bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical Activity and Physical Function in Older Adults: The 45 and Up Study
Authors: Yorston Lisa C. , Kolt Gregory S. , Rosenkranz Richard R. 
Published: April 2012

ObjectivesTo determine the strength of the relationship between physical activity and physical function in older adults.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingThe 45 and Up Study baseline questionnaire, New South Wales, Australia.ParticipantsNinety‐one thousand three hundred seventy‐five Australian men and women aged 65 and older from the 45 and Up Study.MeasurementsPhysical activity engagement (Active Australia Survey), physical function (Medical Outcomes Study Physical Functioning), psychological distress (Kessler‐10), and self‐reported age, smoking history, education, height, and weight were all measured.ResultsHigher levels of physical activity were associated with better physical function in older adults (correlation coefficient = 0.166, P < .001). Participants engaging in higher levels of physical activity had progressively lower likelihoods of functional limitation (middle tertile: odds ratio (OR) = 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.38–0.41; highest tertile: OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.27–0.29). This relationship remained significant, but weakened slightly, when adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking history, psychological distress, and educational attainment (middle tertile: adjusted OR (AOR) = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.46–0.50; highest tertile: AOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.34–0.37).ConclusionThere is a significant, positive relationship between physical activity and physical function in older adults, with older adults who are more physically active being less likely to experience functional limitation than their more‐sedentary counterparts. Level of engagement in physical activity is an important predictor of physical function in older adults.
How to Avoid Development of AV block during RF Ablation: Anatomical and Electrophysiological Analyses at the Time of AV Node Ablation
Authors: GONDO TAKEKI , YOSHIDA TERUHISA , INAGE TOMOHITO , TAKEUCHI TOMOHIRO , FUKUDA YUJIRO , TAKII EIICHI , HARAGUCHI GO , IMAIZUMI TSUTOMU 
Published: April 2012

Background:

With an aim to identify risk factors that can serve for prevention of atrioventricular (AV) block (AVB) during radiofrequency (RF) ablation, we conducted anatomical and electrophysiological investigations at the time of AV node ablation (AVNA).
Methods and Results:

Ten patients who underwent AVNA were enrolled. RF energy was delivered from posterior region of septal annulus of the tricuspid valve to the His bundle potential (HBP) recording site using a stepwise approach. In each delivery, atrial/ventricle potential amplitude ratio (A/V ratio), HBP, and juctional ectopy (JE) that appeared during RF delivery were evaluated. Furthermore, fluoroscopic distance between ablation site and HBP recording site (anatomical H‐ABL distance) and electrophysiological H‐ABL interval were measured. HBP was recorded in 25 of total 70 RF deliveries. When HBP was recorded, the A/V ratio was significantly greater in the group with AVB than without AVB (1.6 ± 2.3 mV vs 0.1 ± 0.2 mV, P = 0.02). The minimum cycle length (CL) of JE was significantly shorter in the group with AVB than without AVB (438 ± 112 ms vs 557 ± 178, ms, P = 0.04). AVB developed frequently when H‐ABL distance was less than 15 mm from right anterior oblique view 30° and 12 mm from left anterior oblique view 45° and when H‐ABL interval was less than 10 ms. AVB did not develop over the above values.
Conclusions:

HBP with high A/V ratio, JE with short CL, short H‐ABL distance, and short H‐ABL interval of less than 10 ms should be avoided to prevent AVB during RF ablation at the near site of AV node. (PACE 2012;XX:1–7)
Feasibility of Conjunctival Hemodynamic Measurements in Rabbits: Reproducibility, Validity, and Response to Acute Hypotension
Authors: GAYNES BRUCE , TENG PANG‐YU , WANEK JUSTIN , SHAHIDI MAHNAZ 
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Gaynes B, Teng P‐Y, Wanek J, Shahidi M. Feasibility of conjunctival hemodynamic measurements in rabbits: reproducibility, validity, and response to acute hypotension. Microcirculation 19: 521–529, 2012.AbstractObjective:  To evaluate the feasibility of conjunctival hemodynamic measurements based on assessment of reproducibility, validity, and response to acute hypotension.Methods:  Image sequences of the conjunctival microvasculature of rabbits were captured using a slit lamp biomicroscope under a steady‐state condition, after topical administration of phenylephrine, and after intravenous administration of esmolol. Venous hemodynamic parameters (diameter, blood velocity, blood flow, and wall shear stress) were derived.Results:  Conjunctival venous diameters ranged from 9 to 34 μm and blood velocities ranged from 0.08 to 0.95 mm/s. Coefficients of variation of venous diameter and blood velocity measurements were, on average, 6% and 14%, respectively. Automated and manual measurements of venous diameter and velocity were highly correlated (R = 0.97; p < 0.001; n = 16). With phenylephrine administration, diameter and velocity were reduced by 21% and 69%, respectively. Following esmolol administration, blood pressure was reduced with a concomitant decrease in velocity, followed by recovery to baseline. Venous blood velocity, flow, and WSS were correlated with blood pressure (R ≥ 0.52; p ≤ 0.01).Conclusions:  The feasibility of quantifying alterations in microvascular hemodynamics in the bulbar conjunctiva was established. The method is of potential value in evaluating microcirculatory hemodynamics related to cardiovascular function.
Expression pattern of PLUNC proteins as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis of high‐grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary gland
Authors: González‐Arriagada Wilfredo A. , Santos‐Silva Alan R. , Ito Fabio A. , Vargas Pablo A. , Speight Paul M. , Bingle Lynne , Lopes Marcio A. 
Published: April 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 589–597Background:  Mucoepidermoid carcinomas are the most frequent malignant neoplasia of the salivary glands and are histologically classified as low, intermediate, and high grade. At present, histochemical stains such as periodic acid‐Schiff or mucicarmine are useful tools in making a diagnosis. Recently, expression of the PLUNC proteins has been described in mucin‐producing salivary gland tumors, with the suggestion that they could provide a powerful tool for the diagnosis of difficult cases.Methods:  This study evaluates the expression of PLUNC proteins in 30 cases of salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinomas. Tumors were reviewed and classified according to histological grade. Periodic acid‐Schiff, mucicarmine, and immunohistochemical staining for SPLUNC1, LPLUNC1, SPLUNC2, and LPLUNC2 were carried out. Immunostaining was classified as positive or negative.Results:  The majority of the tumors (63%) were classified as low grade, 13% were intermediate grade, and 23% were high grade. SPLUNC1 (90%) and LPLUNC1 (93%) were positive in the majority of cases, mainly in mucous cells, mucin plugs, and intermediate cells. SPLUNC2 and LPLUNC2 did not present significative expression within the tumors; however, LPLUNC2 was found to stain positively in mast cells in 83% of the samples.Conclusions:  SPLUNC1 and LPLUNC1 showed a similar pattern of expression and could prove useful in the diagnosis of high‐grade cases because of the differential staining in intermediate and epidermoid cells. The expression of LPLUNC2 in mast cells has not previously been reported, but further studies are necessary to validate this finding and to determine its significance.
Vacuolar Degradation of Two Integral Plasma Membrane Proteins, AtLRR84A and OsSCAMP1, Is Cargo Ubiquitination‐Independent and Prevacuolar Compartment‐Mediated in Plant Cells
Authors: Cai Yi , Zhuang Xiaohong , Wang Junqi , Wang Hao , Lam Sheung Kwan , Gao Caiji , Wang Xiangfeng , Jiang Liwen 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn plant cells, how integral plasma membrane (PM) proteins are degraded in a cargo ubiquitination‐independent manner remains elusive. Here, we studied the degradative pathway of two plant PM proteins: AtLRR84A, a type I integral membrane protein belonging to the leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinase protein family, and OsSCAMP1 (rice secretory carrier membrane protein 1), a tetraspan transmembrane protein located on the PM and trans‐Golgi network (TGN) or early endosome (EE). Using wortmannin and ARA7(Q69L) mutant that could enlarge the multivesicular body (MVB) or prevacuolar compartment (PVC) as tools, we demonstrated that, when expressed as green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions in tobacco BY‐2 or Arabidopsis protoplasts, both AtLRR84A and OsSCAMP1 were degraded in the lytic vacuole via the internal vesicles of MVB/PVC in a cargo ubiquitination‐independent manner. Such MVB/PVC‐mediated vacuolar degradation of PM proteins was further supported by immunocytochemical electron microscopy (immunoEM) study showing the labeling of the fusions on the internal vesicles of the PVC/MVB. Thus, cargo ubiquitination‐independent and PVC‐mediated degradation of PM proteins in the vacuole is functionally operated in plant cells.
Evaluation of oral health related to body mass index
Authors: Benguigui C , Bongard V , Ruidavets J‐B , Sixou M , Chamontin B , Ferrières J , Amar J 
Published: April 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 748–755Objective:  Poor oral health has previously been related to high body mass index (BMI). We aimed at exploring the link between BMI and several oral health markers, after adjustment for dietary patterns and plasma insulin, both of which could act as mediators.Subjects and Methods:  Dental examination was performed in a sample of 186 French subjects aged 35–64 years and selected from the general population to assess number of missing teeth, periodontitis, clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PD), gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PI). Data collection also included a food‐frequency questionnaire. BMI (considered as outcome variable) was categorized into quartiles, and as BMI<25; 25 ≤BMI<30; and BMI ≥ 30 kg m−2.Results:  After adjustment for age, gender, education level, smoking, physical activity, energy intake and C‐reactive protein, BMI was statistically associated with missing teeth, PD and PI, but not with CAL, GI or periodontitis. After additional adjustment for ‘high‐carbohydrate’ diet and plasma insulin or HOMA (homeostasis model assessment) index for insulin resistance, the statistical relationship between BMI and oral variables remained significant only for PD and PI.Conclusions:  Plaque index, reflecting dental plaque, and PD, closely linked with periodontal inflammation and infection, are statistically associated with high BMI and obesity, independently of dietary patterns and insulin resistance.
HSP60 is transported through the secretory pathway of 3‐MCA‐induced fibrosarcoma tumour cells and undergoes N‐glycosylation
Authors: Hayoun Dana , Kapp Tsachi , Edri‐Brami Meital , Ventura Tomer , Cohen Merav , Avidan Avi , Lichtenstein Rachel G. 
Published: April 2012

There is increasing evidence localizes the mitochondrial chaperone heat shock protein (HSP)60, outside the cell, where it mediates interactions between immune cells and other body tissues. However, the mechanisms by which HSP60 is secreted into the extracellular environment are not fully understood. Recent studies have shown that HSP60 is actively released by a nonconventional secretion mechanism, the lipid raft–exosome pathway. In the present study, we show for the first time that HSP60, produced by 3‐methylcholantrene‐induced fibrosarcoma tumour cells, is secreted through the conventional endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi secretory pathway. Confocal microscopy using anti‐TGN38 and anti‐HSP60 antibodies together with monensin, a Golgi transport inhibitor, demonstrated the relocation of HSP60 to the Golgi of malignant cells but not primary fibroblast cells subjected to heat shock or fibroblast cell lines. Transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry and cell fractionation of cell treated with brefeldin A, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi protein transport, further indicated that HSP60 is present both in the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex of malignant cells. We found a single mRNA with a mitochondrial targeting sequence encoding for HSP60 in the malignant cells but two HSP60 translation products, namely the native unmodified protein and a protein post‐translationally modified by N‐glycosylation. The N‐glycans observed were composed of high‐mannose structures and bi‐, tri‐ and tetra‐antennary complex type structures occupying sites of the three potential glycosylation sites present on HSP60. Accordingly, we propose that HSP60 in malignant cells is transported through the endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi secretion pathway, where it acquires N‐glycans, and thus can affect the immunological properties of the proteins in the tumour microenvironment.Structured digital abstract
Grp94 and Hsp60 colocalize by cosedimentation through density gradient (View interaction)
Primary hepatic angiosarcoma: A retrospective analysis of 6 cases
Authors: DUAN Xiao Feng , LI Qiang 
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this study was to define the clinical features and surgical treatment outcomes of patients with primary hepatic angiosarcoma.METHODS:  Data of the 6 patients diagnosed with primary hepatic angiosarcoma in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from January 1999 to December 2005 were retrospectively reviewed.RESULTS:  The median age of the patients was 49 years (range 45–78 years) with a male predominance. Laboratory tests showed a mild elevation of α‐fetoprotein in 2 patients, and 2 had both hepatitis B and C. Liver resection was performed in all patients. For the 5 patients who received curative liver resection, the median follow‐up duration was 41 months (range 23–84 months) and the overall 1‐year, 3‐year and 5‐year survival rates were 100.0%, 80.0% and 40.0%, respectively. One patient who underwent a palliative operation died of tumor progression a month after operation.CONCLUSION:  Early diagnosis is necessary and complete surgical resection is the key to improve prognosis.
Two highly informative dinucleotide SSR multiplexes for the conifer Larix decidua (European larch)
Authors: WAGNER STEFANIE , GERBER SOPHIE , PETIT RÉMY J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe have designed two highly polymorphic microsatellite multiplexes for Larix decidua Mill (European larch), a coniferous tree species with a fragmented distribution across Europe. The multiplexes combine microsatellites previously designed for the sister species L. kaempferi and newly identified microsatellites obtained by pyrosequencing of an enriched microsatellite library and subsequent marker candidate selection. As we wanted to target highly polymorphic markers, only microsatellite motifs with a high number of repeats (≥12) were selected. An important proportion of the marker candidates presented multiple bands, bad amplification or insufficient polymorphism. Such difficulties were expected owing to the large genome size of the studied species. Our strategy for marker validation followed most recent recommendations for microsatellite development, for example verifying marker quality in terms of polymorphism and accurate allele binning before multiplexing. The most promising loci were combined in two multiplexes, a 7‐plex and a 6‐plex. These were tested on a sample of 413 individuals from 18 populations distributed across the natural range. The 13 loci had from 9 to 36 alleles. Markers were successfully tested in another laboratory, confirming robustness of the marker protocols. We also tested transferability on six other larch species from Asia and North America. Overall, this study shows that, even in species with large genome size and relatively low overall polymorphism, microsatellites can be successfully developed using next‐generation sequencing technologies, provided that some additional precautions are taken compared to species lacking these characteristics.
Non‐edible oil seed producing Calophyllum inophyllum ideal for India's future biofuel development
Authors: Agoramoorthy Govindasamy , Sarnaik Jayant , Mungikar Rahul , Punde Sameer , Hsu Minna J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe impending climate change crisis has stimulated enormous interest in the development of biofuel globally. The supporters of biofuel hail that it is naturally carbon‐neutral whereas the critiques argue that the large‐scale plantations and production of biofuel based on Jatropha can not only strain agricultural resources but also threaten future food security. India's subsistence farmers are often faced with challenges and constraints of poverty. Foremost among the challenges are the marginal environmental conditions for agriculture often influenced by erratic rainfall, drought, poor soil quality, and unreliable irrigation water supply. In this article, we have presented a case study on the potential to use nonedible seeds from naturally occurring tree species, Calophyllum inophyllum to meet the increasing demand for biofuel production in India.
Use of intraoperative cell salvage in neurosurgery
Authors: ROBERTS HELEN , CARROLL CRAIG 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYIntraoperative cell salvage (ICS) is widely used in many surgical specialties, but uptake in neurosurgery has been slow. Little direct evidence exists to support the use of ICS in neurosurgical procedures; however, studies suggest that ICS may be safe and cost‐effective in intracranial surgery and spinal fusion. Nationwide ICS is used in less than 50% of neurosurgical centers often without clear local guidance. It is most commonly used in major spinal surgery and least often surgery for intracranial glioma or metastatic deposits. The major barriers to more widespread introduction of ICS appear to be concern about tumor dissemination in cases of malignancy, lack of trained staff to use the machinery and perceived lack of necessity. Some evidence suggests that when ICS is used in tumor resection surgery, meningioma (benign) cells are less likely to be detectable in salvaged blood than glioblastoma (malignant) cells but, in contrast to other surgical subspecialties, the use of leukocyte depletion filters to remove tumor cells has not been investigated and the impact of ICS usage on tumor recurrence and long‐term survival rates is unknown. The unpredictable nature of blood loss in neurosurgery means that many units do not use ICS routinely even though hemorrhage is often rapid and substantial when it does occur. No nationally recognized guidelines currently exist to support the use of ICS specifically in neurosurgical procedures although the majority of UK neuroanesthetists feel that a standards document would be beneficial.
Almost sure asymptotic stability analysis of the θ-Maruyama method applied to a test system with stabilising and destabilising stochastic perturbations
Authors: Berkolaiko Gregory , Buckwar Evelyn , Kelly Cónall , Rodkina Alexandra 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe perform an almost sure linear stability analysis of the θ-Maruyama method, selecting as our test equation a two-dimensional system of Itô differential equations with diagonal drift coefficient and two independent stochastic perturbations which capture the stabilising and destabilising roles of feedback geometry in the almost sure asymptotic stability of the equilibrium solution. For small values of the constant step-size parameter, we derive close-to-sharp conditions for the almost sure asymptotic stability and instability of the equilibrium solution of the discretisation that match those of the original test system. Our investigation demonstrates the use of a discrete form of the Itô formula in the context of an almost sure linear stability analysis.
Testing commutativity of a group and the power of randomization
Authors: Pak Igor 
Published: April 2012

AbstractLet G be a group generated by k elements, G=〈g1,…,gk〉, with group operations (multiplication, inversion and comparison with identity) performed by a black box. We prove that one can test whether the group G is abelian at a cost of O(k) group operations. On the other hand, we show that a deterministic approach requires Ω(k2) group operations.
Products of three pairwise coprime integers in short intervals
Authors: Islam Asim 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe existence of products of three pairwise coprime integers is investigated in short intervals of the form $(x,x+x^{\frac 12} ]$. A general theorem is proved which shows that such integer products exist provided there is a bound on the product of any two of them. A particular case of relevance to elliptic curve cryptography, where all three integers are of order $x^{\frac 13}$, is presented as a corollary to this result.
Evaluation of Influenza Virus A/H3N2 and B Vaccines on the Basis of Cross-Reactivity of Postvaccination Human Serum Antibodies against Influenza Viruses A/H3N2 and B Isolated in MDCK Cells and Embryonated Hen Eggs
Authors: Kishida Noriko , Fujisaki Seiichiro , Yokoyama Masaru , Sato Hironori , Saito Reiko , Ikematsu Hideyuki , Xu Hong , Takashita Emi , Tashiro Masato , Takao Shinichi , Yano Takuya , Suga Tomoko , Kawakami Chiharu , Yamamoto Miwako , Kajiyama Keiko , Saito Hiroyuki , Shimada Shin'ichi , Watanabe Sumi , Aoki Satomi , Taira Katsuya , Kon Miyako , Lin Jih-Hui , Odagiri Takato 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT
The vaccine strains against influenza virus A/H3N2 for the 2010-2011 season and influenza virus B for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons in Japan are a high-growth reassortant A/Victoria/210/2009 (X-187) strain and an egg-adapted B/Brisbane/60/2008 (Victoria lineage) strain, respectively. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests with postinfection ferret antisera indicated that the antisera raised against the X-187 and egg-adapted B/Brisbane/60/2008 vaccine production strains poorly inhibited recent epidemic isolates of MDCK-grown A/H3N2 and B/Victoria lineage viruses, respectively. The low reactivity of the ferret antisera may be attributable to changes in the hemagglutinin (HA) protein of production strains during egg adaptation. To evaluate the efficacy of A/H3N2 and B vaccines, the cross-reactivities of postvaccination human serum antibodies against A/H3N2 and B/Victoria lineage epidemic isolates were assessed by a comparison of the geometric mean titers (GMTs) of HI and neutralization (NT) tests. Serum antibodies elicited by the X-187 vaccine had low cross-reactivity to both MDCK- and egg-grown A/H3N2 isolates by HI test and narrow cross-reactivity by NT test in all age groups. On the other hand, the GMTs to B viruses detected by HI test were below the marginal level, so the cross-reactivity was assessed by NT test. The serum neutralizing antibodies elicited by the B/Brisbane/60/2008 vaccine reacted well with egg-grown B viruses but exhibited remarkably low reactivity to MDCK-grown B viruses. The results of these human serological studies suggest that the influenza A/H3N2 vaccine for the 2010-2011 season and B vaccine for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 seasons may possess insufficient efficacy and low efficacy, respectively.