bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left Radial versus Right Radial Approach for Coronary Artery Catheterization: A Prospective Comparison
Authors: DOMINICI MARCELLO , DILETTI ROBERTO , MILICI CATERINA , BOCK CARLO , GARG SCOT , DE PAOLIS MARCELLA , AMBROSIO GIUSEPPE , BOSCHETTI ENRICO 
Published: January 2012

Background:Despite several advantages of the transradial over the transfemoral approach, the use of transradial access for coronary interventions in daily practice is still low. Major limitations are the technical and anatomical issues related with right radial artery access. The left radial approach may have an advantage from the point of view of the vascular anatomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of routinely using the left radial compared to the right radial approach.Methods:This is a prospective single center study comparing left radial to right radial access for coronary artery catheterization. The overall in‐hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE), procedural success rate, bleeding, vascular and procedural complications, fluoroscopy time, number of catheters, and amount of contrast agent used were assessed.Results:A total of 1,032 coronary angiograms were performed: 420 were performed using the right radial artery and 612 the left radial artery. No differences were observed in MACCE and success rate between the two groups. No cases of major or minor bleeding and vascular complications requiring surgical intervention were reported. Fluoroscopy time and the number of catheters used were significantly less in the left radial group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively), while the volume of contrast was similar (P = 0.264).Conclusions:The left radial approach in our series was demonstrated to be safe and feasible in daily practice, and in this study was associated with a reduction in fluoroscopy time and number of catheters used. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:203–209)
A “Green Chemistry” Approach to the Synthesis of Rare‐Earth Aluminates: Perovskite‐Type LaAlO3 Nanoparticles in Molten Nitrates
Authors: Mendoza‐Mendoza Esmeralda , Montemayor Sagrario M. , Escalante‐García José I. , Fuentes Antonio F. 
Published: January 2012

Perovskite‐type LaAlO3 nanoparticles have been prepared by a facile, rapid, and environmentally friendly molten salts method using alkali metal nitrates as low‐temperature fluxes. Starting from hydrated lanthanum and aluminum nitrates and alkali metal hydroxides, the proposed methodology consists briefly of two steps: a mechanically induced metathesis reaction followed by short firing at temperatures above nitrates melting points. The purpose of the first is twofold: on the one hand to generate in situ the alkali metal nitrate flux and on the other hand, to obtain a La and Al‐containing precursor material suitable for the synthesis of bulk LaAlO3 nanoparticles in molten nitrates. Different alkali metal nitrates and eutectic mixtures were used to analyze the influence of melt basicity in the reaction outcome. Single phase LaAlO3 was obtained directly, without any purification step when using three molten media: LiNO3, NaNO3, and their mixture; using KNO3 as flux either alone or as part of eutectic compositions, prevents complete conversion, and the title material is obtained mixed with additional crystalline phases such as lanthanum hydroxinitrates and carbonates. As‐prepared LaAlO3 powders are composed of loosely agglomerated nanoparticles with very fine crystallite size (32–45 nm). The present method reduces considerably previously reported synthesis time/temperatures for this material.
Doing qualitative research in dentistry and dental education
Authors: Edmunds S. , Brown G. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to assist dental researchers to develop their expertise in qualitative research. It sketches the key characteristics of qualitative research; summarises theoretical perspectives; outlines the core skills of qualitative data collection and the procedures which underlie three methods of qualitative research: interviewing, focus groups and concept maps. The paper offers some guidance on writing qualitative research and provides examples of qualitative research drawn from dentistry and dental education.
Quantitative color assessment of dermoscopy images using perceptible color regions
Authors: Lee Gunwoo , Lee Onseok , Park Sunup , Moon Jongsub , Oh Chilhwan 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundDermoscopy is a non‐invasive in vivo skin imaging technique that assists dermatologists in diagnosing melanoma. However, the use of dermoscopy for diagnosis requires extensive training since this approach often provides extremely complex and subjective information. The presence of an imperceptible color difference in dermoscopy images is one of the serious problems associated with the use of this technique. This imperceptible color difference leads to inaccurate lesion extraction at the borders and hinders the assessment of lesion features. Therefore, objective and quantitative assessment based on perceptible color differences is important for the diagnosis of melanoma using dermoscopy.MethodsIn this study, we developed a method for assessing colors in a lesion. Twenty‐seven perceptible color regions based on the multi‐thresholding method in each color channel were constructed, and dominant color region (DCR), bluish dominant region (BDR), and the number of colors were assessed as three diagnostic parameters from these perceptible color regions on 150 dermoscopy images.Results/ConclusionDiagnostic accuracy was calculated by combination of three diagnostic parameters derived from DCR, BDR, and the number of colors. Diagnostic accuracy with 73.33% sensitivity and 90.67% specificity was obtained in case of positive features in more than two parameters.
Negative plant–soil feedbacks dominate seedling competitive interactions of North American successional grassland species
Authors: Padilla Francisco M. , Mattingly W. Brett , Swedo Barbara L. , Clay Keith , Reynolds Heather L. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractQuestionSeed‐transmitted fungal endophytes of grasses can influence competitive interactions via direct effects of infection on host plant performance or via indirect effects, such as plant–soil feedback effects that operate through changes to soil properties. To date, however, these direct and feedback effects have been evaluated separately. What is the relative importance of endophyte infection vs endophyte‐mediated plant–soil feedback effects on competition between seedlings of the grass tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix) and common species of American Midwestern old‐field successional grasslands?LocationLong‐term field experimental plots at the Indiana University Research and Teaching Preserve and greenhouse of Indiana University (Bloomington, IN, USA).MethodsEndophyte‐free (E‐) and endophyte‐infected (E+) tall fescue seedlings were grown individually and in intraspecific competition and pair‐wise interspecific competition. Endophyte‐mediated plant–soil feedback effects were incorporated by growing seedlings in soil conditioned by either E– or E+ tall fescue.ResultsWe found that E– and E+ tall fescue experienced stronger intra‐ and interspecific competition when competing in self‐conditioned soils. This pattern was consistent regardless of competitor identity.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the direct benefits of endophyte infection do not drive competitive responses of tall fescue at the early stages of plant development, at least under the conditions examined in our study. Rather, negative plant–soil feedbacks may be more important in moderating plant responses to competitive interactions during seedling establishment of this species. Explicit manipulation of factors such as herbivory and abiotic stress is an important future direction for studies evaluating the relative importance of endophyte infection vs soil‐mediated endophyte effects on host plant performance.
When risk‐based regulation aims low: Approaches and challenges
Authors: Black Julia , Baldwin Robert 
Published: January 2012

AbstractRisk‐based regulation is becoming a familiar regulatory strategy in a wide range of areas and countries. Regulatory attention tends to focus, at least initially, on high risks but low‐risk regulatees or activities tend to form the bulk of the regulated population. This article asks why regulators need to address low risks and it outlines the potential difficulties that such risks present. It then considers how regulators tend to deal with lower risks in practice. A body of literature and survey‐based research is used to develop a taxonomy of intervention strategies that may be useful in relation to low‐risk activities, and, indeed, more widely. In an article to be published in the subsequent issue of this journal, we will then develop a strategic framework for regulators to employ when choosing intervention strategies and we will assesses whether, and how, such a framework could be used by regulatory agencies in a manner that is operable, dynamic, transparent, and justifiable.
Role of gel test and flow cytometry in diagnosis of Coombs’ negative autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
Authors: FAYEK M. H. , SAAD A.A. , EISSA D. G. , TAWFIK L. M. , KAMAL G. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryIntroduction:  This study evaluated the use of both gel test (GT) and flow cytometry (FC) techniques in the detection of red blood cell‐bound immunoglobulin G (IgG) and, hence, the diagnosis of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) in cases that were negative by the conventional tube technique (CTT) direct antiglobulin test (DAT).Methods:  The study enrolled 50 clinically diagnosed AIHA patients with CTT Coombs’ negative test and 55 control subjects. GT and FC were performed on both groups.Results:  Ninety‐two percent (46/50) of patients were positive by GT. As for FC assay, the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve determined that a cut‐off of 17.5% fluorescence was the best value for interpreting FC‐DAT positively in the group of patients with haemolytic anaemia (100% sensitivity and specificity), while the best cut‐off for mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was 1.74, with 76% specificity and 96% sensitivity. Both mean percent fluorescence and MFI were significantly higher among patients when compared to controls (P < 0.001). FC assay results showed no statistically significant correlations with patients’ laboratory data or GT grades (P > 0.05).Conclusion:  Flow cytometry is more sensitive than GT for assessing CTT‐DAT‐negative AIHA. We propose that FC percent fluorescence cut‐off values should be employed to determine the Coombs’ negative AIHA cases.
Genome Sequence of Enterobacter cloacae subsp. dissolvens SDM, an Efficient Biomass-Utilizing Producer of Platform Chemical 2,3-Butanediol
Authors: Xu Youqiang , Wang Ailong , Tao Fei , Su Fei , Tang Hongzhi , Ma Cuiqing , Xu Ping 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

Enterobacter cloacae
subsp.
dissolvens
SDM has an extraordinary characteristic of biomass utilization for 2,3-butanediol production. Here we present a 4.9-Mb assembly of its genome. The key genes for regulation and metabolism of 2,3-butanediol production were annotated, which could provide further insights into the molecular mechanism of high-yield production of 2,3-butanediol.
Draft Genome Sequence of Probiotic Strain Pediococcus acidilactici MA18/5M
Authors: Barreau Guillaume , Tompkins Thomas A. , de Carvalho Vanessa G. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

Pediococcus acidilactici
MA18/5M is a commercially available probiotic that is widely used in swine, poultry, aquaculture feeds, and human dietary supplements. We prepared a genome sequence for this strain consisting of 2 scaffolds totaling 1,992,928 bases including gaps for a total of 3,346 bases and a G+C content of 42%.
Genome Sequence of the Arsenite-Oxidizing Strain Agrobacterium tumefaciens 5A
Authors: Hao Xiuli , Lin Yanbing , Johnstone Laurel , Liu Guanghui , Wang Gejiao , Wei Gehong , McDermott Timothy , Rensing Christopher 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTMicrobial transformations of arsenic influence its mobility and toxicity. We report the draft genome sequence of the arsenite-oxidizing strainAgrobacterium tumefaciens5A isolated from an As-contaminated soil in the Madison River Valley, MT. A large number of metal (or metalloid) resistance genes, especially contributing to arsenite oxidation, were identified.
Integrated Analysis Reveals Critical Genomic Regions in Prostate Tumor Microenvironment Associated with Clinicopathologic Phenotypes
Authors: Ashida Shingo , Orloff Mohammed S. , Bebek Gurkan , Zhang Li , Zheng Pan , Peehl Donna M. , Eng Charis 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Purpose: Recent studies suggest that tumor microenvironment (stroma) is important in carcinogenesis and progression. We sought to integrate global genomic structural and expressional alterations in prostate cancer epithelium and stroma and their association with clinicopathologic features.
Experimental Design: We conducted a genome-wide LOH/allelic imbalance (AI) scan of DNA from epithelium and stroma of 116 prostate cancers. LOH/AI hot or cold spots were defined as the markers with significantly higher or lower LOH/AI frequencies compared with the average frequency for markers along the same chromosome. These data were then integrated with publicly available transcriptome data sets and our experimentally derived data. Immunohistochemistry on an independent series was used for validation.
Results: Overall, we identified 43 LOH/AI hot/cold spots, 17 in epithelium and stroma (P &lt; 0.001), 18 only in epithelium (P &lt; 0.001), and eight only in stroma (P &lt; 0.001). Hierarchical clustering of expression data supervised by genes within LOH/AI hot/cold spots in both epithelium and stroma accurately separated samples into normal epithelium, primary cancer, and metastatic cancer groups, which could not be achieved with data from only epithelium. Importantly, our experimental expression data of the genes within the LOH/AI hot/cold spots in stroma accurately clustered normal stroma from cancer stroma. We also identified 15 LOH/AI markers that were associated with Gleason score, which were validated functionally in each compartment by transcriptome data. Independent immunohistochemical validation of STIM2 within a stromal significant LOH marker (identified as associated with Gleason grade) confirmed its downregulation in the transition from moderate to high Gleason grade.
Conclusions: Compartment-specific genomic and transcriptomic alterations accurately distinguish clinical and pathologic outcomes, suggesting new biomarkers for prognosis and targeted therapeutics. Clin Cancer Res; 18(6); 1578–87. ©2012 AACR.
The Stress Oncoprotein LEDGF/p75 Interacts with the Methyl CpG Binding Protein MeCP2 and Influences Its Transcriptional Activity
Authors: Leoh Lai Sum , van Heertum Bart , De Rijck Jan , Filippova Maria , Rios-Colon Leslimar , Basu Anamika , Martinez Shannalee R. , Tungteakkhun Sandy S. , Filippov Valeri , Christ Frauke , De Leon Marino , Debyser Zeger , Casiano Carlos A. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The lens epithelium–derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75) is a transcription coactivator that promotes resistance to oxidative stress- and chemotherapy-induced cell death. LEDGF/p75 is also known as the dense fine speckles autoantigen of 70 kDa (DFS70) and has been implicated in cancer, HIV-AIDS, autoimmunity, and inflammation. To gain insights into mechanisms by which LEDGF/p75 protects cancer cells against stress, we initiated an analysis of its interactions with other transcription factors and the influence of these interactions on stress gene activation. We report here that both LEDGF/p75 and its short splice variant LEDGF/p52 interact with MeCP2, a methylation-associated transcriptional modulator, in vitro and in various human cancer cells. These interactions were established by several complementary approaches: transcription factor protein arrays, pull-down and AlphaScreen assays, coimmunoprecipitation, and nuclear colocalization by confocal microscopy. MeCP2 was found to interact with the N-terminal region shared by LEDGF/p75 and p52, particularly with the PWWP-CR1 domain. Like LEDGF/p75, MeCP2 bound to and transactivated the Hsp27 promoter (Hsp27pr). LEDGF/p75 modestly enhanced MeCP2-induced Hsp27pr transactivation in U2OS osteosarcoma cells, whereas this effect was more pronounced in PC3 prostate cancer cells. LEDGF/p52 repressed Hsp27pr activity in U2OS cells. Interestingly, siRNA-induced silencing of LEDGF/p75 in U2OS cells dramatically elevated MeCP2-mediated Hsp27pr transactivation, whereas this effect was less pronounced in PC3 cells depleted of LEDGF/p75. These results suggest that the LEDGF/p75–MeCP2 interaction differentially influences Hsp27pr activation depending on the cellular and molecular context. These findings are of significance in understanding the contribution of this interaction to the activation of stress survival genes. Mol Cancer Res; 10(3); 378–91. ©2012 AACR.
Prevalence of poor biological response to clopidogrel
Authors: Labruyère Carine , Reny Jean-Luc , Chapelle Céline , Piot Michèle , Fontana Pierre , Gris Jean-Christophe , Delavenne Xavier , Mismetti Patrick , Laporte Silvy , Mallouk Nora 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe existence of poor biological response to clopidogrel has been shown in some patients. Despite the increasing number of studies, this phenomenon remains difficult to quantify. We performed a systematic review to estimate the prevalence of poor biological response to clopidogrel and investigate the factors known to modulate this. An exhaustive search was performed. Altogether 171 publications were identified, providing data for a total of 45,664 subjects. The estimated prevalence of poor biological response to clopidogrel ranged from 15.9% to 49.5% according to the platelet function assay employed. The assays most frequently used were light transmittance aggregometry (LTA), the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) assay and the Verify -now® assay. For all these assays, higher cut-off values were associated with a lower prevalence of poor biological response to clopidogrel. However, when choosing a fixed cut-off point for each assay, the prevalence of poor biological response to clopidogrel was highly variable suggesting that other factors could modulate poor biological response to clopidogrel. Finally, none of the studied factors could apparently explain the variability of poor biological response to clopidogrel. This meta-analysis shows that the prevalence of poor biological response depends on the assay employed, the cut-off value and on various unidentified additional factors.
Thrombotic microangiopathy: A role for magnesium?
Authors: Nagler Evi V. T. , Vanholder Raymond , Van Laecke Steven 
Published: January 2012

SummaryDespite advances in more recent years, the pathophysiology and especially treatment modalities of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) largely remain enigmatic. Disruption of endothelial homeostasis plays an essential role in TMA. Considering the proven causal association between magnesium and both endothelial function and platelet aggreg-ability, we speculate that a magnesium deficit could influence the course of TMA and the related haemolytic uraemic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. A predisposition towards TMA is seen in many conditions with both extracellular and intracellular magnesium deficiency. We propose a rationale for magnesium supplementation in TMA, in analogy with its evidence-based therapeutic application in pre-eclampsia and suggest, based on theoretical grounds, that it might attenuate the development of TMA, minimise its severity and prevent its recurrence. This is based on several lines of evidence from both in vitro and in vivo data showing dose-dependent effects of magnesium supplementation on nitric oxide production, platelet ag-gregability and inflammation. Our hypothesis, which is further amenable to assessment in animal models before therapeutic applications in humans are implemented, could be explored both in vitro and in vivo to decipher the potential role of magnesium deficit in TMA and of the effects of its supplementation.
Postprandial cell inflammatory response to a standardised fatty meal in subjects at different degree of cardiovascular risk
Authors: Tamburrelli Chiara , Gianfagna Francesco , D’Imperio Marco , De Curtis Amalia , Rotilio Domenico , Iacoviello Licia , de Gaetano Giovanni , Donati Maria , Cerletti Chiara 
Published: January 2012

SummaryA fatty meal may represent a challenge of in vivo acute inflammatory reaction. We evaluated the acute effects of a standardised fatty meal administration on leukocytes and platelets and on their interactions on 61 subjects at different degree of cardiovascular risk, without any clinical event. Before and 2 hours after a fatty meal, blood cells were counted and markers of leukocyte (intracellular myeloperoxidase [MPO] and Mac-1) and platelet (P-selectin and microparticles) activation and mixed platelet-leukocyte conjugates measured by flow-cytometry. After the fatty meal, both white blood cell and platelet count significantly increased, more markedly in subjects with lower cardiovascular risk score. Mac-1 expression too increased (from 32.2 ± 27.2% to 45.6 ± 29.0%, p=0.0016), while MPO decreased (from 83.1 ± 16.3% to 64.5 ± 23.1%, p<0.0001). A trend for increased platelet activation and interaction with leukocytes was also observed. Women were more markedly susceptible to fatty meal challenge, as compared to men, while age did not seem to affect any cell response to fatty meal. Waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index influenced polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) degranulation and platelet count increase, respectively. Cellular responses to the fatty meal, in particular PMN degranulation, were attenuated in subjects at higher degree of cardiovascular risk, who showed a basal mild inflammatory activation status. In conclusion, a fatty meal consumption may represent a model of acute inflammatory response and appears to be modulated by different demographic and cardiovascular risk degree. This model could be applied to study the effect of food-derived antioxidants or nutritional supplements, but its relevance remains to be demonstrated.
Focusing on plasma glycoprotein VI
Authors: Arthur Jane F. , Gardiner Elizabeth E. , Andrews Robert K. , Al-Tamimi Mohammad 
Published: January 2012

SummaryNew methods for analysing both platelet and plasma forms of the platelet-specific collagen receptor, glycoprotein VI (GPVI) in experimental models or human clinical samples, and the development of the first therapeutic compounds based on dimeric soluble GPVI-Fc or anti-GPVI antibody-based constructs, coincide with increased understanding of the potential pathophysiological role of GPVI ligand binding and shedding. Platelet GPVI not only mediates platelet activation at the site of vascular injury where collagen is exposed, but is also implicated in the pathogenesis of other diseases, such as atherosclerosis and coagulopathy, rheumatoid arthritis and tumour metastasis. Here, we describe some of the critical mechanisms for generating soluble GPVI from platelets, and future avenues for exploiting this unique platelet-specific receptor for diagnosis and/or disease prevention.