bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VITA-D: Cholecalciferol substitution in vitamin D deficient kidney transplant recipients: A randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the post-transplant outcome
Authors: Thiem Ursula , Heinze Georg , Segel Rudolf , Perkmann Thomas , Kainberger Franz , Mühlbacher Ferdinand , Hörl Walter , Borchhardt Kyra 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundVitamin D does not only regulate calcium homeostasis but also plays an important role as an immune modulator. It influences the immune system through the induction of immune shifts and regulatory cells resulting in immunologic tolerance. As such, vitamin D is thought to exert beneficial effects within the transplant setting, especially in kidney transplant recipients, considering the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in kidney transplant recipients.Methods/DesignThe VITA-D study, a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study with two parallel groups including a total of 200 kidney transplant recipients, is designed to investigate the immunomodulatory and renoprotective effects of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) within the transplant setting. Kidney transplant recipients found to have vitamin D deficiency defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D3< 50 nmol per liter will be randomly assigned to receive either oral cholecalciferol therapy or placebo and will be followed for one year. Cholecalciferol will be administered at a dose of 6800 International Units daily over a time period of one year.The objective is to evaluate the influence of vitamin D3substitution in vitamin D deficient kidney transplant recipients on the post-transplant outcome. As a primary endpoint glomerular filtration rate calculated with the MDRD formula (modification of diet in renal disease) one year after kidney transplantation will be evaluated. Incidence of acute rejection episodes, and the number and severity of infections (analyzed by means of C-reactive protein) within the first year after transplantation will be monitored as well. As a secondary endpoint the influence of vitamin D3on bone mineral density within the first year post-transplant will be assessed. Three DXA analyses will be performed, one within the first four weeks post-transplant, one five months and one twelve months after kidney transplantation.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00752401
Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) suppresses metastastic potential of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhang Shuhong , Li Jianfeng , Jiang Ying , Xu Yijun , Qin Chengyong 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy with high rate of metastasis and poor prognosis. There are no effective managements to block metastasis of HCC. Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) is found to be a tumor transformation suppressor. Among investigations on effects of PDCD4, little is about the metastatic potentials of HCC cells. This study was to investigate the role of PDCD4 on metastatic potential of human HCC cells.MethodsWe examined the expression of PDCD4 in three HCC cell lines with different metastatic potentials, MHCC-97H (high metastatic potential), MHCC-97L (low metastatic potential) and Hep3B (no metastatic potential). A plasmid encoding PDCD4 gene was constructed and then transfected into HCC cells with the lowest PDCD4 expression level. Effects of PDCD4 on cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, gene expression of metastasis tumor antigen 1 (MTA1) and in vitro migration and invasion capacity were assessed after transfection.ResultsOur results showed that the expression level of PDCD4 was inversely correlated to the metastatic potential of HCC cells. After transfection with the PDCD4 gene, HCC cell proliferation rate was significantly decreased, cell apoptosis rate was significantly increased, the expression of MTA1 gene, HCC cell migration and Matrigel invasion were also remarkably inhibited.ConclusionPDCD4 expression is inversely correlated to the metastatic potential of HCC cells. PDCD4 can effectively suppress the metastatic potential of HCC cells.
The Cell Cycle Ontology: an application ontology for the representation and integrated analysis of the cell cycle process
Authors: Antezana Erick , Egaña Mikel , Blondé Ward , Illarramendi Aitzol , Bilbao Iñaki , De Baets Bernard , Stevens Robert , Mironov Vladimir , Kuiper Martin 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe Cell Cycle Ontology (http://www.CellCycleOntology.org) is an application ontology that automatically captures and integrates detailed knowledge on the cell cycle process. Cell Cycle Ontology is enabled by semantic web technologies, and is accessible via the web for browsing, visualizing, advanced querying, and computational reasoning. Cell Cycle Ontology facilitates a detailed analysis of cell cycle-related molecular network components. Through querying and automated reasoning, it may provide new hypotheses to help steer a systems biology approach to biological network building.
Antidepressant-induced jitteriness/anxiety syndrome: systematic
review
Authors: Sinclair Lindsey I. , Christmas David M. , Hood Sean D. , Potokar John P. , Robertson Andrea , Isaac Andrew , Srivastava Shrikant , Nutt David J. , Davies Simon J. C. 
Published: May 2009

BackgroundEarly worsening of anxiety, agitation and irritability are thought to be
common among people commencing antidepressants, especially for anxiety
disorders. This phenomenon, which may be termed jitteriness/anxiety
syndrome, is cited as an explanation for early treatment failure and
caution in using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
However, we believe that it is inconsistently defined and that robust
evidence to support the phenomenon is lacking.AimsTo review systematically all evidence relating to jitteriness/ anxiety
syndrome to identify: constituent symptoms; medications implicated;
disorders in which it was reported; incidence; time course; management
strategies; relationship of this syndrome to therapeutic response;
distinction between syndrome and akathisia; relationship between syndrome
and suicide; and genetic predispositions.MethodA systematic search identified articles and these were included in the
review if they addressed one of the above aspects of jitteriness/anxiety
syndrome.ResultsOf 245 articles identified, 107 articles were included for review. No
validated rating scales for jitteriness/anxiety syndrome were identified.
There was no robust evidence that the incidence differed between SSRIs
and tricyclic antidepressants, or that there was a higher incidence in
anxiety disorders. Published incidence rates varied widely from 4 to 65%
of people commencing antidepressant treatment. Common treatment
strategies for this syndrome included a slower titration of
antidepressant and the addition of benzodiazepines. Conclusive evidence
for the efficacy of these strategies is lacking. There was conflicting
and inconclusive evidence as to whether the emergence of this syndrome
had a predictive value on the response to treatment. It appears to be a
separate syndrome from akathisia, but evidence for this assertion was
limited. The effect of jitteriness/anxiety syndrome on suicide rates has
not been evaluated. Three studies examined genetic variations and
side-effects from treatment, but none was specifically designed to assess
jitteriness/anxiety syndrome.ConclusionsJitteriness/anxiety syndrome remains poorly characterised. Despite this,
clinicians' perception of this syndrome influences prescribing and it is
cited to support postulated mechanisms of drug action. We recommend
systematised evaluation of side-effects at earlier time points in
antidepressant trials to further elucidate this clinically important
syndrome.
The independent effect of added mass on the stability of the sagittal plane leg kinematics during steady-state human walking
Authors: Arellano Christopher J. , O'Connor Daniel P. , Layne Charles , Kurz Max J. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARY
This study investigated the independent effect of added mass on the stability of the leg kinematics during human walking. We reasoned that adding mass would influence the body's inertial state and thus challenge the ability of the leg to redirect and accelerate the total mass of the body while walking. We hypothesized that walking with added mass would reduce the stability of the leg kinematics. Lower extremity sagittal plane joint kinematics were recorded for 23 subjects as they walked on a treadmill at their preferred speed with and without added mass. The total mass of each subject was manipulated with combinations of simulated reduced gravity and added load. The stability of the leg kinematics was evaluated by computing the eigenvalues of the Poincaré map (i.e. Floquet analysis) that defined the position and velocity of the right hip, knee and ankle at heel-contact and mid-swing. Significant differences in stability were found between the various added mass conditions (P=0.040) and instant in the gait cycle(P=0.001). Post-hoc analysis revealed that walking with 30%added mass compromised the stability of the leg kinematics compared with walking without additional mass (P=0.031). In addition, greater instability was detected at the instance of heel-contact compared with mid-swing (P=0.001). Our results reveal that walking with added mass gives rise to greater disturbances in the leg kinematics, and may be related to the redirection and acceleration of the body throughout the gait cycle. Walking with added mass reduces the stability of the leg kinematics and possibly the overall balance of the walking pattern.
Identification of a novel sodium-dependent fructose transport activity in the hepatopancreas of the Atlantic lobsterHomarus americanus
Authors: Sterling Kenneth M. , Cheeseman Christopher I. , Ahearn Gregory A. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARY[3H]Fructose and [3H]glucose transport were determined in brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV), basolateral membrane vesicles (BLMV) and isolated cells (E, R, F, B) of H. americanus(Atlantic lobster) hepatopancreas. Glucose transport in BBMV was equilibrative in the absence of sodium and concentrative in the presence of sodium. Sodium-dependent glucose transport by BBMV was not inhibited by a tenfold molar excess of fructose. Glucose transport by BLMV was equilibrative and sodium independent. Fructose uptake by BBMV and BLMV was equilibrative in the absence of sodium and concentrative in the presence of sodium. This enhancement was not affected by a tenfold molar excess of glucose in the presence of sodium. E-, F- and B-cells showed sodium-dependent uptake of fructose, while R-cells did not. Sodium-dependent fructose uptake by E-cells was not inhibited by a tenfold molar excess of glucose or mannose. Western blot analysis of BBMV, BLMV and E-, R-, F- and B-cells using rabbit polyclonal antibodies directed against epitopes of mammalian GLUT2, GLUT5, SGLT1 and SGLT4 indicated the presence of cross-reacting lobster proteins. Sequence alignment of the mammalian proteins with translated, lobster expressed sequence tags also indicated significant identity between species. Comparison of fructose and glucose uptake in the absence and presence of sodium by BBMV,BLMV and isolated cells indicated the presence of a distinct sodium-dependent transport activity for each sugar in the Atlantic lobster.
Is testosterone immunosuppressive in a condition-dependent manner? An experimental test in blue tits
Authors: Roberts Mark , Peters Anne 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYIn this experiment we manipulated testosterone (T) and condition in juvenile male blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) during the moult, to test whether T's supposed immunosuppressive qualities are condition-dependent. To achieve this, we used T and control implants in combination with a dietary manipulation. We measured responses to both phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and humoral immune challenges during the period of the treatments (moult) and also in the following breeding season (spring). During moult, males fed the enhanced diet were in better condition but there was no difference in humoral response between the dietary groups. T males produced a greater humoral antibody response than control (C) males. In the spring, males that had been previously treated with high T again exhibited higher antibody responses than C males. High T levels during moult were associated with a low PHA response but only in males with low body mass: heavier males that had high T exhibited the highest PHA responses. In the spring, the pattern of PHA responses was reversed; responses were highest in males that had low body mass but also had high T levels, and the lowest responses were by males that had both high T and were relatively heavy. Our results suggest that the effects of T on immunity can be either immunoenhancing or immunosuppressive, depending upon the condition of the individual, its life history stage, as well as on the immune challenge employed.
Set Oriented Construction of Globally Optimal ControllersMengenorientierte Konstruktion global optimaler Regler
Authors: Grüne Lars , Junge Oliver 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Recently, techniques for the design of optimal controllers have been developed which are based on a piecewise constant approximation of the value function of the underlying optimal control problem. They combine ideas from set oriented numerics with shortest path algorithms from graph theory. The approach is particularly well suited for problems with highly irregular value function, complicated state constraints and naturally handles hybrid systems. In this contribution, we give an overview of the approach and illustrate it by several numerical examples.
Investigation of prolactin-related vasoinhibin in sera from patients with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Triebel Jakob , Huefner Michael , Ramadori Giuliano 
Published: May 2009

ObjectiveIn vitro experiments and in vivo studies on rodents demonstrate that N-terminal 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 kDa fragments prolactin-related vasoinhibin (PRL-V) of human PRL are natural inhibitors of neovascularization in the retina and elsewhere. These N-terminal PRL fragments belong to a family of peptides named vasoinhibins, which act as endogenous regulators of angiogenesis and vascular function. These observations led to the hypothesis that PRL-V could play a role in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy in humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether patients with diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy have aberrant concentrations of PRL-V in the circulating blood.Research designWe performed a case–control study and developed a new technique to semi-quantitatively determine PRL-V in serum samples from 48 male subjects. The case group consisted of 21 patients with diabetes mellitus and proliferative or non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The control group consisted of 27 healthy subjects with no history of diabetes mellitus.MethodsFor the detection of PRL-V, we developed a new analytical method, consisting of immunologic and laser-induced fluorescence techniques.ResultsThe case group had significantly lower PRL-V serum concentrations than the control group (P=0.041). There was no significant difference between patients with proliferative and those with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.ConclusionWe conclude that given the antiangiogenic and antivasopermeability actions of PRL-V, the decreased serum levels of PRL-V in patients with diabetes mellitus could contribute to the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Soil acidification as a confounding factor on metal phytotoxicity in soils spiked with copper-rich mine wastes
Authors: Ginocchio Rosanna , de la Fuente Luz María , Sánchez Pablo , Bustamante Elena , Silva Yasna , Urrestarazu Paola , Rodríguez Patricio H. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Pollution of soil with mine wastes results in both Cu enrichment and soil acidification. This confounding effect may be very important in terms of phytotoxicity, because pH is a key parameter influencing Cu solubility in soil solution. Laboratory toxicity tests were used to assess the effect of acidification by acidic mine wastes on Cu solubility and on root elongation of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Three contrasting substrates (two soils and a commercial sand) and two acidic, Cu-rich mine wastes (oxidized tailings [OxT] and smelter dust [SmD]) were selected as experimental materials. Substrates were spiked with a fixed amount of either SmD or OxT, and the pH of experimental mixtures was then modified in the range of 4.0 to 6.0 and 7.0 using PIPES (piperazine-1,4-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid)), MES (2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid), and MOPS (3-(N-Morpholino)-propanesulfonic acid) buffers. Chemical (pore-water Cu and pH) and toxicological (root length of barley plants) parameters were determined for experimental mixtures. Addition of SmD and OxT to substrates resulted in acidification (0.11–1.16 pH units) and high levels of soluble Cu and Zn. Neutralization of experimental mixtures with MES (pH 6.0) and MOPS (pH 7.0) buffers resulted in a marked decrease in soluble Cu and Zn, but the intensity of the effect was substrate-dependent. Adjustment of soil pH above the range normally considered to be toxic to plants (pH in water extract, &gt;5.5) significantly reduced metal toxicity in barley, but phytotoxicity was not completely eliminated. The present results stress the importance of considering confounding effects on derivation of toxicity thresholds to plants when using laboratory phytotoxicity tests.
The Incremental Value of Troponin Biomarkers in Risk Stratification of Acute Coronary Syndromes: Is the Relationship Multiplicative?
Authors: Amin Amit P , Nathan Sandeep , Vassallo Patricia , Calvin James E 
Published: May 2009

Structured Abstract

Objective:
To emphasize the importance of troponin in the context of a new score for risk stratifying acute coronary syndromes (ACS) patients. Although troponins have powerful prognostic value, current ACS scores do not fully capitalize this prognostic ability. Here, we weigh troponin status in a multiplicative manner to develop the TRACS score from previously published Rush score risk factors (RRF).

Methods:
2,866 ACS patients (46.7% troponin positive) from 9 centers comprising the TRACS registry, were randomly split into derivation (n=1,422) and validation (n=1,444) cohorts. In the derivation sample, RRF sum was multiplied by 3 if troponins were positive to yield the TRACS score, which was grouped into five categories of 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-15 (multiples of 3). Predictive performance of this score to predict hospital death was ascertained in the validation sample.

Results:
The TRACS score had ROC AUC of 0.71 in the validation cohort. Logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis, likelihood-ratio and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) test indicated that weighing troponin status with 3 in the TRACS score improved the prediction of mortality. Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated sound model fit.

Conclusions:
We demonstrate that weighing troponin as a multiple of 3 yields robust prognostication of hospital mortality in ACS patients, when used in the context of the TRACS score.
Reliability of Traditional Cephalometric Landmarks as Seen in Three-Dimensional Analysis in Maxillary Expansion Treatments
Authors: Lagravère Manuel O. , Gordon Jillian M. , Guedes Ines H. , Flores-Mir Carlos , Carey Jason P. , Heo Giseon , Major Paul W. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability of 3D CBCT-generated landmarks previously used in traditional 2D cephalometry.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four CBCTs NewTom 3G (Aperio Services, Verona, Italy) were randomly selected from patients participating in a clinical trial involving maxillary expansion treatments. The principal investigator located the landmarks five times, and four other investigators located the same landmarks once. Intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability values were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). To assist in interpretation of the clinical significance of landmark identification differences, average mean differences for x, y, and z landmark coordinates were determined from the repeated assessments. Landmarks then were separated into groups with respect to the region they represented and then were compared via repeated measures ANOVA and multiple comparisons via Bonferroni corrected α.
Results: Intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability for x, y, and z coordinates for all landmarks were acceptable, all being greater than 0.80. Most of the mean measurement differences obtained from trials within the principal investigator in all three axes were less than 1.5 mm. Inter-examiner mean measurement differences generally were larger than the intra-examiner differences.
Conclusions: Based on this, the best landmarks for use in verifying expansion treatment results are Ekm, buccal surface, and apexes of upper molars, upper premolars and upper canines, and buccal surfaces of lower molars and lower canines. Foramen Spinosum, ELSA, Auditory External Meatus, and Dorsum Foramen Magnum demonstrated adequate reliability for determining a standardized reference system.
Orthodontic Treatment of Malocclusion Improves Impaired Skillfulness of Masticatory Jaw Movements
Authors: Tome Wakako , Yashiro Kohtaro , Takada Kenji 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Objective: To investigate whether individuals with malocclusion show less skillfulness, as represented by kinematic parameters that characterize masticatory jaw movement, compared with those having normal occlusion and, if so, to examine whether more skilled movements are achieved after completion of orthodontic treatment.
Materials and Methods: Lower incisor point movement in space during gum chewing was recorded, and the kinematic traits of such movement were compared among four subject groups: a Control Group (36 females with good occlusion), a Malocclusion Group (24 females with dental malocclusions), an Extraction Group (31 females who had received orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction) and a Nonextraction Group (27 females who had been treated orthodontically without tooth extraction). Before treatment, all subjects in the three experimental groups exhibited dental malocclusions and skeletal class I jaw-base relationship.
Results: Compared with the Malocclusion Group, the lower normalized jerk-cost, the shorter phase durations, the more symmetric property of the velocity profile, and the smaller variance of lateral jaw-closing trajectories near the tooth intercuspation position were determined in the Extraction Group and the Nonextraction Group as well as in the Control Group.
Conclusions: As measured by kinematic parameters such as normalized jerk-costs, velocity profile, and variance of movement trajectories near the endpoint of movement, dental malocclusions were associated with significantly lower skillfulness of masticatory jaw motion, whereas good occlusion and orthodontically improved occlusion (either with or without premolar extraction) were both associated with more skillful motion.