bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary proteomic and non-prefractionation quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis during pregnancy and non-pregnancy
Authors: Zheng Jianhua , Liu Liguo , Wang Jin , Jin Qi 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Progress in the fields of protein separation and identification technologies has accelerated research into biofluids proteomics for protein biomarker discovery. Urine has become an ideal and rich source of biomarkers in clinical proteomics. Here we performed a proteomic analysis of urine samples from pregnant and non-pregnant patients using gel electrophoresis and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Furthermore, we also apply a non-prefractionation quantitative phosphoproteomic approach using mTRAQ labeling to evaluate the expression of specific phosphoproteins during pregnancy comparison with non-pregnancy.

Results
In total, 2579 proteins (10429 unique peptides) were identified, including 1408 from the urine of pregnant volunteers and 1985 from the urine of non-pregnant volunteers. One thousand and twenty-three proteins were not reported in previous studies at the proteome level and were unique to our study. Furthermore, we obtained 237 phosphopeptides, representing 105 phosphoproteins. Among these phosphoproteins, 16 of them were found to be significantly differentially expressed, of which 14 were up-regulated and two were down-regulated in urine samples from women just before vaginal delivery.

Conclusion
Taken together, these results offer a comprehensive urinary proteomic profile of healthy women during before and after vaginal delivery and novel information on the phosphoproteins that are differentially regulated during the maintenance of normal pregnancy. Our results may provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of pregnancy maintenance, potentially leading to the development of biomarker-based sensitive assays for understanding pregnancy.
High pericardial and peri-aortic adipose tissue burden in pre-diabetic and diabetic subjects
Authors: Yang Fei-Shih , Yun Chun-Ho , Wu Tung-Hsin , Hsieh Ya-Ching , Bezerra Hiram G , Liu Chuan-Chuan , Wu Yih-Jer , Kuo Jen-Yuan , Hung Chung-Lieh , Hou Charles Jia-Yin , Yeh Hung-I , Lee Jason Jeun-Shenn , Bulwer Bernard E , Cury Ricardo C 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Central obesity in relation to insulin resistance is strongly linked to the development of type 2 diabetes. However, data regarding the association between pericardial and peri-aortic adiposity, a potential estimate of visceral adipose tissue burden, and pre-diabetes status remains unclear.
The aim of this study was to examine whether the degree of pericardial and thoracic peri-aortic adipose tissue, when quantified by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), differs significantly in a normal, pre-diabetic, and overtly diabetic population.

Methods
We studied 562 consecutive subjects including 357 healthy, 155 pre-diabetic, and 50 diabetic patients selected from participants who underwent annual health surveys in Taiwan. Pre-diabetes status was defined by impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose intolerance according to American Diabetes Association guidelines. Pericardial (PCF) and thoracic peri-aortic (TAT) adipose tissue burden was assessed using a non-contrast 16-slice multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) dataset with off-line measurement (Aquarius 3D Workstation, TeraRecon, San Mateo, CA, USA). Body fat composition, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were also assessed.

Results
Patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes had greater volume of PCF (89 ± 24.6, 85.3 ± 28.7 & 67.6 ± 26.7 ml, p < 0.001) as well as larger TAT (9.6 ± 3.1 ml vs 8.8 ± 4.2 & 6.6 ± 3.5 ml, respectively, p < 0.001) when compared to the normal group, although there were no significant differences in adiposity between the diabetic and pre-diabetic groups. For those without established diabetes in our study, increasing TAT burden, but not PCF, appear to correlate with insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and hs-CRP in the multivariable models.

Conclusions
Pre-diabetic and diabetic subjects, compared to normoglycemia, were associated with significantly higher pericardial and peri-aortic adipose tissue burden. In addition, visceral fat accumulation adjacent to the thoracic aorta seemed to exert a significant impact on insulin resistance and systemic inflammation.
Sturge-Weber syndrome coexisting with episodes of rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Zhu Min , Li Xiaobin , Zhou Meihong , Wan Hui , Wu Yuchen , Hong Daojun 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundSturge-Weber syndrome is a congenital neurocutaneous disorder characterized by facial port-wine stain, leptomeningeal angioma, and neurological disorders. Sturge-Weber syndrome can coexist with other disorders in a few patients; however, muscular abnormalities have not been reported in patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome.Case presentationA Chinese girl presented with extensive port-wine stains, congenital bilateral glaucoma, and leptomeningeal angiomatosis. The neurocutaneous symptoms were consistent with the diagnostic criteria of Sturge-Weber syndrome. Meanwhile, episodes of rhabdomyolysis were supported by the recurrent symptoms as follows: exercise intolerance, hyperCKmia, elevated serum myoglobin, and renal failure. Myopathological features and high level of blood long-chain acyl-carnitine indicated that episodes of rhabdomyolysis might be caused by lipid metabolic myopathy. Causative mutations were not found in the CPT2, ACADVL, and GNAQ gene.ConclusionsWe report the first case that Sturge-Weber syndrome coexists with episodes of rhabdomyolysis associated with lipid metabolic myopathy.
Survey of calcium supplementation to prevent preeclampsia: the gap between evidence and practice in Brazil
Authors: Camargo Erika Barbosa , Moraes Luci Fabiane Scheffer , Souza Celsa Moura , Akutsu Rita , Barreto Jorge Maia , da Silva Edina Mariko Koga , Betrán Ana Pilar , Torloni Maria Regina 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundPreeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide and especially in Latin America. High quality evidence indicates that calcium supplementation during pregnancy significantly reduces the incidence of preeclampsia and its consequences, including severe maternal morbidity and death. Few studies have assessed the implementation of this intervention in clinical practice. The study aimed to assess the proportion of pregnant women who received calcium supplements in Brazilian public antenatal care clinics.MethodsThis cross-sectional study interviewed women waiting for antenatal care visits in 9 public clinics in 4 Brazilian cities in 2010-2012. Trained interviewers used a standardized anonymous questionnaire to collect socio demographic and obstetric data, information on ingestion of dairy products and on prescriptions received during current pregnancy.ResultsA total of 788 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Participants were young (mean age 25.9), mostly multiparous (71.3%) and in the 2ndor 3rdtrimesters of pregnancy at the time of interview (87.6%). Only 5.1% (40/788) had received a prescription for calcium supplements. Based on their reported ingestion of dairy products, the mean daily dietary calcium intake of the participants was 210 (+ 265) mg/day and over 90% consumed less than 1 g of calcium/day.ConclusionsDespite good quality evidence indicating the benefits of this practice especially for women with low calcium diets, less than 6% of a sample of women receiving antenatal care in Brazilian public clinics received a prescription for calcium supplements. There is an urgent need to upscale the implementation of this life-saving intervention.
Proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) – focus on receptor-receptor-interactions and their physiological and pathophysiological impact
Authors: Gieseler Frank , Ungefroren Hendrik , Settmacher Utz , Hollenberg Morley D , Kaufmann Roland 
Published: November 2013

AbstractProteinase-activated receptors (PARs) are a subfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with four members, PAR1, PAR2, PAR3and PAR4, playing critical functions in hemostasis, thrombosis, embryonic development, wound healing, inflammation and cancer progression. PARs are characterized by a unique activation mechanism involving receptor cleavage by different proteinases at specific sites within the extracellular amino-terminus and the exposure of amino-terminal “tethered ligand“ domains that bind to and activate the cleaved receptors. After activation, the PAR family members are able to stimulate complex intracellular signalling networks via classical G protein-mediated pathways and beta-arrestin signalling. In addition, different receptor crosstalk mechanisms critically contribute to a high diversity of PAR signal transduction and receptor-trafficking processes that result in multiple physiological effects.In this review, we summarize current information about PAR-initiated physical and functional receptor interactions and their physiological and pathological roles. We focus especially on PAR homo- and heterodimerization, transactivation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and receptor serine/threonine kinases (RSTKs), communication with other GPCRs, toll-like receptors and NOD-like receptors, ion channel receptors, and on PAR association with cargo receptors. In addition, we discuss the suitability of these receptor interaction mechanisms as targets for modulating PAR signalling in disease.
Common fixed points of a family of strictly pseudocontractive mappings
Authors: Qin Xiaolong , Shang Meijuan , Qing Yuan 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
In this article, fixed point problems of a family of strictly pseudocontractive mappings are investigated based on a viscosity iterative process. Strong convergence theorems are established in a real q-uniformly Banach space.

MSC:47H09, 47J05, 47J25.
Acupuncture for patients with mild hypertension: study protocol of an open-label multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Juan , Zheng Hui , Zhao Ling , Li Ying , Zhang Yan , Chang Xiao-rong , Wang Rui-hui , Shi Jing , Cui Jin , Huang Yin-lan , Li Xiang , Chen Jie , Li De-hua , Liang Fan-rong 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Several studies using acupuncture to treat essential hypertension have been carried out. However, whether acupuncture is efficacious for hypertension is still controversial. Therefore, this trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for patients with mild hypertension.

Methods/Design
This is a large scale, open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial with four parallel arms. We will recruit 428 hypertensive patients with systolic blood pressure (SBP) between 140 and 159 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between 90 and 99 mmHg. The participants will be randomly assigned to four different groups (three acupuncture groups and one waiting list group) (1).The affected meridian acupuncture group (n = 107) is treated with acupoints on the affected meridians (2).The non-affected meridian acupuncture group (n = 107) is treated with acupoints on the non-affected meridians (3).The invasive sham acupuncture group (n = 107) is provided with sham acupoints treatment (4).The waiting-list group (n = 107) is not offered any intervention until they complete the trial. Each patient allocated to acupuncture groups will receive 18 sessions of acupuncture treatment over 6 weeks. This trial will be conducted in 11 hospitals in China. The primary endpoint is the change in average 24-hSBP before and 6 weeks after randomization. The secondary endpoints are average SBP and average DBP during the daytime and night-time, and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and so on.

Discussion
This is the first large scale, multicenter, randomized, sham controlled trial of acupuncture for essential hypertension in China. It may clarify the efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for mild hypertension.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01701726
Bovine-associated CNS species resist phagocytosis differently
Authors: Åvall-Jääskeläinen Silja , Koort Joanna , Simojoki Heli , Taponen Suvi 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) cause usually subclinical or mild clinical bovine mastitis, which often remains persistent. Symptoms are usually mild, mostly only comprising slight changes in the appearance of milk and possibly slight swelling. However, clinical mastitis with severe signs has also been reported. The reasons for the differences in clinical expression are largely unknown. Macrophages play an important role in the innate immunity of the udder. This study examined phagocytosis and killing by mouse macrophage cells of three CNS species: Staphylococcus chromogenes (15 isolates), Staphylococcus agnetis (6 isolates) and Staphylococcus simulans (15 isolates). Staphylococcus aureus (7 isolates) was also included as a control.

Results
All the studied CNS species were phagocytosed by macrophages, but S. simulans resisted phagocytosis more effectively than the other CNS species. Only S. chromogenes was substantially killed by macrophages. Significant variations between isolates were seen in both phagocytosis and killing by macrophages and were more common in the killing assays. Significant differences between single CNS species and S. aureus were observed in both assays.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that differences in the phagocytosis and killing of mastitis-causing staphylococci by macrophages exist at both the species and isolate level.
Delayed drainage versus autotransfusion drainage and routine drainage after total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Li Zhi-jun , Zheng Yong-fa , Feng Shi-qing , Li Hui 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this research is to compare the clinical results of different drainage methods in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods
This retrospective comparative study included 55 patients who accepted primary unilateral TKA between October 2010 and November 2012. The patients were classified according to the drainage method used: 25 patients in the autotransfusion drainage group, 12 patients in the delayed drainage group, and 18 patients in the routine drainage group. Otherwise, the same operative procedures and postoperative care were applied to all patients. The variables recorded included total amount of postoperative drainage (including intraoperative blood loss); cases of allogenic blood transfusion; body temperatures on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7; and pre- and postoperative hemoglobin level. Some other elements such as postoperative swelling, range of motion, and wound healing were also compared.

Results
Patients who underwent autotransfusion were found to have an amount of drainage (799.2 ± 196.7 mL) significantly greater than that in the routine drainage group (666.1 ± 155.0 mL), which in turn was significantly greater than that in the delayed drainage group (381.7 ± 129.2 mL). The postoperative hemoglobin level in the delayed drainage group (91.5 ± 7.9 g/L) was similar to that in the autotransfusion group (92.0 ± 9.6 g/L), while that in the routine drainage group (81.3 ± 9.9 g/L) was significantly lower. The patients in the autotransfusion group were observed to have higher body temperatures than those in the other two groups. In the routine drainage group, eight cases accepted allogenic blood transfusion, and the percentage (44.4%) was significantly higher than that in the other two groups. There were no significant between-group differences in swelling, healing qualities, and range of motion.

Conclusions
Delayed postoperative drainage may reduce blood loss and the chance of allogenic blood transfusion compared with routine drainage and may also reduce the chance of postoperative fever and extra costs compared with autotransfusion.
Repair of giant subcostal hernia using porcine acellular dermal matrix (Strattice™) with bone anchors and pedicled omental flap coverage: a case report
Authors: King Jonathan , Hayes J David , Richmond Bryan 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Giant abdominal wall hernias represent a major challenge to the hernia surgeon in practice today. Of the common abdominal wall hernias, those located in the subcostal region are among the most difficult to repair, and have historically been plagued by higher recurrence rates than other locations, such as the midline. No technique has been identified as the clearly superior choice for hernias of this type.

Case presentation
We report a successful repair of a giant, multiply recurrent subcostal hernia with loss of domain in a 45-year-old obese Caucasian man. This was accomplished in a novel fashion, using a porcine acellular dermal matrix (Strattice™) as the floor of the repair, which was fixed to the costal margin using orthopedic bone anchors (Mitek™), then covered with a pedicled omental flap to eliminate dead space and facilitate a more rapid revascularization of the porcine acellular dermal matrix implant.

Conclusions
This case emphasizes the need for a thorough understanding of the challenges of the specific type of hernia defect encountered, as well as knowledge of any available techniques that may be adjunctively employed to enhance the chances of achieving a successful result.
The association between statin therapy during intensive care unit stay and the incidence of venous thromboembolism: a propensity score-adjusted analysis
Authors: Al Harbi Shmeylan A , Khedr Mohammad , Al-Dorzi Hasan M , Tlayjeh Haytham M , Rishu Asgar H , Arabi Yaseen M 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Studies have shown that statins have pleiotropic effects on inflammation and coagulation; which may affect the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between statin therapy during intensive care unit (ICU) stay and the incidence of VTE in critically ill patients.

Methods
This was a post-hoc analysis of a prospective observational cohort study of patients admitted to the intensive care unit between July 2006 and January 2008 at a tertiary care medical center. The primary endpoint was the incidence of VTE during ICU stay up to 30 days. Secondary endpoint was overall 30-day hospital mortality. Propensity score was used to adjust for clinically and statistically relevant variables.

Results
Of the 798 patients included in the original study, 123 patients (15.4%) received statins during their ICU stay. Survival analysis for VTE risk showed that statin therapy was not associated with a reduction of VTE incidence (crude hazard ratio (HR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28-1.54, P = 0.33 and adjusted HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.25-1.57, P = 0.33). Furthermore, survival analysis for hospital mortality showed that statin therapy was not associated with a reduction in hospital mortality (crude HR 1.26, 95% CI 0.95-1.68, P = 0.10 and adjusted HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.72-1.36, P = 0.94).

Conclusion
Our study showed no statistically significant association between statin therapy and VTE risk in critically ill patients. This question needs to be further studied in randomized control trials.
Self-assembly, Physicochemical, and Field-effect Transistor Properties of Solution-crystallized Organic Semiconductors Based on π-Extended Dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]thiophenes
Authors: Mieno Hiroyuki , Yasuda Takuma , Yang Yu Seok , Adachi Chihaya 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Thienoacene-based π-conjugated oligomers, DTT-NP8 and DTT-BT8, were designed and synthesized. Their strong intermolecular interactions originating from S···S contacts enable the fabrication of single-crystal microribbons via solution processing. Organic single-crystal transistors exhibited field-effect mobilities as high as 0.54 cm2 V−1 s−1 and on/off current ratio of ca. 106.
Direct Pathway for Water–Gas Shift Reaction in Gas Phase
Authors: Harabuchi Yu , Maeda Satoshi , Taketsugu Tetsuya , Ohno Koichi 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
A direct reaction pathway for water–gas shift reaction (WGSR) in gas phase, H2O + CO → H2 + CO2, was discovered by using anharmonic downward distortion following method. The direct WGSR is accompanied by a roaming-like mechanism. To examine the initial conditions of the direct WGSR, we carried out ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and showed that cooperative excitations of OH-stretching vibrational modes and the orientational control of reactants are required for the direct WGSR.
Acidic Proton Modulation of a Stilbene-based Zwitterionic Sulfonic Acid in the Solid State: Mimicking a Biological Device
Authors: Chen Chien-Chih , Sasaki Toshiyuki , Yamamoto Atsushi , Liu Jui-Hsiang , Hisaki Ichiro , Miyata Mikiji , Tohnai Norimitsu 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Acidic proton modulation of a stilbene-based zwitterionic sulfonic acid in the crystalline state was studied using three amines with different pKa values. The three organic crystal structures prepared from the intermolecular interactions of the acid with the amines and water were solved by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. These crystals included an ammonium salt and two hydrate crystals. Furthermore, the three generated crystals could mimic three distinct biological systems: a water/proton blockade, a protonated water array, and a one-dimensional water channel.
Facile Synthesis of AEI Zeolites by Hydrothermal Conversion of FAU Zeolites in the Presence of Tetraethylphosphonium Cations
Authors: Maruo Toshihiro , Yamanaka Naoki , Tsunoji Nao , Sadakane Masahiro , Sano Tsuneji 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Highly crystalline and pure high-silica AEI zeolites with Si/Al ratios of ca. 10–15 were successfully obtained by a one-day hydrothermal conversion of FAU zeolites at 150 °C in tetraethylphosphonium hydroxide media.