bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for and prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis C among an outpatient urban sample of people with serious mental illness and co‐occurring substance abuse
Authors: Himelhoch Seth , Goldberg Richard , Calmes Christine , Medoff Deborah , Slade, Eric , Dixon Lisa , Gallucci Gerard , Rosenberg Stanley
Published: February 2011

Background: To assess rates of screening and testing of HIV and HCV among those with serious mental illness and co‐occurring substance use disorders.

Methods: One hundred fifty‐three people with serious mental illness and co‐occurring substance use disorders completed measures and were screened for HIV and HCV.

Results: Six percent were HIV positive and 25% were HCV positive. Almost a quarter reported a history of injection drug use and 86% reported a history of unprotected sexual encounters. Compared to those without a diagnosis of Hepatitis C, those diagnosed with Hepatitis C were significantly more likely to have a sexually transmitted infection, (p=0.01), have a lifetime history of injection drug use, (p<0.001), and a lifetime history of sniffing drugs, (p=0.01).

Conclusions: Given the high levels of infection of HIV and HCV and high levels of transmission risk factors efforts to improve screening and provide risk reduction counseling are warranted. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevention service system transformation using Communities That Care
Authors: Brown Eric C. , Hawkins J. David , Arthur Michael W. , Briney John S. , Fagan Abigail A.
Published: February 2011

This study examines prevention system transformation as part of a community‐randomized controlled trial of Communities That Care (CTC). Using data from surveys of community leaders, we examine differences between CTC and control communities 4.5 years after CTC implementation. Significantly higher levels of adopting a science‐based approach to prevention observed in CTC communities compared with controls in 2004 were maintained in 2007. Leaders in CTC communities expressed a willingness to contribute significantly more funds to prevention than did leaders in control communities in 2007. Significant differences in levels of community collaboration observed in 2004 were not maintained in 2007. Leaders in CTC communities with high poverty rates and large minority student populations reported higher levels of community norms against drug use and greater use of the social development strategy, respectively, than did leaders in control communities with similar characteristics. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence of specific characteristics and osteogenic potentiality in bone cells from tibia
Authors: Manferdini Cristina , Gabusi Elena , Grassi Francesco , Piacentini Anna , Cattini Luca , Zini Nicoletta , Filardo Giuseppe , Facchini Andrea , Lisignoli Gina
Published: February 2011

Human bone cells used for in vitro studies are mainly derived from bone marrow (BM) or trabecular bone (TB). There are no specific markers or procedures for isolation and growth of these cells. To validate the potentiality of these cells, we isolated human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and osteoblasts (OBs) from the tibial plateau of the same subject, grown in two different media (α‐MEM and DMEM/F12) and analyzed for cell growth, proliferation, phenotype and osteogenic potential. We found that OBs grew well in both media tested, but MSCs were able to grow only in α‐MEM medium. OBs in DMEM/F12 showed reduced proliferation capability and expressed a low level of alkaline phosphatase (AP), RUNX‐2, osteocalcin (OC), bone sialoprotein (BSP), collagen type I (Col.I) compared with OBs in α‐MEM but high level of collagen type XV (Col.XV). Compared with MSCs in α‐MEM, OBs have an increased ability to proliferate and express more OC and BSP at molecular level but less AP, RUNX‐2 and Col.I than MSCs. Time‐course experiments to analyze the osteogenic potential of these cells showed that OBs were more efficient than MSCs. However, these cells obtained from tibial plateau showed a different trend of AP, OC and Col.I osteogenic markers compared to control MSCs from the iliac crest. This study shows that bone‐adherent OBs grown in α‐MEM medium are more efficient for osteogenic differentiation than BM MSCs and contribute to defining their phenotypic and functional characteristics, so providing a rationale for their use in bone tissue engineering or therapeutic purposes. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2675–2682, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Macrophage‐induced expression and release of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 3 by human preadipocytes is mediated by IL‐1β via activation of MAPK signaling
Authors: Gao Dan , Bing Chen
Published: February 2011

Obesity is associated with a chronic low‐grade inflammation and increased macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in adipose tissue remodeling and inflammatory responses in obesity. This study investigated whether macrophage‐derived factors modulate expression and secretion of MMP1 and MMP3 in human preadipocytes. The potential mediators and signaling pathways were also explored. MMP1 and MMP3 were primarily expressed and secreted by preadipocytes and dramatically reduced post‐differentiation. Preadipocytes were incubated with RPMI 1640 medium (control) or THP‐1 macrophage‐conditioned (MC) medium (25% and 100%) for 24 h. MC medium markedly increased mRNA levels of MMP1 (up to 122‐fold) and MMP3 (up to 59‐fold), as well as protein release of MMP1 (up to 378‐fold) and MMP3 (up to 10‐fold) in a dose‐dependent manner. Treatment with IL‐1β or TNFα, the major products of macrophages, also induced MMP1 and MMP3 secretion by preadipocytes. Neutralizing IL‐1β abolished the induction of MMP1 and MMP3 in preadipocytes by MC medium while the effects of TNFα neutralization were modest. Furthermore, MC medium or IL‐1β led to the phosphorylation of p38, ERK and JNK MAPKs. Inhibition of p38, ERK and JNK reversed the stimulatory effects of MC or IL‐1β on MMP1 and MMP3 production. MC medium and IL‐1β also activated NF‐κB p65 whereas reduced IκBα protein expression in preadipocytes. These results suggest that macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue has a central role in stimulating MMP1 and MMP3 production by preadipocytes, and this is partially mediated by IL‐1β via activation of the MAPK and NF‐κB signaling pathways. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2869–2880, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bone marrow‐derived stem cells contribute skin regeneration in skin and soft tissue expansion
Authors: Li Chichi , Zheng Yan , Wang Xiaoyan , Xia Wei , Gao Hongying , Li Dong , Ma Xianjie
Published: February 2011

Skin and soft tissue expansion stimulates the proliferation of skin epidermal basal cells and increase the dermal collagen deposition and angiogenesis. To explore the contribution of bone marrow‐derived stem cells (BMSCs) to the generation of “new” skin during the expansion, we used a chimeric mouse model in which the donor C57BL mice were engrafted with the bone marrow of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgenic mice. BMSCs were collected from the tibia and femur of EGFP+ transgenic mice, and then injected into normal C57BL mice via the tail vein (chimeric mice). Skin was obtained at different times (days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35). Skin stromal‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) expression was evaluated. The number, distribution, and phenotype changes of EGFP+ cells in the skin were also evaluated by means of fluorescent microscopy. EGFP+ cells were present stably in the normal skin. The number of EGFP+ cells of the Group A mice changed with the tension, and reached the peak on day 21(17.1 ± 6.7%), as compared with either Group B (5.5 ± 1.0%) or Group C (5.1 ± 0.9%). The SDF‐1 expression in the expanded skin was significant increased (≈11‐fold, P < 0.01) compared to non‐expanded skin on day 21. Immunofluorescence showed EGFP+ cells were converted into vascular endothelial cells, epidermal cells, and spindle‐shaped dermal fibroblasts. Strain can promote the expression of SDF‐1 and facilitate the differentiation and proliferation of BMSCs in the expanded skin. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2834–2840, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 and osteoactivin for mesenchymal cell differentiation: Effects of bolus and continuous administration
Authors: Arosarena Oneida A. , Del Carpio‐Cano Fabiola E. , Dela Cadena Raul A. , Rico Mario C. , Nwodim Emeka , Safadi Fayez F.
Published: February 2011

Current osteoinductive protein therapy utilizes bolus administration of large doses of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which is costly, and may not replicate normal bone healing. The limited in vivo biologic activity of BMPs requires the investigation of growth factors that may enhance this activity. In this study, we utilized the C3H10T1/2 murine mesenchymal stem cell line to test the hypotheses that osteoactivin (OA) has comparable osteoinductive effects to bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), and that sustained administration of either growth factor would result in increased osteoblastic differentiation as compared to bolus administration. Sustained release biodegradable hydrogels were designed, and C3H10T1/2 cells were grown on hydrogels loaded with BMP‐2 or OA. Controls were grown on unloaded hydrogels, and positive controls were exposed to bolus growth factor administration. Cells were harvested at several time points to assess osteoblastic differentiation. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity, and gene expression of ALP and osteocalcin were assessed. Treatment with OA or BMP‐2 resulted in comparable effects on osteoblastic marker expression. However, cells grown on hydrogels demonstrated osteoblastic differentiation that was not as robust as cells treated with bolus administration. This study shows that OA has comparable effects to BMP‐2 on osteoblastic differentiation using both bolus administration and continuous release, and that bolus administration of OA has a more profound effect than administration using hydrogels for sustained release. This study will lead to a better understanding of appropriate delivery methods of osteogenic growth factors like OA for repair of fractures and segmental bone defects. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2943–2952, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Negative regulation of osteoblastogenesis through downregulation of runt‐related transcription factor‐2 in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells with stable overexpression of the cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT subunit
Authors: Uno Kyosuke , Takarada Takeshi , Takarada‐Iemata Mika , Nakamura Yukari , Fujita Hiroyuki , Hinoi Eiichi , Yoneda Yukio
Published: February 2011

We have previously demonstrated that glutamate (Glu) suppresses cellular proliferation toward self‐renewal through a mechanism associated with intracellular GSH depletion mediated by the bidirectional cystine/Glu antiporter in osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells cultured in the absence of differentiation inducers. To further evaluate the possible role of the antiporter in osteoblastogenesis, in this study, we have established stable transfectants of the xCT subunit of the antiporter in MC3T3‐E1 cells. Stable overexpression led to a significant facilitation of cellular proliferation determined by different indices with increased GSH levels and decreased ROS generation in addition to promoted [14C]cystine incorporation, while Glu failed to significantly inhibit cellular proliferation in stable xCT transfectants. In stable transfectants cultured under differentiation conditions, drastic decreases were invariably seen in Ca2+ accumulation, alkaline phosphatase activity and several osteoblastic marker gene expressions, in addition to downregulation of mRNA and corresponding protein for runt‐related transcription factor‐2 (Runx2). Runx2 promoter activity was significantly promoted by the introduction of Runx2 expression vector in a manner sensitive to the prevention by the co‐introduction of xCT expression vector in MC3T3‐E1 cells. In both MC3T3‐E1 cells and murine calvarial osteoblasts cultured with differentiation inducers, transient transfection with xCT siRNA significantly increased Runx2 protein expression along with decreases in xCT mRNA expression and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide reduction. These results suggest that the cystine/Glu antiporter plays a pivotal role in cellular differentiation through a mechanism related to the regulation of transactivation of Runx2 essential for osteoblastogenesis toward maturation in osteoblastic cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2953–2964, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Involvement of L‐type calcium channel and serca2a in myocardial dysfunction induced by obesity
Authors: Leopoldo André Soares , Lima‐Leopoldo Ana Paula , Sugizaki Mário Mateus , Nascimento André Ferreira do , de Campos Dijon Henrique Salomé , Luvizotto Renata de Azevedo Melo , Castardeli Edson , Alves Carlos Augusto Barnabé , Brum Patrícia Chakur , Cicogna Antonio Carlos
Published: February 2011

Obesity has been shown to impair myocardial performance. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the participation of calcium (Ca2+) handling on cardiac dysfunction in obesity models remain unknown. L‐type Ca2+ channels and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA2a), may contribute to the cardiac dysfunction induced by obesity. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether myocardial dysfunction in obese rats is related to decreased activity and/or expression of L‐type Ca2+ channels and SERCA2a. Male 30‐day‐old Wistar rats were fed standard (C) and alternately four palatable high‐fat diets (Ob) for 15 weeks. Obesity was determined by adiposity index and comorbidities were evaluated. Myocardial function was evaluated in isolated left ventricle papillary muscles under basal conditions and after inotropic and lusitropic maneuvers. L‐type Ca2+ channels and SERCA2a activity were determined using specific blockers, while changes in the amount of channels were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Phospholamban (PLB) protein expression and the SERCA2a/PLB ratio were also determined. Compared with C rats, the Ob rats had increased body fat, adiposity index and several comorbidities. The Ob muscles developed similar baseline data, but myocardial responsiveness to post‐rest contraction stimulus and increased extracellular Ca2+ was compromised. The diltiazem promoted higher inhibition on developed tension in obese rats. In addition, there were no changes in the L‐type Ca2+ channel protein content and SERCA2a behavior (activity and expression). In conclusion, the myocardial dysfunction caused by obesity is related to L‐type Ca2+ channel activity impairment without significant changes in SERCA2a expression and function as well as L‐type Ca2+ protein levels. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2934–2942, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tiam1 is recruited to β1‐integrin complexes by 14‐3‐3ζ where it mediates integrin‐induced Rac1 activation and motility
Authors: O'Toole Timothy E. , Bialkowska Katarzyna , Li Xiaohong , Fox Joan E.B.
Published: February 2011

14‐3‐3 is an adaptor protein that localizes to the leading edge of spreading cells, returning to the cytoplasm as spreading ceases. Previously, we showed that integrin‐induced Rac1 activation and spreading were inhibited by sequestration of 14‐3‐3ζ and restored by its overexpression. Here, we determined whether 14‐3‐3 mediates integrin signaling by localizing a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) to Rac1‐activating integrin complexes. We showed that GST‐14‐3‐3ζ recruited the Rac1‐GEF, Tiam1, from cell lysates through Tiam1 residues 1–182 (N1–182 Tiam1). The physiological relevance of this interaction was examined in serum‐starved Hela cells plated on fibronectin. Both Tiam1 and N1–182 Tiam1 were recruited to 14‐3‐3‐containing β1‐integrin complexes, as shown by co‐localization and co‐immunoprecipitation. Integrin‐induced Rac1 activation was inhibited when Tiam1 was depleted with siRNA or by overexpression of catalytically inactive N1–182 Tiam1, which was incorporated into 14‐3‐3/β1‐integrin complexes and inhibited spreading in a manner that was overcome by constitutively active Rac1. Integrin‐induced Rac1 activation, spreading, and migration were also inhibited by overexpression of 14‐3‐3ζ S58D, which was unable to recruit Tiam1 from lysates, co‐immunoprecipitate with Tiam1, or mediate its incorporation into β1‐integrin complexes. Taken together, these findings suggest a previously unrecognized mechanism of integrin‐induced Rac1 activation in which 14‐3‐3 dimers localize Tiam1 to integrin complexes, where it mediates integrin‐dependent Rac1 activation, thus initiating motility‐inducing pathways. Moreover, since Tiam1 is recruited to other sites of localized Rac1 activation through its PH‐CC‐EX domain, the present findings show that a mechanism involving its N‐terminal 182 residues is utilized to recruit Tiam1 to motility‐inducing integrin complexes. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2965–2978, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interplay between steroid receptors and neoplastic progression in sarcoma tumors
Authors: Fiorelli A. , Ricciardi C. , Pannone G. , Santoro A. , Bufo P. , Santini M. , Serpico R. , Rullo R. , Pierantoni G.M. , Di Domenico M.
Published: February 2011

Steroid hormones are expressed at low levels in mesenchymal cells and are highly expressed in soft tissue sarcoma. In human soft tissue fibrosarcoma cell line (HT‐1080), the epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates the express of matrix metal (MMPs) expression through a Src‐dependent mechanism. In human fibrosarcomas, increased expression of MMPs correlates with the metastatic progression. Our recent data in human breast cancer cell line MCF‐7, demonstrates that EGF stimulates estradiol receptor (ER) phosphorylation on tyrosine at position 537 thereby promoting the association of a complex among EGF receptor (EGFR), androgen receptor (AR), ER, and Src that activates EGF‐dependent signaling pathway. In the present study, we demonstrate that, in HT‐1080 cells, the Src kinase activity is involved in EGFR phosphorylation and this activity is regulated by an interplay between Src, steroid receptors, and EGFR. In these cells, estradiol (E2)/ER and synthetic androgen (R1881)/AR trans‐activate EGFR leading to the downstream signaling and to ERK activation. Indeed, the association between ER/AR and EGFR enhances metastatic progression of fibrosarcoma tumors. A population pilot study performed on 16 patients with soft tissue neoplasias highlights that MMPs expression correlates with progression of anaplastic sarcoma as well as overexpression of EGFR. These findings suggest that there is a crosstalk among AR, ER, and EGFR that lead to src activation also in fibrosarcoma cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2997–3003, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TGFβ‐ and bleomycin‐induced extracellular matrix synthesis is mediated through Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
Authors: Goc Anna , Choudhary Mrunal , Byzova Tatiana V. , Somanath Payaningal R.
Published: February 2011

A number of pro‐fibrogenic stimuli, such as growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, involve Akt and its downstream substrates in mediating their effects. We previously reported that absence of Akt1, which is the predominant isoform of the three gene Akt family in vascular cells, resulted in impaired ECM remodeling in skin and vasculature. In the current study, we investigated the importance of Akt1 in TGFβ‐ and bleomycin‐induced synthesis and secretion of ECM proteins by fibroblasts. We observed that both TGFβ and bleomycin stimulated the synthesis of ECM proteins in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Treatment with TGFβ and bleomycin also resulted in increased phosphorylation of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and their downstream signaling partners, p70S6 Kinase, Ribosomal S6 protein and 4E‐BP1, resulting in the activation of this pathway. The effects of TGFβ and bleomycin on ECM synthesis were blunted by pre‐treatment with an mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Whereas mTOR is responsible for the transcriptional regulation of a number of ECM proteins, adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), synthesis of major ECM proteins such as fibronectin and collagens (types I, II and V) by fibroblasts in response to TGFβ and bleomycin is regulated by mTOR at the translational level. These findings indicate the importance of the Akt‐mTOR signaling pathway in TGF‐mediated fibrogenic events in vivo. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 3004–3013, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuregulin induces HaCaT keratinocyte migration via Rac1‐mediated NADPH‐oxidase activation
Authors: Kim Jun‐Sub , Bak Eun‐Jung , Lee Boung‐Chul , Kim Yong‐Sun , Park Jae‐Bong , Choi Ihn‐Geun
Published: February 2011

Neuregulin (NRG), a member of the epidermal growth factor family, plays important roles in the development of the nervous system and heart, and in cancer progression. Recent reports have suggested that NRG is involved in wound healing in keratinocytes, although the cellular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we showed that NRG treatment increased slingshot‐1L (SSH‐1L)‐mediated cofilin dephosphorylation and activation in HaCaT keratinocytes. Additionally, Rac1 activation and NADPH‐oxidase (Nox)‐dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, both known to be upstream regulators of the SSH‐cofilin pathway, were increased in NRG‐stimulated HaCaT cells. Inhibition of Rac1 or Nox activity blocked NRG‐induced cofilin activation and cell migration by HaCaT cells. Moreover, the effects of Rac1 on cofilin activation were dependent on Nox activity. These findings indicate that NRG‐induced HaCaT cell migration via the ROS‐SSH‐1L‐cofilin pathway is activated as a consequence of Rac1 and Nox activation. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 3014–3021, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New players in ovarian cancer
Authors: Bovicelli Alessandro , D'Andrilli Giuseppina , Giordano Antonio
Published: February 2011

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer mortality worldwide. The aim of this review is to highlight the most recent studies regarding ovarian cancer pathogenesis and the new therapeutic approaches against this insidious disease. We focus on the relevance of some cell cycle genes, transcription factors, and microRNAs in the carcinogenesis of ovarian cancer as well as on a new hypothesis for therapy using histone deacetylase inhibitors. We also report recent studies regarding some mechanisms of chemoresistance, a major obstacle in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Together these studies can improve our knowledge of ovarian cancer tumorigenesis and diagnosis providing new tools to hopefully defeat this deadly disease. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2500–2504, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of non‐classical FGF1 release and FGF‐dependent cell transformation by CBF1‐mediated notch signaling
Authors: Kacer Doreen , McIntire Christian , Kirov Alek , Kany Erin , Roth Jennifer , Liaw Lucy , Small Deena , Friesel Robert , Basilico Claudio , Tarantini Francesca , Verdi Joseph , Prudovsky Igor
Published: February 2011

FGF1, a widely expressed proangiogenic factor involved in tissue repair and carcinogenesis, is released from cells through a non‐classical pathway independent of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi. Although several proteins participating in FGF1 export were identified, genetic mechanisms regulating this process remained obscure. We found that FGF1 export and expression are regulated through Notch signaling mediated by transcription factor CBF1 and its partner MAML. The expression of a dominant negative (dn) form of CBF1 in 3T3 cells induces transcription of FGF1 and sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), which is a component of FGF1 export pathway. dnCBF1 expression stimulates the stress‐independent release of transduced FGF1 from NIH 3T3 cells and endogenous FGF1 from A375 melanoma cells. NIH 3T3 cells transfected with dnCBF1 form colonies in soft agar and produce rapidly growing highly angiogenic tumors in nude mice. The transformed phenotype of dnCBF1 transfected cells is efficiently blocked by dn forms of FGF receptor 1 and S100A13, which is a component of FGF1 export pathway. FGF1 export and acceleration of cell growth induced by dnCBF1 depend on SphK1. Similar to dnCBF1, dnMAML transfection induces FGF1 expression and release, and accelerates cell proliferation. The latter effect is strongly decreased in FGF1 null cells. We suggest that the regulation of FGF1 expression and release by CBF1‐mediated Notch signaling can play an important role in tumor formation. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 3064–3075, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vertices of degree k in random unlabeled trees
Authors: Panagiotou Konstantinos , Sinha Makrand
Published: February 2011

Let ℋ︁n be the class of unlabeled trees with n vertices, and denote by Hn a tree that is drawn uniformly at random from this set. The asymptotic behavior of the random variable degk(Hn) that counts vertices of degree k in Hn was studied, among others, by Drmota and Gittenberger in [J Graph Theory 31(3) (1999), 227–253], who showed that this quantity satisfies a central limit theorem. This result provides a very precise characterization of the “central region” of the distribution, but does not give any non‐trivial information about its tails. In this work, we study further the number of vertices of degree k in Hn. In particular, for k = 𝒪((logn/(loglogn))1/2) we show exponential‐type bounds for the probability that degk(Hn) deviates from its expectation. On the technical side, our proofs are based on the analysis of a randomized algorithm that generates unlabeled trees in the so‐called Boltzmann model. The analysis of such algorithms is quite well‐understood for classes of labeled graphs, see e.g. the work [Bernasconi et al., SODA '08: Proceedings of the 19th Annual ACM‐SIAM Symposium on Discrete Algorithms, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Philadelphia, PA, 2008, pp. 132–141; Bernasconi et al., Proceedings of the 11th International Workshop, APPROX 2008, and 12th International Workshop, RANDOM 2008 on Approximation, Randomization and Combinatorial Optimization, Springer, Berlin, 2008, pp. 303–316] by Bernasconi, the first author, and Steger. Comparable algorithms for unlabeled classes are unfortunately much more complex. We demonstrate in this work that they can be analyzed very precisely for classes of unlabeled graphs as well. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory. 69:114‐130, 2012
Hamiltonian cycles in bipartite quadrangulations on the torus
Authors: Nakamoto Atsuhiro , Ozeki Kenta
Published: February 2011

In this article, we shall prove that every bipartite quadrangulation G on the torus admits a simple closed curve visiting each face and each vertex of G exactly once but crossing no edge. As an application, we conclude that the radial graph of any bipartite quadrangulation on the torus has a hamiltonian cycle. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 69:143‐151, 2012
Claw‐free graphs and 2‐factors that separate independent vertices
Authors: Faudree Ralph J. , Magnant Colton , Ozeki Kenta , Yoshimoto Kiyoshi
Published: February 2011

In this article, we prove that a line graph with minimum degree δ≥7 has a spanning subgraph in which every component is a clique of order at least three. This implies that if G is a line graph with δ≥7, then for any independent set S there is a 2‐factor of G such that each cycle contains at most one vertex of S. This supports the conjecture that δ≥5 is sufficient to imply the existence of such a 2‐factor in the larger class of claw‐free graphs.

It is also shown that if G is a claw‐free graph of order n and independence number α with δ≥2n/α−2 and n≥3α3/2, then for any maximum independent set S, G has a 2‐factor with α cycles such that each cycle contains one vertex of S. This is in support of a conjecture that δ≥n/α≥5 is sufficient to imply the existence of a 2‐factor with α cycles, each containing one vertex of a maximum independent set. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 69: 251–263, 2012
Catch‐up and targeted growth following variable duration protein restriction: Effects on bone and body mass
Authors: Jones Donna Carlson , Bernstein Marica , German Rebecca Z.
Published: February 2011

Protein malnutrition leads to growth retardation that can be reversed through catch‐up growth, once normative nutrition is restored. Because growth is a dynamic process, catch‐up capacity is likely influenced by the maturity of the animal and/or the duration of the insult, in addition to the type of insult experienced. We compared length of malnutrition, sexual dimorphism, body mass, and skeletal growth. Eighty Rattus norvegicus were divided into 10 treatment groups (five diets; male and female) and followed for more than 1 year. At weaning, animals were placed on either a control or low‐protein isocaloric diet. Three experimental groups were switched to the control diet at 40, 60, or 90 days. Beginning with 21 days of age, animals were weighed daily and radiographed throughout the study. To determine the presence of catch‐up growth, growth rates (GRs) were calculated (linear regression) for 20‐day time spans before and after diet changes and compared among treatment groups. Targeted growth was measured as final size or as the coefficient of variation with age. These results show that 1) protein‐restricted animals experience catch‐up growth with dietary rehabilitation; 2) for females, catch‐up GRs are proportional to GRs in control animals at the same age as the timing of dietary rehabilitation but not for males; and 3) targeted growth was observed in some, but not all, aspects of anatomy. The length of the tibia and humerus was indistinguishable from controls, regardless of length of malnutrition or gender, whereas the ulna and male body mass exceeded control sizes. Although most measures decreased in variation with ontogeny, the tibia failed to do so. These results support a complex biological regulation of catch‐up and targeted growth. The implications for selection are that flexible and responsive developmental trajectories may have an advantage over those programed into a single size. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is the magnetization transfer ratio a marker for myelin in multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Vavasour Irene M. , Laule Cornelia , Li David K.B. , Traboulsee Anthony L. , MacKay Alex L.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

To investigate the correlation between water content (WC) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) in normal and multiple sclerosis (MS) brain. The MTR has been proposed as a marker for myelin in central nervous system tissue. However, changes in WC due to inflammation and edema may also affect the MTR.

Materials and Methods

Seven MS subjects with active disease and seven age‐ and gender‐matched controls were scanned using quantitative magnetic resonance techniques. WC, myelin water content, T1 relaxation time, and MTR were calculated from areas of lesion (divided into new lesions less than 2 months old, isointense T1 lesions, and hypointense T1 lesions), contralateral normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM), and location‐matched normal white matter (NWM) in controls. Linear regression was used to determine the correlation between WC and MTR.

Results

A significant correlation was found between WC and MTR across all tissue (R = −0.65, P < 0.0005).

Conclusion

MTR was correlated with WC in MS tissue, indicating that inflammation and edema influence MTR. Therefore, caution should be used when associating MTR exclusively with myelin content. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Short laser pulse‐induced irreversible photothermal effects in red blood cells
Authors: Lukianova‐Hleb Ekaterina Y. , Oginsky Alexander O. , Olson John S. , Lapotko Dmitri O.
Published: February 2011

Background and Objectives

Photothermal (PT) responses of individual red blood cells (RBC) to short laser pulses may depend upon PT interactions at microscale.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

A sequence of identical short laser pulses (0.5 and 10 nanoseconds, 532 nm) was applied to individual RBCs, and their PT properties were analyzed at microscale in real time after each single pulse.

Results

PT interactions in RBC were found to be localized to sub‐micrometer zones associated with Hb that may be responsible for overheating and evaporation at higher optical energies. At sub‐ablative energies, a single short laser pulse induced irreversible changes in the optical properties of RBC that stimulated the transition from a heating‐cooling response to ablative evaporation in individual erythrocytes during their exposure to subsequent, but identical pulses.

Conclusion

The PT response of RBCs to short laser pulses of specific energy includes localized irreversible modifications of cell structure, resulting in three different effects: thermal non‐ablative response, ablative evaporation, and residual thermal response. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:249–260, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bicycling breaks the ice for freezers of gait
Authors: Snijders Anke H. , Toni Ivan , Ružička Evžen , Bloem Bastiaan R.
Published: February 2011

Patients with freezing of gait (FOG) have episodic problems with generating adequate steps. This phenomenon is both common and debilitating in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) or atypical parkinsonism. We recently presented a video case of a patient with longstanding PD and severe FOG, who showed a remarkably preserved ability to ride a bicycle. Here, we comment on the scientific and clinical implications of this single case observation, and show the video of a similar case. We first consider several pathophysiological explanations for this striking discrepancy between walking and cycling in PD. We then discuss the merits and shortcomings of cycling as a potential new avenue for rehabilitation and exercise training in patients grounded by FOG. Finally, we provide some directions for future research stimulated by this fascinating observation. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Prevalence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Gabrielli Maurizio , Bonazzi Patrizia , Scarpellini Emidio , Bendia Emanuele , Lauritano Ernesto C. , Fasano Alfonso , Ceravolo Maria G. , Capecci Marianna , Rita Bentivoglio Anna , Provinciali Leandro , Tonali Pietro A. , Gasbarrini Antonio
Published: February 2011

Background:

Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with gastrointestinal motility abnormalities that could favor the occurrence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in PD patients.

Methods:

Consecutive PD patients were enrolled. The controls were subjects without PD. All patients and controls underwent the glucose breath test to assess small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Results:

Forty‐eight PD patients and 36 controls were enrolled. The prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was significantly higher in PD patients than in controls (54.17% vs 8.33%; P < .0001; OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 3.50–48.24). Multivariate analysis showed Hoehn and Yahr stage (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.14–8.27) and Unified PD Rating score (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02–1.23) were significantly associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in PD patients.

Conclusions:

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is highly prevalent in PD. Gastrointestinal motility abnormalities might explain this association. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Survival of Korean patients with multiple system atrophy
Authors: Kim Han‐Joon , Jeon Beom S. , Lee Jee‐Young , Yun Ji Young
Published: February 2011

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective medical record review to determine the survival of 455 Korean multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients and examined the effect of clinical factors that could possibly influence survival. The patients comprised 222 men and 233 women.

Results:

Age at onset was 60.1 ± 8.8 years (mean ± SD) and did not differ between the sexes. Parkinsonism was the most prevalent initial symptom, followed by cerebellar dysfunction and dysautonomia. Age at onset was significantly older in patients with predominant parkinsonism at the last visit (MSA‐P) than in the other patients. At the time of data collection, 107 patients had died. Median survival time was 10 years. The survival rate of women was slightly better than that of men, especially in MSA‐P patients.

Conclusions:

Survival was not affected by age at onset, initial symptom, or predominant symptom at the last visit or by the presence of autonomic symptoms or multiple symptoms at disease onset. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Predictors of time to requiring dopaminergic treatment in 2 Parkinson's disease cohorts
Authors: Marras Connie , McDermott Michael P. , Marek Ken , Rochon Paula , Naglie Gary , Tanner Caroline M. , Rudolph Alice , Shoulson Ira , Lang Anthony E. ,   on behalf of the Parkinson Study Group DATATOP and PRECEPT investigators
Published: February 2011

The rate of progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) is highly variable. Knowledge of factors associated with disease milestones and commonly used research outcome measures helps with patient counseling and guides the design and interpretation of clinical studies. The objective of the study was to identify prognostic factors for time to acquiring disability requiring dopaminergic therapy that are reproducible within 2 large prospectively followed cohorts. Potential prognostic factors were identified using data from the Deprenyl and Tocopherol Antioxidative Therapy of Parkinsonism (DATATOP) trial, and their reproducibility was examined using data from the Parkinson Research Examination of CEP‐1347 trial (PRECEPT). In multivariable analyses of the DATATOP cohort, higher baseline Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores, full‐time employment, a lesser smoking history, and onset on the left side were associated with a shorter time to disability requiring dopaminergic therapy. PRECEPT data confirmed the associations of higher baseline UPDRS scores and full‐time employment with shorter time to requiring treatment. Any clinical trial using the end point of time to disability requiring dopaminergic therapy should ensure that groups are well balanced with respect to baseline UPDRS scores and the proportion of subjects employed full time and should consider including these variables as covariates in the statistical model for primary analysis of treatment effects. We suspect that individuals employed full time may have a lower threshold for requiring dopaminergic therapy because of occupational demands. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Characterizing mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Dalrymple‐Alford John C. , Livingston Leslie , MacAskill Michael R. , Graham Charlotte , Melzer Tracy R. , Porter Richard J. , Watts Richard , Anderson Tim J.
Published: February 2011

There is growing interest in identifying Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with mild cognitive impairment (PD‐MCI), but widely disparate criteria have been used. We assessed 143 PD patients and 50 matched controls on 20 measures across 4 cognitive domains (executive function, attention and working memory, learning and memory, visuoperception). Twenty‐four patients met criteria for dementia (PD‐D); nondementia patients were classified as either with normal cognition or MCI for 12 neuropsychological criteria. We compared the influence of these criteria on the distribution of global cognitive performance in the resulting PD‐MCI groups relative to the control and PD‐D groups. Different criteria produced substantial variation in the proportion of PD‐MCI cases identified. Fourteen percent PD‐MCI was found when using 2 scores in 1 domain at 2 standard deviations (SD) below normative scores, with no controls identified as MCI, through to 89% PD‐MCI with 1 score in 1 domain at 1 SD below normative scores, when 70% of controls were identified as MCI. The balance of cases with impaired cognition but not those with generally intact cognition was better served by using criteria that required 2 specific deficit scores or deficits across 2 domains. As comparisons with external normative data may have greater applicability across centers, we suggest that 2 scores at −1.5 SD within any single domain (30% PD‐MCI) or 1 score at −1.5 SD in each of 2 domains (37% PD‐MCI) provide suitable criteria to minimize the inclusion of cognitively well patients. Clinical dementia rating did not improve the relative identification of cognitively impaired and unimpaired nondementia PD patients. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Oleoyl‐Estrone
Authors: Remesar Xavier , Fernández‐López José Antonio , Alemany Marià
Published: February 2011

Oleoyl‐estrone (OE) is a powerful slimming agent that is also present in plasma and adipose tissue, where it is synthesized. It acts through the formation of a derivative W. OE effects (and W levels) are proportional to the dose. OE reduces food intake but maintains energy expenditure (thermogenesis). The energy gap is fulfilled with adipose tissue fat, sparing body protein and maintaining glycemia (and glycogen) with lower insulin and leptin levels. OE (in fact W) acts through specific receptors, different from those of estrogen. OE increases cholesterol catabolism, reducing hypercholesterolemia in obese rats. The main metabolic effect on adipose tissue is lowering of lipid synthesis, maintaining unchanged the intracellular lipolytic processes; the imbalance favors the progressive loss of fat, which is largely used by the muscle. OE administration induces additive effects with other antiobesity agents, such as β3‐adrenergic agonists, forcing a massive loss of lipid. Corticosteroids markedly limit OE action by altering the liver control of lipogenesis. OE also inhibits the action of 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, decreasing the synthesis of β‐estradiol and testosterone. Discontinuous treatment allows for maximal efficacy both in rats and humans. OE has the advantage that the loss of fat is maintained and does not require additional dietary limitations.
Improvements in multislice parallel imaging using radial CAIPIRINHA
Authors: Yutzy Stephen R. , Seiberlich Nicole , Duerk Jeffrey L. , Griswold Mark A.
Published: February 2011

Multislice parallel imaging involves the simultaneous sampling of multiple parallel slices which are subsequently separated using parallel imaging reconstruction. The CAIPIRINHA technique improves this reconstruction by manipulating the phase of the RF excitation pulses to shift the aliasing pattern such that there is less aliasing energy to be reconstructed. In this work, it is shown that combining the phase manipulation used in CAIPIRINHA with a non‐Cartesian (radial) sampling scheme further decreases the aliasing energy for the parallel imaging algorithm to reconstruct, thereby further increasing the degree to which a multi‐channel receiver array can be utilized for parallel imaging acceleration. In radial CAIPIRINHA, individual bands (slices) in a multislice excitation are modulated with view‐dependent phase, causing a destructive interference of entire slices. This destructive interference leads to a reduction in aliasing compared to the coherent shifts one observes when using this same technique with a Cartesian trajectory. Recovery of each individual slice is possible because the applied phase pattern is known, and a conjugate‐gradient reconstruction algorithm minimizes the contributions from other slices. Results are presented with a standard 12‐channel head coil with acceleration factors up to 14, where radial CAIPIRINHA produces an improved reconstruction when compared with Cartesian CAIPIRINHA. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First image from a combined positron emission tomography and field‐cycled MRI system
Authors: Bindseil Geron A. , Gilbert Kyle M. , Scholl Timothy J. , Handler William B. , Chronik Blaine A.
Published: February 2011

Combining positron emission tomography and MRI modalities typically requires using either conventional MRI with a MR‐compatible positron emission tomography system or a modified MR system with conventional positron emission tomography. A feature of field‐cycled MRI is that all magnetic fields can be turned off rapidly, enabling the use of conventional positron emission tomography detectors based on photomultiplier tubes. In this demonstration, two photomultiplier tube‐based positron emission tomography detectors were integrated with a field‐cycled MRI system (0.3 T/4 MHz) by placing them into a 9‐cm axial gap. A positron emission tomography‐MRI phantom consisting of a triangular arrangement of positron‐emitting point sources embedded in an onion was imaged in a repeating interleaved sequence of ∼1 sec MRI then 1 sec positron emission tomography. The first multimodality images from the combined positron emission tomography and field‐cycled MRI system show no additional artifacts due to interaction between the systems and demonstrate the potential of this approach to combining positron emission tomography and MRI. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fluoroquinolones influence the intracellular calcium handling in individuals susceptible to malignant hyperthermia
Authors: Metterlein Thomas , Schuster Frank , Tadda Lukas , Hager Martin , Muldoon Sheila , Capacchione John , Roewer Norbert , Anetseder Martin
Published: February 2011

Introduction:

The mechanisms of fluoroquinolone‐induced myotoxicity are unknown but an involvement of intracellular calcium handling is suspected. An in vitro contracture test used to investigate cellular processes in malignant hyperthermia (MH) can be applied to study the effects of fluoroquinolones.

Methods:

With approval of the local ethics committee, muscle biopsies of 18 MH susceptible (MHS) and 12 MHS non‐susceptible (MHN) pigs were performed. Individual bundles were mounted on an isometric force transducer, preloaded, and electrically stimulated. After equilibration they were exposed to ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. The measured baseline tension was analyzed (Wilcoxon test: P < 0.05).

Results:

There were no differences in weight, length, or predrug tension between the groups. Both levofloxacin an ciprofloxacin induced significant contractures in MHS muscle bundles but not in MHN.

Conclusions:

Fluoroquinolones appear to have a pathological influence on intracellular calcium handling. A pre‐existing impairment of the calcium homeostasis, however, seems to be necessary for this behavior. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Response to treatment in patients with lewis–sumner syndrome
Authors: Attarian Shahram , Verschueren Annie , Franques Jérome , Salort‐Campana Emmanuelle , Jouve Elisabeth , Pouget Jean
Published: February 2011

Introduction:

Our aim was to document the classification of Lewis–Sumner syndrome (L‐SS) based on the response to treatment and the pattern of progression over time.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified 15 patients with L‐SS treated for at least 12 months.

Results:

After 1 year, intravenous immunoglobulin was effective in 7 patients, 6 were stable, and 2 worsened. After 5 years, 5 patients had improved, and 3 were stable. These 8 patients needed repeated treatment, and 2 patients gradually worsened. Two patients worsened dramatically after steroid treatment. In 3 patients the neuropathy progressed to the other limbs and developed into an asymmetric polyneuropathy. In 12 other patients the pattern remained multifocal and asymmetric.

Conclusions:

The possibility of decline resulting from corticosteroids, and the fact that no neurological progression toward a diffuse pattern was observed in the majority of patients suggests that L‐SS is a different entity from chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Muscle Nerve, 2011