bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonlinearity of Carbon Cycle Feedbacks
Authors: Zickfeld Kirsten , Eby Michael , Matthews H. Damon , Schmittner Andreas , Weaver Andrew J. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Coupled climate–carbon models have shown the potential for large feedbacks between climate change, atmospheric CO2 concentrations, and global carbon sinks. Standard metrics of this feedback assume that the response of land and ocean carbon uptake to CO2 (concentration–carbon cycle feedback) and climate change (climate–carbon cycle feedback) combine linearly. This study explores the linearity in the carbon cycle response by analyzing simulations with an earth system model of intermediate complexity [the University of Victoria Earth System Climate Model (UVic ESCM)]. The results indicate that the concentration–carbon and climate–carbon cycle feedbacks do not combine linearly to the overall carbon cycle feedback. In this model, the carbon sinks on land and in the ocean are less efficient when exposed to the combined effect of elevated CO2 and climate change than to the linear combination of the two. The land accounts for about 80% of the nonlinearity, with the ocean accounting for the remaining 20%. On land, this nonlinearity is associated with the different response of vegetation and soil carbon uptake to climate in the presence or absence of the CO2 fertilization effect. In the ocean, the nonlinear response is caused by the interaction of changes in physical properties and anthropogenic CO2. These findings suggest that metrics of carbon cycle feedback that postulate linearity in the system’s response may not be adequate.
Safety of Vasopressor Use in Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction
Authors: Monroe Marcus M. , Cannady Steven B. , Ghanem Tamer A. , Swide Christopher E. , Wax Mark K. 
Published: March 2011

ObjectivesTo evaluate the safety of intraoperative vasopressor administration in a prospective series of patients undergoing free tissue transfer surgery for a variety of indications.Study DesignProspective observational noninferiority study.SettingTertiary academic hospital.SubjectsA total of 169 consecutive patients undergoing free tissue transfer for a variety of indications between late 2007 and 2009.MethodsIntraoperative vasopressor use and surgical outcomes data were prospectively collected. This study was designed to test the noninferiority of intraoperative vasopressor exposure versus no intraoperative vasopressor use on early flap failure.ResultsA total of 169 free flaps were performed during the study period. Six early free flap failures occurred overall. The proportion of patients experiencing early flap failure was 4.4% (4/90) in those exposed to intraoperative vasopressors versus 2.5% (2/79) in those not exposed, with an absolute difference of 1.9 percentage points (90% confidence interval, −1.4 to 5.2). Thirty‐eight percent of patients in the vasopressor group experienced medical and/or surgical complications other than total flap loss versus 43% in the nonvasopressor group (odds ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.43‐1.49).ConclusionsIntraoperative vasopressor use may be more common than previously realized in free tissue transfer surgery. Intraoperative vasopressor use does not result in a significant absolute increase in the rate of flap deaths.
Timing of Lower Extremity Frontal Plane Motion Differs Between Female and Male Athletes During a Landing Task
Authors: Joseph Michael F. , Rahl Michael , Sheehan Jessica , MacDougall Bradley , Horn Elaine , Denegar Craig R. , Trojian Thomas H. , Anderson Jeffrey M. , Kraemer William J. 
Published: March 2011

Background: Female athletes are at a greater risk for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries than male athletes. Gender differences in frontal plane kinematics (hip adduction, knee valgus, and ankle eversion) and temporal relationships that make up the components of dynamic knee valgus may explain this discrepancy. Hypothesis: The authors hypothesized that women would reach peak frontal plane kinematic values earlier during landing compared with their male counterparts. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Hip, knee, and ankle 3-dimensional kinematics were measured using high-speed motion capture in 10 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female athletes and 10 male practice squad athletes during a drop-jump landing. Independent t tests were used to analyze each dependent variable to identify differences between genders. Results: Maximum hip adduction, knee valgus, and ankle eversion occurred earlier in women than in men (mean differences 33.7% of stance [95% CI, 20.2%-47.2%], 41.7% [95% CI, 31.5%-51.6%], 16.5% of stance [95% CI, 7.3%-25.6%], respectively). Maximum hip adduction and knee valgus occurred before maximum knee flexion in women and after in men (mean differences 0.11 seconds [95% CI, 0.05-0.18 seconds], 0.19 seconds [95% CI, 0.13-0.25 seconds], respectively). Maximum ankle eversion occurred earlier in women than in men (mean difference 0.06 seconds [95% CI, 0.01-0.11 seconds]). There was a significant difference between genders for angular velocity of knee valgus (mean difference = 25.53 deg/sec [95% CI, 8.30-42.77 deg/sec]). Conclusion: Frontal plane kinematic temporal relationships at the hip, knee, and ankle differ between genders. The components of dynamic knee valgus peak during the deceleration phase in women and during the acceleration phase in men during a drop-jump landing. These data suggest that men and women employ a completely different kinematic landing/jumping strategy and that women land and collapse very rapidly into valgus compared with their male counterparts. Clinical Relevance: The differences in timing of the components of dynamic knee valgus between women and men may contribute to the increased risk of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female athletes. There may be implications for neuromuscular reeducation training in those at risk for anterior cruciate ligament injury so the components of dynamic valgus occur later in the landing phase of jumping.
Lipid-lowering treatment in hypercholesterolaemic patients: the CEPHEUS Pan-Asian survey
Authors: Park Jeong Euy , Chiang Chern-En , Munawar Muhammad , Pham Gia Khai , Sukonthasarn Apichard , Aquino Anastacio R , Khoo Kah Lin , Chan Hon Wah Raymond 
Published: March 2011

Background: Treatment of hypercholesterolaemia in Asia is rarely evaluated on a large scale, and data on treatment outcome are scarce. The Pan-Asian CEPHEUS study aimed to assess low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment among patients on lipid-lowering therapy. Methods: This survey was conducted in eight Asian countries. Hypercholesterolaemic patients aged ≥18 years who had been on lipid-lowering treatment for ≥3 months (stable medication for ≥6 weeks) were recruited, and lipid concentrations were measured. Demographic and other clinically relevant information were collected, and the cardiovascular risk of each patient was determined. Definitions and criteria set by the updated 2004 National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines were applied. Results: In this survey, 501 physicians enrolled 8064 patients, of whom 7281 were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 61.0 years, 44.4% were female, and 85.1% were on statin monotherapy. LDL-C goal attainment was reported in 49.1% of patients overall, including 51.2% of primary and 48.7% of secondary prevention patients, and 36.6% of patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia. The LDL-C goal was attained in 75.4% of moderate risk, 55.4% of high risk, and only 34.9% of very high-risk patients. Goal attainment was directly related to age and inversely related to cardiovascular risk and baseline LDL-C. Conclusion: A large proportion of Asian hypercholesterolaemic patients on lipid-lowering drugs are not at recommended LDL-C levels and remain at risk for cardiovascular disease. Given the proven efficacy of lipid-lowering drugs in the reduction of LDL-C, there is room for further optimization of treatments to maximize benefits and improve outcomes.
Chronotherapy in Nigerian hypertensives
Authors: Okeahialam Basil , Ohihoin Esther , Ajuluchukwu Jayne 
Published: March 2011

Objectives: Hypertension continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the situation is worse in Blacks. Treatment has proved to be beneficial, but control has remained abysmal. Night-time chronotherapy is producing better control and outcome, but has only largely been tried in the West. This work attempts to see what benefits would emerge with night-time chronotherapy as compared with the current recommended morning intake of antihypertensives in an entirely African cohort. Methods: Ambulant grade 1 and 2 hypertensives attending our outpatient service were randomized after a washout period into morning or night-time ingestion groups. Drugs were tailored towards each patient’s cardiovascular disease profile and reviewed to ensure control. They were comprehensively evaluated on enrolment and 12 weeks later. Results: Both groups were similar on all scores at baseline. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean changes in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular posterior diameter (LVPWD) and left ventricular mass (LVM) were greater, to a statistically significant extent in the night-time group. The difference in the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and interventricular septum diameter (IVSD) tended to be greater in the same group but did not differ between the groups to a statistically significant extent. Conclusion: Chronotherapeutic studies in the West recorded greater success with night-time ingestion which produced better control and a day-long profile. Generalization to other races was cautioned against until such observations could be replicated. We have shown that patients using their once-daily antihypertensives at night after 12 weeks recorded better reductions in SBP, DBP, MAP, LVPWD, IVSD and LVM. Since blood pressure problems run a worse course in Blacks, we recommend encouragement of night-time intake in those preferring it and suggest that in those requiring two or more drugs one should be taken at night.
The cytokine-driven regulation of secretoglobins in normal human upper airway and their expression, particularly that of uteroglobin-related protein 1, in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Lu Xiang , Wang Nan , Long Xiao-Bo , You Xue-Jun , Cui Yong-Hua , Liu Zheng 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
The involvement of secretoglobins (SCGBs) other than SCGB1A1 (Clara cell 10-kDa protein, CC10) in human airway diseases remains unexplored. Among those SCGBs, SCGB3A2 (uteroglobin-related protein 1, UGRP1) is particularly interesting, given its structure and function similarities with SCGB1A1 (CC10). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression regulation of SCGBs other than SCGB1A1 (CC10) in human upper airway, and their potential involvement, particularly that of SCGB3A2 (UGRP1), in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP).

Methods
Eight SCGB family members including SCGB3A2 (UGRP1), SCGB1C1 (ligand binding protein RYD5), SCGB1D1 (lipophilin A), SCGB1D2 (lipophilin B), SCGB1D4 (interferon-γ inducible SCGB), SCGB2A1 (mammaglobin 2), SCGB2A2 (mammaglobin 1), and SCGB3A1 (uteroglobin-related protein 2) were studied. The regulation of SCGBs mRNA expression in normal nasal mucosa by proinflammatory, Th1, and Th2 cytokines was studied through nasal explant culture. SCGBs mRNA expression levels in CRSsNP and CRSwNP patients and controls were compared. The mRNA levels were detected by means of quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of SCGB3A2 (UGRP1) was analyzed using immunohistochemistry.

Results
The expression of SCGBs except SCGB1D2 (lipophilin B) could be found in upper airway and be differentially regulated by different cytokines. SCGB3A2 (UGRP1) mRNA expression was induced by Th1 cytokine, but suppressed by proinflammatory and Th2 cytokines. SCGBs mRNA expression was altered in CRS; particularly, SCGB3A2 (UGRP1) protein and mRNA expression was markedly decreased in both CRSsNP and CRSwNP and its protein levels inversely correlated with the number of total infiltrating cells, preoperative sinonasal CT scores, and postoperative endoscopy and symptom scores.

Conclusion
SCGBs except SCGB1D2 (lipophilin B) are expressed in human upper airway and their expression can be differentially regulated by inflammatory cytokines. SCGBs mRNA expression is altered in CRS. Reduced production of UGRP1, which is likely due, at least in part, to a local cytokine environment, may contribute to the hyper-inflammation in CRS and correlates with response to surgery.
Diversity and selective sweep in the OsAMT1;1genomic region of rice
Authors: Ding Zehong , Wang Chongrong , Chen Sheng , Yu Sibin 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
Ammonium is one of the major forms in which nitrogen is available for plant growth. OsAMT1;1 is a high-affinity ammonium transporter in rice (Oryza sativa L.), responsible for ammonium uptake at low nitrogen concentration. The expression pattern of the gene has been reported. However, variations in its nucleotides and the evolutionary pathway of its descent from wild progenitors are yet to be elucidated. In this study, nucleotide diversity of the gene OsAMT1;1 and the diversity pattern of seven gene fragments spanning a genomic region approximately 150 kb long surrounding the gene were surveyed by sequencing a panel of 216 rice accessions including both cultivated rice and wild relatives.

Results
Nucleotide polymorphism (Pi) of OsAMT1;1 was as low as 0.00004 in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa), only 2.3% of that in the common wild rice (O. rufipogon). A single dominant haplotype was fixed at the locus in O. sativa. The test values for neutrality were significantly negative in the entire region stretching 5' upstream and 3' downstream of the gene in all accessions. The value of linkage disequilibrium remained high across a 100 kb genomic region around OsAMT1;1 in O. sativa, but fell rapidly in O. rufipogon on either side of the promoter of OsAMT1;1, demonstrating a strong natural selection within or nearby the ammonium transporter.

Conclusions
The severe reduction in nucleotide variation at OsAMT1;1 in rice was caused by a selective sweep around OsAMT1;1, which may reflect the nitrogen uptake system under strong selection by the paddy soil during the domestication of rice. Purifying selection also occurred before the wild rice diverged into its two subspecies, namely indica and japonica. These findings would provide useful insights into the processes of evolution and domestication of nitrogen uptake genes in rice.
Identification of a conserved JEV serocomplex B-cell epitope by screening a phage-display peptide library with a mAb generated against West Nile virus capsid protein
Authors: Sun En-Cheng , Zhao Jing , Yang Tao , Liu Ni-Hong , Geng Hong-Wei , Qin Yong-Li , Wang Ling-Feng , Bu Zhi-Gao , Yang Yin-Hui , Lunt Ross A , Wang Lin-Fa , Wu Dong-Lai 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
The West Nile virus (WNV) capsid (C) protein is one of the three viral structural proteins, encapsidates the viral RNA to form the nucleocapsid, and is necessary for nuclear and nucleolar localization. The antigenic sites on C protein that are targeted by humoral immune responses have not been studied thoroughly, and well-defined B-cell epitopes on the WNV C protein have not been reported.

Results
In this study, we generated a WNV C protein-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) and defined the linear epitope recognized by the mAb by screening a 12-mer peptide library using phage-display technology. The mAb, designated as 6D3, recognized the phages displaying a consensus motif consisting of the amino acid sequence KKPGGPG, which is identical to an amino acid sequence present in WNV C protein. Further fine mapping was conducted using truncated peptides expressed as MBP-fusion proteins. We found that the KKPGGPG motif is the minimal determinant of the linear epitope recognized by the mAb 6D3. Western blot (WB) analysis demonstrated that the KKPGGPG epitope could be recognized by antibodies contained in WNV- and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV)-positive equine serum, but was not recognized by Dengue virus 1-4 (DENV1-4)-positive mice serum. Furthermore, we found that the epitope recognized by 6D3 is highly conserved among the JEV serocomplex of the Family Flaviviridae.

Conclusion
The KKPGGPG epitope is a JEV serocomplex-specific linear B-cell epitope recognized by the 6D3 mAb generated in this study. The 6D3 mAb may serve as a novel reagent in development of diagnostic tests for JEV serocomplex infection. Further, the identification of the B-cell epitope that is highly conserved among the JEV serocomplex may support the rationale design of vaccines against viruses of the JEV serocomplex.
Acupuncture for sequelae of Bell's palsy: a randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Kwon Hyo-Jung , Kim Jong-In , Lee Myeong Soo , Choi Jun-Yong , Kang Sungkeel , Chung Jie-Yoon , Kim Young-Jin , Lee Seung-Hoon , Lee Sanghoon , Nam Dongwoo , Kim Yong-Suk , Lee Jae-Dong , Choi Do-Young 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Objective
Incomplete recovery from facial palsy has a long-term impact on the quality of life, and medical options for the sequelae of Bell's palsy are limited. Invasive treatments and physiotherapy have been employed to relieve symptoms, but there is limited clinical evidence for their effectiveness. Acupuncture is widely used on Bell's palsy patients in East Asia, but there is insufficient evidence for its effectiveness on Bell's palsy sequelae. The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in patients with sequelae of Bell's palsy.

Method/Design
This study consists of a randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms: an acupuncture group and a waitlist group. The acupuncture group will receive acupuncture treatment three times per week for a total of 24 sessions over 8 weeks. Participants in the waitlist group will not receive any acupuncture treatments during this 8 week period, but they will participate in the evaluations of symptoms at the start of the study, at 5 weeks and at 8 weeks after randomization, at which point the same treatment as the acupuncture group will be provided. The primary outcome will be analyzed by the change in the Facial Disability Index (FDI) from baseline to week eight. The secondary outcome measures will include FDI from baseline to week five, House-Brackmann Grade, lip mobility, and stiffness scales.

Trial registration
Current Controlled-Trials ISRCTN43104115; registration date: 06 July 2010; the date of the first patient's randomization: 04 August 2010
Recurrent tibial intra-cortical osteosarcoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Arpornchayanon Olarn , Leerapun Taninnit , Sivasomboon Chate , Settakorn Jongkolnee , Sugandhavesa Nantawit , Pruksakorn Dumnoensun 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIntroductionIntra-cortical osteosarcoma is the rarest subtype of osseous-producing tumor. Most reported cases present a low-grade histology with slow progression and good oncological control after adequate treatment. In this report, we describe a case and review the literature to propose adequate treatment.Case presentationWe present the case of a 21-year-old Thai woman who was thought to have an intra-cortical osteosarcoma of the right tibia. We performed a wide resection and reconstruction with bone transportation using an Ilizarov external fixator. The tumor recurred five years later at the same site with a similar histology. We performed a new resection and reconstruction by ankle arthrodesis with adjuvant chemotherapy. At the last follow-up, she had remained active and free from disease for seven years.ConclusionThis case report of recurrent intra-cortical osteosarcoma describes an atypical presentation. The low-grade histology, adequate surgical margin and adjuvant chemotherapy of the recurrent lesion were favorable factors, and our patient has remained free of any tumor recurrence.
Phase I Trial of a Selective c-MET Inhibitor ARQ 197 Incorporating Proof of Mechanism Pharmacodynamic Studies
Authors: Yap Timothy A. , Olmos David , Brunetto Andre T. , Tunariu Nina , Barriuso Jorge , Riisnaes Ruth , Pope Lorna , Clark Jeremy , Futreal Andrew , Germuska Michael , Collins David , deSouza Nandita M. , Leach Martin O. , Savage Ronald E. , Waghorne Carol , Chai Feng , Garmey Edward , Schwartz Brian , Kaye Stan B. , de Bono Johann S. 
Published: March 2011

Purpose The hepatocyte growth factor/c-MET axis is implicated in tumor cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. ARQ 197 is an oral, selective, non–adenosine triphosphate competitive c-MET inhibitor. A phase I trial of ARQ 197 was conducted to assess safety, tolerability, and target inhibition, including intratumoral c-MET signaling, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Patients and Methods Patients with solid tumors amenable to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies using serial biopsies, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), and circulating endothelial cell (CEC) and circulating tumor cell (CTC) enumeration were enrolled. Results Fifty-one patients received ARQ 197 at 100 to 400 mg twice per day. ARQ 197 was well tolerated, with the most common toxicities being grade 1 to 2 fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Dose-limiting toxicities included grade 3 fatigue (200 mg twice per day; n = 1); grade 3 mucositis, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, and hypokalemia (400 mg twice per day; n = 1); and grade 3 to 4 febrile neutropenia (400 mg twice per day, n = 2; 360 mg twice per day, n = 1). The recommended phase II dose was 360 mg twice per day. ARQ 197 systemic exposure was dose dependent and supported twice per day oral dosing. ARQ 197 decreased phosphorylated c-MET, total c-MET, and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase and increased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining in tumor biopsies (n = 15). CECs decreased in 25 (58.1%) of 43 patients, but no significant changes in DCE-MRI parameters were observed after ARQ 197 treatment. Of 15 patients with detectable CTCs, eight (53.3%) had ≥ 30% decline in CTCs after treatment. Stable disease, as defined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), ≥ 4 months was observed in 14 patients, with minor regressions in gastric and Merkel cell cancers. Conclusion ARQ 197 safely inhibited intratumoral c-MET signaling. Further clinical evaluation focusing on combination approaches, including an erlotinib combination in non–small-cell lung cancer, is ongoing.