bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of antihypertensive treatment on endothelial function in postmenopausal hypertensive women. A significant role for aldosterone inhibition
Authors: Rossi Rosario , Nuzzo Annachiara , Iaccarino Daniele , Lattanzi Antonella , Origliani Giorgia , Monopoli Daniel Enrique , Modena Maria Grazia 
Published: July 2011

Introduction: Endothelial dysfunction is a well-demonstrated independent predictor of cardiovascular events in hypertensive postmenopausal women. Accordingly, it is plausible that improving endothelial function could represent an adjunctive target for antihypertensive treatment. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of pharmacologic treatment on endothelial function in the specific population of hypertensive postmenopausal women. Methods: A total of 320 consecutive hypertensive postmenopausal women underwent a high-resolution ultrasound study of the brachial artery at baseline and after six months, while ‘optimal’ control of blood pressure (maintenance of blood pressure values below 140/90 mmHg at all follow-up visits) was achieved using antihypertensive therapy. Endothelial function was measured as flow-mediated dilation, using ultrasound method. Results: After six months of treatment, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) had significantly improved in the majority of patients (n = 257 [80.3% of the entire population]; FMD = 8.1 ± 1.0% at baseline vs. 10.6 ± 1.5% after follow-up; p < 0.001), but it had not changed or worsened in others (n = 63 [19.7%]; FMD = 8.2 ± 1.2% at baseline vs. 7.6 ± 1.0% after six months; p = ns). Improvement of endothelial function, at multivariate analysis, resulted independently associated with the use of aldosterone inhibitors (odds ratio = 2.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.55–2.75; p = 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a significant improvement in endothelial function may be obtained after six months of an optimal antihypertensive therapy. Among all hypertensive postmenopausal women that achieved an optimal control of blood pressure during follow-up, the use of drugs that inhibit aldosterone receptors was associated with an improvement of endothelial function, beyond the ‘optimal’ blood pressure control.
Mandibular Actinomyces osteomyelitis complicating florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: case report
Authors: Smith Miller H , Harms Paul W , Newton Duane W , Lebar Bill , Edwards Sean P , Aronoff David M 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
Apart from neoplastic processes, chronic disfiguring and destructive diseases of the mandible are uncommon.

Case Presentation
We report, perhaps for the first time, the simultaneous occurrence of two such conditions in one patient, in a case that emphasizes the importance of bone biopsy in establishing the correct diagnosis. Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia (FCOD) is a chronic, disfiguring condition of the maxillofacial region. This relatively benign disease is primarily observed in middle-aged women of African ancestry. Cervicofacial actinomycosis is an uncommon and progressive infection caused by bacilli of the Actinomyces genus that typically involves intraoral soft tissues but may also involve bone. The accurate diagnosis of actinomycosis is critical for successful treatment. A diagnosis of osteomyelitis caused by Actinomyces bacteria was diagnosed by bone biopsy in a 53 year-old African-American woman with a longstanding history of FCOD after she presented with a new draining ulcer overlying the mandible.

Conclusions
Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of actinomycosis arising in the setting of FCOD, and the importance of bone biopsy and cultures in arriving at a definitive and timely diagnosis.
A novel method for prenylquinone profiling in plant tissues by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Martinis Jacopo , Kessler Felix , Glauser Gaetan 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
Prenylquinones are key compounds of the thylakoid membranes in chloroplasts. To understand the mechanisms involved in the response of plants to changing conditions such as high light intensity, the comprehensive analysis of these apolar lipids is an essential but challenging step. Conventional methods are based on liquid chromatography coupled to ultraviolet and fluorescence detection of a single or limited number of prenylquinones at a time. Here we present an original and rapid approach using ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-APCI-QTOFMS) for the simultaneous profiling of eleven prenylquinones in plant tissues, including α-tocopherol, phylloquinone, plastochromanol-8 and plastoquinone-9.

Results and discussion
Mass spectrometry and chromatography parameters were optimized using pure standards. Sample preparation time was kept to minimum and different extraction solvents were evaluated for yield, ability to maintain the redox state of prenylquinones, and compatibility with chromatography. In addition to precise absolute quantification of 5 prenyllipids for which standards were available, relative quantification of 6 other related compounds was possible thanks to the high identification power of QTOFMS. Prenylquinone levels were measured in leaves of Arabidopsis grown under normal and high light intensities. Quantitatively, the obtained results were consistent with those reported in various previous studies, demonstrating that this new method can profile the full range of prenylquinones in a very short time.

Conclusion
The new profiling method proves faster, more sensitive and can detect more prenylquinones than current methods based on measurements of selected compounds. It enables the extraction and analysis of twelve samples in only 1.5 h and may be applied to other plant species or cultivars.
H3K9me3-binding proteins are dispensable for SETDB1/H3K9me3-dependent retroviral silencing
Authors: Maksakova Irina A , Goyal Preeti , Bullwinkel Jörn , Brown Jeremy P , Bilenky Misha , Mager Dixie L , Singh Prim B , Lorincz Matthew C 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundEndogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are parasitic sequences whose derepression is associated with cancer and genomic instability. Many ERV families are silenced in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) via SETDB1-deposited trimethylated lysine 9 of histone 3 (H3K9me3), but the mechanism of H3K9me3-dependent repression remains unknown. Multiple proteins, including members of the heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) family, bind H3K9me2/3 and are involved in transcriptional silencing in model organisms. In this work, we address the role of such H3K9me2/3 "readers" in the silencing of ERVs in mESCs.ResultsWe demonstrate that despite the reported function of HP1 proteins in H3K9me-dependent gene repression and the critical role of H3K9me3 in transcriptional silencing of class I and class II ERVs, the depletion of HP1α, HP1β and HP1γ, alone or in combination, is not sufficient for derepression of these elements in mESCs. While loss of HP1α or HP1β leads to modest defects in DNA methylation of ERVs or spreading of H4K20me3 into flanking genomic sequence, respectively, neither protein affects H3K9me3 or H4K20me3 in ERV bodies. Furthermore, using novel ERV reporter constructs targeted to a specific genomic site, we demonstrate that, relative toSetdb1, knockdown of the remaining known H3K9me3 readers expressed in mESCs, includingCdyl,Cdyl2,Cbx2,Cbx7,Mpp8,Uhrf1 and Jarid1a-c, leads to only modest proviral reactivation.ConclusionTaken together, these results reveal that each of the known H3K9me3-binding proteins is dispensable for SETDB1-mediated ERV silencing. We speculate that H3K9me3 might maintain ERVs in a silent state in mESCs by directly inhibiting deposition of active covalent histone marks.
Phase Reversal of Somatosensory Evoked Potentials Triggered by Gracilis Tract Stimulation: Case Report of a New Technique for Neurophysiologic Dorsal Column Mapping
Authors: Simon Mirela V. , Chiappa Keith H. , Borges Lawrence F. , Nuwer Marc R. , Deletis Vedran 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background and Importance:
Reliable visual identification of the median raphae, essential for the preservation of function of the posterior dorsal columns during intramedullary spinal cord tumor resection, is not possible in many cases, because of distorted local anatomy. In such cases, intraoperative neurophysiologic mapping of the dorsal columns offers invaluable information to the surgeon, and guides the myelotomy. We hereby describe such a new technique.

Clinical Presentation:
A 41 -year-old man with a C3-C4 intramedullary spinal cord tumor underwent successful myelotomy and tumor resection. Dorsal column mapping was performed by use of an 8-contact minielectrode strip placed on the dorsal spinal cord. Direct electrical stimulation was applied via 2 adjacent contacts of the strip at a time, in an attempt to stimulate in succession the left and right dorsal columns. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) were recorded after each stimulation, via scalp electrodes. A sharp change in polarity of the recorded scalp SSEPs (phase reversal) indicated when the stimulation of the opposite dorsal column occurred. Myelotomy was performed in between the minielectrode contacts identified as being situated closest to the raphe. The posterior tibial SSEPs were continuously monitored during and after myelotomy and until the dura closure. No changes from premyelotomy SSEPs were present. Postoperatively, the patient had preservation of the posterior column function.

Conclusion:
SSEP phase-reversal technique is a promising new method to identify the neurophysiologic midline in intramedullary tumor resection. Fast and easy to perform, its final role in neurophysiologic dorsal column mapping awaits confirmation in future applications.
An improved ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of alloisoleucine and branched chain amino acids in dried blood samples
Authors: Alodaib A , Carpenter K , Wiley V , Sim K , Christodoulou J , Wilcken B 
Published: July 2011

Background Branched chain amino acid (BCAA) analysis is needed for the diagnosis and management of patients with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD). We report an improved ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the determination of BCAAs and Allo-Ile in dried blood spot (DBS) samples. Methods BCAAs were extracted from a 3 mm blood spot into methanol/water containing stable isotope internal standards. Eluents were dried and reconstituted in the mobile phase. Gradient elution was performed on an Acquity™ BEH C18 (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column. BCAAs were detected and quantified in the multiple reaction monitoring mode in a five-minute analysis. Results The assay was calibrated to give best possible alignment with plasma results. Retrospective analysis of newborn DBSs from six classic MSUD patients showed elevated alloisoleucine (Allo-Ile) in all cases. Two of four patients with mild disease had normal values; the other two had significant elevations in Allo-Ile. Conclusions Analysis of BCAA in DBS by UPLC-MS/MS is a useful second tier newborn screening test to identify classical MSUD and for monitoring of remote patients.
Pharmacotherapy for Acute Pouchitis
Authors: Wall Geoffrey C , Schirmer Lori L , Anliker Lynn E , Tigges Ashley E 
Published: July 2011

Objective: To review the current literature concerning the medical treatment of acute and chronic pouchitis. Data Sources: MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were searched (both 1965-February 2011) using the following terms: pouchitis, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment. Bibliographies from key articles were also searched, and all pertinent articles were reviewed. Study Selection And Data Extraction: All available primary literature published in English on treatment for pouchitis was considered, with controlled trials receiving highest priority. Data Synthesis: Pouchitis occurs in up to 50% of ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) patients with inflammatory bowel disease within 10 years of the procedure. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and fecal incontinence with frequent diarrhea. The diagnosis of pouchitis is usually made based on symptoms as well as endoscopic and histologic findings. Treatment of acute pouchitis includes antimicrobials such as ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and rifaximin. If these fail, limited data suggest that oral budesonide, mesalamine, or infiiximab may be effective treatments. Surgical revision may be necessary if medical treatments fail. Emerging evidence suggests that the probiotic compound VSL#3 may be effective in preventing the recurrence of pouchitis. Conclusions: Pouchitis is a common complication of IPAA surgery. The strongest data suggest that antimicrobial therapy is an effective first-line treatment for acute pouchitis, and VSL#3 may be effective for prevention of recurrence.
Role of Rifampin-Based Combination Therapy for Severe Community-Acquired Legionella pneumophila Pneumonia
Authors: Varner Terra R , Bookstaver P Brandon , Rudisill Celeste N , Albrecht Helmut 
Published: July 2011

Objective: To review the literature concerning the role of rifampin in the combination treatment of Legionella pneumophila pneumonia. Data Sources: A search of MEDLINE and Ovid databases was conducted (January 1970-May 2011) using the search terms Legionella pneumophila, pneumonia, Legionnaires' disease, rifampin or rifampicin, macrolide, fluoroquinolone, erythromycin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and moxifloxacin Study Selection and Data Extraction: In vivo studies published in English that compared antimicrobial therapies including rifampin for the treatment of Legionella pneumonia, as well as in vitro studies including an assessment of rifampin bioactivity, were included. Data Synthesis: Macrolides and fluoroquinolones have been effective as monotherapy in the treatment of L. pneumophila pneumonia. This review includes evidence summaries from 4 bioactivity evaluations. 6 clinical studies, and 6 reported cases of combination rifampin use. Combined with supporting evidence, the role of combination rifampin therapy is further delineated. Conclusions: Interpretation of the data is limited by the potential for selection bias and lack of consistent comparators. Rifampin therapy should be considered only for patients with severe disease or significant comorbid conditions (eg. uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, or obstructive lung disease) including immunocompromised hosts and those refractory to conventional monotherapy regimens. Caution for significant adverse drug events and drug-drug interactions should be taken with the addition of rifampin.
A Temperature Controlled Triaxial Apparatus for Testing Unsaturated Soils
Authors: Uchaipichat Anuchit , Khalili Nasser , Zargarbashi Saman 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
This paper describes a modified Bishop–Wesley triaxial apparatus for testing unsaturated soils at elevated temperatures. The suction is applied using the axis translation technique. The cell liquid temperature is controlled through a heating element, and a thermal sensor installed inside the triaxial cell. Experiments are carried out at temperatures up to 60°C. Potential difficulties in the use of the equipment are identified and solutions are discussed for their mitigation. The image-processing and the cell liquid measurement techniques are used to measure the overall volume change of the sample. The performance of these two techniques is reported.
Development of a Laboratory Procedure to Evaluate the Consolidation Potential of Soft Contaminated Sediments
Authors: Erten Mustafa B. , Gilbert Robert B. , El Mohtar Chadi S. , Reible Danny D. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Consolidation settlement of non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contaminated sediments may trigger NAPL mitigation. The consolidation potential and resulting NAPL mobilization of the sediments should be evaluated in the laboratory; however, due to the highly compressible and weak nature of riverbed sediments, it is usually not possible to conduct conventional consolidation tests on sediment specimens. In this study, a triaxial setup was modified to work effectively under low stresses. Kaolinite was used to represent the soil solid phase and Soltrol 130 (a type of mineral oil) was used to represent the NAPL. Both oil-wetted and water-wetted regimes were analyzed. Hexane Extraction and moisture content tests results confirmed the final fluid amounts in the specimen obtained by measuring the effluent volume during consolidation. The results of the tests show that approximately 0.1 g of NAPL per 1 g of soil solids is unlikely to be mobilized by consolidation. The developed procedure could also be employed to define the mobile and immobile fractions of NAPL and the expected compression of contaminated sediments. The volume of NAPL in excess of the retained residual can be used to design NAPL collection systems or to size layers of NAPL sorbent materials such as organo-clays.
Towards a Tensiometer Based Suction Control System for Laboratory Testing of Unsaturated Soils
Authors: Lourenço Sérgio D. N. , Gallipoli Domenico , Toll David G. , Augarde Charles E. , Evans Fred D. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
This paper presents the development of an automated tensiometer based suction control system for testing unsaturated soil samples. The system is able to dry and wet soil, while measuring suction (pore water pressure – air pressure) and water content. The system uses air circulation within a closed loop to dry the soil, or water injection to wet the soil, to achieve the required pore water pressure while the air pressure is kept atmospheric. Pore water pressure is controlled by using a feedback computer system that dries or wets soil samples according to measurements obtained from sample-mounted high suction tensiometers. Excess moisture in the air circulation loop is captured by an in-line moisture trap consisting of a sealed cell containing a desiccant (silica gel), which is placed on an electronic balance to give continuous measurements of retained water. Changes of the sample water content are measured as the difference between the amount of water injected and that retained by the moisture trap. The system is fully automated and runs controlled by software with minimum assistance. The proposed suction control system presents advantages over the conventional axis translation technique as it avoids the need for elevated pore air pressures and hence better replicates the natural processes of wetting and drying of soils. The system was developed for use in a triaxial cell, but could also be used with other instruments and for the determination of water retention curves.
A Brief History of the Development and Growth of the Corrugated Polyethylene Pipe Industry in North America
Authors: Goddard James B. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
From 1966 to 2009, the corrugated polyethylene pipe industry has grown from its first introduction to greater than a $2.5 × 109 industry in North America and from 4 in. (100 mm) only to a product diameter range of 2 in. (50 mm) through 60 in. (1500 mm). Markets have changed and grown as well, from predominantly agricultural drainage applications to housing, commercial development, transportation, mining, industry, forestry, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, turf drainage, and stormwater treatment. Increases in diameters and expansion of markets have led to corresponding changes in manufacturing processes and development of appropriate standards and specifications.
North America’s Cinderella Pipe Story: A Look at PVC Pipes’ Climb to the Top
Authors: Walker Bob 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Remember the story of Cinderella? Cinderella was too poor and unworthy to ever become a princess. Similarly, when first introduced into the North American pipe market in the 1950s, PVC pipe was admonished by competitors and skeptics as having little chance to succeed. As a substitute for the well-established pipe mainstays of that era—iron, steel reinforced concrete, asbestos cement, and vitrified clay; PVC pipe was initially viewed as having insufficient strength and stiffness to be a viable contender. All of these early views had to be changed. This paper summarily chronicles how the questions and doubts surrounding PVC pipe’s performance capabilities were overcome, including the resolution of subsequently raised concerns. Through the consistent treatment of every issue with rational, technical, research based approaches; combined with an extensive in-service record of admirable performance; the use of PVC pipe has grown steadily through more than five decades. As a direct consequence, PVC pipes now account for the majority of all new water and sanitary sewer installations, exceeding the market shares of all the aforementioned established pipe materials combined. PVC pipe’s fairy godmother is proud, indeed!
Environmental Stress Cracking of Commercial CPVC Pipes
Authors: Hauser Ray L. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
A study has been made by the author to learn effects of single and of mixed glycols causing environmental stress cracking of CPVC pipes made by four different manufacturers from two different resin suppliers. The study has shown that a mixture of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol is more damaging to CPVC pipe than either of the glycols by itself in the same relative concentration in water. The study also showed that one pipe resin containing a “tail” of lower molecular weight resin is somewhat more susceptible to cracking than the other resin. A secondary study also shows that the test method is appropriate for quickly evaluating chemicals in anti-corrosion treatments on steel pipes in sprinkler systems that can be particularly damaging to CPVC pipe.
Effect of Temperature and Pressure on Wear Properties of Ion Nitrided AISI 316 and 409 Stainless Steels
Authors: Pires Fernandes Frederico Augusto , Cristaldo Heck Stênio , Gomes Pereira Ricardo , de Paula Nascente Pedro Augusto , Casteletti Luiz Carlos 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Stainless steels are widely used in chemical and other industries due to their corrosion resistance. However, because of their low hardness and wear properties, their applications are limited. Many attempts have been made to increase the surface hardness of these materials by using plasma techniques. Plasma nitriding is distinguished by its effectiveness, and for presenting a relatively low cost and being a clean process, producing hard surface layers on stainless steels. Aiming to verify the influence of the temperature and pressure on the modified resultant layers, samples of AISI 316 and 409 stainless steels were plasma nitrided in two different temperatures (450 and 500°C) and pressures of 400, 500, and 600 Pa for 5 h. After the nitriding treatment, the layers were analyzed by means of optical microscopy and wear tests. Wear tests were conducted in a fixed-ball micro-wear machine without lubrication. After the plasma nitriding treatment on AISI 316 and 409 samples, homogeneous and continuous layers were produced and their thicknesses increased as the temperature increased and as the pressure decreased. The nitriding treatment on the AISI 316 steel resulted on the formation of expanded austenite layers at 450°C and chromium nitrides (CrN and Cr2N) phases at 500°C. The nitriding treatment on AISI 409 yielded the formation of similar layers for both treatment temperatures; these layers constituted mainly chromium (Cr2N) and iron (Fe2N, Fe3N, and Fe4N) nitrides. After the nitriding treatment, the AISI 316 steel sample presented higher wear resistance for lower temperature and pressure values. The increase on layer fragility, for higher temperature and pressure values, can be responsible for this inverse tendency. The wear resistance of the nitrided AISI 409 sample followed a logic tendency: the harder the layer, the better the performance, i.e., the performance was improved with the increase in both the temperature and pressure.