bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Rabbits During Development of Corticosteroid-Induced Osteonecrosis: A Controlled Experiment
Authors: KABATA TAMON , MATSUMOTO TADAMI , YAGISHITA SHINICHI , WAKAYAMA TOMOHIKO , ISEKI SHOICHI , TOMITA KATSURO 
Published: November 2008

ObjectiveVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic promoter that is rapidly induced as a response to local hypoxia. We investigated VEGF expression in rabbits in a controlled experiment to clarify the onset of ischemic events in corticosteroid-induced osteonecrosis (ON).MethodsNinety-nine mature Japanese white rabbits were divided into 6 treatment groups and an untreated control group. The treatment groups received a single intramuscular injection of 4 mg/kg methylprednisolone acetate; they were euthanized at different times, and tissue samples were obtained from their femora. We examined the development of ON and the expression of VEGF using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, Northern blot analysis, and Western blot analysis.ResultsOn histopathological examination, the earliest indication of ON was 5 days after the corticosteroid treatment. The frequency of ON occurrence reached a plateau at or after Week 1. VEGF expression was accompanied by the development of ON. VEGF-positive cells detected by immunohistochemistry were found among bone marrow cells, frequently located in the area surrounding ON, suggesting that VEGF production was switched on as a result of the ischemic events that cause ON. The level of VEGF-mRNA expression indicated by Northern blot analysis peaked at 3 days after the corticosteroid treatment and decreased gradually to the levels present in the control group at 7 days after treatment. Western blot analysis revealed VEGF protein production at 3 days after the corticosteroid treatments. Levels of VEGF expression 2 weeks or more after the corticosteroid treatment were almost the same as in the control group.ConclusionWe observed early expression of VEGF in the cells around the corticosteroid-induced ON lesions in rabbits. These results suggest that the ischemic events that cause ON begin soon after the initial corticosteroid treatment.
Association Between the Aggrecan Gene and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: de SOUZA THAIS B. , MENTZ ELISA F. , BRENOL CLAITON V. , XAVIER RICARDO M. , BRENOL JOÃO C.T. , CHIES JOSÉ A. , SIMON DANIEL 
Published: November 2008

ObjectiveGenetic and environmental factors seem to be involved in the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We analyzed whether a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism in the aggrecan gene was associated to RA.MethodsThe study population comprised 170 European-derived Brazilian patients with diagnosis of RA. The control group comprised 148 European-derived Brazilian healthy blood donors. The aggrecan VNTR polymorphism was genotyped by DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction, followed by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel.ResultsThere was a statistically significant higher frequency of alleles of shorter length in the patient group compared to controls (p = 0.001), suggesting that individuals carrying short alleles are more likely to develop RA. There was no association between short alleles and clinical characteristics of RA.ConclusionOur results provide evidence of an association between the aggrecan gene VNTR polymorphism and RA.
Changes in the Incidence of Endstage Renal Disease Due to Lupus Nephritis in the United States, 1996–2004
Authors: WARD MICHAEL M. 
Published: November 2008

ObjectiveTo determine if the incidence of endstage renal disease (ESRD) due to lupus nephritis has decreased from 1996 to 2004.MethodsPatients age 15 years or older with incident ESRD due to lupus nephritis in 1996–2004 and living in one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia were identified using the US Renal Data System, a national population-based registry of all patients receiving renal replacement therapy for ESRD. Incidence rates were computed for each calendar year, using population estimates of the US census as denominators.ResultsOver the 9-year study period, 9199 new cases of ESRD due to lupus nephritis were observed. Incidence rates, adjusted to the age, sex, and race composition of the US population in 2000, were 4.4 per million in 1996 and 4.9 per million in 2004. Compared to the pooled incidence rate in 1996–1998, the relative risk of ESRD due to lupus nephritis in 1999–2000 was 0.99 (95% CI 0.93–1.06), in 2001–2002 was 0.99 (95% CI 0.92–1.06), and in 2003–2004 was 0.96 (95% CI 0.89–1.02). Findings were similar in analyses stratified by sex, age group, race, and socioeconomic status.ConclusionThere was no decrease in the incidence of ESRD due to lupus nephritis between 1996 and 2004. This may reflect the limits of effectiveness of current treatments, or limitations in access, use, or adherence to treatment.
Cognition and behavior in pre‐pubertal children with Prader–Willi syndrome and associations with sleep‐related breathing disorders
Authors: Festen Dederieke A.M. , Wevers Maaike , de Weerd Al W. , van den Bossche Renilde A.S. , Duivenvoorden Hugo J. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C.S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPrader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is characterized by hypotonia, hypogonadism, obesity, and short stature. Neurobehavioral abnormalities, cognitive impairment, and sleep‐related breathing disorders (SRBD) are common. In the general population associations between neurobehavioral and cognitive abnormalities and SRBD have been found. We investigated cognition, behavior, and SRBD in children with PWS. Thirty‐one pre‐pubertal PWS children were evaluated (5 with paternal deletion, 14 with maternal disomy, 4 with imprinting‐center mutation, and in 8 the defect was not specified). Cognition was assessed by Wechsler scale subtests, and behavior by parent–questionnaires. Polysomnography was performed. Cognition, behavior, and associations with SRBD were evaluated. All cognitive subtests were significantly below O SDS, with the lowest median (interquartile range) scores for the Block design subtest (−2.7 SDS (−3.0 to −0.3)). In 60%, verbal subtests were less affected than performance subtests. Parents reported problem behavior related to “emotions/behavior not adapted to the social situation” and “insensitivity to social information.” All children had SRBD, with an Apnea Hypopnea Index of 4.1/hr (2.6–7.9). One performance subtest score was significantly higher in children with better sleep efficiency, and daytime sleepiness was associated with more autistic‐like social impairment. In contrast to our expectations, behavior was worse in children with better sleep‐related breathing. In pre‐pubertal PWS children, cognition is impaired. Neurobehavioral abnormalities are common, particularly autistic‐like social impairment. Sleep efficiency was associated with better performance on one of the performance subtests, and neurobehavioral abnormalities were associated with daytime sleepiness. In contrast, we could not confirm a positive association of neurobehavioral abnormalities with SRBD in PWS. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chondrodysplasia punctata associated with maternal autoimmune diseases: Expanding the spectrum from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and scleroderma report of eight cases
Authors: Chitayat David , Keating Sarah , Zand Dina J. , Costa Teresa , Zackai Elaine H. , Silverman Earl , Tiller George , Unger Sheila , Miller Stephen , Kingdom John , Toi Ants , Curry Cynthia J.R. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractChondrodysplasia punctata (CDP) is etiologically a heterogeneous condition and has been associated with single gene disorders, chromosome abnormalities and teratogenic exposures. The first publication of the association between CDP and maternal autoimmune connective tissue disorder was by Curry et al. 1993]. Chondrodysplasia punctata associated with maternal collagen vascular disease. A new etiology? Presented at the David W. Smith Workshop on Morphogenesis and Malformations, Mont Tremblant, Quebec, August 1993] and subsequently, other cases have been reported. We report on eight cases of maternal collagen vascular disease associated with fetal CDP and included the cases reported by Curry et al. 1993. Chondrodysplasia punctata associated with maternal collagen vascular disease. A new etiology? Presented at the David W. Smith Workshop on Morphogenesis and Malformations, Mont Tremblant, Quebec, August 1993] and Costa et al. [1993]. Maternal systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) and chondrodysplasia punctata in two infants. Coincidence or association? 1st Meeting of Bone Dysplasia Society, Chicago, June 1993] which were reported in an abstract form. We suggest that maternal autoimmune diseases should be part of the differential diagnosis and investigation in newborns/fetuses with CDP. Thus, in addition to cardiac evaluation, fetuses/newborn to mothers with autoimmune diseases should have fetal ultrasound/newborn examination and if indicated, X‐rays, looking for absent/hypoplastic nasal bone, brachydactyly, shortened long bones and epiphyseal stippling. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Community consultation and communication for a population‐based DNA biobank: The Marshfield clinic personalized medicine research project
Authors: McCarty Catherine A. , Chapman‐Stone Donna , Derfus Teresa , Giampietro Philip F. , Fost Norman 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to describe community consultation and communication efforts for the Personalized Medicine Research Project (PMRP), a population‐based biobank. A series of focus group discussions was held in the year preceding initial recruitment efforts with potentially eligible community residents and slightly less than a year after initial recruitment with eligible residents who had declined participation in PMRP. A Community Advisory Group, with 19 members reflecting the demographics of the eligible community, was formed and meets twice yearly to provide advice and feedback to the PMRP Principal Investigator and the local IRB. Ongoing communication with study subjects, who consent on the condition that personal genetic results will not be disclosed, takes place through a newsletter that is distributed twice yearly, community talks and media coverage. Most focus group participants were concerned about the confidentiality of both their medical and genetic data. Focus group discussions with eligible residents who elected not to participate in PMRP revealed that many knew very little about the project, but thought that too much information had been provided, leading them to believe that it would take too long for them to understand and enroll in the study. In conclusion, an engaged community advisory group can provide a sounding board to study investigators for many study issues and can provide guidance for broader communication activities. Researchers need to balance the provision of information for potential subjects to make informed decisions about study participation, with respect for individuals' time to read and interpret study materials. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distal 22q11.2 microduplication encompassing the BCR gene
Authors: Descartes Maria , Franklin Judy , de Ståhl Teresita Diaz , Piotrowski Arkadiusz , Bruder Carl E.G. , Dumanski Jan P. , Carroll Andrew J. , Mikhail Fady M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractChromosome 22 band q11.2 has been recognized to be highly susceptible to subtle microdeletions and microduplications, which have been attributed to the presence of several large segmental duplications; also known as low copy repeats (LCRs). These LCRs function as mediators of non‐allelic homologous recombination (NAHR), which results in these chromosomal rearrangements as a result of unequal crossover. The four centromeric LCRs at proximal 22q11.2 have been previously implicated in recurrent chromosomal rearrangements including the DiGeorge/Velocardiofacial syndrome (DG/VCFs) microdeletion and its reciprocal microduplication. Recently, we and others have demonstrated that the four telomeric LCRs at distal 22q11.2 are causally implicated in a newly recognized recurrent distal 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome in the region immediately telomeric to the DG/VCFs typically deleted region. Here we report on the clinical, cytogenetic, and array CGH studies of a 4.5‐year‐old girl with history of failure to thrive, developmental delay (DD), and relative macrocephaly. She carries a paternally inherited ∼2.1 Mb microduplication at distal 22q11.2, which spans approximately 34 annotated genes, and is flanked by two of the four telomeric 22q11.2 LCRs. We conclude that the four telomeric LCRs at distal 22q11.2 can mediate both deletions and duplications in this genomic region. Both deletions and duplication of this region present with subtle clinical features including mild to moderate mental retardation, DD, and mild dysmorphic features. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toughness optimization of glass‐fiber reinforced PA 6/PA 66‐based composites: Effect of matrix composition and colorants
Authors: Nase Michael , Langer Beate , Schumacher Siegfried , Grellmann Wolfgang 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMixing of polyamide 6 (PA 6) and polyamide 66 (PA 66) is integrated in the trend of development of new and improved materials by combination of different polymers and some reinforcing materials to polymer composites. The specific polymer composite PA 6/PA 66 reinforced with short glass‐fibers combines the good coloring of PA 6, and the small moisture absorption of PA 66. Technical applications of PA 6/PA 66 composites are mainly used in the automotive industry. Specific requirements of this industry lead to the necessity to optimize the material resistance against crack propagation of the PA 6/PA 66 composites, using mechanical and fracture mechanical methods. So, the present investigations focus on fracture mechanics toughness optimization of the PA 6/PA 66 composites, including unstable and stable crack growth. The aim of this toughness optimization is to find out the optimal mixing ratio of PA 6/PA 66. Applications of PA 6/PA 66 in the automotive industry and specific client wishes are the main reasons for black‐coloring of the PA materials. The influence of several black‐colorants (carbon black, nigrosine, spinel, iron oxide) on mechanical and fracture mechanical properties of the PA composites is also investigated using fracture mechanical methods. As experimental fracture mechanical method, preferentially, the instrumented Charpy impact test (ICIT) and the new cut method to determine the stable crack growth of glass‐fiber reinforced materials was used. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis and In‐Vitro Activity of New 1β‐Methylcarbapenem Derivatives as Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Jung Myung‐Ho , Hong Joon Hee , Cho Jung‐Hyuck , Oh Chang‐Hyun 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe synthesis of a new series of 1β‐methylcarbapenems having pyrrolidine and piperidine moieties is described. Their in‐vitro antibacterial activities against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria were tested and the effect of substituents on the pyrrolidine ring was investigated. A particular compound III b having an oxime‐pyrrolidine moiety showed the most potent antibacterial activity.
New 1‐Benzyl‐4‐hydroxypiperidine Derivatives as Non‐imidazole Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonists
Authors: Maslowska‐Lipowicz Iwona , Figlus Marek , Zuiderveld Obbe P. , Walczynski Krzysztof 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA series of 1‐benzyl‐4‐(3‐aminopropyloxy)piperidine and 1‐benzyl‐4‐(5‐aminopentyloxy)piperidine derivatives has been prepared. The 1‐benzyl‐4‐hydroxypiperidine derivatives obtained were evaluated for their affinities at recombinant human histamine H3 receptor, stably expressed in HEK 293T cells. All compounds investigated show moderate to pronounced in‐vitro affinities. The most potent antagonists in this series 9b2 (hH3R, pKi = 7.09), 9b1 (hH3R, pKi = 6.78), 9b5 (hH3R, pKi = 6.99), and 9b6 (hH3R, pKi = 6.97) were also tested in vitro as H3 receptor antagonists – the electrically evoked contraction of the guinea‐pig jejunum. The histaminergic H1 antagonism of selected compounds 9b1, 9b2, and 9b4–9b6 was established on the isolated guinea‐pig ileum by conventional methods; the pA2 values were compared with the potency of pyrilamine. The compounds did not show any H1 antagonistic activity (pA2 < 4; for pyrilamine pA2 = 9.53).
Effect of streptozotocin‐induced diabetes mellitus on the pharmacokinetics of nelfinavir in rats
Authors: Sugioka Nobuyuki , Sato Kenji , Haraya Kenta , Maeda Yuta , Yasuda Kyohei , Fukushima Keizo , Ito Yukako , Takada Kanji 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe HIV protease inhibitor, nelfinavir (NFV), has been used widely for HIV infection. The drug exhibits high binding characteristics to serum protein (unbound fraction: 0.01). The effect of experimentally induced diabetes mellitus on the pharmacokinetics of NFV was investigated, focusing on the change of protein‐binding due to the glycosylation of albumin in streptozotocin‐induced diabetes mellitus rats (diabetic rats). The unbound fraction of NFV in diabetic rats (0.04) was greater than that in the control (0.015). In diabetic rats, although theAUCof NFV was decreased after both intravenous (control: 1.75±0.08, diabetic: 1.36±0.17 µg h/ml) and intraduodenal (control: 1.69±0.25, diabetic: 1.19±0.39 µg h/ml) administrations, the unboundAUCwas increased significantly (intravenous, control: 0.026±0.001, diabetic: 0.054±0.007 µg h/ml, intraduodenal, control: 0.025±0.004, diabetic: 0.048±0.016 µg h/ml). The unbound total clearance (control: 131.3±6.0, diabetic: 64.3±8.0 l/h/kg) and the unbound steady state distribution volume (control: 274.0±18.0, diabetic: 123.0±14.0 l/kg) were decreased significantly; therefore, greater pharmacological effects can be expected in diabetes mellitus. The contribution of increasing the unbound fraction to these results was significantly higher. In addition, there were no significant differences in the systemic and hepatic availability, peak time and mean absorption time between the diabetic and control rats, suggesting that diabetes mellitus did not affect the absorption of NFV. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the efficacy and safety of low frequency, low intensity magnetic fields in patients after knee endoprosthesis plasty. Part 1: In vitro safety
Authors: Błaszczak Edward , Franek Andrzej , Taradaj Jakub , Widuchowski Jerzy , Klimczak Jerzy 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the potential influence of low frequency, low intensity magnetic fields (rectangular pulse, 5 mT, 30 Hz) applied in therapy on the temperature, contact electric potential, and magnetization in knee endoprosthesis, which might be dangerous for implantation and stability of knee prosthesis, and later slacking it off, causing postoperative complications. The experimental investigation was carried out on a knee endoprosthesis which had been placed in a container with physiological saline. The prosthesis located inside the container was under the exposure of the magnetic field applied by a solenoid. The results indicated that magnetic fields did not influence thermal and electromagnetic properties of knee endoprosthesis in vitro. The magnetic fields of examined parameters should not be dangerous for implantation and stability of knee endoprosthesis. Bioelectromagnetics 30:159–162, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of a microcatheter in a telescopic system to reach difficult targets in complex congenital heart disease
Authors: Brown Stephen C. , Boshoff Derize E. , Eyskens Benedicte , Mertens Luc , Gewillig Marc 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground:Some lesions can be very difficult to reach, especially if acute angles and/or multiple turns “protect” access. Once reached, the guiding system needs to give sufficient support for balloons or stents to be deployed.Methods:A “telescopic” system was created consisting of: (1) a microcatheter with guidewire. This system fits into any catheter allowing a 0.035 inch wire. (2) a 4Fr “delivery” catheter. (3) If sharp angles were encountered, the 4Fr catheter was deployed through a 6Fr or larger angulated guiding sheath. This was cut‐off 15 cm out of the groin and re‐valvulated with a standard short introducer sheath.Patients and results:Since 2004, 89 microcatheter telescopic systems were used during a 4‐year period in 1,225 procedures (7.3%). The technique allowed probing with a floppy steerable and exchangeable guidewire, securing any gained position as well as exchanges with a stiffer guide wire if required. Procedures where the telescopic system was effective included: complex stenoses e.g. aortopulmonary collaterals (n = 21), tortuous ducts (n = 9), anterograde balloon dilation of critical aortic stenosis (n = 8) and crossing Blalock Taussig shunts (n = 3). Once in place, the telescopic system allowed delivery of embolic material (n = 38), balloon angioplasty (n = 21), stent deployment (n = 23), fulguration of pulmonary valve (n = 1) or introduction of medication (n = 1). The interventionalists felt that using the telescopic system had reduced fluoroscopy and procedure time.Conclusions:The microcatheter‐telescopic system is an invaluable tool to reach difficult targets and allows exchange for suitable guidewires permitting balloons, stents, embolisation material or radiofrequency energy to be deployed in such targets. This approach has become our standard when dealing with difficult targets protected by a tortuous route. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combined percutaneous revascularization and cell therapy after failed repair of anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery
Authors: de Lezo José Suárez , Pan Manuel , Herrera Concepción 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis report shows the course of an infant with an abnormal left coronary artery origin arising from the pulmonary artery who underwent failed surgical reimplantation. Treatment entailed combined stent revascularization followed by intracoronary infusion of bone marrow‐derived mononuclear cells. The patient was admitted with an acute coronary syndrome and low cardiac output; he was endotracheally intubated under respiratory assistance. Fourteen months after intracoronary infusion of autologous bone marrow‐derived mononuclear cells, the infant remains symptom‐free with significant recovery of the left ventricular function. These findings suggest that the combination of percutaneous revascularization and cell therapy should be considered in those infants or children in whom salvage therapy for ischemic heart disease is required. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.