bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dominant Modes of Wintertime Upper-Tropospheric Temperature Variations over Asia and Links to Surface Climate
Authors: Jiang Xingwen , Yang Song , Li Yueqing , Ke Zongjian , Li Jianping , Hu Haoran 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn this study, the authors investigate the variations and predictability of wintertime upper-tropospheric temperature (UTT) over Asia, which are often linked to severe climate anomalies, and the associated features of large-scale circulation and surface climate. The ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) and hindcast of the NCEP Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), are mainly analyzed.The first empirical orthogonal function mode of UTT shows a dipole structure, with a strong positive center over southern China and a weak negative center over Mongolia. The second mode is featured by a monopole variation, with a positive center appearing from the northwestern Tibetan Plateau (TP) to Japan. The third mode exhibits a tripole pattern, with two positive centers over Pakistan and the Sea of Japan and a negative center over central Asia. The first mode is linked to El Niño–Southern Oscillation, accompanied by surface warming over the southeastern TP and deficient precipitation over southern China, the Korean Peninsula, and from equatorial East Africa to the east of the TP. The second mode is associated with circulation anomalies similar to those associated with the Arctic Oscillation, with significant warming over East Asia. The third mode features two wave trains and is linked to the Middle East jet stream, and is associated with excessive precipitation from the eastern TP to southern Japan. The CFSv2 can predict the first mode skillfully by several months in advance, but it shows little skill in predicting the second and third modes.
Application of an isocratic methanol-based HPLC method for the determination of iohexol concentrations and glomerular filtration rate in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Slack Andrew , Tredger Michael , Brown Nigel , Corcoran Benjamin , Moore Kevin 
Published: July 2013

Background Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and mortality is more accurately determined by gold standard measures than serum creatinine-based estimates in cirrhosis. No formal validation of any gold standard method has been reported. Methods An isocratic methanol-based method incorporating the reference standard iohexol-related compound C was developed and validated in 12 patients with cirrhosis by simultaneously determining GFR using iohexol and chromium-51 labelled ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (51Cr-EDTA) clearance. Iohexol pharmacokinetics was also studied with the collection of blood and ascitic fluid at intervals following an iohexol bolus. Results Triplicate assays produced a linear calibration curve ( R2 = 0.99, N = 5) over an iohexol concentration range of 23.6–755 µg/L. Mean (range) extraction recovery of iohexol from serum was greater than 95% (94–97%), with an intra-day coefficient of variation less than 3%. Twelve patients with cirrhosis with mean Child-Pugh score of 9 displayed a mean difference (bias) −1.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (−18 to + 16) comparing iohexol with 51Cr-EDTA. Iohexol equilibrated between blood and ascitic compartments after 4 h. Conclusion A simple, cheap, and accurate isocratic, methanol-based method for the determination of iohexol concentrations is described, validated according to Food and Drug Administration guidance. Iohexol demonstrated comparable performance with 51Cr-EDTA in determining GFR. Delayed equilibrium of iohexol between blood and ascitic compartments suggests sampling beyond 4 h would improve accuracy of GFR determinations in patients with cirrhosis.
Surgical stimulation of angiogenesis
Authors: Ozbek Cengiz , Kestelli Mert , Bozok Sahin , Ilhan Gokhan , Yurekli Ismail , Ozpak Berkan , Akyuz Muhammet , Bademci Mehmet 
Published: July 2013

Objective The results of surgical approaches are unsatisfactory in patients with a distal arterial bed that is ineligible for revascularization. In this retrospective study, we investigated outcomes in patients who underwent surgical interventions that are reported to induce angiogenesis. Method 6 patients diagnosed with thromboangiitis obliterans were included in this study. Of these 6 patients, 2 underwent femoropopliteal bypass surgery using reversed great saphenous vein as a conduit. The other 4 underwent ascending venous arterialization (bypass from the popliteal artery to the great saphenous vein at the level of medial malleolus, using reversed great saphenous vein). Results During the early postoperative period, all of the reversed saphenous vein grafts were occluded. The mean postoperative ankle-brachial index increased from 0.33 to 0.83. During the postoperative period, intermittent claudication disappeared in all patients. Angiograms taken during the postoperative period showed evidence of neovascularization when compared to those taken during preoperative evaluation. Conclusion Wound healing is an inflammatory process that simultaneously activates angiogenesis. We propose that the improved ankle-brachial index values and neovascularization shown in our patients were associated with this inflammatory process.
Out of the box
Authors: James Roger 
Published: July 2013

One of the most interesting phenomena in evolution is the concept of the punctuated equilibrium: in which periods of relative stability give way to rapid change. As we progress to a digital world we are seeing the turbulence of change in a disruptive movement which is also becoming destructive. Whilst the hard sciences, fact based, always benefit from new technologies the social sciences stand to both gain and lose. With my interest in management science writing, I draw on 1960s science fiction to recognize a society that became fragile by losing access to its history. It builds a worrisome picture of accidental vandalism where today, vested interests – of librarians, of academics and of publishers – focus on new certainties to the detriment of learning. The fragility we are creating comes from the vacuum in our learning caused by ignoring our failures. As we consider our digital future we must think as a designer, remembering that ‘the central goal of the designer is to obviate failure, and thus it is critical to identify how a structure may fail’. 1 Our design error will be to fail to embrace in the digital revolution the unremarkable early texts – too young to be classics, too old to be the latest.
Heterotopic ossification of small saphenous vein and panniculitis ossificans of chronic venous insufficiency presenting with livedo racemosa
Authors: Lekich Chris , Parsi Kurosh 
Published: July 2013

Objectives Livedo racemosa is a reticulate eruption that presents with branched and partially blanchable incomplete rings. Livedo racemosa is distinct from livedo reticularis, a similar condition that presents with a diffuse and symmetrical blanchable eruption. In contrast to livedo reticularis which may be physiological, livedo racemosa is always associated with an underlying pathology. To our knowledge, this is the first report of panniculitis ossificans and heterotopic ossification of small saphenous vein (SSV) presenting with livedo racemosa. Methods We present a 70-year-old male referred for investigation and management of progressive pigmentation and ‘lipodermatosclerosis’ of lower limbs. There was no history of deep venous thrombosis but an earlier ultrasound had detected a non-occlusive thrombus in the left SSV. Examination and investigations revealed the skin eruption to be livedo racemosa and the associated subcutaneous induration and nodularity to be due to panniculitis ossificans. Biopsy of the SSV demonstrated segmental heterotopic ossification. Duplex ultrasound demonstrated bilateral superficial and deep venous incompetence but no evidence of an acute or chronic venous thrombosis. The patient was diagnosed with heterotopic ossification secondary to venous insufficiency and managed conservatively. Conclusion Livedo racemosa may be an early sign of panniculitis ossificans and its presence should trigger further diagnostic investigations.
Assessment of acute toxicity of carbofuran in Macrobrachium olfersii (Wiegmann, 1836) at different temperature levels
Authors: Barbieri Edison , Moreira Priscila , Luchini Luiz Alberto , Ruiz Hidalgo Karla , Muñoz Alejandro 
Published: July 2013

Carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate; C12H15NO3) is one of the most toxic carbamate pesticides. For acute toxicity of carbofuran, juveniles of Macrobrachium olfersii were exposed to different concentrations of carbofuran using the static renewal method at different temperature levels (15, 20 and 25°C) at pH 7.0. The main purpose of the present study was to detect the acute toxicity of carbofuran to M. olfersii and investigate its effects on oxygen consumption and ammonium excretion; these tests have not been carried out in this species before. First, the acute toxicity – median lethal concentration – of carbofuran to M. olfersii for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h was examined, which resulted in the following values: 1.64, 1.22, 0.86 and 0.42 mg L−1, respectively. Furthermore, we also found that carbofuran caused an inhibition in oxygen consumption of 60.6, 65.3 and 66.2% with respect to the control. In addition, after separate exposures to carbofuran, elevations in ammonium excretion were more than 500% with respect to the control.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and susceptibility to psoriasis in a Chinese population
Authors: Yang KeDa , Zhang Fan , Li FangFang , Su Juan , Wen SaiLan , Liu Yang , Feng DeYun 
Published: July 2013

Introduction: The relationship between the angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and psoriasis has previously been studied mainly in Caucasians and only once in Asians. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and the risk of psoriasis in a Chinese population. Materials and methods: The study population consisted of 668 psoriasis patients and 668 matched control subjects. The ACE I/D gene polymorphism was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The frequency of the ACE II genotype (odds ratio (OR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06, 1.63; P = 0.01) and I allele (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.48; P = 0.01) in patients with psoriasis was significantly higher than that in the control group. And the D allele frequency in patients with psoriasis was significantly lower (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.68, 0.95; P = 0.01) than that in the control group. When stratified by family history, the frequency of the DD genotype was marginally significantly lower in patients with a positive family history of psoriasis (familial psoriasis) than in those with negative (sporadic psoriasis) (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.23, 0.97; P = 0.04). When stratified by onset of the disease, type of psoriasis and the severity of psoriasis, no statistically significant result was observed. Conclusion: Our study suggested that the ACE II genotype and I allele might confer susceptibility to psoriasis in a Chinese population.
Clinimetric properties of bronchoalveolar lavage inflammatory markers in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Fayon Michael , Kent Lisa , Bui Stephanie , Dupont Lieven , Sermet Isabelle 
Published: July 2013

The Standardisation Committee of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Clinical Trial Network has undertaken the evaluation of clinical end-points for therapeutic interventions regarding their use in multicentre clinical trials in cystic fibrosis (CF). This review of biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is part of the group’s work.The aims of this project were: 1) to review the literature on reliability, validity and responsiveness of BAL in patients with CF; 2) to gain consensus of the group on the feasibility of BAL; and 3) to gain consensus on answers to key questions regarding the promotion of BAL to surrogate end-point status.Assessment of BAL inflammatory markers in the literature indicates that their reliability, validity and responsiveness are adequate for clinical trials. After discussion of the practical characteristics it was concluded that BAL has an attractive validity profile, albeit with limited feasibility. It is particularly applicable to multicentre trials in preschool children with CF and early or mild lung disease. This is the first article to collate the literature in this manner. This provides a rationale to support the use of BAL in early clinical trials in preschool children with CF.
Target lobe volume reduction and COPD outcome measures after endobronchial valve therapy
Authors: Valipour Arschang , Herth Felix J.F. , Burghuber Otto C. , Criner Gerard , Vergnon Jean-Michel , Goldin Jonathan , Sciurba Frank , Ernst Armin 
Published: July 2013

Endobronchial valve (EBV) therapy may be associated with improvements in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-related outcomes and may therefore be linked to improvements in the body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity (BODE) index.Data from 416 patients with advanced emphysema and hyperinflation across Europe and USA, who were randomised to EBV (n=284) or conservative therapy (n=132) were analysed. Quantitative image analysis was used to compare the volume of the targeted lobe at baseline and at 6 months to determine target lobe volume reduction (TLVR).44% of patients receiving EBV therapy (versus24.7% of controls) had clinically significant improvements in the BODE index (p<0.001). BODE index was significantly reduced by mean±sd1.4±1.8, 0.2±1.3 and 0.1±1.3 points in patients with TLVR >50%, 20%–50% and <20%, respectively (intergroup differences p<0.001), but increased by 0.3±1.2 points in controls. Changes in BODE were predicted by baseline BODE and correlated significantly with lobar exclusion and lung volumes at 6 months.A greater proportion of patients in the treatment group than in the control group achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in BODE index; however, the likelihood of benefit was less than half in both groups. Patients in whom TLVR was obtained had greater improvements in clinical outcomes.
Targeting cell motility in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Paulin Roxane , Meloche Jolyane , Courboulin Audrey , Lambert Caroline , Haromy Alois , Courchesne Antony , Bonnet Pierre , Provencher Steeve , Michelakis Evangelos D. , Bonnet Sébastien 
Published: July 2013

Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC), in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), contribute to obliterative vascular remodelling and are characterised by enhanced proliferation, suppressed apoptosis and, a much less studied, increased migration potential. One of the major proteins that regulate cell migration is focal adhesion kinase (FAK), but its role in PAH is not fully understood. We hypothesised that targeting cell migration by FAK inhibition may be a new therapeutic strategy in PAH.In vivo, inhalation of FAK-siRNA (n=5) or oral delivery of PF-228 (FAK inhibitor PF-573 228; n=5) inhibited rat monocrotaline induced PAH, improving the haemodynamics, vascular remodelling (media thickness), and right ventricular hypertrophy.In vitro, FAK was activated in PAH human lungs (n=8) or PASMC when compared to those form healthy subjects (Western blot, n=5), in a Src-dependent manner, as it was reversed by the specific Src inhibitor PP2. The degree of FAK phosphorylation at Y576 correlated positively with pulmonary vascular resistance in PAH patients. FAK inhibition (siRNA, PF-228 and PP2) in PAH-PASMCs induced a fivefold increase in apoptosis (percentage of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling), a 2.5-fold decrease in proliferation (%Ki67), an 18% decrease in cell migration (colorimetric assay) and a 50% decrease in cell invasion (wound healing).Suppressing PASMC migration by FAK inhibition inhibits PAH progression and may open a new therapeutic window in PAH.
Genotyping and clinical characteristics of multidrug and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in a tertiary care tuberculosis hospital in China
Authors: Yuan Xiaoliang , Zhang Tiantuo , Kawakami Kazuyoshi , Zhu Jiaxin , Zheng Wenzheng , Li Hongtao , Deng Guofang , Tu Shaohua , Liu Weiyou 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere is a lack of information on the clinical characteristics of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB in the Jiangxi Province of China; furthermore, data have not been reported on the utility of mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit-variable-number tandem-repeat (MIRU-VNTR) analyses in genotypingMycobacterium tuberculosisstrains isolated from this region. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical features of patients with MDR and XDR TB from Jiangxi Province and to evaluate the discriminatory power of the 15-loci MIRU-VNTR method.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with MDR and XDR TB at the Jiangxi Chest Hospital from July 2010 to June 2011. The RD105 deletion-targeted multiplex PCR (DTM-PCR) and the 15-loci MIRU-VNTR method were used to determine the genetic background of the identified MDR and XDRM.tuberculosisclinical isolates.ResultsOf 804 M.tuberculosisclinical isolates, 159 (159/804, 19.8%) of the isolates were identified as MDR with first-line drug susceptibility testing. Of the 123 available MDR isolates, 13 (13/123, 10.6%) were XDR. The RD105 deletion-targeted multiplex PCR method identified 85 (85/110, 77.3%) MDR and 12 (12/13, 92.3%) XDR isolates as the Beijing genotype. MIRU-VNTR cluster analysis demonstrated that 101 MDR and 13 XDR strains had unique genotype patterns; the remaining 9 MDR strains were in 4 clusters, namely 1 cluster with 3 strains and 3 clusters with 2 strains, resulting in a low clustering rate (4.06%). The Hunter-Gaston discriminatory index (HGDI) of the 15-loci MIRU-VNTR method was as high as 0.992. In addition, clinical surveys showed that 87 (87/110, 79.1%) MDR TB patients and 10 (10/13, 76.9%) XDR TB patients had been previously treated. Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity in both MDR TB (16/110, 14.5%) and XDR TB (2/13, 15.4%) patients.ConclusionsBased on our preliminary data, the MDR and XDRM.tuberculosisclinical isolates identified at the Jiangxi Chest Hospital were genetically diverse and clustered at a low frequency. The 15-loci MIRU-VNTR method showed high discriminatory power and may be used as a first-line genotyping tool in investigating the molecular epidemiology ofM.tuberculosisin Jiangxi, China. Decisive measures are urgently needed to effectively prevent and manage MDR and XDR tuberculosis in this province.
Activation of SNAT1/SLC38A1 in human breast cancer: correlation with p-Akt overexpression
Authors: Wang Kuo , Cao Fang , Fang Wenzheng , Hu Yongwei , Chen Ying , Ding Houzhong , Yu Guanzhen 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
SNAT1 is a subtype of the amino acid transport system A that has been implicated to play a potential role in cancer development and progression, yet its role in breast cancer remains unclear. In present study, we detected SNAT1 expression in breast cancers and explored its underlying mechanism in promoting breast carcinogenesis.

Methods
RT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to analyze the transcription and protein levels of SNAT1 in breast cancer cell lines and fresh tissues. Tissue microarray blocks containing breast cancer specimens obtained from 210 patients were constructed. Expression of SNAT1 in these specimens was analyzed using immunohistochemical studies. SNAT1 was down-regulated by SNAT1-shRNA in breast cancer cells and the functional significance was measured.

Results
SNAT1 was up-regulated in breast cancer cell lines and breast cancer tissues. Overexpression of SNAT1 was observed in 127 cases (60.5%). Expression of SNAT1 was significantly associated with tumor size, nodal metastasis, advanced disease stage, Ki-67, and ER status. Suppression of endogenous SNAT1 leads to cell growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis of 4T1 cells and lowered the phosphorylation level of Akt. SNAT1 expression correlated significantly with p-Akt expression in human breast cancer samples.

Conclusions
The cross-talk between Akt signaling and SNAT1 might play a critical role in the development and progression of breast cancer, providing an important molecular basis for novel diagnostic markers and new attractive targets in the treatment of breast cancer patients.
Inhibition of advanced glycation end products by red grape skin extract and its antioxidant activity
Authors: Jariyapamornkoon Nattha , Yibchok-anun Sirintorn , Adisakwattana Sirichai 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The objective of the present study was to determine the phytochemical content and the protective effect of red grape skin extract (RGSE) against fructose-mediated protein oxidation. In addition, RGSE was screened for its potential as an antioxidant using various in vitro models.

Methods
Antioxidant activity was measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ferrous ion chelating power. The total phenols content was measured by Folin–Ciocalteu assay, the flavonoids content by the AlCl3 colorimetric method. Antiglycation activity was determined using the formation of AGE fluorescence intensity, Nϵ-(carboxymethyl)lysine, and the level of fructosamine. The protein oxidation was examined using the level of protein carbonyl content and thiol group.

Results
The results showed that the content of total phenolics, flavonoids and total anthocyanins in RGSE was 246.3 ± 0.9 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dried extract, 215.9 ± 1.3 mg catechin equivalent/g dried extract, and 36.7 ± 0.8 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent/g dried extract, respectively. In the DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and superoxide radical scavenging activity, RGSE had the IC50 values of 0.03 ± 0.01 mg/ml, 5.40 ± 0.01 mg/ml, and 0.58 ± 0.01 mg/ml, respectively. In addition, RGSE had trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay (395.65 ± 1.61 mg trolox equivalent/g dried extract), ferric reducing antioxidant power (114.24 ± 0.03 mM FeSO4/g dried extract), and ferrous ion chelating power (3,474.05 ± 5.55 mg EDTA/g dried extract), respectively. The results showed that RGSE at different concentrations (0.031–0.500 mg/ml) has significantly inhibited the formation of AGEs in terms of the fluorescence intensity of glycated BSA during 4 weeks of study. The RGSE markedly decreased the level of fructosamine, which is directly associated with the reduction of AGE formation and Nϵ-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML). The results demonstrated the significant effect of RGSE on preventing protein oxidative damages, including effects on the thiol and protein carbonyl oxidation.

Conclusions
The present study revealed that RGSE would exert beneficial effects by virtue of its antioxidants and antiglycation. The findings could provide a new insight into the naturally occurring antiglycation properties of RGSE for preventing AGE-mediated diabetic complication.