bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antiplatelet and antithrombotic effect of F 16618, a new thrombin proteinase‐activated receptor‐1 (PAR1) antagonist
Authors: Dumas M , Nadal‐Wollbold F , Gaussem P , Perez M , Mirault T , Létienne R , Bourbon T , Grelac F , Le Grand B , Bachelot‐Loza C 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE New antithrombotic agents with the potential to prevent atherothrombotic complications are being developed to target receptors on platelets and other cells involved in plaque growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiplatelet effects of F 16618, a new non‐peptidic PAR1 (thrombin receptor) antagonist.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We investigated the inhibitory effect of F 16618 on human platelet aggregation ex vivo, in whole blood and washed platelets, by using a multiple‐electrode platelet aggregometer based on impedance and an optical aggregometer, respectively. Its effects on whole‐blood haemostasis (clot parameters) were analysed with the ROTEM thromboelastometry device and the platelet function analyser PFA‐100. A guinea‐pig model of arterial thrombosis was used to investigate its effects on thrombus formation in vivo.KEY RESULTS F 16618 inhibited PAR1 agonist peptide (SFLLR‐peptide)‐induced washed platelet aggregation ex vivo. This effect was concentration‐dependent and exhibited a competitive inhibition profile. Washed platelet aggregation, as well as P‐selectin expression induced by thrombin, were significantly inhibited by 10 µM F 16618. In whole‐blood experiments, 20 µM F 16618 inhibited SFLLR‐induced platelet aggregation by 49%. In contrast, it had no effect on whole‐blood haemostasis. In the guinea‐pig model of carotid thrombosis, 0.32 mg·kg−1 F 16618 doubled the occlusion time.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS F 16618 was shown to have strong antithrombotic activity in vivo and moderate antiplatelet effects ex vivo. As these effects were not associated with major effects on physiological haemostasis, this molecule is a good antiplatelet drug candidate for use either alone or in combination with current treatments.
Veterans More Likely to Start Hemodialysis with an Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Parikh Dipen S. , Inrig Jula K. , Kipp Adam , Szczech Lynda A. , McClellan William , Patel Uptal D. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractHemodialysis via arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality when compared to alternative vascular accesses, yet few patients in the United States start dialysis with AVFs. Recent studies have demonstrated higher quality of care for many conditions in Veterans Affairs’ Medical Centers (VAMC); however, differences in quality of vascular access care are unknown. We used patient‐level data (6/05–5/06) from Medicare claims (n = 25,912) to compare the proportions of AVF among incident patients at VAMC‐affiliated (n = 20) and unaffiliated dialysis (n = 1631) facilities. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine whether associations of access type with facility type were independent. Compared to non‐VAMC patients, a larger proportion of VAMC patients started dialysis with AVFs (20.9% versus 11.6% in non‐VAMC patients; OR 1.99, [95% CI 1.55–2.56]). Although attenuated, this finding persisted in models adjusted for demographics (OR 1.65 [95% CI 1.28–2.13]) and demographics with comorbidities (OR 1.70 [95% CI 1.31–2.20]). However, after accounting for pre end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) care, similar proportions of VAMC and non‐VAMC patients started hemodialysis with an AVF (OR 1.28 [95% CI 0.98–1.66]). In conclusion, patients receiving care at VAMC‐associated facilities were more likely to start hemodialysis with AVFs, perhaps because of better pre‐ESRD care. Nonetheless, AVF rates remain suboptimal, indicating a need for ongoing vascular access evaluation and improvement.
Housekeeping Gene Variability in the Liver of Alcoholic Patients
Authors: Boujedidi Hédia , Bouchet‐Delbos Laurence , Cassard‐Doulcier Anne‐Marie , Njiké‐Nakseu Micheline , Maitre Sophie , Prévot Sophie , Dagher Ibrahim , Agostini Hélène , Voican Cosmin S. , Emilie Dominique , Perlemuter Gabriel , Naveau Sylvie 
Published: September 2011

Background:  Quantification of gene expression using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) requires normalization to an endogenous reference gene termed housekeeping gene (HKG). Many of the commonly used HKGs are regulated and vary under experimental conditions and disease stages. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is associated with several different liver histological lesions that may modulate HKG expression. We investigated the variability of commonly used HGKs (18S, β‐actin, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate [GAPDH], and arginine/serine‐rich splicing factor [SFRS4]) in the liver of patients with ALD.
Methods:  Fifty consecutive patients at different stages of ALD underwent liver biopsy. The stability of HKG was assessed according to liver histological lesions.
Results:  β‐actin had the highest coefficient of dispersion (COD) (23.9). β‐actin tended to decrease with steatosis and to increase with alcoholic hepatitis; β‐actin also increased in patients with both alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. GAPDH and SFRS4 COD were 2.8 and 2.1, respectively. GAPDH was decreased with steatosis and increased with alcoholic hepatitis and fibrosis. 18S had the lowest COD (1.4). Both 18S and SFRS4 levels were not significantly modified with respect to all alcohol‐induced liver histological lesions.
Conclusions:  In patients with ALD, the most constantly expressed HKGs are 18S and SFRS4. These genes are appropriate reference genes for normalization of RT‐qPCR in the liver of patients with ALD. The use of other HKGs such as β‐actin or GAPDH would lead to misinterpretation of the results.
Subsyndromal Delirium in Older Long‐Term Care Residents: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes
Authors: Cole Martin G. , McCusker Jane , Voyer Philippe , Monette Johanne , Champoux Nathalie , Ciampi Antonio , Vu Minh , Belzile Eric 
Published: September 2011

ObjectivesTo determine the incidence of, risk factors for, and outcomes of subsyndromal delirium (SSD) in older long‐term care (LTC) residents and, secondarily, to explore the use of a more‐restrictive definition of SSD.DesignCohort study with repeated weekly assessments for up to 6 months.SettingSeven LTC facilities in Montreal and Quebec City, Canada.ParticipantsOne hundred four LTC residents aged 65 and older and free of delirium core symptoms at baseline.MeasurementsThe Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), Delirium Index (DI), Hierarchic Dementia Scale (HDS), and Barthel Index (BI) were completed at baseline. The MMSE, CAM, and DI were repeated weekly for 6 months. SSD1 required one or more CAM core symptoms; SSD2, a more‐restrictive definition, required two or more CAM core symptoms. Outcomes at 6 months were decline on the MMSE, HDS, and BI; mortality; and a composite outcome.ResultsSixty‐eight of 104 residents had SSD1. In survival analysis, the incidence was 5.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.1–6.7) per 100 person‐weeks of follow‐up. In multivariate analysis, risk factors were male sex and more‐severe cognitive impairment at baseline. The differences in outcomes between residents with and without SSD1 were small and not statistically significant. SSD2 had a lower incidence (1.3, 95% CI = 0.9–1.9), similar risk factors, and statistically significantly worse cognitive outcomes.ConclusionSSD2 appears to be a clinically important disorder in older LTC residents. Despite limited statistical power, these findings have potentially important implications for clinical practice and research in LTC settings.
Staging the Severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Older Persons Based on Spirometric Z‐Scores
Authors: Vaz Fragoso Carlos A. , Concato John , McAvay Gail , Klar Yaggi H. , Van Ness Peter H. , Gill Thomas M. 
Published: September 2011

ObjectivesAmong older persons, the use of spirometric Z‐scores as calculated by the Lambda‐Mu‐Sigma (LMS) method has a strong scientific rationale for establishing a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but its clinical validity in staging COPD severity is not yet known. The current study has therefore evaluated the association between LMS‐staged COPD and health outcomes, in two separate cohorts of older persons.DesignLongitudinal cohort study.SettingThe Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS, N = 3,248) and the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES‐III, N = 1,354).ParticipantsCommunity‐living white participants aged 65 to 80.MeasurementsUsing spirometric data, COPD was staged as mild, moderate, or severe based on LMS‐derived Z‐scores. Clinical validity was then evaluated according to all‐cause mortality, respiratory symptoms (chronic bronchitis, dyspnea, or wheezing), and moderate to severe dyspnea (available in CHS only).ResultsIn CHS, the LMS staging of COPD as mild, moderate, and severe was associated with mortality (adjusted HR (aHR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15–1.94; aHR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03–1.67; and aHR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.70–2.36, respectively) and with respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.12–2.56; aOR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.28–2.73; and aOR = 3.99, 95% CI = 2.91–5.48, respectively). Also in CHS, moderate and severe, but not mild, LMS‐staged COPD was associated with moderate to severe dyspnea (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.24–3.75; aOR = 3.98, 95% CI = 2.77–5.74; and aOR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.35–2.01, respectively). Similar associations were found for mortality and respiratory symptoms in NHANES‐III, except mild severity was not associated with mortality (aHR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.62–1.40).ConclusionIn white older persons, the spirometric staging of COPD severity based on LMS‐derived Z‐scores was associated with several clinically relevant health outcomes. These results support the use of the LMS method for staging the severity of COPD in older populations.
Differences in Mortality Associated with Dementia in U.S. Blacks and Whites
Authors: Gillum Richard F. , Obisesan Thomas O. 
Published: September 2011

ObjectivesTo test the hypothesis that the geographic pattern of mortality with dementia coded on the death certificate varies according to race and that racial differences vary according to geography in the United States.DesignAnalysis of the U.S. multiple‐cause‐of‐death files for 1999 to 2004.SettingUnited States.ParticipantsDecedents with dementia coded as underlying or contributing cause of death on the death certificate.MeasurementsAge‐adjusted death rates for U.S. Census geographic divisions for blacks and whites aged 65 and older.ResultsFrom 1999 to 2004, the U.S. age‐adjusted annual death rate per 100,000 for dementia was 628 in blacks and 647 in whites. The difference between rates in blacks and whites ranged from −130 deaths per 100,000 (−36%) in the Middle Atlantic region to +55 (+8%) in the South Atlantic division. Blacks had higher rates in three divisions and whites in five. In the Middle Atlantic and in the United States as a whole, blacks were relatively more likely to receive a diagnosis of unspecified dementia or senility (66%) than Alzheimer's disease (30%) than whites (58% and 41%, respectively).ConclusionAlthough overall rates were similar, geographic variation in racial differences in rates of death with dementia occurred between U.S. regions. Further research is needed to assess geographic and racial variation in artifacts of certification versus biological variation as possible causes of variation to enhance utility of mortality data for disease monitoring and health‐disparities research.
Incidental Extracardiac Findings in Cardiac Computed Tomography Performed before Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: MARTINS RAPHAËL PEDRO , MURESAN LUCIAN , SELLAL JEAN‐MARC , MANDRY DAMIEN , RÉGENT DENIS , JARMOUNI SOUMAYA , GROBEN LAURENT , ZINZIUS PIERRE‐YVES , SCHWARTZ JÉRÔME , BREMBILLA‐PERROT BÉATRICE , MAGNIN‐POUL ISABELLE , ANDRONACHE MARIUS , ALIOT ETIENNE , DE CHILLOU CHRISTIAN 
Published: September 2011

Background:
Radiofrequency ablation has became a validated therapeutic technique for symptomatic drug refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is used to evaluate left atrial (LA) anatomy in order to improve AF ablation. The analysis of noncardiac structures during cardiac CT may identify clinically significant incidental findings (IFs). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of IF in patients undergoing AF catheter ablation.
Methods:
Between February 2008 and March 2010, all patients planned for a first procedure of AF or LA tachycardia (LAT) ablation underwent a cardiac CT scan and were retrospectively included in this study. Extracardiac IFs were considered to be present if an abnormality was identified without previous clinical suspicion or known disease.
Results:
Two hundred and fifty patients (55.2 ± 9.6 years of age, 82.4% men) were enrolled (133 paroxysmal, 43 persistent, 58 permanent AF, and 16 LAT). Fifty‐eight patients (23.2%) had a total of 76 IFs. Patients with IF were significantly older (59.5 ± 8.2 vs 53.8 ± 9.7 years old, P < 0.001). No relationship existed between the type of arrhythmia and IF existence. The majority of IFs were pulmonary (50%), with 15.8% of pulmonary emphysema. Two cases of lung cancer and of pulmonary fibrosis, 15 mediastinal adenopathies, and three congenital coronary arteries anomalies were found.
Conclusions:
Cardiac CT scan is a useful tool to evaluate LA morphology before AF ablation. However, as a considerable prevalence of IF was found in our study, extracardiac structures should be routinely analyzed to detect unknown conditions, which could require specific management. (PACE 2011; 34:1665–1670)
CD8 T cells and E‐cadherin in host responses against oropharyngeal candidiasis
Authors: Quimby K , Lilly EA , Zacharek M , McNulty K , Leigh JE , Vazquez JE , Fidel Jr PL 
Published: September 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 153–161Background:  Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is the most common oral infection in HIV+ persons. Previous studies suggest a role for CD8+ T cells against OPC when CD4+ T cells are lost, but enhanced susceptibility to infection occurs when CD8+ T‐cell migration is inhibited by reduced tissue E‐cadherin.Objective:  To conduct a longitudinal study of tissue CD8+ T‐cells and E‐cadherin expression before, during, and after the episodes of OPC.Methods:  Oral fungal burden was monitored and tissue was evaluated for CD8+ T cells and E‐cadherin over a 1‐year period in HIV+ persons with a history of, or an acute episode of, OPC.Results:  While longitudinal analyses precluded formal interpretations, point prevalence analyses of the data set revealed that when patients experiencing OPC were successfully treated, tissue E‐cadherin expression was similar to that in patients who had not experienced OPC, and higher numbers of CD8+ T cells were distributed throughout OPC− tissue under normal expression of E‐cadherin.Conclusion:  These results suggest that (1) reduction in tissue E‐cadherin expression in patients with OPC+ is not permanent, and (2) high numbers of CD8+ T cells can be distributed throughout OPC− tissue under normal E‐cadherin expression. Together, these results extend our previous studies and continue to support a role for CD8+ T cells in host defense against OPC.
Differences in mRNA expression of calpains, calpastatin isoforms and calpain/calpastatin ratios among bovine skeletal muscles
Authors: MUROYA Susumu , NEATH Kate E. , NAKAJIMA Ikuyo , OE Mika , SHIBATA Masahiro , OJIMA Koichi , CHIKUNI Koichi 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTMessenger RNA (mRNA) expression of calpain‐1 (µ‐calpain), ‐2 (m‐calpain), ‐3 (p94), small subunit (calpain‐4; 28 kDa), and three types of calpastatin (CSTN) isoform were investigated for 10 skeletal muscles of Holstein cattle by real‐time and/or semi‐quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Noticeably, effect of muscle type was observed on 28 kDa expression (P < 0.001) with a tendency of higher 28 kDa expression in myosin heavy chain (MyHC)‐2x‐rich muscles compared to MyHC‐slow‐rich muscles. The CSTN‐I and –III expression in Longissimus thoracis (LT) showed the lowest value among the muscles tested. Moreover, 28 kDa/CSTN‐I ratio was higher in the diaphragm (DP), psoas major (PM), and LT than those in the lingual muscles (TN), masseter (MS) and pectoralis (PP) (P < 0.05). Calpain‐1/CSTN I, calpain‐2/CSTN I in LT and PM were higher than that in TN (P < 0.05). Calpain‐3/CSTN‐I and ‐III in LT and/or PM showed higher values than that in TN (P < 0.05). These results indicated that the calpain and CSTN expressions are regulated by muscle type, suggesting especially by muscle fiber type. Calpains/CSTN‐I ratios, especially 28 kDa/CSTN‐I, may account for higher extent of post mortem proteolysis previously observed in LT and PM muscles.
New insights on the bursting formation of star clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Piatti Andrés E. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT
We present the results on the age estimates of 36 Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) clusters obtained for the first time from CCD Washington CT1T2 photometry. By using the (T1, C−T1) and (T1, T1−T2) diagrams, we estimated ages for the cluster sample using the δT1 index. We confirm that the studied cluster sample belong to the ∼2 Gyr bursting formation epoch of the LMC. Furthermore, when rebuiling the cluster age distribution – taken into account the estimated age errors – we found that the number of clusters with ages between 1 and 3 Gyr now doubles that of the known bursting cluster population, which suggests that the tidal interaction between both Magellanic Clouds and, perhaps, also the Milky Way, was more stronger than expected.
Internal dispersal of seed‐inhabiting insects by vertebrate frugivores: a review and prospects
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ Ángel 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe finding that some seed‐inhabiting insects can survive passage through the entire digestive tract of seed‐dispersing vertebrates is relatively recent, but evidence suggests that it does occur. Here, I document this phenomenon, discuss its qualitative and quantitative dimensions, and offer suggestions for further research. The few documented cases that I review include plant species belonging to different families, with varied fleshy fruit types, number of seeds per fruit and seed size. The vertebrate frugivores involved include passerines that feed on relatively small fruits, and galliforms, and perissodactyls and primates that feed on larger fruits. The seed‐inhabiting insects involved are the larvae of seed‐infesting wasps, parasitoid wasps and seed‐infesting beetles. The phenomenon has been verified in open, rural ecosystems in North America and Southern Europe, and in tropical and subtropical forests in South America. These varied scenarios suggest that the qualitative dimension of the phenomenon is considerably greater than known thus far. A simple method for detecting new events is proposed. However, research must also focus on the identity and biology of seed‐feeding insects of wild fleshy fruits and their parasitoids. High survival rates of seed‐inhabiting insects after vertebrate gut passage are predominant. This phenomenon generally appears to favor insect dispersal.
Can science save the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)? Unifying science and policy in an adaptive management paradigm
Authors: SWAISGOOD Ronald R. , WEI Fuwen , MCSHEA William J. , WILDT David E. , KOUBA Andrew J. , ZHANG Zejun 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca David, 1869) is an iconic species for global conservation, yet field research has only recently advanced to the point where adaptive management is possible. Here, we review recent developments in giant panda conservation science and propose a strategic plan for moving panda conservation forward. Because of scientific, funding, political, and logistical hurdles, few endangered species management programs have embraced adaptive management, wherein management decisions are shaped iteratively by targeted scientific research. Specific threats, such as habitat destruction, anthropogenic disturbance and fragmented nonviable populations, need to be addressed simultaneously by researchers, managers and policy‐makers working in concert to understand and overcome these obstacles to species recovery. With the backing of the Chinese Government and the conservation community, the giant panda can become a high‐profile test species for this much touted, but rarely implemented, approach to conservation management.
The role of mitogen‐ and stress‐activated protein kinase pathways in melanoma
Authors: Lopez‐Bergami Pablo 
Published: September 2011

SummaryRecent discoveries have increased our comprehension of the molecular signaling events critical for melanoma development and progression. Many oncogenes driving melanoma have been identified, and most of them exert their oncogenic effects through the activation of the RAF/MEK/ERK mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK pathways are also important in melanoma, but their precise role is not clear yet. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the role of the three main MAPK pathways, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), JNK, and p38, and their impact on melanoma biology. Although the results obtained with BRAF inhibitors in melanoma patients are impressive, several mechanisms of acquired resistance have emerged. To overcome this obstacle constitutes the new challenge in melanoma therapy. Given the major role that MAPKs play in melanoma, understanding their functions and the interconnection among them and with other signaling pathways represents a step forward toward this goal.
Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions Testing for Screening of Sensorineural Deafness in Puppies
Authors: McBrearty A. , Penderis J. 
Published: September 2011

BackgroundTransient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) are widely used for human neonatal deafness screening, but have not been reported for clinical use in dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo investigate the feasibility of TEOAE testing in conscious puppies and the ability of TEOAE testing to correctly identify deaf and hearing ears, as defined by brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER).AnimalsForty puppies from 10 litters.MethodsProspective study on puppies presented for hearing assessment as part of a congenital deafness BAER screening program. Hearing status was determined using BAER. TEOAE testing was performed after the BAER assessment and the results of the TEOAE testing were compared with the hearing status for each ear. Parameters were tested for normality using the D'Agostino Pearson test and comparisons between the deaf and hearing ears were made using Mann–Whitney tests.ResultsTEOAE testing was readily performed in puppies presented for congenital deafness screening. Using analysis parameters based on those used in human neonatal hearing screening, TEOAE testing correctly identified all deaf ears, as defined by BAER testing, with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 56–100%) for diagnosing deafness and specificity of 78% (95% CI: 66–87%).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceTEOAE testing is an effective screening modality for identifying congenital sensorineural deafness in dogs. In light of the simpler and less expensive equipment, TEOAE testing has the potential to improve access to hearing screening and through this reduce the prevalence of congenital deafness in the dog.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Electricigen Acidiphilium sp. Strain PM (DSM 24941)
Authors: San Martin-Uriz Patxi , Gomez Manuel J. , Arcas Aida , Bargiela Rafael , Amils Ricardo 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Acidiphilium
sp. strain PM (DSM 24941) was isolated from Rio Tinto's acidic, heavy metal-rich waters. Voltammetry experiments revealed that this strain is capable of electricity production even under aerobic conditions. Here we report the draft genome sequence of
Acidiphilium
sp. PM and a preliminary genome analysis that reveals a versatile respiratory metabolism.