bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Regulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Neointima Formation by Histone Deacetylase Inhibition
Authors: Findeisen Hannes M. , Gizard Florence , Zhao Yue , Qing Hua , Heywood Elizabeth B. , Jones Karrie L. , Cohn Dianne , Bruemmer Dennis 
Published: January 2011

Objective—
Proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMC) in response to vascular injury is central to neointimal vascular remodeling. There is accumulating evidence that histone acetylation constitutes a major epigenetic modification for the transcriptional control of proliferative gene expression; however, the physiological role of histone acetylation for proliferative vascular disease remains elusive.

Methods and Results—

In the present study, we investigated the role of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition in SMC proliferation and neointimal remodeling. We demonstrate that mitogens induce transcription of HDAC 1, 2, and 3 in SMC. Short interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of either HDAC 1, 2, or 3 and pharmacological inhibition of HDAC prevented mitogen-induced SMC proliferation. The mechanisms underlying this reduction of SMC proliferation by HDAC inhibition involve a growth arrest in the G
1
phase of the cell cycle that is due to an inhibition of retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation. HDAC inhibition resulted in a transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21
Cip1
and p27
Kip
. Furthermore, HDAC inhibition repressed mitogen-induced cyclin D1 mRNA expression and cyclin D1 promoter activity. As a result of this differential cell cycle-regulatory gene expression by HDAC inhibition, the retinoblastoma protein retains a transcriptional repression of its downstream target genes required for S phase entry. Finally, we provide evidence that these observations are applicable in vivo by demonstrating that HDAC inhibition decreased neointima formation and expression of cyclin D1 in a murine model of vascular injury.

Conclusion—
These findings identify HDAC as a critical component of a transcriptional cascade regulating SMC proliferation and suggest that HDAC might play a pivotal role in the development of proliferative vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and in-stent restenosis.
Metrics for Measuring Quality of Care in Comprehensive Stroke Centers: Detailed Follow-Up to Brain Attack Coalition Comprehensive Stroke Center Recommendations
Authors: Leifer Dana , Bravata Dawn M. , Connors J.J. (Buddy) , Hinchey Judith A. , Jauch Edward C. , Johnston S. Claiborne , Latchaw Richard , Likosky William , Ogilvy Christopher , Qureshi Adnan I. , Summers Debbie , Sung Gene Y. , Williams Linda S. , Zorowitz Richard 
Published: January 2011

Background—
Stroke is a major cause of disability and death. The Brain Attack Coalition has proposed establishment of primary and comprehensive stroke centers to provide appropriate care to stroke patients who require basic and more advanced interventions, respectively. Primary stroke centers have been designated by The Joint Commission since 2003, as well as by various states. The designation of comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs) is now being considered. To assist in this process, we propose a set of metrics and related data that CSCs should track to monitor the quality of care that they provide and to facilitate quality improvement.

Methods and Results—
We analyzed available guideline statements, reviews, and other literature to identify the major features that distinguish CSCs from primary stroke centers, drafted a set of metrics and related data elements to measure the key components of these aspects of stroke care, and then revised these through an iterative process to reach a consensus. We propose a set of metrics and related data elements that cover the major aspects of specialized care for patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease and nontraumatic subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhages at CSCs.

Conclusions—
The metrics that we propose are intended to provide a framework for standardized data collection at CSCs to facilitate local quality improvement efforts and to allow for analysis of pooled data from different CSCs that may lead to development of national performance standards for CSCs in the future.
Biomarkers of Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Kim Suk Jae , Song Pamela , Park Jae Hyun , Lee Young Tak , Kim Wook Sung , Park Yun Gyoung , Bang Oh Young , Chung Chin-Sang , Lee Kwang Ho , Kim Gyeong-Moon 
Published: January 2011

Background and Purpose—
Carotid artery stenosis is an important etiologic factor of stroke related to coronary artery bypass surgery. We evaluated clinical and laboratory factors to identify biomarkers for pre-existing carotid artery stenosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

Methods—
Between June 2006 and September 2008, 811 patients aged ≥50 years underwent preoperative carotid artery duplex scanning as part of a preoperative assessment for nonemergency cardiac procedures. Of these, 54 patients with previous stroke or transient ischemic attack were excluded. The association between various biomarkers and carotid artery stenosis was analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curves were generated and analyzed to compare diagnostic performance and optimum diagnostic cutoff levels of biomarkers.

Results—
A total of 757 patients was included in the study. The prevalence of asymptomatic carotid stenosis of ≥50% and ≥70% was 26.4% and 8.6%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, plasma levels of apolipoprotein B (apoB):apoA-I, lipoprotein(a), and homocysteine were independently associated with carotid stenosis of ≥50%: the OR (95% CI) for apoB/apoA-I, lipoprotein(a), and homocysteine in the highest versus lowest quartile was 2.07 (1.18 to 3.66), 2.17 (1.16 to 4.05), and 2.13 (1.20 to 3.79), respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated area under the curve values of 0.708 (apoB:apoA-I), 0.678 (lipoprotein[a]), and 0.689 (homocysteine). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (%) for diagnosis of carotid stenosis ≥50% were 80.0, 50.4, 38.0, and 86.9 for apoB:apoA-I; 47.0, 78.9, 46.1, and 79.5 for lipoprotein(a); and 69.3, 62.1, 41.2, and 84.1 for homocysteine, respectively.

Conclusion—
Our findings indicated that plasma levels of apoB/apoA-I, lipoprotein(a), and homocysteine can predict asymptomatic carotid stenosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.
Prevalence of Early Dementia After First-Ever Stroke
Authors: Béjot Yannick , Aboa-Eboulé Corine , Durier Jérôme , Rouaud Olivier , Jacquin Agnès , Ponavoy Eddy , Richard Dominique , Moreau Thibault , Giroud Maurice 
Published: January 2011

Backgound and Purpose—
No data about temporal change in the prevalence of poststroke dementia are available. We aimed to evaluate trends in the prevalence of early poststroke dementia.

Methods—
From 1985 to 2008, overall first-ever strokes occurring within the population of the city of Dijon, France (150 000 inhabitants) were recorded. The presence of dementia was diagnosed during the first month after stroke, according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third and Fourth Editions criteria. Time trends were analyzed according to 4 periods: 1985 to 1990, 1991 to 1996, 1997 to 2002, and 2003 to 2008. Logistic regression was used for nonmultivariate analyses.

Results—

Over the 24 years, 3948 first-ever strokes were recorded. Among patients with stroke, 3201 (81%) were testable of whom 653 (20.4%) had poststroke dementia (337 women and 316 men). The prevalence of nontestable (mostly due to death) patients declined from 28.0% to 10.2% (
P
<0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed significant temporal changes in the prevalence of poststroke dementia; prevalence in the second and fourth periods was, respectively, almost half and twice that in the first period. The prevalence of poststroke dementia associated with lacunar stroke was 7 times higher than that in intracerebral hemorrhage but declined over time as did prestroke antihypertensive medication. Age, several vascular risk factors, hemiplegia, and prestroke antiplatelet agents were associated with an increased prevalence of poststroke dementia.

Conclusions—
This study covering a period of 24 years highlights temporal changes in the prevalence of early dementia after first-ever stroke. These changes may be explained by concomitant determinants of survival and incidence such as stroke care management or prestroke medication.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improves Naming Reaction Time in Fluent Aphasia
Authors: Fridriksson Julius , Richardson Jessica D. , Baker Julie M. , Rorden Chris 
Published: January 2011

Background and Purpose—
Previous evidence suggests that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (A-tDCS) applied to the left hemisphere can improve aphasic participants' ability to name common objects. The current study further examined this issue in a more tightly controlled experiment in participants with fluent aphasia.

Methods—
We examined the effect of A-tDCS on reaction time during overt picture naming in 8 chronic stroke participants. Anode electrode placement targeted perilesional brain regions that showed the greatest activation on a pretreatment functional MRI scan administered during overt picture naming with the reference cathode electrode placed on the contralateral forehead. A-tDCS (1 mA; 20-minute) was compared with sham tDCS (S-tDCS) in a crossover design. Participants received 10 sessions of computerized anomia treatment; 5 sessions included A-tDCS and 5 included S-tDCS.

Results—

Coupling A-tDCS with behavioral language treatment reduced reaction time during naming of trained items immediately posttreatment (
Z
=1.96,
P
=0.025) and at subsequent testing 3 weeks later (
Z
=2.52,
P
=0.006).

Conclusions—
A-tDCS administered during language treatment decreased processing time during picture naming by fluent aphasic participants. Additional studies combining A-tDCS, an inexpensive method with no reported serious side effects, with behavioral language therapy are recommended.
A Picture Postcard View of the Persian Constitutional Revolution
Authors: Pejhan Sassan 
Published: January 2011

AbstractA narrative of the Persian Constitutional Revolution of 1906-09 is provided as seen through about forty picture post cards privately printed in the immediate aftermath of that event. Privately printed post cards have only recently received attention by postal historians and included in postal history exhibits. Iranian postal history itself has been flourishing in the past twenty years with the publication of numerous books on the subject and the display of several award winning exhibits at major shows.
Cannula design reduces particulate and gaseous emboli during cardiopulmonary bypass for coronary revascularization
Authors: Lata Adrian L , Hammon John W , Deal Dwight D , Stump David A , Kincaid Edward H , Kon Neal D 
Published: January 2011

Purpose: The incidence of neurocognitive deficits after coronary bypass surgery remains problematic, with atheroembolism being one of the major causes. External manipulation of aorta and the “sandblasting” effect of the high-velocity perfusion jet can cause dislodgement of atheromatous debris. Description: A new arterial cannula features a tip configuration that diffuses the flow through multiple outlets, providing reduced velocity and shear with one central and three diverted flow streams. Evaluation: Between March 2007 and July 2008 twenty patients having isolated coronary artery bypass operations were instrumented with an Embolus Detection and Classification transducer. These data were compared to 43 patients from a previous study using similar techniques except for a standard open-tip arterial cannula. Total embolic counts were markedly lower in the new cannula group (20±25 vs 174±378) as were both gaseous (11±15 vs 95±211) and particulate counts (9±11 vs 80±194). Conclusions: The select 3D cannula design reduces the sandblasting effect of the perfusion jet and, also, may direct emboli from the heart and cardiopulmonary bypass equipment away from the cerebral circulation.
Tibial Tuberosity Osteotomy for Patellofemoral Realignment Alters Tibiofemoral Kinematics
Authors: Mani Saandeep , Kirkpatrick Marcus S. , Saranathan Archana , Smith Laura G. , Cosgarea Andrew J. , Elias John J. 
Published: January 2011

Background: Tibial tuberosity realignment surgery is performed to improve patellofemoral alignment, but it could also alter tibiofemoral kinematics. Hypothesis: After tuberosity realignment in the malaligned knee, the reoriented patellar tendon will pull the tuberosity back toward the preoperative position, thereby altering tibiofemoral kinematics. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Ten knees were tested at 40°, 60°, and 80° of flexion in vitro. The knees were loaded with a quadriceps force of 586 N, with 200 N divided between the medial and lateral hamstrings. The position of the tuberosity was varied to represent lateral malalignment, with the tuberosity 5 mm lateral to the normal position; tuberosity medialization, with the tuberosity 5 mm medial to the normal position; and tuberosity anteromedialization, with the tuberosity 10 mm anterior to the medial position. Tibiofemoral kinematics were measured using magnetic sensors secured to the femur and tibia. A repeated measures analysis of variance with a post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls test was used to identify significant ( P < .05) differences in the kinematic data between the tuberosity positions at each flexion angle. Results: Medializing the tibial tuberosity primarily rotated the tibia externally compared with the lateral malalignment condition. The largest average increase in external rotation was 13° at 40° of flexion, with the increase significant at each flexion angle. The varus orientation also increased significantly by an average of 1.5° at 40° and 80°. The tibia shifted significantly posteriorly at 40° and 60° by an average of 4 mm and 2 mm, respectively. Shifting the tuberosity from the medial to the anteromedial position translated the tibia significantly posteriorly by an average of 2 mm at 40°. Conclusion: After tibial tuberosity realignment in the malaligned knee, the altered orientation of the patellar tendon alters tibiofemoral kinematics. Clinical Relevance: The kinematic changes reduce the correction applied to the orientation of the patellar tendon and could alter the pressure applied to tibiofemoral cartilage.
Up-regulation of cytolytic functions of human Vδ2− γδ T lymphocytes through engagement of ILT2 expressed by tumor target cells
Authors: Harly Christelle , Peyrat Marie-Alix , Netzer Sonia , Déchanet-Merville Julie , Bonneville Marc , Scotet Emmanuel 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIn humans, the majority of peripheral blood γδ T cells expresses Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell receptors (TCR) and recognize nonpeptidic phosphorylated antigens. In contrast, most tissue-derived γδ T cells, which are located mainly in spleen and epithelia, preferentially use Vδ1 or Vδ3 chains paired with diverse Vγ chains to form their TCR. Our knowledge about the antigenic specificity and costimulation requirements of human Vδ2− γδ T cells remains limited. In an attempt to address this important issue, we characterized the specificity of a monoclonal antibody (mAb 256), screened for its ability to specifically inhibit cytolytic responses of several human Vδ2− γδ T-cell clones against transformed B cells. We show that mAb 256 does not target a TCR ligand but blocks key interactions between non-TCR molecules on effector γδ T cells and ILT2 molecule, expressed by tumor targets. In line with the previously reported specificity of this NK receptor for classic and nonclassic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, blockade of MHC class I/ILT2 interactions using MHC class I- or ILT2-specific mAbs and ILT2-Fc molecules inhibited tumor-induced activation of Vγ8Vδ3 T-cell clones. Therefore, this study describes a new cytotoxic T lymphocyte activation pathway involving MHC class I engagement on γδ T cells.
Identifying adult asthma phenotypes using a clustering approach
Authors: Siroux V. , Basagaña X. , Boudier A. , Pin I. , Garcia-Aymerich J. , Vesin A. , Slama R. , Jarvis D. , Anto J.M. , Kauffmann F. , Sunyer J. 
Published: January 2011

There is a need to improve asthma characterisation by integrating multiple aspects of the disease. The aim of the present study was to identify distinct asthma phenotypes by applying latent class analysis (LCA), a model-based clustering method, to two large epidemiological studies.Adults with asthma who participated in the follow-up of the Epidemiological Study on the Genetics and Environment of Asthma (EGEA2) (n = 641) and the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHSII) (n = 1,895) were included. 19 variables covering personal characteristics, asthma symptoms, exacerbations and treatment, age of asthma onset, allergic characteristics, lung function and airway hyperresponsiveness were considered in the LCA.Four asthma phenotypes were distinguished by the LCA in each sample. Two phenotypes were similar in EGEA2 and ECRHSII: active treated allergic childhood-onset asthma and active treated adult-onset asthma. The other two phenotypes were composed of subjects with inactive or mild untreated asthma, who differed by atopy status and age of asthma onset (childhood or adulthood). The phenotypes clearly discriminated populations in terms of quality of life, and blood eosinophil and neutrophil counts.The LCAs revealed four distinct asthma phenotypes in each sample. Considering these more homogeneous phenotypes in future studies may lead to a better identification of risk factors for asthma.
Reliability and reproducibility of a clinical application of a simple technique for repeated circumferential leg measurements
Authors: te Slaa A , Mulder P , Dolmans D , Castenmiller P , Ho G , van der Laan L 
Published: January 2011

Objective The aim of this study is to determine the reliability and reproducibility of repeated tape measurements to assess the leg circumference during a long period. Methods A tape measure is a simple instrument that is applicable in the presence of oedema. Measurements were performed by four observers on 11 volunteers. Four measurements were done in the first week (short term), a fifth measurement at two weeks (medium term) and a sixth measurement was done at 12 weeks (long term). Results The short-, medium- and long-term intra-class correlation coefficients for repeated measurements were 0.90, 0.89 and 0.78, respectively. The short-term and long-term reproducibility indices equalled 4.4% and 6.5%. If only a single observer would be involved, the short-term intra-class correlation coefficients would improve to 0.94 (reproducibility index 3.3%). Conclusion Tape measurements have been proved to be a reliable and reproducible method to asses the lower limb circumference.
Impact of variation in limb shape on sub-bandage interface pressure
Authors: Al Khaburi J , Nelson E A , Hutchinson J , Dehghani-Sanij A A 
Published: January 2011

Background Sub-bandage interface pressure generated by medical compression bandages (MCB) and hosiery changes in mobile patients as they move due to the change in the limb size. However, the amount of variation in the interface pressure is dependent on the stiffness of the compression material. Researchers have proposed several indices to describe this change in interface pressure, including the static stiffness index (SSI) and the dynamic stiffness index (DSI). These indices can also be used to classify compression products. Objectives To explore the different proposed indices to describe the stiffness of a compression material and compare it to the engineering stress-strain modulus which is used for the same purpose; To estimate theoretically the change in the interface pressure which is caused by the change in the limb shape as a consequence of calf muscle activity and the associated transient variation in limb dimensions. Method Use Chord modulus to classify compression material; Use thin and thick cylinder wall theory to estimate the variation in the interface pressure due to changes in the limb shape secondary to muscle contraction; Use tensile test devices to obtain the Chord modulus for two different MCB at two different dynamic ranges. Results Chord modulus (E) describes the change in tension in a dynamic situation, and this is labelled as stiffness in the bandaging literature; Chord modulus, with the help of a mathematical model that was developed based on thick wall cylinder theory, can be used to predict the change in sub-bandage interface pressure caused by the change in limb shape secondary to calf muscle activity; Chord modulus can be used to classify bandages and describe how they will behave when they are applied to a leg. Conclusion The dynamic pressure can be predicted using a simple mathematical model using Chord modulus, which can be calculated in vitro using standard tensile testing equipment. In addition, Chord modulus can be used to classify compression bandages and hosiery.
Humor styles and relationship satisfaction in dating couples: Perceived versus self-reported humor styles as predictors of satisfaction
Authors: Cann Arnie , Davis Heather B. , Zapata Christine L. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractHumor has been identified as a potentially important variable in facilitating relationship satisfaction in romantic couples. Using a measure of stable differences in how humor is expressed by individuals, the current research looks at the possibility that dating couples have similar humor styles, and at whether self-reported or perceived humor styles best predict relationship satisfaction. Individuals in a sample of 82 couples independently completed the measures of own and perceived partner's humor styles and relationship satisfaction on multiple indicators of satisfaction. The results indicate little similarity within couples on humor styles. The best predictors of satisfaction were perceptions of a partner's humor style, with humor styles that were other-directed explaining the most variability in satisfaction. The results demonstrate the usefulness of treating humor uses as a multidimensional variable to better understand the roles humor might play across circumstances and relationships.