bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organization, Evolution, and Expression Analysis of the Biosynthetic Gene Cluster for Scytonemin, a Cyanobacterial UV-Absorbing Pigment
Authors: Sorrels Carla M. , Proteau Philip J. , Gerwick William H. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotes capable of protecting themselves from UV radiation through the biosynthesis of UV-absorbing secondary metabolites, such as the mycosporines and scytonemin. Scytonemin, a novel indolic-phenolic pigment, is found sequestered in the sheath, where it provides protection to the subtending cells during exposure to UV radiation. The biosynthesis of scytonemin is encoded by a previously identified gene cluster that is present in six cyanobacterial species whose genomes are available. A comparison of these clusters reveals that two major cluster architectures exist which appear to have evolved through rearrangements of large sections, such as those genes responsible for aromatic amino acid biosynthesis and through the insertion of genes that potentially confer additional biosynthetic capabilities. Differential transcriptional expression analysis demonstrated that the entire gene cluster is transcribed in higher abundance after exposure to UV radiation. This analysis helps delineate the cluster boundaries and indicates that regulation of this cluster is controlled by the presence or absence of UV radiation. The findings from an evolutionary phylogenetic analysis combined with the fact that the scytonemin gene cluster is distributed across several cyanobacterial lineages led to our proposal that the distribution of this gene cluster is best explained through an ancient evolutionary origin.
Identification of a Terminal Rhamnopyranosyltransferase (RptA) Involved inCorynebacterium glutamicumCell Wall Biosynthesis
Authors: Birch Helen L. , Alderwick Luke J. , Rittmann Doris , Krumbach Karin , Etterich Helga , Grzegorzewicz Anna , McNeil Michael R. , Eggeling Lothar , Besra Gurdyal S. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTA bioinformatics approach identified a putative integral membrane protein, NCgl0543, inCorynebacterium glutamicum, with 13 predicted transmembrane domains and a glycosyltransferase motif (RXXDE), features that are common to the glycosyltransferase C superfamily of glycosyltransferases. The deletion ofC. glutamicumNCgl0543 resulted in a viable mutant. Further glycosyl linkage analyses of the mycolyl-arabinogalactan-peptidoglycan complex revealed a reduction of terminal rhamnopyranosyl-linked residues and, as a result, a corresponding loss of branched 2,5-linked arabinofuranosyl residues, which was fully restored upon the complementation of the deletion mutant by NCgl0543. As a result, we have now termed this previously uncharacterized open reading frame,rhamnopyranosyltransferaseA(rptA). Furthermore, an analysis of base-stable extractable lipids fromC. glutamicumrevealed the presence of decaprenyl-monophosphorylrhamnose, a putative substrate for the cognate cell wall transferase.
A randomized controlled trial to compare two botulinum toxin injection techniques on the functional improvement of the leg of children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Kaishou Xu  , Tiebin Yan  , Jianning Mai  
Published: May 2009

Objective: To compare the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A injection guided by different localizing techniques, electrical stimulation and palpation, to treat spasticity of the ankle plantar flexors. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Hospital neurology and rehabilitation department. Participants: Sixty-five children with spastic hemiplegic or diplegic cerebral palsy. Interventions: Botulinum toxin injection guided by electrical stimulation or palpation, and two weeks of physiotherapy. Main outcome measures: Passive range of movement (ROM), modified Ashworth Scale, Composite Spasticity Scale, D and E dimensions of the Gross Motor Function Measure, walking velocity. Results: Three groups improved significantly (P<50.05). The mean improvements between baseline and the end of follow-up were respectively 20, 16.2 and 11.9 degrees for passive ROM, —1.9, —1.4 and —0.7 for modified Ashworth Scale scores, —5.8, —4.2 and —2.3 for Composite Spasticity Scale scores, 18.6, 11.3 and 6.9 for Gross Motor Function Measure scores, and 0.2, 0.1 and 0.1 m/s for walking velocity in the botulinum toxin group guided by electrical stimulation injection plus physiotherapy, the botulinum toxin group guided by palpation injection plus physiotherapy, and the physiotherapy only group. The botulinum toxin injection guided by electrical stimulation group showed greater improvement in passive ROM (P<50.05), modified Ashworth Scale scores (P<50.05), Composite Spasticity Scale scores (P<50.05), and Gross Motor Function Measure scores (P<50.05) than the other two groups after treatment for three months. Conclusions: Botulinum toxin injection guided by electrical stimulation plus physiotherapy is likely to be best in improving spasticity and functional performance in children with cerebral palsy.
Effects of Transverse and Frontal Plane Knee Laxity on Hip and Knee Neuromechanics during Drop Landings
Authors: Shultz Sandra J. , Schmitz Randy J. 
Published: May 2009

Background Varus-valgus (LAXVV) and internal-external (LAXIER) rotational knee laxity have received attention as potential contributing factors in anterior cruciate ligament injury. This study compared persons with above- and below-average LAXVV and LAXIER values on hip and knee neuromechanics during drop jump landings. Hypothesis People with greater LAXVV and LAXIER values will have greater challenges controlling frontal and transverse plane knee motions, as evidenced by greater joint excursions, joint moments, and muscle activation levels during the landing phase. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Recreationally active participants (52 women and 44 men) between 18 and 30 years old were measured for LAXVV and LAXIER and for their muscle activation and transverse and frontal plane hip and knee kinetics and kinematics during the initial landing phase of a drop jump. The mean value was obtained for each sex, and those with above-average values on LAXVV and LAXIER (LAXHIGH = 17 women, 16 men) were compared with those with below-average values (LAXLOW = 18 women, 17 men). Results Women with LAXHIGH verus LAXLOW were initially positioned in greater hip adduction and knee valgus and also produced more prolonged internal hip adduction and knee varus moments as they moved toward greater hip adduction and internal rotation as the landing progressed. These patterns in LAX HIGH women were accompanied by greater prelanding and postlanding muscle activation amplitudes. Men with LAXHIGH versus LAXLOW also demonstrated greater hip adduction motion and produced greater internal hip internal rotation and knee varus and internal rotation moments. Conclusion Participants with greater LAXVV and LAXIER landed with greater hip and knee transverse and frontal plane hip and knee motions. Clinical Relevance People (especially, women) with increased frontal and transverse plane knee laxity demonstrate motions associated with noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury mechanisms.
Task-shifting HIV counselling and testing services in Zambia: the role of lay counsellors
Authors: Sanjana Parsa , Torpey Kwasi , Schwarzwalder Alison , Simumba Caroline , Kasonde Prisca , Nyirenda Lameck , Kapanda Paul , Kakungu-Simpungwe Matilda , Kabaso Mushota , Thompson Catherine 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
The human resource shortage in Zambia is placing a heavy burden on the few health care workers available at health facilities. The Zambia Prevention, Care and Treatment Partnership began training and placing community volunteers as lay counsellors in order to complement the efforts of the health care workers in providing HIV counselling and testing services. These volunteers are trained using the standard national counselling and testing curriculum. This study was conducted to review the effectiveness of lay counsellors in addressing staff shortages and the provision of HIV counselling and testing services.

Methods
Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by means of semistructured interviews from all active lay counsellors in each of the facilities and a facility manager or counselling supervisor overseeing counseling and testing services and clients. At each of the 10 selected facilities, all counselling and testing record books for the month of May 2007 were examined and any recordkeeping errors were tallied by cadre. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions with health care workers at each facility.

Results
Lay counsellors provide counselling and testing services of quality and relieve the workload of overstretched health care workers. Facility managers recognize and appreciate the services provided by lay counsellors. Lay counsellors provide up to 70% of counselling and testing services at health facilities. The data review revealed lower error rates for lay counsellors, compared to health care workers, in completing the counselling and testing registers.

Conclusion
Community volunteers, with approved training and ongoing supervision, can play a major role at health facilities to provide counselling and testing services of quality, and relieve the burden on already overstretched health care workers.
Adverse environmental conditions influence age-related innate immune responsiveness
Authors: May Linda , van den Biggelaar Anita HJ , van Bodegom David , Meij Hans J , de Craen Anton JM , Amankwa Joseph , Frölich Marijke , Kuningas Maris , Westendorp Rudi GJ 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background-
The innate immune system plays an important role in the recognition and induction of protective responses against infectious pathogens, whilst there is increasing evidence for a role in mediating chronic inflammatory diseases at older age. Despite indications that environmental conditions can influence the senescence process of the adaptive immune system, it is not known whether the same holds true for the innate immune system. Therefore we studied whether age-related innate immune responses are similar or differ between populations living under very diverse environmental conditions.

Methods-
We compared cross-sectional age-related changes in ex vivo innate cytokine responses in a population living under affluent conditions in the Netherlands (age 20–68 years old, n = 304) and a population living under adverse environmental conditions in Ghana (age 23–95 years old, n = 562).

Results-
We found a significant decrease in LPS-induced Interleukin (IL)-10 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) production with age in the Dutch population. In Ghana a similar age-related decline in IL-10 responses to LPS, as well as to zymosan, or LPS plus zymosan, was observed. TNF production, however, did not show an age-associated decline, but increased significantly with age in response to co-stimulation with LPS and zymosan.

Conclusion-
We conclude that the decline in innate cytokine responses is an intrinsic ageing phenomenon, while pathogen exposure and/or selective survival drive pro-inflammatory responses under adverse living conditions.
The continued value of clinical and radiological surveillance
Authors: Ollivere B. , Darrah C. , Brankin R. C. , Donnell S. T. , Walton N. P. 
Published: May 2009

We report the follow-up at 12 years of the use of the Elite Plus total hip replacement (THR). We have previously reported the results at a mean of 6.4 years. Of the 217 patients (234 THRs), 83 had died and nine had been lost to follow-up. The patients were reviewed radiologically and clinically using the Oxford hip score. Of the 234 THRs, 19 (8.1%) had required a revision by the final follow-up in all but one for aseptic loosening. Survivorship analysis for revision showed a survival of 93.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 89.2 to 96.5) at ten years, and of 88.0% (95% CI 81.8 to 92.3) at 12 years. At the final follow-up survival analysis showed that 37% (95% CI 37.3 to 44.7) of the prostheses had either failed radiologically or had been revised. Patients with a radiologically loose femoral component had a significantly poorer Oxford hip score than those with a well-fixed component (p = 0.03). Radiological loosening at 6.4 years was predictive of failure at 12 years. Medium-term radiographs and clinical scores should be included in the surveillance of THR to give an early indication of the performance of specific implants.
The painful metal-on-metal hip resurfacing
Authors: Hart A. J. , Sabah S. , Henckel J. , Lewis A. , Cobb J. , Sampson B. , Mitchell A. , Skinner J. A. 
Published: May 2009

We carried out metal artefact-reduction MRI, three-dimensional CT measurement of the position of the component and inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis of cobalt and chromium levels in whole blood on 26 patients with unexplained pain following metal-on-metal resurfacing arthroplasty. MRI showed periprosthetic lesions around 16 hips, with 14 collections of fluid and two soft-tissue masses. The lesions were seen in both men and women and in symptomatic and asymptomatic hips. Using three-dimensional CT, the median inclination of the acetabular component was found to be 55° and its positioning was outside the Lewinnek safe zone in 13 of 16 cases. Using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry, the levels of blood metal ions tended to be higher in painful compared with well-functioning metal-on-metal hips. These three clinically useful investigations can help to determine the cause of failure of the implant, predict the need for future revision and aid the choice of revision prostheses.
The impact of stereo-visualisation of three-dimensional CT datasets on the inter- and intraobserver reliability of the AO/OTA and Neer classifications in the assessment of fractures of the proximal humerus
Authors: Brunner A. , Honigmann P. , Treumann T. , Babst R. 
Published: May 2009

We evaluated the impact of stereo-visualisation of three-dimensional volume-rendering CT datasets on the inter- and intraobserver reliability assessed by kappa values on the AO/OTA and Neer classifications in the assessment of proximal humeral fractures. Four independent observers classified 40 fractures according to the AO/OTA and Neer classifications using plain radiographs, two-dimensional CT scans and with stereo-visualised three-dimensional volume-rendering reconstructions. Both classification systems showed moderate interobserver reliability with plain radiographs and two-dimensional CT scans. Three-dimensional volume-rendered CT scans improved the interobserver reliability of both systems to good. Intraobserver reliability was moderate for both classifications when assessed by plain radiographs. Stereo visualisation of three-dimensional volume rendering improved intraobserver reliability to good for the AO/OTA method and to excellent for the Neer classification. These data support our opinion that stereo visualisation of three-dimensional volume-rendering datasets is of value when analysing and classifying complex fractures of the proximal humerus.
Fractures of the odontoid in children with an open basilar synchondrosis
Authors: Hosalkar H. S. , Greenbaum J. N. , Flynn J. M. , Cameron D. B. , Dormans J. P. , Drummond D. S. 
Published: May 2009

Fractures of the odontoid in children with an open basilar synchondrosis differ from those which occur in older children and adults. We have reviewed the morphology of these fractures and present a classification system for them. There were four distinct patterns of fracture (types IA to IC and type II) which were distinguished by the site of the fracture, the degree of displacement and the presence or absence of atlantoaxial dislocation. Children with a closed synchondrosis were classified using the system devised by Anderson and D’Alonzo. Those with an open synchondrosis had a comparatively lower incidence of traumatic brain injury, a higher rate of missed diagnosis and a shorter mean stay in hospital. Certain subtypes (type IA and type II) are likely to be missed on plain radiographs and therefore more advanced imaging is recommended. We suggest staged treatment with initial stabilisation in a Halo body jacket and early fusion for those with unstable injuries, severe displacement or neurological involvement.
Haematogenous infection of a resurfacing hip replacement after transurethral resection of the prostate
Authors: Dabasia H. , Kokkinakis M. , El-Guindi M. 
Published: May 2009

A 66-year-old man presented with an infected resurfacing hip replacement in the immediate post-operative period following an uneventful transurethral resection of the prostate. Prophylactic antibiotics had been administered on induction of anaesthesia. The hip prosthesis had been inserted seven years previously and had been hitherto asymptomatic. The hip was washed out and microbiological examination identified Enterococcus faecalis as the infecting micro-organism. Despite current recommendations, clinicians undertaking invasive procedures which can lead to bacteraemia in patients with prosthetic joint replacements should be aware of the risk of haematogenous seeding in such prostheses, which although low, has potentially disastrous consequences.
Alkali lasers for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Zhdanov Boris , Knize Randall 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Spin-polarized nuclei of such gases as 3He and 129Xe are successfully used for magnetic resonance imaging of lungs and other organs of human body. To produce large numbers of spin-polarized nuclei required for this medical application, a high power narrowband tunable laser source is required. Diode pumped alkali lasers, developed during last several years can be an ideal source for this application. In this paper we present our latest achievements in diode pumped alkali lasers development. We describe optically pumped Cs laser tunable in the range of 14 GHz and operating in single transverse mode with a linewidth less than 3 MHz. We also present continuous wave diode pumped Rb and Cs lasers with output power 17 W and 20 W.
The transcriptional regulation and cell-specific expression of the MAPK-activated protein kinase MK5
Authors: Gerits Nancy , Shiryaev Alexey , Kostenko Sergiy , Klenow Helle , Shiryaeva Olga , Johannessen Mona , Moens Ugo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades regulate important cellular processes, including growth, differentiation, apoptosis, embryogenesis, motility and gene expression. Although MAPKs mostly appear to be constitutively expressed, the transcript levels of some MAPK-encoding genes increase upon treatment with specific stimuli. This applies to the MAPKactivated protein kinases MK2 and MK3. By contrast, the transcriptional regulation of the related MK5 has not yet been studied. The MK5 promoters of mouse, rat and human contain a plethora of putative transcription factor sites, and the spatio-temporal expression of MK5 suggests inducible transcription of the gene. We examined the transcription pattern of MK5 in different tissues, and studied the kinetics of MK5 expression at the transcriptional and/or translation level in PC12 cells exposed to arsenite, forskolin, KCl, lipopolysaccharide, spermine NONOate, retinoic acid, serum, phorbol ester, temperature shock, and vanadate. Cells exposed to forskolin display a transient increase in MK5 mRNA, despite their unaltered MK5 protein levels. The MK5 promoters of human, mouse and rat contain a cAMP-responsive element that binds the cAMPresponsive element-binding protein (CREB) in vitro. Luciferase reporter constructs containing an 850-base pair human MK5 promoter fragment encompassing the CRE showed a basal activity that was 10-fold higher than the corresponding construct in which the CRE motif was deleted. siRNA-mediated depletion of CREB had no effect on the endogenous MK5 protein levels. Several binding motifs for heat shock factor are dispersed in the mouse and rat promoter, and temperature shock transiently enhanced the MK5 transcript levels. None of the other tested stimuli had an effect on the MK5 mRNA or protein levels. Our results indicate an inducible regulation of MK5 transcription in response to specific stimuli. However, the MK5 protein levels remained unaffected by all the stimuli tested. There is still no explanation for the discrepancy between the increased mRNA and unchanged MK5 protein levels.
Treadmill Testing of Children Who Have Spina Bifida and Are Ambulatory: Does Peak Oxygen Uptake Reflect Maximum Oxygen Uptake?
Authors: de Groot Janke Frederike , Takken Tim , de Graaff Sanna , Gooskens Rob H.J.M. , Helders Paul J.M. , Vanhees Luc 
Published: May 2009

BackgroundEarlier studies have demonstrated low peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak) in children with spina bifida. Low peak heart rate and low peak respiratory exchange ratio in these studies raised questions regarding the true maximal character of V̇o2peak values obtained with treadmill testing.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether the V̇o2peak measured during an incremental treadmill test is a true reflection of the maximum oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) in children who have spina bifida and are ambulatory.DesignA cross-sectional design was used for this study.MethodsTwenty children who had spina bifida and were ambulatory participated. The V̇o2peak was measured during a graded treadmill exercise test. The validity of V̇o2peak measurements was evaluated by use of previously described guidelines for maximum exercise testing in children who are healthy, as well as differences between V̇o2peak and V̇o2 during a supramaximal protocol (V̇o2supramaximal).ResultsThe average values for V̇o2peak and normalized V̇o2peak were, respectively, 1.23 L/min (SD=0.6) and 34.1 mL/kg/min (SD=8.3). Fifteen children met at least 2 of the 3 previously described criteria; one child failed to meet any criteria. Although there were no significant differences between V̇o2peak and V̇o2supramaximal, 5 children did show improvement during supramaximal testing.LimitationsThese results apply to children who have spina bifida and are at least community ambulatory.ConclusionsThe V̇o2peak measured during an incremental treadmill test seems to reflect the true V̇o2max in children who have spina bifida and are ambulatory, validating the use of a treadmill test for these children. When confirmation of maximal effort is needed, the addition of supramaximal testing of children with disability is an easy and well-tolerated method.
Pyrrolidine‐Camphor Derivative as an Organocatalyst for Asymmetic Michael Additions of α,α‐Disubstituted Aldehydes to β‐Nitroalkenes: Construction of Quaternary Carbon‐Bearing Aldehydes under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Chang Chihliang , Li Ssu‐Hsien , Reddy Raju Jannapu , Chen Kwunmin 
Published: May 2009

Abstractmagnified imageA novel pyrrolidine‐camphor organocatalyst 3 was designed, synthesized and proven to be an efficient catalyst for the asymmetric Michael reaction. Treatment of α,α‐disubstituted aldehydes with β‐nitroalkenes in the presence of 20 mol% organocatalyst 3 and 20 mol% benzoic acid under solvent‐free conditions provided the desired Michael product possessing an all‐carbon quaternary center with high chemical yields (up to 99% yield) and high levels of enantioselectivities (up to 95% ee).