bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes: Meta-Analysis
Authors: Park Haesuk , Park Chanhyun , Kim Yoona , Rascati Karen L 
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND: An up-to-date assessment of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors is needed to include newly available data. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitors, including sitagliptin, saxagliptin, vildagliptin, and linagliptin, in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We conducted a search of MEDLINE for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of DPP-4 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes through November 2011, using the key terms sitagliptin, saxagliptin, vildagliptin, and linagliptin. We also searched for completed, but unpublished, trials at relevant web sites. RCTs were selected for meta-analysis if they (1) compared DPP-4 inhibitors with placebo or an antihyperglycemic agent; (2) had study duration of 12 or more weeks; (3) had 1 or more baseline and posttreatment efficacy and/or safety outcome; and (4) were published in English. RESULTS: In 62 evaluated articles, DPP-4 inhibitors lowered hemoglobin A1c (A1C) significantly more than placebo (weighted mean difference [WMD] −0.76%; 95% CI −0.83 to −0.68); however, heterogeneity was substantial (I2 = 82%). Exclusion of Japanese trials (n = 7) resulted in a reduction of heterogeneity (I2 = 59%). In the non-Japanese RCTs (n = 55), DPP-4 inhibitors were associated with a reduction in A1C (WMD −0.65%; 95% CI −0.71 to −0.60) but higher risk of hypoglycemia (odds ratio [OR] 1.30; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.68) compared to placebo. The 7 Japanese-specific RCTs showed a greater reduction in A1C (WMD −1.67%; 95% CI −1.89 to −1.44) and a nonsignificant increase in risk of hypoglycemia (OR 1.41; 95% CI 0.51 to 3.88) with DPP-4 inhibitors versus placebo. When comparing DPP-4 inhibitors to active comparators, the I2 was still high after deleting Japanese studies. In these 17 active comparator trials, there was no significant difference in A1C reduction (WMD 0.04%; 95% CI −0.09 to 0.16) or risk of hypoglycemia (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.22 to 1.61) for DPP-4 inhibitors compared to other antihyperglycemics. There were similar odds of any or serious adverse events with DPP-4 inhibitors compared to placebo, but a decreased risk compared to other antihyperglycemics. CONCLUSIONS: DPP-4 inhibitors were associated with a reduction in A1C with comparable safety profiles compared to placebo, but no significant difference in A1C compared to other hyperglycemics. Differences in efficacy and safety were observed between Japanese and non-Japanese patients.
Downregulation and Prognostic Performance of MicroRNA 224 Expression in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Mavridis Konstantinos , Stravodimos Konstantinos , Scorilas Andreas 
Published: November 2012

INTRODUCTION
The extensive use of prostate-specific antigen as a general prostate cancer biomarker has introduced the hazards of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Recent studies have revealed the immense biomarker capacity of microRNAs (miRNAs) in prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression pattern of miR-224, a cancer-related miRNA, in prostate tumors and investigate its clinical utility.

METHODS
Total RNA was isolated from 139 prostate tissue samples. After the polyadenylation of total RNA by poly(A) polymerase, cDNA was synthesized with a suitable poly(T) adapter. miR-224 expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and analyzed with the comparative quantification cycle method, Cq(2−ΔΔCq). We performed comprehensive biostatistical analyses to explore the clinical value of miR-224 in prostate cancer.

RESULTS
miR-224 expression was significantly downregulated in malignant samples compared with benign samples (P &lt; 0.001). Higher miR-224 expression levels were found in prostate tumors that were less aggressive (P = 0.017) and in an earlier disease stage (P = 0.018). Patients with prostate cancer who were positive for miR-224 had significantly enhanced progression-free survival intervals compared with miR-224–negative patients (P = 0.021). Univariate bootstrap Cox regression confirmed that miR-224 was associated with favorable prognosis (hazard ratio 0.314, P = 0.013); nonetheless, multivariate analysis, adjusted for conventional markers, did not identify miR-224 as an independent prognostic indicator.

CONCLUSIONS
miR-224 is aberrantly expressed in prostate cancer. Its assessment by cost-effective quantitative molecular methodologies could provide a useful biomarker for prostate cancer.
Epigenetic regulation of memory: implications in human cognitive disorders
Authors: Kramer Jamie M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractEpigenetic modification of chromatin structure is an important mechanism in the regulation of gene expression. Recent studies have shown that dynamic regulation of chromatin structure occurs in response to neuronal stimulation associated with learning and memory. Learning-induced chromatin modifications include DNA methylation, histone acetylation, histone phosphorylation and histone methylation. Studies in animal models have used genetic and pharmacological methods to manipulate the epigenetic machinery in the brain during learning and memory formation. In general, these studies suggest that epigenetic regulation of chromatin structure is essential for long term memory (LTM) consolidation, which is known to require new gene transcription. Analysis of animal models has also implicated epigenetic mechanisms in impaired cognition associated with aging, neurodegenerative disease, and intellectual disability (ID). Recently, it has been shown that a subset of ID disorders and autism are caused by disruption of specific chromatin modification complexes that are involved in nuclear hormone receptor mediated transcriptional regulation. This review provides an overview of chromatin modifications that are implicated in learning and memory and discusses the role of chromatin modifying proteins in learning-induced transcriptional regulation and human cognitive disorders.
The diagnostic utility of brain natriuretic peptide in heart failure patients presenting with acute dyspnea: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mastandrea Paolo 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) accounts for approximately 50% of heart failure (HF) cases. To establish the utility of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in differentiating HF-related severe dyspnea from non-HF-related acute dyspnea, we used an estimation formula (eF) that was obtained from a series of three meta-regressions. We selected 60 out of 2721 case-control and follow-up studies that were published from 1998 to 2010. The heart failure levels (HFLs) were assessed using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) criteria. Random-effects meta-regression analyses of the natural logarithm (ln) of the BNP odds ratio (OR) were performed on the HFLs. The ln of the median BNP values (lnmBNP) was meta-regressed over the laboratory method (LM). A third meta-regression was performed on the HFLs to account for only the lnmBNP in the homogeneous LM subgroups. To determine the eF, the data from the diseased and control subjects were combined. The Bland-Altman method was used to detect eF bias. The overall BNP(OR) in the subgroup with severe HF was 35. The lnmBNP analysis showed that LM was a significant heterogeneity factor in the meta-regression (slope −0.38; CI −0.59 to −0.16). The meta-regression of lnmBNP on the HFL resulted in the following calculation for eF: estimated HFL (eHFL)=(lnmBNP–3.157)/0.886. The Bland-Altman test revealed no significant difference (0.0997; 95% CI −2.84 to 3.06) between HFL and eHFL. The severe eHFL showed a 78% accuracy. Based on the eF obtained from this meta-analysis, the BNP outcomes were shown to reliably diagnose severe dyspnea in HF and differentiate this condition from non-HF acute dyspnea.
Pro-angiogenic effect of human kallikrein-related peptidase 12 (KLK12) in lung endothelial cells does not depend on kinin-mediated activation of B2 receptor
Authors: Kryza Thomas , Lalmanach Gilles , Lavergne Marion , Lecaille Fabien , Reverdiau Pascale , Courty Yves , Heuzé-Vourc’h Nathalie 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Kallikrein-12 (KLK12) may play an important role in angiogenesis modulating proangiogenic factor bioavailability and activating the kinin receptor B2 pathway. We studied whether KLK12 had an impact on angiogenesis and the activation of kinin receptor B2 results from the KLK12-dependent generation of kinins. KLK12 efficiently hydrolyzed high molecular weight kininogen, liberating a fragment containing the carboxy-terminal end of kinins. The kininogenase activity of KLK12 was poor, however, due to the cleavage resistance of the N-terminal side of the kinin sequence. A very low amount of kinins was accordingly released after in vitro incubation of high molecular weight kininogen with KLK12 and thus the proangiogenic activity of KLK12 in lung endothelial cells was not related to a kinin release.
Raman Study of Solid Nitrogen in the β Phase and Close to the Melting Line
Authors: Çetinbaş İşeri E. , Yurtseven H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis study gives the Raman frequencies calculated as functions of temperature and pressure for the lattice modes in the solid β phase and close to the melting line (β-fluid transition). The experimental volume data from the literature is used to calculate the Raman frequencies for the molecular nitrogen system. Some observed Raman frequencies are also used as the initial data to perform our calculations given here.It is shown that our values predict the observed Raman frequencies of the lattice modes studied in the β phase and also on the solid β-fluid melting curve. This initiates the applicability of the method given here to calculate the frequency from the volume data in various phases of molecular solids such as solid nitrogen.
Influence of Calculation Method on Value of Activation Energy in Hot Forming
Authors: Schindler I. , Kawulok P. , Kawulok R. , Hadasik E. , Kuc D. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractInfluence of the methodology of mathematical processing of experimental data on the calculated value of the activation energy in hot forming was evaluated for three very different alloys: iron aluminide, low-alloyed steel and magnesium alloy. Application of the mean strain rates is appropriate but calculations with use of nominal strain rates of the plastometric tests do not give significantly different results. Calculations based on the processing of the simplified power dependence between strain rate and peak stress can give the results differing very substantially from those that were gained by the solution of the complex hyperbolic relationship. This has negative impacts, particularly at prediction of the maximum flow stress in the broad range of forming conditions, represented by the Zener-Hollomon parameter.
Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) on muscle tissue: performance, fatigue and repair benefited by the power of light
Authors: Ferraresi Cleber , Hamblin Michael R. , Parizotto Nivaldo A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe use of low level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) has recently expanded to cover areas of medicine that were not previously thought of as the usual applications such as wound healing and inflammatory orthopedic conditions. One of these novel application areas is LLLT for muscle fatigue and muscle injury. Since it is becoming agreed that mitochondria are the principal photoacceptors present inside cells, and it is known that muscle cells are exceptionally rich in mitochondria, this suggests that LLLT should be highly beneficial in muscle injuries. The ability of LLLT to stimulate stem cells and progenitor cells means that muscle satellite cells may respond well to LLLT and help muscle repair. Furthermore the ability of LLLT to reduce inflammation and lessen oxidative stress is also beneficial in cases of muscle fatigue and injury. This review covers the literature relating to LLLT and muscles in both preclinical animal experiments and human clinical studies. Athletes, people with injured muscles, and patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy may all benefit.
Effect of processing variables on mechanical properties of montmorillonite clay/unsaturated polyester nanocomposite using Taguchi based grey relational analysis
Authors: Rajini Nagarajan , Jappes Jebas Thangaih Winowlin , Rajakarunakaran Sivaprakasam , Siva Irullappasamy 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The present investigation addresses the influence of process variables on the mechanical properties of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay with unsaturated polyester, using the mechanical shear mixing process. The rotational speed, mixing time, rotor blade design and clay content were chosen as process variables. The influence of these process variables on mechanical properties were studied with the help of grey relational analysis. Organically modified MMT nanoclay was used as the reinforcing filler, in order to increase the swelling of the clay with the polyester resin. Nanocomposites were fabricated based on the experimental design using the L9 orthogonal array. Among the parameters studied, blade design was identified as the parameter with the most influence, due to the presence of a varying shear force, which peeled off the clay platelets from the stacked arrangement of clay tactoids. Grey relational analysis was used to obtain the optimum process parameters for multiple quality characteristics such as tensile, flexural and impact strength. It was observed that the Shore D hardness values for all nine experiments possess higher values than virgin polyester. Morphological studies have been carried out for the specimen with optimum process parameters using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Tensile, flexural and impact fractured specimens were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for optimum conditions.
Unsaturated polyester/E-glass fiber composites made by vacuum assisted compression resin transfer molding
Authors: Chang Chih-Yuan , Lin Hung-Jie 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
A variant process incorporating the method of bag compression into resin transfer molding (RTM), called vacuum assisted compression RTM (VACRTM), has been developed to reduce the cycling period and improve the quality of the part. The process utilizes a flexible bag placed between the upper mold and the preform compared with RTM. By controlling the stretchable bag, the resin is easily introduced into the cavity filled with a loose preform. Then, ambient pressure is applied on the bag that compacts the preform and drives the resin through the remaining dry preform. The objective of this research is to explore the simplified VACRTM feasibility and investigate the effects of process variables, including resin temperature, resin infusion pressure, mold cavity height and cure temperature, on the mechanical strength of the part, by applying Taguchi’s method. The results show that VACRTM has advantages in terms of its being an easy and good seal among mold parts and the the lack of a need to clean the upper mold. The resin infusion pressure is a significant variable for improvement of the mechanical strength of the part. Optimal VACRTM reduces the filling time by 58% and increases the flexural strength by 10%, as compared with typical vacuum assisted RTM (VARTM).
Self-Organized Nanostructure Formation for Anti-Reflection Glass Surfaces
Authors: Achtelik Jörn , Kemper Ricarda M. , Sievers Werner , Lindner Jörg K. N. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTTwo methods to create biomimetic anti-reflection nanostructures in ordinary glass microscope object slides are presented. One technique is based on a nanosphere lithography process combined with physical vapour deposition of nickel and reactive ion etching (RIE). The other uses plasma induced dewetting of a smooth nickel surface. The amount of reflected light was measured and a method to simulate the reflectivity from an atomic force microscopy (AFM) topography scan of the glass surface is presented. The reflectivity for visible light at normal incidence was reduced to 20-50 % of the original value with both methods and the simulation gives results in good agreement to the measurement.
High water pressure - high temperature autoclave for in situ Raman study of fuel cell/electrolyser materials.
Authors: Slodczyk Aneta , Zaafrani Oumaya , Colomban Philippe 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTAccording to the recent hydrogen and methanol economy, the proton conducting materials appear very interesting as an electrolytic membrane and/or an electrode component of fuel cells, CO2/Syngas converters and water steam electrolysers. Prior to the long lifetime requirements their structural and mechanical behaviors as a function of operating condition: high temperature and high water vapor pressure, have to be well determined. Consequently, we designed the autoclave working till 620°C and 50 bars of H2O pressure equipped with a sapphire window allowing in situ Raman scattering measurements. It should be stressed that Raman scattering is an optical technique very efficient to detect both long and short range order structural modifications. The technical and scientific challenges/difficulties encountered during the studies performed on proton conducting zirconates are discussed.
Periodontal and General Health in Long‐Term Periodontal Maintenance Patients Treated in a Norwegian Private Practice: A Descriptive Report From a Compliant and Partially Compliant Survivor Population
Authors: Fardal Øystein , Fardal Patrick , Persson G. Rutger 
Published: November 2012

Background: There is weak evidence to support the benefit of periodontal maintenance therapy in preventing tooth loss. In addition, the effects of long‐term periodontal treatment on general health are unclear.Methods: Patients who were compliant and partially compliant (15 to 25 years’ follow‐up) in private practice were observed for oral and systemic health changes.Results: A total of 219 patients who were compliant (91 males and 128 females) were observed for 19.1 (range 15 to 25; SD ± 2.8) years. Age at reassessment was 64.6 (range: 39 to 84; SD ± 9.0) years. A total of 145 patients were stable (0 to 3 teeth lost), 54 were downhill (4 to 6 teeth lost), and 21 patients extreme downhill (>6 teeth lost); 16 patients developed hypertension, 13 developed type 2 diabetes, and 15 suffered myocardial infarcts (MIs). A minority developed other systemic diseases. Risk factors for MI included overweight (odds ratio [OR]: 9.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.9 to 27.8; P = 0.000), family history with cardiovascular disease (OR: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.07 to 8.94; P = 0.029), type 1 diabetes at baseline (P = 0.02), and developing type 2 diabetes (OR: 7.9; 95% CI: 2.09 to 29.65; P = 0.000). A total of 25 patients who were partially compliant (17 males and eight females) were observed for 19 years. This group had a higher proportion of downhill and extreme downhill cases and MI.Conclusions: Patients who left the maintenance program in a periodontal specialist practice in Norway had a higher rate of tooth loss than patients who were compliant. Patients who were compliant with maintenance in a specialist practice in Norway have a similar risk of developing type 2 diabetes as the general population. A rate of 0.0037 MIs per patient per year was recorded for this group. Due to the lack of external data, it is difficult to assess how this compares with patients who have periodontal disease and are untreated.
Morphometric analysis of treatment effects of the Balters bionator in growing Class II patients
Authors: Antunes Carina Ferlin , Bigliazzi Renato , Bertoz Francisco Antonio , Ortolani Cristina Lúcia Feijó , Franchi Lorenzo , Jr. Kurt Faltin, 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To investigate the effects of the standard (Class II) Balters bionator in growing patients with Class II malocclusion with mandibular retrusion by using morphometrics (thin-plate spline [TPS] analysis).

Materials and Methods:
Thirty-one Class II patients (17 male and 14 female) were treated with the Balters bionator (bionator group). Mean age at the start of treatment (T0) was 10.3 years, while it was 13 years at the end of treatment (T1). Mean treatment time was 2 years and 2 months. The control group consisted of 22 subjects (14 male and 8 female) with untreated Class II malocclusion. Mean age at T0 was 10.2 years, while it was 12.2 years at T1. The observation period lasted 2 years on average. TPS analysis evaluated statistical (permutation tests) differences in the craniofacial shape and size between the bionator and control groups.

Results:
Through TPS analysis (deformation grids) the bionator group showed significant shape changes in the mandible that could be described as a mandibular forward and downward displacement. The control group showed no statistically significant differences in the correction of Class II malocclusion.

Conclusions:
Bionator appliance is able to induce significant mandibular shape changes that lead to the correction of Class II dentoskeletal disharmony.
Surface elevation and velocity changes on the south-central Greenland ice sheet: 1980–2011
Authors: Jezek Kenneth C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe extend through 2011 an ice-sheet elevation and surface velocity record across three measurement networks established in south-central Greenland by The Ohio State University in 1980/81. Surface parameters are derived from repeat GPS in situ observations, elevations measured by airborne laser altimetry and by the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat). Elevations at the western network steadily rose early in the record by 0.10 ± 0.02 m a-1, but an eastward-progressing thinning trend began in the mid-1990s followed by a ~1m elevation drop at all stations from 2005 to 2011. Measurements weakly suggest a surface velocity increase at the western cluster from 1980 to 2005. At the central network, elevations rose by 0.08 ± 0.02 m a-1 through 2005 and surface speed increased by 0.5–0.7 m a-1. Surface elevations at the central network remained nearly constant thereafter. Thickening occurred at the southern ice divide by 0.05 ± 0.02 m a-1, while east of the divide the ice sheet thinned with increasing rate from the divide, likely because of decreasing accumulation rate trends and drawdown into rapidly retreating coastal glaciers. Our most recent data show that thinning rates are slowing at several sites just east of the divide and that the elevation at the divide continues to increase.
Femtosecond Laser (WaveLight FS200) Customized Keratoplasty for Keratoconus: Case Report
Authors: Yoo Sonia H. , Al-Ageel Saleh 
Published: November 2012

PURPOSE:
To describe a case of a 52-year-old man with severe keratoconus who underwent femtosecond laser–assisted keratoplasty with the WaveLight FS200 femtosecond laser (Alcon Laboratories Inc).

METHODS:
The donor and recipient corneas were cut in a mushroom-shaped pattern. The laser parameters used on this platform for the donor and recipient corneas are described.

RESULTS:
Corrected distance visual acuity improved by 3 weeks postoperatively. Mean keratometry decreased from 60.00 to 46.00 diopters.

CONCLUSIONS:
This patient underwent a mushroom-shaped keratoplasty with the femtosecond laser to maximize preservation of his own endothelium. Increased energy and/or decreased spot line separation may be required depending on the degree of corneal edema or scarring involved.