bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of sports activity in athletes with bicuspid aortic valve and mild aortic regurgitation
Authors: Galanti G , Stefani L , Toncelli L , Vono M C R , Mercuri R , Maffulli N 
Published: June 2008

ObjectiveIn this study, the impact of regular training on left ventricle morphology in a group of athletes with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) was evaluated.DesignLongitudinal cohort study. A group of competitive athletes with BAV was followed up with a yearly standard echocardiographic examination for 5 years.SettingSport Medicine Centre, University of Florence, Pre-Participation Protocol StudyParticipantsA group of 88 consecutive athletes diagnosed with BAV was identified in the period January to December 1999, and 30 of these completed a 5-year follow-up. They were compared with a group of 56 athletes with a normal tricuspid valve (TAV).ResultsBAV athletes showed significant progressive increase in left ventricular dimensions and aortic diameters at four levels. The values were within the range of the general and non-athletic BAV populations. In TAV athletes, the aortic and left ventricle dimensions did not increase significantly and remained within physiological range.ConclusionsLeft ventricular dimensions in competitive BAV athletes remain within the normal range. There is, however, a significant progressive increase in the BAV group compared with the TAV group. These results are in agreement with data obtained in previous studies on the non-athletic BAV population. Sports activity does not have an additional effect on cardiac morphology in athletes with asymptomatic BAV associated with mild regurgitation, for at least 5 years.
Longitudinal rates of smoking in a schizophrenia sample
Authors: Goldberg J O , Van Exan J 
Published: June 2008

Objectives:Despite the well documented link between high rates of smoking and schizophrenia, there have been no longitudinal studies that have looked at rates of smoking and associated factors over time. This prospective study examined the longitudinal rates of smoking in a schizophrenia clinic sample over a decade.Methods:Longitudinal survey research was conducted in a well established community-based psychiatric rehabilitation program in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, providing long-term intensive case management and rehabilitation skills training. Stable community outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia were surveyed initially in 1995 (n = 102) and then resurveyed 11 years later in 2006 (n = 76). The main outcome measure was self-report of smoking status.Results:Smoking rates dropped significantly over time, with evidence that the number of “quitters” tripled over the past decade and the number of “everyday” smokers decreased by almost a third from 63.2% down to 43.3% (p<0.001).Conclusions:The findings from the present study suggest that it is possible to obtain reduced smoking prevalence over time in a selected schizophrenia outpatient sample, though further research is required to better understand the factors related to quitting smoking in individuals with schizophrenia.
SERVICE-ORIENTED COMPUTING: A RESEARCH ROADMAP
Authors: PAPAZOGLOU MICHAEL P. , TRAVERSO PAOLO , DUSTDAR SCHAHRAM , LEYMANN FRANK 
Published: June 2008

Service-Oriented Computing (SOC) is a new computing paradigm that utilizes services as the basic constructs to support the development of rapid, low-cost and easy composition of distributed applications even in heterogeneous environments. The promise of Service-Oriented Computing is a world of cooperating services where application components are assembled with little effort into a network of services that can be loosely coupled to create flexible dynamic business processes and agile applications that may span organizations and computing platforms. The subject of Service-Oriented Computing is vast and enormously complex, spanning many concepts and technologies that find their origins in diverse disciplines that are woven together in an intricate manner. In addition, there is a need to merge technology with an understanding of business processes and organizational structures, a combination of recognizing an enterprise's pain points and the potential solutions that can be applied to correct them. The material in research spans an immense and diverse spectrum of literature, in origin and in character. As a result research activities are very fragmented. This necessitates that a broader vision and perspective be established — one that permeates and transforms the fundamental requirements of complex applications that require the use of the Service-Oriented Computing paradigm. This paper provides a Service Oriented Computing Roadmap and places on-going research activities and projects in the broader context of this roadmap. This research roadmap launches four pivotal, inherently related, research themes to Service-Oriented Computing: service foundations, service composition, service management and monitoring and service-oriented engineering.
CTLA4 blockade expands FoxP3+ regulatory and activated effector CD4+ T cells in a dose-dependent fashion
Authors: Kavanagh Brian , O'Brien Shaun , Lee David , Hou Yafei , Weinberg Vivian , Rini Brian , Allison James P. , Small Eric J. , Fong Lawrence 
Published: June 2008

AbstractCytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) delivers inhibitory signals to activated T cells. CTLA4 is constitutively expressed on regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs), but its role in these cells remains unclear. CTLA4 blockade has been shown to induce antitumor immunity. In this study, we examined the effects of anti-CTLA4 antibody on the endogenous CD4+ T cells in cancer patients. We show that CTLA4 blockade induces an increase not only in the number of activated effector CD4+ T cells, but also in the number of CD4+ FoxP3+ Tregs. Although the effects were dose-dependent, CD4+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells could be expanded at lower antibody doses. In contrast, expansion of effector T cells was seen only at the highest dose level studied. Moreover, these expanded CD4+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells are induced to proliferate with treatment and possess suppressor function. Our results demonstrate that treatment with anti-CTLA4 antibody does not deplete human CD4+ FoxP3+ Tregs in vivo, but rather may mediate its effects through the activation of effector T cells. Our results also suggest that CTLA4 may inhibit Treg proliferation similar to its role on effector T cells. This study is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00064129, registry number NCT00064129.
Interferon-α2b–induced thrombocytopenia is caused by inhibition of platelet production but not proliferation and endomitosis in human megakaryocytes
Authors: Yamane Akiko , Nakamura Takanori , Suzuki Hidenori , Ito Mamoru , Ohnishi Yasuyuki , Ikeda Yasuo , Miyakawa Yoshitaka 
Published: June 2008

AbstractHuman interferon (IFN)–α is the standard therapy for chronic hepatitis C to prevent its progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Thrombocytopenia is one of the major adverse effects of IFN-α and often leads to dose reduction or treatment discontinuation. However, there is little information on how IFN-α inhibits human megakaryopoiesis. In this study, we demonstrated that IFN-α did not inhibit colony formation of megakaryocytes from human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells. IFN-α did not inhibit endomitosis but did inhibit cytoplasmic maturation of megakaryocytes and platelet production in vitro. IFN-α suppressed the expression of transcription factors regulating late-stage megakaryopoiesis, such as GATA-1, p45NF-E2, MafG. IFN-α also significantly reduced the number of human platelets but not megakaryocytes, and did not inhibit endomitosis of human megakaryocytes in immunodeficient NOD/Shi-scid/IL-2Rγnull (NOG) mice transplanted with human CD34+ cells (hu-NOG). We also demonstrated that a novel thrombopoietin mimetic, NIP-004, was effective for treating IFN-α–induced thrombocytopenia in hu-NOG mice. From ultrastructural study, IFN-α inhibited the maturation of demarcation membranes in megakaryocytes, although NIP-004 prevented the inhibitory effects of IFN-α. These results defined the pathogenesis of IFN-α–induced thrombocytopenia and suggested possible future clinical applications for thrombopoietin mimetics.
GPR17: Molecular modeling and dynamics studies of the 3-D structure and purinergic ligand binding features in comparison with P2Y receptors
Authors: Parravicini Chiara , Ranghino Graziella , Abbracchio Maria P , Fantucci Piercarlo 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
GPR17 is a G-protein-coupled receptor located at intermediate phylogenetic position between two distinct receptor families: the P2Y and CysLT receptors for extracellular nucleotides and cysteinyl-LTs, respectively. We previously showed that GPR17 can indeed respond to both classes of endogenous ligands and to synthetic compounds active at the above receptor families, thus representing the first fully characterized non-peptide "hybrid" GPCR. In a rat brain focal ischemia model, the selective in vivo knock down of GPR17 by anti-sense technology or P2Y/CysLT antagonists reduced progression of ischemic damage, thus highlighting GPR17 as a novel therapeutic target for stroke. Elucidation of the structure of GPR17 and of ligand binding mechanisms are the necessary steps to obtain selective and potent drugs for this new potential target. On this basis, a 3-D molecular model of GPR17 embedded in a solvated phospholipid bilayer and refined by molecular dynamics simulations has been the first aim of this study. To explore the binding mode of the "purinergic" component of the receptor, the endogenous agonist UDP and two P2Y receptor antagonists demonstrated to be active on GPR17 (MRS2179 and cangrelor) were then modeled on the receptor.

Results
Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that GPR17 nucleotide binding pocket is similar to that described for the other P2Y receptors, although only one of the three basic residues that have been typically involved in ligand recognition is conserved (Arg255). The binding pocket is enclosed between the helical bundle and covered at the top by EL2. Driving interactions are H-bonds and salt bridges between the 6.55 and 6.52 residues and the phosphate moieties of the ligands. An "accessory" binding site in a region formed by the EL2, EL3 and the Nt was also found.

Conclusion
Nucleotide binding to GPR17 occurs on the same receptor regions identified for already known P2Y receptors. Agonist/antagonist binding mode are similar, but not identical. An accessory external binding site could guide small ligands to the deeper principal binding site in a multi-step mechanism of activation. The nucleotide binding pocket appears to be unable to allocate the leukotrienic type ligands in the same effective way.
Induction of maturation and activation of human dendritic cells: A mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of Viscum albumas complimentary therapy in cancer
Authors: Elluru Sri Ramulu , van Huyen Jean-Paul Duong , Delignat Sandrine , Kazatchkine Michel D , Friboulet Alain , Kaveri Srini V , Bayry Jagadeesh 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundViscum album(VA) preparations have been used as a complimentary therapy in cancer. In addition to their cytotoxic properties, they have also been shown to have immunostimulatory properties. In the present study, we examine the hypothesis that the VA preparations induce activation of human DC that facilitates effective tumor regression.MethodsFour day old monocyte-derived immature DCs were treated with VA Qu Spez at 5, 10 and 15 μg/ml for 48 hrs. The expression of surface molecules was analyzed by flow cytometry. The ability of Qu Spez-educated DC to stimulate T cells was analyzed by allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction and activation of Melan-A/MART-1-specific M77-80 CD8+T cells. Cytokines in cell free culture supernatant was analyzed by cytokine bead array assay.ResultsVA Qu Spez stimulated DCs presented with increased expression of antigen presenting molecule HLA-DR and of co-stimulatory molecules CD40, CD80 and CD86. The VA Qu Spez also induced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. Further, Qu Spez-educated DC stimulated CD4+T cells in a allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction and activated melanoma antigen Melan-A/MART-1-specific M77-80 CD8+T cells as evidenced by increased secretion of TNF-α and IFNγ.ConclusionThe VA preparations stimulate the maturation and activation of human DCs, which may facilitate anti-tumoral immune responses. These results should assist in understanding the immunostimulatory properties of VA preparations and improving the therapeutic strategies.
Soft tissue tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon associated to the Roman Bridge repair
Authors: Franceschi Francesco , Longo Umile Giuseppe , Ruzzini Laura , Rizzello Giacomo , Maffulli Nicola , Denaro Vincenzo 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Rotator cuff tears are frequently associated with pathologies of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). Tenotomy and tenodesis of the LHBT are commonly used to manage disorders of the LHBT.

Methods
We present an arthroscopic soft tissue LHBT tenodesis associated with a Roman Bridge (double pulley – suture bridges) repair

Results
Two medial row 5.5-mm Bio-Corkscrew suture anchors (Arthrex, Naples, FL), double-loaded with No. 2 FiberWire sutures (Arthrex, Naples, FL), are placed in the medial aspect of the footprint. A shuttle is passed through an anterior point of the rotator cuff and through the LHBT by means of a Penetrator or a BirdBeak suture passer (Arthrex, Naples, FL). A tenotomy of the LHBT is performed. All the sutures from the anteromedial anchor are passed through a single anterior point in the rotator cuff using a shuttle technique. All the sutures from the posteromedial anchor are passed through a single posterior point in the rotator cuff. The sutures in the medial row are tied using the double pulley technique. A suture limb is retrieved from each of the medial anchors and manually tied as a six-throw surgeon's knot over a metal rod. The two free suture limbs are pulled to transport the knot over the top of the tendon bridge. The two free suture limbs are then used to produce suture bridges over the tendon, using a Pushlock (Arthrex, Naples, FL), placed 1 cm distal to the lateral edge of the footprint. The same double pulley – suture bridges technique is repeated for the other two suture limbs from the two medial anchors.

Conclusion
This technique allows to perform a double pulley – suture bridges repair for a rotator cuff tear, associated with a soft tissue tenodesis for the management of LHBT pathology. The tenodesis of the LHBT is performed just with the passage of a shuttle inside the LHBT, after passing it through the anterior portion of the rotator cuff, with successive detachment of the LHBT from the glenoid. It is a technically easy procedure which can be performed relatively quickly, and does not require additional fixation.
Cancer risk among residents of Rhineland-Palatinate winegrowing communities: a cancer-registry based ecological study
Authors: Seidler Andreas , Hammer Gaël Paul , Husmann Gabriele , König Jochem , Krtschil Anne , Schmidtmann Irene , Blettner Maria 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Aim
To investigate the cancer risk among residents of Rhineland-Palatinate winegrowing communities in an ecological study.

Methods
On the basis of the Rhineland-Palatinate cancer-registry, we calculated age-adjusted incidence rate ratios for communities with a medium area under wine cultivation (>5 to 20 percent) and a large area under wine cultivation (>20 percent) in comparison with communities with a small area under wine cultivation (>0 to 5 percent). In a side analysis, standardized cancer incidence ratios (SIR) were computed separately for winegrowing communities with small, medium and large area under wine cultivation using estimated German incidence rates as reference.

Results
A statistically significant positive association with the extent of viniculture can be observed for non-melanoma skin cancer in both males and females, and additionally for prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in males, but not in females. Lung cancer risk is significantly reduced in communities with a large area under cultivation. In the side-analysis, elevated SIR for endocrine-related tumors of the breast, testis, prostate, and endometrium were observed.

Conclusion
This study points to a potentially increased risk of skin cancer, bladder cancer, and endocrine-mediated tumors in Rhineland-Palatinate winegrowing communities. However, due to the explorative ecologic study design and the problem of multiple testing, these findings are not conclusve for a causal relationship.
Jab1 is a target of EGFR signaling in ERα-negative breast cancer
Authors: Wang Jiaxu , Barnes Rebecca O , West Nathan R , Olson Melanie , Chu Jenny E , Watson Peter H 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Introduction
c-Jun activation domain-binding protein-1 (Jab1) is a multifunctional signaling protein that previously has been shown to be a master regulator of a poor prognostic gene signature in invasive breast cancer and to mediate the action of S100A7. Since epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), like S100A7, is often expressed in estrogen receptor-alpha-negative (ERα-) breast cancer, we set out to investigate the role of Jab1 in mediating EGFR signaling, another facet of the ERα- phenotype.

Methods
MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 ERα-/EGFR+ cell lines were assessed for localization of Jab1 and levels of downstream genes by immunofluorescence and nuclear protein extract assay following treatment with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway inhibitor. A cohort of 424 human breast tumors was also assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results
EGF treatment of cell lines resulted in increased Jab1 nuclear expression. This effect was inhibited by the ERK pathway inhibitor, PD98059. EGF treatment was also associated with colocalization of pERK (phosphorylated ERK) and Jab1 as well as regulation of the Jab1 downstream target gene, p27. When Jab1 activity was knocked down, p27 levels were restored to pre-EGF treatment level. Analysis of EGFR and Jab1 expression in a cohort of invasive breast tumors by tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry confirmed a relationship between EGFR and increased nuclear Jab1 within the ERα- subset (n = 154, P = 0.019). The same association was also confirmed for S100A7 and Jab1 (P = 0.036), and high Jab1 nuclear expression was most frequent in tumors that were positive for both EGFR and S100A7 (P = 0.004).

Conclusion
Jab1 is a target of EGFR signaling in ERα- cell lines and breast tumors and therefore may be a common central factor and potential therapeutic target for important cell signaling pathways in ERα- breast cancer.
The effectiveness of arthroscopic stabilisation for failed open shoulder instability surgery
Authors: Millar N. L. , Murrell G. A. C. 
Published: June 2008

We identified ten patients who underwent arthroscopic revision of anterior shoulder stabilisation between 1999 and 2005. Their results were compared with 15 patients, matched for age and gender, who had a primary arthroscopic stabilisation during the same period. At a mean follow-up of 37 and 36 months, respectively, the scores for pain and shoulder function improved significantly between the pre-operative and follow-up visits in both groups (p = 0.002), with no significant difference between them (p = 0.4). The UCLA and Rowe shoulder scores improved significantly (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002, respectively), with no statistically significant differences between groups (p = 0.6). Kaplan-Meier analysis for time to recurrent instability showed no differences between the groups (p = 0.2). These results suggest that arthroscopic revision anterior shoulder stabilisation is as reliable as primary arthroscopic stabilisation for patients who have had previous open surgery for recurrent anterior instability.
The in vitro effects of bupivacaine on articular chondrocytes
Authors: Chu C. R. , Izzo N. J. , Coyle C. H. , Papas N. E. , Logar A. 
Published: June 2008

We have studied the effects of bupivacaine on human and bovine articular chondrocytes in vitro. Time-lapse confocal microscopy of human articular chondrocytes showed > 95% cellular death after exposure to 0.5% bupivacaine for 30 minutes. Human and bovine chondrocytes exposed to 0.25% bupivacaine had a time-dependent reduction in viability, with longer exposure times resulting in higher cytotoxicity. Cellular death continued even after removal of 0.25% bupivacaine. After exposure to 0.25% bupivacaine for 15 minutes, flow cytometry showed bovine chondrocyte viability to be 41% of saline control after seven days. After exposure to 0.125% bupivacaine for up to 60 minutes, the viability of both bovine and human chondrocytes was similar to that of control groups. These data show that prolonged exposure 0.5% and 0.25% bupivacaine solutions are potentially chondrotoxic.
Introduction: The Constitution and Public Policy in U.S. History
Authors: Schulman Bruce J. , Zelizer Julian E. 
Published: June 2008

Huzza! My brave boys, our work is complete;The world shall admire Columbia's fair feat;Its strength against tempest and time shall be proof, Andthousands shall come to dwell under our roof:Whilst we drain the deep bowl, our toast still shall beOur government firm, and our citizens free.
Evaluation of floristic diversity in urban areas as a basis for habitat management
Authors: Muratet Audrey , Porcher E. , Devictor V. , Arnal G. , Moret J. , Wright S. , Machon N. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractQuestions: How can floristic diversity be evaluated in conser‐vation plans to identify sites of highest interest for biodiversity? What are the mechanisms influencing the distribution of species in human‐dominated environments? What are the best criteria to identify sites where active urban management is most likely to enhance floristic diversity?Location: The Hauts‐de‐Seine district bordering Paris, France.Methods: We described the floristic diversity in one of the most urbanized French districts through the inventory of ca. 1000 sites located in 23 habitats. We built a new index of floristic interest (IFI), integrating information on richness, indigeneity, typicality and rarity of species, to identify sites and habitats of highest interest for conservation. Finally, we explored the relationship between site IFI and land use patterns (LUP).Results: We observed a total of 626 vascular plant species. Habitats with highest IFI were typically situated in seminatural environments or environments with moderate human impact. We also showed that neighbouring (urban) structures had a significant influence on the floristic interest of sites: for example, the presence of collective dwellings around a site had a strong negative impact on IFI.Conclusions: Our approach can be used to optimize management in urban zones; we illustrate such possibilities by defining a ‘Site Potential Value’, which was then compared with the observed IFI, to identify areas (e.g. river banks) where better management could improve the district's biodiversity.