bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of injection moulded, natural fibre-reinforced composites with PP and PLA as matrices
Authors: Mofokeng J. P. , Luyt A. S. , Tábi T. , Kovács J. 
Published: November 2011

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polypropylene (PP) were comparatively investigated as matrices for injection-moulded composites containing small (1–3 wt%) amounts of short sisal fibre. The morphology, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties, as well as degradation characteristics were investigated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of the composites show more intimate contact and better interaction between the fibres and PLA, compared to PP. This improved interaction was confirmed by the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results which showed the presence of hydrogen bonding interaction between PLA and the fibres. The thermal stability (as determined through thermogravimetric analysis [TGA]) of both polymers increased with increasing fibre content, with a more significant improvement in the case of PP. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed a significant influence of the fibres on the cold crystallization and melting behaviour of PLA, even at the low fibre contents of 1–3%. The influence of the fibres on the melting characteristics of the PP was negligible, but it had a significant influence on the nonisothermal crystallization temperature range. Both the storage and loss moduli of the PLA decreased with increasing fibre content below the glass transition of PLA, but the influence on the loss modulus was more significant. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results clearly show cold crystallization of PLA around 110°C, and the presence of fibres gave rise to higher modulus values between the cold crystallization and melting of the PLA. The presence of fibres also had an influence on the dynamic mechanical properties of PP. This article further describes basic biodegradation observations for the investigated samples.
Menu engineering: A strategy for seniors to select healthier meals
Authors: Feldman Charles , Mahadevan Meena , Su Haiyan , Brusca Joseph , Ruzsilla John 
Published: November 2011

Aims: The specific objective of this ongoing investigation is to assess various menu manipulations and nutrition labelling to determine if they can effectively guide the older adult consumer to select healthier food items from a menu offering meals with differing nutritional attributes. Methods: One of three randomly assigned menus and a questionnaire were distributed to 150 senior adults (> 60 years of age) living in three assisted living residences, three congregate senior day programmes, and one senior church group in New Jersey, USA. A generic control menu, a treatment menu that used various merchandizing tools to promote the healthier menu items and the same treatment menu with nutritional labels added were designed. Participants selected their top five choices and then answered a short questionnaire, which surveyed demographics and menu selection background information. Results: The researchers found that certain menu merchandizing tools were effective, while nutrition labelling did not have a substantial effect for this population. Conclusions: Nutrition labels did not encourage healthier choices for the seniors surveyed in this study. Therefore, subliminal menu treatments may be more effective than nutrition labelling of menu items for elderly populations. Menu design has the potential to encourage healthier decisions through hidden persuaders, without infringing on the rights of elderly consumers to choose more indulgent menu options. However, menus are not effective tools for seniors who cannot cognitively and independently understand the menu. In certain circumstances, a non-select meal offering might be the best option. The menu strategies used in this study are most effective for those who are able to make independent menu choices.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate facilitates trafficking of hematopoietic stem cells and their mobilization by CXCR4 antagonists in mice
Authors: Juarez Julius G. , Harun Nadia , Thien Marilyn , Welschinger Robert , Baraz Rana , Dela Pena Aileen , Pitson Stuart M. , Rettig Michael , DiPersio John F. , Bradstock Kenneth F. , Bendall Linda J. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
CXCL12 and VCAM1 retain hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the BM, but the factors mediating HSC egress from the BM to the blood are not known. The sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) is expressed on HSCs, and S1P facilitates the egress of committed hematopoietic progenitors from the BM into the blood. In the present study, we show that both the S1P gradient between the BM and the blood and the expression of S1P1 are essential for optimal HSC mobilization by CXCR4 antagonists, including AMD3100, and for the trafficking of HSCs during steady-state hematopoiesis. We also demonstrate that the S1P1 agonist SEW2871 increases AMD3100-induced HSC and progenitor cell mobilization. These results suggest that the combination of a CXCR4 antagonist and a S1P1 agonist may prove to be sufficient for mobilizing HSCs in normal donors for transplantation purposes, potentially providing a single mobilization procedure and eliminating the need to expose normal donors to G-CSF with its associated side effects.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: in vitro studies on the interaction of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and low-sulfated heparin, with platelet factor 4 and anti-PF4/heparin antibodies
Authors: Krauel Krystin , Hackbarth Christine , Fürll Birgitt , Greinacher Andreas 
Published: November 2011

AbstractHeparin is a widely used anticoagulant. Because of its negative charge, it forms complexes with positively charged platelet factor 4 (PF4). This can induce anti-PF4/heparin IgG Abs. Resulting immune complexes activate platelets, leading to the prothrombotic adverse drug reaction heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT requires treatment with alternative anticoagulants. Approved for HIT are 2 direct thrombin inhibitors (DTI; lepirudin, argatroban) and danaparoid. They are niche products with limitations. We assessed the effects of the DTI dabigatran, the direct factor Xa-inhibitor rivaroxaban, and of 2-O, 3-O desulfated heparin (ODSH; a partially desulfated heparin with minimal anticoagulant effects) on PF4/heparin complexes and the interaction of anti-PF4/heparin Abs with platelets. Neither dabigatran nor rivaroxaban had any effect on the interaction of PF4 or anti-PF4/heparin Abs with platelets. In contrast, ODSH inhibited PF4 binding to gel-filtered platelets, displaced PF4 from a PF4-transfected cell line, displaced PF4/heparin complexes from platelet surfaces, and inhibited anti-PF4/heparin Ab binding to PF4/heparin complexes and subsequent platelet activation. Dabigatran and rivaroxaban seem to be options for alternative anticoagulation in patients with a history of HIT. ODSH prevents formation of immunogenic PF4/heparin complexes, and, when given together with heparin, may have the potential to reduce the risk for HIT during treatment with heparin.
Identification of exonic regions in DNA sequences using cross-correlation and noise suppression by discrete wavelet transform
Authors: Abbasi Omid , Rostami Ali , Karimian Ghader 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
The identification of protein coding regions (exons) in DNA sequences using signal processing techniques is an important component of bioinformatics and biological signal processing. In this paper, a new method is presented for the identification of exonic regions in DNA sequences. This method is based on the cross-correlation technique that can identify periodic regions in DNA sequences.

Results
The method reduces the dependency of window length on identification accuracy. The proposed algorithm is applied to different eukaryotic datasets and the output results are compared with those of other established methods. The proposed method increased the accuracy of exon detection by 4% to 41% relative to the most common digital signal processing methods for exon prediction.

Conclusions
We demonstrated that periodic signals can be estimated using cross-correlation. In addition, discrete wavelet transform (DWT) can minimise noise while maintaining the signal. The proposed algorithm, which combines cross-correlation and DWT, significantly increases the accuracy of exonic region identification.
Whole-Organ analysis of calcium behaviour in the developing pistil of olive (Olea europaeaL.) as a tool for the determination of key events in sexual plant reproduction
Authors: Zienkiewicz Krzysztof , Rejón Juan D , Suárez Cynthia , Castro Antonio J , de Dios Alché Juan , Rodríguez García María Isabel 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe pistil is a place where multiple interactions between cells of different types, origin, and function occur. Ca2+is one of the key signal molecules in plants and animals. Despite the numerous studies on Ca2+signalling during pollen-pistil interactions, which constitute one of the main topics of plant physiology, studies on Ca2+dynamics in the pistil during flower formation are scarce. The purpose of this study was to analyze the contents andin situlocalization of Ca2+at the whole-organ level in the pistil of olive during the whole course of flower development.ResultsThe obtained results showed significant changes in Ca2+levels and distribution during olive pistil development. In the flower buds, the lowest levels of detectable Ca2+were observed. As flower development proceeded, the Ca2+amount in the pistil successively increased and reached the highest levels just after anther dehiscence. When the anthers and petals fell down a dramatic but not complete drop in calcium contents occurred in all pistil parts.In situCa2+localization showed a gradual accumulation on the stigma, and further expansion toward the style and the ovary after anther dehiscence. At the post-anthesis phase, the Ca2+signal on the stigmatic surface decreased, but in the ovary a specific accumulation of calcium was observed only in one of the four ovules. Ultrastructural localization confirmed the presence of Ca2+in the intracellular matrix and in the exudate secreted by stigmatic papillae.ConclusionsThis is the first report to analyze calcium in the olive pistil during its development. According to our resultsin situcalcium localization by Fluo-3 AM injection is an effective tool to follow the pistil maturity degree and the spatial organization of calcium-dependent events of sexual reproduction occurring in developing pistil of angiosperms. The progressive increase of the Ca2+pool during olive pistil development shown by us reflects the degree of pistil maturity. Ca2+distribution at flower anthesis reflects the spatio-functional relationship of calcium with pollen-stigma interaction, progamic phase, fertilization and stigma senescence.
Improving interMediAte Risk management. MARK study
Authors: Martí Ruth , Parramon Dídac , García-Ortiz Luís , Rigo Fernando , Gómez-Marcos Manuel A , Sempere Irene , García-Regalado Natividad , Recio-Rodriguez Jose I , Agudo-Conde Cristina , Feuerbach Natalia , Garcia-Gil Maria , Ponjoan Anna , Quesada Miquel , Ramos Rafel 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular risk functions fail to identify more than 50% of patients who develop cardiovascular disease. This is especially evident in the intermediate-risk patients in which clinical management becomes difficult. Our purpose is to analyze if ankle-brachial index (ABI), measures of arterial stiffness, postprandial glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, self-measured blood pressure and presence of comorbidity are independently associated to incidence of vascular events and whether they can improve the predictive capacity of current risk equations in the intermediate-risk population.

Methods/Design
This project involves 3 groups belonging to REDIAPP (RETICS RD06/0018) from 3 Spanish regions. We will recruit a multicenter cohort of 2688 patients at intermediate risk (coronary risk between 5 and 15% or vascular death risk between 3-5% over 10 years) and no history of atherosclerotic disease, selected at random. We will record socio-demographic data, information on diet, physical activity, comorbidity and intermittent claudication. We will measure ABI, pulse wave velocity and cardio ankle vascular index at rest and after a light intensity exercise. Blood pressure and anthropometric data will be also recorded. We will also quantify lipids, glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in a fasting blood sample and postprandial capillary glucose. Eighteen months after the recruitment, patients will be followed up to determine the incidence of vascular events (later follow-ups are planned at 5 and 10 years). We will analyze whether the new proposed risk factors contribute to improve the risk functions based on classic risk factors.

Discussion
Primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases is a priority in public health policy of developed and developing countries. The fundamental strategy consists in identifying people in a high risk situation in which preventive measures are effective and efficient. Improvement of these predictions in our country will have an immediate, clinical and welfare impact and a short term public health effect.

Trial Registration
Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT01428934
Mast cell tryptase stimulates myoblast proliferation; a mechanism relying on protease-activated receptor-2 and cyclooxygenase-2
Authors: Duchesne Elise , Tremblay Marie-Hélène , Côté Claude H 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundMast cells contribute to tissue repair in fibrous tissues by stimulating proliferation of fibroblasts through the release of tryptase which activates protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2). The possibility that a tryptase/PAR-2 signaling pathway exists in skeletal muscle cell has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether tryptase can stimulate myoblast proliferation and determine the downstream cascade.MethodsProliferation of L6 rat skeletal myoblasts stimulated with PAR-2 agonists (tryptase, trypsin and SLIGKV) was assessed. The specificity of the tryptase effect was evaluated with a specific inhibitor, APC-366. Western blot analyses were used to evaluate the expression and functionality of PAR-2 receptor and to assess the expression of COX-2. COX-2 activity was evaluated with a commercial activity assay kit and by measurement of PGF2α production. Proliferation assays were also performed in presence of different prostaglandins (PGs).ResultsTryptase increased L6 myoblast proliferation by 35% above control group and this effect was completely inhibited by APC-366. We confirmed the expression of PAR-2 receptorin vivoin skeletal muscle cells and in satellite cells andin vitroin L6 cells, where PAR-2 was found to be functional. Trypsin and SLIGKV increased L6 cells proliferation by 76% and 26% above control, respectively. COX-2 activity was increased following stimulation with PAR-2 agonist but its expression remained unchanged. Inhibition of COX-2 activity by NS-398 abolished the stimulation of cell proliferation induced by tryptase and trypsin. Finally, 15-deoxy-Δ-12,14-prostaglandin J2(15Δ-PGJ2), a product of COX-2-derived prostaglandin D2, stimulated myoblast proliferation, but not PGE2and PGF2α.ConclusionsTaken together, our data show that tryptase can stimulate myoblast proliferation and this effect is part of a signaling cascade dependent on PAR-2 activation and on the downstream activation of COX-2.
Engineering an L-cell line that expresses insulin under the control of the glucagon-like peptide-1 promoter for diabetes treatment
Authors: Rasouli Mina , Ahmad Zalinah , Omar Abdul Rahman , Allaudin Zeenathul N 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Diabetes mellitus is a complicated disease with a pathophysiology that includes hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and other metabolic impairments leading to many clinical complications. It is necessary to develop appropriate treatments to manage the disease and reduce possible acute and chronic side effects. The advent of gene therapy has generated excitement in the medical world for the possible application of gene therapy in the treatment of diabetes. The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) promoter, which is recognised by gut L-cells, is an appealing candidate for gene therapy purposes. The specific properties of L-cells suggest that L-cells and the GLP-1 promoter would be useful for diabetes therapy approaches.

Results
In this study, L-cells were isolated from a primary intestinal cell line to create suitable target cells for insulin expression studies. The isolated cells displayed L-cell properties and were therefore used as an L-cell surrogate. Next, the isolated L-cells were transfected with the recombinant plasmid consisting of an insulin gene located downstream of the GLP-1 promoter. The secretion tests revealed that an increase in glucose concentration from 5 mM to 25 mM induced insulin gene expression in the L-cells by 2.7-fold. Furthermore, L-cells quickly responded to the glucose stimulation; the amount of insulin protein increased 2-fold in the first 30 minutes and then reached a plateau after 90 minutes.

Conclusion
Our data showed that L-cells efficiently produced the mature insulin protein. In addition, the insulin protein secretion was positively regulated with glucose induction. In conclusion, GLP-1 promoter and L-cell could be potential candidates for diabetes gene therapy agents.
Black tea extract prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB signaling and attenuates dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis
Authors: Song Young-A , Park Young-Lan , Kim Kyu-Yeol , Chung Cho-Yun , Lee Gi-Hoon , Cho Dae-Ho , Ki Ho-Seok , Park Kang-Jin , Cho Sung-Bum , Lee Wan-Sik , Kim Nacksung , Ahn Bong-Whan , Joo Young-Eun 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Black tea has been shown to elicit anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic properties. In this study, we investigated the impact of black tea extract (BTE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB signaling in bone marrow derived-macrophages (BMM) and determined the therapeutic efficacy of this extract on colon inflammation.

Methods
The effect of BTE on LPS-induced NF-κB signaling and pro-inflammatory gene expression was evaluated by RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The in vivo efficacy of BTE was assessed in mice with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. The severity of colitis was measured by weight loss, colon length and histologic scores.

Results
LPS-induced IL-12p40, IL-23p19, IL-6 and IL-1β mRNA expressions were inhibited by BTE. LPS-induced IκBα phosphorylation/degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB/p65 were blocked by BTE. BTE treatment blocked LPS-induced DNA-binding activity of NF-κB. BTE-fed, DSS-exposed mice showed the less weight loss, longer colon length and lower histologic score compared to control diet-fed, DSS-exposed mice. DSS-induced IκBα phosphorylation/degradation and phosphorylation of NF-κB/p65 were blocked by BTE. An increase of cleaved caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in DSS-exposed mice was blocked by BTE.

Conclusions
These results indicate that BTE attenuates colon inflammation through the blockage of NF-κB signaling and apoptosis in DSS-induced experimental colitis model.
An integrative genomic analysis revealed the relevance of microRNA and gene expression for drug-resistance in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Yamamoto Yusuke , Yoshioka Yusuke , Minoura Kaho , Takahashi Ryou-u , Takeshita Fumitaka , Taya Toshiki , Horii Reiko , Fukuoka Yayoi , Kato Takashi , Kosaka Nobuyoshi , Ochiya Takahiro 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Acquisition of drug-resistance in cancer has led to treatment failure, however, their mechanisms have not been clarified yet. Recent observations indicated that aberrant expressed microRNA (miRNA) caused by chromosomal alterations play a critical role in the initiation and progression of cancer. Here, we performed an integrated genomic analysis combined with array-based comparative hybridization, miRNA, and gene expression microarray to elucidate the mechanism of drug-resistance.

Results
Through genomic approaches in MCF7-ADR; a drug-resistant breast cancer cell line, our results reflect the unique features of drug-resistance, including MDR1 overexpression via genomic amplification and miRNA-mediated TP53INP1 down-regulation. Using a gain of function study with 12 miRNAs whose expressions were down-regulated and genome regions were deleted, we show that miR-505 is a novel tumor suppressive miRNA and inhibits cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. We also find that Akt3, correlate inversely with miR-505, modulates drug sensitivity in MCF7-ADR.

Conclusion
These findings indicate that various genes and miRNAs orchestrate to temper the drug-resistance in cancer cells, and thus acquisition of drug-resistance is intricately controlled by genomic status, gene and miRNA expression changes.
Evaluating interaction forces between BSA and rabbit anti-BSA in sulphathiazole sodium, tylosin and levofloxacin solution by AFM
Authors: Wang Congzhou , Wang Jianhua , Deng Linhong 
Published: November 2011

AbstractProtein-protein interactions play crucial roles in numerous biological processes. However, it is still challenging to evaluate the protein-protein interactions, such as antigen and antibody, in the presence of drug molecules in physiological liquid. In this study, the interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and rabbit anti-BSA was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in the presence of various antimicrobial drugs (sulphathiazole sodium, tylosin and levofloxacin) under physiological condition. The results show that increasing the concentration of tylosin decreased the single-molecule-specific force between BSA and rabbit anti-BSA. As for sulphathiazole sodium, it dramatically decreased the specific force at a certain critical concentration, but increased the nonspecific force as its concentration increasing. In addition, the presence of levofloxacin did not greatly influence either the specific or nonspecific force. Collectively, these results suggest that these three drugs may adopt different mechanisms to affect the interaction force between BSA and rabbit anti-BSA. These findings may enhance our understanding of antigen/antibody binding processes in the presence of drug molecules, and hence indicate that AFM could be helpful in the design and screening of drugs-modulating protein-protein interaction processes.
Report of two cases of influenza virus A/H1N1v and B co-infection during the 2010/2011 epidemics in the Italian Veneto Region
Authors: Calistri Arianna , Salata Cristiano , Cosentino Marina , Asnicar Samuele , Franchin Elisa , Cusinato Riccardo , Pacenti Monia , Donatelli Isabella , Palù Giorgio 
Published: November 2011

AbstractFrom October 2010 to April 2011, in the Italian Veneto Region, 1403 hospitalized patients were tested for influenza virus infection by specific real time RT-PCR. Overall, 327 samples were positive for either influenza A (75%) or B (25%) viruses. Among these positive patients two resulted co-infected by A/H1N1v and B viruses. Even though co-infection with both influenza A and B viruses appears to be a rare event, it occurs naturally and may play a role in epidemiology and pathogenicity. In the present study the two co-infected patients were a transplant recipient immunocompromised adult and a child displaying a severe respiratory illness. The co-infection was confirmed by inoculation of the nasopharyngeal swabs in MDCK.2 cells, followed by immunofluorescence and real time RT-PCR assays. Moreover, in the case of the adult patient, the immune system response against both viruses was assayed by hemoagglutination inhibition test against reference influenza virus strains. Both patients fully recovered from infection, without significant differences with mono-infected patients.