bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of Biodegradable Synthetic Polyurethane Foam in Patients following Septoplasty
Authors: Yilmaz Mahmut Sinan , Guven Mehmet , Elicora Sultan Sevik , Kaymaz Recep 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to examine the usability of biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foam (BSPF) after septoplasty by comparing it with Merocel and silicone intranasal splints as packing materials in terms of patient comfort and efficiency.Study DesignA prospective, unmasked, randomized trial.SettingA tertiary referral center.Subjects and MethodsThis study was designed to be a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Sixty‐eight patients who underwent septoplasty were included in this study. The patients were randomized to receive Merocel, silicone intranasal septal splint (INS), or BSPF after septoplasty. Clinical efficacy on bleeding, pain, and subjective symptoms related to packing materials was evaluated.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between the Merocel group and the other 2 groups in terms of bleeding and adhesion. The average score on the pain scale was 2.47 ± 1.01 for BSPF, 3.68 ± 1.27 for INS, and 6 ± 2.21 for Merocel. Scores on general satisfaction scales were 6.95 ± 1.42 for Merocel, 8.44 ± 2.12 for INS, and 8.28 ± 1.88 for BSPF.ConclusionThe efficacy of BSPF was comparable with that of Merocel and INS. Biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foam significantly reduced pain and patient discomfort during packing and removal, followed by INS, compared with Merocel.
CACNA1H antibodies associated with headache with neurological deficits and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL)
Authors: Kürtüncü Murat , Kaya Dilaver , Zuliani Luigi , Erdağ Ece , İçöz Sema , Uğurel Elif , Çavuş Filiz , Ayşit Neşe , Birişik Ömer , Vincent Angela , Eraksoy Mefkure , Vural Burçak , Akman-Demir Gülşen , Tüzün Erdem 
Published: October 2012

Background Patients with the syndrome of headache with neurological deficits and lymphocytosis (HaNDL) typically present with recurrent and temporary attacks of neurological symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis. Aim and methods To identify potential HaNDL‐associated antibodies directed against neuronal surface and/or synapse antigens, sera of four HaNDL patients and controls were screened with indirect immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, cell-based assay, radioimmunoassay, protein macroarray and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Although HaNDL sera did not yield antibodies to any of the well-characterized neuronal surface or synapse antigens, protein macroarray and ELISA studies showed high-titer antibodies to a subunit of the T-type voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC), CACNA1H, in sera of two HaNDL patients. Conclusion Our results support the notion that ion channel autoimmunity might at least partially contribute to HaNDL pathogenesis and occurrence of neurological symptoms.
Anatomic Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament in Children and Adolescents With Open Growth Plates
Authors: Nelitz Manfred , Dreyhaupt Jens , Reichel Heiko , Woelfle Julia , Lippacher Sabine 
Published: October 2012

Background: Recurrent lateral patellar dislocation is a common knee injury in the skeletally immature adolescent. Because of the open physis, operative therapy in children is challenging. This study presents the outcomes of a minimally invasive technique for anatomic reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) in children that respects the distal femoral physis. Hypothesis: Anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL in children that maintains the distal femoral physis will prevent redislocation, preserve the distal femoral physis, and improve knee function. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients with patellofemoral instability and open growth plates underwent anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL that maintained the distal femoral growth plate. Preoperative radiographic examination included AP and lateral views to assess patella alta and limb alignment. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to evaluate trochlear dysplasia and tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. Evaluation included preoperative and postoperative physical examination, Kujala score, and Tegner activity score. Results: The average age at the time of operation was 12.2 years (range, 10.3-13.9). The average follow-up after operation was 2.8 years after surgery (range, 2.0-3.6). No recurrent dislocation occurred, but 2 patients with high-grade trochlear dysplasia still had a positive apprehension sign. The Kujala score significantly improved from 72.9 (range, 37-87) preoperatively to 92.8 (range, 74-100) postoperatively ( P < .01). The Tegner activity score decreased, but not significantly, from 6.0 (range, 3-9) preoperatively to 5.8 (range, 3-9) postoperatively ( P = .48). Conclusion: Anatomic reconstruction of the MPFL that respects the distal femoral physis in skeletally immature patients is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of patellofemoral instability and allows patients to return to sports without redislocation of the patella.
Intravascular infusion of PEGylated Au nanoparticles affects cardiovascular function in healthy mice
Authors: Iversen NK , Nielsen ARU , Wang T , Baatrup E 
Published: October 2012

Recent advances of nanotechnology in clinical settings have spurred the development of various complex engineered nanoparticles (NPs). NPs share characteristics with ultrafine particles (UFPs; <1 μm) that can cross the pulmonary epithelium and disturb cardiovascular functions. Since these particles are injected directly into the blood stream, it is imperative to clarify whether NPs disrupt cardiovascular functions similar to UFPs. Therefore, we investigated whether engineered polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated aluminum NPs for biomedical uses disturb cardiovascular functions in healthy mice. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was measured in mice chronically instrumented with telemetric blood pressure transducers, and NPs were administered intravenously (10 mg kg−1). The NPs caused a prolonged lowering of MAP 7 days after injection (119.3 ± 3.3 vs. 97.4 ± 7.5 min−1), with no effect on the endothelial function as revealed by normal endothelial function of small vessels mounted in a myograph.
Multi-scale RNA comparison based on RNA triple vector curve representation
Authors: Li Ying , Duan Ming , Liang Yanchun 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, the important functional roles of RNAs in biological processes have been repeatedly demonstrated. Computing the similarity between two RNAs contributes to better understanding the functional relationship between them. But due to the long-range correlations of RNA, many efficient methods of detecting protein similarity do not work well. In order to comprehensively understand the RNA’s function, the better similarity measure among RNAs should be designed to consider their structure features (base pairs). Current methods for RNA comparison could be generally classified into alignment-based and alignment-free.ResultsIn this paper, we propose a novel wavelet-based method based on RNA triple vector curve representation, named multi-scale RNA comparison. Firstly, we designed a novel numerical representation of RNA secondary structure termed as RNA triple vectors curve (TV-Curve). Secondly, we constructed a new similarity metric based on the wavelet decomposition of the TV-Curve of RNA. Finally we also applied our algorithm to the classification of non-coding RNA and RNA mutation analysis. Furthermore, we compared the results to the two well-known RNA comparison tools: RNAdistance and RNApdist. The results in this paper show the potentials of our method in RNA classification and RNA mutation analysis.ConclusionWe provide a better visualization and analysis tool named TV-Curve of RNA, especially for long RNA, which can characterize both sequence and structure features. Additionally, based on TV-Curve representation of RNAs, a multi-scale similarity measure for RNA comparison is proposed, which can capture the local and global difference between the information of sequence and structure of RNAs. Compared with the well-known RNA comparison approaches, the proposed method is validated to be outstanding and effective in terms of non-coding RNA classification and RNA mutation analysis. From the numerical experiments, our proposed method can capture more efficient and subtle relationship of RNAs.
Myotubularin family phosphatase ceMTM3 is required for muscle maintenance by preventing excessive autophagy in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Yu Xiaokun , Ma Junfeng , Lin Feng , Zhao Wanke , Fu Xueqi , Zhao Zhizhuang Joe 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Autophagy is a ubiquitous cellular process responsible for the bulk degradation of cytoplasmic components through the autophagosomal-lysosomal pathway. In skeletal muscle, autophagy has been regarded as a key regulator for muscle mass maintenance, and its imbalance leads to sarcopenia. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood.

Results
In this study, we demonstrate that ceMTM3, a FYVE-domain containing myotubalarin family phosphatase, is required for the maintenance of muscle fibers by preventing excessive autophagy in Caenorhabditis elegans. Knockdown of ceMTM3 by using feeding-based RNA interference caused loss of muscle fibers accompanied by shortening of muscle cell and body size in aged C. elegans worms. This was preceded by the occurrence of excessive autophagy in the muscle and other tissues, which subsequently resulted in increased lysosomal activity and necrotic cell death. However, knockdown of ceMTM3 did not aggravate the abnormalities of muscle wasting in autophagy-deficient atg-18 mutant worms.

Conclusions
Our data suggest an important role of ceMTM3 in regulating autophagy and maintaining muscle fibers. This study may have clinical implications for prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.
Identification of essential genes of the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Klein Brian A , Tenorio Elizabeth L , Lazinski David W , Camilli Andrew , Duncan Margaret J , Hu Linden T 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundPorphyromonas gingivalisis a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium associated with periodontal disease onset and progression. Genetic tools for the manipulation of bacterial genomes allow for in-depth mechanistic studies of metabolism, physiology, interspecies and host-pathogen interactions. Analysis of the essential genes, protein-coding sequences necessary for survival ofP. gingivalisby transposon mutagenesis has not previously been attempted due to the limitations of available transposon systems for the organism. We adapted a Mariner transposon system for mutagenesis ofP. gingivalisand created an insertion mutant library. By analyzing the location of insertions using massively-parallel sequencing technology we used this mutant library to define genes essential forP. gingivalissurvival underin vitroconditions.ResultsIn mutagenesis experiments we identified 463 genes inP. gingivalisstrain ATCC 33277 that are putatively essential for viabilityin vitro. Comparing the 463P. gingivalisessential genes with previous essential gene studies, 364 of the 463 are homologues to essential genes in other species; 339 are shared with more than one other species. Twenty-five genes are known to be essential inP. gingivalisandB. thetaiotaomicrononly. Significant enrichment of essential genes within Cluster of Orthologous Groups ‘D’ (cell division), ‘I’ (lipid transport and metabolism) and ‘J’ (translation/ribosome) were identified. Previously, theP. gingivaliscore genome was shown to encode 1,476 proteins out of a possible 1,909; 434 of 463 essential genes are contained within the core genome. Thus, for the speciesP. gingivalistwenty-two, seventy-seven and twenty-three percent of the genome respectively are devoted to essential, core and accessory functions.ConclusionsA Mariner transposon system can be adapted to create mutant libraries inP. gingivalisamenable to analysis by next-generation sequencing technologies.In silicoanalysis of genes essential forin vitrogrowth demonstrates that although the majority are homologous across bacterial species as a whole, species and strain-specific subsets are apparent. Understanding the putative essential genes ofP. gingivaliswill provide insights into metabolic pathways and niche adaptations as well as clinical therapeutic strategies.
The endocrine stress response is linked to one specific locus on chromosome 3 in a mouse model based on extremes in trait anxiety
Authors: Gonik Mariya , Frank Elisabeth , Keßler Melanie S , Czamara Darina , Bunck Mirjam , Yen Yi-Chun , Pütz Benno , Holsboer Florian , Bettecken Thomas , Landgraf Rainer , Müller-Myhsok Bertram , Touma Chadi , Czibere Ludwig 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is essential to control physiological stress responses in mammals. Its dysfunction is related to several mental disorders, including anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to identify genetic loci underlying the endocrine regulation of the HPA axis.

Method
High (HAB) and low (LAB) anxiety-related behaviour mice were established by selective inbreeding of outbred CD-1 mice to model extremes in trait anxiety. Additionally, HAB vs. LAB mice exhibit comorbid characteristics including a differential corticosterone response upon stress exposure. We crossbred HAB and LAB lines to create F1 and F2 offspring. To identify the contribution of the endocrine phenotypes to the total phenotypic variance, we examined multiple behavioural paradigms together with corticosterone secretion-based phenotypes in F2 mice by principal component analysis. Further, to pinpoint the genomic loci of the quantitative trait of the HPA axis stress response, we conducted genome-wide multipoint oligogenic linkage analyses based on Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo approach as well as parametric linkage in three-generation pedigrees, followed by a two-dimensional scan for epistasis and association analysis in freely segregating F2 mice using 267 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which were identified to consistently differ between HAB and LAB mice as genetic markers.

Results
HPA axis reactivity measurements and behavioural phenotypes were represented by independent principal components and demonstrated no correlation. Based on this finding, we identified one single quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 3 showing a very strong evidence for linkage (2ln (L-score) > 10, LOD > 23) and significant association (lowest Bonferroni adjusted p < 10-28) to the neuroendocrine stress response. The location of the linkage peak was estimated at 42.3 cM (95% confidence interval: 41.3 - 43.3 cM) and was shown to be in epistasis (p-adjusted < 0.004) with the locus at 35.3 cM on the same chromosome. The QTL harbours genes involved in steroid synthesis and cardiovascular effects.

Conclusion
The very prominent effect on stress-induced corticosterone secretion of the genomic locus on chromosome 3 and its involvement in epistasis highlights the critical role of this specific locus in the regulation of the HPA axis.
Macropinocytosis is responsible for the uptake of pathogenic and non-pathogenic mycobacteria by B lymphocytes (Raji cells)
Authors: García-Pérez Blanca Estela , De la Cruz-López Juan José , Castañeda-Sánchez Jorge Ismael , Muñóz-Duarte Ana Rosa , Hernández-Pérez Alma Delia , Villegas-Castrejón Hilda , García-Latorre Ethel , Caamal-Ley Angel , Luna-Herrera Julieta 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe classical roles of B cells include the production of antibodies and cytokines and the generation of immunological memory, these being key factors in the adaptive immune response. However, their role in innate immunity is currently being recognised. Traditionally, B cells have been considered non-phagocytic cells; therefore, the uptake of bacteria by B cells is not extensively documented. In this study, we analysed some of the features of non-specific bacterial uptake by B lymphocytes from the Raji cell line. In our model, B cells were infected withMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB),Mycobacterium smegmatis(MSM), andSalmonella typhimurium(ST).ResultsOur observations revealed that the Raji B cells were readily infected by the three bacteria that were studied. All of the infections induced changes in the cellular membrane during bacterial internalisation.M. smegmatisandS. typhimuriumwere able to induce important membrane changes that were characterised by abundant filopodia and lamellipodia formation. These membrane changes were driven by actin cytoskeletal rearrangements. The intracellular growth of these bacteria was also controlled by B cells.M. tuberculosisinfection also induced actin rearrangement-driven membrane changes; however, the B cells were not able to control this infection. The phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) treatment of B cells induced filopodia and lamellipodia formation, the production of spacious vacuoles (macropinosomes), and the fluid-phase uptake that is characteristic of macropinocytosis.S. typhimuriuminfection induced the highest fluid-phase uptake, although both mycobacteria also induced fluid uptake. A macropinocytosis inhibitor such as amiloride was used and abolished the bacterial uptake and the fluid-phase uptake that is triggered during the bacterial infection.ConclusionsRaji B cells can internaliseS. typhimuriumand mycobacteria through an active process, such as macropinocytosis, although the resolution of the infection depends on factors that are inherent in the virulence of each pathogen.
Biogenic amine production by the wine Lactobacillus brevis IOEB 9809 in systems that partially mimic the gastrointestinal tract stress
Authors: Russo Pasquale , Fernández de Palencia Pilar , Romano Andrea , Fernández María , Lucas Patrick , Spano Giuseppe , López Paloma 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Ingestion of fermented foods containing high levels of biogenic amines (BA) can be deleterious to human health. Less obvious is the threat posed by BA producing organisms contained within the food which, in principle, could form BA after ingestion even if the food product itself does not initially contain high BA levels. In this work we have investigated the production of tyramine and putrescine by Lactobacillus brevis IOEB 9809, of wine origin, under simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions.

Results
An in vitro model that simulates the normal physiological conditions in the human digestive tract, as well as Caco-2 epithelial human cell lines, was used to challenge L. brevis IOEB 9809, which produced both tyramine and putrescine under all conditions tested. In the presence of BA precursors and under mild gastric stress, a correlation between enhancement of bacterial survival and a synchronous transcriptional activation of the tyramine and putrescine biosynthetic pathways was detected. High levels of both BA were observed after exposure of the bacterium to Caco-2 cells.

Conclusions

L. brevis IOEB 9809 can produce tyramine and putrescine under simulated human digestive tract conditions. The results indicate that BA production may be a mechanism that increases bacterial survival under gastric stress.
Morphological and behavioural changes occur following the X-ray irradiation of the adult mouse olfactory neuroepithelium
Authors: Cunha Carla , Hort Yvonne , Shine John , Doyle Kharen L 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
The olfactory neuroepithelium lines the upper nasal cavity and is in direct contact with the external environment and the olfactory bulbs. The ability to self-renew throughout life and the reproducible recovery after injury, make it a model tissue to study mechanisms underlying neurogenesis. In this study, X-rays were used to disrupt proliferating olfactory stem cell populations and to assess their role in the cellular and morphological changes involved in olfactory neurogenic processes.

Results
We have analysed the histological and functional effects of a sub-lethal dose of X-rays on the adult mouse olfactory neuroepithelium at 2 hours, 24 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks and 5 weeks. We have shown an immediate cessation of proliferating olfactory stem cells as shown by BrdU, Ki67 and pH3 expression. At 24 hours there was an increase in the neural transcription factors Mash1 and Pax6 expression, and a disruption of the basal lamina and increase in glandular cell marker expression at 1 week post-irradiation. Coincident with these changes was an impairment of the olfactory function in vivo.

Conclusions
We have shown significant changes in basal cell proliferation as well as morphological changes in the olfactory neuroepithelium following X-ray irradiation. There is involvement of the basal lamina as well as a clear role for glandular and sustentacular cells.
The REFER (REFer for EchocaRdiogram) protocol: a prospective validation of a clinical decision rule, NT-proBNP, or their combination, in the diagnosis of heart failure in primary care. Rationale and design
Authors: Tait Lynda , Roalfe Andrea K , Mant Jonathan , Cowie Martin R , Deeks Jonathan J , Iles Rachel , Barton Pelham M , Taylor Clare J , Derit Marites , Hobbs FD Richard 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundHeart failure is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. As mortality rates are high, it is important that patients seen by general practitioners with symptoms suggestive of heart failure are identified quickly and treated appropriately. Identifying patients with heart failure or deciding which patients need further tests is a challenge. All patients with suspected heart failure should be diagnosed using objective tests such as echocardiography, but it is expensive, often delayed, and limited by the significant skill shortage of trained echocardiographers. Alternative approaches for diagnosing heart failure are currently limited. Clinical decision tools that combine clinical signs, symptoms or patient characteristics are designed to be used to support clinical decision-making and validated according to strict methodological procedures. The REFER Study aims to determine the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of our previously derived novel, simple clinical decision rule, a natriuretic peptide assay, or their combination, in the triage for referral for echocardiography of symptomatic adult patients who present in general practice with symptoms suggestive of heart failure.Methods/designThis is a prospective, Phase II observational, diagnostic validation study of a clinical decision rule, natriuretic peptides or their combination, for diagnosing heart failure in primary care. Consecutive adult primary care patients 55 years of age or over presenting to their general practitioner with a chief complaint of recent new onset shortness of breath, lethargy or peripheral ankle oedema of over 48 hours duration, with no obvious recurrent, acute or self-limiting cause will be enrolled. Our reference standard is based upon a three step expert specialist consensus using echocardiography and clinical variables and tests.DiscussionOur clinical decision rule offers a potential solution to the diagnostic challenge of providing a timely and accurate diagnosis of heart failure in primary care. Study results will provide an evidence-base from which to develop heart failure care pathway recommendations and may be useful in standardising care. If demonstrated to be effective, the clinical decision rule will be of interest to researchers, policy makers and general practitioners worldwide.Trial registrationISRCTN17635379