bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain Lactate Metabolism in Humans With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Oddo Mauro , Levine Joshua M. , Frangos Suzanne , Maloney-Wilensky Eileen , Carrera Emmanuel , Daniel Roy T. , Levivier Marc , Magistretti Pierre J. , LeRoux Peter D. 
Published: February 2012

Background and Purpose—
Lactate is central for the regulation of brain metabolism and is an alternative substrate to glucose after injury. Brain lactate metabolism in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage has not been fully elucidated.

Methods—

Thirty-one subarachnoid hemorrhage patients monitored with cerebral microdialysis (CMD) and brain oxygen (PbtO
2
) were studied. Samples with elevated CMD lactate (>4 mmol/L) were matched to PbtO
2
and CMD pyruvate and categorized as hypoxic (PbtO
2
<20 mm Hg) versus nonhypoxic and hyperglycolytic (CMD pyruvate >119 μmol/L) versus nonhyperglycolytic.

Results—

Median per patient samples with elevated CMD lactate was 54% (interquartile range, 11%–80%). Lactate elevations were more often attributable to cerebral hyperglycolysis (78%; interquartile range, 5%–98%) than brain hypoxia (11%; interquartile range, 4%–75%). Mortality was associated with increased percentage of samples with elevated lactate and brain hypoxia (28% [interquartile range 9%–95%] in nonsurvivors versus 9% [interquartile range 3%–17%] in survivors;
P
=0.02) and lower percentage of elevated lactate and cerebral hyperglycolysis (13% [interquartile range, 1%–87%] versus 88% [interquartile range, 27%–99%];
P
=0.07). Cerebral hyperglycolytic lactate production predicted good 6-month outcome (odds ratio for modified Rankin Scale score, 0–3 1.49; CI, 1.08–2.05;
P
=0.016), whereas increased lactate with brain hypoxia was associated with a reduced likelihood of good outcome (OR, 0.78; CI, 0.59–1.03;
P
=0.08).

Conclusions—
Brain lactate is frequently elevated in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients, predominantly because of hyperglycolysis rather than hypoxia. A pattern of increased cerebral hyperglycolytic lactate was associated with good long-term recovery. Our data suggest that lactate may be used as an aerobic substrate by the injured human brain.
Italian Intrigue in the Baltic: Myth, Faith, and Politics in the Age of Baroque
Authors: Baniulytė Aušra 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
This article examines the role of myth in Italian cultural politics in the Baltic region during the Baroque era. A special focus for this analysis is the legend about a “kinship” between the Florentine Pazzi family and the Lithuanian noble family of the Pacas (Polish: Pac), known in the sources of the seventeenth century as “the Pazzi in Lithuania.” This legend prevailed particularly in the second half of the Baroque period, having developed under the influence of different political, religious, and social aspects of Baroque culture. It played an important part in the Papacy’s interests in Poland-Lithuania during the Counter-Reformation and in the commercial activity of Italian merchants in the Baltic, which coincided with the expansion of the monastic orders in this region and the cult of St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi, to whom the Pacas family expressed their devotion.
Seasonal changes of energy reserves in Bulimulus tenuissimus (d'Orbigny, 1835) (Mollusca, Bulimulidae)
Authors: Junqueira Flávia Oliveira , Silva Lidiane , Pinheiro Jairo , Bessa Elisabeth Cristina de Almeida , Meireles Liliane 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the variation of energy substrates in different seasons in Bulimulus tenuissimus. For this evaluation, substrates were collected from the digestive and albumen glands and foot tissues, which were processed to obtain the concentrations of glucose and galactose. There was seasonal variation in energy reserves in both the digestive gland and the foot of Bulimulus tenuissimus, with a tendency to accumulation from spring to winter. There was greater use of energetic reserves in the spring and summer, being the glycogen stored in the digestive gland the first source consumed. In addition, mobilization of reserves of glycogen in the muscle in summer was observed. The reduction of glycogen coincides with the reproductive cycle of the species, and the expenses generated for the processes of mating and gametogenesis was the cause of this reduction. The concentration of galactogen also varied according to the reproductive period. It was suggested that variations in temperature and photoperiod that occur during the year would act as regulatory mechanisms of energy metabolism of B. tenuissimus.
Head and Neck Manifestations of the Immune Reconstitution Syndrome in HIV‐Infected Patients
Authors: Ablanedo‐Terrazas Yuria , Alvarado‐de la Barrera Claudia , Ormsby Christopher E. , Reyes‐Terán Gustavo 
Published: February 2012

ObjectiveTo describe head and neck manifestations of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in a cohort of HIV‐infected patients receiving combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). After initiation of cART, some HIV‐infected patients present a paradoxical worsening and clinical deterioration due to pathological inflammatory reactions to infectious or noninfectious antigens, a condition known as IRIS.Study DesignProspective study with a follow‐up period of 6 to 24 months.SettingTertiary referral center in Mexico City.MethodsOur cohort was integrated by 165 patients who had started cART within the past 2 months prior to study entry. Patients underwent a complete ear, nose, and throat examination (ENT). Laboratory tests (hematology and blood chemistry), cultures from body fluids, and biopsies were performed.ResultsOf the 165 patients studied, 21 (12.7%) presented IRIS in the head and neck region. Kaposi sarcoma was the most common presentation, observed in 7 patients. Tuberculosis‐associated IRIS was observed in 6 patients with scrophulas, lymph node enlargement, or retropharyngeal abscess. Other manifestations included herpes simplex I infection and unilateral vocal fold palsy secondary to Mycobacterium avium intracelulare paratracheal abscess and scrophulas, as well as cervical lymph node histoplasmosis and facial palsy.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first prospective study describing the different manifestations of IRIS in the head and neck region.
Decision logic of an active braking system for powered two wheelers
Authors: Savino Giovanni , Pierini Marco , Baldanzini Niccolò 
Published: February 2012

Powered two-wheeler (PTW) users are exposed to a high risk of accidents leading to severe injuries and fatalities. The trend of PTW accidents has pointed out the need for an intervention on PTW safety with new and effective solutions. One of the possible answers came from the EC-funded Powered two wheeler Integrated Safety (PISa) project which identified the autonomous braking of the vehicle as one of the most promising safety functions for PTWs. The aim of this paper is to report on the design of the decision logic for deploying a PTW autonomous braking system in case of an imminent collision. Rationales and limitations for this pioneering application are given. The feasibility of the autonomous deceleration is demonstrated by an experimental study conducted with the PISa test bike implementing a prototype of the autonomous braking system, named the Active Braking (AB) system.
A new era for castrate resistant prostate cancer: A treatment review and update
Authors: Fong Mei Ka , Hare Ryan , Jarkowski Anthony 
Published: February 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this review article is to present the current treatment options for castrate resistant prostate cancer in addition to the recently approved agents and their role in treatment. Summary: The biology of prostate cancer and the data supporting the use of traditional chemotherapeutic options in castrate resistant prostate cancer are reviewed. The newly approved agents, sipuleucel-T, cabazitaxel, and abiraterone, are presented as well. The studies that led to the approval of these three agents are discussed in this article as well as their current and potential roles in the treatment of castrate resistant prostate cancer. Conclusion: New mechanisms, drugs, and clinically relevant molecular targets show survival advantage and are new options available for patients after traditional chemotherapy. The roles of these new agents have yet to be further clarified in future studies.
Protective effect of an elastase inhibitor in a neuromyelitis optica-like disease driven by a peptide of myelin oligodendroglial glycoprotein
Authors: Herges Katja , de Jong Brigit A , Kolkowitz Ilan , Dunn Caitlin , Mandelbaum Gil , Ko Rose M , Maini Alexander , Han May H , Killestein Joep , Polman Chris , Goodyear Alexandra L , Dunn Jeffrey , Steinman Lawrence , Axtell Robert C 
Published: February 2012

Background: The pathology of neuromyelitis optica (NMO), in contrast to multiple sclerosis, comprises granulocyte infiltrates along extensive lengths of spinal cord, as well as optic nerve. Furthermore, IFN-β treatment worsens NMO. We recently found that experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced with Th17 cells is exacerbated by IFN-β, in contrast to disease induced with Th1 where treatment attenuated symptoms. Objective: This study demonstrates the similarities between NMO and Th17 EAE and how neutrophils mediate pathology in Th17 disease. Methods: Levels of blood biomarkers in NMO were assessed by Luminex and ELISA. Effects of IFN-β on neutrophils were assessed by culture assays and immunofluorescence. EAE was induced by transfer of myelin-specific Th1 or Th17 cells and treated with Sivelestat sodium hydrate, a neutrophil elastase inhibitor. Results: We show Th17 cytokines, granulocyte chemokines, type 1 interferon and neutrophil elastase are elevated in patients with definitive NMO. In culture, we find that IFN-β stimulates neutrophils to release neutrophil elastase. In Th17 EAE, we demonstrate neutrophilic infiltration in the optic nerve and spinal cord which was not present in Th1 EAE. Blockade of neutrophil elastase with Sivelestat had efficacy in Th17 EAE but not Th1 EAE. Conclusions: The similarities between Th17 EAE and NMO indicate that this model represents several aspects of NMO. Neutrophils are critical in the pathologies of both Th17-EAE and NMO, and therefore blockade of neutrophil elastase is a promising target in treating NMO.
Impact of glycaemic control on the effect of direct renin inhibition in the AVOID study
Authors: Persson Frederik , Lewis Julia B , Lewis Edmund J , Rossing Peter , Hollenberg Norman K , Parving Hans-Henrik 
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Hyperglycaemia induces development and progression of microvascular complications in diabetes. A direct link between high glucose levels and intrarenal renin–angiotensin activation has been demonstrated. This post-hoc analysis assessed the influence of baseline glycaemic control on the reduction of albuminuria with aliskiren or placebo added to losartan in the Aliskiren in the EValuation of PrOteinuria In Diabetes (AVOID) study. Materials and methods: In AVOID, 599 patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and nephropathy received 6 months’ aliskiren or placebo added to losartan 100 mg and optimal antihypertensive therapy. Changes in urinary albumin creatinine ratio at end of study were assessed by tertiles of baseline HbA1c levels. Results: Patients were divided into tertiles of HbA1c (<7.1%, 7.1 to <8.4% and ≥8.4%). There were no differences between tertiles, except patients in the highest tertile group more frequently used insulin. The antiproteinuric effect of aliskiren was consistent across tertiles, with the largest effect in the highest tertile (HbA1c ≥8.4%). Conclusions: This post-hoc analysis of the AVOID study suggests that renin inhibition with aliskiren 300 mg once daily added to losartan 100 mg once daily plus optimal antihypertensive therapy provides reductions in urinary albumin creatinine ratio that are efficacious in all, but particularly in poorly controlled, diabetic patients.
Phase 2 study of rituximab-ABVD in classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Kasamon Yvette L. , Jacene Heather A. , Gocke Christopher D. , Swinnen Lode J. , Gladstone Douglas E. , Perkins Brandy , Link Brian K. , Popplewell Leslie L. , Habermann Thomas M. , Herman Joseph M. , Matsui William H. , Jones Richard J. , Ambinder Richard F. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
In classical Hodgkin lymphoma, circulating clonotypic malignant cells express CD20, which potentially explains the observed activity of rituximab. This multicenter phase 2 study investigated the combination of rituximab-ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) for stage II-IV untreated classical Hodgkin lymphoma. A goal was to assess the behavior of circulating clonotypic B cells clinically. Of 49 evaluable patients, 69% had stage IIB-IV disease; 8% had CD20+ Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells. Rituximab-ABVD was generally well tolerated. Delivered relative dose intensity was 94% for AVD and 79% for bleomycin. After 6 cycles, 81% of patients were in complete remission. Only 8% received radiation therapy. The actuarial 3-year event-free and overall survival rates were 83% and 98%, respectively. EBV copy number in plasma fell dramatically during cycle 1 in patients with EBV+ tumors. Persistence of detectable circulating clonotypic B cells was associated with a greater relapse frequency (P < .05). Rituximab-ABVD and clonotypic B cells warrant additional study in classical Hodgkin lymphoma. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00369681.
Assessing statistical significance in causal graphs
Authors: Chindelevitch Leonid , Loh Po-Ru , Enayetallah Ahmed , Berger Bonnie , Ziemek Daniel 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundCausal graphs are an increasingly popular tool for the analysis of biological datasets. In particular, signed causal graphs--directed graphs whose edges additionally have a sign denoting upregulation or downregulation--can be used to model regulatory networks within a cell. Such models allow prediction of downstream effects of regulation of biological entities; conversely, they also enable inference of causative agents behind observed expression changes. However, due to their complex nature, signed causal graph models present special challenges with respect to assessing statistical significance. In this paper we frame and solve two fundamental computational problems that arise in practice when computing appropriate null distributions for hypothesis testing.ResultsFirst, we show how to compute a p-value for agreement between observed and model-predicted classifications of gene transcripts as upregulated, downregulated, or neither. Specifically, how likely are the classifications to agree to the same extent under the null distribution of the observed classification being randomized? This problem, which we call "Ternary Dot Product Distribution" owing to its mathematical form, can be viewed as a generalization of Fisher's exact test to ternary variables. We present two computationally efficient algorithms for computing the Ternary Dot Product Distribution and investigate its combinatorial structure analytically and numerically to establish computational complexity bounds.Second, we develop an algorithm for efficiently performing random sampling of causal graphs. This enables p-value computation under a different, equally important null distribution obtained by randomizing the graph topology but keeping fixed its basic structure: connectedness and the positive and negative in- and out-degrees of each vertex. We provide an algorithm for sampling a graph from this distribution uniformly at random. We also highlight theoretical challenges unique to signed causal graphs; previous work on graph randomization has studied undirected graphs and directed but unsigned graphs.ConclusionWe present algorithmic solutions to two statistical significance questions necessary to apply the causal graph methodology, a powerful tool for biological network analysis. The algorithms we present are both fast and provably correct. Our work may be of independent interest in non-biological contexts as well, as it generalizes mathematical results that have been studied extensively in other fields.
Travel risk behaviours and uptake of pre-travel health preventions by university students in Australia
Authors: Heywood Anita E , Zhang Meng , MacIntyre C Raina , Seale Holly 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Forward planning and preventative measures before travelling can significantly reduce the risk of many vaccine preventable travel-related infectious diseases. Higher education students may be at an increased risk of importing infectious disease as many undertake multiple visits to regions with higher infectious disease endemicity. Little is known about the health behaviours of domestic or international university students, particularly students from low resource countries who travel to high-resource countries for education. This study aimed to assess travel-associated health risks and preventative behaviours in a sample of both domestic and international university students in Australia.

Methods
In 2010, a 28 item self-administered online survey was distributed to students enrolled at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Multiple methods of distributing links to the online survey were utilised. The survey examined the international travel history, travel intentions, infection control behaviours and self-reported vaccination history.

Results
A total of 1663 respondents completed the online survey, 22.1% were international students and 83.9% were enrolled at an undergraduate level. Half had travelled internationally in the previous 12 months, with 69% of those travelling only once during that time with no difference in travel from Australia between domestic and international students (p = 0.8). Uptake of pre-travel health advice was low overall with 68% of respondents reporting they had not sought any advice from a health professional prior to their last international trip. Domestic students were more likely to report uptake of a range of preventative travel health measures compared to international students, including diarrhoeal medication, insect repellent, food avoidance and condoms (P < 0.0001). Overall, students reported low risk perception of travel threats and a low corresponding concern for these threats.

Conclusions
Our study highlights the need to educate students about the risk associated with travel and improve preventative health-seeking and uptake of precautionary health measures in this highly mobile young adult population. Although immunisation is not an entry requirement to study at Universities in Australia, large tertiary institutions provide an opportunity to engage with young adults on the importance of travel health and provision of vaccines required for travel, including missed childhood vaccines.
Bacterium-like particles as multi-epitope delivery platform for Plasmodium berghei circumsporozoite protein induce complete protection against malaria in mice
Authors: Nganou-Makamdop Krystelle , van Roosmalen Maarten L , Audouy Sandrine AL , van Gemert Geert-Jan , Leenhouts Kees , Hermsen Cornelus C , Sauerwein Robert W 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Virus-like particles have been regularly used as an antigen delivery system for a number of Plasmodium peptides or proteins. The present study reports the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of bacterium-like particles (BLPs) generated from Lactococcus lactis and loaded with Plasmodium berghei circumsporozoite protein (PbCSP) peptides.

Methods
A panel of BLP-PbCSP formulations differing in composition and quantity of B-cell, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell epitopes of PbCSP were tested in BALB/c mice.

Results
BLP-PbCSP1 induced specific humoral responses but no IFN-γ ELISPOT response, protecting 30-40% of the immunized mice. BLP-PbCSP2, with reduced length of the non-immunogenic part of the T-cell-epitopes construct, increased induction of IFN-γ responses as well as protection up to 60-70%. Compared to controls, lower parasitaemia was observed in unprotected mice immunized with BLP-PbCSP1 or 2, suggestive for partial immunity. Finally, further increase of the number of B-cell epitopes and codon optimization (BLP-PbCSP4) induced the highest anti-CSP antibody levels and number of IFN-γ spots, resulting in sterile immunity in 100% of the immunized mice.

Conclusion
Presentation of Plasmodium-derived antigens using BLPs as a delivery system induced complete protection in a murine malaria model. Eventually, BLPs have the potential to be used as a novel versatile delivery platform in malaria vaccine development.
Relationships between serum HER2 ECD, TIMP-1 and clinical outcomes in Taiwanese breast cancer
Authors: Tsai Hsiu-Pei , Chen Shin-Cheh , Chien Huei-Tzu , Jan Yi-Yin , Chao Tzu-Chieh , Chen Miin-Fu , Hsieh Ling-Ling 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundSerum levels of the extracellular domain of HER2/neu (HER2 ECD) have been demonstrated to be associated with clinical outcomes. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase-10, a sheddase of HER2/neu, can drive cancer progression and its activity is inhibited by tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). However, elevated TIMP-1 expression has been associated with a poor prognosis of breast cancer. Therefore, this study was performed to explore the relationships between serum HER2 ECD, TIMP-1 and clinical outcomes.MethodsOne hundred and eighty-five female breast cancer patients, who received curative mastectomy without neo-adjuvant chemotherapy at Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, were recruited with informed consent for this study. Pre-operative serum levels of HER2 ECD and TIMP-1 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsTwenty-three cases (12.4%) were classified HER2 ECD positive. HER2 ECD positivity was significantly associated with age, lymph node involvement, histological grade, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, tissue HER2/neu overexpression, and disease-free survival (DFS). In an age, stage, ER and HER2/neu status matched subgroup (N = 41), the serum level of TIMP-1 was significantly associated with HER2 ECD positivity and DFS.ConclusionsA high serum TIMP-1 was significantly associated with HER2 ECD positivity and a poorer DFS among Taiwanese primary breast cancer patients with HER2 overexpression.
Does partial expander deflation exacerbate the adverse effects of radiotherapy in two-stage breast reconstruction?
Authors: Celet Ozden Burcu , Guven Erdem , Aslay Isik , Kemikler Gonul , Olgac Vakur , Soluk Tekkesin Merva , Serarslan Bengul , Tumerdem Ulug Burcak , Bilgin Karabulut Aylin , Arinci Atilla , Emekli Ufuk 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
The optimum protocol for expander volume adjustment with respect to the timing and application of radiotherapy remains controversial.

Methods
Eighteen New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups. Metallic port integrated anatomic breast expanders of 250 cc were implanted on the back of each animal and controlled expansion was performed. Group I underwent radiotherapy with full expanders while in Group II, expanders were partially deflated immediately prior to radiotherapy. Control group did not receive radiotherapy.
The changes in blood flow at different volume adjustments were investigated in Group II by laser Doppler flowmetry. Variations in the histopathologic properties of the irradiated tissues including the skin, capsule and the pocket floor, were compared in the biopsy specimens taken from different locations in each group.

Results
A significant increase in skin blood flow was detected in Group II with partial expander deflation. Overall, histopathologic exam revealed aggravated findings of chronic radiodermatitis (epidermal atrophy, dermal inflammation and fibrosis, neovascularisation and vascular changes as well as increased capsule thickness) especially around the lower expander pole, in Group II.

Conclusions
Expander deflation immediately prior to radiotherapy, may augment the adverse effects, especially in the lower expander pole, possibly via enhanced radiosensitization due to a relative increase in the blood flow and tissue oxygenation.