bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Metformin Increase Paraoxonase Activity in Patients with the Metabolic Syndrome? Additional Data from the MEFISTO Study
Authors: Meaney Eduardo , Sierra‐Vargas Patricia , Meaney Alejandra , Guzmán‐Grenfell Martín , Ramírez‐Sánchez Israel , Hicks Juan Jose , Olivares‐Corichi Ivonne , Ceballos Guillermo 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn a subanalysis on the metformin, arterial function, intima‐media thickness, and nitroxidation in the metabolic syndrome (MEFISTO)8 (an open‐label fashion, with 1 year of 850 mg daily of metformin) subjects’ samples, we measured the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity in 39 patients that finished the study and relate values with high density lipoprotein (HDL). The comparative PON1 activities at the beginning and at the end of the study were 5.528 ± 0.588 and 4.743 ± 0.619 nmol/mg protein/min (NS) for control group and 3.229 ± 0.403 and 5.135 ± 0.585 nmol/mg protein/min (p < 0.02) for the metformin group. Our data showed an enhance of PON1 activity in patients with metabolic syndrome treated with metformin, although in them, the raise of HDL concentration was less than control patients, suggesting that the increase in quality (measured here as PON1 activity) could be at least as important as an increase in its concentration. Our results point out that there is a relationship among PON1 activity and the reduction of carotideal intima‐media thickness. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume #: 1–4
Marine population connectivity identifies ecological neighbors for conservation planning in the Coral Triangle
Authors: Treml Eric A. , Halpin Patrick N. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractRobust conservation plans seek to accommodate functional connectivity by establishing regional priorities and through decisions regarding the size and placement of protected areas. In marine systems, connectivity refers to the ecological linkages (primarily larval dispersal) between populations and protected areas. Unfortunately, connectivity data for the majority of populations are unavailable, requiring managers to rely on expert knowledge and general "scale" and "distance" guidelines. We present a novel approach for integrating model‐based connectivity estimates into the conservation planning framework. We quantify multispecies connectivity across the Indo‐Pacific and demonstrate how this informs conservation planning in the Coral Triangle across three levels: countries, ecoregions, and priority seascapes. The emergent network structure of ecological linkages between planning regions complements the current bioregionalization across the Coral Triangle. This new ecological network perspective will help (re)define partnerships and assist in coordinating policy actions, ultimately leading to a more effective planning process.
Cardiac Troponin I in Calves with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Suzuki K. , Uchida E. , Schober K. E. , Niehaus A. , Rings M. D. , Lakritz J. 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundThe association between plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and the magnitude of cardiac enlargement in calves with congenital heart disease (CHD) are not well defined.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between plasmacTnIconcentrations and cardiac size in healthy calves and calves withCHD.AnimalsA total of 19 healthy calves (control) and 12 Holstein calves withCHD(patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot or double outlet right ventricle).MethodsCase control study. All animals underwent a comprehensive transthoracic echocardiographic study to document cardiac health or presence ofCHD. The vertebral heart score (VHS) was determined in each animal using right lateral survey radiographic images. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture and plasmacTnIconcentration and creatine kinase (CK) activity were determined by a 3rd generation immunoassay and an automatic biochemical analyzer, respectively. Groups were compared usingMann‐WhitneyU‐test and receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsCalves withCHDhad significantly largerVHSvalues and higher plasmacTnIconcentrations (P < .001) compared to control. Creatine kinase activity was not different between the control andCHDgroups of calves. Diagnostic cutoffs ofVHSand plasmacTnIfor discrimination of groups were 8.9 vertebrae and 0.035 ng/mL, respectively. ThecTnIconcentration in plasma was significantly correlated withVHS(r2=0.512,P < .001).Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceOur results suggest that determination of plasmacTnIconcentrations in calves with clinical signs compatible withCHDmight prove useful as a guide to quantify cardiac remodeling associated with increased cardiac size.
Beyond sensitivity: nonlinear perturbation analysis of transient dynamics
Authors: Stott Iain , Hodgson David James , Townley Stuart 
Published: June 2012

Summary1. Perturbation analyses of population models are integral to population management: such analyses evaluate how changes in vital rates of members of the population translate to changes in population dynamics. Sensitivity and elasticity analyses of long‐term (asymptotic) growth are popular, but limited: they ignore short‐term (transient) dynamics and provide a linear approximation to nonlinear perturbation curves.2. Population inertia measures how much larger or smaller a non‐stable population becomes compared with an equivalent stable population, as a result of transient dynamics. We present formulae for the transfer function of population inertia, which describes nonlinear perturbation curves of transient population dynamics. The method comfortably fits into wider frameworks for analytical study of transient dynamics, and for perturbation analyses that use the transfer function approach.3. We use case studies to illustrate how the transfer function of population inertia may be used in population management. These show that strategies based solely on asymptotic perturbation analyses can cause undesirable transient dynamics and/or fail to exploit desirable transient dynamics. This highlights the importance of considering both transient and asymptotic population dynamics in population management.4. Our case studies also show a tendency towards marked nonlinearity in transient perturbation curves. We extend our method to measure sensitivity of population inertia and show that it often fails to capture dynamics resulting from perturbations typical of management scenarios.
A mechanistic pharmacokinetic model to assess modified oral drug bioavailability post bariatric surgery in morbidly obese patients: interplay between CYP3A gut wall metabolism, permeability and dissolution
Authors: Darwich Adam S , Pade Devendra , Ammori Basil J , Jamei Masoud , Ashcroft Darren M , Rostami-Hodjegan Amin 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Objectives
Due to the multi-factorial physiological implications of bariatric surgery, attempts to explain trends in oral bioavailability following bariatric surgery using singular attributes of drugs or simplified categorisations such as the biopharmaceutics classification system have been unsuccessful. So we have attempted to use mechanistic models to assess changes to bioavailability of model drugs.

Methods
Pharmacokinetic post bariatric surgery models were created for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, sleeve gastrectomy and jejunoileal bypass, through altering the ‘Advanced Dissolution Absorption and Metabolism’ (ADAM) model incorporated into the Simcyp® Simulator. Post to pre surgical simulations were carried out for five drugs with varying characteristics regarding their gut wall metabolism, dissolution and permeability (simvastatin, omeprazole, diclofenac, fluconazole and ciprofloxacin).

Key findings
The trends in oral bioavailability pre to post surgery were found to be dependent on a combination of drug parameters, including solubility, permeability and gastrointestinal metabolism as well as the surgical procedure carried out.

Conclusions
In the absence of clinical studies, the ability to project the direction and the magnitude of changes in bioavailability of drug therapy, using evidence-based mechanistic pharmacokinetic in silico models would be of significant value in guiding prescribers to make the necessary adjustments to dosage regimens for an increasing population of patients who are undergoing bariatric surgery.
The benefits of pharmacist-delivered warfarin education in the home
Authors: Stafford Leanne , van Tienen Ella C , Bereznicki Luke R E , Peterson Gregory M 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Objectives
Good warfarin knowledge is important for optimal patient outcomes, but barriers exist to effective education and warfarin knowledge is often poor. This study aimed to explore the educational outcomes of home-based warfarin education provided by trained pharmacists.

Methods
In a prospective, non-randomised, controlled cohort trial, patients received either usual community-based post-discharge care or a post-discharge warfarin management service, including warfarin education by trained pharmacists during two or three home visits. Patients’ warfarin knowledge was assessed at 8 and 90 days post-discharge using the Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge test.

Key findings
One hundred and thirty-nine patients were recruited into the usual care group between November 2008 and August 2009, and 129 into the intervention group between May and December 2009. Pharmacist-delivered warfarin education was associated with a significant difference between the intervention patients’ baseline and day 8 mean warfarin knowledge scores of 64.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 61.0–68.5%) and 78.0% (95% CI 74.5–81.5%; P &lt; 0.001), respectively. The intervention patients also scored significantly higher than the usual care patients at day 8 (65.0%, 95% CI 61.5–68.0%; P &lt; 0.001), but not at day 90.

Conclusions
Use of an existing healthcare framework overcame several systemic barriers by facilitating warfarin education in patients’ homes. While the intervention was associated with better short-term warfarin knowledge, follow-up may be required to optimise its benefits. Widespread implementation of home-based warfarin education by pharmacists has the potential to contribute significantly to improved outcomes from warfarin therapy.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus cereus Strain LCT-BC244
Authors: Su Longxiang , Zhou Tao , Zhou Lisha , Fang Xiangqun , Li Tianzhi , Wang Junfeng , Guo Yinghua , Chang De , Wang Yajuan , Li Dongfang , Liu Changting 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

Bacillus cereus
is a prevalent, soil-dwelling, Gram-positive bacterium. Some strains are harmful to humans and cause food-borne illness, while other strains can be beneficial as probiotics for animals. To gain insight into the bacterial genetic determinants, we report the genome sequence of a strain, LCT-BC244, which was isolated from CGMCC 1.230.
Genome Sequence of “Candidatus Aquiluna” sp. Strain IMCC13023, a Marine Member of the Actinobacteria Isolated from an Arctic Fjord
Authors: Kang Ilnam , Lee Kiyoung , Yang Seung-Jo , Choi Ahyoung , Kang Dongmin , Lee Yoo Kyoung , Cho Jang-Cheon 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

We report the genome sequence of actinobacterial strain IMCC13023, isolated from arctic fjord seawater. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene showed that the strain is related to “
Candidatus
Aquiluna rubra.” The genome information suggests that strain IMCC13023 is a photoheterotroph carrying actinorhodopsin, with the smallest genome ever reported for a free-living member of the
Actinobacteria
.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia D457, a Clinical Isolate and a Model Strain
Authors: Lira Felipe , Hernández Alvaro , Belda Eugeni , Sánchez María B. , Moya Andrés , Silva Francisco J. , Martínez José L. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
is an opportunistic pathogen with an environmental origin, and it is an increasingly relevant cause of nosocomial infections. Here we present the whole-genome sequence of
S. maltophilia
strain D457, a clinical isolate that is being used as a model for studying antibiotic resistance in this bacterial species.
Genome Sequence of a Novel Nicotine-Degrading Strain, Pseudomonas geniculata N1
Authors: Tang Hongzhi , Yu Hao , Tai Cui , Huang Kaiming , Liu Yanghui , Wang Lijuan , Yao Yuxiang , Wu Geng , Xu Ping 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT

A newly isolated bacterium,
Pseudomonas geniculata
N1, can efficiently degrade nicotine. Here we present a 4.51-Mb assembly of its genome, which is the first sequence of the
P. geniculata
group. The sequence contains the genes related to nicotine catabolism and may provide insights into its molecular mechanism for N-heterocyclic degradation.
Protein Export According to Schedule: Architecture, Assembly, and Regulation of Type III Secretion Systems from Plant- and Animal-Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Büttner Daniela 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARY
Flagellar and translocation-associated type III secretion (T3S) systems are present in most Gram-negative plant- and animal-pathogenic bacteria and are often essential for bacterial motility or pathogenicity. The architectures of the complex membrane-spanning secretion apparatuses of both systems are similar, but they are associated with different extracellular appendages, including the flagellar hook and filament or the needle/pilus structures of translocation-associated T3S systems. The needle/pilus is connected to a bacterial translocon that is inserted into the host plasma membrane and mediates the transkingdom transport of bacterial effector proteins into eukaryotic cells. During the last 3 to 5 years, significant progress has been made in the characterization of membrane-associated core components and extracellular structures of T3S systems. Furthermore, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulators that control T3S gene expression and substrate specificity have been described. Given the architecture of the T3S system, it is assumed that extracellular components of the secretion apparatus are secreted prior to effector proteins, suggesting that there is a hierarchy in T3S. The aim of this review is to summarize our current knowledge of T3S system components and associated control proteins from both plant- and animal-pathogenic bacteria.
Diversity in GeneticIn VivoMethods for Protein-Protein Interaction Studies: from the Yeast Two-Hybrid System to the Mammalian Split-Luciferase System
Authors: Stynen Bram , Tournu Hélène , Tavernier Jan , Van Dijck Patrick 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARYThe yeast two-hybrid system pioneered the field ofin vivoprotein-protein interaction methods and undisputedly gave rise to a palette of ingenious techniques that are constantly pushing further the limits of the original method. Sensitivity and selectivity have improved because of various technical tricks and experimental designs. Here we present an exhaustive overview of the genetic approaches available to studyin vivobinary protein interactions, based on two-hybrid and protein fragment complementation assays. These methods have been engineered and employed successfully in microorganisms such asSaccharomyces cerevisiaeandEscherichia coli, but also in higher eukaryotes. From single binary pairwise interactions to whole-genome interactome mapping, the self-reassembly concept has been employed widely. Innovative studies report the use of proteins such as ubiquitin, dihydrofolate reductase, and adenylate cyclase as reconstituted reporters. Protein fragment complementation assays have extended the possibilities in protein-protein interaction studies, with technologies that enable spatial and temporal analyses of protein complexes. In addition, one-hybrid and three-hybrid systems have broadened the types of interactions that can be studied and the findings that can be obtained. Applications of these technologies are discussed, together with the advantages and limitations of the available assays.
Exposure to Nicotine and Carcinogens among Southwestern Alaskan Native Cigarette Smokers and Smokeless Tobacco Users
Authors: Benowitz Neal L. , Renner Caroline C. , Lanier Anne P. , Tyndale Rachel F. , Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Lindgren Bruce , Stepanov Irina , Watson Clifford H. , Sosnoff Connie S. , Jacob Peyton 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of tobacco use, both cigarette smoking and smokeless, including iqmik (homemade smokeless tobacco prepared with dried tobacco leaves mixed with alkaline ash), and of tobacco-related cancer is high in Alaskan Native people (AN). To investigate possible mechanisms of increased cancer risk we studied levels of nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA) in tobacco products and biomarkers of tobacco toxicant exposure in Southwestern AN people.
Methods: Participants included 163 cigarette smokers, 76 commercial smokeless tobacco, 20 iqmik, 31 dual cigarette smokers and smokeless tobacco, and 110 nontobacco users. Tobacco use history, samples of tobacco products used, and blood and urine samples were collected.
Results: Nicotine concentrations were highest in cigarette tobacco and TSNAs highest in commercial smokeless tobacco products. The AN participants smoked on average 7.8 cigarettes per day. Nicotine exposure, assessed by several biomarker measures, was highest in iqmik users, and similar in smokeless tobacco and cigarette smokers. TSNA exposure was highest in smokeless tobacco users, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure was highest in cigarette smokers.
Conclusions: Despite smoking fewer cigarettes per day, AN cigarette smokers had similar daily intake of nicotine compared to the general U.S. population. Nicotine exposure was greatest from iqmik, likely related to its high pH due to preparation with ash, suggesting high addiction potential compared to other smokeless tobacco products. TSNA exposure was much higher with smokeless tobacco than other product use, possibly contributing to the high rates of oral cancer.
Impact: Our data contribute to an understanding of the high addiction risk of iqmik use and of the cancer-causing potential of various forms of tobacco use among AN people. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(6); 934–42. ©2012 AACR.
Increased Levels of Tetra-antennary N-Linked Glycan but Not Core Fucosylation Are Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tissue
Authors: Mehta Anand , Norton Pamela , Liang Hongyan , Comunale Mary Ann , Wang Mengjun , Rodemich-Betesh Lucy , Koszycki Alex , Noda Katsuhisa , Miyoshi Eiji , Block Timothy 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Background: Alterations in glycosylation have long been associated with the development of cancer. In the case of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one alteration that has often been associated is increased amounts of fucose attached to the N-glycans of serum proteins secreted by the liver.
Methods: In an effort to determine the origin of this increased fucosylation, we have conducted N-linked glycan analysis of HCC tissue, the surrounding nontumor tissue, and compared this to tissue from a nondiseased adult liver.
Results: Surprisingly, no difference in the level of fucosylation was observed from the three donor groups, suggesting that the increased levels of fucosylation observed in serum of those with HCC is not the result of increased synthesis of fucosylated proteins in the cancer tissue. On the other hand, increased levels of a tetra-antennary glycan were observed in the HCC tissue as compared with the surrounding tissue or to the nondiseased livers.
Conclusions: This represents, to our knowledge, one of the first reports associating increased levels of branching with the development of HCC.
Impact: The identification of increased levels of tetra-antennary glycan on liver tumor tissue, as opposed to adjacent or nondiseased tissue may lead to improved detection of HCC. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(6); 925–33. ©2012 AACR.
Intraindividual Variation in Plasma 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Measures 5 Years Apart among Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Meng Jennifer E. , Hovey Kathleen M. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Andrews Christopher A. , LaMonte Michael J. , Horst Ronald L. , Genco Robert J. , Millen Amy E. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Background: Current literature examining associations between vitamin D and chronic disease generally use a single assessment of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], assuming the 25(OH)D concentration of an individual is consistent over time.
Methods: We investigated the intraindividual variability between two measures of plasma 25(OH)D concentrations collected approximately five years apart (1997–2000 to 2002–2005) in 672 postmenopausal women participating in the Women's Health Initiative. Plasma 25(OH)D was assessed using the DiaSorin LIAISON® chemiluminescence immunoassay. The within-pair coefficient of variation (CV) was 4.9% using blinded quality control samples. Mean and SDs of 25(OH)D at the two time points were compared using a paired t test. An intraindividual CV and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to assess intraindividual variability. A Spearman correlation coefficient (r) assessed the strength of the association between the two measures, and concordance in vitamin D status at two time points was compared.
Results: Mean 25(OH)D concentrations (nmol/L) significantly increased over time from 60.0 (SD = 22.2) to 67.8 (SD = 22.2; P &lt; 0.05). The CV was 24.6%, the ICC [95% confidence interval (CI)] was 0.59 (0.54–0.64), and the Spearman r was 0.61 (95% CI = 0.56–0.66). Greater concordance over five years was observed in participants with sufficient compared with deficient or inadequate baseline 25(OH)D concentrations (weighted kappa = 0.39). Reliability measures were moderately influenced by season of blood draw and vitamin D supplement use.
Conclusion: There is moderate intraindividual variation in 25(OH)D concentrations over approximately five years.
Impact: These data support the use of a one-time measure of blood 25(OH)D in prospective studies with ≤ five years of follow-up. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(6); 916–24. ©2012 AACR.
Patterns of Colorectal Cancer Test Use, Including CT Colonography, in the 2010 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Shapiro Jean A. , Klabunde Carrie N. , Thompson Trevor D. , Nadel Marion R. , Seeff Laura C. , White Arica 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Background: Recommended colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests for adults ages 50 to 75 years include home fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy with FOBT, and colonoscopy. A newer test, computed tomographic (CT) colonography, has been recommended by some, but not all, national organizations.
Methods: We analyzed 2010 National Health Interview Survey data, including new CT colonography questions, from respondents ages 50 to 75 years (N = 8,952). We (i) assessed prevalence of CRC test use overall, by test type, and by sociodemographic and health care access factors and (ii) assessed reported reasons for not having a CRC test.
Results: The age-standardized percentage of respondents reporting FOBT, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy within recommended time intervals was 58.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 57.0–59.6]. Colonoscopy was the most commonly reported test [within past 10 years: 54.6% (95% CI, 53.2–55.9)]. Home FOBT and sigmoidoscopy with FOBT were less frequently used [FOBT within past year: 8.8% (95% CI, 8.1–9.6); sigmoidoscopy within past 5 years with FOBT within past 3 years: 1.3% (95% CI, 1.0–1.6)]. CT colonography was rare: 1.3% (95% CI, 1.0–1.7). Increasing age, education, income, having health care insurance, and having a usual source of health care were associated with higher CRC test use. Test use within recommended time intervals was particularly low among individuals ages 50 to 64 years without health care insurance [21.2% (95% CI, 18.3–24.4)]. The most common reason for nonuse was “no reason or never thought about it.”
Conclusions: About 40% of Americans ages 50 to 75 years do not meet the recommendations for having CRC screening tests.
Impact: Expanded health care coverage and greater awareness of CRC screening are needed to further decrease CRC mortality. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(6); 895–904. ©2012 AACR.