bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Molecular Pathways to Insulin resistance
Authors: Parvaiz Fahed , Manzoor Sobia , Tariq Huma , Javed Farakh , Fatima Kaneez , Qadri Ishtiaq 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis C virus has the potential of inducing insulin resistance and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in vitro as well as in vivo . Structural and non-structural proteins of HCV modulate cellular gene expression in such a way that insulin signaling is hampered, concomitantly leads toward diabetes mellitus. A number of mechanisms have been proposed in regard to the HCV induced insulin resistance involving the upregulation of Inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, hypophosphorylation of IRS-1 and IRS-2, phosphorylation of Akt, up-regulation of gluconeogenic genes, accumulation of lipids and targeting lipid storage organelles. This review provides an insight of molecular mechanisms by which HCV structural and non-structural proteins can induce insulin resistance.
Orthodenticle is necessary for survival of a cluster of clonally related dopaminergic neurons in the Drosophila larval and adult brain
Authors: Blanco Jorge , Pandey Rahul , Wasser Martin , Udolph Gerald 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
The dopaminergic (DA) neurons present in the central brain of the Drosophila larva are spatially arranged in stereotyped groups that define clusters of bilaterally symmetrical neurons. These clusters have been classified according to anatomical criteria (position of the cell bodies within the cortex and/or projection pattern of the axonal tracts). However, information pertaining to the developmental biology, such as lineage relationship of clustered DA neurons and differential cell subtype-specific molecular markers and mechanisms of differentiation and/or survival, is currently not available.

Results
Using MARCM and twin-spot MARCM techniques together with anti-tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity, we have analyzed the larval central brain DA neurons from a developmental point of view and determined their time of birth, their maturation into a DA neurotransmitter phenotype as well as their lineage relationships. In addition, we have found that the homeodomain containing transcription factor Orthodenticle (Otd) is present in a cluster of clonally related DA neurons in both the larval and adult brain. Taking advantage of the otd hypomorphic mutation ocelliless (oc) and the oc2-Gal4 reporter line, we have studied the involvement of orthodenticle (otd) in the survival and/or cell fate specification of these post-mitotic neurons.

Conclusions
Our findings provide evidence of the presence of seven neuroblast lineages responsible for the generation of the larval central brain DA neurons during embryogenesis. otd is expressed in a defined group of clonally related DA neurons from first instar larvae to adulthood, making it possible to establish an identity relationship between the larval DL2a and the adult PPL2 DA clusters. This poses otd as a lineage-specific and differential marker of a subset of clonally related DA neurons. Finally, we show that otd is required in those DA neurons for their survival.
Quantifying stability in gene list ranking across microarray derived clinical biomarkers
Authors: Schneckener Sebastian , Arden Nilou S , Schuppert Andreas 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Identifying stable gene lists for diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and treatment guidance of tumors remains a major challenge in cancer research. Microarrays measuring differential gene expression are widely used and should be versatile predictors of disease and other phenotypic data. However, gene expression profile studies and predictive biomarkers are often of low power, requiring numerous samples for a sound statistic, or vary between studies. Given the inconsistency of results across similar studies, methods that identify robust biomarkers from microarray data are needed to relay true biological information. Here we present a method to demonstrate that gene list stability and predictive power depends not only on the size of studies, but also on the clinical phenotype.

Results
Our method projects genomic tumor expression data to a lower dimensional space representing the main variation in the data. Some information regarding the phenotype resides in this low dimensional space, while some information resides in the residuum. We then introduce an information ratio (IR) as a metric defined by the partition between projected and residual space. Upon grouping phenotypes such as tumor tissue, histological grades, relapse, or aging, we show that higher IR values correlated with phenotypes that yield less robust biomarkers whereas lower IR values showed higher transferability across studies. Our results indicate that the IR is correlated with predictive accuracy. When tested across different published datasets, the IR can identify information-rich data characterizing clinical phenotypes and stable biomarkers.

Conclusions
The IR presents a quantitative metric to estimate the information content of gene expression data with respect to particular phenotypes.
IL-27 inhibits pathophysiological intraocular neovascularization due to laser burn
Authors: Hasegawa Eiichi , Oshima Yuji , Takeda Atsunobu , Saeki Kazuko , Yoshida Hiroki , Sonoda Koh-Hei , Ishibashi Tatsuro 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTAMD is the most common disease leading to acquired blindness in developed countries. CNV is the foremost cause of AMD and is thought to be induced by regional inflammation as a result of age-related conformational changes of the chorioretinal interface. Here, we show that IL-27, a member of the IL-6/IL-12 cytokine family, has an angiostatic effect and regulates the development of laser-induced experimental CNV in mice. In this model, IL-27 expression increased in the damaged choroid and peaked at the 24 h-time-point. IL-27 neutralization, induced by inoculating an antagonistic antibody into the vitreous cavity, enhanced VEGF production and the extent of CNV. By contrast, the administration of rIL-27 reduced VEGF production and the extent of CNV. Mice deficient in the EBI3, which lack IL-27, also showed more CNV than C57BL/6 mice, and this was reduced by IL-27 supplementation. We additionally investigated the effect of IL-27 on the function of macrophages, which play a critical role in CNV. IL-27 did not affect macrophage migration but inhibited its VEGF production. IL-27 therefore appears to regulate CNV and is a promising candidate target for treating sight-threatening diseases caused by ocular neovascularization.
Efficacy and safety of Aethoxysklerol® (polidocanol) 0.5%, 1% and 3% in comparison with placebo solution for the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities in Chinese patients (ESA-China Study)
Authors: Zhang J , Jing Z , Schliephake D E , Otto J , Malouf G M , Gu Y-Q 
Published: November 2011

Objectives To assess efficacy and safety of polidocanol (POL) versus placebo in the treatment of C1 and C2 non-saphenous varicose veins in Chinese patients. Methods Patients were randomly assigned to POL or placebo. POL 0.5%, 1% and 3% were administered depending on varicose vein type. Response after 12 weeks was defined as Grade 4 or 5 on a digital imaging-based five-point scale (C1 veins) or occlusion and/or absence of reflux >0.5 second (C2 veins). Safety was evaluated with a five-point scale and standard safety assessments. Results Two hundred and eighty-five patients were treated. POL 0.5%, 1% and 3% were each superior to placebo ( P < 0.001); response rates: 87.1% versus 13.6%, 86.4% versus 12.5% and 88.6% versus 4.3%, respectively. Significantly more POL than placebo patients were satisfied/very satisfied with treatment. POL was well tolerated, with mostly symptoms at the injection site reported. Conclusions Sclerotherapy with POL 0.5%, 1% and 3% was efficacious and safe in Chinese patients.
Primary Vitreoretinal Lymphoma: A Report from an International Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Collaborative Group Symposium
Authors: Chan Chi-Chao , Rubenstein James L. , Coupland Sarah E. , Davis Janet L. , Harbour J. William , Johnston Patrick B. , Cassoux Nathalie , Touitou Valerie , Smith Justine R. , Batchelor Tracy T. , Pulido Jose S. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL), also known as primary intraocular lymphoma, is a rare malignancy typically classified as a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and most frequently develops in elderly populations. PVRL commonly masquerades as posterior uveitis and has a unique tropism for the retina and central nervous system (CNS). Over 15% of primary CNS lymphoma patients develop intraocular lymphoma, usually occurring in the retina and/or vitreous. Conversely, 65%–90% of PVRL patients develop CNS lymphoma. Consequently, PVRL is often fatal because of ultimate CNS association. Current PVRL animal models are limited and require further development. Typical clinical findings include vitreous cellular infiltration (lymphoma and inflammatory cells) and subretinal tumor infiltration as determined using dilated fundoscopy, fluorescent angiography, and optical coherent tomography. Currently, PVRL is most often diagnosed using both histology to identify lymphoma cells in the vitreous or retina and immunohistochemistry to indicate monoclonality. Additional adjuncts in diagnosing PVRL exist, including elevation of interleukin-10 levels in ocular fluids and detection of IgH or T-cell receptor gene rearrangements in malignant cells. The optimal therapy for PVRL is not defined and requires the combined effort of oncologists and ophthalmologists. PVRL is sensitive to radiation therapy and exhibits high responsiveness to intravitreal methotrexate or rituximab. Although systemic chemotherapy alone can result in high response rates in patients with PVRL, there is a high relapse rate. Because of the disease rarity, international, multicenter, collaborative efforts are required to better understand the biology and pathogenesis of PVRL as well as to define both diagnostic markers and optimal therapies.
On a nonnegative irreducible matrix that is similar to a positive matrix
Authors: Loewy Raphael 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Let A be an n×n irreducible nonnegative (elementwise) matrix. Borobia and Moro raised the following question: Suppose that every diagonal of A contains a positive entry. Is A similar to a positive matrix? We give an affirmative answer in the case n = 4.
An envelope for the spectrum of a matrix
Authors: Psarrakos Panayiotis , Tsatsomeros Michael 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
We introduce and study an envelope-type region ɛ(A) in the complex plane that contains the eigenvalues of a given n×n complex matrix A. ɛ(A) is the intersection of an infinite number of regions defined by cubic curves. The notion and method of construction of ɛ(A) extend the notion of the numerical range of A, F(A), which is known to be an intersection of an infinite number of half-planes; as a consequence, ɛ(A) is contained in F(A) and represents an improvement in localizing the spectrum of A.
Bounds on the k-tuple domatic number of a graph
Authors: Volkmann Lutz 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Let k be a positive integer, and let G be a simple graph with vertex set V (G). A vertex of a graph G dominates itself and all vertices adjacent to it. A subset S ⊆ V (G) is a k-tuple dominating set of G if each vertex of V (G) is dominated by at least k vertices in S. The k-tuple domatic number of G is the largest number of sets in a partition of V (G) into k-tuple dominating sets.
In this paper, we present a lower bound on the k-tuple domatic number, and we establish Nordhaus-Gaddum inequalities. Some of our results extends those for the classical domatic number.
On the difference equation $y_{n + 1} = \frac{{\alpha + y_n^p }}
{{\beta y_{n - 1}^p }} - \frac{{\gamma + y_{n - 1}^p }}
{{\beta y_n^p }}
$
Authors: Öztürk İlhan , Zengin Saime 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the global stability and the periodic nature of solutions of the difference equation $y_{n + 1} = \frac{{\alpha + y_n^p }}
{{\beta y_{n - 1}^p }} - \frac{{\gamma + y_{n - 1}^p }}
{{\beta y_n^p }},n = 0,1,2,...
$ where α, β, γ ∈ (0,∞), α(1 − p) − γ > 0, 0 < p < 1, every y
n ≠ 0 for n = −1, 0, 1, 2, … and the initial conditions y−1, y0 are arbitrary positive real numbers. We show that the equilibrium point of the difference equation is a global attractor with a basin that depends on the conditions of the coefficients.
Strength and dynamic characteristics analyses of wound composite axial impeller
Authors: Wang Jifeng , Olortegui-Yume Jorge , Müller Norbert 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
A low cost, light weight, high performance composite material turbomachinery impeller with a uniquely designed blade patterns is analyzed. Such impellers can economically enable refrigeration plants to use water as a refrigerant (R718). A strength and dynamic characteristics analyses procedure is developed to assess the maximum stresses and natural frequencies of these wound composite axial impellers under operating loading conditions. Numerical simulation using FEM for two-dimensional and three-dimensional impellers was investigated. A commercially available software ANSYS is used for the finite element calculations. Analysis is done for different blade geometries and then suggestions are made for optimum design parameters. In order to avoid operating at resonance, which can make impellers suffer a significant reduction in the design life, the designer must calculate the natural frequency and modal shape of the impeller to analyze the dynamic characteristics. The results show that using composite Kevlar fiber/epoxy matrix enables the impeller to run at high tip speed and withstand the stresses, no critical speed will be matched during start-up and shut-down, and that mass imbalances of the impeller shall not pose a critical problem.
The Emerging Use of Brain Stimulation Treatments for Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Fitzgerald Paul B. 
Published: November 2011

Objective: The aim of this study was to review the current state of development and application of a wide range of brain stimulation approaches in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Method: The approaches reviewed include forms of minimally invasive magnetic and electrical stimulation, seizure induction, implanted devices and several highly novel approaches in early development. Results: An extensive range of brain stimulation approaches are now being widely used in the treatment of patients with psychiatric disorders, or actively investigated for this use. Both vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have been introduced into clinical practice in some countries. A small body of research suggests that VNS has some potentially long-lasting antidepressant effects in a minority of patients treated. rTMS has now been extensively investigated for over 15 years, with a large body of research now supporting its antidepressant effects. Further rTMS research needs to focus on defining the most appropriate stimulation methods and exploring its longer term use in maintenance protocols. Very early data suggest that magnetic seizure therapy (MST) has promise in the treatment of patients referred for electroconvulsive therapy: MST appears to have fewer side effects and may have similar efficacy. A number of other approaches including surgical and alternative forms of electrical stimulation appear to alter brain activity in a promising manner, but are in need of evaluation in more substantive patient samples. Conclusions: It appears likely that the range of psychiatric treatments available for patients will grow over the coming years to progressively include a number of novel brain stimulation techniques.
A Peritoneal Dialysis Regimen Low in Glucose and Glucose Degradation Products Results in Increased Cancer Antigen 125 and Peritoneal Activation
Authors: Le Poole Caatje Y. , Welten Angelique G.A. , Ter Wee Piet M. , Paauw Nanne J. , Djorai Amina N. , Valentijn Rob M. , Beelen Robert H.J. , Van Den Born Jacob , Van Ittersum Frans J. 
Published: November 2011

Background Glucose and glucose degradation products (GDPs) in peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs) are both thought to mediate progressive peritoneal worsening. Methods In a multicenter, prospective, randomized crossover study, incident continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients were treated either with conventional lactate-buffered PDF (sPD regimen) or with a regimen low in glucose and GDPs: Nutrinealx1, Extranealx1, and Physionealx2 (NEPP regimen; all solutions: Baxter Healthcare, Utrecht, Netherlands). After 6 months, patients were switched to the alternative regimen for another 6 months. After 6 weeks of run-in, before the switch, and at the end of the study, 4-hour peritoneal equilibration tests were performed, and overnight effluents were analyzed for cells and biomarkers. Differences between the regimens were assessed by multivariate analysis corrected for time and regimen sequence. Results The 45 patients who completed the study were equally distributed over both groups. During NEPP treatment, D4/D0 glucose was lower ( p < 0.01) and D/P creatinine was higher ( p = 0.04). In NEPP overnight effluent, mesothelial cells ( p < 0.0001), cancer antigen 125 ( p < 0.0001), hyaluronan ( p < 0.0001), leukocytes ( p < 0.001), interleukins 6 ( p = 0.001) and 8 ( p = 0.0001), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, p < 0.0001) were increased by a factor of 2 – 3 compared with levels in sPD effluent. The NEPP regimen was associated with higher transport parameters, but that association disappeared after the addition of VEGF to the model. The association between NEPP and higher effluent levels of VEGF could not be attributed to glucose and GDP loads. Conclusions Study results indicate preservation of the mesothelium and increased peritoneal activation during NEPP treatment. Whether the increase in VEGF reflects an increase in mesothelial cell mass or whether it points to another, undesirable mechanism cannot be determined from the present study. Longitudinal studies are needed to finally evaluate the usefulness of the NEPP regimen for further clinical use.
The Autoimmune Disease Risk Allele of UBE2L3 in African American Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Recessive Effect Upon Subphenotypes
Authors: AGIK SANDRA , FRANEK BEVERLY S. , KUMAR AKAASH A. , KUMABE MARISSA , UTSET TAMMY O. , MIKOLAITIS RACHEL A. , JOLLY MEENAKSHI , NIEWOLD TIMOTHY B. 
Published: November 2011

Objective.UBE2L3 is associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis in European ancestry populations, and this locus has not been investigated fully in non-European populations. We studied the UBE2L3 risk allele for association with SLE, interferon-α (IFN-α), and autoantibodies in a predominantly African American SLE cohort.MethodsWe studied 395 patients with SLE and 344 controls. The UBE2L3 rs5754217 polymorphism was genotyped using Taqman primer-probe sets, and IFN-α was measured using a reporter cell assay.Results.The UBE2L3 rs5754217 T allele was strongly enriched in African American patients with anti-La antibodies as compared to controls, and a recessive model was the best fit for this association (OR 2.55, p = 0.0061). Serum IFN-α also demonstrated a recessive association with the rs5754217 genotype in African American patients, and the TT/anti-La-positive patients formed a significantly high IFN-α subgroup (p = 0.0040). Similar nonstatistically significant patterns of association were observed in the European American patients with SLE. Case-control analysis did not show large allele frequency differences, supporting the idea that this allele is most strongly associated with anti-La-positive patients.Conclusion.This pattern of recessive influence within a subgroup of patients may explain why this allele does not produce a strong signal in standard case-control studies, and subphenotypes should be included in future studies of UBE2L3. The interaction we observed between UBE2L3 genotype and autoantibodies upon serum IFN-α suggests a biological role for this locus in patients with SLE in vivo.
Immortalization of Human and Rhesus Macaque Primary Antigen‐Specific T Cells by Retrovirally Transduced Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Barsov Eugene V. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractHuman and rhesus macaque primary antigen‐specific T cells derived from infected or immunized individuals or animals are a valuable material with which to study cellular immune responses against pathogens and tumors. Antigen‐specific T cells can be expanded in vitro but have a finite proliferative life span. After a limited period in culture, primary T cells undergo replicative senescence and stop dividing. This restricts their applicability to short‐term experiments and complicates their use in adoptive immunotherapy. The proliferative life span of primary human and rhesus macaque T cells can be considerably extended by ectopically expressed human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Antigen‐specific T cells transduced with TERT‐expressing retroviral vectors can proliferate and expand in culture for long periods of time while maintaining their primary T cell characteristics, including antigen‐specific responses. Thus, TERT‐immortalized T cells are an important and valuable resource for studying T cell–mediated immune responses and, potentially, for adoptive immunotherapy. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 95:7.21B.1‐7.21B.20. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Validation of potential classification criteria for systemic sclerosis
Authors: Johnson Sindhu R. , Fransen Jaap , Khanna Dinesh , Baron Murray , van den Hoogen Frank , Medsger Thomas A. , Peschken Christine A. , Carreira Patricia E. , Riemekasten Gabriela , Tyndall Alan , Matucci‐Cerinic Marco , Pope Janet E. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectiveClassification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) are being updated jointly by the American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism. Potential items for classification were reduced to 23 using Delphi and nominal group techniques. We evaluated the face, discriminant, and construct validity of the items to be further studied as potential criteria.MethodsFace validity was evaluated using the frequency of items in patients sampled from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, 1000 Faces of Lupus, and the Pittsburgh, Toronto, Madrid, and Berlin connective tissue disease (CTD) databases. Patients with SSc (n = 783) were compared to 1,071 patients with diseases similar to SSc (mimickers): systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 499), myositis (n = 171), Sjögren's syndrome (n = 95), Raynaud's phenomenon (RP; n = 228), mixed CTD (n = 29), and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; n = 49). Discriminant validity was evaluated using odds ratios (ORs). For construct validity, empirical ranking was compared to expert ranking.ResultsCompared to mimickers, patients with SSc were more likely to have skin thickening (OR 427); telangiectasias (OR 91); anti–RNA polymerase III antibody (OR 75); puffy fingers (OR 35); finger flexion contractures (OR 29); tendon/bursal friction rubs (OR 27); anti–topoisomerase I antibody (OR 25); RP (OR 24); fingertip ulcers/pitting scars (OR 19); anticentromere antibody (OR 14); abnormal nailfold capillaries (OR 10); gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms (OR 8); antinuclear antibody, calcinosis, dysphagia, and esophageal dilation (all OR 6); interstitial lung disease/pulmonary fibrosis (OR 5); and anti–PM‐Scl antibody (OR 2). Reduced carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, PAH, and reduced forced vital capacity had ORs of <2. Renal crisis and digital pulp loss/acroosteolysis did not occur in SSc mimickers (OR not estimated). Empirical and expert ranking were correlated (Spearman's ρ = 0.53, P = 0.01).ConclusionThe candidate items have good face, discriminant, and construct validity. Further item reduction will be evaluated in prospective SSc and mimicker cases.