bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generation of a panel of antibodies against proteins encoded on human chromosome 21
Authors: Wiseman Frances K , Sheppard Olivia , Linehan Jacqueline M , Brandner Sebastian , Tybulewicz Victor LJ , Fisher Elizabeth MC 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Down syndrome (DS) is caused by trisomy of all or part of chromosome 21. To further understanding of DS we are working with a mouse model, the Tc1 mouse, which carries most of human chromosome 21 in addition to the normal mouse chromosome complement. This mouse is a model for human DS and recapitulates many of the features of the human syndrome such as specific heart defects, and cerebellar neuronal loss. The Tc1 mouse is mosaic for the human chromosome such that not all cells in the model carry it. Thus to help our investigations we aimed to develop a method to identify cells that carry human chromosome 21 in the Tc1 mouse. To this end, we have generated a panel of antibodies raised against proteins encoded by genes on human chromosome 21 that are known to be expressed in the adult brain of Tc1 mice

Results
We attempted to generate human specific antibodies against proteins encoded by human chromosome 21. We selected proteins that are expressed in the adult brain of Tc1 mice and contain regions of moderate/low homology with the mouse ortholog. We produced antibodies to seven human chromosome 21 encoded proteins. Of these, we successfully generated three antibodies that preferentially recognise human compared with mouse SOD1 and RRP1 proteins on western blots. However, these antibodies did not specifically label cells which carry a freely segregating copy of Hsa21 in the brains of our Tc1 mouse model of DS.

Conclusions
Although we have successfully isolated new antibodies to SOD1 and RRP1 for use on western blots, in our hands these antibodies have not been successfully used for immunohistochemistry studies. These antibodies are freely available to other researchers. Our data high-light the technical difficulty of producing species-specific antibodies for both western blotting and immunohistochemistry.
Early results on the use of biomaterials as adjuvant to abdominal wall closure following cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Boutros Cherif , Somasundar Ponandai , Espat N Joseph 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Hyperthermic chemotherapy applies thermal energy to both abdominal wall as well as the intra-abdominal viscera. The combination of the hyperthemia, chemotherapy and cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is associated with a defined risk of abdominal wall and intestinal morbidity reported to be as high as 15%, respectively to date, no studies have evaluated the use of biomaterial mesh as adjuvant to abdominal wall closure in this group of patients. In the present report, we hypothesized that post HIPEC closure with a biomaterial can reduce abdominal wall morbidity after CRS and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Materials and methods
All patients treated with HIPEC in a tertiary care center over 12 months (2008-2009) period were included. Eight patients received cytoreductive surgery followed by HIPEC for 90 minutes using Mitomycin C (15 mg q 45 minutes × 2). Abdominal wall closure was performed using Surgisis (Cook Biotech.) mesh in an underlay position with 3 cm fascial overlap-closure. Operative time, hospital length of stay (LOS) as well as postoperative outcome with special attention to abdominal wall and bowel morbidity were assessed.

Results
Eight patients, mean age 59.7 ys (36-80) were treated according to the above protocol. The primary pathology was appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma (n = 3) colorectal cancer (n = 3), and ovarian cancer (n = 2). Four patients (50%) presented initially with abdominal wall morbidity including incisional ventral hernia (n = 3) and excessive abdominal wall metastatic implants (n = 1). The mean peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 8.75. Twenty eight CRS were performed (3.5 CRS/patient). The mean operating time was 6 hours. Seven patients had no abdominal wall or bowel morbidity, the mean LOS for these patients was 8 days. During the follow up period (mean 6.3 months), one patient required exploratory laparotomy 2 weeks after surgery and subsequently developed an incisional hernia and enterocutaneous fistula.

Conclusion
The use of biomaterial mesh in concert with HIPEC enables the repair of concomitant abdominal wall hernia and facilitates abdominal wall closure following the liberal resection of abdominal wall tumors. Biomaterial mesh prevents evisceration on repeat laparotomy and resists infection in immunocompromised patients even when associated with bowel resection.
What happened after the initial global spread of pandemic human influenza virus A (H1N1)? A population genetics approach
Authors: Martinez-Hernandez Fernando , Jimenez-Gonzalez Diego Emiliano , Martinez-Flores Arony , Villalobos-Castillejos Guiehdani , Vaughan Gilberto , Kawa-Karasik Simon , Flisser Ana , Maravilla Pablo , Romero-Valdovinos Mirza 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Viral population evolution dynamics of influenza A is crucial for surveillance and control. In this paper we analyzed viral genetic features during the recent pandemic caused by the new influenza human virus A H1N1, using a conventional population genetics approach based on 4689 hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) sequences available in GenBank submitted between March and December of 2009. This analysis showed several relevant aspects: a) a scarce initial genetic variability within the viral isolates from some countries that increased along 2009 when influenza was dispersed around the world; b) a worldwide virus polarized behavior identified when comparing paired countries, low differentiation and high gene flow were found in some pairs and high differentiation and moderate or scarce gene flow in others, independently of their geographical closeness, c) lack of positive selection in HA and NA due to increase of the population size of virus variants, d) HA and NA variants spread in a few months all over the world being identified in the same countries in different months along 2009, and e) containment of viral variants in Mexico at the beginning of the outbreak, probably due to the control measures applied by the government.
Gender specific quality of life in patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Maciejewski Oliver , Smeets Ralf , Gerhards Frank , Kolk Andreas , Kloss Frank , Stein Jamal M , Kasaj Adrian , Koch Felix , Grosjean Maurice , Riediger Dieter , Yekta Sareh Said 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
The goal of this study was to evaluate the somatic and psychological effects by means of QUALITY OF LIFE (QOL) of surgical treatment of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. The factors gender, age, nicotine consumption, and tumour stage were taken into consideration.

Methods
54 patients after surgical resection of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) were analysed from 01.09.2005 to 31.05.2008. Inclusion criteria for the study were: age at least 18 years, no indication or treatment of synchronous and metachronous tumours.
German translations of the EORTC H&N-35 and EORTC QLQ-C-30 questionnaires, as well as a general socioeconomic patient history were used as measuring instruments. The questionnaires were completed independently by the patients. The answers were translated into scale values for statistical evaluation using appropriate algorithms.

Results
Analysis of the EORTC-QLQ-C-30 questionnaires demonstrated a tendency of more negative assessment of emotional function among the female participants, and a more negative evaluation of social function among the male participants. Greater tumour sizes showed significantly lower bodily function (p = 0.018). While a smaller tumour size was significantly associated with lower cognitive functioning (p = 0.031). Other cofactors such as age, nicotine consumption, and tumour stage only showed a tendency to influence the quality of sleep and daily life.

Conclusions
The data obtained within this investigation demonstrated that gender had the most significant power on the subjectively perceived postoperative quality of life. This factor is important e.g. in preoperative decision making regarding immediate microvascular reconstruction after e.g. mandibular resection and therefore QOL assessment should become integral component of the care of patients with OSCC.
Targeted identification of genomic regions using TAGdb
Authors: Marshall Daniel J , Hayward Alice , Eales Dominic , Imelfort Michael , Stiller Jiri , Berkman Paul J , Clark Terry , McKenzie Megan , Lai Kaitao , Duran Chris , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
The introduction of second generation sequencing technology has enabled the cost effective sequencing of genomes and the identification of large numbers of genes and gene promoters. However, the assembly of DNA sequences to create a representation of the complete genome sequence remains costly, especially for the larger and more complex plant genomes.

Results
We have developed an online database, TAGdb, that enables researchers to identify paired read sequences that share identity with a submitted query sequence. These tags can be used to design oligonucleotide primers for the PCR amplification of the region in the target genome.

Conclusions
The ability to produce large numbers of paired read genome tags using second generation sequencing provides a cost effective method for the identification of genes and promoters in large, complex or orphan species without the need for whole genome assembly.
Image-based quantitative determination of DNA damage signal reveals a threshold for G2 checkpoint activation in response to ionizing radiation
Authors: Ishikawa Aya , Yamauchi Motohiro , Suzuki Keiji , Yamashita Shunichi 
Published: August 2010

Background
Proteins involved in the DNA damage response accumulate as microscopically-visible nuclear foci on the chromatin flanking DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). As growth of ionizing radiation (IR)-induced foci amplifies the ATM-dependent DNA damage signal, the formation of discrete foci plays a crucial role in cell cycle checkpoint activation, especially in cells exposed to lower doses of IR. However, there is no quantitative parameter for the foci which considers both the number and their size. Therefore, we have developed a novel parameter for DNA damage signal based on the image analysis of the foci and quantified the amount of the signal sufficient for G2 arrest.

Results
The parameter that we have developed here was designated as SOID. SOID is an abbreviation of Sum Of Integrated Density, which represents the sum of fluorescence of each focus within one nucleus. The SOID was calculated for individual nucleus as the sum of (area (total pixel numbers) of each focus) x (mean fluorescence intensity per pixel of each focus). Therefore, the SOID accounts for the number, size, and fluorescence density of IR-induced foci, and the parameter reflects the flux of DNA damage signal much more accurately than foci number. Using very low doses of X-rays, we performed a "two-way" comparison of SOID of Ser139-phosphorylated histone H2AX foci between G2-arrested cells and mitosis-progressing cells, and between mitosis-progressing cells in the presence or absence of ATM or Chk1/2 inhibitor, both of which abrogate IR-induced G2/M checkpoint. The analysis revealed that there was a threshold of DNA damage signal for G2 arrest, which was around 4000~5000 SOID. G2 cells with < 4000 SOID were neglected by G2/M checkpoint, and thus, the cells could progress to mitosis. Chromosome analysis revealed that the checkpoint-neglected and mitosis-progressing cells had approximately two chromatid breaks on average, indicating that 4000~5000 SOID was equivalent to a few DNA double strand breaks.

Conclusions
We developed a novel parameter for quantitative analysis of DNA damage signal, and we determined the threshold of DNA damage signal for IR-induced G2 arrest, which was represented by 4000~5000 SOID. The present study emphasizes that not only the foci number but also the size of the foci must be taken into consideration for the proper quantification of DNA damage signal.
Protection against sepsis-induced lung injury by selective inhibition of protein kinase C-δ (δ-PKC)
Authors: Kilpatrick Laurie E , Standage Stephen W , Li Haiying , Raj Nichelle R , Korchak Helen M , Wolfson Marla R , Deutschman Clifford S 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTInflammation and proinflammatory mediators are activators of δ-PKC. In vitro, δ-PKC regulates proinflammatory signaling in neutrophils and endothelial and epithelial cells, cells that can contribute to lung tissue damage associated with inflammation. In this study, a specific δ-PKC TAT peptide inhibitor was used to test the hypothesis that inhibition of δ-PKC would attenuate lung injury in an animal model of ARDS. Experimental ARDS was induced in rats via 2CLP, a model of polymicrobial sepsis. Following 2CLP surgery, the δ-PKC TAT inhibitory peptide (2CLP+δ-PKC TAT in PBS) or PBS (2CLP+PBS) was administered intratracheally. Controls consisted of SO, where animals underwent a laparotomy without 2CLP. Twenty-four hours after SO or 2CLP, blood, BALF, and lung tissue were collected. 2CLP induced δ-PKC phosphorylation in the lung within 24 h. Treatment with the δ-PKC TAT inhibitory peptide significantly decreased pulmonary δ-PKC phosphorylation, indicating effective inhibition of δ-PKC activation. Plasma and BALF levels of the chemokines CINC-1 and MIP-2 were elevated in 2CLP + PBS rats as compared with SO rats. Treatment with δ-PKC TAT reduced 2CLP-induced elevations in chemokine levels in BALF and plasma, suggesting that δ-PKC modulated chemokine expression. Most importantly, intratracheal administration of δ-PKC TAT peptide significantly attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration, disruption of lung architecture, and pulmonary edema associated with 2CLP. Thus, δ-PKC is an important regulator of proinflammatory events in the lung. Targeted inhibition of δ-PKC exerted a lung-protective effect 24 h after 2CLP.
Thromboemboliás szövődmények előfordulása és megelőzése egynapos sebészeti beavatkozások során
Authors: Pfliegler György , Fülesdi Béla , Damjanovich László , Janecskó Mária 
Published: August 2010

Absztrakt
A perioperatív antithromboticus megelőzés, illetve a tartósan antithromboticus kezelésben részesülő betegek műtéti ellátása (ún. áthidaló kezelés) mind a vénás thromboemboliák (VTE) megelőzése, mind a műtéti vérzéses szövődmények számának és súlyosságának csökkentése szempontjából kiemelt jelentőségű feladat. A nagyszámú irodalom és a nyomukban született ajánlások – érthető módon – elsősorban a hagyományos, általában többnapos hospitalizációt igénylő, nyílt műtétek különféle formáival foglalkoznak, sokkal kevesebb figyelem jutott ez ideig az egynapos sebészet során fellépő VTE kockázataira, illetve megelőzésére. A szerzők áttekintik az egynapos sebészeti eljárásokhoz kapcsolódó VTE epidemiológiáját, ismertetik az új nemzetközi, illetve a 4. Magyar Antithrombotikus Irányelv ajánlásait. Ezek lényege: amennyiben a műtétre kerülő betegnél egyidejűleg szerzett vagy veleszületett thrombosisra hajlamosító tényezők igazolhatók, az általános, nem gyógyszeres thrombosismegelőzési módszereken túlmenően egynapos sebészeti eljárások során is indokolt a gyógyszeres (kis molekulatömegű heparin) profilaxis.
Alcohol Retail Density and Demographic Predictors of Health Disparities: A Geographic Analysis
Authors: Berke Ethan M. , Tanski Susanne E. , Demidenko Eugene , Alford-Teaster Jennifer , Shi Xun , Sargent James D. 
Published: August 2010

Objectives. We examined whether the geographic density of alcohol retailers was greater in geographic areas with higher levels of demographic characteristics that predict health disparities.Methods. We obtained the locations of all alcohol retailers in the continental United States and created a map depicting alcohol retail outlet density at the US Census tract level. US Census data provided tract-level measures of poverty, education, crowding, and race/ethnicity. We used multiple linear regression to assess relationships between these variables and retail alcohol density.Results. In urban areas, retail alcohol density had significant nonlinear relationships with Black race, Latino ethnicity, poverty, and education, with slopes increasing substantially throughout the highest quartile for each predictor. In high-proportion Latino communities, retail alcohol density was twice as high as the median density. Retail alcohol density had little or no relationship with the demographic factors of interest in suburban, large town, or rural census tracts.Conclusions. Greater density of alcohol retailers was associated with higher levels of poverty and with higher proportions of Blacks and Latinos in urban census tracts. These disparities could contribute to higher morbidity in these geographic areas.
Concurrent Partnerships, Nonmonogamous Partners, and Substance Use Among Women in the United States
Authors: Adimora Adaora A. , Schoenbach Victor J. , Taylor Eboni M. , Khan Maria R. , Schwartz Robert J. 
Published: August 2010

Objectives. We determined the prevalence, distribution, and correlates of US women's involvement in concurrent sexual partnerships, a sexual-network pattern that speeds population-wide HIV dissemination. Methods. We used sexual partnership dates reported by 7643 women in the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth to determine prevalence of concurrent sexual partnerships during the preceding 12 months. We examined associations between concurrency and sociodemographic characteristics and risk behaviors. Results. Prevalence of concurrent partnerships was 5.7% based on reported partnerships and 8.3% after adjustment for possible underreporting. Concurrency was associated with younger age (22 to 24 years: prevalence odds ratio [POR] = 2.44) versus older age (40 to 44 years); marital status (formerly married: POR = 6.56; never married: POR = 3.81; vs married); Black race/ethnicity (POR = 1.78); younger age at first sexual intercourse (12 to 13 years: POR = 2.89) versus 18 years or older); having a nonmonogamous sexual partner (POR = 6.96); having intercourse while “high” on drugs or alcohol (POR = 1.61); binge drinking (POR = 1.70); and crack or cocaine use (POR = 2.72). Conclusions. The association of concurrency with nonmonogamous sexual partners and substance use suggests the existence of extensive sexual networks that link people at higher risk for HIV infection with increased opportunities for disseminating infection.
Can Medicaid Reimbursement Help Give Female Condoms a Second Chance in the United States?
Authors: Witte Susan S. , Stefano Kyle , Hawkins Courtney 
Published: August 2010

The female condom is the only other barrier contraception method besides the male condom, and it is the only “woman-initiated” device for prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Although studies demonstrate high acceptability and effectiveness for this device, overall use in the United States remains low. The female condom has been available through Medicaid in many states since 1994. We provide the first published summary of data on Medicaid reimbursement for the female condom. Our findings demonstrate low rates of claims for female condoms but high rates of reimbursement. In light of the 2009 approval of a new, cheaper female condom and the recent passage of comprehensive health care reform, we call for research examining how health care providers can best promote consumer use of Medicaid reimbursement to obtain this important infection-prevention device.
Socioeconomic and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in the Incidence of Bacteremic Pneumonia Among US Adults
Authors: Burton Deron C. , Flannery Brendan , Bennett Nancy M. , Farley Monica M. , Gershman Ken , Harrison Lee H. , Lynfield Ruth , Petit Susan , Reingold Arthur L. , Schaffner William , Thomas Ann , Plikaytis Brian D. , Rose Charles E. , Whitney Cynthia G. , Schuchat Anne ,   for the Active Bacterial Core Surveillance/Emerging Infections Program Network
Published: August 2010

Objectives. We examined associations between the socioeconomic characteristics of census tracts and racial/ethnic disparities in the incidence of bacteremic community-acquired pneumonia among US adults. Methods. We analyzed data on 4870 adults aged 18 years or older with community-acquired bacteremic pneumonia identified through active, population-based surveillance in 9 states and geocoded to census tract of residence. We used data from the 2000 US Census to calculate incidence by age, race/ethnicity, and census tract characteristics and Poisson regression to estimate rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. During 2003 to 2004, the average annual incidence of bacteremic pneumonia was 24.2 episodes per 100 000 Black adults versus 10.1 per 100 000 White adults (RR = 2.40; 95% CI = 2.24, 2.57). Incidence among Black residents of census tracts with 20% or more of persons in poverty (most impoverished) was 4.4 times the incidence among White residents of census tracts with less than 5% of persons in poverty (least impoverished). Racial disparities in incidence were reduced but remained significant in models that controlled for age, census tract poverty level, and state. Conclusions. Adults living in impoverished census tracts are at increased risk of bacteremic pneumonia and should be targeted for prevention efforts.
Workplace Assaults on Nursing Assistants in US Nursing Homes: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Tak SangWoo , Sweeney Marie Haring , Alterman Toni , Baron Sherry , Calvert Geoffrey M. 
Published: August 2010

Objectives. We examined risk factors for injuries to nursing assistants from assaults by nursing home residents at both the individual and the organizational level. Methods. We analyzed data from the 2004 National Nursing Assistant Survey that were linked to facility information from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey by use of multilevel modeling that accounted for the complex survey design effect. Results. Thirty-four percent of nursing assistants surveyed reported experiencing physical injuries from residents' aggression in the previous year. Mandatory overtime (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.22, 2.24) and not having enough time to assist residents with their activities of daily living (OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.25, 1.78) were strongly associated with experiencing injuries from assaults. Nursing assistants employed in nursing homes with Alzheimer care units were more likely to experience such injuries, including being bitten by residents. Conclusions. Reducing mandatory overtime and having a less demanding workload may reduce the risk of workplace violence. In particular, prevention activities should be targeted at those nursing homes that care for cognitively impaired patients.