bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical Role of Mast Cell Chymase in Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation
Authors: Sun Jiusong , Zhang Jie , Lindholt Jes S. , Sukhova Galina K. , Liu Jian , He Aina , Åbrink Magnus , Pejler Gunnar , Stevens Richard L. , Thompson Robert W. , Ennis Terri L. , Gurish Michael F. , Libby Peter , Shi Guo-Ping 
Published: September 2009

Background—Mast cell chymase may participate in the pathogenesis of human abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), yet a direct contribution of this serine protease to AAA formation remains unknown.Methods and Results—Human AAA lesions had high numbers of chymase-immunoreactive mast cells. Serum chymase level correlated with AAA growth rate (P=0.009) in a prospective clinical study. In experimental AAA produced by aortic elastase perfusion in wild-type (WT) mice or those deficient in the chymase ortholog mouse mast cell protease-4 (mMCP-4) or deficient in mMCP-5 (Mcpt4−/−,Mcpt5−/−),Mcpt4−/−but notMcpt5−/−had reduced AAA formation 14 days after elastase perfusion. Even 8 weeks after perfusion, aortic expansion inMcpt4−/−mice fell by 50% compared with that of the WT mice (P=0.0003). AAA lesions inMcpt4−/−mice had fewer inflammatory cells and less apoptosis, angiogenesis, and elastin fragmentation than those of WT mice. AlthoughKitW-sh/W-shmice had protection from AAA formation, reconstitution with mast cells from WT mice, but not those fromMcpt4−/−mice, partially restored the AAA phenotype. Mechanistic studies suggested that mMCP-4 regulates expression and activation of cysteine protease cathepsins, elastin degradation, angiogenesis, and vascular cell apoptosis.Conclusions—High chymase-positive mast cell content in human AAA lesions, greatly reduced AAA formation inMcpt4−/−mice, and significant correlation of serum chymase levels with human AAA expansion rate suggests participation of mast cell chymase in the progression of human and mouse AAA.
Characteristics of Deep Tropical and Subtropical Convection from Nadir-Viewing High-Altitude Airborne Doppler Radar
Authors: Heymsfield Gerald M. , Tian Lin , Heymsfield Andrew J. , Li Lihua , Guimond Stephen 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
This paper presents observations of deep convection characteristics in the tropics and subtropics that have been classified into four categories: tropical cyclone, oceanic, land, and sea breeze. Vertical velocities in the convection were derived from Doppler radar measurements collected during several NASA field experiments from the nadir-viewing high-altitude ER-2 Doppler radar (EDOP). Emphasis is placed on the vertical structure of the convection from the surface to cloud top (sometimes reaching 18-km altitude). This unique look at convection is not possible from other approaches such as ground-based or lower-altitude airborne scanning radars. The vertical motions from the radar measurements are derived using new relationships between radar reflectivity and hydrometeor fall speed. Various convective properties, such as the peak updraft and downdraft velocities and their corresponding altitude, heights of reflectivity levels, and widths of reflectivity cores, are estimated. The most significant findings are the following: 1) strong updrafts that mostly exceed 15 m s−1, with a few exceeding 30 m s−1, are found in all the deep convection cases, whether over land or ocean; 2) peak updrafts were almost always above the 10-km level and, in the case of tropical cyclones, were closer to the 12-km level; and 3) land-based and sea-breeze convection had higher reflectivities and wider convective cores than oceanic and tropical cyclone convection. In addition, the high-resolution EDOP data were used to examine the connection between reflectivity and vertical velocity, for which only weak linear relationships were found. The results are discussed in terms of dynamical and microphysical implications for numerical models and future remote sensors.
The Atmospheric Response to a Thermohaline Circulation Collapse: Scaling Relations for the Hadley Circulation and the Response in a Coupled Climate Model
Authors: Drijfhout Sybren S. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The response of the tropical atmosphere to a collapse of the thermohaline circulation (THC) is investigated by comparing two 5-member ensemble runs with a coupled climate model (CCM), the difference being that in one ensemble a hosing experiment was performed. An extension of the Held–Hou–Lindzen model for the Hadley circulation is developed to interpret the results. The forcing associated with a THC collapse is qualitatively similar to, but smaller in amplitude than, the solstitial shift from boreal summer to winter. This forcing results from reduced ocean heat transport creating an anomalous cross-equatorial SST gradient. The small amplitude of the forcing makes it possible to arrive at analytical expressions using standard perturbation theory. The theory predicts the latitudinal shift between the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and Southern Hemisphere (SH) Hadley cells, and the relative strength of the anomalous cross-equatorial Hadley cell compared to the solstitial cell. The poleward extent of the Hadley cells is controlled by other physics. In the NH the Hadley cell contracts, while zonal velocities increase and the subtropical jet shifts equatorward, whereas in the SH cell the opposite occurs. This behavior can be explained by assuming that the poleward extent of the Hadley cell is determined by baroclinic instability: it scales with the inverse of the isentropic slopes. Both theory and CCM results indicate that a THC collapse and changes in tropical circulation do not act in competition, as a possible explanation for abrupt climate change; they act in concert.
Sub-regional Co-operation in Eastern India and Bangladesh
Authors: Banerjee Pritam 
Published: September 2009

The basic premise of an efficient global market is the smooth flow of goods, services, technology and people across borders. This calls for a removal of barriers and reduction in transaction costs for such flows. It is therefore ironic that in a rapidly globalising world economy there are contiguous regions sharing the same geography that have some of the highest barriers and transaction costs, thereby preventing efficient regional market integration. One prime example of such a region, and the subject of this analysis, is Eastern India–Bangladesh (henceforth EIB) sub-region, which occupies the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. Appropriate investment in infrastructure (roads, warehousing and inland waterways) and technology can go a long way in ameliorating transaction costs of trading across borders. Technology solutions addressing the problems of Trade Facilitation include Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) between customs facilities within the country and across borders, identification numbers, bar codes or other forms of electronic identification for trucks and cargo containers, the establishment of a freight operation information system for real time monitoring of trains, wagons and cargo and implementation of smart card system for expediting all transactions associated with cross border movement. Given these issues, this paper investigates the political and technological feasibility of implementing a modern Trade Facilitation system in the context of Eastern India-Bangladesh sub-region.
When ‘‘No’’ Means ‘‘Yes’’: The Gender Implications of HIV Programming in a Zimbabwean University
Authors: Masvawure Tsitsi B. , Terry Paul E. , Adlis Sue , Mhloyi Marvellous 
Published: September 2009

Objectives: This study assessed the nature and extent of sexual risk-taking behavior by students in a Zimbabwean university and identified some of the sociocultural factors that facilitate sexual risk taking by female and male students. The main outcome measures of the study were condom use, number of sexual partners, and attitudes toward gender equity and equality. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used and a questionnaire was administered to 933 students. Information pertaining to students’ sexual practices, condom use practices, attitudes toward HIV testing, and their beliefs pertaining to women’s role in sexual decision making and a woman’s right to refuse sexual intercourse were among some of the variables assessed. Results: The vast majority of the university students (83%) are sexually experienced; only a third used condoms at their last sexual encounter; the use or nonuse of condoms was significantly associated with age, sex, marital status, and attitudes toward gender issues. There were also significant differences in the sexual behavior and attitudes of female and male students. Conclusion: Our study suggests that HIV prevention efforts targeted at university students need to incorporate a discussion of broader cultural beliefs, particularly those pertaining to gender role myths, if they are to be effective.
Observational Study to Evaluate Clinical Outcomes After First-Line Efavirenz-or Lopinavir-Ritonavir-Based HAART in Treatment-Naive Patients
Authors: Pérez-Elías María Jesús , Moreno Ana , Casado José Luis , Dronda Fernando , Antela Antonio , López Dolores , Quereda Carmen , Navas Enrique , Hermida Jose Manuel , Del Sol E. , Moreno Santiago 
Published: September 2009

Purpose: To evaluate clinical, immunological, and virological outcomes after first-line highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with a regimen including either efavirenz (EFV) or lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) in treament-naive adult patients in routine clinical care. Method: An ongoing prospective, observational follow-up study included all patients starting their first antiretroviral therapy (ART) with any of the studied regimens from July 1998 to July 2004. The follow-up period was finalized in September 2006, when all patients completed an observation of at least 96 weeks. Mortality rates, CD4 counts, viral suppression (HIV RNA below 50 copies/mL), and discontinuation of any component of the regimen were compared at 48 and 96 weeks. Results: Despite the worst immunological status of the LPV/r group patients at baseline, this regimen was at least as effective as the one based on EFV not only in terms of treatment durability but also in terms of virological responses, nevertheless with an apparently quicker immune recovery. In general terms, both regimens present similar tolerability and safety outcomes except for the higher risk of increasing triglyceride (TG) levels in the LPV/r group. Low durability was observed in both regimens. Conclusion: In a routine clinical care setting, initial HAART containing LPV/r seems to present an effectiveness, tolerability, and toxicity similar to the one containing EFV.
Adverse Drug Reactions to Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor-Based Antiretroviral Regimen: A 24-Week Prospective Study
Authors: Jena Anupam , Sachdeva Ravinder K. , Sharma Aman , Wanchu Ajay 
Published: September 2009

Background: Few studies have addressed the issue of adverse drug reactions with non-protease inhibitor (PI)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-constrained settings. We studied prospectively the incidence of adverse drug reactions with generic ART among our patients. Methodology: A total of 100 HIV-infected individuals were recruited. Patients received nevirapine (NVP) or efavirenz (EFV) with lamivudine (3TC) and zidovudine (ZDV)/stavudine (d4T). They were followed for 6 months for evidence of adverse drug reactions. Results: The mean CD4 count was 114.09 ± 60.07 cells/mm3 (range, 12-232 cells/mm 3). Transient gastrointestinal symptoms were most frequent. Fourteen individuals (12 receiving ZDV/d4T, 3TC, NVP and 2 receiving ZDV/d4T, 3TC, EFV) developed skin rash. Among patients receiving NVP, 25.7% developed grade 1 hepatotoxicity. Three patients had numbness in both lower limbs. Among those individuals who received EFV, 32.3% individuals had central nervous system (CNS) symptoms in the form of insomnia, vivid dreams, dizziness, and drowsiness. Conclusion: As the developing world increasingly uses generic ART, the clinician must be constantly vigilant for treatment-related adverse events.
Cervical Spine Injuries and the Return to Football
Authors: Torg Joseph S. 
Published: September 2009

Background: The literature dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of cervical spine injuries is considerable. Absent, however, are comprehensive criteria or guidelines for permitting or prohibiting return to collusion activities such as tackle football. Objective: The purpose of this report is to describe developmental and posttraumatic conditions of the cervical spine as presenting (1) no contraindication, (2) relative contraindication, or (3) an absolute contraindication to continued participation in tackle football and other contact activities. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: Analysis of data compiled from more than 1200 cervical spine injuries documented by the National Football Head and Neck Registry, in addition to a review of the limited published literature, plus an understanding of the recognized axial load injury mechanism and extensive anecdotal experience. Conclusion: The one overriding principle regarding the return to football or, for that matter, any collusion activity is that the individual be asymptomatic, pain-free, and neurologically intact and have full strength and full range of cervical motion.
Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in the Athlete
Authors: Weber Kathleen 
Published: September 2009

Context: Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has become of increasing concern in the athletic setting. Appropriate recognition, treatment, and prevention measures are all paramount to protect individual athletes and teamwide outbreaks. Evidence Acquisition: Relevant electronic databases (Medline or PubMed) through 2008 were searched. Articles and studies relevant to this topic were reviewed for pertinent clinical information. Study Type: Clinical review. Results: CA-MRSA is an increasing problem both in the community at large and in the athletic population. Conclusion: Early infections based on methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus are often misidentified, leading to delay in appropriate treatment. A high level of suspicion, prompt recognition, and appropriate treatment can minimize morbidity associated with CA-MRSA. Careful selection of antibiotics in suspected cases is important, with more severe infections requiring hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. Eradication of bacteria in colonized patients has not yet proven to be effective. Prevention of infections is multifaceted, and it includes education, proper personal hygiene, routine cleaning of equipment, and proper wound care.
Serum ferritin level changes in children with sickle cell disease on chronic blood transfusion are nonlinear and are associated with iron load and liver injury
Authors: Adamkiewicz Thomas V. , Abboud Miguel R. , Paley Carole , Olivieri Nancy , Kirby-Allen Melanie , Vichinsky Elliott , Casella James F. , Alvarez Ofelia A. , Barredo Julio C. , Lee Margaret T. , Iyer Rathi V. , Kutlar Abdullah , McKie Kathleen M. , McKie Virgil , Odo Nadine , Gee Beatrice , Kwiatkowski Janet L. , Woods Gerald M. , Coates Thomas , Wang Winfred , Adams Robert J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractChronic blood transfusion is increasingly indicated in patients with sickle cell disease. Measuring resulting iron overload remains a challenge. Children without viral hepatitis enrolled in 2 trials for stroke prevention were examined for iron overload (STOP and STOP2; n = 271). Most received desferrioxamine chelation. Serum ferritin (SF) changes appeared nonlinear compared with prechelation estimated transfusion iron load (TIL) or with liver iron concentrations (LICs). Averaged correlation coefficient between SF and TIL (patients/observations, 26 of 164) was r = 0.70; between SF and LIC (patients/observations, 33 of 47) was r = 0.55. In mixed models, SF was associated with LIC (P = .006), alanine transaminase (P = .025), and weight (P = .026). Most patients with SF between 750 and 1500 ng/mL had a TIL between 25 and 100 mg/kg (72.8% ± 5.9%; patients/observations, 24 of 50) or an LIC between 2.5 and 10 mg/g dry liver weight (75% ± 0%; patients/observations, 8 of 9). Most patients with SF of 3000 ng/mL or greater had a TIL of 100 mg/kg or greater (95.3% ± 6.7%; patients/observations, 7 of 16) or an LIC of 10 mg/g dry liver weight or greater (87.7% ± 4.3%; patients/observations, 11 of 18). Although SF changes are nonlinear, levels less than 1500 ng/mL indicated mostly acceptable iron overload; levels of 3000 ng/mL or greater were specific for significant iron overload and were associated with liver injury. However, to determine accurately iron overload in patients with intermediately elevated SF levels, other methods are required. These trials are registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00000592 and #NCT00006182.
Reciprocal role of GATA-1 and vitamin D receptor in human myeloid dendritic cell differentiation
Authors: Göbel Florian , Taschner Sabine , Jurkin Jennifer , Konradi Sabine , Vaculik Christine , Richter Susanne , Kneidinger Doris , Mühlbacher Christina , Bieglmayer Christian , Elbe-Bürger Adelheid , Strobl Herbert 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTwo major pathways of human myeloid dendritic cell (DC) subset differentiation have previously been delineated. Langerhans cells (LCs) reside in epithelia in the steady state, whereas monocytes can provide dendritic cells (DCs) on demand in response to inflammatory signals. Both DC subset pathways arise from shared CD14+ monocyte precursors, which in turn develop from myeloid committed progenitor cells. However, the underlying hematopoietic mechanisms still remain poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that the vitamin D3 receptor (VDR) is induced by transforming growth factor β1 during LC lineage commitment and exerts a positive role during LC generation. In contrast, VDR is repressed during interleukin-4 (IL-4)–dependent monocyte-derived DC (moDC) differentiation. We identified GATA-1 as a repressor of VDR. GATA-1 is induced by IL-4 in moDCs. Forced inducible expression of GATA-1 mimics IL-4 in redirecting moDC differentiation and vice versa, GATA-1 knockdown arrests moDC differentiation at the monocyte stage. Moreover, ectopic GATA-1 expression stabilizes the moDC phenotype under monocyte-promoting conditions in the presence of vitamin D3 (VD3). In summary, human myeloid DC subset differentiation is inversely regulated by GATA-1 and VDR. GATA-1 mediates the repression of VDR and enables IL-4–dependent moDC differentiation. Conversely, VDR is induced downstream of transforming growth factor β1 and is functionally involved in promoting LC differentiation.
Correlating gene and protein expression data using Correlated Factor Analysis
Authors: Tan Chuen Seng , Salim Agus , Ploner Alexander , Lehtiö Janne , Chia Kee Seng , Pawitan Yudi 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Joint analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data taken from the same samples has the potential to elucidate complex biological mechanisms. Most current methods that integrate these datasets allow for the computation of the correlation between a gene and protein but only after a one-to-one matching of genes and proteins is done. However, genes and proteins are connected via biological pathways and their relationship is not necessarily one-to-one. In this paper, we investigate the use of Correlated Factor Analysis (CFA) for modeling the correlation of genome-scale gene and protein data. Unlike existing approaches, CFA considers all possible gene-protein pairs and utilizes all gene and protein information in its modeling framework. The Generalized Singular Value Decomposition (gSVD) is another method which takes into account all available transcriptomic and proteomic data. Comparison is made between CFA and gSVD.

Results
Our simulation study indicates that the CFA estimates can consistently capture the dominant patterns of correlation between two sets of measurements; in contrast, the gSVD estimates cannot do that. Applied to real cancer data, the list of co-regulated genes and proteins identified by CFA has biologically meaningful interpretation, where both the gene and protein expressions are pointing to the same processes. Among the GO terms for which the genes and proteins are most correlated, we observed blood vessel morphogenesis and development.

Conclusion
We demonstrate that CFA is a useful tool for gene-protein data integration and modeling, where the main question is in finding which patterns of gene expression are most correlated with protein expression.
Effects of genetic deficiency of cyclooxygenase-1 or cyclooxygenase-2 on functional and histological outcomes following traumatic brain injury in mice
Authors: Kelso Matthew L , Scheff Stephen W , Pauly James R , Loftin Charles D 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Neuroinflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of acute CNS injury, including traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although prostaglandin lipid mediators of inflammation contribute to a variety of inflammatory responses, their importance in neuroinflammation is not clear. There are conflicting reports as to the efficacy of inhibiting the enzymes required for prostaglandin formation, cyclooxygenase (COX) -1 and COX-2, for improving outcomes following TBI. The purpose of the current study was to determine the role of the COX isoforms in contributing to pathological processes resulting from TBI by utilizing mice deficient in COX-1 or COX-2.

Results
Following a mild controlled cortical impact injury, the amount of cortical tissue loss, the level of microglial activation, and the capacity for functional recovery was compared between COX-1-deficient mice or COX-2-deficient mice, and their matching wild-type controls. The deficiency of COX-2 resulted in a minor (6%), although statistically significant, increase in the sparing of cortical tissue following TBI. The deficiency of COX-1 resulted in no detectable effect on cortical tissue loss following TBI. As determined by 3[H]-PK11195 autoradiography, TBI produced a similar increase in microglial activation in multiple brain regions of both COX-1 wild-type and COX-1-deficient mice. In COX-2 wild-type and COX-2-deficient mice, TBI increased 3[H]-PK11195 binding in all brain regions that were analyzed. Following injury, 3[H]-PK11195 binding in the dentate gyrus and CA1 region of the hippocampus was greater in COX-2-deficient mice, as compared to COX-2 wild-type mice. Cognitive assessment was performed in the wild-type, COX-1-deficient and COX-2-deficient mice following 4 days of recovery from TBI. There was no significant cognitive effect that resulted from the deficiency of either COX-1 or COX-2, as determined by acquisition and spatial memory retention testing in a Morris water maze.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that the deficiency of neither COX-1 nor COX-2 is sufficient to alter cognitive outcomes following TBI in mice.