bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CbsT2 from <i>Lactobacillus johnsonii</i> 100-100 Is a Transport Protein of the Major Facilitator Superfamily That Facilitates Bile Acid Antiport
Authors: Elkins Christopher A. , Savage Dwayne C. 
Published: March 2004

We previously identified two conjugated bile acid transporters, CbsT1 and CbsT2, in <i>Lactobacillus johnsonii </i>100-100 and <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus </i>KS-13 that are gene duplicates encoded in tandem with a conjugated bile salt hydrolase (BSH) [Elkins and Savage, J. Bacteriol. 180:4344–4349, 1998; Elkins et al., Microbiology 147: 3403–3412, 2001]. CbsT2 from 100–100 was shown to increase taurocholic acid (TCA) uptake in <i>Escherichia coli;</i> however, higher levels were achieved when an extracellular factor (EF) from 100–100 was present in the assay medium (spent medium from 100–100, pH 4.2). We continued this study here to determine the role of EF in this transport system. Kinetic studies revealed that the previously observed CbsT2- and EF-mediated TCA accumulation is rapid (<15 s) but not saturable, suggesting that EF is limiting. In addition, uptake of TCA by <i>E. coli </i>expressing CbsT2 was insensitive to ionophores, 2,4-dinitrophenol and carbonyl cyanide <i>m</i>-chlorophenylhydrazone, and thus, is independent of the proton motive force. Since BSH converts [24-<sup>14</sup>C]TCA to [24-<sup>14</sup>C]cholic acid (CA), we measured net radiolabel uptake in <i>E. coli </i>cells expressing transporter(s) and BSH. Interestingly, such cells accumulated less <sup>14</sup>C radiolabel (by approximately half) than cells expressing CbsT2 alone. These data can be explained if CA diffuses out of <i>E. coli</i> through the transporter(s). We, therefore, added exogenous, unlabeled CA to EF-spent media, which under our assay conditions, performed similarly to EF+ culture supernatant in TCA and CA uptake assays. Thus, unlabeled CA (a protonated, neutral lipophile) can partition directly into <i>E. coli </i>cells especially at low pH. These findings were validated in uptake assays with [<sup>3</sup>H]TCA, which yields [<sup>3</sup>H]taurine (a hydrophilic moiety) upon hydrolysis by the BSH. Amounts of cell-associated <sup>3</sup>H radiolabel remained similar in cells expressing CbsT2 and BSH versus cells expressing only CbsT2, both of which were higher than in cells expressing BSH alone. Our data support a hypothesis that these transporters, which comprise a new subfamily of the major facilitator superfamily, facilitate antiport of TCA and CA.
Supplementation with Alfacalcidol Increases Protein Intake and Serum Albumin Concentration in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis with Hypoalbuminemia: Possible Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α
Authors: Yonemura Katsuhiko , Sugiura Takeshi , Yamashita Fuyuki , Matsushima Hideki , Hishida Akira 
Published: March 2004

<i>Background:</i> We have reported that vitamin D deficiency may be implicated in the pathogenesis of hypoalbuminemia observed in patients with end-stage renal disease, but the mechanism remains to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to determine whether supplementation with alfacalcidol might increase protein intake in hemodialyzed patients with hypoalbuminemia. <i>Methods:</i> Twelve patients with hypoalbuminemia under 3.5 g/dl undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and not taking active forms of vitamin D were orally supplemented with 0.5 µg of alfacalcidol daily for 8 weeks. Normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), an index of protein intake, and serum concentrations of albumin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptor-II (sTNFR-II), an index of tumor necrosis factor-α activity, were determined before and after supplementation with alfacalcidol. <i>Results:</i> Supplementation with alfacalcidol increased nPCR from 0.96 ± 0.20 to 1.16 ± 0.15 g/kg/day (p < 0.005), thereby increasing serum albumin concentration from a baseline of 3.13 ± 0.35 to 3.32 ± 0.29 g/dl (p < 0.05). The baseline serum concentrations of sTNFR-II and IL-6 were markedly elevated, whereas those of IL-1β were under the detection limit. Supplementation with alfacalcidol significantly decreased serum concentration of sTNFR-II from 23.8 ± 4.38 to 19.7 ± 3.93 ng/ml (p < 0.001) but did not alter serum IL-6 concentration. <i>Conclusion:</i> Supplementation with alfacalcidol can increase protein intake and serum albumin concentration in hemodialyzed patients with hypoalbuminemia, probably through the suppressed tumor necrosis factor activity.
Long-Term Follow-Up and Factors Influencing Success of Silastic Ring Vertical Gastroplasty
Authors: Vishne Tal H. , Ramadan Edward , Alper Dan , Avraham Ziona , Seror Dan , Dreznik Zeev 
Published: March 2004

<i>Background:</i> Careful selection of patients for the operation plays a major role in long-term results of silastic ring vertical gastroplasty. The objective of the current study is to identify predictive factors for the objective (excess weight loss) and subjective (satisfaction) success of silastic ring vertical gastroplasty (SRVG) for morbid obesity. <i>Methods:</i><i>Design:</i> Retrospective cohort study. <i>Setting:</i> University hospital. <i>Subjects:</i> 300 patients of 450 who were operated on between 1984 and 1997. Follow-up time was 4.4 ± 2.3 years. <i>Intervention:</i> SRVG. <i>Statistical Methods:</i> Correlations, multi-linear regression model. <i>Results:</i> Average BMI (body mass index) loss: 13.6 ± 7.4 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, average excess weight loss was 67.4 ± 33.0%. Satisfaction rate: 81.3%. Correlation was found between objective parameters of successes and the satisfaction of the patient (p < 0.001). Excess weight loss was correlated to younger age (p < 0.005), pre-operative weight and BMI (p < 0.005, p < 0.01, respectively), and shorter follow-up (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression model revealed that age and preoperative weight were independent vari ables and correlated to the excess weight loss after SRVG (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.303, p < 0.01; R<sup>2</sup> = 0.026, p < 0.05). Social support was correlated to satisfaction (p < 0.05). <i>Conclusions:</i> SRVG is an operation with high rates of objective and subjective success rate. Younger and heavier subjects will mostly enjoy SRVG in terms of excess weight loss. Patients who have social support have the most satisfactory emotional outcome.
Mobile Critical Care Recovery Program for Survivors of Acute Respiratory Failure
Authors: Khan Babar A. , Perkins Anthony J. , Khan Sikandar Hayat , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Lasiter Sue , Gao Sujuan , Wang Sophia , Zarzaur Ben L. , Rahman Omar , Eltarras Ahmed , Qureshi Hadi , Boustani Malaz A. 
Published: January 2024

ImportanceOver 50% of Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) survivors experience cognitive, physical, and psychological impairments that negatively impact their quality of life (QOL).ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of a post–intensive care unit (ICU) program, the Mobile Critical Care Recovery Program (m-CCRP) consisting of a nurse care coordinator supported by an interdisciplinary team, in improving the QOL of ARF survivors.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis randomized clinical trial with concealed outcome assessments among ARF survivors was conducted from March 1, 2017, to April 30, 2022, with a 12-month follow-up. Patients were admitted to the ICU services of 4 Indiana hospitals (1 community, 1 county, 2 academic), affiliated with the Indiana University School of Medicine.InterventionA 12-month nurse-led collaborative care intervention (m-CCRP) supported by an interdisciplinary group of clinicians (2 intensivists, 1 geriatrician, 1 ICU nurse, and 1 neuropsychologist) was compared with a telephone-based control. The intervention comprised longitudinal symptom monitoring coupled with nurse-delivered care protocols targeting cognition, physical function, personal care, mobility, sleep disturbances, pain, depression, anxiety, agitation or aggression, delusions or hallucinations, stress and physical health, legal and financial needs, and medication adherence.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was QOL as measured by the 36-item Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS), with scores on each component ranging from 0-100, and higher scores indicating better health status.ResultsIn an intention-to-treat analysis among 466 ARF survivors (mean [SD] age, 56.1 [14.4] years; 250 [53.6%] female; 233 assigned to each group), the m-CCRP intervention for 12 months did not significantly improve the QOL compared with the control group (estimated difference in change from baseline between m-CCRP and control group: 1.61 [95% CI, −1.06 to 4.29] for SF-36 PCS; −2.50 [95% CI, −5.29 to 0.30] for SF-36 MCS. Compared with the control group, the rates of hospitalization were higher in the m-CCRP group (117 [50.2%] vs 95 [40.8%]; P = .04), whereas the 12-month mortality rates were not statistically significantly lower (24 [10.3%] vs 38 [16.3%]; P = .05).Conclusions and RelevanceFindings from this randomized clinical trial indicated that a nurse-led 12-month comprehensive interdisciplinary care intervention did not significantly improve the QOL of ARF survivors after ICU hospitalization. These results suggest that further research is needed to identify specific patient groups who could benefit from tailored post-ICU interventions.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03053245
Quality Measure Adherence and Oral Health Outcomes in Children
Authors: Choi Sung Eun , Pandya Ankur , White Joel , Mertz Elizabeth , Normand Sharon-Lise 
Published: January 2024

ImportanceProcess-based quality measures are generally intended to promote evidence-based practices that have been proven to improve outcomes. However, due to lack of standardized implementation of diagnostic codes in dentistry, assessing the association between process and oral health outcomes has been challenging.ObjectiveTo estimate the association of adhering to dental quality measures with patient oral health outcomes.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsUsing a target trial emulation, a causal inference framework, this retrospective cohort study estimated the difference in the risk of developing tooth decay between US children who adhered to process-based dental quality measures (receiving topical fluoride and sealant [treated groups]) and those who did not (control groups). Electronic health records of US children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2020, were used. To emulate random treatment assignment based on baseline confounders, coarsened exact matching was used to produce covariate balance between the treated and control groups. A time-to-event regression model produced effect estimates, adjusting for time-varying covariates. Near-far matching was used to account for unmeasured confounders as a sensitivity analysis. Data were analyzed from May 1 to August 7, 2023.ExposuresAdherence to dental quality measures.Main Outcomes and MeasuresIncidence of tooth decay.ResultsAmong 69 212 US children aged between 0 and 18 years (mean [SD] age, 10.2 [5.0] years; 49.5% male, 50.4% female, and 0.1% unknown or transgender), 1930 (2.8%) were Asian, 2038 (2.9%) were Black, 8667 (12.5%) were Hispanic, 33 632 (48.6%) were White, and 22 945 (33.2%) were multiracial, other, or missing racial and ethnic group identification. Relative to control individuals, treated individuals were more likely to be at elevated risk of caries (fluoride measure: 16 453 [76.5%] vs 15 236 [39.8%]; sealant measure: 2264 [54.6%] vs 997 [44.0%]) and have regular dental visits (fluoride measure: 21 498 [100%] vs 13 741 [35.9%]; sealant measure: 1623 [39.2%] vs 871 [38.4%]). Adherence to quality measures was associated with reduced risk of tooth decay with adjusted hazard ratios of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.78- 0.86) for fluoride and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.76-0.97) for sealant in the matched cohort. Benefits of adhering to quality measures were greater among children at elevated vs low risk and with public vs commercial insurance for both measures.ConclusionsIn this cohort study, adhering to dental quality measures was associated with reduced risk of tooth decay, and benefits were greater among children at elevated risk and with public insurance. These findings provide insights in facilitating targeted application of quality measures or developing more tailored quality improvement initiatives.
A Smartphone-Based Shopping Mall Walking Program and Daily Walking Steps
Authors: Matsuoka Yoko , Yoshida Hiroaki , Hanazato Masamichi 
Published: January 2024

ImportanceBecause shopping malls are considered safe places for walking, several mall walking programs have been developed. Research on the association between the use of walking programs and the number of daily steps taken is limited.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between use of a smartphone-based shopping mall walking program and daily steps taken after the COVID-19 pandemic.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study evaluated a nationwide longitudinal data set of 217 344 registered smartphone app users at least 18 years of age residing in Japan. Daily step counts were collected from January 1 to December 31, 2021.ExposuresThe mall walking program Mall Challenge integrated a global positioning system with a smartphone app’s incentive system to reward achieving a goal of 1000 daily steps with lottery-based coupons to win from 0 to 500 shopping points (1 point equaled 1 yen or approximately US $0.01).Main Outcomes and MeasuresDaily step records were collected from the smartphone app’s walking program and adjusted for gender and age. Multilevel analyses using mixed-effect linear regression models were used to estimate the coefficients for the association between daily participation in the walking program and daily step counts. Cross-level interaction terms of age and gender by walking program participation were included in one model.ResultsAmong the 217 344 registered mall app users (23 638 110 daily step records; 154 616 [71.1%] women; 18 014 [8.3%] participants 65 years or older, and 199 330 [91.7%] adults younger than 65 years), the mean (SD) daily steps were 7415 (4686) on walking program participation days and 5281 (4339) on days without participation in the program. Walking program participation days were associated with 1219 additional daily steps (95% CI, 1205-1232) compared with nonparticipation days after adjusting for gender and age. By geographic region, participation in the walking program was associated with 1130 (95% CI, 1113-1146) more steps in rural malls, 1403 (95% CI, 1379-1428) more steps in suburban malls, and 1433 (95% CI, 1408-1457) more steps in urban malls than nonparticipation. Moreover, participation in the walking program was associated with 1422 (95% CI, 1405-1439) more steps in large malls and 1059 (95% CI, 1041-1077) more steps in small malls compared with nonparticipation. Regarding cross-level interactions, women were associated with walking 728 (95% CI, 698-758) more steps than men, and older adults were associated with walking 228 (95% CI, 183-273) more steps than younger adults on walking program participation days.Conclusions and RelevanceThis cohort study found that the use of a smartphone-based mall walking program combined with physical shopping mall facilities and lottery-based digital incentive coupons may motivate people to increase their daily number of walking steps.
Combined training and hormones/enzymes with insulinotropic actions in individuals with overweight and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bonfante Ivan Luiz Padilha , Duft Renata Garbellini , Mateus Keryma Chaves da Silva , Trombeta Joice Cristina dos Santos , Chacon‐Mikahil Mara Patricia Traina , Velloso Licio Augusto , Cavaglieri Cláudia Regina 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe incretins (glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide [GIP] and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 [GLP‐1]), along with amylin/islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) and insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE), are hormones/enzymes that have been pharmacological targets, such as dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, due to their insulinotropic actions. Physical training is recommended as a treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, its effects on the concentrations of these hormones/enzymes are not well known. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of combined training (CT) on the concentrations of hormones/enzymes with insulinotropic actions in individuals with T2DM and overweight. Individuals of both sexes with T2DM (age 51.73 ± 4.19 years; body mass index [BMI] 29.46 ± 3.39 kg/m2) were randomly distributed in the control group (CG, n = 17) and the combined training group (CTG, n = 17). The CT consisted of strength followed by erobic training, 3 times/week, for 16 weeks. Functional variables, body composition, and serum biochemical analyses (clinical markers, GLP‐1, GIP, DPP‐4, amylin/IAPP, and IDE) were evaluated. The CTG showed a decrease in GLP‐1 (pre: 32.8 ± 12.1, post: 28.4 ± 13.5, and p = 0.04) in the group/time analysis. In the evaluation of the Δ% of variation, CTG presented a decrease for GLP‐1 (−9.3%; p = 0.03) and amylin/IAPP (−13.4%; p < 0.01), in addition to an increase for DPP‐4 (6.2%; p = 0.04) enzyme. CT decreases the baseline levels of important hormones with insulinotropic actions in individuals with T2DM and overweight. The improvement in overall metabolism provided by CT must be the main reason for these effects. These results broaden the understanding of the effects and relationships between CT and glucose metabolism.
Fast Ultrasound Scanning is a Rapid, Sensitive, Precise and Cost-Effective Method to Monitor Tumor Grafts in Mice
Authors: Molière Sébastien , Martinet Arthur , Jaulin Amélie , Lodi Massimo , Chamaraux-Tran Thien-Nga , Alpy Fabien , Bierry Guillaume , Tomasetto Catherine 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn preclinical studies, accurate monitoring of tumor dynamics is crucial for understanding cancer biology and evaluating therapeutic interventions. Traditional methods like caliper measurements and bioluminescence imaging (BLI) have limitations, prompting the need for improved imaging techniques. This study introduces a fast-scan high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) protocol for the longitudinal assessment of syngeneic breast tumor grafts in mice, comparing its performance with caliper, BLI measurements and with histological analysis. The E0771 mammary gland tumor cell line, engineered to express luciferase, was orthotopically grafted into immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice. Tumor growth was monitored longitudinally at multiple timepoints using caliper measurement, HFUS, and BLI, with the latter two modalities assessed against histopathological standards post-euthanasia. The HFUS protocol was designed for rapid, anesthesia-free scanning, focusing on volume estimation, echogenicity, and necrosis visualization. All mice developed tumors, only 20.6% were palpable at day 4. HFUS detected tumors as small as 2.2 mm in average diameter from day 4 post-implantation, with an average scanning duration of 47 s per mouse. It provided a more accurate volume assessment than caliper, with a lower average bias relative to reference tumor volume. HFUS also revealed tumor necrosis, correlating strongly with BLI in terms of tumor volume and cellularity. Notable discrepancies between HFUS and BLI growth rates were attributed to immune cell infiltration. The fast HFUS protocol enables precise and efficient tumor assessment in preclinical studies, offering significant advantages over traditional methods in terms of speed, accuracy, and animal welfare, aligning with the 3R principle in animal research.
Assessment of Space Weather Impacts on New Zealand Power Transformers Using Dissolved Gas Analysis
Authors: Subritzky S. P. , Lapthorn A. C. , Hardie S. , Manus D. H. Mac , Rodger C. J. , Dalzell M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSpace weather can have major impacts on electrical infrastructure. Multiple instances of transformer damage have been attributed to geomagnetic storms in recent decades, for example, the Hydro Quebec incident of 1989 and the November 2001 storm in New Zealand. While many studies exist on the impacts of geomagnetic storms on power transformers in New Zealand, no studies exist that employ Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) techniques to relate geomagnetic storms to transformer gassing. A relationship has been reported between geomagnetic activity and DGA for South Africa, while none was found in a recent study in Great Britain. This paper attempts to examine this research question by examining dissolved gas data across eight power transformers in different substations in New Zealand from 2016 to 2019. Case studies were conducted which analyzed the DGA readings of each transformer alongside horizontal magnetic field component rate of change measurements at Eyrewell across six geomagnetic storms. These case studies were then augmented with an analysis of the entire data set where magnetic field measurements were compared with individual gas rates to establish a correlation between gas production and geomagnetic activity. Analysis of the results of this study concluded that no link had been found between the production of combustible gasses in a transformer and geomagnetic activity during the observation period. However, we note our dissolved gas analysis was largely in a geomagnetically quieter period, which may limit our analysis. The production of combustible gasses is not correlated to geomagnetic storms for the time period and transformers analyzed.
Prevalence and associated factors of visual impairment among adults aged 40 and above in Southern Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Deme Tamiru Getachew , Mengistu Masresha , Getahun Firdawek 
Published: January 2024

AbstractVisual impairment is a functional limitation of the eye caused by a disorder or disease that can reduce one’s ability to perform daily activities. Many studies in Ethiopia have focused on childhood visual impairments. We assessed the prevalence and factors associated with visual impairment among adults aged 40 and above. Community-based cross-sectional study was done and a systematic sampling technique was used to select 655 participants. Data were collected by interviewer administered questionnaire, E-Snell chart, pinhole, torch light, and magnifying loupe. SPSS version 25 was used for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with outcome variable. The overall prevalence of visual impairment was found to be 36.95% (95% CI 33.2–40.8%). Factors associated with a higher odds of visual impairment included aged 51–60 years (AOR 2.37, 95% CI 1.29–4.44), aged 61 and above (AOR 8.9, 95% CI 4.86–16.3), low wealth index (AOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.14–3.2), divorced and widowed (AOR 4.67, 95% CI 2.77–7.86), no formal education (AOR 14.28, 95% CI 2.82–71.46), not utilizing eyeglass (AOR 3.94, 95% CI 1.65–9.40). The prevalence of visual impairment was relatively high compared to other studies. Age, marital status, occupation, educational status, wealth index, and not using eyeglasses were significantly associated with visual impairment. Refractory error is the leading cause of visual impairment. Early eye care service interventions are needed in this area.