bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioral and Anatomical Characterization of the Bilateral Sciatic Nerve Chronic Constriction (bCCI) Injury: Correlation of Anatomic Changes and Responses to Cold Stimuli
Authors: Datta Sukdeb , Chatterjee Koel , Kline Robert H , Wiley Ronald G 
Published: January 2010

Background:Unilateral constrictive sciatic nerve injury (uCCI) is a common neuropathic pain model. However, the bilateral constrictive injury (bCCI) model is less well studied, and shows unique characteristics. In the present study, we sought to correlate effects of bCCI on nocifensive responses to cold and mechanical stimuli with selected dorsal horn anatomic markers. bCCI or sham ligation of both rat sciatic nerves were followed up to 90 days of behavioural testing. Additional rats sacrificed at 15, 30 and 90 days were used for anatomic analyses. Behavioural tests included hindpaw withdrawal responses to topical acetone, cold plate testing, an operant thermal preference task and hindpaw withdrawal thresholds to mechanical probing.Results:All nocifensive responses to cold increased and remained enhanced for >45 days. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds decreased for 25 days only. Densitometric analyses of immunoperoxidase staining in the superficial dorsal horn at L4–5 revealed decreased cholecystokinin (CCK) staining at all times after bCCI, decreased mu opiate receptor (MOR) staining, maximal at 15 days, increased neuropeptide Y (NPY) staining only at days 15 and 30, and increased neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) staining at all time points, maximal at 15 days. Correlation analyses at 45 days post-bCCI, were significant for individual rat nocifensive responses in each cold test and CCK and NK-1R, but not for MOR or NPY.Conclusions:These results confirm the usefulness of cold testing in bCCI rats, a new approach using CCI to model neuropathic pain, and suggest a potential value of studying the roles of dorsal horn CCK and substance P in chronic neuropathic pain. Compared to human subjects with neuropathic pain, responses to cold stimuli in rats with bCCI may be a useful model of neuropathic pain.
Improving calculation, interpretation and communication of familial colorectal cancer risk: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dekker Nicky , Hermens Rosella PMG , Elwyn Glyn , van der Weijden Trudy , Nagengast Fokko M , van Duijvendijk Peter , Salemink Simone , Adang Eddy , van Krieken J Han JM , Ligtenberg Marjolijn JL , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Individuals with multiple relatives with colorectal cancer (CRC) and/or a relative with early-onset CRC have an increased risk of developing CRC. They are eligible for preventive measures, such as surveillance by regular colonoscopy and/or genetic counselling. Currently, most at-risk individuals do not follow the indicated follow-up policy. In a new guideline on familial and hereditary CRC, clinicians have new tasks in calculating, interpreting, and communicating familial CRC risk. This will lead to better recognition of individuals at an increased familial CRC risk, enabling them to take effective preventive measures. This trial compares two implementation strategies (a common versus an intensive implementation strategy), focussing on clinicians' risk calculation, interpretation, and communication, as well as patients' uptake of the indicated follow-up policy.

Methods
A clustered randomized controlled trial including an effect, process, and cost evaluation will be conducted in eighteen hospitals. Nine hospitals in the control group will receive the common implementation strategy (i.e., dissemination of the guideline). In the intervention group, an intensive implementation strategy will be introduced. Clinicians will receive education and tools for risk calculation, interpretation, and communication. Patients will also receive these tools, in addition to patient decision aids. The effect evaluation includes assessment of the number of patients for whom risk calculation, interpretation, and communication is performed correctly, and the number of patients following the indicated follow-up policy. The actual exposure to the implementation strategies and users' experiences will be assessed in the process evaluation. In a cost evaluation, the costs of the implementation strategies will be determined.

Discussion
The results of this study will help determine the most effective method as well as the costs of improving the recognition of individuals at an increased familial CRC risk. It will provide insight into the experiences of both patients and clinicians with these strategies.
The knowledge gathered in this study can be used to improve the recognition of familial and hereditary CRC at both the national and international level, and will serve as an example to improve care for patients and their relatives worldwide. Our results may also be useful in improving healthcare in other diseases.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00929097
Towards a genome-scale kinetic model of cellular metabolism
Authors: Smallbone Kieran , Simeonidis Evangelos , Swainston Neil , Mendes Pedro 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Advances in bioinformatic techniques and analyses have led to the availability of genome-scale metabolic reconstructions. The size and complexity of such networks often means that their potential behaviour can only be analysed with constraint-based methods. Whilst requiring minimal experimental data, such methods are unable to give insight into cellular substrate concentrations. Instead, the long-term goal of systems biology is to use kinetic modelling to characterize fully the mechanics of each enzymatic reaction, and to combine such knowledge to predict system behaviour.

Results
We describe a method for building a parameterized genome-scale kinetic model of a metabolic network. Simplified linlog kinetics are used and the parameters are extracted from a kinetic model repository. We demonstrate our methodology by applying it to yeast metabolism. The resultant model has 956 metabolic reactions involving 820 metabolites, and, whilst approximative, has considerably broader remit than any existing models of its type. Control analysis is used to identify key steps within the system.

Conclusions
Our modelling framework may be considered a stepping-stone toward the long-term goal of a fully-parameterized model of yeast metabolism. The model is available in SBML format from the BioModels database (BioModels ID: MODEL1001200000) and at http://www.mcisb.org/resources/genomescale/.
Novel histone deacetylase inhibitors in clinical trials as anti-cancer agents
Authors: Tan Jiahuai , Cang Shundong , Ma Yuehua , Petrillo Richard L , Liu Delong 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) can regulate expression of tumor suppressor genes and activities of transcriptional factors involved in both cancer initiation and progression through alteration of either DNA or the structural components of chromatin. Recently, the role of gene repression through modulation such as acetylation in cancer patients has been clinically validated with several inhibitors of HDACs. One of the HDAC inhibitors, vorinostat, has been approved by FDA for treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) for patients with progressive, persistent, or recurrent disease on or following two systemic therapies. Other inhibitors, for example, FK228, PXD101, PCI-24781, ITF2357, MGCD0103, MS-275, valproic acid and LBH589 have also demonstrated therapeutic potential as monotherapy or combination with other anti-tumor drugs in CTCL and other malignancies. At least 80 clinical trials are underway, testing more than eleven different HDAC inhibitory agents including both hematological and solid malignancies. This review focuses on recent development in clinical trials testing HDAC inhibitors as anti-tumor agents.
Expressed Alu repeats as a novel, reliable tool for normalization of real-time quantitative RT-PCR data
Authors: Marullo Manuela , Zuccato Chiara , Mariotti Caterina , Lahiri Nayana , Tabrizi Sarah J , Di Donato Stefano , Cattaneo Elena 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe describe a novel strategy for mRNA normalization in quantitative real-time PCR that is based on expressed Alu repeat amplification as a measure for the mRNA fraction. We show that expressed Alu repeat amplification is a fast, accurate normalization tool that can be successfully used for quantification of selected mRNA in the human transcriptome. This result is particularly important for clinical diagnosis and biomarker validation studies based on mRNA detection in human blood.
Aldosterone Production and Insulin Resistance in Healthy Adults
Authors: Garg Rajesh , Hurwitz Shelley , Williams Gordon H. , Hopkins Paul N. , Adler Gail K. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Context: Aldosterone production is associated with insulin resistance in obese and hypertensive subjects. However, its effect on insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects is not clear.
Objective: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that increased aldosterone production is associated with lower insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects.
Design: This is an analysis of data previously collected during studies conducted as part of the International Hypertensive Pathotype Consortium.
Participants and Interventions: Eighty-four subjects free of any medical or psychiatric illness were included in this study. They were studied after 7 d of a standardized high-sodium diet confirmed by 24-h urine sodium above 200 mEq. Insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was calculated after a 75-g oral glucose load with glucose and insulin measurements at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min. Serum aldosterone levels were measured after 45 min of angiotensin II (3 ng/kg/min) infusion.
Results: There were significant negative correlations between ISI and age, body mass index (BMI), diastolic blood pressure, and angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone level (P &lt; 0.01). On multivariate regression analysis, stimulated aldosterone level was an independent predictor of ISI after adjusting for age, BMI, and diastolic blood pressure. Stimulated aldosterone level predicted 8% of the variance in ISI (P = 0.003) with age, BMI, and diastolic blood pressure together predicting 23% of the variance in ISI. Thus, the final regression model predicted 31% of the variance in ISI (P &lt; 0.0001).
Conclusions: Aldosterone production is associated with insulin resistance in normotensive healthy subjects independent of traditional risk factors.
Partially Deglycosylated Equine LH Preferentially Activates β-Arrestin-Dependent Signaling at the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor
Authors: Wehbi Vanessa , Tranchant Thibaud , Durand Guillaume , Musnier Astrid , Decourtye Jérémy , Piketty Vincent , Butnev Vladimir Y. , Bousfield George R. , Crépieux Pascale , Maurel Marie-Christine , Reiter Eric 
Published: January 2010

AbstractDeglycosylated FSH is known to trigger poor Gαs coupling while efficiently binding its receptor. In the present study, we tested the possibility that a deglycosylated equine LH (eLHdg) might be able to selectively activate β-arrestin-dependent signaling. We compared native eLH to an eLH derivative [i.e. truncated eLHβ (Δ121-149) combined with asparagine56-deglycosylated eLHα (eLHdg)] previously reported as an antagonist of cAMP accumulation at the FSH receptor (FSH-R). We confirmed that, when used in conjunction with FSH, eLHdg acted as an antagonist for cAMP accumulation in HEK-293 cells stably expressing the FSH-R. Furthermore, when used alone at concentrations up to 1 nm, eLHdg had no detectable agonistic activity on cAMP accumulation, protein kinase A activity or cAMP-responsive element-dependent transcriptional activity. At higher concentrations, however, a weak agonistic action was observed with eLHdg, whereas eLH led to robust responses whatever the concentration. Both eLH and eLHdg triggered receptor internalization and led to β-arrestin recruitment. Both eLH and eLHdg triggered ERK and ribosomal protein (rp) S6 phosphorylation at 1 nm. The depletion of endogenous β-arrestins had only a partial effect on eLH-induced ERK and rpS6 phosphorylation. In contrast, ERK and rpS6 phosphorylation was completely abolished at all time points in β-arrestin-depleted cells. Together, these results show that eLHdg has the ability to preferentially activate β-arrestin-dependent signaling at the FSH-R. This finding provides a new conceptual and experimental framework to revisit the physiological meaning of gonadotropin structural heterogeneity. Importantly, it also opens a field of possibilities for the development of selective modulators of gonadotropin receptors.
Flexor carpi ulnaris tendon transfer to the split brachioradialis tendon to restore supination in paralytic forearms
Authors: Anderson G. A. , Thomas B. P. , Pallapati S. C. R. 
Published: February 2010

Inability to actively supinate the forearm makes common activities of daily living and certain vocational activities awkward or impossible to perform. A total of 11 patients with deficient supination of the arm underwent transfer of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris to the split tendon of brachioradialis with its bony insertion into the radial styloid left intact. Active supination beyond neutral rotation was a mean of 37.2° (25° to 49.5°) at a minimum follow-up of three years, representing a significant improvement (95% confidence interval 25 to 50, p < 0.001). Functional evaluation of the hand after this transfer showed excellent and good results in ten patients and fair in one. The split tendon of brachioradialis as an insertion for transfer of the flexor carpi ulnaris appears to provide adequate supination of the forearm without altering the available pronation and avoids the domination of wrist extension sometimes associated with transfers of the flexor carpi ulnaris to the radial extensors of the wrist.
Clinical application of a lectin-antibody ELISA to measure fucosylated haptoglobin in sera of patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Matsumoto Hitoshi , Shinzaki Shinichiro , Narisada Megumi , Kawamoto Sayuri , Kuwamoto Kana , Moriwaki Kenta , Kanke Futoshi , Satomura Shinji , Kumada Takashi , Miyoshi Eiji 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background: Recent advanced techniques in glycobiology have produced a number of tumor marker candidates. As a result from the glycomic approach, we found that fucosylated haptoglobin in sera was a possible tumor marker for pancreatic cancer (PC). Although Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL) blotting can detect fucosylated haptoglobin, it is difficult to quantify fucosylated haptoglobin precisely. To overcome this problem, we developed a fucosylated haptoglobin detection kit as a sandwich enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) using AAL and the Fab portion of anti-haptoglobin antibody. In the present study, we investigated the clinical application of this lectin-antibody ELISA kit to measure fucosylated haptoglobin in PC.

Methods: We measured fucosylated haptoglobin in patients with PC with a lectin-antibody ELISA kit. The fucosylated haptoglobin measured with this assay was compared with lectin blotting data, and the discrepancy was analyzed by immunoprecipitation methods. The concentration of fucosylated haptoglobin was investigated with respect to the clinical stage of PC. We also measured fucosylated haptoglobin, using 397 cases of several types of cancers including PC, benign diseases, and normal controls.

Results: The sensitivity and specificity for the differential diagnosis of PC from normal controls was 50% and 91%, respectively. The results from lectin-antibody ELISA were significantly correlated with data from previous AAL blotting studies. Positive rates of fucosylated haptoglobin with this method in patients with PC were significantly higher in cases of stage IV compared with other clinical stages. Fucosylated haptoglobin was increased in several types of cancers, in which fucosylated haptoglobin was reported to increase.

Conclusions: While certain cases showed a discrepancy in fucosylated haptoglobin concentrations between the lectin-antibody ELISA and conventional lectin blotting, this novel type of lectin-antibody ELISA might be useful for a tumor marker for PC.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:505–12.
A Procedure for Testing Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Mixes
Authors: Berg ER , Neal JA 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
A laboratory method for the evaluation of concrete masonry unit (CMU) mix designs is proposed. The zero slump requirement and the unique method of molding CMU using simultaneous vibration and compression on an automated assembly line basis make CMU mix design a unique subset of concrete mix design. The compression and vibration of a block machine is simulated by the use of a drop hammer to compact the test specimens. The different compaction methods are equated by modifying the height of the hammer drop or the number of drops to obtain the same density as that obtained from the production block machine. The volumetric fill method of a production machine is replaced with weighing the mix placed in each mold prior to compaction to provide a uniform amount of material. Numerous batches can be made quickly in a laboratory using small amounts of material on a cost-effective basis. Two-inch (50-mm) cubes for strength testing based upon modified ASTM C 109 (Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or 50-mm Cube Specimens)) procedures, and 1-in. (25-mm) square bars for change of length testing based upon modified ASTM C 157 (Test Method for Length Change of Hardened Hydraulic-Cement Mortars and Concrete) procedures can both be made using standard molds and testing equipment.
Expandability of Solid-Volume-Reducing Reactions of Alkali-Magnesite and Alkali-Dolomite
Authors: Tong L , Tang M 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe work presented in this paper concerns two solid-volume-reducing reactions between alkali-dolomite (ADR) and alkalimagnesite (AMR). It was found that the two reactions can cause considerable expansion of compacts made from dolomite or magnesite powder and 20% Portland cement when cured at 150 and 60°C in 10% KOH solution. The results confirmed an earlier suggestion that the formation and growth of crystalline products in a confined space may be expandable.The expandability of the alkali-magnesite reaction was first recognized by the authors using newly developed test methods—150°C autoclaving of concrete microbars and miniature rock prism tests. Although magnesite itself is rarely used as a concrete aggregate, it is reasonable to investigate the reaction since concrete aggregates may contain a certain amount of magnesite.
Limestone Additions to Portland Cement—An Old Controversy Revisited
Authors: Mayfield LL 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
A current proposal in ASTM Committee C-1 on Cement would allow up to 5% limestone to be interground with clinker into portland cement under the provisions of ASTM Specification for Portland Cement (C 150), the basic standard covering portland cement. This important and far-reaching proposal would change the definition of portland cement and has resulted in considerable controversy within the Committee. There are strong arguments on both sides of the question. The proponents claim a significant savings of energy during production without a degradation in quality and even cite improvements in some cement and concrete characteristics. The opponents charge that limestone acts merely as an adulterant, that strengths are reduced, and that the proposal should be abandoned on ethical grounds.
A very interesting adjunct to the carbonate additions proposal—the name used in committee work—has been the sense of history that this proposal has inspired. Regardless of individual viewpoints, many Committee C-1 members have turned to the past in an effort to gain insight into the ramifications of this proposal. This paper is a historical review of portland cement and cement specifications.
Cementitious Properties of Nonferrous Slags from Canadian Sources
Authors: Douglas E , Malhotra VM , Emery JJ 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
This report presents data on the characterization of nine Canadian nonferrous slags. The characterization includes the determination of grinding energy, fineness, chemical composition, estimates of glass content, pozzolanic activity, and strength development. Grinding the slags to 4000 cm2/g seems to be economically feasible. The chemical analysis indicates that calcium oxide contents for all samples are low with the exception of a lead slag. It is concluded that for research purposes, glass content should be measured with a scanning electron microscope image analyzer. Slag activity should be estimated using the ASTM Specification for Ground Iron Blast-Furnace Slag for Use in Concrete and Mortars (C 989) test. The 28-day index indicates a direct relationship between strength and glass content when determined at 23°C in specimens cured in the moist room. Tests carried out at 38°C fail to confirm that strength development is directly related to vitrification.
Influence of Air Temperature on the Setting of Concrete Containing Set Retarding Admixtures
Authors: Fattuhi NI 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Concrete mixes containing set retarding (R) or water reducing and set retarding (WRR) admixtures of different compositions were prepared and then tested by the Proctor penetrometer apparatus to determine the penetration resistance-time relationships. The initial temperature of the different mortar mixes after sieving was 22 ± 1°C. The influence of admixture composition and air temperature (30, 40, and 50°C) on the initial and final times of setting for the different concretes were examined. Admixture dosages used were within the limits recommended by the manufacturers. The results showed that the longest retardation in the times of setting was that achieved by using a phosphate based admixture, followed by that based on lignosulfonate. However, the retardation influence was reduced with an increase in temperature. Linear and nonlinear relationships were found between air temperature and initial and final times of setting for the reference and admixture concretes, respectively.
Variations in the Chemical Composition, Specific Surface Area, Fineness, and Pozzolanic Activity of a Condensed Silica Fume
Authors: Nebesar B , Carette GG 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The production of condensed silica fume (CSF) from the silicon and ferrosilicon furnaces of a Canadian plant was sampled at regular intervals over a period of 180 days in 1982. For each type of furnace the variability in composition, specific surface area, fineness, and pozzolanic activity of the material were determined. The results indicate that only a few samples are responsible for the majority of outliers in chemical composition and fineness by a 45-µm sieve, and these generally also account for some deviations in pozzolanic activity. The type of furnace affects the composition, specific surface area, and fineness of condensed silica fume; however, the pozzolanic activities of the two types of material are, with minor exceptions, comparable.
Determining the Static and Dynamic Properties of Hardened Normal Weight and Heavy Weight Concrete
Authors: Graham DE 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
This paper describes a method for determining the material constants of normal weight and heavy weight concrete under static and dynamic loading at 7, 28, and 90 days. The tests were conducted at the University of California, Structures and Materials Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, for comparing the compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio, and static tensile strength of normal weight and heavy weight concrete for a nuclear power plant.