bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TEM and HRTEM studies of ball milled 6061 aluminium alloy powder with Zr addition
Authors: LITYŃSKA‐DOBRZYŃSKA L. , DUTKIEWICZ J. , MAZIARZ W. , ROGAL Ł. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryThe effect of mechanical alloying on the microstructure of atomized 6061 aluminium alloy powder and 6061 powder with a zirconium addition was studied in the work. The atomized 6061 aluminium alloy powder and 6061 powder with addition of 2 wt.% Zr were milled in a planetary ball mill and investigated using X‐ray diffraction measurements, conventional and high‐resolution electron microscopy (TEM/HRTEM) and high‐angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis. An increase of stresses was observed in milled powders after the refinement of crystallites beyond 100 nm. In the powder with zirconium addition, some part of the Zr atoms diffused in aluminium forming a solid solution containing up to 0.5 wt.% Zr. The remaining was found to form Zr‐rich particles containing up to 88 wt.% Zr and were identified as face centred cubic (fcc) phase with lattice constant a= 0.48 nm. That fcc phase partially transformed into the L12 ordered phase. Eighty‐hour milling brought an increase of microhardness (measured with Vickers method) from about 50 HV (168 MPa) for the initial 6061 powder to about 170 HV (552 MPa). The addition of zirconium had no influence on the microhardness.
Nuclear‐encoded DnaJ homologue of Plasmodium falciparum interacts with replication ori of the apicoplast genome
Authors: Kumar Ambrish , Tanveer Aiman , Biswas Subir , Ram Edupuganti V. S. Raghu , Gupta Ankit , Kumar Bijay , Habib Saman 
Published: January 2010

SummaryThe apicoplast of Plasmodium falciparum carries a 35 kb circular genome (plDNA) that replicates at the late trophozoite stage of the parasite intraerythocytic cycle. plDNA replication proceeds predominantly via a d‐loop/bi‐directional ori mechanism with replication ori localized within inverted repeat region. Although replication of the apicoplast genome is a validated drug target, the proteins involved in the replication process are only partially characterized. We analysed DNA–protein interactions at a plDNA replication ori region and report the identification of a nuclear‐encoded DnaJ homologue that binds directly to ori elements of the plDNA molecule. PfDnaJA interacted with the minor groove of the DNA double‐helix and recognized a 13 bp sequence within the ori. Inhibition of binding with anti‐PfDnaJA antibodies confirmed identity of the protein in DNA‐binding experiments with organellar protein fractions. The DNA‐binding domain of the ∼69 kDa PfDnaJA lay within the N‐terminal 38 kDa region that carries DnaJ signature motifs. In contrast to PfDnaJA in parasite organellar fractions, the recombinant protein interacted with DNA in a sequence non‐specific manner. Our results suggest a role for PfDnaJA in replication/repair of the apicoplast genome.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Atypical development of behavioural sensitization to 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘Ecstasy’) in adolescent rats and its expression in adulthood: role of the MDMA chirality
Authors: Von Ameln Nora , Von Ameln‐Mayerhofer Andreas 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTDespite the great popularity of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) as a drug of abuse, not much is known about the detailed mechanisms of the acute and subchronic effects of the drug. There is especially a lack of information about the distinct behavioural effects of its optical isomers (enantiomers) R‐ and S‐MDMA compared with the racemic RS‐MDMA. For this purpose, adolescent rats were repetitively treated during two treatment stages (stage 1: days 1–10; stage 2: days 15, 17, 19) with RS‐MDMA (5 or 10 mg/kg) or each of the respective enantiomers (5 mg/kg). The repeated treatment started on postnatal day (PND) 32 and locomotor activity was measured on each day by means of a photobeam‐equipped activity box system. RS‐MDMA or S‐MDMA administration led acutely to massive hyperlocomotion and subchronically, to the development of behavioural sensitization after a short habituation period. R‐MDMA was free of hyperactivating effects and even decreased locomotor behaviour upon repeated treatment. Nevertheless, co‐administration of R‐MDMA increased the hyperactivity of S‐MDMA and made the S‐MDMA induced behavioural sensitization state‐dependent. The animals pre‐treated with R‐MDMA showed a sensitized response in adulthood when tested with RS‐MDMA. Our results indicated that even in the absence of substantial neurotoxicity, both MDMA enantiomers can lead to long‐term changes in brain circuitry and concomitant behavioural changes when repeatedly administered in adolescence. The sensitization development was most pronounced in the animals treated with S‐ and RS‐MDMA; the animals with R‐MDMA did not develop sensitization under repeated treatment but expressed a sensitized response when challenged with RS‐MDMA.
Selection for individual recognition and the evolution of polymorphic identity signals in Polistes paper wasps
Authors: Sheehan M. J. , Tibbetts E. A. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Individual recognition (IR) requires individuals to uniquely identify their social partners based on phenotypic variation. Because IR is so specific, distinctive phenotypes that stand out from the crowd facilitate efficient recognition. Over time, the benefits of unique appearances are predicted to produce a correlation between IR and phenotypic variation. Here, we test whether there is an association between elevated phenotypic polymorphism and IR in paper wasps. Previous work has shown that Polistes fuscatus use variable colour patterns for IR. We test whether two less variable wasp species, Polistes dominulus and Polistes metricus, are capable of IR. As predicted, neither species is capable of IR, suggesting that highly variable colour patterns are confined to Polistes species with IR. This association suggests that elevated phenotypic variation in taxa with IR may be the result of selection for identity signals rather than neutral processes. Given that IR is widespread among social taxa, selection for identity signalling may be an underappreciated mechanism for the origin and maintenance of polymorphism.
Ample genetic variation but no evidence for genotype specificity in an all-parthenogenetic host–parasitoid interaction
Authors: Sandrock C. , Gouskov A. , Vorburger C. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Antagonistic coevolution between hosts and parasites can result in negative frequency-dependent selection and may thus be an important mechanism maintaining genetic variation in populations. Negative frequency-dependence emerges readily if interactions between hosts and parasites are genotype-specific such that no host genotype is most resistant to all parasite genotypes, and no parasite genotype is most infective on all hosts. Although there is increasing evidence for genotype specificity in interactions between hosts and pathogens or microparasites, the picture is less clear for insect host–parasitoid interactions. Here, we addressed this question in the black bean aphid (Aphis fabae) and its most important parasitoid Lysiphlebus fabarum. Because both antagonists are capable of parthenogenetic reproduction, this system allows for powerful tests of genotype × genotype interactions. Our test consisted of exposing multiple host clones to different parthenogenetic lines of parasitoids in all combinations, and this experiment was repeated with animals from four different sites. All aphids were free of endosymbiotic bacteria known to increase resistance to parasitoids. We observed ample genetic variation for host resistance and parasitoid infectivity, but there was no significant host clone × parasitoid line interaction, and this result was consistent across the four sites. Thus, there is no evidence for genotype specificity in the interaction between A. fabae and L. fabarum, suggesting that the observed variation is based on rather general mechanisms of defence and attack.
Treatment of Persistent Mating‐Induced Endometritis in Mares with the Non‐Steroid Anti‐Inflammatory Drug Vedaprofen
Authors: Rojer H , Aurich C 
Published: January 2010

ContentsRecently, successful treatment of mares with a history of persistent mating‐induced endometritis (PMIE) with dexamethasone has been reported. As systemic treatment of horses with glucocorticoids should be handled with caution, we tested the hypothesis that treatment with the non‐steroid anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) vedaprofen, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase‐2, may have comparative, positive effects on fertility. Barren mares with a history of repeated PMIE were treated with vedaprofen (n = 8; initially 2 mg/kg bodyweight followed by 1 mg/kg orally twice daily) from 1 day before the first insemination to 1 day after ovulation or left untreated (n = 9). All mares received oxytocin (20 I.E. s.c.) thrice daily. Uterine swabs were collected for bacteriology and cytology. The day after ovulation, fluid accumulation was detected in three control mares and four treated mares (n.s.). The percentage of neutrophils in uterine cytology was significantly increased in comparison to the day before ovulation irrespective of treatment. Pregnancy was confirmed in two of nine mares in the control group and seven of eight mares in the treatment group (p < 0.05). NSAIDs may positively affect fertility in mares with a history of PMIE.
Intra‐arterial 5‐fluorouracil/interferon combination therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis and extrahepatic metastases
Authors: Katamura Yoshio , Aikata Hiroshi , Kimura Yuki , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Takaki Shintaro , Waki Koji , Hiramatsu Akira , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Takahashi Shoichi , Ishikawa Masaki , Hieda Masashi , Kakizawa Hideaki , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  We investigated the efficacy of intra‐arterial 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and systemic interferon (IFN)‐α (5‐FU‐IFN) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombosis in the first branch or trunk (Vp3/4) and extrahepatic metastases.Methods:  We examined 17 HCC patients with Vp3/4 and extrahepatic metastases (meta group) and 31 HCC patients with Vp3/4 (non‐meta group). Baseline intrahepatic tumor factors and the hepatic reserve were similar between groups. The extrahepatic metastases of the meta group were not considered prognostic factors. Following the administration of 5‐FU/IFN to all patients, we compared the survival rates, response, time to progression (TTP), and safety between groups.Results:  For intrahepatic HCC, complete response, partial response, stable disease, progressive disease, and drop out were observed in no (0%), one (6%), seven (41%), nine (53%), and no (0%) patients of the meta group, and in five (16%), seven (23%), 13 (42%), five (16%) and one (3%) patient of the non‐meta group, respectively. The response rate was significantly lower in the meta group (6% vs 39%, P = 0.018). The median TTP of intrahepatic HCC and the median survival time were significantly shorter in the meta group than in the non‐meta group (1.6 vs 6.3 months, P = 0.0001, and 3.9 months vs 10.5 months, P < 0.0001, respectively). The multivariate analysis showed that the absence of extrahepatic metastases was a significant and independent determinant of both TTP of intrahepatic HCC (P < 0.001) and overall survival (P < 0.001). No patient died of extrahepatic HCC‐related disease.Conclusions:  The efficacy of 5‐FU/IFN for advanced HCC with Vp3/4 and extrahepatic metastases was markedly limited.
Accuracy of high‐frequency catheter‐based endoscopic ultrasonography according to the indications for endoscopic treatment of early gastric cancer
Authors: Kim Gwang Ha , Park Do Youn , Kida Mitsuhiro , Kim Dae Hwan , Jeon Tae Yong , Kang Hyun Jeong , Kim Dong Uk , Choi Cheol Woong , Lee Bong Eun , Heo Jeong , Song Geun Am 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The development of endoscopic treatment, such as endoscopic submucosal dissection, extends the indications for endoscopic resection in patients with early gastric cancer (EGC). Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is the first‐choice imaging modality for determining the depth of invasion of gastric cancer. The aim of the present study was to prospectively assess the accuracy of EUS for determining the depth of EGC, according to the accepted/extended indications.Methods:  We prospectively included a total of 181 lesions in 178 patients, with an endoscopic diagnosis of EGC, who underwent EUS for staging the depth of tumor invasion using a 20‐MHz catheter probe. We investigated the accuracy of EUS for determining the depth of endoscopically‐suspected EGC and then analyzed the difference in the accuracy of EUS according to the accepted/extended indications.Results:  Of the 178 patients, five patients were dropped because of the absence of final histological results. For the 176 lesions in 173 patients, the accuracy of EUS assessment for the depth of tumor invasion was 80.7% (142 of 176 lesions). The accuracy of EUS for the lesions with accepted indications and with extended indications was 97.6% (40 of 41 lesions) and 83.6% (46 of 57 lesions), respectively (P = 0.040). Of the lesions with extended indications, the accuracy of EUS decreased especially for the lesions with ulceration and those with minute submucosal invasion (79.2% and 42.9%, respectively).Conclusions:  The accuracy of EUS for the lesions with the extended indications was lower than that for the lesions with the accepted indications. In particular, lesions with ulceration and minute submucosal invasion should be carefully considered prior to endoscopic treatment by pretreatment EUS staging.
Favorable α‐fetoprotein decrease as a prognostic surrogate in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Chao , Wang Jing‐Houng , Hung Chao‐Hung , Kee Kwong‐Ming , Yen Yi‐Hao , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Chen Chien‐Hung , Lu Sheng‐Nan 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  To assess the significance of adequate α‐fetoprotein decrease in monitoring the treatment effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.Methods:  A total of 72 RFA treatments in 54 HCC patients were analyzed. The favorable α‐fetoprotein decrease was defined as the α‐fetoprotein half‐life of less than 7 days. The efficacy of the ablation response is assessed by standard imaging modality, a computed tomography scan 1 month after RFA. We assessed the correlation between different α‐fetoprotein decreases and treatment outcomes by standard imaging modality.Results:  Of the 72 therapies, 15 (21%) were favorable α‐fetoprotein decreases. Fifty‐one (71%) therapies showed concordant results through standard image modality and α‐fetoprotein decrease, including 14 (27%) therapies with a complete radiological response and favorable α‐fetoprotein decrease, and the remaining 37 (73%) therapies with an incomplete radiological response and unfavorable α‐fetoprotein decrease. The accuracy was 70.8% by using α‐fetoprotein decrease in the detection treatment response based on a complete radiological response. Among the 34 therapies with a complete radiological response, 14 therapies with a favorable α‐fetoprotein decrease had a better disease‐free survival curve than 20 therapies with an unfavorable α‐fetoprotein decrease (P = 0.003). Only one case had a favorable α‐fetoprotein decrease, but incomplete radiological response, with massive necrosis, with the exception of a small residual tumor.Conclusions:  A favorable α‐fetoprotein decrease has better predictive power for disease‐free survival than for an unfavorable α‐fetoprotein decrease. HCC patients after RFA with an unfavorable α‐fetoprotein decrease should be considered to have undergone incomplete treatment, despite the complete response by standard image modality post‐RFA.
Polymorphisms in promoter region of FAS and FASL gene and risk of gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Rong‐Miao , Wang Na , Chen Zhi‐Feng , Duan Ya‐Nan , Sun Dong‐Lan , Li Yan 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The FAS and FASL system play an important role in regulating apoptotic cell death. This study was designed to investigate the correlation of FAS‐1377 G/A, ‐670 A/G and FASL‐844 T/C polymorphisms with susceptibility to gastric cardiac adenocarcinoma in a population of a high‐incidence region of Hebei Province.Methods:  FAS‐1377 G/A, ‐670 A/G and FASL‐844 T/C polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 262 gastric cardiac carcinoma (GCA) patients and 524 healthy controls.Results:  Family history of upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGIC) might increase the risk of developing GCA (age‐ and sex‐adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.86). The overall allelotype and genotype distributions of FAS‐1377 G/A, and FASL‐844 T/C polymorphisms in GCA patients did not significantly differ from that in healthy controls (P > 0.05). Compared with individuals with a FAS‐670 A/A genotype, individuals with an A/G genotype in a smoker group had a lower risk of developing GCA (age, sex, and family history of UGIC adjusted OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.34–0.88). When the genotypes of FAS and FASL single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were combined to analyze, no significant correlation was found between these SNP and the risk for GCA development.Conclusion:  In the high‐incidence region of Hebei Province, FAS‐1377 G/A and FASL‐844 T/C polymorphisms were not associated with the risk of GCA. However, the FAS‐670 A/G genotype might decrease the risk of GCA for smoker individuals.
Prevalence and clinical characterization of patients with acute hepatitis B induced by lamivudine‐resistant strains
Authors: Hayashi Kazuhiko , Katano Yoshiaki , Ishigami Masatoshi , Itoh Akihiro , Hirooka Yoshiki , Nakano Isao , Yoshioka Kentaro , Yano Motoyoshi , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Goto Hidemi 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Acute hepatitis caused by lamivudine (LMV)‐resistant strains has not been reported, and the clinical impact of LMV‐resistant strains on acute hepatitis is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular and clinical characteristics of patients with acute hepatitis B caused by LMV‐resistant strains.Methods:  Forty‐five patients with acute hepatitis B were studied. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotypes and LMV‐resistance mutations were determined by direct sequencing of the preS and polymerase regions, respectively.Results:  HBV subgenotypes A2 (n = 18), B1 (n = 1), B2 (n = 3), B3 (n = 2), C1 (n = 1), C2 (n = 19) and C6 (n = 1) were detected in patients with acute hepatitis. LMV‐resistance mutations were detected in two patients. LMV‐resistance mutations (L180M, M204I) were detected in a patient with subgenotype C2 who had acute self‐limited hepatitis. The other patient with LMV‐resistance mutations (L180M, M204V) was infected with subgenotype A2 and had severe hepatitis.Conclusion:  LMV‐resistant strains are rare, but they are starting to be found in patients with acute hepatitis B. Surveillance for detecting drug‐resistant HBV strains would be important for clinical practice.
Irritable bowel syndrome: Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment: An update for health‐care practitioners
Authors: Grundmann Oliver , Yoon Saunjoo L 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, affects from 3–20% of the US population, depending on sociocultural and comorbid factors. IBS is characterized by a symptom complex of abdominal pain and abnormal bowel habits that present as diarrhea or constipation, and general physical weakness in the absence of abnormal morphological, histological or inflammatory markers. The main diagnostic Rome III criteria as established by international professional organizations are based on exclusion criteria and the occurrence and rate of symptoms. Because the pathophysiology and causes of IBS are poorly understood, treatment approaches are mainly focused on symptom management to maintain everyday functioning and improve quality of life for persons with IBS. The mainstay of intervention is pharmacological treatment with antispasmodics and antidiarrheals for diarrhea, prokinetics and high‐fiber diets for constipation, and supportive therapy with low‐dose antidepressants to normalize gastrointestinal motility. Other interventions include lifestyle and dietary changes, psychotherapy, herbal therapies and acupuncture. The purpose of this review is to critically assess benefits and risks of current treatment approaches as well as promising complementary and alternative therapies.
Characteristics of delayed hemorrhage after endoscopic sphincterotomy
Authors: Kim Kyeong Ok , Kim Tae Nyeun , Kim Sung Bum , Lee Jun Young 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Hemorrhage is one of the most common complications associated with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). Although most hemorrhage occurs immediately after EST, delayed hemorrhage may occur, even several days after EST. We analyzed the incidence, clinical features, treatment and risk factors for delayed hemorrhage following EST.Methods:  The medical records of 1549 patients who underwent EST between January 2000 and December 2006 were reviewed retrospectively. Delayed hemorrhage was defined as hemorrhage that developed 24 h after EST.Results:  Of the 1549 patients who underwent EST, early hemorrhage during the procedure occurred in 45 patients (2.9%) and delayed hemorrhage occurred in 20 patients (1.3%). The time interval between EST and delayed hemorrhage was 4.8 ± 3.2 days (range, 1–15 days). Major hemorrhage developed in 80% of the patients with delayed hemorrhage. The mean decrease of hemoglobin was 3.5 ± 1.9 g/dL. The presenting symptoms of delayed hemorrhage included melena (80%), postural hypotension (80%), resting tachycardia (45%) and acute cholangitis (20%). All bleeding was successfully controlled by endoscopic treatment. Based on multivariate analysis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypertension and ischemic heart disease (IHD) were significant risk factors for delayed hemorrhage.Conclusion:  Complete control of intra‐procedural bleeding is an important step in the prevention of late post‐EST hemorrhage. Careful observation for delayed hemorrhage after EST, especially in patients with CKD, hypertension and IHD, is recommended.