bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective study on the mismatch concept in acute stroke patients within the first 24 h after symptom onset - 1000Plus study
Authors: Hotter Benjamin , Pittl Sandra , Ebinger Martin , Oepen Gabriele , Jegzentis Kati , Kudo Kohsuke , Rozanski Michal , Schmidt Wolf U , Brunecker Peter , Xu Chao , Martus Peter , Endres Matthias , Jungehülsing Gerhard J , Villringer Arno , Fiebach Jochen B 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
The mismatch between diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) lesion and perfusion imaging (PI) deficit volumes has been used as a surrogate of ischemic penumbra. This pathophysiology-orientated patient selection criterion for acute stroke treatment may have the potential to replace a fixed time window. Two recent trials - DEFUSE and EPITHET - investigated the mismatch concept in a multicenter prospective approach. Both studies randomized highly selected patients (n = 74/n = 100) and therefore confirmation in a large consecutive cohort is desirable. We here present a single-center approach with a 3T MR tomograph next door to the stroke unit, serving as a bridge from the ER to the stroke unit to screen all TIA and stroke patients. Our primary hypothesis is that the prognostic value of the mismatch concept is depending on the vessel status. Primary endpoint of the study is infarct growth determined by imaging, secondary endpoints are neurological deficit on day 5-7 and functional outcome after 3 months.

Methods and design
1000Plus is a prospective, single centre observational study with 1200 patients to be recruited. All patients admitted to the ER with the clinical diagnosis of an acute cerebrovascular event within 24 hours after symptom onset are screened. Examinations are performed on day 1, 2 and 5-7 with neurological examination including National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scoring and stroke MRI including T2*, DWI, TOF-MRA, FLAIR and PI. PI is conducted as dynamic susceptibility-enhanced contrast imaging with a fixed dosage of 5 ml 1 M Gadobutrol. For post-processing of PI, mean transit time (MTT) parametric images are determined by deconvolution of the arterial input function (AIF) which is automatically identified. Lesion volumes and mismatch are measured and calculated by using the perfusion mismatch analyzer (PMA) software from ASIST-Japan. Primary endpoint is the change of infarct size between baseline examination and day 5-7 follow up.

Discussions
The aim of this study is to describe the incidence of mismatch and the predictive value of PI for final lesion size and functional outcome depending on delay of imaging and vascular recanalization. It is crucial to standardize PI for future randomized clinical trials as for individual therapeutic decisions and we expect to contribute to this challenging task.

Trial Registration
clinicaltrials.gov NCT00715533
Expression of HIWI in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is significantly associated with poorer prognosis
Authors: He Wei , Wang Zhihui , Wang Qi , Fan Qingxia , Shou Chengcao , Wang Junsheng , Giercksky Karl-Erik , Nesland Jahn M , Suo Zhenhe 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
HIWI, the human homologue of Piwi family, is present in CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells and germ cells, but not in well-differentiated cell populations, indicating that HIWI may play an impotent role in determining or maintaining stemness of these cells. That HIWI expression has been detected in several type tumours may suggest its association with clinical outcome in cancer patients.

Methods
With the methods of real-time PCR, western blot, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry, the expression of HIWI in three esophageal squamous cancer cell lines KYSE70, KYSE140 and KYSE450 has been characterized. Then, we investigated HIWI expression in a series of 153 esophageal squamous cell carcinomas using immunohistochemistry and explored its association with clinicopathological features.

Results
The expression of HIWI was observed in tumour cell nuclei or/and cytoplasm in 137 (89.5%) cases, 16 (10.5%) cases were negative in both nuclei and cytoplasm. 86 (56.2%) were strongly positive in cytoplasm, while 49 (32.0%) were strongly positive in nuclei. The expression level of HIWI in cytoplasm of esophageal cancer cells was significantly associated with histological grade (P = 0.011), T stage (P = 0.035), and clinic outcome (P < 0.001), while there was no correlation between the nuclear HIWI expression and clinicopathological features.

Conclusion
The expression of HIWI in the cytoplasm of esophageal cancer cells is significantly associated with higher histological grade, clinical stage and poorer clinical outcome, indicating its possible involvement in cancer development.
Capnometry in suspected pulmonary embolism with positive D-dimer in the field
Authors: Rumpf Tadeja Hernja , Križmarić Miljenko , Grmec Štefek 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the greatest diagnostic challenges in prehospital emergency setting. Most patients with suspected PE have a positive D-dimer and undergo diagnostic testing. Excluding PE with additional non-invasive tests would reduce the need for further imaging tests. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of combination of clinical probability and end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2) for evaluation of suspected PE with abnormal concentrations of D-dimer in prehospital emergency setting.

Methods
We assessed clinical probability of PE and PetCO2 measurement in 100 consecutive patients with suspected PE and positive D-dimer in the field. PetCO2 > 28 mmHg was considered as the best cut-off point. PE was excluded or confirmed by hospital physicians in the University Clinical Center Maribor by computer tomography (CT), ventilation/perfusion scan echocardiography and pulmonary angiography.

Results
PE was confirmed in 41 patients. PetCO2 had a sensitivity of 92.6% (95% CI, 79 to 98%), a negative predictive value of 94.2% (95% CI, 83 to 99%), a specificity of 83% (95% CI, 71 to 91%) and a positive predictive value of 79.2% (95% CI, 65 to 89%). Thirty-five patients (35%) had both a low (PE unlikely) clinical probability and a normal PetCO2 (sensitivity: 100%, 95% CI: 89 to 100%) and twenty-eight patients (28%) had both a high clinical probability (PE likely) and abnormal PetCO2 (specificity: 93.2%, 95% CI: 83 to 98%).

Conclusions
The combination of clinical probability and PetCO2 may safely rule out PE in patients with suspected PE and positive D-dimer in the prehospital setting.
Diet-Induced Weight Loss and Exercise Alone and in Combination Enhance the Expression of Adiponectin Receptors in Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle, but Only Diet-Induced Weight Loss Enhanced Circulating Adiponectin
Authors: Christiansen Tore , Paulsen Søren K. , Bruun Jens M. , Ploug Thorkil , Pedersen Steen B. , Richelsen Bjørn 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of weight loss and exercise independently and in combination on circulating levels of adiponectin including low molecular weight, medium molecular weight, and high molecular weight adiponectin and expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptors (AdipoR) in adipose tissue (AT) and skeletal muscle (SM).Design and Methods: Seventy-nine obese males and females were randomized into the following: 1) exercise only (12 wk of exercise without diet restriction); 2) hypocaloric diet [8 wk of very low energy diet (600 kcal/d) followed by 4 wk with a weight maintenance diet]; and 3) hypocaloric diet and exercise (DEX; 8 wk very low energy diet 800 kcal/d followed by 4 wk weight maintenance diet combined with exercise throughout the 12 wk). Blood samples and biopsies from sc abdominal AT and SM were collected at baseline and after 12 wk. The molecular subforms of adiponectin in serum were determined by Western blot.Results: The mRNA expression of AdipoR1 and -2 in SM was increased significantly in the exercise-only and DEX groups (both P &lt; 0.05). The mRNA expression of adiponectin and AdipoRs in AT was increased significantly in all three groups (all P &lt; 0.01), whereas serum total circulating adiponectin was significantly increased only in the DEX and hypocaloric diet groups (both P &lt; 0.01). All the adiponectin subforms changed in a similar manner as total adiponectin, indicating no specific regulation of any of the subforms by the intervention.Conclusion: Exercise alone and in combination with a diet-induced weight loss enhance the mRNA expression of adiponectin receptors in AT and in SM but only a pronounced hypocaloric-induced weight-loss increases circulating adiponectin in obese subjects.
Metformin Reduces Arterial Stiffness and Improves Endothelial Function in Young Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial
Authors: Agarwal Neera , Rice Sam P. L. , Bolusani Hemanth , Luzio Stephen D. , Dunseath Gareth , Ludgate Marian , Rees D. Aled 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Context: Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased prevalence of insulin resistance and display subclinical evidence of early cardiovascular disease. Metformin improves insulin sensitivity and circulating markers of cardiovascular risk in patients with PCOS, but it is unclear whether this translates into improvements in vascular function.
Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the effects of metformin on arterial stiffness and endothelial function in women with PCOS.
Design and Intervention: Thirty women with PCOS were assigned to consecutive 12-wk treatment periods of metformin or placebo in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design separated by an 8-wk washout.
Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measures were assessments of arterial stiffness [augmentation index (AIx), central blood pressure, and brachial and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV)] and endothelial function. Anthropometry, testosterone, and metabolic biochemistry (lipids, homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, adiponectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) were also assessed.
Results: Metformin improved AIx [−6.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference −8.5 to −3.5%; P &lt; 0.001], aortic PWV (−0.76 m/sec; 95% CI for the difference −1.12 to −0.4 m/sec; P &lt; 0.001), brachial PWV (−0.73 m/sec; 95% CI for the difference −1.09 to −0.38; P &lt; 0.001), central blood pressure (P &lt; 0.001), and endothelium-dependent (AIx after albuterol; P = 0.003) and endothelium-independent (AIx after nitroglycerin; P &lt; 0.001) vascular responses. Metformin also reduced weight (P &lt; 0.001), waist circumference (P &lt; 0.001), and triglycerides (P = 0.004) and increased adiponectin (P = 0.001) but did not affect testosterone or other metabolic measures.
Conclusions: Short-term metformin therapy improves arterial stiffness and endothelial function in young women with PCOS.
Limited Sampling Strategies for Predicting Area Under the Concentration-Time Curve of Mycophenolic Acid in Islet Transplant Recipients
Authors: Al-Khatib Mai , Shapiro R Jean , Partovi Nilufar , Ting Lillian SL , Levine Marc , Ensom Mary HH 
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND Mycophenolate mofetil is widely used in islet transplant recipients and its active metabolite, mycophenolic acid (MPA), exhibits wide pharmacokinetic variability. However, to our knowledge, no limited sampling strategy (LSS) exists for monitoring MPA in this subpopulation. OBJECTIVE To define optimal LSSs for MPA monitoring and to test their predictive performance in islet transplant recipients. METHODS After written informed consent was obtained and upon administration of a steady-state morning mycophenolate mofetil dose, blood samples were collected at 0, 0.3, 0.6, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours from 16 stable islet transplant recipients. MPA concentrations were measured by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet detection and pharmacokinetic parameters analyzed by noncompartmental modeling. All 16 patients' profiles were used to develop the LSSs via multiple regression analysis. Potential LSSs were restricted to ones having R2 0.90 or greater and 3 or fewer time points within the first 4 hours postdose. Resulting equations were validated for their predictive performance using the jackknife method, with acceptable criteria for bias and precision preset to within ±15%. In addition, 14 published LSSs (in the renal transplant population) were tested in our islet transplant patients. RESULTS Five LSSs met preset criteria and had conventional sampling times: [Formula: see text] where AUC = area under the concentration-time curve. None of the other published LSSs in the renal transplant population met the preset criteria for bias and precision. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, these are the first precise and accurate LSSs for predicting MPA AUC developed specifically for islet transplant recipients. The LSS that we recommend is the one utilizing 2 concentrations: AUC = 1.547 + 1.417C1 + 9.448C4. This equation is convenient and clinically feasible. Other islet transplant centers may wish to validate our equation in their population or use our template as a guide to develop accurate and precise LSSs specific to their patient population.
Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Burst Firing in Substantia Nigra Dopamine Neurons
Authors: Blythe Sarah N. , Wokosin David , Atherton Jeremy F. , Bevan Mark D. 
Published: December 2009

Burst firing of substantia nigra dopamine (SN DA) neurons is believed to represent an important teaching signal that instructs synaptic plasticity and associative learning. However, the mechanisms through which synaptic excitation overcomes the limiting effects of somatic Ca2+-dependent K+current to generate burst firing are controversial. Modeling studies suggest that synaptic excitation sufficiently amplifies oscillatory dendritic Ca2+and Na+channel currents to lead to the initiation of high-frequency firing in SN DA neuron dendrites. To test this model, visually guided compartment-specific patch-clamp recording and ion channel manipulation were applied to rodent SN DA neuronsin vitro.As suggested previously, the axon of SN DA neurons was typically found to originate from a large-diameter dendrite that was proximal to the soma. However, in contrast to the predictions of the model, (1) somatic current injection generated firing that was similar in frequency and form to burst firingin vivo, (2) the efficacy of glutamatergic excitation was inversely related to the distance of excitation from the axon, (3) pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion of Ca2+channels did not prevent high-frequency firing, (4) action potential bursts were invariably detected first at sites that were proximal to the axon, and (5) pharmacological blockade of Na+channels in the vicinity of the axon/soma but not dendritic excitation impaired burst firing. Together, these data suggest that SN DA neurons integrate their synaptic input in a more conventional manner than was hypothesized previously.
The Merbecke Revival in Victorian Anglicanism: A Re-appraisal
Authors: Kim Hyun-Ah 
Published: December 2009

Abstract: John Merbecke's The Booke of Common Praier Noted (BCPN) is a musical manifestation of the English Reformation—the vernacular liturgical chants extensively utilized by the Victorian Anglicans as a key source for re-establishing the musical foundation of the Church. Since then, Merbecke's chants have spread throughout the Anglican churches and were adopted by many denominations of English-speaking countries and, furthermore, used for the English liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church after the Second Council. While the historical importance of BCPN is evident, however, the music and its remarkable popularization in later centuries have been misunderstood, especially because of the musical hybridity of Merbecke's chants that reflect the liturgical transition of the late 1540s. In light of more recent studies of Merbecke that elucidate the essential characteristics of his chants as musica rhetorica, this essay seeks to re-evaluate the Victorian motivation for and contribution to the rediscovery of Merbecke's chants. It examines how and why BCPN came to be viewed as a paradigm for the post-Tractarian revival of choral service, whose theological aesthetics of music is best manifested in The Ecclesiologist and Parish Choir and recapitulates the core of Christian music polemics articulated by the Church Fathers and the key Reformers. The essay thus argues for the historical and theological continuity between the Tudor Anglican ideal of “sacred music” underlying BCPN and its Victorian counterpart that views BCPN as a musical means for the realization of a via media in Christian antiquity—an icon of Anglican plainchant.
Knowledge and attitudes of tuberculosis management in San Juan de Lurigancho district of Lima, Peru
Authors: Kiefer Elizabeth M. , Shao Theresa , Carrasquillo Olveen , Nabeta Pamela , Seas Carlos 
Published: December 2009

Background: Expansion of the health care workforce in Peru to combat tuberculosis (TB) includes both professional health care providers (HCPs) such as doctors and nurses, and non-professional HCPs such as community health workers (CHWs). We describe the knowledge and attitudes of these HCPs, and identify modifiable barriers to appropriate anti-tuberculosis treatment. Methodology: We surveyed HCPs practicing in 30 clinical settings (hospitals, community health centers, and health posts) in the San Juan de Lurigancho district of Eastern Lima, Peru. Multiple-choice questions were used to assess knowledge of TB. A five-item Likert scale was created to assess attitudes toward the community, patients, and clinics. Linear regression was used to identify predictors of mean knowledge score, and analysis of variance was used to test differences in HCP score. Results: Of the 73 HCPs surveyed, 15% were professionals (doctors or nurses). The remaining 85% were health technicians, community health workers (CHWs) or students. The mean knowledge score was 10.0 ± 1.9 (maximum 14) with professional HCPs scoring higher than other HCPs (11.7 ± 1.1 vs. 9.7 ± 1.9), p < .01). Knowledge gaps included identification of patients at high risk for TB, assessment of treatment outcomes, and consequences of treatment failure. The most commonly cited modifiable barriers were structural, including laboratory facilities and staffing of TB clinics, with 52.1% and 62.5% of HCPs, respectively, citing these as problematic. Conclusions: Efforts to improve knowledge of TB HCPs in Peru should focus on the specific gaps we have identified. Further research is needed to evaluate whether these knowledge gaps correlate with TB control.
Antiviral Treatment and Prophylaxis of Influenza Virus in Children
Authors: Nayak Jennifer L. , Treanor John J. 
Published: December 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.
Review the epidemiology and unique clinical features of influenza in children.

2.
Discuss the role of antiviral therapy in the treatment of influenza in children.

3.
Express the challenges posed by novel 2009 H1N1 influenza in deciding on the most appropriate use of antiviral therapy.
Design, Synthesis, and Amplification of DNA Pools for In Vitro Selection
Authors: Hall Bradley , Micheletti John M. , Satya Pooja , Ogle Krystal , Pollard Jack , Ellington Andrew D. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPreparation of a random‐sequence DNA pool is presented. The degree of randomization and the length of the random sequence are discussed, as is synthesis of the pool using a DNA synthesizer or via commercial synthesis companies. Purification of a single‐stranded pool and conversion to a double‐stranded pool are presented as step‐by‐step protocols. Support protocols describe determination of the complexity and skewing of the pool, and optimization of amplification conditions. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 39:9.2.1‐9.2.28. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In Vivo Imaging of Signal Transduction Cascades with Probes Based on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)
Authors: Nakamura Takeshi , Matsuda Michiyuki 
Published: December 2009

AbstractGenetically encoded FRET probes enable us to visualize a variety of signaling events such as protein phosphorylation and G‐protein activation in living cells. This unit focuses on FRET probes wherein both the donor and acceptor are fluorescence proteins and incorporated into a single molecule, i.e., a unimolecular probe. Advantages of these probes lie in their easy loading into cells, simple acquisition of FRET images, and clear evaluation of data. We have developed FRET probes for Ras‐superfamily GTPases, designated Ras and interacting protein chimeric unit (Raichu) probes. We hereby describe strategies to develop Raichu‐type FRET probes, procedures for their characterization, and acquisition and processing of images. Although improvements upon FRET probes are still based on trial‐and‐error, we provide practical tips for their optimization and briefly discuss the theory and applications of unimolecular FRET probes. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 45:14.10.1‐14.10.12. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The potential for first‐generation ethanol production from sugarcane
Authors: Goldemberg José , Guardabassi Patricia 
Published: December 2009

AbstractEthanol production from sugarcane, mainly in Brazil, on the basis of first‐generation technology (22.5 billion liters, in 2007/2008 season, in 3.4 million hectares) replaces 1% of the gasoline used in the world today and is highly competitive in economic terms with ethanol produced from other crops in the USA and Europe. In this paper we discuss the potential for sugarcane ethanol expansion from two angles: (1) productivity gains which would allow greater production in the same area and (2) geographical expansion to larger areas. The potential of first‐generation technology for the production of ethanol from sugarcane is far from being exhausted. There are gains in productivity of approximately a factor of two from genetically modified varieties and a geographical expansion by a factor of ten of the present level of production in many sugar‐producing countries. The replacement of 10% of the gasoline used in the world by ethanol from sugarcane seems possible before second‐generation technology reaches technological maturity and possibly economic competitiveness. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Selective Metal‐Cation Recognition by [2.2]Ferrocenophanes: The Cases of Zinc‐ and Lithium‐Sensing
Authors: Otón Francisco , Ratera Imma , Espinosa Arturo , Wurtz Klaus , Parella Teodor , Tárraga Alberto , Veciana Jaume , Molina Pedro 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe synthesis, electrochemical, optical, and cation‐sensing properties of [2.2]ferrocenophanes, in which the two ferrocene subunits are linked through two aldiminic or iminophosphorane moieties, are reported. The new compounds show remarkably selective cation‐sensing properties due to the presence of redox‐active units (ferrocene) and aza‐unsaturated functionalities that are able to act as putative cation‐binding sites. In this structural motif, the aldimine groups act as a highly selective binding site for Zn2+cations, whereas the iminophosphorane bridges display an unusually strong binding affinity towards Li+cations, which could be explained by an additional Li⋅⋅⋅Fe interaction. The X‐ray structure of the complex4⋅Li+as well as detailed NMR spectroscopic studies, both in solution and in the solid state, support this assessment. Experimental data and conclusions about the cation‐sensing capabilities of this family of compounds are supported by DFT calculations.