bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of an avian hepatocyte assay and the avian toxchip polymerse chain reaction array for testing prioritization of 16 organic flame retardants
Authors: Porter Emily , Crump Doug , Egloff Caroline , Chiu Suzanne , Kennedy Sean W. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Risk assessors are challenged with the task of providing data for an increasing number of priority chemicals. High-throughput toxicity screening methods—which permit rapid determination of toxic, molecular, and/or biochemical effects of a wide range of chemicals—are essential to help meet this demand. The avian embryonic hepatocyte in vitro screening method has been utilized in the authors' laboratory to assess the effects of a wide range of environmental contaminants on cytotoxicity and mRNA expression of genes associated with xenobiotic metabolism, the thyroid hormone pathway, lipid metabolism, and growth. Sixteen structurally variable organic flame retardants (OFRs)—including tetrabromoethylcyclohexane (TBECH), tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), tricresyl phosphate (TCP), and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP)—were screened using the in vitro method in the present study. Hepatocytes from 2 avian species, chicken and herring gull, were prepared, and species differences in hepatocyte viability were observed for several OFRs. For example, TCP was not cytotoxic in chicken hepatocytes up to the highest concentration tested (300 µM), whereas the median lethal concentration (LC50) was 31.2 µM in herring gull hepatocytes. Effects on mRNA expression in chicken embryonic hepatocytes were determined using a 3 × 32 custom-made Avian ToxChip polymerse chain reaction array and were variable among OFRs; TCP, TDCPP, and tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) isocyanurate showed the most significant alterations among the target genes assessed. Overall, this rapid screening method helped prioritize OFRs for further assessment. For example, OFRs that elicited significant effects on cytoxicity or mRNA expression represent prime candidates for egg injection studies that determine adverse effects on the whole animal but are more costly in terms of time, money, and embryo utilization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:573–582. © 2013 SETAC
Catalytic Oxidation of Methanol by Aqueous POM on Al2O3 Supported Catalysts and Electrochemical Performance of POM
Authors: Li P. , Mi W. , Su Q. , Luo C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPhosphomolybdic acid (H3PMo12O40, POM) was attempted to be used as the energy‐storage agent in this paper to avoid some problems of the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), such as catalyst poisoning and methanol permeation. Catalytic oxidation of methanol by aqueous POM on Al2O3 supported catalysts with Pt and Ru active metal was evaluated in the presence of liquid water. The process takes advantage of the high catalytic activities of platinum for methanol oxidation. The effects of temperature, reaction time, and methanol concentration on activity were observed. The catalytic activity of Pt/Al2O3 is better than that of Ru/Al2O3 for the oxidation of methanol by POM. The methanol conversion rate reached 93.55% on the Pt/Al2O3 at 80 °C after reaction for 1 h. The electrochemical experiments indicate that POM shows a larger current density in redox processes on an Au electrode than methanol. The redox process of reduced POM is a reversible multi‐electron transfer process.
Efficient Strategy for Detecting Gene × Gene Joint Action and Its Application in Schizophrenia
Authors: Won Sungho , Kwon Min‐Seok , Mattheisen Manuel , Park Suyeon , Park Changsoon , Kihara Daisuke , Cichon Sven , Ophoff Roel , Nöthen Markus M. , Rietschel Marcella , Baur Max , Uitterlinden Andre G. , Hofmann A. ,   GROUP Investigators, Lange Christoph 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTWe propose a new approach to detect gene × gene joint action in genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) for case‐control designs. This approach offers an exhaustive search for all two‐way joint action (including, as a special case, single gene action) that is computationally feasible at the genome‐wide level and has reasonable statistical power under most genetic models. We found that the presence of any gene × gene joint action may imply differences in three types of genetic components: the minor allele frequencies and the amounts of Hardy‐Weinberg disequilibrium may differ between cases and controls, and between the two genetic loci the degree of linkage disequilibrium may differ between cases and controls. Using Fisher's method, it is possible to combine the different sources of genetic information in an overall test for detecting gene × gene joint action. The proposed statistical analysis is efficient and its simplicity makes it applicable to GWASs. In the current study, we applied the proposed approach to a GWAS on schizophrenia and found several potential gene × gene interactions. Our application illustrates the practical advantage of the proposed method.
The relationship between interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist and cognitive function in older adults with bipolar disorder
Authors: Lotrich Francis E. , Butters Meryl A. , Aizenstein Howard , Marron Megan M. , Reynolds Charles F. , Gildengers Ariel G. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveCognitive impairments are a feature of bipolar disorder (BD) and could be worsened by inflammatory cytokines. We determined whether (i) serum interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA) was increased in elderly BD subjects; (ii) whether IL‐1RA was associated with worse neurocognitive function; and (iii) whether IL‐1RA was associated with white matter integrity.MethodsTwenty‐one euthymic BD patients (65 +/− 9 years) with serum available for IL‐1RA measures by enzyme‐linked immunoassays were compared with 26 similarly aged control participants. Four factor analysis‐derived z‐scores and a global z‐score were obtained from a battery of 21 neurocognitive tests. Diffusion tensor images were used to obtain fractional anisotropy (FA), and an automated labeling pathway algorithm was used to obtain white matter hyperintensity burden.ResultsInterleukin‐1 receptor antagonist was elevated in BD subjects compared with controls (439+/−326 pg/mL vs. 269+/−109 pg/mL; p = 0.004). Moreover, IL‐1RA was inversely correlated with three cognitive function factors and global cognition (r = −0.37; p = 0.01). IL‐1RA continued to correlate with global cognitive function even when covarying for either IL‐6 or brain‐derived neurotrophic factor. Although FA was lower in BD subjects (0.368 +/− 0.02 vs. 0.381 +/− 0.01; p = 0.02), IL‐1RA was not associated with FA or white matter hyperintensity burden.ConclusionElevated serum levels of IL‐1RA in BD subjects, even during euthymic states, were associated with worse cognitive function. This association was not explained by co‐occurring increases in IL‐6, by decreased brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, nor by measures of white matter integrity. These cross‐sectional findings support the possibility that the IL‐1 family may contribute to cognitive impairments in BD. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Palmitic Acid and DGAT1 Deficiency Enhance Osteoclastogenesis, while Oleic Acid-Induced Triglyceride Formation Prevents It
Authors: Drosatos-Tampakaki Zoi , Drosatos Konstantinos , Siegelin Yasemin , Gong Shan , Khan Salmiyeh , Van Dyke Thomas , Goldberg Ira J , Schulze P Christian , Schulze-Späte Ulrike 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

Both obesity and diabetes mellitus are associated with alterations in lipid metabolism as well as a change in bone homeostasis and osteoclastogenesis. We hypothesized that increased fatty acid levels affect bone health by altering precursor cell differentiation and osteoclast activation. Here we show that palmitic acid (PA, 16:0) enhances receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-stimulated osteoclastogenesis and is sufficient to induce osteoclast differentiation even in the absence of RANKL. TNFα expression is crucial for PA-induced osteoclastogenesis, as shown by increased TNFα mRNA levels in PA-treated cells and abrogation of PA-stimulated osteoclastogenesis by TNFα neutralizing antibodies. In contrast, oleic acid (OA, 18:1) does not enhance osteoclast differentiation, leads to increased intracellular triglyceride accumulation, and inhibits PA-induced osteoclastogenesis. Adenovirus-mediated expression of diacylglycerol acyl transferase 1 (DGAT1), a gene involved in triglyceride synthesis, also inhibits PA-induced osteoclastogenesis, suggesting a protective role of DGAT1 for bone health. Accordingly, Dgat1 knockout mice have larger bone marrow-derived osteoclasts and decreased bone mass indices. In line with these findings, mice on a high-fat PA-enriched diet have a greater reduction in bone mass and structure than mice on a high-fat OA-enriched diet. Thus, we propose that TNFα mediates saturated fatty acid-induced osteoclastogenesis that can be prevented by DGAT activation or supplementation with OA. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Electrooxidation of Several Organic Compounds on Simply Prepared Metallic Nanoparticles: A Comparative Study
Authors: Etesami Mohammad , Mohamed Norita 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe electrooxidation of several fuel compounds was studied using metallic nanoparticles of Au, Pd, Pt, AuPd and AuPt synthesized by direct electrodeposition by applying a constant potential of ‐200 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) to pencil graphite in an acidic medium. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data show that monometallic (Au, Pd and Pt) and alloys of bimetallic nanoparticles of AuPd and AuPt have been formed. The catalytic performance of the prepared electrodes was investigated in a neutral medium (100 mM phosphate buffer, pH 7) by cyclic voltammetry. Amongst all fuels, the highest current densities were obtained by the electrooxidation of formic acid (ca. 9.8 mA cm−2) and formaldehyde (ca. 9.7 mA cm−2) on the AuPt catalyst.
Preparation of ZnO Nanowires and Study of Surface‐adsorbate Interaction by Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Satheeshkumar Elumalai , Yang Jyisy 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTo study the surface‐adsorbate properties of ZnO nanowires, a hydrothermal method was modified to grow ZnO nanowires directly on ZnSe, which were then characterized by attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR‐IR) spectroscopy. To prepare ZnO nanowires directly on ATR sensing element of ZnSe, ZnO seed layers were first formed by annealing of ZnO seeds on ZnSe surfaces. The ZnO seed layers then were exposed to growth solution, forming ZnO nanowires directly on the ATR crystals. The interaction properties of the resulting surfaces were studied by an ATR‐IR method. The diameter, length and distribution of the ZnO nanowires can be tuned by adjusting the growth conditions, particularly the growing time and the concentrations of reagents. Two surfaces, namely Zn‐rich and Zn‐O ion‐pair surfaces were studied in detail for their adsorption properties toward compounds bearing different functional groups. By examination of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it was found that the Zn‐rich surface is less selective and interacts with compounds bearing the functional groups of amino and hydroxyl. The Zn‐O ion‐pair surface is more selective and a much stronger interaction was observed with non‐aromatic amino compounds. These results indicate that the improving of the selectivity of a ZnO‐based sensing device can be achieved by tuning the surface structure of the ZnO nanomaterials.
Phosphonate Congeners of Oseltamivir and Zanamivir as Effective Anti‐influenza Drugs: Design, Synthesis and Biological Activity
Authors: Shie Jiun‐Jie , Fang Jim‐Min 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInfluenza is a long‐standing health problem. We review here the recent development of neuraminidase inhibitors for influenza treatment. Tamiflu, the phosphate salt of oseltamivir, is an orally available neuraminidase inhibitor designed to have a cyclohexene scaffold to mimic the structure of the oxoniumlike intermediate in the enzymatic cleavage of the terminal sialoside from cell receptor. Many new synthetic procedures of oseltamivir without using shikimic acid have been explored because the current industrial manufacture of tamiflu may have problem in shortage of shikimic acid for global supply during influenza pandemics. In these shikimate‐independent syntheses, six different approaches have been utilized to construct the multiple substituted cyclohexene ring: (i) using existing six‐membered rings, (ii) construction by Diels—Alder reactions, (iii) construction by intramolecular aldol, Dieckmann and Wittig reactions, (iv) construction by tandem Michael—Wittig reactions, (v) construction by olefin metathesis, and (vi) construction by Claisen rearrangement. Phosphonate group is generally used as a bioisostere of carboxylate in drug design. The syntheses of tamiphosphor and zanaphosphor, which are the phosphonate congeners of oseltamivir and zanamivir, were recently accomplished and shown to possess potent inhibitory activities against avian and human influenza viruses, including the oseltamivir‐resistant strain, according to the neuraminidase inhibition, cell‐based assay and mice experiments. For the first time, phosphonate monoalkyl esters are proved to be real active drugs, but not prodrugs of the parental phosphonic acids. This review covers the design, synthesis and biological activity of phosphonate compounds as effective anti‐influenza agents.
HEALTH EXPECTATIONS AND HEALTH ACHIEVEMENTS: RESPIRATORY TUBERCULOSIS IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY BETWEEN 1950 AND 1980—A DEVELOPING ECONOMY PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Bowden Sue , Sadler Alex 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn the early post‐war years, tuberculosis could be prevented, identified and cured. This paper is about why that promise was not realised. We have collated evidence on the morbidity and mortality problem over a wider range of countries than previously explored. This revealed a divided world in which some people were denied release from the disease. We consider the extent to which development itself creates the condition in which the disease spreads, by assessing how and why the emerging markets experienced and dealt with the disease. Finally, we consider why so many peoples in the developing world continued to contract the disease and die. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation of skeletal muscle blood oxygenation level‐dependent MRI and skin laser doppler flowmetry in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Partovi Sasan , Schulte Anja‐Carina , Staub Daniel , Jacobi Bjoern , Aschwanden Markus , Walker Ulrich A. , Imfeld Stephan , Broz Pavel , Benz Daniela , Zipp Lisa , Takes Martin , Jäger Kurt A. , Huegli Rolf W. , Bilecen Deniz 
Published: November 2013

PurposeTo investigate the origin of skeletal muscle BOLD MRI alterations in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) by correlating BOLD MRI T2* signal of calf muscles with microcirculatory blood flow of calf skin measured by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF).Materials and MethodsBOLD MRI (3T) and LDF measurements were performed in 12 consecutive SSc patients (6 women, 6 men; mean age 54.0 ± 10.0 years) and 12 healthy volunteers (4 men, 8 women; mean age 44.7 ± 13.1 years). For both modalities, the same cuff compression paradigm at mid‐thigh level was used. LDF datasets were acquired using a PeriScan PIM II Imager (Perimed AB, Stockholm, Sweden) at the upper calf corresponding to the level of MR imaging. Cross‐correlations of BOLD and LDF signal intensity changes depending on time lags between both time series were calculated.ResultsMaximal cross‐correlations of BOLD T2* and LDF measurements were calculated as 0.93 (healthy volunteers) and 0.94 (SSc patients) for a BOLD time lag of approximately 10 s. Key parameter analysis suggested that in contrast to hyperemic BOLD signal loss at maximum value in SSc patients, ischemic T2* decrease cannot be explained by differences of tissue perfusion.ConclusionSkeletal muscle BOLD T2* signal in SSc patients is closely correlated with changes of microperfusion as detected by LDF.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1408–1413. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of myocardial partition coefficient of gadolinium (λ) in dilated cardiomyopathy and its impact on segmental and global systolic function
Authors: Jacquier Alexis , Kallifatidis Alexandros , Guibert Nicolas , Giorgi Roch , Falque Claire , Thuny Franck , Croisille Pierre , Clarysse Patrick , Maurel Boris , Flavian Antonin , Gaubert Jean‐Yves , Moulin Guy , Habib Gilbert 
Published: November 2013

Purpose1) To assess the myocardial partition coefficient (λ) of gadolinium quantified using T1 mapping in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM); and 2) to assess the impact of increased λ on left ventricular (LV) circumferential strain and ejection fraction in DCM.Materials and MethodsSeventeen patients with DCM and 11 controls were prospectively included. All patients and controls underwent a 1.5T MRI using: 1) cine to quantify LV volumes and function; 2) tagging to quantify circumferential strain in mid‐LV; 3) T1 mapping before and 9 minutes after contrast injection to quantify R1, ΔR1, and λ; and 4) inversion recovery 3D Flash was used to assess late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) 10 minutes after Gd DOTA injection (0.2 mmol/kg). We used Student's t‐test to compare means, Pearson's test for correlation assessment, and a mixed linear model to integrate the dependency between myocardial segments.ResultsNo difference in median λ was measured between patients with (0.52 [interquartile range = 0.48–0.56]) and without enhancement on LGE (0.51 [0.47‐0.54]; P = 0.07). Circumferential strain value measured in each segment was correlated with the λ measured in the corresponding segment (r = 0.55; P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant link between the λ in each segment and circumferential strain (0.002 ± 0.001; P = 0.009) and also with ejection fraction (−0.001 ± 0.0008; P = 0.04).ConclusionIn DCM, λ correlates independently with circumferential strain and ejection fraction, suggesting that there is a link between λ and systolic function.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1336–1341. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carcinoma of the anal canal: Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) versus three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT)
Authors: Sale Charlotte , Moloney Phillip , Mathlum Maitham 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIntroductionPatients with anal canal carcinoma treated with standard conformal radiotherapy frequently experience severe acute and late toxicity reactions to the treatment area. Roohipour et al. (Dis Colon Rectum 2008; 51: 147–53) stated a patient's tolerance of chemoradiation to be an important prediction of treatment success. A new intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technique for anal carcinoma cases has been developed at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre aimed at reducing radiation to surrounding healthy tissue.MethodsA same‐subject repeated measures design was used for this study, where five anal carcinoma cases at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre were selected. Conformal and IMRT plans were generated and dosimetric evaluations were performed. Each plan was prescribed a total of 54 Gray (Gy) over a course of 30 fractions to the primary site.ResultsThe IMRT plans resulted in improved dosimetry to the planning target volume (PTV) and reduction in radiation to the critical structures (bladder, external genitalia and femoral heads). Statistically there was no difference between the IMRT and conformal plans in the dose to the small and large bowel; however, the bowel IMRT dose–volume histogram (DVH) doses were consistently lower.ConclusionThe IMRT plans were superior to the conformal plans with improved dose conformity and reduced radiation to the surrounding healthy tissue. Anecdotally it was found that patients tolerated the IMRT treatment better than the three‐dimensional (3D) conformal radiation therapy. This study describes and compares the planning techniques.
Association between allergic rhinitis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A population‐based study
Authors: Chung Shiu‐Dong , Wu Chuan‐Song , Lin Herng‐Ching , Hung Shih‐Han 
Published: November 2013

Objectives/HypothesisAlthough it is known that inflammatory processes can elevate the risk of cancer, to date the association between allergic rhinitis (AR) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association between NPC and AR based on a population‐based database in Taiwan.Study DesignA case‐control study.MethodsIn total, 1,799 NPC cases and 5,397 randomly selected controls without NPC were included. We evaluated the prevalence and risk of prior AR between cases and controls. We also performed a conditional logistic regression analysis to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for having been previously diagnosed with AR between cases and controls.ResultsIn total, 2,453 of the 7,196 study subjects (34.1%) had previously received an AR diagnosis; 875 (48.6%) were cases and 1,578 (29.2%) were controls (P < 0.001). The conditional logistic regression suggested that the OR of prior AR for cases was 2.29 (95% CI = 2.05–2.56) compared to controls. Even after adjusting for geographic region, monthly income, urbanization level, diabetes, tobacco use disorder, and alcohol abuse, the OR of having previously received an AR diagnosis among cases was 2.25 (95% CI = 2.02–2.59) that of controls. Furthermore, after excluding subjects diagnosed with AR within 1, 2, or 3 years prior to the index date, the respective adjusted ORs were 1.91, 1.61, and 1.35.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated an association between NPC and prior AR. We recommend that physicians and patients with AR keep in mind this potential risk of subsequent NPC development.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 124:1744–1749, 2013
Predictors of readmission after outpatient otolaryngologic surgery
Authors: Jain Umang , Chandra Rakesh K. , Smith Stephanie S. , Pilecki Matthew , Kim John Y. S. 
Published: November 2013

Objectives/HypothesisHospital readmissions increase costs to hospitals and patients. There is a paucity of data on benchmark rates of readmission for otolaryngological surgery. Understanding the risk factors that increase readmission rates may help enhance patient education and set system‐wide expectations. We aimed to provide benchmark data on causes and predictors of readmission following outpatient otolaryngological surgery.Study DesignThis study is a retrospective analysis of the 2011 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) dataset.MethodsNSQIP was reviewed for outpatients with “Otolaryngology (ENT)” as their recorded surgical specialty. Readmission was tracked through the “Unplanned Readmission” variable. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared using chi‐square analysis and student t tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis investigated predictors of readmission.ResultsA total of 6,788 outpatient otolaryngological surgery patients were isolated. The unplanned readmission rate was 2.01%. Multivariate regression analysis revealed superficial surgical site infection (odds ratio [OR] 2.672, confidence interval [CI] 1.133‐6.304, P = .025) and work relative value units (RVU) (OR .972, CI .944–1, P = .049) to be significant predictors of readmission.ConclusionOutpatient otolaryngological surgery has an associated 2.01% unplanned readmission rate. Superficial surgical site infection and work RVUs proved to be significant positive and negative risk factors, respectively, for readmission. These findings will help to benchmark outpatient readmission rates and manage patient and hospital system expectations.Level of Evidence2c. Laryngoscope, 124:1783–1788, 2013