bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation betweenR/Senantiomer ratio of lansoprazole and CYP2C19 activity after single oral and enteral administration
Authors: Miura Masatomo , Motoyama Satoru , Hinai Yudai , Niioka Takenori , Hayakari Makoto , Ogawa Jun‐Ichi , Suzuki Toshio
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether CYP2C19 activity can be estimated from plasma concentrations of lansoprazole enantiomers 4 h (C4h) after single administrationbyoral and enteral routes. Sixty‐nine subjects, 22 homozygous extensive metabolizers (homEMs), 32 heterozygous EMs (hetEMs), and 15 poor metabolizers (PMs), participated in the study. After a single oral or enteral dose of racemic lansoprazole (30 mg), plasma concentrations of lansoprazole enantiomers were measured 4 h postdose. TheR/Sratio of lansoprazole at 4 h differed significantly among the three groups (P< 0.0001) regardless of the administration route. TheR/Sratio of lansoprazole in CYP2C19 PMs ranged from 3.0 to 13.7, whereas in homEMs and hetEMs the ratio ranged from 8.6 to 90 and 2.1 to 122, respectively. The relationship between (S)‐lansoprazole concentration andR/Sratio of lansoprazole at C4his given by the following formula: log10[R/Sratio] = 2.2 – 0.64 × log10[C4hof (S)‐lansoprazole] (r= 0.867,P< 0.0001). Thus, phenotyping CYP2C19 using theR/Senantiomer ratio of lansoprazole seems unlikely. However, to obtain a pharmacological effect similar to that in CYP2C19 PMs, we can presume that lansoprazole has a sufficient effect in the patient with anR/Senantiomer ratio at 4 h ≤ 13.70 and (S)‐lansoprazole concentration at 4 h ≥ 50 ng/ml. Chirality 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Myrcene as a Natural Base Chemical in Sustainable Chemistry: A Critical Review
Authors: Behr Arno , Johnen Leif
Published: December 2009

Currently, a shift towards chemical products derived from renewable, biological feedstocks is observed more and more. However, substantial differences with traditional feedstocks, such as their “hyperfunctionalization,” ethical problems caused by competition with foods, and problems with a constant qualitative/quantitative availability of the natural products, occasionally complicate the large‐scale market entry of renewable resources. In this context the vast family of terpenes is often not taken into consideration, although the terpenes have been known for hundreds of years as components of essential oils obtained from leaves, flowers, and fruits of many plants. The simple acyclic monoterpenes, particularly the industrially available myrcene, provide a classical chemistry similar to unsaturated hydrocarbons already known from oil and gas. Hence, this Review is aimed at reviving myrcene as a renewable compound suitable for sustainable chemistry in the area of fine chemicals. The versatility of the unsaturated C10‐hydrocarbon myrcene, leading to products with several different areas of application, is pointed out.
Are CB1receptor antagonists nootropic or cognitive impairing agents?
Authors: Varvel Stephen A. , Wise Laura E. , Lichtman Aron H.
Published: December 2009

For more than a decade, a considerable amount of research has examined the effects of rimonabant (SR 141716) and other CB1receptor antagonists in both in vivo and in vitro models of learning and memory. In addition to its utility in determining whether the effects of drugs are mediated though a CB1receptor mechanism of action, these antagonists are useful in providing insight into the physiological function of the endogenous cannabinoid system. Several groups have reported that CB1receptor antagonists enhance memory duration in a variety of spatial and operant paradigms, but not in all paradigms. Conversely, disruption of CB1receptor signaling also impairs extinction learning in which the animal actively suppresses a learned response when reinforcement has been withheld. These extinction deficits occur in aversively motivated tasks, such as in fear conditioning or escape behavior in the Morris water maze task, but not in appetitively motivated tasks. Similarly, in electrophysiological models, CB1receptor antagonists elicit a variety of effects, including enhancement of long‐term potentiation (LTP), while disrupting long‐term depression (LTD) and interfering with transient forms of plasticity, including depolarization‐induced suppression of inhibition (DSI) and depolarization‐induced suppression of excitation (DSE). The collective results of the in vivo and in vitro studies employing CB1receptor antagonists, demonstrate that these receptors play integral roles in different components of cognitive processing. Functionally, pharmacological blockade of CB1receptors may strengthen memory duration, but interferes with extinction of learned behaviors that are associated with traumatic or aversive memories. Drug Dev Res 70:555–565, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of taranabant (MK‐0364) for its self‐administration in rhesus monkeys and for its discriminative stimulus effects in rats
Authors: Beardsley Patrick M.
Published: December 2009

Taranabant (aka, MK‐0364) was tested in rhesus monkeys that were trained to self‐administer cocaine and in rats that were trained to discriminate Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from vehicle in order to facilitate inferences about taranabant's potential to produce subjective effects similar to THC and to be used for recreational purposes (i.e., for its potential abuse liability). Four rhesus monkeys with chronically implanted intravenous catheters were trained to lever press according to fixed‐ratio 50 (FR50) schedules reinforced with infusions of 0.03 or 0.01 mg/kg cocaine during daily, 1‐h experimental sessions. During substitution tests, cocaine was replaced with a test dose (0.001–0.1 mg/kg) of taranabant for four, consecutive daily sessions. Additionally, 10 adult male Long‐Evans hooded rats were trained to discriminate 3 mg/kg i.p. THC from vehicle using a food‐reinforced, lever press procedure. Following training, doses of THC (0.1–10 mg/kg i.p.) and taranabant (0.3–17 mg/kg i.p.) were tested. None of the four monkeys self‐administered taranabant above vehicle‐control levels, and for three of the monkeys levels of responding were, at times, lower than those of vehicle itself. During discrimination tests, increases in the dose of THC or taranabant resulted in ED50values (±95% CI) of 9.65 mg/kg (7.03–13.27) and of 20.51 mg/kg (8.13–51.64), respectively, for reducing response rates. THC, but not taranabant, dose‐dependently generalized to the 3‐mg/kg THC discriminative stimulus at levels of 80% and above. These results indicate that taranabant does not exhibit THC‐like agonistic activity in vivo, and consequentially suggest it would be unlikely that it would have a THC‐like abuse potential. Drug Dev Res 70:577–584, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toward the design of cannabinoid CB1receptor inverse agonists and neutral antagonists
Authors: Reggio Patricia H.
Published: December 2009

The cannabinoid CB1receptor belongs to Class A of the G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) family. The high constitutive activity of CB1facilitates inverse agonism at this receptor, and CB1inverse agonists/antagonists have recently been considered for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. GPCRs are assumed to have a common topology and to share a common molecular activation mechanism involving their intracellular domains. However, each individual receptor will also have a molecular switch within the ligand binding pocket that is a noncovalent intramolecular interaction in the basal state of the GPCR that must be disrupted to achieve an active state or stabilized to maintain the inactive state. Knowledge of the molecular switch within the ligand binding pocket can greatly facilitate the rational design of inverse agonists and neutral antagonists. This review begins with a brief review on the CB1receptor and its ligands. The review then focuses on the experimental literature on GPCR structure and activation in Class A receptors. The identification of the molecular switch region in the ligand binding pocket of CB1(F3.36/W6.48) is discussed and the combined mutation and modeling studies that have led to the identification of interactions key to the inverse agonism of SR141716A are presented. Finally, the development of the first CB1neutral antagonists based on these modeling/mutation results is discussed. Drug Dev Res 70:585–600, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonylphenol‐induced apoptotic pathways in SCM1 human gastric cancer cells
Authors: Kuo Chun‐Chi , Kuo Daih‐Huang , Huang Chun‐Jen , Fang Yi‐Chien , Shieh Pochuen , Chen Fu‐An , Shaw Chen‐Fu , Jan Chung‐Ren
Published: December 2009

Environmental chemicals may affect human health by disrupting endocrine function. Many endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are estrogen‐like molecules that are classified as xenoestrogens (XEs). One XE, nonylphenol, is used as a surfactant or plasticizer and exhibits biotoxicity when accumulated in the body via the food chain. The aim of the present study was to clarify the role of nonylphenol‐induced SCM1 apoptosis by measuring cultured human gastric cancer cell (SCM1) death. Using WST‐1 reduction and propidium iodide‐staining assays, nonylphenol treatment was found to activate caspase‐3 and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), major markers in apoptotic pathways. Nonylphenol also activated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). However, only SB203580 (a p38MAPK inhibitor) partially inhibited nonylphenol‐induced apoptosis. Nonylphenol induced a [Ca2+]i rise by causing extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum, and its effects on SCM1 cell death were prevented by pretreatment with the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA/AM. These results suggest that nonylphenol caused Ca2+‐dependent apoptosis via the activation of p38 MAPK‐associated caspase‐3 in SCM1 cells. Drug Dev Res 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
miR133a regulates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in diabetes
Authors: Feng Biao , Chen Shali , George Biju , Feng Qingping , Chakrabarti Subrata
Published: December 2009

Background

Diabetic cardiomyopathy, characterized by cardiac hypertrophy and contractile dysfunction, eventually leads to heart failure. We have previously shown that alterations of a number of key molecules are involved in producing cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in diabetes. The aim of the present study was to determine whether microRNAs (miRNA) play a role in mediating altered gene expression and structural/functional deficits in the heart in diabetes.

Methods

STZ‐induced diabetic mice were haemodynamically investigated after 2 months of diabetes to establish the development of cardiomyopathy. The tissues were then examined for gene expression and microRNA analysis. We further investigated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes to identify the mechanisms of glucose‐induced hypertrophy and the potential role of miR133a.

Results

Diabetic mice showed myocardial contractile dysfunction and augmented mRNA expression of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP), MEF2A and MEF2C, SGK1 and IGF1R compared to age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Cardiac tissues from these mice showed alteration of multiple miRNAs by array analysis including miR133a, which was confirmed by RT‐PCR. In vitro exposure of cardiomyocytes to high levels of glucose produced hypertrophic changes and reduced expression of miRNA133a. Finally, transfection of miR133a mimics prevented altered gene expression and hypertrophic changes.

Conclusion

Data from these studies demonstrate a novel glucose‐induced mechanism regulating gene expression and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in diabetes which is mediated through miR133a. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of PKCζ translocation in the development of type 2 diabetes in rats following continuous glucose infusion
Authors: Zhang Jing‐fang , Yang Jing‐ping Ou , Wang Guang‐hao , Xia Zhengyuan , Duan Sheng Zhong , Wu Yong
Published: December 2009

Aim

We investigated the molecular mechanisms of hyperglycaemia‐induced insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in rats receiving a continuous glucose infusion (GI).

Methods

Female Wistar rats were infused with either 2.8 mol/L glucose or saline (2 mL/h) for durations varying from 0 to 15 days. Blood samples were analysed daily to determine glucose and insulin dynamics. Subsets of animals were sacrificed and solues muscles were extracted for determination of protein expression, subcellular location, and activities of insulin‐signalling proteins.

Results

Rats accommodated this systemic glucose oversupply and developed insulin resistance on day 5 (normoglycaemia/hyperinsulinaemia) and type 2 diabetes on day 15 (hyperglycaemia/normoinsulinaemia). The effect of GI on protein kinase Cζ (PKCζ) activity was independent of changes in phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase activity, and occurred in parallel with an increase in PDK1 activity. Activated PKCζ was mainly located in the cytosol after 5 days of GI that was coincident with the translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane, and normoglycaemia. After 15 days of GI, PKCζ translocated from the cytosol to the plasma membrane with a concomitant decrease in PDK1 activity. This caused an increase in the association between PKCζ and PKB and a decrease in PDK1–PKB reactions at the plasma membrane, leading to reduced PKB activity. The activity of PKCζ per se was also compromised. The PKCζ and PKB activity reduction and the blunted insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation eventually led to hyperglycaemia and diabetes.

Conclusion

Translocation of PKCζ may play a central role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid discrimination of single‐nucleotide mismatches based on reciprocating flow on a compact disc microfluidic device
Authors: Li Chunyu , Li Hongjing , Qin Jianhua , Lin Bingcheng
Published: December 2009

In this study, a compact disc (CD) microfluidic device based on reciprocating flow is developed for the rapid discrimination of single‐nucleotide mismatch (SNM). This device consists of a PDMS CD slab containing eight SNM assay units and a glass substrate immobilized with DNA probe array. The rapid SNM assay is realized by two‐step controllable reciprocating flow in the microchannel, resulting from centrifugal force and capillary action as well. A perfect‐match probe and three mismatched probes containing a SNM at various positions were designed to investigate the ability of this device to discriminate SNM. Based on the difference between the dissociation kinetics of perfect‐match and mismatched duplexes, this CD device was able to discriminate SNM within 400 s. Moreover, only sub‐microliter volume DNA samples (350 nL) and washing buffers (350 nL) were required per assay unit. The results indicate that this device has the potential to be used for fast, accurate gene diagnostics, especially for the detection of SNPs.
Electrophoresis microchip with integrated waveguides for simultaneous native UV fluorescence and absorbance detection
Authors: Ohlsson Pelle D. , Ordeig Olga , Mogensen Klaus B. , Kutter Jörg P.
Published: December 2009

Simultaneous label‐free detection of UV absorbance and native UV‐excited fluorescence in an electrophoresis microchip is presented. UV transparent integrated waveguides launch light at a wavelength of 254 nm from a mercury lamp along the length of a 1‐mm long detection cell. Transmitted UV light is collected by another waveguide in the opposite end of the detection cell, while visible fluorescence is collected vertically through the lid of the chip. The background of scattered excitation light is suppressed by detection perpendicular to the excitation, the limited UV transparency of the borosilicate lid and by choosing a PMT insensitive to the excitation light. This way, the need for a fluorescence filter is eliminated. Calibration curves were measured for serotonin, tryptophan, propranolol and acetaminophen, and separations of the four compounds were demonstrated by electrophoresis and MEKC. All compounds could be detected in the micromolar range by absorbance detection, but fluorescence detection improved detection limits for compounds displaying native UV fluorescence up to ten times. The simultaneous detection also proved useful for the identification of compounds with similar retention times and even enables accurate quantification of co‐eluting compounds.
Accounting for uncertainty in DEMs from repeat topographic surveys: improved sediment budgets
Authors: Wheaton Joseph M. , Brasington James , Darby Stephen E. , Sear David A.
Published: December 2009

Repeat topographic surveys are increasingly becoming more affordable, and possible at higher spatial resolutions and over greater spatial extents. Digital elevation models (DEMs) built from such surveys can be used to produce DEM of Difference (DoD) maps and estimate the net change in storage terms for morphological sediment budgets. While these products are extremely useful for monitoring and geomorphic interpretation, data and model uncertainties render them prone to misinterpretation. Two new methods are presented, which allow for more robust and spatially variable estimation of DEM uncertainties and propagate these forward to evaluate the consequences for estimates of geomorphic change. The first relies on a fuzzy inference system to estimate the spatial variability of elevation uncertainty in individual DEMs while the second approach modifies this estimate on the basis of the spatial coherence of erosion and deposition units. Both techniques allow for probabilistic representation of uncertainty on a cell‐by‐cell basis and thresholding of the sediment budget at a user‐specified confidence interval. The application of these new techniques is illustrated with 5 years of high resolution survey data from a 1 km long braided reach of the River Feshie in the Highlands of Scotland. The reach was found to be consistently degradational, with between 570 and 1970 m3 of net erosion per annum, despite the fact that spatially, deposition covered more surface area than erosion. In the two wetter periods with extensive braid‐plain inundation, the uncertainty analysis thresholded at a 95% confidence interval resulted in a larger percentage (57% for 2004–2005 and 59% for 2006–2007) of volumetric change being excluded from the budget than the drier years (24% for 2003–2004 and 31% for 2005–2006). For these data, the new uncertainty analysis is generally more conservative volumetrically than a standard spatially‐uniform minimum level of detection analysis, but also produces more plausible and physically meaningful results. The tools are packaged in a wizard‐driven Matlab software application available for download with this paper, and can be calibrated and extended for application to any topographic point cloud (x,y,z). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The transcription factor SP1 regulates centriole function and chromosomal stability through a functional interaction with the mammalian target of rapamycin/raptor complex
Authors: Astrinidis Aristotelis , Kim Jiyoon , Kelly Crystal M. , Olofsson Beatrix A. , Torabi Behzad , Sorokina Elena M. , Azizkhan‐Clifford Jane
Published: December 2009

Specificity protein 1 (SP1) is an essential transcription factor implicated in the regulation of genes that control multiple cellular processes, including cell cycle, apoptosis, and DNA damage. Very few nontranscriptional roles for SP1 have been reported thus far. Using confocal microscopy and centrosome fractionation, we identified SP1 as a centrosomal protein. Sp1‐deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts and cells depleted of SP1 by RNAi have increased centrosome number associated with centriole splitting, decreased microtubule nucleation, chromosome misalignment, formation of multipolar mitotic spindles and micronuclei, and increased incidence of aneuploidy. Using mass spectrometry, we identified P70S6K, an effector of the mTOR/raptor (mTORC1) kinase complex, as a novel interacting protein of SP1. We found that SP1‐deficient cells have increased phosphorylation of the P70S6K effector ribosomal protein S6, suggesting that SP1 participates in the regulation of the mTORC1/P70S6K/S6 signaling pathway. We previously reported that aberrant mTORC1 activation leads to supernumerary centrosomes, a phenotype rescued by the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. Similarly, treatment with rapamycin rescued the multiple centrosome phenotype of SP1‐deficient cells. Taken together, these data strongly support the hypothesis that SP1 is involved in the control of centrosome number via regulation of the mTORC1 pathway, and predict that loss of SP1 function can lead to aberrant centriole splitting, deregulated mTORC1 signaling, and aneuploidy, thereby contributing to malignant transformation. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
microRNAs in acute myeloid leukemia: Expression patterns, correlations with genetic and clinical parameters, and prognostic significance
Authors: Wieser Rotraud , Scheideler Marcel , Hackl Hubert , Engelmann Maria , Schneckenleithner Christine , Hiden Karin , Papak Christine , Trajanoski Zlatko , Sill Heinz , Fonatsch Christa
Published: December 2009

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant disease of hematopoietic cells whose emergence, course, and prognosis is affected by specific recurrent genetic alterations like chromosome aberrations and point mutations, as well as by changes in the expression of certain genes. In the past 2 years, microRNAs (miRNAs)—a novel class of small RNA molecules involved in posttranscriptional gene regulation—have also been shown to be aberrantly expressed in AML. Furthermore, specific miRNA expression patterns were found to be associated with certain genetic and cytogenetic alterations in this disease, and two studies identified miRNAs whose expression levels were predictive of survival. Interestingly, the results of these analyses showed only very limited congruence. This review summarizes published reports on the expression patterns of miRNAs in AML, and discusses possible reasons for the differences in their results. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Old challenges and new opportunities for studying the financial aspects of intercollegiate athletics
Authors: Suggs Welch
Published: December 2009

Better data can make clearer the relationships among athletics, institutional finances, and prestige.
Institutional advancement and spectator sports: The importance of television
Authors: Anctil Eric
Published: December 2009

Encouraging identification with institutions is the purpose of external relations, and televised athletics presents a useful tool.
Institutional ambitions and athletic conference affiliation
Authors: Sweitzer Kyle V.
Published: December 2009

Institutions are changing their athletic conference affiliation as a way to advance their ambitions.
Adding football and the “uses” of athletics at NCAA Division II and Division III institutions
Authors: Feezell Travis
Published: December 2009

Small colleges are using athletics to advance broader institutional aspirations.
Athletes as students: Ensuring positive cognitive and affective outcomes
Authors: Gayles Joy Gaston , Hu Shouping
Published: December 2009

Student athletes may sacrifice some of the benefits that come with having more fully experienced higher education.
Vitamin C Deficiency Attenuates Liver Fibrosis by Way of Up-Regulated Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Gamma Expression in Senescence Marker Protein 30 Knockout Mice
Authors: Park Jin-Kyu , Ki Mi-Ran , Lee Hye-Rim , Hong Il-Hwa , Ji Ae-Ri , Ishigami Akihito , Park Se-Il , Kim Ji-Min , Chung Hae-Young , Yoo Sung-Eun , Jeong Kyu-Shik
Published: December 2009

Senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30), an important aging marker molecule that is highly expressed in the liver, has been known to protect hepatocytes from apoptosis by the synthesis of vitamin C. To explore the function of SMP30 in liver fibrosis, the effect of SMP30 deficiency on liver fibrosis was investigated in SMP30 knockout (KO) mice. Moreover, the

in vivo

results were further confirmed by way of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) isolation. We demonstrated that carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and the nuclear translocation of p-Smad2/3, the immediate downstream of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), were significantly inhibited in the liver of SMP30 KO mice compared with wildtype (WT) mice. We also confirmed that both WT and SMP30 KO HSCs did not express SMP30. Finally, we further confirmed that up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) caused by a lack of vitamin C was the pivotal factor in the mechanisms for attenuated liver fibrosis of SMP30 KO mice, and feeding with vitamin C restored CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in SMP30 KO mice.

Conclusion:

Vitamin C deficiency by SMP30 depletion attenuated liver fibrosis by way of up-regulated PPAR-γ expression in SMP30 KO mice. Our results provide, for the first time, the possible mechanisms underlying inhibition of HSC activation associated with vitamin C and PPAR-γ up-regulation in liver fibrosis of SMP30 KO mice. (Hepatology 2010.)
Clinical Course of Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis: A Danish Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Jepsen Peter , Ott Peter , Andersen Per Kragh , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Vilstrup Hendrik
Published: December 2009

The clinical course of alcoholic cirrhosis, a condition with a high mortality, has not been well described. We examined prevalence, risk, chronology, and mortality associated with three complications of cirrhosis: ascites, variceal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy. We followed a population-based cohort of 466 Danish patients diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis in 1993–2005, starting from the date of hospital diagnosis and ending in August 2006. Data were extracted from medical charts during the follow-up period. Risk and mortality associated with complications were calculated using competing-risks methods. At diagnosis of alcoholic cirrhosis, 24% of patients had no complications, 55% had ascites alone, 6% had variceal bleeding alone, 4% had ascites and variceal bleeding, and 11% had hepatic encephalopathy. One-year mortality was 17% among patients with no initial complications, 20% following variceal bleeding alone, 29% following ascites alone, 49% following ascites and variceal bleeding (from the onset of the later of the two complications), and 64% following hepatic encephalopathy. Five-year mortality ranged from 58% to 85%. The risk of complications was about 25% after 1 year and 50% after 5 years for all patients without hepatic encephalopathy. The complications under study did not develop in any predictable sequence. Although patients initially without complications usually developed ascites first (12% within 1 year), many developed either variceal bleeding first (6% within 1 year) or hepatic encephalopathy first (4% within 1 year). Subsequent complications occurred in an unpredictable order among patients with ascites or variceal bleeding.

Conclusion:

Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis had a high prevalence of complications at the time of cirrhosis diagnosis. The presence and type of complications at diagnosis were predictors of mortality, but not of the risk of subsequent complications. (Hepatology 2010.)
Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein Interacts With Fibrinogen-β and Attenuates Cytokine Stimulated Acute-Phase Response
Authors: Ait-Goughoulte Malika , Banerjee Arup , Meyer Keith , Mazumdar Budhaditya , Saito Kousuke , Ray Ratna B. , Ray Ranjit
Published: December 2009

Fibrinogen-β (FBG-β), an important acute-phase protein (APP), is generated by the liver as a target for inflammatory mediators. Here we identified FBG-β as a hepatitis C virus (HCV) core interacting protein by screening a human liver complementary DNA (cDNA) library using mammalian two-hybrid analysis. An association between FBG-β and HCV core protein was verified by confocal microscopy and coimmunoprecipitation from the transfected human hepatocyte (Huh-7) cell line. HCV core or genomic RNA transfected Huh-7 cells modestly increased FBG-β protein expression when compared to the basal level in control hepatocytes. Transfection of HCV core or full-length (FL) gene into Huh-7 cells up-regulated basal FBG-β promoter activity. Exogenous addition of IL-6 stimulates FBG-β promoter activity in hepatocytes. However, ectopic expression of HCV core or FL in hepatocytes inhibited IL-6-stimulated FBG-β promoter activation. Inhibition of endogenous FBG-β expression following introduction of small interfering RNA (siRNA) into cells displayed a gain of function of promoter regulation by HCV core protein. Further studies suggested that HCV core gene expression in stable transfectants of Huh-7 cells resulted in a basal up-regulation of FBG-β and other APPs. However, treatment with cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6), or tumor necrosis factor-α repressed FBG-β and other acute-phase response (APR) genes.

Conclusion:

Our results reveal that the core/FBG-β interaction may act as a regulatory feedback, allowing repression of IL-6-stimulated APR genes. Together, these data suggested a network of interactions between HCV core and the hepatic APR genes, and may contribute to impaired innate immunity for viral persistence. (Hepatology 2010.)
A microbial fuel cell–electro‐oxidation system for coking wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation
Authors: Huang Liping , Yang Xianhai , Quan Xie , Chen Jingwen , Yang Fenglin
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Coking wastewater is generated from coal coking, coal gas purification, and by‐product recovery processes. Increased interest is being focused on finding more sustainably effective and energy‐efficient methods for treating this wastewater. In this work, a system termed microbial fuel cell‐electro‐oxidation (MFC‐EO) was developed for simultaneous coking wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation.

RESULTS: Raw coking wastewater was first treated using MFCs. Power production, removal of total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) and total nitrogen (TN) reached 538 ± 9 mW m−2, 52 ± 1% and 50 ± 1%, respectively. Wastewater strength and phosphate addition were evaluated for the enhancement of power production and treatment efficiency. At the EO stage, the effect of current density and chloride concentration on pollutant abatement, current efficiency (CEEO) and energy consumption (ECEO) were investigated. The overall removal of TCOD and TN was 82 ± 1% and 68 ± 1%, respectively using the MFC‐EO process.

CONCLUSIONS: A MFC‐EO process was developed for the first time for simultaneous bioelectricity generation and coking wastewater treatment. This study attempted to combine MFCs with a conventional EO process for coking wastewater treatment. Further strategies need to be investigated to optimize reactor configuration using low‐cost and highly efficient electrode materials. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Contrast‐enhanced sonography in the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia: Case report
Authors: Giannetti Andrea , Biscontri Marco , Randisi Paola , Cortese Bernardo , Minacci Chiara , Stumpo Michela
Published: December 2009

Acute mesenteric ischemia is a serious condition associated with high mortality. Multislice CT and magnetic resonance angiography have proved accurate in diagnosing this pathology, which requires a prompt diagnosis to start appropriate therapy. We report the case of an 87‐year‐old woman with acute mesenteric ischemia, in whom contrast‐enhanced sonography visualized the occluded superior mesenteric artery and the infarcted portion of the intestine. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
U.S. physician satisfaction: A systematic review
Authors: Scheurer Danielle , McKean Sylvia , Miller Joseph , Wetterneck Tosha
Published: December 2009

INTRODUCTION:

There is concern in the US about the burden and potential ramifications of dissatisfaction among physicians. The purpose of this article is to systematically review the literature on US physician satisfaction.

METHODS:

A MEDLINE search with the medical subject headings (MeSH) phrases: (physicians OR physician's role OR physician's women) AND (job satisfaction OR career satisfaction OR burnout), limited to humans and abstracts, with 1157 abstracts reviewed. After exclusions by 2 independent reviewers, 97 articles were included. Physician type sampled, sample size/response rate, satisfaction type, and satisfaction results were extracted for each study. Satisfaction trends were extracted from those studies with longitudinal or repeated cross sectional design. Variables associated with satisfaction were extracted from those studies that included multivariate analyses.

RESULTS:

Physician satisfaction was relatively stable, with small decreases primarily among primary care physicians (PCPs). The major pertinent mediating factors of satisfaction for hospitalists include both physician factors (age and specialty), and job factors (job demands, job control, collegial support, income, and incentives).

CONCLUSIONS:

The majority of factors associated with satisfaction are modifiable. Tangible recommendations for measuring and diminishing dissatisfaction are given. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:560–570. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Periprocedural antithrombotic management: A review of the literature and practical approach for the hospitalist physician
Authors: Vinik Russell , Wanner Nathan , Pendleton Robert C.
Published: December 2009

Many patients who are on long‐term antithrombotic therapy (e.g. warfarin and/or antiplatelet agents) must be assessed for temporary discontinuation for a procedure or surgery, making this a salient topic for the hospitalist physician. Discontinuation of antithromhotic therapy can place patients at increased risk of thromboembolic complications while continuing antithrombotic therapy can increase procedure‐related bleeding risk. Bridging anticoagulation with heparin or low molecular weight heparins is often used in the periprocedural period, but a great deal of uncertainty exists about how and when to use bridging anticoagulation. Because there is very little Level 1 evidence to define optimal care, both clinical practice and expert consensus guideline opinions vary. For the hospitalist, it is of critical importance to understand the available data, controversies, and management options in order to approach patient care rationally. This review provides a step‐wise literature‐based discussion addressing the following four questions: (1) What is the optimal management of antiplatelet therapy in the periprocedural period? (2) Are there very low bleeding risk procedures that do not require interruption of oral anticoagulation? (3) Are there low thromboembolic risk populations who do not require periprocedural bridging? (4) How do you manage patients who must discontinue anti‐coagulants but are at an increased thrombotic risk? Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:551–559. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Sources of learning in student leadership development programming
Authors: Allen Scott J. , Hartman Nathan S.
Published: December 2009

The authors combine Conger's four approaches to leadership development with 20 sources of learning commonly found in student leadership development activities. The first study asked students to share how they think they would like to learn about leadership. In other words, which sources of learning would a student select to improve leadership skill training, from a broad list of options? The second study asked the same questions but occurred on the final day of three multiday leadership institutes. Students showed a preference for developmental activities where the primary learning objective was personal growth and skill building. Students also had a preference for personalized developmental opportunities over activities designed for general group‐oriented development.
Participation and communication in virtual teams using representational avatars
Authors: Hammon V. Arthur , Winsten‐Bartlett Cheryl
Published: December 2009

The study examined how quantitative formative assessment tools may be applied to virtual team communication and provide quality and progress metrics to virtual team leaders. Representational avatars benefit virtual team communication and productivity. Organizational leaders need measurement tools to assess avatar innovation and monitor progress in virtual teams. A goal of this research was to supply a suite of tools to evaluate the potential for avatars to improve as well as monitor and measure virtual team participation and communication. The virtual teams were composed of students (N= 97) at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in New Zealand and Uppsala University in Sweden. Students enrolled in the Intelligent Business Systems (IBS) course formed teams by country and were randomly assigned to a text‐only or avatar‐enriched communication format. Survey results indicated that text‐based teams were perceived as efficient but lacking in inspired participation. Avatar‐enriched teams noted frustration with software but rated their experience as enjoyable. No significant difference in communication quality between teams was indicated, but avatar‐enriched teams posted significantly more words on weekly logbooks than text‐based teams. Recommendations include a model for data disaggregation that may be of value to improve assessment, productivity, and administrative costs of technology‐enhanced virtual teams.
Spirituality and leadership: Engaging both in higher education
Authors: Bugenhagen Marilyn J.
Published: December 2009

“Although American higher education can justifiably take pride in its capacity to develop the student's ability to manipulate the material world through its programs in science, medicine, technology, and commerce, it has paid relatively little attention to the student's “inner” development—the sphere of values and beliefs, emotional maturity, moral development, spirituality, and self‐understanding.”

—from the Foreword to Encouraging Authenticity and Spirituality in Higher Education by Alexander W. Astin and Helen S. Astin
Revisiting spiritual and emotional emptiness in American higher education
Authors: Khan Adalat
Published: December 2009

“Although American higher education can justifiably take pride in its capacity to develop the student's ability to manipulate the material world through its programs in science, medicine, technology, and commerce, it has paid relatively little attention to the student's “inner” development—the sphere of values and beliefs, emotional maturity, moral development, spirituality, and self‐understanding.”

—from the Foreword toEncouraging Authenticity and Spirituality in Higher Educationby Alexander W. Astin and Helen S. Astin
A more ideal system?
Authors: Dorr Donal
Published: December 2009

“Although American higher education can justifiably take pride in its capacity to develop the student's ability to manipulate the material world through its programs in science, medicine, technology, and commerce, it has paid relatively little attention to the student's “inner” development—the sphere of values and beliefs, emotional maturity, moral development, spirituality, and self‐understanding.”

—from the Foreword to Encouraging Authenticity and Spirituality in Higher Education by Alexander W. Astin and Helen S. Astin
Comparison of iron chelates and complexes supplied as foliar sprays and in nutrient solution to correct iron chlorosis of soybean
Authors: Rodríguez‐Lucena Patricia , Hernández‐Apaolaza Lourdes , Lucena Juan J.
Published: December 2009

The application of synthetic chelates is the most efficient remedy for correcting iron (Fe) chlorosis. However, chelates are usually expensive and nondegradable products. Recently, new degradable chelates have been proposed for their use as Fe fertilizers. Also, Fe complexes cheaper than synthetic chelates and derived from natural products are also used to correct Fe deficiencies. Fifteen products, including five different synthetic chelates (Fe‐EDDS, Fe‐IDHA, and three Fe‐EDTA formulations) and ten natural complexes (humates, lignosulfonates, amino acids, glycoproteins, polyamines, citrate, and gluconate), have been compared when applied at low concentration to soybean (Glycine max L.) chlorotic plants grown in hydroponics under controlled conditions. In the first experiment, Fe compounds were applied to the nutrient solution, while in the second trial, Fe was foliar‐supplied. Dry matter, Fe concentration in shoots and roots, and SPAD values were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fe in the different products. In the nutrient‐solution experiment, synthetic chelates provided better plant growth, Fe concentration, and SPAD values than complexes. Among the Fe complexes, transferrin generally provided good plant responses, similar to those obtained with synthetic chelates. After foliar application, the highest regreening was observed for plants treated with synthetic chelates and amino acid complexes, but the translocation to roots only occurred for Fe lignosulfonate. Fe‐EDDS and Fe‐EDTA performed in a similar way when applied in nutrient solution or as foliar sprays.
Rhizodeposition of maize: Short‐term carbon budget and composition
Authors: Fischer Holger , Eckhardt Kai‐Uwe , Meyer Axel , Neumann Günter , Leinweber Peter , Fischer Klaus , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: December 2009

The aim of this study was to assess differences in rhizodeposition quantity and composition from maize cropped on soil or on 1:1 (w/w) soil–sand mixture and distribution of recently assimilated C between roots, shoots, soil, soil solution, and CO2 from root respiration. Maize was labeled in 14CO2 atmosphere followed by subsequent simultaneous leaching and air flushing from soil. 14C was traced after 7.5 h in roots and shoots, soil, soil solution, and soil‐borne CO2. Rhizodeposits in the leachate of the first 2 h after labeling were identified by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and pyrolysis–field ionization mass spectrometry (Py‐FIMS). Leachate from soil–sand contained more 14C than from soil (0.6% vs. 0.4%) and more HPLC‐detectable carboxylates (4.36 vs. 2.69 μM), especially acetate and lactate. This is either because of root response to lower nutrient concentrations in the soil–sand mixture or decreasing structural integrity of the root cells during the leaching process, or because carboxylates were more strongly sorbed to the soil compared to carbohydrates and amino acids. In contrast, Py‐FIMS total ion intensity was more than 2 times higher in leachate from soil than from soil–sand, mainly due to signals from lignin monomers. HPLC‐measured concentrations of total amino acids (1.33 μM [soil] vs. 1.03 μM [soil–sand]) and total carbohydrates (0.73 vs. 0.34 μM) and 14CO2 from soil agreed with this pattern. Higher leachate concentrations from soil than from soil–sand for HPLC‐measured carbohydrates and amino acids and for the sum of substances detected by Py‐FIMS overcompensated the higher sorption in soil than in sand‐soil. A parallel treatment with blow‐out of the soil air but without leaching indicated that nearly all of the rhizodeposits in the treatment with leaching face decomposition to CO2. Simultaneous application of three methods—14C‐labeling and tracing, HPLC, and Py‐FIMS—enabled us to present the budget of rhizodeposition (14C) and to analyze individual carbohydrates, carboxylates, and amino acids (HPLC) and to scan all dissolved organic substances in soil solution (Py‐FIMS) as dependent on nutrient status.
Soil organic‐matter stocks and characteristics along an Alpine elevation gradient
Authors: Djukic Ika , Zehetner Franz , Tatzber Michael , Gerzabek Martin H.
Published: December 2009

Mountain regions are known to be especially vulnerable to climatic changes; however, information on the climate sensitivity of alpine ecosystems is still scarce to date. In this study, we investigate the impacts of climate and vegetation composition on soil organic‐matter (SOM) stocks and characteristics along an elevation gradient (900 to 1900 m asl) in the Austrian Limestone Alps. The soils classified as Leptic Histosols, i.e., organic soils directly overlying the calcareous bedrock. Soil organic‐carbon stocks (SOC; mean ± standard deviation) to bedrock increased in the low‐elevation forest sites from 19 ± 3 kg m–2 (900 m asl) to 31 ± 3 kg m–2 (1300 m asl), reached a maximum (38 ± 5 kg m–2) in the shrubland at 1500 m asl, but decreased again in the high‐elevation grassland sites (26 ± 3 kg m–2 at 1700 m asl and 13 ± 3 kg m–2 at 1900 m asl). Thermogravimetic measurements and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) suggest that the upper soil layers were dominated by more labile organic compounds, whereas more persistent materials increased with depth. Along the studied climosequence, the aliphatic FTIR band (2920 cm–1) was lower in the low‐elevation forest sites compared to the high‐elevation grassland sites. Most other FTIR bands did not change with altitude, but were related to specific site conditions, such as vegetation composition and associated differences in soil pH. Our results demonstrate that differences in SOM stocks and characteristics are not consistently related to variations in climatic conditions along the studied elevation gradient, but are strongly affected by the vegetation composition, their C input and litter quality. This, in turn, is expected to shift in response to climate change.
Volatile compounds profile and sensory evaluation of Beninese condiments produced by inocula of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Azokpota Paulin , Hounhouigan Joseph D , Annan Nana T , Odjo Théophile , Nago Mathurin C , Jakobsen Mogens
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: Three Beninese food condiments (ABS124h, IBS248h and SBS348h) were produced by controlled fermentation of African locust beans using inocula of pure cultures of Bacillus subtilis, BS1, BS2 and BS3, respectively. Quantitative and qualitative assessments of the volatile compounds in the condiments produced have been performed using the Likens–Nickerson simultaneous distillation–extraction method and GC–MS analysis, followed by a sensory evaluation in comparison with the spontaneously fermented condiments.

RESULTS: A total of 94 volatile compounds have been found including 53 compounds identified in relatively high concentrations and were subdivided into seven main groups with the predominance of four major groups: pyrazines, aldehydes, ketones and alcohols. Compared to the spontaneously fermented condiments, volatile compounds identified in controlled fermented condiments have been found in high number and in concentrations which varied according to the inoculum of B. subtilis used. The condiments produced with starter cultures scored significantly (P < 0.05) higher for odour than the spontaneously fermented condiments. But the overall acceptability (7/10) of the two types of condiments was similar.

CONCLUSION: The investigated B. subtilis, BS1, BS2 and BS3 can be considered as potential starter cultures for the fermentation of African locust beans to produce good quality of Beninese food condiments. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry