bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of thyroid statuses on sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) gene expression in the extrathyroidal tissues in mice
Authors: Harun-Or-Rashid Md , Asai Masato , Sun Xiao-yang , Hayashi Yoshitaka , Sakamoto Junichi , Murata Yoshiharu 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackgroundIodide that is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis is actively transported into the thyroid follicular cells via sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) protein in vertebrates. It is well known that NIS expression in thyroid is regulated by the thyroid statuses mainly through thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). AlthoughNISmRNA expressions in extrathyroidal tissues have been qualitatively reported, their regulation by thyroid statuses has not been well clarified.MethodsMale ICR mice aged four weeks were assigned into three groups (control, hypothyroid, and hyperthyroid). Hypothyroid group of mice were treated with 0.02% methimazole in drinking water and hyperthyroid group of mice received intraperitoneal injection (4 μgL-T4twice a week) for four weeks.NISmRNA expression levels in the tissues were evaluated using Northern blot hybridization and quantitative real-time RTPCR (qPCR). Additionally, end-point RTPCR for the thyroid follicular cell-characteristic genes (TSH receptor,TSHR; thyroid transcription factor-1,TTF1; and paired box gene 8,Pax8) was carried out.ResultsBy Northern blot analysis,NISmRNA was detected in thyroid and stomach. In addition to these organs, qPCR revealed the expression also in the submandibular gland, colon, testis, and lung. Expression ofNISmRNA in thyroid was significantly increased in hypothyroid and decreased in hyperthyroid group. Trends ofNISmRNA expression in extrathyroidal tissues were not in line with that in the thyroid gland in different thyroid statuses. Only in lung,NISmRNA was regulated by thyroid statuses but in opposite way compared to the manner in the thyroid gland. There were no extrathyroidal tissues that expressed all three characteristic genes of thyroid follicular cells.ConclusionsNISmRNA expression in the thyroid gland was up-regulated in hypothyroid mice and was down-regulated in hyperthyroid mice, suggesting thatNISmRNA in the thyroid gland is regulated by thyroid statuses. In contrast,NISmRNA expression in extrathyroidal tissues was not altered by thyroid statuses although it was widely expressed. Lack of responsiveness ofNISmRNA expressions in extrathyroidal tissues reemphasizes additional functions of NIS protein in extrathyroidal tissues other than iodide trapping.
The clinical and occupational effectiveness of condition management for Incapacity Benefit recipients
Authors: Kellett Stephen , Bickerstaffe Darren , Purdie Fiona , Dyke Andrew , Filer Sarah , Lomax Victoria , Tomlinson Hayley 
Published: June 2010

Objectives. The aim of the Condition Management Programme (CMP) is to help Incapacity Benefit recipients manage their health conditions more effectively and return to work. This paper seeks to examine the clinical and employment outcomes from a group‐based and mixed‐condition CMP. Design. In a prospective cohort design, measures of employment status and psychological well‐being were taken at three time points; pre‐CMP, post‐CMP, and at 3‐month follow‐up. Method. Participants (N= 2,064) with a variety of physical and mental health conditions voluntarily attended a seven session cognitive‐behaviourally informed psychoeducational group intervention. The psychological measures used were the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure, Work and Social Adjustment Scale, Self‐Efficacy Scale, and the Intrinsic Motivation Scale. The employment status of participants was also measured at the three time points of the evaluation. Results. Following CMP, 50% of participants experienced a reliable improvement in psychological well‐being and 26% had either taken some steps towards work or returned to work at follow‐up. Participants with a mental health condition were more likely to experience a reliable improvement in psychological well‐being compared to those with physical health conditions. Conclusions. The results suggest that participation in CMP may be helpful in facilitating more effective self‐management of the health conditions contributing to unemployment. The results have implications for whether formal employment assistance should be available in mental health services.
Nonlinear Contractions on Semimetric Spaces
Authors: Jachymski J. , Matkowski J. , Świa̧tkowski T. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Let (X, d) be a Hausdorff semimetric (d need not satisfy the triangle inequality) and d–Cauchy complete space. Let ƒ be a selfmap on X, for which d(ƒx, ƒy) ≤ φ(d(x, y)), (x, y ∈ X), where φ is a non– decreasing function from R
+, the nonnegative reals, into R
+ such that φn
(t) → 0, for all t ∈ R
+. We prove that ƒ has a unique fixed point if there exists an r > 0, for which the diameters of all balls in X with radius r are equi-bounded. Such a class of semimetric spaces includes the Frechet spaces with a regular ecart, for which the Contraction Principle was established earlier by M. Cicchese [Boll. Un. Mat. Ital 13–A: 175-179, 1976], however, with some further restrictions on a space and a map involved. We also demonstrate that for maps ƒ satisfying the condition d(ƒx, ƒy) ≤ φ(max{d(x, ƒx), d(y, ƒy)}), (x, y ∈ X) (the Bianchini [Boll. Un. Mat. Ital. 5: 103–108, 1972] type condition), a fixed point theorem holds under substantially weaker assumptions on a distance function d.
Domains of Attraction with Inner Norming on Sturm–Liouville Hypergroups
Authors: Zeuner H. M. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
In this article we study the convergence of convolution powers of normalized measures (θCn
ν)*
n
on a Sturm–Liouville hypergroup (ℝ+,∗). It is shown that this sequence converges for a suitable choice of the normalizing constants cn
> 0 if and only if the usual regular variation conditions of the tail of ν are valid. The possible limit distributions are described in terms of their Fourier transform; they form a two dimensional family of probability measures on ℝ+.
Evidence for Vibrational Excitation of the Adlayer in Exoergic Processes at Metal Surfaces: H-atom Abstraction and Recombination and Adsorption-stimulated Desorption of CO
Authors: Molinari E. , Tomellini M. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
The theoretical model presented in the previous paper predicts the possibility of vibrational excitation of the adlayer in exoergic process at metal surfaces to an extent determined by the interplay of reaction rates and energy dissipation into the metal. In the present paper this model will be employed for studying the following systems: a)The abstraction of Ds adspecies by Hgas and the accompanying H-atom recombination and b) the adsorption-stimulated desorption of COs in the presence of adsorbing COgas. Proper reduction of literature data provides the evidence for the existence of vibrational excitation of the H-Me and of the CO-Me adlayers, witnessed by desorption rates that are orders of magnitude larger than those expected for systems in Boltzmann equilibrium. Application of the model to Ds+Hgas relates the vibrational excitation of the adlayer and the corresponding non-Boltzmann desorption rates to the parameter Z/K and to the flux of adsorbing species. Rate coefficients K for vibrational relaxation of the H-Me bondare in the range 1013-1012 s−1 and decrease with increasing surface coverage σ. The analysis of COs desorption in the presence of adsorbing COgas confirms the dependence of desorption rates on Z/K, the coverage dependence of the rate coefficients K for energy relaxation of the CO-Me bond and brings out the predicted influence of gas pressure on the over-population of the vibrational levels of adsorbed CO. The decrease of K observed in both systems is discussed in terms of energy relaxation processes involving electron-hole pair excitation at the metal surface and it should be linked to the decrease of the surface electron density caused by the adsorbates.
The Combined Use of Nd:YAG Laser and Enamel Matrix Proteins in the Treatment of Periodontal Infrabony Defects
Authors: Dilsiz Alparslan , Canakci Varol , Aydin Tugba 
Published: June 2010

Background: The objective of regenerative periodontal therapy is the reconstitution of lost periodontal structures, such as cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Enamel matrix proteins (EMP) are used as a local adjunct to periodontal surgery to stimulate regeneration of periodontal tissues lost to periodontal disease. The aim of this split‐mouth study evaluates and compares the healing of intrabony defects after treatment with an EMP with or without neodymium‐doped:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Nd:YAG) laser application for root surface conditioning.Methods: Forty‐two intrabony defects in 21 patients with chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned to an access flap surgery with application of Nd:YAG laser (1 W, 10 Hz, 100 mJ, 1064 nm) and EMP (test group), and on the contralateral defect to an access flap surgery with application of EDTA and EMP alone (control group). Clinical periodontal parameters were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months.Results: Both treatments yielded significant improvements in terms of decrease in probing depth (PD) and gain in clinical attachment level (CAL) compared to baseline values. At 12 months after therapy, in the test group, the mean PD value was reduced from 7.3 ± 0.6 to 3.3 ± 0.4 mm and the mean CAL value changed from 9.5 ± 0.7 to 6.9 ± 0.7 mm (P <0.001). The sites treated with EMP (control) showed a reduction in mean PD value from 7.3 ± 0.7 to 3 ± 0.4 mm and a change in mean CAL value from 9.3 ± 0.8 to 6.4 ± 0.5 mm (P <0.001). The control group showed a greater reduction in PD and gain in CAL compared to the test group (P <0.05).Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, it may be concluded that both therapies led to improvements of the clinical parameters, and Nd:YAG laser root conditioning as used in this study compared to EDTA root conditioning did not improve the outcome of EMP use.
Mortality, All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease, Over 15 Years in Multiethnic Mauritius
Authors: Magliano Dianna J. , Söderberg Stefan , Zimmet Paul Z. , Cartensen Bendix , Balkau Beverly , Pauvaday Vassen , Kowlessur Sudhir , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Alberti K. George M.M. , Shaw Jonathan E. 
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE
Little information is available on the impact of abnormal glucose tolerance on mortality in South Asian and African populations in the developing world. We explored this issue in a large, multiethnic cohort from the developing nation of Mauritius.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Population-based surveys were undertaken in 1987, 1992, and 1998. The 9,559 participants (20–82 years old) comprised 66% South Asian (Indian), 27% Creole (African), and 7% Chinese descent. Mortality was ascertained in 2007.

RESULTS
Over a median 15.1-year follow-up, 1,557 participants died. Compared with those with normal glucose tolerance, the all-cause mortality hazard ratios (HR) for known diabetes, newly diagnosed diabetes, and impaired glucose tolerance were 3.35 (95% CI 2.77–4.04), 2.11 (1.73–2.57), and 1.53 (1.26–1.87) in South Asians and 2.14 (1.65–2.79), 1.41 (1.06–1.88), and 1.08 (0.83–1.40) in Africans, respectively. Those with impaired fasting glucose were not at increased risk in either ethnicity. In the Chinese, only those with known diabetes were at increased risk of mortality with HR 3.68 (1.87–7.25).

CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study in a developing country of the impact of glucose intolerance on mortality in an African population, and one of the first studies of a South Asian population. It shows that the impact on mortality in these populations in Mauritius is comparable to that seen in developed countries. These results are important in a global context for future health policy in light of the impact of the rapid increase in prevalence of diabetes, especially in developing nations.
Video-Based Assessment of Operative Competency in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Laeeq Kulsoom , Infusino Scott , Lin Sandra Y. , Reh Douglas D. , Ishii Masaru , Kim Jean , Lane Andrew P. , Bhatti Nasir I. 
Published: June 2010

Background The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires that residency programs have an effective plan for assessing their residents’ competence. Current evaluation tools used for the assessment of operative competency are subjective, recall based, and do not allow providing formative feedback to the resident. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and validity of video-based assessment of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) skills. Methods Five junior (postgraduate year levels 1–3[PGY-1 to -3]) and three senior (PGY-4 and -5) residents were videotaped as they performed ESS on cadavers in the laboratory. Five faculty members watched the recorded videotapes and rated performance using global and checklist assessment tools for ESS. Evaluators were blinded to the identity of the performers. Rating was made feasible by allowing the raters to fast-forward through the tapes when appropriate. Construct validity was calculated by comparing total scores and score on each item of the instrument across the training levels. For all statistical purposes p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Results showed construct validity with senior residents performing better than junior residents. It took an average of 20 minutes (range, 7- 39 minutes) to watch and evaluate a video. Interrater reliability, as measured by interclass correlation coefficient across evaluators, was 0.62. Conclusion The use of videotapes combined with the objective assessment tool is a feasible and valid method for evaluating surgical skills. It has implications for residency programs, because it will increase faculty buy-in and reduce the potential for biased assessment.
Effects of Simulated Bleeding in an in Vitro Nasal Fibroblast Wound Healing Model
Authors: Beule Achim Georg , Athanasiadis Theodore , Field John , Hosemann Werner , Wormald Peter-John , Tan Lor Wai 
Published: June 2010

Background We investigated the effect of simulated bleeding on plasminogen activity, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, and wound healing using a human fibroblast model. Methods Nasal fibroblasts from three chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with nasal polyps and three controls were grown in culture and a standardized injury was created using a punch. To mimic bleeding, fibroblasts were stimulated with plasminogen (100 μg/mL), plasminogen + tranexamic acid (TA; 100 μg/mL) or media only. At 24, 48, and 72 hours after injury, we measured urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) activities and inactive and active MMP-2 and -9 expression. Results Injury stimulated the nasal fibroblasts to express uPA and tPA and active and inactive MMP-2 and -9. In CRS patients, plasminogen significantly decreased MMP-9 expression after 48 hours (p < 0.04). In untreated fibroblasts, we observed a decrease in active MMP-9 expression, whereas plasminogen increased active MMP-9 expression after 48 hours (p < 0.04). At 24 hours, active MMP-9 expression was reduced by plasminogen ± TA (p < 0.02). Plasminogen also stimulated uPA expression in CRS patient fibroblasts after 48 hours (p < 0.04). Fibroblast proliferation occurred when exposed to plasminogen and was strongly modulated by uPA and inactive and active MMP-2. The quality of wound healing was affected by inactive MMP-2, uPA and tPA, simulation, and inhibition of bleeding. Conclusion Activation of the plasminogen pathway and inactive MMP-2 expression tended to increase both proliferation of nasal fibroblasts and MMP-9 expression as a marker for deterioration of the quality of wound healing.
Automatic exposure control in computed tomography – an evaluation of systems from different manufacturers
Authors: Söderberg Marcus , Gunnarsson Mikael 
Published: June 2010

Background: Today, practically all computed tomography (CT) systems are delivered with automatic exposure control (AEC) systems operating with tube current modulation in three dimensions. Each of these systems has different specifications and operates somewhat differently. Purpose: To evaluate AEC systems from four different CT scanner manufacturers: General Electric (GE), Philips, Siemens, and Toshiba, considering their potential for reducing radiation exposure to the patient while maintaining adequate image quality. Material and Methods: The dynamics (adaptation along the longitudinal axis) of tube current modulation of each AEC system were investigated by scanning an anthropomorphic chest phantom using both 16- and 64-slice CT scanners from each manufacturer with the AEC systems activated and inactivated. The radiation dose was estimated using the parameters in the DICOM image information and image quality was evaluated based on image noise (standard deviation of CT numbers) calculated in 0.5 cm2 circular regions of interest situated throughout the spine region of the chest phantom. Results: We found that tube current modulation dynamics were similar among the different AEC systems, especially between GE and Toshiba systems and between Philips and Siemens systems. Furthermore, the magnitude of the reduction in the exposure dose was considerable, in the range of 35–60%. However, in general the image noise increased when the AEC systems were used, especially in regions where the tube current was greatly decreased, such as the lung region. However, the variation in image noise among images obtained along the scanning direction was lower when using the AEC systems compared with fixed mAs. Conclusion: The AEC systems available in modern CT scanners can contribute to a significant reduction in radiation exposure to the patient and the image noise becomes more uniform within any given scan.
Renal lesions associated with autoimmune pancreatitis: CT findings
Authors: Triantopoulou Charikleia , Malachias George , Maniatis Petros , Anastopoulos John , Siafas Ioannis , Papailiou John 
Published: June 2010

Background: Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by IgG4-positive plasma cells. Recent evidence suggests that it is a systemic disease affecting various organs. Tubulointerstitial nephritis has been reported in association with AIP. Purpose: To investigate the incidence and types of renal involvement in patients with AIP. Material and Methods: Eighteen patients with no history of renal disease and a diagnosis of AIP (on the basis of histopathologic findings or a combination of characteristic imaging features, increased serum IgG4 levels, and response to steroid treatment) were included. All patients underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging and follow-up ranged from 6 months to 2 years. CT images were reviewed for the presence of renal lesions. Results: Seven patients had renal involvement (38.8%). None of the lesions was visible on non-contrast-enhanced CT scan. Parenchymal lesions appeared as multiple nodules showing decreased enhancement (four cases). Pyelonephritis, lymphoma, and metastases were considered in the differential diagnosis. An ill-defined low-attenuation mass-like lesion was found in one patient, while diffuse thickening of the renal pelvis wall was evident in the last two cases. Renal lesions regressed in all patients after steroid treatment, the larger one leaving a fibrous cortical scar. Conclusion: Different types of renal lesions in patients with AIP are relatively common, appearing as multiple nodules with decreased enhancement. These findings support the proposed concept of an IgG4-related systemic disease. Autoimmune disease should be suspected in cases of renal involvement in association with pancreatic focal or diffuse enlargement.
Comparing the Risks and Benefits of Early Applications of Chlorimuron for Weed Control in Peanut
Authors: Johnson W. Carroll , Prostko Eric P. , Davis Jerry W. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Chlorimuron is applied from 60 days after peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) emergence (DAE) until 45 days prior to harvest to control Florida beggarweed [Desmodium tortuosum (Sw.) DC]. Research trials were conducted in Georgia from 2006 to 2008 to determine whether the benefits of controlling smaller weeds earlier in the season compensate for the potential risk of significant peanut injury from chlorimuron. Chlorimuron at 9 g ai/ha was applied at 21, 35, 49, 63, 77, and 91 DAE. Additionally, flumioxazin (105 g ai/ha) preemergence was included as a treated control, along with a nontreated control. Main plots were split into subplots; weed-free and weeds present. Flumioxazin controlled Florida beggarweed 82%. Chlorimuron controlled Florida beggarweed 38 to 67%, with applications 21 and 35 DAE more efficacious than later applications. With weeds present, peanut treated with chlorimuron at any application timing yielded less than peanut treated with flumioxazin. Weed-free peanut treated with chlorimuron at any application timing yielded less than peanut treated with flumioxazin. These data indicate that chlorimuron applied earlier than 60 DAE provided better Florida beggarweed control with greater peanut yield than when applied at the recommended time intervals. However, Florida beggarweed control and peanut yield from any of the chlorimuron treatments were consistently less than flumioxazin.
Fluorescent Nanoparticles Based on Self‐Assembled π‐Conjugated Systems
Authors: Kaeser Adrien , Schenning Albertus P. H. J. 
Published: June 2010

Abstractπ‐Conjugated molecules are interesting components to prepare fluorescent nanoparticles. From the use of polymer chains that form small aggregates in water to the self‐assembly of small chromophoric segments into highly ordered structures, the preparation of these materials allows to develop systems with applications as sensors or biolabels. The potential functionalization of the nanoparticles can lead to specific probing. This progress report describes the recent advances in the preparation of such emittive organic nanoparticles.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structures of Two New Ba Borates Pentaborate, Ba2[B5O9]Cl×0.5H2O (I) and Ba2[B5O8(OH)2](OH) (II).
Authors: Ferro O. , Merlino S. , Vinogradova S. A. , Pushcharovsky D. Yu. , Dimitrova O. V. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Planar Chiral Selenide Derivatives of Ferrocenyloxazoline and Their Application in Enantioselective Palladium Catalyzed Allylic Substitution Reaction.
Authors: You Shu‐Li , Hou Xue‐Long , Dai Li‐Xin 
Published: June 2010

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Novel Stereoselective Synthesis of E‐Aryl Aldoxime and Ketoxime O‐Ethers.
Authors: Abele Edgars , Abele Ramona , Popelis Juris , Lukevics Edmunds 
Published: June 2010

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.