bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified Genioglossus Advancement and Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Emara Tarek Abdelzaher , Omara Tharwat Abdelzaher , Shouman Waheed Mohamed 
Published: August 2011

ObjectiveTo describe modification of the originally described genioglossus muscle advancement and its clinical assessment in the treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Study DesignProspective study.SettingUniversity medical hospital.Subjects and MethodsTwenty‐three patients with obstructive sleep apnea underwent modified genioglossus muscle advancement with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. All patients were evaluated before and 6 months after surgery by history taking, clinical examination, Epworth Sleepiness Scale evaluation, fiber‐optic nasopharyngoscopy, cephalometry, panoramic X‐ray, and nocturnal polysomnography.ResultsPostoperative mean ± SD apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 40.7 ± 17.4 to 15.4 ± 10.7 (P =. 00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 18.4 to 32.27). With a success rate defined as AHI <20 and a 50% decrease in AHI of the preoperative value, the surgical success rate was 86.9%. Cephalometry analysis showed a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative findings, including a posterior airway space that increased a mean ± SD from 8.1 ± 2.5 to 12.3 ± 3.7 mm (P =. 00; 95% CI, −5.89 to −3.0), position of the mandible to the cranial base (SNB degree) that increased from 77.3 ± 2.7 to 78.5 ± 1.3 (P =. 005; 95% CI, −2.11 to −0.4), and improved palatal parameters. The mean (SD) average depth of the osteotomy and genioglossus advancement was 11.8 ± 2.6 mm. None of the 23 patients had mandible fracture, aesthetic changes of the chin, or detachment of the advanced genioglossus muscle.ConclusionThe modification described in this technique permits complete and safe capture and advancement of the whole genioglossus muscle, leading to satisfactory expansion of the retrolingual airway without stripping, detachment of the advanced genioglossus muscle, mandible fracture, or aesthetic changes of the chin.
Effect of Presence/Absence of a Nasogastric Tube in the Same Person on Incidence of Aspiration
Authors: Fattal Michael , Suiter Debra M. , Warner Heather L. , Leder Steven B. 
Published: August 2011

ObjectiveTo determine what effect, if any, the presence or absence of a nasogastric (NG) tube in the same person had on the incidence of anterograde aspiration.DesignCase series with planned data collection.SettingLarge, urban, tertiary care teaching hospital.Subjects and MethodsReferred sample of 62 consecutively enrolled adult inpatients for fiber‐optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Group 1 (n = 21) had either small‐bore (n = 13) or large‐bore (n = 8) NG tubes already in place and had a FEES first with the NG tube in place and a second FEES after NG tube removal. Group 2 (n = 41) did not have an NG tube and had a FEES first without an NG tube and a second FEES after placement of a small‐bore NG tube. Time between FEES was approximately 5 minutes. Patients were tested with thin liquid and puree food consistencies. Occurrence of aspiration for each consistency dependent on the presence or absence of an NG tube was recorded.ResultsThere were no significant differences (P >. 05) in aspiration status for both liquid and puree consistencies in the same person dependent on presence or absence of either a small‐bore or large‐bore NG tube.ConclusionsSince objective swallowing evaluation (eg, FEES) can be performed with an NG tube in place, it is not necessary to remove an NG tube to evaluate for aspiration. Similarly, there is no contraindication to leaving an NG tube in place to supplement oral alimentation until nutritional requirements are achieved.
The association of autism diagnosis with socioeconomic status
Authors: Thomas Pauline , Zahorodny Walter , Peng Bo , Kim Soyeon , Jani Nisha , Halperin William , Brimacombe Michael 
Published: August 2011

Background: In 2007 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a higher prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in New Jersey, one of the wealthiest states in the United States, than in other surveillance regions. Objective: To examine the association of socioeconomic status (SES) with ASD prevalence. Methods: Information on eight-year-olds with ASD from four counties was abstracted from school and medical records. US Census 2000 provided population and median household income data. Results: 586 children with ASD were identified: autism prevalence was 10.2/1000, higher in boys than girls (16 vs. 4/1000); higher in white and Asian non-Hispanics than in black non-Hispanics and Hispanics (12.5, 14.0, 9.0, and 8.5/1000, respectively); and higher (17.2/1000 (95% CI 14.0–21.1)) in tracts with median income >US$90,000 than in tracts with median income ≤US$30,000 (7.1 (95% CI 5.7–8.9)). Number of professional evaluations was higher, and age at diagnosis younger, in higher income tracts ( p < .001), but both measures spanned a wide overlapping range in all SES levels. In multivariable models race/ethnicity did not predict ASD, but the prevalence ratio was 2.2 (95% CI 1.5–3.1) when comparing highest with lowest income tracts. Conclusions: In the US state of New Jersey, ASD prevalence is higher in wealthier census tracts, perhaps due to differential access to pediatric and developmental services.
Association between genetic polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and diabetic nephropathy: a meta-analysis comprising 26,580 subjects
Authors: Wang Furu , Fang Qiaoqiao , Yu Ningle , Zhao Deyu , Zhang Yimei , Wang Jin , Wang Quan , Zhou Xianfeng , Cao Xingjiang , Fan Xiangyong 
Published: August 2011

Introduction: The effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism on risk of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is still conflicting. The present meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the overall risk of this polymorphism associated with DN in different groups. Materials and methods: A predefined search was performed on 14,108 DN cases and 12,472 controls from 63 published studies by searching electronic databases and reference lists of relevant articles. Results: In this meta-analysis, we found a significant association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and the risk of DN for all genetic models (ID versus II: odds ratio [OR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.24; DD versus II: OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.13–1.44; allele contrast: OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.08–1.23; dominant model: OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.07–1.31; and recessive model: OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.08–1.30, respectively). In stratified analysis by ethnicity and DM type, we further found that the Asian group with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) showed a significant association for all genetic models (ID versus II: OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.07–1.47; DD versus II: OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.24–1.98; allele contrast: OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.15–1.46; dominant model: OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.10–1.69; and recessive model: OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.15–1.56, respectively). Conclusions: Our study suggested that the ACE I/D polymorphism may contribute to DN development, especially in the Asian group with T2DM.
Is there a BP benefit of changing the time of aspirin administration in treated hypertensive patients?
Authors: Dimitrov Yves , Baguet Jean-Philippe , Hottelart Carine , Marboeuf Philippe , Tartiere Jean-Michel , Ducher Michel , Fauvel Jean-Pierre 
Published: August 2011

Background and design: The effects of aspirin on blood pressure (BP) are controversial and a chronopharmacological effect of aspirin on 24-hour BP was reported recently in otherwise untreated hypertensive patients. The study was designed to test the timing effect of aspirin dosing on 24-hour BP in treated hypertensive patients routinely taking aspirin for cardiovascular prevention.Method and results: Seventy-five patients were randomized into two groups. One group was to receive aspirin in the evening then in the morning for 1 month and the other group in the morning then in the evening, following a cross-over design. The principal assessment criterion was 24-hour systolic BP (SBP) measured by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Patients were aged 65 ± 9 years and had been hypertensive for 12 ± 10 years. They were all taking a mean of 2.8 antihypertensive drugs and did not modify their treatment throughout the study. Of the included subjects, 70% were men and 33% were diabetics. Mean 24-hour SBP values were clinically equivalent and were not statistically different, depending on whether the aspirin was taking in the morning or evening (128.3 ± 1.4 vs. 128.3 ± 1.4 mmHg, respectively). Neither was there any significant difference in diurnal and nocturnal SBP or in 24-hour, diurnal, and nocturnal diastolic BP (DBP).Conclusion: It does not appear useful to advise patients with long-standing hypertension to modify timing of aspirin intake in order to reduce BP values.
Can worksite nutritional interventions improve productivity and firm profitability? A literature review
Authors: Jensen Jørgen Dejgård 
Published: August 2011

Aims: This paper investigates whether and how worksite nutrition policies can improve employee productivity. Methods: The questions are pursued through a literature review, including a systematic search of literature – combined with literature identified from backward references – on randomized controlled or quasi-experimental worksite intervention trials and observational cross-sectional studies. Studies were selected on the basis of topic relevance, according to publication title and subsequently according to abstract content. A quality appraisal of the studies was based on study design and clarity in definition of interventions, as well as environmental and outcome variables. Results: The search identified 2,358 publications, 30 of which were found suitable for the review. Several of the reviewed studies suggest that diet-related worksite interventions have positive impacts on employees’ nutritional knowledge, food intake and health and on the firm’s profitability, mainly in terms of reduced absenteeism and presenteeism. Conclusions: Well-targeted and efficiently implemented diet-related worksite health promotion interventions may improve labour productivity by 1%–2%. On larger worksites, such productivity gains are likely to more than offset the costs of implementing such interventions. These conclusions are subject to some uncertainty due to the relatively limited amount of literature in the field.
CD8+ T-cell reconstitution in recipients of umbilical cord blood transplantation and characteristics associated with leukemic relapse
Authors: Merindol Natacha , Champagne Martin A. , Duval Michel , Soudeyns Hugo 
Published: August 2011

AbstractRecipients of umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation (UCBT) face a high risk of morbidity and mortality related to opportunistic infections (OI) and leukemic relapse. To understand the molecular basis of these UCBT-related complications, the characteristics of UCB-derived antigen-specific CD8+ T cells were examined in a group of pediatric UCBT recipients. Compared with the UCB graft inoculum and the late post-UCBT period (12-36 months), declining clonal diversity of UCB-derived CD8+ T cells specific for the Melan-A26-35 A27L peptide and high frequencies of PD-1-expressing CD8+ T cells were observed in the first 3 months after UCBT, a period during which OIs are most frequent. The CD8+ T-cell compartment predominantly comprised CD45RA+ CCR7− terminally differentiated effector-memory T cells until 6 months after UCBT, at which time the polyfunctionality of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells was reestablished. Finally, the frequency of PD-1+ CD8+ T cells was significantly higher in subjects who subsequently experienced leukemic relapse. This study informs the biologic properties of UCB-derived CD8+ T cells and provides a rationale for the characteristics of UCBT in terms of immune reconstitution and OI. These results also suggest that the elevated frequency of PD-1+ CD8+ T cells could be associated with leukemic relapse in pediatric UCBT recipients.
Characterization of in vivo-acquired resistance to macrolides of Mycoplasma gallisepticum strains isolated from poultry
Authors: Gerchman Irena , Levisohn Sharon , Mikula Inna , Manso-Silván Lucía , Lysnyansky Inna 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The macrolide class of antibiotics, including tylosin and tilmicosin, is widely used in the veterinary field for prophylaxis and treatment of mycoplasmosis. In vitro susceptibility testing of 50 strains of M. gallisepticum isolated in Israel during the period 1997-2010 revealed that acquired resistance to tylosin as well as to tilmicosin was present in 50% of them. Moreover, 72% (13/18) of the strains isolated from clinical samples since 2006 showed acquired resistance to enrofloxacin, tylosin and tilmicosin. Molecular typing of the field isolates, performed by gene-target sequencing (GTS), detected 13 molecular types (I-XIII). Type II was the predominant type prior to 2006 whereas type X, first detected in 2008, is currently prevalent. All ten type X strains were resistant to both fluoroquinolones and macrolides, suggesting selective pressure leading to clonal dissemination of resistance. However, this was not a unique event since resistant strains with other GTS molecular types were also found. Concurrently, the molecular basis for macrolide resistance in M. gallisepticum was identified. Our results revealed a clear-cut correlation between single point mutations A2058G or A2059G in domain V of the gene encoding 23S rRNA (rrnA, MGA_01) and acquired macrolide resistance in M. gallisepticum. Indeed, all isolates with MIC ≥ 0.63 μg/mL to tylosin and with MIC ≥ 1.25 μg/mL to tilmicosin possess one of these mutations, suggesting an essential role in decreased susceptibility of M. gallisepticum to 16-membered macrolides.
Postconditioning inhibits myocardial apoptosis during prolonged reperfusion via a JAK2-STAT3-Bcl-2 pathway
Authors: Tian Yikui , Zhang Wenjuan , Xia Dachuan , Modi Paul , Liang Degang , Wei Minxin 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Postconditioning (PostC) inhibits myocardial apoptosis after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The JAK2-STAT3 pathway has anti-apoptotic effects and plays an essential role in the late protection of preconditioning. Our aim was to investigate the anti-apoptotic effect of PostC after prolonged reperfusion and the role of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway in the anti-apoptotic effect of PostC.

Methods
Wistar rats were subjected to 30 minutes ischemia and 2 or 24 hours (h) reperfusion, with or without PostC (three cycles of 10 seconds reperfusion and 10 seconds reocclusion at the onset of reperfusion). Separate groups of rats were treated with a JAK2 inhibitor (AG490) or a PI3K inhibitor (wortmannin) 5 minutes before PostC. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze Bcl-2 protein levels after reperfusion. mRNA levels of Bcl-2 were detected by qRT-PCR. TTC staining was used to detect myocardial infarction size. Myocardial apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining. Western-blot was used to detect p-STAT3 and p-Akt levels after reperfusion.

Results
There was more myocardial apoptosis at 24 h vs 2 h after reperfusion in all groups. PostC significantly reduced myocardial apoptosis and elevated Bcl-2 levels at both 2 and 24 hours after reperfusion. PostC increased p-STAT3 and p-Akt levels after reperfusion. Administration of AG490 reduced p-STAT3 and p-Akt levels and attenuated the anti-apoptotic effect of PostC. Wortmannin also reduced p-Akt levels and attenuated the anti-apoptotic effect of PostC but had no effect on p-STAT3 levels. AG490 abrogated the up-regulation of Bcl-2 by PostC.

Conclusion
PostC may reduce myocardial apoptosis during prolonged reperfusion via a JAK2-STAT3-Bcl-2 pathway. As a downstream target of JAK2 signaling, activation of PI3K/Akt pathway may be necessary in the protection of PostC.
The testis-specific Cα2 subunit of PKA is kinetically indistinguishable from the common Cα1 subunit of PKA
Authors: Vetter Maike M , Zenn Hans-M , Méndez Eva , van den Boom Heidrun , Herberg Friedrich W , Skålhegg Bjørn S 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe two variants of the α-form of the catalytic (C) subunit of protein kinase A (PKA), designated Cα1 and Cα2, are encoded by thePRKACAgene. Whereas Cα1 is ubiquitous, Cα2 expression is restricted to the sperm cell. Cα1 and Cα2 are encoded with different N-terminal domains. In Cα1 but not Cα2 the N-terminal end introduces three sites for posttranslational modifications which include myristylation at Gly1, Asp-specific deamidation at Asn2 and autophosphorylation at Ser10. Previous reports have implicated specific biological features correlating with these modifications on Cα1. Since Cα2 is not modified in the same way as Cα1 we tested if they have distinct biochemical activities that may be reflected in different biological properties.ResultsWe show that Cα2 interacts with the two major forms of the regulatory subunit (R) of PKA, RI and RII, to form cAMP-sensitive PKAI and PKAII holoenzymes bothin vitroandin vivoas is also the case with Cα1. Moreover, using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), we show that the interaction patterns of the physiological inhibitors RI, RII and PKI were comparable for Cα2 and Cα1. This is also the case for their potency to inhibit catalytic activities of Cα2 and Cα1.ConclusionWe conclude that the regulatory complexes formed with either Cα1 or Cα2, respectively, are indistinguishable.
Temporal changes in HCV genotype distribution in three different high risk populations in San Francisco, California
Authors: Dias Paulo Telles , Hahn Judith A , Delwart Eric , Edlin Brian R , Martin Jeff , Lum Paula , Evans Jennifer , Kral Alex , Deeks Steve , Busch Michael P , Page Kimberly 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) has become an important measure in the diagnosis and monitoring of HCV infection treatment. In the United States (U.S.) HCV GT 1 is reported as the most common infecting GT among chronically infected patients. In Europe, however, recent studies have suggested that the epidemiology of HCV GTs is changing.MethodsWe assessed HCV GT distribution in 460 patients from three HCV-infected high risk populations in San Francisco, and examined patterns by birth cohort to assess temporal trends. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess factors independently associated with GT 1 infection compared to other GTs (2, 3, and 4).ResultsOverall, GT 1 was predominant (72.4%), however younger injection drug users (IDU) had a lower proportion of GT 1 infections (54.7%) compared to older IDU and HIV-infected patients (80.5% and 76.6%, respectively). Analysis by birth cohort showed increasing proportions of non-GT 1 infections associated with year of birth: birth before 1970 was independently associated with higher adjusted odds of GT 1: AOR 2.03 (95% CI: 1.23, 3.34). African-Americans as compared to whites also had higher adjusted odds of GT 1 infection (AOR: 3.37; 95% CI: 1.89, 5.99).ConclusionsAlthough, HCV GT 1 remains the most prevalent GT, especially among older groups, changes in GT distribution could have significant implications for how HCV might be controlled on a population level and treated on an individual level.
Combined analysis of three genome-wide association studies on vWF and FVIII plasma levels
Authors: Antoni Guillemette , Oudot-Mellakh Tiphaine , Dimitromanolakis Apostolos , Germain Marine , Cohen William , Wells Philip , Lathrop Mark , Gagnon France , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Tregouet David-Alexandre 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundElevated levels of factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand Factor (vWF) are well-established risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, in particular venous thrombosis. Although high, the heritability of these traits is poorly explained by the genetic factors known so far. The aim of this work was to identify novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that could influence the variability of these traits.MethodsThree independent genome-wide association studies for vWF plasma levels and FVIII activity were conducted and their results were combined into a meta-analysis totalling 1,624 subjects.ResultsNo single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) reached the study-wide significance level of 1.12 × 10-7that corresponds to the Bonferroni correction for the number of tested SNPs. Nevertheless, the recently discovered association ofSTXBP5,STX2,TC2NandCLEC4Mgenes with vWF levels and that ofSCARA5and STAB2 genes with FVIII levels were confirmed in this meta-analysis. Besides, among the fifteen novel SNPs showing promising association at p < 10-5with either vWF or FVIII levels in the meta-analysis, one located inACCN1gene also showed weak association (P= 0.0056) with venous thrombosis in a sample of 1,946 cases and 1,228 controls.ConclusionsThis study has generated new knowledge on genomic regions deserving further investigations in the search for genetic factors influencing vWF and FVIII plasma levels, some potentially implicated in VT, as well as providing some supporting evidence of previously identified genes.
Synthetic emmprin peptides with chitobiose substitution stimulate MMP-2 production by fibroblasts
Authors: Kawakami Takehito , Sameshima Tetsuro , Hojo Hironobu , Koga Kaori , Nakahara Yoshiaki , Toole Bryan P , Suzumiya Junji , Okada Yasunori , Iwasaki Akinori , Nabeshima Kazuki 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Emmprin, a glycoprotein containing two Ig domains, is enriched on tumor cell surfaces and stimulates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production by adjacent stromal cells. Its first Ig domain (ECI) contains the biologically active site. The dependence of emmprin activity on N-glycosylation is controversial. We investigated whether synthetic ECI with the shortest sugar is functionally active.

Methods
The whole ECI peptides carrying sugar chains, a chitobiose unit or N-linked core pentasaccharide, were synthesized by the thioester method and added to fibroblasts to examine whether they stimulate MMP-2 production.

Results
ECI carrying a chitobiose unit, ECI-(GlcNAc) 2, but not ECI without a chitobiose unit or the chitobiose unit alone, dose-dependently stimulated MMP-2 production by fibroblasts. ECI with longer chitobiose units, ECI-[(Man)3(GlcNAc)2], also stimulated MMP-2 production, but the extent of its stimulation was lower than that of ECI-(GlcNAc)2.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that ECI can mimic emmprin activity when substituted with chitobiose, the disaccharide with which N-glycosylation starts.