bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethanol and Hepatitis C Virus Suppress Peptide–MHC Class I Presentation in Hepatocytes by Altering Proteasome Function
Authors: Osna Natalia A. , Bardag‐Gorce Fawzia , White Ronda L. , Weinman Steven A. , Donohue Terrence M. , Kharbanda Kusum K. 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundPreviously, we reported that exposure of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core‐expressing ethanol (EtOH)‐metabolizing cells to EtOH significantly suppresses proteasome activity which exists as 26S (20S and 19S) and as an unassociated 20S particle. The replacement of the constitutive proteasomal subunits with immunoproteasome (IPR) favors antigen processing. Here, we examined the effects of EtOH consumption by HCV core transgenic mice on proteasome activity in hepatocytic lysates and in partially purified 26S proteasome and the impact of these changes on antigen presentation.Methods
HCV
− and HCV
+ core transgenic mice were fed chow diet with or without 20% (v/v) EtOH in water for 4 weeks. Following the feeding regimen, hepatocytes were isolated and examined for chymotrypsin‐like proteasome activity, oxidative stress, and the presentation of SIINFEKL–H2Kb complex. Additionally, the constitutive proteasome and IPR were purified for further analysis and identification of proteasome‐interacting proteins (PIPs).ResultsEtOH significantly decreased proteasome activity in hepatocytes of HCV
+ mice, and this finding correlated with oxidative stress and dysregulated methylation reactions. In isolated 26S proteasome, EtOH suppressed proteasome activity equally in HCV
+ and HCV
− mice. EtOH feeding caused proteasome instability and lowered the content of both constitutive and IPR subunits in the 20S proteasome. In addition, the level of other PIPs, PA28 and UCHL5, were also suppressed after EtOH exposure. Furthermore, in EtOH‐fed mice and, especially, in HCV
+ mice, the presentation of SIINFEKL–H2Kb complex in hepatocytes was also decreased.ConclusionsProteasomal dysfunction induced by EtOH feeding and exacerbated by the presence of HCV structural proteins led to suppression of SIINFEKL–H2Kb presentation in hepatocytes.
Ethanol Preference in Drosophila melanogaster is Driven by Its Caloric Value
Authors: Pohl Jascha B. , Baldwin Brett A. , Dinh Boingoc L. , Rahman Pinkey , Smerek Dustin , Prado Francisco J. , Sherazee Nyssa , Atkinson Nigel S. 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundPerhaps the most difficult thing to ascertain concerning the behavior of another animal is its motivation. The motivation underlying the preference of Drosophila melanogaster for ethanol (EtOH)‐rich food has long been ascribed to its value as a food. A recently introduced idea is that, as in humans, the pharmacological effects of EtOH also motivate the fly to choose EtOH‐rich food over nonalcoholic food.MethodsFlies are given a choice between pipets that contain liquid food and liquid food supplemented with EtOH. In some experiments, carbohydrates are added to the non‐EtOH‐containing food to balance the calories for EtOH.ResultsWe confirm that D. melanogaster indeed prefer food that is supplemented with EtOH. However, if the alternative food choice is isocaloric, D. melanogaster usually do not show any preference for a 10% EtOH solution. Even after EtOH preference has been established, it can be completely reversed if the alternative food is calorically supplemented. This occurs even when the carbohydrate solution used to balance calories is not gustatorily attractive. Furthermore, if the alternative food contains more calories than the EtOH food, the flies will prefer the non‐EtOH food. We go on to show that during the preference assay that EtOH in the fly does not exceed 4 mM, which in mammals is a nonintoxicating dose.ConclusionsWe conclude that preference for EtOH in this assay arises not from the pharmacological effects of EtOH but rather because of its nutritive value.
Simultaneous Modeling of the Impact of Treatments on Alcohol Consumption and Quality of Life in the COMBINE Study: A Coupled Hidden Markov Analysis
Authors: Prisciandaro James J. , DeSantis Stacia M. , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundClinical trials for alcoholism have historically regarded alcohol consumption as the primary outcome. In a subset of trials, quality of life (QOL) has been considered as a secondary outcome. Joint latent‐variable modeling techniques may provide a more accurate and powerful simultaneous analysis of primary and secondary outcomes in clinical trials. The goal of this study was to evaluate longitudinal associations between treatment status, alcohol consumption, and QOL in the Combined Pharmacotherapies and Behavioral Interventions for Alcohol Dependence (COMBINE) study.MethodsA total of 1,383 alcohol‐dependent patients were randomized to 9 treatment groups. Percent heavy drinking days (PHDD) and health‐related QOL from the 30 days preceding baseline, week 16, and week 52 were calculated using the Form 90 and the Medical Outcomes Study Health Survey Short Form‐12 (SF‐12), respectively. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to determine an appropriate number of latent states to represent PHDD and QOL. Subsequently, univariate and coupled hidden Markov models (for PHDD and SF‐12 mental health, and PHDD and SF‐12 physical) were fit to the data.Results
LPA suggested that PHDD should be represented by 3 latent states and that each SF‐12 scale should be represented by 2 states. Joint modeling results suggested that (i) naltrexone significantly predicted decreased PHDD (p < 0.05), and marginally predicted improved mental health QOL via decreased PHDD (p < 0.10), and (ii) that the combinations of naltrexone and combined behavioral intervention (CBI), and acamprosate and CBI, each predicted significantly improved physical QOL (p < 0.05), and marginally predicted decreased PHDD via improved physical QOL (p < 0.10).ConclusionsThis study illustrates a powerful and novel statistical approach for simultaneously evaluating the impact of treatments on primary and secondary outcomes in clinical trials. This study also suggests that behavioral interventions may impact drinking behavior through their ameliorative effects on QOL.
Ethanol (EtOH)‐Induced TGF‐β1 and Reactive Oxygen Species Production Are Necessary for EtOH‐Induced Alveolar Macrophage Dysfunction and Induction of Alternative Activation
Authors: Brown Sheena D. , Brown Lou Ann S. 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that chronic ethanol (EtOH) ingestion results in impaired alveolar macrophage function, increased TGF‐β1 production, and decreased antioxidant availability. Similarly, alternative activation (M2 activation) of alveolar macrophages also induces TGF‐β1 production and impairs macrophage function. However, the potential links between EtOH‐induced alveolar macrophage derangements, M2 activation, TGF‐β1 production signaling, and oxidant stress have yet to be examined. We hypothesized that EtOH‐induced oxidant stress and induction of TGF‐β1 signaling result in alternative activation which subsequently impairs the phagocytic capacity of alveolar macrophages.MethodsPrimary rat alveolar macrophages and the alveolar macrophages cell line NR8383 were treated with 0.08% EtOH ± the antioxidant glutathione (GSH) or a TGF‐β1 neutralizing antibody for 5 days. Outcome measures included TGF‐β1 production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phagocytic capacity, and expression of markers of M2 activation.ResultsChronic EtOH treatment greatly decreased alveolar macrophage phagocytic function, increased ROS production, increased TGF‐β1, and increased expression of markers of M2 activation. GSH supplementation and inhibition of TGF‐β1 signaling during EtOH treatment prevented these alterations.ConclusionsEtOH treatment increased oxidant stress, TGF‐β1 production, and alternative activation in NR8383 cells. However, GSH supplementation and ablation of TGF‐β1 signaling prevented these effects. This suggested that the EtOH‐induced switch to an M2 phenotype was a result of decreased antioxidant availability and increased TGF‐β1 signaling. Preventing EtOH‐induced induction of alternative activation may improve alveolar macrophage function in alcoholic subjects and decrease the risk of respiratory infections.
Defining (Urban) Producer and Consumer Sinks
Authors: Wiedmann Thomas O. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThis contribution was prompted by the article “Gross Direct and Embodied Carbon Sinks for Urban Inventories” by Mohareb and Kennedy published in this issue. The authors define two types of urban carbon sinks—direct and embodied—and discuss their relation to producer and consumer emissions (and sinks) accounting. This commentary continues that discussion by clarifying boundary considerations and definitions between producer and consumer sinks, and between direct and indirect sinks.Extending the notion of production‐ versus consumption‐based emissions accounting, a corollary for producer and consumer sinks can be drawn. Producer sinks would include direct sequestration through industrial and private activities occurring within a defined territory. Consumer sinks would refer to direct and indirect sequestration activities associated with the consumption of goods and services within the same territory, wherever that sequestration may occur.As with emissions accounting, in carbon sinks accounting I propose that the exact categorization depends on the perspective taken. Clear boundaries and well‐defined terminology—historically present in emissions accounting—are critical to this novel approach to sinks accounting.
Response to Wiedmann
Authors: Mohareb Eugene , Kennedy Christopher 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThis commentary is prompted by Thomas Wiedmann's “Defining (Urban) Producer and Consumer Sinks” published in this issue. In his article, Wiedmann presents a new framework for categorizing carbon sinks by borrowing practices from carbon emissions accounting and, essentially, proposing a “carbon sink footprint” model for urban inventories.While this is a valuable new concept, we argue that it is difficult to apply accurately given current knowledge and practices in urban life cycle assessment. Instead, a direct versus embodied classification based on where the sequestration service exists, not where the sink is located, is more useful from the perspective of municipal control and influence over creating and managing carbon sinks. This is ultimately important for the development of urban climate change mitigation measures.
Estimating Material and Energy Flows in Life Cycle Inventory with Statistical Models
Authors: Moreau Vincent , Bage Gontran , Marcotte Denis , Samson Réjean 
Published: May 2012

SummaryData (un)availability and uncertainty are recurring problems in life cycle assessment, and particularly inventory analysis. Advances in life cycle inventory have focused on the propagation and management of uncertainty, but this article addresses the question of how to account for unavailable data and corresponding uncertainty. Large and complicated systems often lack complete data due to confidential practices or the efforts required in the data collection process. Electricity production with multiple processes generating a single product is a classic example. Instead of the conventional process‐based models to estimate missing data, the approach developed in this article divides systems based on functionally equivalent objects. Each one of these objects is then described in terms of characteristic variables, such as power capacity. Kriging, a flexible statistical estimator, allows for the estimation of unknown material and energy flows based on the objects’ characteristic variables. Both univariate and multivariate kriging are tested and compared to regression analysis. It is found that kriging performs better than linear regression, according to the mean absolute error criterion. Multivariate kriging provides an even more accurate joint estimation method to bridge data gaps scattered across inventories and when observable values of material and energy flows differ from one object to the next. Parameters of the underlying models are interpreted in terms of data uncertainty.
Safety of Autologous Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Transplantation in Dogs with Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Nishida Hidetaka , Nakayama Masanari , Tanaka Hiroshi , Kitamura Masahiko , Hatoya Shingo , Sugiura Kikuya , Harada Yasuji , Suzuki Yoshihisa , Ide Chizuka , Inaba Toshio 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility and safety of transplantation of autologous bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) in dogs with acute spinal cord injury (SCI).Study DesignAn open‐label single‐arm trial.AnimalsDogs (n = 7) with severe SCI from T6 to L5, caused by vertebral fracture and luxation.MethodsDecompressive and stabilization surgery was performed on dogs with severe SCI caused by vertebral fracture and luxation. Autologous BMSCs were obtained from each dog's femur, cultured, and then injected into the lesion in the acute stage. Adverse events and motor and sensory function were observed for >1 year after SCI.ResultsFollow‐up was 29–62 months after SCI. No complications (eg, infection, neuropathic pain, worsening of neurologic function) were observed. Two dogs walked without support, but none of the 7 dogs had any change in sensory function.ConclusionsAutologous BMSC transplantation is feasible and safe in dogs with acute SCI. Further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of this therapy.
Arthroscopic Approach to the Subextensorius Recess of the Lateral Femorotibial Joint of the Foal
Authors: Hennessy Simon E. , Cudmore Lucy , Jackson L. Paige , Vasey James R. , Russell Thomas 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo (1) develop an arthroscopic approach to the subextensorius recess of the lateral femorotibial (LFT) joint in foals and (2) report its use in foals withLFTjoint sepsis.Study Design(1) Anatomic study and (2) retrospective case series.Sample Population(1) Cadaveric hind limbs (n = 32 foals) to delineate the anatomy of the subextensorius recess; 13 foal limbs for cadaver surgery to assess the approach to the subextensorius recess; and (2) foals (n = 8) withLFTjoint sepsis.Methods(1) TheLFTjoint was distended and examined ultrasonographically. Dissection was used to document periarticular landmarks, potential distal arthroscopic portals, and assess iatrogenic damage after cadaveric surgery. (2) Retrieval of data from 8 foals withLFTjoint sepsis treated using the arthroscopic approach.Results(1) The optimal arthroscopic approach to the distal subextensorius recess is craniolaterally, 8–10 cm distal to the tibial plateau, immediately caudal to the peroneus tertius muscle, through the long digital extensor muscle belly, entering the distal extent of the subextensorius recess. Thirteen limbs dissected after cadaver surgery had no iatrogenic damage to the peroneus tertius muscle or peroneal nerve. (2) Two foals were euthanized. Resolution of sepsis occurred in 6 foals, and all were sound at follow‐up >9 months after surgery.ConclusionThe subextensorius recess may be safely accessed arthroscopically in foals.
Evaluation of a Laryngotomy Approach for Near‐Total Resection of the Nasal Septum in the Horse
Authors: Loinaz Ricardo J. , Boutros Christopher P. , Rakestraw Peter C. , Taylor Tex S. 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo report a laryngotomy approach for the removal of the nasal septum in adult horses.Study DesignDescriptive study.AnimalsHorses (n = 10).MethodsNear‐total resection of the nasal septum was made using a modification of a previously reported 3‐wire technique using a trephination approach and a 2‐wire technique using a laryngotomy approach. Surgical time, ease of technique, complications, and outcome were recorded. At 45 days, horses were euthanatized and septal measurements made.ResultsNear‐total resection of the nasal septum was accomplished with both techniques without complications. Incisional complications occurred in the trephination group and transient granulation tissue formation near the rostral stump occurred in the laryngotomy group. The laryngotomy technique was technically easier and resulted in a more cosmetic outcome.ConclusionsA laryngotomy approach is safe and expedient for near‐total resection of the nasal septum with minimal complications.
Democracy and the Smart Mob
Authors:   THE PALO ALTO GROUP
Published: May 2012

The new element in governance is social media. Inexorably, its fertile networks of shared information shift power from authorities to citizens and amateurs, including to the “unknown” experts in the “dorm rooms and edges of society” who drive innovation.Tweets may bust trust and undermine authority, but can social media also be a tool for building consensus through deliberation and negotiation among interests? When it comes to governance, is crowd‐sourcing any better than populism at generating collective intelligence instead of disruptive “dumb mobs?” Can networks aid the self‐administration of society, or does that take institutions with governing authority?In this section, leading Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, technologists and network theorists from Google, Microsoft and the MIT Media Lab join with political scientist Francis Fukuyama and top thinkers from Asia to address these issues.
The Right to Connect and Internet Censorship
Authors: CERF VINT 
Published: May 2012

The new element in governance is social media. Inexorably, its fertile networks of shared information shift power from authorities to citizens and amateurs, including to the “unknown” experts in the “dorm rooms and edges of society” who drive innovation.Tweets may bust trust and undermine authority, but can social media also be a tool for building consensus through deliberation and negotiation among interests? When it comes to governance, is crowd‐sourcing any better than populism at generating collective intelligence instead of disruptive “dumb mobs?” Can networks aid the self‐administration of society, or does that take institutions with governing authority?In this section, leading Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, technologists and network theorists from Google, Microsoft and the MIT Media Lab join with political scientist Francis Fukuyama and top thinkers from Asia to address these issues.
Selection of Patient for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Role of QT Corrected Dispersion
Authors: TIMINERI SALVATORE , MULÈ MASSIMILIANO , PUZZANGARA EUGLENA , SANTANGELO GLORIA , DUGO DANIELA , SCHILLACI VINCENZO , DI GRAZIA ANGELO , LIOTTA CAUDIO , SCANDURA SALVATORE , TEMPIO DONATELLA , TAMBURINO CORRADO , CALVI VALERIA 
Published: May 2012

Aims
: About 30 to 50% of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may not show clinical or echocardiographic improvement, despite fulfilling guidelines recommendations for CRT. For this reason, we need a more accurate method to assess CRT eligibility. The aims of this study were to verify, on a 12‐month follow‐up, the usefulness of QT corrected dispersion (QTcD) in a patient's selection for CRT.
Methods
: We stratified 53 patients who underwent CRT, into two groups based on the estimation of QTcD, that is, QTcD > 60 ms and QTcD ≤ 60 ms. In all patients were performed New York Heart Association (NYHA) class determination, six‐minute walking test, QtcD, and QRS measurements, and complete echocardiographic assessment at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after implantation.
Results
: At baseline, there were no significant differences in clinical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic parameters duration between two groups. At 12‐month follow‐up between the two groups, there were significant differences in NYHA (1.2 ± 0.4 vs 2 ± 0.6; P < 0.01), six‐minute walking distance (422 ± 68 vs 364 ± 68; P < 0.01), left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (34 ± 7% vs 28 ± 6%; P < 0.01), LV end‐diastolic diameter (57 ± 7 vs 63 ± 8; P < 0.01), and LV intraventricular dyssynchrony (24 ± 14 vs 39 ± 23; P < 0.01).
Conclusion:

This study suggests that QTc dispersion in addition to QRS duration could improve the sensitivity of electrocardiogram in a patient's selection for CRT. (PACE 2012;1–6)
Comparison of Epicardial Cryoablation and Irrigated Radiofrequency Ablation in a Swine Infarct Model
Authors: JAUREGUI‐ABULARACH MIGUEL E. , CAMPOS BIEITO , BETENSKY BRIAN P. , MICHELE JOHN , GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. 
Published: May 2012

Epicardial Cryoablation in Swine. Introduction: Cryoablation is an alternative to radiofrequency (RF) energy used in some ablation procedures. Its role and effectiveness compared to irrigated RF in epicardial tissue and epicardial substrates is not yet fully established.Methods and Results: Using a swine chronic infarct model, we compared RF lesions produced by an open‐irrigated 3.5 mm tip catheter with those produced by an 8 mm tip cryocatheter in epicardial infarct border zone, epicardial normal tissue, and normal endocardium. In the infarct border zone, cryolesions were larger than RF lesions in maximum diameter (9.3 ± 2.9 mm vs 6.2 ± 2 mm, P < 0.001) and volume (171.7 ± 173.1 mm3 vs 77 ± 53.5 mm3, P = 0.021). In normal epicardial tissue, cryolesions were larger in maximum diameter (11.2 ± 4.3 mm vs 7.7 ± 3.1 mm, P = 0.012), depth (5.8 ± 1.6 mm vs 4.7 ± 1.4 mm, P = 0.034), and volume (274.7 ± 242.2 mm3 vs 112 ± 102.9 mm3, P = 0.002). In normal endocardium, no significant differences were found.Conclusions: Epicardial cryoablation with an 8 mm tip cryocatheter led to larger lesion volume in infarcted myocardium compared to a 3.5 mm irrigated RF catheter. This is likely related to a combination of cryoadherence, more efficient energy delivery with horizontal orientation, and lack of warming by circulating blood. Cryoablation merits further investigation as a modality for treating ventricular tachycardia of epicardial origin in humans. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 1016‐1023, September 2012)
Stability of Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms: A Systematic Review
Authors: LAU DENNIS H. , MAESEN BART , ZEEMERING STEF , VERHEULE SANDER , CRIJNS HARRY J. , SCHOTTEN ULRICH 
Published: May 2012

Stability of CFAE. Introduction: The efficacy of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) ablation as additional substrate modification in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients has been shown to be highly variable. Recently, the validity of sequential CFAE mapping has been challenged by concerns regarding temporal stability of CFAE. Existing studies on CFAE stability are small with very different CFAE definitions. Here, we undertook a systematic literature review to address these controversial findings.Methods and Results: A systematic search of the scientific literature was performed through to September 1, 2011. From a total of 162 manuscripts, 7 were identified to contain assessment of the temporal stability of CFAE in human AF. These studies included a total of 96 (80 persistent/16 paroxysmal AF) patients (79% male, mean 58 years old). Varying CFAE mapping techniques or definitions were utilized. CFAE stability averaged 81% between 2 high‐density sequential fractionation maps over an average time interval of 19 minutes. However, CFAE stability only averaged at 75% from shorter term continuous recordings (mean 15 comparisons within 75 seconds). Although the variability in CFAE cycle length was small (12–15 ms), coefficients of variation in continuous electrical activity were high (up to 300%). The overall spatial distribution of CFAE was found to be stable. Nevertheless, sequential mapping may not capture all CFAE sites given their dynamic characteristics.Conclusion: CFAE are temporally variable in keeping with the diverse mechanisms underlying their existence. The dynamic nature of CFAE will continue to pose a challenge for electrophysiologists in search of critical sites requiring ablation to combat AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 980‐987, September 2012)