bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Age on Functional and Structural Outcome after Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Han Oh Joo , Hoon Kim Sae , Kang Jong Yeal , Hee Oh Chung , Gong Hyun Sik 
Published: April 2010

Background There are numerous reports on the outcome of rotator cuff repair according to age. However, the results are conflicting and driven by univariate analysis, which is not free of confounding factors. Hypothesis Age does not affect the anatomical and functional outcomes of rotator cuff repair. Study design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Materials and Methods Eighty-one men and 96 women underwent rotator cuff repair at one institution and received computed tomography arthrography and functional evaluations at least 1 year after surgery. Various structural and clinical features according to age were evaluated. The correlation was assessed between age and outcomes, with adjustment for the preoperative score. Results Patient mean age was 60.0 ± 8.7 years. The mean ages were higher in women, nonsmokers, and those with positive paradoxical abduction, lower level of sports activity, the presence of biceps injury, higher fatty degeneration in cuff muscles, inferior isokinetic muscle performance, bigger tear size, more retraction of tear, and symptomatic acromioclavicular arthritis. For the integrity of the repair, the mean age was higher in the retear group (31.1%) than in the intact group (68.9%)—that is, 63.7 ± 7.5 and 58.4 ± 8.7 years, respectively (P < .001). Only the Constant score exhibited a positive correlation with age after adjustment (P = .009). Univariate regression analysis revealed that a 0.313-point increment of Constant score could be expected for each year of age. Conclusion On univariate analysis, older age was related with poor postoperative integrity and better functional improvement in Constant score. Multivariate regression revealed that age was not an independent determinant for anatomical or functional outcome whereas the tear retraction and fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus were independent factors for the integrity of repair and the presence of the paradoxical abduction and abduction torque of the unaffected shoulder for the Constant score.
Simultaneous administration of Ang(1-7) or A-779 does not affect the chronic hypertensive effects of angiotensin II in normal rats
Authors: Collister John P , Nahey David B 
Published: April 2010

Hypothesis. The following studies were designed to test the hypothesis that simultaneous administration of either Ang(1-7) or its antagonist A-779 would affect the chronic hypertensive effects of angiotensin II (Ang II). Introduction. Despite the well-described actions of Ang(1-7) and its role possessing opposite actions to Ang II, there have been few studies examining the role of Ang(1-7) in a chronic setting. It is well established that Ang(1-7) plays a protective role in preventing deleterious effects of Ang II in the heart, but little is known of its role in modulating the chronic hypertensive effects of Ang II. Materials and methods. Rats were instrumented with venous catheters and telemetric pressure transducers. Arterial pressure responses were measured in rats treated with Ang II (10 ng/kg/ min) (n=9) and compared with those treated with Ang II and Ang(1-7) (24 µg/kg/h) (n=8), or the Ang(1-7) antagonist A-779 (24 µg/kg/h) (n=7) for 8 days. Results. Mean arterial pressure rose significantly and similarly in all three groups of rats, such that by day 8 of Ang II infusion, pressures had risen 25—30 mmHg in all rats. Conclusions. These results do not support the hypothesis that the chronic hypertensive effects of Ang II in normal rats are altered by co-administration of either Ang(1-7) or A-779.
Hypertension study in anaesthetized rabbits: protocol proposal for AT1antagonists screening
Authors: Politi Aggeliki P , Zervou Maria V , Triantafyllidi Helen , Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis G , Mavromoustakos Thomas M , Zoga Anastasia A , Moutevelis-Minakakis Panagiota , Kokotos George , Iliodromitis Efstathios K , Kremastinos Dimitris Th 
Published: April 2010

Introduction: The aim of this study was to establish an optimized fast and safe protocol for the pharmacological screening of AT1antagonists.Materials and methods : The pharmaceutical prototype AT1antagonist losartan, its active metabolite EXP3174 and the synthetic compound MMK1 were analysed in order to validate the protocol. Ang II was continuously infused while the animals received the drugs in two procedures.Results: In the post-treatment procedure drugs were administered either in a single bolus dose or in a sequential manner. When losartan was administered in a single bolus dose, efficacy was evident until the 7th min ( p=0.012) whilst EXP3174 infusion extended the efficiency up to the end of the study ( p=0.006). In addition, the sequential injections of losartan prolonged the inhibitory time interval until the end of the study ( p=0.045). In the pre-treatment procedure, results suggested a dose-dependent inhibitory effect for both antagonists. The pressor response to Ang II was unchanged after MMK1 administration either in the post- or in the pre-treatment mode.Conclusions: The proposed protocol appears to be safe, simple and fast for the pharmacological screening of AT1antagonists and enables the evaluation of new antagonists using lower doses than any other reported in the literature.
Hematopoietic stem cell function requires 12/15-lipoxygenase–dependent fatty acid metabolism
Authors: Kinder Michelle , Wei Cong , Shelat Suresh G. , Kundu Mondira , Zhao Liang , Blair Ian A. , Puré Ellen 
Published: April 2010

AbstractFatty acid metabolism governs multiple intracellular signaling pathways in many cell types, but its role in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is largely unknown. Herein, we establish a critical role for 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX)–mediated unsaturated fatty acid metabolism in HSC function. HSCs from 12/15-LOX–deficient mice are severely compromised in their capacity to reconstitute the hematopoietic compartment in competitive and serial reconstitution assays. Furthermore, we demonstrate that 12/15-LOX is required for the maintenance of long-term HSC quiescence and number. The defect in HSCs is cell-autonomous and associated with a selective reduction in 12/15-LOX–mediated generation of bioactive lipid mediators and reactive oxygen species and with a decrease in canonical Wnt signaling as measured by nuclear β-catenin staining. These results have implications for development, aging, and transformation of the hematopoietic compartment.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells resident in human thymus drive natural Treg cell development
Authors: Martín-Gayo Enrique , Sierra-Filardi Elena , Corbí Angel L. , Toribio María L. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe generation of natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) is crucial for the establishment of immunologic self-tolerance and the prevention of autoimmunity. Still, the origin of nTregs and the mechanisms governing their differentiation within the thymus are poorly understood, particularly in humans. It was recently shown that conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) in human thymus were capable of inducing nTreg differentiation. However, the function of plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), the other major subset of thymic DCs, remains unknown. Here we report that pDCs resident in the human thymus, when activated with CD40 ligand (CD40L) plus interleukin-3, efficiently promoted the generation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ nTregs from autologous thymocytes. The progenitors of these nTregs were selectively found within CD4+CD8+ thymocytes that had accomplished positive selection, as judged by their CD69hiTCRhi phenotype. Supporting the involvement of the CD40-CD40L pathway in pDC-induced nTreg generation, we show that positively selected CD4+CD8+ progenitors specifically transcribed CD40L in vivo and up-regulated CD40L expression on T-cell receptor engagement, thereby promoting the activation of pDCs. Finally, evidence is provided that nTregs primed by pDCs displayed reciprocal interleukin-10/transforming growth factor-β cytokine expression profiles compared with nTregs primed by cDCs. This functional diversity further supports a nonredundant tolerogenic role for thymic pDCs in the human thymus.
Asthma and pulmonary arterial hypertension: do they share a key mechanism of pathogenesis?
Authors: Said S. I. , Hamidi S. A. , Gonzalez Bosc L. 
Published: April 2010

Although largely distinct and seemingly unrelated, asthma and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have important pathological features in common, including inflammation, smooth muscle contraction and remodelling.We hypothesised that these common features could be explained by one shared mechanism of pathogenesis: activation of the transcription factor NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T-cells). If this concept is validated, it could lead to the introduction of novel therapeutic strategies against both lung disorders.In several experimental models, airway remodelling is accompanied by remodelling of smaller pulmonary arteries, validating the hypothesis of their similar pathogenesis. In addition, lungs of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) knockout mice express airway hyperresponsiveness with airway inflammation and PAH with vascular remodelling, with both sets of pathological findings being reversible with VIP treatment. Preliminary data suggest that absence of the VIP gene leads to activation of the calcineurin–NFAT pathway, and that VIP is probably a physiological inhibitor of this pathway.Enough evidence exists to support the views that asthma and PAH share important pathological features, probably related to NFAT activation, and that VIP may be a physiological modulator of this mechanism.
GeneMesh: a web-based microarray analysis tool for relating differentially expressed genes to MeSH terms
Authors: Jani Saurin D , Argraves Gary L , Barth Jeremy L , Argraves W Scott 
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background
An important objective of DNA microarray-based gene expression experimentation is determining inter-relationships that exist between differentially expressed genes and biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components, signaling pathways, physiologic processes and diseases.

Results
Here we describe GeneMesh, a web-based program that facilitates analysis of DNA microarray gene expression data. GeneMesh relates genes in a query set to categories available in the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) hierarchical index. The interface enables hypothesis driven relational analysis to a specific MeSH subcategory (e.g., Cardiovascular System, Genetic Processes, Immune System Diseases etc.) or unbiased relational analysis to broader MeSH categories (e.g., Anatomy, Biological Sciences, Disease etc.). Genes found associated with a given MeSH category are dynamically linked to facilitate tabular and graphical depiction of Entrez Gene information, Gene Ontology information, KEGG metabolic pathway diagrams and intermolecular interaction information. Expression intensity values of groups of genes that cluster in relation to a given MeSH category, gene ontology or pathway can be displayed as heat maps of Z score-normalized values. GeneMesh operates on gene expression data derived from a number of commercial microarray platforms including Affymetrix, Agilent and Illumina.

Conclusions
GeneMesh is a versatile web-based tool for testing and developing new hypotheses through relating genes in a query set (e.g., differentially expressed genes from a DNA microarray experiment) to descriptors making up the hierarchical structure of the National Library of Medicine controlled vocabulary thesaurus, MeSH. The system further enhances the discovery process by providing links between sets of genes associated with a given MeSH category to a rich set of html linked tabular and graphic information including Entrez Gene summaries, gene ontologies, intermolecular interactions, overlays of genes onto KEGG pathway diagrams and heatmaps of expression intensity values. GeneMesh is freely available online at http://proteogenomics.musc.edu/genemesh/.
Initial development and structure of biofilms on microbial fuel cell anodes
Authors: Read Suzanne T , Dutta Paritam , Bond Phillip L , Keller Jürg , Rabaey Korneel 
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) rely on electrochemically active bacteria to capture the chemical energy contained in organics and convert it to electrical energy. Bacteria develop biofilms on the MFC electrodes, allowing considerable conversion capacity and opportunities for extracellular electron transfer (EET). The present knowledge on EET is centred around two Gram-negative models, i.e. Shewanella and Geobacter species, as it is believed that Gram-positives cannot perform EET by themselves as the Gram-negatives can. To understand how bacteria form biofilms within MFCs and how their development, structure and viability affects electron transfer, we performed pure and co-culture experiments.

Results
Biofilm viability was maintained highest nearer the anode during closed circuit operation (current flowing), in contrast to when the anode was in open circuit (soluble electron acceptor) where viability was highest on top of the biofilm, furthest from the anode. Closed circuit anode Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms were considerably thinner compared to the open circuit anode (30 ± 3 μm and 42 ± 3 μm respectively), which is likely due to the higher energetic gain of soluble electron acceptors used. The two Gram-positive bacteria used only provided a fraction of current produced by the Gram-negative organisms. Power output of co-cultures Gram-positive Enterococcus faecium and either Gram-negative organisms, increased by 30-70% relative to the single cultures. Over time the co-culture biofilms segregated, in particular, Pseudomonas aeruginosa creating towers piercing through a thin, uniform layer of Enterococcus faecium. P. aeruginosa and E. faecium together generated a current of 1.8 ± 0.4 mA while alone they produced 0.9 ± 0.01 and 0.2 ± 0.05 mA respectively.

Conclusion
We postulate that this segregation may be an essential difference in strategy for electron transfer and substrate capture between the Gram-negative and the Gram-positive bacteria used here.
The independent contribution of executive functions to health related quality of life in older women
Authors: Davis Jennifer C , Marra Carlo A , Najafzadeh Mehdi , Liu-Ambrose Teresa 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackgroundCognition is a multidimensional construct and to our knowledge, no previous studies have examined the independent contribution of specific domains of cognition to health related quality of life. To determine whether executive functions are independently associated with health related quality of life assessed using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) calculated from the EuroQol EQ-5D (EQ-5D) in older women after adjusting for known covariates, including global cognition. Therefore, we conducted a secondary analysis of community-dwelling older women aged 65-75 years who participated in a 12-month randomized controlled trial of resistance training. We assessed global cognition using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and executive functions using the: 1) Stroop Test; 2) Trail Making Test (Part B) and 3) Digits Verbal Span Backwards Test. We calculated QALYs from the EQ-5D administered at baseline, 6 months and 12 months.ResultsOur multivariate linear regression model demonstrated the specific executive processes of set shifting and working memory, as measured by Trail Making Test (Part B) and Digits Verbal Span Backward Test (p < 0.01) respectively, were independently associated with QALYs after accounting for age, comorbidities, general mobility, and global cognition. The final model explained 50% of the variation in QALYs.ConclusionsOur study highlights the specific executive processes of set shifting and working memory were independently associated with QALYs -- a measure of health related quality of life. Given that executive functions explain variability in QALYs, clinicians may need to consider assessing executive functions when measuring health related quality of life. Further, the EQ-5D may be used to track changes in health status over time and serve as a screening tool for clinicians.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00426881.
Quantitative assay for the detection of the V617F variant in the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene using the Luminex xMAP technology
Authors: Paradis François W , Simard Raynald , Gaudet Daniel 
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background
The availability of clinically valid biomarkers contribute to improve the diagnosis and clinical management of diseases. A valine-to-phenylalanine substitution at position 617 (V617F) in the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene has been recently associated with key signaling abnormalities in the transduction of haemopoietic growth-factor receptors and is now considered as a useful clinical marker of myeloproliferative neoplasms. Several methods have recently been reported to detect the JAK2 V617F point mutation and show variable sensitivity.

Methods
Using the Luminex xMAP technology, we developed a quantitative assay to detect the JAK2V617F variant. The method was based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by hybridization to specific probes coupled with internally dyed microspheres. The assay comprises 3 steps: genomic DNA extraction, end point PCR reaction, direct hybridization of PCR fragments and quantification. It has been tested with different sources of nucleic acid.

Results
Applied to whole blood samples, this quantitative assay showed a limit of detection of 2%. A highly sensitive allele-specific primer extension reaction performed in parallel allowed to validate the results and to identify the specimens with values below 2%.

Conclusion
Direct hybridization assay using the Luminex xMAP technology allows sensitive quantification of JAK2V617F from blood spots. It is simple and can be easily performed in a clinical setting.
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in kidney transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus: statins not associated with improved patient or graft survival
Authors: Younas Nizar , Wu Christine M , Shapiro Ron , McCauley Jerry , Johnston James , Tan Henkie , Basu Amit , Schaefer Heidi , Smetanka Cynthia , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C , Unruh Mark 
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background
The beneficial effects of early statin use in kidney transplant recipients, especially those on tacrolimus-based immunosuppression, are not well established. We evaluated the predictors of statin use following kidney transplantation and examined its association with patient and allograft survival.

Methods
We examined 615 consecutive patients who underwent kidney transplant at our institution between January 1998 and January 2002. Statin use was assessed at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following kidney transplant. Patients were followed for allograft and patient survival.

Results
36% of the 615 kidney transplant recipients were treated with statin treatment. Statin use increased over the course of the study period. Older age, elevated body mass index, higher triglyceride levels, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, history of myocardial infarction were associated with higher rates of statin use; elevated alkaline phosphatase levels and CMV IgG seropositivity were associated with less statin use. Older age, elevated BMI and hypercholesterolemia remained significant predictors of increased statin use after accounting for covariates using multiple regression. The early use of statins was not associated with improvements in unadjusted patient survival [HR 0.99; 95%CI 0.72-1.37] or graft survival [HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.76-1.24]. The risks of death and graft survival were not consistently reduced with exposure to statin using either adjusted models or propensity scores in Cox Proportional Hazards models.

Conclusions
In a kidney transplant population primarily receiving tacrolimus-based immunosuppression, early statin use was not associated with significantly improved graft or patient survival.
Factors associated with sex in the context of methamphetamine use in different sexual venues among HIV-positive men who have sex with men
Authors: Semple Shirley J , Strathdee Steffanie A , Zians Jim , Patterson Thomas L 
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background
Harm reduction has focused primarily on reduction of high-risk substance using behaviors rather than reductions in high-risk sexual behaviors. Furthermore, most studies focus on individual behavior change, with less attention paid to the social and environmental context. This paper promotes understanding of the interplay between the individual and the social context by examining the psychosocial and behavioral characteristics of 321 methamphetamine-using HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in San Diego, CA based on the locations or venues of their sexual activities when "high" on methamphetamine.

Methods
Participants in a safer-sex intervention study underwent a baseline assessment that queried demographic and psychosocial characteristics as well as drug use and sexual risk behaviors. For purposes of analysis, respondents were classified according to their preference of sexual venue: private (e.g., home), commercial (e.g., bathhouse), or public (e.g., public park or restroom).

Results
The commercial venue group was younger, better educated, more likely to identify as gay, and significantly more likely to have used "club drugs" as compared to the other two groups. Men in the commercial- and public-venue groups reported more high-risk sex compared to the private-venue group. The public-venue group reported heavier drug and alcohol use, had significantly higher Beck depression scores, reported more experiences of stigma, and scored higher on a measure of sexual compulsivity than did the other two groups.

Conclusion
In an effort to reduce HIV/STI risk-behaviors, future studies should investigate the feasibility of modifying personal, psychosocial and structural factors associated with the use of risky sexual venues where HIV-positive methamphetamine users engage in sexual activity when "high" on methamphetamine.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00432926
Determination of silver nanoparticle release from antibacterial fabrics into artificial sweat
Authors: Kulthong Kornphimol , Srisung Sujittra , Boonpavanitchakul Kanittha , Kangwansupamonkon Wiyong , Maniratanachote Rawiwan 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Silver nanoparticles have been used in numerous commercial products, including textiles, to prevent bacterial growth. Meanwhile, there is increasing concern that exposure to these nanoparticles may cause potential adverse effects on humans as well as the environment. This study determined the quantity of silver released from commercially claimed nanosilver and laboratory-prepared silver coated fabrics into various formulations of artificial sweat, each made according to AATCC, ISO and EN standards. For each fabric sample, the initial amount of silver and the antibacterial properties against the model Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria on each fabric was investigated. The results showed that silver was not detected in some commercial fabrics. Furthermore, antibacterial properties of the fabrics varied, ranging from 0% to greater than 99%. After incubation of the fabrics in artificial sweat, silver was released from the different fabrics to varying extents, ranging from 0 mg/kg to about 322 mg/kg of fabric weight. The quantity of silver released from the different fabrics was likely to be dependent on the amount of silver coating, the fabric quality and the artificial sweat formulations including its pH. This study is the unprecedented report on the release of silver nanoparticles from antibacterial fabrics into artificial sweat. This information might be useful to evaluate the potential human risk associated with the use of textiles containing silver nanoparticles.