bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aldosterone Induces Vascular Insulin Resistance by Increasing Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Receptor and Hybrid Receptor
Authors: Sherajee Shamshad J. , Fujita Yoshiko , Rafiq Kazi , Nakano Daisuke , Mori Hirohito , Masaki Tsutomu , Hara Taiga , Kohno Masakazu , Nishiyama Akira , Hitomi Hirofumi 
Published: December 2011

Objective—
We previously showed that aldosterone induces insulin resistance in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Because insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) affects insulin signaling, we hypothesized that aldosterone induces vascular insulin resistance and remodeling via upregulation of IGF1R and its hybrid insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor.

Methods and Results—

Hybrid receptor expression was measured by immunoprecipitation. Hypertrophy of VSMCs was evaluated by
3
H-labeled leucine incorporation. Aldosterone (10 nmol/L) significantly increased protein and mRNA expression of IGF1R and hybrid receptor in VSMCs but did not affect insulin receptor expression. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade with eplerenone inhibited aldosterone-induced increases in IGF1R and hybrid receptor. Aldosterone augmented insulin (100 nmol/L)-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation. Insulin-induced leucine incorporation and α-smooth muscle actin expression were also augmented by aldosterone in VSMCs. These aldosterone-induced changes were significantly attenuated by eplerenone or picropodophyllin, an IGF1R inhibitor. Chronic infusion of aldosterone (0.75 μg/hour) increased blood pressure and aggravated glucose metabolism in rats. Expression of hybrid receptor, azan-positive area, and oxidative stress in aorta was increased in aldosterone-infused rats. Spironolactone and tempol prevented these aldosterone-induced changes.

Conclusion—
Aldosterone induces vascular remodeling through IGF1R- and hybrid receptor–dependent vascular insulin resistance. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade may attenuate angiopathy in hypertensive patients with hyperinsulinemia.
Syndecan-1 Displays a Protective Role in Aortic Aneurysm Formation by Modulating T Cell–Mediated Responses
Authors: Xiao Jiantao , Angsana Julianty , Wen Jing , Smith Sumona V. , Park Pyong Woo , Ford Mandy L. , Haller Carolyn A. , Chaikof Elliot L. 
Published: December 2011

Objective—
Chronic inflammation drives progressive and pathological remodeling inherent to formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Syndecan-1 (Sdc-1) is a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan that displays the capacity to modulate inflammatory processes within the vascular wall. In the current investigation, the role of Sdc-1 in AAA formation was examined using 2 models of experimental aneurysm induction, angiotensin II infusion and elastase perfusion.

Methods and Results—

Sdc-1 deficiency exacerbated AAA formation in both experimental models and was associated with increased degradation of elastin, greater protease activity, and enhanced inflammatory cell recruitment into the aortic wall. Bone marrow transplantation studies indicated that deficiency of Sdc-1 in marrow-derived cells significantly contributed to AAA severity. Immunostaining revealed augmented Sdc-1 expression in a subset of AAA localized macrophages. We specifically characterized a higher percentage of CD4
+
T cells in Sdc-1-deficient AAA, and antibody depletion studies established the active role of T cells in aneurysmal dilatation. Finally, we confirmed the ability of Sdc-1 macrophage to modulate the inflammatory chemokine environment.

Conclusion—

These investigations identify cross-talk between Sdc-1-expressing macrophages and AAA-localized CD4
+
T cells, with Sdc-1 providing an important counterbalance to T-cell–driven inflammation in the vascular wall.
Warm-Core Formation in Tropical Storm Humberto (2001)
Authors: Dolling Klaus , Barnes Gary M. 
Published: December 2011

At 0600 UTC 22 September 2001, Humberto was a tropical depression with a minimum central pressure of 1010 hPa. Twelve hours later, when the first global positioning system dropwindsondes (GPS sondes) were jettisoned, Humberto’s minimum central pressure was 1000 hPa and it had attained tropical storm strength. Thirty GPS sondes, radar from the WP-3D, and in situ aircraft measurements are utilized to observe thermodynamic structures in Humberto and their relationship to stratiform and convective elements during the early stage of the formation of an eye. The analysis of Tropical Storm Humberto offers a new view of the pre-wind-induced surface heat exchange (pre-WISHE) stage of tropical cyclone evolution. Humberto contained a mesoscale convective vortex (MCV) similar to observations of other developing tropical systems. The MCV advects the exhaust from deep convection in the form of an anvil cyclonically over the low-level circulation center. On the trailing edge of the anvil an area of mesoscale descent induces dry adiabatic warming in the lower troposphere. The nascent warm core at low levels causes the initial drop in pressure at the surface and acts to cap the boundary layer (BL). As BL air flows into the nascent eye, the energy content increases until the energy is released from under the cap on the down shear side of the warm core in the form of vigorous cumulonimbi, which become the nascent eyewall. This series of events show one possible path in which a mesoscale convective system may evolve into a warm-cored structure and intensify into a hurricane.
Selective decreased grey matter volume of the pain-matrix network in cluster headache
Authors: Absinta Martina , Rocca Maria A , Colombo Bruno , Falini Andrea , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo 
Published: December 2011

Aim: We assessed the pattern of regional white matter and grey matter abnormalities in patients with cluster headache (CH), using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Methods: Using a 3.0 Tesla scanner, dual-echo, diffusion tensor and 3D T1-weighted scan were acquired from 15 patients with episodic CH and 19 healthy controls. TBSS analysis was performed using the FMRIB's Diffusion Toolbox. VBM was performed on the 3D T1-weighted images using SPM8. Results: No diffusivity and volumetry abnormalities of brain white matter were detected in CH patients. Compared with controls, CH patients showed decreased grey matter volume in the right thalamus, head of the right caudate nucleus, right precentral gyrus, right posterior cingulate cortex, bilateral middle frontal gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, left inferior parietal lobule and left insula (p < 0.001). They also had increased grey matter volume of the right cuneus. The results did not change after hemisphere mirroring in the five patients with left lateralized attacks. The decreased left middle frontal gyrus volume was significantly correlated with disease duration (r = −0.79, p < 0.001). Conclusion: CH patients experience tissue abnormalities of grey matter regions that are part of the antinociceptive system, which is shared with other chronic pain conditions.
Quantitative Analysis of Muscle and Tendon Retraction in Chronic Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Meyer Dominik C. , Farshad Mazda , Amacker Nadja A. , Gerber Christian , Wieser Karl 
Published: December 2011

Background: Musculotendinous retraction is a limiting factor for repair of long-standing rotator cuff tears. However, it is currently unknown to what extent the muscle and tendon contribute to the degree of total retraction. Further understanding of this may possibly influence the strategy of musculotendinous reconstruction. Purpose: To analyze the contribution of muscle and tendon to the process of myotendinous retraction. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging of 130 shoulders with intact (n = 20) or completely torn supraspinatus tendons was analyzed. Fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus muscle was graded according to Goutallier stages. The degree of retraction of the tendon stump and of the musculotendinous junction was assessed. Results: There were 30 shoulders without evidence of supraspinatus fatty infiltration, 25 with stage 1, 23 with stage 2, 25 with stage 3, and 15 with stage 4 changes. The corresponding tear sizes (distance of tendon end from greater tuberosity) were 4, 21, 27, 37, and 41 mm; the distance of the myotendinous junction from the greater tuberosity was 22, 33, 39, 48, and 48 mm; and the length of the tendons (distance of tendon end to myotendinous junction) was 19, 13, 12, 11, and 8 mm, respectively. In Goutallier stage 3 and above, and in case of a positive tangent sign, the musculotendinous junction was, in 90% of the cases, retracted to or beyond the glenoid. Conclusion: Musculotendinous retraction in chronic rotator cuff tears results mainly from shortening of the muscle fibers but in advanced stages results also from shortening of the tendon tissue itself. The present data demonstrate, for the first time, that the residual tendon stump in a tendon tear does not have the length of the original tendon and is further shortened over time. Therefore, direct anatomic tendon reinsertion will result in lengthening of the supraspinatus muscle greater than what it would have been before the tear.
Effect of physical activity intervention based on a pedometer on physical activity level and anthropometric measures after childbirth: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Maturi Masumeh S , Afshary Pourandokht , Abedi Parvin 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Pregnancy and childbirth are associated with weight gain in women, and retention of weight gained during pregnancy can lead to obesity in later life. Diet and physical activity are factors that can influence the loss of retained pregnancy weight after birth. Exercise guidelines exist for pregnancy, but recommendations for exercise after childbirth are virtually nonexistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of physical activity intervention based on pedometer on physical activity level and anthropometric measures of women after childbirth.

Methods
We conducted a randomized controlled trial in which 66 women who had given birth 6 weeks to 6 months prior were randomly assigned to receive either a 12 week tailored program encouraging increased walking using a pedometer (intervention group, n = 32) or routine postpartum care (control group, n = 34). During the 12-week study period, each woman in the intervention group wore a pedometer and recorded her daily step count. The women were advised to increase their steps by 500 per week until they achieved the first target of 5000 steps per day and then continued to increase it to minimum of 10,000 steps per day by the end of 12th week. Assessed outcomes included anthropometric measures, physical activity level, and energy expenditure per week. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, chi-square, Wilcoxon, covariance analysis, and the general linear model repeated measures procedure as appropriate.

Results
After 12 weeks, women in the intervention group had significantly increased their physical activity and energy expenditure per week (4394 vs. 1651 calorie, p < 0.001). Significant differences between-group in weight (P = 0.001), Body Mass Index (P = 0.001), waist circumference (P = 0.001), hip circumference (P = 0.032) and waist-hip ratio (P = 0.02) were presented after the intervention. The intervention group significantly increased their mean daily step count over the study period (from 3249 before, to 9960 after the intervention, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
A physical activity intervention based on pedometer is an effective means to increase physical activity; reducing retention of weight gained during pregnancy and can improve anthropometric measures in postpartum women.

Trial registration
ISRCTN: IRCT201105026362N1
Association between second-generation antipsychotics and newly diagnosed treated diabetes mellitus: does the effect differ by dose?
Authors: Ulcickas Yood Marianne , DeLorenze Gerald N , Quesenberry Charles P , Oliveria Susan A , Tsai Ai-Lin , Kim Edward , Cziraky Mark J , McQuade Robert D , Newcomer John W , L'Italien Gilbert J 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
The benefits of some second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) must be weighed against the increased risk for diabetes mellitus. This study examines whether the association between SGAs and diabetes differs by dose.

Methods
Patients were ≥18 years of age from three US healthcare systems and exposed to an SGA for ≥45 days between November 1, 2002 and March 31, 2005. Patients had no evidence of diabetes before index date and no previous antipsychotic prescription filled within 3 months before index date.
49,946 patients were exposed to SGAs during the study period. Person-time exposed to antipsychotic dose (categorized by tertiles for each drug) was calculated. Newly treated diabetes was identified using pharmacy data to determine patients exposed to anti-diabetic therapies. Adjusted hazard ratios for diabetes across dose tertiles of SGA were calculated using the lowest dose tertile as reference.

Results
Olanzapine exhibited a dose-dependent relationship for risk for diabetes, with elevated and progressive risk across intermediate (diabetes rate per 100 person-years = 1.9; adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR), 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-3.1) and top tertile doses (diabetes rate per 100 person-years = 2.7; adjusted HR, 2.5, 95% CI, 1.4-4.5). Quetiapine and risperidone exhibited elevated risk at top dose tertile with no evidence of increased risk at intermediate dose tertile. Unlike olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone, neither aripiprazole nor ziprasidone were associated with risk of diabetes at any dose tertile.

Conclusions
In this large multi-site epidemiologic study, within each drug-specific stratum, the risk of diabetes for persons exposed to olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine was dose-dependent and elevated at therapeutic doses. In contrast, in aripiprazole-specific and ziprasidone-specific stratum, these newer agents were not associated with an increased risk of diabetes and dose-dependent relationships were not apparent. Although, these estimates should be interpreted with caution as they are imprecise due to small numbers.
FOXE1 polyalanine tract length screening by MLPA in idiopathic premature ovarian failure
Authors: Qin Chun-rong , Yao Ji-long , Zhu Wen-jie , Wu Wei-qing , Xie Jian-sheng 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
FOXE1 is one of the candidate genes for genetic predisposition to premature ovarian failure (POF) and it contains an alanine tract. Our purpose is to assess the influence of length of the alanine tract of FOXE1 on genetic susceptibility to POF.

Methods
The group studied consisted of 110 Chinese patients with idiopathic POF and 110 women from normal controls. The polyalanine tract and flanking sequence of FOXE1 was screened using the Multiple Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) technique and directly sequenced.

Results
Three variants of FOXE1-polyalanine length, containing 12, 14, or 16 alanine residues, and 5 different genotypes were identified. There were significantly lower frequencies of the 14/14 genotypes in cases with POF (X2 = 119.73, P = 0.001), as compared with the controls. The incidence of 16/16 genotypes of FOXE1-polyalanine was significantly higher in patients with POF (X2 = 3.403, P = 0.001) in comparison to the controls. The FOXE1 14 alanine allele was significantly less common in the POF patient group (186/220) than the controls (216/220) (X2 = 25.923, P = 0.0001). The FOXE1 16 alanine allele was significantly more common in the POF patient group (28/220) than the controls (4/220) (X2 = 19.412, P = 0.0001).

Conclusion
This finding provides evidence that polyalanine repeat expansions in FOXE1 may be responsible for the genetic aetiology of POF in Chinese women.
Endogenous interleukin-10 constrains Th17 cells in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Wilke Cailin M , Wang Lin , Wei Shuang , Kryczek Ilona , Huang Emina , Kao John , Lin Yanwei , Fang Jingyuan , Zou Weiping 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundTh17 cells play a role in inflammation. Interleukin (IL)-10 is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine. However, it is poorly understood whether and how endogenous IL-10 impacts the development of Th17 cells in human pathologies.Materials and methodsWe examined the relationship between IL-10 and Th17 cells in patients with Crohn's disease and in IL-10-deficient (IL-10-/-) mice. Th17 cells and dendritic cells (DCs) were defined by flow cytometry and evaluated by functional studies.ResultsWe detected elevated levels of IL-17 and Th17 cells in the intestinal mucosa of patients with Crohn's disease. Intestinal DCs from Crohn's patients produced more IL-1β than controls and were superior to blood DCs in Th17 induction through an IL-1-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, IL-17 levels were negatively associated with those of IL-10 and were positively associated those of IL-1β in intestinal mucosa. These data point toward anin vivocellular and molecular link among endogenous IL-10, IL-1, and Th17 cells in patients with Crohn's disease. We further investigated this relationship in IL-10-/-mice. We observed a systemic increase in Th17 cells in IL-10-/-mice when compared to wild-type mice. Similar to the intestinal DCs in patients with Crohn's disease, murine IL-10-/-DCs produced more IL-1β than their wild-type counterparts and promoted Th17 cell development in an IL-1-dependent manner. Finally,in vivoblockade of IL-1 receptor signaling reduced Th17 cell accumulation and inflammation in a mouse model of chemically-induced colitis.ConclusionsEndogenous IL-10 constrains Th17 cell development through the control of IL-1 production by DCs, and reaffirms the crucial anti-inflammatory role of IL-10 in patients with chronic inflammation.
Occupational Hazards of Hospital Personnel: Assessment of a Safe Alternative to Formaldehyde
Authors: Berton Fabio , Novi Cinzia Di 
Published: December 2011

Occupational Hazards of Hospital Personnel: Assessment of a Safe Alternative to Formaldehyde: Fabio BERTON, et al. Department of Public Policies and Public Choice, University of Eastern Piedmont, Italy—ObjectivesFormaldehyde —a chemical widely used to preserve organic tissues in hospitals —is known to be carcinogenic in the long term and to cause breathing‐related symptoms in the short term. We have taken advantage of an experiment to quantify this second effect among hospital workers in terms of probability of showing respiratory symptoms with respect to a benchmark in which tissues are preserved using a procedure with arguably no impact, i.e., under‐vacuum sealing.MethodsThis paper exploits an experimental situation with controls for potential confounding effects to estimate a logistic regression of the probability that formalin (a solution of formaldehyde and water) causes respiratory symptoms.ResultsThe probability for formalin users was found to be eight to ten times higher than for personnel testing under‐vacuum sealing.ConclusionsThe substitution of formaldehyde with under‐vacuum sealing would markedly improve the health of personnel.
Characteristic Analysis of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Apoptosis in Coke Oven Workers
Authors: Zhang Hong Mei , Nie Ji Sheng , Li Xin , Niu Qiao 
Published: December 2011

Characteristic Analysis of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Apoptosis in Coke Oven Workers: Hong Mei ZHANG, et al. Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Shanxi Medical University, China—ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to determine the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) apoptosis in coke oven workers so that we can take effective measures to protect coke oven workers.MethodsThe subjects, 129 coke oven workers and 37 warehouse workers (controls), were investigated using a questionnaire to collect information about their age, working years, smoking and drinking habits, vocational history and other general information. The coke oven workers were divided into the oven‐bottom group (34), oven‐side group (48) and oven‐top group (47) according to their working sites and environmental monitoring data. The concentration of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and the subjects' urinary 1hydroxypyrene (1‐OH‐Py) levels were determined by HPLC. Additionally, the PBMCs were separated from blood samples, and the early and late apoptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry.ResultsThe airborne B[a]P concentrations were 19.5 ± 13.2, 185.9 ± 38.6 and 1,623.5 ± 435.8 ng/m3at the bottom, side and top of the oven, respectively, and were higher than in the controls' workplaces 10.2 ± 7.6 ng/m3. Urinary 1‐OH‐Py, indicating the B[a]P's internal exposure level, was significantly higher in the exposed groups than in the controls (p<0.05). Compared with the controls, the coke oven workers' PBMC apoptosis rates were significantly increased and increased in association with the B[a]P level. PBMC apoptosis increased in association with the 1‐OH‐Py level and coking operation years and decreased in association with years of alcohol consumption.ConclusionsPBMC apoptosis in the coke oven workers was associated with the 1‐OH‐Py level, coke operation years and years of alcohol consumption and may be induced by B[a]P.
Formulation of an Emulsified Thermal Acid Blend for SAGD Applications in Eastern Alberta
Authors: Lalchan C. , Wiggins C. , Moriyama C. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Conventional emulsified acids composed of a strong mineral acid and an aromatic solvent, such as xylene, are commonly used to stimulate both water injection and production wells. When this system is properly applied, it is effective in dissolving organic and inorganic deposits, and in stripping off layered scales that may be deposited onto the inner surface of the tubing. Until recently, application of this system has been restricted to conventional reservoirs: however, with proper compatibility and corrosion testing, the emulsified acid system can be used to successfully stimulate thermal heavy oil reservoirs. Thermal heavy oil wells often exhibit significant calcite scaling on the long horizontal slotted liner, as well as an emulsion of low API oil dispersed in an aqueous mixture. Previous treatments using 1% HCl acid or 5% Acetic have addressed the issue with scaling. However, the issue with the heavy oil emulsion remained unresolved. By using a high temperature emulsified organic acid, both calcite scale and heavy organic deposits can be removed along the length of the slotted liner. 5% or 10% acetic acid emulsified in a 4:1 ratio with a modified wax and asphaltene solvent blend, in conjunction with a liquid organic acid corrosion inhibitor and an emulsifying surfactant, have proven to be an effective treatment in the remediation of scales and build up of organic deposits. Also, the blend is designed to maintain sufficient corrosion protection despite the high temperature environments that are characteristic of thermal heavy oil wells. This paper details the acid compatibility testing procedure, corrosion testing, and subsequent analysis that were required to formulate this specialized acid blend.
Underbalanced Drilling in Tight Gas Exploration Wells
Authors: El Morsy Ahmed , Morales Danilo , Al-Abri Badar 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Underbalanced Drilling (UBD) technology has been widely used in the last decades all over the world. The main application for it was the depleted "well developed" reservoirs. Using UBD technology in the HPHT Exploration wells is considered to be a huge turn in UBD Applications. It is a continuous challenge to get it done safely with the high uncertainties of the available information about the formations and the reservoir in this area.
As the easy hydrocarbon resources are depleting and the industry has to search for oil and gas in deep environment, PDO has taken the route that not too many companies did in using the UBD technology to speed up the identification of the existence of the flowing gas in deep tight gas exploration wells.