bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aplasia Ras homologue member I overexpression induces apoptosis through inhibition of survival pathways in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in culture and in xenograft
Authors: Pei Xin‐Hong , Yang Zhen , Liu Hong‐Xiang , Qiao Shi‐Shi 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to determine the effects of ARHI (aplasia Ras homologue member I; also known as DIRAS3), a member of the Ras superfamily, on HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) cells and to define the molecular pathways involved. Stable transfection of ARHI into the HCC cell line Hep3B that lacks expression of this gene reduced cell proliferation significantly as compared with the transfection of empty vector (P<0.01). Moreover, the re‐expression of ARHI induced significant apoptosis, whereas a few vector transfectants or non‐transfected cells displayed apoptosis. Mechanistically, ARHI restoration impeded the activation of both Akt (also called protein kinase B) and NF‐κB (nuclear factor κB). In vivo, restoring ARHI also exerted suppressive effects on xenograft tumour growth, which was coupled with increased apoptosis. Together, these results indicate that ARHI has pro‐apoptotic effects on HCC cells, which is associated with the inactivation of both Akt and NF‐κB survival pathways.
The Private Sector on Public Land: Policy Implications of a SWOT Analysis of Banff National Park
Authors: Orr Shannon K. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Banff National Park located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is in many ways a paradox: protected wilderness with a thriving private sector. While some argue that these are incompatible, others welcome the commercial presence within the park as a way to complement nature-based tourism and provide services for local residents in the town of Banff. The objective of this research is to use a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threat (SWOT) analysis to determine how to support the business sector in Banff National Park within a framework of national park regulations and the imperative need for sustainability.
Wheat Flour Exposed to Ethanol Yields Dough with Unexpected Properties
Authors: Robertson George H. , Hurkman William J. , Cao Trung K. , Gregorski Kay S. , Tanaka Charlene , Glenn Gregory M. , Orts William J. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTExposure of wheat flour to ethanol solutions followed by slow drying of the ethanol in situ alters the subsequent transformation of the flour into dough. Several types of wheat flour were exposed to small amounts of ethanol solutions so as to be “wetted” but without the appearance of a separate liquid phase. The wet sample was then dried in air. Dough was formed from the treated flour, and its rheological parameters were assessed, including time to peak strength (mixograph and farinograph) and gluten index (glutomatic). Untreated and treated flour and the dough prepared therefrom were assayed using 1D SDS‐PAGE (reducing and unreducing conditions), capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) applied to 70% leachates with and without sonication, and differential scanning calorimetry. Both gluten index and time to peak increased as a result of the treatment, and the increase was greater for flour or enriched vital gluten with an initially low gluten index than for flour with a relatively high initial index. Endosperm fragmentation following milling of the treated flour was improved by the treatment. Thermal transitions were at lower temperatures following treatment, indicating less structural order and reduced thermal stability. No compositional differences were evident when studied with robust analytical methods. CZE of leached samples (no sonication) revealed lower amounts of accessible or detected proteins following treatment. Conformational changes and new secondary interactions, therefore, appear to cause the effect.
Gene Set Analysis and Network Analysis for Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Pedroso Inti , Breen Gerome 
Published: August 2011

INTRODUCTIONThe application of high-throughput genotyping in humans has yielded numerous insights into the genetic basis of human phenotypes and an unprecedented amount of genetic data. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have increased in number in recent years, but the variants that have been found have generally explained only a tiny proportion of the estimated genetic contribution to phenotypic variation. This article summarizes the progress made in the development of gene set analysis (GSA) and network analysis for GWAS was a way to identify the underlying molecular processes of human phenotypes. It also highlights some promising findings and indicates future directions that may greatly enhance the analysis and interpretation of GWAS.
Urinary concentrations of 15‐epimer of lipoxin A4 are lower in patients with aspirin‐intolerant compared with aspirin‐tolerant asthma
Authors: Yamaguchi H. , Higashi N. , Mita H. , Ono E. , Komase Y. , Nakagawa T. , Miyazawa T. , Akiyama K. , Taniguchi M. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryBackgroundAlthough an abnormality in arachidonic acid metabolism may be responsible for aspirin‐intolerant asthma (AIA), there is little knowledge about the concentrations of urinary lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and the 15‐epimer of LXA4 (15‐epi‐LXA4) in relation to asthma severity in AIA subjects.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to estimate urinary LXA4 and the 15‐epimer concentrations to investigate lipoxins in AIA.MethodsIn this study, we examined AIA, aspirin‐tolerant asthma (ATA) and healthy control groups. The AIA and ATA groups were subdivided into the severe asthma and non‐severe asthma subgroups. Urinary LXA4, 15‐epi‐LXA4 and leukotriene E4 (LTE4) were quantified using enzyme immunoassay after separating these compounds using high‐performance liquid chromatography.ResultsThe urinary LXA4 concentration was significantly lower than the 15‐epi‐LXA4 concentration in the asthmatic subjects. The AIA group showed significantly lower urinary 15‐epi‐LXA4 (P < 0.01) and higher urinary LTE4 concentrations (P < 0.05) than the ATA group. Comparison of 15‐epi‐LXA4 concentrations between the severe asthmatic and non‐severe asthmatic subjects in the AIA and ATA groups revealed that the decreased 15‐epi‐LXA4 concentration may be related to aspirin intolerance, but not asthma severity. Receiver operator characteristic curves demonstrated that the concentration ratio of LTE4 to 15‐epi‐LXA4 was superior to 15‐epi‐LXA4 concentration and LTE4 concentration as a predictive factor for aspirin intolerance.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceWe have demonstrated for the first time that urinary 15‐epi‐LXA4 concentration is significantly higher than LXA4 concentration in both the AIA and ATA groups. 15‐Epi‐LXA4 concentration was significantly lower in the AIA group with an increased urinary LTE4 concentration than in the ATA group. An imbalance between proinflammatory cysteinyl‐leukotrienes and anti‐inflammatory 15‐epi‐LXA4 may be involved in AIA pathogenesis.
Consistent flowering response to global warming by European plants introduced into North America
Authors: Hulme Philip E. 
Published: August 2011

Summary1. The reliability of species distribution models (SDM) to predict the probable response of alien plants to climate change rests on the assumption that plant performance in relation to temperature in the introduced range will be similar to that observed in the native range. Yet, alien plants may exhibit enhanced performance or different environment‐distribution relationships following their introduction into a new area. Empirical data are therefore essential to test whether the responsiveness of species to climate is equivalent in the native and introduced ranges.2. This study tests the assumption that phenological responses of plants to temperature are similar in both their native and introduced range. First flowering date (FFD) is widely used to assess the responsiveness of plants to recent warming arising from global change. For 19 species native to Europe, FFD observed in both the UK and USA between 1970 and 2000 was examined in relation to interannual variation in local temperatures. General trends, variability and responsiveness of FFD to warming were examined for consistency in the contrasting climate of Oxfordshire and Washington DC.3. Mean FFD in Oxfordshire was a powerful predictor of the same variable in Washington DC, although summer flowering plants in Oxfordshire tended to flower earlier in the season in Washington DC. FFD varied considerably over 30 years, but across all species, the range in FFD revealed a similar trend in both regions with larger ranges observed for earlier flowering species.4. Comparable trends were found between Oxfordshire and Washington DC in the degree to which flowering advanced or regressed per unit temperature increase. In response to warming, the majority of species flowered earlier in both countries and the degree to which FFD responded to increasing temperature was greatest for species flowering earlier in the year.5. These equivalent phenological responses to temperature across continents imply prediction of the performance of alien plants under climate change may be derived from a species’ behaviour in its native range. While these findings support the use of SDM, they also indicate that these models could be significantly improved through the integration of phenological relationships parameterized from data in the native range.
Prevalence of molar–incisor hypomineralisation observed using transillumination in a group of children from Barcelona (Spain)
Authors: MARTÍNEZ GÓMEZ TERESITA PATRICIA , GUINOT JIMENO FRANCISCO , BELLET DALMAU LUIS J. , GINER TARRIDA LUIS 
Published: August 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 100–109Objectives.  The objectives were to investigate the prevalence of the condition, by using transillumination, in a group of children. Analysed the prevalence with regard to gender, jaw affected, and the teeth that exhibited dysplasia most commonly.Methods.  A sample of 550 children aged 6 to 14 years was selected at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, but among those selected only 505 children were eligible for inclusion in the study. The gender and age of the child, number of permanent teeth, number of teeth affected by MIH and their position were registered.Results.  Ninety patients (17.85%) had MIH. Of these, 45 were girls (50%) and 45 were boys (50%). A total of 8062 permanent teeth were observed. Of these, 344 (4.2%) were affected by MIH. Of the teeth affected, 198 (57.7%) were located in the maxilla and 146 (42.4%) in the mandible. This result was statistically significant (P = 0.003).Conclusions.  The population studied showed a prevalence of MIH of 17.8%. The presence of the defect did not differ according to sex in this population. Defects were more common among teeth in the maxilla.
Functional traits shape ontogenetic growth trajectories of rain forest tree species
Authors: Hérault Bruno , Bachelot Bénédicte , Poorter Lourens , Rossi Vivien , Bongers Frans , Chave Jérôme , Paine C. E. Timothy , Wagner Fabien , Baraloto Christopher 
Published: August 2011

Summary1. Functional traits are posited to explain interspecific differences in performance, but these relationships are difficult to describe for long‐lived organisms such as trees, which exhibit strong ontogenetic changes in demographic rates. Here, we use a size‐dependent model of tree growth to test the extent to which of 17 functional traits related to leaf and stem economics, adult stature and seed size predict the ontogenetic trajectory of tree growth.2. We used a Bayesian modelling framework to parameterize and contrast three size‐dependent diameter growth models using 16 years of census data from 5524 individuals of 50 rain forest tree species: a size‐dependent model, a size‐dependent model with species‐specific parameters and a size‐dependent model based on functional traits.3. Most species showed clear hump‐shaped ontogenetic growth trajectories and, across species, maximum growth rate varied nearly tenfold, from 0.58 to 5.51 mm year−1. Most species attained their maximum growth at 60% of their maximum size, whereas the magnitude of ontogenetic changes in growth rate varied widely among species.4. The Trait‐Model provided the best compromise between explained variance and model parsimony and needed considerably fewer parameters than the model with species terms.5. Stem economics and adult stature largely explained interspecific differences in growth strategy. Maximum absolute diameter growth rates increased with increasing adult stature and leaf δ13C and decreased with increasing wood density. Species with light wood had the greatest potential to modulate their growth, resulting in hump‐shaped ontogenetic growth curves. Seed size and leaf economics, generally thought to be of paramount importance for plant performance, had no significant relationships with the growth parameters.6. Synthesis. Our modelling approach offers a promising way to link demographic parameters to their functional determinants and hence to predict growth trajectories in species‐rich communities with little parameter inflation, bridging the gap between functional ecology and population demography.
Effects of increased payment for ventilation tube insertion on decision making for paediatric otitis media with effusion
Authors: Wang Mao‐Che , Huang Chung‐Kai , Wang Ying‐Piao , Chien Ching‐Wen 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjective  The National Health Insurance (NHI) in Taiwan raised the physician fee for myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion (VTI) from $61.5 to $117.6 in July 2004. This study aimed to evaluate if the increased payment affected the decision making of physicians.Methods  This study is a retrospective analysis by using NHI databank in Taiwan. All children less than 12 years old who underwent VTI from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2006 were included. Waiting time and case numbers before and after the increased VTI payment were compared. The waiting time between public and private hospitals was also examined.Results  From the 7408 cases evaluated, there was no difference in waiting time before and after the raise of VTI payment, and no difference within each year group. The case number of VTI increased significantly after the increase in VTI payment (P < 0.05). The waiting time of VTI performed in private hospitals was shorter than that in public hospitals (P = 0.0001).Conclusion  The waiting time of VTI for children with otitis media with effusion (OME) has not been shortened after the increase in VTI payment. Waiting time in private hospitals is shorter than that in public hospitals. Increased payment for VTI has no effect on the physicians' decision making regarding to waiting time for children with OME in Taiwan.
Dietetic practice in refeeding syndrome
Authors: Wagstaff G. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground:  The physiology and consequences of refeeding syndrome have long been recognised, although its management continues to be debated, despite the recommendations made by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in their guideline ‘Nutrition Support in Adults’ (2006). The present study aims to assess current dietetic opinion and practice in this area, as well as whether the NICE recommendations have been adopted.Methods:  An anonymous, self‐completed Internet survey was designed investigating current practice and opinions on the NICE (2006) guidance on this subject. A link to the questionnaire was distributed with a covering letter via e‐mail to the heads of department of National Health Service Trusts in the London region, UK, requesting that it be disseminated to all dietitians working with adults. After the closing date, all responses were collated and analysed.Results:  The survey elicited a 30.8% response rate. Some 89.8% of respondents have read the NICE guidance on Nutrition Support in Adults (2006) and 66.9% have changed their practice regarding refeeding syndrome management as a result. Sixty‐two percent do not wait for biochemistry to normalise before commencing nutrition. Ninety‐two percent of respondents completed the mini case studies indicating that current practice is inconsistent among dietitians. Neither NICE criteria for recognising patients at risk of refeeding, nor the recommended starting rates are universally followed. Seventy‐five percent continue to supplement electrolytes reactively.Conclusions:  Although limited by a small sample size, the findings of the present study suggest that dietetic practice regarding refeeding syndrome management remains inconsistent with the recommendations made by NICE, although some aspects have been adopted.
Plasma sCD36 is associated with markers of atherosclerosis, insulin resistance and fatty liver in a nondiabetic healthy population
Authors: Handberg A. , Højlund K. , Gastaldelli A. , Flyvbjerg A. , Dekker J. M. , Petrie J. , Piatti P. , Beck‐Nielsen H. ,   the RISC Investigators
Published: August 2011

Abstract.  Handberg A, Højlund K, Gastaldelli A, Flyvbjerg A, Dekker JM, Petrie J, Piatti P, Beck‐Nielsen H (Aarhus Hospital and Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Glasgow, UK; and San Raffaele Institute, Milan, Italy). Plasma sCD36 is associated with markers of atherosclerosis, insulin resistance and fatty liver in a nondiabetic healthy population. J Intern Med 2012; 271: 294–304.Objectives.  Insulin resistance is associated with increased CD36 expression in a number of tissues. Moreover, excess macrophage CD36 may initiate atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of this study was to determine whether plasma soluble CD36 (sCD36) was associated with insulin resistance, fatty liver and carotid atherosclerosis in nondiabetic subjects.Methods.  In 1296 healthy subjects without diabetes or hypertension recruited from 19 centres in 14 European countries (RISC study), we determined the levels of sCD36, adiponectin, lipids and liver enzymes, insulin sensitivity (M/I) by euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp, carotid atherosclerosis as intima–media thickness (IMT) and two estimates of fatty liver, the fatty liver index (FLI) and liver fat percentage (LF%).Results.  IMT, FLI, LF%, presence of the metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose regulation, insulin and triglycerides increased across sCD36 quartiles (Q2–Q4), whereas adiponectin and M/I decreased (P ≤ 0.01). sCD36 was lower in women than in men (P = 0.045). Log sCD36 showed a bimodal distribution, and amongst subjects with sCD36 within the log‐normal distribution (log‐normal population, n = 1029), sCD36 was increased in subjects with impaired glucose regulation (P = 0.045), metabolic syndrome (P = 0.006) or increased likelihood of fatty liver (P < 0.001). sCD36 correlated significantly with insulin, triglycerides, M/I and FLI (P < 0.05) after adjustment for study centre, gender, age, glucose tolerance status, smoking habits and alcohol consumption. In the log‐normal population, these relationships were stronger than in the total study population and, additionally, sCD36 was significantly associated with LF% and IMT (P < 0.05).Conclusions.  In this cross‐sectional study of nondiabetic subjects, sCD36 was significantly associated with indices of insulin resistance, carotid atherosclerosis and fatty liver. Prospective studies are needed to further evaluate the role of sCD36 in the inter‐relationship between atherosclerosis, fatty liver and insulin resistance.
Predictors of the depressive symptomatology of the family caregivers of Chinese stroke patients in Hong Kong
Authors: LAU C. G. , TANG W. K. , WONG K. S. , MOK V. , UNGVARI G. S. 
Published: August 2011

Accessible summary
No previous Hong Kong study has explored the relationship between stroke survivors and their carers' depressive symptoms.
The severity of Chinese stroke patients' depressive symptoms, their caregivers' perceptions of their own health, and the adversity of recent life events are the crucial factors associated with caregivers' depressive symptoms.
Caregivers' depressive symptoms are correlated with those of stroke survivors, although the causal connection and its direction could not be established.
Teaching effective stress management skills to caregivers and care recipients could reduce emotional stress and related depressive symptoms. Doing so would, in turn, lessen caregivers' physical health problems, resulting in better quality of life for both the providers and recipients of care, and thus a better caregiving outcome. Educational programmes for stroke caregivers and stroke survivors should be made available in the community.
AbstractThe aim of this cross‐sectional study was to determine the socio‐demographic and clinical factors associated with depressive symptoms in the family caregivers of Hong Kong Chinese stroke patients. One hundred and twenty‐three patients at a stroke clinic and their family caregivers formed the study sample. The depressive symptoms of both the patients and their family caregivers were rated with the Chinese version of the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Participants' socio‐demographic data and clinical characteristics served as the independent variables in relation to the caregivers' GDS scores. Patients' and caregivers' somatic and psychological conditions were measured with 10 scales. In univariate analysis, caregivers' GDS scores were significantly correlated with certain of their characteristics [Modified Life Event Scale (MLES), Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) and Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS) scores, sex and being a housewife] and those of the patients (GDS score and being a housewife). Multiple regression analysis showed caregivers' MLES and CIRS scores and patients' GDS scores to be independent correlates of caregivers' GDS scores. Adverse events encountered by caregivers in the past 6 months, their current health problems and patients' depressive symptoms were found to be the principal factors associated with caregivers' depressive symptoms.
High‐amplitude theta wave bursts during REM sleep and cataplexy in hypocretin‐deficient narcoleptic mice
Authors: BASTIANINI STEFANO , SILVANI ALESSANDRO , BERTEOTTI CHIARA , LO MARTIRE VIVIANA , ZOCCOLI GIOVANNA 
Published: August 2011

SummaryNeurons that release hypocretin (HCRT; orexin) peptides control wake–sleep states and autonomic functions, and are lost in patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy. Bursts of high‐amplitude electroencephalographic (EEG) activity have been reported during behavioural arrests and rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) episodes at sleep onset in HCRT‐deficient narcoleptic mice. Quantitative information on these EEG phenomena is lacking. We aimed to quantify EEG frequency, occurrence rate, daily rhythm and cardiovascular correlates of high‐amplitude EEG bursts during REMS and cataplexy. Twenty HCRT‐deficient mice and 15 congenic wild‐type controls were instrumented with electrodes for sleep recordings and a telemetric blood pressure transducer. Short (1–2 s) high‐amplitude bursts of pointed theta waves (7 Hz) occurred during either REMS or cataplexy in 80% of HCRT‐deficient mice without any significant accompanying modification in systolic blood pressure or heart period. Theta bursts were significantly more likely to occur during the dark period and in the last third of REMS episodes. Similar EEG events were detected in a significantly lower fraction (27%) of wild‐type mice and with a significantly lower occurrence rate (0.8 versus 5 per hour of REMS). These data demonstrate that occurrence of high‐amplitude theta bursts is facilitated during REMS and cataplexy in narcoleptic mice. Analysis of EEG frequency and daily and intra‐episode patterns of event occurrence do not support interpretation of theta bursts as temporally displaced pre‐REMS spindles. Facilitation of high‐amplitude theta bursts may thus represent a novel neurophysiological abnormality associated with chronic HCRT deficiency.