bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary hypertension before first and second lung transplantation
Authors: Tonelli Adriano R. , Timofte Irina , Minai Omar A. , Baz Maher , Akindipe Olufemi 
Published: February 2012

Tonelli AR, Timofte I, Minai OA, Baz M, Akindipe O. Pulmonary hypertension before first and second lung transplantation.Abstract:  Background:  Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is frequently encountered in patients with advanced lung disease before the first and second lung transplantation. We sought to determine whether there is any relationship between pulmonary hemodynamics obtained before first and second lung transplantation. We also assessed whether PH has prognostic implications in lung transplant patients going for second transplantation.Methods:  We included consecutive adult (16‐yr‐old or older) patients who underwent lung re‐transplantation, between 1997 and 2009, and had right heart catheterization before their first and second lung transplantation.Results:  Eighteen patients were included in the study. Age at first transplantation was 50.4 (SD 10.4) yr, and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) in the transplanted lung was the only indication for re‐transplantation. PH was observed in 39% of the patients before the first lung transplant and in 56% of the subjects before re‐transplantation (p = 0.91). Pre‐capillary PH was present in 28% (n = 5) and 33% (n = 6) of the patients before first and second lung transplantation, respectively. None of the hemodynamic variables obtained before the first transplant predicted the development of PH before re‐transplantation. PH before re‐transplantation did not predict survival or development of BOS after re‐transplantation.Conclusions:  PH before initial lung transplantation did not predict the development of PH before the second transplantation. In our cohort, PH before second lung transplantation did not predict outcomes after re‐transplantation.
Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative diseases in Asian solid organ transplant recipients: late onset and favorable response to treatment
Authors: Chan Thomas S.Y. , Hwang Yu‐Yan , Gill Harinder , Au Wing‐Yan , Leung Anskar Y.H. , Tse Eric , Chim Chor‐Sang , Loong Florence , Kwong Yok‐Lam 
Published: February 2012

Chan TSY, Hwang Y‐Y, Gill H, Au W‐Y, Leung AYH, Tse E, Chim C‐S, Loong F, Kwong Y‐L. Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative diseases in Asian solid organ transplant recipients: late onset and favorable response to treatment.Abstract:  Nineteen consecutive patients with post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) in an Asian population were reviewed. The histopathologic diagnoses were monomorphic (CD20‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, n = 14); plasmacytic (n = 1); Burkitt‐like (n = 1); natural killer cell lymphoma (n = 1); lymphomatoid papulosis (n = 1); and classical Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 1). Early‐onset (<one yr post‐transplantation) PTLD constituted only 10% of cases, and all were Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) positive. EBV‐negative cases (n = 6) developed at a median of 92 (19–170) months, whereas EBV‐positive cases occurred later at 128 (7–230) months. With reduction of immunosuppression followed by local therapy, treatment with the anti‐CD20 antibody rituximab with or without combination chemotherapy, complete remission was achieved in 17/19 (90%) of cases. Lactate dehydrogenase level, stage, extranodal involvement, EBV status, and International Prognostic Index had no impact on treatment outcome. EBV‐positive PTLD occurred much later in Asian patients. Treatment results of PTLD were favorable.
TESTIMONY AND SINCERITY
Authors: Simpson Thomas W. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIs there a justified presumption that a speaker is testifying sincerely? Anti‐reductionism about testimony claims that there is, absent reasons to the contrary. Yet why believe this, given the actuality and prevalence of lies and deception? I examine one argument that may be appropriated to meet this challenge, David Lewis's claim that truthfulness is a convention. I argue that it fails, and that the supposition that there is a presumption of sincerity remains unsupported. The failure of Lewis's argument is instructive, however, for it shows us a better way of approaching language use than the standard anti‐reductionist treatment. As speech is an intentional action, so a presumption of the sincerity or otherwise of others' testimony must be explicable in the terms we normally use to explain action.
Oxidative stress index may play a key role in patients with pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Yesilova Y. , Ucmak D. , Selek S. , Dertlioğlu S.B. , Sula B. , Bozkus F. , Turan E. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation are seen in many dermatologic disorders, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, acne vulgaris, pemphigus vulgaris (PV), lichen planus and alopecia areata. In PV, the increased production of ROS from activated neutrophils reduces the concentrations of antioxidant vitamins and enzymes.Objective  The present study aims to determine the oxidative stress index (OSI) by studying serum total oxidant capacity (TOC), lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in PV patients.Methods  The study included 27 PV patients and a control group consisting of 24 healthy volunteers. Serum TOC, LOOH and TAC levels were examined and OSI was measured in the PV patients and the control group.Results  TOC (P = 0.001) and LOOH (P = 0.001) levels as well as OSI (P = 0.001) were found higher in the PV patients, relative to the control group. Serum TAS (P = 0.221) did not differ between groups. Serum TOC, LOOH and TAC levels and OSI in PV patients with mucosal involvement were not different than those in mucocutaneous PV patients.Conclusion  Serum TOC and LOOH levels and OSI were higher in the PV patients, in comparison with the control group. Serum TAC level was not different.
Denied ethnicism: on the Walloon movement in Belgium
Authors: van Ginderachter Maarten , Leerssen Joep 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe Walloon movement is the lesser‐known counterpart to the Flemish movement in Belgium. In contemporary political debate it presents itself, and is usually perceived, as a civic and voluntaristic movement predicated on the values of democracy, freedom, openness and anti‐nationalism. As such it is contrasted against its Flemish counterpart, which accordingly is characterised as tending towards an ethnic exclusivist form of nationalism hinging on descent, culture and language. However, the historical record behind these representations shows that the Walloon movement is rooted in ethno‐cultural as much as social politics, and that it has always contained both civic and ethnic elements to varying degrees. This article highlights the Walloon movement in order to analyse the language and national stereotypes in which national movements are characterised both in political rhetoric and in scholarly analysis. The case is particularly relevant for the problematic usage of the ‘civic–ethnic’ opposition, slipping between the discourses of antagonism and analysis; one type of such slippage is here identified as ‘denied ethnicism’.
5‐HT receptors as novel targets for optimizing pigmentary responses in dorsal skin melanophores of frog, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus
Authors: Ali Sharique A , Salim Saima , Sahni Tarandeep , Peter Jaya , Ali Ayesha S 
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Biochemical identification of 5‐HT has revealed similar projection patterns across vertebrates. In CNS, 5‐HT regulates major physiological functions but its peripheral functions are still emerging. The pharmacology of 5‐HT is mediated by a diverse range of receptors that trigger different responses. Interestingly, 5‐HT receptors have been detected in pigment cells indicating their role in skin pigmentation. Hence, we investigated the role of this monoaminergic system in amphibian pigment cells, melanophores, to further our understanding of its role in pigmentation biology together with its evolutionary significance.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Pharmacological profiling of 5‐HT receptors was achieved using potent/selective agonists and antagonists. In vitro responses of melanophores were examined by Mean Melanophores Size Index assay. The melanophores of lower vertebrates are highly sensitive to external stimuli. The immediate cellular responses to drugs were defined in terms of pigment translocation within the cells.KEY RESULTS 5‐HT exerted strong concentration‐dependent pigment dispersion at threshold dose of 1 × 10−6 g·mL−1. Specific 5‐HT1 and 5‐HT2 receptor agonists, sumatriptan and myristicin. also induced dose‐dependent dispersion. Yohimbine and metergoline synergistically antagonized sumatriptan‐mediated dispersion, whereas trazodone partially blocked myristicin‐induced dispersion. Conversely, 5‐HT3 and 5‐HT4 receptor agonists, 1 (3 chlorophenyl) biguanide (1,3 CPB) and 5‐methoxytryptamine (5‐MT), caused a dose‐dependent pigment aggregation. The aggregatory effect of 1,3 CPB was completely blocked by ondansetron, whereas L‐lysine partially blocked the effect of 5‐MT.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The results suggest that 5‐HT‐induced physiological effects are mediated via distinct classes of receptors, which possibly participate in the modulation of pigmentary responses in amphibian.
AMPK activator AICAR ameliorates ischaemia reperfusion injury in the rat kidney
Authors: Lempiäinen J , Finckenberg P , Levijoki J , Mervaala E 
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Renal ischaemia/reperfusion (RI/R) injury is a major cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) and an important determinant of long‐term kidney dysfunction. AMP‐kinase and histone deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) regulate cellular metabolism and are activated during hypoxia. We investigated whether AMP‐kinase activator AICAR (5‐amino‐4‐imidazolecarboxamide riboside‐1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside) ameliorates RI/R injury and whether SIRT1 is involved in the pathogenesis.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Eight‐week‐old Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: (i) sham‐operated group; (ii) I/R group (40 min bilateral ischaemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion; (iii) I/R group + AICAR 50 mg·kg−1 i.v. given 60 min before operation; (iv). I/R group + AICAR 160 mg·kg−1 i.v; (v) I/R group + AICAR 500 mg·kg−1 i.v. Serum creatinine and urea levels were measured. Acute tubular necrosis (ATN), monocyte/macrophage infiltration and nitrotyrosine expression were scored. Kidney AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and SIRT1 expressions were measured.KEY RESULTS Highest dose of AICAR decreased serum creatinine and urea levels, attenuated I/R injury‐induced nitrosative stress and monocyte/macrophage infiltration, and ameliorated the development of ATN. Kidney I/R injury was associated with decreased AMPK phosphorylation and a fivefold increase in kidney SIRT1 expression. AICAR increased pAMPK/AMPK ratio and prevented the I/R‐induced increase in renal SIRT1 expression.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS AICAR protects against the development of ATN after kidney I/R injury. Activators of kidney AMP kinase may thus represent a novel therapeutic approach to patients susceptible to AKI and to those undergoing kidney transplantation. The present study also suggests a role for SIRT1 in the pathogenesis of RI/R injury.
The increasing prevalence of serologic markers for syphilis among Chinese blood donors in 2008 through 2010 during a syphilis epidemic
Authors: Liu Jing , Huang Yi , Wang Jingxing , Guo Nan , Li Julin , Dong Xiangdong , Ma Hongli , Tiemuer Meiheili , Huang Mei , Wright David J. , Ness Paul , Shan Hua ,   NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II), International Component
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: In China, the growing syphilis epidemic parallels the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the general population. This study evaluated the prevalence and incidence of serologic markers for syphilis among donors at five Chinese blood centers.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We examined whole blood and apheresis donations collected from January 2008 through December 2010. Postdonation testing of syphilis was conducted using two different Treponema pallidum antibody enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. The prevalence of serologic markers for syphilis (%), and the rate of coinfection with HIV‐1/2, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were calculated. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted examining donor characteristics associated with positive syphilis serology. Seroconversion rate and syphilis incidence were estimated.RESULTS: Of 801,511 donations, 60% were from first‐time donors and 40% were from repeat donors. There was a significant increase in syphilis serologic markers among first‐time donors with 0.41, 0.45, and 0.57% positivity over 3 years (p < 0.001). Approximately 2.8, 0.8, and 0.5% of HIV‐1/2–, HBV‐, and HCV‐positive donations also tested reactive for syphilis. Logistic regression results suggest that first‐time donors were nine times more likely to be syphilis positive than repeat donors. Higher syphilis positivity was associated with donors older than 25 years and with less education. Estimated incidence among repeat donations was 33 (95% confidence interval, 29‐39) per 100,000 person‐years.CONCLUSION: The increase in syphilis serologic prevalence reflected the syphilis epidemic in the general population. Without screening, most of these syphilis‐positive donations would get into the blood supply. Thus, during a syphilis epidemic, continued syphilis screening of blood donations may be important to maintain blood safety and public health.
Community Support of Ethanol Plants: Does Local Ownership Matter?*
Authors: Bain Carmen , Prokos Anastasia , Liu Hexuan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDrawing on data from six communities in Kansas and Iowa, we explore the factors that are related to community members' current levels of overall support for local ethanol plants. What are residents' opinions about the benefits and drawbacks of local ownership of ethanol plants? How does that awareness lead to overall support of plants? Our interest is to understand how perceptions of the negative effects of the plant on the local infrastructure and environment and positive effects on the local economy influence the relationship between local versus absentee ownership and people's overall support of the plant. We use chi‐square to test whether respondents' overall support is associated with the ownership of the plant (local versus absentee), and cumulative logit mixed‐effects models to explore the factors that explain the association between ownership and overall support. Findings suggest that community members are less likely to show high support for locally owned plants, and that the greater perceived negative effects of locally owned plants on the local infrastructure and environment helps explain residents' lower support of locally owned ethanol plants in their communities. We posit several explanations for why this might be the case.
Genetic variations of interleukin‐8, CXCR1 and CXCR2 genes and risk of acute pyelonephritis in children
Authors: Javor J. , Bucova M. , Cervenova O. , Kralinsky K. , Sadova E. , Suchankova M. , Liptakova A. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryAcute pyelonephritis (APN) is the most severe form of urinary tract infection, the etiopathogenesis of which is still not well understood. Previous studies demonstrated that chemotaxis of neutrophils into the tissue and across the infected epithelial layer is a key step in rapid bacterial clearance. Variations within genes encoding the major chemokine interleukin‐8 and its receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 are therefore attractive candidates for participation in genetic predisposition to APN. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) −251 T/A, +781 C/T, +1633 C/T and +2767 A/T in the IL‐8 gene, +2608 G/C in the CXCR1 gene and +1208 C/T in the CXCR2 gene with susceptibility to APN in the Slovak population. PCR–SSP and PCR–RFLP were used to genotype SNPs in 147 children with APN (62 with recurrent and 85 with episodic form) and 215 healthy individuals. Statistical analysis revealed significantly increased frequency of CXCR1 +2608 C allele (P = 0.0238, OR = 2.452, 95% CI = 1.147–5.243) and GC genotype (P = 0.0201, OR = 2.627, 95% CI = 1.188–5.810) and lower frequency of CXCR2 +1208 T allele (P = 0.0408, OR = 0.645, 95% CI = 0.429–0.972) and TT+TC genotypes (P = 0.0497, OR = 0.5273, 95% CI = 0.288–0.964) in patients with recurrent APN compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, the A allele of IL‐8 −251 T/A SNP was also significantly overrepresented in patients with recurrent APN when compared with those with only single episode of APN (P = 0.0439, OR = 1.627, 95% CI = 1.019–2.599). Our results indicate that the minor CXCR1 +2608 C allele is associated with significantly increased susceptibility to APN in childhood, while the CXCR2 +1208 T allele confers protection from recurrent APN. Moreover, allele A of the IL‐8 −251 T/A may also increase the risk of developing recurrent attacks after the first‐time APN.
Novel High-Rank Phylogenetic Lineages within a Sulfur Spring (Zodletone Spring, Oklahoma), Revealed Using a Combined Pyrosequencing-Sanger Approach
Authors: Youssef Noha , Steidley Brandi L. , Elshahed Mostafa S. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThe utilization of high-throughput sequencing technologies in 16S rRNA gene-based diversity surveys has indicated that within most ecosystems, a significant fraction of the community could not be assigned to known microbial phyla. Accurate determination of the phylogenetic affiliation of such sequences is difficult due to the short-read-length output of currently available high-throughput technologies. This fraction could harbor multiple novel phylogenetic lineages that have so far escaped detection. Here we describe our efforts in accurate assessment of the novelty and phylogenetic affiliation of selected unclassified lineages within a pyrosequencing data set generated from source sediments of Zodletone Spring, a sulfide- and sulfur-rich spring in southwestern Oklahoma. Lineage-specific forward primers were designed for 78 putatively novel lineages identified within the pyrosequencing data set, and representative nearly full-length small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequences were obtained by pairing those primers with reverse universal bacterial primers. Of the 78 lineages tested, amplifiable products were obtained for 52, 32 of which had at least one nearly full-length sequence that was representative of the lineage targeted. Analysis of phylogenetic affiliation of the obtained Sanger sequences identified 5 novel candidate phyla and 10 novel candidate classes (withinFibrobacteres,Planctomycetes, and candidate phyla BRC1, GN12, TM6, TM7, LD1, WS2, and GN06) in the data set, in addition to multiple novel orders and families. The discovery of multiple novel phyla within a pilot study of a single ecosystem clearly shows the potential of the approach in identifying novel diversities within the rare biosphere.
Commercially Distributed Meat as a Potential Vehicle for Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ogata Kikuyo , Narimatsu Hiroshi , Suzuki Masahiro , Higuchi Wataru , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Taniguchi Hatsumi 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

The incidence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(CA-MRSA) infection has been increasing; however, the sources of infection remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of meat as a possible mediator of CA-MRSA infection. We examined the distribution of MRSA strains in commercially distributed raw meat samples (
n
= 197) and diarrheal stool samples of outpatients (
n
= 1,287) that were collected in Oita Prefecture, Japan, between 2003 and 2009 for routine legal inspections. Fourteen MRSA strains were isolated from three meat and 11 stool samples. Among these, seven isolates from three meat and four stool samples exhibited the same epidemiological marker profiles [coagulase type III, staphylococcal enterotoxin C, staphylococcal chromosomal cassette
mec
(SCC
mec
) type IV, ST8,
spa
type 606 (t1767), and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) producing type]. Furthermore, of the seven strains, three isolates from two meat samples and one stool sample collected in 2007 exhibited completely identical characteristics with respect to phage open reading frame (ORF) typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and drug susceptibility profiles. The results suggest that commercially distributed meat could play a role in the prevalence of CA-MRSA in the community.
Rate-Dependent Effects of Vernakalant in the Isolated Non-Remodeled Canine Left Atria Are Primarily Due to Block of the Sodium Channel
Authors: Burashnikov Alexander , Pourrier Marc , Gibson John K. , Lynch Joseph J. , Antzelevitch Charles 
Published: February 2012

Background—
Several clinical trials have shown that vernakalant is effective in terminating recent onset atrial fibrillation (AF). The electrophysiological actions of vernakalant are not fully understood.

Methods and Results—

Here we report the results of a blinded study comparing the in vitro canine atrial electrophysiological effects of vernakalant, ranolazine, and dl-sotalol. Action potential durations (APD
50,75,90
), effective refractory period (ERP), post repolarization refractoriness (PRR), maximum rate of rise of the action potential (AP) upstroke (V
max
), diastolic threshold of excitation (DTE), conduction time (CT), and the shortest S
1
-S
1
permitting 1:1 activation (S
1
-S
1
) were measured using standard stimulation and microelectrode recording techniques in isolated normal, non-remodeled canine arterially perfused left atrial preparations. Vernakalant caused variable but slight prolongation of APD
90
(
P
=not significant), but significant prolongation of APD
50
at 30 μmol/L and rapid rates. In contrast, ranolazine and dl-sotalol produced consistent concentration- and reverse rate-dependent prolongation of APD
90.
Vernakalant and ranolazine caused rate-dependent, whereas dl-sotalol caused reverse rate-dependent, prolongation of ERP. Significant rate-dependent PRR developed with vernakalant and ranolazine, but not with dl-sotalol. Other sodium channel-mediated parameters (ie, V
max
, CT, DTE, and S
1
-S
1
) also were depressed significantly by vernakalant and ranolazine, but not by dl-sotalol. Only vernakalant elevated AP plateau voltage, consistent with blockade of ultrarapid delayed rectified potassium current and transient outward potassium current.

Conclusions—

In isolated canine left atria, the effects of vernakalant and ranolazine were characterized by use-dependent inhibition of sodium channel-mediated parameters, and those of dl-sotalol by reverse rate-dependent prolongation of APD
90
and ERP. This suggests that during the rapid activation rates of AF, the I
Na
blocking action of the mixed ion channel blocker vernakalant takes prominence. This mechanism may explain vernakalant's anti-AF efficacy.