bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facilitation of electroporative drug uptake and cell killing by electrosensitization
Authors: Pakhomova Olga N. , Gregory Betsy W. , Pakhomov Andrei G. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractCell permeabilization by electric pulses (EP), or electroporation, is widely used for intracellular delivery of drugs and plasmids, as well as for tumour and tissue ablation. We found that cells pre‐treated with 100‐μs EP develop delayed hypersensitivity to subsequent EP applications. Sensitizing B16 and CHO cells by splitting a single train of eight 100‐μs EP into two trains of four EP each (with 5‐min. interval) decreased the LD50 1.5–2 times. Sensitization profoundly enhanced the electroporation‐assisted uptake of bleomycin, a cell‐impermeable cytotoxic agent accepted for killing tumours by electrochemotherapy. EP exposures that were not lethal per se caused cell death in the presence of bleomycin and proportionally to its concentration. Sensitizing cells by a split‐dose EP exposure increased bleomycin‐mediated lethality to the same extent as a 10‐fold increase in bleomycin concentration when using a single EP dose. Likewise, sensitization by a split‐dose EP exposure (without changing the overall dose, pulse number, or amplitude) enhanced the electroporative uptake of propidium up to fivefold. Enhancement of the electroporative uptake appears a key mechanism of electrosensitization and may benefit electrochemotherapy and numerous applications that employ EP for cell permeabilization.
Acute hyperglycaemia enhances oxidative stress and aggravates myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury: role of thioredoxin‐interacting protein
Authors: Su Hui , Ji Lele , Xing Wenjuan , Zhang Wei , Zhou Heping , Qian Xinhong , Wang Xiaoming , Gao Feng , Sun Xin , Zhang Haifeng 
Published: January 2013

AbstractHyperglycaemia during acute myocardial infarction is common and associated with increased mortality. Thioredoxin‐interacting protein (Txnip) is a modulator of cellular redox state and contributes to cell apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate whether or not hyperglycaemia enhances Txnip expression in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (MI/R) and consequently exacerbates MI/R injury. Rats were subjected to 30 min. of left coronary artery ligation followed by 4 hrs of reperfusion and treated with saline or high glucose (HG, 500 g/l, 4 ml/kg/h intravenously). In vitro study was performed on cultured rat cardiomyocytes subjected to simulated ischaemia/reperfusion (SI/R) and incubated with HG (25 mM) or normal glucose (5.6 mM) medium. In vivo HG infusion during MI/R significantly impaired cardiac function, aggravated myocardial injury and increased cardiac oxidative stress. Meanwhile, Txnip expression was enhanced whereas thioredoxin activity was inhibited following HG treatment in ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) hearts. In addition, HG activated p38 MAPK and inhibited Akt in I/R hearts. In cultured cardiomyocytes subjected to SI/R, HG incubation stimulated Txnip expression and reduced thioredoxin activity. Overexpression of Txnip enhanced HG‐induced superoxide generation and aggravated cardiomyocyte apoptosis, whereas Txnip RNAi significantly blunted the deleterious effects of HG. Moreover, inhibition of p38 MAPK or activation of Akt markedly blocked HG‐induced Txnip expression in I/R cardiomyocytes. Most importantly, intramyocardial injection of Txnip siRNA markedly decreased Txnip expression and alleviated MI/R injury in HG‐treated rats. Hyperglycaemia enhances myocardial Txnip expression, possibly through reciprocally modulating p38 MAPK and Akt activation, leading to aggravated oxidative stress and subsequently, amplification of cardiac injury following MI/R.
Apoptosis drives cancer cells proliferate and metastasize
Authors: Wang Rui‐An , Li Qin‐Long , Li Zeng‐Shan , Zheng Ping‐Ju , Zhang Hui‐Zhong , Huang Xiao‐Feng , Chi Su‐Min , Yang An‐Gang , Cui Rutao 
Published: January 2013

AbstractCancer has been considered to be the result of accumulated gene mutations, which result in uncontrolled cell proliferations for a long time. Cancers are also regarded to be capable of immune evasion. Furthermore, resistance to apoptosis was recognized as an important trait of cancer in the last score of years. However, there are numerous paradoxical issues in this whole set of theory. For example, there is no known set of genes of which mutations are responsible for human cancers. As for the trait of ‘resistance to apoptosis’, the fact is that cancer has increased frequency of apoptosis. The more malignant the tumour is, the more apoptosis shows. In this study, we propose a new theory that apoptosis plays a key role in the malignant progression and metastasis of cancer. The growth of tumour is the difference between tumour cell proliferation and attrition plus the hyperplastic growth of stroma. Increased and unpreventable death caused by innate or environmental factors such as ischaemia and inflammation drives the tumour cells to proliferate relentlessly, move to new lands to establish colonies. In short, increased cell death is the origin of malignancy.
Sperm counts may have declined in young university students in Southern Spain
Authors: Mendiola Jaime , Jørgensen Niels , Mínguez‐Alarcón Lidia , Sarabia‐Cos Laura , López‐Espín José J. , Vivero‐Salmerón Guillermo , Ruiz‐Ruiz Karen J. , Fernández Mariana F. , Olea Nicolás , Swan Shanna H. , Torres‐Cantero Alberto M. 
Published: January 2013

SummarySeveral studies have investigated temporal trends in semen quality in Northern Europe, but none has examined this question in Southern Europe. A prior study conducted in Almeria Province (Southern Spain) reported higher sperm count and concentration among Spanish young men recruited from 2001 to 2002 compared with young men from Northern Europe. The aim of this new study was to examine whether semen quality has changed among Spanish young men in the last decade. In this cross‐sectional study, questionnaires and semen samples were collected from 215 healthy young university students from Murcia Region between 2010 and 2011. The 273 men from the Almeria study previously studied were included in a trend analysis of the two populations from Southern Spain. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the Murcia study population and these and semen variables for the Murcia and Almeria study populations were compared. Study methods and population characteristics were similar across the two studies. Therefore, we used multiple linear regression analyses on the combined population (controlling for study centre, age, ejaculation abstinence time, season, smoking, medication during the last 3 months, Body mass index (BMI), presence of varicocoele and prenatal exposure to tobacco) to look for a birth‐cohort effect over the combined study period (2001–2011). Sperm concentration and total sperm count declined significantly with year of birth in the pooled analysis (β = −0.04 and β = −0.06, respectively, both p < 0.01). Sperm counts were significantly lower in Murcia study subjects than in the Almeria participants; sperm concentration median (5th–95th) = 44.0 (8.9–129) million/mL vs. 51.0 (5.0–206) million/mL; p < 0.01 and total sperm count = 121 (17.8–400) million vs. 149 (8.0–599) million; p < 0.01. Other semen variables did not differ significantly between the two studies. Our study suggests that total sperm count and sperm concentration may have declined in young Spanish men over the last decade.
Aeromonas spp. whole genomes and virulence factors implicated in fish disease
Authors: Beaz‐Hidalgo R , Figueras M J 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIt is widely recognized that Aeromonas infections produce septicaemia, and ulcerative and haemorrhagic diseases in fish, causing significant mortality in both wild and farmed freshwater and marine fish species that damage the economics of the aquaculture sector. The descriptions of the complete genomes of Aeromonas species have allowed the identification of an important number of virulence genes that affect the pathogenic potential of these bacteria. This review will focus on the most relevant information derived from the available Aeromonas genomes in relation to virulence and on the diverse virulence factors that actively participate in host adherence, colonization and infection, including structural components, extracellular factors, secretion systems, iron acquisition and quorum sensing mechanisms.
Comparative susceptibility among three stocks of yellow perch, Perca flavescens (Mitchill), to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus strain IVb from the Great Lakes
Authors: Olson W , Emmenegger E , Glenn J , Winton J , Goetz F 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe Great Lakes strain of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus IVb (VHSV‐IVb) is capable of infecting a wide number of naive species and has been associated with large fish kills in the Midwestern United States since its discovery in 2005. The yellow perch, Perca flavescens (Mitchill), a freshwater species commonly found throughout inland waters of the United States and prized for its high value in sport and commercial fisheries, is a species documented in several fish kills affiliated with VHS. In the present study, differences in survival after infection with VHSV IVb were observed among juvenile fish from three yellow perch broodstocks that were originally derived from distinct wild populations, suggesting innate differences in susceptibility due to genetic variance. While all three stocks were susceptible upon waterborne exposure to VHS virus infection, fish derived from the Midwest (Lake Winnebago, WI) showed significantly lower cumulative % survival compared with two perch stocks derived from the East Coast (Perquimans River, NC and Choptank River, MD) of the United States. However, despite differences in apparent susceptibility, clinical signs did not vary between stocks and included moderate‐to‐severe haemorrhages at the pelvic and pectoral fin bases and exophthalmia. After the 28‐day challenge was complete, VHS virus was analysed in subsets of whole fish that had either survived or succumbed to the infection using both plaque assay and quantitative PCR methodologies. A direct correlation was identified between the two methods, suggesting the potential for both methods to be used to detect virus in a research setting.
Safety of Ready‐to‐Eat Watercress Using Environmentally Friendly Sanitization Methods
Authors: Hinojosa Andrea , Silveira Ana Cecilia , Ospina Monica , Char Cielo , Sáenz Carmen , Escalona Víctor H. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractChlorine‐based washing systems have been widely used by the fresh‐cut industry. However, there is much interest in developing safer and more environmentally friendly sanitization methods. Watercress was immersed in sodium hypochlorite (100 mg/L), hydrogen peroxide (167 mg/L) or citric acid (10 g/L) or exposed to ultraviolet C (UV‐C) light (6 or 18 kJ/m2 by exposure for 3 or 7 min, respectively), and stored in modified atmosphere packaging at 5C and 95% relative humidity. The respiration rate, packaging gas composition, color, microbiological growth (psychrotrophic and mesophilic microorganisms, Enterobacteriaceae, mold and yeasts), antioxidant capability, polyphenol content and sensory quality were measured. The different treatments did not affect the respiration rate (average 22 mg CO2/kg·h) after 14 days. Psychrotrophic bacteria reached approximately 7 log10 cfu/g, regardless of the treatment, after 14 days. UV‐C decreased mesophilic counts, while H2O2 reduced Enterobacteriaceae. UV‐C exposure increased the antioxidant capability, which was maintained throughout the storage. None of the treatments affected the color parameters and sensory quality. All of the treatments analyzed, especially UV‐C, may be useful for maintaining watercress quality.Practical ApplicationsIncreasing popularity of nontraditional vegetables has created a new opportunity for innovation in the development of horticultural minimally processed fresh products. This industry is interested in developing safer and more environmentally friendly sanitization methods to replace chlorine‐based washing systems. This study focused on the assessment of immersion in three chemical‐sanitizer solutions (sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide and citric acid) or the exposure to ultraviolet C (UV‐C) light in combination with modified atmosphere packaging and refrigerated storage (5C and 95% relative humidity). The evaluated disinfection methods resulted as or more effective at reducing microbial growth than chlorine washing. The UV‐C treatments improved the functional quality of watercress by increasing the total antioxidant capability and total polyphenol content. The implementation of low cost sanitization methods such as the tested alternative sanitizers or UV‐C light may be useful for maintaining the overall quality and extending the shelf life of ready‐to‐eat watercress and other vegetables.
Challenges in Assessing Nursing Home Residents with Advanced Dementia for Suspected Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Agata Erika D' , Loeb Mark B. , Mitchell Susan L. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo describe the presentation of suspected urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia and how they align with minimum criteria to justify antimicrobial initiation.DesignTwelve‐month prospective study.SettingTwenty‐five NHs.ParticipantsTwo hundred sixty‐six NH residents with advanced dementia.MeasurementsCharts were abstracted monthly for documentation of suspected UTI episodes to determine whether episodes met minimum criteria to initiate antimicrobial therapy according to consensus guidelines.ResultsSeventy‐two residents experienced 131 suspected UTI episodes. Presenting symptoms and signs for these episodes are mental status change (44.3%), fever (20.6%), hematuria (6.9%), dysuria (3.8%), costovertebral tenderness (2.3%), urinary frequency (1.5%), rigor (1.5%), urgency (0%), and suprapubic pain (0%). Only 21 (16.0%) episodes met minimal criteria to initiate antimicrobial therapy based on signs and symptoms. Of the 110 episodes that lacked minimum criteria to justify antimicrobial initiation, 82 (74.5%) were treated with antimicrobial therapy. Urinalyses and urine culture results were available for 101 episodes, of which 80 (79.2%) had positive results on both tests. The proportion of episodes with a positive urinalysis and culture was similar for those that met (83.3%) and did not meet (78.3%) minimum criteria (P = .06).ConclusionThe symptoms and signs necessary to meet minimum criteria to support antimicrobial initiation for UTIs are frequently absent in NH residents with advanced dementia. Antimicrobial therapy is prescribed for the majority of suspected UTIs that do not meet these minimum criteria. Urine specimens are frequently positive regardless of symptoms. These observations underscore the need to reconsider the diagnosis and the initiation of treatment for suspected UTIs in advanced dementia.
Fall‐Associated Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living in Functionally Independent Individuals Aged 65 to 69 in the United States: A Cohort Study
Authors: Sekaran Nishant K. , Choi Hwajung , Hayward Rodney A. , Langa Kenneth M. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo determine whether falling would be a marker for future difficulty with activities of daily (ADLs) that would vary according to fall frequency and associated injury.DesignLongitudinal analysis.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsNationally representative cohort of 2,020 community‐living, functionally independent older adults aged 65 to 69 at baseline followed from 1998 to 2008.MeasurementsADL difficulty.ResultsExperiencing one fall with injury (odds ratio (OR) = 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.29–2.48), at least two falls without injury (OR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.80–3.09), or at least two falls with at least one injury (OR = 3.75, 95% CI = 2.55–5.53) in the prior 2 years was independently associated with higher rates of ADL difficulty after adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical covariates.ConclusionFalling is an important marker for future ADL difficulty in younger, functionally independent older adults. Individuals who fall frequently or report injury are at highest risk.
The crocidolite fibres interaction with human mesothelial cells as investigated by combining electron microscopy, atomic force and scanning near‐field optical microscopy
Authors: ANDOLFI LAURA , TREVISAN ELISA , ZWEYER MARINA , PRATO STEFANO , TROIAN BARBARA , VITA FRANCESCA , BORELLI VIOLETTA , SORANZO MARIA ROSA , MELATO MAURO , ZABUCCHI GIULIANO 
Published: January 2013

SummaryIn this study, we have performed a morphological analysis of crocidolite fibres interaction with mesothelial cells (MET5A) by combining conventional electron microscopy with atomic force (AFM) and scanning near‐field optical microscopy (SNOM). After 6‐h exposure at a crocidolite dose of 5 μg cm−2, 90% of MET5A cells interact with fibres that under these conditions have a low cytotoxic effect. SEM images point out that fibres can be either engulfed by the cells that lose their typical morphology or they can accumulate over or partially inside the cells, which preserve their typical spread morphology. By using AFM we are able to directly visualize the entry‐site of nanometric‐sized fibres at the plasma membrane of the spread mesothelial cells. More importantly, the crocidolite fibres that are observed to penetrate the plasma membrane in SNOM topography can be simultaneously followed beneath the cell surface in the SNOM optical images. The analysis of SNOM data demonstrates the entrance of crocidolite fibres in proximity of nuclear compartment, as observed also in the TEM images. Our findings indicate that the combination of conventional electron microscopy with novel nanoscopic techniques can be considered a promising approach to achieve a comprehensive morphological description of the interaction between asbestos fibres and mesothelial cells that represents the early event in fibre pathogenesis.
Stages and duration of the seminiferous epithelium cycle in the bat Sturnira lilium
Authors: Morais Danielle B. , de Paula Tarcízio A. R. , Barros Mirlaine S. , Balarini Maytê K. , de Freitas Mariella B. D. , da Matta Sérgio L. P. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractKnowledge of the stages that compose the seminiferous epithelium cycle (SEC) and determination of the duration of spermatogenic processes are fundamental for the accurate quantification of the dynamics of spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to characterize the stages that compose the SEC of the bat Sturnira lilium, including evaluation of the average frequency of each of these stages throughout the year and calculation of the duration of the spermatogenic process. An ultrastructural characterization of the formation of the acrosomal cap was also performed. Testicular fragments were processed for morphological and immunohistochemical analysis as well as ultrastructural analysis using transmission electron microscopy. According to the tubular morphology method, the SEC in S. lilium is divided into eight stages, following the pattern found in other mammals. Primary spermatocytes were found at zygotene in stage 1 of the cycle. There was no variation in frequency of each of the stages over the seasons, with stage 1 being the most frequent, and stage 7 the least frequent. The duration of one seminiferous epithelium cycle was 3.45 days, and approximately 15.52 days were required for the development of sperm from spermatogonia. Ultrastructural characterization allowed the formation of the acrosomal cap in round spermatids to be monitored. In conclusion, the stages that compose the SEC in S. lilium are generally similar to those described for other mammals, but the duration of the spermatogenic process is shorter than previously recorded for mammals. The presence of primary spermatocytes at zygotene in stage 1 of the cycle is probably due to the longer duration of this stage.
Identifying challenges of living with type 1 diabetes: child and youth perspectives
Authors: Freeborn Donna , Dyches Tina , Roper Susanne O , Mandleco Barbara 
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectivesTo identify challenges children and youth with type 1 diabetes encounter from their own perspectives.BackgroundType 1 diabetes requires lifestyle changes involving diet modification, monitoring blood glucose, counting carbohydrates and administering insulin. Learning self‐care and developing positive attitudes can improve glucose management and promote long‐term benefits. Therefore, understanding challenges of youth living with type 1 diabetes from their own perspective is an important first step in improving diabetes outcomes for this age group.DesignQualitative descriptive design using focus groups to identify the experiences and challenges of children and youth living with type 1 diabetes.MethodsSix focus groups were held over a four‐month period in 2010; each participant attended one focus group. A total of 16 children and youth with type 1 diabetes participated. The focus group discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed for common themes according to qualitative methodology. To assure trustworthiness, investigators independently coded interviews and themes were refined and adjusted until consensus was reached.ResultsThree themes emerged after analysing transcripts from the focus groups that embody challenges children and youth with type 1 diabetes faced: (1) low blood glucose; (2) self‐care activities; and (3) feeling different and/or alone.ConclusionsData indicated type 1 diabetes is challenging for this age group. These challenges must be addressed to assist youth in learning to manage their disease and promote healthy outcomes.Relevance to clinical practiceIt is important for nurses to discuss challenges, understand perspectives of this age group, listen to their concerns, work with them to develop strategies promoting health, minimise complications, reduce or eliminate feeling different or alone and assist parents' efforts to be supportive.
Classification of crucigenoid algae: phylogenetic position of the reinstated genus Lemmermannia, Tetrastrum spp. Crucigenia tetrapedia, and C. lauterbornii (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)1
Authors: Bock Christina , Luo Wei , Kusber Wolf‐Henning , Hegewald Eberhard , Pažoutová Marie , Krienitz Lothar 
Published: January 2013

The subfamily Crucigenioideae was traditionally classified within the well‐characterized family Scenedesmaceae (Chlorophyceae). Several morpho‐logical revisions and questionable taxonomic changes hampered the correct classification of crucigenoid species resulting in a high number of synonymous genera. We used a molecular approach to determine the phylogenetic position of several Tetrastrum and Crucigenia species. The molecular results were correlated with morphological and ontogenetic characters. Phylogenetic analyses of the SSU rDNA gene resolved the position of Tetrastrum heteracanthum and T. staurogeniaeforme as a new lineage within the Oocystis clade of the Trebouxiophyceae. Crucigenia tetrapedia, T. triangulare, T. punctatum, and T. komarekii were shown to be closely related to Botryococcus (Trebouxiophyceae) and were transferred to Lemmer‐mannia. Crucigenia lauterbornii was not closely related to the other Crucigenia strains, but was recovered within the Chlorella clade of the Trebouxiophyceae.