bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating glucagon-like peptide-1 increases in response to short-term overfeeding in men
Authors: Wadden Danny , Cahill Farrell , Amini Peyvand , Randell Edward , Vasdev Sudesh , Yi Yanqing , Church Jon , Sun Guang 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone secreted from the gastrointestinal tract that facilitates the glucose-dependent insulin response. Additionally, GLP-1 is thought to be involved in energy homeostasis. Currently little is known about GLP-1’s responsiveness to an energy surplus, a fundamental cause of obesity and diabetes. Our objective was to examine the response of serum GLP-1 to short-term (7 day) overfeeding in young men.

Methods
Seventy-two young men from the Canadian province of Newfoundland were recruited for the study. For 7-days, the subjects consumed 70% more calories than required at baseline.
Various measurements including: anthropometrics, body composition, markers of glucose/lipid metabolism and serum total GLP-1, were taken at a fasted state before (day 1) and after (day 8) the challenge. Paired t-test analyses were used to assess the change in variables after the overfeeding period. Additionally, the relationship between serum GLP-1 and the measured variables at baseline and change due to overfeeding were analyzed.

Results
Serum GLP-1 was significantly increased in all groups in response to the 7-day energy surplus, indicating the increase was independent of adiposity status. There was no significant difference in fasting GLP-1 at baseline between the normal weight and overweight/obese groups. At baseline, GLP-1 concentration negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol and positively correlated with triacylglycerols and markers of insulin resistance in the overweight/obese group. Also GLP-1 was negatively correlated with change in percent gynoid fat in the overweight/obese subjects. Percent change in GLP-1 was negatively associated with percent change in gynoid fat in the normal weight group and positively associated with percent change in cholesterol in the overweight/obese group. Percentage change of circulating triacylglycerols was positively associated with percent change in GLP-1 in both adiposity groups.

Conclusion
Our findings showed that GLP-1 serum concentration is not a significant factor in determining obesity status. The increase of GLP-1 in all subjects regardless of obesity status, suggest GLP-1 serves as a protective role, counteracting energy surplus.
The use of neutrophil elastase inhibitor in the treatment of acute lung injury after pneumonectomy
Authors: Lee Sang Kwon , Son Bong Soo , Hwang Jung Joo , Kim Kil Dong , Kim Do Hyung 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The prognosis of acute lung injury (ALI) after pneumonectomy is poor, with reported mortality rates of 30-100%. Neutrophil elastase inhibitor (NEI) is known to prevent lung injury caused by neutrophil elastase and improve lung function in ALI. We evaluated the effect of NEI on ALI after pneumonectomy.

Methods
We analyzed nine patients who required ventilator care due to ALI after pneumonectomy. Five of these patients underwent conventional ventilator care (group I), and four patients underwent ventilator care and were administrated NEI (group II). We retrospectively analyzed the lung injury score (LIS) for 10 days after intubation.

Results
The LIS before intubation satisfied the diagnostic criteria of ALI or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in all patients. After intubation, the LIS improved in both groups. But, as times went on, the mean value of the LIS in group II was lower compared to group I. In group I, only one patient underwent extubation. In group II, extubation was possible in three patients. Mortality rates were 80% in group I and 25% in group II.

Conclusions
We conclude that NEI may improve the lung function, shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation, and reduce mortality in patients with ALI after pneumonectomy.
Prevalence, predictors and clinical significance of Blastocystis sp. in Sebha, Libya
Authors: Abdulsalam Awatif M , Ithoi Init , Al-Mekhlafi Hesham M , Khan Abdul Hafeez , Ahmed Abdulhamid , Surin Johari , Mak Joon Wah 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background

Blastocystis sp. has a worldwide distribution and is often the most common human intestinal protozoan reported in children and adults in developing countries. The clinical relevance of Blastocystis sp. remains controversial. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis infection and its association with gastrointestinal symptoms among outpatients in Sebha city, Libya.

Methods
A total of 380 stool samples were collected from outpatients attending the Central Laboratory in Sebha, Libya for routine stool examination. The presence of Blastocystis sp. was screened comparing light microscopy of direct smears against in vitro cultivation. Demographic and socioeconomic information were collected with a standardized questionnaire.

Results
The overall prevalence of Blastocystis infection was 22.1%. The prevalence was significantly higher among patients aged ≥18 years compared to those aged < 18 years (29.4% vs 9.9%; x

2
= 19.746; P < 0.001), and in males compared to females (26.4% vs 17.5%; x

2
= 4.374; P = 0.036). Univariate analysis showed significant associations between Blastocystis infection and the occupational status (P = 0.017), family size (P = 0.023) and educational level (P = 0.042) of the participants. Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed that the age of ≥ 18 years (OR = 5.7; 95% CI = 2.21; 9.86) and occupational status (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.02, 4.70) as significant predictors of Blastocystis infection among this population. In those who had only Blastocystis infection but no other gastrointestinal parasitic infections, the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms was higher compared to those without Blastocystis infection (35.3% vs 13.2%; x

2
= 25.8; P < 0.001). The most common symptoms among these patients were abdominal pain (76.4%), flatulence (41.1%) and diarrhoea (21.5%).

Conclusions

Blastocystis sp. is prevalent and associated with gastrointestinal symptoms among communities in Sebha city, Libya. Age and occupational status were the significant predictors of infection. However, more studies from different areas in Libya are needed in order to delineate the epidemiology and clinical significance of this infection.
Evaluation of erythroblast macrophage protein related to erythroblastic islands in patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Mao Xiaolu , Shi Xiaoyan , Liu Feng , Li Guining , Hu Lihua 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Hematopoietic evaluation of the patients after Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is very important. Erythroblast macrophage protein (Emp) is a key protein with function in normal differentiation of erythroid cells and macrophages. Emp expression correlates with erythroblastic island formation, a process widely believed to be associated with hematopoiesis in bone marrow. We aimed to investigate the hematopoietic function of bone marrow from 46 HSCT patients and 16 inpatients with severe anemia applied to the treatment of EPO by measuring Emp expression level.

Methods
Emp mRNA and protein expression levels in mononuclear cells of bone marrow and peripheral blood samples were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting method respectively.

Results
While hematopoiesis occurs in bone marrow, Emp expression level was elevated and more erythroblastic islands were found , and Emp is upregulated in bone marrow in response to erythropoietin (EPO) treatment.

Conclusions
Emp expression correlates with erythroblastic island formation and has an important function for bone marrow hematopoiesis. Emp could be a potential biomarker for hematopoietic evaluation of HSCT patients.
Physiological and morphological responses of Lead or Cadmium exposed Chlorella sorokiniana 211-8K (Chlorophyceae)
Authors: Carfagna Simona , Lanza Nicola , Salbitani Giovanna , Basile Adriana , Sorbo Sergio , Vona Vincenza 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The heavy metal pollution in soils and aquatic environments is a serious ecological problem. In the green-microalga Chlorella sorokiniana 211-8K (Chlorophyceae) exposed to ions of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) we studied the metabolic responses to the toxicity of these two heavy metals. Our data indicate that both the pollutants alter the alga cell ultrastructure and its physiological characteristics (growth, photosynthesis, respiration, enzyme activities). The toxic effects of the two metals resulted time-dependent to the exposure. After 24 h of treatment with 250 μM Pb or Cd, photosynthesis was inhibited until to 77 and 86%, however respiration was strongly enhanced up to 300 and 350%, respectively. In the algal cells Pb or Cd exposure induced a reduction in the content of the total chlorophylls and a decrease of the soluble protein levels, significantly compromising the growth, particularly in cultures cadmium-treated. We report data on ultrastructural changes induced by the two heavy metals; they affected overall chloroplast ultrastructure of the alga. Most importantly, the O-acetyl-L-serine(thiol)lyase (OASTL) activity was appreciably increased after only 2 h of Cd exposure, indicating the existence of a link between the metal contamination and cysteine synthesis. Then, Chlorella sorokiniana cells seem to better tolerate high concentrations of Pb while appear to be more sensitive to Cd ions. These results provide some additional information that can lead to better understand consequences of heavy metal poisoning in microalgae.
Information and phase transitions in socio-economic systems
Authors: Bossomaier Terry , Barnett Lionel , Harré Michael 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe examine the role of information-based measures in detecting and analysing phase transitions. We contend that phase transitions have a general character, visible in transitions in systems as diverse as classical flocking models, human expertise, and social networks. Information-based measures such as mutual information and transfer entropy are particularly suited to detecting the change in scale and range of coupling in systems that herald a phase transition in progress, but their use is not necessarily straightforward, possessing difficulties in accurate estimation due to limited sample sizes and the complexities of analysing non-stationary time series. These difficulties are surmountable with careful experimental choices. Their effectiveness in revealing unexpected connections between diverse systems makes them a promising tool for future research.
HIF-1α stimulates aromatase expression driven by prostaglandin E2 in breast adipose stroma
Authors: Samarajeewa Nirukshi U , Yang Fangyuan , Docanto Maria M , Sakurai Minako , McNamara Keely M , Sasano Hironobu , Fox Stephen B , Simpson Evan R , Brown Kristy A 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Introduction
The majority of postmenopausal breast cancers are estrogen-dependent. Tumor-derived factors, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), stimulate CREB1 binding to cAMP response elements (CREs) on aromatase promoter II (PII), leading to the increased expression of aromatase and biosynthesis of estrogens within human breast adipose stromal cells (ASCs). Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a key mediator of cellular adaptation to low oxygen levels, is emerging as a novel prognostic marker in breast cancer. We have identified the presence of a consensus HIF-1α binding motif overlapping with the proximal CRE of aromatase PII. However, the regulation of aromatase expression by HIF-1α in breast cancer has not been characterized. This study aimed to characterize the role of HIF-1α in the activation of aromatase PII.

Methods
HIF-1α expression and localization were examined in human breast ASCs using quantitative PCR (QPCR), Western blotting, immunofluorescence and high content screening. QPCR and tritiated water-release assays were performed to assess the effect of HIF-1α on aromatase expression and activity. Reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were performed to assess the effect of HIF-1α on PII activity and binding. Treatments included PGE2 or DMOG ((dimethyloxalglycine), HIF-1α stabilizer). Double immunohistochemistry for HIF-1α and aromatase was performed on tissues obtained from breast cancer and cancer-free patients.

Results
Results indicate that PGE2 increases HIF-1α transcript and protein expression, nuclear localization and binding to aromatase PII in human breast ASCs. Results also demonstrate that HIF-1α significantly increases PII activity, and aromatase transcript expression and activity, in the presence of DMOG and/or PGE2, and that HIF-1α and CREB1 act co-operatively on PII. There is a significant increase in HIF-1α positive ASCs in breast cancer patients compared to cancer-free women, and a positive association between HIF-1α and aromatase expression.

Conclusions
This study is the first to identify HIF-1α as a modulator of PII-driven aromatase expression in human breast tumor-associated stroma and provides a novel mechanism for estrogen regulation in obesity-related, post-menopausal breast cancer. Together with our on-going studies on the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the regulation of breast aromatase, this work provides another link between disregulated metabolism and breast cancer.
Philosophie, Logik, Naturwissenschaft, Geschichte
Authors: Crane Tim 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Analytic philosophy is sometimes said to have particularly close connections to logic and to science, and no particularly interesting or close relation to its own history. It is argued here that although the connections to logic and science have been important in the development of analytic philosophy, these connections do not come close to characterizing the nature of analytic philosophy, either as a body of doctrines or as a philosophical method. We will do better to understand analytic philosophy – and its relationship to continental philosophy – if we see it as a historically constructed collection of texts, which define its key problems and concerns. It is true, however, that analytic philosophy has paid little attention to the history of the subject. This is both its strength – since it allows for a distinctive kind of creativity – and its weakness – since ignoring history can encourage a philosophical variety of “normal science.”
Moralphänomenologie und gegenwärtige Wertphilosophie
Authors: Vendrell Ferran Íngrid 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
This paper discusses the question about the nature of values and how we experience them from the point of view of moral phenomenology. Two senses of this term are distinguished: a historical sense and a methodological one. The paper takes as point of departure the thesis that values are experienced by affective acts such as feelings, emotions, desires and volitions. Two different versions of the thesis, their arguments, and counter arguments are then examined: Dispositionalism and Realism. Both can be found in the tradition of the Brentano school including that taken up by his pupils from the Graz school, in phenomenology, and in current Metaethics: Finally I argue that value dispositionalism is a better option to understand the experience of value.
A Comparison of Cancer Incidence among Physician Specialists and the General Population: A Taiwanese Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Shih‐Yi , Lin Cheng‐Li , Hsu Wu‐Huei , Wang I‐Kuan , Chang Chiz‐Chung , Huang Chiu‐Ching , Kao Chia‐Hung , Liu Shu‐Hui , Sung Fung‐Chang 
Published: April 2013

A Comparison of Cancer Incidence among Physician Specialists and the General Population: A Taiwanese Cohort Study: Shih‐Yi LIN, et al. Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taiwan—BackgroundPhysicians are frequently studied as a population that experiences extremely high stress, burnout, and prolonged working hours that might harm one's health. However, they have sound medical knowledge and have easy access to medical resources. We studied the incidence of cancer among Taiwanese physicians using a nationwide cohort study design.MethodsData were obtained from the National Health Insurance (NHI) system in Taiwan. The physician cohort contained 22,309 physicians, and each physician was randomly frequency‐matched according to age and sex with 4 people from the general population.ResultsThe overall incidence ratio of cancer was 27% lower in the physician cohort than in the nonphysician comparison cohort (33.9 vs. 46.5 people per 10,000 person‐years, crude hazard ratio (HR)=0.73, 95% CI=0.70, 0.76). The adjusted HR was 0.78 (95% CI=0.72, 0.84). Female physicians experienced a higher incidence rate ratio of overall cancer, compared to male physicians (crude HR=1.17, 95% CI=1.03, 1.33 vs. crude HR=0.70, 95% CI=0.67, 0.74, respectively). Physicians were at a significantly higher risk of thyroid cancer (HR 1.75, 95% CI=1.14, 2.68), prostate cancer (HR=1.54, 95% CI=1.21, 1.97), breast cancer (HR=1.45, 95% CI=1.00, 2.09), and non‐cervical gynecological cancer (HR=4.03, 95% CI=1.77, 9.17), compared with the general population.ConclusionsPhysicians are at lower overall risk of cancer than the general population, apart from cancer of the thyroid, prostate, breast, and non‐cervical gynecological cancer.
Fabrication of Layered Niobium Oxysulfide and Investigation of Structural and Elemental Composition
Authors: Izawa Kazuyoshi , Ida Shintaro , Unal Ugur , Yamaguchi Tomoki , Matsumoto Yasumichi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe layered niobium oxysulfide was synthesized by the heat treatment of K4Nb6O17 · 3H2O layered oxide in the mixture of H2S/N2 gases. The layered oxysulfide had the large plate-like shape, and the total ratio of compound was estimated KxNbS2-yOy (The number of x was from 0.2 to 0.4, y was from about 0.5 to 1.0). According to the XPS measurement, the oxidation state of Nb was estimated for +2, +4, +5, and oxidation state of S was -2. It was confirmed that the layered oxysulfide has ion exchange, and intercalation capabilities as proton exchange reactions take place in H2SO4 solution and bulky amine molecules can be intercalated in an amine solution.
Using MRI for Assessing Velopharyngeal Structures and Function
Authors: Perry Jamie L. , Sutton Bradley P. , Kuehn David P. , Gamage Jinadasa K. 
Published: April 2013

Objective Direct visualization of the velopharynx and, in particular, the levator muscle is particularly important in the assessment of velopharyngeal function and normal speech production. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the development of a static and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging protocol for evaluation of velopharyngeal structures and function. Methods A high-resolution, T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo three-dimensional anatomical scan (sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution) was used to acquire a large field of view covering the velopharyngeal anatomy. Dynamic speech assessment was obtained using a fast-gradient echo, fast low-angle shot, multi-shot spiral technique to acquire 15.8 frames per second (FPS) of the sagittal and oblique coronal image planes. Results Using a three-dimensional data set, as opposed to two-dimensional data, the full contour of the levator muscle can be appreciated. Dynamic images were obtained at 15.8 FPS in the sagittal and oblique coronal planes, enabling visualization of the movements of the velum, posterior pharyngeal wall, lateral pharyngeal walls, and levator muscle during speech. Conclusions A three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging sequence, such as that used in the present study, may provide better analyses and more precise measurements. A dynamic fast low-angle shot sequence allows for visualization of the levator muscle and the velum during speech at a high image rate. This protocol could have a significant impact in improving the process of visualizing pathology and promoting clinical treatment plans for individuals born with cleft lip and palate.
Age-Specific Communication Functioning of Young Children with Cleft Lip and Palate in a South African Database
Authors: Groenewald Hannelie , Kritzinger Alta , Viviers Mari 
Published: April 2013

Objective To determine the age-specific communication functioning of children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) in the age groups of 1 to 11 months, 12 to 23 months, and 24 to 48 months. Design A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was employed. Participants Purposive sampling was implemented as a nonrandomized sampling method. The data sets of 227 participants, between the ages of 1 month and 48 months, and their families were investigated. Setting The assessment data were extracted from an early communication intervention database at the Clinic for High Risk Babies at the University of Pretoria. Results The findings revealed that expressive and receptive language and listening skills presented as the most vulnerable communication areas across all three age groups. The cumulative effect of the risk factors was the greatest in the 12- to 23-month age group, as this group presented with the highest frequency of delayed communication development. Relative strengths were found across all age groups in three areas: average cognitive skills, gross motor development, and displaying an appropriate variety of communication functions. Conclusions The findings are confirmed by other studies and suggest that young children with CLP in the 12- to 23-month age group may be the most vulnerable for the emergence of communication delays. The vulnerable areas of communication development should be integrated as goals in a focused early communication intervention approach to the treatment of the young population with CLP.
Are Short Dental Implants Able to Demonstrate Predictable Success for Single‐Tooth Restorations? A Review of Current Evidence
Authors: Geisinger Maria L. , Holmes Carolyn M. , Vassilopoulos Philip J. , Geurs Nicolaas C. , Reddy Michael S. 
Published: April 2013

Focused Clinical QuestionIn partially edentulous patients who receive single‐tooth endosseous dental implants, do implant lengths <10 mm have an effect on survival or success rates, and do these rates differ based on intraoral dental implant location?Clinical ScenarioA 68‐year‐old male presents for evaluation of partial edentulism (Fig. 1). He reports having lost teeth #17 through #20, #23, #24, and #29 through #32 more than 10 years ago as a result of periodontal disease and caries. He states that no socket grafting was performed at the time of extractions. The remaining mandibular dentition has a fair to good long‐term prognosis.1 All maxillary teeth have been deemed restoratively and periodontally hopeless, and a maxillary fixed detachable prosthesis supported by eight endosseous dental implants replacing teeth #4 through #13 is planned for treatment. His medical history is significant for osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus type 2, and gout. He reports taking 100 mg metformin and 200 mg allopurinol daily and ibuprofen as needed for pain. Radiographic analysis demonstrates 7 mm of bone height coronal to the inferior alveolar nerve at sites #20 and #29. The patient currently wears a mandibular removable partial denture and desires a fixed prosthesis. The patient inquires about the predictability of placement of two short‐length dental implants for restoration with single‐tooth crowns at sites #20 and #29 to allow for a fixed prosthesis without vertical ridge augmentation (Figs. 2 and 3).Clin Adv Periodontics 2013;3:▪▪▪‐▪▪▪.