bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypertrophic versus non hypertrophic scars compared by immunohistochemistry and laser confocal microscopy: type I and III collagens†
Authors: Oliveira Gisele V , Hawkins Hal K , Chinkes David , Burke Ann , Tavares Andre Luiz Pasqua , Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia , Albrecht Thomas B , Kitten Gregory T , Herndon David N 
Published: December 2009

Oliveira GV, Hawkins HK, Chinkes D, Burke A, Pasqua Tavares AL, Ramos‐e‐Silva M, Albrecht TB, Kitten GT, Herndon DN. Hypertrophic versus non hypertrophic scars compared by immunohistochemistry and laser confocal microscopy: type I and III collagens.Although dermal collagens appear increased in hypertrophic scars, this has not been tested in tissue samples using objective methods. We compared the expression of types I and III collagen in hypertrophic and non hypertrophic scars at 6–12 and 18–24 months after burn using a quantitative method. Among 17 patients with extensive burns, 3 patients had acute scars, 8 had hypertrophic or non hypertrophic scars at 6–12 months after burn and 6 had hypertrophic or non hypertrophic scars at 18–24 months after burn. After clinical assessment of scars using the Vancouver scale, immunohistochemistry for types I and III collagens was performed. Images were captured with a laser scanning confocal microscope and the relative amounts of types I and III collagens were determined in superficial and deep dermis. The effects of time and scar type were assessed using two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test. Collagen III scar/normal ratios were higher in hypertrophic scars at both time points (P = 0.05). There were no differences in collagen I scar/normal ratios. Large variation was observed in scars during the acute phase regarding the expression of collagens. Easily accessed by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, type III collagen deposition may help in determining scar phenotype, differentiating hypertrophic and non hypertrophic scars.
Intra‐lesional injections of recombinant human epidermal growth factor promote granulation and healing in advanced diabetic foot ulcers: multicenter, randomised, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study
Authors: Fernández‐Montequín José I , Valenzuela‐Silva Carmen M , Díaz Odalys González , Savigne William , Sancho‐Soutelo Natasha , Rivero‐Fernández Fidel , Sánchez‐Penton Pablo , Morejón‐Vega Lourdes , Artaza‐Sanz Heriberto , García‐Herrera Arístides , González‐Benavides Cecilio , Hernández‐Cañete Carlos M , Vázquez‐Proenza Alberto , Berlanga‐Acosta Jorge , López‐Saura Pedro A ,   for the Cuban Diabetic Foot Study Group
Published: December 2009

Fernández‐Montequín JI, Valenzuela‐Silva CM, González Díaz O, Savigne W, Sancho‐Soutelo N, Rivero‐Fernández F, Sánchez‐Penton P, Morejón‐Vega L, Artaza‐Sanz H, García‐Herrera A, González‐Benavides C, Hernández‐Cañete CM, Vázquez‐Proenza A, Berlanga‐Acosta J, López‐Saura PA, for the Cuban Diabetic Foot Study Group. Intra‐lesional injections of recombinant human epidermal growth factor promote granulation and healing in advanced diabetic foot ulcers: multicenter, randomised, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study.A multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was carried out to evaluate the intra‐lesional infiltration of recombinant epidermal growth factor (EGF) in Wagner's grade 3 or 4 diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Subjects (149) were randomised to receive EGF (75 or 25 µg) or placebo, three times per week for 8 weeks and standard good wound care. The main endpoint was granulation tissue covering ≥ 50% of the ulcer at 2 weeks. It was achieved by 19/48 controls versus 44/53 in the 75 µg group [odds ratio (OR): 7·5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2·9–18·9] and 34/48 in the 25 µg group (OR: 3·7; 1·6–8·7). Secondary outcome variables such as end‐of‐treatment complete granulation response (28/48 controls, 46/53 with 75 µg and 34/48 with 25 µg EGF), time‐to‐complete response (controls: 5 weeks; both EGF dose groups: 3 weeks), and wound closure after follow‐up (25/48 controls, 40/53 with 75 µg and 25/48 with 25 µg EGF) were also treatment dependent. Multivariate analyses yielded that they were significantly enhanced by 75 µg EGF treatment and neuropathic versus ischemic ulcers. Most adverse events were mild and no drug‐related severe adverse reactions were reported. It was concluded that recombinant human EGF (rhEGF) local injections offer a favourable risk–benefit balance in patients with advanced DFU.
Serum Antioxidant Capacity is Preserved in Peritoneal Dialysis Contrary to Its Robust Depletion After Hemodialysis and Hemodiafiltration Sessions
Authors: Rysz Jacek , Stolarek Robert A , Pedzik Adrianna , Nowicki Michał , Nowak Dariusz 
Published: December 2009

AbstractRenal replacement therapy (RRT) may differentially affect systemic generation of reactive oxygen species and depletion of antioxidant pools of low molecular weight molecules and proteins. This study was designed to assess the magnitude of the impairment of serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in relation to different RRT modalities. The study included patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD, N = 21), hemodialysis (HD, N = 21), hemodiafiltration (HDF, N = 20), and healthy controls (N = 33). TAC was assessed by the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and with the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In CAPD patients, predialysis FRAP and DPPH were increased: 1.46 mM and 10.5% vs. control 1.19 mM and 7.2%, respectively (P < 0.001 in each). In HD and HDF patients, the FRAP and DPPH were significantly increased before and lowered after the RRT session (P < 0.05) if compared with healthy controls. During an HD session, FRAP was decreased from pre‐HD 1.71 ± 0.29 mM to post‐HD 0.85 ± 0.20 mM (P = 0.0001). The decrease of FRAP was lower during HDF (P < 0.05 vs. HD), it decreased from pre‐HDF 1.41 ± 0.43 mM to post‐HDF 0.87 ± 0.23 mM (P = 0.0001 vs. pre‐HDF). The HD session decreased DPPH from the pre‐HD median 10.3%, interquartile range (IR) 9.3–12.0% to post‐HD 2.6% IR 2.3–3.1% (P < 0.0001). The adjustment of either urate or bilirubin up to pre‐HD levels did not restore lowered post‐HD levels of TAC. TAC remains preserved in CAPD, whereas the robust depletion of TAC, lower after HDF than HD sessions, cannot be attributed solely to the washout of dialyzable compounds.
Two Variable Sodium Profiles and Adverse Effects During Hemodialysis: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Meira Fernanda S , Figueiredo Ana E , Zemiarcki Juscelino , Pacheco Jaqueline , Poli‐de‐Figueiredo Carlos E , D'Avila Domingos O 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIntradialytic symptomatic hypotension and muscle cramps are frequent and disturbing adverse effects involving hemodialysis patients. The use of sodium profiling has been a proposed approach to preclude such events. The aim of the study was to compare the frequency of intradialytic adverse effects and changes in anthropometric and physiological variables without profiling and with two distinct sodium profiles. A prospective study randomized 22 stable hemodialysis patients to receive either a step (11 patients) or a linear (11 patients) dialysate sodium profile for 12 consecutive sessions, following a 12‐session steady sodium control period. After a wash‐out period of 12 sessions, the groups were crossed over for another 12‐session period. Frequency of adverse effects, interdialytic weight gain, pre‐ and post‐dialysis blood pressure were computed. The frequency of intradialytic adverse effects was significantly different between the control and either the step or linear periods (48.5%, 33.7%, and 36.0%, respectively; P < 0.001). No significant differences in interdialytic weight gain or pre‐dialysis blood pressure were detected between treatment periods. The mean post‐dialysis systolic blood pressure was lower in the linear period (128 ± 21; 127 ± 20; 123 ± 22 mm Hg, for the control, step and linear periods, respectively; P = 0.014). Seven patients benefited from sodium profiling, yet two became more symptomatic. Overall, both sodium profiles were associated with fewer intradialytic adverse effects. Intradialytic symptomatic hypotension occurred less often with the step profile, while a tendency to fewer cramps was associated with the linear profile. However, sodium profiling may not benefit every dialysis patient and should be individually evaluated.
Ischaemic preconditioning is related to decreasing levels of extracellular adenosine that may be metabolically useful in the at‐risk myocardium: an experimental study in the pig
Authors: Waldenström A. , Haney M. , Biber B. , Kavianipour M. , Moritz T. , Strandén P. , Wikström G. , Ronquist G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim:  ‘Pre‐treatment’ with short repetitive periods of ischaemia (ischaemic preconditioning) has proved to be a powerful mechanism for modification of the extent of myocardial damage following acute coronary artery occlusion. The exact mechanism of protection induced by ischaemic preconditioning is not known. We herewith put forward a contributing component for protection with preconditioning involving a shift in the adenylate kinase (AK) equilibrium reaction in favour of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) formation.Methods:  A coronary artery was occluded in anaesthetized thoracotomized pigs to induce ischaemic preconditioning as well as a longer period of ischaemia. Microdialysis probes were inserted in ischaemic and control myocardium and were infused with 14C‐ adenosine with two different specific activities. 14C‐lactate was identified and measured in the effluent.Results:  14C‐adenosine was taken up by non‐preconditioned and preconditioned myocardium during ischaemia. Significantly increased levels of 14C‐lactate were recovered in preconditioned myocardium. 14C‐adenosine with high specific activity resulted in a specific activity of lactate that was 2.7 times higher than that of lactate after administration of 14C‐adenosine with low specific activity. Mass spectrography verified the identity of 14C‐lactate.Conclusions:  Preconditioning up‐regulates a new metabolic pathway (starting with 5′‐nucleotidase and ending up with lactate) resulting in ATP formation in the micromolar range on top of another effect terminating in a useful shift in the AK equilibrium reaction in favour of ATP generation in the millimolar range. Although the up‐regulation of the purine nucleoside phosphorylase pathway is clearly demonstrated, its biological relevance remains to be proved.
Team Building: Electronic Management‐Clinical Translational Research (eM‐CTR) Systems
Authors: Cecchetti Alfred A. , Parmanto Bambang , Vecchio Marcella L. , Ahmad Sjarif , Buch Shama , Zgheib Nathalie K , Groark Jr. Stephen J. , Vemuganti Anupama , Romkes Marjorie , Sciurba Frank , Donahoe Michael P. , Branch Robert A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractClassical drug exposure: response studies in clinical pharmacology represent the quintessential prototype for Bench to Bedside‐Clinical Translational Research. A fundamental premise of this approach is for a multidisciplinary team of researchers to design and execute complex, in‐depth mechanistic studies conducted in relatively small groups of subjects. The infrastructure support for this genre of clinical research is not well‐handled by scaling down of infrastructure used for large Phase III clinical trials. We describe a novel, integrated strategy, whose focus is to support and manage a study using an Information Hub, Communication Hub, and Data Hub design. This design is illustrated by an application to a series of varied projects sponsored by Special Clinical Centers of Research in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the University of Pittsburgh. In contrast to classical informatics support, it is readily scalable to large studies. Our experience suggests the culture consequences of research group self‐empowerment is not only economically efficient but transformative to the research process.
Divergent Effects of Losartan and Metoprolol on Cardiac Remodeling, C‐kit+Cells, Proliferation and Apoptosis in the Left Ventricle after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Serpi Raisa , Tolonen Anna‐Maria , Tenhunen Olli , Pieviläinen Oskari , Kubin Anna‐Maria , Vaskivuo Tommi , Soini Ylermi , Kerkelä Risto , Leskinen Hanna , Ruskoaho Heikki 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThere is strong evidence for the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and beta‐blockers to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with myocardial infarction (MI), whereas the effect of angiotensin receptor blockers is less clear. We evaluated the effects of an angiotensin receptor blocker losartan and a beta‐blocker metoprolol on left ventricular (LV) remodeling, c‐kit+cells, proliferation, fibrosis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis using a model of coronary ligation in rats. Metoprolol treatment for 2 weeks improved LV systolic function. In contrast, losartan triggered deleterious structural remodeling and functional deterioration of LV systolic function, ejection fraction being 41% and fractional shortening 47% lower in losartan group than in controls 2 weeks after MI. The number of c‐kit+cells as well as expression of Ki‐67 was increased by metoprolol. Losartan‐induced thinning of the anterior wall and ventricular dilation were associated with increased apoptosis and fibrosis, while losartan had no effect on the expression of c‐kit or Ki‐67. Metoprolol or losartan had no effect on microvessel density. These results demonstrate that beta‐blocker treatment attenuated adverse remodeling via c‐kit+cells and proliferation, whereas angiotensin receptor blocker‐induced worsening of LV systolic function was associated with increased apoptosis and fibrosis in the peri‐infarct region.
Manipulating Each MreB ofBdellovibrio bacteriovorusGives Diverse Morphological and Predatory Phenotypes
Authors: Fenton Andrew Karl , Lambert Carey , Wagstaff Peter Charles , Sockett Renee Elizabeth 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTWe studied the twomreBgenes, encoding actinlike cytoskeletal elements, in the predatory bacteriumBdellovibrio bacteriovorus. This bacterium enters and replicates within other Gram-negative bacteria by attack-phaseBdellovibriosqueezing through prey outer membrane, residing and growing filamentously in the prey periplasm forming an infective “bdelloplast,” and septating after 4 h, once the prey contents are consumed. This lifestyle brings challenges to theBdellovibriocytoskeleton. BothmreBgenes were essential for viable predatory growth, but C-terminal green fluorescent protein tagging each separately with monomeric teal-fluorescent protein (mTFP) gave two strains with phenotypic changes at different stages in predatory growth and development. MreB1-mTFP cells arrested growth early in bdelloplast formation, despite successful degradation of prey nucleoid. A large population of stalled bdelloplasts formed in predatory cultures and predation proceeded very slowly. A small proportion of bdelloplasts lysed after several days, liberating MreB1-mTFP attack-phase cells of wild-type morphology; this process was aided by subinhibitory concentrations of an MreB-specific inhibitor, A22. MreB2-mTFP, in contrast, was predatory at an almost wild-type rate but yielded attack-phase cells with diverse morphologies, including spherical, elongated, and branched, the first time such phenotypes have been described. Wild-type predatory rates were seen for all but spherical morphotypes, and septation of elongated morphotypes was achieved by the addition of A22.
The effectiveness of different buffer widths for protecting water quality and macroinvertebrate and periphyton assemblages of headwater streams in Maine, USA
Authors: Wilkerson Ethel , Hagan John M. , Whitman Andrew A. 
Published: December 2009

We evaluated the effect of timber harvesting on water quality and macroinvertebrate and periphyton assemblages in first-order streams in Maine, USA. Fifteen streams were assigned to one of five treatments: clearcutting without a stream buffer, clearcutting with 11 m buffers, clearcutting with 23 m buffers, partial harvesting with no designated buffer, and unharvested controls. Harvest blocks on both sides of the stream were 6 ha and partial harvesting within buffers was allowed. Specific conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and soluble reactive phosphorus did not change significantly for 3 years after harvesting in all treatments. Unbuffered streams had significantly elevated concentrations of chlorophyll a as well as increased abundance of algal feeding organisms (Diperta Cricotopus and Diptera Psectrocladius ). Streams with 11 m buffers had substantial (10-fold) but nonsignificant increases in chlorophyll a. No other significant changes were detected in other treatment groups. In all treatment groups, the dominant taxa (periphyton Achnanthes minutissimum and macroinvertebrate Chironomidae) are adapted to disturbed environments. We attribute the limited harvest-induced changes to lack of soil disturbance within 8 m of the stream, the small (≤40%) proportion of watersheds harvested, and the resilient nature of aquatic organisms. However, small-scale changes may not be detected due to the small sample size, an inherent limitation of field-based studies.
Intra-patient variability of thromboelastographic parameters following in vivo and ex vivo administration of recombinant activated factor VII in haemophilia patients. A multi-centre, randomised trial
Authors: Kenet Gili , Stenmo Camilla , Blemings Allan , Wegert Wolfgang , Goudemand Jenny , Krause Manuela , Schramm Wolfgang , Kirchmaier Carl , Martinowitz Uri 
Published: December 2009

SummaryThromboelastography methods have been used to predict or monitor treatment of haemophilia patients with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa). However, neither of the two thromboelastographic methods (ROTEM and TEG) has as yet been validated. This multi-centre, randomised trial compared both methods in terms of intra- and inter-patient variability following in vivo and ex vivo rFVIIa administration to haemophilia A and B patients with and without inhibitors. Patients (≥16 years old) received the same intravenous rFVIIa dose (45, 90 or 180 μg/kg) twice, 1–12 weeks apart. Blood samples were collected pre-dose and 15, 60, 120 and 240 minutes post-dose for ROTEM and TEG analysis. Pre-dose samples were also spiked ex vivo with rFVIIa (0.6, 1.2 or 2.4 μg/ml), to correspond to the three in vivo doses. Twenty-six haemophilia A and four haemophilia B patients were enrolled. A significant treatment effect was observed with in vivo rFVIIa (p<0.05) with more pronounced effects in inhibitor (n=14) versus non-inhibitor (n=16) patients. There was a strong positive correlation between ROTEM and TEG parameters. Intra- and inter-patient variation was large for all thromboelastography parameters at all time points and rFVIIa doses. Intra-patient variation was generally lower for non-inhibitor than inhibitor patients, and lower following ex vivo spiking versus in vivo rFVIIa administration. In conclusion, there was a clear effect of rFVIIa on all thromboelastography parameters, but the large intra- and inter-patient variability following in vivo rFVIIa administration renders the use of our method unsuitable for dose-response prediction for haemophilia patients in the clinical setting.
The TRITON versus PLATO trials: Differences beyond platelet inhibition
Authors: Serebruany Victor 
Published: December 2009

SummaryClopidogrel monopoly as an exclusive oral antiplatelet agent used in combination with aspirin or as a monotherapy for treatment or/and prevention of occlusive thrombotic vascular events has been recently challenged. Based on the indirect comparison of TRITON and PLATO trial data, ticagrelor is clearly superior to prasugrel in a population of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) because of absolute mortality reduction, realistic second myocardial infarction (MI) prevention, growing over time vascular outcome benefit, fewer haemorrhagic fatalities, potentially less coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)- related bleeding events, and lack of cancer risks. Despite an unfavourable immediate safety profile, ticagrelor has a lot of room to compensate for agitation, dyspnea, and ventricular pauses, if used in appropriate patients. It will be naïve and wrong to assume that ticagrelor will completely substitute clopidogrel, especially considering higher discontinu-ation rates after ticagrelor, generic competition, and other health economics issues. However, unless the regulatory authorities discover some unexpected serious flaws with PLATO, the ticagrelor will substantially change the present landscape of oral antiplatelet therapy, especially in high-risk patients, diabetics, and those with repeated vascular events including stent thrombosis. In contrast, a too exclusive trial design, a lack of persistent vascular benefit despite issues with event adjudication, growing-over-time bleeding complications, an issue with cancer, and finally an increase in mortality risk among unstable angina and non ST-elevated myocardial infarction will likely prevent a broad prasugrel implementation, unless more reassuring evidence becomes available.
Assessing the utility of whole-genome amplified serum DNA for array-based high throughput genotyping
Authors: Bucasas Kristine L , Pandya Gagan A , Pradhan Sonal , Fleischmann Robert D , Peterson Scott N , Belmont John W 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundWhole genome amplification (WGA) offers new possibilities for genome-wide association studies where limited DNA samples have been collected. This study provides a realistic and high-precision assessment of WGA DNA genotyping performance from 20-year old archived serum samples using the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 (SNP6.0) platform.ResultsWhole-genome amplified (WGA) DNA samples from 45 archived serum replicates and 5 fresh sera paired with non-amplified genomic DNA were genotyped in duplicate. All genotyped samples passed the imposed QC thresholds for quantity and quality. In general, WGA serum DNA samples produced low call rates (45.00 +/- 2.69%), although reproducibility for successfully called markers was favorable (concordance = 95.61 +/- 4.39%). Heterozygote dropouts explained the majority (>85% in technical replicates, 50% in paired genomic/serum samples) of discordant results. Genotyping performance on WGA serum DNA samples was improved by implementation of Corrected Robust Linear Model with Maximum Likelihood Classification (CRLMM) algorithm but at the loss of many samples which failed to pass its quality threshold. Poor genotype clustering was evident in the samples that failed the CRLMM confidence threshold.ConclusionsWe conclude that while it is possible to extract genomic DNA and subsequently perform whole-genome amplification from archived serum samples, WGA serum DNA did not perform well and appeared unsuitable for high-resolution genotyping on these arrays.
YsxC, an essential protein in Staphylococcus aureus crucial for ribosome assembly/stability
Authors: Cooper Elizabeth L , García-Lara Jorge , Foster Simon J 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Bacterial growth and division requires a core set of essential proteins, several of which are still of unknown function. They are also attractive targets for the development of new antibiotics. YsxC is a member of a family of GTPases highly conserved across eubacteria with a possible ribosome associated function.

Results
Here, we demonstrate by the creation of a conditional lethal mutant that ysxC is apparently essential for growth in S. aureus. To begin to elucidate YsxC function, a translational fusion of YsxC to the CBP-ProteinA tag in the staphylococcal chromosome was made, enabling Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) of YsxC-interacting partners. These included the ribosomal proteins S2, S10 and L17, as well as the β' subunit of the RNA polymerase. YsxC was then shown to copurify with ribosomes as an accessory protein specifically localizing to the 50 S subunit. YsxC depletion led to a decrease in the presence of mature ribosomes, indicating a role in ribosome assembly and/or stability in S. aureus.

Conclusions
In this study we demonstrate that YsxC of S. aureus localizes to the ribosomes, is crucial for ribosomal stability and is apparently essential for the life of S. aureus.