bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An exploration of the association between very early rehabilitation and outcome for the patients with acute ischaemic stroke in Japan: a nationwide retrospective cohort survey
Authors: Matsui Hiroki , Hashimoto Hideki , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Yasunaga Hideo , Matsuda Shinya 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Very early rehabilitation is expected to improve functional outcomes after stroke, although its effectiveness has not been fully evaluated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between very early intervention (VEI), and patient outcomes at discharge by using nationwide large data and statistical treatment for selection bias.

Methods
In this study, we defined VEI as rehabilitation commencing within 3 days of stroke admission. The data were derived from a nationwide survey of acute-care hospitals conducted in 2007 for designing a reimbursement scheme and from a concurrent survey on rehabilitation services among a convenient subgroup of hospitals participating in the above survey. We included patients with a diagnosis code of ischaemic cerebrovascular disease with acute onset who underwent any rehabilitation services during hospitalisation. Surgery cases, those with no functional deficit, and those with a severe consciousness deficit upon admission were excluded. A total of 5,482 patients were enrolled from 294 hospitals. To correct for any potential selection bias, we used Friday admission as an instrumental variable (IV) and conducted a bivariate probit model analysis.

Results
We found that VEI for acute stroke patients was significantly associated with a lesser degree of disability at discharge. Even after considering endogenous problems due to treatment selection, VEI improved the chance of reducing disability by 15.3% (p < 0.001). There was no significant association between VEI and in-hospital mortality, suggesting that VEI was not likely to lead to an adverse outcome.

Conclusions
These data suggest that VEI may lead to a better outcome with no increase in adverse events compared to delayed rehabilitation.
Placental transfer of the polybrominated diphenyl ethers BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-209 in a human placenta perfusion system: an experimental study
Authors: Frederiksen Marie , Vorkamp Katrin , Mathiesen Line , Mose Tina , Knudsen Lisbeth E 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been widely used as flame retardants in consumer products. PBDEs may affect thyroid hormone homeostasis, which can result in irreversible damage of cognitive performance, motor skills and altered behaviour. Thus, in utero exposure is of very high concern due to critical windows in fetal development.

Methods
A human ex vivo placenta perfusion system was used to study the kinetics and extent of the placental transfer of BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-209 during four-hour perfusions. The PBDEs were added to the maternal circulation and monitored in the maternal and fetal compartments. In addition, the perfused cotyledon, the surrounding placental tissue as well as pre-perfusion placental tissue and umbilical cord plasma were also analysed. The PBDE analysis included Soxhlet extraction, clean-up by adsorption chromatography and GC-MS analysis.

Results and Discussion
Placental transfer of BDE-47 was faster and more extensive than for BDE-99. The fetal-maternal ratios (FM-ratio) after four hours of perfusion were 0.47 and 0.25 for BDE-47 and BDE-99, respectively, while the indicative permeability coefficient (IPC) measured after 60 minutes of perfusion was 0.26 h-1 and 0.10 h-1, respectively. The transport of BDE-209 seemed to be limited. These differences between the congeners may be related to the degree of bromination. Significant accumulation was observed for all congeners in the perfused cotyledon as well as in the surrounding placental tissue.

Conclusion
The transport of BDE-47 and BDE-99 indicates in utero exposure to these congeners. Although the transport of BDE-209 was limited, however, possible metabolic debromination may lead to products which are both more toxic and transportable. Our study demonstrates fetal exposure to PBDEs, which should be included in risk assessment of PBDE exposure of women of child-bearing age.
NF-κB activation enhances cell death by antimitotic drugs in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Parrondo Ricardo , Pozas Alicia de las , Reiner Teresita , Rai Priyamvada , Perez-Stable Carlos 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
NF-κB is a transcription factor that promotes inhibition of apoptosis and resistance to chemotherapy. It is commonly believed that inhibition of NF-κB activity can increase sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy. However, there is evidence that NF-κB activation can sensitize cells to apoptosis and that inhibition of NF-κB results in resistance to chemotherapy. In prostate cancer, it is not clear in the different cell types (androgen-dependent and castration-resistant) if activation or inhibition of NF-κB is required for stimulation of apoptosis by chemotherapy.

Results
Our data indicate that the response of prostate cancer (PC) cells to the antimitotic drugs docetaxel (Doc) and 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) is dependent on the levels of NF-κB activity. In androgen-dependent LNCaP cells, Doc and 2ME2 treatment increased the low basal NF-κB activity, as determined by Western blot analysis of phospho-IκBα/p65, NF-κB promoter reporter assays, and p65 localization. Treatment of LNCaP cells with parthenolide, a pharmacologic inhibitor of NF-κB, or introduction of dominant-negative IκBα, or an shRNA specific for p65, a component of the NF-κB heterodimer, blocked apoptosis induced by Doc and 2ME2. In castration-resistant DU145 and PC3 cells, Doc and 2ME2 had little effect on the high basal NF-κB activity and addition of parthenolide did not enhance cell death. However, the combination of Doc or 2ME2 with betulinic acid (BA), a triterpenoid that activates NF-κB, stimulated apoptosis in LNCaP and non-apoptotic cell death in DU145 and PC3 cells. Increased sensitivity to cell death mediated by the Doc or 2ME2 + BA combination is likely due to increased NF-κB activity.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that the combination of antimitotic drugs with NF-κB inhibitors will have antagonistic effects in a common type of PC cell typical of LNCaP. However, combination strategies utilizing antimitotic drugs with BA, an activator of NF-κB, will universally enhance cell death in PC cells, notably in the aggressive, castration-resistant variety that does not respond to conventional therapies.
Emphysema is associated with increased inflammation in lungs of atherosclerosis-prone mice by cigarette smoke: implications in comorbidities of COPD
Authors: Arunachalam Gnanapragasam , Sundar Isaac K , Hwang Jae-woong , Yao Hongwei , Rahman Irfan 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with numerous vascular effects including endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness and atherogenesis. It is also known that a decline in lung function is associated with increased cardiovascular comorbidity in smokers. The mechanism of this cardiopulmonary dual risk by cigarette smoke (CS) is not known. We studied the molecular mechanisms involved in development of emphysema in atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice in response to CS exposure.MethodsAdult male and female wild-type (WT) mice of genetic background C57BL/6J and ApoE-/-mice were exposed to CS, and lung inflammatory responses, oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation products), mechanical properties as well as airspace enlargement were assessed.Results and DiscussionThe lungs of ApoE-/-mice showed augmented inflammatory response and increased oxidative stress with development of distal airspace enlargement which was accompanied with decline in lung function. Interestingly, the levels and activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9 and MMP-12) were increased, whereas the level of eNOS was decreased in lungs of CS-exposed ApoE-/-mice as compared to air-exposed ApoE-/-mice or CS-exposed WT mice.ConclusionThese findings suggest that CS causes premature emphysema and a decline of lung function in mice susceptible to cardiovascular abnormalities via abnormal lung inflammation, increased oxidative stress and alterations in levels of MMPs and eNOS.
Assessing the spatial distribution of methadone clinic clients and their access to treatment
Authors: Wong Ngai Sze , Lee Shui Shan , Lin Hui 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Using Geographic Information System (GIS), the spatial distribution of methadone clinic clients and their utilization of a treatment service in Hong Kong was analysed. A majority (93.7%) of the 63 methadone users recruited were residing in the same district, of which 84.1% spent not more than 15 minutes for traveling. Walking (55.6%) was the commonest transport mode followed by cycling (30.2%). There was no distance decay effect on traveling time, but an association between distance and transport selection could be demonstrated. The residence locations displayed a compact distribution, merging with the general population without any evidence of clustering. Though the distribution of methadone users could have been shaped by the location of clinic, it can also be concluded that methadone clinics at convenient locations are needed if maintenance is a key determinant of service effectiveness.
Susceptibilities of medaka (Oryzias latipes) cell lines to a betanodavirus
Authors: Adachi Kei , Sumiyoshi Kosuke , Ariyasu Ryo , Yamashita Kasumi , Zenke Kosuke , Okinaka Yasushi 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Betanodaviruses, members of the family Nodaviridae, have bipartite, positive-sense RNA genomes and are the causal agents of viral nervous necrosis in many marine fish species. Recently, the viruses were shown to infect a few freshwater fish species including a model fish medaka (Oryzias latipes). Although virological study using cultured medaka cells would provide a lot of insight into virus-fish interactions in molecular aspects, no such cells have yet been tested for virus susceptibility.

Results
We tested ten medaka cell lines for susceptibilities to redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV). Although the viral coat protein was detected in all the cell lines inoculated, the levels of cytopathic effect development and viral propagation were quite different among the cell lines. Those levels were especially high in OLHNI-1 and OLHNI-2 cells, but were extremely low in OLME-104 cells. Some cell lines entered into antiviral state after RGNNV infections probably because of inducing an antiviral system. This is the first report to examine the susceptibilities of cultured medaka cells against a virus.

Conclusion
OLHNI-1 and OLHNI-2 cells are candidates of new standard cells for betanodavirus study because of their high susceptibilities to the virus and their several advantages as model fish cells.
Effect of the feeding system on the fatty acid composition, expression of the Δ9-desaturase, Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha, Gamma, and Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1 genes in the semitendinous muscle of light lambs of the Rasa Aragonesa breed
Authors: Dervishi Elda , Serrano Carmen , Joy Margalida , Serrano Malena , Rodellar Clementina , Calvo Jorge H 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are receiving increasing attention because of their beneficial effects on human health, with milk and meat products derived from ruminants as important sources of CLA in the human diet. SCD gene is responsible for some of the variation in CLA concentration in adipose tissues, and PPARγ, PPARα and SREBP1 genes are regulator of SCD gene. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the feeding system on fatty acid composition, CLA content and relative gene expression of Δ9-desaturase (SCD), Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ), Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha, (PPARα) and Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein (SREBP1) in Rasa Aragonesa light lambs in semitendinous muscle. Forty-four single-born male lambs were used to evaluate the effect of the feeding system, varying on an intensity gradient according to the use of concentrates: 1. grazing alfalfa, 2. grazing alfalfa with a supplement for lambs, 3. indoor lambs with grazing ewes and 4. drylot.

Results
Both grazing systems resulted in a higher concentration of vaccenic acid (VA), CLA, CLA/VA acid ratio, and a lower oleic content, oleic acid (C18:1)/stearic acid (C18:0) ratio, PUFA n-6/n-3 ratio and SCD expression compared to other diets. In addition feeding system affected the fatty acid composition and SCD expression, possibly due to CLA concentration or the PUFA n-6/n-3 ratio. Both expression of the SCD gene and the feeding system were important factors affecting CLA concentration in the animal's semitendinous muscle. PPARγ, PPARα and SREBP1 expression seemed to be unaffected by the feeding system. Although no significant results were found, PPARγ, PPARα and SREBP1 showed similar expression pattern as SCD. Moreover, the correlation results between SCD expression and PPARγ (p < 0.01), as well as SREBP1 (p < 0.01) expression, may suggest that these genes were affecting SCD expression in a different way.

Conclusions
The data indicated that the feeding system is the main factor affecting the fatty acid composition and SCD gene expression, which is also affected by CLA and possibly by n-6/n-3 PUFAs.
Experiences of stigma in healthcare settings among adults living with HIV in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Rahmati‐Najarkolaei Fatemeh , Niknami Shamsaddin , Aminshokravi Farkhondeh , Bazargan Mohsen , Ahmadi Fazlollah , Hadjizadeh Ebrahim , Tavafian Sedigheh S 
Published: July 2010

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLHIV) sometimes experience discrimination. There is little understanding of the causes, forms and consequences of this stigma in Islamic countries. This qualitative study explored perceptions and experiences of PLHIV regarding both the quality of healthcare and the attitudes and behaviours of their healthcare providers in the Islamic Republic of Iran.MethodsIn‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were held with a purposively selected group of 69 PLHIV recruited from two HIV care clinics in Tehran. Data were analyzed using the content analysis approach.Results and discussionNearly all participants reported experiencing stigma and discrimination by their healthcare providers in a variety of contexts. Participants perceived that their healthcare providers' fear of being infected with HIV, coupled with religious and negative value‐based assumptions about PLHIV, led to high levels of stigma. Participants mentioned at least four major forms of stigma: (1) refusal of care; (2) sub‐optimal care; (3) excessive precautions and physical distancing; and (4) humiliation and blaming. The participants' healthcare‐seeking behavioural reactions to perceived stigma and discrimination included avoiding or delaying seeking care, not disclosing HIV status when seeking healthcare, and using spiritual healing. In addition, emotional responses to perceived acts of stigma included feeling undeserving of care, diminished motivation to stay healthy, feeling angry and vengeful, and experiencing emotional stress.ConclusionsWhile previous studies demonstrate that most Iranian healthcare providers report fairly positive attitudes towards PLHIV, our participants' experiences tell a different story. Therefore, it is imperative to engage both healthcare providers and PLHIV in designing interventions targeting stigma in healthcare settings. Additionally, specialized training programmes in universal precautions for health providers will lead to stigma reduction. National policies to strengthen medical training and to provide funding for stigma‐reduction programming are strongly recommended. Investigating Islamic literature and instruction, as well as requesting official public statements from religious leaders regarding stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings, should be used in educational intervention programmes targeting healthcare providers. Finally, further studies are needed to investigate the role of the physician and religion in the local context.
Alterations in the self-renewal and differentiation ability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Mohanty Sindhu T , Kottam Lucksy , Gambardella Alessandra , Nicklin Martin J , Coulton Les , Hughes David , Wilson Anthony G , Croucher Peter I , Bellantuono Ilaria 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease primarily involving the synovium. Evidence in recent years has suggested that the bone marrow (BM) may be involved, and may even be the initiating site of the disease. Abnormalities in haemopoietic stem cells' (HSC) survival, proliferation and aging have been described in patients affected by RA and ascribed to abnormal support by the BM microenvironment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and their progeny constitute important components of the BM niche. In this study we test the hypothesis that the onset of inflammatory arthritis is associated with altered self-renewal and differentiation of bone marrow MSC, which alters the composition of the BM microenvironment.

Methods
We have used Balb/C Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist knock-out mice, which spontaneously develop RA-like disease in 100% of mice by 20 weeks of age to determine the number of mesenchymal progenitors and their differentiated progeny before, at the start and with progression of the disease.

Results
We showed a decrease in the number of mesenchymal progenitors with adipogenic potential and decreased bone marrow adipogenesis before disease onset. This is associated with a decrease in osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, at the onset of disease a significant increase in all mesenchymal progenitors is observed together with a block in their differentiation to osteoblasts. This is associated with accelerated bone loss.

Conclusions
Significant changes occur in the BM niche with the establishment and progression of RA-like disease. Those changes may be responsible for aspects of the disease, including the advance of osteoporosis. An understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to those changes may lead to new strategies for therapeutic intervention.
Effect of a Single Oral Dose of 600,000 IU of Cholecalciferol on Serum Calciotropic Hormones in Young Subjects with Vitamin D Deficiency: A Prospective Intervention Study
Authors: Cipriani Cristiana , Romagnoli Elisabetta , Scillitani Alfredo , Chiodini Iacopo , Clerico Rita , Carnevale Vincenzo , Mascia Maria Lucia , Battista Claudia , Viti Raffaella , Pileri Mauro , Eller-Vainicher Cristina , Minisola Salvatore 
Published: July 2010

Context: Effects of vitamin D repletion in young people with low vitamin D status have not been investigated so far.
Objective: We evaluated the effect of a single massive dose of cholecalciferol on calcium metabolism at 3, 15, and 30 d, compared to baseline.
Design and Setting: We conducted a prospective intervention study in an ambulatory care setting.
Participants: Forty-eight young subjects with vitamin D deficiency participated in the study.
Intervention: A single oral dose of 600,000 IU of cholecalciferol was administered to each subject.
Main Outcome Measures: We evaluated serum changes of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, calcium, and PTH induced by a single load of cholecalciferol.
Results: The 25(OH)D level was 15.8 ± 6.5 ng/ml at baseline and became 77.2 ± 30.5 ng/ml at 3 d (P &lt; 0.001) and 62.4 ± 26.1 ng/ml at 30 d (P &lt; 0.001). PTH levels concomitantly decreased from 53.0 ± 20.1 to 38.6 ± 17.2 pg/ml at 3 d and to 43.4 ± 14.0 pg/ml at 30 d (P &lt; 0.001 for both). The trends were maintained in a subgroup followed up to 90 d (P &lt; 0.001). Mean serum Ca and P significantly increased compared to baseline, whereas serum Mg decreased at 3 d. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D significantly increased from 46.8 ± 18.9 to 97.8 ± 38.3 pg/ml at 3 d (P &lt; 0.001) and to 59.5 ± 27.3 pg/ml at 60 d (P &lt; 0.05).
Conclusions: A single oral dose of 600,000 IU of cholecalciferol rapidly enhances 25(OH)D and reduces PTH in young people with vitamin D deficiency.
Implementing Neonatal Screening for Haemoglobinopathies in the Netherlands
Authors: Bouva Marelle J , Mohrmann Karin , Brinkman Henri B J M , Kemper-Proper Evelien A , Elvers Bert , Loeber J Gerard , Verheul Francesco E A M , Giordano Piero C 
Published: July 2010

Background The birth prevalence of severe haemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease (SCD) in the Netherlands has been estimated to be at least 50 newborns per year. Neonatal screening for SCD was added to the Dutch screening programme in January 2007. We here evaluated three high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems for application in neonatal screening for haemoglobinopathies, and present the results of a subsequent pilot screening programme. Methods The Variant NewBorn Screening (Vnbs) HPLC system (Bio-Rad) was validated by analysing 131 blood samples and blood mixtures. Subsequently, the performance of the G7 (Tosoh BioScience) and Ultra (Primus Corporation) was compared with the Vnbs. The three HPLC analysers were tested in a pilot screening programme on 21,969 dried blood spot samples from the routine Dutch neonatal screening programme. Results The pilot screening resulted in 188 abnormal patterns. The three HPLC devices presented comparable within-and between-run precision and detected the abnormal samples similarly. The high throughput, sampling systems, presentation of results, and integration of the chromatograms, however, were different. Conclusion All three analysers detected the same abnormal haemoglobins satisfactorily, but integrated the chromatograms with variable imprecision. Comparison of the results suggested that the Bio-Rad Vnbs was the preferred system. However, software adjustments were required to improve the diagnostic potential of this device for screening for β- and α-thalassaemia.
The chromosome peripheral proteins play an active role in chromosome dynamics
Authors: Matsunaga Sachihiro , Fukui Kiichi 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe chromosome periphery is a chromosomal structure that covers the surface of mitotic chromosomes. The structure and function of the chromosome periphery has been poorly understood since its first description in 1882. It has, however, been proposed to be an insulator or barrier to protect chromosomes from subcellular substances and to act as a carrier of nuclear and nucleolar components to direct their equal distribution to daughter cells because most chromosome peripheral proteins (CPPs) are derived from the nucleolus or nucleus. Until now, more than 30 CPPs were identified in mammalians. Recent immunostaining analyses of CPPs have revealed that the chromosome periphery covers the centromeric region of mitotic chromosomes in addition to telomeres and regions between two sister chromatids. Knockdown analyses of CPPs using RNAi have revealed functions in chromosome dynamics, including cohesion of sister chromatids, kinetochore-microtubule attachments, spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. Because most CPPs are involved in various subcellular events in the nucleolus or nuclear at interphase, a temporal and spatial-specific knockdown method of CPPs in the chromosome periphery will be useful to understand the function of chromosome periphery in cell division.