bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma free tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) levels and TF-induced thrombin generation ex vivo in men with low testosterone levels
Authors: Agledahl Ingvild , Svartberg Johan , Hansen Bjarne , Brodin Ellen 
Published: February 2009

SummaryLow testosterone levels in men have been associated with cardiovascular risk factors, some prothrombotic factors, and lately also an increased risk of both cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Experimental studies have shown increased synthesis and release of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) by physiological levels of testosterone in endothelial cells. Our hypothesis was that elderly men with low testosterone levels would have lower plasma levels of plasma free TFPI with subsequent increased thrombin generation. Elderly men with low (n=37) and normal (n=41) testosterone levels were recruited from a general population, and tissue factor (TF)-induced thrombin generation ex vivo and plasma free TFPI Ag were measured. Elderly men with low testosterone levels had lower plasma free TFPI Ag (10.9 ± 2.3 ng/ml vs. 12.3 ± 3.0 ng/ml, p=0.027) and shorter initiation phase of TF-induced coagulation assessed by lag-time (5.1 ± 1.0 min vs. 5.7 ± 1.3, p=0.039). The differences between groups remained significant and were strengthened after adjustment for waist circumference and other cardiovascular risk factors. Lag-time increased linearly across quartiles of plasma free TFPI Ag (p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that total and free testosterone were independent predictors of plasma free TFPI Ag. Our findings suggest that low testosterone levels in elderly men is associated with low plasma free TFPI Ag and subsequent shortened initiation phase of TF-induced coagulation.
Weekend Versus Weekday Admission and Mortality After Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Aujesky Drahomir , Jiménez David , Mor Maria K. , Geng Ming , Fine Michael J. , Ibrahim Said A. 
Published: February 2009

Background—Optimal management of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) requires medical expertise, diagnostic testing, and therapies that may not be available consistently throughout the entire week. We sought to assess whether associations exist between weekday or weekend admission and mortality and length of hospital stay for patients hospitalized with PE.Methods and Results—We evaluated patients discharged with a primary diagnosis of PE from 186 acute care hospitals in Pennsylvania (January 2000 to November 2002). We used random-effect logistic models to study the association between weekend admission and 30-day mortality and used discrete survival models to study the association between weekend admission and time to hospital discharge, adjusting for hospital (region, size, and teaching status) and patient factors (race, insurance, severity of illness, and use of thrombolytic therapy). Among 15 531 patient discharges with PE, 3286 patients (21.2%) had been admitted on a weekend. Patients admitted on weekends had a higher unadjusted 30-day mortality rate (11.1% versus 8.8%) than patients admitted on weekdays, with no difference in length of stay. Patients admitted on weekends had significantly greater adjusted odds of dying (odds ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.34) than patients admitted on weekdays. The higher mortality among patients hospitalized on weekends was driven by the increased mortality rate among the most severely ill patients.Conclusions—Patients with PE who are admitted on weekends have a significantly higher short-term mortality than patients admitted on weekdays. Quality-improvement efforts should aim to ensure a consistent approach to the management of PE 7 days a week.
A Resilience Intervention in African American Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Steinhardt Mary A. , Mamerow Madonna M. , Brown Sharon A. , Jolly Christopher A. 
Published: February 2009

Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility of offering the authors' Diabetes Coaching Program (DCP), adapted for African Americans, in a sample of African American adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods The study used a 1-group, pretest-posttest design to test the acceptance and potential effectiveness of the DCP. Subjects were a convenience sample of 16 African Americans (8 women, 8 men) with type 2 diabetes; 12 subjects (6 women, 6 men) completed the program. The DCP included 4 weekly class sessions devoted to resilience education and diabetes self-management, followed by 8 biweekly support group meetings. Psychosocial process variables (resilience, coping strategies, diabetes empowerment) and proximal (perceived stress, depressive symptoms, diabetes self-management) and distal outcomes (body mass index [BMI], fasting blood glucose, HbA1C, lipidemia, blood pressure) were assessed at baseline and at 6 months after study entry. Qualitative data were collected at 8 months via a focus group conducted to examine the acceptability of the DCP. Results Preliminary paired t tests indicated statistically significant improvements in diabetes empowerment, diabetes self-management, BMI, HbA1c, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Medium to large effect sizes were reported. Resilience, perceived stress, fasting blood glucose, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol improved, but changes were not statistically significant. Focus group data confirmed that participants held positive opinions regarding the DCP and follow-up support group sessions, although they suggested an increase in program length from 4 to 8 weeks. Conclusions The pilot study documented the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the DCP to enhance diabetes empowerment, diabetes self-management, and reductions in the progression of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in the African American community. Randomized experimental designs are needed to confirm these findings.
A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Arthroscopic Single-and Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Burks Robert T. , Crim Julia , Brown Nick , Fink Barbara , Greis Patrick E. 
Published: February 2009

Background Double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has become more popular, and some studies have shown better footprint coverage and improved biomechanics of the repair. Hypothesis Double-row rotator cuff repair leads to superior cuff integrity and early clinical results compared with single-row repair. Study Design Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods Forty patients were randomized to either single-row or double-row rotator cuff repair at the time of surgical intervention. Patients were followed with clinical measures (UCLA, Constant, WORC, SANE, ASES, as well as range of motion, internal rotation strength, and external rotation strength). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were performed on each shoulder preoperatively, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year after repair. Results Mean anteroposterior tear size by MRI was 1.8 cm. A mean of 2.25 anchors for single row (SR) and 3.2 for double row (DR) were used. There were 2 retears at 1 year in each group. There were 2 additional cases that had severe thinning in the DR repair group at 1 year. The MRI measurements of footprint coverage, tendon thickness, and tendon signal showed no significant differences between the 2 repair groups. At 1 year, there were no differences in any of the postoperative measures of motion or strength. At 1 year, mean WORC (SR, 84.8; DR, 87.9), Constant (SR, 77.8; DR, 74.4), ASES (SR, 85.9; DR, 85.5), UCLA (SR, 28.6; DR, 29.5), and SANE (SR, 90.9; DR, 89.9) scores showed no significant differences between groups. Conclusions No clinical or MRI differences were seen between patients repaired with a SR or DR technique.
A Prospective Study of Postconcussive Outcomes after Return to Play in Australian Football
Authors: Makdissi Michael , McCrory Paul , Ugoni Antony , Darby David , Brukner Peter 
Published: February 2009

Background Decisions regarding safe return to play after concussion in sport remain difficult. Objective To determine whether a concussed player returned to play using an individual clinical management strategy is at risk of impaired performance or increased risk of injury or concussion. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods All elite Australian football players were followed for 4 seasons. Players were recruited into the study after sustaining a concussive injury. Outcome measures included performance statistics (disposals per hour match-time), injury rates, and recurrence of concussion on return to play. A subset of players had brief screening cognitive tests performed at baseline and after their concussion. Noninjured players matched for team, position, age, and size were chosen as controls. Results A total of 199 concussive injuries were observed in 158 players. Sixty-one concussive injuries were excluded from analysis because of incomplete data (45 players) or presence of concurrent injury (16 players). Of the 138 concussive injuries assessed, 127 players returned to play without missing a game (92%). The remainder of concussed players returned to play after missing a single game (8%). Overall, there was no significant decline in disposal rates in concussed players on return to competition. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in injury rates between concussed and team, position, and game-matched controls. In the subset of players who had completed screening cognitive tests, all had returned to their individual baseline performance before being returned to play. Conclusion Return to play decisions based on individual clinical assessment of recovery allows safe and appropriate return to sport following a concussive injury.
Does Operative Fixation of an Osteochondritis Dissecans Loose Body Result in Healing and Long-Term Maintenance of Knee Function?
Authors: Magnussen Robert A. , Carey James L. , Spindler Kurt P. 
Published: February 2009

Background Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) can progress to loose body formation, resulting in a grade IV defect. The decision to fix versus excise the loose body is controversial. Published operative fixation outcomes are small case series with short follow-up. Hypothesis Operative fixation (ORIF) of the loose body into the grade IV defect will heal and approximate “normal” knee function at long-term follow-up. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Twelve patients were identified who underwent ORIF of a knee OCD loose body into the grade IV osteochondral defects ranging in size from 2.0 to 8.0 cm 2 (mean, 3.5 cm2). After 12 weeks, hardware was removed, and healing was assessed. Long-term outcomes were assessed with a Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and a Marx activity score. Results Arthroscopy for screw removal revealed stable healing in 92% (11 of 12) of patients. No patients required subsequent surgery for a loose body. At an average of 9.2 years’ follow-up (range, 3.8-15.8 years), 83% (10 of 12) of patients completed the KOOS. The KOOS subscale scores for pain (mean, 87.8; range, 67-100), other symptoms (mean, 81.8; range, 61-96), function in activities of daily living (mean, 93.1; range, 72-100), and sports and recreation function (mean, 74.0; range, 40-100) were not significantly lower than those of published age-matched controls. However the KOOS subscale score for knee-related quality of life (mean, 61.9; range, 31-88) was significantly lower (P = .003). Conclusion Operative fixation of grade IV OCD loose bodies results in stable fixation. At an average 9 years after surgery, patients did not have symptoms of osteoarthritis pain and had normal function in activities of daily life. However, patients reported significantly lower knee-related quality of life. Operative fixation of OCD loose bodies is a better alternative to lesion excision.
Inhibition of Anterior Tibial Translation or Axial Tibial Rotation Prevents Anterior Cruciate Ligament Failure during Impact Compression
Authors: Yeow Chen Hua , Rubab Shahbaz Khan , Lee Peter V. S. , Goh James C. H. 
Published: February 2009

Background Anterior cruciate ligament injury is prevalent in activities involving large and rapid landing impact loads. Hypothesis Inhibition of anterior tibial translation/axial tibial rotation forestalls the ligament from failing at the range of peak compressive load that can induce ligament failure when both factors are unrestrained. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Sixteen porcine knee specimens were mounted onto a material testing system at 70° of flexion and were divided into 4 test groups: impact compression without restraint (IC), anterior tibial translation restraint (ICA), axial tibial rotation restraint (ICR), and combination of both restraints (ICC). Compression was successively repeated with increasing actuator displacement until ligament failure or visible bone fracture was observed. During compression, rotational and translational joint data were obtained using a motion capture system. Results The IC group underwent ligament failure via femoral avulsion; the peak compressive force during failure ranged from 1.4 to 4.0 kN. The ICA, ICR, and ICC test groups developed visible bone fracture with the ligament intact; the peak compressive force during fracture ranged from 2.2 to 6.9 kN. Posterior femoral displacement and axial tibial rotation for the ICA and ICR groups, respectively, were significantly lower relative to the IC group ( P < .05). Both factors were substantially reduced in the ICC group, but peak compressive force was higher compared with the IC group ( P < .05). Conclusion Substantial inhibition of these factors in an impact setup, which can induce ligament failure with the factors unrestrained, was able to prevent failure. Clinical Relevance Adequate inhibition of anterior tibial translation and axial tibial rotation by knee bracing during injurious impact is necessary for effective ligament protection.
Cyclic Loading of 3 Achilles Tendon Repairs Simulating Early Postoperative Forces
Authors: Lee Steven J. , Sileo Michael J. , Kremenic Ian J. , Orishimo Karl , Ben-Avi Simon , Nicholas Stephen J. , McHugh Malachy 
Published: February 2009

Background Accelerated rehabilitation has been advocated after Achilles tendon repair, but it produces significant forces at the repair site. Hypothesis Stresses applied to the repaired Achilles tendon simulating postoperative forces may exceed the strength of some repairs. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Fifteen Achilles tendons were incised 4 cm proximal to the calcaneal insertion, then were repaired using either a percutaneous, 4-strand Krackow, or an epitendinous augmented 4-strand Krackow technique. Tendons were cyclically loaded to 1000 cycles each at 100, 190, and 369 N. The number of cycles to initial gapping, 5-mm gapping, and total failure were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests with adjustments for multiple comparisons. Results Gap resistance was significantly greater for augmented Krackow repairs (2208 cycles to initial gapping) versus nonaugmented repairs (502 cycles, P = .024) and for nonaugmented Krackow repairs versus percutaneous repairs (5 cycles, P = .024). All percutaneous repairs failed during the 100-N cycling (102 ± 135 cycles). All nonaugmented Krackow repairs failed during the 190-N cycles (total cycles to failure: 1268 ± 345). All augmented Krackow repairs were intact (no gapping) after the 190-N cycles. Four failed during 369-N cycling (total cycles to failure, 2017 ± 11), and 1 remained intact for 3000 cycles. Conclusion Epitendinous cross-stitch weave augmentation of Achilles tendon repairs significantly increased repair strength and gap resistance. Clinical Relevance Epitendinous cross-stitch weave augmentation of Achilles tendon repairs may better allow for early stretching and ambulation after Achilles tendon repair.
Distinctive localization and opposed roles of vasohibin-1 and vasohibin-2 in the regulation of angiogenesis
Authors: Kimura Hiroshi , Miyashita Hiroki , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Miho , Watanabe Kazuhide , Sonoda Hikaru , Ohta Hideki , Fujiwara Takashi , Shimosegawa Tooru , Sato Yasufumi 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe recently isolated a novel angiogenesis inhibitor, vasohibin-1, and its homologue, vasohibin-2. In this study we characterize the role of these 2 molecules in the regulation of angiogenesis. In a mouse model of subcutaneous angiogenesis, the expression of endogenous vasohibin-1 was low in proliferating ECs at the sprouting front but high in nonproliferating endothelial cells (ECs) in the termination zone. In contrast, endogenous vasohibin-2 was preferentially expressed in mononuclear cells mobilized from bone marrow that infiltrated the sprouting front. When applied exogenously, vasohibin-1 inhibited angiogenesis at the sprouting front where endogenous vasohibin-1 was scarce but did not influence vascularity in the termination zone where endogenous vasohibin-1 was enriched. Exogenous vasohibin-2 prevented the termination of angiogenesis in the termination zone and increased vascularity in this region. Angiogenesis was persistent in the termination zone in the vasohibin-1 knockout mice, whereas angiogenesis was deficient at the sprouting front in the vasohibin-2 knockout mice. Supplementation of deficient proteins normalized the abnormal patterns of angiogenesis in the vasohibin knockout mice. These results indicate that vasohibin-1 is expressed in ECs in the termination zone to halt angiogenesis, whereas vasohibin-2 is expressed in infiltrating mononuclear cells in the sprouting front to promote angiogenesis.
Contribution of STAT3 and SMAD4 pathways to the regulation of hepcidin by opposing stimuli
Authors: Huang Hua , Constante Marco , Layoun Antonio , Santos Manuela M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractHepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism, is a small antimicrobial peptide produced by the liver that regulates intestinal iron absorption and iron recycling by macrophages. Hepcidin is stimulated when iron stores increase and during inflammation and, conversely, is inhibited by hypoxia and augmented erythropoiesis. In many pathologic situations, such as in the anemia of chronic disease (ACD) and iron-loading anemias, several of these factors may be present concomitantly and may generate opposing signaling to regulate hepcidin expression. Here, we address the question of dominance among the regulators of hepcidin expression. We show that erythropoiesis drive, stimulated by erythropoietin but not hypoxia, down-regulates hepcidin in a dose-dependent manner, even in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or dietary iron-loading, which may act additively. These effects are mediated through down-regulation of phosporylation of Stat3 triggered by LPS and of Smad1/5/8 induced by iron. In conclusion, hepcidin expression levels in the presence of opposing signaling are determined by the strength of the individual stimuli rather than by an absolute hierarchy among signaling pathways. Our findings also suggest that erythropoietic drive can inhibit both inflammatory and iron-sensing pathways, at least in part, via the suppression of STAT3 and SMAD4 signaling in vivo.
MytiBase: a knowledgebase of mussel (M. galloprovincialis) transcribed sequences
Authors: Venier Paola , De Pittà Cristiano , Bernante Filippo , Varotto Laura , De Nardi Barbara , Bovo Giuseppe , Roch Philippe , Novoa Beatriz , Figueras Antonio , Pallavicini Alberto , Lanfranchi Gerolamo 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundAlthough Bivalves are among the most studied marine organisms due to their ecological role, economic importance and use in pollution biomonitoring, very little information is available on the genome sequences of mussels. This study reports the functional analysis of a large-scale Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) sequencing from different tissues ofMytilus galloprovincialis(the Mediterranean mussel) challenged with toxic pollutants, temperature and potentially pathogenic bacteria.ResultsWe have constructed and sequenced seventeen cDNA libraries from different Mediterranean mussel tissues: gills, digestive gland, foot, anterior and posterior adductor muscle, mantle and haemocytes. A total of 24,939 clones were sequenced from these libraries generating 18,788 high-quality ESTs which were assembled into 2,446 overlapping clusters and 4,666 singletons resulting in a total of 7,112 non-redundant sequences. In particular, a high-quality normalized cDNA library (Nor01) was constructed as determined by the high rate of gene discovery (65.6%). Bioinformatic screening of the non-redundantM. galloprovincialissequences identified 159 microsatellite-containing ESTs. Clusters, consensuses, related similarities and gene ontology searches have been organized in a dedicated, searchable databasehttp://mussel.cribi.unipd.it.ConclusionWe defined the first species-specific catalogue ofM. galloprovincialisESTs including 7,112 unique transcribed sequences. Putative microsatellite markers were identified. This annotated catalogue represents a valuable platform for expression studies, marker validation and genetic linkage analysis for investigations in the biology of Mediterranean mussels.
Three LIF-dependent signatures and gene clusters with atypical expression profiles, identified by transcriptome studies in mouse ES cells and early derivatives
Authors: Trouillas Marina , Saucourt Claire , Guillotin Bertrand , Gauthereau Xavier , Ding Li , Buchholz Frank , Doss Michael Xavier , Sachinidis Agapios , Hescheler Jurgen , Hummel Oliver , Huebner Norbert , Kolde Raivo , Vilo Jaak , Schulz Herbert , Bœuf Hélène 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundMouse embryonic stem (ES) cells remain pluripotentin vitrowhen grown in the presence of the cytokine Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF). Identification of LIF targets and of genes regulating the transition between pluripotent and early differentiated cells is a critical step for understanding the control of ES cell pluripotency.ResultsBy gene profiling studies carried out with mRNAs from ES cells and their early derivatives treated or not with LIF, we have identified i) LIF-dependent genes, highly expressed in pluripotent cells, whose expression level decreases sharply upon LIF withdrawal [Plurigenes], ii) LIF induced genes [Lifindgenes] whose expression is differentially regulated depending upon cell context and iii) genes specific to the reversible or irreversible committed states. In addition, by hierarchical gene clustering, we have identified, among eight independent gene clusters, two atypical groups of genes, whose expression level was highly modulated in committed cells only. Computer based analyses led to the characterization of different sub-types ofPluriandLifindgenes, and revealed their differential modulation byOct4orNanogmaster genes. Individual knock down of a selection ofPluriandLifindgenes leads to weak changes in the expression of early differentiation markers, in cell growth conditions in which these master genes are still expressed.ConclusionWe have identified different sets of LIF-regulated genes depending upon the cell state (reversible or irreversible commitment), which allowed us to present a novel global view of LIF responses. We are also reporting on the identification of genes whose expression is strictly regulated during the commitment step. Furthermore, our studies identify sub-networks of genes with a restricted expression in pluripotent ES cells, whose down regulation occurs while the master knot (composed of OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG) is still expressed and which might be down-regulated together for driving cells towards differentiation.