bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonclassical Renin‐Angiotensin System and Renal Function
Authors: Chappell Mark C. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) constitutes one of the most important hormonal systems in the physiological regulation of blood pressure through renal and nonrenal mechanisms. Indeed, dysregulation of the RAS is considered a major factor in the development of cardiovascular pathologies, including kidney injury, and blockade of this system by the inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) or blockade of the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) by selective antagonists constitutes an effective therapeutic regimen. It is now apparent with the identification of multiple components of the RAS within the kidney and other tissues that the system is actually composed of different angiotensin peptides with diverse biological actions mediated by distinct receptor subtypes. The classic RAS can be defined as the ACE‐Ang II‐AT1R axis that promotes vasoconstriction, water intake, sodium retention, and other mechanisms to maintain blood pressure, as well as increase oxidative stress, fibrosis, cellular growth, and inflammation in pathological conditions. In contrast, the nonclassical RAS composed primarily of the AngII/Ang III‐AT2R pathway and the ACE2‐Ang‐(1‐7)‐AT7R axis generally opposes the actions of a stimulated Ang II‐AT1R axis through an increase in nitric oxide and prostaglandins and mediates vasodilation, natriuresis, diuresis, and reduced oxidative stress. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that these non‐classical RAS components contribute to the therapeutic blockade of the classical system to reduce blood pressure and attenuate various indices of renal injury, as well as contribute to normal renal function. © 2012 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol2:2733‐2752, 2012.
Effects ofCO2enrichment on photosynthesis, growth, and nitrogen metabolism of the seagrassZostera noltii
Authors: Alexandre Ana , Silva João , Buapet Pimchanok , Björk Mats , Santos Rui 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSeagrass ecosystems are expected to benefit from the global increase inCO2in the ocean because the photosynthetic rate of these plants may be Ci‐limited at the currentCO2level. As well, it is expected that lower external pHwill facilitate the nitrate uptake of seagrasses if nitrate is cotransported with H+across the membrane as in terrestrial plants. Here, we investigate the effects ofCO2enrichment on both carbon and nitrogen metabolism of the seagrassZostera noltiiin a mesocosm experiment where plants were exposed for 5 months to two experimentalCO2concentrations (360 and 700 ppm). Both the maximum photosynthetic rate (Pm) and photosynthetic efficiency (α) were higher (1.3‐ and 4.1‐fold, respectively) in plants exposed toCO2‐enriched conditions. On the other hand, no significant effects ofCO2enrichment on leaf growth rates were observed, probably due to nitrogen limitation as revealed by the low nitrogen content of leaves. The leaf ammonium uptake rate and glutamine synthetase activity were not significantly affected by increasedCO2concentrations. On the other hand, the leaf nitrate uptake rate of plants exposed toCO2‐enriched conditions was fourfold lower than the uptake of plants exposed to currentCO2level, suggesting that in the seagrassZ. noltiinitrate is not cotransported with H+as in terrestrial plants. In contrast, the activity of nitrate reductase was threefold higher in plant leaves grown at high‐CO2concentrations. Our results suggest that the global effects ofCO2on seagrass production may be spatially heterogeneous and depend on the specific nitrogen availability of each system. Under aCO2increase scenario, the natural levels of nutrients will probably become limiting forZ. noltii. This potential limitation becomes more relevant because the expected positive effect ofCO2increase on nitrate uptake rate was not confirmed.
Mechanisms to limit higher mode effects in a controlled rocking steel frame. 2: Large‐amplitude shake table testing
Authors: Wiebe Lydell , Christopoulos Constantin , Tremblay Robert , Leclerc Martin 
Published: September 2012

SUMMARYThis paper presents the results of 56 large‐amplitude shake table tests of a 30% scale eight‐storey controlled rocking steel frame. No significant damage or residual deformations were observed after any of the tests. The frame had four possible configurations on the basis of combinations of two higher mode mitigation mechanisms. The first mitigation mechanism was formed by allowing the upper section of the frame to rock, so as to better control the mid‐height overturning moment. The second mitigation mechanism was formed by replacing the conventional first‐storey brace with a self‐centering energy dissipative (SCED) brace, so as to better control the base shear. The mechanisms had little effect during records where higher mode effects were not apparent, but they substantially reduced the shear and overturning moment envelopes, as well as the peak floor accelerations, during more demanding records. The reduction in storey shears led to similarly reduced brace force demands. Although the peak force demands in the columns were not reduced by as much as the frame overturning moments, using an upper rocking joint allowed the column demands to be estimated without the need to assume a lateral force distribution. The tests demonstrated that multiple force‐limiting mechanisms can be used to provide better control of peak seismic forces without excessive increases in drift demands, thus enabling more reliable capacity design. These results are expected to be widely applicable to structures where the peak seismic forces are significantly influenced by higher mode effects. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatopulmonary syndrome: Favorable outcomes in the MELD exception era
Authors: Iyer Vivek N. , Swanson Karen L. , Cartin-Ceba Rodrigo , Dierkhising Ross A. , Rosen Charles B. , Heimbach Julie K. , Wiesner Russell H. , Krowka Michael J. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a pulmonary vascular disorder occurring as a consequence of advanced liver disease, characterized by hypoxemia due to intrapulmonary vascular dilatations. HPS independently increases mortality, regardless of the cause or severity of liver disease. Liver transplantation (LT) improves survival in HPS. We present the largest consecutive series of HPS patients specifically addressing long-term survival relative to the degree of hypoxemia and the era in which LT was conducted. We evaluated 106 HPS patients at the Mayo Clinic from 1986 through 2010. Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier methodology. LT was accomplished in 49 HPS patients. Post-LT survival (1, 3, 5, and 10 years) did not differ between groups based on baseline partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) obtained at the time of HPS diagnosis. Improvements in overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years post-LT in those HPS patients transplanted after January 1 2002 (n = 28) (92%, 88%, and 88%, respectively) as compared with those transplanted prior to that time (n = 21) (71%, 67%, and 67%, respectively) did not reach statistical significance (5-year

P

= 0.09). Model for Endstage Liver Disease (MELD) exception to facilitate LT was granted to 21 patients since January 1 2002 with post-LT survival of 19/21 patients and one wait-list death.

Conclusion:

Long-term outcome after LT in HPS is favorable, with a trend towards improved survival in the MELD exception era since 2002 as compared to earlier HPS transplants. Survival after LT was not associated with PaO2 levels at the time of HPS diagnosis.
Hepatic fat loss in advanced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: Are alterations in serum adiponectin the cause?
Authors: van der Poorten David , Samer Caroline F. , Ramezani-Moghadam Mehdi , Coulter Sally , Kacevska Marina , Schrijnders Dennis , Wu Lindsay E. , McLeod Duncan , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Komuta Mina , Roskams Tania , Liddle Christopher , Hebbard Lionel , George Jacob 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Advanced liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is often accompanied by a reduction in hepatic fat to the point of complete fat loss (burnt-out NASH), but the mechanisms behind this phenomenon have not been elucidated. Adiponectin is raised in cirrhosis of any cause and has potent antisteatotic activity. In this study we examined 65 patients with advanced biopsy-proven NASH (fibrosis stage 3-4) and 54 with mild disease (fibrosis stage 0-1) to determine if disappearance of steatosis correlated with changes in serum adiponectin. All patents had fasting blood tests and anthropometric measures at the time of liver biopsy. Liver fat was accurately quantitated by morphometry. Serum adiponectin was measured by immunoassay. When compared to those with early disease, patients with advanced NASH were more insulin-resistant, viscerally obese, and older, but there was no difference in liver fat content or adiponectin levels. Adiponectin had a significant negative correlation with liver fat percentage in the whole cohort (

r

= −0.28,

P

< 0.01), driven by patients with advanced NASH (

r

= −0.40,

P

< 0.01). In advanced NASH, for each 4 μg/L increase in adiponectin there was an odds ratio OR of 2.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-3.0,

P

< 0.01) for a 5% reduction in hepatic fat. Adiponectin was highly and significantly associated with almost complete hepatic fat loss or burnt-out NASH (12.1 versus 7.4 μg/L,

P

= 0.001) on multivariate analysis. A relationship between adiponectin, bile acids, and adipocyte fexaramine activation was demonstrated

in vivo

and

in vitro

, suggestive of hepatocyte-adipocyte crosstalk.

Conclusion:

Serum adiponectin levels in advanced NASH are independently associated with hepatic fat loss. Adiponectin may in part be responsible for the paradox of burnt-out NASH.
The perceptions of dislocated workers under the Workforce Investment Act
Authors: Wilson Michael S. , Brown James M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis descriptive qualitative case study investigated the perceptions of dislocated workers offered program services through the Workforce Investment Act's (WIA) Dislocated Worker program in Minnesota. This research focused on recently dislocated workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own and hence were eligible for unemployment insurance. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a total of nine participants, who described their perceptions of their experiences of being offered services by the Minnesota Dislocated Worker program. The participants' perceptions were analyzed based on socially responsible human resource development. Participants confirmed they had reservations about using government services, and were stressed about career counseling and job search services. These results may stimulate further debate regarding public policies affecting dislocated workers, and implications for practice are provided along with future research suggestions.
Ultra‐deep sequencing reveals hidden HIV‐1 minority lineages and shifts of viral population between the main cellular reservoirs of the infection after therapy interruption
Authors: Rozera Gabriella , Abbate Isabella , Ciccozzi Massimo , Presti Alessandra Lo , Bruselles Alessandro , Vlassi Chrysoula , D'Offizi Gianpiero , Narciso Pasquale , Giombini Emanuela , Bartolini Barbara , Ippolito Giuseppe , Capobianchi Maria R. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractViral quasispecies population dynamics between monocytes and T‐lymphocytes were analyzed in patients after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) interruption, during a follow‐up of 3–6 months. V3 env region underwent ultra‐deep pyrosequencing. Co‐receptor usage prediction was performed by Position Specific Score Matrix Analysis. Phylogenetic trees were constructed to evaluate the relationships between the variants. Gene flow was also investigated. Even though at the moment of therapy interruption monocyte‐derived HIV‐1 genomes presented higher genetic heterogeneity than that of T‐lymphocytes, at subsequent times, this difference in genetic heterogeneity disappeared, due to different waves of expansion and reduction of quasispecies variability associated with monocytes and T‐lymphocytes. Phylogenetic analysis and gene flow evaluation supported the hypothesis of extensive interchange of variants between cellular compartments of the infection. A spread of proviral X4 lineages hidden in monocytes to T cells was observed, but this was not associated with an overall shift towards CXCR4 using variants during the observation period. J. Med. Virol. 84:839–844, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immunological and viral features in patients with overactive bladder associated with human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infection
Authors: Santos Silvane Braga , Oliveira Paulo , Luna Tania , Souza Anselmo , Nascimento Márcia , Siqueira Isadora , Tanajura Davi , Muniz André Luiz , Glesby Marshall J. , Carvalho Edgar M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe majority of patients infected with human T‐cell lymphotropic virus‐type 1 (HTLV‐1) are considered carriers, but a high frequency of urinary symptoms of overactive bladder, common in HTLV‐1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) have been documented in these patients. The aim of this study was to determine if immunological and viral factors that are seen in HAM/TSP are also observed in these patients. Participants were classified as HTLV‐1 carriers (n = 45), HTLV‐1 patients suffering from overactive bladder (n = 45) and HAM/TSP (n = 45). Cells from HTLV‐1 overactive bladder patients produced spontaneously more proinflammatory cytokines than carriers. TNF‐α and IL‐17 levels were similar in HAM/TSP and HTLV‐1 overactive bladder patients. High proviral load was found in patients with overactive bladder and HAM/TSP and correlated with proinflammatory cytokines. In contrast with findings in patients with HAM/TSP, serum levels of Th1 chemokines were similar in HTLV‐1 overactive bladder and carriers. Exogenous addition of regulatory cytokines decreased spontaneous IFN‐γ production in cell cultures from HTLV‐1 overactive bladder patients. The results show that HTLV‐1 overactive bladder and HAM/TSP patients have in common some immunological features as well as similar proviral load profile. The data show that HTLV‐1 overactive bladder patients are still able to down regulate their inflammatory immune response. In addition, these patients express levels of chemokines similar to carriers, which may explain why they have yet to develop the same degree of spinal cord damage as seen in patients with HAM/TSP. These patients present symptoms of overactive bladder, which may be an early sign of HAM/TSP. J. Med. Virol. 84:1809–1817, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gender differences in hepatitis C seroprevalence and suboptimal vaccination and hepatology services uptake amongst substance misusers
Authors: Marufu Muchandidemba , Williams Hugh , Hill Samuel L , Tibble Jeremy , Verma Sumita 
Published: September 2012

AbstractInjecting drug users are the principal at risk group for blood borne viruses. The aim was to assess the feasibility of screening substance misusers for blood borne viruses, and to offer appropriate vaccinations/referral to hepatology services. This was a nurse led prospective 6‐month study based at a large Substance Misuse Service in south east England. Of the 196 consecutive individuals assessed, 81 were eligible for HBV immunization of whom only 33.3% completed a vaccination course. Prevalence of positive serological markers were: anti‐HBc 14.4%, HBsAg 1.5%, and HCV antibody 37.9%. Compared to men, women were more likely to accept blood borne virus testing (83.3% vs. 62.3%), have ever injected (89.6% vs. 76.3%), overdose (54.2% vs. 23.6%), be anti‐HBc positive (27.5% vs. 8.8%), drink alcohol above national recommended guidelines (41.7% vs. 25.7%), and have a positive HCV serology (55% vs. 30.4%) (P ≤ 0.05 for all). Of the 73 individuals identified with a positive HBsAg and or HCV antibody, only 14 (19.1%) were known to hepatology services and 8 (20%) of those eligible subsequently accepted a specialist referral. In conclusion, serological markers for blood borne viruses remain high in substance misusers (anti‐HBc 14.4%, HCV antibody 37.9%), with women more likely to be positive. Overall, only 33.3% and 20%, respectively, complete HBV vaccination and accept a hepatology referral. A multidisciplinary approach is paramount to address both the blood borne viruses and the substance misuse and realignment of hepatitis services to Substance Misuse Services may offer such a strategy. J. Med. Virol. 84:1737–1743, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of seminal cytomegalovirus replication on HIV‐1 dynamics between blood and semen
Authors: Gianella Sara , Mehta Sanjay R. , Strain Matthew C. , Young Jason A. , Vargas Milenka V. , Little Susan J. , Richman Douglas D. , Pond Sergei L. Kosakovsky , Smith Davey M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe genital tract of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) is an anatomic compartment that supports local HIV‐1 and cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication. This study investigated the association of seminal CMV replication with changes in HIV‐1 clonal expansion, evolution and phylogenetic compartmentalization between blood and semen. Fourteen paired blood and semen samples were analyzed from four untreated subjects. Clonal sequences (n = 607) were generated from extracted HIV‐1 RNA (env C2‐V3 region), and HIV‐1 and CMV levels were measured in the seminal plasma by real‐time PCR. Sequence alignments were evaluated for: (i) viral compartmentalization between semen and blood samples using Slatkin–Maddison and FST methods, (ii) different nucleotide substitution rates in semen and blood, and (iii) association between proportions of clonal HIV‐1 sequences in each compartment and seminal CMV levels. Half of the semen samples had detectable CMV DNA, with at least one CMV positive sample for each patient. Seminal CMV DNA levels correlated positively with seminal HIV‐1 RNA levels (Spearman P = 0.05). A trend towards an association between compartmentalization of HIV‐1 sequences sampled from blood and semen and presence of seminal CMV was observed (Cochran Q test P = 0.12). Evolutionary rates between semen and blood HIV‐1 populations did not differ significantly, and there was no significant association between seminal CMV DNA levels and the frequency of non‐unique clonal HIV‐1 sequences in the semen. In conclusion, the effects of CMV replication on HIV‐1 viral and immunologic dynamics within the male genital tract are not significant enough to perturb evolution or disrupt compartmentalization in the genital tract. J. Med. Virol. 84:1703–1709, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in a diverse US integrated health care population
Authors: Manos M. Michele , Shvachko Valentina A. , Murphy Rosemary C. , Arduino Jean Marie , Shire Norah J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes influence response to therapy, and recently approved direct‐acting antivirals are genotype‐specific. Genotype distribution information can help to guide antiviral development and elucidate infection patterns. HCV genotype distributions were studied in a diverse cross‐section of patients in the Northern California Kaiser Permanente health plan. Associations between genotype and race/ethnicity, age, and sex were assessed with multivariate logistic regression models. The 10,256 patients studied were median age 56 years, 62% male, 55% White non‐Hispanic. Overall, 70% were genotype 1, 16% genotype 2, 12% genotype 3, 1% genotype 4, <1% genotype 5, and 1% genotype 6. Blacks (OR 4.5 [3.8–5.5]) and Asians (OR 1.2 [1.0–1.4]) were more likely to have genotype 1 than 2/3 versus non‐Hispanic Whites. Women less likely had genotype 1 versus 2/3 than did men (OR 0.86 [0.78–0.94]). Versus non‐Hispanic Whites, Asians (OR 0.38 [0.31–0.46]) and Blacks (OR 0.73 [0.63–0.84]) were less likely genotype1a than 1b; Hispanics (OR 1.3 [1.1–1.5]) and Native Americans (OR 1.9 [1.2–2.8]) more likely had genotype 1a than 1b. Patients age ≥65 years less likely had genotype 1a than 1b versus those age 45–64 (OR 0.34 [0.29–0.41]). The predominance of genotype 1 among all groups studied reinforces the need for new therapies targeting this genotype. Racial/ethnic variations in HCV genotype and subtype distribution must be considered in formulating new agents and novel strategies to successfully treat the diversity of hepatitis C patients. J. Med. Virol. 84:1744–1750, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aspartic protease from Aspergillus (Eurotium) repens strain MK82 is involved in the hydrolysis and decolourisation of dried bonito (Katsuobushi)
Authors: Aoki Kenji , Matsubara Sayaka , Umeda Mayo , Tachibanac Shusaku , Doi Mikiharu , Takenaka Shinji 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundKatsuobushi is a dried, smoked and fermented bonito used in Japanese cuisine. During the fermentation process with several Aspergillus species, the colour of Katsuobushi gradually changes from a dark reddish‐brown derived from haem proteins to pale pink. The change in colour gives Katsuobushi a higher ranking and price. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of decolourisation of Katsuobushi.ResultsA decolourising factor from the culture supernatant of Aspergillus (Eurotium) repens strain MK82 was purified to homogeneity. The purification was monitored by measuring the decolourising activity using equine myoglobin and bovine haemoglobin as substrates. It was found that the decolourising factor had protease activity towards myoglobin and haemoglobin. Complete inhibition of the enzyme by the inhibitor pepstatin A and the internal amino acid sequence classified the protein as an aspartic protease. The enzyme limitedly hydrolysed myoglobin between 1‐Met and 2‐Gly, 43‐Lys and 44‐Phe, and 70‐Leu and 71‐Thr. The purified enzyme decolourised blood of Katsuwonus pelamis (bonito) and a slice of dried bonito.ConclusionIt is proposed that aspartic protease plays a role in the decolourisation of Katsuobushi by the hydrolysis of haem proteins that allows the released haem to aggregate in the dried bonito.
Analysis of zearalenone and α‐zearalenol in 100 foods and medicinal plants determined by HPLC‐FLD and positive confirmation by LC‐MS‐MS
Authors: Kong Wei‐Jun , Shen Hong‐Hong , Zhang Xiao‐Fei , Yang Xiao‐Li , Qiu Feng , Ou‐yang Zhen , Yang Mei‐Hua 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundMycotoxins, which may contaminate many foods and medicinal plants, are poisonous to humans. A high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC‐FLD) method was successfully developed for analysing the contamination levels of zearalenone (ZON) and its metabolite α‐zearalenol (α‐ZOL) in 100 widely consumed foods and medicinal plants in China. Samples were extracted with methanol–water (80:20, v/v), and cleaned up by using an immunoaffinity column.ResultsThe limits of detection of this developed method for ZON and α‐ZOL were 4 µg kg−1 and 2.5 µg kg−1, respectively. Recoveries for the samples spiked with three levels (30, 60 and 300 µg kg−1 for ZON and α‐ZOL) ranged from 85.8% to 96.1% with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.6–7.1% for ZON, and from 89.9% to 98.7% with RSD of 1.9–9.2% for α‐ZOL. Twelve (12%) of these tested samples were contaminated with ZON at levels ranging from 5.3 to 295.8 µg kg−1. The most contaminated samples were Semen coicis, four of them in a concentration level exceeding 60 µg kg−1 ‘maximum level’ (range 68.9–119.6 µg kg−1). Positive samples were further confirmed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.ConclusionThe results suggest that it is necessary to control ZON contamination in medicinal plants, especially Semen coicis. This is a successful study on the analysis of ZON and α‐ZOL in medicinal plants in China by HPLC‐FLD. Immunoaffinity clean‐up and HPLC‐FLD proved to have broad applicability in the field of simultaneously detecting ZON and α‐ZOL in foods and medicinal plants and other complicated matrices.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry