bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Key Role for Efflux in the Preservative Susceptibility and Adaptive Resistance of Burkholderia cepacia Complex Bacteria
Authors: Rushton Laura , Sass Andrea , Baldwin Adam , Dowson Christopher G. , Donoghue Denise , Mahenthiralingam Eshwar 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Bacteria from the
Burkholderia cepacia
complex (Bcc) are encountered as industrial contaminants, and little is known about the species involved or their mechanisms of preservative resistance. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed that multiple Bcc species may cause contamination, with
B. lata
(
n
= 17) and
B. cenocepacia
(
n
= 11) dominant within the collection examined. At the strain level, 11 of the 31 industrial sequence types identified had also been recovered from either natural environments or clinical infections. Minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) preservative concentrations varied across 83 selected Bcc strains, with industrial strains demonstrating increased tolerance for dimethylol dimethyl hydantoin (DMDMH). Benzisothiazolinone (BIT), DMDMH, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), a blend of 3:1 methylisothiazolinone-chloromethylisothiazolinone (M-CMIT), methyl paraben (MP), and phenoxyethanol (PH), were all effective anti-Bcc preservatives; benzethonium chloride (BC) and sodium benzoate (SB) were least effective. Since
B. lata
was the dominant industrial Bcc species, the type strain, 383
T
(LMG 22485
T
), was used to study preservative tolerance. Strain 383 developed stable preservative tolerance for M-CMIT, MIT, BIT, and BC, which resulted in preservative cross-resistance and altered antibiotic susceptibility, motility, and biofilm formation. Transcriptomic analysis of the
B. lata
383 M-CMIT-adapted strain demonstrated that efflux played a key role in its M-CMIT tolerance and elevated fluoroquinolone resistance. The role of efflux was corroborated using the inhibitor
l
-Phe-Arg-β-napthylamide, which reduced the MICs of M-CMIT and ciprofloxacin. In summary, intrinsic preservative tolerance and stable adaptive changes, such as enhanced efflux, play a role in the ability of Bcc bacteria to cause industrial contamination.
Efficacy of Tigecycline Alone and in Combination with Gentamicin in the Treatment of Experimental Endocarditis Due to Linezolid-Resistant Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Pontikis Konstantinos , Pefanis Angelos , Tsaganos Thomas , Tzepi Ira-Maria , Carrer Dionyssia-Pinelopi , Giamarellou Helen 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the efficacy of tigecycline in a rabbit model of experimental endocarditis caused by a linezolid-resistant clinical strain of
Enterococcus faecium
. Tigecycline-treated animals had a 2.8-log
10
-CFU/g reduction in microbial counts in excised vegetations compared with controls. Addition of gentamicin caused a further arithmetical reduction in colony counts. The therapeutic effect was sustained 5 days after completion of treatment, as shown by relapse studies performed in treatment groups.
Drug Combinations against Mucor irregularis
In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Shuzhen , Li Ruoyu , Yu Jin 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Combinations of terbinafine or caspofungin with amphotericin B, posaconazole, or itraconazole were studied as potential treatments against 18 isolates of
Mucor irregularis
in vitro
. Synergism of the combinations of terbinafine with amphotericin B, posaconazole, and itraconazole against 38.9, 33.3, and 44.4% of the strains studied was observed. In contrast, synergism of the combinations of caspofungin with amphotericin B, posaconazole, and itraconazole against 99.4, 66.7, and 99.4% of the strains studied was observed. Furthermore, no antagonism was observed.
Suppression of T-Cell Chemokines by Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Jauregui Catherine E. , Wang Qian , Wright Christopher J. , Takeuchi Hiroki , Uriarte Silvia M. , Lamont Richard J. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Porphyromonas gingivalis
is a major pathogen in periodontal disease and is associated with immune dysbiosis. In this study, we found that
P. gingivalis
did not induce the expression of the T-cell chemokine IP-10 (CXCL10) from neutrophils, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), or gingival epithelial cells. Furthermore,
P. gingivalis
suppressed gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-stimulated release of IP-10, ITAC (CXCL11), and Mig (CXCL9) from epithelial cells and inhibited IP-10 secretion in a mixed infection with the otherwise stimulatory
Fusobacterium nucleatum
. Inhibition of chemokine expression occurred at the level of gene transcription and was associated with downregulation of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) and decreased levels of Stat1. Ectopic expression of IRF-1 in epithelial cells relieved
P. gingivalis
-induced inhibition of IP-10 release. Direct contact between
P. gingivalis
and epithelial cells was not required for IP-10 inhibition. These results highlight the immune-disruptive potential of
P. gingivalis
. Suppression of IP-10 and other Th1-biasing chemokines by
P. gingivalis
may perturb the balance of protective and destructive immunity in the periodontal tissues and facilitate the pathogenicity of oral microbial communities.
Regulatory Actions of Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 in Leishmania donovani Infection in the Liver
Authors: Murray Henry W. , Zhang Yunhua , Zhang Yan , Raman Vanitha S. , Reed Steven G. , Ma Xiaojing 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

In livers of susceptible but self-curing C57BL/6 mice, intracellular
Leishmania donovani
infection enhanced Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and TLR2 gene expression. In the liver, infected TLR4
−/−
mice showed reduced gamma interferon (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression, higher-level and slowly resolving infection, delayed granuloma formation, and little response to low-dose chemotherapy; in serum, the ratio of IFN-γ to interleukin 10 (IL-10) activity was decreased by 50%. In contrast, in TLR2
−/−
mice, control of liver infection, parasite killing, and granuloma assembly were accelerated and chemotherapy's efficacy enhanced. In livers of infected TLR2
−/−
mice, mRNA expression was not increased for inflammatory cytokines or iNOS or decreased for IL-10; however, the serum IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio was increased 6.5-fold and minimal responses to IL-10 receptor blockade suggested downregulated IL-10. In established infection in wild-type mice, blockading TLR2 induced parasite killing and triggering TLR4 strengthened resistance and promoted chemotherapy's effect. Thus, in experimental
L. donovani
infection in the liver, TLR4 signaling upregulates and TLR2 signaling downregulates macrophage antileishmanial activity, making both receptors potential therapeutic targets in visceral leishmaniasis for engagement (TLR4) or blockade (TLR2).
The Tumor-Suppressive Function ofUNC5Dand Its Repressed Expression in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lu Dan , Dong Dong , Zhou Yu , Lu Min , Pang Xue-Wen , Li Yan , Tian Xiao-Jun , Zhang Yu , Zhang Jun 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPurpose: As a newly added member of the UNC5H receptors, the function of UNC5D/H4 in tumorigenesis remains poorly defined. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of UNC5D in primary renal cell carcinomas (RCC), analyze the mechanisms responsible for its downregulation in RCC, and assess its functional relevance to tumor growth and migration.Experimental Design: Forty-four paired primary RCCs and corresponding adjacent noncancerous tissues were collected. The mRNA and protein expression level of UNC5D was assessed by reverse transcriptase-PCR, real-time PCR, or immunohistochemistry. Epigenetic alterations in UNC5D promoter and LOH in the UNC5D locus were also analyzed. Ectopic expression of UNC5D in renal cancer cells with silenced expression of UNC5D was used for analysis of the biologic functions of UNC5D.Results: UNC5D expression was attenuated in multiple carcinoma cell lines including renal cancer cells. Similar reduction was also observed in primary RCC tissues as compared with paired adjacent noncancerous tissues. Methylation-specific PCR showed hypermethylation in UNC5D promoter in a significant proportion (18 of 44) of tumor tissue (40.9%). LOH of UNC5D was observed in 13 of 44 patients with RCCs (29.5%). Restoration of UNC5D expression in renal cancer cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, anchorage-dependent and -independent growth, as well as migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of UNC5D promoted cell growth. Furthermore, ectopic expression of UNC5D induced G2–M cell-cycle arrest.Conclusions: UNC5D is a functional tumor suppressor that is frequently downregulated in RCCs due to promoter hypermethylation and LOH. Clin Cancer Res; 19(11); 2883–92. ©2013 AACR.
Korea’s Experience of Peaceful Settlement of WTO Disputes Some Lessons for Asia
Authors: Choi Won-Mog 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Without the means of DSP, a rules-based system of WTO would be less effective because the rules could not be enforced. In order to receive benefits of depoliticization of trade disputes, the DSP must function as an alternative that is readily available to decision makers. After a trial and error process, Korea learned this lesson and moved to a policy of practical legalism.
To actively pursue this policy, Korea unified governmental agencies related to the DSP function into a single organization and it has fully implemented DSB recommendations. Despite this general trend, a warning signal of possible non-compliance with DSB recommendations has been seen from the recent political atmosphere in Korea.
All of these experiences and lessons of Korea deserve to be learned by other Asian countries. How to enhance legal capacity of in-house counsels and how to establish a system that connects the growing demands of private parties to the DSP are remaining tasks for Asia to undertake.
Korea and TWAIL: Does She Fit into the Picture?
Authors: Park Pae Keun 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
The historical experiences of Korea around the 19th century do not seem to fit well into the theoretical perspective of TWAIL. It was not Europeans who colonized Korea. Cultural differences cannot explain the Korean experience of exclusion and marginalization as they were brought about by Japan and China who belong to the same cultural sphere as Korea. The cause of imperialism and colonialism may not be confined only to cultural differences. It is not only Europeans who were imperialist and colonialist. Even though it is an undeniable fact that imperialism and colonialism were largely exerted by Westerners, imperialism and colonialism are not solely racial problems. These facts, together with many other facts about Korea, suggest the necessity of a revision of some of the assertions of TWAIL.
Indigenous Peoples and Modernity
Authors: Kowalczyk Anna Maria 
Published: April 2013

The twenty-first century has ushered in a new era for the numerous social and political movements of Mapuche indigenous groups in Chile. Apart from distancing themselves from state institutionality and demanding autonomy, they have tended to reject alliances with the traditional left, considering it alien to indigenous subjectivities. Study of these various “new wave” movements paying particular attention to the relationship between indigenous and modern subjectivities suggests that, while the historical memory of Mapuche social and political organization may contribute to the creation of a powerful progressive social movement, the highly modernized Mapuche indigenous cultures are also quite compatible with an indigenous brand of neoliberalism. El siglo veintiuno dio paso a una nueva era para los numerosos movimientos sociales y políticos de grupos indígenas mapuches en Chile. Aparte de distanciarse de la institucionalidad estatal y exigir autonomía, también solían rechazar una alianza con la izquierda tradicional, considerándola ajena a las subjetividades indígenas. Un estudio de la relación entre subjetividades indígenas y modernas sugiere que, mientras la memoria histórica de organización social y política mapuche podría contribuir a la creación de un poderoso movimiento progresista social, las modernizadas culturas indígenas mapuches son también altamente compatibles con una marca indígena de neoliberalismo.
Knockdown of DEPTOR inhibits cell proliferation and increases chemosensitivity to melphalan in human multiple myeloma RPMI-8226 cells via inhibiting PI3K/AKT activity
Authors: Zhang Hao-Ran , Chen Jun-Min , Zeng Zhi-Yong , Que Wen-Zhong 
Published: April 2013

Objective The present study determined the role of DEP domain containing mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR) in the proliferation, apoptosis and chemosensitivity of RPMI-8226 multiple myeloma cells, using small hairpin RNA (shRNA) to knock down DEPTOR gene expression in vitro. Methods DEPTOR mRNA and protein levels in RPMI-8226 cells treated with DEPTOR-specific shRNA were evaluated by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Expression of apoptosis-associated proteins (including cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved poly-ADP ribose polymerase [PARP]) and activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homologue 1 (AKT) signalling pathway were detected by Western blotting. Results Transfection of DEPTOR-specific shRNA successfully knocked down DEPTOR gene expression in transfected RPMI-8226 cells. These transfected cells, together with control RPMI-8226 cells, were treated with 20 µmol/l melphalan for 24 h. Knockdown of DEPTOR exacerbated melphalan-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis, increased levels of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP, and reduced levels of phosphor-AKT. Conclusion Downregulation of DEPTOR inhibited proliferation and increased chemosensitivity to melphalan in human multiple myeloma RPMI-8226 cells via inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Midterm Results of Comprehensive Surgical Reconstruction Including Sulcus-Deepening Trochleoplasty in Recurrent Patellar Dislocations With High-Grade Trochlear Dysplasia
Authors: Ntagiopoulos Panagiotis G. , Byn Pieter , Dejour David 
Published: April 2013

Background: Trochlear dysplasia is one of the most consistent anatomic factors that can lead to recurrent patellar dislocations. Various trochleoplasty procedures have been described to treat patellar dislocations in high-grade dysplasia by creating a new congruent trochlea. Purpose: To present the midterm efficacy and outcome of the sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty procedure in patients with recurrent patellar dislocations due to high-grade trochlear dysplasia. The clinical evaluation results, the amount of radiological correction, and the prevalence of arthritis were recorded. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 27 skeletally mature patients (31 knees) with recurrent patellar dislocations due to high-grade trochlear dysplasia without any previous surgery were retrospectively included from September 1993 to September 2006. All patients underwent sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty combined with a bony and/or soft tissue procedure according to concomitant etiological factors to patellar dislocations: medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (16.1%), vastus medialis obliquus plasty (83.8%), tibial tuberosity distalization (51.6%), tibial tuberosity medialization (67.7%), and lateral retinaculum release (67.6%). Mean follow-up was 7 years (range, 2-9 years). Results: The mean sulcus angle decreased significantly ( P < .01) from 152° ± 16° preoperatively to 141° ± 9° postoperatively, tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance decreased significantly ( P < .001) from 19 ± 4 mm to 12 ± 5 mm, and patellar tilt decreased significantly ( P < .001) from 37° ± 7° to 15° ± 8°. No recurrence was observed, and there was no case of stiffness. Apprehension signs remained positive in 19.3% of the cases, patellar tracking was normal in all cases, and the lateral patellar glide test finding was negative in 96.8%. The mean preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 51 (range, 25-80), and the mean postoperative IKDC score was 82 (range, 40-100) ( P < .001), while the mean Kujala score improved from a preoperative 59 (range, 28-81) to 87 (range, 49-100) postoperatively ( P < .001). There was no radiographic evidence of patellofemoral arthritis at the latest follow-up. Conclusion: Sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty is a valid option for the primary surgical treatment of carefully selected patients with recurrent patellar dislocations with high-grade trochlear dysplasia type B and D. Concomitant etiological factors must be cautiously corrected in an associated procedure. Midterm follow-up showed satisfactory restoration of patellar stability and improvement of knee scores with no complication of subsequent arthritis.
Exposure to mercury among dental health workers in Turkey
Authors: Yılmaz Hınç , Tutkun Engin , Demiralp Kemal Ö , Yılmaz Fatma M , Aliyev Vugar , Söylemezoğlu Tülin 
Published: April 2013

Purpose: To investigate the current status of exposure to mercury (Hg) among dental health workers in Turkey. Methods: A total of 115 persons working in the same hospital were included in the study and were divided into three groups. Group 1 consisted of 67 dentists; group 2 consisted of 21 dental personnel who work with amalgam, and group 3 consisted of 27 control subjects who work in the same hospital but are non-dental personnel. The number of amalgam fillings that have been made by the dentists and the number of own fillings of the subjects were recorded. Results: Plasma Hg levels were found to be 3.76 ± 1.84, 3.54 ± 1.83, and 2.69 ± 0.97 µg/L in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Hg concentrations in group 1 were significantly higher than the control group. There was no significant difference between groups 1 and 2. The number of amalgam fillings made by the dentists in the previous year correlated significantly with plasma Hg levels ( r = 0.378, p < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between the own amalgam fillings in the teeth of the subjects and Hg levels. Conclusion: Preventive measures for protection from exposure to Hg are necessary for occupational health in dentistry and proper industrial hygiene rules should be emphasized to avoid contamination during work.
Barriers to Mental Health Care Utilization in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Dobkin Roseanne D. , Rubino Jade Tiu , Friedman Jill , Allen Lesley A. , Gara Michael A. , Menza Matthew 
Published: April 2013

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is frequently complicated by co-occurring psychiatric problems such as depression and anxiety that negatively affect the course and management of the illness. Yet, in most cases, these psychiatric comorbidities are neither recognized nor treated to remission. The primary purpose of this study was to identify and describe barriers to mental health care utilization for people with PD. Secondary objectives included the assessment of attitudes and preferences regarding the need for mental health services in the PD community and the acceptability of telehealth interventions as a method for improving access and quality of care. Methods: A total of 769 people with PD completed an anonymous cross-sectional questionnaire assessing barriers to mental health care utilization in this medical population. Respondents were drawn from a national sample. Results: Commonly endorsed barriers to mental health care utilization in PD reflect the patients’ incomplete understanding of mental health problems, access issues, and illness-specific concerns, as well as the inadequate screening and detection of psychiatric complications by medical providers and the need for more effective treatments in this medical population. Several demographic, medical, and psychiatric variables also influenced the likelihood of accessing mental health care. Interest in telehealth approaches to mental health treatment was high and, in several instances, correlated with perceived barriers to mental health care utilization. Conclusions: People with PD may encounter a multitude of barriers that impede their pursuit of mental health care. Clinical implications are discussed and further research is needed to replicate and extend these findings.
Novel sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)/ polybenzimidazole blends for proton exchange membranes
Authors: Feng Pengju , Liu Zhuang , Liu Siyuan , Li Xiaobai , Hu Wei , Jiang Zhenhua , Liu Baijun 
Published: April 2013

A novel soluble polybenzimidazole with a pendant phenyl group (Ph-PBI) was successfully synthesized based on 4,4′-(1,4-phenylenedioxy-2-phenyl) dibenzoic acid and diaminobenzidine. A phenylated sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (Ph-SPEEK) with a similar chemical structure to Ph-PBI was selected as matrix. Ph-SPEEK/Ph-PBI membranes were produced by a solution method. The obtained blend membranes exhibited much higher thermal stability as well as oxidative stability and lower water uptake than the pristine Ph-SPEEK membrane. The proton conductivity of the blend membranes could be in the range of 0.0374–0.1456 S cm−1 at 100°C. As a result, the blend membranes also showed improved mechanical properties that may be related with the acid–base interactions between the two components.
Modification of dicyandiamide-cured epoxy resin with different molecular weights of polyethylene glycol and its effect on epoxy/glass prepreg characteristics
Authors: Mahnam Navid , Beheshty Mohammad Hosain , Barmar Mohammad , Shervin Mahdieh 
Published: April 2013

Epoxy resins are widely used in the manufacture of structural composites; however, the inherent brittleness of epoxy matrices has restricted their applications. In this work, a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A epoxy resin cured by dicyandiamide (DICY) was modified by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) with molecular weights of 2000 and 4000 g/mol in amounts of 10, 20, and 30 phr. The effect of these PEGs on the mechanical properties and fracture toughness of epoxy resin was studied. Toughness (the area under the stress–strain curve) increased approximately four- and eightfold upon the addition of 20 and 30 phr of the PEGs, respectively. Results of this study also showed a 73% increase in fracture toughness (KIC) and increases in 300% and 425% in fracture energy (GIC) following the addition of 30 phr of PEGs 2000 and 4000, respectively. Subsequently, prepregs having 50 wt% resin content were prepared. Then relevant prepreg tests such as rheology, resin flow, and lap shear strength were performed. Increasing the PEGs continuously improved resin flow. Scanning electron micrographs (SEMs) of unmodified samples and some PEG-modified samples were examined. SEM showed homogeneous blends with no phase separation occurring.