bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene in childhood and adolescent germ cell tumors
Authors: Okpanyi Vera , Schneider Dominik T. , Zahn Susanne , Sievers Sonja , Calaminus Gabriele , Nicholson James C. , Palmer Roger D. , Leuschner Ivo , Borkhardt Arndt , Schönberger Stefan 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackgroundAberrant Wnt signaling due to deregulation of Wnt regulators is implicated in the development and progression of numerous embryonal tumors. This study addresses the questions if activation of Wnt signaling in germ cell tumors (GCTs) arising during childhood and adolescence is associated with aberrations of the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), and whether APC aberrations might be responsible for progression from benign teratoma to malignant yolk sac tumor (YST).ProcedureForty‐eight GCTs were analyzed, including mature (n = 5) and immature (n = 7) teratomas, mixed malignant GCTs (n = 10), YSTs (n = 17) as well as dysgerminomas (n = 9). To screen APC for genetic aberrations, we conducted direct sequencing of the mutation cluster region (MCR), loss of heterozygosity analyses (LOH) and protein truncation test. Epigenetic analyses included methylation specific PCR and bisulfite genomic sequencing of the APC 1a promoter. Gene expression was determined by quantitative real‐time PCR.ResultsAberrant promoter methylation was detected in YSTs, teratomas and mixed malignant GCTs, with a pronounced hypermethylation exclusively in YSTs (11/13) while dysgerminomas were not methylated (0/9). Teratomas (2/2) and YSTs (4/5) show LOH at the APC locus. However, neither mutations within the MCR nor truncated protein were detected. APC expression did not significantly vary between the different histological subgroups.ConclusionsMethylation of APC and LOH 5q21‐22 in YSTs and teratomas provide evidence for involvement of APC in the accumulation of β‐catenin and activation of the WNT pathway. Our additional analyses suggest that APC is unlikely to be solely responsible for the formation and progression of childhood GCTs. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:384–391. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diabetes and depression? Secular trends in the use of antidepressants among persons with diabetes in Finland in 1997–2007
Authors: Manderbacka Kristiina , Sund Reijo , Koski Sari , Keskimäki Ilmo , Elovainio Marko 
Published: November 2010

AbstractPurposeThe association between diabetes and depression is well demonstrated. Less is known about the trends in use of antidepressants in the rapidly growing population of diabetics. We examined trends in antidepressant medication use during 1997–2007 in Finland among persons with or without diabetes using register‐based data on both diabetes and antidepressant use.MethodsThe diabetes population was obtained from the FinDM II database including 50 027 persons with insulin treated (ITDM) and 346 290 persons with non‐insulin treated diabetes (NITDM) identified from several administrative registers. Data on persons without diabetes were obtained from the yearly population statistics and their antidepressant use from the register for refunded prescription medicine costs covering all medicine purchases of non‐institutionalised residents. Differences in trends and prevalence were examined using the binomial regression model.ResultsAntidepressant use was more common among persons with diabetes in all age groups and each study year among both genders (prevalence ratios (RR) 1.4–2.2 for women and 1.7–2.2 for men). Prevalence was both higher (RR 2.0–2.2 women, 1.9–2.2 men), and increased more rapidly among younger persons with NITDM.ConclusionsThe use of register data linked using unique personal identifiers allowed us to identify a total cohort of persons with diabetes, to separate between ITDM and NITDM patients and to examine patterns of antidepressant use in populations with and without diabetes during an 11 year study period. Our results suggest that more attention should be focused on psychological well‐being in those with diabetes and especially young people in risk of type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Self‐terminating radical cyclizations’ – new insight into the mechanism of the termination step from computational studies
Authors: Wille Uta 
Published: November 2010

AbstractComputational methods were used to gain detailed insight into the mechanism of self‐terminating radical cyclizations, which are initiated by intermolecular addition of O‐centred radicals XO• to alkynes. The calculations were performed for the reaction of NO, SO, and AcO• with cyclodecyne (1) and 5‐cyclodecynone (2), respectively. Whereas radical addition and the subsequent transannular radical translocation steps are energetically highly favourable processes for the various XO•, the terminating homolytic β‐fragmentation of the OX bond in the intermediate α‐oxy radicals 10–13 shows a strong dependence on the nature of X. Using simplified model systems, the fragmentation was explored in detail, which revealed that the rate of this step is primarily determined by the strength of the OX bond and only to a minor extent by the ability of the X moiety to stabilize an unpaired electron in the transition state. However, the cleavage is exothermic, when the released radical X• is resonance stabilized, e.g. NO, SO, and Bn•, respectively. In those cases where the unimolecular β‐fragmentation of the OX bond is slow, termination could also proceed through a bimolecular radical chain process involving the α‐oxy radical intermediate 10–13 and the precursor of XO•, e.g. the Barton PTOC ester 18 or Kim's dithiocarbamate 20, respectively. Alternative termination mechanisms via oxidation of 10–13 can be ruled out under the usual experimental conditions of self‐terminating radical cyclizations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The clinical value of a cluster of patient history and observational findings as a diagnostic support tool for lumbar spine stenosis
Authors: Cook Chad , Brown Christopher , Michael Keith , Isaacs Robert , Howes Cameron , Richardson William , Roman Matthew , Hegedus Eric 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjective. The study aims to create a diagnostic support tool to indicate the likelihood of the presence of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) using a cluster of elements from the patient history and observational findings. Design. The study is case based and case controlled. Setting. The study was performed in the tertiary care of a medical center. Subjects. There were a total of 1,448 patients who presented with a primary complaint of back pain with or without leg pain. Methods. All patients underwent a standardized clinical examination. The diagnosis of LSS was made by one of two experienced orthopaedic surgeons based on clinical findings and imaging. Data from the patient history and observational findings were then statistically analysed using bivariate analysis and contingency tables. Results. The most diagnostic combination included a cluster of: 1) bilateral symptoms; 2) leg pain more than back pain; 3) pain during walking/standing; 4) pain relief upon sitting; and 5) age >48 years. Failure to meet the condition of any one of five positive examination findings demonstrated a high sensitivity of 0.96 (95% CI = 0.94–0.97) and a low negative likelihood ratio (LR−) of 0.19 (95% CI = 0.12–0.29). Meeting the condition of four of five examination findings yielded a LR+ of 4.6 (95% CI = 2.4–8.9) and a post‐test probability of 76%. Conclusion. The high sensitivity of the diagnostic support tool provides the potential to reduce the incidence of unnecessary imaging when the diagnosis of LSS is statistically unlikely. In patients where the condition of four of the five findings was present, the post‐test probability of 76% suggests that imaging and further workup are indicated. This is an inexpensive but powerful tool, with a potential to increase diagnostic efficiency and reduce cost by narrowing the indications for imaging. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arabidopsis thalianaresistance to insects, mediated by an earthworm‐produced organic soil amendment
Authors: Cardoza Yasmin J 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND:Vermicompost is an organic soil amendment produced by earthworm digestion of organic waste. Studies show that plants grown in soil amended with vermicompost grow faster, are more productive and are less susceptible to a number of arthropod pests. In light of these studies, the present study was designed to determine the type of insect resistance (antixenosis or antibiosis) present in plants grown in vermicompost‐amended potting soil. Additionally, the potential role of microarthropods, entomopathogenic organisms and non‐pathogenic microbial flora found in vermicompost on insect resistance induction was investigated.RESULTS:Findings show that vermicompost from two different sources (Raleigh, North Carolina, and Portland, Oregon) were both effective in causingArabidopsisplants to be resistant to the generalist herbivoreHelicoverpa zea(Boddie). However, while the Raleigh (Ral) vermicompost plant resistance was expressed as both non‐preference (antixenosis) and milder (lower weight and slower development) toxic effect (antibiosis) resistance, Oregon (OSC) vermicompost plant resistance was expressed as acute antibiosis, resulting in lower weights and higher mortality rates.CONCLUSION:Vermicompost causes plants to have non‐preference (antixenosis) and toxic (antibiosis) effects on insects. This resistance affects insect development and survival on plants grown in vermicompost‐amended soil. Microarthropods and entomopathogens do not appear to have a role in the resistance, but it is likely that resistance is due to interactions between the microbial communities in vermicompost with plant roots, as is evident from vermicompost sterilization assays conducted in this study. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Stimulation of osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization in MC3T3‐E1 cells by yeast hydrolysate
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Sun , Jung Eun‐Young , Bae Song Hwan , Kwon Ki Han , Kim Jin‐Man , Suh Hyung Joo 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIn a previous study, it was reported that yeast hydrolysate (YH) was effective in promoting bone growth in Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats. To further clarify the mechanism of YH, the effects of YH on proliferation, differentiation and gene expression in vitro were investigated using osteoblastic cell lines (MC3T3‐E1). Cell proliferation increased significantly as much as 110% of the basal value when cells were treated with 100 µg/mL of YH. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity increased significantly with a YH concentration of 25–100 µg/mL, and the activity increased 152% that of the control at 100 µg/mL. The calcium content increased as much as 129% at 100 µg/mL YH. The gene expression levels of ALP and collagen type II (COL II) significantly increased approximately 1.3‐fold and 1.7‐fold of control, respectively, at 100 µg/mL. YH increased significantly the mRNA level of bone sialoprotein (BSP) but not in a dose‐dependent manner. The mRNA levels of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP)‐2, BMP‐4, collagen type I (COL I) and osteonectin (ON) did not increase. In summary, YH increased the proliferation of osteoblasts and directly stimulated ALP and bone matrix proteins (e.g. BSP, COL II), and these increases trigger osteoblastic differentiation (e.g. mineralized nodule formation). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Turkish seaweeds for antiprotozoal, antimycobacterial and cytotoxic activities
Authors: Süzgeç‐Selçuk Sevda , Meriçli Ali H. , Güven Kasım C. , Kaiser Marcel , Casey Rosalyn , Hingley‐Wilson Suzie , Lalvani Ajit , Tasdemir Deniz 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAs part of our continuing research on seaweeds, crude MeOH extracts of two green, three brown and six red algae collected from Marmara, Black, Aegean and Mediterranean Seas were screened. Four parasitic protozoa, i.e. Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, T. cruzi, Leishmania donovani and the tubercle bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis were used as test organisms for the in vitro assays. The selective toxicity of the extracts was also determined against mammalian L6 cells. All seaweed extracts were active against T. brucei rhodesiense; the Dasya pedicellata extract was the most potent (IC50 value 0.37 µg/mL). The same extract also weakly inhibited the growth of T. cruzi (IC50 62.02 µg/mL). All seaweed extracts also showed leishmanicidal activity (IC50 values 16.76–69.98 µg/mL). The majority of the extracts also exhibited antiplasmodial potential and the most potent extracts were those from D. pedicellata (IC50 0.38 µg/mL), Codium bursa (IC50 1.38 µg/mL) and Caulerpa rasemosa (IC50 3.12 µg/mL). One brown and two red algal extracts showed some weak activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MIC values 125–256 µg/mL). Except for the extract of Dasya pedicellata, none of the extracts displayed any cytotoxicity. This is the second study investigating the antiprotozoal activities of Turkish marine algae and identifies Dasya pedicellata, an understudied algal species, as a candidate for further studies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oligomerized grape seed proanthocyanidins ameliorates isoproterenol‐induced cardiac remodeling in rats: role of oxidative stress
Authors: Zuo You‐mei , Wang Xing‐hui , Gao Shan , Zhang Ye 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe effects of oligomerized grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSP) on haemodynamics, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis as well as apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) cascades in isoproterenol (Iso)‐induced cardiac remodelling (CR) rat model were investigated, in addition, the serum SOD activities and MDA content were assayed. Rats were treated with Iso to induce CR and were given distilled water or GSP for 1 week. Control rats received vehicle instead of Iso. Administration of GSP markedly alleviated the elevation of the left ventricle weight (LVW)/body weight (BW), heart weight (HW)/body weight (BW) ratio and cross‐sectional area of cardiomyocytes, decreased collagen deposition in the heart, and improved the haemodynamic index. Meanwhile, treatment with GSP significantly ameliorated oxidative stress by improving SOD activities and decreasing MDA formation. Moreover, GSP apparently inhibited the expression ASK1, NF‐κB and its targeted gene – COX‐2. These findings suggest that administration of GSP has the potential to attenuate Iso‐induced CR by repressing oxidative stress and inhibiting the activation of the cellular signaling cascades involving the ASK1 and NF‐κB pathways, at least in part, providing a molecular mechanism for the cardioprotective effect of GSP. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using viscous and variable friction dampers for improving structural seismic response
Authors: Ribakov Y. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractUsing supplemental dampers is known as an efficient way for improving structural seismic response. Viscous, friction, yielding steel and other types of dampers were developed in the last few decades for this reason and are produced by the industry and used in modern structures and in retrofitted buildings all over the world. This paper is focused on investigating a damping system including viscous and variable friction dampers. Numerical analysis of a multi‐storey structure was carried out. At the first stage, the structure was provided by optimal viscous dampers and its response to a white noise was obtained. According to this response, appropriate parameters of variable friction dampers were obtained using an equivalent energy dissipation hypothesis. At the second stage, dynamic response of the structure under real seismic motions was studied. It was shown that using a hybrid damping system including viscous and variable friction dampers yields essential improvement in structural response and looks attractive for practical implementations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating the reliability of RC beams of tall buildings designed based on the new ACI 318‐05/ASCE 7‐05
Authors: Baji H. , Ronagh H. R. 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARYThe level of safety achievable in reinforced concrete (RC) beams designed based on the new ACI 318‐05/ASCE 7‐05 is investigated in this study. The study makes use of the more recent statistical data on flexure and shear provided by Szerszen and Nowak. Due to the importance of using real ratios of lateral/gravity loads in any such reliability analysis, a set of RC buildings was chosen, loaded and designed and the actual nominal wind‐to‐dead load ratios were derived. Using these and the statistical data mentioned above, reliability indices for moment and shear were calculated. The resulting reliability indices for moment and shear are then presented in comparison. In addition, the reliability index variations along the beam at the controlling stations are compared to each other. The results of the study indicate that reliability indices at the controlling stations obtained for different limit states are not consistent for low values of nominal wind‐to‐dead load ratios, but converge consistently for high ratios. It seems that the use of older shear strength factors provides a reliable safety margin and that the use of the more recent statistical data for material combined with the older shear strength factors leads to more consistency. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First word
Authors: Kirby Roger 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWelcome to the first issue of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, an exciting new project that builds on the success of Trends in Urology, Gynaecology and Sexual Health and takes it several steps into the future. The journal has been redesigned as a visually ground‐breaking sister journal to the British Journal of Urology International (BJUI), aimed at a multidisciplinary audience of healthcare professionals who care for men's health. The central campaigning message will be to ‘reduce premature deaths in men, and improve quality of life for all’. The new journal will provide high‐quality articles from leading specialists in the areas of prostate disease, erectile dysfunction, incontinence and genitourinary medicine. In addition, its broad remit will include other areas that affect men's health, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Simultaneous real‐time imaging of four‐chamber and left ventricular outflow tract views using xPlane imaging capability of a matrix array probe
Authors: Yuan Y. , Leung K. Y. , Ouyang Y. S. , Yang F. , Tang M. H. Y. , Chau A. K. T. , Dai Q. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the feasibility and reliability of using xPlane imaging to examine simultaneously the four‐chamber and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) views in real time, to assess rotation angles from the four‐chamber view to the LVOT view, and to investigate factors affecting the angles.MethodsIn 145 fetuses at 11–37 weeks' gestation, we visualized the four‐chamber view in one of three cardiac positions: a subcostal view with the apex at the 3 or 9 o'clock position; an apical view with the apex at the 12 or 6 o'clock position; or a view with the fetal heart apex midway between these two positions. We then used the rotation function of xPlane imaging, using the four‐chamber view as the reference plane, to visualize the LVOT view simultaneously in real time on the secondary image plane, on the right side of the split screen, by rotating a reference line from 0° with a rotation step of 5°. The rotation angle necessary for the first appearance of LVOT was recorded as the first rotation angle. The reference line was then rotated until the LVOT was just out of view, and this last rotation angle was recorded as the second rotation angle. The difference between these two angles was recorded as the angle span of the LVOT display. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).ResultsOf the 145 fetuses examined, 29 had cardiac defects. Using xPlane imaging, the LVOT was visualized successfully after 14 weeks in 95.1% of cases. The first and second rotation angles varied significantly with cardiac position (P < 0.001); when the fetal heart was examined using a subcostal approach with the apex at the 3 or 9 o'clock position, the first rotation angle was smaller than that at the apical view for normal hearts (20° vs. 50°, P < 0.001). There was also a significant difference for the second rotation angle and for the angle span, between fetuses with and without normal LVOT (P = 0.038 and 0.006, respectively). Regarding intra‐ and interobserver reliability for measurement of first and second rotation angles, the ICCs were high (range, 0.847–0.980).ConclusionUsing xPlane imaging, it is feasible to examine simultaneously the four‐chamber and LVOT views in real time, and measurement of the rotation angles between these two views is reproducible. The rotation angles depend on the position of the fetal heart, and the normality of the LVOT. Proposed algorithms for examination of the fetal heart with three‐/four‐dimensional ultrasonography may need to be adapted to optimize visualization of the standard planes. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Being Extreme in the classroom: Experiences teaching XP
Authors: Goldman Alfredo , Kon Fabio , Silva Paulo J. S. , Yoder Joseph W. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAgile Methods propose a new way of looking at software development that questions many of the beliefs of conventional Software Engineering. Agile methods such as Extreme Programming (XP) have been very effective in producing high-quality software in real-world projects with strict time constraints.Nevertheless, most university courses and industrial training programs are still based on old-style heavyweight methods. This article, based on our experiences teaching XP in academic and industrial environments, presents effective ways of teaching students and professionals on how to develop high-quality software following the principles of agile software development. We also discuss related work in the area, describe real-world cases, and discuss open problems not yet resolved.
Latitudinal gradient in the taxonomic composition of parasite communities
Authors: Poulin R. , Leung T.L.F 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAlthough latitudinal gradients in diversity have been well studied, latitudinal variation in the taxonomic composition of communities has received less attention. Here, we use a large dataset including 950 surveys of helminth endoparasite communities in 650 species of vertebrate hosts to test for latitudinal changes in the relative contributions of trematodes, cestodes, nematodes and acanthocephalans to parasite assemblages. Although the species richness of helminth communities showed no consistent latitudinal variation, their taxonomic composition varied as a function of both host type and latitude. First, trematodes and acanthocephalans accounted for a higher proportion of species in helminth communities of fish, whereas nematodes achieved a higher proportion of the species in communities of bird and especially mammal hosts. Second, the proportion of trematodes in helminth communities of birds and mammals increased toward higher latitudes. Finally, the proportion of nematodes per community increased toward lower latitudes regardless of the type of host. We present tentative explanations for these patterns, and argue that new insights in parasite community ecology can be gained by searching for latitudinal gradients not only in parasite species richness, but also in the taxonomic composition of parasite assemblages.