bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bilateral increase in expression and concentration of tachykinin in a unilateral rabbit muscle overuse model that leads to myositis
Authors: Song Yafeng , Stål Per S , Yu Ji-Guo , Forsgren Sture 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Tachykinins can have pro-inflammatory as well as healing effects during tissue reorganization and inflammation. Recent studies report an up-regulation in the expression of the substance P (SP)-preferred receptor, the neurokinin-1 receptor, in marked muscle inflammation (myositis). There is, however, only very little information on the expression patterns and levels of tachykinins in this situation.

Methods
The tachykinin system was analyzed using a rabbit experimental model of muscle overuse, whereby unilateral muscle exercise in combination with electrical stimulation led to muscle derangement and myositis in the triceps surae muscle (experimental length 1–6 weeks). Evaluations were made for both parts of the muscle (soleus and gastrocnemius muscles) in experimental and non-experimental (contralateral) sides. Morphologic evaluation, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) analyses were applied.

Results
Myositis and muscle derangement occurred focally not only in the experimental side but also in the non-experimental side. In the inflammatory areas (focal myositis areas), there were frequent nerve fibers showing tachykinin-like immunoreactivity and which were parts of nerve fascicles and which were freely dispersed in the tissue. Cells in the inflammatory infiltrates showed tachykinin-like immunoreactivity and tachykinin mRNA expression. Specific immunoreactivity and mRNA expression were noted in blood vessel walls of both sides, especially in focally affected areas. With increasing experimental length, we observed an increase in the degree of immunoreactivity in the vessel walls. The EIA analyses showed that the concentration of tachykinin in the tissue on both sides increased in a time-dependent manner. There was a statistical correlation in the concentration of tachykinin and the level of tachykinin immunoreactivity in the blood vessel walls between experimental and non-experimental sides.

Conclusions
The observations show an up-regulation of the tachykinin system bilaterally during muscle derangement/myositis in response to pronounced unilateral muscle overuse. This up-regulation occurred in inflammatory areas and was related not only to increased tachykinin innervation but also to tachykinin expression in blood vessel walls and inflammatory cells. Importantly, the tachykinin system appears to be an important factor not only ipsilaterally but also contralaterally in these processes.
On α-ψ-Meir-Keeler contractive mappings
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Kumam Poom , Salimi Peyman 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the notion of α-ψ-Meir-Keeler contractive mappings via a triangular α-admissible mapping. We discuss the existence and uniqueness of a fixed point of such a mapping in the setting of complete metric spaces. We state a number of examples to illustrate our results.

MSC:46N40, 47H10, 54H25, 46T99.
Within-host evolution of Brucella canis during a canine brucellosis outbreak in a kennel
Authors: Gyuranecz Miklós , Rannals Brandy D , Allen Christina A , Jánosi Szilárd , Keim Paul S , Foster Jeffrey T 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Little is currently known about Brucella evolution within the host during infection. The current study is the first to employ fine-scale genotyping on an isolate collection derived from a Brucella canis outbreak. Eight isolates of B. canis, cultured from different tissues of three dogs (female, stud dog, puppy of another female) from a single kennel over three months were genetically characterized with a 15-marker multi-locus, variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) to assess the genetic relatedness of isolates and potential rapid mutational changes.

Results
MLVA discriminated among the otherwise indistinguishable isolates from different animals and from isolates collected at different time points within each host, with different VNTR alleles being detected at multiple dates and tissue sites. We suspect that all isolates cultured from the female, puppy, and stud dogs originated from the same strain, with subsequent rapid in vivo mutations. However, high mutation rates and apparent in several of the loci prevented making definitive epidemiological relationships among isolates.

Conclusions
This investigation highlights the rapid in vivo genetic mutations of several VNTRs of B. canis over a short time period in the host and the emergence of alternate alleles. However, this work also suggests the challenges of using highly mutable VNTRs to infer epidemiological relationships of strains within a short duration outbreak.
The AF-1 Activation Function of Estrogen Receptor α Is Necessary and Sufficient for Uterine Epithelial Cell Proliferation In Vivo
Authors: Abot Anne , Fontaine Coralie , Raymond-Letron Isabelle , Flouriot Gilles , Adlanmerini Marine , Buscato Melissa , Otto Christiane , Bergès Hortense , Laurell Henrik , Gourdy Pierre , Lenfant Françoise , Arnal Jean-François 
Published: April 2013

AbstractEstrogen receptor-α (ERα) regulates gene transcription through the 2 activation functions (AFs) AF-1 and AF-2. The crucial role of ERαAF-2 was previously demonstrated for endometrial proliferative action of 17β-estradiol (E2). Here, we investigated the role of ERαAF-1 in the regulation of gene transcription and cell proliferation in the uterus. We show that acute treatment with E2 or tamoxifen, which selectively activates ERαAF-1, similarly regulate the expression of a uterine set of estrogen-dependent genes as well as epithelial cell proliferation in the uterus of wild-type mice. These effects were abrogated in mice lacking ERαAF-1 (ERαAF-10). Four weeks of E2 treatment led to uterine hypertrophy and sustained luminal epithelial and stromal cell proliferation in wild-type mice, but not in ERαAF-10 mice. However, ERαAF-10 mice still presented a moderate uterine hypertrophy essentially due to a stromal edema, potentially due to the persistence of Vegf-a induction. Epithelial apoptosis is largely decreased in these ERαAF-10 uteri, and response to progesterone is also altered. Finally, E2-induced proliferation of an ERα-positive epithelial cancer cell line was also inhibited by overexpression of an inducible ERα isoform lacking AF-1. Altogether, these data highlight the crucial role of ERαAF-1 in the E2-induced proliferative response in vitro and in vivo. Because ERαAF-1 was previously reported to be dispensable for several E2 extrareproductive protective effects, an optimal ERα modulation could be obtained using molecules activating ERα with a minimal ERαAF-1 action.
Skin peptides protect juvenile leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) against chytridiomycosis
Authors: Pask James D. , Cary Tawnya L. , Rollins-Smith Louise A. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryOne issue of great concern for the scientific community is the continuing loss of diverse amphibian species on a global scale. Amphibian populations around the world are experiencing serious losses due to the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This pathogen colonizes the skin leading to disruption of ionic balance and eventual cardiac arrest. In many species, antimicrobial peptides secreted into the mucus are thought to contribute to protection against colonization by skin pathogens. Although it is generally thought that antimicrobial peptides are an important component of innate immune defenses against B. dendrobatidis, much of the current evidence relies on correlations between effective antimicrobial peptide defenses and species survival. There have been few studies to directly demonstrate that antimicrobial peptides play a role. Using the northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens, we show here that injection of norepinephrine brings about a long-term depletion of skin peptides (initial concentrations do not recover until after day 56). When peptide stores recovered, the renewed peptides were similar in composition to the initial peptides by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and in activity against B. dendrobatidis determined by growth inhibition assays. Newly metamorphosed froglets depleted of their peptide stores and exposed to B. dendrobatidis died more rapidly than B. dendrobatidis-exposed froglets with their peptides intact. Thus, antimicrobial peptides in the skin mucus appear to provide some resistance to B. dendrobatidis infections, and it is important for biologists to recognize that this defense is especially important for newly metamorphosed frogs in which the adaptive immune system is still immature.
How to apply the results of a research paper on diagnosis to your patient
Authors: Whiting Penny , Martin Richard M , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Gunnell David , Sterne Jonathan A C 
Published: April 2013

Summary Interpreting information on diagnostic accuracy is an area that health professionals struggle with. In this paper, we use the example of Mr Samways, a 45-year-old man with joint symptoms, to illustrate how to apply the results of a diagnostic accuracy study in clinical practice. We consider the various measures used to quantify diagnostic accuracy and discuss their clinical utility. We provide an overview of potential biases to consider when evaluating a diagnostic accuracy study and consider how to determine whether the results can be applied to a particular patient.
Crystal structure of aqua-(1,10-phenanthroline)-(2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)- acetate)copper(II)nitrate, C16H14CuN6O6
Authors: Zhu Xia , Guo Ying , Li Jiang-Gang , Wu Yao 
Published: April 2013

Abstract C16H14CuN6O6, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 12.831(4) Å, b = 14.525(4) Å, c = 9.539(3) Å, β = 103.701(8)°, V = 1727.2 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0493, wRref(F2) = 0.1137, T = 293 K.
Effect of boron on the continuous cooling transformation kinetics in a low carbon advanced ultra-high strength steel (A-UHSS)
Authors: Altamirano G. , Mejía I. , Hernández-Expósito A. , Cabrera J. M. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present research work is to investigate the influence of B addition on the phase transformation kinetics under continuous cooling conditions. In order to perform this study, the behavior of two low carbon advanced ultra-high strength steels (A-UHSS) is analyzed during dilatometry tests over the cooling rate range of 0.1-200°C/s. The start and finish points of the austenite transformation are identified from the dilatation curves and then the continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams are constructed. These diagrams are verified by microstructural characterization and Vickers micro-hardness. In general, results revealed that for slower cooling rates (0.1-0.5 °C/s) the present phases are mainly ferritic-pearlitic (F+P) structures. By contrast, a mixture of bainitic-martensitic structures predominates at higher cooling rates (50-200°C/s). On the other hand, CCT diagrams show that B addition delays the decomposition kinetics of austenite to ferrite, thereby promoting the formation of bainitic-martensitic structures. In the case of B microalloyed steel, the CCT curve is displaced to the right, increasing the hardenability. These results are associated with the ability of B atoms to segregate towards austenitic grain boundaries, which reduce the preferential sites for nucleation and development of F+P structures.
Magnetization study of the kinetic arrest of martensitic transformation in as-quenched Ni52.2Mn34.3In13.5 melt spun ribbons
Authors: Lino-Zapata F.M. , Llamazares J.L. Sánchez , Ríos-Jara D. , Lara-Rodríguez A.G. , García-Fernández T. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe kinetic arrest of martensitic transformation (MT) has been observed in as-solidified Ni52.2Mn34.3In13.5 melt spun ribbons. The main characteristics of this unusual field-induced magneto-structural phenomenon have been determined through a dc magnetization study. The sample studied was fabricated by rapid solidification using the melt spinning technique at a high quenching rate of 48 ms-1. At room temperature, it is a single phase austenite (AST) with the bcc B2-type crystal structure and Curie temperature of TCA=285 K. With decreasing temperature, the austenite phase transforms into the martensite phase (MST) with TCM≈185 K at a starting martensitic transition temperature of MS=275 K. A moderate but progressive kinetic arrest of the AST to MST transformation has been observed for magnetic field values above H=10 kOe and was studied up to Hmax= 90 kOe. The metastable character of the non-equilibrium field-cooled state is revealed by the decreasing behavior of the saturation magnetization under a large magnetic field of 50 kOe after temperature cycling from 10 K to 150 K. The total magnetization difference Δσ between the zero field-cooling and field-cooling pathways of the temperature dependence of magnetization shows irreversible and reversible components and the former decreases with decreasing temperature.
A Phase II Randomized Dose Escalation Trial of Sorafenib in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Rimassa Lorenza , Pressiani Tiziana , Boni Corrado , Carnaghi Carlo , Rota Caremoli Elena , Fagiuoli Stefano , Foa Paolo , Salvagni Stefania , Cortesi Enrico , Chiara Tronconi Maria , Personeni Nicola , Bozzarelli Silvia , Chiara Banzi Maria , Fanello Silvia , Romano Lutman Fabio , Giordano Laura , Santoro Armando 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background.
Sorafenib has proven survival benefits in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The viability of continuing sorafenib at a higher dosage in patients who experienced radiologic disease progression was investigated.

Methods.
Patients who experienced disease progression while on sorafenib 400 mg twice daily were randomized to sorafenib 600 mg twice daily (n = 49) or best supportive care (n = 52). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Time to progression, overall survival, and safety were also evaluated.

Results.
The study did not meet its primary end point. The difference in PFS between the sorafenib arm (3.91 months) and the best supportive care arm (2.69 months) did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.086). Adverse events were mainly grade 1–2 and similar across both groups. In the sorafenib arm, the most frequent events were diarrhea (80%), weight loss (75%), fatigue (67%), hand-foot-skin reaction (49%), abdominal pain (37%), and stomatitis (26%).

Conclusions.
Escalated-dose sorafenib in patients with advanced HCC who progressed while on sorafenib, failed to provide any clinical benefit. Second-line treatment still remains an open issue to be explored in appropriate clinical trials.
Mild elevations of international normalized ratio at hospital Day 1 and risk of expansion in warfarin-associated subdural hematomas
Authors: Roguski Marie , Wu Kyle , Riesenburger Ron I. , Wu Julian K. 
Published: April 2013

Object
A primary goal in the treatment of patients with warfarin-associated subdural hematoma (SDH) is reversal of coagulopathy with fresh-frozen plasma. Achieving the traditional target international normalized ratio (INR) of 1.3 is often difficult and may expose patients to risks of volume overload and of thromboembolic complications. This retrospective study evaluates the risk of mild elevations of INR from 1.31 to 1.69 at 24 hours after admission in patients presenting with warfarin-associated SDH.

Methods
Sixty-nine patients with warfarin-associated SDH and 197 patients with non–warfarin-associated SDH treated at a single institution between January 2005 and January 2012 were retrospectively identified. Charts were reviewed for patient age, history of trauma, associated injuries, neurological status at presentation, size and chronicity of SDH, associated midline shift, INR at admission and at hospital Day 1 (HD1), concomitant aspirin or Plavix use, platelet count, and medical comorbidities. Patients were stratified according to use of warfarin and by INR at HD1 (INR 0.8–1.3, 1.31–1.69, 1.7–1.99, and ≥ 2). The groups were evaluated for differences the in rate of radiographic expansion of SDH and in the rate of clinically significant SDH expansion resulting in death, unplanned procedure, and/or readmission.

Results
There was no difference in the rate of radiographic versus clinically significant expansion of SDH between patients not on warfarin and those on warfarin (no warfarin: 22.3% vs 20.3%, p = 0.866; warfarin: 10.7% vs 11.6%, p = 0.825), but the rate of medical complications was significantly higher in the warfarin subgroup (13.3% for patients who did not receive warfarin vs 26.1% for those who did; p = 0.023). For warfarin-associated SDH, there was no difference in the rate of radiographic versus clinically significant expansion between patients reversed to HD1 INRs of 0.8–1.3 and 1.31–1.69 (HD1 INR 0.8–1.3: 22.5% vs 20%, p = 1; HD1 INR 1.31–1.69: 15% vs 10%, p = 0.71).

Conclusions
Mild INR elevations of 1.31–1.69 in warfarin-associated SDH are not associated with a markedly increased risk of radiographic or clinically significant expansion of SDH. Larger prospective studies are needed to determine if subtherapeutic INR elevations at HD1 are associated with smaller increases in risk of SDH expansion.
Information comptable et défaillance des entreprises : le cas français
Authors: Saboly Michèle 
Published: April 2013

Peu de travaux sont menés en France sur le lien comptabilité/défaillance des entreprises. Quels sont les choix comptables effectués par les dirigeants ? Pourquoi ces choix sont-ils faits ? Une étude exploratoire, menée sur des cas de redressement judiciaire, examine les choix relatifs à la présentation de l’information, à l’organisation comptable, ou à la gestion des résultats.
Breeding behaviour and breeding success of feral pigeons in the Bloemfontein urban area
Authors: Le Roux Pieter , Kok Ordino , Butler Hennie 
Published: April 2013

Breeding activities of feral pigeons (Columba livia) in the Bloemfontein urban area occur throughout the year with a decrease during the late summer months when seasonal rainfall in the region reaches a peak. Nest construction is relatively primitive and is characterised by a loose composition of nesting material on accumulated dry bird droppings. Two eggs represent the most common clutch size and eggs are usually laid within two days of each other. Both parents are involved in the incubation process lasting more than two weeks, during which the eggs undergo a progressive decrease in mass. Recently hatched nestlings are covered in yellow down and are largely helpless. True feathers only start to emerge after the first week, and from the third week individuals can move about unsteadily. Apart from the first number of days after hatching, nestlings of rare single egg clutches constantly maintain a body mass lower than those from an average clutch. The overall success of 247 breeding pairs for this study was 34%. Egg loss is higher than the mortality rate of nestlings, and is mainly affected by climatic factors such as rainfall. Predation appears to be the most important factor influencing nestling mortality. Aggressive interactions between speckled pigeons and rock doves, however, as well as possible intraspecific aggression also play a significant role.
Alkane Oxidation by an Immobilized Nickel Complex Catalyst: Structural and Reactivity Differences Induced by Surface‐Ligand Density on Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Nakazawa Jun , Hori Tomoaki , Stack T. Daniel P. , Hikichi Shiro 
Published: April 2013

AbstractImmobilized nickel catalysts SBA*‐L‐x/Ni (L=bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)(1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐ylmethyl)amine) with various ligand densities (L content (x)=0.5, 1, 2, 4 mol % Si) have been prepared from azidopropyl‐functionalized mesoporous silicas SBA‐N3‐x. Related homogeneous ligand LtBu and its NiII complexes, [Ni(LtBu)(OAc)2(H2O)] (LtBu/Ni) and [Ni(LtBu)2]BF4 (2 LtBu/Ni), have been synthesized. The L/Ni ratio (0.9–1.7:1) in SBA*‐L‐x/Ni suggests the formation of an inert [NiL2] site on the surface at higher ligand loadings. SBA*‐L‐x/Ni has been applied to the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane with m‐chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA). The catalyst with the lowest loading shows high activity in its initial use as the homogeneous LtBu/Ni catalyst, with some metal leaching. As the ligand loading increases, the activity and Ni leaching are suppressed. The importance of site‐density control for the development of immobilized catalysts has been demonstrated.
Regulatory status on the role of in vitro dissolution testing in quality control and biopharmaceutics in Europe
Authors: Limberg Jobst , Potthast Henrike 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTAn overview is provided regarding the different use of in vitro dissolution and particular related regulatory aspects. The overview attempts to clarify the regulatory requirements in all contexts in which in vitro dissolution data are employed. The different areas comprise the development of new and generic products as well as bioequivalence between different formulations. In vitro dissolution is no longer one issue among others in terms of specifications and batch release only, but is aimed to be a relevant tool for describing biopharmaceutic product characteristics for different purposes in the regulatory environment. Accordingly, the extent of the experiments will depend on the purpose of the in vitro dissolution data. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dissociation Between Severity of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and Presentation With Shock or Hypotension
Authors: Chong Cher‐Rin , Neil Christopher J. , Nguyen Thanh H. , Stansborough Jeanette , Law Gin Way , Singh Kuljit , Horowitz John D. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundTakotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is increasingly well‐recognized as a cause of chest‐pain syndromes, especially in aging females. The most common complications of TTC occur in the first 24 hours post onset of symptoms and include shock and/or arrhythmias.HypothesisWe tested the hypothesis that the severity of early hypotension in TTC reflects the extent of myocardial involvement and dysfunction.MethodsIn 80 consecutive TTC patients, correlates of blood pressure on the day of admission were sought via univariate followed by multivariate analysis.ResultsMean systolic blood pressure (SBP) on day 1 was 120 ± 24 (SD) mm Hg. During the first 3 days of admission, 39% of patients had SBP <90 mm Hg, and 9% died and/or required intra‐aortic balloon pump insertion. The extent of release of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide, with its potential correlate of associated vasodilator activity, varied inversely with pulmonary‐artery saturation, a measure of cardiac output. However, there was no significant relationship between normetanephrine release and SBP. On multivariate analyses there was no significant relationship between SBP and (1) wall‐motion score index (as an index of left‐ventricular systolic dysfunction) or (2) T2 enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and peak N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (as indices of myocardial inflammation).ConclusionsAlthough severe hypotension and shock occur commonly during acute stages of TTC, these complications are multifactorial in origin, probably representing a combination of impaired inotropic state and vasodilatation. Importantly, initial hypotension does not imply severe left ventricular inflammation or systolic dysfunction.