bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constraint-based analysis of metabolic capacity of Salmonella typhimurium during host-pathogen interaction
Authors: Raghunathan Anu , Reed Jennifer , Shin Sookil , Palsson Bernhard , Daefler Simon 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
Infections with Salmonella cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Replication of Salmonella typhimurium inside its host cell is a model system for studying the pathogenesis of intracellular bacterial infections. Genome-scale modeling of bacterial metabolic networks provides a powerful tool to identify and analyze pathways required for successful intracellular replication during host-pathogen interaction.

Results
We have developed and validated a genome-scale metabolic network of Salmonella typhimurium LT2 (iRR1083). This model accounts for 1,083 genes that encode proteins catalyzing 1,087 unique metabolic and transport reactions in the bacterium. We employed flux balance analysis and in silico gene essentiality analysis to investigate growth under a wide range of conditions that mimic in vitro and host cell environments. Gene expression profiling of S. typhimurium isolated from macrophage cell lines was used to constrain the model to predict metabolic pathways that are likely to be operational during infection.

Conclusion
Our analysis suggests that there is a robust minimal set of metabolic pathways that is required for successful replication of Salmonella inside the host cell. This model also serves as platform for the integration of high-throughput data. Its computational power allows identification of networked metabolic pathways and generation of hypotheses about metabolism during infection, which might be used for the rational design of novel antibiotics or vaccine strains.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide inhibits TNF-α-induced apoptotic events in acinar cells from nonobese diabetic mice submandibular glands
Authors: Calafat Mario , Larocca Luciana , Roca Valeria , Hauk Vanesa , Pregi Nicolás , Nesse Alcira , Pérez Leirós Claudia 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Introduction
The role of apoptotic secretory epithelium as a pro-inflammatory triggering factor of exocrine dysfunction is currently explored in Sjogren's syndrome patients and in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse model. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has anti-inflammatory effects in various models of chronic inflammation. Our goal was to analyse the effect of TNF-α on apoptotic mediators in isolated acinar cells from NOD submandibular gland and their modulation by VIP.

Methods
Acinar cells were isolated from submandibular glands of 16-week-old NOD females with salivary flow decline. Age-matched BALB/c females or eight-week-old NOD females were used as controls. Apoptotic mediators and TNF-α receptor expression were assessed by immunoblotting and RT-PCR, caspase 3 activity was assessed by optical density at 405 nm with Ac-DEVD-pNA as a substrate and chromatin condensation by Hoechst stain. They were evaluated in resting conditions and after a 3.5 or 6 hours of culture with TNF-α. VIP effects in acinar cells were assessed at 100 nM in TNF-α-treated cultures and VIP receptor functional assays by radio immunoassay (cAMP) or enzymatic detection (amylase).

Results
NOD acinar cells at 16 weeks present an increased expression of TNF-α receptor1 together with increased Bax, tumour protein 53-induced nuclear protein1α (TP53INP1α), caspase 3 activity and chromatin condensation. Acini from NOD mice were more sensitive to TNF-α-induced increases of apoptotic mediators than control cells. VIP inhibited TNF-α-induced apoptotic events through functional VPAC1 receptors coupled to the protein kinase A (PKA) signalling pathway.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that acinar cells isolated from submandibular glands of NOD mice with salivary dysfunction are more sensitive to apoptosis induced by TNF-α which could be prevented by VIP through a PKA-mediated pathway.
C-reactive protein velocity to distinguish febrile bacterial infections from non-bacterial febrile illnesses in the emergency department
Authors: Paran Yael , Yablecovitch Doron , Choshen Guy , Zeitlin Ina , Rogowski Ori , Ben-Ami Ronen , Katzir Michal , Saranga Hila , Rosenzweig Tovit , Justo Dan , Orbach Yaffa , Halpern Pinhas , Berliner Shlomo 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Introduction
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a real-time and low-cost biomarker to distinguish febrile bacterial infections from non-bacterial febrile illnesses. We hypothesised that measuring the velocity of the biomarker instead of its absolute serum concentration could enhance its ability to differentiate between these two conditions.

Methods
We prospectively recruited adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) who presented to the emergency department with fever. We recorded their data regarding the onset of fever and accompanying symptoms. CRP measurements were obtained upon admission. CRP velocity (CRPv) was defined as the ratio between CRP on admission and the number of hours since the onset of fever. Patients were diagnosed by clinical symptoms, blood cultures and imaging studies, and the diagnoses were confirmed by an infectious disease specialist. The efficacy of CRPv as a diagnostic marker was evaluated by using receiver operator curves (ROC). Excluded were patients who did not know the time fever started with certainty, patients with malignancy, patients with HIV infection and patients who had been using antibiotics upon presentation.

Results
Of 178 eligible patients, 108 (60.7%) had febrile bacterial infections (mean CRP: 63.77 mg/L, mean CRPv: 3.61 mg/L/hour) and 70 (39.3%) had non-bacterial febrile illnesses (mean CRP: 23.2 mg/L, mean CRPv: 0.41 mg/L/hour). The area under the curve for CRP and CRPv were 0.783 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.717 to 0.850) and 0.871 (95% CI = 0.817 to 0.924), respectively. In a 122-patient subgroup with a CRP level of less than 100 mg/L, the area under the curve increased from 0.689 (95% CI = 0.0595 to 0.782) to 0.842 (95% CI = 0.77 to 0.914) by using the CRPv measurements.

Conclusions
CRPv improved differentiation between febrile bacterial infections and non-bacterial febrile illnesses compared with CRP alone, and could identify individuals who need prompt therapeutic intervention.
Inhaled aerosolised recombinant human activated protein C ameliorates endotoxin-induced lung injury in anaesthetised sheep
Authors: Waerhaug Kristine , Kuzkov Vsevolod V , Kuklin Vladimir N , Mortensen Rica , Nordhus Kåre C , Kirov Mikhail Y , Bjertnaes Lars J 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Introduction
We recently demonstrated that intravenously infused recombinant human activated protein C (APC) attenuates ovine lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury. In this study, our aim was to find out whether treatment with inhaled aerosolised APC (inhAPC) prevents formation of increased lung densities and oedema and derangement of oxygenation during exposure to LPS.

Methods
Sheep were anaesthetised during placement of intravascular introducers. After one to four days of recovery from instrumentation, the animals were re-anaesthetised, endotracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated throughout a six-hour experiment where the sheep underwent quantitative lung computed tomography. Sheep were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a sham-operated group (n = 8) receiving inhaled aerosolised saline from two hours after the start of the experiment; a LPS group (n = 8) receiving an intravenous infusion of LPS 20 ng/kg per hour and, after two hours, inhaled aerosolised saline over the next four hours; a LPS+inhAPC group (n = 8) receiving an intravenous infusion of LPS 20 ng/kg per hour and, after two hours, aerosolised APC 48 μg/kg per hour inhaled throughout the experiment. Data were analysed with analysis of variance; P less than 0.05 was regarded as significant.

Results
An infusion of LPS was associated with a reduction of well-aerated lung volume and a rapid fall in arterial oxygenation that were both significantly antagonised by inhaled APC. Pulmonary vascular pressures and extravascular lung water index increased significantly during exposure to LPS, but inhaled APC had no effect on these changes.

Conclusions
Inhalation of aerosolised APC attenuates LPS-induced lung injury in sheep by preventing a decline in the volume of aerated lung tissue and improving oxygenation.
Activated Ask1-MKK4-p38MAPK/JNK Stress Signaling Pathway in Human Omental Fat Tissue May Link Macrophage Infiltration to Whole-Body Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Blüher Matthias , Bashan Nava , Shai Iris , Harman-Boehm Ilana , Tarnovscki Tanya , Avinaoch Eliezer , Stumvoll Michael , Dietrich Arne , Klöting Nora , Rudich Assaf 
Published: April 2009

Context: Adipose tissue in obesity is thought to be exposed to various stresses, predominantly in intraabdominal depots. We recently reported that p38MAPK and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not ERK and inhibitory-κB kinase β, are more highly expressed and activated in human omental (OM) adipose tissue in obesity.Objective: The aim was to investigate upstream components of the pathways that culminate in activation of p38MAPK and JNK.Setting and Patients: Phosphorylation and expression of kinases were studied in paired samples of OM and sc adipose tissue from lean and obese subjects of two different cohorts (n = 36 and n = 196) by Western and real-time PCR analyses. The association with fat distribution, macrophage infiltration, insulin sensitivity, and glucose metabolism was assessed by correlation analyses.Results: The amount of phosphorylated forms of the kinases provided evidence for an activated stress-sensing pathway consisting of the MAP3K Ask1 (but not MLK3 or Tak1), and the MAP2Ks MKK4, 3/6, (but not MKK7), specifically in OM. OM Ask1-mRNA was more highly expressed in predominantly intraabdominally obese persons and most strongly correlated with estimated visceral fat. Diabetes was associated with higher OM Ask1-mRNA only in the lean group. In OM, macrophage infiltration strongly correlated with Ask1-mRNA, but the obesity-associated increase in Ask1-mRNA could largely be attributed to the adipocyte cell fraction. Finally, multivariate regression analyses revealed OM-Ask1 as an independent predictor of whole-body glucose uptake in euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps.Conclusions: An Ask1-MKK4-p38MAPK/JNK pathway reflects adipocyte stress associated with adipose tissue inflammation, linking visceral adiposity to whole-body insulin resistance in obesity.
NMR spectroscopy and ion pairing: Measuring and understanding how ions interact
Authors: Pregosin Paul S. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Pulsed gradient spin-echo (PGSE) diffusion and Overhauser NMR data together with density functional theory (DFT) calculations afford a qualitative estimation of the amount of ion pairing, as well as insight into the structures of a variety of inorganic, organic, and organometallic salts.
Mapping catalytic promiscuity in the alkaline phosphatase superfamily
Authors: Jonas Stefanie , Hollfelder Florian 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
"Promiscuous" enzymes possess activities in addition to their native ones. Promiscuous activities could be remnants from an evolutionary ancestor that has been adapted to fulfil a new function following gene duplication. Alternatively, the observation of promiscuity could indicate that an enzyme has the potential to evolve into a new catalyst. Thus, the observation of promiscuity defines functional relationships in enzyme superfamilies. Crosswise promiscuity can provide an additional layer of connectivity between members of a - usually structurally defined - superfamily to establish a system for tracking the emergence and interconversion of enzymatic function. The systematic analysis of measured promiscuous rates may serve as a basis for drawing up phylogenetic relationships based on the potential for catalysis and may be useful for active use in directed evolution, suggesting evolutionary "short cuts". We review recent observations of catalytic promiscuity in members of the alkaline phosphatase (AP) superfamily that exhibit reciprocal relationships of crosswise promiscuity with rate accelerations (k
cat/K
M)/k
2 between 106 and 1018. Specifically, we focus on the mechanistic features that appear to form the basis of catalytic promiscuity in this superfamily.
Diaphragm development in cytokinetic vegetative cells of brown algae
Authors: Katsaros Christos , Motomura Taizo , Nagasato Chikako , Galatis Basil 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
We studied development of the cytokinetic diaphragm (i.e., the membranous septum formed during cytokinesis) in vegetative cells of the brown algae Sphacelaria rigidula, Halopteris congesta and Dictyota dichotoma after cryofixation-freeze-substitution. Cytokinesis began by the gathering of organelles and large vesicles between daughter nuclei following telophase. Subsequently, a thin cytoplasmic strand was formed along this plane, where endoplasmic reticulum (ER), dictyosome vesicles and particular membranous elements, the flat cisternae, were accumulated. Their fusion formed a patchy diaphragm with irregular gaps. Fine tubular channels perforated the diaphragm during all stages of its formation. Following diaphragm completion, cell wall material was deposited in it. The new walls had ER-free plasmodesmata. In D. dichotoma, diaphragm development did not follow a definite pattern, i.e., centripetal or centrifugal, a phenomenon also confirmed in H. congesta. In contrast, in apical cells of S. rigidula the diaphragm started developing from the periphery, growing to some extent centripetally. In these cells, local cell wall deposition was greatest at the division site. In apical cells in which cytokinesis was experimentally inhibited a ring of wall material was usually deposited at the cytokinetic plane.
Nyelőcsőtumor miatt végzett laparoscopos transhiatalis nyelőcső-exstirpatior
Authors: Lukovich Péter , Papp András , Nehéz László , Nagy Katalin , Kupcsulik Péter 
Published: April 2009

AbsztraktBevezetés:A minimálisan invazív nyelőcső-exstirpatio a nyelőcsőtumorok sebészetében napjainkban már a hagyományos műtéti technika alternatívája.Beteg és módszer:A szerzők egy 51 éves nőbeteg esetét ismertetik, akinek bizonytalan hasi panaszok miatt végzett endoscopia során derült fény a fogsortól 32 cm magasságban elhelyezkedő, kb. 2 cm-es nyelőcsődaganatára. EUS- és CT-vizsgálat történt, mely szerint a tumor a submucosát elérte, regionális nyirokcsomó-metastasis nem volt kimutatható. A tumor intraluminalis endoscopos eltávolítása nem jött szóba, ezért laparoscopos transhiatalis nyelőcső-exstirpatio történt. A nyelőcső pótlása az intracorporalisan csövesített gyomorral a hátsó mediastinumban történt.Eredmény:A posztoperatív szakban a gyomor középső harmadában ventriculopleuralis fistula alakult ki, mely konzervatív kezelés mellett (mellkasi drainage, Salem-szonda) gyógyult. Az egyik trokár helyén készült tápláló jejunostoma mellett kialakult phlegmone miatt feltárás, majd perzisztáló vékonybélnedvcsorgás miatt a jejunostoma helyének suturája történt. 3 hónappal a műtét után végzett kontrollvizsgálat során a beteg panaszmentes volt, és hízott 2 kg-ot.Következtetés:A laparoscopos transhiatalis nyelőcső-exstirpatio rendelkezik a minimálisan invazív módszer minden előnyével, ugyanakkor – a kifejezetten jó látási viszonyok következtében – a hagyományos transhiatalis műtétnél radikálisabb műtét végezhető ilyen módon. A szerzők az esetismertetés kapcsán egyéb minimálisan invazív módszerekről s ezekkel kapcsolatban a nyirokcsomó-dissectio, a pylorusplasztika és nyelőcsőpótlás kérdésköréről is beszámolnak.
New Developments in the Control of Lost Circulation
Authors: Scott P.P. , Lummus J.L. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Laboratory and field tests were conducted for the purpose of improving techniques for the control of loss of circulation of drilling fluids and to determine some effects of lost circulation materials on drilling fluids and drilling rates.
The physical properties of granular materials most suited for use in drilling fluids to seal fractures were found to be angularity, low specific gravity, high compressive strength, low modulus of elasticity and low hardness factor.
Results of tests indicate that materials possessing these physical properties and graded in particle size from 30 mesh to 100 mesh, so as to pass through a shale shaker screen, reduce circulation losses to induced fractures. Also, these materials were found to improve the lubricity of drilling fluids. Results of other tests indicate that the cutting action of rotary rock bits is not impaired by the addition of lost circulation materials to the drilling fluids.
Mixtures of coarse, granular materials and solid, oil-soluble materials were found satisfactory to prevent loss of drilling fluids to oil-bearing formations without impeding subsequent flow of oil from these formations.
Results of field tests show that a slurry of diesel oil-bentonite-cement will plug severe lost circulation zones containing natural fractures and vugs.

Introduction
Much progress has been made in the control of lost circulation of drilling fluids as a result of improvements in drilling fluids and drilling techniques, and developments of new lost circulation materials and remedial procedures. Nevertheless, lost circulation remains one of the outstanding problems of the drilling industry.
In the Gulf Coast area, lost circulation is often controlled at the expense of increased mud chemical and additive costs. In other areas where large openings in formations are encountered, maintaining circulation may involve large expenditures of time and motley. Some aspects of lost circulation which have been given little attention are the effects of conventional lost circulation materials on the properties of drilling fluids and the cutting action of rotary bits, and the hazard of plugging productive formations when combatting lost circulation.
The homogeneity range of lyonsite-type phase existing in the CrVO4 - Co3V2O8 system
Authors: Kurzawa Maria , Bosacka Monika , Filipek Elzbieta , Rychlowska-Himmel Izabella 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIn the work presented here, the way of obtaining the phase with general formula Co3+1.5xCr2–x(VO4)4 (0 ≤ × 4 - Co3V2O8 that is formed in one of the intersection of the ternary CoO - V2O5 - Cr2O3 system. Monophasic Co3Cr2(VO4)4 (Co3+1.5xCr2−x(VO4)4, where × = 0) was obtained from both a mixture comprising CrVO4 and Co3V2O8 as well as from the mixture of CoV2O6 with CoCr2O4. The Co3+1.5xCr2−x(VO4)4 is isotypic with the those demonstrating the lyonsite-type structure. The temperature of melting for the new compound was established using the DTA methods.
Subsolidus area of the system CdO - V2O5 - Fe2O3
Authors: Blonska-Tabero Anna 
Published: April 2009

AbstractPhase diagrams in the subsolidus area of the systems FeVO4 - CdO and FeVO4 - Cd2V2O7 have been deduced using the results of XRD and DTA analyses. On the basis of these diagrams and some additional verifying research, a projection of the subsolidus area of the CdO - V2O5 - Fe2O3 system onto the plane that comprises the components’ concentration triangle has been presented. The H-type phase is the only phase formed in this system. It co-exists at equilibrium with other phases in six subsidiary subsystems.
Readability of the Patient Education Section of the AOFAS Website
Authors: Bluman Eric M. , Foley Ryan P. , Chiodo Christopher P. 
Published: April 2009

Background: One of the goals of the AOFAS website is to provide easily understandable information about orthopaedic foot and ankle conditions to the public. However, validation of this goal has not been conducted. Evaluation of text reading level is frequently performed using the Flesch-Kincaid formula (FKF). This study evaluated whether the patient information section of the AOFAS website meets recommended readability guidelines for medical information. Materials and Methods: Seventy-nine publicly accessible entries within the patient education section of the AOFAS website were analyzed for grade level readability using the FKF. Results: Two entries were unable to be effectively evaluated using the FKF. The average grade reading level of all patient education entries was 8.3 (95% CI 7.8 to 8.9). Only 20.8% of entries were at or below a 6th grade reading level. Almost 30% were above the 8th grade level. The average grade levels of the constituent sections were: “Ailments and Conditions”, 8.7; “Steps to Recovery”, 7.1; “Adult Feet”, 8.3; “Children's Feet”, 7.5; “Foot Health and Fitness”, 7.8; “Shoes”, 8.5; and “Glossary”, 10.1. The percentage of entries within these sections below a 7th grade reading level were 13%, 30%, 0%, 0%, 43%, 24% and 0%, respectively. Conclusion: The percentage of entries at or below the recommended 6th grade reading level on the AOFAS website compared favorably with other orthopaedic organizations' websites. However, the majority still exceeds a recommended reading level. To enhance the readability of patient education materials, we believe use of computer aided readability assessment tools should be considered in future website revisions.
Validity of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Martin RobRoy L. , Hutt Dennis M. , Wukich Dane K. 
Published: April 2009

Background: The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) has been shown to be reliable, valid, and responsive in a general orthopaedic population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate validity for the FAAM in individuals with diabetes. It was hypothesized that FAAM scores would relate to measures of physical function while not correspond to measures of mental health. It was also hypothesized that FAAM scores would be different based on reported general health. Materials and Methods: Eighty-three subjects with diabetes and foot and ankle related complaints completed intake information during a routine clinical visit. Subjects had an average age of 60.3 (range, 21 to 93; SD 13.7) years. Subjects were grouped based on their reported general health with 55 (64.7%) and 28 (32.9%), reporting excellent-good and fair-poor general health, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the relationship between the FAAM and SF-36. As evidence for discriminative validity, one-way ANOVA was used to determine if FAAM scores could distinguish between individuals that reported excellent-good from those that reported fair-poor levels of general health. Results: The FAAM had high correlation to the SF-36 physical function subscale ( r > 0.60) and physical component summary score ( r > 0.70) and significantly ( p < 0.005) lower correlation to the mental health subscale ( r < 0.33) and mental component summary score ( r < 0.30). Oneway ANOVA found those that reported excellent-good general health scored significantly higher on the ADL subscale (57 vs 44 [F(1,82) = 4.6, p = 0.035]) but did score differently on the Sports subscales (32 vs 22 [F(1,70) = 1.7, p = 0.20]). Conclusion: This study offers evidence of validity for the FAAM ADL subscale as an outcome instrument to measure physical function in individuals with diabetes and foot and/or ankle related disorders. Further research is needed for the Sports subscale in individuals with diabetes who are functioning at a higher level. Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Case Control Series