bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraction of single-trial cortical beta oscillatory activities in EEG signals using empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Yeh Chia-Lung , Chang Hsiang-Chih , Wu Chi-Hsun , Lee Po-Lei 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Brain oscillatory activities are stochastic and non-linearly dynamic, due to their non-phase-locked nature and inter-trial variability. Non-phase-locked rhythmic signals can vary from trial-to-trial dependent upon variations in a subject's performance and state, which may be linked to fluctuations in expectation, attention, arousal, and task strategy. Therefore, a method that permits the extraction of the oscillatory signal on a single-trial basis is important for the study of subtle brain dynamics, which can be used as probes to study neurophysiology in normal brain and pathophysiology in the diseased.

Methods
This paper presents an empirical mode decomposition (EMD)-based spatiotemporal approach to extract neural oscillatory activities from multi-channel electroencephalograph (EEG) data. The efficacy of this approach manifests in extracting single-trial post-movement beta activities when performing a right index-finger lifting task. In each single trial, an EEG epoch recorded at the channel of interest (CI) was first separated into a number of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Sensorimotor-related oscillatory activities were reconstructed from sensorimotor-related IMFs chosen by a spatial map matching process. Post-movement beta activities were acquired by band-pass filtering the sensorimotor-related oscillatory activities within a trial-specific beta band. Signal envelopes of post-movement beta activities were detected using amplitude modulation (AM) method to obtain post-movement beta event-related synchronization (PM-bERS). The maximum amplitude in the PM-bERS within the post-movement period was subtracted by the mean amplitude of the reference period to find the single-trial beta rebound (BR).

Results
The results showed single-trial BRs computed by the current method were significantly higher than those obtained from conventional average method (P < 0.01; matched-pair Wilcoxon test). The proposed method provides high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) through an EMD-based decomposition and reconstruction process, which enables event-related oscillatory activities to be examined on a single-trial basis.

Conclusions
The EMD-based method is effective for artefact removal and extracting reliable neural features of non-phase-locked oscillatory activities in multi-channel EEG data. The high extraction rate of the proposed method enables the trial-by-trial variability of oscillatory activities can be examined, which provide a possibility for future profound study of subtle brain dynamics.
Using dynamic pupillometry as a simple screening tool to detect autonomic neuropathy in patients with diabetes: a pilot study
Authors: Ferrari Giselle L , Marques Jefferson LB , Gandhi Rajiv A , Heller Simon R , Schneider Fábio K , Tesfaye Solomon , Gamba Humberto R 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Autonomic neuropathy is a common and serious complication of diabetes. Early detection is essential to enable appropriate interventional therapy and management. Dynamic pupillometry has been proposed as a simpler and more sensitive tool to detect subclinical autonomic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate pupil responsiveness in diabetic subjects with and without cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) using dynamic pupillometry in two sets of experiments.

Methods
During the first experiment, one flash was administered and the pupil response was recorded for 3 s. In the second experiment, 25 flashes at 1-s interval were administered and the pupil response was recorded for 30 s. Several time and pupil-iris radius-related parameters were computed from the acquired data. A total of 24 diabetic subjects (16 without and 8 with CAN) and 16 healthy volunteers took part in the study.

Results
Our results show that diabetic subjects with and without CAN have sympathetic and parasympathetic dysfunction, evidenced by diminished amplitude reflexes and significant smaller pupil radius. It suggests that pupillary autonomic dysfunction occurs before a more generalized involvement of the autonomic nervous system, and this could be used to detect early autonomic dysfunction.

Conclusions
Dynamic pupillometry provides a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive tool to screen high-risk diabetic patients for diabetic autonomic neuropathy.
Second-opinion stress tele-echocardiography for the Adonhers (Aged donor heart rescue by stress echo) project
Authors: Franchi Daniele , Cini Davide , Arpesella Giorgio , Gherardi Sonia , Calamai Italo , Barletta Giuseppe , Valente Serafina , Pasanisi Emilio , Sansoni Stefania , Ricci Caterina , Serra Walter , Picano Eugenio , Bombardini Tonino 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
To resolve the current shortage of donor hearts, we established the Adonhers protocol. An upward shift of the donor age cut-off limit (from the present 55 to 65 years) is acceptable if a stress echo screening on the candidate donor heart is normal. This study aimed to verify feasibility of a "second opinion" of digitally transferred images of stress echo results to minimize technical variability in selection of aged donor hearts for heart transplant.

Methods
The informatics infrastructure was created for a core lab reading with a second opinion from the Pisa stress echo lab. To test the system, simulation standard stress echo cineloops were sent digitally from 5 peripheral labs to the central core lab.
Starting January 2009, real marginal donor stress echos were sent via internet to the central core echo lab, Pisa, for a second opinion before heart transplant.

Results
In the simulation protocol, 30 dipyridamole stress echocardiograms were sent from the five peripheral echo labs to the central core lab in Pisa. Both the echo images and reports were correctly uploaded in the web system and sent to the core echo lab; the second opinion evaluation was obtained in all cases (100% feasibility). In the transplant protocol, eight donor cases were sent to the Pisa core lab for the second opinion protocol, and six of them were transplanted in marginal recipients.

Conclusions
Second-Opinion Stress Tele-Echocardiography can effectively be performed in a network aimed to safely expand the heart donor pool for heart transplant.
Comparison of the inhibitory effects of three transcriptional variants of CDKN2A in human lung cancer cell line A549
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhu Jing , Bai Jing , Jiang Hui , Liu Fangli , Liu An , Liu Peng , Ji Guohua , Guan Rongwei , Sun Donglin , Ji Wei , Yu Yang , Jin Yan , Meng Xiangning , Fu Songbin 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
The tumor suppressor gene CDKN2A generates at least three different transcriptional variants, each of which is thought to encode a tumor suppressor. However, the inhibitory activities of these variants have not yet been compared in the same cells. Protein therapy is known to have several advantages over gene therapy. Thus, investigation of the exogenous protein molecule of the most effective suppressor may yield meaningful information regarding protein-based cancer therapy.

Methods
The inhibitory effects of p16INK4a, p14ARF and p12 were studied in the human lung cancer cell line A549 which lacks the CDKN2A locus. The eukaryotic expression plasmids of the three transcriptional variants were constructed and stably transfected into the cells. RNA and protein expression by the plasmids was confirmed using RT-PCR and fluorescence immunocytochemistry, respectively. Cell growth inhibition and cell-cycle redistribution after transfection were investigated based on growth curve and flow cytometry analyses. An exogenous His-tag fusion p16INK4a protein was obtained and purified by affinity chromatography. Cell growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest induced by the expression of p16INK4a protein were measured in A549 cells transduced with the exogenous protein.

Results
While all three variants suppressed cell growth, p16INK4a had the strongest effect. Marked G1-phase accumulation and S-phase inhibition were induced by p16INK4a and p14ARF but not by p12. Exogenous p16INK4a protein was successfully expressed and purified and transduction of the fusion protein into A549 cells inhibited cell growth by G1→S arrest.

Conclusions
Among the three transcript variants, p16INK4a has a greater inhibitory effect than p14ARF and p12; exogenous p16INK4a protein should be further investigated for use in cancer therapy as a protein agent.
Anti-tumor activity of N-trimethyl chitosan-encapsulated camptothecin in a mouse melanoma model
Authors: Liu Xian-ping , Zhou Sheng-tao , Li Xing-yi , Chen Xian-cheng , Zhao Xia , Qian Zhi-yong , Zhou Li-na , Li Zhi-yong , Wang Yu-mei , Zhong Qian , Yi Tao , Li Zheng-yu , He Xiang , Wei Yu-quan 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Camptothecin (CPT) has recently attracted increasing attention as a promising anticancer agent for a variety of tumors. But the clinical application is largely hampered by its extreme water insolubility and unpredictable side effect. It is essential to establish an efficient and safe protocol for the administration of CPT versus melanoma.

Methods
Camptothecin was encapsulated with N-trimethyl chitosan (CPT-TMC) through microprecipitation and sonication. Its inhibition effect on B16-F10 cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis was evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometric analysis in vitro. The anti-tumor activity of CPT-TMC was evaluated in C57BL/6 mice bearing B16-F10 melanoma. Tumor volume, tumor weight and survival time were recorded. Assessment of apoptotic cells within tumor tissue was performed by TUNEL assay. Antiangiogenesis and antiproliferation effects of CPT-TMC in vivo were conducted via CD31 and PCNA immunohistochemistry, respectively.

Results
CPT-TMC efficiently inhibited B16-F10 cells proliferation and increased apoptosis in vitro. Experiment group showed significant inhibition compared with free CPT-treated group (81.3% vs. 56.9%) in the growth of B16-F10 melanoma xenografts and prolonged the survival time of the treated mice (P < 0.05). Decreased cell proliferation, increased tumor apoptosis as well as a reduction in angiogenesis were observed.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that N-trimethyl chitosan-encapsulated camptothecin is superior to free CPT by overcoming its insolubility and finally raises the potential of its application in melanoma therapy.
CCR9 interactions support ovarian cancer cell survival and resistance to cisplatin-induced apoptosis in a PI3K-dependent and FAK-independent fashion
Authors: Johnson Erica L , Singh Rajesh , Johnson-Holiday Crystal M , Grizzle William E , Partridge Edward E , Lillard James W , Singh Shailesh 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Cisplatin is more often used to treat ovarian cancer (OvCa), which provides modest survival advantage primarily due to chemo-resistance and up regulated anti-apoptotic machineries in OvCa cells. Therefore, targeting the mechanisms responsible for cisplatin resistance in OvCa cell may improve therapeutic outcomes. We have shown that ovarian cancer cells express CC chemokine receptor-9 (CCR9). Others have also shown that CCL25, the only natural ligand for CCR9, up regulates anti-apoptotic proteins in immature T lymphocytes. Hence, it is plausible that CCR9-mediated cell signals might be involved in OvCa cell survival and inhibition of cisplatin-induced apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the potential role and molecular mechanisms of CCR9-mediated inhibition of cisplatin-induced apoptosis in OvCa cells.

Methods
Cell proliferation, vibrant apoptosis, and TUNEL assays were performed with or without cisplatin treatment in presence or absence of CCL25 to determine the role of the CCR9-CCL25 axis in cisplatin resistance. In situ Fast Activated cell-based ELISA (FACE) assays were performed to determine anti-apoptotic signaling molecules responsible for CCL25-CCR9 mediated survival.

Results
Our results show interactions between CCR9 and CCL25 increased anti-apoptotic signaling cascades in OvCa cells, which rescued cells from cisplatin-induced cell death. Specifically, CCL25-CCR9 interactions mediated Akt, activation as well as GSK-3β and FKHR phosphorylation in a PI3K-dependent and FAK-independent fashion.

Conclusions
Our results suggest the CCR9-CCL25 axis plays an important role in reducing cisplatin-induced apoptosis of OvCa cells.
Interleukin-18 as an in vivomediator of monocyte recruitment in rodent models of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ruth Jeffrey H , Park Christy C , Amin M Asif , Lesch Charles , Marotte Hubert , Shahrara Shiva , Koch Alisa E 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Introduction
The function of interleukin-18 (IL-18) was investigated in pertinent animal models of rodent rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to determine its proinflammatory and monocyte recruitment properties.

Methods
We used a modified Boyden chemotaxis system to examine monocyte recruitment to recombinant human (rhu) IL-18 in vitro. Monocyte recruitment to rhuIL-18 was then tested in vivo by using an RA synovial tissue (ST) severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse chimera. We defined monocyte-specific signal-transduction pathways induced by rhuIL-18 with Western blotting analysis and linked this to in vitro monocyte chemotactic activity. Finally, the ability of IL-18 to induce a cytokine cascade during acute joint inflammatory responses was examined by inducing wild-type (Wt) and IL-18 gene-knockout mice with zymosan-induced arthritis (ZIA).

Results
We found that intragraft injected rhuIL-18 was a robust monocyte recruitment factor to both human ST and regional (inguinal) murine lymph node (LN) tissue. IL-18 gene-knockout mice also showed pronounced reductions in joint inflammation during ZIA compared with Wt mice. Many proinflammatory cytokines were reduced in IL-18 gene-knockout mouse joint homogenates during ZIA, including macrophage inflammatory protein-3α (MIP-3α/CCL20), vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), and IL-17. Signal-transduction experiments revealed that IL-18 signals through p38 and ERK½ in monocytes, and that IL-18-mediated in vitro monocyte chemotaxis can be significantly inhibited by disruption of this pathway.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that IL-18 may be produced in acute inflammatory responses and support the notion that IL-18 may serve a hierarchic position for initiating joint inflammatory responses.
The Relationship of Menopausal Status and Rapid Menopausal Transition with Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Progression in Women: A Report from the Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study
Authors: Johnson B. Delia , Dwyer Kathleen M. , Stanczyk Frank Z. , Bittner Vera , Berga Sarah L. , Braunstein Glenn D. , Azziz Ricardo , Yang YuChing , Hale Georgina E. , Bairey Merz C. Noel 
Published: June 2010

Context: The onset of menopause has been associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk factors. However, little information is available about the rapidity of the menopausal transition and its relationship to the development of preclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Objective: Our objective was to assess whether the rate of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) progression over time differs according to 1) menopausal status and 2) rapidity of the menopausal transition.
Design: We evaluated 203 community-based women aged 45–60 yr without previously diagnosed CVD who underwent three repeated measurements of cIMT as a measure of preclinical CVD over 3 yr. Menopausal status was ascertained at each visit based on menstrual cycle parameters and reproductive hormone profiles. Of these, 21 remained premenopausal, 51 transitioned, and 131 were postmenopausal throughout the observation period.
Results: Age-adjusted cIMT progression rates were similar among premenopausal, transitioning, and postmenopausal women. In the 51 transitioning women, age was not related to rate of cIMT progression. However, the rapidity of menopausal transition was related to cIMT progression: women transitioning from pre- to postmenopause within the 3-yr period had a higher rate of cIMT progression compared with women with a slower transition. Statistical adjustments for the significant covariates of systolic blood pressure, body mass index, race, cigarette smoking, or hormone therapy use did not alter the findings.
Conclusions: Among healthy women undergoing repeated cIMT measurement, a more rapid menopausal transition was associated with a higher rate of preclinical CVD progression measured by cIMT. Further work is needed to explore potential mechanisms of this effect.
Impact of pay for performance on inequalities in health care: systematic review
Authors: Alshamsan Riyadh , Majeed Azeem , Ashworth Mark , Car Josip , Millett Christopher 
Published: June 2010

Objectives: To assess the impact of pay for performance programmes on inequalities in the quality of health care in relation to age, sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Methods: Systematic search and appraisal of experimental or observational studies that assessed quantitatively the impact of a monetary incentive on health care inequalities. We searched published articles in English identified in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane databases. Results: Twenty-two studies were identified, 20 of which were conducted in the United Kingdom and examined the impact of the Quality and Outcomes Framework. Sixteen studies used practice level data rather than patient level data. Socioeconomic status was the most frequently examined inequality; age, sex and ethnic inequalities were less frequently assessed. There was some weak evidence that the use of financial incentives reduced inequalities in chronic disease management between socioeconomic groups. Inequalities in chronic disease management between age, sex and ethnic groups persisted after the use of such incentives. Conclusions: Inequalities in chronic disease management have largely persisted after the introduction of the Quality and Outcome Framework. Pay for performance programmes should be designed to reduce inequalities as well as improve the overall quality of care.
Ocular complications of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: Ukponmwan Catherine U , Njinaka Itiyafe , Ehimiyen Efe T 
Published: June 2010

Summary The causative factors and ocular complications of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are reported here. Six out of seven patients developed the syndrome secondary to ingestion of sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine while one developed it as a complication of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy). The ocular complications were ankyloblepharon, symblepharon, chronic conjunctivitis, corneal vascularization and conjunctivalization, and blindness. One patient died. A shift to the WHO-recommened artemisin-based combination therapy for the treatment of malaria is advised. Early referral to the ophthalmologist will help to reduce the complications.
Clinical characteristics of people with head nodding in southern Tanzania
Authors: Winkler Andrea S , Friedrich Katrin , Meindl Michael , Kidunda Aslam , Nassri Amir , Jilek-Aall Louise , Matuja William , Schmutzhard Erich 
Published: June 2010

Summary We have previously described a seizure disorder characterized by head nodding (HN). In a prospective study in southern Tanzania, we evaluated 62 patients with HN. Here, we report the patients’ clinical characteristics and those of their seizures, which indicate high seizure frequency, unsatisfactory seizure control, a high burden of cognitive impairment and disease-associated barriers to education.
Meningoencephalitis associated with hepatitis A infection: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Davoudi S , Soudbakhsh A , Emadikouchak H , Nikbakht G , Modabbernia A 
Published: June 2010

Summary Hepatitis A virus uncommonly causes neurological problems. Among these manifestations meningoencephalitis is very rare. We describe the clinical and laboratory features of a young boy with hepatitis A associated meningoencephalitis and compare it with other cases which had the same diagnoses.
Soil-transmitted helminth infection and urbanization in 880 primary school children in Nicaragua, 2005
Authors: Rosewell Alexander , Robleto Guillermo , Rodrí;guez Guillermo , Barragne-Bigot Philippe , Amador Juan José , Aldighieri Sylvain 
Published: June 2010

Summary The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis is close to half the population in Central America, with the marginalized peri-urban poor disproportionately affected. Previous single province helminth surveys conducted in Nicaragua have shown Ascaris lumbricoides to be the predominant species. In 2005, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 880 children in 10 Nicaraguan primary schools located in four provinces. We aimed to establish the prevalence and intensity of soiltransmitted helminth infections and to investigate the factors associated with helminthiasis. Almost half (46%) of the children were infected with soil-transmitted helminths. Tichuris trichiura was the most common infective species (34.7%). The prevalence and intensity of helminthiasis was heterogeneous in the provinces, with children educated in peri-urban schools most affected. Healthy policies are required that favour the peri-urban poor who have inadequate and declining access to water and sanitation.
Scrub typhus in Uttarakhand, India: a common rickettsial disease in an uncommon geographical region
Authors: Ahmad Sohaib , Srivastava Saurabh , Verma Sanjiv Kumar , Puri Prashant , Shirazi Nadia 
Published: June 2010

Summary Scrub typhus is a commonly encountered rickettsial disease of the Indian subcontinent. Humans are infected accidentally and the case fatality can be significantly high if the disease is not identified in time. We report nine cases of scrub typhus from the Garhwal region of the newly created north Indian state of Uttarakhand, a region not previously known to harbour the vector. Entomological studies are needed to study the density of the vectorand to institute vector control measures in order to prevent this relatively benign, yet potentially fatal, clinical entity from spiralling into a major public health issue.
Analysis of the Size Distributions of Fetal and Maternal Cell-Free DNA by Paired-End Sequencing
Authors: Fan H Christina , Blumenfeld Yair J , Chitkara Usha , Hudgins Louanne , Quake Stephen R 
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND
Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis with cell-free DNA in maternal plasma is challenging because only a small portion of the DNA sample is derived from the fetus. A few previous studies provided size-range estimates of maternal and fetal DNA, but direct measurement of the size distributions is difficult because of the small quantity of cell-free DNA.

METHODS
We used high-throughput paired-end sequencing to directly measure the size distributions of maternal and fetal DNA in cell-free maternal plasma collected from 3 typical diploid and 4 aneuploid male pregnancies. As a control, restriction fragments of λ DNA were also sequenced.

RESULTS
Cell-free DNA had a dominant peak at approximately 162 bp and a minor peak at approximately 340 bp. Chromosome Y sequences were rarely longer than 250 bp but were present in sizes of &lt;150 bp at a larger proportion compared with the rest of the sequences. Selective analysis of the shortest fragments generally increased the fetal DNA fraction but did not necessarily increase the sensitivity of aneuploidy detection, owing to the reduction in the number of DNA molecules being counted. Restriction fragments of λ DNA with sizes between 60 bp and 120 bp were preferentially sequenced, indicating that the shotgun sequencing work flow introduced a bias toward shorter fragments.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results confirm that fetal DNA is shorter than maternal DNA. The enrichment of fetal DNA by size selection, however, may not provide a dramatic increase in sensitivity for assays that rely on length measurement in situ because of a trade-off between the fetal DNA fraction and the number of molecules being counted.