bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
All-trans retinoic acid suppresses interleukin-6 expression in interleukin-1-stimulated synovial fibroblasts by inhibition of ERK1/2pathway independently of RAR activation
Authors: Kirchmeyer Mélanie , Koufany Meriem , Sebillaud Sylvie , Netter Patrick , Jouzeau Jean-Yves , Bianchi Arnaud 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIntroductionInterleukin-6 (IL-6) is thought to play a pathogenic role in rheumatoid arthritis and synovium is a major source of IL-6 release. We investigated the ability of retinoids to suppress IL-6 expression in IL-1-stimulated synovial fibroblasts, with special care to the contribution of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) subtypes, and the implication of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.MethodsRAR-α, -β, and -γ and RXR-α, -β, and -γ levels were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) or Western blot in rat synovial fibroblasts stimulated with 10 ng/mL of IL-1β. Stimulated levels of IL-6 were assessed by RT-qPCR or immunoassays in the presence or absence of 1 μM all-transretinoic acid (ATRA) (RAR agonist) or 0.3 μM BMS-649 (RXR agonist). The contribution of RAR subtypes was checked with selective agonists or small interfering RNAs. The effect of ATRA on upstream MAPK (p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK], and extracellularly regulated kinase 1/2 [ERK1/2]) was assessed by Western blot, and the contribution of the ERK1/2pathway to the activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors was studied by TransAm™ assays.ResultsSynovial fibroblasts expressed all RAR and RXR subtypes except RXR-γ. In IL-1-stimulated cells, ATRA, but not BMS-649, reducedIL-6expression whereas selective RAR agonists were inactive. The inhibitory effect of ATRA onIL-6was not affected by the silencing of RAR subtypes. ATRA also reduced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, but not of p38 MAPK or of JNK. The suppressive effect of ATRA on the activation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-IL-6 (NF-IL-6) was reproduced by the MEK1 (mitogen-activated protein extracellularly regulated kinase kinase 1) inhibitor PD-98059, whereas ATRA and PD-98059 had no effect on NF-κB activation.ConclusionsAmong RAR and RXR agonists, only ATRA inhibited IL-1-induced IL-6 expression in rat synovial fibroblasts by inhibiting ERK1/2pathway and subsequent activation of AP-1 and NF-IL-6 independently of RAR.
Antibodies to mutated citrullinated vimentin for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis in anti-CCP-negative patients and for monitoring infliximab therapy
Authors: Nicaise Roland Pascale , Grootenboer Mignot Sabine , Bruns Alessandra , Hurtado Margarita , Palazzo Elisabeth , Hayem Gilles , Dieudé Philippe , Meyer Olivier , Chollet Martin Sylvie 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCPs) are useful for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Antibodies to mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV) were described recently in RA. The aims of this study were to evaluate the usefulness of anti-MCV for diagnosing RA in anti-CCP-negative patients and to monitor anti-MCV titres during infliximab therapy for RA.

Methods
We studied two groups of RA patients, one with (n = 80) and one without (n = 76) anti-CCP antibodies. The specificity of anti-MCV was evaluated by investigating 50 healthy controls and 158 patients with other rheumatic diseases (51 psoriatic rheumatism, 58 primary Sjögren syndrome, and 49 ankylosis spondylitis). Serum anti-MCV and anti-CCP titres were measured in 23 patients after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of infliximab treatment. Anti-CCP2 and anti-MCV levels were assayed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IgM rheumatoid factor was determined by nephelometry.

Results
In accordance with the cutoff values recommended by the manufacturer, the specificity of anti-MCV antibodies was 90.9%. We adjusted the cutoff values to obtain the same specificity as that of anti-CCP antibodies (94.2%). With this optimal cutoff, anti-MCV antibodies were found in 11.8% (9/76) of RA patients without anti-CCP, and similarly, anti-CCP antibodies were found in 11.2% (9/80) of RA patients without anti-MCV. Anti-MCV antibodies were positive in 6 patients who tested negative for both anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor. Anti-MCV titres were significantly decreased after 18 and 24 months of infliximab therapy compared with baseline (P < 0.01) as a significant decrease of anti-CCP levels occurred only at 24 months (P < 0.04). Moreover, an anti-MCV decrease was significantly associated with DAS28 (disease activity score using 28 joint counts) improvements 12 months into therapy.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that anti-MCV antibodies may be valuable for diagnosing RA in anti-CCP-negative patients without replacing them as an equivalent number of anti-CCP-positive RA patients test negative for anti-MCV. Moreover, anti-MCV antibodies could be useful for monitoring the effects of infliximab therapy.
Norepinephrine weaning in septic shock patients by closed loop control based on fuzzy logic
Authors: Merouani Mehdi , Guignard Bruno , Vincent François , Borron Stephen W , Karoubi Philippe , Fosse Jean-Philippe , Cohen Yves , Clec'h Christophe , Vicaut Eric , Marbeuf-Gueye Carole , Lapostolle Frederic , Adnet Frederic 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Introduction
The rate of weaning of vasopressors drugs is usually an empirical choice made by the treating in critically ill patients. We applied fuzzy logic principles to modify intravenous norepinephrine (noradrenaline) infusion rates during norepinephrine infusion in septic patients in order to reduce the duration of shock.

Methods
Septic patients were randomly assigned to norepinephrine infused either at the clinician's discretion (control group) or under closed-loop control based on fuzzy logic (fuzzy group). The infusion rate changed automatically after analysis of mean arterial pressure in the fuzzy group. The primary end-point was time to cessation of norepinephrine. The secondary end-points were 28-day survival, total amount of norepinephine infused and duration of mechanical ventilation.

Results
Nineteen patients were randomly assigned to fuzzy group and 20 to control group. Weaning of norepinephrine was achieved in 18 of the 20 control patients and in all 19 fuzzy group patients. Median (interquartile range) duration of shock was significantly shorter in the fuzzy group than in the control group (28.5 [20.5 to 42] hours versus 57.5 [43.7 to 117.5] hours; P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in duration of mechanical ventilation or survival at 28 days between the two groups. The median (interquartile range) total amount of norepinephrine infused during shock was significantly lower in the fuzzy group than in the control group (0.6 [0.2 to 1.0] μg/kg versus 1.4 [0.6 to 2.7] μg/kg; P < 0.01).

Conclusions
Our study has shown a reduction in norepinephrine weaning duration in septic patients enrolled in the fuzzy group. We attribute this reduction to fuzzy control of norepinephrine infusion.

Trial registration
Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00763906.
Association between administered oxygen, arterial partial oxygen pressure and mortality in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients
Authors: de Jonge Evert , Peelen Linda , Keijzers Peter J , Joore Hans , de Lange Dylan , van der Voort Peter HJ , Bosman Robert J , de Waal Ruud AL , Wesselink Ronald , de Keizer Nicolette F 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to investigate whether in-hospital mortality was associated with the administered fraction of oxygen in inspired air (FiO2) and achieved arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2).

Methods
This was a retrospective, observational study on data from the first 24 h after admission from 36,307 consecutive patients admitted to 50 Dutch intensive care units (ICUs) and treated with mechanical ventilation. Oxygenation data from all admission days were analysed in a subset of 3,322 patients in 5 ICUs.

Results
Mean PaO2 and FiO2 in the first 24 h after ICU admission were 13.2 kPa (standard deviation (SD) 6.5) and 50% (SD 20%) respectively. Mean PaO2 and FiO2 from all admission days were 12.4 kPa (SD 5.5) and 53% (SD 18). Focusing on oxygenation in the first 24 h of admission, in-hospital mortality was shown to be linearly related to FiO2 value and had a U-shaped relationship with PaO2 (both lower and higher PaO2 values were associated with a higher mortality), independent of each other and of Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II, age, admission type, reduced Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, and individual ICU. Focusing on the entire ICU stay, in-hospital mortality was independently associated with mean FiO2 during ICU stay and with the lower two quintiles of mean PaO2 value during ICU stay.

Conclusions
Actually achieved PaO2 values in ICU patients in The Netherlands are higher than generally recommended in the literature. High FiO2, and both low PaO2 and high PaO2 in the first 24 h after admission are independently associated with in-hospital mortality in ICU patients. Future research should study whether this association is causal or merely a reflection of differences in severity of illness insufficiently corrected for in the multivariate analysis.
Relationship between Total and High Molecular Weight Adiponectin Levels and Plasma Nonesterified Fatty Acid Tolerance during Enhanced Intravascular Triacylglycerol Lipolysis in Men
Authors: Lavoie F. , Frisch F. , Brassard P. , Normand-Lauzière F. , Cyr D. , Gagnon R. , Drouin R. , Baillargeon J. -P. , Carpentier A. C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractContext: Increased plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) appearance during enhanced intravascular triacylglycerol (TG) lipolysis is a marker of metabolic adipose tissue dysfunction and may lead to the development of insulin resistance. The relationship between total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin levels, NEFA appearance, and total TG lipolytic capacity has not been previously studied in humans.Objectives: Our objective was to determine whether total and HMW adiponectin plasma levels are associated with plasma NEFA level and appearance, and with total TG lipolytic rate during enhanced intravascular TG lipolysis in men.Design: This was a cross-sectional metabolic study.Setting: The study was performed at an academic clinical research center.Participants: There were 15 healthy men (mean ± sd body mass index 25.5 ± 4.7 kg/m2) aged 21–50 yr (mean ± sd 31.1 ± 10.2) without first-degree relatives with type 2 diabetes included in the study.Interventions: Pancreatic clamps and iv infusion of stable isotopic tracers ([1,1,2,3,3-2H5]glycerol and [U-13C]palmitate) were performed, whereas intravascular TG lipolysis was clamped by iv infusion of heparin plus Intralipid at low (fasting) and high insulin levels. Total and HMW adiponectin levels were measured using an ELISA.Main Outcome Measures: Levels of total and HMW adiponectin, palmitate appearance (plasma palmitate appearance rate), and glycerol appearance (plasma glycerol appearance rate) were calculated.Results: During heparin plus Intralipid infusion, total and HMW adiponectin was inversely correlated with plasma palmitate appearance rate (r = −0.65; P = 0.01), but this association was lost when expressed per nonlean weight. Adiponectin levels were positively associated with plasma glycerol appearance rate per nonlean weight (r = 0.71 and r = 0.66, respectively; P ≤ 0.01).Conclusions: Increased adipose tissue mass likely explains the association between low adiponectin and reduced NEFA tolerance. Adiponectin level is a marker of total TG lipolytic rate per adipose tissue mass in men.
Induction of Spermatogenesis and Fertility during Gonadotropin Treatment of Gonadotropin-Deficient Infertile Men: Predictors of Fertility Outcome
Authors: Liu Peter Y. , Baker H. W. Gordon , Jayadev Veena , Zacharin Margaret , Conway Ann J. , Handelsman David J. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Background: The induction of spermatogenesis and fertility with gonadotropin therapy in gonadotropin-deficient men varies in rate and extent. Understanding the predictors of response would inform clinical practice but requires multivariate analyses in sufficiently large clinical cohorts that are suitably detailed and frequently assessed.
Design, Setting, and Participants: A total of 75 men, with 72 desiring fertility, was treated at two academic andrology centers for a total of 116 courses of therapy from 1981–2008.
Outcomes: Semen analysis and testicular examination were performed every 3 months.
Results: A total of 38 men became fathers, including five through assisted reproduction. The median time to achieve first sperm was 7.1 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.3–10.1]) and for conception was 28.2 months (95% CI 21.6–38.5). The median sperm concentration at conception for unassisted pregnancies was 8.0 m/ml (95% CI 0.2–59.5). Multivariate correlated time-to-event analyses show that larger testis volume, previous treatment with gonadotropins, and no previous androgen use each independently predicts faster induction of spermatogenesis and unassisted pregnancy.
Conclusions: Larger testis volume is a useful prognostic indicator of response. The association of slower responses after prior androgen therapy suggests that faster pregnancy rates might be achieved by substituting gonadotropin for androgen therapy for pubertal induction, although a prospective randomized trial will be required to prove this.
Effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone Replacement on Lipoprotein Profile in Hypoadrenal Women
Authors: Srinivasan Manivannan , Irving Brian A. , Dhatariya Ketan , Klaus Katherine A. , Hartman Stacy J. , McConnell Joseph P. , Nair K. Sreekumaran 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Context: Levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate form (DHEAS) are inversely associated with cardiovascular mortality in men but not women. Very little evidence is available on the impact of DHEA administration on lipoprotein profile in women. DHEAS levels are very low/undetectable in hypoadrenal women.
Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the impact of DHEA replacement on lipoprotein profile in hypoadrenal women.
Design and Setting: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design study was conducted at the Mayo Clinic.
Participants: Thirty-three hypoadrenal Caucasian women (mean ± sd; age 50.3 ± 15.2 yr, body mass index 26.6 ± 4.4 kg/m2) took part in the study.
Intervention: Study participants were assigned to receive either a placebo or 50 mg/d of DHEA for 3 months each. Lipid levels and lipoprotein profile were analyzed using the Lipo Science Lipoprotein nuclear magnetic resonance system.
Main Outcome Measures: Changes in various lipoprotein sizes and levels were measured.
Results: The DHEA period had higher plasma DHEAS levels than during placebo (&lt;0.3 ± 0.0 vs. 3.5 ± 1.3 nmol/liter, P &lt; 0.001). DHEA replacement significantly reduced total cholesterol (20.0 vs. −22, P = 0.02) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (2.0 vs. −6.0, P = 0.006) and tends to reduce triglyceride and total low-density lipoprotein levels. Although, DHEA replacement had no effect on low-density lipoprotein particle size, it significantly reduced larger HDL particles and to modest extent small HDL particles.
Conclusions: Our study findings showed that oral DHEA administration in hypoadrenal women results in an unfavorable lipoprotein profile. The results warrant long-term studies to determine the impact of DHEA replacement on cardiovascular risk.
Body Mass Index and Serum Lipid Changes During Treatment with Valproic Acid in Children with Epilepsy
Authors: Grosso Salvatore , Mostardini Rosa , Piccini Barbara , Balestri Paolo 
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUNDValproic acid is the drug of choice for a wide variety of epileptic seizures and syndromes because of its broad spectrum of activity and because, in most patients, it is well tolerated. Although weight gain is a well-known adverse effect of valproic acid therapy, only a few studies have addressed weight gain associated with it in children aged 2–8 years.OBJECTIVETo evaluate valproic acid–associated changes in the body mass index (BMI) z-scores and to assess changes in serum triglyceride, cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels in young children receiving valproic acid treatment.METHODSEighty-seven patients (39 females, 48 males) receiving valproic acid therapy for at least 3 months were included in the retrospective longitudinal study. Mean ± SD age at initiation of therapy was 4.8 ± 0.8 years. Changes in BMI z-scores as well as serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels were evaluated as continuous variables and analyzed by longitudinal methods for all patients.RESULTSThe average change from baseline in BMI z-scores was 0.80 (p = 0.001) at 3.1 years of follow-up. No significant change in triglyceride, cholesterol, and serum fasting glucose levels was observed over the same period. The percentage of overweight children at baseline was 6.9% and rose to 16% by the final visit (p = 0.081).CONCLUSIONSValproic acid–associated weight gain may occur in young children. However, only 16% of patients were categorized as overweight at the end of the study; this percentage overlaps the percentage of overweight healthy young Italian children. The BMI z-scores significantly increased during the first 16 months of therapy, then appeared to level off. These observations may influence clinical practice and decision-making regarding suspending the drug due to weight gain in children in whom seizure control has been achieved. A For Our Patients summary of this article is available at www.ForOurPatients.info
Predicting Potential Occurrence and Spread of Invasive Plant Species along the North Platte River, Nebraska
Authors: Hoffman Justin D. , Narumalani Sunil , Mishra Deepak R. , Merani Paul , Wilson Robert G. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractRiparian habitats are important components of an ecosystem; however, their hydrology combined with anthropogenic effects facilitates the establishment and spread of invasive plant species. We used a maximum-entropy predictive habitat model, MAXENT, to predict the distributions of five invasive plant species (Canada thistle, musk thistle, Russian olive, phragmites, and saltcedar) along the North Platte River in Nebraska. Projections for each species were highly accurate. Elevation and distance from river were most important variables for each species. Saltcedar and phragmites appear to have restricted distributions in the study area, whereas Russian olive and thistle species were broadly distributed. Results from this study hold promise for the development of proactive management approaches to identify and control areas of high abundance and prevent further spread of invasive plants along the North Platte River.
Developing Regional Invasive Species Watch Lists: Colorado as a Case Study
Authors: Drucker Hilary R. , Brown Cynthia S. , Stohlgren Thomas J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIt is essential that we improve our ability to predict which nonnative species will become invasive in order to prevent their introduction and spread. Past attempts to foresee invasions have met with limited success, but increased computing power, increased availability of information about exotic species, and comprehensive evaluations of invasion potential are improving our ability to predict which species are likely to invade most successfully. We used data from Colorado and other states to develop an effective means of predicting the spread of invasive plant species among states. Qualitative criteria were used to develop a numerical threat index, which rates potential invaders based on distribution and abundance with respect to climate, biological characteristics, and preferred habitats of the species. Out of a compiled list of 388 species, we identified six invasive nonnative plants that are highly likely to invade Colorado, 10 with medium invasive potential and five with low potential. Species found to be likely to invade Colorado included garlic mustard, smooth distaff thistle, and Syrian beancaper.
Jamaican Nightshade (Solanum jamaicense): A Threat to Florida's Hammocks
Authors: Diaz Rodrigo , Overholt William A. , Langeland Kenneth 
Published: December 2008

AbstractJamaican nightshade is a prickly, perennial, invasive shrub in central and southern peninsular Florida. It was first seen in Florida in 1930 near St. Cloud, and has since been reported at several other locations in the state. Jamaican nightshade is primarily found in wooded habitats, where it can quickly become dominant in the understory, but it also occasionally grows in isolated patches in the open. Although the distribution of Jamaican nightshade does not appear to be rapidly expanding in Florida, land mangers should be made aware of the potential of this weed to establish at new sites, and initiate control efforts during the early stages of colonization at newly invaded sites.
Invasive Species Defined in a Policy Context: Recommendations from the Federal Invasive Species Advisory Committee
Authors: Beck K. George , Zimmerman Kenneth , Schardt Jeffrey D. , Stone Jeffrey , Lukens Ronald R. , Reichard Sarah , Randall John , Cangelosi Allegra A. , Cooper Diane , Thompson John Peter 
Published: December 2008

Preamble: Executive Order (EO) 13112—defines an invasive species as “an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” In the Executive Summary of the National Invasive Species Management Plan (NISMP) the term invasive species is further clarified and defined as “a species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” To provide guidance for the development and implementation of the NISMP, the National Invasive Species Council (NISC) and the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC) adopted a set of principles outlined in Appendix 6 of the NISMP. Guiding Principle #1 provides additional context for defining the term invasive species and states “many alien species are non-invasive and support human livelihoods or a preferred quality of life.”