bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attenuated expression of HRH4 in colorectal carcinomas: a potential influence on tumor growth and progression
Authors: Fang Zhengyu , Yao Wantong , Xiong Yi , Li Jiana , Liu Li , Shi Lei , Zhang Wei , Zhang Chao , Nie Liping , Wan Jun 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Earlier studies have reported the production of histamine in colorectal cancers (CRCs). The effect of histamine is largely determined locally by the histamine receptor expression pattern. Recent evidence suggests that the expression level of histamine receptor H4 (HRH4) is abnormal in colorectal cancer tissues. However, the role of HRH4 in CRC progression and its clinical relevance is not well understood. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and molecular phenotypes of colorectal tumors with abnormal HRH4 expression.

Methods
Immunoblotting, real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry assays were adopted to examine HRH4 expression in case-matched CRC samples (n = 107) and adjacent normal tissues (ANTs). To assess the functions of HRH4 in CRC cells, we established stable HRH4-transfected colorectal cells and examined cell proliferation, colony formation, cell cycle and apoptosis in these cells.

Results
The protein levels of HRH4 were reduced in most of the human CRC samples regardless of grade or Dukes classification. mRNA levels of HRH4 were also reduced in both early-stage and advanced CRC samples. In vitro studies showed that HRH4 over-expression caused growth arrest and induced expression of cell cycle proteins in CRC cells upon exposure to histamine through a cAMP -dependent pathway. Furthermore, HRH4 stimulation promoted the 5-Fu-induced cell apoptosis in HRH4-positive colorectal cells.

Conclusion
The results from the current study supported previous findings of HRH4 abnormalities in CRCs. Expression levels of HRH4 could influence the histamine-mediated growth regulation in CRC cells. These findings suggested a potential role of abnormal HRH4 expression in the progression of CRCs and provided some new clues for the application of HRH4-specific agonist or antagonist in the molecular therapy of CRCs.
A new in-silico method for determination of helical transmembrane domains based on the PepLook scan: application to IL-2Rβ and IL-2Rγc receptor chains
Authors: Charlois Yan , Lins Laurence , Brasseur Robert 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Modeling of transmembrane domains (TMDs) requires correct prediction of interfacial residues for in-silico modeling and membrane insertion studies. This implies the defining of a target sequence long enough to contain interfacial residues. However, too long sequences induce artifactual polymorphism: within tested modeling methods, the longer the target sequence, the more variable the secondary structure, as though the procedure were stopped before the end of the calculation (which may in fact be unreachable). Moreover, delimitation of these TMDs can produce variable results with sequence based two-dimensional prediction methods, especially for sequences showing polymorphism. To solve this problem, we developed a new modeling procedure using the PepLook method. We scanned the sequences by modeling peptides from the target sequence with a window of 19 residues.

Results
Using sequences whose NMR-structures are already known (GpA, EphA1 and Erb2-HER2), we first determined that the hydrophobic to hydrophilic accessible surface area ratio (ASAr) was the best criterion for delimiting the TMD sequence. The length of the helical structure and the Impala method further supported the determination of the TMD limits. This method was applied to the IL-2Rβ and IL-2Rγ TMD sequences of Homo sapiens, Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus and Bos taurus.

Conclusions
We succeeded in reducing the variation in the TMD limits to only 2 residues and in gaining structural information.
Descriptive analysis of childbirth healthcare costs in an area with high levels of immigration in Spain
Authors: Comas Mercè , Català Laura , Sala Maria , Payà Antoni , Sala Assumpció , Del Amo Elisabeth , Castells Xavier , Cots Francesc 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to estimate the cost of childbirth in a teaching hospital in Barcelona, Spain, including the costs of prenatal care, delivery and postnatal care (3 months). Costs were assessed by taking into account maternal origin and delivery type.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional study of all deliveries in a teaching hospital to mothers living in its catchment area between October 2006 and September 2007. A process cost analysis based on a full cost accounting system was performed. The main information sources were the primary care program for sexual and reproductive health, and hospital care and costs records. Partial and total costs were compared according to maternal origin and delivery type. A regression model was fit to explain the total cost of the childbirth process as a function of maternal age and origin, prenatal care, delivery type, maternal and neonatal severity, and multiple delivery.

Results
The average cost of childbirth was 4,328€, with an average of 18.28 contacts between the mother or the newborn and the healthcare facilities. The delivery itself accounted for more than 75% of the overall cost: maternal admission accounted for 57% and neonatal admission for 20%. Prenatal care represented 18% of the overall cost and 75% of overall acts. The average overall cost was 5,815€ for cesarean sections, 4,064€ for vaginal instrumented deliveries and 3,682€ for vaginal non-instrumented deliveries (p < 0.001). The regression model explained 45.5% of the cost variability. The incremental cost of a delivery through cesarean section was 955€ (an increase of 31.9%) compared with an increase of 193€ (6.4%) for an instrumented vaginal delivery. The incremental cost of admitting the newborn to hospital ranged from 420€ (14.0%) to 1,951€ (65.2%) depending on the newborn's severity. Age, origin and prenatal care were not statistically significant or economically relevant.

Conclusions
Neither immigration nor prenatal care were associated with a substantial difference in costs. The most important predictors of cost were delivery type and neonatal severity. Given the impact of cesarean sections on the overall cost of childbirth, attempts should be made to take into account its higher cost in the decision of performing a cesarean section.
Monitoring trends in HIV prevalence among young people, aged 15 to 24 years, in Manicaland, Zimbabwe
Authors: Marsh Kimberly A , Nyamukapa Constance A , Donnelly Christl A , Garcia‐Calleja Jesus M , Mushati Phillis , Garnett Geoffrey P , Mpandaguta Edith , Grassly Nicholas C , Gregson Simon 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundIn June 2001, the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) set a target of reducing HIV prevalence among young women and men, aged 15 to 24 years, by 25% in the worst‐affected countries by 2005, and by 25% globally by 2010. We assessed progress toward this target in Manicaland, Zimbabwe, using repeated household‐based population serosurvey data. We also validated the representativeness of surveillance data from young pregnant women, aged 15 to 24 years, attending antenatal care (ANC) clinics, which UNAIDS recommends for monitoring population HIV prevalence trends in this age group. Changes in socio‐demographic characteristics and reported sexual behaviour are investigated.MethodsProgress towards the UNGASS target was measured by calculating the proportional change in HIV prevalence among youth and young ANC attendees over three survey periods (round 1: 1998‐2000; round 2: 2001‐2003; and round 3: 2003‐2005). The Z‐score test was used to compare differences in trends between the two data sources. Characteristics of participants and trends in sexual risk behaviour were analyzed using Student's and two‐tailed Z‐score tests.ResultsHIV prevalence among youth in the general population declined by 50.7% (from 12.2% to 6.0%) from round 1 to 3. Intermediary trends showed a large decline from round 1 to 2 of 60.9% (from 12.2% to 4.8%), offset by an increase from round 2 to 3 of 26.0% (from 4.8% to 6.0%). Among young ANC attendees, the proportional decline in prevalence of 43.5% (from 17.9% to 10.1%) was similar to that in the population (test for differences in trend: p value = 0.488) although ANC data significantly underestimated the population prevalence decline from round 1 to 2 (test for difference in trend: p value = 0.003) and underestimated the increase from round 2 to 3 (test for difference in trend: p value = 0.012). Reductions in risk behaviour between rounds 1 and 2 may have been responsible for general population prevalence declines.ConclusionsIn Manicaland, Zimbabwe, the 2005 UNGASS target to reduce HIV prevalence by 25% was achieved. However, most prevention gains occurred before 2003. ANC surveillance trends overall were an adequate indicator of trends in the population, although lags were observed. Behaviour data and socio‐demographic characteristics of participants are needed to interpret ANC trends.
A novel mode of chromosomal evolution peculiar to filamentous Ascomycete fungi
Authors: Hane James K , Rouxel Thierry , Howlett Barbara J , Kema Gert HJ , Goodwin Stephen B , Oliver Richard P 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Background
Gene loss, inversions, translocations, and other chromosomal rearrangements vary among species, resulting in different rates of structural genome evolution. Major chromosomal rearrangements are rare in most eukaryotes, giving large regions with the same genes in the same order and orientation across species. These regions of macrosynteny have been very useful for locating homologous genes in different species and to guide the assembly of genome sequences. Previous analyses in the fungi have indicated that macrosynteny is rare; instead, comparisons across species show no synteny or only microsyntenic regions encompassing usually five or fewer genes. To test the hypothesis that chromosomal evolution is different in the fungi compared to other eukaryotes, synteny was compared between species of the major fungal taxa.

Results
These analyses identified a novel form of evolution in which genes are conserved within homologous chromosomes, but with randomized orders and orientations. This mode of evolution is designated mesosynteny, to differentiate it from micro- and macrosynteny seen in other organisms. Mesosynteny is an alternative evolutionary pathway very different from macrosyntenic conservation. Surprisingly, mesosynteny was not found in all fungal groups. Instead, mesosynteny appears to be restricted to filamentous Ascomycetes and was most striking between species in the Dothideomycetes.

Conclusions
The existence of mesosynteny between relatively distantly related Ascomycetes could be explained by a high frequency of chromosomal inversions, but translocations must be extremely rare. The mechanism for this phenomenon is not known, but presumably involves generation of frequent inversions during meiosis.
A larch based biorefinery: pre-extraction and extract fermentation to lactic acid
Authors: Hörhammer Hanna , Walton Sara , van Heiningen Adriaan 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
In a forest based biorefinery, pulp and paper are the main products, while side-streams are utilized for value-added products. One biorefinery concept is to remove hemicelluloses from wood by extraction prior to pulping and converting them into biofuels or chemicals. This study presents a concept of a larch wood based biorefinery and focuses on the mass balance of pre-extraction. Sugar rich extracts were obtained by hot water extraction of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Lebed.) wood chips at different temperatures and times. At 160°C and 60–90 min the extract contains 13–16% hemicelluloses (on wood). The composition of extracts and extracted wood has been determined to have a basis for mass balances. Fermentation of the hydrolyzed extract with Bacillus coagulans MXL-9 resulted in consumption of all C6 and C5 sugars and produced lactic acid in high yield. In an earlier work, it was demonstrated that water pre-extraction of larch chips followed by polysulfide-anthraquinone (PSAQ) pulping still produced a good papermaking pulp at a yield comparable to the corresponding non-extracted kraft pulp. Accordingly, the present results show that a larch wood based biorefinery has a potential for industrial application.
Hypoglycemia in Pediatric Sulfonylurea Poisoning: An 8-Year Poison Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Lung Derrick D. , Olson Kent R. 
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE:The goal of this study was to describe the clinical effects and time of onset of hypoglycemia in pediatric sulfonylurea poisoning.METHODS:This was a retrospective, descriptive study of pediatric (&lt;6 years old) sulfonylurea exposures with hypoglycemia (glucose concentration &lt;60 mg/dL) that were consulted on by the California Poison Control System for the 8-year period between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2009.RESULTS:Of the 1943 consultations for pediatric sulfonylurea exposure in the study period, 300 children developed hypoglycemia. Ten percent had hypoglycemia occurring or persisting ≥12 hours after ingestion despite receiving treatment. All 5 children with seizures experienced these before hospital presentation. The mean (SD) time to onset of hypoglycemia in children not given any prophylactic treatment was 2.0 (1.2) hours. The mean (SD) times in children receiving prophylactic food only, intravenous glucose only, and both food and intravenous glucose were 5.9 (3.9), 5.7 (2.5), and 8.9 (3.6) hours, respectively. Ranges were 1 to 18, 1.5 to 9, and 2.5 to 15 hours. Seven of 40 patients (18%) receiving prophylactic food only had an onset of hypoglycemia &gt;8 hours after sulfonylurea ingestion.CONCLUSIONS:Pediatric sulfonylurea exposure can result in significant poisoning. Severe effects such as seizures occurred only in cases of unrecognized sulfonylurea ingestion. The onset of hypoglycemia after pediatric sulfonylurea ingestion can be delayed by as much as 18 hours by either free access to food or administration of intravenous glucose.
Overvaluation and the Choice of Alternative Earnings Management Mechanisms
Authors: Badertscher Brad A. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACT
In this study I examine how the degree and duration of overvaluation affect management's use of alternative within-GAAP earnings management, restrictions on further exploitation of within-GAAP accruals management, and subsequent non-GAAP earnings management. Further, I examine how one type of earnings management segues into another type as overvaluation persists. I present evidence that the longer the firm is overvalued, the greater is the amount of total earnings management. I also find that managers engage in accruals management in the early stages of overvaluation before moving to real transactions management, in order to sustain their overvalued equity. Finally, I find that the longer a firm is overvalued, the more likely it is to engage in one of the most egregious forms of earnings management, non-GAAP earnings management. Collectively, the results suggest that the duration of firm overvaluation is an important determinant of managements' choice of alternative earnings management mechanisms.
JEL Classifications: M41, M43, M44.
Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the text.
Effects of Enoxaparin and Unfractionated Heparin on Platelet Activity and Reactivity during Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Assadian Afshin , Senekowitsch Christian , Hagmüller Georg W. , Lax Jaqueline , Hübl Wolfgang 
Published: May 2011

The aim of this study was to determine platelet activity and reactivity and the effects of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and enoxaparin on platelet function during carotid eversion endarterectomy under local anesthesia. Twenty symptomatic patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were randomly assigned to either 5,000 units of UFH or body weight–adjusted enoxaparin (0.5 mg/kg body weight) as an intraoperative intravenous bolus. The activity of platelets was assessed by measuring the expression of CD62p and CD41 with flow cytometry. Additionally, platelet-leukocyte aggregates (PLAs) were enumerated. The reactivity of platelets was evaluated by measuring the expression of the same antigens after stimulation. In addition, platelet reactivity was also analyzed using a PFA-100 analyzer. A significant increase in platelet activity was observed during surgery for CD41 and CD62p ( p  =  .002 and < .001, respectively). The number of PLAs showed no significant changes during surgery. Yet there was a significant difference between patients treated with UFH and patients treated with enoxaparin. No difference for platelet activity or reactivity for patients receiving either UFH or enoxaparin prior to cross-clamping of the carotid arteries was seen. The formation of PLAs after endarterectomy was significantly higher in the UFH group; thus, PLAs are probably a useful surrogate parameter for measuring platelet activity.
L'agriculture en terrasses dans les Pyrénées centrales espagnoles
Authors: Lasanta Martinez T 
Published: May 2011

La agricultura en terrazas en el Pirineo central español.
Se estudia la influencia que ejercen los bancales en la utilización del espacio agrícola durante las últimas décadas en el Pirineo central español. Se comprueba que los bancales incentivan el abandono de las parcelas en mayor medida que otros tipos de campos (llanos y en pendiente) al impedir la mecanización de los trabajos agrícolas.
Water resource problems in Algeria
Authors: Sutton Keith , Zaimeche Salah 
Published: May 2011

The question of water resources is posed urgently in Algeria. Underground water resources have been greatly reduced and efforts in this area remain very limited and often without achieving tangible results. Moreover, while underground water tables are reaching dangerously low levels, the demand for water from the urban population, industry, and especially agriculture is rapidly increasing, so complicating the problem. At the dawn of the 21st century Algeria will find itself in a very critical situation unless decisive changes are made.
Algeria's water resources, their use, and government policy towards water have already been well explained, particularly by J. J. PERENNES. What this study seeks to explore are two other important aspects of the water question: the destruction of underground water resources through over-use and pollution; and the growing shortage of water following droughts which may well portend climatic changes with dramatic consequences for Algeria.
Periurbanización y gestión en Zaragoza : la segregación de entidades rurales
Authors: Bielza de Ory Vicente 
Published: May 2011

Périurbanisation et gestion à Saragosse : la ségrégation des entités rurales
Saragosse (600.000 hab.) est soumise, depuis le début des années soixante, à un rapide processus de périurbanisation. Celui-ci, qui s'appuie sur les corridors irrigués par l'Ebre et ses affluents et s'articule sur les sorties routières, occupe une étendue presque quadruple de la superficie urbaine proprement dite (4.000 Ha). Les utilisations diverses et l'absence d'aménagement planifié ont engendré de sérieux disfonctionnements (écologiques, socio-économiques et urbanistiques) en l'absence d'une politique métropolitaine qui coordonne les opérations des multiples administrations (44 mairies, «diputación» générale et provinciale, gouvernement central) et des acteurs privés. Les entités rurales du vaste finage municipal saragossain proprement dit se considèrent comme gravement lésées par rapport aux municipes limitrophes de celui-ci, qui tirent librement profit de leur situation, et par les affectations des sols défavorables dont décide la municipalité centrale pour ces zones des «barrios» ruraux. Villamayor -municipe indépendant jusqu' en 1911- est ainsi un noyau rurbain qui a entamé un processus de séparation du municipe de Saragosse pour disposer de meilleurs moyens avec lesquels assurer à ses 1.900 habitants une meilleure qualité de vie en revenus, emplois, habitat, gestion des services et vie sociale.
Evolución y tendencias del espacio periurbano en la Plana de Castelló (País Valenciano, España)
Authors: Ortells Chabrera V. 
Published: May 2011

Évolution et tendances de l'espace périurbain dans la Plana de Catelló (pays valencien, Espagne).
Depuis le Néolithique l'homme a occupé la Plana de Castelló (Espagne), et bénéficié de son milieu naturel. Le temps et les différentes civilisations définirent lentement l'utilisation du sol : villages, campagnes, communications, industrie... Cependant, en quarante ans le paysage s'est plus modifié que pendant les dix siècles précédents. C'est le résultat de l'industrialisation qui s'accompagne d'une hausse du niveau de vie et d'un agrandissement de l'espace consacré à la détente. La campagne recule face à la ville et à ses alliés. La zone étudiée (292,8 km2), entre 0 et 200 m d'altitude est complètement anthropisée, sauf les vallées fluviales et les petites collines jurassiques détachées des reliefs voisins. La recherche de l'eau a marqué l'occupation agricole, avec la transformation de terres non irriguées de caroubiers en champs d'orangers. Proportionellement, c'est l'industrie qui a absorbé le plus grand espace, passant d'une occupation du territoire à l'intérieur des villes à une implantation de 7,5% de la zone, dépassant l'implantation urbaine. Ce sont les villes qui ont gagné le plus d'espace après l'industrie. L'espace de détente a augmenté de manière notable. L'impact territorial des voies de communication a été et est très important, spécialement comme inductrices de la croissance urbaine et industrielle ou comme créatrices de perspectives de croissance.
Tipologie di implanto urbanistico nella storia di Torino : viali e piazze. Casi e prospettive utili per la progettazione degli habitat periferici
Authors: Giordanino Giuseppe , Castelnovi Paolo , Dal Pozzolo Luca 
Published: May 2011

Report on the initial stages of a research at present underway between Torino and Valencia that examines in depth the planning of the suburbs. From the onset many parallels between the various aspects of the development of Torino and of Valencia became evident. An analysis was undertaken of the morphology of the urban structure and of the possibilities of it's planned evolution. As well as that, the system of boulevard (avenue) and squares, which determined it' urban expansion, was examinated as regards Torino. Also studied is the history of the development of the creative and versatile typology also of great potential, from the promenades of the middle 19th century to the role of the present-day flowing trafic axis. The characteristics of the vitality of the model are thus indentified :
- the boulevard (avenue) is considered a multi-purpose green area and designed as an architectural "empty space" , autonomus as regards function and conformation;
- the boulevard (avenue) is considered like «a place» and connects «places» particularly characteristic : thus becoming the main axis of the territory;
- the boulevard (avenue) become the most important urban network system, connecting urban «goals». Assuming that these are the requisites for the planning of new suburbs, the need emerges for the integration between the planning of single parts of the city and the overall plan, taking into account the genius loci and the pre-existing aspects of the territory and the process from «empty» to «full».