bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lifelong prophylaxis in a large cohort of adult patients with severe haemophilia: a beneficial effect on orthopaedic outcome and quality of life
Authors: Khawaji Mohammed , Astermark Jan , Berntorp Erik 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground:  In the 1950s, Sweden initiated prophylaxis as a lifelong treatment for haemophilia. It was the first country to do so.Objectives:  To describe and evaluate dosing and outcome of prophylactic treatment in a large cohort of adult people with severe haemophilia who have been using prophylaxis most of their lives.Methods:  Eighty‐one patients born between 1932 and1992 were divided into two groups (Group A started prophylaxis at the age of ≤ 3 yr; Group B at three or more years of age) and evaluated retrospectively. Outcome was evaluated using the Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and SF‐36, a measure of quality of life.Results:  The median number of joint bleeds per year was 0 in both study groups; however, the annual number of joint bleeds during the final 3 yr of observation was higher in group B than in group A (P < 0.006). Twenty‐five of 30 patients in group A and 27/51 patients in group B had no joint bleeds in that period. Group A had significantly better joint outcomes than group B. Patients in group A experienced better physical and social health than those in group B.Conclusions:  This follow‐up has provided for the first time more extensive and detailed information regarding the practice of prophylactic treatment in a large cohort of adults with severe haemophilia. The present study confirms that early start of prophylaxis continuing throughout the lifespan has been successful in virtually eliminating joint bleeds, preserving a close to normal joint status, and keeping patients healthy and able to live normal lives.
Conservation Implications of Rapid Shifts in the Trade of Wild African and Asian Pythons
Authors: Luiselli Luca , Bonnet Xavier , Rocco Massimiliano , Amori Giovanni 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPythons are harvested for the international leather industry and pet trade. We analyzed the CITES export records (1999–2008) of the most intensively commercialized wild pythons (Python regius, Python sebae, Python reticulatus, Python molurus, Python curtus species complex) from African and Asian countries where reliable data on trade rates and ecology are available. Mean declared annual numbers of exported pythons were 30,000 in five African countries and 164,000 in Indonesia. Trade intensity tripled in Indonesia over the last decade, but declined in Africa. African international trade is exclusively associated with the pet market (mainly United States and Europe), whereas Asian pythons are sold mostly for luxury leather, albeit more recently also for the pet trade. A negative correlation between the annual numbers of pythons traded in Africa vs. Asia suggests a rapid and recent shift of the pressure exerted on wild populations in the two main exporting continents. We also found a strong effect of the currency exchange rate (i.e., U.S.$/€, the currencies used by the major importing countries) on African python exports: when the cost per African python increased, importers relied increasingly on Asian providers for pet trade. Overall, our data indicate that Asian pythons (especially P. reticulatus) might be threatened due to the rapidly increasing pressure, whereas the decreasing international trade in African pythons is likely more sustainable.
Zinc Sulfate for Relief of Pruritus in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Najafabadi Mojgan Mortazavi , Faghihi Gita , Emami Afsoon , Monghad Maryam , Moeenzadeh Firoozeh , Sharif Nima , Davarpanah Jazi Amir Hosein 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPruritus is a common complaint in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The pathophysiology of pruritus in these patients is not well known, but the role of histamine release from mast cells has been reported. According to the inhibitory effects of zinc on histamine release and reported low levels of serum zinc in hemodialysis patients, we aimed to evaluate the effects of zinc sulfate for the relief of pruritus in these patients. This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted on 40 adults with end stage renal disease (ESRD) who were on maintenance hemodialysis in two university hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. Patients were randomized to receive either zinc sulfate (440 mg/day) or placebo for two consecutive months. Pruritus was assessed at baseline and then every two weeks using a numerical rating scale from 0 to 10 until one month after treatment. Drug side effects were also assessed along with pruritus. There were 40 patients with a mean age of 55.5 ± 15.2 (72.5% male) who completed the study. The two groups were similar in baseline characteristics. Pruritus was decreased in both groups after treatment but there was a significantly greater decrease in the zinc sulfate group compared with placebo (P = 0.018). Patient compliance was good and no severe side effects were observed. Zinc sulfate (440 mg/day) is more effective than placebo for the relief of pruritus in patients under maintenance hemodialysis. Further studies with larger sample size, longer treatment duration and follow‐up and with various dosages of zinc sulfate are recommended.
Induction and maintenance of anti‐influenza antigen‐specific nasal secretory IgA levels and serum IgG levels after influenza infection in adults
Authors: Fujimoto Chisa , Takeda Noriaki , Matsunaga Atsushi , Sawada Ayako , Tanaka Takeshi , Kimoto Takashi , Shinahara Wakako , Sawabuchi Takako , Yamaguchi Miyoko , Hayama Masaki , Yanagawa Hiroaki , Yano Mihiro , Kido Hiroshi 
Published: January 2012

Please cite this paper as:Fujimotoet al.(2012) Induction and maintenance of anti‐influenza antigen‐specific nasal secretory IgA levels and serum IgG levels after influenza infection in adults. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(6), 396–403.Objectives To determine the induction and changes in anti‐influenza virus secretory IgA (s‐IgA) levels in nasal washes and serum IgG levels in patients with influenza.Methods The study recruited 16 patients with influenza aged 35·6 ± 9·6 years in 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 seasons. Nasal washes and serum were obtained throughout the first year. Anti‐viral s‐IgA levels and neutralization activities in nasal washes, and serum anti‐viral IgG levels and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers were measured.Results Anti‐viral(H1N1) s‐IgA to total IgA ratio and neutralizing antibody titer were low in nasal washes of all patients, whereas serum levels of anti‐viral IgG and HI titers varied widely at day 1·4 ± 1·0 postinfection. Both nasal s‐IgA and serum IgG levels later increased significantly, reaching peak levels at day 9·6 ± 3·3 postinfection. The induced nasal s‐IgA then returned toward the initial levels within 300 days, although the levels at day 143 ± 70 were 3·03‐fold of the initial. Individual serum IgG levels also returned toward the initial levels within 300 days, although the mean levels remained high probably because of re‐infection in a subgroup of patients. Although influenza A (H3N2) was a minor epidemic subtype in both flu seasons, a significant rise in nasal anti‐viral (H3N2) s‐IgA levels and a slightly increase in serum IgG levels were noted.Conclusion Low levels of nasal anti‐viral s‐IgA and neutralizing antibody were noted compared with a wide range of serum anti‐viral IgG and HI titers at the onset of infection. Elevated s‐IgA and IgG returned toward the initial levels within 300 days of infection with minor exceptions.
Grape Antioxidant Dietary Fiber Stimulates Lactobacillus Growth in Rat Cecum
Authors: Pozuelo María José , Agis‐Torres Angel , Hervert‐Hernández Deisy , Elvira López‐Oliva María , Muñoz‐Martínez Emilia , Rotger Rafael , Goñi Isabel 
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The digesta is a highly active biological system where epithelial cells, microbiota, nondigestible dietary components, and a large number of metabolic products interact. The gut microbiota can be modulated by both endogenous and exogenous substrates. Undigested dietary residues are substrates for colonic microbiota and may influence gut microbial ecology. The objective of this work was to study the capacity of grape antioxidant dietary fiber (GADF), which is rich in polyphenols, to modify the bacterial profile in the cecum of rats. Male adult Wistar rats were fed for 4 wk with diets containing either cellulose or GADF as dietary fiber. The effect of GADF on bacterial growth was evaluated in vitro and on the cecal microbiota of rats using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The results showed that GADF intake stimulates proliferation of Lactobacillus and slightly affects the composition of Bifidobacterium species. GADF was also found to have a stimulative effect on Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus acidophilus in vitro. These findings suggest that the consumption of a diet rich in plant foods with high dietary fiber and polyphenol content may enhance the gastrointestinal health of the host through microbiota modulation.Practical Application:  Grape antioxidant fiber combines nutritional and physiological properties of dietary fiber and natural antioxidants from grapes. Grape antioxidant fiber could be used as an ingredient for functional foods and as a dietary supplement to increase the intake of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds.
Duration of untreated psychosis in a rural/suburban region of Japan
Authors: Lihong Qin , Shimodera Shinji , Fujita Hirokazu , Morokuma Ippei , Nishida Atsushi , Kamimura Naoto , Mizuno Masafumi , Furukawa Toshi A. , Inoue Shimpei 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAims: We examined the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and its social and clinical correlates in patients with schizophrenia in a rural/suburban region of Japan.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with first‐episode psychosis from 11 hospitals in Kochi Prefecture. There were 108 patients who met the eligibility criteria, and data regarding their DUP and social/clinical variables were collected.Results: The median (mean) DUP of our cohort was 10.5 (34.6) months. Longer DUP was associated with younger age at onset, older age at first consultation, less educational attainment, insidious mode of onset and not being accompanied by another person at first consultation. After adjusting for confounding factors, age at onset, age at first consultation and mode of onset remained significantly and independently associated with DUP. In terms of treatment and response, longer DUP was associated with less antipsychotics prescribed upon first visit, and worse Clinical Global Impression Severity and Improvement scores after 1 year.Conclusion: The patients treated in a rural/suburban region of Japan had a long DUP, and shortening their DUP through promoting family involvement could improve their outcomes.
Hindlimb laminar inflammatory response is similar to that present in forelimbs after carbohydrate overload in horses
Authors: Leise B. S. , Faleiros R. R. , Watts M. , Johnson P. J. , Black S. J. , Belknap J. K. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study:A significant proinflammatory response is known to occur in the forelimb lamina after carbohydrate administration. As the hindlimbs are often less affected by laminitis compared with the forelimbs, we assessed hindlimb inflammatory response in the early stages of carbohydrate‐induced laminitis to determine whether differences in the response existed.Objective:To determine whether a similar proinflammatory response occurs in the hindlimb laminae to that previously reported for the forelimb.Methods:Archived laminar samples from 12 horses administered 17.6 g of starch (85% corn starch, 15% wood flour)/kg bwt via nasogastric tube that were anaesthetised either after developing a temperature >38.9°C (DEV; n = 6) or at the onset of Obel grade 1 lameness (OG1; n = 6) were used in addition to 6 control horses (CON) that were anaesthetised 24 h after administration of water. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for selected proinflammatory mediators and MAC387 immunohistochemistry were performed. The data were analysed nonparametrically to compare groups.Results:Increases in laminar MAC387‐positive leucocytes and laminar messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) concentrations (P<0.05) for interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, cyclo‐oxygenase‐2, chemokine (C‐X‐C motif)ligand (CXCL)1 and CXCL8 were present in both fore‐ and hindlimb laminae from horses with OG1 lameness. Both CXCL1 and CXCL8 were also increased in forelimb and hindlimb laminae in the DEV horses.Conclusions:Administration of carbohydrate resulted in a similar inflammatory response in the hindlimb laminae to that previously reported for the forelimb laminae. These findings suggest that other factors, such as weightbearing, may play an important role in the development of laminitis after a systemic inflammatory condition develops.Potential relevance:Evidence of inflammation in the hindlimb laminae suggests that the hindfeet should be addressed in the septic horse at risk for laminitis; however, laminitis is often less severe in the hindlimbs due to other factors, such as weightbearing and hoof angle.
Anti-depressant effects of Xiaoyaosan on rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress: a plasma metabonomics study based on NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Xiao-Jie , Zhou Yu-Zhi , Li Zhong-Feng , Cui Jie , Li Zhen-Yu , Gao Xiao-Xia , Sun Hai-Feng , Zhang Li-Zeng , Du Guan-Hua , Qin Xue-Mei 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate the antidepressant effects of Xiaoyaosan (XYS) in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model.

Methods
The changes in behaviour and plasma metabolic profiles were investigated after four-week CUMS exposure and treatment. Drugs were administered during the four-week period of CUMS, with the healthy group serving as negative controls, and the fluoxetine and venlafaxine groups serving as positive controls. Plasma samples were collected at 28th day, and the plasma metabolic profiling was measured using NMR, followed by multivariate analysis.

Key findings
Exposure to CUMS for four weeks caused depression-like behaviour in rats, as indicated by significant decreases in weight gain, sucrose consumption and locomotor activity. Eleven potential biomarkers, including seven in the Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill spectra, five in the diffusion-edited spectra, and one in both were identified. It was found that trimethylamine-N-oxide, alanine, β-hydroxybutyrate, valine, leucine/isoleucine, low-density lipoprotein/very low-density lipoprotein and lipids were lower and phosphatidylcholine, high-density lipoprotein, choline and N-acetyl glycoproteins were higher in CUMS-treated rats, as compared with controls. XYS significantly suppressed behavioural changes and attenuated plasma metabolite changes.

Conclusions
XYS produced an obvious antidepressant effect, and the metabonomic approach benefits estimation of the pharmacodynamic action of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.
Automatic inference of movements from contact histories
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Gao Zhaoyu , Xu Xinhui , Zhou Yujiao , Zhu Haojin , Zhu Kenny Q. 
Published: December 2011

This paper introduces a new security problem in which individuals movement traces (in terms of accurate routes) can be inferred from just a series of mutual contact records and the map of the area in which they roam around. Such contact records may be obtained through the bluetooth communication on mobile phones.
We present an approach that solve the trace inference problem in reasonable time, and analyze some properties of the inference algorithm.
Online testing of federated and heterogeneous distributed systems
Authors: Canini Marco , Jovanović Vojin , Venzano Daniele , Novaković Dejan , Kostić Dejan 
Published: December 2011

DiCE is a system for online testing of federated and heterogeneous distributed systems. We have built a prototype of DiCE and integrated it with an open-source BGP router. DiCE quickly detects three important classes of faults, resulting from configuration mistakes, policy conflicts and programming errors.
The goal of this demo is to showcase our DiCE prototype while it executes an experiment that involves exploring BGP system behavior in a topology with 27 BGP routers and Internet-like conditions (Figure 1).
Supporting novel home network management interfaces with openflow and NOX
Authors: Mortier Richard , Bedwell Ben , Glover Kevin , Lodge Tom , Rodden Tom , Rotsos Charalampos , Moore Andrew W. , Koliousis Alexandros , Sventek Joseph 
Published: December 2011

The Homework project has examined redesign of existing home network infrastructures to better support the needs and requirements of actual home users. Integrating results from several ethnographic studies, we have designed and built a home networking platform providing detailed per-flow measurement and management capabilities supporting several novel management interfaces. This demo specifically shows these new visualization and control interfaces (1), and describes the broader benefits of taking an integrated view of the networking infrastructure, realised through our router's augmented measurement and control APIs (2).
Aspects of this work have been published: the Homework Database in Internet Management (IM) 2011 [3] and implications of the ethnographic results are to appear at the SIGCOMM W-MUST workshop 2011 [2]. Separate, more detailed expositions of the interface elements and system performance and implications are currently under submission at other venues. A partial code release is already available and we anticipate fuller public beta release by Q4 2011.
Hyperpolarized 13C Spectroscopy Detects Early Changes in Tumor Vasculature and Metabolism after VEGF Neutralization
Authors: Bohndiek Sarah E. , Kettunen Mikko I. , Hu De-en , Brindle Kevin M. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
No clinically validated biomarkers exist to image tumor responses to antiangiogenic therapy. Here, we report the utility of hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to detect the early effects of anti-VEGF therapy. In two colorectal cancer xenograft models, displaying differential sensitivity to VEGF blockade, we compared hyperpolarized MRS with measurements of tumor perfusion using dynamic contrast agent–enhanced (DCE)-MRI and tumor cellularity using diffusion-weighted MRI of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of tissue water. In tumors sensitive to anti-VEGF therapy, 13C flux between hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate and [1-13C]lactate decreased after anti-VEGF therapy and correlated with reduced perfusion. Production of [1,4-13C2]malate from hyperpolarized [1,4-13C2]fumarate increased in parallel with tumor cell necrosis, preceding any change in tumor ADC. In contrast, tumors that were less sensitive to anti-VEGF therapy showed an increase in 13C flux from hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate and an increase in uptake of a gadolinium contrast agent, whereas tumor ADC decreased. Increased label flux could be explained by vascular normalization after VEGF blockade, increasing delivery of hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate as observed. Despite the minimal response of these tumors to treatment, with only a minor increase in necrosis observed histologically, production of [1,4-13C2]malate from hyperpolarized [1,4-13C2]fumarate in therapy-resistant tumors also increased. Together, our findings show that hyperpolarized 13C MRS detects early responses to anti-VEGF therapy, including vascular normalization or vascular destruction and cell death. Cancer Res; 72(4); 854–64. ©2012 AACR.
Proximal Tubular Secretion of Creatinine by Organic Cation Transporter OCT2 in Cancer Patients
Authors: Ciarimboli Giuliano , Lancaster Cynthia S. , Schlatter Eberhard , Franke Ryan M. , Sprowl Jason A. , Pavenstädt Hermann , Massmann Vivian , Guckel Denise , Mathijssen Ron H. J. , Yang Wenjian , Pui Ching-Hon , Relling Mary V. , Herrmann Edwin , Sparreboom Alex 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Purpose: Knowledge of transporters responsible for the renal secretion of creatinine is key to a proper interpretation of serum creatinine and/or creatinine clearance as markers of renal function in cancer patients receiving chemotherapeutic agents.
Experimental Design: Creatinine transport was studied in transfected HEK293 cells in vitro and in wild-type mice and age-matched organic cation transporter 1 and 2–deficient [Oct1/2(−/−)] mice ex vivo and in vivo. Clinical pharmacogenetic and transport inhibition studies were done in two separate cohorts of cancer patients.
Results: Compared with wild-type mice, creatinine clearance was significantly impaired in Oct1/2(−/−) mice. Furthermore, creatinine inhibited organic cation transport in freshly isolated proximal tubules from wild-type mice and humans, but not in those from Oct1/2(−/−) mice. In a genetic association analysis (n = 590), several polymorphisms around the OCT2/SLC22A2 gene locus, including rs2504954 (P = 0.000873), were significantly associated with age-adjusted creatinine levels. Furthermore, in cancer patients (n = 68), the OCT2 substrate cisplatin caused an acute elevation of serum creatinine (P = 0.0083), consistent with inhibition of an elimination pathway.
Conclusions: Collectively, this study shows that OCT2 plays a decisive role in the renal secretion of creatinine. This process can be inhibited by OCT2 substrates, which impair the usefulness of creatinine as a marker of renal function. Clin Cancer Res; 18(4); 1101–8. ©2012 AACR.
Inhibition of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling Reduces Vascular Calcification and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Derwall Matthias , Malhotra Rajeev , Lai Carol S. , Beppu Yuko , Aikawa Elena , Seehra Jasbir S. , Zapol Warren M. , Bloch Kenneth D. , Yu Paul B. 
Published: January 2012

Objective—
The expression of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) is enhanced in human atherosclerotic and calcific vascular lesions. Although genetic gain- and loss-of-function experiments in mice have supported a causal role of BMP signaling in atherosclerosis and vascular calcification, it remains uncertain whether BMP signaling might be targeted pharmacologically to ameliorate both of these processes.

Methods and Results—

We tested the impact of pharmacological BMP inhibition on atherosclerosis and calcification in LDL receptor-deficient (LDLR
−/−
) mice. LDLR
−/−
mice fed a high-fat diet developed abundant vascular calcification within 20 weeks. Prolonged treatment of LDLR
−/−
mice with the small molecule BMP inhibitor LDN-193189 was well-tolerated and potently inhibited development of atheroma, as well as associated vascular inflammation, osteogenic activity, and calcification. Administration of recombinant BMP antagonist ALK3-Fc replicated the antiatherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory effects of LDN-193189. Treatment of human aortic endothelial cells with LDN-193189 or ALK3-Fc abrogated the production of reactive oxygen species induced by oxidized LDL, a known early event in atherogenesis. Unexpectedly, treatment of mice with LDN-193189 lowered LDL serum cholesterol by 35% and markedly decreased hepatosteatosis without inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase activity. Treatment with BMP2 increased, whereas LDN-193189 or ALK3-Fc inhibited apolipoprotein B100 secretion in HepG2 cells, suggesting that BMP signaling contributes to the regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis.

Conclusion—
These results definitively implicate BMP signaling in atherosclerosis and calcification, while uncovering a previously unidentified role for BMP signaling in LDL cholesterol metabolism. BMP inhibition may be helpful in the treatment of atherosclerosis and associated vascular calcification.