bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct Evaluation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Mediators in a Chronic Infection Model
Authors: Byrd Matthew S. , Pang Bing , Hong Wenzhou , Waligora Elizabeth A. , Juneau Richard A. , Armbruster Chelsie E. , Weimer Kristen E. D. , Murrah Kyle , Mann Ethan E. , Lu Haiping , Sprinkle April , Parsek Matthew R. , Kock Nancy D. , Wozniak Daniel J. , Swords W. Edward 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Biofilms contribute to
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
persistence in a variety of diseases, including cystic fibrosis, burn wounds, and chronic suppurative otitis media. However, few studies have directly addressed
P. aeruginosa
biofilms
in vivo
. We used a chinchilla model of otitis media, which has previously been used to study persistent
Streptococcus pneumoniae
and
Haemophilus influenzae
infections, to show that structures formed
in vivo
are biofilms of bacterial and host origin within a matrix that includes Psl, a
P. aeruginosa
biofilm polysaccharide. We evaluated three biofilm and/or virulence mediators of
P. aeruginosa
known to affect biofilm formation
in vitro
and pathogenesis
in vivo
—bis-(3′,5′)-cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP), flagella, and quorum sensing—in a chinchilla model. We show that c-di-GMP overproduction has a positive impact on bacterial persistence, while quorum sensing increases virulence. We found no difference in persistence attributed to flagella. We conclude from these studies that a chinchilla otitis media model provides a means to evaluate pathogenic mediators of
P. aeruginosa
and that
in vitro
phenotypes should be examined in multiple infection systems to fully understand their role in disease.
Smoking cessation improves mortality in Japanese men: the Hisayama study
Authors: Ikeda Fumie , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Doi Yasufumi , Hata Jun , Fukuhara Masayo , Matsumoto Takayuki , Kiyohara Yutaka 
Published: June 2011

BackgroundAlthough the smoking rate among Japanese men has been the highest in developed countries, the epidemiological evidence about whether smoking cessation can extend their lifespan is not well established.MethodsA total of 1083 Japanese men aged ≥40 years were classified by their smoking status and followed up prospectively for 18 years (1988–2006).ResultsCurrent smoking was a significant risk factor for all-cause death: the multivariate-adjusted HRs of all-cause death for current smokers of 1–19, 20–39 and ≥40 cigarettes per day were 1.61 (95% CI 1.16 to 2.22), 1.56 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.23) and 3.15 (95% CI 1.59 to 6.24), respectively. Former smokers did not have an increased risk of all-cause death compared with never smokers. The excess risk of all-cause death for current smokers tended to decrease within 5 years after smoking cessation, eventually reaching a level almost equivalent to that of never smokers. The risk of cancer death decreased by 53% in subjects who had quit smoking for ≥10 years, while the risk of cardiovascular death decreased by 56% in subjects with the cessation period of <10 years.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that even a modest smoking habit significantly increases the risk of death among Japanese men, and the risk of death diminishes soon after cessation of smoking. These results imply the importance of smoking cessation to extend life in Japanese men.
Tobacco industry attempts to influence and use the German government to undermine the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Authors: Grüning Thilo , Weishaar Heide , Collin Jeff , Gilmore Anna B 
Published: June 2011

BackgroundGermany has been identified as one of a few high-income countries that opposed a strong Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the WHO's first global public health treaty. This paper examines whether the tobacco industry had influenced the German position on the FCTC.MethodsAnalysis of previously confidential tobacco industry documents.ResultsThe tobacco industry has identified Germany as a key target within its global strategy against the FCTC. Building on an already supportive base, the industry appears to have successfully lobbied the German government, influencing Germany's position and argumentation on key aspects of the FCTC. It then used Germany in its efforts to weaken the FCTC. The evidence suggests that the industry enjoyed success in undermining the Federal Health Ministry's position and using Germany to limit the European Union negotiating mandate. The tactics used by the tobacco industry included the creation of controversy between the financial, trade and other ministries on one side and the health ministry on the other side, the use of business associations and other front groups to lobby on the industry's behalf and securing industry access to the FCTC negotiations via the International Standardization Organization.ConclusionThe evidence suggests that Germany played a major role in the tobacco industry's efforts to undermine the FCTC. Germany's position consistently served to protect industry interests and was used to influence and constrain other countries. Germany thus contributed significantly to attempts to weaken an international treaty and, in doing so, failed in its responsibility to advance global health.
Suspected adverse events, 2010
Authors: Dyer F. , Diesel G. , Cooles S. , Tait A. 
Published: June 2011

Increase in adverse events in dogs associated with overdosing with NSAIDs
Increase in reports of suspected lack of efficacy of canine parvovirus vaccines
Decrease in human adverse event reports
These are some of the results from the SARSS in 2010, as discussed by Fabia Dyer and colleagues from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate
Multilocus Association of Genetic Variants in MLL, CREBBP, EP300, and TOP2A with Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Hispanics from Texas
Authors: Piwkham Duangjai , Gelfond Jonathan A.L. , Rerkamnuaychoke Budsaba , Pakakasama Samart , Rebel Vivienne I. , Pollock Brad H. , Winick Naomi J. , Collier Anderson B. , Tomlinson Gail E. , Beuten Joke 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Background: Hispanic children have both a higher incidence and a poorer outcome in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Moreover, a higher incidence for therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia with 11q23 translocations after treatment with topoisomerase II (topo II) inhibitors has been observed in Hispanic children with ALL. We sought to determine the potential role of genetic variants within the topoisomerase IIα gene (TOP2A), within the mixed lineage leukemia gene (MLL) and two of its translocation partners, cyclin AMP response element-binding protein gene (CREBBP) and E1A binding protein gene (EP300) in the increased sensitivity of Hispanic children with ALL to topo II inhibitors.
Methods: Fifty-two tagged single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) covering the four genes were genotyped in 241 samples (66 children with ALL and 175 age matched controls) of self-identified Hispanic origin.
Results: Two SNPs within MLL (rs525549 and rs6589664) and three SNPs within EP300 (rs5758222, rs7286979, and rs20551) were significantly associated with ALL (P = 0.001–0.04). A significant gene-dosage effect for increasing numbers of potential high-risk genotypes (OR = 16.66; P = 2 × 10−5) and a major haplotype significantly associated with ALL (OR = 5.68; P = 2 × 10−6) were found. Replication in a sample of 137 affected White children and 239 controls showed that only rs6589664 (MLL) was significantly associated in this ethnic group.
Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the association between ALL and common genetic variants within MLL and EP300 is population specific.
Impact: Replication of our findings in independent Hispanic populations is warranted to elucidate the role of these variants in ALL susceptibility and define their importance in the ethnic specific differences in ALL risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(6); 1204–12. ©2011 AACR.
The Association between Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Betapapillomavirus Seropositivity: a Cohort Study
Authors: Plasmeijer Elsemieke I. , Pandeya Nirmala , O'Rourke Peter , Pawlita Michael , Waterboer Tim , Feltkamp Mariet C.W. , Green Adele C. , Neale Rachel E. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Background: It is currently unclear whether betapapillomaviruses (betaPV) play a role in the etiology of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We investigated the association between betaPV antibodies and subsequent SCC in a population-based cohort study.
Methods: Serum samples were collected in 1992 and/or 1996 from 1,311 participants of the community-based Nambour Skin Cancer Study. These were tested for the presence of L1 antibodies against 21 different betaPV types. Histologically diagnosed SCCs were ascertained through three full-body skin examinations and linkage with the local pathology laboratories. We used age- and sex-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to analyze the relationship between betaPV antibodies and SCC occurrence from 1992 until 2007.
Results: SCC was newly diagnosed in 150 people. No associations were found between the presence of any betaPV L1 antibodies and the occurrence of SCC (HR = 1.0), and stratification by sex, skin color, and sunburn propensity did not affect these results. However, among people who were less than 50 years old in 1992, the presence of betaPV antibodies was associated with a two-fold increased risk of SCC. There was no significant association between antibodies to any individual betaPV type examined and the later development of SCC.
Conclusions: Whether betaPV infection of the skin, and indirectly betaPV antibodies, are involved in the oncogenic process in the general population remains unclear, and this longitudinal study provides only limited support.
Impact: This study emphasizes the need for additional longitudinal studies of HPV (human papilloma virus) and SCC, to avoid the possibility of reverse causality in case–control studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(6); 1171–7. ©2011 AACR.
An Activation-Specific Platelet Inhibitor That Can Be Turned On/Off by Medically Used Hypothermia
Authors: Topcic Denijal , Kim Wookhyun , Holien Jessica K. , Jia Fu , Armstrong Paul C. , Hohmann Jan David , Straub Andreas , Krippner Guy , Haller Carolyn A. , Domeij Helena , Hagemeyer Christoph E. , Parker Michael W. , Chaikof Elliot L. , Peter Karlheinz 
Published: June 2011

Objective—
Therapeutic hypothermia is successfully used, for example, in cardiac surgery to protect organs from ischemia. Cardiosurgical procedures, especially in combination with extracorporeal circulation, and hypothermia itself are potentially prothrombotic. Despite the obvious need, the long half-life of antiplatelet drugs and thus the risk of postoperative bleedings have restricted their use in cardiac surgery. We describe here the design and testing of a unique recombinant hypothermia-controlled antiplatelet fusion protein with the aim of providing increased safety of hypothermia, as well as cardiac surgery.

Methods and Results—
An elastin-mimetic polypeptide was fused to an activation-specific glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa-blocking single-chain antibody. In silico modeling illustrated the sterical hindrance of a β-spiral conformation of elastin-mimetic polypeptide preventing the single-chain antibody from inhibiting GPIIb/IIIa at 37°C. Circular dichroism spectra demonstrated reverse temperature transition, and flow cytometry showed binding to and blocking of GPIIb/IIIa at hypothermic body temperature (≤32°C) but not at normal body temperature. In vivo thrombosis in mice was selectively inhibited at hypothermia but not at 37°C.

Conclusion—
This is the first description of a broadly applicable pharmacological strategy by which the activity of a potential drug can be controlled by temperature. In particular, this drug steerability may provide substantial benefits for antiplatelet therapy.
Sex Differences in the Electrophysiological Characteristics of Pulmonary Veins and Left Atrium and Their Clinical Implication in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Tsai Wen-Chin , Chen Yao-Chang , Lin Yung-Kuo , Chen Shih-Ann , Chen Yi-Jen 
Published: June 2011

Background—
Sex and the autonomic nervous system play critical roles in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). Sex differences in electrophysiological characteristics of the pulmonary veins (PVs, AF initiator) and left atrium (LA, AF substrate) are not clear.

Methods and Results—

Conventional microelectrodes were used to record the action potential in isolated PV and LA tissue preparations from male and female (age, 8≈10 months) rabbits before and after drug administration (adenosine, acetylcholine, and isoproterenol). Male PVs (n=7) had a higher spontaneous beating rate (1.7±0.2 versus 1.2±0.1 Hz,
P
=0.021) and incidence of burst firing (72% versus 11%,
P
=0.038) than female PVs (n=9). Male PVs without spontaneous activity (n=10) and the LA (n=11) had longer action potential durations than female PVs (n=9) and LA (n=9). Additionally, male PVs had a more-positive resting membrane potential (79±3 versus 84±2 mV,
P
=0.022). Isoproterenol (3 μmol/L) increased the delayed afterdepolarizations to a greater extent in male than in female PVs. In PVs without spontaneous activity or LA, isoproterenol (0.1 and 3 μmol/L) consistently shortened the action potential durations in females but not in males. Acetylcholine (5.5 μmol/L) decreased the spontaneous activity of PVs and shortened the action potential durations in both groups. Adenosine (10 μmol/L) also similarly decreased the spontaneous activity of PVs and delayed afterdepolarizations in both groups.

Conclusions—
There are significant sex differences in PV and LA action potential characteristics in rabbits. The higher amplitude of delayed afterdepolarizations after isoproterenol superfusion in male PVs may contribute to sex-related arrhythmogenesis.
Ship-of-Opportunity Monitoring of the Chilean Fjords Using the Pocket FerryBox
Authors: Aiken Christopher M. , Petersen Wilhelm , Schroeder Friedhelm , Gehrung Martina , Ramírez von Holle Paola A 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Results from two field campaigns in the Chilean fjords region are presented to demonstrate the benefits and limitations of the “pocket FerryBox” for monitoring from ships of opportunity. The October 2009 (spring) campaign covered the region of the Chilean coast between 41.5° and 46.7°S, and that in March 2010 (autumn) covered the region between 41.5° and 51.8°S. In the campaigns the pocket FerryBox—a portable flow-through system for underway multiparametric monitoring—was installed temporarily on board the vessel M/V Ro-Ro Evangelistas. The taking of water samples allowed posterior calibration of the sensors and analyses for nutrients and plankton. The pocket FerryBox may be configured with multiple sensors [in this case temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a fluorescence, pH, turbidity, and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM)] and includes the hardware and software for data acquisition and real-time presentation. In the Chilean campaigns multiple transects of up to 1700 km in length were obtained, which provided a unique and highly valuable dataset at a very low cost. The data uncovered a number of previously unreported results, including a tidally driven low dissolved oxygen zone in the Corcovado Gulf, a high level of spatial and temporal variability of, and a complex relationship between, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll-a fluorescence, and the detection of high concentrations of CDOM in the vicinity of the Laguna San Rafael. The campaigns confirm that the pocket FerryBox may be easily installed on board ships of opportunity to obtain rapid, low-cost, and spatially extensive surveys of highly relevant surface water properties.
Multivariate Wave Climate Using Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Camus Paula , Cofiño Antonio S. , Mendez Fernando J. , Medina Raul 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
The visual description of wave climate is usually limited to two-dimensional conditional histograms. In this work, self-organizing maps (SOMs), because of their visualization properties, are used to characterize multivariate wave climate. The SOMs are applied to time series of sea-state parameters at a particular location provided by ocean reanalysis databases. Trivariate (significant wave height, mean period, and mean direction), pentavariate (the previous wave parameters and wind velocity and direction), and hexavariate (three wave parameters of the sea and swell components; or the wave, wind, and storm surge) classifications are explored. This clustering technique is also applied to wave and wind data at several locations to analyze their spatial relationship. Several processes are established in order to improve the results, the most relevant being a preselection of data by means a maximum dissimilarity algorithm (MDA). Results show that the SOM identifies the relevant multivariate sea-state types at a particular location spanning the historical variability, and provides an outstanding analysis of the dependency between the different parameters by visual inspection. In the case of wave climate characterizations for several locations the SOM is able to extract the qualitative spatial sea-state patterns, allowing the analysis of the spatial variability and the relationship between different locations. Moreover, the distribution of sea states over the reanalysis period defines a probability density function on the lattice, providing a visual interpretation of the seasonality and interannuality of the multivariate wave climate.
False‐Negative Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Head and Neck Melanoma
Authors: Miller Matthew W. , Vetto John T. , Monroe Marcus M. , Weerasinghe Roshanthi , Andersen Peter E. , Gross Neil D. 
Published: June 2011

ObjectiveThe results of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) can be useful for staging and deciding on adjuvant treatment for patients with head and neck melanoma. False‐negative SLNB can result in treatment delay. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and outcome of patients with false‐negative SLNB in cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck.Study DesignLongitudinal cohort study using a prospective institutional tumor registry.SettingAcademic health center.Subjects and MethodsData from 153 patients who underwent SLNB for melanoma of the head and neck were analyzed. False‐negative biopsy was defined as recurrence of tumor in a previously identified negative nodal basin. Statistical analysis was performed on registry data.ResultsPositive sentinel lymph nodes were identified in 19 (12.4%) patients. False‐negative SLNB was noted in 9 (5.9%) patients, with a false‐negative SLNB rate of 32.1%. Using multivariate regression analysis, only examination of a single sentinel lymph node was a significant predictor of false‐negative SLNB (P =. 01). The mean treatment delay for the false‐negative SLNB group was 470 days compared with 23 days in the positive SLNB group (P <. 001). The 2‐year overall survival of patients with false‐negative SLNB was 75% compared with 84% and 98% in positive and negative SLNB groups, respectively (P =. 02).ConclusionsFalse‐negative SLNB is more likely to occur when a single sentinel lymph node is harvested. There is significant treatment delay in patients with false‐negative SLNB. False‐negative SLNB is associated with poor outcome in patients with melanoma of the head and neck.
Experimental investigation of a post-buckled piezoelectric beam with an attached central mass used to harvest energy
Authors: Sneller A J , Cette P , Mann B P 
Published: June 2011

Recent advances in wireless electronics have outpaced concurrent advances in battery technology, and this has led to the emergence of vibrational energy harvesting as an alternative source of energy for low-power wireless devices. In particular, piezoelectric materials have been widely studied as an energy conversion mechanism due to their ability to generate electric potential in response to applied mechanical strain. This paper investigates the response of a buckled piezoelectric beam to harmonic base excitation. Forced buckled structures may exhibit snap-through behaviour, in which the structure rapidly deforms from one stable configuration to another. Of particular interest to this study is the effect of an attached mass on persistent snap-through behaviour, which has clear applications to energy harvesting due to its relatively large amplitude motion. It is shown experimentally that the addition of a small mass to the centre of the beam significantly broadens the frequency range over which snap-through is observed, which leads to increased power output over those frequencies. Additionally, it is shown that adding a centre mass can lower the threshold forcing amplitude above which persistent snap-through can occur. Finally, it is shown that for a particular forcing condition, there exists a nearly linear relationship between the applied mass and the power output by the snap-through response. A theoretical model was developed to describe the system’s behaviour, which agreed with experimental findings that an attached mass leads to broadened frequency response and a lower threshold for large amplitude response.
CXCL13/CXCR5 signaling enhances BCR-triggered B-cell activation by shaping cell dynamics
Authors: Sáez de Guinoa Julia , Barrio Laura , Mellado Mario , Carrasco Yolanda R. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractContinuous migration of B cells at the follicle contrasts with their stable arrest after encounter with antigen. Two main ligand/receptor pairs are involved in these cell behaviors: the chemokine CXCL13/chemokine receptor CXCR5 and antigen/BCR. Little is known regarding the interplay between CXCR5 and BCR signaling in the modulation of B-cell dynamics and its effect on B-cell activation. We used a 2-dimensional model to study B-cell migration and antigen recognition in real time, and found that BCR signaling strength alters CXCL13-mediated migration, leading to a heterogeneous B-cell behavior pattern. In addition, we demonstrate that CXCL13/CXCR5 signaling does not impair BCR-triggered immune synapse formation and that CXCR5 is excluded from the central antigen cluster. CXCL13/CXCR5 signaling enhances BCR-mediated B-cell activation in at least 2 ways: (1) it assists antigen gathering at the synapse by promoting membrane ruffling and lymphocyte function–associated antigen 1 (LFA-1)–supported adhesion, and (2) it allows BCR signaling integration in motile B cells through establishment of LFA-1–supported migratory junctions. Both processes require functional actin cytoskeleton and non-muscle myosin II motor protein. Therefore, the CXCL13/CXCR5 signaling effect on shaping B-cell dynamics is an effective mechanism that enhances antigen encounter and BCR-triggered B-cell activation.
Endoscopic resection of duodenal bulb neuroendocrine tumor larger than 10 mm in diameter
Authors: Yokoyama Shozo , Takifuji Katsunari , Tani Masaji , Kawai Manabu , Naka Teiji , Uchiyama Kazuhisa , Yamaue Hiroki 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Endoscopic treatment for duodenal bulb neuroendocrine tumor larger than 10 mm is still controversial. This report presents four cases successfully treated with endosonography (EUS)-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) procedure for duodenal bulb neuroendocrine tumor larger than 10 mm in diameter.

Methods
The case series of four patients diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumor from 2003 to 2008 were reviewed. EUS demonstrated well-defined hypoechoic tumors confined to the submucosal hyperechoic layer and the underlying hypoechoic muscularis propria was intact in all four patients. EMR were planned and performed for the duodenal bulb neuroendocrine tumors larger than 10 mm.

Results
En bloc resections with tumor free lateral and basal margins were accomplished using an endoscopic diathermic snare with forward-viewing instruments without any complications. Neither residual duodenal neuroendocrine tumors nor metastatic lesions were detected during the observation period ranging 19 to 78 months

Conclusion
Duodenal bulb neuroendocrine, larger than 10 mm in diameter, can be treated by endoscopic procedure, after confirming that the tumor confined to the submucosal layer in EUS examination, and no lymph node involvement by abdominal CT and US.