bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, paracetamol and risk of endometrial cancer: A case–control study, systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Neill Annette S. , Nagle Christina M. , Protani Melinda M. , Obermair Andreas , Spurdle Amanda B. , Webb Penelope M. ,   for the Australian National Endometrial Cancer Study Group
Published: July 2012

AbstractAspirin and other nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with reduced risk of a number of cancer types, however, previous studies of endometrial cancer have yielded inconclusive results. We analyzed data from the Australian National Endometrial Cancer Study (ANECS), a population‐based case–control study (1,398 cases, 740 controls). We systematically reviewed all the evidence linking aspirin/NSAIDs use with endometrial cancer and conducted a meta‐analysis. For ANECS, unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) adjusting for potential confounders. For the systematic review, we searched Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and conducted a review of citations from retrieved articles. The meta‐analysis risk estimates were pooled using a random‐effects model. In our case–control study, women who had ever used aspirin in the last 5 years had a significantly lower risk of endometrial cancer OR = 0.78 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63‐0.97]. There was a significant inverse dose–response (p‐trend <0.001) such that women who reported using ≥2 aspirin/week had almost half the risk OR = 0.54 (0.38–0.78). No significant associations were observed between use of half‐aspirin/day, non‐aspirin NSAIDs or paracetamol and endometrial cancer risk. The results were similar when examined by cancer subtype. Nine studies were included in the meta‐analysis. The overall pooled risk estimate for anyversusno use of aspirin was 0.87 (0.79–0.96) with no evidence of heterogeneity. The pooled risk estimate for obese women (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) was 0.72 (0.58–0.90) but there was no association for non‐obese women. Overall these results suggest that aspirin may reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, particularly among obese women.
In vivo antigenotoxic potential and possible mechanism of action of selected 4‐hydroxy‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one derivatives
Authors: Matić Sanja , Stanić Snežana , Solujić Slavica , Mladenović Milan , Mihailović Vladimir 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe in vivo sex‐linked recessive lethal test was carried out in Drosophila melanogaster to investigate whether or not five substituted 4‐hydroxy‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones can modulate the genotoxicity of the well‐established mutagenic agent ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). For this purpose, 3 days old Canton S males were treated with the potent mutagen EMS alone in concentration of 0.75 ppm, as well as in combination with one of the five 4‐hydroxycoumarins, namely diethyl 2‐(1‐(4‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)ethylidene)malonate (2b), 3‐(1‐(4‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)ethylidene)pentane‐2,4‐dione (6b), 4‐(4‐(4‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)thiazol‐2‐ylamino) benzenesulfonic acid (4c), 4‐hydroxy‐3‐(2‐(2‐nitropheny lamino)thiazol‐4‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (9c), and (E)‐4‐hydroxy‐3‐(1‐(m‐tolylimino)ethyl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (5d), in concentration of 70 ppm. The frequency of germinative mutations increased significantly after the treatment with EMS and decreased after treatments with coumarins. The maximum reduction was observed after treatments with 2b, 6b, 4c, and 5d. By the formation of hydrogen bonds or electrostatic interactions with O6 of DNA guanine, tested coumarins prevent EMS‐induced alkylation. The results indicate a protective role of five 4‐hydroxycoumarins under the action of a strong mutagen. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:322–330, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21426
Modulation of macrophage activation and programming in immunity
Authors: Liu Guangwei , Yang Hui 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMacrophages are central mediators of the immune, contributing both to the initiation and the resolution of inflammation. The concept of macrophage activation and program has stimulated interest in its definition, and functional significance in homeostasis and diseases. It has been known that macrophages could be differently activated and programmed into different functional subtypes in response to different types of antigen stumuli or different kinds of cytokines present in the microenvironment and could thus profoundly influence immune responses, but little is known about the state and exact regulatory mechanism of macrophage activation and program from cell or molecular signaling level in immunity. In this review, we summarize the recent finding regarding the regulatory mechanism of macrophage activation and program toward M1 and M2, especially on M2 macrophages. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 502–512, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expressions of TGF‐β1 and MMP‐9 in a guinea pig model of tympanosclerosis: Possible role in the pathogenesis of this disorder
Authors: Guo Wentao , Bai Xiaohui , Han Yuechen , Xu Lei , Liu Wenwen , Zhang Guodong , Li Jianfeng , Fan Zhaomin , Wang Haibo 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:The present study was performed to investigate the expressions of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in an experimental model of tympanosclerosis and their possible roles in the formation of this disorder.Study Design:A prospective experimental animal study.Methods:Seventy guinea pigs were used in this study, of which 10 were chosen to serve as controls, and the other 60 were used in the tympanosclerosis group by inoculation of type‐3 Streptococcus pneumoniae microorganisms. The experimental animals were further divided into six subgroups on the basis of six time points. Otomicroscopy was employed to observe the development of myringosclerosis. Hematoxylin‐eosin and von Kossa staining were performed to determine the morphological changes and calcium depositions. The expressions of TGF‐β1 and MMP‐9 were assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.Results:Slight sclerotic changes in tympanic membrane were found at week 2, and extensive myringosclerosis was observed at week 6. Hyalinization and calcification in the tympanic membrane and middle ear mucous membrane were clearly visible at week 6. Expression of TGF‐β1 was significantly increased with the development of tympanosclerosis. Expression of MMP‐9 was increased from week 1 to week 4, and then declined at week 6. These two cytokines were both distributed in the cytoplasm of fibroblast cells and inflammatory cells, which were widely distributed in the tympanic membrane and middle ear mucosa at week 6.Conclusions:Our data indicate that, for the first time, the alteration in expressions of TGF‐β1 and MMP‐9 were involved in the formation of tympanosclerosis, which may represent an important mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of tympanosclerosis. Laryngoscope, 2012
Parabens inhibit the early phase of folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis in the ovaries of neonatal rats
Authors: Ahn Hyo‐Jin , An Beum‐Soo , Jung Eui‐Man , Yang Hyun , Choi Kyung‐Chul , Jeung Eui‐Bae 
Published: July 2012

AbstractParabens are widely used as anti‐microbial agents in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Recently, parabens have been shown to act as xenoestrogens, a class of endocrine disruptors. In the present study, 55 female pups were given daily subcutaneous injections of methyl‐, propyl‐, and butyl‐paraben or 17beta‐estradiol (E2) during neonatal Day 1–7. The ovaries were excised on postnatal Day 8, then fixed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological analysis. The follicles were counted and classified as being in the primordial, early primary, or primary stages. The number of primordial follicles increased while early primary follicles decreased at the high doses of propyl‐ and butyl‐paraben. The levels of anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) and Foxl2 mRNA increased by propyl‐ and butyl‐parabens whereas kit ligand/stem cell factor (KITL) expression was up regulated only by butyl‐paraben. The mRNA levels of StAR and Cyp11a1 were significantly decreased after treatment with methyl‐, propyl‐, and butyl‐parabens. Consistent with its use as a positive control, E2 regulated the expression of KITL, StAR, and Cyp11a1 genes, but surprisingly did not affect AMH and Foxl2 levels. Thus, E2 and parabens had different effects on the regulation of folliculogenic and steroidogenic genes, demonstrating the estrogenic and nonestrogenic properties of parabens in the ovary. Taken together, our data show that parabens stimulated AMH mRNA expression and consequently inhibited the early phase of folliculogenesis in the ovaries of neonatal female rat. The levels of steroidogenic enzymes, indicators of follicle differentiation, appeared to be regulated by parabens through inhibition of their transcriptional repressor, Foxl2. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 626–636, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of Hoechst 33342 staining and ultraviolet irradiation on mitochondrial distribution and DNA copy number in porcine oocytes and preimplantation embryos
Authors: Gil Maria Antonia , Maside Carolina , Cuello Cristina , Parrilla Inmaculada , Vazquez Juan Maria , Roca Jordi , Martinez Emilio Arsenio 
Published: July 2012

AbstractHoechst 33342 (H342), in combination with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, is frequently used to aid or confirm the enucleation of porcine oocytes in somatic cell nuclear transfer programs. The exposure of oocytes to H342 and UV irradiation has a deleterious effect on the development of in vitro‐fertilized porcine oocytes, with increasing exposure to UV irradiation (up to 30 sec) having more drastic effects. It has been hypothesized that this decrease in embryonic development could be due to damage to the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). To investigate this hypothesis, we analyzed the mitochondrial distribution and DNA copy number of in vitro‐matured porcine oocytes exposed to H342/UV and the subsequent embryonic development compared with the mitochondrial distribution and DNA copy number of in vivo‐derived oocytes and embryos. Using quantitative, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) protocols to analyze mtDNA and confocal laser scanning microscopy with MitoTracker Deep Red to determine mitochondrial distribution, we demonstrated that the simultaneous exposure of in vitro‐matured porcine oocytes to H342 staining and UV irradiation is associated with reduced oocyte developmental competence and abnormal mitochondrial distribution in the resulting cleaved embryos. In addition, 2‐ to 4‐cell embryos derived from oocytes exposed to H342/UV showed a significant decrease in mtDNA copy number. These results should be considered when H342/UV procedure is used during nuclear transfer in recipient porcine oocytes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 651–663, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diffusion of dextran within poly(methacrylic acid) hydrogels
Authors: AL‐Baradi Ateyyah M. , Mears Matthew , Jones Richard A. L. , Geoghegan Mark 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe describe an investigation of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy into the diffusion of fluorescein‐tagged dextran (FDEX) in a poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) hydrogel. The temperature dependence of FDEX diffusion is shown to follow Zimm behavior in pure water, and the decrease in the diffusion coefficient when in the PMAA hydrogel has been modeled. The addition of acid and alkali (HCl and NaOH, respectively) not only control the swelling and collapse of the hydrogel but also reveal a strong pH dependence of the dextran diffusion coefficient, which shows a (nonmonatonic) increase with pH. The addition of NaCl and CaCl2 salts similarly showed evidence of network swelling, most notably at low salt concentration, but also that the diffusion coefficient within the gel at these low concentrations is larger than that in the equivalent solution without the hydrogel, indicating that the combination of hydrogel and salt works to increase the diffusion coefficient above that in pure water. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
A Contrast Stretching Bilateral Closing Top‐Hat Otsu Threshold Technique for Crack Detection in Images
Authors: Sim K. S. , Kho Y. Y. , Tso C. P. , Nia M. E. , Ting H. Y. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryDetection of cracks from stainless steel pipe images is done using contrast stretching technique. The technique is based on an image filter technique through mathematical morphology that can expose the cracks. The cracks are highlighted and noise removal is done efficiently while still retaining the edges. An automated crack detection system with a camera platform has been successfully implemented. We compare crack extraction in terms of quality measures with those of Otsu's threshold technique and the another technique (Iyer and Sinha, 2005). The algorithm shown is able to achieve good results and perform better than these other techniques. SCANNING 35: 75‐87, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Properties of Zeolites from Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Waste
Authors: Hartmann Andrea , Buhl Josef‐Christian , Lutz Wolfgang 
Published: July 2012

AbstractSyntheses routes for the conversion of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) waste into aluminosilicate zeolites like LTA and related phases were developed. The procedures always started with leaching steps of the pure AAC waste by combinations of strong alkaline (NaOH) and mild acid (citric acid) treatments, before the real crystallization process was performed separately under addition of sodium aluminate. All products were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX‐analysis) and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Zeolites LTA and related phases basic sodalite (SOD), hydrosodalite (SOD), cancrinite (CAN) and an intermediate phase between SOD and CAN were observed. Depending on the preparation route tailor made synthesis of pure phase zeolite LTA with crystal sizes up to 5 μm was worked out. In addition to syntheses procedures important properties of the zeolites were discussed with respect to the treatment procedure of AAC. It is shown, that the special synthesis pathway is not only responsible for the product composition and formation of a certain structure type but also exhibits a strong influence on the crystallinity, crystal size, and morphology. The water sorption capacity and the hydrothermal stability of the products were selected for those further investigations. Whereas adequate water sorption capacity up to 272 mg·g–1 were measured for zeolites LTA obtained from two different reaction routes, limited hydrothermal stabilities were revealed for other products. Under the conditions of strong hydrothermal treatment at a temperature of 473 K for 72 h, a more or less extended phase transformation into ANA‐Type zeolites occurred. This process was least extensive for pure phase zeolite LTA obtained from the alkaline solution of AAC leaching.
Two Novel 3D Copper Phthalate Coordination Complexes Incorporating Isomeric Flexible Bis(pyridylformyl)piperazine Ligands
Authors: Lin Hong‐Yan , Mu Bao , Wang Xiu‐Li , Liu Peng , Xu Chuang , Liu Guo‐Cheng 
Published: July 2012

AbstractTwo novel metal‐organic coordination complexes [Cu(3‐bpfp)(pht)(H2O)]·2H2O (1) and [Cu3(4‐bpfp)(pht)2(OH)2]·2H2O (2) were hydrothermally synthesized by self‐assembly of phthalic acid (H2pht), flexible bis(pyridylformyl)piperazine ligands [3‐bpfp = bis(3‐pyridylformyl)piperazine, 4‐bpfp = bis(4‐pyridylformyl)piperazine], and copper chloride. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that the adjacent CuII ions are connected by pht showing different coordination modes [a bis(monodentate) coordination mode for 1 and a monodentate‐bidentate coordination mode for 2] to form 1D Cu‐pht‐Cu chains in 1 and 2D Cu‐pht layers in 2. In compound 1, a twofold interpenetrated CdSO4‐like topology is formed by connection of 3‐bpfp. Using the isomeric ligand 4‐bpfp instead of 3‐bpfp resulted in the formation of 2, which displays a novel 3, 4, 4, 4‐connected tetranodal 3D coordination polymeric framework. The ligand 3‐bpfp adopts a μ2‐bridging coordination mode in 1 (by ligation of the pyridyl nitrogen atoms), whereas the ligand 4‐bpfp adopts a μ4‐bridging coordination mode (by ligation of pyridyl nitrogen and carbonyl oxygen atoms) in 2. Moreover, the electrochemical properties of carbon paste electrodes bulk modified with the two copper complexes were studied.
Peak emission altitude of Saturn's H3+ aurora
Authors: Stallard Tom S. , Melin Henrik , Miller Steve , Badman Sarah V. , Brown Robert H. , Baines Kevin H. 
Published: July 2012

Here we present the first detailed measurement of the altitudinal profile of H3+ emission within Saturn's ionosphere, made using images taken by the VIMS instrument on Cassini on 11–12 October 2006, during a chance alignment between the visible limb of the planet and the position of the main auroral emission. Using this, we show that the emission profile of H3+ can be fitted to a reasonable accuracy with a Gaussian, producing a calculated peak emission altitude at 1155 (±25) km that differs significantly from previous observations of the UV emission profile, and also from the predictions of models that calculated the H3+ emission profile, which suggested that there would be extended emission above the peak emission altitude. This lack of extended emission is most simply explained by differences in the scale height of H and H2, suggesting that models overestimate H2 at high altitudes, with little H2 from 2000 km above the 1 bar level.
The effect of proanthocyanidins on the bond strength and durability of resin sealer to root dentine
Authors: Kalra M. , Iqbal K. , Nitisusanta L. I. , Daood U. , Sum C. P. , Fawzy A. S. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAimTo investigate the effect of proanthocyanidins (PAs)‐rich grape seed extract on the biodegradation resistance of demineralized root dentine and on the bond strength and durability between resin‐based sealer and root dentine.MethodologySingle‐rooted premolars (n = 28) were divided into PAs‐treated and nontreated specimens. Root canals were instrumented to apical size 40, filled with RealSeal SE sealer/Core, sectioned into slices of 1 mm thickness from middle and coronal thirds and stored for 1 week or 3 months in distilled water. Specimens were subjected to push‐out strength testing with the load applied perpendicularly in an apical to coronal direction using a universal testing machine. Remaining apical thirds were viewed by scanning electron microscopy after 3‐months storage. Additional root canals were filled with rhodamine‐B‐labelled sealer and viewed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Unfilled roots (n = 6) were sliced, demineralized, PAs‐treated or left untreated and exposed to 24 h collagenase to determine hydroxyproline release in the supernatant. Two‐way anova was used to test the effect of both dentine treatment with PAs and anatomical locations on bond strength and hydroxyproline release. Tukey–Kramer multiple comparison post hoc test was used to compare between groups.ResultsNo difference in bond strength was found after 1‐week storage between both PAs‐treated (crosslinked) and untreated (noncrosslinked) groups in the coronal thirds. However, treatment with PAs revealed higher 1‐week bond strength values (P ≤ 0.05) in the middle thirds. Generally, 3‐month storage decreased the bond strength compared to 1‐week within each of the crosslinked and noncrosslinked groups. However, the decrease in the bond strength after 3 months was less for the crosslinked specimens compared to the noncrosslinked specimens. Confocal images revealed a relatively uniform fluorescent interfacial layer and tubular penetration after 1 week in both groups. SEM images revealed more intact resin sealer/dentine interfaces with PAs crosslinking after 3 months. In addition, hydroxyproline release was significantly less (P ≤ 0.05) with crosslinked specimens.ConclusionTreating root dentine with PAs‐rich grape seed extracts improved the biodegradation resistance of demineralized root dentine and enhanced the bond strength and durability between resin‐based sealer and root dentine after short‐term water storage.
Contemporary cryptic sexuality in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: RAMÍREZ JUAN DAVID , GUHL FELIPE , MESSENGER LOUISA A. , LEWIS MICHAEL D. , MONTILLA MARLENY , CUCUNUBA ZULMA , MILES MICHAEL A. , LLEWELLYN MARTIN S. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractClonal propagation is considered to be the predominant mode of reproduction among many parasitic protozoa. However, this assumption may overlook unorthodox, infrequent or cryptic sexuality. Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease, is known to undergo non‐Mendelian genetic exchange in the laboratory. In the field, evidence of extant genetic exchange is limited. In this study, we undertook intensive sampling of T. cruzi Discrete Typing Unit I in endemic eastern Colombia. Using Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, we generated 269 biological clones from 67 strains. Each clone was genotyped across 24 microsatellite loci. Subsequently, 100 representative clones were typed using 10 mitochondrial sequence targets (3.76 Kbp total). Clonal diversity among humans, reservoir hosts and vectors suggested complex patterns of superinfection and/or coinfection in oral and vector‐borne Chagas disease cases. Clonal diversity between mother and foetus in a congenital case demonstrates that domestic TcI genotypes are infective in utero. Importantly, gross incongruence between nuclear and mitochondrial markers is strong evidence for widespread genetic exchange throughout the data set. Furthermore, a confirmed mosaic maxicircle sequence suggests intermolecular recombination between individuals as a further mechanism of genetic reassortment. Finally, robust dating based on mitochondrial DNA indicates that the emergence of a widespread domestic TcI clade that we now name TcIDOM (formerly TcIa/VENDom) occurred 23 000 ± 12 000 years ago and was followed by population expansion, broadly corresponding with the earliest human migration into the Americas.
Do kidney histology lesions predict long‐term kidney function after liver transplantation?
Authors: Kamar Nassim , Maaroufi Chakib , Guilbeau‐Frugier Céline , Servais Aude , Meas‐Yedid Vannary , Tack Ivan , Thervet Eric , Cointault Olivier , Esposito Laure , Guitard Joelle , Lavayssière Laurence , Panterne Clarisse , Muscari Fabrice , Bureau Christophe , Rostaing Lionel 
Published: July 2012

AbstractHistological renal lesions observed after liver transplantation are complex, multifactorial, and interrelated. The aims of this study were to determine whether kidney lesions observed at five yr after liver transplantation can predict long‐term kidney function. Ninety‐nine liver transplant patients receiving calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)‐based immunosuppression, who had undergone a kidney biopsy at 60 ± 48 months post‐transplant, were included in this follow‐up study. Kidney biopsies were scored according to the Banff classification. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was assessed at last follow‐up, that is, 109 ± 48 months after liver transplantation. eGFR decreased from 92 ± 33 mL/min at transplantation to 63 ± 19 mL/min after six months, to 57 ± 17 mL/min at the kidney biopsy, to 54 ± 24 mL/min at last follow‐up (p < 0.0001). At last follow‐up, only three patients required renal replacement therapy. After the kidney biopsy, 13 patients were converted from CNIs to mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, but no significant improvement in eGFR was observed after conversion. Elevated eGFR at six months post‐transplant and a lower fibrous intimal thickening score (cv) observed at five yr post‐transplant were the two independent predictive factors for eGFR ≥60 mL/min at nine yr post‐transplant. Long‐term kidney function seems to be predicted by the kidney vascular lesions.