bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heritability of corneal refraction and corneal astigmatism: a population‐based twin study among 66‐ to 79‐year‐old female twins
Authors: Pärssinen Olavi , Kauppinen Markku , Kaprio Jaakko , Koskenvuo Markku , Rantanen Taina 
Published: January 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To examine the heritability of corneal refraction power (CR) and corneal astigmatism (AST) in older women.Methods:  Corneal refraction and AST were measured by IOL master in 52 monozygotic (MZ) and 47 dizygotic (DZ) female twin pairs aged 66–79 years. The relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to individual differences in CR was estimated by applying an independent pathway model to the twin data and AST by intraclass correlations (ICC).Results:  For the right eye, mean CR was 44.58 dioptres (D) (standard deviation (SD) ±1.28) When comparing CR of the right and left eye between MZ and DZ, no significant difference was found. Mean AST was 0.77 D (SD ±0.44) with no differences observed either between the MZ and the DZ individuals, or between the left and the right eyes. ICCs between the sisters for CR were, for the right eye, 0.882 and 0.378 for MZ and DZ, respectively, and for the left eye 0.855 and 0.358. For AST of the right eye, the ICCs were 0.533 and 0.096 for the MZ and DZ pairs, respectively, and for the left eye, the MZ and DZ correlations were 0.396 and 0.299. Quantitative genetic modelling showed that 81% of the variance in CR could be explained by genetic factors, additive genetic factors explaining 62% (95% confidence interval [CI] 44% ‐86%) and dominant genetic effect 19% (95% CI 7–49%) of the variance in CR. Different models were constructed to explain the heredity of AST. None of these models gave meaningful results, although the ICC values for MZ were higher than those for DZ.Conclusions:  Most of the variance in CR among older Finnish women could be explained by genetic factors.
The invention of an iliosacral screw fixation guide and its preliminary clinical application
Authors: Pan Wei‐bo , Liang Jun‐bo , Wang Bin , Chen Guo‐fu , Hong Hua‐xing , Li Qian‐yun , Chen Hai‐xiao 
Published: January 2012

Objective:  To introduce an iliosacral screw fixation guide and evaluate its efficacy in fixation of sacroiliac joint fracture‐dislocations.Methods:  Between January 2011 and May 2011, eight patients (five men, three women) with sacroiliac joint fracture‐dislocation underwent percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation with the assistance of this minimally invasive guide and under CT guidance. The patients, aged from 26 to 56 years (mean 32 years), had vertically unstable pelvic fractures. Before surgery, six patients who had displacement of >2 cm in their sacroiliac joints underwent skeletal traction on the femoral condyle. The inserted sites were marked out on the affected side of their buttocks after the best screw trajectory had been determined under CT control. The gear that controls the direction of the minimally invasive guide was adjusted according to the inserting angle determined by CT scans. A K‐wire was inserted into the sacroiliac joint along the pilot sleeve of the guide, and a hollow screw (diameter 7.3 mm) was implanted into the sacroiliac joint along the K‐wire.Results:  All eight operations were successful on the first attempt. The operations lasted from 10 to 20 minutes (mean 14 minutes). Immediate CT scans confirmed that all the screws had been placed in the desired positions, none had penetrated the bones and the configuration of the sacroiliac joints had been satisfactorily restored and firmly fixed. No patient experienced numbness or radiating pain in the lower limbs during surgery. There were no postoperative vascular or neurological complications.Conclusion:  The minimally invasive guide can eliminate discrepancies resulting from the surgeon's own sensory input when inserting screws under the guidance of CT, making percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation more accurate, safe and simple.
Clinical and safety profiles of bipolar transurethral vaporization of the prostate in saline: A preliminary report
Authors: Isotani S , Muto S , Yu J , Nagae M , China T , Koseki T , Kumamoto T , Tokiwa S , Yoshii T , Saito K , Yamaguchi R , Ide H , Horie S 
Published: January 2012

AbstractTransurethral vaporization of the prostate in saline (TURisV) is an innovative endoscopic surgical modality for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that vaporizes prostate tissue using a uniquely designed mushroom electrode. TURisV promises instant hemostatic tissue ablation under saline irrigation and offers clinical advantages for endoscopic BPH operations. From July 2008 to February 2009, TURisV was performed in 17 cases with clinically significant BPH. Median operation time was 127.0 min and median volume of vaporized prostate tissue was 41.1 g. Median International Prostate Symptom Score improved from 20 to 4 after 12 months. Median maximum flow rate increased from 5.3 mL/s to 13.8 mL/s after 12 months. Postoperative median residual urine improved from 48.0 mL to 7.0 mL after 12 months. No changes in hemoglobin or electrolyte levels were seen postoperatively. Our results suggest that TURisV is a safe and efficacious treatment for BPH.
Minimally invasive removal of a recurrent lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus by the small incised microendoscopic discectomy interlaminar approach
Authors: Koga S , Sairyo K , Shibuya I , Kanamori Y , Kosugi T , Matsumoto H , Kitagawa Y , Sumita T , Dezawa A 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this report, we introduce two cases of recurrent herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) at L5‐S1 that were successfully removed using the small incised microendoscopic discectomy (sMED) technique, proposed by Dezawa and Sairyo in 2011. sMED was performed via the interlaminar approach with a percutaneous endoscope. The patients had previously underdone microendoscopic discectomy for HNP. For the recurrent HNP, the sMED interlaminar approach was selected because the HNP occurred at the level of L5‐S1; the percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal approach was not possible for anatomical reasons. To perform sMED via the interlaminar approach, we employed new, specially made devices to enable us to use this technique. In conclusion, sMED is the most minimally invasive approach available for HNP, and its limitations have been gradually eliminated with the introduction specially made devices. In the near future, percutaneous endoscopic surgery could be the gold standard for minimally invasive disc surgery.
Extrathoracic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the lateral chest wall locally recurred and metastasized to peritoneum: Report of a case
Authors: Gu Jundong , Zhao Hui , Xu Hongrui , Zhu Siwei , Li Li , Yao Hong , Wen Yanjun , Wang Xinzhuo , Wang Shuchuan , Chen Jun , Zhou Qinghua 
Published: January 2012

AbstractMalignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare, with an expected incidence of 0.0001% per year in the general population and 4.6% in patients with von Recklinghausen's disease. They are defined as any malignant tumors arising or differentiating from cells of the peripheral nerve sheath. MPNSTs can develop in various sites including the trunk and head/neck region. However, its onset on the chest wall is very rare. Here we report a case of MPNST growing outside the thorax on the chest wall. The patient developed a local recurrence twice, which caused multiple metastases to the lung and peritoneum.
The inhibition of the development of the spores of a spoilage mould by chemical preservatives
Authors: McCafferty Margaret , Parker Malcolm S 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The swelling characteristics of developing spores from a variety of spoilage moulds have been examined using the Coulter Counter. P. spinulosum spores began swelling earliest and had the most rapid swelling rate. For these reasons these spores were the most suitable for rapid electronic sizing and were used to assess preservative efficiency. The preservatives examined were propylhydroxybenzoate, Phenonip (a mixture of esters of hydroxybenzoic acid and β-phenoxyethylalcohol, Nipa Laboratories Ltd.) and benzoic acid. The first two preservatives reduce the rate of swelling of germinating spores at its onset while benzoic acid increases the time before swelling begins. Suppression of spore swelling provides early indication of preservative potential and the type of swelling curve produced indicates the mechanism of fungistasis.
The distribution of chloroquine in man after fatal poisoning
Authors: Robinson Ann E , Coffer Arnold I , Camps Francis E 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Detailed analysis of autopsy specimens from two fatal cases of chloroquine poisoning is reported. Post-mortem blood levels of 1.60 and 1.24 mg chloroquine/100 ml blood were found; results for liver blood, urine, stomach contents, liver, lungs and kidneys are given. The highest chloroquine concentration was in liver and the presence of a metabolite was demonstrated in the tissues.
Hilbert schemes of points on a locally planar curve and the Severi strata of its versal deformation
Authors: Shende Vivek 
Published: January 2012

AbstractLet C be a locally planar curve. Its versal deformation admits a stratification by the genera of the fibres. The strata are singular; we show that their multiplicities at the central point are determined by the Euler numbers of the Hilbert schemes of points on C. These Euler numbers have made two prior appearances. First, in certain simple cases, they control the contribution of C to the Pandharipande–Thomas curve counting invariants of three-folds. In this context, our result identifies the strata multiplicities as the local contributions to the Gopakumar–Vafa BPS invariants. Second, when C is smooth away from a unique singular point, a conjecture of Oblomkov and the present author identifies the Euler numbers of the Hilbert schemes with the ‘U(∞)’ invariant of the link of the singularity. We make contact with combinatorial ideas of Jaeger, and suggest an approach to the conjecture.
Evaluating the physiological significance of respiratory sinus arrhythmia: looking beyond ventilation–perfusion efficiency
Authors: Ben‐Tal A. , Shamailov S. S. , Paton J. F. R. 
Published: January 2012

Key points
Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is the variation of heart rate with breathing: heart rate increases during inspiration and decreases during expiration.
RSA is seen in many species including humans where it is strongest in the young and fit. The loss of RSA has been linked with cardiac mortality; however, the function of RSA is presently unknown.
One hypothesis proposed previously is that RSA allows for more efficient gas exchange between the lungs and the blood.
Our theoretical study does not support this hypothesis. Instead, a new hypothesis is proposed and tested using computational tools – that RSA helps the heart do less work while maintaining healthy levels of blood gases.
Of course, this new hypothesis needs to be further tested both experimentally and by using more sophisticated mathematical models, but if correct, it could explain why inducing RSA artificially in patients with cardiovascular disease improves their health.
Two Novel Class I Integron Arrays Containing IMP-18 Metallo-β-Lactamase Gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates from Puerto Rico
Authors: Martínez T. , Vazquez G. J. , Aquino E. E. , Goering R. V. , Robledo I. E. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

During a β-lactam resistance surveillance study, 12 IMP-18-positive
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates belonging to 9 different pulsed-field gel electrophoresis groups were identified. In nine isolates, a class I integron with a novel gene array was identified that contained
bla
IMP-18
and
bla
OXA-224
, while in two isolates the class I integron contained
bla
IMP-18
and
bla
OXA-2
but in a new arrangement. Our findings show the dissemination of two novel class I integrons in
P. aeruginosa
from different regions of Puerto Rico.
Protective Immunity against Tularemia Provided by an Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccine Expressing Tul4 of Francisella tularensis
Authors: Kaur Ravinder , Chen Shan , Arévalo Maria T. , Xu Qingfu , Chen Yanping , Zeng Mingtao 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTFrancisella tularensis, a category A bioterrorism agent, is a highly infectious organism that is passed on via skin contact and inhalation routes. A live attenuated vaccine strain (LVS) has been developed, but it has not been licensed for public use by the FDA due to safety concerns. Thus, there exists a need for a safer and improved vaccine. In this study, we have constructed a replication-incompetent adenovirus, Ad/opt-Tul4, carrying a codon-optimized gene for expression of a membrane protein, Tul4, ofF. tularensisLVS. Its ability to protect against lethal challenge and its immunogenicity were evaluated in a murine model. An intramuscular injection of a single dose (1 × 107PFU) of Ad/opt-Tul4 elicited a robust Tul4-specific antibody response. Assays suggest a Th1-driven response. A single dose elicited 20% protection against challenge with 100 × 50% lethal dose (LD50)F. tularensisLVS; two additional booster shots resulted in 60% protection. In comparison, three doses of 5 μg recombinant Tul4 protein did not elicit significant protection against challenge. Therefore, the Ad/opt-Tul4 vaccine was more effective than the protein vaccine, and protection was dose dependent. Compared to LVS, the protection rate is lower, but an adenovirus-vectored vaccine may be more attractive due to its enhanced safety profile and mucosal route of delivery. Furthermore, simple genetic modification of the vaccine may potentially produce antibodies protective against a fully virulent strain ofF. tularensis. Our data support the development and further research of an adenovirus-vectored vaccine against Tul4 ofF. tularensisLVS.
Detection of Established Virulence Genes and Plasmids To Differentiate Borrelia burgdorferi Strains
Authors: Chan Kamfai , Casjens Sherwood , Parveen Nikhat 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu stricto is the major causative agent of Lyme disease in the United States, while
B. garinii
and
B. afzelii
are more prevalent in Europe. The highly complex genome of
B. burgdorferi
is comprised of a linear chromosome and a large number of variably sized linear and circular plasmids. Many plasmids of this spirochete are unstable during its culture
in vitro
. Given that many of the
B. burgdorferi
virulence factors identified to date are plasmid encoded, spirochetal plasmid content determination is essential for genetic analysis of Lyme pathogenesis. Although PCR-based assays facilitate plasmid profiling of sequenced
B. burgdorferi
strains, a rapid genetic content determination strategy for nonsequenced strains has not yet been described. In this study, we combined pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Southern hybridization for detection of genes encoding known virulence factors,
r
ibosomal RNA gene
s
pacer restriction fragment length polymorphism
t
ypes (RSTs),
ospC
group determination, and sequencing of the variable
dbpA
and
ospC
genes. We show that two strains isolated from the same tick and both originally named N40 are in fact very distinct. Furthermore, we failed to detect
bbk32
, which encodes a fibronectin-binding adhesin, in one “N40” strain. Thus, two distinct strains that show different plasmid profiles, as determined by PFGE and PCR, were isolated from the same tick and vary in their
ospC
and
dbpA
sequences. However, both belong to group RST3B.
Dual Priming Oligonucleotides for Broad-Range Amplification of the Bacterial 16S rRNA Gene Directly from Human Clinical Specimens
Authors: Kommedal Øyvind , Simmon Keith , Karaca Dilek , Langeland Nina , Wiker Harald G. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT
Broad-range amplification and sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene directly from clinical specimens are offered as a diagnostic service in many laboratories. One major pitfall is primer cross-reactivity with human DNA which will result in mixed chromatograms. Mixed chromatograms will complicate subsequent sequence analysis and impede identification. In SYBR green real-time PCR assays, it can also affect crossing threshold values and consequently the status of a specimen as positive or negative. We evaluated two conventional primer pairs in common use and a new primer pair based on the dual priming oligonucleotide (DPO) principle. Cross-reactivity was observed when both conventional primer pairs were used, resulting in interpretation difficulties. No cross-reactivity was observed using the DPOs even in specimens with a high ratio of human to bacterial DNA. In addition to reducing cross-reactivity, the DPO principle also offers a high degree of flexibility in the design of primers and should be considered for any PCR assay intended for detection and identification of pathogens directly from human clinical specimens.
Vaccinia Mature Virus Fusion Regulator A26 Protein Binds to A16 and G9 Proteins of the Viral Entry Fusion Complex and Dissociates from Mature Virions at Low pH
Authors: Chang Shu-Jung , Shih Ao-Chun , Tang Yin-Liang , Chang Wen 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

Vaccinia mature virus enters cells through either endocytosis or plasma membrane fusion, depending on virus strain and cell type. Our previous results showed that vaccinia virus mature virions containing viral A26 protein enter HeLa cells preferentially through endocytosis, whereas mature virions lacking A26 protein enter through plasma membrane fusion, leading us to propose that A26 acts as an acid-sensitive fusion suppressor for mature virus (S. J. Chang, Y. X. Chang, R. Izmailyan R, Y. L. Tang, and W. Chang, J. Virol. 84:8422–8432, 2010). In the present study, we investigated the fusion suppression mechanism of A26 protein. We found that A26 protein was coimmunoprecipitated with multiple components of the viral entry-fusion complex (EFC) in infected HeLa cells. Transient expression of viral EFC components in HeLa cells revealed that vaccinia virus A26 protein interacted directly with A16 and G9 but not with G3, L5 and H2 proteins of the EFC components. Consistently, a glutathione
S
-transferase (GST)-A26 fusion protein, but not GST, pulled down A16 and G9 proteins individually
in vitro
. Together, our results supported the idea that A26 protein binds to A16 and G9 protein at neutral pH contributing to suppression of vaccinia virus-triggered membrane fusion from without. Since vaccinia virus extracellular envelope proteins A56/K2 were recently shown to bind to the A16/G9 subcomplex to suppress virus-induced fusion from within, our results also highlight an evolutionary convergence in which vaccinia viral fusion suppressor proteins regulate membrane fusion by targeting the A16 and G9 components of the viral EFC complex. Finally, we provide evidence that acid (pH 4.7) treatment induced A26 protein and A26-A27 protein complexes of 70 kDa and 90 kDa to dissociate from mature virions, suggesting that the structure of A26 protein is acid sensitive.
Discovery of Seven Novel Mammalian and Avian Coronaviruses in the Genus Deltacoronavirus Supports Bat Coronaviruses as the Gene Source of Alphacoronavirus and Betacoronavirus and Avian Coronaviruses as the Gene Source of Gammacoronavirus and Deltacoronavirus
Authors: Woo Patrick C. Y. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Lam Carol S. F. , Lau Candy C. Y. , Tsang Alan K. L. , Lau John H. N. , Bai Ru , Teng Jade L. L. , Tsang Chris C. C. , Wang Ming , Zheng Bo-Jian , Chan Kwok-Hung , Yuen Kwok-Yung 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

Recently, we reported the discovery of three novel coronaviruses, bulbul coronavirus HKU11, thrush coronavirus HKU12, and munia coronavirus HKU13, which were identified as representatives of a novel genus,
Deltacoronavirus
, in the subfamily
Coronavirinae
. In this territory-wide molecular epidemiology study involving 3,137 mammals and 3,298 birds, we discovered seven additional novel deltacoronaviruses in pigs and birds, which we named porcine coronavirus HKU15, white-eye coronavirus HKU16, sparrow coronavirus HKU17, magpie robin coronavirus HKU18, night heron coronavirus HKU19, wigeon coronavirus HKU20, and common moorhen coronavirus HKU21. Complete genome sequencing and comparative genome analysis showed that the avian and mammalian deltacoronaviruses have similar genome characteristics and structures. They all have relatively small genomes (25.421 to 26.674 kb), the smallest among all coronaviruses. They all have a single papain-like protease domain in the nsp3 gene; an accessory gene, NS6 open reading frame (ORF), located between the M and N genes; and a variable number of accessory genes (up to four) downstream of the N gene. Moreover, they all have the same putative transcription regulatory sequence of ACACCA. Molecular clock analysis showed that the most recent common ancestor of all coronaviruses was estimated at approximately 8100 BC, and those of
Alphacoronavirus
,
Betacoronavirus
,
Gammacoronavirus
, and
Deltacoronavirus
were at approximately 2400 BC, 3300 BC, 2800 BC, and 3000 BC, respectively. From our studies, it appears that bats and birds, the warm blooded flying vertebrates, are ideal hosts for the coronavirus gene source, bats for
Alphacoronavirus
and
Betacoronavirus
and birds for
Gammacoronavirus
and
Deltacoronavirus
, to fuel coronavirus evolution and dissemination.
Local Delivery of lnterleukin-12 Using T Cells Targeting VEGF Receptor-2 Eradicates Multiple Vascularized Tumors in Mice
Authors: Chinnasamy Dhanalakshmi , Yu Zhiya , Kerkar Sid P. , Zhang Ling , Morgan Richard A. , Restifo Nicholas P. , Rosenberg Steven A. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPurpose: We investigated the feasibility of delivering the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-12 into tumor using T cells genetically engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) against the VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2).Experimental Design: Two different strains of mice bearing five different established subcutaneous tumors were treated with syngeneic T cells cotransduced with an anti–VEGFR-2 CAR and a constitutively expressed single-chain murine IL-12 or an inducible IL-12 gene after host lymphodepletion. Tumor regression, survival of mice, and persistence of the transferred cells were evaluated.Results: Adoptive transfer of syngeneic T cells cotransduced with an anti–VEGFR-2 CAR and a constitutively expressing single-chain IL-12 resulted in the regression of five different established tumors of different histologies without the need for IL-2 administration. T cells transduced with either anti–VEGFR-2 CAR or single-chain IL-12 alone did not alter the tumor growth indicating that both of them had to be expressed in the same cell to mediate tumor regression. Anti–VEGFR-2 CAR and IL-12–cotransduced T cells infiltrated the tumors, expanded, and persisted for prolonged periods. The antitumor effect did not require the presence of host T and B cells but was dependent on host IL-12R–expressing cells. The anti–VEGFR-2 CAR changed the immunosuppressive tumor environment by altering/reducing both the systemic and the intratumoral CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid suppressor cell subsets that expressed VEGFR-2.Conclusions: These results suggest that targeted delivery of IL-12 into the tumor environment with T cells redirected against VEGFR-2 is a promising approach for treating patients with a variety of solid tumor types. Clin Cancer Res; 18(6); 1672–83. ©2012 AACR.