bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune response associated with Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway leads to steroid-induced femoral head osteonecrosis
Authors: Tian Lei , Wen Qi , Dang Xiaoqian , You Wulin , Fan Lihong , Wang Kunzheng 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Femoral head osteonecrosis is frequently observed in patients treated with excessive corticosteroids. The objective of the current study was to establish a rat model to investigate the disruption of immune response in steroid-induced femoral head osteonecrosis via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway.

Methods
Male SD rats were divided into the treatment group (group A) and the model group (group B) consisting of 24 rats each, and were injected intramuscularly with 20 mg/kg methylprednisolone (MP) for 8 weeks, once a week. The rats in group A were injected intravenously with 7.5 mg/kg TAK242 before each MP administration. A control group (group N) consisted of 12 rats were received saline injection. All animals were sacrificed 8, 10 and 12 weeks from the first MP injection, respectively. Histopathological analysis was performed and the concentration of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in serum was tested. The signaling molecules including TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65 and MCP-1 were detected by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot.

Results
Femoral head osteonecrosis was observed in the model rats, and the concentration of TRAP and positive staining of all signaling molecules increased significantly in group B compared with that in group A and group N. Compare with the control group, the mRNA expressions and protein levels of all signaling molecules were enhanced significantly in group B, but no significant in group A.

Conclusions
Corticosteroids can induce femoral head osteonecrosis by disturbing the immune response via TLR4 signaling pathway. These findings suggest that the disruption of immune response play a role in the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis.
Standardizing therapeutic parameters of acupuncture for pain suppression in rats: preliminary study
Authors: Yeo Sujung , Lim Hyungtaeck , Choe Ilwhan , Kim Sung-Hoon , Lim Sabina 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Despite acupuncture’s wide and successful use, it is still considered as lacking scientifically rigorous evidence, especially with respect to its effectiveness. To address this problem, it is necessary to re-examine the practice of acupuncture using scientific methodology. The standardization of acupuncture practices may offer a solution. As a preliminary step towards the standardization of acupuncture stimulation in animal experiments, this study attempted to clarify the various therapeutic parameters that contribute to acupuncture’s efficacy.

Methods
This study identified specific acupoints, temporal point of needling, rotation of the needle, duration of acupuncture, and diameter of the needle as the parameters, through formalin test. In this test, acupuncture was performed on either the ST36 or LR2 point immediately after pain induction and 5 minutes after pain induction.

Results
The formalin test yielded no significant suppression of pain in the case of ST36 and LR2 acupuncture stimulation immediately following pain induction. When acupuncture was applied 5 minutes after pain induction, however, the ST36 stimulation resulted in a significant decrease in pain, while the LR2 stimulation produced no change. The duration of acupuncture, but not the diameter of the needle, was also significant. As for the rotation of the needle, there was no significant difference in the pain reduction achieved in the rotation and non-rotation groups.

Conclusions
We determined that specific acupoint, temporal point of needling, and duration of treatment are important factors in the inhibition of pain. These finding strongly suggest that in animal experiments, the application of a set of appropriate therapeutic parameters can significantly influence the outcome.
Cisplatin-induced epigenetic activation of miR-34a sensitizes bladder cancer cells to chemotherapy
Authors: Li Heng , Yu Gan , Shi Runlin , Lang Bin , Chen Xianguo , Xia Ding , Xiao Haibing , Guo Xiaolin , Guan Wei , Ye Zhangqun , Xiao Wei , Xu Hua 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Background
Accumulating evidence suggests a tumor suppressive role for miR-34a in human carcinogenesis. However, its precise biological role remains largely elusive. This study aimed to reveal the association of the miR-34a expression and its modulation of sensitivity to cisplatin in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

Methods
miR-34a expression in MIBC cell lines and patient tissues was investigated using qPCR. The methylation analysis of miR-34a promoter region was performed by MassARRAY. Synthetic short single or double stranded RNA oligonucleotides and lentiviral vector were used to regulate miR-34a expression in MIBC cells to investigate its function in vitro and in vivo.

Results
miR-34a expression was frequently decreased in MIBC tissues and cell lines through promoter hypermethylation while it was epigenetically increased in MIBC cells following cisplatin treatment. Increased miR-34a expression significantly sensitized MIBC cells to cisplatin and inhibited the tumorigenicity and proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we identified CD44 as being targeted by miR-34a in MIBC cells following cisplatin treatment, and increased CD44 expression could efficiently reverse the effect of miR-34a on MIBC cell proliferation, colongenic potential and chemosensitivity.

Conclusions
Cisplatin-based chemotherapy induced demethylation of miR-34a promoter and increased miR-34a expression, which in turn sensitized MIBC cells to cisplatin and decreased the tumorigenicity and proliferation of cancer cells that by reducing the production of CD44.
Human aortic allograft: an excellent conduit choice for superior vena cava reconstruction
Authors: Spera Kristyn , Kesler Kenneth A , Syed Amjadullah , Boyd Jack H 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Superior vena cava (SVC) reconstruction is occasionally required in the treatment of benign and malignant conditions. We report a patient with symptomatic SVC obstruction secondary to mediastinal fibrosis successfully reconstructed with an aortic allograft.
Biological effects of a new set 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]quinazolines on heart rate and blood pressure
Authors: Al-Salahi Rashad , El-Tahir Kamal-Eldin , Alswaidan Ibrahim , Lolak Nabih , Hamidaddin Mohammed , Marzouk Mohamed 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Several quinazoline and triazole derivatives are reported to possess a wide-range of interesting pharmacological effects. Although various triazoloquinazoline subclasses having been synthesized and studied, the preparation of 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]quinazolines as antihypertensive agent is still relatively unexplored. In continuation of our earlier research, we aimed at the synthesis and development of various potent antihypertensive 1,2,4-triazoloquinazoline derivatives.

Results
A new series of 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]quinazoline derivatives have been synthesized. Their structures were mainly established by spectroscopic methods of analysis (IR, MS, 1H and 13C NMR). Their in vivo antihypertensive activity was evaluated by tail cuff method using Muromachi Blood Pressure Monitor (Model MK 2000) for rats and mice. Some of the tested compounds were found to exhibit valuable effects in terms of heart rate and blood pressure. According to the biological results, some of tested derivatives have abolished completely the tachycardia of the parent compounds and may be studied and modified as potential adrenoblockers and cardiac stimulant.

Conclusion
New series of fifteen 1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]quinazolines were synthesized by convenient methodology from four key molecules, whereby their structures were established by advanced spectroscopic analyses. Some lead compounds have abolished completely the tachycardia of the parent compounds, that may be examined as potent adrenoblockers and some other compounds seem to be a cardiac stimulant or may be modified to enhance their hypotensive activity.
Acute presentation of vasospastic angina induced by oral capecitabine: a case report
Authors: Golias Christos , Dimitriadis Georgios , Dimitriadis Dimokritos , Graidis Christos , Dimitrelos Ilias , Tsiakou Afroditi , Bitsis Theodosis , Charalabopoulos Konstantinos 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Oral capecitabine is an oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil that has been integrated into the management of multiple cancer types because of the convenience of administration and its efficacy compared with 5-fluorouracil. Capecitabine mimics the pharmacokinetics of intravenous 5-fluorouracil. While cardiac events associated with the use of 5-fluorouracil are a well-known side effect, capecitabine-induced cardiotoxicity has only been rarely reported.

Case presentation
We present a case of a 46-year-old woman of Greek ethnicity who presented to our institution with an operated gastric sarcoma who experienced capecitabine-induced vasospastic angina. Primarily a clinical diagnosis of a possible acute coronary syndrome was proposed and the patient was admitted to the hospital for further investigation which was proved between normal limits. After a witnessed episode of angina, her prior history of capecitabine intake and an undertaken further imaging investigation we associated anginal symptoms and signs with vasospastic angina induced by capecitabine 36 hours prior to hospital admission.

Conclusion
Cardiologists should be aware of the potential cardiac hazards of capecitabine, especially in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Due to the increasing usage of capecitabine during the last years, patients should be warned for the possibility of chest pain, particularly during the first few days of capecitabine treatment. Specifically, patients developing acute coronary syndrome should not be retreated with capecitabine. On the other hand, due to its promising antitumoral efficacy, its use should not be discouraged.
Determinants of the population growth of the West Nile virus mosquito vector Culex pipiens in a repeatedly affected area in Italy
Authors: Mulatti Paolo , Ferguson Heather M , Bonfanti Lebana , Montarsi Fabrizio , Capelli Gioia , Marangon Stefano 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe recent spread of West Nile Virus in temperate countries has raised concern. Predicting the likelihood of transmission is crucial to ascertain the threat to Public and Veterinary Health. However, accurate models of West Nile Virus (WNV) expansion in Europe may be hampered by limited understanding of the population dynamics of their primary mosquito vectors and their response to environmental changes.MethodsWe used data collected in north-eastern Italy (2009–2011) to analyze the determinants of the population growth rate of the primary WNV vectorCulex pipiens. A series of alternative growth models were fitted to longitudinal data on mosquito abundance to evaluate the strength of evidence for regulation by intrinsic density-dependent and/or extrinsic environmental factors. Model-averaging algorithms were then used to estimate the relative importance of intrinsic and extrinsic variables in describing the variations of per-capita growth rates.ResultsResults indicate a much greater contribution of density-dependence in regulating vector population growth rates than of any environmental factor on its own. Analysis of an average model ofCx. pipiensgrowth revealed that the most significant predictors of their population dynamics was the length of daylight, estimated population size and temperature conditions in the 15 day period prior to sampling. Other extrinsic variables (including measures of precipitation, number of rainy days, and humidity) had only a minor influence onCx. pipiensgrowth rates.ConclusionsThese results indicate the need to incorporate density dependence in combination with key environmental factors for robust prediction ofCx. pipienspopulation expansion and WNV transmission risk. We hypothesize that detailed analysis of the determinants of mosquito vector growth rate as conducted here can help identify when and where an increase in vector population size and associated WNV transmission risk should be expected.
Present and future potential of plant-derived products to control arthropods of veterinary and medical significance
Authors: George David R , Finn Robert D , Graham Kirsty M , Sparagano Olivier AE 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe use of synthetic pesticides and repellents to target pests of veterinary and medical significance is becoming increasingly problematic. One alternative approach employs the bioactive attributes of plant-derived products (PDPs). These are particularly attractive on the grounds of low mammalian toxicity, short environmental persistence and complex chemistries that should limit development of pest resistance against them.Several pesticides and repellents based on PDPs are already available, and in some cases widely utilised, in modern pest management. Many more have a long history of traditional use in poorer areas of the globe where access to synthetic pesticides is often limited. Preliminary studies support that PDPs could be more widely used to target numerous medical and veterinary pests, with modes of action often specific to invertebrates.Though their current and future potential appears significant, development and deployment of PDPs to target veterinary and medical pests is not without issue. Variable efficacy is widely recognised as a restraint to PDPs for pest control. Identifying and developing natural bioactive PDP components in place of chemically less-stable raw or 'whole’ products seems to be the most popular solution to this problem. A limited residual activity, often due to photosensitivity or high volatility, is a further drawback in some cases (though potentially advantageous in others). Nevertheless, encapsulation technologies and other slow-release mechanisms offer strong potential to improve residual activity where needed.The current review provides a summary of existing use and future potential of PDPs against ectoparasites of veterinary and medical significance. Four main types of PDP are considered (pyrethrum, neem, essential oils and plant extracts) for their pesticidal, growth regulating and repellent or deterrent properties. An overview of existing use and research for each is provided, with direction to more extensive reviews given in many sections. Sections to highlight potential issues, modes of action and emerging and future potential are also included.
Evaluation of the relationship between circulating omentin-1 concentrations and components of the metabolic syndrome in adults without type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease
Authors: Vu Anh , Sidhom Maha S , Bredbeck Brooke C , Kosmiski Lisa A , Aquilante Christina L 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Dysregulation of omentin-1, a beneficial adipokine, is thought to play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between circulating omentin-1 concentrations and components of the metabolic syndrome in adults without type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and to determine if sex differences influenced the observed relationships.

Methods
Fasting blood samples were obtained from 93 adults, ages 30–60 years, without type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease. Participants were classified as having the metabolic syndrome according to American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute criteria. Plasma omentin-1 concentrations were measured using a commercially-available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and relationships between plasma omentin-1 and components of the metabolic syndrome were assessed in the entire study cohort, by metabolic syndrome status, and by sex.

Results
On average, participants were 48 ± 8 years of age, 50.5% were women, 54.8% were Caucasian, and 70% had the metabolic syndrome. Plasma omentin-1 concentrations did not differ significantly between individuals with versus without the metabolic syndrome (145.7 ± 70 versus 157.4 ± 79.3 ng/ml, p = 0.50). However, men with the metabolic syndrome had significantly lower omentin-1 levels than men without the metabolic syndrome (129.9 ± 66 versus 186.3 ± 84.3 ng/ml, p = 0.03). Plasma omentin-1 concentrations were significantly correlated with HDL cholesterol in the entire study cohort (r = 0.26; p = 0.01), which was primarily driven by a correlation in men (r = 0.451, p = 0.002) and participants with the metabolic syndrome (r = 0.36; p = 0.003). Plasma omentin-1 concentrations did not differ significantly between men and women; however men with the metabolic syndrome had 20% lower plasma omentin-1 levels than women with the metabolic syndrome (p = 0.06).

Conclusion
These data demonstrate that circulating omentin-1 levels are associated with HDL cholesterol, primarily in men and in the presence of the metabolic syndrome. In addition, sex appears to influence the relationship between plasma omentin-1 concentrations and components of the metabolic syndrome. Additional studies are needed to explore sexual dimorphism in circulating omentin-1 levels, and the role of omentin-1 in the metabolic syndrome.
Removal of Two Hydrogen Atoms from Ketones or Aldehyde: Reaction of a Sulfur-Bridged Incomplete Cubane-Type Molybdenum Cluster with Acetone, Acetaldehyde, Acetylacetone, Ethyl Acetoacetate, and Acetophenone
Authors: Shibahara Takashi , Kawamoto Keisuke , Matsuura Akihiko , Takagi Hideaki , Nishioka Takanori , Kinoshita Isamu , Akashi Haruo 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The reaction of sulfur-bridged incomplete cubane-type molybdenum complex [Mo3(µ-S)3(µ3-S)(dtp)3(CH3CN)(µ-OAc)] (1) (dtp: diethyl dithiophosphate) with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (H3COOCC≡CCOOCH3, DMAD) in several kinds of solvents gave solvent-dependent adducts. The use of acetone, acetaldehyde, acetylacetone, ethyl acetoacetate, and acetophenone as reaction solvents gave the following adducts, respectively: [Mo3{µ-SCH(COCH3)}(µ3-S){µ3-SC(CO2CH3)=C(CO2CH3)S}(dtp)3(µ-OAc)] (2), [Mo3{µ-SCH(CHO)}(µ3-S){µ3-SC(CO2CH3)=C(CO2CH3)S}(dtp)3(µ-OAc)] (3), [Mo3{µ-SC(COCH3)(COCH3)}(µ3-S){µ3-SC(CO2CH3)=C(CO2CH3)S}(dtp)3(µ-OAc)] (4) (and [Mo3{µ-SC(COCH3)(COCH3)}(µ3-S){µ3-SC(CO2CH3)=C(CO2CH3)S}(dtp)2(acac)(µ-OAc)] (4′)), [Mo3{µ-SC(COCH3)(COOC2H5)}(µ3-S){µ3-SC(CO2CH3)=C(CO2CH3)S}(dtp)3(µ-OAc)] (5), and [Mo3{µ-SCH(COC6H5)}(µ3-S){µ3-SC(CO2CH3)=C(CO2CH3)S}(dtp)3(µ-OAc)] (6). X-ray crystallography and 1H NMR spectroscopy have revealed that in all six cases, the solvent adduct-formation resulted in the removal of two hydrogen atoms from the methyl (or methylene) group of the solvent used and in the formation of a carbon–sulfur bond; it also revealed that in some cases (2, 3, 4′, and 6) additional carbon–molybdenum bond formations occurred. Mass spectroscopy indicates that the presence of DMAD is indispensable in the two-hydrogen elimination reaction. Electronic spectra of 2, 3, and 6 have absorption bands in the visible and near-infrared region, and those of the two complexes 4 and 5 have significantly larger absorption bands in the longer wavelength region than the former group. The complex 4′, where one of the three dtp ligands is replaced by an acetylacetone anion also has a larger peak in the longer wavelength region, but the intensity is between those of the former and the latter groups. All six complexes show a chemically reversible one-electron-oxidation process corresponding to a V, IV, IV/IV, IV, IV couple and the oxidation products of these six complexes are stable under a time scale in CV measurements. The reduction processes of 2, 3, and 6 are chemically irreversible; those of 4, 4′, and 5 are reversible, and the processes correspond to a IV, IV, IV/IV, IV, III couple. A mechanism for the formation of the doubly-dehydrogenated species is suggested.
Annotating biodiversity data via the Internet
Authors: Tschöpe Okka , Macklin James A. , Morris Robert A. , Suhrbier Lutz , Berendsohn Walter G. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBiological specimens in research collections provide the most important baseline information for systematic research. Traditionally, they are annotated by experts in written form, which remains directly associated with the specimens. These annotations, defined as data added at a later stage to the original data, provide an important quality control mechanism. They improve the value of herbarium specimens and are identification trails documenting the development of taxonomic concepts over time. With specimen data increasingly becoming accessible via the Internet, a general online annotation system that ensures that the traditional data sharing and documentation of specimen data is continued after the information is mobilised through digitisation, is currently missing. We lay out the prerequisites for such an annotation system including data standards, a data repository, system access, and user roles. We also introduce an exemplar solution developed in the DFG–funded AnnoSys project. AnnoSys is being implemented using the example of collection and observation data in the botanical domain as provided by the GBIF/BioCASe networks. It provides a user–friendly interface to allow researchers to produce and discover annotations. If a record has been annotated, both the annotation and the original record will be stored in a repository, linked via a persistent identifier, and will be accessible through the AnnoSys interfaces. Collection holders and scientists specifically interested in a subset of data will be informed about annotations in which they have expressed interest. We discuss AnnoSys in relation to the FilteredPush project, which pursues the same goal in facilitating and communicating online annotations, but which takes a different approach.
Evaluation of Potential Mercury Releases from Medical Isotope Waste
Authors: Ethier A. , Whynot J. , O’Connor N. , Briden N. 
Published: January 2014

Mercuric (Hg) nitrate is used as a catalyst in the medical isotope production process at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) Chalk River Laboratories (Chalk River, ON) to ensure consistent Mo-99 target dissolution. The subsequent high level radiological liquid waste is cemented into stainless-steel pails and shipped to a waste management area for long-term storage. Previous studies have confirmed that Hg tends to bind and precipitate I-131, thus minimizing its release to the environment. In order to assess the situation and evaluate the need for Hg monitoring, environmental media (vegetation, surface soil, groundwater, and air) surrounding this waste storage area were sampled and results were compared with applicable guidelines and/or background areas at AECL and other locations.Mercury in groundwater, surface soil, and vegetation were found to be below applicable environmental guidelines and comparable to background locations. Atmospheric Hg near waste storage was found to be elevated above background, but well below applicable guidelines for continuous monitoring. Concentrations of Hg in air also dissipated quickly and were comparable to background within 60 to 80 m from source.The atmospheric Hg monitor used in this study (TEKRAN 2537B) constitutes part of the custom-built portable TEAMS trailer that was designed to provide Chalk River Laboratories with the capability to measure, monitor and model Hg emissions, along with other radiological and non-radiological contaminants, for a wide range of situations. The trailer can also be easily re-configured to adapt to different monitoring needs.