bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of 14-Alpha-Lipoyl Andrographolide on Quorum Sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ma Li , Liu Xiangyang , Liang Haihua , Che Yizhou , Chen Caixia , Dai Huanqin , Yu Ke , Liu Mei , Ma Luyan , Yang Ching-Hong , Song Fuhang , Wang Yuqiang , Zhang Lixin 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTInPseudomonas aeruginosa, the quorum-sensing (QS) system is closely related to biofilm formation. We previously demonstrated that 14-alpha-lipoyl andrographolide (AL-1) has synergistic effects on antibiofilm and antivirulence factors (pyocyanin and exopolysaccharide) ofP. aeruginosawhen combined with conventional antibiotics, while it has little inhibitory effect on its growth. However, its molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here we investigated the effect of AL-1 on QS systems, especially the Las and Rhl systems. This investigation showed that AL-1 can inhibit LasR–3-oxo-C12-homoserine lactone (HSL) interactions and repress the transcriptional level of QS-regulated genes. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR data showed that AL-1 significantly reduced the expression levels oflasR,lasI,rhlR, andrhlIin a dose-dependent manner. AL-1 not only decreased the expression level of Psl, which is positively regulated by the Las system, but also increased the level of secretion of ExoS, which is negatively regulated by the Rhl system, indicating that AL-1 has multiple effects on both the Las and Rhl systems. It is no wonder that AL-1 showed synergistic effects with other antimicrobial agents in the treatment ofP. aeruginosainfections.
Characterization of a Rifampin-Inactivating Glycosyltransferase from a Screen of Environmental Actinomycetes
Authors: Spanogiannopoulos Peter , Thaker Maulik , Koteva Kalinka , Waglechner Nicholas , Wright Gerard D. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Identifying and understanding the collection of all antibiotic resistance determinants presented in the global microbiota, the antibiotic resistome, provides insight into the evolution of antibiotic resistance and critical information for the development of future antimicrobials. The rifamycins are broad-spectrum antibiotics that target bacterial transcription by inhibition of RNA polymerase. Although mutational alteration of the drug target is the predominant mechanism of resistance to this family of antibiotics in the clinic, a number of diverse inactivation mechanisms have also been reported. In this report, we investigate a subset of environmental rifampin-resistant actinomycete isolates and identify a diverse collection of rifampin inactivation mechanisms. We describe a single isolate, WAC1438, capable of inactivating rifampin by glycosylation. A draft genome sequence of WAC1438 (most closely related to
Streptomyces speibonae
, according to a 16S rRNA gene comparison) was assembled, and the associated rifampin glycosyltransferase open reading frame,
rgt1438
, was identified. The role of
rgt1438
in rifampin resistance was confirmed by its disruption in the bacterial chromosome, resulting in a loss of antibiotic inactivation and a 4-fold decrease in MIC. Interestingly, examination of the RNA polymerase β-subunit sequence of WAC1438 suggests that it harbors a resistant target and thus possesses dual mechanisms of rifamycin resistance. Using an
in vitro
assay with purified enzyme, Rgt1438 could inactivate a variety of rifamycin antibiotics with comparable steady-state kinetics constants. Our results identify
rgt1438
as a rifampin resistance determinant from WAC1438 capable of inactivating an assortment of rifamycins, adding a new element to the rifampin resistome.
A cross-sectional study of emergency department visits by people who inject drugs
Authors: Aitken Campbell , Kerr Thomas , Hickman Matthew , Stoové Mark , Higgs Peter , Dietze Paul 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundPeople who inject drugs (PWID) have worse health than non-injectors and are at heightened risk of incidents that necessitate hospital emergency department (ED) visits.Study objectivesTo describe ED visits by PWIDs in Melbourne, Australia, and compare reasons with those given in Vancouver, Canada.MethodsIn 2008–2010, 688 Melbourne PWIDs were interviewed about their ED visits; these data were contrasted with published data about ED visits by PWIDs in Vancouver.ResultsParticipants reported 132 ED visits in the month preceding interview—27.3% drug-related, 20.5% trauma-related (principally physical assault), 13.6% for psychiatric problems. Melbourne PWIDs are less likely to attend ED for soft-tissue injuries, and more likely to attend after physical assault than PWIDs in Vancouver.ConclusionPWID in Melbourne and Vancouver attend EDs for different reasons; information about PWID visits can help EDs cater for them and provide insights for prevention.
Clinical Features, Management, and Prognosis of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection
Authors: Tweet Marysia S. , Hayes Sharonne N. , Pitta Sridevi R. , Simari Robert D. , Lerman Amir , Lennon Ryan J. , Gersh Bernard J. , Khambatta Sherezade , Best Patricia J.M. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Gulati Rajiv 
Published: July 2012

Background—
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an acute coronary event of uncertain origin. Clinical features and prognosis remain insufficiently characterized.

Methods and Results—

A retrospective single-center cohort study identified 87 patients with angiographically confirmed SCAD. Incidence, clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, in-hospital outcomes, and long-term risk of SCAD recurrence or major adverse cardiac events were evaluated. Mean age was 42.6 years; 82% were female. Extreme exertion at SCAD onset was more frequent in men (7 of 16 versus 2 of 71;
P
<0.001), and postpartum status was observed in 13 of 71 women (18%). Presentation was ST-elevation myocardial infarction in 49%. Multivessel SCAD was found in 23%. Initial conservative management (31 of 87) and coronary artery bypass grafting (7 of 87) were associated with an uncomplicated in-hospital course, whereas percutaneous coronary intervention was complicated by technical failure in 15 of 43 patients (35%) and 1 death. During a median follow-up of 47 months (interquartile range, 18–106 months), SCAD recurred in 15 patients, all female. Estimated 10-year rate of major adverse cardiac events (death, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and SCAD recurrence) was 47%. Fibromuscular dysplasia of the iliac artery was identified incidentally in 8 of 16 femoral angiograms (50%) undertaken before closure device placement and in the carotid arteries of 2 others with carotid dissection.

Conclusions—
SCAD affects a young, predominantly female population, frequently presenting as ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Although in-hospital mortality is low regardless of initial treatment, percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with high rates of complication. Risks of SCAD recurrence and major adverse cardiac events in the long term emphasize the need for close follow-up. Fibromuscular dysplasia is a novel association and potentially causative factor.
The role of forward head correction in management of adolescent idiopathic scoliotic patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Diab Aliaa A 
Published: July 2012

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of forward head correction on three-dimensional posture parameters and functional level in adolescent idiopathic scoliotic patients. Design: A randomized controlled study with three-month follow-up. Setting: University research laboratory. Subjects: Seventy-six adolescent idiopathic scoliotic patients with Cobb angle ranged from 10° to 30° and craniovertebral angle less than 50° were randomly assigned to a study or a control group. Interventions: All the patients ( n = 76) received traditional treatment in the form of stretching and strengthening exercises. In addition, patients in the study group ( n = 38) received a forward head posture corrective exercise programme. Outcome measures: Craniovertebral angle, Functional Rating Index and posture parameters, including: lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, trunk inclination, trunk imbalance, lateral deviation, surface rotation and pelvis torsion were measured before treatment, after 10 weeks, and at three-month follow-up. Results: There was a significant difference between the study and control groups adjusted to baseline values at 10 weeks post treatment with respect to the following parameters: craniovertebral angle ( P = 0.006), trunk inclination ( P = 0.005), lordosis ( P = 0.01), kyphosis ( P = 0.001), trunk imbalance ( P = 0.001), lateral deviation ( P = 0.001), pelvic torsion ( P = 0.004) and surface rotation ( P = 0.013). At three-month follow-up, there were still significant differences in all the previous variables ( P < 0.005). In contrast, while there was no significant difference with respect to Functional Rating Index at 10 weeks ( P = 0.8), the three-month follow-up showed a significant difference ( P = 0.001). Conclusion: A forward head corrective exercise programme combined with conventional rehabilitation improved three-dimensional scoliotic posture and functional status in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Multicenter Trial of Desirudin for the Prophylaxis of Thrombosis
Authors: Bergese Sergio D. , Minkowitz Harold S. , Arpino Paul A. , Sane David C. , Levy Jerrold H. 
Published: July 2012

Desirudin, a subcutaneously (SC) administered direct thrombin inhibitor, is indicated for prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) after total joint replacement surgery. DESIR-ABLE (multicenter trial of desirudin for the prophylaxis of thrombosis: an alternative to heparin-based anticoagulation) was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm study of hospitalized patients requiring VTE protection designed to extend the safety profile for desirudin to include a broad population of perioperative/critically ill patients. The primary end point was major bleeding. A total of 516 patients undergoing major surgery (378, 73%) or who were medically ill with prolonged immobility (138, 27%) were enrolled at 19 centers and received desirudin 15 mg Q12H. Many patients had high-risk features for bleeding and thrombosis such as thrombocytopenia (<100 × 109/mL, n = 50), severe obesity (body mass index >35, n = 145), and renal impairment (creatinine clearance <60 mL/min, n = 292). There were no major bleeds and no VTE-related deaths in this study. The DESIR-ABLE demonstrated the safety of desirudin in critically ill perioperative and medical patients. Trials in specific surgical or medically ill patients are needed to confirm these findings.
Posttranslational regulation of self-renewal capacity: insights from proteome and phosphoproteome analyses of stem cell leukemia
Authors: Trost Matthias , Sauvageau Martin , Hérault Olivier , Deleris Paul , Pomiès Christelle , Chagraoui Jalila , Mayotte Nadine , Meloche Sylvain , Sauvageau Guy , Thibault Pierre 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
We recently generated 2 phenotypically similar Hoxa9+Meis1 overexpressing acute myeloid leukemias that differ by their in vivo biologic behavior. The first leukemia, named FLA2, shows a high frequency of leukemia stem cells (LSCs; 1 in 1.4 cells), whereas the second, FLB1, is more typical with a frequency of LSCs in the range of 1 per several hundred cells. To gain insights into possible mechanisms that determine LSC self-renewal, we profiled and compared the abundance of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins and phosphoproteins from these leukemias using quantitative proteomics. These analyses revealed differences in proteins associated with stem cell fate, including a hyperactive p38 MAP kinase in FLB1 and a differentially localized Polycomb group protein Ezh2, which is mostly nuclear in FLA2 and predominantly cytoplasmic in FLB1. Together, these newly documented proteomes and phosphoproteomes represent a unique resource with more than 440 differentially expressed proteins and 11 543 unique phosphopeptides, of which 80% are novel and 7% preferentially phosphorylated in the stem cell–enriched leukemia.
Pivotal role of M-DC8+ monocytes from viremic HIV-infected patients in TNFα overproduction in response to microbial products
Authors: Dutertre Charles-Antoine , Amraoui Sonia , DeRosa Annalisa , Jourdain Jean-Pierre , Vimeux Lene , Goguet Matthieu , Degrelle Séverine , Feuillet Vincent , Liovat Anne-Sophie , Müller-Trutwin Michaela , Decroix Nipa , Deveau Christiane , Meyer Laurence , Goujard Cécile , Loulergue Pierre , Launay Odile , Richard Yolande , Hosmalin Anne 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
HIV infects activated CD4+ T cells and induces their depletion. Progressive HIV infection leading to AIDS is fueled by chronic immune hyperactivation, mediated by inflammatory cytokines like TNFα. This has been related to intestinal epithelial damage and microbial LPS translocation into the circulation. Using 11-color flow cytometry, cell sorting, and cell culture, we investigated the numbers and TNFα production of fully defined circulating dendritic cell and monocyte populations during HIV-1 infection. In 15 viremic, untreated patients, compared with 8 treated, virologically suppressed patients or to 13 healthy blood donors, circulating CD141 (BDCA-3)+ and CD1c (BDCA-1)+ dendritic cell counts were reduced. Conversely, CD14+CD16++ monocyte counts were increased, particularly those expressing M-DC8, while classical CD14++CD16−M-DC8− monocyte numbers were unchanged. Blood mononuclear cells from viremic patients produced more TNFα in response to LPS than those from virologically suppressed patients. M-DC8+ monocytes were mostly responsible for this overproduction. Moreover, M-DC8+ monocytes differentiated in vitro from classical monocytes using M-CSF and GM-CSF, which is increased in viremic patient's plasma. This M-DC8+ monocyte population, which is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases like Crohn disease, might thus be considered as a major actor in the immune hyperactivation fueling HIV infection progression.
Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and clinical outcomes in diabetic patients following coronary artery stenting
Authors: Kassaian Seyed Ebrahim , Goodarzynejad Hamidreza , Boroumand Mohammad Ali , Salarifar Mojtaba , Masoudkabir Farzad , Mohajeri-Tehrani Mohammad Reza , Pourhoseini Hamidreza , Sadeghian Saeed , Ramezanpour Narges , Alidoosti Mohammad , Hakki Elham , Saadat Soheil , Nematipour Ebrahim 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Diabetes has been shown to be independent predictor of restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a pre- and post-procedural glycaemic control in diabetic patients was related to major advance cardiovascular events (MACE) during follow up.

Methods
We evaluated 2884 consecutive patients including 2181 non-diabetic patients and 703 diabetics who underwent coronary stenting. Diabetes mellitus was defined as the fasting blood sugar concentration ≥ 126 mg/dL, or the use of an oral hypoglycemic agent or insulin at the time of admission. Diabetic patients were categorized into two groups based on their mean HbA1c levels for three measurements (at 0, 1, and 6 months following procedure): 291 (41.4%) diabetics with good glycaemic control (HbA1c ≤ 7%) and 412 (58.6%) diabetics with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c > 7%).

Results
The adjusted risk of MACE in diabetic patients with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c > 7%) was 2.1 times of the risk in non-diabetics (adjusted HR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.95, p = 0.02). However, the risk of MACE in diabetics with good glycaemic control (HbA1c ≤ 7%) was not significantly different from that of non-diabetics (adjusted HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.38 to 4.68, p = 0.66).

Conclusions
Our data suggest that there is an association between good glycaemic control to obtain HbA1c levels ≤7% (both pre-procedural glycaemic control and post-procedural) with a better clinical outcome after PCI.
Circulating progranulin levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and healthy controls during and after pregnancy
Authors: Todoric Jelena , Handisurya Ammon , Perkmann Thomas , Knapp Bernhard , Wagner Oswald , Tura Andrea , Pacini Giovanni , Esterbauer Harald , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra 
Published: July 2012

ObjectiveProgranulin (PGRN) was recently introduced as a novel marker of chronic inflammatory response in obesity and type 2 diabetes capable of directly affecting the insulin signaling pathway. This study aimed to investigate the role of PGRN in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is regarded as a model for early type 2 diabetes.MethodsPGRN serum levels were measured in 90 pregnant women (45 GDM and 45 normal glucose tolerance (NGT)). In addition, PGRN was measured during a 2-h, 75 g oral glucose tolerance test in 20 pregnant women (ten GDM and ten NGT) and in 16 of thempost partum(ten GDM and six NGT).ResultsPGRN concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant women compared withpost partumlevels (536.79±31.81 vs 241.53±8.86,P<0.001). Multivariate regression analyses showed a strong positive correlation of PGRN with estrogen and progesterone. The insulinogenic index, a marker of early insulin secretion, displayed a positive correlation with PGRN, both during and after pregnancy (R=0.47,P=0.034;R=0.63,P=0.012). HbA1c and the oral glucose insulin sensitivity index showed significantpost partumassociations with PGRN (R=0.43,P=0.049;R=−0.65,P=0.009).ConclusionsPGRN concentrations are markedly lower after pregnancy regardless of the gestational glucose tolerance state. PGRN levelsper sedo not discriminate between mild GDM and NGT in pregnant women. Therefore, the development of GDM appears to be due to impaired β-cell function that is not related to PGRN effect.
Estimating Dewpoint Pressure Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Alarfaj Malik K. , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez , Busaleh Yasser R. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractEstimating dew point pressure is very important for gas reservoirs evaluation and simulation. The dew point pressure is usually measured from collected fluid samples. However, sometimes, these measurements are not available. People tried to estimate the dew point pressure using explicit methods like empirical correlations or using iterative methods like equation of state. Empirical correlations are fast and easy to use but usually they are not very accurate. EOS, although more accurate, it is more expensive computationally and needs to be calibrated to existing experimental data. Artificial Neural Networks has been more popular recently for complex input-output mapping. It has been used in the literature to predict bubble point pressure in oil fields and good results has been reported. In this paper, we designed Artificial Intelligence models to estimate the dew point pressure in Saudi Arabia gas condensate fields. We used data from 98 PVT reports to train, validate, and test the models. The results are discussed in this paper.
Effectiveness of Removal of Humic Substances and Heavy Metals from Landfill Leachates During their Pretreatment Process in the SBR Reactor
Authors: Szyłak-Szydłowski Mirosław 
Published: July 2012

Effectiveness of Removal of Humic Substances and Heavy Metals from Landfill Leachates During their Pretreatment Process in the SBR ReactorIn the paper the removal efficiency of heavy metals as well as humic compounds, in the treatment of leachate mixed with municipal waste in a sequencing batch reactor was studied. Also, the accumulation of those metals in the activated sludge was examined. It has been shown that the removal efficiency of contamination with humic compounds, forBxranging from 0.23 to 0.45 mg COD mg-1d.m. can reach 71÷74%. An increase in the concentrations of heavy metals in the activated sludge was recorded forBxin the range 0.23÷1.64 mg COD mg-1d.m. The amount of heavy metals in the effluent of the SBR in carrying out the process atBx= 0.23÷0.96 mg COD mg-1d.m. does not limit their discharge into water and sewer system.
Hygienisation of Surplus Activated Sludge by Hydrodynamic Cavitation
Authors: Machnicka Alicja , Grűbel Klaudiusz , Rusin Agnieszka 
Published: July 2012

Hygienisation of Surplus Activated Sludge by Hydrodynamic CavitationThe success of an effective process of disintegration is the application of physical or chemical methods of the destruction of the cell wall which consequently becomes fragmented and the intracellular matters are released into the surrounding liquid. The purpose of the conducted experiments was to demonstrate possibilities of application of the hydrodynamic in the bacteriological hygienisation of surplus activated sludge. The confirmation of the effectiveness of the bactericidal activity of hydrodynamic cavitation was the number of bacteria grown on agars before and after hygienisation process. Selective and basic beddings have been used in the research. The bacterial culture has lasted approximately 24 to 48 hours. After the period of incubation the colonies produced have been counted and initially identified. Based on the microbiological analyses a significant reduction in an overall number of bacteria and pathogenic bacteria belonging to the familyEnterobacteriaceaeand to the pathogenic speciesStaphylococcushas been noticed. The overall number of bacteria decrease about 80% after 45 minutes of disintegration of surplus activated sludge. Pathogenic bacteria belonging to the familyEnterobacteriaceae: lactose-positive and lactose-negative decrease about 93% and 92%, respectively. Reducing the number ofSalmonellabacteria was 100% after 45 minutes of disintegration processes. Reduction bacteria of speciesStaphylococcuswere about 93% for mannitolo-positive and 92% for mannitolo-negative.
Impact Analysis of Airborn Pollution Due to Magnesium Slag Deposit and Climatic Changes Condition
Authors: Djokic Jelena , Minic Dusko , Kamberovic Zeljko , Petkovic Desimir 
Published: July 2012

Impact Analysis of Airborn Pollution Due to Magnesium Slag Deposit and Climatic Changes Condition
The impact of airborne pollution by slag from magnesium production was analyzed under different climate conditions. The slag is characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis and atomic absorption analysis. The dominant phase was the γ modification of dicalcium silicate (γ-2CaO SiO2) with significant amounts of perclas (MgO), gehlenite - 2CaO Al2O3 SiO2, akermanite - 2CaO MgO 2SiO2 and portlandite Ca(OH)2. The granulometric composition of the slag was within the range of 100 x 10-3÷0.090 x 10-3 m. Ad hoc measurements were performed on site in June at 300 and 600 m distance from the slag deposit, which showed high Total Suspended Particles (TSP) concentrations. Imputing the results of an experimental investigation of the dust emission for wind velocities of 5, 7, and 10 m/s and within the range of relative humidity from 10÷50% into SCREENVIEW software, the obtained values on the diagram showed good agreement with those of measurements on site. The simulation, that considered the landscape and wind increases over a 20 year period, showed that the dust concentration will be over the Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) up to 1400 m from the deposit, for an average wind speed of 3.0 m/s, a relative humidity of 37% and up to 4000 m under unstable weather conditions.
Gaseous Products from Scrap Tires Pyrolisis
Authors: Januszewicz Katarzyna , Klein Marek , Klugmann-Radziemska Ewa 
Published: July 2012

Gaseous Products from Scrap Tires Pyrolisis
In European Union 75% of used tires should be recycled. The most common method of used tires disposal, is burning in cement kilns, which does not solve the problem. Pyrolysis process can be an alternative way of utilization of tires. The aim of the researches was to check the influence of pyrolysis products (gas and oil fractions) on environment. Samples from pyrolysis process, like light oil fractions or pyrolysis gases were analyzed using gas chromatography. The pyrolysis installation should be hermetical, because of the PAHs which were detected in a light fraction of oil. In exhaust gases BTEX and PAHs were not detected.