bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ANGPTL4 Induction by Prostaglandin E2 under Hypoxic Conditions Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression
Authors: Kim Sun-Hee , Park Yun-Yong , Kim Sang-Wook , Lee Ju-Seog , Wang Dingzhi , DuBois Raymond N. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), the most abundant COX-2–derived prostaglandin found in colorectal cancer, promotes tumor cell proliferation and survival via multiple signaling pathways. However, the role of PGE2 in tumor hypoxia is not well understood. Here, we show a synergistic effect of PGE2 and hypoxia on enhancing angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) expression and that elevation of ANGPTL4 promotes colorectal cancer growth. PGE2 induces ANGPTL4 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, hypoxia induces one of the PGE2 receptors, namely EP1. Activation of EP1 enhances ANGPTL4 expression, whereas blockage of EP1 by an antagonist inhibits PGE2 induction of ANGPTL4 under hypoxic conditions. Importantly, overexpression of ANGPTL4 promotes cell proliferation and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. In addition, treatment with ANGPTL4 recombinant protein increases colorectal carcinoma cell proliferation through effects on STAT1 signaling. The MAP kinase and Src pathways mediate ANGPTL4-induced STAT1 expression and activation. These results are relevant to human disease because we found that the expression of ANGPTL4 and STAT1 are elevated in 50% of human colorectal cancers tested and there is a positive correlation between COX-2 and ANGPTL4 as well STAT1 expression in colorectal carcinomas. Collectively, these findings suggest that PGE2 plays an important role in promoting cancer cell proliferation via ANGPTL4 under hypoxic conditions. Cancer Res; 71(22); 7010–20. ©2011 AACR.
Association of soluble apoptotic markers with impaired left ventricular deformation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Effects of inhibition of interleukin-1 activity by anakinra
Authors: Ikonomidis Ignatios , Tzortzis Stavros , Lekakis John , Paraskevaidis Ioannis , Dasou Pinelopi , Parissis John , Nikolaou Maria , Markantonis Sophia , Katsimbri Pelagia , Skarantavos Grigoris , Anastasiou-Nana Maria , Andreadou Ioanna 
Published: September 2011

SummaryMyocardial function is impaired in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Inhibition of interleukin (IL)-1 activity reduces experimental myocardial infarction by limiting apoptosis. We investigated whether a) soluble apoptotic markers are related with impaired left ventricular (LV) performance and b) treatment with anakinra, an IL-1 receptor antagonist, reduces apoptotic markers leading to improved LV performance in RA. We studied 46 RA patients. In an acute, double-blind cross-over trial, 23 patients were randomised to a single injection of anakinra or placebo and after 48 hours (h) to the alternative treatment. In a chronic trial, 23 patients who received anakinra for 30 days were compared with 23 patients who received prednisolone. At baseline, 3 h and 30 days after treatment, we measured circulating IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Fas, Fas-ligand and caspase-9 to assess apoptosis. At baseline and 30 days after treatment, we assessed LV longitudinal strain, strain rate and E/Em ratio using 2D-speckle tracking and tissue Doppler echocardiography. At baseline, increased apoptotic markers were related with reduced LongSRS and increased E/Em (p<0.05). After 3 h and 30 days of anakinra, there was a reduction in Fas (median 481 vs. 364 vs. 301 pg/ml), Fasligand (median 289 vs. 221 vs. 190 pg/ml), caspase-9 (median 1.90 vs. 1.40 vs. 1.07 ng/ml), TNF-α and IL-1β (p<0.05 for all comparisons). E/Em, LongS and LongSRS were improved after anakinra (p<0.01) and their percent changes were related with the corresponding changes of Fas and caspase-9 (p<0.05). No changes of the examined parameters were observed after prednisolone. In conclusion, inhibition of IL-1 activity by anakinra reduces apoptotic markers leading to improved LV performance in RA.
Gynaecological and obstetric bleeding in moderate and severe von Willebrand disease
Authors: de Wee Eva , Knol H. , Mauser-Bunschoten Eveline , van der Bom Johanna , Eikenboom Jeroen , Fijnvandraat Karin , Goede-Bolder Arja de , Laros-van Gorkom Britta , Ypma Paula , Zweegman Sonja , Meijer Karina , Leebeek Frank ,   for the WiN study group
Published: September 2011

SummaryA nation-wide cross-sectional study was initiated to assess gynaecological and obstetrical symptoms in an unselected cohort of women with moderate and severe von Willebrand disease (VWD) in the Netherlands. A total of 423 women aged ≥16 years were included. Bleeding severity was measured using the Tosetto Bleeding Score (BS). Menorrhagia, defined as occurrence of ≥2 menorrhagia symptoms, was reported by 81%. Of all VWD women, 78% received any kind of treatment for menorrhagia and 20% underwent a hysterectomy predominantly because of severe menstrual bleeding. Over half of the women reported more blood loss than can be expected with a normal delivery. In 52% of reported pregnancy losses curettage was needed because of bleeding. Mean number of live births was 1.9, which is comparable with the general Dutch population. In conclusion, women with moderate or severe VWD frequently have menorrhagia in need of treatment, and 20% of the VWD women underwent a hysterectomy. Bleeding complications occurred in over 50% of the women after childbirth or pregnancy loss. Progeny seems not to be affected in women with moderate or severe VWD.
Evolutionary conservation of the lipopolysaccharide binding site of β2-glycoprotein I
Authors: Ağar Çetin , de Groot Philip , Marquart J. Arnoud , Meijers Joost 
Published: September 2011

Summaryβ2-Glycoprotein I (β2GPI) is a highly abundant plasma protein and the major antigen for autoantibodies in the antiphospholipid syndrome. Recently, we have described a novel function of β2GPI as scavenger of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). With this in mind we investigated the conservation of β2GPI in vertebrates and set out to identify the binding site of LPS within β2GPI. The genome sequences of 42 species were surveyed. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was performed with peptides to characterise the binding site of β2GPI for LPS. β2GPI could be identified in most tested vertebrates with a high overall amino acid homology of 80% or more in mammals. SPR revealed that a synthesised peptide (LAFWKTDA) from domain V of β2GPI was able to compete for binding of β2GPI to LPS. The AFWKTDA sequence was completely conserved in all mammals. The peptide containing the LPS binding site attenuated the inhibition by β2GPI in a cellular model of LPS-induced tissue factor expression. Other important sites, such as the binding site for anionic phospholipids and the antiphospholipid antibody binding epitope, were also preserved. β2GPI is highly conserved across the animal kingdom, which suggests that the function of β2GPI may be more important than anticipated.
Questions and answers on the use of dabigatran and perpectives on the use of other new oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Authors: Crippa Luciano , Falanga Anna , Finazzi Guido , Marongiu Francesco , Palareti Gualtiero , Poli Daniela , Testa Sophie , Tiraferri Eros , Tosetto Alberto , Tripodi Armando , Manotti Cesare , Pengo Vittorio 
Published: September 2011

SummaryDabigatran and other new oral anticoagulants (OAC) represent a step forward in stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). They indeed have been shown to be an alternative to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) without the burden of laboratory control. However, these new drugs compete with an effective and well-established therapy, thus bringing about a series of questions and doubts. In this report members of the board of the Italian Federation of Thrombosis Centers (FCSA) answer some questions every clinician might be confronted with.
BF061, a novel antiplatelet and antithrombotic agent targeting P2Y12 receptor and phosphodiesterase
Authors: Hu Liang , Fan Zhichao , Du Hongguang , Ni Ran , Zhang Si , Yin Kanhua , Ye Jianqin , Zhang Yan , Wei Xunbin , Zhang Xiaohui , Gross Peter , Kunapuli Satya , Ding Zhongren 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThe addition of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors has been reported to potentiate the antithrombotic effects of P2Y12 antagonists without increasing bleeding risk. In this study, we report that a potent antiplatelet agent, 2-ethylthio-6-phenethylaminoadenosine (BF061), inhibits platelet activation and thrombosis via P2Y12 antagonism and PDE inhibition. We explored the antiplatelet mechanism of BF061 by measuring cAMP, cGMP levels, PDE activity, and the interaction between ADP and P2Y12 using atomic force microscopy. The antithrombotic effect of BF061 was evaluated in mice using intravital microscopy in FeCl3-induced mesenteric and laser-induced cremasteric arterial thrombosis models. BF061 robustly inhibited platelet aggregation and ATP release induced by multiple platelet agonists via P2Y12 antagonism and PDE inhibition. Interestingly, despite being structurally similar to BF061, P2Y12 receptor antagonist AR-C69931MX had no effect on human platelet PDE. In FeCl3-induced mesenteric arterial thrombosis model, BF061 effectively prevented thrombus formation similarly to clopidogrel; it also reduced thrombus volume in laser-injured cremaster arteriole model. In contrast, BF061 induced dramatically less bleeding at an antithrombotic dose compared to clopidogrel. In summary, we developed a novel antiplatelet and antithrombotic agent targeting both P2Y12 and PDE. Given the prevalence of combined antiplatelet therapy in clinical practice, an antiplatelet agent bearing dual activities may have therapeutic advantage as a potential antithrombotic drug.
Short-term effects of local microwave hyperthermia on pain and function in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: a double blind randomized sham-controlled trial
Authors: Frasca Giuseppina , Maggi Loredana , Padua Luca , Ferrara Paola Emilia , Granata Giuseppe , Minciotti Ileana , Marzetti Emanuele , Specchia Alessandro , Ronconi Gianpaolo , Rabini Alessia , Bertolini Carlo , Piazzini Diana Barbara 
Published: September 2011

Objective: To determine the short-term effects of local microwave hyperthermia on pain and function in patients with mild to moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Design: Double-blind randomized sham-controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient clinic of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital. Participants: Twenty-two patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome, 12 of whom had bilateral involvement, for a total of 34 wrists, divided into two groups: a hyperthermia active treatment group (number of wrists = 17) and a sham-controlled group (number of wrists = 17). Intervention: Six sessions, two per week, of either hyperthermia or sham treatment were provided over a period of three weeks. Main measures: Visual analogue scale, Levine–Boston Self-Assessment Questionnaire (part I: evaluation of pain intensity; part II: evaluation of functional status) and neurophysiological assessments, were determined at baseline and at the end of the treatment. Results: The hyperthermia group experienced a significant improvement in pain (visual analogue scale: P = 0.002; Levine–Boston part I: P < 0.0001) and functional status (Levine–Boston part II: P = 0.002) relative to baseline. No improvements in pain intensity or functionality were observed in the sham-treated group. Changes in pain severity between baseline and the end of treatment were larger in the hyperthermia group than in the sham-controlled group (Δ visual analogue scale P = 0.004; Δ Levine–Boston part I: P = 0.009). No differences either intra or between groups were observed for median nerve conduction velocity. Conclusion: Hyperthermia provides short-term improvements in pain and function in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.
Effects of home-based exercise training for patients with chronic heart failure and sleep apnoea: a randomized comparison of two different programmes
Authors: Servantes Denise Maria , Pelcerman Amália , Salvetti Xiomara Miranda , Salles Ana Fátima , de Albuquerque Pedro Ferreira , de Salles Fernando Cezar Alves , Lopes Cleide , de Mello Marco Túlio , Almeida Dirceu Rodrigues , Filho Japy Angelini Oliveira 
Published: September 2011

Objective: To evaluate the effects of home-based exercise for patients with chronic heart failure and sleep apnoea and to compare two different training programmes. Design: A randomized, prospective controlled trial. Setting: Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Brazil. Subjects: Fifty chronic heart failure patients with sleep apnoea were randomized in three groups: Group 1 (aerobic training, n = 18), Group 2 (aerobic with strength training, n = 18), and Group 3 (untrained, n = 14). Interventions: The training programme for Groups 1 and 2 began with three supervised exercise sessions, after they underwent three months of home-based exercise. Patients were followed by weekly telephone call and were reviewed monthly. Group 3 had the status of physical activity evaluated weekly by interview to make sure they remained untrained. Main outcome measures: At baseline and after three months: cardiopulmonary exercise testing, isokinetic strength and endurance, Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire and polysomnography. Adherence was evaluated weekly. Results: Of the 50 patients enrolled in the study, 45 completed the programme. Clinical events: Group 1 (one death), Group 2 (one myocardial infarction), Group 3 (one death and two strokes). None were training related. Training groups showed improvement in all outcomes evaluated and the adherence was an important factor (Group 1 = 98.5% and Group 2 = 100.2%, P = 0.743). Untrained Group 3 demonstrated significant decrease or no change on measurements after three months without training. Conclusion: Home-based exercise training is an important therapeutic strategy in chronic heart failure patients with sleep apnoea, and strength training resulted in a higher increase in muscle strength and endurance.
Aerobic interval training increases peak oxygen uptake more than usual care exercise training in myocardial infarction patients: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Moholdt Trine , Aamot Inger Lise , Granøien Ingrid , Gjerde Lisbeth , Myklebust Gitte , Walderhaug Liv , Brattbakk Line , Hole Torstein , Graven Torbjørn , Stølen Tomas O , Amundsen Brage H , Mølmen-Hansen Harald Edvard , Støylen Asbjørn , Wisløff Ulrik , Slørdahl Stig A 
Published: September 2011

Objective: Exercise capacity strongly predicts survival and aerobic interval training (AIT) increases peak oxygen uptake effectively in cardiac patients. Usual care in Norway provides exercise training at the hospitals following myocardial infarction (MI), but the effect and actual intensity of these rehabilitation programmes are unknown. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Hospital cardiac rehabilitation. Subjects: One hundred and seven patients, recruited two to 12 weeks after MI, were randomized to usual care rehabilitation or treadmill AIT. Interventions: Usual care aerobic group exercise training or treadmill AIT as 4 × 4 minutes intervals at 85–95% of peak heart rate. Twice weekly exercise training for 12 weeks. Main measures: The primary outcome measure was peak oxygen uptake. Secondary outcome measures were endothelial function, blood markers of cardiovascular disease, quality of life, resting heart rate, and heart rate recovery. Results: Eighty-nine patients (74 men, 15 women, 57.4 ± 9.5 years) completed the programme. Peak oxygen uptake increased more ( P = 0.002) after AIT (from 31.6 ± 5.8 to 36.2 ± 8.6 mL·kg−1·min−1, P < 0.001) than after usual care rehabilitation (from 32.2 ± 6.7 to 34.7 ± 7.9 mL·kg−1·min−1, P < 0.001). The AIT group exercised with significantly higher intensity in the intervals compared to the highest intensity in the usual care group (87.3 ± 3.9% versus 78.7 ± 7.2% of peak heart rate, respectively, P < 0.001). Both programmes increased endothelial function, serum adiponectin, and quality of life, and reduced serum ferritin and resting heart rate. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased only after AIT. Conclusions: AIT increased peak oxygen uptake more than the usual care rehabilitation provided to MI patients by Norwegian hospitals.
Psychometric validation of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale
Authors: Shanmugasegaram Shamila , Gagliese Lucia , Oh Paul , Stewart Donna E , Brister Stephanie J , Chan Victoria , Grace Sherry L 
Published: September 2011

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS). Design, setting, and participants: In total, 2636 cardiac inpatients from 11 hospitals completed a survey. One year later, participants completed a follow-up survey, which included the CRBS. A subsample of patients also completed a third survey which included the CRBS, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Enrolment Obstacles scale, and the Beliefs About Cardiac Rehabilitation scale three weeks later. The CRBS asked participants to rate 21 cardiac rehabilitation barriers on a five-point Likert scale regardless of cardiac rehabilitation referral or enrolment. Results: Maximum likelihood factor analysis with oblique rotation resulted in a four-factor solution: perceived need/healthcare factors (eigenvalue = 6.13, Cronbach’s α = .89), logistical factors (eigenvalue = 5.83, Cronbach’s α = .88), work/time conflicts (eigenvalue = 3.78, Cronbach’s α = .71), and comorbidities/functional status (eigenvalue = 4.85, Cronbach’s α = .83). Mean total perceived barriers were significantly greater among non-enrollees than cardiac rehabilitation enrollees ( P < .001). Convergent validity with the Beliefs About Cardiac Rehabilitation and Cardiac Rehabilitation Enrolment Obstacles scales was also demonstrated. Test-retest reliability of the CRBS was acceptable (intraclass correlation coefficient = .64). Conclusion: The CRBS consists of four subscales and has sound psychometric properties. The extent to which identified barriers can be addressed to facilitate greater cardiac rehabilitation utilization warrants future study.
The efficacy of forward head correction on nerve root function and pain in cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: a randomized trial
Authors: Diab Aliaa A , Moustafa Ibrahim M 
Published: September 2011

Objective: To investigate the effect of forward head posture correction on pain and nerve root function in cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Design: A randomized controlled study with six months follow-up. Setting: University research laboratory. Subjects: Ninety-six patients with unilateral lower cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (C5–C6 and C6–C7) and craniovertebral angle measured less than or equal to 50° were randomly assigned to an exercise or a control group. Interventions: The control group ( n = 48) received ultrasound and infrared radiation, whereas the exercise group ( n = 48) received a posture corrective exercise programme in addition to ultrasound and infrared radiation. Main outcome measures: The peak-to-peak amplitude of dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials, craniovertebral angle, visual analogue scale were measured for all patients at three intervals (before treatment, after 10 weeks of treatment, and at follow-up of six months). Results: There was a significant difference between groups adjusted to baseline value of outcome at 10 weeks post-treatment for craniovertebral angle, pain, C6 and C7 peak-to-peak amplitude of dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials P = 0.000, 0.01, 0.000, 0.001 respectively and at follow-up for all previous variables ( P = 0.000). Conclusion: Forward head posture correction using a posture corrective exercise programme in addition to ultrasound and infrared radiation decreased pain and craniovertebral angle and increased the peak-to-peak amplitude of dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials for C6 and C7 in cases of lower cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.
Potential of in-cylinder exhaust gas recirculation stratification for combustion and emissions in diesel engines
Authors: Park W , Lee S , Choi S , Min K 
Published: September 2011

It is difficult to decrease the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO x) and soot simultaneously in conventional diesel engines. Low-temperature combustion concepts have been studied in an effort to overcome this problem. Low-temperature combustion has the potential to reduce NO x and soot emissions, but it has many limitations, including narrow operating ranges, high carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions, and difficulties with ignition control. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) stratification is another combustion concept used to reduce NO x and soot emissions simultaneously using the local non-uniformity of EGR gas instead of increasing the overall EGR rate. In this study, the EGR stratification concept was improved using computational fluid dynamics. First, a two-step piston was developed to maximize the stratified EGR effects by obtaining a favourable EGR distribution pattern and injecting fuel into the high-EGR region. Then, the possibility of combustion and emission control using stratified EGR was estimated. The ideally distributed EGR in the cylinder results showed that the region of locally high EGR effectively influences the combustion characteristics and, thus, horizontally and centrally stratified EGR has the potential to reduce the nitric oxide (NO x) and soot emissions at the same time. Engine simulation results also showed simultaneous reductions in the NO x and the soot emissions.
Spatial Evaluations of a Coastline and Its Close Environment: The Settlement of Dalyan, Muğla, Turkey
Authors: Malkoc Emine , Turel Hatice Sonmez , Kilicaslan Cigdem 
Published: September 2011

Dalyan, a Mediterranean coastal settlement in southwestern Turkey, is attracting a great deal of attention due to its natural and cultural value and tourism potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Dalyan coastline and its environment as a public open space to find out whether the space meets the needs of users. Responses to a questionnaire were used to propose solutions for developing the area’s performance and identity. First, the area was divided into six sub-spaces that were evaluated in terms of activities and uses, comfort and image, access and linkage, sociability and sensorial aspects and meeting the users’ expectations. Second, a face-to-face interview was conducted with 255 users. A visual analysis was also conducted. As a result of this research, various sectors of the society were brought together. This research illustrated that the coastline is the most popular sector of Dalyan, and if the suggested development takes place, it would provide an important social environment as well as an open space for community use due to the enhancement of the area’s visual quality and liveability.