bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disaturated-phosphatidylcholine and Surfactant protein-B turnover in human acute lung injury and in control patients
Authors: Simonato Manuela , Baritussio Aldo , Ori Carlo , Vedovelli Luca , Rossi Sandra , Massara Lorenza Dalla , Rizzi Sabina , Carnielli Virgilio P , Cogo Paola E 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
Patients with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and Acute Lung Injury (ALI) have low concentrations of disaturated-phosphatidylcholine and surfactant protein-B in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. No information is available on their turnover.

Objectives
To analyze disaturated-phosphatidylcholine and surfactant protein-B turnover in patients with ARDS/ALI and in human adults with normal lungs (controls).

Methods

2H2O as precursor of disaturated-phosphatidylcholine-palmitate and 113C-Leucine as precursor of surfactant protein-B were administered intravenously to 12 patients with ARDS/ALI and to 8 controls. Disaturated-phosphatidylcholine and surfactant protein-B were isolated from serial tracheal aspirates, and their fractional synthetic rate was derived from the 2H and 13C enrichment curves, obtained by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Disaturated-phosphatidylcholine, surfactant protein-B, and protein concentrations in tracheal aspirates were also measured.

Results
1) Surfactant protein-B turned over at faster rate than disaturated-phosphatidylcholine both in ARDS/ALI patients and in controls. 2) In patients with ARDS/ALI the fractional synthesis rate of disaturated-phosphatidylcholine was 3.1 times higher than in controls (p < 0.01), while the fractional synthesis rate of surfactant protein-B was not different. 3) In ARDS/ALI patients the concentrations of disaturated-phosphatidylcholine and surfactant protein-B in tracheal aspirates were markedly and significantly reduced (17% and 40% of the control values respectively).

Conclusions
1) Disaturated-phosphatidylcholine and surfactant protein-B have a different turnover both in healthy and diseased lungs. 2) In ARDS/ALI the synthesis of these two surfactant components may be differently regulated.
Recovery of brachial plexus lesions resulting from heavy backpack use: A follow-up case series
Authors: Nylund Tuula , Mattila Ville M , Salmi Tapani , Pihlajamäki Harri K , Mäkelä Jyrki P 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackgroundBrachial plexus lesions as a consequence of carrying a heavy backpack have been reported, but the typical clinical course and long-term consequences are not clear. Here we evaluated the clinical course and pattern of recovery of backpack palsy (BPP) in a large series of patients.MethodsThirty-eight consecutive patients with idiopathic BPP were identified from our population of 193,450 Finnish conscripts by means of computerised register. A physiotherapist provided instructions for proper hand use and rehabilitative exercises at disease onset. The patients were followed up for 2 to 8 years from the diagnosis. We also searched for genetic markers of hereditary neuropathy with pressure palsies. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to analyze continuous data. The Fischer's exact test was used to assess two-way tables.ResultsEighty percent of the patients recovered totally within 9 months after the onset of weakness. Prolonged symptoms occurred in 15% of the patients, but daily activities were not affected. The weight of the carried load at the symptom onset significantly affected the severity of the muscle strength loss in the physiotherapeutic testing at the follow-up. The initial electromyography did not predict recovery. Genetic testing did not reveal de novo hereditary neuropathy with pressure palsies.ConclusionsThe prognosis of BPP is favorable in the vast majority of cases. Electromyography is useful for diagnosis. To prevent brachial plexus lesions, backpack loads greater than 40 kg should be avoided.
An integrative approach to identifying cancer chemoresistance-associated pathways
Authors: Chao Shih-Yi , Chiang Jung-Hsien , Huang A-Mei , Chang Woan-Shan 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
Resistance to chemotherapy severely limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs in treating cancer. Still, the mechanisms and critical pathways that contribute to chemotherapy resistance are relatively unknown. This study elucidates the chemoresistance-associated pathways retrieved from the integrated biological interaction networks and identifies signature genes relevant for chemotherapy resistance.

Methods
An integrated network was constructed by collecting multiple metabolic interactions from public databases and the k-shortest path algorithm was implemented to identify chemoresistant related pathways. The identified pathways were then scored using differential expression values from microarray data in chemosensitive and chemoresistant ovarian and lung cancers. Finally, another pathway database, Reactome, was used to evaluate the significance of genes within each filtered pathway based on topological characteristics.

Results
By this method, we discovered pathways specific to chemoresistance. Many of these pathways were consistent with or supported by known involvement in chemotherapy. Experimental results also indicated that integration of pathway structure information with gene differential expression analysis can identify dissimilar modes of gene reactions between chemosensitivity and chemoresistance. Several identified pathways can increase the development of chemotherapeutic resistance and the predicted signature genes are involved in drug resistant during chemotherapy. In particular, we observed that some genes were key factors for joining two or more metabolic pathways and passing down signals, which may be potential key targets for treatment.

Conclusions
This study is expected to identify targets for chemoresistant issues and highlights the interconnectivity of chemoresistant mechanisms. The experimental results not only offer insights into the mode of biological action of drug resistance but also provide information on potential key targets (new biological hypothesis) for further drug-development efforts.
A 5-year longitudinal study of schistosomiasis transmission in Shian village, the Anning River Valley, Sichuan Province, the Peoples' Republic of China
Authors: Zhu Rong , Gray Darren J , Thrift Aaron P , Williams Gail M , Zhang Yi , Qiu Dong-Chuan , Zheng Feng , Li Yue-Sheng , Guo Jiagang , Zhu Hong-Qing , Wu Wei-Ping , Li Robert S , McManus Donald P 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background

Schistosoma japonicum is a major public health concern in the Peoples' Republic of China (PRC), with over one million people infected and another 50 million living in areas at risk of infection. Based on ecological, environmental, population genetic and molecular factors, schistosomiasis transmission in PRC can be categorised into four discrete ecosystems or transmission modes. It is predicted that the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) will impact upon the transmission of schistosomiasis in the PRC, with varying degree across the four transmission modes. We undertook longitudinal surveillance from 2002 to 2006 in sentinel villages both above and below the TGD across five provinces (Hunan, Jiangxi, Hubei, Anhui and Sichuan) to determine whether there was any impact of the TGD on schistosomiasis transmission during its construction. Here we present the results from a schistosomiasis-endemic village located above the dam in Sichuan Province.

Results
Baseline results showed a human S. japonicum prevalence of 42.0% (95% CI: 36.6-47.5). At follow-up, results showed that the incidence of S. japonicum infection in the selected human cohort in Shian decreased by three quarters from 46% in 2003 to 11.3% in 2006. A significant (P < 0.01) downward trend was also evident in the yearly adjusted (for water contact) odds ratios. Over the four years of follow-up, the incidence of S. japonicum infection in bovines declined from 11.8% in the first year to zero in the final year of follow-up.

Conclusions
The substantial decrease in human (75%) and bovine (100%) incidence observed in Shian village can probably be attributed to the annual human and bovine PZQ treatment of positives; as seen in drug (PZQ) intervention studies in other parts of PRC. If an increase in schistosome transmission had occurred as a result of the TGD, it would be of negligible size compared to the treatment induced decline seen here. It appears therefore that the construction of the TGD had virtually no impact on schistosomiasis transmission in Shian village over the period of study. Furthermore, contrary to previous reports from Sichuan downplaying the role of animals in human schistosome transmission, bovines may indeed play a role.
Growth Hormone Treatment in Short Children Born Prematurely—Data from KIGS
Authors: Boguszewski Margaret C. S. , Karlsson Hanna , Wollmann Hartmut A. , Wilton Patrick , Dahlgren Jovanna 
Published: March 2011

Context:
Children born prematurely with growth failure might benefit from GH treatment.

Objectives:
The aim was to evaluate the first year growth response to GH treatment in short children born prematurely and to identify predictors of the growth response.

Design/Patients:
A total of 3215 prepubertal children born prematurely who were on GH treatment were selected from KIGS (The Pfizer International Growth Database), a large observational database. They were classified according to gestational age as preterm (PT; 33 to no more than 37 wk) and very preterm (VPT; &lt;33 wk), and according to birth weight as appropriate for gestational age [AGA; between −2 and +2 sd score (SDS)] and small for gestational age (SGA; −2 SDS or below).

Results:
Four groups were identified: PT AGA (n = 1928), VPT AGA (n = 629), PT SGA (n = 519), and VPT SGA (n = 139). GH treatment was started at a median age of 7.5, 7.2, 6.7, and 6.0 yr, respectively. After the first year of GH treatment, all four groups presented a significant increase in weight gain and height velocity, with a median increase in height SDS higher than 0.6. Using multiple stepwise regression analysis, 27% of the variation in height velocity could be explained by the GH dose, GH peak during provocative test, weight and age at GH start, adjusted parental height, and birth weight SDS. The first year growth response of the children born PT and SGA could be estimated by the SGA model published previously.

Conclusion:
Short children born prematurely respond well to the first year of GH treatment. Long-term follow-up is needed.
Cancer biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinomas: from traditional markers to recent topics
Authors: Masuda Tomomi , Miyoshi Eiji 
Published: March 2011

AbstractHepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) are the fifth most common tumor type and the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Some tumor markers for HCC, such as α-fetoprotein and des-γ-carboxyprothrombin, are used clinically. Recent advances in proteomics and glyco-proteomics might provide various types of novel tumor markers for HCC. While the clinical availability of these tumor markers is important, the molecular mechanisms underlying the production of tumor markers requires further clarification. Our group has investigated the glycobiology of tumor markers. In this review, we describe the impact of novel HCC markers and their possible implications for clinical use.
Perchlorate (Irenat®) may falsely lower measured ionised calcium
Authors: Gruber Michael , Nehring Carsten , Creutzenberg Marcus , Graf Bernhard , Hopf Susanne 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground:Discrepancies in ionised calcium concentrations between results from several point-of-care devices derived from intensive care unit (ICU) patients were postulated to be caused by perchlorate, a thyroid blocking agent. The deviations were serious concerning the diagnosis of hyper- or hypocalcaemia and administration of calcium infusions.Methods:The problem was studied from three perspectives. First: quantification of ionised calcium in heparinised blood samples spiked with sodium perchlorate from healthy volunteers measured using five blood gas analysers (BGAs from IL, Radiometer, Roche and Siemens). Second: verification of clinical concentrations of perchlorate in blood samples after routine use for blood gas analysis from ICU patients. Third: retrospective analysis of data stored from patients during their stay in general ICU of the Departments of Anesthesio-logy and General Surgery by a patient data management system.Results:Category 1: three of the point-of-care testing devices measure clinically relevant falsely low ionised calcium concentrations when exposed to concentrations perchlorate >0.1 mmol/L. Two were not able to identify hypercalcaemia of up to 4 mmol/L ionised calcium when specific perchlorate concentrations are exceeded. Category 2: measured clinical concentrations of perchlorate ranged between the lower limit of quantification [LOQ=0.03 mmol/L and 2.75 mmol/L (median=0.29 mmol/L; mean=0.585 mmol/L)]. A concentration above 0.1 mmol/L perchlorate was found in 74.3% of all samples that tested positive. Category 3: between February 2006 and July 2009, 42 patients per year (2.2%) received sodium perchlorate with a median length of treatment of 25 days.Conclusions:Perchlorate causes clinically relevant lowering of measured ionised calcium in BGAs from two providers at concentrations obtained in samples from ICU patients (affecting about 1.1% of all ICU patients).
Focusing on the clinical impact of standardization of creatinine measurements: a report by the EFCC Working Group on Creatinine Standardization
Authors: Delanghe Joris R. , Cobbaert Christa , Harmoinen Aimo , Jansen Rob , Laitinen Päivi , Panteghini Mauro 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe recent campaign for standardization of creatinine measurements has been promoted to allow the widespread use of formulas for estimating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). However, studies on trueness verification and measurement interferences still show disappointing interassay variation of serum creatinine results. Creatinine recalibration has major clinical consequences. In particular, in pediatrics where reference ranges for serum and plasma creatinine are low, calculation of the GFR is problematic when based on alkaline picrate methods because of method non-specificity and the lack of appropriate GFR estimating formulas. Therefore, enzymatic creatinine assays are preferred. In the near future, cystatin C might offer an interesting alternative for GFR estimation. For the calculation of drug doses, the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study formula generally offers reliable data. However, attention has to be paid to the elderly. Also, the calculation of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, which is used to prioritize patients for liver transplantation, may significantly be influenced by recalibration of creatinine assays. Creatinine restandardization may also affect the current guidelines for referral of chronic kidney disease patients to nephrologists.
Messung von absoluten Kugelradiustopografien mit einem Kugelinterferometer
Authors: Bartl Guido , Krystek Michael , Nicolaus Arnold 
Published: March 2011

Zusammenfassung
Das Kugelinterferometer der PTB wurde ursprünglich dafür konzipiert, die Volumenbestimmung von sphärischen Maßverkörperungen über präzise Durchmessermessungen mit einer Unsicherheit von einem Nanometer oder weniger zu ermöglichen. Nun wurde ein Verfahren implementiert, mit dem der Verwendungszweck des Interferometers auf Bereiche erweitert werden kann, in denen nicht ein Kugelvolumen oder -durchmesser, sondern eine richtungsabhängige Radiusinformation gefragt ist. Ein Vergleich mit den Ergebnissen von unabhängigen Rundheitsmessungen zeigt eine Genauigkeit im Bereich weniger Nanometer.
Absolute Profilmessung optischer Oberflächen mit Mehrfachsensorsystemen
Authors: Wiegmann Axel , Schulz Michael , Elster Clemens 
Published: March 2011

Zusammenfassung
Es wird ein hochgenaues Verfahren und dessen Realisierung zur Messung von Profilschnitten von ausgedehnten (bis zu 1 m großen) optischen Oberflächen vorgestellt. Dabei wird ein kompaktes Interferometer (Aperturdurchmesser 3mm) über den Prüfling geführt und es werden mehrere sich überlappende Teilprofile aufgenommen. Eine zusätzliche Winkelmessung dient als Ebenheitsreferenz. Im Gegensatz zu herkömlichen “Stitching”-Verfahren ermöglicht das vorgestellte Messverfahren z. B. die Messung von Synchrotronspiegeln inklusive ihres parabolischen Anteils mit hoher lateraler Auflösung (Messpunktabstand 20 μm) und hohem Dynamikumfang (“peak-to-valley” Höhe bis 100 μm) bei gleichzeitigen Messunsicherheiten im Nanometer-Bereich. Beispielhaft werden die Ergebnisse einer Profilmessung mit zugehörigen Messunsicherheiten gezeigt.
Radargestützte Mehrobjekt-Verfolgung mit dem PHD-Filter
Authors: Kruse Marco , Puente León Fernando 
Published: March 2011

Zusammenfassung
Die Detektion und Verfolgung einer zeitlich variierenden Menge an Objekten ist für viele technische Anwendungen eine Grundvoraussetzung, wobei zukünftige Fahrerassistenzsysteme ein aktuelles Beispiel darstellen. Die Unsicherheiten der Sensorinformation lassen sich hierbei systematisch mit Hilfe der Bayes´schen Statistik handhaben. In diesem Beitrag werden zunächst der Ansatz für das PHD-Filter und anschließend einige ausgewählte Teilaspekte eines darauf basierenden Fusionsframeworks vorgestellt, sowie Fusionsergebnisse sowohl mit synthetischen als auch realen Messdaten präsentiert.
Robuste, adaptive Wireless-Sensor/Aktor-Kommunikation
Authors: Heynicke Ralf , Krüger Dirk , Scholl Gerd 
Published: March 2011

Zusammenfassung
Die Wellenausbreitung im industriellen Umfeld kann durch frequenzselektive und zeitvariante Funkkanäle mit hoher Signaldynamik beschrieben werden. Aus diesen können deterministische Muster extrahiert werden, welche bei der Auslegung von Funksystemen zur Steigerung der Robustheit und Leistungsfähigkeit oder zur Verringerung des Energieverbrauchs genutzt werden können.
Faser-Bragg-Gitter zur Detektion von transienten Lasten
Authors: Buck Thorbjörn C. , Müller Mathias S. , Koch Alexander W. 
Published: March 2011

Zusammenfassung
Zur Überwachung dynamischer Vorgänge an Luft- und Raumfahrtstrukturen wird ein neuartiges Messgerät zum Auslesen faseroptischer Sensoren entwickelt. Das System basiert auf einer integriert-optischen Komponente, die den Einsatz des Messgeräts unter starken Vibrationen und innerhalb eines großen Temperaturbereichs erlaubt. Das filterbasierte Messverfahren gestattet die Erfassung von dynamischen Vorgängen mit einer Bandbreite von 20kHz. In diesem Artikel präsentieren wir die Grundlagen filterbasierter Messverfahren für Faser-Bragg-Gitter Sensoren sowie den Aufbau und die Funktion des entwickelten Messsystems.
Adiponectin Inhibits Lipolysis in Mouse Adipocytes
Authors: Qiao Liping , Kinney Brice , Schaack Jerome , Shao Jianhua 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE
Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that sensitizes insulin and improves energy metabolism in tissues. This study was designed to investigate the direct regulatory effects of adiponectin on lipid metabolism in adipocytes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Basal and hormone-stimulated lipolysis were comparatively analyzed using white adipose tissues or primary adipocytes from adiponectin gene knockout and control mice. To further study the underlying mechanisms through which adiponectin suppresses lipolysis, cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes and adenovirus-mediated gene transduction were used.

RESULTS
Significantly increased lipolysis was observed in both adiponectin gene knockout mice and primary adipocytes from these mice. Hormone-stimulated glycerol release was inhibited in adiponectin-treated adipocytes. Adiponectin suppressed hormone-sensitive lipase activation without altering adipose triglyceride lipase and CGI-58 expression in adipocytes. Moreover, adiponectin reduced protein levels of the type 2 regulatory subunit RIIα of protein kinase A by reducing its protein stability. Ectopic expression of RIIα abolished the inhibitory effects of adiponectin on lipolysis in adipocytes.

CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that adiponectin inhibits lipolysis in adipocytes and reveals a novel function of adiponectin in lipid metabolism in adipocytes.
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Prediabetes Among Subjects Free of Diabetes
Authors: Shankar Anoop , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Kalidindi Sita 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVEAnimal studies suggest that low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) may impair insulin synthesis and secretion and be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Results in studies in humans have not been consistent, however. Prediabetes is a stage earlier in the hyperglycemia/diabetes continuum where individuals are at increased risk of developing diabetes and where prevention efforts have been shown to be effective in delaying or preventing the onset of diabetes. However, previous studies have not examined the association between low serum 25(OH)D levels and prediabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe examined the 12,719 participants (52.5% women) in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey aged &gt;20 years who were free of diabetes. Serum 25(OH)D levels were categorized into quartiles (≤17.7, 17.8–24.5, 24.6–32.4, &gt;32.4 ng/mL). Prediabetes was defined as a 2-h glucose concentration of 140–199 mg/dL, or a fasting glucose concentration of 110–125 mg/dL, or an A1C value of 5.7–6.4%.RESULTSLower serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with prediabetes after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, season, geographic region, smoking, alcohol intake, BMI, outdoor physical activity, milk consumption, dietary vitamin D, blood pressure, serum cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and glomerular filtration rate. Compared with quartile 4 of 25(OH)D (referent), the odds ratio of prediabetes associated with quartile 1 was 1.47 (95% CI 1.16–1.85; P = 0.001 for trend). Subgroup analyses examining the relation between 25(OH)D and prediabetes by sex, BMI, and hypertension categories also showed a consistent positive association.CONCLUSIONSLower serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with prediabetes in a representative sample of U.S. adults.
Additional Autoimmune Disease Found in 33% of Patients at Type 1 Diabetes Onset
Authors: Triolo Taylor M. , Armstrong Taylor K. , McFann Kim , Yu Liping , Rewers Marian J. , Klingensmith Georgeanna J. , Eisenbarth George S. , Barker Jennifer M. 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVEWe sought to define the prevalence of nonislet, organ-specific autoantibodies at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and to determine the prevalence of comorbid autoimmune diseases.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSChildren (n = 491) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes were screened for autoimmune thyroid disease (thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies [TPOAb]), celiac disease (tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies [TTGAb]), and Addison disease (21-hydroxylase autoantibodies [21OHAb]).RESULTSOf the 491 children, 161 had at least one nonislet autoantibody, and of these, 122 (24.8%) were positive for TPOAb, and 15 of the 122 (12.3%) had autoimmune thyroid disease. There were 57 (11.6%) who were positive for TTGAb, of whom 14 (24.6%) had celiac disease. Five (1.0%) were positive for 21OHAb, of whom one had Addison disease.CONCLUSIONSMany autoantibody-positive subjects present with additional autoimmune disorders. Detection of these autoantibodies at type 1 diabetes onset may prevent complications associated with delayed diagnosis of these disorders.