bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans Mediate the Angiogenic Activity of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 Agonist Gremlin
Authors: Chiodelli Paola , Mitola Stefania , Ravelli Cosetta , Oreste Pasqua , Rusnati Marco , Presta Marco 
Published: September 2011

Objective—
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) modulate the interaction of proangiogenic heparin-binding vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) with signaling VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) and neuropilin coreceptors in endothelial cells (ECs). The bone morphogenic protein antagonist gremlin is a proangiogenic ligand of VEGFR2, distinct from canonical VEGFs. Here we investigated the role of HSPGs in VEGFR2 interaction, signaling, and proangiogenic capacity of gremlin in ECs.

Methods and Results—

Surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that gremlin binds heparin and heparan sulfate, but not other glycosaminoglycans, via
N
-, 2-
O
, and 6-
O
-sulfated groups of the polysaccharide. Accordingly, gremlin binds HSPGs of the EC surface and extracellular matrix. Gremlin/HSPG interaction is prevented by free heparin and heparan sulfate digestion or undersulfation following EC treatment with heparinase II or sodium chlorate. However, at variance with canonical heparin-binding VEGFs, gremlin does not interact with neuropilin-1 coreceptor. On the other hand, HSPGs mediate VEGFR2 engagement and autophosphorylation, extracellular signaling-regulated kinase
1/2
and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, and consequent proangiogenic responses of ECs to gremlin. On this basis, we evaluated the gremlin-antagonist activity of a panel of chemically sulfated derivatives of the
Escherichia coli
K5 polysaccharide. The results demonstrate that the highly
N,O
-sulfated derivative K5-N,OS(H) binds gremlin with high potency, thus inhibiting VEGFR2 interaction and angiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion—
HSPGs act as functional gremlin coreceptors in ECs, affecting its productive interaction with VEGFR2 and angiogenic activity. This has allowed the identification of the biotechnological K5-N,OS(H) as a novel angiostatic gremlin antagonist.
Effect of Time to Reperfusion on Clinical Outcome of Anterior Circulation Strokes Treated With Thrombectomy
Authors: Nogueira Raul G. , Smith Wade S. , Sung Gene , Duckwiler Gary , Walker Gary , Roberts Robin , Saver Jeffrey L. , Liebeskind David S. 
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—
Previous studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between treatment time and outcomes after intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator. However, the temporal profile of ischemia may vary according to the level of occlusion, and it is likely that more proximal occlusions have a more variable temporal course than their distal counterparts. We sought to establish how time influences outcomes in anterior circulation proximal arterial occlusions.

Methods—
All patients from the MERCI/Multi MERCI trials with intracranial internal carotid artery and/or middle cerebral artery (M1-M2 segments) occlusions who were successfully revascularized were included in univariate/multivariate analyses to define the predictors of independent functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) and mortality at 90 days. The effect of time to reperfusion on outcomes was calculated after adjustment for age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and glucose levels.

Results—
A total of 175 patients presenting with internal carotid artery/M1/M2 occlusions were revascularized. There was no definite association between time (to treatment or reperfusion) and outcomes in the unadjusted analysis. Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and age were independent predictors of independent outcome and mortality. High glucose demonstrated a strong trend toward worse outcomes. After adjustment for age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and glucose, there was a strong trend toward fewer independent outcomes with later reperfusion times. Notably, 40% of the patients reperfused at ≥6.9 hours achieved independent functional outcomes.

Conclusions—
Time (to treatment or reperfusion) is only one of the many variables that may impact outcome in proximal arterial occlusions strokes. Reperfusion therapies should be started promptly, but our findings also suggest that stroke patients presenting at later time points may still benefit.
Dysregulated microRNAs affect pathways and targets of biologic relevance in nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Ng Siok-Bian , Yan Junli , Huang Gaofeng , Selvarajan Viknesvaran , Tay Jim Liang-Seah , Lin Baohong , Bi Chonglei , Tan Joy , Kwong Yok-Lam , Shimizu Norio , Aozasa Katsuyuki , Chng Wee-Joo 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
We performed a comprehensive genome-wide miRNA expression profiling of extranodal nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL) using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (n = 30) and NK cell lines (n = 6) compared with normal NK cells, with the objective of understanding the pathogenetic role of miRNA deregulation in NKTL. Compared with normal NK cells, differentially expressed miRNAs in NKTL are predominantly down-regulated. Re-expression of down-regulated miRNAs, such as miR-101, miR-26a, miR26b, miR-28-5, and miR-363, reduced the growth of the NK cell line and modulated the expression of their predicted target genes, suggesting the potential functional role of the deregulated miRNAs in the oncogenesis of NKTL. Taken together, the predicted targets whose expression is inversely correlated with the expression of deregulated miRNA in NKTL are significantly enriched for genes involved in cell cycle-related, p53, and MAPK signaling pathways. We also performed immunohistochemical validation for selected target proteins and found overexpression of MUM1, BLIMP1, and STMN1 in NKTL, and notably, a corresponding increase in MYC expression. Because MYC is known to cause repression of miRNA expression, it is possible that MYC activation in NKTL may contribute to the suppression of the miRNAs regulating MUM1, BLIMP1, and STMN1.
Global population structure of Aspergillus terreus inferred by ISSR typing reveals geographical subclustering
Authors: Neal Carolyn OS , Richardson Aaron O , Hurst Steven F , Tortorano Anna Maria , Viviani Maria Anna , Stevens David A , Balajee S Arunmozhi 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background

Aspergillus terreus causes invasive aspergillosis (IA) in immunocompromised individuals and can be the leading cause of IA in certain medical centers. We examined a large isolate collection (n = 117) for the presence of cryptic A. terreus species and employed a genome scanning method, Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) PCR to determine A. terreus population structure.

Results
Comparative sequence analyses of the calmodulin locus revealed the presence of the recently recognized species A. alabamensis (n = 4) in this collection. Maximum parsimony, Neighbor joining, and Bayesian clustering of the ISSR data from the 113 sequence-confirmed A. terreus isolates demonstrated that one clade was composed exclusively of isolates from Europe and another clade was enriched for isolates from the US.

Conclusions
This study provides evidence of a population structure linked to geographical origin in A. terreus.
Predictors of mosquito net use in Ghana
Authors: Baume Carol A , Franca-Koh Ana Cláudia 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
During the past decade the malaria control community has been successful in dramatically increasing the number of households that own mosquito nets. However, as many as half of nets already in households go unused. This study examines the factors associated with use of nets owned in Ghana.

Methods
The data come from an August 2008 survey in Ghana of households with a pregnant woman or a guardian of a child under five, conducted during the rainy season. 1796 households were included in this analysis, which generated a sample of 1,852 mosquito nets. Using each net owned as the unit of analysis, multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the relationship of net used last night with 23 potentially explanatory variables having to do with characteristics of the household, of the respondent, and of the net. Odds Ratios, p-values, and confidence intervals were calculated for each variable to develop an explanatory model.

Results
The final multivariate model consisted of 10 variables statistically associated with whether or not the net was used the prior night: rural location, lower SES, not using coils for mosquito control, fewer nets in the household, newer nets and those in better condition, light blue colour, higher level of education of the guardian of the child under five, knowing that mosquitoes transmit malaria, and paying for the net instead of obtaining it free of charge.

Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that net use would increase in Ghana if coloured nets were made available in mass distributions as well as in the commercial market; if programmes emphasize that malaria is caused only by night-biting mosquitoes, and that nets protect against mosquitoes better than coils and need to be used even if coils are burning; if donated nets are replaced more frequently so that households have nets that are in good condition; and if there were support for the commercial market so that those who can afford to purchase a net and want to choose their own nets can do so.
Logistic Organ Dysfunction Score (LODS): A reliable postoperative risk management score also in cardiac surgical patients?
Authors: Heldwein Matthias B , Badreldin Akmal MA , Doerr Fabian , Lehmann Thomas , Bayer Ole , Doenst Torsten , Hekmat Khosro 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
The original Logistic Organ Dysfunction Sore (LODS) excluded cardiac surgery patients from its target population, and the suitability of this score in cardiac surgery patients has never been tested. We evaluated the accuracy of the LODS and the usefulness of its daily measurement in cardiac surgery patients. The LODS is not a true logistic scoring system, since it does not use β-coefficients.

Methods
This prospective study included all consecutive adult patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after cardiac surgery between January 2007 and December 2008. The LODS was calculated daily from the first until the seventh postoperative day. Performance was assessed with Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) goodness-of-fit test (calibration) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (discrimination) from ICU admission day until day 7. The outcome measure was ICU mortality.

Results
A total of 2801 patients (29.6% female) with a mean age of 66.4 ± 10.7 years were included. The ICU mortality rate was 5.2% (n = 147). The mean stay on the ICU was 4.3 ± 6.8 days. Calibration of the LODS was good with no significant difference between expected and observed mortality rates on any day (p ≥ 0.05). The initial LODS had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.81. The AUC was best on ICU day 3 with a value of 0.93, and declined to 0.85 on ICU day 7.

Conclusions
Although the LODS has not previously been validated for cardiac surgery patients it showed reasonable accuracy in prediction of ICU mortality in patients after cardiac surgery.
Use of near-infrared spectroscopy during a vascular occlusion test to assess the microcirculatory response during fluid challenge
Authors: Futier Emmanuel , Christophe Sebastien , Robin Emmanuel , Petit Antoine , Pereira Bruno , Desbordes Jacques , Bazin Jean-Etienne , Vallet Benoit 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Adequate volume expansion (VE) in patients with evidence of hypoperfusion should be aimed not only at achieving an increase in stroke volume (SV) and cardiac index (CI) but also at improved tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Our aim in this study was to assess the dynamic changes in muscle tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) during hypovolaemia and in response to VE.

Methods
We conducted a prospective study of 42 fluid challenges in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery with evidence of hypovolaemia, defined as pulse pressure variation (PPV) >13% and SV variation (SVV) >12%. CI, SV, SVV (FloTrac/Vigileo) and PPV were measured before and after VE. Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase of SV >15% after a 500-mL colloid infusion over 15 minutes. In all patients, the muscle StO2 and its changes during a standardised vascular occlusion test were analysed using a near-infrared spectroscopy device after anaesthesia induction (which defined the baseline state) and before and after each VE.

Results
No patients were preload-responsive after anaesthesia induction. Twenty-nine of forty-two fluid challenges (69%) were positive for VE, with a statistically significant (P < 0.001) difference in SV changes between positive and negative responses to VE. There was a statistically significant difference in PPV and SVV values before VE in the positive and negative fluid responses [PPV: 16% (15% to 18%) vs. 14% (13% to 15%), P = 0.001; and SVV: 14% (13% to 16%) vs. 16% (15% to 16%), P = 0.03 or positive and negative fluid responses, respectively]. Data are presented as medians and 25th and 75th percentiles Before VE there was no significant difference in StO2 values relative to baseline [86% (78% to 88%) vs. 84% (77% to 91%), P = 0.83], without a significant difference (P = 0.36) between positive and negative fluid challenges. Hypovolaemia was associated with a significant reduction (P = 0.004) in StO2 recovery slope, with a significant difference (P = 0.02) between positive and negative fluid challenges. The VE-induced increase in the StO2 recovery slope was 62 ± 49% (P < 0.001) for positive fluid challenges and 26 ± 34% (P = 0.04) for negative fluid challenges.

Conclusions
Hypovolaemia significantly affects the muscle StO2 recovery slope. Restoring effective intravascular volume with fluid loading significantly improves the StO2 recovery slope, despite apparently ineffective changes in systemic haemodynamics.
Matric Suction Measurement of Unsaturated Soils With Null-Type Axis-Translation Technique
Authors: Tripathy Snehasis , Elgabu Hesham , Thomas Hywel R 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Matric suctions of several compacted soil specimens of a low-plastic soil were measured using null-type axis-translation technique. The study showed that in general, the dynamically compacted specimens reached equilibrium sooner than the statically compacted specimens and exhibited greater matric suctions. For a given compaction type (dynamic or static), the influence of an increase in the dry density due to an increase in the compaction effort had practically negligible influence on the measured matric suctions. Comparison of the null-type test results with the suction-water content soil-water characteristic curves of the soil showed some disagreements particularly for matric suctions greater than 20 to 30 kPa. Continuity in the water phase between the soil water, the water in the ceramic disk, and the water in the compartment below the ceramic disk, was verified soon after the measurements of matric suction were completed by increasing the chamber air pressure and monitoring the corresponding water pressure increase below the ceramic disk. The test results clearly showed a lack of continuity in the water phase during the suction measurements. Use of various interface materials (viz., a wet filter paper, slurries prepared from the tested soil and a kaolinite) significantly improved the water phase continuity; however, reduced the matric suctions of the soil specimens tested.
September 11, 2001: Ten Years Later
Authors: McCann David GC , Cordi Heidi P. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWorld perceptions of security and health threats have changed in the last decade. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 ushered communities into a new paradigm of social construct and behavior. In the United States (U.S.) the heightened security measures, surveillance, and medical preparedness of the Patriot Act have had far reaching effects on various sectors of our society. Fortunately, there has not been a successful attack on U.S. soil since 9‐11, but our allies in the “war on terror” have not been so fortunate (e.g. London, Madrid, Mumbai and Oslo bombings). Changes in the scope of civilian and military involvement and an expanding medical role are discussed.
A Physician's Remembrance of 9‐11: Where We Were and Where We Are
Authors: Cordi Heidi P. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractDisaster preparedness has become more evident in our daily lives within the last decade. September 11, 2001 has put the fear of terrorism and even bioterrorism into our lives. We have become more cautious. Thanks to federal regulations and policies, and national media and other venues, we are not only more keenly aware of potential threats, we are also more prepared.
Belatacept-versus Cyclosporine-Based Immunosuppression in Renal Transplant Recipients with Pre-existing Diabetes
Authors: Rostaing Lionel , Neumayer Hans H. , Reyes-Acevedo Rafael , Bresnahan Barbara , Florman Sander , Vitko Stefan , Heifets Michael , Xing Jun , Thomas Dolca , Vincenti Flavio 
Published: September 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Renal transplant recipients with pre-existing diabetes (PD) have reduced graft survival and increased risk of mortality and ischemic heart disease compared with nondiabetic transplant recipients. To assess the effect of belatacept in this high-risk group, we evaluated outcomes of the subpopulation with PD from previously published BENEFIT and BENEFIT-EXT trials.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
A post hoc analysis evaluated pooled data from BENEFIT (living donors or standard criteria donors) and BENEFIT-EXT (extended criteria donors). Patients were randomized to receive cyclosporine or a more intensive (MI) or less intensive (LI) belatacept regimen.

Results
Of 1209 intent-to-treat patients, 336 had PD. At 12 months, the belatacept LI arm demonstrated a numerically higher rate of patients surviving with a functioning graft (90.4% MI [103 of 114], 92.8% LI [90 of 97], and 80.8% cyclosporine [101 of 125]), and fewer serious adverse events than cyclosporine or MI patients. Three cases of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder were reported in LI patients, one involving the central nervous system. Higher rates (% [95% confidence interval]: 22.8% MI [15.1 to 30.5]; 20.6% LI [12.6 to 28.7]; 14.4% cyclosporine (8.2 to 20.6]) and grades of acute rejection were observed with belatacept. Measured GFR (ml/min per 1.73 m2, 59.8 MI; 62.5 LI; 45.4 cyclosporine), and cardiovascular risk profile were better for belatacept versus cyclosporine.

Conclusions
In post hoc analysis of patients with PD, patient/graft survival and renal function at 12 months were numerically higher with belatacept versus cyclosporine, but not statistically significant. Further study is necessary to confirm the benefits belatacept may provide in these patients.
Relationship between Blood Pressure and Incident Chronic Kidney Disease in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Hanratty Rebecca , Chonchol Michel , Havranek Edward P. , Powers J. David , Dickinson L. Miriam , Ho P. Michael , Magid David J. , Steiner John F. 
Published: September 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Hypertension is an important cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Identifying risk factors for progression to CKD in patients with normal kidney function and hypertension may help target therapies to slow or prevent decline of kidney function. Our objective was to identify risk factors for development of incident CKD and decline in estimated GFR (eGFR) in hypertensive patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the relationship between incident CKD (defined as eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and potential risk factors for CKD from a registry of hypertensive patients.

Results
Of 43,305 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 12.1% (5236 patients) developed incident CKD. Diabetes was the strongest predictor of incident CKD (hazard ratio, 1.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.84 to 2.09) and was associated with the greatest rate of decline in eGFR (−2.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year). Time-varying systolic BP was associated with incident CKD with risk increasing above 120 mmHg; each 10-mmHg increase in baseline and time-varying systolic BP was associated with a 6% increase in the risk of developing CKD (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.08 for both). Time-weighted systolic BP was associated with a more rapid decline in eGFR of an additional 0.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year decline for every 10-mmHg increase in systolic BP.

Conclusions
We found that time-varying systolic BP was associated with incident CKD, with an increase in risk above a systolic BP of 120 mmHg among individuals with hypertension.
Avoir 30 ans et être encore célibataire : une catégorie émergente en Algérie
Authors: Ouadah-Bedidi Zahia 
Published: September 2011

Résumé Dans la société algérienne, le mariage est traditionnellement considéré comme une étape incontournable de la vie d’un individu. Il y a seulement une trentaine d’années, les femmes se mariaient en moyenne à 18 ans et les hommes à 23 ans. Aujourd’hui, le mariage précoce reste exceptionnel et le mariage très tardif devient presque la norme. En 2002, les femmes et les hommes se marient en moyenne après 30 ans ; une femme sur trois et un homme sur deux sont encore célibataires à 30-34 ans. C’est un phénomène qui touche aussi bien les grandes villes que les campagnes sur l’ensemble du territoire. Cette montée spectaculaire du célibat est associée d’une part à des facteurs de modernisation, comme l’instruction, et à des facteurs de crise et de pauvreté comme le chômage et la pénurie de logement, et d’autre part, à l’évolution des mentalités et à la perception même du mariage et de la place des individus et de la femme dans le couple, la famille et la société.
The Boston Type I Keratoprosthesis: An Assessment of Its Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Verdejo-Gómez Lucía , Peláez Natalia , Gris Oscar , Güell José Luis 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Boston Type I keratoprosthesis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Twelve patients who underwent surgery with implantation of the Boston Type I keratoprosthesis were monitored. The following parameters were considered: diagnosis, comorbidity, previous surgery, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, complications, and keratoprosthetic retention.

RESULTS:
The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 42 months (mean: 23 months). The mean number of previous keratoplasties was 2.0. The percentage of patients whose best-corrected visual acuity improved was 83.3%, and 16.7% maintained their previous vision. No patient had preoperative visual acuity better than 0.05. Patients with glaucoma comorbidity had the most limited final postoperative vision. Four eyes presented limited corneal melt. In another two eyes, corneal stromal bleeding led to a vitreous hemorrhage that was completely resolved after some weeks. No endophthalmitis or extrusion of the device occurred.

CONCLUSION:
The Boston Type I keratoprosthesis has a visual rehabilitation potential in cases of complicated corneal blindness, where the prognosis of a conventional keratoplasty is considered poor. Anatomical retention may be favorable in the medium term.