bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environments For Healthy Living (EFHL) Griffith birth cohort study: characteristics of sample and profile of antenatal exposures
Authors: Cameron Cate M , Scuffham Paul A , Shibl Rania , Ng ShuKay , Scott Rani , Spinks Anneliese , Mihala Gabor , Wilson Andrew , Kendall Elizabeth , Sipe Neil , McClure Roderick J 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The Environments for Healthy Living (EFHL) study is a repeated sample, longitudinal birth cohort in South East Queensland, Australia. We describe the sample characteristics and profile of maternal, household, and antenatal exposures. Variation and data stability over recruitment years were examined.

Methods
Four months each year from 2006, pregnant women were recruited to EFHL at routine antenatal visits on or after 24 weeks gestation, from three public maternity hospitals. Participating mothers completed a baseline questionnaire on individual, familial, social and community exposure factors. Perinatal data were extracted from hospital birth records. Descriptive statistics and measures of association were calculated comparing the EFHL birth sample with regional and national reference populations. Data stability of antenatal exposure factors was assessed across five recruitment years (2006–2010 inclusive) using the Gamma statistic for ordinal data and chi-squared for nominal data.

Results
Across five recruitment years 2,879 pregnant women were recruited which resulted in 2904 live births with 29 sets of twins. EFHL has a lower representation of early gestational babies, fewer still births and a lower percentage of low birth weight babies, when compared to regional data. The majority of women (65%) took a multivitamin supplement during pregnancy, 47% consumed alcohol, and 26% reported having smoked cigarettes. There were no differences in rates of a range of antenatal exposures across five years of recruitment, with the exception of increasing maternal pre-pregnancy weight (p=0.0349), decreasing rates of high maternal distress (p=0.0191) and decreasing alcohol consumption (p<0.0001).

Conclusions
The study sample is broadly representative of births in the region and almost all factors showed data stability over time. This study, with repeated sampling of birth cohorts over multiple years, has the potential to make important contributions to population health through evaluating longitudinal follow-up and within cohort temporal effects.

Trial registration
Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12610000931077
Lipoteichoic acid is an important microbe-associated molecular pattern of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Authors: Claes Ingmar JJ , Segers Marijke E , Verhoeven Tine LA , Dusselier Michiel , Sels Bert F , De Keersmaecker Sigrid CJ , Vanderleyden Jos , Lebeer Sarah 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Probiotic bacteria are increasingly used as immunomodulatory agents. Yet detailed molecular knowledge on the immunomodulatory molecules of these bacteria is lagging behind. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is considered a major microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP) of Gram-positive bacteria. However, many details and quantitative data on its immune signalling capacity are still unknown, especially in beneficial bacteria. Recently, we have demonstrated that a dltD mutant of the model probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), having modified LTA molecules, has an enhanced probiotic efficacy in a DSS-induced colitis model as compared to wild-type.

Results
In this study, the importance of D-alanylated and acylated LTA for the pro-inflammatory activity of LGG was studied in vitro. Purified native LTA of LGG wild-type exhibited a concentration-dependent activation of NF-κB signalling in HEK293T cells after interaction with TLR2/6, but not with TLR2 alone. Chemical deacylation of LTA interfered with the TLR2/6 interaction, while a moderate effect was observed with chemical dealanylation. Similarly, the dltD mutant of LGG exhibited a significantly reduced capacity to activate TLR2/6-dependent NF-κB signalling in a HEK293T reporter cell line compared to wild-type. In addition, the dltD mutant of LGG showed a reduced induction of mRNA of the chemokine IL-8 in the Caco-2 epithelial cell line compared to wild-type. Experiments with highly purified LTA of LGG confirmed that LTA is a crucial factor for IL-8 mRNA induction in Caco-2 epithelial cells. Chemical dealanylation and deacylation reduced IL-8 mRNA expression.

Conclusions
Taken together, our results indicate that LTA of LGG is a crucial MAMP with pro-inflammatory activities such as IL-8 induction in intestinal epithelial cells and NF-κB induction in HEK293T cells via TLR2/6 interaction. The lipid chains of LGG LTA are needed for these activities, while also the D-alanine substituents are important, especially for IL-8 induction in Caco-2 cells.
Synchronous adenocarcinomas of the colon presenting as synchronous colocolic intussusceptions in an adult
Authors: Chen Chuang-Wei , Lai Chieh-Wen , Hsiao Koung-Hong 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Intussusception is uncommon in adults. To our knowledge, synchronous colocolic intussusceptions have never been reported in the literature. Here we described the case of a 59-year-old female of synchronous colocolic intussusceptions presenting as acute abdomen that was diagnosed by CT preoperatively. Laparotomy with radical right hemicolectomy and sigmoidectomy was undertaken without reduction of the invagination due to a significant risk of associated malignancy. The final diagnosis was synchronous adenocarcinoma of proximal transverse colon and sigmoid colon without lymph nodes or distant metastasis. The patient had an uneventful recovery. The case also emphasizes the importance of thorough exploration during surgery for bowel invagination since synchronous events may occur.
Role of reactive nitrogen species in male infertility
Authors: Doshi Sejal B , Khullar Karishma , Sharma Rakesh K , Agarwal Ashok 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) is a subset of free oxygen radicals called reactive oxygen species (ROS). Physiological levels of ROS are necessary to maintain the reproductive functions such as cell signaling, tight junction regulation, production of hormones, capacitation, acrosomal reaction, sperm motility, and zona pellucida binding. However, an excess of RNS can adversely affect reproductive potential by causing testicular dysfunction, decreased gonadotropin secretion, and abnormal semen parameters. Because such levels of RNS have been demonstrated in males with fertility problems and routine semen analysis has not been able to accurately predict IVF outcomes, it is imperative that novel strategies be developed in order to both assess and treat oxidative stress. This article describes both physiological and pathological roles of this unique subset of ROS.
The perfused swine uterus model: long-term perfusion
Authors: Geisler Klaudija , Künzel Julian , Grundtner Philipp , Müller Andreas , Beckmann Matthias W , Dittrich Ralf 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
It has previously been shown that the viability of swine uteri can be maintained within the physiological range in an open perfusion model for up to 8 hours. The aim of this study was to assess medium- to long-term perfusion of swine uteri using a modified Krebs–Ringer bicarbonate buffer solution (KRBB) in the established open perfusion model.

Methods
In an experimental study at an infertility institute, 30 swine uteri were perfused: group 1: n = 11, KRBB; group 2: n = 8, modified KRBB with drainage of perfusate supernatant; group 3: n = 11, modified KRBB with drainage of perfusate every 2 h and substitution with fresh medium. Modified and conventional KRBB were compared with regard to survival and contraction parameters: intrauterine pressure (IUP), area under the curve (AUC), and frequency of contractions (F).

Results
Modified KRBB showed significantly higher IUP, AUC, and F values than perfusion with conventional KRBB. In group 3, the organ survival time of up to 17 h, with a 98% rate of effective contraction time, differed significantly from group 1 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Using modified KRBB in combination with perfusate substitution improves the open model for perfusion of swine uteri with regard to survival time and quality of contraction parameters. This model can be used for medium- to long-term perfusion of swine uteri, allowing further metabolic ex vivo studies in a cost-effective way and with little logistic effort.
Hepatocyte-specific S100a8 and S100a9 transgene expression in mice causes Cxcl1 induction and systemic neutrophil enrichment
Authors: Wiechert Lars , Németh Julia , Pusterla Tobias , Bauer Christine , De Ponti Aurora , Manthey Sandra , Marhenke Silke , Vogel Arndt , Klingmüller Ursula , Hess Jochen , Angel Peter 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundCalprotectin consists of the Ca2+-binding proteins S100a8 and S100a9 that are induced in epithelial cells in response to tissue damage and infection. Both proteins are also secreted by activated innate immune cells and numerous studies demonstrate their crucial role in pathological conditions of acute and chronic inflammation.ResultsHere, we established a conditional mouse model with simultaneousS100a8andS100a9transgene expression in hepatocytes (TgS100a8a9hep) under the control of doxycycline to unravel the role of epithelial-derived Calprotectin on tissue homeostasis and inflammation.TgS100a8a9hepmice displayed a significant enrichment of neutrophils in peripheral blood and tissues with high blood content. Interestingly,Cxcl1transcription was significantly induced in the liver ofTgS100a8a9hepmice and primary hepatocytes derived thereof as compared to Control mice, accompanied by an increase of Cxcl1 serum levels. However, expression of other chemokines with a known function in neutrophil mobilization from the bone marrow, e.g. Csf3 and Cxcl2, was not altered. Doxycycline treatment ofTgS100a8a9hepmice reducedCxcl1expression in the liver and resulted in normal numbers of neutrophils.ConclusionIn summary, our data demonstrate for the first time that hepatocyte-specific S100a8 and S100a9 expression induces a systemic mobilization of neutrophils by a specific activation of Cxcl1 transcription in the liver.
Synthetic dye decolorization by three sources of fungal laccase
Authors: Forootanfar Hamid , Moezzi Atefeh , Aghaie-Khozani Marzieh , Mahmoudjanlou Yasaman , Ameri Alieh , Niknejad Farhad , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Decolorization of six synthetic dyes using three sources of fungal laccase with the origin of Aspergillus oryzae, Trametes versicolor, and Paraconiothyrium variabile was investigated. Among them, the enzyme from P. variabile was the most efficient which decolorized bromophenol blue (100%), commassie brilliant blue (91%), panseu-S (56%), Rimazol brilliant blue R (RBBR; 47%), Congo red (18.5%), and methylene blue (21.3%) after 3 h incubation in presence of hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT; 5 mM) as the laccase mediator. It was also observed that decolorization efficiency of all dyes was enhanced by increasing of HBT concentration from 0.1 mM to 5 mM. Laccase from A. oryzae was able to remove 53% of methylene blue and 26% of RBBR after 30 min incubation in absence of HBT, but the enzyme could not efficiently decolorize other dyes even in presence of 5 mM of HBT. In the case of laccase from T. versicolor, only RBBR was decolorized (93%) in absence of HBT after 3 h incubation.
Analysis of alternative signaling pathways of endoderm induction of human embryonic stem cells identifies context specific differences
Authors: Mathew Shibin , Jaramillo Maria , Zhang Xinan , Zhang Li Ang , Soto-Gutiérrez Alejandro , Banerjee Ipsita 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Lineage specific differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is largely mediated by specific growth factors and extracellular matrix molecules. Growth factors initiate a cascade of signals which control gene transcription and cell fate specification. There is a lot of interest in inducing hESCs to an endoderm fate which serves as a pathway towards more functional cell types like the pancreatic cells. Research over the past decade has established several robust pathways for deriving endoderm from hESCs, with the capability of further maturation. However, in our experience, the functional maturity of these endoderm derivatives, specifically to pancreatic lineage, largely depends on specific pathway of endoderm induction. Hence it will be of interest to understand the underlying mechanism mediating such induction and how it is translated to further maturation. In this work we analyze the regulatory interactions mediating different pathways of endoderm induction by identifying co-regulated transcription factors.

Results
hESCs were induced towards endoderm using activin A and 4 different growth factors (FGF2 (F), BMP4 (B), PI3KI (P), and WNT3A (W)) and their combinations thereof, resulting in 15 total experimental conditions. At the end of differentiation each condition was analyzed by qRT-PCR for 12 relevant endoderm related transcription factors (TFs). As a first approach, we used hierarchical clustering to identify which growth factor combinations favor up-regulation of different genes. In the next step we identified sets of co-regulated transcription factors using a biclustering algorithm. The high variability of experimental data was addressed by integrating the biclustering formulation with bootstrap re-sampling to identify robust networks of co-regulated transcription factors. Our results show that the transition from early to late endoderm is favored by FGF2 as well as WNT3A treatments under high activin. However, induction of late endoderm markers is relatively favored by WNT3A under high activin.

Conclusions
Use of FGF2, WNT3A or PI3K inhibition with high activin A may serve well in definitive endoderm induction followed by WNT3A specific signaling to direct the definitive endoderm into late endodermal lineages. Other combinations, though still feasible for endoderm induction, appear less promising for pancreatic endoderm specification in our experiments.
Sex-specific signaling through Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4 contributes to survival outcome of Coxsackievirus B3 infection in C57Bl/6 mice
Authors: Roberts Brian J , Dragon Julie A , Moussawi Mohamad , Huber Sally A 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundCoxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) induces myocarditis, an inflammatory heart disease, which affects men more than women. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling has been shown to determine the severity of CVB3-induced myocarditis. No direct role for signaling through TLR2 had been shown in myocarditis although published studies show that cardiac myosin is an endogenous TLR2 ligand and stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by dendritic cellsin vitro. The goal of this study is to determine which TLRs show differential expression in CVB3 infected mice corresponding to male susceptibility and female resistance in this disease.MethodsMale and female C57Bl/6 mice were infected with 102PFU CVB3 and killed on day 3 or 6 post infection. Hearts were evaluated for virus titer, myocardial inflammation, and TLR mRNA expression by PCR array and microarray analysis. Splenic lymphocytes only were evaluated by flow cytometry for the number of TLR+/CD3+, TLR+/CD4+, TLR+F4/80+ and TLR+/CD11c+ subpopulations and the mean fluorescence intensity to assess upregulation of TLR expression on these cells. Mice were additionally treated with PAM3CSK4 (TLR2 agonist) or ultrapure LPS (TLR4 agonist) on the same day as CVB3 infection or 3 days post infection to confirm their role in myocarditis susceptibility.ResultsDespite equivalent viral titers, male C57Bl/6 mice develop more severe myocarditis than females by day 6 after infection. Microarray analysis shows a differential expression of TLR2 at day 3 with female mice having higher levels of TLR2 gene expression compared to males. Disease severity correlates to greater TLR4 protein expression on splenic lymphocytes in male mice 3 days after infection while resistance in females correlates to preferential TLR2 expression, especially in spleen lymphocytes. Treating male mice with PAM reduced mortality from 55% in control CVB3 infected animals to 10%. Treating female mice with LPS increased mortality from 0% in control infected animals to 60%.ConclusionCVB3 infection causes an up-regulation of TLR2 in female and of TLR4 in male mice and this differential expression between the sexes contributes to disease resistance of females and susceptibility of males. While previous reports demonstrated a pathogenic role for TLR4 this is the first report that TLR2 is preferentially up-regulated in CVB3 infected female mice or that signaling through this TLR directly causes myocarditis resistance.
Advances in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease: Focusing on Tau-Mediated Neurodegeneration
Authors: Duan Yale , Dong Suzhen , Gu Feng , Hu Yinghe , Zhao Zheng 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
In addition to senile plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathy, the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein and formation of intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) represents another neuropathological hallmark in AD brain. Tau is a microtubule-associated protein and localizes predominantly in the axons of neurons with the primary function in maintaining microtubules stability. When the balance between tau phosphorylation and dephosphorylation is changed in favor of the former, tau is hyperphosphorylated and the level of the free tau fractions elevated. The hyperphosphorylation of tau protein and formation of NFTs represent a characteristic neuropathological feature in AD brain. We have discussed the role of Aβ in AD in our previous review, this review focused on the recent advances in tau-mediated AD pathology, mainly including tau hyperphosphorylation, propagation of tau pathology and the relationship between tau and Aβ.
Diabetes and tuberculosis: a review of the role of optimal glycemic control
Authors: Niazi Asfandyar Khan , Kalra Sanjay 
Published: December 2012

AbstractDeveloping countries shoulder most of the burden of diabetes and tuberculosis. These diseases often coexist. Suboptimal control of diabetes predisposes the patient to tuberculosis, and is one of the common causes of poor response to anti-tubercular treatment. Tuberculosis also affects diabetes by causing hyperglycemia and causing impaired glucose tolerance. Impaired glucose tolerance is one of the major risk factors for developing diabetes. The drugs used to treat tuberculosis (especially rifampicin and isoniazid) interact with oral anti-diabetic drugs and may lead to suboptimal glycemic control. Similarly some of the newer oral anti-diabetic drugs may interact with anti-tuberculosis drugs and lower their efficacy. Therefore diabetes and tuberculosis interact with each other at multiple levels – each exacerbating the other. Management of patients with concomitant tuberculosis and diabetes differs from that of either disease alone. This article reviews the association between diabetes and tuberculosis and suggests appropriate management for these conditions.
Point Mutations in the ERα Gαi Binding Domain Segregate Nonnuclear from Nuclear Receptor Function
Authors: Wu Qian , Chambliss Ken , Lee Wan-Ru , Yuhanna Ivan S. , Mineo Chieko , Shaul Philip W. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
A subpopulation of plasma membrane-associated estrogen receptor (ER)α interact directly with G proteins and mediate nonnuclear receptor signaling. This mechanism underlies numerous processes, including important cardiovascular protective actions of estradiol (E2), such as the activation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and endothelial cell growth and migration. In the present work we sought a genetic approach to differentiate nonnuclear from nuclear ERα actions. We generated single alanine substitutions within the Gαi-binding domain of ERα (amino acids 251–260) and tested signaling to eNOS or ERK1,2 and activation of luciferase (Luc) reporters signifying transactivation via direct or indirect ERα-DNA binding in HeLa cells. The point mutants ERα-R256A, ERα-K257A, ERα-D258A, and ERα-R260A were all incapable of activating eNOS in response to E2, and ERα-R256A and ERα-D258A also showed loss of ERK1,2 activation. In contrast, ERα-R256A, ERα-K257A, ERα-D258A, and ERα-R260A all displayed normal capacity to invoke E2-induced transactivation of estrogen response element (ERE)-Luc or Sp1-Luc. However, whereas activator protein 1-Luc activation by ERα-R256A and ERα-D258A was intact, ERα-K257A and ERα-R260A were incapable of activator protein 1-Luc activation. In in vitro pull-down assays with the two mutants that lack all nonnuclear functions tested and retain all nuclear functions tested, ERα-R256A and ERα-D258A, there was normal direct interaction between Gαi and ERα-R256A and an absence of interaction between Gαi and ERα-D258A. When expressed in endothelial cells, these two mutants prevented E2-induced migration and eNOS activation mediated by endogenous receptor, indicative of dominant-negative action. Thus, the point mutants ERα-R256A and ERα-D258A in the receptor GαI-binding domain provide genetic segregation of nonnuclear from nuclear ERα function.
Identification of Risk Factors for Falls in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gunn Hilary J. , Newell Paul , Haas Bernhard , Marsden Jonathan F. , Freeman Jennifer A. 
Published: December 2012

Background
Falls are a significant issue in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), with research demonstrating fall rates of more than 50%.

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with falling in people with MS.

Data Sources
Mixed search methods were used, including computer-based and manual searches. Additionally, hand searches of reference lists and conference abstracts were performed. All literature published from the source's earliest date to January 2012 was included; only full-text English-language sources (or those where a translation was available) were included.

Study Selection
Eligibility criteria specified articles evaluating any aspect of fall risk in adults with a confirmed MS diagnosis, where the incidence of falling as determined by prospective or retrospective participant report was included.

Data Extraction
Data were extracted independently by 2 reviewers using a written protocol and standardized extraction documentation. Detailed assessment of each article was independently undertaken by both reviewers, including assessment of study quality using an adaptation of the Newcastle Ottawa Scale plus extraction of key data (participant characteristics, fall incidence, and outcomes).

Data Synthesis
The final review comprised 8 articles with a total of 1,929 participants; 1,037 (53.75%) were classified as fallers. Eighteen different risk factors were assessed within the included studies. Meta-analysis demonstrated an increase in fall risk associated with impairments of balance and cognition, progressive MS, and use of a mobility aid. Narrative review of the qualitative articles and those factors where meta-analysis was not possible also was undertaken.

Limitations
Variation in assessment, analysis, and reporting methods allowed meta-analysis for only 4 factors.

Conclusion
There is limited evidence of the factors associated with fall risk in people with MS. Further methodologically robust studies are needed.