bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Valsartan Improves β-Cell Function and Insulin Sensitivity in Subjects With Impaired Glucose Metabolism
Authors: van der Zijl Nynke J. , Moors Chantalle C.M. , Goossens Gijs H. , Hermans Marc M.H. , Blaak Ellen E. , Diamant Michaela 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE
Recently, the Nateglinide and Valsartan in Impaired Glucose Tolerance Outcomes Research Trial demonstrated that treatment with the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) valsartan for 5 years resulted in a relative reduction of 14% in the incidence of type 2 diabetes in subjects with impaired glucose metabolism (IGM). We investigated whether improvements in β-cell function and/or insulin sensitivity underlie these preventive effects of the ARB valsartan in the onset of type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In this randomized controlled, double-blind, two-center study, the effects of 26 weeks of valsartan (320 mg daily; n = 40) or placebo (n = 39) on β-cell function and insulin sensitivity were assessed in subjects with impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance, using a combined hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic and hyperglycemic clamp with subsequent arginine stimulation and a 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Treatment effects were analyzed using ANCOVA, adjusting for center, glucometabolic status, and sex.

RESULTS
Valsartan increased first-phase (P = 0.028) and second-phase (P = 0.002) glucose-stimulated insulin secretion compared with placebo, whereas the enhanced arginine-stimulated insulin secretion was comparable between groups (P = 0.25). In addition, valsartan increased the OGTT-derived insulinogenic index (representing first-phase insulin secretion after an oral glucose load; P = 0.027). Clamp-derived insulin sensitivity was significantly increased with valsartan compared with placebo (P = 0.049). Valsartan treatment significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with placebo (P &lt; 0.001). BMI remained unchanged in both treatment groups (P = 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS
Twenty-six weeks of valsartan treatment increased glucose-stimulated insulin release and insulin sensitivity in normotensive subjects with IGM. These findings may partly explain the beneficial effects of valsartan in the reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes.
Almost fixed-point-free automorphisms of prime order
Authors: Wehrfritz Bertram 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Let ϕ be an automorphism of prime order p of the group G with C
G(ϕ) finite of order n. We prove the following. If G is soluble of finite rank, then G has a nilpotent characteristic subgroup of finite index and class bounded in terms of p only. If G is a group with finite Hirsch number h, then G has a soluble characteristic subgroup of finite index in G with derived length bounded in terms of p and n only and a soluble characteristic subgroup of finite index in G whose index and derived length are bounded in terms of p, n and h only. Here a group has finite Hirsch number if it is poly (cyclic or locally finite). This is a stronger notion than that used in [Wehrfritz B.A.F., Almost fixed-point-free automorphisms of order 2, Rend. Circ. Mat. Palermo (in press)], where the case p = 2 is discussed.
Bianchi type-II cosmological model: some remarks
Authors: Saha Bijan 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Within the framework of a Bianchi type-II (BII) cosmological model the behavior of matter distribution has been considered. It is shown that the non-zero off-diagonal component of the Einstein tensor implies some severe restrictions on the choice of matter distribution. In particular, for a locally rotationally symmetric Bianchi type-II (LRS BII) space-time, it is proved that the matter distribution should be strictly isotropic if the corresponding matter field possesses only non-zero diagonal components of the energy-momentum tensor.
Fluoroscopically guided epidural blood patch with subsequent spinal CT scans in the treatment of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia
Authors: Watanabe Keisuke , Hashizume Keiji , Kawaguchi Masahiko , Fujiwara Aki , Sasaoka Noriyuki , Furuya Hitoshi 
Published: February 2011

Object
Recent evidence has indicated that the efficacy of the epidural blood patch (EBP) in the treatment of spontaneous CSF hypovolemia (SCH) is still limited. Therefore, further improvement of the EBP technique is an important clinical challenge. The authors describe a series of cases of SCH treated with fluoroscopically guided placement of an EBP and followed up with subsequent spinal CT scans.

Methods
Thirteen patients with SCH that was proven on CT myelography studies underwent epidural puncture under fluoroscopic guidance and received an injection of a mixture of contrast medium and autologous blood. Contrast medium was injected to cover the area of CSF leakage during EBP guided by fluoroscopy, and the spread of the blood was subsequently evaluated using spinal CT scanning. If the amount of blood injected was insufficient to cover the leakage area, a second EBP was performed at a later date.

Results
At the first EBP procedure, a mixture with a mean volume of 9.4 ml (range 3–20 ml) was injected, and subsequent spinal CT scans revealed contrast enhancement in the desired epidural space in 12 of 13 patients. In 2 patients, a second EBP was required because of insufficient coverage of the leakage area or delayed recurrence of headache. In all patients, a complete recovery from orthostatic headache was obtained after the last EBP.

Conclusions
The results indicated that fluoroscopically guided EBP and subsequent spinal CT scans may provide a highly effective therapy in patients with SCH proven on CT myelography studies.
Combined endovascular embolization and stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of large arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Blackburn Spiros L. , Ashley William W. , Rich Keith M. , Simpson Joseph R. , Drzymala Robert E. , Ray Wilson Z. , Moran Christopher J. , Cross DeWitte T. , Chicoine Michael R. , Dacey Ralph G. , Derdeyn Colin P. , Zipfel Gregory J. 
Published: February 2011

Object
Large cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are often not amenable to direct resection or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment. An alternative treatment strategy is staged endovascular embolization followed by SRS (Embo/SRS). The object of this study was to examine the experience at Washington University in St. Louis with Embo/SRS for large AVMs and review the results in earlier case series.

Methods
Twenty-one cases involving patients with large AVMs treated with Embo/SRS between 1994 and 2006 were retrospectively evaluated. The AVM size (before and after embolization), procedural complications, radiological outcome, and neurological outcome were examined. Radiological success was defined as AVM obliteration as demonstrated by catheter angiography, CT angiography, or MR angiography. Radiological failure was defined as residual AVM as demonstrated by catheter angiography, CT angiography, or MR angiography performed at least 3 years after SRS.

Results
The maximum diameter of all AVMs in this series was > 3 cm (mean 4.2 cm); 12 (57%) were Spetzler-Martin Grade IV or V. Clinical follow-up was available in 20 of 21 cases; radiological follow-up was available in 19 of 21 cases (mean duration of follow-up 3.6 years). Forty-three embolization procedures were performed; 8 embolization-related complications occurred, leading to transient neurological deficits in 5 patients (24%), minor permanent neurological deficits in 3 patients (14%), and major permanent neurological deficits in none (0%). Twenty-one SRS procedures were performed; 1 radiation-induced complication occurred (5%), leading to a permanent minor neurological deficit. Of the 20 patients with clinical follow-up, none experienced cerebral hemorrhage. In the 19 patients with radiological follow-up, AVM obliteration was confirmed by catheter angiography in 13, MR angiography in 2, and CT angiography in 1. Residual nidus was found in 3 patients. In patients with follow-up catheter angiography, the AVM obliteration rate was 81% (13 of 16 cases).

Conclusions
Staged endovascular embolization followed by SRS provides an effective means of treating large AVMs not amenable to standard surgical or SRS treatment. The outcomes and complication rates reported in this series compare favorably to the results of other reported therapeutic strategies for this very challenging patient population.
Influence of Growth Regulators on Root and Shoot Characters of Onion
Authors: Ud-Deen MM , Kabir G 
Published: February 2011

Context: The growth behaviour and yield of any crop plants are governed by their genetic potential, climatic conditions and the supply of nutrients. Specific control of these processes can be done by the application of plant bioregulators of natural or synthetic origin.Objectives: The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of different plant growth regulators on root and shoot emergence, and root and shoot length of onion.Materials and Methods: Onion. var "Taherpuri" was used as plant material and four growth regulators namely GA3, Uniconazol, CCC and 2,3,6-TBA along with water as control with different concentration viz. 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 ppm were used as treatment. Onion bulbs were placed on vials containing different doses of growth regulators. Data recorded on root and shoot emergence and their lengths after different days of setting the experiment.Results: Higher concentrations of uniconazole necessitated maximum days for root and shoot emergence whereas GA3 required minimum days. Root length decreased gradually with increasing the concentrations of all the growth regulators at different days of emergence. Higher concentrations of GA3 produced longest shoot whereas same concentrations of uniconazole produced the shortest than the lower ones at different days of emergence. The highly significant and negative correlation was found between days to root emergence and shoot length and between days to shoot emergence and shoot length but highly significant and positive correlation was found between root length and shoot length. Conclusion: GA3 required minimum days to root and shoot emergence and promote the vegetative growth of onion whereas uniconazole and CCC are retards and 2,3,6-TBA shows a little retarding effect.Key words: Growth regulators; Root and shoot characters; OnionDOI: 10.3329/jbs.v17i0.7101J. bio-sci. 17: 51-55, 2009
Racial Variation in Serum Lipid and Lipoprotein Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects of Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque Mohammad Razuanul , Kabir Md Golam , Sikdar Dwaipayan 
Published: February 2011

Context: Racial and sex differences are documented globally regarding patterns of serum lipids among diabetic patients. Differences of lipid profile of normal and diabetic subjects of the different ethnic groups of Bangladesh may differ.Objectives: To find out if there were any differences in the serum lipid and lipoprotein levels in the type 2 diabetic patients of two different races namely, Bangalee and Chakma of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Study population consisted of 76 (Chakma / Bangalee: 35 / 41) patients aged between 40-60 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were on follow-up at the Rangamati Diabetes Hospital, Chittagong Hill Tract, Bangladesh and forty (Chakma / Bangalee: 20 / 20) non-diabetic subjects of same age were randomly selected as control. Biochemical parameters analyzed include - Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride (TG), serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and atherogenic index.Results: Dyslipidemia was found in the diabetic patients of both races and the patients had higher serum TG), atherogenic index and lower serum HDL than their normal counterpart. The Bangalee patients were found to have higher TG and lower atherogenic index compared with the Chakma patients although no racial differences found regarding total, HDL and LDL cholesterol. Also no differences were found between the lipid profiles of normal control subjects of these two races. Conclusion: Present study confirms that racial differences exist in serum lipid abnormalities between Chakma and Bangalee subjects with type 2 diabetes.Key words: Diabetes Type 2; Triglyceride; Lipoprotein; Total cholesterol; Bangalee; Chakma.DOI: 10.3329/jbs.v17i0.7116J. bio-sci. 17: 113-116, 2009
Molecular Screen of <i>Trichoderma</i> Isolates
Authors: Ali Amna , Bajwa Rukhsana , Mehmood Nasir , Jabeen Rasheda 
Published: February 2011

Context: In the last few decades an ample array of molecular techniques has been introduced to obtain new disposition for the classification of Trichoderma species. Today the concern of scientists is either in the direction of gene targeting or ribotyping, the newest fingerprinting tool for genomic DNA that contain all or part of the genes coding for 18S rRNA in eukaryotes.Objectives: To take advantage of advanced molecular techniques for phylogenetic analysis of indigenous isolates of Trichoderma to comprehend our knowledge of this genus by supplementing the phenotypic identification.Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA of twenty four isolates of Trichoderma species (T. harzianum, T. hamatum, T. koningii and T. pseudokoningii) were extracted by CTAB method and indicated band of ~15Kb on 0.8% agarose gel. Quality of DNA was determined by obtaining absorbance ratio (260/280) in the range of 1.7-1.9. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses were performed by using two restriction endonulease enzymes i.e., BamHI and HindIII. The BamHI represented results in the range of 500bp-750bp. 18S rRNA gene targeting was further carried out through optimization in ribotyping analysis.Results: The DNA bands of 24 isolates of Trichoderma species were compared with marker DNA bands and indicated the presence of genomic DNA intact band of ~15Kb. The ratio of absorbance 260/280nm (1.8-1.9 for pure DNA preparations) provided an estimate of the purity of the DNA RFLP analysis, along with the negative control of twenty four different isolates of Trichoderma species subjected to restriction using BamHI enzyme. The rRNA gene amplified band was observed at 600bp in the case of T. hamatum isolate (S. cumini stem bark, FCBP accession number 769) while in remaining isolates bands were in slightly smeared form. Furthermore, rRNA gene amplification conditions were optimized by altering different Tm and MgCl2 concentrations. Conclusion: The genomic DNA can serve as long term storage of information. Therefore advance molecular techniques can be used to study the variability in the genome of organism. RFLP are the initial steps for screening the genome of any organism.Key words: Trichoderma; DNA; RFLP; restriction endonuleases; 18S rRNA.DOI: 10.3329/jbs.v17i0.7117J. bio-sci. 17: 117-122, 2009
Lymphoscintigraphy in breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Reitsamer R. , Holzmannhofer J. , Rendl G. , Pirich C. , Kronberger C. , Rettenbacher L. , Dalus K. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of lymphatic mapping by lymphoscintigraphy in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCTX). We assessed the association between clinicopathological factors and nonvisualized sentinel nodes during preoperative lymphoscintigraphy. As secondary aims, we analyzed whether post NCTX axillary ultrasonography and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography (F18-FDG-PET/CT) might be useful for staging in case of nonvisualized sentinel nodes. Patients, methods: 61 patients with newly diagnosed, invasive breast cancer potentially eligible for NCTX were included in this substudy of a prospective trial on the monitoring of NCTX with 18F-FDG PET/CT. In all patients, lymphoscintigraphy was performed prior to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). 42 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. 19 patients did not receive NCTX. After SLNB, mastectomy or lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) combined with level I and II axillary lymph node dissection were performed. Cases of nonvisualized sentinel nodes were analyzed with respect to tumour and patient characteristics and the results of ultrasonography and 18F-FDG-PET/CT before and after NCTX. Results: Lymphoscintigram successfully identified at least one sN in 55 patients (i.e. identification rate of 90%). The risk of failure to identify the sN was associated statistically with a positive clinical nodal status prior to NCTX (p = 0.021). There was no statistical difference between patients with visualized and nonvisualized sN with respect to age, tumour grade, tumour size, pathological lymph node status or tumour histology. In patients without NCTX the sN identification rate was 100% versus 86% in patients with NCTX (n.s.). The FNR of patients with NCTX was 9.1%. Post NCTX axillary ultrasonography or FDG-PET/CT did not provide accurate information about the lymph node status in case of failing lymphatic mapping. Conclusion: On the basis of our findings, SLNB can not yet be recommended as a reliable staging method in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with clinically positive axillary lymph nodes have a higher chance of unsuccessful lymphatic mapping by lymphoscintigraphy. Performing SLNB before NCTX in clinically node-negative patients may identify the subset of patients in whom axillary lymph node dissection can be omitted. Post NCTX axillary ultrasonography and 18F-FDG-PET/CT can not be suggested as valid axillary staging methods in case of a failed lymphatic mapping.
Mechanochemical Reactions in Black-Filled SBR Vulcanizates under Large Deformation
Authors: Ahagon Asahiro , Kirino Yoshiaki 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Mechanochemical degradation of black-filled SBR's at large deformation was studied in relation to abrasion. Deformation of rubbers caused bond scission and reduced the crosslink density; however, subsequent free radical reactions reconstructed the network structure in a short time to some extents depending on the strain. The extent of crosslink recovery was larger with larger strains. As a consequence, the loss in crosslink density showed a peak when plotted against the strain. When rubber was deformed by repeatedly passing through a narrow gap of a two-roll mill, the crosslink density was raised appreciably above the original level after a small number of passes. Surprisingly, the rubber could become plastic-like while the crosslink density was maintained high. All of these results matched well with the characteristic phenomena observed in abrasion of rubbers, e.g., the varying appearance of wear with severity, the worn surface and debris prone to be oxidized, and the bimodal size distribution of debris. It was strongly suggested that mechanochemical degradation participated in abrasion in a wide range of severity.
High-Resolution Latex-State 13C-NMR Spectroscopy for Natural Rubber Vulcanizates
Authors: Kawahara Seiichi , Ukawa Jinta , Sakai Junichiro , Yamamoto Yoshimasa , Isono Yoshinobu 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Crosslinking junctions of natural rubber vulcanizates were characterized by high-resolution latex-state 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Vulcanized natural rubber latex was prepared by two methods: i.e., vulcanization of the rubber latex and cryogenic crushing of a rubber sheet vulcanized on a hot press. High-resolution latex-state 13C-NMR spectroscopy was attained even after vulcanization of the rubber latex, as is evident from no background in spectrum and narrow half width of signals independent of vulcanization time. Small signals at 44 ppm and 57 ppm in the aliphatic carbon region were assigned by measurements of both Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer (DEPT) and Attached Proton Test (APT) to secondary and tertiary carbons of crosslinking points. The assignment was proved by high-resolution solution-state NMR spectroscopy of vulcanized liquid cis-1,4-polyisoprene as a model, in which DEPT, APT, 2-dimensional 1H-1H correlation (H-H COSY), 2-dimensional 1H-13C correlation (H-C COSY) and 2-dimensional heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) measurements were applied.
Investigations on Initial Stage of Aging of Tire Rubbers by Chemiluminescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Santoso M. , Giese U. , Schuster R. H. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The initial stage of the thermal oxidation aging process of polydienes (NR, BR, and SBRs) and polyolefins (EPDM) was investigated using the chemiluminescence (CL) method, which detects the low-intensity light emitted by the polymer oxidation reaction as a function of time. It thus quantitatively characterizes the kinetics of the polymer oxidation reaction and the aspect of the polymer microstructure during the thermal oxidation condition, the influence of the rubber mixture's ingredients or vulcanizates, and the role of the anti-aging agent. The oxidation induction time (OIT) — defined as the time at which the oxidation reaction starts — is introduced as the analytical result of CL analysis, with a standard deviation of 5–6%. The OIT from CL analysis indicates the resistance of the polymer against the thermal oxidation condition. The polydiene microstructure is found to play a significant role in the aging behavior of polymers. In the case of polydienes with higher double-bond concentration in the main chain (1,4 units) — NR or BR, for example — the OIT occurs after a relatively brief exposure to thermal influences and oxygen, depending on the temperature. SBR, with a high vinyl (1,2-butadiene units) or styrene content, is relatively more resistant than NR or BR to radical attack by oxidation reaction. EPDM with no double bonds in the main polymer chain exhibits, moreover, the strongest aging resistance. After extraction of the polymers to remove the stabilizer commonly added to the polymer, OIT values are as much as 400% shorter than for raw polymers. The OIT values of polymers processed (mixed, milled, and pressed) prior to thermal aging analysis are found to be between the OIT values of raw polymers and those of extracted ones. The temperature at which analysis was carried out has an influence on the polymer's OIT. OIT's are shorter at higher temperatures, increasing the maximum intensity of the CL curve and also the CL reaction rate. The activation energy (Ea) of polydienes is calculated on the basis of temperature dependency analysis. NR and BR have slightly similar Ea values of about 55 kJ/mol, while the group of SBRs, with varied vinyl or styrene content, also has similar Ea values of about 80–90 kJ/mol. PPD derivatives are anti-aging substances used to evaluate the role of antioxidants in the polymer. The consumption of antioxidant in the initial stage of the CL reaction is clearly indicated in the CL curve. Antioxidants prolong the durability of the polymer by a factor of about 3.5 to 20. DTPD is the most effective antioxidant, followed by 6PPD, IPPD, and 77PD. Thermal oxidation characterization of vulcanizates by the CL method is more complicated due to various ingredients in the mixture and to the fact that some species are fixed as pendant group in the polymer chain. This results in more than one peak in the CL curves. It is highly likely that this effect depends strongly on the type of accelerator used in the vulcanization system.