bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute embolization of ruptured brain arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Stemer Andrew B , Bank William O , Armonda Rocco A , Liu Ai-Hsi , Herzig David W , Bell Randy S 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundRuptured brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are at increased risk of re-hemorrhage but management has historically been conservative. This is because: (1) ruptured bAVMs have not been considered as catastrophic as ruptured cerebral aneurysms, (2) surgical resection is aided by waiting for brain edema to resolve and clot to liquefy and (3) fear exists that partially treated bAVMs may be more dangerous than those untreated. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and safety of acute embolization in patients with ruptured bAVMs.Methods21 consecutive patients who underwent acute embolization of ruptured bAVMs from 2007 to 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. All treatments consisted of embolization exclusively using Onyx liquid embolic agent. Neurological outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at hospital discharge following initial treatment.ResultsNine patients (43%) were male, mean age was 38 years (range 8–75) and initial embolization was performed at a median of 4 days after ictus (mean 5.8, range 0–19). Spetzler–Martin grades ranged from I to VI (mean 3, median 3). In seven patients (33%) the AVM was completely occluded with a single treatment. With subsequent embolizations, complete occlusion occurred in four additional patients (19%). Six patients (29%) had post-embolization AVM resection and one patient (5%) had post-embolization gamma knife irradiation. None has suffered subsequent hemorrhages (mean follow-up 7.5 months). The mean discharge GOS of all patients was 4.4 (range 1–5).ConclusionTreatment of ruptured bAVMs is often delayed but our experience with Onyx suggests that acute embolization is safe and feasible.
Tumor Angiogenesis Mediated by Myeloid Cells Is Negatively Regulated by CEACAM1
Authors: Lu Rongze , Kujawski Maciej , Pan Hao , Shively John E. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Bv8 (prokineticin 2) expressed by Gr1+CD11b+ myeloid cells is critical for VEGF-independent tumor angiogenesis. Although granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been shown to be a key inducer of Bv8 expression, the basis for Bv8 production in driving tumor angiogenesis is undefined. Because the cell adhesion molecule CEACAM1, which is highly expressed on Gr1+CD11b+ myeloid cells, is known to regulate G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR) signaling, we hypothesized that CEACAM1 would regulate Bv8 production in these cells. In support of this hypothesis, we found that Bv8 expression was elevated in Gr1+CD11b+ cells from Ceacam1-deficient mice implanted with B16 melanoma, increasing the infiltration of Gr1+CD11b+ myeloid cells in melanoma tumors and enhancing their growth and angiogenesis. Furthermore, treatment with anti-Gr1 or anti-Bv8 or anti-G-CSF monoclonal antibody reduced myeloid cell infiltration, tumor growth, and angiogenesis to levels observed in tumor-bearing wild-type (WT) mice. Reconstitution of CEACAM1-deficient mice with WT bone marrow cells restored tumor infiltration of Gr1+CD11b+ cells along with tumor growth and angiogenesis to WT levels. Treatment of tumor-bearing WT mice with anti-CEACAM1 antibody limited tumor outgrowth and angiogenesis, albeit to a lesser extent. Tumor growth in Ceacam1-deficient mice was not affected significantly in Rag−/− background, indicating that CEACAM1 expression in T and B lymphocytes had a negligible role in this pathway. Together, our findings show that CEACAM1 negatively regulates Gr1+CD11b+ myeloid cell–dependent tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting the G-CSF-Bv8 signaling pathway. Cancer Res; 72(9); 2239–50. ©2012 AACR.
Novel MT1-MMP Small-Molecule Inhibitors Based on Insights into Hemopexin Domain Function in Tumor Growth
Authors: Remacle Albert G. , Golubkov Vladislav S. , Shiryaev Sergey A. , Dahl Russell , Stebbins John L. , Chernov Andrei V. , Cheltsov Anton V. , Pellecchia Maurizio , Strongin Alex Y. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is a promising drug target in malignancy. The structure of MT1-MMP includes the hemopexin domain (PEX) that is distinct from and additional to the catalytic domain. Current MMP inhibitors target the conserved active site in the catalytic domain and, as a result, repress the proteolytic activity of multiple MMPs instead of MT1-MMP alone. In our search for noncatalytic inhibitors of MT1-MMP, we compared the protumorigenic activity of wild-type MT1-MMP with an MT1-MMP mutant lacking PEX (ΔPEX). In contrast to MT1-MMP, ΔPEX did not support tumor growth in vivo, and its expression resulted in small fibrotic tumors that contained increased levels of collagen. Because these findings suggested an important role for PEX in tumor growth, we carried out an inhibitor screen to identify small molecules targeting the PEX domain of MT1-MMP. Using the Developmental Therapeutics Program (National Cancer Institute/NIH), virtual ligand screening compound library as a source and the X-ray crystal structure of PEX as a target, we identified and validated a novel PEX inhibitor. Low dosage, intratumoral injections of PEX inhibitor repressed tumor growth and caused a fibrotic, ΔPEX-like tumor phenotype in vivo. Together, our findings provide a preclinical proof of principle rationale for the development of novel and selective MT1-MMP inhibitors that specifically target the PEX domain. Cancer Res; 72(9); 2339–49. ©2012 AACR.
Metformin-Mediated Bambi Expression in Hepatic Stellate Cells Induces Prosurvival Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Subramaniam Nanthakumar , Sherman Mara H. , Rao Renuka , Wilson Caroline , Coulter Sally , Atkins Annette R. , Evans Ronald M. , Liddle Christopher , Downes Michael 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism in specialized metabolic tissues, such as muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. Agents that activate AMPK, such as metformin and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR), have beneficial effects on liver glucose and lipid metabolism. In addition, AMPK activation in proliferating hepatic stellate cells (HSC) induces growth arrest and inhibits hepatic fibrosis. As metformin and AICAR act in different ways to achieve their effects, our aim was to examine the effects of AMPK activation in quiescent HSCs with these two agents on HSC function. We found that phospho-AMPK levels were markedly upregulated by both AICAR and metformin in quiescent HSCs. However, although AICAR treatment induced cell death, cells treated with metformin did not differ from untreated controls. AICAR-mediated HSC cell death was paralleled by loss of expression of the TGF-β decoy receptor Bambi, whereas metformin increased Bambi expression. Transfection of siRNA-Bambi into HSCs also induced cell death, mimicking the effects of AICAR, whereas overexpression of Bambi partially rescued AICAR-treated cells. As Bambi has previously been shown to promote cell survival through Wnt/β-catenin signaling, a reporter incorporating binding sites for a downstream target of this pathway was transfected into HSCs and was induced. We conclude that although AICAR and metformin both activate AMPK in quiescent HSCs, AICAR rapidly induced cell death, whereas metformin-treated cells remained viable. The finding that metformin increases Bambi expression and activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling provides a possible mechanistic explanation for this observation. These results suggest that AICAR and metformin may confer disease-specific therapeutic benefits. Cancer Prev Res; 5(4); 553–61. ©2012 AACR.
Electrophysiological Characteristics of Canine Superior Vena Cava Sleeve Preparations
Authors: Sicouri Serge , Blazek Jonathan , Belardinelli Luiz , Antzelevitch Charles 
Published: March 2012

Background—
In addition to extrasystoles of pulmonary vein (PV) origin, those arising from the superior vena cava (SVC) can precipitate atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study evaluates the electrophysiological properties of canine SVC sleeve preparations and the effect of ranolazine on late phase 3 early and delayed afterdepolarization (EAD and DAD)-induced triggered activity in SVC sleeves and compares SVC and PV sleeve electrophysiological properties.

Methods and Results—

Action potentials (APs) were recorded from superfused SVC and PV sleeves using microelectrode techniques. Acetylcholine (1 μmol/L), isoproterenol (1 μmol/L), high calcium ([Ca
2+
]
o
=5.4 mmol/L), or a combination were used to induce EADs, DADs, and triggered activity. A marked diversity of action potential characteristics was observed in the SVC sleeve, including action potentials with short and long APs, with and without phase 4 depolarization. Rapid pacing induced hyperpolarization, accentuating the slope of phase 4 depolarization. Phase 4 depolarization and rapid pacing-induced hyperpolarization were reduced or eliminated after atropine (10 μmol/L) or ranolazine (10 μmol/L). APs displaying phase 4 depolarization (n=19) had longer APDs, smaller amplitude and V
max
, and a more positive take-off potential than APs lacking phase 4 depolarization (n=15). Ranolazine (5–10 μmol/L) eliminated late phase 3 EAD- and DAD-induced triggered activity as well as isoproterenol-induced automaticity elicited in SVC sleeves. Compared with PV, SVC sleeves display phase 4 depolarization, smaller V
max
, and longer APs.

Conclusions—
Autonomic influences promote spontaneous automaticity and triggered activity in SVC sleeves, thus generating extrasystolic activity capable of initiating atrial arrhythmias. Ranolazine can effectively suppress these triggers.
Familial Effects on Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kasiman Katherine , Lundholm Cecilia , Sandin Sven , Malki Ninoa , Sparén Pär , Ingelsson Erik 
Published: March 2012

Background—
Previous studies on familial risk of ischemic stroke have supported genetic influence on the disease incidence. This study aimed to characterize these familial effects in a nationwide population-based study by taking into account sibling relations, sex of siblings, and age of onset, with respect to ischemic stroke incidence.

Methods and Results—

Incident ischemic stroke cases identified from the Swedish Hospital Discharge and Cause of Death Registers between 1987 and 2007 were linked to their stroke-free siblings (study participants), forming an exposed sib-pair. Each exposed sib-pair was matched up to 5 unexposed sib-pairs from the Multi-Generation Registry by birth and calendar years. Incident ischemic stroke risk was assessed using hazard estimates obtained from stratified Cox regression analyses. A total of 30 735 exposed and 152 391 unexposed study participants were included in the analyses. The overall risk of incident ischemic stroke when exposed was significantly increased (relative risk, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.48–1.75;
P
<0.001). Familial risk was higher in full (relative risk, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.50–1.81;
P
<0.001) than in half (relative risk, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.82;
P
=0.007) siblings. Familial risk of early ischemic stroke almost doubled when exposed to early ischemic stroke (relative risk, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.41–2.67;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
There was a 60% increased risk for ischemic stroke in individuals having a sibling with prior stroke. The familial effect was even higher for full-sibling relations. Familial effects were observed in both male and female individuals, and no differential effects depending on the sex of either of the siblings were found.
Left Ventricular Function Impairment in Patients With Normal-Weight Obesity
Authors: Kosmala Wojciech , Jedrzejuk Diana , Derzhko Roksolana , Przewlocka-Kosmala Monika , Mysiak Andrzej , Bednarek-Tupikowska Grazyna 
Published: March 2012

Background—
Obesity predisposes to left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and heart failure; however, the risk of these complications has not been assessed in patients with a normal body mass index (BMI) but increased body fat content (normal-weight obesity, NWO). We hypothesized that LV performance in NWO may be impaired and sought to investigate potential contributors to cardiac functional abnormalities.

Methods and Results—

One hundred sixty-eight subjects (age, 38±7 years) with BMI <25kg/m
2
and no history of any disease affecting the myocardium were classified on the basis of body fat content into 2 groups: with NWO and without NWO. Echocardiographic indices of LV systolic and diastolic function, including myocardial velocities and deformation, serological fibrosis markers, indicators of proinflammatory activation, and metabolic control, were evaluated. Subjects with NWO demonstrated impaired LV systolic and diastolic function, increased fibrosis intensity (assessed by procollagen type I carboxy-terminal propeptide [PICP]), impaired insulin sensitivity, and increased proinflammatory activation as compared with individuals with normal body fat. The independent correlates of LV systolic and diastolic function variables were as follows: for strain, IL-18 (β=−0.17,
P
<0.006), C-reactive protein (β=−0.20,
P
<0.002) and abdominal fat deposit (β=−0.20,
P
<0.003); for tissue S velocity, PICP (β=−0.21,
P
<0.002) and abdominal fat deposit (β=−0.43,
P
<0.0001); for tissue E velocity, abdominal fat deposit (β=−0.30,
P
<0.0001), PICP (β=−0.31,
P
<0.0001) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA IR; β=−0.20,
P
<0.002); and for E/e′-PICP, IL-18 (both β=0.18,
P
<0.01) and HOMA IR (β=0.16,
P
<0.04).

Conclusions—
In patients with NWO, subclinical disturbances of LV function are independently associated with the extent of abdominal fat deposit, profibrotic state (as reflected by circulating PICP), reduced insulin sensitivity, and proinflammatory activation.
Does Government Intervention Matter? Revisiting Recent Rice Price Increases in Bangladesh
Authors: Misra Manoj 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The specter of food crisis is haunting the world again in 2011. This comes after a short period of decline in food prices since they peaked in the summer of 2008. The addition of seven point five million people during the 2007-08 food crisis with the estimated food insecure population of sixty-five point three million in Bangladesh (FAO/WFP 2008) underlines the magnitude of food insecurity in the country. In this article I trace the volatility in Bangladesh’s rice market since the 2007-8 food crisis in terms of the country’s deregulation of agricultural sector and the gradual elimination of market regulatory mechanisms. I demonstrate that despite Bangladesh’s relatively minor dependence on the international rice market and a steady domestic supply, the lack of strong government regulation and monitoring of the market resulted in irrational rice-price increases. I argue that the alleged connections between the domestic and the international rice markets are largely hypothetical, and therefore the domestic price increases must be analyzed in terms of internal management of the market. The methodology of this article involves critical review of literature and data collected from secondary sources. Referring to Stiglitz I conclude that the Bangladesh rice market is far from developed and thus warrants a strong regulatory regime.
Resistance to Neo-Liberalism: France, Greece, Spain, and the US
Authors: Mann Keith 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The mass mobilizations against neo-liberal austerity drives that took place in Greece, France, Spain, and Madison, Wisconsin from 2010 into the summer of 2011 reflect deeply global forces and suggest several trends in contemporary global capitalism. These include an emerging pattern of inequality among member states of the European Union, deep alienation of workers from the Social Democracy and other traditional labor organizations who have championed neo-liberal economic policies and implemented austerity drives, and new forms of collective action.
Mexico’s Concentration on Consular Services in the United States
Authors: Joseph Daniel Hernández 
Published: March 2012

Summary
No other foreign service has as strong a consular concentration, or is as centered in a single other country, as the Mexican Foreign Service and its consular network in the United States. Mexico has 73 embassies and 67 consulates throughout the world — with 50 of these consulates in the United States. Clearly, consular work and particularly the consular tasks that are performed in the United States take up a large part of the resources, attention and priority of Mexican foreign policy.
Parameters of education and the course of depression: An analysis in the Turkish sociocultural context
Authors: Kraus Michael , Karaman Taha 
Published: March 2012

Background: Major depression (MD) is often marked by an unfavourable course. Education repeatedly was found to be associated with better mental health variables, but longitudinal data are scarce. This evaluation seeks to identify the predictive role of specific aspects of education on the course of depression in a socioculturally defined setting. Methods: A sample of 69 unipolar MD outpatients in university and primary health care in Antalya, Turkey were observed naturalistically for a mean 11-month period. The baseline examination included several psychosocial variables, among them the highest attained schooling degree (DEG), possible further but unfulfilled educational aspirations (UEA), and the participants’ parental educational level (PEL). The depressive symptomatology was assessed with the HAM-D-17 at baseline and at four-monthly follow-ups. A binary variable differentiated ‘non-remissive’ from ‘remissive’ courses, the latter displaying at least temporal partial remissions. Results: Forty-two per cent of the sample displayed a non-remissive one-year course of MD. Half of the participants reported UEA. This was more prevalent among women, and qualitative information added causal gender-specific perceptions. In logistic regression, DEG proved prognostic impact, but was exceeded by the combination of UEA and PEL as the strongest predictor model (Cox & Snell R2 = 0.217). This remained when controlled for place of examination, gender and initial severity of depression. As risk factors for low education, a pattern of female gender and large family size (itself predicted by rural descent) emerged. Conclusions: Low education proved to be a risk factor for an unfavourable course of MD. Not only actual experienced schooling, but also unfulfilled academic aspirations and a low parental educational level appear to be of crucial impact.
Religiousness, religious coping methods and distress level among psychiatric patients in Malaysia
Authors: Nurasikin MS , Khatijah LA , Aini A , Ramli M , Aida SA , Zainal NZ , Ng CG 
Published: March 2012

Background: Patients having psychiatric diagnoses often experience high level of distress. Religiousness is often used by them as part of their coping mechanism and problem-solving strategies. Objective: To determine the level of religious commitment and coping methods in psychiatric patients and its relationship with distress level. Methods: Religious commitment and coping patterns were measured with the Duke University Religious Index (DUREL) and Brief RCOPE, respectively. Psychopathology was assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and distress level was assessed with the Depressive, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). Social support and experiences of recent threatening events were measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Life Threatening Events (LTE). Results: A total of 228 patients were included in this study with a mean age of 40.2 years. The majority were male, Malay, Muslim, single and with psychotic disorder. The subjects had a high level of religious commitment and had used more positive coping methods. Negative religious coping, psychiatric symptoms and diagnosis of anxiety disorder or major depression were significantly associated with high distress level. Higher religious commitment was significantly associated with lower distress ( p < .05). Conclusion: Psychiatric patients were religiously committed and used more positive religious coping methods. Practices of negative religious coping, severe psychiatric symptoms and anxiety/depression were associated with higher distress.
Social isolation associated with depression: A case report of hikikomori
Authors: Teo Alan R 
Published: March 2012

Background: Social isolation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A severe form of social isolation or social withdrawal, called hikikomori in Japan, has been described, but controversy over the etiology and universality of the phenomenon remains. Method: Case report. Results: Diagnostic assessment by structured clinical interview and psychometric tools revealed hikikomori and underlying bipolar disorder, in which the patient’s social withdrawal occurred exclusively during major depressive episodes. The patient declined pharmacotherapy, but his hikikomori and depression went into remission after 25 sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy targeting his social isolation. Conclusions: This is the first reported case of hikikomori in the Americas. It illustrates the association between hikikomori and a mood disorder, and suggests the importance of international study of the prevalence and potential treatment strategies for severe social isolation.
Perceived human rights violation in persons with mental illness: Role of education
Authors: Vijayalakshmi Poreddi , Ramachandra  , Reddemma Konduru , Math Suresh Bada 
Published: March 2012

Background: People with mental illness are vulnerable to human rights violations and people with illiteracy and mental illness are at a double disadvantage. Objective: To determine the role of education in ascertaining human rights needs of people with mental illness. Methodology: This was a descriptive study carried out among randomly selected ( N = 100) recovered psychiatric patients with mental illness in the past based on the Clinical Global Impression – Improvement scale at a tertiary care centre. Data were collected through face-to-face interview using structured needs assessment questionnaire comprising two sections related to family and community domains. Data were analysed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: Our findings revealed that human rights needs in the physical needs dimension – i.e. access to electricity ( χ 2 = 5.523, p < .019) and safe drinking water facilities ( χ 2 = 9.665, p < .022) – were rated higher in illiterates than in literates. The human rights needs in emotional dimension – i.e. feeling separated from their families because of their illness ( χ 2 = 13.118, p < .004), afraid of family members ( χ 2 = 13.388, p < .004) and called filthy nicknames ( χ 2 = 17.759, p < .000) – were rated higher in literates than in illiterates. The human rights needs in the religious needs dimension – i.e. allowed to go to temple, church, mosque etc. ( χ 2 = 12.000, p < .007) – and in the social needs dimension – i.e. friendliness with family members –were rated higher in illiterates than in literates ( χ 2 = 9.661, p < .022). Conclusion: Empowering people with mental illness by providing adequate opportunity to pursue education will play an important role in fulfilling the obligation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.