bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acetate reduces microglia inflammatory signaling in vitro
Authors: Soliman Mahmoud L. , Puig Kendra L. , Combs Colin K. , Rosenberger Thad A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAcetate supplementation increases brain acetyl‐CoA and histone acetylation and reduces lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced neuroglial activation and interleukin (IL)‐1β expression in vivo. To determine how acetate imparts these properties, we tested the hypothesis that acetate metabolism reduces inflammatory signaling in microglia. To test this, we measured the effect acetate treatment had on cytokine expression, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, histone H3 at lysine 9 acetylation, and alterations of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) in primary and BV‐2 cultured microglia. We found that treatment induced H3K9 hyperacetylation and reversed LPS‐induced H3K9 hypoacetylation similar to that found in vivo. LPS also increased IL‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) mRNA and protein, whereas treatment returned the protein to control levels and only partially attenuated IL‐6 mRNA. In contrast, treatment increased mRNA levels of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and both IL‐4 mRNA and protein. LPS increased p38 MAPK and JNK phosphorylation at 4 and 2–4 h, respectively, whereas treatment reduced p38 MAPK and JNK phosphorylation only at 2 h. In addition, treatment reversed the LPS‐induced elevation of NF‐κB p65 protein and phosphorylation at serine 468 and induced acetylation at lysine 310. These data suggest that acetate metabolism reduces inflammatory signaling and alters histone and non‐histone protein acetylation.
Inside the alkalinity engine: the role of electron donors in the organomineralization potential of sulfate‐reducing bacteria
Authors: Gallagher K. L. , Kading T. J. , Braissant O. , Dupraz C. , Visscher P. T. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractMineral precipitation in microbial mats may have been the key to their preservation as fossil stromatolites, potentially documenting evidence of the earliest life on Earth. Two factors that contribute to carbonate mineral precipitation are the saturation index (SI) and the presence of nucleation sites. Both of these can be influenced by micro‐organisms, which can either alter SI through their metabolisms, or produce and consume organic substances such as extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that can affect nucleation. It is the balance of individual metabolisms within the mat community that determines the pH and the dissolved inorganic carbon concentration, thereby potentially increasing the alkalinity and consequently the SI. Sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) are an important component of this ‘alkalinity engine.’ The activity of SRB often peaks in layers where CaCO3 precipitates, and mineral precipitation has been demonstrated in SRB cultures; however, the effect of their metabolism on the alkalinity engine and actual contribution to mineral precipitation is the subject of controversy. Here, we show through culture experiments, theoretical calculations, and geochemical modeling studies that the pH, alkalinity, and organomineralization potential will vary depending on the type of electron donor. Specifically, hydrogen and formate can increase the pH, but electron donors like lactate and ethanol, and to a lesser extent glycolate, decrease the pH. The implication of this for the lithification of mats is that the combination of processes supplying electron donors and the utilization of these compounds by SRB may be critical to promoting mineral precipitation.
Towards an organisational perspective on party funding: Explaining financial transfers fromMEPsto their national parties
Authors: Bolleyer Nicole , Trumm Siim , Banducci Susan A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWhich parties represented in theEuropeanParliament (EP) are able to extract regular donations from theirMEPs' salaries and, if they extract donations, how great are they? In the literature on party finances, there has been a lack of attention paid to the use of salaries of elected representatives as a source of funding. This is surprising given that the national headquarters of many parties inEurope regularly collect ‘party taxes’: a fixed (and often significant) share of their elected representatives' salaries. In filling this gap, this article theoretically specifies two sets of party characteristics that account for the presence of a taxing rule and the level of the tax, respectively. The presence of a tax depends on the basic ‘acceptability’ of such an internal obligation that rests on a mutually beneficial financial exchange between parties' campaign finance contributions to theirMEPsandMEPs' salary donations to their parties. The level of the tax, in contrast, depends on the level of intra‐organisational compliance costs and parties' capacity to cope with these costs. Three factors are relevant to this second stage:MEPs' ideological position, the size of the parliamentary group and party control over candidate nomination. The framework is tested through a selection model applied to a unique dataset covering the taxing practices in parties across theEuropeanUnionMemberStates.
Small molecule glucokinase activators disturb lipid homeostasis and induce fatty liver in rodents: a warning for therapeutic applications in humans
Authors: De Ceuninck Frédéric , Kargar Catherine , Ilic Catherine , Caliez Audrey , Rolin Jean‐Olivier , Umbdenstock Thierry , Vinson Cédric , Combettes Murielle , de Fanti Brant , Harley Elizabeth , Sadlo Marjorie , Lefèvre Anne‐Laure , Broux Olivier , Wierzbicki Michel , Fourquez Jean‐Marie , Perron‐Sierra Françoise , Kotschy András , Ktorza Alain 
Published: August 2012

Background and PurposeSmall‐molecule glucokinase activators (GKAs) are currently being investigated as therapeutic options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Because liver overexpression of glucokinase is thought to be associated with altered lipid profiles, this study aimed at assessing the potential lipogenic risks linked to oral GKA administration.Experimental ApproachNine GKA candidates were qualified for their ability to activate recombinant glucokinase and to stimulate glycogen synthesis in rat hepatocytes and insulin secretion in rat INS‐1E cells. In vivo activity was monitored by plasma glucose and HbA1c measurements after oral administration in rodents. Risk‐associated effects were assessed by measuring hepatic and plasma triglycerides and free fatty acids, as well as plasma aminotransferases, and alkaline phosphatase.Key ResultsGKAs, while efficiently decreasing glycaemia in acute conditions and HbA1c levels after chronic administration in hyperglycemic db/db mice, were potent inducers of hepatic steatosis. This adverse outcome appeared as soon as 4 days after daily oral administration at pharmacological doses and was not transient. GKA treatment similarly increased hepatic triglycerides in diabetic and normoglycaemic rats, together with a pattern of metabolic phenotypes including different combinations of increased plasma triglycerides, free fatty acids, alanine and aspartyl aminotransferases, and alkaline phosphatase. GKAs belonging to three distinct structural families induced hepatic steatosis in db/db mice, arguing in favour of a target‐mediated, rather than a chemical class‐mediated, effect.Conclusion and ImplicationsGiven the risks associated with fatty liver disease in the general population and furthermore in patients with T2D, these findings represent a serious warning for the use of GKAs in humans.Linked ArticleThis article is commented on by Rees and Gloyn, pp. 335–338 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.02201.x
Intentional Intrathecal Opioid Detoxification in 3 Patients: Characterization of the Intrathecal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
Authors: Jackson Tracy P. , Lonergan Daniel F. , Todd R. David , Martin Peter R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjective:  Intrathecal (IT) drug delivery systems for patients with chronic non‐malignant pain are intended to improve pain and quality of life and reduce side effects of systemic use. A subset of patients may have escalating pain, functional decline, and/or intolerable side effects even as IT opioid doses are increased. Discontinuation of IT medications may represent a viable treatment option but strategies to accomplish this are needed.Subjects and Interventions:  Three patients with intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDS), inadequate pain control, and declining functionality underwent abrupt IT opioid cessation. This was accomplished through a standardized protocol with symptom‐triggered administration of clonidine and buprenorphine, monitored using the clinical opiate withdrawal scale.Results:  Symptoms of IT withdrawal were similar in all patients and included diuresis, agitation, hyperalgesia, mild diarrhea, yawning, and taste and smell aversion. Hypertension and tachycardia were effectively controlled by clonidine administration. Classic symptoms of withdrawal, such as piloerection, chills, severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, myoclonus, and mydriasis, were not noted. At 2 to 3 months follow‐up, patients reported decreased, but ongoing pain, with improvements in functional capacity and quality of life.Conclusions:  This preliminary work demonstrates the safety of abrupt IT opioid cessation utilizing standardized inpatient withdrawal protocols. To our knowledge, these are among the first reported cases of intentional, controlled IT opioid cessation without initiation of an opioid bridge: self‐reported pain scores, functional capacity, and quality of life improved. The IT opioid withdrawal syndrome is characterized based upon our observations and a review of the literature.
The Efficacy of a Program Promoting Rice Self‐Sufficiency in Ghana during a Period of Neoliberalism*
Authors: Glenna Leland , Ader David , Bauchspies Wenda , Traoré Abou , Agboh‐Noameshi Rita Afiavi 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe number of the world's food insecure rose at the end of the first decade of the twenty‐first century. Despite these negative developments, however, a 2010 United Nations report argues that food security could be improved if development efforts are supported by government programs that target smallholder farmers. This report is significant because it challenges the neoliberal perspective, which tends to promote a private‐enterprise market system and favor large‐scale producers. These competing visions for agricultural development frame our evaluation of the impact of the Africa Rice Center's (AfricaRice) efforts to promote new rice varieties among smallholder farmers to narrow the rice consumption‐production gap in Ghana. We begin by distinguishing the outreach efforts to help farmers increase production and the political‐economic conditions that limit the longevity of that outreach effort. We reviewed program documents revealing expenditures and yields among the smallholder farmers, and we conducted intensive interviews with the farmers. Although we find that the program succeeded in mobilizing farmers to increase rice production, we question the sustainability of the program's impact because state funding for the program has ended.
Brain MRI and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Findings in Patients with Hyperargininemia
Authors: Carvalho Daniel R , Farage Luciano , Martins Bernardo JAF , Brum Jaime M , Speck‐Martins Carlos E , Pratesi Riccardo 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEHyperargininemia (HA) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder and the neuroimaging features of this disease have seldom been reported. Hyperammonemic encephalopathy is uncommon in HA, and the clinical presentation of HA is distinct from other urea cycle disorders. This paper describes the brain MRI findings and a magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) study of a series of Brazilian HA patients.METHODSBrain MR images were obtained in eight male and two female patients with the classic HA phenotype. Six patients were evaluated twice. Single‐voxel 1H‐MRS was also performed in six of the patients.RESULTSOnly 1 patient, with less severe neurological symptoms, had normal MRI images. A variable degree of cerebral atrophy was noted in the other patients, and 3 patients also presented mild symptoms of cerebellar atrophy. MRS indicated no metabolic abnormalities in any patient.CONCLUSIONSWe present the MRI and MRS findings of a large series of HA patients. Variable degrees of brain atrophy and mild cerebellar atrophy were observed, and these findings were not specific. No metabolic abnormality was observed using MRS in this series of patients.
Validation of FDG Uptake in the Arterial Wall as an Imaging Biomarker of Atherosclerotic Plaques with 18F‐Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography‐Computed Tomography (FDG‐PET/CT)
Authors: Bucci Monica , Aparici Carina Mari , Hawkins Randy , Bacharach Steve , Schrek Carole , Cheng SuChun , Tong Elizabeth , Arora Sandeep , Parati Eugenio , Wintermark Max 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEFrom the literature, the prevalence of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in large artery atherosclerotic plaques shows great heterogeneity. We retrospectively reviewed 100 consecutive patients who underwent FDG‐positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging of their whole body, to evaluate FDG uptake in the arterial wall.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe retrospectively evaluated 100 whole‐body PET‐CT scans. The PET images coregistered with CT were reviewed for abnormal 18F‐FDG uptake. The mean standard uptake value (SUV) was measured in regions of interest (ROIs). The prevalence of PET+ plaques was determined based on the qualitative PET review, used as the gold standard in a receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine an optimal threshold for the quantitative PET analysis.RESULTSThe qualitative, visual assessment demonstrated FDG uptake in the arterial walls of 26 patients. A total of 85 slices exhibited FDG uptake within the arterial wall of 37 artery locations. 11, 17, and 2 patients exhibited FDG uptake within the wall of carotid arteries, of the aorta, and of the iliac arteries, respectively. Only 4 of the 26 patients had positive FDG uptake in more than one artery location.In terms of quantitative analysis, a threshold of 2.8 SUV was associated with a negative predictive value of 99.4% and a positive predictive value of 100% to predict qualitative PET+ plaques. A threshold of 1.8 SUV was associated with a negative predictive value of 100% and a positive predictive value of 99.4%. Area under the ROC curve was .839.CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of PET uptake in arterial walls in a consecutive population of asymptomatic patients is low and usually confined to one type of artery, and its clinical relevance in terms of vulnerability to ischemic events remains to be determined.
Impact of temperature on the breeding performance and selection patterns in lesser kestrels Falco naumanni
Authors: Mihoub J. B. , Mouawad N. G. , Pilard P. , Jiguet F. , Low M. , Teplitsky C. 
Published: August 2012

Adjusting breeding phenology to climate fluctuations can be problematic for migratory birds as they have to account for local environmental conditions on the breeding grounds while migrating from remote wintering areas. Predicting general responses to climate change is not straightforward, because these responses vary between migrant species due to the species‐specific ecological drivers of breeding behaviour. Therefore more information is needed on species with different ecological requirements, including data on heritability of migration, factors driving phenological changes and how climate affects selection pressures.Here, we measure heritability in settlement dates and the effect of local climate at the breeding grounds on settlement dates, reproductive success and selection patterns in a French population of a trans‐Saharan migratory insectivorous raptor, the lesser kestrel Falco naumanni, monitored and ringed since 1996.Heritability of settlement dates was low (0.07 ± 0.03), indicating a weak evolutionary potential. Nevertheless, plasticity in settlement dates in response to temperatures allowed earlier settlement when early spring was warmer than average. Reproductive success and selection patterns were strongly affected by temperature during settlement and chick rearing respectively. Warmer spring decreased selection for earlier settling and warmer early summer increased reproductive success. Interestingly, selection for earlier settling was more intense in cooler springs, contrasting with patterns from passerines lagging behind food peaks.Altogether, these results suggest a positive effect of warmer temperatures on breeding performances of lesser kestrels most likely because the French population is at the coolest boundary of the species European breeding range.
Osteotome sinus floor elevation with and without grafting material in the severely atrophic maxilla. A 1‐year prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Nedir Rabah , Nurdin Nathalie , Khoury Paul , Perneger Thomas , Hage Marc El , Bernard Jean‐Pierre , Bischof Mark 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectives(1) To measure and compare endo‐sinus bone levels around implants randomly placed with an osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) procedure in grafted (control) and non‐grafted (test) sinuses, (2) to evaluate the OSFE efficacy with short, tapered, and chemically modified hydrophilic surfaced implants in extremely atrophic maxillae, (3) to show that fused corticals may constitute a complication risk.Material and methodsThe TE® SLActive 8 mm‐long implants (Straumann AG) were placed using an OSFE procedure in 4 mm or less of bone height. Healing time before prosthetic rehabilitation was 10 weeks. One year after implant placement, bone levels were measured on standardized periapical radiographs.ResultsThirty‐seven (17 tests, 20 controls) implants were placed in 12 patients with a mean maxillary residual bone height (RBH) of 2.4 ± 0.9 mm. Before loading, two control implants failed (RBH 1.4 and 1.2 mm); two others rotated at loading (one test, RBH 0.9 mm; one control, RBH 1.5 mm) but were uneventfully loaded after three additional months of healing. These adverse events and complications occurred when implants were placed in merged corticals. Endo‐sinus bone gain was 3.9 ± 1.0 and 5.0 ± 1.3 mm for the test and control groups (P = 0.003). The 1‐year success rate was 100% and 90%, respectively (P = 0.49).ConclusionAlthough more bone is gained when grafting material is used, this may not be required to promote endo‐sinus bone gain. The OSFE procedure with or without grafting material could be efficient when the RBH is ≤4 mm. However, when both corticals merged, the risk of complication could increase.
Bacterial adhesion affinities of various implant abutment materials
Authors: Yamane Koichi , Ayukawa Yasunori , Takeshita Toru , Furuhashi Akihiro , Yamashita Yoshihisa , Koyano Kiyoshi 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate bacterial adhesion to various abutment materials.Material and methodsThirty volunteers participated in this study. Resin splints were fabricated, and five types of disks were fabricated from pure titanium, gold‐platinum alloy, zirconia, alumina, and hydroxyapatite with uniform surface roughness and attached to the buccal surface of each splint. After 4 days of use by the subjects, the plaque accumulated on the disk surfaces was analyzed. The bacterial community structure was evaluated using 16S rRNA gene profiling with terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The total bacterial count on each disk was estimated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsTerminal restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles were more similar between tested materials than between subjects, suggesting that the bacterial community structures on the abutment material were influenced more by the individuals than by the type of material. However, the total number of bacteria attached to a disk was significantly different among five materials (P < 0.001, Brunner–Langer test for longitudinal data). Fewer bacteria were attached to the gold‐platinum alloy than to the other materials.ConclusionsGold‐platinum alloy appears to be useful material for abutments when considering the accumulation of plaque. However, alternative properties of the abutment material, such as effects on soft tissue healing, should also be taken into consideration when choosing an abutment material.
The changes of glucose and lipid metabolism in overweight middle‐aged cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Wu Di , Yue Feng , Zhang Yu A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundExcessive weight gain has been observed in middle‐aged cynomolgus monkeys. This study was designed to investigate the metabolic characteristics in overweight monkeys.MethodsA total of 26 cynomolgus monkeys were grouped based on gender and body weight. Overweight was operationally defined as body weight heavier than 9.6 kg in males and 7.5 kg in females. They were monitored for glucose and insulin in fasting state, serum parameters, and somatometric measurements.ResultsHigher measurements of weight, body mass index (BMI), waist, hip, and waist/hip ratio (WHR) were the somatometric characteristics of overweight monkeys. Abdominal fat deposition was more prominent in females. Elevated total cholesterol, HDL‐C, LDL‐C, and fasting glucose were observed in female overweight monkeys. Impaired insulin sensitivity occurred in overweight monkeys.ConclusionsOverweight could result in impaired insulin sensitivity. The metabolic changes were more prominent in female overweight monkeys.
Lys66 residue as a determinant of high mismatch extension and misinsertion rates of HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase
Authors: Lwatula Chisanga , Garforth Scott J. , Prasad Vinayaka R. 
Published: August 2012

A major factor contributing to the high mutation rate of HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase (RT) is its high propensity for misincorporation. Misincorporation requires both deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate (dNTP) misinsertion and the subsequent extension of the mismatched terminus thus formed. We hypothesized that Lys66 is a determinant of mismatch extension based on its position near the primer terminus. This hypothesis was tested by steady‐state kinetic studies using wild‐type HIV‐1 RT and four Lys66 substitution mutants: Lys66Arg, Lys66Ala, Lys66Asn and Lys66Thr. The mismatch extension efficiency was reduced for all mutants, with Lys66Ala, Lys66Asn and Lys66Thr showing a four‐ to six‐fold reduction compared with wild‐type HIV‐1 RT. Surprisingly, the nonconservative substitutions also led to large decreases in misinsertion efficiency, ranging from as low as three‐fold to values much higher than 23‐fold. Thus, the Lys66Arg mutant was akin to wild‐type HIV‐1 RT, whereas all nonconservative mutants displayed significantly decreased efficiency for both events. Our results suggest that Lys66, much like Lys65, is a determinant of both dNTP misinsertion and mismatch extension efficiency. While Lys65 is known to contact the γ‐phosphate of incoming dNTP, the Lys66 side chain is in the vicinity of the primer terminus. However, our results suggest that both residues have a similar influence on dNTP misinsertion and mispair extension efficiencies of HIV‐1 RT. When we tested the mutants for susceptibility to selected nucleoside analog and non‐nucleoside analog drugs, similarly to Lys65Arg, the Lys66Ala and Lys66Asn mutants displayed mild resistance to the nucleoside analog drug 3′‐azido‐3′‐deoxythymidine‐5′‐triphosphate (AZTTP).DatabaseEC 2.7.7.49, EC 2.7.7.7