bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential gene expression of serine protease inhibitors in bovine ovarian follicle: possible involvement in follicular growth and atresia
Authors: Hayashi Ken-Go , Ushizawa Koichi , Hosoe Misa , Takahashi Toru 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
SERPINs (serine protease inhibitors) regulate proteases involving fibrinolysis, coagulation, inflammation, cell mobility, cellular differentiation and apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate differentially expressed genes of members of the SERPIN superfamily between healthy and atretic follicles using a combination of microarray and quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) analysis. In addition, we further determined mRNA and protein localization of identified SERPINs in estradiol (E2)-active and E2-inactive follicles by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

Methods
We performed microarray analysis of healthy (10.7 +/- 0.7 mm) and atretic (7.8 +/- 0.2 mm) follicles using a custom-made bovine oligonucleotide microarray to screen differentially expressed genes encoding SERPIN superfamily members between groups. The expression profiles of six identified SERPIN genes were further confirmed by QPCR analysis. In addition, mRNA and protein localization of four SERPINs was investigated in E2-active and E2-inactive follicles using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

Results
We have identified 11 SERPIN genes expressed in healthy and atretic follicles by microarray analysis. QPCR analysis confirmed that mRNA expression of four SERPINs (SERPINA5, SERPINB6, SERPINE2 and SERPINF2) was greater in healthy than in atretic follicles, while two SERPINs (SERPINE1 and SERPING1) had greater expression in atretic than in healthy follicles. In situ hybridization showed that SERPINA5, SERPINB6 and SERPINF2 mRNA were localized in GCs of E2-active follicles and weakly expressed in GCs of E2-inactive follicles. SERPING1 mRNA was localized in both GCs and the theca layer (TL) of E2-inactive follicles and a weak hybridization signal was also detected in both GCs and TL of E2-active follicles. Immunohistochemistry showed that SERPINA5, SERPINB6 and SERPINF2 were detected in GCs of E2-active and E2-inactive follicles. SERPING1 protein was localized in both GCs and the TL of E2-active and E2-inactive follicles.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate a characteristic expression of SERPIN superfamily member genes in bovine healthy and atretic follicles. The cell-type-and stage-specific expression of SERPINs may be associated with bovine follicular growth and atresia.
A physical map for the Amborella trichopodagenome sheds light on the evolution of angiosperm genome structure
Authors: Zuccolo Andrea , Bowers John E , Estill James C , Xiong Zhiyong , Luo Meizhong , Sebastian Aswathy , Goicoechea José Luis , Collura Kristi , Yu Yeisoo , Jiao Yuannian , Duarte Jill , Tang Haibao , Ayyampalayam Saravanaraj , Rounsley Steve , Kudrna Dave , Paterson Andrew H , Pires J Chris , Chanderbali Andre , Soltis Douglas E , Chamala Srikar , Barbazuk Brad , Soltis Pamela S , Albert Victor A , Ma Hong , Mandoli Dina , Banks Jody , Carlson John E , Tomkins Jeffrey , dePamphilis Claude W , Wing Rod A , Leebens-Mack Jim 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Background
Recent phylogenetic analyses have identified Amborella trichopoda, an understory tree species endemic to the forests of New Caledonia, as sister to a clade including all other known flowering plant species. The Amborella genome is a unique reference for understanding the evolution of angiosperm genomes because it can serve as an outgroup to root comparative analyses. A physical map, BAC end sequences and sample shotgun sequences provide a first view of the 870 Mbp Amborella genome.

Results
Analysis of Amborella BAC ends sequenced from each contig suggests that the density of long terminal repeat retrotransposons is negatively correlated with that of protein coding genes. Syntenic, presumably ancestral, gene blocks were identified in comparisons of the Amborella BAC contigs and the sequenced Arabidopsis thaliana, Populus trichocarpa, Vitis vinifera and Oryza sativa genomes. Parsimony mapping of the loss of synteny corroborates previous analyses suggesting that the rate of structural change has been more rapid on lineages leading to Arabidopsis and Oryza compared with lineages leading to Populus and Vitis. The gamma paleohexiploidy event identified in the Arabidopsis, Populus and Vitis genomes is shown to have occurred after the divergence of all other known angiosperms from the lineage leading to Amborella.

Conclusions
When placed in the context of a physical map, BAC end sequences representing just 5.4% of the Amborella genome have facilitated reconstruction of gene blocks that existed in the last common ancestor of all flowering plants. The Amborella genome is an invaluable reference for inferences concerning the ancestral angiosperm and subsequent genome evolution.
Guidelines and Recommendations for Laboratory Analysis in the Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sacks David B , Arnold Mark , Bakris George L , Bruns David E , Horvath Andrea Rita , Kirkman M Sue , Lernmark Ake , Metzger Boyd E , Nathan David M 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUNDMultiple laboratory tests are used to diagnose and manage patients with diabetes mellitus. The quality of the scientific evidence supporting the use of these tests varies substantially.APPROACHAn expert committee compiled evidence-based recommendations for the use of laboratory testing for patients with diabetes. A new system was developed to grade the overall quality of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations. Draft guidelines were posted on the Internet and presented at the 2007 Arnold O. Beckman Conference. The document was modified in response to oral and written comments, and a revised draft was posted in 2010 and again modified in response to written comments. The National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry and the Evidence Based Laboratory Medicine Committee of the AACC jointly reviewed the guidelines, which were accepted after revisions by the Professional Practice Committee and subsequently approved by the Executive Committee of the American Diabetes Association.CONTENTIn addition to long-standing criteria based on measurement of plasma glucose, diabetes can be diagnosed by demonstrating increased blood hemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c) concentrations. Monitoring of glycemic control is performed by self-monitoring of plasma or blood glucose with meters and by laboratory analysis of Hb A1c. The potential roles of noninvasive glucose monitoring, genetic testing, and measurement of autoantibodies, urine albumin, insulin, proinsulin, C-peptide, and other analytes are addressed.SUMMARYThe guidelines provide specific recommendations that are based on published data or derived from expert consensus. Several analytes have minimal clinical value at present, and their measurement is not recommended.
High‐Dose Daptomycin for Treatment of Complicated Gram‐Positive Infections: A Large, Multicenter, Retrospective Study
Authors: Kullar Ravina , Davis Susan L. , Levine Donald P. , Zhao Jing J. , Crank Christopher W. , Segreti John , Sakoulas George , Cosgrove Sara E. , Rybak Michael J. 
Published: May 2011

Study Objective. To evaluate the clinical response and safety of high‐dose daptomycin for treatment of complicated gram‐positive infections.Design. Multicenter, retrospective, observational, case series analysis.Setting. Five academic medical centers in four major United States cities.Patients. Two hundred fifty adults, not undergoing dialysis, who received high‐dose daptomycin (≥ 8 mg/kg/day) for at least 72 hours for complicated gram‐positive infections between January 1, 2005, and March 1, 2010.Measurements and Main Results. Clinical and microbiologic outcomes were assessed at the end of high‐dose daptomycin therapy. Safety evaluations were recorded for all patients, and when available, baseline, end‐of‐therapy and highest observed serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels were recorded. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcusfaecium (VRE) were the primary organisms isolated. The median dose of daptomycin was 8.9 mg/kg/day (interquartile range [IQR] 8.0–10.0 mg/kg/day). The median duration of daptomycin during hospitalization for MRSA and VRE infection was 10 days (IQR 5–16 days) and 13 days (IQR 6–18 days), respectively. Among the 250 patients, high‐dose daptomycin was primarily used as salvage therapy after vancomycin treatment (184 patients [73.6%]). Primary infections included complicated bacteremia (119 patients [47.6%]), endocarditis (59 [23.6%]), skin or wound (70 [28.0%]), and bone or joint (67 [26.8%]). Overall, clinical response and microbiologic success were assessed in 83.6% (209/250 patients) and 80.3% (175/218 patients), respectively. Isolates from 13 patients (5.2%) developed nonsusceptibility to daptomycin, with most of these patients having extended vancomycin exposure. Three patients (1.2%) developed an adverse event attributable to high‐dose daptomycin therapy, with the event considered either mild or moderate in severity. The median end‐of‐therapy CPK level was 39 U/L (IQR 26–67 U/L). No significant correlation was found between daptomycin dose and highest observed CPK level.
Comparison of Rate Control versus Rhythm Control for Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Coexisting Heart Failure: A Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Perez Alexandra , Touchette Daniel R. , DiDomenico Robert J. , Stamos Thomas D. , Walton Surrey M. 
Published: May 2011

Study Objective. To compare lifetime costs and health outcomes of rate control versus rhythm control for management of atrial fibrillation in patients with coexisting heart failure from the third‐party payer perspective.Design. A Markov decision analysis model constructed from costs, utility, and transition probability inputs obtained from randomized clinical trials and publically available databases.Patients. A simulated cohort aged 65 years or older with persistent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and heart failure.Measurements and Main Results. Markov states for rhythm control were cardioversion plus amiodarone and maintenance amiodarone, and those for rate control were β‐blocker, digoxin, and calcium channel blocker. Transition states included treatment success, hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation and/or heart failure, and severe adverse effects. Economic inputs included cost for drugs, cost of hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation and/or heart failure, and cost of management of severe adverse effects. Costs were measured in 2009 U.S. dollars, and clinical outcomes in quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs). One‐way and multivariable sensitivity analyses were conducted. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were obtained from probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Rate control was found to be less costly and more effective than rhythm control. Base case and probabilistic sensitivity analyses cost and effectiveness values for rate control were $7231 (95% UI $5517–9016) and 2.395 QALYs (95% UI 2.366–2.424 QALYs); whereas those for rhythm control were $16,291 (95% UI $11,033–21,434) and 2.197 QALYs (95% UI 2.155–2.237 QALYs). No critical values were found for any model parameters in the one‐way sensitivity analyses. The cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves showed that rate control was considered cost‐effective in 100% of cases at willingness‐to‐pay ratios between $0 and $200,000/QALY.Conclusion. Rate control is less costly and more effective than rhythm control and should be the initial treatment for atrial fibrillation among patients with coexisting heart failure.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Cyclosporine in Korean Adults Undergoing Living‐Donor Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Ji Eunhee , Kim Mi‐Young , Yun Hwi‐Yeol , Kim Kyung Im , Kang Wonku , Kwon Kwang‐Il , Kim In‐Wha , Lee Hye Suk , Shin Wan Gyoon , Oh Jung Mi 
Published: May 2011

Study Objective. To estimate the population pharmacokinetic parameters of cyclosporine in Korean adults undergoing living‐donor kidney transplantation, and to identify clinical factors affecting cyclosporine pharmacokinetics.Design. Retrospective cohort study.Setting. Single, 1600‐bed, tertiary care academic medical center in Seoul, South Korea.Patients. Seventy‐four living‐donor kidney transplant recipients (mean age 42 yrs) receiving oral cyclosporine microemulsion as an immunosuppressant between January 1, 2001, and August 31, 2006.Measurements and Main Results. Using nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling (NONMEM) with first‐order absorption and elimination, a total of 2394 whole‐blood cyclosporine concentrations from the 74 patients were analyzed. The effects of several clinical covariates on cyclosporine pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated over 12 months after transplantation. The absorption rate constant was fixed at 1.28 hour−1, and the following population pharmacokinetic estimates were calculated: cyclosporine clearance 43.6 L/hour, apparent volume of distribution 1990 L, and interpatient variability for clearance (coefficient of variation) 17.69%. The clinical factors (covariates) that significantly affected cyclosporine pharmacokinetics were postoperative days, prednisolone dose (in mg/day), total bilirubin level (mg/dl), current body weight (in kg), and concurrent use of amlodipine.Conclusion. This population pharmacokinetic model identified important sources of variability in cyclosporine pharmacokinetics. The model will help calculate cyclosporine dose requirements in renal transplant recipients according to specific clinical factors affecting cyclosporine clearance, and it will also be useful for therapeutic drug monitoring.
Potential for Linezolid‐Related Blindness: A Review of Spontaneous Adverse Event Reports
Authors: Brown Jack , Aitken Samuel L. , van Manen Robbert P. 
Published: May 2011

Study Objective. To provide clinicians with an understanding of the comparative occurrence of linezolid and blindness, and to provide any clinically relevant characteristics that may be useful in identifying the patients at risk.Design. Retrospective cohort study.Data Source. Spontaneous reports in the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) database generated between November 1, 1997, and December 21, 2008.Patients. Twenty‐nine patients who experienced blindness while receiving linezolid therapy.Measurements and Main Results. Available information related to each case of linezolid‐reported blindness in the AERS database was qualitatively and quantitatively reviewed. Optic nerve disorders, glaucoma, and treatment with linezolid for long durations were common characteristics in patients experiencing blindness. A limitation of AERS is the lack of a quantitative exposure estimate to put rare adverse events of the AERS, such as linezolid‐related blindness, into perspective. To overcome this limitation, disproportionality analysis with Bayesian correction methodology was used. Disproportionality analysis uses an adverse event relative reporting ratio (RRR) to compare the occurrence of a specific adverse event with an index drug of interest to the occurrence of the same adverse event with similar agents or with all other FDA‐approved prescription drugs. The disproportionality analysis was considered meaningful if the 5th percentile of the distribution of the RRR (RRR05) was 2 or greater. Among the 29 reported cases of linezolid use and blindness, an RRR05 of 2.1 was determined for linezolid‐related blindness compared with all other agents listed in the AERS. Also, RRR05 values of 2.7 and 2.2 were found when linezolid was compared with all other systemic antibiotics and a select subgroup of antibiotics, respectively.Conclusion. Although disproportionality analyses suggested a quantitative signal for an association between linezolid use and blindness, causality cannot be inferred from the data. Thus, additional rigorous scientific analyses are warranted to explore these findings.
Montrose Field Reservoir Management
Authors: Bishlawi Morad , Moore Robert L. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
The Montrose Field, one of the earliest oil discoveries in the UK sector of the North Sea, was put on production in 1976. The Field is operated by Amoco for the Amoco/Gas Council Group, a group of companies comprised of the British Gas Corporation, Texas Eastern and Amerada Hess in addition to Amoco. Extensive reservoir pressure data collection from the start of production enabled the Amoco/Gas Council Group to develop a reservoir depletion policy that was by no means obvious from reservoir studies completed prior to the start of production and is believed will result in the maximum recovery of oil. The reservoir pressure data gathered included conventional bottomhole shut-in pressure buildup surveys plus, in all wells drilled since 1977, Repeat Formation Tester (RFT)* pressure surveys; a tool which has only recently been found to be a strong aid in reservoir evaluation and in developing a sound reservoir management policy.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a Randomized Trial Comparing Care Models for Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hopkins Robert B. , Garg Amit X. , Levin Adeera , Molzahn Anita , Rigatto Claudio , Singer Joel , Soltys George , Soroka Steven , Parfrey Patrick S. , Barrett Brendan J. , Goeree Ron 
Published: May 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Potential cost and effectiveness of a nephrologist/nurse–based multifaceted intervention for stage 3 to 4 chronic kidney disease are not known. This study examines the cost-effectiveness of a chronic disease management model for chronic kidney disease.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Cost and cost-effectiveness were prospectively gathered alongside a multicenter trial. The Canadian Prevention of Renal and Cardiovascular Endpoints Trial (CanPREVENT) randomized 236 patients to receive usual care (controls) and another 238 patients to multifaceted nurse/nephrologist–supported care that targeted factors associated with development of kidney and cardiovascular disease (intervention). Cost and outcomes over 2 years were examined to determine the incremental cost-effectiveness of the intervention. Base-case analysis included disease-related costs, and sensitivity analysis included all costs.

Results
Consideration of all costs produced statistically significant differences. A lower number of days in hospital explained most of the cost difference. For both base-case and sensitivity analyses with all costs included, the intervention group required fewer resources and had higher quality of life. The direction of the results was unchanged to inclusion of various types of costs, consideration of payer or societal perspective, changes to the discount rate, and levels of GFR.

Conclusions
The nephrologist/nurse–based multifaceted intervention represents good value for money because it reduces costs without reducing quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Active Vitamin D and Acute Respiratory Infections in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Tsujimoto Yoshihiro , Tahara Hideki , Shoji Tetsuo , Emoto Masanori , Koyama Hidenori , Ishimura Eiji , Tabata Tsutomu , Nishizawa Yoshiki , Inaba Masaaki 
Published: May 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Vitamin D has gained attention for its pleiotropic effects in areas other than bone metabolism, and the effects of vitamin D in preventing respiratory infections have been reported as one of its immunomodulating properties. This study assessed the preventive effect of vitamin D receptor activator (VDRA) on respiratory infections in dialysis patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Maintained Japanese hemodialysis patients (n = 508) were observed for 5 years, and the incidence of hospitalization during this period because of acute respiratory infection (ARI) was recorded.

Results:
Of the 508 patients, 212 had taken oral VDRA at the start of the study, whereas 296 patients had not received it. During the 5-year follow-up period, 57 patients were hospitalized because of ARIs. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the incidence of hospitalization because of respiratory infection was significantly lower in patients who had been treated with VDRA compared with patients who had not (log rank test; P = 0.02). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that the patients who had taken oral VDRA were at a significantly lower risk of hospitalization because of respiratory disease (hazard ratio 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.25 to 0.90).

Conclusions:
The findings of this study suggest that the administration of oral VDRA has a preventive effect on the incidence of ARIs in dialysis patients.
Pre-emptive Eculizumab and Plasmapheresis for Renal Transplant in Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Nester Carla , Stewart Zoe , Myers David , Jetton Jennifer , Nair Ramesh , Reed Alan , Thomas Christie , Smith Richard , Brophy Patrick 
Published: May 2011

Summary
The case of a 12-year-old with a hybrid CFH/CFHL1 gene and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) that had previously developed native kidney and then renal allograft loss is reported. This case illustrates the relatively common occurrence of renal loss from the late presentation of aHUS. Also presented is a protocol for the pre-emptive use of eculizumab and plasmapheresis as part of a renal transplant plan for the treatment of aHUS in patients deemed at high risk for recurrent disease. This protocol was a result of a multidisciplinary approach including adult and pediatric nephrology, transplant surgery, transfusion medicine, and infectious disease specialists. This protocol and the justifications and components of it can function as a guideline for the treatment of a group of children that have waited in limbo for the first U.S. transplant to open the door to this type of definitive care for this devastating disease.
Spinal Epidural Abscess in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wong San S. , Daka Smitha , Pastewski Andrew , Kyaw Win , Chapnick Edward , Sepkowitz Douglas 
Published: May 2011

Summary
Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare but potentially devastating condition. We noticed an increase in the number of cases of SEA, with the majority in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This prompted a retrospective chart review of all cases of SEA admitted from 2000 to 2005 and a literature search of similar cases. We identified 19 SEA cases treated at Long Island College Hospital during this 6-year period, of which six were on HD: four were dialyzed via catheter, one via arteriovenous fistula, and in one the method of dialysis was not documented. Four patients had bacteremia with Staphylococcus aureus. Four patients presented with paresis or paralysis; only one improved. The mortality rate was 33% (2/6). We found 30 other cases of SEA in patients on HD from the literature. These 36 HD cases were compared with 85 SEA cases that were not on HD (13 from our study and 72 described in two large case series). The mortality rate was noted to be much higher in HD patients (23% [6/26] versus 7% [6/85]). Neurologic deficit at presentation was noted in 47% (17/36) of HD patients versus 69% (59/85) of non-HD patients, but neurologic improvement was higher in non-HD patients (71% [42/59] versus 29% [5/17]). This is the largest literature review of SEA in patients on HD. When compared with non-HD patients, HD patients had a higher mortality rate and were less likely to improve neurologically.