bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moving Beyond the Stained Glass Ceiling
Authors: Longman Karen A. , Lafreniere Shawna L. 
Published: November 2011

The Problem. While a variety of factors have historically limited access by women to top-level leadership positions across higher education, these factors become more complicated when juxtaposed with the theological commitments that influence the leadership journeys of women in these settings. The Solution. This article reviews the literature related to women in higher education leadership, with a particular focus on the state of women in leadership found in faith-based colleges and universities—as represented by the 110 member institutions of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). It describes the results of in-depth research on the impact of a CCCU Women’s Leadership Development initiative, launched in 1998. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation data are discussed and implications outlined. The Stakeholders. The lessons emerging from this initiative and research can be helpful for postsecondary leaders, HRD and leadership development professionals, and all those who focus on developing women in higher education settings.
Enzymatic properties of Staphylococcus aureus adenosine synthase (AdsA)
Authors: Thammavongsa Vilasack , Schneewind Olaf , Missiakas Dominique M 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background

Staphylococcus aureus is a human pathogen that produces extracellular adenosine to evade clearance by the host immune system, an activity attributed to the 5'-nucleotidase activity of adenosine synthase (AdsA). In mammals, conversion of adenosine triphosphate to adenosine is catalyzed in a two-step process: ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (ecto-NTDPases) hydrolyze ATP and ADP to AMP, whereas 5'-nucleotidases hydrolyze AMP to adenosine. NTPDases harbor apyrase conserved regions (ACRs) that are critical for activity.

Results
NTPDase ACR motifs are absent in AdsA, yet we report here that recombinant AdsA hydrolyzes ADP and ATP in addition to AMP. Competition assays suggest that hydrolysis occurs following binding of all three substrates at a unique site. Alanine substitution of two amino acids, aspartic acid 127 and histidine 196 within the 5'-nucleotidase signature sequence, leads to reduced AMP or ADP hydrolysis but does not affect the binding of these substrates.

Conclusion
Collectively, these results provide insight into the unique ability of AdsA to produce adenosine through the consecutive hydrolysis of ATP, ADP and AMP, thereby endowing S. aureus with the ability to modulate host immune responses.
The Fur regulon in anaerobically grown Salmonella enterica sv. Typhimurium: identification of new Fur targets
Authors: Troxell Bryan , Fink Ryan C , Porwollik Steffen , McClelland Michael , Hassan Hosni M 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe Ferric uptake regulator (Fur) is a transcriptional regulator that controls iron homeostasis in bacteria. Although the regulatory role of Fur inEscherichia coliis well characterized, most of the studies were conducted under routine culture conditions, i.e., in ambient oxygen concentration. To reveal potentially novel aspects of the Fur regulon inSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium under oxygen conditions similar to that encountered in the host, we compared the transcriptional profiles of the virulent wild-type strain (ATCC 14028s) and its isogenic Δfurstrain under anaerobic conditions.ResultsMicroarray analysis of anaerobically grown Δfur S. Typhimurium identified 298 differentially expressed genes. Expression of several genes controlled by Fnr and NsrR appeared to be also dependent on Fur. Furthermore, Fur was required for the activity of the cytoplasmic superoxide disumutases (MnSOD and FeSOD). The regulation of FeSOD gene,sodB, occurred via small RNAs (i.e., theryhBhomologs,rfrAandrfrB) with the aid of the RNA chaperone Hfq. The transcription ofsodAwas increased in Δfur;however, the enzyme was inactive due to the incorporation of iron instead of manganese in SodA. Additionally, in Δfur, the expression of the gene coding for the ferritin-like protein (ftnB) was down-regulated, while the transcription of the gene coding for the nitric oxide (NO·) detoxifying flavohemoglobin (hmpA) was up-regulated. The promoters offtnBandhmpAdo not contain recognized Fur binding motifs, which indicated their probable indirect regulation by Fur. However, Fur activation offtnBwas independent of Fnr. In addition, the expression of the gene coding for the histone-like protein, H-NS (hns) was increased in Δfur. This may explain the observed down-regulation of thetdcoperon, responsible for the anaerobic degradation of threonine, andftnBin Δfur.ConclusionsThis study determined that Fur is a positive factor inftnBregulation, while serving to repress the expression ofhmpA. Furthermore, Fur is required for the proper expression and activation of the antioxidant enzymes, FeSOD and MnSOD. Finally, this work identified twenty-six new targets of Fur regulation, and demonstrates that H-NS repressed genes are down-regulated in Δfur.
Acute infarct of the corpus callosum presenting as alien hand syndrome: evidence of diffusion weighted imaging and magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Yuan Jun Liang , Wang Shuang Kun , Guo Xiao Juan , Hu Wen Li 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Infarcts of the corpus callosum are rare and have not been well documented previously. As for a variety of signs and symptoms presented, alien hand syndrome (AHS) can be easily overlooked.

Case presentation
In this report, we present a patient with a mixed types of AHS coexistence secondary to the corpus callosum infarction, including a motor type of AHS by intermanual conflict (callosal type AHS) and a sensory type of AHS by alien hand and left hemianesthesia (posterior AHS).

Conclusions
Our case may contribute to the early recognition of AHS and to explore the abnormal neural mechanism of AHS. To our knowledge, rare reports have ever documented such mixed AHS coexisting secondary to the callosal lesion, based on advanced neuroimaging methods as in our case.
Overexpression of hepatoma-derived growth factor in melanocytes does not lead to oncogenic transformation
Authors: Sedlmaier Angela , Wernert Nicolas , Gallitzendörfer Rainer , Abouzied Mekky M , Gieselmann Volkmar , Franken Sebastian 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
HDGF is a growth factor which is overexpressed in a wide range of tumors. Importantly, expression levels were identified as a prognostic marker in some types of cancer such as melanoma.

Methods
To investigate the presumed oncogenic/transforming capacity of HDGF, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing HDGF in melanocytes. These mice were bred with mice heterozygous for a defective copy of the Ink4a tumor suppressor gene and were exposed to UV light to increase the risk for tumor development both genetically and physiochemically. Mice were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Furthermore, primary melanocytes were isolated from different strains created.

Results
Transgenic animals overexpressed HDGF in hair follicle melanocytes. Interestingly, primary melanocytes isolated from transgenic animals were not able to differentiate in vitro whereas cells isolated from wild type and HDGF-deficient animals were. Although, HDGF-/-/Ink4a+/- mice displayed an increased number of epidermoid cysts after exposure to UV light, no melanomas or premelanocytic alterations could be detected in this mouse model.

Conclusions
The results therefore provide no evidence that HDGF has a transforming capacity in tumor development. Our results in combination with previous findings point to a possible role in cell differentiation and suggest that HDGF promotes tumor progression after secondary upregulation and may represent another protein fitting into the concept of non-oncogene addiction of tumor tissue.
Isolation and characterization of novel bacterial strains exhibiting ligninolytic potential
Authors: Bandounas Luaine , Wierckx Nick JP , de Winde Johannes H , Ruijssenaars Harald J 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
To expand on the range of products which can be obtained from lignocellulosic biomass, the lignin component should be utilized as feedstock for value-added chemicals such as substituted aromatics, instead of being incinerated for heat and energy. Enzymes could provide an effective means for lignin depolymerization into products of interest. In this study, soil bacteria were isolated by enrichment on Kraft lignin and evaluated for their ligninolytic potential as a source of novel enzymes for waste lignin valorization.

Results
Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phenotypic characterization, the organisms were identified as Pandoraea norimbergensis LD001, Pseudomonas sp LD002 and Bacillus sp LD003. The ligninolytic capability of each of these isolates was assessed by growth on high-molecular weight and low-molecular weight lignin fractions, utilization of lignin-associated aromatic monomers and degradation of ligninolytic indicator dyes. Pandoraea norimbergensis LD001 and Pseudomonas sp. LD002 exhibited best growth on lignin fractions, but limited dye-decolourizing capacity. Bacillus sp. LD003, however, showed least efficient growth on lignin fractions but extensive dye-decolourizing capacity, with a particular preference for the recalcitrant phenothiazine dye class (Azure B, Methylene Blue and Toluidene Blue O).

Conclusions

Bacillus sp. LD003 was selected as a promising source of novel types of ligninolytic enzymes. Our observations suggested that lignin mineralization and depolymerization are separate events which place additional challenges on the screening of ligninolytic microorganisms for specific ligninolytic enzymes.
Development of quality indicators for monitoring outcomes of frail elderly hospitalised in acute care health settings: Study Protocol
Authors: Brand Caroline A , Martin-Khan Melinda , Wright Olivia , Jones Richard N , Morris John N , Travers Catherine M , Tropea Joannne , Gray Leonard C 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Frail older people admitted to acute care hospitals are at risk of a range of adverse outcomes, including geriatric syndromes, although targeted care strategies can improve health outcomes for these patients. It is therefore important to assess inter-hospital variation in performance in order to plan and resource improvement programs.
Clinical quality outcome indicators provide a mechanism for identifying variation in performance over time and between hospitals, however to date there has been no routine use of such indicators in acute care settings.
A barrier to using quality indicators is lack of access to routinely collected clinical data. The interRAI Acute Care (AC) assessment system supports comprehensive geriatric assessment of older people within routine daily practice in hospital and includes process and outcome data pertaining to geriatric syndromes.
This paper reports the study protocol for the development of aged care quality indicators for acute care hospitals.

Methods/Design
The study will be conducted in three phases:

Development of a preliminary inclusive set of quality indicators set based on a literature review and expert panel consultation,

A prospective field study including recruitment of 480 patients aged 70 years or older across 9 Australian hospitals. Each patient will be assessed on admission and discharge using the interRAI AC, and will undergo daily monitoring to observe outcomes. Medical records will be independently audited, and

Analysis and compilation of a definitive quality indicator set, including two anonymous voting rounds for quality indicator inclusion by the expert panel.

Discussion
The approach to quality indicators proposed in this protocol has four distinct advantages over previous efforts: the quality indicators focus on outcomes; they can be collected as part of a routinely applied clinical information and decision support system; the clinical data will be robust and will contribute to better understanding variations in hospital care of older patients; The quality indicators will have international relevance as they will be built on the interRAI assessment instrument, an internationally recognised clinical system.
The roles of testicular nuclear receptor 4 (TR4) in male fertility-priapism and sexual behavior defects in TR4 knockout mice
Authors: Collins Loretta L , Lee Yi-Fen , Ting Huei-Ju , Lin Wen-Jye , Liu Ning-Chun , Meshul Charles K , Uno Hideo , Bao Bo-Ying , Chen Yen-Ta , Chang Chawnshang 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Successful reproductive efforts require the establishment of a situation favorable for reproduction that requires integration of both behavior and internal physiological events. TR4 nuclear receptor is known to be involved in male fertility via controlling spermatogenesis, yet its roles in regulating other biological events related to reproduction have not been completely revealed.

Methods
Male TR4 knockout (TR4-/-) and wild type mice were used for the sexual behavior and penile dysfunction studies. Mice were sacrificed for histological examination and corresponding genes profiles were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. Reporter gene assays were performed.

Results
We describe an unexpected finding of priapism in TR4-/- mice. As a transcriptional factor, we demonstrated that TR4 transcriptionally modulates a key enzyme regulating penis erection and neuronal nitric oxide synthese NOS (nNOS). Thereby, elimination of TR4 results in nNOS reduction in both mRNA and protein levels, consequently may lead to erectile dysfunction. In addition, male TR4-/- mice display defects in sexual and social behavior, with increased fear or anxiety, as well as reduced mounting, intromission, and ejaculation. Reduction of ER alpha, ER beta, and oxytocin in the hypothalamus may contribute to defects in sexual behavior and stress response.

Conclusions
Together, these results provide in vivo evidence of important TR4 roles in penile physiology, as well as in male sexual behavior. In conjunction with previous finding, TR4 represents a key factor that controls male fertility via regulating behavior and internal physiological events.
Investigating a TELEmedicine solution to improve MEDication adherence in chronic Heart Failure (TELEMED-HF): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kessing Dionne , Denollet Johan , Widdershoven Jos , Kupper Nina 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Frequent rehospitalisations and poorer survival chances in heart failure (HF) patients may partly be explained by poor medication adherence. There are multiple medication-related reasons for suboptimal adherence, but psychological reasons may also be important. A novel TELEmonitoring device may improve MEDication adherence in HF patients (TELEMED-HF). TELEMED-HF is a randomized, controlled clinical intervention trial designed to examine (1) the efficacy and cost-efficiency of an electronic medication adherence support system in improving and monitoring HF patients' medication adherence; (2) the effect of medication adherence on hospitalizations and health care consumption; as well as on (3) clinical characteristics, and Quality of Life (QoL); and (4) clinical, sociodemographic, and psychological determinants of medication adherence.

Methods/Design
Consecutive patients with chronic, systolic HF presenting to the outpatient clinic of the TweeSteden Hospital, The Netherlands, will be approached for study participation and randomly assigned (1:1) following blocked randomization procedures to the intervention (n = 200) or usual care arm (n = 200). Patients in the intervention arm use the medication support device for six months in addition to usual care. Post-intervention, patients return to usual care only and all patients participate in four follow-up occasions over 12 months. Primary endpoints comprise objective and subjective medication adherence, healthcare consumption, number of hospitalizations, and cost-effectiveness. Secondary endpoints include disease severity, physical functioning, and QoL.

Discussion
The TELEMED-HF study will provide us a comprehensive understanding of medication adherence in HF patients, and will show whether telemonitoring is effective and cost-efficient in improving adherence and preventing hospitalization in HF patients.

Trial registration number

NCT01347528.
A missed injury leading to delayed diagnosis and postoperative infection of an unstable thoracic spine fracture - case report of a potentially preventable complication
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroyuki , VanderHeiden Todd F , Stahel Philip F 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackgroundPatients suffering from polytrauma often present with altered mental status and have varying levels of examinability. This makes evaluation difficult. Physicians are often required to rely on advanced imaging techniques to make prompt and accurate diagnoses. Occasionally, injury detection on advanced imaging studies can be challenging given the subtle findings associated with certain conditions, such as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). Delayed or missed diagnoses in the setting of spinal fracture can lead to catastrophic neurological injury.Case presentationA man struck by a motor vehicle suffered multiple traumatic injuries including numerous rib fractures, a mechanically unstable pelvic fracture, and also had suspicion for an aortic injury. Unfortunately, the upper thoracic segment (T1-5) was only visualized with axial images based on the electronic data. Several days later, a contrast CT scan obtained to check the status of suspected aortic injury revealed T3-T4 subluxation indicative of an unstable extension-type fracture in the setting of DISH. Due to the missed injury and delay in diagnosis, surgery was not performed until eight days after the injury. At surgery, the patient was found to have left T3-T4 facet joint infection as well as infected hematoma surrounding a left T4 transverse process fracture and a traumatic T4 costo-transverse joint fracture-subluxation. Despite presence of infection, an instrumented posterior spinal fusion from T1-T6 was performed and the patient recovered well after antibiotic treatment.ConclusionA T3-T4 unstable DISH extension-type fracture was initially missed in a polytrauma patient due to inadequate imaging acquisition, which caused a delay in treatment and bacterial seeding of fracture hematoma. Complete imaging is especially needed in obtunded patients that cannot be thoroughly examined.
The inotropic effects of ammonia on isolated perfused rat hearts and the mechanisms involved
Authors: Zhang Quanxi , Meng Ziqiang 
Published: November 2011

SUMMARY
Ammonia (NH3) is a common exogenous gas in the atmosphere, as well as an endogenous chemical produced by amino acid catabolism and other pathways in vivo. Physiological and pathophysiological roles of NH3 in the nervous system have been studied. Recently, endogenous NH3 has been suggested to be a gas transmitter. However, so far the role of NH3 in cardiovascular functions has not been reported. The present study was designed to investigate the inotropic effects of NH3 on isolated perfused rat hearts and the possible mechanisms involved in these effects. The results showed that NH3 had a positive inotropic effect in a concentration-dependent manner and produced a higher positive effect than NaOH and NH4Cl. At low concentrations, the effect of NH3 on cardiac function was caused by NH3 molecules; at high concentrations, the effect of NH3 on hearts may be partly correlated with a change of pH value, but was mainly caused by NH3 molecules. The mechanisms involved in the NH3-induced positive inotropic effect may be related to the ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel and the nitric oxide (NO)–cyclic GMP (cGMP) signaling pathway. In addition, at a concentration of 1.5 mmol l–1, NH3 significantly increased the activity of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the coronary perfusate and decreased the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase and Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase in the hearts. These results indicate that NH3 at physiological or low concentrations may play a modulatory role in heart function, but at high concentrations had a damaging effect on isolated rat hearts.
Changes in cardiac performance during hypoxic exposure in the grass shrimpPalaemonetes pugio
Authors: Guadagnoli Jutta A. , Tobita Kimimasa , Reiber Carl L. 
Published: November 2011

SUMMARYIn hearts of higher invertebrates as well as vertebrates, the work performed by the ventricle is a function of both rate and contractility. Decapod crustaceans experience a hypoxia-induced bradycardia that is thought to result in an overall reduction in cardiac work; however, this hypothesis has not yet been tested and is the primary purpose of this study. In the grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio, cardiac pressure and area data were obtained simultaneously, and in vivo, under normoxic (20.2 kPa O2) and hypoxic (6.8 or 2.2 kPa O2) conditions and integrated to generate pressure–area (P–A) loops. The area enclosed by the P–A loop provides a measure of stroke work and, when multiplied by the heart rate, provides an estimate of both cardiac work and myocardial O2 consumption. Changes in intra-cardiac pressure (dp/dt) are correlated to the isovolemic contraction phase and provide an indication of stroke work. At both levels of hypoxic exposure, intra-cardiac pressure, dp/dt, stroke work and cardiac work fell significantly. The significant decrease in intra-cardiac pressure provides the primary mechanism for the decrease in stroke work, and, when coupled with the hypoxia-induced bradycardia, it contributes to an overall fall in cardiac work. Compared with normoxic P–A loops, hypoxic P–A loops (at both levels of hypoxia) become curvilinear, indicating a fall in peripheral resistance (which might account for the reduction in intra-cardiac pressure), which would reduce both stroke work and cardiac work and ultimately would serve to reduce myocardial O2 consumption. This is the most direct evidence to date indicating that the hypoxia-induced bradycardia observed in many decapod crustaceans reduces cardiac work and is therefore energetically favorable during acute exposure to conditions of low oxygen.
Flea infestation does not cause a long-term increase in energy metabolism in Gerbillus nanus
Authors: Kam Michael , Khokhlova Irina S. , Krasnov Boris R. , Degen A. Allan 
Published: November 2011

SUMMARY
Fleas can increase the metabolic rate of their hosts. It has been suggested that a constitutive response, in which the host constantly maintains a relatively high level of energy metabolism to combat the parasite, is advantageous for hosts with high parasite infestation, while an induced response, in which the host increases energy metabolism in response to a parasite attack, is advantageous with low parasite infestation. As free-living Gerbillus nanus show a relatively low flea infestation, we hypothesized that this host uses an induced strategy and, consequently, flea infestation would not impose a long-term effect on energy metabolism. In a previous study in spring, higher field metabolic rate (FMR) was found in free-living parasitized than in non-parasitized G. nanus. In this study, G. nanus were captured at Hazeva in spring; some had fleas (N=14) and some did not (N=10). We brought them to the laboratory, removed the fleas from those that were infested and, after 3 weeks, measured average daily metabolic rate (ADMR) of all rodents. ADMR averaged 8.68±0.95 kJ g–0.54 day–1 for all rodents and was similar between previously parasitized and non-parasitized G. nanus while free living. Thus, the hypothesis that flea infestation does not have a long-term effect on energy metabolism was supported, as was the idea of an induced over a constitutive immune response by G. nanus in combating parasites.