bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The polypill in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wald David S. , Wald Nicholas J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractCoronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke are the most common causes of death worldwide. The polypill, a multi‐component tablet or capsule designed to reduce several cardiovascular causal risk factors simultaneously, has the potential to reduce the incidence of heart attacks and stroke by about 80%, the precise reduction depending on the formulation of the polypill and adherence to preventive treatment. The full public health impact can only be realized if the polypill is used to prevent first cardiovascular disease events, because most heart attacks and strokes are first events. A simple and effective method of selecting who should be offered the polypill is needed. Even though serum cholesterol and blood pressure are important causes of CHD and stroke and lowering them has a large preventive effect (a 1.8 mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol reduces the incidence of CHD events by about 60% and a 10 mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure also reduces the incidence of stroke by about 60%), they are poor screening tests. They add little to age in discriminating between individuals who will and will not have a CHD event or stroke. Including them in a risk assessment algorithm needlessly complicates the screening process and tends to medicalize the preventive strategy. Age alone is effective and a simpler means of selecting people for preventive treatment using the polypill.
The chemokine receptor antagonist, TAK‐779, decreased experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by reducing inflammatory cell migration into the central nervous system, without affecting T cell function
Authors: Ni Jia , Zhu Yi‐Na , Zhong Xiang‐Gen , Ding Yu , Hou Li‐Fei , Tong Xian‐Kun , Tang Wei , Ono Shiro , Yang Yi‐Fu , Zuo Jian‐Ping 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  The C–C chemokine receptor CCR5, and the C–X–C chemokine receptor CXCR3 are involved in the regulation of T cell‐mediated immune responses, and in the migration and activation of these cells. To determine whether blockade of these chemokine receptors modulated inflammatory responses in the central nervous sytem (CNS), we investigated the effect of a non‐peptide chemokine receptor antagonist, TAK‐779, in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).Experimental approach:  EAE was induced by immunization of C57BL/6 mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) 35–55. TAK‐779 was injected s.c. once a day after immunization. Disease incidence and severity (over 3 weeks) were monitored by histopathological evaluation and FACS assay of inflammatory cells infiltrating into the spinal cord, polymerase chain reaction quantification of mRNA expression, assay of T cell proliferation, by [3H]‐thymidine incorporation and cytokine production by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Key results:  Treatment with TAK‐779 reduced incidence and severity of EAE. It strongly inhibited migration of CXCR3/CCR5 bearing CD4+, CD8+ and CD11b+ leukocytes to the CNS. TAK‐779 did not reduce proliferation of anti‐MOG T cells, the production of IFN‐γ by T cells or CXCR3 expression on T cells. In addition, TAK‐779 did not affect production of IL‐12 by antigen‐presenting cells, CCR5 induction on T cells and the potential of MOG‐specific T cells to transfer EAE.Conclusions and implications:  TAK‐779 restricted the development of MOG‐induced EAE. This effect involved reduced migration of inflammatory cells into the CNS without affecting responses of anti‐MOG T cells or the ability of MOG‐specific T cells to transfer EAE.
New Pulsatile Hydrostatic Pressure Bioreactor for Vascular Tissue‐engineered Constructs
Authors: Shaikh Faisal M. , O'Brien Thomas P. , Callanan Anthony , Kavanagh Eamon G. , Burke Paul E. , Grace Pierce A. , McGloughlin Timothy M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMechanical conditioning represents a potential means to enhance the biochemical and biomechanical properties of tissue‐engineered cell constructs. Bioreactors that can simulate physiologic conditions can play an important role in the preparation of tissue‐engineered constructs. Although various forms of bioreactor systems are currently available, these have certain limitations, particularly when these are used for the creation of vascular constructs. The aim of the present report is to describe and validate a novel pressure bioreactor system for the creation of vascular tissue. Here, we present and discuss the design concepts, criteria, as well as the development of a novel pressure bioreactor. The system is compact and easily housed in an incubator to maintain sterility of the construct. Moreover, the proposed bioreactor, in addition to mimicking in vivo pressure conditions, is flexible, allowing different types of constructs to be exposed to various physiologic pressure conditions. The core bioreactor elements can be easily sterilized and have good ergonomic assembly characteristics. This system is a fundamental tool, which may enable us to make further advances in bioreactor technology and tissue engineering. The novel system allows for the application of pressure that may facilitate the growth and development of constructs needed to produce a tissue‐engineered vascular graft.
Experiences of difficulty that patients with cancer faced in the learning process of progressive muscle relaxation
Authors: KONDO Yuka , KOITABASHI Kikuyo , KANEKO Yukiko 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim:  The purpose of this study was to clarify the experiences of difficulty that patients with cancer faced in the learning process of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and to consider which kind of PMR guidance should be given to weak patients with cancer.Methods:  The participants were instructed to practise PMR for 2 weeks when they were in good condition. The interview was conducted 1 week and 2 weeks after the PMR intervention. The 21 participants who experienced difficulty were analyzed. The analysis was completed by using the content analysis method.Results:  Fifteen patients practised PMR by themselves one‐to‐two times per day. However, six patients practised PMR three‐to‐four times per week when they were in good condition. The interview answers fell into two categories: (i) experiences of difficulty that patients encountered in the learning process; and (ii) experiences in which patients had no feeling of change though they had practised PMR. The former category included the subcategories of experiences in which patients felt difficulty with PMR, experiences in which patients felt uncomfortable symptoms after PMR, and experiences in which patients did not feel it was good timing to learn PMR.Conclusion:  It is easy for disease to progress in patients with cancer and those with poor strength, so it is necessary to match the functional status of individual patients. It also is important to support patients in practising PMR whenever they have the desire, by respecting their will.
Personality traits affect individual interests in day service activities
Authors: MORITA Kumiko , SASAKI Akiko , TANUMA Tomoko 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim:  To assess the association of user interest in various activities with personality traits for the provision of activity programs at adult day centers.Methods:  A self‐reported questionnaire survey of service users was conducted at 25 day centers in Tokyo; 133 men and 344 women, with a mean age of 81.6 ± 7.9 years, responded. The questionnaire examined their demographics, lifestyles, requested activities, purpose of activity participation, attitudes toward participation, and personality traits by using the BASIC‐3 Personality Inventory (PI)‐short version.Results:  The participants with higher sociability and novelty‐seeking scores on the BASIC‐3 PI‐short version requested significantly more activities than those with lower scores. Music appreciation and singing were significantly associated with both sociability and novelty‐seeking facets. The sociability facets were significantly associated with activities, such as walking and interaction with children, while the novelty‐seeking facets were significantly associated with contact with animals and the Internet. There was no significant relationship between the neuroticism facets and any specific activity. Flower arrangement, handicrafts, fashion or make up, cooking, and singing were significantly more frequently requested by the women than by the men, while shogi or mahjong was requested significantly more frequently by the men than by the women.Conclusions:  Sociability and novelty‐seeking facets, sex, and age were significantly associated with an interest in particular activities. We recommend that adult day centers create a system under which nurses and formal caregivers fully assess the elderly in order to provide activity programs based on user needs.
Performance of Hybrids between Weedy Rice and Insect‐resistant Transgenic Rice under Field Experiments: Implication for Environmental Biosafety Assessment
Authors: Cao Qian‐Jin , Xia Hui , Yang Xiao , Lu Bao‐Rong 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Transgene escape from genetically modified (GM) rice into weedy rice via gene flow may cause undesired environmental consequences. Estimating the field performance of crop‐weed hybrids will facilitate our understanding of potential introgression of crop genes (including transgenes) into weedy rice populations, allowing for effective biosafety assessment. Comparative studies of three weedy rice strains and their hybrids with two GM rice lines containing different insect‐resistance transgenes (CpTI or Bt/CpTI) indicated an enhanced relative performance of the crop‐weed hybrids, with taller plants, more tillers, panicles, and spikelets per plant, as well as higher 1 000‐seed weight, compared with the weedy rice parents, although the hybrids produced less filled seeds per plant than their weedy parents. Seeds from the F1 hybrids had higher germination rates and produced more seedlings than the weedy parents, which correlated positively with 1 000‐seed weight. The crop‐weed hybrids demonstrated a generally enhanced relative performance than their weedy rice parents in our field experiments. These findings indicate that transgenes from GM rice can persist to and introgress into weedy rice populations through recurrent crop‐to‐weed gene flow with the aid of slightly increased relative fitness in F1 hybrids.
Drought‐Stimulated Activity of Plasma Membrane Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase and Its Catalytic Properties in Rice
Authors: Duan Zhuang‐Qin , Bai Lei , Zhao Zhi‐Guang , Zhang Guo‐Ping , Cheng Fang‐Min , Jiang Li‐Xi , Chen Kun‐Ming 
Published: November 2009

Abstract The activity of plasma membrane (PM) nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and its catalytic properties in rice was investigated under drought stress conditions. Drought stress led to decreased leaf relative water content (RWC) and, as a result of drought‐induced oxidative stress, the activities of antioxidant enzymes increased significantly. More interestingly, the intensity of applied water stress was correlated with increased production of H2O2 and O2− and elevated activity of PM NADPH oxidase, a key enzyme of reactive oxygen species generation in plants. Histochemical analyses also revealed increased H2O2 and O2− production in drought‐stressed leaves. Application of diphenylene iodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of PM NADPH oxidase, did not alleviate drought‐induced production of H2O2 and O2−. Catalysis experiments indicated that the rice PM NADPH oxidase was partially flavin‐dependent. The pH and temperature optima for this enzyme were 9.8 and 40 °C, respectively. In addition, drought stress enhanced the activity under alkaline pH and high temperature conditions. These results suggest that a complex regulatory mechanism, associated with the NADPH oxidase‐H2O2 system, is involved in the response of rice to drought stress.
Determination of Essential Fatty Acid Composition among Mutant Lines of Canola (Brassica napus), through High Pressure Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Raza Ghulam , Siddique Aquil , Khan Imtiaz Ahmad , Ashraf Muhammed Yasin , Khatri Abdullah 
Published: November 2009

Abstract The present study aimed to quantify the methyl esters of lenoleic acid (LA), γ‐lenolenic acid (LNA) and oleic acid (OL) in the oil of Brassica napus mutants. Five stable mutants (ROO‐75/1, ROO‐100/6, ROO‐125/12, ROO‐125/14, and ROO‐125/17) of B. napus cv. ‘Rainbow’ (P) and three mutants (W97‐95/16, W97‐0.75/11 and W97‐.075/13) of B. napus cv. ‘Westar’ (P) at M6 stage, exhibiting better yield and yield components, were analyzed for essential fatty acids. The highest seed yield was observed in the mutant (ROO‐100/6) followed by ROO‐125/14 of Rainbow, that is, 34% and 32% higher than their parent plants, respectively. Westar mutant W97‐75/11 also showed 30% higher seed yield than its parent plant. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of the composition of fatty acids indicated that OL was the most dominant fatty acid, ranging from 39.1 to 66.3%; LA was second (15.3–41.6%) and LNA was third (18.1–28.9%). Mutant ROO‐125/14 showed higher OL contents than parent (Rainbow). These results are expected to support the approval of ROO‐125/14 in the National Uniform Varietal Yield Trials (NUVYT) as a new variety based on high oil quality.
Gibberellin and Jasmonate Crosstalk during Stamen Development
Authors: Peng Jinrong 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Gibberellin (GA) and jasmonate (JA) are two types of phytohormones that play important roles during stamen development. For example, Arabidopsis plants deficient in either of GA or JA develop short stamens. An apparent question to ask is whether GA action and JA action during stamen filament development are independent of each other or are in a hierarchy. Recent studies showed that GA modulates the expression of genes essential for JA biosynthesis to promote JA production and high levels of JA will induce the expression of three MYB genes MYB21, MYB24 and MYB57. These three MYB genes are crucial factors for the normal development of stamen filament in Arabidopsis.
Hydrogen Sulfide Promotes Root Organogenesis in Ipomoea batatas, Salix matsudana and Glycine max
Authors: Zhang Hua , Tang Jun , Liu Xiao‐Ping , Wang Yun , Yu Wei , Peng Wei‐Yan , Fang Fang , Ma Dai‐Fu , Wei Zhao‐Jun , Hu Lan‐Ying 
Published: November 2009

Abstract In this report, we demonstrate that sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor, promoted adventitious root formation mediated by auxin and nitric oxide (NO). Application of the H2S donor to seedling cuttings of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) promoted the number and length of adventitious roots in a dose‐dependent manner. It was also verified that H2S or HS− rather than other sulfur‐containing components derived from NaHS could be attributed to the stimulation of adventitious root formation. A rapid increase in endogenous H2S, indole acetic acid (IAA) and NO were sequentially observed in shoot tips of sweet potato seedlings treated with HaHS. Further investigation showed that H2S‐mediated root formation was alleviated by N‐1‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), an IAA transport inhibitor, and 2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide (cPTIO), an NO scavenger. Similar phenomena in H2S donor‐dependent root organogenesis were observed in both excised willow (Salix matsudana var. tortuosa Vilm) shoots and soybean (Glycine max L.) seedlings. These results indicated that the process of H2S‐induced adventitious root formation was likely mediated by IAA and NO, and that H2S acts upstream of IAA and NO signal transduction pathways.
Advanced Glycation End Products and Receptor–Oxidative Stress System in Diabetic Vascular Complications
Authors: Yamagishi Sho‐ichi 
Published: November 2009

AbstractReducing sugars can react non‐enzymatically with amino groups of protein to form Amadori products. These early glycation products undergo further complex reactions, such as rearrangement, dehydration, and condensation, to become irreversibly cross‐linked, heterogeneous fluorescent derivatives, termed advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The formation and accumulation of AGEs have been known to progress at an accelerated rate in patients with diabetes mellitus, thus being involved in the development and progression of diabetic micro‐ and macroangiopathy. Indeed, there is accumulating evidence that an interaction between an AGE and its receptor (RAGE) generates oxidative stress and subsequently evokes vascular inflammation and thrombosis, thereby playing a central role in diabetic vascular complications. In this paper, we review the pathophysiological role of AGE‐RAGE–oxidative stress system and its therapeutic interventions in diabetic micro‐ and macroangiopathy.
Hemoperfusion With a Polymyxin B Fiber Column Decreases Clotting Activity
Authors: Kushi Hidehiko , Miki Takahiro , Sakagami Yuichiro , Sato Jun , Saito Takeshi , Tanjoh Katsuhisa 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe investigated whether hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B column (DHP‐PMX) was able to improve coagulation abnormalities in patients with sepsis. Sixteen patients with sepsis were enrolled in the study. They all had signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome due to infection and a mean arterial blood pressure ≥65mm Hg (irrespective of the use of catecholamines). A thermodilution catheter was inserted prior to DHP‐PMX for intravenous infusion, and DHP‐PMX was performed twice within 24 h for 3 h each time. Circulating levels of thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT), plasmin‐α2 plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC), the TAT/PIC ratio, and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) were measured six times. Before DHP‐PMX, the TAT level was 24.5 ± 8.3 ng/mL, the PIC level was 2.5 ± 1.1 µg/mL, the TAT/PIC ratio was 13.9 ± 3.5, and the PAI‐1 level was 143.0 ± 24.4 ng/L. The TAT level, TAT/PIC ratio, and PAI‐1 were all significantly lower (P < 0.05) after 48 hr compared with before DHP‐PMX, but no significant change of PIC was observed. In these patients with sepsis, fibrinolysis was inhibited by PAI‐1, whereas clotting activity was significantly increased. This coagulation/fibrinolysis imbalance was improved by DHP‐PMX. The present results suggest that indirect inhibition of clotting activity can be achieved in patients with sepsis through adsorption of lipopolysaccharide by DHP‐PMX.
Angiopoietin Balance in Septic Shock Patients Treated by Direct Hemoperfusion With Polymyxin B‐immobilized Fiber
Authors: Ebihara Itaru , Hirayama Kouichi , Nagai Kei , Kakita Tomoko , Miyamoto Yasunori , Nagai Miho , Ogawa Yujiro , Fujita Shogo , Shimohata Homare , Kai Hirayasu , Usui Joichi , Yamagata Kunihiro , Kobayashi Masaki 
Published: November 2009

AbstractCapillary permeability is a tightly regulated feature of microcirculation in all organ beds; however, in sepsis this feature is fundamentally altered. We previously reported elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor (fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1) in patients with septic shock, then investigated two kinds of angiopoietins in those patients. An enzyme‐linked immunoassay was used to measure serum angiopoietin‐1 and ‐2 levels in 12 patients with septic shock who were treated by direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber column (DHP‐PMX). The angiopoietin‐1 level was lower in patients with septic shock (7.01 ± 10.08 ng/mL) than in controls (28.24 ± 11.61 ng/mL, P < 0.001), but the angiopoietin‐2 level was higher in septic shock patients (40.83 ± 30.13 ng/mL vs. 2.47 ± 1.78 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Between seven survivors and five non‐survivors there was no significant difference in angiopoietin‐1 levels before DHP‐PMX therapy. During DHP‐PMX therapy, however, the angiopoietin‐2 level was significantly decreased in survivors (31.52 ± 26.15 ng/mL vs. 17.32 ± 22.46 ng/mL, P = 0.035). Moreover, at the end of the therapy, the angiopoietin‐1 level was significantly lower in non‐survivors (1.14 ± 1.30 ng/mL vs. 10.43 ± 13.56 ng/mL, P = 0.042), but the angiopoietin‐2 level in non‐survivors was significantly higher (70.79 ± 40.47 ng/mL vs. 17.32 ± 22.46 ng/mL, P = 0.019). The angiopoietin‐2 level may be associated with vascular permeability in septic patients, and angiopoietins may be suitable markers of disease severity and mortality.
Hemoperfusion With an Immobilized Polymyxin B Fiber Column Decreases Macrophage and Monocyte Activity
Authors: Kushi Hidehiko , Miki Takahiro , Sakagami Yuichiro , Sato Jun , Saito Takeshi , Tanjoh Katsuhisa 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe investigated whether direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B column (DHP‐PMX) was able to decrease macrophage and monocyte activity in patients with sepsis. Nineteen patients with sepsis were enrolled in the study. They all had signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) due to infection and a mean arterial blood pressure ≥65 mm Hg (irrespective of the use of catecholamines). A thermodilution catheter was inserted prior to DHP‐PMX for intravenous infusion, and DHP‐PMX was performed twice within 24 h for 3 h each time. Serum neopterin was measured four times: before DHP‐PMX, and 24, 48, 72 h after it had begun. The serum concentrations of neopterin were 654 ± 234 nmol/L prior to DHP‐PMX vs. 573 ± 196 nmol/L at 24 h, 452 ± 161 nmol/L at 48 h, and 372 ± 139 nmol/L at 72 h, showing a significant decrease from 48 h onwards compared with before treatment. These data suggest that DHP‐PMX decreases macrophage and monocyte activity.
An Overview of Regular Dialysis Treatment in Japan (As of 31 December 2007)
Authors: Nakai Shigeru , Masakane Ikuto , Shigematsu Takashi , Hamano Takayuki , Yamagata Kunihiro , Watanabe Yuuzou , Itami Noritomo , Ogata Satoshi , Kimata Naoki , Shinoda Toshio , Syouji Tetsuo , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Taniguchi Masatomo , Tsuchida Kenji , Nakamoto Hidetomo , Nishi Shinichi , Nishi Hiroshi , Hashimoto Seiji , Hasegawa Takeshi , Hanafusa Norio , Fujii Naohiko , Marubayashi Seiji , Morita Osamu , Wakai Kenji , Wada Atsushi , Iseki Kunitoshi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA nationwide statistical survey of 4098 dialysis facilities was conducted at the end of 2007, and 4052 facilities (98.88%) participated. The number of patients undergoing dialysis at the end of 2007 was determined to be 275 242, an increase of 10 769 patients (4.1%) compared with that at the end of 2006.The number of dialysis patients per million at the end of 2007 was 2154. The crude death rate of dialysis patients at the end of 2007 from the end of 2006 was 9.4%. The mean age of new patients begun on dialysis was 66.8 years and the mean age of the entire dialysis patient population was 64.9 years. For the primary diseases of new patients begun on dialysis, the percentages of patients with diabetic nephropathy and chronic glomerulonephritis were 43.4% and 23.8%, respectively. The percentages of facilities that achieved the control standard of endotoxin concentration in the dialysate solution of <0.05 EU/mL and those that achieved a bacterial count of <100 cfu/mL in the dialysate solution, as specified by the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, were 93.6% and 97.4%, respectively. The percentage of patients positive for the hepatitis C virus antibody among the entire dialysis population significantly decreased from 15.95% at the end of 1999 to 9.83% at the end of 2007. The mean hemoglobin concentration in all the dialysis patients at the end of 2007 was 10.27 (±1.32, SD) g/dL, which has scarcely changed over the last three years. The numbers of male and female patients with a history of hip fracture were 142.9 and 339.0 per 10 000 dialysis patients, respectively, showing an extremely high prevalence among female patients. A history of hip fracture correlates with a low body mass index, serum albumin concentration, and a history of diabetes. The serum creatinine level of patients upon introduction to dialysis was 8.34 (±3.55) mg/dL, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate was 5.43 (±3.43) mL/min/1.73 m2 for the patients who were newly begun on dialysis in 2007.