bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Jute‐fiber‐reinforced polyurethane green composites based on Mesua ferrea L. seed oil
Authors: Dutta Suvangshu , Karak Niranjan , Baruah Sasidhar 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTwo types of environmentally friendly jute‐fiber‐reinforced green composites based on Mesua ferrea L. were prepared with poly(urethane ester) and poly(urethane amide) resin blends with commercially available partially butylated melamine–formaldehyde and epoxy resins through solution impregnation and hot‐curing methods. The composites were cured at a temperature of about 130–140°C under a pressure of 35 ± 5 kg/cm2 for about 2 h. The mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, flexural strength, elongation at break, hardness, and density, of all of the composites were measured and compared. The mode of interaction between the filler and the matrix were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the fractured composite samples. The water uptake in different chemical media was observed, and we found that all of the composites possessed excellent hydrolytic stability against almost all of the media except the alkali. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to analyze the thermal behavior of the composites. TGA of the composites showed degradation much above that of the virgin blends, which indicated their high thermostability. The glass‐transition temperatures, as shown by DSC analysis, were found to be much higher. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Ionic properties of an organic–inorganic sol–gel hybrid based on polydimethylsiloxane and tetraethoxysilane doped with sodium dodecyl sulfate
Authors: Pinto Raffael Costa de Figueiredo , de Araujo Paschoal Carlos William , Paraguassu Waldeci , Castro Manoel Carvalho , Tanaka Auro Atsuchi , Filho Jaime Soares Boaventura , José Nadia Mamede 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn this work, we performed impedance spectroscopy measurements of organically modified silicate membranes based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) with the inclusion of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at five different concentrations. The results indicated that the conduction in a pure PDMS/TEOS hybrid membrane mainly resulted from a hopping mechanism. The conduction of membranes modified with the addition of SDS increased for SDS concentrations up to 20% and decreased for higher concentrations. This effect was explained on the basis of the porosity of the membranes due to SDS. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Near‐peer teaching in anatomy: An approach for deeper learning
Authors: Evans Darrell J. R. , Cuffe Tracy 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPeer teaching has been recognized as a valuable and effective approach for learning and has been incorporated into medical, dental, and healthcare courses using a variety of approaches. The success of peer teaching is thought to be related to the ability of peer tutors and tutees to communicate more effectively, thereby improving the learning environment. Near‐peer teaching involves more experienced students acting as tutors who are ideally placed to pass on their knowledge and experience. The advantage of using near‐peer teachers is the opportunity for the teacher to reinforce and expand their own learning and develop essential teaching skills. This study describes the design and implementation of a program for fourth year medical students to teach anatomy to first‐ and second‐year medical students and evaluates the perceptions of the near‐peer teachers on the usefulness of the program, particularly in relation to their own learning. Feedback from participants suggests that the program fulfills its aims of providing an effective environment for developing deeper learning in anatomy through teaching. Participants recognize that the program also equips them with more advanced teaching skills that will be required as they move nearer toward taking on supervisory and teaching duties. The program has also provided the school with an additional valuable and appropriate resource for teaching anatomy to first‐ and second‐year students, who themselves view the inclusion of near‐peer teachers as a positive element in their learning. Anat Sci Educ 2:227–233, 2009. © 2009 American Association of Anatomists.
1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3triggered vitamin D receptor and farnesoid X receptor‐like effects in rat intestine and liverin vivo
Authors: Chow Edwin C. Y. , Maeng Han‐Joo , Liu Shanjun , Khan Ansar A. , Groothuis Geny M. M. , Pang K. Sandy 
Published: September 2009

Abstract1α,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3(1,25(OH)2D3), a natural ligand of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), was found to increase the rat ileal Asbt and bile acid absorption. The effects of VDR, whose expression is low in liver, on hepatic transporters and enzymes are unknown. Protein and mRNA levels of target genes in the small intestine, colon and liver after intraperitoneal dosing of 1,25(OH)2D3(0–2.56 nmol/kg/day for 4 days) to the rat were determined by Western blotting and qPCR, respectively. The 1,25(OH)2D3treatment increased total Cyp3a protein and Cyp3a1 mRNA expressions in the proximal small intestine, and the short heterodimer partner (SHP), the fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15), organic solute transporter (Ostα and Ostβ) mRNA and Asbt protein expressions in the ileum. About 50% higher portal bile acid concentration (65.1±14.9 vs 41.9±7.8 µm,p<0.05) and elevated expressions of the hepatic farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and SHP mRNA resulted with 1,25(OH)2D3treatment. Increased Bsep and Ostα mRNA expressions in liver and a>50% reduction in the Cyp7a1 protein level (p<0.05) and cholesterol metabolism in rat liver microsomes (p=0.002), likely consequences of the bile acid‐FXR‐SHP cascade and activation of the signaling pathway for Cyp7a1 inhibition by FGF15, were found. Increased hepatic multidrug resistance‐associated protein (Mrp3) and multidrug resistance protein 1a (Mdr1a) mRNA and P‐gp protein were also observed. It was concluded that the changes in hepatic transporters and enzymes in the rat were indirect, secondary effects of the liver FXR‐SHP cascade due to increased intestinal absorption of bile acids and elevated levels of FGF15, events that led to the activation of FXR. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coenzyme Q10 protects against oxidative stress‐induced cell death and enhances the synthesis of basement membrane components in dermal and epidermal cells
Authors: Muta‐Takada Keiko , Terada Takatomo , Yamanishi Haruyo , Ashida Yutaka , Inomata Shinji , Nishiyama Toshio , Amano Satoshi 
Published: September 2009

AbstractCoenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which has both energizing and anti‐oxidative effects, is also reported to have antiaging action, e.g., reducing the area of facial wrinkles. However, the mechanism of its anti‐aging activity is not fully established. Here, we examined the effect of CoQ10 on human dermal and epidermal cells. CoQ10 promoted proliferation of fibroblasts but not keratinocytes. It also accelerated production of basement membrane components, i.e., laminin 332 and type IV and VII collagens, in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, respectively; however, it had no effect on type I collagen production in fibroblasts. CoQ10 also showed protective effects against cell death induced by several reactive oxygen species in keratinocytes, but only when its cellular absorption was enhanced by pretreatment of the cells with highly CoQ10‐loaded serum. These results suggest that protection of epidermis against oxidative stress and enhancement of production of epidermal basement membrane components may be involved in the antiaging properties of CoQ10 in skin. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Dehydroabietic acid, a diterpene, improves diabetes and hyperlipidemia in obese diabetic KK‐Ay mice
Authors: Kang Min‐Sook , Hirai Shizuka , Goto Tsuyoshi , Kuroyanagi Kayo , Kim Young‐II , Ohyama Kana , Uemura Taku , Lee Joo‐Young , Sakamoto Tomoya , Ezaki Yoichiro , Yu Rina , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Kawada Teruo 
Published: September 2009

AbstractTerpenoids, which are contained in a large number of dietary and herbal plants, have many biological effects. In this study, the effects of dehydroabietic acid (DAA), a diterpene, on glucose and lipid metabolism were examined using obese diabetic KK‐Ay mice. We showed here that DAA treatment decreased not only plasma glucose and insulin levels but also plasma triglyceride (TG) and hepatic TG levels. To examine the mechanism underlying the effects of DAA, the production of inflammatory cytokines was measured. It was shown that the DAA treatment suppressed the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) (proinflammatory cytokines) and increased that of adiponectin (an anti‐inflammatory cytokine). As a result of the changes in the production of inflammatory cytokines caused by the DAA treatment, the accumulation of macrophages in adipose tissues was reduced. These results indicate that treatment with DAA improves the levels of plasma glucose, plasma insulin, plasma TG, and hepatic TG through the decrease in the macrophage infiltration into adipose tissues, suggesting that DAA is a useful food‐derived compound for treating obesity‐related diseases. © 2009 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Developmental craniofacial anthropometry: Assessment of race effects
Authors: Durtschi Reid B. , Chung Dongjun , Gentry Lindell R. , Chung Moo K. , Vorperian Houri K. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDifferences in craniofacial anatomy among racial groups have been documented in a variety of structures, but the oral and maxillofacial regions have been shown to be a particularly defining region of variability between different racial/ethnic groups. Such comparisons are informative, but they neither address developmental changes of the craniofacial anatomy nor do they assess or take into account the natural variability within individual races that may account for similar reported, across‐group variations. The purpose of this report was to compare—using medical imaging studies—the growth trend of select race‐sensitive craniofacial variables in the oral and pharyngeal regions when all races [White, Asian, Black, and Hispanic (AR)] are included versus only a single race category [White (WR)]. Race effect was tested by comparing sex‐specific growth fits (fourth degree polynomial model) for AR versus WR data. Findings indicate that the inclusion of all races versus a single race did not significantly alter the growth model fits. Thus, the inclusion of all races permits the advancement of general growth models; however, methodologically, it is best to treat the race variable as a covariate in all future analysis to test for both potential all race effects or individual race effects, on general growth models. Clin. Anat. 22:800–808, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane potential provokes reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and increases the stability of adherens junctions in bovine corneal endothelial cells in culture
Authors: Nin Verónica , Hernández Julio A. , Chifflet Silvia 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn previous works we showed that the depolarization of the plasma membrane potential (PMP) determines a reorganization of the cytoskeleton of diverse epithelia in culture, consisting mainly of a reallocation of peripheral actin toward the cell center, ultimately provoking intercellular disruption. In view of this evidence, we explored in this study the possible effects of membrane potential hyperpolarization on the cytoskeletal organization and adherens junction (AJ) morphology and the stability of confluent bovine corneal endothelial cells in culture. For this purpose, hyperpolarization was achieved by substitution of extracellular sodium by nondiffusible cations or via the incorporation of valinomycin to the control solution. Actin compactness at the cell periphery was assessed by quantitative analysis of fluorescence microscopy images. The stability of the AJ was challenged by calcium deprivation or temperature decrease. Our results showed that plasma membrane hyperpolarization provokes a compaction of AJ‐associated actin filaments toward the plasma membrane and an increase in the stability of the AJs. We also observed that the hyperpolarizing procedures determined similar modifications in the actin cytoskeleton of endothelial cells in whole bovine corneas. Together with our previous work, the results of this study contribute to the idea that modifications in the PMP of nonexcitable cells participate in cellular adaptive responses involving reorganization of cytoskeletal components. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical practice patterns and cost effectiveness of human epidermal growth receptor 2 testing strategies in breast cancer patients
Authors: Phillips Kathryn A. , Marshall Deborah A. , Haas Jennifer S. , Elkin Elena B. , Liang Su‐Ying , Hassett Michael J. , Ferrusi Ilia , Brock Jane E. , Van Bebber Stephanie L. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND:Testing technologies are increasingly used to target cancer therapies. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing to target trastuzumab for patients with breast cancer provides insights into the evidence needed for emerging testing technologies.METHODS:The authors reviewed literature on HER2 test utilization and cost effectiveness of HER2 testing for patients with breast cancer. They examined available evidence on: percentage of eligible patients tested for HER2; test methods used; concordance of test results between community and central/reference laboratories; use of trastuzumab by HER2 test result; and cost effectiveness of testing strategies.RESULTS:Little evidence was available to determine whether all eligible patients are tested, how many are retested to confirm results, and how many with negative HER2 test results still receive trastuzumab. Studies suggested that up to 66% of eligible patients had no documentation of testing in claims records, up to 20% of patients receiving trastuzumab were not tested or had no documentation of a positive test, and 20% of HER2 results may be incorrect. Few cost‐effectiveness analyses of trastuzumab explicitly considered the economic implications of various testing strategies.CONCLUSIONS:There was little information about the actual use of HER2 testing in clinical practice, but evidence suggested important variations in testing practices and key gaps in knowledge exist. Given the increasing use of targeted therapies, it is critical to build an evidence base that supports informed decision making on emerging testing technologies in cancer care. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Human cell toxicogenomic analysis of bromoacetic acid: A regulated drinking water disinfection by‐product
Authors: Muellner Mark G. , Attene‐Ramos Matias S. , Hudson Matthew E. , Wagner Elizabeth D. , Plewa Michael J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe disinfection of drinking water is a major achievement in protecting the public health. However, current disinfection methods also generate disinfection by‐products (DBPs). Many DBPs are cytotoxic, genotoxic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic and represent an important class of environmentally hazardous chemicals that may carry long‐term human health implications. The objective of this research was to integrate in vitro toxicology with focused toxicogenomic analysis of the regulated DBP, bromoacetic acid (BAA) and to evaluate modulation of gene expression involved in DNA damage/repair and toxic responses, with nontransformed human cells. We generated transcriptome profiles for 168 genes with 30 min and 4 hr exposure times that did not induce acute cytotoxicity. Using qRT‐PCR gene arrays, the levels of 25 transcripts were modulated to a statistically significant degree in response to a 30 min treatment with BAA (16 transcripts upregulated and nine downregulated). The largest changes were observed for RAD9A and BRCA1. The majority of the altered transcript profiles are genes involved in DNA repair, especially the repair of double strand DNA breaks, and in cell cycle regulation. With 4 hr of treatment the expression of 28 genes was modulated (12 upregulated and 16 downregulated); the largest fold changes were in HMOX1 and FMO1. This work represents the first nontransformed human cell toxicogenomic study with a regulated drinking water disinfection by‐product. These data implicate double strand DNA breaks as a feature of BAA exposure. Future toxicogenomic studies of DBPs will further strengthen our limited knowledge in this growing area of drinking water research. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Carotid‐ intima media thickness is independently associated with cognitive decline. The INVADE study
Authors: Sander K. , Bickel H. , Förstl H. , Etgen T. , Briesenick C. , Poppert H. , Sander D. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectivesIncreased carotid intima‐media thickness (C‐IMT) is a non‐invasive marker of atherosclerosis and predicts vascular events. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests an association between carotid atherosclerosis and cognitive decline. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between C‐IMT and the development of cognitive impairment in a large population‐based sample.MethodsThis study was based on the data of the participants of the INVADE (Intervention project on cerebrovascular diseases and dementia in the district of Ebersberg, Bavaria) project. Vascular risk factors, Geriatric depression scale (GDS) and “6 Item Cognitive Impairment Test” (6CIT) were evaluated at baseline and after 2 years. The relationship between C‐IMT and cognitive impairment was analysed using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsComplete baseline data were available in 3386 subjects (mean age 67.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 67.5, 68.0] years, 41% male). During follow‐up, 174 subjects developed a new cognitive impairment. In the subgroup without cognitive impairment at baseline a significant association between cognitive decline after 2 years and elevated C‐IMT at baseline could be detected with a significantly higher baseline C‐IMT in those with cognitive decline (0.87 mm vs. 0.78 mm; p < 0.0001). After adjustment for various risk factors only age, GDS baseline 6CIT and C‐IMT were independently associated with the development of a new cognitive impairment.ConclusionsOur data indicate that an increased carotid intima‐media thickness predicts a cognitive decline in an elderly population without prevalent cognitive impairment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of alcohol and tobacco consumption, and apolipoprotein E genotype, on the age of onset in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Harwood Dylan G. , Kalechstein Ari , Barker Warren W. , Strauman Silvia , St. George‐Hyslop Peter , Iglesias Casandra , Loewenstein David , Duara Ranjan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the association between a history of heavy alcohol use and smoking, presence of the apolipoprotein‐E epsilon 4 allele (APOE ε4), and age of disease onset in a community dwelling sample of 685 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients spanning three ethnic groups.DesignCross‐sectional study of AD patients evaluated at a University‐affiliated outpatient memory disorders clinic.SubjectsA clinic‐based cohort of white non‐Hispanic (WNH; n = 397), white Hispanic (WH; n = 264), and African‐American (AA; n = 24) patients diagnosed with possible or probable AD according to NINCDS‐ADRDA diagnostic criteria.MeasurementsThe age of onset of AD was obtained from a knowledgeable family member. All patients were assessed for APOE genotype. History of alcohol and tobacco consumption prior to the onset of dementia was obtained via an interview with the patient and the primary caregiver. A history of heavy drinking was defined as >2 drinks per day and a history of heavy smoking was defined as ≥1 pack per day.ResultsPresence of an APOE ε4 allele, a history of heavy drinking, or a history of heavy smoking were each associated with an earlier onset of AD by 2–3 years. Patients with all three risk factors were likely to be diagnosed with AD nearly 10 years earlier than those with none of the risk factors.ConclusionThe results suggest that APOE ε4 and heavy drinking and heavy smoking lower the age of onset for AD in an additive fashion. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Willingness‐to‐pay for reductions in care need: estimating the value of informal care in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gustavsson Anders , Jönsson Linus , McShane Rupert , Boada Mercè , Wimo Anders , Zbrozek Arthur S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the value of informal care in Alzheimer's disease using contingent valuation.MethodsA questionnaire was administered to 517 primary carers in four countries (UK, Spain, Sweden, and US). Dichotomous choice and bidding game methods were used to elicit their willingness to pay for a reduction in care burden by 1 h per day, or a total elimination of care needs. Further, the relationship between carer willingness to pay and carer and patient characteristics including disease severity and income was examined.ResultsCarers spend on average about 7–9 h per day on giving care to their patient, of which 4–5 h constituted basic and instrumental ADL tasks. For a 1 h reduction in need for care per day, carers in the UK, Spain, Sweden, and US said that they were willing to pay £105, £121, £59, and £144 per month respectively. The willingness to pay was higher for carers with higher disposable income while the influence of other determinants varied across countries. About one‐third of carers were not willing to pay anything for a reduction in care.ConclusionsCarers' stated willingness to pay for reductions in care giving time is substantial and comparable to the prices currently paid for treatments that achieve this benefit. Its determinants seem more directly related to carer status than directly to patient status and may vary by region and by cultural and sociologic factors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.