bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The lipopolysaccharide Parkinson’s disease animal model: mechanistic studies and drug discovery
Authors: Dutta Garima , Zhang Ping , Liu Bin 
Published: August 2008

AbstractResearch in the last two decades has unveiled an important role for neuroinflammation in the degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DA) pathway that constitutes the pathological basis of the prevailing movement disorder, Parkinson’s disease (PD). Neuroinflammation is characterized by the activation of brain glial cells, primarily microglia and astrocytes that release various soluble factors that include free radicals (reactive oxygen and nitrogen species), cytokines, and lipid metabolites. The majority of these glia‐derived factors are proinflammatory and neurotoxic and are particularly deleterious to oxidative damage‐vulnerable nigral DA neurons. As a proof of concept, various immunologic stimuli have been employed to directly induce glial activation to model DA neurodegeneration in PD. The bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), has been the most extensively utilized glial activator for the induction of inflammatory DA neurodegeneration. In this review, we will summarize the various in vitro and in vivo LPS PD models. Furthermore, we will highlight the contribution of the LPS PD models to the mechanistic studies of PD pathogenesis and the search for neuroprotective agents for the treatment of PD.
Disposition of eslicarbazepine acetate in the mouse after oral administration
Authors: Alves Gilberto , Figueiredo Isabel , Castel‐Branco Margarida , Lourenço Nulita , Falcão Amílcar , Caramona Margarida , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício 
Published: August 2008

AbstractEslicarbazepine acetate is a promising antiepileptic drug structurally related to carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine, which is in the final phase of clinical development. The metabolism of eslicarbazepine acetate is clearly species dependent and, in this case, among small laboratory animals, the mouse seems to be the most relevant species to humans. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the plasma, brain and liver disposition of eslicarbazepine acetate in mice to better understand its disposition in humans. Adult male CD‐1 mice were treated orally with a single dose of eslicarbazepine acetate 350 mg/kg. Blood samples, brain and liver tissues were taken at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 16 and 24 h post‐dose. Plasma and tissue levels of eslicarbazepine acetate and its metabolites (S‐licarbazepine, R‐licarbazepine and oxcarbazepine) were assessed by using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet detection. Both eslicarbazepine acetate and R‐licarbazepine concentrations were below the limit of quantification of the assay in all matrices. Eslicarbazepine acetate was rapidly and extensively metabolized to S‐licarbazepine (major metabolite), which was oxidized to oxcarbazepine to a small extent. The brain/plasma ratios suggest that the brain exposure to S‐licarbazepine and oxcarbazepine was approximately 30% of their total systemic exposure. However, S‐licarbazepine crossed the blood–brain barrier (BBB) less efficiently than oxcarbazepine. On the other hand, the liver/plasma ratios support the notion that S‐licarbazepine undergoes hepatic accumulation, whereas oxcarbazepine appears to leave this compartment twice as fast as S‐licarbazepine. Thus, the diffusion through the BBB is favourable to oxcarbazepine and the liver acts like a deposit of the pharmacologically active metabolite of eslicarbazepine acetate (S‐licarbazepine).
Radiosensitivity of canine osteosarcoma cells transfected with wild‐type p53 in vitro*
Authors: Shiomitsu K. , Sajo E. , Xia X. , Hunley D. W. , Mauldin G. E. , Li S. , Mauldin G. N. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe p53 gene is one of the important tumour suppressor genes that are involved with the cell survival signal pathway. One of the major functions of the p53 protein is to organize cell cycle regulation and induction of apoptosis for cellular genetic stability. It has been documented that more than 50% of all human cancers include a p53 mutation. We evaluated the difference in radiosensitivity between upregulating the expression of canine wild‐type p53 (cp53) in cultured osteosarcoma (D17) cells and naive D17 cells in vitro. We found that upregulating transfected cp53 D17 cells increased their radiation sensitivity in vitro, and there was a significant decrease (P < 0.009) in survival between cp53‐transfected D17 cells and naive D17 cells. In this experiment, a p53 enhancement ratio (p53ER) reached approximately 3.0 at high doses. The transfected cp53 D17 cells were significantly more radiosensitive at all doses evaluated than naive D17 cells, except at 1 Gy where too few data points were available. The p53ER increased rapidly at doses less than 4 Gy, achieving a maximum of about 3.0 for doses of 4 Gy and above. This study shows the enhanced radiosensitivity of the transfected p53 at clinically relevant doses.
Effect of MMP‐1 promoter polymorphisms on GCF MMP‐1 levels and outcome of periodontal therapy in patients with severe chronic periodontitis
Authors: Pirhan Demet , Atilla Gül , Emingil Gülnur , Sorsa Timo , Tervahartiala Taina , Berdeli Afig 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAims: The aims of this study were to investigate (1) the matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) promoter polymorphisms in severe chronic periodontitis (CP), (2) the relationship of periodontal therapy outcome with these genotypes, and (3) the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) MMP‐1 levels–MMP‐1 genotype correlation.Material and Methods: Genomic DNA was obtained from the peripheral blood of 102 patients with severe CP and 98 periodontally healthy subjects. MMP‐1 −519A/G and −1607 1G/2G polymorphisms were determined by the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. Fifty‐eight CP patients received non‐surgical periodontal therapy and were followed for 6 months. Clinical periodontal parameters and GCF samples were collected at baseline and at 6 months. GCF MMP‐1 levels were analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: The distribution of MMP‐1 genotypes did not significantly differ between the study groups. On the other hand, the −1607 2G allele frequency of severe CP patients was higher than that of healthy subjects. MMP‐1 −519G allele carriers had higher GCF MMP‐1 levels and percentage of sites with 4–6 mm clinical attachment level (CAL) compared with AA genotypes after non‐surgical periodontal therapy (p<0.05).Conclusions: These data suggest that the −1607 2G polymorphic allele of the MMP‐1 gene could be associated with susceptibility to severe CP in the Turkish population. It seems that −519AG and GG genotypes could play a role in the outcome of periodontal therapy.
Medication errors in a neonatal intensive care unit. Influence of observation on the error rate
Authors: Campino Ainara , Lopez‐Herrera Maria Cruz , Lopez‐de‐Heredia Ion , Valls‐i‐Soler Adolf 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim: To study if medication error rate decreased as a consequence of a simple observation process of registering its occurrence.Methods: Prescription and transcription processes were prospectively registered along two different period of time in a level III regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: a pilot phase, aimed to know the baseline drug error rate and a phase I, a pre‐intervention phase, both part of a study designed to determinate the effect of a preventive strategy in drug error rate. Random drug prescriptions by physicians and their transcriptions by nurses were reviewed and registered by a hospital pharmacist. A drug error episode was registered if dosage, units, route and administration interval were incorrect, illegible or not indicated.Results: A significant reduction in the prescription error rate from 32.8% in the pilot phase to 19.2% in the pre‐intervention study phase was observed (p< 0.001). Rates of incorrect dosing (13.6% vs. 5%) and lack of dose specification in the medical prescriptions (3.3% vs. 0.5%) dropped significantly but transcription errors did not.Conclusion: The presence of a person reviewing and registering the drug records apparently had by itself a substantial positive effect on the overall drug error rate. This phenomenon known as the Hawthorne effect should be taken in consideration when evaluating the efficacy of any preventive intervention aimed at improving patient safety.
Correlations between welfare initiatives and breastfeeding rates: a 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Mordini Bruno , Bortoli Elisa , Pagano Rossella , Barozzi Giulia , Ferrari Fabrizio 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim: To evaluate the prevalence of full breastfeeding during the first 6 months of age and to discover if training programs for health caregivers and welfare initiatives at the community level could improve breastfeeding rates.Methods: Newborn babies with gestational age ≥36 weeks and birth weight ≥2500 g, discharged from the hospital within the first week of life, without any underlying pathologies, were enrolled in 3‐month long sample periods between 1997 and 2006. A questionnaire was distributed to the mothers, to be completed and submitted before hospital discharge. Data were collected from phone interviews at 1, 3 and 6 months.Results: Full breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge showed an oscillation between 69.9% and 87%. The rate decreased in the following months and reached very low levels at 6 months of age (<24%), with the exception of the last sample period in 2006 (44.9%).Conclusion: A simple questionnaire, combined with standardized phone interviews, can be easily reproduced and may be used as an indicator for quality of neonatal care at hospital nurseries. A social and cultural change of the whole community towards breastfeeding promotion will result in increasing breastfeeding rates.
The change in ghrelin and obestatin levels in obese children after weight reduction
Authors: Zou Chao Chun , Liang Li , Wang Chun Lin , Fu Jun Fen , Zhao Zheng Yan 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim: To investigate the role of ghrelin and obestatin in obesity mechanisms.Methods: A total of 88 obese children and 25 normal children were enrolled. Moreover, 46 obese children took part in a summer camp for weight reduction. Fasting ghrelin, obestatin and other biochemical parameters were measured in all subjects and re‐measured in 45 obese children finishing the camp.Results: The ghrelin levels in the control and obese groups were 67.26 ± 23.41 pmol/L and 56.53 ± 15.97 pmol/L with a significant difference (p = 0.039), while the obestatin levels (89.41 ± 23.63 vs. 83.13 ± 17.21 pmol/L) were not significantly different (p = 0.083). The ghrelin/obestatin ratio in the controls was significantly higher than that in the obese group (p = 0.014). In the latter, fasting insulin and alanine aminotransferase were independent factors for ghrelin; fasting insulin, weight and gender were independent factors for obestatin and alanine aminotransferase was an independent factor for ghrelin/obestatin. Moreover, ghrelin, obestatin and ghrelin/obestatin increased after weight reduction (p < 0.05, respectively), and the increment in ghrelin and obestatin was associated with a decrement in insulin resistance.Conclusion: These data suggest that ghrelin, obestatin and/or the ghrelin/obestatin ratio are associated with obesity in childhood.
TEXTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FIVE MICROORGANISMS FOR RAPID DETECTION USING IMAGE PROCESSING
Authors: KUMAR S. , MITTAL G.S. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT A rapid and cost‐effective technique for identification and classification of microorganisms was explored using fluorescence microscopy and image analysis. After staining the microorganisms with fluorescent dyes (diamidino‐2‐phenyl‐indole [DAPI] and acridine orange [AO], images of the microorganisms were captured using a charge‐coupled device camera attached to a light microscope. Textural features were extracted from the images. Fluorescence emission from Bacillus thuringiensis is the highest compared with other microbes, and the emission from Lactobacillus brevis is the lowest. Various microorganisms can be differentiated using various textural features from images using AO or DAPI dye. Many textural features of the images obtained from the two dyes were different.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSConventional microbial detection methods take considerable time and are laborious. Rapid methods are required so that pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in foods and water can be identified and counted in a much shorter time. This work investigates image processing techniques particularly based on textural properties of the images of microorganisms. Images of microorganisms in samples can be captured using light microscopes after concentrating using centrifuge or membrane separation devices. This work will assist in developing a commercial method for rapid detection of microbes in food samples.
EFFECTS OF INTERMOLECULAR INTERACTIONS AND MOLECULAR ORIENTATION ON THE FLUX BEHAVIOR OF XANTHAN GUM SOLUTIONS DURING ULTRAFILTRATION
Authors: LO Y.M. , ZIEGLER R.C. , ARGIN‐SOYSAL S. , HSU C.H. , WAGNER N.J. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT Conformational changes of xanthan gum as a function of concentration were investigated to elucidate its unusual flux behavior during ultrafiltration (UF). The contribution of hydrogen bonding on structure formation and the molecular orientation of xanthan gum on the flow characteristics were studied rheomechanically and rheo‐optically. Known to affect xanthan structure at low concentrations, hydrogen bonding unexpectedly did not show significant influence on xanthan rheological properties up to 2 wt %. The ordered layers formed on the membrane surface proved responsible for the enhanced water removal during UF. This unique behavior could be attributed to the formation of aligned molecular orientation in addition to the viscosity increases during the biphasic region. Significant differences were observed between xanthan fermentation broth and solutions made of commercial xanthan, suggesting the need to control the salt concentration in fermentation broth in order to make UF an effective recovery process for xanthan gum after fermentation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe knowledge gained from the present study strengthens fundamental understandings on the conformational changes of xanthan biopolymers during the recovery of xanthan gum from fermentation broth using ultrafiltration (UF). By taking advantage of the aligned molecular orientation, along with controlling the salt concentration in the fermentation broth, UF could be operated at elevated flux to speed up the removal of water from the viscous fermentation broth. The technology should find broad applications in the fermentation industry, especially where viscosity is of concern during the separation and purification of the product.
Hematological features and molecular lesions of hemoglobin gene disorders in Taiwanese patients
Authors: LIN H.‐J. , SHIH M.‐C. , PENG C.‐T. , LIU T.‐C. , CHEN K.‐W. , SHIH H.‐C. , CHANG J.‐G. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryHemoglobin (Hb) gene disorders are one of the most common inherited diseases in Taiwan, which include α‐thalassemia, β‐thalassemia, and Hb variants. In this study, we collected and analyzed mutations found in 930 patients with Hb gene disorders except Hb Bart’s Hydrops and β‐thalassemia major. The patients included 650 cases of α‐thalassemia, 225 cases of β‐thalassemia, 9 cases of α‐thalassemia combined with β‐thalassemia, and 46 cases of Hb variants or Hb variants combined with α‐thalassemia or β‐thalassemia. The most common type of α0‐thalassemia and α++‐thalassemia mutations in our study were the SEA type deletion and the α3.7 deletion, respectively; the most common β‐thalassemia mutation was the IVS‐2 nt 654 C→T mutation; and the most common Hb variant was the HbE. We compared the relationships between genotype and hematological phenotypes of various Hb gene disorders and found that different genotypes of α0‐thalassemia have similar hematological features. In conclusion, the results of our study provide data of the complex interaction of thalassemias and Hb variants which might be useful for other researchers in this field.
Characterization of the
Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes
CECT5344 Cyanase, an Enzyme That Is Not Essential for Cyanide Assimilation
Authors: Luque-Almagro Víctor M. , Huertas María-J. , Sáez Lara P. , Luque-Romero Manuel Martínez , Moreno-Vivián Conrado , Castillo Francisco , Roldán M. Dolores , Blasco Rafael 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Cyanase catalyzes the decomposition of cyanate into CO
2
and ammonium, with carbamate as an unstable intermediate. The cyanase of
Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes
CECT5344 was negatively regulated by ammonium and positively regulated by cyanate, cyanide, and some cyanometallic complexes. Cyanase activity was not detected in cell extracts from cells grown with ammonium, even in the presence of cyanate. Nevertheless, a low level of cyanase activity was detected in nitrogen-starved cells. The
cyn
gene cluster of
P. pseudoalcaligenes
CECT5344 was cloned and analyzed. The
cynA, cynB
, and
cynD
genes encode an ABC-type transporter, the
cynS
gene codes for the cyanase, and the
cynF
gene encodes a novel σ
54
-dependent transcriptional regulator which is not present in other bacterial
cyn
gene clusters. The CynS protein was expressed in
Escherichia coli
and purified by following a simple and rapid protocol. The
P. pseudoalcaligenes
cyanase showed an optimal pH of 8.5°C and a temperature of 65°C. An insertion mutation was generated in the
cynS
gene. The resulting mutant was unable to use cyanate as the sole nitrogen source but showed the same resistance to cyanate as the wild-type strain. These results, in conjunction with the induction pattern of the enzymatic activity, suggest that the enzyme has an assimilatory function. Although the induction of cyanase activity in cyanide-degrading cells suggests that some cyanate may be generated from cyanide, the
cynS
mutant was not affected in its ability to degrade cyanide, which unambiguously indicates that cyanate is not a central metabolite in cyanide assimilation.
CcpA Mediates the Catabolite Repression of
tst
in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Seidl Kati , Bischoff Markus , Berger-Bächi Brigitte 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT

Some clinical isolates of
Staphylococcus aureus
produce the superantigenic toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1), encoded by
tst
, located on pathogenicity islands. The expression of
tst
is complex and is influenced by environmental conditions such as pH, CO
2
, and glucose. We identified a putative catabolite-responsive element (
cre
) in the promoter regions of all known
tst
genes, indicating that
tst
transcription may be regulated by the catabolite control protein CcpA. By introducing
tst
genes under the control of their native promoters or
tst
promoter-reporter gene fusions in wild-type strain Newman, we showed that glucose was able to repress
tst
transcription and TSST-1 production, whereas glucose repression was abolished in the corresponding Δ
ccpA
mutant. Stabilizing the pH ruled out a pH effect due to acid production during glucose catabolism. CcpA thus directly regulates
tst
transcription, linking carbohydrate utilization to virulence gene expression in
S. aureus
.
The Relative Contribution of Point Mutations and Genomic Rearrangements in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in High-Risk Breast Cancer Families
Authors: Palma Maurizia Dalla , Domchek Susan M. , Stopfer Jill , Erlichman Julie , Siegfried Jill D. , Tigges-Cardwell Jessica , Mason Bernard A. , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Nathanson Katherine L. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The demand for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation screening is increasing as their identification will affect medical management. However, both the contribution of different mutation types in BRCA1 and BRCA2 and whom should be offered testing for large genomic rearrangements have not been well established in the U.S. high-risk population. We define the prevalence and spectrum of point mutations and genomic rearrangements in BRCA genes in a large U.S. high-risk clinic population of both non-Ashkenazi and Ashkenazi Jewish descent, using a sample set representative of the U.S. genetic testing population. Two hundred fifty-one probands ascertained through the University of Pennsylvania high-risk clinic, all with commercial testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2, with an estimated prevalence of BRCA mutation ≥10% using the Myriad II model and a DNA sample available, were studied. Individuals without deleterious point mutations were screened for genomic rearrangements in BRCA1 and BRCA2. In the 136 non-Ashkenazi Jewish probands, 36 (26%) BRCA point mutations and 8 (6%) genomic rearrangements (7 in BRCA1 and 1 in BRCA2) were identified. Forty-seven of the 115 (40%) Ashkenazi Jewish probands had point mutations; no genomic rearrangements were identified in the group without mutations. In the non-Ashkenazi Jewish probands, genomic rearrangements constituted 18% of all identified BRCA mutations; estimated mutation prevalence (Myriad II model) was not predictive of their presence. Whereas these findings should be confirmed in larger sample sets, our data suggest that genomic rearrangement testing be considered in all non-Ashkenazi Jewish women with an estimated mutation prevalence ≥10%. [Cancer Res 2008;68(17):7006–14]
Effect of Language on Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Latinos and Non-Latinos
Authors: Diaz Joseph A. , Roberts Mary B. , Goldman Roberta E. , Weitzen Sherrie , Eaton Charles B. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Background: Language barriers among some Latinos may contribute to the lower rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening between Latinos and non-Latino Whites. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between language and receipt of CRC screening tests among Latinos and non-Latinos using a geographically diverse, population-based sample of adults.
Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Analysis included adults age 50 years and older, who completed the 2006 BRFSS in a state that recorded data from English- and Spanish-speaking participants.
Results: The primary outcome measure was receipt of colorectal screening tests (fecal occult blood testing within prior 12 months and/or lower endoscopy within 10 years). Of the 99,895 respondents included in the study populations, 33% of Latinos responding-in-Spanish reported having had CRC testing, whereas 51% of Latinos responding-in-English and 62% of English-speaking non-Latinos reported test receipt. In multivariable analysis, compared with non-Latinos, Latinos responding-in-English were 16% less likely to have received CRC testing [odds ratio (OR), 0.84; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.73-0.98], and Latinos responding-in-Spanish were 43% less likely to have received CRC testing (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.44-0.74). Additionally, compared with Latinos responding-in-English, Latinos responding-in-Spanish were 36% less likely to have received CRC testing (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.48-0.84).
Conclusion: Latinos responding to the 2006 BRFSS survey in Spanish had a significantly lower likelihood of receiving CRC screening tests compared with non-Latinos and to Latinos responding-in-English. Based on this analysis, Spanish language use is negatively associated with CRC screening and may contribute to disparities in CRC screening. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(8):2169–73)