus 11;
P
<0.01), higher rates of atrial fibrillation (75% versus 42%;
P
<0.01), a higher rate of internal carotid artery/middle cerebral artery proximal occlusion (55% versus 28%;
P
<0.01), and lower CT-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (median 5 versus 10;
P
<0.01) and diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (7 versus 9;
P
<0.01) than patients in the non-RD group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that atrial fibrillation was independently associated with the presence of RD (odds ratio, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.05–6.12).

Conclusions—
RD is observed in a quarter of acute ischemic stroke patients. RD should be taken into consideration, especially in patients with atrial fibrillation, to prevent underestimating the extent of ischemic lesions.
The Good, the Bad, and the Benevolent Interventionist
Authors: Young Kevin 
Published: February 2013

U.S. journalists and commentators have helped popularize the image of two distinct Latin American lefts: a “bad” left that is politically authoritarian and economically erratic and a “good” left that is democratic and committed to free-market economics. This binary image oversimplifies the Latin American left in three ways: by overstating the contrast between the two alleged camps, by ignoring complex realities within each camp, and by exaggerating the failings of the so-called bad-left governments. The distinction makes sense, however, as a strategy for countering the rise of independent left-leaning governments in Latin America. Binary characterizations of subordinate peoples reflect a common discursive response to popular resistance on the part of imperial interests and one with many precedents in the history of U.S.–Latin American relations. Widespread U.S. media adherence to the good-left/bad-left thesis is explicable given this context and given the historic and continuing dependence of the press on state and corporate interests. Periodistas y comentaristas norteamericanos han contribuido a la popularización de la imagen de dos izquierdas en América Latina: una “mala” izquierda, la cual es políticamente autoritaria y económicamente errática, y una “buena” izquierda, la cual es democrática y comprometida con la economía de libre mercado. Esta imagen binaria simplifica demasiado la izquierda latinoamericana en tres formas: exagera el contraste entre lo que se alega sean dos campos; ignora realidades complejas dentro de cada campo; y exagera las fallas de los gobiernos de la llamada mala izquierda. Sin embargo, la distinción tiene sentido vista como una estrategia para contrarrestar la emergencia de gobiernos independientes de izquierda en América Latina. Las caracterizaciones binarias de los pueblos subordinados reflejan una respuesta discursiva común de parte de intereses imperiales a la resistencia popular y uno con muchos precedentes históricos en las relaciones entre los EE.UU. y Latinoamérica. La extensa adhesión de los medios norteamericanos a la tesis de buena-izquierda/mala-izquierda se puede explicar dado este contexto y dada la histórica y continua dependencia de la prensa de los intereses del Estado y las corporaciones.
Spiritual and Religious Beliefs and Practices and Social Support’s Relationship to Diabetes Self-Care Activities in African Americans
Authors: Watkins Yashika J. , Quinn Lauretta T. , Ruggiero Laurie , Quinn Michael T. , Choi Young-Ku 
Published: February 2013

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship among spiritual and religious beliefs and practices, social support, and diabetes self-care activities in African Americans with type 2 diabetes, hypothesizing that there would be a positive association. Method This cohort study used a cross-sectional design that focused on baseline data from a larger randomized control trial. Diabetes self-care activities (Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities) and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed, in addition to spiritual and religious beliefs and practices and social support based on the Systems of Belief Inventory subscales I (beliefs and practices) and II (social support). Results There were 132 participants: most were women, middle-aged, obese, single, high school educated, and not employed. Based on Pearson correlation matrices, there were significant relationships between spiritual and religious beliefs and practices and general diet. Additional significant relationships were found for social support with general diet, specific diet, and foot care. Based on multiple linear regression, social support was a significant predictor for general diet, specific diet, and foot care. Sex was a significant predictor for specific diet, and income was a significant predictor for blood glucose testing. Conclusions The findings of this study highlight the importance of spiritual and religious beliefs and practices and social support in diabetes self-care activities. Future research should focus on determining how providers integrate patients’ beliefs and practices and social support into clinical practice and include those in behavior change interventions.
Botulinum toxin type A in chronic plantar fasciitis: clinical effects one year after injection
Authors: Díaz-Llopis Ismael V , Gómez-Gallego Diego , Mondéjar-Gómez Francisco J , López-García Alfredo , Climent-Barberá Jose M , Rodríguez-Ruiz Carmen M 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To determine whether the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A in chronic plantar fasciitis was maintained for more than six months after treatment. Design: Observational follow-up study. Subjects: Twenty-four patients who received botulinum toxin type A injection in a previous randomized study of chronic plantar fasciitis (active treatment group) and who presented a benefit one month after treatment. Methods: A visual analogue scale for pain and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire were used to re-evaluate results 12 months after the botulinum toxin injection. No further injections of botulinum toxin had been administered during the follow-up period. Patients were also asked to give a subjective assessment of treatment outcome. Results: At 12 months, compared with the six-month evaluation, there was a further improvement in foot pain measured using the visual analogue scale, though this did not reach significance (1.78 at 6 months versus 1.22 at 12 months; P = 0.142). However, there were significant improvements in two domains of Foot Health Status Questionnaire: foot pain (91.11 at 6 months versus 80.00 at 12 months; P = 0.001) and foot function (96.19 at 6 months versus 89.38 at 12 months; P = 0.047). There was a small, non-significant deterioration in the shoe and foot health domains. Satisfaction with the outcome was good or very good in the large majority of patients. Conclusions: In patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, the positive effect detected six months after treatment with botulinum toxin type A was maintained at 12 months and there was a further improvement in pain and foot function.
Effect of whole body vibration training on mobility in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled experimenter-blinded study
Authors: Lee Byoung-Kwon , Chon Seung-Chul 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To evaluate ambulatory function and leg muscle thickness after whole body vibration training in children with cerebral palsy. Design: A block randomized controlled trial with two groups. Setting: Physical therapy department laboratory. Subjects: A total of 30 (15 experimental, mean (SD) age 10.0 (2.26) years and 15 control, 9.6 (2.58)) children with cerebral palsy, 15 males and 15 females. Interventions: The experimental group underwent whole body vibration training combined with conventional physical therapy training; the control group underwent conventional physical therapy training three days a week for eight weeks respectively. Main outcome measures: Three-dimensional gait analyses and ultrasonographic imaging of the leg muscles were measured at pre- and post-test of intervention for eight weeks. Results: Whole body vibration training resulted in significantly better gait speed ( P = 0.001, from 0.37 (0.04) m/s to 0.48 (0.06)), stride length ( P = 0.001, from 0.38 (0.18) m to 0.48 (0.18)) and cycle time ( P = 0.001, from 0.85 (0.48) s to 0.58 (0.38)) in the experimental group compared with that in the control group. The ankle angle ( P = 0.019, from 7.30 (4.02) degree to 13.58 (8.79)) also showed a remarkable increase in the experimental group, but not the hip ( P = 0.321) and knee angle ( P = 0.102). The thicknesses of the tibialis anterior ( P = 0.001, 0.48 (0.08) mm to 0.63 (0.10)) and soleus ( P = 0.001, 0.45 (0.04) mm to 0.63 (0.12)) muscles were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. However, no significant effect was observed in the thickness of the gastrocnemius muscle ( P = 0.645). Conclusions: These findings suggest that whole body vibration may improve mobility in children with cerebral palsy, probably through a positive effect on the leg muscles.
Simplified modified Rankin Scale questionnaire correlates with stroke severity
Authors: Bruno Askiel , Close Brian , Switzer Jeffrey A , Hess David C , Gross Hartmut , Nichols Fenwick T , Akinwuntan Abiodun E 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To further validate the simplified modified Rankin Scale questionnaire (smRSq), we compare it here to a well-established predictor of functional outcome after stroke, the initial stroke severity. Design: Retrospective correlation analysis. Participants: Forty patients identified from a registry of stroke patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. Setting: Community and 17 hospital Emergency Departments within a web-based telestroke network throughout the state of Georgia, USA. Measures: Five certified raters assessed the initial stroke severities with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) via the telestroke system. Over a 20 month period, one certified rater, unaware of the NIHSS scores, attempted to contact each patient in the registry to assess their functional outcomes with the smRSq via telephone. We analyzed patients who had the smRSq assessment at least three months after stroke. Results: Forty of 120 registered patients were contacted and qualified for this study. The baseline clinical characteristics of the 40 analyzed and the 80 disqualified patients were similar. The correlation between the initial NIHSS and the smRSq was good (r = 0.69, R2 = 0.47, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The good correlation of the smRSq with the initial stroke severity further confirms the smRSq validity in assessing functional outcome after stroke.
Antipsychotic polypharmacy in psychotic disorders: a critical review of neurobiology, efficacy, tolerability and cost effectiveness
Authors: Lochmann van Bennekom Marc WH , Gijsman Harm J , Zitman Frans G 
Published: February 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review the scientific evidence for neurobiological rationale, efficacy, tolerability and cost effectiveness of antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP). Data sources: A systematic literature search of Medline, Embase, Ovid and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews until April 2012 was carried out. Results: Theories behind APP have only modest pre-clinical and clinical evidence. We found limited statistical evidence supporting modest efficacy of APP in patients with psychotic symptoms refractory to clozapine. APP is associated with increased mortality, metabolic syndrome, decreased cognitive functioning, high dose prescription and non-adherence. It brings up extra costs, lacking evidence for cost-effectiveness. Conclusions: Pre-clinical studies underpinning neurobiological hypotheses in APP are lacking. Evidence supporting efficacy of APP is limited with modest beneficial clinical relevance. APP is associated with several serious adverse effects and increased health costs. In the absence of more convincing pre-clinical support and clinical evidence we advise adherence to existing guidelines and limiting combinations of antipsychotics (in consideration with other pharmacotherapeutic, somatic and psychotherapeutic options) to patients with clozapine-refractory psychosis in well-evaluated individual trials that might need 10 weeks or more.