bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gill pathology in Scottish farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., associated with the microsporidian Desmozoon lepeophtherii Freeman et Sommerville, 2009
Authors: Matthews C G G , Richards R H , Shinn A P , Cox D I 
Published: March 2013

AbstractGill disorders have emerged in recent years as a significant problem in the production of marine‐stage Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. The multi‐aetiological condition ‘proliferative gill inflammation’ (PGI) has been reported to cause heavy losses in western Norway, yet reports of Scottish cases of the disease have remained anecdotal. In the present study, histopathological material from a marine production site in the Scottish Highlands experiencing mortalities due to a seasonal gill disease with proliferative‐type pathology was examined using light microscopy, special staining techniques and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microsporidian Desmozoon lepeophtherii Freeman et Sommerville, 2009 (syn. Paranucleospora theridion) was identified by staining using a Gram Twort method and TEM associated with distinctive proliferative and necrotic pathology confined to the interlamellar Malpighian cell areas of the primary filaments. Epitheliocystis was not a feature of the gill pathology observed. It is believed this is the first report of D. lepeophtherii being identified associated with pathology in a Scottish gill disease case, and supports anecdotal reports that a disease at least partly synonymous with PGI as described by Norwegian researchers is present in Scottish aquaculture.
Rosmarinic acid administration attenuates diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction of the rat aorta
Authors: Sotnikova Ruzena , Okruhlicova Ludmila , Vlkovicova Jana , Navarova Jana , Gajdacova Beata , Pivackova Lenka , Fialova Silvia , Krenek Peter 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Oxidative stress as well as inflammation processes are engaged in diabetic vascular complications. Rosmarinic acid, a natural phenol antioxidant carboxylic acid, was found to have multiple biological activity, including anti-inflammatory and antitumour effects, which are a consequence of its inhibition of the inflammatory processes and of reactive oxygen species scavenging. The aim of this work was to study effects of rosmarinic acid administration on vascular impairment induced by experimental diabetes in rats.

Methods
Diabetes was induced by streptozocin (3 × 30 mg/kg daily, i.p.) in Wistar rats. Rosmarinic acid was administered orally (50 mg/kg daily). Ten weeks after streptozocin administration, the aorta was excised for functional studies, evaluation by electron microscopy and real time PCR analysis.

Key findings
In the aorta of diabetic rats, decreased endothelium-dependent relaxation was accompanied by overexpression of interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α, preproendothelin-1 and endothelin converting enzyme-1. Structural alterations in the endothelium, detected by electron microscopy, indicated aortic dysfunction caused by diabetes. The diabetes-induced aortic disorders were prevented by rosmarinic acid administration.

Conclusions
Rosmarinic acid protected aortic endothelial function and ultrastructure against diabetes-induced damage. Both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of rosmarinic acid seemed to participate in the mechanism of this protection.
Recovery Education: a tool for psychiatric nurses
Authors: Knutson M. B. , Newberry S. , Schaper A. 
Published: March 2013

Accessible summary

Recovery Education is a series of innovative lessons used by nurses to teach groups of patients in an inpatient Behavioral Health Unit.

The programme is based on a recovery model promoting hope, security, support/managing symptoms, empowerment, relationships, coping and finding meaning.

Recovery Education aims to help patients move forward step‐by‐step on their recovery journey and become healthier and more able to prevent relapse.

Making the group process for psychoeducation more consistently therapeutic was an example of research in action on our unit.
AbstractPatient teaching is vital for nursing care of psychiatric patients. This paper describes the process of developing Recovery Education as a tool for nurses who lead daily patient education groups. Gundersen Lutheran's Recovery Model developed for the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit includes seven Elements of Recovery – Hope, Security, Support/Managing Symptoms, Empowerment, Relationships, Coping and Finding Meaning. Concepts of cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and case‐based education were woven through recovery lessons in ready‐to‐use folders. Statistics on patient satisfaction and patient outcome data were positive. Education for self‐management can move patients forward to improve health and healing on their recovery journey.
Interactions of Sexual Activity, Gender, and Depression with Immunity
Authors: Lorenz Tierney , van Anders Sari 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Depression can suppress immune function, leading to lower resistance against infection and longer healing times in depressed individuals. Sexuality may also influence immune function, with evidence that sexual activity is associated with lowered immune function in women and mixed results in men. Immune mediators like immunoglobulin A (IgA) are immediately relevant to sexual health, since they are the first line of defense against pathogens at mucous membranes like the vagina.

Aim
This study aims to determine if and how depression, sexual activity, and their interaction impact salivary IgA (SIgA) in men and women.

Methods
In Study 1, a community-based sample of 84 women and 88 men provided saliva samples and completed questionnaires on their demographic background, level of depression, and frequency of partnered and solitary sexual activity. Study 2, conducted separately in an undergraduate student sample of 54 women and 52 men, had similar methods.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures were scores on the General Well-Being Schedule depression subscale, reported frequency of sexual activity, and SIgA levels as measured by enzyme immunoassay.

Results
Across studies, higher levels of partnered sexual activity were associated with lower SIgA for women with high depression scores, but not for women with low depression scores. In contrast, higher levels of partnered sexual activity were associated with higher SIgA for men with high depression scores, but not for men with low depression scores.

Conclusion
Our results show that partnered sexual activity is a risk factor for lowered immunity in women with depressive symptoms but a possible resilience factor for men with depressive symptoms. This suggests a role for sexual activity in determining the impact of depression on physical health parameters.
Ursodeoxycholic acid increases differentiation and mineralization and neutralizes the damaging effects of bilirubin on osteoblastic cells
Authors: Dubreuil Marta , Ruiz‐Gaspà Silvia , Guañabens Nuria , Peris Pilar , Álvarez Luisa , Monegal Ana , Combalia Andrés , Parés Albert 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundOsteoporosis resulting from decreased bone formation is a common complication in patients with chronic cholestasis. Lithocholic acid (LCA) and bilirubin may play a role in osteoporosis given that both substances have detrimental effects on survival of human osteoblasts, the cells involved in bone formation.AimsAs ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) improves cholestasis, we have assessed if this bile acid may neutralize the harmful effects of LCA, bilirubin and sera from jaundiced patients on osteoblastic cells.MethodsThe experiments were performed in primary human osteoblasts and human osteosarcoma cell line (Saos‐2) at different times and concentrations of UDCA, LCA, cholic acid (CA), bilirubin and sera from jaundiced patients to assess cell viability, differentiation and mineralization.ResultsUDCA significantly decreased cell survival at concentrations 10 times higher (1 mM) than that observed with LCA, whereas CA did not decrease osteoblast survival. UDCA (100 μM) neutralized the damaging effects of bilirubin (50 μM) and sera from jaundiced patients on survival. Moreover, UDCA (1 μM and 10 μM) increased osteoblast differentiation in cells treated with harmful concentrations of LCA or bilirubin. UDCA (100 μM) increased cell differentiation in osteoblasts cultured with a mix of serum from cholestatic patients by 23%. Furthermore, UDCA increased osteoblast mineralization by 35% and neutralized the negative consequences of 50 μM bilirubin.ConclusionsUDCA increases osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, and neutralizes the detrimental effects of lithocholic acid, bilirubin and sera from jaundiced patients on osteoblastic cells. Therefore, UDCA may exert a favourable effect on bone in patients which chronic cholestasis.
The 2010 independence jubilees: the politics and aesthetics of national commemoration in Africa
Authors: Lentz Carola 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn 2010, as many as seventeen African states celebrated their independence jubilees. The debates surrounding the organisation of these celebrations, and the imagery and performances they employed, reflect the fault lines with which African nation‐building has to contend, such as competing political orientations as well as religious, regional and ethnic diversity. The celebrations represented constitutive and cathartic moments of nation‐building, aiming to enhance citizens' emotional attachments to the country and inviting to remember, re‐enact and re‐redefine national history. They became a forum of debate about what should constitute the norms and values that make‐up national identity and, in the interstices of official ceremonies, provided space for the articulation of new demands for public recognition. A study of the independence celebrations thus allows us to explore contested processes of nation‐building and images of nationhood and to study the role of ritual and performance in the (re)production of nations.
Identification of β‐haemolysin‐encoding genes in Streptococcus anginosus
Authors: Asam D. , Mauerer S. , Walheim E. , Spellerberg B. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryStreptococcus anginosus is an emerging pathogen, but little is known about its virulence factors. To detect the genes responsible for β‐haemolysis we performed genomic mutagenesis of the β‐haemolytic S. anginosus type strain ATCC 12395 using the vector pGhost9:ISS1. Integration site analysis of 15 non‐haemolytic mutants identified a gene cluster with high homology to the genes of the streptolysin S (SLS) encoding sag gene cluster of S. pyogenes. The gene cluster harbours 10 open reading frames displaying significant similarities to the S. pyogenes genes sagA‐sagI, with the identities on protein level ranging from 38 to 87%. Complementation assays of S. anginosus sagB and sagD integration mutants with the respective genes confirmed their importance for β‐haemolysin production and suggest the presence of post‐translational modifications in S. anginosus SLS similar to SLS of S. pyogenes. Characterization of the S. anginosus haemolysin in comparison to the S. pyogenes SLS showed that the haemolysin is surface bound, but in contrast to S. pyogenes neither fetal calf serum nor RNA was able to stabilize the haemolysin of S. anginosus in culture supernatants. Inhibition of β‐haemolysis by polyethylene glycol of different sizes was carried out, giving no evidence of a pore‐forming haemolytic mechanism. Analysis of a whole genome shotgun sequence of Streptococcus constellatus, a closely related streptococcal species that belongs to the S. anginosus group, revealed a similar sag gene cluster. Employing a genomic mutagenesis strategy we were able to determine an SLS encoding gene cluster in S. anginosus and demonstrate its importance for β‐haemolysin production in S. anginosus.
Detecting gene expression in buccal mucosa in subjects with asthma versus subjects without asthma
Authors: Vyhlidal Carrie A. , Riffel Amanda K. , Dai Hongying , Rosenwasser Lanny J. , Jones Bridgette L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundDifferences in mRNA expression for inflammatory markers have been observed between subjects with asthma vs. controls and in relation to corticosteroid response. However, these studies utilized methods (e.g., bronchoscopy) that are too invasive to be used routinely in children and in the clinic. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of obtaining RNA of adequate quantity and quality from buccal mucosa of children and adults for gene expression studies. Secondly, this study aimed to determine whether gene expression patterns in buccal mucosa are similar to those that have been observed in respiratory epithelium.MethodsWe enrolled 94 subjects with and without asthma between 5 and 54 years of age. Relative gene expression in buccal mucosa was determined with quantitative RT‐PCR for the following genes: CCL2, EDN1, FKBP5, IL8, IFNAR2, NFKB1, RELA, SERPINB2, DENND1B, HRH1, ICAM1, ORMDL3, NR3C1, CLCA1, CRHR1, MUC5B, FCER2, POSTN, GAPDH, PPIA.ResultsmRNA Expression of the following genes was detected in buccal mucosa: CCL2, EDN1, FKBP5, IL8, IFNAR2, NFKB1, RELA, SERPINB2, DENND1B, HRH1, ICAM1, ORMDL3, NR3C1, GAPDH, PPIA. HRH1 was differentially expressed in adults with asthma vs. controls (p = 0.04), and EDN1 was differentially expressed in children with asthma vs. controls 12–18 years old (p = 0.03). A similar trend for HRH1 was observed in children 12–18 years old.ConclusionsBuccal mucosa sampling is a reliable method for detecting changes in gene expression in patients with asthma. This non‐invasive technique may serve as a valuable tool for diagnosing asthma and evaluating therapeutic response.
Bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws: analysis of a case series at a dental school
Authors: Mathias Duarte Luiz Fernando Scalli , dos Reis Heitor Batista , Tucci Renata , Dib Luciano Lauria 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTBisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) is an adverse effect of drugs used to treat bone metabolism diseases, such as osteoporosis and bone metastases. The present study retrospectively evaluated the clinical characteristics and evolution of BRONJ cases that were diagnosed and treated at a dental school from 2004 to 2011. During that period, 13 patients met the criteria of the study among a population of 2,342 patients with oral lesions. Of the 13 patients, 12 were females. Ten were intravenous bisphosphonate users, and nine had breast cancer as the primary disease. Eight mandibular cases were observed. Eight patients interrupted the use of the bisphosphonates temporarily during the treatment. Surgical treatment was conducted in 10 patients, which was associated with platelet‐rich plasma in six cases, which led to a regression to Stage I in 50% of these and cure in 33.3%. Of the total sample, four (30.8%) cases were cured, six (46.1%) regressed to Stage I, and three (23.1%) remained in Stage II after treatment. Dental rehabilitation occurred in seven patients. Dissemination of knowledge among professionals is essential for prevention and early diagnosis of BRONJ. Dental schools must act as reference centers and participate in the multidisciplinary care of bisphosphonate users.
Interesting detector shapes for third generation CT scanners
Authors: Kachelrieß Marc 
Published: March 2013

Purpose:To discuss options in designing detector shapes in third generation CT and to quantify potential cost savings for compact third generation CT systems, and to extend the work from two‐dimensional fan‐beam CT to three‐dimensional cone‐beam CT for circular, sequential, and spiral scan trajectories.Methods:Third generation CT scanners typically comprise detectors which are flat or whose shape is the segment of a cylinder or a sphere that is focused onto the focal spot of the x‐ray source. There appear to be two design criteria that favor this choice of detector shape. One is the possibility of performing fan‐beam and cone‐beam filtered backprojection in the native geometry (without rebinning) and the other criterion could be to enable the early use of focused antiscatter grids. It is less known, however, that other detector shapes may also have these properties. While these designs have been evaluated for 2D CT from a theoretical standpoint more than one decade ago the authors revisit and generalize these considerations, extend them to 3D circular, sequential, and spiral cone‐beam CT and propose an optimal design in terms of detector costs while keeping image quality constant. Their considerations and conclusions are based on considering the sampling density of the x‐rays, including the effects of finite focal spot and finite detector element size. Proposing image reconstruction algorithms or numerically evaluating the results by reconstructing simulated projection data is not within the scope of this work.Results:If the detector arc is curved to be nearly concentric with the circle describing the edge of the field of measurement significantly less detector area and detector pixels are required compared to today's third generation CT systems where the detector arc is centered about the focal spot. Combined with a detector that just covers the spiral Tam window cost savings of 60% or more are possible in compact CT systems. In terms of practicability the new designs appear to be nearly as easy to realize as today's third generation systems.Conclusions:Compact CT systems, which require the focal spot to be mounted close to the edge of the field of measurement, may significantly benefit from using detector shapes other than the typical equiangular detector that is focused onto the focal spot.
A filtered backprojection algorithm with ray‐by‐ray noise weighting
Authors: Zeng Gengsheng L. , Zamyatin Alex 
Published: March 2013

Purpose:This paper derives a ray‐by‐ray weighted filtered backprojection (rFBP) algorithm, based on our recently developed view‐by‐view weighted, filtered backprojection (vFBP) algorithm.Methods:The rFBP algorithm directly extends the vFBP algorithm by letting the noise weighting vary from channel to channel within each view. The projection data can be weighted in inverse proportion to their noise variances. Also, an edge‐preserving bilateral filter is suggested to perform post filtering to further reduce the noise. The proposed algorithm has been implemented for the circular‐orbit cone‐beam geometry based on Feldkamp's algorithm.Results:Image reconstructions with computer simulations and clinical cadaver data are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed algorithm. The new FBP‐type algorithm is able to significantly reduce or remove the noise texture, which the conventional FBP is unable to do. The computation time of the proposed rFBP algorithm is approximately the same as the conventional FBP algorithm.Conclusions:A ray‐based noise‐weighting scheme is introduced to the FBP algorithm. This new FBP‐type algorithm significantly reduces or removes the streaking artifacts in low‐dose CT.
Technical Note: Skin thickness measurements using high‐resolution flat‐panel cone‐beam dedicated breast CTa)
Authors: Shi Linxi , Vedantham Srinivasan , Karellas Andrew , O'Connell Avice M. 
Published: March 2013

Purpose:To determine the mean and range of location‐averaged breast skin thickness using high‐resolution dedicated breast CT for use in Monte Carlo‐based estimation of normalized glandular dose coefficients.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed image data from a clinical study investigating dedicated breast CT. An algorithm similar to that described by Huang et al. [“The effect of skin thickness determined using breast CT on mammographic dosimetry,” Med. Phys. 35(4), – (2008) 10.1118/1.2841938] was used to determine the skin thickness in 137 dedicated breast CT volumes from 136 women. The location‐averaged mean breast skin thickness for each breast was estimated and the study population mean and range were determined. Pathology results were available for 132 women, and were used to investigate if the distribution of location‐averaged mean breast skin thickness varied with pathology. The effect of surface fitting to account for breast curvature was also studied.Results:The study mean (± interbreast SD) for breast skin thickness was 1.44 ± 0.25 mm (range: 0.87–2.34 mm), which was in excellent agreement with Huanget al. Based on pathology, pair‐wise statistical analysis (Mann‐Whitney test) indicated that at the 0.05 significance level, there were no significant difference in the location‐averaged mean breast skin thickness distributions between the groups: benign vs malignant (p = 0.223), benign vs hyperplasia (p = 0.651), hyperplasia vs malignant (p = 0.229), and malignant vs nonmalignant (p = 0.172).Conclusions:Considering this study used a different clinical prototype system, and the study participants were from a different geographical location, the observed agreement between the two studies suggests that the choice of 1.45 mm thick skin layer comprising the epidermis and the dermis for breast dosimetry is appropriate. While some benign and malignant conditions could cause skin thickening, in this study cohort the location‐averaged mean breast skin thickness distributions did not differ significantly with pathology. The study also underscored the importance of considering breast curvature in estimating breast skin thickness.
Draft Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Strain ATCC 23502 (Serovar O5:K4:H4)
Authors: Cress Brady F. , Greene Zachary R. , Linhardt Robert J. , Koffas Mattheos A. G. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

We report the 4.682-Mbp high-quality draft assembly of the
Escherichia coli
strain ATCC 23502 (serovar O5:K4:H4, also known as NCDC U1-41) genome. This uropathogenic strain, commonly referred to as
E. coli
K4, produces a glycosaminoglycan-like capsular polysaccharide with a backbone similar in structure to unsulfated chondroitin, a precursor to the nutraceutically and potentially pharmaceutically valuable compound chondroitin sulfate. Metabolic reconstruction of this genome will enable prediction of genetic engineering strategies leading to increased chondroitin production.
Functional Analysis of the Murine Coronavirus Genomic RNA Packaging Signal
Authors: Kuo Lili , Masters Paul S. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Coronaviruses selectively package genomic RNA into assembled virions, despite the great molar excess of subgenomic RNA species that is present in infected cells. The genomic packaging signal (PS) for the coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) was originally identified as an element that conferred packaging capability to defective interfering RNAs. The MHV PS is an RNA structure that maps to the region of the replicase gene encoding the nonstructural protein 15 subunit of the viral replicase-transcriptase complex. To begin to understand the role and mechanism of action of the MHV PS in its native genomic locus, we constructed viral mutants in which this
cis
-acting element was altered, deleted, or transposed. Our results demonstrated that the PS is pivotal in the selection of viral genomic RNA for incorporation into virions. Mutants in which PS RNA secondary structure was disrupted or entirely ablated packaged large quantities of subgenomic RNAs, in addition to genomic RNA. Moreover, the PS retained its function when displaced to an ectopic site in the genome. Surprisingly, the PS was not essential for MHV viability, nor did its elimination have a severe effect on viral growth. However, the PS was found to provide a distinct selective advantage to MHV. Viruses containing the PS readily outcompeted their otherwise isogenic counterparts lacking the PS.