bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specificity of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Microspectroscopy to Estimate Depth-Wise Proteoglycan Content in Normal and Osteoarthritic Human Articular Cartilage
Authors: Saarakkala Simo , Julkunen Petro 
Published: June 2010

Background: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy is a promising method for estimating the depth-wise composition of articular cartilage. The aim was to compare the specificity of two earlier introduced, presumably proteoglycan (PG)–specific FTIR parameters (i.e., absorption in the carbohydrate region with and without normalization with Amide I absorption) to estimate the reference PG content of normal and osteoarthritic human articular cartilage. This study is a direct continuation of our earlier studies, from which the presented data are reanalyzed. Design: Earlier, FTIR microspectroscopy, digital densitometry, histological analyses, and polarized light microscopy were conducted in vitro for articular cartilage samples of human patellae ( n = 72). In the present study, earlier data were combined and statistically reanalyzed in a depth-wise manner to clarify the specificity of FTIR parameters introduced for the estimation of PG content of articular cartilage. Digital densitometry for Safranin O-stained samples was used to indicate reference PG content. Results: Direct absorption of the carbohydrate region estimated well the PG content in the middle and deep zones of articular cartilage and appeared to be superior compared to carbohydrate values normalized with Amide I absorption. However, in the superficial zone, the specificity of both FTIR-derived PG parameters was limited. Conclusions: Limitations of current FTIR-based PG parameters in the superficial zone of articular cartilage should be recognized and carefully taken into account in future studies using FTIR microspectroscopy for PG content estimation. Further research is needed to improve the specificity of FTIR parameters for the estimation of PG content of articular cartilage.
Induction of a CD8+ T-cell response to the MAGE cancer testis antigen by combined treatment with azacitidine and sodium valproate in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplasia
Authors: Goodyear Oliver , Agathanggelou Angelo , Novitzky-Basso Igor , Siddique Shamyla , McSkeane Tina , Ryan Gordon , Vyas Paresh , Cavenagh Jamie , Stankovic Tanja , Moss Paul , Craddock Charles 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Epigenetic therapies, including DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors, represent important new treatment modalities in hematologic malignancies, but their mechanism of action remains unknown. We reasoned that up-regulation of epigenetically silenced tumor antigens may induce an immunologically mediated antitumor response and contribute to their clinical activity. In this study, we demonstrate that azacitidine (AZA) and sodium valproate (VPA) up-regulate expression of melanoma-associated antigens (MAGE antigens) on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myeloma cell lines. In separate studies, we observed that prior exposure to AZA/VPA increased recognition of myeloma cell lines by a MAGE-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) clone. We therefore measured CTL responses to MAGE antigens in 21 patients with AML or myelodysplasia treated with AZA/VPA. CTL responses to MAGE antigens were documented in only 1 patient before therapy; however, treatment with AZA/VPA induced a CTL response in 10 patients. Eight of the 11 patients with circulating MAGE CTLs achieved a major clinical response after AZA/VPA therapy. This is the first demonstration of a MAGE-specific CTL response in AML. Furthermore, it appears that epigenetic therapies have the capacity to induce a CTL response to MAGE antigens in vivo that may contribute to their clinical activity in AML. This study was registered at http://isrctn.org as #ISCTN68418952.
Nuclear Factor (NF) κB polymorphism is associated with heart function in patients with heart failure
Authors: Santos Diogo GB , Resende Marina F , Mill José G , Mansur Alfredo J , Krieger José E , Pereira Alexandre C 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Cardiac remodeling is generally an adverse sign and is associated with heart failure (HF) progression. NFkB, an important transcription factor involved in many cell survival pathways, has been implicated in the remodeling process, but its role in the heart is still controversial. Recently, a promoter polymorphism associated with a lesser activation of the NFKB1 gene was also associated with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of this polymorphism with clinical and functional characteristics of heart failure patients of different etiologies.

Methods
A total of 493 patients with HF and 916 individuals from a cohort of individuals from the general population were investigated. The NFKB1 -94 insertion/deletion ATTG polymorphism was genotyped by High Resolution Melt discrimination. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between groups. In addition, frequencies or mean values of different phenotypes associated with cardiovascular disease were compared between genotype groups. Finally, patients were prospectively followed-up for death incidence and genotypes for the polymorphism were compared regarding disease onset and mortality incidence in HF patients.

Results
We did not find differences in genotype and allelic frequencies between cases and controls. Interestingly, we found an association between the ATTG1/ATTG1 genotype with right ventricle diameter (P = 0.001), left ventricle diastolic diameter (P = 0.04), and ejection fraction (EF) (P = 0.016), being the genotype ATTG1/ATTG1 more frequent in patients with EF lower than 50% (P = 0.01). Finally, we observed a significantly earlier disease onset in ATTG1/ATTG1 carriers.

Conclusion
There is no genotype or allelic association between the studied polymorphism and the occurrence of HF in the tested population. However, our data suggest that a diminished activation of NFKB1, previously associated with the ATTG1/ATTG1 genotype, may act modulating on the onset of disease and, once the individual has HF, the genotype may modulate disease severity by increasing cardiac remodeling and function deterioration.
Determinants of hospitalization for a cutaneous injection-related infection among injection drug users: a cohort study
Authors: Lloyd-Smith Elisa , Wood Evan , Zhang Ruth , Tyndall Mark W , Sheps Sam , Montaner Julio SG , Kerr Thomas 
Published: June 2010

Astract

Background
Cutaneous injection-related infections (CIRI) are a primary reason individuals who inject drugs (IDU) are hospitalized. The objective of this study was to investigate determinants of hospitalization for a CIRI or related infectious complication among a cohort of supervised injection facility (SIF) users.

Methods
From 1 January 1 2004 until 31 January 2008, using Cox proportional hazard regression, we examined determinants of hospitalization for a CIRI or related infectious complication (based on ICD 10 codes) among 1083 IDU recruited from within the SIF. Length of stay in hospital and cost estimates, based on a fully-allocated costing model, was also evaluated.

Results
Among hospital admissions, 49% were due to a CIRI or related infectious complication. The incidence density for hospitalization for a CIRI or related infectious complication was 6.07 per 100 person-years (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 4.96 - 7.36). In the adjusted Cox proportional hazard model, being HIV positive (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 1.79 [95% CI: 1.17 - 2.76]) and being referred to the hospital by a nurse at the SIF (AHR = 5.49 [95% CI: 3.48 - 8.67]) were associated with increased hospitalization. Length of stay in hospital was significantly shorter among participants referred to the hospital by a nurse at the SIF when compared to those who were not referred (4 days [interquartile range {IQR}: 2-7] versus 12 days [IQR: 5-33]) even after adjustment for confounders (p = 0.001).

Conclusions
A strong predictor of hospitalization for a CIRI or related infectious complication was being referred to the hospital by a nurse from the SIF. This finding indicates that nurses not only facilitate hospital utilization but may provide early intervention that prevents lengthy and expensive hospital visits for a CIRI or related infectious complication.
Changes in glycemic control from 1996 to 2006 among adults with type 2 diabetes: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Blumenthal Karen J , Larkin Mary E , Winning Gail , Nathan David M , Grant Richard W 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Our objectives were to examine temporal changes in HbA1c and lipid levels over a 10-year period and to identify predictors of metabolic control in a longitudinal patient cohort.

Methods
We identified all adults within our hospital network with T2DM who had HbA1c's measured in both 1996 and 2006 (longitudinal cohort). For patients with no data in 2006, we used hospital and social security records to distinguish patients lost to follow-up from those who died after 1996. We compared characteristics of the 3 baseline cohorts (longitudinal, lost to f/u, died) and examined metabolic trends in the longitudinal cohort.

Results
Of the 4944 patients with HbA1c measured in 1996, 1772 (36%) had an HbA1c measured in 2006, 1296 (26%) were lost to follow-up, and 1876 (38%) had died by 2006. In the longitudinal cohort, mean HbA1c decreased by 0.4 ± 1.8% over the ten-year span (from 8.2% ± 1.7% to 7.8% ± 1.4%) and mean total cholesterol decreased by 49.3 (± 46.5) mg/dL. In a multivariate model, independent predictors of HbA1c decline included older age (OR 1.41 per decade, 95% CI: 1.3-1.6, p < 0.001), baseline HbA1c (OR 2.9 per 1% increment, 2.6 - 3.2, p < 0.001), and speaking English (OR 2.1, 1.4-3.1, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Despite having had diabetes for an additional 10 years, patients in our longitudinal cohort had better glycemic and cholesterol control in 2006 than 1996. Greatest improvements occurred in patients with the highest levels in the baseline year.
Proteomic analysis of purified coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus particles
Authors: Kong Qingming , Xue Chunyi , Ren Xiangpeng , Zhang Chengwen , Li Linlin , Shu Dingming , Bi Yingzuo , Cao Yongchang 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is the coronavirus of domestic chickens causing major economic losses to the poultry industry. Because of the complexity of the IBV life cycle and the small number of viral structural proteins, important virus-host relationships likely remain to be discovered. Toward this goal, we performed two-dimensional gel electrophoresis fractionation coupled to mass spectrometry identification approaches to perform a comprehensive proteomic analysis of purified IBV particles.

Results
Apart from the virus-encoded structural proteins, we detected 60 host proteins in the purified virions which can be grouped into several functional categories including intracellular trafficking proteins (20%), molecular chaperone (18%), macromolcular biosynthesis proteins (17%), cytoskeletal proteins (15%), signal transport proteins (15%), protein degradation (8%), chromosome associated proteins (2%), ribosomal proteins (2%), and other function proteins (3%). Interestingly, 21 of the total host proteins have not been reported to be present in virions of other virus families, such as major vault protein, TENP protein, ovalbumin, and scavenger receptor protein. Following identification of the host proteins by proteomic methods, the presence of 4 proteins in the purified IBV preparation was verified by western blotting and immunogold labeling detection.

Conclusions
The results present the first standard proteomic profile of IBV and may facilitate the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms.
Rapid metabolic profiling of Nicotiana tabacum defence responses against Phytophthora nicotianae using direct infrared laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry and principal component analysis
Authors: Ibáñez Alfredo J , Scharte Judith , Bones Philipp , Pirkl Alexander , Meldau Stefan , Baldwin Ian T , Hillenkamp Franz , Weis Engelbert , Dreisewerd Klaus 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Successful defence of tobacco plants against attack from the oomycete Phytophthora nicotianae includes a type of local programmed cell death called the hypersensitive response. Complex and not completely understood signaling processes are required to mediate the development of this defence in the infected tissue. Here, we demonstrate that different families of metabolites can be monitored in small pieces of infected, mechanically-stressed, and healthy tobacco leaves using direct infrared laser desorption ionization orthogonal time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The defence response was monitored for 1 - 9 hours post infection.

Results
Infrared laser desorption ionization orthogonal time-of-flight mass spectrometry allows rapid and simultaneous detection in both negative and positive ion mode of a wide range of naturally occurring primary and secondary metabolites. An unsupervised principal component analysis was employed to identify correlations between changes in metabolite expression (obtained at different times and sample treatment conditions) and the overall defence response.
A one-dimensional projection of the principal components 1 and 2 obtained from positive ion mode spectra was used to generate a Biological Response Index (BRI). The BRI obtained for each sample treatment was compared with the number of dead cells found in the respective tissue. The high correlation between these two values suggested that the BRI provides a rapid assessment of the plant response against the pathogen infection. Evaluation of the loading plots of the principal components (1 and 2) reveals a correlation among three metabolic cascades and the defence response generated in infected leaves. Analysis of selected phytohormones by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry verified our findings.

Conclusion
The described methodology allows for rapid assessment of infection-specific changes in the plant metabolism, in particular of phenolics, alkaloids, oxylipins, and carbohydrates. Moreover, potential novel biomarkers can be detected and used to predict the quality of plant infections.
Efficacy and adverse effects of transdermal fentanyl and sustained-release oral morphine in treating moderate-severe cancer pain in Chinese population: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Qiong , Xie De-Rong , Jiang Zhi-Min , Ma Wen , Zhang Yuan-Dong , Bi Zhuo-Fei , Chen Deng-Lin 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Previous meta-analysis suggested that transdermal fentanyl was not inferior to sustained-release oral morphine in treating moderate-severe cancer pain with less adverse effects. Now, we updated the data and performed a systematic review.

Methods
Updated cohort studies on transdermal fentanyl and oral morphine in the treatment of cancer pain were searched in electronic databases including CBMdisc, CNKI, VIP, Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Primary end points assessed by meta-analysis were remission rate of pain and incidence of adverse effects. Quality of life was assessed by systematic review, which was the second end point.

Results
32 cohort studies, which included 2651 patients, were included in present study. The remission rate in transdermal fentanyl group and sustained-release oral morphine group were 86.60% and 88.31% respectively, there was no significant difference [RR = 1.13, 95% CI (0.92, 1.38), P = 0.23]. Compared with oral morphine group, there were less adverse effects in terms of constipation [RR = 0.35, 95% CI (0.27, 0.45), P < 0.00001], nausea/vomiting [RR = 0.57, 95% CI (0.49, 0.67), P < 0.00001], and vertigo/somnolence [RR = 0.59, 95% CI (0.51, 0.68), P < 0.00001] in transdermal fentanyl group. Six of selected trials supported either transdermal fentanyl or sustained-release oral morphine improved QOL of cancer patients and one of them showed more patients got better QOL after sustained-release oral morphine transferred to transdermal fentanyl.

Conclusions
Our study showed again that both transdermal fentanyl and oral morphine had the same efficacy in the treatment of moderate-severe cancer pain in Chinese population, but the former might have less adverse effects and better quality of life.
Numerical solutions for the elastic deformation of spherical bearing surfaces of metal-on-metalhip joint implants
Authors: Gao L M , Meng Q E , Wang F C , Yang P R , Jin Z M 
Published: June 2010

On the elastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis, one of the most time-consuming issues is the calculation of surface deformation. Two methods are usually adopted to fasten the calculation: the multi-level multi-integration (MLMI) and the fast Fourier transform (FFT). However, in spherical models such as for hip joint replacements, the finite-element method has to be employed instead of analytical formulations to determine the influence coefficients. It limits the coarsest grid to 60 × 60 points to ensure numerical accuracy. This limitation prevents the MLMI to achieve high performance. Therefore, a combined MLMI and FFT method is proposed. The basic idea is to replace the direct summation on the coarse grids in the MLMI by the FFT algorithm. The combined method is validated by comparing to the individual MLMI and FFT. The combined method is found to perform fastest. In solving a quasi-static elastohydrodynamic lubrication solution, approximately 65 per cent less CPU time is required on grid 512 × 512, and the accuracy is not affected. For the usual semi-infinite plane models, sometimes a large number of levels can cause a lot of additional operations and storage space when translating data between the levels. The combined MLMI and FFT method can be an alternative way to choose the coarse grid more flexibly, reduce the number of grid levels, and optimize the computing performance.
Concomitant Ceftriaxone and High-Concentration Intravenous Calcium Therapy in Adult Critical Care Patients: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Dalton Bruce R , Zuege Danny J , Shahpori Reza , Laupland Kevin B 
Published: June 2010

Background: Based on case reports in infants, the safety of concomitant use of ceftriaxone and intravenous calcium in all ages has recently come under challenge. Systematic population-based data to guide clinicians with respect to this risk are, however, lacking. Objective: To determine whether concomitant administration of ceftriaxone and intravenous calcium was associated with the occurrence of severe cardiorespiratory events or death in critically ill adults. Methods: We performed a matched-cohort study from retrospective data of adults admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in Calgary, Canada, who were provided continuous high-dose intravenous calcium. Those who received ceftriaxone while on continuous renal replacement therapy were considered exposed. Up to 3 unexposed patients were selected by matching on a number of prognostic factors from the remaining subjects not concurrently exposed to ceftriaxone and calcium. Univariate methods and multivariate conditional logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: We identified 142 patients exposed to the implicated combination who could be matched to at least one unexposed patient. Hospital mortality was 66% in the exposed versus 63% in unexposed patients (p = 0.442). ICU length of stay, ICU mortality, hospital length of stay, and the frequency of acute oxygenation events were all similar by univariate analysis. Multivariate conditional logistic regression modeling failed to find a significant association between exposure and hospital mortality (adjusted OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.04) or other relevant outcomes. Conclusions: In this high-risk group, administration of high concentrations of calcium and concurrent ceftriaxone was not significantly associated with greater mortality or adverse outcomes compared to matched unexposed patients. Although this was an underpowered study and rare adverse effects from the interaction of these 2 compounds cannot be completely excluded, these data provide overall reassurance of the safety of this combination in the majority of critically ill adults.
Disposition of Cannabinoids in Oral Fluid after Controlled Around-the-Clock Oral THC Administration
Authors: Milman Garry , Barnes Allan J , Schwope David M , Schwilke Eugene W , Darwin William D , Goodwin Robert S , Kelly Deanna L , Gorelick David A , Huestis Marilyn A 
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUNDOral fluid, a promising alternative matrix for drug monitoring in clinical and forensic investigations, offers noninvasive sample collection under direct observation. Cannabinoid distribution into oral fluid is complex and incompletely characterized due to the lack of controlled drug administration studies.METHODSTo characterize cannabinoid disposition in oral fluid, we administered around-the-clock oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Marinol®) doses to 10 participants with current daily cannabis use. We obtained oral fluid samples (n=440) by use of Quantisal™ collection devices before, during, and after 37 20-mg THC doses over 9 days. Samples were extracted with multiple elution solvents from a single SPE column and analyzed by 2-dimensional GC-MS with electron-impact ionization for THC, 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), cannabidiol, and cannabinol and negative chemical ionization for 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH). Linear ranges were 0.5–50 μg/L, with the exception of cannabinol (1–50 μg/L) and THCCOOH (7.5–500 ng/L).RESULTSTHCCOOH was the most prevalent analyte in 432 samples (98.2%), with concentrations up to 1117.9 ng/L. In contrast, 11-OH-THC was not identified in any sample; cannabidiol and cannabinol were quantified in 3 and 8 samples, respectively, with maximum concentrations of 2.1 and 13 μg/L. THC was present in only 20.7% of samples, with highest concentrations near admission (median 4.2 μg/L, range 0.6–481.9) from previously self-administered smoked cannabis.CONCLUSIONSMeasurement of THCCOOH in OF not only identifies cannabis exposure, but also minimizes the possibility of passive inhalation. THCCOOH may be a better analyte for detection of cannabis use.
Global Existence of Solutions for Dirichlet Problem to Nonlinear Diagonal Parabolic System with Maximal Growth Conditions
Authors: Zaja̧czkowski W. M. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
The Dirichlet problem to nonlinear diagonal parabolic system with some special right–hand sides but still satisfying the maximum growth conditions is considered. First applying the idea of Stampacchia a L
∞ – estimate in terms of data for a priori bounded weak solutions is found. Next following the methods of Ladyzhenskaya and Uraltseva the Hölder continuity with some exponent is proved. Next applying the results of Amann global existence of solutions is shown.