bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time course and dose response of alpha tocopherol on oxidative stress in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Reed Ashleigh , Cho Yeoung Jee , Coombes Jeff S , Fassett Robert G 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
Oxidative stress is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality particularly in patients with end stage kidney disease. Although observational data from the general population has shown dietary antioxidant intake is associated with reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, most clinical intervention trials have failed to support this relationship. This may be a consequence of not using an effective antioxidant dose and/or not investigating patients with elevated oxidative stress. The SPACE study, conducted in haemodialysis patients, reported that 800 IU/day of alpha tocopherol significantly reduced cardiovascular disease endpoints. A recent time course and dose response study conducted in hypercholesterolaemic patients that found 1600 IU/day of alpha tocopherol was an optimal dose. There is no such dose response data available for haemodialysis patients. Therefore the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different doses of oral alpha tocopherol on oxidative stress in haemodialysis patients with elevated oxidative stress and the time taken to achieve this effect.

Methods
The study will consist of a time-course followed by a dose response study. In the time course study 20 haemodialysis patients with elevated oxidative stress will take either 1600 IU/day natural (RRR) alpha tocopherol for 20 weeks or placebo. Blood will be collected every two weeks and analysed for a marker of oxidative stress (plasma F2-isoprostanes) and alpha tocopherol. The optimum time period to significantly decrease plasma F2-isoprostanes will be determined from this study. In the dose response study 60 patients will be randomised to receive either placebo, 100, 200, 400, 800 or 1600 IU/day of natural (RRR) alpha tocopherol for a time period determined from the time course study. Blood will be collected at baseline and every two weeks and analysed for plasma F2-isoprostanes and alpha tocopherol. It is hypothesised that doses ≥ 800 IU of vitamin E will be required to significantly decrease plasma F2-isoprostanes.

Discussion
This study will determine the time and dose required for alpha tocopherol to significantly decrease oxidative stress in haemodialysis patients. Data will be used to plan a large randomised controlled trial to assess the effects of alpha tocopherol on cardiovascular outcomes in haemodialysis patients.

Trial Registration
ACTRN12609000608268
Estrogen treatment following severe burn injury reduces brain inflammation and apoptotic signaling
Authors: Gatson Joshua W , Maass David L , Simpkins James W , Idris Ahamed H , Minei Joseph P , Wigginton Jane G 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackgroundPatients with severe burn injury experience a rapid elevation in multiple circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, with the levels correlating with both injury severity and outcome. Accumulations of these cytokines in animal models have been observed in remote organs, however data are lacking regarding early brain cytokine levels following burn injury, and the effects of estradiol on these levels. Using an experimental animal model, we studied the acute effects of a full-thickness third degree burn on brain levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and the protective effects of acute estrogen treatment on these levels. Additionally, the acute administration of estrogen on regulation of inflammatory and apoptotic events in the brain following severe burn injury were studied through measuring the levels of phospho-ERK, phospho-Akt, active caspase-3, and PARP cleavage in the placebo and estrogen treated groups.MethodsIn this study, 149 adult Sprague-Dawley male rats received 3rd degree 40% total body surface area (TBSA) burns. Fifteen minutes following burn injury, the animals received a subcutaneous injection of either placebo (n = 72) or 17 beta-estradiol (n = 72). Brains were harvested at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 hours after injury from the control (n = 5), placebo (n = 8/time point), and estrogen treated animals (n = 8/time point). The brain cytokine levels were measured using the ELISA method. In addition, we assessed the levels of phosphorylated-ERK, phosphorylated-Akt, active caspase-3, and the levels of cleaved PARP at the 24 hour time-point using Western blot analysis.ResultsIn burned rats, 17 beta-estradiol significantly decreased the levels of brain tissue TNF-α (~25%), IL-1β (~60%), and IL-6 (~90%) when compared to the placebo group. In addition, we determined that in the estrogen-treated rats there was an increase in the levels of phospho-ERK (p< 0.01) and Akt (p< 0.05) at the 24 hour time-point, and that 17 beta-estradiol blocked the activation of caspase-3 (p< 0.01) and subsequent cleavage of PARP (p< 0.05).ConclusionFollowing severe burn injury, estrogens decrease both brain inflammation and the activation of apoptosis, represented by an increase in the levels of phospho-Akt and inhibition of caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage. Results from these studies will help further our understanding of how estrogens protect the brain following burn injury, and may provide a novel, safe, and effective clinical treatment to combat remote secondary burn injury in the brain and to preserve cognition.
Double major papilla of Vater - a rare endoscopic finding during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a case report
Authors: Katsinelos Panagiotis , Chatzimavroudis Grigoris , Fasoulas Kostas , Katsinelos Taxiarchis , Pilpilidis Ioannis , Lazaraki Georgia , Terzoudis Sotiris , Kokonis George , Patsis Ioannis , Zavos Christos , Kountouras Jannis 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
A double major papilla of Vater is a rare congenital anomaly with only three documented cases described in the literature.

Case report
We report the case of a 19-year-old man, with chronic ulcerative pancolitis and congenital sphrerocytosis, who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography because he had persistent elevation of liver enzymes and normal MRI cholangiography. During endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, a double papilla of Vater with separate drainage for the bile duct and the pancreatic duct was observed.

Conclusion
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed normal pancreatogram and findings compatible with sclerosing cholangitis.
Pivotal Advance: Pharmacological manipulation of inflammation resolution during spontaneously resolving tissue neutrophilia in the zebrafish
Authors: Loynes Catherine A , Martin Jane S , Robertson Anne , Trushell Daniel M I , Ingham Philip W , Whyte Moira K B , Renshaw Stephen A 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe resolution of neutrophilic inflammation in the zebrafish can be visualized in vivo and manipulated by a range of pharmacological mediators, demonstrating a role for neutrophil apoptosis in this process.Zebrafish are a unique model for pharmacological manipulation of physiological processes such as inflammation; they are small and permeable to many small molecular compounds, and being transparent, they permit the visualization and quantitation of the inflammatory response by observation of transgenically labeled inflammatory cell populations. Using a transgenic line specifically labeling neutrophils in vivo (mpx:GFP), we studied the effects of a range of pharmacological agents on the resolution of inflammation in vivo. These agents were selected for their ability to modulate neutrophil function and lifespan in human neutrophils in vitro. Agents delaying neutrophil apoptosis (LPS, dbcAMP, and several caspase inhibitors) all lead to a delay in resolution of neutrophilic inflammation. Reciprocally, pyocyanin and roscovitine (inducers of neutrophil apoptosis) lead to reduced neutrophil numbers. The occurrence of apoptosis was observed by time-lapse analysis and confirmed by dual staining for neutrophil-specific mpx activity (TSA staining) and an apoptotic marker (TUNEL). During inflammation, macrophages follow neutrophils into the inflamed site, and TUNEL/TSA dual-positive material can be demonstrated within macrophages, consistent with their uptake of apoptotic neutrophils. This model has several advantages over mammalian models and lends itself to the study of pharmaceutical agents modulating inflammation.
Macroprolactin on the Advia Centaur: experience with 409 patients over a three-year period
Authors: Jassam N F , Paterson A , Lippiatt C , Barth J H 
Published: October 2009

Introduction Macroprolactin (MPRL) is an important source of interference that may lead to misdiagnosis and mismanagement of hyperprolactinaemic patients. Prolactin assays exhibit considerable variation in the detection of MPRL. In this study, we examine the requirement for polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation in the analysis of hyperprolactinaemia detected by the Advia Centaur as it has a relatively low reactivity with MPRL. Methods Four hundreds and sixty-four hyperprolactinaemic samples were collected from the laboratory information system for Saint James University Hospital over a three-year period. These samples were screened for MPRL using PEG precipitation protocol. Monomeric prolactin concentration post-PEG precipitation was compared with a reference range determined by PEG precipitation in normal subjects. Results MPRL was the cause of hyperprolactinaemia in 4% of patients (16/409) over the three-year period studied. Nine subjects with MPRL also had elevated monomeric prolactin. Conclusions PEG screening is still needed for assays with low MPRL reactivity such as the Advia Centaur and this should be performed with a locally derived reference range for monomeric prolactin.
Hepatic Lipid Composition and Stearoyl-Coenzyme A Desaturase 1 mRNA Expression Can Be Estimated from Plasma VLDL Fatty Acid Ratios
Authors: Peter Andreas , Cegan Alexander , Wagner Silvia , Lehmann Rainer , Stefan Norbert , Königsrainer Alfred , Königsrainer Ingmar , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Schleicher Erwin 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground: Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) catalyzes the limiting step of monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis in humans and is an important player in triglyceride generation. SCD1 has been repeatedly implicated in the pathogenesis of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Therefore it is of great importance to determine SCD1 activity in human samples. In this study we aimed to evaluate a hepatic SCD1 activity index derived from plasma VLDL triglyceride composition as a tool to estimate hepatic SCD1 expression in humans. Additionally, we further evaluated commonly used fatty acid ratios [elongase, de novo lipogenesis, and Δ5 and Δ6 desaturase] in plasma VLDL and hepatic lipid fractions.Design and methods: Liver biopsies and plasma samples were simultaneously collected from 15 individuals. Plasma VLDL was obtained by ultracentrifugation. Hepatic and plasma VLDL lipids were fractionated by thin-layer chromatography, and the fatty acid composition of each fraction was analyzed by gas chromatography. Hepatic SCD1 expression was determined by real-time PCR.Results: Hepatic SCD1 mRNA expression was associated with the product/precursor ratios (16:1/16:0 and 18:1/18:0) of hepatic lipid fractions. The 16:1/16:0 ratio in hepatic and VLDL triglycerides as well as the 18:1/18:0 ratio in plasma VLDL were closely associated with hepatic SCD1 expression. The hepatic de novo lipogenesis index from triglycerides was associated with expression of lipogenic genes [fatty acid synthase (FASN), acetyl-Coenzyme A carboxylase alpha (ACACA), and sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1)] and is closely reflected by the de novo lipogenesis index in VLDL triglycerides.Conclusion: We demonstrated for the first time that hepatic SCD1 expression can be estimated noninvasively from routine blood samples by measuring the SCD1 activity index in fasting plasma VLDL.
Noninvasive Prenatal Detection of Trisomy 21 by an Epigenetic–Genetic Chromosome-Dosage Approach
Authors: Tong Yu K , Jin Shengnan , Chiu Rossa WK , Ding Chunming , Chan KC Allen , Leung Tak Y , Yu Ling , Lau Tze K , Lo YM Dennis 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Background: The use of fetal DNA in maternal plasma for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 (T21) is an actively researched area. We propose a novel method of T21 detection that combines fetal-specific epigenetic and genetic markers.
Methods: We used combined bisulfite restriction analysis to search for fetal DNA markers on chromosome 21 that were differentially methylated in the placenta and maternal blood cells and confirmed any target locus with bisulfite sequencing. We then used methylation-sensitive restriction endonuclease digestion followed by microfluidics digital PCR analysis to investigate the identified marker. Chromosome-dosage analysis was performed by comparing the dosage of this epigenetic marker with that of the ZFY (zinc finger protein, Y-linked) gene on chromosome Y.
Results: The putative promoter of the HLCS (holocarboxylase synthetase) gene was hypermethylated in the placenta and hypomethylated in maternal blood cells. A chromosome-dosage comparison of the hypermethylated HLCS and ZFY loci could distinguish samples of T21 and euploid placental DNA. Twenty-four maternal plasma samples from euploid pregnancies and 5 maternal plasma samples from T21 pregnancies were analyzed. All but 1 of the euploid samples were correctly classified.
Conclusions: The epigenetic–genetic chromosome-dosage approach is a new method for noninvasive prenatal detection of T21. The epigenetic part of the analysis can be applied to all pregnancies. Because the genetic part of the analysis uses paternally inherited, fetal-specific genetic markers that are abundant in the genome, broad population coverage should be readily achievable. This approach has the potential to become a generally usable technique for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis.
Investigation of Transition Fracture Toughness Variation within the Thickness of Reactor Pressure Vessel Forgings
Authors: Lucon Enrico , Leenaers Ann , Vandermeulen Willy , Scibetta Marc 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
An investigation has been conducted on the influence of the through-thickness sampling position on the tensile and fracture toughness properties of reactor pressure vessel forgings, using material from two actual pressurized water reactor vessels. The aim was to quantify the safety margins entailed by extracting surveillance samples from the 1/4T and 3/4T positions, as recommended by the current legislation. For each forging, seven layers have been considered: Inner surface, 1/8T, 1/4T, 1/2T, 3/4T, 7/8T, and outer surface; for each position, two tensile tests at room temperature and 16 fracture toughness tests in the ductile-to-brittle transition region have been performed. In terms of tensile properties, for both forgings the strength is higher at the surfaces than in the centre, while ductility (elongations and reduction of area) is substantially unaffected. For both materials, fracture toughness is better at the surfaces than in the central portion, although differences in terms of Master Curve reference temperatures are statistically not relevant at the 95 % confidence level. This effect is more pronounced for one of the materials, due to the larger amount of material removed with respect to the original heat-treated forging, and is qualitatively confirmed by metallographic observations. The results obtained from this study are in substantial agreement with similar studies found in the literature, although most authors have reported larger differences between surface and central layers.
Accelerated Acceptance Testing for Hydrogen Embrittlement Control
Authors: Dreher Robert V. 
Published: October 2009

A recent military hardware development program at Kaiser Electroprecision required the use of 220 ksi, 4330 V steel for a light weight, high reliability aircraft hydraulic component. The need for stringent control and prevention of hydrogen embrittlement was identified as a major program responsibility since both chrome and electroless nickel plating were employed in these components. An effort to use existing military procedures to set up a hydrogen embrittlement (HEM) test program to pull plated tension specimens was met with much frustration. It was found that a time-consuming 200-h pull test was specified in most cases for HEM tension specimens. The procedures were also found to contain a torturous and somewhat ambiguous path of logic upon which the requirements and methods regarding pull specimens were delineated.
The problem was handled in part by instituting an accelerated acceptance method for testing HEM specimens. This method involved pulling a single HEM tension bar, representing each lot of plated parts, in a seven-step load test to fracture over an 8-h period. The loads were based on a percentage of the predetermined fracture load, and each load state was held for 1 h. This technique enabled a relatively quick verification of the absence of embrittlement in the parts. It also provided the assurance that parts could be moved to subsequent processing without waiting the two- to five-week period often associated with the “standard” 200-h tests.
A Bent Beam Test Method for Hydrogen Sulfide Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance
Authors: Cox Donald O. 
Published: October 2009

Brittle fracture due to hydrogen sulfide exposure of high-strength, low-alloy steel has been recognized for many years. A relatively simple testing procedure used to estimate and rank a material's resistance to hydrogen sulfide stress corrosion cracking is described. This test gives quantitative data regarding relative susceptibility after a relatively short testing period. Field testing is also possible.
Development of the testing procedure is reviewed. The test uses the concept of a “threshold stress,” which is established on a statistical basis for each material or environment under consideration. Results are presented where the test procedure has been used to establish behavior of Grade 9Q thick wall castings [ASTM Specification for Steel Castings Suitable for Pressure Service (A 487/A 487M-84)] fabricated using argon-oxygen deoxidation (AOD) and air-melted materials having niobium and/or molybdenum additions.
One disadvantage of the method is the fact that the test procedure has never been truly standardized. It is hoped that this paper will generate interest in the bent beam method and lead to the development of a standard testing procedure.
Vergleich zweier Methoden zur modellbasierten Ferndiagnose technischer SystemeComparison of Two Model-based Methods of Remote Diagnosis of Technological Systems
Authors: Schlage Thorsten , Schwaiger Matthias , Krebs Volker , Lunze Jan 
Published: October 2009

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag stellt eine Struktur zur Ferndiagnose technischer Systeme vor, bei der die Diagnoseaufgabe in zwei Teilaufgaben zerlegt wird. Durch die Verwendung systemferner Ressourcen (Offboard-Komponente) werden die Anforderungen an die systemnahe Komponente (Onboard-Komponente) hinsichtlich Speicherkapazität und Rechenleistung verringert. Im Rahmen dieser Struktur werden zwei modellbasierte Diagnosemethoden zur Ferndiagnose beschrieben, die sich hinsichtlich der Modellform (hybrid bzw. ereignisdiskret) und den bei der Diagnose verwendeten Messinformationen unterscheiden. Die Methoden werden am Labormodell einer Fertigungszelle miteinander verglichen.
Assessment of Barotrauma from Rapid Decompression of Depth‐Acclimated Juvenile Chinook Salmon Bearing Radiotelemetry Transmitters
Authors: Brown Richard S. , Carlson Thomas J. , Welch Abigail E. , Stephenson John R. , Abernethy C. Scott , Ebberts Blaine D. , Langeslay Mike J. , Ahmann Martin L. , Feil Dan H. , Skalski John R. , Townsend Richard L. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis study investigated the mortality of and injury to juvenile Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha exposed to simulated pressure changes associated with passage through a large Kaplan hydropower turbine. Mortality and injury varied depending on whether a fish was carrying a transmitter, the method of transmitter implantation, the depth of acclimation, and the size of the fish. Juvenile Chinook salmon implanted with radio transmitters were more likely than those without to die or sustain injuries during simulated turbine passage. Gastric transmitter implantation resulted in higher rates of injury and mortality than surgical implantation. Mortality and injury increased with increasing pressure of acclimation. Injuries were more common in subyearling fish than in yearling fish. Gas emboli in the gills and internal hemorrhaging were the major causes of mortality. Rupture of the swim bladder and emphysema in the fins were also common. This research makes clear that the exposure of juvenile Chinook salmon bearing radiotelemetry transmitters to simulated turbine pressures with a nadir of 8–19 kPa can result in barotrauma, leading to immediate or delayed mortality. The study also identified sublethal barotrauma injuries that may increase susceptibility to predation. These findings have significant implications for many studies that use telemetry devices to estimate the survival and behavior of juvenile salmon as they pass through large Kaplan turbines typical of those within the Columbia River hydropower system. Our results indicate that estimates of turbine passage survival for juvenile Chinook salmon obtained with radiotelemetry devices may be negatively biased.
Reassessment of the Predatory Effects of Rainbow Smelt on Ciscoes in Lake Superior
Authors: Myers Jared T. , Jones Michael L. , Stockwell Jason D. , Yule Daniel L. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractEvidence from small lakes suggests that predation on larval ciscoes Coregonus artedi by nonnative rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax can lead to cisco suppression or extirpation. However, evidence from larger lakes has led to equivocal conclusions. In this study, we examine the potential predation effects of rainbow smelt in two adjacent but contrasting embayments in Lake Superior (Thunder and Black bays, Ontario). During May 2006, we sampled the ichthyoplankton, pelagic fish communities, and diet composition of rainbow smelt in both bays. Using acoustics and midwater trawling, we estimated rainbow smelt densities to be 476 ± 34/ha (mean ± SE) in Thunder Bay and 3,435 ± 460/ha in Black Bay. We used a bioenergetics model to estimate the proportion of cisco larvae consumed by rainbow smelt. Our results suggest that predation by rainbow smelt accounts for 15–52% and 37–100% of the mortality of larval ciscoes in Thunder and Black bays, respectively, depending on the predator feeding rate and the scale of predator–prey overlap. We also examined the sensitivity of past conclusions (based on 1974 field collections) to assumptions of temporal overlap between rainbow smelt and larval ciscoes and estimates of rainbow smelt abundance derived from bottom trawl samples. After adjusting these parameters to reflect current understanding, we found that the previous predation estimates may have been conservative. We conclude that rainbow smelt may have been a more important contributor to the demise and slow recovery of ciscoes in Lake Superior than previously thought.