bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Evaluation of a Diabetes Quality Improvement Project in Privately Owned Primary Care Practices That Serve Minority Patients
Authors: Van Hoof Thomas J. , Meehan Thomas P. , Kelvey-Albert Michele , Galusha Deron , Curry Maureen , Barr Judith K. , Meehan Thomas P.
Published: November 2011

The authors conducted a diabetes quality improvement project in 5 privately owned primary care practices serving at least 25% minority patients. Interventions included group-specific and practice-specific training on an electronic patient registry, cultural competency practices and tools, and selected quality improvement strategies. The authors conducted a comprehensive evaluation involving quantitative and qualitative data to assess project impact. Although overall clinical performance did not improve over the 14- to 20-month project time frame, other practice structural characteristics and processes did show improvement: successful implementation of the registry and clinician reminders in all practices, institution of team care and patient reminders in 4 practices, and collection of patient race/ethnicity data in 4 practices. These results highlight the difficulty of bringing about clinical improvement in this subset of practices and also the importance of conducting comprehensive evaluations to fully understand and interpret multicomponent quality improvement projects.
Study of the inactivation of Escherichia coli and pectin methylesterase in mango nectar under selected high hydrostatic pressure treatments
Authors: Bermúdez-Aguirre D. , Guerrero-Beltrán J. Ángel , Barbosa-Cánovas G.V. , Welti-Chanes J.
Published: November 2011

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) was applied to fresh mango nectar (FMN) and sterilized mango nectar (SMN) to inactivate Escherichia coli and pectin methylesterase (PME). Pressure was applied at 275, 345 and 414 MPa. The come-up time (CUT) as well as 1, 2 and 4 min of treatment times were applied at the selected pressure to evaluate the inactivation effect on E. coli and PME. Total plate counts (TPC) were also evaluated in FMN. Results showed that mesophiles are inactivated in FMN to an important degree (up to 4 log) only with the CUT; the highest inactivation for mesophiles (7 log) was reported at 414 MPa after 4 min. Meanwhile, for E. coli 345 and 414 MPa after 2 and 1 min, respectively, were able to inactivate all viable cells in FMN. However, in SMN after 4 min at 275 MPa all cells of E. coli were also inactivated, showing the protective effect of the media between FMN and SMN. The PME showed its resistance to be inactivated with high pressure, showing the highest decrease in enzymatic activity (45%) after 4 min at 345 MPa but with an important activation at the highest pressure (414 MPa).
Eduardo Primo Yúfera, founder of Revista de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos and pioneer on Food Science and Technology research in Spain
Authors: Ayala-Gascón M. , Aleixandre-Benavent R. , Gandía-Balaguer A.
Published: November 2011

Eduardo Primo Yúfera was the founder and director of the Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA, 1957-1974) until he was appointed president of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC). His aim to publicize food science led him to create the Revista de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos in 1961, the forerunner of this journal, Food Science and Technology International, which he directed until 1977. Of his scientific output, 50% has been published in this journal. He is considered to be the promoter and exponent of Food Science and Technology and Chemical Ecology in Spain as well as the instigator of the country's innovation model (R&D and innovation). In his work, he was able to combine basic research excellence and socially relevant applied research to move both science and society forward. He was an example and inspiration to many colleagues and followers. The aim of this study is to highlight the influence and importance of Primo Yúfera in the formation, development and consolidation of the journal Revista de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos, and to appraise his scientific contribution to this journal.
Risk of Intimate Partner Violence Among Young Adult Males With Childhood ADHD
Authors: Wymbs Brian , Molina Brooke , Pelham William , Cheong JeeWon , Gnagy Elizabeth , Belendiuk Kat , Walther Christine , Babinski Dara , Waschbusch Dan
Published: November 2011

Objective: Research has clearly documented the social dysfunction of youth with ADHD. However, little is known about the interpersonal relationships of adults diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, including rates of intimate partner violence (IPV). Method: Using data from the Pittsburgh ADHD Longitudinal Study, analyses compared the level of IPV (verbal aggression, violence) reported by young adult (18- to 25-year-old) males with childhood ADHD ( n = 125) with reports by demographically similar males without ADHD histories ( n = 88). Results: Males with childhood ADHD, especially those with conduct problems persisting from childhood, were more likely to be verbally aggressive and violent with romantic partners than males without histories of ADHD or conduct problems. Conclusions: Research is needed to replicate these findings, to explore potential mechanisms, and to develop effective interventions for romantic relationship discord among young adults with ADHD histories, especially those with persistent conduct problems.
On responsiveness: Interfacing hermeneutics and discourse interpretation
Authors: Bell Allan
Published: November 2011

The nine responses to my focus article ‘Re-constructing Babel: Discourse analysis, hermeneutics and the Interpretive Arc’ are cross-disciplinary, as is the article itself. They come from discourse studies (Van Dijk, Billig, Wodak), cognitive science (Tepe, Yeari and Van den Broek, Van Dijk), Old Testament studies (Billig), hermeneutics (Pellauer, Scott-Baumann), history (Gardner) and literature (Pratt). I identify and address five main issues which I see these responses raising for discourse interpretation: the role of author intent and the original sociocultural context in interpretation; principles of translation, particularly in relation to the Babel story; issues of certainty and subjectivism in interpretation, again including the Babel story; the role and limitations of cognitive approaches, and the potential of images like ‘unfolding the matter of the text’ to be realized in teaching hands-on discourse work; and finally a call to new listening in the encounter with hermeneutics, as a route to freshening the field I like to call Discourse Interpretation.
Some comments on Allan Bell’s proposed turn to hermeneutics
Authors: Pellauer David
Published: November 2011

I offer some comments from the perspective of someone familiar with the work of Paul Ricoeur on Allan Bell’s proposal that discourse studies take a hermeneutic turn drawing on Ricoeur’s idea of an arc of interpretation. I suggest that such a hermeneutic turn would need to be more radical than Bell proposes in that he limits it largely to questions of method, without really addressing how it might affect our understanding of either the object of discourse studies or the goal of such studies. This does raise the question, however, whether discourse studies should be considered a subdiscipline of hermeneutical philosophy.
Complex texts: Analysing, understanding, explaining and interpreting meanings
Authors: Wodak Ruth
Published: November 2011

This article discusses different theoretical and methodological approaches in the humanities and social sciences which strive to analyse and understand, interpret and explain texts and discourses in systematic, qualitative ways. After reviewing some of the salient theories in the social sciences (such as objective hermeneutics and critical hermeneutics), I argue that critical discourse studies require a ‘trichotomy’ consisting of explanation, interpretation and critique. Other approaches such as Ricoeur’s ‘hermeneutic arc’ seem to neglect important structural and material dimensions of context as well as critical self-reflection. Moreover, I argue that much intuitive and non-transparent speculation in Hermeneutics might be transcended if more historical, cultural, linguistic and philological knowledges would be systematically and explicitly integrated into the analysis of text and discourse, in a retroductable manner. The latter possibility is illustrated by applying an interdisciplinary framework to some brief examples (e.g. intercultural and historical translation studies; the discourse-historical approach in critical discourse studies).
Rabbinic traditions of interpretation and the hermeneutic arc
Authors: Billig Michael
Published: November 2011

This article responds to Bell’s notion of an Interpretive Arc, by considering his reinterpretation of Babel in the light of rabbinic traditions of interpretation. It is suggested that Bell’s interpretation of Babel is not altogether different from some rabbinic interpretations. This is particularly true of the tradition which lays great emphasis on discovering the plain sense of the text. However, there is a difference between Bell’s hermeneutic method and the rabbinic tradition of interpretation. The latter insists on working with the original text, not a translation of the text. By attending to the original Hebrew, one can see how translation can close down meanings. Moreover, the notion of a hermeneutic arc, especially its assumption of a final stage of appropriation, does not fit well with a tradition that has continuing rituals of reading and interpretation. This is better conceived as an interpretive helix.
Mechanical behaviours of calcium carbonate-impregnated short coir fibre-reinforced polyester composites
Authors: Sathiyamurthy S , Thaheer A Syed Abu , Jayabal S
Published: November 2011

The tensile, flexural, and impact behaviours of calcium carbonate-impregnated coir fibre-reinforced polyester composites were evaluated. The short untreated coir fibres with different proportions of length, diameter, and filler content were used as reinforcements in polymer-based matrices. The fabricated composites with different levels of fibre parameters were tested as per ASTM standards. The mathematical models of mechanical behaviours were developed using statistical package. The effects of calcium carbonate on the mechanical properties of coir–polyester composites and prediction of mechanical properties using regression models were investigated.
The River and the Region
Authors: Basmajian Carlton
Published: November 2011

Belying its comparatively small size, the Chattahoochee River has consistently provided upward of two-thirds of metropolitan Atlanta’s drinking water. But beginning in the early 1960s, warnings were periodically issued that called into question the ability of the river to indefinitely supply the lion’s share of the region’s water. Seemingly ignoring these warnings, Atlanta’s regional leaders pushed ahead, using the supposed threats to the region’s water supply to support their efforts to shape the metropolis into a deeply manicured, low-density sprawl. Choosing this path eventually led to a courtroom showdown with neighboring states Alabama and Florida, in a case that could seriously curtail Atlanta’s future withdrawals from the river and undermine the region’s progrowth agenda. This article describes how and why this happened by telling the story of a complicated set of relationships that developed in 1970s between Atlanta’s regional planning agency, the state of Georgia, and several federal agencies.
To Grow or Control, That is the Question
Authors: Hu Richard
Published: November 2011

San Francisco’s urban planning was dominated by a powerful progrowth alliance of the business sector and the city government in the decades after World War II (WWII). This urban hegemonism did not change until the mid-1980s when the Downtown Plan and Proposition M were passed to restrict unfettered urban growth, which were preceded and followed by a series of debates and attempts to advocate for or against growth throughout the 1980s and 1990s. This article addresses two questions of the significant transformation in San Francisco’s planning history: (1) how did the transformation occur? and (2) what were the transformative themes? Through finding answers to these questions, this article concludes the conflicts between laissez-faire and interventionist planning philosophies as well as the transformative process toward a more balanced planning approach in San Francisco.
Jamshedpur
Authors: Sinha Amita , Singh Jatinder
Published: November 2011

The steel city of Jamshedpur originated in a small company town in the backwaters of eastern India as a new experiment in urbanism in 1907. The article critically examines its evolution to trace the influence of the most significant twentieth century town planning ideas—the garden city and the neighborhood unit—on the industrial township. A reevaluation of the planning reports of 1911, 1920, 1936, and 1944–45 reveals the reworking and adaptation of twentieth century modern urban planning and the limited success it achieved in India. The planning ideals included open green spaces of the garden city as an antidote to industrialization, urban infrastructure adapted to local site conditions, neighborhood units self-sufficient in civic amenities, and street hierarchy as a means of traffic segregation. Regionalization of global planning ideals as well as the tension between planned development and organic growth is evident in the narrative of Jamshedpur evolving from a company town to industrial city to the present day urban agglomeration
Menu engineering: A strategy for seniors to select healthier meals
Authors: Feldman Charles , Mahadevan Meena , Su Haiyan , Brusca Joseph , Ruzsilla John
Published: November 2011

Aims: The specific objective of this ongoing investigation is to assess various menu manipulations and nutrition labelling to determine if they can effectively guide the older adult consumer to select healthier food items from a menu offering meals with differing nutritional attributes.

Methods: One of three randomly assigned menus and a questionnaire were distributed to 150 senior adults (> 60 years of age) living in three assisted living residences, three congregate senior day programmes, and one senior church group in New Jersey, USA. A generic control menu, a treatment menu that used various merchandizing tools to promote the healthier menu items and the same treatment menu with nutritional labels added were designed. Participants selected their top five choices and then answered a short questionnaire, which surveyed demographics and menu selection background information.

Results: The researchers found that certain menu merchandizing tools were effective, while nutrition labelling did not have a substantial effect for this population.

Conclusions: Nutrition labels did not encourage healthier choices for the seniors surveyed in this study. Therefore, subliminal menu treatments may be more effective than nutrition labelling of menu items for elderly populations. Menu design has the potential to encourage healthier decisions through hidden persuaders, without infringing on the rights of elderly consumers to choose more indulgent menu options. However, menus are not effective tools for seniors who cannot cognitively and independently understand the menu. In certain circumstances, a non-select meal offering might be the best option. The menu strategies used in this study are most effective for those who are able to make independent menu choices.
Statins and their interactions with other lipid-modifying medications: safety issues in the elderly
Authors: Ho Clement K.M. , Walker Simon W.
Published: November 2011

Inhibitors of the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, commonly known as statins, are widely used in both primary and secondary prevention of occlusive cardiovascular disease. Statins are effective not only in improving total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in blood but also in decreasing morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases resulting from underlying atheroma. There is, however, evidence that statins are underutilized in elderly patients, possibly due to concerns about safety/tolerability issues or potential drug interactions, including interactions with other lipid-modifying medications, or both. In this review, we summarize the major adverse events associated with statin use, with particular reference to the elderly patient, including factors which might increase the risk of adverse effects. Potential drug interactions between statins and other lipid-modifying medications including fibrates, ezetimibe, nicotinic acid, bile acid sequestrants and omega-3-acid ethyl esters (fish oils) are specifically discussed. Clinical management strategies to avoid these drug interactions are outlined.
Early Experience in Implementation of a Learning Assessment Toolkit in the AOTrauma Geriatric Fracture Course
Authors: O’Malley Natasha T. , Cunningham Michael , Leung Frankie , Blauth Michael , Kates Stephen L.
Published: November 2011

Background: Surgical education is continually expanding to encompass new techniques and technologies. It is vital that educational activity is directed at gaps in knowledge and ability to improve the quality of learning. Aim: The aim of this study is to describe a published learning assessment toolkit when applied to participants attending AOTrauma Orthogeriatric Fracture courses. Methods: Precourse, participants received a questionnaire covering 10 competencies to assess knowledge gaps and a 20-question clinical knowledge test. The knowledge gap between perceived and desired knowledge was correlated with clinical knowledge test results to help course faculty focus the course curriculum to meet identified educational needs. A commitment to change survey was also administered. Results: Over 3 courses, 48% of registered attendees responded to the precourse survey, 44.5% responded postcourse. The precourse gap scores were generally highest for 2 competencies (“address secondary prevention,” “build a system of care”) indicating a higher level of motivation to learn in these topics and lowest for a variety of competencies (eg. “restore function early,” “co-manage patient care in the US surgeons group”) indicating lower motivation to learn in these competencies. These precourse gap scores guided adaptations in the course structure. Postcourse gaps were reduced in the 4 cohorts. Large improvements were seen in “Address secondary prevention” and “Build a system of care” in many of the cohorts. Competencies with the lowest precourse knowledge test scores were noted in each cohort. Where low pretest scores were noted, it highlighted the need for faculty to put appropriate emphasis on these topics in the delivery of the course content. Conclusion: The technique of evaluating and identifying gaps in knowledge and ability allows course designers to focus on areas of deficits. Measurable success was shown with a subjectively decreased gap score and objectively improved clinical knowledge, as demonstrated by improved test results after course completion.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate facilitates trafficking of hematopoietic stem cells and their mobilization by CXCR4 antagonists in mice
Authors: Juarez Julius G. , Harun Nadia , Thien Marilyn , Welschinger Robert , Baraz Rana , Dela Pena Aileen , Pitson Stuart M. , Rettig Michael , DiPersio John F. , Bradstock Kenneth F. , Bendall Linda J.
Published: November 2011

CXCL12 and VCAM1 retain hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the BM, but the factors mediating HSC egress from the BM to the blood are not known. The sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) is expressed on HSCs, and S1P facilitates the egress of committed hematopoietic progenitors from the BM into the blood. In the present study, we show that both the S1P gradient between the BM and the blood and the expression of S1P1 are essential for optimal HSC mobilization by CXCR4 antagonists, including AMD3100, and for the trafficking of HSCs during steady-state hematopoiesis. We also demonstrate that the S1P1 agonist SEW2871 increases AMD3100-induced HSC and progenitor cell mobilization. These results suggest that the combination of a CXCR4 antagonist and a S1P1 agonist may prove to be sufficient for mobilizing HSCs in normal donors for transplantation purposes, potentially providing a single mobilization procedure and eliminating the need to expose normal donors to G-CSF with its associated side effects.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: in vitro studies on the interaction of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and low-sulfated heparin, with platelet factor 4 and anti-PF4/heparin antibodies
Authors: Krauel Krystin , Hackbarth Christine , Fürll Birgitt , Greinacher Andreas
Published: November 2011

Heparin is a widely used anticoagulant. Because of its negative charge, it forms complexes with positively charged platelet factor 4 (PF4). This can induce anti-PF4/heparin IgG Abs. Resulting immune complexes activate platelets, leading to the prothrombotic adverse drug reaction heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT requires treatment with alternative anticoagulants. Approved for HIT are 2 direct thrombin inhibitors (DTI; lepirudin, argatroban) and danaparoid. They are niche products with limitations. We assessed the effects of the DTI dabigatran, the direct factor Xa-inhibitor rivaroxaban, and of 2-O, 3-O desulfated heparin (ODSH; a partially desulfated heparin with minimal anticoagulant effects) on PF4/heparin complexes and the interaction of anti-PF4/heparin Abs with platelets. Neither dabigatran nor rivaroxaban had any effect on the interaction of PF4 or anti-PF4/heparin Abs with platelets. In contrast, ODSH inhibited PF4 binding to gel-filtered platelets, displaced PF4 from a PF4-transfected cell line, displaced PF4/heparin complexes from platelet surfaces, and inhibited anti-PF4/heparin Ab binding to PF4/heparin complexes and subsequent platelet activation. Dabigatran and rivaroxaban seem to be options for alternative anticoagulation in patients with a history of HIT. ODSH prevents formation of immunogenic PF4/heparin complexes, and, when given together with heparin, may have the potential to reduce the risk for HIT during treatment with heparin.
Identification of exonic regions in DNA sequences using cross-correlation and noise suppression by discrete wavelet transform
Authors: Abbasi Omid , Rostami Ali , Karimian Ghader
Published: November 2011

Background

The identification of protein coding regions (exons) in DNA sequences using signal processing techniques is an important component of bioinformatics and biological signal processing. In this paper, a new method is presented for the identification of exonic regions in DNA sequences. This method is based on the cross-correlation technique that can identify periodic regions in DNA sequences.

Results

The method reduces the dependency of window length on identification accuracy. The proposed algorithm is applied to different eukaryotic datasets and the output results are compared with those of other established methods. The proposed method increased the accuracy of exon detection by 4% to 41% relative to the most common digital signal processing methods for exon prediction.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that periodic signals can be estimated using cross-correlation. In addition, discrete wavelet transform (DWT) can minimise noise while maintaining the signal. The proposed algorithm, which combines cross-correlation and DWT, significantly increases the accuracy of exonic region identification.
Whole-Organ analysis of calcium behaviour in the developing pistil of olive (Olea europaeaL.) as a tool for the determination of key events in sexual plant reproduction
Authors: Zienkiewicz Krzysztof , Rejón Juan D , Suárez Cynthia , Castro Antonio J , de Dios Alché Juan , Rodríguez García María Isabel
Published: November 2011

Background

The pistil is a place where multiple interactions between cells of different types, origin, and function occur. Ca2+is one of the key signal molecules in plants and animals. Despite the numerous studies on Ca2+signalling during pollen-pistil interactions, which constitute one of the main topics of plant physiology, studies on Ca2+dynamics in the pistil during flower formation are scarce. The purpose of this study was to analyze the contents andin situlocalization of Ca2+at the whole-organ level in the pistil of olive during the whole course of flower development.

Results

The obtained results showed significant changes in Ca2+levels and distribution during olive pistil development. In the flower buds, the lowest levels of detectable Ca2+were observed. As flower development proceeded, the Ca2+amount in the pistil successively increased and reached the highest levels just after anther dehiscence. When the anthers and petals fell down a dramatic but not complete drop in calcium contents occurred in all pistil parts.In situCa2+localization showed a gradual accumulation on the stigma, and further expansion toward the style and the ovary after anther dehiscence. At the post-anthesis phase, the Ca2+signal on the stigmatic surface decreased, but in the ovary a specific accumulation of calcium was observed only in one of the four ovules. Ultrastructural localization confirmed the presence of Ca2+in the intracellular matrix and in the exudate secreted by stigmatic papillae.

Conclusions

This is the first report to analyze calcium in the olive pistil during its development. According to our resultsin situcalcium localization by Fluo-3 AM injection is an effective tool to follow the pistil maturity degree and the spatial organization of calcium-dependent events of sexual reproduction occurring in developing pistil of angiosperms. The progressive increase of the Ca2+pool during olive pistil development shown by us reflects the degree of pistil maturity. Ca2+distribution at flower anthesis reflects the spatio-functional relationship of calcium with pollen-stigma interaction, progamic phase, fertilization and stigma senescence.
Improving interMediAte Risk management. MARK study
Authors: Martí Ruth , Parramon Dídac , García-Ortiz Luís , Rigo Fernando , Gómez-Marcos Manuel A , Sempere Irene , García-Regalado Natividad , Recio-Rodriguez Jose I , Agudo-Conde Cristina , Feuerbach Natalia , Garcia-Gil Maria , Ponjoan Anna , Quesada Miquel , Ramos Rafel
Published: November 2011

Background

Cardiovascular risk functions fail to identify more than 50% of patients who develop cardiovascular disease. This is especially evident in the intermediate-risk patients in which clinical management becomes difficult. Our purpose is to analyze if ankle-brachial index (ABI), measures of arterial stiffness, postprandial glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, self-measured blood pressure and presence of comorbidity are independently associated to incidence of vascular events and whether they can improve the predictive capacity of current risk equations in the intermediate-risk population.

Methods/Design

This project involves 3 groups belonging to REDIAPP (RETICS RD06/0018) from 3 Spanish regions. We will recruit a multicenter cohort of 2688 patients at intermediate risk (coronary risk between 5 and 15% or vascular death risk between 3-5% over 10 years) and no history of atherosclerotic disease, selected at random. We will record socio-demographic data, information on diet, physical activity, comorbidity and intermittent claudication. We will measure ABI, pulse wave velocity and cardio ankle vascular index at rest and after a light intensity exercise. Blood pressure and anthropometric data will be also recorded. We will also quantify lipids, glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in a fasting blood sample and postprandial capillary glucose. Eighteen months after the recruitment, patients will be followed up to determine the incidence of vascular events (later follow-ups are planned at 5 and 10 years). We will analyze whether the new proposed risk factors contribute to improve the risk functions based on classic risk factors.

Discussion

Primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases is a priority in public health policy of developed and developing countries. The fundamental strategy consists in identifying people in a high risk situation in which preventive measures are effective and efficient. Improvement of these predictions in our country will have an immediate, clinical and welfare impact and a short term public health effect.

Trial Registration

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT01428934
Mast cell tryptase stimulates myoblast proliferation; a mechanism relying on protease-activated receptor-2 and cyclooxygenase-2
Authors: Duchesne Elise , Tremblay Marie-Hélène , Côté Claude H
Published: November 2011

Background

Mast cells contribute to tissue repair in fibrous tissues by stimulating proliferation of fibroblasts through the release of tryptase which activates protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2). The possibility that a tryptase/PAR-2 signaling pathway exists in skeletal muscle cell has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether tryptase can stimulate myoblast proliferation and determine the downstream cascade.

Methods

Proliferation of L6 rat skeletal myoblasts stimulated with PAR-2 agonists (tryptase, trypsin and SLIGKV) was assessed. The specificity of the tryptase effect was evaluated with a specific inhibitor, APC-366. Western blot analyses were used to evaluate the expression and functionality of PAR-2 receptor and to assess the expression of COX-2. COX-2 activity was evaluated with a commercial activity assay kit and by measurement of PGF2α production. Proliferation assays were also performed in presence of different prostaglandins (PGs).

Results

Tryptase increased L6 myoblast proliferation by 35% above control group and this effect was completely inhibited by APC-366. We confirmed the expression of PAR-2 receptorin vivoin skeletal muscle cells and in satellite cells andin vitroin L6 cells, where PAR-2 was found to be functional. Trypsin and SLIGKV increased L6 cells proliferation by 76% and 26% above control, respectively. COX-2 activity was increased following stimulation with PAR-2 agonist but its expression remained unchanged. Inhibition of COX-2 activity by NS-398 abolished the stimulation of cell proliferation induced by tryptase and trypsin. Finally, 15-deoxy-Δ-12,14-prostaglandin J2(15Δ-PGJ2), a product of COX-2-derived prostaglandin D2, stimulated myoblast proliferation, but not PGE2and PGF2α.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data show that tryptase can stimulate myoblast proliferation and this effect is part of a signaling cascade dependent on PAR-2 activation and on the downstream activation of COX-2.
Engineering an L-cell line that expresses insulin under the control of the glucagon-like peptide-1 promoter for diabetes treatment
Authors: Rasouli Mina , Ahmad Zalinah , Omar Abdul Rahman , Allaudin Zeenathul N
Published: November 2011

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a complicated disease with a pathophysiology that includes hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and other metabolic impairments leading to many clinical complications. It is necessary to develop appropriate treatments to manage the disease and reduce possible acute and chronic side effects. The advent of gene therapy has generated excitement in the medical world for the possible application of gene therapy in the treatment of diabetes. The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) promoter, which is recognised by gut L-cells, is an appealing candidate for gene therapy purposes. The specific properties of L-cells suggest that L-cells and the GLP-1 promoter would be useful for diabetes therapy approaches.

Results

In this study, L-cells were isolated from a primary intestinal cell line to create suitable target cells for insulin expression studies. The isolated cells displayed L-cell properties and were therefore used as an L-cell surrogate. Next, the isolated L-cells were transfected with the recombinant plasmid consisting of an insulin gene located downstream of the GLP-1 promoter. The secretion tests revealed that an increase in glucose concentration from 5 mM to 25 mM induced insulin gene expression in the L-cells by 2.7-fold. Furthermore, L-cells quickly responded to the glucose stimulation; the amount of insulin protein increased 2-fold in the first 30 minutes and then reached a plateau after 90 minutes.

Conclusion

Our data showed that L-cells efficiently produced the mature insulin protein. In addition, the insulin protein secretion was positively regulated with glucose induction. In conclusion, GLP-1 promoter and L-cell could be potential candidates for diabetes gene therapy agents.
Black tea extract prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB signaling and attenuates dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis
Authors: Song Young-A , Park Young-Lan , Kim Kyu-Yeol , Chung Cho-Yun , Lee Gi-Hoon , Cho Dae-Ho , Ki Ho-Seok , Park Kang-Jin , Cho Sung-Bum , Lee Wan-Sik , Kim Nacksung , Ahn Bong-Whan , Joo Young-Eun
Published: November 2011

Background

Black tea has been shown to elicit anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic properties. In this study, we investigated the impact of black tea extract (BTE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB signaling in bone marrow derived-macrophages (BMM) and determined the therapeutic efficacy of this extract on colon inflammation.

Methods

The effect of BTE on LPS-induced NF-κB signaling and pro-inflammatory gene expression was evaluated by RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The in vivo efficacy of BTE was assessed in mice with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. The severity of colitis was measured by weight loss, colon length and histologic scores.

Results

LPS-induced IL-12p40, IL-23p19, IL-6 and IL-1β mRNA expressions were inhibited by BTE. LPS-induced IκBα phosphorylation/degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB/p65 were blocked by BTE. BTE treatment blocked LPS-induced DNA-binding activity of NF-κB. BTE-fed, DSS-exposed mice showed the less weight loss, longer colon length and lower histologic score compared to control diet-fed, DSS-exposed mice. DSS-induced IκBα phosphorylation/degradation and phosphorylation of NF-κB/p65 were blocked by BTE. An increase of cleaved caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in DSS-exposed mice was blocked by BTE.

Conclusions

These results indicate that BTE attenuates colon inflammation through the blockage of NF-κB signaling and apoptosis in DSS-induced experimental colitis model.
An integrative genomic analysis revealed the relevance of microRNA and gene expression for drug-resistance in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Yamamoto Yusuke , Yoshioka Yusuke , Minoura Kaho , Takahashi Ryou-u , Takeshita Fumitaka , Taya Toshiki , Horii Reiko , Fukuoka Yayoi , Kato Takashi , Kosaka Nobuyoshi , Ochiya Takahiro
Published: November 2011

Background

Acquisition of drug-resistance in cancer has led to treatment failure, however, their mechanisms have not been clarified yet. Recent observations indicated that aberrant expressed microRNA (miRNA) caused by chromosomal alterations play a critical role in the initiation and progression of cancer. Here, we performed an integrated genomic analysis combined with array-based comparative hybridization, miRNA, and gene expression microarray to elucidate the mechanism of drug-resistance.

Results

Through genomic approaches in MCF7-ADR; a drug-resistant breast cancer cell line, our results reflect the unique features of drug-resistance, including MDR1 overexpression via genomic amplification and miRNA-mediated TP53INP1 down-regulation. Using a gain of function study with 12 miRNAs whose expressions were down-regulated and genome regions were deleted, we show that miR-505 is a novel tumor suppressive miRNA and inhibits cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. We also find that Akt3, correlate inversely with miR-505, modulates drug sensitivity in MCF7-ADR.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that various genes and miRNAs orchestrate to temper the drug-resistance in cancer cells, and thus acquisition of drug-resistance is intricately controlled by genomic status, gene and miRNA expression changes.
Evaluating interaction forces between BSA and rabbit anti-BSA in sulphathiazole sodium, tylosin and levofloxacin solution by AFM
Authors: Wang Congzhou , Wang Jianhua , Deng Linhong
Published: November 2011

Protein-protein interactions play crucial roles in numerous biological processes. However, it is still challenging to evaluate the protein-protein interactions, such as antigen and antibody, in the presence of drug molecules in physiological liquid. In this study, the interaction between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and rabbit anti-BSA was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in the presence of various antimicrobial drugs (sulphathiazole sodium, tylosin and levofloxacin) under physiological condition. The results show that increasing the concentration of tylosin decreased the single-molecule-specific force between BSA and rabbit anti-BSA. As for sulphathiazole sodium, it dramatically decreased the specific force at a certain critical concentration, but increased the nonspecific force as its concentration increasing. In addition, the presence of levofloxacin did not greatly influence either the specific or nonspecific force. Collectively, these results suggest that these three drugs may adopt different mechanisms to affect the interaction force between BSA and rabbit anti-BSA. These findings may enhance our understanding of antigen/antibody binding processes in the presence of drug molecules, and hence indicate that AFM could be helpful in the design and screening of drugs-modulating protein-protein interaction processes.
Report of two cases of influenza virus A/H1N1v and B co-infection during the 2010/2011 epidemics in the Italian Veneto Region
Authors: Calistri Arianna , Salata Cristiano , Cosentino Marina , Asnicar Samuele , Franchin Elisa , Cusinato Riccardo , Pacenti Monia , Donatelli Isabella , Palù Giorgio
Published: November 2011

From October 2010 to April 2011, in the Italian Veneto Region, 1403 hospitalized patients were tested for influenza virus infection by specific real time RT-PCR. Overall, 327 samples were positive for either influenza A (75%) or B (25%) viruses. Among these positive patients two resulted co-infected by A/H1N1v and B viruses. Even though co-infection with both influenza A and B viruses appears to be a rare event, it occurs naturally and may play a role in epidemiology and pathogenicity. In the present study the two co-infected patients were a transplant recipient immunocompromised adult and a child displaying a severe respiratory illness. The co-infection was confirmed by inoculation of the nasopharyngeal swabs in MDCK.2 cells, followed by immunofluorescence and real time RT-PCR assays. Moreover, in the case of the adult patient, the immune system response against both viruses was assayed by hemoagglutination inhibition test against reference influenza virus strains. Both patients fully recovered from infection, without significant differences with mono-infected patients.
RNA binding properties of the US11 protein from four primate simplexviruses
Authors: Tohme Sarah , Cukier Cyprian D , Severini Alberto
Published: November 2011

Background

The protein encoded by the Us11 gene of herpes simplex viruses is a dsRNA binding protein which inhibits protein kinase R activity, thereby preventing the interferon-induced shut down of protein synthesis following viral infection. Us11 protein is not essential for infectivity in vitro and in mice in herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), however this virus has a second, and apparently more important, inhibitor of PKR activity, the γ134.5 protein. Recently sequenced simian simplexviruses SA8, HVP2 and B virus do not have an ORF corresponding to the γ134.5 protein, yet they have similar, or greater, infectivity as HSV1 and HSV2.

Methods

We have expressed the US11 proteins of the simplexviruses HSV1, HSV2, HVP2 and B virus and measured their abilities to bind dsRNA, in order to investigate possible differences that could complement the absence of the γ134.5 protein. We employed a filter binding technique that allows binding of the Us11 protein under condition of excess dsRNA substrate and therefore a measurement of the true Kd value of Us11-dsRNA binding.

Results and Conclusions

The results show a Kd of binding in the range of 0.89 nM to 1.82 nM, with no significant difference among the four Us11 proteins.
Regressed three-dimensional capillary network and inhibited angiogenic factors in the soleus muscle of non-obese rats with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kondo Hiroyo , Fujino Hidemi , Murakami Shinichiro , Nagatomo Fumiko , Roy Roland R , Ishihara Akihiko
Published: November 2011

Based on findings obtained using two-dimensional capillary analyses on tissue cross-sections, diabetes has been shown to be associated with a high risk for microangiopathy and capillary regression in skeletal muscles. We visualized the three-dimensional architecture of the capillary networks in the soleus muscle of non-obese Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats with type 2 diabetes and compared them with those of control Wistar rats to provide novel information, e.g., capillary volume, on the capillary networks. In addition, we examined pro- and anti-angiogenic gene expression levels in the soleus muscle of GK rats using TaqMan probe-based real-time PCR. As expected, plasma glucose levels were higher and insulin levels lower in GK than control rats. The three-dimensional architecture of the capillary networks was regressed and capillary volume was smaller in the soleus muscle of GK compared to control rats. The mRNA expression levels of the pro-angiogenic factors HIF-1α, KDR, Flt-1, ANG-1, and Tie-2 were lower, whereas the level of the anti-angiogenic factor TSP-1 was higher in GK than control rats. These data suggest that a decrease in pro-angiogenic and increase in anti-angiogenic factors may play an important role in type 2 diabetes-induced muscle circulatory complications.
The impact of clinical data on the evaluation of tibial fracture healing
Authors: Dijkman Bernadette G , Busse Jason W , Walter Stephen D , Bhandari Mohit ,   the TRUST Investigators
Published: November 2011

Background

Radiographic healing is a common outcome measure in orthopedic trials and adjudication by outcome assessors is often conducted on the basis of plain films alone. The degree to which this process reflects clinical practice, in which both plain films and clinical notes are available, is uncertain. We explored the effect of adding clinical notes to radiographs in the adjudication process of a feasibility trial of tibial shaft fractures.

Methods

Radiographic and clinical data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial of 51 patients with operatively treated tibial fractures formed the basis of the study data. At the completion of the trial, serial radiographs (anteroposterior and lateral) were independently evaluated for progression of fracture healing, defined as bridging of at least 3 of 4 cortices, by an adjudication committee comprised of 3 blinded orthopaedic trauma surgeons. Immediately after determination of radiographic time to healing, each surgeon was provided with clinical notes associated with each radiographic follow up visit and asked to re-visit their initial impression. Consensus was achieved for both adjudications. We calculated the percentage of time to healing consensus decisions that changed after evaluation of clinical notes. We further examined the contents of clinical notes and their relative influence on the committee's decisions.

Results

47 of 51 patients were determined to have healed radiographically during the trial follow-up period, and consideration of clinical notes resulted in a change of 40% (19 of 47) of time to healing consensus decisions; however, revised decisions were equally likely to support an earlier or a later time to healing. Clinical notes that resulted in a change to either a 'healed' or a 'not healed' decision contained significantly more comments of either pain resolution or deterioration, respectively, resumption of or failure to resume weightbearing, or either return or no return to work/pre-injury activities (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The addition of clinical notes to the adjudication of radiographic fracture healing changed the outcome decision in a substantial number of cases. Orthopedic trialists should consider the addition of clinical notes to adjudication material in studies of fracture healing in order to enhance the generalizability of their results.

Trial Registration

The TRUST trial was registered [IDNCT00667849] athttp://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00667849
Osseointegration of porous titanium implants with and without electrochemically deposited DCPD coating in an ovine model
Authors: Chen Dong , Bertollo Nicky , Lau Abe , Taki Naoya , Nishino Tomofumi , Mishima Hajime , Kawamura Haruo , Walsh William R
Published: November 2011

Background

Uncemented fixation of components in joint arthroplasty is achieved primarily through de novo bone formation at the bone-implant interface and establishment of a biological and mechanical interlock. In order to enhance bone-implant integration osteoconductive coatings and the methods of application thereof are continuously being developed and applied to highly porous and roughened implant substrates. In this study the effects of an electrochemically-deposited dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) coating of a porous substrate on implant osseointegration was assessed using a standard uncemented implant fixation model in sheep.

Methods

Plasma sprayed titanium implants with and without a DCPD coating were inserted into defects drilled into the cancellous and cortical sites of the femur and tibia. Cancellous implants were inserted in a press-fit scenario whilst cortical implants were inserted in a line-to-line fit. Specimens were retrieved at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Interfacial shear-strength of the cortical sites was assessed using a push-out test, whilst bone ingrowth, ongrowth and remodelling were investigated using histologic and histomorphometric endpoints.

Results

DCPD coating significantly improved cancellous bone ingrowth at 4 weeks but had no significant effect on mechanical stability in cortical bone up to 12 weeks postoperatively. Whilst a significant reduction in cancellous bone ongrowth was observed from 4 to 12 weeks for the DCPD coating, no other statistically significant differences in ongrowth or ingrowth in either the cancellous or cortical sites were observed between TiPS and DCPD groups.

Conclusion

The application of a DCPD coating to porous titanium substrates may improve the extent of cancellous bone ingrowth in the early postoperative phase following uncemented arthroplasty.