bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of renin angiotensin and aldosterone system activity with subcutaneous and visceral adiposity: the framingham heart study
Authors: O'Seaghdha Conall M , Hwang Shih-Jen , Vasan Ramachandran S , Larson Martin G , Hoffmann Udo , Wang Thomas J , Fox Caroline S 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Animal studies suggest that local adipocyte-mediated activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to circulating levels, and may promote the development of obesity-related hypertension in rodents.

Methods
We examined relations of systemic RAAS activity, as assessed by circulating plasma renin activity (PRA), serum aldosterone level, and aldosterone:renin ratio (ARR), with specific regional adiposity measures in a large, community-based sample. Third Generation Framingham Heart Study participants underwent multidetector computed tomography assessment of SAT and VAT volumes during Exam 1 (2002 and 2005). PRA and serum aldosterone were measured after approximately 10 minutes of supine rest; results were log-transformed for analysis. Correlation coefficients between log-transformed RAAS measures and adiposity measurements were calculated, adjusted for age and sex. Partial correlations between log-transformed RAAS measures and adiposity measurements were also calculated, adjusted for standard CVD risk factors.

Results
Overall, 992 women and 897 men were analyzed (mean age 40 years; 7% hypertension; 3% diabetes). No associations were observed with SAT (renin r = 0.04, p = 0.1; aldosterone r = -0.01, p = 0.6) or VAT (renin r = 0.03, p = 0.2; aldosterone r = -0.03, p = 0.2). Similar results were observed for ARR, in sex-stratified analyses, and for BMI and waist circumference. Non-significant partial correlations were also observed in models adjusted for standard cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions
Regional adiposity measures were not associated with circulating measures of RAAS activity in this large population-based study. Further studies are required to determine whether adipocyte-derived RAAS components contribute to systemic RAAS activity in humans.
Improvement of neuropathology and transcriptional deficits in CAG 140 knock-in mice supports a beneficial effect of dietary curcumin in Huntington's disease
Authors: Hickey Miriam A , Zhu Chunni , Medvedeva Vera , Lerner Renata P , Patassini Stefano , Franich Nicholas R , Maiti Panchanan , Frautschy Sally A , Zeitlin Scott , Levine Michael S , Chesselet Marie-Françoise 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Backgound
No disease modifying treatment currently exists for Huntington's disease (HD), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the formation of amyloid-like aggregates of the mutated huntingtin protein. Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound with Congo red-like amyloid binding properties and the ability to cross the blood brain barrier. CAG140 mice, a knock-in (KI) mouse model of HD, display abnormal aggregates of mutant huntingtin and striatal transcriptional deficits, as well as early motor, cognitive and affective abnormalities, many months prior to exhibiting spontaneous gait deficits, decreased striatal volume, and neuronal loss. We have examined the ability of life-long dietary curcumin to improve the early pathological phenotype of CAG140 mice.

Results
KI mice fed a curcumin-containing diet since conception showed decreased huntingtin aggregates and increased striatal DARPP-32 and D1 receptor mRNAs, as well as an amelioration of rearing deficits. However, similar to other antioxidants, curcumin impaired rotarod behavior in both WT and KI mice and climbing in WT mice. These behavioral effects were also noted in WT C57Bl/6 J mice exposed to the same curcumin regime as adults. However, neither locomotor function, behavioral despair, muscle strength or food utilization were affected by curcumin in this latter study. The clinical significance of curcumin's impairment of motor performance in mice remains unclear because curcumin has an excellent blood chemistry and adverse event safety profile, even in the elderly and in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusion
Together with this clinical experience, the improvement in several transgene-dependent parameters by curcumin in our study supports a net beneficial effect of dietary curcumin in HD.
Control of Photoisomerization in Water-soluble Stilbene Dendrimers by Conformation of Dendrons: How Water-soluble Dendrimer Molecules Are Dissolved in Water
Authors: Takizawa Tsutomu , Arai Tatsuo 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Photoisomerization behaviors of carboxylate anion-terminated water-soluble stilbene dendrimers were controlled by difference in conformation of dendrons brought about by difference in number of surface functional groups. This is the first report to discuss in detail how solvent molecules surround dendrimer molecules to dissolve them and to reveal the crucial role that conformation of dendrons plays in determining photochemical properties of water-soluble dendrimers through optical spectroscopy.
Dye-sensitized H2 Evolution over TiO2 and SnO2 Nanoparticles Depending on Electron Donors
Authors: Zhan Conghong , Maitani Masato M , Mochizuki Dai , Suzuki Eiichi , Wada Yuji 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Combination of porphyrin dyes as a sensitizer with a SnO2 semiconductor electrode enables alcohols to be used as an electron donor, producing H2.
A Soluble α-Dithienotetrathiafulvalene Derivative for Organic Field-effect Transistors
Authors: Doi Iori , Goshome Kiyotaka , Miyazaki Eigo , Takimiya Kazuo 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Bis(octylthio) derivative of α-dithienotetrathiafulvalene (α-DT-TTF) was synthesized, characterized, and examined as a semiconductor for organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). In contrast to no field-effect responses of devices based on evaporated thin-film of the parent α-DT-TTF, the octylthio derivative afforded solution-processed OFETs showing apparent normally-on behaviors with field-effect mobility of up to 0.6 cm2 V−1 s−1. Characterization of the thin-film revealed that the octylthio groups had significant impact on self-assembly, affording high quality thin films with well-oriented molecular array.
Management of jejunal pouch dysfunction following total gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer: a case report
Authors: Morar P , Aziz O , Holme TC 
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION Total gastrectomy with oesophagojejunal pouch anastomosis and Roux-en-Y reconstruction is a well recognised procedure for patients undergoing curative resections for gastric malignancy. The formation of a jejunai pouch is thought by some to create a reservoir that, when compared with straight oesophagojejunal anastomosis, reduces the incidence of postoperative dumping. CASE HISTORY A patient presented two years after a total gastrectomy with oesophagojejunal pouch anastomosis and Roux-en-Y reconstruction for a T3N2M0 adenocarcinoma of the stomach, with postprandial vomiting and dysphagia resulting in massive weight loss and malnutrition. Recurrent cancer and stricturing was ruled out by gastroscopy and computed tomography, and distal obstruction was ruled out by an oral contrast study. The diagnosis of a functional jejunai pouch disorder was made by exclusion. Balloon dilatation of the pouch and the oesophagojejunal anastomosis found little symptomatic improvement. The patient's deteriorating nutritional status prompted us to urgently perform revisionai surgery. A re-laparotomy and pouch-jejunal bypass procedure was performed. Post-operatively, the patient made a full symptomatic recovery and began gaining weight CONCLUSIONS A pouch-enteric bypass is a suitable treatment option for patients with functional jejunai pouch dysmotility following a total gastrectomy and jejunai pouch formation in the absence of distal obstruction and recurrent disease.
The appropriateness of blood transfusion following primary total hip replacement
Authors: Joy PJ , Bennet SJ 
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION A significant proportion of all red cell transfusions are given to patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. Concern over transfusion safety and cost, coupled with evidence showing that restrictive transfusion policies benefit patients, prompted us to audit our blood prescribing practice at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in order to assess the appropriateness of every transfusion episode following elective primary total hip replacement. METHODS All patients undergoing a primary total hip replacement in our department over a six-month period were included in the study. Data were collected retrospectively using case note examination and transfusion service data. Standards were dictated by the British Orthopaedic Association guidelines on blood conservation in elective orthopaedic surgery. RESULTS Twenty-seven per cent of patients (39/143) were transfused. Forty-six per cent of these (18/39) were transfused inappropriately and twenty-three per cent (9/39) appropriately. Thirteen per cent (5/39) had a valid indication for transfusion but were over-transfused and in eighteen per cent (7/39) the quality of documentation did not allow an assessment to be made. Fifty-two per cent of patients who had surgical drains (29/56) were transfused. Reaudit following staff education and amendments to the local transfusion policy did not demonstrate a reduction in transfusion rates. CONCLUSIONS This audit showed that significant potential exists for reducing transfusion rates based on optimising prescribing practice alone. It also demonstrated that changing local practice based on audit data can be challenging.
Factors predicting significant pathology on ultrasonography in women presenting with non-specific lower abdominal pain
Authors: Bilku DK , Hall TC , Dennison AR , Metcalfe MS , Garcea G 
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION Ultrasonography is used frequently to exclude significant pathology in young women presenting with nonspecific lower abdominal pain (NSLAP). This study examined parameters that predicted the likelihood of significant findings on ultrasonography. These results could be used to select patients for priority imaging or identify those who could be managed with no ultrasonography. METHODS A total of 65 women with NSLAP were identified from 283 admissions. Group 1 (n=42) consisted of patients with normal imaging. Group 2 (n=23) included patients with ‘positive’ scans requiring treatment. White cell count (WCC), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, platelet count, age, duration of pain and length of stay in hospital were compared between the groups. RESULTS The median WCC and CRP were greater in Group 2 than in Group 1: 15 x 10 9 /l and 123mg/l versus 11 x 1071 and 72mg/l respectively (p=0.01 and p=0.05). CRP was a weak predictor of positive pathology on ultrasonography (area under curve [AUC]=0.66, p=0.027) and WCC was a strong predictor of abnormal pathology on ultrasonography (AUC=0.7, p=0.005). A WCC of >12.8 x 10 9 /l was 65% sensitive and 71% specific in predicting subsequent pathology on ultrasonography. The median wait for ultrasonography was 24 hours (range: 1-96 hours). CONCLUSIONS This study failed to define any criteria that could select patients not requiring ultrasonography. Since ultrasonography is a relatively cheap and safe investigation, its continued use to screen women with NSLAP is justified. WCC should be used to prioritise imaging.
Total elbow replacement with the Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis: our medium to long-term results
Authors: Maheshwari R , Vaziri S , Helm RH 
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION Semiconstrained total elbow replacement is now a well recognised and reliable surgical option for advanced elbow disease, mainly rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS We report a retrospective analysis of 31 primary total elbow replacements in 28 patients with a mean follow-up duration of 55 months. The mean age of the patients was 65 years. The indications included 27 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, 3 fractures and 1 case of osteoarthritis. Twenty-one elbows in nineteen patients were assessed using the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) in a special follow-up clinic. In the other nine patients (ten elbows), the assessment was carried out with case notes and x-rays. RESULTS The mean pre-operative MEPS in the 21 elbows recalled was 40. This improved to 89 post-operatively (range: 55-100). Sixteen of the twenty-one elbows were considered excellent, two good, two fair and one poor. The range of movement was recorded in eight of the other ten elbows and the mean was 98°. At the last follow-up visit, x-rays were normal in 23 elbows although the ulnar component was loose in 3, the humeral component loose in 2. There were also two cases of nonunion of the medial epicondyle and one patient had mild heterotopic ossification. Complications included one infection, which needed irrigation and debridement with a satisfactory final result, and two cases of ulnar nerve palsy/neurapraxia. Two elbows were considered failures due to severe pain caused by prosthetic loosening. These were referred for revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS Excellent pain relief and good function can be achieved in the medium and long term with the Coonrad-Morrey semiconstrained total elbow replacement prosthesis in patients with severe destructive elbow arthropathy.
Gallbladder selection for histopathological analysis based on a simple method: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Romero-González RJ , Garza-Flores A , Martínez-PérezMaldonado L , Díaz-Elizondo JA , Muñiz-Eguía JJ , Barbosa-Quintana A 
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION After a cholecystectomy, the current and traditional practice is to send each resected gallbladder to the pathologist for analysis. Some reports have suggested the possibility of selecting only those gallbladders that need to be analysed. The purpose of this study was to show a simple method for selecting which gallbladders should be sent to the pathologist. METHODS A prospective comparative study was carried out. Two ‘tests’ were performed in 150 patients to detect or rule out gallbladder cancer. The first test included the patient's variables and a macroscopic gallbladder analysis performed by the surgeon (MGAS). The second test was the analysis performed by the pathologist. The results were compared. RESULTS Of the 150 patients, 132 were women and 18 men; 130 were under 60 years old. One patient had inflammatory bowel disease, seven had changes on ultrasonography and in four cases intra-operative disturbances were observed. During the MGAS, disturbances were found in 30 patients. Eighty-one cases (54%) had at least one or more risk factors for gallbladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS In almost half of the gallbladders, it would be safe not to send the specimen to the pathology department, decreasing costs significantly.
Origin of Saponite-Rich Clays in A Fossil Serpentinite-Hosted Hydrothermal System in The Crustal Basement of The Hyblean Plateau (Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Manuella Fabio C. , Carbone Serafina , Barreca Giovanni 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA diapiric intrusion of clays in the Carlentini Formation (Tortonian) was discovered in a quarry at S. Demetrio High (Hyblean Plateau, Sicily, Italy). Seven clay samples were analyzed by different analytical methods, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, to determine the composition and mechanism of formation (sedimentary vs. hydrothermal) of these clays. Ferric saponite, carbonates (calcite and traces of ankerite), quartz, pyrite, and zeolites (phillipsite and harmotome) were detected using XRD and FTIR. This mineral assemblage, dominated by Fe-rich saponite, and the abundance of light rare-earth elements (LREE), Eu, fluid-mobile elements (FME > 10 × primordial mantle: Li, Be, B, As, Sb, Pb, U, Ba, Sr, Cs), and other incompatible elements (Zr = 169 ppm, Nb = 46 ppm, Th = 11 ppm, on average) imply that S. Demetrio clays precipitated from a mixture of hot Si-rich hydrothermal fluids (350–400°C) and cold seawater. The evidence is in accord with the affinity of clays for hydrothermally modified mafic and ultramafic rocks, forming the Hyblean lower crust, based on multi-element comparisons, and on the occurrence of trace amounts of chrysotile 2Mc1 and sepiolite. The association of long-chain aliphatic-aromatic hydrocarbons (intensity ratios I2927/I2957 > 0.5) with hydrothermal clays, the lack of fossils, and the similarity of the IR absorption bands with those of organic compounds detected previously in some metasomatized Hyblean gabbroic xenoliths suggest a possible abiogenic origin of hydrocarbons via a Fischer-Tropsch-type reaction. The S. Demetrio clay diapir was emplaced at shallow crustal levels in the Late Miocene as a consequence of the interaction, at a greater depth, of an uprising basalt magma and the products of an early, serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal system.
Mautsysteme — Eine Typologie der weltweit in Betrieb stehenden Systeme und ein kurzer Blick in die Zukunft
Authors: Jäkel Erich , Schalk Andreas 
Published: April 2012

Zusammenfassung
Bekannt seit der Römerzeit, ist Maut heutzutage ein Thema, das zunehmend an Bedeutung gewinnt. Die ursprünglichen Hauptziele, die Finanzierung der Straßenerhaltung und des -ausbaues sowie die Finanzierung des öffentlichen Budgets, werden von lenkungspolitischen Zielen (Nachfragesteuerung, Umweltentlastung, Internalisierung externer Kosten) immer stärker in den Hintergrund gedrängt. Beginnend bei Mautstationen mit manueller Bezahlung bis hin zu satellitenbasierten Systemen existieren diverse Mauttechnologien, die entsprechende diverser Kriterien ausgewählt werden. Die Mautbetrag variiert entsprechend diverser Fahrzeugkriterien (meist Länge, Höhe und Achszahl). In den letzten Jahren kommen auch das Fahrzeuggewicht und die Emissionsklassen in Ansatz. Dazu werden immer komplexere Klassifizierungs- und Kontrolltechnologien eingesetzt. Eine wesentliche Herausforderung ist, dass viele Mautsysteme trotz aller Bemühungen leider nicht interoperabel sind. Ebenso ist angedacht, dass die Mauttechnologie auch für weitere ITS-Anwendungen genutzt werden kann (z. B. e-Call, div. Informationsdienste). Weiters ist es das politische Ziel (zumindest der EU), dass künftig nicht nur Schwerfahrzeuge, sondern alle Kraftfahrzeuge eine fahrleistungsabhängige Gebühr bezahlen müssen. Und das auf allen Straßen und nicht bloß auf dem höchstrangigen Straßennetz. Dies würde einen wesentlichen Schritt zur Kostenwahrheit im Verkehr darstellen.
Herausforderungen der C2X-Kommunikation
Authors: Rauchhaupt Lutz , Schade Joachim , Wolf Franziska 
Published: April 2012

Zusammenfassung
Eine Voraussetzung für den Erfolg zukunftsweisender verkehrstelematischer Anwendungen ist die Bereitstellung zuverlässiger drahtloser Kommunikationssysteme. Gegenstand dieses Beitrages ist eine Methodik zur quantitativen Bewertung des Zeit- und Fehlerverhaltens solcher Kommunikationssysteme. Das Vorgehen wird anhand exemplarischer Tests von Funkgeräten nach IEEE 802.11p beschrieben. Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Bedeutung systematischer Tests zur Aufdeckung und Beseitigung von Schwachstellen.
Weakly one-based geometric theories
Authors: Berenstein Alexander , Vassiliev Evgueni 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe study the class of weakly locally modular geometric theories introduced in [4], a common generalization of the classes of linear SU-rank 1 and linear o-minimal theories. We find new conditions equivalent to weak local modularity: “weak one-basedness”, absence of type definable “almost quasidesigns”, and “generic linearity”. Among other things, we show that weak one-basedness is closed under reducts. We also show that the lovely pair expansion of a non-trivial weakly one-basedω-categorical geometric theory interprets an infinite vector space over a finite field.
Antioxidant supplementation and serum lipids in patients with Graves' disease: Effect on LDL-cholesterol
Authors: Vrca Vesna , Mayer Ljiljana , Škreb Franjo , Rahelić Dario , Marušić Srećko 
Published: April 2012

Antioxidant supplementation and serum lipids in patients with Graves' disease: Effect on LDL-cholesterol
The effect of supplementation with a fixed combination of antioxidants (beta-carotene, selenium, vitamins C and E) on serum lipids was monitored in patients with newly detected Graves' disease. Measurements were made prior to the commencement of therapy and after 30 and 60 days. Patients were randomized into two groups. Test group comprised patients who received antioxidant supplementation in addition to methimazole, while patients treated with methimazole only were in the control group. The concentration of total and HDL-cholesterol increased significantly in test and control groups (p < 0.05) but these groups did not differ significantly. Concentration of LDL-cholesterol increased significantly in the test group only (p < 0.005) and was significantly different from the control group 60 days after the commencement of therapy (p < 0.005). Significant increase in the LDL-cholesterol concentration in the test group requires further investigations.
Stability studies of chitosan-DNA-FAP-B nanoparticles for gene delivery to lung epithelial cells
Authors: Mohammadi Zohreh , Dorkoosh Farid , Hosseinkhani Saman , Amini Tina , Rahimi Amir , Najafabadi Abdolhossein , Tehrani Morteza 
Published: April 2012

Stability studies of chitosan-DNA-FAP-B nanoparticles for gene delivery to lung epithelial cellsA successful gene delivery system requires efficiency and stability during storage. Stability studies are imperative for nanomedicines containing biotechnological products such as plasmids and targeting peptides. Chitosan-DNA-FAP-B nanoparticles are novel non-viral vectors for specific gene delivery to the lung epithelial cells. In this study, the storage stability of chitosan-DNA-FAP-B nanoparticles at -20, 5 and 24 °C was examined. Size, zeta potential and transfection efficiency of these nano-particles in storage were also evaluated. Stability studies showed that chitosan-DNA-FAP-B nanoparticles were stable after 1 month when stored at -20 °C and retained their initial size, zeta potential and transfection efficiency. However, their stability was not desirable at 5 and 24 °C. Based on these results, it can be concluded that chitosan-DNA-FAP-B nanoparticles can be a promising candidate for gene delivery to lung epithelial cells with good storage stability at -20 °C during 1 month.
Development and characterization of thermosensitive pluronic-based metronidazole in situ gelling formulations for vaginal application
Authors: Ibrahim El-Sayed , Ismail Sayed , Fetih Gihan , Shaaban Omar , Hassanein Khaled , Abdellah Noura 
Published: April 2012

Development and characterization of thermosensitive pluronic-based metronidazolein situgelling formulations for vaginal applicationThe purpose of this study was to develop pluronic-basedin situgelling formulations of metronidazole (MTZ) for treatment of bacterial vaginosis, aimed at prolonging the residence time, controlling drug release, enhancing efficacy, decreasing recurrence, and increasing patient compliance. Thein situgel formulations were prepared using different concentrations of pluronic F-127 (PF-127) alone and in combination with pluronic F-68 (PF-68). The prepared formulations were evaluated for their gelation temperature (Tgel),in vitrodrug release, rheological properties, mucoadhesion properties and tolerability by vaginal mucosa in tissue levels. TheTgeldecreased with increasing PF-127 concentration. TheTgelwas modulated by addition of PF-68 to be within the acceptable range of 25-37 °C. With increasing pluronic concentration, thein vitrodrug release decreased, viscosity and mucoadhesive force increased. Histopathological examination of rabbit vaginas from the control and treated groups revealed normal histology of the vagina and cervix. Based on thein vitroevaluation of prepared formulations, thein situgelling liquid formulated with PF-127/PF-68 (20/10 %,m/m) was selected for further clinical evaluation.