bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of the 5-Lipoxygenase Pathway in Human Aortic Valves Correlates With Severity of Stenosis and Leads to Leukotriene-Induced Effects on Valvular Myofibroblasts
Authors: Nagy Edit , Andersson Daniel C. , Caidahl Kenneth , Eriksson Maria J. , Eriksson Per , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Hansson Göran K. , Bäck Magnus 
Published: March 2011

Background—
The development of aortic valve stenosis is not only associated with calcification and extracellular matrix remodeling, but also with inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the role of proinflammatory signaling through the leukotriene (LT) pathway in aortic stenosis.

Methods and Results—

After macroscopic dissection of surgically removed human aortic valves, RNA was extracted from 311 preparations derived from 68 patients to differentiate normal, thickened, and calcified areas from each cusp. Subsequently, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to correlate gene expression patterns with preoperative echocardiographic parameters. The messenger RNA levels of the LT-forming enzyme 5-lipoxygenase increased 1.6- and 2.2-fold in thickened and calcified tissue, respectively, compared with normal areas of the same valves. In thickened tissues, messenger RNA levels for 5-lipoxygenase (
r
=−0.35;
P
=0.03), its activating protein (5-lipoxygenase activating protein;
r
=−0.39;
P
=0.02), and LTA
4
hydrolase (
r
=−0.48;
P
=0.01) correlated inversely with the velocity–time integral ratio. In addition, leukotriene A
4
hydrolase transcripts correlated inversely with aortic valve area, indexed for body surface area (
r
=−0.52;
P
=0.007). Immunohistochemical stainings revealed LT receptor expression on valvular myofibroblasts. In primary cultures of human myofibroblasts derived from stenotic aortic valves, Leukotriene C
4
(LTC
4
) increased intracellular calcium, enhanced reactive oxygen species production, reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential, and led to morphological cell cytoplasm changes and calcification.

Conclusions—
The upregulation of the LT pathway in human aortic valve stenosis and its correlation with clinical stenosis severity, taken together with the potentially detrimental LT-induced effects on valvular myofibroblasts, suggests one possible role of inflammation in the development of aortic stenosis.
Protease-Resistant Stromal Cell–Derived Factor-1 for the Treatment of Experimental Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Segers Vincent F.M. , Revin Vyacheslav , Wu Weitao , Qiu Helen , Yan Zheng , Lee Richard T. , Sandrasagra Anthony 
Published: March 2011

Background—
Peripheral artery disease is a potentially incapacitating disease for which pharmacological options are limited. Stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a chemokine that attracts endothelial progenitor cells and promotes angiogenesis. Therapeutic use of SDF-1 in hindlimb ischemia may be challenged by proteolytic degradation. We hypothesized that protease-resistant variants of SDF-1 can increase blood flow in an experimental model of hindlimb ischemia.

Methods and Results—

We screened a peptide library for mutations in SDF-1 that provide resistance to matrix metalloproteinase cleavage. Recombinant SDF-1 proteins carrying the mutations were designed, expressed, and purified, and activity of mutant proteins was tested with receptor activation assays and in vivo Matrigel plug assays. SSDF-1(S4V), which is resistant to both dipeptidylpeptidase IV/CD26 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 cleavage, was active in vitro and induced angiogenesis in vivo. We then designed and purified fusion proteins of SSDF-1 and SSDF-1(S4V) with the sequence of self-assembling peptide nanofibers for incorporation into nanofibers. In a blinded and randomized hindlimb ischemia mouse study, SSDF-1(S4V) delivery by nanofibers improved blood flow as measured by laser Doppler from 23.1±1.9% (untreated control) to 55.1±5.7% 6 weeks after surgery (
P
<0.001). Nanofibers alone or SSDF-1 delivered by nanofibers did not improve blood flow. Furthermore, SSDF-1(S4V) delivered by nanofibers increased formation of new arterioles. In vitro, SSDF-1(S4V) attracts smooth muscle cells but does not induce mitosis.

Conclusions—
SDF-1 engineered to be resistant to dipeptidylpeptidase IV/CD26 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 cleavage and delivered by nanofibers improves blood flow in a model of peripheral artery disease.
Independent static balance training contributes to increased stability and functional capacity in community-dwelling elderly people: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jacobson Bert H , Thompson Brennan , Wallace Tia , Brown Lynn , Rial Christina 
Published: March 2011

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of independently conducted static balance exercises within a fall-safe environment in elderly participants engaging in independent training. Design: Randomized two-group parallel controlled study. Setting: Retirement center, community dwelling. Subjects: Subjects, 25 male and female volunteers (aged 82.6 ± 6.1 years; weight 69.9 ± 97 kg; height 165 ± 6.9 cm; body mass index (BMI) 25.6 ± 2.6) residing in independent living facilities were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. Intervention: The experimental group engaged in standing, static balancing, and mild leg exercise 12 minutes per session, three times per week for 12 weeks. Exercises were done independent of spotters within a rigid frame consisting of tethers connected to the subject so that he or she could not fall. The control group were given literature on prevention of falls. Main outcome measures: Functional ability and balance was assessed using the following tests: 30-second chair stand test, 8-foot up and go test, Berg Balance Scale, and a step-up test. Results: Comparison by repeated-measures ANOVA of the performance before and after the 12-week intervention yielded significant (P < 0.01) improvement for the experimental group over the control group in the 30-second chair test repetitions, in the 8-foot up and go test, in the balance assessment and in the leg function assessments. Conclusion: Standing, static balance exercises conducted independently without safety supervision led to improvements in balance, functional ability, and leg functioning in frail elderly people.
Blood pressure variations and low blood pressure values at home after hospital discharge in older hypertensives
Authors: Astengo Marco , Bonetto Martina , Isaia Gianluca , Comba Monica , Fonte Gianfranco , Bo Mario 
Published: March 2011

Background: Blood pressure (BP) variations occurring after hospital discharge in a population of older hypertensives have not been previously investigated. Design: elderly (≥65 years) hypertensives admitted to the geriatric acute ward of a university-teaching hospital were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Methods: Exclusion criteria were terminal illness, discharge to institution, and changes in antihypertensive regimen. BP was recorded in the emergency room, at ward admission, daily during hospital stay, and at discharge. Home self blood pressure measurement was performed after discharge. Results: The study population included 106 patients. There was a significant decrease in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) throughout the study time points. SBP and DBP decreased after discharge (from 135.1 ± 15.0 to 131.5 ± 16.1 mmHg and from 77.2 ± 8.4 to 71.6 ± 8.7 mmHg, respectively), the difference being significant only for DBP ( p = 0.000). We further observed higher prevalence of critically low BP values (SBP <120 mmHg and DBP <70 mmHg) at home (23.6% and 48.1%, respectively) compared to discharge (8.5% and 9.4%, p = 0.006 and p = 0.000, respectively). Conclusions: We observed a decrease in BP values, and particularly DBP values, after hospital discharge, in a sample of older hypertensives. Critically low BP values were observed at home in a high proportion of subjects, suggesting wise use of antihypertensive therapy at discharge and early monitoring of BP values at home.
Four out of ten patients are not taking statins regularly during the 12 months after an acute coronary event
Authors: Thornley Simon , Marshall Roger , Chan Wing Cheuk , Kerr Andrew , Harrison Jeff , Jackson Gary , Crengle Sue , Wright Craig , Wells Sue , Jackson Rod 
Published: March 2011

Background: In New Zealand, a setting in which national guidelines recommend statins for all patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and cost barriers are low, patterns of use of these drugs are unknown. We investigated dispensing rates after hospital discharge for acute CHD event. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Drug dispensing, hospital diagnosis, and mortality records were linked by unique identifier for all New Zealanders aged 35–84 years after discharge following acute CHD event in 2007. We defined the statin dispensing ratio (SDR) as the proportion of days that 15,506 patients aged 35–84 years were dispensed such agents during the 12 months post discharge. An SDR ≥0.8 (80% or more days covered) was considered optimal. Results: Overall, 59% of the cohort had an SDR ≥0.8. Of patients dispensed statins in the 3 months before admission ( n = 5506), almost all (99%; 5466) continued treatment during follow up and 82% had an SDR ≥0.8. In contrast, for patients not dispensed statins before admission ( n = 8014), only two–thirds started statins during follow up and only 44% had an SDR ≥0.8. Of all patients with low statin dispensing (SDR <0.8), about one–quarter were not dispensed any lipid-lowering drugs, one-quarter received alternative lipid-lowering drugs, one-quarter stopped statins, and the remaining quarter were intermittent statin users. Conclusion: In a setting with few barriers to statin treatment, about 40% of patients had suboptimal statin dispensing during the year after hospital treatment for CHD. This study has identified four significant categories of suboptimal adherence that could inform quality improvement programmes.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation overcomes the adverse prognostic impact of CD20 expression in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Bachanova Veronika , Sandhu Karamjeet , Yohe Sophia , Cao Qing , Burke Michael J. , Verneris Michael R. , Weisdorf Daniel 
Published: March 2011

AbstractCD20 expression is associated with early recurrence and inferior survival in precursor-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients treated with chemotherapy. Whether CD20 influences outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is unknown. We analyzed CD20 expression on blasts at diagnosis in 157 patients who underwent allo-HSCT in the first complete remission (57%) or the second complete remission (43%). Of 125 evaluable patients, 71 were ≥ 20 years of age. CD20 expression was observed in 58 patients (46%; 52% of children, 39% of adults). There was no association between age, Ph+ status, white blood cell count at diagnosis, and CD20 positivity. After allo-HSCT, disease-free survival at 5 years was 48% for all patients, 55% (95% confidence interval 40%-67%) for CD20+ patients, and 43% (95% confidence interval 30%-54%) for CD20− patients (P = .15). Relapse did not differ between the groups. These results can serve as a reference to evaluate incorporation of anti-CD20 therapeutics to HSCT for the CD20+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia subset. Clinical trial numbers for www.clinicaltrials.gov are NCT00365287, NCT00305682, and NCT00303719.
First artificial hybrid of the eel species Anguilla australis and Anguilla anguilla
Authors: Burgerhout Erik , Brittijn Sebastiaan A , Kurwie Tagried , Decker Paul , Dirks Ron P , Palstra Arjan P , Spaink Herman P , Van den Thillart Guido EEJM 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackgroundStudies on artificial hybridization of differentAnguillaspecies were conducted recently, i.e. femaleA. australiswith maleA. dieffenbachii, and femaleA. japonicawith maleA. anguilla. The existence of these artificial hybrids was however not demonstrated by independent genetic methods. Two species -A. anguillaandA. australis- that are phylogenetically close but have different sexual maturation times (12-25 weeks and 6-8 weeks, respectively), were expected to produce favourable hybrids for reproduction studies.ResultsA modification of the protocol for the reproduction ofAnguilla japonicawas used to produce eight-dayAnguilla australislarvae, with a success rate of 71.4%. Thus ten out of 14 females produced eggs that could be fertilized, and three batches resulted in mass hatching. Hybrid larvae from femaleA. australisx maleA. Anguillasurvived for up to seven days post fertilization (dpf). The early development of the hybrid showed typical characteristics ofA. anguillatail pigmentation at 50 hours post fertilization (hpf), indicating expression of genes derived from the father.ConclusionsIn this paper we describe the first production of hybrid larvae from maleA. anguillaand femaleA. australisand their survival for up to 7 dpf. A species-specific nucleotide difference in the 18 S rDNA gene confirmed that genes from bothA. australisandA. anguillawere present in the hybrids. The developmental stages of the hybrid eel embryos and larvae are described using high resolution images. Video footage also indicated a heart beat in 5-dpf larva.
Clinical and molecular characterization of a cohort of patients with novel nucleotide alterations of the Dystrophin gene detected by direct sequencing
Authors: Magri Francesca , Del Bo Roberto , D'Angelo Maria G , Govoni Alessandra , Ghezzi Serena , Gandossini Sandra , Sciacco Monica , Ciscato Patrizia , Bordoni Andreina , Tedeschi Silvana , Fortunato Francesco , Lucchini Valeria , Cereda Matteo , Corti Stefania , Moggio Maurizio , Bresolin Nereo , Comi Giacomo P 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
Duchenne and Becker Muscular dystrophies (DMD/BMD) are allelic disorders caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which encodes a sarcolemmal protein responsible for muscle integrity. Deletions and duplications account for approximately 75% of mutations in DMD and 85% in BMD. The implementation of techniques allowing complete gene sequencing has focused attention on small point mutations and other mechanisms underlying complex rearrangements.

Methods
We selected 47 patients (41 families; 35 DMD, 6 BMD) without deletions and duplications in DMD gene (excluded by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and multiplex polymerase chain reaction analysis). This cohort was investigated by systematic direct sequence analysis to study sequence variation. We focused our attention on rare mutational events which were further studied through transcript analysis.

Results
We identified 40 different nucleotide alterations in DMD gene and their clinical correlates; altogether, 16 mutations were novel. DMD probands carried 9 microinsertions/microdeletions, 19 nonsense mutations, and 7 splice-site mutations. BMD patients carried 2 nonsense mutations, 2 splice-site mutations, 1 missense substitution, and 1 single base insertion. The most frequent stop codon was TGA (n = 10 patients), followed by TAG (n = 7) and TAA (n = 4). We also analyzed the molecular mechanisms of five rare mutational events. They are two frame-shifting mutations in the DMD gene 3'end in BMD and three novel splicing defects: IVS42: c.6118-3C>A, which causes a leaky splice-site; c.9560A>G, which determines a cryptic splice-site activation and c.9564-426 T>G, which creates pseudoexon retention within IVS65.

Conclusion
The analysis of our patients' sample, carrying point mutations or complex rearrangements in DMD gene, contributes to the knowledge on phenotypic correlations in dystrophinopatic patients and can provide a better understanding of pre-mRNA maturation defects and dystrophin functional domains. These data can have a prognostic relevance and can be useful in directing new therapeutic approaches, which rely on a precise definition of the genetic defects as well as their molecular consequences.
Value of oral glucose tolerance test in the acute phase of myocardial infarction
Authors: Bronisz Agata , Kozinski Marek , Magielski Przemyslaw , Fabiszak Tomasz , Gierach Joanna , Swiatkiewicz Iwona , Sukiennik Adam , Kubica Aldona , Bronisz Marek , Grabczewska Zofia , Sinkiewicz Anna , Junik Roman , Kubica Jacek 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
Although European guidelines advise oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) before or shortly after hospital discharge, data supporting this recommendation are inconclusive. We aimed to analyze whether disturbances in glucose metabolism diagnosed before hospital discharge in AMI patients represents a latent pre-existing condition or rather temporary finding. Additionally, we planned to investigate the value of pre-selected glycemic control parameters as predictors of long-term glucometabolic state.

Methods
We assessed admission glycemia, glycated hemoglobin, mean blood glucose concentration on days 1 and 2 in 200 patients with a first AMI but without overt disturbances of glucose metabolism. We also performed OGTT at discharge and 3 months after discharge.

Results
The prevalence of disturbances in glucose metabolism (as assessed by OGTT) at 3 months was significantly lower than at discharge (29% vs. 48%, p = 0.0001). Disturbances in glucose metabolism were not confirmed in 63% of patients with impaired glucose tolerance and in 36% of patients with diabetes mellitus diagnosed during the acute phase of AMI. Age >77 years, glucose ≥12.06 mmol/l at 120 minutes during OGTT before discharge and mean blood glucose level on day 2 >7.5 mmol/l were identified as independent predictors of disturbances in glucose metabolism at the 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions
Disturbances in glucose metabolism observed in patients with a first AMI are predominantly transient. Elderly age, high plasma glucose concentration at 120 minutes during OGTT at discharge and elevated mean blood glucose level on day 2 were associated with sustained disturbances in glucose metabolism.
Investigation of pre-structured GaAs surfaces for subsequent site-selective InAs quantum dot growth
Authors: Helfrich Mathieu , Gröger Roland , Förste Alexander , Litvinov Dimitri , Gerthsen Dagmar , Schimmel Thomas , Schaadt Daniel M 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn this study, we investigated pre-structured (100) GaAs sample surfaces with respect to subsequent site-selective quantum dot growth. Defects occurring in the GaAs buffer layer grown after pre-structuring are attributed to insufficient cleaning of the samples prior to regrowth. Successive cleaning steps were analyzed and optimized. A UV-ozone cleaning is performed at the end of sample preparation in order to get rid of remaining organic contamination.
Protocol: A simple phenol-based method for 96-well extraction of high quality RNA from Arabidopsis
Authors: Box Mathew S , Coustham Vincent , Dean Caroline , Mylne Joshua S 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
Many experiments in modern plant molecular biology require the processing of large numbers of samples for a variety of applications from mutant screens to the analysis of natural variants. A severe bottleneck to many such analyses is the acquisition of good yields of high quality RNA suitable for use in sensitive downstream applications such as real time quantitative reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real time qRT-PCR). Although several commercial kits are available for high-throughput RNA extraction in 96-well format, only one non-kit method has been described in the literature using the commercial reagent TRIZOL.

Results
We describe an unusual phenomenon when using TRIZOL reagent with young Arabidopsis seedlings. This prompted us to develop a high-throughput RNA extraction protocol (HTP96) adapted from a well established phenol:chloroform-LiCl method (P:C-L) that is cheap, reliable and requires no specialist equipment. With this protocol 192 high quality RNA samples can be prepared in 96-well format in three hours (less than 1 minute per sample) with less than 1% loss of samples. We demonstrate that the RNA derived from this protocol is of high quality and suitable for use in real time qRT-PCR assays.

Conclusion
The development of the HTP96 protocol has vastly increased our sample throughput, allowing us to fully exploit the large sample capacity of modern real time qRT-PCR thermocyclers, now commonplace in many labs, and develop an effective high-throughput gene expression platform. We propose that the HTP96 protocol will significantly benefit any plant scientist with the task of obtaining hundreds of high quality RNA extractions.
The Effect of Si on the Precipitates for Nb Bearing High Purity Ferritic Stainless Steel
Authors: Ito Masatoshi , Honda Yuma , Aramaki Masatoshi , Kato Yasushi , Furukimi Osamu 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The effect of Si on the precipitation of the Laves phase in high purity 17Cr–0.5Nb ferritic stainless steel was investigated. Precipitation was observed using a scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Quantitative analysis of the amount of precipitates as Laves phase was performed. The precipitation rate of the Laves phase and the equilibrium amount of precipitates of the Laves phase increased with the amount of Si. A Si peak was detected in the Laves phase in 0.5Si steel by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer analysis. It was revealed that precipitation of the Laves phase was promoted and the chemical composition of the Laves phase was changed by the addition of Si.
Crack Growth Resistance of Laser Surface Remelted Nodular Cast Iron
Authors: Šturm Roman , Grum Janez 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The laser surface remelting (LSR) process is applied to modify the surface properties of nodular cast iron and is suitable for manufacture of various machine and tool parts. Usually, studies of surface remelted layers include microstructural and microchemical analyses, measurements of residual stresses, and various wear and corrosion tests. This paper will represent microstructural and microhardness analyses of the thin surface layer after laser remelting of nodular cast iron 500-7. Particular attention is paid to fatigue crack initiation and propagation tests. Crack initiation and growth behavior was assessed under bending test conditions. The comparison is made between as-received nodular cast iron 500-7 and the same material, where one of the surfaces is altered with the LSR process. As the crack propagation is perpendicular to the laser remelted layer, the specimens with a thin laser surface remelted layer exhibited higher resistance to fatigue crack growth in the low stress intensity factor range ΔKth than as-received nodular cast iron specimens. Also, ΔKIC is higher in the case of the laser remelted surface.