bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative molecular analysis of chemolithoautotrophic bacterial diversity and community structure from coastal saline soils, Gujarat, India
Authors: Yousuf Basit , Sanadhya Payal , Keshri Jitendra , Jha Bhavanath 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundSoils harbour high diversity of obligate as well as facultative chemolithoautotrophic bacteria that contribute significantly to CO2dynamics in soil. In this study, we used culture dependent and independent methods to assess the community structure and diversity of chemolithoautotrophs in agricultural and coastal barren saline soils (low and high salinity). We studied the composition and distribution of chemolithoautotrophs by means of functional marker genecbbLencoding large subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and a phylogenetic marker 16S rRNA gene. ThecbbLform IA and IC genes associated with carbon fixation were analyzed to gain insight into metabolic potential of chemolithoautotrophs in three soil types of coastal ecosystems which had a very different salt load and sulphur content.ResultsIncbbLlibraries, thecbbLform IA was retrieved only from high saline soil whereas form IC was found in all three soil types. The form ICcbbLwas also amplified from bacterial isolates obtained from all soil types. A number of novel monophyletic lineages affiliated with form IA and IC phylogenetic trees were found. These were distantly related to the knowncbbLsequences from agroecosystem, volcanic ashes and marine environments. In 16S rRNA clone libraries, the agricultural soil was dominated by chemolithoautotrophs (Betaproteobacteria) whereas photoautotrophicChloroflexiand sulphide oxidizers dominated saline ecosystems. Environmental specificity was apparently visible at both higher taxonomic levels (phylum) and lower taxonomic levels (genus and species). The differentiation in community structure and diversity in three soil ecosystems was supported by LIBSHUFF (P = 0.001) and UniFrac.ConclusionThis study may provide fundamentally new insights into the role of chemolithoautotrophic and photoautotrophic bacterial diversity in biochemical carbon cycling in barren saline soils. The bacterial communities varied greatly among the three sites, probably because of differences in salinity, carbon and sulphur contents. ThecbbLform IA-containing sulphide-oxidizing chemolithotrophs were found only in high saline soil clone library, thus giving the indication of sulphide availability in this soil ecosystem. This is the first comparative study of the community structure and diversity of chemolithoautotrophic bacteria in coastal agricultural and saline barren soils using functional (cbbL) and phylogenetic (16S rDNA) marker genes.
Association of cardiac and renal function with extreme N-terminal fragment Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels in elderly patients
Authors: Cui Hua , Huo Guoliang , Liu Lin , Fan Li , Ye Ping , Cao Jian , Bai Yongyi , Wang Fan , Hu Yixin 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
The data are inconsistent regarding whether extreme N-terminal fragment pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) levels are associated with impaired renal function. Furthermore, the relationship between extreme NT pro-BNP levels and cardiac and renal function in elderly patients has not been reported. The aim of the present study was to examine a hypothesis that extreme NT pro-BNP levels may be associated with impaired cardiac and renal function in elderly patients.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the data of demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic features on 152 consecutive elderly patients aged more than 80 years old (average age, 83.65 ± 3.58 years) with NT pro-BNP levels ≥ 3000 pg/ml. The participants were divided into two categories according to their NT pro-BNP levels: (1) 3000–10000 pg/mL and (2) >10000 pg /mL.

Results
The number of patients with impaired renal function (P = 0.019) and the mortality (P < 0.001) in the period of inpatient was higher in the group with NT pro-BNP > 10000 pg /mL. The levels of serum creatinine and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) in the group of NT pro-BNP > 10000 pg / mL were higher than those in the group of NT pro-BNP = 3000-10000 pg/mL (P = 0.001 and P = 0.023, respectively). Furthermore, no significant difference in the distribution by NYHA class in different NT pro-BNP levels was observed. Multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated that with NT pro-BNP levels as the dependent variable, NT pro-BNP levels were positively correlated with CK-MB (β = 0.182, P = 0.024) and creatinine levels (β = 0.281, P = 0.001). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve of NT pro-BNP levels and clinical diagnosis of impaired renal function was 0.596 and reached significant difference (95%CI:0.503-0.688, P = 0.044).

Conclusion
These data suggest that the extreme elevation of NT pro-BNP levels (≥3000 pg/ml) is mainly determined by impaired renal function in elderly patients above 80 years. Extreme NT pro-BNP levels may be useful for assessing the severity of impaired renal function.
Long-term treatment with alendronate increases the surgical difficulty during simple exodontias – an in vivo observation in Holtzman rats
Authors: Conte-Neto Nicolau , Bastos Alliny de Souza , Spolidorio Luis Carlos , Chierici Marcantonio Rosemary Adriana , Marcantonio Jr Elcio 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Atraumatic teeth extractions protocols are highly encouraged in patients taking bisphosphonates (Bps) to reduce surgical trauma and, consequently, the risk of jaws osteonecrosis development. In this way, this paper aims to report the findings of increased surgical difficulty during simple exodontias in animals treated with bisphosphonates.

Methods
Sixty male Holtzman rats were randomly distributed into three groups of 20 animals and received daily subcutaneous administration of 1 mg/kg (AL1) or 3 mg/kg (AL3) of alendronate or saline solution (CTL). After 60 days of drug therapy all animals were submitted to first lower molars extractions under general anesthesia. Operatory surgical time and the frequency of teeth fractures were measured as principal outcomes and indicators of surgical difficulty degree.

Results
Animals treated with alendronate (AL1 and AL3) were associated to higher operatory times and increased frequency of teeth fractures compared to match controls.

Conclusions
The bisphosphonate therapy may be associated with an increased surgical difficulty and trauma following simple exodontias protocols, which is considered a critical issue when it comes to osteonecrosis development.
Depletion of neutrophil extracellular traps in vivo results in hypersusceptibility to polymicrobial sepsis in mice
Authors: Meng Wei , Paunel-Görgülü Adnana , Flohé Sascha , Hoffmann Almuth , Witte Ingo , MacKenzie Colin , Baldus Stephan E , Windolf Joachim , Lögters Tim T 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Although the formation of neutrophil (PMN) extracellular traps (NETs) has been detected during infection and sepsis, their role in vivo is still unclear. This study was performed in order to evaluate the influence of NETs depletion by administration of recombinant human (rh)DNase on bacterial spreading, PMN tissue infiltration and inflammatory response in a mouse model of polymicrobial sepsis.

Methods
In a prospective controlled double-armed animal trial, polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). After CLP, mice were treated with rhDNase or phosphate buffered saline, respectively. Survival, colony forming unit (CFU) counts in the peritoneal cavity, lung, liver and blood were determined. PMN and platelet counts, IL-6 and circulating free (cf)-DNA/NETs levels were monitored. PMN infiltration, as well as organ damage, was analyzed histologically in the lungs and liver. Capability and capacity of PMN to form NETs were determined over time.

Results
cf-DNA/NETs were found to be significantly increased 6, 24, and 48 hours after CLP when compared to the levels determined in sham and naïve mice. Peak levels after 24 hours were correlated to enhanced capacity of bone marrow-derived PMN to form NETs after ex vivo stimulation with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate at the same time. rhDNase treatment of mice resulted in a significant reduction of cf-DNA/NETs levels 24 hours after CLP (P < 0.001). Although overall survival was not affected by rhDNase treatment, median survival after 24 hours was significantly lower when compared with the CLP group (P < 0.01). In mice receiving rhDNase treatment, CFU counts in the lung (P < 0.001) and peritoneal cavity (P < 0.05), as well as serum IL-6 levels (P < 0.001), were found to be already increased six hours after CLP. Additionally, enhanced PMN infiltration and tissue damage in the lungs and liver were found after 24 hours. In contrast, CFU counts in mice without rhDNase treatment increased later but more strongly 24 hours after CLP (P < 0.001). Similarly, serum IL-6 levels peaked after 24 hours (P < 0.01).

Conclusions
This study shows, for the first time, that depletion of NETs by rhDNase administration impedes the early immune response and aggravates the pathology that follows polymicrobial sepsis in vivo.
The new 'porno-chic'? Fashion, consumption and film pornography
Authors: KIRKHAM NEIL 
Published: July 2012

This article studies the emerging links between fashion, consumption and film pornography. Drawing on recent work on the 'pornification' of popular culture, it situates its discussion around the ongoing influence of pornography on mainstream consumer culture and the emergence of branded
consumer goods from the American pornographic film industry. It considers recent controversy concerning the impact on pornography on the style and appearance of young western women but also develops these ideas around an analysis of both how American pornographic films sell related product
such as T-shirts, baseball caps and sweatshirts as well as how the mise-en-scène of these texts is customized in order to accommodate such marketing strategies.
Reference is made to Playboy, Hustler and Vivid Video, but the central case study is an analysis of the role of less-established
American production companies such as Anabolic Video in creating and commodifying their products in a range of ways beyond the basic manufacture of hard-core pornographic films. This is located alongside other companies that draw on the transgressive appeal of pornography past and present
as a way to differentiate their products (the 'Porn Star' clothing range and the use of soft-core pornographic techniques and hard-core performers in the marketing campaigns of American Apparel).
Uterine Leiomyosarcoma in Asian Patients: Validation of the Revised Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Staging System and Identification of Prognostic Classifiers
Authors: Tan Pei-Shan , Koh Elisa , Pang Cindy , Ong Whee-Sze , Ngo Lynette , Soh Lay-Tin , Quek Richard , Chay Wen-Yee , Ho Tew-Hong , Tay Sun-Kuie , Chew Sung-Hock , Lim-Tan Soo-Kim , Khoo-Tan Hs , Lim Sheow Lei , Busmanis Inny , Goh Liang Kee , Chia Yin-Nin , Chia Whay-Kuang , Lim Timothy 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Compare concordance indices of the older and the revised FIGO staging systems.Identify gaps in the current FIGO staging system.
CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Background.
In 2008, the Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) revised their 1988 staging system for uterine leiomyosarcomas. In this article, we compare performance of the 2008 and 1988 FIGO systems.

Methods.
Individual case data were manually culled. Staging was retrospectively assessed according to revised and 1998 FIGO criteria. Overall survival distribution was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Harrell's concordance index was used to assess the discriminative ability of a fitted Cox model to predict overall survival.

Results.
A total of 110 cases of uterine leiomyosarcomas were reviewed and data from 88 patients were analyzed. In all, 71% of cases were classified as stage I, 7% as stage II, 3% as stage III, and 19% as stage IV under the revised FIGO staging system. Nine patients (10.2%) were downstaged and none were upstaged. The revised FIGO system did not show a significant improvement over the 1988 FIGO system in the ability to discriminate the risk of death of patients between stages, with concordance indexes of 0.70 and 0.71, respectively. Most patients were classified as stage I with age, tumor grade, tumor size, and lymphovascular invasion as prognostic factors.

Conclusion.
The 2008 revised FIGO staging system for uterine leiomyosarcomas does not perform better than the 1988 system for uterine endometrial carcinomas. A better staging system is needed for these cases.
Determinants of Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Incidence of Diabetes in Postmenopausal Women in the U.S.
Authors: Ma Yunsheng , Hébert James R. , Manson JoAnn E. , Balasubramanian Raji , Liu Simin , Lamonte Michael J. , Bird Chloe E. , Ockene Judith K. , Qiao Yongxia , Olendzki Barbara , Schneider Kristin L. , Rosal Milagros C. , Sepavich Deidre M. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Stefanick Marcia L. , Phillips Lawrence S. , Ockene Ira S. , Kaplan Robert C. , Sarto Gloria E. , Garcia Lorena , Howard Barbara V. 
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE
To examine determinants of racial/ethnic differences in diabetes incidence among postmenopausal women participating in the Women’s Health Initiative.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Data on race/ethnicity, baseline diabetes prevalence, and incident diabetes were obtained from 158,833 women recruited from 1993–1998 and followed through August 2009. The relationship between race/ethnicity, other potential risk factors, and the risk of incident diabetes was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models from which hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were computed.

RESULTS
Participants were aged 63 years on average at baseline. The racial/ethnic distribution was 84.1% non-Hispanic white, 9.2% non-Hispanic black, 4.1% Hispanic, and 2.6% Asian. After an average of 10.4 years of follow-up, compared with whites and adjusting for potential confounders, the HRs for incident diabetes were 1.55 for blacks (95% CI 1.47–1.63), 1.67 for Hispanics (1.54–1.81), and 1.86 for Asians (1.68–2.06). Whites, blacks, and Hispanics with all factors (i.e., weight, physical activity, dietary quality, and smoking) in the low-risk category had 60, 69, and 63% lower risk for incident diabetes. Although contributions of different risk factors varied slightly by race/ethnicity, most findings were similar across groups, and women who had both a healthy weight and were in the highest tertile of physical activity had less than one-third the risk of diabetes compared with obese and inactive women.

CONCLUSIONS
Despite large racial/ethnic differences in diabetes incidence, most variability could be attributed to lifestyle factors. Our findings show that the majority of diabetes cases are preventable, and risk reduction strategies can be effectively applied to all racial/ethnic groups.
Multiple brain metastases - current management and perspectives for treatment with electrochemotherapy
Authors: Linnert Mette , Iversen Helle K. , Gehl Julie 
Published: July 2012

Background. Due to the advanced oncological treatments of cancer, an overall increase in cancer incidence, and better diagnostic tools, the incidence of brain metastases is on the rise. This review addresses the current treatment options for patients with multiple brain metastases, presenting electrochemotherapy (ECT) as one of the new experimental treatments for this group of patients.Conclusions. Neurosurgery, stereotactic surgery, and whole-brain radiotherapy are the evidence-based treatments that can be applied for patients with multiple brain metastases. Treatment with chemotherapy and molecularly targeted agents may also be warranted. Several experimental treatments are emerging, one of which is ECT, an effective cancer treatment comprising electric pulses given by electrodes in the tumor tissue, causing electroporation of the cell membrane, and thereby augmenting uptake and the cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutic drug bleomycin by 300 times. Preclinical data are promising and the first patient has been treated in an ongoing clinical trial for patients with brain metastases. Perspectives for ECT in the brain include treatment of primary and secondary brain tumors as well as soft tissue metastases elsewhere.
Impact of Sow Milk Protein Polymorphism on Piglet Rearing
Authors: Skrzypczak Ewa , Babicz Marek , Szulc Karolina , Walendowska Anna , Panek Anna 
Published: July 2012

Impact of Sow Milk Protein Polymorphism on Piglet RearingThe aim of the investigations was to ascertain interrelationships between polymorphic fractions of milk proteins and rearing results of piglets from Złotnicka White sows. The experimental material comprised 20 sows of the native Złotnicka White breed. Pigs of this breed are included in the National Genetic Resources Conservation Programme. Investigations included two successive (2nd and 3rd) lactations of sows during which the following parameters were determined: number and weight of piglets on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28; weight gains of individual piglets during the period from day 1 to 7, from day 8 to 14, from day 15 to 21 and from day 22 to 28; as well as mortality for the entire period of rearing, i.e. from day 1 to day 28 of age. A total of 425 piglets born in 40 litters (20 sows x 2 lactations) were investigated. As a result of electrophoretic separations, the following four protein fractions were isolated from sow milk: αs1-casein (CSN1S1), genotypes AA, AB, BB and BC; β-casein (CSN2), genotypes AA, AB and BB; κ-casein (CSN3), genotypes AA, AB and BB; β-lactoglobulin (LGB), genotypes AA and BB. The present study showed that milk from sows of AA CSN1S1 and AA LGB genotypes appeared to be more valuable and nourishing, as indicated by the fact that these sows reared piglets which were characterized by the best production results, i.e. body weight, weight gains and the lowest percentage mortality. The least dynamic results were obtained by piglets originating from litters of sows of the AA-CSN3 genotype.
The Effect of Dietary Methionine Levels on the Performance Parameters of Arctic Foxes (Vulpes Lagopus)
Authors: Gugołek Andrzej , Wyczling Tomasz , Janiszewski Paweł , Sobiech Przemysław , Wyczling Piotr , Konstantynowicz Małgorzata 
Published: July 2012

The Effect of Dietary Methionine Levels on the Performance Parameters of Arctic Foxes (Vulpes Lagopus)The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary inclusion levels of methionine and cystine on the performance traits and health status of Arctic foxes. The experimental material comprised 60 blue Arctic foxes of the Finnish type. Control group (C) animals were fed diets (CA and CB) with standard concentrations of methionine and cystine. In experimental groups E1 and E2, methionine content was increased by approximately 2 g per 100 g total protein, relative to the recommended intake. Diets for group E1 were supplemented with liquid methionine (E1A and E1B), and diets for group E2 were supplemented with crystalline methionine (E2A and E2B). Diets A were offered during the growing period, and diets B were administered during the furring period. During the growing period, methionine+cystine levels in diets E1 and E2 were 4.19+0.59 g and 4.22+0.53 g per 100 g total protein, respectively. During the furring period, methionine+cystine levels were 4.83+0.68 g in diets E1 and 4.91+0.61 g in diets E2. The body weights of Arctic foxes were determined, their body conformation was evaluated, and the duration of the rearing period was calculated. Blood samples for morphological and biochemical analyses were collected from animals aged 24 weeks, selected randomly from each group. After slaughter, pelt length and fur quality were determined in accordance with the International Trading System. The results of this study indicate that diets for Arctic foxes should be supplemented with methionine. The experimental diets contributed to improving the performance traits of foxes, in particular fur quality, and they had no adverse influence on the health status of animals. It may be concluded that farm-raised Arctic foxes of the Finnish type show an increased demand for methionine.
The Effect of Aromatized Environmental Enrichment in Pen on Social Relations and Behavioural Profile of Newly Mixed Weaners
Authors: Nowicki Jacek , Klocek Czesław 
Published: July 2012

The Effect of Aromatized Environmental Enrichment in Pen on Social Relations and Behavioural Profile of Newly Mixed WeanersThe aim of this study was to determine the influence of the presence of aromatized environmental enrichment elements in pen for weaners in newly created groups on the daily behavioural profile and their social hierarchy (time taken to establish hierarchical relationships, aggression level). The subject of the study were 72 weaners. After weaning piglets coming from two different litters were joined together and later 6 animals were placed in two adjacent pens (1.6 m x 2.2 m). One of the pens was additionally supplied with an aromatized element such as a chew toy enabling weaners to play. The behaviour was recorded for 72 hours after weaning and for 24 hours 14 days after weaning and the creation of the groups. The study was repeated 6 times. The following data was gathered: duration of activity and, specifically, duration of feed intake, duration and frequency of fights, duration and frequency of interest in toy in groups where the toy was present, and finally duration of rest. The presence of an aromatized toy in a pen decreased the level of aggression in weaners in the first days after weaning. Suitable selection of features of an additional object enriching the environment of a pen after animal weaning may significantly contribute to mitigation of fighting and aggression during the establishment of social hierarchy.
Backfat Fatty Acid Profile of Crossbred Pigs Fed a Diet Supplemented with Conjugated Linoleic acid or Sunflower Oil
Authors: Wasilewski Przemysław , Nowachowicz Jerzy , Michalska Grażyna , Bucek Tomasz , Lynch Brendan , Mullen Anne 
Published: July 2012

Backfat Fatty Acid Profile of Crossbred Pigs Fed a Diet Supplemented with Conjugated Linoleic acid or Sunflower OilThe aim of the study was to investigate the impact of feeding pigs with different levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) or sunflower oil (SFO) on the backfat fatty acid profile. The subjects of research were 60 crossbred gilts divided into 6 groups, which were fed different levels of conjugated linoleic acid or sunflower oil (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%, respectively). All fatteners were kept and fed under standardized conditions. Animals were slaughtered at 95 kg of body weight. Fatty acid profile was determined in samples of backfat from each animal using gas chromatography. The significance of differences between groups was verified by Duncan's test. In the present study, a beneficial effect of adding CLA was that it reduced saturated fatty acids and increased unsaturated fatty acids in the adipose tissue (backfat) of pigs as compared to fatteners receiving SFO. The amount of monounsaturated fatty acids in the backfat decreased with increasing amounts of CLA or SFO. Modifying the fatty acid profile of pig backfat through addition of CLA or SFO would be beneficial to the health of consumers because relatively large amounts of fat pork, including backfat, are added to the sausages.