bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knockdown of IGF‐binding protein 7 inhibits transformation of the endometrial gland in an in vitro model
Authors: Kutsukake Masahiko , Tamura Kazuhiro , Yoshie Mikihiro , Tachikawa Eiichi 
Published: December 2009

AbstractUterine endometrial glands and their secretory products are critical for the implantation and survival of the peri‐implantation embryo, and for the establishment of uterine receptivity. We previously reported that insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) is abundantly expressed in uterine glandular epithelial cells during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. In the present study, we used a cultured glandular epithelial cell line of human (EM1) to investigate the significance of IGFBP7 in the function of endometrial glands. EM1 cells formed a mesh‐like structure on Matrigel, which was accompanied by elevated levels of intracellular cyclic AMP. However, these morphological changes were blocked by treatment with protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor (H89). IGFBP7 knockdown using specific short interference RNA (siRNA) inhibited the formation of the mesh‐like structure on Matrigel. Cyclic AMP analogs, dibutyryl‐cAMP, and N6‐phenyl‐cAMP induced the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) which is essential for the onset of implantation. Enhanced LIF expression was suppressed by IGFBP7 siRNA treatment. Western blot analysis revealed that IGFBP7 knockdown results in the aberrant, constitutive expression of the MAPK signaling pathway. These results suggest that IGFBP7 regulates morphological changes of glandular cells by interfering with the normal PKA and MAPK signaling pathways that are associated with the transformation and/or differentiation of endometrial glands. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 265–272, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A proteome map of the pituitary melanotrope cell activated by black‐background adaptation of Xenopus laevis
Authors: Devreese Bart , Sergeant Kjell , Van Bakel Nick H. M. , Debyser Griet , Van Beeumen Jozef , Martens Gerard J. M. , Van Herp François 
Published: December 2009

AbstractUpon transfer of Xenopus laevis from a white to a black background, the melanotrope cells in the pituitary pars intermedia secrete α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone, which stimulates dispersion of melanin pigment in skin melanophores. This adaptive behavior is under the control of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides of hypothalamic origin. The α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone‐producing cells and their hypothalamic control system provide an interesting model to study proteins required for biosynthetic and secretory processes involved in peptide hormone production and for brain–pituitary signaling. We present a 2‐D PAGE‐based proteome map of melanotrope cells from black‐adapted animals, identifying 204 different proteins by MS analysis.
Micro ATR‐FTIR study of the hydration state of poly(N‐tert‐butylacrylamide‐co‐acrylamide) copolymers during phase transition in aqueous media and in the mixture of water–methanol
Authors: Mahdavi Hossein , Sadeghzadeh B. O. Mahdi 
Published: December 2009

AbstractCoil‐globule transition of poly(N‐tert‐butylacrylamide‐co‐acrylamide) P(NTBAM‐co‐AM) copolymers is investigated in the aqueous solution and in the mixture of water–methanol by micro ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy technique. In this study the microstructure and its changes in the hydration states of the distinct groups of these copolymers are investigated by micro ATR/FTIR technique. The results showed that by heating the solution above the LCST hydrogen bonding between CO and water was decreased but the hydrogen bonding between polymeric chains increased, which prove the aggregation of polymer chain during phase separation. The chemical shifts of IR bands are also studied in the mixture of water–methanol. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 356–363, 2010
A Bulk‐Current Model for Advanced MOSFET Technologies Without Binning: Substrate Current and Fowler‐Nordheim Current
Authors: Inagaki Ryosuke , Sadachika Norio , Navarro Dondee , Miura‐Mattausch Mitiko , Inoue Yasuaki 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA bulk‐current model for advanced metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) is proposed and implemented. The model consists of an impact ionization mechanism, the drain to bulk current and a tunneling mechanism, the gate to bulk current, and requires totally 21 model parameters covering all bias conditions. The simulated results with the parameter values reproduce measurements for any device size without binning. Validity of the model has been tested with circuits, which are sensitive to the change of the stored charge due to impact ionization current and tunneling current. Copyright © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pentraxin 3 in amniotic fluid as a marker of intra‐amniotic inflammation in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Kacerovsky Marian , Tosner Jindrich , Drahosova Marcela , Hornychova Helena , Andrys Ctirad 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether amniotic fluid levels of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) are of value in the prenatal diagnosis of acute histological chorioamnionitis in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).MethodsForty pregnant women with PPROM between 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy without (n = 21) and with (n = 19) histological chorioamnionitis (PPROM group) and 42 women between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy (midtrimester group) were included in the study. We compared amniotic fluid PTX3 levels in the PPROM group with versus without histological chorioamnionitis, and between the PPROM and the midtrimester groups using nonparametric tests (Mann‐Whitney test), given the non‐normal distribution of the analyte.ResultsPatients with histological chorioamnionitis had a significantly higher median amniotic fluid PTX3 concentration than patients without the histological signs of chorioamnionitis (3.69 ng/mL [0.51–106.8] versus 0.8 ng/mL [0.36–121.0]; P = 0.015). Patients in the PPROM group reached a significantly higher median amniotic fluid concentration of PTX3 compared with those in the midtrimester group (1.0 ng/mL [0.36–121.0] versus 0.67 ng/mL [0.4–2.8]; P = 0.007).ConclusionHistological chorioamnionitis is associated with a significant increase of amniotic fluid pentraxin 3 levels. Amniotic fluid pentraxin 3 appears to be a marker of intra‐amniotic inflammation.
Inhibition of cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism enhances ex vivo susceptibility of Fasciola hepatica to triclabendazole
Authors: DEVINE C. , BRENNAN G. P. , LANUSSE C. E. , ALVAREZ L. I. , TRUDGETT A. , HOEY E. , FAIRWEATHER I. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYA study has been carried out to investigate whether the action of triclabendazole (TCBZ) against Fasciola hepatica is altered by inhibition of drug metabolism. The cytochrome P450 (CYP P450) system was inhibited using piperonyl butoxide (PB). The Oberon TCBZ-resistant and Cullompton TCBZ-susceptible isolates were used for these experiments. The CYP P450 system was inhibited by a 2 h pre-incubation in PB (100 μm). Flukes were then incubated for a further 22 h in NCTC medium containing either PB; PB+nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) (1 nm); PB+NADPH+TCBZ (15 μg/ml); or PB+NADPH+TCBZ.SO (15 μg/ml). Morphological changes resulting from drug treatment and following metabolic inhibition were assessed using scanning electron microscopy. After treatment with either TCBZ or TCBZ.SO alone, there was greater disruption to the TCBZ-susceptible than the resistant isolate. However, co-incubation with PB and TCBZ/TCBZ.SO lead to more severe surface changes to the TCBZ-resistant Oberon isolate than with each drug on its own. With the TCBZ-susceptible Cullompton isolate, there was limited potentiation of drug action, and only with TCBZ.SO. The results support the concept of altered drug metabolism in TCBZ-resistant flukes and this process may play a role in the development of drug resistance.
Evidence of the ‘plant economics spectrum’ in a subarctic flora
Authors: Freschet Grégoire T. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Van Logtestijn Richard S. P. , Aerts Rien 
Published: December 2009

Summary 1. A fundamental trade‐off among vascular plants between traits inferring rapid resource acquisition and those leading to conservation of resources has now been accepted broadly, but is based on empirical data with a strong bias towards leaf traits. Here, we test whether interspecific variation in traits of different plant organs obeys this same trade‐off and whether within‐plant trade‐offs are consistent between organs. 2. Thereto, we measured suites of the same chemical and structural traits from the main vegetative organs for a species set representing aquatic, riparian and terrestrial environments including the main vascular higher taxa and growth forms of a subarctic flora. The traits were chosen to have consistent relevance for plant defence and growth across organs and environments: carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, lignin, dry matter content, pH. 3. Our analysis shows several new trait correlations across leaves, stems and roots and a striking pattern of whole‐plant integrative resource economy, leading to tight correspondence between the local leaf economics spectrum and the root (r = 0.64), stem (r = 0.78) and whole‐plant (r = 0.93) economics spectra. 4. Synthesis. Our findings strongly suggest that plant resource economics is consistent across species’ organs in a subarctic flora. We provide thus the first evidence for a ‘plant economics spectrum’ closely related to the local subarctic ‘leaf economics spectrum’. Extending that concept to other biomes is, however, necessary before any generalization might be made. In a world facing rapid vegetation change, these results nevertheless bear considerable prospects of predicting below‐ground plant functions from the above‐ground components alone.
Public understandings of genetics and health
Authors: Condit CM 
Published: December 2009

Condit CM. Public understandings of genetics and health.This review of adult public understandings of genetics related to health indicates that the public's understandings overlap with those of professionals in some areas, but not others. Specifically, the majority of the world's people who have been studied understand genetics through the lens of heredity, not in terms of the structural and functional nature of genes. Public understandings of hereditary processes are influenced by models of social relationships and by experiential familiarity with particular conditions as much as by academic research results. Most people hold a fairly strong belief that many health conditions are substantially influenced by both genes and other factors. However, they do not have a stable understanding of the nature of gene–environment interactions. People in cultures where science is not a prominent cultural mode are even less likely to hold the belief structures of professional geneticists. In some areas–notably with regard to racialization of genetic medicine and characterizations of genetic variations as ‘mutations’–at least some members of the public strongly reject some geneticists' constructions. Public understanding of details pertinent to genetic testing generally appears to be weak.
Total perineal reconstruction after abdominoperineal excision for rectal cancer: long‐term results of dynamic graciloplasty with Malone appendicostomy
Authors: Abbes Orabi N. , Vanwymersch T. , Paterson H. M. , Mauel E. , Jamart J. , Crispin B. , Kartheuser A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim  This study aimed to assess long‐term function after total perineal reconstruction (TPR) with dynamic graciloplasty (DG) and systematic Malone appendicostomy (MA) adjunction after abdominoperineal excision (APR) for rectal cancer.Method  From 1999 to 2004, TPR using DG and MA was performed in 10 patients [seven women; median age 40 (range 28–55) years] after APR for rectal cancer (cT2 in one patient, cT3 in six patients and cT4 in three patients). We prospectively recorded early and late morbidity, mortality, oncological outcome, functional results (using the modified Working Party on Anal Sphincter Replacement ‘WPASR’ scoring system) and quality of life (QoL; using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer ‘EORTC’ QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐CR38 questionnaires).Results  There was no procedure‐related mortality. One patient required intra‐abdominal re‐operation. Nine patients required local and multiple revisions [there was one coloperineal anastomosis (CPA) stenosis, five CPA mucosal prolapse, three stenosis related to graciloplasty, two MA stenosis and one MA reflux]. After a median follow up of 78 months, there was no local recurrence and six patients were alive and disease‐free. Regarding the functional results, the median modified WPASR score, of 8, after a follow up of 78 months, was good. The overall QoL scores remained stable over time.Conclusion  In carefully selected patients who want to avoid definitive abdominal colostomy after APR for rectal cancer, reconstruction involving MA and DG after APR for low rectal cancer is followed by good long‐term function and QoL.
Cholesterol imbalance in adipocytes: a possible mechanism of adipocytes dysfunction in obesity
Authors: Yu B.‐L. , Zhao S.‐P. , Hu J.‐R. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryStudies of the past decade have increased our understanding of the role of adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity and obesity‐related insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Although adipose tissue is the body's largest pool of free cholesterol, adipocytes have limited activity in cholesterol synthetic pathway. Thus, the majority of adipocyte cholesterol originates from circulating lipoproteins. To maintain cholesterol homeostasis, adipocytes have developed multiple pathways for cholesterol efflux. Several transcriptional factors, such as sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins and liver X receptors may be responsible for the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis in adipocytes. Most notably, because altering cholesterol balance profoundly modifies adipocyte metabolism in a way resembling that seen in hypertrophied adipocytes, cholesterol imbalance is recognized as a characteristic for enlarged adipocytes per se in the obese state. In addition, plasma membrane cholesterol normalization by chromium picolinate can fully restore inslin‐stimulated glucose transport, further supporting the role of the adipocyte cholesterol imbalance in obesity and insulin resistance.
The natural history of epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Chu‐Shore Catherine J. , Major Philippe , Camposano Susana , Muzykewicz David , Thiele Elizabeth A. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryBackground: Although epilepsy affects most patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), little is known about the natural history of epilepsy in this genetic disease.Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients with TSC seen between January 2002 and October 2008. Charts were reviewed for a history of infantile spasms (IS), seizure other than IS, refractory epilepsy, Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS), anticonvulsant medication use, ages of seizure onset, last seizure, last clinic visit, clinical seizure phenotype(s), cognitive impairment, and genetic mutation.Results: Two hundred ninety‐one patients were included. Among these patients, 37.8% had a history of IS; 85.2% had a history of seizure; 54.1% developed multiple seizure types, not including IS; 63.2% had seizure onset in the first year of life; and 12.1% of adults without a seizure history developed epilepsy. Of epilepsy patients, 62.5% developed refractory epilepsy and 33.5% achieved epilepsy remission; 37.5% of these patients achieved medication freedom. IS was a risk factor for refractory epilepsy (p<0.0001) and LGS (p<0.0001). History of seizure, IS, age at seizure onset, and refractory epilepsy each correlated with poor cognitive outcome (p<0.0001). Epilepsy remission correlated with better cognitive outcome (p<0.0001).TSC2was a risk factor for IS and epilepsy; patients without an identified mutation were more likely to achieve remission.Conclusion: Most patients with TSC develop epilepsy and most develop multiple seizure types. Onset typically occurs in the first year of life; however, adults remain at risk. Although refractory epilepsy is common, many patients achieve seizure control. Many features of seizure history are predictive of cognitive and epilepsy outcome.
The effects of nocturnal compared with conventional hemodialysis on mineral metabolism: A randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: WALSH Michael , MANNS Braden J. , KLARENBACH Scott , TONELLI Marcello , HEMMELGARN Brenda , CULLETON Bruce 
Published: December 2009

AbstractHyperphosphatemia is common among patients receiving dialysis and is associated with increased mortality. Nocturnal hemodialysis (NHD) is a long, slow dialytic modality that may improve hyperphosphatemia and disorders of mineral metabolism. We performed a randomized‐controlled trial of NHD compared with conventional hemodialysis (CvHD); in this paper, we report detailed results of mineral metabolism outcomes. Prevalent patients were randomized to receive NHD 5 to 6 nights per week for 6to 10 hours per night or to continue CvHD thrice weekly for 6 months. Oral phosphate binders and vitamin D analogs were adjusted to maintain phosphate, calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels within recommended targets. Compared with CvHD patients, patients in the NHD group had a significant decrease in serum phosphate over the course of the study (0.49 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval 0.24–0.74; P=0.002) despite a significant reduction in the use of phosphate binders. Sixty‐one percent of patients in the NHD group compared with 20% in the CvHD group had a decline in intact PTH (P=0.003). Nocturnal hemodialysis lowers serum phosphate, calcium‐phosphate product and requirement for phosphate binders. The effects of NHD on PTH are variable. The impact of these changes on long‐term cardiovascular and bone‐related outcomes requires further investigation.
Endovascular Treatment of Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: Technical Results and Review of the Literature
Authors: Vora Nirav , Thomas Ajith J. , Gupta Rishi , Gologorsky Yakov , Panapitiya Narendra , Jovin Tudor , Jankowitz Brian , Kassam Amin , Horowitz Michael 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND We sought to report our technical success and complications in treating distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysms with coil embolization. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing coil embolization of distal ACA aneurysms from September 1999 to March 2008. Patients were assessed for subarachnoid hemorrhage, fundus size, and fundus‐to‐neck ratio (F/N) < 2 or ≥ 2. Technical success for aneurysms was assessed according to established criteria immediately post‐procedure and at 6‐month angiographic follow‐up. Post‐procedural outcomes were measured using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge. A mRS ≤ 2 for ruptured aneurysms or no change from baseline for unruptured aneurysms was considered a good clinical outcome. RESULTS Based on an intention‐to‐treat principle, we attempted embolization of 28 distal ACA aneurysms in 26 patients and were technically successful in 26 aneurysms (93%). Our mean age was 58 ± 11 years. Thirteen presented with acute rupture. Average aneurysm size was 5.7 ± 2.8 mm in our cohort with 20/28 (71%) having an F/N ≥ 2. Seventeen aneurysms with an F/N ≥ 2 and 5 with an F/N < 2 were completely obliterated or had minimal neck remnants at the end of the procedure (79%). Fourteen aneurysms underwent 6‐month angiographic follow‐up and were either completely obliterated or had a minimal residual neck remnant. Clinical outcomes were good in 12/13 unruptured patients (93%) at the time of discharge and in 6/13 ruptured patients (46%) with 90‐day follow‐up. Three patients had ischemic complications that were considered non‐disabling, and 2 patients died from complications related to their initial subarachnoid hemorrhage. Two patients had an aborted procedure from failure to catheterize the aneurysm. CONCLUSION Endovascular treatment of distal ACA aneurysms can achieve good technical and clinical outcomes. J Neuroimaging 2010;20:70‐73.
Modulation of Cortical Activity in Patients Suffering from Upper Arm Spasticity following Stroke and Treated with Botulinum Toxin A: An fMRI Study
Authors: Šenkárová Zuzana , Hluštík Petr , Otruba Pavel , Herzig Roman , Kaňovský Petr 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEBotulinum toxin (BTX) treatment can relieve focal arm spasticity after stroke, presumably through dynamic changes at multiple levels of the motor system, including the cerebral cortex. However, the neuroanatomical correlate of BTX spasticity relief is not known and should be reflected in changes of cortical activation during motor tasks assessed using repeated functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).METHODSFour patients (2 males, 2 females, mean age 25.5 years) with hemiplegia and distal arm spasticity after chronic ischemic stroke sparing the motor cortex were studied. fMRI during mental movement simulation of the impaired hand was performed in 2 sessions before and 4 weeks after BTX treatment. The change in arm spasticity was assessed using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS).RESULTSBTX treatment significantly decreased arm spasticity across the group (mean MAS change 2.1). Whereas fMRI during imagined movement pre‐BTX treatment showed extensive bilateral network of active areas, post‐BTX activation was confined to the midline and contralateral sensorimotor cortices. The pre‐ > post‐BTX contrast revealed a significant decrease in activation of the posterior cingulate/precuneus region after BTX treatment.CONCLUSIONThis small study suggests that structures outside the classical motor system, such as the posterior cingulate/precuneus region, may be associated with the relief of poststroke arm spasticity.
A Global Survey of Static Stability in the Stratosphere and Upper Troposphere
Authors: Grise Kevin M. , Thompson David W. J. , Birner Thomas 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Static stability is a fundamental dynamical quantity that measures the vertical temperature stratification of the atmosphere. However, the magnitude and structure of finescale features in this field are difficult to discern in temperature data with low vertical resolution. In this study, the authors apply more than six years of high vertical resolution global positioning system radio occultation temperature profiles to document the long-term mean structure and variability of the global static stability field in the stratosphere and upper troposphere.
The most pronounced feature in the long-term mean static stability field is the well-known transition from low values in the troposphere to high values in the stratosphere. Superposed on this general structure are a series of finer-scale features: a minimum in static stability in the tropical upper troposphere, a broad band of high static stability in the tropical stratosphere, increases in static stability within the core of the stratospheric polar vortices, and a shallow but pronounced maximum in static stability just above the tropopause at all latitudes [i.e., the “tropopause inversion layer” (TIL)].
The results shown here provide the first global survey of static stability using high vertical resolution data and also uncover two novel aspects of the static stability field. In the tropical lower stratosphere, the results reveal a unique vertically and horizontally varying static stability structure, with maxima located at ∼17 and ∼19 km. The upper feature peaks during the NH cold season and has its largest magnitude between 10° and 15° latitude in both hemispheres; the lower feature exhibits a weaker seasonal cycle and is centered at the equator. The results also demonstrate that the strength of the TIL is closely tied to stratospheric dynamic variability. The magnitude of the TIL is enhanced following sudden stratospheric warmings in the polar regions and the easterly phase of the quasi-biennial oscillation in the tropics.