bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A normal penile pressure cannot rule out the presence of lesions on the arteries supplying the hypogastric circulation in patients with arterial claudication
Authors: Mahé Guillaume , Leftheriotis Georges , Picquet Jean , Jaquinandi Vincent , Saumet Jean Louis , Abraham Pierre 
Published: October 2009

Abstract Proximal claudication remains a difficult diagnosis. The ankle to brachial index may be insensitive in the case of isolated hypogastric lesions. Penile pressure represents an alternative method for proximal arteries. Surprisingly, the accuracy of penile pressure measurement in detecting lesions on the arteries supplying pelvic circulation in patients suffering claudication has rarely been studied. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the penile brachial index < 0.60 (penile over brachial systolic pressure ratio) to non-invasively investigate arteriographic lesions on arteries supplying the hypogastric circulation in 88 male patients referred for Fontaine stage II. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to define the diagnostic performance of the penile brachial index and search for a specific cut-off point in this population. Accuracy was 69.3% (95% confidence interval: 58.6–78.7) for the detection of an arterial stenosis or occlusion on at least one side. The penile brachial index ≤ 0.45 was 74% sensitive and 68% specific to discriminate the 19 patients with bilateral arterial occlusion from the other 66 patients. In conclusion, the penile brachial index is relatively insensitive for the detection of proximal abnormal blood flow impairment except in the case of bilateral occlusion of arteries supplying the hypogastric circulation in patients with claudication. A normal penile pressure is probably not efficient enough to rule out the presence of lesions on the arteries towards the hypogastric circulation in patients with arterial claudication.
Cell-cell cooperation at the T helper cell/mast cell immunological synapse
Authors: Gaudenzio Nicolas , Espagnolle Nicolas , Mars Lennart T. , Liblau Roland , Valitutti Salvatore , Espinosa Eric 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIt has been suggested that mast cells might serve, under certain circumstances, as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for T cells. However, whether cognate interactions between mast cells and class II–restricted CD4+ T cells actually occur is still an open question. We addressed this question by using peritoneal cell–derived mast cells (PCMCs) and freshly isolated peritoneal mast cells as APC models. Our results show that in vitro treatment of PCMCs with interferon-γ and interleukin-4 induced surface expression of mature major histocompatibility complex class II molecules and CD86. When interferon-γ/interleukin-4–primed PCMCs were used as APCs for CD4+ T cells, they induced activation of effector T cells but not of their naive counterparts as evidenced by CD69 up-regulation, proliferation, and cytokine production. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that CD4+ T cells formed immunological synapses and polarized their secretory machinery toward both antigen-loaded PCMCs and freshly isolated peritoneal mast cells. Finally, on cognate interaction with CD4+ T cells, mast cells lowered their threshold of activation via FcϵRI. Our results show that mast cells can establish cognate interactions with class II–restricted helper T cells, implying that they can actually serve as resident APCs in inflamed tissues.
Functionally distinct subsets of human NK cells and monocyte/DC-like cells identified by coexpression of CD56, CD7, and CD4
Authors: Milush Jeffrey M. , Long Brian R. , Snyder-Cappione Jennifer E. , Cappione Amedeo J. , York Vanessa A. , Ndhlovu Lishomwa C. , Lanier Lewis L. , Michaëlsson Jakob , Nixon Douglas F. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe lack of natural killer (NK) cell–specific markers, as well as the overlap among several common surface antigens and functional properties, has obscured the delineation between NK cells and dendritic cells. Here, novel subsets of peripheral blood CD3/14/19neg NK cells and monocyte/dendritic cell (DC)–like cells were identified on the basis of CD7 and CD4 expression. Coexpression of CD7 and CD56 differentiates NK cells from CD56+ monocyte/DC-like cells, which lack CD7. In contrast to CD7+CD56+ NK cells, CD7negCD56+ cells lack expression of NK cell–associated markers, but share commonalities in their expression of various monocyte/DC-associated markers. Using CD7, we observed approximately 60% of CD4+CD56+ cells were CD7neg cells, indicating the actual frequency of activated CD4+ NK cells is much lower in the blood than previously recognized. Functionally, only CD7+ NK cells secrete gamma interferon (IFNγ) and degranulate after interleukin-12 (IL-12) plus IL-18 or K562 target cell stimulation. Furthermore, using CD7 to separate CD56+ NK cells and CD56+ myeloid cells, we demonstrate that unlike resting CD7+CD56+ NK cells, the CD7negCD56+ myeloid cells stimulate a potent allogeneic response. Our data indicate that CD7 and CD56 coexpression discriminates NK cells from CD7negCD56+ monocyte/DC-like cells, thereby improving our ability to study the intricacies of NK-cell subset phenotypes and functions in vivo.
Inhibition of extracellular matrix assembly induces the expression of osteogenic markers in skeletal muscle cells by a BMP-2 independent mechanism
Authors: Osses Nelson , Casar Juan Carlos , Brandan Enrique 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
The conversion of one cell type into another has been suggested to be, at the molecular level, the consequence of change(s) in the expression level of key developmental genes. Myoblasts have the ability to differentiate either to skeletal muscle or osteogenic lineage depending of external stimuli. Extracellular matrix (ECM) has been shown to be essential for skeletal muscle differentiation, through its direct interaction with myoblasts' cell receptors. We attempt to address if ECM also plays a role in the osteogenic differentiation of skeletal muscle cells.

Results
Inhibition of proteoglycan sulfation by sodium chlorate in myoblast cultures strongly affects ECM synthesis and deposition and induces the expression of the osteogenic lineage markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin in mononuclear cells. Induction of ALP by sodium chlorate does not affect the expression of specific muscle determination transcription factors, such as MyoD and Myf-5, in the same cells. The osteogenic transcription factor Cbfa-1 expression is also unaffected. Induction of ALP is not inhibited by a soluble form of BMP receptor IA. This suggests that the deviation of the myogenic pathway of C2C12 myoblasts into the osteogenic lineage by inhibitors of proteoglycan sulfation is BMP-2 independent. The increase of osteogenic markers expression can be totally prevented by an exogenous ECM. Interestingly, a similar BMP-2-independent ALP activity induction can be observed in myoblasts cultured on an ECM previously synthesized by BMP-2 treated myoblasts. Under in vivo conditions of increased ECM turn-over and deposition, as in the mdx dystrophic muscle and during skeletal muscle regeneration, an induction and relocalization of ALP is observed in a subpopulation of skeletal muscle fibers, whereas in normal skeletal muscle, ALP expression is restricted to blood vessels and some endomysial mononuclear cells.

Conclusion
These results suggest that signals arising from the ECM induce the expression of osteogenic markers in muscle cells by a mechanism independent of BMP-2 and without affecting the expression of key muscle or osteogenic determination genes. An induction and relocalization of ALP is also observed in mdx and regenerating skeletal muscles, in vivo conditions of increased muscle ECM deposition or turnover.
Inactivation of staphylococcal virulence factors using a light-activated antimicrobial agent
Authors: Tubby Sarah , Wilson Michael , Nair Sean P 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
One of the limitations of antibiotic therapy is that even after successful killing of the infecting microorganism, virulence factors may still be present and cause significant damage to the host. Light-activated antimicrobials show potential for the treatment of topical infections; therefore if these agents can also inactivate microbial virulence factors, this would represent an advantage over conventional antibiotic therapy. Staphylococcus aureus produces a wide range of virulence factors that contribute to its success as a pathogen by facilitating colonisation and destruction of host tissues.

Results
In this study, the ability of the light-activated antimicrobial agent methylene blue in combination with laser light of 665 nm to inactivate staphylococcal virulence factors was assessed. A number of proteinaceous virulence factors were exposed to laser light in the presence of methylene blue and their biological activities re-determined. The activities of V8 protease, α-haemolysin and sphingomyelinase were shown to be inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by exposure to laser light in the presence of methylene blue.

Conclusion
These results suggest that photodynamic therapy could reduce the harmful impact of preformed virulence factors on the host.
Hepatitis B virus inhibition in mice by lentiviral vector mediated short hairpin RNA
Authors: Deng Lei , Li Guoqiang , Xi Lisen , Yin Aihong , Gao Yun , You Wei , Wang Xuehao , Sun Beicheng 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The major challenges for current therapies are the low efficacy of current drugs and the occurrence of drug resistant HBV mutations. RNA interference (RNAi) of virus-specific genes offers the possibility of developing a new anti-HBV therapy. Recent reports have shown that lentiviral vectors based on HIV-1 are promising gene delivery vehicles due to their ability to integrate transgenes into non-dividing cells. Herein, a lentivirus-based RNAi system was developed to drive expression and delivery of HBV-specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in a mouse model for HBV replication.

Methods
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in the sera of the mice were analyzed by quantitative sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) and HBsAg in the livers of the mice were detected by immunohistochemical assay, HBV DNA and HBV mRNA were measured by fluorogenic quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR respectively.

Results
Co-injection of HBV plasmids together with the lentivirus targeting HBV shRNA induced an RNAi response. Secreted HBsAg was reduced by 89% in mouse serum, and HBeAg was also significantly inhibited, immunohistochemical detection of HBcAg or HBsAg in the liver tissues also revealed substantial reduction. Lentiviral mediated shRNA caused a significant suppression in the levels of viral mRNA and DNA synthesis compared to the control group.

Conclusion
Lentivirus-based RNAi can be used to suppress HBV replication in vivo, it might become a potential therapeutic strategy for treating HBV and other viral infections.
Thermochemotherapy effect of nanosized As2O3/Fe3O4complex on experimental mouse tumors and its influence on the expression of CD44v6, VEGF-C and MMP-9
Authors: Du Yiqun , Zhang Dongsheng , Liu Hui , Lai Rensheng 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
Both thermotherapy and arsenic have been shown to be active against a broad spectrum of cancers. To reduce the limitations of conventional thermotherapy, improve therapeutic anticancer activity, reduce the toxicity of arsenic on normal tissue, and increase tissue-specific delivery, we prepared a nanosized As2O3/Fe3O4 complex (Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in As2O3). We assessed the thermodynamic characteristics of this complex and validated the hyperthermia effect, when combined with magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH), on xenograft HeLa cells (human cervical cancer cell line) in nude mice. We also measured the effect on the expression of CD44v6, VEGF-C, and MMP-9 which were related to cancer and/or metastasis.

Results
The nanosized As2O3/Fe3O4 particles were approximately spherical, had good dispersibility as evidenced by TEM, and an average diameter of about 50 nm. With different concentrations of the nanosized As2O3/Fe3O4 complex, the correspondingsuspension of magnetic particles could attain a steady temperature ranging from 42°C to 65°C when placed in AMF for 40 min. Thermochemotherapy with the nanosized As2O3/Fe3O4 complex showed a significant inhibitory effect on the mass (88.21%) and volume (91.57%) of xenograft cervical tumors (p < 0.05 for each measurement, compared with control). In addition, thermochemotherapy with the nanosized As2O3/Fe3O4 complex significantly inhibited the expression of CD44v6, VEGF-C, and MMP-9 mRNA (p < 0.05 for each).

Conclusion
As2O3/Fe3O4 complex combined with MFH had is a promising technique for the minimally invasive elimination of solid tumors and may be have anticancerometastasic effect by inhibiting the expression of CD44v6, VEGF-C, and MMP-9.
Fluid-structure interaction of a patient-specific abdominal aortic aneurysm treated with an endovascular stent-graft
Authors: Molony David S , Callanan Anthony , Kavanagh Eamon G , Walsh Michael T , McGloughlin Tim M 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are local dilatations of the infrarenal aorta. If left untreated they may rupture and lead to death. One form of treatment is the minimally invasive insertion of a stent-graft into the aneurysm. Despite this effective treatment aneurysms may occasionally continue to expand and this may eventually result in post-operative rupture of the aneurysm. Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) is a particularly useful tool for investigating aneurysm biomechanics as both the wall stresses and fluid forces can be examined.

Methods
Pre-op, Post-op and Follow-up models were reconstructed from CT scans of a single patient and FSI simulations were performed on each model. The FSI approach involved coupling Abaqus and Fluent via a third-party software - MpCCI. Aneurysm wall stress and compliance were investigated as well as the drag force acting on the stent-graft.

Results
Aneurysm wall stress was reduced from 0.38 MPa before surgery to a value of 0.03 MPa after insertion of the stent-graft. Higher stresses were seen in the aneurysm neck and iliac legs post-operatively. The compliance of the aneurysm was also reduced post-operatively. The peak Post-op axial drag force was found to be 4.85 N. This increased to 6.37 N in the Follow-up model.

Conclusion
In a patient-specific case peak aneurysm wall stress was reduced by 92%. Such a reduction in aneurysm wall stress may lead to shrinkage of the aneurysm over time. Hence, post-operative stress patterns may help in determining the likelihood of aneurysm shrinkage post EVAR. Post-operative remodelling of the aneurysm may lead to increased drag forces.
Effectiveness and Safety of Generic Fixed‐Dose Combination of Tenofovir/Emtricitabine/Efavirenz in HIV‐1‐Infected Patients in Western India
Authors: Pujari Sanjay , Dravid Ameet , Gupte Nikhil , Joshix Kedar , Bele Vivek 
Published: October 2009

ObjectiveTo assess effectiveness and safety of a generic fixed‐dose combination of tenofovir (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC)/efavirenz (EFV) among HIV‐1‐infected patients in Western India.MethodsAntiretroviral (ARV)‐naive and experienced (thymidine analog nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor [tNRTI] replaced by TDF) patients were started on a regimen of 1 TDF/FTC/EFV pill once a day. They were followed clinically on a periodic basis, and viral loads and CD4 counts were measured at 6 and 12 months. Creatinine clearance was calculated at baseline and at 6 months and/or as clinically indicated. Effectiveness was defined as not having to discontinue the regimen due to failure or toxicity.ResultsOne hundred forty‐one patients who started TDF/FTC/EFV before 1 June 2007 were eligible. Of these, 130 (92.2%) and 44 (31.2%) had 6‐ and 12‐months follow‐up, respectively. Thirty‐five percent of the patients were ARV‐naive. Eleven patients discontinued treatment (4 for virologic failure, 1 for grade 3–4 central nervous system disturbances, 4 for grade 3–4 renal toxicity, and 2 for cost). Ninety‐six percent of patients were virologically suppressed at 6 months. Frequency of TDF‐associated grade 3–4 renal toxicity was 2.8%; however, 3 of these patients had comorbid conditions associated with renal dysfunction.ConclusionA fixed‐dose combination of generic TDF/FTC/EFV is effective in ARV‐naive and experienced patients. Although frequency of severe renal toxicity was higher than has been reported in the literature, it was safe in patients with no comorbid renal conditions.
XVII International AIDS Conference: From Evidence to Action ‐ Epidemiology
Authors: Flynn Martin , Kort Rodney 
Published: October 2009

As the epidemic matures, accurate information about where new infections are occurring, and in which populations, is becoming increasingly critical in designing effective, targeted interventions relevant to current epidemiological trends. Although the quality and accuracy of HIV surveillance data and methodology have improved, in many cases the second generation WHO/UNAIDS surveillance system has not been fully implemented at the national level. National surveillance systems in many low and middle‐income countries often do not collect disaggregated data on some most at risk populations, which is critical to developing targeted prevention interventions.While the majority of new infections occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries, the dynamic situation in high‐income countries demands renewed attention.3‐8 August 2008, XVII International AIDS Conference, Mexico City, Mexico
XVII International AIDS Conference: From Evidence to Action ‐ Basic science
Authors: Gilden David , Kort Rodney 
Published: October 2009

This article focuses on the sessions in which basic science research was presented at the XVII International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2008). It also provides an analysis of basic science issues which generated significant discussion and debate at the conference and are likely to have implications for future laboratory and clinical research. Data presented at AIDS 2008 confirmed the speed with which HIV establishes latent viral reservoirs following infection and the resulting challenges to viral eradication given how effectively HIV proviral RNA inserts itself into human DNA within these reservoirs. Studies also raised questions about the source of residual viremia and how these might be targeted by novel therapeutic approaches.3‐8 August 2008, XVII International AIDS Conference, Mexico City, Mexico
XVII International AIDS Conference: From Evidence to Action ‐ Social, behavioural and economic science and policy and political science
Authors: Mykhalovskiy Eric , Brown Glen , Kort Rodney 
Published: October 2009

AIDS 2008 firmly established stigma and discrimination as fundamental priorities in the push for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. Conference sessions and discussions reinforced the tangible negative effects of stigma on national legislation and policies. A strong theme throughout the conference was the need to replace prevention interventions that focus exclusively on individual behaviour change or biomedical prevention interventions with “combination prevention” approaches that address both individual and structural factors that increase vulnerability to HIV infection.Several high‐level sessions addressed various aspects of the debate over “vertical” (disease‐specific) versus “horizontal” (health systems) funding. The majority of evidence presented at the conference suggests that HIV investments strengthen health systems through the establishment of clinical and laboratory infrastructure, strengthened supply and procurement systems, improvements in health care worker training, and increased community engagement.Human rights were a focal point at the conference; several presentations emphasized the importance of securing human rights to achieve universal access goals, including workplace discrimination, travel restrictions, gender inequality, and the criminalization of homosexuality, drug use, sex work, and HIV transmission and/or exposure.3‐8 August 2008, XVII International AIDS Conference, Mexico City, Mexico
XVII International AIDS Conference: From Evidence to Action ‐ Regional focus
Authors: Baijal Parijat , Kort Rodney 
Published: October 2009

This article summarizes the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned from presentations, discussions and debates addressing major policy and programmatic responses to HIV in six geographical regions: Sub‐Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Latin America, Caribbean, and Middle East and North Africa. It draws from AIDS 2008 Leadership and Community Programmes, particularly the six regional sessions, and Global Village activities.While the epidemiological, cultural and socio‐economic contexts in these regions vary considerably, several common, overarching principles and themes emerged. They include: advancing basic human rights, particularly for vulnerable and most at risk populations; ensuring the sustainability of the HIV response through long‐term, predictable financing; strengthening health systems; investing in strategic health information; and improving accountability and the involvement of civil society in the response to AIDS.Equally important is the need to address political barriers to implementing evidence‐based interventions such as opioid substitution therapy (OST), needle and syringe programmes (NSPs), comprehensive sexuality education for youth, and sexual and reproductive rights. Finally, these regional discussions emphasized the need for legislative and policy reforms related to structural barriers facing women and girls, MSM, IDUs, sex workers and migrant populations.3‐8 August 2008, XVII International AIDS Conference, Mexico City, Mexico
XVII International AIDS Conference: From Evidence to Action ‐ AIDS 2008 and the global response to AIDS
Authors: Kort Rodney 
Published: October 2009

The impact of the XVII International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2008) was reflected in a number of commitments from political and business leaders, who announced initiatives ranging from implementing comprehensive sexual education for young people in Latin America to reducing regulatory barriers and the price of drugs in the host country. The unprecedented media coverage brought attention and public awareness to the epidemic in Latin America.Several meetings and sessions at AIDS 2008 also addressed the potential for the International AIDS Conference to play an even stronger role in tracking progress towards universal access and in improving accountability in the global response to AIDS, particularly given some of the inherent weaknesses in the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) review process. The impact of AIDS 2008 was strongest in Mexico, the host country, and in Latin America. Highlights included the policy changes announced by President Calderon on pharmaceutical manufacturing to the focus on sex workers and gay and other MSM in marches, activism and the conference programme.The next two years will determine whether the successes reported in Mexico are sustained and whether there is progress in addressing the barriers that continue to hamper an evidence‐based response to HIV/AIDS. The next International AIDS Conference is scheduled for the universal address deadline of 2010.3‐8 August 2008, XVII International AIDS Conference, Mexico City, Mexico