bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis of Chagas' Disease: Parasite Persistence and Autoimmunity
Authors: Teixeira Antonio R. L. , Hecht Mariana M. , Guimaro Maria C. , Sousa Alessandro O. , Nitz Nadjar 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYAcuteTrypanosoma cruziinfections can be asymptomatic, but chronically infected individuals can die of Chagas' disease. The transfer of the parasite mitochondrial kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) minicircle to the genome of chagasic patients can explain the pathogenesis of the disease; in cases of Chagas' disease with evident cardiomyopathy, the kDNA minicircles integrate mainly into retrotransposons at several chromosomes, but the minicircles are also detected in coding regions of genes that regulate cell growth, differentiation, and immune responses. An accurate evaluation of the role played by the genotype alterations in the autoimmune rejection of self-tissues in Chagas' disease is achieved with the cross-kingdom chicken model system, which is refractory toT. cruziinfections. The inoculation ofT. cruziinto embryonated eggs prior to incubation generates parasite-free chicks, which retain the kDNA minicircle sequence mainly in the macrochromosome coding genes. Crossbreeding transfers the kDNA mutations to the chicken progeny. The kDNA-mutated chickens develop severe cardiomyopathy in adult life and die of heart failure. The phenotyping of the lesions revealed that cytotoxic CD45, CD8+γδ, and CD8α+T lymphocytes carry out the rejection of the chicken heart. These results suggest that the inflammatory cardiomyopathy of Chagas' disease is a genetically driven autoimmune disease.
Laboratory Adaptation of Bordetella pertussis Is Associated with the Loss of Type Three Secretion System Functionality
Authors: Gaillard M. E. , Bottero D. , Castuma C. E. , Basile L. A. , Hozbor D. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

Although
Bordetella pertussis
contains and transcribes loci encoding type III secretion system (TTSS) homologues, expression of TTSS-associated proteins has been reported only for non-laboratory-adapted Irish clinical isolates. Here we confirm such a result for clinical isolates obtained from patients treated in Argentinean hospitals. Moreover, we demonstrate that the expression of TTSS-associated proteins is independent both of the year in which the isolate was obtained and of the types of polymorphic alleles for other virulence factors but is dependent on environmental growth conditions. Interestingly, we observed that TTSS-associated protein expression is lost after successive
in vitro
passages but becomes operative again when bacteria come into contact with the host. This
in vivo
activation of TTSS expression was observed not only for clinical isolates previously adapted to the laboratory after successive
in vitro
passages but also for vaccine strains that did not express the system
in vitro
. The reversibility of TTSS expression, demonstrated by its switching off-on when the bacterium comes into contact with the host, appears to be an adaptive response of this pathogen.
Prevalence, course and associations of desire for hastened death in a UK palliative population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Price Annabel , Lee William , Goodwin Laura , Rayner Lauren , Humphreys Rosemary , Hansford Penny , Sykes Nigel , Monroe Barbara , Higginson Irene , Hotopf Matthew 
Published: July 2011

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence, severity and remission of desire for hastened death (DHD) in a UK representative sample of patients with advanced disease receiving palliative care and to examine the associations of desire for death.DesignA cross-sectional survey with 4-week follow-up.SettingSt Christopher's Hospice, Sydenham, South London, which is a large hospice with homecare, outpatient and inpatient facilities serving five London boroughs.Participants300 patients newly referred to the hospice for palliative care.Main outcome measuresThe Desire for Death Rating Scale (DDRS).ResultsAt T1 33/300 (11%) reported DHD and 11/300 (3.7%) had more serious or pervasive DHD. Of those who expressed DHD at T1 and were interviewed at both time points, 35% no longer reported these thoughts. Of those who reported no DHD at T1, 8% reported DHD at T2. The majority of those who had more severe DHD at T1 had a reduced DHD score by T2. Factors associated with T1 DHD included presence of non-malignant disease, depression, more severe physical symptoms, hopelessness and perceived loss of dignity.ConclusionsThe prevalence of DHD was at the lower end of that seen in previous studies using similar samples. More severe DHD was uncommon and for most part remitted to some extent during the study. The provision of symptom control and timely detection and intervention for depression coupled with a focus on optimising function, instilling hope and preserving dignity are likely to contribute to alleviation of DHD in patients with advanced illness.
Oxalate nephropathy in a laboratory colony of common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) following the ingestion of Eucalyptus viminalis
Authors: Vanselow B. A. , Pines M. K. , Bruhl J. J. , Rogers L. J. 
Published: July 2011

Seven common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) from a laboratory colony of 17 died over a period of eight months. Death of six of these monkeys was attributed to kidney failure from an oxalate‐induced nephropathy. The epidemiology of this outbreak suggested an exogenous source and there was strong evidence that the source was bark and leaves from an Eucalyptus viminalis tree. Branches of this tree were introduced one month before the first death. The branches were removed one month after deaths commenced, but deaths continued for another five months. Urinalysis of all surviving marmosets at 80 and 122 days after initial contact with the E viminalis branches suggested that these monkeys had renal impairment. In the cases described here, the eating behaviour of common marmosets apparently exposed the animals to toxic levels of oxalate in the bark and leaves of an E viminalis tree.
Omega-3 fatty acids attenuate constitutive and insulin-induced CD36 expression through a suppression of PPARα/γ activity in microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Madonna Rosalinda , Salerni Sara , Schiavone Deborah , Glatz Jan , Geng Yong-Jian , Caterin Raffaele 
Published: July 2011

SummaryMicrovascular dysfunction occurs in insulin resistance and/or hyperinsulinaemia. Enhanced uptake of free fatty acids (FFA) and oxidised low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) may lead to oxidative stress and microvascular dysfunction interacting with CD36, a PPARα/γ-regulated scavenger receptor and long-chain FFA transporter. We investigated CD36 expression and CD36-mediated oxLDL uptake before and after insulin treatment in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs), ± different types of fatty acids (FA), including palmitic, oleic, linoleic, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. Insulin (10−8 and 10−7 M) time-dependently increased DiI-oxLDL uptake and CD36 surface expression (by 30 ± 13%, p<0.05 vs. untreated control after 24 hours incubation), as assessed by ELISA and flow cytometry, an effect that was potentiated by the PI3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin and reverted by the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 and the PPARα/γ antagonist GW9662. A ≥24 hour exposure to 50 μM DHA or EPA, but not other FA, blunted both the constitutive (by 23 ± 3% and 29 ± 2%, respectively, p<0.05 for both) and insulin-induced CD36 expressions (by 45 ± 27 % and 12 ± 3 %, respectively, p<0.05 for both), along with insulin-induced uptake of DiI-oxLDL and the downregulation of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (P-eNOS). At gel shift assays, DHA reverted insulin-induced basal and oxLDL-stimulated transactivation of PPRE and DNA binding of PPARα/γ and NF-κB. In conclusion, omega-3 fatty acids blunt the increased CD36 expression and activity promoted by high concentrations of insulin. Such mechanisms may be the basis for the use of omega-3 fatty acids in diabetic microvasculopathy.
Exploring Determinants of Secular Decreases in Childhood Blood Pressure and Hypertension
Authors: Khang Young-Ho , Lynch John W. 
Published: July 2011

Background—
Childhood blood pressure is largely uninfluenced by medical treatment and behavioral changes associated with hypertension diagnosis. Examining secular trends in childhood blood pressure and its contributing factors will help us better understand population-level determinants of blood pressure and hypertension.

Methods and Results—
Data were from 4 waves of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1998 and 2008, including a total of 5909 boys and girls 10 to 19 years of age. Over the past 10 years, age- and height-adjusted mean systolic blood pressure decreased substantially from 115.6 to 106.9 mm Hg (by 8.7 mm Hg) among boys and from 111.8 to 101.8 mm Hg (by 10.0 mm Hg) among girls. Associated childhood hypertension and prehypertension/hypertension prevalences decreased by 52% to 86%. These remarkable decreases were found among all age and socioeconomic groups and were not explained by secular changes in childhood obesity (body mass index and waist circumferences), health behaviors (cigarette smoking and physical activity), nutritional factors (sodium, potassium, total energy, protein, and fat intake), psychological factors (perceived stress and sleep duration), and sociodemographic factors (annual household income and family size).

Conclusions—
We observed important population declines in blood pressure in Korea over a 10-year period in children 10 to 19 years of age, but the likely causes for these secular trends remain to be determined.
Increased Vertebral Artery Tortuosity Index Is Associated With Adverse Outcomes in Children and Young Adults With Connective Tissue Disorders
Authors: Morris Shaine A. , Orbach Darren B. , Geva Tal , Singh Michael N. , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Lacro Ronald V. 
Published: July 2011

Background—
Arterial tortuosity is described as a common and distinctive feature of Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), yet reports on arterial tortuosity are based on qualitative observations and none have investigated an association between tortuosity and cardiovascular outcomes in LDS or other connective tissue disorders.

Methods and Results—

We performed a retrospective analysis of 90 patients ≤50 years of age with Marfan syndrome, LDS, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or nonspecific connective tissue disorder who underwent thoracic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography. Controls (n=30) underwent magnetic resonance imaging to exclude arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia. Using a volume-rendered angiogram, vertebral arteries were measured along the curvature of the vessel (actual length) and linearly (straight length), and distance factor was calculated: [(actual/straight length−1)×100]. Each subject's maximum distance factor was designated the Vertebral Tortuosity Index (VTI). The VTI was compared among diagnostic groups and among patients with cardiac surgery, dissection, and death. Median age at magnetic resonance imaging was 19.6 years (range 0.2 to 50.1). VTI interrater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient =0.987). The VTI was higher in Marfan syndrome (n=57, median 26; interquartile range 10 to 49) and LDS (n=13, median 58; interquartile range 18 to 92) compared with controls (median 4.5; interquartile range 3 to 6;
P
<0.001 for both). Higher VTI was associated with younger age at surgery even when controlling for root size (adjusted
P
=0.002). Vertebral tortuosity index ≥50 was associated with earlier age at dissection and death compared with VTI <50 (
P
=0.001 versus
P
<0.001). We found no difference in age at surgery, dissection, or death in Marfan syndrome compared with LDS.

Conclusion—
Arterial tortuosity measured by magnetic resonance angiography is a reproducible marker of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in connective tissue disorders.
A Moment Matching Ensemble Filter for Nonlinear Non-Gaussian Data Assimilation
Authors: Lei Jing , Bickel Peter 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The ensemble Kalman filter is now an important component of ensemble forecasting. While using the linear relationship between the observation and state variables makes it applicable for large systems, relying on linearity introduces nonnegligible bias since the true distribution will never be Gaussian. This paper analyzes the bias of the ensemble Kalman filter from a statistical perspective and proposes a debiasing method called the nonlinear ensemble adjustment filter. This new filter transforms the forecast ensemble in a statistically principled manner so that the updated ensemble has the desired mean and variance. It is also easily localizable and, hence, potentially useful for large systems. Its performance is demonstrated and compared with other Kalman filter and particle filter variants through various experiments on the Lorenz-63 and Lorenz-96 systems. The results show that the new filter is stable and accurate for challenging situations such as nonlinear, high-dimensional systems with sparse observations.
Assimilation of Surface-Based Boundary Layer Profiler Observations during a Cool-Season Weather Event Using an Observing System Simulation Experiment. Part II: Forecast Assessment
Authors: Hartung Daniel C. , Otkin Jason A. , Petersen Ralph A. , Turner David D. , Feltz Wayne F. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn this study, atmospheric analyses obtained through assimilation of temperature, water vapor, and wind profiles from a potential network of ground-based remote sensing boundary layer profiling instruments were used to generate short-range ensemble forecasts for each assimilation experiment performed in Part I. Remote sensing systems evaluated during this study include the Doppler wind lidar (DWL), Raman lidar (RAM), microwave radiometer (MWR), and the Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI). Overall, the results show that the most accurate forecasts were achieved when mass (temperature and humidity profiles from the RAM, MWR, and/or AERI) and momentum (wind profiles from the DWL) observations were assimilated simultaneously, which is consistent with the main conclusion from Part I. For instance, the improved wind and moisture analyses obtained through assimilation of these observations contributed to more accurate forecasts of moisture flux convergence and the intensity and location of accumulated precipitation (ACPC) due to improved dynamical forcing and mesoscale boundary layer thermodynamic structure. An object-based verification tool was also used to assess the skill of the ACPC forecasts. Overall, total interest values for ACPC matched objects, along with traditional forecast skill statistics like the equitable threat score and critical success index, were most improved in the multisensor assimilation cases.
Assessment and Enhancement of MERRA Land Surface Hydrology Estimates
Authors: Reichle Rolf H. , Koster Randal D. , De Lannoy Gabriëlle J. M. , Forman Barton A. , Liu Qing , Mahanama Sarith P. P. , Touré Ally 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) is a state-of-the-art reanalysis that provides, in addition to atmospheric fields, global estimates of soil moisture, latent heat flux, snow, and runoff for 1979–present. This study introduces a supplemental and improved set of land surface hydrological fields (“MERRA-Land”) generated by rerunning a revised version of the land component of the MERRA system. Specifically, the MERRA-Land estimates benefit from corrections to the precipitation forcing with the Global Precipitation Climatology Project pentad product (version 2.1) and from revised parameter values in the rainfall interception model, changes that effectively correct for known limitations in the MERRA surface meteorological forcings. The skill (defined as the correlation coefficient of the anomaly time series) in land surface hydrological fields from MERRA and MERRA-Land is assessed here against observations and compared to the skill of the state-of-the-art ECMWF Re-Analysis-Interim (ERA-I). MERRA-Land and ERA-I root zone soil moisture skills (against in situ observations at 85 U.S. stations) are comparable and significantly greater than that of MERRA. Throughout the Northern Hemisphere, MERRA and MERRA-Land agree reasonably well with in situ snow depth measurements (from 583 stations) and with snow water equivalent from an independent analysis. Runoff skill (against naturalized stream flow observations from 18 U.S. basins) of MERRA and MERRA-Land is typically higher than that of ERA-I. With a few exceptions, the MERRA-Land data appear more accurate than the original MERRA estimates and are thus recommended for those interested in using MERRA output for land surface hydrological studies.
PDF Parameterization of Boundary Layer Clouds in Models with Horizontal Grid Spacings from 2 to 16 km
Authors: Larson Vincent E. , Schanen David P. , Wang Minghuai , Ovchinnikov Mikhail , Ghan Steven 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Many present-day numerical weather prediction (NWP) models are run at resolutions that permit deep convection. In these models, however, the boundary layer turbulence and boundary layer cloud features are still grossly underresolved. Underresolution is also present in climate models that use a multiscale modeling framework (MMF), in which a convection-permitting model is run in each grid column of a global general circulation model.
To better represent boundary layer clouds and turbulence in convection-permitting models, a parameterization was developed that models the joint probability density function (PDF) of vertical velocity, heat, and moisture. Although PDF-based parameterizations are more complex and computationally expensive than many other parameterizations, in principle PDF parameterizations have several advantages. For instance, they ensure consistency of liquid (cloud) water and cloud fraction; they avoid using separate parameterizations for different cloud types such as cumulus and stratocumulus; and they have an appropriate formulation in the “terra incognita” in which updrafts are marginally resolved.
In this paper, an implementation of a PDF parameterization is tested to see whether it improves the simulations of a state-of-the-art convection-permitting model. The PDF parameterization used is the Cloud Layers Unified By Binormals (CLUBB) parameterization. The host cloud-resolving model used is the System for Atmospheric Modeling (SAM). SAM is run both with and without CLUBB implemented in it. Simulations of two shallow cumulus (Cu) cases and two shallow stratocumulus (Sc) cases are run in a 3D configuration at 2-, 4-, and 16-km horizontal grid spacings.
Including CLUBB in the simulations improves some of the simulated fields—such as vertical velocity variance, horizontal wind fields, cloud water content, and drizzle water content—especially in the two Cu cases. Implementing CLUBB in SAM improves the simulations slightly at 2-km horizontal grid spacing, significantly at 4-km grid spacing, and greatly at 16-km grid spacing. Furthermore, the simulations that include CLUBB exhibit a reduced sensitivity to horizontal grid spacing.
Characterization and Optimization of mTHPP Nanoparticles for Photodynamic Therapy of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Ding Huiying , Mora Ruben , Gao Jinming , Sumer Baran D. 
Published: July 2011

ObjectivesTo characterize the properties of polymeric micelles containing different loading percentages of mTHPP, a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT), with respect to fluorescence, singlet oxygen (1O2) yield, and in vitro cytotoxicity in head and neck cancer cells.Study DesignLaboratory study.SettingPolymer chemistry laboratory.Subjects and MethodsAbsorption and emission spectroscopy was used to characterize the mTHPP‐loaded micelles. The 1O2 yield was measured to determine the efficiency of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In vitro studies were conducted using the HN5 cells and confirmed with H2009 cells to determine the photodynamic efficacy. DNA assay and confocal microscopy was used to measure intracellular fluorescence.ResultsThe mTHPP micelles demonstrated the highest fluorescence intensity at 0.5% loading. The 1O2 generation of the micelles in solution peaked at 2% loading. Phototoxicity and dark toxicity experiments in HN5 and H2009 cells demonstrated that the best therapeutic index was achieved with the 2% loaded micelles with 100% cell cytotoxicity at a micelle concentration of 10 µg/mL and less than 10% dark cytotoxicity. In comparison, 10% loaded micelles demonstrated 100% cell cytotoxicity at a concentration of 20 µg/mL under both light and dark conditions. Confocal microscopy demonstrated increasing intracellular fluorescence with higher loading.ConclusionsThe 2% mTHPP‐loaded micelles generated greater 1O2, and 0.5% loading led to the most efficient generation of fluorescence in solution. Higher mTHPP loading density led to increased cellular fluorescence and dark cytotoxicity. Overall, 2% mTHPP‐loaded micelles provided the optimal composition for photodynamic therapy with the largest therapeutic window.
Superantigen‐Induced Glucocorticoid Insensitivity in the Recurrence of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Wang Mingming , Shi Peng , Chen Bei , Shi Guanggang , Li Hong , Wang Haibo 
Published: July 2011

ObjectiveTo investigate a potential mechanism by which superantigens could induce glucocorticoid insensitivity in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients.Study DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary medical center.Subjects and MethodsSinonasal polyps were obtained from CRS patients with nasal polyps (CRSwNP; 20 without recurrence, 18 with recurrent NP followed for 1.5‐2.0 years) and nasal mucosa from 16 CRS patients without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Specimens were tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for staphylococcal exotoxins (SEs) including SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, and toxic shock syndrome toxin type‐1 (TSST‐1) and assessed by immunohistochemistry for glucocorticoid receptor (GR) α and β, and the GRβ/GRα ratio was analyzed.ResultsIn CRSwNP, 13 of 18 (72.22%) subjects with subsequently recurrent NP, 11 of 20 (55.00%) subjects without NP recurrence, and 1 of 16 (6.25%) CRSsNP subjects with positive reactions for SEs were obtained. There were no positive results in controls. The expressions of GRβ in 3 CRS groups and controls were significantly different (all P <. 05), and a similar increasing tendency of the GRβ/GRα ratio was found among groups besides the comparison of CRSwNP versus recurrent NP groups (P =. 053). Furthermore, there was a clear trend of increased GRβ expression in the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)–positive samples compared with ELISA‐negative samples. Concerning GRα, the expression was enhanced significantly just in toxin‐positive recurrent NP versus controls (P =. 048), but the relative induction of GRβ was much higher, thereby leading to a higher GRβ/GRα ratio.ConclusionsBacterial superantigens may contribute to glucocorticoid insensitivity through induction of GRβ, which appears to be a marker of steroid insensitivity in CRSwNP.