bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiopulmonary bypass management and acute renal failure: risk factors and prognosis
Authors: Sirvinskas E , Andrejaitiene J , Raliene L , Nasvytis L , Karbonskiene A , Pilvinis V , Sakalauskas J 
Published: May 2009

The aim of the study was to investigate if acute renal failure (ARF) following cardiac surgery is influenced by CPB perfusion pressure and to determine risk factors of ARF. Our research consisted of two studies. In the first study, 179 adult patients with normal preoperative renal function who had been subjected to cardiac surgery on CPB were randomized into three groups. The mean perfusion pressure (PP) during CPB in Group 65 (68 patients) was 60–69.9 mmHg, in Group 55 (59 patients) – lower than 60 mmHg and in Group 75 (52 patients) – 70 mmHg and higher. We have analyzed postoperative variables: central venous pressure, the need for diuretics, urine output, fluid balance, acidosis, potassium level in blood serum, the need for hemotransfusions, nephrological, cardiovascular and respiratory complications, duration of artificial lung ventilation, duration of stay in ICU and in hospital, and mortality. In the second study, to identify the risk factors for the development of ARF following CPB, we retrospectively analysed data of all 179 patients, divided into two groups: patients who developed ARF after surgery (group with ARF, n = 19) and patients without ARF (group without ARF, n = 160). We found that urine output during surgery was statistically significantly lower in Group 55 than in Groups 65 and 75. The incidence of ARF in the early postoperative period did not differ among the groups: it developed in 6% of all patients in Group 65, 4% in Group 55 and 6% in Group 75. There were no differences in the rate of other complications (cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological disorders, bleeding, etc) among the groups. There were 19 cases of ARF (10.6%), but none of these patients needed dialysis. We found that age (70.0 ± 7.51 vs. 63.5 ± 10.54 [standard deviation, SD], P = 0.016), valve replacement and/or reconstruction surgery (57.9% vs. 27.2%, P = 0,011), combined valve and CABG surgery (15.8% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.004), duration of CPB (134.74 ± 62.02 vs. 100.59 ± 43.99 min., P = 0.003) and duration of aortic cross-clamp (75.11 ± 35.78 vs. 53.45 ± 24.19 min., P = 0.001) were the most important independent risk factors for ARF. Cardiopulmonary bypass perfusion pressure did not cause postoperative renal failure. The age of patient, valve surgery procedures, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and duration of aorta cross-clamp are potential causative factors for acute renal failure after cardiac surgery.
Outcome after coronary artery bypass surgery with miniaturized versus conventional cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Rimpiläinen R , Biancari F , Wistbacka JO , Loponen P , Koivisto SP , Rimpiläinen J , Teittinen K , Nissinen J 
Published: May 2009

We have reviewed the results of our experience with the use of miniaturized (Mini-CPB) versus conventional (C-CPB) cardiopulmonary bypass in coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). This study included 365 patients who underwent CABG with C-CPB and 101 patients with Mini-CPB. In-hospital mortality was lower in the C-CPB group (1.4% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.38). A better, but not statistically significant, immediate outcome was observed in the C-CPB group as indicated by a shorter length of stay in the intensive care unit as well as a lower incidence of combined adverse end-point. However, this was probably due to significantly higher operative risk in the Mini-CPB group (logistic EuroSCORE: 8.5 ± 10.0 vs. 4.6 ± 7.1, P < 0.0001). Seventy-seven propensity score-matched pairs had similar immediate postoperative results after Mini-CPB and C-CPB (30-day mortality: 1.3% vs. 1.3%; stroke: 0% vs. 0%; intensive care unit stay ≥5 days: 6.5% vs. 9.1%; combined adverse events: 14.3% vs. 11.7%). Mini-CPB achieves similar results to C-CPB in patients undergoing isolated CABG. The potential efficacy of Mini-CPB is expected to be more evident in high-risk patients or in complex cardiac surgery requiring much longer cardiopulmonary perfusion.
CCL21 mediates CD4+ T-cell costimulation via a DOCK2/Rac-dependent pathway
Authors: Gollmer Kathrin , Asperti-Boursin François , Tanaka Yoshihiko , Okkenhaug Klaus , Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Peterson Jeffrey R. , Fukui Yoshinori , Donnadieu Emmanuel , Stein Jens V. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractCD4+ T cells use the chemokine receptor CCR7 to home to and migrate within lymphoid tissue, where T-cell activation takes place. Using primary T-cell receptor (TCR)–transgenic (tg) CD4+ T cells, we explored the effect of CCR7 ligands, in particular CCL21, on T-cell activation. We found that the presence of CCL21 during early time points strongly increased in vitro T-cell proliferation after TCR stimulation, correlating with increased expression of early activation markers. CCL21 costimulation resulted in increased Ras- and Rac-GTP formation and enhanced phosphorylation of Akt, MEK, and ERK but not p38 or JNK. Kinase-dead PI3KδD910A/D910A or PI3Kγ-deficient TCR-tg CD4+ T cells showed similar responsiveness to CCL21 costimulation as control CD4+ T cells. Conversely, deficiency in the Rac guanine exchange factor DOCK2 significantly impaired CCL21-mediated costimulation in TCR-tg CD4+ T cells, concomitant with impaired Rac- but not Ras-GTP formation. Using lymph node slices for live monitoring of T-cell behavior and activation, we found that G protein-coupled receptor signaling was required for early CD69 expression but not for Ca2+ signaling. Our data suggest that the presence of CCL21 during early TCR signaling lowers the activation threshold through Ras- and Rac-dependent pathways leading to increased ERK phosphorylation.
Activation of cAMP signaling inhibits DNA damage–induced apoptosis in BCP-ALL cells through abrogation of p53 accumulation
Authors: Naderi Elin Hallan , Findley Harry W. , Ruud Ellen , Blomhoff Heidi Kiil , Naderi Soheil 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIn lymphocytes, the second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) plays a well-established antiproliferative role through inhibition of G1/S transition and S-phase progression. We have previously demonstrated that, during S-phase arrest, cAMP inhibits the action of S phase–specific cytotoxic compounds, leading to reduction in their apoptotic response. In this report, we provide evidence that cAMP can also inhibit the action of DNA-damaging agents independently of its effect on S phase. Elevation of cAMP in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells is shown to profoundly inhibit the apoptotic response to ionizing radiation, anthracyclins, alkylating agents, and platinum compounds. We further demonstrate that this effect depends on the ability of elevated cAMP levels to quench DNA damage–induced p53 accumulation by increasing the p53 turnover, resulting in attenuated Puma and Bax induction, mitochondrial outer membrane depolarization, caspase activation, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. On the basis of our findings, we suggest that cAMP levels may influence p53 function in malignant cells that retain wild-type p53, potentially affecting p53 both as a tumor suppressor during cancer initiation and maintenance, and as an effector of the apoptotic response to DNA-damaging agents during anticancer treatment.
Global optimal eBURST analysis of multilocus typing data using a graphic matroid approach
Authors: Francisco Alexandre P , Bugalho Miguel , Ramirez Mário , Carriço João A 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) is a frequently used typing method for the analysis of the clonal relationships among strains of several clinically relevant microbial species. MLST is based on the sequence of housekeeping genes that result in each strain having a distinct numerical allelic profile, which is abbreviated to a unique identifier: the sequence type (ST). The relatedness between two strains can then be inferred by the differences between allelic profiles. For a more comprehensive analysis of the possible patterns of evolutionary descent, a set of rules were proposed and implemented in the eBURST algorithm. These rules allow the division of a data set into several clusters of related strains, dubbed clonal complexes, by implementing a simple model of clonal expansion and diversification. Within each clonal complex, the rules identify which links between STs correspond to the most probable pattern of descent. However, the eBURST algorithm is not globally optimized, which can result in links, within the clonal complexes, that violate the rules proposed.

Results
Here, we present a globally optimized implementation of the eBURST algorithm – goeBURST. The search for a global optimal solution led to the formalization of the problem as a graphic matroid, for which greedy algorithms that provide an optimal solution exist. Several public data sets of MLST data were tested and differences between the two implementations were found and are discussed for five bacterial species: Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Campylobacter jejuni and Neisseria spp.. A novel feature implemented in goeBURST is the representation of the level of tiebreak rule reached before deciding if a link should be drawn, which can used to visually evaluate the reliability of the represented hypothetical pattern of descent.

Conclusion
goeBURST is a globally optimized implementation of the eBURST algorithm, that identifies alternative patterns of descent for several bacterial species. Furthermore, the algorithm can be applied to any multilocus typing data based on the number of differences between numeric profiles. A software implementation is available at http://goeBURST.phyloviz.net.
Erratum to: The extracellular Leucine-Rich Repeat superfamily; a comparative survey and analysis of evolutionary relationships and expression patterns
Authors: Dolan Jackie , Walshe Karen , Alsbury Samantha , Hokamp Karsten , O'Keeffe Sean , Okafuji Tatsuya , Miller Suzanne FC , Tear Guy , Mitchell Kevin J 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Correction to Dolan J, Walshe K, Alsbury S, Hokamp K, O'Keeffe S, Okafuji T, Miller SF, Tear G, Mitchell KJ: The extracellular leucine-rich repeat superfamily; a comparative survey and analysis of evolutionary relationships and expression patterns. BMC Genomics 2007, 8:320.
A postal survey of data in general practice on the prevalence of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) in patients aged 18–65 in one county in the west of Ireland
Authors: Finnerty Fionnuala , Glynn Liam , Dineen Brendan , Colfer Finbarr , MacFarlane Anne 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Very little is known about the prevalence of acquired brain injury (ABI) in Ireland. ABI prevalence has previously been obtained from Belgian general practitioners using a postal survey. We attempted to ascertain the prevalence of ABI in County Mayo through a postal survey of all general practitioners in the county.
The specific objectives of this project were to:
1. identify whether general practitioners are
a. aware of patients with ABI aged 18–65 in their practices
b. able to provide prevalence data on ABI in patients aged 18–65
c. able to provide data on age, gender and patient diagnosis
2. analyse prevalence of ABI from any available data from general practitioners.

Methods
A pilot postal survey was performed initially in order to assess the feasibility of the study. It was established that general practitioners did have the necessary information required to complete the questionnaire. A main postal survey was then undertaken. A postal questionnaire was administered to all general practices in County Mayo in the west of Ireland (n = 59). The response rate was 32.2% (n = 19).

Results
General practitioners who replied on behalf of their practice could provide data on patient age, gender and diagnosis. In the nineteen practices, there were 57 patients with ABI. The age-specific prevalence of ABI in the area surveyed was estimated at 183.7 per 100,000. The mean patient population per practice was 2,833 (SD = 950). There were found to be significantly more patients with ABI in rural areas than urban areas (p = 0.006). There were also significant differences in the ages of patients in the different ABI categories. Patients whose ABI was of traumatic origin were significantly younger than those patients with ABI of haemorrhagic origin (p = 0.002).

Conclusion
Although this is a small-scale study, we have ascertained that general practitioners do have data on patients with ABI. Also, some prevalence data now exist where none was available before. These can be used to form the basis of a more substantial programme of university/community partnership research which could provide medical and psychosocial benefits for people with ABI and their families.
Macroscopic extent of gastric mucosal atrophy: increased risk factor for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Akiyama Tomoyuki , Inamori Masahiko , Iida Hiroshi , Endo Hiroki , Hosono Kunihiro , Yoneda Kyoko , Fujita Koji , Yoneda Masato , Takahashi Hirokazu , Goto Ayumu , Abe Yasunobu , Kirikoshi Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Kubota Kensuke , Saito Satoru , Rino Yasushi , Nakajima Atsushi 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
We aimed to estimate whether the macroscopic extent of gastric mucosal atrophy is associated with a risk for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using a case-control study in Japanese subjects, a population known to have a high prevalence of CagA-positive H. pylori infection.

Methods
Two hundred and fifty-three patients who were diagnosed as having esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and 253 sex- and age-matched controls were enrolled in the present study. The macroscopic extent of gastric mucosal atrophy was evaluated based on the Kimura and Takemoto Classification. A conditional logistic regression model with adjustment for potential confounding factors was used to assess the associations.

Results
Body gastritis, defined endoscopically, was independently associated with an increased risk for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that macroscopic body gastritis may be a risk factor for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Japan. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Quality assessment of an interferon-gamma release assay for tuberculosis infection in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Hang Nguyen TL , Ishizuka Naoki , Keicho Naoto , Hong Le T , Tam Do B , Thu Vu TX , Matsushita Ikumi , Harada Nobuyuki , Higuchi Kazue , Sakurada Shinsaku , Lien Luu T 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
When a test for diagnosis of infectious diseases is introduced in a resource-limited setting, monitoring quality is a major concern. An optimized design of experiment and statistical models are required for this assessment.

Methods
Interferon-gamma release assay to detect tuberculosis (TB) infection from whole blood was tested in Hanoi, Viet Nam. Balanced incomplete block design (BIBD) was planned and fixed-effect models with heterogeneous error variance were used for analysis. In the first trial, the whole blood from 12 donors was incubated with nil, TB-specific antigens or mitogen. In 72 measurements, two laboratory members exchanged their roles in harvesting plasma and testing for interferon-gamma release using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. After intervention including checkup of all steps and standard operation procedures, the second trial was implemented in a similar manner.

Results
The lack of precision in the first trial was clearly demonstrated. Large within-individual error was significantly affected by both harvester and ELISA operator, indicating that both of the steps had problems. After the intervention, overall within-individual error was significantly reduced (P < 0.0001) and error variance was no longer affected by laboratory personnel in charge, indicating that a marked improvement could be objectively observed.

Conclusion
BIBD and analysis of fixed-effect models with heterogeneous variance are suitable and useful for objective and individualized assessment of proficiency in a multistep diagnostic test for infectious diseases in a resource-constrained laboratory. The action plan based on our findings would be worth considering when monitoring for internal quality control is difficult on site.
Feasibility, design and conduct of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial to reduce overweight and obesity in children: The electronic games to aid motivation to exercise (eGAME) study
Authors: Maddison Ralph , Foley Louise , Ni Mhurchu Cliona , Jull Andrew , Jiang Yannan , Prapavessis Harry , Rodgers Anthony , Vander Hoorn Stephen , Hohepa Maea , Schaaf David 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in developed countries. Sedentary screen-based activities such as video gaming are thought to displace active behaviors and are independently associated with obesity. Active video games, where players physically interact with images onscreen, may have utility as a novel intervention to increase physical activity and improve body composition in children. The aim of the Electronic Games to Aid Motivation to Exercise (eGAME) study is to determine the effects of an active video game intervention over 6 months on: body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, waist circumference, cardio-respiratory fitness, and physical activity levels in overweight children.

Methods/Design
Three hundred and thirty participants aged 10–14 years will be randomized to receive either an active video game upgrade package or to a control group (no intervention).

Discussion
An overview of the eGAME study is presented, providing an example of a large, pragmatic randomized controlled trial in a community setting. Reflection is offered on key issues encountered during the course of the study. In particular, investigation into the feasibility of the proposed intervention, as well as robust testing of proposed study procedures is a critical step prior to implementation of a large-scale trial.

Trial registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12607000632493
Luciferase activity under direct ligand-dependent control of a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Thor Doreen , Le Duc Diana , Strotmann Rainer , Schöneberg Torsten 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Controlling enzyme activity by ligand binding to a regulatory domain of choice may have many applications e.g. as biosensors and as tools in regulating cellular functions. However, until now only a small number of ligand-binding domains have been successfully linked to enzyme activity. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are capable of recognizing an extraordinary structural variety of extracellular signals including inorganic and organic molecules. Ligand binding to GPCR results in conformational changes involving the transmembrane helices. Here, we assessed whether ligand-induced conformational changes within the GPCR helix bundle can be utilized to control the activity of an integrated enzyme.

Results
As a proof of principle, we inserted the luciferase amino acid sequence into the third intracellular loop of the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. This fusion protein retained both receptor and enzyme function. Receptor blockers slightly but significantly reduced enzyme activity. By successive deletion mutagenesis the enzyme activity was optimally coupled to ligand-induced conformational helix movements.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that in engineered GPCR-enzyme chimeras, intracellular enzyme activity can be directly controlled by a GPCR serving as the extracellular ligand-binding domain.
Replication of porcine circoviruses
Authors: Faurez Florence , Dory Daniel , Grasland Béatrice , Jestin André 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Porcine circoviruses are circular single-stranded DNA viruses that infect swine and wild boars. Two species of porcine circoviruses exist. Porcine circovirus type 1 is non pathogenic contrary to porcine circovirus type 2 which is associated with the disease known as Post-weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome. Porcine circovirus DNA has been shown to replicate by a rolling circle mechanism. Other studies have revealed similar mechanisms of rolling-circle replication in plasmids and single-stranded viruses such as Geminivirus. Three elements are important in rolling-circle replication: i) a gene encoding initiator protein, ii) a double strand origin, and iii) a single strand origin. However, differences exist between viruses and plasmids and between viruses. Porcine circovirus replication probably involves a "melting pot" rather than "cruciform" rolling-circle mechanism.
This review provides a summary of current knowledge of replication in porcine circoviruses as models of the Circovirus genus. Based on various studies, the factors affecting replication are defined and the mechanisms involved in the different phases of replication are described or proposed.
Transduction of rat pancreatic islets with pseudotyped adeno-associated virus vectors
Authors: Craig Anthony T , Gavrilova Oksana , Dwyer Nancy K , Jou William , Pack Stephanie , Liu Eric , Pechhold Klaus , Schmidt Michael , McAlister Victor J , Chiorini John A , Blanchette-Mackie E Joan , Harlan David M , Owens Roland A 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising treatment for type I diabetes mellitus, but current immunosuppressive strategies do not consistently provide long-term survival of transplanted islets. We are therefore investigating the use of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as gene therapy vectors to transduce rat islets with immunosuppressive genes prior to transplantation into diabetic mice.

Results
We compared the transduction efficiency of AAV2 vectors with an AAV2 capsid (AAV2/2) to AAV2 vectors pseudotyped with AAV5 (AAV2/5), AAV8 (AAV2/8) or bovine adeno-associated virus (BAAV) capsids, or an AAV2 capsid with an insertion of the low density lipoprotein receptor ligand from apolipoprotein E (AAV2apoE), on cultured islets, in the presence of helper adenovirus infection to speed expression of a GFP transgene. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry were used. The AAV2/5 vector was superior to AAV2/2 and AAV2/8 in rat islets. Flow cytometry indicated AAV2/5-mediated gene expression in approximately 9% of rat islet cells and almost 12% of insulin-positive cells. The AAV2/8 vector had a higher dependence on the helper virus multiplicity of infection than the AAV 2/5 vector. In addition, the BAAV and AAV2apoE vectors were superior to AAV2/2 for transducing rat islets. Rat islets (300 per mouse) transduced with an AAV2/5 vector harboring the immunosuppressive transgene, tgfβ1, retain the ability to correct hyperglycemia when transplanted into immune-deficient diabetic mice.

Conclusion
AAV2/5 vectors may therefore be useful for pre-treating donor islets prior to transplantation.