bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre‐ and postpubertal irradiation induces mammary cancers with distinct expression of hormone receptors, ErbB ligands, and developmental genes in rats
Authors: Imaoka Tatsuhiko , Nishimura Mayumi , Iizuka Daisuke , Nishimura Yukiko , Ohmachi Yasushi , Shimada Yoshiya 
Published: March 2011

AbstractChildhood exposure to carcinogens renders a higher risk of breast cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development after such exposure are not, however, well understood. Here we examined how the mechanism of cancer development relates to the age at exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) or the carcinogen 1‐methyl‐1‐nitrosourea (MNU). Pre‐ and postpubertal (3‐ and 7‐wk‐old, respectively) female Sprague–Dawley rats were whole‐body γ‐irradiated (2 Gy), injected intraperitoneally with MNU (20 mg/kg) or left untreated and were autopsied at 50 wk of age. Mammary carcinomas were examined for estrogen receptor (ER) α, progesterone receptor (PR) and ErbB ligand expression and for expression microarrays. Early histological changes of the ovaries were also evaluated. The incidence of mammary cancer was higher after postpubertal, rather than prepubertal, IR exposure; the inverse was true for MNU. Most cancers were positive for both ERα and PR except for the prepubertal IR group. Cancers of the prepubertal IR group expressed a different set of ErbB ligands from those of the other groups and did not overexpress Areg, which encodes an estrogen‐regulated ErbB ligand, or other developmentally related genes including those for hormonally regulated mammary gland development. Prepubertal IR exposure resulted in ovarian dysfunction as revealed by a reduced follicular pool. Evidence thus suggests that mammary carcinogenesis induced by prepubertal IR exposure is independent of ovarian hormones but requires certain ErbB ligands; induction by postpubertal exposure depends on ovarian hormones and different ErbB ligands. In contrast, the mechanism of MNU‐induced carcinogenesis was less influenced by the age at exposure. Mol. Carcinog. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Optimisation of Analytical Parameters for Routine Profiling of Antioxidants in Complex Mixtures by HPLC Coupled Post‐column Derivatisation
Authors: Kusznierewicz Barbara , Piasek Anita , Bartoszek Agnieszka , Namiesnik Jacek 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe wide application of natural and artificial antioxidants in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as well as the recognition of the importance of food antioxidants for supporting human health have created a demand for reliable and industrially applicable methods of determining antioxidative activity. This requirement can be fulfilled with the recently proposed HPLC‐post‐column derivatisation approach, enabling rapid measurements of antioxidative potential along with profiling antioxidants in complex mixtures.ObjectiveTo employ the commercially available post‐column derivatisation device for the on‐line detection of antioxidants and to optimise analytical parameters enabling its application for routine profiling of antioxidants in complex mixtures such as those of plant or food origin.MethodologyThe mixtures of standards and fruit extracts were resolved using an optimised HPLC method followed by the on‐line derivatisation of analytes in a PCX post‐column derivatisation instrument. Such parameters as the type of indicator reagent (ABTS, DPPH, Folin‐Ciocalteu), its concentration and the temperature of the derivatisation reaction were investigated. The determinations of the Trolox equivalents (TE) values were compared with those obtained by corresponding bulk spectrophotometric tests.ResultsThe study confirms that the commercial HPLC‐coupled post‐column derivatisation instruments are suitable for routine on‐line detection of antioxidants in complex mixtures and the determination of their TE values. The analytical parameters optimised here appear to represent a ready‐to‐use toolbox for the food and pharmaceutical industries, enabling the monitoring of bioactive substances along the production line and during storage, and the characterisation of plant material by creating chromatographic profiles supplemented with antioxidant fingerprints. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High fat diet reduces the expression of glutathione peroxidase 3 in mouse prostate
Authors: Sekine Yoshitaka , Osei‐Hwedieh David , Matsuda Kant , Raghavachari Nalini , Liu Delong , Furuya Yosuke , Koike Hidekazu , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Remaley Alan T. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBACKGROUNDHigh fat diets are known to be a risk factor for prostate cancer. In this study, we investigated the effect of high fat diet on mouse prostate gene expression.METHODSC57BL/6J mice were fed either a control or high fat diet for 12 weeks. Microarray analyses were performed on mouse ventral prostate (VP) and dorsolateral prostate (DLP), followed by canonical pathway analysis and regulatory network identification. mRNA changes were confirmed by real time PCR.RESULTSApproximately 2,125, and 1,194 genes responded significantly to the high fat diet in VP, DLP, respectively. Pathways and networks related to oxidative stress, glutathione metabolism, NRF‐mediated oxidative stress response and NF‐kappaB were all differentially regulated by high fat diet. Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) mRNA levels were decreased by approximately twofold by high fat diet in all three prostate lobes. In human non‐transformed prostate cells (PrSC, PrEC, and BPH‐1), cholesterol loading decreased GPx3 expression, and increased H2O2 levels of culture medium. Troglitazone increased GPx3 expression in three normal prostate cells, and decreased H2O2 levels. In addition, troglitazone attenuated cholesterol‐induced H2O2 increase. Tissue from prostate cancer biopsies had decreased GPx3 mRNA and its level was inversely related to the Gleason score.CONCLUSIONSHigh fat diet alters pathways related to many genes concerned with oxidative stress. GPx3, a gene identified by this analysis, was found to be down‐regulated by high fat diet and appears be decreased in human prostate cancers, suggesting that GPx3 may have a possible role in modulating carcinogenesis. Prostate 71:1499–1509, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymeric Materials: Patterned Polymer Carpets (Small 5/2011)
Authors: Amin Ihsan , Steenackers Marin , Zhang Ning , Schubel René , Beyer André , Gölzhäuser Armin , Jordan Rainer 
Published: March 2011

AbstractFor the development of polymer carpets as active devices for micro‐ and nanotechnology, a control of the polymer carpet morphology and especially control of the stimulus responsive polymer brush is needed. Here, we report on the first example for the fabrication of patterned polymer carpets. On a two‐dimensional framework of fully crosslinked and chemically patterned nanosheets, polymer brushes of styrene and 4‐vinyl pyridine were grafted by self‐initiated surface photopolymerization and photografting (SIPGP). It was found that polymer grafting by SIPGP occurred over the entire nanosheets but with a preferred grafting on the amino functionalized nanosheet areas. This results in continuous polymer carpets with an intact nanosheet framework but with amplification of the chemical patterning into a three dimensional topography of the grafted polymer brush. In the case of negative patterned nanosheets, the patterned carpet could be prepared as freestanding ultrathin membranes. Furthermore, swelling experiments with poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) carpets showed that the patterns induces a directional buckling of the flexible polymer carpet. This may open the possibility of the development of micro‐ or nanoactuator devices with anisotropic responds upon environmental changes.
Toxic effects of chromium (VI) by maternal ingestion on liver function of female rats and their suckling pups
Authors: Soudani Nejla , Bouaziz Hanen , Sefi Mediha , Chtourou Yassine , Boudawara Tahia , Zeghal Najiba 
Published: March 2011

AbstractPotassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) is an environmental contaminant widely recognized as a carcinogen, mutagen, and teratogen toward humans and animals. This study investigated the effects of K2Cr2O7 on the hepatic function of pregnant and lactating rats and their suckling pups. Experiments were carried out on female Wistar rats given 700 ppm of K2Cr2O7 in their drinking water from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Hepatotoxicity was objectified by the significant increase in liver malondialdehyde content and a significant accumulation of chromium in this soft tissue. Moreover, exposure to K2Cr2O7 induced a decrease of glutathione, nonprotein thiols, and vitamin C in the liver of mothers and their suckling pups. Alteration of the antioxidant system in the treated group was confirmed by the significant decline of antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, while liver superoxide dismutase activity increased in mothers and decreased in their offspring. It was found that K2Cr2O7 induced liver damages as evidenced by the elevation of plasma aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase activities, and bilirubin levels. Impairment of the hepatic function corresponded histologically. Our investigation revealed hemorrhage, leukocytes infiltration cells, and necrosis, which were more pronounced in the hepatocytes of mothers than in those of their suckling pups. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2013.
Mental health consultation programs: Priority setting and funding
Authors: Maclennan Beryce W. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractCommunity mental health resources, funds, staff, and expertise are limited and must compete with other community needs. Within the mental health services themselves, consultation competes with direct services for funding. How can and do community mental health agencies decide how to allocate their resources—and how are those decisions handicapped or helped by the way funds are allocated?
Glutathione pathway gene variation and risk of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Bowers Katherine , Li Qing , Bressler Joseph , Avramopoulos Dimitrios , Newschaffer Craig , Fallin M. Daniele 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Despite evidence that autism is highly heritable with estimates of 15 or more genes involved, few studies have directly examined associations of multiple gene interactions. Since inability to effectively combat oxidative stress has been suggested as a mechanism of autism, we examined genetic variation 42 genes (308 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)) related to glutathione, the most important antioxidant in the brain, for both marginal association and multi-gene interaction among 318 case–parent trios from The Autism Genetic Resource Exchange. Models of multi-SNP interactions were estimated using the trio Logic Regression method. A three-SNP joint effect was observed for genotype combinations of SNPs in glutaredoxin, glutaredoxin 3 (GLRX3), and cystathione gamma lyase (CTH); OR = 3.78, 95% CI: 2.36, 6.04. Marginal associations were observed for four genes including two involved in the three-way interaction: CTH, alcohol dehydrogenase 5, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, catalytic subunit and GLRX3. These results suggest that variation in genes involved in counterbalancing oxidative stress may contribute to autism, though replication is necessary.
New Schiff Base Cationic Surfactants: Surface and Thermodynamic Properties and Applicability in Bacterial Growth and Metal Corrosion Prevention
Authors: Negm Nabel A. , El Farargy Ahmed F. , Al Sabagh Ahmad M. , Abdelrahman Naser R. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractA new series of cationic Schiff bases was synthesized and their chemical structures were confirmed using elemental analysis, infrared spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance. The surface properties of the surfactant solutions including surface tension, effectiveness, efficiency, critical micelle concentration, maximum surface excess and minimum surface area were calculated using surface tension‐log concentration profiles. The surface parameters were strongly dependent on the hydrophobic chain length. The thermodynamic properties of the surfactants in their solutions showed the spontaneous behavior of both adsorption and micellization processes. The thermodynamic data revealed that the adsorption of the surfactant molecules at the air/water interface was more favorable than the micellization in the bulk of their solutions. The synthesized surfactants were evaluated with regard to their preventing the corrosion reaction of carbon steel in acidic media and also their acting as antibacterial biocides to inhibit bacterial growth. The data of corrosion and antibacterial evaluations showed the high efficiency and applicability of these compounds in these uses.
Consumption of plant sterols in Belgium: estimated intakes and sources of naturally occurring plant sterols and β-carotene
Authors: Sioen Isabelle , Matthys Christophe , Huybrechts Inge , Van Camp John , De Henauw Stefaan 
Published: March 2011

The objective of the present study was to assess the intake of naturally occurring plant sterols and β-carotene via the overall diet of Belgian pre-school children and adults. Two different Belgian food consumption databases were used: (1) one with consumption data of pre-school children (2·5–6·5 years old) and (2) one with consumption data of adults ( ≥ 15 years old). These consumption data were combined with a newly developed database containing the plant sterol and β-carotene content in all relevant food items based on international food composition databases and scientific literature. The results show that Flemish pre-school children have a median plant sterol intake of 172 (interquartile range (IQR) = 47) and 184 (IQR = 52) mg/d for girls and boys, respectively. Their median β-carotene intake was 1857 (IQR = 1250) μg/d, without significant difference between girls and boys. Belgian women and men have a median plant sterol intake of 218 (IQR = 113) and 280 (IQR = 158) mg/d, respectively, and a median β-carotene intake of 2086 (IQR = 1254) μg/d (not significantly different between the sexes). The main food source of naturally occurring plant sterols was bread and other cereal products. For β-carotene, the main food source was vegetables.
La pensée sans sujet pensant
Authors: Bernier Paul 
Published: March 2011

RÉSUMÉIl existe une tradition, remontant à David Hume, qui nie que la pensée consciente requiert l’existence d’un sujet. Cette thèse, que nous appelons la thèse de la pensée sans sujet, est bien illustrée par la remarque de Lichtenberg selon laquelle Descartes ne pouvait prétendre avoir établi la certitude de «Je pense» mais uniquement celle de «Il y a de la pensée» (Es denkt). Le philosophe américain Bernard Williams a proposé un argument qui montrerait l’incohérence de la thèse de la pensée sans sujet. Mon but principal est de défendre la thèse de la pensée sans sujet en proposant une interprétation qui surmonte le problème posé par Williams.
Sikhs and the City: Sikh history and diasporic practice in Singapore
Authors: McCANN GERARD 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe historiography of South Asian diaspora in colonial Southeast Asia has overwhelmingly focused on numerically dominant South Indian labourers at the expense of the small, but important, North Indian communities, of which the Sikhs were the most visually conspicuous and politically important. This paper will analyse the creation of various Sikh communities in one critical territory in British Asia—Singapore, and chart the development of the island's increasingly unified Sikh community into the post-colonial period. The paper will scrutinize colonial economic roles and socio-cultural formation, whilst links of Singaporean Sikhs to Punjab and their place within the post-colonial Singaporean state will preoccupy the latter portion of the paper. It will argue that more complicated notions of division relative to the social norms of Punjab must be acknowledged in this region of Sikh diaspora and indeed others. The final sections will assess the remarkable success of local Sikhs in utilizing statist policies of ‘domesticating difference’ towards altered ‘community’ ends. Such attachment to the state and the discursive parity of Singapore's Sikhs with official values, moreover, stymied the appeal of transnational Sikh militant movements that gained momentum in the West in the 1980s. The result has been the assertion of ‘model minority’ status for Singapore's Sikhs and notably successful socialization into Singaporean society.
The development of culturally-sensitive measures for research on ageing
Authors: INGERSOLL-DAYTON BERIT 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTAttempts to import existing measures developed in other countries when constructing research instruments for use with older people can result in several problems including inappropriate wording, unsuitable response sets, and insufficient attention to cultural nuances. This paper addresses such problems by discussing a mixed-methods approach (i.e. both qualitative and quantitative) to measurement development that incorporates input from the older adults for whom the measure is intended. To test this approach, a step-by-step process to the development of a culturally-grounded measure for older Thai people is described. Using focus groups and in-depth interviews, the process begins with an identification of the culturally-meaningful domains of the construct under study. Next, input is gathered from other studies; a preliminary quantitative measure is developed; and the measure is reviewed by a panel of experts. Based on further pre-testing and cognitive interviews with older people, the measure is again modified. Subsequently, the measure is incorporated into a large-scale survey and tested for its psychometric qualities. In addition to providing a template for culturally-sensitive measurement development in gerontology, this paper also highlights issues (e.g. time constraints and trade-offs between cultural specificity as against cultural comparability) that researchers should consider when attempting to develop measures. Suggestions for how to address such issues are provided.
The challenges of conducting focus-group research among Asian older adults
Authors: MEHTA KALYANI K. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTThe paper demonstrates the particular value of focus groups as a data collection method in studies of older people with particular reference to those living in large cities in Asia. The strengths and limitations of focus groups as a modality of qualitative research are discussed and a case study is presented. Some of the method's strengths derive from the synergy of the interactions among elders with a shared history and lived experiences. Focus-group exchanges have the potential for inter-personal learning and reminiscence benefits. One difficulty with the method, however, is that many Asian people are inhibited about sharing personal problems in a group context. Drawing from a number of empirical studies based in Singapore, the challenges of conducting focus groups with older participants are detailed and appropriate ways of addressing them considered. The article elaborates on the author's use of software such as NVivo to expedite the analysis of large volumes of transcribed data, and on the retrieval of relevant quotes. Software is useful in extracting themes from codes, as well as allowing the researcher to appreciate the links between codes. Ethical issues such as confidentiality, cultural sensitivities such as language and respect for religion and tradition, and lessons learnt from conducting research using the group setting are discussed. Culturally relevant responses to these challenges are offered which could be useful for future researchers conducting focus groups in Asia.
Smoking and Perioperative Outcomes
Authors: Turan Alparslan , Mascha Edward J. , Roberman Dmitry , Turner Patricia L. , You Jing , Kurz Andrea , Sessler Daniel I. , Saager Leif 
Published: March 2011

Background
Patients are often concerned about the effects of smoking on perioperative risk. However, effective advice may be limited by the paucity of information about smoking and perioperative risk. Thus, our goal was to determine the effect of smoking on 30-day postoperative outcomes in noncardiac surgical patients.

Methods
We evaluated 635,265 patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database; 520,242 patients met our inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 103,795 were current smokers; 82,304 of the current smokers were propensity matched with 82,304 never-smoker controls. Matched current smokers and never-smokers were compared on major and minor composite morbidity outcomes and respective individual outcomes.

Results
Current smokers were 1.38 (95% CI, 1.11-1.72) times more likely to die than never smokers. Current smokers also had significantly greater odds of pneumonia (odds ratio [OR], 2.09; 95% CI, 1.80-2.43), unplanned intubation (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.58-2.21), and mechanical ventilation (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.31-1.79). Current smokers were significantly more likely to experience a cardiac arrest (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.10-2.25), myocardial infarction (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.11-2.92), and stroke (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.18-2.53). Current smokers also had significantly higher odds of having superficial (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.20-1.42) and deep (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.21-1.68) incisional infections, sepsis (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.15-1.46), organ space infections (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.20-1.60), and septic shock (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.29-1.87).

Conclusion
Our analysis indicates that smoking is associated with a higher likelihood of 30-day mortality and serious postoperative complications. Quantification of increased likelihood of 30-day mortality and a broad range of serious smoking-related complications may enhance the clinician's ability to motivate smoking cessation in surgical patients.
Dissociable Network Properties of Anesthetic State Transitions
Authors: Lee UnCheol , Müller Markus , Noh Gyu-Jeong , Choi ByungMoon , Mashour George A. 
Published: March 2011

Background
It is still unknown whether anesthetic state transitions are continuous or binary. Mathematical graph theory is one method by which to assess whether brain networks change gradually or abruptly upon anesthetic induction and emergence.

Methods
Twenty healthy males were anesthetized with an induction dose of propofol, with continuous measurement of 21-channel electroencephalogram at baseline, during anesthesia, and during recovery. From these electroencephalographic data a "genuine network" was reconstructed based on the surrogate data method. The effects of topologic structure and connection strength on information transfer through the network were measured independently across different states.

Results
Loss of consciousness was consistently associated with a disruption of network topology. However, recovery of consciousness was associated with complex patterns of altered connection strength after the initial topologic structure had slowly recovered. In one group of subjects, there was a precipitous increase of connection strength that was associated with reduced variability of emergence time. Analysis of regional effects on brain networks demonstrated that the parietal network was significantly disrupted, whereas the frontal network was minimally affected.

Conclusions
By dissociating the effects of network structure and connection strength, both continuous and discrete elements of anesthetic state transitions were identified. The study also supports a critical role of parietal networks as a target of general anesthetics.