bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attained Educational Level and Incident Atherothrombotic Events in Low- and Middle-Income Compared With High-Income Countries
Authors: Goyal Abhinav , Bhatt Deepak L. , Steg P. Gabriel , Gersh Bernard J. , Alberts Mark J. , Ohman E. Magnus , Corbalán Ramón , Eagle Kim A. , Gaxiola Efrain , Gao Runlin , Goto Shinya , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Califf Robert M. , Smith Sidney C. , Wilson Peter W.F. ,   for the Reduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health (REACH) Registry Investigators
Published: September 2010

Background—
Studies report a protective effect of higher attained educational level (AEL) on cardiovascular outcomes. However, most of these studies have been conducted in high-income countries (HICs) and lack representation from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which bear >80% of the global burden of cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results—

The Reduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health (REACH) Registry is a prospective study of 67 888 subjects with either established atherothrombotic (coronary, cerebrovascular, and/or peripheral arterial) disease or multiple atherothrombotic risk factors enrolled from 5587 physician practices in 44 countries. At baseline, AEL (0 to 8 years, 9 to 12 years, trade or technical school, and university) was self-reported for 61 332 subjects. Outcomes included the baseline prevalence of atherothrombotic risk factors and the rate of incident cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke) through 23 months across AEL groups, stratified by sex and world region (LMICs or HICs). Educational attainment was inversely associated with age and diabetes mellitus and directly associated with hypercholesterolemia in all subjects. However, for other risk factors such as obesity, smoking, hypertension, and baseline burden of vascular disease, AEL was protective (inversely associated) in HICs but not protective in LMICs. The protective effect of greater AEL on incident cardiovascular events was strongest in men from HICs (
P
<0.0001), more modest in women from HICs (
P
=0.0026) and in men from LMICs (
P
=0.082), and essentially absent in women from LMICs (
P
=0.32).

Conclusion—
In contrast to HICs, higher AEL may not be protective against cardiovascular events in LMICs, particularly in women.
Scimitar Syndrome
Authors: Vida Vladimiro L. , Padalino Massimo A. , Boccuzzo Giovanna , Tarja Erjon , Berggren Hakan , Carrel Thierry , Çiçek Sertaç , Crupi Giancarlo , Di Carlo Duccio , Di Donato Roberto , Fragata José , Hazekamp Mark , Hraska Viktor , Maruszewski Bohdan , Metras Dominique , Pozzi Marco , Pretre Rene , Rubay Jean , Sairanen Heikki , Sarris George , Schreiber Christian , Meyns Bart , Tlaskal Tomas , Urban Andreas , Thiene Gaetano , Stellin Giovanni 
Published: September 2010

Background—
Scimitar syndrome is a rare congenital heart disease. To evaluate the surgical results, we embarked on the European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association (ECHSA) multicentric study.

Methods and Results—
From January 1997 to December 2007, we collected data on 68 patients who underwent surgery for scimitar syndrome. Primary outcomes included hospital mortality and the efficacy of repair at follow-up. Median age at surgery was 1.4 years (interquartile range, 0.46 to 7.92 years). Forty-four patients (64%) presented with symptoms. Surgical repair included intraatrial baffle in 38 patients (56%; group 1) and reimplantation of the scimitar vein onto the left atrium in 21 patients (31%; group 2). Eight patients underwent right pneumectomy, and 1 had a right lower lobe lobectomy (group 3). Four patients died in hospital (5.9%; 1 patient in group 1, 2.6%; 3 patients in group 3, 33%). Median follow-up time was 4.5 years. There were 2 late deaths (3.1%) resulting from severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. Freedom from scimitar drainage stenosis at 13 years was 83.8% in group 1 and 85.8% in group 2. Four patients in group 1 were reoperated, and 3 patients (2 in group 1 [6%] and 1 in group 2 [4.8%]) required balloon dilation/stenting for scimitar drainage stenosis.

Conclusions—
The surgical treatment of this rare syndrome is safe and effective. The majority of patients were asymptomatic at the follow-up control. There were a relatively high incidence of residual scimitar drainage stenosis that is similar between the 2 reported corrective surgical techniques used.
Genetic Deficiency of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Promotes Cardiac Fibrosis in Aged Mice
Authors: Ghosh Asish K. , Bradham William S. , Gleaves Linda A. , De Taeye Bart , Murphy Sheila B. , Covington Joseph W. , Vaughan Douglas E. 
Published: September 2010

Background—Elevated levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a potent inhibitor of urokinase plasminogen activator and tissue plasminogen activator, are implicated in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis. Paradoxically, lack of PAI-1 in the heart is associated with the development of cardiac fibrosis in aged mice. However, the molecular basis of cardiac fibrosis in aged PAI-1–deficient mice is unknown. Here, we investigated the molecular and cellular bases of myocardial fibrosis.Methods and Results—Histological evaluation of myocardial tissues derived from aged PAI-1–deficient mice revealed myocardial fibrosis resulting from excessive accumulation of collagen. Immunohistochemical characterization revealed that the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and transforming growth factor-β1/2 and the number of Mac3-positive and fibroblast specific protein-1–positive cells were significantly elevated in aged PAI-1–deficient myocardial tissues compared with controls. Zymographic analysis revealed that matrix metalloproteinase-2 enzymatic activity was elevated in PAI-1–deficient mouse cardiac endothelial cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses of RNA from myocardial tissues revealed the upregulation of profibrotic markers in aged PAI-1–deficient mice. The numbers of phosphorylated Smad2–, phosphorylated Smad3–, and phosphorylated ERK1/2 MAPK–, but not pAkt/PKB–, positive cells were significantly increased in PAI-1–deficient myocardial tissues. Western blot and immunocytochemical analysis revealed that PAI-1–deficient mouse cardiac endothelial cells were more susceptible to endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in response to transforming growth factor-β2.Conclusions—These results indicate that spontaneous activation of both Smad and non-Smad transforming growth factor-β signaling may contribute to profibrotic responses in aged PAI-1–deficient mice hearts and establish a possible link between endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cardiac fibrosis in PAI-1–deficient mice.
Disability or Learning Difficulty? Politicians or Educators? Constructing Special Education in Finland and the United States
Authors: Jahnukainen Markku , Itkonen Tiina 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis article examines institutional arrangements, disability constructions, and policy designs in Finland and the United States. In the US disability is constructed from a medical, diagnosis-driven discrepancy model, and politicians operating in an“equal opportunity” and“civil rights” framework shape policy. In Finland, diagnostic labels are rarely used, and students are referred to as experiencing academic difficulty. Policies are more strongly shaped by educators than politicians.
Change in Disability Classification: Redrawing Categorical Boundaries in SpecialEducation in the United States and Germany, 1920‐2005
Authors: Powell Justin J.W. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractHow do we make sense of considerable cultural differences and change in disability classification? How are disability’s categorical boundaries being redrawn in special education to realign with shifting paradigms of normality? Based in particular on the case of provided services to students “with special educational needs,” this analysis examines classification systems of student disability and their categorical boundaries in the United States and Germany. Sketching the origins and evolution of special education categories from 1920 to 2005, the comparison shows how categorical boundaries have been redrawn, giving rise to new groups of students.
The Globalization of Disability Protests, 1970‐2005: Pushing the Limits of Cross-Cultural Research?
Authors: Barnartt Sharon 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis paper examines political protests related to disability issues which occurred since 1970. It examines almost 700 protests outside the US and over 1200 within the US. The data come from media reports and organization websites. Results show that US protests increased after 1984 while non-US protests increased substantially after 1989. The largest numbers of non-US protests occurred in the UK and Canada. US protests are proportionally more likely than non-US protests to be cross-disability or to relate to mobility impairments, while outside of the US disability-specific protests, especially those related to blindness and deafness, are more common. American protests are more likely to target governments as opposed to non-governmental targets than were non-US protests. Factors relating to disability as well as methodological limitations are considered in explaining these differences.
Evidence that Growth factor independence 1b regulates dormancy and peripheral blood mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Khandanpour Cyrus , Sharif-Askari Ehssan , Vassen Lothar , Gaudreau Marie-Claude , Zhu Jinfang , Paul William E. , Okayama Taro , Kosan Christian , Möröy Tarik 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Donor-matched transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is widely used to treat hematologic malignancies but is associated with high mortality. The expansion of HSC numbers and their mobilization into the bloodstream could significantly improve therapy. We report here that adult mice conditionally deficient for the transcription Growth factor independence 1b (Gfi1b) show a significant expansion of functional HSCs in the bone marrow and blood. Despite this expansion, Gfi1bko/ko HSCs retain their ability to self-renew and to initiate multilineage differentiation but are no longer quiescent and contain elevated levels of reactive oxygen species. Treatment of Gfi1bko/ko mice with N-acetyl-cystein significantly reduced HSC numbers indicating that increased reactive oxygen species levels are at least partially responsible for the expansion of Gfi1b-deficient HSCs. Moreover, Gfi1b−/− HSCs show decreased expression of CXCR4 and Vascular cell adhesion protein-1, which are required to retain dormant HSCs in the endosteal niche, suggesting that Gfi1b regulates HSC dormancy and pool size without affecting their function. Finally, the additional deletion of the related Gfi1 gene in Gfi1bko/ko HSCs is incompatible with the maintenance of HSCs, suggesting that Gfi1b and Gfi1 have partially overlapping functions but that at least one Gfi gene is essential for the generation of HSCs.
Hepatic toxicity and prognosis in hepatitis C virus–infected patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with rituximab-containing chemotherapy regimens: a Japanese multicenter analysis
Authors: Ennishi Daisuke , Maeda Yoshinobu , Niitsu Nozomi , Kojima Minoru , Izutsu Koji , Takizawa Jun , Kusumoto Shigeru , Okamoto Masataka , Yokoyama Masahiro , Takamatsu Yasushi , Sunami Kazutaka , Miyata Akira , Murayama Kayoko , Sakai Akira , Matsumoto Morio , Shinagawa Katsuji , Takaki Akinobu , Matsuo Keitaro , Kinoshita Tomohiro , Tanimoto Mitsune 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe influence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on prognosis and hepatic toxicity in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the rituximab era is unclear. Thus, we analyzed 553 patients, 131 of whom were HCV-positive and 422 of whom were HCV-negative, with DLBCL treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (RCHOP)–like chemotherapy. Survival outcomes and hepatic toxicity were compared according to HCV infection. The median follow-up was 31 and 32 months for patients who were HCV-positive and HCV-negative, respectively. HCV infection was not a significant risk factor for prognosis (3-year progression-free survival, 69% vs 77%, P = .22; overall survival, 75% vs 84%, P = .07). Of 131 patients who were HCV-positive, 36 (27%) had severe hepatic toxicity (grade 3-4), compared with 13 of 422 (3%) patients who were HCV-negative. Multivariate analysis revealed that HCV infection was a significant risk factor for severe hepatic toxicity (hazard ratio: 14.72; 95% confidence interval, 6.37-34.03; P < .001). An exploratory analysis revealed that pretreatment transaminase was predictive of severe hepatic toxicity. HCV-RNA levels significantly increased during immunochemotherapy (P = .006). These results suggest that careful monitoring of hepatic function and viral load is indicated during immunochemotherapy for HCV-positive patients.
Molecular characterization of Histoplasma capsulatum isolated from an outbreak in treasure hunters
Authors: Muñoz Bertha , Martínez María Á , Palma Gabriel , Ramírez Amado , Frías María G , Reyes María R , Taylor María L , Higuera Anjarath L , Corcho Alexander , Manjarrez María E 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackgroundIn Mexico, primary pulmonary histoplasmosis is the most relevant clinical form of the disease. The geographical distribution of specific strains ofHistoplasma capsulatumcirculating in Mexico has not been fully established. Outbreaks must be reported in order to have current, updated information on this disease, identifying new endemic areas, manner of exposure to the fungi, and molecular characterization of the causative agents. We report a recent outbreak of histoplasmosis in treasure hunters and the molecular characterization of two isolates obtained from these patients.MethodsSix patients admitted to the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER) in Mexico City presented severe respiratory symptoms suggestive of histoplasmosis. They acquired the infection in the Veracruz (VZ) endemic zone. Diagnosis was made by X-ray and Computed tomography (CT), liver function, immunological techniques, and culture. Identification ofH. capsulatumisolates was confirmed by using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted with a probe from the M antigen, and the isolates were characterized by means of Random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR employed the 1253 oligonucleotide and a mixture of oligonucleotides 1281 and 1283. These were compared to eight reference strain isolates from neighboring areas.ResultsX-ray and CT revealed disseminated micronodular images throughout lung parenchyma, as well as bilateral retrocaval, prevascular, subcarinal, and hilar adenopathies, hepatosplenomegaly, and altered liver function tests. Five of the six patients developed disseminated histoplasmosis. TwoH. capsulatumstrains were isolated. The same band profile was detected in both strains, indicating that both isolates corresponded to the soleH. capsulatumstrain. Molecular characterization of the isolates was similar in 100% with the EH-53 Hidalgo human (HG) strain (reference strain integrated into the LAm A clade described for Latin America).ConclusionsThe two isolates appeared to possess the same polymorphic pattern; they are indistinguishable from each other and from EH-53. It is important to remain updated on recent outbreaks of histoplasmosis, the manner of exposure to the fungi, as well as the molecular characterization of the isolates. The severity of cases indicates that this strain is highly virulent and that it is probably prevalent in Hidalgo and Veracruz states.
Comparative analysis of proteome maps of silkworm hemolymph during different developmental stages
Authors: Hou Yong , Zou Yong , Wang Fei , Gong Jing , Zhong Xiaowu , Xia Qingyou , Zhao Ping 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
The silkworm Bombyx mori is a lepidopteran insect with four developmental stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. The hemolymph of the silkworm is in an open system that circulates among all organs, and functions in nutrient and hormone transport, injury, and immunity. To understand the intricate developmental mechanisms of metamorphosis, silkworm hemolymph from different developmental stages, including the 3rd day of fifth instar, the 6th day of fifth instar, the 3rd day of pupation, the 8th day of pupal stage and the first day of the moth stage, was investigated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

Results
Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that from the larval to moth stages, silkworm hemolymph proteins changed markedly. Not only did major proteins such as SP1, SP2, and the 30 K lipoprotein change, but other proteins varied greatly at different stages. To understand the functions of these proteins in silkworm development, 56 spots were excised from gels for analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). We identified 34 proteins involved in metamorphosis, programmed cell death, food digestion, metabolism, and nutrient storage and transport. Most proteins showed different expression at different stages, suggesting functions in development and metamorphosis. An abundance of proteins related to immunity were found, including hemolin, prophenoloxidase, serine proteinase-like protein, paralytic peptide-binding protein, and protease inhibitor.

Conclusions
Proteomics research not only provides the opportunity for direct investigation of protein expression patterns, but also identifies many attractive candidates for further study. Two-dimensional maps of hemolymph proteins expressed during the growth and metamorphosis of the silkworm offer important insights into hemolymph function and insect metamorphosis.
Single site laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: an oncological feasible option
Authors: Lim Yon Kuei , Ng Kheng Hong , Eu Kong Weng 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Introduction
We present the first 7 cases of single site right hemicolectomy in Asia using the new Single Site Laparoscopy (SSL) access system from Ethicon Endo-surgery.

Methods
Right hemicolectomy was performed using the new Single Site Laparoscopy (SSL) access system. Patient demographics, operative time, histology and post operative recovery and complications were collected and analysed.

Results
The median operative time was 90 mins (range 60 - 150 mins) and a median wound size of 2.5 cm (range 2 to 4.5 cm). The median number of lymph nodes harvested was 24 (range 20 to 34 lymph nodes). The median length of proximal margin was 70 mm (range 30 to 145 mm) and that of distal margin was 50 mm (35 to 120 mm). All patients had a median hospital stay of 7 days (range 5 to 11) and there were no significant perioperative complications except for 1 patient who had a minor myocardial event.

Conclusion
Right hemicolectomy using SSL access system is feasible and safe for oncologic surgery.
Appropriate cut-off value for follicle-stimulating hormone in azoospermia to predict spermatogenesis
Authors: Chen Shyh-Chyan , Hsieh Ju-Ton , Yu Hong-Jeng , Chang Hong-Chiang 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
This study was undertaken to determine the optimal cut-off value for FSH to predict the presence of spermatogenesis in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia.

Methods
A total of 206 non-obstructive azoospermic men were enrolled in this prospective study. By using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, we determined the optimal cut-off value for FSH and evaluated whether the test could adequately predict successful sperm retrieval.

Results
There were 108 non-obstructive azoospermic patients who had evidence of spermatogenesis (group A) and achieved success in sperm retrieval. Another 98 non-obstructive azoospermic patients (group B) failed in sperm retrieval. The mean value of serum FSH in group B was significantly higher than in group A (28.03 +/- 14.56 mIU/mL vs 7.94 +/- 4.95 mIU/mL, p < 0.01; respectively). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.939 +/- 0.02 and a cut-off value of 19.4 mIU/mL discriminated between group A and B with a sensitivity of 70%. The positive predictive value for failed sperm retrieval (group B) can reach 100%.

Conclusions
Elevated plasma levels of FSH of more than 19.4 mIU/mL could be used as a reliable criterion for a trial of sperm retrieval from testes in artificial reproductive techniques.
Cerebrospinal fluid antibodies to aquaporin-4 in neuromyelitis optica and related disorders: frequency, origin, and diagnostic relevance
Authors: Jarius Sven , Franciotta Diego , Paul Friedemann , Ruprecht Klemens , Bergamaschi Roberto , Rommer Paulus S , Reuss Reinhard , Probst Christian , Kristoferitsch Wolfgang , Wandinger Klaus Peter , Wildemann Brigitte 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
In 70-80% of cases, neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is associated with highly specific serum auto-antibodies to aquaporin-4 (termed AQP4-Ab or NMO-IgG). Recent evidence strongly suggests that AQP4-Ab are directly involved in the immunopathogenesis of NMO.

Objective
To assess the frequency, syndrome specificity, diagnostic relevance, and origin of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AQP4-Ab in patients with NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSD).

Methods
87 CSF samples from 37 patients with NMOSD and 42 controls with other neurological diseases were tested for AQP4-Ab in a cell based assay using recombinant human AQP4. Twenty-three paired CSF and serum samples from AQP4-Ab seropositive NMOSD patients were further analysed for intrathecal IgG synthesis to AQP4.

Results
AQP4-Ab were detectable in 68% of CSF samples from AQP4-Ab seropositive patients with NMOSD, but in none of the CSF samples from AQP4-Ab seronegative patients with NMOSD and in none of the control samples. Acute disease relapse within 30 days prior to lumbar puncture, AQP4-Ab serum titres >1:250, and blood-CSF barrier dysfunction, but not treatment status, predicted CSF AQP4-Ab positivity. A positive AQP4-specific antibody index was present in 1/23 samples analysed.

Conclusions
AQP4-Ab are detectable in the CSF of most patients with NMOSD, mainly during relapse, and are highly specific for this condition. In the cohort analysed in this study, testing for CSF AQP4-Ab did not improve the sensitivity and specificity of the current diagnostic criteria for NMO. The substantial lack of intrathecal AQP4-Ab synthesis in patients with NMOSD may reflect the unique localisation of the target antigen at the blood brain barrier, and is important for our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of the disease.