bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracellular Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase Protects against Hepatocyte Apoptosis and Is Down-Regulated in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Dahl Tuva B. , Haukeland John Willy , Yndestad Arne , Ranheim Trine , Gladhaug Ivar P. , Damås Jan K. , Haaland Terese , Løberg Else Marit , Arntsen Borghild , Birkeland Kåre , Bjøro Kristian , Ulven Stine M. , Konopski Zbigniew , Nebb Hilde I. , Aukrust Pål , Halvorsen Bente 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Context: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in Western and non-Western countries, but its pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Objective: Based on the role of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in fat and glucose metabolism and cell survival, we hypothesized a role for NAMPT/visfatin in the pathogenesis of NAFLD-related disease.
Design and Setting: We conducted clinical studies at a referral medical center in well-characterized NAFLD patients (n = 58) and healthy controls (n = 27). In addition we performed experimental in vitro studies in hepatocytes.
Main Outcome Measures: We examined 1) the hepatic and systemic expression of NAMPT/visfatin in patients with NAFLD and control subjects, 2) the hepatic regulation of NAMPT/visfatin, and 3) the effect of NAMPT/visfatin on hepatocyte apoptosis.
Results: Our main findings were as follows. 1) Patients with NAFLD had decreased NAMPT/visfatin expression both systemically in serum and within the hepatic tissue, with no difference between simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. 2) By studying the hepatic regulation of NAMPT/visfatin in wild-type and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor (PPAR)α−/− mice as well as in hepatocytes, we showed that PPARα activation and glucose may be involved in the down-regulation of hepatic NAMPT/visfatin expression in NAFLD. 4) Within the liver, NAMPT/visfatin was located to hepatocytes, and our in vitro studies showed that NAMPT/visfatin exerts antiapoptotic effects in these cells, involving enzymatic synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.
Conclusion: Based on these findings, we suggest a role for decreased NAMPT/visfatin levels in hepatocyte apoptosis in NAFLD-related disease.
Preparation and Structures of Lanthanoid Germanides, PrGe3.36, NdGe3.25, and TmGe3 with Double Square Ge-Mesh Structures
Authors: Fukuoka Hiroshi , Yoshikawa Mayumi , Baba Kazuya , Yamanaka Shoji 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
A series of lanthanoid trigermanides of Pr, Nd, and Tm has been prepared by high-pressure (3–5 GPa) and high-temperature (1200 °C) reactions. TmGe3 crystallizes in an orthorhombic unit cell (Cmcm, No. 63) with a = 3.990(1) Å, b = 20.488(5) Å, c = 3.8794(8) Å, and V = 317.2(1) Å3. It is isotypic with the DyGe3 structure composed of Ge zig-zag chains and Tm situated between double square Ge-meshes. PrGe3.36 crystallizes in an orthorhombic unit cell (Cmmm, No. 65) with a = 4.062(4) Å, b = 21.43(3) Å, c = 4.212(6) Å, and V = 366.6(8) Å3. The structure is principally the same to the DyGe3 structure but contains an additional Ge site. The site is partially occupied, and is situated on the square mesh. Each Ge atom in the site is coordinated by five Ge atoms in the chain and in the mesh. NdGe3.25 is isotypic with PrGe3.36 and has lattice constants of a = 4.073(1) Å, b = 20.961(6) Å, c = 4.254(1) Å, and V = 363.2(2) Å3. The magnetic susceptibilities of PrGe3.36 and NdGe3.25 follow the Curie–Weiss law with the effective magnetic moments μeff = 3.60 and 3.57 μB, respectively, implying the oxidation states of Pr and Nd are 3+.
Subtraction method for determination of N-terminal connective tissue growth factor
Authors: Miyazaki Osamu , Kurashita Syunsuke , Fukamachi Isamu , Endo Koki , Ng Poh-Sing , Takehara Kazuhiko 
Published: April 2010

Background Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) may be a potential marker of fibrosis. However, platelet-derived CTGF may be released into the plasma by platelet activation during or after blood collection, thereby interfering with accurate determination of the true plasma CTGF level. Plasma CTGF exists as the N-terminal CTGF fragment (N-fragment), composed of modules 1 and 2, whereas platelet CTGF exists as full-length CTGF (full-length), composed of modules 1–4. We perceived the need to develop a method for distinguishing between the N-fragment and full-length CTGF levels, so that the true plasma and serum CTGF (N-fragment) levels could be accurately determined. Methods Full-length levels were determined by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using two monoclonal antibodies recognizing modules 1 and 4, respectively (M1/4 ELISA). Total CTGF (full-length CTGF plus N-terminal CTGF) levels were determined by a sandwich ELISA using two monoclonal antibodies recognizing modules 1 and 2, respectively (M1/2 ELISA). N-terminal CTGF levels were determined by subtracting the full-length levels from the total CTGF levels. Results Both the M1/2 and M1/4 ELISAs showed good analytical performance. When the CTGF levels of plasma and serum collected simultaneously from the same subject were compared, the N-fragment levels determined by the subtraction method were the same, in spite of the fact that full-length CTGF was present in the sample. Conclusion N-fragment levels in plasma and serum can be accurately determined by this subtraction method, even if full-length CTGF in platelets is released during or after blood collection.
A screening procedure for primary aldosteronism based on the Diasorin Liaison® automated chemiluminescent immunoassay for direct renin
Authors: Dorrian C A , Toole B J , Alvarez-Madrazo S , Kelly A , Connell J M C , Wallace A M 
Published: April 2010

Background Primary aldosteronism (PA), the most common secondary cause of hypertension, can be screened for using the aldosterone/renin ratio. This ratio is raised in PA and its accuracy depends on the ability to measure plasma renin at extremely low concentrations. Methods We compared two different procedures for assessing plasma renin. The conventional method, which measures plasma renin activity (PRA), is technically demanding and laborious, and the Diasorin Liaison® method, which measures plasma renin concentration (PRC), is an automated immunoassay. Results from each method were used to calculate the aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR) and the performance of the Diasorin Liaison® method compared with that of the conventional assay using receiver operator characteristic curves. Results The analytical and functional sensitivity of the PRC method were 2.1 and 5 μIU/mL, respectively. Intra- and inter-assay precision were <7.2% and 10.4%, respectively. There was significant (9%) prorenin interference. Samples with PRA > 1.0 ng/mL/h showed significant correlation with PRC ( r = 0.93; P < 0.05; n = 146); however, with PRA < 1.0 ng/mL/h, no significant correlation occurred ( r = 0.14; P < 0.05; n = 79). An aldosterone (pmol/L)/PRC(μIU/mL) ratio of >35, in patients with aldosterone >300 pmol/L, resulted in 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity, when compared with the commonly accepted aldosterone (pmol/L)/PRA (ng/mL/h) ratio of >750, in identifying patients who may suffer from PA. Conclusion This study indicates the feasibility of using the automated PRC assay as a replacement for the conventional manual PRA assay in calculating the ARR as a first-line screen for PA.
Cross-reactivity of 12 recombinant insulin preparations in the Beckman Unicel DxI 800 insulin assay
Authors: Glenn Christine , Armston Annie 
Published: April 2010

Background Insulin analogues used in the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes may result in hypoglycaemia; however, these preparations show variable cross-reactivity in many insulin assays. In order to investigate a suspected insulin overdose, it is therefore essential to characterize the cross-reactivity of these preparations in insulin assays. Methods The cross-reactivity of 12 commercial insulin preparations was assessed on the Beckman DxI analyser, by comparison with the insulin calibration curve corresponding to the midpoint of the dose–response curve. This was achieved by manually plotting the relative light units generated by the analyser for each preparation. Results All 12 insulin preparations examined showed significant cross-reactivity with the Beckman DxI insulin assay, with 11 of the insulin preparations demonstrating cross-reactivity of 83% or greater. The lowest cross-reactivity was observed with detemir with a value of 47.6%. Conclusion When investigating hypoglycaemia it is important to be aware of the cross-reactivity of the recombinant insulin analogues in insulin assays. This study has established the cross-reactivity of 12 preparations in the Beckman DxI insulin assay.
Research Commentary—NeuroIS: The Potential of Cognitive Neuroscience for Information Systems Research
Authors: Dimoka Angelika , Pavlou Paul A. , Davis Fred D. 
Published: April 2010

This paper introduces the idea of drawing upon the cognitive neuroscience literature to inform IS research (herein termed “NeuroIS”). Recent advances in cognitive neuroscience are uncovering the neural bases of cognitive, emotional, and social processes, and they offer new insights into the complex interplay between IT and information processing, decision making, and behavior among people, organizations, and markets.The paper reviews the emerging cognitive neuroscience literature to propose a set of seven opportunities that IS researchers can use to inform IS phenomena, namely (1) localizing the neural correlates of IS constructs, (2) capturing hidden mental processes, (3) complementing existing sources of IS data with brain data, (4) identifying antecedents of IS constructs, (5) testing consequences of IS constructs, (6) inferring the temporal ordering among IS constructs, and (7) challenging assumptions and enhancing IS theories.The paper proposes a framework for exploring the potential of cognitive neuroscience for IS research and offers examples of potentially fertile intersections of cognitive neuroscience and IS research in the domains of design science and human-computer interaction. This is followed by an example NeuroIS study in the context of e-commerce adoption using fMRI, which spawns interesting new insights. The challenges of using functional neuroimaging tools are also discussed. The paper concludes that there is considerable potential for using cognitive neuroscience theories and functional brain imaging tools in IS research to enhance IS theories.
Fixation Time Does Not Affect the Expression of Estrogen Receptor
Authors: Ibarra Julio A. , Rogers Lowell W. , Kyshtoobayeva Ainura , Bloom Kenneth 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the impact of the length of fixation in 10% buffered formalin on the expression of estrogen receptor by immunohistochemical analysis. We studied tissue samples from 10 invasive breast cancer cases after fixation for 1, 3, 6, and 9 to 10 hours. The tissue was processed immediately after fixation, resembling routine practice. Then the 40 blocks were incubated with antiestrogen receptors SP1, 6F11, and 1D5. The stained slides were reviewed and scored.
We found no significant difference in the intensity of the stain or the percentage of cells stained regardless of the time in fixation or the antibody used. Fixation times between 1 and 9 hours in 10% formalin do not seem to have an impact on the expression of estrogen receptor by immunohistochemical analysis, at least in these high-expressing tumors.
Refill Adherence to Oral Hypoglycemic Agents and Glycemic Control in Veterans
Authors: Kim Nancy , Agostini Joseph V , Justice Amy C 
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: Although medication nonadherence may contribute to inadequate diabetes control, adherence is not routinely measured. Persistence, the continuous refill of medications, is one metric that could be integrated into clinical care if associated with glycemic control. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the association of persistence levels (non-, good, overpersistence) with hemoglobin A1c (A1C) over 1 year in newly medicated diabetics in the Veterans Administration. METHODS: Eligible veterans were ≥18 years and first filled a prescription for oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2002. The date the OHA was first dispensed was defined as the baseline date. Subjects must have filled at least 1 prescription for any drug, but no diabetes medications, during the 12 months preceding the baseline date. Persistence was measured in days supply of medication over 365 days and defined as non- (<0.80), good (≥0.8-1.10), and over- (>1.10) persistence. The main outcome measure was achieving goal A1C (≤7.0%) after 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 56,181 veterans were included. Veterans were male (97%) and white (67%) with comorbid hypertension (58%) and hyperlipidemia (40%). Median age was 63 years, while median baseline A1C was 7.7%. Fifty-two percent of patients had good persistence; 25% were overpersistent. Good persistence was associated with achieving goal A1C (RR 1.07; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.09). The association of overpersistence with the same outcome (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.94 to 0.97) was lower than good persistence, but higher than nonpersistence (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.92 to 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Good persistence was associated with glycemic control. Overpersistent patients were common and more likely than nonpersistent patients, but less likely than good persisters to attain goal A1C. Estimating these different strata of persistence may be useful in identifying patients at risk of poor glycemic control.
Crofelemer, a Novel Agent for Treatment of Secretory Diarrhea
Authors: Crutchley Rustin D , Miller Jennifer , Garey Kevin W 
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE: To review the chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of crofelemer. DATA SOURCES: A literature search using the terms SP-303, Provir, and crofelemer was performed with PubMed (up to April 2010), Google Scholar, and selected Ovid bibliography searches. Additional references from the bibliographies of articles included in the search, as well as company and Food and Drug Administration Web sites, were also assessed. DATA EXTRACTION: English-language in vitro and clinical studies associated with the safety and efficacy of crofelemer were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Crofelemer is a first-in-class agent that may be useful for different types of secretory diarrhea, since it prevents chloride and fluid secretion into the bowel by directly inhibiting 2 distinct intestinal chloride channels. Crofelemer significantly brought about faster symptom resolution in patients with traveler's diarrhea, along with lower rates of treatment failure compared to placebo-treated patients. In a post hoc analysis, crofelemer compared to placebo also appears to have reduced abnormal stool weight and frequency in patients with AIDS-associated diarrhea. In a third trial, crofelemer did not offer a significant benefit in improving stool consistency after 12 weeks of treatment in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. However, a significant increase in pain-free days was noted in female patients. Preliminary studies also show that crofelemer may reduce watery stool output in patients with infectious diarrhea such as cholera. Oral crofelemer seemed to be well tolerated in clinical trials, with adverse effect profiles comparable to those with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Crofelemer possesses a novel mechanism of action that shows promise in treating secretory diarrhea of several etiologies. However, results from further Phase 3 clinical trials are still needed in order to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of this agent.
Changes in Membrane Excitability and Potassium Currents in Sensitized Dorsal Horn Neurons of Mice Pups
Authors: Rivera-Arconada Ivan , Lopez-Garcia Jose A. 
Published: April 2010

Rationally, an increased intrinsic excitability of dorsal horn neurons could be a factor contributing to alter the gain of the nociceptive system during central sensitization, however direct evidence is scarce. Here we have examined this hypothesis using current and voltage-clamp recordings from dorsal horn neurons in the spinal cordin vitropreparation obtained from mice pups of either sex. Cords were extracted from carrageenan-pretreated and control animals to allow for comparison. Dorsal horn neurons from treated animals showed significantly larger and faster synaptic responses. Synaptic changes started developing shortly after inflammation (1 h) and developed further after a longer-term inflammation (20 h). However, these neurons showed biphasic changes in membrane excitability with an increase shortly after inflammation and a decrease in the longer term. Concomitant changes were observed in transient (IA) and sustained potassium currents (IDR). Prolonged superfusion of naive spinal cords with NMDA led to a decreased neuronal excitability and to increased potassium currents.Results suggest that excitability plays a role more complex than expected during the process of central sensitization of dorsal horn neurons and that modulation of potassium currents may contribute to shape the changing states of excitability. The decreased excitability observed after long-term inflammation is interpreted as a homeostatic correction to an abnormal state of synaptic activity.
Spectrum ofHNF1ASomatic Mutations in Hepatocellular Adenoma Differs From That in Patients With MODY3 and Suggests Genotoxic Damage
Authors: Jeannot Emmanuelle , Mellottee Lucille , Bioulac-Sage Paulette , Balabaud Charles , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Tran Van Nhieu Jeanne , Bacq Yannick , Michalak Sophie , Buob David ,   Groupe d'étude Génétique des Tumeurs Hépatiques (INSERM Network), Laurent-Puig Pierre , Rusyn Ivan , Zucman-Rossi Jessica 
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVEMaturity onset diabetes of the young type 3 (MODY3) is a consequence of heterozygous germline mutation in HNF1A. A subtype of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is also caused by biallelic somatic HNF1A mutations (H-HCA), and rare HCA may be related to MODY3. To better understand a relationship between the development of MODY3 and HCA, we compared both germline and somatic spectra of HNF1A mutations.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe compared 151 somatic HNF1A mutations in HCA with 364 germline mutations described in MODY3. We searched for genotoxic and oxidative stress features in HCA and surrounding liver tissue.RESULTSA spectrum of HNF1A somatic mutations significantly differed from the germline changes in MODY3. In HCA, we identified a specific hot spot at codon 206, nonsense and frameshift mutations mainly in the NH2-terminal part, and almost all amino acid substitutions were restricted to the POU-H domain. The high frequency of G-to-T tranversions, predominantly found on the nontranscribed DNA strand, suggested a genotoxic mechanism. However, no features of oxidative stress were observed in the nontumor liver tissue. Finally, in a few MODY3 patients with HNF1A germline mutation leading to amino acid substitutions outside the POU-H domain, we identified a different subtype of HCA either with a gp130 and/or CTNNB1 activating mutation.CONCLUSIONSGermline HNF1A mutations could be associated with different molecular subtypes of HCA. H-HCA showed mutations profoundly inactivating hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α function; they are associated with a genotoxic signature suggesting a specific toxicant exposure that could be associated with genetic predisposition.
Reduced Arteriovenous Shunting Capacity After Local Heating and Redistribution of Baseline Skin Blood Flow in Type 2 Diabetes Assessed With Velocity-Resolved Quantitative Laser Doppler Flowmetry
Authors: Fredriksson Ingemar , Larsson Marcus , Nyström Fredrik H. , Länne Toste , Östgren Carl J. , Strömberg Tomas 
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE
To compare the microcirculatory velocity distribution in type 2 diabetic patients and nondiabetic control subjects at baseline and after local heating.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The skin blood flow response to local heating (44°C for 20 min) was assessed in 28 diabetic patients and 29 control subjects using a new velocity-resolved quantitative laser Doppler flowmetry technique (qLDF). The qLDF estimates erythrocyte (RBC) perfusion (velocity × concentration), in a physiologically relevant unit (grams RBC per 100 g tissue × millimeters per second) in a fixed output volume, separated into three velocity regions: v &lt;1 mm/s, v 1–10 mm/s, and v &gt;10 mm/s.

RESULTS
The increased blood flow occurs in vessels with a velocity &gt;1 mm/s. A significantly lower response in qLDF total perfusion was found in diabetic patients than in control subjects after heat provocation because of less high-velocity blood flow (v &gt;10 mm/s). The RBC concentration in diabetic patients increased sevenfold for v between 1 and 10 mm/s, and 15-fold for v &gt;10 mm/s, whereas no significant increase was found for v &lt;1 mm/s. The mean velocity increased from 0.94 to 7.3 mm/s in diabetic patients and from 0.83 to 9.7 mm/s in control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS
The perfusion increase occurs in larger shunting vessels and not as an increase in capillary flow. Baseline diabetic patient data indicated a redistribution of flow to higher velocity regions, associated with longer duration of diabetes. A lower perfusion was associated with a higher BMI and a lower toe-to-brachial systolic blood pressure ratio.
Intra-seasonal changes in directional preferences of Robins (Erithacus rubecula) caught on autumn migration at Bukowo-Kopań ringing Station (N Poland) in 1996
Authors: Ściborska Marta , Busse Przemysław 
Published: April 2010

Intra-seasonal changes in directional preferences of Robins (Erithacus rubecula) caught on autumn migration at Bukowo-Kopań ringing Station (N Poland) in 1996
Data were collected in 1996 at Bukowo-Kopań ringing station situated on the southern Baltic coast. During the whole autumn migration period 2380 Robins were caught, and 445 of them were tested with Busse's method for directional behaviour.
Birds' headings were grouped in four main axes: ENE-WSW, NNE-SSW, NNW-SSE and WNW-ESE. The seasonal dynamics of birds caught was divided into periods reflecting waves of migration. For each period the percentage shares of these four main axes were extrapolated into the daily numbers of birds caught. The obtained pattern consisted of four migration dynamics characterising differently heading birds.
The total migration dynamics of the Robin at the station is interpreted as follows. In 1996, the intensive migration started around the middle of September with a numerous wave consisting of at least three populations. The peaks of those population waves were shifted in relation to each other in just 1-2 days, and occurred in following order: birds heading to the Apennine winter-quarter, birds heading to the most eastern wintering grounds, and birds heading to the southern parts of Western winter-quarter. The second, numerous wave consisting at least of birds heading to Mediterranean winter-quarter occurred with a peak on 26 September. In two most numerous October waves around 10 and 18 October, birds heading to the northern parts of Western migration route dominated. However, also birds heading to the Balkan (earlier) or even more eastern (later) wintering grounds formed numerous waves around those dates. The model of Robin migration is proposed, in which the wavy character of migration is generally explained by large-scale factors (like macrosynoptic weather situations, or changes in length of day). Their influence results in the most pronounced waves consisting of populations of different origin. However, the final pattern of dynamics is affected strongly by many other factors: e.g. localisation and characteristics of those populations.