bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacies of the new Paclitaxel-eluting Coroflex Please™ Stent in percutaneous coronary intervention; comparison of efficacy between Coroflex Please™ and Taxus™ (ECO-PLEASANT) trial: study rationale and design
Authors: Seo Jae-Bin , Jeon Hui-Kyung , Park Kyung-Woo , Park Jong-Seon , Bae Jang-Ho , Kim Sang-Wook , Moon Keon-Woong , Choi Jae-Woong , Lee Sang-Gon , Chung Woo-Young , Youn Tae-Jin , Kim Soo-Joong , Kim Doo-Il , Kim Byung-Ok , Hyon Min-Su , Park Keum-Soo , Cha Tae-Joon , Hwang Hweung-Kon , Hur Seung-Ho , Kim Hyo-Soo 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
Previous randomized trials have showed the superiority of Paclitaxel-eluting stent over bare metal stent in angiographic and clinical outcomes. Coroflex Please™ stent is a newly developed drug eluting stent using the Coroflex™ stent platform combined with the drug paclitaxel contained in a polymer coating. PECOPS I trial, one-arm observational study, showed that the clinical and angiographic outcomes of Coroflex Please™ stent were within the range of those of Taxus, the 1st generation paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES). However, there have been no studies directly comparing the Coroflex Please™ stent with the Taxus Liberte™ stent that is the newest version of Taxus. Therefore, prospective, randomized trial is required to demonstrate the non-inferiority of Coroflex Please™ stent compared with Taxus Liberte™ stent in a head-to-head manner.

Methods
In the comparison of Efficacy between COroflex PLEASe™ ANd Taxus™ stent(ECO-PLEASANT) trial, approximately 900 patients are being prospectively and randomly assigned to the either type of Coroflex Please™ stent and Taxus Liberte™ stent via web-based randomization. The primary endpoint is clinically driven target vessel revascularization at 9 months. The secondary endpoints include major cardiac adverse events, target vessel failure, stent thrombosis and angiographic efficacy endpoints.

Discussion
The ECO-PLEASANT trial is the study not yet performed to directly compare the efficacy and safety of the Coroflex Please™ versus Taxus Liberte™ stent. On the basis of this trial, we will be able to find out whether the Coroflex Please™ stent is non-inferior to Taxus Liberte™ stent or not.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00699543.
AT-101, a small molecule inhibitor of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, activates the SAPK/JNK pathway and enhances radiation-induced apoptosis
Authors: Zerp Shuraila F , Stoter Rianne , Kuipers Gitta , Yang Dajun , Lippman Marc E , van Blitterswijk Wim J , Bartelink Harry , Rooswinkel Rogier , Lafleur Vincent , Verheij Marcel 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackgroundGossypol, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound has been identified as a small molecule inhibitor of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins. It induces apoptosis in a wide range of tumor cell lines and enhances chemotherapy- and radiation-induced cytotoxicity bothin vitroandin vivo. Bcl-2 and related proteins are important inhibitors of apoptosis and frequently overexpressed in human tumors. Increased levels of these proteins confer radio- and chemoresistance and may be associated with poor prognosis. Consequently, inhibition of the anti-apoptotic functions of Bcl-2 family members represents a promising strategy to overcome resistance to anticancer therapies.MethodsWe tested the effect of (-)-gossypol, also denominated as AT-101, radiation and the combination of both on apoptosis induction in human leukemic cells, Jurkat T and U937. Because activation of the SAPK/JNK pathway is important for apoptosis induction by many different stress stimuli, and Bcl-XLis known to inhibit activation of SAPK/JNK, we also investigated the role of this signaling cascade in AT-101-induced apoptosis using a pharmacologic and genetic approach.ResultsAT-101 induced apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, with ED50values of 1.9 and 2.4 μM in Jurkat T and U937 cells, respectively. Isobolographic analysis revealed a synergistic interaction between AT-101 and radiation, which also appeared to be sequence-dependent. Like radiation, AT-101 activated SAPK/JNK which was blocked by the kinase inhibitor SP600125. In cells overexpressing a dominant-negative mutant of c-Jun, AT-101-induced apoptosis was significantly reduced.ConclusionOur data show that AT-101 strongly enhances radiation-induced apoptosis in human leukemic cells and indicate a requirement for the SAPK/JNK pathway in AT-101-induced apoptosis. This type of apoptosis modulation may overcome treatment resistance and lead to the development of new effective combination therapies.
Simultaneous transcription of duplicated var2csa gene copies in individual Plasmodium falciparum parasites
Authors: Brolin Kim JM , Ribacke Ulf , Nilsson Sandra , Ankarklev Johan , Moll Kirsten , Wahlgren Mats , Chen Qijun 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Background
Single nucleotide polymorphisms are common in duplicated genes, causing functional preservation, alteration or silencing. The Plasmodium falciparum genes var2csa and Pf332 are duplicated in the haploid genome of the HB3 parasite line. Whereas the molecular function of Pf332 remains to be elucidated, VAR2CSA is known to be the main adhesin in placental parasite sequestration. Sequence variations introduced upon duplication of these genes provide discriminative possibilities to analyze allele-specific transcription with a bearing towards understanding gene dosage impact on parasite biology.

Results
We demonstrate an approach combining real-time PCR allelic discrimination and discriminative RNA-FISH to distinguish between highly similar gene copies in P. falciparum parasites. The duplicated var2csa variants are simultaneously transcribed, both on a population level and intriguingly also in individual cells, with nuclear co-localization of the active genes and corresponding transcripts. This indicates transcriptional functionality of duplicated genes, challenges the dogma of mutually exclusive var gene transcription and suggests mechanisms behind antigenic variation, at least in respect to the duplicated and highly similar var2csa genes.

Conclusions
Allelic discrimination assays have traditionally been applied to study zygosity in diploid genomes. The assays presented here are instead successfully applied to the identification and evaluation of transcriptional activity of duplicated genes in the haploid genome of the P. falciparum parasite. Allelic discrimination and gene or transcript localization by FISH not only provide insights into transcriptional regulation of genes such as the virulence associated var genes, but also suggest that this sensitive and precise approach could be used for further investigation of genome dynamics and gene regulation.
Reduced transcript stabilization restricts TNF-α expression in RAW264.7 macrophages infected with pathogenic mycobacteria: evidence for an involvement of lipomannan
Authors: Basler Tina , Holtmann Helmut , Abel Jens , Eckstein Torsten , Bäumer Wolfgang , Valentin-Weigand Peter , Goethe Ralph 
Published: October 2009

AbstractLack of p38 MAPK-dependent TNF-α mRNA stabilization in Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis-infected macrophages.Despite the critical role that TNF-α plays in the containment of mycobacterial infection, the mechanisms involved in regulation of its expression by mycobacteria are poorly defined. We addressed this question by studying MAP, which causes a chronic enteritis in ruminants and is linked to human Crohn’s disease. We found that in MAP-infected macrophages, TNF-α gene expression was substantially lower than in macrophages infected with nonpathogenic MS or stimulated with LPS. TNF-α transcription alone could not fully explain the differential TNF-α mRNA expression, suggesting that there must be a substantial contribution by post-transcriptional mechanisms. Accordingly, we found reduced TNF-α mRNA stability in MAP-infected macrophages. Further comparison of MAP- and MS-infected macrophages revealed that lower TNF-α mRNA stability combined with lower mRNA and protein expression in MAP-infected macrophages correlated with lower p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Theses findings were independent of viability of MAP and MS. We demonstrate that the major mycobacterial cell-wall lipoglycan LM of MAP and MS induced TNF-α mRNA transcription, but only the MS-LM induced p38 MAPK-dependent transcript stabilization. Overall, our data suggest that pathogenic mycobacteria cause weak p38 MAPK activation and TNF-α mRNA stabilization as a result of their structural cell-wall components such as LM and thereby, restrict TNF-α expression in macrophages.
The phenotype of murine wound macrophages
Authors: Daley Jean M , Brancato Samielle K , Thomay Alan A , Reichner Jonathan S , Albina Jorge E 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Wound macrophages exhibit a complex phenotype, which changes as the wound matures and develops independently of IL-4 or IL-13.
The phenotype of wound macrophages has not been studied by direct examination of these cells, yet macrophages recruited to sites of injury are described as alternatively activated macrophages, requiring IL-4 or IL-13 for phenotypic expression. This study characterized wound macrophage phenotype in the PVA sponge wound model in mice. Eighty-five percent of wound macrophages isolated 1 day after injury expressed Gr-1, but only 20% of those isolated at 7 days expressed this antigen. Macrophages from 1-, 3-, and 7-day wounds expressed markers of alternative activation, including mannose receptor, dectin-1, arginase 1, and Ym1, but did not contain iNOS. Day 1 wound macrophages produced more TNF-α, more IL-6, and less TGF-β than Day 7 wound macrophages. Wound macrophages did not produce IL-10. The cytokines considered necessary for alternative activation of macrophages, IL-4 and IL-13, were not detected in the wound environment and were not produced by wound cells. Wound macrophages did not contain PStat6. Wound fluids inhibited IL-13-dependent phosphorylation of Stat6 and contained IL-13Rα2, a soluble decoy receptor for IL-13. The phenotype of wound macrophages was not altered in mice lacking IL-4Rα, which is required for Stat6-dependent signaling of IL-4 and IL-13. Wound macrophages exhibit a complex phenotype, which includes traits associated with alternative and classical activation and changes as the wound matures. The wound macrophage phenotype does not require IL-4 or IL-13.
Adiponectin Deficiency, Diastolic Dysfunction, and Diastolic Heart Failure
Authors: Sam Flora , Duhaney Toni-Ann S. , Sato Kaori , Wilson Richard M. , Ohashi Koji , Sono-Romanelli Saki , Higuchi Akiko , De Silva Deepa S. , Qin Fuzhong , Walsh Kenneth , Ouchi Noriyuki 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Aldosterone infusion results in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and hypertension and may involve profibrotic and proinflammatory mechanisms. In turn, hypertension is the major cause of diastolic heart failure (HF). Adiponectin, an adipose-derived plasma protein, exerts antiinflammatory and anti-hypertrophic effects and is implicated in the development of hypertension and systolic HF. We thus tested the hypothesis that hypoadiponectinemia in aldosterone-induced hypertension exacerbated cardiac remodeling and diastolic HF. Wild-type (WT) or adiponectin-deficient (APNKO) mice underwent saline or aldosterone infusion and uninephrectomy and were fed 1% salt water for 4 wk. Blood pressure was increased in aldosterone-infused WT (132 ± 2 vs. 109 ± 3 mm Hg; P &lt; 0.01) and further augmented in APNKO mice (140 ± 3 mm Hg; P &lt; 0.05 vs. aldosterone-infused WT). LVH was increased in aldosterone-infused WT vs. WT mice (LV/body weight ratio, 4.8 ± 0.2 vs. 4.1 ± 0.2 mg/g) and further increased in aldosterone-infused APNKO mice (LV/body weight ratio, 6.0 ± 0.4 mg/g). Left ventricular ejection fraction was not decreased in either aldosterone-infused WT or APNKO hearts. Pulmonary congestion however was worse in APNKO mice (P &lt; 0.01). The ratio of early ventricular filling over late ventricular filling (E/A) and the ratio of mitral peak velocity of early filling to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e’), measures of diastolic function, were increased in aldosterone-infused WT hearts and further increased in APNKO hearts (P &lt; 0.05 for both). Renal function and cardiac fibrosis were no different between both aldosterone-infused groups. Aldosterone increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression in WT hearts (P &lt; 0.05 vs. WT and P &lt; 0.01 vs. APNKO). Myocardial atrial natriuretic peptide, interferon-γ, and TNF-α expression were increased in aldosterone-infused WT hearts. Expression of these proteins was further increased in aldosterone-infused APNKO hearts. Therefore, hypoadiponectinemia in hypertension-induced diastolic HF exacerbates LVH, diastolic dysfunction, and diastolic HF. Whether or not adiponectin replacement prevents the progression to diastolic HF will warrant further study.
Active Surveillance Systems for Early Detection and Improved Recall Decision Making
Authors: Tolomeo Deborah 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Medical device recalls have received significant publicity regarding the timeliness and breadth of the response by the manufacturer. It has been suggested that third party oversight and enhanced public disclosure would improve the recall process. This paper discusses the limitations of passive surveillance systems and proposes new active surveillance systems to support early detection and improved recall decision making. This paper also describes additional benefits of obtaining surveillance information to support iterative design changes and product enhancements.
Ein Energie-Management-System für wärmeintensive ProduktionsprozesseEnergy-Management-System for Heat Intensive Production Plants
Authors: Sommer Steffen , Böhm Jens , Kienle Achim 
Published: October 2009

Zusammenfassung
Ziel des vorgestellten Energie-Management-Systems für Produktionsbetriebe ist die Minimierung der Energiekosten während des Produktionsprozesses unter gleichzeitiger Einhaltung von Zusatzbedingungen bezüglich Temperatur und Belüftung der Werkhalle. Dieses System realisiert eine dynamische Lastverteilung, welche unnötige Lastspitzen begrenzt. Das Problem wird mit Hilfe einer Optimierung gelöst. Hierfür wird der Produktionsprozess mathematisch modelliert. Das Energie-Management-System führt zu einer erheblichen Reduktion der Energiekosten.
Preoperative evaluation of neurovascular relationships for microvascular decompression in the cerebellopontine angle in a virtual reality environment
Authors: Du Zhuo-Ying , Gao Xiang , Zhang Xiao-Luo , Wang Zhi-Qiu , Tang Wei-Jun 
Published: October 2009

Object
In this paper the authors' goal was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a virtual reality (VR) system in preoperative planning for microvascular decompression (MVD) procedures treating idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. The system's role in surgical simulation and training was also assessed.

Methods
Between May 2008 and April 2009, the authors used the Dextroscope system to visualize the neurovascular complex and simulate MVD in the cerebellopontine angle in a VR environment in 16 patients (6 patients had trigeminal neuralgia and 10 had hemifacial spasm). Reconstructions were carried out 2–3 days before MVD. Images were printed in a red-blue stereoscopic format for teaching and discussion and were brought into the operating room to be compared with real-time intraoperative findings.

Results
The VR environment was a powerful aid for spatial understanding of the neurovascular relationship in MVD for operating surgeons and trainees. Through an initial series of comparison/confirmation experiences, the senior neurosurgeon became accustomed to the system. He could predict intraoperative problems and simulate surgical maneuvering, which increased his confidence in performing the procedure.

Conclusions
The Dextroscope system is an easy and rapid method to create a stereoscopic neurovascular model for MVD that is highly concordant with intraoperative findings. It effectively shortens the learning curve and adds to the surgeon's confidence.
Need Assessment of Psychologically Hurt Young spinal Injured Patients in National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation
Authors: Ahmed Sk Abbas Uddin , Alam AbuSaleh Mohammed Monirul , Kairy RR 
Published: October 2009

Dhaka the capital of Bangladesh is very densely populated. As unemployment increase with every moment, factory owners attract young group to job. So, without training and ability many workers embrace accident, even in crowd situation due to RTA and fall from tree and buildings thus some suffer from spinal injury with or without paraplegia. This paraplegic group of patients are not provided with psychiatric treatment during normal physical treatment due to our unawareness and suffer psychological distress which delay normal usual recovery. Objectives were to explore depth of psychological injury to plan treatment, reassurance and rehabilitation; assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression and change psychological adjustment after initial rehabilitation. This Study was done to find out psychological distress and also to highlight the need of psychological management. The study design was randomized prospective. Data gathered by questionnaire (face to face, telephone and by mail) and in-depth interview. The study was conducted from January to December 2004 at paraplegic ward of Tertiary referral Orthopaedic Institute (NITOR), Dhaka. DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v36i2.3609 Bangladesh Medical Journal 36(2) 2007 39-41
Lifestyle, Nutritional Status and Seroclinical Profile of Liver Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Ahsan Touhida , Ahsan Monira , Kamal Md Mustafa , Hossain Kaji Jahangir , Haque Mohammed Emdadul , Islam SK Nazrul 
Published: October 2009

Liver cirrhotic patients were investigated for their lifestyle, energy intake, BMI, biochemical and serological indices and prevalent clinical signs. The study included 50 liver cirrhotic patients who were hospitalized in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka Medical College Hospital and BIRDEM Hospital during the period of 1999-2000. Of the fifty cirrhotic patients, hepatitis B virus infection was found responsible for 52% (n=26) of liver cirrhosis, hepatitis C was for only 6% (n=3) patients and etiology for the rest 42% (n=21) patients could not be identified. It was observed that literate, low-mid income and productive male were being suffering from the liver cirrhosis. The patients had good housing status. Low energy intake (1670.6±42.9) and low BMI (19.52±3.48) were present in almost all of the patients. Mean serum haemoglobin, total proteins, and albumin were 96.2±20.5g/L, 63.1±1.01g/L, and 31.30±0.93g/L respectively. Serum bilirubin was raised in 50% patients. Serum SGPT and SGOT levels were increased from 2 to 4 folds in 50% of the patients; alkaline phosphatase was increased only in 8% cirrhotic patients. Anaemia, PEM, ascities, oedema, muscle wasting were prevalently present in vast majority of the patients. Key words: Liver cirrhosis, nutritional status, liver function determinants DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v36i2.3611 Bangladesh Medical Journal 36(2) 2007 44-47
In-Office Bleaching in Tetracycline Stained Teeth: A Case Study
Authors: Bashar AKM , Afsar BR , Alam MS 
Published: October 2009

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of In-office bleaching protocol in tetracycline stained teeth. Discolored dentition diagnosed as homogenous dark brown tetracycline stained teeth was treated with in office bleaching protocol. Desired bleaching has achieved after six sessions of In-office bleaching protocol and satisfactory whitening was apparent throughout the postoperative two-year observation period. DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v36i2.3613 Bangladesh Medical Journal 36(2) 2007 52-55
Changes in the Practice of Contraceptive Prevalence - An Observational Study
Authors: Akther Rabeya , Afroj Hasina , Sultana Sayeeda 
Published: October 2009

Family planning is an essential tool for reducing fertility rate. An increase in contraceptive prevalence rate results in reduction of population growth, which in turn contributes significantly to the improvement of people's health. It is a cross-sectional, descriptive type, observational study done during April-July 2007 in a large Medical Centre. Reproductive history was used as research instrument for data collection. The present study aimed at exploring Contraceptive prevalence and related issue among service holder and regulation of fertility among them. Two thirty one (231) women (childbearing age ) were selected randomly to find out their contraceptive prevalence. Eighty four (n=197) percent women need family planning service.Among them 87.82 percent (N-173) of the respondents use any method of contraception. 79.76 %( N-138) women use modern method and 20.23 percent( N-35) women use natural method .Thirty three (33.53 %) percent couple practice barrier method, twenty two(22.54%) percent use oral pill, female sterilization is 9.25 percent, injectable (DMPA) 5.78 percent, 7.97 percent mixed method .There is progressive decline in oral pill use from 55% to 26%. Fertility rate, menstruation regulation is lower among servicing women. Education, empowerment and social position of women help to reduce fertility. DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v37i1.3601 Bangladesh Medical Journal 37(1) 2008 10-14
Accuracy of Electronic Apex Locator for Determining the Root Canal Length in Presence of Blood - An In Vitro Study
Authors: Bashar AKM , Joshi Reema , Alam MS 
Published: October 2009

Present study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of Electronic Apex Locator to measure the root canal length in presence of blood, an unavoidable event during extirpation of vital pulp. A number of sixty (60) previously untreated extracted human maxillary and mandibular permanent mature anterior teeth having more or less straight roots with single root canal were included in the study. Root canal lengths were measured using a no. 15 k-file (Mani Inc, Tokyo Japan) in all the teeth until it was just visible through apical foramen that was confirmed by viewing them in Stereomicroscope. The measurements obtained by the Stereomicroscope of all teeth were consider as the ‘Gold standard' and was also consider as the actual length of those teeth. Using an Electronic Apex locator (Foramatron D 10, Percell, USA) was used to measure the canal length of the same sixty teeth introducing human blood into the canal. Now the measurements taken by Electronic Apex locator (EAL) in presence of blood were compared with the actual length taken by the stereomicroscope and difference in the error length compared with stereomicroscopic length were calculated in a range from -0.5mm to >1 mm. It was observed that working length measurements by EAL in presence of blood within canal mostly remain within clinically acceptable range (± 0.5 mm). DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v37i1.3602 Bangladesh Medical Journal 37(1) 2008 15-18
Mass Disaster in Bangladesh: Forensic View
Authors: Rahim Mostaque , Das TC 
Published: October 2009

Achievements in all spheres of humans endeavour to create a better world and the progress they made over generations all can be wiped out in a twinkle of an eye. All can take in a violent disaster natural or unnatural. Bangladesh, one of the least developed country of the world, burdened with large population had been affecting by some form of natural disaster like flood, cyclone, tidal surges etc every year. These disasters were due to its geographical location and geophysical climate. On the other hand, unnatural disaster like plane crushes, fires, shipwrecks, railway and other transport accidents, bomb blast etc. are some times avoidable under some precautionary measures. The process of identification of the victim of disaster is one of the challenging problem for a forensic pathologist. Forensic investigator can contribute their role expertise and recommendations in collaboration with other agencies. DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v37i1.3603 Bangladesh Medical Journal 37(1) 2008 19-20