bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel mTOR activating protein protects dopamine neurons against oxidative stress by repressing autophagy related cell death
Authors: Choi Kyou‐Chan , Kim Shin‐Hee , Ha Ji‐Young , Kim Sang‐Tae , Son Jin H. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractOur previous microarray analysis identified a neuroprotective protein Oxi‐α, that was down‐regulated during oxidative stress (OS)‐induced cell death in dopamine neurons [Neurochem. Res. (2004) vol. 29, pp. 1223]. Here we find that the phylogenetically conserved Oxi‐α protects against OS by a novel mechanism: activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase and subsequent repression of autophagic vacuole accumulation and cell death. To the best of our knowledge, Oxi‐α is the first molecule discovered in dopamine neurons, which activates mTOR kinase. Indeed, the down‐regulation of Oxi‐α by OS suppresses the activation of mTOR kinase. The pathogenic effect of down‐regulated Oxi‐α was confirmed by gene‐specific knockdown experiment, which resulted in not only the repression of mTOR kinase and the subsequent phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase and 4E‐BP1, but also enhanced susceptibility to OS. In accordance with these observations, treatment with rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor and autophagy inducer, potentiated OS‐induced cell death, while similar treatment with an autophagy inhibitor, 3‐methyladenine protected the dopamine cells. Our findings present evidence for the presence of a novel class of molecule involved in autophagic cell death triggered by OS in dopamine neurons.
Use of Interpreters by Physicians Treating Limited English Proficient Women with Breast Cancer: Results from the Provider Survey of the Los Angeles Women's Health Study
Authors: Rose Danielle E. , Tisnado Diana M. , Malin Jennifer L. , Tao May L. , Maggard Melinda A. , Adams John , Ganz Patricia A. , Kahn Katherine L. 
Published: October 2009

Objective. Little is known about how cancer physicians communicate with limited English proficient (LEP) patients. We studied physician‐reported use and availability of interpreters.Data Sources. A 2004 survey was fielded among physicians identified by a population‐based sample of breast cancer patients. Three hundred and forty‐eight physicians completed mailed surveys (response rate: 77 percent) regarding the structure and organization of care.Study Design and Settings. We used logistic regression to analyze use and availability of interpreters.Principal Findings. Most physicians reported treating LEP patients. Among physicians using interpreters within the last 12 months, 42 percent reported using trained medical interpreters, 21 percent telephone interpreter services, and 75 percent reported using untrained interpreters to communicate with LEP patients. Only one‐third of physicians reported good availability of trained medical interpreters or telephone interpreter services when needed. Compared with HMO physicians, physicians in solo practice and single‐specialty medical groups were less likely to report using trained medical interpreters or telephone interpreter services, and they were less likely to report good availability of these services.Conclusions. There were important practice setting differences predicting use and availability of trained medical interpreters and telephone interpretation services. These findings may have troubling implications for effective physician–patient communication critically needed during cancer treatment.
Study on the debridement efficacy of formulated enzymatic wound debriding agents by in vitro assessment using artificial wound eschar and by an in vivo pig model
Authors: Shi Lei , Ermis Ryan , Lam Kan , Cowart Jerry , Attar Paul , Aust Duncan 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTAn in vitro efficacy study using newly developed artificial wound eschar (AWE) substrate was conducted for assessing enzyme dose response. The AWE substrate is prepared by the enzymatic conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin in the presence of collagen, fibrin, and elastin to form an insoluble planar matrix. AWE substrate was placed on Franz Diffusion Cells for continuously monitoring the debridement progress. A parallel in vivo study was performed using pig thermal‐burn wounds. Papain at concentrations of 200, 400, 800, and 1,600 U/mg was used as the model debriding enzyme for both studies. The data from the first 5 hours of the in vitro testing showed that debriding activity increased as the enzyme concentration increased. The histological results of the in vivo biopsy samples showed that enzyme doses above 800 and 1,600 U/mg successfully achieved debridement on day 8, while lower treatment groups still contained eschar tissue. Using the histological measurement results (wound depth score) a dose response that correlated to the in vitro assessment was found. Granulation tissue maturity and reepithelialization displayed correlation with the enzyme dose. Results indicate that AWE substrate can be used to predict debridement efficacy in vitro when correlation to the in vivo assessment is achieved.
Modulation of scarring in a liquid environment in the Yorkshire pig
Authors: Reish Richard G. , Zuhaili Baraa , Bergmann Juri , Aflaki Pejman , Koyama Taro , Hackl Florian , Waisbren Emily , Canseco Jose A. , Verma Kapil D. , Eriksson Elof , Yao Feng 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTDecreased inflammatory response seen in wet wound healing may be correlated with diminished scarring. This study seeks to test this hypothesis and to validate a model of scarring in the Yorkshire pig. Four Yorkshire pigs were used to create 36 dorsal wounds per pig (144 wounds total) in the following groups: full‐thickness excisional, partial thickness, meshed split‐thickness skin grafts, sheet split‐thickness skin grafts, minced skin, and incisional wounds. Wounds were randomized into wet and dry groups. Wet wounds were enclosed in polyurethane chambers with 2 mL of normal saline. Dry wounds were covered with regular gauze. Terminal biopsies were performed at 72 hours and day 28. Histology demonstrated significantly less inflammatory infiltrate, thicker neoepidermis, more pronounced rete ridge formation, and decreased scar tissue thickness in wet wounds. The mean macroscopic scar surface area was significantly decreased in full‐thickness excisional wet wounds compared with dry wounds (61.2 mm2 vs. 150.8 mm2, p<0.01). Hydroxyproline content was decreased in full‐thickness wet compared with dry groups (44.81 vs. 62.21 mg/g, p<0.01). Tensile strength was 90% greater in full‐thickness wet compared with dry groups (p<0.01). Healing in the liquid environment significantly reduced scar formation. This model will allow for future investigation of high‐concentration topical scar‐modulating agents in the liquid environment.
Proteolytic activity in wound fluids and tissues derived from chronic venous leg ulcers
Authors: Moor Andrea N. , Vachon David J. , Gould Lisa J. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTVenous leg ulcers affect approximately 1% of the general population and 3.6% of those over the age of 65. The goal of the research described herein is to shorten the time to healing by developing wound care alternatives that are based on a comprehensive understanding of the venous ulcer wound environment. The proteolytic and inflammatory components in wound fluids and tissue biopsy samples were characterized in subjects with documented long‐standing venous ulcers that had showed resistance to standard therapy. All wounds showed polymicrobial colonization with greater than 106 CFU/g. Myeloperoxidase, a measure of leukocyte infiltration, was also markedly elevated in these wounds. Zymography revealed the presence of both pro‐matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and pro‐MMP‐9 in wound fluids and to a lesser extent in tissue biopsies. Using an immunocapture activity assay we reveal a sevenfold excess of MMP‐9 in wound fluid as compared to tissue, with 73% in the activated form. In contrast, MMP‐8 total protein levels were nearly equal in wound fluids and biopsies. Fibronectin, a critical component of the extracellular matrix, was shown to be degraded in both wound fluids and biopsy samples. Finally, the potential of a novel wound dressing to neutralize several constituents of this hostile wound environment is shown.
Comparison of Two Types of Neonatal Extracorporeal Life Support Systems With Pulsatile and Nonpulsatile Flow
Authors: Haines Nikkole , Wang Shigang , Myers John L. , Ündar Akif 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe compared the effects of two neonatal extracorporeal life support (ECLS) systems on circuit pressures and surplus hemodynamic energy levels in a simulated ECLS model. The clinical set‐up included the Jostra HL‐20 heart–lung machine, either the Medtronic ECMO (0800) or the MEDOS 800LT systems with company‐provided circuit components, a 10 Fr arterial cannula, and a pseudo‐patient. We tested the system in nonpulsatile and pulsatile flow modes at two flow rates using a 40/60 glycerin/water blood analog, for a total of 48 trials, with n = 6 for each set‐up. The pressure drops over the Medtronic ECLS were significantly higher than those over the MEDOS system regardless of the flow rate or perfusion mode (144.8 ± 0.2 mm Hg vs. 35.7 ± 0.2 mm Hg, respectively, at 500 mL/min in nonpulsatile mode, P < 0.001). The preoxygenator mean arterial pressures were significantly increased and the precannula hemodynamic energy values were decreased with the Medtronic ECLS circuit. These results suggest that the MEDOS ECLS circuit better transmits hemodynamic energy to the patient, keeps mean circuit pressures lower, and has lower pressure drops than the Medtronic Circuit.
Management of Deep Wound Complications With Vacuum‐Assisted Therapy After Berlin Heart EXCOR Ventricular Assist Device Placement in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Kouretas Peter C. , Burch Phillip T. , Kaza Aditya K. , Lambert Linda M. , Witte Madolin K. , Everitt Melanie D. , Siddiqi Faizi A. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWound complications after ventricular assist device (VAD) placement remain a formidable challenge to surgeons. The Berlin Heart EXCOR VAD is a versatile pulsatile system that has been successful in pediatric patients of all ages and sizes. Prevention of device‐related complications such as infection, particularly in pediatric patients, remains an essential issue in minimizing patient morbidity and mortality. The introduction of vacuum‐assisted wound closure (VAC) therapy and its application in VAD‐related wound complications provide an efficient and effective method for wound healing. We report our experience in the management of deep wound complications in two pediatric patients after placement of the Berlin Heart EXCOR VAD. The wound VAC system proved to achieve complete wound healing without any infectious complications.
Experience With the Levitronix CentriMag in the Pediatric Population as a Bridge to Decision and Recovery
Authors: Kouretas Peter C. , Kaza Aditya K. , Burch Phillip T. , Witte Madolin K. , Clayson Stephen E. , Everitt Melanie D. , Selzman Craig H. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractShort‐term mechanical circulatory support in the pediatric population with acute cardiac failure has traditionally been limited to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation given the limited availability of pediatric‐sized pumps. The Levitronix CentriMag system (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA, USA) offers expanded options for short‐term support for this population. We report our experience with the successful use of the CentriMag in the pediatric population as a bridge to decision after postcardiotomy ventricular failure and as a bridge to recovery after heart transplantation. The first patient was bridged to a long‐term HeartMate II (Thoratec Corporation) as a bridge to potential recovery. The second patient was supported after severe graft failure post heart transplantation, with a full recovery. The Levitronix CentriMag has proven to be a versatile, safe, and effective short‐term circulatory support system for our pediatric patients.
A 6‐month follow‐up study of 1048 patients diagnosed with an occupational skin disease
Authors: Mälkönen Tarja , Jolanki Riitta , Alanko Kristiina , Luukkonen Ritva , Aalto‐korte Kristiina , Lauerma Antti , Susitaival Päivikki 
Published: October 2009

Background: Occupational skin diseases (OSDs) often have considerable medical and occupational consequences. Previous data on prognostic factors have been derived from studies with fairly small sample sizes.Objectives: To determine the medical and occupational outcome in 1048 patients diagnosed with OSD at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and to identify the prognostic risk factors for the continuation of OSD.Methods: Patients examined in 1994–2001 filled out a follow‐up questionnaire 6 months after the diagnosis. Data on atopy, contact allergies, and occupation were analysed.Results: Six months after the diagnosis the skin disease had healed in 27% of the patients. The OSD had cleared up in 17% of those with no changes at work, and in 34% of those who had changed their job/occupation. The best clearing had occurred in the patients with contact urticaria (35%), whereas the healing of allergic (27%) and irritant (23%) contact dermatitis was similar. The risk factors for continuing occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) were no changes in work, age > 45 years, food‐related occupations, respiratory atopy, and male sex.Conclusions: The healing of OSD was associated with discontinuation of the causative exposure. A change in work and the presence of easily avoidable work‐related allergies were associated with a good prognosis.
Proliferation, migration and apoptosis of periodontal ligament cells after tooth replantation
Authors: Sato K , Muramatsu T , Tsuchiya Y , Masaoka T , Enokiya Y , Hashimoto S , Shimono M 
Published: October 2009

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 263–268Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate the proliferation, migration and death of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells after tooth replantation.Materials and methods:  Maxillary first molars were extracted from 4‐week‐old male (n = 28) Sprague–Dawley rats and immediately replanted, after which, proliferation, migration and death of PDL cells were investigated.Results:  At 3 days after tooth replantation, many proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)‐positive PDL cells were observed on the alveolar bone side, but fewer on the root side. However, while a gradual decrease was observed in number of PCNA‐positive PDL cells on the alveolar bone side until 7 days, an increase was seen on the root side. At 3 weeks, cells labeled with PKH26 (fluorescent dye into plasma membrane) were located in the middle of the PDL space. However, these PKH26‐labeled cells did not spread to the surface of the cementum or the alveolar bone. TUNEL‐positive cells were observed on both the bone and root sides at 3 days. Number of apoptotic cells increased until 7 days on the bone sides, but decreased on root sides.Conclusion:  These results suggest that both cell proliferation and apoptosis occur in different patterns and at different times to maintain regular spacing of the PDL after tooth replantation.
Deletion of Phe508 in the first nucleotide‐binding domain of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator increases its affinity for the heat shock cognate 70 chaperone
Authors: Scott‐Ward Toby S. , Amaral Margarida D. 
Published: October 2009

The primary cause of cystic fibrosis (CF), the most frequent fatal genetic disease in Caucasians, is deletion of phenylalanine at position 508 (F508del), located in the first nucleotide‐binding domain (NBD1) of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. F508del‐CFTR is recognized by the endoplasmic reticulum quality control (ERQC), which targets it for proteasomal degradation, preventing this misfolded but partially functional Cl− channel from reaching the cell membrane. We recently proposed that the ERQC proceeds along several checkpoints, the first of which, utilizing the chaperone heat shock cognate 70 (Hsc70), is the major one directing F508del‐CFTR for proteolysis. Therefore, a detailed characterization of the interaction occurring between F508del‐CFTR and Hsc70 is critical to clarify the mechanism that senses misfolded F508del‐CFTR in vivo. Here, we determined by surface plasmon resonance that: (a) F508del‐murine (m)NBD1 binds Hsc70 with higher affinity (KD, 2.6 nm) than wild‐type (wt) mNBD1 (13.9 nm); (b) ATP and ADP dramatically reduce NBD1–Hsc70 binding; (c) the F508del mutation increases by approximately six‐fold the ATP concentration required to inhibit the NBD1–Hsc70 interaction (IC50; wt‐mNBD1, 19.7 μm ATP); and (d) the small molecule CFTR corrector 4a (C4a), but not VRT‐325 (V325; both rescuing F508del‐CFTR traffic), significantly reduces F508del‐mNBD1 binding to Hsc70, by ∼ 30%. Altogether, these results provide a novel, robust quantitative characterization of Hsc70–NBD1 binding, bringing detailed insights into the molecular basis of CF. Moreover, we show how this surface plasmon resonance assay helps to elucidate the mechanism of action of small corrective molecules, demonstrating its potential to validate additional therapeutic compounds for CF.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7265886: mNBD1 (uniprotkb:P26361) binds (MI:0407) to Hsc70 (uniprotkb:P19120) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
MINT‐7265906, MINT‐7265964, MINT‐7265981, MINT‐7265951: mNBD1 (uniprotkb:P26361) binds (MI:0407) to Hsc70 (uniprotkb:P19120) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)
MINT‐7265924, MINT‐7265939: hNBD1 (uniprotkb:P13569) binds (MI:0407) to Hsc70 (uniprotkb:P19120) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)
MINT‐7265996: Hsc70 (uniprotkb:P19120) binds (MI:0407) to Apo‐alpha‐lactalbumin (uniprotkb:P00711) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)
Independent Determinants of Coronary Artery Disease in Erectile Dysfunction Patients
Authors: Chang Shih-Tai , Chu Chi-Ming , Hsu Jen-Te , Hsiao Ju-Feng , Chung Chang-Min , Ho Cheng , Peng Yun-Shing , Chen Pao-Yin , Shee Jia-Jen 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTIntroductionThere is growing evidence of a link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease (CAD).AimsThe purpose of this study was to explore the independent determinants of CAD in ED outpatients.MethodsThis study enrolled 243 patients, ranging in age from 21 to 81 years old, suffering from ED as diagnosed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores. All patients underwent exercise stress tests or thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography perfusion imagings. Based on examination results, patients were divided into study (22 patients with a positive finding) and control groups (221 patients with a negative finding).Main Outcome MeasuresThe differences of demographic characteristics, biochemical profiles, pro-inflammatory and inflammatory markers, and echocardiographic characteristics between study and control group were compared.ResultsThe age, presence of DM and current smoking status were significant high in the study group. A significant lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level, a higher percentage of HDL cholesterol level&lt;40 mg/dL, and a higher apo-lipoprotein B/A1, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and homocysteine found in the study group. The Framingham cardiac risk scores, the ratio of mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic velocity in the annulus derived by tissue Doppler imaging (E/Et), the ratio of E/Et ≥ 15, the value of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and IMT ≥ 1 mm were higher in study group than in the control group. In stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis, a high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), high IMT, high E/Et, hs-CRP levels, LDL cholesterol ≥ 130 mg/dL, smoking status, and the presence of DM and metabolic syndrome (MS) were independent determinants of CAD in ED patients.ConclusionsThis study first shows the independent determinants of CAD in ED outpatients. This novel finding may improve the screening of low-risk ED patients for CAD.
CONVECTIVE DRYING CHARACTERISTICS OF EGGPLANT SLICES
Authors: DOYMAZ İBRAHİM , GÖL ESİN 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT The effects of air temperature and sample thickness on the drying kinetics of blanched/unblanched eggplant slices were investigated. Eggplant slices were dried as single layers with thicknesses of 0.5 and 1 cm in the range of 50–80C of drying air temperature in a cabinet dryer. Moisture transfer from eggplant slices was described by applying Fick's diffusion model. The values of effective diffusivity varied from 0.93 × 10−10 to 8.84 × 10−10 m2/s, depending on drying conditions. Effective diffusivity values increased with increasing temperature. The temperature dependence of the effective diffusivity was found to follow the Arrhenius relationship. The values of activation energy (Ea) varied from 20.12 to 30.83 kJ/mol for blanched/unblanched eggplant slices. A nonlinear regression procedure was used to fit two semi‐theoretical models available in the literature to the experimental moisture loss data. The models were compared based on the coefficient of determination, the reduced chi‐square and the root mean square error between the observed and predicted moisture ratios. The Page model was found to be most suitable in describing the drying characteristics of eggplant slices.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe blanching treatment, followed by hot‐air drying, may provide a practical method for the preservation of eggplant and the production of dried eggplant slices. The objective of this research was to determine the thin‐layer drying characteristics of eggplants, to observe the effect of process parameters such as drying temperature and slice thickness, and to calculate effective diffusivity and activation energy for the drying of eggplant slices. The dried eggplants could be used in preparation of different kinds of meals.
Influence of acculturation on dining‐out behavior of Koreans living in the United States – an exploratory study
Authors: Rajagopal Lakshman , Zheng Tianshu , Kang JuHee , Lee Ju Yup 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis exploratory study aimed to determine the role of acculturation on the dining‐out behavior of Koreans living in the United States. Ethnic minorities are increasing in numbers and they represent a potentially lucrative market for the foodservice industry. To target this clientele, it is essential to determine their purchasing behaviors and the factors that influence their behavior in order to design suitable marketing strategies. The results of this study showed that scores on the acculturation scale correlated with the dining‐out behavior of Koreans. Level of acculturation was related to length of stay in the United States, age, visa status and presence of children in the household which in turn influenced the dining‐out behavior of Koreans. With the increasing cultural diversity of consumers, future studies investigating the relationship between acculturation and consumer behavior will continue to garner attention.
Inference of Dynamic Generalized Linear Models: On‐Line Computation and Appraisal
Authors: Triantafyllopoulos Kostas 
Published: October 2009

SummaryThe purpose of this paper is to provide a critical discussion on real‐time estimation of dynamic generalized linear models. We describe and contrast three estimation schemes, the first of which is based on conjugate analysis and linear Bayes methods, the second based on posterior mode estimation, and the third based on sequential Monte Carlo sampling methods, also known as particle filters. For the first scheme, we give a summary of inference components, such as prior/posterior and forecast densities, for the most common response distributions. Considering data of arrivals of tourists in Cyprus, we illustrate the Poisson model, providing a comparative analysis of the above three schemes.