bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of RUNX2 gene expression in cumulus cells in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation
Authors: Papamentzelopoulou Myrto , Mavrogianni Despina , Dinopoulou Vasiliki , Theofanakis Haralampos , Malamas Fotodotis , Marinopoulos Spyros , Bletsa Ritsa , Anagnostou Elli , Kallianidis Kostas , Loutradis Dimitris 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
RUNX2 is a transcription factor, whose expression has been recently identified in the mouse ovary. Regulation of RUNX2 expression and its function in the human ovary have not been determined yet. The aim of the present study is the investigation of the possible correlation between RUNX2 gene expression in cumulus cells and controlled ovarian stimulation and pregnancy outcomes after ART treatment.

Methods
A total of 41 patients undergoing ICSI treatment for male factor infertility were enrolled into a specific ART program, during which cumulus cells were collected. The expression of RUNX2 gene in cumulus cells was examined by real-time PCR.

Results
Concerning RUNX2 gene expression, 12 out of 41 women were detected with RUNX2 expression, with ratios ranging from 0.84 to 1.00, while 28 out of 41 women had no expression (ratio = 0). Only 1 woman presented a weak RUNX2 gene expression (ratio = 0.52). From 8 women that proceeded to pregnancy, 7 of them did not express RUNX2 gene in cumulus cells, while one was the woman with weak gene expression that also achieved pregnancy. The group of women without RUNX2 expression presented higher number of follicles (p = 0.013), higher number of retrieved oocytes (p = 0.016), higher basal LH serum levels (p = 0.016) and higher peak estradiol levels (p = 0.013), while the number of fertilized oocytes differed marginally between the two groups (p = 0.089). Moreover, RUNX2 expression was negatively associated with LH levels (OR = 0.22, p = 0.021) and E2 levels (OR = 0.25, p = 0.026).

Conclusions
Consequently, based on the preliminary findings of the present pilot study a potential inhibitory mechanism of RUNX2 gene is observed in the ovary when high mRNA levels are detected, suggesting that RUNX2 could possibly be used as a candidate genetic marker in the monitoring of the outcome of an ART treatment.
Estrogen-producing endometrioid adenocarcinoma resembling sex cord-stromal tumor of the ovary: a review of four postmenopausal cases
Authors: Katoh Tomomi , Yasuda Masanori , Hasegawa Kosei , Kozawa Eito , Maniwa Jun-ichi , Sasano Hironobu 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Abstract
The 4 present cases with endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EMA) of the ovary were characterized by estrogen overproduction and resemblance to sex cord-stromal tumor (SCST). The patients were all postmenopausal, at ages ranging from 60 to 79 years (av. 67.5), who complained of abdominal discomfort or distention and also atypical genital bleeding. Cytologically, maturation of the cervicovaginal squamous epithelium and active endometrial proliferation were detected. The serum estrogen (estradiol, E2) value was preoperatively found to be elevated, ranging from 48.7 to 83.0 pg/mL (av. 58.4). In contrast, follicle stimulating hormone was suppressed to below the normal value. MR imaging diagnoses included SCSTs such as granulosa cell tumor or thecoma for 3 cases because of predominantly solid growth, and epithelial malignancy for one case because of cystic and solid structure. Grossly, the solid part of 3 cases was homogeneously yellow in color. Histologically, varying amounts of tumor components were arranged in solid nests, hollow tubules, cord-like strands and cribriform-like nests in addition to the conventional EMA histology.
In summary, postmenopausal ovarian solid tumors with the estrogenic manifestations tend to be preoperatively diagnosed as SCST. Due to this, in the histological diagnosis, this variant of ovarian EMA may be challenging and misdiagnosed as SCST because of its wide range in morphology.

Virtual slides

http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/6096841358065394
Activation of GABAB receptors inhibits protein kinase B /Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 signaling
Authors: Lu Frances Fangjia , Su Ping , Liu Fang , Daskalakis Zafiris J 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAccumulated evidence has suggested that potentiation of cortical GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission may be a key mechanism in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, the downstream molecular mechanisms related to GABA potentiation remain unexplored. Recent studies have suggested that dopamine D2 receptor antagonists, which are used in the clinical treatment of schizophrenia, modulate protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 signaling. Here we report that activation of GABABreceptors significantly inhibits Akt/GSK-3 signaling in a β-arrestin-dependent pathway. Agonist stimulation of GABABreceptors enhances the phosphorylation of Akt (Thr-308) and enhances the phosphorylation of GSK-3α (Ser-21)/β (Ser-9) in both HEK-293T cells expressing GABABreceptors and rat hippocampal slices. Furthermore, knocking down the expression of β-arrestin2 using siRNA abolishes the GABABreceptor-mediated modulation of GSK-3 signaling. Our data may help to identify potentially novel targets through which GABABreceptor agents may exert therapeutic effects in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Primary NO2 emissions and their impact on air quality in traffic environments in Germany
Authors: Kurtenbach Ralf , Kleffmann Jörg , Niedojadlo Anita , Wiesen Peter 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The decreasing NOX concentrations at urban measurement stations in Germany are in agreement with the reduction of NOX emissions from vehicular traffic. However, the measured NO2 concentrations are stagnating nationwide. In 2010, at more than the half of the urban measurement stations in Germany, annual mean values for NO2 exceeded the new Europe-wide limit value of 40 μg/m3 (20 ppbv) NO2. Similar findings are reported from many other member states of the European Union.

Results
The observed trend of the airborne NO2 concentrations has different reasons. Firstly, the NO2/NOx emission ratio has increased significantly during the last two decades. Furthermore, secondary NO2, caused by the titration reactions of NO with ozone (O3) and peroxy radicals (RO2), is responsible for the major fraction (approximately 70%) of the measured NO2. However, secondary NO2 shows a highly nonlinear dependency on NOx and thus, is decreasing much more slowly than expected from the decreasing NOx levels. Based on the results from the present study, the increased NO2/NOX emission ratio can only explain a minor fraction of the observed high airborne NO2 concentration in the city center.

Conclusions
A further reduction of primary NO2 emissions, due to improved exhaust gas treatment, will not have a strong influence on urban NO2 levels, and a further significant reduction of the NOX emissions, in particular from vehicular traffic, is necessary in order to meet the annual mean limit value for NO2 of about 20 ppb in the future.
Quality of Life Among Long-Term Survivors of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Follow-Up Study
Authors: Smith Sophia K. , Mayer Deborah K. , Zimmerman Sheryl , Williams Christianna S. , Benecha Habtamu , Ganz Patricia A. , Edwards Lloyd J. , Abernethy Amy P. 
Published: December 2012

Purpose Little is known about change in quality of life (QOL) among long-term cancer survivors. We examined change over time in QOL among long-term survivors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and identified demographic, clinical, and psychosocial risk factors for poor outcomes. Methods Surveys were mailed to 682 lymphoma survivors who participated in a study 5 years earlier, when on average they were 10.4 years postdiagnosis. Standardized measures of QOL, perceptions of the impact of cancer, symptoms, medical history, and demographic variables were reported at both time points and examined using linear regression modeling to identify predictors of QOL over time. Results A total of 566 individuals participated (83% response rate) who were a mean of 15.3 years postdiagnosis; 52% were women, and 87% were white. One third of participants (32%) reported persistently high or improved QOL, yet a notable proportion (42%) reported persistently low or worsening QOL since the earlier survey. Participants who received only biologic systemic therapy reported improvement in physical health despite the passage of time. Older age, more comorbidity, and more or increasing negative and decreasing positive perceptions of cancer's impact were independent predictors of poor QOL. Lymphoma symptom burden, less social support, and having received a transplantation were related to negative perceptions of cancer's impact. Conclusion Moderate to severe symptom burden, limited social support, or having received a transplantation should alert the clinician to potential need for supportive services. Perceptions of cancer's impact are associated with QOL cross-sectionally and longitudinally; modifying these perceptions may thus provide a strategy for improving QOL.
The evaluation of a novel technique to treat saphenous vein incompetence: preclinical animal study to examine safety and efficacy of a new vein occlusion device
Authors: Farber A , Belenky A , Malikova M , Brenner O , Brandeis Z , Migdal M , Orron D , Kim D 
Published: December 2012

Objectives We tested a novel technique to treat great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence in an animal model. Methods V-block (VVT Medical Ltd, Kfar Saba, Israel), an occlusion device composed of a nitinol frame and anchoring hooks, was percutaneously deployed at the saphenofemoral junction in 12 sheep. Four of the 12 sheep were treated with adjunctive liquid sclerotherapy. Animals underwent duplex ultrasound, venography and histopathological evaluation immediately postimplantation at 30, 60 and 90 days. Results V-block was successfully deployed in all animals without adverse events. There was no device migration at follow-up. Histopathological analysis demonstrated V-block to be lodged within the GSV and surrounded by fibrous tissue in all samples. Obliteration of the GSV lumen, widespread intimal loss and multifocal medial smooth muscle loss was noted. Conclusions In this animal study V-block was deployed without complications, remained in stable position and led to GSV occlusion. This device has promise for future use in humans.
Effect of gaiters on muscle pump activity in healthy volunteers
Authors: IWata H , Hirai M , Miyazaki K , Koyama A , Ikeda K , Hukiage M , Kitamura H 
Published: December 2012

Objectives: Exercise of the leg with external limb compression has been reported to be useful for preventing and reducing leg oedema. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of leg gaiters on calf muscle pump activity. Methods: Continuous measurements of the interface pressure at the leg during exercise and determination of the femoral venous velocity at the groin during exercise were carried out in healthy volunteers with elastic stockings alone, leg gaiters alone and gaiters over the elastic stockings. Results: The greatest pressure difference between muscle contraction and relaxation during exercise was observed when gaiters were applied over the elastic stockings at the calf. Gaiters alone without elastic stockings led to a significantly greater pressure difference between muscle contraction and relaxation during exercise than elastic stockings alone (P, 0.01). A significantly higher value of the peak flow velocity of the femoral vein was observed with the combined use of gaiters and elastic stockings than the single use of elastic stockings. Conclusions: Leg gaiters have a beneficial effect of augmenting venous femoral blood flow during calf muscle pump activity in volunteers with a normal valve function of leg veins.
Current Imaging Techniques and Potential Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Acute Aortic Dissection
Authors: Listijono Dave R , Pepper John R 
Published: December 2012

Summary Acute dissection of the thoracic aorta (AAD) is a potentially catastrophic disease, with significant morbidity and mortality, which remain unchanged over the last decade. Survival rate has been shown to be directly related to prompt diagnosis and precise management; however diagnosis of the disease remains time-consuming, not readily available, and lacking in sensitivity and specificity. The current approach when diagnosing AAD relies heavily on various imaging techniques, including chest radiograph, echocardiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans. Nevertheless, the door remains open for the incorporation of biochemical tests to aid in detecting AAD. This article will review the imaging modalities currently employed in the management of AAD, as well as a discussion of the potential role of several biomarkers in AAD. To date, imaging is the diagnostic tool for AAD however, technical and logistical limitations limit the use of imaging in various circumstances. Current available biomarkers such as D-dimer and C-reactive protein are under-utilized in many cases, mainly due to their non-specificity in diagnosing AAD. Over the last decade, many biomarkers have been proposed for use in AAD, with several showing promising results – including: smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, calponin, soluble elastin fragments and transforming growth factor β. Extensive research is being undertaken to define the roles of these novel biomarkers in the management of AAD.
Reviews Books
Authors: Reese Carrie , Labuza Peter , West Stephanie , Warne Jude 
Published: December 2012

Studies in French Cinema: UK Perspectives 1985–2010, Will Higbee and Sarah Leahy (eds), (2011) Bristol: Intellect, 396pp., ISBN: 9781841503233 (pbk), $35.99
They Live, Jonathan Lethem, (2011) Berkeley: Soft Skull Press, 208 pp., ISBN: 159376278X (pbk), $13.95
Back
to the Future, Andrew Shail and Robin Stoate, (2010) New York: A BFI book published by Palgrave Macmillan, 96pp., ISBN: 9781844572939 (pbk), $15.00
World Film Locations: New York, Scott Jordan Harris, ed., (2011) Bristol: Intellect, 128pp., ISBN: 1841504827 (pbk), $18.00
Spinal and Supraspinal Control of the Direction of Stepping during Locomotion
Authors: Musienko Pavel E. , Zelenin Pavel V. , Lyalka Vladimir F. , Gerasimenko Yury P. , Orlovsky Grigory N. , Deliagina Tatiana G. 
Published: November 2012

Most bipeds and quadrupeds, in addition to forward walking, are also capable of backward and sideward walking. The direction of walking is determined by the direction of stepping movements of individual limbs in relation to the front-to-rear body axis. Our goal was to assess the functional organization of the system controlling the direction of stepping. Experiments were performed on decerebrate cats walking on the treadmill with their hindlimbs, whereas the head and trunk were rigidly fixed. Different directions of the treadmill motion relative to the body axis were used (0, ±45, ±90, and 180°). For each direction, we compared locomotion evoked from the brainstem (by stimulation of the mesencephalic locomotor region, MLR) with locomotion evoked by epidural stimulation of the spinal cord (SC).It was found that SC stimulation evoked well coordinated stepping movements at different treadmill directions. The direction of steps was opposite to the treadmill motion, suggesting that this direction was determined by sensory input from the limb during stance. Thus, SC stimulation activates limb controllers, which are able to generate stepping movements in different directions. By contrast, MLR stimulation evoked well coordinated stepping movements only if the treadmill was moving in the front-to-rear direction. One can conclude that supraspinal commands (caused by MLR stimulation) select one of the numerous forms of operation of the spinal limb controllers, namely, the forward walking. The MLR can thus be considered as a command center for forward locomotion, which is the main form of progression in bipeds and quadrupeds.
Changes in Metabolic Syndrome in American and Korean Youth, 1997–2008
Authors: Lim Soo , Jang Hak Chul , Park Kyong Soo , Cho Sung Il , Lee Man-Gyoon , Joung Hyojee , Mozumdar Arupendra , Liguori Gary 
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND:
Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) in children and adolescence is increasing worldwide; however, its pattern may be different between Asians and Americans. We compare the prevalence and patterns of MetSyn between American and Korean children and adolescents between roughly 1998 and 2007.

METHODS:
Data from the American and Korean versions of the NHANES (NHANES and KNHANES) were used for this study. The main outcome is prevalence and pattern of MetSyn among participants separately in each country. In each survey, stratified multistage probability sampling designs and weighting adjustments were conducted to represent the entire population. The revised National Cholesterol Education Program criteria were used to define MetSyn.

RESULTS:
Totals of 934, 1781, and 1690 Americans aged 12 to 19 participated in NHANES 1988–1994, NHANES 1999–2002, and NHANES 2003–2006, respectively; and 1225, 976, 705, and 456 Koreans aged 12 to 19 have participated in KNHANES 1998, 2001, 2005, and 2007. The age-adjusted prevalence of MetSyn in American NHANES decreased from 7.3% to 6.7% and 6.5%, whereas in Korean NHANES there was an increase from 4.0% to 5.9%, 6.6%, and 7.8% in each country’s respective study. Increases in dyslipidemia and abdominal obesity contributed to the increased prevalence in Korea, whereas in the United States, decreases in low high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia and high blood pressure contributed to a decreased prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS:
Considering different phenotype changes, different approaches should be conducted at the national level to reduce the burden and consequences of MetSyn between Korea and the United States.
Nanostructured Zinc Oxide Piezoelectric Energy Generators Based on Semiconductor P-N Junctions
Authors: Briscoe Joe , Stewart Mark , Vopson Melvin , Cain Markys , Weaver Paul M. , Dunn Steve 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTZnO nanorods grown on plastic substrates by chemical methods are combined with both inorganic and organic p-type materials to make flexible p-n junction devices. When bent the devices generate both voltage and current peaks, which is attributed to the piezoelectric effect in the ZnO nanorods. The best device produces a maximum possible power density of 100 nWcm‑2. When vibrated at a constant frequency the voltage output by the devices scales linearly with vibration amplitude. Also, when illuminated the output of the devices drops. These effects are consistent with a piezoelectric source of the voltage.
Hydrogen Generation for 500 hours by Photoelectrolysis of Water using GaN
Authors: Ohara W. , Uchida D. , Hayashi T. , Deura M. , Ohkawa K. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTWe confirmed that GaN photocatalyst with NiO cocatalyst (GaN-NiO) continuously produced hydrogen from water for 500 hours without any extra bias. The GaN-NiO photocatalyst was hardly etched and 184-mL hydrogen gas was produced from the electric charge of 1612 coulombs, the Faradic efficiency of which was 89.2%. The conversion efficiency from incident light energy to hydrogen chemical energy was 0.98% in average for 500 h. The incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) was 50% at 300 nm and 35% at 350 nm after the experiment, which was much higher than those of other semiconductor-based photocatalysts.
Raman spectra of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots bioconjugated to ovarian cancer antibodies
Authors: Quintos Vazquez A.L. , Torchynska T. V. , Shcherbyna L. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the analysis of Raman scattering spectra of CdSe/ZnS QDs covered by the amine-derivatized polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer with and without bioconjugation to bio-molecules: mouse ovarian cancer (OC 125) antibodies (mab). Commercial CdSe/ZnS QDs used in the study are characterized by the color emission with the maximum at 525 nm (2.36 eV) at 300K. Samples of CdSe/ZnS QDs (bio-conjugated and non -conjugated) in the form of an 5 mm-size spot were dried on a polished surface of crystalline Si substrate to ensure a low level of light scattering background.Raman scattering spectra of non-conjugated QDs can be presented as a superposition of Raman lines: 212.2, 222.5, 308.3, 440.3, 521.0, 618.0, 667.8 943.5, 986.7, cm-1related to the CdSe core and silicon substrate. The Raman lines 1003.9, 1317.8, 1452.9, 1656.8, 2870.4, 2931.8 and 3059.9 cm-1deal with the vibration of COH, CH and OH groups of polymer, which covered QDs, were detected additionally. It is revealed that the QD bio-conjugation to the OC 125 antibodies is accompanied with the changes in the intensity of all types of Raman lines: related to the CdSe core, silicon substrate and polymer groups. The explanation of bioconjugation effects has been proposed and discussed.
The Nanoporous Metallisation of Insulating Substrates through Photocatalytically Initiated Electroless Deposition (PIED)
Authors: Bromley Michael A. , Boxall Colin 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTWe report the novel use of semiconductor photocatalysis for the deposition of metal onto insulating surfaces and the in-process formation of nano-structured porosity within this metal. In the process of Photocatalytically Initiated Electroless Deposition (PIED) we have developed a controllable, spatially selective and versatile metallisation technique with several advantages over traditional, non-photocatalytic techniques such as enhanced controllability and purity of the deposit as well as reduced operational costs and environmental impact. With the addition of a self-assembled, hexagonally close-packed microparticle template to the substrate prior to metal deposition, PIED can be used to fabricate thin metal films with highly ordered porosity on the nano-scale. Nanoporous metallisation in this way is able to produce substrates with potentially wide applications such as membrane and separation technology, energy storage and sensors – especially surface enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy (SERRS).
Evaluation of colloidal CdSe quantum dots with metal chalcogenide ligands for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Zhang Yiqiang , Acharya R. , Cao X. A. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTExchanging the original organic ligands of colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs) with metal chalcogenide SnS4 ligands resulted in absorption peak redshifts and complete photoluminescence quenching in QD solids. The ITO/QDs/Al structure with SnS4-capped QDs showed much higher electrical conductivity and reduced space-charge limited current. These results are indicative of carrier delocalization as well as enhanced inter-QD electronic coupling caused by the inorganic ligands. The SnS4-capped QDs were able to retain strong excitonic absorption. The photocurrent spectral response of the all-inorganic QD film resembled its absorption spectra, and was three orders of magnitude stronger than that of QDs with organic ligands. It was found that mild annealing at ∼ 200 oC transformed the SnS4-capped QD film into to a more conductive assembly, degrading its absorption and photocurrent generation. These findings suggest that colloidal QDs with metal chalcogenide ligands are better suited for solar energy conversion and photodetection than use in light-emitting devices as luminophores.