bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Maternal Plasma Concentration of the Pro‐Inflammatory Adipokine Pre‐B‐Cell‐Enhancing Factor (PBEF)/Visfatin Is Elevated In Pregnant Patients with Acute Pyelonephritis
Authors: Mazaki‐Tovi Shali , Vaisbuch Edi , Romero Roberto , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Kim Sun Kwon , Nhan‐Chang Chia‐Ling , Gomez Ricardo , Yoon Bo H. , Yeo Lami , Mittal Pooja , Ogge Giovanna , Gonzalez Juan M. , Hassan Sonia S. 
Published: January 2010

Citation Mazaki‐Tovi S, Vaisbuch E, Romero R, Kusanovic JP, Chaiworapongsa T, Kim SK, Nhan‐Chang C‐L, Gomez R, Yoon BH, Yeo L, Mittal P, Ogge G, Gonzalez JM, Hassan SS. Maternal plasma concentration of the pro‐inflammatory adipokine pre‐B‐cell‐enhancing factor (PBEF)/visfatin is elevated in pregnant patients with acute pyelonephritis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 252–262Problem  Visfatin/pre‐B‐cell‐enhancing factor (PBEF) has been implicated in the regulation of the innate immune system, as well as in glucose metabolism. Specifically, visfatin plays a requisite role in delayed neutrophil apoptosis in patients with sepsis. The aim of this study was to determine whether pyelonephritis during pregnancy is associated with changes in maternal plasma visfatin concentration in normal weight and overweight/obese patients.Method of study  This cross‐sectional study included the following groups: (1) normal pregnant women (n = 200) and (2) pregnant women with pyelonephritis (n = 40). Maternal plasma visfatin concentrations were determined by ELISA. Non‐parametric statistics was used for analyses.Results  (1) The median maternal plasma visfatin concentration was significantly higher in patients with pyelonephritis than in those with a normal pregnancy; (2) among overweight/obese pregnant women, those with pyelonephritis had a significantly higher median plasma visfatin concentration than women with a normal pregnancy; and (3) pyelonephritis was independently associated with higher maternal plasma visfatin concentrations after adjustment for maternal age, pre‐gestational body mass index, smoking status, gestational age at sampling, and birthweight.Conclusion  Acute pyelonephritis during pregnancy is associated with a high circulating maternal visfatin concentration. These findings suggest that visfatin/PBEF may play a role in the regulation of the complex and dynamic crosstalk between inflammation and metabolism during pregnancy.
Catalytic reaction mechanism of Pseudomonas stutzeri l‐rhamnose isomerase deduced from X‐ray structures
Authors: Yoshida Hiromi , Yamaji Masatsugu , Ishii Tomohiko , Izumori Ken , Kamitori Shigehiro 
Published: January 2010

l‐Rhamnose isomerase (l‐RhI) catalyzes the reversible isomerization of l‐rhamnose to l‐rhamnulose. Pseudomonas stutzeril‐RhI, with a broad substrate specificity, can catalyze not only the isomerization of l‐rhamnose, but also that between d‐allose and d‐psicose. For the aldose–ketose isomerization by l‐RhI, a metal‐mediated hydride‐shift mechanism has been proposed, but the catalytic mechanism is still not entirely understood. To elucidate the entire reaction mechanism, the X‐ray structures of P. stutzeril‐RhI in an Mn2+‐bound form, and of two inactive mutant forms of P. stutzeril‐RhI (S329K and D327N) in a complex with substrate/product, were determined. The structure of the Mn2+‐bound enzyme indicated that the catalytic site interconverts between two forms with the displacement of the metal ion to recognize both pyranose and furanose ring substrates. Solving the structures of S329K–substrates allowed us to examine the metal‐mediated hydride‐shift mechanism of l‐RhI in detail. The structural analysis of D327N–substrates and additional modeling revealed Asp327 to be responsible for the ring opening of furanose, and a water molecule coordinating with the metal ion to be involved in the ring opening of pyranose.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7384817: l‐RhI (uniprotkb:Q75WH8) and l‐RhI (uniprotkb:Q75WH8) bind (MI:0407) by X‐ray crystallography (MI:0114)
Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid Supplementation on Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy
Authors: Uchiyama‐Tanaka Yoko , Mori Yasukiyo 
Published: January 2010

AbstractEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is purified from fish oil, attenuates inflammatory responses by decreasing eicosanoid and cytokine production. EPA reportedly improves renal survival in patients with immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy; however, this is unconfirmed. We studied the effects of EPA on IgA nephropathy patients. Eighteen biopsy‐confirmed IgA nephropathy patients (aged 31 ± 3 years) were enrolled. The prognoses based on glomerular findings were good (N = 5), relatively poor (N = 12), and poor (N = 1). EPA was administered at 1.8 g/day for 12 months. Five biopsy‐confirmed IgA nephropathy patients were enrolled as control subjects. Administration of other drugs used to treat IgA nephropathy was not changed. The estimated creatinine clearance (eCCr), serum creatinine (Cr) concentration, urinary protein creatinine ratio (U/P), and other clinical parameters were checked. In the EPA group, the Cr went from 0.8 ± 0.2 mg/dL to 0.7 ± 0.2 mg/dL after 12 months of EPA treatment, and the U/P went from 550 ± 580 mg/g Cr to 330 ± 920 mg/g Cr. The values did not differ significantly; however, Cr and U/P tended to improve, with no adverse effects from the EPA. The eCCr improved significantly (99 ± 7–110 ± 8 mL/min, P = 0.001) in the EPA group, but not in the control group (126 ± 12–120 ± 13, P > 0.05). The effect of EPA in patients with IgA nephropathy is not pronounced, but these results suggest that EPA is a safe and worthwhile supplement to the drugs used to treat this disease.
Beneficial Therapeutic Effect of Plasmapheresis After Unsuccessful Treatment With Corticosteroids in Two Patients With Severe Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Szczeklik Wojciech , Nowak Ilona , Seczynska Bozena , Sega Aurelia , Krolikowski Wieslaw , Musial Jacek 
Published: January 2010

AbstractToxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, life‐threatening disease with a high mortality rate. It is linked to drug toxicity and characterized by epidermal necrolysis with mucositis and conjunctivitis. Treatment is not established due to the unknown pathogenesis and lack of randomized clinical trials. It is mostly based on withdrawal of the culprit drug and symptom‐related approach. The role of corticosteroids and plasmapheresis in the disease treatment remains controversial. We present two patients with severe TEN (both with >80% body skin surface involvement) treated unsuccessfully with corticosteroids followed by plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis led to prompt improvement, with extensive reepithealization of the skin, and eventually total recovery of both patients. In severe TEN unresponsive to corticosteroids, treatment with plasmapheresis should be considered.
Femoral diaphysis fractures in cattle: 26 cases (1994–2005)
Authors: Nichols S , Anderson DE , Miesner MD , Newman KD 
Published: January 2010

Objective This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcome for cattle with diaphyseal fractures of the femur, but not including capital physeal injuries.Methods Sources of information were medical records of cattle having a definitive diagnosis of diaphyseal femoral fractures and telephone survey of owners.Results Medical records for 26 cattle with femoral fracture were found; of the 20 aged less than 2 months, 15 were treated surgically, 4 conservatively (stall rest) and 1 was euthanased without treatment. The surgical treatment varied according to the configuration of the fracture and the surgeon's experience. Surgery for mid‐diaphyseal fractures had a significantly better surgical outcome then distal diaphyseal fractures (P < 0.05), as there were significantly fewer postoperative complications. Of the 15 calves treated surgically, 10 were discharged from hospital and 5 were retained in the herd without noticeable lameness. Of the 4 calves treated conservatively, 3 were alive at follow‐up, but 2 were still lame. Of the 6 older cattle, 3 were euthanased without treatment and 3 were treated conservatively, 2 of which were alive at follow‐up but 1 was still lame.Conclusion Conservative treatment of femur fracture in cattle is possible but associated with complications during the convalescence. Continued research is needed to optimise distal diaphyseal fracture stabilisation in young cattle.
Factors affecting the relationship between arterial and end‐tidal carbon dioxide pressures in the anaesthetised horse
Authors: Rainger JE , Dart CM , Perkins NR 
Published: January 2010

Objective To assess the effects of the duration of anaesthesia, position of recumbency, mode of ventilation, anaesthetic drug protocol, patient age and type of surgical procedure on the usefulness of capnometry as a measure of the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (Paco2) during general anaesthesia in horses.Design A prospective study compared the Paco2values with those of partial pressure of end‐tidal carbon dioxide (ETco2) in horses anaesthetised for elective or emergency surgical procedures. The difference between Paco2and ETco2(Paco2− ETco2) and the physiological dead space to tidal volume ratio (VD/VT) were calculated. The effects of the study parameters on these variables was determined.Results The agreement between Paco2and ETco2was poor. Paco2− ETco2and VD/VTduring the first 60 min of anaesthesia was significantly less than after 60 min of anaesthesia. Mode of ventilation, position of recumbency, anaesthetic drug protocol, patient age and type of procedure did not have a significant affect on either value.Conclusions Paco2− ETco2in anaesthetised horses can be large, making ETco2unreliable as a predictor of Paco2and for assessment of pulmonary ventilation. For anaesthesia lasting less than 60 min at least one blood gas analysis of an arterial blood sample is required to assess Paco2− ETco2. Arterial blood gas analysis should be repeated after 60 min of general anaesthesia.
Retrospective study of 108 foals with septic osteomyelitis
Authors: Neil KM , Axon JE , Begg AP , Todhunter PG , Adams PL , Fine AE , Caron JP , Adkins AR 
Published: January 2010

Objective To determine the clinical characteristics, short‐term outcome and future athletic performance of foals with septic osteomyelitis.Design Retrospective clinical study of 108 Thoroughbred foals with radiographic evidence of bone infection that were presented at the Scone Veterinary Hospital between August 1995 and December 2001. Medical records were reviewed and information concerning signalment, the clinical, laboratory and radiographic findings, treatment and outcome was obtained. Racing records were obtained and evaluated for surviving foals that had reached racing age.Results Mean age of foals at initial evaluation was 39 days (range 1–180 days); 21 foals had multiple radiographic bone lesions (19.4%), and 76 had concurrent septic arthritis (70.4%). The most frequently affected bones were the femur, tibia and distal phalanx. In total, 87 foals were discharged from the hospital (80.6%), 79 survived long‐term to reach racing age and 52 raced (65.8%). Overall, 48% (52/108) of the foals treated for osteomyelitis raced. Foals less than 30 days of age at the time of diagnosis, critically ill foals and those with multiple bones or joints affected were significantly less likely to be discharged from hospital. Multiple septic joints, but not multiple bone involvement, had an unfavourable prognosis for racing.Conclusions The prognosis for survival of foals with septic osteomyelitis or osteitis is favourable. Multiple bone or joint involvement is an important short‐term prognostic indicator; however, the involvement of multiple joints, but not multiple infected bones, is associated with an unfavourable prognosis for racing.
Laparoscopic management of recurrent rupture of an adnexal mass in the second trimester of pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Hayasaka S , Murakami T , Nabeshima H , Terada Y , Yaegashi N 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe present the case of a patient who developed an acute abdomen after recurrent rupture of an ovarian cyst in the first trimester of pregnancy. After the third rupture and recurrence of the cyst, we performed laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy at 13 weeks of gestation. She went on to deliver a healthy neonate via elective cesarean section at 38 weeks of gestation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a recurrent rupturing ovarian cyst during pregnancy. Our patient's case suggests that idiopathic recurrent rupture of an ovarian cyst can occur during early pregnancy. Careful follow‐up and timely surgical intervention for recurrent rupture of an ovarian cyst are needed in order to reduce the risk of pregnancy loss.
New horizons in simulation training for endoscopic surgery
Authors: King D. , Lee H. , Lewis T. , Di Marco A. , Kneebone R. , Darzi A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIn recent years there has been both a paradigm shift in the way surgery is carried out and also in the way in which we train health professionals undertaking interventional procedures. Endoscopic procedures have replaced many traditional operations and the benefits of such an approach to patient care are well documented. However, evidence exists of higher patient complications during a surgeon's learning curve in endoscopic surgery, and it is now considered essential that endoscopic skills are learned in training laboratories rather than on patients. A new model of structured education, where surgical skills are practiced on models and virtual reality simulators, is set to replace the traditional apprenticeship model of training. Simulation is a rapidly evolving field that can provide a safe and increasingly realistic learning environment for trainees to practice in. This paper explores the current role of simulation in endoscopic training and provides a review of the developments in the field, including advances in simulation technology, progress in curriculum design and the use of simulation in nontechnical skills training.
Penicillin Sulfone Inhibitors of Class D β-Lactamases
Authors: Drawz Sarah M. , Bethel Christopher R. , Doppalapudi Venkata R. , Sheri Anjaneyulu , Pagadala Sundar Ram Reddy , Hujer Andrea M. , Skalweit Marion J. , Anderson Vernon E. , Chen Shu G. , Buynak John D. , Bonomo Robert A. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTOXA β-lactamases are largely responsible for β-lactam resistance inAcinetobacterspp. andPseudomonas aeruginosa, two of the most difficult-to-treat nosocomial pathogens. In general, the β-lactamase inhibitors used in clinical practice (clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam) demonstrate poor activity against class D β-lactamases. To overcome this challenge, we explored the abilities of β-lactamase inhibitors of the C-2- and C-3-substituted penicillin and cephalosporin sulfone families against OXA-1, extended-spectrum (OXA-10, OXA-14, and OXA-17), and carbapenemase-type (OXA-24/40) class D β-lactamases. Three C-2-substituted penicillin sulfone compounds (JDB/LN-1-255, JDB/LN-III-26, and JDB/ASR-II-292) showed lowKivalues for the OXA-1 β-lactamase (0.70 ± 0.14 → 1.60 ± 0.30 μM) and demonstrated significantKiimprovements compared to the C-3-substituted cephalosporin sulfone (JDB/DVR-II-214), tazobactam, and clavulanic acid. The C-2-substituted penicillin sulfones JDB/ASR-II-292 and JDB/LN-1-255 also demonstrated lowKis for the OXA-10, -14, -17, and -24/40 β-lactamases (0.20 ± 0.04 → 17 ± 4 μM). Furthermore, JDB/LN-1-255 displayed stoichiometric inactivation of OXA-1 (the turnover number, i.e., the partitioning of the initial enzyme inhibitor complex between hydrolysis and enzyme inactivation [tn] = 0) andtns ranging from 5 to 8 for the other OXA enzymes. Using mass spectroscopy to study the intermediates in the inactivation pathway, we determined that JDB/LN-1-255 inhibited OXA β-lactamases by forming covalent adducts that do not fragment. On the basis of the substrate and inhibitor kinetics of OXA-1, we constructed a model showing that the C-3 carboxylate of JDB/LN-1-255 interacts with Ser115 and Thr213, the R-2 group at C-2 fits between the space created by the long B9 and B10 β strands, and stabilizing hydrophobic interactions are formed between the pyridyl ring of JDB/LN-1-255 and Val116 and Leu161. By exploiting conserved structural and mechanistic features, JDB/LN-1-255 is a promising lead compound in the quest for effective inhibitors of OXA-type β-lactamases.
Antibodies Fused to Innate Immune Molecules Reduce Initiation ofCryptosporidium parvumInfection in Mice
Authors: Imboden Michael , Riggs Michael W. , Schaefer Deborah A. , Homan E. Jane , Bremel Robert D. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTAt present no completely effective treatments are available forCryptosporidium parvuminfections in humans and livestock. Based on previous data showing the neutralizing potential of a panel of monoclonal antibodies developed againstC. parvum, and based on the fact that innate immune peptides and enzymes have anticryptosporidial activity, we engineered several of these antibodies into antibody-biocide fusion proteins. We hypothesized that the combination of high-affinity antibody targeting with innate immune molecule-mediated killing would result in a highly effective new antiprotozoal agent. To test this hypothesis, we expressed antibody-biocide fusion proteins in a mammalian cell culture system and used the resulting products forin vitroandin vivoefficacy experiments. Antibody-biocide fusion proteins efficiently bound to, and destroyed,C. parvumsporozoitesin vitrothrough a membrane-disruptive mechanism. When antibody-biocide fusion proteins were administered orally to neonatal mice in a prophylactic model of cryptosporidiosis, the induction of infection was reduced by as much as 81% in the mucosal epithelium of the gut, as determined on the basis of histopathological scoring of infectious stages. Several versions of antibody fusion proteins that differed in antigen specificity and in the biocide used had strong inhibitory effects on the initiation of infection. The results lay the groundwork for the development of a new class of antimicrobials effective againstCryptosporidium.
Rapamycin Protects Mice from Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B-Induced Toxic Shock and Blocks Cytokine ReleaseInVitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Krakauer Teresa , Buckley Marilyn , Issaq Haleem J. , Fox Stephen D. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTStaphylococcal enterotoxins are potent activators for human T cells and cause lethal toxic shock. Rapamycin, an immunosuppressant, was tested for its ability to inhibit staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-induced activation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)in vitroand toxin-mediated shock in mice. Stimulation of PMBC by SEB was effectively blocked by rapamycin as evidenced by the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-2, gamma interferon (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α), MIP-1β, and T-cell proliferation.In vivo, rapamycin protected 100% of mice from lethal shock, even when administered 24 h after intranasal SEB challenge. The serum levels of MCP-1 and IL-6, after intranasal exposure to SEB, were significantly reduced in mice given rapamycin versus controls. Additionally, rapamycin diminished the weight loss and temperature fluctuations elicited by SEB.
Molecular Cloning and Heterologous Expression of a Biosynthetic Gene Cluster for the Antitubercular Agent
d
-Cycloserine Produced by
Streptomyces lavendulae
Authors: Kumagai Takanori , Koyama Yusuke , Oda Kosuke , Noda Masafumi , Matoba Yasuyuki , Sugiyama Masanori 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

In the present study, we successfully cloned a 21-kb DNA fragment containing a
d
-cycloserine (DCS) biosynthetic gene cluster from a DCS-producing
Streptomyces
lavendulae
strain, ATCC 11924. The putative gene cluster consists of 10 open reading frames (ORFs), designated
dcsA
to
dcsJ
. This cluster includes two ORFs encoding
d
-alanyl-
d
-alanine ligase (
dcsI
) and a putative membrane protein (
dcsJ
) as the self-resistance determinants of the producer organism, indicated by our previous work. When the 10 ORFs were introduced into DCS-nonproducing
Streptomyces lividans
66 as a heterologous host cell, the transformant acquired DCS productivity. This reveals that the introduced genes are responsible for the biosynthesis of DCS. As anticipated, the disruption of
dcsG
, seen in the DCS biosynthetic gene cluster, made it possible for the strain ATCC 11924 to lose its DCS production. We here propose the DCS biosynthetic pathway. First,
l
-serine is O acetylated by a
dcsE-
encoded enzyme homologous to homoserine
O
-acetyltransferase. Second,
O
-acetyl-
l
-serine accepts hydroxyurea
via
an
O
-acetylserine sulfhydrylase homolog (
dcsD
product) and forms
O
-ureido-
l
-serine. The hydroxyurea must be supplied by the catalysis of a
dcsB
-encoded arginase homolog using the
l
-arginine derivative,
N
G
-hydroxy-
l
-arginine. The resulting
O
-ureido-
l
-serine is then racemized to
O
-ureido-
d
-serine by a homolog of diaminopimelate epimerase. Finally,
O
-ureido-
d
-serine is cyclized to form DCS with the release of ammonia and carbon dioxide. The cyclization must be done by the
dcsG
or
dcsH
product, which belongs to the ATP-grasp fold family of protein.
Pharmacokinetics of Chloroquine and Monodesethylchloroquine in Pregnancy
Authors: Karunajeewa Harin A. , Salman Sam , Mueller Ivo , Baiwog Francisca , Gomorrai Servina , Law Irwin , Page-Sharp Madhu , Rogerson Stephen , Siba Peter , Ilett Kenneth F. , Davis Timothy M. E. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT

In order to determine the pharmacokinetic disposition of chloroquine (CQ) and its active metabolite, desethylchloroquine (DECQ), when administered as intermittent presumptive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) for malaria, 30 Papua New Guinean women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and 30 age-matched nonpregnant women were administered three daily doses of 450 mg CQ (8.5 mg/kg of body weight/day) in addition to a single dose of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. For all women, blood was taken at baseline; at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 48, and 72 h posttreatment; and at 7, 10, 14, 28, and 42 days posttreatment. Plasma was subsequently assayed for CQ and DECQ by high-performance liquid chromatography, and population pharmacokinetic modeling was performed. Pregnant subjects had significantly lower area under the plasma concentration-time curve for both CQ (35,750 versus 47,892 μg·h/liter,
P
< 0.001) and DECQ (23,073 versus 41,584 μg·h/liter,
P
< 0.001), reflecting significant differences in elimination half-lives and in volumes of distribution and clearances relative to bioavailability. Reduced plasma concentrations of both CQ and DECQ could compromise both curative efficacy and posttreatment prophylactic properties in pregnant patients. Higher IPTp CQ doses may be desirable but could increase the risk of adverse hemodynamic effects.