bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of rs1343151 IL23R and rs3790567 IL12RB2 Polymorphisms in Biopsy-proven Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ-RODRÍGUEZ LUIS , CARMONA FRANCISCO D. , CASTAÑEDA SANTOS , MIRANDA-FILLOY JOSÉ A. , MORADO INMACULADA C. , NARVÁEZ JAVIER , MARÍ-ALFONSO BEATRIZ , GÓMEZ-VAQUERO CARMEN , AMIGO-DÍAZ ENCARNACIÓN , RÍOS-FERNÁNDEZ RAQUEL , BLANCO RICARDO , LLORCA JAVIER , FERNÁNDEZ-GUTIÉRREZ BENJAMÍN , MARTÍN JAVIER , GONZÁLEZ-GAY MIGUEL A. 
Published: February 2011

Objective.To assess the potential association between the rs1343151 IL23R and the rs3790567 IL12RB2 polymorphisms and giant cell arteritis (GCA). We also studied whether these polymorphisms might influence the phenotypic expression of GCA.Methods.In total, 357 Spanish patients with biopsy-proven GCA and 574 matched controls were assessed. DNA from patients and controls was obtained from peripheral blood. Samples were genotyped for the rs1343151 IL23R and the rs3790567 IL12RB2 polymorphisms using a predesigned TaqMan allele discrimination assay and by polymerase chain reaction amplification.Results.Regarding the rs1343151 IL23R polymorphism, no significant differences in the genotype or allele frequencies between GCA patients and healthy controls were observed. The frequency of the minor allele A of the rs3790567 IL12RB2 variant was increased in GCA patients compared with controls (30.1% vs 25.7%, respectively; p = 0.039, OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01–1.54). An increased frequency of subjects carrying the minor allele A (GA+AA genotypes) of the rs3790567 IL12RB2 polymorphism was found among GCA patients compared with controls (52.8% vs 44.4%; p = 0.013, OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.06–1.85). Although a higher frequency of the combination of minor alleles (A-A) in the subgroup of patients with visual ischemic complications compared with the combination of both major alleles (G-G; p = 0.029) or with the other allelic combinations (p = 0.035) was found, logistic regression analysis showed that this association was no longer significant after adjustment for potential confounding factors (A-A vs G-G: OR 2.10, 95% CI 0.88–5.04, p = 0.096).Conclusion.Our results support a potential influence of the rs3790567 IL12RB2 polymorphism in the pathogenesis of GCA.
Botulinum Toxin for Shoulder Pain: A Cochrane Systematic Review
Authors: SINGH JASVINDER A. , FITZGERALD PATRICK M. 
Published: February 2011

Objective.To perform a Cochrane Systematic Review of benefits and harms of botulinum toxin for shoulder pain.Methods.We included clinical trials of adults with shoulder pain (population), comparing botulinum toxin (intervention) to placebo or other therapies (comparison), and reporting benefits or harms (outcomes). We calculated relative risk (RR) for categorical outcomes and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes.Results.Six randomized controlled trials (RCT) with 164 patients all comparing single botulinum toxin type A injections to placebo were included. Five RCT in patients with post-stroke shoulder pain found that an intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin type A significantly reduced pain at 3–6 months (MD −1.2 points on 0–10 scale, 95% CI −2.4 to −0.07) and improved shoulder external rotation at 1 month (MD 9.8°, 95% CI 0.2° to 19.4°). Number of adverse events did not differ between groups (RR 1.46, 95% CI 0.6 to 24.3). One RCT in arthritis-related shoulder pain showed that single intraarticular botulinum toxin type A injection reduced pain (MD −2.0 on 0–10 scale, 95% CI −3.7 to −0.3) and shoulder disability (MD −13.4 on 0–100 scale, 95% CI −24.9 to −1.9) and improved shoulder abduction (MD 13.8°, 95% CI 3.2° to 44.0°) at 1 month, compared with placebo. Serious adverse events did not differ between groups (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.11, 1.12).Conclusion.With evidence from few studies with small sample sizes and medium to high risk of bias, botulinum toxin type A injections decreased pain and improved shoulder function in patients with chronic shoulder pain due to spastic hemiplegia or arthritis.
Impact of conservation tillage under organic mulches on the reproductive efficacy and yield of quality protein maize
Authors: Khan MAH , Parvej MR 
Published: January 2011

The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of conservation tillage under organic mulches on the reproductive developments and production potentials of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) cv. Pozarica during the period from November 2007 to April 2008. The study included tillage and zero tillage conditions and four indigenous mulches viz. water hyacinth, rice straw, rice husk and ash. All the mulches significantly modified microclimatic parameters in both tillage and zero tillage conditions. However, under non-tilth condition water hyacinth and rice straw mulches reduced the maximum soil temperature at 5 cm depth by 3.5-4.2°C and 2.4-2.7°C, respectively at 14:00 hrs and raised the minimum temperature by 1.5-2.3°C and 1.2-1.4°C at 06:00 hrs. The water retentive capacity of the mulched soil under zero tillage condition was higher at all the stages of plant growth and ranked in the order of water hyacinth>rice straw>rice husk>ash>control. The reproductive developments in mulched plants were advanced by about 1 to 10 days. Mulching practices also enhanced the number of ears plant-1, ear height, length and diameter, tassel length, number of seed rows ear-1 and seeds row-1, 1000-grains weight, weight of rachis ear-1, grain yield and higher harvest index (HI). The grain yield of mulched plants notably water hyacinth was nearly double (8.73 t ha-1) than unmulched plants (4.93 t ha-1) under non-tilth condition. The indigenous mulches especially water hyacinth and rice straw, irrespective of tilth or non-tilth conditions, appeared to be great suppressants of weed growth allowing to produce less than one third of the total biomass compared to that of control. The residual mulching effect had little or no influence on physical properties of the soil under both conditions. However, the chemical properties were favourably influenced for the follow-up crops. Key words: Conservation tillage; organic mulches; soil moisture conservation; yield; QPM. DOI: 10.4038/jas.v5i2.2782The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2010, vol. 5, no 2 pp.52-63
Apolipoprotein E and Peptide Mimetics Modulate Inflammation by Binding the SET Protein and Activating Protein Phosphatase 2A
Authors: Christensen Dale J. , Ohkubo Nobutaka , Oddo Jessica , Van Kanegan Michael J. , Neil Jessica , Li Fengqiao , Colton Carol A. , Vitek Michael P. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The molecular mechanism by which apolipoprotein E (apoE) suppresses inflammatory cytokine and NO production is unknown. Using an affinity purification approach, we found that peptide mimetics of apoE, derived from its receptor binding domain residues 130–150, bound to the SET protein, which is a potent physiological inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Both holo-apoE protein and apoE-mimetic peptides bound to the C-terminal region of SET, which is then associated with an increase in PP2A-mediated phosphatase activity. As physiological substrates for PP2A, the LPS-induced phosphorylation status of signaling MAPK and Akt kinase is reduced following treatment with apoE-mimetic peptides. On the basis of our previous report, in which apoE-mimetic peptides reduced I-κB kinase and NF-κB activation, we also demonstrate a mechanism for reduced production of inducible NO synthase protein and its NO product. These data provide evidence for a novel molecular mechanism by which apoE and apoE-mimetic peptides antagonize SET, thereby enhancing endogenous PP2A phosphatase activity, which reduces levels of phosphorylated kinases, signaling, and inflammatory response.
NK Cells and Immune “Memory”
Authors: Sun Joseph C. , Lopez-Verges Sandra , Kim Charles C. , DeRisi Joseph L. , Lanier Lewis L. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Immunological memory is a hallmark of the adaptive immune system. However, the ability to remember and respond more robustly against a second encounter with the same pathogen has been described in organisms lacking T and B cells. Recently, NK cells have been shown to mediate Ag-specific recall responses in several different model systems. Although NK cells do not rearrange the genes encoding their activating receptors, NK cells experience a selective education process during development, undergo a clonal-like expansion during virus infection, generate long-lived progeny (i.e., memory cells), and mediate more efficacious secondary responses against previously encountered pathogens—all characteristics previously ascribed only to T and B cells in mammals. This review describes past findings leading up to these new discoveries, summarizes the evidence for and characteristics of NK cell memory, and discusses the attempts and future challenges to identify these long-lived memory NK cell populations in humans.
Evaluating the Impact of the Electronic Health Record on Patient Flow in a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Chamberlain JM , Mathison DJ 
Published: February 2011

Summary
Background: There is little data on the effect of the EHR on emergency department (ED) efficiency. Objective: 1) to quantify the effect of the EHR on patient flow in an academic pediatric ED. 2) to analyze the effects of patient census, boarding time, staffing hours, and acuity on the mean daily ED length-of-stay (LOS) and triage-to-provider time.
Methods: ED performance was compared before and after the implementation of an EHR in May 2008. Six month intervals were used with a 5 month period of adjustment between the pre- and post-EHR intervals. 34791 patient visits met inclusion criteria. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the LOS and triage-to-provider time as influenced by internal and external variables affecting the ED.
Results: Daily patient census increased by 5.8% (p<0.01) without a change in rate of ED admissions. Nursing and practitioner hours increased by 19.7% and 16.1%, respectively because of the increased census and a perceived slowing associated with the EHR. Following the implementation, LOS remained unchanged while triage-to-provider time increased by 5 minutes per patient (p<0.05). Factors that independently affected both LOS and triage-to-provider time included census, acuity, and practitioner hours (p<0.05). When controlling for these independent variables, the use of an EHR did not affect either outcome variable (p=0.251, 0.074 respectively). However, patient flow was worsened with the EHR during days of extremely high patient census.
Conclusion: An ED-EHR was associated with a modest increase in time to see a medical provider but was not associated with a change in overall LOS. When controlling for factors including patient volume, acuity, and staffing, the EHR did not independently affect ED patient flow. The EHR may have a more profound impact on ED performance during periods of extremely high census.
Sonography Markers of Chromosomal Abnormality in Second Trimester
Authors: Shah Jayprakash 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACT
Maternal age is increasing in today's world of professional carrier of women. As we know with aging of ova chromosomal abnormalities in fetus are rising. Karyotype is the final diagnostic tool for the confirmation, but it is associated with risk of abortion with the invasive procedure required for it. Sonography markers can be a good tool along with biochemical markers to reduce this risk with better pick rate of chromosomal abnormalities during prenatal period.
Maternal-Fetal Work-up and Management in Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
Authors: Rao JP , Puri Randhir 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACT
Intrauterine growth restriction remains befundling problem in obstetrics, dependent on multifactorial, diverse, intrinsic fetal conditions as well as many maternal and environmental factors. Ultrasonography with color doppler assesmenent remains the only tool for follow-up and diagnosis. Multidisciplinary apporach for assesment, mangement, prevention is imperative. Selective IUGR in monochorionic twins needs attention for optimum perinatal outcome. Future intensive research is desired to establish preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for IUGR, perhaps affecting the health of future generations.
Antenatal MRI in Clinical Practice: An Update
Authors: Ghonge Nitin P , Dube Sanchita 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACT
By definition, antenatal MRI is the MR imaging during state of gestation without causing any significant risk to ongoing pregnancy and the fetus. MRI is in a unique advantageous position during antenatal period where ultrasound often provides limited information and CT is usually avoided due to radiation-related risks. The indications of antenatal MRI can be sub-divided into fetal indications, maternal obstetric indications and maternal non-obstetric indications. Antenatal MRI offers better anticipation of prognosis and facilitates parental counseling by accurate characterization of disease process and detection of concomitant anomalies. Ultrasound will however, remain the primary fetal imaging modality and MRI is not likely to replace its role in fetal imaging because of the proven utility, widespread availability and relatively low cost of ultrasound. But under specific clinical conditions, where Ultrasound does not provide adequate information, MRI is bliss and is a useful adjunct to ultrasound.
The specific clinical indications where MRI proved to be more useful include fetal anomaly screening in high risk/precious pregnancy, oligohydramnios / maternal obesity, fetal CNS assessment, characterization of fetal mass, assessment of fetal spine, delineation of fetal alimentary tract and other abdominal viscera, conjoint twin assessment, prior to antenatal intra-uterine fetal surgery or ex-utero intrapartum procedure. MRI indications which are presently at relatively experimental stage include non-invasive MR spectroscopy to detect antenatal fetal hypoxia and lung maturity status. Apart from this, the role of Diffusion-weighted MRI in antenatal imaging of placenta and fetal kidneys/lungs is also likely to emerge in near future. In addition, antenatal MRI also evaluates the maternal pelvis and provides vital information about fetal-pelvic disproportion.
By virtue of recent advances in MR technology and the need to practice evidence-based medicine, antenatal MRI is now rapidly moving from the realms of select academic medical centers into community practice in India. The article provides a brief update on antenatal MRI in routine clinical practice.
Bone Metabolism Analyzed by Pet and Dxa following Revision tha Using A Distally Fixed Stem. A Pilot Study
Authors: Ullmark Gösta , Kärrholm Johan , Sörensen Jens 
Published: January 2011

In a pilot study we analyzed bone remodeling using18F-PET (positon emission tomography) scanning or DXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) in 3 patient groups, one with a loose femoral stem and 2 after revision using a modular stem (MP). In loose implants (group 1), bone formation activity compared to the contralateral healthy femur was 261 %. In the proximal part of the femur bone formation was increased by 253 % one week after revision (group 2) and did not normalize within 1 year. In the distal region it decreased to normal after one year. In the second revision group DXA showed decreased bone mineral density at 6 and 24 months (group 3). The PET technique provided evidence of bone healing despite osteolysis and prosthetic loosening which continued after revision. Decreasing BMD after revision in the third group is multifactorial, but suggests that despite intensive bone formation resorption was still higher.
Amorphous Carbon Coated High Grain Boundary Density Dual Phase Li4Ti5O12‐TiO2: A Nanocomposite Anode Material for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Rahman Md. Mokhlesur , Wang Jia‐Zhao , Hassan Mohd Faiz , Wexler David , Liu Hua Kun 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis work introduces an effective, inexpensive, and large‐scale production approach to the synthesis of a carbon coated, high grain boundary density, dual phase Li4Ti5O12‐TiO2 nanocomposite anode material for use in rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries. The microstructure and morphology of the Li4Ti5O12‐TiO2‐C product were characterized systematically. The Li4Ti5O12‐TiO2‐C nanocomposite electrode yielded good electrochemical performance in terms of high capacity (166 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.5 C), good cycling stability, and excellent rate capability (110 mAh g−1 at a current density of 10 C up to 100 cycles). The likely contributing factors to the excellent electrochemical performance of the Li4Ti5O12‐TiO2‐C nanocomposite could be related to the improved morphology, including the presence of high grain boundary density among the nanoparticles, carbon layering on each nanocrystal, and grain boundary interface areas embedded in a carbon matrix, where electronic transport properties were tuned by interfacial design and by varying the spacing of interfaces down to the nanoscale regime, in which the grain boundary interface embedded carbon matrix can store electrolyte and allows more channels for the Li+ ion insertion/extraction reaction. This research suggests that carbon‐coated dual phase Li4Ti5O12‐TiO2 nanocomposites could be suitable for use as a high rate performance anode material for lithium‐ion batteries.
Injuries on the fireground: Risk factors for traumatic injuries among professional fire fighters
Authors: Helneman Ellen F. , Shy Carl M. , Checkoway Harvey 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis case‐control study within a metropolitan fire department evaluated the effect of self‐contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and other risk factors on three types of injury at the scene of a fire (smoke inhalation, burns, and falls). Data on 75 injured fire fighters and 144 controls came from telephone interviews and department records. The two sets of uninjured fire‐fighter controls were matched to cases on incident (n = 72) or on job position and fire type and size (n = 72). Smoke inhalation cases were not significantly different from controls in SCBA use, cigarette smoking, previous fires in the shift, or injury history. Jobs with high risk of burns included nozzle operator, engine officer, and forcible‐entry person in first‐due companies (OR = 20.1). Other risk factors for burns were: basement origin of fire (OR = 10.2); prior fire‐fighting training outside the present department (same fire: OR = 11.2; similar fire: OR = 3.9); and on‐duty injury in the prior 12 months (same fire: OR = 4.3; similar fire: OR = 3.5). When other risk factors were considered, consistent SCBA use was associated with falls (same fire: OR = 11.8; similar fire: OR = 4.3) but not with burns. Risk of falls also was elevated among members of truck companies (OR = 17.7) and fire fighters without children (same fire: OR = 8.4; similar fire: OR = 7.4). On‐duty injury in the past 12 months was associated with falls when one compared cases with similar‐fire controls (OR = 5.5), but not with controls attending the same fire. Neither age nor experience was related to injury in this population.
Critical review of cancer epidemiology in petroleum industry employees, with a quantitative meta‐analysis by cancer site
Authors: Wong Otto , Raabe Gerhard K. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA critical review of close to 100 published and unpublished but otherwise available epidemiologic reports of petroleum industry employees from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Japan was conducted. Analyses by duration of employment and latency are discussed, and summary standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) or meta‐SMRs are developed for selected cancer sites. Findings indicate that the industry experienced a significantly lower cancer mortality than the general population for all cancer sites combined, digestive system, stomach, and lung. For the industry as a whole, SMRs similar to the general population were observed for skin, brain, pancreatic, prostatic, and kidney cancers. However, some data indicate that certain small groups within the industry might have elevated prostatic and kidney cancer risk. This review supports the conclusion that some refinery employees, particularly those employed before the 1940s, may have been at increased risk of leukemia. There is some indication that cancer of other lymphatic tissue may also be elevated. Unresolved issues affecting these conclusions are discussed, and specific directions for future research are offered.
NMR QSAR Model for the Analysis of 4‐(5‐Arylamino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl)benzene‐1,3‐diols
Authors: Matysiak Joanna , Niewiadomy Andrzej , Paw Beata , Dybała Izabela 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe have developed a NMR data quantitative structure‐activity relationship NMR‐QSAR model based on 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR experimental spectral data of 4‐(5‐arylamino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl)benzene‐1,3‐diols. Compounds show in‐vitro antiproliferative activity against some human cancer cell lines. Two‐parameter equations obtained by the multiple linear regression procedure showed that chemical shifts of the protons of hydroxyl groups and carbon atoms of the 1,3,4‐thiadiazole ring are the decisive descriptors of inhibition interactions of the compounds. The models gave leave‐one‐out (LOO) cross‐validation ranges from 78% to 93%. The obtained NMR‐QSAR equations provide a rapid, reliable, and simple way for predicting the antiproliferative activity of N‐substituted 4‐(5‐amino‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl)benzene‐1,3‐diols.
4,5‐Diaryl‐3‐aminopyrazole Derivatives as Analogs of Combretastatin A‐4: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Liu Tao , Cui Rong , Chen Jing , Zhang Jun , He Qiaojun , Yang Bo , Hu Yongzhou 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA series of cis‐restricted 4,5‐diaryl‐3‐aminopyrazole derivatives were synthesized and tested for their cytotoxic activity in vitro against five human cancer cell lines (K562, ECA‐109, A549, SMMC‐7721, and PC‐3). Compounds 5a, 5b, 5d, and 6b showed potent cytotoxicity against all tested cell lines. Primary mechanism research on compound 5a indicated that it was a potent inhibitor of tubulin polymerization, arresting cell cycle in G2/M phase. The docking research showed the conformation of 5a overlaps well with CA‐4 in the crystallized protein complex, suggesting the 4,5‐diaryl‐3‐aminopyrazoles were good mimics of CA‐4.
The free‐radical damage theory: Accumulating evidence against a simple link of oxidative stress to ageing and lifespan
Authors: Speakman John R. , Selman Colin 
Published: February 2011

AbstractRecent work on a small European cave salamander (Proteus anguinus) has revealed that it has exceptional longevity, yet it appears to have unexceptional defences against oxidative damage. This paper comes at the end of a string of other studies that are calling into question the free‐radical damage theory of ageing. This theory rose to prominence in the 1990s as the dominant theory for why we age and die. Despite substantial correlative evidence to support it, studies in the last five years have raised doubts over its importance. In particular, these include studies of mice with the major antioxidant genes knocked out (both singly and in combination), which show the expected elevation in oxidative damage but no impact on lifespan. Combined, these findings raise fundamental questions over whether the free‐radical damage theory remains useful for understanding the ageing process, and variation in lifespan and life histories.Editor's suggested further reading in BioEssays Blind cave salamanders age very slowly: A new member of Methuselah's Bestiary Abstract