bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of a Polymorphic Variant of the Adiponectin Gene with Insulin Resistance in African Americans
Authors: Specchia Claudia , Scott Kathryn , Fortina Paolo , Devoto Marcella , Falkner Bonita 
Published: November 2008

AbstractHypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity are common complex disorders that contribute to cardiovascular (CV) disease. Insulin resistance increases CV risk and is present in these disorders. Adiponectin, a protein secreted by adipocytes with metabolic and vascular protective effects, is lower in obesity and insulin resistance. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have been identified in the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene. Associations of ADIPOQ polymorphisms with diabetes and obesity have been described in Caucasians and Asians. The purpose of this study was to determine if genetic variants of ADIPOQ are associated with insulin resistance and CV risk in African Americans. Metabolic traits (lipids, glucose, insulin, and insulin sensitivity) and blood pressure were measured in 273 African Americans. DNA was examined by DNA sequence analysis and SNPs of candidate genes including ADIPOQ were studied. Statistica analyses were performed by regression of the quantitative trait phenotypes on the groups defined by the SNP genotypes, adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). SNP 712 (rs3774261) ofthe/lD/POQgene showed significant association with insulin resistance (p= 0.001). Despite the relatively small sample, our results indicate that genes that regulate adipocyte function may have a regulatory role in the expression of metabolic traits in obesity‐associated chronic disease.
Myocardial Fas and Cytokine Expression in End‐Stage Heart Failure: Impact of LVAD Support
Authors: Bedi Maninder S. , Alvarez Jr Rene J. , Kubota Toru , Sheppard Richard , Kormos Robert L. , Siegenthaler Michael P. , Feldman Arthur M. , McTiernan Charles F. , McNamara Dennis M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractLeft ventricular assist device (LVAD) support may facilitate myocardial recovery. We evaluated the impact of LVAD support on Fas expression in a cohort with end‐stage heart failure. Myocardial gene expression was assessed pre‐ and post‐LVAD by RNase protection assay and compared to control donor hearts. The expression of Fas is markedly elevated at the time of LVAD support and is tightly correlated with TNF expression. While interleukin (IL)‐6 was significantly reduced by LVAD support, the impact of support on Fas was highly variable and tightly linked to tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The role of Fas in predicting recovery after LVAD support requires further investigation.
Comparative Evaluation of Cytokines, T‐Cell Apoptosis, and Costimulatory Molecule Expression in Tuberculous and Nontuberculous Pleurisy
Authors: Rajavelu Priya , Pokkali Supriya , P Umashankar , Bhatt Kamlesh , Narayanan P.R. , Salgame Padmini , Das Sulochana D. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn this study, we compared several immune parameters in tuberculosis (TB) and nontuberculosis (NTB) pleurisy to gain an understanding of the mechanism behind enhanced Th1 apoptosis that occurs at sites of active Myobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection. An initial evaluation of the accumulated cytokines in pleural fluid (PF) demonstrated that both TB and NTB pleurisy were associated with prointflammatory cytokines, while only TB pleurisy had augmented expression of interferon (IFN)‐γ and soluble Fas ligand (sFASL). Despite enhanced expression of the apoptosis‐inducing molecule in TB pleurisy, T cells derived from both types of pleurisy exhibited significant apoptosis. In both groups, T‐cell apoptosis correlated with low expression of CD80 on PF‐derived macrophages and elevated accumulation of TGF‐β in the PF. A causative correlation between TGF‐β and low CD80 expression in the two groups was established by in vitro studies demonstrating TGF‐β inhibition of CD80 upregulation in a macrophage cell line. Together, the findings allude to the possibility that activation in the absence of appropriate CD80 costimulation is the mechanism that leads to T‐cell apoptosis at sites of active M. tuberculosis infection. Furthermore, the findings also indicate that T‐cell apoptosis is perhaps a host regulatory mechanism to limit inflammation, rather than a pathogen‐induced immune deviation.
Pharmacogenomics of β‐Adrenergic Receptors and Their Accessory Signaling Proteins in Heart Failure
Authors: Dorn II Gerald W. , Liggett Stephen B. 
Published: November 2008

Abstractβ‐adrenergic receptors (βAR) are widely expressed on cardiovascular cells. Pharmacological stimulation or blockade of βAR signaling is the therapeutic mainstay in cardiogenic shock, hypertension, ischemia, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Interindividual variability in the response to βAR agonists and antagonists has prompted examination of variability in the genes encoding βAR signaling pathway members. Prominent among the genes that have been examined so far in heart failure are the β1AR, β2AR, and G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5). Each has nonsynonymous polymorphisms that alter amino acid sequence and protein function and regulation in cell‐based systems, genetically altered mouse models, or human hearts. Here, we review these phenotypes and results from published clinical studies, with a focus on heart failure pharmacogenomics. Thus far, very few studies have utilized analogous protocols or drugs, and discrepancies in the clinical studies are apparent. A compelling approach is the use of multiple methods to understand the molecular, cellular, and organ phenotypes of a variant and couple these with clinical studies designed to specifically address the relevance of those phenotypes in humans. Undoubtedly, additional loci will be identified, and together, will provide for genetically driven, individualized treatments for heart failure.
Bitransgenesis with β2‐Adrenergic Receptors or Adenylyl Cyclase Fails to Improve β1‐Adrenergic Receptor Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Petrashevskaya Natalia , Gaume Brigitte R. , Mihlbachler Kathryn A. , Dorn II Gerald W. , Liggett Stephen B. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractCardiomyopathic effects of β‐adrenergic receptor (βAR) signaling are primarily due to the β1AR subtype. β1/β2AR and β1/adenylyl cyclase type 5 (AC5) bitransgenic mice were created to test the hypothesis that β2AR or AC5 co‐overexpression has beneficial effects in β1AR‐mediated cardiomyopathy. In young mice, β1/β2 hearts had a greater increase in basal and isoproterenol‐stimulated contractility compared to β1/AC5 and β1AR hearts. By 6 months, β1AR and β1/β2 hearts retained elevated basal contractility but were unresponsive to agonist. In contrast, β1/AC5 hearts maintained a small degree of agonist responsiveness, which may be due to a lack of β1AR downregulation that was noted in β1‐ and β1/β2 hearts. However, by 9 ‐months, β1, β1/β2, and β1/AC5 mice had all developed severely depressed fractional shortening in vivo and little response to agonist. p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) was minimally activated by β1AR, but was markedly enhanced in the bitransgenics. Akt activation was only found with the bitransgenics. The small increase in cystosolic second mitochondria‐derived activator of caspase (Smac), indicative of apoptosis in 9‐month β1AR hearts, was suppressed in β1/AC5, but not in β1/β2, hearts. Taken together, the unique signaling effects of enhanced β2AR and AC5, which have the potential to afford benefit in heart failure, failed to salvage ventricular function in β1AR‐mediated cardiomyopathy.
Receptors for the liver synthesized growth factors IGF‐1 and HGF/SF in uveal melanoma: intercorrelation and prognostic implications
Authors: Economou Mario A. , All‐Ericsson Charlotta , Bykov Vladimir , Girnita Leonard , Bartolazzi Armando , Larsson Olle , Seregard Stefan 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPurpose:  Uveal melanoma disseminates preferentially to the liver. The mechanism for this homing is largely unknown, but growth factors synthesized in the liver may be involved. The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible relationship between cell surface receptors for two such growth factors: the c‐Met proto‐oncogene, which constitutes the receptor for hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF), and the insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‐1R). Their role as a prognostic factor was also clarified.Methods:  Paraffin‐embedded tumor specimens from 132 patients with primary uveal melanoma were analyzed by using well‐established specific antibodies against c‐Met and IGF‐1R. The intercorrelation of receptor expression and association with melanoma‐related survival of patients were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses.Results:  Whereas the expression of both IGF‐1R and c‐Met was significantly associated with melanoma‐specific mortality by univariate analysis (p = 0.004 and p = 0.007, respectively) only IGF‐1R showed independent prognostic value by multivariate analysis, p = 0.004. The prognostic value of IGF‐1R was stronger than such currently used prognostic parameters as tumor cell type and tumor diameter (p = 0.021 and p = 0.026, respectively). The expression patterns of the two growth factors receptors were weakly intercorrelated.Conclusions:  In conclusion, the data suggest that the receptors for IGF‐1 and HGF/SF may play a role in the spread of uveal melanoma and its affinity to the liver. The strong correlation between IGF‐1R expression and melanoma‐specific mortality points to the use of IGF‐1R as a prognostic tool [Economou MA, All‐Ericsson C, Bykov V, Girnita L, Bartolazzi A, Larsson O & Seregard S (2005): Receptors for the liver synthesized growth factors IGF‐1 and HGF/SF in uveal melanoma: intercorrelation and prognostic implications. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci46: 4372–4375].
Oral picropodophyllin (PPP) is well tolerated in vivo and inhibits IGF‐1R expression and growth of uveal melanoma
Authors: Economou Mario A. , Andersson Sandra , Vasilcanu Diana , All‐Ericsson Charlotta , Menu Eline , Girnita Ada , Girnita Leonard , Axelson Magnus , Seregard Stefan , Larsson Olle 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPurpose:  The cyclolignan picropodophyllin (PPP) efficiently blocks the activity of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) and inhibits growth of uveal melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficiency of orally administered PPP on growth of uveal melanoma xenografts. Further, we focused on the effect of PPP on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vivo and evaluated its effects in combination with other established anti‐tumor agents in vitro.Methods:  Four different uveal melanoma cell lines (OCM‐1, OCM‐3, OCM‐8, 92‐1) were treated with PPP alone and in combination with imatinib mesylate, cisplatin, 5‐FU and doxorubicin. Cell viability was determined by XTT assay. SCID mice xenografted with uveal melanoma cells were used to determine anti‐tumor efficacy of oral PPP in vivo. Tumor samples obtained from the in vivo experiments were analyzed for VEGF and IGF‐1R expression by western blotting.Results:  PPP was found to be superior to the other anti‐tumor agents in killing uveal melanoma cells. Oral PPP inhibited uveal melanoma growth in vivo and was well tolerated by the animals. PPP decreased VEGF expression in the tumors.Conclusions:  Oral PPP is well tolerated in vivo and caused total growth inhibition of uveal melanoma xenografts as well as it decreased the levels of VEGF in the tumors.
Anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibody‐positive optic neuritis
Authors: Takagi Mineo , Tanaka Keiko , Suzuki Tone , Miki Atsushi , Nishizawa Masatoyo , Abe Haruki 
Published: November 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  It has recently been reported that the anti‐aquaporin‐4 antibody (AQP4‐Ab) can be a specific marker of neuromyelitis optica. We present three cases of optic neuritis (ON) where the patients tested positive for AQP4‐Ab, but showed no neurological signs.Methods:  Sera were obtained from 32 Japanese patients with ON and no other neurological abnormalities (mean age 46 ± 20 years). AQP4‐Ab was detected by indirect immunofluorescence staining using human‐AQP4‐transfected HEK 293 cells.Results:  AQP4‐Ab was positive in three female patients (aged 9, 64 and 82 years). Their illness was characterized by bilateral severe optic nerve involvement, insufficient visual recovery, and autoimmune abnormalities (such as positive antinuclear antibody). Two of these patients experienced recurrent episodes of ON. In at least two episodes, the intracranial portion of the optic nerve showed significant inflammation on magnetic resonance imaging.Conclusions:  These cases indicate that some ON patients have an immunological pathogenesis similar to that seen in neuromyelitis optica. In addition, examination for AQP4‐Ab positivity in the initial phase of ON is important in predicting the prognosis, including the possibility of the development of transverse myelitis.
Stratus optical coherence tomography study of filtering blebs after primary trabeculectomy with a fornix‐based conjunctival flap
Authors: Hirooka Kazuyuki , Takagishi Mai , Baba Tetsuya , Takenaka Hirokazu , Shiraga Fumio 
Published: November 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the relationship between filtering bleb function and Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT) images.Methods:  We studied 72 eyes of 65 consecutive patients who had a fornix‐based conjunctival flap in primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC). Filtering blebs with various types of glaucoma were examined using Stratus OCT. Success rates were defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 15 mmHg and IOP reduction ≥ 25% without medication or additional surgery. Success rates among classified groups were compared using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and the log‐rank test.Results:  Blebs were classified into three different categories on the basis of the following Stratus OCT patterns: cystoid type (multiple cysts inside the bleb; 17 eyes), diffuse type (low to high reflective areas that were mixed inside the bleb; 31 eyes) and layer type (medium to high reflective layer inside the bleb; 24 eyes). Success rates in the cystoid‐, diffuse‐ and layer‐type blebs were 94%, 97% and 75% (P = 0.02), respectively.Conclusion:  In trabeculectomy with MMC and a fornix‐based conjunctival flap, there is a significant association between the success rates and the postoperative Stratus OCT findings of filtering blebs.
ADVANCED GLYCATION END PRODUCTS IN RENAL FAILURE: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: Noordzij M.J. , Lefrandt J.D. , Smit A.J. 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYThe article aims to present an overview of the existing knowledge on advanced glycation end products (AGE). They are moieties that bind to proteins, but also lipids and nuclear acids. AGE are formed during glycation and oxidative stress. Accumulation of AGE occurs especially in diabetes and chronic renal failure and plays a major pathogenetic role. The deleterious effects of AGE result from cross‐linking of proteins and activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products. AGE accumulation can be noninvasively assessed by the skin autofluorescence reader. In diabetics, the skin autofluorescence predicts cardiac mortality and the occurrence of macro‐ and microvascular complications. In patients on haemodialysis, skin autofluorescence is highly elevated and predicts mortality. After renal transplantation AGE accumulation is lower than during haemodialysis, but still remains elevated and is a strong risk factor for chronic renal transplant dysfunction. Some of the potential methods to intervene with AGE accumulation are discussed in this article.
THE USE OF PHARMACEUTICALS FOR DIALYSIS PATIENTS. HOW WELL DO WE KNOW OUR PATIENTS' ALLERGIES?
Authors: Bhandari S. , Armitage J. , Chintu M. , Chinnappa S. , Kendrew P. 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYMedication allergies are potentially important but usually poorly documented in patient medical records. Allergy awareness by clinical staff may be low in the haemodialysis population despite their regular attendance for treatment sessions. A cross‐sectional study of 25 patients in a satellite unit was performed. All known allergies were not documented in 36% of patients despite the patients being known to the renal service for more than five years. 81% of allergies were medication allergies. The rest were due to topical agents. 57% (affecting 8 patients) of the medication allergies related to antibiotics (especially penicillin). Four patients had multiple antibiotic allergies. The nature and severity of these allergies was not well documented. This study demonstrates that despite being under long‐term care there remains incomplete information, which is vital for optimal safe practice. Without such information, the potential for adverse events and anaphylaxis is significant in a population that is exposed to numerous pharmaceutical agents and are frequently prescribed antibiotics. Medication histories should be comprehensively re‐evaluated regularly and prescribing should not occur unless the allergy box is completed.
RESEARCH INTO PAIN PERCEPTION WITH ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULA (AVF) CANNULATION
Authors: Figueiredo Ana E. , Viegas Ariani , Monteiro Mara , Poli‐de‐Figueiredo Carlos E. 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYPatients with end‐stage renal failure (ESRF) undergoing haemodialysis (HD) are repeatedly exposed to stress and pain from approximately 300 punctures per year to their arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Repeated AVF punctures lead to a considerable degree of pain, due to the calibre and length of the bevel of fistula needles. Pain is a sensitive, emotional and subjective experience. The objective of this study was to measure pain associated with AVF needling. The analogue visual scale (AVS) divided into 10 equal parts (0 indicating lack of pain, and 10 unbearable pain) was used. Patients7 perceptions were measured in three different HD sessions. Pain was considered mild during AVF needling. The buttonhole technique caused a mean degree of pain of 2.4 (±1.7), compared to 3.1 (±2.3) using the conventional ropeladder technique. Although without reaching a statistically significant difference, diminished pain was associated with the buttonhole technique.
CE: Continuing Education Article PATIENT MANAGEMENT IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE STAGES 4 TO 5
Authors: Murphy Fiona , Jenkins Karen , McCann Margaret , Sedgewick John 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYThis is the second article in a two part Continuing Education (CE) series on managing patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The first CE article addressed the management of patients during CKD stages 1 to 3. This article will focus on the management of patients during CKD stages 4 to 5. Nephrology nurses and other healthcare professionals play an important role in the monitoring and management of the many physical symptoms that patients present with during stages 4 to 5. During these stages the healthcare team must provide psychological support along with educating patients and their families/carers regarding their treatment options including renal replacement therapy, conservative treatment and withdrawal of dialysis.
IMPACT OF HEPARIN LOCKING FREQUENCY ON PREVENTING TEMPORARY DIALYSIS CATHETER DYSFUNCTION IN HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS
Authors: Oran Nazan Tuna , Eser Ismet 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYA prospective analysis was conducted comparing dysfunction attributable to catheter thrombosis in subjects who received a heparin catheter lock three times a week (n = 15) to those who received a heparin lock six times a week (n = 15) immediately after the insertion of a temporary haemodialysis catheter. Thrombus related catheter removal occurred in two patients in control but no patients in the experiment group. Heparin locking six times a week was found to be effective in prolonging the mean of the first day where difficulty was experienced in aspiration. It also prevented any possible difficulty in catheter flushing. Increased locking frequency prevents any thrombus accumulation within the temporary catheter, while it has limited but significant preventive effect on thrombus accumulated around the catheter.
VENOUS NEEDLE DISLODGEMENT: HOW TO MINIMISE THE RISKS
Authors: Van Waeleghem Jean‐Pierre , Chamney Melissa , Lindley Elizabeth J. , Pancírova Jitka 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYAlthough haemodialysis (HD) has become a routine treatment, adverse side effects, and occasionally life threatening clinical complications, still happen. Venous needle dislodgment (VND) is one of the most serious accidents that can occur during HD. If the blood pump is not stopped, either by activation of the protective system of the dialysis machine or manually, the patient can bleed to death within minutes.Fatal and near‐fatal blood loss due to VND have been described in the literature (ECRI 1998; Sandroni 2005; Mactier & Worth 2007), but published reports represent only the tip of the ice berg, as such incidents are normally handled at a local or national level.The European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association (EDTNA/ERCA) has produced 12 practice recommendations to help reduce the risk of VND and detect blood leakage as early as possible. A poster summarising these recommendations has been created (Van Waeleghem et al. 2008).
Chromosomes 7, 16 numerical aberrations are poor prognostic factors in colorectal adenocarcinoma: A tissue microarray analysis
Authors: Papazachariou Ioanna , Tsiambas Evangelos , Koliopoulou Antigoni , Tsounis Dimitrios , Manaios Loukas , Fotiades Panagiotis P , Karameris Andreas , Patsouris Efstratios 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTBackground and aims:Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) over expression combined to e‐cadherin functional loss is a frequent event in colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC). Our aim was to correlate their protein expression levels with the numerical alterations of the corresponding chromosomes.Methods:Sixty‐six paraffin embedded primary CRCs were cored and transferred to microarray blocks. Immunohistochemistry and chromogenicin situhybridization (CISH) assays were performed using monoclonal antibodies and centromeric probes, respectively.Results:EGFR protein over expression was observed in 17/66 (25.7%) cases, whereas reduced or loss of e‐cadherin expression was observed in 41/66 (62.1%). CISH analysis detected aneuploidy in 13/66 (19.6%) and 4/66 (6.1%) cases for chromosomes 7 and 16, respectively. EGFR over expression combined with e‐cadherin expression reduction or loss was found in 16/66 (24.2%) cases. Stage of the examined tumors was significantly correlated with e‐cadherin expression, and with chromosomes 7 and 16 numerical alterations (P = 0.001,P = 0.016 andP = 0.007), whereas the tumor grade was correlated only with e‐cadherin (P = 0.013). Cox regression analysis showed that numerical imbalances in chromosome 7 and also combined numerical imbalances in chromosomes 7 and 16 correlated with a poor prognosis (P = 0.061,P = 0.001, respectively).Conclusions:Combined chromosome 16 and 7 numerical imbalances and not e‐cadherin/EGFR protein alterations maybe influence the prognosis for CRC patients.