bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myrtenal ameliorates diethylnitrosamine‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis through the activation of tumor suppressor protein p53 and regulation of lysosomal and mitochondrial enzymes
Authors: Lingaiah Hari Babu , Natarajan Nandakumar , Thamaraiselvan Rengarajan , Srinivasan Perumal , Periyasamy Balasubramanian Maruthaiveeran 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMyrtenal is a novel class of compound belongs to monoterpenes found predominantly in mint, pepper, etc., and it was shown to have excellent pharmacological activities against many diseases among which cancer is imperative. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary malignancy of the hepatocytes, which rapidly leads to death in short periods. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible therapeutic efficiency of myrtenal against diethylnitrosamine‐induced experimental hepatocarcinogenesis by analyzing the key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, lysosomal and mitochondrial TCA cycle enzymes, and also the possible role of tumor suppressor protein p53, and scanning electron microscopic studies. The results revealed that myrtenal significantly ameliorated the altered enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, lysosomal and mitochondrial enzymes, and interestingly the tumor suppressor protein p53 was found to be significantly accumulated in myrtenal‐treated animals, which inevitably confirms that myrtenal has a prominent role in preventing the liver cancer during treatment. Furthermore, the antineoplastic property was well evidenced by the mRNA expression of p53 protein by the reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analysis. The observed anticancer property of myrtenal may be due to the involvement and expression of p53 and influence in the mitochondrial and lysosomal membrane integrity and also interference in the gluconeogenesis process of cancer cells. Our results suggest that myrtenal is very efficient and useful compound in the treatment of liver cancer in future.
Effect of Alfacalcidol Therapy on the Survival of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ogawa Mariko , Ogawa Tetsuya , Inoue Tomoko , Otsuka Kuniaki , Nitta Kosaku 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the relationship between alfacalcidol therapy and the outcomes of chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. We collected demographic and clinical baseline data from 190 prevalent HD patients in a regional Japanese cohort. A 5‐year survival analysis was performed according to whether the patients were receiving calcitriol analog therapy. Alfacalcidol therapy at a mean dose of 5.2 ± 1.8 µg/week was performed in 89 (46.8%) of the 190 patients. We recorded 38 deaths during the follow‐up period, including 19 deaths from cardiovascular events. A Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that the alfacalcidol users had a significantly lower rate of all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality than the non‐users. According to a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, in addition to the use of alfacalcidol (HR=0.347 [0.155–0.714]; P = 0.0035), serum CRP levels (HR= 1.746 [1.184–2.442]; P = 0.0071) and non‐HDL‐cholesterol levels (HR=1.012 [1.001–1.022]; P = 0.0267) were identified as independent predictors of all‐cause mortality, and the presence of diabetes mellitus (HR=3.720 [1.182–12.398]; P = 0.0246) was identified as an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. These findings suggest that low‐dose alfacalcidol therapy provides a survival advantage to chronic HD patients.
Clinical assessment and postrelease monitoring of 11 mass stranded dolphins on Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Authors: Sampson Kate , Merigo Constance , Lagueux Kerry , Rice James , Cooper Robert , Weber III E. Scott , Kass Philip , Mandelman John , Innis Charles 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe health, postrelease movements, and behavior of mass stranded Atlantic white‐sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) and short‐beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, were evaluated. Health was assessed through physical examination and blood analysis. Eleven dolphins (eight white‐sided dolphins and three common dolphins) were relocated, outfitted with satellite transmitters, and released during seven mass stranding events. Five transmitters recorded only location, and six also included a time‐depth recorder. Transmission duration ranged from 8 h to 218 d, with a mean of 117 d (median = 118 d, SD = 82 d), after release. All dolphins demonstrated extensive movement throughout the Gulf of Maine. The distribution of tagged dolphins was considered normal based on comparisons with published data for these species. Excluding the dolphin that transmitted for only 8 h, mean minimum speeds for individual dolphins ranged from 3.4 to 6.6 km/h; overall mean for all dolphins was 5.4 km/h (SD = 0.9 km/h). The five dolphins with time‐depth recorders had mean dive depths of 8.6–40.3 m and mean dive durations of 46–296 s. Hematologic and biochemical data revealed only minor abnormalities. Data suggest that at least 10 of the 11 dolphins were likely successfully reintroduced into the wild.
Oral health trends in Maryland
Authors: Vargas Clemencia M. , Casper Jane S. , Altema‐Johnson Daphene , Kolasny Catherine R. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectives: This paper describes the trends in oral health in Maryland over the past decade.Methods: Data were compiled from several surveillance systems and then summarized to assess the trends in oral health in Maryland over the past ten years.Results: The percentage of Maryland children with dental sealants increased from 33.8 to 42.8 percent; the percentage of children that have had a dental visit increased from 18.9 to 47.5 percent; and the percentage of children that received “dental treatment” increased from 8.4 to 22.4 percent.Conclusions: Maryland has made considerable progress in improving the oral health care for children covered by Medicaid. The availability of affordable oral health care for new mothers, adults, and elderly persons is a problem that goes beyond the Maryland boundaries. Following national trends, edentulism and deaths due to oral cancer have declined.
Evaluation of clinically significant adverse events in patients discharged from a tertiary-care emergency department in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Lee-Min , How Chorng-Kuang , Yang Ming-Chin , Su Syi , Chern Chii-Hwa 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveTo investigate the reasons for the occurrence of clinically significant adverse events (CSAEs) in emergency department-discharged patients through emergency physicians' (EPs) subjective reasoning and senior EPs' objective evaluation.DesignThis was a combined prospective follow-up and retrospective review of cases of consecutive adult non-traumatic patients who presented to a tertiary-care emergency department in Taiwan between 1 September 2005 and 31 July 2006. Data were extracted from ‘on-duty EPs' subjective reasoning for discharging patients with CSAEs (study group) and without CSAEs (control group)’ and ‘objective evaluation of CSAEs by senior EPs, using clinical evidences such as recording history, physical examinations, laboratory/radiological examinations and observation of inadequacies in the basic management process (such as recording history, physical examinations, laboratory/radiological examinations and observation) as the guide’. Subjective reasons for discharging patients’ improvement of symptoms, and the certainty of safety of the discharge were compared in the two groups using χ2statistics or t test.ResultsOf the 20 512 discharged cases, there were 1370 return visits (6.7%, 95% CI 6.3% to 7%) and 165 CSAEs due to physicians' factors (0.82%, 95% CI 0.75% to 0.95%). In comparisons between the study group and the control group, only some components of discharge reasoning showed a significant difference (p<0.001). Inadequacies in the basic management process were the main cause of CSAEs (164/165).ConclusionThe authors recommended that EP follow-up of the basic management processes (including history record, physical examination, laboratory and radiological examinations, clinical symptoms/signs and treatment) using clinical evidence as a guideline should be made mandatory.
Effectiveness of micro- and macro-level intervention at times of economic crisis
Authors: Makaros Ayelet , Itzhaky Haya 
Published: March 2012

• : The aim of the study was to examine perceptions of micro- and macro-level role effectiveness and the factors that contribute to those perceptions among social workers in rural communities that are undergoing an economic crisis. We also examined the correlations between these perceptions and various components of social workers’ role behavior, as well as social workers’ sense of empowerment and personal characteristics. This was a quantitative study, which was conducted among a sample of 149 social workers in Israel. • : The contribution of components of role behavior to enhancing social workers’ levels of perceived role effectiveness was highest, whereas sense of empowerment and personal variables contributed less. Moreover, information gathering contributed to perceptions of effectiveness at both the micro- and macro-levels, whereas guidance and community roles contributed to perceived effectiveness only at the macro-level. • : The contribution of the study lies in the identification of social workers’ roles at times of economic crisis. Moreover, the findings highlight the importance of investing in empowerment of social workers. We believe the results can be generalized to other communities in crisis.
Effects of fatty acid activation on photosynthetic production of fatty acid-based biofuels in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Gao Qianqian , Wang Weihua , Zhao Hui , Lu Xuefeng 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Direct conversion of solar energy and carbon dioxide to drop in fuel molecules in a single biological system can be achieved from fatty acid-based biofuels such as fatty alcohols and alkanes. These molecules have similar properties to fossil fuels but can be produced by photosynthetic cyanobacteria.

Results

Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 mutant strains containing either overexpression or deletion of the slr1609 gene, which encodes an acyl-ACP synthetase (AAS), have been constructed. The complete segregation and deletion in all mutant strains was confirmed by PCR analysis. Blocking fatty acid activation by deleting slr1609 gene in wild-type Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 led to a doubling of the amount of free fatty acids and a decrease of alkane production by up to 90 percent. Overexpression of slr1609 gene in the wild-type Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 had no effect on the production of either free fatty acids or alkanes. Overexpression or deletion of slr1609 gene in the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 mutant strain with the capability of making fatty alcohols by genetically introducing fatty acyl-CoA reductase respectively enhanced or reduced fatty alcohol production by 60 percent.

Conclusions
Fatty acid activation functionalized by the slr1609 gene is metabolically crucial for biosynthesis of fatty acid derivatives in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. It is necessary but not sufficient for efficient production of alkanes. Fatty alcohol production can be significantly improved by the overexpression of slr1609 gene.
Active echolocation beam focusing in the false killer whale, Pseudorca crassidens
Authors: Kloepper Laura N. , Nachtigall Paul E. , Donahue Megan J. , Breese Marlee 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARY
The odontocete sound production system is highly complex and produces intense, directional signals that are thought to be focused by the melon and the air sacs. Because odontocete echolocation signals are variable and the emitted click frequency greatly affects the echolocation beam shape, investigations of beam focusing must account for frequency-related beam changes. In this study we tested whether the echolocation beam of a false killer whale changed depending on target difficulty and distance while also accounting for frequency-related changes in the echolocation beam. The data indicate that the false killer whale changes its beam size according to target distance and difficulty, which may be a strategy of maximizing the energy of the target echo. We propose that the animal is using a strategy of changing the focal region according to target distance and that this strategy is under active control.
The Restricted-Subduced-Cycle-Index (RSCI) Method for Symmetry-Itemized Enumeration of Kekulé Structures and Its Application to Fullerene C60
Authors: Fujita Shinsaku 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The restricted-subduced-cycle-index (RSCI) method for symmetry-itemized enumeration of Kekulé structures has been developed as an extension of the unit-subduced-cycle-index (USCI) approach (S. Fujita, “Symmetry and Combinatorial Enumeration in Chemistry,” Springer-Verlag, 1991). In the RSCI method, such Kekulé structures are considered to be generated by edge substitution of a skeleton under a restricted condition that no selected edges have a common vertex. The restricted condition is formulated by means of the concept of territory indicators and territory discriminants, by which subduced cycle indices (SCIs) derived from unit subduced cycle indices (USCIs) are converted into restricted subduced cycle indices (RSCIs). The resulting RSCIs are used to evaluate marks (numbers of fixed points) in place of the SCIs used in the USCI approach, so that the numbers of Kekulé structures are calculated in a symmetry-itemized fashion. Moreover, the resulting data of enumeration are used to draw respective Kekulé structures by means of orbit indicators and edge indicators. The application of the RSCI method to fullerene C60 of Ih-symmetry is discussed in detail.
Endovascular treatment of eight renal artery aneurysms
Authors: Abdel-Kerim Amr , Cassagnes Lucie , Alfidja Agaicha , Gageanu Cristian , Favrolt Gregory , Dumousset Eric , Ravel Anne , Boyer Louis , Chabrot Pascal 
Published: March 2012

Background Renal artery aneurysms (RAA) are a relatively rare vascular entity. Treatment could be either surgical or via an endovascular route. The main aim of therapy is to prevent lethal rupture. Purpose To evaluate the angiographic and clinical results after endovascular treatment (EVT) of eight renal artery aneurysms. Material and Methods From January 2000 to June 2011, 18 patients presented with 18 renal artery aneurysms. One was classified as Rundback type I, 15 were type II, and two aneurysms were type III. Endovascular treatment was considered unsafe in 10 cases (all were Rundback type II), and were referred to surgery. The remaining eight aneurysms were treated endovascularly during altogether nine sessions. Among these, four patients were asymptomatic, three were hypertensive, and one presented with ipsilateral flank pains. Aneurysmal sac diameter varied between 12 and 50 mm. EVT included selective coil embolization in five cases, covered stents in two cases, and parent artery occlusion in one. Results Follow-up with CT angiography was obtained in all endovascularly treated aneurysms (range 6–54 months, mean 15 months). Complete durable occlusion was achieved in all aneurysms except one, which showed re-expansion after 20 months and was retreated with covered stent implantation. Clinically silent, branch occlusion occurred after four procedures with subsequent limited (less than 25%) ischemic parenchymal loss. All patients were discharged with preserved renal function. Clinical improvement was noted in all symptomatic patients. Conclusion Endovascular treatment of renal artery aneurysms is an adequate treatment and can be proposed, if feasible, as first step.
The value of early second trimester PAPP-A and ADAM12 in screening for pre-eclampsia
Authors: Bestwick Jonathan P , George Lynne M , Wu Tiesheng , Morris Joan K , Wald Nicholas J 
Published: March 2012

Objective To estimate the pre-eclampsia screening performance of PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A) and ADAM12 (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 12) in the early second trimester of pregnancy. Methods Stored frozen serum samples from a previously published nested case-control study comprising 77 women who developed pre-eclampsia and 224 unaffected controls were thawed and assayed for PAPP-A and ADAM12. Levels were converted into multiple of the unaffected median (MoM) values. Results Neither PAPP-A or ADAM12 were significantly different in women who developed pre-eclamspia compared with unaffected controls (PAPP-A: 0.97 MoM [95% confidence interval 0.73 to 1.25], ADAM12: 1.01 MoM [0.91 to 1.13]). Conclusion Our results do not support the use of PAPP-A or ADAM12 in early second trimester antenatal screening for pre-eclampsia
Roflumilast: A Novel Treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Reid Debra J , Pham Nga T 
Published: March 2012

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of roflumilast, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in February 2011 as a treatment to reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations in patients with severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations. Data Sources: Literature was retrieved through MEDLINE (1977-December 2011), using the terms roflumilast and COPD. In addition, US government Web sites, including clinicaltrials.gov and fda.gov, were reviewed for pertinent information. Lastly, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles published in English identified from the data sources were evaluated. For the evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety, only Phase 3 studies were included. Data Synthesis: Limited treatment options are available for patients with moderate-to-severe COPD and repeated exacerbations. In 6 published Phase 3 trials to date, roflumilast 500 μg daily exhibited modest improvements in lung function, measured by pre- and postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and reduced rates of moderate and severe exacerbations. Roflumilast was generally well tolerated, with diarrhea, nausea, and headache the most common adverse events seen in clinical trials, although it has also been associated with an increased risk of neuropsychiatric abnormalities and dose-limiting weight loss. The greatest benefit seen with roflumilast was among patients with moderate-to-severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis along with a recent history of exacerbations. The benefits were demonstrated with monotherapy and in combination with long-acting β2-agonists or anticholinergic agents. Conclusions: Despite its only modest benefits in improving lung function and reducing exacerbation rates, roflumilast serves as a safe and effective option in the treatment of COPD.
Sex-specific young adult reference ranges for sex hormone concentrations measured on the Siemens ADVIA Centaur/Geschlechtsspezifische Referenzbereiche für Sexualhormonkonzentrationen junger Erwachsener gemessen auf dem Siemens ADVIA Centaur
Authors: Hannemann Anke , Friedrich Nele , Spielhagen Christin , Nauck Matthias , Haring Robin 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe present study aims to determine reference ranges for sex hormone concentrations measured on the Siemens ADVIA CentaurThe study sample consisted of 1638 individuals (814 men and 824 women) aged 18–60 years with measured serum concentrations of total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). Values for free testosterone (free T) and free androgen index (FAI) were calculated. Sex- and age-specific (18 to <25, 25 to <35, 35 to <45, and ≥45 years) reference ranges for these sex hormones were determined using quantile regression models for each sex hormone separately.Sex hormone reference ranges were determined across each single year of age separately for men (TT: 5.60–29.58 nmol/L, SHBG: 17.65–73.64 nmol/L, DHEAS: 0.96–4.43 mg/L, free T: 0.10–0.51 nmol/L, and FAI: 15.04–70.37 nmol/L) and women (TT: 0.77–2.85 nmol/L, SHBG: 27.06–262.76 nmol/L, DHEAS: 0.50–3.15 mg/L, free T: 0.005–0.05 nmol/L, and FAI: 0.51–8.30 nmol/L), respectively.
Neugeborenenscreening auf Endokrinopathien und Stoffwechselstörungen/Newborn screening for endocrine and metabolic disorders
Authors: Müller Cornelia 
Published: March 2012

ZusammenfassungDas Neugeborenenscreening in Deutschland umfasst zurzeit die Suche nach zwei Endokrinopathien und 12 Stoffwechselerkrankungen. Die beiden häufigsten endokrinen Störungen im Kindesalter, primäre angeborener Hypothyreose und klassisches Adrenogenitales Syndrom, werden durch die Bestimmung von TSH und 17-OH-P detektiert. Weiterhin wird mittels Tandem-Massenspektrometrie nach Erkrankungen im Bereich des Aminosäurenstoffwechsels, der Fettsäurenoxidation und der Organoacidurien gesucht. Die Probennahme erfolgt optimal am 3. Lebenstag, wobei Fersen-oder Venenblut ohne Zusätze auf Filterpapier getropft wird, nach dem Trocknen muss die Probenkarte unverzüglich an das Screeninglabor geschickt werden. Korrekte Präanalytik, umgehender Postversand, schnelle Bearbeitung der Analysen, unverzügliche Konfirmationsdiagnostik und die Behandlung durch Endokrinologen bzw. Stoffwechselspezialisten sind Vorraussetzungen für ein erfolgreiches Neugeborenenscreening.
Effect of Chemical and Mechanical Degradation on Surface Roughness of Three Glass Ionomers and a Nanofilled Resin Composite
Authors: Carvalho FG , Sampaio CS , Fucio SBP , Carlo HL , Correr-Sobrinho L , Puppin-Rontani RM 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARY
Nanofillers have been incorporated into glass ionomer (GI) restorative materials to improve their mechanical and surface properties. The aim of this present laboratory study was to compare the superficial roughness (Ra) of nanofilled GI (Ketac N100) with that of conventional GI (Fuji IX GP), resin-modified GI (Vitremer), and a nanofilled resin composite (Filtek Supreme) after pH cycling and toothbrush abrasion. Ten specimens of each material were made using Teflon molds, which were polished using aluminum-oxide abrasive disks. Three measurements of Ra were made of each specimen to serve as baseline values. The specimens were submitted to pH cycling for 10 days in a demineralization solution for six hours (pH 4.3) and were then stored in remineralization solution for 18 hours (pH 7.0). Ra measurements were recorded after the pH cycling. Specimens were then submitted to toothbrush abrasion in a brushing machine with a 200g load for 30,000 cycles at 250 cycles/min. The Ra values were then recorded. The surface morphology of specimens from each group was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance, Tukey, and t-tests. After toothbrushing, only Fuji IX GP (1.10 ± 0.80) showed Ra values that were statistically different from those of the other materials evaluated. Ketac N100 (0.68 ± 0.16) showed intermediate Ra values, but it did not differ statistically from the results associated with Vitremer (1.04 ± 0.46) and Filtek (0.30 ± 0.15). Ketac N100 showed intermediate values of superficial roughness among the conventional glass ionomer cement, resin-modified glass ionomer cements, and the nanofilled resin after chemical and mechanical degradation.