bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CEM-101 Activity against Gram-Positive Organisms
Authors: Woosley Leah N. , Castanheira Mariana , Jones Ronald N. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT

The
in vitro
activity of CEM-101, a new fluoroketolide, was determined against Gram-positive organisms with various macrolide susceptibility profiles. Experiments for determination of the MICs and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), timed killing, single-step and multistep mutation rates, the erythromycin induction of resistance, postantibiotic effect (PAE), and drug interactions were performed for CEM-101; and the results were compared to those obtained with telithromycin, macrolides, and lincosamides. The MBCs of CEM-101 remained lower overall than those of telithromycin, and CEM-101 displayed a 2-fold greater potency than the ketolide. Timed-killing curve testing showed that CEM-101 had greater bactericidal activity than telithromycin (a ≥3-log
10
-CFU/ml decrease in the initial inoculum at 24 h) against the staphylococcal isolates tested. The propensity of CEM-101 to cause resistance was low, as determined from the rates of resistance determined in single-step mutational studies (<10
−8
or 10
−9
). In multipassaging studies, mutants of two strains (both of which were USA300 isolates) resistant to CEM-101 emerged. That number was comparable to the number resistant to clindamycin but less than the number resistant to telithromycin. Erythromycin induced CEM-101 resistance in
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, similar to telithromycin; however, in seven of eight beta-hemolytic streptococci, CEM-101 resistance induction was not observed. CEM-101 showed a significant concentration- and exposure-dependent PAE against the strains tested, with the values ranging from 2.3 to 6.1 h for Gram-positive organisms (these times were longer than those for telithromycin). No antagonism was found in synergy analyses, with enhanced inhibition being most noted for combinations with CEM-101 and ceftriaxone, gentamicin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Overall, this new antimicrobial agent (CEM-101) showed good antimicrobial characteristics compared with those of the agents in its class and exhibited measured parameter values similar or superior to those of utilized comparators, indicating that CEM-101 warrants further clinical evaluation.
Effectiveness of speed enforcement through fixed speed cameras: a time series study
Authors: Novoa Ana M , Pérez Katherine , Santamariña-Rubio Elena , Marí-Dell'Olmo Marc , Tobías Aurelio 
Published: February 2010

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of speed cameras in reducing the numbers of crashes and people injured on the arterial roads of Barcelona, and to assess their long-term effectiveness on the beltway.MethodsTime series analyses were performed separately for the arterial roads and the beltway. The stretches of arterial roads encompassing 500 m before and after the location of a speed camera were considered the enforced stretches, the remaining stretches of arterial roads being considered the comparison group. The outcome measures were the numbers of crashes and of people injured. Quasi-Poisson regression models were fitted, controlling for time trend, seasonality and implementation of other road safety measures.ResultsBoth on the enforced and non-enforced arterial road stretches, the risks of crashes and people injured were similar in the two periods. On the beltway, reductions of 30% (95% CI 38% to 20%) and 26% (95% CI 36% to 14%) were observed, respectively.ConclusionsSpeed cameras do not reduce the numbers of crashes or people injured on the arterial roads of Barcelona. However, they are effective in the short and in the long-term on the beltway. Speed enforcement through fixed speed cameras is thus effective in medium–high-speed roads, although effectiveness could not be generalised to roads with lower speed limits and traffic lights.
Analysis of Metabolic Remodeling in Compensated Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Heart Failure
Authors: Kato Takao , Niizuma Shinichiro , Inuzuka Yasutaka , Kawashima Tsuneaki , Okuda Junji , Tamaki Yodo , Iwanaga Yoshitaka , Narazaki Michiko , Matsuda Tetsuya , Soga Tomoyoshi , Kita Toru , Kimura Takeshi , Shioi Tetsuo 
Published: February 2010

Background—
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with a change in cardiac energy metabolism. However, the mechanism by which this change is induced and causes the progression of CHF is unclear.

Methods and Results—
We analyzed the cardiac energy metabolism of Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a high-salt diet, which showed a distinct transition from compensated left ventricular hypertrophy to CHF. Glucose uptake increased at the left ventricular hypertrophy stage, and glucose uptake further increased and fatty acid uptake decreased at the CHF stage. The gene expression related to glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial function was preserved at the left ventricular hypertrophy stage but decreased at the CHF stage and was associated with decreases in levels of transcriptional regulators. In a comprehensive metabolome analysis, the pentose phosphate pathway that regulates the cellular redox state was found to be activated at the CHF stage. Dichloroacetate (DCA), a compound known to enhance glucose oxidation, increased energy reserves and glucose uptake. DCA improved cardiac function and the survival of the animals. DCA activated the pentose phosphate pathway in the rat heart. DCA activated the pentose phosphate pathway, decreased oxidative stress, and prevented cell death of cultured cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions—
Left ventricular hypertrophy or CHF is associated with a distinct change in the metabolic profile of the heart. DCA attenuated the transition associated with increased energy reserves, activation of the pentose phosphate pathway, and reduced oxidative stress.
Right Ventricular Response to Intensive Medical Therapy in Advanced Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Verhaert David , Mullens Wilfried , Borowski Allen , Popović Zoran B. , Curtin Ronan J. , Thomas James D. , Tang W.H. Wilson 
Published: February 2010

Background—
Right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes in heart failure, yet quantitatively assessing the impact of therapy on this condition is difficult. Our objective was to compare the clinical significance of changes in RV echocardiographic indices in response to intensive medical treatment in patients admitted to the hospital with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Methods and Results—

Serial comprehensive echocardiography was performed in 62 consecutive patients with ADHF, and adverse events (death, cardiac transplantation, assist device, heart failure rehospitalization) were prospectively documented. RV peak systolic strain was assessed using speckle-tracking longitudinal strain analysis as the average of the basal, mid-, and apical segment of the RV free wall. Other conventional parameters of RV function (RV fractional area change, RV myocardial performance index, tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion, and tissue Doppler peak tricuspid annular systolic velocity) were measured for comparison. In our study cohort [left ventricular ejection fraction, 26±10%; cardiac index, 2.0±0.6 L/(min · m
2
)], overall mean RV peak systolic strain was −14±4% at baseline and −15±4% at 48 to 72 hours (
P
=0.27). Among all the RV functional indices measured, only RV peak systolic strain at 48 to 72 hours was associated with adverse events (
P
=0.02). In particular, improvement in RV peak systolic strain after intensive medical treatment was associated with lower adverse events in this patient population (26% versus 78%; hazard ratio, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.84;
P
=0.02).

Conclusion—
Dynamic improvement in RV mechanics in response to intensive medical therapy was associated with lower long-term adverse events in patients with ADHF than in patients not showing improvement.
Renal and Anti-Aldosterone Actions of Vasopressin-2 Receptor Antagonism and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Experimental Heart Failure
Authors: Costello-Boerrigter Lisa C. , Boerrigter Guido , Cataliotti Alessandro , Harty Gail J. , Burnett John C. 
Published: February 2010

Background—

Hemodynamic and neurohumoral function can affect the efficacy of diuretic therapy in congestive heart failure. Arginine vasopressin increases water reabsorption through the V
2
receptor in the collecting duct, whereas B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) decreases sodium reabsorption in the collecting duct. We hypothesized that combining BNP to the V
2
-receptor antagonist tolvaptan (TLV) would enhance renal excretory function by augmenting sodium excretion together with aquaresis without adversely affecting renal hemodynamics in experimental congestive heart failure.

Methods and Results—

Congestive heart failure was induced in 3 groups (n=6 per group) of dogs by tachypacing. A acute experiment was done after 10 days. After baseline measurements, study groups received a 0.1 mg/kg IV bolus of TLV alone (TLV), TLV in combination with BNP (TLV+BNP; 50 ng/[kg · min]), or BNP alone (BNP). Mean arterial pressure increased with TLV, remained unchanged with TLV+BNP, and decreased with BNP (+5±1mm Hg versus −1±1 mm Hg versus −15±1 mm Hg;
P
<0.05). Renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate were preserved with all regimens. Urine flow increased in all 3 groups but significantly more so with TLV+BNP (TLV: +0.4±0.1 mL/min versus TLV+BNP: +2.4±0.5 mL/min versus BNP: +0.8±0.3 mL/min;
P
<0.05). Only TLV+BNP and BNP were natriuretic (
P
<0.05), whereas only TLV and TLV+BNP increased electrolyte-free water excretion (
P
<0.05). Compared with TLV alone, TLV+BNP prevented an increase in aldosterone (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—
Coadministration of TLV and BNP in experimental HF resulted in a beneficial profile of renal, neurohumoral, and hemodynamic actions, specifically potent diuresis with natriuresis, neutral effect on mean arterial pressure, and lack of aldosterone activation.
The Steady-State Atmospheric Circulation Response to Climate Change–like Thermal Forcings in a Simple General Circulation Model
Authors: Butler Amy H. , Thompson David W. J. , Heikes Ross 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The steady-state extratropical atmospheric response to thermal forcing is investigated in a simple atmospheric general circulation model. The thermal forcings qualitatively mimic three key aspects of anthropogenic climate change: warming in the tropical troposphere, cooling in the polar stratosphere, and warming at the polar surface. The principal novel findings are the following:
1) Warming in the tropical troposphere drives two robust responses in the model extratropical circulation: poleward shifts in the extratropical tropospheric storm tracks and a weakened stratospheric Brewer–Dobson circulation. The former result suggests heating in the tropical troposphere plays a fundamental role in the poleward contraction of the storm tracks found in Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)-class climate change simulations; the latter result is in the opposite sense of the trends in the Brewer–Dobson circulation found in most previous climate change experiments.
2) Cooling in the polar stratosphere also drives a poleward shift in the extratropical storm tracks. The tropospheric response is largely consistent with that found in previous studies, but it is shown to be very sensitive to the level and depth of the forcing. In the stratosphere, the Brewer–Dobson circulation weakens at midlatitudes, but it strengthens at high latitudes because of anomalously poleward heat fluxes on the flank of the polar vortex.
3) Warming at the polar surface drives an equatorward shift of the storm tracks. The storm-track response to polar warming is in the opposite sense of the response to tropical tropospheric heating; hence large warming over the Arctic may act to attenuate the response of the Northern Hemisphere storm track to tropical heating.
4) The signs of the tropospheric and stratospheric responses to all thermal forcings considered here are robust to seasonal changes in the basic state, but the amplitude and details of the responses exhibit noticeable differences between equinoctial and wintertime conditions. Additionally, the responses exhibit marked nonlinearity in the sense that the response to multiple thermal forcings applied simultaneously is quantitatively different from the sum of the responses to the same forcings applied independently. Thus the response of the model to a given thermal forcing is demonstrably dependent on the other thermal forcings applied to the model.
Long-term effect of rehabilitation in coronary artery disease patients: randomized clinical trial of the impact of exercise volume
Authors: Hansen Dominique , Dendale Paul , Raskin Anita , Schoonis Annick , Berger Jan , Vlassak Irmien , Meeusen Romain 
Published: February 2010

Objective: To assess whether exercise volume during phase II rehabilitation affects long-term clinical benefits in patients with coronary artery disease. Design: Prospective randomized clinical trial with long-term follow-up. Setting: Hospital outpatient clinic. Subjects: Coronary artery disease patients (age 65 ± 9 years, 82% males) attending a phase II rehabilitation programme were randomized into two groups of exercise volumes: 40- versus 60-minute training sessions. Patients exercised for three days per week for seven weeks, at 65% of baseline oxygen uptake capacity. Next, they were followed up for 18 months. Out of 165 patients with coronary artery disease who completed the exercise intervention, 119 attended the 18-month follow-up assessment. Main measurements: Body anthropometrics, resting haemodynamics, blood lipid profile, glycaemia, and C-reactive protein level, smoking behaviour, habitual physical activity, cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. Results: In total population, a significant worsening of various cardiovascular disease risk factors was found at 18 months follow-up (P<0.05), and few patients (27% of total group) adhered to the recommended minimal physical activity level. No difference in change of body anthropometrics, resting haemodynamics, blood lipid profile, glycaemia, and C-reactive protein level, and smoking behaviour was seen between different exercise volumes (P>0.05). In addition, total cardiovascular disease incidence (13% versus 22% in 40- versus 60-minute group, respectively) and habitual physical activity were not different between groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: In patients with coronary artery disease following cardiac rehabilitation, the cardiovascular disease risk profile worsened significantly during long-term follow-up. A smaller exercise volume during phase II rehabilitation generated equal long-term clinical benefits compared to a greater exercise volume.
Shorter GT repeat polymorphism in the heme oxygenase-1 gene promoter has protective effect on ischemic stroke in dyslipidemia patients
Authors: Bai Chyi-Huey , Chen Jiunn-Rong , Chiu Hou-Chang , Chou Chia-Chi , Chau Lee-Young , Pan Wen-Harn 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
The microsatellite polymorphism of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 gene promoter has been shown to be associated with the susceptibility to ischemic event, including coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular disease. We aimed to examine whether the length of (GT)n repeats in HO-1 gene promoter is associated with ischemic stroke in people with CAD risk factors, especially low level of HDL.

Methods
A total of 183 consecutive firstever ischemic stroke inpatients and 164 non-stroke patients were screened for the length of (GT)n repeats in HO-1 promoter. The long (L) and short (S) genotype are defined as the averaged repeat number >26 and ≦26, respectively.

Results
Stroke patients tended to have more proportions of hypertension, diabetics and genotype L, than those of genotype S. Patients with genotype L of HO-1 gene promoter have higher stroke risk in comparison with genotype S especially in dyslipidemia individuals. The significant differences on stroke risk in multivariate odds ratios were found especially in people with low HDL-C levels.

Conclusions
Subjects carrying longer (GT)n repeats in HO-1 gene promoter may have greater susceptibility to develop cerebral ischemic only in the presence of low HDL-C, suggesting the protective effects in HO-1 genotype S in the process of ischemic stroke, particularly in subjects with poor HDL-C status.
Effects of Liver × receptor agonist treatment on signal transduction pathways in acute lung inflammation
Authors: Crisafulli Concetta , Mazzon Emanuela , Paterniti Irene , Galuppo Maria , Bramanti Placido , Cuzzocrea Salvatore 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Liver × receptor α (LXRα) and β (LXRβ) are members of the nuclear receptor super family of ligand-activated transcription factors, a super family which includes the perhaps better known glucocorticoid receptor, estrogen receptor, thyroid receptor, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. There is limited evidence that LXL activation may reduces acute lung inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of T0901317, a potent LXR receptor ligand, in a mouse model of carrageenan-induced pleurisy.

Methods
Injection of carrageenan into the pleural cavity of mice elicited an acute inflammatory response characterized by: accumulation of fluid containing a large number of neutrophils (PMNs) in the pleural cavity, infiltration of PMNs in lung tissues and subsequent lipid peroxidation, and increased production of nitrite/nitrate (NOx), tumor necrosis factor-α, (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Furthermore, carrageenan induced the expression of iNOS, nitrotyrosine and PARP, as well as induced apoptosis (TUNEL staining and Bax and Bcl-2 expression) in the lung tissues.

Results
Administration of T0901317, 30 min after the challenge with carrageenan, caused a significant reduction in a dose dependent manner of all the parameters of inflammation measured.

Conclusions
Thus, based on these findings we propose that LXR ligand such as T0901317, may be useful in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.
Comparative transcriptome analysis coupled to X-ray CT reveals sucrose supply and growth velocity as major determinants of potato tuber starch biosynthesis
Authors: Ferreira Stephanus J , Senning Melanie , Sonnewald Sophia , Keßling Petra-Maria , Goldstein Ralf , Sonnewald Uwe 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Even though the process of potato tuber starch biosynthesis is well understood, mechanisms regulating biosynthesis are still unclear. Transcriptome analysis provides valuable information as to how genes are regulated. Therefore, this work aimed at investigating transcriptional regulation of starch biosynthetic genes in leaves and tubers of potato plants under various conditions. More specifically we looked at gene expression diurnally in leaves and tubers, during tuber induction and in tubers growing at different velocities. To determine velocity of potato tuber growth a new method based on X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) was established.

Results
Comparative transcriptome analysis between leaves and tubers revealed striking similarities with the same genes being differentially expressed in both tissues. In tubers, oscillation of granule bound starch synthase (GBSS) expression) was observed which could be linked to sucrose supply from source leaves. X-ray CT was used to determine time-dependent changes in tuber volume and the growth velocity was calculated. Although there is not a linear correlation between growth velocity and expression of starch biosynthetic genes, there are significant differences between growing and non-growing tubers. Co-expression analysis was used to identify transcription factors positively correlating with starch biosynthetic genes possibly regulating starch biosynthesis.

Conclusion
Most starch biosynthetic enzymes are encoded by gene families. Co-expression analysis revealed that the same members of these gene families are co-regulated in leaves and tubers. This suggests that regulation of transitory and storage starch biosynthesis in leaves and tubers, respectively, is surprisingly similar. X-ray CT can be used to monitor growth and development of belowground organs and allows to link tuber growth to changes in gene expression. Comparative transcriptome analysis provides a useful tool to identify transcription factors possibly involved in the regulation of starch biosynthesis.
Outbreak of chickenpox in a refugee camp of northern Thailand
Authors: Shimakawa Yusuke , Camélique Olivier , Ariyoshi Koya 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAlthough chickenpox is a generally mild, self-limited illness of children, it can cause fatal disease in adults. Accumulating reports from tropical countries showed a high prevalence of seronegativity among the adults, implying that varicella diseases could become a heavy burden in tropical countries. However, in the situation of humanitarian emergencies in tropical areas, chickenpox has largely been ignored as a serious communicable disease, due to lack of data regarding varicella mortality and hospital admissions in such a context. This is the first report describing an outbreak of chickenpox in a refugee camp of tropical region. In 2008, we experienced a varicella outbreak in ethnic Lao Hmong refugee camp in Phetchabun Province, northern Thailand. The attack rate was 4.0% (309/7,815) and this caused 3 hospitalizations including one who developed severe varicella pneumonia with respiratory failure. All hospitalizations were exclusively seen in adults, and the proportion of patients ≥15 years old was 13.6% (42/309). Because less exposure to varicella-zoster virus due to low population density has previously been suggested to be one of the reasons behind higher prevalence of susceptible adults in tropics, the influx of displaced people from rural areas to a densely populated asylum might result in many severe adult cases once a varicella outbreak occurs. Control interventions such as vaccination should be considered even in refugee camp, if the confluence of the risk factors present in this situation.
Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Reddy Venkataprasanth P , VanVeldhuizen Peter J , Muehlebach Gregory F , Dusing Reginald W , Birkbeck James P , Williamson Stephen K , Krishnan Leela , Meyers David G 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
A 68-year-old white female presented with two years of progressively worsening dyspnea. Echocardiography revealed a large right atrial mass and partial obstruction of the inferior vena cava. Further imaging revealed a cystic dense mass in the inferior vena cava and right atrium. Immunohistochemical stains were consistent with leiomyosarcoma. Intraoperatively, the tumor was noted to originate from the posterior aspect of the inferior vena cava. The patient underwent successful resection of the mass. Adjuvant radiation therapy was completed. The patient's dyspnea gradually improved and she continues to remain disease free five years post-resection.