bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor and oral cancer
Authors: França Cristiane M. , Batista Aline C. , Borra Ricardo C. , Ventiades‐Flores Jose A. , Mendonça Elismauro F. , Deana Alessandro M. , Mesquita‐Ferrari Raquel A. , de Natali Caly Decio , de Mello Rode Sigmar , Faria Miriam R. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundMacrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine with pro‐inflammatory functions and involved in tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and localization of the macrophage MIF in oral squamous carcinoma (OSC). In addition, the relationship between MIF expression and clinicopathological parameters such as survival data, tobacco use, alcohol habits, TNM stage, tumor graduation, and peritumoral inflammatory infiltrate were evaluated.MethodsUsing immunohistochemistry, expression and localization of MIF was detected in 44 specimens of OSC. The absolute number and relative proportions of MIF‐positive cells detected were also determined separately for tumor parenchyma vs. stroma. All counts were determined from 10 consecutive high‐power fields using an integration graticule. Moreover, some parameters were analyzed separately for lip and intra‐oral cancers.ResultsMigration inhibitory factor‐positive cells were observed in both the tumor parenchyma and in inflammatory cells of all specimens. In contrast, MIF expression was not detected in tumoral nests associated with poorly differentiated tumors. In specimens of lip cancer, a greater number of MIF‐positive stromal immune cells were detected than in intra‐oral cancer specimens (Mann–Whitney test, P = 0.049).ConclusionsOral squamous carcinoma cells consistently express MIF independent of their location. Lip tumors presented more MIF‐positive peritumoral inflammatory cells, similar to control, suggesting that immunological differences in leukocyte activation exist between in lip and intra‐oral cancers.
Visual Detection of Potato leafroll virus by One‐step Reverse Transcription Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification of DNA with Hydroxynaphthol Blue Dye
Authors: Ahmadi Sayvan , Almasi Mohammad A. , Fatehi Foad , Struik Paul C. , Moradi Aboubakr 
Published: October 2012

AbstractLoop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay is a novel technique for amplifying DNA under constant temperature, with high specificity, sensitivity, rapidity and efficiency. We applied reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) to visually detect Potato leafroll virus. One‐step RT‐LAMP was performed using RNA of PLRV‐infected potato leaves and a set of primers (F3, B3, FIP, BIP, LF and LB) designed for RT‐LAMP reaction of the coat protein (CP) gene of PLRV. Positive effects of RT‐LAMP were detected by agarose gel electrophoresis and hydroxynaphthol blue (HNB) dye and were shown by a colour change from violet to sky blue. RT‐LAMP with HNB dye proved to be a simple assay for the rapid detection of PLRV.
Dynamic tailoring of treatment durations improves efficiency of hepatitis C treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin
Authors: Lindh M. , Arnholm B. , Björkman P. , Hellstrand K. , Lagging M. , Nilsson S. , Wahlberg T. , Wallmark E. , Weiland O. , Wejstål R. , Westin J. , Widell A. , Norkrans G. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe treatment durations for hepatitis C are guided by the analysis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in blood at certain time points. This multicentre, randomized open label trial evaluated the utility and performance of individualized treatment durations guided by viral decline rates in 103 patients with HCV genotype 1 infection. Pegylated interferon 2a and ribavirin were given as standard of care (SOC) for 24, 48 or 72 weeks or as dynamic treatment (DT) for 24–72 weeks. The DT duration was based on the time point when log HCV RNA would reach 0 log copies/mL, as estimated by the second‐phase decline. The rate of sustained virologic response was 63% for SOC and 54% for DT, but this difference was not significant in multiple regression analysis taking predictive factors such as interleukin‐28B genotypes, age and baseline viremia into account (P = 0.45). The mean required treatment time per cured patient was 51 weeks for DT as compared with 58 weeks for SOC (P = 0.22) when given per protocol (n = 95) and was significantly shorter (42 vs 51 weeks) among patients who achieved undetectable HCV RNA (P = 0.01). We conclude that DT was feasible and increased efficiency. The estimated time point for 0 log viral copies/mL is a new and quantitative response variable, which may be used as a complement to the qualitative variable rapid virologic response. The outcome parameter treatment weeks per cured patient could become a useful tool for comparing treatment efficiency also in the era of directly acting antivirals.
Gastric secretion does not affect the reliability of the 13C‐acetate breath test: A validation of the 13C‐acetate breath test by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kuyumcu S. , Goetze O. , Menne D. , Treier R. , Boesiger P. , Fox M. , Fried M. , Schwizer W. , Steingoetter A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground  13C‐Acetate labeled meals are widely used to determine meal emptying by means of analyzing resulting 13CO2 exhalation dynamics. In contrast to the underlying metabolic processes, only few 13C breath test meal emptying studies have focused on intragastric processes that may alter 13CO2 exhalation. This work assessed the effect of enhanced gastric secretion on the reliability of half emptying time (t50) measurements by 13C‐acetate breath test.Methods  13CO2 exhalation data were acquired in a double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over gastric emptying study in 12 healthy volunteers receiving either pentagastrin or placebo intravenously. The standard method proposed by Ghoos et al. was applied to calculate t50 (t50_Ghoos) from 13CO2 exhalation data, which were compared and tested for agreement to meal half emptying times (t50_MV) from concurrent recorded MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) volume data. In addition, the accumulated gastric secretion volumes during infusion as detected by MRI (AUC_SV60) were correlated with the corresponding cumulative percent 13C doses recovered (cPDR60).Key Results  t50_Ghoos and t50_MV showed a linear correlation with a slope of 1.1 ± 0.3 (r2 = 0.67), however, a positive offset of 136 min for t50_Ghoos. No correlation was detected between AUC_SV60 and cPDR60 (r2 = 0.11). Both, breath test and MRI, revealed a prolonged t50 under pentagastrin infusion with median differences in t50_Ghoos of 45[28–84] min (P = 0.002) and t50_MV of 39[28–52] min (P = 0.002).Conclusions & Inferences  This study suggests that 13CO2 exhalation after ingestion of a 13C‐labeled liquid test meal is not affected by stimulated gastric secretion, but is rather reflecting the dynamics of meal or caloric emptying from the stomach.
The modification of plant oil composition via metabolic engineering—better nutrition by design
Authors: Haslam Richard P. , Ruiz‐Lopez Noemi , Eastmond Peter , Moloney Maurice , Sayanova Olga , Napier Johnathan A. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThis article will focus on the modification of plant seed oils to enhance their nutritional composition. Such modifications will include C18 Δ6‐desaturated fatty acids such as γ‐linolenic and stearidonic acid, omega‐6 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic acid, as well as the omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (often named ‘fish oils’) such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. We will consider how new technologies (such as synthetic biology, next‐generation sequencing and lipidomics) can help speed up and direct the development of desired traits in transgenic oilseeds. We will also discuss how manipulating triacylglycerol structure can further enhance the nutritional value of ‘designer’ oils. We will also consider how advances in model systems have translated into crops and the potential end‐users for such novel oils (e.g. aquaculture, animal feed, human nutrition).
Estimating the Causal Effect of Enforcement on Minimum Wage Compliance: The Case of South Africa
Authors: Bhorat Haroon , Kanbur Ravi , Mayet Natasha 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis paper attempts to estimate the causal effect of government enforcement on compliance with minimum wages in South Africa, a country where considerable non‐compliance exists. The number of labor inspectors per capita is used as a proxy for enforcement, while non‐compliance is measured using an index of violation that measures both the proportion of individuals violated, as well as the average depth of individual violation. Because of the potential simultaneity between enforcement and compliance, the number of labor inspectors is instrumented by the number of non‐inspectors. The results suggest that there are a variety of factors impacting on violation, including firm‐level, sectoral, and spatial characteristics. One of the key determinants of violation is found to be the local unemployment rate. However, the number of labor inspectors is found to be insignificant in determining non‐compliance.
Physiological mechanisms for the modulation of pannexin 1 channel activity
Authors: Sandilos Joanna K. , Bayliss Douglas A. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract  It is widely recognized that ATP, along with other nucleotides, subserves important intercellular signalling processes. Among various nucleotide release mechanisms, the relatively recently identified pannexin 1 (Panx1) channel is gaining prominence by virtue of its ability to support nucleotide permeation and release in a variety of different tissues. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the factors that control Panx1 channel activity. By using electrophysiological and biochemical approaches, diverse mechanisms that dynamically regulate Panx1 channel function have been identified in various settings; these include, among others, activation by caspase‐mediated channel cleavage in apoptotic immune cells, by G protein‐coupled receptors in vascular smooth muscle, by low oxygen tension in erythrocytes and neurons, by high extracellular K+ in various cell types and by stretch/strain in airway epithelia. Delineating the distinct mechanisms of Panx1 modulation that prevail in different physiological contexts provides the possibility that these channels, and ATP release, could ultimately be targeted in a context‐dependent manner.
Multiple pathways carry signals from short‐wavelength‐sensitive (‘blue’) cones to the middle temporal area of the macaque
Authors: Jayakumar Jaikishan , Roy Sujata , Dreher Bogdan , Martin Paul R. , Vidyasagar Trichur R. 
Published: October 2012

Key points
The middle temporal area (area MT) of the macaque visual cortex receives visual signals from all three cone types, including short‐wavelength cones (S‐cones).
Signals from the short‐wavelength cones reach area MT both via the relay(s) in the primary visual cortex (V1) as well as a pathway bypassing V1.
The S‐cone signals to area MT that bypass V1 do not reach area MT significantly earlier than those that relay through V1.
The S‐cone signals that bypass V1 are most likely conveyed to area MT by direct projections from the koniocellular regions of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus.
Our results are consistent with the putative neuronal mechanism of the phenomenon of ‘blindsight’.
Abstract  We recorded spike activity of single neurones in the middle temporal visual cortical area (MT or V5) of anaesthetised macaque monkeys. We used flashing, stationary spatially circumscribed, cone‐isolating and luminance‐modulated stimuli of uniform fields to assess the effects of signals originating from the long‐, medium‐ or short‐ (S) wavelength‐sensitive cone classes. Nearly half (41/86) of the tested MT neurones responded reliably to S‐cone‐isolating stimuli. Response amplitude in the majority of the neurones tested further (19/28) was significantly reduced, though not always completely abolished, during reversible inactivation of visuotopically corresponding regions of the ipsilateral primary visual cortex (striate cortex, area V1). Thus, the present data indicate that signals originating in S‐cones reach area MT, either via V1 or via a pathway that does not go through area V1. We did not find a significant difference between the mean latencies of spike responses of MT neurones to signals that bypass V1 and those that do not; the considerable overlap we observed precludes the use of spike‐response latency as a criterion to define the routes through which the signals reach MT.
Evaluation of glutamate concentration transient in the synaptic cleft of the rat calyx of Held
Authors: Budisantoso Timotheus , Harada Harumi , Kamasawa Naomi , Fukazawa Yugo , Shigemoto Ryuichi , Matsui Ko 
Published: October 2012

Key points
Spatiotemporal glutamate concentration profile in the cleft is a determinant of the EPSC amplitude and time course.
Two key parameters required to describe this profile are the number of glutamate in a vesicle (NGlu) and its diffusion coefficient (DGlu), both of which are unestablished.
Using the rat calyx of Held synapse as a model, the distribution of AMPA receptors was mapped with SDS‐digested freeze fracture replica labelling and their performance as glutamate sensors was evaluated with outside‐out patch recordings.
Based on these data, synaptic responses were simulated using various combinations of NGlu and DGlu, and an optimal range of the NGlu–DGlu combinations that could reproduce the recordings was determined.
Using the estimated profile, we show that release from a single vesicle does not saturate the receptors, glutamate spillover does not affect the synaptic conductance amplitude, and synaptic response increases non‐linearly with the number of multivesicular releases.
Abstract  Establishing the spatiotemporal concentration profile of neurotransmitter following synaptic vesicular release is essential for our understanding of inter‐neuronal communication. Such profile is a determinant of synaptic strength, short‐term plasticity and inter‐synaptic crosstalk. Synaptically released glutamate has been suggested to reach a few millimolar in concentration and last for <1 ms. The synaptic cleft is often conceived as a single concentration compartment, whereas a huge gradient likely exists. Modelling studies have attempted to describe this gradient, but two key parameters, the number of glutamate in a vesicle (NGlu) and its diffusion coefficient (DGlu) in the extracellular space, remained unresolved. To determine this profile, the rat calyx of Held synapse at postnatal day 12–16 was studied where diffusion of glutamate occurs two‐dimensionally and where quantification of AMPA receptor distribution on individual postsynaptic specialization on medial nucleus of the trapezoid body principal cells is possible using SDS‐digested freeze‐fracture replica labelling. To assess the performance of these receptors as glutamate sensors, a kinetic model of the receptors was constructed from outside‐out patch recordings. From here, we simulated synaptic responses and compared them with the EPSC recordings. Combinations of NGlu and DGlu with an optimum of 7000 and 0.3 μm2 ms−1 reproduced the data, suggesting slow diffusion. Further simulations showed that a single vesicle does not saturate the synaptic receptors, and that glutamate spillover does not affect the conductance amplitude at this synapse. Using the estimated profile, we also evaluated how the number of multiple vesicle releases at individual active zones affects the amplitude of postsynaptic signals.
Attenuation‐based estimation of patient size for the purpose of size specific dose estimation in CT. Part II. Implementation on abdomen and thorax phantoms using cross sectional CT images and scanned projection radiograph images
Authors: Wang Jia , Christner Jodie A. , Duan Xinhui , Leng Shuai , Yu Lifeng , McCollough Cynthia H. 
Published: October 2012

Purpose:To estimate attenuation using cross sectional CT images and scanned projection radiograph (SPR) images in a series of thorax and abdomen phantoms.Methods:Attenuation was quantified in terms of a water cylinder with cross sectional area ofAw from both the CT and SPR images of abdomen and thorax phantoms, where Aw is the area of a water cylinder that would absorb the same dose as the specified phantom. SPR and axial CT images were acquired using a dual‐source CT scanner operated at 120 kV in single‐source mode. To use the SPR image for estimating Aw, the pixel values of a SPR image were calibrated to physical water attenuation using a series of water phantoms. Aw and the corresponding diameter Dw were calculated using the derived attenuation‐based methods (from either CT or SPR image). Aw was also calculated using only geometrical dimensions of the phantoms (anterior‐posterior and lateral dimensions or cross sectional area).Results:For abdomen phantoms, the geometry‐based and attenuation‐based methods gave similar results forDw. Using only geometric parameters, an overestimation of Dw ranging from 4.3% to 21.5% was found for thorax phantoms. Results for Dw using the CT image and SPR based methods agreed with each other within 4% on average in both thorax and abdomen phantoms.Conclusions:Either the cross sectional CT or SPR images can be used to estimate patient attenuation in CT. Both are more accurate than use of only geometrical information for the task of quantifying patient attenuation. The SPR based method requires calibration of SPR pixel values to physical water attenuation and this calibration would be best performed by the scanner manufacturer.
First Report of an OXA-23 Carbapenemase-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolate Related to Tn
2006
in Spain
Authors: Espinal P. , Macià M. D. , Roca I. , Gato E. , Ruíz E. , Fernández-Cuenca F. , Oliver A. , Rodríguez-Baño J. , Bou G. , Tomás M. , Vila J. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

A carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
clinical isolate belonging to European clone II and sequence type 2 was recovered from a patient in the Son Espases hospital in Mallorca, Spain. Genetic analysis showed the presence of the
bla
OXA-23
gene in association with the widely disseminated transposon Tn
2006
. This is the first reported identification of
A. baumannii
carrying
bla
OXA-23
in Spain.
A Novel Inhibitor of Dengue Virus Replication That Targets the Capsid Protein
Authors: Byrd Chelsea M. , Dai Dongcheng , Grosenbach Douglas W. , Berhanu Aklile , Jones Kevin F. , Cardwell Kara B. , Schneider Christine , Wineinger Kristin A. , Page Jessica M. , Harver Chris , Stavale Eric , Tyavanagimatt Shanthakumar , Stone Melialani A. , Bartenschlager Ralf , Scaturro Pietro , Hruby Dennis E. , Jordan Robert 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Dengue viruses (DENV) infect 50 to 100 million people worldwide per year, of which 500,000 develop severe life-threatening disease. This mosquito-borne illness is endemic in most tropical and subtropical countries and has spread significantly over the last decade. While there are several promising vaccine candidates in clinical trials, there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics available for treatment of dengue infection. Here, we describe a novel small-molecule compound, ST-148, that is a potent inhibitor of all four serotypes of DENV
in vitro
. ST-148 significantly reduced viremia and viral load in vital organs and tended to lower cytokine levels in the plasma in a nonlethal model of DENV infection in AG129 mice. Compound resistance mapped to the DENV capsid (C) gene, and a direct interaction of ST-148 with C protein is suggested by alterations of the intrinsic fluorescence of the protein in the presence of compound. Thus, ST-148 appears to interact with the DENV C protein and inhibits a distinct step(s) of the viral replication cycle.
Efficacy of Ethanol against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus Polymicrobial Biofilms
Authors: Peters Brian M. , Ward Raven M. , Rane Hallie S. , Lee Samuel A. , Noverr Mairi C. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Candida albicans
, an opportunistic fungus, and
Staphylococcus aureus
, a bacterial pathogen, are two clinically relevant biofilm-forming microbes responsible for a majority of catheter-related infections, with such infections often resulting in catheter loss and removal. Not only do these pathogens cause a substantial number of nosocomial infections independently, but also they are frequently found coexisting as polymicrobial biofilms on host and environmental surfaces. Antimicrobial lock therapy is a current strategy to sterilize infected catheters. However, the robustness of this technique against polymicrobial biofilms has remained largely untested. Due to its antimicrobial activity, safety, stability, and affordability, we tested the hypothesis that ethanol (EtOH) could serve as a potentially efficacious catheter lock solution against
C. albicans
and
S. aureus
biofilms. Therefore, we optimized the dose and time necessary to achieve killing of both monomicrobial and polymicrobial biofilms formed on polystyrene and silicone surfaces in a static microplate lock therapy model. Treatment with 30% EtOH for a minimum of 4 h was inhibitory for monomicrobial and polymicrobial biofilms, as evidenced by XTT {sodium 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-2
H
-tetrazolium hydroxide inner salt} metabolic activity assays and confocal microscopy. Experiments to determine the regrowth of microorganisms on silicone after EtOH treatment were also performed. Importantly, incubation with 30% EtOH for 4 h was sufficient to kill and inhibit the growth of
C. albicans
, while 50% EtOH was needed to completely inhibit the regrowth of
S. aureus
. In summary, we have systematically defined the dose and duration of EtOH treatment that are effective against and prevent regrowth of
C. albicans
and
S. aureus
monomicrobial and polymicrobial biofilms in an
in vitro
lock therapy model.
Alginate Lyase Exhibits Catalysis-Independent Biofilm Dispersion and Antibiotic Synergy
Authors: Lamppa John W. , Griswold Karl E. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

More than 2 decades of study support the hypothesis that alginate lyases are promising therapeutic candidates for treating mucoid
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections. In particular, the enzymes' ability to degrade alginate, a key component of mucoid biofilm matrix, has been the presumed mechanism by which they disrupt biofilms and enhance antibiotic efficacy. The systematic studies reported here show that, in an
in vitro
model, alginate lyase dispersion of
P. aeruginosa
biofilms and enzyme synergy with tobramycin are completely decoupled from catalytic activity. In fact, equivalent antibiofilm effects can be achieved with bovine serum albumin or simple amino acids. These results provide new insights into potential mechanisms of alginate lyase therapeutic activity, and they should motivate a careful reexamination of the fundamental assumptions underlying interest in enzymatic biofilm dispersion.