bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antiproliferation and cell apoptosis inducing bioactivities of constituents from Dysosma versipellis in PC3 and Bcap-37 cell lines
Authors: Xu Xiaoqiang , Gao Xiuhong , Jin Linhong , Bhadury Pinaki S , Yuan Kai , Hu Deyu , Song Baoan , Yang Song 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundRecently, interest in phytochemicals from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs with the capability to inhibit cancer cells growth and proliferation has been growing rapidly due to their nontoxic nature.Dysosma versipellisas Bereridaceae plants is an endemic species in China, which has been proved to be an important Chinese herbal medicine because of its biological activity. However, systematic and comprehensive studies on the phytochemicals fromDysosma versipellisand their bioactivity are limited.ResultsFifteen compounds were isolated and characterized from the roots ofDysosma versipellis, among which six compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. The inhibitory activities of these compounds were investigated on tumor cells PC3, Bcap-37 and BGC-823in vitroby MTT method, and the results showed that podophyllotoxone (PTO) and 4'-demethyldeoxypodophyllotoxin (DDPT) had potent inhibitory activities against the growth of human carcinoma cell lines. Subsequent fluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis indicated that these two compounds could induce apoptosis in PC3 and Bcap-37 cells, and the apoptosis ratios reached the peak (12.0% and 14.1%) after 72 h of treatment at 20μM, respectively.ConclusionsThis study suggests that most of the compounds from the roots ofD. versipelliscould inhibit the growth of human carcinoma cells. In addition, PTO and DDPT could induce apoptosis of tumor cells.
Visual recovery in a patient with total hyphema, neovascular glaucoma, long-standing retinal detachment and no light perception vision: a case report
Authors: Olawoye Olusola , Teng Christopher C , Shabto Uri , Liebmann Jeffrey M , L'Esperance Francis A , Ritch Robert 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Introduction
We report the case of a patient with total hyphema, neovascular glaucoma, long-standing retinal detachment and no light perception vision, who regained counting fingers vision with complete regression of neovascularization following anterior chamber washout, intravitreal bevacizumab, pars plana vitrectomy, and silicone oil placement. This represents a rare case in which a patient with no light perception vision was able to regain functional vision.

Case presentation
A 63-year-old Caucasian man with a 55-year history of long-standing retinal detachment after trauma presented to our facility with pain and redness, a total hyphema, no light perception vision and an intraocular pressure of 60 mmHg (right eye). He had a history of diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease. Following anterior chamber washout, he was found to have neovascular glaucoma, for which intravitreal bevacizumab was administered. After washout and intraocular pressure control, his visual acuity improved to light perception. He subsequently underwent vitrectomy, membrane peeling, endolaser and silicone oil placement to reattach his retina, and then a second retinal reattachment procedure. Following these procedures, he had visual recovery to counting fingers vision in his right eye at five metres, complete regression of neovascularization, and intraocular pressure of 10 to 12 mmHg on one antiglaucoma medication.

Conclusion
Functional vision can be regained despite long-standing retinal detachment.
Are primary care practitioners in Barbados following diabetes guidelines? - a chart audit with comparison between public and private care sectors
Authors: Adams O Peter , Carter Anne O 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Over 19% of the population ≥ 40 years of age in Barbados are diabetic. The quality of diabetes primary care is uncertain.

Findings
Charts of diabetic and hypertensive patients were randomly sampled at all public and 20 private sector primary care clinics. Charts of all diabetic patients ≥ 40 years of age were then selected. Processes of care, and quality targets for blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were documented.
252 charts of diabetic patients (125 public and 127 private) were audited. Patients had the following characteristics: mean age 64 years, female gender 61%, mean duration of diagnosis 9 years, and hypertension diagnosed 78%. Patients had an average of 4.7 clinic visits per year, 66% were prescribed metformin, 68% a sulphonylurea, 25% a statin, 21% insulin, 15% aspirin and 12% a glucosidase inhibitor. Public patients compared to private patients were more likely to be female (77% vs. 46%, p < 0.01); have a longer duration of diagnosis (11.4 vs. 6.6 years, p < 0.01), have more clinic visits per year (5.2 vs. 4.3, p < 0.01), and to be using insulin (28 vs. 15% p = 0.01). Over a 2 year period, the proportion of charts with the following recorded at least once was: BP 98%, weight 80%, FBG 76%, total cholesterol 72%, urine tested for albumin 66%, serum creatinine 62%, dietary advice 61%, exercise advice 49%, lipid profile 48%, foot examination 41%, HbA1c 33%, dietician referral 23%, retinal examination 18%, tobacco use 17%, body mass index 0%, and waist circumference 0%. Public patients were more likely to have recorded: weight (92% vs. 68%, p = < 0.01); tests for total cholesterol (78% vs. 65%, p = 0.02), albuminuria (72% vs. 59%, p = 0.03), serum creatinine (79% vs. 44%, p < 0.01), and foot examination (50% vs. 32%, p = < 0.01); dietician referral (37% vs. 8%, p < 0.01), and tobacco use (26% vs. 8%, p < 0.01). For those tested, the most recent BP was < 140/90 for 43%, HBA1c was < 7% for 28%, and FBG was < 6.7 mmol/L for 27%.

Conclusions
Interventions such as body mass assessment, lifestyle advice, screening for retinopathy, monitoring blood glucose control, and achieving BP and glycaemic targets need improvement.
Two logistic models for the prediction of hypothyroidism in pregnancy
Authors: Mbah Anthony U , Ejim Emmanuel C , Onodugo Obinna D , Ezugwu Francis O , Eze Matthew I , Nkwo Peter O , Ugbajah Winston C 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
The mounting evidence linking hypothyroidism during pregnancy with poor pregnancy outcome underscores the need for screening and, therefore, a search for more reliable and cheaper screening methods.

Methods
The study was conducted in two phases. The phase one study comprised of healthy women in different stages of pregnancy who attended routine antenatal clinic at St Theresa's Maternity Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria from September 6 to October 18 1994. In this study the variables compared between the hypothyroid and non-hypothyroid pregnant women were maternal age, the number of the pregnancy or gravidity, gestational age, social class, body weight, height, the clinically assessed size of the thyroid gland, serum free thyroxin (FT4) and serum thyrotrophin (TSH). Based on the parameter differences between the two comparison groups of pregnant women two Logistic models, Model I and Model 11, were derived to differentiate the hypothyroid group from their non-hypothyroid counterparts. The two logistic models were then applied in a prospective validation study involving 197 pregnant women seen at presentation in Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital and Maternity, Ogui Road, Enugu from March 2002 to November 2007

Findings
The findings were that 82 (50.3%) of the 163 pregnant women had thyroid gland enlargement while 60 (36.8%) had hypothyroidism as defined by FT4 values below and/or TSH above their laboratory reference ranges. The pregnant subjects with hypothyroidism, compared with their non-hypothyroid counterparts, were characterized by a higher gravidity (p < 0.01), a higher body weight (p < 0.01), a higher goiter prevalence rate (p < 0.01) and a more advanced gestational age (p < 0.0001). A significant, positive correlation was also found between body weight and gestational age (r = 0.5; p < 0.01) At the cut-off point for Model l (fitted with gravidity, thyroid size and gestational age) it had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 72.8% and an overall predictive accuracy of 82.9%; whereas for Model II (fitted with gravidity, thyroid size and body weight) the sensitivity was 100%, the specificity was 59.2% and the overall accuracy of discrimination was 74.8%. In the prospective validation study both models showed a sensitivity of 100% each with specificities of 85.5% for Model I and 76.2% for Model II.

Conclusion
It is concluded that logistic models fitting gravidity, thyroid gland size and gestational age or body weight are useful alternatives in screening for hypothyroidism during pregnancy. There is, however, a need for further independent confirmation of these findings.
Mature autologous dendritic cell vaccines in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a phase I pilot study
Authors: Perroud Maurício W , Honma Helen N , Barbeiro Aristóteles S , Gilli Simone CO , Almeida Maria T , Vassallo José , Saad Sara TO , Zambon Lair 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Overall therapeutic outcomes of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are poor. The dendritic cell (DC) immunotherapy has been developed as a new strategy for the treatment of lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and immunologic responses in use in mature, antigen-pulsed autologous DC vaccine in NSCLC patients.

Methods
Five HLA-A2 patients with inoperable stage III or IV NSCLC were selected to receive two doses of 5 × 107 DC cells administered subcutaneous and intravenously two times at two week intervals. The immunologic response, safety and tolerability to the vaccine were evaluated by the lymphoproliferation assay and clinical and laboratorial evolution, respectively.

Results
The dose of the vaccine has shown to be safe and well tolerated. The lymphoproliferation assay showed an improvement in the specific immune response after the immunization, with a significant response after the second dose (p = 0.005). This response was not long lasting and a tendency to reduction two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine was observed. Two patients had a survival almost twice greater than the expected average and were the only ones that expressed HER-2 and CEA together.

Conclusion
Despite the small sample size, the results on the immune response, safety and tolerability, combined with the results of other studies, are encouraging to the conduction of a large clinical trial with multiples doses in patients with early lung cancer who underwent surgical treatment.

Trial Registration
Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN45563569
Anti-inflammatory activity of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol in human articular cartilage in vitro: activation of an anti-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway
Authors: Ulivi Valentina , Lenti Manuela , Gentili Chiara , Marcolongo Gabriele , Cancedda Ranieri , Descalzi Cancedda Fiorella 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Introduction
The mono- and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG and DGDG) galactolipids have been purified from the thermophilic blue-green alga Phormidium sp. ETS-05 that colonizes the therapeutic thermal mud of Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme, Italy. Both compounds present a marked composition in polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly omega-3. The therapeutic thermal mud is applied mainly to osteoarthritic cartilage patients. In the present study the effect of MGDG treatment on proteins and factors expressed by human articular cartilage cells in culture and on pathways activated in inflammatory conditions was studied.

Methods
Primary cultures of human articular chondrocytes were used at cell passage number 1 (P1). Cells were treated in serum-free medium with inflammatory cytokines in the presence and in the absence of MGDG. Western blot was performed on collected medium and on cell layers. At least three different experiments were performed on primary cultures. The quantitation of the MGDG effect was performed by densitometric scanning of Western blots. p38 Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (p38) activation, Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kB) activation and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) quantitation were performed by commercially available assays. Results are given as the mean values ± SD. All statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad software. The two-tailed Student's t -test was performed.

Results
We report that MGDG: 1) represses the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) induced by interleukin-1alpha (IL-1α) or IL-1α + tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) interfering with the p38 and NF-kB pathways; 2) is not toxic for the cells and does not affect the cell phenotype; 3) strongly enhances COX-2 expression induced by IL-1α or IL-1α + TNFα; 4) represses mPGES expression induced by IL-1α and the synthesis of PGE2 and induces the synthesis of 15-deoxy-Δ 12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15ΔPGJ2). In addition, the COX-2 product 15ΔPGJ2 added to the cells: 1) strongly represses IL-6 and IL-8 induced by IL-1α; 2) represses mPGES expression induced by IL-1α and the synthesis of PGE2.

Conclusions
All together these data suggest that MGDG has an anti-inflammatory activity in human articular cartilage and possibly activates an anti-inflammatory loop triggered by COX-2 via 15ΔPGJ2 production, indicating a possible role of COX-2 in resolution of inflammation. The purified compound is a novel anti-inflammatory agent potentially active for human articular cartilage pathologies related to inflammation.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate suppresses the global interleukin-1beta-induced inflammatory response in human chondrocytes
Authors: Akhtar Nahid , Haqqi Tariq M 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a bioactive polyphenol of green tea and exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting signaling events and gene expression. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) is the principal cytokine linked to cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis (OA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the global effect of EGCG on IL-1β-induced expression of proteins associated with OA pathogenesis in human chondrocytes.

Methods
Primary OA chondrocytes were pretreated with EGCG (10 to 100 uM) and then stimulated with IL-1β (5 ng/ml) for 24 hours. Culture supernatants were incubated with cytokine antibody arrays and immunoreactive proteins (80 proteins) were visualized by enhanced chemiluminiscence. Effect of EGCG on IL-1β-induced expression of 18 selected genes was verified by Real time-PCR and effect on IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production was determined using specific ELISAs. Western immunoblotting was used to analyze the effect of EGCG on the interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK-1) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF-6) proteins in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes. The role of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the regulation of selected genes and the mechanism involved in EGCG mediated modulation of these genes was determined by using specific inhibitors for NF- κB (MG132) and MAPKs (p38-MAPK, SB202190; JNK-MAPK, SP600125, ERK-MAPK, PD98059).

Results
Out of 80 proteins present on the array, constitutive expression of 14% proteins was altered by EGCG treatment. No significant stimulatory effect was observed on the proteins associated with cartilage anabolic response. Stimulation with IL-1β enhanced the expression of 29 proteins. Expression of all 29 proteins up-regulated by IL-1β was found to be suppressed by EGCG. EGCG also inhibited the expression of the signaling intermediate TRAF-6 at 50 and 100 uM concentrations (P < 0.05). Our results identified several new targets of EGCG, including epithelial neutrophil activating peptide-78 (ENA-78), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulation factor (GM-CSF), growth- related oncogene (GRO), GRO-α, IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), MCP-3, macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta (MIP-1β), granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 (GCP-2), MIP-3alpha, interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), nucleosome assembly protein-2 (NAP-2) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). The inhibitory effects of EGCG were mainly mediated by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK)-MAPK in human chondrocytes.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that the potential of EGCG in OA treatment/prevention may be related to its ability to globally suppress the inflammatory response in human chondrocytes. These results identify additional new targets of EGCG and advocate that EGCG may be a potent chondroprotective agent in OA.
Plate Girder Bridge Strengthened with Multi-Stepwise Thermal Prestressing Method
Authors: Ahn J.H. , Jung C.Y. , Choi K.T. , Kim S.H. 
Published: June 2011

The strengthening of a plate girder bridge with external prestressing tendons is a commonly used method of upgrading existing bridges. Indeed, it has been known to offer advantages such behaviors as increased elastic behaviors under higher loading, increased ultimate resistance, and reduced deflection under service loads. However, this method has notable disadvantages such as stress concentration at anchorages and inefficient live load-carrying capacity. The thermal prestressing method (TPSM) for steel bridges proposed in this study uses thermal expansion and contraction of a cover-plate to provide a combination with the prestress effects of an external prestressing tendon and the section enlargement benefits of the external bonding method. In this study, the basic concepts of the proposed strengthening protocol using multi-stepwise TPSM are presented. The existence of the strengthening effect is well substantiated and the proposed analytical approach is also rigorously verified. The significant strengthening effects on a simply supported plate girder bridge are analyzed.
Roadmap for Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Measurement Procedures
Authors: Greg Miller W , Myers Gary L , Lou Gantzer Mary , Kahn Stephen E , Schönbrunner E Ralf , Thienpont Linda M , Bunk David M , Christenson Robert H , Eckfeldt John H , Lo Stanley F , Nübling C Micha , Sturgeon Catharine M 
Published: June 2011

AbstractResults between different clinical laboratory measurement procedures (CLMP) should be equivalent, within clinically meaningful limits, to enable optimal use of clinical guidelines for disease diagnosis and patient management. When laboratory test results are neither standardized nor harmonized, a different numeric result may be obtained for the same clinical sample. Unfortunately, some guidelines are based on test results from a specific laboratory measurement procedure without consideration of the possibility or likelihood of differences between various procedures. When this happens, aggregation of data from different clinical research investigations and development of appropriate clinical practice guidelines will be flawed. A lack of recognition that results are neither standardized nor harmonized may lead to erroneous clinical, financial, regulatory, or technical decisions.Standardization of CLMPs has been accomplished for several measurands for which primary (pure substance) reference materials exist and/or reference measurement procedures (RMPs) have been developed. However, the harmonization of clinical laboratory procedures for measurands that do not have RMPs has been problematic owing to inadequate definition of the measurand, inadequate analytical specificity for the measurand, inadequate attention to the commutability of reference materials, and lack of a systematic approach for harmonization. To address these problems, an infrastructure must be developed to enable a systematic approach for identification and prioritization of measurands to be harmonized on the basis of clinical importance and technical feasibility, and for management of the technical implementation of a harmonization process for a specific measurand.
The connection problem
associated with a Selberg type
integral and the q-Racah polynomials
Authors: Mimachi Katsuhisa 
Published: June 2011

Abstract.
The connection problem associated with a
Selberg type integral is solved. The connection
coefficients are given in terms of the q-Racah polynomials.
As an application of the explicit expression of
the connection coefficients, examples of the monodromy-invariant
Hermitian form of non-diagonal type are presented. It is noteworthy
that such Hermitian forms are intimately related with the
correlation functions of non-diagonal type in
-conformal field theory.
Experiential and reflective learning approaches for the train-the-trainers program of Project P.A.T.H.S.
Authors: Lam Ching Man 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
This paper describes the successful application of experiential and reflective learning approaches to promote personal and professional growth of social workers and teachers in the train-the-trainer program of Project P.A.T.H.S. Qualitative data revealed that program participants benefited from their learning experiences. The paper inquires into the dilemma of experiential and reflective learning. Recommendations are presented for those interested in using experiential and reflective approaches for training programs.
Subjective outcome evaluation of the Secondary 2 Training Program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Chak Yammy L.Y. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Subjective outcome evaluation findings based on the perceptions of the participants who participated in a 3-day training program of the Project P.A.T.H.S. are reported in this paper. Results showed that most of the respondents were satisfied with and had positive perceptions about the training program. They also reported that they were able to acquire attitude, knowledge and skills conducive to the successful implementation of the program. In addition, the findings suggest that the training program is effective in promoting the participants’ self-reflections. The present findings provide support for the effectiveness of the Secondary 2 Training Program (Experimental Implementation Phase) of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in Hong Kong.
Error-rate Floors in Differential n-level Phase-shift-keying Coherent Receivers employing Electronic Dispersion Equalisation
Authors: Jacobsen Gunnar , Xu Tianhua , Popov Sergei , Li Jie , Zhang Yimo , Friberg Ari T. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
A model for the phase noise influence in differential n-level phase shift keying (nPSK) systems and 2n-level quadrature amplitude modulated (2nQAM) systems employing electronic dispersion equalization and quadruple carrier phase extraction is presented. The model includes the dispersion equalization enhanced local oscillator phase noise influence. Numerical results for phase noise error-rate floors are given for dual polarization (DQPSK, D16PSK and D64PSK) system configurations with basic baud-rate of 25 GS/s. The transmission distance in excess of 1000 km requires local oscillator lasers with sub-MHz linewidth.
Diffusion Of Indigo Molecules Inside The Palygorskite Clay Channels
Authors: Dejoie Catherine , Martinetto Pauline , Dooryhée Eric , Brown Ross , Blanc Sylvie , Bordat Patrice , Strobel Pierre , Odier Philippe , Porcher Florence , Sanchez del Rio Manuel , Van Eslande Elsa , Walter Philippe , Anne Michel 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThe search for durable dyes led several past civilizations to develop artificial pigments. Maya Blue (MB), manufactured in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, is one of the best known examples of an organic-inorganic hybrid material. Its durability is due to the unique association of indigo molecule and palygorskite, a particular fibrous clay occurring in Yucatan. Despite 50 years of sustained interest, the microscopic structure of MB and its relation to the durability remain open questions. Combining new thermogravimetric and synchrotron X-ray diffraction analyses, we show that indigo molecules can diffuse into the channel of the palygorskite during the heating process, replacing zeolitic water and stabilizing the room temperature phases of the clay.