bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in mice over-expressing S100A4/Mts1 is specific to females
Authors: Dempsie Yvonne , Nilsen Margaret , White Kevin , Mair Kirsty M , Loughlin Lynn , Ambartsumian Noona , Rabinovitch Marlene , MacLean Margaret R 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Idiopathic and familial forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) occur more frequently in women than men. However, the reason for this remains unknown. Both the calcium binding protein S100A4/Mts1 (Mts1) and its endogenous receptor (receptor for advanced glycosylation end products; RAGE) have been implicated in the development of PAH. We wished to investigate if the Mts1/RAGE pathway may play a role in the gender bias associated with PAH.

Methods
We investigated the effects of gender on development of PAH in mice over-expressing Mts1 (Mts1+ mice) via measurement of pulmonary arterial remodeling, systolic right ventricular pressure (sRVP) and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH). Gender differences in pulmonary arterial Mts1 and RAGE expression were assessed by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Western blotting and cell counts were used to investigate interactions between 17β-estradiol, Mts1 and RAGE on proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs). Statistical analysis was by one-way analysis of variance with Dunnetts post test or two-way analysis of variance with Bonferronis post test, as appropriate.

Results
Female Mts1+ mice developed increased sRVP and pulmonary vascular remodeling, whereas male Mts1+ mice remained unaffected. The development of plexiform-like lesions in Mts1+ mice was specific to females. These lesions stained positive for both Mts1 and RAGE in the endothelial and adventitial layers. Expression of pulmonary arterial Mts1 was greater in female than male Mts1+ mice, and was localised to the medial and adventitial layers in non plexiform-like pulmonary arteries. RAGE gene expression and immunoreactivity were similar between male and female Mts1+ mice and RAGE staining was localised to the endothelial layer in non plexiform-like pulmonary arteries adjacent to airways. In non-plexiform like pulmonary arteries not associated with airways RAGE staining was present in the medial and adventitial layers. Physiological concentrations of 17β-estradiol increased Mts1 expression in hPASMCs. 17β-estradiol-induced hPASMC proliferation was inhibited by soluble RAGE, which antagonises the membrane bound form of RAGE.

Conclusions
Mts1 over-expression combined with female gender is permissive to the development of experimental PAH in mice. Up-regulation of Mts1 and subsequent activation of RAGE may contribute to 17β-estradiol-induced proliferation of hPASMCs.
Cerebral air embolism as a complication of peptic ulcer in the gastric tube: case report
Authors: Suzuki Takahisa , Ando Takafumi , Usami Akihisa , Shinoda Masataka , Takashi Hitomi , Murayama Mutsumi , Uchiyama Isako , Morise Kazuhiro , Endo Shinya , Haruki Nobuhiro , Tashiro Kazuhiro , Goto Hidemi 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
The reported incidence of ulcer formation in the gastric tube in esophageal replacement is rare.

Case Presentation
This is the first report of a case of cerebral air embolism as a result of spontaneous perforation of an ulcer in the constructed gastric tube into the pulmonary vein during post-operative follow-up in a patient with esophageal cancer.

Conclusions
Cerebral air embolism is a rare complication of penetrating gastric ulcer, but should be considered in patients with a history of esophagectomy with gastric conduit that present with acute neurologic findings.
Detecting 22q11.2 deletion in Chinese children with conotruncal heart defects and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the haploid TBX1 locus
Authors: Xu Yue-Juan , Wang Jian , Xu Rang , Zhao Peng-Jun , Wang Xi-Ke , Sun Heng-Juan , Bao Li-Ming , Shen Jie , Fu Qi-Hua , Li Fen , Sun Kun 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundConotruncal heart defects (CTDs) are present in 75-85% of patients suffering from the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. To date, no consistent phenotype has been consistently correlated with the 22q11.2 deletions. Genetic studies have implicatedTBX1as a critical gene in the pathogenesis of the syndrome. The aim of study was to determine the incidence of the 22q11.2 deletion in Chinese patients with CTDs and the possible mechanism for pathogenesis of CTDs.MethodsWe enrolled 212 patients with CTDs and 139 unrelated healthy controls. Both karyotypic analysis and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification were performed for all CTDs patients. Fluorescencein situhybridization was performed for the patients with genetic deletions and their relatives. TheTBX1gene was sequenced for all patients and healthy controls. Theχ2and Fisher's exact test were used in the statistical analysis.ResultsThirteen of the 212 patients with CTDs (6.13%) were found to have the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Of the 13 cases, 11 presented with a hemizygous interstitial microdeletion fromCLTCL1toLZTR1; one presented with a regional deletion fromCLTCL1toDRCR8; and one presented with a regional deletion fromCDC45LtoLZTR1. There were eight sequence variants in the haploidTBX1genes of the del22q11 CTDs patients. The frequency of one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the del22q11 patients was different from that of the non-del patients (P< 0.05), and the frequencies of two other SNPs were different between the non-del CTDs patients and controls (P< 0.05).ConclusionsCTDs, especially pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and tetralogy of Fallot, are the most common disorders associated with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Those patients with both CTDs and 22q11.2 deletion generally have a typical or atypical deletion region within theTBX1gene. Our results indicate thatTBX1genetic variants may be associated with CTDs.
Involving relatives in relapse prevention for bipolar disorder: a multi-perspective qualitative study of value and barriers
Authors: Peters Sarah , Pontin Eleanor , Lobban Fiona , Morriss Richard 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Managing early warning signs is an effective approach to preventing relapse in bipolar disorder. Involving relatives in relapse prevention has been shown to maximize the effectiveness of this approach. However, family-focused intervention research has typically used expert therapists, who are rarely available within routine clinical services. It remains unknown what issues exist when involving relatives in relapse prevention planning delivered by community mental health case managers. This study explored the value and barriers of involving relatives in relapse prevention from the perspectives of service users, relatives and care-coordinators.

Methods
Qualitative interview study nested within a randomized controlled trial of relapse prevention for individuals with bipolar disorder. The purposive sample of 52 participants comprised service users (n = 21), care coordinators (n = 21) and relatives (n = 10). Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Results
All parties identified benefits of involving relatives in relapse prevention: improved understanding of bipolar disorder; relatives gaining a role in illness management; and improved relationships between each party. Nevertheless, relatives were often discouraged from becoming involved. Some staff perceived involving relatives increased the complexity of their own role and workload, and some service users valued the exclusivity of their relationship with their care-coordinator and prioritized taking individual responsibility for their illness over the benefits of involving their relatives. Barriers were heightened when family relationships were poor.

Conclusions
Whilst involving relatives in relapse prevention has perceived value, it can increase the complexity of managing bipolar disorder for each party. In order to fully realize the benefits of involving relatives in relapse prevention, additional training and support for community care coordinators is needed.

Trial registration

ISRCTN41352631
Short and long term effects of a lifestyle intervention for construction workers at risk for cardiovascular disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Groeneveld Iris F , Proper Karin I , van der Beek Allard J , Hildebrandt Vincent H , van Mechelen Willem 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of overweight and elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among workers in the construction industry is relatively high. Improving lifestyle lowers CVD risk and may have work-related benefits. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects on physical activity (PA), diet, and smoking of a lifestyle intervention consisting of individual counseling among male workers in the construction industry with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods
In a randomized controlled trial including 816 male blue- and white-collar workers in the construction industry with an elevated risk of CVD, usual care was compared to a 6-month lifestyle intervention. The intervention consisted of individual counseling using motivational interviewing techniques, and was delivered by an occupational physician or occupational nurse. In three face to face and four telephone contacts, the participant's risk profile, personal determinants, and barriers for behavior change were discussed, and personal goals were set. Participants chose to aim at either diet and PA, or smoking. Data were collected at baseline and after six and 12 months, by means of a questionnaire. To analyse the data, linear and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results
The intervention had a statistically significant beneficial effect on snack intake (β-1.9, 95%CI -3.7; -0.02) and fruit intake (β 1.7, 95%CI 0.6; 2.9) at 6 months. The effect on snack intake was sustained until 12 months; 6 months after the intervention had ended (β -1.9, 95%CI -3.6; -0.2). The intervention effects on leisure time PA and metabolic equivalent-minutes were not statistically significant. The beneficial effect on smoking was statistically significant at 6 (OR smoking 0.3, 95%CI 0.1;0.7), but not at 12 months (OR 0.8, 95%CI 0.4; 1.6).

Conclusions
Beneficial effects on smoking, fruit, and snack intake can be achieved by an individual-based lifestyle intervention among male construction workers with an elevated risk of CVD. Future research should be done on strategies to improve leisure time PA and on determinants of maintenance of changed behavior. Considering the rising prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle and CVD, especially in the aging population, implementation of this intervention in the occupational health care setting is recommended.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN60545588
Which health care facilities do adult malawian antiretroviral therapy patients utilize during intercurrent illness? a cross sectional study
Authors: Masangalawe Caroline , Kandulu Akuzike , van Oosterhout Joep J 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic populations have expanded enormously in the successful Malawi ART scale-up programme. Overcrowding, long waiting times and living far away from the clinic may affect the extent to which patients use their ART clinic for intercurrent illnesses.

Methods
We interviewed patients of a large urban ART clinic in Blantyre, Malawi, during routine visits about the choice of health care facility during recent illness episodes.

Results
Out of 346 enrolled adults, mean age 39.8 (range 18-70) years, 54.3% female, 202 (58%) reported one or more illness in the past 6 months, during which 85 (42.1%; 95%-confidence interval: 36.9-47.3%) did not utilize their own clinic. Long distance to the clinic was the main subjective reason, while low education attainment, rural residence, perceived mild illness and dissatisfaction with the ART service were associated with not using their own clinic in multivariate analyses. Of all participants, 83.6% were satisfied with the service provided; only 6.1% were aware of the full service package of the ART clinic.

Conclusions
ART patients often seek health care outside their own clinic, which may have detrimental effects, and has consequences for ART counseling content and reporting of ART information in health passports.
Fixed point-type results for a class of extended cyclic self-mappings under three general weak contractive conditions of rational type
Authors: De la Sen Manuel , Agarwal Ravi P 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis article discusses three weak φ-contractive conditions of rational type for a class of 2-cyclic self-mappings defined on the union of two non-empty subsets of a metric space to itself. If the space is uniformly convex and the subsets are non-empty, closed, and convex, then the iterates of points obtained through the self-mapping converge to unique best proximity points in each of the subsets.
Apoptosis, cytokine and chemokine induction by non-structural 1 (NS1) proteins encoded by different influenza subtypes
Authors: Lam WY , Yeung Apple CM , Chan Paul KS 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundInfluenza pandemic remains a serious threat to human health. Viruses of avian origin, H5N1, H7N7 and H9N2, have repeatedly crossed the species barrier to infect humans. Recently, a novel strain originated from swine has evolved to a pandemic. This study aims at improving our understanding on the pathogenic mechanism of influenza viruses, in particular the role of non-structural (NS1) protein in inducing pro-inflammatory and apoptotic responses.MethodsHuman lung epithelial cells (NCI-H292) was used as anin-vitromodel to study cytokine/chemokine production and apoptosis induced by transfection of NS1 mRNA encoded by seven infleunza subtypes (seasonal and pandemic H1, H2, H3, H5, H7, and H9), respectively.ResultsThe results showed that CXCL-10/IP10 was most prominently induced (> 1000 folds) and IL-6 was slightly induced (< 10 folds) by all subtypes. A subtype-dependent pattern was observed for CCL-2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL-5/RANTES and CXCL-9/MIG; where induction by H5N1 was much higher than all other subtypes examined. All subtypes induced a similar temporal profile of apoptosis following transfection. The level of apoptosis induced by H5N1 was remarkably higher than all others. The cytokine/chemokine and apoptosis inducing ability of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 was similar to previous seasonal strains.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the NS1 protein encoded by H5N1 carries a remarkably different property as compared to other avian and human subtypes, and is one of the keys to its high pathogenicity. NCI-H292 cells system proves to be a goodin-vitromodel to delineate the property of NS1 proteins.
Allele-specific disparity in breast cancer
Authors: Kaveh Fatemeh , Edvardsen Hege , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , N Kristensen Vessela , Solvang Hiroko K 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
In a cancer cell the number of copies of a locus may vary due to amplification and deletion and these variations are denoted as copy number alterations (CNAs). We focus on the disparity of CNAs in tumour samples, which were compared to those in blood in order to identify the directional loss of heterozygosity.

Methods
We propose a numerical algorithm and apply it to data from the Illumina 109K-SNP array on 112 samples from breast cancer patients. B-allele frequency (BAF) and log R ratio (LRR) of Illumina were used to estimate Euclidian distances. For each locus, we compared genotypes in blood and tumour for subset of samples being heterozygous in blood. We identified loci showing preferential disparity from heterozygous toward either the A/B-allele homozygous (allelic disparity). The chi-squared and Cochran-Armitage trend tests were used to examine whether there is an association between high levels of disparity in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and molecular, clinical and tumour-related parameters. To identify pathways and network functions over-represented within the resulting gene sets, we used Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA).

Results
To identify loci with a high level of disparity, we selected SNPs 1) with a substantial degree of disparity and 2) with substantial frequency (at least 50% of the samples heterozygous for the respective locus). We report the overall difference in disparity in high-grade tumours compared to low-grade tumours (p-value < 0.001) and significant associations between disparity in multiple single loci and clinical parameters. The most significantly associated network functions within the genes represented in the loci of disparity were identified, including lipid metabolism, small-molecule biochemistry, and nervous system development and function. No evidence for over-representation of directional disparity in a list of stem cell genes was obtained, however genes appeared to be more often altered by deletion than by amplification.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that directional loss and amplification exist in breast cancer. These are highly associated with grade, which may indicate that they are enforced with increasing number of cell divisions. Whether there is selective pressure for some loci to be preferentially amplified or deleted remains to be confirmed.
Epstein-Barr virus Latent Membrane Protein LMP1 reduces p53 protein levels independent of the PI3K-Akt pathway
Authors: Husaini Roslina , Ahmad Munirah , Soo-Beng Khoo Alan 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy, which commonly occurs in Southern China, Taiwan, North Africa and Southeast Asia. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is strongly associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection. The p53 tumour suppressor protein is rarely mutated in NPC suggesting that the inactivation of p53 pathway in NPC could be due to the presence of EBV proteins. The aim of this work was to determine the effects of EBV proteins namely LMP1 and LMP2A on the expression levels of p53 protein.

Findings
In this work we found that LMP1, but not LMP2A, decreased p53 protein levels. Overexpression of LMP1 resulted in increased ubiquitination of p53 suggesting that the decreased p53 protein levels by LMP1 was due to increased degradation of the protein. The reduction of p53 protein levels was independent of the PI3K-Akt pathway.

Conclusions
LMP1, but not LMP2A, reduced p53 protein levels through the increase in the polyubiquitination of p53 protein and was independent of the PI3K-Akt pathway.
Real-time PCR quantification of the canine filaggrin orthologue in the skin of atopic and non-atopic dogs: a pilot study
Authors: Roque Joana Barros , O'Leary Caroline A , Kyaw-Tanner Myat , Duffy David L , Shipstone Michael 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease associated with defects in the epidermal barrier, particularly in West Highland white terriers (WHWTs). It shares many similarities with human AD, and so may be a useful animal model for this disease. Epidermal dysfunction in human AD can be caused by mutations in the gene encoding the epidermal protein filaggrin (FLG) and, in some atopic patients, be associated with altered FLG mRNA and protein expression in lesional and/or non-lesional skin. In experimental models of canine AD, mRNA expression of the orthologous canine filaggrin gene may be reduced in non-lesional skin compared with healthy controls. However, there is no published data on canine filaggrin mRNA expression in the skin of dogs with naturally-occurring AD. Hence, the aim of this pilot study was to develop a reverse transcriptase real-time PCR assay to compare filaggrin mRNA expression in the skin of atopic (n = 7) and non-atopic dogs (n = 5) from five breeds, including eight WHWTs.

Findings
Overall, filaggrin mRNA expression in non-lesional atopic skin was decreased compared to non-lesional non-atopic skin (two fold change); however this difference was only statistically significant in the subgroup of WHWTs (P = 0.03).

Conclusions
Although limited by the small sample size, these results indicate that, comparable to some cases of human AD, altered filaggrin mRNA expression may exist in the skin of some atopic dogs with naturally-occurring disease. Additional studies, including larger sample numbers, will be necessary to confirm this finding and to investigate whether mutations in the filaggrin gene exist and contribute to epidermal lesions of AD in dogs.
Revisiting the effects of crowding and feeding in the gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta: the role of Rhesus glycoproteins in nitrogen metabolism and excretion
Authors: Rodela Tamara M. , Esbaugh Andrew J. , Weihrauch Dirk , Veauvy Clémence M. , McDonald M. Danielle , Gilmour Kathleen M. , Walsh Patrick J. 
Published: December 2011

SUMMARY
Models of branchial transport in teleosts have been reshaped by the recent discovery of Rhesus (Rh) glycoproteins, a family of proteins that facilitate the movement of NH3 across cell membranes. This study examines the effects of crowding and feeding on ammonia excretion in gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) within the context of Rh glycoproteins and the ammonia-fixing enzyme, glutamine synthetase (GS). Four Rh isoforms (Rhag, Rhbg, Rhcg1 and Rhcg2) were isolated from toadfish. Tissue distributions showed higher levels of mRNA expression in the gills and liver, moderate levels in the intestine and lower levels in the stomach. Crowding significantly lowered branchial Rh expression and ammonia excretion rates in fasted toadfish. A comparison of Rh expression in the digestive tract revealed relatively low levels of Rhcg1 and Rhcg2 in the stomach and high mRNA abundance of Rhbg, Rhcg1 and Rhcg2 in the intestine of fasted, crowded toadfish. We speculate that these trends may reduce secretion and enhance absorption, respectively, to minimize the amount of ammonia that is lost through gastrointestinal routes. By contrast, these patterns of expression were modified in response to an exogenous ammonia load via feeding. Post-prandial ammonia excretion rates were elevated twofold, paralleled by similar increases in branchial Rhcg1 mRNA, gastric Rhcg1 mRNA and mRNA of all intestinal Rh isoforms. These changes were interpreted as an attempt to increase post-prandial ammonia excretion rates into the environment owing to a gradient created by elevated circulating ammonia concentrations and acidification of the digestive tract. Overall, we provide evidence that toadfish modulate both the expression of Rh isoforms and urea synthesis pathways to tightly control and regulate nitrogen excretion.
Interplay between plasma oxidative status, cortisol and coping styles in wild alpine marmots, Marmota marmota
Authors: Costantini David , Ferrari Caterina , Pasquaretta Cristian , Cavallone Elena , Carere Claudio , von Hardenberg Achaz , Réale Denis 
Published: December 2011

SUMMARY
Variation in how individuals cope behaviourally and physiologically with stressors is widespread and can have a significant impact on life-history traits and fitness. Individual coping styles are characterised by differential behavioural and adrenocortical reactivity to various challenges. As stress hormones can affect the production of reactive chemical species and the antioxidant status, individuals with different coping styles may differ also in oxidative status. Field studies on wild mammalian populations are few in number and none so far has simultaneously tested the relationship between coping style, adrenocortical reactivity and oxidative status in the same individuals. We measured individual variation in coping styles along a proactive-reactive continuum together with variation in baseline and stress-induced plasma oxidative damage, plasma non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity and cortisol in wild alpine marmots, Marmota marmota. Confirmatory path analysis revealed that different coping styles are accompanied by different baseline and stress-induced plasma oxidative statuses. Our findings also highlight the potential role of cortisol as a mediator of such differences.