bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ectoplacental Cone Induces Resistance to Apoptosis in High Doses of Interferon (IFN)‐γ‐Treated Decidual Cells
Authors: Borbely Alexandre U. , Fontenele‐Neto José D. , Vidsiunas Alex K. , Gomes Sara Z. , Hoshida Mara S. , de Oliveira Sérgio F. , Bevilacqua Estela 
Published: September 2011

Citation Borbely AU, Fontenele‐Neto JD, Vidsiunas AK, Gomes SZ, Hoshida MS, de Oliveira SF, Bevilacqua E. Ectoplacental cone induces resistance to apoptosis in high doses of interferon (IFN)‐γ‐treated decidual cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 73–83Problem  In this study, we explored the relationship between decidual cells (DC) and interferon (IFN)‐γ, in the presence or absence of ectoplacental cone (EC) using a coculture system.Method of study  Decidual cells and EC were isolated from pregnant mice on gestation day 7.5. DCs were cultured for 48 hr and then treated with fresh EC. After characterization, they were treated with IFN‐γ, and cell death was evaluated.Results  Interferon‐γ drastically increased decidual apoptosis, which was partially reverted by the addition of EC to the IFN‐γ‐treated decidual culture. Moreover, the addition of EC to non‐treated DC cultures was also capable of attenuating death rates.Conclusion  Resistance to apoptosis may be induced in DC by the EC. This suggests that EC may participate in the inhibition of IFN‐γ‐dependent apoptosis and, therefore, play important role for DC survival in a cytokine‐enriched placental environment.
The influence of landscape‐level heterogeneity in fire frequency on canopy composition in the boreal forest of eastern Canada
Authors: Cyr Dominic , Gauthier Sylvie , Bergeron Yves 
Published: September 2011

AbstractQuestionWill a three‐fold variation in fire frequency among large patches (≈105–106 ha) of boreal forest generate differences in canopy composition and, more specifically, will it influence the relative abundance of species with regard to their typical position along the succession gradient.LocationA landscape of 1.6 Mha in the boreal forest of eastern Canada (Quebec).MethodsWe sampled 160 circular plots in closed‐canopy forest in which we measured canopy vegetation composition, local fire history (time since last fire) and edaphic conditions. We conducted multivariate analyses (NMDS, multi‐response permutation procedure) and pair‐wise comparisons to probe differences in canopy composition between areas of contrasting fire frequency before and after controlling for the influence of local environmental factors.ResultsThere are significant differences between areas of contrasting fire frequency in terms of relative species abundance, even after analytically removing the effect of important local environmental factors. In old stands,Picea marianais significantly more abundant in high fire frequency areas whileAbies balsameais significantly more abundant in low fire frequency areas, both before and after controlling for local environmental factors, including time since last fire. Young stands do not differ in terms of individual species relative abundance but show more variability among stands in low fire frequency areas.Main conclusionThe low fire frequency areas allow late‐successional specialistA. balsameato dominate over ubiquitous successional generalistP. marianabecause of the typically longer time elapsed since the last fire. This suggests that succession fromP. marianatoA. balsameacan occur long after what is typically covered by dendroecologically reconstructed fire history in this type of boreal landscape (> 200–300 yr).
A Case Series: Herpes Simplex Virus as an Occupational Hazard
Authors: BROWNING WILLIAM D. , MCCARTHY JAMES P. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTStatement of the Problem:  Herpes labialis infections are common and present a serious risk to the dental team.Purpose of the Study:  The purpose is to make dentists aware of the risks involved with treatment of patients with active herpes labialis. In addition, evidence‐based risk‐management strategies are presented.Methods and Materials:  The incidence and natural history of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) are reviewed. Four previously unreported case histories are presented to illustrate the impact common sequelae of HSV‐1 can have on the dental team. The differences between HSV‐1 and the blood‐borne diseases which are the focus of universal precautions are discussed. In particular, the highly contagious, highly transmissible nature of HSV‐1 and its transmission through aerosols are highlighted. Finally, the need to include protection against aerosols in the profession's understanding of universal precautions is noted.Results:  The authors suggest limiting the treatment of patients with active lesions to urgent care only, and treating active HSV‐1 lesions to reduce time of healing. For four common clinical situations involving HSV‐1 infections, evidence‐based methods for protecting the dental team and the patient from cross‐contamination are also presented.Conclusion:  While it is clear that the treatment of patients with active herpes labialis lesions increases risk of cross‐infection, there are good protocols for controlling this risk.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEBy bringing common vectors of cross‐infection to light and providing evidence‐based protocols for preventing them, this article provides practitioners with positive steps that can be taken for controlling the risk of spreading herpes infections to the dental team.(J Esthet Restor Dent 24:61–67, 2012)
Biological characteristics of two lysines on human serum albumin in the high‐affinity binding of 4Z,15Z‐bilirubin‐IXα revealed by phage display
Authors: Minomo Ai , Ishima Yu , Kragh‐Hansen Ulrich , Chuang Victor T. G. , Uchida Makiyo , Taguchi Kazuaki , Watanabe Hiroshi , Maruyama Toru , Morioka Hiroshi , Otagiri Masaki 
Published: September 2011

4Z,15Z‐bilirubin‐IXα (4Z,15Z‐BR), an endogenous compound that is sparingly soluble in water, binds human serum albumin (HSA) with high affinity in a flexible manner. A phage library displaying recombinant HSA domain II was constructed, after three rounds of panning against immobilized 4Z,15Z‐BR, and eight clones with high affinity for the pigment were found to contain conserved basic residues, such as lysine or arginine, at positions 195 and 199. The wild type and two mutants, K195A and K199A, of whole HSA as well as stand‐alone domain II were expressed inPichia pastorisfor ligand‐binding studies. The binding of 4Z,15Z‐BR to the K195A and K199A mutants was decreased in both whole HSA and the domain II proteins. The P‐helicity conformer (P‐form) of 4Z,15Z‐BR was found to preferentially bind to the wild types and the K195A mutants, whereas the M‐form bound to the K199A mutants. Photoconversion experiments showed that the P‐form of 4Z,15Z‐BR was transformed into highly water‐soluble isomers at a much faster rate than the M‐form. In addition, the M‐form of 4Z,15Z‐BR showed higher affinity for domain I than for domain II. The present findings suggest that, whereas both Lys195 and Lys199 in subdomain IIA are important for the high‐affinity binding of 4Z,15Z‐BR, Lys199 plays a more prominent role in the elimination of 4Z,15Z‐BR.DatabaseModel data are available in the PMDB database under accession numbers2VUEand2BXA.
Outcomes with the “V” Implantation Technique vs. Standard Technique for Testosterone Pellet Therapy
Authors: Conners William , Flinn Kevin , Morgentaler Abraham 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Standard technique (ST) for implantation of testosterone pellets involves making a single linear track in the subcutaneous tissue of the buttock from the incision. After our initial experience with this modality, we modified this surgical technique to our current “V” technique (VT). This involves two tracks both caudally directed and emanating from the same skin incision but angulated approximately 10–15 degrees apart. While this allows additional pellets to be inserted more easily, and increased space to place those pellets further from the skin incision, it minimally increases the surgical procedure.

Aim
We sought to examine the impact of this technical modification on therapeutic efficacy and surgical complication rates.

Methods
Retrospective chart review of all patients treated with testosterone pellets at our institution.

Main Outcome Measure
Complication rates for infection, extrusion, hematoma, and pain.

Results
One hundred sixty-eight patients underwent 281 implantation procedures (40 via ST and 241 via VT). The mode number of pellets used with ST was 8 (range 6–8) and with VT was 10 (range 10–13). Incidence of pellet extrusion was 7.5% with ST and 0.8% with VT. Infection complicated ST in 5% of cases but only 1.2% with VT. No cases of hematoma were seen with ST but 1.2% of VT cases. Pain prompting discontinuation of therapy was seen in 7.5% with ST and 1.7% with VT. Significant pain without discontinuation was seen in 5% with ST and 1.2% with VT. Only in 1 of the 3 cases of hematoma was the individual on blood thinners. Fifty-eight other insertions were performed on blood thinners without significant hematoma. None of the individuals who developed infection or bleeding required additional surgical therapy.

Conclusion
VT allows successful placement of larger number of pellets, with low rates of complications, especially extrusion, even in men on anticoagulants.
On rapid migration and accretion within discs around supermassive black holes
Authors: McKernan B. , Ford K. E. S. , Lyra W. , Perets H. B. , Winter L. M. , Yaqoob T. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Galactic nuclei should contain a cluster of stars and compact objects in the vicinity of the central supermassive black hole due to stellar evolution, minor mergers and gravitational dynamical friction. By analogy with protoplanetary migration, nuclear cluster objects (NCOs) can migrate in the accretion discs that power active galactic nuclei (AGN) by exchanging angular momentum with disc gas. Here we show that an individual NCO undergoing runaway outward migration comparable to type III protoplanetary migration can generate an accretion rate corresponding to Seyfert AGN or quasar luminosities. Multiple migrating NCOs in an AGN disc can dominate traditional viscous disc accretion, and at large disc radii, ensemble NCO migration and accretion could provide sufficient heating to prevent the gravitational instability from consuming disc gas in star formation. The magnitude and energy of the X-ray soft excess observed at ∼0.1–1 keV in Seyfert AGN could be explained by a small population of ∼102–103 accreting stellar mass black holes or a few ULXs. NCO migration and accretion in AGN discs are therefore extremely important mechanisms to add to realistic models of AGN discs.
Self‐Rated Health and the “First Move” Around Retirement: A Longitudinal Study of Older Americans
Authors: Johnson Nan E. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPurpose: I examine whether less favorable self‐rated health raises the risk of outmigration more for young‐old adults (aged 53‐63 at the start of the 10‐year longitudinal study in 1994) in nonmetro than metro counties and increases the odds that both groups of outmigrants will choose metro over nonmetro destinations. Finally, I examine whether nonmetro outmigrants are more likely than metro outmigrants to cite a health concern or a desire to get closer to relatives or friends as a reason for the migration.Methods: I use the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to track the main residences of nonmetro and metro older adults from 1994‐2003. With a discrete‐time Event History Analysis, I assess the joint effects of nonmetro/metro residence in 1994 and self‐rated health (updated at each biennial wave) upon the risk of a first migration. Those who migrated were asked to recall why.Findings: At worse levels of self‐rated health, the odds of remaining in a nonmetro county of residence drop in favor of migrating to another nonmetro county. Among migrants, the worse the self‐rated health, the higher the odds of within‐type migration (nonmetro‐nonmetro and metro‐metro) over cross‐type migration (nonmetro‐metro and metro‐nonmetro). The percentages of migrants citing a health concern or a desire to live closer to relatives or friends as a reason for migration do not differ by county type of origin.Conclusions: An implication for rural health policy is that young‐old adults with worse self‐rated health tend to remain in nonmetro areas, even when they migrate.
The importance of an extended preoperative trial of BAHA in unilateral sensorineural hearing loss: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Pennings R.J.E. , Gulliver M. , Morris D.P. 
Published: September 2011

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2011, 36, 442–449Objectives:  The influence of an extended preoperative trial of bone‐anchored hearing aid (BAHA) and headband on the decision to proceed with surgery in cases of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss is studied.Design:  In this prospective study, the headband was introduced after assessment confirmed suitable candidacy. Those who had an initially favourable response to the headband trial were encouraged to complete a 2‐week home trial of device and headband. Patients were asked to pay special attention to situations where they perceived high demands on their hearing, e.g. at the dinner table, in the car, walking outside etc. Counselling regarding the BAHA placement, the need for daily care of the implant site and the financial implications of acquiring the device was also given.Setting:  Tertiary university hospital.Participants:  Patients with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, fulfilling criteria for BAHA surgery, with favourable response to initial ‘office trial’ of headband.Main outcome measures:  After 2‐week home trial, BAHA and headband were returned with a statement of the patient’s intentions.Results:  Sixteen of 50 (32%) patients who expressed definite interest in BAHA surgery after a positive introduction to the headband in the office did not wish to proceed to surgery having completed a more thorough 2‐week trial of device at home. Most patients cited a failure of the device to meet their hearing requirements. Subsequently, we found further attrition with nine more patients (18%) deciding at a still later date, not to proceed with surgery. Ultimately, just 25 of 50 (50%) of our initially enthusiastic group chose not to proceed to surgery. In the group who did proceed, there were no non‐users.Conclusions:  We propose the importance of an extended preoperative trial where BAHA is considered in the rehabilitation of unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The trial may foster more realistic expectations of device performance in this challenging group. A ‘cooling‐off’ period before surgery also appears to lead to further attrition with the ultimate reward of no non‐users in those proceeding to surgery.
γH2Ax: Biomarker of Damage or Functional Participant in DNA Repair “All that Glitters Is not Gold!”
Authors: Cleaver James E. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe phosphorylation of H2Ax on its S139 site, γH2Ax, is important for the assembly of repair complexes at DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). The formation and functional role of γH2Ax after other kinds of DNA damage, especially UV light, where DSBs are rare, is less clear. Following UV light in the UVB and UVC ranges, complex distributions of γH2Ax can be identified, quite unlike the discrete enumerable foci seen after ionizing radiation. Several distinct distributions of γH2Ax occur: a low level nuclear‐wide distribution of γH2Ax occurs during nucleotide excision repair; irregular focal distributions occur at arrested replication forks; high intensity nuclear‐wide γH2Ax occurs in association with S‐phase apoptosis. The intensity and distributions of γH2Ax vary according to the activity of excision repair, bypass polymerase and apoptotic caspases. The frequency of DSBs at arrested replication forks is low but highly variable in different cell types, and probably caused by enzymatic action. Despite the prominence of S139 phosphorylation following UV damage, mutation of this site has no influence on the UV damage response indicating that γH2Ax is a biomarker but not a participant in the UV‐DNA damage response.
The role of molecular genetic analysis within the diagnostic haemato‐oncology laboratory
Authors: BENCH A. J. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThe identification of the molecular genetic basis to many haematological malignancies along with the increased use of molecularly targeted therapy has heralded an increasing role for molecular genetic–based techniques. Demonstration of acquired changes such as the JAK2 V617F mutation within myeloproliferative neoplasms has quickly moved from a research setting to the diagnostic laboratory. Disease‐specific genetic markers, such as the BCR–ABL1 fusion gene in chronic myeloid leukaemia, enable sensitive molecular genetic methods to be applied for the detection and quantification of low‐level residual disease, allowing early identification of relapse. Consequently, molecular genetics now plays a crucial role in diagnosis, the identification of prognostic markers and monitoring of haematological malignancies. The development of high‐throughput whole‐genome approaches offers the potential to rapidly screen newly diagnosed patients for all disease‐associated molecular genetic changes.
The use of the white cell count and haemoglobin in combination as an effective screen to predict the normality of the full blood count
Authors: OSEI‐BIMPONG A. , McLEAN R. , BHONDA E. , LEWIS S. M. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryIntroduction:  The utility of the full blood count (FBC) is vast with each parameter serving as a tool to aid diagnosis and monitor disease progression. However, the effectiveness of the test is hampered because of increased workload and lack of interpretation. In the effort to redress this issue, the combined use of the white blood cell count (WBC) and haemoglobin in predicting the normality of the FBC is evaluated.Method:  FBC data were collated from 2191 patients and classified into two groups depending on whether the WBC and the haemoglobin were within the reference range. Blood films were examined on the abnormal FBC samples in each group and graded on morphology.Results:  The FBC was normal in 89.6% of cases in the presence of a normal WBC and haemoglobin with subtle abnormalities in the remainder; 1+ grading of abnormal morphology in 93%. However, when the WBC and/or haemoglobin was abnormal, the remaining FBC was significantly abnormal (P < 0.05) and the corresponding blood films were grossly abnormal; 2+/3+ grading in 96% of cases.Conclusion:  We concluded that in the presence of a normal WBC and haemoglobin, the FBC is normal in almost all cases and measuring these two parameters could be used as an effective screen to predict FBC normality.
Cellular and clinical report of new Griscelli syndrome type III cases
Authors: Westbroek Wendy , Klar Aharon , Cullinane Andrew R. , Ziegler Shira G. , Hurvitz Haggit , Ganem Ashraf , Wilson Kirkland , Dorward Heidi , Huizing Marjan , Tamimi Haled , Vainshtein Igor , Berkun Yackov , Lavie Moran , Gahl William A. , Anikster Yair 
Published: September 2011

SummaryThe RAB27A/Melanophilin/Myosin‐5a tripartite protein complex is required for capturing mature melanosomes in the peripheral actin network of melanocytes for subsequent transfer to keratinocytes. Mutations in any one member of this tripartite complex cause three forms of Griscelli syndrome (GS), each with distinct clinical features but with a similar cellular phenotype. To date, only one case of GS type III (GSIII), caused by mutations in the Melanophilin (MLPH) gene, has been reported. Here, we report seven new cases of GSIII in three distinct Arab pedigrees. All affected individuals carried a homozygous missense mutation (c.102C>T; p.R35W), located in the conserved Slp homology domain of MLPH, and had hypomelanosis of the skin and hair. We report the first cellular studies on GSIII melanocytes, which demonstrated that MLPH(R35W) causes perinuclear aggregation of melanosomes in melanocytes, typical for GS. Additionally, co‐immunoprecipitation assays showed that MLPH(R35W) lost its interaction with RAB27A, indicating pathogenicity of the R35W mutation.
Domain‐level identification and quantification of relative prokaryotic cell abundance in microbial communities by Micro‐FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Igisu Motoko , Takai Ken , Ueno Yuichiro , Nishizawa Manabu , Nunoura Takuro , Hirai Miho , Kaneko Masanori , Naraoka Hiroshi , Shimojima Mie , Hori Koichi , Nakashima Satoru , Ohta Hiroyuki , Maruyama Shigenori , Isozaki Yukio 
Published: September 2011

SummaryDomain‐level identification of microbial cells or cell‐like structures is crucial for investigating natural microbial communities and their ecological significance. By using micro‐Fourier transform infrared (micro‐FTIR) spectroscopy, we established a technical basis for the domain‐level diagnosis and quantification of prokaryotic cell abundance in natural microbial communities. Various prokaryotic cultures (12 species of bacteria and 10 of archaea) were examined using micro‐FTIR spectroscopic analysis. The aliphatic CH3/CH2 absorbance ratios (R3/2) showed domain‐specific signatures, possibly reflecting distinctive cellular lipid compositions. The signatures were preserved even after chemical cell fixation (formaldehyde) and nucleic acid staining (DAPI) processes – techniques that are essential in studying microbial ecology. The micro‐FTIR technique was successfully applied for quantification of the bacteria/archaea abundance ratio in an active microbial mat community in a subsurface hot aquifer stream. We conclude that the micro‐FTIR R3/2 measurement is both fast and effective for domain‐level diagnosis and quantification of first‐order prokaryotic community structures.
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Escherichia coli O157 in a Farming Population
Authors: Quilliam R. S. , Chalmers R. M. , Williams A. P. , Chart H. , Willshaw G. A. , Kench S. M. , Edwards‐Jones G. , Evans J. , Thomas D. Rh. , Salmon R. L. , Jones D. L. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryEvidence suggests that frequent and direct exposure to domestic animals has made farmers less susceptible to symptomatic Escherichia coli O157 infection than other members of the community. We have quantified the seroprevalence of antibodies to E. coli O157 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from a representative cohort of farm workers in three geographically distinct regions of the United Kingdom during two sampling rounds over a 2‐year period. All participants completed a questionnaire to determine the range and extent of recent animal contact alongside other potential occupational and environmental exposure routes. A total of 31/946 (3.3%) serum samples contained antibodies to E. coli O157 LPS (from both rounds combined). On the second sampling round, a significant difference in seropositivity was apparent between the three regions, with enhanced seroprevalence linked to recent contact with beef cattle, having a private water supply and contact with a child under 5 years old. Only five seropositive people reported symptoms of a gastrointestinal tract infection, although these symptoms were mild. These results further support the premise of acquired immunity to E. coli O157 associated with prolonged antigenic exposures within the farming environment.