bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low prevalence of H. pylori Infection in HIV-Positive Patients in the Northeast of Brazil
Authors: Fialho Andréa BC , Braga-Neto Manuel B , Guerra Eder JC , Fialho André MN , Fernandes Karine C , Sun Juliana LM , Takeda Christianne FV , Silva Cícero IS , Queiroz Dulciene MM , Braga Lucia LBC 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
This study conducted in Northeastern Brazil, evaluated the prevalence of H. pylori infection and the presence of gastritis in HIV-infected patients.

Methods
There were included 113 HIV-positive and 141 age-matched HIV-negative patients, who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for dyspeptic symptoms. H. pylori status was evaluated by urease test and histology.

Results
The prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in HIV-infected (37.2%) than in uninfected (75.2%) patients. There were no significant differences between H. pylori status and gender, age, HIV viral load, antiretroviral therapy and the use of antibiotics. A lower prevalence of H. pylori was observed among patients with T CD4 cell count below 200/mm3; however, it was not significant. Chronic active antral gastritis was observed in 87.6% of the HIV-infected patients and in 780.4% of the control group (p = 0.11). H. pylori infection was significantly associated with chronic active gastritis in the antrum in both groups, but it was not associated with corpus chronic active gastritis in the HIV-infected patients.

Conclusion
We demonstrated that the prevalence of H. pylori was significantly lower in HIV-positive patients compared with HIV-negative ones. However, corpus gastritis was frequently observed in the HIV-positive patients, pointing to different mechanisms than H. pylori infection in the genesis of the lesion.
Acute and second-meal effects of almond form in impaired glucose tolerant adults: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Mori Alisa M , Considine Robert V , Mattes Richard D 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Nut consumption may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The aim of the current study was to measure the acute and second-meal effects of morning almond consumption and determine the contribution of different nut fractions.

Methods
Fourteen impaired glucose tolerant (IGT) adults participated in a randomized, 5-arm, crossover design study where whole almonds (WA), almond butter (AB), defatted almond flour (AF), almond oil (AO) or no almonds (vehicle - V) were incorporated into a 75 g available carbohydrate-matched breakfast meal. Postprandial concentrations of blood glucose, insulin, non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFA), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and appetitive sensations were assessed after treatment breakfasts and a standard lunch.

Results
WA significantly attenuated second-meal and daylong blood glucose incremental area under the curve (AUCI) and provided the greatest daylong feeling of fullness. AB and AO decreased blood glucose AUCI in the morning period and daylong blood glucose AUCI was attenuated with AO. WA and AO elicited a greater second-meal insulin response, particularly in the early postprandial phase, and concurrently suppressed the second-meal NEFA response. GLP-1 concentrations did not vary significantly between treatments.

Conclusions
Inclusion of almonds in the breakfast meal decreased blood glucose concentrations and increased satiety both acutely and after a second-meal in adults with IGT. The lipid component of almonds is likely responsible for the immediate post-ingestive response, although it cannot explain the differential second-meal response to AB versus WA and AO.
Cooperative interaction of CTGF and TGF-β in animal models of fibrotic disease
Authors: Wang Qingjian , Usinger William , Nichols Blake , Gray Julia , Xu Leon , Seeley Todd W , Brenner Mitch , Guo Guangjie , Zhang Weihua , Oliver Noelynn , Lin Al , Yeowell David 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is widely thought to promote the development of fibrosis in collaboration with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β; however, most of the evidence for its involvement comes from correlative and culture-based studies. In this study, the importance of CTGF in tissue fibrosis was directly examined in three murine models of fibrotic disease: a novel model of multiorgan fibrosis induced by repeated intraperitoneal injections of CTGF and TGF-β2; the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) renal fibrosis model; and an intratracheal bleomycin instillation model of pulmonary fibrosis.

Results
Intraperitoneal coadministration of CTGF and TGF-β2 elicited a profound fibrotic response that was inhibited by the human anti-CTGF antibody FG-3019, as indicated by the ability of FG-3019 to ameliorate the histologic signs of fibrosis and reduce the otherwise increased hydroxyproline:proline (Hyp:Pro) ratios by 25% in kidney (P < 0.05), 30% in liver (P < 0.01) and 63% in lung (P < 0.05). Moreover, administration of either cytokine alone failed to elicit a fibrotic response, thus demonstrating that CTGF is both necessary and sufficient to initiate fibrosis in the presence of TGF-β and vice versa. In keeping with this requirement for CTGF function in fibrosis, FG-3019 also reduced the renal Hyp:Pro response up to 20% after UUO (P < 0.05). In bleomycin-injured animals, a similar trend towards a FG-3019 treatment effect was observed (38% reduction in total lung Hyp, P = 0.056). Thus, FG-3019 antibody treatment consistently reduced excessive collagen deposition and the pathologic severity of fibrosis in all models.

Conclusion
Cooperative interactions between CTGF and TGF-β signaling are required to elicit overt tissue fibrosis. This interdependence and the observed anti-fibrotic effects of FG-3019 indicate that anti-CTGF therapy may provide therapeutic benefit in different forms of fibroproliferative disease.
The use of ultra-dense array CGH analysis for the discovery of micro-copy number alterations and gene fusions in the cancer genome
Authors: Przybytkowski Ewa , Ferrario Cristiano , Basik Mark 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Molecular alterations critical to development of cancer include mutations, copy number alterations (amplifications and deletions) as well as genomic rearrangements resulting in gene fusions. Massively parallel next generation sequencing, which enables the discovery of such changes, uses considerable quantities of genomic DNA (> 5 ug), a serious limitation in ever smaller clinical samples. However, a commonly available microarray platforms such as array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) allows the characterization of gene copy number at a single gene resolution using much smaller amounts of genomic DNA. In this study we evaluate the sensitivity of ultra-dense array CGH platforms developed by Agilent, especially that of the 1 million probe array (1 M array), and their application when whole genome amplification is required because of limited sample quantities.

Methods
We performed array CGH on whole genome amplified and not amplified genomic DNA from MCF-7 breast cancer cells, using 244 K and 1 M Agilent arrays. The ADM-2 algorithm was used to identify micro-copy number alterations that measured less than 1 Mb in genomic length.

Results
DNA from MCF-7 breast cancer cells was analyzed for micro-copy number alterations, defined as measuring less than 1 Mb in genomic length. The 4-fold extra resolution of the 1 M array platform relative to the less dense 244 K array platform, led to the improved detection of copy number variations (CNVs) and micro-CNAs. The identification of intra-genic breakpoints in areas of DNA copy number gain signaled the possible presence of gene fusion events. However, the ultra-dense platforms, especially the densest 1 M array, detect artifacts inherent to whole genome amplification and should be used only with non-amplified DNA samples.

Conclusions
This is a first report using 1 M array CGH for the discovery of cancer genes and biomarkers. We show the remarkable capacity of this technology to discover CNVs, micro-copy number alterations and even gene fusions. However, these platforms require excellent genomic DNA quality and do not tolerate relatively small imperfections related to the whole genome amplification.
Structures and Conformational Analysis of 1,8-Bis(9-triptycylethynyl)anthracene and Its Derivatives as Prototypes of Molecular Spur Gears
Authors: Toyota Shinji , Shimizu Takamasa , Iwanaga Tetsuo , Wakamatsu Kan 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The title compounds having two 9-triptycyl rotors, two acetylene shafts, and an acene base were synthesized by coupling reactions as molecular spur gears. Their molecular structures were compared to evaluate the meshing of rotor moieties and the orientation of the two gear shafts. The mechanism of rotation of three-toothed rotors was explored by NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations in terms of gear rotation and slippage.
Hemoglobin A1c as a Diagnostic Tool for Diabetes Screening and New-Onset Diabetes Prediction
Authors: Choi Sung Hee , Kim Tae Hyuk , Lim Soo , Park Kyong Soo , Jang Hak C. , Cho Nam H. 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE
Various cutoff levels of hemoglobin A1c (A1C) have been suggested to screen for diabetes, although more consensus about the best level, especially for different ethnicities, is required. We evaluated the usefulness of A1C levels when screening for undiagnosed diabetes and as a predictor of 6-year incident diabetes in a prospective, population-based cohort study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total 10,038 participants were recruited from the Ansung-Ansan cohort study. All subjects underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at baseline and at each biennial follow-up. Excluding subjects with a previous history of diabetes (n = 572), the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the A1C cutoff. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to predict diabetes at 6 years.

RESULTS
At baseline, 635 participants (6.8%) had previously undiagnosed diabetes. An A1C cutoff of 5.9% produced the highest sum of sensitivity (68%) and specificity (91%). At 6 years, 895 (10.2%) subjects had developed incident diabetes. An A1C cutoff of 5.6% had the highest sum of sensitivity (59%) and specificity (77%) for the identification of subsequent 6-year incident diabetes. After multivariate adjustment, men with baseline A1C ≥5.6% had a 2.4-fold increased risk and women had a 3.1-fold increased risk of new-onset diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS
A1C is an effective and convenient method for diabetes screening. An A1C cutoff of 5.9% may identify subjects with undiagnosed diabetes. Individuals with A1C ≥5.6% have an increased risk for future diabetes.
Association Between Insulin Resistance and Development of Microalbuminuria in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hsu Chih-Cheng , Chang Hsing-Yi , Huang Meng-Chuan , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Yang Yi-Ching , Tai Tong-Yuan , Yang Hung-Jen , Chang Chwen-Tzuei , Chang Chih-Jen , Li Yu-Sheng , Shin Shyi-Jang , Kuo Ken N. 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE
An association between insulin resistance and microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes has often been found in cross-sectional studies. We aimed to reassess this relationship in a prospective Taiwanese cohort of type 2 diabetic subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We enrolled 738 normoalbuminuric type 2 diabetic subjects, aged 56.6 ± 9.0 years, between 2003 and 2005 and followed them through the end of 2009. Average follow-up time was 5.2 ± 0.8 years. We used urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio to define microalbuminuria and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) to assess insulin resistance. The incidence rate ratio and Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate the association between HOMA-IR and development of microalbuminuria.

RESULTS
We found incidences of microalbuminuria of 64.8, 83.5, 93.3, and 99.0 per 1,000 person-years for the lowest to highest quartiles of HOMA-IR. Compared with those in the lowest quartile of HOMA-IR, the incidence rate ratios for those in the 2nd, 3rd, and highest quartiles were 1.28 (95% CI 0.88–1.87), 1.44 (0.99–2.08), and 1.52 (1.06–2.20), respectively (trend test: P &lt; 0.001). By comparison with those in the lowest quartile, the adjusted hazard ratios were 1.37 (0.93–2.02), 1.66 (1.12–2.47), and 1.76 (1.20–2.59) for those in the 2nd, 3rd, and highest HOMA-IR quartiles, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
According to the dose-response effects of HOMA-IR shown in this prospective study, we conclude that insulin resistance could significantly predict development of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients.
A1C Variability as an Independent Risk Factor for Microalbuminuria in Young People With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Marcovecchio M. Loredana , Dalton R. Neil , Chiarelli Francesco , Dunger David B. 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE
To assess the potential association between A1C variability (A1C-SD) and microalbuminuria in young people with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Serially collected samples for A1C measurement were available for 1,232 subjects with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes recruited to the Oxford Regional Prospective Study and the Nephropathy Family Study.

RESULTS
The median (range) number of A1C assessments was 4 (2–16). Mean intrapersonal A1C was 9.5% and A1C-SD was 0.91. Mean A1C and A1C-SD values were higher in subjects with microalbuminuria (n = 227) than in those with normoalbuminuria (10.3 vs. 9.4%; 1.12 vs. 0.86, P &lt; 0.001). In a Cox regression model, A1C-SD was independently associated with microalbuminuria (hazard ratio 1.31 [95% CI 1.01–1.35]).

CONCLUSIONS
In the current study, A1C variability was an independent variable that added to the effect of A1C on the risk for microalbuminuria in youth with type 1 diabetes, a population highly vulnerable to vascular complications.
Multiple Bonded Restorations in a Patient with Severe Mental Disability: A Case Report
Authors: Chang J. , Seo K-S. 
Published: February 2011

Clinical Relevance
Dental treatment for patients with special needs may be restricted due to the patient's lack of understanding and/or inability to cooperate, as well as other circumstances. Bonded restorations may be especially appropriate in dental restorations of patients with severe mental impairment.
Gray Value Differences to Dentin of Root Posts Radiographed with Digital Intraoral Systems and Conventional X-ray Films
Authors: Wicht S. , Pfeiffer P. , Rother U. , Nergiz I. , Schmage P. 
Published: February 2011

Clinical Relevance
Digital radiographs often provide significantly higher gray value differences between root posts and root dentin than conventional x-ray films.
Fluoride Release From a New Glass-ionomer Cement
Authors: Neelakantan P. , John S. , Anand S. , Sureshbabu N. , Subbarao C. 
Published: February 2011

Clinical Relevance
The antibacterial and cariostatic properties of glass-ionomer cements are associated with the amount of fluoride released. Therefore, fluoride release from a restorative material for extended periods of time is considered favorable.
Magnetic and electric properties of (Fe, Co)/(Si, Ge) multilayers
Authors: Lucinski Tadeusz , Chomiuk Piotr 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
We review selected results concerning the interlayer exchange coupling in Fe/SixFe1−x
, Fe/Ge and Co/Si layered structures. Among the ferromagnet/semiconductor systems, Fe/Si structures are the most popular owing to their strong antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling. We show that such interaction depends not only on semiconducting sublayer thickness, but also on deposition techniques and on the chemical composition of the sublayer as well. In similar heterostructures e.g. Fe/Ge, antiferromagnetic coupling was observed only in ion-beam deposited trilayers at low temperatures. In contrast, in Fe/Ge multilayers deposited by sputtering, no such coupling was found. However, when the Ge is partially substituted by Si, antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling appears. For Co/Si multilayers, we observed a very weak exchange coupling and its oscillatory behavior. The growth of Co on Si occurs in an island growth mode. The evolution of magnetic loop shapes can be successfully explained by the interplay between interlayer coupling and anisotropy terms.
Magnetostructural transformations in Ni51Mn36Sn13 Heusler alloy thin films
Authors: Załęski Karol , Dubowik Janusz , Gościańska Iwona , Andrzejewski Bartłomiej , Toliński Tomasz 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
In this paper we report structural, magnetic and transport properties of strongly textured Ni51Mn36Sn13 thin films. The off-stoichiometric Heusler alloy films with 200 nm thickness were sputter-deposited on a MgO(100) substrate at 500 K and after annealed at 1000 K in UHV conditions. The textured growth was confirmed by x-ray diffraction in Bragg-Brentano geometry. The temperature dependence of the magnetic properties was measured by VSM and FMR methods. The electron transport measurements were carried out in function of temperature in 0 Oe and 50 kOe fields. All measurements corroborate the existence of the martensitic transformation in the film. Furthermore, transport measurements reveal an influence of the magnetic field on the transition temperature.
Chronic food restriction up-regulates 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
Authors: Sledzinski Tomasz , Turyn Jacek , Stelmanska Ewa , Presler Malgorzata , Klimek Jerzy , Swierczynski Julian 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Corticosterone — product of 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I (11βHSD1) stimulates adipocytes differentiation and activates lipogenic enzymes gene expression in white adipose tissue (WAT) of rats. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of chronic food restriction, often practised by obese individuals trying to lose body mass, on: a) 11βHSD1 gene expression, b) expression of genes associated with adipocyte differentiation (PPARg, SREBP-1, adiponectin), and c) expression of genes associated with lipogenesis in WAT of rats. Two-month old rats were divided into a control and a food restricted group obtaining 50% of food consumed by controls for 30 days. mRNA levels of studied genes in perirenal WAT were analysed by real-time PCR. 11βHSD1 and lipogenic enzymes activities were measured by radiometric conversion assay and by spectrophotometric assay respectively. Food restriction caused significant increase of 11βHSD1, PPARg, SREBP1, adiponectin and lipogenic enzymes mRNA levels in perirenal WAT. 11βHSD1 and some lipogenic enzymes activities were also increased by food restriction. The coordinated up-regulation of 11βHSD1, and genes associated with adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis by food restriction suggests that such nutritional condition shifts WAT metabolism, that would permit this tissue to synthesize and accumulate triacylglycerols immediately after refeeding.
Predatory bug Picromerus bidens communicates at different frequency levels
Authors: Čokl Andrej , Žunič Alenka , Virant-Doberlet Meta 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The Asopinae (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) are a subfamily of stinkbugs with predaceous feeding habits and poorly understood communication systems. In this study we recorded vibratory signals emitted by Picromerus bidens L. on a non-resonant substrate and investigated their frequency characteristics. Males and females produced signals by vibration of the abdomen and tremulation. The female and male songs produced by abdominal vibrations showed gender-specific time structure. There were no differences in the temporal patterns of male or female tremulatory signals. The signals produced by abdominal vibrations were emitted below 600 Hz whereas tremulatory signals had frequency ranges extending up to 4 kHz. Spectra of male vibratory signals produced by abdominal vibrations contained different peaks, each of which may be dominant within the same song sequence. Males alternated with each other during production of rivalry signals, using different dominant frequency levels. We show that the vibratory song repertoire of P. bidens is broader than those of other predatory stinkbugs that have been investigated. The emission of vibrational signals with different dominant frequencies but the same production mechanism has not yet been described in heteropteran insects, and may facilitate location of individual sources of vibration within a group.
Kessler Psychological Distress Scale: Normative Data from the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Slade Tim , Grove Rachel , Burgess Philip 
Published: February 2011

Objective: To present Australian normative data on the ten-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Method: Analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, a nationally representative household survey of 8841 adults. Mean K10 scores and K10 scores at selected percentiles of the K10 score distribution are presented by sex, age, the presence of mental disorders and the presence of physical conditions. Stratum-specific likelihood ratios were computed to help clinicians and researchers calculate predicted probabilities of mental disorder given scores on the K10. Results: Scores on the K10 were generally higher in women compared to men, in people with a mental disorder compared to without a mental disorder and in people with affective disorders compared to people with substance use disorders. The SSLRs were informative in ruling in a diagnosis of mental disorder, particularly at the high or very high end of the psychological distress spectrum. Conclusions: These data may be helpful for clinicians and researchers alike in understanding the likelihood of mental disorder in a given individual or sample.
A Bronze Age Burial Mound at Holland, St Ola, Orkney
Authors: Neil Nigel R J 
Published: February 2011

Summary Excavation of one of a group of Bronze Age barrows revealed two burials. A primary cremation had been partially cut away by a later inhumation that was dated by C-14 to 1100–1300 BC. A discussion of the significance of these sites within Orkney concludes that the site is similar to that identified at Quoyscottie and that the burials were contemporary with the cooking sites associated with the burnt mounds.
Excavation at Bothwell Castle, Lanarkshire, 1981
Authors: Lewis J H 
Published: February 2011

Summary Outside the castle's N curtain wall were the foundations of a rectangular stone-walled structure measuring 10.35 m by 5. 70 m. Stone-robbing and other destructive forces had caused considerable damage and few stratigraphic contexts remained. However, this building seems to have incorporated the castle's entrance and was, perhaps, contemporary with the N curtain wall built by the Black Douglas family in the late 14th or early 15th century.
Skaill, Sandwick, Orkney: Preliminary Investigations of a Mound-site near Skara Brae
Authors: Morris (ed) Christopher D , Emery Norman , Owen Olwyn A , Rains Michael J , Watt Harvey M 
Published: February 2011

Summary A large mound-site near Skara Brae has been subject to severe erosion. Surveys of the site have been undertaken and major structural elements recognised. It is a ‘settlement mound’ as recently recognised elsewhere in Orkney, but in addition probably had a Viking grave placed in it. Earlier structural elements are undated and may be early prehistoric. The site is considered against the context of the archaeology of the Bay of Skaill.
Excavation at Montfode Mount Motte, Ayrshire
Authors: James Heather F 
Published: February 2011

Summary A two week excavation in two areas around the Scheduled Monument known as Montfode Mount confirmed the existence of the arcs of two outer concentric ditches noted on aerial photographs and an inner ditch at the base of the motte. There was no stratigraphical relationship between the outer ditches and the motte, and the excavation did not provide dating evidence for any of these features. While allowing for the fact that the outer ditches may be Medieval in date the excavator suggests that the ditches formed part of the defenses of a promontory fort of prehistoric date. In the light of recent work the interpretation of the mound as a motte is also discussed.