bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic blockade of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) prevents and attenuates neuropathic pain behavior and spontaneous ectopic neuronal activity following nerve injury
Authors: Gabayl Eran , Wolfl Gilly , Shavitl Yehuda , Yirmiyal Raz , Tall Michael 
Published: August 2010

AbstractNeuropathic pain is a chronic pain state resulting from peripheral nerve injury, characterized by hyperalgesia and allodynia. We have reported that mice with genetic impairment of IL‐1 signaling display attenuated neuropathic pain behavior and ectopic neuronal activity. In order to substantiate the role of IL‐1 in neuropathic pain, WT mice were implanted subcutaneously with osmotic micropumps containing either IL‐1ra or vehicle. Two days following the implantation, two models of neuropathic pain were used; partial nerve injury (spinal nerve transection, SNT), or complete nerve cut (spinal neuroma model). Mechanosensitivity was assessed seven consecutive days following SNT, and on day 7 recordings of spontaneous ectopic activity were performed. In the spinal nerve neuroma model, autotomy scores were recorded up to 35 days. Vehicle‐treated mice developed significant allodynia and autotomy, and clear ectopic activity (4.1±1.1% of the axons); whereas IL‐1ra‐treated mice did not display allodynic response, displayed delayed onset of autotomy and markedly reduced severity of autotomy scores, and displayed reduced spontaneous activity (0.8±0.4% of the axons). To test whether IL‐1 is involved in maintenance of mechanical allodynia, a separate group of WT mice was treated with a single injection of either saline or IL‐1ra four days following SNT, after the allodynic response was already manifested. Whereas saline‐treated mice displayed robust allodynia, acute IL‐1ra treatment induced long‐lasting attenuation of the allodynic response. The results support our hypothesis that IL‐1 signaling plays an important role in neuropathic pain and in the ectopic neuronal activity that underling its development.
Diffraction Imaging in a He+ Ion Beam Scanning Transmission Microscope
Authors: IV John Notte , Hill Raymond , McVey Sean M. , Ramachandra Ranjan , Griffin Brendan , Joy David 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe scanning helium ion microscope has been used in transmission mode to investigate both the feasibility of this approach and the utility of the signal content and the image information available. Operating at 40 keV the penetration of the ion beam, and the imaging resolution achieved, in MgO crystals was found to be in good agreement with values predicted by Monte Carlo modeling. The bright-field and annular dark-field signals displayed the anticipated contrasts associated with beam absorption and scattering. In addition, the diffraction of the He ion beam within the sample gave rise to crystallographic contrast effects in the form of thickness fringes and dislocation images. Scanning transmission He ion microscopy thus achieves useful sample penetration and provides nanometer scale resolution, high contrast images of crystalline materials and crystal defects even at modest beam energies.
Risk Factors and Outcomes for Vancomycin-ResistantEnterococcusBloodstream Infection in Children
Authors: Haas Eric J. , Zaoutis Theoklis E. , Prasad Priya , Li Mingyao , Coffin Susan E. 
Published: August 2010

Background and Objective.Enterococcal bloodstream infections (BSIs) cause morbidity and mortality in children. This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics of enterococcal BSI, to determine the risk factors for vancomycin-resistantEnterococcus(VRE) BSI, and to compare outcomes of VRE BSI and vancomycin-susceptibleEnterococcus(VSE) BSI in this population.Methods.A retrospective cohort study at a 418-bed tertiary care children's hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, examined the epidemiological characteristics of children hospitalized with enterococcal BSI during the period from 2001 through 2006. A nested case-control study compared patients with VRE BSI with control patients with VSE BSI. Analysis included regression modeling to identify independent risk factors for VRE BSI.Results.We identified 339 patients with enterococcal BSI during the study period, including 39 patients with VRE infection. Fifty-three patients (16%) died before hospital discharge. Risk factors for VRE included long-term receipt of mechanical ventilation (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.40 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.28-6.48]), receipt of immunosuppressive medications during the preceding 30 days (adjusted OR, 2.88 [95% CI, 1.40-20.78]), use of vancomycin during the 2 weeks before onset of bacteremia (adjusted OR per day of vancomycin use, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.14-1.38]), and older age (adjusted OR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.03-1.14]). VRE BSI was not associated with an increased length of stay after onset of bacteremia (0.77 days [95% CI, 0.55-1.07 days]). Mortality was higher for VRE BSI, but the difference was not statistically significant (adjusted OR, 1.94 [95% CI, 0.78-4.8]).Conclusion.Most enterococcal BSI in children was caused by VSE. Risk factors for VRE BSI included receipt of vancomycin, long-term receipt of mechanical ventilation, immunosuppression, and older age. Differences in length of stay and mortality were not detected.
Co‐evolutionary interactions between host resistance and pathogen effector genes in flax rust disease
Authors: RAVENSDALE MICHAEL , NEMRI ADNANE , THRALL PETER H. , ELLIS JEFFREY G. , DODDS PETER N. 
Published: August 2010

SUMMARYPlant–pathogen co‐evolutionary selection processes are continuous, complex and occur across many spatial and temporal scales. Comprehensive studies of the flax–flax rust pathosystem have led to the postulation of the gene‐for‐gene model, a genetic paradigm describing recognition events between host disease resistance proteins and pathogen effector proteins. The identification of directly interacting fungal effector proteins and plant disease resistance proteins in this pathosystem has facilitated the study of both the physical nature of these interactions and the evolutionary forces that have resulted in a molecular arms race between these organisms. The flax–flax rust pathosystem has also been detailed on the scale of interacting populations, and the integration of molecular‐ and population‐scale datasets represents a unique opportunity to further our understanding of many poorly understood facets of host–pathogen dynamics. In this article, we discuss recent developments and insights in the flax–flax rust pathosystem and their implications for both long‐term co‐evolutionary dynamics in natural settings, as well as short‐term co‐evolutionary dynamics in agro‐ecosystems.
Characterizing abdominal pain in IBS: guidance for study inclusion criteria, outcome measurement and clinical practice
Authors: Spiegel B. M. R. , Bolus R. , Harris L. A. , Lucak S. , Chey W. D. , Sayuk G. , Esrailian E. , Lembo A. , Karsan H. , Tillisch K. , Talley J. , Chang L. 
Published: August 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 1192–1202SummaryBackground  Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a multisymptom disorder, abdominal pain drives illness severity more than other symptoms. Despite consensus that IBS trials should measure pain to define study entry and determine efficacy, the optimal method of measuring pain remains uncertain.Aim  To determine whether combining information from multiple pain dimensions may capture the IBS illness experience more effectively than the approach of measuring ‘pain predominance’ or pain intensity alone.Methods  Irritable bowel syndrome patients rated dimensions of pain, including intensity, frequency, constancy, predominance, predictability, duration, speed of onset and relationship to bowel movements. We evaluated the impact of each dimension on illness severity using multivariable regression techniques.Results  Among the pain dimensions, intensity, frequency, constancy and predictability were strongly and independently associated with illness severity; the other dimensions had weaker associations. The clinical definition of ‘pain predominance’, in which patients define pain as their most bothersome symptom, was insufficient to categorize patients by illness severity.Conclusions  Irritable bowel disease pain is multifaceted; some pain dimensions drive illness more than others. IBS trials should measure various pain dimensions, including intensity, constancy, frequency and predictability; this may improve upon the customary use of measuring pain as a unidimensional symptom in IBS.
Use and discontinuation of hormone replacement therapy in women with myocardial infarction: a nationwide study
Authors: Bretler Ditte‐Marie , Hansen Peter Riis , Abildstrøm Steen Zabell , Jørgensen Casper Haslund , Sørensen Rikke , Hansen Morten Lock , Schramm Tina Ken , Løkkegaard Ellen , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar Hilmar 
Published: August 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • General use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) dropped drastically after 2002 when pivotal randomized trials showed increased risk of coronary artery disease and other complications with HRT.• HRT is not recommended for primary or secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and guidelines recommend discontinuation of HRT after myocardial infarction (MI).• It is unknown whether women actually discontinue HRT after MI. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Women who use HRT when they experience their MI generally continue using HRT.• We found a remarkably low increase in discontinuation after 2002, in contrast to the general drop in use of HRT.AIM To characterize the pattern of use and discontinuation of postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women with myocardial infarction (MI) before and after 2002, where the general use of HRT dropped drastically subsequent to the results of the Women's Health Initiative trial.METHODS All Danish women aged ≥40 years hospitalized with MI in the period 1997 to 2005 and their use of HRT were identified by individual‐level‐linkage of nationwide registers of hospitalization and drug dispensing from pharmacies. Characteristics associated with HRT use at time of MI and subsequent HRT discontinuation were analysed by multivariable logistic regression.RESULTS In the study period, 34 778 women were discharged after MI. Of these, 3979 (11.4%) received HRT at the time of MI and their most used categories of HRT were vaginal oestrogen and oral oestrogen alone (46.6% and 28.7%, respectively). The percentage of women who continued HRT during the first year after discharge was 85.0% in the period 2000–2002 and had decreased to 79.6% in the period 2003–2005. Vaginal oestrogen use was associated with overall discontinuation of HRT (odds ratio [OR] 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10, 1.72), whereas use of oral oestrogen alone and use of oral cyclic combined oestrogen/progestogen were associated with change of HRT after MI (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.10, 4.93 and OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.35, 6.39, respectively).CONCLUSION The majority of women experiencing an MI during ongoing HRT continued HRT after discharge and this pattern of HRT use did not change markedly after 2002.
Reduced systemic vascular resistance in healthy volunteers with presyncopal symptoms during a nitrate‐stimulated tilt‐table test
Authors: Tahvanainen Anna , Koskela Jenni , Leskinen Miia , Ilveskoski Erkki , Nordhausen Klaus , Kähönen Mika , Kööbi Tiit , Mustonen Jukka , Pörsti Ilkka 
Published: August 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Nitrates may facilitate syncope through various pathways, but the precise mechanism of nitrate‐induced syncope is still under debate. The purpose of the present study was to compare the underlying haemodynamic mechanisms in subjects without and with presyncopal symptoms during a nitroglycerin‐stimulated tilt‐table test. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • A major decrease in systemic vascular resistance was documented in subjects with presyncope during 0.25 mg nitroglycerin‐stimulated tilt‐table test, in the absence of changes in cardiac output. These findings indicated that even a small dose of nitroglycerin significantly decreased arterial resistance and cardiac afterload.AIMS The mechanism of nitrate‐induced syncope remains controversial. We examined the haemodynamic changes in healthy volunteers during nitroglycerin‐stimulated tilt‐table test.METHODS Continuous radial pulse wave analysis, whole‐body impedance cardiography and plethysmographic finger blood pressure were recorded in a supine position and during head‐up tilt in 21 subjects with presyncopal symptoms (6 male/15 female, age 43 ± 3 years) after 0.25 mg sublingual nitroglycerin and 21 control subjects (6 male/15 female, age 43 ± 2 years). The drug was administered in the supine position and a passive head‐up tilt followed 5 min later. Additionally, nitroglycerin was only administered during head‐up tilt in 19 subjects and the haemodynamics were recorded.RESULTS Supine and upright haemodynamics were similar before nitroglycerin administration in the two groups. During the nitroglycerin‐stimulated tilt test, aortic and radial mean blood pressure decreased significantly more in the presyncope group when compared with the controls (P= 0.0006 and P= 0.0004, respectively). The decreases in systemic vascular resistance (P= 0.0008) and heart rate (P= 0.002), and increase in aortic reflection time (P= 0.0002) were greater in the presyncope group, while the change in cardiac index was not different between the groups (P= 0.14). If nitroglycerin was administered during the upright tilt and not in supine position, the haemodynamic changes were quite corresponding.CONCLUSIONS Presyncopal symptoms during nitrate‐stimulated tilt test were explained by decreased systemic vascular resistance and increased aortic reflection time, while cardiac output remained unchanged. These findings indicated reduced arterial resistance in nitroglycerin‐induced presyncope.
Proof of concept study to evaluate step‐down therapy with inhaled corticosteroid alone or additive therapy on surrogate inflammatory markers in asthma
Authors: McKinlay Lorna , Williamson Peter A. , Short Philip M. , Fardon Tom C. , Lipworth Brian J. 
Published: August 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Much of the focus of inflammatory surrogates and airway challenges in asthma has been directed towards success of therapy and diagnosis. Few have considered them in the context of guiding dose reduction once sufficient control has been achieved. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) as an indirect bronchial airway challenge, together with non invasive inflammatory surrogate measures were not found to be clinically useful when guiding therapy in a group of asthmatic patients through step 3–4 in British Thoracic Society asthma guidelines. However, they may still play a role in predicting failure of individual step‐down.AIM The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of inflammatory surrogates in determining step‐down therapy in asthma.METHODS AMP challenge, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and pulmonary function tests were recorded. Subjects were divided into two groups following high dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS): Group A fixed dose ICS vs. Group B ICS alone and in combination with add on therapies.RESULTS No differences were seen in inflammatory measures between fixed dose ICS and reduced dose ICS alone or with combination therapies.CONCLUSIONS AMP challenge conferred no additional benefit in guiding step‐down therapy. The role of inflammatory surrogates may still play a role in predicting failed step‐down on an individual basis.
Selection of reference genes for quantitative polymerase chain reaction studies in purified B cells from B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients
Authors: Valceckiene Vilma , Kontenyte Rima , Jakubauskas Arturas , Griskevicius Laimonas 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe clinical heterogeneity of B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐CLL) makes it necessary to identify potent prognostic indicators to predict individual clinical course and select risk‐adapted therapy. In recent years, numerous gene expression models have been suggested as prognostic factors of B‐CLL. Today, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a preferred method for rapid quantification of gene expression and validation of microarray data. The reliability of qPCR data is highly dependent on the use of appropriate reference genes for normalization. To date, no validated reference genes have been reported for the normalization of gene expression in B‐CLL. Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify suitable reference genes for gene expression studies in CD19+ B cells isolated from B‐CLL patients’ peripheral blood. The stability of ACTB, B2M, GAPDH, GUSB, HMBS, HPRT1, MRPL19, TBP and UBC genes was determined by three different descriptive statistics, geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper‐1, which produced highly comparable results. Based on our results, B2M, HPRT1, and GUSB were found to be the most suitable reference genes for qPCR studies in B‐CLL patients’ peripheral blood B cells.
A European consensus report on blood cell identification: terminology utilized and morphological diagnosis concordance among 28 experts from 17 countries within the European LeukemiaNet network WP10, on behalf of the ELN Morphology Faculty
Authors: Zini Gina , Bain Barbara , Bettelheim Peter , Cortez José , D’Onofrio Giuseppe , Faber Edgar , Haferlach Torsten , Kacirkova Petra , Lewandowski Krzysztof , Matutes Estella , Maynadié Marc , Meletis John , Petersen Bodil L. , Porwit Anna , Terpos Evangelos , Tichelli Andrée , Vallespí Teresa , Woessner Soledad , Bennett John , Bene Marie C. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThis paper describes the methodology used to develop a consensual glossary for haematopoietic cells within Diagnostics‐WP10 of European‐LeukemiaNet EU‐project. This highly interactive work was made possible through the use of the net, requiring only a single two‐day meeting of actual confrontation and debate. It resulted in the production of a freely accessible tool that could be useful for training as well as harmonization of morphological reports in onco‐haematology especially, without geographic limitation, not limited to European countries. Moreover, this collective work resulted in the production of a consensus statement, taking into account individual practices, collegial agreement and literature data.
Invasion of Solidago gigantea in contrasting experimental plant communities: effects on soil microbes, nutrients and plant–soil feedbacks
Authors: Scharfy Deborah , Güsewell Sabine , Gessner Mark O. , Venterink Harry Olde 
Published: August 2010

Summary 1. Plant–soil feedbacks can influence the success of non‐native plant invasions. We investigated if these feedbacks and the underlying invasion effects on soil microbes and nutrients depend on the species composition of the invaded vegetation, and whether these effects are related to differences in the invasibility of native plant communities. 2. We carried out a mesocosm experiment simulating the invasion of Solidago gigantea into three wetland plant communities (Molinion, Magnocaricion and Filipendulion), each composed of five plant species but differing in productivity. To study plant–soil feedbacks, we used different soil inoculum types from invaded and non‐invaded field sites of the corresponding communities and a reference site. Invasion success was assessed by measuring the biomass of S. gigantea after three growing seasons and by analysing soil properties several times during the experiment. 3. Invasion success varied significantly among communities and soil inoculum types. Solidago gigantea produced more biomass in the Molinion than in the two more productive communities. In all three communities, it exhibited a negative feedback upon itself, producing 31–46% less biomass when the substrate was inoculated with soil from a stand invaded with S. gigantea. 4. The presence of S. gigantea did not influence total biomass in any community nor N and P availability in soil. However, it led to a decrease in soil bacterial and an increase in soil fungal biomasses. These changes were similar in the three communities and unrelated to the biomass of S. gigantea biomass in the invaded communities. 5. Synthesis. The experimental comparison between effects of an invasive plant species on soil properties in different native communities showed similar effects despite pronounced differences in the ability of the invasive species to grow in the different communities. In this system, plant–soil interactions may thus affect invasion, but not explain differences in the invasibility of different communities. The invasive species increased soil fungal biomass, particularly in its own soil, compared to native species and experienced a negative feedback, suggesting that the course of its invasion might be affected by species‐specific soil pathogens.
Lack of antibodies against the antigen domain 2 epitope of cytomegalovirus (CMV) glycoprotein B is associated with CMV disease after renal transplantation in recipients having the same glycoprotein H serotypes as their donors
Authors: Ishibashi K. , Tokumoto T. , Shirakawa H. , Hashimoto K. , Ikuta K. , Kushida N. , Yanagida T. , Shishido K. , Aikawa K. , Toma H. , Inoue N. , Yamaguchi O. , Tanabe K. , Suzutani T. 
Published: August 2010

K. Ishibashi T. Tokumoto, H. Shirakawa, K. Hashimoto, K. Ikuta, N. Kushida, T. Yanagida, K. Shishido, K. Aikawa, H. Toma, N. Inoue, O. Yamaguchi, K. Tanabe, T. Suzutani. Lack of antibodies against the antigen domain 2 epitope of cytomegalovirus (CMV) glycoprotein B is associated with CMV disease after renal transplantation in recipients having the same glycoprotein H serotypes as their donors. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 318–323. All rights reservedAbstract: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reinfection of seropositive individuals has been associated with adverse outcomes in organ transplantation and is a frequent cause of congenital infection. Previously we demonstrated that mismatching of CMV glycoprotein H (gH) serotypes was associated with CMV disease after renal transplantation. Because the antigen domain 2 (AD2) epitope of glycoprotein B (gB) is conserved among CMV isolates and is one of the known targets of neutralizing antibodies, in this study we investigated whether antibodies against the epitope contribute to protection from CMV reinfection in renal transplantation, irrespective of gH serological matching. For this purpose, the gB and gH serology and clinical outcomes were analyzed retrospectively for 77 transplant recipients in the donor positive/recipient positive setting, who were managed by preemptive strategy. We found that there was a good negative correlation between the numbers of antigenemia‐positive cells and the levels of antibodies against gB AD2 in the CMV‐gH antibody matched group, but not in the CMV‐gH antibody mismatched group. None of the recipients with antibodies against both gB AD2 and strain‐specific epitopes of gH have experienced CMV disease during 6 month after transplantation, while 28% of those who lacked either/both antibody response needed preemptive therapy. Because the outcome was statistically significant, antibodies against gB AD2 can be a useful indicator to predict emergence of CMV disease for preemptive therapy, in addition to antibodies against the mismatched gH types.
Gestosis Index (EPH‐Gestosis); Evaluation for the Assessment of Prognosis and Condition of the Newborn
Authors: Furuhashi Nobuaki , Tanaka Mikio , Shinkawa Osamu , Kono Hideaki , Hiruta Masuki , Takahashi Tomomi , Suzuki Masakuni 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIt is well known that EPH‐Gestosis has some influence on fetal growth. In this study, we analyzed 33 cases of severe polysymptomatic EPH‐Gestosis using a modified Gestosis Index (G.I.) and investigated which G.I. factor had the most severe effect on fetal growth.According to the G.I. analysis, the fetal death rate is 40% in the group with total G.I. over 8 and each factor point over 2. Hypertension (H) and proteinuria (P) have specially severe effects on the fetus.