bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TIMP3 Is Reduced in Atherosclerotic Plaques From Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes and Increased by SirT1
Authors: Cardellini Marina , Menghini Rossella , Martelli Eugenio , Casagrande Viviana , Marino Arianna , Rizza Stefano , Porzio Ottavia , Mauriello Alessandro , Solini Anna , Ippoliti Arnaldo , Lauro Renato , Folli Franco , Federici Massimo 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE
Atherosclerosis is accelerated in subjects with type 2 diabetes by unknown mechanisms. We identified tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3), the endogenous inhibitor of A disintegrin and metalloprotease domain 17 (ADAM17) and other matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), as a gene modifier for insulin resistance and vascular inflammation in mice. We tested its association with atherosclerosis in subjects with type 2 diabetes and identified Sirtuin 1 (SirT1) as a major regulator of TIMP3 expression.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We investigated ADAM10, ADAM17, MMP9, TIMP1, TIMP2, TIMP3, and TIMP4 expression levels in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques (n = 60) from subjects with and without diabetes. Human vascular smooth muscle cells exposed to several metabolic stimuli were used to identify regulators of TIMP3 expression. SirT1 small interference RNA, cDNA, and TIMP3 promoter gene reporter were used to study SirT1-dependent regulation of TIMP3.

RESULTS
Here, we show that in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques, TIMP3 was significantly reduced in subjects with type 2 diabetes, leading to ADAM17 and MMP9 overactivity. Reduced expression of TIMP3 was associated in vivo with SirT1 levels. In smooth muscle cells, inhibition of SirT1 activity and levels reduced TIMP3 expression, whereas SirT1 overexpression increased TIMP3 promoter activity.

CONCLUSIONS
In atherosclerotic plaques from subjects with type 2 diabetes, the deregulation of ADAM17 and MMP9 activities is related to inadequate expression of TIMP3 via SirT1. Studies in vascular cells confirmed the role of SirT1 in tuning TIMP3 expression.
Intramuscular Lipid Metabolism in the Insulin Resistance of Smoking
Authors: Bergman Bryan C. , Perreault Leigh , Hunerdosse Devon M. , Koehler Mary C. , Samek Ali M. , Eckel Robert H. 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE
Smoking decreases insulin action and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes in humans. Mechanisms responsible for smoking-induced insulin resistance are unclear. We hypothesized smokers would have increased intramuscular triglyceride (IMTG) and diacylglycerol (DAG) concentration and decreased fractional synthesis rate (FSR) compared with nonsmokers.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Nonsmokers (n = 18, aged 20 ± 0.5 years, BMI 22 ± 0.4 kg/m2, body fat 20 ± 2%, 0 cigarettes per day) and smokers (n = 14, aged 21 ± 0.7 years, BMI 23 ± 0.4 kg/m2, body fat 20 ± 3%, 18 ± 0.7 cigarettes per day) were studied in a fasted condition after a standardized diet. [U-13C]palmitate was infused during 4 h of rest followed by a skeletal muscle biopsy and intravenous glucose tolerance test.

RESULTS
Smokers were less insulin sensitive (Si) compared with nonsmokers (Si 5.28 ± 0.5 nonsmokers vs. 3.74 ± 0.3 smokers 10−4 · μU−1 · ml−1, P = 0.03). There were no differences in IMTG or DAG concentration (IMTG 24.2 ± 3.4 nonsmokers vs. 27.2 ± 5.9 smokers μg/mg dry wt, DAG 0.34 ± 0.02 nonsmokers vs. 0.35 ± 0.02 smokers μg/mg dry wt) or IMTG FSR between groups (0.66 ± 0.1 nonsmokers vs. 0.55 ± 0.09 smokers %/hr). Intramuscular lipid composition was different, with increased percent saturation of IMTG (32.1 ± 1.2 nonsmokers vs. 35.2 ± 1.0 smokers %, P = 0.05) and DAG (52.8 ± 1.7 nonsmokers vs. 58.8 ± 2.2 smokers %, P = 0.04) in smokers. Smokers had significantly decreased peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (1.76 ± 0.1 nonsmokers vs. 1.42 ± 0.11 smokers arbitrary units [AU], P = 0.03) and increased monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (3.11 ± 0.41 nonsmokers vs. 4.83 ± 0.54 smokers AU, P = 0.02) mRNA expression compared with nonsmokers. We also found increased insulin receptor substrate-1 Ser636 phosphorylation in smokers compared with nonsmokers (0.73 ± 0.08 nonsmokers vs. 1.14 ± 0.09 smokers AU, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest: 1) IMTG concentration and turnover are not related to alterations in insulin action in smokers compared to nonsmokers, 2) increased saturation of IMTG and DAG in skeletal muscle may be related to insulin action, and 3) basal inhibition of insulin receptor substrate-1 may decrease insulin action in smokers.
Genetic Polymorphism of Metabolic Enzymes P450 (CYP) as a Susceptibility Factor for Drug Response, Toxicity, and Cancer Risk
Authors: Božina Nada , Bradamante Vlasta , Lovrić Mila 
Published: July 2009

Genetic Polymorphism of Metabolic Enzymes P450 (CYP) as a Susceptibility Factor for Drug Response, Toxicity, and Cancer RiskThe polymorphic P450 (CYP) enzyme superfamily is the most important system involved in the biotransformation of many endogenous and exogenous substances including drugs, toxins, and carcinogens. Genotyping forCYPpolymorphisms provides important genetic information that help to understand the effects of xenobiotics on human body. For drug metabolism, the most important polymorphisms are those of the genes coding for CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4/5, which can result in therapeutic failure or severe adverse reactions. Genes coding for CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, and CYP2E1 are among the most responsible for the biotransformation of chemicals, especially for the metabolic activation of pre-carcinogens. There is evidence of association between gene polymorphism and cancer susceptibility. Pathways of carcinogen metabolism are complex, and are mediated by activities of multiple genes, while single genes have a limited impact on cancer risk. Multigenic approach in addition to environmental determinants in large sample studies is crucial for a reliable evaluation of any moderate gene effect. This article brings a review of current knowledge on the relations between the polymorphisms of some CYPs and drug activity/toxicity and cancer risk.
Skin Decontamination with Mineral Cationic Carrier Against Sarin Determined In Vivo
Authors: Vučemilović Ante , Hadžija Mirko , Jukić Ivan 
Published: July 2009

Skin Decontamination with Mineral Cationic Carrier Against Sarin DeterminedIn VivoOur Institute's nuclear, biological, and chemical defense research team continuously investigates and develops preparations for skin decontamination against nerve agents. In thisin vivostudy, we evaluated skin decontamination efficacy against sarin by a synthetic preparation called Mineral Cationic Carrier (MCC®) with known ion exchange, absorption efficacy and bioactive potential. Mice were treated with increasing doses of sarin applied on their skin, and MCC® was administered immediately after contamination. The results showed that decontamination with MCC® could achieve therapeutic efficacy corresponding to 3 x LD50of percutaneous sarin and call for further research.
Rat Serum Carboxylesterase Partly Hydrolyses Gamma-Butyrobetaine Esters
Authors: Bagdonienė Lida , Labeikytė Danutė , Kalviņš Ivars , Borutinskaitė Veronika , Prokofjevs Aleksandrs , Trapencieris Pēteris , Juodka Benediktas , Sjakste Nikolajs 
Published: July 2009

Rat Serum Carboxylesterase Partly Hydrolyses Gamma-Butyrobetaine EstersAlthough described some time ago, gamma-butyrobetaine esters and related compounds have not gained much attention from researchers, and their physiological function remains obscure. Formerly we detected GBB-esterase enzymatic activity in rat blood serum using phenylated gamma-butyrobetaine as an artificial substrate of the enzyme and HPLC. The aim of the present work was to develop an assay that would enable spectrophotometric or colorimetric determination of the reaction products of GBB-esterase activity and to reveal individual proteins performing GBB-esterase activity in rat blood serum. For this purpose gamma-butyrobetaine 1-naphthyl ester was synthesised. Hydrolysis of this ester releases 1-naphthol, which increases the optical absorbance at 322 nm. We have shown that the enzymatic hydrolysis of GBB 1-naphthyl ester to 1-naphthol in rat blood serum is due to GBB-esterase activity. An attempt was done to purify the enzyme from rat blood serum. By combining DEAE Sepharose at pH 4.2 and affinity chromatography with procainamide we achieved a 68-fold enrichment of GBB-esterase activity in our preparations. Separation of fraction proteins in 2D protein electrophoresis with following mass-spectrometry indicated that GBB esterase activity in rat blood serum is performed in part by carboxylesterase.
Biological Effects of Echinacea Purpurea on Human Blood Cells
Authors: Joksić Gordana , Petrović Sandra , Joksić Ivana , Leskovac Andreja 
Published: July 2009

Biological Effects ofEchinacea Purpureaon Human Blood CellsThe aim of this study was to investigate radioprotective properties ofEchinacea purpureatabletsin vivo. We analysed lymphocyte chromosome aberrations (CA), micronuclei (MN), apoptosis of leukocytes and haematological parameters in a group of radiation workers who were identified as carrying dicentric chromosomes in their lymphocytes. All radiation workers were taking two 275 mg Echinacea tabletsb.i.d., according to a pharmacist's recommendation. All parameters were analysed before and after the two-week treatment. At the end of the treatment lymphocyte CA frequency dropped significantly, and the number of apoptotic cells increased. The inverse lymphocyte-to-granulocyte ratio at the beginning of the study changed to normal at its end. In conclusion, biological effects observed after administration ofEchinacea purpureapreparation suggest that it may be beneficial for the prevention of adverse health effects in workers exposed to ionising radiation.
Ensemble Neural Network Approach for Accurate Load Forecasting in a Power System
Authors: Siwek Krzysztof , Osowski Stanisław , Szupiluk Ryszard 
Published: July 2009

Ensemble Neural Network Approach for Accurate Load Forecasting in a Power SystemThe paper presents an improved method for 1-24 hours load forecasting in the power system, integrating and combining different neural forecasting results by an ensemble system. We will integrate the results of partial predictions made by three solutions, out of which one relies on a multilayer perceptron and two others on self-organizing networks of the competitive type. As the expert system we will apply different integration methods: simple averaging, SVD based weighted averaging, principal component analysis and blind source separation. The results of numerical experiments, concerning forecasting the hourly load for the next 24 hours of the Polish power system, will be presented and discussed. We will compare the performance of different ensemble methods on the basis of the mean absolute percentage error, mean squared error and maximum percentage error. They show a significant improvement of the proposed ensemble method in comparison to the individual results of prediction. The comparison of our work with the results of other papers for the same data proves the superiority of our approach.
Decomposition of Vibration Signals into Deterministic and Nondeterministic Components and its Capabilities of Fault Detection and Identification
Authors: Barszcz Tomasz 
Published: July 2009

Decomposition of Vibration Signals into Deterministic and Nondeterministic Components and its Capabilities of Fault Detection and IdentificationThe paper investigates the possibility of decomposing vibration signals into deterministic and nondeterministic parts, based on the Wold theorem. A short description of the theory of adaptive filters is presented. When an adaptive filter uses the delayed version of the input signal as the reference signal, it is possible to divide the signal into a deterministic (gear and shaft related) part and a nondeterministic (noise and rolling bearings) part. The idea of the self-adaptive filter (in the literature referred to as SANC or ALE) is presented and its most important features are discussed. The flowchart of the Matlab-based SANC algorithm is also presented. In practice, bearing fault signals are in fact nondeterministic components, due to a little jitter in their fundamental period. This phenomenon is illustrated using a simple example. The paper proposes a simulation of a signal containing deterministic and nondeterministic components. The self-adaptive filter is then applied—first to the simulated data. Next, the filter is applied to a real vibration signal from a wind turbine with an outer race fault. The necessity of resampling the real signal is discussed. The signal from an actual source has a more complex structure and contains a significant noise component, which requires additional demodulation of the decomposed signal. For both types of signals the proposed SANC filter shows a very good ability to decompose the signal.
Statistical Estimation of the Dynamics of Watershed Dams
Authors: Tabor Zbisław 
Published: July 2009

Statistical Estimation of the Dynamics of Watershed DamsIn the present study the notion of watershed contour dynamics, defined within the framework of mathematical morphology, is examined. It is shown that the dynamics are a direct measure of the "sharpness" of transition between neighboring watershed basins. The expressions for the expected value and the statistical error of the estimation of contour dynamics are derived in the presence of noise, based on extreme value theory. The sensitivity of contour dynamics to noise is studied. A statistical approach to the notion of contour dynamics is developed and a definition of statistical dynamics is proposed.
Factors Associated With Surgeon Referral for Physical Therapy in Patients With Traumatic Lower-Extremity Injury: Results of a National Survey of Orthopedic Trauma Surgeons
Authors: Archer Kristin R. , MacKenzie Ellen J. , Bosse Michael J. , Pollak Andrew N. , Riley Lee H. 
Published: July 2009

BackgroundVariation in referral rates for physical therapy exists at both the individual physician and practice levels.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore the influence of physician and practice characteristics on referral for physical therapy in patients with traumatic lower-extremity injury.DesignA cross-sectional survey was conducted.MethodsIn 2007, a Web-based survey questionnaire was distributed to 474 surgeon members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. The questionnaire measured physician and practice characteristics, outcome expectations, and attitude toward physical therapy. Referral for physical therapy was based on case vignettes.ResultsThe response rate was 58%. Surgeons reported that 57.6% of their patients would have a positive outcome from physical therapy and 24.2% would have a negative outcome. The highest physical therapy expectations were for the appropriate use of assistive devices (80.7%) and improved strength (force-generating capacity) (76.4%). The lowest outcome expectations were for improvements in pain (35.9%), coping with the emotional aspects of disability (44.1%), and improvements in workplace limitations (51.4%). Physicians reported that 32.6% of their patients referred for physical therapy would have no improvement beyond what would occur with a surgeon-directed home exercise program. Multivariate analyses showed positive physician outcome expectations to have the largest effect on referral for physical therapy (odds ratio=2.7, P&lt;.001).ConclusionsThe results suggest that orthopedic trauma surgeons refer patients for physical therapy based mostly on expectations for physical and motor outcomes, but may not be considering pain relief, return to work, and psychosocial aspects of recovery. Furthermore, low referral rates may be attributed to a preference for surgeon-directed home-based rehabilitation. Future research should consider the efficacy of physical therapy for pain, psychosocial and occupational outcomes, and exploring the differences between supervised physical therapy and physician-directed home exercise programs.
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome: a novel speculative physiopathological hypothesis and a novel patch method in a series of 28 consecutive patients
Authors: Franzini Angelo , Messina Giuseppe , Nazzi Vittoria , Mea Eliana , Leone Massimo , Chiapparini Luisa , Broggi Giovanni , Bussone Gennaro 
Published: July 2009

Object
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a potentially serious pathological syndrome consisting of specific symptoms and neuroradiological signs that can sometimes be used to assess the efficacy of the treatment. In this paper the authors report a series of 28 patients with this syndrome who were all treated with an epidural blood patch at the authors' institution. The authors propose a novel physiopathological theory of SIH based on some anatomical considerations about the spinal venous drainage system.

Methods
Between January 1993 and January 2007, the authors treated 28 patients in whom SIH had been diagnosed. Twenty-seven of the 28 patients presented with the typical findings of SIH on brain MR imaging (dural enhancement and thickening subdural collections, caudal displacement of cerebellar tonsils, and reduction in height of suprachiasmatic cisterns). The sites of the patients' neuroradiologically suspected CSF leakage were different, but the blood patch procedure was performed at the lumbar level in all patients. The patients were then assessed at 3-month and 1- and 3-year follow-up visits. At the last visit (although only available for 11 patients) 83.3% of patients were completely free from clinical symptoms and 8.3% complained of sporadic orthostatic headache.

Results
The authors think that in the so-called SIH syndrome, the dural leak, even in those cases in which it can be clearly identified on neuroradiological examinations, is not the cause of the disease but the effect of the epidural hypotension maintained by the inferior cava vein outflow to the heart. The goal of their blood patch procedure (a sort of epidural block obtained using autologous blood and fibrin glue at the L1–2 level) is not to seal CSF leaks, but instead to help in reversing the CSF-blood gradient within the epidural space along the entire cord.

Conclusions
The authors' procedure seems to lead to good and long-lasting clinical results.
Massachusetts health insurance mandate: effects on neurosurgical practice
Authors: Burrows Anthony M. , Moser Richard P. , Weaver John P. , Litwin Demetrius E. , Pilitsis Julie G. 
Published: July 2009

Object
Massachusetts' health insurance mandate and subsidized insurance program, Commonwealth Care, have been active for 2 years.

Methods
The financial impact on the neurosurgery division and demographics of the relevant patient groups were assessed. The billing records of neurosurgical patients from January 2007 to September 2008 were collected and analyzed.

Results
Commonwealth Care comprised 2.2% of neurosurgical inpatients, and these patients did not have significantly different acuity or lengths of stay from the average. Length of stay of MassHealth patients was significantly greater, although acuity was significantly lower than the average. Increased free care reimbursement and increased MassHealth/Commonwealth Care enrollment resulted in a net gain in reimbursement of hospital charges.

Conclusions
The increased insurance rates have resulted in increased reimbursement for the neurosurgical division.
Évaluation du changement en psychothérapie
Authors: Thurin Jean-Michel 
Published: July 2009

Après avoir démontré l’efficacité d’interventions psychothérapiques sur différents problèmes et troubles (études de résultats), avoir réuni ces études pour affirmer l’efficacité globale de « la psychothérapie » (méta-analyses), puis avoir essayé (sans succès) de distinguer l’efficacité relative des principales approches, la recherche en psychothérapie s’est recentrée ces dernières années sur deux questions qui intéressent particulièrement les cliniciens : « Pourquoi et comment » une psychothérapie marche-t-elle (agit-elle) ? Ce recentrage de la recherche sur le changement, sa dynamique et sa chronologie au cours du processus psychothérapique modifie complètement la perspective précédente qui cherchait à démontrer l’activité d’une ou plusieurs « gélules » psychothérapiques pour des troubles focalisés définis. Il conduit à prendre en compte les variables individuelles et d’interaction du patient tout autant que les « principes actifs » de la psychothérapie mis en œuvre par le praticien dans différentes situations psychopathologiques. Il aborde indirectement des questions théoriques qui relient l’abord d’une situation à un modèle causal particulier. Sur le plan méthodologique, il amène à privilégier les études intensives de cas plutôt que les études de groupe (ce qui permet la prise en compte de la variabilité individuelle et interindividuelle), à définir des configurations de variables actives à différents temps de la psychothérapie (car l’approche et la technique se modifient pour s’ajuster à l’évolution du patient) et à élargir les indicateurs de changement aux fonctionnements psychiques (ils se réduisaient souvent avant à la réduction des symptômes). On est ainsi passé des études de résultats à des études processus-résultats beaucoup plus fines et ajustées à la clinique des cas complexes. Ces études de cas ont cependant une limite : leur faible capacité de généralisation. Pour pallier ce problème, le principe est de réunir et de comparer l’évolution de cas analogues méthodologiquement ajustés et de mettre en relation leurs changements avec les principales caractéristiques de la psychothérapie au cours de son processus.