bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profile associated with superimposed non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Afendy Arian , Stepanova Maria , Hossain Noreen , Younossi Issah , Ankrah Kathy , Gramlich Terry , Baranova Ancha 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground: Hepatic steatosis occurs in 40–70% of patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus [chronic hepatitis C (CH‐C)]. Hepatic steatosis in CH‐C is associated with progressive liver disease and a low response rate to antiviral therapy.Aim: Gene expression profiles were examined in CH‐C patients with and without hepatic steatosis, non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis.Methods: This study included 65 CH‐C patients who were not receiving antiviral treatment. Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, quantified and used for one‐step reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction to profile 153 mRNAs that were normalized with six ‘housekeeping’ genes and a reference RNA. Multiple regression and stepwise selection assessed differences in gene expression and the models' performances were evaluated.Results: Models predicting the grade of hepatic steatosis in patients with CH‐C genotype 3 involved two genes: SOCS1 and IFITM1, which progressively changed their expression level with the increasing grade of steatosis. On the other hand, models predicting hepatic steatosis in non‐genotype 3 patients highlighted MIP‐1 cytokine encoding genes: CCL3 and CCL4 as well as IFNAR and PRKRIR. Expression levels of PRKRIR and SMAD3 differentiated patients with and without superimposed NASH only in the non‐genotype 3 cohort (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.822, P‐value 0.006]. Gene expression signatures related to hepatic fibrosis were not genotype specific.Conclusions: Gene expression might predict moderate to severe hepatic steatosis, NASH and fibrosis in patients with CH‐C, providing potential insights into the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in these patients.
The Role of Hedgehog-Interacting Protein in Maintaining Cavernous Nerve Integrity and Adult Penile Morphology
Authors: Angeloni Nicholas L. , Bond Christopher W. , Monsivais Diana , Tang Yi , Podlasek Carol A. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is an essential regulator of smooth muscle apoptosis in the penis that has significant clinical potential as a therapy to suppress post-prostatectomy apoptosis, an underlying cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). Thus an understanding of how SHH signaling is regulated in the adult penis is essential to move the field of ED research forward and to develop new treatment strategies. We propose that hedgehog-interacting protein (HIP), which has been shown to bind SHH protein and to play a role in SHH regulation during embryogenesis of other organs, is a critical regulator of SHH signaling, penile morphology, and apoptosis induction.

Aims
We have examined HIP signaling in the penis and cavernous nerve (CN) during postnatal differentiation of the penis, in CN-injured, and a diabetic model of ED.

Methods
HIP localization/abundance and RNA abundance were examined by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in Sprague-Dawley rats between the ages of 7 and 92 days old, in CN-injured Sprague-Dawley rats and in BioBreeding/Worcester diabetic rats. HIP signaling was perturbed in the pelvic ganglia and in the penis and TUNEL assay was performed in the penis. CN tie, lidocaine, and anti-kinesin experiments were performed to examine HIP signaling in the CN and penis.

Results
In this study we are the first to demonstrate that HIP undergoes anterograde transport to the penis via the CN, that HIP perturbation in the pelvic ganglia or the penis induces apoptosis, and that HIP plays a role in maintaining CN integrity, penile morphology, and SHH abundance.

Conclusions
These studies are significant because they show HIP involvement in cross-talk (signaling) between the pelvic ganglia and penis, which is integral for maintenance of penile morphology and they suggest a mechanism of how nerves may regulate target organ morphology and function.
Impairment of Couple Relationship in Male Patients with Sexual Dysfunction is Associated with Overt Hypogonadism
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Mannucci Edoardo , Lotti Francesco , Boddi Valentina , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Fisher Alessandra D. , Monami Matteo , Sforza Alessandra , Forti Gianni , Maggi Mario 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Couple sexual dysfunction is a common, but not often studied, problem.

Aim
We have previously reported that disturbance in the relational domain, as measured by SIEDY Scale 2 (exploring, as reported by the patient, menopausal symptoms, partner’s medical illness interfering with sexual activity, and reduced partner desire and climax), is associated with different sexual dysfunctions, such as hypoactive sexual desire, erectile dysfunction (ED), delayed ejaculation, and psychological disturbances. As all of these symptoms could be associated with hypogonadism, we have investigated the possible relationship between androgen levels and an unhappy couple relationship.

Methods
A consecutive series of 2,302 (mean age 53.2 ± 12.5 years) male patients with ED was studied.

Main Outcome Measures
Several hormonal parameters were investigated, along with penile Doppler ultrasound (PDU) and the Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY) and ANDROTEST. Higher ANDROTEST score identifies a higher prevalence of hypogonadism-related symptoms and signs.

Results
SIEDY Scale 2 score was associated with decreased intercourse frequency, severe ED, lower dynamic peak systolic velocity at PDU, and clinical (ANDROTEST score) and biochemical (low total and free testosterone) hypogonadism, even after adjusting for cofounders, such as patient’s and partner’s age, waist circumference, and smoking habit. Alternative models were explored using these different factors as dependent variables in order to evaluate the specific relationship among the parameters studied. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that low penile blood flow and decreased intercourse frequency are bi-directionally coupled to poor relational domain, while the association with hypogonadism was mediated through sexual hypoactivity or inertia.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that, in subjects consulting for sexual dysfunction, a deterioration of the couple’s relationship is associated with impairment in sexual activities, which, in turn, can lead to a mild hypogonadism. Any speculation on pathogenetic relationships should be confirmed through prospective studies or intervention trials.
Buddhism and Thai Art
Authors: Chirapravati Pattaratorn 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe last few years have been exciting for the field of Thai art history because of new archaeological discoveries and publications that have shed new light on several periods and subjects. New art history books range from highly technical books written for specialists like Hiram Woodward to less technical books, written by specialists, but for general readers, such as Betty Gosling's book The Origins of Thai Art, guidebooks written by specialists for a wide audience that includes scholars and educated tourists such as Dawn Rooney's book, Ancient Sukhothai: Thailand's Cultural Heritage, and art exhibition catalogues written by specialists for museum goers and scholars such as Forrest McGill's catalogue, The Kingdom of Siam: The Art of Central Thailand, 1350–1800. New light has also been shed on the field of Buddhism in Thailand, scholars such as Peter Skilling, Steve Collions, Donald Swearer, Justin McDaniel, Leedom Lefferts, and Bonnie Brereton published new translations of texts, compiled dictionaries, and studied ritual practices in relations to texts and objects. At the same time, Buddhist scholars and anthropologists have incorporated Buddhist art and architecture in their studies of texts and rituals. This article will offer a critical overview of the relation between the study of art and Buddhism in Thailand.
Touch and American Religions
Authors: Brown Candy Gunther 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe sense of touch plays an important role in many American religious practices. Yet dismissals of touch as an inferior mode of perception and reliance on textual sources that ignore touch have shaped research agendas. This essay identifies theories articulated by philosophical phenomenologists, students of ritual and performance studies, historians and anthropologists of art and architecture, neuroscientists, and feminist scholars that envision touch as a unique mode of gaining knowledge about the world and oneself and stimulating ethical behavior by working directly on the emotions to motivate empathetic, compassionate concern for others. The essay suggests how touch‐oriented theories can aid the development of research areas in American religions where scholars have already begun fruitful explorations of tactility: studies of religious embodiment and ritual and of pain and its alleviation through divine healing or Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).
African Christians in a Secularizing Europe
Authors: Adogame Afe 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAfrican immigrants are contributing to the shape of Christianity in Europe by establishing independent church groups. This paper examines some of the historical and sociological factors behind the growth of such African Churches in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands and other European countries. It is suggested that the African immigrant communities from which African churches are growing in postcolonial Europe contribute to the continued presence of Christianity in the global village.
PET of Brain Prion Protein Amyloid in Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker Disease
Authors: Kepe Vladimir , Ghetti Bernardino , Farlow Martin R. , Bresjanac Mara , Miller Karen , Huang Sung‐Cheng , Wong Koon‐Pong , Murrell Jill R. , Piccardo Pedro , Epperson Francine , Repovš Grega , Smid Lojze M. , Petrič Andrej , Siddarth Prabha , Liu Jie , Satyamurthy Nagichettiar , Small Gary W. , Barrio Jorge R. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIn vivoamyloid PET imaging was carried out on six symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers ofPRNPmutations associated with the Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker (GSS) disease, a rare familial neurodegenerative brain disorder demonstrating prion amyloid neuropathology, using 2‐(1‐{6‐[(2‐[F‐18]fluoroethyl)(methyl)amino]‐2‐naphthyl}ethylidene)malononitrile ([F‐18]FDDNP). 2‐Deoxy‐2‐[F‐18]fluoro‐d‐glucose PET ([F‐18]FDG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were also performed in each subject.Increased [F‐18]FDDNP binding was detectable in cerebellum, neocortex and subcortical areas of all symptomatic gene carriers in close association with the experienced clinical symptoms. Parallel glucose metabolism ([F‐18]FDG) reduction was observed in neocortex, basal ganglia and/or thalamus, which supports the close relationship between [F‐18]FDDNP binding and neuronal dysfunction. Two asymptomatic gene carriers displayed no cortical [F‐18]FDDNP binding, yet progressive [F‐18]FDDNP retention in caudate nucleus and thalamus was seen at 1‐ and 2‐year follow‐up in the older asymptomatic subject.In vitroFDDNP labeling experiments on brain tissue specimens from deceased GSS subjects not participating in thein vivostudies indicated thatin vivoaccumulation of [F‐18]FDDNP in subcortical structures, neocortices and cerebellum closely related to the distribution of prion protein pathology. These results demonstrate the feasibility of detecting prion protein accumulation in living patients with [F‐18]FDDNP PET, and suggest an opportunity for its application to follow disease progression and monitor therapeutic interventions.
Initial experience in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for Japanese morbid obesity
Authors: Ohta M , Kai S , Iwashita Y , Endo Y , Hirashita T , Eguchi H , Kitano S 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIntroduction: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in Japanese patients with morbid obesity.Materials and Methods: Between June 2006 and March 2009, seven morbidly obese Japanese patients (four women, three men; mean age 36±12 years; mean body mass index (BMI) 51±3 kg/m2) underwent LSG at our institute. The inclusion criteria were morbid obesity (BMI>35 kg/m2), the presence of obesity‐related disorders, and failure to lose weight while using other medical therapies for at least 6 months. The criteria also included contraindications for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or super‐obesity (BMI>50 kg/m2). LSG was carried out using endoscopic linear staplers from the greater curvature of the antrum 6–7 cm proximal to the pyloric ring to the angle of His alongside a 32‐Fr endoscope or a 45‐Fr overtube of the endoscope.Results: In all of the patients, LSG was successfully performed without open conversion. There were no serious postoperative complications and there was no mortality. The mean weight loss and percent excess weight loss after LSG were 33±8 kg and 47±16% at 6 months, and then 44±16 kg and 63±30% at 12 months. Due to the weight loss, the resolution and improvement rates of comorbidities in the five patients followed up for >3 months were 100% and 100% in type 2 diabetes, 67% and 100% in hypertension, 60% and 100% in dyslipidemia, and 100% and 100% in metabolic syndrome.Discussion: Although further long‐term studies are necessary with regard to weight maintenance, LSG is a feasible and safe treatment for Japanese patients with morbid obesity.
RNA Interference-Mediated Silencing of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Nucleocapsid Defines a Potent Antiviral Strategy
Authors: Alvarez Rene , Elbashir Sayda , Borland Todd , Toudjarska Ivanka , Hadwiger Philipp , John Mathias , Roehl Ingo , Morskaya Svetlana Shulga , Martinello Rick , Kahn Jeffrey , Van Ranst Mark , Tripp Ralph A. , DeVincenzo John P. , Pandey Rajendra , Maier Martin , Nechev Lubomir , Manoharan Muthiah , Kotelianski Victor , Meyers Rachel 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT
We describe the design and characterization of a potent human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) nucleocapsid gene-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA), ALN-RSV01. In in vitro RSV plaque assays, ALN-RSV01 showed a 50% inhibitory concentration of 0.7 nM. Sequence analysis of primary isolates of RSV showed that the siRNA target site was absolutely conserved in 89/95 isolates, and ALN-RSV01 demonstrated activity against all isolates, including those with single-mismatch mutations. In vivo, intranasal dosing of ALN-RSV01 in a BALB/c mouse model resulted in potent antiviral efficacy, with 2.5- to 3.0-log-unit reductions in RSV lung concentrations being achieved when ALN-RSV01 was administered prophylactically or therapeutically in both single-dose and multidose regimens. The specificity of ALN-RSV01 was demonstrated in vivo by using mismatch controls; and the absence of an immune stimulatory mechanism was demonstrated by showing that nonspecific siRNAs that induce alpha interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha lack antiviral efficacy, while a chemically modified form of ALN-RSV01 lacking measurable immunostimulatory capacity retained full activity in vivo. Furthermore, an RNA interference mechanism of action was demonstrated by the capture of the site-specific cleavage product of the RSV mRNA via rapid amplification of cDNA ends both in vitro and in vivo. These studies lay a solid foundation for the further investigation of ALN-RSV01 as a novel therapeutic antiviral agent for clinical use by humans.
Molecular Epidemiology of KPC-Producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Isolates in the United States: Clonal Expansion of Multilocus Sequence Type 258
Authors: Kitchel Brandon , Rasheed J. Kamile , Patel Jean B. , Srinivasan Arjun , Navon-Venezia Shiri , Carmeli Yehuda , Brolund Alma , Giske Christian G. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC)-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
have become more common in the United States and throughout the world. We used pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to examine the molecular epidemiology of KPC-producing
K. pneumoniae
isolates sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for reference testing from 1996 to 2008. A dominant strain, sequence type 258 (ST 258), was found and likely accounts for 70% of the CDC's
K. pneumoniae
PFGE database. Isolates with PFGE patterns related to ST 258 were identified in 10 of the 19 U.S. states currently reporting KPC-producing
K. pneumoniae
, in addition to one isolate from Israel. KPC subtyping and analysis of the surrounding genetic environment were subsequently performed on 23 representative isolates. Thirteen isolates identified as ST 258 possessed either
bla
KPC-2
or
bla
KPC-3
and some variability in the Tn
4401
element upstream of the
bla
KPC
gene.
Escherichia coli
DH10B was successfully transformed by electroporation with KPC-encoding plasmid DNA from 20 of the 23 isolates. Restriction analysis of plasmid DNA prepared from transformants revealed a diversity of band patterns, suggesting the presence of different plasmids harboring the
bla
KPC
gene, even among isolates of the same ST.
VanA-Type Vancomycin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Périchon Bruno , Courvalin Patrice 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTSince 2002, nine methicillin (meticillin)-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) strains that are also resistant to vancomycin (VRSA) have been reported in the United States, including seven clinical isolates from Michigan. The strains harbor a plasmid-borne Tn1546element following conjugation from a glycopeptide-resistantEnterococcusstrain. In the second step, Tn1546transposed to a resident plasmid in five strains; the acquired plasmid behaved as a suicide gene delivery vector, and the incoming DNA had been rescued by illegitimate recombination. Surprisingly, combination of a glycopeptide with a β-lactam has a strong synergistic effect against VRSA, both in vitro and in an animal model, despite resistance of the strains to both drug classes when administered separately. This results from the fact that the late peptidoglycan precursors ending ind-alanine-d-lactate (d-Ala-d-Lac) that are mainly synthesized in the presence of glycopeptide inducers are not substrates for PBP2′, which is the only transpeptidase that remains active in the presence of oxacillin. One VRSA strain is partially dependent on vancomycin for growth due to a mutation in the hostd-Ala:d-Ala ligase, thus having to rely on the inducible resistance pathway for cell wall synthesis. Competition growth experiments in the absence of inducer between the MRSA recipient and isogenic VRSA transconjugant revealed a disadvantage for the transconjugant, accounting, in part, for the low level of dissemination of the VRSA clinical isolates. The association of multiple molecular and environmental factors has been implicated in the regional emergence of VRSA in Michigan.
Nukacin ISK-1, a Bacteriostatic Lantibiotic
Authors: Asaduzzaman Sikder M. , Nagao Jun-ichi , Iida Hiroshi , Zendo Takeshi , Nakayama Jiro , Sonomoto Kenji 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

We determined the mode of action of nukacin ISK-1. It did not cause membrane potential dissipation or the efflux of ATP or K
+
ions from the cells of a sensitive bacterial strain; however, it blocked the membrane depolarization activity of nisin. Nukacin ISK-1-treated cells had single arrangements of cells without the formation of a complete septum. A remarkable reduction in cell wall width was also observed, but cytoplasmic content was unaffected. We concluded that nukacin ISK-1 is bacteriostatic.
Comparative Analysis of the Locus of Enterocyte Effacement and Its Flanking Regions
Authors: Müller Daniel , Benz Inga , Liebchen Ariane , Gallitz Inka , Karch Helge , Schmidt M. Alexander 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThe attaching-and-effacing (A/E) phenotype mediated by factors derived from the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) is a hallmark of clinically important intestinal pathotypes ofEscherichia coli, including enteropathogenic (EPEC), atypical EPEC (ATEC), and enterohemorrhagicE. colistrains. Epidemiological studies indicate that the frequency of diarrhea outbreaks caused by ATEC is increasing. Hence, it is of major importance to further characterize putative factors contributing to the pathogenicity of these strains and to gain additional insight into the plasticity and evolutionary aspects of this emerging pathotype. Here, we analyzed the two clinical ATEC isolates B6 (O26:K60) and 9812 (O128:H2) and compared the genetic organizations, flanking regions, and chromosomal insertion loci of their LEE with those of the LEE of other A/E pathogens. Our analysis shows that the core LEE is largely conserved—particularly among genes coding for the type 3 secretion system—whereas genes encoding effector proteins display a higher variability. Chromosomal insertion loci appear to be restricted toselC,pheU, andpheV. In contrast, striking differences were found between the 5′- and 3′-associated flanking regions reflecting the different histories of the various strains and also possibly indicating different lines in evolution.
LANDAU LEVEL SPECTROSCOPY OF DIRAC-LIKE FERMIONS IN MULTILAYER GRAPHENE
Authors: POTEMSKI M. 
Published: June 2009

The results of spectroscopic (magneto-transmission and Raman scattering) studies1–8 of multilayers of carbon which are thermally decomposed from carbon-terminated surface of silicon carbide, and of thin layers of highly oriented pyrolytic and natural graphite were presented. Those carbon multilayers on silicon carbide which are not directly affected by the SiC / C interface and which in consequence are nearly charge neutral show the magneto-optical properties identical with the properties characteristic of a single graphite sheet, graphene. Inter Landau level transitions in this multilayer graphene have been studied in a wide spectral range from far-infrared to almost visible region. The dispersion relations of electronic states are found to reflect the form of the Dirac cone with almost perfect electron-hole symmetry and only weak deviations from linearity at high energies. Cyclotron resonance transition in multilayer graphene can be observed in magnetic fields down to 40 mT, and its width is practically independent on temperature up to 300 K. Such parameters as carrier mobility and minimal conductivity as well as the possibility to probe the immediate vicinity of the Dirac point were evaluated and discussed in detail. For comparison, the magneto-optical properties of thin layers of bulk graphite were also reported. The Dirac like electronic dispersion relations are also found in these systems, but only in the vicinity of the particular (H) point of the Brillouin zone. In general, the measured spectra are, however, more complex and reflect the three-dimensional character of graphene layers with Bernal stacking. Note from Publisher: This article contains the abstract only.