bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multivariate modelling with 1H NMR of pleural effusion in murine cerebral malaria
Authors: Ghosh Soumita , Sengupta Arjun , Sharma Shobhona , Sonawat Haripalsingh M 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundCerebral malaria is a clinical manifestation ofPlasmodium falciparuminfection. Although brain damage is the predominant pathophysiological complication of cerebral malaria (CM), respiratory distress, acute lung injury, hydrothorax/pleural effusion are also observed in several cases. Immunological parameters have been assessed in pleural fluid in murine models; however there are no reports of characterization of metabolites present in pleural effusion.Methods1H NMR of the sera and the pleural effusion of cerebral malaria infected mice were analyzed using principal component analysis, orthogonal partial least square analysis, multiway principal component analysis, and multivariate curve resolution.ResultsIt has been observed that there was 100% occurrence of pleural effusion (PE) in the mice affected with CM, as opposed to those are non-cerebral and succumbing to hyperparasitaemia (NCM/HP). An analysis of1H NMR and SDS-PAGE profile of PE and serum samples of each of the CM mice exhibited a similar profile in terms of constituents. Multivariate analysis on these two classes of biofluids was performed and significant differences were detected in concentrations of metabolites. Glucose, creatine and glutamine contents were high in the PE and lipids being high in the sera. Multivariate curve resolution between sera and pleural effusion showed that changes in PE co-varied with that of serum in CM mice. The increase of glucose in PE is negatively correlated to the glucose in serum in CM as obtained from the result of multiway principal component analysis.ConclusionsThis study reports for the first time, the characterization of metabolites in pleural effusion formed during murine cerebral malaria. The study indicates that the origin of PE metabolites in murine CM may be the serum. The loss of the components like glucose, glutamine and creatine into the PE may worsen the situation of patients, in conjunction with the enhanced glycolysis, glutaminolysis and increased activity of creatine phophokinase which are already reported characteristic pathophysiological features of malaria.
Simulation of haemodynamic flow in head and neck cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Rhode Stephan , Paul Manosh C , Martens Eckhard , Campbell Duncan F 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
In recent years, intra arterial chemotherapy has become an important component in head and neck cancer treatment. However, therapy success can vary significantly and consistent treatment guidelines are missing. The purpose of this study was to create a computer simulation of the chemical agent injection in the head and neck arteries to investigate the distribution and concentration of the chemical.

Methods
Realistic three dimensional patient specific geometry was created from image scan data. Pulsatile blood flow, turbulence, the chemical agent injection via a catheter, and the mixture between blood and the chemical were then simulated through the arterial network by computational fluid dynamics software.

Results
The results show a consistent chemical distribution throughout all the arteries and this is ineffective. In addition, due to high wall shear stress and turbulence at the inner bifurcation wall, serious complications during the treatment could occur, for instance haemolysis or thrombosis.

Conclusions
The modelled catheter position is insufficient to provide a high chemical agent concentration in the desired tumour feeding artery, which is vital for therapy success.
Fish polar lipids retard atherosclerosis in rabbits by down-regulating PAF biosynthesis and up-regulating PAF catabolism
Authors: Nasopoulou Constantina , Tsoupras Alexandros B , Karantonis Haralabos C , Demopoulos Constantinos A , Zabetakis Ioannis 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Platelet activating factor (PAF) has been proposed as a key factor and initial trigger in atherosclerosis. Recently, a modulation of PAF metabolism by bioactive food constituents has been suggested. In this study we investigated the effect of fish polar lipid consumption on PAF metabolism.

Results
The specific activities of four PAF metabolic enzymes; in leukocytes, platelets and plasma, and PAF concentration; either in blood cells or plasma were determined. Samples were acquired at the beginning and at the end of a previously conducted study in male New Zealand white rabbits that were fed for 45 days with atherogenic diet supplemented (group-B, n = 6) or not (group-A, n = 6) with gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) polar lipids.
The specific activity of PAF-Acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH); a catabolic enzyme of PAF, was decreased in rabbits' platelets of both A and B groups and in rabbits' leukocytes of group A (p < 0.05). On the other hand the specific activity of Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2); the catabolic enzyme of PAF in plasma was increased in both A and B groups in both leukocytes and platelets (p < 0.05). PAF-cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT); a biosynthetic enzyme of PAF showed increased specific activity only in rabbits' leukocytes of group A (p < 0.05). Neither of the two groups showed any change in Lyso-PAF-acetyltransferase (Lyso-PAF-AT) specific activity (p > 0.05). Free and bound PAF levels increased in group A while decreased in group B (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) polar lipids modulate PAF metabolism upon atherosclerotic conditions in rabbits leading to lower PAF levels and activity in blood of rabbits with reduced early atherosclerotic lesions compared to control group.
Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on the Presence and Severity of Aortic Stenosis in Patients at High Risk for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Masuda Chiaki , Dohi Kaoru , Sakurai Yuko , Bessho Yuri , Fukuda Harumi , Fujii Shinobu , Sugimoto Tadafumi , Tanabe Masaki , Onishi Katsuya , Shiraki Katsuya , Ito Masaaki , Nobori Tsutomu 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Objective
We evaluated the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the presence and severity of aortic stenosis (AS) in patients at high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods
One hundred and twenty consecutive patients who underwent invasive coronary angiography were enrolled. Aortic valve area (AVA) was calculated by the continuity equation using transthoracic echocardiography, and was normalized by body surface area (AVA index).

Results
Among all 120 patients, 78% had CAD, 55% had CKD (stage 3: 81%; stage 4: 19%), and 34% had AS (AVA < 2.0cm2). Patients with AS were older, more often female, and had a higher frequency of CKD than those without AS, but the prevalence of CAD and most other coexisting conventional risk factors was similar between patients with and without AS. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that only CKD and CAD were independent determinants of AVA index with standardized coefficients of -0.37 and -0.28, respectively. When patients were divided into 3 groups (group 1: absence of CKD and CAD, n = 16; group 2: presence of either CKD or CAD, n = 51; and group 3: presence of both CKD and CAD, n = 53), group 3 had the smallest AVA index (1.19 ± 0.30*# cm2/m2, *p < 0.05 vs. group 1: 1.65 ± 0.32 cm2/m2, and #p < 0.05 vs. group 2: 1.43 ± 0.29* cm2/m2) and the highest peak velocity across the aortic valve (1.53 ± 0.41*# m/sec; *p < 0.05 vs. group 1: 1.28 ± 0.29 m/sec, and #p < 0.05 vs. group 2: 1.35 ± 0.27 m/sec).

Conclusion
CKD, even pre-stage 5 CKD, has a more powerful impact on the presence and severity of AS than other conventional risk factors for atherosclerosis in patients at high risk for CAD.
Fixed point theorems for mappings with condition (B)
Authors: Lin Lai-Jiu , Chuang Chih-Sheng , Yu Zenn-Tsun 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn this article, a new type of mappings that satisfies condition (B) is introduced. We study Pazy's type fixed point theorems, demiclosed principles, and ergodic theorem for mappings with condition (B). Next, we consider the weak convergence theorems for equilibrium problems and the fixed points of mappings with condition (B).
Sub-super solutions for (p-q) Laplacian systems
Authors: Haghaieghi Somayeh , Afrouzi Ghasem Alizadeh 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
In this work, we consider the system:

{

-

Δ
p

u
=
λ
[
g
(
x
)
a
(
u
)
+
f
(
v
)
]

in
Ω

-

Δ
q

v
=
λ
[
g
(
x
)
b
(
v
)
+
h
(
u
)
]

in
Ω

u

=

v

=
0

on
∂
Ω
,

where Ω is a bounded region in R

N
with smooth boundary ∂Ω, Δ
p
is the p-Laplacian operator defined by Δ
p

u = div (|∇u|
p-2∇u), p, q > 1 and g (x) is a C
1 sign-changing the weight function, that maybe negative near the boundary. f, h, a, b are C
1 non-decreasing functions satisfying a(0) ≥ 0, b(0) ≥ 0. Using the method of sub-super solutions, we prove the existence of weak solution.
A challenging diagnosis of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency: identification of a patient with a novel F/Null phenotype
Authors: Ringenbach Michael R , Banta Erin , Snyder Melissa R , Craig Timothy J , Ishmael Faoud T 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency is a genetic disease characterized by low levels and/or function of A1AT protein. A1AT deficiency can result in the development of COPD, liver disease, and certain skin conditions. The disease can be diagnosed by demonstrating a low level of A1AT protein and genotype screening for S and Z mutations, which are the most common. However, there are many genetic variants in A1AT deficiency, and this screening may miss rarer cases, such as those caused by dysfunctional protein. We identified a patient with a previously unreported F/null phenotype that was missed by routine screening. This case highlights the wide variation in possible mutations, limitations in diagnostics, and the importance of combining clinical suspicion with measurement of protein levels, phenotypic analysis, and in appropriate cases expanded genetic analysis.
Closed-loop insulin delivery for treatment of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Elleri Daniela , Dunger David B , Hovorka Roman 
Published: December 2011

AbstractType 1 diabetes is one of the most common endocrine problems in childhood and adolescence, and remains a serious chronic disorder with increased morbidity and mortality, and reduced quality of life. Technological innovations positively affect the management of type 1 diabetes. Closed-loop insulin delivery (artificial pancreas) is a recent medical innovation, aiming to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia while achieving tight control of glucose. Characterized by real-time glucose-responsive insulin administration, closed-loop systems combine glucose-sensing and insulin-delivery components. In the most viable and researched configuration, a disposable sensor measures interstitial glucose levels, which are fed into a control algorithm controlling delivery of a rapid-acting insulin analog into the subcutaneous tissue by an insulin pump. Research progress builds on an increasing use of insulin pumps and availability of glucose monitors. We review the current status of insulin delivery, focusing on clinical evaluations of closed-loop systems. Future goals are outlined, and benefits and limitations of closed-loop therapy contrasted. The clinical utility of these systems is constrained by inaccuracies in glucose sensing, inter- and intra-patient variability, and delays due to absorption of insulin from the subcutaneous tissue, all of which are being gradually addressed.
Mapping of positive selection sites in the HIV-1 genome in the context of RNA and protein structural constraints
Authors: Snoeck Joke , Fellay Jacques , Bartha István , Douek Daniel C , Telenti Amalio 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
The HIV-1 genome is subject to pressures that target the virus resulting in escape and adaptation. On the other hand, there is a requirement for sequence conservation because of functional and structural constraints. Mapping the sites of selective pressure and conservation on the viral genome generates a reference for understanding the limits to viral escape, and can serve as a template for the discovery of sites of genetic conflict with known or unknown host proteins.

Results
To build a thorough evolutionary, functional and structural map of the HIV-1 genome, complete subtype B sequences were obtained from the Los Alamos database. We mapped sites under positive selective pressure, amino acid conservation, protein and RNA structure, overlapping coding frames, CD8 T cell, CD4 T cell and antibody epitopes, and sites enriched in AG and AA dinucleotide motives. Globally, 33% of amino acid positions were found to be variable and 12% of the genome was under positive selection. Because interrelated constraining and diversifying forces shape the viral genome, we included the variables from both classes of pressure in a multivariate model to predict conservation or positive selection: structured RNA and α-helix domains independently predicted conservation while CD4 T cell and antibody epitopes were associated with positive selection.

Conclusions
The global map of the viral genome contains positive selected sites that are not in canonical CD8 T cell, CD4 T cell or antibody epitopes; thus, it identifies a class of residues that may be targeted by other host selective pressures. Overall, RNA structure represents the strongest determinant of HIV-1 conservation. These data can inform the combined analysis of host and viral genetic information.
Antidiabetic activity of isoquercetin in diabetic KK -Ay mice
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yao Yang , Wang Yingping , Ren Guixing 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Tartary buckwheat bran is an important natural source of quercetin and isoquercetin. Quercetin and isoquercetin are both powerful α-glucosidase inhibitors. Although the IC50 of isoquercetin as α-glucosidase inhibitor was much higher than that of quercetin, the bioavailability of isoquercetin was higher than that of quercetin. Hence, we are interested in the antidiabetic effect of isoquercetin in diabetic KK -Ay mice.

Methods
The hypoglycemic effect of isoquercetin in a type 2 diabetic animal model (KK-Ay mice) was studied. Isoquercetin was administrated at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 35 days.

Results
It was found that fasting blood glucose concentration was decreased with the 200 mg/kg group (p < 0.01) the most efficient compared with the diabetic control group. In addition, there was significant decrease in plasma C-peptide, triglyceride, total cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen levels after 35 days. Meanwhile, glucose tolerance was improved, and the immunoreactive of pancreatic islets β-cells was promoted.

Conclusions
These results suggest that isoquercetin had a regulative role in blood glucose level and lipids, and improved the function of pancreatic islets. Isoquercetin may be useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Conserved host response to highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection in human cell culture, mouse and macaque model systems
Authors: McDermott Jason E , Shankaran Harish , Eisfeld Amie J , Belisle Sarah E , Neuman Gabriele , Li Chengjun , McWeeney Shannon , Sabourin Carol , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Katze Michael G , Waters Katrina M 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Understanding host response to influenza virus infection will facilitate development of better diagnoses and therapeutic interventions. Several different experimental models have been used as a proxy for human infection, including cell cultures derived from human cells, mice, and non-human primates. Each of these systems has been studied extensively in isolation, but little effort has been directed toward systematically characterizing the conservation of host response on a global level beyond known immune signaling cascades.

Results
In the present study, we employed a multivariate modeling approach to characterize and compare the transcriptional regulatory networks between these three model systems after infection with a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of the H5N1 subtype. Using this approach we identified functions and pathways that display similar behavior and/or regulation including the well-studied impact on the interferon response and the inflammasome. Our results also suggest a primary response role for airway epithelial cells in initiating hypercytokinemia, which is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of H5N1 viruses. We further demonstrate that we can use a transcriptional regulatory model from the human cell culture data to make highly accurate predictions about the behavior of important components of the innate immune system in tissues from whole organisms.

Conclusions
This is the first demonstration of a global regulatory network modeling conserved host response between in vitro and in vivo models.
Recommendations for avoiding knee pain after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures
Authors: Labronici Pedro José , Santos Pires Robinson Esteves , Franco José Sérgio , Alvachian Fernandes Hélio Jorge , dos Reis Fernando Baldy 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study is to analyze the proximal tibiofibular joint in patients with knee pain after treatment of tibial shaft fractures with locked intramedullary nail.FindingsThe proximal tibiofibular joint was analyzed in 30 patients, who reported knee pain after tibial nailing, and standard radiograph and computed tomography were performed to examine the proximal third of the tibia. Twenty patients (68.9%) presented the proximal screw crossing the proximal tibiofibular joint and 13 (44.8%) had already removed the nail and/or screw. Four patients (13.7%) reported complaint of knee pain. However, the screw did not reach the proximal tibiofibular joint. Five patients (17.2%) complained of knee pain although the screw toward the joint did not affect the proximal tibiofibular joint.ConclusionWhen using nails with oblique proximal lock, surgeons should be careful not to cause injury in the proximal tibiofibular joint, what may be one of the causes of knee pain. Thus, the authors suggest postoperative evaluation performing computed tomography when there is complaint of pain.
Identification of DNA methylation changes associated with human gastric cancer
Authors: Park Jung-Hoon , Park Jinah , Choi Jung Kyoon , Lyu Jaemyun , Bae Min-Gyun , Lee Young-Gun , Bae Jae-Bum , Park Dong Yoon , Yang Han-Kwang , Kim Tae-You , Kim Young-Joon 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Epigenetic alteration of gene expression is a common event in human cancer. DNA methylation is a well-known epigenetic process, but verifying the exact nature of epigenetic changes associated with cancer remains difficult.

Methods
We profiled the methylome of human gastric cancer tissue at 50-bp resolution using a methylated DNA enrichment technique (methylated CpG island recovery assay) in combination with a genome analyzer and a new normalization algorithm.

Results
We were able to gain a comprehensive view of promoters with various CpG densities, including CpG Islands (CGIs), transcript bodies, and various repeat classes. We found that gastric cancer was associated with hypermethylation of 5' CGIs and the 5'-end of coding exons as well as hypomethylation of repeat elements, such as short interspersed nuclear elements and the composite element SVA. Hypermethylation of 5' CGIs was significantly correlated with downregulation of associated genes, such as those in the HOX and histone gene families. We also discovered long-range epigenetic silencing (LRES) regions in gastric cancer tissue and identified several hypermethylated genes (MDM2, DYRK2, and LYZ) within these regions. The methylation status of CGIs and gene annotation elements in metastatic lymph nodes was intermediate between normal and cancerous tissue, indicating that methylation of specific genes is gradually increased in cancerous tissue.

Conclusions
Our findings will provide valuable data for future analysis of CpG methylation patterns, useful markers for the diagnosis of stomach cancer, as well as a new analysis method for clinical epigenomics investigations.
DNA vaccination with a gene encoding Toxoplasma gondii GRA6 induces partial protection against toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice
Authors: Sun Xi-Meng , Zou Jun , AA Elashram Saeed , Yan Wen-Chao , Liu Xian-Yong , Suo Xun , Wang Heng , Chen Qi-Jun 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundInfection with the protozoanToxoplasma gondiicauses serious public health problems and is of great economic importance worldwide. Protection from acute toxoplasmosis is known to be mediated by CD8+ T cells, but theT. gondiiantigens and host genes required for eliciting protective immunity have been poorly defined. TheT. gondiidense granule protein 6 (GRA6), recently proved to be highly immunogenic and produces fully immune protection inT. gondiiinfected BALB/c mice with an H-2Ldgene. The CD8+ T cell response of H-2Ldmice infected by theT. gondiistrain seemed to target entirely to a single GRA6 peptide HF10-H-2Ldcomplex.ResultsTo determine whether a GRA6-based DNA vaccine can elicit protective immune responses toT. gondiiin BALB/c mice, we constructed a eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1-HisGRA6 and tested its immunogenicity in a mouse model. BALB/c mice were vaccinated intramuscularly with three doses of GRA6 DNA and then challenged with a lethal dose ofT. gondiiRH strain tachyzoites. All immunized mice developed high levels of serum anti-GRA6 IgG antibodies, andin vitrosplenocyte proliferation was strongly enhanced in mice adjuvanted with levamisole (LMS). Immunization with pcDNA3.1-HisGRA6 with LMS resulted in 53.3% survival of challenged BALB/c mice as compared to 40% survival of BALB/c without LMS. Additionally, immunized Kunming mice without an allele of H-2Ldfailed to survive.ConclusionsOur result supports the concept that the acquired immune response is MHC restricted. This study has a major implication for vaccine designs using a single antigen in a population with diverse MHC class I alleles.
Quantitative assessment of brown adipose tissue metabolic activity and volume using 18F-FDG PET/CT and β3-adrenergic receptor activation
Authors: Mirbolooki M Reza , Constantinescu Cristian C , Pan Min-Liang , Mukherjee Jogeshwar 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Brown adipose tissue [BAT] metabolism in vivo is vital for the development of novel strategies in combating obesity and diabetes. Currently, BAT is activated at low temperatures and measured using 2-deoxy-2-18F-fluoro-D-glucose [18F-FDG] positron-emission tomography [PET]. We report the use of β3-adrenergic receptor-mediated activation of BAT at ambient temperatures using (R, R)-5-[2-[2,3-(3-chlorphenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl-amino]propyl]-1,3-benzodioxole-2,2-dicarboxylate, disodium salt [CL316,243] (a selective β3-adrenoceptor agonist) and measured by 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography [CT].

Methods
Control and CL316,243-treated (2 mg/kg) male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with 18F-FDG for PET/CT studies and were compared to animals at cold temperatures. Receptor-blocking experiments were carried out using propranolol (5 mg/kg). Dose effects of CL316,243 were studied by injecting 0.1 to 1 mg/kg 30 min prior to 18F-FDG administration. Imaging results were confirmed by autoradiography, and histology was done to confirm BAT activation.

Results
CL316,243-activated interscapular BAT [IBAT], cervical, periaortic, and intercostal BATs were clearly visualized by PET. 18F-FDG uptake of IBAT was increased 12-fold by CL316,243 vs. 1.1-fold by cold exposure when compared to controls. 18F-FDG uptake of the CL-activated IBAT was reduced by 96.0% using intraperitoneal administration of propranolol. Average 18F-FDG uptake of IBAT increased 3.6-, 3.5-, and 7.6-fold by doses of 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg CL, respectively. Ex vivo
18F-FDG autoradiography and histology of transverse sections of IBAT confirmed intense uptake in the CL-activated group and activated IBAT visualized by PET.

Conclusion
Our study indicated that BAT metabolic activity could be evaluated by 18F-FDG PET using CL316,243 at ambient temperature in the rodent model. This provides a feasible and reliable method to study BAT metabolism.