bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Importance of PdpC, IglC, IglI, and IglG for Modulation of a Host Cell Death Pathway Induced by Francisella tularensis
Authors: Lindgren Marie , Eneslätt Kjell , Bröms Jeanette E. , Sjöstedt Anders 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Modulation of host cell death pathways appears to be a prerequisite for the successful lifestyles of many intracellular pathogens. The facultative intracellular bacterium
Francisella tularensis
is highly pathogenic, and effective proliferation in the macrophage cytosol leading to host cell death is a requirement for its virulence. To better understand the prerequisites of this cell death, macrophages were infected with the
F. tularensis
live vaccine strain (LVS), and the effects were compared to those resulting from infections with deletion mutants lacking expression of either of the
pdpC
,
iglC
,
iglG
, or
iglI
genes, which encode components of the
Francisella
pathogenicity island (FPI), a type VI secretion system. Within 12 h, a majority of the J774 cells infected with the LVS strain showed production of mitochondrial superoxide and, after 24 h, marked signs of mitochondrial damage, caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation, phosphatidylserine expression, nucleosome formation, and membrane leakage. In contrast, neither of these events occurred after infection with the Δ
iglI
or Δ
iglC
mutants, although the former strain replicated. The Δ
iglG
mutant replicated effectively but induced only marginal cytopathogenic effects after 24 h and intermediate effects after 48 h. In contrast, the Δ
pdpC
mutant showed no replication but induced marked mitochondrial superoxide production and mitochondrial damage, caspase-3 activation, nucleosome formation, and phosphatidylserine expression, although the effects were delayed compared to those obtained with LVS. The unique phenotypes of the mutants provide insights regarding the roles of individual FPI components for the modulation of the cytopathogenic effects resulting from the
F. tularensis
infection.
Motility Is Crucial for the Infectious Life Cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Sultan Syed Z. , Manne Akarsh , Stewart Philip E. , Bestor Aaron , Rosa Patricia A. , Charon Nyles W. , Motaleb M. A. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

The Lyme disease spirochete,
Borrelia burgdorferi
, exists in a zoonotic cycle involving an arthropod tick and mammalian host. Dissemination of the organism within and between these hosts depends upon the spirochete's ability to traverse through complex tissues. Additionally, the spirochete outruns the host immune cells while migrating through the dermis, suggesting the importance of
B. burgdorferi
motility in evading host clearance.
B. burgdorferi
's periplasmic flagellar filaments are composed primarily of a major protein, FlaB, and minor protein, FlaA. By constructing a
flaB
mutant that is nonmotile, we investigated for the first time the absolute requirement for motility in the mouse-tick life cycle of
B. burgdorferi
. We found that whereas wild-type cells are motile and have a flat-wave morphology, mutant cells were nonmotile and rod shaped. These mutants were unable to establish infection in C3H/HeN mice via either needle injection or tick bite. In addition, these mutants had decreased viability in fed ticks. Our studies provide substantial evidence that the periplasmic flagella, and consequently motility, are critical not only for optimal survival in ticks but also for infection of the mammalian host by the arthropod tick vector.
Amygdala Functional Connectivity with Medial Prefrontal Cortex at Rest Predicts the Positivity Effect in Older Adults' Memory
Authors: Sakaki Michiko , Nga Lin , Mather Mara 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
As people get older, they tend to remember more positive than negative information. This age-by-valence interaction has been called “positivity effect.” The current study addressed the hypotheses that baseline functional connectivity at rest is predictive of older adults' brain activity when learning emotional information and their positivity effect in memory. Using fMRI, we examined the relationship among resting-state functional connectivity, subsequent brain activity when learning emotional faces, and individual differences in the positivity effect (the relative tendency to remember faces expressing positive vs. negative emotions). Consistent with our hypothesis, older adults with a stronger positivity effect had increased functional coupling between amygdala and medial PFC (MPFC) during rest. In contrast, younger adults did not show the association between resting connectivity and memory positivity. A similar age-by-memory positivity interaction was also found when learning emotional faces. That is, memory positivity in older adults was associated with (a) enhanced MPFC activity when learning emotional faces and (b) increased negative functional coupling between amygdala and MPFC when learning negative faces. In contrast, memory positivity in younger adults was related to neither enhanced MPFC activity to emotional faces, nor MPFC–amygdala connectivity to negative faces. Furthermore, stronger MPFC–amygdala connectivity during rest was predictive of subsequent greater MPFC activity when learning emotional faces. Thus, emotion–memory interaction in older adults depends not only on the task-related brain activity but also on the baseline functional connectivity.
Negative BOLD Response in the Hippocampus during Short-term Spatial Memory Retrieval
Authors: Nilsson Jonna , Ferrier I. Nicol , Coventry Kenny , Bester Andre , Finkelmeyer Andreas 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
A parieto-medial temporal pathway is thought to underlie spatial navigation in humans. fMRI was used to assess the role of this pathway, including the hippocampus, in the cognitive processes likely to underlie navigation based on environmental cues. Participants completed a short-term spatial memory task in virtual space, which required no navigation but involved the recognition of a target location from a foil location based on environmental landmarks. The results showed that spatial memory retrieval based on environmental landmarks was indeed associated with increased signal in regions of the parieto-medial temporal pathway, including the superior parietal cortex, the retrosplenial cortex, and the lingual gyrus. However, the hippocampus demonstrated a signal decrease below the fixation baseline during landmark-based retrieval, whereas there was no signal change from baseline during retrieval based on viewer position. In a discussion of the origins of such negative BOLD response in the hippocampus, we consider both a suppression of default activity and an increase in activity without a corresponding boost in CBF as possible mechanisms.
Prediction of failure envelopes and stress–strain curves of fiber composite laminates under triaxial loads: Comparison with experimental results
Authors: Zhang Daxu , Xu Lihua , Ye Jianqiao 
Published: March 2013

This paper represents the authors’ contribution to Part B of the second world wide failure exercise, in which the failure predictions and stress–strain curves of 12 test cases are compared with experimental data. The paper briefly reviews the methodology presented in second world wide failure exercise Part A, which includes a semi-analytical stress analysis model and Christensen’s failure criteria. A further development in this paper is to introduce a new failure criterion developed also by Christensen and the application of the criterion in conjunction with the stress model. These failure criteria have no adjustable parameters and only depend upon a minimal number of measurable failure properties. Comparisons between the theoretical predictions using different criteria and the experimental results provided by the second World-Wide Failure Exercise organizers are shown in diagrams. It appears that Christensen’s failure criteria for anisotropic fiber composite materials predict the failure strength satisfactorily in most of the test cases. Christensen’s Polynomial invariants theory compares also well with the experimental results. However, the layup-dependent strength properties required in the criterion are sometimes very difficult to evaluate without performing experimental tests.
Dietary fat intake, body composition and blood lipids of university men and women
Authors: Neville Marita M , Geppert J , Min Y , Grimble G , Crawford Michael A , Ghebremeskel K 
Published: March 2013

Background: Cardiovascular disease rates are high in the UK, particular in men, and are related to dietary fat intake. We conducted a pilot study to investigate relationships between saturated and unsaturated dietary fat intakes, body composition and blood lipid parameters in Caucasian men and women at university. Methods: Volunteers (52 men and 52 women; age range 20–50 years) were recruited from staff and students of London Metropolitan University. Dietary intake, body composition, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose and lipids were assessed. Gender differences between the measured variables and their relationships were assessed by Mann–Whitney U-test, and by multi-linear (stepwise) regression, respectively. Results: Men consumed more saturated fat (29.5 vs 20.5 g/day, p < 0.001), and had elevated levels of glucose (5.34 + 0.74 vs 4.85 + 0.49 mmol/l, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (2.99 + 1.5 vs 2.62+ 0.74 mmol/l, p < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (126.4 + 11.0 vs 112.6 + 17.2 mm/Hg, p < 0.001), and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (1.41 ± 0.34 vs 1.83 ± 0.43, p < 0.001). Saturated fat was positively associated with total body fat (  p < 0.05), trunk fat (  p < 0.001), HDL cholesterol (  p < 0.05) and systolic blood pressure (  p < 0.001) in women, while in men docosahexaenoic acid and total cholesterol (  p < 0.05), total omega-3 fatty acids and LDL cholesterol (  p < 0.001), total omega-3 fatty acids and triglycerides (  p < 0.01) were positively related. Similar n-3 fatty acid intakes were reported in nutritionally aware students and other university subjects. Conclusions: The data of this study indicate gender-related differences in response to dietary fat, and widespread low compliance with n-3 fatty acid recommendations. Although the men are highly health conscious and physically active, their blood lipid levels are indicative of a risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to enhanced nutritional education to increase seafood intakes in this age group of men and women, customised dietary and lifestyle advice may be required in the men.
Early phase trial design for assessing several dose levels for toxicity and efficacy for targeted agents
Authors: Hoering Antje , Mitchell Alan , LeBlanc Michael , Crowley John 
Published: March 2013

Background Traditional phase I trials are designed to be conservative. Many times a traditional phase I trial design stops at a dose level below the maximal tolerated dose (MTD), thus potentially treating patients at a suboptimal level in all subsequent trials. This has been confirmed by our recent simulation studies. Purpose We propose a phase I/II trial design to determine the most promising dose level in terms of toxicity and efficacy for cytostatic or targeted agents. This design evaluates three dose levels for efficacy and toxicity using a modified phase II selection design. The dose levels include the phase I recommended dose (RD) in addition to the dose levels immediately below and above that level. Methods This phase I/II trial design uses a two-step approach. In the first step, a traditional phase I trial design is used to get close to a good dose level. The second step consists of a modified selection design, randomizing patients to three dose levels: the phase I RD level and the dose levels immediately below and above the phase I RD level. Both efficacy and toxicity are used to determine a good or best dose level. Appropriate toxicity stopping rules in the phase II portion of the trial are implemented as part of such a trial. We perform simulation studies for a variety of toxicity and efficacy scenarios to determine the operating characteristics of this design and compare those to our originally proposed trial where we only explore dose levels at and below the phase I RD in the second phase of the trial, as well as to the traditional setting where a phase I trial is followed by a single-arm phase II trial at the phase I RD. Results The 3-arm modified selection design exploring the dose levels immediately above and below as well as the RD performs as well or better than the 2-arm modified selection design or the single-arm design for almost all toxicity and efficacy scenario combinations tested. Conclusion We demonstrate that this design has a higher success rate at identifying a good or best dose level when exploring dose levels immediately above and below the RD in the early phase II setting, in most cases without needing larger sample sizes.
Cutaneous Infections in Wrestlers
Authors: Wilson Eugene K. , deWeber Kevin , Berry James W. , Wilckens John H. 
Published: March 2013

Context: Cutaneous infections are common in wrestlers. Although many are simply a nuisance in the everyday population, they can be problematic to wrestlers because such infections may result in disqualification from practice or competition. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are therefore important. Evidence Acquisition: Medline and PubMed databases, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and UpToDate were searched through 2012 with the following keywords in various combinations: skin infections, cutaneous infections, wrestlers, athletes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, skin and soft tissue infections, tinea corporis, tinea capitis, herpes simplex, varicella zoster, molluscum contagiosum, verruca vulgaris, warts, scabies, and pediculosis. Relevant articles found in the primary search, and selected references from those articles were reviewed for pertinent clinical information. Results: The most commonly reported cutaneous infections in wrestlers are herpes simplex virus infections (herpes gladiatorum), bacterial skin and soft tissue infections, and dermatophyte infections (tinea gladiatorum). The clinical appearance of these infections can be different in wrestlers than in the community at large. Conclusion: For most cutaneous infections, diagnosis and management options in wrestlers are similar to those in the community at large. With atypical presentations, testing methods are recommended to confirm the diagnosis of herpes gladiatorum and tinea gladiatorum. There is evidence to support the use of prophylactic medications to prevent recurrence of herpes simplex virus and reduce the incidence of dermatophyte infections in wrestlers.
Core Stability Training for Injury Prevention
Authors: Huxel Bliven Kellie C. , Anderson Barton E. 
Published: March 2013

Context: Enhancing core stability through exercise is common to musculoskeletal injury prevention programs. Definitive evidence demonstrating an association between core instability and injury is lacking; however, multifaceted prevention programs including core stabilization exercises appear to be effective at reducing lower extremity injury rates. Evidence Acquisition: PubMed was searched for epidemiologic, biomechanic, and clinical studies of core stability for injury prevention (keywords: “core OR trunk” AND “training OR prevention OR exercise OR rehabilitation” AND “risk OR prevalence”) published between January 1980 and October 2012. Articles with relevance to core stability risk factors, assessment, and training were reviewed. Relevant sources from articles were also retrieved and reviewed. Results: Stabilizer, mobilizer, and load transfer core muscles assist in understanding injury risk, assessing core muscle function, and developing injury prevention programs. Moderate evidence of alterations in core muscle recruitment and injury risk exists. Assessment tools to identify deficits in volitional muscle contraction, isometric muscle endurance, stabilization, and movement patterns are available. Exercise programs to improve core stability should focus on muscle activation, neuromuscular control, static stabilization, and dynamic stability. Conclusion: Core stabilization relies on instantaneous integration among passive, active, and neural control subsystems. Core muscles are often categorized functionally on the basis of stabilizing or mobilizing roles. Neuromuscular control is critical in coordinating this complex system for dynamic stabilization. Comprehensive assessment and training require a multifaceted approach to address core muscle strength, endurance, and recruitment requirements for functional demands associated with daily activities, exercise, and sport.
A critical role for the retinoic acid signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Chen Xiao , Dodge Joseph , Komorowski Richard , Drobyski William R. 
Published: March 2013

Key Points
RA regulates donor T-cell trafficking during GVHD. The RA receptor-α signaling pathway plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of GVHD.
The C-type lectin receptor CLEC4M binds, internalizes, and clears von Willebrand factor and contributes to the variation in plasma von Willebrand factor levels
Authors: Rydz Natalia , Swystun Laura L. , Notley Colleen , Paterson Andrew D. , Riches J. Jacob , Sponagle Kate , Boonyawat Boonchai , Montgomery Robert R. , James Paula D. , Lillicrap David 
Published: March 2013

Key Points
CLEC4M plays a role in the clearance of VWF. CLEC4M polymorphisms contribute to the genetic variability of VWF plasma levels.
White cell count and platelet count associate with histological alcoholic hepatitis in jaundiced harmful drinkers
Authors: Hardy Timothy , Wells Christopher , Kendrick Stuart , Hudson Mark , Day Christopher P , Burt Alastair D , Masson Steven , Stewart Stephen F 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Patients with suspected alcoholic hepatitis and a Discriminant Function ≥32 underwent liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Of these (n = 58), 43 had histological features of alcoholic hepatitis and 15 (25%) did not.
We aimed to determine the laboratory features that differentiated those patients with a histological diagnosis of alcoholic hepatitis from those without, and assess potential clinical utility.

Methods
Laboratory investigations at presentation for each of the histologically confirmed cases of alcoholic hepatitis (n = 43) were compared to those without (n = 15) to determine whether there were differences between the two groups. Univariate analysis was by Mann Whitney U Test and Multivariate analysis was by a stepwise approach.

Results
White cell count (16.2 ± 10.5 v 6.9 ± 3.5 (× 109/L); p = 0.0001) and platelet count (178 ± 81 v 98.4 ± 43 (× 109/L); p = 0.0005) were higher in the patients with histological features of alcoholic hepatitis than in those without. The area under the ROC curve for AH diagnosis was estimated to be 0.83 (0.73, 0.94) and 0.81 (0.69, 0.93) for white cell count and platelet count respectively.

Conclusions
Clinicians cannot accurately differentiate patients with or without alcoholic hepatitis without liver biopsy. This is critically important when deciding on specific therapies such as corticosteroids or when interpreting data from future trials in which biopsy is not mandated. In situations where liver biopsy is unsuitable or unavailable the white cell and platelet counts can be used to determine the likelihood of histological alcoholic hepatitis and guide treatment.
When the chimney is blocked: malignant renovascular hypertension after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Gal-Oz Amir , Wolf Yehuda G , Rosen Galia , Sharon Haggai , Schwartz Idit F , Chernin Gil 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
The Chimney graft (CG) procedure is one of the novel modification techniques of the endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) surgery to treat suprarenal and juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. Other indications for the use of CG placement include thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms with supraortic branches orifice involvement and cases of common iliac artery aneurysms with or without internal iliac artery involvement. The technique is used in patients who due to aortic-neck morphology and lack of adequate fixation and/or sealing zones are not eligible for standard EVAR. In this procedure, a parallel stent-graft is placed adjacent to the main body of the aortic endograft to maintain blood supply to renovisceral or supraortic branches, once the body of the aortic stent-graft is deployed. Symptomatic occlusions of the CG with novel renovascular hypertension were not described until now.

Case presentation
A-64-year-old male patient, presented with new-onset malignant hypertension, 13 months after an EVAR operation with CG placement to the left renal artery. The patient was on preventive clopidrogel therapy, which was withheld temporarily for several days, one month before presentation. Imaging studies revealed a novel form of iatrogenic renovascular hypertension, caused by occlusion of the CG. Any attempt to recanalize the covered stent or revascularize the left kidney was rejected and conservative treatment was chosen. Seven months after presentation, blood pressure was within normal ranges with little need for antihypertensive therapy.

Conclusions
Physicians should be aware that the novel emerging techniques of EVAR to overcome the limitations of the aortic-neck anatomy may still adversely influence the renal outcome with potential development of new-onset hypertension.
The association between social relationships and self-harm: a case–control study in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chia-Yi , Chang Chin-Kuo , Huang Hui-Chun , Liu Shen-Ing , Stewart Robert 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background
Although suicide has been postulated as a result of social breakdown, relatively little attention has been paid to the association between social relationships and non-fatal self-harm. We sought to investigate the extent to which social factors correlate with self-harm in this case–control study.

Methods
The primary outcome was self-harm with hospital presentation. Cases of self-harm from the Emergency Department in a general hospital in Northern Taiwan were recruited, and individually age-and-gender-matched control participants were recruited from non-psychiatric outpatient clinics at the same hospital. The Close Persons Questionnaire was administered and its social support and social network subscales were used to measure social relationships in the 12 months prior to the interview. Other covariates, comprising sociodemographic factors, major life events, physical and mental health, were adjusted in conditional logistic regression models.

Results
A total of 124 case–control pairs were recruited. The mean (standard deviation) age of the case group was 34.7 (12.8) years and 80.6% were female. Higher social isolation score remained significantly associated with self-harm after adjustment (adjusted odds ratio per standard deviation increase 2.92, 95% confidence interval 1.44-5.95) and household size was negatively associated with the outcome (adjusted odds ratio per unit increase 0.54, 95% CI 0.32-0.94).

Conclusions
More limited social networks were associated with self-harm after adjustment for potential confounders. Enhancing social structure and effective networking of people with self-harm to community resources may be important for self-harm management in Asian societies and elsewhere.