bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Positioning Analysis of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Servien Elvire , Fritsch Brett , Lustig Sébastien , Demey Guillaume , Debarge Romain , Lapra Carole , Neyret Philippe 
Published: October 2010

Background: Several techniques have been described for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). The anatomical insertion of the MPFL has been defined; however, there are no reports describing the accuracy of femoral graft positioning assessed postoperatively. Purpose: To analyze our femoral tunnel positioning for MPFL reconstruction in correlation with our clinical results. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The authors reported a prospective series of 29 MPFL reconstructions with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The tunnel positioning analysis was performed using plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging at 1-year follow-up. Results: Twenty-nine femoral tunnels were analyzed; 20 femoral tunnels (69%) were considered to be in good position on plain radiographs. On magnetic resonance imaging, the authors found 19 femoral tunnels (65%) in a proper location, 5 (17.5%) in a high position, and 5 in an anterior and/or high position. Conclusion: The study highlights the difficulty of reproducible MPFL reconstruction. The surgical procedure continues to be improved and finding a reliable technique to anatomically place the graft remains challenging. Verifying femoral tunnel placement radiographically may be recommended during surgery.
The chemokine CXCL12 regulates monocyte-macrophage differentiation and RUNX3 expression
Authors: Sánchez-Martín Lorena , Estecha Ana , Samaniego Rafael , Sánchez-Ramón Silvia , Vega Miguel Ángel , Sánchez-Mateos Paloma 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Monocytes are versatile cells that can express different functional programs in response to microenvironmental signals. We show that primary blood monocytes secrete the CXCL12 chemokine, and express the CXCR4 and CXCR7 receptors, leading to an autocrine/paracrine loop that contribute to shape monocyte differentiation to a distinct type of macrophages, with an enhanced expression of CD4, CD14, and CD163, or dendritic cells, with a reduced functional ability to stimulate antigen-specific T-lymphocyte responses. The in vivo relevance of CXCL12 production by mononuclear phagocytes was studied in metastatic melanoma tissues by a thoroughly immunofluorescence phenotyping of CXCL12high expressing cells, which were CD45+, coexpressed the macrophage antigens CD68, CD163, and CD209 and constituted the 60%-90% of tumor-associated macrophages. Microarray analysis of primary monocytes revealed that the vascular endothelial growth factor and the angiogenic chemokine CCL1 mRNA levels were up-regulated in response to CXCL12, leading to enhanced expression of both proteins. In addition, we found that CXCL12 autocrine/paracrine signaling down-regulates the expression of the transcription factor RUNX3 and contributes to maintain the long-term CD4 and CD14 expression in monocytes/macrophages. Together, these results suggest that autocrine CXCL12 production modulates differentiation of monocytes toward a distinct program with proangiogenic and immunosuppressive functions.
Unique genome-wide transcriptome profiles of chicken macrophages exposed to Salmonella-derived endotoxin
Authors: Ciraci Ceren , Tuggle Christopher K , Wannemuehler Michael J , Nettleton Dan , Lamont Susan J 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
Macrophages play essential roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Bacteria require endotoxin, a complex lipopolysaccharide, for outer membrane permeability and the host interprets endotoxin as a signal to initiate an innate immune response. The focus of this study is kinetic and global transcriptional analysis of the chicken macrophage response to in vitro stimulation with endotoxin from Salmonella
typhimurium-798.

Results
The 38535-probeset Affymetrix GeneChip Chicken Genome array was used to profile transcriptional response to endotoxin 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours post stimulation (hps). Using a maximum FDR (False Discovery Rate) of 0.05 to declare genes as differentially expressed (DE), we found 13, 33, 1761 and 61 DE genes between endotoxin-stimulated versus non-stimulated cells at 1, 2, 4 and 8 hps, respectively. QPCR demonstrated that endotoxin exposure significantly affected the mRNA expression of IL1B, IL6, IL8, and TLR15, but not IL10 and IFNG in HD 11 cells. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed that 10% of the total DE genes were involved in inflammatory response. Three, 9.7, 96.8, and 11.8% of the total DE inflammatory response genes were significantly differentially expressed with endotoxin stimulation at 1, 2, 4 and 8 hps, respectively. The NFKBIA, IL1B, IL8 and CCL4 genes were consistently induced at all times after endotoxin treatment. NLRC5 (CARD domain containing, NOD-like receptor family, RCJMB04_18i2), an intracellular receptor, was induced in HD11 cells treated with endotoxin.

Conclusions
As above using an in vitro model of chicken response to endotoxin, our data revealed the kinetics of gene networks involved in host response to endotoxin and extend the known complexity of networks in chicken immune response to Gram-negative bacteria such as Salmonella. The induction of NFKBIA, IL1B, IL8, CCL4 genes is a consistent signature of host response to endotoxin over time. We make the first report of induction of a NOD-like receptor family member in response to Salmonella endotoxin in chicken macrophages.
Genome-wide association reveals genetic effects on human Aβ 42 and τ protein levels in cerebrospinal fluids: a case control study
Authors: Han Mi-Ryung , Schellenberg Gerard D , Wang Li-San ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is common and highly heritable with many genes and gene variants associated with AD in one or more studies, including APOE ε2/ε3/ε4. However, the genetic backgrounds for normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD in terms of changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of Aβ1-42, T-tau, and P-tau181P, have not been clearly delineated. We carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in order to better define the genetic backgrounds to these three states in relation to CSF levels.

Methods
Subjects were participants in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). The GWAS dataset consisted of 818 participants (mainly Caucasian) genotyped using the Illumina Human Genome 610 Quad BeadChips. This sample included 410 subjects (119 Normal, 115 MCI and 176 AD) with measurements of CSF Aβ1-42, T-tau, and P-tau181P Levels. We used PLINK to find genetic associations with the three CSF biomarker levels. Association of each of the 498,205 SNPs was tested using additive, dominant, and general association models while considering APOE genotype and age. Finally, an effort was made to better identify relevant biochemical pathways for associated genes using the ALIGATOR software.

Results
We found that there were some associations with APOE genotype although CSF levels were about the same for each subject group; CSF Aβ1-42 levels decreased with APOE gene dose for each subject group. T-tau levels tended to be higher among AD cases than among normal subjects. From adjusted result using APOE genotype and age as covariates, no SNP was associated with CSF levels among AD subjects. CYP19A1 'aromatase' (rs2899472), NCAM2, and multiple SNPs located on chromosome 10 near the ARL5B gene demonstrated the strongest associations with Aβ1-42 in normal subjects. Two genes found to be near the top SNPs, CYP19A1 (rs2899472, p = 1.90 × 10-7) and NCAM2 (rs1022442, p = 2.75 × 10-7) have been reported as genetic factors related to the progression of AD from previous studies. In AD subjects, APOE ε2/ε3 and ε2/ε4 genotypes were associated with elevated T-tau levels and ε4/ε4 genotype was associated with elevated T-tau and P-tau181P levels. Pathway analysis detected several biological pathways implicated in Normal with CSF β-amyloid peptide (Aβ1-42).

Conclusions
Our genome-wide association analysis identified several SNPs as important factors for CSF biomarker. We also provide new evidence for additional candidate genetic risk factors from pathway analysis that can be tested in further studies.
Is there an association between mild cognitive impairment and dietary pattern in chinese elderly? Results from a cross-sectional population study
Authors: Wang Ziqi , Dong Birong , Zeng Guo , Li Jun , Wang Wenlei , Wang Binyou , Yuan Qiyuan 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
Diet has an impact on cognitive function in most prior studies but its association with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians has not been explored.

Methods
870 elder dujiangyan residents aged 90 years or more in 2005 census were investigated at community halls or at home. They underwent the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for assessment of cognitive function and replied to our questionnaire comprised of 12 food items and other risk factors. MCI was defined by two steps: first, subjects with post-stroke disease, Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease and MMSE< 18 were excluded; and then subjects were categorized as MCI (MMSE scores between 19 and 24) and normal (MMSE scores between 25 and 30). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between diet and the prevalence of MCI. The model was adjusted for gender, ages, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking habits, alcohol and tea consumption, educational levels and exercise in baseline dietary assessment.

Results
364 elderly finally included, 108 (38.71%) men and 171 (61.29%) women of whom were classified as MCI. A significant correlation between MCI and normal in legume was observed (OR, 0.84; 95%CI, 0.72-0.97), and also in animal oil (any oil that obtained from animal substances) (OR, 0.93; 95%CI, 0.88-0.98). There was no statistical difference of other food items between normal and MCI.

Conclusions
Among Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians, we found there were significant associations between inadequate intake of legume and animal oil and the prevalence of MCI. No significant correlation between other food items and the prevalence of MCI were demonstrated in this study.
Freeze-thaw treatment effects on the dynamic mechanical properties of articular cartilage
Authors: Szarko Matthew , Muldrew Ken , Bertram John EA 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBackgroundAs a relatively non-regenerative tissue, articular cartilage has been targeted for cryopreservation as a method of mitigating a lack of donor tissue availability for transplant surgeries. In addition, subzero storage of articular cartilage has long been used in biomedical studies using various storage temperatures. The current investigation studies the potential for freeze-thaw to affect the mechanical properties of articular cartilage through direct comparison of various subzero storage temperatures.MethodsBoth subzero storage temperature as well as freezing rate were compared using control samples (4°C) and samples stored at either -20°C or -80°C as well as samples first snap frozen in liquid nitrogen (-196°C) prior to storage at -80°C. All samples were thawed at 37.5°C to testing temperature (22°C). Complex stiffness and hysteresis characterized load resistance and damping properties using a non-destructive, low force magnitude, dynamic indentation protocol spanning a broad loading rate range to identify the dynamic viscoelastic properties of cartilage.ResultsStiffness levels remained unchanged with exposure to the various subzero temperatures. Hysteresis increased in samples snap frozen at -196°C and stored at -80°C, though remained unchanged with exposure to the other storage temperatures.ConclusionsMechanical changes shown are likely due to ice lens creation, where frost heave effects may have caused collagen damage. That storage to -20°C and -80°C did not alter the mechanical properties of articular cartilage shows that when combined with a rapid thawing protocol to 37.5°C, the tissue may successfully be stored at subzero temperatures.
A mutational analysis and molecular dynamics simulation of quinolone resistance proteins QnrA1 and QnrC from Proteus mirabilis
Authors: Guo Qinglan , Weng Jingwei , Xu Xiaogang , Wang Minghua , Wang Xiaoying , Ye Xinyu , Wang Wenning , Wang Minggui 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
The first report on the transferable, plasmid-mediated quinolone-resistance determinant qnrA1 was in 1998. Since then, qnr alleles have been discovered worldwide in clinical strains of Gram-negative bacilli. Qnr proteins confer quinolone resistance, and belong to the pentapeptide repeat protein (PRP) family. Several PRP crystal structures have been solved, but little is known about the functional significance of their structural arrangement.

Results
We conducted random and site-directed mutagenesis on qnrA1 and on qnrC, a newly identified quinolone-resistance gene from Proteus mirabilis. Many of the Qnr mutants lost their quinolone resistance function. The highly conserved hydrophobic Leu or Phe residues at the center of the pentapeptide repeats are known as i sites, and loss-of-function mutations included replacement of the i site hydrophobic residues with charged residues, replacing the i
-2 site, N-terminal to the i residues, with bulky side-chain residues, introducing Pro into the β-helix coil, deletion of the N- and C-termini, and excision of a central coil. Molecular dynamics simulations and homology modeling demonstrated that QnrC overall adopts a stable β-helix fold and shares more similarities with MfpA than with other PRP structures. Based on homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulation, the dysfunctional point mutations introduced structural deformations into the quadrilateral β-helix structure of PRPs. Of the pentapeptides of QnrC, two-thirds adopted a type II β-turn, while the rest adopted type IV turns. A gap exists between coil 2 and coil 3 in the QnrC model structure, introducing a structural flexibility that is similar to that seen in MfpA.

Conclusion
The hydrophobic core and the β-helix backbone conformation are important for maintaining the quinolone resistance property of Qnr proteins. QnrC may share structural similarity with MfpA.
Animal Models in Diabetes and Pregnancy
Authors: Jawerbaum Alicia , White Verónica 
Published: October 2010

The worldwide increase in the incidence of diabetes, the increase in type 2 diabetes in women at reproductive ages, and the cross-generation of the intrauterine programming of type 2 diabetes are the bases for the growing interest in the use of experimental diabetic models in order to gain insight into the mechanisms of induction of developmental alterations in maternal diabetes.In this scenario, experimental models that present the most common features of diabetes in pregnancy are highly required. Several important aspects of human diabetic pregnancies such as the increased rates of spontaneous abortions, malformations, fetoplacental impairments, and offspring diseases in later life can be approached by using the appropriate animal models. The purpose of this review is to give a practical and critical guide into the most frequently used experimental models in diabetes and pregnancy, discuss their advantages and limitations, and describe the aspects of diabetes and pregnancy for which these models are thought to be adequate. This review provides a comprehensive view and an extensive analysis of the different models and phenotypes addressed in diabetic animals throughout pregnancy. The review includes an analysis of the surgical, chemical-induced, and genetic experimental models of diabetes and an evaluation of their use to analyze early pregnancy defects, induction of congenital malformations, placental and fetal alterations, and the intrauterine programming of metabolic diseases in the offspring’s later life.
Association of thyroid function with estimated glomerular filtration rate in a population-based study: the HUNT study
Authors: Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Bjøro Trine , Vatten Lars J 
Published: October 2010

ObjectiveLow thyroid function may be associated with reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). We therefore studied the association of thyroid function with estimated GFR (eGFR) in a population-based study.DesignA cross-sectional, population-based study of 29 480 individuals above 40 years of age, without previously known thyroid disease.MethodsWe calculated geometric mean eGFR and odds ratio (OR) of chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) according to categories of thyroid function, using people with TSH in the lower third of the reference range (0.50–1.4 mU/l) as the comparison group.ResultsTSH within the reference range (0.50–3.5 mU/l) was negatively associated with eGFR (Pfor trend <0.001). Compared with people with TSH in the lower third of the reference range (83.0 ml/min per 1.73 m2), eGFR was lower in people with TSH in the middle (81.6 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and highest third (80.3 ml/min per 1.73 m2) of the reference range, and in people with subclinical (79.3 ml/min per 1.73 m2,P<0.001) or overt hypothyroidism (76.5 ml/min per 1.73 m2,P<0.001). The prevalence of CKD was higher in people with TSH in the middle (OR 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.35) or highest third (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.13–1.52) of the reference range, compared with people in the reference group. Also, CKD was more common in people with subclinical (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.38–1.93) or overt (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.22–3.20) hypothyroidism.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that low thyroid function, also within the clinically normal range, is associated with reduced GFR.
Economical Efficiency of a Non-Catalytic Alcoholysis Process for Production of Biodiesel Fuel
Authors: Nabetani Hiroshi , Hagiwara Shoji , Suzuki Yasuomi , Araki Tetsuya , Sagara Yasukuki , Miyano Yutaka , Tatara Masahiro , Goto Masafumi 
Published: October 2010

AbstractProduction of biodiesel fuel (fatty acid methyl ester) by use of conventional method (alkaline catalyst method) requires deacidification process prior to the reaction and refining process to remove the catalyst after the reaction. These processes increase total cost required for production of biodiesel fuel. In order to solve the problem, authors recently proposed a method called superheated methanol vapor method. In a process with this method, superheated methanol vapor is continuously bubbled into the oil in the reactor vessel and reacted with triglycerides to form fatty acid methyl ester and glycerol. The fatty acid methyl ester and glycerol formed flows out of the reactor together with unreacted methanol vapor and is collected using a condenser. Reaction using the superheated methanol vapor method can be conducted at atmospheric pressure. Production of fatty acid methyl ester by use of the superheated methanol vapor method does not require refining process after the reaction because no catalyst is used in this method and fatty acid methyl ester can be separated from glycerol simply by sedimentation. The method does not require deacidification process prior to the reaction because not only triglyceride but also free fatty acid can be converted into fatty acid methyl ester by use of the method. Therefore, both initial and running costs required for biodiesel production are thought to be reduced by applying the method. In order to estimate the cost required by a process based on the superheated methanol vapor method, a demonstration plant (design productivity: 400 L/d) was constructed and its efficiency was evaluated. The plant could produce 425 L of fatty acid methyl ester in a day from used frying oil. Energy consumed in each unit of the demonstration plant was measured (electrical energy and thermal energy). Based on the energy consumption data obtained with the demonstration plant, production cost required with a practical scale plant (designed productivity: 6000 kL/y) was calculated. The cost required by the practical scale plant with the superheated methanol vapor method was estimated to be 40.2 yen/L (about 40 cent/L) while the cost required by a plant with the alkaline catalyst method was 62.5 yen/L (about 62 cent/L). The estimated cost includes depreciation cost, cost of repairing, labor cost, methanol cost and energy cost (heat and electricity). Most of the energy consumed by the plant was thermal energy and the plant could be automatically controlled. Therefore, required cost will be further decreased by installing the plant next to an incineration facility because thermal energy can be supplied from the facility and the labor cost can also be supported by the facility.
Potential Energy Surface Calculations of Alanine Dipeptide using BVWN Density Functional Approach and 6-311G Basis Set
Authors: Singh Jyoti , Singh Subhash Chandra , Singh Narsingh Bahadur 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThis work is devoted to a study of the conformational properties of alanine dipeptide. We have studied potential energy surfaces of alanine dipeptide molecule using density functional theoretical approach with 6-311G basis set. For this purpose potential energies of this molecule are calculated as a function of Ramachandran angles φ and ψ, which are important factors for the characterizations of polypeptide chains. These degrees of freedoms φ and ψ are important for the characterization of protein folding systems. Stable conformations, energy barriers and reaction coordinates of this important dipeptide molecule are calculated. Energy required for the transition of one conformation into other are also discussed.
Development of Bentonite-Alginate Films for Enhancement in Cd(II) Removal
Authors: Teoh Wah Tzu , Tsuritani Takuma , Sato Kazunori 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe comparison between bentonite-alginate beads and bentonite-alginate films in Cd(II) removal from aqueous solution was investigated. The experimental Cd(II) adsorption data were fitted to adsorption isotherm and kinetic models. Results showed that both bentonite-alginate film and beads were fitted better to the Langmuir isotherm model, the calculated saturation adsorption capacity for bentonite-alginate film was 59.9 mg/g as compared to 17.9 mg/g for the beads. The kinetic studies indicated that both samples followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic. The bentonite- alginate film showed higher adsorption capacity, rate constant as well as initial adsorption rate. This investigation showed that the adsorption behavior of both samples, in terms of adsorption isotherm and kinetic models, did not deviate significantly. The bentonite-alginate film has better performance in Cd(II) removal, attributed to the larger surface area which is exposed to the Cd(II) solution.