bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein Prevents Platelet-Neutrophil Complex Formation and Dampens Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Köhler David , Straub Andreas , Weissmüller Thomas , Faigle Marion , Bender Sarah , Lehmann Rainer , Wendel Hans-Peter , Kurz Julia , Walter Ulrich , Zacharowski Kai , Rosenberger Peter 
Published: May 2011

Background—
Recent work has suggested that the formation of platelet-neutrophil complexes (PNCs) aggravates the severity of inflammatory tissue injury. Given the importance of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) for platelet function, we pursued the role of VASP on the formation of PNCs and its impact on the extent of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury.

Methods and Results—

In initial in vitro studies we found that neutrophils facilitated the movement of platelets across endothelial monolayers. Phosphorylation of VASP reduced the formation of PNCs and transendothelial movement of PNCs. During myocardial IR injury,
VASP
−/−
animals demonstrated reduced intravascular formation of PNCs and reduced presence of PNCs within the ischemic myocardial tissue. This was associated with reduced IR injury. Studies using platelet transfer and bone marrow chimeric animals showed that hematopoietic VASP expression was crucial for the intravascular formation of PNCs the presence of PNCs within ischemic myocardial tissue and the extent of myocardial IR injury. Furthermore, phosphorylation of VASP on Ser
153
or Ser
235
reduced intravascular PNC formation and presence of PNCs within ischemic myocardial tissue. This finding was associated with reduced myocardial IR injury.

Conclusion—
Previously unappreciated, the phosphorylation of VASP performs a key function for the formation of PNCs that is crucially important for the extent of myocardial IR injury.
Preliminary Evidence for Leukocyte Transcriptional Signatures for Pediatric Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Werner Jason A. , Schierding William , Dixon David , MacMillan Sandra , Oppedal Douglas , Muenzer Jared , Cobb J. Perren , Checchia Paul A. 
Published: May 2011

Objective: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant contributor to intensive care unit (ICU) morbidity and mortality and presents a significant diagnostic challenge. Our hypothesis was that blood RNA expression profiles can be used to track the response to VAP in children, using the same methods that proved informational in adults. Design: A pilot, nonrandomized, repeated measures case-control study of changes in the abundance of total RNA in buffy coat and clinical scores for VAP. Setting: A large, multispecialty university-based pediatric ICU and cardiac ICU. Patients: Seven children requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Interventions: Blood samples were drawn at time of enrollment and every 48 hours for a maximum of 11 samples (21 days). Patients ranged in age from 1 to 18 months (mean 8 months). All patients survived to the end of the study. Of the 7 patients studied, 4 developed VAP. Measurements and Main Results: Statistical analysis of the Affymetrix Human Genome Focus GeneChip signal was conducted on normalized expression values of 8793 probe sets using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a false discovery rate of 0.10. The expression patterns of 48 genes appeared to discriminate between the 2 classes of ventilated children: those with and those without pneumonia. Gene expression network analysis revealed several gene ontologies of interest, including cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, and apoptosis, as well as genes not previously implicated in sepsis. Conclusions: These preliminary data are the first in critically ill children supporting the hypothesis that there is a detectable VAP signal in gene expression profiles. Larger studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings and test the diagnostic value of longitudinal changes in leukocyte RNA signatures.
Steam as the working fluid for power recovery from exhaust gases by means of screw expanders
Authors: Smith I K , Stosic N , Mujic E , Kovacevic A 
Published: May 2011

Rankine cycle systems, using steam as a working fluid, are not well suited to the recovery of power from heat sources in the 300–450 °C temperature range, such as internal combustion engine exhaust gases, mainly due to the relatively large enthalpy of vaporization of water. Admitting the steam to the expander as vapour approximately 50 per cent dry, would be preferable but turbines cannot be used to expand vapours from this state. However, screw expanders can operate well in this mode. It is shown that, apart from being environmentally benign and free from flammability risks, a screw-driven wet steam cycle system can recover power from engine exhaust gases, with comparable efficiencies to turbine-driven systems using organic fluids at a significantly lower cost per unit output.
Notch-Hes1 pathway is required for the development of IL-17–producing γδ T cells
Authors: Shibata Kensuke , Yamada Hisakata , Sato Tetsuya , Dejima Takashi , Nakamura Masataka , Ikawa Tomokatsu , Hara Hiromitsu , Yamasaki Sho , Kageyama Ryoichiro , Iwakura Yoichiro , Kawamoto Hiroshi , Toh Hiroyuki , Yoshikai Yasunobu 
Published: May 2011

AbstractUnlike conventional T cells, which are exported from the thymus as naive cells and acquire effector functions upon antigen encounter in the periphery, a subset of γδ T cells differentiates into effectors that produce IL-17 within the fetal thymus. We demonstrate here that intrathymic development of the naturally occurring IL-17–producing γδ T cells is independent of STAT3 and partly dependent on RORγt. Comparative gene-expression analysis identified Hes1, one of the basic helix-loop-helix proteins involved in Notch signaling, as a factor specifically expressed in IL-17–producing γδ T cells. Hes1 is critically involved in the development of IL-17–producing γδ T cells, as evidenced by their severe decrease in the thymi of Hes1-deficient fetal mice. Delta-like 4 (Dll4)–expressing stromal cells support the development of IL-17–producing γδ T cells in vitro. In addition, conditional Hes1 ablation in peripheral γδ T cells decreases their IL-17 production but not their IFN-γ production. These results reveal a unique differentiation pathway of IL-17–producing γδ T cells.
25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration is inversely associated with serum MMP-9 in a cross-sectional study of African American ESRD patients
Authors: Wasse Haimanot , Cardarelli Francesca , De Staercke Christine , Hooper Craig , Veledar Emir , Guessous Idris 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundCirculating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration is inversely associated with peripheral arterial disease and hypertension. Vascular remodeling may play a role in this association, however, data relating vitamin D level to specific remodeling biomarkers among ESRD patients is sparse. We tested whether 25(OH)D concentration is associated with markers of vascular remodeling and inflammation in African American ESRD patients.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among ESRD patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis within Emory University-affiliated outpatient hemodialysis units. Demographic, clinical and dialysis treatment data were collected via direct patient interview and review of patients records at the time of enrollment, and each patient gave blood samples. Associations between 25(OH)D and biomarker concentrations were estimated in univariate analyses using Pearson's correlation coefficients and in multivariate analyses using linear regression models. 25(OH) D concentration was entered in multivariate linear regression models as a continuous variable and binary variable (<15 ng/ml and ≥15 ng/ml). Adjusted estimate concentrations of biomarkers were compared between 25(OH) D groups using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Finally, results were stratified by vascular access type.ResultsAmong 91 patients, mean (standard deviation) 25(OH)D concentration was 18.8 (9.6) ng/ml, and was low (<15 ng/ml) in 43% of patients. In univariate analyses, low 25(OH) D was associated with lower serum calcium, higher serum phosphorus, and higher LDL concentrations. 25(OH) D concentration was inversely correlated with MMP-9 concentration (r = -0.29, p = 0.004). In multivariate analyses, MMP-9 concentration remained negatively associated with 25(OH) D concentration (P = 0.03) and anti-inflammatory IL-10 concentration positively correlated with 25(OH) D concentration (P = 0.04).ConclusionsPlasma MMP-9 and circulating 25(OH) D concentrations are significantly and inversely associated among ESRD patients. This finding may suggest a potential mechanism by which low circulating 25(OH) D functions as a cardiovascular risk factor.
Fixed Dystonia in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: a Descriptive and Computational Modeling Approach
Authors: Munts Alexander G , Mugge Winfred , Meurs Thomas S , Schouten Alfred C , Marinus Johan , Moseley G Lorimer , van der Helm Frans CT , van Hilten Jacobus J 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) may occur after trauma, usually to one limb, and is characterized by pain and disturbed blood flow, temperature regulation and motor control. Approximately 25% of cases develop fixed dystonia. Involvement of dysfunctional GABAergic interneurons has been suggested, however the mechanisms that underpin fixed dystonia are still unknown. We hypothesized that dystonia could be the result of aberrant proprioceptive reflex strengths of position, velocity or force feedback.

Methods
We systematically characterized the pattern of dystonia in 85 CRPS-patients with dystonia according to the posture held at each joint of the affected limb. We compared the patterns with a neuromuscular computer model simulating aberrations of proprioceptive reflexes. The computer model consists of an antagonistic muscle pair with explicit contributions of the musculotendinous system and reflex pathways originating from muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs, with time delays reflective of neural latencies. Three scenarios were simulated with the model: (i) increased reflex sensitivity (increased sensitivity of the agonistic and antagonistic reflex loops); (ii) imbalanced reflex sensitivity (increased sensitivity of the agonistic reflex loop); (iii) imbalanced reflex offset (an offset to the reflex output of the agonistic proprioceptors).

Results
For the arm, fixed postures were present in 123 arms of 77 patients. The dominant pattern involved flexion of the fingers (116/123), the wrists (41/123) and elbows (38/123). For the leg, fixed postures were present in 114 legs of 77 patients. The dominant pattern was plantar flexion of the toes (55/114 legs), plantar flexion and inversion of the ankle (73/114) and flexion of the knee (55/114).
Only the computer simulations of imbalanced reflex sensitivity to muscle force from Golgi tendon organs caused patterns that closely resembled the observed patient characteristics. In parallel experiments using robot manipulators we have shown that patients with dystonia were less able to adapt their force feedback strength.

Conclusions
Findings derived from a neuromuscular model suggest that aberrant force feedback regulation from Golgi tendon organs involving an inhibitory interneuron may underpin the typical fixed flexion postures in CRPS patients with dystonia.
Cost-effectiveness of early detection of breast cancer in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Carles Misericordia , Vilaprinyo Ester , Cots Francesc , Gregori Aleix , Pla Roger , Román Rubén , Sala Maria , Macià Francesc , Castells Xavier , Rue Montserrat 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer (BC) causes more deaths than any other cancer among women in Catalonia. Early detection has contributed to the observed decline in BC mortality. However, there is debate on the optimal screening strategy. We performed an economic evaluation of 20 screening strategies taking into account the cost over time of screening and subsequent medical costs, including diagnostic confirmation, initial treatment, follow-up and advanced care.

Methods
We used a probabilistic model to estimate the effect and costs over time of each scenario. The effect was measured as years of life (YL), quality-adjusted life years (QALY), and lives extended (LE). Costs of screening and treatment were obtained from the Early Detection Program and hospital databases of the IMAS-Hospital del Mar in Barcelona. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used to compare the relative costs and outcomes of different scenarios.

Results
Strategies that start at ages 40 or 45 and end at 69 predominate when the effect is measured as YL or QALYs. Biennial strategies 50-69, 45-69 or annual 45-69, 40-69 and 40-74 were selected as cost-effective for both effect measures (YL or QALYs). The ICER increases considerably when moving from biennial to annual scenarios. Moving from no screening to biennial 50-69 years represented an ICER of 4,469€ per QALY.

Conclusions
A reduced number of screening strategies have been selected for consideration by researchers, decision makers and policy planners. Mathematical models are useful to assess the impact and costs of BC screening in a specific geographical area.
Hospitalizations for varicella in children and adolescents in a referral hospital in Hong Kong, 2004 to 2008: A time series study
Authors: Chan Johnny YC , Tian Linwei , Kwan YW , Chan WM , Leung CW 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Varicella accounts for significant morbidities and remains a public health issue worldwide. Climatic factors have been shown to associate with the incidence and transmission of various infectious diseases. We describe the epidemiology of varicella in paediatric patients hospitalized at a tertiary referral hospital in Hong Kong from 2004 to 2008, and to explore the possible association between the occurrence of varicella infection and various climatic factors.

Methods
The hospital discharge database of Princess Margaret Hospital was retrospectively analyzed for admissions associated with varicella from 2004 to 2008. Meteorological data were obtained from the monthly meteorological reports from the Hong Kong Observatory website. Time series analysis was performed with Poisson regression using a Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) approach.

Results
During the study period, 598 children were hospitalized for varicella. The mean age on admission was 57.6 months, and the mean duration of hospitalization was 3.7 days. The overall complication rate was 47%. The mean monthly relative humidity, especially in cool seasons, was inversely correlated with the monthly varicella cases of the same month.

Conclusions
Varicella can lead to serious complications and prolonged hospitalization, even in previously healthy children. Lower relative humidity in cool seasons is associated with higher number of paediatric varicella hospital admissions. These findings are useful for a better understanding of the pattern of paediatric varicella hospitalization in Hong Kong.
Weight gain and incident obesity among male snus users
Authors: Hansson Jenny , Galanti Maria Rosaria , Magnusson Cecilia , Hergens Maria-Pia 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Snus is a moist smokeless tobacco product which has recently reached beyond its original market of Scandinavia. Snus is now being increasingly used in both the United States and South Africa. The effect of snus use on weight is unknown. This study has therefore investigated the relationship between the use of snus, weight gain (≥5%) and the incidence of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2).

Methods
The study participants (n = 9,954 males living in Stockholm County, Sweden) were recruited in 2002 and reassessed in 2007. Tobacco use was categorized according to information obtained in both the baseline and follow-up surveys. Outcomes were assessed by comparing self-reported weight and body mass index between the baseline and follow-up surveys.

Results
Stable current snus use (according to both surveys), compared to never having used any kind of tobacco, seemed to be associated with both weight gain (odds ratio = 1.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.65) and incident obesity (odds ratio = 1.93, 95% confidence interval: 1.13-3.30) after adjustment for age, baseline weight, alcohol consumption, physical activity, education, consumption of fruit and berries, and the frequency of having breakfast. No associations with incident obesity or weight gain were seen for stable former users of snus (according to both surveys) or among men who quit or began using snus during follow-up.

Conclusions
These data suggest that the use of snus is moderately associated with weight gain and incident obesity among men.
Factors related to knowledge and perception of women about smoking: a cross sectional study from a developing country
Authors: Bhanji Seema , Andrades Marie , Taj Fawad , Khuwaja Ali K 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Smoking rates among women are currently low, but they are the fastest growing segment of cigarette smoking population in developing countries. We aimed to assess the knowledge and perceptions towards smoking and to identify the factors related with level of knowledge and perceptions among adult women in urban slums.

Methods
This was a cross sectional study conducted on 250 adult (≥18 years of age) women attending primary care clinics in three slums of Karachi, Pakistan. A pre-tested and structured, interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Factors associated with level of understanding about smoking were analyzed with chi-square test.

Results
Most of the women knew that smoking has adverse effects on women and children's health but the knowledge of specific health effects was limited. About one third of the women knew that active smoking can cause lung disease, but only a small percentage (7%) knew that it could lead to heart disease. None of the women were aware that smoking contributes to infertility and osteoporosis. A small proportion of women were aware that smoking can lead to low birth weight (7%), congenital anomalies (5%) and less than 1% of women knew that it contributes to pregnancy loss, still birth and preterm delivery. The understanding of passive smoking affecting children's lung was low (20%) and a similar proportion voiced concern about the bad influence of maternal smoking on children. Educated women had better knowledge of health effects of smoking. Education was associated with having better knowledge about effects on women health in general (p = 0.02) and specific effects like lung (p = 0.03) and reproductive health effects (p < 0.001). Education was also associated with knowledge regarding effects on fetus (p < 0.001) and children (p < 0.005). Although most of the women disliked being around smokers, more than one third thought that smoking decreases boredom (39%), tension (38%) and also helps to relax (40%). A large proportion (48%) of women had the misconception that smoking helps to reduce weight.

Conclusions
This study reveals that women are aware of the general ill effects of smoking but fail to identify smoking to be associated with female maladies particularly those who were illiterate and had lower levels of education. Understanding and attitudes needs to be improved by increasing health awareness and education of women in these urban communities with special emphasis on the effects of smoking on women's health.
A reduction of CETP activity, not an increase, is associated with modestly impaired postprandial lipemia and increased HDL-Cholesterol in adult asymptomatic women
Authors: Parra Eliane S , Urban Aline , Panzoldo Natalia B , Nakamura Rui T , Oliveira Rogério , de Faria Eliana C 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
The relationship between CETP and postprandial hyperlipemia is still unclear. We verified the effects of varying activities of plasma CETP on postprandial lipemia and precocious atherosclerosis in asymptomatic adult women.

Methods
Twenty-eight women, selected from a healthy population sample (n = 148) were classified according to three CETP levels, all statistically different: CETP deficiency (CETPd ≤ 4.5%, n = 8), high activity (CETPi ≥ 23.8, n = 6) and controls (CTL, CETP ≥ 4.6% and ≤ 23.7%, n = 14). After a 12 h fast they underwent an oral fat tolerance test (40 g of fat/m2 of body surface area) for 8 hours. TG, TG-rich-lipoproteins (TRL), cholesterol and TRL-TG measurements (AUC, AUIC, AR, RR and late peaks) and comparisons were performed on all time points. Lipases and phospholipids transfer protein (PLTP) were determined. Correlation between carotid atherosclerosis (c-IMT) and postprandial parameters was determined. CETP TaqIB and I405V and ApoE-ε3/ε2/ε4 polymorphisms were examined. To elucidate the regulation of increased lipemia in CETPd a multiple linear regression analysis was performed.

Results
In the CETPi and CTL groups, CETP activity was respectively 9 and 5.3 higher compared to the CETPd group. Concentrations of all HDL fractions and ApoA-I were higher in the CETPd group and clearance was delayed, as demonstrated by modified lipemia parameters (AUC, AUIC, RR, AR and late peaks and meal response patterns). LPL or HL deficiencies were not observed. No genetic determinants of CETP deficiency or of postprandial lipemia were found. Correlations with c-IMT in the CETPd group indicated postprandial pro-atherogenic associations. In CETPd the regression multivariate analysis (model A) showed that CETP was largely and negatively predicted by VLDL-C lipemia (R2 = 92%) and much less by TG, LDL-C, ApoAI, phospholipids and non-HDL-C. CETP (model B) influenced mainly the increment in ApoB-100 containing lipoproteins (R2 = 85% negatively) and phospholipids (R2 = 13%), at the 6thh point.

Conclusion
The moderate CETP deficiency phenotype included a paradoxically high HDL-C and its sub fractions (as earlier described), positive associations with c-IMT, a postprandial VLDL-C increment predicting negatively CETP activity and CETP activity regulating inversely the increment in ApoB100-containing lipoproteins. We hypothesize that the enrichment of TG content in triglyceride-rich ApoB-containing lipoproteins and in TG rich remnants increases lipoproteins' competition to active lipolysis sites,reducing their catabolism and resulting on postprandial lipemia with atherogenic consequences.
Anchored FRET sensors detect local caspase activation prior to neuronal degeneration
Authors: Figueroa Ricardo A , Ramberg Veronica , Gatsinzi Tom , Samuelsson Malin , Zhang Mu , Iverfeldt Kerstin , Hallberg Einar 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Recent studies indicate local caspase activation in dendrites or axons during development and in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Emerging evidences point to soluble oligomeric amyloid-β peptide as a causative agent in AD.

Results
Here we describe the design of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based caspase sensors, fused to the microtubule associated protein tau. Specific caspase sensors preferentially cleaved by caspase-3, -6 or -9 were expressed in differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. The anchoring of the sensors resulted in high FRET signals both in extended neurites and soma and made analysis of spatiotemporal signal propagation possible. Caspase activation was detected as loss of FRET after exposure to different stimuli. Interestingly, after staurosporine treatment caspase-6 activation was significantly delayed in neurites compared to cell bodies. In addition, we show that exposure to oligomer-enriched amyloid-β peptide resulted in loss of FRET in cells expressing sensors for caspase-3 and -6, but not -9, in both soma and neurites before neurite degeneration was observed.

Conclusions
Taken together, the results show that by using anchored FRET sensors it is possible to detect stimuli-dependent differential activation of caspases and to distinguish local from global caspase activation in live neuronal cells. Furthermore, in these cells oligomer-enriched amyloid-β peptide induces a global, rather than local activation of caspase-3 and -6, which subsequently leads to neuronal cell death.