bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post-traumatic hypoxia exacerbates neurological deficit, neuroinflammation and cerebral metabolism in rats with diffuse traumatic brain injury
Authors: Yan Edwin B , Hellewell Sarah C , Bellander Bo-Michael , Agyapomaa Doreen A , Morganti-Kossmann M Cristina 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
The combination of diffuse brain injury with a hypoxic insult is associated with poor outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury. In this study, we investigated the impact of post-traumatic hypoxia in amplifying secondary brain damage using a rat model of diffuse traumatic axonal injury (TAI). Rats were examined for behavioral and sensorimotor deficits, increased brain production of inflammatory cytokines, formation of cerebral edema, changes in brain metabolism and enlargement of the lateral ventricles.

Methods
Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to diffuse TAI using the Marmarou impact-acceleration model. Subsequently, rats underwent a 30-minute period of hypoxic (12% O2/88% N2) or normoxic (22% O2/78% N2) ventilation. Hypoxia-only and sham surgery groups (without TAI) received 30 minutes of hypoxic or normoxic ventilation, respectively. The parameters examined included: 1) behavioural and sensorimotor deficit using the Rotarod, beam walk and adhesive tape removal tests, and voluntary open field exploration behavior; 2) formation of cerebral edema by the wet-dry tissue weight ratio method; 3) enlargement of the lateral ventricles; 4) production of inflammatory cytokines; and 5) real-time brain metabolite changes as assessed by microdialysis technique.

Results
TAI rats showed significant deficits in sensorimotor function, and developed substantial edema and ventricular enlargement when compared to shams. The additional hypoxic insult significantly exacerbated behavioural deficits and the cortical production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β and TNF but did not further enhance edema. TAI and particularly TAI+Hx rats experienced a substantial metabolic depression with respect to glucose, lactate, and glutamate levels.

Conclusion
Altogether, aggravated behavioural deficits observed in rats with diffuse TAI combined with hypoxia may be induced by enhanced neuroinflammation, and a prolonged period of metabolic dysfunction.
Effect of L-carnitine on the hepatic transcript profile in piglets as animal model
Authors: Keller Janine , Ringseis Robert , Priebe Steffen , Guthke Reinhard , Kluge Holger , Eder Klaus 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Carnitine has attracted scientific interest due to several health-related effects, like protection against neurodegeneration, mitochondrial decay, and oxidative stress as well as improvement of glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. The mechanisms underlying most of the health-related effects of carnitine are largely unknown.

Methods
To gain insight into mechanisms through which carnitine exerts its beneficial metabolic effects, we fed piglets either a control or a carnitine supplemented diet, and analysed the transcriptome in the liver.

Results
Transcript profiling revealed 563 genes to be differentially expressed in liver by carnitine supplementation. Clustering analysis of the identified genes revealed that most of the top-ranked annotation term clusters were dealing with metabolic processes. Representative genes of these clusters which were significantly up-regulated by carnitine were involved in cellular fatty acid uptake, fatty acid activation, fatty acid β-oxidation, glucose uptake, and glycolysis. In contrast, genes involved in gluconeogenesis were down-regulated by carnitine. Moreover, clustering analysis identified genes involved in the insulin signaling cascade to be significantly associated with carnitine supplementation. Furthermore, clustering analysis revealed that biological processes dealing with posttranscriptional RNA processing were significantly associated with carnitine supplementation.

Conclusion
The data suggest that carnitine supplementation has beneficial effects on lipid and glucose homeostasis by inducing genes involved in fatty acid catabolism and glycolysis and repressing genes involved in gluconeogenesis.
Inductive specification and axonal orientation of spinal neurons mediated by divergent bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathways
Authors: Perron Jeanette C , Dodd Jane 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)7 evokes both inductive and axon orienting responses in dorsal interneurons (dI neurons) in the developing spinal cord. These events occur sequentially during the development of spinal neurons but in these and other cell types such inductive and acute chemotactic responses occur concurrently, highlighting the requirement for divergent intracellular signaling. Both type I and type II BMP receptor subtypes have been implicated selectively in orienting responses but it remains unclear how, in a given cell, divergence occurs. We have examined the mechanisms by which disparate BMP7 activities are generated in dorsal spinal neurons.

Results
We show that widely different threshold concentrations of BMP7 are required to elicit the divergent inductive and axon orienting responses. Type I BMP receptor kinase activity is required for activation of pSmad signaling and induction of dI character by BMP7, a high threshold response. In contrast, neither type I BMP receptor kinase activity nor Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation is involved in the low threshold orienting responses of dI axons to BMP7. Instead, BMP7-evoked axonal repulsion and growth cone collapse are dependent on phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) activation, plausibly through type II receptor signaling. BMP7 stimulates PI3K-dependent signaling in dI neurons. BMP6, which evokes neural induction but does not have orienting activity, activates Smad signaling but does not stimulate PI3K.

Conclusions
Divergent signaling through pSmad-dependent and PI3K-dependent (Smad-independent) mechanisms mediates the inductive and orienting responses of dI neurons to BMP7. A model is proposed whereby selective engagement of BMP receptor subunits underlies choice of signaling pathway.
Distribution of HPV genotypes in cervical intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer in Tanzanian women
Authors: Vidal Adriana C , Murphy Susan K , Hernandez Brenda Y , Vasquez Brandi , Bartlett John A , Oneko Olola , Mlay Pendo , Obure Joseph , Overcash Francine , Smith Jennifer S , van der Kolk Mike , Hoyo Cathrine 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with uterine cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive cancers (ICC). Approximately 80% of ICC cases are diagnosed in under-developed countries. Vaccine development relies on knowledge of HPV genotypes characteristic of LSIL, HSIL and cancer; however, these genotypes remain poorly characterized in many African countries. To contribute to the characterization of HPV genotypes in Northeastern Tanzania, we recruited 215 women from the Reproductive Health Clinic at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. Cervical scrapes and biopsies were obtained for cytology and HPV DNA detection.

Results
79 out of 215 (36.7%) enrolled participants tested positive for HPV DNA, with a large proportion being multiple infections (74%). The prevalence of HPV infection increased with lesion grade (14% in controls, 67% in CIN1 cases and 88% in CIN2-3). Among ICC cases, 89% had detectable HPV. Overall, 31 HPV genotypes were detected; the three most common HPV genotypes among ICC were HPV16, 35 and 45. In addition to these genotypes, co-infection with HPV18, 31, 33, 52, 58, 68 and 82 was found in 91% of ICC. Among women with CIN2-3, HPV53, 58 and 84/83 were the most common. HPV35, 45, 53/58/59 were the most common among CIN1 cases.

Conclusions
In women with no evidence of cytological abnormalities, the most prevalent genotypes were HPV58 with HPV16, 35, 52, 66 and 73 occurring equally. Although numerical constraints limit inference, findings that 91% of ICC harbor only a small number of HPV genotypes suggests that prevention efforts including vaccine development or adjuvant screening should focus on these genotypes.
Full-term extrauterine abdominal pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Dahab Amal A , Aburass Rahma , Shawkat Wasima , Babgi Reem , Essa Ola , Mujallid Razaz H 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Extrauterine abdominal pregnancy is extremely rare and is frequently missed during antenatal care. This is a report of a full-term extrauterine abdominal pregnancy in a primigravida who likely had a ruptured ectopic pregnancy with secondary implantation and subsequently delivered a healthy baby.

Case presentation
A 23-year-old, Middle Eastern, primigravida presented at 14 weeks gestation with intermittent suprapubic pain and dysuria. An abdominal ultrasound examination showed a single viable fetus with free fluid in her abdomen. A follow-up examination at term showed a breech presentation and the possibility of a bicornute uterus with the fetus present in the left horn of her uterus. Our patient underwent Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia and was found to have a small intact uterus with the fetus lying in her abdomen and surrounded by an amniotic fluid-filled sac. The baby was extracted uneventfully, but the placenta was implanted in the left broad ligament and its removal resulted in massive intraoperative bleeding that necessitated blood and blood products transfusion and the administration of Factor VII to control the bleeding. Both the mother and newborn were discharged home in good condition.

Conclusions
An extrauterine abdominal pregnancy secondary to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy with secondary implantation could be missed during antenatal care and continue to term with good maternal and fetal outcome. An advanced extrauterine pregnancy should not result in the automatic termination of the pregnancy.
L-carnitine ameliorated fatty liver in high-calorie diet/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic mice by improving mitochondrial function
Authors: Xia Yunqiu , Li Qing , Zhong Weizhen , Dong Jing , Wang Zhulin , Wang Chunbo 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
There are an increasing number of patients suffering from fatty liver caused by type 2 diabetes. We intended to study the preventive and therapeutic effect of L-carnitine (LC) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic mice and to explore its possible mechanism.

Methods
Thirty male Kungming mice were randomly divided into five groups: control group, diabetic group, pre-treatment group (125 mg/kg BW), low-dose (125 mg/kg BW) therapeutic group and high-dose (250 mg/kg BW) therapeutic group. The morphology of hepatocytes was observed by light and electron microscopy. LC and ALC (acetyl L-carnitine) concentrations in the liver were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, liver weight, insulin levels and free fatty acid (FFA) and triglyceride (TG) levels in the liver and plasma were measured.

Results
Average liver LC and ALC levels were 33.7% and 20% lower, respectively, in diabetic mice compared to control mice (P < 0.05). After preventive and therapeutic treatment with LC, less hepatocyte steatosis, clearer crista and fewer glycogen granules in the mitochondria were observed. Decreased liver weight, TG levels, and FFA concentrations (P < 0.05) in the liver were also observed after treatment with LC in diabetic mice. Moreover, liver LC and ALC levels increased upon treatment with LC, whereas the ratio of LC and ALC decreased significantly (P < 0.01).

Conclusion
LC supplements ameliorated fatty liver in type 2 diabetic mice by increasing fatty acid oxidation and decreasing the LC/ALC ratio in the liver. Therefore, oral administration of LC protected mitochondrial function in liver.
Effects of cattle rustling and household characteristics on migration decisions and herd size amongst pastoralists in Baringo District, Kenya
Authors: Kaimba George K , Njehia Bernard K , Guliye Abdi Y 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Pastoral communities in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya depend on livestock for their livelihood. However, these ASALs are characterized by temporal and spatial climatic variation, making availability of resources uneven. Mobility is a key strategy used by pastoralists to efficiently utilize available resources, notably pasture and water. This strategy is being interrupted by a vicious cycle of livestock rustling/raiding. This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of livestock rustling and other household characteristics on migration decisions and herd size amongst pastoralists in Baringo District in Kenya. A sample of 110 pastoralists were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Binary probit model was used to explain the probability of migrating while ordinary least square was used to explain effects on herd size.
Gender and age of the household head are significant (P < 0.1 and P < 0.05, respectively) determinants of migration, whereas both also significantly (P < 0.1) influenced herd size. Intensity of rustling, and loss of livestock to drought and/or disease also significantly (P < 0.01) influence the decision to migrate. Level of education had significant (P < 0.1) and negative influence on herd size, whereas size of household had significant (P < 0.01) and positive impact on herd size. Non-livestock income had significant (P < 0.05) and negative influence on migration and herd size.
The practice of livestock rustling, rampant amongst pastoralist communities in Kenya and sometimes occurs across borders, influences pastoralists' decision to migrate and also their herd sizes. It destabilizes communities and undermines their normal livelihood strategies, thus contributing to increased poverty. Increasing the level of development in pastoral areas and formulation of appropriate policies will help in controlling the rustling menace.
Sensitization of epithelial growth factor receptors by nicotine exposure to promote breast cancer cell growth
Authors: Nishioka Takashi , Kim Hyun-Seok , Luo Ling-Yu , Huang Yi , Guo Jinjin , Yan Chen Chang 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Tobacco smoke is known to be the main cause of lung, head and neck tumors. Recently, evidence for an increasing breast cancer risk associated with tobacco smoke exposure has been emerging. We and other groups have shown that nicotine, as a non-conventional carcinogen, has the potential to facilitate cancer genesis and progression. However, the underlying mechanisms by which the smoke affects the breast, rather than the lung, remain unclear. Here, we examine possible downstream signaling pathways of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and their role in breast cancer promotion.

Methods
Using human benign MCF10A and malignant MDA-MB-231 breast cells and specific inhibitors of possible downstream kinases, we identified nAChR effectors that were activated by treatment with nicotine. We further tested the effects of these effector pathways on the regulation of E2F1 activation, cell cycle progression and on Bcl-2 expression and long-term cell survival.

Results
In this study, we demonstrated a novel signaling mechanism by which nicotine exposure activated Src to sensitize epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated pathways for breast cancer cell growth promotion. After the ligation of nAChR with nicotine, EGFR was shown to be activated and then internalized in both MCF10A and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Subsequently, Src, Akt and ERK1/2 were phosphorylated at different time points following nicotine treatment. We further demonstrated that through Src, the ligation of nicotine with nAChR stimulated the EGFR/ERK1/2 pathway for the activation of E2F1 and further cell progression. Our data also showed that Akt functioned directly downstream of Src and was responsible for the increase of Bcl-2 expression and long-term cell survival.

Conclusions
Our study reveals the existence of a potential, regulatory network governed by the interaction of nicotine and nAChR that integrates the conventional, mitogenic Src and EGFR signals for breast cancer development.
Effect of changing water salinity on complex conductivity spectra of sandstones
Authors: Weller Andreas , Breede Katrin , Slater Lee , Nordsiek Sven 
Published: November 2011

We analyzed the influence of pore fluid composition on the complex electrical conductivity of three sandstones with differing porosity and permeability. The fluid electrical conductivity ([Formula: see text]) of sodium and calcium chloride solutions was gradually increased from 25 mS/m to 2300 mS/m. The expected linear relation between [Formula: see text] and the real component of electrical conductivity ([Formula: see text]) of the saturated samples was observed. The imaginary component ([Formula: see text]) exhibits a steeper increase at lower salinities that flattens at higher salinities. For a glauconitic sandstone and a high porosity Bunter sandstone, [Formula: see text] approaches an asymptotic value at high salinities. Sodium cations result in larger values of [Formula: see text] than calcium cations in solutions of equal concentration. Debye decomposition was used to determine normalized chargeability ([Formula: see text]) and average relaxation time ([Formula: see text]) from spectral data. The behavior of [Formula: see text] is comparable to [Formula: see text] as both parameters measure the polarizability. At lower salinity, the relation between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] approximates a power law with an exponent of [Formula: see text]. The average relaxation time shows only a weak dependence on [Formula: see text]. The normalized chargeability of sandstone samples can be described by the product of the pore space related internal surface and a quantity characterizing the polarizability of the mineral-fluid interface that depends on fluid chemistry. We introduce a new parameter, the specific polarizability, describing this dependence. We propose relations between polarizability and fluid chemistry that could be used to estimate pore space internal surface across samples of varying [Formula: see text]. We observe a consistent maximum polarizability for quartz dominated siliceous material.
An Interior Point Constraint Generation Algorithm for Semi-Infinite Optimization with Health-Care Application
Authors: Oskoorouchi Mohammad R. , Ghaffari Hamid R. , Terlaky Tamás , Aleman Dionne M. 
Published: November 2011

We propose an interior point constraint generation (IPCG) algorithm for semi-infinite linear optimization (SILO) and prove that the algorithm converges to an ε-solution of SILO after a finite number of constraints is generated. We derive a complexity bound on the number of Newton steps needed to approach the updated μ-center after adding multiple violated constraints and a complexity bound on the total number of constraints that is required for the overall algorithm to converge. We implement our algorithm to solve the sector duration optimization problem arising in Leksell Gamma Knife® Perfexion™ (Elekta, Stockholm Sweden) treatment planning, a highly specialized treatment for brain tumors. Using real patient data provided by the Department of Radiation Oncology at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, we show that our algorithm can efficiently handle problems in real-life health-care applications by providing a quality treatment plan in a timely manner. Comparing our computational results with MOSEK, a commercial software package, we show that the IPCG algorithm outperforms the classical primal-dual interior point methods on sector duration optimization problem arising in Perfexion™ treatment planning. We also compare our results with that of a projected gradient method. In both cases we show that IPCG algorithm obtains a more accurate solution substantially faster.
Health Care Provider Satisfaction with Telephone Consultations Provided by Pharmacists and Physicians at the National HIV/AIDS Clinicians’ Consultation Center
Authors: Sherman Elizabeth M , Cocohoba Jennifer M , Neff Sarah E , Dong Betty J 
Published: November 2011

Background: The federally funded National HIV/AIDS Clinicians’ Consultation Center (NCCC) offers US health care providers expert telephone consultations for managing HIV/AIDS and occupational exposures to blood-borne pathogens through 3 telephone services: the National Clinicians’ Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline (PEPline), the National HIV Telephone Consultation Service (Warmline), and the Perinatal HIV Hotline. Callers to the NCCC receive consultation from either a clinical pharmacist (PharmD) or a physician (MD) with HIV expertise. Objective: To compare the satisfaction of NCCC callers who received clinical consultations from clinical pharmacists and physicians with HIV expertise. Methods: We prospectively mailed 1256 satisfaction surveys to NCCC health care provider callers during a 7-month period. Survey recipients were not aware that satisfaction surveys compared PharmD and MD consultation services. Respondents rated their level of agreement with 8 statements about the quality of consultation, the quality of clinical information given, and future calls to the NCCC. Results: Survey return rates were 43% for PEPline and 40% for Warmline and Perinatal HIV Hotline combined. Overall, caller satisfaction with the telephone consultation service was extremely high (>4 in all categories on a 1–5 Likert scale). There was no significant difference in PEPline caller satisfaction ratings between PharmD and MD consultations. Callers to the Warmline and Perinatal HIV Hotline agreed with all 8 satisfaction statements. For the following 3 statements, however, satisfaction was higher when Warmline and Perinatal HIV Hotline consultation was provided by an MD: “Overall, I was pleased with the quality of my consultation” (p = 0.04); “I would use this service again” (p < 0.02); and “I am likely to recommend this service to my colleagues” (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Health care provider callers to the NCCC were highly satisfied with the information obtained from this HIV/AIDS telephone consultation service. By measuring callers’ survey response to PharmD and MD consultations, the importance of the clinicians’ contributions to this advanced HIV/AIDS consultation service is documented.
Emerging Biomarkers in Heart Failure
Authors: van Kimmenade Roland R J , Januzzi James L 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Until recently, biomarker testing in heart failure (HF) syndromes has been viewed as an elective supplement to diagnostic evaluation of patients suspected to suffer from this condition. This approach to the use of biomarker testing contrasts with other cardiovascular diagnoses such as acute myocardial infarction, for which biomarkers are integral to disease process definition, risk stratification, and in some cases treatment decision making.

CONTENT
In this review we consider various perspectives on the evaluation of biomarkers in HF. In addition, we examine recent advances in the understanding of established biomarkers in HF (such as the natriuretic peptides), the elucidation of novel biomarkers potentially useful for the evaluation and management of patients with HF, and the growing understanding of important and relevant comorbidities in HF. We also review candidate biomarkers from a number of classes: (a) myocyte stretch, (b) myocyte necrosis, (c) systemic inflammation, (d) oxidative stress, (e) extracellular matrix turnover, (f) neurohormones, and (g) biomarkers of extracardiac processes, such as renal function.

SUMMARY
Novel applications of established biomarkers of HF as well as elucidation and validation of emerging assays for HF syndromes have collectively led to a growing interest in the more widespread use of such testing in patients affected by the diagnosis.