bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retracted: Aging is associated with altered inflammatory, arachidonic acid cascade, and synaptic markers, influenced by epigenetic modifications, in the human frontal cortex
Authors: Keleshian Vasken L. , Modi Hiren R. , Rapoport Stanley I. , Rao Jagadeesh S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAging is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is associated with cognitive decline. However, underlying molecular mechanisms of brain aging are not clear. Recent studies suggest epigenetic influences on gene expression in AD, as DNA methylation levels influence protein and mRNA expression in postmortem AD brain. We hypothesized that some of these changes occur with normal aging. To test this hypothesis, we measured markers of the arachidonic acid (AA) cascade, neuroinflammation, pro‐ and anti‐apoptosis factors, and gene specific epigenetic modifications in postmortem frontal cortex from nine middle‐aged [41 ± 1 (SEM) years] and 10 aged subjects (70 ± 3 years). The aged compared with middle‐aged brain showed elevated levels of neuroinflammatory and AA cascade markers, altered pro and anti‐apoptosis factors and loss of synaptophysin. Some of these changes correlated with promoter hypermethylation of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein (CREB), and synaptophysin and hypomethylation of BCL‐2 associated X protein (BAX). These molecular alterations in aging are different from or more subtle than changes associated with AD pathology. The degree to which they are related to changes in cognition or behavior during normal aging remains to be evaluated.
5‐Hydroxytryptamine type 7 receptor neuroprotection against NMDA‐induced excitotoxicity is PDGFβ receptor dependent
Authors: Vasefi Maryam S. , Kruk Jeff S. , Heikkila John J. , Beazely Michael A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe serotonin (5‐HT) type 7 receptor is expressed throughout the CNS including the hippocampus. Long‐term (2–24 h) activation of 5‐HT7 receptors regulates growth factor receptor expression, including the expression of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) β receptors. Direct activation of PDGFβ receptors in primary hippocampal and cortical neurons inhibits NMDA receptor activity and attenuates NMDA receptor‐induced neurotoxicity. Our objective was to investigate whether the 5‐HT7 receptor‐induced increase in PDGFβ receptor expression would be similarly neuroprotective. We demonstrate that 5‐HT7 receptor agonist treatment in primary hippocampal neurons also increases the expression of phospholipase C (PLC) γ, a downstream effector of PDGFβ receptors associated with the inhibition of NMDA receptor activity. To determine if the up‐regulation of PDGFβ receptors is neuroprotective, primary hippocampal neurons were incubated with the 5‐HT7 receptor agonist, LP 12, for 24 h. Indeed, LP 12 treatment prevented NMDA‐induced neurotoxicity and this effect was dependent on PDGFβ receptor kinase activity. Treatment of primary neurons with LP 12 also differentially altered NMDA receptor subunit expression, reducing the expression of NR1 and NR2B, but not NR2A. These findings demonstrate the potential for providing growth factor receptor‐dependent neuroprotective effects using small‐molecule ligands of G protein‐coupled receptors.
Advancing knowledge on practice change: linking facilitation to the senses framework
Authors: Cooper Julie , Meyer Julienne , Holman Cheryl 
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore the facilitating factors that enabled staff on a rehabilitation ward for older people engage in change activities.BackgroundThe importance of facilitation in practice change is widely acknowledged; however, little nursing research has taken place in relation to its nature. Following identification in the early phases of an action research study that learned helplessness states and the use of socially structured defence techniques were preventing staff on a rehabilitation ward for older people from engaging in practice development, some change was achieved. What facilitated this to take place needed to be explored.DesignAn action research approach was used.MethodsData gained from 13 in‐depth interviews with staff and managers together with three years of researcher field notes were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe continuous presence and neutrality of the researcher who worked together with staff on their issues of concern using a flexible ward‐based approach, combined with giving staff the opportunity to explore what it was like for them working in this area, were considered key in helping staff to engage with change.ConclusionsAnalysis of findings suggests that the senses framework presents a theoretical approach to facilitation that can help staff move out of learned helplessness states and reduce the need for the use of socially structured defence techniques.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study identifies a facilitation approach that enabled staff to engage with practice change. Although carried out in the UK, its findings have wider relevance through the application of a theoretical perspective for practice change facilitation that has not before been considered in this literature, and which is likely to be of interest to those involved in practice change internationally.
Relationships between body weight, fasting blood glucose concentration, sex and age in tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri chinensis)
Authors: Wu X. , Chang Q. , Zhang Y. , Zou X. , Chen L. , Zhang L. , Lv L. , Liang B. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThe tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinensis) is a squirrel‐like lower primate or a close relative of primates, commonly used as an animal model in biomedical research. Despite more than three decades of usage in research, the clear relationships between body weight, fasting blood glucose concentration, sex and age among tree shrews remain unclear. Based on an investigation of 992 tree shrews (454 males and 538 females) aged between 4 months and 4 years old, we found that male tree shrews have significantly higher body weight and fasting blood glucose concentration than female tree shrews (p < 0.001). The concentration of fasting blood glucose slightly increased with body weight in males (r = 0.152, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, in females, the body weight, concentration of fasting blood glucose and waist circumference positively increased with age (p < 0.001). Additionally, 17 tree shrews with Lee index [body weight (g)*0.33*1000/body length (cm)] above 290 had significantly higher body weight, waist circumference and glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) than non‐obese tree shrews with a Lee index score below 290 (p < 0.001). Interestingly, 6 of 992 tree shrews (three males and three females, 2–4 years old) displayed impaired plasma triglycerides, HbA1c, low‐density lipoprotein and oral glucose tolerance test, suggestive of the early symptoms of metabolic syndrome. This study provides the first clear relationships between body weight, fasting blood glucose concentration, sex and age in tree shrews, further improving our understanding of this relationship in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Given the similarity of tree shrews to humans and non‐human primates, this finding supports their potential use as an animal model in the research of MetS.
Phytoplankton biomass and primary production dynamics in Lake Kariba
Authors: Regina Ndebele‐Murisa M. , Frank Musil C. , Miles Raitt L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe present study examined spatial, seasonal and depth variations in phytoplankton biomass and primary production (PP), compared with those reported for other tropical African lakes, to determine whether or not measured phytoplankton changes might be linked to climate warming. The biomass of three major phytoplankton classes (Cyanophyceae; Chlorophyceae; Bacillariophyceae) and net PP were measured during the midwinter and midsummer at six different depths at 35 sampling sites distributed across the lake’s five basins. A more rigorous sampling regime was used in the fifth basin, with phytoplankton biomass and PP rates measured every second month over a 24 month period at six different depths at ten sampling sites located in riverine and lacustrine waters. Cyanophyceae, which displayed a gradient of decreasing biomass from Basins 2 to 5, contributed 69% of the total phytoplankton biomass in the lake’s five basins during summer. This percentage was approximately four times greater than that contributed by the Bacillariophyceae and about ten times greater than that contributed by the Chlorophyceae. During winter, Bacillariophyceae biomass was equivalent to that of the Cyanophyceae, but displayed an opposing gradient of increasing biomass from Basins 1 to 3, with a subsequent biomass decline from Basins 3 to 5. Chlorophyceae exhibited no distinct biomass gradient across the five lake basins, being undetectable during winter. The biomass of all three phytoplankton classes and the net PP varied in magnitude and direction monthly between the lacustrine and riverine waters, with increasing water depth and with no distinct seasonal patterns being evident. The monthly variations in biomass were related to the thermal stratification cycle, hydrological gradients and the extent of water mixing, being similar to those reported for other tropical African lakes. It is noteworthy that total phytoplankton biomass and PP in Lake Kariba have declined by about 95% and 50%, respectively, since the 1980s. These declines correspond to an upward shift in the depth of the thermocline, associated with an average temperature increase of 1.9 °C and a 50% reduction in the depth of the euphotic zone, since the 1960s.
Occurence of Culturable Vibrio cholerae from Lake Victoria, and Rift Valley Lakes Albert and George, Uganda
Authors: Kaddumukasa Martha , Nsubuga David , Muyodi Fredrick J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractVibrio cholerae, a bacterium that causes cholera, poses a human health risk when consumed via untreated or contaminated water. Monthly investigations into the presence of V. cholerae from Lakes Albert, George and Victoria were conducted, with the goal being to examine the relationship between the occurrences of V. cholerae with various water quality parameters at fish landing sites in major water bodies in Uganda. The pH, temperature and electrical conductivity were measured at three fishing sites in each of the three study lakes; namely Gabba in Lake Victoria, Butiaba in Lake Albert and Kayanzi in Lake George. The pH values varied from 7.76 to 9.36 at Butiaba, 8.68 to 9.85 at Kayanzi and 6.6 to 9.88 at Ggaba. The temperature ranged from 17.9 to 32.3 °C at Butiaba, 22.5 to 29 °C at Kayanzi and 18.2 to 30.5 °C at Ggaba. The electrical conductivity ranged from 129.2 to 984 μS cm−1 at Butiaba, 658 to 1090 μS cm−1 at Kayanzi and 119 to 218 μS cm−1 at Ggaba, for Lakes Albert, George and Victoria, respectively. Enrichment techniques were used to detect culturable V. cholerae on TCBS culture media. Seventy‐five (75%) of the samples (n = 90) were positive for V. cholera. The occurrence of V. cholerae was positively associated with water quality parameters over the 10‐month period of study. Vibrio cholerae was more frequently detected during the dry season (warmer) than during the wet season. These study results suggest the investigated study lakes are natural reservoirs for V. cholerae.
Mitochondrial shape and function in trypanosomes requires the outer membrane protein, TbLOK1
Authors: Povelones Megan L. , Tiengwe Calvin , Gluenz Eva , Gull Keith , Englund Paul T. , Jensen Robert E. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryIn an RNAi library screen for loss of kinetoplast DNA (kDNA), we identified an uncharacterized Trypanosoma brucei protein, named TbLOK1, required for maintenance of mitochondrial shape and function. We found the TbLOK1 protein located in discrete patches in the mitochondrial outer membrane. Knock‐down of TbLOK1 in procyclic trypanosomes caused the highly interconnected mitochondrial structure to collapse, forming an unbranched tubule remarkably similar to the streamlined organelle seen in the bloodstream form. Following RNAi, defects in mitochondrial respiration, inner membrane potential and mitochondrial transcription were observed. At later times following TbLOK1 depletion, kDNA was lost and a more drastic alteration in mitochondrial structure was found. Our results demonstrate the close relationship between organelle structure and function in trypanosomes.
Distinct functions of polysaccharide deacetylases in cell shape, neutral polysaccharide synthesis and virulence of Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Balomenou Stavroula , Fouet Agnes , Tzanodaskalaki Mary , Couture‐Tosi Evelyne , Bouriotis Vassilis , Boneca Ivo G. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryPeptidoglycan deacetylases (PGNG‐dacs) belong to the Carbohydrate Esterase Family 4 (CE4) and have been described as required for bacterial evasion to lysozyme and innate immune responses. Interestingly, there is an unusual occurrence of 10 putative polysaccharide deacetylases, including five PGNG‐dacs, in the Bacillus sp. genomes, especially B. cereus and B. anthracis. To elucidate the physiological role of these multiple deacetylases, we employed genetic analysis and protein localization studies of five putative PGNG‐dacs from B. anthracis as well as biochemical analysis of their corresponding homologues from B. cereus. Our data confirm that three enzymes are PGNG‐dacs. While BA1977, associated with lateral peptidoglycan synthesis, is a bona fide peptidoglycan deacetylase involved in resistance to host lysozyme and required for full virulence, BA1961 and BA3679 participate in the biogenesis of the peptidoglycan during both elongation and cell division. Furthermore, two enzymes are important for neutral polysaccharide attachment to PG and consequently anchoring of S‐layer proteins (BA5436) and for polysaccharide modification (BA2944). Our results provide novel and fundamental insights into the function of polysaccharide deacetylases in a major bioterrorism agent.
Targeting Oxidative Injury and Cytokines' Activity in the Treatment with Anti‐Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α Antibody for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome 1
Authors: Miclescu Adriana A. , Nordquist Lena , Hysing Eva‐Britt , Butler Stephen , Basu Samar , Lind Anne‐Li , Gordh Torsten 
Published: January 2013

AbstractCytokines and oxygen free radicals have been implicated in the potential pathogenic development of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). We aimed to analyze the relationship between clinical status, circulating levels of cytokines, and markers of oxidative damage during the treatment with anti‐TNFα antibodies. The patient chosen for treatment had not had improvement through a number of conventional therapies and fulfilled the current diagnostic criteria for CRPS‐1. We investigated the clinical variables before and after systemic administration of 1.4 mg/kg anti‐TNFα antibody (infliximab), repeated after 1 month in a dose of 3 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected before and after anti‐TNFα antibodies administration, and plasma was analyzed for 8‐isoprostane‐prostaglandin F2α (8‐iso‐PGF2α, a marker of oxidative injury) and cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐17A). Plasma concentrations of 8‐iso‐PGF2α were measured with radioimmunoassay (RIA), and the kinetics of cytokines were detected in plasma by antibody‐based proximity ligation (PLA). Pathologically high levels of 8‐iso‐PGF2α were found in the patient. Immediately after each administration of infliximab, the levels of 8‐iso‐PGF2α decreased. Although the patient showed an improvement of the cutaneous dystrophic symptoms and diminished pain associated with these lesions, the levels of circulating TNFα increased after the administration of anti‐TNFα antibodies. In a patient with CRPS‐1 treated with anti‐TNFα antibodies, we report increased levels of circulating TNFα and a temporary mitigation of oxidative stress as measured by plasma F2‐isoprostane. This case report provides evidence 2 supporting the indication of monitoring the oxidative stress biomarkers during treatment with anti‐TNFα antibodies in CRPS 1.
The Prevalence of Comorbid Symptoms of Central Sensitization Syndrome Among Three Different Groups of Temporomandibular Disorder Patients
Authors: Lorduy Kara M. , Liegey‐Dougall Angela , Haggard Robbie , Sanders Celeste N. , Gatchel Robert J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimsSymptoms of central sensitization syndrome (CSS) were evaluated among three different groups of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. Additionally, TMD group differences in pain and pain‐related disability were assessed, as well as emotional distress.MethodsParticipants were 250 patients with symptoms of acute TMD, recruited from dental clinics within a major metropolitan area. Sequential regressions and multivariate analyses of covariance were conducted in order to make group comparisons.ResultsThose with a TMD Muscle Disorder (ie, myofacial TMD [m‐TMD]) and those with more than one TMD diagnosis had the most symptoms of CSS and higher reports of pain and pain‐related disability. Moreover, emotional distress accounted for a substantial amount of the variance for physical symptoms and mediated all TMD comparisons.ConclusionsMyofacial TMD is characterized by a high degree of comorbidity of symptoms of CSS and associated emotional distress.
Introducing Interventional Pain Services in a Large African Teaching Hospital: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Suleiman Zakari , Burton Allen W. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThere is a need for interventional pain management in the developing world; however, there are many barriers to the introduction of interventional pain therapies. This brief report describes one approach to the introduction of interventional pain medicine to a Nigerian teaching hospital. Although many barriers exist, interventional pain medicine can be brought to the developing world, as demonstrated in this case series.
Outcome of pediatric heart transplantation recipients treated with ventricular assist device
Authors: Jahnukainen Timo , Rautiainen Paula , Mattila Ilkka P. , Puntila Juha , Haavisto Anu , Qvist Erik , Pihkala Jaana , Peräsaari Juha , Merenmies Jussi , Sairanen Heikki , Jalanko Hannu , Salminen Jukka T. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate the long‐term prognosis of pediatric HTx patients treated with VAD before transplantation. The clinical data of six patients bridged to HTx with Berlin Heart EXCOR pediatric device were analyzed retrospectively. Information about graft function, CA results, and EMB findings as well as appearance DSA was collected. Also, information about growth and cognitive function was analyzed. These findings were compared with age‐, gender‐, and diagnosis‐matched HTx patients. During the median follow‐up time of four and half yr after HTx, the prognosis including graft function, number of rejection episodes, and incidence of coronary artery vasculopathy, growth and cognitive development did not differ between VAD‐bridged HTx patients compared with control patients. In both groups, one patient developed positive DSA titer after HTx. Our single‐center experience suggests that the prognosis of pediatric HTx patients treated with VAD before transplantation is not inferior to that of other HTx patients.
Public Health Nursing, Ethics and Human Rights
Authors: Ivanov Luba L. , Oden Tami L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPublic health nursing has a code of ethics that guides practice. This includes the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses, Principles of the Ethical Practice of Public Health, and the Scope and Standards of Public Health Nursing. Human rights and Rights‐based care in public health nursing practice are relatively new. They reflect human rights principles as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and applied to public health practice. As our health care system is restructured and there are new advances in technology and genetics, a focus on providing care that is ethical and respects human rights is needed. Public health nurses can be in the forefront of providing care that reflects an ethical base and a rights‐based approach to practice with populations.
The Exposome – Exciting Opportunities for Discoveries in Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology
Authors: Buck Louis Germaine M. , Yeung Edwina , Sundaram Rajeshwari , Laughon S. Katherine , Zhang Cuilin 
Published: January 2013

SummaryUnderstanding the mechanisms that underlie successful human reproduction and development is an ambitious goal, given the many unique methodological challenges surrounding such study. These challenges are well understood by reproductive and perinatal epidemiologists and include its conditional nature, unobservable yet informative outcomes such as conception, multi‐scale missing data, correlated or non‐independent outcomes, interval censoring and a hierarchical data structure. Novel methodologies for overcoming these challenges and for answering critical data gaps are needed if we are to better understand the inefficiency that currently characterises human reproduction with the goal of improving population health. The exposome is an emerging paradigm that offers promise for understanding the natural history of human reproduction and development, and its many associated impairments that develop later in child‐ or adulthood. This novel paradigm recognises the need to identify and measure the totality of environmental (non‐genetic) exposures from preconception through sensitive windows, and to identify patterns associated with healthy and adverse outcomes. The exposome accommodates research focusing on unique subpopulations, such as couples undergoing assisted reproductive technologies, so that methodological limitations such as unobservable and conditional outcomes can be better addressed. Reproductive and perinatal epidemiology is uniquely suited for proof‐of‐concept exposome research, given the intricate relations between fecundity, gravid health and later onset disease and the narrow and interrelated sensitive windows that characterise the conditional nature of human reproduction and development. Bold new conceptual frameworks such as the exposome are needed for designing research that may lead to discovery and improve population health.
Tuberculosis screening in immigrants from high‐prevalence countries: Interview first or chest radiograph first? A pro/con debate
Authors: Mor Zohar , Leventhal Alex , Diacon Andreas H. , Finger Rebekka , Schoch Otto D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractImmigration from high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence countries has a substantial impact on the epidemiology of TB in receiving countries with low TB incidence. Cross‐border migration offers an ideal opportunity for active case finding that will result in a lower caseload in the host country and a reduced spread of disease to both the indigenous and migrant populations. Screening strategies can start ‘offshore’, thereby indirectly assisting and empowering public health systems in the source countries, or be performed at ports of entry with or without long‐term engagement of ‘onshore’ facilities and systems to provide either preventive therapy or surveillance for reactivation of latent TB. The chest radiograph seems to be playing a key role in this process, but questions remain regarding when, where and in whom radiographs are best done for optimal yield and cost‐effectiveness, and with what other tests they might best be combined to further increase the usefulness of transborder TB control.