bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antitoxin DinJ influences the general stress response through transcript stabilizer CspE
Authors: Hu Ying , Benedik Michael J. , Wood Thomas K. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryAntitoxins are becoming recognized as proteins that regulate more than their own synthesis; for example, we found previously that antitoxin MqsA of the Escherichia coli toxin/antitoxin (TA) pair MqsR/MqsA directly represses the gene encoding the stationary‐phase sigma factor RpoS. Here, we investigated the physiological role of antitoxin DinJ of the YafQ/DinJ TA pair and found DinJ also affects the general stress response by decreasing RpoS levels. Corroborating the reduced RpoS levels upon producing DinJ, the RpoS‐regulated phenotypes of catalase activity, cell adhesins and cyclic diguanylate decreased while swimming increased. Using a transcriptome search and DNA‐binding assays, we determined that the mechanism by which DinJ reduces RpoS is by repressing cspE at the LexA palindrome; cold‐shock protein CspE enhances translation of rpoS mRNA. Inactivation of CspE abolishes the ability of DinJ to influence RpoS. Hence, DinJ influences the general stress response indirectly by regulating cspE.
Gaze aversion as a cognitive load management strategy in autism spectrum disorder and Williams syndrome
Authors: Doherty‐Sneddon Gwyneth , Riby Deborah M. , Whittle Lisa 
Published: October 2011

Background:  During face‐to‐face questioning, typically developing children and adults use gaze aversion (GA), away from their questioner, when thinking. GA increases with question difficulty and improves the accuracy of responses. This is the first study to investigate whether individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; associated with reduced sociability and atypical face gaze) and Williams syndrome (WS; associated with hypersociability and atypical face gaze) use GA to manage cognitive load during face‐to‐face interactions.Methods:  Two studies were conducted exploring the typicality of GA during face‐to‐face questioning in (a) ASD and (b) WS.Results:  In Study 1, children with ASD increased their GA as question difficulty increased. In addition, they used most GA when thinking about their responses to questions, mirroring evidence from typically developing children. An important atypicality for participants with ASD was a significantly higher level of GA when listening to interlocutors. In Study 2, participants with WS showed typical patterns of GA in relation to question difficulty and across different points of the interaction.Conclusions:  Two different neuro‐developmental disorders, both characterized by significant problems with executive control of attention and atypicalities of social interactions, exhibited generally typical patterns of GA. All groups used most GA while thinking about questions, and increased their GA as questions got harder. In addition, children with ASD showed elevated levels of GA while listening to questions, but not while thinking about or making their responses, suggesting that they sometimes fail to see the relevance of attending to visual cues rather than actively avoiding them. Results have important implications for how professionals interpret GA in these populations and for social skills training.
Root aeration via aerenchymatous phellem: three‐dimensional micro‐imaging and radial O2 profiles in Melilotus siculus
Authors: Verboven Pieter , Pedersen Ole , Herremans Els , Ho Quang Tri , Nicolaï Bart M. , Colmer Timothy David , Teakle Natasha 
Published: October 2011

Summary
Internal root aeration enables waterlogging‐tolerant species to grow in anoxic soil. Secondary aerenchyma, in the form of aerenchymatous phellem, is of importance to root aeration in some dicotyledonous species. Little is known about this type of aerenchyma in comparison with primary aerenchyma.
Micro‐computed tomography was employed to visualize, in three dimensions, the microstructure of the aerenchymatous phellem in roots of Melilotus siculus. Tissue porosity and respiration were also measured for phellem and stelar tissues. A multiscale, three‐dimensional, diffusion–respiration model compared the predicted O2 profiles in roots with those measured using O2 microelectrodes.
Micro‐computed tomography confirmed the measured high porosity of aerenchymatous phellem (44–54%) and the low porosity of stele (2–5%) A network of connected gas spaces existed in the phellem, but not within the stele. O2 partial pressures were high in the phellem, but fell below the detection limit in the thicker upper part of the stele, consistent with the poorly connected low porosity and high respiratory demand.
The presented model integrates and validates micro‐computed tomography with measured radial O2 profiles for roots with aerenchymatous phellem, confirming the existence of near‐anoxic conditions at the centre of the stele in the basal parts of the root, coupled with only hypoxic conditions towards the apex.
The cytoprotective effects of oleoylethanolamide in insulin‐secreting cells do not require activation of GPR119
Authors: Stone Virginia M , Dhayal Shalinee , Smith David M , Lenaghan Carol , Brocklehurst Katy J , Morgan Noel G 
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE β‐cells express a range of fatty acid‐responsive G protein‐coupled receptors, including GPR119, which regulates insulin secretion and is seen as a potential therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes. The long‐chain unsaturated fatty acid derivative oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is an endogenous agonist of GPR119 and, under certain conditions, some long‐chain unsaturated fatty acids can promote β‐cell cytoprotection. It is not known, however, if OEA is cytoprotective in β‐cells. The present study has examined this and determined whether GPR119 is involved.METHODS Clonal rat insulin‐secreting cell lines, BRIN‐BD11 or INS‐1E, were exposed to fatty acids complexed with BSA. cAMP levels, insulin release and cell viability were measured. Protein expression was studied by Western blotting and receptor expression by RT‐PCR.KEY RESULTS GPR119 was expressed in both BRIN‐BD11 and INS‐1E cells and OEA was cytoprotective in these cells. However, cytoprotection was not reproduced by any of a range of selective, synthetic ligands of GPR119. The cytoprotective response to OEA was lost during exposure to inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) suggesting that OEA per se is not the cytoprotective species but that release of free oleate is required. Similar data were obtained with anandamide, which was cytoprotective only under conditions favouring release of free arachidonate.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Activation of GPR119 is not required to mediate the cytoprotective actions of OEA in BRIN‐BD11 or INS‐1E cells. Rather, OEA is internalised and subjected to hydrolysis by FAAH to release free oleate, which then mediates the cytoprotection.
Unilateral and Bilateral Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in 157 Mares: A Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Röcken Michael , Mosel Gesine , Seyrek‐Intas Kamil , Seyrek‐Intas Deniz , Litzke F. , Verver Jorrit , Rijkenhuizen Astrid B.M. 
Published: October 2011

ObjectiveTo evaluate surgical techniques, perioperative complications and outcome of laparoscopic surgery for unilateral and bilateral ovariectomy in mares.Study DesignRetrospective multicenter case series.AnimalsMares (n = 157).MethodsIndications for surgery were neutering, fertility problems, elimination of hormone‐related abnormal behavior, ovarian tumors as well as nonregressive ovarian hematomas or cysts. Ovariectomy (n = 206) were performed by a standard laparoscopic procedure in 157 standing sedated mares. Dissection and hemostasis were achieved by using either (1) a linear stapling device, (2) bipolar electrosurgical instruments, with or without a modified Roeder knot, (3) a vessel‐sealing system, or (4) a diode‐laser with ligation. For some larger ovarian masses (>20 cm diameter), a 2‐step surgical procedure was used with standing flank laparoscopic ovariectomy followed by ovarian retrieval through a median celiotomy. Surgical techniques, outcome, and perioperative complications of each method were recorded and analyzed.ResultsLaparoscopic dissection of the ovary was accomplished in all mares. Because of the size of the ovarian tumor (n = 7) or in 1 mare with behavioral problems (n = 1), the dissected ovary was removed through a median celiotomy under general anesthesia. Seventeen mares (10.8%) developed postoperative complications (eg, incisional drainage, incisional infection, seroma formation, dehiscence, transient fever and mild abdominal discomfort). All mares with flank incisional problems had ovarian size >12 cm and in 15 (88%) of these mares electrosurgical instruments were used for mesovarial dissection.ConclusionsLaparoscopic ovariectomy in standing sedated mares provides good surgical access and is associated with low morbidity.
Psychotic experience subtypes, poor mental health status and help‐seeking behaviour in a community sample of young adults
Authors: Armando Marco , Nelson Barnaby , Yung Alison R. , Saba Riccardo , Monducci Elena , Dario Claudia , Righetti Valentino , Birchwood Maximilian , Fiori Nastro Paolo , Girardi Paolo 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground: Different subtypes of psychotic experiences (PEs) have been identified in clinical and non‐clinical samples. Researchers have considered these PEs to either be variations of personality or expressions of vulnerability to psychotic disorder. This study aimed to determine which particular subtypes of PEs were more likely to be associated with poor mental health status and help‐seeking behaviour in a non‐clinical sample of young adults.Methods: The study was conducted on a community sample of 997 young adults. The prevalence of PEs and distress was measured using the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE), depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using Beck Depression Inventory‐II and Beck Anxiety Inventory, and general functioning was measured using the General Health Questionnaire‐12. Factorial analysis of the CAPE positive dimension was conducted and correlations between factors and clinical variables were analysed.Results: Four PE subtypes were identified: perceptual abnormalities, persecutory ideas (PI), bizarre experiences, and magical thinking. At least one high frequency PI was endorsed by 60.8% (n = 606) of the sample and proved to be significantly associated both with poor mental health status and help‐seeking behaviour.Conclusion: PEs subtypes are differentially associated with various markers of poor mental health status. PI seem to have stronger psychopathological significance than other subtypes of PEs. Further longitudinal studies are required to extend these findings.
Moving from the Laboratory Bench to Patients’ Bedside: Considerations for Effective Therapy with Stem Cells
Authors: Sherman Lauren S. , Munoz Jessian , Patel Shyam A. , Dave Meneka A. , Paige Ilani , Rameshwar Pranela 
Published: October 2011

Abstract Although stem cell therapy is not a new field, the field was limited to transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells. Such transplantation has provided invaluable information for the emerging field with new stem cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive source for therapy; reduced ethical concern, ease in expansion, as off‐the‐shelf stem cells. MSCs exert immune suppressive properties, providing them with the potential for immune suppressive therapy such as autoimmunity, asthma, allergic rhinitis and graft versus host disease. In addition, MSCs, as well as other stem cells, can be applied for bone and cartilage repair, cardiovascular disease, and neural repair/protection. The data thus far with MSCs are mixed. This review discusses the immune‐enhancing properties of MSCs to explain the possible confounds of inflammatory microenvironment in the MSCs therapy. Although this review focuses on MSCs, the information can be extrapolated to other stem cells. The review summarizes the biology of MSCs, including multilineage differentiation potential, transdifferentiation capability, and immunological effects. We emphasize the key concepts that may predict the use of these cells in medicine, namely, the application of these cells from the bench to the bedside. Prospects on immunotherapy, neuroregeneration, and cardiovascular repair are used as examples of tissue repair. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 380–386
Advancing Knowledge and Research: Developing a Doctoral Program in Clinical and Translational Science
Authors: Moore Debra W. , Dilmore Terri Collin , Robinson Georgeanna F. W. B. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract In an emerging field, such as clinical and translational science, questions of purpose and educational philosophy are crucial to consider as programs, competencies, and milestones are developed and become generally accepted as broad national standards. This article outlines issues to be taken into account as curricula are planned, implemented, and evaluated. It also discusses how philosophy, competencies, and assessments, including milestones, must be intertwined purposefully, with careful attention paid to the integration of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 359–362
Axon‐Like Basal Processes in Enteroendocrine Cells: Characteristics and Potential Targets
Authors: Bohórquez Diego V. , Liddle Rodger A. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) play a key role in nutrient digestion and absorption, and are essential for normal life. Recently, EEC function has received considerable attention because several gastrointestinal hormones modulate insulin secretion and food intake; and, gut hormone‐based therapies have been developed to treat diabetes mellitus. Despite these advances, the regulation of EECs remains poorly understood. The development of transgenic mouse models that express green fluorescent proteins (GFP) under specific hormone promoters (e.g., peptide YY‐GFP) is shedding light onto previously overlooked features of EECs. These cells have prominent cytoplasmic processes that extend underneath enterocytes, and in some EECs, such as the L cell of the distal ileum, the basal process can be over 50 μm long. These basal cytoplasmic processes resemble axons and end in synaptic‐like bouton. The location and anatomy of these processes suggest two functions: (1) to monitor absorbed nutrients at the base of enterocytes; and (2) to convey electrochemical information through cell–cell connections with subepithelial myofibroblasts and/or nerves located directly beneath in the lamina propria. Understanding how EECs communicate with cells in the lamina propria may provide novel ways to treat metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 387–391
Genetic Risk Score Does Not Correlate with Body Mass Index of Latina Women in a Clinical Trial
Authors: Coenen Kimberly R. , Karp Sharon M. , Gesell Sabina B. , Dietrich Mary S. , Morgan Thomas M. , Barkin Shari L. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract Obesity disproportionately affects Latina women. Common genetic variants are convincingly associated with body mass index (BMI) and may be used to create genetic risk scores (GRS) for obesity that could define genetically influenced forms of obesity and alter response to clinical trial interventions. The objective of this study was (1) to identify the frequency and effect size of common obesity genetic variants in Latina women; (2) to determine the clinical utility of a GRS for obesity with Latina women participating in a community‐based clinical trial. DNA from 85 Latina women was genotyped for eight genetic variants previously associated with BMI in Caucasians, but not yet assessed in Latina populations. The main outcome measure was the correlation of GRS (sum of eight risk alleles) with BMI, waist circumference, and percent body fat. A majority (83%) of participants had a BMI ≥25. Frequency of loci near FTO, MC4R, and GNPDA2 were lower in Latinas than Caucasians. Association of each locus with BMI was lower in Latinas compared to Caucasians with no significant correlations with BMI. We conclude that an eight locus GRS has no clinical utility for explaining obesity or predicting response to intervention in Latina women participating in a clinical trial. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 323–327
Patient Electronic Health Data–Driven Approach to Clinical Decision Support
Authors: Mane Ketan K. , Bizon Chris , Owen Phillips , Gersing Ken , Mostafa Javed , Schmitt Charles 
Published: October 2011

Abstract This article presents a novel visual analytics (VA)‐based clinical decision support (CDS) tool prototype that was designed as a collaborative work between Renaissance Computing Institute and Duke University. Using Major Depressive Disorder data from MindLinc electronic health record system at Duke, the CDS tool shows an approach to leverage data from comparative population (patients with similar medical profile) to enhance a clinicians’ decision making process at the point of care. The initial work is being extended in collaboration with the University of North Carolina CTSA to address the key challenges of CDS, as well as to show the use of VA to derive insight from large volumes of Electronic Health Record patient data. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 369–371
Recommendations for Planning Pilot Studies in Clinical and Translational Research
Authors: Moore Charity G. , Carter Rickey E. , Nietert Paul J. , Stewart Paul W. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract Advances in clinical and translation science are facilitated by building on prior knowledge gained through experimentation and observation. In the context of drug development, preclinical studies are followed by a progression of phase I through phase IV clinical trials. At each step, the study design and statistical strategies are framed around research questions that are prerequisites for the next phase. In other types of biomedical research, pilot studies are used for gathering preliminary support for the next research step. However, the phrase “pilot study” is liberally applied to projects with little or no funding, characteristic of studies with poorly developed research proposals, and usually conducted with no detailed thought of the subsequent study. In this article, we present a rigorous definition of a pilot study, offer recommendations for the design, analysis and sample size justification of pilot studies in clinical and translational research, and emphasize the important role that well‐designed pilot studies play in the advancement of science and scientific careers. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 332–337
Using Electronically Available Inpatient Hospital Data for Research
Authors: Apte Mandar , Neidell Matthew , Yoko Furuya E. , Caplan David , Glied Sherry , Larson Elaine 
Published: October 2011

Abstract Despite a push to create electronic health records and a plethora of healthcare data from disparate sources, there are no data from a single electronic source that provide a full picture of a patient’s hospital course. This paper describes a process to utilize electronically available inpatient hospital data for research. We linked several different sources of extracted data, including clinical, procedural, administrative, and accounting data, using patients’ medical record numbers to compile a cohesive, comprehensive account of patient encounters. Challenges encountered included (1) interacting with distinct administrative units to locate data elements; (2) finding a secure, central location to house the data; (3) appropriately defining health measures of interest; (4) obtaining and linking these data to create a usable format for conducting research; and (5) dealing with missing data. Although the resulting data set is incredibly rich and likely to prove useful for a wide range of clinical and comparative effectiveness research questions, there are multiple challenges associated with linking hospital data to improve the quality of patient care. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 338–345
Dosimetry of a new P‐32 ophthalmic applicator
Authors: Choi Chang Heon , Han Hyon Soo , Son Kwang‐Jae , Park Ul Jae , Lee Jun Sig , Wee Won Ryang , Ha Sung Whan , Kim Il Han , Ye Sung‐Joon 
Published: October 2011

Purpose:The potential of P‐32 ophthalmic applicator irradiation after pterygium excision has been demonstrated as an alternative to Sr/Y‐90 irradiation. This study aimed to provide the clinical dosimetry for this new applicator.Methods:The prototype of a cylindrical P‐32 applicator was fabricated according to the Monte Carlo (MC)‐based design study. At a nominal activity of 6 mCi (0.22 GBq), the absorbed dose rate at the front surface (i.e., reference dose rate) was measured by using an extrapolation ionization chamber (EC). The radiochromic film (RCF) was also used to measure the reference dose, axial depth dose distributions and transaxial dose profiles at various depths in water.Results:The reference dose rate was 3.89 ± 0.14 cGy/s for EC and 3.84 ± 0.25 cGy/s for RCF. The depth dose rate was reduced approximately by an order of magnitude for every 2 mm depth in water. Measured depth doses in depths of 0.5–2.5 mm agreed with Monte Carlo data within ±3%. Due to nonuniform absorption of P‐32 into an absorbent disk, the dose profiles were not symmetric and decreased more rapidly toward the periphery than those predicted by the MC. The authors confirmed no leakage of P‐32 activities and negligible exposure rate around the hand grip of the applicator.Conclusions: The P‐32 applicator can deliver therapeutic doses to the surface of the conjunctiva, while sparing the lens better than Sr/Y‐90 applicators. The doses at any points from the P‐32 applicator could be calculated by using the measured dosimetry data. They also confirmed no leakage of the source, reliable integrity of the applicator, and negligible exposure level around the hand grip of the applicator. However, due to a possibility of nonuniform distributions of P‐32 in an absorbent disk, measuring dose profiles as well as the reference dose rate for every new applicator would be recommended.
Automated 3‐dimensional segmentation of pelvic lymph nodes in magnetic resonance images
Authors: Debats O. A. , Litjens G. J. S. , Barentsz J. O. , Karssemeijer N. , Huisman H. J. 
Published: October 2011

Purpose:Computer aided diagnosis (CAD) of lymph node metastases may help reduce reading time and improve interpretation of the large amount of image data in a 3‐D pelvic MRI exam. The purpose of this study was to develop an algorithm for automated segmentation of pelvic lymph nodes from a single seed point, as part of a CAD system for the classification of normal vs metastatic lymph nodes, and to evaluate its performance compared to other algorithms.Methods:The authors' database consisted of pelvic MR images of 146 consecutive patients, acquired between January 2008 and April 2010. Each dataset included four different MR sequences, acquired after infusion of a lymph node specific contrast medium based on ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide. All data sets were analyzed by two expert readers who, reading in consensus, annotated and manually segmented the lymph nodes. The authors compared four segmentation algorithms: confidence connected region growing (CCRG), extended CCRG (ECC), graph cut segmentation (GCS), and a segmentation method based on a parametric shape and appearance model (PSAM). The methods were ranked based on spatial overlap with the manual segmentations, and based on diagnostic accuracy in a CAD system, with the experts' annotations as reference standard.Results:A total of 2347 manually annotated lymph nodes were included in the analysis, of which 566 contained a metastasis. The mean spatial overlap (Dice similarity coefficient) was: 0.35 (CCRG), 0.57 (ECC), 0.44 (GCS), and 0.46 (PSAM). When combined with the classification system, the area under the ROC curve was: 0.805 (CCRG), 0.890 (ECC), 0.807 (GCS), 0.891 (PSAM), and 0.935 (manual segmentation).Conclusions:We identified two segmentation methods, ECC and PSAM, that achieve a high diagnostic accuracy when used in conjunction with a CAD system for classification of normal vs metastatic lymph nodes. The manual segmentations still achieve the highest diagnostic accuracy.