bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ascidians: an invertebrate chordate model to study Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis
Authors: Virata Michael J. , Zeller Robert W. 
Published: March 2010

SUMMARYHere we present the ascidian Ciona intestinalis as an alternative invertebrate system to study Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Through the use of AD animal models, researchers often attempt to reproduce various aspects of the disease, particularly the coordinated processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by α-, β- and γ-secretases to generate amyloid beta (Aβ)-containing plaques. Recently, Drosophila and C. elegans AD models have been developed, exploiting the relative simplicity of these invertebrate systems, but they lack a functional Aβ sequence and a β-secretase ortholog, thus complicating efforts to examine APP processing in vivo. We propose that the ascidian is a more appropriate invertebrate AD model owing to their phylogenetic relationship with humans. This is supported by bioinformatic analyses, which indicate that the ascidian genome contains orthologs of all AD-relevant genes. We report that transgenic ascidian larvae can properly process human APP695 to generate Aβ peptides. Furthermore, Aβ can rapidly aggregate to form amyloid-like plaques, and plaque deposition is significantly increased in larvae expressing a human APP695 variant associated with familial Alzheimer’s disease. We also demonstrate that nervous system-specific Aβ expression alters normal larval behavior during attachment. Importantly, plaque formation and alterations in behavior are not only observed within 24 hours post-fertilization, but anti-amyloid drug treatment improves these AD-like pathologies. This ascidian model for AD provides a powerful and rapid system to study APP processing, Aβ plaque formation and behavioral alterations, and could aid in identifying factors that modulate amyloid deposition and the associated disruption of normal cellular function and behaviors.
Loss of fibulin-5 binding to β1 integrins inhibits tumor growth by increasing the level of ROS
Authors: Schluterman Marie K. , Chapman Shelby L. , Korpanty Grzegorz , Ozumi Kiyoshi , Fukai Tohru , Yanagisawa Hiromi , Brekken Rolf A. 
Published: March 2010

SUMMARYTumor survival depends in part on the ability of tumor cells to transform the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) into an environment conducive to tumor progression. Matricellular proteins are secreted into the ECM and impact signaling pathways that are required for pro-tumorigenic activities such as angiogenesis. Fibulin-5 (Fbln5) is a matricellular protein that was recently shown to regulate angiogenesis; however, its effect on tumor angiogenesis and thus tumor growth is currently unknown. We report that the growth of pancreatic tumors and tumor angiogenesis is suppressed in Fbln5-null (Fbln5−/−) mice compared with wild-type (WT) littermates. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumors grown in Fbln5−/− animals. Increased ROS resulted in elevated DNA damage, increased apoptosis of endothelial cells within the tumor, and represented the underlying cause for the reduction in angiogenesis and tumor growth. In vitro, we identified a novel pathway by which Fbln5 controls ROS production through a mechanism that is dependent on β1 integrins. These results were validated in Fbln5RGE/RGE mice, which harbor a point mutation in the integrin-binding RGD motif of Fbln5, preventing its interaction with integrins. Tumor growth and angiogenesis was reduced in Fbln5RGE/RGE mice, however treatment with an antioxidant rescued angiogenesis and elevated tumor growth to WT levels. These findings introduce a novel function for Fbln5 in the regulation of integrin-induced ROS production and establish a rationale for future studies to examine whether blocking Fbln5 function could be an effective anti-tumor strategy, alone or in combination with other therapies.
Trends in the epidemiology of asthma in England: a national study of 333,294 patients
Authors: Simpson Colin R , Sheikh Aziz 
Published: March 2010

Summary Background Observations in the UK at the end of the last century found increasing trends of asthma prevalence over time. However, it has been reported that the number of new cases of asthma presenting to general practice has declined, especially among younger children. Aim To study national trends in the epidemiology of asthma. Methods A cross-sectional observation analysis was performed using the QRESEARCH database, which is one of the world's largest national aggregated health databases containing records from 422 English practices yielding 30 million patient-years of observation. Data was extracted on 333,294 individuals with a recorded diagnosis of asthma and calculated annual age–sex standardized incidence, lifetime period prevalence and asthma-related prescribing rates for each year from 2001–2005. Results The incidence rate of asthma decreased in all patients (2001: 6.9 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 6.8–7.0); 2005: 5.2 (95% CI 5.1–5.3) per 1000 patient-years, p<0.001), but most particularly in children under 5 years of age (–38.4%) where a decrease in the lifetime prevalence of asthma (–34.3%) was also found. However, the lifetime prevalence rate of asthma for adults increased (15–44 years: 23.3%; 45–64 years: 27.7%; >65 years: 21.5%) with an estimated 5,658,900 (95% CI 5,639,700–5,678,200) or approximately one person in nine having being diagnosed with asthma in England. The number of asthma-related prescriptions also increased over the study period (17.1%), such that in 2005 an estimated 32,577,300 (95%CI 32,531,600–32,623,000) prescriptions were issued. Conclusions This large national study reveals that the rate of new diagnoses of asthma appears to have passed its peak; however, the number of adults with a lifetime asthma diagnosis continues to rise. Whether these trends are genuine or are a result of the introduction of incentives and guidelines to improve identification and recording of asthma or changing diagnostic trends is a question with important public health implications and one, therefore, that warrants detailed further enquiry.
Medicolegal reports in asylum applications: a framework for addressing the practical and ethical challenges
Authors: Pitman Alexandra 
Published: March 2010

Summary The clinical care of asylum-seekers may bring clinicians in contact with the immigration authorities. A request for a medicolegal report usually requires the responsible clinician to state their opinion on the risks involved in returning an applicant to their country of origin, taking into account their current condition, the treatments available in that country, and the risks involved in travel. This review draws on clinical experience and a review of the literature to describe the work involved in preparing a medical report requested by immigration authorities. Although the starting point chosen is the psychiatric report, the principles described apply to the preparation of immigration reports in any medical discipline.
Hypertrophic Cranial Pachymeningitis Induced by Long-Term Administration of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs
Authors: Zhou Zhujuan , Li Qianning , Zheng Jian 
Published: March 2010

Objective To report a case of hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis (HCP) associated with the long-term administration of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Case summary A 23-year-old man presented with recurrent headaches as the primary clinical manifestation. After the administration of the NSAIDs indomethacin and aceclofenac for 2 years, he developed signs of progressive cranial polyneuropathies (eg, II, III, V, VI, and VII palsy) and damage to the brainstem. Cranial contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed curvilinear subdural enhancement and significant tentorium cerebelli and faix cerebri enhancements. Since antituberculosis treatment combined with corticosteroid therapy and analgesia with celecoxib for 40 days had not achieved satisfactory results, NSAIDs were discontinued and a single oral dose of a corticosteroid was given. No headaches were reported at a 6-month follow-up appointment. In addition, his cranial polyneuropathy improved significantly. Reexamination by contrast-enhanced MRI scan demonstrated that tentorial enhancement and thickening of the falx cerebri were markedly alleviated. Discussion No additional causes of HCP were found during systematic investigation in this patient. In addition to headache, cranial polyneuropathy and thickened cerebral dura mater appeared after administration of NSAIDs for 2 years. The symptoms that appeared during the NSAID therapy were remarkably alleviated 5 months after medication discontinuation. Adverse drug reaction (ADR) assessment revealed that long-term administration of NSAIDs may be associated with the occurrence and development of HCP. Conclusions Long-term administration of NSAIDs is a probable cause of HCP. Clinicians should be aware of this ADR and avoid prescribing NSAIDs for an extended period.
Use of Daptomycin in a Pregnant Patient with Staphylococcus aureus Endocarditis
Authors: Stroup Jeffrey S , Wagner James , Badzinski Terry 
Published: March 2010

Objective To report on 6 weeks of daptomycin treatment for tricuspid valve endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a pregnant female in her second trimester. Case summary A 24-year-old, 14-week pregnant patient with no significant medical history, but with a history of intravenous drug abuse presented with tricuspid valve endocarditis caused by methicillin-sensitive S. aureus. After initial treatment with vancomycin, the patient continued to have fever and bacteremia and was initiated on daptomycin 6 mg/kg for 6 weeks of therapy. The treatment resulted in the resolution of the endocarditis, and no adverse sequelae were identified in the mother or baby. Discussion Infective endocarditis is a common infection encountered in the hospital setting and represents an increased cost burden to institutions due to prolonged lengths of treatment. Antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial failure, inadequate attainment of effective drug concentrations, drug allergies, and adverse reactions may be factors that limit the use of commonly utilized antimicrobial agents. Therefore, newer therapies like daptomycin may need to be employed in these situations. Although daptomycin is pregnancy category B, limited case reports with neonatal outcomes are reported. Conclusions This case provides further support for the safety of daptomycin in pregnancy with the dose of 6 mg/kg, the extended duration of therapy (6 weeks), and the primary exposure in the second trimester.
Die Rechtsfolgenlösung des BGH als Weg zur schuldangemessenen Strafe beim Mord
Authors: Reichenbach Peter 
Published: March 2010

Zu den spektakulärsten und am meisten umstrittenen Entscheidungen des Bundesgerichtshofs in Strafsachen zählt nach wie vor der Beschluss des Großen Senats vom 19. Mai 1981, demzufolge in besonders gelagerten Ausnahmefällen jedenfalls des Heimtückemordes die grds. absolute Strafdrohung des § 211 Abs. 1 StGB durch den nach § 49 Abs. 1 Nr. 1 StGB gemilderte Strafrahmen zu ersetzen ist. Im Schrifttum hat diese sog. Rechtsfolgenlösung zunächst breite Ablehnung erfahren, während die Strafrechtspraxis ihr ohne weiteres gefolgt ist. Nachdem nunmehr über 25 Jahre vergangen sind und die schon zu Beginn der 1980er Jahre als überfällig angesehene Reform der Tötungsdelikte trotz zahlreicher tief greifender Änderungen des StGB im Übrigen noch immer auf sich warten lässt, stellt sich die Frage, ob die scharfe Kritik, die dem BGH damals entgegenschlug, tatsächlich berechtigt war.
Insbesondere in Anbetracht des Umstandes, dass § 211 StGB zum Kern des Prüfungsstoffes in beiden Examina gehört, will der Beitrag zunächst einen Überblick über die Vorgeschichte und Hintergründe jener Entscheidung vermitteln, bevor ihre Kerngedanken sowie die dagegen erhobene Kritik referiert werden. Sodann sollen diese Einwände auch und gerade in Anbetracht der weiteren Rechtsentwicklung bis in die Gegenwart auf ihre Tragfähigkeit hin überprüft werden.
Using Directional Flame Thermometers for Measuring Thermal Exposure
Authors: Keltner Ned R. , Beck James V. , Nakos James T. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
One of the recommendations that came from the NIST investigation of the World Trade Center disaster was the need for quantitative heat flux measurements in larger scale fire safety tests. These heat flux data are needed to support the development of engineering models to predict the performance of fire protection materials and systems. Current standardized fire resistance tests such as ASTM E119 or ISO 834 or IMO A754 are all qualitative tests. The furnace temperature is controlled to a standard time-temperature curve. Implicit assumptions are made that (1) the thermal exposure can be described solely by the measured furnace temperature history and (2) that exposure will be repeatable. Historical variations of 50 % or more in the qualitative fire protection ratings, such as a 1 h fire barrier, between different furnaces or laboratories indicate that these two assumptions are not well founded. This paper describes the use of a proven type of sensor called a directional flame thermometer (DFT) for making quantitative heat flux measurements in fire resistance tests. DFTs have been used for over 20 years to characterize the thermal environment in both large pool fires and in furnaces, to monitor flashover in structure fires, and in many other fire environments. DFTs are passive thermocouple-based sensors. They do not require calibration. Instead, the designs and materials with known thermal properties are fixed to provide a repeatable response. Using inverse heat conduction analysis techniques, heat fluxes are calculated using a heat conduction model of the DFT with temperature-dependent thermal properties and two or more thermocouple temperature measurements in a DFT. A fully nonlinear inverse heat conduction code is used for detailed post-test data analysis. A new data analysis tool for DFTs, called an inverse heat conduction-digital filter functions (IHC-DFF) has been developed for specific DFT designs to provide heat flux measurements in real-time, much like a calibration curve. IHC-DFFs are convolution-type digital filters that are used to provide real-time heat flux readouts during a test or for a quick-look capability for large sets of data. Simpler models are also used for analyzing early (&lt;5–10 min) and late-time DFT data (&gt;15 min). The current work demonstrates that DFT measurements can provide the quantitative data needed to support the development of performance models and improve our understanding of the thermal exposure in fire resistance tests.
Synthesis of Biodiesel from Tobacco and Waste Frying Oil Using Heterogeneous KHCO3/Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Anastopoulos G. , Deligiannis A. , Kalligeros S. , Karonis D. , Zannikos F. , Lois E. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The transesterification of tobacco seed oil and used frying oil to methyl esters (biodiesel) was studied using potassium bicarbonate loaded on alumina as heterogeneous catalyst. Reaction parameters such as catalyst concentration, methanol to oil ratio, reaction time, and agitation speed on the conversion of tobacco seed and used frying oil were investigated. The catalyst loaded KHCO3 of 30 % m/m on Al2O3, after being calcined at 700°C for 6 h, was found to be the optimum catalyst. The quality of the methyl esters was tested according to the European standard EN 14214. The two types of biodiesel produced seemed to meet all the parameters of the European standard except the oxidation stability. In the case of used frying oil biodiesel, not only the oxidation stability was not met, but this biodiesel did not also meet the acid value and water content specifications.
Standard Reference Data for the Thermophysical Properties of Biofuels
Authors: McLinden M. O. , Bruno T. J. , Frenkel M. , Huber M. L. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe thermophysical properties of biofuels are required for the efficient design of their chemical processing, distribution, and utilization. We provide a review of biofuel properties research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). We are expanding two Standard Reference Databases to include biofuels. The ThermoData Engine will collect and evaluate all published property data on biofuel components. The NIST Reference Fluid Thermodynamic and Transport Properties database is a calculational database providing properties of biofuel components and blends based on thermodynamic and transport models. The property models in the databases implement an equation of state approach based on well defined reference fluids. Complex mixtures, including blends of biofuels with conventional fuels, are modeled as “surrogate blends,” i.e., a blend of perhaps a dozen components that captures the essential characteristics of a complex fuel. Surrogate blends are formulated from a “suite” of well-characterized pure compounds. Property measurements for the pure compounds in the surrogate suite include but are not limited to density, speed of sound, and viscosity. We have also carried out measurements on actual biofuel samples. A recent extension of the distillation curve that we have developed at NIST is proving very valuable in characterizing fuels. This “advanced distillation curve method” provides much more quantitative information than the traditional method, including chemical characterization of the different “cuts” as the distillation proceeds. We present examples of our measurements and models completed to date and outline future plans.
Influence of Friction Heat on Tire Traction on Ice and Snow
Authors: Giessler M. , Gauterin F. , Wiese K. , Wies B. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The internal drum test bench of the Universität Karlsruhe (TH) allows tire performance measurements under controllable conditions. In cooperation with Continental AG a research project was initiated to focus on traction on ice and snow surfaces. The test chamber was upgraded with a cooling system, surface conditioners and a snow production system.
As a major result of these experiments, a strong correlation of thermal conditions and transmittable forces has been discovered. Furthermore, a high-speed infrared camera was used to monitor the temperature increase of the tire surfaces under traction.
This paper presents the developed theoretical model, which describes the time dependent temperature increase in the contact zone. Based on this model, a formula to determine the thermal limiting curve of force transmission on ice and snow was derived. The computed curves were verified through comparison with experimental data.
Insulin Receptor and its Relationship with Different Forms of Insulin Resistance
Authors: Rojek Aleksandra , Niedziela Marek 
Published: March 2010

SummaryInsulin plays an important role in maintaining the whole organism’s homeostasis. The presence of insulin receptors in all vertebrates and invertebrates cells reflects the diversity of regulatory processes in which this hormone is involved. Furthermore, many different factors may influence the level of insulin receptor expression. These factors include e.g. the sole insulin or stage of development. Mutations in the receptor may lead to the development of insulin resistance. These mutations differ in the level of severity and are frequently associated with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, heart failure, metabolic syndrome and infertility in women. More than 50 mutations in insulin receptor gene have already been characterized. These mutations are associated with rare forms of insulin resistance like leprechaunism, insulin resistance type A or Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome. Molecular analysis of insulin receptor gene may lead to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying various types of insulin resistance and help to develop more efficient treatment.
Periodontal disease in pregnancy is a risk factor for preeclampsia
Authors: SHETTY MAMATHA , SHETTY PRASANNA KUMAR , RAMESH AMITHA , THOMAS BIJU , PRABHU SUMATHI , RAO ARUNA 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMany recent studies have evaluated the relation between periodontitis and pregnancy complications. This study aimed to examine the association between preeclampsia and periodontitis in Indian women. A total of 130 pregnant women were enrolled between 26–32 weeks of gestation. Oral health examinations were performed at recruitment and again within 48 hours of delivery to determine the presence and/or progression of periodontitis in all subjects. Pocket depth, clinical attachment loss (CAL), and gingival index were measured in all subjects. There was significant (p < 0.05) difference between the preeclampsia and normotensive groups in the distribution of periodontitis both at recruitment and after delivery. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that periodontitis both at enrolment (OR = 5.78, 95% CI 2.41–13.89) as well as within 48 hours of delivery (OR = 20.15, 95% CI 4.55–89.29), may be associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia.
Infertility, mental disorders and well‐being – a nationwide survey
Authors: KLEMETTI REIJA , RAITANEN JANI , SIHVO SINIKKA , SAARNI SAMULI , KOPONEN PÄIVIKKI 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjective. Earlier studies suggest that infertility and mental health problems are related and that infertility is a different experience for women and men. The aim of this population‐based study is to examine mental disorders, depressivity, psychological distress, perceived health and quality of life among women and men who have experienced infertility. Design. Cross‐sectional nationwide Health 2000 Survey. Setting. Population‐based. Population. A representative random sample of Finnish people aged 30–44 years (n = 2291). Methods. Outcomes were compared between those who had experienced infertility (n = 338) and the rest of the population. Age, marital status, education, income, body mass index, and smoking were controlled for using logistic and linear regressions. Main outcome measures. Mental disorders (composite international diagnostic interview, CIDI), depressivity (beck depression inventory, BDI), psychological distress (general health questionnaire, GHQ‐12), perceived health, and subjective quality of life. Results. Approximately 20% of women and 9% of men reported having experienced infertility. Childless women with infertility experience had increased adjusted risks for dysthymia (OR 3.41, 95% CI; 1.01–11.5) and anxiety disorders (2.67, 1.00–7.12) compared to women who had not experienced infertility. Women with infertility experience but with a current child had an increased risk for panic disorder (2.58, 1.11–6.01). Childless men with infertility experience had a significantly poorer quality of life compared to men without infertility. Conclusions. Infertility was associated with mental health, especially dysthymia and anxiety. The results differed by gender and the permanency of infertility. Gender‐specific psychosocial support and follow‐up for infertile people is warranted.