bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A call to order at the spirochaetal host–pathogen interface
Authors: Zückert Wolfram R. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryAs the Lyme disease spirochaete Borrelia burgdorferi shuttles back and forth between arthropod vector and vertebrate host, it encounters vastly different and hostile environments. Major mechanisms contributing to the success of this pathogen throughout this complex transmission cycle are phase and antigenic variation of abundant and serotype‐defining surface lipoproteins. These peripherally membrane‐anchored virulence factors mediate niche‐specific interactions with vector/host factors and protect the spirochaete from the perils of the mammalian immune response. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Tilly, Bestor and Rosa redefine the roles of two lipoproteins, OspC and VlsE, during mammalian infection. Using a variety of promoter fusions in combination with a sensitive in vivo ‘use it or lose it’ gene complementation assay, the authors demonstrate that proper sequential expression of OspC followed by VlsE indeed matters. A previously suggested general functional redundancy between these and other lipoproteins is shown to be limited and dependent on an immunodeficient experimental setting that is arguably of diminished ecological relevance. These data reinforce the notion that OspC plays a unique role during initial infection while the antigenically variant VlsE proteins allow for persistence in the mammalian host.
A single amino acid substitution in the MurF UDP‐MurNAc‐pentapeptide synthetase renders Streptococcus pneumoniae dependent on CO2 and temperature
Authors: Burghout Peter , Quintero Beatríz , Bos Linda , Beilharz Katrin , Veening Jan‐Willem , de Jonge Marien I. , van der Linden Mark , van der Ende Arie , Hermans Peter W. M. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryThe respiratory tract pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae encounters different levels of environmental CO2 during transmission, host colonization and disease. About 8% of all pneumococcal isolates are capnophiles that require CO2‐enriched growth conditions. The underlying molecular mechanism for caphnophilic behaviour, as well as its biological function is unknown. Here, we found that capnophilic S. pneumoniae isolates from clonal complex (CC) 156 (i.e. Spain9V‐3 ancestry) and CC344 (i.e. NorwayNT‐42 ancestry) have a valine at position 179 in the MurF UDP‐MurNAc‐pentapeptide synthetase. At ≤ 30°C, the growth characteristics of capnophilic and non‐capnophilic CC156 strains were equal, but at > 30°C growth and survival of MurFV179 strains was dependent on > 0.1% CO2‐enriched conditions. Expression of MurFV179 in S. pneumoniae R6 and G54 rendered these, otherwise non‐capnophilic strains, capnophilic. Time‐lapse microscopy revealed that a capnophilic CC156 strain undergoes rapid autolysis upon exposure to CO2‐poor conditions at 37°C, and staining with fluorescently labelled vancomycin showed a defect in de novo cell wall synthesis. In summary, in capnophilic S. pneumoniae strains from CC156 and CC344 cell wall synthesis is placed under control of environmental CO2 levels and temperature. This mechanism might represent a novel strategy of the pneumococcus to rapidly adapt and colonize its host under changing environmental conditions.
Determinants of the dynamics of electricity consumption in Nigeria
Authors: Ubani Obinna 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe persistent electricity supply problems in Nigeria are attributable to the inability of energy planners to accurately forecast the effect of the various socioeconomic and physical factors that influence the electricity consumption across the country. The major problem with the existing forecasts of electricity consumption is often assumed to be associated with poor identification of these socioeconomic and physical factors upon which they are based. The goal of this study is to empirically determine the various factors that affect the electricity consumption rate in Nigeria. The study covers an annual time series data from 1985 to 2005. Data for the study were collected through secondary sources. Multiple linear regression was used to test the research hypothesis. The result suggests that electricity consumption was significantly related to 6 of the 12 socioeconomic and physical factors of this consumption rate studied at 0.01 level (R2 = 0.992). These are degree of urbanisation, population density, number of manufacturing industry, number of households with electricity, employment rate and distance to nearest power generating station. These six variables are significantly in determining the electricity consumption in Nigeria. Policies based on the outcome of this study will produce positive and sound policy actions.
Inspired gas humidity and temperature during mechanical ventilation with the Stephanie ventilator
Authors: Preo Bianca L. , Shadbolt Bruce , Todd David A. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryAimsTo measure inspired gas humidity and temperature delivered by a Stephanie neonatal ventilator with variations in (i) circuit length; (ii) circuit insulation; (iii) proximal airway temperature probe (pATP) position; (iv) inspiratory temperature (offset); and (v) incubator temperatures.MethodsUsing the Stephanie neonatal ventilator, inspired gas humidity and temperature were measured during mechanical ventilation at the distal inspiratory limb and 3 cm down the endotracheal tube. Measurements were made with a long or short circuit; with or without insulation of the inspiratory limb; proximal ATP (pATP) either within or external to the incubator; at two different inspiratory temperature (offset) of 37(−0.5) and 39(−2.0)°C; and at three different incubator temperatures of 32, 34.5, and 37°C.ResultsLong circuits produced significantly higher inspired humidity than short circuits at all incubator settings, while only at 32°C was the inspired temperature higher. In the long circuits, insulation further improved the inspired humidity especially at 39(−2.0)°C, while only at incubator temperatures of 32 and 37°C did insulation significantly improve inspired temperature. Positioning the pATP outside the incubator did not result in higher inspired humidity but did significantly improve inspired temperature. An inspiratory temperature (offset) of 39(−2.0)°C delivered significantly higher inspired humidity and temperature than the 37(−0.5)°C especially when insulated.ConclusionsLong insulated Stephanie circuits should be used for neonatal ventilation when the infant is nursed in an incubator. The recommended inspiratory temperature (offset) of 37(−0.5)°C produced inspired humidity and temperature below international standards, and we suggest an increase to 39(−2.0)°C.
Effects of nutrient enrichment and herbivory on morphology, reproduction and chemical content of Turbinaria conoides (Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Mayakun Jaruwan , Kim Jeong Ha , Lapointe Brian E. , Prathep Anchana 
Published: June 2013

SummaryThe effects of nutrient enrichment and herbivory on resource allocation patterns among morphology, reproduction, and chemical content of the brown alga, Turbinaria conoides (J. Agardh) Kützing were tested in the shallow subtidal zone of the Gulf of Thailand. The field experimental design comprised 36 plots (50 × 50 cm2) with and without herbivores, and two nutrient levels. Cages (uncaged and fully caged plots) were used to exclude herbivorous fishes and two nutrients levels were achieved by experimental enrichment above ambient nutrient concentrations. For morphology of Turbinaria, the maximum length (holdfast to frond apex), the width of the base of the stipe, number of blades, holdfast and stipe diameter were measured. Biomass, reproductive output, and tissue nutrient (carbon: nitrogen: phosphorus) content of T. conoides were examined. Phlorotannin concentrations were examined using a modified Folin‐Ciocalteu method. The results showed that herbivory had no effect on morphology, reproduction, or phlorotannin concentrations. This could be due to the structural and morphological deterrents of alga, which might minimize grazing effects from herbivorous fishes. Nutrient enrichment had no effect on morphology and reproduction of T. conoides, possibly due to low nutrient demand in Turbinaria. However, nutrient enrichment did affect phlorotannin concentrations, as phlorotannins in the enriched plots were lower than the ambient plots. These results support, in part, the carbon–nutrient balance hypothesis that states algae will allocate fewer resources to production of anti‐herbivore chemical compounds when enriched with potential growth‐limiting nutrients.
Molecular angiogenic events of a two‐herb wound healing formula involving MAPK and Akt signaling pathways in human vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Liu Cheuk‐Lun , Tam Jacqueline Chor Wing , Sanders Andrew J. , Ko Chun‐Hay , Fung Kwok‐Pui , Leung Ping‐Chung , Harding Keith G. , Jiang Wen G. , Lau Clara Bik‐San 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe emergence of electric cell‐substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) technology has provided new insight in advanced cell behavioral study by its nanometer sensitivity, precise electrical wounds generation, and high reproducibility that can be monitored in real time in a noninvasive way. However, little is known regarding pro‐angiogenic agents in wound healing studies using endothelial cells evaluated with ECIS technology. Our previous studies showed a prominent wound healing effect of a two‐herb formula (NF3) comprising of Astragali Radix and Rehmanniae Radix in a rat chronic wound model through actions including angiogenesis. Here we further investigated the angiogenic effect and its underlying molecular mechanism through proliferation, motility, and tubule formation of human vascular endothelial cells (HECV) using ECIS technology. It was first shown that HECV treated with NF3 had a higher resistance than that of control using ECIS cell attachment and cell migration model (p < 0.01). We further validated in a scratch assay that NF3 treatment significantly stimulated HECV cell migration (p < 0.01–0.05). Also, NF3‐treated HECV were observed to develop into a significantly more branched tubular structure when compared with control (p < 0.05–0.01). Meanwhile, Western blot analysis of NF3‐treated HECV revealed the activated expression of p‐Akt, and mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases for p‐ERK, p‐p38, and p‐JNK. We propose that the effect of NF3 in the promotion of endothelial cell migration and tubule formation could be mediated through pathways involving p‐Akt and activated MAP kinases. Hence, we demonstrated the complexity of the angiogenic effect activated by NF3 molecularly and functionally. NF3 treatment could offer therapeutic value to chronic wound healing for its pro‐angiogenic efficacy.
Oxygen and wound care: A review of current therapeutic modalities and future direction
Authors: Howard Michael A. , Asmis Reto , Evans Karen Kim , Mustoe Thomas A. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWhile the importance of oxygen to the wound healing process is well accepted, research and technological advances continue in this field and efforts are ongoing to further utilize oxygen as a therapeutic modality. In this paper, the authors briefly review the role of oxygen in wound healing and discuss the distinct mechanism of action as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the three major oxygen‐based therapies currently in clinical use (Hyperbaric Oxygen and Topical Oxygen and Continuous Diffusion of Oxygen), as well as review the existing literature regarding these distinct therapeutic modalities.
Calcium regulation of neural rhythms, memory and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Berridge Michael J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) begins with a decline in cognition followed by neuronal cell death and dementia. These changes have been linked to a deregulation of Ca2+ signalling caused by a progressive increase in the resting level of Ca2+, which may influence cognition by interfering with the rhythm rheostat that controls the sleep/wake cycle. The rise in resting levels of Ca2+ may not alter the processes of memory acquisition during consciousness (gamma and theta rhythms), but may duplicate some of the events that occur during the slow oscillations responsible for the twin processes of memory consolidation and memory erasure that occur during sleep. The persistent elevation in the resting level of Ca2+ induced by an accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers duplicates a similar small global elevation normally restricted to the period of slow oscillations when memories are erased during sleep. In AD, such a rapid erasure of memories soon after they are acquired during the wake period means that they are not retained for consolidation during sleep. The Aβ deregulates Ca2+ signalling through direct effects on the neurons and indirectly by inducing inflammatory responses in the microglia and astrocytes. Some of these deleterious effects of Aβ may be alleviated by vitamin D.
Gene Dosage-Dependent Negative Regulatory Role of β-Arrestin-2 in Polymicrobial Infection-Induced Inflammation
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Malik Ankit , Lee Eunhee , Britton Robert A. , Parameswaran Narayanan 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT
β-arrestin-2 (β-arr2) is a scaffolding protein of the arrestin family with a wide variety of cellular functions. Recent studies have demonstrated differential roles for β-arr2 in inflammation following endotoxemia and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) models of sepsis. Because CLP-induced inflammation involves response to fecal contents and necrotic cecum in addition to microbial challenge, in this study, we examined the role of β-arr2 in an exclusively polymicrobial infection (PMI) model. In addition, we examined the role of gene dosage of β-arr2 in polymicrobial sepsis. Our studies demonstrate that β-arr2 is a negative regulator of systemic inflammation in response to polymicrobial infection and that one allele is sufficient for this process. Our results further reveal that loss of β-arr2 leads to increased neutrophil sequestration and overt inflammation specifically in the lungs following polymicrobial infection. Consistent with this, specific NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were differentially activated in the β-arr2 knockout (KO) mice lungs compared to the wild type (WT) following PMI. Associated with enhanced inflammation in the KO mice, PMI-induced mortality was also significantly higher in KO mice than in WT mice. To understand the differential role of β-arr2 in different sepsis models, we used cell culture systems to evaluate inflammatory cytokine production following endotoxin and polymicrobial stimulation. Our results demonstrate cell-type- as well as stimulus-specific roles for β-arr2 in inflammation. Taken together, our results reveal a negative regulatory role for β-arr2 in polymicrobial infection-induced inflammation and further demonstrate that one allele of β-arr2 is sufficient to mediate most of these effects.
CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF TOTAL PROXIMAL, NON-AVULSION, HAMSTRING MUSCLE - RUPTURE, IN HIGH LEVEL ATHLETES
Authors: Malliaropoulos Nikos , Psyllakis Panagiotis , Tsitas Kostas , Papalada Agapi 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundHamstring muscle injuries are notoriously found among the most common causes of abstinence and delayed return to sport, in a variety of track, field and other high level athletes. In this respect we present our experience of conservative treatment of total proximal, non-avulsed hamstring rupture in high-level track, field and other athletes and application of an integrated rehabilitation protocol.MethodsEleven high level athletes, nine men and two women, were diagnosed with sub/ total proximal, non-avulsed, hamstring rupture (grade III or IV strain). All of the patients were treated conservatively over a time scheme of twelve weeks.Then the athletes were ready to return to their complete sport–specific training.ResultsAll the athletes were treated conservatively. All of them made a full return to their sport .Mean follow up time was from six months to two years. One male track athlete had a multiple reinjury history after his primary hamstring rupture (over 18 months of follow up).All the other athletes fully returned to their sports with no recurrent hamstring injuries during the follow up.ConclusionsIndications that have been proposed for operative treatment of total proximal hamstring ruptures are most clear and widely acceptable when a bone avulsion is present off the ischial tuberosity.1However when it comes to total proximal, non avulsed ,hamstring rupture (grade III or IV strain) the operative indications may be relative and there still may be a place for integrated conservative treatment.2Conservative treatment has to be based on the correct classification of the injury, the right clinical assessment at the acute phase as well as along the whole length of treatment.Surgical treatment has an important role to play in complete proximal hamstring ruptures bearing in mind the right indications such as acute bone avulsions from the muscles’ origin.3
EFFECTS OF MAINTAINED INTENSE EXERCISE THROUGHOUT THE LIFE ON THE ADAPTIVE IMMUNE RESPONSE IN ELDERLY AND YOUNG ATHLETES
Authors: Moro-García Marco Antonio , Fernández-García Benjamin , Alonso-Arias Rebeca , Rodriguez-Alonso Manuel , Suárez García Francisco Manuel , López- Larrea Carlos 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundExercise induces a series of changes on the immune system depending on their intensity and duration.1 2In fact, transient states of immunosuppression are induced after intense physical activity3and yet beneficial exercise anti-inflammatory effects have been described over many diseases and longevity.1MethodsTo study the impact of intense exercise for long periods of life on adaptive immunity at different ages we compared phenotypical and functional features of T lymphocytes of young (n=27) and elderly athletes (n=15) with young (n=30) and elderly non-athletes (n=30). We characterized leukocyte and lymphocyte subpopulations by flow cytometry and measured the T cell proliferation and activation response (CD69) against anti-CD3. We also studied the percentage of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) by quantification of TREC by real-time PCR. Specific antibody titers against CMV were determined by ELISA.ResultsLeucopenia was found in both groups of athletes, mainly explained by low levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes. Exercise induced higher frequencies of NK, B lymphocytes and CD8+ T cells, whereas CD4+ T lymphocytes showed significant lower levels in the elderly athletes. Moreover, young athletes showed significant differences in all parameters that define the immune risk profile (IRP), with characteristics of an aging immune system, but we did not find differences between elderly groups. Less differentiated subsets of T lymphocytes were more frequents in non-athletes, with the exception of CD8+ T lymphocytes in young individuals. The analysis of TREC content in the elderly groups showed no significant difference in either the CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocytes. In the young non-athletes group we observe an increase in the content of TREC in CD8+ T cells, but not in CD4+ T cells. Moreover, functional response of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes was significantly impaired only in young but no in elderly athletes.ConclusionsIntensive training for long periods throughout life induces important phenotypical and functional changes on the adaptive immune response. These changes are most striking in young individuals and they damped with physiologic immune aging.
DYNAMIC FOOT PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS IN ELITE TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES
Authors: Malliaropoulos Nikolaos , Ritsioudi Magda , Finellis Vassilis , Padhiar Nat , Maffulli Nicola 
Published: June 2013

Study designProspective Study.IntroductionWith the aim to deal with the probability of metatarsal bone stress injuries and stress fractures we detect and categorize functional alterations during forefoot loadings in plantar pressure area in athletes and explore the frequency of functional alterations.Methods58 elite track & field athletes (experimental group) and age/sex matched healthy volunteers (control group) conducted dynamic plantar foot pressure and leg-length measurements at the National Track and Field Center in Sports Medicine Clinic of S.E.G.A.S., Thessaloniki (Greece). Pressure, area and force during gait were measured. Measurements were performed during free walking at a speed of 5km/h. Measurements were conducted with T & T MEDILOGIC dynamic foot pressure platform with 2048 SSR-sensors. Statistical analysis and a comparison between the two groups for the metatarsal specific areas mean pressures in both foots (R: right foot, L: left foot) were made by using statistical analysis software. Clinical findings were also assessed.ResultsAnatomical alterations are descriptively presented. In functional alterations, four forefoot metatarsal print indices were categorized as follows: 1. metatarsal arch, 2. metatarsal fall, 3. metatarsal heads and 4. metatarsal varus.Metatarsal fall and metatarsal varus mean loadings were higher in both feet for the non-athletes. Athletes presented higher percentage of metatarsal arch fall. Factor loadings indicate metatarsal arch fall as a separate factor compared with the other variables.ConclusionsPresent findings suggest that high impact sporting activities like sprinting, jumping, throwing and long distance running lead to variations in forefoot plantar pressure area. In 29 elite track and field athletes, metatarsal arch and metatarsal heads fall exist in a relatively high percentage. Control group did not have the same high percentage of metatarsal arch and metatarsal heads alteration as athletes but they had significantly higher loadings in metatarsal fall alteration.