bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity and psoriasis: body weight and body mass index influence the response to biological treatment
Authors: Puig L. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPatients with psoriasis, in particular those requiring systemic treatment, tend to be above normal weight. Obesity is associated with psoriasis and contributes significantly to the increased cardiovascular risk in these patients. Most biologics used to treat psoriasis in the European Union are fixed dosed treatments: etanercept, adalimumab and ustekinumab. Apart from infliximab, dosing regimens do not account for weight, with the exception of ustekinumab, the dose of which should be doubled in patients weighing more than 100 kg. The aim of this study was to review the available evidence on the association of obesity and psoriasis, and the effect of body weight or obesity on the efficacy of biologics as well as their practical implications in daily practice. A review was performed of the literature relating to obesity and psoriasis and weight effect, including subgroup analyses, on the efficacy of the biologicals available for treatment of psoriasis in the European Union, namely adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab and ustekinumab. Optimal responses with fixed dose biological agents are less frequent in patients with increasing weight, especially above 100 kg, who account for approximately 25% to 30% of patients in clinical trials. Body weight effect on drug clearance might partly account for this fact. The data are limited to subgroup analyses, often with no statistical significance reported. Further studies, including weight‐based subanalysis of clinical trials and pharmacoeconomic evaluations, are required to assess the issue of body weight and response to therapy of the biologics. Infliximab response appears to be independent of body mass index. Possible weight‐based dose adjustments and the impact of treatment on body weight changes also require additional study.
Renal excretion of phenol from physicians after nail matrix phenolization: an observational prospective study
Authors: Becerro de Bengoa Vallejo R. , Losa Iglesias M.E. , Jules K.T. , Trepal M.J. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackground  Animal studies have shown that many signs of acute poisoning result from phenol entry into the systemic circulation by absorption or ingestion. While no evidence of systemic complications in patients who have undergone phenol nail matrixectomies have been reported, the safety of phenol vapour inhalation by physicians performing this treatment has yet to be investigated.Objective  The goal of this study was to determine whether the levels of phenol to which physicians are exposed to during a phenol‐based matrixectomy procedure are within the limits of safe exposure.Methods  A continuous prospective study was carried out to measure the urinary phenol concentrations from physicians after performing chemical matrixectomy for ingrown toenails.Results  The highest concentration of urinary phenol was measured at almost 10 mg/L within the first 2 h after exposure, and subsequently decreased approximately 1 mg/L every 2 h for the first 10 h post exposure. The levels dropped to 3 mg/L at 72 h post exposure.Conclusions  The risk associated with phenol exposure while performing chemical phenol matrixectomy was well below the current safety limits when the physician is exposed to 90% phenol vapour for approximately 20 min. Thus, no further specific safety recommendations are required for physicians performing this procedure.
CaMKII activation is a novel effector of alcohol’s neurotoxicity in neural crest stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Garic Ana , Flentke George R. , Amberger Ed , Hernandez Marcos , Smith Susan M. 
Published: April 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 646–657.AbstractPrenatal ethanol exposure causes significant neurodevelopmental deficits through its induction of apoptosis in neuronal progenitors including the neural crest. Using an established chick embryo model, we previously showed that clinically relevant ethanol concentrations cause neural crest apoptosis through mobilization of an intracellular calcium transient. How the calcium transient initiates this cell death is unknown. In this study, we identify CaMKII as the calcium target responsible for ethanol‐induced apoptosis. Immunostaining revealed selective enrichment of activated phosphoCaMKII(Thr286) within ethanol‐treated neural crest. CaMKII activation in response to ethanol was rapid (< 60 s) and robust, and CaMKII activity was increased 300% over control levels. Treatment with CaMKII‐selective inhibitors but not those directed against CaMKIV or PKC completely prevented the cell death. Forced expression of dominant‐negative CaMKII prevented ethanol’s activation of CaMKII and prevented the ethanol‐induced death, whereas constitutively active CaMKII in ethanol’s absence significantly increased cell death to levels caused by ethanol treatment. In summary, CaMKII is the key signal that converts the ethanol‐induced, short‐lived Cai2+ transient into a long‐lived cellular effector. This is the first identification of CaMKII as a critical mediator of ethanol‐induced cell death. Because neural crest differentiates into several neuronal lineages, our findings offer novel insights into how ethanol disrupts early neurogenesis.
Contrasting actions of diesel exhaust particles on the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems and the effects of thymoquinone
Authors: Nemmar Abderrahim , Al‐Salam Suhail , Zia Shaheen , Marzouqi Fatima , Al‐Dhaheri Amna , Subramaniyan Deepa , Dhanasekaran Subramanian , Yasin Javed , Ali Badreldin H , Kazzam Elsadig E 
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Acute exposure to particulate air pollution has been linked to acute cardiopulmonary events, but the underlying mechanisms are uncertain.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We investigated the acute (at 4 and 18 h) effects of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on cardiopulmonary parameters in mice and the protective effect of thymoquinone, a constituent of Nigella sativa. Mice were given, intratracheally, either saline (control) or DEP (30 µg·per mouse).KEY RESULTS At 18 h (but not 4 h) after giving DEP, there was lung inflammation and loss of lung function. At both 4 and 18 h, DEP caused systemic inflammation characterized by leucocytosis, increased IL‐6 concentrations and reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was decreased only at 18 h. DEP reduced platelet numbers and aggravated in vivo thrombosis in pial arterioles. In vitro, addition of DEP (0.1–1 µg·mL−1) to untreated blood‐induced platelet aggregation. Pretreatment of mice with thymoquinone prevented DEP‐induced decrease of SBP and leucocytosis, increased IL‐6 concentration and decreased plasma SOD activity. Thymoquinone also prevented the decrease in platelet numbers and the prothrombotic events but not platelet aggregation in vitro.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS At 4 h after DEP exposure, the cardiovascular changes did not appear to result from pulmonary inflammation but possibly from the entry of DEP and/or their associated components into blood. However, at 18 h, DEP induced significant changes in pulmonary and cardiovascular functions along with lung inflammation. Pretreatment with thymoquinone prevented DEP‐induced cardiovascular changes.
Inherently Distorted Heme as a Novel Tool for Myoglobin‐Based Oxygen Carrier
Authors: Neya Saburo , Kawaguchi Akira T. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe two types of artificial myoglobins (Mbs) containing inherently distorted α‐ethyl‐2,4‐dimethyldeuteroheme and undistorted 2,4‐dimethyldeuteroheme were prepared to examine the influence of nonplanar heme deformation on the reactivity of Mb. In ferrous deoxy proteins, the paramagnetic proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra showed that the deformed heme caused a 3.2‐ppm lower‐field shift of the proximal histidine signal, indicating a larger iron displacement from the heme plane upon the nonplanar deformation. The Mb with the nonplanar heme exhibited a markedly lower oxygen affinity as compared with the Mb containing the planar heme. The result suggests the utility of heme distortion to design the Mb‐based oxygen carrier.
Electrovectorcardiographic Diagnosis of Left Septal Fascicular Block: Anatomic and Clinical Considerations
Authors: Pérez Riera Andrés Ricardo , Ferreira Celso , Ferreira Filho Celso , Meneghini Adriano , Uchida Augusto Hiroshi , Moffa Paulo Jorge , Schapachnik Edgardo , Dubner Sergio , Baranchuk Adrian 
Published: April 2011

Several publications considering anatomical, histological, pathological, electrocardiographic, vectorcardiographic, and electrophysiologic studies have shown that the left bundle branch splits into three fascicles or in a “fan‐like interconnected network” in the vast majority of human hearts. The left His system is trifascicular with a left anterior, a left posterior, and a left septal fascicle (LSF). Consequently, the classic term “hemiblock,” to describe the block of one of the fascicles, established several decades ago by the Rosembaum's school, should be updated.Electrovectorcardiographic changes resulting from conduction abnormalities of the left anterior and left posterior fascicles are commonly diagnosed, mainly by their changes in the frontal plane. However, the existence of conduction defects of the LSF remains controversial. The ECG/VCG hallmark of LSF block is prominent anterior QRS forces (PAF) on the horizontal plane. This ECG/VCG phenomena should be distinguished from other conditions that also produce anterior QRS shift in the HP as: normal variants, right ventricular enlargement, misplaced precordial leads, lateral myocardial infarction, right bundle branch block, Wolff‐Parkinson‐White, obstructive and nonobstructive forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopahty, diastolic left ventricular enlargement, endomiocardial fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and dextroposition.The two highly frequent etiologies of LSFB are ischemia (coronary artery disease (CAD) with critical proximal obstruction of the left anterior descending coronary artery) and, in Latin America, Chagas’ cardiomyopathy.The aims of this review are to revise the evidence of the existence of a trifascicular left Hissian system and to help in the ECG/VCG recognition of the LSFB. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):196–207
Effect of Corticosteroid Therapy on Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients with Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Authors: Yodogawa Kenji , Seino Yoshihiko , Ohara Toshihiko , Takayama Hideo , Katoh Takao , Mizuno Kyoichi 
Published: April 2011

Background: Ventricular arrhythmias are one of the main causes of sudden death in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Little is known about the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy for ventricular arrhythmias in CS. Methods: Thirty‐one CS patients presenting premature ventricular contractions (PVCs, ≥300/day) were investigated. Fourteen patients had nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT). All of patients were treated with corticosteroid, and the initial dosage is 30 mg/day of prednisone, which was tapered over a period of 6 months to a maintenance dosage of 10 mg/day. Twenty‐four hour Holter monitoring, signal averaged electrocardiography (SAECG), echocardiography, gallium‐67 scintigraphy, serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations were assessed before and after corticosteroid therapy. Results: As a whole, there were no significant differences in the number of PVCs and in the prevalence of NSVT before and after steroid therapy. However, the less advanced LV dysfunction patients (EF ≥ 35%, n = 17) showed significant reduction in the number of PVCs (from 1820 ± 2969 to 742 ± 1425, P = 0.048) and in the prevalence of NSVT (from 41 to 6%, p = 0.039). Late potentials on SAECG were abolished in 3 patients. The less advanced LV dysfunction group showed a significantly higher prevalence of gallium‐67 uptake compared with the advanced LV dysfunction group (EF < 35 %, n = 14). In the advanced LV dysfunction patients, there were no significant differences in these parameters. Conclusions: Corticosteroid therapy may be effective for ventricular arrhythmias in the early stage, but less effective in the late stage. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):140–147
Slow QT Interval Adaptation to Heart Rate Changes in Normal Ambulatory Subjects
Authors: Razak Eathar , Buncová Marie , Shusterman Vladimir , Winter Bruce , Shen Win‐Kuang , Ackerman Michael J. , Donovan Theresa , Lampert Rachel , Němec Jan 
Published: April 2011

Background: Clinical formulas for QT correction utilize instantaneous HR. We showed previously that longer‐term HR affects QT duration. We extend these findings, identifying more accurate models of QT behavior. Method: Multiple models of QT dependence on HR were tested in 2 independent populations. Holter recordings were analyzed in population A (healthy volunteers, n = 14, 6 males, age 26.9 ± 12.3 yr). The hypotheses generated in population A were tested in an independent group population B, healthy volunteers, n = 15, 9 males, age 52.9 ± 15.6 yr). Linear models of QT interval dependence on a weighted average of RR intervals in the preceding 3 minutes were compared to models based on the immediately preceding RR interval (instantaneous HR). Results: In population A, linear models based on RR intervals over the preceding minute performed better than the best nonlinear model based on the single RR interval immediately preceding the QT interval. Linear models including HR values preceding the QT interval by more than 60 s further improved model fit. This model hierarchy was confirmed in population B. Linear formula for QT correction based on exponential decay of HR effect with 60 s time constant outperformed Bazett and Fridericia formulas in both populations. Conclusions: QT duration in normal ambulatory subjects is affected by noninstantaneous HR, including HR history dating back more than 60 s. Exponential decay of this “memory effect” with time constant of 1 minute provides an accurate description of QT adaptation. This may be of clinical importance when HR is not steady. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(2):148–155
Retracted: Histomorphometric and mineral degradation study of Ossceram®: a novel biphasic B‐tricalcium phosphate, in critical size defects in rabbits
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado J. L. , Delgado‐Ruíz R. A. , Ramírez‐Fernández M. P. , Maté‐Sánchez J. E. , Ortiz‐Ruiz A. , Marcus Abboud 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjective: To carry out a histomorphometric analysis of a new highly porous (95%) biphasic calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite 60%/B‐tricalcium phosphate 40%), used to fill critical size defects in rabbit tibiae, supplementing histomorphometric findings with radiographic thermal imaging, EDX analysis and Ca/P ratio mapping at different time stages.Materials and methods: Two critical size defects of 6 mm diameter were created in both tibiae of 21 New Zealand rabbits, test group (Ossceram®) and control group. Histomorphometric, radiographic thermal imaging, EDX and element mapping analysis were performed at 15, 30 and 60 days after graft insertion.Results: Histomorphometric analysis at 30 days showed more new bone formation in defects filled with Ossceram® 4.41 ± 0.23 mm than the test group 1.94 ± 0. 28 mm (P<0.05). Element analysis revealed higher percentages of Ca (42.33 ± 2.8%) and P (1.3 ± 0.8%) in the test group than in the control group (P<0.05). Element mapping showed that Ca and P were concentrated in medullar and cortical zones in the test group but were concentrated only in cortical zones in the control group. Test group histomorphometry at 60 days showed complete closure of the cortical defect 5.37 ± 0.32 mm more than the control group 2.3 ± 0.54 mm. There was no cortical defect closure or medullar bone formation in the control group (P<0.05). Element analysis revealed higher percentages of Ca (32.26 ± 21.7%) and P (1.5 ± 0.3%) in the test group than in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Defects of a critical size in a rabbit tibia model can be sealed using a highly porous biphasic calcium phosphate; this supports new bone formation, creates a bridge between borders and facilitates bone ingrowth. Furthermore, this study observed partial dissolution of the mineral phase of the graft material and its incorporation into the surrounding bone. Radiographic thermal imaging may be used to supplement histological and chemical analyses.
Rumen microbial response in production of CLA and methane to safflower oil in association with fish oil or/and fumarate
Authors: LI Xiang Z. , LONG Rui J. , YAN Chang G. , LEE Hong G. , KIM Young J. , SONG Man K. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTSupplementation effect of fish oil and/or fumarate on production of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and methane by rumen microbes was examined when incubated with safflower oil. One hundred and twenty milligrams of safflower oil (SO), safflower oil with 24 mg fish oil (SOFO), safflower oil with 24 mmol/L fumarate (SOFA), or safflower oil with 24 mg fish oil and 24 mmol/L fumarate (SOFOFA) were added to the 90 mL culture solution. The culture solution was also made without any supplements (control). The SOFA and SOFOFA increased pH and propionate (C3) compared to other treatments from 3 h incubation time. An accumulated amount of total methane (CH4) for 12 h incubation was decreased by all the supplements compared to control. The concentrations of c9,t11CLA for all the incubation times were increased in the treatments of SOFO, SOFA and SOFOFA compared to SO. The highest concentration of c9,t11CLA was observed from SOFOFA among all the treatments at all incubation times. Overall data indicate that supplementation of combined fumarate and/or fish oil when incubated with safflower oil could depress CH4 generation and increase production of C3 and CLA under the condition of current in vitro study.
Effect of supplementation of soy sauce oil and Ca salts of fatty acids on rumen fermentation, milk production and conjugated linoleic acid in milk of dairy cows
Authors: SHIBATA Hiroko , HASHIZUME Natsuko , GAZI Masudur R. , SERA Kenji , KATO Eisei , OHMORI Toshihiro , KANBE Michio , OBARA Yoshiaki , KANDA Shuhei , KUROKAWA Yuzo , ITABASHI Hisao 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTEight cows were used to evaluate the effects of supplementation of soy sauce oil (SO) or Ca salts of fatty acids (FA) on rumen fermentation and milk production. The control diet (CO) consisted mainly of hay, corn silage and a concentrate. In the experimental diets, 400 g/day per cow of SO or FA (soybean oil and rapeseed oil) was supplemented to the CO diet. Experimental period for the three treatments was 14 days, and milk samples were taken during the last 2 days and rumen sample was taken on the last day. Dry matter intake was not affected by the treatments. The number of rumen protozoa at 0 h increased by SO and FA diets. Total volatile fatty acids at 2 h after feeding of SO diet was decreased compared to CO. The milk composition yield did not differ among treatments, although the percentages of fat and protein were decreased by SO and FA diets. The proportions of C8–C16 fatty acids in milk fat decreased, and those of C18 increased by SO and FA diets. The proportion of cis‐9, trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid in milk fat by SO and FA diets increased by 120% and 135%, respectively. In spite of the slight suppression of rumen fermentation by SO diet, negative effects on feed intake and milk production were not detected.
Recent Age-and Gender-Specific Trends in Mortality during Stroke Hospitalization in the United States
Authors: Ovbiagele Bruce , Markovic Daniela , Towfighi Amytis 
Published: April 2011

Background Advancements in diagnosis and treatment have resulted in better clinical outcomes after stroke; however, the influence of age and gender on recent trends in death during stroke hospitalization has not been specifically investigated. We assessed the impact of age and gender on nationwide patterns of in-hospital mortality after stroke. Methods Data were obtained from all US states that contributed to the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. All patients admitted to hospitals between 1997 and 1998 ( n = 1 351 293) and 2005 and 2006 ( n = 1 202 449), with a discharge diagnosis of stroke (identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision procedure codes), were included. Time trends for in-hospital mortality after stroke were evaluated by gender and age group based on 10-year age increments (<55, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84, >84) using multivariable logistic regression. Results Between 1997 and 2006, in-hospital mortality rates decreased across time in all sub-groups (all P < 0·01), except in men > 84 years. In unadjusted analysis, men aged > 84 years in 1997–1998 had poorer mortality outcomes than similarly aged women (odds ratio 0·93, 95% confidence interval = 0·88–0·98). This disparity worsened by 2005–2006 (odds ratio 0·88, 95% confidence interval = 0·84–0·93). After adjusting for confounders, compared with similarly aged women, the mortality outcomes among men aged >84 years were poorer in 1997–1998 (odds ratio 0·97, 95% confidence interval = 0·92–1·02) and were poorer in 2005–2006 (odds ratio 0·92, 95% confidence interval = 0·87–0·96), P = 0·04, for gender × time trend. Conclusions Over the last decade, in-hospital mortality rates after stroke in the United States have declined for every age/gender group, except men aged > 84 years. Given the rapidly ageing US population, avenues for boosting in-hospital survival among very elderly men with stroke need to be explored.
Actimeter-Derived Sleep and Wake Data and Nocturnal Ambulatory Blood Pressure Estimation in Subjects with Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack
Authors: Bhuachalla Blaithin Ni , Walsh Suzanne , Harbison Joseph 
Published: April 2011

Background/Aims Abnormalities in nocturnal blood pressure control identified using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Sleep and wake episodes during such studies are usually identified by means of sleep diaries but these may be inaccurate in stroke patients. We performed a study to determine whether sleep–wake data obtained using wrist-mounted actimeters would significantly influence the results of routinely performed nocturnal ambulatory blood pressure monitoring when compared with diary-based sleep–wake recording and fixed time-period data. Methods Actimetry was performed using a wrist-mounted device during routine ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in subjects who had suffered a transient ischaemic attack or stroke. The mean nocturnal blood pressure readings were calculated using sleep data derived from actimetry and diaries and compared for a fixed time period from 11:00 pm to 8:00 am. Results Twenty subjects (mean age 68 years, and 13 female) were studied. Patients were found to have slept for a median of six-hours (one- to eight-hours) by diary and five-hours (zero- to eight-hours) by actimeter data. Diary and actimeter data agreed in 69% of recordings. The mean sleeping systolic blood pressure was lower when calculated by actimeter data than by diary data (119·6 mmHg vs. 123·2 mmHg, P = 0·049, paired t-test) but there was no significant difference in diastolic blood pressure. The mean nocturnal blood pressure calculated from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am was higher than sleeping blood pressure calculated from diary data, (mean systolic blood pressure: 127·6 mmHg vs. 123·6 mmHg, P = 0·065; mean diastolic blood pressure 69·0 vs. 64·0, P = 0·028). Conclusion Calculation of nocturnal and sleeping blood pressure is lower in subjects with stroke and transient ischaemic attack when objective actimeter-derived sleep/wake data are used.