bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Framework for the Development of Response Protocols for Public Health Syndromic Surveillance Systems: Case Studies of 8 US States
Authors: Uscher-Pines Lori , Farrell Corey L. , Babin Steven M. , Cattani Jacqueline , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Hsieh Yu-Hsiang , Moskal Michael D. , Rothman Richard E. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:To describe current syndromic surveillance system response protocols in health departments from 8 diverse states in the United States and to develop a framework for health departments to use as a guide in initial design and/or enhancement of response protocols.Methods:Case study design that incorporated in-depth interviews with health department staff, textual analysis of response plans, and a Delphi survey of syndromic surveillance response experts.Results:All 8 states and 30 of the 33 eligible health departments agreed to participate (91% response rate). Fewer than half (48%) of surveyed health departments had a written response protocol, and health departments reported conducting in-depth investigations on fewer than 15% of syndromic surveillance alerts. A convened panel of experts identified 32 essential elements for inclusion in public health protocols for response to syndromic surveillance system alerts.Conclusions:Because of the lack of guidance, limited resources for development of response protocols, and few examples of syndromic surveillance detecting previously unknown events of public health significance, health departments have not prioritized the development and refinement of response protocols. Systems alone, however, are not effective without an organized public health response. The framework proposed here can guide health departments in creating protocols that will be standardized, tested, and relevant given their goals with such systems. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3(Suppl 1):S29–S36)
Mathematical modelling of cilia-driven transport of biological fluids
Authors: Smith D. J. , Gaffney E. A. , Blake J. R. 
Published: June 2009

Cilia-driven flow occurs in the airway surface liquid, in the female and male reproductive tracts and enables symmetry-breaking in the embryonic node. Viscoelastic rheology is found in healthy states in some systems, whereas in others may characterise disease, motivating the development of mathematical models that take this effect into account. We derive the fundamental solution for linear viscoelastic flow, which is subsequently used as a basis for slender-body theory. Our numerical algorithm allows efficient computation of three-dimensional time-dependent flow, bending moments, power and particle transport. We apply the model to the large-amplitude motion of a single cilium in a linear Maxwell liquid. A relatively short relaxation time of just 0.032 times the beat period significantly reduces forces, bending moments, power and particle transport, the last variable exhibiting exponential decay with relaxation time. A test particle is propelled approximately one-fifth as quickly along the direction of cilia beating for scaled relaxation time 0.032 as in the Newtonian case, and mean volume flow is abolished, emphasizing the sensitivity of cilia function to fluid rheology. These results may have implications for flow in the airways, where the transition from Newtonian to viscoelastic rheology in the peri-ciliary fluid may reduce clearance.
Whole-Mount In Situ Hybridization of Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Tissues
Authors: Dearden Peter K. , Duncan Elizabeth J. , Wilson Megan J. 
Published: June 2009

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol outlines how to perform in situ hybridization on honeybee embryos, adult brains, or ovaries to detect the expression pattern of a targeted transcript. The tissue is digested by proteinase K to promote probe penetration, and then prehybridized to block nonspecific binding of the probe.
SIRT Combines Homologous Recombination, Site-Specific Integration, and Bacterial Recombineering for Targeted Mutagenesis in Drosophila
Authors: Gao Guanjun , Wesolowska Natalia , Rong Yikang S. 
Published: June 2009

INTRODUCTIONSystematic mutational analysis is required for the comprehensive deciphering of gene function. However, repeated targeting of a single locus is labor intensive and has not been a routine approach for studies using multicellular organisms. We have developed the “site-specific integrase mediated repeated targeting” (SIRT) method to facilitate targeted mutagenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. In SIRT, homologous recombination is used to place a landing site for the phage phiC31 integrase in the vicinity of the target locus. All subsequent genetic modifications to the same gene are introduced by integrase-mediated precise insertion of plasmids directly injected into embryos. For SIRT mutagenesis, one must generate a series of plasmid vectors that contain various DNA elements placed at different positions in the target-homologous clone. Unlike traditional cloning methods, SIRT is not limited by the availability of convenient restriction cut sites. This protocol presents the details of SIRT plasmid construction, relying heavily on the method of bacterial recombineering and using a number of streamlined DNA elements.
An Auxin Gradient and Maximum in theArabidopsisRoot Apex Shown by High-Resolution Cell-Specific Analysis of IAA Distribution and Synthesis
Authors: Petersson Sara V. , Johansson Annika I. , Kowalczyk Mariusz , Makoveychuk Alexander , Wang Jean Y. , Moritz Thomas , Grebe Markus , Benfey Philip N. , Sandberg Göran , Ljung Karin 
Published: June 2009

AbstractLocal concentration gradients of the plant growth regulator auxin (indole-3-acetic acid [IAA]) are thought to instruct the positioning of organ primordia and stem cell niches and to direct cell division, expansion, and differentiation. High-resolution measurements of endogenous IAA concentrations in support of the gradient hypothesis are required to substantiate this hypothesis. Here, we introduce fluorescence-activated cell sorting of green fluorescent protein–marked cell types combined with highly sensitive mass spectrometry methods as a novel means for analyses of IAA distribution and metabolism at cellular resolution. Our results reveal the presence of IAA concentration gradients within the Arabidopsis thaliana root tip with a distinct maximum in the organizing quiescent center of the root apex. We also demonstrate that the root apex provides an important source of IAA and that cells of all types display a high synthesis capacity, suggesting a substantial contribution of local biosynthesis to auxin homeostasis in the root tip. Our results indicate that local biosynthesis and polar transport combine to produce auxin gradients and maxima in the root tip.
Therapeutic antitumor efficacy of monoclonal antibody against Claudin‐4 for pancreatic and ovarian cancers
Authors: Suzuki Masayo , Kato‐Nakano Mariko , Kawamoto Shinobu , Furuya Akiko , Abe Yuzuru , Misaka Hirofumi , Kimoto Naoya , Nakamura Kazuyasu , Ohta So , Ando Hiroshi 
Published: June 2009

Claudin‐4 (CLDN4) is a tetraspanin transmembrane protein of tight junction structure and is highly expressed in pancreatic and ovarian cancers. In this study, we aimed to generate an anti‐Claudin‐4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and evaluate its antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo. To isolate specific mAb, we generated CLDN3, 4, 5, 6, and 9, expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and then used them as positive and negative targets through cell‐based screening. As a result, we succeeded in isolating KM3900 (IgG2a), which specifically bound to CLDN4, from BXSB mice immunized with pancreatic cancer cells. Immunoprecipitation and flow cytometry analysis revealed that KM3900 recognized the conformational structure and bound to extracellular loop 2 of CLDN4. Furthermore, binding of KM3900 was detected on CLDN4‐expressing pancreatic and ovarian cancer cells, but not on negative cells. Next, we made the mouse–human chimeric IgG1 (KM3934) and evaluated its antitumor efficacy. KM3934 induced dose‐dependent antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity in vitro, and significantly inhibited tumor growth in MCAS or CFPAC‐1 xenograft SCID mice in vivo (P < 0.05). These results suggest that mAb therapy against CLDN4 is promising for pancreatic and ovarian cancers. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1623–1630)
A non‐synonymous mutation in a conserved site of the MTTP gene is strongly associated with protein activity and fatty acid profile in pigs
Authors: Estellé J. , Fernández A. I. , Pérez‐Enciso M. , Fernández A. , Rodríguez C. , Sánchez A. , Noguera J. L. , Folch J. M. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryDespite the economic interest of the fatty acid profile in pigs, no gene has been convincingly associated with this trait so far. Here, the porcine microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) gene, which plays a crucial role in the assembly of nascent lipoproteins, has been analysed as a positional candidate gene for a QTL affecting the fatty acid composition that was previously identified on chromosome 8 in an Iberian by Landrace F2 cross. By resequencing a panel of different breeds, a non‐synonymous polymorphism in a conserved residue of the lipid transfer domain of MTTP was identified. Association analyses with this polymorphism showed a strong association with the fatty acid composition of porcine fat, much stronger than the QTL effect, in the F2 cross and in a synthetic Sino‐European line. In addition, in vitro activity assays in liver protein extracts have shown that this mutation is also associated with the lipid transfer activity of the MTTP protein (P < 0.1). These results suggest that the detected polymorphism is a potential causal factor of the fatty acid composition QTL. There appears to be an interaction between the porcine MTTP genotype and the type of fat source in the pig diet, which would agree with the previous results on the biology of MTTP biology.
Plumage colour mutations and melanins in the feathers of the Japanese quail: a first comparison
Authors: Minvielle F. , Cecchi T. , Passamonti P. , Gourichon D. , Renieri C. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryThe absorbance of melanin content from dorsal feathers was compared between wild‐type Japanese quail and nine other quail plumage colours determined by single mutations in one of seven genes: extended brown (MC1R), yellow (ASIP), silver (MITF), lavender (MLPH), roux (TYRP1), imperfect albinism (SLC45A2) and rusty. As compared with wild‐type quail, all mutations but extended brown decreased total melanins. The largest decrease was observed in quail with one of the dilution mutations at TYRP1, MLPH or SLCA45A2. No difference in eumelanins was found between the 10 plumage colours. Despite visible colour differences, homozygous and heterozygous mutants at MITF, or the two imperfect albino (white) and cinnamon (pale yellow) alleles at SLC45A2, could not be differentiated on the basis of melanins. In contrast, the two white phenotypes caused by mutations at MITF and SLC45A2, or the two reddish plumage colours caused by the roux and rusty non‐allelic mutations had different total melanin contents. The results showed that rusty was not likely to be a dilution mutation.
Jurassic synorogenic basin filling in western Korea: sedimentary response to inception of the western Circum‐Pacific orogeny
Authors: Egawa Kosuke , Lee Yong Il 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThis is the first sedimentologic and stratigraphic attempt to demonstrate Jurassic subduction‐induced basin‐filling processes in the early stage of the western Circum‐Pacific orogeny. The Chungnam Basin in western Korea was filled with a Lower to Middle Jurassic nonmarine succession, the Nampo Group, whose deposition postdated the Triassic final assembly of Chinese continental blocks. The Nampo Group consists of two repeated, fining‐ to coarsening‐upward alluvio‐lacustrine sequences, separated by an interval of thick breccia–gravel progradation deposits and its related strong proximal unconformities. No temporal variation in the degree of chemical weathering, along with the predominance of coals and a tropic to subtropic paleoflora, reveals little or no climate fluctuations during deposition of the Nampo Group. The observed relationships provide a record of sedimentation most likely controlled by temporal variations of tectonically driven sediment flux. Such syntectonic sedimentation of the Chungnam Basin occurred at a convergent margin of continental‐arc setting during the Daebo orogeny, synchronous with the early subduction of the western paleo‐Pacific ocean that resulted in formation of an accretionary complex along the East Asian continental margin during Jurassic time. Hence, synorogenic deposition in the Chungnam Basin is interpreted as sedimentary response to subduction–accretion of the western paleo‐Pacific plate.
Clinical significance of minimal residual disease at day 15 and at the end of therapy in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Sutton Rosemary , Venn Nicola C. , Tolisano Jonathan , Bahar Anita Y. , Giles Jodie E. , Ashton Lesley J. , Teague Lochie , Rigutto Gemma , Waters Keith , Marshall Glenn M. , Haber Michelle , Norris Murray D. ,   Australian and New Zealand Children’s Oncology Group
Published: June 2009

SummaryDetection of minimal residual disease (MRD) after induction and consolidation therapy is highly predictive of outcome for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and is used to identify patients at high risk of relapse in several current clinical trials. To evaluate the prognostic significance of MRD at other treatment phases, MRD was measured by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction on a selected group of 108 patients enrolled on the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Cancer Study Group Study VII including 36 patients with a bone marrow or central nervous system relapse and 72 matched patients in first remission. MRD was prognostic of outcome at all five treatment phases tested: at day 15 (MRD ≥ 5 × 10−2, log rank P < 0·0001), day 35 (≥1 × 10−2, P = 0·0001), 4 months (≥5 × 10−4, P < 0·0001), 12 months (MRD ≥ 1 × 10−4, P = 0·006) and 24 months (MRD ≥ 1 × 10−4, P < 0·0001). Day 15 was the best early MRD time‐point to differentiate between patients with high, intermediate and low risk of relapse. MRD testing at 12 and particularly at 24 months, detected molecular relapses in some patients up to 6 months before clinical relapse. This raised the question of whether a strategy of late monitoring and salvage therapy will improve outcome.
Natural polyphenols antagonize the antimyeloma activity of proteasome inhibitor bortezomib by direct chemical interaction
Authors: Kim Tae Young , Park Jongmin , Oh Bora , Min Hyun Jung , Jeong Tae‐Sook , Lee Jae Hoon , Suh Cheolwon , Cheong June‐Won , Kim Hyo Jung , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Park Seung Bum , Lee Dong Soon ,   the Korean Multiple Myeloma Working Party (KMMWP)
Published: June 2009

SummaryBortezomib is a therapeutic proteasome inhibitor with antimyeloma activity and polyphenols are well known compounds that exert antiproliferative effects against tumuors. We attempted to co‐treat myeloma cells with bortezomib and polyphenols, anticipating a synergistic effect. However, the anticancer activity of bortezomib was blocked by the polyphenols. The structural features of the polyphenols correlated strikingly with their antagonistic effect; in particular, the presence or absence of a vicinal diol moiety was the key element for effective blockage of the anticancer function of bortezomib. We speculated that the vicinal diols in the polyphenols interact with the boronic acid of bortezomib and convert the active triangular boronic acid of bortezomib to an inactive tetrahedral boronate, thus abolishing the antimyeloma activity of bortezomib. We confirmed this hypothesis by 11B nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and an in vitro assay on multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and primary myeloma cells from patients. Based on these findings, restriction of the intake of natural polyphenols in foods or vitamin supplements during bortezomib treatment in MM patients should be considered.
Aggression in imported fire ants: an explanation for shifts in their spatial distributions in Southern United States?
Authors: FADAMIRO HENRY Y. , HE XIAOFANG , CHEN LI 
Published: June 2009

Abstract 1. The imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren (red), S. richteri Forel (black), and their hybrids (S. invicta × S. richteri) are sympatric congeners with overlapping but shifting spatial distributions in northern Alabama and Mississippi, United States.2. The abilities of workers of the three ant forms (or species) to recognise non‐nestmate conspecifics and heterospecifics were compared in separate aggression bioassays using three group sizes of competitor numbers (battles): 1‐1, 5‐1, and 5‐5 resident–intruder battles.3. Workers of all three forms showed significant aggression toward non‐nestmate conspecifics and heterospecifics. The results of the intra‐specific aggression bioassays showed that S. invicta had the lowest aggression threshold, whereas S. richteri was the least aggressive. Survival rates 1 day after intra‐specific encounters were higher for S. richteri than for S. invicta or hybrids, consistent with its lower aggressiveness.4. In inter‐specific interactions, S. invicta workers showed the greatest aggression and were more aggressive towards S. richteri than to hybrids. Furthermore, survival 1 day after inter‐specific encounters was highest for S. invicta workers, whether they were the intruders or residents. The hybrid form was intermediate between both parental forms in aggression and post‐aggression survival.5. The live 1‐1 and 5‐5 battles produced similar and consistent results, but differences were amplified in the 5‐5 battles, suggesting an effect of group size on aggression. These results may explain the observed shifts in the spatial distributions of the three forms and range restriction of S. richteri in southern United States.
Metabolic diseases and associated complications: sex and gender matter!
Authors: Kautzky‐Willer A. , Handisurya A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Clinicians and health professionals are increasingly challenged to understand and consider the different health needs of women and men. The increase of gender awareness and the expanding science of gender medicine will affect more and more clinical practice. This review addresses gender‐specific aspects in metabolic disorders and related complications, which represent an increasing burden of this century and a great challenge to public health.Design  There is increasing evidence of gender‐related differences in risk factors, clinical manifestation and sequelae of obesity and diabetes and increasing knowledge that prevention, detection and therapy of illness affect men and women differently.Results  Some gender‐specific aspects, especially regarding cardiovascular disease, have been studied in more detail, but for many complications sex‐related analyses of the results of both clinical trials and basic science are still missing or disregarded. Impaired glucose and lipid metabolism as well as dysregulation of energy balance and body fat distribution have a great impact on overall health via neuroendocrine changes and inflammatory pathways and deteriorate the course of many diseases with particular harm for women. Metabolic diseases dramatically affect life of men and women from infancy up to old age and are a major challenge for women during pregnancy. Great impact is attached to the intrauterine period and the lifelong implications of fetal programming.Conclusions  Initiation of prospective studies on the impact of gender as primary outcome and investigation of gender‐related pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic diseases will help to improve patient care and to implement evidence‐based gender‐specific prevention programs and clinical recommendations in future.
Do the Oaxacan Highlands represent a natural biotic unit? A cladistic biogeographical test based on vertebrate taxa
Authors: Paniagua Livia León , Morrone Juan J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim We analysed the distributional patterns of six terrestrial vertebrate taxa from the Oaxacan Highlands (Sierra Mazateca, Nudo de Zempoaltépetl and Sierra de Juárez) through a cladistic biogeographical approach, in order to test their naturalness as a biotic unit.Location The Oaxacan Highlands, Mexico.Methods The cladistic biogeographical analysis was based on the area cladograms of thePseudoeurycea belliispecies group (Amphibia: Plethodontidae), the genusChlorospingus(Aves: Thraupidae), the generaMicrotus,ReithrodontomysandHabromys, and thePeromyscus aztecusspecies group (Mammalia: Rodentia). We obtained paralogy‐free subtrees, from which the components were coded in a data matrix for parsimony analysis. The data matrix was analysed with Nonathrough WinClada.Results The parsimony analysis resulted in a single general area cladogram in which areas were fragmented following the sequence Sierra Madre Occidental, Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt, Chiapas, Sierra Madre Oriental + Sierra Mazateca, Sierra Madre del Sur, Nudo de Zempoaltépetl and Sierra de Juárez.Main conclusions The general area cladogram shows that the Oaxacan Highlands do not constitute a natural unit. The Sierra Mazateca is the sister area to the Sierra Madre Oriental, whereas the Nudo de Zempoaltépetl and the Sierra de Juárez are closely related to the Sierra Madre del Sur. The events that might have caused these patterns include cycles of expansion and contraction of mountain pinyon, juniper and oak woodlands during the Pleistocene.
Food allergy and food sensitization in early childhood: results from the DARC cohort
Authors: Eller E. , Kjaer H. F. , Høst A. , Andersen K. E. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. 
Published: June 2009

Background:  The prevalence of food hypersensitivity (FHS) and the relationship with atopic dermatitis (AD) is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the development of FHS and to correlate this with AD in relation to sensitization and symptoms.Methods:  This study combines new data from birth to 18 months of age with previous published results from 3 and 6 years. The Danish Allergy Research Centre cohort, including 562 children, is a unique, population‐based, prospective birth cohort, with clinical examinations at all follow‐ups. All children were examined for the development of AD using Hanifin‐Rajka criteria and for FHS using interviews, skin prick test (SPT), specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), and food challenge according to EAACI guidelines.Results:  Twenty children were confirmed with FHS to milk, egg, and peanut. FHS peaked at 18 months (3.6%) and then decreased to 1.2% at 72 months of age. No new cases were found after 3 years. Self‐reporting could only be confirmed in 31% of cases. Among the 122 children with AD, 18 had FHS (14.8%). FHS was IgE‐mediated in 95% of the cases but 16 of 20 children were additionally sensitized to other foods which they tolerated. Children with AD were neither more IgE‐sensitized nor had higher levels of IgE when compared with healthy children but they were more persistently sensitized.Conclusions:  Sensitization to foods in young children without food allergy seems to be a normal phenomenon. The discrepancy between sensitization, self‐reported food‐related symptoms and confirmed FHS illustrates the need to perform standardized oral challenges in order to confirm the diagnosis of FHS.