bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Prescription of Inhaled Corticosteroids to Children with Asthma in U.S. Emergency Departments
Authors: Garro Aris C. , Asnis Lisa , Merchant Roland C. , McQuaid Elizabeth L. 
Published: July 2011

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:767–770 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractObjectives:  This study examined how frequently inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are prescribed at discharge in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) for children presenting with asthma exacerbations.Methods:  This was a secondary analysis of the 2005–2007 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) database for ED visits by children 2 to 21 years old with acute respiratory symptoms and a diagnosis of asthma exacerbation. The authors determined the proportion of visits with an ICS prescription at discharge, and the associations between demographic, clinical factors, and ICS prescriptions were analyzed using logistic regression.Results:  Between 2005 and 2007, there were 2,288,874 estimated visits by children 2 to 21 years old to U.S. EDs with asthma exacerbations, and ICS were prescribed at discharge at 4.0% of these visits (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.4% to 5.5%). In the logistic regression model, ICS were more likely to be prescribed in the fall (adjusted odds ratio [OR] vs. spring 3.3; 95% CI = 1.0 to 11.0). Otherwise, there were no pertinent demographic or clinical factors associated with ICS prescription.Conclusions:  Inhaled corticosteroids are infrequently prescribed for children with asthma at discharge from U.S. EDs. Other than the fall season, there are no identified demographic or clinical factors associated with the likelihood of ICS prescriptions. ED clinicians should consider interventions to increase ICS prescriptions for children with persistent asthma.
Relaciones de trabajo «con características chinas» y función de los sindicatos en China
Authors: ZHU Ying , WARNER Malcolm , FENG Tongqing 
Published: July 2011

Resumen.Los autores estudian la función de los sindicatos en el marco del empeño acometido por China de promover «una sociedad armoniosa», situando los cambios laborales y sindicales recientes en su perspectiva histórica. La política «de arriba abajo» que lleva a cabo la Federación de Sindicatos de China (ACFTU) es muy criticada y fomenta un clamor cada vez más vigoroso que surge desde la base y se ha plasmado en la proliferación de huelgas registrada en los últimos tiempos. Los autores explican que el nuevo papel de los sindicatos va acompañado de un sistema de relaciones de trabajo «con características chinas» que está arraigado institucionalmente en la República Popular.
Análisis de las relaciones laborales en China con un modelo sextapartito
Authors: MA Zhining 
Published: July 2011

Resumen.Los estudios sobre las relaciones laborales y la situación de los trabajadores en China han estado bastante estancados, debido en parte a que su evolución no se amolda bien al modelo tripartito clásico. Tras hacer unas breves consideraciones teóricas y resumir la historia de las relaciones laborales en el país, el autor propone un nuevo modelo sextapartito. Su propuesta se funda en una taxonomía de seis partes que tienen sus «características chinas» singulares: el Partido/Estado, la Federación de Sindicatos de China, las organizaciones de empresarios, los sindicatos de base, los empleadores y los trabajadores. Este modelo, sostiene el autor, permite entender mejor el vasto panorama de las relaciones laborales de este país y su desenvolvimiento.
Las carencias de los sindicatos de empresa de China afectan a la seguridad de la minería del carbón
Authors: LIU Chaojie 
Published: July 2011

Resumen.Los frecuentes accidentes acaecidos en la minería del carbón de China han revelado las lagunas jurídicas que impiden a los sindicatos de empresa ejercer con eficacia su cometido de defensa de la seguridad en el trabajo. Y esta carencia tiene consecuencias de mucho alcance. El autor defiende una modificación de la Ley Sindical que habilite a los trabajadores para fundar sindicatos verdaderos en las empresas. Hay que aclarar los procedimientos para hacerlo, excluir a los directivos superiores de los sindicatos—y de su dirección—, asegurar la independencia económica de los mismos, establecer salvaguardias para la elección y destitución de los cargos sindicales y reconocer el derecho a la huelga.
Investigation of new co‐factors in 49 patients with pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Al Ghazal Philipp , Körber Andreas , Klode Joachim , Dissemond Joachim 
Published: July 2011

SummaryBackground: Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, destructive, ulcerative neutrophilic dermatosis of unknown origin that has been investigated insufficiently in clinical studies. According to current textbooks, it is often associated with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases or other autoimmune disorders.Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 49 patients with pyoderma gangrenosum.Results: Our results showed that although only 6.1 % of patients had chronic inflammatory bowel disease, 22.4 % patients had a malignancy, 18.4 % had chronic renal insufficiency, and 42.8 % had anemia. A potentially relevant aspect that has received little attention is an association with endocrine diseases in 38.8 % of patients. 28.6 % of patients had diabetes. Given that 32.6 % of patients were obese, a potential association with metabolic syndrome may be considered as a possible new risk factor for pyoderma gangrenosum.Conclusions: The clinical data from the present study are insufficient for drawing any firm conclusions. We did, however, observe an association between pyoderma gangrenosum and certain as yet unreported co‐factors, in particular metabolic syndrome. This should be considered in further studies.
Testosterone Reference Ranges in Normally Cycling Healthy Premenopausal Women
Authors: Braunstein G. D. , Reitz R. E. , Buch A. , Schnell D. , Caulfield M. P. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Introduction
At present, there are no well-accepted reference ranges for serum testosterone concentrations in women.

Aim
The aim of this study was to determine the reference ranges for serum testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in premenopausal women with normal menstrual cycles.

Methods
We measured serum total, free, and bioavailable testosterone and SHBG concentrations in 161 healthy, normally cycling women (18–49 years). Morning blood samples were collected during follicular, mid-cycle, and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle and analyzed using validated methods. Mean, median, and weighted average hormone levels across menstrual cycle phases as well as percentiles for a typical 30-year-old woman were determined.

Main Outcome Measures
Age-related serum levels of total, free, and bioavailable testosterone and SHBG levels in normally cycling premenopausal women.

Results
Serum testosterone concentrations exhibited an age-related decline, whereas SHBG remained relatively stable across studied age ranges. Reference ranges for total, free, and bioavailable testosterone and SHBG were established using 5th and 95th percentiles. The estimated 5th and 95th percentiles for a 30-year-old woman were: testosterone, 15–46 ng/dL (520–1595 pmol/L); free testosterone, 1.2–6.4 pg/mL (4.16–22.2 pmol/L); calculated free testosterone, 1.3–5.6 pg/mL (4.5–19.4 pmol/L); bioavailable testosterone, 1.12–7.62 ng/dL (38.8–264.21 pmol/L); and SHBG 18–86 nmol/L. The variations of hormones and SHBG across menstrual cycle were consistent with previous literature.

Conclusions
Reference ranges for free, total, and bioavailable testosterone and SHBG were established in premenopausal women using validated immunoassays and an adequate number of subjects consistent with recommendations by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. The increase in testosterone in the mid-cycle period is relatively small compared with the overall variability, so these reference ranges can be applied irrespective of the day in the menstrual cycle the sample has been taken.
Characterization of a unique dihydropyrimidinone, ethyl 4-(4′-heptanoyloxyphenyl)-6-methyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-one-5-carboxylate, as an effective antithrombotic agent in a rat experimental model
Authors: Priya Nivedita , Singh Prabhjot , Bhatia Sumati , Medhi Bikash , Prasad Ashok K , Parmar Virinder S , Raj Hanumantharao G 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the potential of a novel dihydropyrimidinone, ethyl 4-(4′-heptanoyloxyphenyl)-6-methyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-one-5-carboxylate (H-DHPM), as a calcium channel blocker, endowed with the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation effectively.

Methods
In-vitro and in-vivo studies were conducted for the determination of antiplatelet activity using adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen or thrombin as inducers. Calcium channel blocking activity and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity were monitored. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated prothrombotic conditions were developed in rats to study the efficacy of H-DHPM to suitably modulate the inflammatory mediators such as inducible NOS (iNOS) and tissue factor. The cGMP level and endothelial NOS (eNOS) expression were checked in aortic homogenate of LPS-challenged rats pretreated with H-DHPM. The effect of H-DHPM on FeCl3-induced thrombus formation in rats was examined.

Key findings
The concentrations of H-DHPM required to give 50% inhibition (IC50) of in-vitro platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen or thrombin were 98.2 ± 2.1, 74.5 ± 2.3 and 180.7 ± 3.4 µm, respectively. H-DHPM at a dose of 52.0 ± 0.02 mg/kg (133 µmol/kg) was found to optimally inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation in-vivo. The level of nitric oxide was found to be up to 9 ± 0.08-fold in H-DHPM-treated platelets in-vitro and 8.2 ± 0.05-fold in H-DHPM-pretreated rat platelets in-vivo compared with control. OH-DHPM, the parent compound was found to be ineffective both in-vitro and in-vivo. H-DHPM-pretreated rats were able to resist significantly the prothrombotic changes caused by LPS by blunting the expression of iNOS, tissue factor and diminishing the increased level of cGMP to normal. H-DHPM enhanced the eNOS expression in aorta of rats treated with LPS. H-DHPM displayed synergy with antiplatelet activity of aspirin even at lower doses. H-DHPM was found to inhibit the LPS-induced platelet aggregation in younger as well as older rats. H-DHPM exhibited the ability to markedly decrease FeCl3-induced thrombus formation in rats.

Conclusions
H-DHPM has the attributes of a promising potent antiplatelet candidate molecule that should attract further study. H-DHPM displayed antiplatelet activity both in vivo and in vitro, which was due partially by lowering the intraplatelet calcium concentration.
Antiproliferative and anti-invasive effects of inorganic and organic arsenic compounds on human and murine melanoma cells in vitro
Authors: Hiwatashi Yoko , Tadokoro Hiroko , Henmi Kayo , Arai Mariko , Kaise Toshikazu , Tanaka Sachiko , Hirano Toshihiko 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Objectives
For patients with advanced melanoma, no treatment options are available at present that provide either sufficient response rates or a significant prolongation of overall survival. The present study examines the effects of two inorganic and six organic arsenic compounds on cell proliferation and cell invasion of melanoma cells in vitro.

Methods
The effects of arsenic compounds on proliferation of human melanoma A375 cells and murine melanoma B16F10 cells were examined by MTT assay and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay, and the effects of the compounds on cell invasion were examined by the Boyden chamber invasion assay. The amounts of active matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and pro-MMP-2 in the culture supernatant of A375 cells were determined by an MMP-2 activity assay system.

Key findings
Arsenate and arsenic trioxide (As2O3) inhibited the proliferation of A375 and B16F10 cells significantly at concentration ranges of 0.1–20 µg/ml (P &lt; 0.001), while the organic compounds arsenobetaine, arsenocholine, dimethylarsinic acid, methylarsonic acid, tetramethylarsonium and trimethylarsine oxide did not show any inhibitory effects even at 20 µg/ml. Cell invasion of A375 and B16F10 cells through a layer of collagen IV was significantly inhibited by 0.1–20 µg/ml of arsenate or As2O3 (P &lt; 0.05), while the organic compounds did not inhibit cell invasion. Arsenate or As2O3 at 0.2–10 µg/ml significantly inhibited the amount of active MMP-2 and pro-MMP-2 secreted into the A375 cell culture supernatant (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
Our findings show that the inorganic arsenic compounds arsenate and As2O3 inhibit cell proliferation and prevent the invasive properties of melanoma cells, possibly by decreasing MMP-2 production from the cells.
Reduced Immune Response to Borrelia burgdorferi in the Absence of γδ T Cells
Authors: Shi Cuixia , Sahay Bikash , Russell Jennifer Q. , Fortner Karen A. , Hardin Nicholas , Sellati Timothy J. , Budd Ralph C. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTLittle is known regarding the function of γδ T cells, although they accumulate at sites of inflammation in infections and autoimmune disorders. We previously observed that γδ T cellsin vitroare activated byBorrelia burgdorferiin a TLR2-dependent manner. We now observe that the activated γδ T cells can in turn stimulate dendritic cellsin vitroto produce cytokines and chemokines that are important for the adaptive immune response. This suggested thatin vivoγδ T cells may assist in activating the adaptive immune response. We examined this possibilityin vivoand observed that γδ T cells are activated and expand in number duringBorreliainfection, and this was reduced in the absence of TLR2. Furthermore, in the absence of γδ T cells, there was a significantly blunted response of adaptive immunity, as reflected in reduced expansion of T and B cells and reduced serum levels of anti-Borreliaantibodies, cytokines, and chemokines. This paralleled a greaterBorreliaburden in γδ-deficient mice as well as more cardiac inflammation. These findings are consistent with a model of γδ T cells functioning to promote the adaptive immune response during infection.
Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells 5 Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Modulation
Authors: Halterman Julia A. , Kwon H. Moo , Zargham Ramin , Bortz Pamela D. Schoppee , Wamhoff Brian R. 
Published: July 2011

Objective—
The tonicity-responsive transcription factor, nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5/tonicity enhancer binding protein [TonEBP]), has been well characterized in numerous cell types; however, NFAT5 function in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is unknown. Our main objective was to determine the role of NFAT5 regulation in SMCs.

Methods and Results—

We showed that NFAT5 is regulated by hypertonicity in SMCs and is upregulated in atherosclerosis and neointimal hyperplasia. RNAi knockdown of NFAT5 inhibited basal expression of several SMC differentiation marker genes, including smooth muscle α actin (SMαA). Bioinformatic analysis of SMαA revealed 7 putative NFAT5 binding sites in the first intron, and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed NFAT5 enrichment of intronic DNA. Overexpression of NFAT5 increased SMαA promoter-intron activity, which requires an NFAT5
cis
element at +1012, whereas dominant-negative NFAT5 decreased SMαA promoter-intron activity. Because it is unlikely that SMCs experience extreme changes in tonicity, we investigated other stimuli and uncovered 2 novel NFAT5-inducing factors: angiotensin II, a contractile agonist, and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), a potent mitogen in vascular injury. Angiotensin II stimulated NFAT5 translocation and activity, and NFAT5 knockdown inhibited an angiotensin II-mediated upregulation of SMαA mRNA. PDGF-BB increased NFAT5 protein, and loss of NFAT5 inhibited PDGF-BB-induced SMC migration.

Conclusion—
We have identified NFAT5 as a novel regulator of SMC phenotypic modulation and have uncovered the role of NFAT5 in angiotensin II-induced SMαA expression and PDGF-BB-stimulated SMC migration.
Nuclear Effects of G-Protein Receptor Kinase 5 on Histone Deacetylase 5–Regulated Gene Transcription in Heart Failure
Authors: Zhang Yan , Matkovich Scot J. , Duan Xiujun , Gold Jessica I. , Koch Walter J. , Dorn Gerald W. 
Published: July 2011

Background—
G-protein receptor kinases (GRKs) modulate cardiac β-adrenergic signaling. GRK5 is upregulated in heart failure, and a gain-of-function polymorphism substituting leucine for wild-type glutamine at amino acid 41 (GRK5-Leu41) is associated with improved outcomes in heart failure and hypertension. GRK5 is distinguished by partial nuclear localization and class II histone deacetylases (HDAC) kinase activity that is postulated to regulate Gαq-stimulated cardiac gene expression.

Methods and Results—
We used in vitro tissue culture and in vivo mouse compound genetic models to examine the effects of GRK5 on HDAC phosphorylation, nucleo-cytoplasmic HDAC transport, and Gαq-dependent transcriptional regulation. In vitro, GRK5 stimulated HDAC5 nuclear export only in the context of Gαq signaling stimulated by angiotensin II. GRK5-Gln41 and Leu41 were similar inducers of HDAC5 nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling. In vivo, GRK5-Gln41 and-Leu41 partitioned equally to nuclear and nonnuclear myocardial fractions. GRK5 increased cardiac HDAC5 phosphorylation and reversed the increase in nuclear HDAC5 content seen with cardiomyocyte-autonomous Gαq overexpression. Deep RNA sequencing showed few changes in gene expression induced by GRK5 overexpression or ablation alone, but GRK5 overexpression normalized steady-state expression levels of 48% (96 of 200) of all Gαq down-regulated mRNAs.

Conclusions—
GRK5 is a transcriptional modifier of a subset of Gαq-downregulated genes, acting in opposition to the pathological effects of Gαq and normalizing levels of these transcripts. This transcriptional coregulator effect may act in concert with β-adrenergic receptor desensitization to protect against heart failure decompensation.
Impact of Obesity on Stroke Outcome After Intravenous Thrombolysis
Authors: Sarikaya Hakan , Elmas Firat , Arnold Marcel , Georgiadis Dimitrios , Baumgartner Ralf W. 
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—

Obesity is an established risk factor for stroke and has reached epidemic proportions. However, its impact on intravenous thrombolysis applied for acute ischemic stroke is not well known. We aimed to compare the clinical outcome and safety after intravenous thrombolysis in obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m
2
) and nonobese (body mass index <30 kg/m
2
) patients with ischemic stroke.

Methods—
Data of 304 consecutive patients with stroke (251 nonobese and 53 obese) treated with intravenous thrombolysis were studied. We assessed the rate of favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0 or 1), mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in the 2 groups.

Results—

Obese patients presented more often with diabetes mellitus (30.2% versus 12.4%,
P
<0.01) and arterial hypertension (77.4% versus 61.4%,
P
=0.03) as compared with their nonobese counterparts. At 3 months, the rate of favorable outcome was lower in obese compared with nonobese patients (50.9% versus 68.1%,
P
=0.02). More obese than nonobese patients died (13.2% versus 4.0%,
P
=0.01), whereas the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was similar in the 2 groups (1.9% versus 1.6%,
P
=1.0). After multivariable adjustment, obesity still remained an independent predictor of unfavorable outcome (
P
=0.04) and mortality (
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—
Our data indicate that obesity is an independent predictor of unfavorable clinical outcome and mortality in acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis.
Low Body Temperature Does Not Compromise the Treatment Effect of Alteplase
Authors: Lees Jennifer S. , Mishra Nishant K. , Saini Monica , Lyden Patrick D. , Shuaib Ashfaq 
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—
Hypothermia is neuroprotective in ischemic stroke models. The influence of baseline body temperature on outcomes after thrombolytic therapy is unclear. We examined outcomes after alteplase treatment across baseline body temperature for patients with ischemic stroke in data held within the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA; 1998 to 2007).

Methods—
We collated data on age, baseline severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), and 90-day modified Rankin Scale score on patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke. We compared 90-day modified Rankin Scale score between thrombolyzed and nonthrombolyzed comparators across baseline body temperature. We report age and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale-adjusted Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel probability value and proportional OR with 95% CI for improved modified Rankin Scale distribution. We report temperature profiles over 72 hours after stroke by treatment group.

Results—

Rankin data were available for 5586 patients with acute ischemic stroke in VISTA (1980 received alteplase). Age and baseline severity were similar (age 68.0±13.0 years versus 69.9±12.3 years, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 14.2±5.2 versus 13.0±5.6). Alteplase was associated with improved outcome (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.35 to 1.65,
P
<0.0001). Alteplase treatment effect was not associated with baseline temperature (
P
=0.14). Point estimates showed benefit of alteplase treatment across 35.5°C to 37.5°C but showed a negative trend >37.5°C. Alteplase did not influence temperature profiles over 72 hours after stroke.

Conclusions—
There is no evidence of influence of body temperature on alteplase treatment response. These results are reassuring that low temperatures across a physiological range do not compromise therapeutic effect of alteplase.
The Prognostic Impact of Soluble Apoptosis-Stimulating Fragment on Mortality in Patients With Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Hoke Matthias , Schillinger Martin , Zorn Gerlinde , Wonnerth Anna , Amighi Jasmin , Mlekusch Wolfgang , Speidl Walter , Maurer Gerald , Koppensteiner Renate , Minar Erich , Wojta Johann , Niessner Alexander 
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—
Markers of apoptosis are associated with cardiovascular disease. The soluble apoptosis-stimulating fragment (sFAS) was found to be a predictor for outcome in patients with heart failure, but its importance in patients with atherosclerotic disease has not been fully understood as yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of sFAS on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries.

Methods—
We studied 981 of 1286 consecutive patients with neurological asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis as evaluated by duplex Doppler sonography. Patients were prospectively followed for long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Results—

During a median follow-up of 6.2 years (interquartile range, 5.9 to 6.6 years), a total of 250 deaths (25.5%), including 165 (66%) cardiovascular deaths, were recorded. The risk for all-cause and for cardiovascular mortality, respectively, increased significantly with sFAS concentrations (
P
<0.001). The hazard ratio for all-cause death was elevated by 2.3-fold (
P
<0.001) and for cardiovascular death by 2.4-fold (
P
<0.001) in patients within the highest quintile of sFAS compared with patients within the lowest quintile, respectively. Results remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders and established cardiovascular risk factors, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Patients with high sFAS but low high-sensitivity C-reactive protein had a comparable survival rate with those with elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein only (
P
=0.50).

Conclusions—
Markers of apoptosis, as measured by sFAS, were found to be independent risk predictors for death in patients with atherosclerotic disease in the carotid arteries.