bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Particle Distribution on the Properties of Aluminum Matrix In-situ Particulate Composites
Authors: Sarkar S. , Mohan S. , Panigrahi S.C. 
Published: March 2008

Discontinuously reinforced aluminum matrix composites are fast emerging materials that compete with conventional metallic materials. In-situ particulate composites in comparison with conventional cast particulate composites produced by external addition, promote cleaner interfaces, eliminate interface incompatibility of the matrices with the reinforcements, help to achieve greater thermodynamic stability of reinforcement particles in the matrix at elevated temperature, and also increase the possibility of developing coherency between the matrix and particles formed in-situ. The morphology and the distribution of particles strongly influence the physical and mechanical properties of the composites. In the present study, ilmenite was added to molten aluminum, aluminum—magnesium and aluminum—silicon alloys by vortex method. The oxides present in ilmenite are observed to react with aluminum, magnesium and resulting in production of Al2O 3, MgO and metallic Fe and Ti, which dissolved in liquid aluminum. The strength and hardness value showed considerable improvement. The resulting composites also show appreciable ductility. It is shown that aluminum matrix in-situ particulate composites can be successfully produced with the addition of ilmenite through the casting route in the existing foundries with very little modification.
Predicting mortality among a general practice-based sample of older people with heart failure
Authors: Barnes Sarah , Gott Merryn , Payne Sheila , Parker Chris , Seamark David , Gariballa Salah , Small Neil 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To identify factors available to general practitioners (GPs) that are predictive of mortality within a general practice-based population of heart failure patients, and to report the sensitivity and specificity of prognostic information from GPs. Methods: Five hundred and forty-two heart failure patients aged >60 years were recruited from 16 UK GP surgeries. Patients completed quality-of-life and services use questionnaires every 3 months for 24 months or until death. Factors with independent significant association with survival were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results: Women had a 58% lower risk of death. Patients self-reporting New York Heart Association Classification III or IV had an 81% higher risk of death. Patients aged 85+ years had over a five-fold risk of death as compared with those aged <65 years. Patients with a co-morbidity of cancer had a 78% higher risk of death. Of the 14 patients who died in a 12-month period, the GPs identified 11 (sensitivity 79%). They identified 133 of the 217 who did not die (specificity 61%). Discussion: Predictors readily available to GPs, such as patient characteristics, are easy to adapt to use in general practice, where most heart failure patients are diagnosed and treated. Identifying factors likely to influence death is useful in primary care, as this can initiate discussion about end-of-life care.
The unacknowledged impact of chronic schistosomiasis
Authors: King Charles H. , Dangerfield-Cha Madeline 
Published: March 2008

Objectives: To summarize new knowledge on the range of disease due to chronic schistosomiasis and examine the debilitating burden of both light and heavy infection; to outline goals of disease prevention, including current age-targeted strategies and more extended programmes aimed at preventing transmission. Methods: A systematic search of 2004—2007 papers via PUBMED and related databases using `schistosom' and disability- or treatment-related subject headings. Reports were independently reviewed for inclusion. Results: Sixty-eight papers met review objectives. These suggest new evidence for a causative link between schistosome infection, antiparasite inflammation, and risk for anaemia, growth stunting and undernutrition in affected populations, as well as exacerbation of co-infections and impairment of cognitive development and work capacity. Formal quality-of-life assessment defines a significant 9.5—24% disability with the most aggressive schistosome species, Schistosoma japonicum. Discussion: Schistosomiasis represents a serious but under-recognized disease burden for many developing countries. Infection (and not intensity of infection) should be considered the defining feature of morbidity formation. Links between infection and long-term disabilities reduce the chances of combating rural poverty. Changes in our appreciation of schistosomiasis-related disease burden means it is no longer appropriate to leave infected persons untreated, and newer approaches to control should focus on preventing transmission.
Empowered to change: evidence from a qualitative exploration of a user-informed psycho-educational programme for people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Booker S. , Morris M. , Johnson A. 
Published: March 2008

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a user-informed psycho-educational programme for people with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Qualitative data derived from repeated interviews and diaries enabled an appraisal of participants' unique, individual experiences. Results: Thematic analysis elicited a number of themes from each type of data (interview and diaries) which bore similarities in their representation of a process whereby change was desired, solutions were found to bring about that change, and then the process was planned or embarked upon. Discussion: The acquisition of trustworthy information and a repertoire of coping skills accompanied by regular contact with other people with type 1 diabetes meant that participants achieved an increased sense of control in their lives and were empowered to change.
Chronic illness, reproductive health and moral work: women's experiences of epilepsy
Authors: Thompson Diane , Thomas Hilary , Solomon Juliet , Nashef Lina , Kendall Sally 
Published: March 2008

Background: The impact of chronic illness on families has long been noted in the literature, but in such studies families appear as ready-formed entities. This exploratory qualitative study addresses the largely unacknowledged work involved in the production of families and the maintenance of reproductive health by women with epilepsy, a condition whose symptoms and treatment have serious implications for all aspects of reproductive health. Methods: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 15 women aged 20—40 years diagnosed with epilepsy and recruited from across the UK. The women had a range of neurological symptoms and hence different diagnostic categories; most had been diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. Ten women had at least one child. Results: Women's experiences of healthcare services for key phases of reproduction are explored. While some women reported that they had received good healthcare, others reported that they were given inadequate information and that advice was offered too late to enable them to take appropriate action. Discussion: Management of both epilepsy and reproductive health involves work with a significant moral dimension, the accomplishment of which is contingent on appropriate and timely advice from healthcare practitioners.
Concentration and purification by magnetic separation of the erythrocytic stages of all human Plasmodium species
Authors: Ribaut Clotilde , Berry Antoine , Chevalley Séverine , Reybier Karine , Morlais Isabelle , Parzy Daniel , Nepveu Françoise , Benoit-Vical Françoise , Valentin Alexis 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Parasite concentration methods facilitate molecular, biochemical and immunological research on the erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium. In this paper, an adaptation of magnetic MACS® columns for the purification of human Plasmodium species is presented. This method was useful for the concentration/purification of either schizonts or gametocytes.

Results and conclusions
The magnetic removal of non-parasitized red blood cells (in vivo and in vitro) using magnetic columns (MACS) was evaluated. This easy-to-use technique enriched schizonts and gametocytes from Plasmodium falciparum in vitro cultures with a very high degree of purity. In addition, all haemozoin-containing stages (schizonts and/or gametocytes) from the peripheral blood of infected patients could be concentrated using this method. This method is particularly useful for the concentration of non-falciparum species, which do not grow in culture and are otherwise difficult to obtain in large amounts.
Dopamine-beta hydroxylase polymorphism and cocaine addiction
Authors: Guindalini Camila , Laranjeira Ronaldo , Collier David , Messas Guilherme , Vallada Homero , Breen Gerome 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Cocaine addiction involves a number of medical, psychological and social problems. Understanding the genetic aetiology of this disorder will be essential for design of effective treatments. Dopamine-beta hydroxylase (DbH) catalyzes the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine and could, therefore, have an influence on both cocaine action and the basal sensitivity of neurotransmitter systems to cocaine. Recently, the -1021C>T polymorphism have been found to strongly correlated with individual variation in plasma DbH activity. To test the influence of this polymorphism on the susceptibility of cocaine addiction, we decided to genotype it in a sample of 689 cocaine addicts and 832 healthy individuals. Genotypic and allelic analyses did not show any evidence of association with cocaine addiction, even after correcting for the effect of population stratification and other possible confounders. Our results do not support a major role of the -1021C>T polymorphism or the gene itself in the development of cocaine addiction but further examination of other variants within this gene will be necessary to completely rule out an effect.
Ethnopharmacological uses of Erythrina senegalensis: a comparison of three areas in Mali, and a link between traditional knowledge and modern biological science
Authors: Togola Adiaratou , Austarheim Ingvild , Theïs Annette , Diallo Drissa , Paulsen Berit Smestad 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
This paper describes ethnopharmacological knowledge on the uses of Erythrina senegalensis DC (Fabaceae) in traditional medicine in three different areas (Dioila, Kolokani and Koutiala) in Mali. Data were collected using interviews of traditional healers selected randomly. The main reported diseases for which E. senegalensis was used by the traditional healers were amenorrhea, malaria, jaundice, infections, abortion, wound, and body pain (chest pain, back pain, abdominal pain etc). The fidelity level (which estimates the agreement of traditional healers on the same area about a reported use of the plant) was calculated to compare the results from the three areas. Certain differences were noticed, the most striking was the fact that amenorrhea was the most reported disease in Dioila and Kolokani with 21% of agreement for both areas, while this use was not reported in Koutiala at all. Similarities existed between the three areas on the use of the plant against malaria and infections, although with different degree of agreement among the healers. We also report the results of a literature survey on compounds isolated from the plant and their biological activities. A comparison of these results with the ethnopharmacological information from Mali and other countries showed that some of the traditional indications in Mali are scientifically supported by the literature. For instance, the use of E. senegalensis against infectious diseases (bilharzias, schistosomiasis, pneumonia etc.) is sustained by several antibacterial and antifungal compounds isolated from different parts of the plant. The comparison also showed that pharmacologists have not fully investigated all the possible bioactivities that healers ascribe to this plant.
Suppression of adenine nucleotide translocase-2 by vector-based siRNA in human breast cancer cells induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Jang Ji-Young , Choi Yun , Jeon Yoon-Kyung , Kim Chul-Woo 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) 2 is highly expressed in proliferative cells, and ANT2 induction in cancer cells is known to be directly associated with glycolytic metabolisms and carcinogenesis. In addition, ANT2 repression results in the growth arrest of human cells, implying that ANT2 is a candidate for cancer therapy based on molecular targeting.

Methods
We utilized an ANT2-specific RNA interference approach to inhibit ANT2 expression for evaluating its antitumor effect in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, to investigate the therapeutic potential of ANT2 repression, we used a DNA vector-based RNA interference approach by expressing shRNA to knockdown ANT2 in breast cancer cell lines overexpressing ANT2.

Results
ANT2 shRNA treatment in breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 repressed cell growth as well as proliferation. In addition, cell cycle arrest, ATP depletion and apoptotic cell death characterized by the potential disruption of mitochondrial membrane were observed from the ANT2 shRNA-treated breast cancer cells. Apoptotic breast cancer cells transfected with ANT2 shRNA also induced a cytotoxic bystander effect that generates necrotic cell death to the neighboring cells. The intracellular levels of TNFα and TNF-receptor I were increased in ANT2 shRNA transfected cells and the bystander effect was partly blocked by anti-TNFα antibody. Ultimately, ANT2 shRNA effectively inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion
These results suggest that vector-based ANT2 RNA interference could be an efficient molecular therapeutic method for breast cancer with high expression of ANT2.
Detecting myocardial infarction in critical illness using screening troponin measurements and ECG recordings
Authors: Lim Wendy , Holinski Paula , Devereaux PJ , Tkaczyk Andrea , McDonald Ellen , Clarke France , Qushmaq Ismael , Terrenato Irene , Schunemann Holger , Crowther Mark , Cook Deborah 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Introduction
To use screening cardiac troponin (cTn) measurements and electrocardiograms (ECGs) to determine the incidence of elevated cTn and of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and to assess whether these findings influence prognosis. This is a prospective screening study.

Materials and methods
We enrolled consecutive patients admitted to a general medical-surgical ICU over two months. All patients underwent systematic screening with cTn measurements and ECGs on ICU admission, then daily for the first week in ICU, alternate days for up to one month and weekly thereafter until ICU death or discharge, for a maximum of two months. Patients without these investigations ordered during routine clinical care underwent screening for study purposes but these results were unavailable to the ICU team. After the study, all ECGs were interpreted independently in duplicate for ischaemic changes meeting ESC/ACC criteria supporting a diagnosis of MI. Patients were classified as having MI (elevated cTn and ECG evidence supporting diagnosis of MI), elevated cTn only (no ECG evidence supporting diagnosis of MI), or no cTn elevation.

Results
One hundred and three patients were admitted to the ICU on 112 occasions. Overall, 37 patients (35.9 per cent) had an MI, 15 patients (14.6 per cent) had an elevated cTn only and 51 patients (49.5 per cent) had no cTn elevation. Patients with MI had longer duration of mechanical ventilation (p < 0.0001), longer ICU stay (p = 0.001), higher ICU mortality (p < 0.0001) and higher hospital mortality (p < 0.0001) compared with those with no cTn elevation. Patients with elevated cTn had higher hospital mortality (p = 0.001) than patients without cTn elevation. Elevated cTn was associated with increased hospital mortality (odds ratio 27.3, 95 per cent CI 1.7 – 449.4), after adjusting for APACHE II score, MI and advanced life support. The ICU team diagnosed 18 patients (17.5 per cent) as having MI on clinical grounds; four of these patients did not have MI by adjudication. Thus, screening detected an additional 23 MIs not diagnosed in practice, reflecting 62.2 per cent of MIs ultimately diagnosed. Patients with MI diagnosed by the ICU team had similar outcomes to patients with MI detected by screening alone.

Conclusion
Systematic screening detected elevated cTn measurements and MI in more patients than were found in routine practice. Elevated cTn was an independent predictor of hospital mortality. Further research is needed to evaluate whether screening and subsequent treatment of these patients reduces mortality.
Low Testosterone Levels Are Common and Associated with Insulin Resistance in Men with Diabetes
Authors: Grossmann Mathis , Thomas Merlin C. , Panagiotopoulos Sianna , Sharpe Ken , MacIsaac Richard J. , Clarke Sophie , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Jerums George 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Context: Low testosterone levels are common in men with type 2 diabetes and may be associated with insulin resistance.
Objective: We investigated prevalence of testosterone deficiency and the relationship between testosterone and insulin resistance in a large cohort of men with type 2 and type 1 diabetes.
Design: The study was a cross-sectional survey of 580 men with type 2 diabetes and 69 men with type 1 diabetes. A subgroup of 262 men with type 2 diabetes was then reassessed after a median of 6 months.
Results: Forty-three percent of men with type 2 diabetes had a reduced total testosterone, and 57% had a reduced calculated free testosterone. Only 7% of men with type 1 diabetes had low total testosterone. By contrast, 20.3% of men with type 1 diabetes had low calculated free testosterone, similar to that observed in type 2 diabetes (age-body mass index adjusted odds ratio = 1.4; 95% confidence interval = 0.7–2.9). Low testosterone levels were independently associated with insulin resistance in men with type 1 diabetes as well as type 2 diabetes. Serial measurements also revealed an inverse relationship between changes in testosterone levels and insulin resistance.
Conclusions: Testosterone deficiency is common in men with diabetes, regardless of the type. Testosterone levels are partly influenced by insulin resistance, which may represent an important avenue for intervention, whereas the utility of testosterone replacement remains to be established in prospective trials.
Visceral Obesity and Plasma Glucose-Insulin Homeostasis: Contributions of Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Men
Authors: Cartier Amélie , Lemieux Isabelle , Alméras Natalie , Tremblay Angelo , Bergeron Jean , Després Jean-Pierre 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Objective: This study examined the relationships of two inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-α, to visceral adiposity and indices of plasma glucose-insulin homeostasis.
Research Design and Methods: Plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were measured in 189 untreated asymptomatic men (aged 43.7 ± 7.8 yr; body mass index 29.0 ± 4.3 kg/m2; waist girth 98.6 ± 10.3 cm).
Results: Significant and positive associations were found between both cytokines with adiposity and adipose tissue distribution indices (0.15 ≤ r &lt; 0.32; P &lt; 0.05) as well as plasma glucose-insulin homeostasis variables (0.22 ≤ r &lt; 0.28; P &lt;0.05). Comparison of two subgroups, each composed of 32 overweight men (≥25 kg/m2) with similar body mass index values (28.7 kg/m2 in both groups) but with markedly different levels of visceral adipose tissue (&lt; vs. ≥ 130 cm2), revealed significant differences only for IL-6 levels (1.42 ± 1.15 vs. 0.86 ± 0.52 pg/ml; P &lt; 0.02 for men with high vs. low visceral adipose tissue, respectively). Finally, when subjects were stratified on the basis of their respective concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α (using the 50th percentile of their overall distribution), an ANOVA revealed an independent contribution of IL-6 to the variation of fasting insulin (P &lt; 0.01) and each of these two cytokines to the variation of insulin levels measured after a 75-g oral glucose challenge (P &lt;0.01 for IL-6 and P &lt; 0.05 for TNF-α).
Conclusions: Because IL-6 appeared to be clearly associated with visceral adiposity, TNF-α rather showed associations with indices of total body fatness. Thus, TNF-α may contribute to the insulin resistance of overall obesity, whereas IL-6 may be one of the mediators of the hyperinsulinemic state specifically related to excess visceral adiposity.
Comparison of Pancreas-Transplanted Type 1 Diabetic Patients with Portal-Venous Versus Systemic-Venous Graft Drainage: Impact on Glucose Regulatory Hormones and the Growth Hormone/Insulin–Like Growth Factor-I Axis
Authors: Frystyk Jan , Ritzel Robert A. , Maubach J. , Büsing Martin , Lück Rainer , Klempnauer Jürgen , Schmiegel Wolff , Nauck Michael A. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Context: Pancreas grafts can be drained through the iliac vein (systemic drainage) or the portal vein.
Objective: We hypothesized that normalization of portal insulin in patients with portal pancreas graft drainage stimulates the GH/IGF-I axis and thereby contributes to glucose control.
Methods: We compared patients after combined kidney and pancreas transplantation with portal drainage (n = 7) to patients with systemic drainage of the pancreas graft (n = 8) and nondiabetic controls (n = 8). Overnight fasting sera were analyzed for free and total IGF-I and IGF-binding proteins. Glucose regulatory hormones were examined after an oral glucose tolerance test and GH after stimulation with GHRH.
Results: Systemic drainage led to higher basal and stimulated insulin levels than portal drainage (P &lt; 0.05), but increments in response to oral glucose were reduced in both transplanted groups (P &lt; 0.05 vs. controls). However, glucose tolerance was similar in all groups. Circulating free and total IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 were similar to control levels in the systemic drainage group but elevated in the portal drainage group (P &lt; 0.05). Consistently, the GH response was reduced in the portal drainage group (P &lt; 0.05 vs. controls) and correlated inversely with free IGF-I (r = −0.63, P &lt; 0.05).
Conclusion: Portal drainage of pancreatic endocrine secretion in pancreas graft recipients raises IGF-I and lowers GH secretion. These changes might explain that glucose regulation is maintained despite lower peripheral insulin levels, compared with patients with systemic graft drainage and nondiabetic control subjects.
Biological Degradation of Taxol by Action of Cultured Cells on 7-Acetyltaxol-2″-yl Glucoside
Authors: Shimoda Kei , Mikuni Katsuhiko , Nakajima Kiyoshi , Hamada Hatsuyuki , Hamada Hiroki 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Biodegradation pathways of taxol in cultured cells of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942, Marchantia polymorpha, Nicotiana tabacum, and Glycine max were investigated using a water-soluble taxol derivative, 7-acetyltaxol-2″-yl glucoside, as the substrate. Although cyanobacteria, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942, and a lower plant, M. polymorpha, catalyzed the epimerization at 7-position of taxol skeleton, no epimerization occurred with higher plants, N. tabacum and G. max. On the other hand, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942, M. polymorpha, and N. tabacum catalyzed hydrolysis at 13-position of taxol to give baccatin III and 10-deacetyl baccatin III. Both cyanobacteria cells also deacetylated 7-epi-baccatin III at its 10-position. M. polymorpha and G. max deacetylated at 10-position of taxol.