bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor is not required for the proliferation, migration, invasion, or estrogen‐dependent tumorigenesis of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Spink Barbara C. , Bennett James A. , Lostritto Nicole , Cole Jacquelyn R. , Spink David C. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe AhR was initially identified as a ligand‐activated transcription factor mediating effects of chlorinated dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on cytochrome P450 1 (CYP1) expression. Recently, evidence supporting involvement of the AhR in cell‐cycle regulation and tumorigenesis has been presented. To further define the roles of the AhR in cancer, we investigated the effects of AhR expression on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis of MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells. In these studies, the properties of MCF‐7 cells were compared with those of two MCF‐7‐derived sublines: AHR100, which express minimal AhR, and AhRexp, which overexpress AhR. Quantitative PCR, Western immunoblots, 17β‐estradiol (E2) metabolism assays, and ethoxyresorufin O‐deethylase assays showed the lack of AhR expression and AhR‐regulated CYP1 expression in AHR100 cells, and enhanced AhR and CYP1 expression in AhRexp cells. In the presence of 1 nM E2, rates of cell proliferation of the three cell lines showed an inverse correlation with the levels of AhR mRNA. In comparison with MCF‐7 and AhRexp cells, AHR100 cells produced more colonies in soft agar and showed enhanced migration and invasion in chamber assays with E2 as the chemoattractant. Despite the lack of significant AhR expression, AHR100 cells retained the ability to form tumors in severe combined immunodeficient mice when supplemented with E2, producing mean tumor volumes comparable to those observed with MCF‐7 cells. These studies indicate that, while CYP1 expression and inducibility are highly dependent on AhR expression, the proliferation, invasion, migration, anchorage‐independent growth, and estrogen‐stimulated tumor formation of MCF‐7 cells do not require the AhR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blood flow and anatomical MRI in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Muir Eric R. , De La Garza Bryan , Duong Timothy Q. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis study tested the sensitivity of an arterial spin labeling MRI method to image changes in retinal and choroidal blood flow (BF) and anatomical thickness of the retina in the rd10 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. High‐resolution (42 × 42 μm) MRI was performed on rd10 mice and age‐matched controls at 25, 35, and 60 days of age (n = 6 each group) on a 7‐T scanner. Anatomical MRI was acquired, and quantitative BF was imaged using arterial spin labeling MRI with a separate cardiac labeling coil. Histology was obtained to confirm thickness changes in the retina. In control mice, the retinal and choroidal vascular layers were quantitatively resolved. In rd10 mice, retinal BF decreased progressively over time, while choroidal BF was unchanged. The rd10 retina became progressively thinner at later time points compared with age‐matched controls by anatomical MRI and histology (P < 0.01). BF and anatomical MRI were capable of detecting decreased BF and thickness in the rd10 mouse retina. Because BF is tightly coupled to metabolic function, BF MRI has the potential to noninvasively assess retinal diseases in which metabolism and function are perturbed and to evaluate novel treatments, complementing existing retinal imaging techniques. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The mdx mouse as a model for carnitine deficiency in the pathogenesis of duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Zolkipli Zarazuela , Mai Lydia , Lamhonwah Anne‐Marie , Tein Ingrid 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIntroduction: Muscle and cardiac metabolism are dependent on the oxidation of fats and glucose for adenosine triphosphate production, for which L‐carnitine is an essential cofactor. Methods: We measured muscle carnitine concentrations in skeletal muscles, diaphragm, and ventricles of C57BL/10ScSn‐DMDmdx/J mice (n = 10) and compared them with wild‐type C57BL/6J (n = 3), C57BL/10 (n = 10), and C3H (n = 12) mice. Citrate synthase (CS) activity was measured in quadriceps/gluteals and ventricles of mdx and wild‐type mice. Results: We found significantly lower tissue carnitine in quadriceps/gluteus (P < 0.05) and ventricle (P < 0.05), but not diaphragm of mdx mice, when compared with controls. CS activity was increased in mdx quadriceps/gluteus (P < 0.03) and ventricle (P < 0.02). This suggests compensatory mitochondrial biogenesis. Conclusions: Decreased tissue carnitine has implications for reduced fatty acid and glucose oxidation in mdx quadriceps/gluteus and ventricle. The mdx mouse may be a useful model for studying the role of muscle carnitine deficiency in DMD bioenergetic insufficiency and providing a targeted and timed rationale for L‐carnitine therapy. Muscle Nerve 46: 767–772, 2012
The assisted 6‐minute cycling test to assess endurance in children with a neuromuscular disorder
Authors: Jansen Merel , De Jong Moniek , Coes Hanna M. , Eggermont Florieke , Van Alfen Nens , De Groot Imelda J.M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIntroduction: For late‐ or non‐ambulant children with a neuromuscular disorder no suitable endurance tests are currently available. We developed the assisted 6‐minute cycling test (A6MCT) for the legs and arms and investigated its psychometric properties in healthy boys and boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods: Ninety‐nine healthy boys and 30 boys with DMD (12 wheelchair‐dependent) performed the A6MCT. Seventy healthy boys also performed the 6‐minute walk test (6MWT), and 23 boys performed the A6MCT twice within 2 weeks. Boys with DMD also performed the Motor Function Measure (MFM). Results: The A6MCT was feasible for >90% of all boys. Boys with DMD achieved fewer cycling revolutions than controls. The A6MCT was positively correlated with the 6MWT and was reproducible in healthy boys, and it correlated with disease severity in boys with DMD. Conclusions: The A6MCT is a promising outcome measure for the follow‐up of non‐ambulant children with a neuromuscular disorder. Muscle Nerve 46: 520–530, 2012
Magnetic resonance imaging of muscle disease: A pattern‐based approach
Authors: Costa Andreu F. , Di Primio Gina A. , Schweitzer Mark E. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool to assess the severity, distribution, and progression of muscle injury and disease. However, a muscle's response to a pathological insult is limited to only a few patterns on MRI, and findings can be nonspecific. A pattern‐based approach is therefore essential to correctly interpret MR studies of abnormal muscle. In this article we review the anatomy, function, and normal MRI appearance of skeletal muscle. We present a classification scheme that categorizes abnormal MR appearances of muscle into 4 main pattern descriptors: (1) distribution; (2) change in size and shape; (3) T1 signal; and (4) T2 signal. Each category is further subdivided into the various patterns seen on MRI. Such an approach allows one to systematically assess abnormal findings on muscle MRI studies and ascertain clues to the diagnosis or differential diagnosis, particularly when findings are correlated with the clinical context. Muscle Nerve 46: 520–481, 2012
Metabolic syndrome decreases tissue perfusion and induces glandular hyperplasia in the fructose‐fed rat prostate
Authors: Chen I‐Hung , Tong Yat‐Ching , Cheng Juei‐Tang 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAimsThe effects of metabolic syndrome on the prostate blood perfusion and histological structure were studied using fructose‐fed rats (FR).MethodsAge‐matched male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: group I, normal control rats and group II, 9‐week FR. Animal body weight, blood pressure, and serum metabolic parameters were monitored. With the rats under anesthesia, prostatic blood flow volume and flow velocity were measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. The prostate was then removed for histological examination and morphometric study.ResultsThe 9‐week FR showed significant increases in body weight, blood pressure, plasma glucose, insulin, and triglyceride levels. The blood flow volume (345.8 ± 20.57 ml/min/100 g vs. 440.4 ± 35.57 ml/min/100 g of tissue, P < 0.05 for n = 8) and flow rate (29.4 ± 1.25 units vs. 40.9 ± 2.65 units, P < 0.05 for n = 8) in the FR ventral prostate were significantly decreased when compared to controls. Structurally, the FR prostate weight was significantly higher than that of the controls (612.4 ± 16.9 mg vs. 427.3 ± 6.5 mg, P < 0.05 for n = 8). Prostate histology showed glandular hyperplasia while morphometry showed increased stromal component in the FR.ConclusionsMetabolic syndrome in the FR decreases prostatic perfusion and induces prostatic glandular hyperplasia. The findings suggest that chronic ischemia may be a link between metabolic syndrome and prostatic enlargement. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:600–604, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing evidence‐based standards for diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract or pelvic floor dysfunction
Authors: Rosier Peter F.W.M. , de Ridder Dirk , Meijlink Jane , Webb Ralph , Whitmore Kristene , Drake Marcus J. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe International Continence Society (ICS) has a key role in standardizing terminology related to lower urinary tract and pelvic organ dysfunction. The ICS Standardization Steering Committee (SSC) presents the new structure and process by which future ICS Standards will be developed. The new processes aim to meet present‐day evidence‐based practice requirements, and to foster unbiased, inclusive, and transparent development. For each new ICS Standard, the SSC will oversee a dedicated ad hoc Working Group (WG). Applications to chair or contribute to a WG will be invited from the ICS membership. The SSC will select the Chairperson, and work with him or her to select the WG composition, balanced to represent key disciplines, stakeholders, and regions. Consultants can be invited to contribute to the WG where specific need arises. Every WG will review current knowledge, adhering to evidence‐based medicine requirements. Progress reports will be reviewed by the SSC, and amendments recommended, culminating in a first draft. The draft will be offered to the ICS membership and additional relevant experts for comment. Further revision, if needed, will result in a document, which the SSC will submit to the ICS Trustees, as arbiters of whether the document should be adopted as an ICS Standard. The SCC will then coordinate with the WG to ensure that the new ICS Standard is published and disseminated. Implementation strategies, such as education, audit, accreditation, and research initiatives will be linked to the Standards where appropriate. Revisions of ICS Standards will be undertaken to maintain contemporaneous relevance. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:621–624, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) as an Accumulator of Bones in Cave‐like Environments
Authors: Krajcarz Magdalena , Krajcarz Maciej Tomasz 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTIdentifying the behavioural patterns of bone collecting animals is a crucial aspect of taphonomic studies. Although many studies have established criteria for identifying animal‐collected or animal‐modified bones, very few papers describe the distinguishing features of fox‐made bone assemblages. The bone assemblage collected in an inactive underground stone mine in Potok‐Senderki (Poland) is diagnostic of a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) den. This site provides an ideal opportunity to develop an understanding of the bone collecting behaviour of red foxes in cave‐like environments. This study showed that bones collected by red foxes are concentrated in clusters. The bones represent a broad spectrum of local fox prey species, with most bones showing the marks of gnawing. Each cluster may contain from <10 to >100 bones. Furthermore, the long axes of the bones in clusters frequently show specific orientation. The analysis of bones at this site might make an important contribution towards the establishment of baseline criteria for the identification and evaluation of fox‐accumulated bone assemblages. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural evaluation and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid) and different synthetic micas nanocomposites
Authors: Souza Diego H. S. , Borges Soraia V. , Dias Marcos L. , Andrade Cristina T. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTwo types of organophilic synthetic micas were used to prepare poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites. The effect of both micas at different concentrations were evaluated and correlated to the nanocomposite structure and thermal properties. Nanocomposites containing 3, 5, and 7 wt% of mica were obtained by mixing the components in the melt state at different conditions of temperature, rotor speed, and contacting time. The mica Somasif MAE showed the higher affinity with PLA and caused a slight variation in the thermal properties. Nevertheless, the nanocomposite presented a lower‐degradation temperature than the Somasif MPE alone. Despite no evidence of complete exfoliation, intercalation was noted in the composites obtained from the mica MAE. The organophilic mica Somasif MPE, which contains a high amount of intercalant, had a more significant influence on the composite properties, decreasing the Tg, and the crystallization temperature on heating, due to the plasticizing effect of the intercalant. POLYM. COMPOS.,, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of polyacrylamide‐calcium carbonate and polyacrylamide‐calcium sulfate nanocomposites
Authors: Pal Manoj Kumar , Gautam Jaiswar 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPolyacrylamide‐calcium carbonate (PAM/CaCO3) and polyacrylamide‐calcium sulfate (PAM/CaSO4) nanocomposites were prepared via solution‐mixing technique. The resulting PAM‐based nanocomposites with various CaCO3 and CaSO4 nanoparticles contents (0–4% w/w) were investigated. Nanoparticles of CaCO3 and CaSO4 were synthesized by in situ deposition technique. In this technique, the surface modification of nanoparticles was performed by nonionic polymeric surfactant. The particle size of nanoparticles was recognized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis which confirms that the particle has diameter of 25–33 nm. As prepared, nanocomposites films (thickness, 40‐μm) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), SEM, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). FT‐IR shows the chemical structure of nanocomposites where as SEM analysis suggested that the nanofillers dispersed well in polymer matrix and EDS shows the elemental composition of the nanocomposite samples. Thermal properties of the nanocomposites were studied by using differential scanning calorimetric analysis. The PAM/CaCO3 and PAM/CaSO4 nanocomposites showed a higher glass transition temperature and a better thermal stability compared to the pure PAM. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of nanocomposites increases with increase in content of nanoparticles. It may be owing to the interaction between inorganic and organic components. POLYM. COMPOS.,, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fatigue behavior of polyamide 66/glass fiber under various kinds of applied load
Authors: Esmaeillou B. , Ferreira P. , Bellenger V. , Tcharkhtchi A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this study, the fatigue behavior of polyamide 66 reinforced with short glass fibers and especially the role of glass fibers has been investigated under two kinds of cyclic loading. tension–tension fatigue tests with stress controlled and alternative flexural fatigue test with strain controlled were carried out. The main topics include microscope damage observation, described by fiber/matrix debonding and interfacial failure, endurance limit with Wohler curves, effect of self‐heating temperature. For both tests, the surface temperature increases with an increasing applied load. The results show that the self‐heating has an important effect in the failure point where the Wohler curves join each other. The fracture surface was analyzed by scanning electron microscope for both applied loads. The stress ratio is −1 for alternative flexural fatigue test and 0.1 and 0.3 for tension–tension fatigue test ones at frequencies ranging 2–60 Hz. POLYM. COMPOS.,, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of organoclay on the gas barrier properties of natural rubber nanocomposites
Authors: A.P Meera , Thomas P. Selvin , Thomas Sabu 
Published: March 2012

AbstractNatural rubber nanocomposites have been prepared with organically modified montmorillonite clay. The nanocomposites have been characterized by X‐ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy. The gas‐barrier properties of the nanocomposites have been studied for three different gases viz., oxygen, nitrogen, and CO2 gases. The natural rubber–organoclay composites exhibit outstanding gas‐barrier properties compared to the neat rubber. Various models have been applied to predict the decrease in permeability in nanocomposites. All other models except Bharadwaj model give low values of calculated aspect ratio. Dynamic mechanical analysis has been carried out to investigate the role of the constrained region on the permeability of the nanocomposites. The permeability decrease of the organoclay nanocomposites is found to have good qualitative correlation with the volume of the constrained region. POLYM. COMPOS.,, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Profiling Phlorotannins in Brown Macroalgae by Liquid Chromatography–High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Steevensz Aaron J. , MacKinnon Shawna L. , Hankinson Rachael , Craft Cheryl , Connan Solène , Stengel Dagmar B. , Melanson Jeremy E. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTIntroductionPhlorotannins, phenolic compounds produced exclusively by Phaeophyceae (brown algae), have recently been associated with a wide variety of beneficial bioactivities. Several studies have measured the total phenolic content in extracts from various species, but little characterisation of individual phlorotannin components has been demonstrated.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to develop a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) based method for rapid profiling of phlorotannins in brown algae.MethodologyPhlorotannin‐enriched extracts from five phaeophyceaen species were analysed by ultrahigh‐pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) operating in hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) mode combined with high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The method was optimised using an extract of Fucus vesiculosus; separation was achieved in less than 15 min. The basic mobile phase enhanced negative‐ion electrospray ionisation (ESI), and generated multiply charged ions that allowed detection of high molecular weight phlorotannins.ResultsThe phlorotannin profiles of Pelvetia canaliculata, Fucus spiralis, F. vesiculosus, Ascophyllum nodosum and Saccharina longicruris differed significantly. Fucus vesiculosus yielded a high abundance of low molecular weight (< 1200 Da) phlorotannins, while P. canaliculata exhibited a more evenly distributed profile, with moderate degrees of polymerisation ranging from 3 to 49. HRMS enabled the identification of phlorotannins with masses up to 6000 Da using a combination of accurate mass and 13 C isotopic patterns.ConclusionThe UHPLC‐HRMS method described was successful in rapidly profiling phlorotannins in brown seaweeds based on their degree of polymerisation. HILIC was demonstrated to be an effective separation mode, particularly for low molecular weight phlorotannins. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Audit of the effectiveness of nurse consultant led intermediate diabetes care services in England
Authors: Hicks Debbie , James June , Hill Jill , Vanterpool Grace 
Published: March 2012

AbstractDiabetes intermediate care clinics have been established to reduce costs compared to the tariff applied to hospital based clinics. However, little is known about the clinical effectiveness of these mainly nurse led clinics nor the degree of patient satisfaction in patients attending.The aim of this audit was to assess clinical effectiveness and patient satisfaction in consultant nurse led intermediate care services.Nine intermediate care services in England were included. Retrospective data on HbA1c, total cholesterol and blood pressure were collected from a total of 424 case notes (maximum of 52 per centre). Clinical effectiveness was assessed by comparison of data collection at referral and six months later using the Student's paired t‐test. A Diabetes UK one‐page questionnaire was sent to participants to assess the number of consultations, input, patient participation, and changes in practice post intervention. Individuals self‐rated their ability to manage their diabetes before and after the intervention using a Likert scale.Of the 424 patients, 87.5% (n=371) were type 2; mean age 59; 52% (107/205) were male. The mean number of appointments was 4.9, median 4 (IQR 4). The mean HbA1c reduction was 1.14% (9.53% [95% CI 9.33–9.73] to 8.39% [95% CI 8.22–8.56], p<0.0001); n=381. The mean total cholesterol reduction was 0.4mmol/L (4.6mmol/L [95% CI 4.46–4.74] to 4.2mmol/L [95% CI 4.09–4.34], p<0.0001); n=265. Reduction in blood pressure was not significant: mean systolic BP 137mmHg to 135mmHg, p=0.35, mean diastolic BP 79mmHg to 78mmHg, p=0.57 (n=269). Patient satisfaction questionnaires returned (n=123, 29%) showed 88% were ‘very satisfied’ concerns were met, 97% felt included in consultations and 80% made positive changes in their management of diabetes. A 3‐point rise was seen in the Likert scale and average self‐ratings doubled in perceived ability to self‐manage post‐intervention.In conclusion, patients attending consultant nurse led services achieved significant improvements in HbA1c and cholesterol reduction, and experienced high patient satisfaction and increased confidence in their ability to self‐manage their diabetes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons.
Colorectal cancer incidence on the General Practice Research Database
Authors: Charlton Rachel , Snowball Julia , Bloomfield Katherine , de Vries Corinne 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTPurposeThe General Practice Research Database (GPRD) contains longitudinal patient medical records collected within UK primary care. This study aimed to identify incident cases of colorectal cancer on the GPRD and to compare incidence rates for 2007 with those reported by the UK cancer registries.MethodsAlgorithms were created to identify incident cases of colorectal cancer on the GPRD and cases were required to have additional medical codes to support the diagnosis. Age‐specific and sex‐specific incidence rates for 2007 were calculated using the GPRD data and compared with those reported by the cancer registries.ResultsTrends in colorectal cancer by age and sex were similar for the two data sources; however, the incidence of colorectal cancer on the GPRD was lower than that of the registries, particularly when supporting evidence was required: 57.0 compared with 70.2 per 100 000 per year for men and 42.0 compared with 56.6 per 100 000 per year for women. Inclusion of cases without supporting evidence still resulted in lower rates but increased the GPRD rates to 63.7 and 48.4 for men and women, respectively. The largest discrepancy was observed in the older age groups.ConclusionColorectal cancer rates on the GPRD were lower than those reported by UK cancer registries, especially when requiring supporting evidence in addition to a diagnosis code. It appears that the requirement of supporting evidence on the GPRD for colorectal cancer identification may result in some true cases being excluded, particularly in the very elderly. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.