bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Oseltamivir, Zanamivir or Oseltamivir– Zanamivir Combination Treatments on Transmission of Influenza in Households
Authors: Carrat Fabrice , Duval Xavier , Tubach Florence , Mosnier Anne , Van der Werf Sylvie , Tibi Annick , Blanchon Thierry , Leport Catherine , Flahault Antoine , Mentré France ,   the BIVIR study group
Published: June 2012

Background The effectiveness of neuraminidase inhibitors to reduce transmission when used as treatment in influenza-infected patients remains debated. Methods In a prespecified analysis of a blinded randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of oseltamivir– zanamivir combination therapy versus oseltamivir and zanamivir monotherapy conducted during the 2008– 2009 seasonal influenza epidemic, we compared the rate of secondary illness in household contacts of influenza-positive index patients between arms. Secondary illness was defined as occurrence in contacts of fever plus cough within 7 days from randomization of index patients. Analyses were conducted according to the delay between patients’ onset of symptoms and intervention. Results A total of 543 household contacts of 267 index patients were included, of which 466 had follow-up assessment. A secondary illness was reported in 58 (12.5%) contacts with no significant difference between arms overall ( P=0.07). When the analysis was limited to the 232 contacts of 136 index patients with first treatment intake within 24 h of onset of symptoms, a lower rate of secondary illness was reported in the combination therapy arm (2 of 56 [4%]) than in the oseltamivir arm (14 of 81 [17%]; P=0.014) and the zanamivir arm (14 of 95 [15%]; P=0.031). Multivariate analysis accounting for intra-household correlation confirmed these findings. Conclusions Our analysis suggests a greater effectiveness of the combination therapy to reduce transmissibility when given to the index patient within 24 h of onset of symptoms. As the finding was obtained from a subgroup analysis, it should be interpreted with caution.
A Simple Method for In Situ Monitoring of Water Temperature in Substrates Used by Spawning Salmonids
Authors: Zimmerman Christian E. , Finn James E. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Interstitial water temperature within spawning habitats of salmonids may differ from surface-water temperature depending on intragravel flow paths, geomorphic setting, or presence of groundwater. Because survival and developmental timing of salmon are partly controlled by temperature, monitoring temperature within gravels used by spawning salmonids is required to adequately describe the environment experienced by incubating eggs and embryos. Here we describe a simple method of deploying electronic data loggers within gravel substrates with minimal alteration of the natural gravel structure and composition. Using data collected in spawning sites used by summer and fall chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta from two streams within the Yukon River watershed, we compare contrasting thermal regimes to demonstrate the utility of this method.
Autoreactive Preplasma Cells Break Tolerance in the Absence of Regulation by Dendritic Cells and Macrophages
Authors: Gilbert Mileka R. , Wagner Nikki J. , Jones Shannon Z. , Wisz Amanda B. , Roques Jose R. , Krum Kristen N. , Lee Sang-Ryul , Nickeleit Volker , Hulbert Chrys , Thomas James W. , Gauld Stephen B. , Vilen Barbara J. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The ability to induce Ab responses to pathogens while maintaining the quiescence of autoreactive cells is an important aspect of immune tolerance. During activation of TLR4, dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (MFs) repress autoantibody production through their secretion of IL-6 and soluble CD40L (sCD40L). These soluble mediators selectively repress B cells chronically exposed to Ag, but not naive cells, suggesting a means to maintain tolerance during TLR4 stimulation, yet allow immunity. In this study, we identify TNF-α as a third repressive factor, which together with IL-6 and CD40L account for nearly all the repression conferred by DCs and MFs. Similar to IL-6 and sCD40L, TNF-α did not alter B cell proliferation or survival. Instead, it reduced the number of Ab-secreting cells. To address whether the soluble mediators secreted by DCs and MFs functioned in vivo, we generated mice lacking IL-6, CD40L, and TNF-α. Compared to wild-type mice, these mice showed prolonged anti-nuclear Ab responses following TLR4 stimulation. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of autoreactive B cells into chimeric IL-6−/− × CD40L−/− × TNF-α−/− mice showed that preplasma cells secreted autoantibodies independent of germinal center formation or extrafollicular foci. These data indicate that in the absence of genetic predisposition to autoimmunity, loss of endogenous IL-6, CD40L, and TNF-α promotes autoantibody secretion during TLR4 stimulation.
Toso, a Functional IgM Receptor, Is Regulated by IL-2 in T and NK Cells
Authors: Murakami Yousuke , Narayanan Sriram , Su Su , Childs Richard , Krzewski Konrad , Borrego Francisco , Weck Jennifer , Coligan John E. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
We find that the cell surface receptor Toso is dramatically downregulated by in vitro stimulation of human T and NK cells with IL-2 in a STAT5-dependent manner. The fact that IL-2 is known to prime NK and T cells for Fas/TNF-mediated activation-induced cell death (AICD) fits nicely with the original and recent descriptions of Toso as an inhibitor of Fas/TNF-induced apoptosis. In support of this possibility, effector memory T cells express markedly lower levels of Toso than those of naive T cells, indicating that activation in vivo correlates with the downregulation of Toso. Moreover, in vitro activation of memory T cells through TCR dramatically downregulates Toso expression compared with that of naive CD4 T cells. However, overexpression of Toso in human NK cells and Jurkat T cells does not inhibit Fas-mediated apoptosis, and, in agreement with other recent reports, Toso clearly functions as an IgM receptor. Unlike CD16, Toso expression by NK cells does not convey cytotoxic potential, but its ligation does trigger intracellular signaling in NK cells. In summary, our data indicate that Toso is a functional IgM receptor that is capable of activating signaling molecules, is regulated by IL-2, and is not inherently an antiapoptotic molecule.
Survey of health status and complications among propionic acidemia patients
Authors: Pena Loren , Burton Barbara K. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPropionic acidemia (PA) is a rare organic acidemia that is due to deficiency in the enzyme propionyl‐coA carboxylase. Complications are currently described mostly in the form of case reports. We sampled a population of affected individuals in order to estimate the frequency of complications amongst the sample. The study is a cross‐sectional retrospective review with a survey instrument and recruitment through the Propionic Acidemia Foundation. Responses for 58 individuals were tabulated for each question as how frequently the complication was reported among responders. Commonly reported findings included seizures, arrhythmia, leucopenia, and anemia. Developmental and cognitive disabilities were reported in the majority of individuals. Heart failure or cardiomyopathy was reported in over half of deceased individuals at time of death. Pancreatitis was reported in a minority of the sample, yet more than half of these reported a recurrence. These results update and extend our current knowledge of recognized complications among individuals with PA. The results also provide new information regarding developmental outcomes and previously unreported morbidity from cardiac and gastrointestinal complications. Longitudinal studies exploring associated biochemical and clinical parameters are necessary to further our understanding of the pathophysiology of PA and its complications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recurrent mutations in the CDKL5 gene: Genotype–phenotype relationships
Authors: Bahi‐Buisson Nadia , Villeneuve Nathalie , Caietta Emilie , Jacquette Aurélia , Maurey Helene , Matthijs Gert , Van Esch Hilde , Delahaye Andrée , Moncla Anne , Milh Mathieu , Zufferey Flore , Diebold Bertrand , Bienvenu Thierry 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMutations in the cyclin‐dependent kinase‐like 5 gene (CDKL5) have been described in epileptic encephalopathies in females with infantile spasms with features that overlap with Rett syndrome. With more than 80 reported patients, the phenotype of CDKL5‐related encephalopathy is well‐defined. The main features consist of seizures starting before 6 months of age, severe intellectual disability with absent speech and hand stereotypies and deceleration of head growth, which resembles Rett syndrome. However, some clinical discrepancies suggested the influence of genetics and/or environmental factors. No genotype–phenotype correlation has been defined and thus there is a need to examine individual mutations. In this study, we analyzed eight recurrent CDKL5 mutations to test whether the clinical phenotype of patients with the same mutation is similar and whether patients with specific CDKL5 mutations have a milder phenotype than those with other CDKL5 mutations. Patients bearing missense mutations in the ATP binding site such as the p.Ala40Val mutation typically walked unaided, had normocephaly, better hand use ability, and less frequent refractory epilepsy when compared to girls with other CDKL5 mutations. In contrast, patients with mutations in the kinase domain (such as p.Arg59X, p.Arg134X, p.Arg178Trp/Pro/Gln, or c.145 + 2T > C) and frameshift mutations in the C‐terminal region (such as c.2635_2636delCT) had a more severe phenotype with infantile spasms, refractory epileptic encephalopathy, absolute microcephaly, and inability to walk. It is important for clinicians to have this information when such patients are diagnosed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Titanium complex bearing 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonate ligand: Synthesis and catalytic behavior toward ethylene (co‐)polymerization
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang He‐Xin , Cai Xiao‐Ping , Zhang Xue‐Quan 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA novel titanium complex bearing 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonic acid was synthesized. The effects of cocatalyst and reaction conditions on ethylene polymerization were studied. The synthesized titanium complex exhibited high polymerization activity in the presence of MAO cocatalyst. The synthesized titanium complex/MAO catalyst system showed a uniform active site and was very stable at high polymerization temperature. In addition, the copolymerization of ethylene and norbornene was investigated. With the introduction of norbornene, the catalyst activity slightly decreased with MAO as cocatalyst but increased with TEA as cocatalyst. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Relationship between the morphology and interfacial tension of polypropylene and ethylene propylene diene monomer blends: The effect of repetitive extrusion
Authors: Lee Yun Kyun , Lee Han Ki , Yoo Tae Wook , Yoon Ho Gyu , Kim Woo Nyon 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn this study, the effects of repeated extrusion on the mechanical properties, morphology, and interfacial tension of polypropylene (PP)/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) (80/20) blends were investigated. For the PP/EPDM (80/20) blends, the impact strength of the blends increased with repeated extrusion, which could be attributed to the interaction between the PP and the EPDM. The interfacial tension of the PP/EPDM (80/20) blends, which was determined using the Palierne and Choi–Schowalter models, decreased with an increase in the number of repeated extrusion. Based on the results of the mechanical properties and morphology, the interaction between the PP and the EPDM with repeated extrusion contributed to the reduction of interfacial tension between the PP and the EPDM, which consequently improved the impact strength of the PP/EPDM (80/20) blends. The results for the nuclear magnetic resonance studies supported the increase in impact strength of the PP/EPDM (80/20) blends with repeated extrusion. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Differential microemulsion polymerization as a new root for entrapment of drugs
Authors: Moustafa A. B. , Sobh R. A. , Rabie A. M. , Nasr H. E. , Ayoub M. M. H. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractNanosized particles derived from poly(methyl methacrylate) as well as copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were synthesized by differential microemulsion technique in the presence of ammonium persulfate as water‐soluble initiator. The polymerization was stabilized by adding biologically safe emulsifiers namely the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) either alone or in conjunction with polyethylene glycol. The turbidity measurements, surface tension, ζ potential, and morphological characterizations of the obtained nanosized poly MMA and its copolymer with HEMA in different monomer feed compositions were investigated. It is found that increasing HEMA content leads to increase in the particle size, turbidity measurements but the negatively charged ζ potential decreased. However, when SDS is used, the surface tension of the prepared lattices increased, whereas it is decreased by using PVP. Kinetic studies of (MMA/HEMA) in ratio of 95/5 wt % in the presence of SDS or PVP revealed that the emulsifier concentration has a considerable effect on the rate of polymerization and the power of the emulsifier. The entrapment of drug was investigated using two active molecules different in water solubility (sodium warfarin and ibuprofen). It is noted that entrapment efficiency is independent of HEMA content in the monomer feed composition but dependent on type of drug and the amount of drug introduced. Hence, higher entrapment efficiency was attained for sodium warfarin (more hydrophilic) than that of ibuprofen (more hydrophobic) and they were 95.5 and 85%, respectively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synergistic effect of plasma‐modified halloysite nanotubes and carbon black in natural rubber—butadiene rubber blend
Authors: Poikelispää Minna , Das Amit , Dierkes Wilma , Vuorinen Jyrki 
Published: June 2012

AbstractHalloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were investigated concerning their suitability for rubber reinforcement. As they have geometrical similarity with carbon nanotubes, they were expected to impart a significant reinforcement effect on the rubber compounds but the dispersion of the nanofillers is difficult. In this work, HNTs were surface‐modified by plasma polymerization to change their surface polarity and chemistry and used in a natural rubber/butadiene rubber blend in the presence of carbon black. The aim of the treatment was to improve the rubber–filler interaction and the dispersion of the fillers. A thiophene modification of HNTs improved stress–strain properties more than a pyrrole treatment. The surface modification resulted in a higher bound rubber content and lower Payne effect indicating better filler–polymer interaction. Scanning electron microscopy measurements showed an increased compatibility of elastomers and fillers. As visualized by transmission electron microscopy, the thiophene‐modified HNTs formed a special type of clusters with carbon black particles, which was ultimately reflected in the final mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The addition of HNTs increased loss angle. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation and characterization of melt‐blended graphene nanosheets–poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanocomposites with enhanced properties
Authors: El Achaby M. , Arrakhiz F. Z. , Vaudreuil S. , Essassi E. M. , Qaiss A. , Bousmina M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractNanocomposites of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with chemically reduced graphene nanosheets (GNs) were prepared by melt mixing method and their structure and morphology characterized by SEM analysis. The addition of GNs in the PVDF matrix resulted in changes of the crystallization and melting behaviors. Furthermore, increasing GNs content led to improved thermal stability of the PVDF nanocomposites in air and nitrogen, as well as significant increase in tensile and flexural properties. The nanocomposites' rheological behavior is also affected by the GNs' content. Using oscillatory rheology to monitor the GNs' dispersion, it was found that as the GNs loading increase, the Newtonian behavior disappears at low frequency. This suggests a viscoelastic behavior transition from liquid‐like to solid‐like, with greater GNs content and more homogeneous dispersion resulting in a stronger solid‐like and nonterminal behavior. By using the melt mixing method to disperse GNs, the properties of PVDF are enhanced due to the better dispersion and distribution of GNs throughout the matrix. This improvement could broaden the applications for PVDF nanocomposites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis, characterization, and antifungal activity of nystatin—gum arabic conjugates
Authors: Stefanovic Jovana , Jakovljevic Dragica , Gojgic‐Cvijovic Gordana , Lazic Miodrag , Vrvic Miroslav 
Published: June 2012

AbstractNystatin, a polyene tetraene antibiotic widely used in the treatment of mycoses, was coupled with oxidized polysaccharide gum Arabic, by forming Schiff base structures between amine groups of antibiotics and aldehyde groups of modified carbohydrate. Imine conjugates synthesized in this way were reduced with sodium borohydride to secondary amines. Two imine and two amine conjugates were obtained with different nystatin content. The conjugates were characterized by UV–Vis, FTIR, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Solubility in water, unlike nystatin, and significant activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger with minimum inhibitory concentrations in range of 3.125–6.25 μg mL−1 and 6.25–25 μg mL−1, respectively, indicate that the chemical integrity and the biological function of these compounds were retained. A comparison of stability of the conjugates in the dry form, solution and under different pH values showed that the conjugates exhibited better stability than pure drug. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Canine Oral Mucosal Fibroblasts Differentiate into Osteoblastic Cells in Response to BMP‐2
Authors: Umehara Kohsuke , Iimura Tadahiro , Sakamoto Kei , Lin Zayar , Kasugai Shohei , Igarashi Yoshimasa , Yamaguchi Akira 
Published: June 2012

AbstractSeveral lines of evidence show that transplantation of osteoblastic cells or genetically engineered nonosteogenic cells expressing osteoblast‐related genes into bone defects effectively promotes bone regeneration. To extend this possibility, we investigated whether oral mucosal fibroblasts are capable of differentiating into osteoblastic cells by conducting in vitro and in vivo experiments. We investigated the effects of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) on osteoblast differentiation of cultured fibroblasts isolated from canine buccal mucosa. We also transplanted green fluorescence protein (GFP)‐expressing fibroblasts with gelatin/BMP‐2 complexes into the subfascial regions of athymic mice, and investigated the localization of GFP‐positive cells in the ectopically formed bones. The cultured canine buccal mucosal fibroblasts differentiated into osteoblastic cells by increasing their alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Osteocalcin, Runx2, and Osterix mRNA expression levels in response to BMP‐2. Transplantation experiments of GFP‐expressing oral mucosal fibroblasts with gelatin/BMP‐2 complexes revealed that 17.1% of the GFP‐positive fibroblasts differentiated into ALP‐positive cells, and these cells accounted for 6.2% of total ALP‐positive cells in the ectopically formed bone. This study suggests that oral mucosal fibroblasts can differentiate into osteogenic cells in response to BMP‐2. Thus, these cells are potential candidates for cell‐mediated bone regeneration therapy in dentistry. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological and Quantitative Study of the Myenteric Plexus in the Human Tenia Coli
Authors: Hanani Menachem , Grossman Sivan , Nissan Aviram , Eid Ahmed 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe longitudinal muscle in the large intestine in humans and some other mammalian species is concentrated in regions known as “tenia coli.” The myenteric plexus under the tenia is believed to be highly developed to control the adjacent large muscle mass, however, data on the innervation of this region are very scarce. We used whole mount preparations of human colon to characterize the organization of the myenteric plexus under the tenia coli (UT) and compared it with the plexus between the tenia (BT). Using histochemical staining for NADPH diaphorase, we found that the meshwork UT was 50% denser than BT, and that the ganglia UT were 30% wider. The density and size of the NADPH‐d positive neurons UT were similar to those of BT. We conclude that the myenteric plexus UT is considerably more developed than BT, and suggest to understand the control of colonic motility, the myenteric plexus UT needs to be further investigated. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A primer in macromolecular linguistics
Authors: Searls David B. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractPolymeric macromolecules, when viewed abstractly as strings of symbols, can be treated in terms of formal language theory, providing a mathematical foundation for characterizing such strings both as collections and in terms of their individual structures. In addition this approach offers a framework for analysis of macromolecules by tools and conventions widely used in computational linguistics. This article introduces the ways that linguistics can be and has been applied to molecular biology, covering the relevant formal language theory at a relatively nontechnical level. Analogies between macromolecules and human natural language are used to provide intuitive insights into the relevance of grammars, parsing, and analysis of language complexity to biology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 203–217, 2013.