bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of [11C]ORM‐13070 as a PET tracer for alpha2c‐adrenoceptors in the human brain
Authors: Lehto Jussi , Hirvonen Mika M. , Johansson Jarkko , Kemppainen Jukka , Luoto Pauliina , Naukkarinen Tarja , Oikonen Vesa , Arponen Eveliina , Rouru Juha , Sallinen Jukka , Scheinin Harry , Vuorilehto Lauri , Finnema Sjoerd J. , Halldin Christer , Rinne Juha O. , Scheinin Mika 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThis study explored the use of the α2C‐adrenoceptor PET tracer [11C]ORM‐13070 to monitor α2C‐AR occupancy in the human brain. The subtype‐nonselective α2‐AR antagonist atipamezole was administered to eight healthy volunteer subjects to determine its efficacy and potency (Emax and EC50) at inhibiting tracer uptake. We also explored whether the tracer could reveal changes in the synaptic concentrations of endogenous noradrenaline in the brain, in response to several pharmacological and sensory challenge conditions. We assessed occupancy from the bound‐to‐free ratio measured during 5–30 min post injection. Based on extrapolation of one‐site binding, the maximal extent of inhibition of striatal [11C]ORM‐13070 uptake (Emax) achievable by atipamezole was 78% (95% CI 69–87%) in the caudate nucleus and 65% (53–77%) in the putamen. The EC50 estimates of atipamezole (1.6 and 2.5 ng/ml, respectively) were in agreement with the drug's affinity to α2C‐ARs. These findings represent clear support for the use of [11C]ORM‐13070 for monitoring drug occupancy of α2C‐ARs in the living human brain. Three of the employed noradrenaline challenges were associated with small, approximately 10–16% average reductions in tracer uptake in the dorsal striatum (atomoxetine, ketamine, and the cold pressor test; P < 0.05 for all), but insulin‐induced hypoglycemia did not affect tracer uptake. The tracer is suitable for studying central nervous system receptor occupancy by α2C‐AR ligands in human subjects. [11C]ORM‐13070 also holds potential as a tool for in vivo monitoring of synaptic concentrations of noradrenaline, but this remains to be further evaluated in future studies. Synapse 69:172–181, 2015.  © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bisphenol a exposure promotes the migration of NCM460 cells via estrogen receptor‐mediated integrin β1/MMP‐9 pathway
Authors: Shi Tonglin , Zhao Chao , Li Zhuoyu , Zhang Quanbin , Jin Xiaoting 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTBisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used industrial chemical and also an environmental endocrine disruptor (EED), which serves as a monomer in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics. BPA enters human body mainly through oral intake, and has been reported as being linked to oncogenesis in many tissues. However, the association of BPA intake with gastrointestinal cancer, such as colon cancer, has received less attention. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of BPA on the migration of normal colon epithelial cells (NCM460 cells) and further elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Our data showed that 1 × 10−8 M (equivalent to environmental concentration) of BPA potently promoted the migration of NCM460 cells. Interestingly, BPA treatment induced an increase of integrin β1 expression, and the functional blocking of integrin β1 abolished the migration‐promoting effects of BPA. Moreover, the results showed that it was estrogen receptor β but not estrogen receptor α that was involved in this migration promotion. In addition, cellular exposure of BPA stimulated the expression and activity of MMP‐9, a well‐known factor of cell migration. Taken together, these results indicate that environmental concentration of BPA exposure promotes cell migration through activating ERβ‐mediated integrin β1/MMP‐9 pathway, suggesting exposure to BPA in the colon may present a potential cancer risk. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 799–807, 2016.
The possible role of liver kinase B1 in hydroquinone‐induced toxicity of murine fetal liver and bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Li Zhen , Wang Chunhong , Zhu Jie , Bai YuE , Wang Wei , Zhou Yanfeng , Zhang Shaozun , Liu Xiangxiang , Zhou Sheng , Huang Wenting , Bi Yongyi , Wang Hong 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTEpidemiological studies suggest that the increasing incidence of childhood leukemia may be due to maternal exposure to benzene, which is a known human carcinogen; however, the mechanisms involved remain unknown. Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1) acts as a regulator of cellular energy metabolism and functions to regulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) homeostasis. We hypothesize that LKB1 contributes to the deregulation of fetal or bone hematopoiesis caused by the benzene metabolite hydroquinone (HQ). To evaluate this hypothesis, we compared the effects of HQ on murine fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells (FL‐HSCs) and bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (BM‐HSCs). FL‐HSCs and BM‐HSCs were isolated and enriched by a magnetic cell sorting system and exposed to various concentrations of HQ (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 μM) for 24 h. We found that the inhibition of differentiation and growth, as well as the apoptosis rate of FL‐HSCs, induced by HQ were consistent with the changes in BM‐HSCs. Furthermore, G1 cell cycle arrest was observed in BM‐HSCs and FL‐HSCs in response to HQ. Importantly, FL‐HSCs were more sensitive than BM‐HSCs after exposure to HQ. The highest induction of LKB1 and adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) was observed with a much lower concentration of HQ in FL‐HSCs than in BM‐HSCs. LKB1 may play a critical role in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of HQ‐treated HSCs. This research has developed innovative ideas concerning benzene‐induced hematopoietic toxicity or embryotoxicity, which can provide a new experimental evidence for preventing childhood leukemia. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 830–841, 2016.
Regulations of essential amino acids and proteomics of bacterial endophytes Sphingomonas sp. Lk11 during cadmium uptake
Authors: Khan Abdul Latif , Ullah Ihsan , Hussain Javid , Kang Sang‐Mo , Al‐Harrasi Ahmed , Al‐Rawahi Ahmed , Lee In‐Jung 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTEndophytic bacteria have been recently known for their potential to bioaccumulate metal from contaminated mediums. However, little is known about the physiological responses of phytohormone producing (gibberellins and auxins) endophytes during metal stressed environment. Endophytic bacteria Sphingomonas sp. LK11 was assessed for metals bioaccumulation and its physiological responses towards metal stress. The endophyte was grown in cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) contaminated mediums. The results revealed significantly higher endophytic growth potentials in Cd, Cu and Zn contaminations; however, the bio‐accumulation rate of Cd was more prolific as compared to Zn and Cu. Interestingly, the SDS‐PAGE profile showed increased expressions of proteins in Zn and Cu than in Cd. A similar attenuate response of amino acids was also observed for Cd than in case of Zn and Cu. Only asparagine, glutamate and proline showed significant impact in Cd while Cu and Zn had significantly higher responses of almost all amino acids. Detailed protein profile showed the activation of chaperone, antioxidative and detoxification proteins. Increased regulations of oxidoreductases, superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin, malate dehydrogenase, 2‐oxoisovalerate dehydrogenase, 2‐oxoisovalerate dehydrogenase, and dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase were observed. The cellular defense‐related protein responses were potent against Cd stress. The results conclude that Sphingomonas sp. LK11 reprogram its amino acids and proteomic expressions and maintain a steady growth during Cd stress. Using such phytohromones producing endophytic bacterium can be ideal approach to increase the phytoextraction potential of metal remediating plants. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 887–896, 2016.
Clinical Issues‐January 2015
Authors: Wood Amber 
Published: December 2014

This MonthEbola precautions in the ORKey words: Ebola, PPE, airborne, droplet, respirator.Abdominal‐perineal dual prepsKey words: surgical skin preparation, skin antisepsis, abdominal prep, perineal prep, vaginal prep, dual prep.Chlorhexidine gluconate–impregnated clothsKey words: preoperative bathing, preoperative washing, CHG cloths, chlorhexidine, CHG.Alcohol‐based antiseptics and hair removalKey words: hair removal, clipping, alcohol‐based antiseptic, alcohol, flammable antiseptic.
Vaginal group B streptococcus status during intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis
Authors: Scasso Santiago , Laufer Joel , Rodriguez Grisel , Alonso Justo G. , Sosa Claudio G. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess maternal group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization status and the pharmacokinetic profile of penicillin G in the umbilical cord and amniotic fluid compartment during 4 hours of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP).MethodsIn a prospective study at a hospital in Montevideo, Uruguay, 60 GBS carriers in active labor after a singleton pregnancy of 37 weeks or more were enrolled between April 1, 2011, and April 30, 2012. Intravenous penicillin G was administered via a standard regimen. Rectovaginal samples were obtained before IAP initiation, and 2 and 4 hours after the initial dose. Penicillin G concentrations were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Samples were obtained from fetal cord blood in all cases and from amniotic fluid obtained from patients who delivered by cesarean.ResultsAmong the 60 participants, 43 (72%) had a positive rectovaginal sample before IAP initiation. Of these women, 23 (53%) had negative cultures after 2 hours; after 4 hours, only 5 (12%) remained positive for GBS. The penicillin G concentration in amniotic fluid and cord blood was above the minimum inhibitory concentration (0.12 μg/mL) in all cases.ConclusionFour hours of IAP was needed to reduce the number of women with positive GBS cultures to 12%. Therefore, 4 hours of IAP might be necessary to achieve overall effectiveness from this treatment.
Obstetric and neonatal outcomes after preterm premature rupture of membranes among women carrying group B streptococcus
Authors: Ganor‐Paz Yael , Kailer David , Shechter‐Maor Gil , Regev Rivka , Fejgin Moshe D. , Biron‐Shental Tal 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether carriers of group B streptococcus (GBS) have adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes when preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurs.MethodsIn a retrospective study, data were reviewed for women with a singleton pregnancy and PPROM before 34 weeks who attended the Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel, between 2005 and 2012. All women received roxithromycin for 1 week, and ampicillin until GBS culture results were available. Ampicillin was continued to 1 week if the GBS culture was positive. The primary study outcome measure was the latency period (time from rupture of membranes to active/induced labor).ResultsAmong 116 eligible patients, 21 (18.1%) were GBS carriers and 95 (81.9%) noncarriers. The latency period was 11.2 ± 18.1 days for GBS carriers versus 7.5 ± 9.6 days for noncarriers (P = 0.93). However, there was a correlation between the length of ampicillin treatment and the latency period (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.7; P < 0.001). There were no differences in early neonatal outcomes.ConclusionGBS carriers with PPROM did not have adverse outcomes. Longer treatment with ampicillin among GBS carriers prolonged the latency period.
Retrospective analysis of the clinicopathologic and prognostic characteristics of stage I placental site trophoblastic tumor in China
Authors: Zheng Yunxi , Bao Lingjie , Ning Yan , Lu Xin , Hua Keqin , Yi Xiaofang 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate clinicopathologic features and identify prognostic factors of placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT).MethodsIn a retrospective study, data were analyzed from patients with stage I PSTT treated at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China, from January 2007 to May 2013. Univariate log‐rank tests were used to examine the association between clinicopathologic characteristics and overall survival and disease‐free survival (DFS).ResultsIn total, seven patients had stage I PSTT. Mean age was 31.6 years (range 22–42). Four patients had term delivery as the outcome of their antecedent pregnancy. Six had a β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) serum concentration of less than 10 000 mIU/mL. Among five patients who underwent hysterectomy combined with chemotherapy, one had recurrent disease. One patient received fertility‐preserving therapy and achieved complete remission. The mean 5‐year overall survival and DFS were 100% and 86%, respectively. Maximum β‐HCG concentration of at least 10 000 mIU/mL and a mitotic index of more than 5 mitotic counts per 10 high‐power fields were associated with disease recurrence (both P = 0.014).ConclusionPretreatment β‐hCG concentration and mitotic index might be predictors of recurrence among patients with PSTT. Fertility‐preserving therapy might be practical in some patients.
Relationship between plasma dabigatran concentration and activated partial thromboplastin time in Japanese patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Shimomura Daiki , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Kondo Hirokazu , Tamura Toshihiro , Amano Masashi , Hayama Yukiko , Onishi Naoaki , Tamaki Yodo , Miyake Makoto , Kaitani Kazuaki , Izumi Chisato , Hayashida Masahiko , Fukuda Aya , Nakamura Fumihiko , Kawano Seiji 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundActivated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is recommended for monitoring anticoagulant activity in dabigatran‐treated patients; however, there are limited data in Japanese patients. To clarify the relationship between plasma dabigatran concentration and aPTT, we analyzed plasma dabigatran concentration and aPTT at various time points following administration of oral dabigatran in a Japanese hospital.MethodsWe enrolled 149 patients (316 blood samples) with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who were taking dabigatran. Patients had a mean age of 66.6±10.0 years (range: 35–84) and 66% were men. Plasma dabigatran concentrations and aPTT were measured using the Hemoclot® direct thrombin inhibitor assay and Thrombocheck aPTT‐SLA®, respectively. Samples were classified into eight groups according to elapsed times in hours since oral administration of dabigatran.ResultsSignificantly higher dabigatran concentrations were observed in samples obtained from patients with low creatinine clearance (CLCr) (CLCr<50 mL/min). Dabigatran concentrations and aPTT were highest in the 4‐h post‐administration range. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between plasma dabigatran concentrations and aPTT (y=0.063x+32.596, r2=0.648, p<0.001). However, when plasma dabigatran concentrations were 200 ng/mL or higher, the correlation was lower (y=0.040x+38.034 and r2=0.180); these results were evaluated by a quadratic curve, resulting in an increased correlation (r2=0.668).ConclusionsThere was a significant correlation between plasma dabigatran concentrations and aPTT. Additionally, in daily clinical practice in Japan, plasma dabigatran concentrations and aPTT reached a peak in the 4‐h post administration range. Considering the pharmacokinetics of dabigatran, aPTT can be used as an index for risk screening for excess dabigatran concentrations in Japanese patients with NVAF.
Clinical performance of a new hepatitis B surface antigen quantitative assay with automatic dilution
Authors: Liu Ta‐Wei , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Huang Chung‐Feng , Lin I.‐Ling , Huang Jee‐Fu , Dai Chia‐Yen , Chen Yao‐Li , Chuang Wan‐Long , Yu Ming‐Lung 
Published: December 2014

AbstractHepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) levels reflect disease status and can predict the clinical response to antiviral treatment; however, the emergence of HBsAg mutant strains has become a challenge. The Abbott HBsAg quantification assay provides enhanced detection of HBsAg and HBsAg mutants. We aimed to evaluate the performance of the Abbott HBsAg quantification assay with automatic sample dilutions (shortened as automatic Architect assay), compared with the Abbott HBsAg quantification assay with manual sample dilutions (shortened as manual Architect assay) and the Roche HBsAg quantification assay with automatic sample dilutions (shortened as Elecsys). A total of 130 sera samples obtained from 87 hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected patients were collected to assess the correlation between the automatic and manual Architect assays. Among the 87 patients, 41 provided 42 sera samples to confirm the linearity and reproducibility of the automatic Architect assay, and find out the correlation among the Elecsys and two Architect assays. The coefficients of variation (0.44–9.53%) and R2 = 0.996–1, which were both determined using values obtained from the automatic Architect assay, showed good reproducibility and linearity. Results of the two Architect assays demonstrated a feasible correlation (n = 130 samples; R = 0.898, p < 0.01). With regard to subgroups, correlations between the two Architect assays were better in the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative group (HBeAg‐negative group vs. HBeAg‐positive group: R = 0.885 vs. R = 0.865, both p < 0.01) and low HBV DNA group (low DNA group vs. high DNA group: R = 0.886 vs. R = 0.844, both p < 0.01). Significant correlations were also found between the results of the Elecsys and Architect assays (R > 0.93 in all cases). In conclusion, the correlation between the automatic and manual dilution Architect assays was feasible, particularly in the HBeAg‐negative and low DNA groups. With lower labor costs and less human error than the manual version, the Abbott automatic dilution Architect assay provided a good clinical performance with regard to the HBsAg levels.
Comorbidities, Exposure to Medications, and the Risk of Community-Acquired Clostridium difficile Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Furuya-Kanamori Luis , Stone Jennifer C. , Clark Justin , McKenzie Samantha J. , Yakob Laith , Paterson David L. , Riley Thomas V. , Doi Suhail A. R. , Clements Archie C. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundClostridium difficile infection (CDI) has been extensively described in healthcare settings; however, risk factors associated with community-acquired (CA) CDI remain uncertain. This study aimed to synthesize the current evidence for an association between commonly prescribed medications and comorbidities with CA-CDI.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in 5 electronic databases for epidemiologic studies that examined the association between the presence of comorbidities and exposure to medications with the risk of CA-CDI. Pooled odds ratios were estimated using 3 meta-analytic methods. Subgroup analyses by location of studies and by life stages were conducted.ResultsTwelve publications (n=56,776 patients) met inclusion criteria. Antimicrobial (odds ratio, 6.18; 95% CI, 3.80–10.04) and corticosteroid (1.81; 1.15–2.84) exposure were associated with increased risk of CA-CDI. Among the comorbidities, inflammatory bowel disease (odds ratio, 3.72; 95% CI, 1.52–9.12), renal failure (2.64; 1.23–5.68), hematologic cancer (1.75; 1.02–5.68), and diabetes mellitus (1.15; 1.05–1.27) were associated with CA-CDI. By location, antimicrobial exposure was associated with a higher risk of CA-CDI in the United States, whereas proton-pump inhibitor exposure was associated with a higher risk in Europe. By life stages, the risk of CA-CDI associated with antimicrobial exposure greatly increased in adults older than 65 years.ConclusionsAntimicrobial exposure was the strongest risk factor associated with CA-CDI. Further studies are required to investigate the risk of CA-CDI associated with medications commonly prescribed in the community. Patients with diarrhea who have inflammatory bowel disease, renal failure, hematologic cancer, or diabetes are appropriate populations for interventional studies of screening.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0):1–10
Long-range wall perturbations in dense granular flows
Authors: Rognon Pierre G. , Miller Thomas , Metzger Bloen , Einav Itai 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe explore how the rheology of dense granular flows is affected by the presence of sidewalls. The study is based on discrete element method simulations of plane-shear flows between two rough walls, prescribing both the normal stress and the shear rate. Results confirm previous observations for different systems: large layers near the walls develop where the local viscosity is not constant, but decreases when approaching the walls. The size of these layers can reach several dozen grain diameters, and is found to increase when the flow decelerates, as a power law of the inertial number. Two non-local models are found to adequately explain such features, namely the kinetic elasto-plastic fluidity (KEP) model and the eddy viscosity model (EV). The analysis of the internal kinematics further shows that the vorticity and its associated length scale may be a key component of these non-local behaviours.
Maternal Anxiety following Delivery, Early Infant Temperament and Mother´s Confidence in Caregiving
Authors: Jover Manuel , Colomer Julia , Carot Jose Miguel , Larsson Christina , Bobes Maria Teresa , Ivorra Jose Luis , Martín-Brufau Ramón , Sanjuan Julio 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA mother’s emotional state is a well-known environmental factor that relates to the development of infant temperament. However, some relevant issues have not yet been fully explored. The current study examines the influence of determined maternal, contextual and perinatal variables on infant temperament and the mother’s confidence in caregiving during the first weeks of life. A prospective study was carried out in three-hundred and seventeen newborns and their mothers. Perinatal and socio-demographic variables were recorded. The mother’s anxiety and mood were measured in the first days after childbirth and again at 8 weeks. Infant temperament and the mother’s confidence in caregiving were measured at 8 weeks. A mother’s postpartum anxiety following delivery was the best predictor for most of the variables of infant temperament, including infant irritability (p= .001), and other child variables like infant sleep (p= .0003) and nursing difficulty (p= .001). Contextual-family variables, such as the number of people at home (p= .0024) and whether they were primiparous (p= .001), were the best predictors for a mother´s confidence in caregiving. Support was found for an early effect of maternal anxiety on infant temperament. The results have clinical implications for postnatal psychological interventions.
Probing short-range protein Brownian motion in the cytoplasm of living cells
Authors: Di Rienzo Carmine , Piazza Vincenzo , Gratton Enrico , Beltram Fabio , Cardarelli Francesco 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe translational motion of molecules in cells deviates from what is observed in dilute solutions. Theoretical models provide explanations for this effect but with predictions that drastically depend on the nanoscale organization assumed for macromolecular crowding agents. A conclusive test of the nature of the translational motion in cells is missing owing to the lack of techniques capable of probing crowding with the required temporal and spatial resolution. Here we show that fluorescence-fluctuation analysis of raster scans at variable timescales can provide this information. By using green fluorescent proteins in cells, we measure protein motion at the unprecedented timescale of 1 μs, unveiling unobstructed Brownian motion from 25 to 100 nm, and partially suppressed diffusion above 100 nm. Furthermore, experiments on model systems attribute this effect to the presence of relatively immobile structures rather than to diffusing crowding agents. We discuss the implications of these results for intracellular processes.