bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic characteristics of human type II alveolar epithelial cells suitable for antigen presentation to T lymphocytes
Authors: Corbière Véronique , Dirix Violette , Norrenberg Sarah , Cappello Mattéo , Remmelink Myriam , Mascart Françoise 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundType II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII) are well known for their role in the innate immune system. More recently, it was proposed that they could play a role in the antigen presentation to T lymphocytes but contradictory results have been published both concerning their surface expressed molecules and the T lymphocyte responses in mixed lymphocyte cultures. The use of either AECII cell line or fresh cells could explain the observed discrepancies. Thus, this study aimed at defining the most relevant model of accessory antigen presenting cells by carefully comparing the two models for their expression of surface molecules necessary for efficient antigen presentation.MethodsWe have compared by flow cytometry the surface expression of the major markers involved in the immunological synapse on the A549 cell line, the most popular model of type II alveolar epithelial cells, and freshly isolated cells. HLA-DR, CD80, CD86, ICOS-L, CD54, CD58 surface expression were studied in resting conditions as well as after IFN-γ/TNF-α treatment, two inflammatory cytokines, known to modulate some of these markers.ResultsThe major difference found between the two cells types was the very low surface expression of HLA-DR on the A549 cell line compared to its constitutive expression on freshly isolated AECII. The surface expression of co-stimulatory molecules from the B7 family was very low for the CD86 (B7-2) and ICOS-L (B7-H2) and absent for CD80 (B7-1) on both freshly isolated cells and A549 cell line. Neither IFN-γ nor TNF-α could increase the expression of these classical co-stimulatory molecules. However CD54 (ICAM-1) and CD58 (LFA-3) adhesion molecules, known to be implicated in B7 independent co-stimulatory signals, were well expressed on the two cell types.ConclusionsConstitutive expression of MHC class I and II molecules as well as alternative co-stimulatory molecules by freshly isolated AECII render these cells a good model to study antigen presentation.
Evaluation of four novel genetic variants affecting hemoglobin A1c levels in a population-based type 2 diabetes cohort (the HUNT2 study)
Authors: Hertel Jens K , Johansson Stefan , Ræder Helge , Platou Carl GP , Midthjell Kristian , Hveem Kristian , Molven Anders , Njølstad Pål R 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Chronic hyperglycemia confers increased risk for long-term diabetes-associated complications and repeated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measures are a widely used marker for glycemic control in diabetes treatment and follow-up. A recent genome-wide association study revealed four genetic loci, which were associated with HbA1c levels in adults with type 1 diabetes. We aimed to evaluate the effect of these loci on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.

Methods
We genotyped 1,486 subjects with type 2 diabetes from a Norwegian population-based cohort (HUNT2) for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located near the BNC2, SORCS1, GSC and WDR72 loci. Through regression models, we examined their effects on HbA1c and non-fasting glucose levels individually and in a combined genetic score model.

Results
No significant associations with HbA1c or glucose levels were found for the SORCS1, BNC2, GSC or WDR72 variants (all P-values > 0.05). Although the observed effects were non-significant and of much smaller magnitude than previously reported in type 1 diabetes, the SORCS1 risk variant showed a direction consistent with increased HbA1c and glucose levels, with an observed effect of 0.11% (P = 0.13) and 0.13 mmol/l (P = 0.43) increase per risk allele for HbA1c and glucose, respectively. In contrast, the WDR72 risk variant showed a borderline association with reduced HbA1c levels (β = -0.21, P = 0.06), and direction consistent with decreased glucose levels (β = -0.29, P = 0.29). The allele count model gave no evidence for a relationship between increasing number of risk alleles and increasing HbA1c levels (β = 0.04, P = 0.38).

Conclusions
The four recently reported SNPs affecting glycemic control in type 1 diabetes had no apparent effect on HbA1c in type 2 diabetes individually or by using a combined genetic score model. However, for the SORCS1 SNP, our findings do not rule out a possible relationship with HbA1c levels. Hence, further studies in other populations are needed to elucidate whether these novel sequence variants, especially rs1358030 near the SORCS1 locus, affect glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.
An integrative pharmacological approach to radio telemetry and blood sampling in pharmaceutical drug discovery and safety assessment
Authors: Litwin Dennis C , Lengel David J , Kamendi Harriet W , Bialecki Russell A 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
A successful integration of the automated blood sampling (ABS) and telemetry (ABST) system is described. The new ABST system facilitates concomitant collection of physiological variables with blood and urine samples for determination of drug concentrations and other biochemical measures in the same rat without handling artifact.

Method
Integration was achieved by designing a 13 inch circular receiving antenna that operates as a plug-in replacement for the existing pair of DSI's orthogonal antennas which is compatible with the rotating cage and open floor design of the BASi Culex® ABS system. The circular receiving antenna's electrical configuration consists of a pair of electrically orthogonal half-toroids that reinforce reception of a dipole transmitter operating within the coil's interior while reducing both external noise pickup and interference from other adjacent dipole transmitters.

Results
For validation, measured baclofen concentration (ABST vs. satellite (μM): 69.6 ± 23.8 vs. 76.6 ± 19.5, p = NS) and mean arterial pressure (ABST vs. traditional DSI telemetry (mm Hg): 150 ± 5 vs.147 ± 4, p = NS) variables were quantitatively and qualitatively similar between rats housed in the ABST system and traditional home cage approaches.

Conclusion
The ABST system offers unique advantages over traditional between-group study paradigms that include improved data quality and significantly reduced animal use. The superior within-group model facilitates assessment of multiple physiological and biochemical responses to test compounds in the same animal. The ABST also provides opportunities to evaluate temporal relations between parameters and to investigate anomalous outlier events because drug concentrations, physiological and biochemical measures for each animal are available for comparisons.
Plasma peptidome profiling of acute hepatitis E patients by MALDI-TOF/TOF
Authors: Taneja Shikha , Ahmad Imran , Sen Somdutta , Kumar Saravanan , Arora Reena , Gupta Vijay K , Aggarwal Rakesh , Narayanasamy Krishnamoorthy , Reddy Vanga S , Jameel Shahid 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis E is endemic to resource-poor regions, where it manifests as sporadic cases and large waterborne outbreaks. The disease severity ranges from acute self-limited hepatitis with low mortality to fulminant hepatic failure with high mortality. It is believed that the host response plays an important role in determining the progression and outcome of this disease. We profiled the plasma peptidome from hepatitis E patients to discover suitable biomarkers and understand disease pathogenesis.ResultsThe peptidome (< 10 kDa) fraction of plasma was enriched and analyzed by mass spectrometry. A comparative analysis of the peptide pattern of hepatitis E patients versus healthy controls was performed using ClinPro Tools. We generated a peptide profile that could be used for selective identification of hepatitis E cases. We have identified five potential biomarker peaks with m/z values of 9288.6, 7763.6, 4961.5, 1060.572 and 2365.139 that can be used to reliably differentiate between hepatitis E patients and controls with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values of 1.00, 0.954, 0.989, 0.960 and 0.829 respectively. A number of proteins involved in innate immunity were identified to be differentially present in the plasma of patients compared to healthy controls.ConclusionsBesides the utility of this approach for biomarker discovery, identification of changes in endogenous peptides in hepatitis E patient plasma has increased our understanding of disease pathogenesis. We have identified peptides in plasma that can reliably distinguish hepatitis E patients from healthy controls. Results from this and an earlier proteomics study are discussed.
Myocardium-derived conditioned medium improves left ventricular function in rodent acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Leu Steve , Kao Ying-Hsien , Sun Cheuk-Kwan , Lin Yu-Chun , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Chang Li-Teh , Chua Sarah , Yeh Kuo-Ho , Wu Chiung-Jen , Fu Morgan , Yip Hon-Kan 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
We investigated whether myocardium-derived conditioned medium (MDCM) is effective in preserving left ventricular (LV) function in a rat acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model.

Methods
Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n = 36) randomized to receive either left coronary artery ligation (AMI induction) or thoracotomy only (sham procedure) were grouped as follows (n = 6 per group): Group I, II, and III were sham-controls treated by fresh medium, normal rat MDCM, and infarct-related MDCM, respectively. Group IV, V, and VI were AMI rats treated by fresh medium, normal MDCM, and infarct-related MDCM, respectively. Either 75 μL MDCM or fresh medium was administered into infarct myocardium, followed by intravenous injection (3 mL) at postoperative 1, 12, and 24 h.

Results
In vitro studies showed higher phosphorylated MMP-2 and MMP-9, but lower α-smooth muscle actin and collagen expressions in neonatal cardiac fibroblasts treated with MDCM compared with those in the cardiac fibroblasts treated with fresh medium (all p < 0.05). Sirius-red staining showed larger collagen deposition area in LV myocardium in Group IV than in other groups (all p < 0.05). Stromal cell-derived factor-1α and CXCR4 protein expressions were higher in Group VI than in other groups (all p < 0.05). The number of von Willebrand factor- and BrdU-positive cells and small vessels in LV myocardium as well as 90-day LV ejection fraction were higher, whereas oxidative stress was lower in Group VI than in Group IV and Group V (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion
MDCM therapy reduced cardiac fibrosis and oxidative stress, enhanced angiogenesis, and preserved 90-day LV function in a rat AMI model.
Scanning Probe Microscopy on heterogeneous CaCu3Ti4O12 thin films
Authors: Fiorenza Patrick , Lo Nigro Raffaella , Raineri Vito 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe conductive atomic force microscopy provided a local characterization of the dielectric heterogeneities in CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) thin films deposited by MOCVD on IrO2 bottom electrode. In particular, both techniques have been employed to clarify the role of the inter- and sub-granular features in terms of conductive and insulating regions. The microstructure and the dielectric properties of CCTO thin films have been studied and the evidence of internal barriers in CCTO thin films has been provided. The role of internal barriers and the possible explanation for the extrinsic origin of the giant dielectric response in CCTO has been evaluated.
Impact of crisis resolution and home treatment teams on
psychiatric admissions in England
Authors: Jacobs R. , Barrenho E. 
Published: February 2011

BackgroundIn 2000/01 crisis resolution and home treatment (CRHT) teams were
introduced in England and have been associated in previous studies with
reductions in in-patient admissions.AimsTo examine whether the implementation of CRHT teams has been associated
with reductions in admissions.MethodWe used data from a previous national study for 229 primary care trusts
(PCTs) between 1998/99 and 2003/04. We used a robust policy evaluation
methodology to simultaneously examine temporal changes (PCTs before
versus after the introduction of CRHT teams) and cross-sectional changes
(PCTs with and without CRHT teams).ResultsControlling for various confounding factors, using different control
groups and estimation methods, we find no significant differences in
admissions between PCTs with and without CRHT teams.ConclusionsContrary to previous studies, we find no evidence that the CRHT policy
per se has made any difference to admissions and
suggest a need for more research on the policy as a whole.
Unrecognised bipolar disorder in primary care patients with
depression
Authors: Smith Daniel J. , Griffiths Emily , Kelly Mark , Hood Kerry , Craddock Nick , Simpson Sharon A. 
Published: February 2011

BackgroundBipolar disorder is complex and can be difficult to diagnose. It is often
misdiagnosed as recurrent major depressive disorder.AimsWe had three main aims. To estimate the proportion of primary care
patients with a working diagnosis of unipolar depression who satisfy
DSM–IV criteria for bipolar disorder. To test two screening instruments
for bipolar disorder (the Hypomania Checklist (HCL–32) and Bipolar
Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS)) within a primary care sample. To assess
whether individuals with major depressive disorder with subthreshold
manic symptoms differ from those individuals with major depressive
disorder but with no or little history of manic symptoms in terms of
clinical course, psychosocial functioning and quality of life.MethodTwo-phase screening study in primary care.ResultsThree estimates of the prevalence of undiagnosed bipolar disorder were
obtained: 21.6%, 9.6% and 3.3%. The HCL–32 and BSDS questionnaires had
quite low positive predictive values (50.0 and 30.1% respectively).
Participants with major depressive disorder and with a history of
subthreshold manic symptoms differed from those participants with no or
little history of manic symptoms on several clinical features and on
measures of both psychosocial functioning and quality of life.ConclusionsBetween 3.3 and 21.6% of primary care patients with unipolar depression
may have an undiagnosed bipolar disorder. The HCL–32 and BSDS screening
questionnaires may be more useful for detecting broader definitions of
bipolar disorder than DSM–IV-defined bipolar disorder. Subdiagnostic
features of bipolar disorder are relatively common in primary care
patients with unipolar depression and are associated with a more morbid
course of illness. Future classifications of recurrent depression should
include dimensional measures of bipolar symptoms.
Progestogen-Only Contraceptives and the Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chakhtoura Zeina , Canonico Marianne , Gompel Anne , Scarabin Pierre-Yves , Plu-Bureau Geneviève 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Context:
The association between combined oral contraceptives (OC) and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) has been intensively studied, and conclusions are controversial. While progestogen-only contraceptives (POC) are commonly used worldwide, their impact on cardiovascular diseases is poorly investigated and remains unclear.

Objective:
We carried out a meta-analysis based on EMBASE- and MEDLINE-referenced literature corresponding to OC marketed since 1960.

Methods:
Eligible articles published in English language describing OC or POC use and MI outcome were reviewed, and relevant ones were extracted. All types of POC and route of administration were considered.

Results:
Six case-control studies were identified. The combined odds ratio showed no increase in the MI risk with POC use (odds ratio = 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.62–1.84). This result was similar according to the route of administration, including implant, injectable, and oral POC.

Conclusion:
Data from observational studies suggest no increase in risk of MI with POC use. However, these results are based on limited data. Further investigations are needed, especially among women at high MI risk.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism and Severe Hypoglycemia Complicating Type 2 Diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Davis Wendy A. , Brown Simon G. A. , Jacobs Ian G. , Bulsara Max , Beilby John , Bruce David G. , Davis Timothy M. E. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Aims/hypotheses:
The aim of this study was to determine whether the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphisms independently predict severe hypoglycemia in community-dwelling type 2 patients.

Methods:
Six hundred and two patients who were ACE genotyped at baseline and assessed in 1998 were followed up to the end of June 2006. Severe hypoglycemia was defined as that requiring documented health service use as the primary diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to determine the predictors of first episode and zero-inflated negative binomial regression modeling identified predictors of frequency.

Results:
Forty-nine patients (8.1%) experienced 63 episodes of severe hypoglycemia. After adjusting for previously identified significant independent predictors of time to first episode, both ACE DD genotype and ACE inhibitor therapy, but not their interaction, added to the model [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.34 (1.29–4.26), P = 0.006, and 1.77 (0.99–3.13), P = 0.052, respectively]. Similarly, after adjusting for previously identified risk factors for multiple episodes of severe hypoglycemia, ACE DD genotype was independently associated with increased risk [incidence relative risk (95% confidence interval): 1.80 (1.00–3.24), P = 0.050].

Conclusions/interpretation:
ACE DD genotype was associated with an approximately 2-fold increased risk of the first episode of severe hypoglycemia and its subsequent frequency in well-characterized patients with type 2 diabetes. Consistent with previous case-control studies, ACE inhibitor therapy was a weak predictor of severe hypoglycemia. ACE I/D genotyping might provide useful adjunctive prognostic information when intensive glycemic control measures are contemplated.
Postnatal Decrease in Circulating Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Low Brain Volumes in Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Hansen-Pupp Ingrid , Hövel Holger , Hellström Ann , Hellström-Westas Lena , Löfqvist Chatarina , Larsson Elna-Marie , Lazeyras Francois , Fellman Vineta , Hüppi Petra S. , Ley David 
Published: February 2011

AbstractContext:IGF-I and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) are essential for growth and maturation of the developing brain.Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between postnatal serum concentrations of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 and brain volumes at term in very preterm infants.Design:Fifty-one infants with a mean (sd) gestational age (GA) of 26.4 (1.9) wk and birth weight (BW) of 888 (288) g were studied, with weekly blood sampling of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 from birth until 35 gestational weeks (GW) and daily calculation of protein and caloric intake. Magnetic resonance images obtained at 40 GW were segmented into total brain, cerebellar, cerebrospinal fluid, gray matter, and unmyelinated white matter volumes.Main Outcome Measures:We evaluated brain growth by measuring brain volumes using magnetic resonance imaging.Results:Mean IGF-I concentrations from birth to 35 GW correlated with total brain volume, unmyelinated white matter volume, gray matter volume, and cerebellar volume [r = 0.55 (P &lt; 0.001); r = 0.55 (P &lt; 0.001); r = 0.44 (P = 0.002); and r = 0.58 (P &lt; 0.001), respectively]. Similar correlations were observed for IGFBP-3 concentrations. Correlations remained after adjustment for GA, mean protein and caloric intakes, gender, severe brain damage, and steroid treatment. Protein and caloric intakes were not related to brain volumes. Infants with BW small for GA had lower mean concentrations of IGF-I (P = 0.006) and smaller brain volumes (P = 0.001–0.013) than infants with BW appropriate for GA.Conclusion:Postnatal IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations are positively associated with brain volumes at 40 GW in very preterm infants. Normalization of the IGF-I axis, directly or indirectly, may support normal brain development in very preterm infants.
Excited-State Hydrogen and Dihydrogen Bonding of a Dihydrogen-Bonded Phenol–Borane–Dimethylamine Complex
Authors: Liu Yufang , Yang Yonggang , Jiang Kai , Shi Deheng , Sun Jinfeng 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The excited-state hydrogen and dihydrogen bonding of a dihydrogen-bonded phenol–borane–dimethylamine (BDMA) complex was investigated theoretically by use of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). The coexistence of an intermolecular dihydrogen bond (B–H···H–O) and hydrogen bond (N–H···O) was confirmed by the optimized geometric structure of the dihydrogen-bonded phenol–BDMA complex. The infrared spectra for both the ground and excited states of the dihydrogen-bonded phenol–BDMA complex were also calculated by use of density functional theory (DFT)/TDDFT. As a result, we demonstrated theoretically that the intermolecular dihydrogen bonds B–H···H–O can be significantly strengthened in the excited state. However, the intermolecular hydrogen bond N–H···O in the dihydrogen-bonded phenol–BDMA complex is weakened upon photoexcitation to the S1 state. The dynamic changes of the intermolecular dihydrogen and hydrogen bonding are consistent with the calculated bond lengths in different electronic states. The coexistent dihydrogen and hydrogen bonding in the electronic excited states of this dihydrogen-bonded complex was studied theoretically in this work. Furthermore, it was found that the N–H···O hydrogen bond in the cyclic structure of phenol–BDMA complex hindered the dehydrogenation reaction between dihydrogen bonded O–H and B–H1 groups, which has been reported for the phenol–borane–trimethylamine complex.
A comparison of methods for the measurement of 8-isoPGF2α: a marker of oxidative stress
Authors: Smith K A , Shepherd J , Wakil A , Kilpatrick E S 
Published: February 2011

Background Oxidative stress describes the cellular damage caused by excess reactive oxygen species not adequately inactivated by antioxidants. Oxidative stress has been implicated in playing a role in many disorders. Lipid peroxidation end-products are employed as markers of oxidative stress, of which the isoprostane, 8-iso-PGF2 α, is widely used. 8-iso-PGF2 α is measured in plasma or urine by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS), tandem-mass spectrometry or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, discrepancies between the specificity of these methods means correlation is poor. Methods A tandem-mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) method, using immunoaffinity purification, for urinary 8-iso-PGF2 α was developed and compared with two commercial ELISAs (A – Cayman Chemicals, B – Oxford Biomedical Research) in urine samples ( n = 156). Results An LC/MS/MS method coupled to immunoaffinity purification was developed with satisfactory performance and comparison to ELISAs A and B. Spearman rank correlation demonstrated significant correlation between all methods ( P = <0.0001); however, r2 values ranged from 0.68 to 0.72. Bland–Altman plots revealed a proportional positive bias of ELISA B when compared with ELISA A and LC/MS/MS. Furthermore, the agreement between ELISA A and LC/MS/MS was poor. Conclusions The poor agreement between methods for measurement of 8-iso-PGF2 α highlights differences in selectivity. 8-iso-PGF2 α is an isoprostane, a family of isomeric end-products of arachidonic acid peroxidation, which are produced by peroxidation or enzymatically. This makes avoiding cross-reactivity between 8-iso-PGF2 α and related isomers challenging. When assessing oxidative stress studies, the selectivity of the methods used should be taken into account, particularly when comparing studies.