bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood conservation strategies reduce the need for transfusions in ascending and aortic arch surgery
Authors: Chu MWA , Losenno KL , Moore K , Berta D , Hewitt J , Ralley F 
Published: February 2013

Introduction: Ascending and aortic arch surgery is associated with higher levels of blood loss and subsequent need for allogeneic blood transfusions. We hypothesized that aggressive, comprehensive blood conservation strategies may limit the need for transfusions and, subsequently, improve postoperative outcomes. Methods: Over a five-year period, 189 patients underwent proximal aortic surgery at our institution. Fifty-one patients underwent surgery using a comprehensive blood conservation strategy (BCS), including preoperative hemoglobin optimization, antifibrinolytic therapy, intraoperative acute normovolemic hemodilution, cell salvage and meticulous surgical technique. The remaining 138 patients underwent surgery using conventional techniques (CONV). Results: Patients in the BCS group required fewer transfusions during their hospital stay compared to the conventional group (56.9% vs. 72.5%, p=0.041). When examining elective cases, this trend widens, with 40.0% of BCS patients requiring any transfusions compared to 72.9% patients in the conventional group (p=0.001). Red cell (47.1% vs. 62.3%, p=0.06), plasma (43.1% vs. 61.6%, p=0.02) and platelets (27.5% vs. 47.8%, p=0.01) were also less frequently required in the BCS group than the conventional group, respectively. When a transfusion was required, patients in the BCS group received significantly fewer units of red blood cells (2.8 ± 7.0 units) than the conventional group (5.81 ± 9.5 units; p=0.039). Mortality was similar in both groups (BCS 7.8%, conventional 10.9%, p=0.54); however, there was significantly less morbidity in the BCS group, using a composite of any of 10 major postoperative complications (23.5% vs. 39.1%; p=0.046). Median intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital lengths of stay were 2 and 7 days in the BCS group and 2 and 8 days in the CONV group (p=0.15), respectively. Conclusions: The aggressive use of a comprehensive blood conservation strategy in ascending and aortic arch surgery can significantly reduce the need for blood transfusions and is associated with less postoperative morbidity. Further evaluation with a randomized, controlled trial is warranted.
Arginine supplementation for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in hypertensive disorder of pregnancy: A systematic review
Authors: Gui Shunping , Jia Jin , Niu Xiaoyu , Bai Yi , Zou Heng , Deng Juelin , Zhou Rong 
Published: February 2013

Objective: This meta-analysis was performed to assess whether arginine supplementation could reduce preeclampsia or eclampsia incidence and improve the outcomes of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, and to evaluate the safety of L-arginine supplementation. Methods: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2011), MEDLINE (1980–2011) and Embase (1980–2011) were searched through July 2012, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intravenous and/or oral L-arginine supplementation with placebo, or RCTs comparing any treatment with arginine were included. Qualities of RCTs were assessed with the Jadad method. Meta-analyses were performed with fixed- or random-effects models according to heterogeneity of studies. Results: Data from seven RCTs involving 916 patients were enrolled. The meta-analysis showed L-arginine was more effective in reducing preeclampsia or eclampsia incidence (odds ratio 0.384; 95% confidence limits 0.25, 0.58) than the placebo; meanwhile, L-arginine could prolong pregnancy weeks (MD 11.54; 95% CL 5.23, 17.85) than placebo; and its effect on blood pressure was unbalanced (diastolic pressure (MD 4.86; 95% CL 4.19, 5.52) and systolic pressure (MD 3.20; 95% CL −1.54, 7.94)) while the difference in increased neonatal weight (MD 256.24; 95% CL −28.66, 541.13) was not clear. Three of these studies reported some adverse effects, and no teratogenic or lethal effects were noted. Conclusion: This study demonstrates L-arginine supplementation is superior to placebo in lowering diastolic pressure and prolonging pregnancy in patients with gestational hypertension with or without proteinuria, but the effect on lowering systolic pressure and increasing neonatal weight was not statistically significant.
The human NPM1 mutation A perturbs megakaryopoiesis in a conditional mouse model
Authors: Sportoletti Paolo , Varasano Emanuela , Rossi Roberta , Bereshchenko Oxana , Cecchini Debora , Gionfriddo Ilaria , Bolli Niccolò , Tiacci Enrico , Intermesoli Tamara , Zanghì Pamela , Masciulli Arianna , Martelli Maria Paola , Falzetti Franca , Martelli Massimo F. , Falini Brunangelo 
Published: February 2013

Key Points
The NPM1 mutant affects megakaryocytic development in mice. NPMc+ mutant mice mimic some features of human NPM1-mutated AML.
Honokiol blocks store operated calcium entry in CHO cells expressing the M3 muscarinic receptor: honokiol and muscarinic signaling
Authors: Wang Hsiu-Jen , Martin Alexis G , Chao Po-Kuan , Reichard Rhett A , Martin Adam L , Huang Yue-wern , Chan Ming-Huan , Aronstam Robert S 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Honokiol, a cell-permeable phenolic compound derived from the bark of magnolia trees and present in Asian herbal teas, has a unique array of pharmacological actions, including the inhibition of multiple autonomic responses. We determined the effects of honokiol on calcium signaling underlying transmission mediated by human M3 muscarinic receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Receptor binding was determined in radiolabelled ligand binding assays; changes in intracellular calcium concentrations were determined using a fura-2 ratiometric imaging protocol; cytotoxicity was determined using a dye reduction assay.

Results
Honokiol had a potent (EC50 ≈ 5 μmol/l) inhibitory effect on store operated calcium entry (SOCE) that was induced by activation of the M3 receptors. This effect was specific, rapid and partially reversible, and was seen at concentrations not associated with cytotoxicity, inhibition of IP3 receptor-mediated calcium release, depletion of ER calcium stores, or disruption of M3 receptor binding.

Conclusions
It is likely that an inhibition of SOCE contributes to honokiol disruption of parasympathetic motor functions, as well as many of its beneficial pharmacological properties.
Morus alba and active compound oxyresveratrol exert anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of leukocyte migration involving MEK/ERK signaling
Authors: Chen Yi-Ching , Tien Yin-Jing , Chen Chun-Houh , Beltran Francesca N , Amor Evangeline C , Wang Ran-Juh , Wu Den-Jen , Mettling Clément , Lin Yea-Lih , Yang Wen-Chin 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background

Morus alba has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory diseases; however, the scientific basis for such usage and the mechanism of action are not well understood. This study investigated the action of M. alba on leukocyte migration, one key step in inflammation.

Methods
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and cluster analyses of supercritical CO2 extracts of three Morus species were performed for chemotaxonomy-aided plant authentication. Phytochemistry and CXCR4-mediated chemotaxis assays were used to characterize the chemical and biological properties of M. alba and its active compound, oxyresveratrol. fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and Western blot analyses were conducted to determine the mode of action of oxyresveratrol.

Results
Chemotaxonomy was used to help authenticate M. alba. Chemotaxis-based isolation identified oxyresveratrol as an active component in M. alba. Phytochemical and chemotaxis assays showed that the crude extract, ethyl acetate fraction and oxyresveratrol from M. alba suppressed cell migration of Jurkat T cells in response to SDF-1. Mechanistic study indicated that oxyresveratrol diminished CXCR4-mediated T-cell migration via inhibition of the MEK/ERK signaling cascade.

Conclusions
A combination of GC-MS and cluster analysis techniques are applicable for authentication of the Morus species. Anti-inflammatory benefits of M. alba and its active compound, oxyresveratrol, may involve the inhibition of CXCR-4-mediated chemotaxis and MEK/ERK pathway in T and other immune cells.
EGCG induces human mesothelioma cell death by inducing reactive oxygen species and autophagy
Authors: Satoh Motohiko , Takemura Yukitoshi , Hamada Hironobu , Sekido Yoshitaka , Kubota Shunichiro 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma is an asbestos-related fatal disease with no effective cure. We studied whether a green tea polyphenol, epigallocathechin-3-gallate (EGCG), could induce cell death in five human mesothelioma cell lines. We found that EGCG induced apoptosis in all five mesothelioma cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. We further clarified the cell killing mechanism. EGCG induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), and impaired the mitochondrial membrane potential. As treatment with ROS scavengers, catalase and tempol, significantly inhibited the EGCG-induced apoptosis, ROS is considered to be responsible for the EGCG-induced apoptosis. Further, we found that EGCG induced autophagy, and that when autophagy was suppressed by chloroquine, the EGCG-induced cell death was enhanced. Taken together, these results suggest that EGCG has a great potential for the treatment of mesothelioma by inducing apoptosis and autophagy.
Luminescent Complexes Containing Halogeno-bridged Dicopper(I) Unit {Cu2(µ-X)2} (X = Cl, Br, and I)
Authors: Tsuge Kiyoshi 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Luminescent copper(I) complexes have been extensively studied in recent decades with various ligands showing their rich photophysical and photochemical properties. In this contribution, the luminescent halogeno copper(I) complexes, especially those with a halogeno-bridged dicopper(I) unit {Cu2(µ-X)2}, one of the basic, common structural motifs among the halogeno copper(I) family, are described from the view point of influences of coligands upon their luminescent properties. Discussions are extended to complexes with the halogeno-bridged tetranuclear unit {Cu4(µ3-X)4}, being another common structural motif, to examine the dominant emissive excited states in halogeno copper(I) complexes.
Wide-range Modulation of Dynamic Modulus and Loss Tangent for Magnetic Elastomers Containing Submilimeter Magnetic Particles
Authors: Chiba Naoya , Yamamoto Ken , Hojo Tsukasa , Kawai Mika , Mitsumata Tetsu 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Magnetic elastomers containing magnetic particles with a diameter of 235 µm have been synthesized, and the magnetic response of the elasticity was investigated. The storage modulus for the magnetic elastomer with a volume fraction of 0.18 increased from 12.5 kPa to 2.43 MPa by applying a magnetic field of 500 mT. The relative change in the storage modulus was 194 times, which is higher than that of magnetic elastomers containing small iron particles (ca. 58 times at 2.5 µm). It was also revealed that the magnetic elastomer exhibited wide-range modulation of loss tangent by varying magnetic fields.
Regulation of Ribosome Biogenesis by Nucleostemin 3 Promotes Local and Systemic Growth in Drosophila
Authors: Hartl Tom A , Ni Julie , Cao Jian , Suyama Kaye L , Patchett Stephanie , Bussiere Cyril , Gui Dan Yi , Tang Sheng , Kaplan Daniel D , Fish Matthew , Johnson Arlen W , Scott Matthew P 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Nucleostemin 3 (NS3) is an evolutionarily conserved protein with profound roles in cell growth and viability. Here we analyze cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous growth control roles of NS3 in Drosophila and demonstrate its GTPase activity using genetic and biochemical assays. Two null alleles of ns3, and RNAi, demonstrate the necessity of NS3 for cell autonomous growth. A hypomorphic allele highlights the hypersensitivity of neurons to lowered NS3 function. We propose that NS3 is the functional ortholog of yeast and human Lsg1, which promotes release of the nuclear export adapter from the large ribosomal subunit. Release of the adapter and its recycling to the nucleus are essential for sustained production of ribosomes. The ribosome biogenesis role of NS3 is essential for proper rates of translation in all tissues and is necessary for functions of growth-promoting neurons.
Polyaniline doped with poly(acrylamidomethylpropanesulphonic acid): electrochemical behaviour and conductive properties in neutral solutions
Authors: Lyutov Vladimir , Ivanov Svetlozar , Mirsky Vladimir , Tsakova Vessela 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPoly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulphonic acid) (PAMPSA)-doped polyaniline (PANI) layers are synthesised in the presence of sulphuric and perchloric acids. The effects of the inorganic acid as well as of the electrochemical synthetic procedure (potentiostatic and potentiodynamic deposition) and thickness of the polymer layers are studied. The focus is directed towards the pH dependence of the electrochemical redox activity and conductivity of the PAMPSA-doped PANI layers obtained under different conditions. Ascorbic acid oxidation is used as a test reaction to study the electrocatalytic behaviour of various PAMPSA-doped PANI layers in neutral solution. It is found that the type of inorganic component present in the polymerisation solution has a marked effect on the extent of doping in acidic solutions as well as on the redox electroactivity in neutral solutions. A comparison between potentiostatically and potentiodynamically synthesised layers at pH 7 shows a markedly lower conductance and lower extent of redox charge preservation in the case of potentiodynamic synthesis. The PANI electrocatalytic activity for ascorbic acid oxidation is also dependent on the polymer electrodeposition procedure, with potentiostatically synthesised layers exhibiting better electrocatalytic performance.
Multi-wall carbon nanotubes with nitrogen-containing carbon coating
Authors: Tomšík Elena , Morávková Zuzana , Stejskal Jaroslav , Trchová Miroslava , Šálek Petr , Kovářová Jana , Zemek Josef , Cieslar Miroslav , Prokeš Jan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPolyaniline coating was deposited on the surface of multi-wall carbon nanotubes of Russian and Taiwanese origin in situ during the polymerization of aniline. The deposited polyaniline film was subsequently carbonized under an inert atmosphere at various temperatures to produce coaxial coating of the carbon nanotubes with nitrogen-containing carbon. The new materials were investigated by infrared and Raman spectroscopies, which demonstrated the conversion of the polyaniline coating to a carbonized structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy proved that the carbonized overlayer contains nitrogen atoms in various covalent bonding states. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the coaxial structure of the composites. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method was used to estimate the specific surface area, the highest being 272 m2 g−1. The conductivity of 0.9–16 S cm−1 was measured by the four-point method, and it was only a little affected by the carbonization of the polyaniline coating.
Flexibility of active-site gorge aromatic residues and non-gorge aromatic residues in acetylcholinesterase
Authors: GhattyVenkataKrishna Pavan , Chavali Neelima , Uberbacher Edward 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe presence of an unusually large number of aromatic residues in the active site gorge of acetylcholinesterase is a subject of great interest. Flexibility of these residues has been suspected to be a key player in controlling the ligand traversal in the gorge. This raises the question of whether the over-representation of aromatic residues in the gorge implies higher-than-normal flexibility of these residues. The current study suggests that it does not. Large changes in the hydrophobic cross-sectional area due to dihedral oscillations are probably the reason of their presence in the gorge.
Effect of compression pressure on mechanical and electrical properties of polyaniline pellets
Authors: Valentová Helena , Prokeš Jan , Nedbal Jan , Stejskal Jaroslav 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWhile conductivity and other electrical properties are key parameters in the design of polymer electronics, equally important mechanical properties of conducting polymers have rarely been reported. The influence of preparation conditions of polyaniline pellets on mechanical and electrical properties was therefore studied. Conductivity of polyaniline is commonly measured using pellets prepared by the compression of powder. It is shown that a pressure of at least 300 MPa is needed to obtain a reliable value of conductivity. At lower pressures, the samples have lower apparent conductivity, density, Young modulus, and hardness. Above the compression limit of 300 MPa, these parameters become constant, except for the density. The same behavior was observed both for conducting polyaniline hydrochloride and for the non-conducting polyaniline base. The puzzling observation that density of the pellets decreased as the compression pressure increased is discussed considering the relaxation processes.
Group Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wu Wen-Chi , Hung Jen-Wen , Tseng Chiung-Yi , Huang Yi-Ching 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. We investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of group-based constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy in a clinical setting.
METHOD. Seven children received CIMT together under the guidance of two occupational therapy practitioners, 2.5 hr/day, 5 days/wk for 4 wk. We used the Grasping and Visual–Motor Integration subtests of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales to assess the primary outcome and the Functional Skills and Caregiver Assistance Scales of the Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory to assess the secondary outcome. Children were examined at preintervention, postintervention, and 1- and 3-mo follow-up.
RESULTS. Children demonstrated significant improvement on all outcome measures after intervention (all ps &lt; .05, effect sizes = .39–.84), and effects were maintained at 3-mo follow-up.
CONCLUSION. This preliminary study revealed that group-based CIMT for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy may be a feasible and effective alternative to individual CIMT in clinical practice.
Making the Best Match: Selecting Outcome Measures for Clinical Trials and Outcome Studies
Authors: Coster Wendy J. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Selecting an appropriate outcome measure is a critical step in designing valid and useful clinical trials and outcome studies. This selection process needs to extend beyond examining basic psychometric properties to consider additional features of instruments that may affect their validity and utility for the study’s purpose. This article discusses these additional factors and their potential impact on outcome measurement. Guidelines are proposed to help clinical researchers and consumers of clinical research literature evaluate the match between the study purpose, population, and instrument.
Effects of Constraint-Induced Therapy Combined With Eye Patching on Functional Outcomes and Movement Kinematics in Poststroke Neglect
Authors: Wu Ching-Yi , Wang Tien-Ni , Chen Yu-Ting , Lin Keh-Chung , Chen Yi-An , Li Hsiang-Ting , Tsai Pei-Luen 
Published: February 2013

AbstractOBJECTIVE. We investigated the effect of constraint-induced therapy (CIT) plus eye patching (EP), CIT alone, and conventional treatment on functional performance, eye movement, and trunk–arm kinematics in stroke patients with neglect syndrome.METHOD. Twenty-four participants were recruited and randomly allocated to three intervention groups. All participants received intervention 2 hr/day, 5 days/wk, for 3 wk. Outcome measures included the Catherine Bergego Scale, eye movement, and trunk–arm kinematic analysis.RESULTS. The CIT + EP and CIT groups demonstrated larger improvements in functional performance than the control group. The CIT group showed better performance with left fixation points than the CIT+EP group and shorter reaction time than the control group. The CIT + EP group improved more in preplanned control and leftward trunk shift than the other two groups.CONCLUSION. CIT + EP and CIT were more effective interventions than conventional treatment of patients with neglect syndrome in daily functional performance.
RP-LC Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Gliquidone, Pioglitazone Hydrochloride, and Atorvastatin in Formulations and Human Serum
Authors: Mirza Agha Zeeshan , Arayne M Saeed , Sultana Najma 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The objective of this research was to develop and validate a rapid, economical, and sensitive HPLC method for quantitative determination of gliquidone, pioglitazone hydrochloride, and atorvastatin in tablets and serum. Due to drug combination of these formulations, there has been a need for a reliable quantitative method to determine these drugs in commercial samples and human serum. The chromatographic separation was carried out at ambient temperature with a mobile phase consisting of methanol–water (90 + 10, v/v), with pH adjusted to 3.50 with phosphoric acid. The pump was operated at a flow rate of 1 mL/min, and all analytes were detected at 235 nm. The method was linear over the concentration range of 5–50 μg/mL for all the drugs. The LOD of gliquidone, pioglitazone hydrochloride, and atorvastatin was 0.30, 1.30, and 0.57 μg/mL and LOQ was 0.98, 4.28, and 1.90 μg/mL, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of these drugs in commercial tablets and human serum. The established method was validated with respect to specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and ruggedness.
HPTLC Method for Simultaneous Analysis of Stevioside and Rebaudioside-A in Stevia rebaudiana
Authors: Londhe Smita V , Nanaware Sadhana M 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
An HPTLC method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of stevioside (STE) and rebaudioside-A (REB-A) in Stevia rebaudiana leaves. The HPTLC separation was performed on precoated silica gel 60F254 HPTLC plates with the mobile phase ethyl acetate–ethanol–acetone–water (15 + 3 + 6 + 6, v/v/v/v). The densitometric quantification of steviol glycosides was carried out at λmax 580 nm in the reflection-absorption mode after spraying with anisaldehyde–sulfuric acid reagent. Rf values were 0.34 and 0.28 for STE and REB-A, respectively. The content of STE and REB-A in leaf extract was found to be 6.94 and 6.35%, respectively. The method was validated in terms of precision, accuracy, specificity, and robustness. The method can be useful for routine analysis of the sweeteners.