bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sleep disturbance and fatigue in mild relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients on chronic immunomodulant therapy: an actigraphic study
Authors: Mendozzi Laura , Tronci Federica , Garegnani Massimo , Pugnetti Luigi 
Published: December 2009

Background: poor sleep is common in MS and it contributes to fatigue. The β interferons produce systemic effects which may not adapt and may induce fatigue. Objective: to verify whether subjective poor sleep and fatigue during chronic therapy correspond to reduced sleep efficiency obtained by actigraphy at home. Methods: 42 ambulatory relapsing remitting MS patients with mild disability were monitored for at least 7 nights. Habitual sleep quality and fatigue were assessed with the MOS sleep measure and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Sleep logs provided daily sleep quality assessments during actigraphy at home. Patients were grouped according to their current treatment: no therapy, glatiramer acetate, IFNβ 3 times a week, and IFNβ once a week. Results and Conclusion: sleep efficiency was reduced by an average of 5% in 2/3 of the nights following IFNβ injections compared to the other nights, and daily sleep ratings correlated with actigraphy. Patients on glatiramer acetate also showed a lower sleep efficiency than patients without therapy. Actigraphy data were only modestly correlated with MOSsm scores, not with fatigue. Long term adaptation of sleep effects of immunomodulant agents is incomplete and needs to be considered in treatment planning and assessment of sleep in MS.
Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with decreased serum levels of high density lipoprotein, but not with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Jia En-Zhi , Zhao Fu-Jun , Hao Bo , Zhu Tie-Bing , Wang Lian-Sheng , Chen Bo , Cao Ke-Jiang , Huang Jun , Ma Wen-Zhu , Yang Zhi-Jian , Zhang Guoxin 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Objective
The objective of this survey was to study the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods
The study population consisted of 961 consecutive patients (711 males and 250 females) who underwent coronary angiography for suspected or known coronary atherosclerosis. The patients' body mass index, blood pressure, the blood lipid, blood glucose, leukocyte count (109/L), neutrophil count (109/L), and Helicobacter pylori-specific IgG antibodies were performed. Coronary angiograms were scored according to vessel score and Gensini's score.

Results
A significant association between H. pylori infection and coronary atherosclerosis as well as its severity was not find in this cross section study (p = 0.858). And, the level distribution of vessel score (p = 0.906) and Gensini's score (p = 0.905) were similar in the seropositivity group and seronegativity group of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, the level of fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mmol/L) (p = 0.013) was significantly lower in the seropositivity group than that in the seronegativity group of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Conclusions
In conclusion, in the present study, a significantly correlation between Helicobacter pylori seropositivity and angiographically evaluated severity of atherosclerosis was not find. And, the present study showed a good correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and decreased HDL cholesterol. However, the exact mechanisms need further study.
Neural progenitor cells attenuate inflammatory reactivity and neuronal loss in an animal model of inflamed AD brain
Authors: Ryu Jae K , Cho Taesup , Wang Yu Tian , McLarnon James G 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Transplantation of neural progenitor cells (NPC) constitutes a putative therapeutic maneuver for use in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. At present, effects of NPC transplantation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain are largely unknown and a primary objective of this work was to demonstrate possible efficacy of NPC administration in an animal model of AD. The benefits of transplantation could involve a spectrum of effects including replacement of endogenous neurons or by conferring neuroprotection with enhancement of neurotrophic factors or diminishing levels of neurotoxic agents. Since chronic inflammation is a characteristic property of AD brain, we considered that transplantation of NPC could have particular utility in inhibiting ongoing inflammatory reactivity. We have tested intrahippocampal transplantation of NPC for efficacy in attenuating inflammatory responses and for neuroprotection in beta-amyloid (Aβ1-42) peptide-injected rat hippocampus.

Methods
Spheres of neural progenitor cells were grown from dissociated telencephalon tissue of rat embryos. NPC were infected with lentiviral vector green fluorescent protein (GFP) with subsequent cell transplantation into rat hippocampus previously injected (3 d prior) with Aβ1-42 peptide or PBS control. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out (7 d post-NPC transplantation, 10 d post-peptide/PBS injection) for GFP, microgliosis (Iba-1 marker), astrogliosis (GFAP marker), neuron viability (MAP-2 marker) and levels of the proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-α.

Results
Successful infection of cultured NPC with lentiviral vector green fluorescent protein (GFP) was demonstrated prior to cell transplantation into rat hippocampus. In vivo, immunohistochemical staining showed migration of GFP-positive cells, in a region of dentate gyrus between Aβ1-42/PBS injection site and NPC transplantation site, was increased ×2.8-fold with Aβ1-42 compared to PBS injection. Double immunostaining in peptide-injected brain indicated GFP association with nestin and GFAP, but not MAP-2. Cell-specific immunostaining showed marked increases in microgliosis and astrogliosis in Aβ1-42-injected brain (respective increases of ×4.3- and ×4.6-fold compared with PBS injection). NPC transplantation significantly reduced microgliosis (by 38%) but not astrogliosis in peptide-injected hippocampus. The proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α was elevated by 6.7-fold (peptide vs PBS injection) with NPC administration attenuating levels of TNF-α (by 40%). Peptide-injected brain demonstrated neuronal loss (MAP-2 staining reduced by 45% vs PBS injection) with NPC transplantation effective in conferring neuroprotection (26% recovery of neurons).

Conclusions
These findings indicate efficacy for NPC transplantation in an animal model of AD with effects consistent with cellular actions to attenuate inflammatory reactivity induced by intrahippocampal peptide injection.
New targets for the treatment of follicular lymphoma
Authors: Tageja Nishant , Padheye Subhash , Dandawate Prasad , Al-Katib Ayad , Mohammad Ramzi M 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The last two decades have witnessed striking advances in our understanding of the biological factors underlying the development of Follicular lymphoma (FL). Development of newer treatment approaches have improved the outlook for many individuals with these disorders; however, with these advances come new questions. Given the long-term survival of patients with FL, drugs with favourable side-effect profile and minimal long-term risks are desired. FL is incurable with current treatment modalities. It often runs an indolent course with multiple relapses and progressively shorter intervals of remission. The identification of new targets and development of novel targeted therapies is imperative to exploit the biology of FL while inherently preventing relapse and prolonging survival. This review summarizes the growing body of knowledge regarding novel therapeutic targets, enabling the concept of individualized targeted therapy for the treatment of FL.
Macrophages from BALB/c and CBA/Ca mice differ in their cellular responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Ripoll Vera M , Kadioglu Aras , Cox Roger , Hume David A , Denny Paul 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
BALB/c and CBA/Ca mice, which are resistant and susceptible respectively to pneumococcal infection exhibit key differences in macrophage expression of TLR9 and cytokine production.
In a mouse model of pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, differences in the timing and vigor of the host inflammatory response have been associated with susceptibility to invasive disease. BALB/c and CBA/Ca mice are known to be resistant and susceptible to acute pneumococcal disease, respectively. In this study, we have demonstrated that BMM from BALB/c and CBA/Ca mice differ in their expression and regulation of TLR9 in response to S. pneumoniae. We have also shown that BMM from CBA/Ca mice failed to fully activate p38, NF-κB, and ERK 1/2 signaling pathways, resulting in reduced secretion of TNF-α and CCL5 in response to this pathogen. In addition, we have established that S. pneumoniae induced significant cell death in BMM from CBA/Ca mice. These findings indicate that variations between the two strains are likely to reflect differences in macrophage responses to the pathogen.
Evaluation of Inpatient Admissions and Potential Antimicrobial and Analgesic Dosing Errors in Overweight Children
Authors: Miller Jamie L , Johnson Peter N , Harrison Donald L , Hagemann Tracy M 
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND The prevalence of overweight/obesity in US children has increased over the past several decades. Routine use of weight-based dosing of medications could potentially result in over- or underdosing in these children. OBJECTIVE To determine the percentage of admissions of children with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to the 85th percentile for age and sex and the mean error rate per admission in the overweight versus control group. METHODS We performed a retrospective, preliminary study of children aged 5–12 years who were admitted to a children's hospital over a period of 6 months. The overweight group included children with a BMI greater than or equal to the 85th percentile; the control group included children with a BMI less than the 85th percentile. Dose appropriateness was assessed, using 2 references. An overdose was defined as: (1) total mg/kg/day or mg/kg/dose greater than or equal to 110% of the maximum recommended pediatric dose, (2) total mg/day greater than the adult maximum recommended dose, or (3) greater than the recommended number of doses per day. An underdose was defined as: (1) total mg/kg/day or mg/kg/dose less than or equal to 90% of the minimum recommended pediatric dose, or (2) fewer than the recommended number of doses per day. Baseline comparisons between groups were done via Student's t-tests and χ2 analysis, when appropriate, with an a priori α of p less than or equal to 0.05. RESULTS A total of 839 admissions representing 699 patients were included. The overweight group included 278 (33.1%) admissions. Comparison of overall mean error rate per admission revealed a statistically significant increase in dosing errors for overweight patients (0.4 ± 0.6 vs 0.3 ± 0.6; p = 0.030), with underdose errors occurring more frequently than overdose errors (0.3 ± 0.6 vs 0.2 ± 0.5; p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS Overweight children accounted for one-third of admissions, and the results of this study suggest that these patients are at greater risk for errors in dosing than are children of age- and sex-appropriate weight. This study did not assess clinical outcomes; however, overweight children could be at increased risk for therapeutic failures or adverse effects.
The impact of methylmercury on 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced transcriptomic responses in dolphin skin cells
Authors: Ellis Blake C. , Gattoni-Celli Sebastiano , Kindy Mark S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe Atlantic bottlenose dolphin has been the focus of much attention owing to the considerable impact of environmental stress on its health and the associated implications for human health. Here, we used skin cells from the dolphin to investigate the protective role of the vitamin D pathway against environmental stressors. We previously reported that dolphin skin cells respond to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3), the bioactive metabolite of vitamin D3, by upregulation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and expression of several genes. Methylmercury is a highly bioaccumulative environmental stressor of relevance to the dolphin. We currently report that in dolphin cells sublethal concentrations of methylmercury compromise the ability of 1,25D3 to upregulate VDR, to transactivate a vitamin D-sensitive promoter, and to express specific target genes. These results help elucidate the effects of vitamin D and methylmercury on innate immunity in dolphin skin and potentially in human skin as well, considering similarities in the vitamin D pathway between the two species.
Antibacterial activity of radical scavengers against class Ib ribonucleotide reductase fromBacillus anthracis
Authors: Torrents Eduard , Sjöberg Britt-Marie 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBacillus anthracisis a severe mammalian pathogen. The deoxyribonucleotides necessary for DNA replication and repair are provided via the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) enzyme. RNR is also important for spore germination and cell proliferation upon infection. We show that the expression ofB. anthracisclass Ib RNR responds to the environment that the pathogen encounters upon infection. We also show that several anti-proliferative agents (radical scavengers) specifically inhibit theB. anthracisRNR. Owing to the importance of RNR in the pathogenic infection process, our results highlight a promising potential to inhibit the growth ofB. anthracisearly during infection.
Plasma Bile Acid Concentrations in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Receiving Protease Inhibitor Therapy: Possible Implications for Hepatotoxicity
Authors: McRae MaryPeace , Rezk Naser L. , Bridges Arlene S. , Corbett Amanda H. , Tien Hsiao‐Chuan , Brouwer Kim L. R. , Kashuba Angela D. M. 
Published: December 2009

Study Objectives. To evaluate whether patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who were receiving protease inhibitor therapy had altered bile acid concentrations compared with noninfected control subjects, and whether bile acid concentrations could predict the onset of hepatotoxicity caused by protease inhibitors.Design. Retrospective sample analysis from a prospectively conducted clinical trial.Setting. Academic research center.Patients. Eleven adults with advanced HIV disease who were taking protease inhibitor‐based antiretroviral therapy, one of whom had developed protease inhibitor‐induced hepatotoxicity.Measurements and Main Results. Plasma concentrations of cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), deoxycholic acid (DCA), lithocholic acid (LCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and taurocholic acid (TC) were analyzed by using a novel high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection method. Comparisons of the relative contribution of each bile acid to the total bile acid pool were made with previously published values and with bile acid concentrations contained in two pooled plasma samples from healthy, non‐HIV‐infected volunteers analyzed in our laboratory. Each pooled plasma sample used for this analysis contained contributions from three non‐HIV‐infected volunteers. The LCA and TC concentrations in HIV‐infected patients were 3–4‐fold higher than those previously reported for non‐HIV‐infected subjects; concentrations of other bile acids were similar to those of previous reports. The relative contribution of CDCA to the total bile acid pool was 9% in HIV‐infected patients compared with 30–50% in noninfected subjects. Total and individual bile acid concentrations in the HIV‐infected patient who developed hepatotoxicity were similar to the bile acid concentrations from the other study patients who did not develop hepatotoxicity.Conclusion. These data suggest that bile acid concentrations may be altered by HIV infection and/or protease inhibitor therapy. However, further investigations should be performed to assess whether antiretroviral‐associated hepatotoxicity can be predicted by alterations in individual bile acid concentrations.
An Investigation on Gas Injection for Storing Gas and Increasing Well Productivity in one of Iranian Gas Fields
Authors: Taherpour M. , Tabatabaei-Nejad S. A. R. , Sahraei E. , Kheirabadi A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractGas condensate reservoirs suffer losses in well productivity due to near wellbore condensate dropout when the flowing bottomhole pressure declines below the dew point pressure. Gas injection is one of common practices used to alleviate this problem and develop gas condensate reservoirs.In this study the gas injection process is investigated on one of Iranian Gas Fields. The reservoir model consisting of 8670 cells (51×34×5) has been constructed by using the petrophysical and geological data. By performing a successful history matching, running different scenarios has been performed to investigate the production and injection potential of the reservoir. The ultimate recovery factor is predicted to be about 67% of the original gas in place. The maximum injection rate was obtained about 7 MMscm/d for a period of 25 years. It was found that in order to inject 10 MMscm gas into the reservoir, 10 new wells should be drilled.
Advances in Wireline Conveyed In-situ Reservoir Stress Testing Measurements: Case Studies from the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Cig Koksal , Al Mandhari Alyaqdhan Sulaiman , El Msallati Salem Mohammed , Qobi Latifa 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn-situ reservoir stress measurements are essential input to a wide variety of the production and injection applications of reservoirs.Most of the reservoirs in this article require water injection to maximize recovery without breaking the matrices unintentionally. In some cases,it is also important to create a controlled fracture growth in a formation unit without breaking bordering barriers or zones.The main purpose of the in-situ reservoir stress testing of the case studies in this article is to calculate the minimum stress to improve the reservoir management plans for well placement, production,injection and fracturing processes.One approach of measuring stresses in many zones is to use the wireline conveyed stress testing tools. The wireline conveyed in-situ reservoir stress testing measurements are frequently performed in the Sultanate of Oman for a wide range of operational and geomechanics applications such as but not limited to: Hydraulic fracturingFracture growth/containment issuesPolymer injectionBorehole stabilitySand production predictionStress evolution with depletion, hot and cold injectionThe stress testing zones vary from tight to high permeable zones as well as shale zones. The complexity and wide variety of the stress testing applications inevitably led modifications and improvements on the wireline conveyed stress testing tools. These improvements mainly are various types of pumps, higher performance dual packers and mandrels, innovative stress testing methods. The latest improvements and methods in stress testing help addressing the broader range of formations (deep and shallow,tight and permeable) in an extensive type of wells from vertical or deviated to horizontal.In this article, the examples of several unique stress testing applications are presented. Shale stress testing with a viscous fluid, horizontal well stress testing,tight and very high permeability formation stress testing, sleeve fracturing stress testing methods are discussed in details.
Closing the Loop between Volumetric and Material Balance Estimates - Naturally Fractured Carbonates
Authors: Aziz Rafi Mohammad , Dashti Qasem , Manoch Limsukhon , Ghorayeb Kassem , Chakraborty Subrata , Liu Hai 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
This paper shows a systematic approach to reduce uncertainty of volume, recovery factors and production forecasts with a closed loop of static and dynamic information over the life of the reservoirs. A case study of a Middle Marrat reservoir block in the North Kuwait Jurassic Complex (NKJC) is presented to illustrate the procedures. The NKJC comprises of six discovered fields each consisting of at least four prospective producing units containing multiple fluid types at near critical conditions. Intra-field compartmentalization due to fracture intensity, faulting and litho-facies variations resulting in porosity / permeability pinch outs has further created isolated blocks with a high level of uncertainty in the reservoir parameters describing the storage and flow characteristics necessary for forecasting well behaviors resulting from connected volumes. It is vital to collect as much dynamic data as possible at an early stage of the development for reserve booking and production forecast. Field development plan envisaged for the NKJC considered a three-phase development in order to mitigate CAPEX risk, reduce uncertainty and optimize recovery. Each phase has sufficient gap (3-4 years) to drill wells, collect formation evaluation and well performance data and adjust future plans as necessary. This paper describes the building blocks of volumetric estimates and fluid flow characteristics, considering the uncertainty levels in litho-facies spreads, porosity / permeability relationships, water saturations and fracture geometries etc. based on initial drilling and limited well tests. After the start of production, fluid properties monitoring, collection of well surveillance data such as pressure vs. rate curves, pressure transient analysis (PTA), production logging surveys (PLT), Modular Formation Dynamics Tester (MDT) and material balance calculations indicate another set of storage and flow properties. Integrating these estimates with geology, structural framework and fracture geometry is the key to obtaining a consistent reservoir description. Consistency in turn, reduces uncertainty in the connected volumes and flow dynamics over time. Flow assurance calculations using simulation model calibrated with the integrated set of parameters have been made with confidence to support a lifecycle reservoir management strategy to optimize recovery.
Case study illustrates that Green Field development plans benefit greatly from early dynamic data collection integrated with volumetric estimations by reducing uncertainty of reservoir description parameters that are used to calculate in-place hydrocarbon volumes and reserves. Reservoir uncertainty in naturally fractured carbonates is maximum with consequent risks. The methodology and work flow thus generated may be repeated for other blocks in the complex and for similar naturally fractured reservoirs.