bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene polymorphism with pancreatic cancer but not colon cancer
Authors: Miyasaka Kyoko , Hosoya Hiroko , Tanaka Yasuo , Uegaki Satoko , Kino Kenji , Shimokata Hiroshi , Kawanami Takako , Funakoshi Akihiro
Published: September 2010

Aims:  Most of the acetaldehyde, a recognized animal carcinogen, generated during alcohol metabolism is eliminated by liver mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). More than 40% of Japanese people have the inactive form of ALDH2, and inactive ALDH2 is a risk factor for multiple cancer of the esophagus, as well as head and neck cancer. Possible associations between pancreatic cancer and ALDH2 gene polymorphism, as well as between colon cancer and ALDH2 gene polymorphism, in conjunction with smoking and/or drinking habits, were examined in a Japanese population.

Methods:  Patients with pancreatic cancer (n = 187) and with colon cancer (n = 49) were examined. The drinking (5 g ethanol consumption/day) and/or smoking habits as well as ALDH2 gene polymorphism were examined. The age‐matched control subjects were recruited in the NILS Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSA).

Results:  Aging, smoking and inactive ALDH2, but not alcohol, are independent risk factors for pancreatic cancer. The frequency of smoking habits tended to be higher in patients with colon cancer compared with the patients without cancer. However, age, body mass index or the distribution of ALDH2 genotypes did not differ significantly among the patients with colon cancer, colon polyps and others.

Conclusions:  Inactive ALDH2 is an independent risk factor for pancreatic cancer, but inactive ALDH2 might not be a risk for colon cancer. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10 (Suppl. 1): S120–S126.
Extra‐Amniotic Administration of Single Dose of 15 (S) 15 Methyl Prostaglandin E2 Methyl Ester for Pre‐Operative Cervical Dilatation
Authors: Choo H.T. , Karim S.M.M. , Cheng Peggy
Published: September 2010

Dilatation of the cervix by a single extra‐amniotic dose of 25 μg of 15 (S) 15 methyl PGE2 methyl ester was attempted in 425 women prior to vacuum aspiration or curettage. The procedure resulted in cervical dilatation of 10 mm or more in 385 patients and a dilatation of 8 mm in a further 21 women. Vacuum aspiration or curettage was possible in these patients without mechanical dilatation of the cervix. The treatment was associated with minor gastiointestinal side effects and pyrexia in a small number of women.
Radical Surgery for Pelvic Malignancies
Authors: Sotto Luciano S. J. , Manahan Constantino P.
Published: September 2010

From June 1, 1961 to May 31, 1973, or a 12‐year period, we performed a total of 188 radical pelvic operations in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Philippine General Hospital. Radical hysterectomy was done on 142 patients, pelvic exenteration on 16, radical vulvectomy and bilateral groin and pelvic node dissection on 27, and a combined radical vulvectomy and pelvic exenteration on 3. There were 157 patients with cancer of the cervix, 26 with cancer of the vulva, 3 with cancer of the vagina, and one each with cancer of the ovary and corpus uteri. Pelvic exenteration had the highest mortality and morbidity rates, followed by radical hysterectomy. There was no mortality in the radical vulvectomy group. The long‐term survival rate (3–12 years) with radical vulvectomy was 79%, with radical hysterectomy for cancer of the cervix, stage I was 72%, for stage H‐a, was 643%, and for recurrent cervical cancer was 36.8%. In the pelvic exenteration group, the long‐term survival rate (3–12 years) was 43.7%. Those patients who underwent a combined radical vulvectomy and pelvic exenteration had the lowest survival rate, 33.3%.
Estriol Excretion in Normal and Abnormal Pregnancies
Authors: Gongsakdi D. , Suvatti A. , Anuman‐Rajadhon Y.
Published: September 2010

The modification of the Touchstone‐Green technique used for determining urinary estriol is described. The urinary estriol excretion in 116 normal pregnant women and in 355 patients with complicated pregnancy is also presented. No fetal loss in pregnant women with complications when estriol excretion remained in the normal range. Very low estriol values below 4 mg. per day were encountered in the patients with anencephalic fetus, intrauterine death and hydatidiform mole.
Recommended changes to diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes: Impact on workload
Authors: FLACK Jeff R. , ROSS Glynis P. , HO Suyen , McELDUFF Aidan
Published: September 2010

Background:  Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is recognised as a significant problem in pregnancy. Changes to GDM diagnostic criteria have been proposed following analysis of data from the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study. We sought to assess the impact on the workload for GDM management in Australia that would occur if these changes were adopted.

Aim:  To assess the impact on health professional workload, specifically management of the number of additional women who would be diagnosed with GDM, should the newly recommended diagnostic criteria be adopted in Australia.

Methods:  We analysed oral glucose tolerance test results undertaken in pregnant women at two large pathology services in South West and Northern Sydney. We calculated GDM rates using current Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) Australian Criteria and the rates using the proposed new criteria.

Results:  These workload data compare ADIPS and proposed International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups Criteria. In a high‐risk population examined in two time periods, the estimated increase in workload was 29.0% (based on November 2005 to August 2007 data) and 31.9% (based on September 2007 to August 2009 data). Data from Northern Sydney indicated a 21.7% increased workload (based on September 1998 to July 2009 data).

Conclusions:  If the newly recommended changes to the diagnostic criteria for GDM are implemented in Australia, we may need to change the way we currently structure our services to manage GDM, to cope with the workload impact of the significantly increased number of women who would require management. In some units this change will be substantial.
Validity of the Prey‐Trap Hypothesis for Carnivore‐Ungulate Interactions at Wildlife‐Crossing Structures
Authors: FORD ADAM T. , CLEVENGER ANTHONY P.
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Wildlife‐exclusion fencing and wildlife‐crossing structures (e.g., underpasses and overpasses) are becoming increasingly common features of highway projects around the world. The prey‐trap hypothesis posits that predators exploit crossing structures to detect and capture prey. The hypothesis predicts that predation events occur closer to a highway after the construction of fences and crossing structures and that prey species’ use of crossings increases the probability that predators will attack prey. We examined interactions between ungulates and large carnivores at 28 wildlife crossing structures along 45 km of the Trans‐Canada Highway in Banff National Park, Alberta. We obtained long‐term records of locations where ungulates were killed (kill sites) before and after crossing structures were built. We also placed remote, motion‐triggered cameras at two crossing structures to monitor predator behavior following ungulate passage through the structure. The proximity of ungulate kill sites to the highway was similar before and after construction of fencing and crossing structures. We found only five kill sites near crossing structures after more than 32,000 visits over 13 years. We found no evidence that predator behavior at crossing structures is affected by prey movement. Our results suggest that interactions between large mammals and their prey at wildlife‐crossing structures in Banff National Park are not explained by the prey‐trap hypothesis.
The Effects of Using Different Procedures to Score Maze Measures
Authors: Pierce Rebecca L. , McMaster Kristen L. , Deno Stanley L.
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine how different scoring procedures affect interpretation of maze curriculum‐based measurements. Fall and spring data were collected from 199 students receiving supplemental reading instruction. Maze probes were scored first by counting all correct maze choices, followed by four scoring variations designed to reduce the effect of random guessing. Pearson's r correlation coefficients were calculated among scoring procedures and between maze scores and a standardized measure of reading. In addition, t tests were conducted to compare fall to spring growth for each scoring procedure. Results indicated that scores derived from the different procedures are highly correlated, demonstrate criterion‐related validity, and show fall‐to‐spring growth. Educators working with struggling readers may use any of the five scoring procedures to obtain technically sound scores.
New insights into the enigma of immunoglobulin D
Authors: Chen Kang , Cerutti Andrea
Published: September 2010

Summary:  Immunoglobulin D (IgD) has remained a mysterious antibody class for almost half a century. IgD was initially thought to be a recently evolved Ig isotype expressed only by some mammalian species, but recent discoveries in fishes and amphibians demonstrate that IgD was present in the ancestor of all jawed vertebrates and has important immunological functions. The structure of IgD has been very dynamic throughout evolution. Mammals can express IgD through alternative splicing and class switch recombination. Active cell‐dependent and T‐cell‐independent IgM‐to‐IgD class switching takes place in a unique subset of human B cells from the upper aerodigestive mucosa, which provides a layer of mucosal protection by interacting with many pathogens and their virulence factors. Circulating IgD can bind to myeloid cells such as basophils and induce antimicrobial, inflammatory, and B‐cell‐stimulating factors upon cross‐linking, which contributes to not only immune surveillance but also inflammation and tissue damage when this pathway is overactivated under pathological conditions. Recent research shows that IgD is an important immunomodulator that orchestrates an ancestral surveillance system at the interface between immunity and inflammation.
Roles of B‐1 and B‐2 cells in innate and acquired IgA‐mediated immunity
Authors: Suzuki Keiichiro , Maruya Mikako , Kawamoto Shimpei , Fagarasan Sidonia
Published: September 2010

Summary:  The gut harbors an extremely dense and complex community of microorganisms that are in constant dialog with our immune cells. The gut bacteria provide strong selective pressure to the host to evolve innate and adaptive immune responses required for the maintenance of local and systemic homeostasis. One of the most conspicuous responses of the gut immune system following microbial colonization is the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA). In this review, we discuss the roles of B‐1 and B‐2 cells in IgA‐mediated immunity and present an updated view for the sites and mechanisms of IgA synthesis in the gut. We summarize the role of secretory IgAs for regulation of microbial communities and provide clues as to how the gut microbiota contributes to the development of the gut‐associated lymphoid tissues.
Serotonin controls the maturation of the GABA phenotype in the ventral spinal cord via 5‐HT1B receptors
Authors: Allain Anne‐Emilie , Ségu Louis , Meyrand Pierre , Branchereau Pascal
Published: September 2010

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine or 5‐HT) is a pleiotropic neurotransmitter known to play a crucial modulating role during the construction of brain circuits. Descending bulbo‐spinal 5‐HT fibers, coming from the caudal medullary cell groups of the raphe nuclei, progressively invade the mouse spinal cord and arrive at lumbar segments at E15.5 when the number of ventral GABA immunoreactive (GABA‐ir) interneurons reaches its maximum. We thus raised the question of a possible interaction between these two neurotransmitter systems and investigated the effect of 5‐HT descending inputs on the maturation of the GABA phenotype in ventral spinal interneurons. Using a quantitative anatomical study performed on acute and cultured embryonic mouse spinal cord, we found that the GABAergic neuronal population matured according to a similar rostro‐caudal gradient both in utero and in organotypic culture. We showed that 5‐HT delayed the maturation of the GABA phenotype in lumbar but not brachial interneurons. Using pharmacological treatments and mice lacking 5‐HT1B or 5‐HT1A, we demonstrated that the 5‐HT repressing effect on the GABAergic phenotype was specifically attributed to 5‐HT1B receptors.
Some principles of organization of spinal neurons underlying locomotion in zebrafish and their implications
Authors: Fetcho Joseph R. , McLean David L.
Published: September 2010

Recent studies of the spinal motor system of zebrafish, along with work in other species, are leading to some principles that appear to underlie the organization and recruitment of motor networks in cord: (1) broad neuronal classes defined by a set of transcription factors, key morphological features, and transmitter phenotypes arise in an orderly way from different dorso‐ventral zones in spinal cord; (2) motor behaviors and both motoneurons and interneurons differentiate in order from gross, often faster, movements and the neurons driving them to progressively slower movements and their underlying neurons; (3) recruitment order of motoneurons and interneurons is based upon time of differentiation; (4) different locomotor speeds involve some shifts in the set of active interneurons. Here we review these principles and some of their implications for other parts of the brain, other vertebrates, and limbed locomotion.
SHORT CONTRIBUTION: The latest endangered species in Australia: A tobacco‐smoking veterinarian
Authors: Smith DR , Leggat PA , Speare R
Published: September 2010

The results of a tobacco smoking survey conducted among veterinarians in Queensland, Australia, during 2007 are presented. Of the 567 participants only 3% reported being current smokers, 24% were ex‐smokers and 73% had never smoked. The prevalence of smoking was similar among males and females, and the highest smoking rate was reported among veterinarians aged 31–40 years. However, the rate of never‐smokers was strongly and negatively correlated with age, and the proportion of ex‐smokers increased with age. Encouragingly, the results from this study suggest that tobacco use has all but disappeared from the Australian veterinary profession in recent years.
In situ study of nickel formation during decomposition of chemical vapor deposition Ni3N films
Authors: Lindahl E. , Ottosson M. , Carlsson J.-O.
Published: September 2010

The thermal decomposition of Ni3N thin films, deposited by chemical vapor deposition on SrTiO3 (001) and Si (100) substrates, has been studied by in situ x-ray diffraction, as well as temperature-programed controlled gas emission in both inert and hydrogen atmospheres. The decomposition at inert atmosphere conditions starts at the film/substrate interface, which results in a high degree of ordering in the formed nickel film. In the H2 atmosphere, the initial film ordering is less pronounced and the decomposition occurs from the film surface and downward. This means that by choosing the annealing atmosphere, inert or hydrogen, the formation of the Ni film can be localized to either the original nitride/substrate interface or to the surface of the nitride. The annealed films show a cube-on-cube growth with respect to the SrTiO3 (001) substrate. The film morphology after the annealing experiments resembles the one of the as-deposited films. The lowest resistivity value is measured for the films annealed in the H2 atmosphere.
Degradation of mussel (Mytilus edulis) fecal pellets released from hanging long-lines upon sinking and after settling at the sediment
Authors: Carlsson Marita Sundstein , Glud Ronnie Nøhr , Petersen Jens Kjerulf
Published: September 2010

Long-line mussel farming is well established in many coastal areas around the world, and the concurrent carbon enrichment below farms potentially can have local environmental impacts. The degradation of released mussel ( Mytilus edulis ) pellets was investigated by a number of complementary incubation approaches. After 140 h in suspension, most of the labile fraction of the pellet material had been degraded. However, because of the shallow water depth at our study site (8 m), only a minute fraction of carbon was released to the water column during sinking, of which ~50% was rapidly turned over. Pellets settling at the sediment in realistic concentrations immediately stimulated the benthic O2 uptake. The elevated O2 uptake gradually declined and reached the background level after 96 h, at which time ~25% of the added material had been degraded. The main fraction of pellets (75%) was more refractory and remained in the sediment where it was either retained or degraded on much longer time scales. The quantitative response of benthic pellet enrichment observed in the laboratory was confirmed by in situ trap measurements and incubations of sediment collected below and away from active farms.
Genome-wide Analysis of Novel Splice Variants Induced by Topoisomerase I Poisoning Shows Preferential Occurrence in Genes Encoding Splicing Factors
Authors: Solier Stéphanie , Barb Jennifer , Zeeberg Barry R. , Varma Sudhir , Ryan Mike C. , Kohn Kurt W. , Weinstein John N. , Munson Peter J. , Pommier Yves
Published: September 2010

RNA splicing is required to remove introns from pre-mRNA, and alternative splicing generates protein diversity. Topoisomerase I (Top1) has been shown to be coupled with splicing by regulating serine/arginine-rich splicing proteins. Prior studies on isolated genes also showed that Top1 poisoning by camptothecin (CPT), which traps Top1 cleavage complexes (Top1cc), can alter RNA splicing. Here, we tested the effect of Top1 inhibition on splicing at the genome-wide level in human colon carcinoma HCT116 and breast carcinoma MCF7 cells. The RNA of HCT116 cells treated with CPT for various times was analyzed with ExonHit Human Splice Array. Unlike other exon array platforms, the ExonHit arrays include junction probes that allow the detection of splice variants with high sensitivity and specificity. We report that CPT treatment preferentially affects the splicing of splicing-related factors, such as RBM8A, and generates transcripts coding for inactive proteins lacking key functional domains. The splicing alterations induced by CPT are not observed with cisplatin or vinblastine and are not simply due to reduced Top1 activity, as Top1 downregulation by short interfering RNA did not alter splicing like CPT treatment. Inhibition of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) hyperphosphorylation by 5,6-dichloro-1-β-d-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) blocked the splicing alteration induced by CPT, which suggests that the rapid Pol II hyperphosphorylation induced by CPT interferes with normal splicing. The preferential effect of CPT on genes encoding splicing factors may explain the abnormal splicing of a large number of genes in response to Top1cc. Cancer Res; 70(20); 8055–65. ©2010 AACR.
Streptococcal Inhibitor of Complement Promotes Innate Immune Resistance Phenotypes of Invasive M1T1 Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Pence Morgan A. , Rooijakkers Suzan H.M. , Cogen Anna L. , Cole Jason N. , Hollands Andrew , Gallo Richard L. , Nizet Victor
Published: September 2010

Streptococcal inhibitor of complement (SIC) is a highly polymorphic extracellular protein and putative virulence factor secreted by M1 and M57 strains of group A Streptococcus (GAS). The sic gene is highly upregulated in invasive M1T1 GAS isolates following selection of mutations in the covR/S regulatory locus in vivo. Previous work has shown that SIC (allelic form 1.01) binds to and inactivates complement C5b67 and human cathelicidin LL-37. We examined the contribution of SIC to innate immune resistance phenotypes of GAS in the intact organism, using (1) targeted deletion of sic in wild-type and animal-passaged (covS mutant) M1T1 GAS harboring the sic 1.84 allele and (2) heterologous expression of sic in M49 GAS, which does not possess the sic genein its genome. We find that M1T1 SIC production is strongly upregulated upon covS mutation but that the sic gene is not required for generation and selection of covS mutants in vivo. SIC 1.84 bound both human and murine cathelicidins and was necessary and sufficient to promote covS mutant M1T1 GAS resistance to LL-37, growth in human whole blood and virulence in a murine model of systemic infection. Finally, the sic knockout mutant M1T1 GAS strain was deficient in growth in human serum and intracellular macrophage survival. We conclude that SIC contributes to M1T1 GAS immune resistance and virulence phenotypes.
Can the Deforestation Breeze Change the Rainfall in Amazonia? A Case Study for the BR-163 Highway Region
Authors: Saad Sandra I. , da Rocha Humberto R. , Silva Dias Maria A. F. , Rosolem Rafael
Published: September 2010

The authors simulated the effects of Amazonian mesoscale deforestation in the boundary layer and in rainfall with the Brazilian Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (BRAMS) model. They found that both the area and shape (with respect to wind incidence) of deforestation and the soil moisture status contributed to the state of the atmosphere during the time scale of several weeks, with distinguishable patterns of temperature, humidity, and rainfall. Deforestation resulted in the development of a three-dimensional thermal cell, the so-called deforestation breeze, slightly shifted downwind to large-scale circulation. The boundary layer was warmer and drier above 1000-m height and was slightly wetter up to 2000-m height. Soil wetness affected the circulation energetics proportionally to the soil dryness (for soil wetness below ∼0.6). The shape of the deforestation controlled the impact on rainfall. The horizontal strips lined up with the prevailing wind showed a dominant increase in rainfall, significant up to about 60 000 km2. On the other hand, in the patches aligned in the opposite direction (north–south), there was both increase and decrease in precipitation in two distinct regions, as a result of clearly separated upward and downward branches, which caused the precipitation to increase for patches up to 15 000 km2. The authors’ estimates for the size of deforestation impacting the rainfall contributed to fill up the low spatial resolution in other previous studies.
Detection of a novel truncating Merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen deletion in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells
Authors: Pantulu N. Deepa , Pallasch Christian P. , Kurz Anna Kordelia , Kassem Ahmad , Frenzel Lukas , Sodenkamp Sebastian , Kvasnicka Hans Michael , Wendtner Clemens M. , zur Hausen Axel
Published: September 2010

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is detected in approximately 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC). Yet, clonal integration and truncating mutations of the large T antigen (LTAg) of MCPyV are restricted to MCC. We tested the presence and mutations of MCPyV in highly purified leukemic cells of 70 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. MCPyV was detected in 27.1% (n = 19) of these CLL cases. In contrast, MCPyV was detected only in 13.4% of normal controls (P < .036) in which no LTAg mutations were found. Mutational analyses revealed a novel 246bp LTAg deletion in the helicase gene in 6 of 19 MCPyV-positive CLL cases. 2 CLL cases showed concomitant mutated and wild-type MCPyV. Immunohistochemistry revealed protein expression of the LTAg in MCPyV-positive CLL cases. The detection of MCPyV, including LTAg deletions and LTAg expression in CLL cells argues for a potential role of MCPyV in a significant subset of CLL cases.
Combination of diffusion tensor and functional magnetic resonance imaging during recovery from the vegetative state
Authors: Fernández-Espejo Davinia , Junque Carme , Cruse Damian , Bernabeu Montserrat , Roig-Rovira Teresa , Fábregas Neus , Rivas Eva , Mercader Jose M
Published: September 2010

Background

The rate of recovery from the vegetative state (VS) is low. Currently, little is known of the mechanisms and cerebral changes that accompany those relatively rare cases of good recovery. Here, we combined functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study the evolution of one VS patient at one month post-ictus and again twelve months later when he had recovered consciousness.

Methods

fMRI was used to investigate cortical responses to passive language stimulation as well as task-induced deactivations related to the default-mode network. DTI was used to assess the integrity of the global white matter and the arcuate fasciculus. We also performed a neuropsychological assessment at the time of the second MRI examination in order to characterize the profile of cognitive deficits.

Results

fMRI analysis revealed anatomically appropriate activation to speech in both the first and the second scans but a reduced pattern of task-induced deactivations in the first scan. In the second scan, following the recovery of consciousness, this pattern became more similar to that classically described for the default-mode network. DTI analysis revealed relative preservation of the arcuate fasciculus and of the global normal-appearing white matter at both time points. The neuropsychological assessment revealed recovery of receptive linguistic functioning by 12-months post-ictus.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the combination of different structural and functional imaging modalities may provide a powerful means for assessing the mechanisms involved in the recovery from the VS.
Inhibitory effects on HAV IRES-mediated translation and replication by a combination of amantadine and interferon-alpha
Authors: Yang Lingli , Kiyohara Tomoko , Kanda Tatsuo , Imazeki Fumio , Fujiwara Keiichi , Gauss-Müller Verena , Ishii Koji , Wakita Takaji , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: September 2010

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes acute hepatitis and sometimes leads to fulminant hepatitis. Amantadine is a tricyclic symmetric amine that inhibits the replication of many DNA and RNA viruses. Amantadine was reported to suppress HAV replication, and the efficacy of amantadine was exhibited in its inhibition of the internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) activities of HAV. Interferon (IFN) also has an antiviral effect through the induction of IFN stimulated genes (ISG) and the degradation of viral RNA. To explore the mechanism of the suppression of HAV replication, we examined the effects of the combination of amantadine and IFN-alpha on HAV IRES-mediated translation, HAV replicon replication in human hepatoma cell lines, and HAV KRM003 genotype IIIB strain replication in African green monkey kidney cell GL37. IFN-alpha seems to have no additive effect on HAV IRES-mediated translation inhibition by amantadine. However, suppressions of HAV replicon and HAV replication were stronger with the combination than with amantadine alone. In conclusion, amantadine, in combination of IFN-alpha, might have a beneficial effect in some patients with acute hepatitis A.
Plasma bile acids are not associated with energy metabolism in humans
Authors: Brufau Gemma , Bahr Matthias J , Staels Bart , Claudel Thierry , Ockenga Johann , Böker Klaus HW , Murphy Elizabeth J , Prado Kris , Stellaard Frans , Manns Michael P , Kuipers Folkert , Tietge Uwe JF
Published: September 2010

Bile acids (BA) have recently been shown to increase energy expenditure in mice, but this concept has not been tested in humans. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between plasma BA levels and energy expenditure in humans. Type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients (n = 12) and gender, age and BMI-matched healthy controls (n = 12) were studied before and after 8 weeks of treatment with a BA sequestrant. In addition, patients with liver cirrhosis (n = 46) were investigated, since these display elevated plasma BA together with increased energy expenditure. This group was compared to gender-, age- and BMI-matched healthy controls (n = 20). Fasting plasma levels of total BA and individual BA species as well as resting energy expenditure were determined. In response to treatment with the BA sequestrant, plasma deoxycholic acid (DCA) levels decreased in controls (-60%, p < 0.05) and T2DM (-32%, p < 0.05), while chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) decreased in controls only (-33%, p < 0.05). Energy expenditure did not differ between T2DM and controls at baseline and, in contrast to plasma BA levels, was unaffected by treatment with the BA sequestrant. Total BA as well as individual BA species did not correlate with energy expenditure at any time throughout the study. Patients with cirrhosis displayed on average an increase in energy expenditure of 18% compared to values predicted by the Harris-Benedict equation, and plasma levels of total BA (up to 12-fold) and individual BA (up to 20-fold) were increased over a wide range. However, neither total nor individual plasma BA levels correlated with energy expenditure. In addition, energy expenditure was identical in patients with a cholestatic versus a non-cholestatic origin of liver disease while plasma total BA levels differed four-fold between the groups. In conclusion, in the various (patho)physiological conditions studied, plasma BA levels were not associated with changes in energy expenditure. Therefore, our data do not support an important role of circulating BA in the control of human energy metabolism.
Maternal growth factor regulation of human placental development and fetal growth
Authors: Forbes Karen , Westwood Melissa
Published: September 2010

Normal development and function of the placenta is critical to achieving a successful pregnancy, as normal fetal growth depends directly on the transfer of nutrients from mother to fetus via this organ. Recently, it has become apparent from both animal and human studies that growth factors within the maternal circulation, for example the IGFs, are important regulators of placental development and function. Although these factors act via distinct receptors to exert their effects, the downstream molecules activated upon ligand/receptor interaction are common to many growth factors. The expression of numerous signaling molecules is altered in the placentas from pregnancies affected by the fetal growth complications, fetal growth restriction, and macrosomia. Thus, targeting these molecules may lead to more effective treatments for complications of pregnancy associated with altered placental development. Here, we review the maternal growth factors required for placental development and discuss their mechanism of action.
Soil and Crop Parameters Related to Corn Nitrogen Response in Eastern Canada
Authors: Nyiraneza Judith , N'Dayegamiye Adrien , Gasser Marc O. , Giroux Marcel , Grenier Michèle , Landry Christine , Guertin Simon
Published: September 2010

Information regarding the relationships between soil properties and the economic optimum N rate for crop yield is needed to ensure profitable use of N fertilizer. This study was conducted in 2007 and 2008 at 62 field sites in Québec (eastern Canada) to assess corn (Zea mays L.) response to N fertilizer, to calculate the economically optimum nitrogen rate (EONR) and corn yield (EOY), and to relate these two parameters with soil and crop‐based parameters. Yield response to N fertilizer rates (0–250 kg N ha−1) at each site was fitted to a linear, quadratic, or quadratic‐plus‐plateau model. The EONR and yield (EOY) were related to 12 soil and crop‐based parameters, and corn heat units (CHU). The quadratic‐plus‐plateau model best described the yield‐fertilizer relationship at 43 of the 62 field sites. The values of EOY varied from 7.4 to 13.3 Mg ha−1 in 2007 and from 5.2 to 11.2 Mg ha−1 in 2008, while EONR was between 73 and 235 kg N ha−1 in 2007 and from 48 to 200 kg N ha−1 in 2008. Correlation and principal component analysis showed that dissolved nitrogen (DNc) and dissolved carbon (DOCc) extracted with cold water and pre‐sidedress nitrate analyzed using nitrate test strips (PSNTts) were significantly and negatively related to EONR. In both years, PSNTts was consistently related to EONR, and CHU with EOY. While it remains challenging to predict EONR due to site‐specific variability and fluctuations in growing conditions, the PSNTts test shows promise in predicting the EONR for corn production in Québec.
Genotype × Environment Interactions for Grain Yield in Rainfed Winter Wheat Multi‐Environment Trials in Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Reza , Roustaii Mozaffar , Haghparast Reza , Roohi Ebrahim , Solimani Kazem , Ahmadi Malak Masoud , Abedi Gholam Reza , Amri Ahmed
Published: September 2010

Genotype × environment (G × E) interaction analysis was investigated on grain yield of 20 winter wheat genotypes grown in 24 environments in cold winter areas of Iran during 3 yr. Cluster and biplot analyses were applied to separate testing environments into groups with the same top‐yielding genotypes. Environment followed by G × E interaction effects accounted for the greatest proportion of the variability of grain yield of winter wheat genotypes. Cluster analysis divided both genotypes and environments into three groups, which accounted for 64.4% of the G × E sum of squares (SS). Biplot analysis confirmed the classification analysis and showed that different environment groups tend to discriminate genotype groups in dissimilar fashions. The genotype group G‐I with the highest yielding performance had the best adaptation to environment groups with the highest (E‐I) and the lowest (E‐III) yield potential. Genotype group G‐II was adapted to environment group E‐II with average yield potential, while the genotype group G‐III appeared to have the poorest adaptation to environment groups. The environmental PC1 leads to noncrossover G × E interactions, while PC2 represents a disproportional genotype response across locations, explaining crossover G × E interactions. The testing environments involved in E‐I and E‐III with large PC1 scores and low PC2 scores were the best for genotype discrimination. Results show that the highest yielding genotypes G4, G10, and G17 with the lowest changes in grain yields across environments were the most stable and are consequently good candidates for commercial release in cold winter areas of Iran.
Evaluation of Agronomic and Economic Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Additions to Green Pepper with Drip Fertigation
Authors: Zhang T. Q. , Liu K. , Tan C. S. , Hong J. P. , Warner J.
Published: September 2010

Drip fertigation is an effective way in splitting soluble fertilizer application to simultaneously meet water and nutrient demands of multi‐harvested green pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). However, fruit yield and the profitability of green pepper can be constrained, if nutrients are either insufficiently or excessively supplied. A 3‐yr experiment was conducted to assess both agronomic and economic effects of fertilizer N and P addition for green pepper grown under drip fertigation. Both fruit yields, including total and marketable, and net economic return responded quadratically to fertilizer N rate. The 3‐yr average maximum marketable yield of 38 Mg ha−1 was achieved at the N rate of 227 kg N ha−1 The economic optimum N rate was identical to the one required for the production of maximum marketable yield, due to the large price ratio of green pepper to fertilizer N. Nitrogen use efficiency and N agronomic efficiency decreased as N rate increased. The amount of fertilizer N required for production of each megagram of marketable fruit yield increased with the level of yield, with an average of 6.0 kg N Mg−1 fruit across the 3 yr at the maximum marketable yield. Fertilizer P did not affect selected variables, except for both total and marketable fruit yields that increased linearly with increases in P rate in one of the 3 yr. The results suggested that an increase in the optimum N rate to 227 kg N ha−1 is needed to maximize the profitability of green pepper production with drip fertigation
Forage Nonstructural Carbohydrates and Nutritive Value as Affected by Time of Cutting and Species
Authors: Pelletier Sophie , Tremblay Gaëtan F. , Bélanger Gilles , Bertrand Annick , Castonguay Yves , Pageau Denis , Drapeau Raynald
Published: September 2010

Total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) provide readily fermentable energy to rumen microbes and their increased concentration in forages improves N use efficiency in dairy cows (Bos taurus). This study was conducted to compare TNC concentration of grass and legume forage species and to determine how variations of TNC concentration caused by time of cutting during the day differ among forage species and how these variations are related to other attributes of forage nutritive value. Six grass and two legume species were cut at 0900 h (AM) and 1530 h (PM) in the spring growth and summer regrowth of two harvest years. The TNC concentration was estimated by the sum of sucrose, glucose, fructose, pinitol, fructans, and starch. Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and tall fescue [Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub] had the greatest TNC concentration [94.2 g kg−1 of dry matter (DM) across time of cutting and growth periods] whereas reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) had the lowest TNC concentration (65.5 g kg−1 DM). Concentration of TNC of all species increased with PM cutting but the extent of this increase varied among forage species. This increase, averaged across growth periods, went from 13% in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss; 67.0–73.9 g kg−1 DM) to 68% in reed canarygrass (49.6–81.4 g kg−1 DM). Increased TNC concentration with PM‐cutting resulted in significant but small decreases in N, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) concentrations and a small increase in in vitro true digestibility (IVTD). Both species selection and PM cutting can be used to increase forage total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) concentrations.
Dark ingredients in one drop
Authors: Dymnikova Irina , Galaktionov Evgeny
Published: September 2010

A unified description of dark ingredients is realized by a vacuum dark fluid defined by symmetry of its stress-energy tensor and allowed by General Relativity. The symmetry is reduced compared with the maximally symmetric de Sitter vacuum, which makes vacuum dark fluid essentially anisotropic and allows its density and pressure to evolve. It represents distributed vacuum dark energy by a time-evolving and spatially inhomogeneous cosmological term, and vacuum dark matter by gravitational vacuum solitons which are regular gravitationally bound structures without horizons (dark particles or dark stars), with the de Sitter centre (Λδki) in de Sitter space (λδki).
Influence of a Fe/activated carbon catalyst and reaction parameters on methane decomposition during the synthesis of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Sivakumar Vaiyazhipalayam , Mohamed Abdul , Abdullah Ahmad , Chai Siang-Piao
Published: September 2010

In our experimental work on carbon nanotubes synthesis, the influence of pre-treatment and reaction temperature conditions over Fe catalyst loaded on low-cost activated carbon (AC) in the catalytic chemical vapor deposition of methane was studied. Catalyst with the metal concentration of 5 mass % calcined at 350°C and reduced at 450°C was effective in CH4 decomposition giving 98 % conversions. TEM images showed that thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with the average internal diameter of ∼ 8 nm and the wall thickness of ∼ 2.5 nm were obtained over unreduced Fe/AC catalyst at the reaction temperature of 850°C. On the other hand, broader filamentous nanostructures with the diameter of ∼ 22 nm and the wall thickness of ∼ 3.72 nm were observed over reduced catalyst.
Assessment of Fracture Parameters to Predict Field Cracking Performance of Cold In-Place Recycling Mixtures
Authors: Charmot Stephane , Romero Pedro
Published: September 2010

Highway agencies are commonly faced with the challenging task of rehabilitating highly distressed asphalt concrete pavements. Cold in-place recycling (CIR) has gained popularity as a cost-effective and sustainable way of dealing with such a challenge. CIR performance success is typically defined on the basis of the CIR resistance to transverse cracking over time. CIR resistance to fracture is not a design criterion that is accounted for in the material evaluation or design phase of a CIR project. The ability of fracture parameters to predict field cracking performance of CIR mixtures was assessed on the basis of nine sites in three states consisting of past rehabilitation projects, 2 to 5 years old, that involved CIR and new asphalt concrete overlay mixtures. The evaluation of the sites was based on transverse cracking performance evaluation as longitudinal cracking was determined to be affected by construction techniques rather than materials properties. A test temperature selection process at which to perform ASTM D7313-07 and measure fracture energy–related parameters was proposed to account for the effect of project location and mixture depth. Fracture energy successfully differentiated between satisfactory and poor performance of CIR surface mixtures. The findings of this research identified a test and evaluation process that opened the door for design- and performance-related specifications on the basis of minimum fracture energy thresholds related to observed transverse cracking spacing occurrences. The fracture energy offers a tool to mixture designers interested in optimizing CIR mixtures for cracking resistance.
Speed Adjustment Factors for Locked-Wheel Skid Trailer Measurements
Authors: Flintsch Gerardo W. , de León Izeppi Edgar , McGhee Kevin K. , Najafi Shahriar
Published: September 2010

Locked-wheel trailers are the predominant friction-testing tool used by state departments of transportation in the United States. These trailers measure friction on a locked wheel on the wetted pavement surface as the wheel slides at a constant speed. The skid resistance is reported as the skid number (SN) at the speed it was measured, with the standard test speed at 40 mph. Speed on most rural interstate and primary roads is rarely lower than 65 mph, whereas in most urban environments, congestion, intersections, and high-traffic volumes can lead to average traffic speeds as low as 20 mph. A methodology was proposed to convert the skid numbers from one speed to any desired speed by using adjustment factors. The data used to develop this methodology came from measurements taken by members of the Pavement Surface Properties Consortium for the three consecutive years from 2007 to 2009. The adjustment factors were developed for the different flexible and continuously reinforced concrete pavement surfaces that are available at the Virginia Smart Road. The friction measurements performed with the skid testers presented different responses to the different pavement surface types. To separate them, principal component analysis was used, and three different groups of surfaces were identified. Principal component analysis was also used to develop a friction conversion method that used correlations between speed and texture. Correlations between speed factors and macrotexture were computed only for smooth tire skid testers, because ribbed tires do not exhibit good relationships, probably because measurements with this tire are not sensitive to macrotexture.
Factors Influencing the Planning of Social Activities
Authors: van den Berg Pauline , Arentze Theo , Timmermans Harry
Published: September 2010

Results of a study on the planning of social activities are reported. Data collected in the Netherlands from social interaction diaries were used to estimate a multinomial logistic regression model to analyze whether a social activity is prearranged, routine, or spontaneous as a function of personal and household characteristics, social activity characteristics, and characteristics of the contacted person. The results show that the planning of social activities is significantly influenced by gender, presence of children, education level, income, and time spent on work and school. Social activity characteristics were also found to have a significant effect. Social activities scheduled later in the day are less likely to be routine. In contrast, social activities of longer duration and taking place on the weekend are more likely to be routine or planned. The location, the main purpose of the social interaction, and detailed characteristics of with whom the social interaction took place were also found to affect the scheduling process significantly.
Importance of Cardiac Murmur in Diagnosing Congenital Heart Disease in Neonatal Period
Authors: Hoque Md Mahbubul , Begum Jotsna Ara , Jahan Rawshan , Chowdhury MAK Azad , Hussain Manzoor
Published: September 2010

Introduction: Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are serious problem of perinatology, occur in 8/1000 live birth. Approximately one third of these neonates require intervention in the first month of life. Clinical features of CHD vary according to type of lesion. Presence or absence of a murmur does not assure either the presence or absence of significant CHD. This study was conducted to determine the clinical and echocardiographic evaluation of neonate with heart murmur and contribution of neonatal examination especially presence or absence of cardiac murmur in the detection of CHD. Method: The study was carried out in Special Care Baby Unit of Dhaka Shishu Hospital during the period from January 2004 to December 2004. Neonates having heart murmur or when there were some clues to doubt CHD like cyanosis, respiratory distress, heart failure, persistent low partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2) in arterial blood gas analysis were underwent echocardiography. CHD were classified according to the structural defect with the echocardiographic findings. Results: Total 812 neonates were admitted during one year period. Heart murmurs were found in 33 cases. Out of 33 cases 15 (45.45%) had CHD confirmed by echocardiography. Another 7 neonates were found to have CHD without murmur after echocardiography. In total 22 (2.7%) neonates had CHD. Pattern of CHD were Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Transposition of Great Arteries (TGA), Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and Complex cyanotic heart disease. Conclusion: Infant with CHD may present with or without murmur. Careful clinical examination is mandatory in the initial evaluation of neonates to identify CHD. The infant having suggestive features for CHD with or without murmur should undergone echocardiography, so that appropriate intervention and counseling can be done. Key words: neonates; murmur; CHD. DOI: 10.3329/bjch.v32i1.6008 Bangladesh Journal of Child Health 2008; Vol.32(1): 17-20
Trends in Obesity-Related Measures Among US Children, Adolescents, and Adults
Authors: Emmerich Samuel D. , Fryar Cheryl D. , Stierman Bryan , Gu Qiuping , Afful Joseph , Ogden Cynthia L.
Published: February 2025

This study examines trends in the prevalence of obesity-related measures in the US overall and by sex and age group, including weight-for-length, body mass index, and waist circumference.
Against All Odds
Authors: Shah Ankit
Published: February 2025

This essay describes a physician’s turmoil in being unable to help a treatable but uninsured and undocumented patient and the patient’s path to finding a solution.
Generative Artificial Intelligence Guidelines of Ophthalmology Journals
Authors: Rabinovitch David E. , Xie Jim S. , Lusterio Adrien , Mihalache Andrew , Popovic Marko M. , Tailor Prashant D. , Tao Brendan , Margolin Edward
Published: February 2025

This cross-sectional study investigates the current landscape of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) guidelines across ophthalmology journals.