bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli-Secreted Protein EspZ Inhibits Host Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Roxas Jennifer Lising , Wilbur John Scott , Zhang Xiangfeng , Martinez Giovanna , Vedantam Gayatri , Viswanathan V. K. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

The diarrheagenic pathogen enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) limits the death of infected enterocytes early in infection. A number of bacterial molecules and host signaling pathways contribute to the enhanced survival of EPEC-infected host cells. EspZ, a type III secreted effector protein that is unique to EPEC and related “attaching and effacing” (A/E) pathogens, plays a role in limiting host cell death, but the precise host signaling pathways responsible for this phenotype are not known. We hypothesized that EspZ contributes to the survival of infected intestinal epithelial cells by interfering with apoptosis. Consistent with previous studies, scanning electron microscopy analysis of intestinal epithelial cells infected with an EPEC
espZ
mutant (Δ
espZ
) showed increased levels of apoptotic and necrotic cells compared to cells infected with the isogenic parent strain. Correspondingly, higher levels of cytosolic cytochrome
c
and increased activation of caspases 9, 7, and 3 were observed for Δ
espZ
strain-infected cells compared to wild-type (WT) EPEC-infected cells. Finally,
espZ
-transfected epithelial cells were significantly protected from staurosporine-induced, but not tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)/cycloheximide-induced, apoptosis. Thus, EspZ contributes to epithelial cell survival by mechanisms that include the inhibition of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The enhanced survival of infected enterocytes by molecules such as EspZ likely plays a key role in optimal colonization by A/E pathogens.
Schistosoma mansoni Infection Impairs Antimalaria Treatment and Immune Responses of Rhesus Macaques Infected with Mosquito-Borne Plasmodium coatneyi
Authors: Semenya Amma A. , Sullivan JoAnn S. , Barnwell John W. , Secor W. Evan 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Malaria and schistosomiasis are the world's two most important parasitic infections in terms of distribution, morbidity, and mortality. In areas where
Plasmodium
and
Schistosoma
species are both endemic, coinfections are commonplace. Mouse models demonstrate that schistosomiasis worsens a malaria infection; however, just as mice and humans differ greatly, the murine-infecting
Plasmodium
species differ as much from those that infect humans. Research into human coinfections (
Schistosoma haematobium-Plasmodium falciparum
versus
Schistosoma mansoni-P. falciparum
) has produced conflicting results. The rhesus macaque model provides a helpful tool for understanding the role of
S. mansoni
on malaria parasitemia and antimalarial immune responses using
Plasmodium coatneyi
, a malaria species that closely resembles
P. falciparum
infection in humans. Eight rhesus macaques were exposed to
S. mansoni
cercariae. Eight weeks later, these animals plus 8 additional macaques were exposed to malaria either through bites of infected mosquitos or intravenous inoculation. When malaria infection was initiated from mosquito bites, coinfected animals displayed increased malaria parasitemia, decreased hematocrit levels, and suppressed malaria-specific antibody responses compared to those of malaria infection alone. However, macaques infected by intravenous inoculation with erythrocytic-stage parasites did not display these same differences in parasitemia, hematocrit, or antibody responses between the two groups. Use of the macaque model provides information that begins to unravel differences in pathological and immunological outcomes observed between humans with
P. falciparum
that are coinfected with
S. mansoni
or
S. haematobium
. Our results suggest that migration of malaria parasites through livers harboring schistosome eggs may alter host immune responses and infection outcomes.
Predictive variables of an emergency department quality and performance indicator: a 1-year prospective, observational, cohort study evaluating hospital and emergency census variables and emergency department time interval measurements
Authors: Casalino Enrique , Choquet Christophe , Bernard Julien , Debit Abigael , Doumenc Benoit , Berthoumieu Audrey , Wargon Mathias 
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveEmergency department (ED) crowding impacts negatively on quality of care. The aim was to determine the association between ED quality and input, throughput and output-associated variables.MethodsThis 1-year, prospective, observational, cohort study determined the daily percentage of patients leaving the ED in <4 h (ED quality and performance indicator; EDQPI). According to the median EDQPI two groups were defined: best-days and bad-days. Hospital and ED variables and time interval metrics were evaluated as predictors.ResultsData were obtained for 67 307 patients over 364 days. Differences were observed between the two groups in unadjusted analysis: number of daily visits, number of patients as a function of final disposition, number boarding in the ED, and time interval metrics including wait time to triage nurse and ED provider, time from ED admission to decision, time from decision to departure and length of stay (LOS) as a function of final disposition. Five variables remained significant predictors for bad-days in multivariate analysis: wait time to triage nurse (OR 2.36; 95% CI 1.36 to 4.11; p=0.002), wait time to ED provider (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.05 to 3.54; p=0.03), number of patients admitted to hospital (OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.09 to 3.19; p=0.02), LOS of non-admitted patients (OR 9.5; 95% CI 5.17 to 17.48; p<0.000001) and LOS of patients admitted to hospital (OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.44 to 4.2; p=0.0009).ConclusionsThroughput is the major determinant of EDQPI, notably time interval reflecting the work dynamics of medical and nursing teams and the efficacy of fast-track routes for low-complexity patients. Output also significantly impacted on EDQPI, particularly the capacity to reduce the LOS of admitted patients.
Socio-psycho-behavioural factors associated with male semen quality in China: results from 1346 healthy men in Chongqing
Authors: Li Ying , Li Yafei , Zhou Niya , Han Xue , Ma Mingfu , Li Lianbing , Cai Min , Cui Zhihong , Lin Hui , Zhou Ziyuan , Xiong Hongyan , Cao Jia 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundHuman semen quality in China has decreased in the last few decades. A previous study found that 61.1% of healthy males in Chongqing City in Southwest China had abnormal semen parameters values according to 1999 World Health Organization criteria.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study explored the associations between socio-psycho-behavioural factors and semen quality in Chongqing City.MethodsThe study participants comprised 1346 eligible healthy men who were examined and researched in respect to 15 socio-psycho-behavioural factors.ResultsMen from a higher occupational class had better semen volume (β coefficient 1.18, p=0.034), while men who often wore underwear made from man-made fibres had a lower percentage of morphologically normal sperm (β coefficient 0.82, p=0.001). As regards psychological stress, men with less stress had an increased total sperm count and percentage of morphologically normal sperm (β coefficient 1.19 and 1.25 respectively, p=0.02 and 0.04 respectively). The other 12 factors examined in the study demonstrated no significant association with semen quality in Chongqing.ConclusionsSemen quality can be impacted by socio-psycho-behavioural factors (occupational class, psychological stress and wearing man-made fibre underwear). A health programme that deals directly with psychological health and healthy lifestyle, and the implementation of policies that address social factors for men may play a part in the improvement of male reproductive health in China.
A revised stratigraphy and depositional history for the Horseshoe Canyon Formation (Upper Cretaceous), southern Alberta plains
Authors: Eberth David A. , Braman Dennis R. 
Published: August 2012

The Upper Cretaceous paralic to nonmarine Horseshoe Canyon Formation (HCFm) of southern Alberta is divided into seven mappable members: Strathmore, Drumheller, Horsethief, Morrin, Tolman, Carbon, and Whitemud (bottom to top). This subdivision, based on combined outcrop and subsurface analyses, reflects lithostratigraphic variations related to changes in sea level (previously recognized) and newly documented changes in climate, volcanism, and orogenesis in an evolving foreland basin. Million-year-scale cycles of orogenesis resulted in changes in sediment supply and rates of subsidence in the basin and are interpreted in the context of a simple, two-phase foreland-basin sequence stratigraphic model: (i) overthrust loading resulting in reduced rates of sediment supply and subsidence in the most distal portions of the Alberta foredeep (our field area); (ii) tectonic quiescence leading to increased rates of sediment supply and subsidence during proximal-foredeep rebound. During the first ∼2.5 Ma of its history (Strathmore and Drumheller members), the HCFm was tectonically and climatically “stable”, and depositional style and stratigraphic architecture were influenced by vertical aggradation and modest progradation of shorelines. During the remaining ∼4.5 Ma (Horsethief, Morrin, Tolman, Carbon, and Whitemud members), there were more complex and frequent changes in climate, volcanism, orogenesis, landscape weathering, and soil formation. Understanding this previously unrecognized complexity is critical for correctly assessing hydrocarbon resource distributions and biostratigraphic and taphonomic patterns.
Stratigraphy of the upper Hazelton Group and the Jurassic evolution of the Stikine terrane, British Columbia1ESS Contribution 20120051.
Authors: Gagnon J.-F. , Barresi T. , Waldron John W.F. , Nelson J.L. , Poulton T.P. , Cordey F. 
Published: August 2012

The Lower to Middle Jurassic Hazelton Group represents the final stage of magmatic arc activity in the intraoceanic Stikine terrane, which was followed by accretion within the Cordilleran terrane collage. The Hazelton Group is exposed in the following areas: (i) on the periphery of the Bowser Basin, where arc and back-arc strata are overlain by mainly sedimentary strata of the upper Hazelton Group and then by the clastic basin fill of the Bowser Lake Group; and (ii) within a 300 km long rift system, the Eskay rift, west of the Bowser basin, where a predominantly bimodal volcanic succession contains significant mineral deposits. Examination of representative stratigraphic sections throughout the regional extent of the upper Hazelton Group has suggested significant revisions and clarification of its stratigraphy and include the following: (i) informal division of the Hazelton Group into upper and lower parts and recognition of a diachronous unconformity or unconformities at the boundary between them; (ii) establishment of a type section for the sandstone-dominated Smithers Formation; (iii) establishment of separate Quock and revised Spatsizi formations in the north and extension of the Quock Formation to include all lithostratigraphically equivalent units of blocky, thinly bedded siliceous mudstone and tuff around the periphery of the Bowser basin; and (iv) introduction of the Iskut River Formation for rift-related and volcanic facies in the Eskay rift area. Two independent rifting events occurred during deposition of the Hazelton Group: a Late Sinemurian to Early Pliensbachian phase in the northwest-trending Hazelton trough and a more restricted Aalenian to Bajocian extensional event in the Eskay rift.
Prevalence of traditional and novel markers of cardiovascular disease risk in Scottish adolescents: socioeconomic effects
Authors: Buchan Duncan S. , Ollis Stewart , Thomas Non-Eleri , Simpson Alan , Young John D. , Cooper Stephen-Mark , Malina Robert M. , Cockcroft John R. , Baker Julien S. 
Published: August 2012

Information on the health status and physical activity of Scottish adolescents is limited. This study examines the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Scottish adolescents by socioeconomic status (SES). Participants were recruited from two high schools that differed in the SES of the students in attendance. The sample included 73 boys and 34 girls (16.4 ± 0.6 years). Variables included anthropometry, physical activity, physical fitness, blood pressure, diet, and 11 metabolic markers of CVD risk. Significant sex differences (P ≤ 0.01) were noted for stature, waist circumference, waist–hip ratio, physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular power, sprint speed, and several CVD risk factors: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Boys from a lower SES had significantly higher levels of glucose and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) but lower levels of adiponectin compared with boys from a higher SES. Girls from a lower SES had significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher glucose and PAI-1 levels but lower levels of insulin and adiponectin than girls from a higher SES. High fat diets, low physical activity levels, and elevated CRP and total cholesterol levels were the CVD risk factors most commonly identified as being at-risk levels in this cohort, regardless of sex or SES. SES differences were not consistently apparent, but several CVD risk factors were identified as elevated in this sample of adolescents, regardless of sex or SES.
Blood platelet-derived microparticles release and bubble formation after an open-sea air dive
Authors: Pontier Jean-Michel , Gempp Emmanuel , Ignatescu Mihaela 
Published: August 2012

Bubble-induced platelet aggregation offers an index for evaluating decompression severity in humans and in a rat model of decompression sickness. Endothelial cells, blood platelets, or leukocytes shed microparticles (MP) upon activation and during cell apoptosis. The aim was to study blood platelet MP (PMP) release and bubble formation after a scuba-air dive in field conditions. Healthy, experienced divers were assigned to 1 experimental group (n = 10) with an open-sea air dive to 30 msw for 30 min and 1 control group (n = 5) during head-out water immersion for the same period. Bubble grades were monitored with a pulsed doppler according to Kissman Integrated Severity Score (KISS). Blood samples for platelet count (PC) and PMP (annexin V and CD41) were taken 1 h before and after exposure in both groups. The result showed a decrease in post-dive PC compared with pre-dive values in experimental group with no significant change in the control group. We observed a significant increase in PMP values after the dive while no change was revealed in the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between the PMP values after the dive and the KISS bubble score. The present study highlighted a relationship between the post-dive decrease in PC, platelet MP release, and bubble formation. Release of platelet MPs could reflect bubble-induced platelet aggregation and could play a key role in alteration of the coagulation. Further studies must investigate endothelial and leukocyte MP release in the same field conditions.
Effects of high molecular weight alcohols from sugar cane fed alone or in combination with plant sterols on lipid profile and antioxidant status of Wistar rats
Authors: Kitts David D. , Kopec Aneta , Zawistowski Jerzy , Popovich David G. 
Published: August 2012

The effect of feeding a mixture of high molecular weight alcohols derived from sugarcane (SCA), both alone and in combination with phytosterols (PS), on changes in plasma lipids, organ cholesterol accumulation, and antioxidant status of Wistar rats was undertaken. Three separate experiments were conducted and each experiment had 3 subsets. In experiment 1, rats were fed on an AIN-76, semi-synthetic diet supplemented with 0%, 0.5%, and 5% SCA w/w. The second experiment consisted of feeding rats an atherogenic diet (AIN-76+0.5% cholesterol) containing 0%, 0.5%, and 5% SCA w/w. The third experiment consisted of feeding rats an atherogenic diet that contained 2% PS in combination with 0%, 0.5%, and 5% SCA. Rats fed the atherogenic diet exhibited significant elevations in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and significant reductions in the high-density lipoprotein/total cholesterol ratio, regardless of the presence of 0.5% or 5% SCA mixture. Serum cholesterol increased 29% to 35% in these animals compared with animals fed the nonatherogenic diets. In contrast, animals fed atherogenic diets that contained 2% PS exhibited no difference in serum lipids compared with counterparts fed nonatherogenic diets. The combined presence of SCA with PS had no effect on further lowering plasma cholesterol. No changes in C-reactive protein were observed, but plasma oxygen radical scavenging capacity values significantly (p < 0.05) decreased when rats were fed the atherogenic diets that contained the combination of PS and SCA. This result corresponded to an apparent greater (p < 0.05) susceptibility of red blood cells to oxidative stress
Effects of 2 different prior endurance exercises on whole-body fat oxidation kinetics: light vs. heavy exercise
Authors: Chenevière Xavier , Borrani Fabio , Droz David , Gojanovic Boris , Malatesta Davide 
Published: August 2012

This study aimed to compare the effects of 2 different prior endurance exercises on subsequent whole-body fat oxidation kinetics. Fifteen men performed 2 identical submaximal incremental tests (Incr2) on a cycle ergometer after (i) a ∼40-min submaximal incremental test (Incr1) followed by a 90-min continuous exercise performed at 50% of maximal aerobic power-output and a 1-h rest period (Heavy); and (ii) Incr1 followed by a 2.5-h rest period (Light). Fat oxidation was measured using indirect calorimetry and plotted as a function of exercise intensity during Incr1 and Incr2. A sinusoidal equation, including 3 independent variables (dilatation, symmetry and translation), was used to characterize the fat oxidation kinetics and to determine the intensity (Fatmax) that elicited the maximal fat oxidation (MFO) during Incr. After the Heavy and Light trials, Fatmax, MFO, and fat oxidation rates were significantly greater during Incr2 than Incr1 (p < 0.001). However, Δ (i.e., Incr2–Incr1) Fatmax, MFO, and fat oxidation rates were greater in the Heavy compared with the Light trial (p < 0.05). The fat oxidation kinetics during Incr2Heavy showed a greater dilatation and rightward asymmetry than Incr1Heavy, whereas only a greater dilatation was observed in Incr2Light (p < 0.05). This study showed that although to a lesser extent in the Light trial, both prior exercise sessions led to an increase in Fatmax, MFO, and absolute fat oxidation rates during Incr2, inducing significant changes in the shape of the fat oxidation kinetics.
Postexercise cooling interventions and the effects on exercise-induced heat stress in a temperate environment
Authors: Hausswirth Christophe , Duffield Rob , Pournot Hervé , Bieuzen François , Louis Julien , Brisswalter Jeanick , Castagna Olivier 
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cool water immersion (20 °C; CWI) while wearing a cooling jacket (Cryovest;V) and a passive control (PAS) as recovery methods on physiological and thermoregulatory responses between 2 exercise bouts in temperate conditions. Nine well-trained male cyclists performed 2 successive bouts of 45 min of endurance cycling exercise in a temperate environment (20 °C) separated by 25 min of the respective recovery interventions. Capillary blood samples were obtained to measure lactate (La–), sodium (Na+), bicarbonate (HCO3–) concentrations and pH, whilst body mass loss (BML), core temperature (Tcore), skin temperature (Tskin), heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake , and minute ventilation were measured before (Pre), immediately after the first exercise bout (Ex1), the recovery (R), and after the second exercise bout (Ex2). V and CWI both resulted in a reduction of Tskin at R (–2.1 ± 0.01 °C and –11.6 ± 0.01 °C, respectively, p < 0.01). Despite no difference in final values post-Ex2 (p > 0.05), V attenuated the rise in HR, minute ventilation, and oxygen uptake from Ex1 to Ex2, while Tcore and Tskin were significantly lower following the second session (p < 0.05). Further, CWI was also beneficial in lowering Tcore, Tskin, and BML, while a rise in Na+ was observed following Ex2 (p < 0.05). Overall results indicate that cooling interventions (V and CWI) following exercise in a temperate environment provide a reduction in thermal strain during ensuing exercise bouts.
Extremely short duration high-intensity training substantially improves endurance performance in triathletes
Authors: Jakeman John , Adamson Simon , Babraj John 
Published: August 2012

High-intensity training (HIT) involving 30-s sprints is an effective training regimen to improve aerobic performance. We tested whether 6-s HITs can improve aerobic performance in triathletes. Six subelite triathletes (age, 40 ± 9 years; weight, 86 ± 11 kg; body mass index, 26 ± 3 kg·m–2) took part in cycle HIT and 6 endurance-trained subelite athletes (age, 36 ± 9 years; weight, 82 ± 11 kg; BMI, 26 ± 3 kg·m–2) maintained their normal training routine. Before and after 2 weeks of HIT, involving 10 × 6-s sprints or normal activity, participants performed a self-paced 10-km time trial and a time to exhaustion test on a cycle ergometer. Finger prick blood samples were taken throughout the time to exhaustion test to determine blood lactate concentration. Two weeks of HIT resulted in a 10% decrease in self-paced 10-km time trial (p = 0.03) but no significant change in time to exhaustion. The time taken to reach onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA, defined as the point where blood lactate reaches 4 mmol·L–1) was significantly increased following 2 weeks of HIT (p = 0.003). The change in time trial performance was correlated to the change in time taken to reach OBLA (R2 = 0.63; p = 0.001). We concluded that a very short duration HIT is a very effective training regimen to improve aerobic performance in subelite triathletes and this is associated with a delay in blood lactate build-up.
Are higher degree even zonals really harmful for the LARES/LAGEOS frame-dragging experiment?
Authors: Renzetti G. 
Published: August 2012

The low-altitude effects of LARES are examined to determined how they can impact the outcome of the hoped 1% frame-dragging measurement in the LARES–LAGEOS experiment. This analysis, based on a different approach than other studies recently appearing in the literature, shows that the spherical harmonics of the Earth gravity field with degree ℓ > 60 may represent a threat because their errors map significantly into LARES orbital disturbances compared to frame-dragging. The GIF48 model was used. It is questionable whether future Earth gravity models by GRACE and GOCE will be of sufficient accuracy.
A VANISHING VISCOSITY APPROACH TO A RATE-INDEPENDENT DAMAGE MODEL
Authors: KNEES DOROTHEE , ROSSI RICCARDA , ZANINI CHIARA 
Published: August 2012

We analyze a rate-independent model for damage evolution in elastic bodies. The central quantities are a stored energy functional and a dissipation functional, which is assumed to be positively homogeneous of degree one. Since the energy is not simultaneously (strictly) convex in the damage variable and the displacements, solutions may have jumps as a function of time. The latter circumstance makes it necessary to recur to suitable notions of weak solution. However, the by-now classical concept of global energetic solution fails to describe accurately the behavior of the system at jumps. Hence, we consider rate-independent damage models as limits of systems driven by viscous, rate-dependent dissipation. We use a technique for taking the vanishing viscosity limit, which is based on arclength reparametrization. In this way, in the limit we obtain a novel formulation for the rate-independent damage model, which highlights the interplay of viscous and rate-independent effects in the jump regime, and provides a better description of the energetic behavior of the system at jumps.