bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of glycosphingolipids in the function of human serotonin1A receptors
Authors: Singh Pushpendra , Paila Yamuna Devi , Chattopadhyay Amitabha 
Published: September 2012

AbstractGlycosphingolipids are essential components of eukaryotic cell membranes and are involved in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and neoplastic transformation. In this work, we have modulated glycosphingolipid levels in CHO cells stably expressing the human serotonin1A receptor by inhibiting the activity of glucosylceramide synthase using (±)‐threo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐decanoylamino‐3‐morpholino‐1‐propanol (PDMP), a commonly used inhibitor of the enzyme. Serotonin1A receptors belong to the family of G‐protein‐coupled receptors and are implicated in the generation and modulation of various cognitive, behavioral, and developmental functions. We explored the function of the serotonin1A receptor under glycosphingolipid‐depleted condition by monitoring ligand‐binding activity and G‐protein coupling of the receptor. Our results show that ligand binding of the receptor is impaired under these conditions although the efficiency of G‐protein coupling remains unaltered. The expression of the receptor at the cell membrane appears to be reduced. Interestingly, our results show that the effect of glycosphingolipids on ligand binding caused by metabolic depletion of these lipids is reversible. These novel results demonstrate that glycosphingolipids are necessary for the function of the serotonin1A receptor. We discuss possible mechanisms of specific interaction of glycosphingolipids with the serotonin1A receptor that could involve the proposed ‘sphingolipid‐binding domain’.
Analysis of the temporal change in biophysical parameters after fractional laser treatments using reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Shin Min‐Kyung , Kim Min‐Joong , Baek Ji‐Hwoon , Yoo Mi‐Ae , Koh Jae‐Sook , Lee Sang‐Jun , Lee Mu‐Hyoung 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundFractional photothermolysis is a popular treatment option for photorejuvenation. Previous literature studies have demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of fractional photothermolysis on cutaneous photoaging; however, the associated changes in biophysical properties of the skin following fractional photothermolysis have not been fully elucidated. This study was conducted to investigate the temporal changes in biophysical parameters after fractional laser treatment on Asian skin.Materials and MethodsEleven female subjects underwent a single treatment with an erbium glass fractional laser. Skin roughness, elasticity, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), dermal thickness were evaluated before and immediately after treatment and 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after treatment. The changes in the dermal papilla were analyzed using a reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM).ResultsSkin roughness showed the greatest improvement at the first week and net elasticity was most improved at the second week. TEWL and the percentage of melanized and active dermal papillae (DP) were mostly increased for 3 days. At 4 weeks after treatment, the number of total dermal papillae showed a significant increase compared with pretreatment.ConclusionThis is the first study of the characterization and quantification of dermal papilla reflecting the dermal repair process after fractional photothermolysis through an RCM.
Ecology of Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in Bats: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
Authors: Hayman D. T. S. , Bowen R. A. , Cryan P. M. , McCracken G. F. , O’Shea T. J. , Peel A. J. , Gilbert A. , Webb C. T. , Wood J. L. N. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBats are hosts to a range of zoonotic and potentially zoonotic pathogens. Human activities that increase exposure to bats will likely increase the opportunity for infections to spill over in the future. Ecological drivers of pathogen spillover and emergence in novel hosts, including humans, involve a complex mixture of processes, and understanding these complexities may aid in predicting spillover. In particular, only once the pathogen and host ecologies are known can the impacts of anthropogenic changes be fully appreciated. Cross‐disciplinary approaches are required to understand how host and pathogen ecology interact. Bats differ from other sylvatic disease reservoirs because of their unique and diverse lifestyles, including their ability to fly, often highly gregarious social structures, long lifespans and low fecundity rates. We highlight how these traits may affect infection dynamics and how both host and pathogen traits may interact to affect infection dynamics. We identify key questions relating to the ecology of infectious diseases in bats and propose that a combination of field and laboratory studies are needed to create data‐driven mechanistic models to elucidate those aspects of bat ecology that are most critical to the dynamics of emerging bat viruses. If commonalities can be found, then predicting the dynamics of newly emerging diseases may be possible. This modelling approach will be particularly important in scenarios when population surveillance data are unavailable and when it is unclear which aspects of host ecology are driving infection dynamics.
Spatio‐Temporal Scan Statistics for the Detection of Outbreaks Involving Common Molecular Subtypes: Using Human Cases of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Provincial PFGE Pattern 8 (National Designation ECXAI.0001) in Alberta as an Example
Authors: So H. C. , Pearl D. L. , von Königslöw T. , Louie M. , Chui L. , Svenson L. W. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryMolecular typing methods have become a common part of the surveillance of foodborne pathogens. In particular, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) has been used successfully to identify outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in humans from a variety of food and environmental sources. However, some PFGE patterns appear commonly in surveillance systems, making it more difficult to distinguish between outbreak and sporadic cases based on molecular data alone. In addition, it is unknown whether these common patterns might have unique epidemiological characteristics reflected in their spatial and temporal distributions. Using E. coli O157:H7 surveillance data from Alberta, collected from 2000 to 2002, we investigated whether E. coli O157:H7 with provincial PFGE pattern 8 (national designation ECXAI.0001) clustered in space, time and space–time relative to other PFGE patterns using the spatial scan statistic. Based on our purely spatial and temporal scans using a Bernoulli model, there did not appear to be strong evidence that isolates of E. coli O157:H7 with provincial PFGE pattern 8 are distributed differently from other PFGE patterns. However, we did identify space–time clusters of isolates with PFGE pattern 8, using a Bernoulli model and a space–time permutation model, which included known outbreaks and potentially unrecognized outbreaks or additional outbreak cases. There were differences between the two models in the space–time clusters identified, which suggests that the use of both models could increase the sensitivity of a quantitative surveillance system for identifying outbreaks involving isolates sharing a common PFGE pattern.
Monitoring of West Nile Virus Infections in Germany
Authors: Ziegler U. , Seidowski D. , Angenvoort J. , Eiden M. , Müller K. , Nowotny N. , Groschup M. H. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryWest Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus that is maintained in an enzootic cycle between ornithophilic mosquitoes, mainly of the Culex genus, and certain wild bird species. Other bird species like ravens, jays and raptors are highly susceptible to the infection and may develop deadly encephalitis, while further species of birds are only going through subclinical infection. The objective of this study was to continue in years 2009–2011 the serological and molecular surveillance in wild birds in Germany (see Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 10, 639) and to expand these investigations for the first time also to sera from domestic poultry and horses collected between 2005 and 2009. All three cohorts function as indicators for the endemic circulation of WNV. The presence of WNV‐specific antibodies was detected in all samples by virus neutralization test (VNT), indirect immunofluorescence test (IFT) and/or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The presence of WNV genomes was monitored in relevant sera using two qRT‐PCRs that amplify lineage 1 and 2 strains. A total of 364 migratory and resident wild bird serum samples (with emphasis on Passeriformes and Falconiformes) as well as 1119 serum samples from domestic poultry and 1282 sera from horses were analysed. With the exception of one hooded crow, antibody carriers were exclusively found in migratory birds, but not in resident birds/domestic poultry or in local horses. Crows are facultative, short‐distance winter migrants in Germany. WNV‐specific nucleic acids could not be demonstrated in any of the samples. According to these data, there is no convincing evidence for indigenous WNV infections in equines and in wild/domestic birds in Germany. However, since a few years, WNV infections are endemic in other European countries such as Austria, Hungary, Greece and Italy, a state‐of‐the‐art surveillance system for the detection of incursions of WNV into Germany deems mandatory.
Relationship of adiponectin and leptin to coronary artery disease, classical cardiovascular risk factors and atherothrombotic biomarkers in the IARS cohort
Authors: Rao Veena S. , Ravindran Vandana , Dhanalakshmi Bhaskar , Hebbagodi Sridhara , Kakkar Vijay V. , Shanker Jayashree 
Published: September 2012

SummaryAdiponectin and leptin link metabolic disorders and coronary artery disease (CAD). We analysed their relationship with CAD, classical risk factors and biomarkers in 287 CAD patients (cases) and 477 unaffected family members (controls) selected from the Indian Atherosclerosis Research Study (IARS). Classical risk factors included diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and obesity markers. Novel biomarkers were measured according to manufacturer recommendations. Adverse clinical events were recorded through telephonic follow-up. Cases showed lower adiponectin levels (4684.62 ± 190.73 ng/ml) than controls (5768.86 ± 152.87 ng/ml) (p=1.58X10–5); Leptin levels were higher in affected males (12.47 ± 1.32 ng/ml) than in male controls (9.53 ± 1.19 ng/ml, p=0.017). Adiponectin 1st quartile showed significant protection against CAD in females when compared to 3rd (odds ratio [OR] 0.39, 0.16–0.92, p=0.032) or 4th (OR 0.32, 0.14–0.72; p=0.006) quartile group. Leptin 3rd quartile showed higher CAD risk in males as compared to 1st quartile group (OR 2.09, 1.09–4.01, p=0.028). Subjects with metabolic syndrome showed low adiponectin and high leptin levels. Adipokines showed opposing association trend with lipids, inflammatory and coagulation markers and strong correlation (r=-0.14 to 0.52) with obesity markers. Cases with recurrent event and controls who developed new cardiac event during follow up showed high adiponectin levels (p<0.05). A model that combined adiponectin, leptin and conventional risk factors yielded the best ‘C’ index (0.890, 0.067–0.912). CAD patients in the top adiponectin tertile showed relatively poor survival curve as compared to the bottom Adiponectin tertile group. In conclusion, our findings strengthen the reported association between low adiponectin, high leptin, obesity-related metabolic disturbances and incident CAD in Asian Indians.
Coagulation on Endothelial Cells: The Underexposed Part of Virchow’s Triad
Authors: Geenen Irma , Post Mark , Molin Daniel , Schurink Geert , Maessen Jos , Oerle Rene , Cate Hugo , Spronk Henri 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe process of thrombin generation involves numerous plasma proteases and cofactors. Interaction with the vessel wall, in particular endothelial cells (ECs), influences this process but data on this interaction is limited. We evaluated thrombin generation on EA.hy926, human coronary arterial ECs (HCAECs) and patient-derived human venous ECs (HVECs) by means of a modified calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) method and especially looked into contribution of the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Thrombin generation was measured in presence of confluent ECs with normal pooled and factor XII-deficient (FXII-deficient) platelet-poor plasma, with/without active site inhibited factor VIIa (ASIS) to block the extrinsic pathway and corn trypsin inhibitor for blocking contact activation (intrinsic pathway). Fetal bovine serum (FBS) was removed from culture conditions as FXIIa from the serum retained on ECs apparently, thereby inducing strong contact activation. In serum-free conditions, EA.hy926 and patient-derived HVECs induced thrombin generation mainly via the contact activation pathway with minor influence of ASIS on peak height and very low thrombin generation curves in FXII-deficient plasma. HVECs derived from coronary arterial bypass graft (CABG) patients showed increased thrombin generation compared to control patients, which could be ascribed to increased contact activation. Contribution of the extrinsic pathway on patient-derived ECs was limited. We conclude that the CAT method in combination with serum-free cultured ECs offers a valuable high-throughput method to evaluate endothelial influences on thrombin generation, which appears to involve predominantly contact activation on ECs. Contact activation-mediated thrombin generation was increased on ECs from CABG patients compared to controls.
Local inflammation is associated with aortic thrombus formation in abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Sagan Agnieszka , Mrowiecki Wojciech , Mikolajczyk Tomasz , Urbanski Karol , Siedlinski Mateusz , Nosalski Ryszard , Korbut Ryszard , Guzik Tomasz 
Published: September 2012

SummaryIntraluminal thrombus formation in aortic abdominal aneurysms (AAA) is associated with adverse clinical prognosis. Interplay between coagulation and inflammation, characterised by leukocyte infiltration and cytokine production, has been implicated in AAA thrombus formation. We studied leukocyte (CD45+) content by flow cytometry in AAA thrombi from 27 patients undergoing surgical repair. Luminal parts of thrombi were leukocyte-rich, while abluminal segments showed low leukocyte content. CD66b+ granulocytes were the most prevalent, but their content was similar to blood. Monocytes (CD14+) and T cells (CD3+) were also abundant, while content of B lymphocytes (CD19+) and NK cells (CD56+CD16+) were low. Thrombi showed comparable content of CD14highCD16− monocytes and lower CD14highCD16+ and CD14dimCD16+, than blood. Monocytes were activated with high CD11b, CD11c and HLA-DR expression. Total T cell content was decreased in AAA thrombus compared to peripheral blood but CD8 and CD3+CD4-CD8− (double negative T cell) contents were increased in thrombi. CD4+ cells were lower but highly activated (high CD69, CD25 and HLA-DR). No differences in T regulatory (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+) cell or pro-atherogenic CD4+CD28null lymphocyte content were observed between thrombi and blood. Thrombus T cells expressed high levels of CCR5 receptor for chemokine RANTES, commonly released from activated platelets. Leukocyte or T cell content in thrombi was not correlated with aneurysm size. However, CD3+ content was significantly associated with smoking in multivariate analysis taking into account major risk factors for atherosclerosis. In conclusion, intraluminal AAA thrombi are highly inflamed, predominantly with granulocytes, CD14highCD16− monocytes and activated T lymphocytes. Smoking is associated with T cell infiltration in AAA intraluminal thrombi.
Inculcating the Ergonomic Culture in Developing Countries
Authors: Jayaratne Kapila 
Published: September 2012

Objective: The aim of this article is to describe a survey on ergonomic factors of classroom environments of school children, their influence on health, and use of research outcomes to launch a healthy schoolbag initiative. Background: Ergonomics have not yet well penetrated relevant fields in industrially developing countries, such as Sri Lanka. One of the crucial parameters of the school environment is ergonomics. Available evidence suggests ergonomic mismatches in classroom settings. Good practice examples in child ergonomic interventions are few in resource-poor contexts. Method: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a district in Sri Lanka with a sample of 1,607 children in Grades 6 to 8 with the use of a stratified multistage cluster sampling method. Results: Many children did experience discomfort related to substandard seating arrangements in the classroom. A significant proportion had to turn their necks to see the blackboard. For many children, seating locations were not changed. There were widespread incompatibilities of classroom furniture with anthropometric dimensions of children. A majority of children perceived discomfort contributed by mismatched classroom furniture. Carriage of school materials was not healthy. Deficiencies were noted in weight, model, ergonomic features, and carrying behavior of bags. Children experienced several negative effects, in part attributable to mismatched ergonomic factors. Application: The schoolbag was considered a priority issue. Findings were disseminated to stakeholders and to media. Solutions were contemplated on bag weight reduction, healthy schoolbag introduction, and behavior change in a collaborative initiative with the Education Ministry. Political, administrative, and business stakeholders were successfully engaged to inculcate an ergonomic culture in an industrially developing country.
Mastitis Is Associated with IL-6 Levels and Milk Fat Globule Size in Breast Milk
Authors: Mizuno Katsumi , Hatsuno Misato , Aikawa Kimiyo , Takeichi Hiromi , Himi Tomoko , Kaneko Aki , Kodaira Kimi , Takahashi Hiromi , Itabashi Kazuo 
Published: September 2012

Background: From animal studies, it is known that mastitic inflammation of the mammary lobes can produce proinflammatory cytokines and can damage the milk fat globule (MFG). Objective: To investigate, in women, whether MFG and interleukin (IL)-6 differences are observed between mastitic milk (MM) and healthy milk (HM) of a mother. Methods: MM was obtained from the specific nipple pore leading to the mastitic lobe of 17 women; HM was obtained from the other breast. Milk sampling occurred at days 0 (pre-treatment), 1, and 2 (post-treatment). MFG size and IL-6 were measured by laser light scattering and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. We analyzed MFG and IL-6 differences between HM and MM, whether any differences occurred over time with treatment, and whether differences were observed between mothers with systemic symptoms (fever/malaise, Group A) or without systemic symptoms (Group B). Results: On day 0, MM had higher MFG size ( P < .01) and IL-6 levels ( P < .001) than HM. This difference significantly decreased over time with treatment for both MFG size ( P < .01) and IL-6 ( P < .05). On day 0, Group A mothers had significantly larger MFG size ( P < .01) and IL-6 ( P < .001) than Group B. Conclusions: MM contains larger MFG and higher IL-6 levels than milk from the healthy breast. This difference is larger if accompanied by systemic symptoms of mastitis (fever/malaise). These changes decreased over time with treatment. Therefore, early initiation of appropriate treatment may be useful in limiting the processes that contribute to alterations in MFG size and IL-6.
An Osteochondral Lesion in the Distal Fibula
Authors: Riaz Osman , Boyce Cam Nick , Shenolikar Aneil 
Published: September 2012

Osteochondral lesions of the talus are well-recognized clinical entities; however, this report illustrates a rare case of an osteochondral defect in the distal fibula. A 15-year-old male was referred to the orthopaedic services with a 9-month history of persistent ankle pain following an initial inversion injury. Plain X-ray was unremarkable but magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed an osteochondral lesion at the level of the fibular physeal scar. The patient underwent an ankle arthroscopy where an unstable chondral flap was debrided and the associated fissure decompressed. The patient made an uneventful recovery and returned to normal sporting activities, symptom free. This diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting with chronic ankle pain particularly with a history of an inversion injury. The purpose of this report is to raise awareness of this condition. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV, Case study
Test-Retest Reliability of the Win-Track Platform in Analyzing the Gait Parameters and Plantar Pressures During Barefoot Walking in Healthy Adults
Authors: Ramachandra Preetha , Maiya Arun G. , Kumar Pratap 
Published: September 2012

The Win-Track platform is an instrument used to measure plantar pressures and gait parameters during barefoot walking. The objective of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the system in assessing plantar pressures and temporal gait variables between 1-step and 3-step gait protocols. A total of 30 healthy participants (18 women and 12 men; age 23.7 ± 4.75 years) were recruited for the study. The 1-step gait protocol exhibited good reliability in terms of single stance, step duration and swing duration of the left foot; stride duration of the right foot; stride length; and step length of the right foot, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranging from 0.75 to 0.88. The 3-step gait protocol showed good reliability, with ICC values ranging between 0.75 and 0.90 in cadence; step duration of the right foot; double-stance duration and swing duration of the right foot; stride length of the right foot; step length and gait cycle length of the right and the left foot; and the area covered by the first, second, and third foot. The authors concluded that the Win-Track platform provided reliable plantar pressures and temporal gait measures, and the 3-step gait protocol showed better reliability compared with the 1-step gait protocol. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level IV
Analyzing primary Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells to capture the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Tiacci Enrico , Döring Claudia , Brune Verena , van Noesel Carel J. M. , Klapper Wolfram , Mechtersheimer Gunhild , Falini Brunangelo , Küppers Ralf , Hansmann Martin-Leo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe pathogenesis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), the most common lymphoma in the young, is still enigmatic, largely because its Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (HRS) tumor cells are rare in the involved lymph node and therefore difficult to analyze. Here, by overcoming this technical challenge and performing, for the first time, a genome-wide transcriptional analysis of microdissected HRS cells compared with other B-cell lymphomas, cHL lines, and normal B-cell subsets, we show that they differ extensively from the usually studied cHL cell lines, that the lost B-cell identity of cHLs is not linked to the acquisition of a plasma cell-like gene expression program, and that Epstein-Barr virus infection of HRS cells has a minor transcriptional influence on the established cHL clone. Moreover, although cHL appears a distinct lymphoma entity overall, HRS cells of its histologic subtypes diverged in their similarity to other related lymphomas. Unexpectedly, we identified 2 molecular subgroups of cHL associated with differential strengths of the transcription factor activity of the NOTCH1, MYC, and IRF4 proto-oncogenes. Finally, HRS cells display deregulated expression of several genes potentially highly relevant to lymphoma pathogenesis, including silencing of the apoptosis-inducer BIK and of INPP5D, an inhibitor of the PI3K-driven oncogenic pathway.