bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technical cooperation within the context of foreign aid: trends for the CEE countries in transition (1991—2004)
Authors: Sobis Iwona , de Vries Michiel S. 
Published: January 2010

This article investigates technical assistance (TA) to CEE countries in relation to development aid in general. There is plenty of literature examining the foreign aid, but specific components of aid, like technical assistance, remain largely unexplored. One debate about development aid focuses on whether aid is primarily given to improve the situation in the recipient countries or if this improvement is simply a side-effect from aid based on political-military factors. This article argues that development aid, unlike technical assistance, is often provided based on political-military factors with the accompanying side-effect of improving the situation. To investigate aid money to CEE countries during their transition (1990—2004), we used data from OECD DAC that distinguishes technical assistance as a component of foreign aid. The analysis shows that the foreign aid to CEE countries in general seems to have been largely determined by political factors while the money provided for TA is shown to be especially determined by the recipient countries’ needs. The technical assistance has proved to be much more sustainable. The article concludes that empirical research should analyze the components of aid separately. Points for practitioners The volume of technical assistance to CEE countries cannot be explained by political and military developments in recipient countries. Instead, such assistance is intended to contribute to the adaptation and development of the recipient countries to their new situation. This analysis shows that the main motivation for TA is to improve the situation in the recipient country. This underlines the importance of such technical assistance as well as efforts to improve the way in which such the technical assistance is planned, provided and evaluated.
Case Discussion
Authors: Oh Scott , Hackner Dani , Lewis Michael I. , Rana Jamal S. , Schwarz Ernst R. 
Published: January 2010

Case A 59-year-old man presents to a major tertiary hospital with chest pain and electrocardiographic abnormalities including diffuse ST-segment elevations. During the intensive care course the patient develops increasing respiratory failure. The discussants on this roundtable case report address diagnostic challenges, therapeutic aims, and goals of treatment in order to meet expected quality standards.
Cell-Laden and Cell-Free Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis versus Microfracture for the Treatment of Articular Cartilage Defects
Authors: Gille Justus , Kunow Julius , Boisch Luer , Behrens Peter , Bos Ingeborg , Hoffmann Christiane , Köller Wolfgang , Russlies Martin , Kurz Bodo 
Published: January 2010

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of cell-laden and cell-free collagen matrices in comparison to microfracture treatment applied to full-thickness chondral defects in an ovine model. Methods: Animals ( n = 30) were randomized into 5 treatment groups, and 7-mm full-cartilage-thickness defects were set at the trochlea and medial condyle of both knee joints and treated as follows: 2 scaffolds in comparison (collagen I/III, Chondro-Gide®; collagen II, Chondrocell®) for covering microfractured defects (autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis), both scaffolds colonized in vitro with autologous chondrocytes (matrix-associated chondrocyte transplantation), or scaffold-free microfracture technique. One year after surgery, cartilage lesions were biomechanically (indentation test), histologically (O’Driscoll score), and immunohistochemically (collagen type I and II staining) evaluated. Results: All treatment groups of the animal model induced more repair tissue and showed better histological scores and biomechanical properties compared to controls. The average thickness of the repair tissue was significantly greater when a scaffold was used, especially the collagen I/III membrane. However, none of the index procedures surpassed the others from a biomechanical point of view or based on the histological scoring. Collagen type II expression was better in condylar defects compared to the trochlea, especially in those treated with collagen I/III membranes. Conclusion: Covering of defects with suitable matrices promotes repair tissue formation and is suggested to be a promising treatment option for cartilage defects. However, it failed to improve the biomechanical and histological properties of regenerated articular cartilage compared to microfracture alone in an ovine model under the given circumstances.
Toll-like receptor 2/6 stimulation promotes angiogenesis via GM-CSF as a potential strategy for immune defense and tissue regeneration
Authors: Grote Karsten , Schuett Harald , Salguero Gustavo , Grothusen Christina , Jagielska Joanna , Drexler Helmut , Mühlradt Peter F. , Schieffer Bernhard 
Published: January 2010

AbstractToll-like receptors (TLRs) are known primarily as pathogen recognition receptors of the innate immunity, initiating inflammatory pathways to organize the immune defense. More recently, an involvement of TLRs in various physiologic and pathologic processes has been reported. Because many of these processes implicate angiogenesis, we here elucidated the role of a TLR2/6-dependent pathway on angiogenesis using the TLR2/6 agonist macrophage-activating lipopeptide of 2 kDa (MALP-2), a common bacterial lipopeptide. In vivo and in vitro Matrigel assays demonstrated that MALP-2 promoted angiogenesis in a TLR2/6-dependent manner. Moreover, MALP-2 induced endothelial cell proliferation and migration and a strong secretion of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). GM-CSF release in response to MALP-2 from isolated vascular segments was completely prevented when the endothelium was removed. MALP-2 containing Matrigel implants exhibited vascular structures as well as CD45+ cells. MALP-2 induced migration of leukocytes and likewise GM-CSF release, particularly from the monocyte population. Inhibition of GM-CSF by siRNA or antibodies suppressed MALP-2-induced angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. These results clearly identified a TLR2/6-dependent induction of angiogenesis by the bacterial lipopeptide MALP-2, which is mediated by GM-CSF. This might represent a general mechanism to enhance or restore blood flow and recruit immune cells for pathogen defense and tissue regeneration.
ERG is required for the differentiation of embryonic stem cells along the endothelial lineage
Authors: Nikolova-Krstevski Vesna , Yuan Lei , Le Bras Alexandra , Vijayaraj Preethi , Kondo Maiko , Gebauer Isabel , Bhasin Manoj , Carman Chris V , Oettgen Peter 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
The molecular mechanisms that govern stem cell differentiation along the endothelial lineage remain largely unknown. Ets related gene (ERG) has recently been shown to participate in the transcriptional regulation of a number of endothelial specific genes including VE-cadherin (CD144), endoglin, and von Willebrand's Factor (vWF). The specific role of the ETS factor ERG during endothelial differentiation has not been evaluated.

Results
ERG expression and function were evaluated during the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into embryoid bodies (EB). The results of our study demonstrate that ERG is first expressed in a subpopulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) expressing cells that also express VE-cadherin. During ES cell differentiation, ERG expression remains restricted to cells of the endothelial lineage that eventually coalesce into primitive vascular structures within embryoid bodies. ERG also exhibits an endothelial cell (EC)-restricted pattern during embryogenesis. To further define the role of ERG during ES cell differentiation, we used a knockdown strategy to inhibit ERG expression. Delivery of three independent shRNA led to 70-85% reductions in ERG expression during ES cell differentiation compared to no change with control shRNA. ERG knockdown was associated with a marked reduction in the number of ECs, the expression of EC-restricted genes, and the formation of vascular structures.

Conclusion
The ETS factor ERG appears to be a critical regulator of EC differentiation.
Glutamate, aspartate and nucleotide transporters in the SLC17 family form four main phylogenetic clusters: evolution and tissue expression
Authors: Sreedharan Smitha , Shaik Jafar HA , Olszewski Pawel K , Levine Allen S , Schiöth Helgi B , Fredriksson Robert 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
The SLC17 family of transporters transports the amino acids: glutamate and aspartate, and, as shown recently, also nucleotides. Vesicular glutamate transporters are found in distinct species, such as C. elegans, but the evolutionary origin of most of the genes in this family has been obscure.

Results
Our phylogenetic analysis shows that the SLC17 family consists of four main phylogenetic clades which were all present before the divergence of the insect lineage. One of these clades has not been previously described and it is not found in vertebrates. The clade containing Slc17a9 had the most restricted evolutionary history with only one member in most species. We detected expression of Slc17a1-17a4 only in the peripheral tissues but not in the CNS, while Slc17a5- Slc17a9 are highly expressed in both the CNS and periphery.

Conclusions
The in situ hybridization studies on vesicular nucleotide transporter revealed high expression throughout the cerebral cortex, certain areas in the hippocampus and in specific nuclei of the hypothalamus and thalamus. Some of the regions with high expression, such as the medial habenula and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, are important sites for purinergic neurotransmission. Noteworthy, other areas relying on purine-mediated signaling, such as the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus and the periaqueductal gray, lack or have a very low expression of Slc17a9, suggesting that there could be another nucleotide transporter in these regions.
Evaluating clinical periodontal measures as surrogates for bacterial exposure: The Oral Infections and Vascular Disease Epidemiology Study (INVEST)
Authors: Demmer Ryan T , Papapanou Panos N , Jacobs David R , Desvarieux Moïse 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Epidemiologic studies of periodontal infection as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease often use clinical periodontal measures as a surrogate for the underlying bacterial exposure of interest. There are currently no methodological studies evaluating which clinical periodontal measures best reflect the levels of subgingival bacterial colonization in population-based settings. We investigated the characteristics of clinical periodontal definitions that were most representative of exposure to bacterial species that are believed to be either markers, or themselves etiologic, of periodontal disease.

Methods
706 men and women aged ≥ 55 years, residing in northern Manhattan were enrolled. Using DNA-DNA checkerboard hybridization in subgingival biofilms, standardized values for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia were averaged within mouth and summed to define "bacterial burden". Correlations of bacterial burden with clinical periodontal constructs defined by the severity and extent of attachment loss (AL), pocket depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed.

Results
Clinical periodontal constructs demonstrating the highest correlations with bacterial burden were: i) percent of sites with BOP (r = 0.62); ii) percent of sites with PD ≥ 3 mm (r = 0.61); and iii) number of sites with BOP (r = 0.59). Increasing PD or AL severity thresholds consistently attenuated correlations, i.e., the correlation of bacterial burden with the percent of sites with PD ≥ 8 mm was only r = 0.16.

Conclusions
Clinical exposure definitions of periodontal disease should incorporate relatively shallow pockets to best reflect whole mouth exposure to bacterial burden.
A phase 1 study evaluating the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of repeat dosing with a human IL-13 antibody (CAT-354) in subjects with asthma
Authors: Singh Dave , Kane Binita , Molfino Nestor A , Faggioni Raffaella , Roskos Lorin , Woodcock Ashley 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
IL-13 has been implicated in the development of airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. This study investigated the multiple-dose pharmacokinetics and safety profile of human anti-IL-13 antibody (CAT-354) in adults with asthma.

Methods
This was a multiple-dose, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 study in asthmatics (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] ≥ 80% predicted). Subjects were randomised to receive three intravenous infusions of CAT-354 (1 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg) or placebo at 28-day intervals. Blood samples were taken for pharmacokinetic measurements. Safety was assessed by adverse events, vital signs, ECGs, laboratory and pulmonary function parameters.

Results
Twenty-three subjects (aged 21-60 years, FEV1 88-95% predicted) received ≥ 1 dose of study medication. The half-life of CAT-354 was 12-17 days and was dose-independent. The maximum serum concentration and area under the curve were dose-dependent. Clearance (2.2-2.6 mL/day/kg) and volume of distribution (44-57 mL/kg) were both low and dose-independent. The observed maximum serum concentration after each dose increased slightly from dose 1 through dose 3 at all dose levels, consistent with an accumulation ratio of 1.4 to 1.7 for area under the curve. Most adverse events were deemed mild to moderate and unrelated to study medication. One SAE was reported and deemed unrelated to study drug. There were no effects of clinical concern for vital signs, ECG, laboratory or pulmonary parameters.

Conclusions
CAT-354 exhibited linear pharmacokinetics and an acceptable safety profile. These findings suggest that at the doses tested, CAT-354 can be safely administered in multiple doses to patients with asthma.

Trial registration
NCT00974675.
Evidence that Gag facilitates HIV-1 envelope association both in GPI-enriched plasma membrane and detergent resistant membranes and facilitates envelope incorporation onto virions in primary CD4+ T cells
Authors: Patil Ajit , Gautam Archana , Bhattacharya Jayanta 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
HIV-1 particle assembly mediated by viral Gag protein occurs predominantly at plasma membrane. While colocalization of HIV-1 envelope with lipid rich microenvironment have been shown in T cells, the significance of viral proteins modulating envelope association in such microdomains in plasma membrane enriched in glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins in primary CD4+ T cells that are natural targets of HIV-1 is poorly understood. Here we show that in primary CD4+ T cells that are natural targets of HIV-1 in vivo, Gag modulates HIV-1 envelope association with GM1 ganglioside and CD59 rich cellular compartments as well as with detergent resistant membranes. Our data strengthen evidence that Gag-Env interaction is important in envelope association with lipid rafts containing GPI-anchored proteins for efficient assembly onto mature virions resulting in productive infection of primary CD4+ T cells.
A prospective evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the TAXUS Element paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system for the treatment of de novo coronary artery lesions: Design and statistical methods of the PERSEUS clinical program
Authors: Allocco Dominic J , Cannon Louis A , Britt Amy , Heil John E , Nersesov Andrey , Wehrenberg Scott , Dawkins Keith D , Kereiakes Dean J 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Paclitaxel-eluting stents decrease angiographic and clinical restenosis following percutaneous coronary intervention compared to bare metal stents. TAXUS Element is a third-generation paclitaxel-eluting stent which incorporates a novel, thinner-strut, platinum-enriched metal alloy platform. The stent is intended to have enhanced radiopacity and improved deliverability compared to other paclitaxel-eluting stents. The safety and efficacy of the TAXUS Element stent are being evaluated in the pivotal PERSEUS clinical trials.

Methods/Design
The PERSEUS trials include two parallel studies of the TAXUS Element stent in single, de novo coronary atherosclerotic lesions. The PERSEUS Workhorse study is a prospective, randomized (3:1), single-blind, non-inferiority trial in subjects with lesion length ≤28 mm and vessel diameter ≥2.75 mm to ≤4.0 mm which compares TAXUS Element to the TAXUS Express2 paclitaxel-eluting stent system. The Workhorse study employs a novel Bayesian statistical approach that uses prior information to limit the number of study subjects exposed to the investigational device and thus provide a safer and more efficient analysis of the TAXUS Element stent. PERSEUS Small Vessel is a prospective, single-arm, superiority trial in subjects with lesion length ≤20 mm and vessel diameter ≥2.25 mm to <2.75 mm that compares TAXUS Element with a matched historical bare metal Express stent control.

Discussion
The TAXUS PERSEUS clinical trial program uses a novel statistical approach to evaluate whether design and metal alloy iterations in the TAXUS Element stent platform provide comparable safety and improved procedural performance compared to the previous generation Express stent. PERSEUS trial enrollment is complete and primary endpoint data are expected in 2010. PERSEUS Workhorse and Small Vessel are registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, identification numbers NCT00484315 and NCT00489541.
Quality of life in patients aged 80 or over after ICU discharge
Authors: Tabah Alexis , Philippart Francois , Timsit Jean Francois , Willems Vincent , Français Adrien , Leplège Alain , Carlet Jean , Bruel Cédric , Misset Benoit , Garrouste-Orgeas Maité 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Our objective was to describe self-sufficiency and quality of life one year after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge of patients aged 80 years or over.

Methods
We performed a prospective observational study in a medical-surgical ICU in a tertiary non-university hospital. We included patients aged 80 or over at ICU admission in 2005 or 2006 and we recorded age, admission diagnosis, intensity of care, and severity of acute and chronic illnesses, as well as ICU, hospital, and one-year mortality rates. Self-sufficiency (Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living) was assessed at ICU admission and one year after ICU discharge. Quality of life (WHO-QOL OLD and WHO-QOL BREF) was assessed one year after ICU discharge.

Results
Of the 115 consecutive patients aged 80 or over (18.2% of admitted patients), 106 were included. Mean age was 84 ± 3 years (range, 80 to 92). Mortality was 40/106 (37%) at ICU discharge, 48/106 (45.2%) at hospital discharge, and 73/106 (68.9%) one year after ICU discharge. In the 23 patients evaluated after one year, self-sufficiency was unchanged compared to the pre-admission status. Quality of life evaluations after one year showed that physical health, sensory abilities, self-sufficiency, and social participation had slightly worse ratings than the other domains, whereas social relationships, environment, and fear of death and dying had the best ratings. Compared to an age- and sex-matched sample of the general population, our cohort had better ratings for psychological health, social relationships, and environment, less fear of death and dying, better expectations about past, present, and future activities and better intimacy (friendship and love).

Conclusions
Among patients aged 80 or over who were selected at ICU admission, 80% were self-sufficient for activities of daily living one year after ICU discharge, 31% were alive, with no change in self-sufficiency and with similar quality of life to that of the general population matched on age and sex. However, these results must be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample of survivors.
Integrating phenotype ontologies across multiple species
Authors: Mungall Christopher J , Gkoutos Georgios V , Smith Cynthia L , Haendel Melissa A , Lewis Suzanna E , Ashburner Michael 
Published: January 2010

AbstractPhenotype ontologies are typically constructed to serve the needs of a particular community, such as annotation of genotype-phenotype associations in mouse or human. Here we demonstrate how these ontologies can be improved through assignment of logical definitions using a core ontology of phenotypic qualities and multiple additional ontologies from the Open Biological Ontologies library. We also show how these logical definitions can be used for data integration when combined with a unified multi-species anatomy ontology.
Preparation, Characterization and Utilization of Amidoximated Poly(AN/MAA)-grafted Alhagi Residues for the Removal of Zn(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Khalil A.A. , Sokker H.H. , Al-Anwar A. , El-Zaher A. Abd , Hashem A. 
Published: January 2010

Radiation grafting by the mutual method of methacrylic acid/acrylonitrile (MAA/AN) onto Alhagi residues in the presence of dimethylformamide (DMF) as a solvent is discussed. The factors affecting the radiation graft copolymerization were investigated. These included radiation dose, co-monomer composition and concentration. The grafted samples were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as by the estimation of their nitrogen and carboxyl group contents. The grafted samples were then amidoximated by treatment with hydroxylamine hydrochloride in an alkaline medium. Such amidoximated poly(MAA/AN)-grafted Alhagi residues were utilized for the removal of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solution by adsorption and the factors affecting such adsorption processes were studied. These factors were the pH of the adsorbate solution, the adsorbent dosage, the contact time and the adsorption temperature. The adsorption data obeyed the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The Langmuir adsorption capacity (Qmax) of the amidoximated poly(MAA/AN)-grafted Alhagi residues towards Zn(II) ions was found to be 212.76 and 344.8 mg/g at 30 °C and 50 °C, respectively. Similarly, the Freundlich constants, KF and 1/n, at 30 °C were found to be 21.47 and 0.3489, respectively. The study showed that amidoximated poly(MAA/AN)-grafted Alhagi residues were effective in the adsorption of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The thermodynamics parameters of the adsorption process, viz. ΔH0, ΔG0 and ΔS0, were evaluated. The results showed that the adsorption of Zn(II) ions onto amidoximated poly(MAA/AN)-grafted Alhagi residues was endothermic and spontaneous. The adsorption data followed second-order kinetics.