bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic reciprocity in the wound microenvironment
Authors: Schultz Gregory S. , Davidson Jeffrey M. , Kirsner Robert S. , Bornstein Paul , Herman Ira M. 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTHere, we define dynamic reciprocity (DR) as an ongoing, bidirectional interaction among cells and their surrounding microenvironment. In this review, we posit that DR is especially meaningful during wound healing as the DR‐driven biochemical, biophysical, and cellular responses to injury play pivotal roles in regulating tissue regenerative responses. Such cell–extracellular matrix interactions not only guide and regulate cellular morphology, but also cellular differentiation, migration, proliferation, and survival during tissue development, including, e.g., embryogenesis, angiogenesis, as well as during pathologic processes including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic wound healing. Herein, we examine DR within the wound microenvironment while considering specific examples across acute and chronic wound healing. This review also considers how a number of hypotheses that attempt to explain chronic wound pathophysiology may be understood within the DR framework. The implications of applying the principles of DR to optimize wound care practice and future development of innovative wound healing therapeutics are also briefly considered.
Molecular Surgery for the Treatment of Malignant Tumors: Bioincompatible Material Apheresis for Cancer Therapy?
Authors: Nosé Yukihiko , Ohta Kazuhide , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Takaba Junji , Natsume Kuniaki 
Published: March 2011

AbstractControlled immunological shock, induced by bioincompatible material apheresis for cancer (BIC MAC) therapy, produces an immunoactive status in experimental subjects. However, in order to provide a safe, painless, effective, and reproducible BIC MAC therapy, it is mandatory to provide general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation not only during apheresis procedures of 1‐h duration but also for an additional 5 h. Using this procedure, there was no mortality experienced during animal experiments. Also, there were no procedurally related physical or sensory abnormalities demonstrated. This general anesthesia of 6 h covered not only the initial 30 min of the hypotension and hypoxic stages but also the recovery stages to hemodynamically normalize the experimental animals. After 6 h, the accumulated leukocytes in the lung are released back to the systemic circulation. In general, granulocytes decreased almost 100% while lymphocytes decreased only 40–50%. During these 6 h, increases of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6, etc.) sometimes up to 1000 times occurred. After the 6‐h procedure, leukocytes returned nearly to preoperative levels but tended to be continuously increased. After the fourth day, leukocyte counts more than doubled. These cellular and humoral activations were normalized after 2 weeks. These studies were conducted on six normal mongrel dogs. Currently, similar studies are planned to be conducted on tumor‐bearing experimental animals. This procedurally induced immunoactivation by apheresis may be able to produce effective apoptosis in malignant tumor cells.
A kinetic model for the burst phase of processive cellulases
Authors: Praestgaard Eigil , Elmerdahl Jens , Murphy Leigh , Nymand Søren , McFarland K. C. , Borch Kim , Westh Peter 
Published: March 2011

Cellobiohydrolases (exocellulases) hydrolyze cellulose processively, i.e. by sequential cleaving of soluble sugars from one end of a cellulose strand. Their activity generally shows an initial burst, followed by a pronounced slowdown, even when substrate is abundant and product accumulation is negligible. Here, we propose an explicit kinetic model for this behavior, which uses classical burst phase theory as the starting point. The model is tested against calorimetric measurements of the activity of the cellobiohydrolase Cel7A from Trichoderma reesei on amorphous cellulose. A simple version of the model, which can be solved analytically, shows that the burst and slowdown can be explained by the relative rates of the sequential reactions in the hydrolysis process and the occurrence of obstacles for the processive movement along the cellulose strand. More specifically, the maximum enzyme activity reflects a balance between a rapid processive movement, on the one hand, and a slow release of enzyme which is stalled by obstacles, on the other. This model only partially accounts for the experimental data, and we therefore also test a modified version that takes into account random enzyme inactivation. This approach generally accounts well for the initial time course (approximately 1 h) of the hydrolysis. We suggest that the models will be useful in attempts to rationalize the initial kinetics of processive cellulases, and demonstrate their application to some open questions, including the effect of repeated enzyme dosages and the ‘double exponential decay’ in the rate of cellulolysis.Database
The mathematical model described here has been submitted to the Online Cellular Systems Modelling Database and can be accessed at http://jjj.biochem.sun.ac.za/database/Praestgaard/index.html free of charge.
Effect ofMucuna pruriens(Linn.) on Oxidative Stress-Induced Structural Alteration of Corpus Cavernosum in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat
Authors: Suresh Sekar , Prakash Seppan 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIntroductionErectile dysfunction is one of the major secondary complications of diabetes. Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens), a leguminous plant identified for its antidiabetic, aphrodisiac, and fertility enhancing properties, has been the choice of Indian traditional medicine.AimThe objective of the present study was to analyze the efficacy of M. pruriens on free radicals-mediated penile tissue alterations in hyperglycemic male rats.MethodsMale albino rats were divided as group I (sham) control, group II (STZ) diabetes-induced (streptozotocin 60 mg/kg of body weight [bw] in 0.1 M citrate buffer), group III (STZ + MP) diabetic rats administered with 200 mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed, group IV (STZ + SIL) diabetic rats administered with 5 mg/kg bw of sildenafil citrate, group V (sham + MP) administered with 200 mg/kg bw of extract alone, and group VI (sham + SIL) administered with 5 mg/kg bw of sildenafil citrate. The M. pruriens and sildenafil citrate were given (gavage) once daily for a period of 60 days. At the end of 60 days, the animals were sacrificed and subjected to analysis of reactive oxygen species levels, enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidant levels, levels of NOx, histological, and histomorphometrical study of penile tissue.Main Outcome MeasuresRemedial use of M. pruriens seed extract on diabetes-induced erectile tissue damage.ResultsSignificantly high levels of oxidative stress and low levels of antioxidants in the penile tissue seem to contribute to the increased collagen deposition and fibrosis of erectile tissue in STZ rats. Relatively, there was increased damage in STZ + SIL group. Supplementation of M. pruriens in STZ + MP group has revealed the potency to overcome oxidative stress, and good preservation of penile histoarchitecture.ConclusionThe ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed significantly recovered or protected erectile tissue from the oxidative stress-induced degeneration by its antioxidant potentials. These findings propound to serve mankind by the treatment of diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction.
Chronic Progressive Deficits in Neuron Size, Density and Number in the Trigeminal Ganglia of Mice Latently Infected with Herpes Simplex Virus
Authors: Dosa Sandor , Castellanos Karla , Bacsa Sarolta , Gagyi Eva , Kovacs S. Krisztian , Valyi‐Nagy Klara , Shukla Deepak , Dermody Terence S. , Valyi‐Nagy Tibor 
Published: March 2011

AbstractNumerous epidemiological studies have proposed a link between herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and several common chronic neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Experimental HSV infection of mice can lead to chronic behavioral and neurological deficits and chronic pain. While neuron injury and loss are well‐documented consequences of the acute phase of infection, the pathologic consequences of latent HSV infection are poorly understood. To determine whether latent HSV infection can cause neuronal injury in mice, trigeminal ganglia (TG) derived from adult BALB/c mice 1, 12 and 31 weeks after corneal HSV type 1 (HSV‐1) inoculation were analyzed for evidence of productive or latent HSV‐1 infection, inflammation and changes in neuron size, density and number. We found that latent HSV‐1 infection between 12 and 31 weeks after corneal virus inoculation was associated with inflammation and progressive deficits in mean neuron diameter, neuronal nucleus diameter, neuron density and neuron number in the TG relative to mock‐infected controls. The extent of neuronal injury during latent infection correlated with the extent of inflammation. These studies demonstrate that latent HSV infection is associated with progressive neuronal pathology and may lead to a better understanding of the role of HSV infections in chronic neurological diseases.
Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Cucumber Fermentation Brines
Authors: Breidt, Jr Frederick , Caldwell Jane M. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Bacterial pathogens have been reported on fresh cucumbers and other vegetables used for commercial fermentation. The Food and Drug Administration currently has a 5‐log reduction standard for E. coli O157:H7 and other vegetative pathogens in acidified pickle products. For fermented vegetables, which are acid foods, there is little data documenting the conditions needed to kill acid resistant pathogens. To address this knowledge gap, we obtained 10 different cucumber fermentation brines at different stages of fermentation from 5 domestic commercial plants. Cucumber brines were used to represent vegetable fermentations because cabbage and other vegetables may have inhibitory compounds that may affect survival. The 5‐log reduction times for E. coli O157:H7 strains in the commercial brines were found to be positively correlated with brine pH, and ranged from 3 to 24 d for pH values of 3.2 to 4.6, respectively. In a laboratory cucumber juice medium that had been previously fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum or Leuconostoc mesenteroides (pH 3.9), a 5‐log reduction was achieved within 1 to 16 d depending on pH, acid concentration, and temperature. During competitive growth at 30 °C in the presence of L. plantarum or L. mesenteroides in cucumber juice, E. coli O157:H7 cell numbers were reduced to below the level of detection within 2 to 3 d. These data may be used to aid manufacturers of fermented vegetable products determine safe production practices based on fermentation pH and temperature.Practical Application:  Disease causing strains of the bacterium E. coli may be present on fresh vegetables. Our investigation determined the time needed to kill E. coli in cucumber fermentation brines and how E. coli strains are killed in competition with naturally present lactic acid bacteria. Our results showed how brine pH and other brine conditions affected the killing of E. coli strains. These data can be used by producers of fermented vegetable products to help assure consumer safety.
Optimal monetary policy in the monetary union: effects on business cycles
Authors: Pedram Mehdi 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe difficulties of a common monetary policy in an economic and monetary union are well known where there are differences between the stage of the business cycles and inflation pressures. In this paper, I will show that in a simple open macro model and by using ‘weighted mean mechanism’ monetary authorities can employ a common monetary policy to synchronise diverging business cycles in the member states.
The EU foreign gas policy of transit corridors: autopsy of the stillborn Nabucco project
Authors: Finon Dominique 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn this paper, we criticise the departure of the European Union (EU) from its traditional Soft Power vein in foreign energy policy, implying a strategy of gas corridors for import diversification in an intense political competition with Russia. We analyse intrinsic limitations of the EU initiative of promotion of Nabucco pipeline as a merchant line along three different economic perspectives. Firstly, the competition theory perspective which shows the possibility for Russia to challenge this project by a competing project (South Stream) because it could preempt access to Caspian resources. Secondly, the ‘transaction cost economics’ perspective which shows why long‐term commitments between producers and midstream buyers are necessary to jointly develop transport or transit infrastructures and new remote gas fields. Thirdly, the coalition theory perspective which sheds light on the weak cohesion of the Nabucco coalition in the competition with the South Stream coalition, which has more chance of success while it offers equivalent benefits in terms of transit risk suppression. We conclude with recommendations concerning the EU gas policy actions which are only relevant when focusing on better improved market integration, development of self‐insurances and solidarity, and diplomatic action turned towards energy markets integration.
A simple assay for measurement of ovotransferrin – a marker of inflammation and infection in birds
Authors: Horrocks Nicholas P. C. , Irene Tieleman B. , Matson Kevin D. 
Published: March 2011

Summary1. Ovotransferrin is an acute‐phase protein with iron‐binding and immunomodulatory functions. In poultry, ovotransferrin levels increase in response to inflammation or infection, but little is known about responses in wild bird species.2. We present a simple assay for the determination of ovotransferrin‐like activity in the plasma of wild birds. The assay uses very small sample volumes, works with previously frozen plasma, is inexpensive to run, and requires only standard laboratory equipment and a spectrophotometer. Importantly, the assay does not require species‐specific antibodies, making it applicable to a wide variety of species and particularly useful in comparative studies of immune function.3. We detected significant variation in ovotransferrin concentrations among 22 bird species. Ovotransferrin concentrations were significantly repeatable among individuals, and concentrations increased significantly in response to a lipopolysaccharide challenge.4. Within but not among species, concentrations of ovotransferrin were significantly and positively correlated with concentrations of haptoglobin, another acute‐phase protein that also binds iron. Differences in concentrations of acute‐phase proteins might reflect broader differences in immune strategies and responses to infection. Measuring ovotransferrin in addition to haptoglobin therefore provides fresh insights into differences in immunological defences among populations and species.5. This assay will serve as a useful addition to the existing arsenal of field‐friendly assays that have been developed for addressing questions in ecological immunology.
Plasma endotoxin in horses presented to an equine referral hospital: Correlation to selected clinical parameters and outcomes
Authors: SENIOR J. M. , PROUDMAN C. J. , LEUWER M. , CARTER S. D. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study: Endotoxaemia is frequently presumed on the basis of clinical signs in horses with colic.Objective: Measurements of plasma endotoxin (LPS) are rarely made in clinical cases and there is little information on the correlations between this variable, clinical variables and outcomes.Objectives: To measure LPS levels in plasma of horses presented to the Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital on admission and daily for up to 4 days and to relate LPS levels to selected clinical parameters, such as heart rate and packed cell volume, and outcomes.Methods: Blood samples were collected and stored at ‐20°C prior to assay of the plasma using a validated kinetic chromogenic Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay. Clinical parameters and outcome variables were collected from hospital records. Associations were determined by Chi‐squared test and logistic regression analysis.Results: Daily blood samples were collected from 234 horses. LPS was detected in 26.5% of the study population and in 29% of those horses presented for colic. Horses providing samples with detectable LPS were more likely to die whilst in the hospital than those that did not (P = 0.045). Horses presenting with colic were more likely to have detectable LPS in their plasma than noncolic cases (P = 0.037), although LPS was detected in the plasma of 8 out of 42 noncolic horses. A horse that did not meet the study definition of clinical endotoxaemia was 10 times less likely to provide a positive LPS sample (OR 0.10, 95% CI: 0.05–0.22).Conclusions: The proportion of horses providing samples with detectable LPS was similar to other studies.Potential relevance: LPS was detected in the minority of horses presented with colic. Increased levels of LPS positively correlated with packed cell volume and with risk of mortality in colic cases.
Management and environmental factors involved in equine influenza outbreaks in Ireland 2007–2010
Authors: GILDEA S. , ARKINS S. , CULLINANE A. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryReasons for performing study: Outbreaks of equine influenza (EI) in endemic populations continue to cause economic loss despite widespread vaccination.Hypothesis: To identify the key management and environmental factors that determine the risk of horses contracting EI in an endemic country and to identify control strategies.Methods: Real time‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), virus isolation and haemagglutination inhibition were carried out on nasopharyngeal swabs and clotted blood samples collected from horses and ponies showing signs of respiratory disease. On premises where a diagnosis of EI was confirmed, the attending veterinary surgeon was asked to participate in an epidemiological investigation.Results: Between June 2007 and January 2010, EI outbreaks were diagnosed on 28 premises located in 13 of the 32 counties of Ireland. Veterinary advice was sought on average more than 5 days after the first clinical signs were observed. The majority of diagnoses were made by RT‐PCR. Data from 404 horses on 16 premises were used in the epidemiological analysis. In 15 premises, EI was identified following movement of horses. Housing type, teaser stallions or fomites/personnel contributed to virus spread. Vaccination status, number of years vaccination, time since last vaccination and age influenced disease expression. Isolation and vaccination were effective control measures on the premises where they were implemented.Conclusions: Preventative measures include: isolation, clinical monitoring, serological testing and vaccination of new arrivals, booster vaccination of horses at 6 monthly intervals, maintenance of effective boundaries between equine premises and avoidance of stabling in single air spaces. Control measures include: prompt isolation of suspected cases, rapid diagnosis by RT‐PCR, booster vaccination of cohorts and implementation of biosecurity measures to avoid transmission by fomites and personnel.Potential relevance: Implementation of these preventative and control measures should reduce the economic losses associated with outbreaks of EI.
The neutron dose equivalent evaluation and shielding at the maze entrance of a Varian Clinac 23EX treatment room
Authors: Wang Xudong , Esquivel Carlos , Nes Elena , Shi Chengyu , Papanikolaou Nikos , Charlton Michael 
Published: March 2011

Purpose:To evaluate the neutron and photon dose equivalent rate ( and ) at the outer maze entrance and the adjacent treatment console area after the installation of a Varian Clinac 23EX accelerator with a higher beam energy than its predecessor. The evaluation was based on measurements and comparison with several empirical calculations. The effectiveness of borated polyethylene (BPE) boards, as a maze wall lining material, on neutron dose and photon dose reduction is also reported.Methods:A single energy Varian 6 MV photon linear accelerator (linac) was replaced with a Varian Clinac 23EX accelerator capable of producing 18 MV photons in a vault originally designed for the former accelerator. In order to evaluate and redesign the shielding of the vault, the neutron dose equivalent was measured using an Andersson–Braun neutron Rem meter and the photon dose equivalent was measured using a Geiger Müller and an ion chamber ‐ray survey meter at the outer maze entrance. The measurement data were compared to semiempirical calculations such as the Kersey method, the modified Kersey method, and a newly proposed method by Falcão et al. Additional measurements were taken after BPE boards were installed on the maze walls as a neutron absorption lining material.Results:With the gantry head tilted close to the inner maze entrance and with the jaws closed, both neutron dose equivalent and photon dose equivalent reached their maximum. Compared to the measurement results, the Kersey method overestimates the neutron dose equivalent by about two to four times (calculation/measurement ). Falcão's method largely overestimates the (calculation/measurement ). The modified Kersey method has a calculation to measurement ratio about 0.6–0.9. The photon dose equivalent calculation including McGinley's capture gamma dose equivalent equation estimates about 77%–98% of the measurement. After applying BPE boards as a lining material on the inner corner of the maze wall, the and the at maze entrance were decreased by 41% and 59%, respectively.Conclusions:This work indicates that the Kersey method overestimates the neutron dose equivalent for a Varian Clinac 23EX accelerator. The Falcão method overestimates the partially due to the discrepancy in the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) conversion factors caused by the uncertainties of the estimated average neutron energy. The modified Kersey method gives the closest estimation of a Varian Clinac 23EX accelerator operated at 18 MV photon mode in a maze with a similar design as in the authors' study. However, it should be used with caution because of its tendency to underestimate the . A borated polyethylene lining can provide a cost effective method to reduce neutron and photon dose equivalent at the maze door for an existing linac vault, following the installation of a higher energy linac.