bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Detergent Extraction of Mycobacterium marinum Cell Envelope Proteins Identifies an Extensively Modified Threonine-Rich Outer Membrane Protein with Channel Activity
Authors: van der Woude Aniek D. , Mahendran Kozhinjampara R. , Ummels Roy , Piersma Sander R. , Pham Thang V. , Jiménez Connie R. , de Punder Karin , van der Wel Nicole N. , Winterhalter Mathias , Luirink Joen , Bitter Wilbert , Houben Edith N. G. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

A striking characteristic of mycobacteria is the presence of an unusual outer membrane which forms a thick permeability barrier and provides resistance to many antibiotics. Although specialized proteins must reside in this layer, only few mycolate outer membrane (MOM) proteins have been identified to date. Their discovery is complicated by difficulties in obtaining good separation of mycobacterial inner and outer membranes. During our efforts to identify novel mycobacterial outer membrane proteins (MOMPs), we discovered that we can enrich for MOMPs using differential solubilization of mycobacterial cell envelopes. Subsequently, these different fractions were analyzed by nano liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS). This proteomic analysis confirmed that our marker proteins for inner membrane and MOM were found in their expected fractions and revealed a few interesting candidate MOMPs. A number of these putative MOMPs were further analyzed for their expression and localization in the cell envelope. One identified MOMP, MMAR_0617 of
Mycobacterium marinum
, was purified and demonstrated to form a large oligomeric complex. Importantly, this protein showed a clear single-channel conductance of 0.8 ± 0.1 ns upon reconstitution into artificial planar lipid bilayers. The most surprising feature of MMAR_0617 is a long C-terminal threonine-rich domain with extensive modifications. In summary, we have identified a novel mycobacterial outer membrane porin with unusual properties.
Use of Acupuncture for Pain Management in An Academic Korean Medicine Hospital: A Retrospective Review of Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Kim Kun Hyung , Kim Yu Ri , Noh Seung Hee , Kang Kyung Won , Kim Jae Kyu , Yang Gi Young , Lee Byung Ryul 
Published: March 2013

Objective This study aimed to identify the descriptive characteristics of patients with pain conditions who visited an academic medical centre for traditional Korean medicine (TKM). Methods This work was a retrospective review of the electronic medical records of patients who received at least one session of acupuncture for pain management from March 2010 to February 2012 in the Korean medical hospital of Pusan National University. Demographic characteristics and data on patient conditions, treatment interventions received and costs associated with acupuncture treatments were analysed. Results We identified a total of 2167 patients, including 2105 outpatients and 237 inpatients. The mean age (SD) of the patients was 52.0 (15.3) years, and approximately two-thirds of the patients were women (64.0%). The average number of acupuncture treatment sessions was 8.0 (6.6 for outpatients and 14.5 for inpatients). The most treated conditions were low back pain (30.5%), neck pain (23.9%) and shoulder pain (17.5%). Interventions included needle acupuncture with manual (52.6%) or electrical (47.4%) stimulation, herbal medicine (44.2%), cupping (21.2%) and moxibustion (3.5%). Over one-third of outpatients (33.5%) received at least six sessions of acupuncture. The median total cost of each outpatient and inpatient care per person was 169 604 and 1 001 707 Korean Won (approximately £98 and £577), respectively. Conclusions Acupuncture was primarily used for the treatment of low back, neck and shoulder pain with a wide range of related interventions at an academic medical centre for traditional Korean medicine. These data reflect real clinical practice and should inform the design of future prospective clinical research of acupuncture.
Effect of Acupuncture on Target Tissue Distribution of Schisandra lignans
Authors: Lu Tu-Lin , Wu Xiao-Yan , Song Yu , Chen Hao , Xu Bin , Zhou Yuan , Huang Zhi-Jun , Sun Yong , Mao Chun-Qin 
Published: March 2013

Background Recently, the combination of acupuncture and Chinese medicine as a practical strategy to treat diseases is receiving considerable attention worldwide as they are usually found to exhibit intriguing therapeutic effectiveness. The current study aimed to study the adjunct effect of acupuncture on target tissue distribution of schisandra lignans when acupuncture is combined with Schisandra chinensis. Methods A simple and reliable high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) method for simultaneous analysis of three bioactive lignans (schisandrin, deoxyschisandrin and schisandrin B) in rat tissues was established. Using this analytical method we evaluated whether acupuncture had a synergistic effect on the tissue distribution of schisandra lignans. Results Tissue concentrations of the three lignans in the group receiving acupuncture were significantly higher than those in the schisandra only group, suggesting that acupuncture may potently increase tissue concentrations of schisandra lignans. The highest concentrations of the three lignans occurred in the liver compared with other tissues, and tissue concentrations in the heart, spleen, lungs and kidneys were increased by 315%, 203%, 250% and 224%, respectively. In addition, retention times of the lignans in tissues were prolonged for a relative long time. Conclusions Our date indicate that the combined use of acupuncture and Schisandra chinensis could produce a synergistic effect which could play a beneficial role on promoting the tissue distribution of lignans. This has supported our initial hypothesis. The HPLC-MS method showed good sensitivity in quantifying the three schisandra lignans in different tissues.
Pneumocystis pneumonia in a non-HIV patient on chronic corticosteroid therapy: a question of prophylaxis
Authors: Plakke Michael J , Jalota Leena , Lloyd Benjamin J 
Published: March 2013

A man in his late 50s with a history of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis presented with fever and mild dyspnoea. He was HIV-negative and had been on corticosteroids as immunosuppression for 6 months prior to tapering them off 1 week before presentation. He was not taking prophylaxis forPneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia. After unsuccessful treatment for community-acquired pneumonia, his condition worsened and he required intubation and mechanical ventilation. Full respiratory workup including bronchoscopy revealedP jiroveciias a source for the patient's infection. He was treated successfully with a 21-day course of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and eventually weaned off the ventilator. He has had no complications to date. In our review of this case and the existing literature, we believe that proper utilisation of prophylaxis for pneumocystis pneumonia may have prevented our patient's transfer to intensive care unit. In our article, we discuss this issue and explore current evidence for prophylaxis.
Haemophagocytic syndrome with disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with tuberculosis
Authors: Cherif Eya , Bel Feki Nabil , Ben Hassine Lamia , Khalfallah Narjess 
Published: March 2013

Haemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is a clinical entity that combines non-specific clinical and biological features. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by a bone marrow examination. HPS may be primary or secondary to a malignancy or to an infectious or autoimmune disease. Early aggressive survey of the aetiology and optimal treatment of the underlying disease improve the outcome of life-threatening HPS. Infection-associated HPS occurs predominantly in immunocompromised patients and is usually fatal. Leading trigger agents are viruses, especially the Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus. Mycobacterial infections associated with HPS are rare but should be considered in those patients where there is associated fever of unknown origin. We present a case of disseminated tuberculosis-associated HPS.
The interactions of ethical notions and moral values of immediate stakeholders of immunisation services in two Indian states: a qualitative study
Authors: Varghese Joe , Raman Kutty V , Ramanathan Mala 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesThis study examines the existing norms regarding immunisation within the communities and the ethical notions that govern the actions of different health professionals and their collective synergistic or conflicting effects on the governance of the programme.DesignWe used descriptive and analytical qualitative methods as it suited the research question.SettingThe data were collected from areas under 16 primary health centres in Kerala and Tamil Nadu identified through a three-step sampling process.ParticipantsThis involved in-depth interviews with stakeholders including providers, beneficiaries and other stakeholders, focus group discussions with mothers of under-five children and participant and non-participant observations of vaccination-related activities.ResultsUnlike most other ethical analyses that look at the ethics of vaccination policies, the interactions of normative principles and notions are analysed in this article. Moral obligation of parents towards their children, beneficence of healthcare providers and the utilitarian aspirations of the state are the key normative principles involved. Our analysis points to the interplay of both synergy and conflict in ethical notions and moral values in the context of immunisation services. Paternalistic interventions like special immunisation campaigns against polio and Japanese encephalitis are a case in point: they generate conflict at the normative level and create mistrust.ConclusionsAnalysis of vaccination policies and programmes needs to go beyond factors that assess monetary benefits or herd immunity. Understanding the interactions of normative notions that shape the social organisation of the providers and the users of vaccination is important in creating a sustainable environment for the programme.
Semen quality and reproductive hormones in Faroese men: a cross-sectional population-based study of 481 men
Authors: Halling Jónrit , Petersen Maria Skaalum , Jørgensen Niels , Jensen Tina Kold , Grandjean Philippe , Weihe Pál 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesTo determine semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in young Faroese men.DesignDescriptive cross-sectional study of Faroese men compared with Danish men.SettingFaroese one-centre study.Participants481 men born from 1981 to 1987 and investigated from 2007 to 2010.Outcome measuresSperm concentration, semen volume, total sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology and reproductive hormone levels.ResultsSperm concentrations for the Faroese men were lower than for the Danish men (crude median 40 vs 48 mill/ml, p<0.0005). Semen volume was higher, and thus the total sperm counts did not differ (159 vs 151 mill, p=0.2). Motility and morphology did not differ between the Faroese and Danes. The inhibin B/follicle-stimulating hormone ratios for the Faroese men were lower than for the Danes (64 vs 76, p=0.001). Similarly, lower total testosterone/luteinising hormone (LH) ratio (4.6 vs 6.0, p<0.0005) and lower calculated free-testosterone/LH ratio (94 vs 134, p<0.0005) were detected for the Faroese men.ConclusionsSemen quality among the Faroese men is at the same low level as reported for Danish men, and the reproductive hormone levels furthermore indicated a lower Leydig cell capacity for testosterone production. The influence of environmental exposure and genetic factors on semen quality has to be studied further.
Mortality and morbidity after high-dose methylprednisolone treatment in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury: a propensity-matched analysis using a nationwide administrative database
Authors: Chikuda Hirotaka , Yasunaga Hideo , Takeshita Katsushi , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Ohe Kazuhiko , Fushimi Kiyohide , Tanaka Sakae 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the magnitude of the adverse impact of high-dose methylprednisolone treatment in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI).MethodsWe examined the abstracted data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, and included patients with ICD-10 code S141 who were admitted on an emergency basis between 1 July and 31 December in 2007–2009. The investigation evaluated the patients’ sex, age, comorbidities, Japan Coma Scale, hospital volume and the amount of methylprednisolone administered. One-to-one propensity-score matching between high-dose methylprednisolone group (>5000 mg) and control group was performed to compare the rates of in-hospital death and major complications (sepsis; pneumonia; urinary tract infection; gastrointestinal ulcer/bleeding; and pulmonary embolism).ResultsWe identified 3508 cervical SCI patients (2652 men and 856 women; mean age, 60.8±18.7 years) including 824 (23.5%) patients who received high-dose methylprednisolone. A propensity-matched analysis with 824 pairs of patients showed a significant increase in the occurrence of gastrointestinal ulcer/bleeding (68/812 vs 31/812; p<0.001) in the high-dose methylprednisolone group. Overall, the high-dose methylprednisolone group demonstrated a significantly higher risk of complications (144/812 vs 96/812;OR, 1.66; 95% CI 1.23 to 2.24; p=0.001) than the control group. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between the high-dose methylprednisolone group and the control group (p=0.884).ConclusionsPatients receiving high-dose methylprednisolone had a significantly increased risk of major complications, in particular, gastrointestinal ulcer/bleeding. However, high-dose methylprednisolone treatment was not associated with any increase in mortality.
Predictive factors of severe multilobar pneumonia and shock in patients with influenza
Authors: Garcia Gutierrez Susana , Quintana José Maria , Baricot Maretva , Bilbao Amaia , Capelastegui Alberto , Cilla Eguiluz Carlos Gustavo , Domínguez Angela , Castilla Jesús , Godoy Pere , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel , Soldevila Núria , Astray Jenaro , Mayoral José María , Martín Vicente , González-Candelas Fernando , Galán Juan Carlos , Tamames Sonia , Castro-Acosta Ady Angélica , Garín Olatz , Pumarola Tomás ,   the CIBERESP Cases and Controls in Pandemic Influenza Working Group, Spain
Published: March 2013

PurposeTo identify risk factors present at admission in adult patients hospitalised due to influenza virus infection during the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons—including whether infection was from pandemic or seasonal influenza A infections—that were associated with the likelihood of developing severe pneumonia with multilobar involvement and shock.MethodsProspective cohort study. Patients hospitalised due to influenza virus infection were recruited. We collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, pre-existing medical conditions, vaccinations, toxic habits, previous medications, exposure to social environments, and EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D). Severe pneumonia with multilobar involvement and/or shock (SPAS) was the primary outcome of interest. We constructed two multivariate logistic regression models to explain the likelihood of developing SPAS and to create a clinical prediction rule for developing SPAS that includes clinically relevant variables.ResultsLaboratory-confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09, EQ-5D utility score 7 days before admission, more than one comorbidity, altered mental status, dyspnoea on arrival, days from onset of symptoms, and influenza season were associated with SPAS. In addition, not being vaccinated against seasonal influenza in the previous year, anaemia, altered mental status, fever and dyspnoea on arrival at hospital, difficulties in performing activities of daily living in the previous 7 days, and days from onset of symptoms to arrival at hospital were related to the likelihood of SPAS (area under the curve value of 0.75; Hosmer–Lemeshow p value of 0.84).ConclusionsThese variables should be taken into account by physicians evaluating a patient affected by influenza as additional information to that provided by the usual risk scores.
Who makes uric acid stones and why—observations from a renal stones clinic
Authors: Stansbridge Elizabeth M , Griffin Damian G , Walker Valerie 
Published: March 2013

AimsExcessively acidic urine is the dominant factor in uric acid stone formation. Recent evidence implicating insulin resistance has revived interest in its causation. We reviewed data on uric acid stone formers attending a general stones clinic to find out whether this supports and adds to current concepts.MethodsA retrospective database study of 1504 stone formers investigated at the Southampton renal stones clinic from 1990 to March 2007. Uric acid stone formers and idiopathic calcium stone formers were compared using non-parametric tests.ResultsFifty-nine patients (3.9%; 43 men) had uric acid stones. In men the commonest associated conditions were diabetes (20%), gout (20%) and an ileostomy (15%); in women, diabetes (33%), urinary infections (27%) and hyperparathyroidism (20%). Most patients with diabetes (85% of men, 75% of women), however, produced calcium stones. Risk factors did not differ significantly between calcium and uric acid stone formers with diabetes, gout or ileostomies. The median urine pH of men with idiopathic calcium stones was 6.20, idiopathic uric acid stones 5.47, diabetes 5.68, gout 6.05, diabetes and gout 5.20 and ileostomy 5.10. Plasma urate was higher with gout and idiopathic uric acid stones. Urate excretion was increased in gout. Oxalate excretion was lower with idiopathic uric acid stones (new finding). Urine volume decreased and oxalate concentration increased with ileostomy.ConclusionsUric acid stones are increased in diabetes, but most patients with diabetes make calcium stones. Different mechanisms may explain low pH with diabetes, gout and idiopathic stones. Low oxalate excretion with idiopathic urate stones needs confirmation.
Lost in translation. Homer in English; the patient's story in medicine
Authors: Marshall Robert J , Bleakley Alan 
Published: March 2013

In a series of previous articles, we have considered how we might reconceptualise central themes in medicine and medical education through ‘thinking with Homer’. This has involved using textual approaches, scenes and characters from theIliadandOdysseyfor rethinking what is a ‘communication skill’, and what do we mean by ‘empathy’ in medical practice; in what sense is medical practice formulaic, like a Homeric ‘song’; and what is lyrical about medical practice. Our approach is not to historicise medicine and medical education, but to use thinking with Homer as a medium and metaphor for questioning the habitual and the taken-for-granted in contemporary practice.In this article, we tackle the complex theme of ‘translation’. We use the lens of translation studies to examine the process of turning the patient's story into medical language. We address the questions: what makes a ‘good’ translation? What are the consequences of mistranslation and poor translation? And, while things are inevitably lost in translation, does this matter?
RECENT DEVELOPMENT OF SUPERSYMMETRIC GAUGE THEORIES ON LATTICE
Authors: SUGINO FUMIHIKO 
Published: March 2013

First, we give a brief review of recent development of lattice formulations for supersymmetric Yang-Mills (SYM) theories with extended supersymmetry, which preserves a part of supersymmetry on lattice. For cases of two dimensions, we can see that lattice models in such formulations lead to the target continuum theories with no fine-tuning. Namely, supersymmetries or some other symmetries not realized on the lattice are automatically restored in the continuum limit. Next, we consider a mass deformation to [Formula: see text] and present its lattice formulation with keeping two supercharges. It provides a nonperturbative framework to investigate IIA matrix string theory. Moreover, since it has fuzzy sphere solutions around which four-dimensional theory is deconstructed, it will serve a nonperturbative formulation of four-dimensional [Formula: see text] which requires no fine-tuning. The rank of the gauge group is not restricted to large N. It opens a quite interesting possibility to test AdS/CFT correspondence in a stringy regime where string loop effects cannot be neglected. Also, for two-dimensional [Formula: see text], a similar argument is possible to obtain four-dimensional [Formula: see text] on noncommutative space.
Risk of Pancreatic Cancer in Breast Cancer Families from the Breast Cancer Family Registry
Authors: Mocci Evelina , Milne Roger L. , Méndez-Villamil Elena Yuste , Hopper John L. , John Esther M. , Andrulis Irene L. , Chung Wendy K. , Daly Mary , Buys Saundra S. , Malats Nuria , Goldgar David E. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Background: Increased risk of pancreatic cancer has been reported in breast cancer families carrying BRCA1and BRCA2 mutations; however, pancreatic cancer risk in mutation-negative (BRCAX) families has not been explored to date. The aim of this study was to estimate pancreatic cancer risk in high-risk breast cancer families according to the BRCA mutation status.
Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was applied to estimate standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for pancreatic cancer. A total of 5,799 families with ≥1 breast cancer case tested for mutations in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 were eligible. Families were divided into four classes: BRCA1, BRCA2, BRCAX with ≥2 breast cancer diagnosed before age 50 (class 3), and the remaining BRCAX families (class 4).
Results: BRCA1 mutation carriers were at increased risk of pancreatic cancer [SIR = 4.11; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.94–5.76] as were BRCA2 mutation carriers (SIR = 5.79; 95% CI, 4.28–7.84). BRCAX family members were also at increased pancreatic cancer risk, which did not appear to vary by number of members with early-onset breast cancer (SIR = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.06–1.63 for class 3 and SIR = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.13–1.49 for class 4).
Conclusions: Germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Members of BRCAX families are also at increased risk of pancreatic cancer, pointing to the existence of other genetic factors that increase the risk of both pancreatic cancer and breast cancer.
Impact: This study clarifies the relationship between familial breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. Given its high mortality, pancreatic cancer should be included in risk assessment in familial breast cancer counseling. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(5); 803–11. ©2013 AACR.