bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D3 Therapy Corrects the Tissue Sensitivity to Angiotensin II Akin to the Action of a Converting Enzyme Inhibitor in Obese Hypertensives: An Interventional Study
Authors: Vaidya Anand , Sun Bei , Larson Carol , Forman John P. , Williams Jonathan S. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Context:
Vitamin D deficiency and obesity are associated with increased tissue renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to evaluate whether vitamin D3 therapy in obesity reduces tissue-RAS activity, as indicated by an increase in tissue sensitivity to angiotensin II (AngII).

Participants:
Participants included obese subjects with hypertension and 25-hydroxyvitamin D less than 25 ng/ml.

Design:
Subjects were studied before and after 1 month of vitamin D3 15,000 IU/d, while in dietary sodium balance, and off all interfering medications. Fourteen subjects successfully completed all study procedures.

Setting:
The study was conducted at a clinical research center.

Outcome Measures:
At each study visit, tissue sensitivity to AngII was assessed by measuring renal plasma flow (RPF), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and adrenal secretion of aldosterone during an infusion of AngII. Subjects were then given captopril, and a second AngII infusion to evaluate the effect of captopril on tissue-RAS activity.

Results:
Vitamin D3 therapy increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D (18 to 52 ng/ml) and basal RPF (+5%) and lowered supine MAP (−3%) (all P &lt; 0.01). There was a greater decline in RPF and higher stimulation of aldosterone with AngII infusion after vitamin D3 therapy (both P &lt; 0.05). As anticipated, captopril increased the renal-vascular, MAP, and adrenal sensitivity to AngII, but this effect was much smaller after vitamin D3 therapy, indicating that vitamin D3 therapy corrected the tissue sensitivity to AngII akin to captopril.

Conclusions:
Vitamin D3 therapy in obese hypertensives modified RPF, MAP, and tissue sensitivity to AngII similar to converting enzyme inhibition. Whether chronic vitamin D3 therapy abrogates the development of diseases associated with excess RAS activity warrants investigation.
SNP Array Profiling of Childhood Adrenocortical Tumors Reveals Distinct Pathways of Tumorigenesis and Highlights Candidate Driver Genes
Authors: Letouzé Eric , Rosati Roberto , Komechen Heloisa , Doghman Mabrouka , Marisa Laetitia , Flück Christa , de Krijger Ronald R. , van Noesel Max M. , Mas Jean-Christophe , Pianovski Mara A. D. , Zambetti Gerard P. , Figueiredo Bonald C. , Lalli Enzo 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Context:
Childhood adrenocortical tumors (ACT) are rare malignancies, except in southern Brazil, where a higher incidence rate is associated to a high frequency of the founder R337H TP53 mutation. To date, copy number alterations in these tumors have only been analyzed by low-resolution comparative genomic hybridization.

Objective:
We analyzed an international series of 25 childhood ACT using high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism arrays to: 1) detect focal copy number alterations highlighting candidate driver genes; and 2) compare genetic alterations between Brazilian patients carrying the R337H TP53 mutation and non-Brazilian patients.

Results:
We identified 16 significantly recurrent chromosomal alterations (q-value &lt; 0.05), the most frequent being −4q34, +9q33-q34, +19p, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosome 17 and 11p15. Focal amplifications and homozygous deletions comprising well-known oncogenes (MYC, MDM2, PDGFRA, KIT, MCL1, BCL2L1) and tumor suppressors (TP53, RB1, RPH3AL) were identified. In addition, eight focal deletions were detected at 4q34, defining a sharp peak region around the noncoding RNA LINC00290 gene. Although non-Brazilian tumors with a mutated TP53 were similar to Brazilian tumors, those with a wild-type TP53 displayed distinct genomic profiles, with significantly fewer rearrangements (P = 0.019). In particular, three alterations (LOH of chromosome 17, +9q33-q34, and −4q34) were significantly more frequent in TP53-mutated samples. Finally, two of four TP53 wild-type tumors displayed as sole rearrangement a copy-neutral LOH of the imprinted region at 11p15, supporting a major role for this region in ACT development.

Conclusions:
Our findings highlight potential driver genes and cellular pathways implicated in childhood ACT and demonstrate the existence of different oncogenic routes in this pathology.
Regulation of microRNA-375 by cAMP in Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Keller David M. , Clark Elizabeth A. , Goodman Richard H. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMicroRNA-375 (miR-375) is necessary for proper formation of pancreatic islets in vertebrates and is necessary for the development of β-cells in mice, but regulation of miR-375 in these cells is poorly understood. Here, we show that miR-375 is transcriptionally repressed by the cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway and that this repression is mediated through a block in RNA polymerase II binding to the miR-375 promoter. cAMP analogs that are PKA selective repress miR-375, as do cAMP agonists and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, exendin-4. Repression of the miR-375 precursor occurs rapidly in rat insulinoma INS-1 832/13 cells, within 15 min after cAMP stimulation, although the mature microRNA declines more slowly due to the kinetics of RNA processing. Repression of miR-375 in isolated rat islets by exendin-4 also occurs slowly, after several hours of stimulation. Glucose is another reported antagonist of miR-375 expression, although we demonstrate here that glucose does not target the microRNA through the PKA pathway. As reported previously, miR-375 negatively regulates insulin secretion, and attenuation of miR-375 through the cAMP-PKA pathway may boost the insulin response in pancreatic β-cells.
Calcium adjustment equations in neonates and children
Authors: Jassam Nuthar , Gopaul Shireen , McShane Philip , McHugh Anna , Coleman Robert , Thompson Douglas , Barth Julian H 
Published: April 2012

Background Calcium exists in human blood in a free form and in a form bound to plasma proteins, principally albumin. Since it is the ionized form that is biologically active, it has long been common practice to present calcium adjusted on the basis of serum albumin concentration. The concept of adjusted calcium has only been evaluated in adults. In this study, we evaluated the use of the adult-adjusted equation to report calcium in children. Methods We searched the laboratory information system over three teaching hospitals for young patients aged between newborn and 18 years old with a request for calcium and albumin analysis but with no evidence of disturbances of calcium homeostasis. These data were organized on the basis of age and was separated into four age groups (birth to 1 month old, 1 month to 1 year old, 1 to 5 years old and 5 to 18 years old). These data were subjected to regression analysis to derive the calcium-adjusted equation for each age group. Results There is an inverse relationship between the bias value and the age. The younger the age, the higher the difference between the adjusted calcium calculated by the adult equation and that calculated by the age-specific equation. This pattern was maintained on all sites. Conclusion For all sites, the adult-adjusted calcium equation may be used to calculate the adjusted calcium for children aged one year old and above.
The relative impact on leg symptoms of fears of getting varicose veins and of great saphenous vein reflux
Authors: Blaettler W , Amsler F , Mendoza E 
Published: April 2012

Objective: To assess possible links between fears of getting varicose veins and unknown great saphenous vein reflux with the prevalence and features of leg symptoms in healthy people and patients with varicose veins. Methods: Questionnaire and venous ultrasound in healthy volunteers and patients with great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence. Results: Intensity of feelings of swelling and heaviness (S&H; scale 0–3) was 0.26 (±0.51) in healthy people without fears of varicose veins ( n = 162), 0.56 (±0.72) in the presence of GSV reflux ( n = 39, P = 0.001), 0.73 (±0.77) in the presence of fears of varicose veins ( n = 43, P, 0.001), 0.95 (±0.98) in the presence of both findings ( n = 10, P = 0.002) and 0.73 (±0.91) in patients ( n = 40, P < 0.001). Intensity of S&H was higher in women ( P < 0.001) and in the presence of a family history of varicose veins ( P = 0.003). Fears had a large influence on S&H ( F = 12.38, P < 0.001) while GSV reflux was less important ( F = 4.58, P = 0.033). Fears and GSV reflux were not related to each other ( r = 20.01, P = 0.933). The prevalence of a crawling sensation was equal in all study groups and cramps were more frequent in volunteers than in patients with GSV reflux ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: Healthy people with fears of getting varicose veins experience feelings of leg S&H as frequently as subjects with previously unknown GSV incompetence and patients with manifest varicose veins.
Plasma Prolylcarboxypeptidase (Angiotensinase C) Is Increased in Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus and Related to Cardiovascular Dysfunction
Authors: Xu Shengyuan , Lind Lars , Zhao Linshu , Lindahl Bertil , Venge Per 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDProlylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP) (angiotensinase C) has 3 major targets, angiotensin II, prekallikrein, and α-melanocyte stimulating hormone1–13. The truncation of the latter leads to loss in appetite regulation and obesity in experimental animals. The objectives of this study were to purify PRCP from a native source, establish a sensitive immunoassay for PRCP, and relate plasma PRCP concentrations to signs and symptoms of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular dysfunction.METHODSPurification of PRCP from human neutrophils and establishment of a sensitive ELISA was carried out with the use of samples from study participants. Three cohorts were studied: healthy individuals (n = 40); a chest pain cohort (Fast Assessment of Thoracic Pain by Neural Networks) (n = 165); and a community-based cohort [Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS)] (n = 1004).RESULTSPRCP was purified to homogeneity. Mean (SD) plasma concentrations in healthy individuals were 12.9 (3.2) μg/L and were increased in patients with chest pain and in patients with obesity and/or diabetes mellitus (P &lt; 0.0001). In the PIVUS cohort the concentrations were related to several measures of arterial plaque formation, thickness of arterial intima media and posterior wall of the heart (P = 0.04–0.000005); the Framingham score (r = 0.14, P &lt; 0.0001); and concentrations of C-reactive protein (r = 0.16, P &lt; 0.0001) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (r = −0.13, P &lt; 0.0001).CONCLUSIONSPlasma concentrations of PRCP may be used to reflect metabolic conditions in individuals with obesity and diabetes mellitus. The associations of PRCP concentrations with signs of cardiovascular dysfunction and cardiovascular abnormalities suggest a pivotal role of the enzyme in disease.
Legumes affect alpine tundra community composition via multiple biotic interactions
Authors: Soudzilovskaia N. A. , Aksenova A. A. , Makarov M. I. , Onipchenko V. G. , Logvinenko O. A. , ter Braak C. J. F. , Cornelissen J. H. C. 
Published: April 2012

The soil engineering function of legumes in natural ecosystems is paramount but associated solely with soil nitrogen (N) subsidies, ignoring concomitant biotic interactions such as competitive or inhibitory effects and exchange between mycorrhizas and rhizobia. We aim to (1) disentangle legume effects on plant community composition, and plant and soil N and phosphorus (P) concentrations, separating the effects of N subsidies from other legume effects; (2) estimate effects of mycorrhizal‐rhizobial interactions on nutrient acquisition modes of plants co‐existing with legumes.We compared plant community structure and plant nutrition modes in micro‐sites in a Caucasian alpine tundra ecosystem that were either: (1) dominated by legumes in symbiosis with N‐fixing rhizobia (‘N‐fixing legumes'), (2) dominated by legumes without symbiosis with rhizobia (‘not N‐fixing legumes'), or dominated by non‐legumes and either (3) unfertilized (‘controls') or (4) experimentally fertilized.Fertilization and the presence of N‐fixing legumes affected the ecosystem similarly: soil was enriched with plant‐available N compared to controls and sites dominated by a not N‐fixing legume. Also, N turnover pathways and plant nutrition modes were strongly affected by the latter site types, as indicated by 5–10% higher plant tissue N concentration, altered soil and plant δ15N, more than 4‐fold reduced lichen amounts, 2.5‐fold increased litter accumulation and doubling of aboveground biomass of non‐legume plants.Vascular plant community composition was affected by the presence of legumes in a similar way regardless of whether they fixed N, suggesting that other factors overrode the N subsidy effects. Shading and microclimate changes in sites dominated by both types of legumes are possible explanatory factors. Both tissue N and δ15N of non‐legume plants near legumes were affected by interactions of mycorrhizal type and site type (without legumes, dominated by N‐fixing, or not N‐fixing legume), suggesting an important role of plant mycorrhizal status for adjusting nutrition mode to the legume presence.We conclude that N‐fixing legumes play an engineering role in natural plant communities, but their role goes much beyond N fixation. Plant mycorrhizal status defines the way plants adjust their nutrition mode to the presence of legumes.
Annual rupture risk of growing unruptured cerebral aneurysms detected by magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Inoue Takashi , Shimizu Hiroaki , Fujimura Miki , Saito Atsushi , Tominaga Teiji 
Published: April 2012

Object
In this paper, the authors' goals were to clarify the characteristics of growing unruptured cerebral aneurysms detected by serial MR angiography and to establish the recommended follow-up interval.

Methods
A total of 1002 patients with 1325 unruptured cerebral aneurysms were retrospectively identified. These patients had undergone follow-up evaluation at least twice. Aneurysm growth was defined as an increase in maximum aneurysm diameter by 1.5 times or the appearance of a bleb.

Results
Aneurysm growth was observed in 18 patients during the period of this study (1.8%/person-year). The annual rupture risk after growth was 18.5%/person-year. The proportion of females among patients with growing aneurysms was significantly larger than those without growing aneurysms (p = 0.0281). The aneurysm wall was reddish, thin, and fragile on intraoperative findings. Frequent follow-up examination is recommended to detect aneurysm growth before rupture.

Conclusions
Despite the relatively short period, the annual rupture risk of growing unruptured cerebral aneurysms detected by MR angiography was not as low as previously reported. Surgical or endovascular treatment can be considered if aneurysm growth is detected during the follow-up period.
Properties of cellulose pulps and their influence on the production of a cellulose ether
Authors: Strunk Peter , Lindgren Åsa , Agnemo Roland , Eliasson Bertil 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Several grades of cellulose pulps were investigated for their influence on the product quality of a cellulose ether, ethyl-hydroxy-ethyl cellulose (EHEC). The selection of the pulps was based on pulping process, original wood type and intrinsic viscosity. In total, five sulfite pulps and four sulfate pulps were chosen, of which all but one sulfate pulp were of dissolving grade. The physical and chemical properties of the pulps were analyzed as well as important qualitative parameters of the final product EHEC. The influence of pulp properties on EHEC quality was investigated by multivariate data analyses. Principal component analysis showed that due to the influence of all variables, the pulps aligned in groups in accordance to the selection criteria pulping process and wood type. Partial least square regression revealed that high gel formation in EHEC is explained by the pulp properties high intrinsic viscosity and high Mw in combination with high caustic absorption rate and high total caustic absorption. The amount of hemicelluloses, in particular xylose, also contributed to gel formation. High cloud point for an EHEC solution was explained by a high MSEO and low DSEt of the EHEC molecules, where in turn a high MSEO could be predicted by a high pore area, high PD and a low caustic absorption rate. A low DSEt could on the other hand be predicted by a low hemicellulose content and hence a high R18. In a separate model, the same pulp properties explaining MSEO and DSEt also predicted cloud point directly. Fock reactivity and viscose dope filterability, both test methods originating from the viscose manufacturing, were shown to predict cloud point but have low predictability on other EHEC quality parameters. The models achieved can thus be utilized to predict final EHEC product qualities for new pulps within the design set of the chosen pulps.
Pressurised compressive chip pre-treatment of Norway spruce with a mill scale Impressafiner
Authors: Nelsson Erik , Sandberg Christer , Hildén Lars , Daniel Geoffrey 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Mill scale trials were performed to evaluate pressurised compressive chip pre-treatment with the Impressafiner installed in one of the thermomechanical pulp lines at Braviken paper mill (Holmen Paper AB). The aim of the study was to determine if earlier reported effects of the Impressafiner pre-treatment on spruce chips from pilot scale trials (i.e. energy reduction and extractives removal) could also be attained with the mill scale Impressafiner. The mill scale Impressafiner pre-treatment resulted in partial disintegration of chips into a material consisting of fragmented chips with cracks running along the longitudinal fibre axis. Splits or evidence for weaknesses were observed between the primary and secondary fibre walls of pre-treated chips. An increase in water uptake for pre-treated chips was also observed. The extractive content was reduced by up to 24% for pulps produced with pre-treated chips compared to pulps from untreated chips. Pulp produced from pre-treated chips had higher tensile- and tear indices, elongation and light scattering and lower freeness compared to pulps from untreated chips produced with the same total specific energy consumption. The total specific energy needed to reach a tensile index of 47 Nm/g was reduced by 120 kWh/bone dry ton (6%) with Impressafiner pre-treatment. A smaller refiner plate gap was needed to reach the same specific energy consumption for pre-treated chips compared to untreated chips.
Improvement of the retention-formation relationship using three-component retention aid systems
Authors: Svedberg Anna , Lindström Tom 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The effects of retention on formation and drainage by using three-component retention aid systems were examined using a pilot web former. The purpose was to examine whether the relationship between retention and formation could be improved by using systems based on cationic polyacrylamide, structurally different high molecular weight anionic polymers and montmorillonite clay. The structure of the anionic polymer was varied from linear to fully crosslinked and added from a small amount up to such a level where papermaking fibres in suspension become dispersed. The pilot web former experiments were performed using an R-F (Retention and Formation)-machine employing a fine paper stock (90 % hardwood and 10 % softwood kraft pulp) with an addition of 25 % precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) (based on total solids content). It was found that the paper formation could be significantly improved, at a given level of retention by using a micro-particulate retention aid system (cationic polyacrylamide and montmorillonite clay) in combination with an anionic polyacrylamide. Most important, it was found, that with such three-component systems, the impairment of the drainage could be avoided and, hence, that the improved formation was not provided by worsened drainage on the wire section.
The effect of fibre properties, fines content and surfactant addition on dewatering, wet and dry web properties
Authors: Lindqvist Hanna , Salminen Kristian , Kataja-aho Janne , Retulainen Elias , Fardim Pedro , Sundberg Anna 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Speed of paper machines is often limited by the drainage rate of the furnish and the mechanical properties of the wet web, i.e. the tension and relaxation properties. In this study, the effects of alteration of fibre properties and fines content by gentle and harsh refining on dewatering as well as on wet and dry web properties were determined. Both types of refining or addition of fines prolonged the dewatering time but also improved the mechanical properties. Harsh refining with much fibre cutting resulted in longer dewatering time, lower dry content after wet pressing and higher density of dry sheets than gentle refining with much external/internal fibrillation of fibres. Removal of fines shortened the dewatering time but decreased the wet web and dry tensile strength, and the residual tension compared to pulps containing fines. The fibre properties contributed more to the residual tension, while the fines content was more important for the wet web tensile strength. Addition of a non-ionic surfactant shortened the dewatering time of refined pulp without deteriorating the mechanical properties. By tailoring the refining and addition of surfactants, the mechanical properties of the wet web could be improved without prolonging the dewatering time.
An investigation of friction mechanisms of paper-to-paper friction of coated papers
Authors: Rättö Peter 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Different friction mechanisms for coated board were investigated. Friction due to adhesive forces, interlocking of asperities and plastic deformation, respectively, was evaluated for coated board. The measurements of friction were combined with measurements of surface energy and measurements of gloss variations. The samples coated with only latex showed significant frictional forces but no signs of polishing or plastic deformation. Friction seemed here to depend on adhesive forces and a correlation could be observed between the surface energy and the coefficients of friction. Adhesive forces seemed to be of less importance for coatings with normal binder content. Increases in gloss variations indicated that friction was partly due to plastic deformation resulting from polishing. Samples calendered at room temperature showed clear signs of polishing while samples calendered at increased temperatures showed little or no polishing. These samples were probably too smooth on a particle level to create wear on each other during friction measurements. The base substrate, on the other hand, did not seem to have any influence on friction, and it was thus concluded that friction depended mostly on asperities on a particle size scale and plastic deformation due to polishing.