bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracellular molecular effects of insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Pasini Evasio , Flati Vincenzo , Paiardi Silvia , Rizzoni Damiano , Porteri Enzo , Aquilani Roberto , Assanelli Deodato , Corsetti Giovanni , Speca Silvia , Rezzani Rita , De Ciuceis Carolina , Agabiti-Rosei Enrico 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Aim of the study
Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Data obtained from muscle biopsies have demonstrated altered insulin signaling (IS) in patients with MetS. The IS regulates critical cell functions including molecular-regulated cellular metabolite fluxes, protein and energetic metabolism, cell proliferation and apoptosis with consequent regulation of cell life including endothelial homeostasis and blood coagulation. However, little is known about blood cell IS in MetS patients. The aim of this study was to develop a method to evaluate IS in peripheral lymphocytes to identify altered intracellular molecules in patients with MetS to use as risk biomarkers of vascular thrombosis.

Patients and Methods
We investigated 40 patients with MetS and 20 controls. MetS was defined according to guidelines from the US National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Blood samples were taken from all participants. Total mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood using density gradient centrifugation. IS molecules were evaluated using Western blot analysis followed by computer-assisted densitometer evaluation.

Results
Lymphocytes of MetS patients showed a reduced mTOR expression (the mammalian target of rapamycin) which is a fundamental molecule of IS. Major impairment of IS was confirmed by reduced upstream and downstream mTOR molecules which regulate fundamental cells metabolic functions.

Conclusions
In patients with MetS, we found a reduction of mTOR and other mTOR-related molecules involved in insulin resistance, cell repair, coagulation and vasculogenesis. A reduced expression of mTOR may reflect an increased risk of vascular thrombosis.
Uniform comparison of several drugs which provide protection from noise induced hearing loss
Authors: Tamir Sharon , Adelman Cahtia , Weinberger Jeffrey M , Sohmer Haim 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
The ability of drugs to reduce noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) has been evaluated in diverse experimental conditions (animal species, noise intensities, durations, assessment techniques, etc), making it difficult to assess their relative efficacy. The present study was designed to provide more uniform comparisons and to allow to a better understanding of the mechanism of the NIHL. Methods: The drugs studied included furosemide (loop diuretic) and the antioxidants N Acetyl-L-Cysteine, vitamins A, C, E with the vasodilator magnesium. Mice were exposed to a continuous broadband noise (113 dB SPL for 3.5 hours) and the NIHL was assessed in all animals before noise exposure and 1 week after with auditory nerve brainstem evoked responses (ABR) to broadband clicks and to 8 kHz tone bursts.

Results
Each of the drugs alone and in combination led to similar reductions in NIHL.

Conclusions
The loop diuretic furosemide, by reducing the magnitude of the endocochlear potential in scala media, probably depressed active vibrations of the outer hair cells and basilar membrane, resulting in reduction of free radical formation during the noise exposure. The antioxidants N Acetyl-L-Cysteine and vitamins A, C, E with the vasodilator magnesium presumably counteract the free radicals. Thus, the administration of the antioxidants to animals in which free radical formation had already been reduced by previous injection of furosemide did not have an additional protective effect on the NIHL.
Accurate, rapid and high-throughput detection of strain-specific polymorphisms in Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis by next-generation sequencing
Authors: Cummings Craig A , Bormann Chung Christina A , Fang Rixun , Barker Melissa , Brzoska Pius , Williamson Phillip C , Beaudry Jodi , Matthews Molly , Schupp James , Wagner David M , Birdsell Dawn , Vogler Amy J , Furtado Manohar R , Keim Paul , Budowle Bruce 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
In the event of biocrimes or infectious disease outbreaks, high-resolution genetic characterization for identifying the agent and attributing it to a specific source can be crucial for an effective response. Until recently, in-depth genetic characterization required expensive and time-consuming Sanger sequencing of a few strains, followed by genotyping of a small number of marker loci in a panel of isolates at or by gel-based approaches such as pulsed field gel electrophoresis, which by necessity ignores most of the genome. Next-generation, massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology (specifically the Applied Biosystems sequencing by oligonucleotide ligation and detection (SOLiD™) system) is a powerful investigative tool for rapid, cost-effective and parallel microbial whole-genome characterization.

Results
To demonstrate the utility of MPS for whole-genome typing of monomorphic pathogens, four Bacillus anthracis and four Yersinia pestis strains were sequenced in parallel. Reads were aligned to complete reference genomes, and genomic variations were identified. Resequencing of the B. anthracis Ames ancestor strain detected no false-positive single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and mapping of reads to the Sterne strain correctly identified 98% of the 133 SNPs that are not clustered or associated with repeats. Three geographically distinct B. anthracis strains from the A branch lineage were found to have between 352 and 471 SNPs each, relative to the Ames genome, and one strain harbored a genomic amplification. Sequencing of four Y. pestis strains from the Orientalis lineage identified between 20 and 54 SNPs per strain relative to the CO92 genome, with the single Bolivian isolate having approximately twice as many SNPs as the three more closely related North American strains. Coverage plotting also revealed a common deletion in two strains and an amplification in the Bolivian strain that appear to be due to insertion element-mediated recombination events. Most private SNPs (that is, a, variant found in only one strain in this set) selected for validation by Sanger sequencing were confirmed, although rare false-positive SNPs were associated with variable nucleotide tandem repeats.

Conclusions
The high-throughput, multiplexing capability, and accuracy of this system make it suitable for rapid whole-genome typing of microbial pathogens during a forensic or epidemiological investigation. By interrogating nearly every base of the genome, rare polymorphisms can be reliably discovered, thus facilitating high-resolution strain tracking and strengthening forensic attribution.
SYMBIOSIS: Development, Implementation, and Assessment of a Model Curriculum across Biology and Mathematics at the Introductory Level
Authors: Depelteau Audrey M. , Joplin Karl H. , Govett Aimee , Miller Hugh A. , Seier Edith 
Published: September 2010

“It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.” Alan Cohen (Used by permission. All rights reserved. For more information on Alan Cohen's books and programs, see ( www.alancohen.com .) With the support of the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) administration and a grant from Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the departments of Biological Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, and Curriculum and Instruction have developed a biology–math integrated curriculum. An interdisciplinary faculty team, charged with teaching the 18 curriculum modules, designed this three-semester curriculum, known as SYMBIOSIS. This curriculum was piloted to two student cohorts during the developmental stage. The positive feedback and assessment results of this project have given us the foundation to implement the SYMBIOSIS curriculum as a replacement for the standard biology majors curriculum at the introductory level. This article addresses the history and development of the curriculum, previous assessment results and current assessment protocol, and the future of ETSU's approach to implementing the SYMBIOSIS curriculum.
TRAIL-expressing CD8+ T cells mediate tolerance following soluble peptide-induced peripheral T cell deletion
Authors: Gurung Prajwal , Kucaba Tamara A , Schoenberger Stephen P , Ferguson Thomas A , Griffith Thomas S 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Mechanism behind transient peripheral tolerance induced after T cell deletion is identified as dependent on the cytotoxic activity of TRAIL-expressing CD8+ Treg.
Peripheral tolerance controls the action of self-reactive T cells that escape thymic deletion. We showed previously that deletion of Ag-specific CD4+ T cells induced a CD8+ Treg population that maintained tolerance by deleting T cells with the same Ag specificity. The present study explored the mechanism of action of these CD8+ Treg. Following OT-II T cell deletion by soluble OVA323–339, B6 mice were unresponsive to challenge after CFA/OVA immunization, and Trail−/− or Dr5−/− mice were immune, although all strains displayed similar OT-II peripheral deletion. Interestingly, B6 mice remained tolerant to OVA even after a second infusion of OT-II T cells. Tolerance could be transferred to naïve recipients using CD8+ T cells from B6 or Dr5−/− mice that experienced peptide-induced peripheral OT-II deletion but not from Trail−/− mice. Subsequent investigation found that the mechanism of action of the CD8+ Treg was TRAIL-mediated OT-II T cell deletion in a TCR-specific manner. Furthermore, the tolerance was transient, as it was established by 14 days after peptide injection but lost by Day 56. Together, these data provide evidence to suggest that the mechanism behind transient peripheral tolerance induced following T cell deletion is the cytotoxic activity of TRAIL-expressing CD8+ Treg.
Estrogen Receptor-β Prevents Cardiac Fibrosis
Authors: Pedram Ali , Razandi Mahnaz , O'Mahony Fiona , Lubahn Dennis , Levin Ellis R. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Development of cardiac fibrosis portends the transition and deterioration from hypertrophy to dilation and heart failure. Here we examined how estrogen blocks this important development. Angiotensin II (AngII) and endothelin-1 induce cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in humans. and we find that these agents directly stimulate the transition of the cardiac fibroblast to a myofibroblast. AngII and endothelin-1 stimulated TGFβ1 synthesis in the fibroblast, an inducer of fibrosis that signaled via c-jun kinase to Sma- and Mad-related protein 3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in myofibroblasts. As a result, mesenchymal proteins fibronectin and vimentin were produced, as were collagens I and III, the major forms found in fibrotic hearts. 17β-Estradiol (E2) or dipropylnitrile, an estrogen receptor (ER)β agonist, comparably blocked all these events, reversed by estrogen receptor (ER)β small interfering RNA. E2 and dipropylnitrile signaling through cAMP and protein kinase A prevented myofibroblast formation and blocked activation of c-jun kinase and important events of fibrosis. In the hearts of ovariectomized female mice, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were induced by AngII infusion and prevented by E2 administration to wild type but not ERβ knockout rodents. Our results establish the cardiac fibroblast as an important target for hypertrophic/fibrosis-inducing peptides the actions of which were mitigated by E2/ERβ acting in these stromal cells.
Role of Intrathecal Rituximab and Trastuzumab in the Management of Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis
Authors: Perissinotti Anthony J , Reeves David J 
Published: September 2010

Objective: To review evidence for the use of intrathecal rituximab and trastuzumab in the management of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. Data Sources: A search of MEDLINE (1966–July 2010) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–July 2010) was performed using search terms intrathecal, trastuzumab, rituximab, and monoclonal antibody. Additionally, American Society of Clinical Oncology, San Antonio Breast Conference, American Association for Cancer Research, and American Society of Hematology meeting abstracts were searched. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Publications were reviewed for inclusion. Those reporting use of rituximab and trastuzumab intrathecally are reviewed and include 1 Phase 1 trial, 2 small prospective studies, 1 case series, and 15 case reports. Data Synthesis: The treatment of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is challenging due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier. Numerous systemically administered therapies do not readily penetrate into the site of leptomeningeal disease and have been ineffective. Intrathecal administration of 2 monoclonal antibodies (trastuzumab and rituximab) has been investigated in case reports and case series. Additionally, intrathecal rituximab has been investigated in a Phase 1 study. Survival after intrathecal trastuzumab ranged from 39 days to greater than 72 months and the drug was well tolerated, with no adverse events attributed to it. Doses used in these reports ranged from 5 to 100 mg. Survival after intrathecal rituximab ranged from 1.1 weeks to greater than 3.5 years. In the Phase 1 trial, the maximum tolerated rituximab dose was 25 mg and 60% of patients responded. Four of the 6 responding patients experienced a complete response. Intrathecal rituximab exhibited minor toxicities that resolved quickly without long-term effects. Conclusions: Reports suggest that both trastuzumab and rituximab may be utilized intrathecally. Patients with refractory leptomeningeal carcinomatosis may benefit from a trial of intrathecal trastuzumab or rituximab; however, their use remains investigational, as more data and experience are necessary before intrathecal administration can be considered standard.
Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy of pristine poly (sodium poly[2-(3-thienyl)-ethoxy-4-butylsulfonate) (PTEBS) and doped with perylene tetracarboxylicdiimide (PTCDI) nanobelts
Authors: Pinto Leon Rohan , Khopkar Yashdeep , Chambers David Keith , Koorie Mark , Kizilkaya Orhan , Losovyj Ya. B. , Ji Hai-Feng , Zivanovic Sandra 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe investigated the possibility of doping poly (sodium poly[2-(3-thienyl)-ethoxy-4-butylsulfonate) (PTEBS) with perylene tetracarboxylicdiimide (PTCDI) nanobelts through ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) measurements. For our experiment, PTEBS was tuned to absorb maximum light in the range of 450 nm to 550 nm which corresponds to the maximum solar irradiance of the Earth’s atmosphere. Nanobelts of PTCDI were synthesized by gas phase self assembly process. Doping PTEBS with PTCDI nanobelts causes a shift in the Fermi level of the composite material with respect to the vacuum level as observed in the photoemission spectrum. With increased PTCDI doping, PTCDI does not act much like an electron donor, but more like an electron acceptor. The peaks corresponding to the sigma bonds shift towards the vacuum level with higher concentrations of the dopant. Using angled resolved photoemission spectra from a 3m toroidal grating monochromator, PTEBS displays change in the highest occupied molecular orbital in respect to its Fermi level when the side groups were substituted by H+ or OH- groups. The results confirm that the binding energy decreases with increase in activity of the dissolved hydrogen ions. It is evident that there is an increase in the density of states near the Fermi level and shifts to lower binding energies of the occupied molecular orbitals with pH level decrease, which is in agreement with the published optical absorption characteristics of PTEBS. Since UPS data confirm that PTCDI nanobelts dope PTEBS, along with its tunable absorption characteristics, this composite might be a promising material for optoelectronic application.
Microscale Fracture Testing of Mg-Zn-Y
Authors: Matsuyama Shun , Sakamoto Tetsuya , Otsu Masaaki , Takashima Kazuki , Kawamura Yoshihito 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA microfracture testing technique was applied for investigating the fracture properties of Mg-Zn-Y alloys with a long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase. Microsized cantilever beam specimens with dimensions ≈ 10×20×50 μm3 were prepared from Mg-Zn-Y alloys by focused ion beam (FIB) machining. Notches with widths of 0.5 μm and depths of 3.5–5 μm were also introduced into the specimens by FIB machining. In this study, three types of Mg-Zn-Y alloys―Mg99.2Zn0.2Y0.6, Mg97Zn1Y2, and Mg88Zn5Y7―were used. Fracture tests were successfully conducted using a mechanical testing machine for microsized specimens at room temperature. The fracture toughness values (KIC) could not be obtained as the specimen size was too small to satisfy the plane strain condition. Hence, provisional KQ values were considered. The KQ values of the Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy were 0.8–1.2 MPam½, and those of the Mg88Zn5Y7 alloy were 1.2–3.0 MPam½. As the fracture in the Mg99.2Zn0.2Y0.6 alloy specimen occurred in a ductile plastic deformation, it was impossible to evaluate KQ values of this specimen. The increasing volume fraction of the LPSO phase indicates that the fracture toughness of Mg-Zn-Y alloys increases in LPSO phase.
Annealing Effects on Electrical Properties and Defects of CaCu3Ti4O12 Thin Films Deposited by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Deng Guochu , Muralt Paul 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe present a systematic study of semiconductor and dielectric properties as a function of annealing treatments at CCTO thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition at 720 °C in 200 mTorr oxygen. The as-deposited thin film samples contain a high concentration of defects that contribute to the semiconductivity in the interior of grains. With increasing annealing temperature, the apparent dielectric constant decreases, and the resistance increases, both at a given temperature (e.g. room temperature). After annealing at 680oC, the semiconductivity was almost completely suppressed and CaCu3Ti4O12 behaved as a dielectric material. Knowing that oxygen vacancies are removed during annealing, one can infer that the dopant states are related to oxygen vacancies. A double plateau behavior in the dielectric constant vs temperature graph indicates that there are at least two defect levels in CaCu3Ti4O12 thin films. This was confirmed by simulating the capacitance response of a Schottky barrier containing two defect levels. Apart of the usual acceptor level, a trap at 500 meV from the valence band was identified. The finally achieved quasi intrinsic material exhibits a negative temperature dependency of the dielectric constant below 120 K.
Rates and Determinants of Coronary and Abdominal Aortic Artery Calcium Progression in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT)
Authors: Saremi Aramesh , Moritz Thomas E. , Anderson Robert J. , Abraira Carlos , Duckworth William C. , Reaven Peter D. ,   on behalf of the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT)
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE
To determine the predictors of progression of calcified atherosclerosis and the effect of intensive glycemic control on this process in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
As part of the Risk Factors, Atherosclerosis, and Clinical Events in Diabetes (RACED) substudy of the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT), 197 and 189 individuals with type 2 diabetes received baseline and follow-up computed tomographic scans for measurement of coronary and abdominal artery calcium, respectively. Standard and novel risk factors were assessed at baseline, and progression of calcified atherosclerosis was determined by several methods. Progression was defined both as a categorical (square root increase of volumetric scores ≥2.5 mm3) and continuous variable. In addition, annualized percent change of volume scores was determined.

RESULTS
After an average follow-up of 4.6 years, &gt;75% of individuals demonstrated coronary (CAC) and abdominal artery calcification (AAC) progression. Progression increased with higher baseline calcium categories but was not influenced by standard risk factors. However, the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) (P = 0.02) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) (P = 0.01) predicted progression of CAC, and these results were not altered by adjustment for age and other traditional risk factors. Treatment assignment (intensive versus standard) within the VADT did not influence CAC or AAC progression, irrespective of baseline calcium category.

CONCLUSIONS
In patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes, baseline CAC, Lp-PLA2, and ACR predicted progression of CAC. Intensive glycemic control during the VADT did not reduce progression of calcified atherosclerosis.
Referring veterinarians' opinions and veterinary teaching hospital veterinarians' perceptions of those opinions regarding communication and nutritional product recommendations
Authors: Towell Todd L. , Hampe Stephanie , Wayner Charles J. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Objective—To compare opinions of referring veterinarians and perceptions of veterinary teaching hospital (VTH) veterinarians of those opinions regarding nutritional product recommendations made by VTH veterinarians.
Design—Survey.
Sample Population—VTH veterinarians from 10 US colleges of veterinary medicine and referring veterinarians within a 160-km (100-mile) radius of each of those colleges.
Procedures—Questions intended to assess the attitudes of VTH clinicians and referring veterinarians toward recommendations on nutritional products were designed by use of item statements with a 7-point Likert scale. Data were evaluated by use of crosstab analysis and Likert bipolar scaling to measure overall positive or negative responses to statements and to determine significant differences in responses to demographic and communication questions.
Results—Referring veterinarians returned 1,430 of 12,720 surveys, and VTH veterinarians returned 98 of 690 surveys (response rate, 11.2% and 14.2%, respectively). Significant communication gaps between general practitioners and board-certified veterinarians existed. The VTH veterinarians consistently reported providing written case summaries sooner than referring veterinarians reported receiving them. Referring veterinarians indicated that they expected and welcomed specific nutritional recommendations more than was perceived by VTH veterinarians.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—VTH veterinarians should not assume the attitudes of referring veterinarians, particularly with regard to specific nutritional recommendations. Failure to discuss specific nutritional recommendations may prevent effective consultation between veterinarians and also may directly affect clients who may experience delays in treatment for their pets. Procedural issues related to delivery and receipt of written case summaries should be investigated by VTH veterinarians and general practitioners.