bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New paradigms for the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics in renal disease
Authors: Twombley Katherine E. , Seikaly Mouin G. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractPrebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics are now used more commonly in medicine, and they are generally considered to be dietary supplements and not drugs. They are not meant to be used for the treatment of disease, although recent interest has grown in the area of disease treatment. Not all of the research is in support of the benefit provided by these supplements, and it is important to be aware of the associated risks and benefi ts. In nephrology, these supplements show potential benefi ts in treating kidney stones, uremia, and urinary tract infections. This paper reviews the current literature with an emphasis on the risks and benefi ts of these supplements in the treatment of these renal disorders.
Efficacy of adsorbent in delaying dialysis initiation among chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Maeda Kunimi , Hamada Chieko , Hayashi Takeshi , Shou Ichiyu , Wakabayashi Michirou , Fukui Mitsumine , Horikoshi Satoshi , Tomino Yasuhiko 
Published: May 2011

AbstractOBJECTIVEBy adsorbing uremic toxins, the oral adsorbent AST‐120 is anticipated to suppress progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hence delay initiation of dialysis. We conducted a retrospective study to clarify the efficacy of AST‐120 in combination with the current basic treatments in CKD patients.METHODSAmong 130 patients who initiated dialysis, 56 patients who had taken AST‐120 and 56 pair‐matched patients who had not taken AST‐120 were analyzed. Matching was conducted using propensity scores. Cumulative dialysis initiation rate and change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (_eGFR) were compared between the two groups.RESULTSAt baseline, 42.9% of patients in the AST‐120 group and 35.7% in the control group had diabetic nephropathy (DN) as the primary renal disease, and the mean eGFR rates were 11.7 ± 7.9 and 11.0 ± 9.3 mL/min, respectively. The 24‐month cumulative dialysis initiation rates were 64.3% in the AST‐120 group and 94.5% in the control group (p _ 0.001). When _eGFR before and after baseline were compared, the speed of eGFR reduction was significantly retarded in the AST‐120 group (p _ 0.001), while no difference was observed in the control group.CONCLUSIONSAST‐120 may further improve the effectiveness of the current basic treatment in delaying CKD progression.
The retinal mosaics of opsin expression in invertebrates and vertebrates
Authors: Rister Jens , Desplan Claude 
Published: May 2011

AbstractColor vision is found in many invertebrate and vertebrate species. It is the ability to discriminate objects based on the wavelength of emitted light independent of intensity. As it requires the comparison of at least two photoreceptor types with different spectral sensitivities, this process is often mediated by a mosaic made of several photoreceptor types. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the formation of retinal mosaics and the regulation of photopigment (opsin) expression in the fly, mouse, and human retina. Despite distinct evolutionary origins, as well as major differences in morphology and phototransduction machineries, there are significant similarities in the stepwise cell‐fate decisions that lead from progenitor cells to terminally differentiated photoreceptors that express a particular opsin. Common themes include (i) the use of binary transcriptional switches that distinguish classes of photoreceptors, (ii) the use of gradients of signaling molecules for regional specializations, (iii) stochastic choices that pattern the retina, and (iv) the use of permissive factors with multiple roles in different photoreceptor types. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 1212–1226, 2011
The actin nucleating Arp2/3 complex contributes to the formation of axonal filopodia and branches through the regulation of actin patch precursors to filopodia
Authors: Spillane Mirela , Ketschek Andrea , Jones Steven L. , Korobova Farida , Marsick Bonnie , Lanier Lorene , Svitkina Tatyana , Gallo Gianluca 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe emergence of axonal filopodia is the first step in the formation of axon collateral branches. In vitro, axonal filopodia emerge from precursor cytoskeletal structures termed actin patches. However, nothing is known about the cytoskeletal dynamics of the axon leading to the formation of filopodia in the relevant tissue environment. In this study we investigated the role of the actin nucleating Arp2/3 complex in the formation of sensory axon actin patches, filopodia, and branches. By combining in ovo chicken embryo electroporation mediated gene delivery with a novel acute ex vivo spinal cord preparation, we demonstrate that actin patches form along sensory axons and give rise to filopodia in situ. Inhibition of Arp2/3 complex function in vitro and in vivo decreases the number of axonal filopodia. In vitro, Arp2/3 complex subunits and upstream regulators localize to actin patches. Analysis of the organization of actin filaments in actin patches using platinum replica electron microscopy reveals that patches consist of networks of actin filaments, and filaments in axonal filopodia exhibit an organization consistent with the Arp2/3‐based convergent elongation mechanism. Nerve growth factor (NGF) promotes formation of axonal filopodia and branches through phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K). Inhibition of the Arp2/3 complex impairs NGF/PI3K‐induced formation of axonal actin patches, filopodia, and the formation of collateral branches. Collectively, these data reveal that the Arp2/3 complex contributes to the formation of axon collateral branches through its involvement in the formation of actin patches leading to the emergence of axonal filopodia. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 71: 747–758, 2011
Mirror technology is the key
Authors: von Jan Peter , Axtner Markus 
Published: May 2011

AbstractGalvo‐scanner head have so far mainly been used for marking and rapid prototyping applications with lasers. They provide a good beam quality, but a rather moderate average power in the range of a few dozen watts. However, with the emergence of highly brilliant lasers – such as fibre and disk lasers – and even for some applications with less brilliant high power diode lasers, the application field of scanners has been extended into the multi kilowatt range. The scanning unit needs to be capable of handling this higher power range – but without compromising on accuracy and speed!
Refractive and diffractive laser beam shaping optics
Authors: Umhofer Udo , Jäger Erwin , Bischoff Christian 
Published: May 2011

AbstractEspecially for micro machining lasers have opened new possibilities which were not accessible by traditional mechanical processes (e.g. intravolume glass marking). For many applications the raw Gaussian laser beam profiles are not optimal adapted for material processing. Therefore optimized beam profiles like those with homogeneous intensity (so called Top Hat) or with ring shape are often desired to enhance process efficiency and quality.
A fluid‐fluid interaction method using decoupled subproblems and differing time steps
Authors: Connors Jeffrey M. , Howell Jason S. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractA time stepping procedure is proposed for a coupled fluid model motivated by the dynamic core of the atmosphere‐ocean system. The method exploits properties of the atmosphere‐ocean system to obtain efficiency. The momentum equations for the two fluids may be solved in parallel with different time step sizes. Stability is maintained with large time steps via a balanced two‐way passing of momentum flux. Numerical tests are provided that demonstrate the efficiency of the method. Published 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2012
A proportional hazards regression model for the subdistribution with right‐censored and left‐truncated competing risks data
Authors: Zhang, Xu , Zhang Mei‐Jie , Fine Jason 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWith competing risks failure time data, one often needs to assess the covariate effects on the cumulative incidence probabilities. Fine and Gray proposed a proportional hazards regression model to directly model the subdistribution of a competing risk. They developed the estimating procedure for right‐censored competing risks data, based on the inverse probability of censoring weighting. Right‐censored and left‐truncated competing risks data sometimes occur in biomedical researches. In this paper, we study the proportional hazards regression model for the subdistribution of a competing risk with right‐censored and left‐truncated data. We adopt a new weighting technique to estimate the parameters in this model. We have derived the large sample properties of the proposed estimators. To illustrate the application of the new method, we analyze the failure time data for children with acute leukemia. In this example, the failure times for children who had bone marrow transplants were left truncated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical Simulation of the Hot Direct Rolling of Steel
Authors: Gelder S. , Buchmayr B. , Linzer B. , Hohenbichler G. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThin slab casting and direct rolling technologies became important for hot strip production to increase the productivity, to lower the investment costs and to increase the energy efficiency. The main objective of our investigation is to gain a better understanding of the microstructural evolution starting from solidification through to the final hot rolled sheet. Small ingots were cast and direct rolled and reheated and rolled, using a thermomechanical testing machine. The differences in the recrystallization kinetics during both production routes were measured using double hit hot compression tests. In addition, multipass deformation trials were performed to reveal differences in the resulting microstructure and the grain size homogeneity. It was found, that the coarse initial microstructure before rolling become negligible after three rolling passes. This means that despite the simple and economical direct rolling similar mechanical strip properties can be obtained in comparison to conventional strip production routes.
Informal learning
Authors: Callanan Maureen , Cervantes Christi , Loomis Molly 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe consider research and theory relevant to the notion of informal learning. Beginning with historical and definitional issues, we argue that learning happens not just in schools or in school‐aged children. Many theorists have contrasted informal learning with formal learning. Moving beyond this dichotomy, and away from a focus on where learning occurs, we discuss five dimensions of informal learning that are drawn from the literature: (1) non‐didactive, (2) highly socially collaborative, (3) embedded in meaningful activity, (4) initiated by learner's interest or choice, and (5) removed from external assessment. We consider these dimensions in the context of four sample domains: learning a first language, learning about the mind and emotions within families and communities, learning about science in family conversations and museum settings, and workplace learning. Finally, we conclude by considering convergences and divergences across the different literatures and suggesting areas for future research. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 646–655 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.143This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Learning
Comparing the Housing Trajectories of Different Classes Within a Diverse Homeless Population
Authors: Aubry Tim , Klodawsky Fran , Coulombe Daniel 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe paper presents findings from a longitudinal study identifying different classes of homeless individuals in a mid‐size Canadian city based on health‐related characteristics and comparing the housing trajectories of these classes 2 years later. Using data collected through in‐person interviews with a sample of 329 single persons who have experienced homelessness, the paper presents results of a latent class analysis. Results found four distinct latent classes characterized by different levels of severity of health problems—i.e., a class of individuals who are “Higher Functioning” (28.7%), a second class with “Substance Abuse Problems” (27.1%), a third class with “Mental Health Substance Abuse Problems” (22.6%), and a fourth class with “Complex Physical and Mental Health Problems” (21.6%) that included having diminished physical functioning, multiple chronic physical health conditions, mental health difficulties, and in some cases substance abuse problems. Follow‐up interviews with 197 of these individuals (59.9%) 2 years later showed the class of individuals with substance abuse problems experiencing the greatest difficulty in exiting homelessness and achieving housing stability. Implications of these findings for social policy development and program planning are discussed.
Mitochondrial diabetes is associated with insulin resistance in subcutaneous adipose tissue but not with increased liver fat content
Authors: Lindroos Markus M. , Borra Ronald , Mononen Nina , Lehtimäki Terho , Virtanen Kirsi A. , Lepomäki Virva , Guiducci Letizia , Iozzo Patricia , Majamaa Kari , Nuutila Pirjo 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe recently showed that patients with mitochondrial diabetes are insulin resistant in skeletal muscle before the decline in insulin secretion is observed. In this study, we further evaluate whether insulin resistance is associated with increased ectopic fat accumulation and altered adipose and hepatic tissue insulin sensitivity. We studied 15 nonobese patients with the m.3243A > G mutation. Five were without diabetes (group 1), three had newly diagnosed diabetes (group 2), and seven had previously diagnosed diabetes (group 3). Thirteen healthy volunteers of similar age and body mass index (BMI) served as controls. Insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake was measured with positron emission tomography using 2‐ [18F]‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose during euglycemic hyperinsulinemia. Fat masses and liver fat content were measured with magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Compared with controls, insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in adipose tissue was decreased by ∼50% in all groups with the m.3243A > G mutation. In addition, fat masses were not different, but insulin‐mediated suppression of lipolysis and adiponectin metabolism were blunted in patients with the m.3243A > G mutation. Hepatic fat content was normal (<5.6%) in 80% of patients and significantly elevated in one case only. Hepatic glucose metabolism in patients with m.3243A > G did not differ from that of controls. In conclusion, m.3243A > G mutation affects subcutaneous adipose tissue metabolism. This seems to occur before aberrant liver metabolism, if any, can be observed or before beta‐cell failure results in mitochondrial diabetes.
Parent‐reported benefits of flupirtine in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease; CLN3) are not supported by quantitative data
Authors: Cialone Jennifer , Augustine Erika F. , Newhouse Nicole , Adams Heather , Vierhile Amy , Marshall Frederick J. , de Blieck Elisabeth A. , Kwon Jennifer , Rothberg Paul G. , Mink Jonathan W. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractJuvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL; CLN3 disease; Batten disease) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease of childhood that typically presents at school age with vision loss followed by progressive cognitive decline, motor dysfunction, seizures, and behavior problems. No therapy has been shown to slow the progression of disease in JNCL patients, and all current treatments are symptomatic. Flupirtine has been shown in vitro to reduce apoptosis in CLN3 lymphocytes. Based on that preclinical study, several children with JNCL were given flupirtine by their parents. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was evidence of attenuated disease progression in any JNCL symptom domain. We administered a survey to parents of JNCL children to qualitatively assess flupirtine efficacy. We used the Unified Batten Disease Rating Scale (UBDRS) to determine specific aspects of disease progression and investigated three age‐related factors: loss of independent ambulation, loss of intelligible speech, and loss of ability to perform independent activities of daily living. The median scores for the UBDRS physical, behavior, and capability subscales were determined in flupirtine‐exposed subjects and compared to age‐, sex‐, and genotype‐matched subjects who had never taken flupirtine. Twenty‐one percent of survey responders reported administering flupirtine to their JNCL child, and 56% of these families perceived beneficial changes that they attributed to flupirtine. However, our quantitative, prospectively obtained data did not show any change in JNCL disease progression that could be attributed to flupirtine. This study highlights the need for prospective experimental therapeutic research.
An Exploration of the Cultural Context of Kinship and Genetics Amongst Arabic‐Australians: Implications for Practice
Authors: Saleh Mona , Barlow‐Stewart Kristine , Meiser Bettina , Kirk Judy , Tucker Kathy 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis paper examines the culturally determined attitudes and beliefs about kinship, causation of hereditary cancer and other illnesses and the importance of family history amongst Arabic‐Australians. Ethnographic interviews were conducted initially with individuals who had attended a family cancer clinic and subsequently with community members. Our aim was to either verify or challenge the reported findings from the clinic sample. Interviews with 38 participants provided cultural descriptions of hereditary illnesses, including cancer, and their causes. While respondents recognized family history as an important factor that reflects on one's likelihood of successful child‐bearing, models of kinship described were not in line with Western concepts. Important issues emerged which need to be recognized as potential barriers to access to genetics services and challenges in this community. These include a lack of awareness of inherited cancer and the impact of consanguinity on the understanding of kinship in this community.
Kinetics of Enzyme Inhibition and Antihypertensive Effects of Hemp Seed (Cannabis sativa L.) Protein Hydrolysates
Authors: Girgih Abraham T. , Udenigwe Chibuike C. , Li Huan , Adebiyi Abayomi P. , Aluko Rotimi E. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the antihypertensive effects of enzymatic hemp seed protein hydrolysate (HPH) and its peptide fractions. Hemp seed protein isolate was digested by the sequential action of pepsin and pancreatin to mimic gastrointestinal digestion in human beings. The resultant HPH was separated by membrane ultrafiltration into peptide fractions with different sizes (<1 and 1–3 kDa). The HPH led to significantly higher (P < 0.05) in vitro inhibition of the activities of angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) and renin, the two main enzymes involved in abnormal blood pressure elevation (hypertension). Kinetic studies showed that HPH and peptide fractions inhibited renin and ACE activities in a mixed‐type pattern, indicating binding to areas other than the active site. Oral administration of HPH (200 mg/kg body weight) to spontaneously hypertensive rats led to significant reductions (P < 0.05) in systolic blood pressure (SBP) that reached a maximum of −30 mmHg after 8 h. In contrast, the hypotensive effects of peptide fractions (<1 and 1–3 kDa) had a maximum value of about −15 mmHg after 6–8 h post oral administration. The results suggest a synergistic antihypertensive effect of the peptides present within HPH; this effect was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) upon separation into peptide fractions.
Hematospermia: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Fuse Hideki , Komiya Akira , Nozaki Tetsuo , Watanabe Akihiko 
Published: May 2011

AbstractHematospermia is a relatively frequent, distressing, and frightening symptom for the majority of men. Although the differential diagnosis list is extensive, it is usually a benign, self‐limiting disorder, including inflammatory and infective pathologies, resolving in several weeks. However, in some cases, hematospermia is the harbinger of more serious pathological lesions that should not be missed. In younger patients below 40 years of age, infection of the urogenital tract is the most common etiology. Simple routine laboratory studies should identify the pathological factors. In patients 40 years or older, or those with persistent or recurrent conditions or associated symptoms, it is necessary to exclude urogenital malignant disorders. Patients should also undergo medical history taking, physical examination including temperature and blood pressure assessment, digital rectal palpation, and laboratory blood, urine, and semen tests. If the diagnosis is still unclear, further investigations involve transrectal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, urethrocystoscopy, and histological confirmation by biopsy. Treatment for hematospermia depends on the underlying pathological lesions, but often involves only minimal examinations and simple reassurance in most cases. Hematospermia caused by genitourinary infections is effectively treated with appropriate antiviral, antibiotic, or antiparasitic agents. Hematospermia due to malignant disorders including prostate, testis, and seminal vesicle cancers resolves with definitive treatment of the primary lesions.
On the contextual nature of sex‐related biases in pain judgments: The effects of pain duration, patient's distress and judge's sex
Authors: Bernardesl Sónia F. , Lima Maria Luísa 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAlthough women report feeling more pain than men their pain is often under‐valued as compared to men's pain. We argue that such biases are not universal, being either enhanced or suppressed by context‐related variables pertaining to the situation, the patient and the perceiver. Consequently, we aimed at understanding the effects of pain duration, patient's distress and the judge's sex on sex‐related biases in pain judgements. Two‐hundred and five nursing students (44.9% male) participated in a between‐subjects design, 2 (pain duration)×2 (patient's distress)×2 (patient's sex)×2 (participant's sex). Participants read a vignette depicting a man/woman going into an Emergency Room complaining of low‐back pain, that he/she had had for 3 days/years, with/without signs of distress. Afterwards, participants judged the: (1) clinical severity/urgency; (2) pain credibility; and (3) pain disability. Findings showed that sex‐related biases were only evident when pain was acute or expressed without distress. In these cases, the woman's clinical situation was perceived as less severe/urgent and her pain as less credible as compared to the man's. Moreover, only the judgments on the woman's pain were moderated by such contextual variables. Finally, male students were more biased than females. Implications for gender equality in pain treatments are drawn.