bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post‐natal changes inMCT1 expression in the forestomach of calves
Authors: Pfannkuche H. , Taifour F. , Steinhoff‐Wagner J. , Hammon H. M. , Gäbel G. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) has been demonstrated to be involved in the transfer of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and/or their intraepithelial metabolites from the rumen to the blood. AsMCT1 plays a role inSCFAtransfer, it is assumed thatSCFAare the main substrates influencing its expression. However, there are hints thatMCT1 may also be expressed during the early life of the animal whenSCFAare not released in the forestomach. To figure out whetherMCT1 expression in the forestomach is influenced independently ofSCFAduring that period, we studied post‐natalMCT1 expression immunohistochemically in the epithelia of omasum, atrium ruminis, saccus dorsalis ruminis, saccus ventralis ruminis and reticulum of calves born preterm and at term. The calves were nourished by colostrum or by milk‐based formula diet.MCT1 could be found in all the forestomach compartments tested, even in preterm calves. The protein was mainly oriented to the luminal side in the immature epithelium 24 h after birth. Orientation to the blood side of the cells developed during the first 4 days after birth. In the rumen epithelia (but not in the other forestomach compartments tested), orientation ofMCT1 to the blood side of the cells was paralleled by an increase in the overall expression rate during the first 4 days after birth. As lactate levels were very high directly after birth, a lactate‐dependent substrate induction may have been the underlying mechanism. However, non‐specific changes due to general differential processes might also be the cause. Both early upregulation ofMCT1 and high blood lactate levels may provide the epithelia with lactate as energy source.
A single‐nucleotide polymorphism of miR‐196a‐2 and vitiligo: an association study and functional analysis in a Han Chinese population
Authors: Huang Ye , Yi Xiuli , Jian Zhe , Wei Chao , Li Shuli , Cai Chuan , Zhang Ping , Li Kai , Guo Sen , Liu Ling , Shi Qiong , Gao Tianwen , Li Chunying 
Published: February 2013

SummaryRecent evidence indicates that oxidative stress and genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. SNPs in miRNAs involved in oxidative stress could potentially influence the development of vitiligo. In this case–control study, we investigated the association of a functional SNP of rs11614913 in miR‐196a‐2 with risk of vitiligo. A significantly lower risk of vitiligo was associated with the rs11614913 miR‐196a‐2 CC genotype (adjusted OR, 0.77; CI, 0.60–0.98). In addition, TYRP1 gene expression was considerably down‐regulated by the rs11614913 C allele in miR‐196a‐2, which lowered the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced the proportion of early apoptosis in human melanocytes in response to H2O2 treatment. Our data suggest that the rs11614913 C allele in miR‐196a‐2 confers potential protection against oxidative effects on human melanocytes through the modulation of the target gene, TYRP1, which may account for the decreased risk of vitiligo in this study population.
Lung stem cells: Do they exist?
Authors: Bertoncello Ivan , McQualter Jonathan L. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractRecognition of the potential of stem cell‐based therapies for alleviating intractable lung diseases has provided the impetus for research aimed at identifying regenerative cells in the adult lung, understanding how they are organized and regulated, and how they could be harnessed in lung regenerative medicine. In this review, we describe the attributes of adult stem and progenitor cells in adult organs and how they are regulated by the permissive or restrictive microenvironment in which they reside. We describe the power and limitations of experimental models, cell separative strategies and functional assays used to model the organization and regulation of adult airway and alveolar stem cells in the adult lung. The review summarizes recent progress and obstacles in defining endogenous lung epithelial stem and progenitor cells in mouse models and in translational studies.
Whose Choice Is It? Shared Decision Making in Nephrology Care
Authors: Murray Mary Ann , Bissonnette Janice , Kryworuchko Jennifer , Gifford Wendy , Calverley Sharon 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPatients living with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) are faced with numerous decisions across the trajectory of their illness. Shared decision making (SDM) offers a patient‐centered approach to engage patients in decision making in meaningful ways. Using an SDM approach, patients and providers collaborate to make healthcare decisions by taking into account the best available empirical evidence, in conjunction with the patient’s values, preferences, and individual circumstances. In this article, we outline the principles of SDM; highlight the broad range and context of decisions faced by patients living with ESRD; review decision‐support interventions; and consider opportunities and challenges for implementing SDM into usual ESRD practice. A summary of current knowledge and areas for research and further investigation concludes the paper. Because nephrology team members spend a lot of time interacting with patients during treatments and follow‐up care, they are well positioned to engage in SDM. Healthcare systems need innovation in communication to ensure the ethical application of important technological improvements in renal treatments, and to ensure that patient decision‐support processes are available. SDM is a promising innovation to support the recalibration of care for patients living with end‐stage renal disease.
Epidemiology, outcomes, and mortality predictors of invasive mold infections among transplant recipients: a 10‐year, single‐center experience
Authors: Neofytos D. , Treadway S. , Ostrander D. , Alonso C.D. , Dierberg K.L. , Nussenblatt V. , Durand C.M. , Thompson C.B. , Marr K.A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe epidemiology of invasive mold infections (IMI) in transplant recipients differs based on geography, hosts, preventative strategies, and methods of diagnosis.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study to evaluate the epidemiology of proven and probable IMI, using prior definitions, among all adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients in the era of “classic” culture‐based diagnostics (2000–2009). Epidemiology was evaluated before and after an initiative was begun to increase bronchoscopy in HSCT recipients after 2005.ResultsIn total, 106 patients with one IMI were identified. Invasive aspergillosis (IA) was the most common IMI (69; 65.1%), followed by mucormycosis (9; 8.5%). The overall rate of IMI (and IA) was 3.5% (2.5%) in allogeneic HSCT recipients. The overall incidence for IMI among lung, kidney, liver, and heart transplant recipients was 49, 2, 11, and 10 per 1000 person‐years, respectively. The observed rate of IMI among human leukocyte antigen‐matched unrelated and haploidentical HSCT recipients increased from 0.6% annually to 3.0% after bronchoscopy initiation (P < 0.05). The 12‐week mortality among allogeneic HSCT, liver, kidney, heart, and lung recipients with IMI was 52.4%, 47.1%, 27.8%, 16.7%, and 9.5%, respectively. Among allogeneic HSCT (odds ratio [OR]: 0.07, P = 0.007) and SOT (OR: 0.22, P = 0.05) recipients with IA, normal platelet count was associated with improved survival. Male gender (OR: 14.4, P = 0.007) and elevated bilirubin (OR: 5.7, P = 0.04) were significant predictors of mortality for allogeneic HSCT and SOT recipients with IA, respectively.ConclusionsDuring the era of culture‐based diagnostics, observed rates of IMI were low among all transplants except lung transplant recipients, with relatively higher mortality rates. Diagnostic aggressiveness and host variables impact the reported incidence and outcome of IMI and likely account for institutional variability in multicenter studies. Definitions to standardize diagnoses among SOT recipients are needed.
Leaching patterns from wood of different tree species and environmental implications related to wood storage areas
Authors: Svensson Henric , Marques Marcia , Kaczala Fabio , Hogland William 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBatch tests were carried out with sawdust obtained from oak (Quercus robur), maple (Acer platanoides), pine (Pinus sylvestris), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and wood chips from oak and pine. Leaching of organic compounds expressed as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in mg/kg of dry mass took place during the first 24 h. The following additional variables were analysed: pH, conductivity, colour, phenols, tannins and lignin, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD7). When leachates obtained with oak wood chips and pine wood chips were compared, no significant difference was observed. However, in batch tests with sawdust, DOC released by oak (90 000 mg/kg) was significantly higher (P = 0.0001) than DOC released by pine (30 000 mg/kg). The results suggest that particle size is not the only variable affecting the leaching of organic compounds from wood. Regarding BOD, colour [platinum‐cobalt (Pt‐Co)], phenols, tannins and lignin, the leaching patterns differed among species, and oak was the species with the highest released values.
Limited potential of school textbooks to prevent tobacco use among students grade 1–9 across multiple developing countries: a content analysis study
Authors: Saito Junko , Nonaka Daisuke , Mizoue Tetsuya , Kobayashi Jun , Jayatilleke Achini C , Shrestha Sabina , Kikuchi Kimiyo , Haque Syed E , Yi Siyan , Ayi Irene , Jimba Masamine 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the content of school textbooks as a tool to prevent tobacco use in developing countries.DesignContent analysis was used to evaluate if the textbooks incorporated the following five core components recommended by the WHO: (1)consequences of tobacco use; (2)social norms; (3)reasons to use tobacco; (4)social influencesand (5)resistance and life skills.SettingNine developing countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Benin, Ghana, Niger and Zambia.Textbooks analysedOf 474 textbooks for primary and junior secondary schools in nine developing countries, 41 were selected which contained descriptions about tobacco use prevention.ResultsOf the 41 textbooks, theconsequences of tobacco usecomponent was covered in 30 textbooks (73.2%) and thesocial normscomponent was covered in 19 (46.3%). The other three components were described in less than 20% of the textbooks.ConclusionsA rather limited number of school textbooks in developing countries contained descriptions of prevention of tobacco use, but they did not fully cover the core components for tobacco use prevention. The chance of tobacco prevention education should be seized by improving the content of school textbooks.
TritonSort
Authors: Rasmussen Alexander , Porter George , Conley Michael , Madhyastha Harsha V. , Mysore Radhika Niranjan , Pucher Alexander , Vahdat Amin 
Published: February 2013

We present TritonSort, a highly efficient, scalable sorting system. It is designed to process large datasets, and has been evaluated against as much as 100TB of input data spread across 832 disks in 52 nodes at a rate of 0.938TB/min. When evaluated against the annual Indy GraySort sorting benchmark, TritonSort is 66% better in absolute performance and has over six times the per-node throughput of the previous record holder. When evaluated against the 100TB Indy JouleSort benchmark, TritonSort sorted 9703 records/Joule. In this article, we describe the hardware and software architecture necessary to operate TritonSort at this level of efficiency. Through careful management of system resources to ensure cross-resource balance, we are able to sort data at approximately 80% of the disks’ aggregate sequential write speed.
We believe the work holds a number of lessons for balanced system design and for scale-out architectures in general. While many interesting systems are able to scale linearly with additional servers, per-server performance can lag behind per-server capacity by more than an order of magnitude. Bridging the gap between high scalability and high performance would enable either significantly less expensive systems that are able to do the same work or provide the ability to address significantly larger problem sets with the same infrastructure.
Reading the Tea Leaves of Tumor-Mediated Immunosuppression
Authors: Orentas Rimas J. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Polyphenol E, available as Polyphenon E, is a green tea extract whose activity can be benchmarked to the presence of specific catechins such as epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG). Herein, Polyphenon E is shown to reverse myeloid-derived suppressor cell activity, linking the activity of a natural product extract to cell-mediated immunity. Clin Cancer Res; 19(5); 955–7. ©2012 AACR.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Coactivator-1α Is a Central Negative Regulator of Vascular Senescence
Authors: Xiong Shiqin , Salazar Gloria , Patrushev Nikolay , Ma Minhui , Forouzandeh Farshad , Hilenski Lula , Alexander R. Wayne 
Published: February 2013

Objective—
Cellular senescence influences organismal aging and increases predisposition to age-related diseases, in particular cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and function, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Senescence is associated with telomere and mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, implying a potential causal role of PGC-1α in senescence pathogenesis.

Approach and Results—

We generated a PGC-1α
+/–
/apolipoprotein E
–/–
mouse model and showed that PGC-1α deficiency promotes a vascular senescence phenotype that is associated with increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial abnormalities, and reduced telomerase activity. PGC-1α disruption results in reduced expression of the longevity-related deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and the antioxidant catalase, and increased expression of the senescence marker p53 in aortas. Further, angiotensin II, a major hormonal inducer of vascular senescence, induces prolonged lysine acetylation of PGC-1α and releases the PGC-1α–FoxO1 complex from the SIRT1 promoter, thus reducing SIRT1 expression. The phosphorylation-defective mutant PGC-1α S570A is not acetylated, is constitutively active for forkhead box O1-dependent SIRT1 transcription, and prevents angiotensin II–induced senescence. Acetylation of PGC-1α by angiotensin II interrupts the PGC-1α–forkhead box O1–SIRT1 feed-forward signaling circuit leading to SIRT1 and catalase downregulation and vascular senescence.

Conclusions—
PGC-1α is a primary negative regulator of vascular senescence. Moreover, the central role of posttranslational modification of PGC-1α in regulating angiotensin II–induced vascular senescence may inform development of novel therapeutic strategies for mitigating age-associated diseases, such as atherosclerosis.
Relationship between arterial stiffness and variability in systolic blood pressure during a single clinic visit in patients with hypertension
Authors: Masugata Hisashi , Senda Shoichi , Inukai Michio , Himoto Takashi , Hosomi Naohisa , Imachi Hitomi , Murao Koji , Okada Hiroki , Goda Fuminori 
Published: February 2013

Objective To examine factors affecting systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability during a single clinic visit, in treated hypertensive patients. Methods Hypertensive patients were recruited to this observational study. Blood pressure was measured using an automated blood pressure monitor when each patient arrived at the outpatient clinic and again when they saw the physician. Mean SBP and SBP variability during a single clinic visit were calculated. The cardio–ankle vascular index (CAVI), as a marker of arterial stiffness, was also measured. Results A total of 57 treated hypertensive patients (mean age 71 years) were included in the study. The mean SBP was positively correlated with age ( r = 0.457), while SBP variability was positively correlated with age ( r = 0.383), CAVI ( r = 0.330), and glycosylated haemoglobin ( r = 0.345) and triglyceride levels (r = 0.299). Conclusion Variability in SBP during a single clinic visit showed better correlations with arterial stiffness and risk factors for atherosclerosis than did mean SBP. Large SBP variability during a single clinic visit may reflect progression of atherosclerosis, in treated hypertensive patients.
Relation of Red Cell Distribution Width With CHA2DS2-VASc Score in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kurt Mustafa , Tanboga Ibrahim Halil , Buyukkaya Eyup , Karakas Mehmet Fatih , Akçay Adnan Burak , Sen Nihat 
Published: February 2013

Background: Red cell distribution width (RDW) has been shown to be helpful in predicting adverse long-term events in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, to date, no study has been conducted on the relationship between RDW and thromboembolism risk in atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between RDW and CHA2DS2-VASc score used for the evaluation of thromboembolism risk in patients with AF. Methods: The study population consisted of 320 patients with AF. We calculated CHA2DS2-VASc risk score for each patient and baseline hemoglobin, white blood cell, RDW, mean platelet volume, platelet counts, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left atrial volume index (LAVi) were measured. Results: High CHA2DS2-VASc score group had higher RDW, lower LVEF, higher LAVi, and lower eGFR values when compared to the low CHA2DS2-VASc score group. The multivariate logistic regression analysis performed to predict high CHA2DS2-VASc scores revealed that RDW eGFR, LVEF, and LAVi were independent predictors. The area under the receiver–operating characteristic curve of RDW was 0.65 (0.59-0.71, P < .001) to predict high CHA2DS2-VASc score. Conclusion: Our study results indicate that RDW values are significantly correlated with CHA2DS2-VASc score in nonanemic patients with AF, while also being independent predictor of high CHA2DS2-VASc score.
Transcriptional analysis of the effect of exogenous decanoic acid stress on Streptomyces roseosporus
Authors: Liao Guojian , Liu Qing , Xie Jianping 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Backgroud
Daptomycin is an important antibiotic against infections caused by drug-resistant pathogens. Its production critically depends on the addition of decanoic acid during fermentation. Unfortunately, decanoic acid (>2.5 mM) is toxic to daptomycin producer, Streptomyces roseosporus.

Results
To understand the mechanism underlying decanoic tolerance or toxicity, the responses of S. roseosporus was determined by a combination of phospholipid fatty acid analysis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement and RNA sequencing. Assays using fluorescent dyes indicated a sharp increase in reactive oxygen species during decanoic acid stress; fatty acid analysis revealed a marked increase in the composition of branched-chain fatty acids by approximately 10%, with a corresponding decrease in straight-chain fatty acids; functional analysis indicated decanoic acid stress has components common to other stress response, including perturbation of respiratory functions (nuo and cyd operons), oxidative stress, and heat shock. Interestingly, our transcriptomic analysis revealed that genes coding for components of proteasome and related to treholase synthesis were up-regulated in the decanoic acid –treated cells.

Conclusion
These findings represent an important first step in understanding mechanism of decanoic acid toxicity and provide a basis for engineering microbial tolerance.
Performance of two rapid diagnostic tests for malaria diagnosis at the China-Myanmar border area
Authors: Yan Juan , Li Nana , Wei Xu , Li Peipei , Zhao Zhenjun , Wang Lili , Li Siying , Li Xiaomei , Wang Ying , Li Shuying , Yang Zhaoqing , Zheng Bin , Zhou Guofa , Yan Guiyun , Cui Liwang , Cao Yaming , Fan Qi 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have become an essential tool in the contemporary malaria control and management programmes in the world. This study aims to evaluate the performance of two commonly used RDTs for malaria diagnosis in the China-Myanmar border area.

Methods
A total 606 febrile patients in the China-Myanmar border were recruited to this study and were diagnosed for malaria infections by microscopy, two RDTs tests (Pf/Pan device, and Pv/Pf device) and nested PCR.

Results
Malaria parasites were found in 143 patients by microscopy, of which 51, 73, and 19 were Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum/P. vivax mixed infections, respectively. Compared to microscopy, the sensitivity of the Pf/Pan device was 88.6% for P. falciparum and 69.9% for P. vivax with the specificity of 90.4%. For a subset of 350 patients, the sensitivity of the Pf/Pan device and Pv/Pf device for detection of P. falciparum was 87.5% and 91.7%, respectively; and for detection of P. vivax was 72.0% and 73.8%, respectively. The specificity of the Pf/Pan device and Pv/Pf device was 94.3% and 96.5%, respectively. Nested PCR detected malaria parasites in 174 of 606 samples, of which 67, 79, two and 26 were P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. falciparum/P. vivax mixed infections, respectively. Compared to nested PCR, all other methods had sensitivity below 80%, suggesting that a significant number of cases were missed.

Conclusions
Compared to PCR, both microscopy and RDTs had lower sensitivities. RDTs had similar performance to microscopy for P. falciparum diagnosis, but performed worse for P. vivax diagnosis. Other RDT products should be selected with higher sensitivity (and good specificity) for both P. falciparum and P. vivax diagnosis.
Improved assay to detect Plasmodium falciparum using an uninterrupted, semi-nested PCR and quantitative lateral flow analysis
Authors: Ongagna-Yhombi Serge Y , Corstjens Paul , Geva Eran , Abrams William R , Barber Cheryl A , Malamud Daniel , Mharakurwa Sungano 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
A rapid, non-invasive, and inexpensive point-of-care (POC) diagnostic for malaria followed by therapeutic intervention would improve the ability to control infection in endemic areas.

Methods
A semi-nested PCR amplification protocol is described for quantitative detection of Plasmodium falciparum and is compared to a traditional nested PCR. The approach uses primers that target the P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase gene.

Results
This study demonstrates that it is possible to perform an uninterrupted, asymmetric, semi-nested PCR assay with reduced assay time to detect P. falciparum without compromising the sensitivity and specificity of the assay using saliva as a testing matrix.

Conclusions
The development of this PCR allows nucleic acid amplification without the need to transfer amplicon from the first PCR step to a second reaction tube with nested primers, thus reducing both the chance of contamination and the time for analysis to < two hours. Analysis of the PCR amplicon yield was adapted to lateral flow detection using the quantitative up-converting phosphor (UCP) reporter technology. This approach provides a basis for migration of the assay to a POC microfluidic format. In addition the assay was successfully evaluated with oral samples. Oral fluid collection provides a simple non-invasive method to collect clinical samples.