bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cochrane corner: antibiotic prophylaxis for mammalian bites (intervention review)
Authors: Henton J. , Jain A. 
Published: October 2012

Background: Bites by mammals are a common problem and they account for up to 1% of all visits to hospital emergency rooms. Dog and cat bites are the most common, and people are usually bitten by their own pets or by an animal known to them. School-age children make up almost a half of those bitten. Prevention of tetanus, rabies and wound infection are the priorities for staff in emergency rooms. The use of antibiotics may be useful to reduce the risk of developing a wound infection. Objectives: To determine if the use of prophylactic antibiotics in mammalian bites is effective in preventing bite-wound infection. Search methods: Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified by electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases in November 2000. Selection criteria: We included randomized controlled trials that studied patients with bites from all mammals. Comparisons were made between antibiotics and placebo or no intervention. The outcome of interest was the number of infections at the site of the bite. Data collection and analysis: Two reviewers extracted the data independently. All analyses were performed according to the intention-to-treat method.
BCL10GFP fusion protein as a substrate for analysis of determinants required for Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue 1 (MALT1)-mediated cleavage
Authors: Jou Shin-Yi , Chang Chien-Chih , Wu Chun-Hsien , Chen Mei-Ru , Tsai Ching-Hwa , Chuang Wen-Hui , Chen Yun-Hui , Cheng Ann-Lii , Doong Shin-Lian 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
MALT1 belongs to a family of paracaspase and modulates NF-κB signaling pathways through its scaffolding function and proteolytic activity. MALT1 cleaves protein substrates after a positively charged Arginine residue. BCL10, a 233 amino acids polypeptide, is identified as one of the MALT1 proteolytic substrates. MALT1 cleaves BCL10 at the C-terminal end of Arg228. A mere 5 amino acids difference between the substrate and the proteolytic product made it difficult to tell whether the cleavage event took place by using a simple western blot analysis. Here, BCL10GFP was constructed and utilized to examine the specificity and domain determinants for MALT1 cleavage in cells.

Methods
Various BCL10GFP constructs were transfected into HEK293T cell with MALT1 construct by using calcium phosphate-DNA precipitation method. Lysates of transfectants were resolved by SDS/PAGE and analyzed by western blot analysis.

Results
BCL10GFP was proteolytically processed by MALT1 as BCL10. The integrity of caspase recruitment domain (CARD) and MALT1-interacting domain on BCL10 were required for MALT1 proteolytic activity. Besides the invariant P1 cleavage site Arg228, P4 Leu225 played a role in defining BCL10 as a good substrate for MALT1.

Conclusions
We offered a way of monitoring the catalytic activity of MALT1 in HEK293T cells using BCL10GFP as a substrate. BCL10GFP can be utilized as a convenient tool for studying the determinants for efficient MALT1 cleavage in HEK293T cells
Sensitivity to the MEK inhibitor E6201 in melanoma cells is associated with mutant BRAF and wildtype PTEN status
Authors: Byron Sara A , Loch David C , Wellens Candice L , Wortmann Andreas , Wu Jiayi , Wang John , Nomoto Kenichi , Pollock Pamela M 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundMelanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer, but recent advances in molecularly targeted agents against the Ras/Raf/MAPK pathway demonstrate promise as effective therapies. Despite these advances, resistance remains an issue, as illustrated recently by the clinical experience with vemurafenib. Such acquired resistance appears to be the result of parallel pathway activation, such as PI3K, to overcome single-agent inhibition. In this report, we describe the cytotoxicity and anti-tumour activity of the novel MEK inhibitor, E6201, in a broad panel of melanoma cell lines (n = 31) of known mutational profilein vitroandin vivo. We further test the effectiveness of combining E6201 with an inhibitor of PI3K (LY294002) in overcoming resistance in these cell lines.ResultsThe majority of melanoma cell lines were either sensitive (IC50 < 500 nM, 24/31) or hypersensitive (IC50 < 100 nM, 18/31) to E6201. This sensitivity correlated with wildtypePTENand mutantBRAFstatus, whereas mutantRASand PI3K pathway activation were associated with resistance. Although MEK inhibitors predominantly exert a cytostatic effect, E6201 elicited a potent cytocidal effect on most of the sensitive lines studied, as evidenced by Annexin positivity and cell death ELISA. Conversely, E6201 did not induce cell death in the two resistant melanoma cell lines tested. E6201 inhibited xenograft tumour growth in all four melanoma cell lines studied to varying degrees, but a more pronounced anti-tumour effect was observed for cell lines that previously demonstrated a cytocidal responsein vitro.In vitrocombination studies of E6201 and LY294002 showed synergism in all six melanoma cell lines tested, as defined by a mean combination index < 1.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that E6201 elicits a predominantly cytocidal effectin vitroandin vivoin melanoma cells of diverse mutational background. Resistance to E6201 was associated with disruption ofPTENand activation of downstream PI3K signalling. In keeping with these data we demonstrate that co-inhibition of MAPK and PI3K is effective in overcoming resistance inherent in melanoma.
The I405V and Taq1B polymorphisms of the CETP gene differentially affect sub-clinical carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Parra Eliane Soler , Panzoldo Natália Baratella , Kaplan Denise , de Oliveira Helena Coutinho Franco , dos Santos José Ernesto , de Carvalho Luiz Sérgio Fernandes , Sposito Andrei Carvalho , Gidlund Magnus , Nakamura Ruy Tsutomu , de Souza Zago Vanessa Helena , Nakandakare Edna Regina , Quintão Eder Carlos Rocha , de Faria Eliana Cotta 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a major role in lipid metabolism, but studies on the association of CETP polymorphisms with risks of cardiovascular disease are inconsistent. This study investigated whether the CETP gene I405V and Taq1B polymorphisms modified subclinical atherosclerosis in an asymptomatic Brazilian population sample.

Methods
The polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction in 207 adult volunteers. Serum lipid profiles, oxLDL Ab titers, C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations and CETP and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activities were determined, and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured using ultrasonography.

Results
No differences in cIMT were observed between the presence or absence of the minor B2 and V alleles in either polymorphism. However, inverse correlations between mean cIMT and CETP activity in the presence of these polymorphisms were observed, and positive correlations of these polymorphisms with PLTP activity and oxLDL Ab titers were identified. Moreover, logistic multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of the B2 allele was associated with a 5.1-fold (CI 95%, OR: 1.26 – 21.06) increased risk for cIMT, which was equal and above the 66th percentile and positively interacted with age. However, no associations with the V allele or CETP and PLTP activities were observed.

Conclusions
None of the studied parameters, including CETP activity, explained the different relationships between these polymorphisms and cIMT, suggesting that other non-determined factors were affected by the genotypes and related to carotid atherosclerotic disease.
Comparison of endometrial regenerative cells and bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Wang Huan , Jin Ping , Sabatino Marianna , Ren Jiaqiang , Civini Sara , Bogin Vladimir , Ichim Thomas E , Stroncek David F 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Endometrial regenerative cells (ERC) and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) are being used in clinical trials. While they have been reported to have similar characteristics, they have not been directly compared.

Methods
We compared micro RNA (miRNA) and gene expression profiles, soluble cytokine and growth factor levels and ability to inhibit ongoing mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) of ERC and BMSC each derived from 6 healthy subjects.

Results
ERC and BMSC miRNA and gene expression profiles were similar, but not identical; more differences were noted in the expression of genes than in miRNAs. Genes overexpressed in ERCs were more likely to be in immune and inflammation pathways and those overexpressed in BMSCs were more likely to be in stem cell and cancer signaling pathways. In addition, the levels of IL-8 and ICAM-1 were greater in ERC supernatants while the levels of HGF, VEGF, IL-6, CXCL12, TGFB1 and TGFB2 were greater in BMSC supernatants. Additionally, ERC demonstrated greater inhibition of the proliferation of mixed leukocyte cultures.

Conclusions
These results suggest that the in vivo effects of ERC and BMSC may differ. Multiple properties of stromal cells are responsible for their in vivo effectiveness and ERC may be more effective for some of the clinical applications and BMSC for others. Studies in animal models or clinical trials will be required to more fully characterize the differences between ERC and BMSC.
Contribution of larval nutrition to adult reproduction inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Aguila Jerell R. , Hoshizaki Deborah K. , Gibbs Allen G. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryWithin the complex life cycle of holometabolous insects, nutritional resources acquired during larval feeding are utilized by the pupa and the adult. The broad features of the transfer of larval resources to the pupae and the allocation of larval resources in the adult have been described by studies measuring and tracking macronutrients at different developmental stages. However, the mechanisms of resource transfer from the larva and the factors regulating the allocation of these resources in the adult between growth, reproduction and somatic maintenance are unknown. Drosophila melanogaster Meigen presents a tractable system to test cellular/tissue mechanisms of resource acquisition and allocation, because of the detailed understanding of D. melanogaster development and the experimental tools to manipulate its tissues across developmental stages. In previous work, we demonstrated that the fat body of D. melanogaster larval is important for surviving starvation stress in the young adult and suggested that programmed cell death of the larval fat cells in the adult is important for allocation of resources for female reproduction. Here, we describe the temporal uptake of larval-derived carbon by the ovaries, and demonstrate the importance of larval fat-cell death in the maturation of the ovary and in fecundity. Larvae and adults were fed stable carbon isotopes to follow the acquisition of larval-derived carbon by the adult ovaries. We determined that over half of the nutrients acquired by the ovaries in 2-day old adult females are dependent upon the death of the fat cells. Furthermore, when programmed cell death is inhibited in the larval fat cells, ovarian development was depressed and fecundity reduced.
Adsorption Behavior at the Air/Water Interface for PNIPAM-adsorbed Colloidal Silica
Authors: Okado Yuki , Nagata Yuki , Torikai Naoya , Kawaguchi Masami 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Adsorption behavior at the air/water interface was examined for colloidal silica, on which poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) was physically adsorbed, by a dynamic surface tension measurement with the Wilhelmy plate method. The suspension of PNIPAM-adsorbed silica exhibited a decrease in surface tension after a very long induction time, while a bare silica suspension showed no surface activity. The decay rate of surface tension increases with increasing amount of PNIPAM adsorbed on the silica, even for suspensions with the same polymer concentration.
Effect of SDS and CTAB on Derivatives of Antimicrobial Peptides Arenicin and LL-37
Authors: Dannehl Claudia , Travkova Oksana G , Brezesinski Gerald 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The interaction of two antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with amphiphiles was investigated. In addition, the influence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) solutions, both below and above the critical micelle concentration (cmc), was investigated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The AMPs we used were from two different classes: C/S-Ar-1, from a lugworm, and LL-20, a fragment of human LL-37. Cationic CTAB did not influence the AMPs, independent of the amphiphile aggregation state. However, anionic SDS had a clear effect on the secondary structure of the peptides. In the case of C/S-Ar-1, no difference was observed in the CD spectra below or above the cmc (change to β-sheet). In contrast, SDS monomers led to an aggregation of LL-20 and SDS micelles changed the secondary structure of the peptides from unstructured to α-helical.
Two-dimensional Self-assembly of Amphiphilic Peptide at the Solid/Water Interface toward a Facile Method for Metal Nanoparticle Alignment
Authors: Tanaka Masayoshi , Abiko Souhei , Himeiwa Takahiro , Nakamura Montaro , Koshikawa Naokiyo , Kinoshita Takatoshi 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
An amphiphilic peptide that adopts a random-coil or β-sheet conformation depending on the pH of the dissolved aqueous solution forms a monolayered fiber array when a mica substrate is immersed in the random-coil solution. The random-coil peptide adsorbed on the substrate spontaneously transforms into a fibrous structure at the mica/water interface. Such specific self-assembly behavior at the solid/water interface is profitably utilized to construct a two-dimensional nanoarchitecture of gold nanoparticles.
A New Microcapillary Device for Controlling Surface Conductivity Changes at Solid–Liquid Interface
Authors: Bratov Andrey , Abramova Natalia 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
A new microcapillary device based on an interdigitated electrode array is presented. Microcapillaries with metal electrodes at their bottom are formed as trenches in SiO2 and are open at the top. In an electrolyte solution, the ac current applied to electrodes flows from one capillary to another and is significantly affected by changes in surface conductance at the SiO2/electrolyte interface. The effect of electrostatically assembled charged polyelectrolyte layers on the surface conductance is studied.
A randomized controlled trial on the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in patients with chronic sulphur mustard-induced cutaneous complications
Authors: Panahi Yunes , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Parvin Shahram , Saadat Alireza 
Published: October 2012

Background Chronic cutaneous complications such as pruritus are among the very frequent complaints of sulphur mustard (SM)-exposed patients. The present trial investigated the impact of curcumin on serum inflammatory biomarkers and their association with pruritus severity and quality of life (QoL). Methods This was a randomized, double-blind trial among 96 male Iranian veterans (age 37–59 y) who were suffering from chronic SM-induced pruritic skin lesions. Patients were randomly assigned to curcumin (1 g/d, n = 46) or placebo ( n = 50) for four weeks. Serum concentrations of interleukins 6 (IL-6) and 8 (IL-8) together with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were measured at baseline and at the end of the trial. Assessment of pruritus severity was performed using the pruritus score and QoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results Serum IL-8 and hs-CRP were significantly reduced in both groups but the magnitude of reduction was greater in the curcumin group ( P < 0.001). Serum CGRP was only decreased in the curcumin group ( P < 0.001). No significant change was observed in serum IL-6. There were significant correlations between CGRP and IL-6 changes ( P = 0.011) and between DLQI and IL-8 changes ( P = 0.026) in the curcumin group. In the curcumin group, changes in serum IL-8 concentrations were found as the significant predictor of DLQI scores ( P = 0.026) but none of the independent variables could predict pruritus scores. Conclusions Curcumin supplementation effectively mitigates inflammation in patients suffering from chronic SM-induced cutaneous complications. This anti-inflammatory effect might account for the observed pruritus alleviation and QoL improvement by this phytochemical.
The contribution of age and time-to-death on health care expenditure for out-of-hospital services
Authors: Moorin Rachael , Gibson David , Holman D'Arcy , Hendrie Delia 
Published: October 2012

Objectives: Controversy persists over the relationships between health care expenditure, time-to-death and age, undermining attempts to generate convincing predictions for policy. This paper explores the relationships between time-to-death (TTD), age and health care expenditure for Australian Medicare-funded, out-of-hospital services in the last five years of life, assessing if the relationship varies across different types of out-of-hospital services. Methods: Medicare Benefit Scheme claims for five years before death in Western Australia (1990-2004) pertaining to out-of-hospital primary care, specialist or diagnostic and therapeutic services were used to determine the total and mean per capita health care expenditure (HCE) according to age and TTD. Data were evaluated using univariate linear regression (age) and segmented time-trend regression analysis (time-to-death). Results: Changes to out-of-hospital HCE in the last five years of life did not consistently show a positive association with changes in the number of decedents. Only primary care services demonstrated a linear relationship for HCE and age. For TTD, a linear relationship was observed for all three service types within each retrospective period. Conclusions: This study has identified significant differences in the relationship between age, TTD and out-of-hospital HCE across service type, further highlighting potential shortcomings in methods that use single, all-service, all-cause models to predict future HCE. These results build on our previous study and suggest that such predictions should either use separate models, or models capable of accounting for the different relationships of HCE with TTD and age across types of services in order to predict future HCE more accurately.
Great saphenous vein stump thrombosis after harvesting for coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Labropoulos N , Bishawi M , Gasparis A , Tassiopoulos A , Gupta S 
Published: October 2012

Objectives To determine the rate of superficial venous thrombosis in patients undergoing great saphenous vein (GSV) harvesting for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Methods Post-CABG patients with suspected lower-extremity thrombosis underwent duplex scanning. Thrombus in the saphenofemoral junction stump was noted, and thrombus extension and associated complications collected. Results Out of 2335 patients who underwent CABG in five years, 98 patients presented with signs and symptoms of lower-extremity thrombosis. Thrombosis was present in 19 (19.4%) of these patients, 15 of which had a thrombus in the GSV. Five patients had significant signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE). On objective diagnostic imaging, three of them had a PE. Conclusion Patients undergoing great saphenous vein harvesting for CABG are at an increased risk of developing superficial vein thrombosis especially at the saphenous stump. Given the increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and PE, further studies investigating this topic are warranted.
Multiple-method CTOA Stable Tearing Characterization of Three Metallic Alloys
Authors: Frink Elizabeth , Lease Kevin 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Over the past several years, the crack tip opening angle (CTOA) has been identified as one of the most promising fracture parameters with which to characterize low constraint stable tearing and instability in structural metallic alloys. This study presents the results of experimental stable tearing characterizations performed on three typical structural metallic alloys, two aerospace grade aluminums and a titanium alloy. Specific attention is given to the measurement methods used and the correlation between CTOA and δ5. The effects of the material and the measurement method on CTOA are observed, and a clear relationship is seen.
Examining Polymerization of Kaolinitic Concrete Using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Kuo Chin-kun , Wang Edward H. , Hwang Chao-Lung 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Geopolymers are environmentally friendly substitutes for Portland cement; in many applications, geopolymers not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also are recyclable. The hardening mechanism of geopolymer polymerization differs from that of ordinary Portland cement. In the present research, two methods are used to evaluate the microstructure of this inorganic material. In the first method, complete polymerization was observed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to reveal the foundations of strength establishment. The SEM results show that the synthesized geopolymer maintained a layer structure of metakaolinite particulates. Therefore, it was thought that the geopolymeric reaction mainly occurred at the surface of microflakes of metakaolinite particulates. In order to further investigate the polymerization process of the material, two Raman spectrum frequency ranges—875 nm and 325 nm—were used in the study because of their capability to characterize the mineral/hydrated phases under a thick post-treatment layer. Also, in order to facilitate quality control of the production and explore the extreme compressive strengths of metakaolin cement, the polymerization mechanism and microstructures of the products were monitored step by step using Raman spectroscopy. The lessons learned in the research program can be used to advance the research methodology needed for further investigation of the strength enhancement of the geopolymer.