bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutralizing antibodies, MxA expression and MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratio as markers of bioavailability of interferon‐beta treatment in multiple sclerosis patients: a two‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Garcia‐Montojo M. , Dominguez‐Mozo M. I. , De Las Heras V. , Bartolome M. , Garcia‐Martinez A. , Arroyo R. , Alvarez‐Lafuente R. 
Published: December 2009

Background:  The objective of this study was to correlate the detection of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) by the cytopathic effect (CPE) assay, with the expression of myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA), and the ratio between matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9) and its tissular inhibitor (TIMP‐1), in order to evaluate their usefulness as markers of interferon beta (IFN‐beta) bioavailability.Methods:  Pairs of blood and serum samples were collected from 50 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during 2 years of IFN‐beta treatment. Expression of MxA, MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 were analysed by quantitative PCR, and NAbs were measured by CPE assay.Results:  During the study, 60% of patients presented NAbs. The number of serum samples that were NAbs+ was significantly increased amongst patients with relapses (41/92 vs. 33/108, P = 0.04). With one serum sample and with a NAb titre >100 tenfold reduction unit (TRU), 66.7% of patients with MS suffered from relapses, 41.7% suffered from progression, and 75% was not an optimal clinical responder. We did not find any significant difference in MxA. We found that 62.5% of patients with MS patients whose ratio was increased twofold after 2 years suffered from relapses, 37.5% suffered from progression, and 68.7% was not an optimal clinical responder.Conclusion:  The early detection of NAbs by CPE assay and the finding of only one serum sample with a NAb titre >100 TRU seem to be markers of low bioavailability of IFN‐beta, whilst a twofold decrease in the MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratio by quantitative PCR assay seems to be a marker of high bioavailability of IFN‐beta.
Hyperhomocysteinemia recurrence in levodopa‐treated Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Belcastro V. , Pierguidi L. , Castrioto A. , Menichetti C. , Gorgone G. , Ientile R. , Pisani F. , Rossi A. , Calabresi P. , Tambasco N. 
Published: December 2009

Background:  Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and chronically treated with L‐DOPA exhibit, in a percentage of 10–30%, supra‐physiological levels of plasma total homocysteinemia (tHcy). In this study, we have investigated, in a group of hyper‐homocysteinemic PD patients, the time of hyper‐tHcy recurrence after discontinuation of 1‐month folate supplementation given to normalize plasma tHcy levels.Methods:  Plasma tHcy, cobalamin and folate were assayed before and after 1‐month folate supplementation (5 mg/day), and after 2 and 4 months after folate discontinuation in 29 PD patients (16M/13F, mean age 69.4 ± 6.9 years) stabilized on a mean L‐DOPA dose of 509.4 ± 312.1 mg/day.Results:  After folate supplementation, plasma tHcy levels fell within the normal range in all patients. At the 2‐month control after folate discontinuation, plasma tHcy remained within physiological values in 25 out of 29 patients. Conversely, 4 months after folate discontinuation, all patients exhibited hyper‐tHcy.Conclusions:  One‐month intake of 5 mg/day folate normalizes plasma tHcy levels in all hyper‐homocysteinemic PD patients. Following folate discontinuation, hyper‐tHcy recurs in all patients within 4 months. Knowledge of this time interval is useful to optimize pulses of folate therapy in hyper‐homocysteinemic patients with PD.
Psychological Acceptance Mediates the Impact of the Behaviour Problems of Children with Intellectual Disability on Fathers’ Psychological Adjustment
Authors: MacDonald Elaine E. , Hastings Richard P. , Fitzsimons Elaine 
Published: December 2009

Background  Previous research with mothers of children with intellectual disabilities has shown that psychological acceptance is related to maternal psychological well‐being. The present research extended this line of enquiry to fathers and explored the potential for psychological acceptance to mediate the impact of children’s behaviour problems on paternal well‐being.Method  Ninety‐nine fathers of 67 boys and 32 girls with intellectual disability, between 6 and 18 years of age, participated in a questionnaire study. Psychological acceptance of difficult/negative emotions and thoughts associated with interactions with the child with intellectual disability were measured alongside ratings of the child’s behaviour problems and paternal negative (stress, anxiety, depression) and positive (‘positive gain’) well‐being.Results  Psychological acceptance was found to partially mediate the impact of child behaviour problems on paternal stress, anxiety, and depression. Acceptance was also a positive predictor of fathers’ perceptions of positive gain associated with raising their child with intellectual disability. However, it could not function as a potential mediator of positive gain in the present research because fathers’ ratings of their child’s behaviour problems were not associated with paternal positive gain.Conclusions  Implications for practice include the potential of acceptance‐based interventions, and other psychological interventions targeting acceptance and avoidance processes (e.g. mindfulness‐based approaches), to positively affect paternal psychological adjustment.
Inequalities in Respite Service Provision: Insights from a National, Longitudinal Study of People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: McConkey Roy , Kelly Fionnola , Mannan Hasheem , Craig Sarah 
Published: December 2009

Background  Respite or short breaks are frequently sought by parents and demand for them usually exceeds their availability.Methods  Using data from a national database in Ireland of around 16 000 persons living with family carers, the availability of overnight respite provision was monitored over an 8‐year period along with the recorded needs for such services.Results  Despite marked rises in the number of people receiving respite breaks resulting from increased government funding, there were marked inequalities in the availability of provision across the country. In recent years the inequalities decreased but still remained. The proportion of families requiring breaks also rose and a similar pattern of inequalities were found here too. Only a small proportion of families who had a recorded need in 1999 were receiving respite services 8 years later and over one third had a continuing need recorded.Conclusion  This study highlighted some of the complexities in reducing inequalities in the provision of respite services and in identifying the need for them. It would be advantageous to develop more explicit criteria regarding the need for respite provision and to record the family’s preferences for the form this provision might take. These adjustments would add to the value of any national database as a service planning tool.
Predicting Mother/Father–Child Interactions: Parental Personality and Well‐being, Socioeconomic Variables and Child Disability Status
Authors: Glidden Laraine M. , Bamberger Katharine T. , Turek Kevin C. , Hill Kelli L. 
Published: December 2009

Background  Child and parent characteristics as well as socioeconomic family variables can influence the quality of parent–child interactions.Methods  Coders rated parent behaviour from a video‐taped 30‐min family interaction in 91 families rearing children who were either typically developing or had intellectual/developmental disabilities. In addition, mothers and fathers completed NEO‐FFI personality items as well as subjective well‐being ratings.Results  Coder ratings were factor analysed, resulting in a four‐factor parent behaviour inventory. The disability status of the children did not predict ratings on three of the factors, but parents of children with disabilities were perceived as less negative on one factor than parents of typically developing children. Extraversion, occupational status, and subjective well‐being related to the child also predicted some parenting behaviours.Conclusions  Parenting a child with intellectual/developmental disabilities did not result in identifiably adverse outcomes for either mothers or fathers as determined by both behavioural and self‐report measures.
Resveratrol reduces glutamate‐mediated monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 expression via inhibition of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 pathway in rat hippocampal slice cultures
Authors: Lee Eun Ok , Park Hee Ju , Kang JiHee Lee , Kim Hye‐Sun , Chong Young Hae 
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 1477–1488.AbstractPublished evidence has linked glutamate with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the up‐regulation of a variety of chemokines, including monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1)/chemokine ligand 2, with AD‐associated pathological changes. In this study, we assessed the potential molecular basis for the role of glutamate in hippocampal inflammation by determining its effects on MCP‐1 induction. We also attempted to identify the mechanism by which resveratrol (trans‐3,5,4′‐trihydroxystilbene), a polyphenolic phytostilbene, modulates the expression of MCP‐1 in the glutamate‐stimulated hippocampus. An ex vivo study using rat hippocampal slices demonstrated a time‐ and dose‐dependent increase in MCP‐1 release from glutamate‐exposed hippocampus. This increase was accompanied by enhanced MCP‐1 gene expression via the activation of the MEK/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) expression. The inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway with SL327, which is capable of crossing the blood‐brain barrier, nearly abolished the observed glutamate‐induced effects. Furthermore, anti‐IL‐1β antibodies suppressed the glutamate‐induced expression of MCP‐1 mRNA and protein, whereas an isotype‐matched antibody exerted only minimal effects. It is worthy of note that resveratrol, to a similar degree as SL327, down‐regulated glutamate‐induced IL‐1β expression and reduced the expression of MCP‐1 mRNA and protein release via the inactivation of ERK1/2. These results indicate that the activation of the MEK/ERK pathway and the consequent IL‐1β expression are essential for glutamate‐stimulated MCP‐1 production in the hippocampus. Additionally, our data reveal an anti‐inflammatory mechanism of resveratrol involving the inactivation of the ERK1/2 pathway in the hippocampus, which is linked principally to AD‐associated cognitive dysfunction.
SIRT6 protects against pathological damage caused by diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Kanfi Yariv , Peshti Victoria , Gil Reuven , Naiman Shoshana , Nahum Liat , Levin Eran , Kronfeld‐Schor Noga , Cohen Haim Y. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryThe NAD+‐dependent SIRT6 deacetylase is a therapeutic candidate against the emerging metabolic syndrome epidemic. SIRT6, whose deficiency in mice results in premature aging phenotypes and metabolic defects, was implicated in a calorie restriction response that showed an opposite set of phenotypes from the metabolic syndrome. To explore the role of SIRT6 in metabolic stress, wild type and transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing SIRT6 were fed a high fat diet. In comparison to their wild‐type littermates, SIRT6 TG mice accumulated significantly less visceral fat, LDL‐cholesterol, and triglycerides. TG mice displayed enhanced glucose tolerance along with increased glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion. Gene expression analysis of adipose tissue revealed that the positive effect of SIRT6 overexpression is associated with down regulation of a selective set of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐responsive genes, and genes associated with lipid storage, such as angiopoietin‐like protein 4, adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein, and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, which were suggested as potential targets for drugs to control metabolic syndrome. These results demonstrate a protective role for SIRT6 against the metabolic consequences of diet‐induced obesity and suggest a potentially beneficial effect of SIRT6 activation on age‐related metabolic diseases.
Endogenous glucocorticoids decrease skeletal angiogenesis, vascularity, hydration, and strength in aged mice
Authors: Weinstein Robert S. , Wan Chao , Liu Qinglan , Wang Ying , Almeida Maria , O’Brien Charles A. , Thostenson Jeff , Roberson Paula K. , Boskey Adele L. , Clemens Thomas L. , Manolagas Stavros C. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryAging or glucocorticoid excess decrease bone strength more than bone mass in humans and mice, but an explanation for this mismatch remains elusive. We report that aging in C57BL/6 mice was associated with an increase in adrenal production of glucocorticoids as well as bone expression of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β‐HSD) type 1, the enzyme that activates glucocorticoids. Aging also decreased the volume of the bone vasculature and solute transport from the peripheral circulation to the lacunar‐canalicular system. The same changes were reproduced by pharmacologic hyperglucocorticoidism. Furthermore, mice in which osteoblasts and osteocytes were shielded from glucocorticoids via cell‐specific transgenic expression of 11β‐HSD type 2, the enzyme that inactivates glucocorticoids, were protected from the adverse effects of aging on osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis, bone formation rate and microarchitecture, crystallinity, vasculature volume, interstitial fluid, and strength. In addition, glucocorticoids suppressed angiogenesis in fetal metatarsals and hypoxia inducible factor‐1α transcription and vascular endothelial growth factor production in osteoblasts and osteocytes. These results, together with the evidence that dehydration of bone decreases strength, reveal that endogenous glucocorticoids increase skeletal fragility in old age as a result of cell autonomous effects on osteoblasts and osteocytes leading to interconnected decrements in bone angiogenesis, vasculature volume, and osteocyte‐lacunar‐canalicular fluid.
Protein quality in Mirasol pathogen reduction technology–treated, apheresis‐derived fresh‐frozen plasma
Authors: Smith James , Rock Gail 
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: The Mirasol pathogen reduction technology (PRT) system for plasma is based on a riboflavin (vitamin B2) and ultraviolet (UV) light treatment process resulting in pathogen inactivation due to irreversible photo‐oxidative damage of nucleic acids. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro protein quality of apheresis‐derived plasma treated with riboflavin and UV light in comparison with untreated fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty apheresis plasma samples (270 ± 10 mL) were combined with 35 ± 5 mL of riboflavin solution (500 µM), yielding a mean 60 µM final riboflavin concentration, and then exposed to UV light (6.24 J/mL). Riboflavin and UV light–treated plasma was then flash frozen, within 8 hours of collection, generating treated FFP. Treated FFP was thawed and analyzed using standard coagulation assays, and the percent retention of protein activity was reported, relative to untreated, paired controls.RESULTS: Plasma proteins demonstrated different sensitivities to riboflavin and UV treatment. The amount of total protein remained unchanged. After treatment, fibrinogen (antigen) showed 99% retention; Factor (F)XII, FXIII, ADAMTS‐13, and von Willebrand factor (ristocetin cofactor) 96% to 100%. Fibrinogen retained 77% activity, FII 80%, FVIIIc 75%, and FV 73% after treatment. Antithrombin, protein S, plasminogen, and α2‐antiplasmin retained between 91 and 100% activity.CONCLUSION: The results from this study demonstrate that coagulant and anticoagulant proteins in riboflavin and UV light–treated (PRT) apheresis plasma are well preserved.
Quality evaluation of frozen apheresis red blood cell storage with 21‐day postthaw storage in additive solution 3 and saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol: biochemical and chromium‐51 recovery measures
Authors: Bohoněk Miloš , Petráš Marek , Turek Ivo , Urbanová Jaroslava , Hrádek Tomáš , Chmátal Petr , Staropražská Věra , Koštířová Jitka , Horčičková Dana , Duchková Simona , Svobodová Jitka , Tejčková Eva 
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: The Czech Republic decided to build the frozen red blood cell (RBC) bank for military contingency and civil emergency preparedness. Storage methods were validated with 51Cr recovery measures out to 21 days postthaw.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 139 apheresis RBC units collected in additive solution (additive solution 3 [AS‐3] or saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol [SAG‐M]) were obtained from volunteers by double erythrocytapheresis; all were sterilely glycerolized, frozen, stored for at least 30 days at a minimum of −65°C in collection or cryogenic bags, thawed, sterilely deglycerolized, and stored at 4 ± 2°C for up to 21 days in AS‐3 or SAG‐M. Units were sampled before storage and after thaw weekly. Metabolic intermediates and 51Cr recovery measures were obtained to determine the index of therapeutic effectiveness (ITE).RESULTS: Despite losses associated with cryoconservation and eventual transfer to cryogenic bags, 3‐week storage with optimum ITE was obtained with frozen storage in primary collection or cryogenic bags and postthaw storage in AS‐3. Such cells would pass as acceptable in vitro hematology and biochemistry variables.CONCLUSIONS: A system for frozen RBC storage with 3‐week, postthaw, liquid storage has been validated. With commercially available components and automated processing, it is capable of supporting civilian rare blood and emergency and international military combat and peacekeeping support use patterns.
Is “transfusion‐associated necrotizing enterocolitis” an authentic pathogenic entity?
Authors: Christensen Robert D. , Lambert Diane K. , Henry Erick , Wiedmeier Susan E. , Snow Gregory L. , Baer Vickie L. , Gerday Erick , Ilstrup Sarah , Pysher Theodore J. 
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) sometimes occurs after a transfusion, but it is unclear whether this is a chance association or cause and effect.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We compared features of neonates that developed surgical NEC within 48 hours after transfusion with others that developed NEC not preceded by transfusion. We assessed the blood used for transfusion and feeding practices among NEC cases and controls.RESULTS: Forty neonates developed surgical NEC after a transfusion and 72 developed NEC unrelated to a transfusion. Those with NEC after transfusion were born at earlier gestation (mean 27 weeks, 90% confidence interval [CI] 26‐28 years vs. mean 30, 90% CI 29‐31; p < 0.001) and were of lower birth weight (mean 981 g, 90% CI 835‐1128 g vs. mean 1371 g, 90% CI 1245‐1496; p < 0.001) and developed NEC later during their neonatal intensive care unit course (day of life: mean 23, 90% CI 20‐27 vs. mean 16, 90% CI 13‐19; p < 0.001). Transfusions were more prevalent among those that developed NEC (p < 0.001). The blood transfused to those that developed NEC was not older, but those who developed NEC had been fed larger volumes of milk in the 24 hours before and during transfusion (p = 0.04) and were more likely to have been fed a bovine product during that period (p = 0.004).CONCLUSION: Approximately one‐third of surgical NEC cases in our system occurred after a transfusion. We speculate that a target area for reducing the prevalence of posttransfusion NEC involves feeding practices immediately before and during RBC transfusion.
Exploring opinions and beliefs about cord blood donation among Hispanic and non‐Hispanic black women
Authors: Rucinski Dianne , Jones Risé , Reyes Brenda , Tidwell Lawon , Phillips RoiAnn , Delves Denise 
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Despite higher birth rates among non‐Hispanic blacks and Hispanics, the availability of umbilical cord blood from these groups is lower due to lower donation rates than that of non‐Hispanic whites. Similar racial and ethnic disparities in donation rates have been found for blood and organ donation. This study is among the first to explore beliefs and attitudes toward umbilical cord blood donation among Hispanic and non‐Hispanic black women.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Five focus groups composed of Hispanic and non‐Hispanic black women were conducted to explore how women conceptualize information needs about umbilical cord blood donation and from whom women want to receive information about donation. Participants were adult women who had given birth within the past year or were pregnant.RESULTS: Lack of basic information regarding umbilical cord blood, its harvesting and use, and the steps and conditions necessary to donate were primary barriers to donation. Women expressed confusion over the differences between “donation” and “banking.” The social value of donation was explicitly weighed in terms of the cost of the donation effort. Doctors were viewed as critical sources for information about donation, although women expressed skepticism about doctors' ability to convey sufficient information during short office visits.CONCLUSION: Efforts to increase donation rates among Hispanic and non‐Hispanic black women should include information about both the technical aspects and the social value of donation. The specific terms “umbilical” and “donation” should be used consistently to prevent misunderstanding. Information should be provided by physicians with follow‐up by other health providers.
Conduction Delay in Right Ventricle as a Marker for Identifying High‐Risk Patients With Brugada Syndrome
Authors: DOI ATSUSHI , TAKAGI MASAHIKO , MAEDA KEIKO , TATSUMI HIROAKI , SHIMENO KENJI , YOSHIYAMA MINORU 
Published: December 2009

Conduction Delay as a Marker for Brugada Syndrome. Objectives: To evaluate the significance of conduction delay (CD) in the right ventricle (RV) in Brugada syndrome (BS) as a marker for risk stratification of sudden death.
Methods:
Twenty‐five patients with BS (7 with documented ventricular fibrillation (VF), 8 with syncope, and 10 without symptoms) and 10 control subjects were paced from the RV apex using 8 beats of drive pacing and a single extra‐stimulus. CDs in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) (CD‐RV) and in the lateral left ventricle (L‐LV) (CD‐LV), and the local electrogram durations at a single extra‐stimulus in RVOT (D‐RV) and L‐LV (D‐LV) were calculated. We also evaluated changes in 12‐lead ECG parameters in 16 patients with BS after pilsicainide challenge test (Pilsicainide‐test).
Results:
Maximal CD‐RV and maximal D‐RV were significantly larger than maximal CD‐LV and maximal D‐LV in BS (26 ± 10 and 105 ± 15 vs 20 ± 6 and 92 ± 15 ms, P < 0.05, respectively). Maximal CD‐RV and maximal D‐RV in patients with documented VF were the largest among the 3 groups. There was a significant positive correlation between maximal CD‐RV or maximal D‐RV and changes in QRS duration in leads V2 and V5 and in S wave duration in lead II and V5 after Pilsicainide‐test (CD‐RV; r = 0.54, 0.51, 0.56, and 0.53: D‐RV; r = 0.55, 0.5, 0.57, and 0.53, P < 0.05, respectively). In control subjects, there were no significant differences.
Conclusions:
CD in RV was a useful marker for identifying high‐risk patients with BS. CD in the RV, especially in the RVOT epicardium, may be related to arrhythmias in BS. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 688‐696, June 2010)