bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatocyte growth factor incorporated chitosan nanoparticles augment the differentiation of stem cell into hepatocytes for the recovery of liver cirrhosis in mice
Authors: Pulavendran Sivasami , Rose Chellan , Mandal Asit Baran 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Short half-life and low levels of growth factors in the niche of injured microenvironment necessitates the exogenous and sustainable delivery of growth factors along with stem cells to augment the regeneration of injured tissues.

Methods
Here, recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was incorporated into chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) by ionic gelation method and studied for its morphological and physiological characteristics. Cirrhotic mice received either hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) or mesenchymal stemcells (MSC) with or without HGF incorporated chitosan nanoparticles (HGF-CNP) and saline as control. Biochemical, histological, immunostaining and gene expression assays were carried out using serum and liver tissue samples. One way analysis of variance was used for statics application

Results
Serum levels of selected liver protein and enzymes were significantly increased in the combination of MSC and HGF-CNP (MSC+HGF-CNP) treated group. Immunopositive staining for albumin (Alb) and cytokeratin 18 (CK18), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for Alb, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), CK18, cytokeratin 19 (CK19) ascertained that MSC-HGF-CNP treatment could be an effective combination to repopulate liver parenchymal cells in the liver cirrhosis. Zymogram and western blotting for matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP2 and MMP9) revealed that MMP2 actively involved in the fibrolysis of cirrhotic tissue. Immunostaining for alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and type I collagen showed decreased expression in the MSC+HGF-CNP treatment. These results indicated that HGF-CNP enhanced the differentiation of stem cells into hepatocytes and supported the reversal of fibrolysis of extracellular matrix (ECM).

Conclusion
Bone marrow stem cells were isolated, characterized and transplanted in mice model. Biodegradable biopolymeric nanoparticles were prepared with the pleotrophic protein molecule and it worked well for the differentiation of stem cells, especially mesenchymal phenotypic cells. Transplantation of bone marrow MSC in combination with HGF-CNP could be an ideal approach for the treatment of liver cirrhosis.
Family association study between INSR gene polymorphisms and PCOS in Han Chinese
Authors: Xu Xinghua , Zhao Han , Shi Yuhua , You Li , Bian Yuehong , Zhao Yueran , Chen Zi-Jiang 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disease having both genetic and environmental components. Candidate genes with insulin metabolism have been hypothesized to be involved in the etiology of this syndrome. In the present study, we investigated the genetic association between polymorphisms in the insulin receptor (INSR) gene and PCOS.

Methods
A total of 260 family trios were recruited and performed a family-based analysis to assess linkage and association between four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1799817, rs2059807, rs8108622 and rs10500204) of INSR gene and PCOS.

Results
Using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), we failed to find that rs1799817 (p = 0.486), rs2059807 (p = 0.195), rs8108622 (p = 0.866) and rs10500204 (p = 1.0) were significantly overtransmitted to PCOS offspring from their parents.

Conclusion
No significant evidence of association or linkage was found in the four tested markers, indicating that our family samples did not support susceptibility of the INSR gene to PCOS.
Exogenous nitric oxide decreases brain vascular inflammation, leakage and venular resistance during Plasmodium berghei ANKA infection in mice
Authors: Zanini Graziela M , Cabrales Pedro , Barkho Wisam , Frangos John A , Carvalho Leonardo JM 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundCerebral malaria (CM) is a lethal complication of Plasmodium falciparum infections. In the Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) murine model, CM is associated with marked brain inflammation, increased expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules and leukocyte and platelet accumulation in brain vessels, causing vascular occlusion and decreased blood flow, damaging the endothelium and leading to blood-brain barrier breakdown, leakage and hemorrhages. Exogenous nitric oxide (NO) administration largely prevents the syndrome. Here we evaluated whether the mechanism of action of NO in preventing murine CM is related to its anti-inflammatory properties and to protection of the endothelium.MethodsC57Bl/6 mice infected with PbA were treated twice a day with saline or dipropylenetriamineNONOate (DPTA-NO). Endothelial cell adhesion molecule (ICAM-1, VCAM, E- and P-selectin) expression in brain tissue on day 6 of infection was assessed in both groups by western blot. For intravital microscopy studies, DPTA-NO-treated and saline-treated mice with a previously implanted closed cranial window were injected with albumin-FITC, anti-CD45-TxR and anti-CD41-FITC antibodies on day 6 of infection for quantification of albumin leakage, leukocyte and platelet adherence in pial vessels.ResultsPbA-infected mice treated with the NO-donor DPTA-NO showed decreased expression of ICAM-1 and P-selectin, but not VCAM-1, in the brain, compared to saline-treated mice. DPTA-NO treatment also decreased the number of adherent leukocytes and platelets in pial vessels, particularly in venules 30-50 μm in diameter, decreased inflammatory vascular resistance and prevented the occurrence of arteriolar and venular albumin leakage observed in saline-treated PbA-infected mice, as assessed by intravital microscopy.ConclusionsThese results indicate that the protective effect of exogenous NO on murine CM is associated with decreased brain vascular expression of inflammatory markers resulting in attenuated endothelial junction damage and facilitating blood flow.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a potential biomarker for hepatitis B
Authors: Tan Xu-fei , Wu Shan-shan , Li Shu-ping , Chen Zhi , Chen Feng 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Function exertion of specific proteins are key factors in disease progression, thus the systematical identification of those specific proteins is a prerequisite to understand various diseases. Though many proteins have been verified to impact on hepatitis, no systematical protein screening has been documented to hepatitis B virus (HBV) induced hepatitis, hindering the comprehensive understanding to this severe disease.

Aim
To identify the major proteins in the progression of HBV infection from mild stage to severe stage.

Methods
We performed an integrated strategy by combining two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) analysis, and tissue microarray techniques to screen the functional proteins and detect the localization of those proteins.

Results
Interestingly, MS/MS identification revealed the expression level of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) was significantly elevated in serum samples from patients with severe chronic hepatitis. Immunoblotting with a specific AAT antibody confirmed that AAT is highly expressed in serum samples from patients with hepatic carcinoma and severe chronic hepatitis. Furthermore, we observed that AAT is with highest expression in normal tissue and cells, but lowest in hepatic carcinoma and severe chronic hepatitis tissues and cells, suggesting the specific secretion of AAT from tissues and cells to serum.

Conclusion
These results suggest the possibility of AAT as a potential biomarker for hepatitis B in diagnosis.
Characteristics and PD-1 expression of peripheral CD4+CD127loCD25hiFoxP3+ Treg cells in chronic HCV infected-patients
Authors: Shen Tao , Zheng Jiajia , Liang Hua , Xu Chunhui , Chen Xiangmei , Zhang Ting , Xu Qiang , Lu Fengmin 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Both regulatory T cells (Tregs) and PD-1/PD-L1 pathway were critically involved in HCV viral persistence. However, the association between them was not well investigated. Herein, we aimed to investigate the distributional profiles of Tregs subsets and association between PD-1 expression on these subsets and development of HCV long-term persistence.

Methods
CD45RA and CD27 were employed to separate peripheral Tregs as naïve/central memory/effector memory/effector subsets. The phenotypic characteristics and PD-1 expression of Tregs were studied by flow cytometry.

Results
In the present study, the majority of Tregs was identified as central memory phenotype in chronic hepatitis C patients compared with nearly equal contribution of naïve and central memory subsets in healthy individuals. PD-1 expression was elevated in all CD4+ T cell subset in chronic HCV infected patients, including Tregs. Of note, higher level of PD-1 expression was found on TEM- and effector-Treg than naïve- and TCM-Tregs subsets. The ratio of TEM-Tregs/naive-Tregs and TEM-Tregs/TCM-Tregs regarding to PD-1 MFI were significantly lower in CHC patients compared to controls.

Conclusions
Our study indicated that distinctive characteristics of PD-1 expression on Tregs in HCV infection suggests associated with impaired adaptive immunity as well as viral long-term persistence. The cross talk between Treg cells and PD-1 induced inhibition in chronic HCV infection deserved further exploration for HCV infection associated immune pathogenesis.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B virus genotypes in HBsAg positive individuals of Afghanistan
Authors: Attaullah Sobia , Rehman Saif ur , Khan Sanaullah , Ali Ijaz , Ali Sajid , Khan Shahid Niaz 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
The structural and functional differences between hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes are the mainstay to severity, complications, treatment and possibly vaccination against the virus. This study was conducted to determine the HBV genotypes in HBsAg positive patients of Afghanistan as no such large scale data available previously.

Methods
Two hundred and fourteen HBsAg-positive patients were included in this study. All patients were anti-HCV and anti-HIV negative. All the samples were confirmed for HBV DNA with nested PCR while HBV DNA positive samples were subjected to type specific PCR for HBV genotyping (A-F).

Results
Of the total samples, 168 (78.5%) were males and 46 (21.49%) females, aged ranged between 18 to 71 years. This study demonstrated that genotype D (35.67%) is the predominant genotype circulating in Afghani's population. Genotype C was observed in 32.16% followed by genotype A (19.30%), and genotype B (7.02%) while 6.07% of the individuals were not typed.

Conclusion
This study has shown a heterogeneous distribution of HBV genotypes. Further more, extensive studies are required to investigate genetic and geographical divergence and characteristics of the virus in the country, as no such large sample sized study has been carried out so far in this country.
A comparison of two headless compression screws for operative treatment of scaphoid fractures
Authors: Grewal Ruby , Assini Joseph , Sauder David , Ferreira Louis , Johnson Jim , Faber Kenneth 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the interfragmentary compression force across a simulated scaphoid fracture by two commonly used compression screw systems; the Acutrak 2 Standard and the 3.0 mm Synthes headless compression screw.MethodsSixteen (8 pairs; 6 female, 2 male) cadaver scaphoids were randomly assigned to receive either the Acutrak 2 or Synthes screw with the contralateral scaphoid designated to receive the opposite. Guide wires were inserted under fluoroscopic control. Following transverse osteotomy, the distal and proximal fragments were placed on either side of a custom load cell, to measure interfragmentary compression. Screws were placed under fluoroscopic control using the manufacturer's recommended surgical technique. Compressive forces were measured during screw insertion. Recording continued for an additional 60s in order to measure any loss of compression after installation was complete. The peak and final interfragmentary compression were recorded and paired t-tests performed.ResultsThe mean peak compression generated by the Acutrak 2 Standard was greater than that produced by the Synthes compression screw (103.9 ± 33.2 N vs. 88.7 ± 38.6 N respectively, p = 0.13). The mean final interfragmentary compression generated by the Acutrak 2 screw (68.6 ± 36.4 N) was significantly greater (p = 0.04) than the Synthes screw (37.2 ± 26.8 N). Specimens typically reached a steady state of compression by 120-150s after final tightening.ConclusionPeak interfragmentary compression observed during screw installation was similar for both screw systems. However, the mean interfragmentary compression generated by the Acutrak 2 Standard was significantly greater. Our study demonstrates that the Synthes headless compression screw experienced a greater loss of interfragmentary compressive force from the time of installation to the final steady state compression level. The higher post-installation compression of the Acutrak 2 Standard may be attributable to the greater number of threads throughout the entire length of the screw. The clinical significance of these results, are, at this point uncertain. We do demonstrate that a fully threaded design offers a more reliable compression that may translate to more predictable bony union.
Generation of bivalent chromatin domains during cell fate decisions
Authors: De Gobbi Marco , Garrick David , Lynch Magnus , Vernimmen Douglas , Hughes Jim R , Goardon Nicolas , Luc Sidinh , Lower Karen M , Sloane-Stanley Jacqueline A , Pina Cristina , Soneji Shamit , Renella Raffaele , Enver Tariq , Taylor Stephen , Jacobsen Sten Eirik W , Vyas Paresh , Gibbons Richard J , Higgs Douglas R 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
In self-renewing, pluripotent cells, bivalent chromatin modification is thought to silence (H3K27me3) lineage control genes while 'poising' (H3K4me3) them for subsequent activation during differentiation, implying an important role for epigenetic modification in directing cell fate decisions. However, rather than representing an equivalently balanced epigenetic mark, the patterns and levels of histone modifications at bivalent genes can vary widely and the criteria for identifying this chromatin signature are poorly defined.

Results
Here, we initially show how chromatin status alters during lineage commitment and differentiation at a single well characterised bivalent locus. In addition we have determined how chromatin modifications at this locus change with gene expression in both ensemble and single cell analyses. We also show, on a global scale, how mRNA expression may be reflected in the ratio of H3K4me3/H3K27me3.

Conclusions
While truly 'poised' bivalently modified genes may exist, the original hypothesis that all bivalent genes are epigenetically premarked for subsequent expression might be oversimplistic. In fact, from the data presented in the present work, it is equally possible that many genes that appear to be bivalent in pluripotent and multipotent cells may simply be stochastically expressed at low levels in the process of multilineage priming. Although both situations could be considered to be forms of 'poising', the underlying mechanisms and the associated implications are clearly different.
In vitro and in vivo pre-clinical analysis of a F(ab')2 fragment of panitumumab for molecular imaging and therapy of HER1-positive cancers
Authors: Wong Karen J , Baidoo Kwamena E , Nayak Tapan K , Garmestani Kayhan , Brechbiel Martin W , Milenic Diane E 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to characterize the in vitro and in vivo properties of the F(ab')2 fragment of panitumumab and to investigate its potential for imaging and radioimmunotherapy.

Methods
The panitumumab F(ab')2 was generated by enzymatic pepsin digestion. After the integrity and immunoreactivity of the F(ab')2 was evaluated, the fragment was radiolabeled. In vivo studies included direct quantitation of tumor targeting and normal organ distribution of the radiolabeled panitumumab F(ab')2 as well as planar γ-scintigraphy and PET imaging.

Results
The panitumumab F(ab')2 was successfully produced by peptic digest. The F(ab')2 was modified with the CHX-A"-DTPA chelate and efficiently radiolabeled with either 111In or 86Y. In vivo tumor targeting was achieved with acceptable uptake of radioactivity in the normal organs. The tumor targeting was validated by both imaging modalities with good visualization of the tumor at 24 h.

Conclusions
The panitumumab F(ab')2 fragment is a promising candidate for imaging of HER1-positive cancers.
Association between IL-32 genotypes and outcome in infection-associated acute lung injury
Authors: Arcaroli John J , Liu Nianjun , Yi Nengjun , Abraham Edward 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Our purpose was to investigate variation within the IL-32 promoter and gene, and susceptibility to and outcomes from infection associated acute lung injury (ALI).

Methods
Retrospective case-control study involving healthy individuals (controls) and patients (cases) with infection-associated ALI. Two hundred fifty-eight healthy normal controls and 251 patients with infection-associated ALI were used for comparison. The IL-32 promoter/gene was sequenced in 52 healthy Caucasian individuals to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Allelic discrimination was performed on 11 SNPs to determine differences between cases and controls and outcomes in patients with infection associated ALI.

Results
Logistic and normal regression models were used to evaluate the associations with SNPs in cases and controls, and outcomes in patients with infection associated ALI. rs12934561, an intronic SNP, was found to be associated with risk for ALI in the case-control study and with more severe clinical course, as shown by increased time on the ventilator and the presence of fluid unresponsive hypotension. Further, it was found that rs12934561 has gender-specific effects and strongly interacts with other SNPs.

Conclusions
A common IL-32 genotype, rs12934561, is associated with the risk of ALI as well as the need for prolonged mechanical ventilatory support. This finding suggests that IL-32 is not only involved in the initiating inflammatory and cellular events that result in ALI, but also participates in determining the severity of pulmonary dysfunction associated with ALI.
Phase II Study of Single-Agent Arsenic Trioxide for the Front-Line Therapy of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir , Alimoghaddam Kamran , Rostami Shahrbano , Ghaffari Seyed Hamidolah , Jahani Mohamad , Iravani Massoud , Mousavi Seyed Asadollah , Bahar Babak , Jalili Mahdi 
Published: June 2011

Purpose The long-term follow-up results of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treated with all-trans retinoic acid and chemotherapy show high cure rates. Several studies have shown high efficacy of single-agent arsenic trioxide in newly diagnosed APL. However, long-term follow-up results are needed. Patients and Methods One hundred ninety-seven patients with newly diagnosed APL were treated with arsenic trioxide 0.15 mg/kg daily intravenous infusion until complete remission (CR). After achieving CR, the patients received one to four more courses of therapy with arsenic trioxide as consolidation and were observed with reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction studies from peripheral blood (to detect of minimal residual disease) every 3 months or until relapse or death. Results The morphologic CR rate was 85.8%. The most common cause of remission failure was early death owing to APL differentiation syndrome (13.2%). The most important prognostic factor for early mortality was a high WBC count at presentation. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 66.7% ± 4% (SE). Relapse after 5 years in CR was rare. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate by intention-to-treat analysis was 64.4% ± 4%. In patients who achieved CR, OS and DFS were identical. Conclusion The long-term follow-up of newly diagnosed patients with APL treated with single-agent arsenic trioxide shows high rates of DFS and OS.
Factors affecting success and constraints of introducing interconnected point-of-care glucose meters: findings and recommendations from the GLUMO-Study1
Authors: von Eiff Wilfried , Henke Viola 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Innovative technologies play an important role within the health care sector. They not only improve the quality of treatment and enable life prolonging and life-supporting measures. Within an increasing efficiency and quality orientated competitive environment, they also support the provision of health services by medical service providers, for instance hospitals, and allow them to position themselves within the market and safeguard their competitive edge. Alongside the general financial viability is the actual adaption and acceptance of the innovation by the medical personnel essential for the success of a newly introduced medical device. Innovative technologies often impact the existing processes, making them obsolete which increases the necessity for revision and reorganisation.
A redesign of the processes concerned is generally only feasible through an active integration of all parties concerned. Change management can be seen as an essential requirement to coordinate the introduction of innovations as well as the redesign of processes within hospital wards to increase the clinical and economical success and to decrease possible failings, especially during the introduction phase of the innovation.
Within a study project, the Center for Hospital-Management conducted and analysed the introduction and utilisation of interconnected point-of-care meters in hospitals in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Beside constrains also factors for success which advocate a fast introduction and adaption of the interconnected point-of-care meters could be identified.
Absoluter Aldosteronexzess, Bluthochdruck und koronare Herzerkrankung / Arterial hypertension and cardiovascular disease – absolute aldosterone excess is the tip of the iceberg
Authors: Tomaschitz Andreas , Pilz Stefan , März Winfried 
Published: June 2011

Zusammenfassung
Der arterielle Bluthochdruck ist weltweit einer der wichtigsten Risikofaktoren für vermeidbare Todesfälle. Rund 26% aller Todesfälle in Deutschland sind auf eine inadäquate Erhöhung des arteriellen Blutdrucks zurückzuführen. Für diese höhere Prävalenz dürfte zunehmend auch eine fehlende „awareness“ für kausal behandelbare Ursachen des arteriellen Bluthochdrucks verantwortlich sein.
Der primäre Hyperaldosteronismus (PHA) als absoluter Aldosteronüberschuss gilt heute als die häufigste behandelbare Ursache eines Hochdrucks. Der PHA ist mit einem deutlich erhöhten Risiko für die Entwicklung einer kardiovaskulären Herzerkrankung, Niereninsuffizienz und zerebrovaskulären Insult assoziiert. Die Prävelanz des PHA wird auf 5% bis 12% in hypertensiven und auf 17% bis 23% in therapieresistenten hypertensiven PatientInnen geschätzt. Damit dürften rund 1,2 Millionen Menschen in Deutschland von einem PHA betroffen sein.
Die American Endocrine Society empfiehlt das Screening nach einem PHA mittels Bestimmung des Aldosteron-Renin-Quotienten in bestimmten Risikogruppen. Ein standardisiertes Prozedere dieses Screenings soll falsch positive und falsch negative Ergebnisse vermindern. Rezente Untersuchungen zeigen, dass Aldosteron auch unabhängig von einem PHA ein gewichtiger Risikofaktor für eine erhöhte kardiovaskuläre Sterblichkeit bei Frauen und Männern ist. In Verbindung mit hohem Kochsalzkonsum, prä-existenten Organschäden, oxidativen Stress und eingeschränkter Nierenfunktion ist Aldosteron im Sinne eines relativen Überschusses mit einem erhöhten kardiovaskulären Risiko assoziiert. Eine Kochsalzrestriktion erscheint in diesem Zusammenhang als sinnvoll. Die positiven Effekte einer medikamentösen Aldosteronblockade sollten in weiteren interventionellen Untersuchungen evaluiert werden.