bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lateral fluid percussion injury of the brain induces CCL20 inflammatory chemokine expression in rats
Authors: Das Mahasweta , Leonardo Christopher C , Rangooni Saniya , Pennypacker Keith R , Mohapatra Subhra , Mohapatra Shyam S 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) evokes a systemic immune response including leukocyte migration into the brain and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines; however, the mechanisms underlying TBI pathogenesis and protection are poorly understood. Due to the high incidence of head trauma in the sports field, battlefield and automobile accidents identification of the molecular signals involved in TBI progression is critical for the development of novel therapeutics.MethodsIn this report, we used a rat lateral fluid percussion impact (LFPI) model of TBI to characterize neurodegeneration, apoptosis and alterations in pro-inflammatory mediators at two time points within the secondary injury phase. Brain histopathology was evaluated by fluoro-jade (FJ) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay, polymerase chain reaction (qRT PCR), enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry were employed to evaluate the CCL20 gene expression in different tissues.ResultsHistological analysis of neurodegeneration by FJ staining showed mild injury in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and thalamus. TUNEL staining confirmed the presence of apoptotic cells and CD11b+microglia indicated initiation of an inflammatory reaction leading to secondary damage in these areas. Analysis of spleen mRNA by PCR microarray of an inflammation panel led to the identification of CCL20 as an important pro-inflammatory signal upregulated 24 h after TBI. Although, CCL20 expression was observed in spleen and thymus after 24h of TBI, it was not expressed in degenerating cortex or hippocampal neurons until 48 h after insult. Splenectomy partially but significantly decreased the CCL20 expression in brain tissues.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that the systemic inflammatory reaction to TBI starts earlier than the local brain response and suggest that spleen- and/ or thymus-derived CCL20 might play a role in promoting neuronal injury and central nervous system inflammation in response to mild TBI.
Inhibition of HIV-1 endocytosis allows lipid mixing at the plasma membrane, but not complete fusion
Authors: de la Vega Michelle , Marin Mariana , Kondo Naoyuki , Miyauchi Kosuke , Kim Yuri , Epand Raquel F , Epand Richard M , Melikyan Gregory B 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
We recently provided evidence that HIV-1 enters HeLa-derived TZM-bl and lymphoid CEMss cells by fusing with endosomes, whereas its fusion with the plasma membrane does not proceed beyond the lipid mixing step. The mechanism of restriction of HIV-1 fusion at the cell surface and/or the factors that aid the virus entry from endosomes remain unclear.

Results
We examined HIV-1 fusion with a panel of target cells lines and with primary CD4+ T cells. Kinetic measurements of fusion combined with time-resolved imaging of single viruses further reinforced the notion that HIV-1 enters the cells via endocytosis and fusion with endosomes. Furthermore, we attempted to deliberately redirect virus fusion to the plasma membrane, using two experimental strategies. First, the fusion reaction was synchronized by pre-incubating the viruses with cells at reduced temperature to allow CD4 and coreceptors engagement, but not the virus uptake or fusion. Subsequent shift to a physiological temperature triggered accelerated virus uptake followed by entry from endosomes, but did not permit fusion at the cell surface. Second, blocking HIV-1 endocytosis by a small-molecule dynamin inhibitor, dynasore, resulted in transfer of viral lipids to the plasma membrane without any detectable release of the viral content into the cytosol. We also found that a higher concentration of dynasore is required to block the HIV-endosome fusion compared to virus internalization.

Conclusions
Our results further support the notion that HIV-1 enters disparate cell types through fusion with endosomes. The block of HIV-1 fusion with the plasma membrane at a post-lipid mixing stage shows that this membrane is not conducive to fusion pore formation and/or enlargement. The ability of dynasore to interfere with the virus-endosome fusion suggests that dynamin could be involved in two distinct steps of HIV-1 entry - endocytosis and fusion within intracellular compartments.
Morbidity-mortality and performance evaluation of Brahman calves from in vitro embryo production
Authors: Pimenta-Oliveira Andreza , Oliveira-Filho José P , Dias Adriano , Gonçalves Roberto C 
Published: December 2011

BackgroundThe use of bovinein vitroembryo production (IVP) increases the reproductive potential of genetically superior cows, enabling a larger scale of embryo production when compared with other biotechnologies. However, deleterious effects such as abnormal fetal growth, longer gestation period, increased birth weight, abortion, preterm birth and higher rates of neonatal mortality have been attributed to IVP. The aim of this study was to compare the influence ofin vitroembryo production and artificial insemination (AI) on gestation length, complications with birth, birth weight, method of feeding colostrum, passive transfer of immunity, morbidity-mortality, and performance in Brahman calves.ResultsWhilst gestation length and birth weight were significantly increased in IVP-derived calves, no difference in weaning weight was observed between groups. The passive transfer of immunity (PT), was assessed in IVP (n = 80) and AI (n = 20) groups 24 hours after birth by determination of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and gammaglobulin activity as well as by quantification of the concentration of total protein in serum. No differences in passive transfer or incidences of dystocia and diseases at weaning were observed between groups. Birth weight, method of feeding colostrum and dystocia were not correlated with PT in either group.ConclusionsIn this study,in vitroembryo production did not affect the health status, development, or passive transfer of immunity in Brahman calves.
Inferring pleiotropy by network analysis: linked diseases in the human PPI network
Authors: Nguyen Thanh-Phuong , Liu Wei-chung , Jordán Ferenc 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Earlier, we identified proteins connecting different disease proteins in the human protein-protein interaction network and quantified their mediator role. An analysis of the networks of these mediators shows that proteins connecting heart disease and diabetes largely overlap with the ones connecting heart disease and obesity.

Results
We quantified their overlap, and based on the identified topological patterns, we inferred the structural disease-relatedness of several proteins. Literature data provide a functional look of them, well supporting our findings. For example, the inferred structurally important role of the PDZ domain-containing protein GIPC1 in diabetes is supported despite the lack of this information in the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database. Several key mediator proteins identified here clearly has pleiotropic effects, supported by ample evidence for their general but always of only secondary importance.

Conclusions
We suggest that studying central nodes in mediator networks may contribute to better understanding and quantifying pleiotropy. Network analysis provides potentially useful tools here, as well as helps in improving databases.
Growth, seed development and genetic analysis in wild type and Def mutant of Pisum sativum L
Authors: Ayeh Kwadwo Owusu , Lee YeonKyeong , Ambrose Mike J , Hvoslef-Eide Anne Kathrine 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundThedefmutant pea (Pisum sativumL) showed non-abscission of seeds from the funicule. Here we present data on seed development and growth pattern and their relationship in predicting this particular trait in wild type and mutant lines as well as the inheritance pattern of thedefallele in F2and F3populations.FindingsPod length and seed fresh weight increase with fruit maturity and this may affect the abscission event in pea seeds. However, the seed position in either the distal and proximal ends of the pod did not show any difference. The growth factors of seed fresh weight (FW), width of funicles (WFN), seed width (SW) and seed height (SH) were highly correlated and their relationships were determined in both wild type anddefmutant peas. The coefficient of determinationR2values for the relationship between WFN and FW, SW and SH and their various interactions were higher for thedefdwarf type. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that variation of WFN was associated with SH and SW. Pearson's chi square analysis revealed that the inheritance and segregation of theDeflocus in 3:1 ratio was significant in two F2populations. Structural analysis of the F3 population was used to confirm the inheritance status of theDeflocus in F2heterozygote plants.ConclusionsThis study investigated the inheritance of the presence or absence of theDefallele, controlling the presence of an abscission zone (AZ) or an abscission-less zone (ALZ) forming in wild type and mutant lines respectively. The single major gene (Def) controlling this phenotype was monogenic anddefmutants were characterized and controlled by the homozygous recessivedefallele that showed no palisade layers in the hilum region of the seed coat.
Patient expectations of podiatric surgery in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wilkinson Antony N , Maher Anthony J 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundPatient expectations can be difficult to conceptualise and are liable to change with time, health and environmental factors. Patient expectation is known to influence satisfaction, however little is known about the expectations of patients attending for podiatric surgery. This paper will explore the expectations of a large cohort of patients undergoing elective foot surgery.MethodsThe UK based podiatric audit of surgery and clinical outcome measurement (PASCOM) audit system was applied to a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing elective podiatric surgery in Doncaster, South Yorkshire between 2004 and 2010. Data was collected relating to the surgical episode and patient expectations. A patient questionnaire was administered at 6 months post intervention.ResultsA total of 2910 unique surgical admissions were completed and satisfaction questionnaires were returned by 1869 patients. A total of 1430 patients answered question 1 which relates to patient expectations. Pain relief was the most frequent expectation with 1191 counts (52.3%), while footwear and mobility accounted for 16.6% and 16.4% respectively. Cosmesis counts occurred less commonly; 12.2%. 709 patients (49.6%) stated only a single expectation, 599 patients (41.9%) stated two expectations, 114 patients (8%) stated three expectations and 7 patients (0.5%) stated 4 expectations. Pain relief was the dominant expectation accounting for 515 counts (72.6%) of patients who provided only one response.ConclusionsThis paper demonstrates the expectations of a large cohort of podiatric surgery patients. For the most part patients expect pain relief, improved mobility and improved shoe fitting, while a small number of patients also expect a cosmetic improvement. Further research is required to determine the relationship between patient expectation and health related quality of life, and to determine whether podiatric surgery is successful in addressing the expectations of patients.
Breast Cancer Prognosis in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers: An International Prospective Breast Cancer Family Registry Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Goodwin Pamela J. , Phillips Kelly-Anne , West Dee W. , Ennis Marguerite , Hopper John L. , John Esther M. , O'Malley Frances P. , Milne Roger L. , Andrulis Irene L. , Friedlander Michael L. , Southey Melissa C. , Apicella Carmel , Giles Graham G. , Longacre Teri A. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose To compare breast cancer prognosis in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers with that in patients with sporadic disease. Patients and Methods An international population-based cohort study was conducted in Canada, the United States, and Australia of 3,220 women with incident breast cancer diagnosed between 1995 and 2000 and observed prospectively. Ninety-three had BRCA1 mutations; 71, BRCA2 mutations; one, both mutations; 1,550, sporadic breast cancer; and 1,505, familial breast cancer (without known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation). Distant recurrence and death were analyzed. Results Mean age at diagnosis was 45.3 years; mean follow-up was 7.9 years. Risks of distant recurrence and death did not differ significantly between BRCA1 mutation carriers and those with sporadic disease in univariable and multivariable analyses. Risk of distant recurrence was higher for BRCA2 mutation carriers compared with those with sporadic disease in univariable analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.63; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.60; P = .04). Risk of death was also higher in BRCA2 carriers in univariable analysis (HR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.86; P = .01). After adjustment for age, tumor stage and grade, nodal status, hormone receptors, and year of diagnosis, no differences were observed for distant recurrence (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.62 to 1.61; P = 1.00) or death (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.70 to 1.79; P = .64). Conclusion Outcomes of BRCA1 mutation carriers were similar to those of patients with sporadic breast cancer. Worse outcomes in BRCA2 mutation carriers in univariable analysis seem to reflect the presence of more adverse tumor characteristics in these carriers. Similar outcomes were identified in BRCA2 carriers and those with sporadic disease in multivariable analyses.
Two New Cembranes from a Formosan Soft Coral Sinularia facile
Authors: Chen Bo-Wei , Su Jui-Hsin , Dai Chang-Feng , Sung Ping-Jyun , Wu Yang-Chang , Lin Ying-Ting , Sheu Jyh-Horng 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Two new hydroxycembranes 1 and 2 and two known epoxycembrane 3 and isocembrol 4 have been isolated from a Formosan soft coral Sinularia facile. The structures of new metabolites were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and cytotoxic activity of 1–4 against the proliferation of a limited panel of cancer cell lines was measured.
Fabrication of Photochromic Tungsten Oxide Based Composite Film Using Peroxoisopolytungstic Acid
Authors: Miyazaki Hidetoshi , Baba Yuki , Inada Masaya , Nose Atsushi , Suzuki Hisao , Ota Toshitaka 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Tungsten-based photochromic composite films were fabricated using peroxoisopolytungstic acid aqueous solution and transparent urethane resin. UV–visible irradiation of the resulting composite films showed photochromic properties, indicating broad absorption with peaks at 650 and 900 nm. The coloring time was about 40 min. The colored composite films were transformed to clear film in a dark room in 90 h.
Boiling Heat Transfer: An Overview of Longstanding and New Challenges
Authors: Shekriladze I.G. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The review on boiling heat transfer addresses many critically important problems including the disregard of the pumping effect of growing bubbles (PEGB), the so-called “model of the theatre of director” (MTD), and the universal MTD-based correlation. In this review, with respect to PEGB, MTD, and the MTD-based correlation, emphasis is placed on the critical consideration of the traditional model of the theatre of actors (MTA). The universality of the MTD-based correlation once again is demonstrated, including forced-boiling heat transfer in microsystems. The MTD, in combination with so-called multi-factoring concept, represents a unified framework for the investigation of the diversity of boiling heat transfer curves, including boiling hysteresis and the specific boiling regimes characteristic for microsystems.
Modeling of Surface Crack Advance in Round Wires Subjected to Cyclic Loading
Authors: Toribio J. , Matos J. C. , González B. , Escuadra J. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
This paper shows the evolution of the surface crack front in round bars constituted of different materials (determined by the exponent m of the Paris law), subjected to fatigue tension loading (with free ends) or fatigue bending loading. To this end, a numerical modeling was developed on the basis of a discretization of the crack front (characterized with elliptical shape) and the crack advance at each point perpendicular to such a front, according to a Paris-Erdogan law, using a three-parameter stress intensity factor (SIF). Each analyzed case was characterized by the evolution of the semielliptical crack front, studying the progress with the relative crack depth a/D of the following three key variables: (i) crack aspect ratio a/b (relation between the semiaxes of the ellipse which defines the crack front); (ii) maximum dimensionless SIF; and (iii) minimum dimensionless SIF.
Copper(I) butyrate: a tetranuclear core revealed
Authors: Hietsoi Oleksandr , Filatov Alexander S. , Petrukhina Marina A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The title complex, [Cu4(O2CCH2CH2CH3)4] (1), has a planar core comprised of four copper atoms bridged by four butyrate ligands alternating above and below the Cu4-plane. The intramolecular Cu···Cu distances within the Cu4-core are very close, being 2.7255(5) and 2.7261(5) Å. In the solid-state, the Cu4-units are engaged in additional intermolecular copper–oxygen interactions to form a 1D polymeric structure with average Cu···O contacts of ca. 2.427(2) Å.
Childhood Cumulative Risk and Obesity: The Mediating Role of Self-Regulatory Ability
Authors: Evans Gary W. , Fuller-Rowell Thomas E. , Doan Stacey N. 
Published: December 2011

Objectives:We tested whether early childhood risk exposures are related to weight gain in adolescence and evaluate an underlying mechanism, self-regulatory behavior, for the risk-obesity link.Methods:Cumulative risk exposure to 9 sociodemographic (eg, poverty), physical (eg, substandard housing), and psychosocial (eg, family turmoil) stressors was assessed in 244 nine-year-old children. BMI was calculated at age 9 and then 4 years later. At age 9, children’s ability to delay gratification as an index of self-regulatory behavior was assessed. Path analyses were then estimated to evaluate our mediational model (Cumulative risk → Self-regulation → BMI) over a 4-year period in a prospective, longitudinal design.Results:Nine-year-old children exposed to a greater accumulation of multiple risk factors show larger gains in adiposity over the next four year period, net of their initial BMI. These gains in BMI during early adolescence are largely accounted for by deteriorated self-regulatory abilities among children facing more cumulative risks.Conclusions:Early childhood risk exposure leads to larger gains in BMI in adolescence. Given the importance of childhood adiposity to the development of obesity later in life, understanding the underlying mechanisms that link early experience to weight gain is an essential task. Deficiencies in self-regulation in response to chronic stress appears to be an important agent in the obesity epidemic.
Correlates of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in the United States and Puerto Rico
Authors: Whitmore Suzanne K. , Taylor Allan W. , Espinoza Lorena , Shouse R. Luke , Lampe Margaret A. , Nesheim Steven 
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE:
The goal of this study was to examine associations between demographic, behavioral, and clinical variables and mother-to-child HIV transmission in 15 US jurisdictions for birth years 2005 through 2008.

METHODS:
The study used Enhanced Perinatal Surveillance system data for HIV-infected women who gave birth to live infants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess variables associated with mother-to-child transmission.

RESULTS:
Among 8054 births, 179 infants (2.2%) were diagnosed with HIV infection. Half of the births had at least 1 missed prevention opportunity: 74.3% of infected infants, 52.1% of uninfected infants. Among 7757 mother–infant pairs with sufficient data for analysis, the odds of having an HIV-infected infant were higher for women who received late testing or no prenatal antiretroviral medications (odds ratio: 2.5 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5–4.0] and 3.5 [95% CI: 2.0–6.4], respectively). The odds for mothers who breastfed were 4.6 times (95% CI: 2.2–9.8) the odds for those who did not breastfeed. The adjusted odds for women with CD4 counts &lt;200 cells per microliter were 2.4 times (95% CI: 1.4–4.2) those for women with CD4 counts ≥500 cells per microliter. The odds for women who abused substances were twice (95% CI: 1.4–2.9) those for women who did not.

CONCLUSIONS:
The odds of having an HIV-infected infant were higher among HIV-infected women who were tested late, had no antiretroviral medications, abused substances, breastfed, or had lower CD4 cell counts. Increases in earlier HIV diagnosis, substance abuse treatment, avoidance of breastfeeding, and use of prenatal antiretroviral medications are critical in eliminating perinatal HIV infections in the United States.
Sustained Reduction in Neonatal Nosocomial Infections Through Quality Improvement Efforts
Authors: Payne Nathaniel R. , Barry Jennifer , Berg Wendy , Brasel David E. , Hagen Erik A. , Matthews Debra , McCullough Kristin , Sanger Katherine , Steger Melissa D. ,   for the Stop Transmission of Pathogens (STOP) team of the St. Paul Campus,   the Prevent Infection Team (PIT) of the Minneapolis Campus of Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
Published: December 2011

Background:Although reports of reduced nosocomial infections (NI) in very low birth weight infants have been published, the durability of these gains and changes in secondary outcomes, and clinical practices have less often been published.Methods:This was a retrospective, observational study of NI reduction in very low birth weight infants at two hospital campuses. The intervention began in 2005 with our renewed quality improvement efforts to reduce NI. We compared outcomes before (2000–2005) and after (2006–2009) the intervention by using univariate and multiple regression analyses.Results:We reduced NI by 50% comparing 2000–2005 to 2006–2009 (23.6% vs 11.6%, P &lt; .001). Adjusting for covariates, the odds ratio for NI was 0.33 (confidence interval, 0.26 – 0.42, P &lt; .001) in the more recent era. NI were lower even in infants with birth weight 501-1000 grams (odds ratio = 0.38, confidence interval, 0.29 – 0.51, P &lt; .001). We also reduced bronchopulmonary dysplasia (30.2% vs 25.5%, P = .001), median days to regain birth weight (9 vs 8, P = .04), percutaneously placed central venous catheter use (54.8% vs 43.9%, P = .002), median antibiotic days (8 vs 6, P = .003), median total central line days (16 vs 15, P = .01), and median ventilator days (7 vs 5, P = .01). We sustained improvements for three years.Conclusions:Quality improvement efforts were associated with sustained reductions in NI, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, antibiotic use, central line use, and ventilator days.