bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterisation of biologically compatible TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Cheyne Richard W , Smith Tim AD , Trembleau Laurent , Mclaughlin Abbie C 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
We describe for the first time the synthesis of biocompatible TiO2 nanoparticles containing a functional NH2 group which are easily dispersible in water. The synthesis of water dispersible TiO2 nanoparticles coated with mercaptosuccinic acid is also reported. We show that it is possible to exchange the stearic acid from pre-synthesised fatty acid-coated anatase 5-nm nanoparticles with a range of organic ligands with no change in the size or morphology. With further organic functionalisation, these nanoparticles could be used for medical imaging or to carry cytotoxic radionuclides for radioimmunotherapy where ultrasmall nanoparticles will be essential for rapid renal clearance.
Revelation of graphene-Au for direct write deposition and characterization
Authors: Bhandari Shweta , Deepa Melepurath , Joshi Amish G , Saxena Aditya P , Srivastava Avanish K 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Graphene nanosheets were prepared using a modified Hummer's method, and Au-graphene nanocomposites were fabricated by in situ reduction of a gold salt. The as-produced graphene was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). In particular, the HR-TEM demonstrated the layered crystallites of graphene with fringe spacing of about 0.32 nm in individual sheets and the ultrafine facetted structure of about 20 to 50 nm of Au particles in graphene composite. Scanning helium ion microscopy (HIM) technique was employed to demonstrate direct write deposition on graphene by lettering with gaps down to 7 nm within the chamber of the microscope. Bare graphene and graphene-gold nanocomposites were further characterized in terms of their composition and optical and electrical properties.
Expression of il-23/th17 pathway in a murine model of coxsackie virus b3-induced viral myocarditis
Authors: Yang Fan , Wu Wei-Feng , Yan Yu-Luan , Pang Yu , Kong Qing , Huang Yan-Lan 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe IL-23/Th17 pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Whether it regulates the viral myocarditis (VMC) is unknown.ResultsTo examine the pathogenesis role of IL-23/Th17 axis in VMC, we used male BALB/c mice to induced VMC by Coxsackie virus B3 (CVB3) peritoneal injection. IL-23, IL-17, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mRNA in the myocardium of VMC mice were assessed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. IL-23 and IL-17 protein from blood serum were evaluated by ELISA. Phosphorylated-STAT3 (p-STAT3) protein expression in the myocardium was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Flow cytometric analysis was used to evaluate the frequencies of Th17 subsets. Isolated CD4+T cells from VMC mice were cultured with recombinant IL-23(rIL-23)in vitro. In addition, a STAT3-specific inhibitor (S3I-201) was used to test whether regulation of STAT3 could be partly responsible for Th17 diminution. Results showed that expression of IL-23, IL-17, STAT3 mRNA and protein increased in VMC mice. When purified CD4+T cells derived from VMC mice were culturedin vitrowith rIL-23, the frequency of Th17 cells was dramatically increased, accompanied by significantly enhanced production of IL-17 in the supernatants of cultured CD4+T cells. S3I-201 significantly restrained Th17 cell proliferation.ConclusionsThe IL-23/Th17 pathway axis is strongly expressed in murine VMC, identifying a novel pathway of potential significance in viral myocarditis.
Immunogenicity in mice and rhesus monkeys vaccinated with recombinant vaccinia virus expressing bivalent E7E6 fusion proteins from human papillomavirus types 16 and 18
Authors: Zhao Li , Liu Binlei , Ren Jiao , Feng Jing , Pang Zheng , Gao Jian , Zhang Hui , Tan Wenjie , Tian Houwen , Ruan Li 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundPersistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is a predominant cause of cervical cancer, and HPV16 and HPV18 occur in 50% and 20% of cervical cancer cases, respectively. The viral oncogenes E6 and E7 are constitutively expressed by HPV-associated tumour cells and can therefore be used as target antigens for immunotherapy. In this study, we constructed a recombinant vaccinia virus co-expressing the HPV16/18 E7E6 fusion proteins (rVVJ16/18E7E6) for use as a therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of HPV16+and HPV18+cancers.MethodsWe constructed a bivalent recombinant vaccinia virus expressing modified E7E6 fusion proteins of HPV type 16 and 18 (rVVJ16/18E7E6) based on the vaccinia virus Tiantan strain. We then defined the cellular immune responses to the virus in mice and rhesus monkeys and assessed antitumour efficacy of these responses in mice using the TC-1 tumour challenge model.ResultsOur data demonstrated that rVVJ16/18E7E6 was able to elicit varying levels of CD8+T cell immune responses and lysis of target cells in mice in response to peptides HPV16E749-57and HPV18E667-75. Furthermore, the virus was also able to induce anti-tumour responses in the HPV16+TC-1 tumour challenge model, including partial protection (30-40%) and delayed tumour appearance. In addition, the virus was able to induce immune responses in rhesus monkeys.ConclusionsThe recombinant vaccinia virus rVVJ16/18E7E6 can generate clear and significant cellular immunity in both mice and rhesus monkeys. These data provide a basis for the use of this recombinant virus as a potential vaccine candidate for further study.
Multi-locus sequence typing of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis strains in Japan between 1973 and 2004
Authors: Noda Tamie , Murakami Koichi , Asai Tetsuo , Etoh Yoshiki , Ishihara Tomoe , Kuroki Toshiro , Horikawa Kazumi , Fujimoto Shuji 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) was responsible for a worldwide pandemic during the 1980s and 1990s; however, changes in the dominant lineage before and after this event remain unknown. This study determined S. Enteritidis lineages before and after this pandemic event in Japan using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Thirty S. Enteritidis strains were collected in Japan between 1973 and 2004, consisting of 27 human strains from individual episodes, a bovine strain, a liquid egg strain and an eggshell strain. Strains showed nine phage types and 17 pulsed-field profiles with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. All strains had homologous type 11 sequences without any nucleotide differences in seven housekeeping genes. These MLST results suggest that S. Enteritidis with the diversities revealed by phage typing and pulsed-field profiling has a highly clonal population. Although type 11 S. Enteritidis may exhibit both pleiotropic surface structure and pulsed-field type variation, it is likely to be a stable lineage derived from an ancestor before the 1980s and/or 1990s pandemic in Japan.
Detection of changes in gene regulatory patterns, elicited by perturbations of the Hsp90 molecular chaperone complex, by visualizing multiple experiments with an animation
Authors: Echeverría Pablo C , Forafonov Fedor , Pandey Deo P , Mühlebach Guillaume , Picard Didier 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
To make sense out of gene expression profiles, such analyses must be pushed beyond the mere listing of affected genes. For example, if a group of genes persistently display similar changes in expression levels under particular experimental conditions, and the proteins encoded by these genes interact and function in the same cellular compartments, this could be taken as very strong indicators for co-regulated protein complexes. One of the key requirements is having appropriate tools to detect such regulatory patterns.

Results
We have analyzed the global adaptations in gene expression patterns in the budding yeast when the Hsp90 molecular chaperone complex is perturbed either pharmacologically or genetically. We integrated these results with publicly accessible expression, protein-protein interaction and intracellular localization data. But most importantly, all experimental conditions were simultaneously and dynamically visualized with an animation. This critically facilitated the detection of patterns of gene expression changes that suggested underlying regulatory networks that a standard analysis by pairwise comparison and clustering could not have revealed.

Conclusions
The results of the animation-assisted detection of changes in gene regulatory patterns make predictions about the potential roles of Hsp90 and its co-chaperone p23 in regulating whole sets of genes. The simultaneous dynamic visualization of microarray experiments, represented in networks built by integrating one's own experimental with publicly accessible data, represents a powerful discovery tool that allows the generation of new interpretations and hypotheses.
Magnesium concentration in amniotic fluid in the early weeks of the second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Bocos Terraz Julia Pilar , Izquierdo Álvarez Silvia , Bancalero Flores Jose Luis , González López Ángel , Escanero Marcén Jesús Fernando 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
We analyse magnesium levels in amniotic fluid to establish normal values for the 14th to 18th week of pregnancy and establish critical values that could be useful diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for possible complications.

Findings
Ninety-two samples of amniotic fluid obtained by amniocentesis as well as the corresponding serum samples of pregnant women were analysed. The gestational age (mean ± SD) at which the amniotic fluid sample was obtained was 16.13 ± 1.87 weeks. Magnesium levels were determined by colorimetric assay with chlorophosphonazo-III using the the Cobas c 501 analyser (Roche Diagnostics). Statistical treatment of data was performed using the SPSS program, version 15.0.
Results revealed a mean magnesium value of 1.65 ± 0.16 mg/dL in amniotic fluid and 1.97 ± 0.23 mg/dL in serum.

Conclusions
It would be interesting to extend the study to a larger number of pregnant women to determine variations in normal magnesium values in the three trimesters of pregnancy.
FGF-23 and PTH levels in patients with acute kidney injury: A cross-sectional case series study
Authors: Zhang MaryAnn , Hsu Raymond , Hsu Chi-yuan , Kordesch Kristina , Nicasio Erica , Cortez Alfredo , McAlpine Ian , Brady Sandra , Zhuo Hanjing , Kangelaris Kirsten N , Stein John , Calfee Carolyn S , Liu Kathleen D 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), a novel regulator of mineral metabolism, is markedly elevated in chronic kidney disease and has been associated with poor long-term outcomes. However, whether FGF-23 has an analogous role in acute kidney injury is unknown. The goal of this study was to measure FGF-23 levels in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury to determine whether FGF-23 levels were elevated, as in chronic kidney disease.

Methods
Plasma FGF-23 and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured in 12 patients with acute kidney injury and 8 control subjects.

Results
FGF-23 levels were significantly higher in acute kidney injury cases than in critically ill subjects without acute kidney injury, with a median FGF-23 level of 1948 RU/mL (interquartile range (IQR), 437-4369) in cases compared with 252 RU/mL (IQR, 65-533) in controls (p = 0.01). No correlations were observed between FGF-23 and severity of acute kidney injury (defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria); among patients with acute kidney injury, FGF-23 levels were higher in nonsurvivors than survivors (median levels of 4446 RU/mL (IQR, 3455-5443) versus 544 RU/mL (IQR, 390-1948; p = 0.02). Severe hyperparathyroidism (defined as intact PTH >250 mg/dL) was present in 3 of 12 (25%) of the acute kidney injury subjects versus none of the subjects without acute kidney injury, although this result did not meet statistical significance.

Conclusions
We provide novel data that demonstrate that FGF-23 levels are elevated in acute kidney injury, suggesting that FGF-23 dysregulation occurs in acute kidney injury as well as chronic kidney disease. Further studies are needed to define the short- and long-term clinical effects of dysregulated mineral metabolism in acute kidney injury patients.
Early non-invasive cardiac output monitoring in hemodynamically unstable intensive care patients: A multi-center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Takala Jukka , Ruokonen Esko , Tenhunen Jyrki J , Parviainen Ilkka , Jakob Stephan M 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Acute hemodynamic instability increases morbidity and mortality. We investigated whether early non-invasive cardiac output monitoring enhances hemodynamic stabilization and improves outcome.

Methods
A multicenter, randomized controlled trial was conducted in three European university hospital intensive care units in 2006 and 2007. A total of 388 hemodynamically unstable patients identified during their first six hours in the intensive care unit (ICU) were randomized to receive either non-invasive cardiac output monitoring for 24 hrs (minimally invasive cardiac output/MICO group; n = 201) or usual care (control group; n = 187). The main outcome measure was the proportion of patients achieving hemodynamic stability within six hours of starting the study.

Results
The number of hemodynamic instability criteria at baseline (MICO group mean 2.0 (SD 1.0), control group 1.8 (1.0); P = .06) and severity of illness (SAPS II score; MICO group 48 (18), control group 48 (15); P = .86)) were similar. At 6 hrs, 45 patients (22%) in the MICO group and 52 patients (28%) in the control group were hemodynamically stable (mean difference 5%; 95% confidence interval of the difference -3 to 14%; P = .24). Hemodynamic support with fluids and vasoactive drugs, and pulmonary artery catheter use (MICO group: 19%, control group: 26%; P = .11) were similar in the two groups. The median length of ICU stay was 2.0 (interquartile range 1.2 to 4.6) days in the MICO group and 2.5 (1.1 to 5.0) days in the control group (P = .38). The hospital mortality was 26% in the MICO group and 21% in the control group (P = .34).

Conclusions
Minimally-invasive cardiac output monitoring added to usual care does not facilitate early hemodynamic stabilization in the ICU, nor does it alter the hemodynamic support or outcome. Our results emphasize the need to evaluate technologies used to measure stroke volume and cardiac output--especially their impact on the process of care--before any large-scale outcome studies are attempted.

Trial Registration
The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Clinical Trials identifier NCT00354211)
Use of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Management of Patients and Practical Applications for Pharmacy Practitioners
Authors: Wong Siu-Fun , Mirshahidi Hamid 
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and provide practical information for patient management. DATA SOURCES: Literature was retrieved from PubMed (2000-January 2011), using the search terms chronic myeloid leukemia and tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Abstracts presented at the 2008-2010 annual meetings of the American Society of Hematology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, reference citations from identified publications, as well as the manufacturers' full prescribing information for cited drugs, also were reviewed. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Articles evaluating the efficacy and safety of the TKIs imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib were evaluated. Focus was placed on publications supporting management of patients with CML in the chronic phase. Reports presenting clinical trial information of TKIs in development also were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: The discovery of targeted tyrosine kinase inhibition of BCR-ABL kinase dramatically changed the treatment of CML. Imatinib, the first TKI approved for treatment of patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML, demonstrated significant superiority over the previous standard of care: interferon plus cytarabine. The newer, more potent TKIs, nilotinib and dasatinib, have demonstrated improved efficacy over imatinib as first-line therapy and provide an effective option for patients with resistance or intolerance to imatinib. CONCLUSIONS: To maximize efficacy of TKI therapy, close patient management, involving frequent monitoring of patient response, is essential. Given the importance of continuing TKI therapy, early recognition and management of adverse events are critical to optimizing outcomes in patients with CML. In addition to the safety profile and considerations of comorbidities, additional factors can affect therapeutic selection, including drug-drug and drug-food interactions. Research investigating new therapies, particularly for patients harboring the *** T315 mutation—which remains refractory to current TKIs—continues in the quest to improve outcomes in patients with CML.
Thioctic Acid–Induced Acute Cholestatic Hepatitis
Authors: Ridruejo Ezequiel , Castiglioni Teresa , Silva Marcelo O 
Published: June 2011

Objective: To report a case of severe cholestatic hepatitis caused by thioctic acid in a patient with diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy and mild chronic renal failure. Case Summary: A 63-year-old man with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and stage 2 chronic renal failure was referred to the outpatient liver clinic with fever, asthenia, nausea, and pruritus. Because of the presence of symptomatic diabetic neuropathy, he began treatment with thioctic acid 600 mg/day. Serum transaminase levels were measured before starting thioctic acid treatment and values were within the normal range. Symptoms progressively worsened and the patient developed a low-grade fever and evidence of increased serum liver enzyme levels 45 days after starting thioctic acid treatment: aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (114 IU/L [reference range <40]), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (191 IU/L [<35]), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (562 IU/L [<130]), and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) (592 IU/L [<50]). Thioctic acid treatment was discontinued 2 days after admission. Four months after the initial presentation, his AST, ALT, and ALP levels normalized and GGT level had decreased (88 IU/L). As the patient's neuropathic symptoms worsened, thioctic acid therapy was restarted. Two months after restarting therapy, pruritus, nausea, and asthenia reappeared and the patient's liver enzyme levels became clearly abnormal again (AST 100 IU/L, ALT 129 IU/L, ALP 161 IU/L, GGT 180 IU/L). Thioctic acid was stopped, and the patient's liver enzyme levels returned to normal 2 months later. Discussion: Alpha-lipoic acid, also known as thioctic acid, improves metabolic glucose control and peripheral neuropathies associated with diabetes mellitus. Its administration appears to be safe and, as far as we know, there are no reports of liver toxicity associated with its use. Our patient developed acute cholestatic hepatitis after beginning treatment with thioctic acid. Use of the Roussel Uclaf causality assessment scale indicated that the association between thioctic acid treatment and our patient's drug-induced liver injury was highly probable; use of the Maria and Victorino scale indicated that the association was probable. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of probable liver toxicity due to thioctic acid, a proposed “hepatoprotectant.”
Combination Loxapine and Aripiprazole for Refractory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia
Authors: Sokolski Kenneth N 
Published: June 2011

Objective: To document the effects of combining loxapine with aripiprazole for refractory hallucinations in 2 patients with chronic schizophrenia. Case Summary: Two patients with schizophrenia and auditory hallucinations that were unresponsive to what was considered adequate treatment with multiple typical and atypical antipsychotic medications given over several years were prescribed a combination of aripiprazole 20-30 mg and high-dose loxapine (100-300 mg/day). Both patients had refused clozapine and depot antipsychotics. Aripiprazole/loxapine therapy resolved hallucinations in both patients, and discontinuation of either medication resulted in a return of persecutory voices. Breakthrough hallucinations in both individuals responded to increasing the loxapine dosage. Adverse effects included hypersalivation and tremor, which were treated with benztropine and propranolol. The patients also reported mild sedation, which resolved after several weeks of treatment. Both patients continued to do well during 2 years after starting this combination of medications. Discussion: Recent research has indicated serotonergic and dopaminergic abnormalities in the superior temporal gyrus of patients with a history of chronic auditory hallucinations. Both loxapine and aripiprazole have effects on dopaminergic and postsynaptic serotonergic (5-HT2A) receptor systems, which could account for synergistic effects in treating refractory hallucinations. The combination appears safe, even when loxapine is given in high dosages. Patients should be monitored for the development of parkinsonian tremors. Conclusions: The combination of aripiprazole and high-dose loxapine should be considered in patients with schizophrenia who develop treatment-refractory hallucinations, particularly those who are unwilling to accept treatment with either depot antipsychotics or clozapine.
Copeptin Does Not Add Diagnostic Information to High-Sensitivity Troponin T in Low- to Intermediate-Risk Patients with Acute Chest Pain: Results from the Rule Out Myocardial Infarction by Computed Tomography (ROMICAT) Study
Authors: Karakas Mahir , Januzzi James L , Meyer Julia , Lee Hang , Schlett Christopher L , Truong Quynh A , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Bamberg Fabian , Dasdemir Selcuk , Hoffmann Udo , Koenig Wolfgang 
Published: June 2011

PURPOSE
Copeptin, a stable peptide derived from the AVP precursor, has been linked to presence and severity of myocardial ischemia. We sought to evaluate the predictive value of copeptin and its incremental value beyond that of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) in patients with acute chest pain and low to intermediate risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS
We recruited patients who presented with acute chest pain to the emergency department and had a negative initial conventional troponin T test (&lt;0.03 μg/L). In all patients, hs-cTnT and copeptin measurements were taken. Each patient also underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) and coronary angiography.

RESULTS
Baseline copeptin concentrations, in contrast to hs-cTnT, were not significantly higher in patients with ACS than in those without (P = 0.24). hs-cTnT showed an earlier rise in patients with ACS than copeptin, when analyses were stratified by time. A copeptin concentration ≥7.38 pmol/L had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 94% and a sensitivity of 51%, whereas hs-cTnT (≥13.0 pg/mL) had a NPV of 96% and a sensitivity of 63%. The combination of copeptin and hs-cTnT resulted in a lower diagnostic accuracy than hs-cTnT alone. Finally, on cardiac CT, copeptin concentrations were not associated with coronary artery morphology, although they were related to the presence of left ventricular dysfunction (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS
Among patients with acute chest pain and low to intermediate risk for ACS, copeptin concentrations are not independently predictive of ACS and do not add diagnostic value beyond that of hs-cTnT measurements.