bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Imaging Markers of Myocardial Fibrosis With Metabolic and Functional Disturbances in Early Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Jellis Christine , Wright Jeremy , Kennedy Dominic , Sacre Julian , Jenkins Carly , Haluska Brian , Martin Jennifer , Fenwick John , Marwick Thomas H. 
Published: September 2011

Background—
Metabolic and vascular disturbances contribute to diabetic cardiomyopathy, but the role of interstitial fibrosis in early disease is unproven. We sought to assess the relationship between imaging markers of diffuse fibrosis and myocardial dysfunction and to link this to possible causes of early diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

Hemodynamic and metabolic data were measured in 67 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age 60±10 years) with no cardiac symptoms. Myocardial function was evaluated with standard echocardiography and myocardial deformation; ischemia was excluded by exercise echocardiography. Calibrated integrated backscatter was calculated from parasternal long-axis views. T1 mapping was performed after contrast with a modified Look-Locker technique using saturation recovery images. Amino-terminal propeptides of procollagens type I and III, as well as the carboxy-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I, were assayed to determine collagen turnover. Subjects with abnormal early diastolic tissue velocity (E
m
) had shorter postcontrast T1 values (
P
=0.042) and higher calibrated integrated backscatter (
P
=0.007). They were heavier (
P
=0.003) and had worse exercise capacity (
P
<0.001), lower insulin sensitivity (
P
=0.003), and blunted systolic tissue velocity (
P
=0.05). Postcontrast T1 was associated with diastolic dysfunction (E
m
r
=0.28,
P
=0.020; E/E
m
r
=−0.24,
P
=0.049), impaired exercise capacity (
r
=0.30,
P
=0.016), central adiposity (
r
=−0.26,
P
=0.046), blood pressure (systolic
r
=−0.30,
P
=0.012; diastolic
r
=−0.49,
P
<0.001), and insulin sensitivity (
r
=0.30,
P
=0.037). The association of T1 with E/E
m
(β=−0.31,
P
=0.017) was independent of blood pressure and metabolic disturbance. Amino-terminal propeptide of procollagens type III was linked to diastolic dysfunction (E
m
r
=−0.32,
P
=0.008) and calibrated integrated backscatter (
r
=0.30,
P
=0.015) but not T1 values.

Conclusions—
The association between myocardial diastolic dysfunction, postcontrast T1 values, and metabolic disturbance supports that diffuse myocardial fibrosis is an underlying contributor to early diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Oblique nozzle loaded by the torque moment–stress state in the cylindrical shells on the pressure vessel
Authors: Petrovic A L , Balac M M , Jovovic A , Dedic A 
Published: September 2011

Influence of local loads on the stress state of the shell appears as the consequence of pressure, external forces, and moment influence. Loads which act directly upon the shell surface or the parts (nozzles) connected to the shell appear in their proximity, especially in the welded joint influence zones. The influence of the torque moment affecting the free end of a slanted branch on the pressure vessel cylindrical shell is considered in this article. The stress on the cylindrical shell was analysed on 245 models of different geometrical characteristics. Stress calculated by applying the finite element method was classified by maximum stress criteria. For every considered model, maximum stress envelope has been prepared. The regressive analysis enabled the determination of correlation functions, which allow calculation of stress maximum values on the cylindrical shell according to which the shell dimensions may be determined. Result analysis shows that the percentual error is within limits as follows: from −13.4 per cent to +12.7 per cent.
Verification of surface contamination of Japanese cyclophosphamide vials and an example of exposure by handling
Authors: Hama Koji , Fukushima Koichi , Hirabatake Masaki , Hashida Tohru , Kataoka Kazusaburo 
Published: September 2011

Purpose: Cyclophosphamide (CP) contamination has been detected in Japanese hospitals. In other countries, the surface contamination of CP vials has been reported; however, the manufacturing process of Japanese CP vials is unknown, so the conditions are not necessarily the same as in other countries. This study aimed to establish whether vial surface contamination also occurs in Japan. Method: Contamination of vial surfaces was examined with a wipe test. Urine samples were taken from a pharmacist, engaged solely in dispensing work, for 29 h. It was also investigated whether CP vials were dispensed during the urine sampling period. In addition, vial surfaces, purposely coated with CP and then washed, were examined using wipe tests. Result: CP was detected at 30–60% in vials, which was 11–62 ng (0.10–0.54 ng/cm2). One of the urine samples was contaminated (CP 13.5 ng); this was taken on Day 2 (11:35 AM). CP was not detected among the washed vials. Discussion: This study shows that the surface of Japanese CP vials was contaminated and that it was probable that healthcare workers were exposed to CP. CP absorption by the pharmacist was probably due to dermal uptake while dispensing. Washing the vial is considered effective to avoid CP exposure. Manufacturers should be more proactive to prevent contamination and healthcare workers should comply with exposure prevention rules. Cytotoxic drugs should be included in institution monitoring lists.
Low torque loss gears: austempered ductile iron versus carburized steel
Authors: Magalhaes L , Martins R , Seabra J , Gonçalves R 
Published: September 2011

Low-loss power transmission gears operate at lower temperature than conventional ones because their teeth geometry is optimized to reduce friction. The main objective of this work is to compare the operating stabilization temperature and efficiency of low-loss austempered ductile iron (ADI) and carburized steel gears. Three different low-loss tooth geometries were adopted (types 311, 411 and 611, all produced using standard 20° pressure angle tools) and corresponding steel and ADI gears were tested in a FZG machine. The results obtained showed that low-loss geometries had a significant influence on power loss, gears 611 generating lower power loss than gears 311. At low speeds (500 and 1000 rpm) and high torque ADI gears generated lower power loss than steel gears. However, at high speed and high torque (high input power and high stabilization temperature) steel gears had better efficiency.
Association of angiotensin converting enzyme insertion/deletion gene polymorphism with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome susceptibility in children: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Tian-Biao , Ou Chao , Qin Yuan-Han , Su Li-Na , Lei Feng-Ying , Huang Wei-Fang , Zhao Yan-Jun , Pang Yu-Sheng , Yang Kun-Peng 
Published: September 2011

Background and objective: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene contains either an insertion (I) allele or a deletion (D) allele forming three potential genotypes: II, ID and DD. The D allele or DD genotype has been reported to be associated with higher plasma ACE level. An assessment of the association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) susceptibility in children is still controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and the onset of INS. Method: A predefined literature search and selection of eligible relevant studies were performed to collect data from electronic databases, and eligible investigations were synthesized using the meta-analysis method. Results: Nine investigations were identified for the analysis of association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and INS risk in children, including six in Asians, one study for Caucasians and two for Africans. There was positive association between D allele or DD genotype and INS susceptibility in Asians (OR = 1.75, p = 0.01; OR = 2.01, p = 0.02), but not for Caucasian children and Africans (for Caucasians, D: OR=1.35, p = 0.27, DD: OR = 0.95, p = 0.91; for Africans, D: OR = 1.70, p = 0.56, DD: OR = 1.60, p = 0.73). Furthermore, II homozygous seemed to play a positive role against INS onset for Asians (OR = 0.59, p = 0.02), but the link between II genotype and INS risk was not observed in Caucasian children and Africans (Caucasians: OR = 0.31, p = 0.06; Africans: OR = 0.50, p = 0.59). Conclusions: D allele and DD homozygous might become significant genetic molecular markers for INS susceptibility in Asian children, but the association was not observed in Caucasians or Africans. However, the conclusion from our study cannot be sustained and more investigations on larger sample in different populations are required to further clarify the role of D allele or DD homozygous in the onset of INS in difference races.
A meta-analysis of the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion gene polymorphism and steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in children
Authors: Zhou Tian-Biao , Qin Yuan-Han , Ou Chao , Su Li-Na , Lei Feng-Ying , Huang Wei-Fang , Zhao Yan-Jun , Pang Yu-Sheng 
Published: September 2011

Background and objective: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism correlates with circulating and cellular ACE concentration. Association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) risk in children is still controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relation between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and SSNS susceptibility in children. Methods: The relevant investigations were screened from the search engines of PubMed, Cochrane Library and CBM-disc (China Biological Medicine Database) as of 1 March 2011, and eligible studies were synthesized using meta-analysis methods. Results: Ten studies were identified for the analysis of association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and SSNS risk in children, including seven in Asians, one for Caucasians and two in Africans. There was no markedly positive association between D allele or DD genotype and SSNS susceptibility in Asians, Caucasians and Africans (D: Asians OR = 1.24, p = 0.28; Caucasians OR = 1.61, p = 0.15; Africans OR = 1.61, p = 0.53; DD: Asians OR = 1.72, p = 0.15; Caucasians OR = 1.39, p = 0.48; Africans OR = 1.80, p = 0.56). Furthermore, II homozygous seemed not to play a protective role against SSNS onset for Asians, Caucasians and Africans (Asians OR = 0.95, p = 0.85; Caucasians OR = 0.30, p = 0.11; Africans OR = 0.60, p = 0.65). Conclusions: There was no association between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and SSNS susceptibility in Asians, Caucasians and Africans. However, the conclusions for Caucasians and Africans were less powerful.
Mobilisation and remobilisation of a large archetypal pathogenicity island of uropathogenic Escherichia coli in vitrosupport the role of conjugation for horizontal transfer of genomic islands
Authors: Schneider György , Dobrindt Ulrich , Middendorf Barbara , Hochhut Bianca , Szijártó Valéria , Emődy Levente , Hacker Jörg 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
A substantial amount of data has been accumulated supporting the important role of genomic islands (GEIs) - including pathogenicity islands (PAIs) - in bacterial genome plasticity and the evolution of bacterial pathogens. Their instability and the high level sequence similarity of different (partial) islands suggest an exchange of PAIs between strains of the same or even different bacterial species by horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Transfer events of archetypal large genomic islands of enterobacteria which often lack genes required for mobilisation or transfer have been rarely investigated so far.

Results
To study mobilisation of such large genomic regions in prototypic uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strain 536, PAI II536 was supplemented with the mob
RP4 region, an origin of replication (oriV

R6K
), an origin of transfer (oriT

RP4
) and a chloramphenicol resistance selection marker. In the presence of helper plasmid RP4, conjugative transfer of the 107-kb PAI II536 construct occured from strain 536 into an E. coli K-12 recipient. In transconjugants, PAI II536 existed either as a cytoplasmic circular intermediate (CI) or integrated site-specifically into the recipient's chromosome at the leuX tRNA gene. This locus is the chromosomal integration site of PAI II536 in UPEC strain 536. From the E. coli K-12 recipient, the chromosomal PAI II536 construct as well as the CIs could be successfully remobilised and inserted into leuX in a PAI II536 deletion mutant of E. coli 536.

Conclusions
Our results corroborate that mobilisation and conjugal transfer may contribute to evolution of bacterial pathogens through horizontal transfer of large chromosomal regions such as PAIs. Stabilisation of these mobile genetic elements in the bacterial chromosome result from selective loss of mobilisation and transfer functions of genomic islands.
The tumour suppressor SOX11 is associated with improved survival among high grade epithelial ovarian cancers and is regulated by reversible promoter methylation
Authors: Sernbo Sandra , Gustavsson Elin , Brennan Donal J , Gallagher William M , Rexhepaj Elton , Rydnert Frida , Jirström Karin , Borrebaeck Carl AK , Ek Sara 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
The neural transcription factor SOX11 has been described as a prognostic marker in epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC), however its role in individual histological subtypes and tumour grade requires further clarification. Furthermore, methylation-dependent silencing of SOX11 has been reported for B cell lymphomas and indicates that epigenetic drugs may be used to re-express this tumour suppressor, but information on SOX11 promoter methylation in EOC is still lacking.

Methods
SOX11 expression and clinicopathological data was compared using χ2 test in a cohort of 154 cases of primary invasive EOC. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log rank test were applied to evaluate ovarian cancer-specific survival (OCSS) and overall survival (OS) in strata, according to SOX11 expression. Also, the methylation status of the SOX11 promoter was determined by sodium bisulfite sequencing and methylation specific PCR (MSP). Furthermore, the effect of ectopic overexpression of SOX11 on proliferation was studied through [3H]-thymidine incorporation.

Results
SOX11 expression was associated with an improved survival of patients with high grade EOC, although not independent of stage. Further analyses of EOC cell lines showed that SOX11 mRNA and protein were expressed in two of five cell lines, correlating with promoter methylation status. Demethylation was successfully performed using 5'-Aza-2'deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) resulting in SOX11 mRNA and protein expression in a previously negative EOC cell line. Furthermore, overexpression of SOX11 in EOC cell lines confirmed the growth regulatory role of SOX11.

Conclusions
SOX11 is a functionally associated protein in EOC with prognostic value for high-grade tumours. Re-expression of SOX11 in EOC indicates a potential use of epigenetic drugs to affect cellular growth in SOX11-negative tumours.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of osteosarcoma in young children: a retrospective series of 15 cases
Authors: Guillon Maud AM , Mary Pierre MJ , Brugière Laurence , Marec-Bérard Perrine , Pacquement Hélène D , Schmitt Claudine , Guinebretière Jean-Marc , Tabone Marie-Dominique P 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundOsteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy in childhood and adolescence. However, it is very rare in children under 5 years of age. Although studies in young children are limited in number, they all underline the high rate of amputation in this population, with conflicting results being recently reported regarding their prognosis.MethodsTo enhance knowledge on the clinical characteristics and prognosis of osteosarcoma in young children, we reviewed the medical records and histology of all children diagnosed with osteosarcoma before the age of five years and treated in SFCE (Société Française des Cancers et leucémies de l'Enfant) centers between 1980 and 2007.ResultsFifteen patients from 7 centers were studied. Long bones were involved in 14 cases. Metastases were present at diagnosis in 40% of cases. The histologic type was osteoblastic in 74% of cases. Two patients had a relevant history. One child developed a second malignancy 13 years after osteosarcoma diagnosis.Thirteen children received preoperative chemotherapy including high-dose methotrexate, but only 36% had a good histologic response. Chemotherapy was well tolerated, apart from a case of severe late convulsive encephalopathy in a one-year-old infant. Limb salvage surgery was performed in six cases, with frequent mechanical and infectious complications and variable functional outcomes.Complete remission was obtained in 12 children, six of whom relapsed. With a median follow-up of 5 years, six patients were alive in remission, seven died of their disease (45%), in a broad range of 2 months to 8 years after diagnosis, two were lost to follow-up.ConclusionsOsteosarcoma seems to be more aggressive in children under five years of age, and surgical management remains a challange.
BACE1 inhibitory activity of fungal endophytic extracts from Malaysian medicinal plants
Authors: Harun Azzeme , James Richard Muhammad Johari , Lim Siong Meng , Majeed Abu Bakar Abdul , Cole Anthony LJ , Ramasamy Kalavathy 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundBACE1 was found to be the major β-secretase in neurons and its appearance and activity were found to be elevated in the brains of AD patients. Fungal endophytic extracts for BACE1 inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity against PC-12 (a rat pheochromocytoma with neuronal properties) and WRL68 (a non-tumorigenic human hepatic) were investigated.MethodsEndophytes were isolated from plants collected from Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan and the National Park, Pahang and the extracts were tested for BACE1 inhibition. For investigation of biological activity, the pure endophytic cultures were cultivated for 14 days on PDA plates at 28°C and underwent semipolar extraction with ethyl acetate.ResultsOf 212 endophytic extracts (1000 μg/ml), 29 exhibited more than 90% inhibition of BACE1 in the preliminary screening. Four extracts from isolates HAB16R13, HAB16R14, HAB16R18 and HAB8R24 identified asCytospora rhizophoraewere the most active with IC50(BACE1)values of less than 3.0 μg/ml. The most active extract HAB16R13 was shown to non-competitively inhibit BACE1 withKivalue of 10.0 μg/ml. HAB16R13 was considered non-potent against PC-12 and WRL68 (IC50(CT)of 60.0 and 40.0 μg/ml, respectively).ConclusionsThis first report on endophytic fungal extract with good BACE1 inhibitory activity demonstrates that more extensive study is required to uncover the potential of endophytes.
The HIV-1 gp120/V3 modifies the response of uninfected CD4 T cells to antigen presentation: mapping of the specific transcriptional signature
Authors: Morou Antigone K , Porichis Filippos , Krambovitis Elias , Sourvinos George , Spandidos Demetrios A , Zafiropoulos Alexandros 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
The asymptomatic phase of HIV-1 infection is characterized by a progressive depletion of uninfected peripheral effector/memory CD4+ T cells that subsequently leads to immune dysfunction and AIDS symptoms. We have previously demonstrated that the presence of specific gp120/V3 peptides during antigen presentation can modify the activation of normal T-cells leading to altered immune function. The aim of the present study was to map the specific transcriptional profile invoked by an HIV-1/V3 epitope in uninfected T cells during antigen presentation.

Methods
We exposed primary human peripheral blood monocytes to V3 lipopeptides using a liposome delivery system followed by a superantigen-mediated antigen presentation system. We then evaluated the changes in the T-cell transcriptional profile using oligonucleotide microarrays and performed Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and DAVID analysis. The results were validated using realtime PCR, FACS, Western blotting and immunofluorescence.

Results
Our results revealed that the most highly modulated transcripts could almost entirely be categorized as related to the cell cycle or transcriptional regulation. The most statistically significant enriched categories and networks identified by IPA were associated with cell cycle, gene expression, immune response, infection mechanisms, cellular growth, proliferation and antigen presentation. Canonical pathways involved in energy and cell cycle regulation, and in the co-activation of T cells were also enriched.

Conclusions
Taken together, these results document a distinct transcriptional profile invoked by the HIV-1/V3 epitope. These data could be invaluable to determine the underlying mechanism by which HIV-1 epitopes interfere with uninfected CD4+ T-cell function causing hyper proliferation and AICD.
Plant use in Odo-Bulu and Demaro, Bale region, Ethiopia
Authors: Bussmann Rainer W , Swartzinsky Paul , Worede Aserat , Evangelista Paul 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
This paper reports on the plant use of laypeople of the Oromo in Southern Ethiopia. The Oromo in Bale had names/uses for 294 species in comparison to 230 species documented in the lower reaches of the Bale area. Only 13 species was used for veterinary purposes, or as human medicine (46). Plant medicine served mostly to treat common everyday ailments such as stomach problems and diarrhea, for wound treatment and as toothbrush-sticks, as anthelmintic, for skin infections and to treat sore muscles and. Interestingly, 9 species were used to treat spiritual ailments and to expel demons. In most cases of medicinal applications the leaves or roots were employed.
Traditional plant knowledge has clearly declined in a large part of the research area. Western style health care services as provided by governments and NGOs, in particular in rural areas, seem to have contributed to a decline in traditional knowledge, in part because the local population simply regards western medicine as more effective and safer.