bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The chemokine scavenging receptor D6 limits acute toxic liver injury in vivo
Authors: Berres Marie-Luise , Trautwein Christian , Zaldivar Mirko Moreno , Schmitz Petra , Pauels Katrin , Lira Sergio A. , Tacke Frank , Wasmuth Hermann E. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The chemokine decoy receptor D6 is a promiscuous chemokine receptor lacking classical signaling functions. It negatively regulates inflammation by targeting CC chemokines to cellular internalization and degradation. Here we analyze the function of D6 in acute CCl4-induced liver damage in constitutive D6-/- and wild-type mice. The degree of liver injury was assessed by liver histology, serum transaminases, IL-6, and TNFα mRNA expression. Protein levels of D6 ligands (CCL2, CCL3, CCL5) and the non-D6-ligand CXCL9 within the livers were determined by ELISAs. The intrahepatic infiltration of immune cells was characterized by FACS. Genetic deletion of D6 led to prolonged liver damage after acute CCl4 administration. The augmented liver damage in D6-/- mice was associated with increased protein levels of intrahepatic inflammatory chemokines CCL2, CCL3, and CCL5 after 48 h, whereas CXCL9 was not different between knockout and wild-type mice. Functionally, increased intra-hepatic CC chemokine concentrations led to increased infiltration of CD45+ leukocytes, which were mainly identified as T and NK cells. In conclusion, the chemokine scavenger receptor D6 has a non-redundant role in acute toxic liver injury in vivo. These results support the importance of post-translational chemokine regulation and describe a new mechanism of immune modulation within the liver.
Hepatic and pancreatic stellate cells in focus
Authors: Kordes Claus , Sawitza Iris , Häussinger Dieter 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Stellate cells are vitamin A-storing cells of liver and pancreas and have been described in all vertebrates ranging from lampreys (primitive fish) to humans, demonstrating their major importance. This cell type is thought to contribute to fibrosis, a condition characterized by an excess deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. Recently, the expression of stem/progenitor cell markers, such as CD133 (prominin-1) and Oct4, was discovered in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of rats. Moreover, HSCs possess signaling pathways important for maintenance of stemness and cell differentiation, such as hedgehog, β-catenin-dependent Wnt, and Notch signaling, and are resistant to CD95-mediated apoptosis. In analogy to a stem cell niche, some characteristics of quiescent HSC are maintained by aid of a special microenvironment located in the space of Dissé. Finally, stellate cells display a differentiation potential as investigated in vitro and in vivo. Collectively all these properties are congruently found in stem/progenitor cells and support the concept that stellate cells are undifferentiated cells, which might play an important role in liver regeneration. The present review highlights findings related to this novel aspect of stellate cell biology.
Zwischen Wort und Zeichen. Die graphische Markierung suprasegmentaler Einheiten in der Frühen Neuzeit
Authors: Voeste Anja 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Variation is an essential feature of Early New High German orthography. I attribute this phenomenon to the exhortation to pursue stylistic diversification, a striving for which rhetoricians like Erasmus expressed support. The segmentation and transformation of written words in the 16th century shows that variation led to conditions favorable for an analysis that contributed to the establishment of new—morphological and syllabic—principles for spelling words. Examples such as <darvon> (instead of <daruon>) and <bisher> (instead of <biſher>) demonstrate morphological segmentation of the written word form. Distinctive syllabic features in historically unfounded spellings like <mehr> and <Jhar> call attention to a syllabic analysis. Both new spelling principles document a process of turning away from the segmental-phonographic practice that had prevailed prior to that time. These new spellings refer to a fundamental change in how the written word was perceived.
Measurement of Water Permeability of Roof Tiles and Influence of Entrapped Air
Authors: Iba Chiemi , Hokoi Shuichi 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Freezing damage in roof tiles is caused by a temperature drop in conjunction with a percent of saturation inside the tile. In order to understand the freezing-thawing process, it is necessary to know the moisture transport characteristics of a roof tile. In general, Japanese roof tiles have surface finishes. In this study, the water permeability of roof tiles with and without surface finishes was measured. The measured results showed that tiles with surface finishes had water resistances a few thousand-fold higher than tiles without surface finishes. Furthermore, it appears that the air entrapped within the tile has a significant influence on moisture transport in the tile. The influence of air was examined by numerical analysis, which demonstrated that an increase in the entrapped air pressure suppressed water infiltration.
Adiabatic Compression Testing—Part I: Historical Development and Evaluation of Fluid Dynamic Processes Including Shock-Wave Considerations
Authors: Newton Barry E. , Steinberg Ted 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAdiabatic compression testing of components in gaseous oxygen is a test method that is utilized worldwide and is commonly required to qualify a component for ignition tolerance under its intended service. This testing is required by many industry standards organizations and government agencies. This paper traces the background of adiabatic compression testing in the oxygen community and discusses the thermodynamic and fluid dynamic processes that occur during rapid pressure surges. This paper is the first of several papers by the authors on the subject of adiabatic compression testing and is presented as a non-comprehensive background and introduction.
Distillation and Vapor Pressure Measurement in Petroleum Products
Authors: Montemayor Rey G. 
Published: July 2009

Description
Twelve comprehensive chapters give you the latest practical information regarding distillation and vapor pressure measurement of petroleum products, as well as the significance of distillation and vapor pressure data in various petroleum products. The emphasis is on practical applications, rather than scientific technology.
Manual 51 is a hands-on, practical reference manual for test operators, laboratory technicians, laboratory technologist, research workers, laboratory managers, and others, who need to have a good understanding of the routine measurement test method and procedures used to determine the characteristics and properties of various petroleum products. It provides useful information for the practitioners of routine petroleum test measurements and offers insight on how these measured properties apply to and affect the performance of these products.
Challenges in current adult fish laboratory reproductive tests: Suggestions for refinement using a mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) case study
Authors: Bosker Thus , Munkittrick Kelly R. , MacLatchy Deborah L. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractConcerns about screening endocrine-active contaminants have led to the development of a number of short-term fish reproductive tests. A review conducted of 62 published adult fish reproductive papers using various fish species found low samples sizes (mean of 5.7 replicates with a median of 5 replicates) and high variance (an average coefficient of variance of 43.8%). The high variances and low sample sizes allow only relatively large differences to be detected with the current protocols; the average significant difference detected was a 68.7% reduction in egg production, while only differences above 50% were detected with confidence. This result indicates low power to detect more subtle differences and a high probability of type II errors in interpretation. The present study identifies several ways to increase the power of the adult fish reproductive test in the mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus). By identifying the peak timing of egg production (before and after the new moon), extending the duration of the experiment (increased from 7 to 14 d), and determining that a sample size of eight replicate tanks per treatment accurately predicts variance in the sample population (based on pre-exposure variation calculations of replicate tanks), the power of the test has been significantly increased. The present study demonstrates that weaknesses in the current adult fish reproductive tests can easily be addressed by focusing on improved understanding of the reproductive behavior of the test species and developing study designs that include calculating desired variability levels and increasing replicates.
Comparative aquatic toxicity of propranolol and its photodegraded mixtures: Algae and rotifer screening
Authors: Liu Qin-Tao , Williams Tim D. , Cumming Rob I. , Holm Gisela , Hetheridge Malcolm J. , Murray-Smith Richard 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Transformation products of pharmaceuticals formed by human metabolism within sewage treatment plant or receiving waters are predicted, in most cases, to be less toxic than the parent compound to common aquatic species. However, there is little available data to demonstrate whether this is generally the case. In the present study, a framework was developed to guide testing of transformation products using phototransformation of the β-blocker propranolol to test the hypothesis for this particular transformation route. Phototransformation is an important depletion mechanism of some pharmaceuticals in surface waters with fast reaction rate constants at environmentally relevant conditions. Samples of propranolol in deionized water (DIW) and river water (RW) were exposed to a solar simulator (λ: 295–800 nm) and comparative toxicity of propranolol and its degraded mixtures measured using algal (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) and rotifer (Brachionus calyciflorus) screening tests. Results suggested a reduction of toxicity in photodegraded mixtures compared to the parent active pharmaceutical ingredient in all samples tested. Chemical analysis of effect test solutions supported the hypothesis that propranolol was transformed into compounds that appear to be less toxic to the organisms tested under the study conditions. Although the reactions were much faster in RW than in DIW, profiles of transformation products were similar in both matrices at two starting concentrations (1 and 10 mg/L). Results for propranolol implied that the reduction of toxicity using algal and rotifer screening tests was probably due to the production of more hydrophilic and more polar transformation products. Such results will provide useful insights into the environmental risk assessment of pharmaceuticals by taking into account their transformation products.
Bayesian multilevel discrete interval hazard analysis to predict dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene mortality inHyalella aztecabased on body residues
Authors: Lee Jong-Hyeon , Stow Craig A. , Landrum Peter F. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWe exposed Hyalella azteca to p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene for intervals of 1 to 4 d and followed mortality out to 10 d. Mortality was determined as the cessation of heartbeat; dead organism body residue was determined daily. To model mortality probability, body residues of the living organisms were estimated using published kinetic data with concentration-dependent rate constants. The estimated residues compared favorably with measured residues in the dead organisms (predicted body residue = 1.302 ± 0.142 measured body residue + 10.351 ± 15.766, r2 = 0.64, n = 50). The response data were collected at discrete intervals; thus, it was not possible to determine the exact time of death for organisms. Consequently, we analyzed the mortality data using discrete interval analysis, in a Bayesian hierarchical framework, with body residue as the dose metric. The predicted body residues to produce mortality were similar across the duration of exposure when postexposure mortality was considered. The concentration for 50% mortality was 0.47 μmol/g (148.6 μg/g, range 0.32–0.66 μmol/g), and predictions of response indicted 95% (range 73–99.9%) mortality at 0.79 μmol/g (250 μg/g) and 4% (range 1.2–9.6%) mortality at 0.16 μmol/g (50 μg/g). The lethal residue for 50% mortality based on interval analysis for short-term exposures with postexposure mortality resulted in values similar to long-term continuous exposures for exposure durations of more than 600 h.
Enterovirus Infection, CXC Chemokine Ligand 10 (CXCL10), and CXCR3 Circuit
Authors: Tanaka Shoichiro , Nishida Yoriko , Aida Kaoru , Maruyama Taro , Shimada Akira , Suzuki Masako , Shimura Hiroki , Takizawa Soichi , Takahashi Masashi , Akiyama Daiichiro , Arai-Yamashita Sayaka , Furuya Fumihiko , Kawaguchi Akio , Kaneshige Masahiro , Katoh Ryohei , Endo Toyoshi , Kobayashi Tetsuro 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE
Fulminant type 1 diabetes is characterized by the rapid onset of severe hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis, with subsequent poor prognosis of diabetes complications. Causative mechanisms for accelerated β-cell failure are unclear.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Subjects comprised three autopsied patients who died from diabetic ketoacidosis within 2–5 days after onset of fulminant type 1 diabetes. We examined islet cell status, including the presence of enterovirus and chemokine/cytokine/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expressions in the pancreata using immunohistochemical analyses and RT-PCR.

RESULTS
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the presence of enterovirus-capsid protein in all three affected pancreata. Extensive infiltration of CXCR3 receptor–bearing T-cells and macrophages into islets was observed. Dendritic cells were stained in and around the islets. Specifically, interferon-γ and CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) were strongly coexpressed in all subtypes of islet cells, including β-cells and α-cells. No CXCL10 was expressed in exocrine pancreas. Serum levels of CXCL10 were increased. Expression of MHC class II and hyperexpression of MHC class I was observed in some islet cells.

CONCLUSIONS
These results strongly suggest the presence of a circuit for the destruction of β-cells in fulminant type 1 diabetes. Enterovirus infection of the pancreas initiates coexpression of interferon-γ and CXCL10 in β-cells. CXCL10 secreted from β-cells activates and attracts autoreactive T-cells and macrophages to the islets via CXCR3. These infiltrating autoreactive T-cells and macrophages release inflammatory cytokines including interferon-γ in the islets, not only damaging β-cells but also accelerating CXCL10 generation in residual β-cells and thus further activating cell-mediated autoimmunity until all β-cells have been destroyed.
Flicker Light–Induced Retinal Vasodilation in Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Nguyen Thanh T. , Kawasaki Ryo , Wang Jie Jin , Kreis Andreas J. , Shaw Jonathan , Vilser Walthard , Wong Tien Y. 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE
Flicker light–induced retinal vasodilation may reflect endothelial function in the retinal circulation. We investigated flicker light–induced vasodilation in individuals with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Participants consisted of 224 individuals with diabetes and 103 nondiabetic control subjects. Flicker light–induced retinal vasodilation (percentage increase over baseline diameter) was measured using the Dynamic Vessel Analyzer. Diabetic retinopathy was graded from retinal photographs.

RESULTS
Mean ± SD age was 56.5 ± 11.8 years for those with diabetes and 48.0 ± 16.3 years for control subjects. Mean arteriolar and venular dilation after flicker light stimulation were reduced in participants with diabetes compared with those in control subjects (1.43 ± 2.10 vs. 3.46 ± 2.36%, P &lt; 0.001 for arteriolar and 2.83 ± 2.10 vs. 3.98 ± 1.84%, P &lt; 0.001 for venular dilation). After adjustment for age, sex, diabetes duration, fasting glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, current smoking status, systolic blood pressure, and use of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications, participants with reduced flicker light–induced vasodilation were more likely to have diabetes (odds ratio 19.7 [95% CI 6.5–59.1], P &lt; 0.001 and 8.14 [3.1–21.4], P &lt; 0.001, comparing lowest vs. highest tertile of arteriolar and venular dilation, respectively). Diabetic participants with reduced flicker light–induced vasodilation were more likely to have diabetic retinopathy (2.2 [1.2–4.0], P = 0.01 for arteriolar dilation and 2.5 [1.3–4.5], P = 0.004 for venular dilation).

CONCLUSIONS
Reduced retinal vasodilation after flicker light stimulation is independently associated with diabetes status and, in individuals with diabetes, with diabetic retinopathy. Our findings may therefore support endothelial dysfunction as a pathophysiological mechanism underlying diabetes and its microvascular manifestations.
Insomnia With Objective Short Sleep Duration Is Associated With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Vgontzas Alexandros N. , Liao Duanping , Pejovic Slobodanka , Calhoun Susan , Karataraki Maria , Bixler Edward O. 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE
We examined the joint effects of insomnia and objective short sleep duration, the combination of which is associated with higher morbidity, on diabetes risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 1,741 men and women randomly selected from Central Pennsylvania were studied in the sleep laboratory. Insomnia was defined by a complaint of insomnia with duration of ≥1 year, whereas poor sleep was defined as a complaint of difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or early final awakening. Polysomnographic sleep duration was classified into three categories: ≥6 h of sleep (top 50% of the sample); 5–6 h (approximately third quartile of the sample); and ≤5 h (approximately the bottom quartile of the sample). Diabetes was defined either based on a fasting blood glucose &gt;126 mg/dl or use of medication. In the logistic regression model, we simultaneously adjusted for age, race, sex, BMI, smoking, alcohol use, depression, sleep-disordered breathing, and periodic limb movement.

RESULTS
Chronic insomnia but not poor sleep was associated with a higher risk for diabetes. Compared with the normal sleeping and ≥6 h sleep duration group, the highest risk of diabetes was in individuals with insomnia and ≤5 h sleep duration group (odds ratio [95% CI] 2.95 [1.2–7.0]) and in insomniacs who slept 5–6 h (2.07 [0.68–6.4]).

CONCLUSIONS
Insomnia with short sleep duration is associated with increased odds of diabetes. Objective sleep duration may predict cardiometabolic morbidity of chronic insomnia, the medical impact of which has been underestimated.
Association Between Plasma Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Concentration and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Middle-Aged Diabetic and Nondiabetic Individuals
Authors: Piemonti Lorenzo , Calori Giliola , Lattuada Guido , Mercalli Alessia , Ragogna Francesca , Garancini Maria Paola , Ruotolo Giacomo , Luzi Livio , Perseghin Gianluca 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) is a chemokine involved into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and has prognostic value in the acute and chronic phases in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
MCP-1/CCL2 concentration was measured in plasma fractions of 363 middle-aged overweight/obese individuals (aged 61 ± 12 years, BMI 30.1 ± 6.6 kg/m2, 15% with type 2 diabetes, and 12% with impaired glucose tolerance) of a population survey carried out in 1990–1991 in Lombardy, Italy (Cremona Study), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality was assessed in 2006 through Regional Health Registry files.

RESULTS
At baseline MCP-1/CCL2 was increased in individuals with type 2 diabetes (P &lt; 0.05) and showed significant correlations with biochemical risk markers of atherosclerosis. After 15 years, among the 363 subjects, there were 82 deaths due to CVD. In univariate analysis age, sex, fasting glucose and insulin, fibrinogen, glucose tolerance status, smoking habit, and MCP-1/CCL2 were associated with CVD mortality. Age, sex, fasting serum glucose, MCP-1/CCL2, and smoking habit maintained an independent association with CVD mortality in multiple regression analysis. In a subgroup of 113 subjects in whom data for C-reactive protein (CRP) were available, its level was not predictive of CVD mortality.

CONCLUSIONS
In middle-aged overweight/obese individuals MCP-1/CCL2 was independently associated with CVD mortality. Further studies will be necessary to establish its role as a surrogate biomarker and as a potential therapeutic target.
Early Life Programming of Abdominal Adiposity in Adolescents: The HELENA Study
Authors: Labayen Idoia , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Vicente-Rodríguez Germán , Turck Dominique , Rodríguez Gerardo , Meirhaeghe Aline , Molnár Denes , Sjöström Michael , Castillo Manuel J. , Gottrand Frederic , Moreno Luis A. ,   on behalf of the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) Study Group
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between birth weight and abdominal adiposity in adolescents.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 284 adolescents (49.3% of whom were female) aged 14.9 ± 1.2 years were included in the study. Birth weight and gestational age were obtained from parental records. Abdominal adiposity (in three regions: R1, R2, and R3) and trunk and total body fat mass were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Regional fat mass indexes (FMIs) were thereafter calculated as fat mass divided by the square of height (Trunk FMI and abdominal FMI R1, R2, and R3).

RESULTS
Birth weight was negatively associated with abdominal FMI R1, R2, and R3 independently of total fat mass, gestational age, sex, breast-feeding duration, pubertal stage, physical activity, and socioeconomic status (all P &lt; 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
Our study shows an inverse association between birth weight and abdominal adiposity in adolescents independently of total fat mass and other potential confounders. These findings suggest that fetal nutrition, as reflected by birth weight, may have a programming effect on abdominal adiposity later in life.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards blood-borne pathogens in healthcare workers in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Jankovic Slavenka , Bojanic Janja , Jovic-Vranes Aleksandra , Marinkovic Jelena , Jankovic Janko 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Exposure to blood borne pathogens poses a serious risk to healthcare workers (HCWs). This study was undertaken to investigate knowledge, attitudes and practices among HCWs towards blood borne pathogens. We carried out a cross sectional KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice) study, using self-administered questionnaire. The study population consisted of 127(23.6%) physicians, and 410 (76.4%) nurses and laboratory technicians. Factor analysis and conditional multiple logistic regression were used in statistical analysis. We found that the knowledge of the epidemiological characteristics of blood-borne infection, the risk of acquisition and available preventative measures among HCWs is insufficient. Doctors were more knowledgeable about the transmissibility of blood borne pathogens regarding sexual transmission after percutaneous exposure (odds ratio) OR=2.71; 95% (confidence interval) CI=1.51–4.84, OR=2.45; 95% CI=1.21–4.96), respectively. Nurses reported professional exposure to patient’s blood more often than doctors (OR=0.90; 95% CI=0.84–0.96). Negative attitudes towards HIV positive patients were also noted. Less than half of HCWs used appropriate barriers (gloves, mask, and glasses) to protect them regularly. The compulsory preventive measures implied by the results of this study are continuous education, immunization against Hepatitis B, implementing Standard Precautions, as well as the development of written guidelines on the prevention of blood-borne infections.