bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetes genes identified by genome-wide association studies are regulated in mice by nutritional factors in metabolically relevant tissues and by glucose concentrations in islets
Authors: Ho Maggie M , Yoganathan Piriya , Chu Kwan Yi , Karunakaran Subashini , Johnson James D , Clee Susanne M 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have recently identified many new genetic variants associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. Many of these variants are in introns of known genes or between known genes, suggesting they affect the expression of these genes. The regulation of gene expression is often tissue and context dependent, for example occurring in response to dietary changes, hormone levels, or many other factors. Thus, to understand how these new genetic variants associated with diabetes risk may act, it is necessary to understand the regulation of their cognate genes.

Results
We identified fourteen type 2 diabetes-associated genes discovered by the first waves of GWAS for which there was little prior evidence of their potential role in diabetes (Adam30, Adamts9, Camk1d, Cdc123, Cdkal1, Cdkn2a, Cdkn2b, Ext2, Hhex, Ide, Jazf1, Lgr5, Thada and Tspan8). We examined their expression in metabolically relevant tissues including liver, adipose tissue, brain, and hypothalamus obtained from mice under fasted, non-fasted and high fat diet-fed conditions. In addition, we examined their expression in pancreatic islets from these mice cultured in low and high glucose. We found that the expression of Jazf1 was reduced by high fat feeding in liver, with similar tendencies in adipose tissue and the hypothalamus. Adamts9 expression was decreased in the hypothalamus of high fat fed mice. In contrast, the expression of Camk1d, Ext2, Jazf1 and Lgr5 were increased in the brain of non-fasted animals compared to fasted mice. Most notably, the expression levels of most of the genes were decreased in islets cultured in high glucose.

Conclusions
These data provide insight into the metabolic regulation of these new type 2 diabetes genes that will be important for determining how the GWAS variants affect gene expression and ultimately the development of type 2 diabetes.
A coupled coincidence point theorem in partially ordered metric spaces with an implicit relation
Authors: Gülyaz Selma , Karapınar Erdal , Yüce İlker Savas 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
In this manuscript, we discuss the existence of a coupled coincidence point for mappings

F
:
X
×
X
→
X

and

g
:
X
→
X

, where F has the mixed g-monotone property, in the context of partially ordered metric spaces with an implicit relation. Our main theorem improves and extends various results in the literature. We also state some examples to illustrate our work.

MSC:47H10, 54H25, 46J10, 46J15.
Mediastinitis and sternal prosthesis infection successfully treated by minimally invasive omental flap transposition
Authors: Tassi Valentina , Ceccarelli Silvia , Vannucci Jacopo , Puma Francesco 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Purulent mediastinitis is a possible serious complication after mediastinal surgery. We report the case of a localized sternal plasmocytoma treated by sternectomy and prosthetic repair, who needed a second surgery for a fistulizing mediastinitis. Five months earlier, in another Hospital, the patient underwent sternal resection and reconstruction with a “sandwich” prosthesis (Methyl-methacrylate and Marlex mesh). Suppurative mediastinitis occurred and septic shock resolution was observed after the spontaneous opening of a mediastinal cutaneous fistula. After referring to our Unit the patient underwent extensive local and systemic preparation and nutritional support; the infected prosthesis was then removed and the gap filled by a laparoscopically-prepared omental flap. Adequate preoperative management, removal of any infected material and minimally invasive omental flap transposition allowed the successful treatment of this life-threatening condition.
Fabrication of biocompatible and mechanically reinforced graphene oxide-chitosan nanocomposite films
Authors: Zuo Ping-Ping , Feng Hua-Feng , Xu Zhi-Zhen , Zhang Ling-Fan , Zhang Yu-Long , Xia Wei , Zhang Wen-Qing 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Graphene oxide (GO)can be dispersed through functionalization, or chemically converted to make different graphene-based nanocomposites with excellent mechanical and thermal properties. Chitosan, a partially deacetylated derivative of chitin, is extensively used for food packaging, biosensors, water treatment, and drug delivery. GO can be evenly dispersed in chitosan matrix through the formation of amide linkages between them, which is different from previous reports focusing on preparing GO/chitosan nanocomposites through physical mixing.

Results
In this study, free-standing graphene oxide-chitosan (GO-chitosan) nanocomposite films have been prepared. The GO-chitosan films are biologically compatible and mechanically reinforced. Through the formation of amide linkages between GO’s carboxylic acid groups and chitosan's amine groups, GO could be evenly dispersed within the chitosan matrix. We also characterized the GO-chitosan composite films using element analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photo electron spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermo gravimetric analysis. Compared to pristine chitosan film, the tensile strength of GO-chitosan film is improved by 2.5 folds and Young’s modulus increases by nearly 4.6 folds. The glass transition temperature of GO-chitosan composite film shifts from 118°C to 158°C compared to the pristine chitosan, indicating its enhanced thermal stability. GO-chitosan composite film was also evaluated for its biocompatibility with C3H10T1/2 cells by in vitro fluorescent staining. The graphene oxide-reinforced chitosan composite films could have applications in functional biomaterials.

Conclusion
The present study describes a useful and simple method to chemically attach biocompatible chitosan onto graphene oxide. We envision that the GO-chitosan film will open avenues for next-generation graphene applications in the realm of functional biomaterial.
Morphometric analyses of canine blood microfilariae isolated by the Knott’s test enables Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens species-specific and Acanthocheilonema (syn. Dipetalonema) genus-specific diagnosis
Authors: Magnis Johannes , Lorentz Susanne , Guardone Lisa , Grimm Felix , Magi Marta , Naucke Torsten J , Deplazes Peter 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Considering the increasing importance of small animals travel medicine and the spread of filariae with zoonotic potential to non-endemic European areas, routine filarial diagnosis in dogs is becoming important. Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens, Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and A. reconditum are the most common canine filarial nematodes presenting blood circulating microfilariae (mf) which can be differentiated to species level by the acid phosphatase activity patterns or by PCR. Available data on the size of the mf vary considerably in the literature. The aim of this study was to validate morphometric criteria for filarial identification in blood samples of dogs after concentration of mf with the modified Knott’s technique.

Methods
Morphometric analysis of 10 mf from samples identified to species level by acid phosphatase activity and partially confirmed by PCR were performed with specimens from 377 dogs.

Results
The mean length and width of D. immitis mf from 60 dogs were 301.77±6.29 μm and 6.30±0.26 μm, of D. repens mf from 171 dogs 369.44±10.76 μm 8.87±0.58 μm, of A. dracunculoides mf from 133 dogs 259.43±6.69 μm and 5.09±0.47 μm and of A. reconditum mf from 13 dogs 264.83±5.47 μm and 4.63±0.52 μm.
For a subset of 30 samples, morphometric analysis was repeated with identical results in two laboratories. Furthermore, the size of mf concentrated and fixed by the Knott’s technique was shown to be stable over 105 days.

Conclusions
The Knott’s test enables to clearly distinguish between D. immitis, D. repens and Acanthocheilonema spp. However, due to the overlapping size ranges of A. dracunculoides and A. reconditum, biochemical or molecular methods are required to distinguish these two species.
Multimodality imaging using SPECT/CT and MRI and ligand functionalized 99mTc-labeled magnetic microbubbles
Authors: Barrefelt Åsa A , Brismar Torkel B , Egri Gabriella , Aspelin Peter , Olsson Annie , Oddo Letizia , Margheritelli Silvia , Caidahl Kenneth , Paradossi Gaio , Dähne Lars , Axelsson Rimma , Hassan Moustapha 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
In the present study, we used multimodal imaging to investigate biodistribution in rats after intravenous administration of a new 99mTc-labeled delivery system consisting of polymer-shelled microbubbles (MBs) functionalized with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), thiolated poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA), chitosan, 1,4,7-triacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA), NOTA-super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION), or DTPA-SPION.

Methods
Examinations utilizing planar dynamic scintigraphy and hybrid imaging were performed using a commercially available single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) system. For SPION containing MBs, the biodistribution pattern of 99mTc-labeled NOTA-SPION and DTPA-SPION MBs was investigated and co-registered using fusion SPECT/CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Moreover, to evaluate the biodistribution, organs were removed and radioactivity was measured and calculated as percentage of injected dose.

Results
SPECT/CT and MRI showed that the distribution of 99mTc-labeled ligand-functionalized MBs varied with the type of ligand as well as with the presence of SPION. The highest uptake was observed in the lungs 1 h post injection of 99mTc-labeled DTPA and chitosan MBs, while a similar distribution to the lungs and the liver was seen after the administration of PMAA MBs. The highest counts of 99mTc-labeled NOTA-SPION and DTPA-SPION MBs were observed in the lungs, liver, and kidneys 1 h post injection. The highest counts were observed in the liver, spleen, and kidneys as confirmed by MRI 24 h post injection. Furthermore, the results obtained from organ measurements were in good agreement with those obtained from SPECT/CT.

Conclusions
In conclusion, microbubbles functionalized by different ligands can be labeled with radiotracers and utilized for SPECT/CT imaging, while the incorporation of SPION in MB shells enables imaging using MR. Our investigation revealed that biodistribution may be modified using different ligands. Furthermore, using a single contrast agent with fusion SPECT/CT/MR multimodal imaging enables visualization of functional and anatomical information in one image, thus improving the diagnostic benefit for patients.
Generating relations and other results associated with some families of the extended Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta functions
Authors: M Hari 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Motivated essentially by recent works by several authors (see, for example, Bin-Saad [Math J Okayama Univ 49:37–52, 2007] and Katsurada [Publ Inst Math (Beograd) (Nouvelle Ser) 62(76):13–25, 1997], the main objective in this paper is to present a systematic investigation of numerous interesting properties of some families of generating functions and their partial sums which are associated with various classes of the extended Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta functions. Our main results would generalize and extend the aforementioned recent work by Bin-Saad [Math J Okayama Univ 49:37–52, 2007] (see also Katsurada [Publ Inst Math (Beograd) (Nouvelle Ser) 62(76):13–25, 1997]). We also show the hitherto unnoticed fact that the so-called τ-generalized Riemann Zeta function, which happens to be the main subject of investigation by Gupta and Kumari [Jñānābha 41:63–68, 2011]) and Saxena et al. [J Indian Acad Math 33:309–320, 2011], is simply a seemingly trivial notational variation of the familiar general Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta function Φ(z, s, a). Finally, we present a sum-integral representation formula for the general family of the extended Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta functions.

2010 Mathematics Subject Classification

Primary 11M25, 33C60; Secondary 33C05
The equal tangents property
Authors: Jerónimo-Castro J. , Ruiz-Hernández G. , Tabachnikov S. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Let M be a C2-smooth strictly convex closed surface in ℝ3 and denote by H the set of points x in the exterior of M such that all the tangent segments from x to M have equal lengths. In this note we prove that if H is either a closed surface containing M or a plane, then M is a Euclidean sphere. Moreover, we shall see that the situation in the Euclidean plane is very different.
On the singular locus of sets definable in a quasianalytic structure
Authors: Nowak Krzysztof Jan 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Given a quasianalytic structure, we prove that the singular locus of a quasi-subanalytic set E is a closed quasi-subanalytic subset of E. We rely on some stabilisation effects linked to Gateaux differentiability and formally composite functions. An essential ingredient of the proof is a quasianalytic version of Glaeser’s composite function theorem, presented in our previous paper.
Stress corrosion cracking of high-strength steels
Authors: Ramamurthy Sridhar , Atrens Andrej 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe mechanisms of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and hydrogen embrittlement were recently reviewed by Lynch in this journal. The present review, in contrast, focuses on the rate-limiting step of the SCC of low-alloy high-strength steels in water and particularly focuses on the influence of the applied stress rate on the SCC of low-alloy high-strength steels. Linearly increasing stress tests of low-alloy high-strength steels in distilled water indicated that the stress corrosion crack velocity increased with increasing applied stress rate until the maximum crack velocity, corresponding to vII in fracture mechanics tests in distilled water. Moreover, the crack velocity was dependent only on the applied stress rate and was not influenced by the steel composition. The rate-limiting step could be the rupture of a surface film, which would control the rate of metal dissolution and/or the production and transport of hydrogen to the crack tip or to the regions ahead of the crack tip.
Mitragyna speciosa Korth leaves extracts induced the CYP450 catalyzed aminopyrine-N-demethylase (APND) and UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) activities in male Sprague-Dawley rat livers
Authors: Azizi Juzaili , Ismail Sabariah , Mansor Sharif Mahsufi 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background:
Mitragyna speciosa leaves have been abused by drug addicts as some of the alkaloids (mainly mitragynine) from the plant possess opiate and cocaine-like effects. These bring to its prohibition in Malaysia in 2004 as consumption of M. speciosa leaves has been perceived to lead to the abuse of other drugs such as cannabis and heroin.

Methods: In the current study, the in vitro and in vivo effects of M. speciosa methanolic, aqueous and total alkaloid leaves extracts on drug metabolizing enzymes, namely, cytochrome P450s (CYP450s) and UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) had been evaluated in rat liver cytosolic fraction and microsomes. Aminopyrine and p-nitrophenol (pNP) were employed as probe substrates in aminopyrine N-demethylase (APND) and UGT enzyme assays, respectively. Furthermore, mitragynine was also tested in vitro for its likelihood to inhibit APND and UGT activity. The assessment of the enzyme activity was conducted using spectrophotometric methods.

Results:
In vitro, the IC50 value could only be obtained for the methanolic extract in APND study (595.30±30.78 µg/mL) and not in other studies due to the enzyme percentage inhibitions being <70%. In contrast to the in vitro study, the oral treatment of male Sprague-Dawley rats for 14 days with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of methanolic and aqueous extracts and with 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg of total alkaloid extract showed a profound increment on the APND and UGT activities.

Conclusions: The current findings showed that possibilities exist for herb-drug interaction with increased clearance of drugs, which are primarily metabolized by CYP450s and UGT1A6 among M. speciosa leaves extract users.
Brain and liver oxidative stress after sertraline and haloperidol treatment in mice
Authors: Abdel-Salam Omar M.E. , Youness Eman R. , Khadrawy Yasser Ashry , Sleem Amany A. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background: Haloperidol is a classic antipsychotic drug known for its propensity to cause extrapyramidal side effects. Sertraline is an antidepressant drug which has been reported to cause extrapyramidal symptoms. We aimed to see whether treatment with sertraline would worsen the effect of haloperidol on oxidative stress in the brains of mice.

Methods: Sertraline (10 or 20 mg/kg), haloperidol (2 mg/kg), haloperidol combined with sertraline or saline was administered daily via the subcutaneous route and mice were euthanized 10 days later when biochemical assays were carried out. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (nitrite) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), catalase and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activities were determined in the brain and liver.

Results: Sertraline monotherapy did not alter GSH, MDA, TAC or nitrite in the brain. Haloperidol decreased GSH and TAC and increased MDA and nitrite. The combined treatment with sertraline and haloperidol resulted in increased MDA, but to a lesser extent than haloperidol monotherapy. A significant increase in GSH and TAC and decreased nitrite was observed after the combination treatment was compared with haloperidol monotherapy. Catalase activity decreased with sertraline or haloperidol treatment. PON1 activity decreased with sertraline and haloperidol monotherapy and showed a further decrease with the combination therapy compared with haloperidol monotherapy. AChE activity decreased after haloperidol and increased with the combination treatment compared with haloperidol monotherapy. In the liver, GSH was unaltered after sertraline, haloperidol or their combination. MDA increased with sertraline, haloperidol and their combination. TAC decreased after combination therapy. Nitric oxide increased after sertraline, haloperidol or their combination. PON1 activity decreased with sertraline, haloperidol and with sertraline-haloperidol co-treatment.

Conclusions: Sertraline did not worsen brain oxidative stress-induced with haloperidol, however, liver peroxidation increased. Sertraline decreased catalase and PON1 activity which might expose the brain to further oxidative insults.
What is the effect of ghrelin on rat uterine contractility in vitro?
Authors: Mostafa Abeer F. , Samir Shereen M. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background: Ghrelin, a recently isolated gastric hormone, is an endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptors. There is novel evidence that ghrelin might be expressed in rat ovaries, placental tissues, and the uterus. It has been reported to have modulatory effects on smooth muscle contractility. In this study, we investigated the effects of ghrelin on spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contractions in the rat uterus in vitro and tried to detect its signaling pathway.

Methods: Myometrium strips were removed from virgin female albino Wister rats and placed in a jacketed tissue bath. After initiation of spontaneous contractions, ghrelin was added to the tissue bath alone or after administration of indomethacin or NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or propranolol HCl. Student’s t-test was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Our results revealed an inhibitory effect of ghrelin on both spontaneous and oxytocin-induced myometrial contractions. This effect was not affected by the application of indomethacin or L-NAME but was blocked after propranolol HCl administration.

Conclusions: Ghrelin has an inhibitory effect on basal and oxytocin-induced rat myometrial contractions in vitro, and this myometrial response to ghrelin might be mediated by β-receptor signaling pathway.
Hymn and History in Ex 15
Authors: Klein Anja 
Published: February 2013

Contrary to the long-held opinion, this contribution argues that the Song of the Sea in Ex 15 does not represent an old tradition, but is rather an example of exegetical writing in the Persian period. The different authors of Ex 15 drew on both temple theology and the Exodus narrative and merged them fruitfully. Thus, the poem became a paradigm for the combination of hymn and history that had a great impact on the further literary and theological development in the Hebrew Bible.
Contrairement à une opinion longtemps défendue, je soutiens dans cet article que le »Chant de la Mer« en Ex. 15 ne représente pas une tradition ancienne, mais est plutôt un exemple d’écrit exégétique de la période perse. Les différents auteurs d’Ex. 15 ont pris en compte tant la théologie du temple que le récit de l’Exode et les ont fusionnés. Ainsi, le poème est devenu un paradigme, par une combinaison d’hymne et d’histoire, qui a eu un grand impact sur le développement littéraire et théologique dans la Bible hébraïque.
Entgegen der Einschätzung, dass es sich beim Schilfmeerlied von Ex 15 um ein altes Traditionsstück handelt, wird in diesem Beitrag die These vertreten, dass hier ein schriftgelehrtes Produkt aus der Perserzeit vorliegt. Die verschiedenen Autoren von Ex 15 rezipierten Texte und Motive der Tempeltheologie aus den Psalmen sowie Erzählzüge der Exodusüberlieferung und reformulierten sie auf den unterschiedlichen literarischen Wachstumsstufen von Ex 15. Dies legt den Schluss nahe, dass die Einschreibung der Grundfassung des Kapitels in die Exoduserzählung die Geburtsstunde der Vereinigung von Geschichte und Poesie darstellt und Ex 15 als Nukleus der heilsgeschichtlichen Überlieferung in den poetischen Texten gelten kann.