bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-24 Regulates Vascularity After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Fiedler Jan , Jazbutyte Virginija , Kirchmaier Bettina C. , Gupta Shashi K. , Lorenzen Johan , Hartmann Dorothee , Galuppo Paolo , Kneitz Susanne , Pena John T.G. , Sohn-Lee Cherin , Loyer Xavier , Soutschek Juergen , Brand Thomas , Tuschl Thomas , Heineke Joerg , Martin Ulrich , Schulte-Merker Stefan , Ertl Georg , Engelhardt Stefan , Bauersachs Johann , Thum Thomas 
Published: July 2011

Background—
Myocardial infarction leads to cardiac remodeling and development of heart failure. Insufficient myocardial capillary density after myocardial infarction has been identified as a critical event in this process, although the underlying mechanisms of cardiac angiogenesis are mechanistically not well understood.

Methods and Results—
Here, we show that the small noncoding RNA microRNA-24 (miR-24) is enriched in cardiac endothelial cells and considerably upregulated after cardiac ischemia. MiR-24 induces endothelial cell apoptosis, abolishes endothelial capillary network formation on Matrigel, and inhibits cell sprouting from endothelial spheroids. These effects are mediated through targeting of the endothelium-enriched transcription factor GATA2 and the p21-activated kinase PAK4, which were identified by bioinformatic predictions and validated by luciferase gene reporter assays. Respective downstream signaling cascades involving phosphorylated BAD (Bcl-XL/Bcl-2–associated death promoter) and Sirtuin1 were identified by transcriptome, protein arrays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses. Overexpression of miR-24 or silencing of its targets significantly impaired angiogenesis in zebrafish embryos. Blocking of endothelial miR-24 limited myocardial infarct size of mice via prevention of endothelial apoptosis and enhancement of vascularity, which led to preserved cardiac function and survival.

Conclusions—
Our findings indicate that miR-24 acts as a critical regulator of endothelial cell apoptosis and angiogenesis and is suitable for therapeutic intervention in the setting of ischemic heart disease.
Long-term rehabilitation for chronic stroke arm movements: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cauraugh James H , Naik Sagar K , Lodha Neha , Coombes Stephen A , Summers Jeffery J 
Published: July 2011

Objective: We investigated the effect of long-term practice on motor improvements in chronic stroke patients. Design: Randomized parallel group controlled study. Setting: Motor Behavior Laboratory, University of Florida. Subjects: Eighteen individuals who experienced a stroke more than nine months prior to enrolling. Interventions: The treatment interventions were bilateral arm movements coupled with active neuromuscular stimulation on the impaired arm for both practice duration groups. The short-term group received one treatment protocol, whereas, over 16 months, the long-term practice group completed 10 treatment protocols. All protocol sessions were 6 hours long (90 minutes 1 day/week/4 weeks) and were separated by 22 days. Main outcome measures: Repeated data collection on three primary outcome measures (i.e. Box and Block test, fractionated reaction times, and sustained force production) evaluated motor capabilities across rehabilitation times. Results: Mixed design ANOVAs (Group × Retention Test: 2 × 4; Group × Retention Test × Arm Condition: 2 × 4 × 2) revealed improved motor capabilities for the long-term practice duration group on each primary measure. At the 16-month delayed retention test, when compared to the short-term group, the long-term group demonstrated: (a) more blocks moved (43 v 32), (b) faster premotor reaction times (158 v 208 ms), and (c) higher force production (75 v 45 N). Conclusion: Sixty hours of rehabilitation over 16 months provided by various bilateral arm movements and coupled active stimulation improved motor capabilities in chronic stroke.
Application of wedged foot orthosis effectively reduces pain in runners with pronated foot: a randomized clinical study
Authors: Shih Yi-Fen , Wen Yan-Kai , Chen Wen-Yin 
Published: July 2011

Objective: To examine the effects of foot orthosis intervention during a 60-minute running test in pronated-foot runners with overuse knee or foot pain during running. Design: A randomized, controlled design. Setting: Sports gym. Participants: Twenty-four runners with pronated foot who experienced pain over anterior knee or foot region during running were recruited and randomized into the treatment, or the control, group. Interventions: A soft insole with a semi-rigid rearfoot medial wedge was given to the treatment group, and a soft insole without corrective posting was applied to the control group. Outcome measures: The immediate and short-term effects of orthosis application on incidence of pain, pain intensity and onset time were evaluated using the 60-minutes treadmill test. Results: Immediately after wearing the foot orthosis, pain incidence reduced in the treatment group but not in the control group ( P = 0.04). After two weeks, seven (58%) subjects in the treatment group and one (8%) in the control group were free of pain during the test ( P = 0.01). The pain intensity score decreased significantly after orthosis application, from 35.5 to 17.2 (immediate effect, P = 0.014), then to 12.3 (short-term effect, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The rearfoot medially-wedged insole was a useful intervention for preventing or reducing painful knee or foot symptoms during running in runners with pronated foot.
Therapeutic Ultrasound Affects IGF-1 Splice Variant Expression in Human Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Delgado-Diaz Diana C. , Gordon Bradley S. , Dompier Tom , Burgess Stephanie , Dumke Charles , Mazoué Chris , Caldwell Toriah , Kostek Matthew C. 
Published: July 2011

Background: Animal models of skeletal muscle damage and repair demonstrate that therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) enhances muscle force recovery after damage, increases satellite cell proliferation, and decreases insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 splice variant (mechano growth factor) gene expression. However, these effects have not been verified in humans. Purpose: This study was undertaken to examine the 3 known splice variants of the IGF-1 gene in human skeletal muscle after damage and TUS treatment. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Sixteen healthy men (18-29 years of age), physically active, were randomized to either a control (CON) or experimental group (EXP). The EXP group underwent 200 lengthening contractions (muscle damage) of the quadriceps of both legs, 48 hours before TUS. Both groups received TUS, delivered for 10 minutes on a standardized area of the vastus lateralis of only 1 leg (1.0 MHz, 1.5 W/cm2). Bilateral muscle biopsy samples were taken from all participants, 6 hours after TUS. Total RNA was extracted, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction conducted for each IGF-1 splice variant. Results: Muscle damage was confirmed by a decrease in the isometric peak torque and increase in creatine kinase activity levels 48 hours after damage ( P < .01). After muscle damage, gene expression of total IGF-1 and 2 IGF-1 splice variants increased. Therapeutic ultrasound induced significant increase in IGF-1Eb gene expression in undamaged muscle (1.4 ± 0.2-fold, P < 0.01). In damaged skeletal muscle, no significant change in gene expression attributable to TUS was determined. Conclusion: Insulin-like growth factor–1 splice variants are differentially regulated in human skeletal muscle in response to exercise-induced muscle damage and TUS treatment. A single treatment of TUS in damaged muscle induces no change in the gene expression of the 3 IGF-1 splice variants in humans. In contrast, in undamaged skeletal muscle, TUS significantly increased IGF-1Eb splice variant gene expression. Clinical Relevance: These findings suggest that TUS may have additional therapeutic uses beyond its current common practice but may not be effective for muscle injury treatment in a young, healthy population.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Failure
Authors: Barrett Austin M. , Craft Jason A. , Replogle William H. , Hydrick Josie M. , Barrett Gene R. 
Published: July 2011

Background: When reviewing anterior cruciate ligament instability, age, gender, activity level, associated injury, and type of graft should all be considered. Hypothesis: The authors hypothesized that patients under 25 years of age will have higher failure rates with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction than those older than 25 years, and that in the patients younger than 25 years, bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft will have the lowest failure rate. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: With use of a computerized relational database, all patients having primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at 1 institution between January 2000 and July 2007 with allograft, bone–patellar tendon–bone, and hamstring grafts were evaluated. Results: A significant association was found between age group and graft failure ( P = .012). Patients 25 years and younger had a significantly higher failure rate (16.5%) than patients older than 25 years (8.3%). Pairwise comparisons indicated that both allograft (29.2%) and semitendinosus/gracilis (25.0%) grafts resulted in significantly higher failure rates than bone–patellar tendon–bone grafts (11.8%) in the age group of patients 25 years and younger. Conclusion: Autograft hamstrings and allografts had a significantly higher failure rate in the age group of patients 25 years and younger compared with the bone–patellar tendon–bone autograft. These data suggest that bone–patellar tendon–bone autografts may be a better graft source for young, active individuals.
Experimental evaluation of grinding forces and surface finish in cylindrical grinding of Al/SiC metal matrix composites
Authors: Thiagarajan C , Sivaramakrishnan R , Somasundaram S 
Published: July 2011

This paper deals with an experimental study on the grindability of Al/SiC metal matrix composites (MMCs) in cylindrical grinding. The machining of MMCs is an important area of focus because finishing processes, such as grinding, to obtain a good surface finish and damage-free surfaces, are crucial for the application of these materials. Nevertheless, the grinding of MMCs has received little attention so far, and no detailed study on this subject has been carried out. In the present work, experiments were carried out to study the effect of cylindrical grinding parameters such as wheel velocity (VS), work piece velocity (VW), feed, and depth of cut, and the percentage of SiC volume fraction on the responses, such as grinding force (FT), surface roughness (Ra), and grinding temperature (GT). For each process condition, the average FT, Ra, and GT values were calculated from the three values measured on each ground surface. In the parameter study, the FT and Ra values decrease with an increase in VS and VW, and they increase with an increase in feed and depth of cut. The GT values are scattered in the range of 740–856 °C at the lower and higher levels of grinding variables. In the volume fraction study, the FT, Ra, and GT values increase with an increase in percentage of SiC volume fraction. Surface integrity of the ground surfaces was assessed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Cylindrical grinding using a 60 grit Al2O3 wheel at VS 2639 m/min, VW 26.72 m/min, feed 0.06 m/min, and depth of cut 10 µm, is recommended for the Al/SiC composites to obtain finely ground surfaces.
Rat Ace allele variation determines susceptibility to AngII-induced renal damage
Authors: Kamilic Jelena , Hamming Inge , Lely A Titia , Korstanje Ron , Schulze Ute , Poppinga Wilfred J , Turner Anthony J , Clarke Nicola E , van Goor Harry , Navis Gerjan J 
Published: July 2011

Introduction: Ace b/l polymorphism in rats is associated with differential tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) expression and activity, and susceptibility to renal damage. Same polymorphism was recently found in outbred Wistar rat strain with b allele accounting for higher renal ACE, and provided a model for studying renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) response behind the innate high or low ACE conditions. Methods: We investigated the reaction of these alleles on chronic angiotensin II (AngII) infusion. Wistar rats were selected to breed male homozygotes for the b (WU-B) or l allele (WU-L) ( n = 12). For each allele, one group ( n = 6) received AngII infusion via an osmotic minipump (435 ng/kg/min) for 3 weeks. The other group ( n = 6) served as a control. Results: WU-B had higher ACE activity at baseline then WU-L. Interestingly, baseline renal ACE2 expression and activity were higher in WU-L. AngII infusion induced the same increase in blood pressure in both genotypes, no proteinuria, but caused tubulo-interstitial renal damage with increased α-SMA and monocyte/macrophage influx only in WU-B ( p < 0.05). Low ACE WU-L rats did not develop renal damage. Conclusion: AngII infusion causes proteinuria-independent renal damage only in rats with genetically predetermined high ACE while rats with low ACE seemed to be protected against the detrimental effect of AngII. Differences in renal ACE2, mirroring those in ACE, might be involved.
A survey of green plant tRNA 3'-end processing enzyme tRNase Zs, homologs of the candidate prostate cancer susceptibility protein ELAC2
Authors: Fan Lijuan , Wang Zhikang , Liu Jinyu , Guo Weili , Yan Jie , Huang Ying 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundtRNase Z removes the 3'-trailer sequences from precursor tRNAs, which is an essential step preceding the addition of the CCA sequence. tRNase Z exists in the short (tRNase ZS) and long (tRNase ZL) forms. Based on the sequence characteristics, they can be divided into two major types: bacterial-type tRNase ZSand eukaryotic-type tRNase ZL, and one minor type,Thermotoga maritima(TM)-type tRNase ZS. The number of tRNase Zs is highly variable, with the largest number being identified experimentally in the flowering plantArabidopsis thaliana. It is unknown whether multiple tRNase Zs found inA. thalianais common to the plant kingdom. Also unknown is the extent of sequence and structural conservation among tRNase Zs from the plant kingdom.ResultsWe report the identification and analysis of candidate tRNase Zs in 27 fully sequenced genomes of green plants, the great majority of which are flowering plants. It appears that green plants contain multiple distinct tRNase Zs predicted to reside in different subcellular compartments. Furthermore, while the bacterial-type tRNase ZSs are present only in basal land plants and green algae, the TM-type tRNase ZSs are widespread in green plants. The protein sequences of the TM-type tRNase ZSs identified in green plants are similar to those of the bacterial-type tRNase ZSs but have distinct features, including the TM-type flexible arm, the variant catalytic HEAT and HST motifs, and a lack of the PxKxRN motif involved in CCA anti-determination (inhibition of tRNase Z activity by CCA), which prevents tRNase Z cleavage of mature tRNAs. Examination of flowering plant chloroplast tRNA genes reveals that many of these genes encode partial CCA sequences. Based on our results and previous studies, we predict that the plant TM-type tRNase ZSs may not recognize the CCA sequence as an anti-determinant.ConclusionsOur findings substantially expand the current repertoire of the TM-type tRNase ZSs and hint at the possibility that these proteins may have been selected for their ability to process chloroplast pre-tRNAs with whole or partial CCA sequences. Our results also support the coevolution of tRNase Zs and tRNA 3'-trailer sequences in plants.
Open versus laparoscopically-assisted oesophagectomy for cancer: a multicentre randomised controlled phase III trial - the MIRO trial
Authors: Briez Nicolas , Piessen Guillaume , Bonnetain Franck , Brigand Cécile , Carrere Nicolas , Collet Denis , Doddoli Christophe , Flamein Renaud , Mabrut Jean-Yves , Meunier Bernard , Msika Simon , Perniceni Thierry , Peschaud Frédérique , Prudhomme Michel , Triboulet Jean-Pierre , Mariette Christophe 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
Open transthoracic oesophagectomy is the standard treatment for infracarinal resectable oesophageal carcinomas, although it is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates of 2 to 10% and 30 to 50%, respectively, for both the abdominal and thoracic approaches. The worldwide popularity of laparoscopic techniques is based on promising results, including lower postoperative morbidity rates, which are related to the reduced postoperative trauma. We hypothesise that the laparoscopic abdominal approach (laparoscopic gastric mobilisation) in oesophageal cancer surgery will decrease the major postoperative complication rate due to the reduced surgical trauma.

Methods/Design
The MIRO trial is an open, controlled, prospective, randomised multicentre phase III trial. Patients in study arm A will receive laparoscopic-assisted oesophagectomy, i.e., a transthoracic oesophagectomy with two-field lymphadenectomy and laparoscopic gastric mobilisation. Patients in study arm B will receive the same procedure, but with the conventional open abdominal approach. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the major postoperative 30-day morbidity. Secondary objectives are to assess the overall 30-day morbidity, 30-day mortality, 30-day pulmonary morbidity, disease-free survival, overall survival as well as quality of life and to perform medico-economic analysis. A total of 200 patients will be enrolled, and two safety analyses will be performed using 25 and 50 patients included in arm A.

Discussion
Postoperative morbidity remains high after oesophageal cancer surgery, especially due to major pulmonary complications, which are responsible for 50% of the postoperative deaths. This study represents the first randomised controlled phase III trial to evaluate the benefits of the minimally invasive approach with respect to the postoperative course and oncological outcomes in oesophageal cancer surgery.

Trial Registration

NCT00937456 (ClinicalTrials.gov)
High yield expression in a recombinant E. coli of a codon optimized chicken anemia virus capsid protein VP1 useful for vaccine development
Authors: Lee Meng-Shiou , Hseu You-Cheng , Lai Guan-Hua , Chang Wen-Te , Chen Hsi-Jien , Huang Chi-Hung , Lee Meng-Shiunn , Wang Min-Ying , Kao Jung-Yie , You Bang-Jau , Lin Wen- Hsin , Lien Yi-Yang , Lin Ming-Kuem 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
Chicken anemia virus (CAV), the causative agent chicken anemia, is the only member of the genus Gyrovirus of the Circoviridae family. CAV is an immune suppressive virus and causes anemia, lymph organ atrophy and immunodeficiency. The production and biochemical characterization of VP1 protein and its use in a subunit vaccine or as part of a diagnostic kit would be useful to CAV infection prevention.

Results
Significantly increased expression of the recombinant full-length VP1 capsid protein from chicken anemia virus was demonstrated using an E. coli expression system. The VP1 gene was cloned into various different expression vectors and then these were expressed in a number of different E. coli strains. The expression of CAV VP1 in E. coli was significantly increased when VP1 was fused with GST protein rather than a His-tag. By optimizing the various rare amino acid codons within the N-terminus of the VP1 protein, the expression level of the VP1 protein in E. coli BL21(DE3)-pLysS was further increased significantly. The highest protein expression level obtained was 17.5 g/L per liter of bacterial culture after induction with 0.1 mM IPTG for 2 h. After purification by GST affinity chromatography, the purified full-length VP1 protein produced in this way was demonstrated to have good antigenicity and was able to be recognized by CAV-positive chicken serum in an ELISA assay.

Conclusions
Purified recombinant VP1 protein with the gene's codons optimized in the N-terminal region has potential as chimeric protein that, when expressed in E. coli, may be useful in the future for the development of subunit vaccines and diagnostic tests.
The added value of ordinal analysis in clinical trials: an example in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Roozenbeek Bob , Lingsma Hester F , Perel Pablo , Edwards Phil , Roberts Ian , Murray Gordon D , Maas Andrew IR , Steyerberg Ewout W ,   the IMPACT (International Mission on Prognosis and Clinical Trial Design in Traumatic Brain Injury) Study Group and the CRASH (Corticosteroid Randomisation After Significant Head Injury) Trial Collaborators
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Introduction
In clinical trials, ordinal outcome measures are often dichotomized into two categories. In traumatic brain injury (TBI) the 5-point Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) is collapsed into unfavourable versus favourable outcome. Simulation studies have shown that exploiting the ordinal nature of the GOS increases chances of detecting treatment effects. The objective of this study is to quantify the benefits of ordinal analysis in the real-life situation of a large TBI trial.

Methods
We used data from the CRASH trial that investigated the efficacy of corticosteroids in TBI patients (n = 9,554). We applied two techniques for ordinal analysis: proportional odds analysis and the sliding dichotomy approach, where the GOS is dichotomized at different cut-offs according to baseline prognostic risk. These approaches were compared to dichotomous analysis. The information density in each analysis was indicated by a Wald statistic. All analyses were adjusted for baseline characteristics.

Results
Dichotomous analysis of the six-month GOS showed a non-significant treatment effect (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.21, P = 0.096). Ordinal analysis with proportional odds regression or sliding dichotomy showed highly statistically significant treatment effects (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.25, P = 0.0007 and 1.19, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.30, P = 0.0002), with 2.05-fold and 2.56-fold higher information density compared to the dichotomous approach respectively.

Conclusions
Analysis of the CRASH trial data confirmed that ordinal analysis of outcome substantially increases statistical power. We expect these results to hold for other fields of critical care medicine that use ordinal outcome measures and recommend that future trials adopt ordinal analyses. This will permit detection of smaller treatment effects.
Reported Prevalence by Australian Special Educators of Evidence-Based Instructional Practices
Authors: Carter Mark , Stephenson Jennifer , Strnadová Iva 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis research examined the reported level of implementation of eight practices in a national sample of Australian special education teachers, replicating the North American study of Burns and Ysseldyke (2009). The 194 respondents reported extensive use of a number of evidence-based practices, such as direct instruction and applied behaviour analysis. Conversely, a number of practices that have very weak empirical foundations or can be considered disproven, such as perceptual-motor training and modality instruction, continue to be used at moderate-to-high levels. In addition, compared to their North American counterparts, Australian special education teachers used a number of evidence-based practices significantly less frequently and used perceptual-motor programs more frequently. Implications of these results are discussed.