bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nimodipine inhibits IL‐1β release stimulated by amyloid β from microglia
Authors: Sanz JM , Chiozzi P , Colaianna M , Zotti M , Ferrari D , Trabace L , Zuliani G , Di Virgilio F 
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE There is growing evidence that inflammation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of neural damage caused by deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) in the brain. Nimodipine has received attention as a drug that might improve learning and reduce cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease, but the mechanism of action is poorly known. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that nimodipine inhibited Aβ‐stimulated IL‐1β release from microglia.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Cultures of N13 microglia cells or primary mouse microglia were treated with nimodipine, and intracellular accumulation and release of IL‐1β in response to Aβ or to the P2 receptor agonists ATP and benzoyl ATP (BzATP) were measured. Accumulation of IL‐1β was measured in vivo after intrahippocampal inoculation of Aβ in the absence or presence of nimodipine. The effect of nimodipine on Aβ‐triggered cytotoxicity was also investigated.KEY RESULTS We show here that nimodipine dose‐dependently inhibited Aβ‐stimulated IL‐1β synthesis and release from primary microglia and microglia cell lines. Furthermore, nimodipine also inhibited Aβ‐induced IL‐1βin vivo accumulation at concentrations known to be reached in the CNS. Finally, nimodipine protected microglia from Aβ‐dependent cytotoxicity.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS These data suggest that alleviation of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease following nimodipine administration might be due to an anti‐inflammatory effect and point to a novel role for nimodipine as a centrally acting anti‐inflammatory drug.
Hydrogen sulfide inhibits the translational expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α
Authors: Wu Bo , Teng Huajian , Yang Guangdong , Wu Lingyun , Wang Rui 
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The accumulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) is under the influence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which regulates hypoxia responses. The regulation of HIF‐1α accumulation by H2S has been shown, but the mechanisms for this effect are largely elusive and controversial. This study aimed at addressing the controversial mechanisms for and the functional importance of the interaction of H2S and HIF‐1α protein.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH HIF‐1α protein levels and HIF‐1α transcriptional activity were detected by Western blotting and luciferase assay. The mechanisms for H2S‐regulated HIF‐1α protein levels were determined using short interfering RNA transfection, co‐immunoprecipitation and 7‐methyl‐GTP sepharose 4B pull‐down assay. Angiogenic activity was evaluated using tube formation assay in EA.hy926 cells.KEY RESULTS The accumulation of HIF‐1α protein under hypoxia (1% O2) or hypoxia‐mimetic conditions was reversed by sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS). This effect of NaHS was not altered after blocking the ubiquitin‐proteasomal pathway for HIF‐1α degradation; however, blockade of protein translation with cycloheximide abolished the effect of NaHS on the half‐life of HIF‐1α protein. Knockdown of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) suppressed the effect of NaHS on HIF‐1α protein accumulation under hypoxia. NaHS inhibited the expression of VEGF under hypoxia. It also decreased in vitro capillary tube formation and cell proliferation of EA.hy926 cells under hypoxia, but stimulated the tube formation under normoxia.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS H2S suppresses HIF‐1α translation by enhancing eIF2α phosphorylation under hypoxia. The interaction of H2S and HIF‐1α inhibits the angiogenic activity of vascular endothelial cells under hypoxia through the down‐regulation of VEGF.
Values and Risk Perceptions: A Cross‐Cultural Examination
Authors: Kaptan Gülbanu , Shiloh Shoshana , Önkal Dilek 
Published: July 2012

This article examines the relationship between values and risk perceptions regarding terror attacks. The participants in the study are university students from Turkey (n = 536) and Israel (n = 298). Schwartz value theory (1992, 1994) is applied to conceptualize and measure values. Cognitive (perceived likelihood and perceived severity) and emotional (fear, helplessness, anger, distress, insecurity, hopelessness, sadness, and anxiety) responses about the potential of (i) being personally exposed to a terror attack, and (ii) a terror attack that may occur in one's country are assessed to measure risk perceptions. Comparison of the two groups suggests that the Turkish participants are significantly more emotional about terror risks than the Israeli respondents. Both groups perceive the risk of a terror attack that may occur in their country more likely than the risk of being personally exposed to a terror attack. No significant differences are found in emotional representations and perceived severity ratings regarding these risks. Results provide support for the existence of a link between values and risk perceptions of terror attacks. In both countries, self‐direction values are negatively related to emotional representations, whereas security values are positively correlated with emotions; hedonism and stimulation values are negatively related to perceived likelihood. Current findings are discussed in relation to previous results, theoretical approaches (the social amplification of risk framework and cultural theory of risk), and practical implications (increasing community support for a course of action, training programs for risk communicators).
Malfunction of Subpectorally Implanted Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillators Due to Weakened Header Bond
Authors: HAYAT SAJAD A , KOJODJOJO PIPIN , MASON ANTHONY , BENFIELD ANN , WRIGHT IAN , WHINNETT ZACHARY , LIM PHANG BOON , DAVIES D. WYN , LEFROY DAVID , PETERS NICHOLAS S , KANAGARATNAM PRAPA 
Published: July 2012

Malfunction of Subpectorally Implanted Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy. Background: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation has increased significantly over the last 10 years. Concerns about the safety and reliability of ICD systems have been raised, with premature lead failure and battery malfunctions accounting for the majority of reported adverse events. We describe the unique mode of presentation, diagnosis, and management of cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT‐D) malfunctions that were caused by weakened bonding between the generator and header.
Methods and Results:
Between June 2008 and December 2009, 22 Teligen™ ICDs and 24 Cognis™ CRT‐Ds were implanted subpectorally at our institution, until a product advisory was issued. Of 24 Cognis™ CRT‐D implants, 3 patients presented with CRT‐D malfunctions. All our cases presented with initially intermittent and then persisting increases in shock lead impedance, associated with nonphysiological noise in the shock electrogram channels. These issues were rectified by generator change. Postexplant laboratory analysis confirmed inadequate bonding between device header and titanium casing in all cases, resulting in loosening and rocking of the header followed by fatigue‐induced fracture of the shock circuitry.
Conclusion:
Weakened bonding between the header and generator casing of subpectorally implanted CRT‐Ds can result in fractures and malfunction of the HV circuit. Physicians monitoring patients with devices affected by the product advisory should remain vigilant in order to diagnose and manage similar device malfunction expediently. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 351‐355, March 2013)
Expression of suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) in human bladder epithelial cells infected with uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Demirel Isak , Säve Susanne , Kruse Robert , Persson Katarina 
Published: July 2012

Suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins inhibit pro‐inflammatory signalling mediated by Janus‐activated kinase (JAK)‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways. To evade the immune response some pathogens appear to modify the host SOCS proteins. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are able to subvert the host response evoked by bladder epithelial cells, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate whether UPEC can modify the host SOCS and STAT3 response. Real time RT‐PCR studies demonstrated an increased SOCS1 and SOCS3 expression in the isolated human bladder epithelial cell lines (RT‐4 and 5637) in response to cytokines. UPEC strain IA2 increased SOCS3, but not SOCS1, mRNA levels with a peak at 6 h after infection. The increase of SOCS3 was confirmed at the protein level by Western blotting. The UPEC strain IA2 caused a time‐dependent decrease in the phosphorylation of STAT3. This study demonstrates that UPEC are able to affect SOCS3 and STAT3 signalling in human uroepithelial cells. The finding that UPEC are able to induce mediators involved in suppression of host cytokine signalling may help to elucidate how UPEC may circumvent the host response during urinary tract infection.
Granuloma annulare‐like eruption associated with B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Sokumbi Olayemi , Gibson Lawrence E. , Comfere Nneka I. , Peters Margot S. 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundCutaneous granulomatous inflammation can occur in patients with T‐cell lymphoma and Hodgkin disease. We describe the unusual microscopic pattern of a granuloma annulare (GA)‐like eruption co‐existing with B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B‐CLL).MethodsWe reviewed the histopathology and immunophenotype of skin biopsies from two patients with B‐CLL and cutaneous lesions resembling GA.ResultsBoth patients had symptomatic cutaneous lesions clinically resembling GA; one had lesions refractory to standard dermatologic therapy. Histopathology showed GA‐like palisaded histiocytic infiltration, with subtle collections of lymphocytes interspersed among the granulomatous inflammation. Immunohistochemistry showed strong expression of CD20 and CD79a, with aberrant CD5 co‐expression, confirming cutaneous involvement by B‐CLL.ConclusionsCo‐existence of a GA‐like infiltrate and cutaneous B‐CLL raises the possibility that granulomatous inflammation occurs as a secondary response to dermal infiltration by leukemic cells. Because histopathologic findings can be subtle, knowledge of this association is essential to avoid overlooking the diagnosis. Regardless of whether histopathology reflects a reactive or primary phenomenon, documentation of cutaneous involvement by B‐CLL may serve as a rationale for specific treatment of the underlying B‐CLL in patients with skin lesions unresponsive to dermatologic therapy and for whom there is no other justification for leukemia‐targeted therapy.
Coeliotomy‐assisted intrauterine insemination in dogs: a study of 238 inseminations
Authors: Burgess DM , Mitchell KE , Thomas PGA 
Published: July 2012

Objective(1) To report whelping rates and litter sizes following coeliotomy‐assisted intrauterine inseminations (CAII) performed commercially and (2) to identify factors that may influence these outcomes.DesignRetrospective single cohort observational study.ProcedureAll oestrous cycles in bitches that presented to the study hospital for CAII between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2010 were included. One insemination was performed per oestrus. Whelping and litter size following CAII were recorded. Potential determinants of these outcomes were assessed.ResultsOf 238 inseminations performed, 174 (73.1%) resulted in whelping. The known litter size ranged from 1 to 16 pups (mean ± SD 6.12 ± 3.12 pups). From univariable analyses, progressive motility percentage was the only variable significantly associated with odds of whelping (P = 0.020); bitch parity and weight were associated with litter size when adjusted for each other (P = 0.035 and 0.003, respectively). Inseminations performed with >200 × 106 progressively motile sperm were more likely to result in whelping relative to inseminations with >100–200 × 106 progressively motile sperm (odds ratio 3.61, 95% confidence interval 0.84–15.5, P = 0.084), and, in a separate model, relative to >75–125 × 106 progressively motile sperm (odds ratio 6.09, 95% confidence interval 1.41–26.36, P = 0.016).ConclusionWhelping rates and litter sizes were similar to other case studies and the experimental reports of CAII. Progressive motility percentage affects the odds of whelping, and litter size is affected by both the weight and parity of the bitch. Importantly, these findings provide some evidence that whelping rates with CAII are not maximised unless more than 200 × 106 progressively motile sperm are inseminated.
Low‐level Laser Therapy Ameliorates CCl4‐induced Liver Cirrhosis in Rats
Authors: Oliveira‐Junior Manoel Carneiro , Monteiro Aldaíza Salomão , Leal‐Junior Ernesto César Pinto , Munin Egberto , Osório Rodrigo Aléxis Lazo , Ribeiro Wellington , Vieira Rodolfo Paula 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) in the liver function, structure and inflammation in a experimental model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver cirrhosis. Wistar rats were divided into Control, LLLT, CCl4 and CCl4+LLLT groups. CCl4 groups received CCl4 (0.4 g kg−1; i.p.), three times a week, for 12 weeks. A 830 nm LLLT was performed with a continuous wave, 35 mW, 2.5 J cm−2 per point, applied to four points of the liver (right and left upper and lower extremities, in the four lobes of the liver) for 2 weeks. Liver structure and inflammation (cirrhotic areas, collagen deposition, inflammation, density of Kupffer and hepatic stellate cells) and function (aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total proteins and globulins) were evaluated. LLLT significantly reduced CCl4‐increased aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.001), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (P < 0.001) and lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.01) activity, as well as total proteins (P < 0.05) and globulins (P < 0.01). LLLT also reduced the number of cirrhotic areas, the collagen accumulation and the hepatic inflammatory infiltrate. Of note, LLLT reduced CCl4‐increased number of Kupffer cells (P < 0.05) and hepatic stellate cells (P < 0.05). We conclude that LLLT presents beneficial effects on liver function and structure in an experimental model of CCl4‐induced cirrhosis.
Omeprazole improves the anti‐obesity and antidiabetic effects of exendin‐4 in db/db mice (奥美拉唑改善唾液素‐4 对db/db小鼠的减肥与降糖作用)*
Authors: Patel Vishal , Joharapurkar Amit , Gandhi Tejal , Patel Kirti , Dhanesha Nirav , Kshirsagar Samadhan , Dhote Vipin , Detroja Jaysukh , Bahekar Rajesh , Jain Mukul 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground:  In addition to its glucoregulatory actions, exendin‐4, a stable glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, exhibits protective effects in the pancreas and anti‐obesity effects. Suitable combination treatment with other anti‐obesity or pancreas protective agents would be an effective approach to optimize these additional effects. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the addition of omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, to exendin‐4 in db/db mice, an experimental model of obesity and type 2 diabetes.Methods:  The effects repeated dose treatment for 14 days with exendin‐4 (8 μg/kg, s.c.) and omeprazole (30 mg/kg, s.c.) on glycemic control, food intake, and body weight were determined in obese and hyperglycemic db/db mice. The effects of these treatments on plasma gastrin, ghrelin, and leptin levels were determined, along with effects on nausea‐like symptoms. The pancreatic effects of the repeated dose treatment were assessed by measuring %HbA1c in the circulation as well as pancreatic insulin and glucagon content and glucokinase activity.Results:  Combination treatment resulted in significant decreases in plasma leptin and ghrelin levels after repeated dosing. Omeprazole improved the anorectic and body weight‐lowering effects and reversed the inhibitory effect of exendin‐4 on gastrin levels after repeated dose treatment. The 14‐day combination treatment significantly reduced glucose excursion and improved insulin levels, with a concomitant decrease in %HbA1c levels. It also improved glucokinase activity and pancreatic insulin content, with a significant decrease in glucagon content.Conclusions:  Combined treatment with omeprazole with exendin‐4 reduces food intake and body weight gain, most likely through changes in plasma ghrelin and leptin levels, and improves pancreatic insulin and glucagon content by improving glucokinase activity.
Sato–Tate distributions and Galois endomorphism modules in genus 2
Authors: Fité Francesc , Kedlaya Kiran S. , Rotger Víctor , Sutherland Andrew V. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractFor an abelian surface A over a number field k, we study the limiting distribution of the normalized Euler factors of the L-function of A. This distribution is expected to correspond to taking characteristic polynomials of a uniform random matrix in some closed subgroup of USp(4); this Sato–Tate group may be obtained from the Galois action on any Tate module of A. We show that the Sato–Tate group is limited to a particular list of 55 groups up to conjugacy. We then classify A according to the Galois module structure on the ℝ-algebra generated by endomorphisms of $A_{{\overline {\mathbb Q}}}$ (the Galois type), and establish a matching with the classification of Sato–Tate groups; this shows that there are at most 52 groups up to conjugacy which occur as Sato–Tate groups for suitable A and k, of which 34 can occur for k=ℚ. Finally, we present examples of Jacobians of hyperelliptic curves exhibiting each Galois type (over ℚ whenever possible), and observe numerical agreement with the expected Sato–Tate distribution by comparing moment statistics.
Image features for misalignment correction in medical flat‐detector CT
Authors: Wicklein Julia , Kunze Holger , Kalender Willi A. , Kyriakou Yiannis 
Published: July 2012

Purpose:Misalignment artifacts are a serious problem in medical flat‐detector computed tomography. Generally, the geometrical parameters, which are essential for reconstruction, are provided by preceding calibration routines. These procedures are time consuming and the later use of stored parameters is sensitive toward external impacts or patient movement. The method of choice in a clinical environment would be a markerless online‐calibration procedure that allows flexible scan trajectories and simultaneously corrects misalignment and motion artifacts during the reconstruction process. Therefore, different image features were evaluated according to their capability of quantifying misalignment.Methods:Projections of the FORBILD head and thorax phantoms were simulated. Additionally, acquisitions of a head phantom and patient data were used for evaluation. For the reconstruction different sources and magnitudes of misalignment were introduced in the geometry description. The resulting volumes were analyzed by entropy (based on the gray‐level histogram), total variation, Gabor filter texture features, Haralick co‐occurrence features, and Tamura texture features. The feature results were compared to the back‐projection mismatch of the disturbed geometry.Results:The evaluations demonstrate the ability of several well‐established image features to classify misalignment. The authors elaborated the particular suitability of the gray‐level histogram‐based entropy on identifying misalignment artifacts, after applying an appropriate window level (bone window).Conclusions:Some of the proposed feature extraction algorithms show a strong correlation with the misalignment level. Especially, entropy‐based methods showed very good correspondence, with the best of these being the type that uses the gray‐level histogram for calculation. This makes it a suitable image feature for online‐calibration.
Reliable detection of fluence anomalies in EPID‐based IMRT pretreatment quality assurance using pixel intensity deviations
Authors: Gordon J. J. , Gardner J. K. , Wang S. , Siebers J. V. 
Published: July 2012

Purpose:This work uses repeat images of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) fields to quantify fluence anomalies (i.e., delivery errors) that can be reliably detected in electronic portal images used for IMRT pretreatment quality assurance.Methods:Repeat images of 11 clinical IMRT fields are acquired on a Varian Trilogy linear accelerator at energies of 6 MV and 18 MV. Acquired images are corrected for output variations and registered to minimize the impact of linear accelerator and electronic portal imaging device (EPID) positioning deviations. Detection studies are performed in which rectangular anomalies of various sizes are inserted into the images. The performance of detection strategies based on pixel intensity deviations (PIDs) and gamma indices is evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis.Results:Residual differences between registered images are due to interfraction positional deviations of jaws and multileaf collimator leaves, plus imager noise. Positional deviations produce large intensity differences that degrade anomaly detection. Gradient effects are suppressed in PIDs using gradient scaling. Background noise is suppressed using median filtering. In the majority of images, PID‐based detection strategies can reliably detect fluence anomalies of ≥5% in ∼1 mm2 areas and ≥2% in ∼20 mm2 areas.Conclusions:The ability to detect small dose differences (≤2%) depends strongly on the level of background noise. This in turn depends on the accuracy of image registration, the quality of the reference image, and field properties. The longer term aim of this work is to develop accurate and reliable methods of detecting IMRT delivery errors and variations. The ability to resolve small anomalies will allow the accuracy of advanced treatment techniques, such as image guided, adaptive, and arc therapies, to be quantified.
Illustration of the obstacles in computerized lung segmentation using examples
Authors: Meng Xin , Qiang Yongqian , Zhu Shaocheng , Fuhrman Carl , Siegfried Jill M. , Pu Jiantao 
Published: July 2012

Purpose:Automated lung volume segmentation is often a preprocessing step in quantitative lung computed tomography (CT) image analysis. The objective of this study is to identify the obstacles in computerized lung volume segmentation and illustrate those explicitly using real examples. Awareness of these “difficult” cases may be helpful for the development of a robust and consistent lung segmentation algorithm.Methods:We collected a large diverse dataset consisting of 2768 chest CT examinations acquired on 2292 subjects from various sources. These examinations cover a wide range of diseases, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, human immunodeficiency virus, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, asthma, and interstitial lung disease (ILD). The CT acquisition protocols, including dose, scanners, and reconstruction kernels, vary significantly. After the application of a “neutral” thresholding‐based approach to the collected CT examinations in a batch manner, the failed cases were subjectively identified and classified into different subgroups.Results:Totally, 121 failed examinations are identified, corresponding to a failure ratio of 4.4%. These failed cases are summarized as 11 different subgroups, which is further classified into 3 broad categories: (1) failure caused by diseases, (2) failure caused by anatomy variability, and (3) failure caused by external factors. The failure percentages in these categories are 62.0%, 32.2%, and 5.8%, respectively.Conclusions:The presence of specific lung diseases (e.g., pulmonary nodules, ILD, and pneumonia) is the primary issue in computerized lung segmentation. The segmentation failures caused by external factors and anatomy variety are relatively low but unavoidable in practice. It is desirable to develop robust schemes to handle these issues in a single pass when a large number of CT examinations need to be analyzed.