bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adherence with statins in a real-life setting is better when associated cardiovascular risk factors increase: a cohort study
Authors: Latry Philippe , Molimard Mathieu , Dedieu Bernard , Couffinhal Thierry , Bégaud Bernard , Martin-Latry Karin 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
While the factors for poor adherence for treatment with statins have been highlighted, the impact of their combination on adherence is not clear.

Aims
To estimate adherence for statins and whether it differs according to the number of cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods
A cohort study was conducted using data from the main French national health insurance system reimbursement database. Newly treated patients with statins between September 1 and December 31, 2004 were included. Patients were followed up 15 months. The cohort was split into three groups according to their number of additional cardiovascular risk factors that included age and gender, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (using co-medications as a proxy). Adherence was assessed for each group by using four parameters: (i) proportion of days covered by statins, (ii) regularity of the treatment over time, (iii) persistence, and (iv) the refill delay.

Results
16,397 newly treated patients were identified. Of these statin users, 21.7% did not have additional cardiovascular risk factors. Thirty-one percent had two cardiovascular risk factors and 47% had at least three risk factors. All the parameters showed a sub-optimal adherence whatever the group: days covered ranged from 56% to 72%, regularity ranged from 23% to 33% and persistence ranged from 44% to 59%, but adherence was better for those with a higher number of cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions
The results confirm that long-term drug treatments are a difficult challenge, particularly in patients at lower risk and invite to the development of therapeutic education.
Versican but not decorin accumulation is related to malignancy in mammographically detected high density and malignant-appearing microcalcifications in non-palpable breast carcinomas
Authors: Skandalis Spyros S , Labropoulou Vassiliki T , Ravazoula Panagiota , Likaki-Karatza Eleni , Dobra Katalin , Kalofonos Haralabos P , Karamanos Nikos K , Theocharis Achilleas D 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
Mammographic density (MD) and malignant-appearing microcalcifications (MAMCs) represent the earliest mammographic findings of non-palpable breast carcinomas. Matrix proteoglycans versican and decorin are frequently over-expressed in various malignancies and are differently involved in the progression of cancer. In the present study, we have evaluated the expression of versican and decorin in non-palpable breast carcinomas and their association with high risk mammographic findings and tumor characteristics.

Methods
Three hundred and ten patients with non-palpable suspicious breast lesions, detected during screening mammography, were studied. Histological examination was carried out and the expression of decorin, versican, estrogen receptor α (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR) and c-erbB2 (HER-2/neu) was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results
Histological examination showed 83 out of 310 (26.8%) carcinomas of various subtypes. Immunohistochemistry was carried out in 62/83 carcinomas. Decorin was accumulated in breast tissues with MD and MAMCs independently of the presence of malignancy. In contrast, versican was significantly increased only in carcinomas with MAMCs (median ± SE: 42.0 ± 9.1) and MD (22.5 ± 10.1) as compared to normal breast tissue with MAMCs (14.0 ± 5.8), MD (11.0 ± 4.4) and normal breast tissue without mammographic findings (10.0 ± 2.0). Elevated levels of versican were correlated with higher tumor grade and invasiveness in carcinomas with MD and MAMCs, whereas increased amounts of decorin were associated with in situ carcinomas in MAMCs. Stromal deposition of both proteoglycans was related to higher expression of ERα and PR in tumor cells only in MAMCs.

Conclusions
The specific accumulation of versican in breast tissue with high MD and MAMCs only in the presence of malignant transformation and its association with the aggressiveness of the tumor suggests its possible use as molecular marker in non-palpable breast carcinomas.
Development of a proxy-reported pulmonary outcome scale for preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Massie Sara E , Tolleson-Rinehart Sue , DeWalt Darren A , Laughon Matthew M , Powell Leslie M , Price Wayne A 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
To develop an accurate, proxy-reported bedside measurement tool for assessment of the severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (also called chronic lung disease) in preterm infants to supplement providers' current biometric measurements of the disease.

Methods
We adapted Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) methodology to develop the Proxy-Reported Pulmonary Outcomes Scale (PRPOS). A multidisciplinary group of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, neonatologists, developmental specialists, and feeding specialists at five academic medical centers participated in the PRPOS development, which included five phases: (1) identification of domains, items, and responses; (2) item classification and selection using a modified Delphi process; (3) focus group exploration of items and response options; (4) cognitive interviews on a preliminary scale; and (5) final revision before field testing.

Results
Each phase of the process helped us to identify, classify, review, and revise possible domains, questions, and response options. The final items for field testing include 26 questions or observations that a nurse assesses before, during, and after routine care time and feeding.

Conclusions
We successfully created a prototype scale using modified PROMIS methodology. This process can serve as a model for the development of proxy-reported outcomes scales in other pediatric populations.
Rational design of the gram-scale synthesis of nearly monodisperse semiconductor nanocrystals
Authors: Protière Myriam , Nerambourg Nicolas , Renard Olivier , Reiss Peter 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
We address two aspects of general interest for the chemical synthesis of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals: (1) the rational design of the synthesis protocol aiming at the optimization of the reaction parameters in a minimum number of experiments; (2) the transfer of the procedure to the gram scale, while maintaining a low size distribution and maximizing the reaction yield. Concerning the first point, the design-of-experiment (DOE) method has been applied to the synthesis of colloidal CdSe nanocrystals. We demonstrate that 16 experiments, analyzed by means of a Taguchi L16 table, are sufficient to optimize the reaction parameters for controlling the mean size of the nanocrystals in a large range while keeping the size distribution narrow (5-10%). The DOE method strongly reduces the number of experiments necessary for the optimization as compared to trial-and-error approaches. Furthermore, the Taguchi table analysis reveals the degree of influence of each reaction parameter investigated (e.g., the nature and concentration of reagents, the solvent, the reaction temperature) and indicates the interactions between them. On the basis of these results, the synthesis has been scaled up by a factor of 20. Using a 2-L batch reactor combined with a high-throughput peristaltic pump, different-sized samples of CdSe nanocrystals with yields of 2-3 g per synthesis have been produced without sacrificing the narrow size distribution. In a similar setup, the gram-scale synthesis of CdSe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals exhibiting a fluorescence quantum yield of 81% and excellent resistance of the photoluminescence in presence of a fluorescent quencher (aromatic thiol) has been achieved.

PACS: 81.20.Ka, 81.07.Bc, 78.67.Bf
Isolation and characterization of a novel podovirus which infects burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Gatedee Jiraporn , Kritsiriwuthinan Kanyanan , Galyov Edouard E , Shan Jinyu , Dubinina Elena , Intarak Narin , Clokie Martha RJ , Korbsrisate Sunee 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a saprophytic soil bacterium and the etiological agent that causes melioidosis. It is naturally resistant to many antibiotics and therefore is difficult to treat. Bacteriophages may provide an alternative source of treatment. We have isolated and characterised the bacteriophage ΦBp-AMP1. The phage is a member of the Podoviridae family and has a genome size of ~ 45 Kb. Molecular data based on the gene which encodes for the phage tail tubular protein suggests that the phage is distinct from known phages but related to phages which infect B. thailandensis and Ralstonia spp. The phage ΦBp-AMP1 is the first B. pseudomallei podovirus to be isolated from the environment rather than being induced from a bacterial culture. It has a broad host range within B. pseudomallei and can infect all 11 strains that we tested it on but not related Burkholderia species. It is heat stable for 8 h at 50°C but not stable at 60°C. It may potentially be a useful tool to treat or diagnose B. pseudomallei infections as it can lyse several strains of clinical relevance.
Lung function in asbestos-exposed workers, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wilken Dennis , Garrido Marcial Velasco , Manuwald Ulf , Baur Xaver 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundA continuing controversy exists about whether, asbestos exposure is associated with significant lung function impairments when major radiological abnormalities are lacking. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to assess whether asbestos exposure is related to impairment of lung function parameters independently of the radiological findings.MethodsMEDLINE was searched from its inception up to April 2010. We included studies that assessed lung function parameters in asbestos exposed workers and stratified subjects according to radiological findings. Estimates of VC, FEV1and FEV1/VC with their dispersion measures were extracted and pooled.ResultsOur meta-analysis with data from 9,921 workers exposed to asbestos demonstrates a statistically significant reduction in VC, FEV1and FEV1/VC, even in those workers without radiological changes. Less severe lung function impairments are detected if the diagnoses are based on (high resolution) computed tomography rather than the less sensitive X-ray images. The degree of lung function impairment was partly related to the proportion of smokers included in the studies.ConclusionsAsbestos exposure is related to restrictive and obstructive lung function impairment. Even in the absence of radiological evidence of parenchymal or pleural diseases there is a trend for functional impairment.
The evolution of rectal and urinary toxicity and immune response in prostate cancer patients treated with two three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy techniques
Authors: Vranova Jana , Vinakurau Stepan , Richter Jan , Starec Miroslav , Fiserova Anna , Rosina Jozef 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundOur research compared whole pelvic (WP) and prostate-only (PO) 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) techniques in terms of the incidence and evolution of acute and late toxicity of the rectum and urinary bladder, and identified the PTV-parameters influencing these damages and changes in antitumor immune response.MethodsWe analyzed 197 prostate cancer patients undergoing 3DCRT for gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities, and conducted a pilot immunological study including flow cytometry and an NK cell cytotoxicity assay. Acute and late toxicities were recorded according to the RTOG and the LENT-SOMA scales, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted for factors associated with toxicity.ResultsIn the WP group, an increase of acute rectal toxicity was observed. A higher incidence of late GI/GU toxicity appeared in the PO group. Only 18 patients (WP-7.76% and PO-11.11%) suffered severe late GI toxicity, and 26 patients (WP-11.21% and PO-16.05%) severe late GU toxicity. In the majority of acute toxicity suffering patients, the diminution of late GI/GU toxicity to grade 1 or to no toxicity after radiotherapy was observed. The 3DCRT technique itself, patient age, T stage of TNM classification, surgical intervention, and some dose-volume parameters emerged as important factors in the probability of developing acute and late GI/GU toxicity. The proportion and differentiation of NK cells positively correlated during 3DCRT and negatively so after its completion with dose-volumes of the rectum and urinary bladder. T and NKT cells were down-regulated throughout the whole period. We found a negative correlation between leukocyte numbers and bone marrow irradiated by 44-54 Gy and a positive one for NK cell proportion and doses of 5-25 Gy. The acute GU, late GU, and GI toxicities up-regulated the T cell (CTL) numbers and NK cytotoxicity.ConclusionOur study demonstrates the association of acute and late damage of the urinary bladder and rectum, with clinical and treatment related factors. The 3DCRT itself does not induce the late GI or GU toxicity and rather reduces the risk of transition from acute to late toxicity. We have described for the first time the correlation between organs at risk, dose-volume parameters, and the immunological profile.
Reduced expression of SMAD4 in gliomas correlates with progression and survival of patients
Authors: He Shi-ming , Zhao Zhen-wei , Wang Yuan , Zhao Ji-pei , Wang Liang , Hou Fang , Gao Guo-dong 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
To examine the expression of SMAD4 at gene and protein levels in glioma samples with different WHO grades and its association with survival.

Methods
Two hundreds fifty-two glioma specimens and 42 normal control tissues were collected. Immunochemistry assay, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were carried out to investigate the expression of SMAD4. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's proportional hazards model were used in survival analysis.

Results
Immunohistochemistry showed that SMAD4 expression was decreased in glioma. SMAD4 mRNA and protein levels were both lower in glioma compared to control on real-time PCR and Western blot analysis (both P < 0.001). In addition, its expression levels decrease from grade I to grade IV glioma according to the results of real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry analysis and Western blot. Moreover, the survival rate of SMAD4-positive patients was higher than that of SMAD4-negative patients. We further confirmed that the loss of SMAD4 was a significant and independent prognostic indicator in glioma by multivariate analysis.

Conclusions
Our data provides convincing evidence for the first time that the reduced expression of SMAD4 at gene and protein levels is correlated with poor outcome in patients with glioma. SMAD4 may play an inhibitive role during the development of glioma and may be a potential prognosis predictor of glioma.
High central venous oxygen saturation in the latter stages of septic shock is associated with increased mortality
Authors: Textoris Julien , Fouché Louis , Wiramus Sandrine , Antonini François , Tho Sowita , Martin Claude , Leone Marc 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Current guidelines recommend maintaining central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) higher than 70% in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. As high levels of ScvO2 may reflect an inadequate use of oxygen, our aim was to evaluate the relation between maximal ScvO2 levels (ScvO2max
) and survival among intensive care unit (ICU) patients with septic shock.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from all admissions to our ICU between January 2008 and December 2009. All septic shock patients in whom the ScvO2 was measured were included. The measures of ScvO2max
within the first 72 hours after the onset of shock were collected.

Results
A total of 1,976 patients were screened and 152 (7.7%) patients met the inclusion criteria. The level of ScvO2max
was 85% (78 to 89) in the non-survivors, compared with 79% (72 to 87) in the survivors (P = 0.009).

Conclusions
Our findings raise concerns about high levels of ScvO2 in patients with septic shock. This may reflect the severity of the shock with an impaired oxygen use. Future strategies may target an optimization of tissue perfusion in this specific subgroup of patients.
TLR2-dependent modulation of dendritic cells by LT-IIa-B5, a novel mucosal adjuvant derived from a type II heat-labile enterotoxin
Authors: Lee Chang Hoon , Masso-Welch Patricia , Hajishengallis George , Connell Terry D 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTA host of human pathogens invades the body at mucosal surfaces. Yet, strong, protective mucosal immune responses directed against those pathogens routinely cannot be induced without the use of adjuvants. Although the strongest mucosal adjuvants are members of the family of HLTs, the inherent toxicities of HLT holotoxins preclude their clinical use. Herein, it is shown that LT-IIa-B5 enhances mucosal immune responses by modulating activities of DCs. i.n. immunization of mice with OVA in the presence of LT-IIa-B5 recruited DCs to the NALT and significantly increased uptake of OVA by those DCs. Furthermore, LT-IIa-B5 increased expression of CCR7 by DCs, which mediated enhanced migration of the cells from the NALT to the draining CLNs. LT-IIa-B5 also enhanced maturation of DCs, as revealed by increased surface expression of CD40, CD80, and CD86. Ag-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation was augmented in the CLNs of mice that had received i.n. LT-IIa-B5. Finally, when used as an i.n. adjuvant, LT-IIa-B5 dramatically increased the levels of OVA-specific salivary IgA and OVA-specific serum IgG. Strikingly, each of the activities induced by LT-IIa-B5 was strictly TLR2-dependent. The data strongly suggest that the immunomodulatory properties of LT-IIa-B5 depend on the productive modulation of mucosal DCs. Notably, this is the first report for any HLT to demonstrate in vivo the elicitation of strong, TLR2-dependent modulatory effects on DCs with respect to adjuvanticity.
Protein disulfide isomerase redox-dependent association with p47phox: evidence for an organizer role in leukocyte NADPH oxidase activation
Authors: de A. Paes Antonio Marcus , Veríssimo-Filho Sidney , Guimarães Luciana Lopes , Silva Ana Carolina B , Takiuti Júlia T , Santos Célio X C , Janiszewski Mariano , Laurindo Francisco R M , Lopes Lucia R 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTMechanisms of leukocyte NADPH oxidase regulation remain actively investigated. We showed previously that vascular and macrophage oxidase complexes are regulated by the associated redox chaperone PDI. Here, we investigated the occurrence and possible underlying mechanisms of PDI-mediated regulation of neutrophil NADPH oxidase. In a semirecombinant cell-free system, PDI inhibitors scrRNase (100 μg/mL) or bacitracin (1 mM) near totally suppressed superoxide generation. Exogenously incubated, oxidized PDI increased (by ∼40%), whereas PDIred diminished (by ∼60%) superoxide generation. No change occurred after incubation with PDI serine-mutated in all four redox cysteines. Moreover, a mimetic CxxC PDI inhibited superoxide production by ∼70%. Thus, oxidized PDI supports, whereas reduced PDI down-regulates, intrinsic membrane NADPH oxidase complex activity. In whole neutrophils, immunoprecipitation and colocalization experiments demonstrated PDI association with membrane complex subunits and prominent thiol-mediated interaction with p47phox in the cytosol fraction. Upon PMA stimulation, PDI was mobilized from azurophilic granules to cytosol but did not further accumulate in membranes, contrarily to p47phox. PDI-p47phox association in cytosol increased concomitantly to opposite redox switches of both proteins; there was marked reductive shift of cytosol PDI and maintainance of predominantly oxidized PDI in the membrane. Pulldown assays further indicated predominant association between PDIred and p47phox in cytosol. Incubation of purified PDI (&gt;80% reduced) and p47phox in vitro promoted their arachidonate-dependent association. Such PDI behavior is consistent with a novel cytosolic regulatory loop for oxidase complex (re)cycling. Altogether, PDI seems to exhibit a supportive effect on NADPH oxidase activity by acting as a redox-dependent enzyme complex organizer.
Endogenous vascular synthesis of B-type and C-type natriuretic peptides in the rainbow trout
Authors: Johnson Keven R. , Hoagland Todd M. , Olson Kenneth R. 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARY
In mammals, natriuretic peptides (NPs) lower blood pressure, reduce blood volume and broadly inhibit cardiovascular remodeling. NPs are often referred to as cardiac hormones, though they also have integral roles in regulating vascular tone, endothelial remodeling and inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell hypertrophy. Two NPs [atrial (ANP) and C-type (CNP)] have been identified as endogenous constituents in the vasculature of mammals, though such a phenomenon has not previously been described in fishes. Here we describe the endogenous production of B-type NP (BNP) and CNP in multiple blood vessels of the rainbow trout. Western blot analysis showed pro-BNP and pro-CNP production in the efferent branchial artery, celiacomesenteric artery, ventral aorta and anterior cardinal vein. The detection of pro-BNP and pro-CNP was also supported by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis of NP-enriched tissue extracts. Although vascular pro-peptide levels of BNP and CNP were quantitatively quite comparable to those found in reference tissues (the atrium for BNP and brain for CNP), mRNA levels of these NPs in the vasculature were greatly reduced as determined by quantitative PCR. When the evolutionarily conserved vascular NP (CNP) was infused into un-anesthetized trout, it reduced central venous pressure and mean circulatory filling pressure. CNP also decreased cardiac output via a reduction in preload. The presence of endogenous NP production in the trout vasculature and potent in vivo hypotensive effects further support the numerous functional similarities between teleost and mammalian NP systems.