bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a Decision Tree Analysis model that predicts recovery from acute brain injury
Authors: OH Hyun Soo , SEO Wha Sook 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim:  The present study was conducted to identify significant demographic, illness‐related, and physiological factors associated with recovery at 1 month after brain injury, and to develop and evaluate a Decision Tree Analysis‐based prediction model.Methods:  This study was conducted using a prospective study design. The study subjects were 190 adult patients with brain injury admitted to the neurological intensive care unit of a university hospital located in Incheon, South Korea. Degree of recovery from brain injury was evaluated 1 month after admission using the Glasgow Outcome Scale.Results:  A prediction model was developed using Decision Tree Analysis. The most significant predictor of recovery at 1 month after brain injury using the devised model was Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission, and its optimum cut‐off value for the differentiation of good and poor recovery was 8.5. The next best predictors were age and blood glucose level on admission, which had cut‐off values of 49.5 years and 155 mg/dL, respectively. In addition, hematoma volume, systolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate on admission were also found to predict 1 month recovery significantly, with corresponding cut‐off values of 44 cc, 168 mmHg, and 29/min, respectively.Conclusion:  The developed model includes common and routinely used monitoring parameters as significant predictors, and proposes cut‐off values for these predictors. This model appears to be useful for predicting 1 month recovery in various brain injury types. The authors believe that the devised model provides a basis for the evidence‐based nursing care of brain injured patients during the acute stage.
Platelet‐rich fibrin increases cell attachment, proliferation and collagen‐related protein expression of human osteoblasts
Authors: Wu C‐L , Lee S‐S , Tsai C‐H , Lu K‐H , Zhao J‐H , Chang Y‐C 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:  Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) prepared by Choukroun’s technique is derived from an autogenous preparation of concentrated platelets without any manipulation. PRF was found to increase osteoblast growth and proliferation. However, the underlying mechanisms are not yet completely understood. This study aimed to determine the effects of PRF on cell attachment, proliferation, phosphorylated Akt, heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) and lysyl oxidase (LOX) expression on human osteoblasts.Methods:  Blood collection was carried out from 10 healthy volunteers. Cell attachment and proliferation were measured by colorimetric assay with WST‐1 and alamar blue in human osteoblast cell line U2OS cells, respectively. Western blot was employed to evaluate the expression of p‐Akt, HSP47 and LOX.Results:  PRF alone was found to stimulate U2OS cell attachment compared with untreated controls (p < 0.05). PRF was found to increase osteoblast proliferation during a 5‐day incubation period (p < 0.05). PRF was found to increase Akt phosphorylation in a time‐dependent manner (p < 0.05). Collagen‐related proteins HSP47 and LOX were significantly elevated by stimulation with PRF compared with untreated controls (p < 0.05).Conclusions:  It is suggested that PRF is capable of increasing osteoblast attachment, proliferation and simultaneously upregulating collagen‐related protein production. These actions in combination would effectively promote bone regeneration.
Sensitivity analysis for lexicographic ordering in radiation therapy treatment planning
Authors: Long T. , Matuszak M. , Feng M. , Fraass B. A. , Ten Haken R. K. , Romeijn H. E. 
Published: May 2012

Purpose:To introduce a method to efficiently identify and calculate meaningful tradeoffs between criteria in an interactive IMRT treatment planning procedure. The method provides a systematic approach to developing high‐quality radiation therapy treatment plans.Methods:Treatment planners consider numerous dosimetric criteria of varying importance that, when optimized simultaneously through multicriteria optimization, yield a Pareto frontier which represents the set of Pareto‐optimal treatment plans. However, generating and navigating this frontier is a time‐consuming, nontrivial process. A lexicographic ordering (LO) approach to IMRT uses a physician's criteria preferences to partition the treatment planning decisions into a multistage treatment planning model. Because the relative importance of criteria optimized in the different stages may not necessarily constitute a strict prioritization, the authors introduce an interactive process, sensitivity analysis in lexicographic ordering (SALO), to allow the treatment planner control over the relative sequential‐stage tradeoffs. By allowing this flexibility within a structured process, SALO implicitly restricts attention to and allows exploration of a subset of the Pareto efficient frontier that the physicians have deemed most important.Results:Improvements to treatment plans over a LO approach were found by implementing the SALO procedure on a brain case and a prostate case. In each stage, a physician assessed the tradeoff between previous stage and current stage criteria. The SALO method provided critical tradeoff information through curves approximating the relationship between criteria, which allowed the physician to determine the most desirable treatment plan.Conclusions:The SALO procedure provides treatment planners with a directed, systematic process to treatment plan selection. By following a physician's prioritization, the treatment planner can avoid wasting effort considering clinically inferior treatment plans. The planner is guided by criteria importance, but given the information necessary to accurately adjust the relative importance at each stage. Through these attributes, the SALO procedure delivers an approach well balanced between efficiency and flexibility.
Complete Genome Sequence of Pasteurella multocida HN06, a Toxigenic Strain of Serogroup D
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Yang Minjun , Xu Zhuofei , Zheng Huajun , Liang Wan , Zhou Rui , Wu Bin , Chen Huanchun 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Pasteurella multocida
is an important etiological agent that can cause many economically important diseases in a wide range of mammals and birds. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
P. multocida
HN06, a toxigenic serogroup D strain isolated from a diseased pig in China.
Genome Sequence of Rickettsia conorii subsp.indica, the Agent of Indian Tick Typhus
Authors: Sentausa Erwin , El Karkouri Khalid , Robert Catherine , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTRickettsia conoriisubsp.indicais the agent of Indian tick typhus. The present study reports the draft genome ofRickettsia conoriisubsp.indicastrain ITTR (ATCC VR-597).
Draft Genome Sequence of an Antibiotic-Resistant Propionibacterium acnes Strain, PRP-38, from the Novel Type IC Cluster
Authors: McDowell Andrew , Hunyadkürti Judit , Horváth Balázs , Vörös Andrea , Barnard Emma , Patrick Sheila , Nagy István 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Propionibacterium acnes
, a non-spore-forming, anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium, is most notably recognized for its association with acne vulgaris (I. Kurokawa et al., Exp. Dermatol. 18:821–832, 2009). We now present the draft genome sequence of an antibiotic-resistant
P. acnes
strain, PRP-38, isolated from an acne patient in the United Kingdom and belonging to the novel type IC cluster.
Healthcare cost usage for hospitalised injuries sustained in industrial settings in the USA
Authors: Lander Lina , Shah Rahul K , Li Yun , Mahalingam-Dhingra Aditya , Smith Lynette M , Sorock Gary 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo describe characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalised for injuries occurring in industrial settings during a 1-year period.MethodsA retrospective analysis of hospital admissions in the USA in 2006 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample was performed. TheInternational Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification(ICD-9 CM) code E849.3 (industrial place and premises) was used to identify work-related injury admissions.ResultsA total of 5826 patients were hospitalised with injuries sustained in industrial settings (weighted, 28 354 patients). The mean age was 42.9 years (82% were men). They were 48% Caucasian, 19% Hispanic and 6% African–American. The majority were admitted from the Emergency Department (72%). Further the majority of admissions were discharged home (79%; 9% with home healthcare) and 10.7% were transferred to another facility. The mean length of stay was 4.5 days (range 0–109 days). Mean total charges per admission was US$32 254 (median US$18 364, 90th percentile US$66 607). Common diagnoses included: orthopaedic injuries (including amputations) to: finger/hand (20.9%), foot/ankle (8.2%), leg (10.2%) and spine (8.4%); infection (10.8%), pulmonary diagnosis (6.6%), soft tissue injuries (3.6%) and burns to <10% of the body (3.6%). Comorbidities included hypertension (17.0%) and diabetes mellitus (6.3%). Most common procedures performed included fracture reduction (17.6%), blood transfusions (3.1%) and spinal surgery (3%). A total of 194 (0.7%) patients died in the hospital.ConclusionsInjuries in industrial settings result in significant healthcare usage, morbidity and mortality on an annual basis in the USA. These admission levels facilitate development of targeted strategies to optimise the quality and economics of care for injuries in industrial settings.
Prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections and patterns of recent HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Zagreb, Croatia
Authors: Bozicevic Ivana , Lepej Snjezana Zidovec , Rode Oktavija Dakovic , Grgic Ivana , Jankovic Patricija , Dominkovic Zoran , Lukas Davorka , Johnston Lisa Grazina , Begovac Josip 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Zagreb, Croatia, and assess correlates of testing for HIV in the past 12 months.MethodsThe authors carried out a bio-behavioural survey using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) from September 2010 to February 2011. Participants completed a questionnaire and were asked to provide blood, urine, oropharyngeal and rectal swabs for the detection of infections. Data were analysed using RDS Analysis Tool 6.0.1 and STATA V.8.0.ResultsA total of 387 MSM were recruited at the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases. The age range of recruited men was 18–57 years. HIV prevalence was 2.8% (95% CI 1.1% to 5.1%) (3.6%, unadjusted), lower than that found in the first RDS survey carried out in 2006 (4.5%, 95% 2.2% to 7.3%) (4.9%, unadjusted). The seroprevalence of herpes virus type 2 was 5.9% (6.9, unadjusted) and that of syphilis measured byTreponema pallidumhaemagglutination assay was 7.6% (6.7%, unadjusted). The authors found urethral and/or rectal infections withChlamydia trachomatisin 7.2% (8.5%, unadjusted) of men and gonoccocal in 2.7% (2.1%, unadjusted). HIV testing in the past 12 months was reported by 32.7% (38.9%, unadjusted). In the multivariate analysis, significant correlates of recent HIV testing were having more than three partners in the past 12 months and the knowledge of HIV status of a regular partner.ConclusionsThe results indicate that there might have not been a progression of an HIV and STI epidemic in the past 5 years among MSM in Croatia. Prevention should expand by providing better uptake of HIV and STI testing services, thus enabling timely treatment.
High-risk human papillomavirus prevalence is associated with HIV infection among heterosexual men in Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Tobian Aaron A R , Grabowski Mary K , Kigozi Godfrey , Gravitt Patti E , Eaton Kevin P , Serwadda David , Nalugoda Fred , Wawer Maria J , Quinn Thomas C , Gray Ronald H 
Published: May 2012

ObjectivesHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes genital warts, penile cancer and cervical cancer. Africa has one of the highest rates of penile and cervical cancers, but there are little data on high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) prevalence in heterosexual men. Knowledge of HR-HPV prevalence, risk factors and genotype distribution among heterosexual men is important to establish risk-reduction prevention strategies.Methods1578 uncircumcised men aged 15–49 years who enrolled in male circumcision trials in Rakai, Uganda, were evaluated for HR-HPV from swabs of the coronal sulcus/glans using Roche HPV Linear Array. Adjusted prevalence risk ratios (adjPRRs) were estimated using modified Poisson multivariable regression.ResultsHPV prevalence (either high risk or low risk) was 90.7% (382/421) among HIV-positive men and 60.9% (596/978) among HIV-negative men (PRR 1.49, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.58). HIV-positive men had a significantly higher risk of infection with three or more HR-HPV genotypes (PRR=5.76, 95% CI 4.27 to 7.79). Among HIV-positive men, high-risk sexual behaviours were not associated with increased HR-HPV prevalence. Among HIV-negative men, HR-HPV prevalence was associated with self-reported genital warts (adjPRR 1.57, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.31). Among all men (both HIV negative and HIV positive), HR-HPV prevalence was associated with more than 10 lifetime sexual partners (adjPRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.66), consistent condom use (adjPRR 1.31, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.60) and HIV infection (adjPRR 1.80, 95% CI 1.60 to 2.02). HR-HPV prevalence was lower among men who reported no sexual partners during the past year (adjPRR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.94).ConclusionThe burden of HR-HPV infection is high among heterosexual men in sub-Saharan Africa and most pronounced among the HIV-infected individuals.
Deficiencies of antithrombin, protein C and protein S – Practical experience in genetic analysis of a large patient cohort
Authors: Caspers Michael , Pavlova Anna , Driesen Julia , Harbrecht Ursula , Klamroth Robert , Kadar Janos , Fischer Ronald , Matthes Bettina , Oldenburg Johannes 
Published: May 2012

SummaryDeficiencies of natural anticoagulant proteins including antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC) and protein S (PS) are important causes of inherited thrombophilia. This study aimed to report on the practical experience gained in performing genetic analyses of a large cohort of patients with AT, PC and PS deficiencies and to relate this knowledge to clinical application. We genotyped a large cohort of 709 unrelated patients with AT (231), PC (234) and PS (244) deficiencies referred to us by physicians throughout Germany. Mutations were detected by direct sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). The highest mutation detection rate (MDR) was found for the SERPINC1 gene (83.5%), followed by the PROC (69%) and PROS1 (43%) genes. Even at AT activities close to the normal range (75%), the MDR was 70%. Contrastingly, for PC and PS deficiencies, the MDR dropped significantly and mildly lowered to subnormal values. At PS activities >55% for PS no mutations were detected. Mutation profiles of all three genes were similar with the highest prevalence for missense mutations (63–78%), followed by nonsense (7–11%), splice-site mutations (7–13%), small deletions (1–8%), small insertions/duplications (1–4%) and large deletions (3–6%). In conclusion, genetic testing is a useful diagnostic tool for diagnosing thrombophilia. Based on our data, genetic analysis for patients with AT deficiency is indicated for all subnormal activities. In contrast, genotyping is not advisable for PC activities >70% and for PS activities >55%.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP2 Mediates Chronic Insulin-Induced Endothelial Inflammation
Authors: Giri Hemant , Muthuramu Ilayaraja , Dhar Monalisa , Rathnakumar K. , Ram Uma , Dixit Madhulika 
Published: May 2012

Objective—
Insulin promotes adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium through increased expression of surface adhesion molecules. We determined whether src-homology domain-2–containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2), a downstream effecter of insulin signaling, is involved in insulin-induced endothelial inflammation.

Methods and Results—

In human umbilical vein–derived endothelial cells, treatment with insulin (100 nmol/L) increased Tyr
542
phosphorylation, activity, and subsequently expression of SHP2. Increase in SHP2 accompanied a parallel decrease in the availability of the anti-inflammatory molecule, NO. This consequently enhanced the expression of cell adhesion molecules. Decrease in NO index was caused by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) uncoupling and increased arginase activity. Among the 2 isoforms, insulin treatment induced the expression of arginase II. Inactivation of endogenous SHP2 via NSC87877 [8-hydroxy-7-(6-sulfonapthalen-2-yl)-diazenyl-quinoline-5-sulfonic acid] and its knockdown by small interfering RNA decreased arginase activity by blocking arginase II expression; however, it failed to restore eNOS coupling. Inactivation of SHP2 also abrogated insulin-mediated leukocyte adhesion by blocking the expression of adhesion molecules. Finally, downregulation of endogenous arginase II blocked insulin-mediated endothelial inflammation.

Conclusion—
SHP2 mediates chronic insulin-induced endothelial inflammation by limiting the production of NO in an eNOS–independent and arginase-II–dependent manner.
Extracellular Chromatin Is an Important Mediator of Ischemic Stroke in Mice
Authors: De Meyer Simon F. , Suidan Georgette L. , Fuchs Tobias A. , Monestier Marc , Wagner Denisa D. 
Published: May 2012

Objective—
Recently, a growing number of studies have revealed a prothrombotic and cytotoxic role for extracellular chromatin. Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury is characterized by a significant amount of cell death and neutrophil activation, both of which may result in the release of chromatin. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of extracellular chromatin in ischemic stroke using a mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Methods and Results—
Similar to reports in stroke patients, we observed increased levels of circulating nucleosomes and DNA after ischemic stroke in mice. In addition, we observed that general hypoxia also augmented extracellular chromatin. We hypothesized that targeting extracellular chromatin components would be protective in ischemic stroke. Indeed, treatment with recombinant human DNase 1 significantly improved stroke outcome. Neutralization of histones using an antihistone antibody was also protective as evidenced by smaller infarct volumes, whereas increasing levels of extracellular histones via histone infusion exacerbated stroke outcome by increasing infarct size and worsening functional outcome.

Conclusion—
Our results indicate that extracellular chromatin is generated and is detrimental during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in mice. Targeting DNA and histones may be a new therapeutic strategy to limit injury resulting from ischemic stroke.
Low Levels of Circulating CD4+FoxP3+ T Cells Are Associated With an Increased Risk for Development of Myocardial Infarction But Not for Stroke
Authors: Wigren Maria , Björkbacka Harry , Andersson Linda , Ljungcrantz Irena , Fredrikson Gunilla Nordin , Persson Margaretha , Bryngelsson Carl , Hedblad Bo , Nilsson Jan 
Published: May 2012

Objective—
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) protect against atherosclerosis in experimental models, but their association with cardiovascular disease in humans remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to determine whether circulating Tregs predict the development of acute cardiovascular events in humans.

Methods and Results—

The study cohort consisted of a random sample of participants (n=700), aged 68 to 73 years, from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. Mononuclear leukocytes, stored at −140
○
C at the baseline investigation in 1991–1994, were thawed and Tregs, defined by the expression of FoxP3 in CD4+ T cells, were analyzed by flow cytometry. There was no detectable loss of cells during storage, and the viability of thawed leukocytes was 95%. A low fraction of both CD4+FoxP3+ and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells was associated with a higher release of proinflammatory cytokines from activated mononuclear leukocytes, and this association was strongest for CD4+FoxP3+ cells. Eighty-four coronary events and 66 strokes were registered during follow-up until December 31, 2008. In a Cox proportional hazard regression model adjusting for major risk factors, low levels of baseline CD4+FoxP3+ T cells were associated with an increased risk for the development of acute coronary events but not stroke. There were no associations between CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells and development of an acute coronary event or stroke.

Conclusion—
This study provides prospective evidence for the role of Tregs in the development of myocardial infarction. The findings are in accordance with previous experimental studies and provide clinical support for a protective role of Tregs in atherosclerosis. The lack of association between Tregs and stroke may reflect the more heterogeneous cause of this disease.
Circulating Matrix Metalloproteinases in Adolescents With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Ventricular Arrhythmia
Authors: Zachariah Justin P. , Colan Steven D. , Lang Peter , Triedman John K. , Alexander Mark E. , Walsh Edward P. , Berul Charles I. , Cecchin Frank 
Published: May 2012

Background—
Myocardial fibrosis is a hallmark of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmia. Fibrosis can be reflected in circulating matrix remodeling protein concentrations. We explored differences in circulating markers of extracellular matrix turnover between young HCM patients with versus without history of serious arrhythmia.

Methods and Results—

Using multiplexed and single ELISA, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1, 2, 3, and 9; tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) 1, 2, and 4; and collagen I carboxyterminal peptide (CICP) were measured in plasma from 45 young HCM patients (80% male patients; median age, 17 years [interquartile range, 15–20]). Participants were grouped into serious ventricular arrhythmia history (VA) versus no ventricular arrhythmia history (NoVA). Differences in MMPs between groups were examined nonparametrically. Relationships between MMPs and ventricular arrhythmia were assessed with linear regression, adjusted for interventricular septal thickness, family history of sudden death, abnormal exercise blood pressure, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). In post hoc sensitivity analysis, age was substituted for ICD. The 14 VA patients were older than 31 NoVA patients (median, 19 versus 17 years;
P
=0.03). All 14 VA and 12 NoVA patients had an ICD. MMP3 concentration was significantly higher in the VA group (VA median, 12.9 μg/mL [interquartile range, 5.7–16.7 μg/mL] versus NoVA, 5.8 μg/mL [interquartile range, 3.7–10.0 μg/mL];
P
=0.01). On multivariable analysis, VA was independently associated with increasing MMP3 (standardized β, 0.37;
P
=0.01). Post hoc adjustment for age attenuated this association.

Conclusions—
Circulating MMP3 may be a marker of ventricular arrhythmia in adolescent patients with HCM. Because of our role as pediatric providers, we cannot exclude age-related confounding.