bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transplantation of human neural stem/progenitor cells overexpressing galectin-1 improves functional recovery from focal brain ischemia in the mongolian gerbil
Authors: Yamane Junichi , Ishibashi Satoru , Sakaguchi Masanori , Kuroiwa Toshihiko , Kanemura Yonehiro , Nakamura Masaya , Miyoshi Hiroyuki , Sawamoto Kazunobu , Toyama Yoshiaki , Mizusawa Hidehiro , Okano Hideyuki 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTransplantation of human neural stem/progenitor cells (hNSPCs) is a promising method to regenerate tissue from damage and recover function in various neurological diseases including brain ischemia. Galectin-1(Gal1) is a lectin that is expressed in damaged brain areas after ischemia. Here, we characterized the detailed Gal1 expression pattern in an animal model of brain ischemia. After brain ischemia, Gal1 was expressed in reactive astrocytes within and around the infarcted region, and its expression diminished over time. Previously, we showed that infusion of human Gal1 protein (hGal1) resulted in functional recovery after brain ischemia but failed to reduce the volume of the ischemic region. This prompted us to examine whether the combination of hNSPCs-transplantation and stable delivery of hGal1 around the ischemic region could reduce the ischemic volume and promote better functional recovery after brain ischemia. In this study, we transplanted hNSPCs that stably overexpressed hGal1 (hGal1-hNSPCs) in a model of unilateral focal brain ischemia using Mongolian gerbils. Indeed, we found that transplantation of hGal1-hNSPCs both reduced the ischemic volume and improved deficits in motor function after brain ischemia to a greater extent than the transplantation of hNSPCs alone. This study provides evidence for a potential application of hGal1 with hNSPCs-transplantation in the treatment of brain ischemia.
The expression and role of protein kinase C (PKC) epsilon in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Bin , Cao Kaiyuan , Li Xiubo , Guo Shengjie , Mao Xiaopeng , Wang Zhu , Zhuang Jintao , Pan Jincheng , Mo Chengqiang , Chen Junxing , Qiu Shaopeng 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε), an oncogene overexpressed in several human cancers, is involved in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and survival. However, its roles in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the functions of PKCε in RCC, especially in clear cell RCC, to determine the possibility of using it as a therapeutic target. By immunohistochemistry, we found that the expression of PKCε was up-regulated in RCCs and was associated with tumor Fuhrman grade and T stage in clear cell RCCs. Clone formation, wound healing, and Borden assays showed that down-regulating PKCε by RNA interference resulted in inhibition of the growth, migration, and invasion of clear cell RCC cell line 769P and, more importantly, sensitized cells to chemotherapeutic drugs as indicated by enhanced activity of caspase-3 in PKCε siRNA-transfected cells. These results indicate that the overexpression of PKCε is associated with an aggressive phenotype of clear cell RCC and may be a potential therapeutic target for this disease.
Outcome effectiveness of the severe sepsis resuscitation bundle with addition of lactate clearance as a bundle item: a multi-national evaluation
Authors: Nguyen H Bryant , Kuan Win Sen , Batech Michael , Shrikhande Pinak , Mahadevan Malcolm , Li Chih-Huang , Ray Sumit , Dengel Anna ,   the ATLAS (Asia Network to Regulate Sepsis care) Investigators
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Implementation of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines has been associated with improved outcome in patients with severe sepsis. Resolution of lactate elevations or lactate clearance has also been shown to be associated with outcome. The purpose of the present study was to examine the compliance and effectiveness of the SSC resuscitation bundle with the addition of lactate clearance.

Methods
This was a prospective cohort study over 18 months in eight tertiary-care medical centers in Asia, enrolling adult patients meeting criteria for the SSC resuscitation bundle in the emergency department. Compliance and outcome results of a multi-disciplinary program to implement the Primary SSC Bundle with the addition of lactate clearance (Modified SSC Bundle) were examined. The implementation period was divided into quartiles, including baseline, education and four quality improvement phases.

Results
A total of 556 patients were enrolled, with median (25th to 75th percentile) age 63 (50 to 74) years, lactate 4.1 (2.2 to 6.3) mmol/l, central venous pressure 10 (7 to 13) mmHg, mean arterial pressure (MAP) 70 (56 to 86) mmHg, and central venous oxygen saturation 77 (69 to 82)%. Completion of the Primary SSC Bundle over the six quartiles was 13.3, 26.9, 37.5, 45.9, 48.8, and 54.5%, respectively (P <0.01). The Modified SSC Bundle was completed in 10.2, 23.1, 31.7, 40.0, 42.5, and 43.6% patients, respectively (P <0.01). The ratio of the relative risk of death reduction for the Modified SSC Bundle compared with the Primary SSC Bundle was 1.94 (95% confidence interval = 1.45 to 39.1). Logistic regression modeling showed that the bundle items of fluid bolus given, achieve MAP >65 mmHg by 6 hours, and lactate clearance were independently associated with decreased mortality - having odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) 0.47 (0.23 to 0.96), 0.20 (0.07 to 0.55), and 0.32 (0.19 to 0.55), respectively.

Conclusions
The addition of lactate clearance to the SSC resuscitation bundle is associated with improved mortality. In our study patient population with optimized baseline central venous pressure and central venous oxygen saturation, the bundle items of fluid bolus administration, achieving MAP >65 mmHg, and lactate clearance were independent predictors of outcome.
Exome sequencing identifies a novel missense variant in RRM2B associated with autosomal recessive progressive external ophthalmoplegia
Authors: Takata Atsushi , Kato Maiko , Nakamura Masayuki , Yoshikawa Takeo , Kanba Shigenobu , Sano Akira , Kato Tadafumi 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Background
Whole-exome sequencing using next-generation technologies has been previously demonstrated to be able to detect rare disease-causing variants. Progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO) is an inherited mitochondrial disease that follows either autosomal dominant or recessive forms of inheritance (adPEO or arPEO). AdPEO is a genetically heterogeneous disease and several genes, including POLG1 and C10orf2/Twinkle, have been identified as responsible genes. On the other hand, POLG1 was the only established gene causing arPEO with mitochondrial DNA deletions. We previously reported a case of PEO with unidentified genetic etiology. The patient was born of a first-cousin marriage. Therefore, the recessive form of inheritance was suspected.

Results
To identify the disease-causing variant in this patient, we subjected the patient's DNA to whole-exome sequencing and narrowed down the candidate variants using public data and runs of homozygosity analysis. A total of 35 novel, putatively functional variants were detected in the homozygous segments. When we sorted these variants by the conservation score, a novel missense variant in RRM2B, whose heterozygous rare variant had been known to cause adPEO, was ranked at the top. The list of novel, putatively functional variants did not contain any other variant in genes encoding mitochondrial proteins registered in MitoCarta.

Conclusions
Exome sequencing efficiently and effectively identified a novel, homozygous missense variant in RRM2B, which was strongly suggested to be causative for arPEO. The findings in this study indicate arPEO to be a genetically heterogeneous disorder, as is the case for adPEO.
Characterization of the nature of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor-bearing mice
Authors: Youn Je-In , Collazo Michelle , Shalova Irina N , Biswas Subhra K , Gabrilovich Dmitry I 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT
MDSCs are a group of cells with potent immune-suppressive activity. These cells accumulate in many pathologic conditions and play a major role in the regulation of immune responses. The nature of MDSC remains highly debatable. In cancer, most MDSCs are represented by cells with granulocytic phenotype and morphology, G-MDSC. The relationship between G-MDSCs and Neu remains unclear. In this study, we have found that G-MDSCs, from tumor-bearing, and Neu, from tumor-free, mice share a common morphology and phenotype. However, in contrast to Neu, a substantial proportion of G-MDSCs expressed M-CSFR and a CD244 molecule. Neu had significantly higher phagocytic activity, expression of lysosomal proteins, and TNF-α than corresponding G-MDSCs, which had significantly higher activity of arginase, MPO, and ROS. In contrast to G-MDSC, neither rested nor mobilized Neu suppressed T cells. G-MDSC survived 2 days in culture in the presence of GM-CSF and within 24 h, became phenotypic and functionally similar to Neu. Tumor-associated G-MDSC shared most characteristics of splenic G-MDSC, rather then Neu. These data suggest that in cancer, despite morphological and phenotypic similarities, G-MDSCs are functionally distinct from Neu and are comprised of pathologically activated precursors of Neu.
Repletion of TNFα or leptin in calorically restricted mice suppresses post-restriction hyperphagia
Authors: Hambly Catherine , Duncan Jacqueline S. , Archer Zoë A. , Moar Kim M. , Mercer Julian G. , Speakman John R. 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARY
The causes of post-restriction hyperphagia (PRH) represent a target for drug-based therapies to prevent obesity. However, the factors causing PRH are poorly understood. We show that, in mice, the extent of PRH was independent of the time under restriction, but depended on its severity, suggesting that PRH was driven by signals from altered body composition. Signals related to fat mass were important drivers. Circulating levels of leptin and TNFα were significantly depleted following caloric restriction (CR). We experimentally repleted their levels to match those of controls, and found that in both treatment groups the level of PRH was significantly blunted. These data establish a role for TNFα and leptin in the non-pathological regulation of energy homeostasis. Signals from adipose tissue, including but not limited to leptin and TNFα, regulate PRH and might be targets for therapies that support people engaged in CR to reduce obesity.
Characteristics of the anterior lateral line nerve input to the Mauthner cell
Authors: Mirjany Mana , Faber Donald S. 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYThe goldfish Mauthner (M-) cells, a bilateral pair of reticulospinal neurons, initiate the auditory evoked escape behavior of teleosts. In an open field the fish reliably turns away from the sound source. This implies that the M-cells are capable of a decision-making process that requires the two cells to receive differential directional inputs. Recent studies have indicated that the lateral line (LL) system is necessary in the initial directionality of the escape. This information is thought to be transmitted to the M-cell by the anterior branch of the lateral line nerve (aLLn), which has a shorter conduction time then the posterior branch. This study is the first attempt to characterize the inputs from the aLLn to the M-cell. M-cell intracellular responses to aLLn stimulation indicate a fast monosynaptic input (0.80±0.03 ms) that has a small amplitude averaging 5.85±0.42 mV. This input is bilateral and has a significantly longer latency and smaller amplitude in the contralateral M-cell. Superimposed on the evoked excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) is a shunting inhibition with a delay of 1 ms, which is characteristic of other sensory inputs to the M-cell. Pharmacological manipulation and 50 Hz stimulation reveal a component of the evoked EPSP that is electrotonic, a property favoring speed of transmission. In addition, this input is localized to the lateral dendrite proximal to the inputs from the inner ear. The short latency of these inputs and their proximity to the posterior eighth nerve afferents indicate a crucial role for the aLLn in influencing the excitability and directionality of the M-cell.
Biomechanics of octopedal locomotion: kinematic and kinetic analysis of the spiderGrammostola mollicoma
Authors: Biancardi Carlo M. , Fabrica C. Gabriel , Polero Patricia , Loss Jefferson Fagundes , Minetti Alberto E. 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYDespite the abundance of octapodal species and their evolutionary importance in originating terrestrial locomotion, the locomotion mechanics of spiders has received little attention so far. In this investigation we use inverse dynamics to study the locomotor performance of Grammostola mollicoma (18 g). Through 3-D kinematic measurements, the trajectory of the eight limbs and cephalothorax or abdomen allowed us to estimate the motion of the body centre of mass (COM) at different speeds. Classic mechanics of locomotion and multivariate analysis of several variables such as stride length and frequency, duty factor, mechanical external work and energy recovery, helped to identify two main gaits, a slow (speed &lt;11 cm s–1) one and a fast one characterised by distinctive 3-D trajectories of COM. The total mechanical work (external + internal) calculated in the present study and metabolic data from the literature allowed us to estimate the locomotion efficiency of this species, which was less than 4%. Gait pattern due to alternating limb support, which generates asymmetrical COM trajectories and a small but consistent energy transfer between potential and kinetic energies of COM, is discussed both in terms of coordination indices and by referring to the octopod as formed by two quadrupeds in series. Analogies and differences of the newly obtained parameters with the allometric data and predictions are also illustrated.
Salt stress alters fluid and ion transport by Malpighian tubules ofDrosophila melanogaster: evidence for phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Naikkhwah Wida , O'Donnell Michael J. 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYDrosophila are tolerant of high levels of dietary salt and can provide a useful model for studies of the physiology of salt stress. The effects of NaCl- and KCl-rich diets on haemolymph ionoregulation and Malpighian tubule (MT) fluid secretion, Na+ and K+ secretion and transepithelial potential were examined in larval and adult Drosophila melanogaster. K+ concentrations in the haemolymph of adults reared on the KCl-rich (0.4 mol l–1) diet did not differ from the values for insects reared on the control diet. In the haemolymph of larvae reared on the K-rich diet, K+ concentrations increased from 23 to 75 mmol l–1 after 6 h, then returned to the control value within 48 h. Na+ concentrations in the haemolymph of adults or larvae reared for 1–7 days on the NaCl-rich (0.4 mol l–1) diet increased by ∼50% relative to values for insects reared on the control diet. Rates of secretion of fluid, Na+ and K+ by MTs isolated from larvae reared on the Na-rich diet for &gt;6 h and bathed in control saline containing 20 mmol l–1 K+ did not differ from the values for tubules of larvae reared on the control diet. Evidence of phenotypic plasticity was seen in the response of MTs isolated from larvae reared on the K-rich diet for &gt;6 h and bathed in saline containing 60 mmol l–1 K+; secretion of fluid and K+ increased by &gt;50% relative to the values for tubules of larvae reared on the control diet. Secretion of fluid, Na+ and K+ increased when tubules were bathed in haemolymph collected from larvae reared on the Na- or K-rich diets. Secretion was further increased by addition of exogenous cAMP but not by addition of thapsigargin to the haemolymph. The results show that haemolymph ionoregulation in larvae reared on salt-rich diets involves both alterations in the basal secretion rates of Na+ and/or K+ as well as stimulatory effects of diuretic factors present in the haemolymph. The results suggest that such factors stimulate tubule fluid and ion secretion through increases in intracellular Ca2+ in response to salt stress.
Extracoelenteric zooplankton feeding is a key mechanism of nutrient acquisition for the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascicularis
Authors: Wijgerde Tim , Diantari Rara , Lewaru Muhammad Wahyudin , Verreth Johan A. J. , Osinga Ronald 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARY
Internal and external feeding on zooplankton may provide scleractinian corals with important nutrients. However, the latter process has never been properly quantified. To quantify the dynamics of zooplankton capture, digestion and release for a scleractinian coral, we performed detailed video analyses of Galaxea fascicularis feeding on Artemia nauplii. A highly dynamic process of prey capture, digestion and release was observed. A single G. fascicularis polyp (N=3) captured 558±67 and released 383±75 Artemia nauplii over a 6 h interval. On average, 98.6% of prey captured was not ingested. Instead, prey items were clustered into aggregates that were digested externally by mesenterial filaments. In addition, we employed carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus analysis of zooplankton before and after digestion by G. fascicularis colonies (N=6). For total organic carbon, 43.1% (0.298±0.148 μg Artemia–1) was lost after 6 h of digestion. For total organic nitrogen, total organic phosphorus and orthophosphate (PO43–), these values were 51.3% (0.059±0.028 μg Artemia–1), 50.9% (0.009±0.004 μg Artemia–1) and 84.6% (0.0019±0.0008 μg Artemia–1), respectively. For extracoelenteric zooplankton feeding alone, total estimated nutrient inputs for G. fascicularis colonies were 76.5±0.0 μg organic carbon, 15.2±0.0 μg organic nitrogen, 2.3±0.2 μg organic phosphorus and 0.5±0.8 μg inorganic phosphorus per cm2 coral tissue per day. These values exceed calculations based on intracoelenteric feeding by up to two orders of magnitude. Our results demonstrate that extracoelenteric zooplankton feeding is a key mechanism of nutrient acquisition for a scleractinian coral. These results are of importance to coral aquaculture and our understanding of benthic–pelagic coupling on coral reefs.
Visible Light Responsive Electrospun TiO2 Fibers Embedded with WO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Nakata Kazuya , Liu Baoshun , Goto Yuri , Ochiai Tsuyoshi , Sakai Munetoshi , Sakai Hideki , Murakami Taketoshi , Abe Masahiko , Fujishima Akira 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
TiO2–WO3 composite fibers were prepared by electrospinning. The fibers have an average diameter of 1.0 µm. The XRD pattern of the TiO2–WO3 composite fibers indicates the presence of anatase and rutile phases of TiO2 and an orthorhombic phase of WO3. The photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde under visible light was achieved with the TiO2–WO3 composite fibers.
We can't afford my chronic illness! The out-of-pocket burden associated with managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in western Sydney, Australia
Authors: Essue Beverley , Kelly Patrick , Roberts Mary , Leeder Stephen , Jan Stephen 
Published: September 2011

Objectives To examine the household economic consequences that are associated with out-of-pocket spending for the care and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods A cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was posted to all patients enrolled ( n = 656) in the Respiratory Ambulatory Care Service in western Sydney, Australia, between 1 January 2001 and 31 August 2008. Two hundred and eighteen completed questionnaires were received. Results One hundred and sixty-nine (78%) respondents experienced economic hardship while managing their illness. Fifty-nine (27%) reported being unable to pay for medical or dental expenses, 38 (18%) were unable to pay for medication, 59 (27%) were unable to pay rent or mortgage and 40 (19%) were unable to pay utility bills. Respondents experiencing economic hardship paid more out-of-pocket overall ([Formula: see text] versus [Formula: see text]; t148 = −2.03, P = 0.04) and for medications and oxygen specifically ([Formula: see text] versus [Formula: see text]; t83 = −3.98, P < 0.0001). Fifty-six (46%) respondents had catastrophic levels of out-of-pocket spending which made them 7.5 times more likely to experience economic hardship (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-46.3). Conclusions The costs associated with living with COPD make it difficult for patients and their families to afford necessary living expenses while also paying health care expenses. This is alarming within Australia where a well-funded universal health insurance system is in place. Rising co-payments for medications and private medical consultations, poorly subsidised health support (e.g. home oxygen), non-health logistics (e.g. transport) and eligibility barriers for existing social support are making chronic illness management seriously economically stressful, especially for those with low incomes, including the retired.
The Role of Apixaban for Venous and Arterial Thromboembolic Disease
Authors: Prom Rathasen , Spinler Sarah A 
Published: September 2011

Objective: To provide a comprehensive review of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical trial data, adverse effects, and drug interactions of apixaban. Data Sources: An English-language literature search was performed with MEDLINE/PubMed from January 2007 to August 2011 using the search terms apixaban, factor Xa inhibitors. FXa inhibitors, BMS-562247-01, venous thromboembolism. deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, ACS, atrial fibrillation, atrial arrhythmias, total hip replacement or arthroplasty, total knee replacement or arthroplasty, and orthopedic surgery to identify relevant articles. The references of the retrieved articles, professional society meeting abstracts, and the Web site www.clinicaltrials.gov were reviewed to identify other pertinent articles. Study Selection And Data Abstraction: Pertinent original studies involving apixaban's pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and clinical efficacy and safety data were included. Data Synthesis: Results of 2 large Phase 3 trials suggest that apixaban is superior for stroke and systemic embolism prevention compared to both aspirin and warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF); rates of major bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage were similar to those of aspirin but significantly reduced compared to warfarin. Completed trials in orthopedic surgery found apixaban to be superior to enoxaparin in total hip replacement (THR) surgery but inferior in total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, with similar rates of major Weeding. A Phase 3 trial of apixaban in acute coronary syndrome was stopped early because of excess bleeding. Future Phase 3 trials will help to determine apixaban's role for treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Currently, apixaban is approved only in Europe for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in adults who have undergone elective THR or TKR. Conclusions: A Phase 3 trial in patients with AF revealed apixaban to be superior to warfarin for stroke and systemic embolism prophylaxis, with lower rates of major bleeding. Further studies will help to confirm the role of apixaban for other indications.