bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Monoclonal Stool Tests for Determining Cure of Helicobacter pylori Infection After Treatment
Authors: Calvet Xavier , Lario Sergio , Ramírez‐Lázaro María José , Montserrat Antònia , Quesada Mariela , Reeves Lynsey , Masters Helen , Suárez‐Lamas David , Gallach Marta , Miquel Mireia , Martínez‐Bauer Eva , Sanfeliu Isabel , Segura Ferran 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground:  Studies comparing new monoclonal fecal tests for evaluating cure of Helicobacter pylori infection after treatment are scarce. The objective was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of three monoclonal stool tests: two rapid in‐office tools –RAPID Hp StAR and ImmunoCard STAT! HpSA – and an EIA test – Amplified IDEIA Hp StAR.Materials and methods:  Diagnostic reliability of the three tests was evaluated in 88 patients at least 8 weeks after H. pylori treatment. Readings of immunochromatographic tests were performed by two different observers. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.Results:  All tests presented similar performance for post‐eradication testing. Sensitivity for detecting persistent infection was 100% for both Amplified IDEIA and RAPID Hp StAR and 90% for ImmunoCard STAT! HpSA. Respective specificities were 94.9%, 92.3–93.6% and 94.9%. Negative predictive values were very high (100%, 100% and 98.7% respectively). But positive predictive values were lower, ranging from 62.5 to 71.4%.Conclusion:  All monoclonal fecal tests in this series presented similar performance in the post‐treatment setting. A negative test after treatment adequately predicted cure of the infection. However, nearly a third of tests were false positive, showing a poor predictive yield for persistent infection.
The Versatility of Helicobacter pylori CagA Effector Protein Functions: The Master Key Hypothesis
Authors: Backert Steffen , Tegtmeyer Nicole , Selbach Matthias 
Published: May 2010

AbstractSeveral bacterial pathogens inject virulence proteins into host target cells that are substrates of eukaryotic tyrosine kinases. One of the key examples is the Helicobacter pylori CagA effector protein which is translocated by a type‐IV secretion system. Injected CagA becomes tyrosine‐phosphorylated on EPIYA sequence motifs by Src and Abl family kinases. CagA then binds to and activates/inactivates multiple signaling proteins in a phosphorylation‐dependent and phosphorylation‐independent manner. A recent proteomic screen systematically identified eukaryotic binding partners of the EPIYA phosphorylation sites of CagA and similar sites in other bacterial effectors by high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Individual phosphorylation sites recruited a surprisingly high number of interaction partners suggesting that each phosphorylation site can interfere with many downstream pathways. We now count 20 reported cellular binding partners of CagA, which represents the highest quantitiy among all yet known virulence‐associated effector proteins in the microbial world. This complexity generates a highly remarkable and puzzling scenario. In addition, the first crystal structure of CagA provided us with new information on the function of this important virulence determinant. Here we review the recent advances in characterizing the multiple binding signaling activities of CagA. Injected CagA can act as a ‘master key’ that evolved the ability to highjack multiple host cell signalling cascades, which include the induction of membrane dynamics, actin‐cytoskeletal rearrangements and the disruption of cell‐to‐cell junctions as well as proliferative, pro‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic nuclear responses. The discovery that different pathogens use this common strategy to subvert host cell functions suggests that more examples will emerge soon.
Simultaneous Automatic Control of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Blood Gases During Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Misgeld Berno J.E. , Werner Jürgen , Hexamer Martin 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn this work an automatic control strategy is presented for the simultaneous control of oxygen and carbon dioxide blood gas partial pressures to be used during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery with heart–lung machine support. As the exchange of blood gases in the artificial extracorporeal lung is a highly nonlinear process comprising varying time delays, uncertainties, and time‐varying parameters, it is currently being controlled manually by specially trained perfusionist staff. The new control strategy includes a feedback linearization routine with augmented time‐delay compensation and two external linear gain‐scheduled controllers, for partial oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures. The controllers were robustly tuned and tested in simulations with a detailed artificial lung (oxygenator) model in cardiopulmonary bypass conditions. Furthermore, the controllers were implemented in an ex vivo experiment using fresh porcine blood as a substitute fluid and a special deoxygenation technique to simulate a patient undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Both controllers showed robust stability during the experiments and a good disturbance rejection to extracorporeal blood flow changes. This automatic control strategy is proposed to improve patient's safety by fast control reference tracking and good disturbance rejection under varying conditions.
A Passively Controlled Biventricular Support Device
Authors: Gaddum Nicholas Richard , Timms Daniel Lee , Pearcy Mark John 
Published: May 2010

AbstractClinical studies have reported the balancing of pump outputs to be a serious control issue for rotary biventricular support (BiVS) systems. Poor reliability of long‐term, blood immersed pressure sensors encouraged the development of a new control strategy to improve their viability. A rotary BiVS device was designed and constructed with a mechanical passive controller to autoregulate pump outputs to emulate the native baroreceptor response. In vitro testing in a dual circuit, hydraulic mock circulation loop showed that the prototype was able to maintain arterial pressures when subjected to sudden induced hemodynamic destabilization. However, inlet suction was observed when sudden simulated hypertension briefly reduced venous return to the cannulated ventricle. The results have encouraged further development of the device as a means to create an inherently stable, fully passive biventricular support device.
Activation of PAR‐2 Elicits NO‐Dependent and CGRP‐Independent Dilation of the Dural Artery
Authors: Bhatt Deepak K. , Ploug Kenneth B. , Ramachandran Roshni , Olesen Jes , Gupta Saurabh 
Published: May 2010

(Headache2010;50:1017‐1030)Objectives.—The goal of this study was to determine the vascular effects of protease‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR‐2) activation in the rat cranial vasculature.Background.—The role of PAR‐2 in pain and inflammatory conditions has been established but the information available on its effects and receptor distribution in the trigeminal vascular axis is limited. We studied the dilatory function and expression of PAR‐2 in the neuro‐vascular circuit, critical in migraine pathogenesis. We also investigated the interaction of PAR‐2 with calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and dural mast cells.Methods.—We used an improved model of intravital microscopy on the closed cranial window in rats to study the vascular effects of PAR‐2 activating peptides (PAR‐2 APs; SLIGRL‐NH2, 2‐Furoyl‐LIGRLO‐NH2) in the dural vasculature. Measurement of immunoreactive CGRP in skull halves and in trigeminal nucleus caudalis was done by using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We also analyzed the presence of PAR‐2 in different migraine relevant tissues by quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis.Results.—PAR‐2 APs and trypsin induced a dose‐dependent increase in dural artery diameter. The topical application of a nonspecific nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L‐NG‐Nitroarginine methyl ester, attenuated SLIGRL‐NH2responses. Olcegepant, a CGRP receptor antagonist, did not a have significant effect on the SLIGRL‐NH2responses, though exogenous CGRP responses were completely blocked. There was no significant release of CGRP from skull halves incubated with SLIGRL‐NH2as compared with those incubated with the corresponding negative peptide. Chronic mast cell degranulation did not change the vascular effects of PAR‐2 APs. mRNA and protein expression of PAR‐2 were found throughout trigeminovasuclar axis.Conclusion.—PAR‐2 activation leads to vasodilation of dural arteries and these responses are partially mediated by nitric oxide. As PAR‐2 is present throughout trigeminovasuclar axis, it may have a role in migraine pathogenesis, independent of CGRP and mast cell mediated mechanism.
Acute Treatment of Basilar‐Type Migraine With Greater Occipital Nerve Blockade
Authors: Baron Eric P. , Tepper Stewart J. , Mays Maryann , Cherian Neil 
Published: May 2010

(Headache 2010;50:1057‐1069)Basilar‐type migraine (BTM) precludes use of migraine‐specific medications such as triptans and ergots based on concerns originating from the vascular theory of migraine, although data supporting this contraindication are lacking. Availability of effective treatments for acute BTM is limited. We report a case of BTM aborted with greater occipital nerve (GON) blockade given in the setting of prominent suboccipital tenderness. GON blockade may provide an additional option in acute management of BTM. It may be particularly useful when associated with prominent ipsilateral suboccipital tenderness.
Longitudinal Physical Activity Changes in Older Men in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study
Authors: Janney Carol A. , Cauley Jane A. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Kriska Andrea M. ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study Group
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVES: To describe the change in physical activity (total, leisure, household, occupational) in men over a mean 5‐year follow‐up period and to identify sociodemographic and health factors associated with change in physical activity.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study; Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study; data collected March 2000 through May 2006.SETTING: Six U.S. clinical centers.PARTICIPANTS: Volunteer sample of ambulatory community‐dwelling men aged 65 and older (N=5,161).MEASUREMENTS: Self‐reported physical activity assessed at baseline and Visit 2 (V2) (5 years apart) according to the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) (unitless, relative measure of physical activity).RESULTS: At baseline, PASE scores averaged 16.8±35.5 for occupational, 37.0±34.0 for leisure, 95.9±43.2 for household, and 149.7±67.6 for total physical activity. Occupational (−6.2±33.9), leisure (−3.2±37.3), household (−9.9±44.3), and total (−19.3±67.7) physical activity change scores declined, on average, from baseline to V2. On average, change in total PASE scores declined more with age: −15.6±71.6 for men younger than 70, −16.4±67.0 for men aged 70 to 74, −21.4±66.9 for men aged 75 to 79, and −29.5±60.7 for men aged 80 and older. Living alone, smoking cigarettes, poor health, and higher blood pressure were associated with greater declines in physical activity over time. Although average scores declined, some older men (1,335, 26%) reported increasing physical activity levels. Better physical and mental health, living with others, and being younger were associated with the probability of increasing physical activity over time.CONCLUSION: Over the 5‐year period, the majority of men reported declines in total physical activity. Older men in poor health who live alone have a high risk of physical activity declines and may be an important group to target for exercise interventions.
Extended storage of platelet‐rich plasma–prepared platelet concentrates in plasma or Plasmalyte
Authors: Slichter Sherrill J. , Bolgiano Doug , Corson Jill , Jones Mary Kay , Christoffel Todd 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND:Using bacterial detection or pathogen reduction, extended platelet (PLT) storage may be licensed if PLT viability is maintained. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s poststorage PLT acceptance guidelines are that autologous stored PLT recoveries and survivals should be 66 and 58% or greater, respectively, of each donor's fresh PLT data.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:Nonleukoreduced PLT concentrates were prepared from whole blood donations. Autologous PLT concentrates from 62 subjects were stored in 100% plasma (n = 44) or 20% plasma/80% Plasmalyte (n = 18), an acetate‐based, non–glucose‐containing crystalloid solution previously used for PLT storage. Fresh PLTs were obtained on the day the donor's stored PLTs were to be transfused. The fresh and stored PLTs were alternately radiolabeled with either51chromium or111indium, and in vitro measurements were performed on the stored PLTs.RESULTS:The FDA's PLT recovery criteria were met for 7 days of plasma storage, but PLT survivals maintained viability for only 6 days. Plasmalyte‐stored PLTs did not meet either acceptance criteria after 6 days of storage. After 7 days of storage, PLT recoveries averaged 43 ± 4 and 30 ± 4% and survivals 4.1 ± 0.4 and 2.0 ± 0.2 days for plasma‐ and Plasmalyte‐stored PLTs, respectively (p = 0.03 for recoveries and p < 0.001 for survivals). Poststorage PLT recoveries correlated with the commonly used in vitro PLT quality measurements of hypotonic shock response and annexin V binding, while survivals correlated with extent of shape change, morphology score, and pH.CONCLUSION:There is a progressive decrease in recoveries and survivals of plasma‐stored PLTs over time. PLT viability is better maintained in plasma than Plasmalyte.
Weak A phenotypes associated with novel ABO alleles carrying the A2‐related 1061C deletion and various missense substitutions
Authors: Hult Annika K. , Yazer Mark H. , Jørgensen René , Hellberg Åsa , Hustinx Hein , Peyrard Thierry , Palcic Monica M. , Olsson Martin L. 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: The 1061delC single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been reported mostly in the context of the common A2[A201] allele and typically produces an A2 phenotype. This study evaluated new Aweak alleles, each containing 1061delC.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty samples were referred to our laboratory for analysis due to suspected Aweak phenotypes originally detected at the referring centers. ABO Exons 1 through 7 and flanking intronic regions were sequenced. A antigen expression on red blood cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Plasma enzyme activity was studied in one case. Molecular three‐dimensional modeling techniques studied the potential effects of amino acid changes on the resulting glycosyltransferases (GTs).RESULTS: Thirteen alleles were discovered, each featuring 1061delC with at least 1 of 12 additional SNPs in the coding region. One of these SNPs disrupts the translation initiation codon. Another constitutes the first reported change in the DVD motif. One SNP found in three alleles causes a substitution of one of the four amino acids that differentiates the wild‐type A and B enzymes but plasma enzyme analysis by two methods showed only slightly decreased or normal A2 activity. Flow cytometric analysis semiquantified the A antigen levels in 16 cases featuring 10 of the alleles and ranged from very weak to nearly A2 levels. However, the majority of the samples displayed Ax‐like patterns. Molecular modeling of some of the GT variants indicated conformational changes that may explain the diminished A expression observed.CONCLUSION: Missense SNPs were identified in 13 novel A2‐like alleles, which produced a variety of A subgroup phenotypes.
Platelet senescence and phosphatidylserine exposure
Authors: Dasgupta Swapan Kumar , Argaiz Eduardo Rios , Mercado Jose Emmanel Chedid , Maul Hector Omar Elizondo , Garza Jorge , Enriquez Ana Bety , Abdel‐Monem Hanan , Prakasam Anthony , Andreeff Michael , Thiagarajan Perumal 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: The exposure of phosphatidylserine occurs during platelet (PLT) activation and during in vitro storage. Phosphatidylserine exposure also occurs during apoptosis after the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c. We have examined the role of cytochrome c release, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and cyclophilin D (CypD) in phosphatidylserine exposure due to activation and storage.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The exposure of phosphatidylserine and the loss of ΔΨm were determined in a flow cytometer using fluorescein isothiocyanate–lactadherin and JC‐1, a lipophilic cationic reporter dye. The role of CypD was determined with cyclosporin A and CypD‐deficient murine PLTs. Cytochrome c‐induced caspase‐3 and Rho‐associated kinase I (ROCK1) activation were determined by immunoblotting and using their inhibitors.RESULTS: Collagen‐ and thrombin‐induced exposure of phosphatidylserine was accompanied by a decrease in ΔΨm. Cyclosporin A inhibited the phosphatidylserine exposure and the loss of ΔΨm. CypD−/− mice had decreased loss of ΔΨm and impaired phosphatidylserine exposure. Collagen and thrombin did not induce the release of cytochrome c nor the activation of caspase‐3 and ROCK1. In contrast, in PLTs stored for more than 5 days, the phosphatidylserine exposure was associated with cytochrome c–induced caspase‐3 and ROCK1 activation. ABT737, a BH3 mimetic that induces mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, induced cytochrome c release and activation of caspase‐3 and ROCK1 and phosphatidylserine exposure independent of CypD.CONCLUSION: These results show that in stored PLTs cytochrome c release and the subsequent activation of caspase‐3 and ROCK1 mediate phosphatidylserine exposure and it is distinct from activation‐induced phosphatidylserine exposure.
In vitro cell quality of buffy coat platelets in additive solution treated with pathogen reduction technology
Authors: Ostrowski Sisse R. , Bochsen Louise , Salado‐Jimena José A. , Ullum Henrik , Reynaerts Inge , Goodrich Raymond P. , Johansson Pär I. 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: Pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs) may induce storage lesion in platelet (PLT) concentrates. To investigate this, buffy coat PLTs (BCPs) in PLT additive solution (AS; SSP+) with or without Mirasol PRT (CaridianBCT Biotechnologies) were assessed by quality control tests and four‐color flow cytometry.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In vitro comparison of PRT and control pooled‐and‐split BCPs after 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8 days of storage was made. PLT concentration, count per unit, swirl, metabolism, activation (CD62P, PAC1, CD42b/GPIb, CD63, CD40L/CD154, CD40, annexin V), and microparticle, sCD40L, and sCD62P release were evaluated.RESULTS: PRT induced a minor initial PLT loss (Day 2 [mean ± SD], 302 × 109 ± 44 × 109 PLTs/unit vs. 325 × 109 ± 46 × 109 PLTs/unit; p < 0.001) but the decline was comparable to control BCP. Swirling was comparable and declined with similar rates in PRT‐treated and control BCPs during storage. PRT enhanced PLT metabolism and activation, evidenced by lower pH22; increased glucose consumption and lactate production rates (p < 0.01); early increases in CD62P‐, PAC1‐, CD63‐, CD40L‐, CD40‐, and annexin V–positive PLTs; reduced GPIb expression; and enhanced release of PLT‐derived MPs and sCD40L (all p < 0.05). CD62P and PAC1 expression changed with different kinetics during storage and varying GPIb expression was displayed within the CD62P/PAC1‐positive PLT subsets.CONCLUSION: PRT treatment of BCP in AS induced a minor initial PLT loss and enhanced metabolism and PLT activation. The clinical relevance for PLT function in vivo of these findings will be investigated in a clinical trial.
Does Credit Competition Affect Small‐Firm Finance?
Authors: RICE TARA , STRAHAN PHILIP E. 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTWhile relaxation of geographical restrictions on bank expansion permitted banking organizations to expand across state lines, it allowed states to erect barriers to branch expansion. These differences in states' branching restrictions affect credit supply. In states more open to branching, small firms borrow at interest rates 80 to 100 basis points lower than firms operating in less open states. Firms in open states also are more likely to borrow from banks. Despite this evidence that interstate branch openness expands credit supply, we find no effect of variation in state restrictions on branching on the amount that small firms borrow.
The Effect of SOX Section 404: Costs, Earnings Quality, and Stock Prices
Authors: ILIEV PETER 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper exploits a natural quasi‐experiment to isolate the effects that were uniquely due to the Sarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX): U.S. firms with a public float under $75 million could delay Section 404 compliance, and foreign firms under $700 million could delay the auditor's attestation requirement. As designed, Section 404 led to conservative reported earnings, but also imposed real costs. On net, SOX compliance reduced the market value of small firms.
Autonomic Dysfunction and New‐Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction After Acute Myocardial Infarction: A CARISMA Substudy
Authors: JONS CHRISTIAN , RAATIKAINEN PEKKA , GANG UFFE J. , HUIKURI HEIKKI V. , JOERGENSEN RIKKE MOERCH , JOHANNESEN ARNE , DIXEN ULRIK , MESSIER MARC , McNITT SCOTT , THOMSEN POUL ERIK BLOCH ,   for the Cardiac Arrhythmias and Risk Stratification after Acute Myocardial Infarction (CARISMA) Study Group
Published: May 2010

Predicting New‐Onset AF. Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases morbidity and mortality in patients with previous myocardial infarction and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to identify patients with a high risk for new‐onset AF in this population using invasive and noninvasive electrophysiological tests. Methods: The study included 271 patients from the Cardiac Arrhythmias and RIsk Stratification after Myocardial InfArction (CARISMA) study with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% without previous AF at enrollment. Within 21 days after the AMI, an implantable loop recorder was inserted and used to diagnose AF over the 2‐year study duration. The following tests were performed: heart rate variability (HRV) and turbulence (HRT) analyses from repeated 24‐hour Holter recordings, 2‐dimensional (2D)‐echocardiograms, exercise test, and programmed electrophysiologic stimulation. Results: A total of 101 patients (37%) developed AF during the study. Predictive measures included several indexes of HRV including reduced low‐frequency (LF) power from spectral HRV analysis (adjusted HR = 1.6, P = 0.034), HRT slope ≤2.5 (HR = 1.6, P = 0.032) and Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA1) from HRV analysis (HR = 1.8, P = 0.011); all are measures of cardiac autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Combined with age >60 years, low values for LF, HRT slope, and DFA1 provided a powerful risk score for prediction of new‐onset AF (1–2 points: HR = 4.3, P = 0.001, 3–4 points: HR = 7.0, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Abnormal HRV and HRT parameters, which are associated with disturbances in the cardiac autonomic regulation, are associated with increased risk of new‐onset AF independently of conventional clinical risk variables. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 983‐990, September 2010)