bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pyloriPrevalence and Circulating Micronutrient Levels in a Low-Income United States Population
Authors: Epplein Meira , Signorello Lisa B. , Zheng Wei , Cai Qiuyin , Hargreaves Margaret K. , Michel Angelika , Pawlita Michael , Fowke Jay H. , Correa Pelayo , Blot William J. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractHigh prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the leading cause of gastric cancer, and low levels of micronutrients have been observed in many developing countries, and the question remains as to the whether an association between the 2 exists. The present study seeks to further our understanding of this potential connection in the Southern Community Cohort Study, representing a low-income population in the United States. Blood levels of antibodies to H. pylori proteins were assessed by multiplex serology for a sample of 310 African American and white participants, ages 40 to 79 years. Blood collected at baseline was also assayed for levels of carotenoids, tocopherols, retinol, and folate. Multivariate linear regression was used to calculate least-squares mean micronutrient levels within groups defined by H. pylori status. The mean serum levels of all micronutrients assayed were lower among H. pylori + individuals than H. pylori − individuals, significantly for β-carotene, folate, and retinol (decreases of 27.6%, 18.6%, and 9.7%, respectively). Individuals who were seropositive to the virulent CagA+ H. pylori strains had even lower mean levels of micronutrients, particularly β-carotene, folate, total carotenoids, and retinol (decreases of 38.9%, 19.1%, 17.0%, and 11.7%, respectively, compared with H. pylori − individuals). However, dietary micronutrient levels as derived from a food frequency questionnaire did not vary between groups defined by H. pylori status. These results provide support for the hypothesis that H. pylori infection impairs nutrient absorption and suggest a need for future studies to explore the role of H. pylori infection on nutrition and gastric cancer risk in this high-risk population. Cancer Prev Res; 4(6); 871–8. ©2011 AACR.
Imaging inflammatory plasma leakage in vivo
Authors: Lindbom Lennart , Kenne Ellinor 
Published: March 2011

SummaryIncreased vascular permeability and consequent plasma leakage from postcapillary venules is a cardinal sign of inflammation. Although the movement of plasma constituents from the vasculature to the affected tissue aids in clearing the inflammatory stimulus, excessive plasma extravasation can lead to hospitalisation or death in cases such as influenza-induced pneumonia, burns or brain injury. The use of intravital imaging has significantly contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms controlling the vascular permeability alterations that occur during inflammation. Today, intravital imaging can be performed using optical and non-optical techniques. Optical techniques, which are generally used in experimental settings, include traditional intravital fluorescence microscopy and near-infrared fluorescence imaging. Magnetic resonance (MRI) and radioisotopic imaging are used mainly in the clinical setting, but are increasingly used in experimental work, and can detect plasma leakage without optics. Although these methods are all able to visualise inflammatory plasma leakage in vivo, the spatial and temporal resolution differs between the techniques. In addition, they vary with regards to invasiveness and availability. This overview discusses the use of imaging techniques in the visualisation of inflammatory plasma leakage.
Allelic imbalance of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) gene expression in human brain tissue
Authors: Tjärnlund-Wolf Anna , Hultman Karin , Curtis Maurice , Faull Richard , Medcalf Robert , Jern Christina 
Published: March 2011

SummaryWe have identified a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the t-PA enhancer (-7351C>T), which is associated with endothelial t-PA release in vivo. In vitro studies demonstrated that this SNP is functional at the level of transcription. In the brain, t-PA has been implicated in both physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the t-PA –7351C>T SNP on t-PA gene expression in human brain tissue. Allelic mRNA expression was measured in heterozygous post-mortem brain tissues using quantitative TaqMan genotyping assay. Protein-DNA interactions were assessed using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Significantly higher levels of t-PA mRNA were generated from chromosomes that harboured the wild-type –7351C allele, as compared to those generated from the mutant T allele (for the hippocampus, C to T allelic ratio of ~1.3, p=0.010, n=12; and for the cortex, C to T allelic ratio of ~1.2, p=0.017, n=12). EMSA showed reduced neuronal and astrocytic nuclear protein binding affinity to the T allele, and identified Sp1 and Sp3 as the major transcription factors that bound to the –7351 site. ChIP analyses confirmed that Sp1 recognises this site in intact cells. In conclusion, the t-PA –7351C>T SNP affects t-PA gene expression in human brain tissue. This finding might have clinical implications for neurological conditions associated with enhanced t-PA levels, such as in the acute phase of cerebral ischaemia, and also for stroke recovery.
Erythrocyte membrane sulfatide plays a crucial role in the adhesion of sickle erythrocytes to endothelium
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Thiagarajan Perumal , Udden Mark , López José , Guchhait Prasenjit 
Published: March 2011

SummaryEnhanced adhesion of sickle erythrocytes to the vascular endothelium and subendothelial matrix is fundamental to the development of vascular occlusion in sickle cell disease. Erythrocyte membrane sulfatide is implicated in the pathogenesis of vasoocclusive crises in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Because previous evidence linking sulfatide to cell adhesion has largely been circumstantial due to a lack of reagents that specifically target sulfatide, we used two sulfatide-specific strategies to address the role of erythrocyte membrane sulfatide in sickle cell adhesion to the vascular endothelium: a single-chain fragment variable chain (scFv) antibody against sulfatide as well as cerebroside sulfotransferase-deficient mice incapable of synthesising sulfatide. The sickle erythrocytes from mice and humans adhered at a greater extent and at higher shear stresses to activated endothelium than normal erythrocytes, and approximately 60% of the adhesion was prevented by the anti-sulfatide scFv. Similarly, the extent of adhesion of sulfatide-deficient erythrocytes was lower than normal erythrocytes. These findings suggest an important role for membrane sulfatide in sickle cell disease pathophysiology.
Imaging fibrin formation and platelet and endothelial cell activation in vivo
Authors: Furie Bruce , Bellido-Martin Lola , Chen Vivien , Jasuja Reema , Furie Barbara 
Published: March 2011

SummaryOver the past six decades research employing in vitro assays has identified enzymes, cofactors, cell receptors and associated ligands important to the haemostatic process and its regulation. These studies have greatly advanced our understanding of the molecular and cellular bases of haemostasis and thrombosis. However, in vitro assays cannot simultaneously reproduce the interactions of all of the components of the haemostatic process that occur in vivo nor do they reflect the importance of haemodynamic factors resulting from blood flow. To overcome these limitations investigators have increasingly turned to animal models of haemostasis and thrombosis. In this article we describe some advances in the visualisation of platelet and endothelial cell activation and blood coagulation in vivo and review what we have learned from our intravital microscopy experiments using primarily the laser-induced injury model for thrombosis.
Neointima Formed by Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells Expressing Versican Variant V3 Is Resistant to Lipid and Macrophage Accumulation
Authors: Merrilees Mervyn J. , Beaumont Brent W. , Braun Kathleen R. , Thomas Anita C. , Kang Inkyung , Hinek Aleksander , Passi Alberto , Wight Thomas N. 
Published: March 2011

Objective—
Extracellular matrix (ECM) of neointima formed following angioplasty contains elevated levels of versican, loosely arranged collagen, and fragmented deposits of elastin, features associated with lipid and macrophage accumulation. ECM with a low versican content, compact structure, and increased elastic fiber content can be achieved by expression of versican variant V3, which lacks chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans. We hypothesized that V3-expressing arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMC) can be used to form a neointima resistant to lipid and macrophage accumulation associated with hypercholesterolemia.

Methods and Results—
ASMC transduced with V3 cDNA were seeded into ballooned rabbit carotid arteries, and animals were fed a chow diet for 4 weeks, followed by a cholesterol-enriched diet for 4 weeks, achieving plasma cholesterol levels of 20 to 25 mmol/L. V3 neointimae at 8 weeks were compact, multilayered, and elastin enriched. They were significantly thinner (57%) than control neointimae; contained significantly more elastin (118%), less collagen (22%), and less lipid (76%); and showed significantly reduced macrophage infiltration (85%). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that oxidized low-density lipoprotein stimulated the formation of a monocyte-binding ECM, which was inhibited in the presence of V3 expressing ASMC.

Conclusion—
These results demonstrate that expression of V3 in vessel wall creates an elastin-rich neointimal matrix that in the presence of hyperlipidemia is resistant to lipid deposition and macrophage accumulation.
Noninvasive Brain Stimulation May Improve Stroke-Related Dysphagia
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Wagner Cynthia W. , Frayne Colleen , Zhu Lin , Selim Magdy , Feng Wuwei , Schlaug Gottfried 
Published: March 2011

Background and Purpose—
Treatment options for stroke-related dysphagia are currently limited. In this study, we investigated whether noninvasive brain stimulation in combination with swallowing maneuvers facilitates swallowing recovery in dysphagic stroke patients during early stroke convalescence.

Methods—
Fourteen patients with subacute unilateral hemispheric infarction were randomized to anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) versus sham stimulation to the sensorimotor cortical representation of swallowing in the unaffected hemisphere over the course of 5 consecutive days with concurrent standardized swallowing maneuvers. Severity of dysphagia was measured using a validated swallowing scale, Dysphagia Outcome and Severity scale, before the first and after the last session of tDCS or sham. The effect of tDCS was analyzed in a multivariate linear regression model using changes in Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale as the outcome variable after adjusting for the effects of other potential confounding variables such as the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and Dysphagia Outcome and Severity scale scores at baseline, acute ischemic lesion volumes, patient age, and time from stroke onset to stimulation.

Results—

Patients who received anodal tDCS gained 2.60 points of improvement in Dysphagia Outcome and Severity scale scores compared to patients in the sham stimulation group who showed an improvement of 1.25 points (
P
=0.019) after controlling for the effects of other aforementioned variables. Six out 7 (86%) patients in tDCS stimulation group gained at least 2 points of improvement compared with 3 out 7 (43%) patients in the sham group (
P
=0.107).

Conclusions—
Because brain stem swallowing centers have bilateral cortical innervations, measures that enhance cortical input and sensorimotor control of brain stem swallowing may be beneficial for dysphagia recovery.
Family History of Stroke Is an Independent Risk Factor for Lacunar Stroke Subtype With Asymptomatic Lacunar Infarcts at Younger Ages
Authors: Knottnerus Iris L.H. , Gielen Marij , Lodder Jan , Rouhl Rob P.W. , Staals Julie , Vlietinck Robert , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. 
Published: March 2011

Background and Purpose—
Results from case-control and case-case studies indicate that a positive family history of stroke (FHstroke) is an independent risk factor for lacunar stroke. Different lacunar stroke phenotypes can be distinguished on the basis of the presence of asymptomatic lacunar infarcts (aLACs), ischemic white-matter lesions, or brain microbleeds. The aim of the present study was to determine whether familial aggregation of stroke was different for lacunar stroke phenotypes.

Methods—
In 157 patients with a first-ever lacunar stroke, a complete first-degree FHstroke was obtained by a standardized questionnaire and additional interview. Lacunar stroke patients were categorized successively into groups, depending on the presence of aLACs, ischemic white-matter lesions, and brain microbleeds on magnetic resonance imaging.

Results—

Fifty-two percent of patients reported a positive FHstroke in at least one of their first-degree relatives. In younger (<65 years) probands, a high frequency of parental FHstroke (59% versus 20%,
P
<0.01) in those with aLACs compared with probands without aLACs was found. In multivariate analysis, the strongest associations were found for parental FHstroke (odds ratio=6.46; 95% CI=1.96 to 21.33), maternal FHstroke (odds ratio=4.00; 95% CI=1.18 to 13.56), and paternal FHstroke (odds ratio=5.40; 95% CI=1.14 to 25.61).

Conclusions—
A family history of stroke might be an independent risk factor for the lacunar stroke phenotype with aLACs at younger ages, suggesting a role for genetic factors in this phenotype caused by diffuse vasculopathy.
In Vivo Real-Time Multiphoton Imaging of T Lymphocytes in the Mouse Brain After Experimental Stroke
Authors: Fumagalli Stefano , Coles Jonathan A. , Ejlerskov Patrick , Ortolano Fabrizio , Bushell Trevor J. , Brewer James M. , De Simoni Maria-Grazia , Dever Gary , Garside Paul , Maffia Pasquale , Carswell Hilary V. 
Published: March 2011

Background and Purpose—
To gain a better understanding of T cell behavior after stroke, we have developed real-time in vivo brain imaging of T cells by multiphoton microscopy after middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Methods—
Adult male hCD2-GFP transgenic mice that exhibit green fluorescent protein-labeled T cells underwent permanent left distal middle cerebral artery occlusion by electrocoagulation (n=6) or sham surgery (n=6) and then multiphoton laser imaging 72 hours later.

Results—
Extravasated T cell number significantly increased after middle cerebral artery occlusion versus sham. Two T cell populations existed after middle cerebral artery occlusion, possibly driven by 2 T cell subpopulations; 1 had significantly lower and the other significantly higher track velocity and displacement rate than sham.

Conclusions—
The different motilities and behaviors of T cells observed using our imaging approach after stroke could reveal important mechanisms of immune surveillance for future therapeutic exploitations.
Screening for Right-to-Left Shunts With Contrast Transcranial Doppler in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Manawadu Dulka , Vethanayagam Dilini , Saqqur Maher , Derksen Carol , Choy Jonathan , Khan Khurshid 
Published: March 2011

Background and Purpose—
Contrast transthoracic echocardiography (TTCE) is used to screen hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) patients for right-to-left shunts (RLS) associated with increased stroke risk. We hypothesized that contrast transcranial Doppler (TCDc), shown to be highly sensitive for detecting RLS in patent foramen ovale, will be as comparable to TTCE for screening HHT patients.

Methods—
We compared TTCE and TCDc for detecting RLS in 12 patients with HHT who also underwent CT pulmonary studies to determine pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) presence. The sensitivity and specificity of TTCE and TCDc in detecting PAVM were determined and the agreement between TTCE and TCDc in detecting RLS was assessed.

Results—
Both TTCE and TCDc had 100% sensitivity in detecting underlying PAVM; the specificity was 25% and 38%, respectively. The agreement in detecting RLS between TTCE and TCD was high (κ=0.76). TCD was well-tolerated with no immediate adverse or embolic events over the next 3 months.

Conclusions—
TCDc offers a simple office-based alternative to TTCE for screening RLS associated with PAVM in HHT patients.
An evaluation of the effects of chronic diseases and health conditions on tobacco cessation
Authors: Bowden Dawn E , Barr Nikki , Rickert Shannon 
Published: March 2011

Objective: This study examined the effects of chronic health conditions on tobacco cessation and participation in a follow-up assessment among 13,900 smokers in a telephone-based tobacco cessation programme. Design: This study involved gathering data from individuals during pre- and post-intervention telephonic assessments following their decision to participate in the tobacco cessation wellness programme. Setting: The study sample included participants from across the United States, with a large concentration living in the Midwestern region. Method: The study sample was limited to participants who were eligible to receive three-month, six-month, and 12-month follow-up calls. Logistic regressions were used to allow an estimate of the impact of chronic conditions while holding constant other factors such as age, readiness, and confidence. Results: The results suggest that the presence of certain chronic conditions was associated with a reduced likelihood of quitting smoking. The presence of chronic conditions did not influence the likelihood that participants completed the follow-up assessment. Interestingly, the effect of chronic conditions on cessation was only slightly higher than the impact of gender. The four-point difference warrants further investigation, especially considering the higher rates of depression in women. Conclusion: This study supports prior research that the presence of one or more chronic conditions has a negative effect on the ability to cease tobacco use. More customized programmes are required to overcome the significant effect of gender, the presence of certain chronic conditions such as depression, and the impact of follow-up calls on cessation success.
Arthroscopically Assisted Stabilization of Acute High-Grade Acromioclavicular Joint Separations
Authors: Scheibel Markus , Dröschel Silvia , Gerhardt Christian , Kraus Natascha 
Published: March 2011

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results after arthroscopically assisted and image intensifier–controlled stabilization of high-grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations using the double TightRope technique with the first-generation implant. Hypothesis: The double TightRope technique using the first-generation implant leads to good clinical and radiological results by re-creating the anatomy of the AC joint. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Thirty-seven consecutive patients (4 women and 33 men; mean age, 38.6 years) who sustained an acute AC joint dislocation grade V according to Rockwood were included in this prospective study. The Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), the Constant Score (CS), the Taft Score (TS), and a newly developed Acromioclavicular Joint Instability Score (ACJI) were used for final follow-up. Bilateral stress views and bilateral Alexander views were taken to evaluate radiographic signs of recurrent vertical and horizontal AC joint instability. Results: Twenty-eight patients (2 women and 26 men; mean age, 38.8 years [range, 18-66 years]) could be evaluated after a mean follow-up of 26.5 months (range, 20.1-32.8 months). The interval from trauma to surgery averaged 7.3 days (range, 0-18 days). The mean SSV reached 95.1% (range, 85%-100%), the mean CS was 91.5 points (range, 84-100) (contralateral side: mean, 92.6 points), the mean TS was 10.5 points (range, 7-12), and the ACJI averaged 79.9 points (range, 45-100). The final coracoclavicular distance was 13.6 mm (range, 5-27 mm) on the operated versus 9.4 mm (range, 4-15 mm) on the contralateral side ( P < .05). Radiographic signs of posterior instability were noted in 42.9% of cases. Patients with evidence of posterior instability had significantly inferior results in the TS and the ACJI ( P < .05). Neither coracoid fractures nor early (within 6 weeks postoperatively) loss of reduction due to tunnel malpositioning or implant loosening was observed. Conclusion: The combined arthroscopically assisted and image intensifier–controlled double TightRope technique using implants of the first-generation represents a safe technique and yields good to excellent early clinical results despite the presence of partial recurrent vertical and horizontal AC joint instability.
Precuneus hypoperfusion plays an important role in memory impairment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Oh DH , Kim SH , Jung S , Sung Y-K , Bang S-Y , Bae S-C , Choi Y-Y 
Published: March 2011

The present study was designed to identify regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with memory impairments. Nineteen SLE patients (mean age 36.1 ± 8.6 years, range 17–47) with subjective memory complaints underwent brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The Korean Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (K-WAIS) and the Rey–Kim Memory Test (RKMT) were used objectively to evaluate cognitive functions in these patients. On the basis of the Intelligence Quotient–Memory Quotient (IQ-MQ) difference score, patients were classified into two groups: those with below one standard deviation (SD) from the mean for normal subjects of comparable age and education (memory impairment, n = 6) and those with without memory impairment (non-memory impairment, n = 13). Their brain SPECT images were analyzed by statistical parametric mapping (SPM) for group comparisons. The group of SLE patients with memory impairment showed significant hypoperfusion in the right precuneus compared with those with non-memory impairment ( p < 0.001). Hypoperfusion of the precuneus may play a significant role in the memory function of SLE patients. SPM analysis of brain SPECT images could be a useful and objective tool for identifying abnormal rCBF in SLE patients with memory impairment.
Effects of renin-angiotensin system inhibition on right ventricular function in patients with mild essential hypertension
Authors: Pechlivanidis Georgios , Mantziari Lilian , Giannakoulas Georgios , Dimitroula Hariklia , Styliadis Haralambos , Karvounis Haralambos , Styliadis Ioannis H , Parharidis Georgios 
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Systemic hypertension is known to affect both left and right ventricular (RV) function. Little is known about the effect of the renin—angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition on global RV function in patients with essential hypertension. Materials and methods: Forty patients (17 male, mean age 47 ± 10 years) with mild hypertension free of cardiovascular disease were assessed by echocardiography at baseline and after nine months of antihypertensive treatment with RAS inhibitors. Tissue Doppler imaging derived myocardial performance index (MPI) of the left and right ventricle was used as an index of global ventricular function. Results: Both left ventricular (LV) and RV MPI were increased at baseline and were reduced after treatment (LV MPI reduced from 0.42 ± 0.06 to 0.39 ± 0.05, p < 0.001 and RV MPI was reduced from 0.34 ± 0.06 to 0.32 ± 0.05, p < 0.005). There was a positive correlation between mitral and tricuspid E/A ratio both at baseline and at month nine after treatment ( r = 0.661, p < 0.001 and r = 0.503, p < 0.005 respectively). LV mass index and interventricular septum thickness were decreased after treatment. No correlation was found between MPI improvement and blood pressure reduction. Conclusions: RAS inhibition in patients with mild hypertension results in an improvement of RV global function which is unrelated to the reduction in blood pressure.