bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of bacterial contamination of bone harvesting devices used for autogenous bone graft in implant surgery
Authors: Takamoto Megumi , Takechi Masaaki , Ohta Kouji , Ninomiya Yoshiaki , Ono Shigehiro , Shigeishi Hideo , Tada Misato , Kamata Nobuyuki 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Various instruments have been developed for collecting bone debris during intraoral autogenous bone graft procedures in implant surgery. The aim of this study was to quantitatively determine the degree of contamination in bone debris collected by different devices.

Methods
Twelve patients underwent autogenous bone collection using a bone chisel, bone scraper, trephine drill, and bone filter during bone augmentation surgery as a part of implant therapy, and the total bacterial count in bone debris collected by each was determined.

Results
Following anaerobic incubation, bacterial colony formation was found in all of the samples. The mean colony forming units (CFU)/g in samples collected by the trephine drill was found to be significantly lower than that of samples obtained with the other devices, while those values for samples collected by the bone scraper and bone filter was significantly higher as compared to the bone chisel and trephine drill.

Conclusion
The bacterial levels may still carry the infection risk. Thus prophylactic antibiotic therapy maybe indicated when using bone particles for intraoral augmentation procedures.
A resource management scenario for traditional and scientific management of pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus paulensis) in the Patos Lagoon estuary (RS), Brazil
Authors: Moura Gustavo Goulart Moreira , Kalikoski Daniela Coswig , Diegues Antonio Carlos Sant’Ana 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Background
This article aims to discuss the incorporation of traditional time in the construction of a management scenario for pink shrimp in the Patos Lagoon estuary (RS), Brazil. To meet this objective, two procedures have been adopted; one at a conceptual level and another at a methodological level. At the conceptual level, the concept of traditional time as a form of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) was adopted.

Method
At the methodological level, we conduct a wide literature review of the scientific knowledge (SK) that guides recommendations for pink shrimp management by restricting the fishing season in the Patos Lagoon estuary; in addition, we review the ethno-scientific literature which describes traditional calendars as a management base for artisanal fishers in the Patos Lagoon estuary.

Results
Results demonstrate that TEK and SK describe similar estuarine biological processes, but are incommensurable at a resource management level. On the other hand, the construction of a “management scenario” for pink shrimp is possible through the development of “criteria for hierarchies of validity” which arise from a productive dialog between SK and TEK.

Conclusions
The commensurable and the incommensurable levels reveal different basis of time-space perceptions between traditional ecological knowledge and scientific knowledge. Despite incommensurability at the management level, it is possible to establish guidelines for the construction of “management scenarios” and to support a co-management process.
Metabolic syndrome among students attending a historically black college: prevalence and gender differences
Authors: Topè Avinash M , Rogers Phyllis F 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
There are limited data on the prevalence rate of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among college students attending any Historically Black College and University (HBCU), which are mostly attended by young African Americans (AA). We report the prevalence and gender differences in the components of MetS in a sample population from an HBCU campus.

Methods
Three hundred and seventy six (218 females and 158 males) first year college students (average age 19.8 years), attending Kentucky State University, Frankfort with no prior diagnosis of illness participated in the cross sectional study. Anthropometric screenings included measurement of height, weight, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI). The clinical screenings included measurement of blood pressure and determination of fasting lipid and glucose concentrations. The National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definitions for MetS were applied. Statistics: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) scores on the Means procedure were used to examine differences between genders for all anthropometric, clinical and biochemical parameters. Fisher’s exact chi-square tests were used to analyze the prevalence of MetS criteria per gender, the number of MetS criteria per BMI category and the prevalence of MetS criteria. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05 for all tests.

Results
Prevalence rates for MetS criteria varied depending on the definition used. According to the NCEP ATP definition, 31.4% of the sample population had at least 1 criterion for MetS, while 20.7% had 2 criteria. When IDF definition was applied, 21.3% sample population had 1 criterion and 17.5% had at least two criteria. Prevalence was highest for low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (37.3%) and elevated fasting glucose (22.1%). On the basis of the NCEP ATP and IDF definitions, overall prevalence of MetS in the total sample was 12%, and 9.3% respectively.

Conclusions
HBCUs offer a unique opportunity to monitor and address the risk factors of MetS in a predominantly young AA population. There is a higher prevalence of MetS in this study population than any other reports on college students.
Production, purification and characterization of a novel thermotolerant endoglucanase (CMCase) from Bacillus strain isolated from cow dung
Authors: Sadhu Sangrila , Saha Pradipta , Sen Sukanta K , Mayilraj Shanmugam , Maiti Tushar Kanti 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
In an attempt to screen out cellulase producing bacteria from herbivorous animal fecal matter it was possible to isolate a potent bacterium from cow dung. The bacterium was identified as Bacillus sp. using 16S rDNA based molecular phylogenetic approach. The effect of different agricultural wastes, paper wastes and carboxymethyl cellulose on endoglucanase production was tested and was found to produce maximally at 8% carboxymethyl cellulose. The endoglucanase was precipitated by ammonium sulfate saturation and purified by DEAE- Sepharose column. The purification was achieved 8.5 fold from the crude extract with a yield of 68.1%. The molecular weight of the protein was determined to be 97 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The enzymatic activity was moderately reduced by detergents (SDS, Tween-80), metal ions (MnCl2, ZnCl2) and EDTA. The endoglucanase was stable between pH 5.0 – 9.0 and temperature between 20−70°C with optimal activity at pH 7.0 and temperature 50°C. The apparent Km value of the enzyme for the substrate carboxymethyl cellulose was recorded to be 0.25 mg/ml. The endoglucanase was stable in the presence of commercial detergents such as Ariel, Surf Excel and Tide, indicated might be of potential applications in detergent industry. The enzyme from this strain could also be applied in bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars.
Modeling Age at Menopause Using Serum Concentration of Anti-Mullerian Hormone
Authors: Tehrani Fahimeh Ramezani , Solaymani-Dodaran Masoud , Tohidi Maryam , Gohari Mahmood Reza , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: January 2013

AbstractContext:Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) has already been used for prediction of age at menopause with promising results.Objective:We aimed to improve our previous prediction of age at menopause in a population-based cohort by including all eligible subjects and additional follow-up time.Design and Setting:All reproductive-aged women who met our eligibility criteria were selected from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. The serum concentration of AMH was measured at the time of recruitment, and participant's date of menopause was recorded over a 10-year follow-up.Subjects:A total of 1015 women, aged 20 to 50 years, with regular and predictable menstrual cycles at the initiation of the study were recruited.Main Outcome Measure:The actual ages at menopause were compared with the predicted ones obtained from accelerated failure time model.Results:We observed 277 occurrences of menopause. Median menopausal age was 50 years (range 30.1–58.2 years). The median (SD) of differences between the actual menopausal age and those predicted by our model was 0.5 (2.5) years. Model adequacy (measured by C-statistics) for correct prediction of age at menopause was 92%. The estimated ages at menopause and their 95% confidence intervals for a range of values of AMH and age were calculated and summarized in a table.Conclusions:Using a model built on age and AMH, we can predict age at menopause many years earlier. This could provide opportunities for interventions in those who are at risk of early or late menopause.
β-Arrestin-Selective G Protein-Coupled Receptor Agonists Engender Unique Biological Efficacy in Vivo
Authors: Gesty-Palmer Diane , Yuan Ling , Martin Bronwen , Wood William H. , Lee Mi-Hye , Janech Michael G. , Tsoi Lam C. , Zheng W. Jim , Luttrell Louis M. , Maudsley Stuart 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Biased G protein-coupled receptor agonists are orthosteric ligands that possess pathway-selective efficacy, activating or inhibiting only a subset of the signaling repertoire of their cognate receptors. In vitro, d-Trp12,Tyr34-bPTH(7–34) [bPTH(7–34)], a biased agonist for the type 1 PTH receptor, antagonizes receptor-G protein coupling but activates arrestin-dependent signaling. In vivo, both bPTH(7–34) and the conventional agonist hPTH(1–34) stimulate anabolic bone formation. To understand how two PTH receptor ligands with markedly different in vitro efficacy could elicit similar in vivo responses, we analyzed transcriptional profiles from calvarial bone of mice treated for 8 wk with vehicle, bPTH(7–34) or hPTH(1–34). Treatment of wild-type mice with bPTH(7–34) primarily affected pathways that promote expansion of the osteoblast pool, notably cell cycle regulation, cell survival, and migration. These responses were absent in β-arrestin2-null mice, identifying them as downstream targets of β-arrestin2-mediated signaling. In contrast, hPTH(1–34) primarily affected pathways classically associated with enhanced bone formation, including collagen synthesis and matrix mineralization. hPTH(1–34) actions were less dependent on β-arrestin2, as might be expected of a ligand capable of G protein activation. In vitro, bPTH(7–34) slowed the rate of preosteoblast proliferation, enhanced osteoblast survival when exposed to an apoptotic stimulus, and stimulated cell migration in wild-type, but not β-arrestin2-null, calvarial osteoblasts. These results suggest that bPTH(7–34) and hPTH(1–34) affect bone mass in vivo through predominantly separate genomic mechanisms created by largely distinct receptor-signaling networks and demonstrate that functional selectivity can be exploited to change the quality of G protein-coupled receptor efficacy.
Hexosamine Biosynthesis Impairs Insulin Action via a Cholesterolgenic Response
Authors: Penque Brent A. , Hoggatt April M. , Herring B. Paul , Elmendorf Jeffrey S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPlasma membrane cholesterol accumulation has been implicated in cellular insulin resistance. Given the role of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) as a sensor of nutrient excess, coupled to its involvement in the development of insulin resistance, we delineated whether excess glucose flux through this pathway provokes a cholesterolgenic response induced by hyperinsulinemia. Exposing 3T3-L1 adipocytes to physiologically relevant doses of hyperinsulinemia (250pM–5000pM) induced a dose-dependent gain in the mRNA/protein levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR). These elevations were associated with elevated plasma membrane cholesterol. Mechanistically, hyperinsulinemia increased glucose flux through the HBP and O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification of specificity protein 1 (Sp1), known to activate cholesterolgenic gene products such as the sterol response element-binding protein (SREBP1) and HMGR. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that increased O-GlcNAc modification of Sp1 resulted in a higher binding affinity of Sp1 to the promoter regions of SREBP1 and HMGR. Luciferase assays confirmed that HMGR promoter activity was elevated under these conditions and that inhibition of the HBP with 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON) prevented hyperinsulinemia-induced activation of the HMGR promoter. In addition, both DON and the Sp1 DNA-binding inhibitor mithramycin prevented the hyperinsulinemia-induced increases in HMGR mRNA/protein and plasma membrane cholesterol. In these mithramycin-treated cells, both cortical filamentous actin structure and insulin-stimulated glucose transport were restored. Together, these data suggest a novel mechanism whereby increased HBP activity increases Sp1 transcriptional activation of a cholesterolgenic program, thereby elevating plasma membrane cholesterol and compromising cytoskeletal structure essential for insulin action.
Early stages of retinal development depend on Sec13 function
Authors: Schmidt Katy , Cavodeassi Florencia , Feng Yi , Stephens David J. 
Published: January 2013

Summary
ER-to-Golgi transport of proteins destined for the extracellular space or intracellular compartments depends on the COPII vesicle coat and is constitutive in all translationally active cells. Nevertheless, there is emerging evidence that this process is regulated on a cell- and tissue-specific basis, which means that components of the COPII coat will be of differential importance to certain cell types. The COPII coat consists of an inner layer, Sec23/24 and an outer shell, Sec13/31. We have shown previously that knock-down of Sec13 results in concomitant loss of Sec31. In zebrafish and cultured human cells this leads to impaired trafficking of large cargo, namely procollagens, and is causative for defects in craniofacial and gut development. It is now widely accepted that the outer COPII coat is key to the architecture and stability of ER export vesicles containing large, unusual cargo proteins. Here, we investigate zebrafish eye development following Sec13 depletion. We find that photoreceptors degenerate or fail to develop from the onset. Impaired collagen trafficking from the retinal pigment epithelium and defects in overall retinal lamination also seen in Sec13-depleted zebrafish might have been caused by increased apoptosis and reduced topical proliferation in the retina. Our data show that the outer layer of the COPII coat is also necessary for the transport of large amounts of cargo proteins, in this case rhodopsin, rather than just large cargo as previously thought.
Structural failures of the blood–gas barrier and the epithelial–epithelial cell connections in the different vascular regions of the lung of the domestic fowl, Gallus gallus variant domesticus, at rest and during exercise
Authors: Maina John N. , Jimoh Sikiru A. 
Published: January 2013

Summary
Structural failure of blood–gas barrier (BGB) and epithelial–epithelial cell connections (EECCs) in different vascular regions of the exchange tissue of the lung was studied in rested and exercised chickens. The number of red blood cells (nRBCs) was counted and protein concentration (PC) measured after lavaging the respiratory system, and blood was sampled to determine the blood lactate levels (BLLs). The numbers of complete BGB breaks (nBGBBs) and those of the EECCs (nEECCBs) were counted in the different vascular territories of the lung. The nRBCs and the PCs increased with increasing exercise intensities but the rate of increase decreased at higher workloads. From rest to the fastest experimental treadmill speed of 2.95 m.sec−1, BLLs increased 4-fold. In all cases, the nEECCBs exceeded those of the BGB, showing that structurally the BGB is relatively weaker than the EECC. The increase in the number of breaks with increasing exercise can be attributed to increase in the pulmonary capillary blood pressure (PCBP) from faster heart rates and higher cardiac outputs, while the leveling out of the measurements made at higher workloads may have arisen from hemodynamic changes that initially ensued from exudation of blood plasma and then flow of blood into the air capillaries on failure of the BGB. The relative differences in the nBGBBs and the nEECCBs in the different vascular regions of the lung were ascribed to diameters of the branches and their points of origin and angles of bifurcation from the pulmonary artery. Presence of RBCs in the air capillaries of the lungs of rested chickens showed that failure of the BGB commonly occurs even in healthy and unstressed birds. Rapid repair and/or defense responses, which were observed, may explain how birds cope with mechanical injuries of the BGB.
A new murine model of stress-induced complex atherosclerotic lesions
Authors: Najafi Amir H. , Aghili Nima , Tilan Justin U. , Andrews James A. , Peng XinZhi , Lassance-Soares Roberta M. , Sood Subeena , Alderman Lee O. , Abe Ken , Li Lijun , Kolodgie Frank D. , Virmani Renu , Zukowska Zofia , Epstein Stephen E. , Burnett Mary Susan 
Published: January 2013

Summary
The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine whether ApoE-/- mice, when subjected to chronic stress, exhibit lesions characteristic of human vulnerable plaque and, if so, to determine the time course of such changes. We found that the lesions were remarkably similar to human vulnerable plaque, and that the time course of lesion progression raised interesting insights into the process of plaque development. Lard-fed mixed-background ApoE-/- mice exposed to chronic stress develop lesions with large necrotic core, thin fibrous cap and a high degree of inflammation. Neovascularization and intraplaque hemorrhage are observed in over 80% of stressed animals at 20 weeks of age. Previously described models report a prevalence of only 13% for neovascularization observed at a much later time point, between 36 and 60 weeks of age. Thus, our new stress-induced model of advanced atherosclerotic plaque provides an improvement over what is currently available. This model offers a tool to further investigate progression of plaque phenotype to a more vulnerable phenotype in humans. Our findings also suggest a possible use of this stress-induced model to determine whether therapeutic interventions have effects not only on plaque burden, but also, and importantly, on plaque vulnerability.
Mechanisms ofprickle1afunction in zebrafish epilepsy and retinal neurogenesis
Authors: Mei Xue , Wu Shu , Bassuk Alexander G. , Slusarski Diane C. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryEpilepsy is a complex neurological disorder characterized by unprovoked seizures. The etiology is heterogeneous with both genetic and environmental causes. Genes that regulate neurotransmitters and ion channels in the central nervous system have been associated with epilepsy. However, a recent screening in human epilepsy patients identified mutations in the PRICKLE1 (PK1) locus, highlighting a potentially novel mechanism underlying seizures. PK1 is a core component of the planar cell polarity network that regulates tissue polarity. Zebrafish studies have shown that Pk1 coordinates cell movement, neuronal migration and axonal outgrowth during embryonic development. Yet how dysfunction of Pk1 relates to epilepsy is unknown. To address the mechanism underlying epileptogenesis, we used zebrafish to characterize Pk1a function and epilepsy-related mutant forms. We show that knockdown of pk1a activity sensitizes zebrafish larva to a convulsant drug. To model defects in the central nervous system, we used the retina and found that pk1a knockdown induces neurite outgrowth defects; yet visual function is maintained. Furthermore, we characterized the functional and biochemical properties of the PK1 mutant forms identified in human patients. Functional analyses demonstrate that the wild-type Pk1a partially suppresses the gene knockdown retinal defects but not the mutant forms. Biochemical analysis reveals increased ubiquitylation of one mutant form and decreased translational efficiency of another mutant form compared with the wild-type Pk1a. Taken together, our results indicate that mutation of human PK1 could lead to defects in neurodevelopment and signal processing, providing insight into seizure predisposition in these patients.
High-Throughput Assay of 9 Lysosomal Enzymes for Newborn Screening
Authors: Spacil Zdenek , Tatipaka Haribabu , Barcenas Mariana , Scott C Ronald , Turecek Frantisek , Gelb Michael H 
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND
There is interest in newborn screening of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) because of the availability of treatments. Pilot studies have used tandem mass spectrometry with flow injection of samples to achieve multiplex detection of enzyme products. We report a multiplexing method of 9 enzymatic assays that uses HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).

METHODS
The assay of 9 enzymes was carried out in 1 or 2 buffers with a cassette of substrates and internal standards and 1 or 2 punches of a dried blood spot (DBS) from a newborn screening card as the source of enzymes. The pre–HPLC-MS/MS sample preparation required only 4 liquid transfers before injection into a dual-column HPLC equipped with switching valves to direct the flow to separation and column equilibration. Product-specific and internal standard–specific ion fragmentations were used for MS/MS quantification in the selected reaction monitoring mode.

RESULTS
Analysis of blood spots from 58 random newborns and lysosomal storage disease–affected patients showed that the assay readily distinguished affected from nonaffected individuals. The time per 9-plex analysis (1.8 min) was sufficiently short to be compatible with the workflow of newborn screening laboratories.

CONCLUSIONS
HPLC-MS/MS provides a viable alternative to flow-injection MS/MS for the quantification of lysosomal enzyme activities. It is possible to assay 9 lysosomal enzymes using 1 or 2 reaction buffers, thus minimizing the number of separate incubations necessary.
Successful Noninvasive Trisomy 18 Detection Using Single Molecule Sequencing
Authors: van den Oever Jessica ME , Balkassmi Sahila , Johansson Lennart F , Adama van Scheltema Phebe N , Suijkerbuijk Ron F , Hoffer Mariëtte JV , Sinke Richard J , Bakker Egbert , Sikkema-Raddatz Birgit , Boon Elles MJ 
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND
Noninvasive trisomy 21 detection performed by use of massively parallel sequencing is achievable with high diagnostic sensitivity and low false-positive rates. Detection of fetal trisomy 18 and 13 has been reported as well but seems to be less accurate with the use of this approach. The reduced accuracy can be explained by PCR-introduced guanine-cytosine (GC) bias influencing sequencing data. Previously, we demonstrated that sequence data generated by single molecule sequencing show virtually no GC bias and result in a more pronounced noninvasive detection of fetal trisomy 21. In this study, single molecule sequencing was used for noninvasive detection of trisomy 18 and 13.

METHODS
Single molecule sequencing was performed on the Helicos platform with free DNA isolated from maternal plasma from 11 weeks of gestation onward (n = 17). Relative sequence tag density ratios were calculated against male control plasma samples and results were compared to those of previous karyotyping.

RESULTS
All trisomy 18 fetuses were identified correctly with a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 100%. However, low diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were observed for fetal trisomy 13 detection.

CONCLUSIONS
We successfully applied single molecule sequencing in combination with relative sequence tag density calculations for noninvasive trisomy 18 detection using free DNA from maternal plasma. However, noninvasive trisomy 13 detection was not accurate and seemed to be influenced by more than just GC content.