bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Failing Heart of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Can Adapt to Extreme Short-term Increases in Circulating Lipids and Does Not Display Features of Acute Myocardial Lipotoxicity
Authors: Nielsen Roni , Nørrelund Helene , Kampmann Ulla , Kim Won Yong , Ringgaard Steffen , Schär Michael , Møller Niels , Bøtker Hans Erik , Wiggers Henrik 
Published: June 2013

Background—
Circulating lipid levels and myocardial lipid content (MyLC) is increased in type 2 diabetes mellitus. This may cause a state of lipotoxicity that compromises left ventricular function and aggravate heart failure. We investigated the relationship among circulating lipid levels, MyLC, and cardiac function together with the acute cardiac effects of high as opposed to low circulating free fatty acid (FFA) and triglyceride levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure.

Methods and Results—

Eighteen patients underwent 8-hour intralipid/heparin-infusion (high FFA) and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamping (low FFA) in a randomized crossover–designed study. We applied magnetic resonance proton spectroscopy to measure MyLC. Cardiac function was assessed by advanced echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise, and MRI. MyLC correlated positively with circulating triglyceride (
r
=0.47;
r
2
=0.22;
P
=0.003) and FFA (
r
=0.45;
r
2
=0.20;
P
=0.001) levels and inversely with left ventricular ejection fraction (
r
=−0.54;
r
2
=0.29;
P
=0.004). Circulating FFA concentrations differed between study arms (0.05±0.04 mmol/L [low FFA] versus 1.04±0.27 mmol/L [high FFA];
P
<0.001) and MyLC increased from 0.78±0.59% (low FFA) to 1.16±0.73% (high FFA;
P
<0.01). Resting left ventricular ejection fraction and global strain did not differ between high and low FFA, whereas resting systolic mitral plane velocity (S′max) was highest during high FFA (3.6±0.8 cm/s [low FFA] versus 3.8±0.7 cm/s [high FFA];
P
=0.02). Peak exercise capacity and oxygen consumption did not differ between the study arms, and neither did postexercise measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction, global strain, and S′max.

Conclusions—
Our findings indicate that the failing heart of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus can adapt to short-term extreme changes in circulating substrates and does not display features of acute myocardial lipotoxicity.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01192373.
The Compensation Fund for Climate Impacts
Authors: Sprinz Detlef F. , von Bünau Steffen 
Published: June 2013

AbstractClimate change is very likely to lead to undesirable climate impacts. How to compensate for such negative impacts at the international level has, hitherto, received little attention. This article reviews the most frequently discussed grounds for legal obligations of states vis-à-vis climate impacts (damages) and concludes that no convincing mechanism has yet been found to compensate climate impacts. The authors outline an architecture for a voluntary, international compensation fund with specialized, independent climate courts. Subsequently, this article addresses three strategic considerations related to the fund, namely, the incentives for founding it, the merits of double proportionality with respect to contributions and payments, as well as the benefits of employing prediction markets to enhance trustworthiness.
Influence of a novel β-nucleating agent on the structure, mechanical properties, and crystallization behavior of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Jiang Changquan , Zhao Shicheng , Xin Zhong 
Published: June 2013

A novel β-nucleating agent of isotactic polypropylene (iPP), the potassium salt of 1,4,5,6,7,7-hexachlorobicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (CA-19), was found and its effects on the mechanical properties, content of β-crystal, and crystallization behavior of iPP were investigated. The results showed the content of β-crystals of nucleated iPP ( kβ value) can reach 46.3% with 0.25 wt% CA-19. The impact strength and crystallization peak temperature of nucleated iPP greatly increased. Compared with pure iPP, the impact strength of nucleated iPP shows two times increase, and the crystallization peak temperature ( Tp) of nucleated iPP increased by 7°C. The spherulite size of the nucleated iPP dramatically decreased compared with that of pure iPP. The Caze et al. method was used to investigate the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of nucleated iPP and the crystallization activation energy was obtained by the Kissinger method.
Effects of compatilizers on mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of polypropylene–long glass fiber composites
Authors: Zhang Daohai , Guo Jianbing , Zhang Kaizhou 
Published: June 2013

The polypropylene–long glass fiber (PP/LGF) composites were prepared using self-designed impregnation device. The mechanical properties and dynamic mechanical properties of PP/LGF composites with two different compatibilizers including PP grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (PP-g-GMA) and maleic anhydride-grafted PP copolymer (PP-g-MA) were investigated on injection molding standard bars. The experimental results demonstrated that the addition of PP-g-GMA led to decrease in mechanical properties and storage modulus. However, it is found that the maximum mechanical properties and storage modulus are reached for the PP/LGF composites when PP-g-MA are 7 wt%. Moreover, PP-g-MA is better than PP-g-GMA in the PP/LGF composites.
Quiescent complement in nonhuman primates during E coli Shiga toxin-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors: Lee Benjamin C. , Mayer Chad L. , Leibowitz Caitlin S. , Stearns-Kurosawa D. J. , Kurosawa Shinichiro 
Published: June 2013

Key PointsComplement activation is not required for development of thrombotic microangiopathy and HUS induced by EHEC Shiga toxins in nonhuman primates. Complement is an important defense mechanism, and benefits or risks of therapeutic inhibition should be studied further for this infection.
Exome sequencing identifies putative drivers of progression of transient myeloproliferative disorder to AMKL in infants with Down syndrome
Authors: Nikolaev Sergey I. , Santoni Federico , Vannier Anne , Falconnet Emilie , Giarin Emanuela , Basso Giuseppe , Hoischen Alexander , Veltman Joris A. , Groet Jurgen , Nizetic Dean , Antonarakis Stylianos E. 
Published: June 2013

Key Points
DS TMD shows no DNA rearrangements and a low rate of mutations other than GATA1. DS AMKL always has rearrangements and mutations in genes known for leukemic progression; affected pathways share upregulation of MYC.
Evolutionary diversification of secondary mechanoreceptor cells in tunicata
Authors: Rigon Francesca , Stach Thomas , Caicci Federico , Gasparini Fabio , Burighel Paolo , Manni Lucia 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundHair cells are vertebrate secondary sensory cells located in the ear and in the lateral line organ. Until recently, these cells were considered to be mechanoreceptors exclusively found in vertebrates that evolved within this group. Evidence of secondary mechanoreceptors in some tunicates, the proposed sister group of vertebrates, has recently led to the hypothesis that vertebrate and tunicate secondary sensory cells share a common origin. Secondary sensory cells were described in detail in two tunicate groups, ascidians and thaliaceans, in which they constitute an oral sensory structure called the coronal organ. Among thaliaceans, the organ is absent in salps and it has been hypothesised that this condition is due to a different feeding system adopted by this group of animals. No information is available as to whether a comparable structure exists in the third group of tunicates, the appendicularians, although different sensory structures are known to be present in these animals.ResultsWe studied the detailed morphology of appendicularian oral mechanoreceptors. Using light and electron microscopy we could demonstrate that the mechanosensory organ called the circumoral ring is composed of secondary sensory cells. We described the ultrastructure of the circumoral organ in two appendicularian species,Oikopleura dioicaandOikopleura albicans, and thus taxonomically completed the data collection of tunicate secondary sensory cells. To understand the evolution of secondary sensory cells in tunicates, we performed a cladistic analysis using morphological data. We constructed a matrix consisting of 19 characters derived from detailed ultrastructural studies in 16 tunicate species and used a cephalochordate and three vertebrate species as outgroups.ConclusionsOur study clearly shows that the circumoral ring is the appendicularian homologue of the coronal organ of other tunicate taxa. The cladistic analysis enabled us to reconstruct the features of the putative ancestral hair cell in tunicates, represented by a simple monociliated cell. This cell successively differentiated into the current variety of oral mechanoreceptors in the various tunicate lineages. Finally, we demonstrated that the inferred evolutionary changes coincide with major transitions in the feeding strategies in each respective lineage.
Determination of the apoptotic index in osteosarcoma tissue and its relationship with patients prognosis
Authors: Wu Xing , Cheng Biao , Cai Zheng-dong , Lou Lie-ming 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Nowadays it remains a controversial issue whether a correlation exists between the apoptosis rate of tumor tissue and the prognosis of the patients. We aimed to explore the prognostic significance of apoptosis index of human osteosarcoma tissue.

Methods
The technique of terminal DNA breakpoints in situ 3 - hydroxy end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect and analysis apoptosis index in 56 osteosarcoma specimens. The relationships between apoptosis index of tumor tissue and long term survival of patients as well as pathologic classification, tumor clinical stages, tumor size and level of serum alkaline phosphatase were analyzed.

Results
Our studies showed the cases with high apoptosis index had significantly longer survival time. Apoptosis index in osteosarcoma tissue was correlated with tumor size and level of serum alkaline phosphatase but not with pathologic classifications and clinical stages of tumor.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrated that apoptosis index of osteosarcoma tissue combined with serum alkaline phosphatase could used as valid indicators to predicate the malignant level and prognosis of osteosarcoma cases, which would contribute to enhance efficacy of clinical treatments for osteosarcoma.
Cloning, expression, and immunocharacterization of surface protein containing an altered thrombospondin repeat domain (SPATR) from Plasmodium knowlesi
Authors: Palaeya Vanitha , Lau Yee Ling , Mahmud Rohela , Chen Yeng , Fong Mun Yik 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background

Plasmodium knowlesi is the fifth species identified to cause malaria in humans and is often misdiagnosed as Plasmodium malariae due to morphological similarities. The development of an inexpensive, serological detection method utilizing antibodies specific to P. knowlesi would be a valuable tool for diagnosis. However, the identification of specific antigens for these parasites remains a major challenge for generating such assays. In this study, surface protein containing an altered thrombospondin repeat domain (SPATR) was selected as a potentially specific antigen from P. knowlesi. Its multistage expression by sporozoites, asexual erythrocytic forms and gametocytes, along with its possible role in liver cell invasion, suggests that SPATR could be used as a biomarker for diagnosis of P. knowlesi.

Methods
The spatr gene from P. knowlesi was codon optimized and cloned (pkhspatr). Recombinant pk HSPATR protein was expressed, purified, and evaluated for its sensitivity and specificity in immunoblot and ELISA-based assays for detecting P. knowlesi infection.

Results
The recombinant pk HSPATR protein allows sensitive detection of human P. knowlesi infection in serum samples by immunoblot and ELISA.

Conclusions
With further research, recombinant pk HSPATR protein could be exploited as a marker for detection of P. knowlesi infection in humans. Therefore, this finding should contribute to the development of immunodiagnostic assays for the species-specific detection of malaria.
In-depth interviews with state public health practitioners on the United States National Physical Activity Plan
Authors: Evenson Kelly R , Satinsky Sara B , Valko Cheryl , Gustat Jeanette , Healy Isobel , Litt Jill S , Hooker Steven P , Reed Hannah L , Tompkins Nancy O’Hara 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The United States National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP; 2010), the country’s first national plan for physical activity, provides strategies to increase population-level physical activity to complement the 2008 physical activity guidelines. This study examined state public health practitioner awareness, dissemination, use, challenges, and recommendations for the NPAP.

Methods
In 2011–2012, we interviewed 27 state practitioners from 25 states. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded using a standard protocol, verified and reconciled by an independent coder, and input into qualitative software to facilitate development of common themes.

Results
NPAP awareness was high among state practitioners; dissemination to local constituents varied. Development of state-level strategies and goals was the most frequently reported use of the NPAP. Some respondents noted the usefulness of the NPAP for coalitions and local practitioners. Challenges to the plan included implementation cost, complexity, and consistency with other policies. The most frequent recommendation made was to directly link examples of implementation activities to the plan.

Conclusions
These results provide early evidence of NPAP dissemination and use, along with challenges encountered and suggestions for future iterations. Public health is one of eight sectors in the NPAP. Further efforts are needed to understand uptake and use by other sectors, as well as to monitor long-term relevance, progress, and collaboration across sectors.
Effect of the parental origin of the X-chromosome on the clinical features, associated complications, the two-year-response to growth hormone (rhGH) and the biochemical profile in patients with turner syndrome
Authors: Álvarez-Nava Francisco , Lanes Roberto , Quintero José Miguel , Miras Mirta , Fideleff Hugo , Mericq Verónica , Marcano Henry , Zabala William , Soto Marisol , Pardo Tatiana , Borjas Lisbeth , Villalobos Joalice , Gunczler Peter , Unanue Nancy , Tkalenko Natalia , Boyanofsky Adriana , Silvano Liliana , Franchioni Liliana , Llano Miriam , Fideleff Gabriel , Azaretzky Miriam , Suarez Martha 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundIt is possible that genes on the X chromosome are expressed differently depending of its parental origin. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of the parental origin of the X-chromosome on phenotypic variability, response to rhGH and on the biochemical profile of TS patients.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional multicenter correlational study carried out over three years in six Latin-American university hospitals. Unrelated 45,X TS patients (n =  93; 18.3 ± 8.5 years )) were evaluated. A subgroup (n =  34) of the patients were prospectively treated with rhGH over two years. DNA profiles of patients and their mothers were compared to determine the parental origin of the retained X-chromosome through 10 polymorphic X-chromosome-STRs. The association with clinical features, biochemical profiles and anthropometric data at the beginning and after two years of rhGH treatment was determined.ResultsSeventy two percent of patients retained the maternal X chromosome (Xm). A trend towards significance between maternal height and patients final height (p ≤ 0.07) in 45,Xm subjects was observed. There was no correlation between paternal height and patient height. No differences were detected between both groups in regard to dysmorphic features, classical malformations or increase in the height-SDS after rhGH. There were higher levels of triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol in patients >20 years who retained the Xm.ConclusionsThe parental origin of the retained X chromosome may influence lipid metabolism in TS patients, but its effect on growth seems to be minimal. No parental-origin-effect on the phenotypic features, associated anomalies and on the growth response to rhGH was found in 45,X TS individuals.
Presence of Antibodies against Genogroup VI Norovirus in Humans
Authors: Mesquita João Rodrigo , Costantini Verónica P , Cannon Jennifer L , Lin Seh-ching , Nascimento Maria São José , Vinjé Jan 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Noroviruses are important enteric pathogens in humans and animals. Recently, we reported a novel canine norovirus (CaNoV) in dogs with diarrhea belonging to a new genogroup (GVI). No data are available on exposure of humans to this virus.

Methods
Sera from 373 small animal veterinarians and 120 age-matched population controls were tested for IgG antibodies to CaNoV by a recombinant virus like particle based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
Antibodies to CaNoV were found in 22.3% of the veterinarians and 5.8% of the control group (p < 0.001). Mean corrected OD450 values for CaNoV antibodies were significantly higher in small animal veterinarians compared to the control group.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that CaNoV may infect humans and small animal veterinarians are at an increased risk for exposure to this virus. Additional studies are needed to assess if this virus is able to cause disease in humans.
Histological and molecular characterisation of feline humeral condylar osteoarthritis
Authors: Ryan John M , Lascelles B Duncan X , Benito Javier , Hash Jon , Smith Sionagh H , Bennett David , Argyle David J , Clements Dylan N 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a clinically important and common disease of older cats. The pathological changes and molecular mechanisms which underpin the disease have yet to be described. In this study we evaluated selected histological and transcriptomic measures in the articular cartilage and subchondral bone (SCB) of the humeral condyle of cats with or without OA.ResultsThe histomorphometric changes in humeral condyle were concentrated in the medial aspect of the condyle. Cats with OA had a reduction in articular chondrocyte density, an increase in the histopathological score of the articular cartilage and a decrease in the SCB porosity of the medial part of the humeral condyle. An increase in LUM gene expression was observed in OA cartilage from the medial part of the humeral condyle.ConclusionsHistopathological changes identified in OA of the feline humeral condyle appear to primarily affect the medial aspect of the joint. Histological changes suggest that SCB is involved in the OA process in cats. Differentiating which changes represent OA rather than the aging process, or the effects of obesity and or bodyweight requires further investigation.
Fading vision: knowledge translation in the implementation of a public health policy intervention
Authors: Tomm-Bonde Laura , Schreiber Rita S , Allan Diane E , MacDonald Marjorie , Pauly Bernie , Hancock Trevor 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
In response to several high profile public health crises, public health renewal is underway in Canada. In the province of British Columbia, the Ministry of Health initiated a collaborative evidence-informed process involving a steering committee of representatives from the six health authorities. A Core Functions (CF) Framework was developed, identifying 21 core public health programs. For each core program, an evidence review was conducted and a model core program paper developed. These documents were distributed to health authorities to guide development of their own renewed public health services. The CF implementation was conceptualized as an embedded knowledge translation process. A CF coordinator in each health authority was to facilitate a gap analysis and development of a performance improvement plan for each core program, and post these publically on the health authority website.

Methods
Interviews (n = 19) and focus groups (n = 8) were conducted with a total of 56 managers and front line staff from five health authorities working in the Healthy Living and Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention core programs. All interviews and focus groups were digitally recorded, transcribed and verified by the project coordinator. Five members of the research team used NVivo 9 to manage data and conducted a thematic analysis.

Results
Four main themes emerged concerning implementation of the CF Framework generally, and the two programs specifically. The themes were: ‘you’ve told me what, now tell me how’; ‘the double bind’; ‘but we already do that’; and the ‘selling game.’ Findings demonstrate the original vision of the CF process was lost in the implementation process and many participants were unaware of the CF framework or process.

Conclusions
Results are discussed with respect to a well-known framework on the adoption, assimilation, and implementation of innovations in health services organizations. Despite attempts of the Ministry of Health and the Steering Committee to develop and implement a collaborative, evidence-informed policy intervention, there were several barriers to the realization of the vision for core public health functions implementation, at least in the early stages. In neglecting the implementation process, it seems unlikely that the expected benefits of the public health renewal process will be realized.
Differential sensitivity of polyhydroxyalkanoate producing bacteria to fermentation inhibitors and comparison of polyhydroxybutyrate production from Burkholderia cepacia and Pseudomonas pseudoflava
Authors: Dietrich Diane , Illman Barbara , Crooks Casey 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study is determine the relative sensitivity of a panel of seven polyhydroxyalkanoate producing bacteria to a panel of seven lignocellulosic-derived fermentation inhibitors representing aliphatic acids, furans and phenolics. A further aim was to measure the polyhydroxybutyrate production of select organisms on lignocellulosic-derived monosaccharides arabinose, xylose, glucose and mannose.

Findings
We examined the sensitivity of seven polyhydroxyalkanoate producing bacteria: Azohydromonas lata, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus cereus, Burkholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas olevorans, Pseudomonas pseudoflava and Ralstonia eutropha, against seven fermentation inhibitors produced by the saccharification of lignocellulose: acetic acid, levulinic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, syringaldehyde, furfural, and hyroxymethyfurfural. There was significant variation in the sensitivity of these microbes to representative phenolics ranging from 0.25-1.5 g/L coumaric and ferulic acid and between 0.5-6.0 g/L syringaldehyde. Inhibition ranged from 0.37-4 g/L and 0.75-6 g/L with acetic acid and levulinic acid, respectively. B. cepacia and P. pseudoflava were selected for further analysis of polyhydroxyalkanoate production.

Conclusions
We find significant differences in sensitivity to the fermentation inhibitors tested and find these variations to be over a relevant concentration range given the concentrations of inhibitors typically found in lignocellulosic hydrolysates. Of the seven bacteria tested, B. cepacia demonstrated the greatest inhibitor tolerance. Similarly, of two organisms examined for polyhydroxybutyrate production, B. cepacia was notably more efficient when fermenting pentose substrates.