bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ExperimentalPseudomonas aeruginosapneumonia: evaluation of the associated inflammatory response
Authors: Sibila O. , Agustí C. , Torres A. , Baquero S. , Gando S. , Patrón J. R. , Morato J. G. , Goffredo D. H. , Bassi N. , Luna C. M. 
Published: September 2007

An abnormal inflammatory response (IR) in pneumonia is associated with poor outcomes and high mortality. Animal models could help to better understand the relationship between the pulmonary infection and the associated IR. The aims of the present study were to validate an experimental model of pneumonia induced by the inoculation ofPseudomonas aeruginosain ventilated piglets and to study the associated IR over a long period of time (96 h).Five Lagerwhite–Landrace piglets were ventilated for 4 days. After intubation, a solution containing 75 mL ofP. aeruginosa(106 colony-forming units·mL−1) was bronchoscopically inoculated. Physiological and laboratory parameters were monitored throughout the study. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured in serum and in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Histopathology of the lungs and cultures from blood, BAL and lungs were performed.All the animals developed histopathological evidence of pneumonia. Microbiological studies of both BAL and lung confirmed the presence ofP. aeruginosain all the samples. Throughout the study, an increase in interleukin-6 was observed in serum and in BAL.In conclusion, the experimental model of pneumonia induced by the inoculation of high concentrations ofPseudomonas aeruginosain ventilated piglets is feasible and could be appropriate for the evaluation of different aspects of the associated inflammatory response.
Tuberculosis and airflow obstruction: evidence from the PLATINO study in Latin America
Authors: Menezes A. M. B. , Hallal P. C. , Perez-Padilla R. , Jardim J. R. B. , Muiño A. , Lopez M. V. , Valdivia G. , Montes de Oca M. , Talamo C. , Pertuze J. , Victora C. G. 
Published: September 2007

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between history of tuberculosis and airflow obstruction.A population-based, multicentre study was carried out and included 5,571 subjects aged ≥40 yrs living in one of five Latin American metropolitan areas: Sao Paulo (Brazil); Montevideo (Uruguay); Mexico City (Mexico); Santiago (Chile); and Caracas (Venezuela). Subjects performed pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry and were asked whether they had ever been diagnosed with tuberculosis by a physician.The overall prevalence of airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity post-bronchodilator <0.7) was 30.7% among those with a history of tuberculosis, compared with 13.9% among those without a history. Males with a medical history of tuberculosis were 4.1 times more likely to present airflow obstruction than those without such a diagnosis. This remained unchanged after adjustment for confounding by age, sex, schooling, ethnicity, smoking, exposure to dust and smoke, respiratory morbidity in childhood and current morbidity. Among females, the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were 2.3 and 1.7, respectively.In conclusion, history of tuberculosis is associated with airflow obstruction in Latin American middle-aged and older adults.
Perforin, granzyme B, and FasL expression by peripheral blood T lymphocytes in emphysema
Authors: Morissette Mathieu C , Parent Julie , Milot Julie 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
It is generally accepted that emphysematous lungs are characterized by an increase in the numbers of neutrophils, macrophages, and CD8+ T lymphocytes, the lasts having increased cytotoxic activity. Because systemic inflammation is also a component of emphysema, we hypothesize that peripheral CD8+ T lymphocytes of emphysematous smokers who show evidence of systemic inflammation will have higher expression of cytotoxic molecules.

Methods
We assessed parameters of systemic inflammation in normal individuals (smokers or non-smokers) and in emphysematous subjects with an active smoking history by measuring serum interleukine-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor. Expression of perforin, granzyme B, and FasL protein by CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, and natural killer cells were assessed by flow cytometry while perforin, granzyme B, and FasL mRNA expression were measured on purified systemic CD8+ T lymphocytes by real-time PCR.

Results
Emphysematous smokers had higher levels of serum interleukine-6 than normal subjects. Even with the presence of systemic inflammation in emphysematous smokers, the percentage of peripheral CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, and NK cells expressing perforin and granzyme B protein was not different between the three groups.

Conclusion
Despite evidence of systemic inflammation, peripheral T lymphocytes of emphysematous smokers did not show higher levels of cytotoxic markers, suggesting that increase of activated T lymphocytes in the emphysematous lung may be due to either activation in the lung or specific peripheral recruitment.
Automated recognition of cell phenotypes in histology images based on membrane- and nuclei-targeting biomarkers
Authors: Karaçalı Bilge , Vamvakidou Alexandra P , Tözeren Aydın 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Three-dimensional in vitro culture of cancer cells are used to predict the effects of prospective anti-cancer drugs in vivo. In this study, we present an automated image analysis protocol for detailed morphological protein marker profiling of tumoroid cross section images.

Methods
Histologic cross sections of breast tumoroids developed in co-culture suspensions of breast cancer cell lines, stained for E-cadherin and progesterone receptor, were digitized and pixels in these images were classified into five categories using k-means clustering. Automated segmentation was used to identify image regions composed of cells expressing a given biomarker. Synthesized images were created to check the accuracy of the image processing system.

Results
Accuracy of automated segmentation was over 95% in identifying regions of interest in synthesized images. Image analysis of adjacent histology slides stained, respectively, for Ecad and PR, accurately predicted regions of different cell phenotypes. Image analysis of tumoroid cross sections from different tumoroids obtained under the same co-culture conditions indicated the variation of cellular composition from one tumoroid to another. Variations in the compositions of cross sections obtained from the same tumoroid were established by parallel analysis of Ecad and PR-stained cross section images.

Conclusion
Proposed image analysis methods offer standardized high throughput profiling of molecular anatomy of tumoroids based on both membrane and nuclei markers that is suitable to rapid large scale investigations of anti-cancer compounds for drug development.
Recruitment and retention of low-income minority women in a behavioral intervention to reduce smoking, depression, and intimate partner violence during pregnancy
Authors: El-Khorazaty M Nabil , Johnson Allan A , Kiely Michele , El-Mohandes Ayman AE , Subramanian Siva , Laryea Haziel A , Murray Kennan B , Thornberry Jutta S , Joseph Jill G 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Researchers have frequently encountered difficulties in the recruitment and retention of minorities resulting in their under-representation in clinical trials. This report describes the successful strategies of recruitment and retention of African Americans and Latinos in a randomized clinical trial to reduce smoking, depression and intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Socio-demographic characteristics and risk profiles of retained vs. non-retained women and lost to follow-up vs. dropped-out women are presented. In addition, subgroups of pregnant women who are less (more) likely to be retained are identified.

Methods
Pregnant African American women and Latinas who were Washington, DC residents, aged 18 years or more, and of 28 weeks gestational age or less were recruited at six prenatal care clinics. Potentially eligible women were screened for socio-demographic eligibility and the presence of the selected behavioral and psychological risks using an Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview. Eligible women who consented to participate completed a baseline telephone evaluation after which they were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to either the intervention or the usual care group.

Results
Of the 1,398 eligible women, 1,191 (85%) agreed to participate in the study. Of the 1,191 women agreeing to participate, 1,070 completed the baseline evaluation and were enrolled in the study and randomized, for a recruitment rate of 90%. Of those enrolled, 1,044 were African American women. A total of 849 women completed the study, for a retention rate of 79%. Five percent dropped out and 12% were lost-to-follow up. Women retained in the study and those not retained were not statistically different with regard to socio-demographic characteristics and the targeted risks. Retention strategies included financial and other incentives, regular updates of contact information which was tracked and monitored by a computerized data management system available to all project staff, and attention to cultural competence with implementation of study procedures by appropriately selected, trained, and supervised staff. Single, less educated, alcohol and drug users, non-working, and non-WIC women represent minority women with expected low retention rates.

Conclusion
We conclude that with targeted recruitment and retention strategies, minority women will participate at high rates in behavioral clinical trials. We also found that women who drop out are different from women who are lost to follow-up, and require different strategies to optimize their completion of the study.
DNA methods for identification of Chinese medicinal materials
Authors: Yip Pui Ying , Chau Chi Fai , Mak Chun Yin , Kwan Hoi Shan 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAs adulterated and substituted Chinese medicinal materials are common in the market, therapeutic effectiveness of such materials cannot be guaranteed. Identification at species-, strain- and locality-levels, therefore, is required for quality assurance/control of Chinese medicine. This review provides an informative introduction to DNA methods for authentication of Chinese medicinal materials. Technical features and examples of the methods based on sequencing, hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are described and their suitability for different identification objectives is discussed.
Circulating Tissue Factor Procoagulant Activity and Thrombin Generation in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Effects of Insulin and Glucose
Authors: Boden Guenther , Vaidyula Vijender R. , Homko Carol , Cheung Peter , Rao A. Koneti 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Context: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a hypercoagulable state. Tissue factor (TF) is the principal initiator of blood coagulation.
Objective: Our objective was to examine the effects of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia on the TF pathway of blood coagulation in T2DM.
Design: Three study protocols were used: 1) acute correction of hyperglycemia (with iv insulin) followed by 24 h of euglycemia, 2) 24 h of selective hyperinsulinemia, and 3) 24 h of combined hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia.
Setting: The study took place at a clinical research center.
Study Participants: Participants included 18 T2DM patients and 22 nondiabetic controls.
Results: Basal TF-procoagulant activity (TF-PCA), monocyte TF mRNA, plasma coagulation factor VII (FVIIc), and thrombin-anti-thrombin complexes were higher in T2DM than in nondiabetic controls, indicating a chronic procoagulant state. Acutely normalizing hyperglycemia over 2–4 h resulted in a small (∼7%) but significant decline in TF-PCA with no further decline over 24 h. Raising insulin levels alone raised TF-PCA by 30%, whereas raising insulin and glucose levels together increased TF-PCA (by 80%), thrombin-anti-thrombin complexes, and prothrombin fragment 1.2. Plasma FVIIa and FVIIc declined with increases in TF-PCA.
Conclusion: We conclude that the combination of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, common in poorly controlled patients with T2DM, contributes to a procoagulant state that may predispose these patients to acute cardiovascular events.
Quasi-Product Forms for Lévy-Driven Fluid Networks
Authors: Dębicki K. , Dieker A. B. , Rolski T. 
Published: September 2007

We study stochastic tree fluid networks driven by a multidimensional Lévy process. We are interested in (the joint distribution of) the steady-state content in each of the buffers, the busy periods, and the idle periods. To investigate these fluid networks, we relate the above three quantities to fluctuations of the input Lévy process by solving a multidimensional Skorokhod reflection problem. This leads to the analysis of the distribution of the componentwise maximums, the corresponding epochs at which they are attained, and the beginning of the first last-passage excursion. Using the notion of splitting times, we are able to find their Laplace transforms. It turns out that, if the components of the Lévy process are “ordered,” the Laplace transform has a so-called quasi-product form. The theory is illustrated by working out special cases, such as tandem networks and priority queues.
Characterization and Clinical Management of Clozapine-Induced Fever
Authors: Lowe Carolina Molina , Grube Rebekah R Arthur , Scates Ann C 
Published: September 2007

Objective:To characterize clozapine-induced fever and suggest clinically relevant management recommendations.Data Sources:Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–June 2007) using the terms clozapine, fever, and adverse effects. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All English-language articles about human studies ot fever associated with the use of clozapine were evaluated.Data Synthesis:Mild to high-grade fever frequently accompanies clozapine therapy. Fever usually occurs within 10–15 days after treatment initiation and has been reported to last between 2 and 4 days. The mechanism and clinical implications of clozapine-induced fever are unclear. The primary concern for clinicians, with regard to these fevers, is the possibility of 2 serious conditions: agranulocytosis with infection or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). However, the presence of fever during clozapine therapy does not appear to predict agranulocytosis, NMS, or an increased rate of drug discontinuation at 1 year.Conclusions:Available data suggest that clozapine-induced fevers are benign: once infectious and other medical causes for fever are ruled out, clozapine therapy can be continued.
An Oedometer-Type Pressure Plate SWCC Apparatus
Authors: Perez-Garcia Natalia , Houston Sandra L. , Houston William N. , Padilla J. Manuel 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
A new oedometer device for SWCC determination has been evaluated by testing a wide range of soil types, and recommendations for best practices for use of this device have been made. The new device allows application and control of the net normal stress, σ−ua, in addition to the matric suction, ua−uw. Thus it can be used to simulate a range of overburden stresses and various other stress states of interest. It also allows the measurement of specimen volume change and the use of a single specimen for determination of the SWCC. The evaluation includes issues of temperature control, air diffusion through high air entry ceramic disks, and study of potential sources of error in water content determination for the SWCC. It is concluded that the new oedometer device can be used to obtain an accurate SWCC for a single specimen up to 1500kPa. General recommendations for appropriate use of the equipment and corrections to SWCC data obtained using axis translation pressure plate-type devices are made.
Synergistic Tribological Performances of Borate Additive in Lubricants
Authors: Hu Jian-Qiang , Hu Yi-Qin , Liu Guang-Long , Ma Yu-Hong 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
A four-ball tester was used to evaluate the tribological behaviors of nitrogen-containing borate (BNO) combined with zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) and tin dialkyldithiocarbamates (SnDDC) in liquid paraffin or mineral oil, even respectively. The surface analytical tools such as X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) were used to investigate the chemical states of some typical elements and composition on the rubbing surface of the wear scar. The tribological results show that BNO exhibits better antiwear properties in base oils, and can exhibit good antiwear synergism when it was combined with additives ZDDP and SnDDC, respectively, while the antiwear properties of oil-containing additive packages are optimal under certain concentration ranges. The results of XPS and XRD analyses indicated that BNO can form tribochemical mixed protective films consisting of BN or B2O3 compounds on the rubbing surface, and the combination of BNO with SnDDC may form tin, oxides, sulfide, and N-containing compounds on the rubbing surfaces, which contribute to improving the tribological properties of lubricants. A considerable amount of ZDDP can be partially replaced by BNO in synergistic mixtures, or replaced completely by the combination of BNO with SnDDC, which is especially important for ZDDP used in ecologically sensitive applications.
Interaction Between Munc13-1 and RIM Is Critical for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1–Mediated Rescue of Exocytotic Defects in Munc13-1–Deficient Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Kwan Edwin P. , Xie Li , Sheu Laura , Ohtsuka Toshihisa , Gaisano Herbert Y. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) rescues insulin secretory deficiency in type 2 diabetes partly via cAMP actions on exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac2) and protein kinase A (PKA)-activated Rab3A-interacting molecule 2 (Rim2). We had reported that haplodeficient Munc13-1+/− mouse islet β-cells exhibited reduced insulin secretion, causing glucose intolerance. Munc13-1 binds Epac2 and Rim2, but their functional interactions remain unclear.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We used Munc13-1+/− islet β-cells to examine the functional interactions between Munc13-1 and Epac2 and PKA. GLP-1 stimulation of Munc13-1+/− islets normalized the reduced biphasic insulin secretion by its actions on intact islet cAMP production and normal Epac2 and Rim2 levels.
RESULTS—To determine which exocytotic steps caused by Munc13-1 deficiency are rescued by Epac2 and PKA, we used patch-clamp capacitance measurements, showing that 1) cAMP restored the reduced readily releasable pool (RRP) and partially restored refilling of a releasable pool of vesicles in Munc13-1+/− β-cells, 2) Epac-selective agonist [8-(4-chloro-phenylthio)-2′-O-methyladenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate] partially restored the reduced RRP and refilling of a releasable pool of vesicles, and 3) PKA blockade by H89 (leaving Epac intact) impaired cAMP ability to restore the RRP and refilling of a releasable pool of vesicles. Conversely, PKA-selective agonist (N6-benzoyladenosine-cAMP) completely restored RRP and partially restored refilling of a releasable pool of vesicles. To determine specific contributions within Epac-Rim2–Munc13-1 interaction sites accounting for cAMP rescue of exocytosis caused by Munc13-1 deficiency, we found that blockade of Rim2–Munc13-1 interaction with Rim-Munc13-1–binding domain peptide abolished cAMP rescue, whereas blockade of Epac-Rim2 interaction with Rim2-PDZ peptide only moderately reduced refilling with little effect on RRP.
CONCLUSIONS—cAMP rescue of priming defects caused by Munc13-1 deficiency via Epac and PKA signaling pathways requires downstream Munc13-1–Rim2 interaction.
Cideb Regulates Diet-Induced Obesity, Liver Steatosis, and Insulin Sensitivity by Controlling Lipogenesis and Fatty Acid Oxidation
Authors: Li John Zhong , Ye Jing , Xue Bofu , Qi Jingzhong , Zhang Jing , Zhou Zhihong , Li Qing , Wen Zilong , Li Peng 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—Our previous study suggests that Cidea, a member of Cide family proteins that share sequence homology with the DNA fragmentation factor and are expressed at high levels in brown adipose tissue, plays an important role in the development of obesity. Cideb, another member of Cide family protein, is highly expressed in the liver. We would like to understand the physiological role of Cideb in the regulation of energy expenditure and lipid metabolism.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We generated Cideb-null mice by homolog recombination and then fed both wild-type and Cideb-null mice with high-fat diet (58% fat). We then characterized the animals’ adiposity index, food intake, whole-body metabolic rate, liver morphology, rate of fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, insulin sensitivity, and gene expression profile.
RESULTS— Cideb-null mice had lower levels of plasma triglycerides and free fatty acids and were resistant to high-fat diet–induced obesity and live steatosis. In addition, Cideb mutant mice displayed significantly increased insulin sensitivity and enhanced rate of whole-body metabolism and hepatic fatty acid oxidation. More importantly, Cideb-null mice showed decreased lipogenesis and reduced expression levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and stearol-CoA desaturase. We further demonstrated that expression levels of sterol response element binding protein 1c was significantly decreased in Cideb-deficient mice.
CONCLUSIONS—Our data demonstrate that Cideb is a novel important regulator in lipid metabolism in the liver. Cideb may represent a new therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, and liver steatosis.
Central Insulin Regulates Heart Rate and Arterial Blood Flow
Authors: Cabou Cendrine , Cani Patrice D. , Campistron Gérard , Knauf Claude , Mathieu Caroline , Sartori Claudio , Amar Jacques , Scherrer Urs , Burcelin Rémy 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—Central neural insulin regulates glucose homeostasis, but less is known about its cardiovascular effects. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-derived nitric oxide (NO) represents a molecular link between metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Its role in the central nervous system remains to be determined. We studied the effects of central insulin infusion on femoral arterial blood flow and heart rate in normal chow–fed, high-fat diet–fed diabetic, and eNOS-null mice.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —We recorded heart rate and femoral blood flow (ultrasonic flow probe) during 3-h central insulin infusion in conscious, freely moving mice. To study the role of NO in this setting, we assessed total and phosphorylated eNOS in the hypothalamus and examined the effects of brain infusion of NO donors/NOS inhibitors on cardiovascular responsiveness to central insulin in these experimental mouse models.RESULTS —In normal mice, central insulin rapidly increased heart rate by 30% and more progressively increased blood flow by 40%. In high-fat diet–fed mice, the cardiovascular effects of insulin were blunted and associated with a 50% reduction of the total and phosphorylated eNOS expression in the hypothalamus, suggesting a causal link. In line with this hypothesis, in eNOS-null mice and central NG-monomethyl-l-arginine–infused normal mice, the cardiovascular effects of insulin were abolished, whereas central NO donor infusion restored these effects in eNOS-null mice. In high-fat diet–fed mice, central NO donor infusion mimicked the cardiovascular responses evoked by central insulin in normal mice.CONCLUSIONS —Central insulin has cardiovascular effects in conscious, freely moving mice that are mediated, at least in part, by central neural eNOS. These effects are impaired in insulin-resistant high-fat diet–fed mice.