bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dead Sea rhodopsins revisited
Authors: Bodaker Idan , Suzuki Marcelino T. , Oren Aharon , Béjà Oded 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe Dead Sea is a unique hypersaline ecosystem with near toxic magnesium levels (∼2 M), dominance of divalent cations and a slightly acidic pH. Previously, we reported a haloarchaeon related to Halobacterium salinarum to dominate in a microbial bloom that developed in 1992 in the upper water layers of the lake following massive freshwater runoff. Whether this clade also dominated an earlier bloom in 1980–1982 cannot be ascertained as no samples for cultivation‐independent analysis were preserved. The presence of the light‐driven proton pump bacteriorhodopsin was reported in the 1980–1982 bloom of prokaryotes that had developed in the Dead Sea. To test the hypothesis that bacteriorhodopsin proton pumping may play a major role in determining what type of haloarchaea may dominate in specific bloom conditions, we compared rhodopsin genes recovered from Dead Sea biomass collected in different periods with genes coding for retinal proteins in isolated haloarchaea. Novel bacteriorhodopsin and sensory rhodopsin genes were found in samples collected in 2007 and 2010. The fact that no rhodopsin genes were recovered from samples collected during the 1992 bloom, which was dominated by a single species, suggests that different clades were present in the 1980–1982 and 1992 blooms, and that bacteriorhodopsin proton pumping did not necessarily play a determinative role in the dominance of specific halophiles in the blooms.
Alfaxalone and medetomidine intravenous infusion to maintain anaesthesia in colts undergoing field castration
Authors: Goodwin W. A. , Keates H. L. , Pearson M. , Pasloske K. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryReasons for performing the studyThe use of alfaxalone and medetomidine administered as an i.v. infusion to maintain anaesthesia has not previously been reported in the horse.ObjectivesTo investigate the use of alfaxalone in hydroxpropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin (Alfaxan) and medetomidine infusion as a field anaesthetic for short‐term surgical procedures in the horse.HypothesisAlfaxalone–medetomidine anaesthesia is suitable for short‐term field anaesthesia in horses.MethodsEleven healthy colts underwent 45 min of anaesthesia with an i.v. infusion of alfaxalone (2 mg/kg bwt/h) and medetomidine (5 μg/kg bwt/h) for routine field castration. Horses were premedicated with i.v. acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg bwt), medetomidine (7 μg/kg bwt) and guaiphenesin (35 mg/kg bwt) before i.v. induction with alfaxalone (1 mg/kg bwt). Colts were intubated with an endotracheal tube and 100% oxygen insufflated at 10 l/min. The physiological variables monitored included pulse rate, respiratory rate, direct arterial blood pressure, arterial blood gases and the quality of the inductions and recoveries were scored.ResultsOverall, the anaesthetic period and surgical conditions were acceptable and the quality of the anaesthetic inductions and recoveries was good to excellent. All colts stood on their first attempt (mean ± s.d.) 37 ± 13.5 min after the infusion was stopped. During anaesthesia, cardiopulmonary data, presented as range of mean values at each time point were: heart rate: 45–47 beats/min; mean blood pressure: 104–112 mmHg; respiratory rate: 8 breaths/min; PaO2: 117–172 mmHg; PaCO2: 50–56 mmHg and pH 7.34–7.37.Conclusions and potential relevanceThe co‐administration of alfaxalone and medetomidine as an i.v. infusion after anaesthetic induction with alfaxalone was suitable for short‐term field anaesthesia in the horse.
Deletion of the complement phagocytic receptors CR3 and CR4 does not alter susceptibility to experimental cerebral malaria
Authors: RAMOS T. N. , BULLARD D. C. , BARNUM S. R. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryComplement receptors for C3‐derived fragments (CR1–4) play critical roles in innate and adaptive immune responses. Of these receptors, CR3 and CR4 are important in binding and phagocytosis of complement‐opsonized pathogens including parasites. The role of CR3 and CR4 in malaria or in cerebral malaria (CM) has received little attention and remains poorly understood in both human disease and rodent models of malaria. CR3 and CR4 are members of the β2‐integrin family of adhesion molecules and are expressed on all leucocytes that participate in the development of CM, most importantly as it relates to parasite phagocytosis (monocytes/macrophages) and antigen processing and presentation (dendritic cells). Thus, it is possible that these receptors might play an important role in disease development. To address this question, we examined the role of CR3−/− and CR4−/− in experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). We found that both CR3−/− and CR4−/− mice were fully susceptible to ECM and developed disease comparable to wild‐type mice. Our results indicate that CR3 and CR4 are not critical to the pathogenesis of ECM despite their role in elimination of complement‐opsonized pathogens. These findings support recent studies indicating the importance of the terminal complement pathway and the membrane attack complex in ECM pathogenesis.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein-Induced Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Signaling Is Inhibited by the TLR4 Antagonists Rhodobacter sphaeroides Lipopolysaccharide and Eritoran (E5564) and Requires Direct Interaction with MD-2
Authors: Rallabhandi Prasad , Phillips Rachel L. , Boukhvalova Marina S. , Pletneva Lioubov M. , Shirey Kari Ann , Gioannini Theresa L. , Weiss Jerrold P. , Chow Jesse C. , Hawkins Lynn D. , Vogel Stefanie N. , Blanco Jorge C. G. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of infant mortality worldwide. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a signaling receptor for structurally diverse microbe-associated molecular patterns, is activated by the RSV fusion (F) protein and by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a CD14-dependent manner. TLR4 signaling by LPS also requires the presence of an additional protein, MD-2. Thus, it is possible that F protein-mediated TLR4 activation relies on MD-2 as well, although this hypothesis has not been formally tested. LPS-free RSV F protein was found to activate NF-κB in HEK293T transfectants that express wild-type (WT) TLR4 and CD14, but only when MD-2 was coexpressed. These findings were confirmed by measuring F-protein-induced interleukin 1β (IL-1β) mRNA in WT versus MD-2−/−macrophages, where MD-2−/−macrophages failed to show IL-1β expression upon F-protein treatment, in contrast to the WT. BothRhodobacter sphaeroidesLPS and synthetic E5564 (eritoran), LPS antagonists that inhibit TLR4 signaling by binding a hydrophobic pocket in MD-2, significantly reduced RSV F-protein-mediated TLR4 activity in HEK293T-TLR4–CD14–MD-2 transfectants in a dose-dependent manner, while TLR4-independent NF-κB activation by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was unaffected.In vitrocoimmunoprecipitation studies confirmed a physical interaction between native RSV F protein and MD-2. Further, we demonstrated that the N-terminal domain of the F1 segment of RSV F protein interacts with MD-2. These data provide new insights into the importance of MD-2 in RSV F-protein-mediated TLR4 activation. Thus, targeting the interaction between MD-2 and RSV F protein may potentially lead to novel therapeutic approaches to help control RSV-induced inflammation and pathology.IMPORTANCEThis study shows for the first time that the fusion (F) protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a major cause of bronchiolitis and death, particularly in infants and young children, physically interacts with the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) coreceptor, MD-2, through its N-terminal domain. We show that F protein-induced TLR4 activation can be blocked by lipid A analog antagonists. This observation provides a strong experimental rationale for testing such antagonists in animal models of RSV infection for potential use in people.
Statistical modelling for recurrent events: an application to sports injuries
Authors: Ullah Shahid , Gabbett Tim J , Finch Caroline F 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundInjuries are often recurrent, with subsequent injuries influenced by previous occurrences and hence correlation between events needs to be taken into account when analysing such data.ObjectiveThis paper compares five different survival models (Cox proportional hazards (CoxPH) model and the following generalisations to recurrent event data: Andersen-Gill (A-G), frailty, Wei-Lin-Weissfeld total time (WLW-TT) marginal, Prentice-Williams-Peterson gap time (PWP-GT) conditional models) for the analysis of recurrent injury data.MethodsEmpirical evaluation and comparison of different models were performed using model selection criteria and goodness-of-fit statistics. Simulation studies assessed the size and power of each model fit.ResultsThe modelling approach is demonstrated through direct application to Australian National Rugby League recurrent injury data collected over the 2008 playing season. Of the 35 players analysed, 14 (40%) players had more than 1 injury and 47 contact injuries were sustained over 29 matches. The CoxPH model provided the poorest fit to the recurrent sports injury data. The fit was improved with the A-G and frailty models, compared to WLW-TT and PWP-GT models.ConclusionsDespite little difference in model fit between the A-G and frailty models, in the interest of fewer statistical assumptions it is recommended that, where relevant, future studies involving modelling of recurrent sports injury data use the frailty model in preference to the CoxPH model or its other generalisations. The paper provides a rationale for future statistical modelling approaches for recurrent sports injury.
Perceived key injury risk factors in World Cup alpine ski racing—an explorative qualitative study with expert stakeholders
Authors: Spörri Jörg , Kröll Josef , Amesberger Günter , Blake Ollie M , Müller Erich 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundThere is limited knowledge about key injury risk factors in alpine ski racing, particularly for World Cup (WC) athletes.ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to compile and explore perceived intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for severe injuries in WC alpine ski racing.MethodsQualitative study. Interviews were conducted with 61 expert stakeholders of the WC ski racing community. Experts’ statements were collected, paraphrased and loaded into a database with inductively derived risk factor categories (Risk Factor Analysis). At the end of the interviews, experts were asked to name those risk factors they believed to have a high potential impact on injury risk and to rank them according to their priority of impact (Risk Factor Rating).ResultsIn total, 32 perceived risk factors categories were derived from the interviews within the basic categories Athlete, Course, Equipment and Snow. Regarding their perceived impact on injury risk, the experts’ top five categories were: system ski, binding, plate and boot; changing snow conditions; physical aspects of the athletes; speed and course setting aspects and speed in general.ConclusionsSevere injuries in WC alpine ski racing can have various causes. This study compiled a list of perceived intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors and explored those factors with the highest believed impact on injury risk. Hence, by using more detailed hypotheses derived from this explorative study, further studies should verify the plausibility of these factors as true risk factors for severe injuries in WC alpine ski racing.
Complications of Bioglue postsurgery for aortic dissections and aortic valve replacement
Authors: Luk Adriana , David Tirone E , Butany Jagdish 
Published: August 2012

AimsBioglue is an adhesive used during cardiovascular surgery to improve hemostasis perioperatively and to strengthen and reinforce vascular anastomoses. It has also been used to ‘seal’ the false lumen in patients presenting with acute aortic dissections. Herein, we examine the complications of Bioglue, which may lead to redo sternotomy in selected patients.MethodsA review of pathology records at our institution from 2002 to 2010 found 4 cases of excised aortic tissue and/or aortic valves with previous Bioglue® use at initial operation. Excised tissues and valves were examined, looking for the presence of Bioglue®, inflammatory cells (acute, chronic, macrophage and giant cells) and micro-organisms. Patient demographics were also reviewed and recorded.ResultsWe identified four cases of Bioglue use found at redo surgery, after the formation of pseudoaneurysm (n=3) and aortic stenosis (n=1). Mean interval to redo surgery was 2.28 + 0.32 years (range 2-2.6 years). Pseudoaneurysm formation was thought to be caused by an inflammatory reaction to the Bioglue® itself in two cases, while one case found no such reaction. One patient with previous aortic valve replacement had large annular abscesses filled with necrotic debris surrounding the prosthesis and pannus found on the sewing cuff, comprised of Bioglue® itself.ConclusionsThe mechanisms leading to these complications include mechanical strain, inflammation and tissue necrosis. The judicious use of Bioglue® when clinically indicated, and close follow-up of these patients with serial imaging, remain an integral part of avoiding future complications.
Ferns N Petals: Transforming an Unorganized Business into an Organized One
Authors: Gupta Rakesh , Pandit Ajay 
Published: August 2012

The economic reforms in India have not only changed consumption patterns but also the mindsets of people. This changing economic and social landscape has unleashed a plethora of opportunities and brought into existence companies in various sectors which were unheard of earlier. This case is about Ferns N Petals (FNP), which has emerged as the largest floral retail chain in India. When Vikas, founder of Ferns N Petals landed in Delhi in 1994 with US$110 (INRs 5,000) in his pocket, no one would have imagined that he would go on to establish the country's only branded floral retail chain. Whenever Vikas traveled to Delhi to meet his sweetheart Meeta, he found that the capital had no good florist. For someone who came from a family that dealt in flowers, this was the turning point which led to the launch of Ferns N Petal. The case moves on to discuss in detail the challenges faced by Vikas in setting up a nationwide floral retail chain and how he maximized the opportunity by adding new segments related to flowers and the move to get into the online flower selling mode when the internet was making inroads in India. The case winds up by highlighting his decision to enter into the food segment which is fraught with risks. The FNP case has been developed to highlight the existence of many entrepreneurial opportunities emerging in the changing socio-economic scenario in India. This case clearly illustrates that many unorganized sectors offer scope for professionalization and how an entrepreneur can tap these opportunities. FNP is a good example of how these opportunities can be tapped, thanks to the ambition, courage and risk-taking capabilities of Vikas Gutgutia. The case traces the journey of a start-up and the difficulties it faced at various stages and how these challenges are remarkably similar in any start-up. It highlights the need for modifying the existing business models and developing new ones to tap the emerging opportunities in an unorganized sector. The case goes on to highlight how the success of one venture many times can result in the belief that one can transform every opportunity in the unorganized sector which may lead to overstretching oneself.
Taiwan DRAM Industry in 2009
Authors: Chen Chien Nan , Tien Chengli 
Published: August 2012

Under the impact of the 2008 financial tsunami, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, R.O.C., made a proposal to the Execution Yuan in March 2009 regarding the renovation plan of Taiwan DRAM industry. This plan was hopefully to establish Taiwan Memory Company (TMC) with private investors to renovate Taiwan DRAM industry. However, under media pressure, in July 2009, the original plan was altered to invite any DRAM company that wished to propose a renovation plan and needed government funding to file an application within three months. In August 2009, Taiwan Innovation Memory Company (TIMC) was officially established. This case aims to discuss the difficulties of Taiwan DRAM industry and the feasibility of the renovation plan through the establishment of TMC by its historical background and potential impacts. The key role of this case is Mr John Hsuan, CEO of TMC, and the decision-making focus is the Renovation Plan of Taiwan DRAM Industry under the charge of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. This covers the fourth quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2010. The purpose of the DRAM industry renovation plan was to sustain the technology and the industry, not any individual company. Therefore, the plan did not solve the financial problems of any DRAM companies. Can the DRAM industry renovation plan successfully turn Taiwan's DRAM industry around in a financial crisis and upgrade the competitive advantage of the nation?
Case–Control Study of Cutaneous Human Papillomaviruses in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin
Authors: Iannacone Michelle R. , Gheit Tarik , Waterboer Tim , Giuliano Anna R. , Messina Jane L. , Fenske Neil A. , Cherpelis Basil S. , Sondak Vernon K. , Roetzheim Richard G. , Michael Kristina M. , Tommasino Massimo , Pawlita Michael , Rollison Dana E. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Background: Cutaneous human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may be a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin.
Methods: To investigate the association between cutaneous HPV and SCC, a case–control study was conducted, including 173 SCC cases from a university dermatology clinic and 300 controls that screened negative for skin cancer. Serum antibodies against cutaneous HPV types in genera alpha, beta, gamma, mu, and nu were measured. Tumor tissue from 159 SCC cases was tested for the presence of DNA for genus-beta HPV types. Using logistic regression ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for the associations between SCC and cutaneous HPV infection, adjusting for age and sex. The Bonferroni method was used to account for multiple comparisons.
Results: SCC was positively associated with seropositivity to any genus-beta HPV type (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.23–3.02), particularly with types in species-1 (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.22–2.85). Type-specific associations with SCC were observed for HPV 8 (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.14–2.84), 17 (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.02–2.49) and HPV 10 from genus-alpha (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.04–4.85). None of the type-specific associations remained statistically significant after correction for multiple comparisons. When DNA-positive SCC cases were compared with controls, strong serologic associations were observed for HPVs 5 (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.27–9.59), 17 (OR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.29–8.72), and 24 (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 1.24–11.5).
Conclusion: Genus-beta HPV infections were associated with SCC in our study population.
Impact: Identifying the role of cutaneous HPV infection in SCC may lead to improved characterization of high-risk individuals and the development of novel prevention strategies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(8); 1303–13. ©2012 AACR.
Preoperative Serum Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and Survival of Breast Cancer among Korean Women
Authors: Song Nan , Sung Hyuna , Choi Ji-Yeob , Han Sohee , Jeon Sujee , Song Minkyo , Lee Yunhee , Park Chulbum , Park Sue K. , Lee Kyoung-Mu , Yoo Keun-Young , Noh Dong-Young , Ahn Sei-Hyun , Lee Sang-Ah , Kang Daehee 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) has been thought of as a predictor of recurrence or metastasis risk or prognostic markers in cancer. We evaluated whether preoperative serum levels of MMP-2 work as a prognostic biomarker in breast cancer prognosis.
Methods: Preoperative serum levels of MMP-2 were measured with ELISA in 303 patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer. The median follow-up time for all patients was 4.24 years. The relationship of MMP-2 to survival was investigated using Cox proportional hazard regression model adjusted for the tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) stage and estrogen receptor (ER) status.
Results: In the multivariate analysis, disease-free survival (DFS) was worse among patients with the third tertile of MMP-2 level than with the first tertile of MMP-2 level [hazard ratio, 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–3.11; P = 0.04]. However, when the patients were stratified by age, ER status, histologic grade, and nuclear grade, inverse correlation was shown between serum MMP-2 levels and prognostic factors, and the associations between MMP-2 and DFS were only significant among patients with poor prognostic factors (HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.32–5.73 in ER-negative; HR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.42–5.92 in histologic grade III; and HR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.26–5.39 in nuclear grade III).
Conclusions: Our results suggest that the preoperative serum levels of MMP-2 were associated with the survival in patients with breast cancer in ER-negative, higher histologic grade, or higher nuclear grade breast cancers.
Impact: Our results indicate that serum levels of MMP-2 may play a role as prognostic biomarker in breast cancer survival. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(8); 1371–80. ©2012 AACR.
Genomic Methylation Changes Over Time in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell DNA: Differences by Assay Type and Baseline Values
Authors: Wu Hui-Chen , Wang Qiao , Delgado-Cruzata Lissette , Santella Regina M. , Terry Mary Beth 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Background: Lower levels of genomic DNA methylation in blood DNA has been associated with risk of different cancers and several cancer risk factors. To understand the use of genomic methylation measures as biomarkers of cancer risk, data are needed on within-individual changes over time.
Methods: Using information from 77 subjects with blood collected at 2 visits on average 8 years apart, we examined whether levels of DNA methylation change with time and if so, whether selected cancer risk factors predict these changes. We measured DNA methylation levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using three assays that have been used in epidemiologic studies: (i) luminometric methylation assay (LUMA)(ii) LINE-1 by pyrosequencing, and (iii) Sat2 by MethyLight.
Results: Close to a third of all individuals had large changes over time (≥10%) in LUMA with 19.5% increasing and 13.0% decreasing. For Sat2, two-thirds of individuals had large changes with 40% increasing and 26% decreasing over time. In contrast, only 3.9% of individuals had large changes in LINE-1 over time. The degree of change in PBMC DNA methylation was statistically significantly inversely associated with methylation levels at baseline; greater decreases were observed in individuals with higher baseline values for each assay.
Conclusions: These data, if replicated, suggest that changes in DNA methylation over time are highly associated with baseline values of the assay and vary by assay type.
Impact: These findings suggest that assays that change more over time may warrant consideration for studies that measure later life exposures. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(8); 1314–8. ©2012 AACR.