bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing an interdisciplinary consultation service for vulvar disorders
Authors: Anemüller Waltraud , Recke Andreas , Altgassen Christopher , Kelling Katharina 
Published: February 2012

Summary Background: Diseases of the vulva often cause severe impairment and long‐term problems for the affected women. Adequate treatment requires expert knowledge on the part of treating dermatologists and gynecologists. This was the reason for the initiation of an interdisciplinary consultation service for vulvar diseases at the University Hospital of Lübeck.Patients and methods: Over a period of 2½ years, 208 patients were seen in the new consultation service. Cases were classified as inflammatory diseases, neoplastic diseases, infectious diseases, vulvodynia, or genodermatoses. The effectiveness of treatment was documented by photography, biopsy and – whenever applicable – a quality of life assessment using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).Results: Inflammatory dermatoses were diagnosed in 133 patients and neoplas‐tic diseases in 32 patients. Infection was diagnosed in 25 patients, vulvodynia in 8, genodermatoses in 3 and other diseases in 7. The DLQI was assessed in 140 patients. Of these, 55 patients had a DLQI > 10 (0–30), indicating severe or extreme impairment of quality of life. A follow‐up DLQI was collected in 81 patients, showing a significant improvement.Conclusions: The patients and both hospital facilities benefitted from the interdisciplinary consultation service. The initial high costs in terms of medical staff and time was compensated by the development of diagnostic and treatment algorithms. Overall, the concept received positive feedback from patients and medical staff members.
Identification of NME5 as a contributor to innate resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Li Fu , Hu Gang , Jiang Zhenzhou , Guo Jingjing , Wang Ke , Ouyang Kedong , Wen Danyi , Zhu Minghua , Liang Jiaxin , Qin Xiaoran , Zhang Luyong 
Published: February 2012

The limited therapeutic effect of gemcitabine on pancreatic cancer is largely attributed to pre‐existing or acquired resistance of the tumor cells. This study was aimed at screening for candidate resistance‐related gene(s) and elucidating the underlying mechanisms. NME5 was found to be highly expressed in an innate gemcitabine‐resistant human pancreatic cancer sample and the cell line PAXC002 derived from the sample. Downregulation of NME5 significantly reversed gemcitabine resistance in PAXC002 cells, whereas NME5 overexpression induced gemcitabine resistance in the pancreatic cancer cell line BxPC‐3. NME5 attenuated the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest induced by gemcitabine, probably accounting for the blunted sensitivity to gemcitabine. Furthermore, NME5 was demonstrated to play its role in a nuclear factor kappaB (NF‐κB)‐dependent manner. NME5 was capable of directly binding NF‐κB, and possibly regulated its expression level in PAXC002 cells. Our results also suggest that NF‐κB is a key executor of NME5 in regulating apoptosis and cell cycle. All of these data suggest that NME5 is a promising target for relieving innate gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells.Structured digital abstract
NME5 physically interacts with NF‐kappa‐B p65 by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
Effect of Ca2+ on the microtubule‐severing enzyme p60‐katanin. Insight into the substrate‐dependent activation mechanism
Authors: Iwaya Naoko , Akiyama Kohei , Goda Natsuko , Tenno Takeshi , Fujiwara Yoshie , Hamada Daizo , Ikura Teikichi , Shirakawa Masahiro , Hiroaki Hidekazu 
Published: February 2012

Katanin p60 (p60‐katanin) is a microtubule (MT)‐severing enzyme and its activity is regulated by the p80 subunit (adaptor‐p80). p60‐katanin consists of an N‐terminal domain, followed by a single ATPase associated with various cellular activities (AAA) domain. We have previously shown that the N‐terminal domain serves as the binding site for MT, the substrate of p60‐katanin. In this study, we show that the same domain shares another interface with the C‐terminal domain of adaptor‐p80. We further show that Ca2+ ions inhibit the MT‐severing activity of p60‐katanin, whereas the MT‐binding activity is preserved in the presence of Ca2+. In detail, the basal ATPase activity of p60‐katanin is stimulated twofold by both MTs and the C‐terminal domain of adaptor‐p80, whereas Ca2+ reduces elevated ATPase activity to the basal level. We identify the Ca2+‐binding site at the end of helix 2 of the N‐terminal domain, which is different from the MT‐binding interface. On the basis of these observations, we propose a speculative model in which spatial rearrangement of the N‐terminal domain relative to the C‐terminal AAA domain may be important for productive ATP hydrolysis towards MT‐severing. Our model can explain how Ca2+ regulates both severing and ATP hydrolysis activity, because the Ca2+‐binding site on the N‐terminal domain moves close to the AAA domain during MT severing.Structured digital abstract
p80‐CTD binds to p60‐vMIT by pull down (View interaction)
p80‐CTD and p60‐vMIT bind by nuclear magnetic resonance (View interaction)
Polyclonal antibody‐based ELISA in combination with specific PCR amplification of internal transcribed spacer regions for the detection and quantitation of Lasiodiplodia theobromae, causal agent of gummosis in cashew nut plants
Authors: Muniz C.R. , Freire F.C.O. , Viana F.M.P. , Cardoso J.E. , Correia D. , Jalink H. , Kema G.H.J. , da Silva G.F. , Guedes M.I.F 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMembers of Botryosphaeriaceae family are associated with serious diseases in different plants across the world. In cashew nut plants (Anacardium occidentale), the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae causes a severe group of symptoms related to gummosis that results in decreased nut production. The aim of this work was to develop an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with sufficient sensitivity and specificity to detect the fungus both in vitro and in planta (artificially and naturally infected) and to increase the detection specificity within the fungi group using primers specific for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. A collection of L. theobromae isolates was obtained, and antisera against the fungus were raised in rabbits. Cross‐reactivity against Neofusicoccum sp., Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Phomopsis anacardii and Pestalotiopsis guepinii was examined. Naturally and artificially infected vegetal material were employed in the ELISAs. The fungi ITS sequences were determined, and single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified and used for primer design. For the naturally infected plants, there was an approximately fourfold variation in the absorbance values. Some positive readings for asymptomatic samples were detected. For the artificially infected samples, an ELISA‐based weekly time‐course analysis was conducted, and the values for samples from 0 and 7 days were lower than the threshold value. Beginning on day 14, the infection could be detected, with rates varying from 40% on day 14 to 80% on day 21 and 100% by the end of the experiment. The ITS sequencing revealed few polymorphisms among the L. theobromae isolates, but for C. gloeosporioides, P. anacardii, P. guepinii and Neofusicoccum sp., the sequences were sufficient to permit reliable discrimination. The feasibility of ELISA as an early detection technique to assist in gummosis management was demonstrated. PCR amplification based on ITS regions increases and complements serological specificity.
MODELING OF THE ADHESION OF BACILLUS CEREUS ISOLATED FROM A DAIRY PLANT AS A FUNCTION OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE
Authors: BERNARDES PATRÍCIA CAMPOS , ANDRADE NÉLIO JOSÉ DE , PENÃ WILMER EDGARD LUERA , MINIM LUÍS ANTÔNIO , SÁ JOÃO PAULO NATALINO , FERNANDES PATRÍCIA ÉRICA , COLOMBARI DANIELE DOS SANTOS 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTAdhesion of Bacillus cereus to stainless steel 304 #4 was evaluated after different times and temperatures of contact. Mathematical model was obtained, which was capable of predicting the adhesion of B. cereus to stainless steel as a function of temperature (4–35C) and time (1–10 days). The increase in temperature from 4 to 35C resulted in an increased number of B. cereus cells attached more than 3 log cycles for an adhesion time of 1 day and more than 4 log cycles for an adhesion time of 10 days, indicating the importance of temperature in adhesion. The maximum number of cells attached to coupons incubated at 35C for 10 days (4.43 log cfu/cm2) was close to the number of cells attached to coupons incubated at 35C for 1 day (4.01 log cfu/cm2). The model obtained represents well the relationship between temperature and rate of adhesion, which is indicated by the statistical indices calculated.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis research shows important information for people dealing with food quality control, quality management, risk assessment, risk management hazard analysis by critical point control and good manufacturing practices, which are well‐recognized food safety tools. The number of manufactured foods has widely increased to meet the increasing number of consumers and, sometimes, the hygiene procedures in the food industry are poor or overlooked. It is essential that those responsible for producing food be knowledgeable about the characteristics of the material surfaces used to make the equipment, utensils and conveyors to help in the control of foodborne diseases. The viable alternatives to avoid or minimize food contamination are (1) improving surface quality related to microtopography by improving surface production process; (2) choosing surfaces with better characteristics concerning microtopography to control the adherence process and biofilm formation; and (3) implementing effective controls of cleaning and sanitizing procedures.
Expression and Function of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in the Pathogenesis of UV‐Induced Cutaneous Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer†
Authors: Heise Ruth , Vetter‐Kauczok Claudia S. , Skazik Claudia , Czaja Katharina , Marquardt Yvonne , Lue Hongqi , Merk Hans F. , Bernhagen Jürgen , Baron Jens M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractChronic skin exposure to ultraviolet light stimulates the production of cytokines known to be involved in the initiation of skin cancer. Recent studies in mouse models suggested a role for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the UVB‐induced pathogenesis of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Our studies aimed at defining the pathophysiological function of MIF in cutaneous inflammatory reactions and in the development and progression of NMSC. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a moderate expression of MIF in normal human skin samples but an enhanced expression of this cytokine in lesional skin of patients with actinic keratosis or cutaneous SCC. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay studies showed a time‐dependent increase in MIF secretion after a moderate single‐dose UVB irradiation in NHEKs and SCC tumor cells. MIF is known to interact with CXCR2, CXCR4 and CD74. These receptors are not constitutively expressed in keratinocytes and HaCaT cells and their expression is not induced by UVB irradiation either. However, stimulation with IFNγ upregulated CD74 surface expression in these cells. Affymetrix® Gene Chip analysis revealed that only keratinocytes prestimulated with IFNγ are responsive to MIF. These findings indicate that MIF may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of NMSC tumorigenesis and progression in an inflammatory environment.
Inherited variants in the MC1R gene and survival from cutaneous melanoma: a BioGenoMEL study
Authors: Davies John R. , Randerson‐Moor Juliette , Kukalizch Kairen , Harland Mark , Kumar Rajiv , Madhusudan Srinivasan , Nagore Eduardo , Hansson Johan , Höiom Veronica , Ghiorzo Paola , Gruis Nelleke A. , Kanetsky Peter A. , Wendt Judith , Pjanova Dace , Puig Susana , Saiag Philippe , Schadendorf Dirk , Soufir Nadem , Okamoto Ichiro , Affleck Paul , García‐Casado Zaida , Ogbah Zighereda , Ozola Aija , Queirolo Paola , Sucker Antje , Barrett Jennifer H. , van Doorn Remco , Bishop D. Timothy , Newton‐Bishop Julia 
Published: February 2012

SummaryInherited MC1R variants modulate MITF transcription factor signaling, which in turn affects tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA repair. The aim of this BioGenoMEL collaborative study in 10 melanoma cohorts was to test the hypothesis that inherited variants thereby moderate survival expectation. A survival analysis in the largest cohort (Leeds) was carried out adjusting for factors known to impact on survival. The results were then compared with data from nine smaller cohorts. The absence of any consensus MC1R alleles was associated with a significantly lower risk of death in the Leeds set (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46–0.89) and overall in the 10 data sets (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65–0.94) with some support from the nine smaller data sets considered together (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.67–1.04). The data are suggestive of a survival benefit for inherited MC1R variants in melanoma patients.
QUALITY OF LIFE AT END OF LIFE
Authors: Brown Edwina A. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYPatients with chronic kidney disease, particularly those with diabetes, often have a heavy burden of vascular comorbidity and hence a poor overall prognosis. Unfortunately, patients and their healthcare teams often have unrealistic expectations about outcomes and receive ineffective and often harmful interventions towards their end of life. We need to move away from death being perceived as a failure and realise, instead, that our goal of care at the end of life is to achieve as good a quality of life for the patient as possible. To be able to achieve this, it is important to be realistic about prognosis, be able to recognise predictors of poor outcome and then be able to discuss these with the patient and their family to ensure symptom control, avoid interventions that could do harm and then as the end approaches, determine the wishes of the patient regarding preferred place of care for their inevitable death.
HOW TO IDENTIFY AND MANAGE DIABETES MELLITUS AFTER RENAL TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: Stevens Kathryn K. , Patel Rajan K. , Jardine Alan G. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYNew‐onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) has serious consequences for the patient in terms of overall survival, graft function and graft survival. The incidence of NODAT and impaired glucose tolerance has probably been underestimated previously because of lack of a universal diagnostic definition. Many risk factors have been identified, a proportion of which are modifiable. Early identification of those who are at high risk of NODAT and strategies to reduce risk will help to reduce the morbidity and mortality resulting from this condition. Where prevention is not possible, stringent management strategies are essential. Although, this article focuses on NODAT in the renal transplant recipient and considers the scale of the problem, impact on patient and transplant survival, determinants and risk factors for, and the management of, impaired glucose tolerance and NODAT, much of it will also be applicable to other types of solid organ transplantation.
Microalgae for phosphorus removal and biomass production: a six species screen for dual‐purpose organisms
Authors: Patel Anil , Barrington Suzelle , Lefsrud Mark 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMicroalgae biofuel production can be feasible when a second function is added, such as wastewater treatment. Microalgae differ in uptake of phosphorus (P) and growth, making top performer identification fundamental. The objective of this screen was to identify dual‐purpose candidates capable of high rates of P removal and growth. Three freshwater – Chlorella sp., Monoraphidium minutum sp., and Scenedesmus sp. – and three marine – Nannochloropsis sp., N. limnetica sp., and Tetraselmis suecica sp. – species were batch cultured in 250 mL flasks over 16 days to quantitate total phosphorus (TP) removal and growth as a function of P loads (control, and 5, 10, and 15 mg L−1 enrichment of control). Experimental design used 100 μmol m−2 s−1 of light, a light/dark cycle of 14/10 h, and no CO2 enrichment. Phosphorus uptake was dependent on species, duration of exposure, and treatment, with significant interaction effects. Growth was dependant on species and treatment. Not all species showed increased P removal with increasing P addition, and no species demonstrated higher growth. Nannochloropsis sp and N. limnetica sp. performed poorly across all treatments. Two dual‐purpose candidates were identified. At the 10 mg L−1 treatment Monoraphidium minutum sp. removed 67.1% (6.66 mg L−1 ± 0.60 SE) of TP at day 8, 79.3% (7.86 mg L−1 ± 0.28 SE) at day 16, and biomass accumulation of 0.63 g L−1 ± 0.06 SE at day 16. At the same treatment Tetraselmis suecica sp. removed 79.4% (6.98 mg L−1 ± 0.24 SE) TP at day 8, 83.0% (7.30 mg L−1 ± 0.60 SE) at day 16, and biomass of 0.55 g L−1 ± 0.02 SE at day 16. These species merit further study using high‐density wastewater cultures and lipid profiling to assess suitability for a nutrient removal and biomass/biofuel production scheme.
Evaluation of the impedance analyzer PocH‐100iV Diff for analysis of canine and feline blood
Authors: Bauer Natali B. , Nakagawa Julia , Dunker Cathrin , Failing Klaus , Moritz Andreas 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundAn automated impedance‐based in‐house hematology analyzer, the PocH‐100iV Diff, which provides a 3‐part leukocyte differential count that includes eosinophils, recently has been introduced.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to validate results from the PocH‐100iV Diff for dogs and cats and evaluate the impact of the anticoagulant used and sample storage conditions.MethodsBlood samples collected in K3EDTA from 153 cats and 150 dogs were included in the comparison study. The reference analyzer was the ADVIA 2120 hematology analyzer, and manual differential leukocyte counts and PCV were the manual reference methods.ResultsCoefficients of variation were < 3% except for platelet counts and feline differential and eosinophil counts. Correlation between analyzers was good to excellent except for hemoglobin (HGB) concentration in dogs and RBC indices for both species. Biases were close to 0 except for MCHC and platelet counts. Correlation with manual counts was good for lymphocytes and OTHR cells (combined neutrophil and monocyte counts) and fair and poor for feline and canine eosinophil counts, respectively. Estimated sensitivity and specificity for detection of eosinophilia were, respectively, 50% and 98% for cats and 34% and 77% for dogs. A significant anticoagulant effect was seen for MCV in cats and for HCT, MCH, MCHC, and platelet, OTHR, and eosinophil counts in dogs. RBC and WBC counts, HGB concentration, and MCH were stable for 72 h. HCT, MCV, MCHC, and platelet counts were affected by sample storage (dogs > cats; 22°C > 4°C).ConclusionsThe PocH‐100iV Diff is a suitable in‐house instrument. A strength is its specific, but moderately sensitive, detection of feline eosinophils.
Twice‐weekly, in‐school jumping improves lean mass, particularly in adolescent boys
Authors: Weeks B. K. , Beck B. R. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryObjectiveTo determine the effect of a twice‐weekly, school‐based, 10‐min jumping regime on muscle and fat tissue in healthy adolescent boys and girls.MethodsWe replaced regular warm‐up activities with jumping in physical education (PE) classes of early high school students for 8 months to observe the effect on muscle and fat tissue. A total of 99 adolescents (46 boys, 53 girls; 13.8 ± 0.4 years) volunteered to participate. Intervention group subjects performed 10 min of varied jumping activity, while control subjects performed a regular PE warm‐up. Biometrics, Tanner staging, age of peak height velocity (PHV), vertical jump, whole body lean tissue and fat mass (dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry‐derived) were measured at baseline and follow‐up. Physical activity was determined by questionnaire.ResultsThere were no differences in any measured variable between control and intervention groups at baseline. Boys had a significantly older age of PHV than girls (p = 0.02). No group differences were detected for 8‐month change in height, weight or maturity measures for the combined sample; however, at 8 months, jumpers had accrued greater lean tissue mass than controls (p = 0.002). Sex‐specific analysis revealed that intervention group boys had gained more lean tissue mass than controls (p = 0.016) and experienced significant fat loss (p = 0.010) than controls, an effect that was not observed in the girls.ConclusionRegular, short‐duration, jumping activity during adolescence increased lean tissue mass and boys additionally lost fat mass. Sex‐specific and/or maturation‐specific factors may explain the disparity in effect.
Novel Modeling Framework To Guide Design of Optimal Dosing Strategies for β-Lactamase Inhibitors
Authors: Bhagunde Pratik , Chang Kai-Tai , Hirsch Elizabeth B. , Ledesma Kimberly R. , Nikolaou Michael , Tam Vincent H. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

The scarcity of new antibiotics against drug-resistant bacteria has led to the development of inhibitors targeting specific resistance mechanisms, which aim to restore the effectiveness of existing agents. However, there are few guidelines for the optimal dosing of inhibitors. Extending the utility of mathematical modeling, which has been used as a decision support tool for antibiotic dosing regimen design, we developed a novel mathematical modeling framework to guide optimal dosing strategies for a beta-lactamase inhibitor. To illustrate our approach, MK-7655 was used in combination with imipenem against a clinical isolate of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
known to produce KPC-2. A theoretical concept capturing fluctuating susceptibility over time was used to define a novel pharmacodynamic index (time above instantaneous MIC [
T
>MIC
i
]). The MK-7655 concentration-dependent MIC reduction was characterized by using a modified sigmoid maximum effect (
E
max
)-type model. Various dosing regimens of MK-7655 were simulated to achieve escalating
T
>MIC
i
values in the presence of a clinical dose of imipenem (500 mg every 6 h). The effectiveness of these dosing exposures was subsequently validated by using a hollow-fiber infection model (HFIM). An apparent trend in the bacterial response was observed in the HFIM with increasing
T
>MIC
i
values. In addition, different dosing regimens of MK-7655 achieving a similar
T
>MIC
i
(69%) resulted in comparable bacterial killing over 48 h. The proposed framework was reasonable in predicting the
in vitro
activity of a novel beta-lactamase inhibitor, and its utility warrants further investigations.