bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studying Life Effects & Effectiveness of Palatopharyngoplasty (SLEEP) Study
Authors: Weaver Edward M. , Woodson B. Tucker , Yueh Bevan , Smith Timothy , Stewart Michael G. , Hannley Maureen , Schulz Kristine , Patel Milesh M. , Witsell David ,   the SLEEP Study Investigators
Published: February 2011

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) improves sleep apnea–related quality of life (measured on the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire [FOSQ]) at 3‐month follow‐up. Secondary objectives were to test (1) the stability of the outcomes at 6 months, (2) the effect on global sleep apnea quality‐of‐life change, and (3) the effect on sleep apnea symptoms.Study DesignMulticenter, prospective, longitudinal case series.SettingDiverse university‐ and community‐based otolaryngology practices.Subjects and MethodsThe cohort included 68 patients from 17 practices, with a mean ± standard deviation age of 44 ± 12 years and mean apnea‐hypopnea index of 35 ± 32 events/hour. All patients underwent UPPP, defined as an open procedure modifying the shape and size of the palate, pharynx, and uvula, with or without tonsillectomy. Baseline data were collected on site before surgery, and outcome data were collected by mail 3 and 6 months after surgery, with follow‐up rates of 51% and 50%, respectively.ResultsFOSQ scores improved from 14.3 ± 3.4 (scale 5‐20, normal ≥17.9) at baseline to 17.2 ± 2.7 at 3 months (mean improvement 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.8‐4.0; P <. 001) and 17.5 ± 2.5 at 6 months (mean improvement 3.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.0‐4.2; P <. 001). All quality‐of‐life and symptom measures improved significantly at 3 and 6 months (all P <. 05).ConclusionThis prospective, multicenter, university‐ and community‐based study provides evidence that UPPP significantly improves disease‐specific quality of life and sleep apnea symptoms in patients with sleep apnea. Validity may be limited by significant loss to follow‐up and absence of an unoperated control group.
The use of a Bayesian weighted least-squares approach to accelerate empirical engine model generation
Authors: Brace C J , Akehurst S , Ward M C 
Published: February 2011

An alternative to the commonly used design-of-experiments (DoE) technique based on the use of prior knowledge to speed up the model generation phase of the test programme is presented. Data are gathered in areas where the prior knowledge is least accurate and is blended into an overall empirical model using a Bayesian weighted least-squares (BWLS) approach. The work demonstrates the potential of the BWLS mechanism to reduce the test effort by the incorporation of prior knowledge from neighbouring operating points. Where the prior knowledge is a good representation of the current operating point the number of test points required to allow model convergence may be half that required by a DoE approach. Conversely, the Bayesian technique with inaccurate prior knowledge can still generate an accurate model at the expense of an increased number of test points over a standard experimental design, because the prior will incorrectly influence the model. The algorithm was tested with and without an outlier detection mechanism. This mechanism proved effective in detecting and rejecting simulated outliers and retesting the spurious data point.
Genetically altering the expression of neutral trehalase gene affects conidiospore thermotolerance of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum
Authors: Leng Yajun , Peng Guoxiong , Cao Yueqing , Xia Yuxian 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum has been used as an important biocontrol agent instead of insecticides for controlling crop pests throughout the world. However, its virulence varies with environmental factors, especially temperature. Neutral trehalase (Ntl) hydrolyzes trehalose, which plays a role in environmental stress response in many organisms, including M. acridum. Demonstration of a relationship between Ntl and thermotolerance or virulence may offer a new strategy for enhancing conidiospore thermotolerance of entomopathogenic fungi through genetic engineering.

Results
We selected four Ntl over-expression and four Ntl RNA interference (RNAi) transformations in which Ntl expression is different. Compared to the wild-type, Ntl mRNA expression was reduced to 35-66% in the RNAi mutants and increased by 2.5-3.5-fold in the over-expression mutants. The RNAi conidiospores exhibited less trehalase activity, accumulated more trehalose, and were much more tolerant of heat stress than the wild-type. The opposite effects were found in conidiospores of over-expression mutants compared to RNAi mutants. Furthermore, virulence was not altered in the two types of mutants compared to the wild type.

Conclusions

Ntl controlled trehalose accumulation in M. acridum by degrading trehalose, and thus affected conidiospore thermotolerance. These results offer a new strategy for enhancing conidiospore thermotolerance of entomopathogenic fungi without affecting virulence.
The level of claudin-7 is reduced as an early event in colorectal carcinogenesis
Authors: Bornholdt Jette , Friis Stine , Godiksen Sine , Poulsen Steen S , Santoni-Rugiu Eric , Bisgaard Hanne C , Lothe Inger MB , Ikdahl Tone , Tveit Kjell M , Johnson Egil , Kure Elin H , Vogel Lotte K 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Compromised epithelial barriers are found in dysplastic tissue of the gastrointestinal tract. Claudins are transmembrane proteins important for tight junctions. Claudins regulate the paracellular transport and are crucial for maintaining a functional epithelial barrier. Down-regulation of the oncogenic serine protease, matriptase, induces leakiness in epithelial barriers both in vivo and in vitro. We found in an in-silico search tight co-regulation between matriptase and claudin-7 expression. We have previously shown that the matriptase expression level decreases during colorectal carcinogenesis. In the present study we investigated whether claudin-7 expression is likewise decreased during colorectal carcinogenesis, thereby causing or contributing to the compromised epithelial leakiness of dysplastic tissue.

Methods
The mRNA level of claudin-7 (CLDN7) was determined in samples from 18 healthy individuals, 100 individuals with dysplasia and 121 colorectal cancer patients using quantitative real time RT-PCR. In addition, immunohistochemical stainings were performed on colorectal adenomas and carcinomas, to confirm the mRNA findings.

Results
A 2.7-fold reduction in the claudin-7 mRNA level was found when comparing the biopsies from healthy individuals with the biopsies of carcinomas (p < 0.001). Reductions in the claudin-7 mRNA levels were also detected in mild/moderate dysplasia (p < 0.001), severe dysplasia (p < 0.01) and carcinomas (p < 0.01), compared to a control sample from the same individual. The decrease at mRNA level was confirmed at the protein level by immunohistochemical stainings.

Conclusions
Our results show that the claudin-7 mRNA level is decreased already as an early event in colorectal carcinogenesis, probably contributing to the compromised epithelial barrier in adenomas.
Studies on mechanisms of interferon-gamma action in pancreatic cancer using a data-driven and model-based approach
Authors: Lange Falko , Rateitschak Katja , Fitzner Brit , Pöhland Ralf , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Jaster Robert 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) is a multifunctional cytokine with antifibrotic and antiproliferative efficiency. We previously found that pancreatic stellate cells (PSC), the main effector cells in cancer-associated fibrosis, are targets of IFNγ action in the pancreas. Applying a combined experimental and computational approach, we have demonstrated a pivotal role of STAT1 in IFNγ signaling in PSC. Using in vivo and in vitro models of pancreatic cancer, we have now studied IFNγ effects on the tumor cells themselves. We hypothesize that IFNγ inhibits tumor progression through two mechanisms, reduction of fibrogenesis and antiproliferative effects on the tumor cells. To elucidate the molecular action of IFNγ, we have established a mathematical model of STAT1 activation and combined experimental studies with computer simulations.

Results
In BALB/c-nu/nu mice, flank tumors composed of DSL-6A/C1 pancreatic cancer cells and PSC grew faster than pure DSL-6A/C1 cell tumors. IFNγ inhibited the growth of both types of tumors to a similar degree. Since the stroma reaction typically reduces the efficiency of therapeutic agents, these data suggested that IFNγ may retain its antitumor efficiency in PSC-containing tumors by targeting the stellate cells. Studies with cocultures of DSL-6A/C1 cells and PSC revealed a modest antiproliferative effect of IFNγ under serum-free conditions. Immunoblot analysis of STAT1 phosphorylation and confocal microscopy studies on the nuclear translocation of STAT1 in DSL-6A/C1 cells suggested that IFNγ-induced activation of the transcription factor was weaker than in PSC. The mathematical model not only reproduced the experimental data, but also underscored the conclusions drawn from the experiments by indicating that a maximum of 1/500 of total STAT1 is located as phosphorylated STAT1 in the nucleus upon IFNγ treatment of the tumor cells.

Conclusions
IFNγ is equally effective in DSL-6A/C1 tumors with and without stellate cells. While its action in the presence of PSC may be explained by inhibition of fibrogenesis, its efficiency in PSC-free tumors is unlikely to be caused by direct effects on the tumor cells alone but may involve inhibitory effects on local stroma cells as well. To gain further insights, we also plan to apply computer simulations to the analysis of tumor growth in vivo.
Crystal and electronic structure of PbTe/CdTe nanostructures
Authors: Bukała Małgorzata , Sankowski Piotr , Buczko Ryszard , Kacman Perła 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn this article, the authors reported a theoretical study of structural and electronic properties of PbTe inclusions in CdTe matrix as well as CdTe nano-clusters in PbTe matrix. The structural properties are studied by ab initio methods. A tight-binding model is constructed to calculate the electron density of states (DOS) of the systems. In contrast to the ab initio methods, the latter allows studying nanostructures with diameters comparable to the real ones. The calculations show that both kinds of inclusions lead to changes of the DOS of the carriers near the Fermi level, which may affect optical, electrical and thermoelectric properties of the material. These changes depend on the size, shape, and concentration of inclusions.
Transmission of new CRF07_BC Strains with 7 amino acid deletion in Gag p6
Authors: Zhefeng Meng , Huiliang Hu , Chao Qiu , Jun Sun , Jianxin Lu , Xiaoyan Zhang , Jianqing Xu 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
A 7 amino acid deletion in Gag p6 (P6delta7) emerged in Chinese prevalent HIV-1 strain CRF07_BC from different epidemic regions. It is important to determine whether this mutation could be transmitted and spread. In this study, HIV-1 Gag sequences from 5 different epidemic regions in China were collected to trace the transmission linkage and to analyze genetic evolution of P6delta7 strains. The sequence analysis demonstrated that P6delta7 is a CRF07_BC specific deletion, different P6delta7 strains could be originated from different parental CRF07_BC recombinants in different epidemic regions, and the transmission of P6delta7 strain has occurred in IDU populations. This is for the first time to identify the transmission linkage for P6delta7 strains and serves as a wake-up call for further monitoring in the future; In addition, P6delta7 deletion may represent an evolutionary feature which might exert influence on the fitness of CRF07_BC strain.
Large-scale seroprevalence analysis of human metapneumovirus and human respiratory syncytial virus infections in Beijing, China
Authors: Lu Guilan , Gonzalez Richard , Guo Li , Wu Chao , Wu Jiang , Vernet Guy , Paranhos-Baccalà Gláucia , Wang Jianwei , Hung Tao 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a recently identified virus, causes acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in infants and children. However, studies on the seroepidemeology of hMPV are very limited in China. To assess the seroprevalence of hMPV infection in China, we tested a total of 1,156 serum specimens for the presence of anti-hMPV IgG antibody in children and adults free of acute respiratory illness in Beijing, China by using hMPV nucleocapsid (N) protein as an antigen. As a control, we used the human serum antibody against the N protein of human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), the most important viral agent responsible for ARIs in children.

Results
The seropositive rate for hMPV increased steadily with age from 67% at 1-6 mo to 100% at age 20. However, the rate dropped slightly between 6 mo and 1 yr of age. The seropositive rate for hRSV also increased steadily with age from 71% at 1-6 mo to 100% at age 20. In children aged six months to six years, the seropositive rates for the anti-hRSV IgG antibody were significantly higher than those for hMPV. Additionally, IgG antibody titers to hMPV and hRSV were significantly higher in adults than in young children. Consistent with the seropositive rates, the geometric mean titer of anti-hMPV IgG antibody was lower than that of anti-hRSV IgG antibody in children aged six months to six years.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that similar to hRSV, exposure to hMPV is ubiquitous in the Beijing population. However, the seroprevalence of anti-hMPV IgG antibody is lower than that of hRSV in children between six months and six years old, which suggests a different number of repeat infections or a different response to infections.
H9N2 influenza virus acquires intravenous pathogenicity on the introduction of a pair of di-basic amino acid residues at the cleavage site of the hemagglutinin and consecutive passages in chickens
Authors: Soda Kosuke , Asakura Shingo , Okamatsu Masatoshi , Sakoda Yoshihiro , kida Hiroshi 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) caused by infection with low pathogenic H9N2 viruses have occurred in poultry, resulting in serious economic losses in Asia and the Middle East. It has been difficult to eradicate the H9N2 virus because of its low pathogenicity, frequently causing in apparent infection. It is important for the control of AI to assess whether the H9N2 virus acquires pathogenicity as H5 and H7 viruses. In the present study, we investigated whether a non-pathogenic H9N2 virus, A/chicken/Yokohama/aq-55/2001 (Y55) (H9N2), acquires pathogenicity in chickens when a pair of di-basic amino acid residues is introduced at the cleavage site of its HA molecule.

Results
rgY55sub (H9N2), which had four basic amino acid residues at the HA cleavage site, replicated in MDCK cells in the absence of trypsin after six consecutive passages in the air sacs of chicks, and acquired intravenous pathogenicity to chicken after four additional passages. More than 75% of chickens inoculated intravenously with the passaged virus, rgY55sub-P10 (H9N2), died, indicating that it is pathogenic comparable to that of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) defined by World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The chickens inoculated with the virus via the intranasal route, however, survived without showing any clinical signs. On the other hand, an avirulent H5N1 strain, A/duck/Hokkaido/Vac-1/2004 (Vac1) (H5N1), acquired intranasal pathogenicity after a pair of di-basic amino acid residues was introduced into the cleavage site of the HA, followed by two passages by air sac inoculation in chicks.

Conclusion
The present results demonstrate that an H9N2 virus has the potential to acquire intravenous pathogenicity in chickens although the morbidity via the nasal route of infection is lower than that of H5N1 HPAIV.
Foot kinematics in patients with two patterns of pathological plantar hyperkeratosis
Authors: Findlow Andrew H , Nester Christopher J , Bowker Peter 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe Root paradigm of foot function continues to underpin the majority of clinical foot biomechanics practice and foot orthotic therapy. There are great number of assumptions in this popular paradigm, most of which have not been thoroughly tested. One component supposes that patterns of plantar pressure and associated hyperkeratosis lesions should be associated with distinct rearfoot, mid foot, first metatarsal and hallux kinematic patterns. Our aim was to investigate the extent to which this was true.MethodsTwenty‐seven subjects with planter pathological hyperkeratosis were recruited into one of two groups. Group 1 displayed pathological plantar hyperkeratosis only under metatarsal heads 2, 3 and 4 (n = 14). Group 2 displayed pathological plantar hyperkeratosis only under the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads (n = 13). Foot kinematics were measured using reflective markers on the leg, heel, midfoot, first metatarsal and hallux.ResultsThe kinematic data failed to identify distinct differences between these two groups of subjects, however there were several subtle (generally <3°) differences in kinematic data between these groups. Group 1 displayed a less everted heel, a less abducted heel and a more plantarflexed heel compared to group 2, which is contrary to the Root paradigm.ConclusionsThere was some evidence of small differences between planter pathological hyperkeratosis groups. Nevertheless, there was too much similarity between the kinematic data displayed in each group to classify them as distinct foot types as the current clinical paradigm proposes.
Haplotype and isoform specific expression estimation using multi-mapping RNA-seq reads
Authors: Turro Ernest , Su Shu-Yi , Gonçalves Ângela , Coin Lachlan JM , Richardson Sylvia , Lewin Alex 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe present a novel pipeline and methodology for simultaneously estimating isoform expression and allelic imbalance in diploid organisms using RNA-seq data. We achieve this by modeling the expression of haplotype-specific isoforms. If unknown, the two parental isoform sequences can be individually reconstructed. A new statistical method, MMSEQ, deconvolves the mapping of reads to multiple transcripts (isoforms or haplotype-specific isoforms). Our software can take into account non-uniform read generation and works with paired-end reads.
Application of zebrafish oculomotor behavior to model human disorders
Authors: Maurer Colette M. , Huang Ying-Yu , Neuhauss Stephan C.F. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
To ensure high acuity vision, eye movements have to be controlled with astonishing precision by the oculomotor system. Many human diseases can lead to abnormal eye movements, typically of the involuntary oscillatory eye movements type called nystagmus. Such nystagmus can be congenital (infantile) or acquired later in life. Although the resulting eye movements are well characterized, there is only little information about the underlying etiology. This is in part owing to the lack of appropriate animal models. In this review article, we des­cribe how the zebrafish with its quick maturing visual system can be used to model oculomotor pathologies. We compare the characteristics and assessment of human and zebrafish eye movements. We describe the oculomotor properties of the zebrafish mutant belladonna, which has non-crossing optical fibers, and is a particularly informative model for human ocu­lomotor deficits. This mutant displays a reverse optokinetic response, spontaneous oscillations that closely mimic human congenital nystagmus and abnormal motor behavior linked to circular vection.
Zebrafish behavioural assays of translational relevance for the study of psychiatric disease
Authors: Brennan Caroline H. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractUnderstanding the pathogenesis of the complex behavioural disorders that constitute psychiatric disease is a major challenge for biomedical research. Assays in rodents have contributed significantly to our understanding of the neural basis of behavioural disorders and continue to be one of the main focuses for the development of novel therapeutics. Now, owing to their genetic tractability and optical transparency (allowingin vivoimaging of circuit function) and the rapid expansion of genetic tools, zebrafish are becoming increasingly popular for behavioural genetic research. The increased development of behavioural assays in zebrafish raises the possibility of exploiting the advantages of this system to identify molecular mechanisms contributing to behavioural phenotypes associated with psychiatric disorders as well as potential therapeutics. This mini-review describes behavioural paradigms in zebrafish that can be used to address endophenotypes associated with psychiatric disease. The content reflects the interests of the author and covers tests of cognitive functions, response choice and inhibition, social interaction and executive function.
Alcohol-induced behavior change in zebrafish models
Authors: Echevarria David J. , Toms Christina N. , Jouandot David J. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Zebrafish are at the forefront of neurobiological research and have been gaining popularity as a viable and valid behavioral model in a variety of research applications (e.g., assessing drug induced behavioral changes). This model becomes even more attractive when considering the behavioral changes that follow exposure to compounds that are water-soluble. As such, several studies have implicated both acute and chronic ethanol exposure in the modulation of zebrafish behavior. Within this arena there appears to be a common trend across multiple studies. As with many drugs ethanol appears to influence behavior in a dose-dependent manner. In this review, we compare and contrast several studies that measure behavior as a result of alcohol exposure. Appended to this review are pilot data that report zebrafish blood alcohol concentrations as a function of acute exposure.
The role of dopaminergic signalling during larval zebrafish brain development: a tool for investigating the developmental basis of neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Souza Bruno Rezende , Tropepe Vincent 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Neurodevelopment depends on intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence the overall pattern of neurogenesis and neural circuit formation, which has a direct impact on behaviour. Defects in dopamine signalling and brain morphology at a relatively early age, and mutations in neurodevelopmental genes are strongly correlated with several neuropsychiatric disorders. This evidence supports the hypothesis of a neurodevelopmental origin of at least some forms of mental illness. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as an important vertebrate model system in biomedical research. The ease with which intrinsic and extrinsic factors can be altered during early development, the relatively conserved dopaminergic circuit organisation in the larval brain, and the emergence of simple sensorimotor behaviours very early in development are some of the appealing features that make this organism advantageous for developmental brain and behaviour research. Thus, examining the impact of altered dopamine signalling and disease related genetic aberrations during zebrafish development presents a unique opportunity to holistically analyse the in vivo biochemical, morphological and behavioural significance of altered dopamine signalling during a crucial period of development using a highly tractable vertebrate model organism. Ultimately, this information will shed new light on potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of schizophrenia and perhaps serve as a paradigm for investigating the neurodevelopmental origin of other psychiatric disorders.