bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Mediterranean dietversusprudent diet combined with physical activity on OSAS: a randomised trial
Authors: Papandreou Christopher , Schiza Sophia E. , Bouloukaki Izolde , Hatzis Christos M. , Kafatos Anthony G. , Siafakas Nikolaos M. , Tzanakis Nikolaos E. 
Published: October 2011

We aimed to evaluate the effect of the Mediterranean diet (MD) compared with a prudent diet (PD) combined with physical activity on obese obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) patients who were treated with continuous positive airway pressure.900 patients were evaluated and 40 obese patients (body mass index ≥30.0 kg·m−2) who met the inclusion criteria, with moderate-to-severe OSAS (apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) >15 events·h−1and Epworth Sleepiness Scale score >10) based on overnight attended polysomnography, were included in the study. After randomisation, 20 patients followed the MD and 20 a PD for a 6-month period. All patients were counselled to increase their physical activity.Concerning sleep parameters, only AHI during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was reduced to a statistically significant degree, by mean±sd18.4±17.6 events·h−1in the MD group and by 2.6±23.7 events·h−1in the PD group (p<0.05). The MD group also showed a greater reduction in waist circumference (WC) (-8.7±3.6 cm), WC/height ratio (-0.04±0.02 cm·m−1) and WC/hip ratio (-0.04±0.03 cm·cm−1), compared with the other group (-2.6±1.7 events·h−1, -5.7±3.8 cm, -0.03±0.02 cm·m−1and 0.02±0.02 cm·cm−1, respectively; p<0.05).Our results showed that the MD combined with physical activity for a 6-month period was effective in reducing the AHI during REM sleep without any statistically significant effect in the other sleep parameters, compared with a PD in obese adults with moderate-to-severe OSAS.
Relationship between the anti-inflammatory properties of salmeterol/fluticasone and the expression of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+regulatory T cells in COPD
Authors: Yang Li , Ma Qian-li , Yao Wei , Zhang Qiao , Chen Hua-ping , Wang Guan-song , Wang Chang-zheng 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackgroundSalmeterol and fluticasone combination (SFC) has anti-inflammatory effects and improves clinical symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of SFC remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the inflammatory responses of COPD, as well as the relationship of the inflammatory factors with the levels of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+regulatory T cells (Foxp3+Tregs) after SFC therapy.MethodsTwenty-one patients with moderate or severe COPD received treatment with 50/500 μg of SFC twice a day for 12 weeks. Before and after treatment, the patients were evaluated using the Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea scale and by conducting a 6-min walk test. The number of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes in induced sputum were counted. Levels of cytokines, including pre-inflammatory IL-8, TNF-α, IL-17A and cytokine IL-10, in the sputum supernatant and peripheral blood were measured by ELISA. The proportion of Foxp3+Tregs in the total CD4+T cell of the peripheral blood was determined by flow cytometry. The relationship between IL-17A levels and the percentage of Foxp3+Tregs was analyzed by statistical analysis.ResultsAfter treatment with SFC, the forced expiratory volume in 1 s as a percentage of predicted values (FEV1%) and the 6-min walk distance in the COPD patients significantly increased, while dyspnea scores decreased. The total number of cells, neutrophils, and the percentage of neutrophils in induced sputum reduced notably, while the proportion of monocytes was significantly increased. Levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-17A in the sputum supernatant and in the blood were markedly lowered, while IL-10 levels were unchanged. The proportion of Foxp3+Tregs in the total CD4+T cell population in the peripheral blood was drastically higher than that before treatment. The level of IL-17A was negatively correlated with the proportion of Foxp3+Tregs in CD4+T cells.ConclusionSFC can reduce the levels of inflammatory factors and improve symptoms of COPD. The levels of inflammatory factors are associated with the variation of Foxp3+Tregs in COPD.Trial registrationThis study was registered withhttp://www.chictr.org(Chinese Clinical Trial Register) as follows: ChiCTR-TNC-10001270
Altered microRNA expression in frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 pathology caused by progranulin mutations
Authors: Kocerha Jannet , Kouri Naomi , Baker Matt , Finch NiCole , DeJesus-Hernandez Mariely , Gonzalez John , Chidamparam Kumaravel , Josephs Keith A , Boeve Bradley F , Graff-Radford Neill R , Crook Julia , Dickson Dennis W , Rademakers Rosa 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that can be triggered through genetic or sporadic mechanisms. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have become a major therapeutic focus as their pervasive expression and powerful regulatory roles in disease pathogenesis become increasingly apparent. Here we examine the role of miRNAs in FTLD patients with TAR DNA-binding protein 43 pathology (FTLD-TDP) caused by genetic mutations in the progranulin (PGRN) gene.

Results
Using miRNA array profiling, we identified the 20 miRNAs that showed greatest evidence (unadjusted P < 0.05) of dysregulation in frontal cortex of eight FTLD-TDP patients carrying PGRN mutations when compared to 32 FTLD-TDP patients with no apparent genetic abnormalities. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses provided technical validation of the differential expression for 9 of the 20 miRNAs in frontal cortex. Additional qRT-PCR analyses showed that 5 out of 9 miRNAs (miR-922, miR-516a-3p, miR-571, miR-548b-5p, and miR-548c-5p) were also significantly dysregulated (unadjusted P < 0.05) in cerebellar tissue samples of PGRN mutation carriers, consistent with a systemic reduction in PGRN levels. We developed a list of gene targets for the 5 candidate miRNAs and found 18 genes dysregulated in a reported FTLD mRNA study to exhibit anti-correlated miRNA-mRNA patterns in affected cortex and cerebellar tissue. Among the targets is brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 3, which was recently identified as an important player in synapse biology.

Conclusions
Our study suggests that miRNAs may contribute to the pathogenesis of FTLD-TDP caused by PGRN mutations and provides new insight into potential future therapeutic options.
ROS generation via NOX4 and its utility in the cytological diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder
Authors: Shimada Keiji , Fujii Tomomi , Anai Satoshi , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Konishi Noboru 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via NADPH oxidase (NOX) contributes to various types of cancer progression. In the present research, we examined the pathobiological role of NADPH oxidase (NOX)4-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the urinary bladder, and demonstrated the utility of ROS labeling in urine cytology.

Methods
NOX4 gene was silenced in vivo and in vitro by NOX4 siRNA transfection with or without atlocollagen. Cell cycle and measurement of ROS were analyzed by flowcytometry. Orthotopic implantation animal model was used in vivo experiment. NOX4 expression in urothelial carcinoma cells was observed by immunohistochemical analysis using surgical specimens of human bladder cancer. Urine cytology was performed after treatment with ROS detection reagents in addition to Papanicolaou staining.

Results
NOX4 was overexpressed in several UC cell lines and the NOX inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium reduced intracellular ROS and induced p16-dependent cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Moreover, silencing of NOX4 by siRNA significantly reduced cancer cell growth in vivo as assessed in an orthotopic mouse model. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated high expression of NOX4 in low grade/non-invasive and high grade/invasive UC including precancerous lesions such as dysplasia but not in normal urothelium. Then, we assessed the usefulness of cytological analysis of ROS producing cells in urine (ROS-C). Urine samples obtained from UC cases and normal controls were treated with fluorescent reagents labeling the hydrogen peroxide/superoxide anion and cytological atypia of ROS positive cells were analyzed. As a result, the sensitivity for detection of low grade, non-invasive UC was greatly increased (35% in conventional cytology (C-C) vs. 75% in ROS-C), and the specificity was 95%. Through ROS-C, we observed robust improvement in the accuracy of follow-up urine cytology for cases with previously diagnosed UC, especially in those with low grade/non-invasive cancer recurrence (0% in C-C vs. 64% in ROS-C).

Conclusions
This is the first report demonstrating that ROS generation through NOX4 contributes to an early step of urothelial carcinogenesis and cancer cell survival. In addition, cytology using ROS labeling could be a useful diagnostic tool in human bladder cancer.
Peritoneal keratin granuloma associated with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterine corpus
Authors: Uehara Keiichiro , Yasuda Masanori , Ichimura Takaya , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Nagata Koji , Kayano Hidekazu , Sasaki Atsushi , Murata Shin-ichi , Shimizu Michio 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
We present a 69-year-old woman with a chief complaint of postmenopausal bleeding. She was diagnosed as having an endometrioid adenocarcinoma by biopsy, and underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy. At the time of surgery, granulation tissue-like nodules were found on the peritoneal serosa of the uterus. In the intraoperative cytology of peritoneal washing, atypical cells were noted. The intraoperative frozen section of the peritoneal nodule revealed granulation tissue with proliferating mesothelial cells. Microscopic examination of the permanent section showed keratin granulomas without viable adenocarcinoma cells on the serosal surface of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and broad ligaments. Postoperative chemotherapy was administered. She has been alive with no evidence of recurrence for 6 months postoperatively. It should be noted that the prognosis of cases in peritoneal keratin granuloma without viable cancer cells is favorable, and that the histological examination is essential for its diagnosis.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/7119869525769574.
UAV based Multi-spectral Imaging System for Environmental Monitoring
Authors: De Biasio Martin , Arnold T. , Leitner R. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
An airborne multi-spectral imaging system is demonstrated for agricultural applications. A compact multi-spectral image capture system was mounted on an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) and used to survey a landscape. Five spectral bands (three visible, two near infrared bands) were imaged, processed and analyzed to measure the quantity of vegetation in the scene. The UAV equipped with the multi-spectral imaging system finished the test flights successfully and the results of these experiments suggest that this type of system would be useful for agricultural applications as precision farming or crop yield management.
Fast Detection of Transient Emission from Diesel Engine Using Optical and Differential Mobility Spectrometer Method
Authors: Viskup Richard , Oppenauer Klaus Siegfried , Alberer Daniel , del Re Luigi 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The article describes and compares the sensitivity and dynamics of two fast measurement techniques for transient particulate matter (PM) emission from diesel engine. The laser induced incandescence was used as a laser based method, together with differential mobility spectrometer for rapid soot characterization. The main task is to reveal the most accurate and fast device for transient emissions. The obtained results will allow better understanding of PM formation and support dynamic emission modelling as well as control design of combustion process.
Crystal Plasticity of Single Crystal and Film on Substrate Probed by Nano-indentation: Simulations and Experiments
Authors: Vu-Hoang Sinh , Parry Guillaume , Verdier Marc 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThin films are the building blocks of small devices technology. The mechanical characterization of layers is a central step for their integration in industrial process. Instrumented indentation is an experimental measurement technique well suited to small scales.In the film on substrate geometry, the deformation pattern during indentation is modified as compared to semi infinite homogenous solid. In this work, the effect of the constrained geometry on the indentation test is investigated on model material: Cu single crystal. The constitutive laws for the materials are based on a crystal plasticity model. This is not a strain gradient model as in [1] since no material length scale is introduced. The approach is similar to [2], except that the hardening is physically based, using dislocations densities on the 12 slip systems of the FCC crystal as internal variables. This modelling strategy gave good quantitative agreements with experiments in the case of various bulk Cu single crystals. It is used here in order to explore the geometry effect due to the finite thickness of elastic-plastic films deposited on elastic substrates. The criteria of comparison between the finite thickness films and the bulk samples are curves of indentation forces and stiffness versus indentation depth on the one hand, surface deformation on the other hand; it is straightforward to get these data from the finite elements simulations and from the atomic force microscopy (AFM). The simulations are compared to experimental data obtained on Cu films deposited on Si and Cu single crystals.
Irradiation-Driven Compositional Changes in Alloys
Authors: Dubey Santosh , El Azab Anter , Wolf Dieter 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTA model to study the formation of compositional patterns in concentrated binary alloys under irradiation is presented. In this model, six atomic and defect species are considered: regular lattice atoms (A and B), dumbbell interstitials (AA, BB and AB) and vacancies. In addition to long range diffusion of these species, local defect-defect (vacancy-interstitial recombination) and defect-atom (dumbbell-atom) reactions have also been considered. The model tracks simultaneous evolution of all the species in reaction-diffusion formalism. Irradiation events are modeled as a stochastic point process which changes the concentration of all the species instantaneously in a random fashion. In each irradiation event, a spatial distribution of point defects (core-shell distribution: core dominated by vacancies and shell by interstitials) has been introduced in the system which drives the kinetics of diffusion and reaction. The model has been non-dimensionalized with respect to intrinsic length and time scales of the material system and solved numerically using finite difference technique. Applying this model to CuAu solid solution, we have shown that the alloy exhibits spinodal-like decomposition with specific steady state wavelengths that depend on the irradiation conditions.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23, Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors, and Phosphorus Intake in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study
Authors: Gutiérrez Orlando M. , Wolf Myles , Taylor Eric N. 
Published: October 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) regulates phosphorus and vitamin D metabolism. Elevated FGF23 concentrations are associated with cardiovascular disease events and mortality across a broad range of kidney function, but the predictors of FGF23 concentrations in the general population are unclear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
We examined cross-sectional associations of dietary and nondietary parameters with plasma FGF23 in 1261 participants of the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (mean age 64 ± 9, mean creatinine 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/dl, mean FGF23 64 ± 28 RU/ml).

Results
In multivariable-adjusted analyses, each 5-year increase in age was associated with 2.1 RU/ml higher FGF23, each 500-mg increase in phosphorus intake was associated with 3.4 RU/ml higher FGF23, and each 0.1-mg/dl increase in creatinine was associated with 3.4 RU/ml higher FGF23. Participants in the highest category of body mass index had 9.5 RU/ml higher FGF23 than those in the lowest, smokers had 17.1 RU/ml higher FGF23 than nonsmokers, and participants with hypertension had 6.0 RU/ml higher FGF23 than those without hypertension. With respect to biochemical parameters, higher parathyroid hormone, phosphate, uric acid, and triglyceride levels all were associated independently with higher FGF23 in models adjusted for age, creatinine, and other factors. In a subset of 748 participants with available data, some inflammatory biomarkers were associated independently with higher FGF23.

Conclusions
In community-dwelling adults with largely preserved kidney function, established cardiovascular risk factors and higher phosphorus intake were associated with higher FGF23. These results might explain the link between FGF23 and cardiovascular disease.
Kinetic Model of Phosphorus Mobilization during and after Short and Conventional Hemodialysis
Authors: Agar Baris U. , Akonur Alp , Lo Ying-Cheng , Cheung Alfred K. , Leypoldt John K. 
Published: October 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
The kinetics of plasma phosphorus (inorganic phosphorus or phosphate) during hemodialysis treatments cannot be explained by conventional one- or two-compartment models; previous approaches have been limited by assuming that the distribution of phosphorus is confined to classical intracellular and extracellular fluid compartments. In this study a novel pseudo one-compartment model, including phosphorus mobilization from a large second compartment, was proposed and evaluated.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Clinical data were obtained during a crossover study where 22 chronic hemodialysis patients underwent both short (2-hour) and conventional (4-hour) hemodialysis sessions. The model estimated two patient-specific parameters, phosphorus mobilization clearance and phosphorus central distribution volume, by fitting frequent intradialytic and postdialytic plasma phosphorus concentrations using nonlinear regression.

Results
Phosphorus mobilization clearances varied among patients (45 to 208 ml/min), but estimates during short (98 ± 44 ml/min, mean ± SD) and conventional (99 ± 47 ml/min) sessions were not different (P = 0.74) and correlated with each other (concordance correlation coefficient ρc of 0.85). Phosphorus central distribution volumes for each patient (short: 11.0 ± 4.2 L and conventional: 11.9 ± 3.8 L) were also correlated (ρc of 0.45).

Conclusions
The reproducibility of patient-specific parameters during short and conventional hemodialysis treatments suggests that a pseudo one-compartment model is robust and can describe plasma phosphorus kinetics under conditions of clinical interest.
Characterization of a Recurrent In-frame UMOD Indel Mutation Causing Late-onset Autosomal Dominant End-Stage Renal Failure
Authors: Smith Graham D. , Robinson Caroline , Stewart Andrew P. , Edwards Emily L. , Karet Hannah I. , Norden Anthony G. W. , Sandford Richard N. , Karet Frankl Fiona E. 
Published: October 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
In a single-center renal clinic, we have established routine mutation testing to diagnose UMOD-associated kidney disease (UAKD), an autosomal dominant disorder typically characterized by gout, hyperuricemia, and renal failure in the third to sixth decades.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Four probands and their multigeneration kindreds were assessed by clinical, historical, and biochemical means. Diagnostic UMOD sequencing was performed, and mutant uromodulin was characterized in vitro.

Results
All available affected members of the four kindreds harbored the same complex indel change in UMOD, which was associated with almost complete absence of gout and a later onset of CKD; the youngest age at ESRD or death was 38 years (range, 38 to 68 years) compared with 3 to 70 years in other reports. Three mutation carriers (all ≤35 years) are currently asymptomatic. The indel sequence (c.278_289del TCTGCCCCGAAGinsCCGCCTCCT; p.V93_G97del/ins AASC) results in the replacement of five amino acids, including one cysteine, by four novel residues, also including a cysteine. Uromodulin staining of the only available patient biopsy suggested disorganized intracellular trafficking with cellular accumulation. Functional characterization of the mutant isoform revealed retarded intracellular trafficking associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention and reduced secretion into cell culture media, but to a lesser extent than we observed with the previously reported C150S mutation.

Conclusions
The indel mutation is associated with a relatively mild clinical UAKD phenotype, consistent with our in vitro analysis. UAKD should be routinely considered as a causative gene for ESRD of unknown cause, especially where there is an associated family history or where biopsy reveals interstitial fibrosis.
Direct Consumer Access to Physical Therapy in Michigan: Challenges to Policy Adoption
Authors: Shoemaker Michael J. 
Published: October 2011

BackgroundDespite the ability of consumers to receive treatment from a physical therapist without a physician referral or prescription in 45 states, Michigan continues to require a physician prescription. Given the impending primary care provider shortage, direct access should be considered as a potential solution to barriers that prevent patients from accessing timely musculoskeletal care.ObjectiveThe purpose of the present policy analysis was to analyze why an attempt in 2006 to remove the prescription requirement in Michigan was not adopted.MethodsThe Policy Analysis Triangle approach, which considers the relevant actors, processes, and context in which a policy must be considered, was used to analyze why Michigan House Bill 5618 was not passed. Data sources included position statements from relevant stakeholders, state government documents, stakeholder analysis, and a systematic review of the literature.ResultsMultiple data sources, including a systematic review of the literature, revealed that direct access does not pose a risk to public safety and may result in better outcomes with regard to cost and quality of care. Failure of Michigan to adopt direct access in 2006 was due to scope of practice conflicts and various political contexts and processes.ConclusionsDirect consumer access to physical therapy services appears to be sound health policy that should be reconsidered by Michigan's legislature to alleviate the primary care provider shortage for those with musculoskeletal disorders.