bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic Nicotine Consumption Does Not Influence 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-Pyridyl)-1-Butanone–Induced Lung Tumorigenesis
Authors: Murphy Sharon E. , von Weymarn Linda B. , Schutten Melissa M. , Kassie Fekadu , Modiano Jaime F. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Nicotine replacement therapy is often used to maintain smoking cessation. However, concerns exist about the safety of long-term nicotine replacement therapy use in ex-smokers and its concurrent use in smokers. In this study, we determined the effect of nicotine administration on 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)-induced lung tumors in A/J mice. Female mice were administered a single dose of NNK (10 μmol) and 0.44 μmol/mL nicotine in the drinking water. Nicotine was administered 2 weeks prior to NNK, 44 weeks after NNK, throughout the experiment, or without NNK treatment. The average weekly consumption of nicotine-containing water was 15 ± 3 mL per mouse, resulting in an estimated daily nicotine dose of 0.9 μmol (0.15 mg) per mouse. Nicotine administration alone for 46 weeks did not increase lung tumor multiplicity (0.32 ± 0.1 vs. 0.53 ± 0.1 tumors per mouse). Lung tumor multiplicity in NNK-treated mice was 18.4 ± 4.5 and was not different for mice consuming nicotine before or after NNK administration, 21.9 ± 5.3 and 20.0 ± 5.4 tumors per mouse, respectively. Lung tumor multiplicity in animals consuming nicotine both before and after NNK administration was 20.4 ± 5.4. Tumor size and progression of adenomas to carcinomas was also not affected by nicotine consumption. In addition, nicotine consumption had no effect on the level of O6-methylguanine in the lung of NNK-treated mice. These negative findings in a commonly used model of human lung carcinogenesis should lead us to question the interpretation of the many in vitro studies that find that nicotine stimulates cancer cell growth. Cancer Prev Res; 4(11); 1752–60. ©2011 AACR.
Sex Differences in Myocardial Salvage and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Acute Reperfused ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Eitel Ingo , Desch Steffen , de Waha Suzanne , Fuernau Georg , Gutberlet Matthias , Schuler Gerhard , Thiele Holger 
Published: October 2011

Background—
There is conflicting evidence regarding sex-based differences in myocardial salvage and clinical outcome in patients after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are sex-associated differences in infarct characteristics (myocardial salvage, infarct size, microvascular obstruction) and clinical outcome in STEMI patients who are reperfused by primary angioplasty.

Methods and Results—

In this study, we included 96 women and 239 men with STEMI undergoing primary angioplasty <12 hours after symptom onset. T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI was used to assess myocardial salvage, infarct size, and microvascular obstruction. The primary clinical end point was mortality within 6 months after the index event. The amount of myocardium at risk and final infarct size did not differ significantly between women and men. Consequently, myocardial salvage was similar between groups (
P
=0.36). Women had a higher in-hospital (3% versus 10%;
P
=0.03) and 30-day (5% versus 11%;
P
=0.05) mortality rate than did men. Six months after infarction, no significant sex differences in survival were obvious (11% versus 7%;
P
=0.21). After adjustment for baseline differences (age, diabetes, hypertension), female sex was not an independent predictor of mortality and major adverse cardiac events.

Conclusions—
The efficacy of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (myocardial salvage) in patients with STEMI is not sex dependent. Although women STEMI patients had worse unadjusted in-hospital and 30-day clinical outcomes than did men, multivariate analysis revealed that the observed sex-based differences in early death after STEMI were likely related to differences in baseline risk and clinical characteristics.
Systemic Thrombolysis in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Internal Carotid ARtery Occlusion
Authors: Paciaroni Maurizio , Balucani Clotilde , Agnelli Giancarlo , Caso Valeria , Silvestrelli Giorgio , Grotta James C. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Sohn Sung-Il , Orlandi Giovanni , Leys Didier , Pezzini Alessandro , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Silvestrini Mauro , Fofi Luisa , Barlinn Kristian , Inzitari Domenico , Ferrarese Carlo , Tassi Rossana , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Consoli Domenico , Baldi Antonio , Bovi Paolo , Luda Emilio , Galletti Giampiero , Invernizzi Paolo , DeLodovici Maria Luisa , Corea Francesco , Del Sette Massimo , Monaco Serena , Marcheselli Simona , Alberti Andrea , Venti Michele , Acciarresi Monica , D'Amore Cataldo , Macellari Federica , Lanari Alessia , Previdi Paolo , Gonzales Nicole R. , Pandurengan Renganayaki K. , Vahidy Farhaan S. , Sline Melvin , Bal Simerpreet S. , Chiti Alberto , Gialdini Gino , Dumont Frederic , Cordonnier Charlotte , Debette Stéphanie , Padovani Alessandro , Cerqua Raffaella , Bodechtel Ulf , Kepplinger Jessica , Nesi Mascia , Nencini Patrizia , Beretta Simone , Trentini Claudia , Martini Giuseppe , Piperidou Charitomeni , Heliopoulos Ioannis , D'Anna Sebastiano , Cappellari Manuel , Donati Edoardo , Bono Giorgio , Traverso Elisabetta , Toni Danilo 
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—
The beneficial effect of intravenous thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke attributable to internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator in these patients.

Methods—
ICARO was a case-control multicenter study on prospectively collected data. Patients with acute ischemic stroke and ICA occlusion treated with intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator within 4.5 hours from symptom onset (cases) were compared to matched patients with acute stroke and ICA occlusion not treated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (controls). Cases and controls were matched for age, gender, and stroke severity. The efficacy outcome was disability at 90 days assessed by the modified Rankin Scale, dichotomized as favorable (score of 0–2) or unfavorable (score of 3–6). Safety outcomes were death and any intracranial bleeding.

Results—

Included in the analysis were 253 cases and 253 controls. Seventy-three cases (28.9%) had a favorable outcome as compared with 52 controls (20.6%; adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–3.15;
P
=0.037). A total of 104 patients died, 65 cases (25.7%) and 39 controls (15.4%; adjusted OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.36–3.22;
P
=0.001). There were more fatal bleedings (2.8% versus 0.4%; OR, 7.17; 95% CI, 0.87–58.71;
P
=0.068) in the cases than in the controls.

Conclusions—
In patients with stroke attributable to ICA occlusion, thrombolytic therapy results in a significant reduction in the proportion of patients dependent in activities of daily living. Increases in death and any intracranial bleeding were the trade-offs for this clinical benefit.
Angiographic Reconstructions From Whole-Brain Perfusion CT for the Detection of Large Vessel Occlusion in Acute Stroke
Authors: Frölich Andreas M.J. , Psychogios Marios N. , Klotz Ernst , Schramm Ramona , Knauth Michael , Schramm Peter 
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—
Multimodal CT imaging consisting of nonenhanced CT, CT angiography (CTA), and whole-brain volume perfusion CT is increasingly used for acute stroke imaging. In these patients, presence of vessel occlusion is an important factor governing treatment decisions and possible endovascular therapy. The goal of this study was to assess the value and diagnostic accuracy of angiographic thin-slice volume perfusion CT reconstructions for the detection of intracranial large vessel occlusion in patients with stroke.

Methods—
Fifty-eight patients with acute stroke received nonenhanced CT, CTA, and volume perfusion CT. All images were obtained on a 128-slice multidetector CT scanner. CT angiographic axial and coronal maximum-intensity projections of the head were reconstructed from conventional CTA and from the peak arterial scan of the volume perfusion CT data set (4-dimensional CTA). Images were assessed for the presence of intracranial vessel occlusion. The distribution of ischemic lesions was analyzed on perfusion parameter maps.

Results—
On CTA, 30 patients (52%) had a total of 33 occluded intracranial artery segments. Twenty-eight occlusions were identified on 4-dimensional CTA, resulting in an 85% sensitivity with a positive predictive value of 97%. When combined with an analysis of the perfusion parameter maps, sensitivity of 4-dimensional CTA increased to 94% with a positive predictive value of 100%.

Conclusions—
In acute stroke, angiographic volume perfusion CT reconstructions may be a feasible option to detect intracranial arterial occlusion and evaluate patients for endovascular therapy. Sensitivity for detection of intracranial arterial occlusion can be increased by simultaneous assessment of perfusion parameter maps. Future studies should assess whether time-resolved 4-dimensional CTA may offer additional diagnostically relevant information compared with single-phase CTA.
Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Images and Stroke Outcome After Thrombolysis
Authors: Ebinger Martin , Kufner Anna , Galinovic Ivana , Brunecker Peter , Malzahn Uwe , Nolte Christian H. , Endres Matthias , Fiebach Jochen B. 
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—
We investigated if hyperintensities on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences in arteries and parenchyma are associated with poor outcome 3 months after thrombolysis.

Methods—
Consecutive acute stroke patients with known time of symptom onset who had an MRI before and 1 day after thrombolysis were included in this study. Blinded to follow-up imaging and outcome, 2 raters independently judged the presence or absence of arterial and parenchymal FLAIR hyperintensities. Functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) was assessed after 3 months.

Results—

Out of 90 patients, 22 had parenchymal FLAIR hyperintensities and 42 had hyperintense vessels. The combination of FLAIR hyperintensities in arteries and parenchyma occurred in 15 patients. Stepwise forward regression analysis revealed an adjusted odds ratio of 14.5 for a worse outcome (modified Rankin Scale score >2) in patients with FLAIR hyperintensities in arteries and parenchyma (95% confidence interval, 1.3–158.5;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—
FLAIR hyperintensities in arteries and parenchyma are an easy-to-use MRI feature in acute ischemic stroke associated with poor outcome 3 months after thrombolysis.
Fuzzy Stability of Generalized Mixed Type Cubic, Quadratic, and Additive Functional Equation
Authors: Gordji Madjid Eshaghi , Kamyar Mahdie , Khodaei Hamid , Shin Dong Yun , Park Choonkil 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
In this paper, we prove the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of generalized mixed type cubic, quadratic, and additive functional equation, in fuzzy Banach spaces.

2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 39B82; 39B52.
A proteogenomic analysis of Shigella flexneri using 2D LC-MALDI TOF/TOF
Authors: Zhao Lina , Liu Liguo , Leng Wenchuan , Wei Candong , Jin Qi 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
New strategies for high-throughput sequencing are constantly appearing, leading to a great increase in the number of completely sequenced genomes. Unfortunately, computational genome annotation is out of step with this progress. Thus, the accurate annotation of these genomes has become a bottleneck of knowledge acquisition.

Results
We exploited a proteogenomic approach to improve conventional genome annotation by integrating proteomic data with genomic information. Using Shigella flexneri 2a as a model, we identified total 823 proteins, including 187 hypothetical proteins. Among them, three annotated ORFs were extended upstream through comprehensive analysis against an in-house N-terminal extension database. Two genes, which could not be translated to their full length because of stop codon 'mutations' induced by genome sequencing errors, were revised and annotated as fully functional genes. Above all, seven new ORFs were discovered, which were not predicted in S. flexneri 2a str.301 by any other annotation approaches. The transcripts of four novel ORFs were confirmed by RT-PCR assay. Additionally, most of these novel ORFs were overlapping genes, some even nested within the coding region of other known genes.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that current Shigella genome annotation methods are not perfect and need to be improved. Apart from the validation of predicted genes at the protein level, the additional features of proteogenomic tools include revision of annotation errors and discovery of novel ORFs. The complementary dataset could provide more targets for those interested in Shigella to perform functional studies.
Evidence for widespread changes in promoter methylation profile in human placenta in response to increasing gestational age and environmental/stochastic factors
Authors: Novakovic Boris , Yuen Ryan K , Gordon Lavinia , Penaherrera Maria S , Sharkey Andrew , Moffett Ashley , Craig Jeffrey M , Robinson Wendy P , Saffery Richard 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
The human placenta facilitates the exchange of nutrients, gas and waste between the fetal and maternal circulations. It also protects the fetus from the maternal immune response. Due to its role at the feto-maternal interface, the placenta is subject to many environmental exposures that can potentially alter its epigenetic profile. Previous studies have reported gene expression differences in placenta over gestation, as well as inter-individual variation in expression of some genes. However, the factors contributing to this variation in gene expression remain poorly understood.

Results
In this study, we performed a genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of gene promoters in placenta tissue from three pregnancy trimesters. We identified large-scale differences in DNA methylation levels between first, second and third trimesters, with an overall progressive increase in average methylation from first to third trimester. The most differentially methylated genes included many immune regulators, reflecting the change in placental immuno-modulation as pregnancy progresses. We also detected increased inter-individual variation in the third trimester relative to first and second, supporting an accumulation of environmentally induced (or stochastic) changes in DNA methylation pattern. These highly variable genes were enriched for those involved in amino acid and other metabolic pathways, potentially reflecting the adaptation of the human placenta to different environments.

Conclusions
The identification of cellular pathways subject to drift in response to environmental influences provide a basis for future studies examining the role of specific environmental factors on DNA methylation pattern and placenta-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Niche differentiation of two sympatric species of Microdochium colonizing the roots of common reed
Authors: Ernst Michael , Neubert Karin , Mendgen Kurt W , Wirsel Stefan GR 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Fungal endophyte communities are often comprised of many species colonizing the same host. However, little is known about the causes of this diversity. On the one hand, the apparent coexistence of closely related species may be explained by the traditional niche differentiation hypothesis, which suggests that abiotic and/or biotic factors mediate partitioning. For endophytes, such factors are difficult to identify, and are therefore in most cases unknown. On the other hand, there is the neutral hypothesis, which suggests that stochastic factors may explain high species diversity. There is a need to investigate to what extent each of these hypotheses may apply to endophytes.

Results
The niche partitioning of two closely related fungal endophytes, Microdochium bolleyi and M. phragmitis, colonizing Phragmites australis, was investigated. The occurrences of each species were assessed using specific nested-PCR assays for 251 field samples of common reed from Lake Constance, Germany. These analyses revealed niche preferences for both fungi. From three niche factors assessed, i.e. host habitat, host organ and season, host habitat significantly differentiated the two species. M. bolleyi preferred dry habitats, whereas M. phragmitis prevailed in flooded habitats. In contrast, both species exhibited a significant preference for the same host organ, i.e. roots. Likewise the third factor, season, did not significantly distinguish the two species. Differences in carbon utilization and growth temperature could not conclusively explain the niches. The inclusion of three unrelated species of Ascomycota, which also colonize P. australis at the same locations, indicated spatio-temporal niche partitioning between all fungi. None of the species exhibited the same preferences for all three factors, i.e. host habitat, host organ, and time of the season.

Conclusions
The fungal species colonizing common reed investigated in this study seem to exploit niche differences leading to a separation in space and time, which may allow for their coexistence on the same host. A purely neutral model is unlikely to explain the coexistence of closely related endophytes on common reed.
Effects of substrate annealing on the gold-catalyzed growth of ZnO nanostructures
Authors: Weigand Christian C , Skåre Daniel , Ladam Cecile , Grepstad Jostein , Weman Helge 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The effects of thermal substrate pretreatment on the growth of Au-catalyzed ZnO nanostructures by pulsed laser deposition are investigated. C-plane sapphire substrates are annealed prior to deposition of a thin Au layer. Subsequent ZnO growths on substrates annealed above 1,200°C resulted in a high density of nanosheets and nanowires, whereas lower temperatures led to low nanostructure densities. Separate Au film annealing experiments at 700°C showed little variation in the size and density of the Au catalyst droplets with substrate annealing temperature. The observed variation in the density of nanostructures is attributed to the number of surface nucleation sites on the substrate, leading to a competition between nucleation promoted by the Au catalyst and surface nucleation sites on the rougher surfaces annealed below 1,200°C.
A study of nitrogen incorporation in pyramidal site-controlled quantum dots
Authors: Juska Gediminas , Dimastrodonato Valeria , Mereni Lorenzo O , Gocalinska Agnieszka , Pelucchi Emanuele 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWe present the results of a study of nitrogen incorporation in metalorganic-vapour-phase epitaxy-grown site-controlled quantum dots (QDs). We report for the first time on a significant incorporation (approximately 0.3%), producing a noteworthy red shift (at least 50 meV) in some of our samples. Depending on the level of nitrogen incorporation/exposure, strong modifications of the optical features are found (variable distribution of the emission homogeneity, fine-structure splitting, few-particle effects). We discuss our results, especially in relation to a specific reproducible sample which has noticeable features: the usual pattern of the excitonic transitions is altered and the fine-structure splitting is suppressed to vanishing values. Distinctively, nitrogen incorporation can be achieved without detriment to the optical quality, as confirmed by narrow linewidths and photon correlation spectroscopy.
Compound Kushen Injection suppresses human breast cancer stem-like cells by down-regulating the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Xu Weiru , Lin Hongsheng , Zhang Ying , Chen Xinyi , Hua Baojin , Hou Wei , Qi Xin , Pei Yingxia , Zhu Xiaoyun , Zhao Zhizheng , Yang Liangliang 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackgroundCancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in cancer initiation, relapse and metastasis. To date, no specific medicine has been found to target CSCs as they are resistant to most conventional therapies and proliferate indefinitely. Compound Kushen Injection (CKI) has been widely used for cancer patients with remarkable therapeutic effects in Chinese clinical settings for many years. This study focused on whether CKI could inhibit MCF-7 SP cells in vitro and in vivo.MethodsThe analysis of CKI on SP population and the main genes of Wnt signaling pathway were studied first. Then we studied the tumorigenicity of SP cells and the effects of CKI on SP cells in vivo. The mice inoculated with 10,000 SP cells were randomly divided into three groups (6 in each group) and treated with CKI, cisplatin and saline (as a control) respectively for 7 weeks. The tumor formation rates of each group were compared. The main genes and proteins of the Wnt signaling pathway were analyzed by RT-PCR and western blot.ResultsCKI suppressed the size of SP population (approximately 90%), and down-regulated the main genes of Wnt signaling pathway. We also determined that MCF-7 SP cells were more tumorigenic than non-SP and unsorted cells. The Wnt signaling pathway was up-regulated in tumors derived from SP cells compared with that in tumors from non-SP cells. The tumor formation rate of the CKI Group was 33% (2/6,P< 0.05), and that of Cisplatin Group was 50%(3/6,P< 0.05), whereas that of the Control Group was 100% (6/6).The RT-PCR and western blot results indicated that CKI suppressed tumor growth by down-regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, while cisplatin activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and might spare SP cells.ConclusionsIt suggested that CKI may serve as a novel drug targeting cancer stem-like cells, though further studies are recommended.
Preferred movement patterns during a simple bouncing task
Authors: Raburn Caroline E. , Merritt Kristen J. , Dean Jesse C. 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARY
Elastic tissues in the human body can store and return mechanical energy passively, reducing the metabolic cost of cyclical movements. However, it is not clear whether humans prefer movement patterns that optimize this storage and return. We investigated the preferred movement pattern during a bouncing task for which non-invasive techniques can identify the resonant frequency, which is the least metabolically costly. We quantified the preferred and resonant bounce frequencies for three mechanical conditions. During 'normal' trials, subjects bounced while reclined on a sled that moves along a track. During 'added mass' trials, mass was added to the sled. During 'added stiffness' trials, a spring was attached between the sled and the supporting frame, parallel to the track. Subsequently, we quantified the preferred bounce frequencies during ischemia, a technique that disrupts the available sensory feedback. Mechanical condition had a significant effect on both the preferred and resonant frequencies. Changes in preferred frequency scaled with resonant frequency, but the preferred frequency was significantly lower than the resonant frequency. These results indicate that humans adapt their preferred bouncing pattern in response to changes in mechanical condition. Humans may prefer a lower than resonant frequency because of an inability to sense metabolic cost during our relatively short trials. In contrast, during ischemia the preferred bounce frequency remained constant even when mechanical condition was varied, indicating that feedback is necessary to adapt the preferred frequency to changes in mechanics. These findings suggest that disrupted sensory feedback may prevent humans from choosing the optimal movement pattern.