bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone mineral density in adult survivors of childhood acute leukemia: impact of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and other treatment modalities
Authors: Le Meignen Marion , Auquier Pascal , Barlogis Vincent , Sirvent Nicolas , Contet Audrey , Simeoni Marie-Claude , Galambrun Claire , Poirée Marilyne , Chastagner Pascal , Play Barbara , Villes Virginie , Berbis Julie , Chambost Hervé , Bordigoni Pierre , Michel Gérard 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Femoral and lumbar bone mineral densities (BMDs) were measured in 159 adults enrolled in the Leucémies de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent program, a French prospective multicentric cohort of childhood leukemia survivors. BMDs were expressed as Z-scores, and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to construct association models with potential risk factors. Mean age at evaluation and follow-up was 23 and 14.7 years, respectively. In the whole cohort, mean femoral Z-score was −0.19 ± 0.08. Two factors were associated with lower femoral BMD transplantation (−0.49 ± 0.15 vs −0.04 ± 0.10 in the chemotherapy group; P = .006) and female sex (−0.34 ± 0.10 vs −0.03 ± 0.13; P = .03). Among patients who received a transplant, the only significant risk factor was hypogonadism (−0.88 ± 0.16 vs −0.10 ± 0.23; P = .04). A slight reduction in lumbar BMD (mean Z-score, −0.37 ± 0.08) was detected in the whole cohort without difference between the transplantation and chemotherapy groups. Among patients who received a transplant, younger age at transplantation was correlated with a low lumbar BMD (P = .03). We conclude that adults who had received only chemotherapy for childhood leukemia have a slight reduction in their lumbar BMD and a normal femoral BMD. Patients who received a transplant with gonadal deficiency have a reduced femoral BMD which might increase the fracture risk later in life.
Understanding Streptococcus suis serotype 2 infection in pigs through a transcriptional approach
Authors: Liu Manli , Fang Liurong , Tan Chen , Long Tiansi , Chen Huanchun , Xiao Shaobo 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundStreptococcus suisserotype 2 (S. suis2) is an important pathogen of pigs.S suis 2infections have high mortality rates and are characterized by meningitis, septicemia and pneumonia.S. suis2 is also an emerging zoonotic agent and can infect humans that are exposed to pigs or their by-products. To increase our knowledge of the pathogenesis of meningitis, septicemia and pneumonia in pigs caused byS. suis2, we profiled the response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC), brain and lung tissues to infection withS. suis2 strain SC19 using the Affymetrix Porcine Genome Array.ResultsA total of 3,002 differentially expressed transcripts were identified in the three tissues, including 417 unique genes in brain, 210 in lung and 213 in PBMC. These genes showed differential expression (DE) patterns on analysis by visualization and integrated discovery (DAVID). The DE genes involved in the immune response included genes related to the inflammatory response (CD163), the innate immune response (TLR2, TLR4, MYD88, TIRAP), cell adhesion (CD34, SELE, SELL, SELP, ICAM-1, ICAM-2, VCAM-1), antigen processing and presentation (MHC protein complex) and angiogenesis (VEGF), together with genes encoding cytokines (interleukins). Five selected genes were validated by qRT-PCR analysis.ConclusionsWe studied the response to infection withS. suis2 strain SC19 by microarray analysis. Our findings confirmed some genes identified in previous studies and discovered numerous additional genes that potentially function inS. suis2 infections in vivo. This new information will form the foundation of future investigations into the pathogenesis ofS. suis.
Identification of factors required for meristem function in Arabidopsis using a novel next generation sequencing fast forward genetics approach
Authors: Mokry Michal , Nijman Isaäc J , van Dijken Anja , Benjamins Rene , Heidstra Renze , Scheres Ben , Cuppen Edwin 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Phenotype-driven forward genetic experiments are powerful approaches for linking phenotypes to genomic elements but they still involve a laborious positional cloning process. Although sequencing of complete genomes now becomes available, discriminating causal mutations from the enormous amounts of background variation remains a major challenge.

Method
To improve this, we developed a universal two-step approach, named 'fast forward genetics', which combines traditional bulk segregant techniques with targeted genomic enrichment and next-generation sequencing technology

Results
As a proof of principle we successfully applied this approach to two Arabidopsis mutants and identified a novel factor required for stem cell activity.

Conclusion
We demonstrated that the 'fast forward genetics' procedure efficiently identifies a small number of testable candidate mutations. As the approach is independent of genome size, it can be applied to any model system of interest. Furthermore, we show that experiments can be multiplexed and easily scaled for the identification of multiple individual mutants in a single sequencing run.
Clinical and molecular characterization of a transmitted reciprocal translocation t(1;12)(p32.1;q21.3) in a family co-segregating with mental retardation, language delay, and microcephaly
Authors: Liao Hsiao-Mei , Fang Jye-Siung , Chen Yann-Jang , Wu Kuang-Lun , Lee Kuei-Fang , Chen Chia-Hsiang 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Chromosome translocation associated with neurodevelopmental disorders provides an opportunity to identify new disease-associated genes and gain new insight into their function. During chromosome analysis, we identified a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 1p and 12q, t(1; 12)(p32.1; q21.3), co-segregating with microcephaly, language delay, and severe psychomotor retardation in a mother and her two affected boys.

Methods
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), long-range PCR, and direct sequencing were used to map the breakpoints on chromosomes 1p and 12q. A reporter gene assay was conducted in human neuroblastoma (SKNSH) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines to assess the functional implication of the fusion sequences between chromosomes 12 and 1.

Results
We determined both breakpoints at the nucleotide level. Neither breakpoint disrupted any known gene directly. The breakpoint on chromosome 1p was located amid a gene-poor region of ~ 1.1 Mb, while the breakpoint on chromosome 12q was located ~ 3.4 kb downstream of the ALX1 gene, a homeobox gene. In the reporter gene assay, we discovered that the fusion sequences construct between chromosomes 12 and 1 had a ~ 1.5 to 2-fold increased reporter gene activity compared with the corresponding normal chromosome 12 sequences construct.

Conclusion
Our findings imply that the translocation may enhance the expression of the ALX1 gene via the position effect and result in the clinical symptoms of this family. Our findings may also expand the clinical phenotype spectrum of ALX1-related human diseases as loss of the ALX1 function was recently reported to result in abnormal craniofacial development.
Relationships between stress, coping and depressive symptoms among overseas university preparatory Chinese students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chou Pi-Chi , Chao Yu-Mei Y , Yang Hao-Jan , Yeh Gwo-Liang , Lee Tony Szu-Hsien 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Mental health problems in young people are an important public health issue. Students leaving their hometown and family at a young age to pursue better educational opportunities overseas are confronted with life adjustment stress, which in turn affects their mental health and academic performance. This study aimed to examine the relationships among stress, coping strategies, and depressive symptoms using the stress coping framework in overseas Chinese university preparatory students in Taiwan.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at an overseas Chinese university preparatory institute in Taiwan. Of enrolled overseas Chinese university preparatory students at 2009, 756 completed a structured questionnaire measuring stress, strategies for coping with it, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.

Results
High levels of stress significantly predicted the adoption of active, problem-focused coping strategies (R
2 = 0.13, p < .01) and passive, emotion-focused coping strategies (R
2 = 0.24, p < .01). Acceptable CFI, SRMR, and RMSEA values from the structural equation modeling analysis demonstrated that the model satisfactorily fits the stress coping framework, after active coping strategies were eliminated from the model. Results from the Sobel test revealed that passive coping strategies mediated the relation between stress and depressive symptoms (z = 8.06, p < .001).

Conclusion
Our study results suggested that stress is associated with coping strategies and depressive symptoms and passive strategies mediate the relation between stress and depressive symptoms in overseas Chinese university preparatory students.
Alterations of lipid metabolism in Wilson disease
Authors: Seessle Jessica , Gohdes Annina , Gotthardt Daniel Nils , Pfeiffenberger Jan , Eckert Nicola , Stremmel Wolfgang , Reuner Ulrike , Weiss Karl Heinz 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Wilson disease (WD) is an inherited disorder of human copper metabolism, characterised by accumulation of copper predominantly in the liver and brain, leading to severe hepatic and neurological disease. Interesting findings in animal models of WD (Atp7b-/- and LEC rats) showed altered lipid metabolism with a decrease in the amount of triglycerides and cholesterol in the serum. However, serum lipid profile has not been investigated in large human WD patient cohorts to date.

Patients and Methods
This cohort study involved 251 patients examined at the Heidelberg and Dresden (Germany) University Hospitals. Patients were analysed on routine follow-up examinations for serum lipid profile, including triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Data on these parameters at time of diagnosis were retrieved by chart review where available. For statistical testing, patients were subgrouped by sex, manifestation (hepatic, neurological, mixed and asymptomatic) and treatment (D-penicillamine, trientine, zinc or combination).

Results
A significant difference in total serum cholesterol was found in patients with hepatic symptoms, which diminished under therapy. No alterations were observed for HDL, LDL and triglycerides.

Conclusion
Contradictory to previous reports using WD animal models (Atp7b-/- and LEC rats), the most obvious alteration in our cohort was a lower serum cholesterol level in hepatic-affected patients, which might be related to liver injury. Our data suggested unimpaired cholesterol metabolism in Wilson disease under therapy, independent of the applied medical treatment.
Bilateral dilation of the urinary tract due to iliopsoas pyomyositis: a case report
Authors: Tsiakalos Aristotelis , Georgiadou Sarah P , Anastasiou Ioannis , Sipsas Nikolaos V , Tzioufas Athanasios 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Pyomyositis is an acute bacterial infection of the skeletal muscles that arises from hematogenous spread and is caused predominantly by Gram-positive cocci.

Case presentation
We report a case of iliopsoas pyomyositis in a 25-year-old Greek Caucasian woman with a history of intravenous drug use. Her condition was complicated by bilateral dilation of the ureters and renal calyces as a result of mechanical pressure from inflammation and edema of the involved muscle. The patient did not present aggravation of renal function and was treated successfully solely with intravenous antibiotics, without surgical intervention. This is the first case report describing iliopsoas pyomyositis with reversible bilateral dilation of the urinary tract that was treated successfully with intravenous antibiotics, without surgical intervention.

Conclusion
We present the first described case of iliopsoas pyomyositis with reversible bilateral hydroureteronephrosis that was treated successfully with intravenous antibiotics, without the necessity of surgical intervention. To our knowledge, this is the first report of its kind in the literature regarding an unexpected event in the course of treating a patient with iliopsoas pyomyositis, and it should be of particular interest to different clinical medical specialties such as internal medicine, infectious disease and urology.
Performance of a dipstick dye immunoassay for rapid screening of Schistosoma japonicum infection in areas of low endemicity
Authors: Xu Jing , Feng Ting , Lin Dan-Dan , Wang Qi-Zhi , Tang Li , Wu Xiao-Hua , Guo Jia-Gang , Peeling Rosanna W , Zhou Xiao-Nong 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
The dipstick dye immunoassay (DDIA), recently commercially available in the People's Republic of China (P.R. China), is a rapid and simple test to detect human antibodies against Schistosoma Japonicum. Its performance and utility for screening schistosome infection in low endemic areas is little known. We therefore carried out a cross-sectional survey in seven villages with low endemicity of schistosomiasis in P.R. China and assessed the performance and utility of DDIA for diagnosis of schistosomiasis. Stool samples were collected and examined by the Kato-Katz method and the miracidium hatching technique. Serum samples, separated from whole blood of participants, were tested by DDIA.

Results
6285 individuals aged 6-65 years old participated in this study, with a prevalence of schistosomiasis of 4.20%. Using stool examination as a gold reference standard, DDIA performed with a high overall sensitivity of 91.29% (95% CI: 87.89-94.69%) and also a high negative predictive value, with a mean value of 99.29% (95% CI: 98.99-99.58%). The specificity of DDIA was only moderate (53.08%, 95% CI: 51.82-54.34%). Multivariate analysis indicated that age, occupation and history of schistosome infection were significantly associated with the false positive results of DDIA.

Conclusions
DDIA is a sensitive, rapid, simple and portable diagnostic assay and can be used as a primary approach for screening schistosome infection in areas of low endemicity. However, more sensitive and specific confirmatory assays need to be developed and combined with DDIA for targeting chemotherapy accurately.
A translational continuum of model systems for evaluating treatment strategies in Alzheimer’s disease: isradipine as a candidate drug
Authors: Copenhaver Philip F. , Anekonda Thimmappa S. , Musashe Derek , Robinson Kristine M. , Ramaker Jenna M. , Swanson Tracy L. , Wadsworth Teri L. , Kretzschmar Doris , Woltjer Randall L. , Quinn Joseph F. 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYA growing body of evidence supports the ‘calcium hypothesis’ of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which postulates that a variety of insults might disrupt the homeostatic regulation of neuronal calcium (Ca2+) in the brain, resulting in the progressive symptoms that typify the disease. However, despite ongoing efforts to develop new methods for testing therapeutic compounds that might be beneficial in AD, no single bioassay permits both rapid screening and in vivo validation of candidate drugs that target specific components of the Ca2+ regulatory machinery. To address this issue, we have integrated four distinct model systems that provide complementary information about a trial compound: the human neuroblastoma MC65 line, which provides an in vitro model of amyloid toxicity; a transgenic Drosophila model, which develops age-dependent pathologies associated with AD; the 3×TgAD transgenic mouse, which recapitulates many of the neuropathological features that typify AD; and the embryonic nervous system of Manduca, which provides a novel in vivo assay for the acute effects of amyloid peptides on neuronal motility. To demonstrate the value of this ‘translational suite’ of bioassays, we focused on a set of clinically approved dihydropyridines (DHPs), a class of well-defined inhibitors of L-type calcium channels that have been suggested to be neuroprotective in AD. Among the DHPs tested in this study, we found that isradipine reduced the neurotoxic consequences of β-amyloid accumulation in all four model systems without inducing deleterious side effects. Our results provide new evidence in support of the Ca2+ hypothesis of AD, and indicate that isradipine represents a promising drug for translation into clinical trials. In addition, these studies also demonstrate that this continuum of bioassays (representing different levels of complexity) provides an effective means of evaluating other candidate compounds that target specific components of the Ca2+ regulatory machinery and that therefore might be beneficial in the treatment of AD.
An assessment of patient information channels and knowledge of physical activity and nutrition during pregnancy
Authors: Ferraro Zach , Rutherford Jane , Keely Erin J , Dubois Lise , Adamo Kristi B 
Published: May 2011

Background Excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk for obesity in mother and child. Healthy eating and physical activity may help prevent excessive gestational weight gain and minimize offspring risk of developing obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Our goal was to determine the information channels used by pregnant women to obtain information on nutrition and exercise. Methods We collected information about their knowledge of physical activity and nutrition during pregnancy and assessed their satisfaction with this information to identify factors that may be improved upon when designing a behavioural intervention. An anonymous, voluntary questionnaire was completed by 147 pregnant women to identify the proportion who are currently receiving information about exercise from their care provider. Results The primarily Caucasian sample (age: 30.9 ± 4.2, weeks gestation: 21.4 ± 9.4) completed the survey. A total of 86% are willing to participate in a lifestyle intervention trial. Personal health and the health of their child were cited as top reasons for participation. Most women were not informed as to the importance of appropriate pregnancy-specific energy intake or made aware of their own personal healthy gestational weight gain targets. A total of 63% report receiving some form of information on physical activity during pregnancy. Of those who do not, almost all (93%) would like to receive this information from a care provider. Overall, 88% of women consider it safe to exercise when pregnant. Discussion Given their responses, nutrition and exercise information offered through a lifestyle intervention during pregnancy may increase healthy behaviours and warrants clinical investigation.
qPCR as a tool to study basidiomycete colonization in wooden field stakes
Authors: Pilgård Annica , Alfredsen Gry , Björdal Charlotte G. , Fossdal Carl Gunnar , Børja Isabella 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Molecular methods are emerging also as useful tools for wood protection studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) as a tool for investigating details of the colonization pattern of basidiomycete decay fungi in wood samples after 6 years of soil exposure. Samples of Pinus sylvestris L. (heartwood without treatment), furfurylated P. sylvestris sapwood and Cu-HDO treated P. sylvestris sapwood was in focus. The qPCR method based on basidiomycete DNA content in the wood had the highest sensitivity, while the ergosterol assay was more sensitive than the chitin assay. Visual rating was compared with laboratory analyses and was found to be correlating well with qPCR. This study demonstrates that qPCR in combination with microscopy provides relevant data about basidiomycete colonization in wooden material.
Elder lifelong learning, intergenerational solidarity and positive youth development: the case of Hong Kong
Authors: So Ka Man , Shek Daniel T.L. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Elder lifelong learning has been promoted worldwide under different modes for upgrading quality of life of elders and actualizing successful aging. With multiple objectives, some modes of the elder lifelong learning program attempt to simultaneously address the social issues of age-segregation and negative perceptions of older people by adopting an intergenerational approach. Such an approach links the two non-biological generations – the young and the old – together purposefully for nurturing intergenerational solidarity and integration. Although program evaluation studies demonstrate the positive impacts and effects of an intergenerational approach on older people, its impact on young people is not well-researched. This paper explores intergenerational solidarity generated from the intergenerational-mode elder lifelong learning program in Hong Kong and argues how it contributes to positive youth development.
Perceptions of older people among Chinese adolescents: conceptual and methodological issues
Authors: So Ka Man , Shek Daniel T.L. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Ageism against older people exists worldwide almost among all age groups and adolescents are of no exception. Numerous studies with specific reference to adolescents of different age, gender, educational level, socioeconomic background, knowledge about aging and experiences with older people showed that they had different perceptions of and attitudes toward older people, but such findings are not entirely conclusive. The situation of Hong Kong is even more confused as there are few studies examining this topic. It is argued that the conflicting findings are largely due to conceptual and methodological problems in the studies. This paper examines the conceptual and methodological issues in this area and outlines suggestions for future research.
Applications of interpretive and constructionist research methods in adolescent research: philosophy, principles and examples
Authors: Chen Yan-Yan , Shek Daniel T.L. , Bu Fei-Fei 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
This paper attempts to give a brief introduction to interpretivism, constructionism and constructivism. Similarities and differences between interpretivism and constructionism in terms of their histories and branches, ontological and epistemological stances, as well as research applications are highlighted. This review shows that whereas interpretivism can be viewed as a relatively mature orientation that contains various traditions, constructionism is a looser trend in adolescent research, and in the narrow sense denotes the “pure” relativist position, which refers to a discursive approach of theory and research. Both positions call for the importance of clearly identifying what type of knowledge and knowledge process the researcher is going to create, and correctly choosing methodology matching with the epistemological stance. Examples of adolescent research adopting interpretivist and constructionist orientations are presented.
Hox and a Newly Identified E2F Co-repress Cell Death in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Winn Jennifer , Carter Monique , Avery Leon , Cameron Scott 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
The development of an organism depends on individual cells receiving and executing their specific fates, although how this process is regulated remains largely unknown. Here, we identify a mechanism by which a specific cell fate, apoptosis, is determined through the cooperative efforts of Hox and E2F proteins. E2F transcription factors are critical, conserved regulators of the cell cycle and apoptosis. However, little is known about the two most recently discovered mammalian E2Fs—E2F7 and E2F8. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we identify a novel E2F7/8 homolog, EFL-3, and show that EFL-3 functions cooperatively with LIN-39, providing the first example in which these two major developmental pathways—E2F and Hox—are able to directly regulate the same target gene. Our studies demonstrate that LIN-39 and EFL-3 function in a cell type-specific context to regulate transcription of the egl-1 BH3-only cell death gene and to determine cell fate during development.