bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutational Analysis of Hemoglobin Binding and Heme Utilization by a Bacterial Hemoglobin Receptor
Authors: Fusco W. G. , Choudhary N. R. , Council S. E. , Collins E. J. , Leduc I. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Iron is an essential nutrient for most living organisms. To acquire iron from their environment, Gram-negative bacteria use TonB-dependent transporters that bind host proteins at the bacterial surface and transport iron or heme to the periplasm via the Ton machinery. TonB-dependent transporters are barrel-shaped outer membrane proteins with 22 transmembrane domains, 11 surface-exposed loops, and a plug domain that occludes the pore. To identify key residues of TonB-dependent transporters involved in hemoglobin binding and heme transport and thereby locate putative protective epitopes, the hemoglobin receptor of
Haemophilus ducreyi
HgbA was used as a model of iron/heme acquisition from hemoglobin. Although all extracellular loops of HgbA are required by
H. ducreyi
to use hemoglobin as a source of iron/heme, we previously demonstrated that hemoglobin binding by HgbA only involves loops 5 and 7. Using deletion, substitution, and site-directed mutagenesis, we were able to differentiate hemoglobin binding and heme acquisition by HgbA. Deletion or substitution of the GYEAYNRQWWA region of loop 5 and alanine replacement of selected histidines affected hemoglobin binding by HgbA. Conversely, mutation of the phenylalanine in the loop 7 FRAP domain or substitution of the NRQWWA motif of loop 5 significantly abrogated utilization of heme from hemoglobin. Our findings show that hemoglobin binding and heme utilization by a bacterial hemoglobin receptor involve specific motifs of HgbA.
Characterization of McuB, a Periplasmic Chaperone-Like Protein Involved in the Assembly of Myxococcus Spore Coat
Authors: Zhu Wei , Wu Miaomiao , Cao Shanshan , Peng Yongxing , Mao Xiaohua 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

The MXAN3885 to -3882 gene locus cluster (designated here
mcuABCD
) of
Myxococcus xanthus
encodes a member of the archaic chaperone-usher (CU) systems that functions in spore coat formation. We show here that McuD, a putative spore coat protein, affects cellular accumulation and cell surface localization of the spore coat protein McuA. We previously reported that genetic disruption of the putative usher McuC nearly eliminates surface display of McuA and show here that lack of the periplasmic chaperone-like protein McuB, which forms a complex with McuA, has a similar effect. Deletion mutation confirms that the G1 β strand of McuB is absolutely essential for the stability and secretion of McuA. Site-directed mutagenesis identified two additional alternating hydrophobic residues Ile113 and Val115, together with the highly conserved proline within the G1 strand, as critical residues for chaperone function. These findings suggest that the assembly proteins McuB and McuC mediate the transport of McuA onto the cell surface and that McuA may interact with another spore coat protein, McuD, for its secretion. Importantly, although our data argue that the
M. xanthus
CU system is likely to use the basic principle of donor strand complementation (DSC), as in the cases of classical CU pathways, to promote folding and stabilization of the structural subunit(s), the periplasmic chaperone McuB appears to exhibit structural variation in mediating chaperone-subunit interaction.
Acupuncture in Preventing Postoperative Anaesthesia-Related Sore Throat: A Comparison with No Acupuncture
Authors: Esmaeili Sara , Alizadeh Reza , Shoar Saeed , Naderan Mohammad , Shoar Nasrin 
Published: May 2013

Background Postoperative sore throat occurs frequently in surgical patients as a result of tracheal intubation. Despite advances in medical and anaesthetic care, the incidence of postoperative sore throat remains high. Our study aimed to assess the efficacy of acupuncture in the prevention of postoperative sore throat following general anaesthesia. Methods A non-randomised clinical study (NRS) was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Tehran, Iran on 228 consecutive patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anaesthesia. Of these, 114 patients were assigned to the acupuncture group and treated with body acupuncture at the PC6 point, while the remaining 114 patients received no preventive care and were treated with routine medical treatment where necessary. The incidence of sore throat within the first 24 h postoperatively was then compared between the two study groups. Results Of the 114 patients in the acupuncture group, 16 patients (14%) experienced sore throat within the first 24 h postoperatively, which was significantly lower compared to the 34 patients (29.8%) with sore throat in the medical treatment group (p<0.05). However, the frequency of patients with severe sore throat requiring medical treatment did not differ significantly (12.3% vs 16.7%, p>0.05). Conclusions Our study suggests that acupuncture could be considered as an option in prevention of postoperative anaesthesia-related sore throat.
Individual variability in compensatory eating following acute exercise in overweight and obese women
Authors: Hopkins Mark , Blundell John E , King Neil A 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundWhile compensatory eating following acute aerobic exercise is highly variable, little is known about the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the alterations in exercise-induced eating behaviour.MethodsOverweight and obese women (body mass index=29.6±4.0 kg/m2) performed a bout of cycling individually tailored to expend 400 kcal (EX) or a time-matched no exercise control condition in a randomised, counter-balanced order. 60 min after the cessation of exercise, an ad libitum test meal was provided. Substrate oxidation and subjective appetite ratings were measured during exercise/time-matched rest, and during the period between the cessation of exercise and food consumption.ResultsWhile ad libitum energy intake (EI) did not differ between EX and the control condition (666.0±203.9 vs 664.6±174.4 kcal, respectively; ns), there was a marked individual variability in compensatory EI. The difference in EI between EX and the control condition ranged from −234.3 to 278.5 kcal. Carbohydrate oxidation during exercise was positively associated with postexercise EI, accounting for 37% of the variance in EI (r=0.57; p=0.02).ConclusionsThese data indicate that the capacity of acute exercise to create a short-term energy deficit in overweight and obese women is highly variable. Furthermore, exercise-induced CHO oxidation can explain a part of the variability in acute exercise-induced compensatory eating. Postexercise compensatory eating could serve as an adaptive response to facilitate the restoration of carbohydrate balance.
Involving patient research partners has a significant impact on outcomes research: a responsive evaluation of the international OMERACT conferences
Authors: de Wit Maarten , Abma Tineke , Koelewijn-van Loon Marije , Collins Sarah , Kirwan John 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTo assess the inclusion of patients as international research partners in Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) conferences and how this has influenced the scope and conduct of outcomes research in rheumatology.DesignA thematic content analysis of OMERACT internal documents, publications and conference proceedings, followed by a responsive evaluation including 32 qualitative semistructured interviews.SettingThe international, biannual research conference OMERACT 10 (Malaysia, 2010).ParticipantsSenior researchers (n=10), junior researchers (n=2), representatives of the pharmaceutical industry and regulators (n=2), conference staff (n=2), new patient delegates (n=8) and experienced patient delegates (n=8).ResultsThe role of patients evolved over 10 years from a single patient focus group to full participation in all areas of the meeting and inclusion in research group meetings between conferences. Five main categories of impact emerged: widening the research agenda; including patient relevant outcomes in core sets; enhancing patient reported instruments; changing the culture of OMERACT and consequences outside OMERACT. Patient participants identified previously neglected outcome domains such as fatigue, sleep disturbances and flares which prompted collaborative working on new programmes of research. Specific benefits and challenges for patients and professionals were identified, such as personal fulfilment, widening of research interests, difficulties in establishing equal partnerships and concerns about loss of research rigour.ConclusionsIncluding patients as partners in OMERACT conferences has widened its focus and adjusted the way of working. It has resulted in new developments in the research agenda and the use of more patient-relevant outcomes in clinical trials. These collaborations have influenced perceptions and beliefs among many patients and researchers, and led to wider patient involvement as partners in research.
Life-course pathways to psychological distress: a cohort study
Authors: von Stumm Sophie , Deary Ian J , Hagger-Johnson Gareth 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesEarly life factors, like intelligence and socioeconomic status (SES), are associated with health outcomes in adulthood. Fitting comprehensive life-course models, we tested (1) the effect of childhood intelligence and SES, education and adulthood SES on psychological distress at midlife, and (2) compared alternative measurement specifications (reflective and formative) of SES.DesignProspective cohort study (the Aberdeen Children of the 1950s).SettingAberdeen, Scotland.Participants12 500 live-births (6282 boys) between 1950 and 1956, who were followed up in the years 2001–2003 at age 46–51 with a postal questionnaire achieving a response rate of 64% (7183).Outcome measuresPsychological distress at age 46–51 (questionnaire).ResultsChildhood intelligence and SES and education had indirect effects on psychological distress at midlife, mediated by adult SES. Adult SES was the only variable to have a significant direct effect on psychological distress at midlife; the effect was stronger in men than in women. Alternative measurement specifications of SES (reflective and formative) resulted in greatly different model parameters and fits.ConclusionsEven though formative operationalisations of SES are theoretically appropriate, SES is better specified as reflective than as a formative latent variable in the context of life-course modelling.
Conjugate divergent margins: an introduction
Authors: Mohriak Webster U. , Danforth Al , Post Paul J. , Brown David E. , Tari Gabor C. , Nemčok Michal , Sinha Sudipta T. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The main objective of this book is to provide a global overview of divergent margins based on geological and geophysical interpretation of sedimentary basins along the South, Central and North Atlantic conjugate margins, from plate tectonics and crustal scales to a more detailed description of stratigraphical and structural elements that are responsible for petroleum plays. These themes are complemented by geodynamic concepts based on physical and numerical models, and by comparisons with present-day embryonic margins, which are succinctly discussed in some papers.

Supplementary material:

Three plate animations of the Atlantic Ocean are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18620
.
Stress-Response Protein RBM3 Attenuates the Stem-like Properties of Prostate Cancer Cells by Interfering with CD44 Variant Splicing
Authors: Zeng Yu , Wodzenski Dana , Gao Dong , Shiraishi Takumi , Terada Naoki , Li Youqiang , Vander Griend Donald J. , Luo Jun , Kong Chuize , Getzenberg Robert H. , Kulkarni Prakash 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Stress-response pathways play an important role in cancer. The cold-inducible RNA-binding protein RBM3 is upregulated in several types of cancer, including prostate cancer, but its pathogenic contributions are undetermined. RBM3 is expressed at low basal levels in human fetal prostate or in CD133+ prostate epithelial cells (PrEC), compared with the adult prostate or CD133-PrEC, and RBM3 is downregulated in cells cultured in soft agar or exposed to stress. Notably, RBM3 overexpression in prostate cancer cells attenuated their stem cell-like properties in vitro as well as their tumorigenic potential in vivo. Interestingly, either overexpressing RBM3 or culturing cells at 32°C suppressed RNA splicing of the CD44 variant v8-v10 and increased expression of the standard CD44 (CD44s) isoform. Conversely, silencing RBM3 or culturing cells in soft agar (under conditions that enrich for stem cell-like cells) increased the ratio of CD44v8-v10 to CD44s mRNA. Mechanistic investigations showed that elevating CD44v8-v10 interfered with MMP9-mediated cleavage of CD44s and suppressed expression of cyclin D1, whereas siRNA-mediated silencing of CD44v8-v10 impaired the ability of prostate cancer cells to form colonies in soft agar. Together, these findings suggested that RBM3 contributed to stem cell-like character in prostate cancer by inhibiting CD44v8-v10 splicing. Our work uncovers a hitherto unappreciated role of RBM3 in linking stress-regulated RNA splicing to tumorigenesis, with potential prognostic and therapeutic implications in prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 73(13); 4123–33. ©2013 AACR.
Cell Trafficking of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Tumor Progression
Authors: de la Puente Pilar , Muz Barbara , Azab Feda , Azab Abdel Kareem 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBlood vessel formation plays an essential role in many physiologic and pathologic processes, including normal tissue growth and healing, as well as tumor progression. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) are a subtype of stem cells with high proliferative potential that are capable of differentiating into mature endothelial cells, thus contributing to neovascularization in tumors. In response to tumor-secreted cytokines, EPCs mobilize from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood, home to the tumor site, and differentiate to mature endothelial cells and secrete proangiogenic factors to facilitate vascularization of tumors. In this review, we summarize the expression of surface markers, cytokines, receptors, adhesion molecules, proteases, and cell signaling mechanisms involved in the different steps (mobilization, homing, and differentiation) of EPC trafficking from the bone marrow to the tumor site. Understanding the biologic mechanisms of EPC cell trafficking opens a window for new therapeutic targets in cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 19(13); 3360–8. ©2013 AACR.
miR-155–Deficient Bone Marrow Promotes Tumor Metastasis
Authors: Yu Fang , Jia Xuemei , Du Fen , Wang Junfeng , Wang Yuzhen , Ai Walden , Fan Daping 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Infiltration of immune cells in primary tumors and metastatic sites is known to influence tumor progression and metastasis. Macrophages represent the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, and evidence has shown that macrophages promote seeding, extravasation, and persistent growth of tumor cells at metastatic sites. miR-155 plays an essential role in immune cell development/function, and its aberrant expression is associated with lymphomas and several solid tumor types. However, it is unknown how miR-155 expression in immune cells affects solid tumor growth and metastasis. To this end, bone marrow transplantation was performed using miR-155–deficient mice as bone marrow donors and wild-type (WT) mice as recipients, and the chimeric mice were inoculated with tumor cells. We demonstrate that bone marrow lacking miR-155 significantly enhanced lung metastasis without a substantial effect on primary tumor growth. Relative to mice with WT bone marrow, miR-155–deficient bone marrow accumulated more macrophages in the spleen and lungs. Further analysis revealed that miR-155–deficient macrophages in metastatic sites exhibited a tumor-promoting M2 phenotype. In vitro study suggested that miR-155–null macrophages were prone to M2 polarization upon incubation with tumor cell–conditioned medium, due to elevated expression of C/EBPβ, an identified miR-155 target. These data, for the first time, demonstrate that miR-155 in host immune cells plays a vital role in modulating solid tumor metastasis by affecting the recruitment and polarization of bone marrow–derived macrophages.
Implications: Targeted inhibition of miR-155 delays tumor development but inhibition in host immune cells may encourage metastasis. Mol Cancer Res; 11(8); 923–36. ©2013 AACR.
Myocardial Injury After Noncardiac Surgery and its Association With Short-Term Mortality
Authors: van Waes Judith A.R. , Nathoe Hendrik M. , de Graaff Jurgen C. , Kemperman Hans , de Borst Gert Jan , Peelen Linda M. , van Klei Wilton A. , Buhre Wolfgang F. , de Graaff Jurgen C. , Kalkman Cor J. , van Klei Wilton A. , van Waes Judith A.R. , van Wolfswinkel Leo , Doevendans Pieter A. , Nathoe Hendrik M. , Grobben Remco G. , Grobbee Diederik E. , Peelen Linda M. , Kemperman Hans , van Solinge Wouter W. , Leiner Tim , de Borst Gert Jan , Leenen Loek P.H. , Moll Frans L. 
Published: May 2013

Background—
To identify patients at risk for postoperative myocardial injury and death, measuring cardiac troponin routinely after noncardiac surgery has been suggested. Such monitoring was implemented in our hospital. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of postoperative myocardial injury, as measured by troponin elevation, on 30-day mortality after noncardiac surgery.

Methods and Results—

This observational, single-center cohort study included 2232 consecutive intermediate- to high-risk noncardiac surgery patients aged ≥60 years who underwent surgery in 2011. Troponin was measured on the first 3 postoperative days. Log binomial regression analysis was used to estimate the association between postoperative myocardial injury (troponin I level >0.06 μg/L) and all-cause 30-day mortality. Myocardial injury was found in 315 of 1627 patients in whom troponin I was measured (19%). All-cause death occurred in 56 patients (3%). The relative risk of a minor increase in troponin (0.07–0.59 μg/L) was 2.4 (95% confidence interval, 1.3–4.2;
P
<0.01), and the relative risk of a 10- to 100-fold increase in troponin (≥0.60 μg/L) was 4.2 (95% confidence interval, 2.1–8.6;
P
<0.01). A myocardial infarction according to the universal definition was diagnosed in 10 patients (0.6%), of whom 1 (0.06%) had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Conclusions—
Postoperative myocardial injury is an independent predictor of 30-day mortality after noncardiac surgery. Implementation of postoperative troponin monitoring as standard of care is feasible and may be helpful in improving the prognosis of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.
Additional gastroduodenal stent placement: retrospective evaluation of 68 consecutive patients with malignant gastroduodenal obstruction
Authors: Kang Min Kyoung , Song Ho-Young , Kim Jong Woo , Kim Jin Hyoung , Park Jung-Hoon , Na Han Kyu , Lee Jong Jin , Oh Se Jin 
Published: May 2013

Background Self-expandable metallic stent placement is widely used to manage malignant gastroduodenal obstructions. However, the techniques and effectiveness of additional gastroduodenal stent placement have not been evaluated until now. Purpose To evaluate the technical feasibility, clinical effectiveness, and complications of additional gastroduodenal stent placement in patients with recurrent obstructive symptoms after primary gastroduodenal stenting. Material and Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 68 consecutive patients who had additional gastroduodenal stents placed for recurrent obstruction. Clinical effectiveness was assessed using technical and clinical success rates, gastric outlet obstruction score improvement after primary and additional stent placement, and complications. Results Additional stent placement was technically successful in 66 of the 68 patients (97%) and symptomatic improvement was achieved in 58 (85%). The gastric outlet obstruction score improved after primary stent placement (0.3 to 1.4) and additional stent placement (0.2 to 1.4). Complications occurred in 12 of 68 patients (18%) and were caused by tumor overgrowth ( n = 7), stent collapse ( n = 2), food impaction ( n = 1), jaundice ( n = 1), and duodenal perforation ( n = 1). Conclusion Additional gastroduodenal stent placement is technically feasible and clinically effective for patients with recurrent gastric outlet obstruction after stent placement.
Autism and Dietary Therapy
Authors: Herbert Martha R. , Buckley Julie A. 
Published: May 2013

We report the history of a child with autism and epilepsy who, after limited response to other interventions following her regression into autism, was placed on a gluten-free, casein-free diet, after which she showed marked improvement in autistic and medical symptoms. Subsequently, following pubertal onset of seizures and after failing to achieve full seizure control pharmacologically she was advanced to a ketogenic diet that was customized to continue the gluten-free, casein-free regimen. On this diet, while still continuing on anticonvulsants, she showed significant improvement in seizure activity. This gluten-free casein-free ketogenic diet used medium-chain triglycerides rather than butter and cream as its primary source of fat. Medium-chain triglycerides are known to be highly ketogenic, and this allowed the use of a lower ratio (1.5:1) leaving more calories available for consumption of vegetables with their associated health benefits. Secondary benefits included resolution of morbid obesity and improvement of cognitive and behavioral features. Over the course of several years following her initial diagnosis, the child’s Childhood Autism Rating Scale score decreased from 49 to 17, representing a change from severe autism to nonautistic, and her intelligence quotient increased 70 points. The initial electroencephalogram after seizure onset showed lengthy 3 Hz spike-wave activity; 14 months after the initiation of the diet the child was essentially seizure free and the electroencephalogram showed only occasional 1-1.5 second spike-wave activity without clinical accompaniments.
Bridging the gap: does a specialist eating disorder service, aimed at developing a continuum of community care, make a difference?
Authors: Newton John , Bosanac Peter , Mancuso Sam , Castle David 
Published: May 2013

Objective: In 2010, the authors identified in a separate publication, Mind the evidence gap, the sparse evidence-base for the treatment of adult anorexia nervosa and barriers to accessing care. We report on the ensuing development, implementation and first 18-month results of a novel eating disorder service bridging the primary and specialist continuum of care in Victoria, Australia. Method: Using literature review, stakeholder, and consumer and carer consultation, a model for a community eating disorder service was developed and then implemented. All patients entering the service were then assessed at intake and, if they gave consent, at 12 month follow-up. Results: From December 2010 to July 2012, 208 patients accessed The Body Image Eating Disorders Treatment and Recovery Service (BETRS). Fifty-three per cent had a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and the mean number of co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses was two. Twenty-three per cent attended a day patient programme and showed a significant improvement in their body mass index. Measures of depression, anxiety and eating disorder symptomatology showed a concomitant, significant decrease. Conclusions: The development of BETRS has led to markedly improved access and effectiveness of specialist services in the region.