bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macular changes detected by Fourier‐domain optical coherence tomography in patients with hypotony without clinical maculopathy
Authors: Lima Verônica C. , Prata Tiago S. , Castro Dinorah P. E. , Castro Leonardo C. , De Moraes Carlos G. V. , Mattox Cynthia , Rosen Richard B. , Liebmann Jeffrey M. , Ritch Robert 
Published: November 2009

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate macular changes in eyes with postoperative hypotony without clinical maculopathy using high‐resolution Fourier‐domain optical coherence tomography (FD‐OCT).Methods:  Fourteen eyes of 12 patients with postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 6 mmHg for at least 4 weeks but with no detectable clinical features associated with hypotony maculopathy were imaged by FD‐OCT prospectively. Images were analysed by two retina specialists masked to clinical findings.Results:  Most patients were female (83%) and myopic (75%) with a mean age of 65 ± 17 [standard deviation (SD)] years (range 2–86 years). Mean central corneal thickness was 519 ± 34 μm [95% confidence interval (CI) 502–537] and mean IOP before surgery was 20 ± 8 mmHg (95% CI 15–24). During the period of hypotony (mean 15 ± 6 weeks), the average mean IOP was 4 ± 1 mmHg (95% CI 3–5). Abnormal FD‐OCT findings (retinal folds and/or intraretinal fluid) were present in eight eyes. These patients had a higher rate of visual symptoms (75% versus 17%), visual acuity loss (≥ 2 lines; 63% versus 17%) and increased mean foveal thickness (250 ± 26 versus 210 ± 12 μm; p < 0.01, Mann–Whitney U‐test) compared with those with normal FD‐OCT.Conclusion:  FD‐OCT identified subclinical macular abnormalities in over half of the eyes with postoperative hypotony. These findings were accompanied by visual disturbances and central macular thickening. FD‐OCT can be an important diagnostic tool for this disorder when clinical features are absent.
DECHLORINATION BY ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION: A SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE TO ACTIVATED CARBON IN DIALYSIS WATER SYSTEMS?
Authors: James Ray 
Published: November 2009

SUMMARYChlorine‐based products are widely used in the water supply industry, and the potential for adverse effects in the haemodialysis setting is well documented. To date, the most commonly used method of chlorine removal has been granular activated carbon filters. An increasingly popular method of dechlorination is the use of high intensity, broad‐spectrum UV systems to reduce both free chlorine and combined chlorine compounds (chloramines) into easily removed by‐products.UV radiation has been successfully used in the pharmaceutical and food industries to destroy free chlorine and/or chloramines present in water, and kill all known spoilage microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, yeasts and moulds (and their spores). This nonchemical method can offer significant advantages and benefits compared to conventional dechlorination technologies currently employed in dialysis water systems.Whilst UV treatment at 254 nm wavelength has been routinely used for disinfection purposes in dialysis water systems, this paper considers whether UV radiation can be used as an alternative to more traditional methods of chlorine removal.
Transfer of Plasmid-Mediated CTX-M-9 from
Salmonella enterica
Serotype Virchow to
Enterobacteriaceae
in Human Flora-Associated Rats Treated with Cefixime
Authors: Faure S. , Perrin-Guyomard A. , Delmas J. M. , Chatre P. , Laurentie M. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Food animals are a potential source of CTX-M resistance genes for humans. We evaluated the transfer of the
bla
CTX-M-9
gene from an animal strain of
Salmonella enterica
serotype Virchow to
Enterobacteriaceae
of the human intestinal flora by using human flora-associated (HFA) rats with and without cefixime treatment. In the absence of antibiotic, no transconjugant enterobacteria were found in the feces of HFA rats. However, the transfer rate was high if
Escherichia coli
J5 recipient strains were coinoculated orally with
Salmonella. S. enterica
serotype Virchow persisted in the rat fecal flora both during and after treatment with therapeutic doses of cefixime. The drug did not increase the transfer rate, and
E. coli
J5 transconjugants were eliminated from the flora before the end of cefixime treatment. No cefixime was recovered in the rat feces. In the presence of recipient strains, the
bla
CTX-M-9
resistance gene was transferred from a strain of animal origin to the human intestinal flora, although transconjugant colonization was transient. Antibiotic use enhanced the persistence of donor strains, increasing the resistance gene pool and the risk of its spread.
Impact of Y143 HIV-1 Integrase Mutations on Resistance to Raltegravir
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Delelis Olivier , Thierry Sylvain , Subra Frédéric , Simon Françoise , Malet Isabelle , Alloui Chakib , Sayon Sophie , Calvez Vincent , Deprez Eric , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Tchertanov Luba , Mouscadet Jean-François 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Integrase (IN), the HIV-1 enzyme responsible for the integration of the viral genome into the chromosomes of infected cells, is the target of the recently approved antiviral raltegravir (RAL). Despite this drug's activity against viruses resistant to other antiretrovirals, failures of raltegravir therapy were observed, in association with the emergence of resistance due to mutations in the integrase coding region. Two pathways involving primary mutations on residues N155 and Q148 have been characterized. It was suggested that mutations at residue Y143 might constitute a third primary pathway for resistance. The aims of this study were to investigate the susceptibility of HIV-1 Y143R/C mutants to raltegravir and to determine the effects of these mutations on the IN-mediated reactions. Our observations demonstrate that Y143R/C mutants are strongly impaired for both of these activities
in vitro
. However, Y143R/C activity can be kinetically restored, thereby reproducing the effect of the secondary G140S mutation that rescues the defect associated with the Q148R/H mutants. A molecular modeling study confirmed that Y143R/C mutations play a role similar to that determined for Q148R/H mutations. In the viral replicative context, this defect leads to a partial block of integration responsible for a weak replicative capacity. Nevertheless, the Y143 mutant presented a high level of resistance to raltegravir. Furthermore, the 50% effective concentration (EC
50
) determined for Y143R/C mutants was significantly higher than that obtained with G140S/Q148R mutants. Altogether our results not only show that the mutation at position Y143 is one of the mechanisms conferring resistance to RAL but also explain the delayed emergence of this mutation.
Localization of Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-Trisphosphate to Phagosomes in
Entamoeba histolytica
Achieved Using Glutathione
S
-Transferase- and Green Fluorescent Protein-Tagged Lipid Biosensors
Authors: Byekova Yevgeniya A. , Powell Rhonda R. , Welter Brenda H. , Temesvari Lesly A. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Entamoeba histolytica
is an intestinal protozoan parasite that causes amoebic dysentery and liver abscess. Phagocytosis by the parasite is a critical virulence process, since it is a prerequisite for tissue invasion and establishment of chronic infection. While the roles of many of the proteins that regulate phagocytosis-related signaling events in
E. histolytica
have been characterized, the functions of lipids in this cellular process remain largely unknown in this parasite. In other systems, phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP
3
), a major product of phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3-kinase) activity, is essential for phagocytosis. Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains are protein domains that specifically bind to PIP
3
. In this study, we utilized glutathione
S
-transferase (GST)- and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled PH domains as lipid biosensors to characterize the spatiotemporal aspects of PIP
3
distribution during various endocytic processes in
E. histolytica
. PIP
3
-specific biosensors accumulated at extending pseudopodia and in phagosomal cups in trophozoites exposed to erythrocytes but did not localize to pinocytic compartments during the uptake of a fluid-phase marker, dextran. Our results suggest that PIP
3
is involved in the early stages of phagosome formation in
E. histolytica
. In addition, we demonstrated that PIP
3
exists at high steady-state levels in the plasma membrane of
E. histolytica
and that these levels, unlike those in mammalian cells, are not abolished by serum withdrawal. Finally, expression of a PH domain in trophozoites inhibited erythrophagocytosis and enhanced motility, providing genetic evidence supporting the role of PI3-kinase signaling in these processes in
E. histolytica
.
Precarious Balance: Th17 Cells in Host Defense
Authors: Peck Ariana , Mellins Elizabeth D. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTLineage-specific responses from the effector T-cell repertoire form a critical component of adaptive immunity. The recent identification of Th17 cells—a third, distinct lineage of helper T cells—collapses the long-accepted paradigm in which Th1 and Th2 cells distinctly mediate cellular and humoral immunity, respectively. In this minireview, we discuss the involvement of the Th17 lineage during infection by extracellular bacteria, intracellular bacteria, and fungi. Emerging trends suggest that the Th17 population bridges innate and adaptive immunity to produce a robust antimicrobial inflammatory response. However, because Th17 cells mediate both host defense and pathological inflammation, elucidation of mechanisms that attenuate but do not completely abolish the Th17 response may have powerful implications for therapy.
Airway hyper-reactivity in rheumatic mitral stenosis improves after balloon valvotomy
Authors: Palaniswamy Chandrasekar , Selvaraj Dhana R. , Guleria Randeep , Mohan Anant , Narang Rajiv 
Published: November 2009

Background: Dyspnea is a common symptom in a patient with valvular heart disease. The mechanism underlying this is still uncertain. Methods: We prospectively studied 20 patients with rheumatic mitral valve stenosis who were candidates for percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy. Assessment of airway hyper-reactivity by histamine challenge test was done on all patients at baseline and at 1 week after the procedure. The provocative concentration of histamine solution required producing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1) (PC20) was recorded as a measure of airway hyper-reactivity. The severity of dyspnea in study subjects was also studied by the 6-minute-walk test and visual analog scale. Results: After balloon valvotomy, a significant improvement was seen in the six minute walking distance (219±30.15 to 237.55±32.25; p < 0.001), visual analog scale as a measure of dyspnea (60.95±12.16 to 44.4±13.71; p < 0.001) and airway hyper-reactivity (PC20; 5.69±6.01 mg/ml to 10.16±7.93; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Improvement in dyspnea in mitral stenosis after balloon valvotomy is associated with significant improvement in airway hyper-reactivity.
Strikingly different molecular relapse kinetics in NPM1c, PML-RARA, RUNX1-RUNX1T1, and CBFB-MYH11 acute myeloid leukemias
Authors: Ommen Hans Beier , Schnittger Susanne , Jovanovic Jelena V. , Ommen Ingrid Beier , Hasle Henrik , Østergaard Mette , Grimwade David , Hokland Peter 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Early relapse detection in acute myeloid leukemia is possible using standardized real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) protocols. However, optimal sampling intervals have not been defined and are likely to vary according to the underlying molecular lesion. In 74 patients experiencing hematologic relapse and harboring aberrations amenable to RQ-PCR (mutated NPM1 [designated NPM1c], PML-RARA, RUNX1-RUNX1T1, and CBFB-MYH11), we observed strikingly different relapse kinetics. The median doubling time of the CBFB-MYH11 leukemic clone was significantly longer (36 days) than that of clones harboring other markers (RUNX1-RUNX1T1, 14 days; PML-RARA, 12 days; and NPM1c, 11 days; P < .001). Furthermore, we used a mathematical model to determine frequency of relapse detection and median time from detection of minimal residual disease to hematologic relapse as a function of sampling interval length. For example, to obtain a relapse detection fraction of 90% and a median time of 60 days, blood sampling every sixth month should be performed for CBFB-MYH11 leukemias. By contrast, in NPM1c+/FLT3-ITD−, NPM1c+/FLT3-ITD+, RUNX1-RUNX1T1, and PML-RARA leukemias, bone marrow sampling is necessary every sixth, fourth, and fourth and second month, respectively. These data carry important implications for the development of optimal RQ-PCR monitoring schedules suitable for evaluation of minimal residual disease–directed therapies in future clinical trials.
Glutamate (mGluR-5) gene expression in brain regions of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats as a function of age: role in regulation of calcium release from the pancreatic islets in vitro
Authors: Balakrishnan Savitha , Kumar T Peeyush , Paulose CS 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMetabotrophic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) modulate cellular activities involved in the processes of differentiation and degeneration. In this study, we have analysed the expression pattern of group-I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu-5) in cerebral cortex, corpus striatum, brainstem and hippocampus of streptozotocin induced and insulin treated diabetic rats (D+I) as a function of age. Also, the functional role of glutamate receptors in intra cellular calcium release from the pancreatic islets was studiedin vitro. The gene expression studies showed that mGlu-5 mRNA in the cerebral cortex increased siginficantly in 7 weeks old diabetic rats whereas decreased expression was observed in brainstem, corpus striatum and hippocampus when compared to control. 90 weeks old diabetic rats showed decreased expression in cerebral cortex, corpus striatum and hippocampus whereas in brainstem the expression increased significantly compared to their respective controls. In 7 weeks old D+I group, mGlu-5 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in cerebral cortex and corpus striatum whereas the expression increased significantly in brainstem and hippocampus. 90 weeks old D+I group showed an increased expression in cerebral cortex, while it was decreased significantly in corpus striatum, brainstem and hippocampus compared to their respective controls.In vitrostudies showed that glutamate at lower concentration (10-7M) stimulated calcium release from the pancreatic islets. Our results suggest that mGlu-5 receptors have differential expression in brain regions of diabetes and D+I groups as a function of age. This will have clinical significance in management of degeneration in brain function and memory enhancement through glutamate receptors. Also, the regulatory role of glutamate receptors in calcium release has immense therapeutic application in insulin secretion and function.
Learning to classify species with barcodes
Authors: Bertolazzi Paola , Felici Giovanni , Weitschek Emanuel 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
According to many field experts, specimens classification based on morphological keys needs to be supported with automated techniques based on the analysis of DNA fragments. The most successful results in this area are those obtained from a particular fragment of mitochondrial DNA, the gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) (the "barcode"). Since 2004 the Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL) promotes the collection of barcode specimens and the development of methods to analyze the barcode for several tasks, among which the identification of rules to correctly classify an individual into its species by reading its barcode.

Results
We adopt a Logic Mining method based on two optimization models and present the results obtained on two datasets where a number of COI fragments are used to describe the individuals that belong to different species. The method proposed exhibits high correct recognition rates on a training-testing split of the available data using a small proportion of the information available (e.g., correct recognition approx. 97% when only 20 sites of the 648 available are used). The method is able to provide compact formulas on the values (A, C, G, T) at the selected sites that synthesize the characteristic of each species, a relevant information for taxonomists.

Conclusion
We have presented a Logic Mining technique designed to analyze barcode data and to provide detailed output of interest to the taxonomists and the barcode community represented in the CBOL Consortium. The method has proven to be effective, efficient and precise.
MidExDB: A database of DrosophilaCNS midline cell gene expression
Authors: Wheeler Scott R , Stagg Stephanie B , Crews Stephen T 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
The Drosophila CNS midline cells are an excellent model system to study neuronal and glial development because of their diversity of cell types and the relative ease in identifying and studying the function of midline-expressed genes. In situ hybridization experiments generated a large dataset of midline gene expression patterns. To help synthesize these data and make them available to the scientific community, we developed a web-accessible database.

Description
MidExDB (Drosophila CNS Midline Gene Expression Database) is comprised of images and data from our in situ hybridization experiments that examined midline gene expression. Multiple search tools are available to allow each type of data to be viewed and compared. Descriptions of each midline cell type and their development are included as background information.

Conclusion
MidExDB integrates large-scale gene expression data with the ability to identify individual cell types providing the foundation for detailed genetic, molecular, and biochemical studies of CNS midline cell neuronal and glial development and function. This information has general relevance for the study of nervous system development in other organisms, and also provides insight into transcriptional regulation.
Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is involved in apoptosis of cell lines carrying the mitochondrial DNA mutation
Authors: Yuqi Liu , Lei Gao , Yang Li , Zongbin Li , Hua Xu , Lin Wang , Rui Chen , Mohan Liu , Yi Wen , Minxin Guan , Shiwen Wang 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
The mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is increasingly implicated in the control of apoptosis. We have studied the effects the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) tRNAIle mutation on VDAC expression, localization, and apoptosis.

Methods
Lymphoblastoid cell lines were derived from 3 symptomatic and 1 asymptomatic members of a family with hypertension associated with the A4263G tRNAIle mutation as well as from control subjects. Mitochondrial potential (ΔΨm) and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry; co-localization of VDAC and Bax was evaluated by confocal microscopy.

Results
Expression of VDAC and Bax in mtDNA cell lines was found to be increased compared to controls, while expression of the small conductance calcium-dependant potassium channel (sKCa) was unchanged. Confocal imaging revealed co-localization of VDAC/Bax on the outer mitochondrial membrane of A4263G cell lines but not from controls. Flow cytometry indicated that the mitochondrial potential was decreased by 32% in mutated cells versus controls while rates of apoptosis were increased (P < 0.05). The difference was attenuated by Cyclosporin A (CsA, 2 μM), a blocker of VDAC.

Conclusion
We conclude that increased expression of mitochondrial VDAC and subcellular co-localization of VDAC/Bax increases mitochondrial permeability and apoptosis in cell lines carrying the mtDNA tRNAIle A4263G mutation.
The Vital@Work Study. The systematic development of a lifestyle intervention to improve older workers' vitality and the design of a randomised controlled trial evaluating this intervention
Authors: Strijk Jorien E , Proper Karin I , van der Beek Allard J , van Mechelen Willem 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
A major contributor of early exit from work is a decline in health with increasing age. As healthy lifestyle choices contribute to better health outcomes, an intervention aimed at an improved lifestyle is considered a potentially effective tool to keep older workers healthy and vital, and thereby to prolong labour participation.

Methods
Using the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, a lifestyle intervention was developed based on information obtained from 1) literature, 2) a short lifestyle questionnaire aimed at indentifying the lifestyle behaviours among the target group, and 3) focusgroup (FG) interviews among 36 older workers (aged 45+ years) aimed at identifying: a) key determinants of lifestyle behaviour, b) a definition of vitality, and c) ideas about how vitality can be improved by lifestyle.
The main lifestyle problems identified were: insufficient levels of physical activity and insufficient intake of fruit and vegetables. Using information from both literature and FG interviews, vitality consists of a mental and a physical component. The interviewees suggested to improve the mental component of vitality by means of relaxation exercises (e.g. yoga); physical vitality could be improved by aerobic endurance exercise and strength training.
The lifestyle intervention (6 months) consists of three visits to a Personal Vitality Coach (PVC) combined with a Vitality Exercise Programme (VEP). The VEP consists of: 1) once a week a guided yoga group session aimed at relaxation exercises, 2) once a week a guided aerobic workout group session aimed at improving aerobic fitness and increasing muscle strength, and 3) older workers will be asked to perform once a week for at least 45 minutes vigorous physical activity without face-to-face instructions (e.g. fitness). Moreover, free fruit will be offered at the group sessions of the VEP. The lifestyle intervention will be evaluated in a RCT among older workers of two major academic hospitals in the Netherlands. At baseline, after 6 and 12 months, measurements (primary: lifestyle and vitality, and secondary: work-engagement and productivity) will take place.

Discussion
The lifestyle programme is developed specifically tailored to the needs of the older workers and which is aimed at improving their vitality.

Trial registration
NTR1240