bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A computational model of the hypothalamic - pituitary - gonadal axis in female fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) exposed to 17α-ethynylestradiol and 17β-trenbolone
Authors: Li Zhenhong , Kroll Kevin J , Jensen Kathleen M , Villeneuve Daniel L , Ankley Gerald T , Brian Jayne V , Sepúlveda María S , Orlando Edward F , Lazorchak James M , Kostich Mitchell , Armstrong Brandon , Denslow Nancy D , Watanabe Karen H 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (e.g., estrogens, androgens and their mimics) are known to affect reproduction in fish. 17α-ethynylestradiol is a synthetic estrogen used in birth control pills. 17β-trenbolone is a relatively stable metabolite of trenbolone acetate, a synthetic androgen used as a growth promoter in livestock. Both 17α-ethynylestradiol and 17β-trenbolone have been found in the aquatic environment and affect fish reproduction. In this study, we developed a physiologically-based computational model for female fathead minnows (FHM, Pimephales promelas), a small fish species used in ecotoxicology, to simulate how estrogens (i.e., 17α-ethynylestradiol) or androgens (i.e., 17β-trenbolone) affect reproductive endpoints such as plasma concentrations of steroid hormones (e.g., 17β-estradiol and testosterone) and vitellogenin (a precursor to egg yolk proteins).

Results
Using Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations, the model was calibrated with data from unexposed, 17α-ethynylestradiol-exposed, and 17β-trenbolone-exposed FHMs. Four Markov chains were simulated, and the chains for each calibrated model parameter (26 in total) converged within 20,000 iterations. With the converged parameter values, we evaluated the model's predictive ability by simulating a variety of independent experimental data. The model predictions agreed with the experimental data well.

Conclusions
The physiologically-based computational model represents the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in adult female FHM robustly. The model is useful to estimate how estrogens (e.g., 17α-ethynylestradiol) or androgens (e.g., 17β-trenbolone) affect plasma concentrations of 17β-estradiol, testosterone and vitellogenin, which are important determinants of fecundity in fish.
Extensive epigenetic reprogramming in human somatic tissues between fetus and adult
Authors: Yuen Ryan KC , Neumann Sarah MA , Fok Alexandra K , Peñaherrera Maria S , McFadden Deborah E , Robinson Wendy P , Kobor Michael S 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Development of human tissue is influenced by a combination of intrinsic biological signals and extrinsic environmental stimuli, both of which are mediated by epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation. However, little is currently known of the normal acquisition or loss of epigenetic markers during fetal and postnatal development.

Results
The DNA methylation status of over 1000 CpGs located in the regulatory regions of nearly 800 genes was evaluated in five somatic tissues (brain, kidney, lung, muscle and skin) from eight normal second-trimester fetuses. Tissue-specific differentially methylated regions (tDMRs) were identified in 195 such loci. However, comparison with corresponding data from trisomic fetuses (five trisomy 21 and four trisomy 18) revealed relatively few DNA methylation differences associated with trisomy, despite such conditions having a profound effect on development. Of interest, only 17% of the identified fetal tDMRs were found to maintain this same tissue-specific DNA methylation in adult tissues. Furthermore, 10% of the sites analyzed, including sites associated with imprinted genes, had a DNA methylation difference of >40% between fetus and adult. This plasticity of DNA methylation over development was further confirmed by comparison with similar data from embryonic stem cells, with the most altered methylation levels being linked to domains with bivalent histone modifications.

Conclusions
Most fetal tDMRs seem to reflect transient DNA methylation changes during development rather than permanent epigenetic signatures. The extensive tissue-specific and developmental-stage specific nature of DNA methylation will need to be elucidated to identify abnormal patterns of DNA methylation associated with abnormal development or disease.
Deceased donor neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and delayed graft function after kidney transplantation: a prospective study
Authors: Hollmen Maria E , Kyllönen Lauri E , Inkinen Kaija A , Lalla Martti LT , Merenmies Jussi , Salmela Kaija T 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Expanding the criteria for deceased organ donors increases the risk of delayed graft function (DGF) and complicates kidney transplant outcome. We studied whether donor neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a novel biomarker for acute kidney injury, could predict DGF after transplantation.

Methods
We included 99 consecutive, deceased donors and their 176 kidney recipients. For NGAL detection, donor serum and urine samples were collected before the donor operation. The samples were analyzed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (serum) and the ARCHITECT method (urine).

Results
Mean donor serum NGAL (S-NGAL) concentration was 218 ng/mL (range 27 to 658, standard deviation (SD) 145.1) and mean donor urine NGAL (U-NGAL) concentration was 18 ng/mL (range 0 to 177, SD 27.1). Donor S-NGAL and U-NGAL concentrations correlated directly with donor plasma creatinine levels and indirectly with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated using the modification of diet in renal disease equation for glomerular filtration rate. In transplantations with high (greater than the mean) donor U-NGAL concentrations, prolonged DGF lasting longer than 14 days occurred more often than in transplantations with low (less than the mean) U-NGAL concentration (23% vs. 11%, P = 0.028), and 1-year graft survival was worse (90.3% vs. 97.4%, P = 0.048). High U-NGAL concentration was also associated with significantly more histological changes in the donor kidney biopsies than the low U-NGAL concentration. In a multivariate analysis, U-NGAL, expanded criteria donor status and eGFR emerged as independent risk factors for prolonged DGF. U-NGAL concentration failed to predict DGF on the basis of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Conclusions
This first report on S-NGAL and U-NGAL levels in deceased donors shows that donor U-NGAL, but not donor S-NGAL, measurements give added value when evaluating the suitability of a potential deceased kidney donor.
Effects of lowered serotonin transmission on cocaine-induced striatal dopamine response: PET [11C]raclopride study in humans
Authors: Cox Sylvia M. L. , Benkelfat Chawki , Dagher Alain , Delaney J. Scott , Durand France , Kolivakis Theodore , Casey Kevin F. , Leyton Marco 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundLow serotonin transmission is thought to increase susceptibility to a wide range of substance use disorders and impulsive traits.AimsTo investigate the effects of lowered serotonin on cocaine-induced (1.0 mg/kg cocaine, self-administered intranasally) dopamine responses and drug craving.MethodIn non-dependent cocaine users, serotonin transmission was reduced using the acute tryptophan depletion method. Striatal dopamine responses were measured using positron emission tomography with [11C]raclopride.ResultsAcute tryptophan depletion increased drug craving and striatal dopamine responses to cocaine. These acute tryptophan depletion-induced increases did not occur in the absence of cocaine.ConclusionsThe results suggest that low serotonin transmission can increase dopaminergic and appetitive responses to cocaine. These findings might identify a mechanism by which individuals with low serotonin are at elevated risk for both substance use disorders and comorbid conditions.
Psychiatric morbidity in prisoners with intellectual
disabilities: analysis of prison survey data for England and
Wales
Authors: Hassiotis Angela , Gazizova Dina , Akinlonu Leah , Bebbington Paul , Meltzer Howard , Strydom Andre 
Published: May 2011

SummaryA substantial number of prisoners have intellectual disabilities. We
analysed data on a sample drawn from all prisons in England and Wales.
Intellectual disability was defined as Quick Test scores equivalent to an IQ
of ⩽65. We found a significantly higher prevalence of probable psychosis,
attempted suicide and cannabis use in prisoners with intellectual
disabilities. Presence of intellectual disability was twice as likely to be
associated with probable psychosis but the relationship was fully mediated
by self-rated health status. It is important to identify this group as early
as possible in order to provide timely interventions to cope in adverse
environments and manage substance misuse.
Understanding Phenomena in the Real World: The Case for Real Time Data Collection in Health Services Research
Authors: Jones Martyn , Johnston Derek 
Published: May 2011

Understanding the environmental and behavioural predictors of wellbeing is a key driver of health and social care research. Research set in the social world examines the relationships between behavioural, cognitive, emotional and environmental factors, linking these to disease or social ills with the aim of providing better preventive or treatment services. Much of this research is based on retrospective measurement tools, such as questionnaires or interviews. However, retrospective accounts are prone to bias arising from the influence of the participant's current affective state on autobiographical memory and error-inducing heuristic strategies related to memory. Participant introspection also biases self-reports of behaviour and symptoms. This essay offers a critical examination of the advantages of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods over retrospective accounts in understanding social phenomena. Advantages of EMA include collection of longitudinal data from a representative part of the participant's daily experience, in real time and in the participant's natural environment. EMA accounts are gathered more closely in time to the event and are less biased by heuristic, autobiographical memory strategies. Real-time longitudinal data may be combined from a range of devices or forms of data collection; for example, self-report can be linked with objective physiological data. EMA allows testing of within-person variation in variables of interest in a way that is difficult to achieve using retrospective measures and between-person (group level) designs. EMA approaches provide not just more data, but better data than previously, allowing the application of more powerful analytic techniques to critical, real life questions than ever before.
Statistical Synthesis of Contextual Knowledge to Increase the Effectiveness of Theory-Based Behaviour Change Interventions
Authors: Hanbury Andria , Thompson Carl , Mannion Russell 
Published: May 2011

Tailored implementation strategies targeting health professionals' adoption of evidence-based recommendations are currently being developed. Research has focused on how to select an appropriate theoretical base, how to use that theoretical base to explore the local context, and how to translate theoretical constructs associated with the key factors found to influence innovation adoption into feasible and tailored implementation strategies. The reasons why an intervention is thought not to have worked are often cited as being: inappropriate choice of theoretical base; unsystematic development of the implementation strategies; and a poor evidence base to guide the process. One area of implementation research that is commonly overlooked is how to synthesize the data collected in a local context in order to identify what factors to target with the implementation strategies. This is suggested to be a critical process in the development of a theory-based intervention. The potential of multilevel modelling techniques to synthesize data collected at different hierarchical levels, for example, individual attitudes and team level variables, is discussed. Future research is needed to explore further the potential of multilevel modelling for synthesizing contextual data in implementation studies, as well as techniques for synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data.
Isotope Dilution–LC-MS/MS Reference Method Assessment of Serum Folate Assay Accuracy and Proficiency Testing Consensus Mean
Authors: Blackmore Sheena , Pfeiffer Christine M , Lee Anne , Fazili Zia , Hamilton Malcolm S 
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND
Current methods for measuring folates in clinical laboratories are competitive folate binding protein assays. These assays show a considerable lack of agreement that has implications for the comparability of data across studies as well as for long-term population studies. The development of isotope dilution–liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) reference methods permitted the evaluation of method accuracy and consistency over time.

METHODS
We measured 3 pools of human serum by ID-LC-MS/MS, calculated values for total folate, and distributed the same pools to participants in a national External Quality Assessment scheme. We used linear regression to compare the all-laboratory and method data with reference method values. The exercise was repeated after 18 months to assess the stability of the all-laboratory and method data.

RESULTS
The distributed serum pools had mass spectrometry values for folate species typical of those found in healthy individuals from populations not receiving dietary folic acid fortification. There was good agreement of the all-laboratory data set with the reference method (y =0.86x + 0.91 μg/L) at both time points. Linear regression demonstrated that the Abbott Architect showed the closest agreement with the reference method. The Roche Elecsys method was nonlinear and showed a calibration offset of 2.6 μg/L (4.57 nmol/L).

CONCLUSIONS
Calibration of serum folate assays traceable to higher-order reference methods increases method accuracy and improves consistency. The all-laboratory consensus mean proved sufficiently accurate and stable to be used as the target for monitoring laboratory performance.
Stationary electro-rheological fluids: Low order regularity for systems with discontinuous coefficients
Authors: Bögelein Verena , Duzaar Frank , Habermann Jens , Scheven Christoph 
Published: May 2011

Abstract.
We establish partial regularity for solutions

to systems modeling electro-rheological
fluids in the stationary case. As a model case our result covers the low order regularity of systems of the type

where denotes the symmetric part of the gradient , denotes the pressure, the not necessarily continuous coefficient is a bounded non-negative
-function and the variable exponent function fulfills the logarithmic continuity assumption,
i.e., we assume that for the modulus of continuity of the exponent function there holds

To be more precise, we prove Hölder continuity of the
solution outside of a negligible set. Moreover, we show that and the pressure belong to certain Morrey spaces
on the regular set of , i.e., the set where is Hölder continuous. Note that under such weak assumptions partial Hölder continuity for
the gradient cannot be expected. Our result is even new if the coefficient is continuous.
Osteoblasts in osteoporosis: past, emerging, and future anabolic targets
Authors: Marie Pierre J , Kassem Moustapha 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveAge-related bone loss is associated with significant changes in bone remodeling characterized by decreased trabecular and periosteal bone formation relative to bone resorption, resulting in bone fragility and increased risk of fractures. Prevention or reversal of age-related decrease in bone mass and increase in bone fragility has been based on inhibition of bone resorption using anticatabolic drugs. The current challenge is to promote osteoblastogenesis and bone formation to prevent age-related bone deterioration.MethodsA limited number of approved therapeutic molecules are available to activate bone formation. Therefore, there is a need for anabolic drugs that promote bone matrix apposition at the endosteal, endocortical, and periosteal envelopes by increasing the number of osteoblast precursor cells and/or the function of mature osteoblasts. In this study, we review current therapeutics promoting bone formation and anabolic molecules targeting signaling pathways involved in osteoblastogenesis, based on selected full-text articles searched on Medline search from 1990 to 2010.Results and discussionWe present current therapeutic approaches focused on intermittent parathyroid hormone and Wnt signaling agonists/antagonists. We also discuss novel approaches for prevention and treatment of defective bone formation and bone loss associated with aging and osteoporosis. These strategies targeting osteoblastic cell functions may prove to be useful in promoting bone formation and improving bone strength in the aging population.
Circulating platelet-derived microparticles are elevated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosed with the 1990 criteria and correlate with serum testosterone levels
Authors: Koiou Ekaterini , Tziomalos Konstantinos , Katsikis Ilias , Kalaitzakis Emmanuil , Kandaraki Eleni A , Tsourdi Elena A , Delkos Dimitrios , Papadakis Efstathios , Panidis Dimitrios 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveWomen with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) appear to have higher cardiovascular risk than healthy population. Patients diagnosed with PCOS according to the 1990 criteria have a more adverse metabolic profile than those diagnosed with the 2003 criteria. Platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) appear to contribute to atherosclerosis but have not been assessed in PCOS. The aim of this study was to determine plasma PMPs in PCOS patients.DesignA cross-sectional study.MethodsWe assessed plasma PMPs in 76 normal weight women with PCOS (39 belonging to the phenotypes 1 and 2 (group I) and 37 belonging to the phenotypes 3 and 4 (group II)) and 21 healthy normal weight women.ResultsMarkers of obesity and insulin resistance did not differ between women with PCOS and controls. Serum testosterone levels and the free androgen index (FAI) were higher in group I than in group II and controls (P<0.001 for all comparisons) but did not differ between the latter two groups. Plasma PMPs were higher in group I than in controls (P=0.018) but did not differ between group II and controls or between groups I and II. In the total study population (n=97), plasma PMPs correlated with serum testosterone levels (r=0.207, P=0.042) and the FAI (r=0.207, P=0.042).ConclusionsPlasma PMPs are elevated in women with phenotypes 1 and 2 of PCOS compared with healthy controls, but not in women with phenotypes 3 and 4. Hyperandrogenemia, which is more pronounced in phenotypes 1 and 2, appears to be implicated in the increase in plasma PMPs.
Combining Emerging Agents in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Luu Thehang , Chung Cathie , Somlo George 
Published: May 2011

AbstractNewer treatments have improved survival for patients with metastatic breast cancer over the last two decades, and a battery of new cytotoxic and targeted therapies is continuing to enhance this trend. This review outlines recent data and ongoing research in this area, by highlighting new developments (regarding approved but relatively new classes of cytotoxic and targeted agents) and also new classes of targeted therapy that are undergoing clinical evaluation. Mechanisms for synergy between agents are discussed where data are available, as is information on the rationale behind the development of agents that inhibit angiogenesis, DNA repair, histone deacetylases, heat shock proteins, or various signaling pathways in tumor proliferation. The abundance of clinical research surrounding anticancer agents, together with ongoing cancer biology research, is expected to further increase the available pool of therapeutic options for metastatic breast cancer. Concomitantly, in the absence of an effective targeted monotherapy, a better understanding of the interplay between biologic and cytotoxic anticancer agents will improve our ability to rationally design combination regimens with better efficacy and tolerability.
Is modeling of biological wastewater treatment a mature technology?
Authors: Gujer Willi 
Published: May 2011

Based on three case studies it is demonstrated that the application of mathematical models in biological wastewater treatment has not yet reached its full potential. Model structure uncertainty and correlation of uncertain parameter values make up the first case. The combination of biokinetic and hydraulic models relates to the second case. The evolution of a full scale plant over its life expectancy is the frame for the third case.
This paper was initially presented as a discussion starter and thus is raising questions rather than providing answers.
Evaluation of Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) Genotypes at Germination and Early Seedling Stage for Their Tolerance to Salinity
Authors: Islam MM , Karim MA 
Published: May 2011

An experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Agronomy Department, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur from July-June, 2009-2010 to evaluate the rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes for their tolerance to salinity. One hundred rice genotypes and two check cultivars (Pokkali as tolerant and IR29 as susceptible) were exposed to solution of Electrical Conductivity (EC) of 10, 15, and 20 dSm-1 (5:1 molar concentration of NaCl and CaCl2 solution) at germination and early seedling stage. Based on visual salt injury symptoms at 15 dSm-1, 13 genotypes were found fairly tolerant to salinity. However, among the 13 genotypes, only Patnai23 showed higher germination index and seedling relative dry weight than the check salt tolerant Pokkali at 15 dSm-1. Beside these, performance of Awned-1, Nonasail and Soloi was also well at this level. The genotypes Patnai23, Awned-1, Nonasail and Soloi showed the best performance under saline condition. Keywords: Rice genotypes; germination; salinity; tolerance DOI: 10.3329/agric.v8i2.7578 The Agriculturists 8(2): 57-65 (2010)
<i>Trichoderma</i>-Enriched Biofertilizer: A Prospective Substitute of Inorganic Fertilizer for Mustard (<i>Brassica campestris</i>) Production
Authors: Haque Md Manjurul , Haque Md Amdadul , Ilias GNM , Molla Abul Hossain 
Published: May 2011

Effects of Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer such as biofertilizer/compost [BioF/compost (household/kitchen wastes composted with Trichoderma harzianum T22)] and biofertilizer/liquid [BioF/liquid (T. harzianum T22 broth culture contains spores and mycelia)] alone or in combination with NPK fertilizer were evaluated for the growth, dry matter production, yield and yield attributes of mustard (Brassica campestris) grown under field condition. BioF/compost performed better than that of BioF/liquid. Recommended doses of NPK and 50% BioF/compost + 50% NPK showed similar effects on growth, dry matter accumulation and yield of mustard. Seed yield per plant was increased by 5.34% over the recommended dose of NPK, when the crop was fertilized with 50% BioF/compost along with 50% NPK. However, seed yield per plant was decreased only by 7.3 and 6.6% when BioF/compost, and 75% BioF/compost + 25% NPK were applied as compared to the recommended dose of NPK. Since 20% reduced yield is accepted in organic faming worldwide, the treatments namely BioF/compost, 50% BioF/compost + 50% NPK and 75% BioF/compost + 25% NPK might be recommended for mustard cultivation in Bangladesh, which may reduce cultivation cost and also reduce environmental pollution. Keywords: Mustard; growth; dry matter production; seed yield; biofertilizer DOI: 10.3329/agric.v8i2.7579 The Agriculturists 8(2): 66-73 (2010)
Pour introduire « la direction de la cure »
Authors: Vanier Alain 
Published: May 2011

est un texte de Lacan de 1958 et publié en 1961. Il se déploie entre une première proposition : le psychanalyste dirige la cure, mais non le patient, et une seconde : c’est le désir inconscient qui dirige le traitement. Cet axe reste celui de toute analyse. On a souvent opposé la visée de la cure chez Freud et chez Lacan, or cette contradiction n’est qu’apparente, c’est ce que cet article entend soutenir.