bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits advanced glycation end product-induced expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and matrix metalloproteinase-13 in human chondrocytes
Authors: Rasheed Zafar , Anbazhagan Arivarasu N , Akhtar Nahid , Ramamurthy Sangeetha , Voss Frank R , Haqqi Tariq M 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Introduction
The major risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) is aging, but the mechanisms underlying this risk are only partly understood. Age-related accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) can activate chondrocytes and induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In the present study, we examined the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on AGE-modified-BSA (AGE-BSA)-induced activation and production of TNFα and MMP-13 in human OA chondrocytes.

Methods
Human chondrocytes were derived from OA cartilage by enzymatic digestion and stimulated with in vitro-generated AGE-BSA. Gene expression of TNFα and MMP-13 was measured by quantitative RT-PCR. TNFα protein in culture medium was determined using cytokine-specific ELISA. Western immunoblotting was used to analyze the MMP-13 production in the culture medium, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and the activation of NF-κB. DNA binding activity of NF-κB p65 was determined using a highly sensitive and specific ELISA. IκB kinase (IKK) activity was determined using an in vitro kinase activity assay. MMP-13 activity in the culture medium was assayed by gelatin zymography.

Results
EGCG significantly decreased AGE-stimulated gene expression and production of TNFα and MMP-13 in human chondrocytes. The inhibitory effect of EGCG on the AGE-BSA-induced expression of TNFα and MMP-13 was mediated at least in part via suppression of p38-MAPK and JNK activation. In addition, EGCG inhibited the phosphorylating activity of IKKβ kinase in an in vitro activity assay and EGCG inhibited the AGE-mediated activation and DNA binding activity of NF-κB by suppressing the degradation of its inhibitory protein IκBα in the cytoplasm.

Conclusions
These novel pharmacological actions of EGCG on AGE-BSA-stimulated human OA chondrocytes provide new suggestions that EGCG or EGCG-derived compounds may inhibit cartilage degradation by suppressing AGE-mediated activation and the catabolic response in human chondrocytes.
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 expression on monocytes is associated with inflammation but not with infection in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Ferat-Osorio Eduardo , Wong-Baeza Isabel , Esquivel-Callejas Noemí , Figueroa-Figueroa Silvia , Duarte-Rojo Andrés , Guzmán-Valdivia-Gómez Gilberto , Rodea-Rosas Heriberto , Torres-González Rubén , Sánchez-Fernández Patricio , Arriaga-Pizano Lourdes , López-Macías Constantino , Robles-Díaz Guillermo , Isibasi Armando 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is usually a mild and self-limiting disease, but some patients develop a severe form that is associated with high mortality. In AP, local inflammation is followed first by the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and then by the compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome, which is defined by low human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR expression on monocytes, increased concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and decreased monocyte function. Our aim was to measure the expression of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1 (a proposed marker of infection or inflammation) and HLA-DR on monocytes, and the serum concentrations of IL-6 (a proinflammatory cytokine) and IL-10 in patients with AP to determine whether these markers can identify patients at high risk of developing severe AP or infection.

Methods
Fifty healthy volunteers, 18 patients with mild AP, and 11 patients with severe AP were included in this study. Samples were taken at admission and one and three days later. TREM-1 and HLA-DR expression was evaluated by flow cytometry, and soluble TREM-1, IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations were measured by ELISA.

Results
TREM-1 expression was higher in patients with AP than in healthy volunteers, but there was no difference between patients with mild and severe AP. TREM-1 expression was not associated with mortality or with the presence of infection. Soluble TREM-1 concentration in serum was higher in non-survivors than in survivors. HLA-DR expression was lower and IL-6 concentration higher in patients with severe AP and in infected patients.

Conclusions
Increased TREM-1 expression was associated with the presence of inflammation but not infection in AP. In patients with AP, low HLA-DR expression and high IL-6 concentration could predict severity and infection in samples taken shortly after admission.
Brain natriuretic peptide levels have diagnostic and prognostic capability for cardio-renal syndrome type 4 in intensive care unit patients
Authors: Park Sunghoon , Cho Goo-Yeong , Kim Sung Gyun , Hwang Yong Il , Kang Hye-Ryun , Jang Seung Hun , Kim Dong-Gyu , Song Young Rim , Bae Young-A , Jung Ki-Suck 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Limited data are available regarding the diagnostic and prognostic utility of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting.

Methods
All patients with CKD and a serum creatinine (Cr) of 2.0 mg/dl or higher admitted to the ICU between January 2006 and September 2007 were enrolled in this study. The CKD group was divided according to the presence or absence of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) into CKD + ADHF and CKD - ADHF groups, respectively. Other patients with ADHF having low Cr (<1.2 mg/dl) in the coronary care unit were also recruited as a control group during the same period. BNP levels at the time of admission (admission BNP) were compared amongst these groups. We then sought to determine whether BNP levels could predict the outcome in patients with CKD.

Results
Of 136 patients with CKD for whom data were available, including 58 on dialysis (42.6%), 81 (59.6%) had ADHF and their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 12.8 ± 7.3 ml/min/1.73 m2. BNP levels at admission were 2708.6 ± 1246.9, 567.9 ± 491.7 and 1418.9 ± 1126.5 pg/ml in the CKD + ADHF, CKD - ADHF and control groups (n = 33), respectively (P = 0.000). The optimal cutoff level in patients with CKD was 1020.5 pg/ml (area under the curve = 0.944) to detect ADHF from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. This level was not associated with in-hospital mortality, all-cause death or a composite event (all-cause death and/or new cardiac event). However, a borderline significant association was observed with new cardiac events (hazard ratio (HR) = 4.551; P = 0.078) during the follow-up period (521.1 ± 44.7 days). Furthermore, continuous variables of BNP and BNP quartiles were significantly associated with new cardiac events in the multivariate Cox model (HR = 1.001, P = 0.041; HR = 2.212, P = 0.018).

Conclusions
The findings suggest that the level of BNP at the time of admission may be a useful marker for detecting ADHF and predicting cardiac events in patients with CKD in the ICU setting.
Inhibition of Forkhead Box O1 Protects Pancreatic β-Cells against Dexamethasone-Induced Dysfunction
Authors: Zhang Xiongfei , Yong Wei , Lv Jinghuan , Zhu Yunxia , Zhang Jingjing , Chen Fang , Zhang Rihua , Yang Tao , Sun Yujie , Han Xiao 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Forkhead Box O1 (FoxO1) is a key transcription regulator of insulin/IGF-I signaling pathway, and its activity can be increased by dexamethasone (DEX) in several cell types. However, the role of FoxO1 in DEX-induced pancreatic β-cell dysfunction has not been fully understood. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether FoxO1 could mediate DEX-induced β-cell dysfunction and the possible underlying mechanisms in pancreatic β-cell line RINm5F cells and primary rat islet. We found that DEX markedly increased FoxO1 mRNA and protein expression and decreased FoxO1 phosphorylation through the Akt pathway, which resulted in an increase in active FoxO1 in RINm5F cells and isolated rat islets. Activated FoxO1 subsequently inhibited pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 expression and induced nuclear exclusion of pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1. Knockdown of FoxO1 by RNA interference restored the expression of pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 and prevented DEX-induced dysfunction of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in rat islets. Together, the results of present study demonstrate that FoxO1 is integrally involved in DEX-induced inhibition of pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion dysfunction in pancreatic islet β-cells. Inhibition of FoxO1 can effectively protect β-cells against DEX-induced dysfunction.
Regulation of luminal acidification in the male reproductive tract via cell–cell crosstalk
Authors: Shum Winnie W. C. , Da Silva Nicolas , Brown Dennis , Breton Sylvie 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARY
In the epididymis, spermatozoa acquire their ability to become motile and to fertilize an egg. A luminal acidic pH and a low bicarbonate concentration help keep spermatozoa in a quiescent state during their maturation and storage in this organ. Net proton secretion is crucial to maintain the acidity of the luminal fluid in the epididymis. A sub-population of epithelial cells, the clear cells, express high levels of the proton-pumping V-ATPase in their apical membrane and are important contributors to luminal acidification. This review describes selected aspects of V-ATPase regulation in clear cells. The assembly of a particular set of V-ATPase subunit isoforms governs the targeting of the pump to the apical plasma membrane. Regulation of V-ATPase-dependent proton secretion occurs via recycling mechanisms. The bicarbonate-activated adenylyl cyclase is involved in the non-hormonal regulation of V-ATPase recycling, following activation of bicarbonate secretion by principal cells. The V-ATPase is also regulated in a paracrine manner by luminal angiotensin II by activation of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AGTR2), which is located in basal cells. Basal cells have the remarkable property of extending long and slender cytoplasmic projections that cross the tight junction barrier to monitor the luminal environment. Clear cells are activated by a nitric oxide signal that originates from basal cells. Thus, a complex interplay between the different cell types present in the epithelium leads to activation of the luminal acidifying capacity of the epididymis, a process that is crucial for sperm maturation and storage.
High rates of HCO3– secretion and Cl– absorption against adverse gradients in the marine teleost intestine: the involvement of an electrogenic anion exchanger and H+-pump metabolon?
Authors: Grosell M. , Mager E. M. , Williams C. , Taylor J. R. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYAnion exchange contributes significantly to intestinal Cl–absorption in marine teleost fish and is thus vital for successful osmoregulation. This anion exchange process leads to high luminal HCO3– concentrations (up to ∼100 mmol l–1) and high pH and results in the formation of CaCO3 precipitates in the intestinal lumen. Recent advances in our understanding of the transport processes involved in intestinal anion exchange in marine teleost fish include the demonstration of a role for the H+-pump (V-ATPase) in apical H+ extrusion and the presence of an electrogenic(nHCO3–/Cl–) exchange protein(SLC26a6). The H+-V-ATPase defends against cellular acidification,which might otherwise occur as a consequence of the high rates of base secretion. In addition, apical H+ extrusion probably maintains lower HCO3– concentrations in the unstirred layer at the apical surface than in the bulk luminal fluids and thus facilitates continued anion exchange. Furthermore, H+-V-ATPase activity hyperpolarizes the apical membrane potential that provides the driving force for apical electrogenic nHCO3–/Cl– exchange, which appears to occur against both Cl– and HCO3– electrochemical gradients. We propose that a similar coupling between apical H+ extrusion and nHCO3–/Cl– exchange accounts for Cl– uptake in freshwater fish and amphibians against very steep Cl– gradients.
Molecular physiology and genetics of Na+-independent SLC4 anion exchangers
Authors: Alper Seth L. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYPlasmalemmal Cl–/HCO3–exchangers are encoded by the SLC4 and SLC26 gene superfamilies, and function to regulate intracellular pH,[Cl–] and cell volume. The Cl–/HCO3– exchangers of polarized epithelial cells also contribute to transepithelial secretion and reabsorption of acid–base equivalents and Cl–. This review focuses on Na+-independent electroneutral Cl–/HCO3– exchangers of the SLC4 family. Human SLC4A1/AE1 mutations cause the familial erythroid disorders of spherocytic anemia, stomatocytic anemia and ovalocytosis. A largely discrete set of AE1 mutations causes familial distal renal tubular acidosis. The Slc4a2/Ae2–/– mouse dies before weaning with achlorhydria and osteopetrosis. A hypomorphic Ae2–/– mouse survives to exhibit male infertility with defective spermatogenesis and a syndrome resembling primary biliary cirrhosis. A human SLC4A3/AE3 polymorphism is associated with seizure disorder, and the Ae3–/– mouse has increased seizure susceptibility. The transport mechanism of mammalian SLC4/AE polypeptides is that of electroneutral Cl–/anion exchange,but trout erythroid Ae1 also mediates Cl– conductance. Erythroid Ae1 may mediate the DIDS-sensitive Cl– conductance of mammalian erythrocytes, and, with a single missense mutation, can mediate electrogenic SO42–/Cl– exchange. AE1 trafficking in polarized cells is regulated by phosphorylation and by interaction with other proteins. AE2 exhibits isoform-specific patterns of acute inhibition by acidic intracellular pH and independently by acidic extracellular pH. In contrast, AE2 is activated by hypertonicity and, in a pH-independent manner, by ammonium and by hypertonicity. A growing body of structure–function and interaction data, together with emerging information about physiological function and structure, is advancing our understanding of SLC4 anion exchangers.
Ice-load estimation for a ship hull based on continuous response monitoring
Authors: Leira B , Børsheim L , Espeland Ø , Amdahl J 
Published: May 2009

The expected growth of maritime and offshore activities in arctic areas has led to an increased interest in understanding the risks associated with operating in ice-infested waters. Transportation systems such as large tankers, gas carriers, and bulk carriers that are able to operate throughout the year are of particular interest. One of the key factors for this scenario to occur is the ability to design vessel hulls that possess sufficient strength to be able to resist the pressures generated by the ice fields without any critical damage taking place. This paper is concerned with the estimation of ice loads acting on the hull of the coastguard vessel KV Svalbard, based on strains that were measured during the winters of 2007 and 2008. A finite element model of the bow structure is utilized in order to correlate the loading with the measured strains. The influences of ice thickness and vessel speed on the measured strain levels are also investigated. Methods for extrapolation of the hull response into the future for predictive purposes are also addressed.
Thermochemistry on the Solid State Coordination Compounds M(Nic)2 · H2O(s) (M = Mn and Mg, Nic = Nicotinate)
Authors: Kong Yuxia , Di Youying , Yang Weiwei , Zhao Guozheng , Zhang Kun , Tan Zhicheng 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Two novel solid state coordination compounds – manganese nicotinate monohydrate and magnesium nicotinate monohydrate were synthesized by the method of room temperature solid phase synthesis and ball grinder. FTIR, chemical and elemental analyses and X-ray powder diffraction techniques were applied to characterize the structure and composition of these complexes. In accordance with Hess’ law, hermochemical cycles were designed, the enthalpy changes of the solid phase reactions of nicotinic acid with manganese acetate tetrahydrate and magnesium acetate tetrahydrate were determined as Δr
H
0
m,l
= (39.66±0.36) kJ · mol–1 and Δr
H
0
m,2
= (40.73±0.17) kJ · mol–1 by use of an isoperibol solution-reaction calorimeter, respectively. The standard molar enthalpy of formation of the title complexes M(Nic)2 · H2O(s) were calculated as Δf
H
0
Mn(Nic)2·H2O
= –(1165.01±2.01) kJ · mol–1 and Δf
H
0
Mg(Nic)2·H2O = –(1390.49±1.99) kJ · mol–1 by use of the enthalpies of dissolution and other auxiliary thermodynamic data. In addition, the values of the standard molar enthalpies of formation of M(Nic)2·H2O(s) (M = Mg, Mn, Zn) were compared, a law of change of [–Δf
H
0
Zn(Nic)2·H2O] < [–Δf
H
0
Mn(Nic)2·H2O] < [–Δf
H
0
Mg(Nic)2·H2O] can be obtained, and was in relation with the stability of the three monohydrated nicotinates.
Geographies of Displacement: Latina/os, Oral History, and The Politics of Gentrification in San Francisco's Mission District
Authors: Mirabal Nancy Raquel 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
During the 1990s and early 2000s, working-class and poor neighborhoods in San Francisco underwent dramatic economic and racial changes. One of the most heavily gentrified neighborhoods was the Mission District. As a result of local politics, housing and rental policies, real estate speculation, and development, thousands of Latina/o families were displaced. Using oral historical and ethnographic methodologies, print media, archival sources, and policy papers, this article traces the gentrification of the Mission District from the perspective of the Latina/o community. It also examines how gentrification was articulated as a positive turn within the larger public discourse on space and access.
Screening and Brief Intervention for Substance Misuse Among Older Adults: The Florida BRITE Project
Authors: Schonfeld Lawrence , King-Kallimanis Bellinda L. , Duchene Darran M. , Etheridge Roy L. , Herrera Julio R. , Barry Kristen L. , Lynn Nancy 
Published: May 2009

Objectives. We developed and examined the effectiveness of the Florida Brief Intervention and Treatment for Elders (BRITE) project, a 3-year, state-funded pilot program of screening and brief intervention for older adult substance misusers. Methods. Agencies in 4 counties conducted screenings among 3497 older adults for alcohol, medications, and illicit substance misuse problems and for depression and suicide risk. Screening occurred in elders' homes, senior centers, or other selected sites. Individuals who screened positive for substance misuse were offered brief intervention with evidence-based practices and rescreened at discharge from the intervention program and at follow-up interviews. Results. Prescription medication misuse was the most prevalent substance use problem, followed by alcohol, over-the-counter medications, and illicit substances. Depression was prevalent among those with alcohol and prescription medication problems. Those who received the brief intervention had improvement in alcohol, medication misuse, and depression measures. Conclusions. The BRITE program effectively shaped state policy by responding to legislative mandates to address the needs of an increasing, but underserved, elder population. The pilot paved the way for obtaining a federally funded grant to expand BRITE to 27 sites in 17 counties in Florida.
Suicidal Behavior Among Female Sex Workers in Goa, India: The Silent Epidemic
Authors: Shahmanesh Maryam , Wayal Sonali , Cowan Frances , Mabey David , Copas Andrew , Patel Vikram 
Published: May 2009

Objectives. We sought to study suicidal behavior prevalence and its association with social and gender disadvantage, sex work, and health factors among female sex workers in Goa, India. Methods. Using respondent-driven sampling, we recruited 326 sex workers in Goa for an interviewer-administered questionnaire regarding self-harming behaviors, sociodemographics, sex work, gender disadvantage, and health. Participants were tested for sexually transmitted infections. We used multivariate analysis to define suicide attempt determinants. Results. Nineteen percent of sex workers in the sample reported attempted suicide in the past 3 months. Attempts were independently associated with intimate partner violence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38, 5.28), violence from others (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.15, 4.45), entrapment (AOR = 2.76; 95% CI = 1.11, 6.83), regular customers (AOR = 3.20; 95% CI = 1.61, 6.35), and worsening mental health (AOR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.11). Lower suicide attempt likelihood was associated with Kannad ethnicity, HIV prevention services, and having a child. Conclusions. Suicidal behaviors among sex workers were common and associated with gender disadvantage and poor mental health. India's widespread HIV-prevention programs for sex workers provide an opportunity for community-based interventions against gender-based violence and for mental health services delivery.
The Relationship Between Living Arrangement and Preventive Care Use Among Community-Dwelling Elderly Persons
Authors: Lau Denys T. , Kirby James B. 
Published: May 2009

Objectives. We sought to examine the relationship between living arrangements and obtaining preventive care among the elderly population. Methods. We obtained data on 13 038 community-dwelling elderly persons from the 2002 to 2005 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and used multivariate logistic regression models to estimate the likelihood of preventive care use among elderly persons in 4 living arrangements: living alone (38%), living with one's spouse only (52%), living with one's spouse and with one's adult offspring (5%), and living with one's adult offspring only (5%). Preventive care services included influenza vaccination, physical and dental checkup, and screenings for hypertension, cholesterol, and colorectal cancer. Results. After we controlled for age, gender, race, education, income, health insurance, comorbidities, self-reported health, physical function status, and residence location, we found that elderly persons living with a spouse only were more likely than were those living alone to obtain all preventive care services, except for hypertension screening. However, those living with their adult offspring were not more likely to obtain recommended preventive care compared with those living alone. These results did not change when the employment status and functional status of adult offspring were considered. Conclusions. Interventions to improve preventive care use should target not only those elderly persons who live alone but also those living with adult offspring.