bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life and Clinical Outcome After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Patellar Tendon Graft or Quadrupled Semitendinosus Graft
Authors: Barenius Björn , Nordlander Martin , Ponzer Sari , Tidermark Jan , Eriksson Karl 
Published: June 2010

Background: Randomized controlled trials after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions with long-term follow-up including assessment of health-related quality of life are rare. Purpose: To compare clinical outcome and health-related quality of life 8 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using 2 types of graft. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Long-term follow-up of 164 patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury randomized to arthroscopic reconstruction with a quadrupled semitendinosus graft or a bone–patellar tendon–bone graft was undertaken. After a mean 8 years, 153 patients were available for follow-up, including instrumented laxity, 1-legged hop test, a knee-walking test, and assessment with International Knee Documentation Committee, Lysholm, Tegner, and patellofemoral pain score. Health-related quality of life was assessed with Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Short Form–36. Results: Patients in both graft groups retained the same stability, knee function, and health-related quality of life. The patellofemoral pain score was similar for both groups; the bone–patellar tendon–bone group had more donor site morbidity from kneeling and knee walking. In the bone–patellar tendon–bone group, 19 patients had no kneeling problems, 23 slight problems, 31 moderate problems, and 5 unable to kneel. Corresponding figures for the semitendinosus group were 25, 32, 16, and 2 ( P < .001). Patients with early reconstructions (<5 months) had a lower risk for meniscal injuries (37%) than did later reconstructed (62%, P = .008). Health-related quality of life regarding physical functioning in Short Form–36 was better for the early-reconstructed patients than for the later reconstructed (92 vs 85; P = .014). Patients without medial meniscal surgery had higher Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores for all subscales than did patients with medial meniscal surgery, with most significant difference for sport and recreation (63 vs 75, P = .008). Conclusion: In the long term, the semitendinosus graft provided similar stability, knee function, and health-related quality of life but with less kneeling morbidity than did the bone–patellar tendon–bone graft.
Arthroscopic Repair of Anterior-Inferior Glenohumeral Instability Using a Portal at the 5:30-o’Clock Position
Authors: Imhoff Andreas B. , Ansah Patrick , Tischer Thomas , Reiter Christoph , Bartl Christoph , Hench Maximilian , Spang Jeffrey T. , Vogt Stephan 
Published: June 2010

Background: Traumatic anterior-inferior shoulder joint dislocations are common injuries among the young athletic population. The aim of this study was to assess which factors, including concomitant injury (rotator cuff tears, superior labral anterior posterior [SLAP] lesions), patient age, and fixation methods, led to redislocation after arthroscopic stabilization. Hypothesis: There are several risk factors for the outcome after arthroscopic anterior-inferior glenohumeral stabilization. Study Design: Cohort Study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Between 1996 and 2000, 221 patients were treated with arthroscopic stabilization for anterior-inferior shoulder dislocation. Of these 221 consecutive patients, 190 (140 male, 50 female) with an average age of 28.0 years (range, 14.4-59.2 years) were available for follow-up (average follow-up, 37.4 ± 15.8 months). Fixation methods were FASTak (n = 138), Suretac (n = 28), or Panalok (n = 24) anchors. Concomitant SLAP lesions were seen in 38 of 190 cases (20%). Results: Redislocation rates varied between anchor systems (FASTak, 6.5%; Suretac, 25%; Panalok, 16.8%). Superior labral anterior posterior lesions, when treated, did not influence clinical outcomes or redislocation rate. A concomitant rotator cuff tear did not influence redislocation rate. Postoperative outcomes (Rowe score, Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] shoulder index, 12-item questionnaire) in patients with a partial tear were also not altered. On the other hand, the redislocation rate correlated with patient age and number of prior dislocations. Return to sports at preinjury level was possible in 80% of cases. Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair of anterior-inferior instability using the 5:30-o’clock portal is dependent on anchor type and can show good to excellent results. Because of several coinjuries in anterior-inferior instability, an arthroscopic approach may be required to identify and treat such lesions.
Spectrum of clinical presentations in familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 5 patients with mutations in STXBP2
Authors: Meeths Marie , Entesarian Miriam , Al-Herz Waleed , Chiang Samuel C. C. , Wood Stephanie M. , Al-Ateeqi Wafa , Almazan Francisco , Boelens Jaap J. , Hasle Henrik , Ifversen Marianne , Lund Bendik , van den Berg J. Merlijn , Gustafsson Britt , Hjelmqvist Hans , Nordenskjöld Magnus , Bryceson Yenan T. , Henter Jan-Inge 
Published: June 2010

AbstractHemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an often-fatal hyperinflammatory syndrome characterized by fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia, and in some cases hemophagocytosis. Here, we describe the mutation analysis, clinical presentation, and functional analysis of natural killer (NK) cells in patients with mutations in STXBP2 encoding Munc18-2, recently associated with familial HLH type 5. The disease severity among 11 persons studied here was highly variable and, accordingly, age at diagnosis ranged from 2 months to 17 years. Remarkably, in addition to typical manifestations of familial HLH (FHL), the clinical findings included colitis, bleeding disorders, and hypogammaglobulinemia in approximately one-third of the patients. Laboratory analysis revealed impairment of NK-cell degranulation and cytotoxic capacity. Interleukin-2 stimulation of lymphocytes in vitro rescued the NK cell–associated functional defects. In conclusion, familial HLH type 5 is associated with a spectrum of clinical symptoms, which may be a reflection of impaired expression and function of Munc18-2 also in cells other than cytotoxic lymphocytes. Mutations in STXBP2 should thus also be considered in patients with clinical manifestations other than those typically associated with HLH.
MPRAP: An accessibility predictor for a-helical transmem-brane proteins that performs well inside and outside the membrane
Authors: Illergård Kristoffer , Callegari Simone , Elofsson Arne 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
In water-soluble proteins it is energetically favorable to bury hydrophobic residues and to expose polar and charged residues. In contrast to water soluble proteins, transmembrane proteins face three distinct environments; a hydrophobic lipid environment inside the membrane, a hydrophilic water environment outside the membrane and an interface region rich in phospholipid head-groups. Therefore, it is energetically favorable for transmembrane proteins to expose different types of residues in the different regions.

Results
Investigations of a set of structurally determined transmembrane proteins showed that the composition of solvent exposed residues differs significantly inside and outside the membrane. In contrast, residues buried within the interior of a protein show a much smaller difference. However, in all regions exposed residues are less conserved than buried residues. Further, we found that current state-of-the-art predictors for surface area are optimized for one of the regions and perform badly in the other regions. To circumvent this limitation we developed a new predictor, MPRAP, that performs well in all regions. In addition, MPRAP performs better on complete membrane proteins than a combination of specialized predictors and acceptably on water-soluble proteins. A web-server of MPRAP is available at http://mprap.cbr.su.se/

Conclusion
By including complete a-helical transmembrane proteins in the training MPRAP is able to predict surface accessibility accurately both inside and outside the membrane. This predictor can aid in the prediction of 3D-structure, and in the identification of erroneous protein structures.
Age-dependent alterations of monocyte subsets and monocyte-related chemokine pathways in healthy adults
Authors: Seidler Sebastian , Zimmermann Henning W , Bartneck Matthias , Trautwein Christian , Tacke Frank 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Recent experimental approaches have unraveled essential migratory and functional differences of monocyte subpopulations in mice. In order to possibly translate these findings into human physiology and pathophysiology, human monocyte subsets need to be carefully revisited in health and disease. In analogy to murine studies, we hypothesized that human monocyte subsets dynamically change during ageing, potentially influencing their functionality and contributing to immunosenescence.

Results
Circulating monocyte subsets, surface marker and chemokine receptor expression were analyzed in 181 healthy volunteers (median age 42, range 18-88). Unlike the unaffected total leukocyte or total monocyte counts, non-classical CD14+CD16+ monocytes significantly increased with age, but displayed reduced HLA-DR and CX3CR1 surface expression in the elderly. Classical CD14++CD16- monocyte counts did not vary dependent on age. Serum MCP-1 (CCL2), but not MIP1α (CCL3), MIP1β (CCL4) or fractalkine (CX3CL1) concentrations increased with age. Monocyte-derived macrophages from old or young individuals did not differ with respect to cytokine release in vitro at steady state or upon LPS stimulation.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrates dynamic changes of circulating monocytes during ageing in humans. The expansion of the non-classical CD14+CD16+ subtype, alterations of surface protein and chemokine receptor expression as well as circulating monocyte-related chemokines possibly contribute to the preserved functionality of the monocyte pool throughout adulthood.
The role of iron uptake in pathogenicity and symbiosis in Photorhabdus luminescens TT01
Authors: Watson Robert J , Millichap Peter , Joyce Susan A , Reynolds Stuart , Clarke David J 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background

Photorhabdus are Gram negative bacteria that are pathogenic to insect larvae whilst also having a mutualistic interaction with nematodes from the family Heterorhabditis. Iron is an essential nutrient and bacteria have different mechanisms for obtaining both the ferrous (Fe2+) and ferric (Fe3+) forms of this metal from their environments. In this study we were interested in analyzing the role of Fe3+ and Fe2+ iron uptake systems in the ability of Photorhabdus to interact with its invertebrate hosts.

Results
We constructed targeted deletion mutants of exbD, feoABC and yfeABCD in P. luminescens TT01. The exbD mutant was predicted to be crippled in its ability to obtain Fe3+ and we show that this mutant does not grow well in iron-limited media. We also show that this mutant was avirulent to the insect but was unaffected in its symbiotic interaction with Heterorhabditis. Furthermore we show that a mutation in feoABC (encoding a predicted Fe2+ permease) was unaffected in both virulence and symbiosis whilst the divalent cation transporter encoded by yfeABCD is required for virulence in the Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera) but not in the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera). Moreover the Yfe transporter also appears to have a role during colonization of the IJ stage of the nematode.

Conclusion
In this study we show that iron uptake (via the TonB complex and the Yfe transporter) is important for the virulence of P. luminescens to insect larvae. Moreover this study also reveals that the Yfe transporter appears to be involved in Mn2+-uptake during growth in the gut lumen of the IJ nematode. Therefore, the Yfe transporter in P. luminescens TT01 is important during colonization of both the insect and nematode and, moreover, the metal ion transported by this pathway is host-dependent.
Genome-wide characterization of the biggest grass, bamboo, based on 10,608 putative full-length cDNA sequences
Authors: Peng Zhenhua , Lu Tingting , Li Lubin , Liu Xiaohui , Gao Zhimin , Hu Tao , Yang Xuewen , Feng Qi , Guan Jianping , Weng Qijun , Fan Danlin , Zhu Chuanrang , Lu Ying , Han Bin , Jiang Zehui 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
With the availability of rice and sorghum genome sequences and ongoing efforts to sequence genomes of other cereal and energy crops, the grass family (Poaceae) has become a model system for comparative genomics and for better understanding gene and genome evolution that underlies phenotypic and ecological divergence of plants. While the genomic resources have accumulated rapidly for almost all major lineages of grasses, bamboo remains the only large subfamily of Poaceae with little genomic information available in databases, which seriously hampers our ability to take a full advantage of the wealth of grass genomic data for effective comparative studies.

Results
Here we report the cloning and sequencing of 10,608 putative full length cDNAs (FL-cDNAs) primarily from Moso bamboo, Phyllostachys heterocycla cv. pubescens, a large woody bamboo with the highest ecological and economic values of all bamboos. This represents the third largest FL-cDNA collection to date of all plant species, and provides the first insight into the gene and genome structures of bamboos. We developed a Moso bamboo genomic resource database that so far contained the sequences of 10,608 putative FL-cDNAs and nearly 38,000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) generated in this study.

Conclusion
Analysis of FL-cDNA sequences show that bamboo diverged from its close relatives such as rice, wheat, and barley through an adaptive radiation. A comparative analysis of the lignin biosynthesis pathway between bamboo and rice suggested that genes encoding caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase may serve as targets for genetic manipulation of lignin content to reduce pollutants generated from bamboo pulping.
Changes in the proteomic and metabolic profiles of Beta vulgaris root tips in response to iron deficiency and resupply
Authors: Rellán-Álvarez Rubén , Andaluz Sofía , Rodríguez-Celma Jorge , Wohlgemuth Gert , Zocchi Graziano , Álvarez-Fernández Ana , Fiehn Oliver , López-Millán Ana Flor , Abadía Javier 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Plants grown under iron deficiency show different morphological, biochemical and physiological changes. These changes include, among others, the elicitation of different strategies to improve the acquisition of Fe from the rhizosphere, the adjustment of Fe homeostasis processes and a reorganization of carbohydrate metabolism. The application of modern techniques that allow the simultaneous and untargeted analysis of multiple proteins and metabolites can provide insight into multiple processes taking place in plants under Fe deficiency. The objective of this study was to characterize the changes induced in the root tip proteome and metabolome of sugar beet plants in response to Fe deficiency and resupply.

Results
Root tip extract proteome maps were obtained by 2-D isoelectric focusing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and approximately 140 spots were detected. Iron deficiency resulted in changes in the relative amounts of 61 polypeptides, and 22 of them were identified by mass spectrometry (MS). Metabolites in root tip extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography-MS, and more than 300 metabolites were resolved. Out of 77 identified metabolites, 26 changed significantly with Fe deficiency. Iron deficiency induced increases in the relative amounts of proteins and metabolites associated to glycolysis, tri-carboxylic acid cycle and anaerobic respiration, confirming previous studies. Furthermore, a protein not present in Fe-sufficient roots, dimethyl-8-ribityllumazine (DMRL) synthase, was present in high amounts in root tips from Fe-deficient sugar beet plants and gene transcript levels were higher in Fe-deficient root tips. Also, a marked increase in the relative amounts of the raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs) was observed in Fe-deficient plants, and a further increase in these compounds occurred upon short term Fe resupply.

Conclusions
The increases in DMRL synthase and in RFO sugars were the major changes induced by Fe deficiency and resupply in root tips of sugar beet plants. Flavin synthesis could be involved in Fe uptake, whereas RFO sugars could be involved in the alleviation of oxidative stress, C trafficking or cell signalling. Our data also confirm the increase in proteins and metabolites related to carbohydrate metabolism and TCA cycle pathways.
Caspofungin Use in Daily Clinical Practice for Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis: Results of a Prospective Observational Registry
Authors: Maertens Johan , Egerer Gerlinde , Shin Wan Shik , Reichert Dietmar , Stek Michael , Chandwani Sheenu , Shivaprakash Malathi , Viscoli Claudio ,   the study team CAN-DO(IA)
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
A prospective observational registry assessed real world experience with caspofungin monotherapy or combination therapy for the initial or salvage treatment of proven or probable invasive aspergillosis (IA).

Methods
Data were collected from April 2006 to September 2007 for patients treated with caspofungin for a single episode of IA. Clinical effectiveness was categorized as favorable (complete or partial) or unfavorable (stable disease or failure) at the end of caspofungin therapy (EOCT).

Results
Consecutive patients (n = 103) with proven or probable IA (per EORTC/MSG criteria) were identified from 11 countries. Malignancy (76.7%), neutropenia (64.1%), allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT, 22.3%), solid organ transplantation (8.7%), autologous HSCT (4.9%), and HIV/AIDS (2.9%) were the most common underlying conditions. Most patients (84.5%) had pulmonary IA. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most frequently isolated species. The majority of patients received caspofungin monotherapy (82.5%) primarily as salvage therapy (82.4%). The main reason for switching to salvage therapy was clinical failure of the first-line therapy (69%). A favorable response at EOCT was seen in 56.4% (57/101) of patients overall, including 56.5% (48/85) and 56.3% (9/16) of patients receiving caspofungin monotherapy and combination therapy, respectively. Favorable response rates in clinically relevant subgroups were: malignancy, 51.9% (41/79); allogeneic HSCT, 56.5% (13/23); and neutropenia at time of hospitalization, 53.0% (35/66). There was a 72.3% (73/101) survival at 7 days after EOCT. Serious adverse events related to caspofungin were reported in 4 cases (3.9%); 3 patients (2.9%) discontinued treatment due to an adverse event related to caspofungin.

Conclusions
Caspofungin was both effective and well tolerated among high-risk patient groups such as those with neutropenia and active malignancies.
Generic quality of life assessment in dementia patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Schiffczyk Claudia , Romero Barbara , Jonas Christina , Lahmeyer Constanze , Müller Friedemann , Riepe Matthias W 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Quality of life (QoL) is increasingly used to characterize the impact of disease and the efficacy of interventions.

Methods
Prospective cohort study in patients' and proxies' homes with137 patients with dementia (age 52 to 88; Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) 3 to 28) and their proxies (age 43 to 90). MMSE, Behave-AD, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Bayer-ADL scale (B-ADL), and the Euroqol (EQ-5D; patient self-rating, proxy self-rating, and proxy-rating of patient).

Results
B-ADL impairment and Behave-AD total score increased with dementia severity (Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.001 and p = 0.023, respectively). Patients' self-rated QoL and proxies' self-rated QoL were unrelated to dementia severity (p = 0.148 and p = 0.414, respectively). The difference between patients' self- and proxies'-rating of the patient's QoL correlated with the patient's MMSE (Spearman's rho = -0.434; p < 0.001), even if analysis was constrained to patients with mild AD (rho = -0.328; p = 0.019). The proxies' rating of the patients QoL was not only correlated with cognitive and behavioral symptoms of the patient but also with mood (GDS-score; rho = 0.317; p < 0.001) and cognitive abilities (verbal fluency; rho = 0.209; p < 0.018) of the proxy.

Conclusion
Proxies' assessment of the patients' QoL is related to the proxies' health, and the difference of patient's and proxie's QoL-rating is correlated with dementia severity even in mild dementia stages. QOL measures use ratings of the individual to assess the impact of symptoms and disorders on everyday life. In dementia patients, however, this impact is not captured since patients' and proxies' self-assessment of their own QoL do not reflect severity of disease whatsoever. Patients' and proxies' influencing variables render the score obtained with generic quality of life assessment meaningless in capturing the impact of dementia. Decisions on initiation or discontinuation of treatment or allocation of other resources for patients with dementia therefore need not depend on generic assessment of quality of life.
The spatial-temporal clustering of Plasmodium falciparum infection over eleven years in Gezira State, The Sudan
Authors: Mirghani Samia E , Nour Bakri YM , Bushra Sayed M , Elhassan Ibrahim M , Snow Robert W , Noor Abdisalan M 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Malaria infection and disease exhibit microgeographic heterogeneity which if predictable could have implications for designing small-area intervention. Here, the space-time clustering of Plasmodium falciparum infections using data from repeat cross-sectional surveys in Gezira State, a low transmission area in northern Sudan, is investigated.

Methods
Data from cross-sectional surveys undertaken in January each year from 1999-2009 in 88 villages in the Gezira state were assembled. During each survey, about a 100 children between the ages two to ten years were sampled to examine the presence of P. falciparum parasites. In 2009, all the villages were mapped using global positioning systems. Cluster level data were analysed for spatial-only and space-time clustering using the Bernoulli model and the significance of clusters were tested using the Kulldorff scan statistic.

Results
Over the study period, 96,022 malaria slide examinations were undertaken and the P. falciparum prevalence was 8.6% in 1999 and by 2009 this had reduced to 1.6%. The cluster analysis showed the presence of one significant spatial-only cluster in each survey year and one significant space-time cluster over the whole study period. The primary spatial-only clusters in 10/11 years were either contained within or overlapped with the primary space-time cluster.

Conclusion
The results of the study confirm the generally low malaria transmission in the state of Gezira and the presence of spatial and space-time clusters concentrated around a specific area in the south of the state. Improved surveillance data that allows for the analysis of seasonality, age and other risk factors need to be collected to design effective small area interventions as Gezira state targets malaria elimination.