bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High NIHSS Values Predict Impairment of Cardiovascular Autonomic Control
Authors: Hilz Max Josef , Moeller Sebastian , Akhundova Aynur , Marthol Harald , Pauli Elisabeth , De Fina Philipp , Schwab Stefan 
Published: April 2011

Background and Purpose—
Stroke is frequently associated with autonomic dysfunction, which causes secondary cardiovascular complications. Early diagnosis of autonomic imbalance prevents complications, but it is only available at specialized centers. Widely available surrogate markers are needed. This study tested whether stroke severity, as assessed by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, correlates with autonomic dysfunction and thus predicts risk of autonomic complications.

Methods—
In 50 ischemic stroke patients, we assessed NIHSS scores and parameters of autonomic cardiovascular modulation within 24 hours after stroke onset and compared data with that of 32 healthy controls. We correlated NIHSS scores with parameters of total autonomic modulation (total powers of R-R interval [RRI] modulation; RRI standard deviation [RRI-SD], RRI coefficient of variation), parasympathetic modulation (square root of the mean squared differences of successive RRIs, RRI-high-frequency-powers), sympathetic modulation (normalized RRI-low-frequency-powers, blood pressure-low-frequency-powers), the index of sympatho-vagal balance (RRI-LF/HF-ratios), and baroreflex sensitivity.

Results—
Patients had significantly higher blood pressure and respiration, but lower RRIs, RRI-SDs, RRI coefficient of variation, square root of the mean squared differences of successive RRIs, RRI-low-frequency-powers, RRI-high-frequency-powers, RRI-total powers, and baroreflex sensitivity than did controls. NIHSS scores correlated significantly with normalized RRI-low-frequency-powers and RRI-LF/HF-ratios, and indirectly with RRIs, RRI-SDs, square root of the mean squared differences of successive RRIs, RRI-high-frequency-powers, normalized RRI-high-frequency-powers, RRI-total-powers, and baroreflex sensitivity. Spearman-Rho values ranged from 0.29 to 0.47.

Conclusions—
Increasing stroke severity was associated with progressive loss of overall autonomic modulation, decline in parasympathetic tone, and baroreflex sensitivity, as well as progressive shift toward sympathetic dominance. All autonomic changes put patients with more severe stroke at increasing risk of cardiovascular complications and poor outcome. NIHSS scores are suited to predict risk of autonomic dysregulation and can be used as premonitory signs of autonomic failure.
Surgical Revascularization Reverses Cerebral Cortical Thinning in Patients With Severe Cerebrovascular Steno-Occlusive Disease
Authors: Fierstra Jorn , MacLean David B. , Fisher Joseph A. , Han Jay S. , Mandell Daniel M. , Conklin John , Poublanc Julien , Crawley Adrian P. , Regli Luca , Mikulis David J. , Tymianski Michael 
Published: April 2011

Background and Purpose—
Chronic deficiencies in regional blood flow lead to cerebral cortical thinning without evidence of gross tissue loss at the same time as potentially negatively impacting on neurological and cognitive performance. This is most pronounced in patients with severe occlusive cerebrovascular disease in whom affected brain areas exhibit “steal physiology,” a paradoxical reduction of cerebral blood flow in response to a global vasodilatory stimulus intended to increase blood flow. We tested whether surgical brain revascularization that eliminates steal physiology can reverse cortical thinning.

Methods—
We identified 29 patients from our database who had undergone brain revascularization with pre- and postoperative studies of cerebrovascular reactivity using blood oxygen(ation) level-dependent MRI and whose preoperative study exhibited steal physiology without MRI-evident structural abnormalities. Cortical thickness in regions corresponding to steal physiology, and where applicable corresponding areas in the normal hemisphere, were measured using Freesurfer software.

Results—

At an average of 11 months after surgery, cortical thickness increased in every successfully revascularized hemisphere (n=30). Mean cortical thickness in the revascularized regions increased by 5.1% (from 2.40±0.03 to 2.53±0.03;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—
Successful regional revascularization and reversal of steal physiology is followed by restoration of cortical thickness.
Neighborhood Cohesion Is Associated With Reduced Risk of Stroke Mortality
Authors: Clark Cari Jo , Guo Hongfei , Lunos Scott , Aggarwal Neelum T. , Beck Todd , Evans Denis A. , Mendes de Leon Carlos , Everson-Rose Susan A. 
Published: April 2011

Background and Purpose—
Greater social cohesion is related to lower rates of coronary heart disease, but its relation to stroke risk is unstudied. This study examined whether neighborhood social cohesion was protective against stroke mortality and incidence.

Methods—
Data come from 5789 participants (60% female; 62% black; mean age, 74.7 years) in a longitudinal study of chronic diseases in the elderly. Stroke mortality, ascertained through December 31, 2007, was verified through the National Death Index; 186 stroke deaths were identified in 11 years of follow-up. Stroke incidence was determined in a subset (N=3816) with linkage to Medicare claims files; 701 first-ever strokes were identified. Cohesion was measured by 6 items assessing frequency of contact and social interactions with neighbors; items were z-scored and averaged. Individual scores were averaged across 82 census block groups, forming a neighborhood-level measure of social cohesion. Marginal Cox proportional hazard models tested the association of neighborhood-level cohesion with stroke mortality and incidence.

Results—

Each 1-point increase in cohesion related to a 53% reduced risk of stroke mortality (hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.90), adjusting for relevant covariates, including sociodemographics, known stroke risk factors, and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status. A race×cohesion interaction (
P
=0.04) revealed cohesion was protective in whites (hazard ratio, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.67) but not blacks (hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.35 to 3.86). Cohesion was unrelated to stroke incidence (
P
>0.5).

Conclusions—
Neighborhood-level social cohesion was independently protective against stroke mortality. Research is needed to further examine observed race differences and pathways by which cohesion is health-protective.
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Foss Francine M. , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Vose Julie M. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Rosen Steven T. , Tobinai Kensei 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPeripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of clinically aggressive diseases associated with poor outcome. Studies that focus specifically on PTCL are emerging, with the ultimate goal of improved understanding of disease biology and the development of more effective therapies. However, one of the difficulties in classifying and studying treatment options in clinical trials is the rarity of these subtypes. Various groups have developed lymphoma classifications over the years, including the World Health Organization, which updated its classification in 2008. This article briefly reviews the major lymphoma classification schema, highlights contributions made by the collaborative International PTCL Project, discusses prognostic issues and gene expression profiling, and outlines therapeutic approaches to PTCL. These include the standard chemotherapeutic regimens and other modalities incorporating antifolates, conjugates, histone deacetylase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, nucleoside analogs, proteasome inhibitors, and signaling inhibitors. As this review emphasizes, the problem has now evolved into an abundance of drugs and too few patients available to test them. Collaborative groups will aid in future efforts to find the best treatment strategies to improve the outcome for patients with PTCL.
Plasticity of human Th17 cells and iTregs is orchestrated by different subsets of myeloid cells
Authors: Hoechst Bastian , Gamrekelashvili Jaba , Manns Michael P. , Greten Tim F. , Korangy Firouzeh 
Published: April 2011

AbstractCD4+ T helper cell differentiation is essential for mounting robust immune responses without compromising unresponsiveness toward self-tissue. Here, we show that different subsets of myeloid cells isolated from human peripheral blood modulate TGF-β–dependent CD4+ T-cell developmental programs ex vivo. Human CD14+HLA-DR−/low myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) induce Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, whereas CD14+HLA-DR+ monocytes promote generation of IL-17–secreting RORc+ Th17 cells when cocultured with naive CD4+ T cells. More importantly, not only do these 2 subsets modulate the de novo induction of Tregs and Th17 cells from CD4+ T cells, but MDSCs also catalyze the transdifferentiation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells from monocyte-induced Th17 cells. The mechanism of such Th17 plasticity is dependent on MDSC-derived TGF-β and retinoic acid. Our results identify a previously unknown feature of the different subsets of CD14+ myeloid cells namely their pivotal role in immune response regulation and plasticity of CD4+ T helper cells. We propose that different subsets of myeloid cells in humans can orchestrate the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into effector/regulatory T-cell subsets. The balance between these 2 subsets can impact the outcome of immune reaction from inflammation to tolerance.
Chronic GVHD risk score: a Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research analysis
Authors: Arora Mukta , Klein John P. , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Hassebroek Anna , Flowers Mary E. D. , Cutler Corey S. , Urbano-Ispizua Alvaro , Antin Joseph H. , Bolwell Brian J. , Boyiadzis Michael , Cahn Jean-Yves , Cairo Mitchell S. , Isola Luis , Jacobsohn David A. , Jagasia Madan , Klumpp Thomas R. , Lee Stephanie J. , Petersdorf Effie W. , Santarone Stella , Gale Robert Peter , Schouten Harry C. , Spellman Stephen , Wingard John R. , Horowitz Mary M. , Pavletic Steven Z. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Several risk factors are associated with increased mortality in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), but there is considerable variability in the reported factors. Therefore, we evaluated patient, transplantation, and cGVHD characteristics to develop a risk score in 5343 patients with cGVHD. Ten variables were identified as being significant in multivariate analysis of overall survival and nonrelapse mortality (NRM): age, prior acute GVHD, time from transplantation to cGVHD, donor type, disease status at transplantation, GVHD prophylaxis, gender mismatch, serum bilirubin, Karnofsky score, and platelet count. These 10 variables were used to build a cGVHD risk score, and 6 risk groups (RGs) were identified. The 5-year NRM was 5% (1%-9%) in RG1, 20% (19%-23%) in RG2, 33% (29%-37%) in RG3, 43% (40%-46%) in RG4, 63% (53%-74%) in RG5, and 72% (59%-85%) in RG6. The 5-year overall survival was highest at 91% (95% confidence interval [CI]:85%-97%) in RG1, followed by 67% (65%-69%) in RG2, 51% (46%-55%) in RG3, 40% (37%-43%) in RG4, 21% (12%-30%) in RG5, and 4% (0%-9%) in RG6 (all P < .01). This analysis demonstrates the usefulness of data from a large registry to develop risk-score categories for major transplantation outcomes. Validation of this cGVHD risk score is needed in a different population to ensure its broad applicability.
The impact of the competence quorum sensing system on Streptococcus pneumoniaebiofilms varies depending on the experimental model
Authors: Trappetti Claudia , Gualdi Luciana , Di Meola Lorenzo , Jain Prashant , Korir Cindy C , Edmonds Paul , Iannelli Francesco , Ricci Susanna , Pozzi Gianni , Oggioni Marco R 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundDifferent models for biofilm inStreptococcus pneumoniaehave been described in literature. To permit comparison of experimental data, we characterised the impact of the pneumococcal quorum-sensing competence system on biofilm formation in three models. For this scope, we used two microtiter and one continuous culture biofilm system.ResultsIn both microtiter models the competence system influences stability and structure of biofilm in the late attachment phase and synthetic competence stimulating peptide (CSP) restored wild type phenotypes in thecomCmutants unable to produce the peptide. Early attachment of single cells to well bottoms was found for both systems to be competence independent, while later phases, including microcolony formation correlated to an intact competence system. The continuous culture biofilm model was not affected by mutations in the competence locus, but deletion of capsule had a significant impact in this model.ConclusionsSince biofilm remains a largely uncharacterised multi-parameter phenotype it appears to be advisable to exploit more than one model in order to draw conclusion of possible relevance of specific genotypes on pneumococcal physiology.
Impact of interventions to prevent and manage preeclampsia and eclampsia on stillbirths
Authors: Jabeen Mehnaz , Yakoob Mohammad Yawar , Imdad Aamer , Bhutta Zulfiqar A 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundPre-eclampsia and Eclampsia are relatively common complications of pregnancy, leading to considerable maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. We sought to review the effect of aspirin, calcium supplementation, antihypertensive agents and magnesium sulphate on risk stillbirths.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies evaluating the above interventions. We used a standardized abstraction and grading format and performed meta-analyses where data were available from more than one studies. The estimated effect on stillbirths was determined by applying the standard Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG) rules for multiple outcomes. For interventions with insufficient evidence for overall effect, a Delphi process was undertaken to estimate effectiveness.ResultsWe identified 82 relevant studies. For aspirin, maganesium sulphate and use of antihypertensive we found an insignificant decrease in stillbirth and perinatal mortality. For calcium supplementation, there was a borderline significant reduction in stillbirths (RR 0.81, 95 % CI 0.63-1.03). We undertook a Delphi consultation among experts to assess the potential impact of a package of interventions for the management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (antihypertensive, magnesium sulphate and C-section if needed). The Delphi process suggested 20% reduction each in both antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths with the use of this package.ConclusionsDespite promising benefits of calcium supplementation and aspirin use cases on maternal morbidity and eclampsia in high risk cases, further work is needed to ascertain their benefits in relation to stillbirths. The Delphi process undertaken for assessing potential impact of a package of interventions indicated that this could be associated with 20% reduction in stillbirths, for input into LiST.
Changes in total body bone mineral density following a common bone health plan with two versions of a unique bone health supplement: a comparative effectiveness research study
Authors: Michalek Joel E , Preuss Harry G , Croft Harry A , Keith Patti L , Keith Samuel C , Dapilmoto Monika , Perricone Nicholas V , Leckie Robert B , Kaats Gilbert R 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
The US Surgeon General's Report on Bone Health suggests America's bone-health is in jeopardy and issued a "call to action" to develop bone-health plans that: (1) improve nutrition, (2) increase health literacy and, (3) increase physical activity. This study is a response to this call to action.

Methods
After signing an informed consent, 158 adults agreed to follow an open-label bone-health plan for six months after taking a DXA test of bone density, a 43-chemistry blood test panel and a quality of life inventory (AlgaeCal 1). Two weeks after the last subject completed, a second group of 58 was enrolled and followed the identical plan, but with a different bone-health supplement (AlgaeCal 2).

Results
There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline bone mineral density (BMD) or in variables related to BMD (age, sex, weight, percent body fat, fat mass, or fat-free mass). In both groups, no significant differences in BMD or related variables were found between volunteers and non-volunteers or between those who completed per protocol and those who were lost to attrition.
Both groups experienced a significant positive mean annualized percent change (MAPC) in BMD compared to expectation [AlgaeCal 1: 1.15%, p = 0.001; AlgaeCal 2: 2.79%, p = 0.001]. Both groups experienced a positive MAPC compared to baseline, but only AlgaeCal 2 experienced a significant change [AlgaeCal 1: 0.48%, p = 0.14; AlgaeCal 2: 2.18%, p < 0.001]. The MAPC in AlgaeCal 2 was significantly greater than that in AlgaeCal 1 (p = 0.005). The MAPC contrast between compliant and partially compliant subjects was significant for both plans (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003 respectively). No clinically significant changes in a 43-panel blood chemistry test were found nor were there any changes in self-reported quality of life in either group.

Conclusions
Following The Plan for six months with either version of the bone health supplement was associated with significant increases in BMD as compared to expected and, in AlgaeCal 2, the increase from baseline was significantly greater than the increase from baseline in AlgaeCal 1. Increased compliance was associated with greater increases in BMD in both groups. No adverse effects were reported in either group.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01114685
Establishment of persistent infection with foot-and-mouth disease virus in BHK-21 cells
Authors: Huang Xuan , Li Yong , Fang Hui , Zheng Congyi 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is able to cause persistent infection in ruminants besides acute infection and disease. Since the mechanisms of viral persistence and the determining factors are still unknown, in vitro systems help explore and reveal mechanisms of persistence in vivo by providing useful models for the study of RNA genome mutations and evolution. Ammonium chloride, a lysosomotropic agent that raises intralysosomal pH, reduces the yield of FMDV during infection of BHK-21 cells.

Results
The persistent infection with FMDV serotype O in BHK-21 cells was selected and established readily after treatment of ammonium chloride that acts primarily on the cells. Intact virions were observed located inside the endosomes. Viral genome RNAs and specific proteins were detected in the persistent cells to validate the establishment of viral persistence. Infection of the persistent viruses could not form plaques in host cells but virulence was enhanced. Basing on analysis and comparison of cDNA sequences of resident viruses and wild type viruses, 15 amine acid mutations were found, all of which were located in nonstructural proteins rather than in structural proteins.

Conclusions
Therefore, persistent infection of cell cultures with FMDV is successfully established with some distinctive features. It would be worthwhile to further investigate the mechanisms of viral persistence.
Synthesis and Characterization of Thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine Materials for Solution-processible Organic Red Light-emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Qing , Li Jiuyan , Deng Lijun , Wang Qian , Gao Zhanxian , Liu Di 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Two novel thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine-cored molecules, P-DTP and TP-DTP, are synthesized and are characterized by extra large Stokes shifts of over 300 nm. The bulky polyaromatic arms enable these molecules to be solution processible and provide site-isolation on the planar emissive core. They exhibit saturated red electroluminescence in nondoped organic light-emitting diodes fabricated by spin coating.
[9]Cycloparaphenylene: Nickel-mediated Synthesis and Crystal Structure
Authors: Segawa Yasutomo , Šenel Petr , Matsuura Sanae , Omachi Haruka , Itami Kenichiro 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Nickel-mediated synthesis of [9]cycloparaphenylene ([9]CPP) is described. L-shaped diphenylcyclohexane monomers underwent cyclotrimerization under the influence of [Ni(cod)2]/bipy. X-ray crystal-structure analysis and VT NMR analysis of the thus-formed cyclic trimer confirmed its triangle structure and interesting cyclohexane-flipping behavior in solution. Cyclic trimer was converted to [9]CPP by acid-mediated aromatization. The first X-ray crystal structure of [9]CPP is also described.
Sexual Orientation and Mortality Among US Men Aged 17 to 59 Years: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III
Authors: Cochran Susan D. , Mays Vickie M. 
Published: April 2011

Objectives. We investigated associations between minority sexual orientation and mortality among US men. Methods. We used data from a retrospective cohort of 5574 men aged 17 to 59 years, first interviewed in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III; 1988–1994) and then followed for mortality status up to 18 years later. We classified men into 3 groups: those reporting (1) any same-sex sexual partners (men who have sex with men [MSM]; n = 85), (2) only female sexual partners (n = 5292), and (3) no sexual partners (n = 197). Groups were then compared for all-cause mortality, HIV-related mortality, suicide-related mortality, and non–HIV-related mortality. Results. Compared with heterosexual men, MSM evidenced greater all-cause mortality. Approximately 13% of MSM died from HIV-related causes compared with 0.1% of men reporting only female partners. However, mortality risk from non–HIV-related causes, including suicide, was not elevated among MSM. Conclusions. In the United States, the HIV epidemic continues to be the major contributing factor for premature death rates among MSM. Cohorts such as the NHANES III offer a unique opportunity to track the effects of the HIV epidemic on this population.
Public Health Implications of Same-Sex Marriage
Authors: Buffie William C. 
Published: April 2011

Significantly compromised health care delivery and adverse health outcomes are well documented for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community in the United States compared with the population at large. LGBT individuals subject to societal prejudice in a heterosexist world also suffer from the phenomenon known as “minority stress,” with its attendant negative mental and physical health effects. Reports in the medical and social science literature suggest that legal and social recognition of same-sex marriage has had positive effects on the health status of this at-risk community. Improved outcomes are to be expected because of the improved access to health care conferred by marriage benefits under federal or state law and as a result of attenuating the effects of institutionalized stigma on a sexual minority group.
The Blind Spot in the Drive for Childhood Obesity Prevention: Bringing Eating Disorders Prevention Into Focus as a Public Health Priority
Authors: Austin S. Bryn 
Published: April 2011

Public health attention to childhood obesity has increased in tandem with the growing epidemic, but despite this intense focus, successes in prevention have lagged far behind. There is a blind spot in our drive for childhood obesity prevention that prevents us from generating sufficiently broad solutions. Eating disorders and the constellation of perilous weight-control behaviors are in that blind spot. Evidence is mounting that obesity and eating disorders are linked in myriad ways, but entrenched myths about eating disorders undermine our ability to see the full range of leverage points to target in obesity preventive intervention studies. Our efforts to prevent childhood obesity can no longer afford to ignore eating disorders and the assemblage of related behaviors that persist unabated.