bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cooperative role of tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β and neutrophils in a novel behavioural model that concomitantly demonstrates articular inflammation and hypernociception in mice
Authors: Sachs Daniela , Coelho Fernanda M , Costa Vívian V , Lopes Fernando , Pinho Vanessa , Amaral Flávio A , Silva Tarcília A , Teixeira Antônio L , Souza Daniele G , Teixeira Mauro M 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronic joint inflammation and pain are the hallmarks of disease in patients with inflammatory arthritis, notably rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relative contribution of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β and neutrophil influx for joint inflammation and nociception in a novel murine model of antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA).EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH AIA was induced by administration of antigen into knee joint of previously immunized mice. Neutrophil accumulation was determined by counting neutrophils in the joints and assessing myeloperoxidase activity in tissues surrounding the joints. TNF‐α, IL‐1β and CXCL‐1 were measured by elisa. Mechanical hypernociception was assessed in parallel, using an electronic pressure meter.KEY RESULTS Hypernociception was dependent on antigen dose and the time after its administration; it was prevented by treatment with morphine and associated with neutrophil infiltration and local production of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and CXCL‐1. Administration of a chimeric monoclonal antibody to TNF‐α (infliximab) or IL‐1receptor antagonist prevented neutrophil influx and hypernociception, and this was comparable to the effects of dexamethasone. Treatment with fucoidin (a leucocyte adhesion inhibitor) greatly suppressed neutrophil influx and local production of TNF‐α and IL‐1β, and hypernociception.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In conclusion, the present study describes a new model that allows for the concomitant evaluation of articular hypernociception and inflammation. Using this system, we demonstrated that a positive feedback loop involving neutrophil influx and the pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐1β is necessary for articular hypernociception after antigen challenge of immunized mice.
α1‐Adrenoceptor‐mediated depletion of phosphatidylinositol 4, 5‐bisphosphate inhibits activation of volume‐regulated anion channels in mouse ventricular myocytes
Authors: Ichishima K , Yamamoto S , Iwamoto T , Ehara T 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEVolume‐regulated anion channels (VRACs) play an important role in cell‐volume regulation. α1‐Adrenoceptor stimulation by phenylephrine (PE) suppressed the hypotonic activation of VRAC current in mouse ventricular cells and regulatory volume decrease (RVD) was also absent in PE‐treated cells. We examined whether the effects of α1‐adrenoceptor stimuli on VRAC current were modulated by phosphatidylinositol signalling.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWhole‐cell patch‐clamp method was used to record the hypotonicity‐induced VRAC current in mouse ventricular cells. RVD was analyzed by videomicroscopic measurement of cell images.KEY RESULTSThe attenuation of VRAC current by PE was suppressed by α1A‐adrenoceptor antagonists (prazosin and WB‐4101), anti‐Gqprotein antibody and a specific phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor (U‐73122), but not by antagonists for α1B‐, α1D‐ or β‐adrenoceptor, or protein kinase C inhibitors. The inhibition of VRAC by PE was antagonized by intracellular excess phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2), while intracellular anti‐PIP2antibody (PIP2Ab) inhibited the activation of VRAC currents. When cells were loaded with phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5‐trisphosphate (PIP3) with or without PIP2Ab, PE little affected the VRAC current. Extracellularm‐3M3FBS (an activator of PLC) suppressed VRAC in the absence of PE, and this effect was reversed by intracellular excess PIP2.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSOur results indicate that the stimulation of α1A‐adrenoceptors by PE inhibited the activation of cardiac VRAC current via PIP3depletion brought about by PLC‐dependent reduction of membrane PIP2level.
Differential effects of Kv11.1 activators on Kv11.1a, Kv11.1b and Kv11.1a/Kv11.1b channels
Authors: Larsen AP , Bentzen BH , Grunnet M 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Kv11.1 channels are involved in regulating cellular excitability in various tissues including brain, heart and smooth muscle. In these tissues, at least two isoforms, Kv11.1a and Kv11.1b, with different kinetics, are expressed. Kv11.1 activators are potential therapeutic agents, but their effects have only been tested on the Kv11.1a isoform. In this study, the effects of two different Kv11.1 activators, NS1643 and RPR260243, were characterized on Kv11.1a and Kv11.1b channels.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Kv11.1a and Kv11.1b channels were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and currents were measured using two‐electrode voltage clamp. I/V curves and channel kinetics were measured before and after application of 30 µM NS1643 or 10 µM RPR260243.KEY RESULTS NS1643 increased steady‐state currents through Kv11.1b several fold more than through Kv11.1a channels, without affecting EC50 values. NS1643 increased activation rates and decreased rates of inactivation, recovery from inactivation and deactivation for both channels. Except for activation, where effect of NS1643 was comparable, relative changes were greater for Kv11.1b than for Kv11.1a. RPR260243 increased steady‐state currents only through Kv11.1a channels, but slowed the process of deactivation for both channels primarily by decreasing time constant of slow deactivation. This effect was greater on Kv11.1b than on Kv11.1a. Effects of both compounds on heteromeric Kv11.1a/Kv11.1b channels were similar to those on Kv11.1a.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Both NS1643 and RPR260243 displayed differential effects on Kv11.1a and Kv11.1b channels, the effects being relatively more pronounced on Kv11.1b channels. This affirms the importance of testing the effect of Kv11.1 activators on different channel isoforms.
Patients Supported by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Acute Dialysis: Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Score in Predicting Hospital Mortality
Authors: Wu Vin‐Cent , Tsai Hung‐Bin , Yeh Yu‐Chang , Huang Tao‐Min , Lin Yu‐Feng , Chou Nai‐Kuan , Chen Yih‐Sharng , Han Yin‐Yi , Chou Anne , Lin Yen‐Hung , Wu Ming‐Shu , Lin Shuei‐Liong , Chen Yung‐Ming , Tsai Pi‐Ru , Ko Wen‐Je , Wu Kwan‐Dun ,   the NSARF Study Group
Published: May 2010

AbstractExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can provide short‐term cardiopulmonary support to critically ill patients. Among ECMO patients, acute renal failure requiring dialysis has an ominous prognosis. However, a prognostic scoring system and risk factors adjustment for hospital mortality in these patients have not been elucidated previously. A multicenter observational cohort study was conducted from January 2002 to December 2006. Information obtained included demographics, biochemical variables, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, III, and IV scores at ICU admission and initial acute dialysis, and hospital mortality in 102 non‐coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients receiving ECMO support with acute dialysis. This retrospective cohort study included 70 men and 32 women with a mean age of 47.9 ± 15.7 years. Seventy‐two patients (70.6%) had hospital mortality. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed APACHE IV (0.653) had a better discriminative power to predict hospital mortality than APACHE II (0.584) and APACHE III (0.634) at initializing dialysis. Hosmer–Lemeshow statistics showed good calibration for all three scores to predict hospital mortality at initializing dialysis (APACHE IV, P = 0.392; APACHE III, P = 0.094; and APACHE II, P = 0.673). Independent predictors for hospital mortality by multivariate logistic regression analysis were higher central venous pressure (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; confidence interval [CI] 95%, 1.02–1.20; P = 0.016), higher APACHE IV score at initializing dialysis (OR, 1.03; CI 95%, 1.01–1.05; P = 0.003), and latency from hospital admission to dialysis (OR, 1.04; CI 95%, 1.00–1.08; P = 0.033). High mortality rate was noted in non‐CABG patients receiving ECMO and acute dialysis. Predialysis APACHE IV scores had good calibration and moderate discrimination in predicting hospital mortality in these patients. Because ECMO support could stabilize cardiopulmonary status, APACHE IV scores would likewise underestimate disease severity at lower score ranges in these patients.
Dialysis Reduces Portal Pressure in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Khurana Sandeep , Simcox Thomas , Twaddell William , Drachenberg Cinthia , Flasar Mark 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to characterize changes in hepatic venous pressures in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The histology and laboratory data from patients with chronic hepatitis C who underwent a transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) and hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement were analyzed. Portal hypertension was defined as hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥6 mm Hg. A single pathologist masked to hepatic venous pressure gradient scored liver sections for inflammation and fibrosis. The patients with high‐grade inflammation (relative risk [RR] 2.82, P = 0.027, multivariate analysis) and late‐stage fibrosis (RR 2.81, P = 0.022) were more likely to have a hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥6 mm Hg, while the patients on dialysis (RR 0.32, P =  0.01) were less likely to have a hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥6 mm Hg. The patients on dialysis (n = 58) had an elevated serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine when compared with those who were not (n = 75) (47.6 ± 3.3 and 7.98 ± 0.4 vs. 25.9 ± 2.0 and 1.66 ± 0.22 mg/dL, respectively; P < 0.001). While the hepatic venous pressure gradient increased with the rising levels of liver fibrosis in the latter group (P < 0.01), it did not change in the patients on dialysis (P = 0.41). The median hepatic venous pressure gradient was especially low in late‐stage fibrosis patients on dialysis when compared with the latter group (5 vs. 10 mm Hg, P = 0.017). In patients on dialysis, serum transaminases were low across all levels of fibrosis. Twenty‐three of the 92 patients with early fibrosis had a hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥6 mm Hg. In patients with chronic hepatitis C, concomitant TJLB and hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement identify those who have early fibrosis and portal hypertension. Long‐term hemodialysis may reduce portal pressure in these patients.
Effects of Transdermal Testosterone on Bone and Muscle in Older Men with Low Bioavailable Testosterone Levels, Low Bone Mass, and Physical Frailty
Authors: Kenny Anne M. , Kleppinger Alison , Annis Kristen , Rathier Margaret , Browner Bruce , Judge James O. , McGee Daniel 
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of testosterone supplementation on bone, body composition, muscle, physical function, and safety in older men.DESIGN: Double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial.SETTING: A major medical institution.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty‐one men (mean age 77.1 ± 7.6) with low testosterone, history of fracture, or bone mineral density (BMD) T‐score less than −2.0 and frailty.INTERVENTION: Participants received 5 mg/d of testosterone or placebo for 12 to 24 months; all received calcium (1500 mg/d diet and supplement) and cholecalciferol (1,000 IU/d).MEASUREMENTS: BMD of hip, lumbar spine, and mid‐radius; body composition; sex hormones, calcium‐regulating hormones; bone turnover markers; strength; physical performance; and safety parameters.RESULTS: Ninety‐nine men (75.6%) completed 12 months, and 62 (47.3%) completed end therapy (mean 23 months; range 16–24 months for 62 who completed therapy). Study adherence was 54%, with 40% of subjects maintaining 70% or greater adherence. Testosterone and bioavailable testosterone levels at 12 months were 583 ng/dL and 157 ng/dL, respectively, in the treatment group. BMD on testosterone increased 1.4% at the femoral neck and 3.2% at the lumbar spine (P=.005) and decreased 1.3% at the mid‐radius (P<.001). There was an increase in lean mass and a decrease in fat mass in the testosterone group but no differences in strength or physical performance. There were no differences in safety parameters.CONCLUSION: Older, frail men receiving testosterone replacement increased testosterone levels and had favorable changes in body composition, modest changes in axial BMD, and no substantial changes in physical function.
Transfusion transmission of highly prevalent commensal human viruses
Authors: Bernardin Flavien , Operskalski Eva , Busch Mike , Delwart Eric 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: Anellovirus species Torque teno virus (TTV), Torque teno mini virus (TTMV), and Torque teno midi virus (TTMDV) and flavivirus GBV‐C are highly prevalent and genetically diverse chronic human viral infections that have not yet been associated with disease.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To determine if these commensal viruses are transmitted by blood transfusions, we genetically analyzed viral species in cryopreserved samples from blood donors and corresponding pre‐ and posttransfusion samples from recipients enrolled in the Transfusion‐Transmitted Viruses Study cohort.RESULTS: All 24 individuals in 12 donor‐recipient pairs were infected with TTV, while 16 were infected with TTMV, 15 with TTMDV, and four with GBV‐C. None of the 12 informative cases of TTV transfusion or eight cases of TTMV transfusion, where the donor and recipient viruses could be genetically differentiated, resulted in detectable transmissions in which the donor viruses were detected in the recipient by direct sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction products. Of the five informative cases of TTMDV transfusion, including two cases of transfusion into TTMDV‐negative recipients, one case of superinfection was seen with both the recipient and the donor viral variants detected in the transfusion recipient for at least 11 days posttransfusion. Three donor‐recipient pairs were informative for GBV‐C transmission with only one transfusion into a GBV‐C–negative recipient resulting in a transiently detected infection.CONCLUSIONS: Transmission of the common commensal anelloviruses and GBV‐C during transfusion was detected in 2 of 12 already infected or uninfected recipients. Underestimation of the true rate of viral transmission may be due to limitations in detecting donor viral variants present as minority variants in the already infected transfusion recipients.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a whole blood platelet‐sparing leukoreduction filtration system
Authors: Snyder Edward L. , Whitley Pamela , Kingsbury Tracy , Miripol Jeffrey , Tormey Christopher A. 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: In‐line leukoreduction (LR) filters decrease adverse clinical sequelae caused by residual white blood cells (WBCs). Such filtration, however, can remove platelets (PLTs) needed for production of PLT concentrates (PCs). This study measured in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a new whole blood PLT‐sparing LR filter (WBPSF) system that performs whole blood (WB) LR using a single closed‐system filtration step. The WBPSF provides three final LR products: AS‐5 red blood cells (RBCs), citrate‐phosphate‐dextrose (CPD) PLTs, and CPD plasma.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Volunteers (n = 59) donated WB processed using the WBPSF system. WB filtration time was recorded, and LR WB was processed into AS‐5 LR RBCs, CPD LR PLTs, and LR plasma. Final components were assayed for in vitro indices, and in vivo characteristics for LR AS‐5 RBCs and CPD PLTs were assayed after radiolabeling.RESULTS: WB filtration time averaged 37 minutes. Transfusion products obtained after WBPSF met all in vitro and in vivo Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. Radiolabeling of LR AS‐5 RBCs after WBPSF showed a 24‐hour RBC recovery of 81.3 ± 5.3% after 42 days of storage. In vivo dual 111In/51Cr radiolabeling of PCs manufactured using WBPSF showed a Day 5 recovery ratio of 80 ± 19% versus fresh autologous PLTs and a survival ratio of 81 ± 17% that of fresh autologous PLTs.CONCLUSION: All WBPSF‐derived transfusion products met or exceeded in vitro and in vivo FDA guidelines. This filtration system is suitable for routine blood center or hospital use in the production of LR AS‐5 RBCs, CPD PLTs, and CPD plasma.
El sector informal de la India. Efectos de la globalización y las reformas
Authors: Siggel Eckhard 
Published: May 2010

Resumen.La globalización y las reformas económicas afectan por lo común al sector formal, pues el informal se halla al margen de las normas. Sin embargo, debido a los numerosos nexos que hay entre ambos, también en el sector informal se dejan sentir sus efectos de diversas maneras. El modelo teórico que se utiliza tradicionalmente para entender el impacto de estas fuerzas se basa en la fragmentación del mercado de trabajo y en las migraciones: los trabajadores que son despedidos en el sector formal engrosan la oferta de mano de obra informal, lo cual causa un descenso de los salarios y un aumento de la pobreza. El autor indaga si estos fenómenos se han dado en la India tras las reformas económicas del decenio de 1990, usando para ello un modelo basado en las variaciones de la oferta y de la demanda causadas por la «externización», las transferencias de trabajadores cualificados y las nuevas empresas.
Pactos poscontractuales en los Estados Unidos. Marco jurídico y comportamiento del mercado laboral
Authors: Hannah Richard L. 
Published: May 2010

Resumen.Para afrontar los cambios radicales que atraviesa la competencia económica, que están dando mucha más importancia al trabajo en el mercado de productos, los empresarios tratan de extender su control sobre el capital humano una vez extinguido el contrato de trabajo. Aunque hay pocos estudios empíricos al respecto, existe el convencimiento de que los pactos poscontractuales de no concurrencia son muy frecuentes. Pues bien, ¿hasta qué punto es legítimo que los empleadores restrinjan la libertad de las personas que han trabajado para ellos? El autor analiza los criterios que siguen los tribunales de los Estados Unidos para hallar un término medio entre los intereses económicos legítimos de las empresas, por un lado, y, por otro, la eficiencia del mercado laboral y la libertad y movilidad de los trabajadores.
Agent‐based modeling for ex ante assessment of tree crop innovations: litchis in northern Thailand
Authors: Schreinemachers Pepijn , Potchanasin Chakrit , Berger Thomas , Roygrong Sithidech 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis study uses an agent‐based model for ex ante assessment of agricultural innovations. The model builds on whole farm mathematical programming (MP) and extends the methodology with a spatial representation of the system, the heterogeneity of farm households and landscapes, and the interaction between farm households. We apply the model in a northern Thai watershed to study the potential of four innovations to increase the profitability of litchi orchards. Cost‐benefit analysis shows that each innovation would increase the profitability of litchi growing; however, the results of the agent‐based model show that at current price levels these innovations alone would not be enough to stem the decline in the area under litchis. The model was validated and the sensitivity of the results tested for variations in the irrigated water supply and liquidity. We report on how farmers responded to these results and discuss the implications for other areas in northern Thailand.
Biological response of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to fluoride‐modified titanium surfaces
Authors: Guida Luigi , Annunziata Marco , Rocci Antonio , Contaldo Maria , Rullo Rosario , Oliva Adriana 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectives: The aim of the present study was to examine the behaviour of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSC) to fluoride‐modified grit‐blasted (F‐TiO) titanium surfaces compared with grit‐blasted ones (TiO).Material and methods: Implant surfaces were analysed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). BM‐MSC were isolated from healthy donors and grown on the implant surfaces. Cell adhesion and proliferation, type I collagen (Col I) synthesis, osteoblastic differentiation (in terms of alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin synthesis and extracellular matrix mineralization) were assessed. Furthermore, the ability to affect the osteoblastic/osteoclastic balance in terms of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and activator of nuclear factor κ B ligand (RANKL) ratio was investigated.Results: F‐TiO surface showed higher Sa values (P<0.05) and the presence of nano‐scale structures at the AFM and SEM analysis. Comparable cell morphology and similar adhesion values on both surfaces were detected at early time, whereas higher proliferation values on F‐TiO samples were observed at 7 and 10 days. Increased Col I and OPG levels for cells grown on F‐TiO were found, whereas RANKL was not detectable in any of the conditioned media. BM‐MSC showed a similar expression of early and late osteogenic markers on both TiO and F‐TiO surfaces.Conclusions: The results of the present study show that the chemical and micro/nano‐scale modifications induced by fluoride treatment of TiO‐grit blasted surfaces stimulate the proliferation and the extracellular matrix synthesis by BM‐MSC, as well as the increase of OPG synthesis, thus preventing osteoclast activation and differentiation. To cite this article:
Guida L, Annunziata M, Rocci A, Contaldo M, Rullo R, Oliva A. Biological response of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to fluoride‐modified titanium surfaces. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 1234–1241. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01929.x
Collagen membranes at immediate implants: a histomorphometric study in dogs
Authors: Caneva Marco , Botticelli Daniele , Salata Luiz Antonio , Scombatti Souza Sérgio Luis , Carvalho Cardoso Leandro , Lang Niklaus Peter 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAim: To evaluate the influence of resorbable membranes on hard tissue alterations and osseointegration at implants placed into extraction sockets in a dog model.Material and methods: In the mandibular premolar region, implants were installed immediately into the extraction sockets of six Labrador dogs. Collagen‐resorbable membranes were placed at the test sites, while the control sites were left uncovered. Implants were intended to heal in a submerged mode. After 4 months of healing, the animals were sacrificed, and ground sections were obtained for histomorphometric evaluation.Results: After 4 months of healing, a control implant was not integrated (n=5). Both at the test and at the control sites, bone resorption occurred. While the most coronal bone‐to‐implant contact was similar between the test and the control sites, the alveolar bone crest outline was maintained to a higher degree at the buccal aspect of the test sites (loss: 1.7 mm) compared with the control sites (loss: 2.2 mm).Conclusions: The use of collagen‐resorbable membranes at implants immediately placed into extraction sockets contributed to a partial (23%) preservation of the buccal outline of the alveolar process. To cite this article:
Caneva M, Botticelli D, Salata LA, Souza SLS, Carvalho Cardoso L, Lang NP. Collagen membranes at immediate implants: a histomorphometric study in dogs. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 891–897. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01946.x