bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of genes involved in hepatic carnitine synthesis and uptake in dairy cows in the transition period and at different stages of lactation
Authors: Schlegel Gloria , Keller Janine , Hirche Frank , Geißler Stefanie , Schwarz Frieder J , Ringseis Robert , Stangl Gabriele I , Eder Klaus 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
In rodents and pigs, it has shown that carnitine synthesis and uptake of carnitine into cells are regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARA), a transcription factor which is physiologically activated during fasting or energy deprivation. Dairy cows are typically in a negative energy balance during early lactation. We investigated the hypothesis that genes of carnitine synthesis and uptake in dairy cows are enhanced during early lactation.

Results
mRNA abundances of PPARA and some of its classical target genes and genes involved in carnitine biosynthesis [trimethyllysine dioxygenase (TMLHE), 4-N-trimethylaminobutyraldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH9A1), γ-butyrobetaine dioxygenase (BBOX1)] and uptake of carnitine [novel organic cation transporter 2 (SLC22A5)] as well as carnitine concentrations in liver biopsy samples of 20 dairy cows in late pregnancy (3 wk prepartum) and early lactation (1 wk, 5 wk, 14 wk postpartum) were determined. From 3 wk prepartum to 1 wk postpartum, mRNA abundances of PPARΑ and several PPARΑ target genes involved in fatty acid uptake, fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis in the liver were strongly increased. Simultaneously, mRNA abundances of enzymes of carnitine synthesis (TMLHE: 10-fold; ALDH9A1: 6-fold; BBOX1: 1.8-fold) and carnitine uptake (SLC22A5: 13-fold) and the concentration of carnitine in the liver were increased from 3 wk prepartum to 1 wk postpartum (P < 0.05). From 1 wk to 5 and 14 wk postpartum, mRNA abundances of these genes and hepatic carnitine concentrations were declining (P < 0.05). There were moreover positive correlations between plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and hepatic carnitine concentrations at 1 wk, 5 wk and 14 wk postpartum (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
The results of this study show for the first time that the expression of hepatic genes of carnitine synthesis and cellular uptake of carnitine is enhanced in dairy cows during early lactation. These changes might provide an explanation for increased hepatic carnitine concentrations observed in 1 wk postpartum and might be regarded as a physiologic means to provide liver cells with sufficient carnitine required for transport of excessive amounts of NEFA during a negative energy balance.
Value-added uses for crude glycerol--a byproduct of biodiesel production
Authors: Yang Fangxia , Hanna Milford A , Sun Runcang 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Biodiesel is a promising alternative, and renewable, fuel. As its production increases, so does production of the principle co-product, crude glycerol. The effective utilization of crude glycerol will contribute to the viability of biodiesel. In this review, composition and quality factors of crude glycerol are discussed. The value-added utilization opportunities of crude glycerol are reviewed. The majority of crude glycerol is used as feedstock for production of other value-added chemicals, followed by animal feeds.
Centromeric association of small supernumerary marker chromosomes with their sister-chromosomes detected by three dimensional molecular cytogenetics
Authors: Klein Elisabeth , Manvelyan Marina , Simonyan Isabella , Hamid Ahmed B , Guilherme Roberta Santos , Liehr Thomas , Karamysheva Tatyana 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background
Small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMC) are detected in 0.043% of general population and can be characterized for their chromosomal origin, genetic content and shape by molecular cytogenetic approaches. Even though recently progress was achieved towards genotype-phenotype-correlations of sSMC, nothing is known on the influence that an additional derivative extra chromosome has on the nuclear architecture.

Results
Here we present the first three-dimensional interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies for the nuclear architecture of sSMC. It could be shown that sSMC derived from chromosomes 15, 16 or 18 preferentially colocalized with one of their corresponding sister chromosomes. This was true in B- and T-lymphocytes as well as in skin fibroblasts. Additionally, a case with a complex sSMC with a karyotype 47,XY,+der(18)t(8;18)(8p23.2 ~ 23.1;18q11.1) was studied. Here the sSMC co-localized with one homologous chromosome 8 instead of 18.

Conclusion
Overall, there is a kind of "attraction" between an sSMC and one of its homologous sister chromosomes. This seems to be transmitted by the euchromatic part of the sSMC rather than its heterochromatic one.
Prevalence and factors associated with cryptococcal antigenemia among severely immunosuppressed HIV‐infected adults in Uganda: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Oyella Jacinta , Meya David , Bajunirwe Francis , Kamya Moses R 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundCryptococcal infection is a common opportunistic infection among severely immunosuppressed HIV patients and is associated with high mortality. Positive cryptococcal antigenemia is an independent predictor of cryptococcal meningitis and death in patients with severe immunosuppression. We evaluated the prevalence and factors associated with cryptococcal antigenemia among patients with CD4 counts of 100 cells/mm3 or less in Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Screening of a targeted group of HIV patients may enable early detection of cryptococcal infection and intervention before initiating antiretroviral therapy. Factors associated with cryptococcal antigenemia may be used subsequently in resource‐limited settings in screening for cryptococcal infection, and this data may also inform policy for HIV care.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, HIV‐infected patients aged 18 years and older with CD4 counts of up to 100 cells/mm3 were enrolled between December 2009 and March 2010. Data on socio‐demographics, physical examinations and laboratory tests were collected. Factors associated with cryptococcal antigenemia were analyzed using multiple logistic regression.ResultsWe enrolled 367 participants and the median CD4 count was 23 (IQR 9‐51) cells/mm3. Sixty‐nine (19%) of the 367 participants had cryptococcal antigenemia. Twenty‐four patients (6.5%) had cryptococcal meningitis on cerebrospinal fluid analysis and three had isolated cryptococcal antigenemia. Factors associated with cryptococcal antigenemia included: low body mass index of 15.4 kg/m2 or less (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 0.5; 95% CI 0.3‐1.0), a CD4+ T cell count of less than 50 cells/mm3 (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI1.2‐6.1), neck pain (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.2‐4.6), recent diagnosis of HIV infection (AOR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.1‐3.6), and meningeal signs (AOR = 7.9; 95% CI 2.9‐22.1). However, at sub‐analysis of asymptomatic patients, absence of neck pain (AOR = 0.5), photophobia (AOR = 0.5) and meningeal signs (AOR = 0.1) were protective against cryptococcal infection.ConclusionsCryptococcal antigenemia is common among severely immunosuppressed HIV patients in Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Independent predictors of positive serum cryptococcal antigenemia were CD4+ T cell counts of less than 50 cells/mm, low body mass index, neck pain, signs of meningeal irritation, and a recent diagnosis of HIV infection. Routine screening of this category of patients may detect cryptococcosis, and hence provide an opportunity for early intervention. Absence of neck pain, photophobia and meningeal signs were protective against cryptococcal infection compared with symptomatic patients.
Value of self-performed joint counts in rheumatoid arthritis patients near remission
Authors: Radner Helga , Grisar Johannes , Smolen Josef S , Stamm Tanja , Aletaha Daniel 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Introduction

To determine the validity and reliability of patients' self-performed joint counts compared to joint counts by professional assessors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in different disease activity states.

Methods

In patients with established RA we determined the inter-rater reliability of joint counts performed by an independent evaluator and the patient using intraclass correlation (ICC), and agreement on activity in individual joints by kappa statistics. We also performed longitudinal analyses to assess consistency of assessments over time. Finally, we investigated the concordance of joint counts of different assessors in patients with different levels of disease activity.

Results

The reliability of patient self-performed joint counts was high when compared to independent objective assessment (ICC; 95%confidence interval (CI)) for the assessment of swelling (0.32; 0.15 to 0.46) and tenderness (0.75; 0.66 to 0.81), with higher agreement for larger joints (kappa: 0.57 and 0.45, respectively) compared to smaller joints (metacarpo-phalangeal joint (MCPs): 0.31 and 0.45; and proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPs): 0.22 and 0.47, for swelling and tenderness, respectively).
Patients in remission according to the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI ≤ 3.3) showed better concordance of the joint counts (swollen joint count (SJC) ties 25/37, tender joint count (TJC) ties 26/37) compared to moderate/high disease activity states (SDAI > 11; MDA/HDA: SJC ties 9/72, TJC ties 21/72). Positive and negative predictive values regarding the presence of SDAI remission were reasonably good (0.86 and 0.95, respectively). A separate training session for patients did not improve the reliability of joint assessment. The results were consistent in the longitudinal analyses.

Conclusions

Self-performed joint counts are particularly useful for monitoring in patients having attained remission, as these patients seem able to detect state of remission.
TNFα modulates protein degradation pathways in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Connor Alison M , Mahomed Nizar , Gandhi Rajiv , Keystone Edward C , Berger Stuart A 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and destructive disease of the joint. The synovial lining consists of two main types of cells: synovial fibroblasts and macrophages. The macrophage-derived cytokine TNFα stimulates RA synovial fibroblasts to proliferate and produce growth factors, chemokines, proteinases and adhesion molecules, making them key players in the RA disease process. If proteins are not correctly folded, cellular stress occurs that can be relieved in part by increased degradation of the aberrant proteins by the proteasome or autophagy. We hypothesized that the activity of the protein degradation pathways would be increased in response to TNFα stimulation in RA synovial fibroblasts compared with control fibroblasts.

Methods

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers were examined in synovial fibroblasts by immunoblotting and PCR. Use of the autophagy and proteasome protein degradation pathways in response to TNFα stimulation was determined using a combination of experiments involving chemical inhibition of the autophagy or proteasome pathways followed by immunoblotting for the autophagy marker LC3, measurement of proteasome activity and long-lived protein degradation, and determination of cellular viability.

Results

RA synovial fibroblasts are under acute ER stress, and the stress is increased in the presence of TNFα. Autophagy is the main pathway used to relieve the ER stress in unstimulated fibroblasts, and both autophagy and the proteasome are more active in RA synovial fibroblasts compared with control fibroblasts. In response to TNFα, the autophagy pathway but not the proteasome is consistently stimulated, yet there is an increased dependence on the proteasome for cell viability. If autophagy is blocked in the presence of TNFα, an increase in proteasome activity occurs in RA synovial fibroblasts but not in control cells.

Conclusions

TNFα stimulation of synovial fibroblasts results in increased expression of ER stress markers. Survival of synovial fibroblasts is dependent on continuous removal of proteins by both the lysosome/autophagy and ubiquitin/proteasome protein degradation pathways. Both pathways are more active in RA synovial fibroblasts compared with control fibroblasts. These results may provide a better understanding of the mechanism of TNFα on prolonging the survival of synovial fibroblasts in RA tissue.
Clinical features of symptomatic patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Peat George , Duncan Rachel C , Wood Laurence RJ , Thomas Elaine , Muller Sara 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (OA) is common and leads to pain and disability. However, current classification criteria do not distinguish between patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint OA. The objective of this study was to provide empirical evidence of the clinical features of patellofemoral joint OA (PFJOA) and to explore the potential for making a confident clinical diagnosis in the community setting.

Methods
This was a population-based cross-sectional study of 745 adults aged ≥50 years with knee pain. Information on risk factors and clinical signs and symptoms was gathered by a self-complete questionnaire, and standardised clinical interview and examination. Three radiographic views of the knee were obtained (weight-bearing semi-flexed posteroanterior, supine skyline and lateral) and individuals were classified into four subsets (no radiographic OA, isolated PFJOA, isolated tibiofemoral joint OA, combined patellofemoral/tibiofemoral joint OA) according to two different cut-offs: 'any OA' and 'moderate to severe OA'. A series of binary logistic and multinomial regression functions were performed to compare the clinical features of each subset and their ability in combination to discriminate PFJOA from other subsets.

Results
Distinctive clinical features of moderate to severe isolated PFJOA included a history of dramatic swelling, valgus deformity, markedly reduced quadriceps strength, and pain on patellofemoral joint compression. Mild isolated PFJOA was barely distinguished from no radiographic OA (AUC 0.71, 95% CI 0.66, 0.76) with only difficulty descending stairs and coarse crepitus marginally informative over age, sex and body mass index. Other cardinal signs of knee OA - the presence of effusion, bony enlargement, reduced flexion range of movement, mediolateral instability and varus deformity - were indicators of tibiofemoral joint OA.

Conclusions
Early isolated PFJOA is clinically manifest in symptoms and self-reported functional limitation but has fewer clear clinical signs. More advanced disease is indicated by a small number of simple-to-assess signs and the relative absence of classic signs of knee OA, which are predominantly manifestations of tibiofemoral joint OA. Confident diagnosis of even more advanced PFJOA may be limited in the community setting.
Functional role of IL-22 in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Mitra Anupam , Raychaudhuri Smriti K , Raychaudhuri Siba P 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Introduction

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a cytokine of IL-10 family with significant proliferative effect on different cell lines. Immunopathological role of IL-22 has been studied in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis. Here we are reporting the functional role of IL-22 in the inflammatory and proliferative cascades of psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Method

From peripheral blood and synovial fluid (SF) of PsA (n = 15), RA (n = 15) and osteoarthritis (OA, n = 15) patients, mononuclear cells were obtained and magnetically sorted for CD3+ T cells. Fibroblast like synoviocytes (FLS) were isolated from the synovial tissue of PsA (n = 5), RA (n = 5) and OA (n = 5) patients. IL-22 levels in SF and serum were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Proliferative effect of human recombinant IL-22 (rIL-22) on FLS was assessed by MTT (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, a yellow tetrazole) and CFSE dilution (Carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester) assays. Expression of IL-22Rα1 in FLS was determined by western blot.

Results

IL-22 levels were significantly elevated in SF of PsA patients (17.75 ± 3.46 pg/ml) compared to SF of OA (5.03 ± 0.39 pg/ml), p < 0.001. In MTT and CFSE dilution assays, rIL-22 (MTT, OD: 1.27 ± 0.06) induced significant proliferation of FLS derived from PsA patients compared to media (OD: 0.53 ± 0.02), p < 0.001. In addition, rIL-22 induced significantly more proliferation of FLS in presence of TNF-α. IL-22Rα1 was expressed in FLS of PsA, RA and OA patients. Anti IL-22R antibody significantly inhibited the proliferative effect of rIL-22. Further we demonstrated that activated synovial T cells of PsA and RA patients produced significantly more IL-22 than those of OA patients.

Conclusion

SF of PsA patients have higher concentration of IL-22 and rIL-22 induced marked proliferation of PsA derived FLS. Moreover combination of rIL-22 and TNF-α showed significantly more proliferative effect on FLS. IL-22Rα1 was expressed in FLS. Successful inhibition of IL-22 induced FLS proliferation by anti IL-22R antibody suggests that blocking of IL-22/IL-22R interaction may be considered as a novel therapeutic target for PsA.
Effect of Medication Reconciliation at Hospital Admission on Medication Discrepancies During Hospitalization and at Discharge for Geriatric Patients
Authors: Cornu Pieter , Steurbaut Stephane , Leysen Tinne , Baere Eva De , Ligneel Claudine , Mets Tony , Dupont Alain G 
Published: March 2012

Background: Medication discrepancies have the potential to cause harm. Medication reconciliation by clinical pharmacists aims to prevent discrepancies and other drug-related problems. Objective: To determine how often discrepancies in the physician-acquired medication history result in discrepancies during hospitalization and at discharge. Secondary objectives were to determine the influence of clinical pharmacists’ interventions on discrepancies and to investigate possible patient-related determinants for experiencing discrepancies. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center, cohort study of patients who were admitted to the acute geriatric department of a Belgian university hospital and followed up by clinical pharmacists between September 2009 and April 2010. Patients were limited to those 65 years or older who were taking 1 or more prescription drug. Medication reconciliation at admission, during hospitalization, and at discharge was conducted by an independent pharmacist who gathered information via chart reviews. Results: The reconciliation process at admission identified 681 discrepancies in 199 patients. Approximately 81.9% (163) of patients had at least 1 discrepancy in the physician-acquired medication history. The clinical pharmacists performed 386 interventions, which were accepted in 279 cases (72.3%). A quarter of the medication history discrepancies (165; 24.2%) resulted in discrepancies during hospitalization, mostly because the intervention was not accepted. At discharge, 278 medication history discrepancies (40.8%) resulted in discrepancies in the discharge letter, accounting for 50.2% of all 554 discrepancies identified in the discharge letters. The likelihood for experiencing discrepancies at admission increased by 47% for every additional drug listed in the medication history. Conclusions: Discrepancies in the physician-acquired medication history at admission do not always correlate with discrepancies during hospitalization because of clinical pharmacists’ interventions; however, discrepancies at admission may be associated with at least half of the discrepancies at discharge. Clinical pharmacist–conducted medication reconciliation can reduce these discrepancies, provided the erroneous information in the physician-acquired medication history is corrected and each intentional change in the medication plan is well documented during hospitalization and at discharge.
Action of the Noradrenergic System on Adult-Born Cells Is Required for Olfactory Learning in Mice
Authors: Moreno Melissa M. , Bath Kevin , Kuczewski Nicola , Sacquet Joëlle , Didier Anne , Mandairon Nathalie 
Published: March 2012

We have previously shown that an experience-driven improvement in olfactory discrimination (perceptual learning) requires the addition of newborn neurons in the olfactory bulb (OB). Despite this advance, the mechanisms which govern the selective survival of newborn OB neurons following learning remain largely unknown. We propose that activity of the noradrenergic system is a critical mediator providing a top-down signal to control the selective survival of newly born cells and support perceptual learning.In adult mice, we used pharmacological means to manipulate the noradrenergic system and neurogenesis and to assess their individual and additive effects on behavioral performance on a perceptual learning task. We then looked at the effects of these manipulations on regional survival of adult-born cells in the OB. Finally, using confocal imaging and electrophysiology, we investigated potential mechanisms by which noradrenaline could directly influence the survival of adult-born cells.Consistent with our hypotheses, direct manipulation of noradrenergic transmission significantly effect on adult-born cell survival and perceptual learning. Specifically, learning required both the presence of adult-born cell and noradrenaline. Finally, we provide a mechanistic link between these effects by showing that adult-born neurons receive noradrenergic projections and are responsive to noradrenaline.Based upon these data we argue that noradrenergic transmission is a key mechanism selecting adult-born neurons during learning and demonstrate that top-down neuromodulation acts on adult-born neuron survival to modulate learning performance.
Mikrowellenbasierter Massendurchflusssensor auf Basis von zweidimensionalen linkshändigen Leitungsstrukturen
Authors: Penirschke Andreas , Angelovski Aleksandar , Jakoby Rolf 
Published: March 2012

Zusammenfassung
In diesem Beitrag wird eine Anwendung eines kompakten Massendurchflusssensors auf Basis von resonanten “Kompositen Rechts-/Linkshändigen” Leitungsstrukturen (CRLH) mit erhöhter Empfindlichkeit im Vergleich zu herkömmlichen, mikrowellenbasierten Sensoren zur Bestimmung des Massenstroms in pneumatischen Förderanlagen vorgestellt. Das Konzept besteht aus einer periodischen Struktur von in Reihe geschalteten Kondensatoren und parallel geschalteten Induktivitäten mit makroskopisch negativer Permeabilität und Permittivität — den sogenannten Metamaterialien. Die simultane Erfassung der Geschwindigkeit und der Feststoff/Luft-Konzentration aus einer einzigen Messung ermöglicht die Messung des Massendurchflusses in Echtzeit. Die Anordnung einer oder mehrerer CRLH-Leitungsstrukturen zu einer Spiralform, eröffnet weiterhin die Möglichkeit, die Verteilung des Durchflusses über dem Förderrohrquerschnitt des Materials zu bestimmen, um die Genauigkeit des Sensors zu erhöhen. Zur Überprüfung des Sensorkonzeptes wurde ein Prototyp aufgebaut und in einem dedizierten Messsystem vermessen. Mögliche Anwendungsgebiete dieser Sensoren sind die Bestimmung des Massendurchflusses von Luft/Feststoff-, Luft/Flüssigkeit- und Flüssigkeit/Feststoff-Mischungen in der industriellen Prozessüberwachung.
Laserbasierte Charakterisierung und Kalibrierung von radiometrischen Detektoren für rückführbare Messungen
Authors: Schuster Michaela , Nevas Saulius , Sperling Armin 
Published: March 2012

Zusammenfassung
Rückführbarkeit ist von entscheidender Bedeutung für die weltweite Vergleichbarkeit von Messungen im Bereich Photometrie und Radiometrie. Hier soll zum Einen die Notwendigkeit einer rückführbaren Kalibrierung erläutert und zum Anderen die hierfür eingesetzten Lasermessplätze der PTB mit ausgewählte Messungen zur spektralen Empfindlichkeit von radiometrischen Empfängern und zur Charakterisierung von Spektroradiometern vorgestellt werden.