bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Return to use and performance following exploratory celiotomy for colic in horses: 195 cases (2003–2010)
Authors: DAVIS W. , FOGLE C. A. , GERARD M. P. , LEVINE J. F. , BLIKSLAGER A. T. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:There are few objective data on return to use and performance in horses following colic surgery.Objective:To investigate return to functional use of horses following colic surgery and factors associated with a negative outcome.Methods:The North Carolina State University Equine Colic Database was reviewed for horses that underwent exploratory celiotomy for colic (2003–2010). Horses were excluded from the study if they survived <6 months, had no intended use preoperatively, or if further data were not available at attempted follow‐up. Information retrieved included history, background, use, and selected pre‐, intra‐, and post operative factors. Telephone interviews were used to obtain follow‐up data. Logistic regression was used to investigate associations between clinical data and outcome, reported as odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval and corresponding P value.Results:Of patients surviving to 6 months, 133/195 (68%) were performing their intended use and 85/156 (54%) were at or above preoperative performance. At one year, 145/190 (76%) horses were performing their intended use and 101/153 (66%) were at or above preoperative performance. Animals were significantly less likely to return to use/performance if they had a previous celiotomy, stall rest for an orthopaedic condition, a nonstrangulating lesion type, incisional hernia, diarrhoea or laminitis.Conclusions:The overall prognosis for return to use and performance following colic surgery is fair to good. Multiple pre‐ and post operative factors may affect the likelihood of return to use and performance.Potential relevance:Targeted owner education regarding preoperative lameness, post operative rehabilitation and treatment for complications, such as incisional hernioplasty, may help inform owners about their horse's potential for return to use and performance following colic surgery.
Myocardial perfusion MRI with an undersampled 3D stack‐of‐stars sequence
Authors: Chen Liyong , Adluru Ganesh , Schabel Matthias C. , McGann Chris J. , DiBella Edward V. R. 
Published: August 2012

Purpose:To determine the feasibility of three‐dimensional (3D) hybrid radial (stack‐of‐stars) MRI with spatiotemporal total variation (TV) constrained reconstruction for dynamic contrast enhanced myocardial perfusion imaging.Methods:An ECG‐triggered saturation recovery turboFLASH sequence with undersampled stack‐of‐stars sampling with spatiotemporal TV constrained reconstruction was developed for dynamic contrast enhanced myocardial perfusion imaging. Simulations were performed to study the dependence of the approach to steady state on flip angle and saturation recovery time for this stack‐of‐stars acquisition. Phantom studies were used to show the effect of the flip angle selection and imperfect spoiling on image qualities. Studies were done in three humans to test the feasibility of the approach for myocardial perfusion imaging.Results:The simulation and phantom studies showed that imperfect spoiling and magnetization changes during the readout were a function of flip angle and nonoptimized selection of flip angle could degrade the images. Low flip angle acquisitions in the human subjects result in images with good quality similar to multislice radial 2D images.Conclusions:3D stack‐of‐stars sampling with spatiotemporal TV constrained reconstruction provides a promising alternative for myocardial perfusion imaging.
Quality appraisal in systematic reviews of public health interventions: an empirical study on the impact of choice of tool on meta-analysis
Authors: Voss Peer H , Rehfuess Eva A 
Published: August 2012

IntroductionSystematic reviews are a cornerstone of evidence-based public health. The method of appraising the quality of different intervention and observational study designs in such reviews remains an important challenge. This article examines the applicability of selected quality appraisal tools (QATs) and the impact of choice of tool on the meta-analysis of a published systematic review.MethodsThe authors selected a systematic review on the effectiveness of hand washing with soap in preventing diarrhoea, covering a range of epidemiological study designs. 6 QATs were used to assess 13 studies meeting their inclusion criteria; component sections/questions were coded numerically to derive a summary score between −1 (low quality) and +1 (high quality) for each QAT and study. Heterogeneity in study quality was evaluated graphically using traffic light schemes and spider charts. Random effects meta-analysis was undertaken for all studies; sensitivity analyses for each QAT included only those studies with a score of 0 or above.ResultsThe authors found substantial heterogeneity in summary scores for a given study. Their main meta-analysis yielded an OR of 0.60 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.77) with most sensitivity analyses giving similar pooled effect sizes with wider CIs.DiscussionThe six QATs differ greatly in applicability across study designs, approach to quality appraisal (ie, scale vs checklist, presence/absence of summary score), coverage of domains and quality of component questions and answers. Learning from advantages and disadvantages of each QAT, we recommend research into the development of a reliable QAT with a broad applicability across study designs.
Oncogenic BRAF(V600E) Promotes Stromal Cell-Mediated Immunosuppression Via Induction of Interleukin-1 in Melanoma
Authors: Khalili Jahan S. , Liu Shujuan , Rodríguez-Cruz Tania G. , Whittington Mayra , Wardell Seth , Liu Chengwen , Zhang Minying , Cooper Zachary A. , Frederick Dennie T. , Li Yufeng , Zhang Min , Joseph Richard W. , Bernatchez Chantale , Ekmekcioglu Suhendan , Grimm Elizabeth , Radvanyi Laszlo G. , Davis Richard E. , Davies Michael A. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Hwu Patrick , Lizée Gregory 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Purpose: In this study, we assessed the specific role of BRAF(V600E) signaling in modulating the expression of immune regulatory genes in melanoma, in addition to analyzing downstream induction of immune suppression by primary human melanoma tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAF).
Experimental Design: Primary human melanocytes and melanoma cell lines were transduced to express WT or V600E forms of BRAF, followed by gene expression analysis. The BRAF(V600E) inhibitor vemurafenib was used to confirm targets in BRAF(V600E)-positive melanoma cell lines and in tumors from melanoma patients undergoing inhibitor treatment. TAF lines generated from melanoma patient biopsies were tested for their ability to inhibit the function of tumor antigen-specific T cells, before and following treatment with BRAF(V600E)-upregulated immune modulators. Transcriptional analysis of treated TAFs was conducted to identify potential mediators of T-cell suppression.
Results: Expression of BRAF(V600E) induced transcription of interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α) and IL-1β in melanocytes and melanoma cell lines. Further, vemurafenib reduced the expression of IL-1 protein in melanoma cell lines and most notably in human tumor biopsies from 11 of 12 melanoma patients undergoing inhibitor treatment. Treatment of melanoma-patient–derived TAFs with IL-1α/β significantly enhanced their ability to suppress the proliferation and function of melanoma-specific cytotoxic T cells, and this inhibition was partially attributable to upregulation by IL-1 of COX-2 and the PD-1 ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 in TAFs.
Conclusions: This study reveals a novel mechanism of immune suppression sensitive to BRAF(V600E) inhibition, and indicates that clinical blockade of IL-1 may benefit patients with BRAF wild-type tumors and potentially synergize with immunotherapeutic interventions. Clin Cancer Res; 18(19); 5329–40. ©2012 AACR.
The Long-Term Effect of Coronary Stenting on Epicardial and Microvascular Endothelial Function
Authors: Lim Seong-Hoon , Flammer Andreas J. , Yoon Myeong Ho , Lennon Ryan J. , Gulati Rajiv , Mathew Verghese , Rihal Charanjit S. , Lerman Lilach O. , Lerman Amir 
Published: August 2012

Background—
Coronary stents, drug-eluting stents in particular, have been linked to coronary epicardial endothelial dysfunction after implantation. However, less is known about their impact on coronary microvascular function and their long-term effects on the vasculature.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated 71 patients (mean age, 53.0±10.1 years) with chest pain and angiographically nonsignificant coronary artery disease 17.1±17.1 months after left anterior descending coronary artery stenting. Seventy-one age- and sex-matched patients (mean age, 53.0±10.3 years) with chest pain but no prior coronary intervention served as controls. Coronary blood flow in response to the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine as well as the microvascular (endothelium-independent) coronary flow reserve in response to intracoronary adenosine were evaluated. Quantitative coronary angiography was used to study epicardial diameter changes to acetylcholine. Microcirculatory function was not significantly different between the stenting and control groups (median [interquartile range] coronary flow reserve, 2.9 [2.5–3.4] versus 3.0 [2.4–3.4] mL/min,
P
=0.24; change of coronary blood flow, 34.9% [−34.4% to 90.0%] versus 54.7% [−5.6% to 104.6%],
P
=0.18). Both groups exhibited epicardial endothelial dysfunction (−23.0% [−47.4% to −7.6%] versus −20.0% [−40.0% to 0.0%],
P
=0.4). Results did not differ between patients with drug-eluting stents (n=46) and patients with bare-metal stents (n=24).

Conclusions—
This study demonstrates that in patients with coronary arteries in which a stent has been placed, coronary microcirculatory and epicardial vascular function are not significantly different from that of an age- and sex-matched population with similar symptoms but nonsignificant coronary artery disease.
Cytokine Therapy With Interleukin-2/Anti–Interleukin-2 Monoclonal Antibody Complexes Expands CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells and Attenuates Development and Progression of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Dinh Tam Nguyen , Kyaw Tin Soe , Kanellakis Peter , To Kelly , Tipping Peter , Toh Ban-Hock , Bobik Alexander , Agrotis Alex 
Published: August 2012

Background—
CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) attenuate atherosclerosis, but their therapeutic application by adoptive transfer is limited by the need for their expansion in vitro and limited purity. Recently, an interleukin (IL)-2/anti–IL-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody (IL-2/anti–IL-2 mAb) complex has been shown to expand these Tregs. We examined the capacity of a modified IL-2/anti–IL-2 mAb treatment to expand Tregs and inhibit both the progression and development of developed atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—
Six-week old apolipoprotein E–deficient mice fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks were administered IL-2/anti–IL-2 mAb commencing 2 weeks after starting the diet. Tregs in the spleen, lymph node, and liver were selectively expanded without affecting CD4+, CD8+, or natural killer cells. Tregs were increased in lesions and lesion size reduced. CD4+ T-cells, macrophages, mature dendritic cells, proliferating cell nuclear antigen+ cells, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were reduced. In anti-CD3–stimulated splenocytes, proliferation and secretion of Th1, Th2, and Th17 (IL-17) cytokines and IL-1β were reduced. To determine whether treatment attenuated progression of developed atherosclerosis, 6-week-old apolipoprotein E–deficient mice were fed a high-fat diet for 6 weeks, followed by IL-2/anti–IL-2 mAb treatment for 6 weeks while continuing the high-fat diet. Treatment also increased Tregs without affecting CD4+, CD8+, or natural killer cells, suppressed inflammation, and greatly attenuated progression of atherosclerosis.

Conclusions—
IL-2/anti–IL-2 mAb treatment in vivo attenuates atherosclerosis via selective Tregs expansion. The findings suggest that cytokine-based IL-2/anti–IL-2 mAb complex therapy could represent an attractive approach for treating atherosclerosis, because it markedly attenuates progression as well as development, by modulating its immunoinflammatory component.
Social relationships and postpartum depression in South Asia: A systematic review
Authors: Jones Eleri , Coast Ernestina 
Published: August 2012

Background: Evidence suggests a much higher prevalence of postpartum depression in South Asia than in ‘western’ contexts. Aim: To conduct a rapid systematic review of evidence on the association between social relationships and postpartum depression in South Asia. Methods: Five databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Studies meeting the selection and quality criteria were analysed and integrated in a narrative review. Results: Nine mostly quantitative studies were included in the review. Low support and poor relationships with the husband and parents-in-law were associated with postpartum depression, although associations were weakened in multivariate analyses. The different dimensions of support have not yet been systematically investigated and the likely complex interrelationships between social relationship risk factors are not yet well understood. Conclusions: Findings mirror those from ‘western’ contexts, showing the key role of social relationships in the aetiology of postpartum depression. Yet, they also reinforce the hypothesis that the social and cultural context influences the association. The importance of relationships with the extended family, as well as the husband, in South Asia is highlighted. Further research is recommended to develop an understanding of these relationships to better inform interventions.
Is there any difference between blood and crystalloid cardioplegia for myocardial protection during cardiac surgery? A meta-analysis of 5576 patients from 36 randomized trials
Authors: Sá MPBO , Rueda FG , Ferraz PE , Chalegre ST , Vasconcelos FP , Lima RC 
Published: August 2012

Objective: To compare the efficacy of blood versus crystalloid cardioplegia for myocardial protection in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL/CCTR, SciELO, LILACS, Google Scholar and reference lists of relevant articles were searched for clinical studies that reported in-hospital outcomes after blood or crystalloid cardioplegia for myocardial protection during cardiac surgery procedures from 1966 to 2011. The principal summary measures were risk ratio (RR) for blood compared to crystalloid cardioplegia with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and P values (considered statistically significant when <0.05). The RRs were combined across studies using the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model and fixed effects model using the Mantel-Haenszel model - both models were weighted. The meta-analysis was completed using the software Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2 (Biostat Inc., Englewood, New Jersey). Results: Thirty-six studies (randomized trials) were identified and included a total of 5576 patients (2834 for blood and 2742 for crystalloid). There was no significant difference between the blood and crystalloid groups in the risk for death (risk ratio [RR] 0.951, 95% CI 0.598 to 1.514, P=0.828, for both effect models) or myocardial infarction (RR 0.795, 95% CI 0.547 to 1.118, P=0.164, for both effect models) or low cardiac output syndrome (RR 0.765, 95% CI 0.580 to 1.142, P=0.094, for the fixed effect model; RR 0.690, 95% CI 0.480 to 1.042, P=0.072, for the random effect model). It was observed that there was no publication bias or heterogeneity of effects about any outcome. Conclusion: We found evidence that argues against any superiority in terms of hard outcomes between blood or crystalloid cardioplegia for myocardial protection during cardiac surgery.
An aerobic walking programme versus muscle strengthening programme for chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shnayderman Ilana , Katz-Leurer Michal 
Published: August 2012

Objective: To assess the effect of aerobic walking training as compared to active training, which includes muscle strengthening, on functional abilities among patients with chronic low back pain. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial with blind assessors. Setting: Outpatient clinic. Subjects: Fifty-two sedentary patients, aged 18–65 years with chronic low back pain. Patients who were post surgery, post trauma, with cardiovascular problems, and with oncological disease were excluded. Intervention: Experimental ‘walking’ group: moderate intense treadmill walking; control ‘exercise’ group: specific low back exercise; both, twice a week for six weeks. Main measures: Six-minute walking test, Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire, back and abdomen muscle endurance tests, Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, Low Back Pain Functional Scale (LBPFS). Results: Significant improvements were noted in all outcome measures in both groups with non-significant difference between groups. The mean distance in metres covered during 6 minutes increased by 70.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.3–127.7) in the ‘walking’ group and by 43.8 (95% CI 19.6–68.0) in the ‘exercise’ group. The trunk flexor endurance test showed significant improvement in both groups, increasing by 0.6 (95% CI 0.0–1.1) in the ‘walking’ group and by 1.1 (95% CI 0.3–1.8) in the ‘exercise’ group. Conclusions: A six-week walk training programme was as effective as six weeks of specific strengthening exercises programme for the low back.
Polythiophene/Na-montmorillonite composites via intercalative polymerization
Authors: Çelik Meltem , Önal Müşerref 
Published: August 2012

Conducting polythiophene (PTP)/Na-montmorillonite (Na-MMT) composites have been prepared by intercalative polymerization. The synthesized composites are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermal analysis. XRD and TEM images showed that the PTP was intercalated into the clay layers. The thermogravimetric analysis and the differential thermal analysis revealed the introduction of Na-MMT results in thermal stability of composites with respect to pure PTP. Furthermore, adsorptive properties, the moisture retention, and water uptake values of composites were investigated. Conductivity behavior of composites was also studied.
Induction of functional platelets from mouse and human fibroblasts by p45NF-E2/Maf
Authors: Ono Yukako , Wang Yuhuan , Suzuki Hidenori , Okamoto Shinichiro , Ikeda Yasuo , Murata Mitsuru , Poncz Mortimer , Matsubara Yumiko 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Determinant factors leading from stem cells to megakaryocytes (MKs) and subsequently platelets have yet to be identified. We now report that a combination of nuclear factor erythroid–derived 2 p45 unit (p45NF-E2), Maf G, and Maf K can convert mouse fibroblast 3T3 cells and adult human dermal fibroblasts into MKs. To screen MK-inducing factors, gene expressions were compared between 3T3 cells that do not differentiate into MKs and 3T3-L1 cells known to differentiate into MKs. 3T3 cells transfected with candidate factors were cultured in a defined MK lineage induction medium. Among the tested factors, transfection with p45NF-E2/MafG/MafK lead to the highest frequency of CD41-positive cells. Adult human dermal fibroblasts transfected with these genes were cultured in MK lineage induction medium. Cultured cells had megakaryocytic features, including surface markers, ploidy, and morphology. More than 90% of MK-sized cells expressed CD41, designated induced MK (iMK). Infusion of these iMK cells into immunodeficient mice led to a time-dependent appearance of CD41-positive, platelet-sized particles. Blood samples from iMK-infused into thrombocytopenic immunodeficient mice were perfused on a collagen-coated chip, and human CD41-positive platelets were incorporated into thrombi on the chip, demonstrating their functionality. These findings demonstrate that a combination of p45NF-E2, Maf G, and Maf K is a key determinant of both megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis.
The murine allantois: a model system for the study of blood vessel formation
Authors: Arora Ripla , Papaioannou Virginia E. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe allantois is the embryonic precursor of the umbilical cord in mammals and is one of several embryonic regions, including the yolk sac and dorsal aorta, that undergoes vasculogenesis, the de novo formation of blood vessels. Despite its importance in establishing the chorioallantoic placenta and umbilical circulation, the allantois frequently is overlooked in embryologic studies. Nonetheless, recent studies demonstrate that vasculogenesis, vascular remodeling, and angiogenesis are essential allantois functions in the establishment of the chorioallantoic placenta. Here, we review blood vessel formation in the murine allantois, highlighting the expression of genes and involvement of pathways common to vasculogenesis or angiogenesis in other parts of the embryo. We discuss experimental techniques available for manipulation of the allantois that are unavailable for yolk sac or dorsal aorta, and review how this system has been used as a model system to discover new genes and mechanisms involved in vessel formation. Finally, we discuss the potential of the allantois as a model system to provide insights into disease and therapeutics.
Selective extracellular vesicle-mediated export of an overlapping set of microRNAs from multiple cell types
Authors: Guduric-Fuchs Jasenka , O’Connor Anna , Camp Bailey , O'Neill Christina L , Medina Reinhold J , Simpson David A 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNA molecules that regulate expression of specific mRNA targets. They can be released from cells, often encapsulated within extracellular vesicles (EVs), and therefore have the potential to mediate intercellular communication. It has been suggested that certain miRNAs may be selectively exported, although the mechanism has yet to be identified. Manipulation of the miRNA content of EVs will be important for future therapeutic applications. We therefore wished to assess which endogenous miRNAs are enriched in EVs and how effectively an overexpressed miRNA would be exported.

Results
Small RNA libraries from HEK293T cells and vesicles before or after transfection with a vector for miR-146a overexpression were analysed by deep sequencing. A subset of miRNAs was found to be enriched in EVs; pathway analysis of their predicted target genes suggests a potential role in regulation of endocytosis. RT-qPCR in additional cell types and analysis of publicly available data revealed that many of these miRNAs tend to be widely preferentially exported. Whilst overexpressed miR-146a was highly enriched both in transfected cells and their EVs, the cellular:EV ratios of endogenous miRNAs were not grossly altered. MiR-451 was consistently the most highly exported miRNA in many different cell types. Intriguingly, Argonaute2 (Ago2) is required for miR-451 maturation and knock out of Ago2 has been shown to decrease expression of other preferentially exported miRNAs (eg miR-150 and miR-142-3p).

Conclusion
The global expression data provided by deep sequencing confirms that specific miRNAs are enriched in EVs released by HEK293T cells. Observation of similar patterns in a range of cell types suggests that a common mechanism for selective miRNA export may exist.