bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol Disrupts Endoplasmic Reticulum Function and Protein Secretion in Hepatocytes
Authors: Howarth Deanna L. , Vacaru Ana M. , Tsedensodnom Orkhontuya , Mormone Elisabetta , Nieto Natalia , Costantini Lindsey M. , Snapp Erik L. , Sadler Kirsten C. 
Published: July 2011

Background:  Many alcoholic patients have serum protein deficiency that contributes to their systemic problems. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is induced in response to disequilibrium in the protein folding capability of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is implicated in hepatocyte lipid accumulation and apoptosis, which are associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We investigated whether alcohol affects ER structure, function, and UPR activation in hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo.
Methods:  HepG2 cells expressing human cytochrome P450 2E1 and mouse alcohol dehydrogenase (VL‐17A) were treated for up to 48 hours with 50 and 100 mM ethanol. Zebrafish larvae at 4 days postfertilization were exposed to 350 mM ethanol for 32 hours. ER morphology was visualized by fluorescence in cells and transmission electron microscopy in zebrafish. UPR target gene activation was assessed using quantitative PCR, in situ hybridization, and Western blotting. Mobility of the major ER chaperone, BIP, was monitored in cells by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP).
Results:  VL‐17A cells metabolized alcohol yet only had slight activation of some UPR target genes following ethanol treatment. However, ER fragmentation, crowding, and accumulation of unfolded proteins as detected by immunofluorescence and FRAP demonstrate that alcohol induced some ER dysfunction despite the lack of UPR activation. Zebrafish treated with alcohol, however, showed modest ER dilation, and several UPR targets were significantly induced.
Conclusions:  Ethanol metabolism directly impairs ER structure and function in hepatocytes. Zebrafish are a novel in vivo system for studying ALD.
Inactivation of hepatitis A variants during heat treatment (pasteurization) of human serum albumin
Authors: Farcet Maria R. , Kindermann Johanna , Modrof Jens , Kreil Thomas R. 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Pasteurization of human serum albumin (HSA) is detailed in the US and European Pharmacopoeial monographs and therefore a process that allows for little variation in physiochemical variables. Nevertheless, differences of up to 3.9 log in hepatitis A virus (HAV) inactivation by pasteurization have been reported. Here, the hypothesis that the choice of HAV variant used in the pasteurization might contribute to this inactivation variability is evaluated experimentally.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The identity of four widely used cytopathic variants of the original HAV HM175 strain was determined by partial sequencing. These variants were used in pasteurization studies conducted under the principles of good laboratory practice, for which HAV‐spiked HSA of 5 or 25% protein content was kept at 58 ± 1°C for 600 ± 10 minutes, and the virus inactivation was assessed. In addition, data from previous pasteurization studies were included in the analysis.RESULTS: The four HAV variants could be divided into two subgroups, with significantly different (p ≤ 0.0001) virus inactivation by pasteurization (4.7 and 4.8 log vs. 2.3 and 2.6 log, respectively). Also, the protein concentration of the HSA solution used for pasteurization had a significant effect on the achieved HAV inactivation, with reduction factors obtained in 5% HSA significantly lower than in 25% HSA (p < 0.002).CONCLUSION: HAV variant and protein concentration of the HSA solution affect the overall HAV inactivation that is achieved during pasteurization. As the HAV inactivation capacity should not be overestimated, an HAV variant more resistant to heat inactivation should be used for studies investigating the viral safety profiles of plasma derivatives.
Sentencing Rationales and Judicial Decision Making at the International Criminal Tribunals*
Authors: Meernik James 
Published: July 2011

Objective. I develop a theory of judicial decision making at the international tribunals regarding the punishment of those who have committed violations of international law. Previous research has found and criticized inconsistent sentencing at the tribunals, but I argue that we can explain such sentences through a theoretical framework that outlines how judges utilize the traditional punishment rationales of retribution and deterrence.Methods. Regression analysis is conducted using original data on the sentences passed on 132 individuals from the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), and the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL).Results. I find significant support for the importance of each of the sentencing rationales.Conclusions. Tribunal judges sentence in a consistent manner premised on domestic and international rationales.
Gender Jeopardy: What is the Impact of Gender Differences in Political Knowledge on Political Participation?*
Authors: Ondercin Heather L. , Jones‐White Daniel 
Published: July 2011

Objective. We explore whether observed sex‐based differences in political knowledge have an impact on men's and women's participation in six different political activities.Methods. Utilizing ANES data from the five presidential elections between 1984 and 2000, we employ logistic regression to estimate the likelihood of voting, influencing a vote, attending a political meeting, working on a political campaign, wearing a political button, and making a campaign donation.Results. At lower levels of political knowledge, women's lower political knowledge depresses their participation in politics. The participation gap disappears at higher levels of political knowledge for three participatory acts: attempting to influence a vote, attending a political meeting, and donating to a political campaign. Furthermore, at higher levels of political knowledge, women are more likely than men to vote, wear a political button, or work for political campaigns.Conclusion. Our analysis reveals that political knowledge differentially affects men's and women's political participation. These findings complement existing scholarship that finds women hold themselves to a higher standard before engaging in political activities such as running for elected office.
Racial Disparities in Access to Mortgage Credit: Does Governance Matter?*
Authors: Casey Colleen , Glasberg Davita Silfen , Beeman Angie 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. This article examines the effect of community organizing on the likelihood that minority borrowers pursue home mortgage credit from regulated lenders.Methods. Governance perspectives suggest that community organizations exert significant influence on policy outcomes. We use logistic regression with interaction terms to test the effect of community organizing on the lending outcomes of minority borrowers. We use a matched control sample of cities, drawing on 2004 loan data from two midwestern cities similar in racial and economic composition but with different histories of organizing around the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).Results. We find differential effects based on an applicant's race or ethnicity. Overall, African‐American applicants are less likely to pursue mortgage credit for home ownership from regulated lenders than their white, non‐Hispanic counterparts. However, African Americans seeking mortgage credit in a city with a history of CRA organizing are more likely to apply to regulated lenders than their racial counterparts in a city without CRA organizing. However, while organizing reduces the disparities between white and African‐American applicants, a gap still remains.Conclusion. African‐American borrowers living in cities with a history of community organizing around CRA appear more likely to pursue mortgage credit from traditional, regulated lenders, suggesting that governance matters.
Who Benefits Most from Financial Aid? The Heterogeneous Effect of Need‐Based Grants on Students' College Persistence*
Authors: Alon Sigal 
Published: July 2011

Objectives. This study assesses whether need‐based grants are equally conducive to the college persistence of students from various economic strata and the extent to which a redistribution of funds can narrow economic‐based inequality in college persistence.Methods. To estimate the causal effect of need‐based grants on several persistence outcomes the discontinuity created in the dollar amounts of Pell grants when the students have siblings attending college is exploited. The analyses use a nationally representative sample of students enrolled at four‐year institutions in 1995.Results. While the allocation of Pell Grants responds to students' pecuniary constraints, institutional and state grants expand the circle of recipients to more well‐off students. Yet, it is only the persistence of students from the bottom half of the income distribution that is sensitive to aid amounts. If the need‐based funds granted to affluent students had been diverted to these students, the gap in first‐year persistence would have been closed.Conclusions. For a redistribution of funds to boost degree attainment and achieve equality of educational opportunity it must be based on stricter means‐tested allocations of nonfederal funds as they are the main source of need‐based aid.
The “Coffin Fly”Conicera tibialis (Diptera: Phoridae) Breeding on Buried Human Remains After a Postmortem Interval of 18 Years*
Authors: Martín‐Vega Daniel , Gómez‐Gómez Aída , Baz Arturo 
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  The “coffin fly,”Conicera tibialis Schmitz (Order: Diptera, Family: Phoridae), is well known for its frequent occurrence on buried corpses, in some cases after postmortem intervals of even 3–5 years. The present report describes the presence of a large amount of individuals of C. tibialis inside the coffin of a buried human corpse exhumed 18 years after death in central Spain. Adults, some of them newly emerged, and empty puparia were found in connection with the remains. Such postmortem interval is significantly longer than previously known for this species and raises the question on the current state of knowledge about the use of insects for estimating the postmortem interval in old, buried remains.
‘Dealing with ambiguity’– the role of obstetricians in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: PERSSON MARGARETA , HÖRNSTEN ÅSA , WINKVIST ANNA , MOGREN INGRID 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjective. Gestational diabetes mellitus is a pregnancy‐related complication and therefore obstetricians counsel and manage the maternal health care for these women. This study describes obstetricians’ experiences of management of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Design. Interview study. Setting. Hospital‐based specialist maternal health care clinics in Sweden. Population. A consecutive purposive national sample of 17 obstetricians providing maternal health care to pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Result. The overall theme describing the experiences of the obstetricians was labeled ‘Dealing with ambiguity’. This ambiguity permeated all aspects of working as an obstetrician within the maternal health care; the role of the obstetrician, the context of organization, the multifaceted maternal and fetal interests to balance, and lack of consensus, recommendations and evidence‐based knowledge. Conclusions. The study revealed the ambiguous situation experienced and managed by obstetricians providing maternal health care to pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. This indicates a need for national guidelines and standardized maternal health care services regarding gestational diabetes mellitus to fulfill the intentions of the health care system. Such recommendations may be beneficial and supportive for the health care professionals as well as for the mother‐to‐be and her fetus.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α‐induced inflammatory responses in cattle
Authors: KUSHIBIKI Shiro 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTTumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is recognized as a cytokine because of its involvement in inflammation‐mediated biological defense functions. Although TNF‐α is primarily produced by macrophages, it is also produced by other cells, including lymphocytes, Kupffer cells, natural killer cells and adipocytes. While TNF‐α has diverse immune system functions, including antitumor activity, antimicrobial activity and mediation of inflammation, it also regulates a number of physiological functions, including appetite, fever, energy metabolism and endocrine activity. Factors such as viruses, parasites, other cytokines, and endotoxins induce TNF‐α production. In combination with other cytokines, TNF‐α plays a clinically important role in cattle by mediating immune inflammatory responses such as mastitis and endotoxic shock. It has been reported that cytokines such as TNF‐α are involved in metabolic disease such as acidosis. On the other hand, several data suggest that lactoferrin (LF) acts to prevent the release of a number of inflammatory mediators from various activated cells, and further suggest that the prophylactic effect of LF involves inhibition of cytokine production, including TNF‐α, that are principal mediators of the inflammatory response leading to death from toxic shock. This review discusses the role of TNF‐α in pathological conditions in cattle, including infections and metabolic diseases caused by perturbation of metabolism and endocrine functions.
The PKR Activator PACT Is Induced by Aβ: Involvement in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Paquet Claire , Mouton‐Liger François , Meurs Eliane F. , Mazot Pierre , Bouras Constantin , Pradier Laurent , Gray Françoise , Hugon Jacques 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include senile plaques made of Aβ peptide, neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated tau protein and neuronal loss. The pro‐apoptotic kinase PKR can be activated by Aβ and can phosphorylate tau protein via GSK3β kinase activation. The activated form of PKR (pPKR) accumulates in affected neurons and could participate in neuronal degeneration in AD. The mechanism of abnormal PKR activation in AD is not elucidated but could be linked to the PKR activator PACT. PACT stainings, and levels were assessed in the brains of AD patients and in APP/PS1 knock‐in transgenic mice and in cell cultures exposed to stresses. We showed that PACT and pPKR colocalizations are enhanced in AD brains. Their levels are increased and correlated in AD and APP/PS1 knock‐in mice brains. In human neuroblastoma cells exposed to Aβ, tunicamycin or H2O2, PACT and pPKR concentrations are increased. PACT then PKR inhibitions indicate that PACT is upstream of PKR activation. Our findings demonstrate that PACT levels are enhanced in AD brains and could partly be caused by the action of Aβ. In addition, PACT participates in PKR activation. The PACT–PKR pathway represents a potential link between Aβ accumulation, PKR activation and tau phosphorylation.
Effects of Photoactivated Titanium Dioxide Nanopowders and Coating on Planktonic and Biofilm Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Polo Andrea , Diamanti Maria Vittoria , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Høiby Niels , Villa Federica , Pedeferri Maria Pia , Cappitelli Francesca 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe exploited the ability of photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO2) as an agent for the biofilm control. Two photocatalytic systems were investigated: a 3 g L−1 suspension of TiO2 nanopowder in demineralized water and glass slides coated with a TiO2 thin film, achieved by sol‐gel deposition. A running protocol for the photoactivation of TiO2 was set up using the dye rhodamine B. The microorganisms studied were Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a Bacillus cereus‐group as planktonic cells. P. aeruginosa biofilms were also studied at both the solid‐liquid and the solid‐air interface. The TiO2 nanopowder produced 1‐log reduction of Bacillus sp. planktonic cells in 24 h, 2‐log reduction of P. stutzeri planktonic cells in 30 min and 1‐log reduction of P. aeruginosa planktonic cells in 2 h compared with non–photo‐activated TiO2. TiO2 thin film produced almost a complete eradication of P. aeruginosa planktonic cells (initial concentration 108 cells mL−1) in 24 h compared to a 3‐log reduction caused by UV‐A light alone. In contrast, neither the photocatalytic treatment with TiO2 film nor that with TiO2 nanopowder had any effect on P. aeruginosa biofilms at all the interfaces investigated. Possible explanations for these findings, and for the discrepancy between this work and literature data, are discussed.
Effect of posterior cruciate ligament rupture on biomechanical features of the medial femoral condyle
Authors: Gao Shu‐guang , Jiang Wei , Lei Guang‐hua , Xu Mai , Yu Fang , Li Kang‐hua 
Published: July 2011

Objective:  To investigate the biomechanical impact of rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and its various bundles on the medial femoral condyle.Methods:  Twelve fresh human cadaveric knee specimens were divided into four groups: PCL intact, anterolateral band (ALB) rupture, posteromedial band (PMB) rupture and PCL complete rupture groups according to the purpose and order of testing. Strain in the middle of the medial femoral condyle was measured under different loads (200–800 N) at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion.Results:  At 0° of knee flexion, compared with the PCL intact and ALB rupture groups, strain on the medial femoral condyle increased in the PMB rupture and PCL complete rupture groups under all loading conditions. There was no statistical difference between the PMB rupture and PCL complete rupture groups. At 30°, 60° and 90° of knee flexion, compared with the PCL intact group, increase in strain on the medial femoral condyle was noted in the ALB rupture group under higher loading conditions (600 N and 800 N) and PCL complete rupture group under all loading conditions. The PCL complete rupture group had higher strain on the medial femoral condyle than did the ALB rupture group under most loading conditions.Conclusion:  At 0° of knee flexion, PMB rupture or PCL complete rupture can cause increase in strain on the medial femoral condyle. However, at 30°, 60° and 90° of knee flexion, ALB rupture or PCL complete rupture can cause increase in strain on the medial femoral condyle.
The effect of Staphylococcus aureus on apoptosis of cultured human osteoblasts
Authors: Ning Ren‐de , Zhang Xian‐long , Li Qing‐tian , Guo Xiao‐kui 
Published: July 2011

Objective:  To investigate the effect of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) on cultured human osteoblast apoptosis and the corresponding mode of action.Methods:  Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), assessment of DNA laddering, and flow cytometry assays were used to investigate human osteoblast apoptosis following infection with S. aureus.Results:  TEM examination and DNA laddering assessment indicated that S. aureus can induce cultured human osteoblast apoptosis. Flow cytometry assays showed that human osteoblast apoptosis occurs in a dose‐dependent manner following infection with S. aureus. In addition, compared with under co‐culture conditions, inhibition of invasion by S. aureus resulted in a 64.62% reduction in the percentage of early apoptotic cells (P < 0.01); 7.09% ± 1.21% of human osteoblasts under indirect co‐culture with S. aureus at a multiplicity of infection of 250 showed an early apoptotic profile compared with uninfected controls(P < 0.01).Conclusions:  S. aureus induces cultured human osteoblast apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. Intracellular S. aureus is mainly responsible for cultured human osteoblast apoptosis following infection; secreted soluble factor(s) of S. aureus playing a minor role in this process.
Serum alkaline phosphatase activity is not a marker for neoplastic transformation of esophageal nodules in canine spirocercosis
Authors: Mukorera Varaidzo , van der Merwe Liesel L. , Lavy Eran , Aroch Itamar , Dvir Eran 
Published: July 2011

Background: Spirocerca lupi is a nematode of Canidae that matures within the esophageal wall to form fibroblastic nodules with potential for malignant transformation. Diagnosis is based on histopathologic examination, but false‐negative results may be obtained from samples collected by endoscopy. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, frequently increased in hepatobiliary disease, is also increased in a variety of neoplastic conditions in dogs, including appendicular osteosarcoma, and has also been reported to be increased in dogs with spirocercosis.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum ALP activity as a marker for malignant transformation of esophageal nodules in S. lupi‐infected dogs.Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of dogs diagnosed with spirocercosis from 1991 to 2008 were reviewed, and serum ALP activity determined at presentation was compared between dogs with nonneoplastic and neoplastic nodules. Owing to use of multiple analyzers, ratios of ALP activity to the upper reference interval for ALP were calculated and compared.Results: Median ALP activity ratios were 0.65 (0.07–4.00) and 0.86 (0.10–3.40) for dogs with nonneoplastic (n=88) and neoplastic (n=32) nodules, respectively, with no significant difference (P=.18) and substantial overlap between groups. Tumors included osteosarcoma (15 dogs), fibrosarcoma (15 dogs), and anaplastic sarcoma (2 dogs); there was no difference in ALP activity between the dogs with osteosarcoma and fibrosarcoma.Conclusion: ALP is a poor marker of malignant transformation in canine spirocercosis.
Treatment of Aseptic Dogs with Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis with Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid: A Prospective Blinded Study
Authors: Unterer S. , Strohmeyer K. , Kruse B.D. , Sauter‐Louis C. , Hartmann K. 
Published: July 2011

Background:Antibiotics generally are recommended to treat hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). Inappropriate use of antibiotics may promote risk of antimicrobial resistance and unnecessary adverse drug reactions. The necessity of antimicrobial therapy in dogs with HGE has not been demonstrated.Objective:The purpose of this prospective, placebo‐controlled, blinded study was to evaluate whether treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid improves the clinical course and outcome of HGE in dogs that show no signs of sepsis.Animals:The study included 60 dogs diagnosed with HGE between 2007 and 2009 at the Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU University of Munich, Germany. The inclusion criterion was the presence of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea (<3 days). Dogs pretreated with antibiotics, with signs of sepsis, or diagnosed with any disease known to cause bloody diarrhea were excluded from the study.Methods:Patients were randomly divided into treatment (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for 7 days) and placebo groups. To evaluate treatment efficacy, severity of clinical signs (based on a newly developed HGE index), duration of hospitalization, and mortality rate were compared between the 2 groups.Results:Fifty‐three of 60 dogs completed the study. No significant difference between treatment groups concerning mortality rate, dropout rate, duration of hospitalization, or severity of clinical signs, either on any individual day or over the course of disease, was observed.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:In some dogs with HGE that show no signs of sepsis, antibiotics may not change the case outcome or time to recovery.