bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All the Wiser
Authors: Conti Norman , Morrison Linda , Pantaleo Katherine
Published: January 2013

This article examines instructor training for The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program®, an organization that brings “outside” college students into prison, joining incarcerated men and women who become “inside students” for an undergraduate course. Ethnographic data revealed a purposeful stigma reversal for a group of men serving life sentences and a concomitant shift in moral career for instructor trainees. Through structured encounters with these men, trainees come to see, speak, and behave in ways that subvert conventional understandings of the stigma imposed on those in prison. The alteration of self and perspective experienced during the training drives participants to incorporate this activist ethos into their own teaching.
Dielectric properties of conductive polypyrrole/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer blends
Authors: Shokr FS , Al-Gahtany SA
Published: January 2013

Polymer blends of polypyrrole (PPy)-conducting particles dispersed in poly(ethylene- co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) matrix were prepared. The dielectric properties were determined, and we have examined how these properties depend on the relative concentration of the conducting (PPy) and dielectric (EVA) blends. The dielectric constant increases appreciably by increasing the PPy contents in the blend matrix. A previous proposed model by Tsangaris et al, for the calculation of effective dielectric constant, was tested and approaches the experimental values more closely for low PPy contents.
Supportive Care in Early Rehabilitation for Advanced‐Stage Radiated Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: de Leeuw Jacqueline , van den Berg Manon G. A. , van Achterberg Theo , Merkx Matthias A. W.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To investigate the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and supportive follow‐up care needs 1 month posttreatment for patients with advanced‐stage (stage III or IV) radiated head and neck cancer (HNC) who were treated with curative intent.

Study Design

An exploratory, descriptive analysis of HRQoL data obtained from 3 treatment groups: conventional radiotherapy (RT, n = 21), surgery + radiotherapy (SRT, n = 10), and chemoradiation (CRT, n = 21).

Setting

The head and neck oncology center of a university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Fifty‐two patients completed the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and EORTC QLQ H&N35 self‐report questionnaires 1 month posttreatment. Descriptive statistics and clinically relevant differences between the groups were analyzed.

Results

The HRQoL outcomes between groups differed. Clinically relevant difference was observed in the RT and CRT groups with respect to dry mouth, coughing, feeling ill, use of painkillers, and the use of nutritional supplements. The RT group differed from the other groups with respect to pain and swallowing. The CRT group differed from the other groups regarding role functioning.

Conclusion

Health‐related quality of life differs between RT, SRT, and CRT patients 1 month posttreatment. The RT‐ and CRT‐treated patients reported higher impairment than the patients who were treated with SRT. Nutritional intake and oral function emphasize the importance of providing supportive care to radiated advanced‐stage HNC patients throughout the treatment trajectory and the need for continuation during the first few posttreatment months.
Keto acid-supplemented low-protein diet for treatment of adult patients with hepatitis B virus infection and chronic glomerulonephritis
Authors: Mou Shan , Li Jialin , Yu Zanzhe , Wang Qin , Ni Zhaohui
Published: January 2013

Objectives

An open-label, randomized, controlled, single-centre clinical trial to evaluate the effects of low-protein intake, with or without keto acid supplementation, on nutritional status and proteinuria, in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and early stage chronic glomerulonephritis.

Methods

Patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and HBV infection were randomized to receive a low-protein diet (0.6–0.8 g/kg ideal body weight [IBW] per day) either without (LP group) or with (sLP group) keto acid supplementation (0.1 g/kg IBW per day), for 12 months. Nutritional, clinical and safety parameters were recorded.

Results

The study included 17 patients (LP group n = 9; sLP group n = 8). Proteinuria and microalbuminuria were significantly lower in the sLP group at 6 and 12 months compared with baseline, and at 12 months compared with the LP group. There were no significant differences in serum creatinine level or estimated glomerular filtration rate. Nutritional parameters (serum albumin and prealbumin) were significantly improved at 12 months, compared with baseline, in the sLP group.

Conclusions

Restriction of dietary protein intake to 0.6–0.8 g/kg IBW per day appears to have an acceptable safety profile. Supplementation with keto acids is associated with decreased urine protein excretion.
The “Bony Bankart Bridge” Technique for Restoration of Anterior Shoulder Stability
Authors: Millett Peter J. , Horan Marilee P. , Martetschläger Frank
Published: January 2013

Background:

Bony deficiency of the anteroinferior glenoid rim can cause recurrent glenohumeral instability. To address this problem, bony reconstruction is recommended in patients with glenoid bone loss more than 20% to 25%. Recent advances in shoulder surgery techniques allow for the arthroscopic reconstruction of glenoid bone defects to restore stability.

Hypothesis:

The all-arthroscopic “bony Bankart bridge” (BBB) technique for bony anterior glenohumeral instability can restore shoulder stability and provide good shoulder function as well as improve patient satisfaction for these difficult-to-treat cases.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A consecutive series of 15 patients with bony anterior shoulder instability were treated using the arthroscopic BBB technique. All patients were assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand–short version (QuickDASH), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Short Form-12 (SF-12) preoperatively and at final evaluation. In addition, a specific questionnaire evaluated patient satisfaction and possible complications.

Results:

Two women and 13 men were included in the study, with an average age of 44 years (range, 24-70 years). The average glenoid bone loss was 29% (range, 17%-49%). The mean duration of follow-up was 2.7 years (range, 2.0-4.4 years). At that time, the mean ASES score had improved from 81 (range, 50-98) to 98 (range, 88-100) ( P = .133). Although this change was not statistically significant because of low patient numbers, the amount of improvement was almost 3 times the minimal clinically important difference of 6.4 points as reported in previous studies. The mean SF-12 (physical component) improved from 46.8 to 56.2 at final follow-up ( P = .015). The mean QuickDASH score at final follow-up was 2.8 (range, 0-15.9), and the mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score was 99 (range, 95-100). There were 14 (93%) stable shoulders and 1 (7%) failure with redislocation from a fall. Median patient satisfaction at final follow-up was 10 (range, 7-10) out of 10.

Conclusion:

The arthroscopic BBB technique for anterior instability with glenoid rim fracture successfully restores shoulder stability with a high median patient satisfaction (10/10) and a very low complication rate.
Effect of background region of interest and time-interval selection on glomerular filtration ratio estimation by percentage dose uptake of 99mTc-DTPA in comparison with 51Cr-EDTA clearance in healthy cats
Authors: Debruyn Katrien , Vandermeulen Eva , Saunders Jimmy H , Dobbeleir André A , Ham Hamphrey R , Peremans Kathelijne
Published: January 2013

Evaluation of glomerular function is a useful part of the diagnostic approach in animals suspected of having renal disease. Time-interval and background region of interest (bg ROI) selection are determining factors when calculating the glomerular filtration ratio (GFR) based on percentage uptake of 99mtechnetium-labelled diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (99mTc-DTPA). Therefore, three different time intervals (60–120 s, 120–180 s, 60–180 s) and three different bg ROIs (C-shape, caudolateral, cranial + caudal) were investigated. In addition, global GFRs based on percentage dose uptake of 99mTc-DTPA for the different time-intervals and bg ROIs were compared with the global GFR based on 51chromium-ethylene diaminic tetra-acetic acid (51Cr-EDTA) plasma clearance in nine healthy European domestic shorthair cats. Paired Student’s t-tests and linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data. Different time intervals seemed to cause significant variation ( P <0.01) in absolute GFR values, regardless of the choice of bg ROI. Significant differences ( P <0.01) between bg ROIs were only observed in the 120–180s time interval between the C-shape and cranial + caudal bg ROI, and between the caudolateral and cranial + caudal bg ROI. The caudolateral bg ROI in the 60–180 s time interval showed the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.882) between 99mTc-DTPA and 51Cr-EDTA, although a significant difference ( P <0.05) was present between both techniques.
African American and Latina community health workers engage PhotoPAR as a resource in a post-disaster context: Katrina at 5 years
Authors: Scheib Holly A , Lykes M Brinton
Published: January 2013

This article reports on participatory action and photo elicitation research conducted by community health workers and university-based researchers in post-Katrina New Orleans between August 2007 and 2010. It documents how 11 African American and Latina women community health workers forged ties and developed a model for responding to some of the personal, familial, and community effects of this “unnatural disaster.” We identify and analyze two of the health literacies they developed and deployed: (1) intragroup and intergroup empathy skills and (2) capacity to critically analyze structural causes of health inequities. We argue that the participatory processes and outcomes analyzed herein offer one possible model through which local communities and health workers can creatively respond to health disparities in post-disaster contexts.
Association between mothers’ and fathers’ depressive symptoms, sense of coherence and perception of their child’s temperament in early parenthood in Sweden
Authors: Kerstis Birgitta , Engström Gabriella , Edlund Birgitta , Aarts Clara
Published: January 2013

Aims: To examine whether there was any association between mothers’ and fathers’ post-partum depressive symptoms and sense of coherence and perception of their child’s temperament. The hypotheses were that parents with depressive symptoms: 1) have more often a poor sense of coherence, and 2) perceive their child’s temperament to be more difficult than parents without depressive symptoms. Methods: A total of 401 Swedish-speaking couples, who were the parents of children born through the years 2004–2006 in the northern part of the county of Västmanland, Sweden, were invited to participate in the study. The parents answered 3 questionnaires including: at inclusion of the study: demographic data ( n = 393 couples); at 3 months: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Sense of Coherence Scale ( n = 308 couples); and at 18 months: the Infant Characteristics Questionnaire ( n = 272 couples). Results: Depressive symptoms measured at 3 months, were reported by 17.7% of mothers and 8.7% of fathers, and correlated significantly between mothers and fathers within couples ( rho = 0.165, p = 0.003). Mothers and fathers with depressive symptoms had a poorer sense of coherence ( p < 0.001, p < 0.001) and perceived their child’s temperament as more difficult than mothers and fathers without depressive symptoms at 3 ( p = 0.028, p < 0.001) and 18 months ( p = 0.145, p = 0.012 respectively). Conclusions: Early parenthood has been studied thoroughly in mothers, but few studies have included fathers. Identifying problems in early parenthood could help predict later problems exhibited by the preschool child, which might be prevented by supportive programmes.
Income and health in different welfare contexts: A comparison of Sweden, East and West Germany
Authors: Miething Alexander , Lundberg Olle , Geyer Siegfried
Published: January 2013

Background: The aim of the present study is to explore whether the association between income and self-rated health in Sweden is similar to that in Germany. Both countries represent relatively similar economic contexts, but also different welfare traditions and historic experiences. Thus, the study compares Sweden with East Germany and West Germany in order to incorporate the aftereffects of reunification in East Germany. Methods: The association between adjusted disposable household income and self-rated health is investigated by exploring cross-sectional survey data for the year 2000. In a sequence of logistic regression models, the risk for poor self-rated health across income quintiles is analysed, controlling for educational status and occupational position. Data sources are the Swedish Level-of-Living Survey and the German Socio-Economic Panel. Results: A relationship between income and health was observed for Sweden, East Germany and West Germany, before as well as after controlling for education and occupational position. The associations were somewhat stronger for women than for men. Similar magnitudes of income-related poor health were detected across the investigated subsamples, but patterns were distinct in the three regions. The highest estimates were not always found in groups with the lowest income position. Conclusions: Given the variation in the results, we found neither advantages nor disadvantages that can be linked to the effectiveness of the welfare contexts under study. We could also not identify an income threshold for poor health across the investigated countries and settings. Nevertheless, the association between income and health persists, although the patterns vary across regional contexts.
The youth sports club as a health-promoting setting: An integrative review of research
Authors: Geidne Susanna , Quennerstedt Mikael , Eriksson Charli
Published: January 2013

Aims: The aims of this review is to compile and identify key issues in international research about youth sports clubs as health-promoting settings, and then discuss the results of the review in terms of a framework for the youth sports club as a health-promoting setting. Methods: The framework guiding this review of research is the health-promoting settings approach introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO). The method used is the integrated review. Inclusion criteria were, first, that the studies concerned sports clubs for young people, not professional clubs; second, that it be a question of voluntary participation in some sort of ongoing organized athletics outside of the regular school curricula; third, that the studies consider issues about youth sports clubs in terms of health-promoting settings as described by WHO. The final sample for the review consists of 44 publications. Results: The review shows that youth sports clubs have plentiful opportunities to be or become health-promoting settings; however this is not something that happens automatically. To do so, the club needs to include an emphasis on certain important elements in its strategies and daily practices. The youth sports club needs to be a supportive and healthy environment with activities designed for and adapted to the specific age-group or stage of development of the youth. Conclusions: To become a health-promoting setting, a youth sports club needs to take a comprehensive approach to its activities, aims, and purposes.
Indulgence versus restraint: A discussion of embodied eating practices of pregnant Australian women
Authors: Nash Meredith
Published: January 2013

This article focuses on ‘health’ discourses in pregnancy as interpretive repertoires for shaping embodiment and creating ‘good’ mothers. Drawing on qualitative data, I argue that pregnancy is an extended period of biomedical and cultural surveillance and intensive self-regulation and government. I examine experiences of ‘cravings’ and restricting eating from my sample of pregnant Australian informants to demonstrate this. Eating was also a socio-cultural mechanism for the maintenance of bodily boundaries. ‘Public’ discourses of maternal responsibility are shown to be in conflict with informants’ ‘inside’, ‘private’ lived experiences of eating.
Healthy Heroes, Magic Meals, and a Visiting Alien
Authors: Stead Martine , Arnott Lisa , Dempsey Emma
Published: January 2013

Although social marketing emphasizes consumer orientation, it is only in recent years that consumers and communities have been at the center of program development and implementation. This article illustrates how, on a modest budget, social marketing and community development approaches were combined in two innovative and creative community-led projects in Edinburgh, Scotland. Community residents were integrally involved, not just as participants in research and as project beneficiaries, but as decision makers, creators, and implementers. The projects illustrate how communities have skills and assets within themselves which they can bring to bear in a social marketing framework, making it possible to apply social marketing on modest budgets, and how interventions which originate within communities and are owned by them may be more engaging and may lead to more positive health outcomes. Approaches which genuinely involve communities in development and implementation make financial, practical, and philosophical sense.
Design Comparison of the INBONE I Versus INBONE II Total Ankle System
Authors: Scott Ryan T. , Witt Bryan L. , Hyer Christopher F.
Published: January 2013

Degenerative joint disease of the ankle is a debilitating etiology, in which treatment has been disputed in the literature among healthy active patients. Total ankle arthroplasty had recently gained popularity as long-term outcomes are being reported and advancement in the design of the implants themselves evolves. Multiple implants are available on today’s market including the INBONE (Wright Medical technologies, Arlington, TN) Total Ankle System. The second generation INBONE total ankle arthroplasty was launched and approved for use in the United States by the FDA in 2005. The second generation INBONE implant has a talar sulcus, allowing for a more biomechanically stable articulation between the polyethelene insert and the talar component (Figure 1). The initial INBONE implant had a flat articulation with the poly leading to instability. This paper will help to demonstrate the advantages of INBONE II versus INBONE I Total Ankle System in management of arthrosis of the ankle joint.

Level of Evidence: Level V: Expert opinion
Sample sizes for clinical trials using sputum eosinophils as a primary outcome
Authors: Dasgupta Angira , Zhang Shiyuan , Thabane Lehana , Nair Parameswaran
Published: January 2013

Clinical trials do not report sputum eosinophil data in a consistent method and this makes it difficult to compare across studies and to evaluate the sample sizes estimated in these studies. The objectives of the paper are: 1) to systematically review reporting of effect size and sample calculations in randomised controlled trials using sputum eosinophil count as a primary outcome and 2) to illustrate sample size estimation under different methods of data representation using data from an effective anti-eosinophil treatment strategy (mepolizumab).

Randomised controlled trials in adults (excluding allergen provocation models) of treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for the past 10 years were searched in Ovid MEDLINE and 20 studies were identified that met all the inclusion criteria. Only nine studies discussed sample size calculation.

Change from baseline was used as an outcome in 11 studies and was expressed as change in absolute percentage count, percentage change from baseline or as fold changes.

Assuming a minimal clinically important reduction of 15% in absolute terms, 18 subjects in each arm will be required to achieve 80% power using an ANCOVA analysis, which we recommend, to detect significance with an alpha error of 0.05.
Biomarker-enhanced triage in respiratory infections: a proof-of-concept feasibility trial
Authors: Albrich Werner C. , Rüegger Kristina , Dusemund Frank , Schuetz Philipp , Arici Birsen , Litke Alexander , Blum Claudine A. , Bossart Rita , Regez Katharina , Schild Ursula , Guglielmetti Merih , Conca Antoinette , Schäfer Petra , Schubert Maria , de Geest Sabina , Reutlinger Barbara , Irani Sarosh , Bürgi Ulrich , Huber Andreas , Müller Beat
Published: January 2013

Concerns about inadequate performance and complexity limit routine use of clinical risk scores in lower respiratory tract infections. Our aim was to study feasibility and effects of adding the biomarker proadrenomedullin (proADM) to the confusion, urea >7 mmol·L−1, respiratory rate ≥30 breaths·min−1, blood pressure <90 mmHg (systolic) or ≤60 mmHg (diastolic), age ≥65 years (CURB-65) score on triage decisions and length of stay.

In a randomised controlled proof-of-concept intervention trial, triage and discharge decisions were made for adults with lower respiratory tract infection according to interprofessional assessment using medical and nursing risk scores either without (control group) or with (proADM group) knowledge of proADM values, measured on admission, and on days 3 and 6. An adjusted generalised linear model was calculated to investigate the effect of our intervention.

On initial presentation the algorithms were overruled in 123 (39.3%) of the cases. Mean length of stay tended to be shorter in the proADM (n=154, 6.3 days) compared with the control group (n=159, 6.8 days; adjusted regression coefficient -0.19, 95% CI -0.41–0.04; p=0.1). This trend was robust in subgroup analyses and for overall length of stay within 90 days (7.2versus7.9 days; adjusted regression coefficient -0.18, 95% CI -0.40–0.05; p=0.13). There were no differences in adverse outcomes or readmission.

Logistic obstacles and overruling are major challenges to implement biomarker-enhanced algorithms in clinical settings and need to be addressed to shorten length of stay.
Dried plasma spots in the diagnosis of tuberculosis: IP-10 release assay on filter paper
Authors: Aabye Martine G. , Latorre Irene , Diaz Jessica , Maldonado Jose , Mialdea Irene , Eugen-Olsen Jesper , Ravn Pernille , Dominguez Jose , Ruhwald Morten
Published: January 2013

Interferon (IFN)-γ release assays (IGRAs) are probably the most accurate tests for the detection of latentMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection, but IGRAs are labour intensive and the transport of samples over longer distances is difficult. IFN-γ-induced protein (IP)-10 is expressed at 100-fold higher levels than IFN-γ, and IP-10 release assays have comparable performance to IGRAs. The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic potential of a novel IP-10 release assay based on dried plasma spots (DPS).

The presence of IP-10 and IFN-γ was determined in plasma and in DPS by ELISA. Diagnostic algorithms for plasma and DPS tests for IP-10 were developed on a training cohort comprising 60 tuberculosis (TB) patients and 59 healthy controls. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed in a validation cohort comprising 78 TB patients and 98 healthy controls. Plasma was measured in Spain and DPS samples were sent to Denmark using the conventional postal service for analysis.

IP-10 was readily detectable in both plasma and DPS, and correlation was excellent (r2= 0.95). QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-TB) and IP-10 in DPS and plasma rendered comparable sensitivity (78%, 82% and 84%, respectively), specificity (100%, 97% and 97%, respectively) and indeterminate rates (p>0.55).

The DPS-based IP-10 test has comparable diagnostic accuracy to the QFT-TB and samples can be sentviaconventional mail over long distances for analysis without affecting the results.
Lung function indices for predicting mortality in COPD
Authors: Boutou Afroditi K. , Shrikrishna Dinesh , Tanner Rebecca J. , Smith Cayley , Kelly Julia L. , Ward Simon P. , Polkey Michael I. , Hopkinson Nicholas S.
Published: January 2013

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by high morbidity and mortality. It remains unknown which aspect of lung function carries the most prognostic information and if simple spirometry is sufficient.

Survival was assessed in COPD outpatients whose data had been added prospectively to a clinical audit database from the point of first full lung function testing including spirometry, lung volumes, gas transfer and arterial blood gases. Variables univariately associated with survival were entered into a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.

604 patients were included (mean±sdage 61.9±9.7 years; forced expiratory volume in 1 s 37±18.1% predicted; 62.9% males); 229 (37.9%) died during a median follow-up of 83 months. Median survival was 91.9 (95% CI 80.8–103) months with survival rates at 3 and 5 years 0.83 and 0.66, respectively. Carbon monoxide transfer factor % pred quartiles (best quartile (>51%): HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.172–0.639; and second quartile (51–37.3%): HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.322–0.825;versuslowest quartile (<27.9%)), age (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06) and arterial oxygen partial pressure (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77–0.94) were the only parameters independently associated with mortality.

Measurement of gas transfer provides additional prognostic information compared to spirometry in patients under hospital follow-up and could be considered routinely.
Collagen/β1 integrin interaction is required for embryoid body formation during cardiogenesis from murine induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Zeng Di , Ou Dong-Bo , Wei Ting , Ding Lu , Liu Xiong-Tao , Hu Xin-Lin , Li Xue , Zheng Qiang-Sun
Published: January 2013

Background

The interactions between stem cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) mediated by integrins play important roles in the processes that determine stem cell fate. However, the role of ECM/integrin interaction in the formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) during cardiogenesis from murine induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs) remains unclear.

Results

In the present study, collagen type I and β1 integrin were expressed and upregulated synergistically during the formation of miPSC-derived EBs, with a peak expression at day 3 of differentiation. The blockage of collagen/β1 integrin interaction by β1 integrin blocking antibody resulted in the production of defective EBs that were characterized by decreased size and the absence of a shell-like layer composed of primitive endoderm cells. The quantification of spontaneous beating activity, cardiac-specific gene expression and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) immunostaining showed that the cardiac differentiation of these defective miPSC-derived EBs was lower than that of control EBs.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that collagen/β1 integrin interaction is required for the growth and cardiac differentiation of miPSC-derived EBs and will be helpful in future engineering of the matrix microenvironment within EBs to efficiently direct the cardiac fate of pluripotent stem cells to promote cardiovascular regeneration.
Small RNA pyrosequencing in the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica reveals strain-specific small RNAs that target virulence genes
Authors: Zhang Hanbang , Ehrenkaufer Gretchen M , Hall Neil , Singh Upinder
Published: January 2013

Background

Small RNA mediated gene silencing is a well-conserved regulatory pathway. In the parasite Entamoeba histolytica an endogenous RNAi pathway exists, however, the depth and diversity of the small RNA population remains unknown.

Results

To characterize the small RNA population that associates with E. histolytica Argonaute-2 (EhAGO2-2), we immunoprecipitated small RNAs that associate with it and performed one full pyrosequencing run. Data analysis revealed new features of the 27nt small RNAs including the 5′-G predominance, distinct small RNA distribution patterns on protein coding genes, small RNAs mapping to both introns and exon-exon junctions, and small RNA targeted genes that are clustered particularly in sections of genome duplication. Characterization of genomic loci to which both sense and antisense small RNAs mapped showed that both sets of small RNAs have 5′-polyphosphate termini; strand-specific RT-PCR detected transcripts in both directions at these loci suggesting that both transcripts may serve as template for small RNA generation. In order to determine whether small RNA abundance patterns account for strain-specific gene expression profiles of E. histolytica virulent and non-virulent strains, we sequenced small RNAs from a non-virulent strain and found that small RNAs mapped to genes in a manner consistent with their regulation of strain-specific virulence genes.

Conclusions

We provided a full spectrum analysis for E. histolytica AGO2-2 associated 27nt small RNAs. Additionally, comparative analysis of small RNA populations from virulent and non-virulent amebic strains indicates that small RNA populations may regulate virulence genes.
Efficient synthesis of L-lactic acid from glycerol by metabolically engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Mazumdar Suman , Blankschien Matthew D , Clomburg James M , Gonzalez Ramon
Published: January 2013

Background

Due to its abundance and low-price, glycerol has become an attractive carbon source for the industrial production of value-added fuels and chemicals. This work reports the engineering of E. coli for the efficient conversion of glycerol into L-lactic acid (L-lactate).

Results

Escherichia coli strains have previously been metabolically engineered for the microaerobic production of D-lactic acid from glycerol in defined media by disrupting genes that minimize the synthesis of succinate, acetate, and ethanol, and also overexpressing the respiratory route of glycerol dissimilation (GlpK/GlpD). Here, further rounds of rationale design were performed on these strains for the homofermentative production of L-lactate, not normally produced in E. coli. Specifically, L-lactate production was enabled by: 1), replacing the native D-lactate specific dehydrogenase with Streptococcus bovis L-lactate dehydrogenase (L-LDH), 2) blocking the methylglyoxal bypass pathways to avoid the synthesis of a racemic mixture of D- and L-lactate and prevent the accumulation of toxic intermediate, methylglyoxal, and 3) the native aerobic L-lactate dehydrogenase was blocked to prevent the undesired utilization of L-lactate. The engineered strain produced 50 g/L of L-lactate from 56 g/L of crude glycerol at a yield 93% of the theoretical maximum and with high optical (99.9%) and chemical (97%) purity.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the efficient conversion of glycerol to L-lactate, a microbial process that had not been reported in the literature prior to our work. The engineered biocatalysts produced L-lactate from crude glycerol in defined minimal salts medium at high chemical and optical purity.
Liposarcoma of the spermatic cord mimicking a left inguinal hernia: a case report and literature review
Authors: Li Fubiao , Tian Runhui , Yin Changjiu , Dai Xiaofan , Wang Hongliang , Xu Ning , Guo Kaimin
Published: January 2013

Liposarcoma of the spermatic cord (LSC) is a rare condition characterized by a painless inguinal or scrotal mass. To our knowledge, only about 200 cases have been previously reported in the literature. These tumors are often mistaken for common scrotal swellings, such as hydroceles and hernias. We present a LSC case in which a definitive diagnosis was obtained upon histological examination. We also provide a literature review of other cases that have been reported.
Ozone oxidation of antidepressants in wastewater –Treatment evaluation and characterization of new by-products by LC-QToFMS
Authors: Lajeunesse André , Blais Mireille , Barbeau Benoît , Sauvé Sébastien , Gagnon Christian
Published: January 2013

Background

The fate of 14 antidepressants along with their respective N-desmethyl metabolites and the anticonvulsive drug carbamazepine was examined in a primary sewage treatment plant (STP) and following advanced treatments with ozone (O3). The concentrations of each pharmaceutical compound were determined in raw sewage, effluent and sewage sludge samples by LC-MS/MS analysis. The occurrence of antidepressant by-products formed in treated effluent after ozonation was also investigated.

Results

Current primary treatments using physical and chemical processes removed little of the compounds (mean removal efficiency: 19%). Experimental sorption coefficients (Kd) of each studied compounds were also calculated. Sorption of venlafaxine, desmethylvenlafaxine, and carbamazepine on sludge was assumed to be negligible (log Kd ≤ 2), but higher sorption behavior can be expected for sertraline (log Kd ≥ 4). Ozonation treatment with O3 (5 mg/L) led to a satisfactory mean removal efficiency of 88% of the compounds. Screening of the final ozone-treated effluent samples by high resolution-mass spectrometry (LC-QqToFMS) did confirm the presence of related N-oxide by-products.

Conclusion

Effluent ozonation led to higher mean removal efficiencies than current primary treatment, and therefore represented a promising strategy for the elimination of antidepressants in urban wastewaters. However, the use of O3 produced by-products with unknown toxicity.
Cofactor engineering through heterologous expression of an NADH oxidase and its impact on metabolic flux redistribution in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Ji Xiao-Jun , Xia Zhi-Fang , Fu Ning-Hua , Nie Zhi-Kui , Shen Meng-Qiu , Tian Qian-Qian , Huang He
Published: January 2013

Background

Acetoin is an important bio-based platform chemical. However, it is usually existed as a minor byproduct of 2,3-butanediol fermentation in bacteria.

Results

The present study reports introducing an exogenous NAD+ regeneration sysytem into a 2,3-butanediol producing strain Klebsiella pneumoniae to increse the accumulation of acetoin. Batch fermentation suggested that heterologous expression of the NADH oxidase in K. pneumoniae resulted in large decreases in the intracellular NADH concentration (1.4 fold) and NADH/NAD+ ratio (2.0 fold). Metabolic flux analysis revealed that fluxes to acetoin and acetic acid were enhanced, whereas, production of lactic acid and ethanol were decreased, with the accumualation of 2,3-butanediol nearly unaltered. By fed-batch culture of the recombinant, the highest reported acetoin production level (25.9 g/L) by Klebsiella species was obtained.

Conclusions

The present study indicates that microbial production of acetoin could be improved by decreasing the intracellular NADH/NAD+ ratio in K. pneumoniae. It demonstrated that the cofactor engineering method, which is by manipulating the level of intracellular cofactors to redirect cellular metabolism, could be employed to achieve a high efficiency of producing the NAD+-dependent microbial metabolite.
Cross-talk between inflammation and angiotensin II: Studies based on direct transfection of cardiomyocytes with AT1R and AT2R cDNA
Authors: Xianwei Wang , Magomed Khaidakov , Ding Zufeng , Sona Mitra , Jingjun Lu , Shijie Liu , Mehta Jawahar L
Published: January 2013

Ischemic myocardium exhibits inflammation, local angiotensin II (Ang II) generation and up-regulation of LOX-1, a lectin-like ox-LDL receptor. To define the inter-active roles of Ang II and inflammation in furthering tissue injury, cultured HL-1 cardiomyocytes were treated with Ang II. Ang II treatment up-regulated the expression of Ang II type 1 (AT1R) and type 2 (AT2R) receptors as well as LOX-1. Ang II also activated p44/42MAPK, p38MAPK, c-Jun and NF-kB, and increased the expression of inflammation-related genes (interleukins-6, interleukins-10, tumor necrosis factor-a, intercellular adhesion molecule-1). To study how inflammation per se might affect expression of Ang II receptors and LOX-1, cultured, cardiomyocytes were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Like Ang II, LPS increased the expression of AT1R, AT2R and LOX-1. LPS also activated mitogen-acticated protein kinase (MAPKs), c-Jun and NF-kB, and pro-inflammatory genes. The selective inhibitors of MAPKs, c-Jun and NF-kB each blocked the transcription of LOX-1 and pro-inflammatory genes in response to Ang II as well as LPS. These observations suggested a positive feedback between Ang II and inflammation. To delineate the role of AT1R and AT2R in LOX-1 expression, another set of cardiomyocytes were transfected with AT1R or AT2R cDNA. Forced over-expression of AT1R resulted in activation of MAPKs, c-Jun and NF-kB, up-regulation of inflammatory genes and LOX-1; on the other hand forced AT2R over-expression induced up-regulation of pro-apoptotic signals (pro-IL-1b and IL-1b), and decreased LOX-1 expression. These studies show that both Ang II and inflammation mediator LPS up-regulate AT1R, AT2R and LOX-1 expression. Up-regulation of AT1R promotes inflammation and LOX-1 expression, whereas up-regulation of AT2R promotes apoptosis signals and decreases LOX-1 expression.
Morphologic and Immunocytochemical Performances of Effusion Cell Blocks Prepared Using 3 Different Methods
Authors: Jing Xin , Li Qing Kay , Bedrossian Ursula , Michael Claire W.
Published: January 2013

With increased use of the ThinPrep method for nongynecologic specimens, cell blocks are more commonly prepared by harvesting cells that are fixed in CytoLyt solution. The current study compared morphologic and immunocytochemical performance of effusion cell blocks prepared using CytoLyt-prefixed thrombin clot (CTC) with plasma thrombin clot (PT) and HistoGel (HG) preparation. The study included a total of 25 malignant or benign serous fluids. Three individual cell block materials were simultaneously prepared from each of the 25 effusion specimens using the CTC, PT, or HG method. H&E staining and immunostaining for pancytokeratin (pan-CK), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), B72.3, HBME-1, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), CD45, CD20, and CD3 were then performed. The CTC preparation revealed compatible cellularity and good cellular details. In addition, CTC cell blocks revealed a similar percentage of cells with positive immunostaining along with the strongest intensity and the least background staining. The CTC method can be used reliably as an adjunct to other preparation techniques.
Crystal structure of 2-(1-oxoisoindolin-2-yl)acetic acid, C10H9NO3
Authors: Huang Xiao-Hui
Published: January 2013

C10H9NO3, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 8.7343(9) Å, b = 10.163(1) Å, c = 9.992(1) Å, β = 97.986(2)°, V = 878.3 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0381, wRref(F2) = 0.1071, T = 273 K.
Calcium handling in porcine coronary endothelial cells by gastrin-17
Authors: Grossini E , Molinari C , Sigaudo L , Biella M , Mary D A S G , Vacca G
Published: January 2013

In porcine coronary artery endothelial cells (PCAEC), gastrin-17 has recently been found to increase nitric oxide (NO) production by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) isoform through cholecystokinin 1/2 (CCK1/2) receptors and the involvement of protein kinase A (PKA), PKC and the β2-adrenoreceptor-related pathway. As eNOS is the Ca2+-dependent isoform of the enzyme, we aimed to examine the effects of gastrin-17 on Ca2+movements. Thus, experiments were performed in Fura-2-acetoxymethyl-ester-loaded PCAEC, where changes of cytosolic Ca2+([Ca2+]c) caused by gastrin-17 were analysed and compared with those of CCK receptors and β2-adrenoreceptors agonists/antagonists. In addition, some experiments were performed by stimulating cells with gastrin-17 in the presence or absence of cAMP/PKA activator/inhibitor and of phospholipase C (PLC) and Ca2+–calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) blockers. The results have shown that gastrin-17 can promote a transient increase in [Ca2+]cmainly originating from an intracellular pool sensitive to thapsigargin and from the extracellular space. In addition, the response of cells to gastrin-17 was increased by the adenylyl cyclase activator and the β2-adrenoreceptor agonists and affected mainly by the CCK2 receptor agonists/antagonists. Moreover, the effects of gastrin-17 were prevented by β2-adrenoreceptors and CaMKII blockers and the adenylyl cyclase/PKA and PLC inhibitors. Finally, in PCAEC cultured in Na+-free medium or loaded with the plasma membrane Ca2+pump inhibitor, the gastrin-17-evoked Ca2+transient was long lasting. In conclusion, this study shows that gastrin-17 affected intracellular Ca2+homeostasis in PCAEC by both promoting a discharge of an intracellular pool and by interfering with the operation of store-dependent channels through mainly CCK2 receptors and PKA/PLC- and CaMKII-related signalling downstream of β2-adrenoreceptor stimulation.
Inhibition of 72 kDa inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase E improves insulin signal transduction in diet-induced obesity
Authors: Bertelli Daniela F , Coope Andressa , Caricilli Andrea M , Prada Patricia O , Saad Mario J , Velloso Licio A , Araujo Eliana P
Published: January 2013

The 72 kDa inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase E (72k-5ptase) controls signal transduction through the catalytic dephosphorylation of the 5-position of membrane-bound phosphoinositides. The reduction of 72k-5ptase expression in the hypothalamus results in improved hypothalamic insulin signal transduction and reduction of food intake and body mass. Here, we evaluated the tissue distribution and the impact of obesity on the expression of 72k-5ptase in peripheral tissues of experimental animals. In addition, insulin signal transduction and action were determined in an animal model of obesity and insulin resistance treated with an antisense (AS) oligonucleotide that reduces 72k-5ptase expression. In lean Wistar rats, 72k-5ptase mRNA and protein are found in highest levels in heart, skeletal muscle, and white adipose tissue. In three distinct models of obesity, Wistar rats, Swiss mice fed on high-fat diet, and leptin-deficientob/obmice, the expression of 72k-5ptase is increased in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. The treatment of obese Wistar rats with an anti-72k-5ptase AS oligonucleotide results in significant reduction of 72k-5ptase catalytic activity, which is accompanied by reduced food intake and body mass and improved insulin signal transduction and action as determined by immunoblotting and clamp studies respectively. 72k-5ptase expression is increased in obesity and its AS inhibition resulted in a significant improvement in insulin signal transduction and restoration of glucose homeostasis.
Reduced Adipose Tissue Macrophage Content Is Associated With Improved Insulin Sensitivity in Thiazolidinedione-Treated Diabetic Humans
Authors: Koppaka Sudha , Kehlenbrink Sylvia , Carey Michelle , Li Weijie , Sanchez Elizabeth , Lee Do-Eun , Lee Hanna , Chen Julie , Carrasco Emilce , Kishore Preeti , Zhang Kehao , Hawkins Meredith
Published: January 2013

Obesity is associated with increased adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) infiltration, and rodent studies suggest that inflammatory factors produced by ATMs contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, a relationship between ATM content and insulin resistance has not been clearly established in humans. Since thiazolidinediones attenuate adipose tissue inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, we examined the temporal relationship of the effects of pioglitazone on these two parameters. The effect of 10 and 21 days of pioglitazone treatment on insulin sensitivity in 26 diabetic subjects was assessed by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies. Because chemoattractant factors, cytokines, and immune cells have been implicated in regulating the recruitment of ATMs, we studied their temporal relationship to changes in ATM content. Improved hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity was seen after 21 days of pioglitazone. We found early reductions in macrophage chemoattractant factors after only 10 days of pioglitazone, followed by a 69% reduction in ATM content at 21 days and reduced ATM activation at both time points. Although markers for dendritic cells and neutrophils were reduced at both time points, there were no significant changes in regulatory T cells. These results are consistent with an association between adipose macrophage content and systemic insulin resistance in humans.
TSG-6 Produced by hMSCs Delays the Onset of Autoimmune Diabetes by Suppressing Th1 Development and Enhancing Tolerogenicity
Authors: Kota Daniel J. , Wiggins Lindsey L. , Yoon Nara , Lee Ryang Hwa
Published: January 2013

Genetic and immunological screening for type 1 diabetes has led to the possibility of preventing disease in susceptible individuals. Here, we show that human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) and tumor necrosis factor-α–stimulated gene 6 (TSG-6), a protein produced by hMSCs in response to signals from injured tissues, delayed the onset of spontaneous autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice by inhibiting insulitis and augmenting regulatory T cells (Tregs) within the pancreas. Importantly, hMSCs with a knockdown of tsg-6 were ineffective at delaying insulitis and the onset of diabetes in mice. TSG-6 inhibited the activation of both T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in a CD44-dependent manner. Moreover, multiple treatments of TSG-6 rendered APCs more tolerogenic, capable of enhancing Treg generation and delaying diabetes in an adoptive transfer model. Therefore, these results could provide the basis for a novel therapy for the prevention of type 1 diabetes.
PXR Ablation Alleviates Diet-Induced and Genetic Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Mice
Authors: He Jinhan , Gao Jie , Xu Meishu , Ren Songrong , Stefanovic-Racic Maja , O'Doherty Robert Martin , Xie Wen
Published: January 2013

The pregnane X receptor (PXR), along with its sister receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), was initially characterized as a xenobiotic receptor that regulates drug metabolism. In this study, we have uncovered an unexpected endobiotic role of PXR in obesity and type 2 diabetes. PXR ablation inhibited high-fat diet (HFD)–induced obesity, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance, which were accounted for by increased oxygen consumption, increased mitochondrial β-oxidation, inhibition of hepatic lipogenesis and inflammation, and sensitization of insulin signaling. In an independent model, introducing the PXR−/− allele into the ob/ob background also improved body composition and relieved the diabetic phenotype. The ob/ob mice deficient of PXR showed increased oxygen consumption and energy expenditure, as well as inhibition of gluconeogenesis and increased rate of glucose disposal during euglycemic clamp. Mechanistically, the metabolic benefits of PXR ablation were associated with the inhibition of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation and downregulation of lipin-1, a novel PXR target gene. The metabolic benefit of PXR ablation was opposite to the reported prodiabetic effect of CAR ablation. Our results may help to establish PXR as a novel therapeutic target, and PXR antagonists may be used for the prevention and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells Link Hyperinsulinemia to Hepatic Insulin Resistance
Authors: Tsuchiya Kyoichiro , Accili Domenico
Published: January 2013

Insulin signaling in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) is critical to maintain endothelial function but also to mediate insulin action on peripheral glucose disposal. However, gene knockout studies have reached disparate conclusions. Thus, insulin receptor inactivation in ECs does not impair insulin action, whereas inactivation of Irs2 does. Previously, we have shown that endothelial ablation of the three Foxo genes protects mice from atherosclerosis. Interestingly, here we show that mice lacking FoxO isoforms in ECs develop hepatic insulin resistance through excessive generation of nitric oxide (NO) that impairs insulin action in hepatocytes via tyrosine nitration of insulin receptors. Coculture experiments demonstrate that NO produced in liver sinusoidal ECs impairs insulin’s ability to suppress glucose production in hepatocytes. The effects of liver sinusoidal ECs can be mimicked by NO donors and can be reversed by NO inhibitors in vivo and ex vivo. The findings are consistent with a model in which excessive, rather than reduced, insulin signaling in ECs predisposes to systemic insulin resistance, prompting a reevaluation of current approaches to insulin sensitization.