bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effects of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells after intrathecal administration by lumbar puncture in a rat model of cerebral ischemia
Authors: Lim Jung Yeon , Jeong Chang Hyun , Jun Jin Ae , Kim Seong Muk , Ryu Chung Heon , Hou Yun , Oh Wonil , Chang Jong Wook , Jeun Sin-Soo 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of stroke. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a potential cell source for clinical application because they can be easily obtained and cultivated with a high proliferative capacity. The safety and efficacy of cell therapy depends on the mode of cell administration. To determine the therapeutic potential of intrathecal administration of MSCs by lumbar puncture (LP), we administrated human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) intrathecally into the lumbar spinal cord or intravenously into the tail vein in a rat model of stroke, and then investigated whether hUCB-MSCs could enter the brain, survive, and improve post-stroke neurological functional recovery.

Methods
hUCB-MSCs (1.0 × 106) were administrated three days after stroke induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. The presence of hUCB-MSCs and their survival and differentiation in the brain tissue of the rats was examined by immunohistochemistry. Recovery of coordination of movement after administration of hUCB-MSCs was examined using a Rotarod test and adhesive-removal test on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days after ischemia. The volume of ischemic lesions seven days after the experimental procedure was evaluated using 2-3-5-triphenyltetrazolium (TTC) staining.

Results
Rats receiving hUCB-MSCs intrathecally by LP had a significantly higher number of migrated cells within the ischemic area when compared with animals receiving cells intravenously. In addition, many of the cells administered intrathecally survived and a subset of them expressed mature neural-lineage markers, including the mature neuron marker NeuN and glial fibrillary acidic protein, typical of astrocytes. Animals that received hUCB-MSCs had significantly improved motor function and reduced ischemic damage when compared with untreated control animals. Regardless of the administration route, the group treated with 1 × 106 hUCB-MSCs showed better neurological recovery, without significant differences between the two treatment groups. Importantly, intrathecal administration of 5 × 105 hUCB-MSCs significantly reduced ischemic damage, but not in the intravenously treated group. Furthermore, the cells administered intrathecally survived and migrated into the ischemic area more extensively, and differentiated significantly into neurons and astrocytes.

Conclusions
Together, these results indicate that intrathecal administration of MSCs by LP may be useful and feasible for MSCs treatment of brain injuries, such as stroke, or neurodegenerative disorders.
Cannabis, COMT and psychotic experiences
Authors: Zammit Stanley , Owen Michael J. , Evans Jonathan , Heron Jon , Lewis Glyn 
Published: September 2011

BackgroundA putative interaction between cannabis and variation at rs4680 within the catechol-methyl-transferase (COMT) gene on psychosis has been reported, but not adequately replicated.AimsTo examine whether the relative risk of developing psychosis following use of cannabis is dependent upon variation within COMT.MethodA longitudinal study of 2630 individuals from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort who completed questionnaire-based assessments for cannabis use at age 14 and incident psychotic experiences at age 16. Six SNPs within COMT were genotyped.ResultsThere was no evidence of an interaction under multiplicative models between cannabis use and COMT on the risk of developing psychotic experiences in our primary analyses. In sensitivity analyses we observed highly variable evidence of interaction, whereby psychotomimetic effects of cannabis were greater in methionine homozygotes under some scenarios, but in valine homozygotes under others.ConclusionsCannabis increases risk of psychosis irrespective of underlying COMT genotypes. These findings argue against the widely held belief that the relative risk of developing psychosis following use of cannabis is dependent upon variation within COMT. The public health message about the potential increase in risk of psychotic disorders following cannabis use should not be tempered by reports that this harm is subgroup specific in the absence of robust evidence of replication.
Overcoming anoikis – pathways to anchorage-independent growth in cancer
Authors: Guadamillas Marta C. , Cerezo Ana , del Pozo Miguel A. 
Published: September 2011

Anoikis (or cell-detachment-induced apoptosis) is a self-defense strategy that organisms use to eliminate ‘misplaced’ cells, i.e. cells that are in an inappropriate location. Occasionally, detached or misplaced cells can overcome anoikis and survive for a certain period of time in the absence of the correct signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM). If cells are able to adapt to their new environment, then they have probably become anchorage-independent, which is one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. Anoikis resistance and anchorage-independency allow tumor cells to expand and invade adjacent tissues, and to disseminate through the body, giving rise to metastasis. Thus, overcoming anoikis is a crucial step in a series of changes that a tumor cell undergoes during malignant transformation.Tumor cells have developed a variety of strategies to bypass or overcome anoikis. Some strategies consist of adaptive cellular changes that allow the cells to behave as they would in the correct environment, so that induction of anoikis is aborted. Other strategies aim to counteract the negative effects of anoikis induction by hyperactivating survival and proliferative cascades. The recently discovered processes of autophagy and entosis also highlight the contribution of these mechanisms to rendering the cells in a dormant state until they receive a signal initiated at the ECM, thereby circumventing anoikis. In all situations, the final outcome is the ability of the tumor to grow and metastasize. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying anoikis resistance could help to counteract tumor progression and prevent metastasis formation.
The ostial valve of the great saphenous vein
Authors: Tasch C , Brenner E 
Published: September 2011

Background Venous valves have been classified into parietal (PVs) and ostial valves (OVs). PVs are located within the lumen of veins, whereas the OVs are located directly at the confluence of two veins. In the common femoral vein (CFV), the most prominent PVs are the suprasaphenic and infrasaphenic valve. The terminal valve (often designated as ‘valvule ostiale’ in the relevant literature in French) defined as that lying between the orifice of the great saphenous vein (GSV) and the most proximal of the major superficial tributary veins and the preterminal valve represent the most important PVs in the GSV. While PVs are well studied, there is not much literature on the OVs of the superficial venous system, especially of the GSV. Objective In order to investigate the presence of OVs (defined strictly as valves located at the entrance of a tributary vein) in the GSV, we carried out studies on specimens obtained from bodies bequested to the Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy of Innsbruck Medical University. Methods Ninety-eight specimens consisting of the CFV and the attached tributary veins including the GSV were investigated. Results In five of these (5.1%), a single-cusped OV, in six (6.1%) a two-cusped OV and in 10 (10.2%) remnants of an OV were identified. Thus, OVs do not seem to be primarily present in all GSVs. Conclusion The distinction between PVs and OVs is not always clear in literature, and as a consequence misinterpretations may occur. Very often the terminal valve of the GSV, which is in fact a PV, is designated as an ‘ostial valve’. In view of its widespread use, we suggest that the term ‘ostial valve’ together with its clear description be included in the consensus documents of the ‘Union Internationale de Phlébologie’.
Interpretation of patient-reported outcome measures for varicose vein surgery
Authors: Nesbitt C , Wilson W R W , Lees T A , Stansby G 
Published: September 2011

Objectives Since 2009 the National Health Service (NHS) has been collecting patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following varicose vein interventions. The objective of this manuscript was to interrogate the one-year PROMs data with respect to varicose vein intervention and to discuss its potential impact on the provision of service. Methods We interrogated the one-year PROMs data with respect to potential impact on the provision of service. Results In total, 37,521 varicose vein operations were performed during the study period (1 April 2009–30 April 2010). A total of 15,808 preoperative questionnaires were completed and returned and 12,509 were linked to Hospital Episode Statistics episodes. A total of 8127 postoperative questionnaires were completed and linked to the preoperative questionnaires. For the EuroQuol (EQ) 5D questionnaire average preoperative score across the completed data-set was 0.773. The postoperative health gain was 0.094. Fifty-three percent of patients had improved postoperative scores, 33% reported no change, while 14% reported a reduction in their postoperative EQ-5D score. Pain/discomfort was the only domain where patients reported any negative symptoms; 72% (5390) reported pain/discomfort preoperatively and 37% (2804) postoperatively. In total, 62.6% (4685) reported no pain/discomfort following surgery A total of 7167 complete, linked and eligible data-sets were observed for the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ). The average preoperative score was 18.75. The average postoperative score was 10.76. This represented a reduction in symptom scores of one-half following intervention. The lowest improvements were witnessed in patients with the lowest preoperative scores (least severe symptoms). Additional postoperative questions highlighted the improvements conferred from varicose vein surgery with 90.3% of patients reporting an improvement in their problems from varicose veins following surgery and 85% describing their operative results as excellent, very good or good. Conclusion These data have shown variable improvements following venous interventions. PROMs are likely to have significant implications for health care in the NHS on a number of levels including provision of funding and future planning of services.
Risk Prediction with Serial Myeloperoxidase Monitoring in Patients with Acute Chest Pain
Authors: Nicholls Stephen J , Wilson Tang WH , Brennan Danielle , Brennan Marie-Luise , Mann Shirley , Nissen Steven E , Hazen Stanley L 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND
Although myeloperoxidase (MPO) monitoring is predictive for cardiovascular outcomes in suspected acute coronary syndromes, the value of serial testing is unknown.

METHODS
We investigated the relationship between serial MPO concentrations in 490 individuals with acute chest pain and incident major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during 6 months of follow-up. We measured MPO with the CardioMPO assay, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI), with the Abbott Architect assay.

RESULTS
Plasma MPO concentrations during the first 16 h were higher in individuals who experienced MACE. Higher MPO quartiles predicted a greater likelihood of 6-month MACE at baseline [OR (95% CI), 2.4 (1.4–4.1), P = 0.001 for highest vs lowest quartile] and all subsequent time points, with strongest predictive ability found in 16-h postbaseline samples [9.9 (4.7–20.9), P &lt; 0.001 for highest vs lowest quartile]. MPO was predictive for MACE among individuals whose cTnI remained within reference intervals (&lt;0.028 μg/L). The lowest rate of missed cases was found when MPO was &lt;640 pmol/L at baseline and all other time points. Serial MPO monitoring predicted MACE risk better than baseline MPO measurements alone (c statistic 0.813 vs 0.602; P = 0.002), including in individuals whose cTnI remained within reference intervals (c statistic 0.903; P = 0.009). Combined serial cTnI and MPO testing improved accuracy for predicting 6-month MACE, reduced the number of missed MACE events from cTnI testing alone, and improved risk classification in 26.1% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS
MPO concentrations are predictive of outcome up to 16 h after presentation with chest pain and predict events missed by cTnI testing, supporting a potential role in rapid patient triage.
Prescription pattern of antidiabetic drugs in the outpatient departments of hospitals in Malappuram District, Kerala
Authors: Shamna Machanchery , Karthikeyan Marimuthu 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to describe the current trends in the prescription pattern of antidiabetic drugs in outpatient departments and to assess different co-morbid conditions.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey of all prescriptions received from 200 outpatients attending different community pharmacies of Malappuram district. Prescriptions were collected by taking their image. Informed verbal consent was obtained from each patient and inquiries were made about their co-morbidities. The contents of the prescriptions were assessed on the basis of drugs used for diabetes and brand names were decoded to generic names using standard CIMS India and the internet.

Results: Among 200 prescriptions, 95% were for type 2 diabetes mellitus and 5% for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Eighty percent were prescribed with oral hypoglycemic agents alone as mono or in combination therapy, 5% were with insulin alone and 15% with insulin and oral hypoglycemic drug combination. 77% had more than five medicines, in which many were multidrug combinations. No prescription contained generic drugs and 13% contained at least one vitamin supplement.

Conclusions: The study concluded that the choice of antidiabetic drugs was only slightly changed compared to previous studies, except for newer sulfonyl ureas, thiazolidinediones and improved insulin preparations. Polypharmacy is a big problem, especially for elderly patients. This suggests the need for development of evidence-based guidelines for specific conditions by independent bodies. The study necessitates the need to develop and use a standardized ideal format for all prescriptions. Thereby we can, to an extent, reduce the chance of medication errors.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roof Membranes Exposed in the Western United States for Seven Years
Authors: Delgado Ana H. , Ludwig Michael , Elliot Stephen , Barnhardt K.C. , Chapman Chuck , Ober Randy , Moskowitz Steve , Wacenske Dwayne , Carlson Jim , Paroli Ralph M. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing manufacturers, and the National Research Council Canada started a TPO Weathering Farm Project in 2000 to examine weathering characteristics of TPO roof membranes by exposing them to various weather conditions of four distinctly different climatic regions in the Western United States. The goal was to provide technical and performance information to the Western States Roofing Contractors Association membership, and the North American roofing community at large, regarding TPO roof membranes’ attributes, performance properties, and resistance to weathering. The results are applicable to other regions in North America as the roofs are in four distinctive climate zones (hot and dry, hot and humid, cold and damp, moderate with wet and dry periods). The results and laboratory analyses (thickness, DMA, FTIR, TG/DTG) performed on the TPO roof membranes that were exposed for seven years in the various conditions will be summarized.
Application of Rheological Models to Modified Roofing Asphalts
Authors: Rowe Geoffrey M. , Baumgardner Gaylon L. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The increased understanding of material behavior with rheology has existed for approximately 80 years as a science and has been applied to roofing products for over 50 years. With asphalt binders, several techniques exist for understanding rheology via the use of models. One of the best recognized models for the evaluation of the rheology of unmodified asphalt binders is the Christensen-Anderson model, and various developments of that model have occurred, enabling its use with filled systems such as those used in roofing applications. In addition to this model, the Rowe-Baumgardner-Sharrock model (developed by the authors) is introduced as an alternate method for defining the properties of roofing products that exhibit visco-elastic solid properties. When rheological data are fitted to master curve functional forms, changes in the model parameters can be rapidly visualized. The performance of various products can be assessed using this technique and can be related to the rheological parameters developed from this model (for example, the rheological index, crossover frequency, etc.). An analysis of the data is presented that includes testing using various rheometers over a wide range of temperatures. These data have been combined into a single master curve and plotted in various formats. The data show how the rheological index and the crossover frequency of the materials change over time, particularly with aging. Performance products can then be assessed and evaluated from both the historical data and models that enable the prediction of cracking and deformation. Adiscussion of the key parameters and a trend analysis are shown. Furthermore, the analysis is applied toward understanding the effectiveness of polymer networks in the roofing materials. As materials age, their properties change, and this can be observed, allowing the study of the effects of polymer network degradation with aging. This paper offers some further understanding of how key rheological parameters change.
Precursor design and engineering for low-temperature deposition of gate dielectrics for thin film transistors
Authors: Mallikarjunan Anupama , Matz Laura M , Johnson Andrew D , Vrtis Raymond N , Xiao Manchao , Neill Mark O , Han Bing 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe electrical and physical quality of gate and passivation dielectrics significantly impacts the device performance of thin film transistors (TFTs). The passivation dielectric also needs to act as a barrier to protect the TFT device. As low temperature TFT processing becomes a requirement for novel applications and plastic substrates, there is a need for materials innovation that enables high quality plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) gate dielectric deposition. In this context, this paper discusses structure-property relationships and strategies for precursor development in silicon nitride, silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) and silicon oxide films. Experiments with passivation SiOC films demonstrate the benefit of a superior precursor (LkB-500) and standard process optimization to enable lower temperature depositions. For gate SiO2 deposition (that are used with polysilicon TFTs for example), organosilicon precursors containing different types and amounts of Si, C, O and H bonding were experimentally compared to the industry standard TEOS (tetraethoxysilane) at different process conditions and temperatures. Major differences were identified in film quality especially wet etch rate or WER (correlating to film density) and dielectric constant (k) values (correlating to moisture absorption). Gate quality SiO2 films can be deposited by choosing precursors that can minimize residual Si-OH groups and enable higher density stable moisture-free films. For e.g., the optimized precursor AP-LTO® 770 is clearly better than TEOS for low temperature PECVD depositions based on density, WER, k charge density (measured by flatband voltage or Vfb); and leakage and breakdown voltage (Vbd) measurements. The design and development of such novel precursors is a key factor to successfully enable manufacturing of advanced low temperature processed devices.
Amorphous IGZO TFTs and Circuits on Highly Flexible and Dimensionally Stable Kovar (Ni-Fe alloy) Metal Foils
Authors: Khan Shahrukh A. , Ma Xiaoxiao , Choi Nack Bong , Hatalis Miltiadis 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTWe have fabricated high performance amorphous IGZO TFTs and integrated circuits on flexible kovar (Ni-Fe 42 alloy) foils. Excellent dimensional stability on kovar foils is obtained by a pre-anneal process at 800°C that limits the thermal run-out to within 100ppm. After substrate annealing, Ni-Fe 42 alloy retains high yield strength and good flexibility with the re-crystallized structure containing large isotropic grains between 20-50μm. Amorphous IGZO TFTs and circuits with a staggered, bottom-gate architecture are fabricated and tested. Non-flexed TFTs have field effect mobility of 12 cm2/V.s, threshold voltage around 2 V and sub-threshold swing of 0.6 V/decade and ON/OFF current ratio exceeding 107. Under prolonged uniaxial tensile strain upto 0.8%, TFTs exhibited minimal change in performance which augers well for use of Ni-Fe foil as flexible substrates. To demonstrate the viability of oxide-based device integration, n-type pseudo logic ring oscillator circuits are also evaluated. Sub 300 ns propagation delay is confirmed at a rail-rail supply voltage of 40 V. The results suggest that device integration on such a highly flexible substrate is amenable to roll-to-roll processing of future electronics.
Correlation between total cardiovascular risk and bone density in postmenopausal women
Authors: Popovic Marina , Tasić Ivan , Dimić Aleksandar , Stojanović Sonja , Stamenković Bojana , Kostić Svetlana , Popović Dejan , Savić Todorka , Tasić Nataša , Manojlovic Snezana , Ivanović Branislava 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe aim of the paper was to examine the correlation between the total risk of cardiovascular events, determined by the SCORE (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation) system, and bone density in postmenopausal women. Examinees and method: The research involved 300 postmenopausal women. On the basis of bone density measurements, the participants were divided into three groups: group I — 84 examinees had osteoporosis, group II — 115 examinees had osteopenia, and group III — 101 examinees had normal bone mineral density (BMD). Results: Participants with high SCORE risk were statistically significantly older compared to low-risk women (60±3 vs. 55±5; p<0.001). They had significantly lower BMD and T scores (−1.09±0.94 vs. −2.86±0.63; p<0.001). Elevation of the SCORE risk by 1% caused a BMD decrease of 0.033 g/cm2(0.029 to 0.036 gr/cm2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors caused a significant increase in the risk of decreasing BMD: every year of life by 20%, menopause duration by 26%, increase in systolic blood pressure (BP) by 1 mm Hg by 7%, increase in SCORE risk by 1% by 5.31 times, physical inactivity by 5.96 times, and osteoporosis in the family history by 3.91 times. Conclusion: Postmenopausal women who are at high risk for cardiovascular diseases have a lower BMD than those who are not at high risk for cardiovascular diseases.