bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous versus Subsequent Intratympanic Dexamethasone for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Park Moo Kyun , Lee Chi Kyou , Park Kye Hoon , Lee Jong Dae , Lee Chan Goo , Lee Byung Don 
Published: August 2011

ObjectiveThe authors compared the efficacy of simultaneous and subsequent intratympanic dexamethasone injections for the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.Study DesignProspective randomized controlled multicenter study.SettingThree tertiary university hospitals.Subjects and MethodsIn the simultaneous intratympanic dexamethasone group, intratympanic dexamethasone was given initially with systemic steroids. In the subsequent intratympanic dexamethasone group, intratympanic dexamethasone was given 7 days after systemic treatment. The authors compared hearing outcomes between the groups according to Siegel’s criteria and frequency (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz).ResultsA total of 88 patients were analyzed in this study. There was no difference between the groups in hearing recovery according to Siegel’s criteria or frequencies. Neither recovery time nor early recovery differed between the groups. In the subsequent intratympanic dexamethasone group, 15 patients showed hearing recovery within 7 days and did not need intratympanic dexamethasone treatment. After intratympanic dexamethasone treatment, >28% (25/88) of the patients complained of otalgia, transient dizziness, ear fullness, and headache. Five percent of the patients showed small, transient perforations and otorrhea during intratympanic dexamethasone treatment.ConclusionsSimultaneous intratympanic dexamethasone did not confer an additional hearing gain or earlier recovery rate compared with subsequent intratympanic dexamethasone. A considerable number of patients did not need intratympanic dexamethasone for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and some patients experienced unnecessary side effects due to intratympanic dexamethasone. Therefore, the use of intratympanic dexamethasone is recommended only for subsequent or salvage treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss after systemic steroid treatment.
A unified correction method for Reynolds number, size, and roughness effects on the performance of compressors
Authors: Casey M V , Robinson C J 
Published: August 2011

An equation is derived that relates the changes in turbomachinery efficiency with Reynolds number to the changes in the friction factor of an equivalent flat plate. This equation takes into account the different Reynolds number and roughness dependencies of the individual components, and can be used for whole stages and multistage machines. The new method is sufficiently general to correct for changes in Reynolds number due to changes in fluid properties or speed, changes in machine size, or changes in the surface roughness of components for all types of turbomachinery, but is calibrated here for use on axial and radial compressors. The method uses friction factor equations for a flat plate which include fully rough behaviour above an upper critical Reynolds number, a transition region depending on roughness and a region with laminar flow below the lower critical Reynolds number. The correction equation for efficiency includes a single empirical factor. Based on a simple loss analysis and a calibration with over 30 sets of experimental test data covering a wide range of machine types, a suggestion for the variation of this factor with specific speed has been made. Additional correction equations are derived for the shift in flow and the change in pressure rise with Reynolds number and these are also calibrated against the same data.
Siglec-9 is a novel leukocyte ligand for vascular adhesion protein-1 and can be used in PET imaging of inflammation and cancer
Authors: Aalto Kristiina , Autio Anu , Kiss Elina A. , Elima Kati , Nymalm Yvonne , Veres Tibor Z. , Marttila-Ichihara Fumiko , Elovaara Heli , Saanijoki Tiina , Crocker Paul R. , Maksimow Mikael , Bligt Eva , Salminen Tiina A. , Salmi Marko , Roivainen Anne , Jalkanen Sirpa 
Published: August 2011

AbstractLeukocyte migration to sites of inflammation is regulated by several endothelial adhesion molecules. Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is unique among the homing-associated molecules as it is both an enzyme that oxidizes primary amines and an adhesin. Although granulocytes can bind to endothelium via a VAP-1–dependent manner, the counter-receptor(s) on this leukocyte population is(are) not known. Here we used a phage display approach and identified Siglec-9 as a candidate ligand on granulocytes. The binding between Siglec-9 and VAP-1 was confirmed by in vitro and ex vivo adhesion assays. The interaction sites between VAP-1 and Siglec-9 were identified by molecular modeling and confirmed by further binding assays with mutated proteins. Although the binding takes place in the enzymatic groove of VAP-1, it is only partially dependent on the enzymatic activity of VAP-1. In positron emission tomography, the 68Gallium-labeled peptide of Siglec-9 specifically detected VAP-1 in vasculature at sites of inflammation and cancer. Thus, the peptide binding to the enzymatic groove of VAP-1 can be used for imaging conditions, such as inflammation and cancer.
An important role for Akt3 in platelet activation and thrombosis
Authors: O'Brien Kelly A. , Stojanovic-Terpo Aleksandra , Hay Nissim , Du Xiaoping 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The Akt family of serine/threonine kinases includes Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3 isoforms. Prior studies have reported that Akt1 and Akt2, but not Akt3, are expressed in platelets. Here, we show that Akt3 is expressed in substantial amounts in platelets. Akt3−/− mouse platelets selectively exhibit impaired platelet aggregation and secretion in response to low concentrations of thrombin receptor agonists and thromboxane A2 (TXA2), but not collagen or VWF. In contrast, platelets from Akt1−/− or Akt2−/− mice are defective in platelet activation induced by thrombin, TXA2, and VWF, but only Akt1−/− platelets show significant defects in response to collagen, indicating differences among Akt isoforms. Akt3−/− platelets exhibit a significant reduction in thrombin-induced phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) at Ser9, which is known to inhibit GSK-3β function. Thus, Akt3 is important in inhibiting GSK-3β. Accordingly, treatment of Akt3−/− platelets with a GSK-3β inhibitor rescued the defect of Akt3−/− platelets in thrombin-induced aggregation, suggesting that negatively regulating GSK-3β may be a mechanism by which Akt3 promotes platelet activation. Importantly, Akt3−/− mice showed retardation in FeCl3-induced carotid artery thrombosis in vivo. Thus, Akt3 plays an important and distinct role in platelet activation and in thrombosis.
Selective depletion of plasma prekallikrein or coagulation factor XII inhibits thrombosis in mice without increased risk of bleeding
Authors: Revenko Alexey S. , Gao Dacao , Crosby Jeff R. , Bhattacharjee Gourab , Zhao Chenguang , May Chris , Gailani David , Monia Brett P. , MacLeod A. Robert 
Published: August 2011

AbstractRecent studies indicate that the plasma contact system plays an important role in thrombosis, despite being dispensable for hemostasis. For example, mice deficient in coagulation factor XII (fXII) are protected from arterial thrombosis and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. We demonstrate that selective reduction of prekallikrein (PKK), another member of the contact system, using antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology results in an antithrombotic phenotype in mice. The effects of PKK deficiency were compared with those of fXII deficiency produced by specific ASO-mediated reduction of fXII. Mice with reduced PKK had ∼ 3-fold higher plasma levels of fXII, and reduced levels of fXIIa-serpin complexes, consistent with fXII being a substrate for activated PKK in vivo. PKK or fXII deficiency reduced thrombus formation in both arterial and venous thrombosis models, without an apparent effect on hemostasis. The amount of reduction of PKK and fXII required to produce an antithrombotic effect differed between venous and arterial models, suggesting that these factors may regulate thrombus formation by distinct mechanisms. Our results support the concept that fXII and PKK play important and perhaps nonredundant roles in pathogenic thrombus propagation, and highlight a novel, specific and safe pharmaceutical approach to target these contact system proteases.
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α/platelet derived growth factor axis in HIV-associated pulmonary vascular remodeling
Authors: Mermis Joel , Gu Haihua , Xue Bing , Li Fang , Tawfik Ossama , Buch Shilpa , Bartolome Sonja , O'Brien-Ladner Amy , Dhillon Navneet K 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients are at increased risk for the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Recent reports have demonstrated that HIV associated viral proteins induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) with resultant endothelial cell dysfunction and related vascular injury. In this study, we explored the impact of HIV protein induced oxidative stress on production of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), critical mediators implicated in the pathogenesis of HIV-PAH.MethodsThe lungs from 4-5 months old HIV-1 transgenic (Tg) rats were assessed for the presence of pulmonary vascular remodeling and HIF-1α/PDGF-BB expression in comparison with wild type controls. Human primary pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAEC) were treated with HIV-associated proteins in the presence or absence of pretreatment with antioxidants, for 24 hrs followed by estimation of ROS levels and western blot analysis of HIF-1α or PDGF-BB.ResultsHIV-Tg rats, a model with marked viral protein induced vascular oxidative stress in the absence of active HIV-1 replication demonstrated significant medial thickening of pulmonary vessels and increased right ventricular mass compared to wild-type controls, with increased expression of HIF-1α and PDGF-BB in HIV-Tg rats. The up-regulation of both HIF-1α and PDGF-B chain mRNA in each HIV-Tg rat was directly correlated with an increase in right ventricular/left ventricular+septum ratio. Supporting ourin-vivo findings, HPAECs treated with HIV-proteins: Tat and gp120, demonstrated increased ROS and parallel increase of PDGF-BB expression with the maximum induction observed on treatment with R5 type gp-120CM. Pre-treatment of endothelial cells with antioxidants or transfection of cells with HIF-1α small interfering RNA resulted in abrogation of gp-120CMmediated induction of PDGF-BB, therefore, confirming that ROS generation and activation of HIF-1α plays critical role in gp120 mediated up-regulation of PDGF-BB.ConclusionIn summary, these findings indicate that viral protein induced oxidative stress results in HIF-1α dependent up-regulation of PDGF-BB and suggests the possible involvement of this pathway in the development of HIV-PAH.
Self-reported health status and access to health services in a sample of prisoners in Italy
Authors: Nobile Carmelo GA , Flotta Domenico , Nicotera Gaetano , Pileggi Claudia , Angelillo Italo F 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Self-reported health status in underserved population of prisoners has not been extensively explored. The purposes of this cross-sectional study were to assess self-reported health, quality of life, and access to health services in a sample of male prisoners of Italy.

Methods
A total of 908 prisoners received a self-administered anonymous questionnaire pertaining on demographic and detention characteristics, self-reported health status and quality of life, access to health services, lifestyles, and participation to preventive, social, and rehabilitation programs. A total of 650 prisoners agreed to participate in the study and returned the questionnaire.

Results
Respectively, 31.6% and 43.5% of prisoners reported a poor perceived health status and a poor quality of life, and 60% admitted that their health was worsened or greatly worsened during the prison stay. Older age, lower education, psychiatric disorders, self-reported health problems on prison entry, and suicide attempts within prison were significantly associated with a perceived worse health status. At the time of the questionnaire delivery, 30% of the prisoners self-reported a health problem present on prison entry and 82% present at the time of the survey. Most frequently reported health problems included dental health problems, arthritis or joint pain, eye problems, gastrointestinal diseases, emotional problems, and high blood pressure. On average, prisoners encountered general practitioners six times during the previous year, and the frequency of medical encounters was significantly associated with older age, sentenced prisoners, psychiatric disorders, and self-reported health problems on prison entry.

Conclusions
The findings suggest that prisoners have a perceived poor health status, specific care needs and health promotion programs are seldom offered. Programs for correction of risk behaviour and prevention of long-term effects of incarceration on prisoners' health are strongly needed.
Association between physical activity and metabolic syndrome in middle-aged Japanese: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Junghoon , Tanabe Kai , Yokoyama Noriko , Zempo Hirofumi , Kuno Shinya 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Although many studies have reported an association between self-reported physical activity and metabolic syndrome (MetS), there is limited information on the optimal level of physical activity required to prevent MetS. This study aimed to determine the association between objectively measured physical activity and MetS in middle-aged Japanese individuals. We also determined the optimal cutoff value for physical activity required to decrease the risk of developing MetS.

Methods
A total of 179 men and 304 women, aged between 30 and 64 years, participated in this study. Participants were divided into two groups using the Japanese criteria for MetS as those with MetS or pre-MetS, and those without MetS. Participants were considered to be physically active if they achieved a physical activity level of 23 metabolic equivalents (METs) h/week, measured using a triaxial accelerometer. The association between physical activity and MetS was analyzed using logistic regression with the following covariates: sex, age, sedentary time, low intensity activity, calorie intake, smoking, menopause and body mass index. We also evaluated the factors that determined the association between the prevalence of MetS and pre-MetS and the physical activity cutoff value using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis.

Results
The odds ratio for MetS and pre-MetS was 2.20 for physically inactive participants (< 23 METs h/week), compared with physically active participants (≥ 23 METs h/week). The corresponding odds ratios for men and women were 2.27 (P < 0.01) and 1.95 (not significant), respectively. CART analyses revealed that moderate-vigorous physical activity of > 26.5 METs h/week was sufficient to decrease the prevalence of MetS and pre-MetS in middle-aged Japanese men and women.

Conclusions
The results of this cross-sectional study indicate that the Exercise and Physical Activity Reference for Health Promotion 2006 is inversely associated with the prevalence of MetS in men. Our results also suggest that moderate physical activity of > 26.5 METs h/week may decrease the risk of developing MetS and pre-MetS in middle-aged Japanese individuals.
Characterization of the age-dependent intervertebral disc changes in rabbit by correlation between MRI, histology and gene expression
Authors: Clouet Johann , Pot-Vaucel Marianne , Grimandi Gaël , Masson Martial , Lesoeur Julie , Fellah Borhane H , Gauthier Olivier , Fusellier Marion , Cherel Yan , Maugars Yves , Guicheux Jérôme , Vinatier Claire 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe present study was conducted to address whether the intervertebral disc of rabbit could be considered (i) as a valuable model to provide new insights into the tissue and cellular changes of Nucleus pulposus aging and (ii) as an appropriate tool to investigate the efficacy of Nucleus pulposus cell-based biotherapies.MethodsLumbar intervertebral disc from rabbits with increasing ages (1, 6 and 30 month-old) were compared by MRI and histological observation using Pfirrmann's grading and Boos' scoring respectively. The expression of transcripts (COL2A1, AGC1, COL1A1, MMP13, BMP2, MGP and p21) in Nucleus pulposus cells were analysed by quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsMRI analysis indicated an early age-dependent increase in the Pfirrmann's grading. Histological Boos' scoring was also increased. The analysis of transcript expression levels showed that COL2A1 and AGC1 were down-regulated as a function of age. Conversely, COL1A1, MMP-13, BMP-2, MGP and p21 were significantly up-regulated in the Nucleus pulposus cells of aged rabbit intervertebral disc.ConclusionsOur study describes the consistency of the rabbit as a model of intervertebral disc changes as a function of age by correlating tissue alteration with cellular modification measured.
A comprehensive evaluation of the impact of telemonitoring in patients with long-term conditions and social care needs: protocol for the whole systems demonstrator cluster randomised trial
Authors: Bower Peter , Cartwright Martin , Hirani Shashivadan P , Barlow James , Hendy Jane , Knapp Martin , Henderson Catherine , Rogers Anne , Sanders Caroline , Bardsley Martin , Steventon Adam , Fitzpatrick Raymond , Doll Helen , Newman Stanton 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
It is expected that increased demands on services will result from expanding numbers of older people with long-term conditions and social care needs. There is significant interest in the potential for technology to reduce utilisation of health services in these patient populations, including telecare (the remote, automatic and passive monitoring of changes in an individual's condition or lifestyle) and telehealth (the remote exchange of data between a patient and health care professional). The potential of telehealth and telecare technology to improve care and reduce costs is limited by a lack of rigorous evidence of actual impact.

Methods/Design
We are conducting a large scale, multi-site study of the implementation, impact and acceptability of these new technologies. A major part of the evaluation is a cluster-randomised controlled trial of telehealth and telecare versus usual care in patients with long-term conditions or social care needs. The trial involves a number of outcomes, including health care utilisation and quality of life. We describe the broad evaluation and the methods of the cluster randomised trial

Discussion
If telehealth and telecare technology proves effective, it will provide additional options for health services worldwide to deliver care for populations with high levels of need.

Trial Registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN43002091
High glucose-induced apoptosis in human coronary artery endothelial cells involves up-regulation of death receptors
Authors: Kageyama Shun-ichiro , Yokoo Hiroki , Tomita Kengo , Kageyama-Yahara Natsuko , Uchimido Ryo , Matsuda Naoyuki , Yamamoto Seiji , Hattori Yuichi 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
High glucose can induce apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells, which may contribute to the development of vascular complications in diabetes. We evaluated the role of the death receptor pathway of apoptotic signaling in high glucose-induced apoptosis in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs).

Methods
HCAECs were treated with media containing 5.6, 11.1, and 16.7 mM of glucose for 24 h in the presence or absence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. For detection of apoptosis, DNA fragmentation assay was used. HCAEC expression of death receptors were analyzed by the PCR and flow cytometry methods. Also, using immunohistochemical techniques, coronary expression of death receptors was assessed in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic mice.

Results
Exposure of HCAECs to high glucose resulted in a significant increase in TNF-R1 and Fas expression, compared with normal glucose. High glucose increased TNF-α production by HCAECs and exogenous TNF-α up-regulated TNF-R1 and Fas expression in HCAECs. High glucose-induced up-regulation of TNF-R1 and Fas expression was undetectable in the presence of TNF-α. Treatment with TNF-R1 neutralizing peptides significantly inhibited high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Type 2 diabetic mice displayed appreciable expression of TNF-R1 and Fas in coronary vessels.

Conclusions
In association with increased TNF-α levels, the death receptors, TNF-R1 and Fas, are up-regulated in HCAECs under high glucose conditions, which could in turn play a role in high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis.
Selective intraarterial radionuclide therapy with Yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres for unresectable primary and metastatic liver tumors
Authors: Kucuk Ozlem N , Soydal Cigdem , Lacin Seda , Ozkan Elgin , Bilgic Sadik 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate the success of selective intraarterial radionuclide therapy (SIRT) with Yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres in liver metastases of different tumors. We also interpreted the contribution of SIRT to survival times according to responder- non responder and hepatic- extra hepatic disease.

Methods
The clinical and follow-up data of 124 patients who were referred to our department for SIRT between June 2006 and October 2010 were evaluated retrospectively. SIRT has been applied to 78 patients who were suitable for treatment. All the patients had primary liver tumor or unresectable liver metastasis of different malignancies. The treatment was repeated at least one more time in 5 patients to the same or other lobes. Metabolic treatment response evaluated by fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F18-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the 6th week after treatment. F18-FDG PET/CT was repeated in per six weeks periods. The response criterion had been described as at least 20% decrease of SUV value. Also in patients with neuroendocrine tumor serial Gallium-68 (Ga-68) PET/CT was used for evaluation of response. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their treatment response.

Results
68 patients received treatment for the right lobe, seven patients received treatment for the left lobe and 3 patients for both lobes. The mean treatment dose was estimated at 1.62 GBq. In the evaluation of treatment response; 43(55%) patients were responder (R) and 35 (45%) patients were non-responder (NR) in the sixth week F18-FDG PET/CT. Mean pretreatment SUVmax value of R group was 11.6 and NR group was 10.7. While only 11 (31%) out of 35 NR patients had H disease, 30 (69%) out of 43 R patients had H disease (p < 0.05). The mean overall survival time of R group was calculated as 25.63 ± 1.52 months and NR group's 20.45 ± 2.11 (p = 0.04). The mean overall survival time of H group was computed as 25.66 ± 1.52 months and EH group's 20.76 ± 1.97 (p = 0.09).

Conclusions
SIRT is a useful treatment method which can contribute to the lengthening of survival times in patients with primary or metastatic unresectable liver malignancies. Also F18-FDG PET/CT is seen to be a successful imaging method in evaluating treatment response for predicting survival times in this patient group.