bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges using online surveys in a Danish population of people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Schiøtz Michaela , Bøgelund Mette , Willaing Ingrid 
Published: September 2011

Objectives: To investigate response rates for online and paper versions of an identical questionnaire and the differences between respondents to each and between respondents and non-respondents among a population with type 2 diabetes. Methods: We mailed letters containing an invitation to complete an online questionnaire to 2045 individuals, followed by two reminders; the second included a paper version of the questionnaire. Results: In total, 1081 people responded to either version of the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 54%. Compared to total respondents, respondents completing the online version were more likely to be male, better educated, and younger, and have had diabetes for a shorter period of time. Compared to non-respondents, respondents were more likely to be male and have a lower hemoglobin A1c level. Conclusion: Web-based surveys are capable of delivering a substantial number of responses cost-effectively. However, disadvantages related to selection bias should be taken into account, and mixed-mode methods should be considered when surveying populations with type 2 diabetes.
Integrated methodology for evaluation of energy performance of the building enclosures: Part 4 – material characterization for input to hygrothermal models
Authors: Yu Shui , Bomberg Mark , Zhang Xu 
Published: September 2011

Reviewing hygrothermal input data published in handbooks such as ASHRAE or ASTM, one often finds large range of variability in hygric properties of construction materials. Two factors that cause variability of these results are uncertainty of the test method and inadequate characterization of the material sample. Adequate characterization of the tested sample, despite being one of the most critical aspects of any material property measurement, is however frequently neglected. Yet, performing a high-precision test when the sample is not adequately characterized does not tell us what material was tested and therefore is not precise. Typically porous materials are characterized with geometrical properties such as mean pore size and pore-size distribution, but this approach bring as many new questions as it addresses. In this context, a position paper from CIB W40 written almost 10 years ago proposed using critical hygrothermal characteristics for material characterization as well as for the input to the models. Yet, with a few recently completed PhD, revisiting this issue may support the use of hygrothermal models for field performance calculations.
Protease-activated receptor 2 activation of myeloid dendritic cells regulates allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Lewkowich Ian P , Day Scottie B , Ledford John R , Zhou Ping , Dienger Krista , Wills-Karp Marsha , Page Kristen 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundA common characteristic of allergens is that they contain proteases that can activate protease-activated receptor (PAR-2); however the mechanism by which PAR-2 regulates allergic airway inflammation is unclear.MethodsMice (wild type and PAR-2-deficient) were sensitized using German cockroach (GC) feces (frass), the isolated protease from GC frass, or through adoptive transfer of GC frass-treated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) and measurements of airway inflammation (cellular infiltration, cytokine expression, and mucin production), serum IgE levels and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were assessed. BMDC were cultured, treated with GC frass and assessed for cytokine production. PAR-2 expression on pulmonary mDCs was determined by flow cytometry.ResultsExposure to GC frass induced AHR and airway inflammation in wild type mice; however PAR-2-deficient mice had significantly attenuated responses. To directly investigate the role of the protease, we isolated the protease from GC frass and administered the endotoxin-free protease into the airways of mice in the presence of OVA. GC frass proteases were sufficient to promote the development of AHR, serum IgE, and Th2 cytokine production. PAR-2 expression on mDC was upregulated following GC frass exposure, but the presence of a functional PAR-2 did not alter antigen uptake. To determine if PAR-2 activation led to differential cytokine production, we cultured BMDC in the presence of GM-CSF and treated these cellsex vivowith GC frass. PAR-2-deficient BMDC released significantly less IL-6, IL-23 and TNFα compared to BMDC from wild type mice, suggesting PAR-2 activation was important in Th2/Th17 skewing cytokine production. To determine the role for PAR-2 on mDCs on the initiation of allergic airway inflammation, BMDCs from wild type and PAR-2-deficient mice were treated in the presence or absence of GC frass and then adoptively transferred into the airway of wild type mice. Importantly, GC frass-stimulated wild type BMDCs were sufficient to induce AHR and allergic airway inflammation, while GC frass-stimulated PAR-2-deficient BMDC had attenuated responses.ConclusionsTogether these data suggest an important role for allergen activation of PAR-2 on mDCs in mediating Th2/Th17 cytokine production and allergic airway responses.
Sirtuin-mediated nuclear differentiation and programmed degradation in Tetrahymena
Authors: Slade Kristin M , Freggiaro Sydney , Cottrell Kyle A , Smith Joshua J , Wiley Emily A 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe NAD+-dependent histone deacetylases, known as "sirtuins", participate in a variety of processes critical for single- and multi-cellular life. Recent studies have elucidated the importance of sirtuin activity in development, aging, and disease; yet, underlying mechanistic pathways are not well understood. Specific sirtuins influence chromatin structure and gene expression, but differences in their pathways as they relate to distinct chromatin functions are just beginning to emerge. To further define the range of global chromatin changes dependent on sirtuins, unique biological features of the ciliated protozoanTetrahymena thermophilacan be exploited. This system offers clear spatial and temporal separation of multiple whole genome restructuring events critical for the life cycle.ResultsInhibition with nicotinamide revealed that sirtuin deacetylase activity inTetrahymenacells promotes chromatin condensation during meiotic prophase, differentiation of heterochromatin from euchromatin during development, and chromatin condensation/degradation during programmed nuclear death. We identified a class I sirtuin, called Thd14, that resides in mitochondria and nucleoli during vegetative growth, and forms a large sub-nuclear aggregate in response to prolonged cell starvation that may be peripherally associated with nucleoli. During sexual conjugation and development Thd14 selectively concentrates in the parental nucleus prior to its apoptotic-like degradation.ConclusionsSirtuin activity is important for several functionally distinct events requiring global chromatin condensation. Our findings suggest a novel role for sirtuins in promoting programmed pycnosis by acting on chromatin destined for degradation. The sirtuin Thd14, which displays physiological-dependent differential localization within the nucleus, is a candidate for a chromatin condensation enzyme that is coupled to nuclear degradation.
Evolutionary view of acyl-CoA diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), a key enzyme in neutral lipid biosynthesis
Authors: Turchetto-Zolet Andreia C , Maraschin Felipe S , de Morais Guilherme L , Cagliari Alexandro , Andrade Cláudia MB , Margis-Pinheiro Marcia , Margis Rogerio 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Triacylglycerides (TAGs) are a class of neutral lipids that represent the most important storage form of energy for eukaryotic cells. DGAT (acyl-CoA: diacylglycerol acyltransferase; EC 2.3.1.20) is a transmembrane enzyme that acts in the final and committed step of TAG synthesis, and it has been proposed to be the rate-limiting enzyme in plant storage lipid accumulation. In fact, two different enzymes identified in several eukaryotic species, DGAT1 and DGAT2, are the main enzymes responsible for TAG synthesis. These enzymes do not share high DNA or protein sequence similarities, and it has been suggested that they play non-redundant roles in different tissues and in some species in TAG synthesis. Despite a number of previous studies on the DGAT1 and DGAT2 genes, which have emphasized their importance as potential obesity treatment targets to increase triacylglycerol accumulation, little is known about their evolutionary timeline in eukaryotes. The goal of this study was to examine the evolutionary relationship of the DGAT1 and DGAT2 genes across eukaryotic organisms in order to infer their origin.

Results
We have conducted a broad survey of fully sequenced genomes, including representatives of Amoebozoa, yeasts, fungi, algae, musses, plants, vertebrate and invertebrate species, for the presence of DGAT1 and DGAT2 gene homologs. We found that the DGAT1 and DGAT2 genes are nearly ubiquitous in eukaryotes and are readily identifiable in all the major eukaryotic groups and genomes examined. Phylogenetic analyses of the DGAT1 and DGAT2 amino acid sequences revealed evolutionary partitioning of the DGAT protein family into two major DGAT1 and DGAT2 clades. Protein secondary structure and hydrophobic-transmembrane analysis also showed differences between these enzymes. The analysis also revealed that the MGAT2 and AWAT genes may have arisen from DGAT2 duplication events.

Conclusions
In this study, we identified several DGAT1 and DGAT2 homologs in eukaryote taxa. Overall, the data show that DGAT1 and DGAT2 are present in most eukaryotic organisms and belong to two different gene families. The phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses revealed that DGAT1 and DGAT2 evolved separately, with functional convergence, despite their wide molecular and structural divergence.
A new high-throughput method for simultaneous detection of drug resistance associated mutations in Plasmodium vivax dhfr, dhps and mdr1 genes
Authors: Barnadas Céline , Kent David , Timinao Lincoln , Iga Jonah , Gray Laurie R , Siba Peter , Mueller Ivo , Thomas Peter J , Zimmerman Peter A 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Reports of severe cases and increasing levels of drug resistance highlight the importance of improved Plasmodium vivax case management. Whereas monitoring P. vivax resistance to anti-malarial drug by in vivo and in vitro tests remain challenging, molecular markers of resistance represent a valuable tool for high-scale analysis and surveillance studies. A new high-throughput assay for detecting the most relevant markers related to P. vivax drug resistance was developed and assessed on Papua New Guinea (PNG) patient isolates.

Methods

Pvdhfr, pvdhps and pvmdr1 fragments were amplified by multiplex nested PCR. Then, PCR products were processed through an LDR-FMA (ligase detection reaction - fluorescent microsphere assay). 23 SNPs, including pvdhfr 57-58-61 and 173, pvdhps 382-383, 553, 647 and pvmdr1 976, were simultaneously screened in 366 PNG P. vivax samples.

Results
Genotyping was successful in 95.4% of the samples for at least one gene. The coexistence of multiple distinct haplotypes in the parasite population necessitated the introduction of a computer-assisted approach to data analysis. Whereas 73.1% of patients were infected with at least one wild-type genotype at codons 57, 58 and 61 of pvdhfr, a triple mutant genotype was detected in 65.6% of the patients, often associated with the 117T mutation. Only one patient carried the 173L mutation. The mutant 647P pvdhps genotype allele was approaching genetic fixation (99.3%), whereas 35.1% of patients were infected with parasites carrying the pvmdr1 976F mutant allele.

Conclusions
The LDR-FMA described here allows a discriminant genotyping of resistance alleles in the pvdhfr, pvdhps, and pvmdr1 genes and can be used in large-scale surveillance studies.
A MCP1 fusokine with CCR2-specific tumoricidal activity
Authors: Rafei Moutih , Deng Jiusheng , Boivin Marie-Noëlle , Williams Patrick , Matulis Shannon M , Yuan Shala , Birman Elena , Forner Kathy , Yuan Liangping , Castellino Craig , Boise Lawrence H , MacDonald Tobey J , Galipeau Jacques 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
The CCL2 chemokine is involved in promoting cancer angiogenesis, proliferation and metastasis by malignancies that express CCR2 receptor. Thus the CCL2/CCR2 axis is an attractive molecular target for anticancer drug development.

Methods
We have generated a novel fusion protein using GMCSF and an N-terminal truncated version of MCP1/CCL2 (6-76) [hereafter GMME1] and investigated its utility as a CCR2-specific tumoricidal agent.

Results
We found that distinct to full length CCL2 or its N-truncated derivative (CCL2 5-76), GMME1 bound to CCR2 on mouse lymphoma EG7, human multiple myeloma cell line U266, or murine and human medulloblastoma cell lines, and led to their death by apoptosis. We demonstrated that GMME1 specifically blocked CCR2-associated STAT3 phosphorylation and up-regulated pro-apoptotic BAX. Furthermore, GMME1 significantly inhibited EG7 tumor growth in C57BL/6 mice, and induced apoptosis of primary myeloma cells from patients.

Conclusion
Our data demonstrate that GMME1 is a fusokine with a potent, CCR2 receptor-mediated pro-apoptotic effect on tumor cells and could be exploited as a novel biological therapy for CCR2+ malignancies including lymphoid and central nervous system malignancies.
Treatment with gelsolin reduces brain inflammation and apoptotic signaling in mice following thermal injury
Authors: Zhang Qing-Hong , Chen Qi , Kang Jia-Rui , Liu Chen , Dong Ning , Zhu Xiao-Mei , Sheng Zhi-Yong , Yao Yong-Ming 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundBurn survivors develop long-term cognitive impairment with increased inflammation and apoptosis in the brain. Gelsolin, an actin-binding protein with capping and severing activities, plays a crucial role in the septic response. We investigated if gelsolin infusion could attenuate neural damage in burned mice.MethodsMice with 15% total body surface area burns were injected intravenously with bovine serum albumin as placebo (2 mg/kg), or with low (2 mg/kg) or high doses (20 mg/kg) of gelsolin. Samples were harvested at 8, 24, 48 and 72 hours postburn. The immune function of splenic T cells was analyzed. Cerebral pathology was examined by hematoxylin/eosin staining, while activated glial cells and infiltrating leukocytes were detected by immunohistochemistry. Cerebral cytokine mRNAs were further assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, while apoptosis was evaluated by caspase-3. Neural damage was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and soluble protein-100 (S-100). Finally, cerebral phospho-ERK expression was measured by western blot.ResultsGelsolin significantly improved the outcomes of mice following major burns in a dose-dependent manner. The survival rate was improved by high dose gelsolin treatment compared with the placebo group (56.67% vs. 30%). Although there was no significant improvement in outcome in mice receiving low dose gelsolin (30%), survival time was prolonged against the placebo control (43.1 ± 4.5 h vs. 35.5 ± 5.0 h; P < 0.05). Burn-induced T cell suppression was greatly alleviated by high dose gelsolin treatment. Concurrently, cerebral abnormalities were greatly ameliorated as shown by reduced NSE and S-100 content of brain, decreased cytokine mRNA expressions, suppressed microglial activation, and enhanced infiltration of CD11b+ and CD45+ cells into the brain. Furthermore, the elevated caspase-3 activity seen following burn injury was remarkably reduced by high dose gelsolin treatment along with down-regulation of phospho-ERK expression.ConclusionExogenous gelsolin infusion improves survival of mice following major burn injury by partially attenuating inflammation and apoptosis in brain, and by enhancing peripheral T lymphocyte function as well. These data suggest a novel and effective strategy to combat excessive neuroinflammation and to preserve cognition in the setting of major burns.
Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus is not associated with chronic fatigue syndrome in patients from different areas of the us in the 1990s
Authors: Ali Mir A , Dale Janet K , Kozak Christine A , Goldbach-Mansky Raphaela , Miller Frederick W , Straus Stephen E , Cohen Jeffrey I 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
In 2009, xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) was reported in 67% of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) compared to 4% of controls. Since then numerous reports failed to detect XMRV in other cohorts of CFS patients, and some studies suggested that XMRV sequences in human samples might be due to contamination of these samples with mouse DNA.

Results
We determined the prevalence of XMRV in patients with CFS from similar areas in the United States as the original 2009 study, along with patients with chronic inflammatory disorders and healthy persons. Using quantitative PCR, we initially detected very low level signals for XMRV DNA in 15% of patients with CFS; however, the frequency of PCR positivity was no different between patients with CFS and controls. Repeated attempts to isolate PCR products from these reactions were unsuccessful. These findings were supported by our observations that PHA and IL-2 stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with apparently low levels of XMRV, which induced virus replication in the 2009 report, resulted in the disappearance of the signal for XMRV DNA in the cells. Immunoprecipitation of XMRV-infected cell lysates using serum from patients from whom we initially detected low levels of XMRV DNA followed by immunoblotting with antibodies to XMRV gp70 protein failed to detect antibody in the patients, although one control had a weak level of reactivity. Diverse murine leukemia virus (MLV) sequences were obtained by nested PCR with a similar frequency in CFS patients and controls. Finally, we did not detect XMRV sequences in patients with several chronic inflammatory disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, Bechet's disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Conclusions
We found no definitive evidence for XMRV DNA sequences or antibody in our cohort of CFS patients, which like the original 2009 study, included patients from diverse regions of the United States. In addition, XMRV was not detected in a cohort of patients with chronic inflammatory disorders.
Exercise prior to a freely requested meal modifies pre and postprandial glucose profile, substrate oxidation and sympathovagal balance
Authors: Charlot Keyne , Pichon Aurélien , Chapelot Didier 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe effects of exercise on glucose and metabolic events preceding and following a freely initiated meal have never been assessed. Moreover, the relationship between these events and sympathovagal balance is not known. The objective of this study was to determine whether exercise prior to a freely requested meal modifies the pre- and postprandial glucose profile, substrate oxidation and sympathovagal balance.MethodsNine young active male subjects consumed a standard breakfast (2298 ± 357 kJ). After 120 min, they either performed 75 min of exercise on a cycle ergometer (EX - 70% VO2max) or rested (RT). Lunch was freely requested but eatenad libitumonly during the 1stsession, and then energy intake was fixed across conditions. Glucose and sympathovagal balance were assessed continuously using a subcutaneous glucose monitoring system and analysis of heart rate variability, respectively. Every 5 min, a mean value was calculated for both glucose and sympathovagal balance. Substrate oxidation was determined by calculating the gas exchange ratio when lunch was requested and 180 min after the onset of eating.ResultsPreprandial glucose profiles were found in 72% of the sessions and with a similar frequency under both conditions. Meals were requested after a similar delay (40 ± 12 and 54 ± 10 min in EX and RT respectively; ns). At meal request, sympathovagal balance was not different between conditions but CHO oxidation was lower and fat oxidation higher in EX than in RT (-46% and +63%, respectively; both p < 0.05). Glucose responses to the meal were higher in incremental (+ 48%) but not in absolute value in EX than in RT, with a higher fat oxidation (+ 46%, p < 0.05), and a greater vagal withdrawal (+ 15%, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results show that exercise does not impair preprandial glucose declines at the following meal freely requested, but leads to an increased postprandial glucose response and an elevated fat oxidation, an effect that vagal withdrawal may contribute to explain.
Permanent Relief from Intermittent Cold Stress-Induced Fibromyalgia-Like Abnormal Pain by Repeated Intrathecal Administration of Antidepressants
Authors: Nishiyori Michiko , Uchida Hitoshi , Nagai Jun , Araki Kohei , Mukae Takehiro , Kishioka Shiroh , Ueda Hiroshi 
Published: September 2011

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic widespread pain, which is often refractory to conventional painkillers. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that antidepressants are effective in treating FM pain. We previously established a mouse model of FM-like pain, induced by intermittent cold stress (ICS). Results: In this study, we find that ICS exposure causes a transient increase in plasma corticosterone concentration, but not in anxiety or depression-like behaviors. A single intrathecal injection of an antidepressant, such as milnacipran, amitriptyline, mianserin or paroxetine, had an acute analgesic effect on ICS-induced thermal hyperalgesia at post-stress day 1 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, repeated daily antidepressant treatments during post-stress days 1-5 gradually reversed the reduction in thermal pain threshold, and this recovery was maintained for at least 7 days after the final treatment. In addition, relief from mechanical allodynia, induced by ICS exposure, was also observed at day 9 after the cessation of antidepressant treatment. In contrast, the intravenous administration of these antidepressants at conventional doses failed to provide relief. Conclusions: These results suggest that the repetitive intrathecal administration of antidepressants permanently cures ICS-induced FM pain in mice.
The long noncoding RNA Six3OS acts in trans to regulate retinal development by modulating Six3 activity
Authors: Rapicavoli Nicole A , Poth Erin M , Zhu Heng , Blackshaw Seth 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Thousands of different long non-coding RNAs are expressed during embryonic development, but the function of these molecules remains largely unexplored.

Results
Here we characterize the expression and function of Six3OS, a long non-coding RNA that is transcribed from the distal promoter region of the gene encoding the homeodomain transcription factor Six3. Overexpression and knockdown analysis of Six3OS reveals that it plays an essential role in regulating retinal cell specification. We further observe that Six3OS regulates Six3 activity in developing retina, but does not do so by modulating Six3 expression. Finally, we show that Six3OS binds directly to Ezh2 and Eya family members, indicating that Six3OS can act as a molecular scaffold to recruit histone modification enzymes to Six3 target genes.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate a novel mechanism by which promoter-associated long non-coding RNAs can modulate the activity of their associated protein coding genes, and highlight the importance of this diverse class of molecules in the control of neural development.