bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of the multicenter standardized supervised exercise training intervention for the ‘CLaudication: Exercise Vs Endoluminal Revascularization (CLEVER) study’
Authors: Bronas Ulf G , Hirsch Alan T , Murphy Timothy , Badenhop Dalynn , Collins Tracie C , Ehrman Jonathan K , Ershow Abby G , Lewis Beth , Treat-Jacobson Diane J , Walsh M Eileen , Oldenburg Niki , Regensteiner Judith G 
Published: October 2009

Abstract The CLaudication: Exercise Vs Endoluminal Revascularization (CLEVER) study is the first randomized, controlled, clinical, multicenter trial that is evaluating a supervised exercise program compared with revascularization procedures to treat claudication. In this report, the methods and dissemination techniques of the supervised exercise training intervention are described. A total of 217 participants are being recruited and randomized to one of three arms: (1) optimal medical care; (2) aortoiliac revascularization with stent; or (3) supervised exercise training. Of the enrolled patients, 84 will receive supervised exercise therapy. Supervised exercise will be administered according to a protocol designed by a central CLEVER exercise training committee based on validated methods previously used in single center randomized control trials. The protocol will be implemented at each site by an exercise committee member using training methods developed and standardized by the exercise training committee. The exercise training committee reviews progress and compliance with the protocol of each participant weekly. In conclusion, a multicenter approach to disseminate the supervised exercise training technique and to evaluate its efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness for patients with claudication due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is being evaluated for the first time in CLEVER. The CLEVER study will further establish the role of supervised exercise training in the treatment of claudication resulting from PAD and provide standardized methods for use of supervised exercise training in future PAD clinical trials as well as in clinical practice.
Relationship of heavy drinking, lipoprotein (a) and lipid profile to infrarenal aortic diameter
Authors: Wang Jian-an , Chen Xiao-feng , Yu Wei-fang , Chen Han , Lin Xian-fang , Xiang Mei-jiang , Fang Cong-feng , Du Yu-xi , Wang Bin 
Published: October 2009

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the association of alcohol drinking and lipid profile with infrarenal aortic dimension. The diameter of the infrarenal aorta was measured using ultrasound in 395 individuals (mean 66.6 ± 10.3 years) with atherosclerotic diseases or risk factors. The associations between heavy drinking, serum lipoprotein (a) levels, lipid profile and infrarenal aorta diameters were examined. Heavy drinking and lipoprotein (a) were positively related with infrarenal aortic dimension, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C and total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C were negatively associated with infrarenal aortic diameter ( p < 0.05). In addition, there were negative associations of LDL-C/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C and positive associations of HDL-C and apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI) with heavy drinking ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, there was a positive association between infrarenal aortic diameters and heavy drinking, as well as lipoprotein (a) levels. Furthermore, the novel and unexpected inverse association between LDL-C/HDL-C, LDL-C, TC/HDL-C and abdominal aortic diameter may suggest a possible role for anti-atherogenic lipid profile (characterized by a higher level of HDL-C and lower level of LDL-C) in aortic dilatation processes, which need to be clarified by further studies.
Brachial artery diameter, blood flow and flow-mediated dilation in sleep-disordered breathing
Authors: Chami Hassan A , Keyes Michelle J , Vita Joseph A , Mitchell Gary F , Larson Martin G , Fan Shuxia , Vasan Ramachandran S , O’Connor George T , Benjamin Emelia J , Gottlieb Daniel J 
Published: October 2009

Abstract Clinic-based, case-control studies linked sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) to markers of endothelial dysfunction. We attempted to validate this association in a large community-based sample, and evaluate the relation of SDB to arterial diameter and peripheral blood flow. This community-based, cross-sectional observational study included 327 men and 355 women, aged 42–83 years, from the Framingham Heart Study site of the Sleep Heart Health Study. The polysomnographically derived apnea-hypopnea index and the hypoxemia index (percent sleep time with oxyhemoglobin saturation below 90%) were used to quantify the severity of SDB. Brachial artery ultrasound measurements included baseline diameter, percent flow-mediated dilation, and baseline and hyperemic flow velocity and volume. The baseline brachial artery diameter was significantly associated with both the apnea-hypopnea index and the hypoxemia index. The association was diminished by adjustment for body mass index, but remained significant for the apnea-hypopnea index. Age-, sex-, race- and body mass index-adjusted mean diameters were 4.32, 4.33, 4.33, 4.56, 4.53 mm for those with apnea-hypopnea index < 1.5, 1.5–4.9, 5–14.9, 15–29.9, ≥ 30, respectively; p = 0.03. Baseline flow measures were associated with the apnea-hypopnea index but this association was non-significant after adjusting for body mass index. No significant association was observed between measures of SDB and percent flow-mediated dilation or hyperemic flow in any model. In conclusion, this study supports a moderate association of SDB and larger baseline brachial artery diameter, which may reflect SDB-induced vascular remodeling. This study does not support a link between SDB and endothelial dysfunction as measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation.
Depletion of the C3 component of complement enhances the ability of rituximab-coated target cells to activate human NK cells and improves the efficacy of monoclonal antibody therapy in an in vivo model
Authors: Wang Siao-Yi , Veeramani Suresh , Racila Emilian , Cagley Jeffrey , Fritzinger David C. , Vogel Carl-Wilhelm , St John William , Weiner George J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractGrowing evidence indicates antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) contributes to the clinical response to monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy of lymphoma. Recent in vitro analysis suggests C3b can inhibit mAb-induced natural killer (NK)–cell activation and ADCC. Further studies were conducted to assess the effect of C3 depletion on mAb-induced NK activation and therapy of lymphoma. Normal human serum inhibited the ability of rituximab-coated lymphoma cells to activate NK cells as previously reported. Serum did not inhibit NK-cell activation when it was preincubated with cobra venom factor (CVF) to deplete C3. Similar results were found when transudative pleural fluid or nonmalignant ascites was used as surrogates for extravascular fluid, suggesting the inhibitory effect of complement may be present in the extravascular compartment, in which many malignant lymphocytes reside. In vivo, C3 was depleted before mAb treatment in a syngeneic murine model of lymphoma. Survival of lymphoma-bearing mice after treatment with CVF plus mAb and with a human C3 derivative with CVF-like functions (HC3-1496) plus mAb was both superior to that of mAb alone. These studies show that complement depletion enhances NK-cell activation induced by rituximab-coated target cells and improves the efficacy of mAb therapy in a murine lymphoma model.
β2 Glycoprotein I (β2GPI) binds platelet factor 4 (PF4): implications for the pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Sikara Marina P. , Routsias John G. , Samiotaki Martina , Panayotou George , Moutsopoulos Haralampos M. , Vlachoyiannopoulos Panayiotis G. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune thrombophilia characterized by arterial/venous thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies that mainly recognize β2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI). To investigate potential platelet ligands of β2GPI, platelet membrane proteins from healthy persons and patients with APS were passed through a β2GPI-affinity column. By using mass spectrometry, platelet factor 4 (PF4) appeared as the dominant β2GPI binding protein. PF4 could bind in vitro, with high-affinity, recombinant β2GPI, and the binding was abrogated by soluble β2GPI. Coprecipitation experiments further confirmed this interaction. In silico molecular docking showed that PF4 tetramers can bind 2 β2GPI molecules simultaneously. Size exclusion chromatography confirmed that anti-β2GPI antibodies selectively interact with complexes composed of (β2GPI)2–(PF4)4. In addition, as shown by the β2GPI antigenicity evaluation, the reactivity of APS sera was higher against PF4–β2GPI complex than against β2GPI alone. On complex formation, anti-β2GPI–β2GPI–PF4 significantly induced platelet p38MAPK phosphorylation and TXB2 production, mainly through F(ab′)2 fragments of antibodies. In summary, this study makes evident that β2GPI forms stable complexes with PF4, leading to the stabilization of β2GPI dimeric structure that facilitates the antibody recognition. This interaction can probably be involved in the procoagulant tendency of APS.
Platelet protein disulfide isomerase is localized in the dense tubular system and does not become surface expressed after activation
Authors: van Nispen tot Pannerden Hezder E. , van Dijk Suzanne M. , Du Vivian , Heijnen Harry F. G. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractEvidence is accumulating that circulating tissue factor (TF) contributes to the initiation of coagulation and the formation of fibrin. The majority of circulating TF is cryptic, and it has been suggested that close vicinity with anionic phospholipids on the cell surface increases the active conformation of TF. Two recent papers have shown that encryption of TF and initiation of coagulation are facilitated by the enzyme protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), possibly on the surface of activated platelets or endothelial cells. In this brief report, we demonstrate that the majority of PDI in platelets is intracellular where it is exclusively located in the dense tubular system. On activation, PDI remains confined to the intracellular stores of the dense tubular system and is neither released nor targeted to the cell surface. Similar results were obtained in endothelium where PDI remains exclusively localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, both at steady state and after thrombin stimulation.
Kavosh: a new algorithm for finding network motifs
Authors: Kashani Zahra Razaghi Moghadam , Ahrabian Hayedeh , Elahi Elahe , Nowzari-Dalini Abbas , Ansari Elnaz Saberi , Asadi Sahar , Mohammadi Shahin , Schreiber Falk , Masoudi-Nejad Ali 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
Complex networks are studied across many fields of science and are particularly important to understand biological processes. Motifs in networks are small connected sub-graphs that occur significantly in higher frequencies than in random networks. They have recently gathered much attention as a useful concept to uncover structural design principles of complex networks. Existing algorithms for finding network motifs are extremely costly in CPU time and memory consumption and have practically restrictions on the size of motifs.

Results
We present a new algorithm (Kavosh), for finding k-size network motifs with less memory and CPU time in comparison to other existing algorithms. Our algorithm is based on counting all k-size sub-graphs of a given graph (directed or undirected). We evaluated our algorithm on biological networks of E. coli and S. cereviciae, and also on non-biological networks: a social and an electronic network.

Conclusion
The efficiency of our algorithm is demonstrated by comparing the obtained results with three well-known motif finding tools. For comparison, the CPU time, memory usage and the similarities of obtained motifs are considered. Besides, Kavosh can be employed for finding motifs of size greater than eight, while most of the other algorithms have restriction on motifs with size greater than eight. The Kavosh source code and help files are freely available at: http://Lbb.ut.ac.ir/Download/LBBsoft/Kavosh/.
Therapeutic targets and limits of minocycline neuroprotection in experimental ischemic stroke
Authors: Matsukawa Noriyuki , Yasuhara Takao , Hara Koichi , Xu Lin , Maki Mina , Yu Guolong , Kaneko Yuji , Ojika Kosei , Hess David C , Borlongan Cesar V 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
Minocycline, a second-generation tetracycline with anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties, has been shown to promote therapeutic benefits in experimental stroke. However, equally compelling evidence demonstrates that the drug exerts variable and even detrimental effects in many neurological disease models. Assessment of the mechanism underlying minocycline neuroprotection should clarify the drug's clinical value in acute stroke setting.

Results
Here, we demonstrate that minocycline attenuates both in vitro (oxygen glucose deprivation) and in vivo (middle cerebral artery occlusion) experimentally induced ischemic deficits by direct inhibition of apoptotic-like neuronal cell death involving the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2/cytochrome c pathway. Such anti-apoptotic effect of minocycline is seen in neurons, but not apparent in astrocytes. Our data further indicate that the neuroprotection is dose-dependent, in that only low dose minocycline inhibits neuronal cell death cascades at the acute stroke phase, whereas the high dose exacerbates the ischemic injury.

Conclusion
The present study advises our community to proceed with caution to use the minimally invasive intravenous delivery of low dose minocycline in order to afford neuroprotection that is safe for stroke.
Prevalence and risk factors for stunting and severe stunting among under-fives in North Maluku province of Indonesia
Authors: Ramli  , Agho Kingsley E , Inder Kerry J , Bowe Steven J , Jacobs Jennifer , Dibley Michael J 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
Adequate nutrition is needed to ensure optimum growth and development of infants and young children. Understanding of the risk factors for stunting and severe stunting among children aged less than five years in North Maluku province is important to guide Indonesian government public health planners to develop nutrition programs and interventions in a post conflict area. The purpose of the current study was to assess the prevalence of and the risk factors associated with stunting and severe stunting among children aged less than five years in North Maluku province of Indonesia.

Methods
The health and nutritional status of children aged less than five years was assessed in North Maluku province of Indonesia in 2004 using a cross-sectional multi-stage survey conducted on 750 households from each of the four island groups in North Maluku province. A total of 2168 children aged 0-59 months were used in the analysis.

Results
Prevalence of stunting and severe stunting were 29% (95%CI: 26.0-32.2) and 14.1% (95%CI: 11.7-17.0) for children aged 0-23 months and 38.4% (95%CI: 35.9-41.0) and 18.4% (95%CI: 16.1-20.9) for children aged 0-59 months, respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for stunted children were child's age in months, male sex and number of family meals per day (≤2 times), for children aged 0-23 months, and income (poorest and middle-class family), child's age in months and male sex for children aged 0-59 months. The risk factors for severe stunting in children aged 0-23 months were income (poorest family), male sex and child's age in months and for children aged 0-59 months were income (poorest family), father's occupation (not working), male sex and child's age in months.

Conclusion
Programmes aimed at improving stunting in North Maluku province of Indonesia should focus on children under two years of age, of male sex and from families of low socioeconomic status.
Influence of obstetric factors on osteogenic potential of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Penolazzi Letizia , Vecchiatini Renata , Bignardi Stefania , Lambertini Elisabetta , Torreggiani Elena , Canella Alessandro , Franceschetti Tiziana , Calura Giorgio , Vesce Fortunato , Piva Roberta 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Wharton's jelly from the umbilical cord is a noncontroversial source of mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) with high plasticity, proliferation rate and ability to differentiate towards multiple lineages. WJMSCs from different donors have been characterized for their osteogenic potential. Although there is large evidence of WJMSCs plasticity, recently scientific debate has focused on MSCs selection, establishing predictable elements to discriminate the cells with most promising osteoprogenitor cell potential.
In the present study a comparative study between the presence of osteoblastic markers and different parameters that pertain to both the newborn and the mother was performed. Umbilical cords were collected after all patients signed the informed consent and local ethical commettee approved the study. Obstetric parameters, including baby's gender and birth weight, mother's age at delivery, gestational stage at parturition and mode of delivery were examined. After characterization and expansion, WJMSCs were analyzed for two osteoblastic markers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and the expression level of RUNX-2 transcription factor, and for their ability to deposit mineralized matrix after osteogenic induction.
We found that osteoblastic potential was not influenced by baby's gender and mode of delivery. On the contrary, the highest degree of osteoblastic potential has been shown by WJMSCs with RUNX-2 high basal levels, selected from umbilical cords of the heaviest term babies.
Even if further evaluation is required, our hypothesis is that our findings may help in selecting the optimal umbilical cord donors and in collecting high potential Wharton's jelly-derived osteoprogenitors efficiently.
NADPH oxidase mediates β-amyloid peptide-induced activation of ERK in hippocampal organotypic cultures
Authors: Serrano Faridis , Chang Angela , Hernandez Caterina , Pautler Robia G , Sweatt J David , Klann Eric 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have shown that beta amyloid (Aβ) peptide triggers the activation of several signal transduction cascades in the hippocampus, including the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascade. In this study we sought to characterize the cellular localization of phosphorylated, active ERK in organotypic hippocampal cultures after acute exposure to either Aβ (1-42) or nicotine.ResultsWe observed that Aβ and nicotine increased the levels of active ERK in distinct cellular localizations. We also examined whether phospho-ERK was regulated by redox signaling mechanisms and found that increases in active ERK induced by Aβ and nicotine were blocked by inhibitors of NADPH oxidase.ConclusionOur findings indicate that NADPH oxidase-dependent redox signaling is required for Aβ-induced activation of ERK, and suggest a similar mechanism may occur during early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
XVII International AIDS Conference: From Evidence to Action ‐ Clinical and biomedical prevention science
Authors: Mascolini Mark , Kort Rodney , Gilden David 
Published: October 2009

The question of whether to initiate ART at higher CD4+ cell counts than currently recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) treatment guidelines received much attention at the XVII International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2008). If studies presented at the conference ultimately lead to a revision of WHO treatment guidance, the estimated number of people who will need ART globally will increase substantially. Task‐shifting is emerging as an important strategy for dealing with the acute shortage of health care workers in many high‐burden countries, and several studies presented at AIDS 2008 demonstrated the impressive health system efficiencies garnered by using nurses or other health care providers to deliver HIV care and treatment. Other key presentations and discussion at the conference focused on the optimal time to start TB treatment in HIV‐infected patients, the growing risk of resistance in high‐burden countries, including its impact on future treatment options, and several large cohort trials testing optimal drug regimens in resource‐limited settings.Biomedical prevention research continues to confirm the long‐term, protective benefits of circumcision. Several studies involving HIV serodiscordant heterosexual couples have produced data suggesting a strong protective effect of ART for HIV‐negative partners. Disappointing results from recent vaccine and non‐ARV based microbicides trials are nevertheless providing important data to this field, and the expanding number of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) trials and ARV‐based microbicides appear to provide the best hope for a new, efficacious biomedical prevention intervention.3‐8 August 2008, XVII International AIDS Conference, Mexico City, Mexico
Phenotypic and functional characterization of switch memory B cells from patients with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Corcione Anna , Ferlito Francesca , Gattorno Marco , Gregorio Andrea , Pistorio Angela , Gastaldi Roberto , Gambini Claudio , Martini Alberto , Traggiai Elisabetta , Pistoia Vito 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Introduction
In chronic inflammatory disorders, B cells can contribute to tissue damage by autoantibody production and antigen presentation to T cells. Here, we have characterized synovial fluid and tissue B-cell subsets in patients with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), an issue not addressed before in detail.

Methods
B cells from synovial fluid (SF) and peripheral blood (PB) of 25 JIA patients, as well as from PB of 20 controls of comparable age, were characterized by multicolor flow cytometry. Immunoglobulin-secreting cells were detected by ELISPOT. Immunohistochemical analyses of synovial tissue from three JIA patients were performed.

Results
JIA SF B cells were enriched in CD27+ and CD27- switch memory B cells, but not in CD27+ IgM memory B cells, compared with patient and control PB. Plasma blasts were more abundant in SF and secreted higher amounts of IgG. Lymphoid aggregates not organized in follicle-like structures were detected in synovial tissue sections and were surrounded by CD138+ plasma cells. Finally, transitional B cells were significantly increased in JIA PB versus SF or control PB. CCR5, CCR8, CXCR2, and CXCR3 were upregulated, whereas CCR6, CCR7, and CXCR5 were downregulated on SF CD27+ and CD27- switch memory B cells compared with their circulating counterparts. SF CD27+ and CD27- switch memory B cells expressed at high levels the costimulatory molecule CD86 and the activation marker CD69.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates for the first time an expansion of activated switch memory B cells and of IgG-secreting plasma blasts in the SF from oligoarticular JIA patients. Memory B cells belonged to either the CD27+or the CD27- subsets and expressed CD86, suggesting their involvement in antigen presentation to T cells. Patterns of chemokines-receptor expression on CD27+ and CD27- switch memory B cells delineated potential mechanisms for their recruitment to the inflamed joints.