bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Viral shedding in children infected by pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus
Authors: Esposito Susanna , Daleno Cristina , Baldanti Fausto , Scala Alessia , Campanini Giulia , Taroni Francesca , Fossali Emilio , Pelucchi Claudio , Principi Nicola 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to investigate viral shedding in otherwise healthy children with pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza in order to define how long children with pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza shed the virus, and also plan adequate measures to control the spread of the disease within households.

Findings
In 74 otherwise healthy children with pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza, nasopharyngeal swabs were taken for virus detection upon hospital admission and every two days until negative. The nasopharyngeal swabs of all of the children were positive for pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus in the first three days after the onset of infection, and only 21.6% and 13.5% remained positive after respectively 11 and 15 days. No child was positive after more than 15 days. Viral load also decreased over time, and was not associated with patient age or the risk of pneumonia. Those who shed the virus for ≥ 9 days were not at any increased risk of suffering from more severe disease in comparison with those who shed the virus for a shorter time, but their households experienced a significantly higher number of influenza-like illness during the two weeks after the onset of the initial disease (72.3% vs 41.4%; p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Regardless of their age, healthy children can shed pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus for up to two weeks after illness onset, and the households of the children who shed the virus for ≥ 9 days suffered a higher number of influenza-like illness in the two weeks following the onset of the first disease. This could suggest that when a completely unknown influenza virus is circulating, isolation period of infected children has to be longer than the 7 days recommended for the infections due to seasonal influenza viruses.
A Wnt1 regulated Frizzled-1/β-Cateninsignaling pathway as a candidate regulatory circuit controlling mesencephalic dopaminergic neuron-astrocyte crosstalk: Therapeutical relevance for neuron survival and neuroprotection
Authors: L'Episcopo Francesca , Serapide Maria F , Tirolo Cataldo , Testa Nunzio , Caniglia Salvatore , Morale Maria C , Pluchino Stefano , Marchetti Bianca 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
Dopamine-synthesizing (dopaminergic, DA) neurons in the ventral midbrain (VM) constitute a pivotal neuronal population controlling motor behaviors, cognitive and affective brain functions, which generation critically relies on the activation of Wingless-type MMTV integration site (Wnt)/β-catenin pathway in their progenitors. In Parkinson's disease, DA cell bodies within the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) progressively degenerate, with causes and mechanisms poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that Wnt signaling via Frizzled (Fzd) receptors may play a role in different degenerative states, but little is known about Wnt signaling in the adult midbrain. Using in vitro and in vivo model systems of DA degeneration, along with functional studies in both intact and SN lesioned mice, we herein highlight an intrinsic Wnt1/Fzd-1/β-catenin tone critically contributing to the survival and protection of adult midbrain DA neurons.

Results

In vitro experiments identifie Fzd-1 receptor expression at a mRNA and protein levels in dopamine transporter (DAT) expressing neurons, and demonstrate the ability of exogenous Wnt1 to exert robust neuroprotective effects against Caspase-3 activation, the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+) neurons and [3H] dopamine uptake induced by different DA-specific insults, including serum and growth factor deprivation, 6-hydroxydopamine and MPTP/MPP+. Co-culture of DA neurons with midbrain astrocytes phenocopies Wnt1 neuroprotective effects, whereas RNA interference-mediated knockdown of Wnt1 in midbrain astrocytes markedly reduces astrocyte-induced TH+ neuroprotection. Likewise, silencing β-catenin mRNA or knocking down Fzd-1 receptor expression in mesencephalic neurons counteract astrocyte-induced TH+ neuroprotection. In vivo experiments document Fzd-1 co-localization with TH+ neurons within the intact SNpc and blockade of Fzd/β-catenin signaling by unilateral infusion of a Fzd/β-catenin antagonist within the SN induces reactive astrocytosis and acutely inhibits TH+ neuron survival in ipsilateral SNpc, an effect efficiently prevented by pharmacological activation of β-catenin signaling within the SNpc.

Conclusion
These results defining a novel Wnt1/Fzd-1/β-catenin astrocyte-DA autoprotective loop provide a new mechanistic inside into the regulation of pro-survival processes, with potentially relevant consequences for drug design or drug action in Parkinson's disease.
iAB-RBC-283: A proteomically derived knowledge-base of erythrocyte metabolism that can be used to simulate its physiological and patho-physiological states
Authors: Bordbar Aarash , Jamshidi Neema , Palsson Bernhard O 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
The development of high-throughput technologies capable of whole cell measurements of genes, proteins, and metabolites has led to the emergence of systems biology. Integrated analysis of the resulting omic data sets has proved to be hard to achieve. Metabolic network reconstructions enable complex relationships amongst molecular components to be represented formally in a biologically relevant manner while respecting physical constraints. In silico models derived from such reconstructions can then be queried or interrogated through mathematical simulations. Proteomic profiling studies of the mature human erythrocyte have shown more proteins present related to metabolic function than previously thought; however the significance and the causal consequences of these findings have not been explored.

Results
Erythrocyte proteomic data was used to reconstruct the most expansive description of erythrocyte metabolism to date, following extensive manual curation, assessment of the literature, and functional testing. The reconstruction contains 281 enzymes representing functions from glycolysis to cofactor and amino acid metabolism. Such a comprehensive view of erythrocyte metabolism implicates the erythrocyte as a potential biomarker for different diseases as well as a 'cell-based' drug-screening tool. The analysis shows that 94 erythrocyte enzymes are implicated in morbid single nucleotide polymorphisms, representing 142 pathologies. In addition, over 230 FDA-approved and experimental pharmaceuticals have enzymatic targets in the erythrocyte.

Conclusion
The advancement of proteomic technologies and increased generation of high-throughput proteomic data have created the need for a means to analyze these data in a coherent manner. Network reconstructions provide a systematic means to integrate and analyze proteomic data in a biologically meaning manner. Analysis of the red cell proteome has revealed an unexpected level of complexity in the functional capabilities of human erythrocyte metabolism.
Intensity of Anticoagulation with Warfarin and Risk of Adverse Events in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department
Authors: Anthony Crystal J , Karim Saleema , Ackroyd-Stolarz Stacy , Fry Amy , Murphy Nancy G , Christie Russell , Zed Peter J 
Published: July 2011

Background: The ability of patients receiving warfarin to maintain an international normalized ratio (INR) within the desired therapeutic range is important for both efficacy and risk of adverse events. It is unclear whether the desired INR is maintained in patients receiving warfarin who present to the emergency department (ED) and whether they have a higher rate of adverse events. Objective: To evaluate the intensity of anticoagulation with warfarin and the risk of bleeding and thromboembolic complications in patients in the ED. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed using a convenience sample of patients receiving warfarin and presenting to the ED over an 18-week period. Data were collected using a standardized form that included chief complaint, history of present illness, past medical history, medication history, and allergy status. Information from the physical examination, laboratory results, and other diagnostic tests obtained as part of routine assessment in the ED, was used as necessary. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients whose INR was within, above, or below the desired therapeutic range. Bleeding complications and thromboembolic events were recorded in an attempt to determine the relationship between the intensity of anticoagulation and adverse outcomes. Results: Two hundred one patients were included, with a mean (SD) age of 74.0 (13.2) years; 53.7% were female. Primary indications for warfarin were atrial fibrillation (75.6%) and venous thromboembolic disease (14.9%). A therapeutic INR was observed in 88 patients (43.8%; 95% CI 37.1 to 50.7), while 45 patients (22.4%; 95% CI 17.2 to 26.7) and 68 patients (33.8%; 95% CI 27.6 to 40.6) had subtherapeutic and supratherapeutic INRs, respectively. Overall, there were 28 (18 major and 10 minor) bleeding complications (13.9%; 95% CI 9.8 to 19.4) and 4 thromboembolic events (2.0%; 95% CI 0.6 to 5.2). Among patients with a bleeding complication, 14 (50.0%) had a supratherapeutic INR, while 2 patients who experienced a thromboembolic event (50.0%) had a subtherapeutic INR. Conclusions: The majority of patients receiving warfarin on presentation to the ED had INRs outside the desired therapeutic range. By establishing the impact of warfarin-related adverse events in this population, focused interventions can be established in this setting to address factors that can be targeted to reduce these events.
Spinosad for Treatment of Head Lice Infestation
Authors: Cole Sabrina W , Lundquist Lisa M 
Published: July 2011

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical trials, and safety profile of spinosad 0.9% topical lotion, a recently approved pediculicide for treatment of head lice infestation. Data Sources: English-language articles indexed in MEDLINE (1948-May 2011), Toxline, Google Scholar, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-May 2011), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (1981-May 2011) were identified, using the search terms spinosad, head lice, and pediculosis capitis. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Available English-language articles were reviewed. Data Synthesis: In the studies that were reviewed, the percentage of patients who were lice free 14 days after the last treatment was significantly higher in the spinosad groups compared to the permethrin groups (84.6% vs 44.9% and 86.7% vs 42.9%, respectively; p < 0.001 for both studies). Additionally, the proportion of all primary and nonprimary participants determined to be lice free following only 1 treatment with the study medication was higher among patients in the spinosad groups compared with those in the permethrin groups. Application-site erythema was observed in patients in both treatment groups; however, it was more common in patients in the permethrin groups compared with those receiving spinosad (6.8% vs 3.1%, respectively; p = 0.007). No serious adverse effects were reported by patients receiving spinosad. Adherence was higher in the spinosad groups compared with the permethrin groups, although adherence overall was high in both studies. These data suggest that spinosad is a safe and effective treatment for the eradication of head lice, and the ease of administration and improved adherence with spinosad could offer an advantage over currently available treatment options. Conclusions: Because of its established efficacy, favorable safety profile, and ease of application, spinosad can be considered a convenient and effective treatment for head lice in patients aged 4 years and older.
A Novel Function for the PAR Complex in Subcellular Morphogenesis of Tracheal Terminal Cells in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Jones Tiffani A , Metzstein Mark M 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The processes that generate cellular morphology are not well understood. To investigate this problem, we use Drosophila melanogaster tracheal terminal cells, which undergo two distinct morphogenetic processes: subcellular branching morphogenesis and subcellular apical lumen formation. Here we show these processes are regulated by components of the PAR-polarity complex. This complex, composed of the proteins Par-6, Bazooka (Par-3), aPKC, and Cdc42, is best known for roles in asymmetric cell division and apical/basal polarity. We find Par-6, Bazooka, and aPKC, as well as known interactions between them, are required for subcellular branch initiation, but not for branch outgrowth. By analysis of single and double mutants, and isolation of two novel alleles of Par-6, one of which specifically truncates the Par-6 PDZ domain, we conclude that dynamic interactions between apical PAR-complex members control the branching pattern of terminal cells. These data suggest that canonical apical PAR-complex activity is required for subcellular branching morphogenesis. In addition, we find the PAR proteins are downstream of the FGF pathway that controls terminal cell branching. In contrast, we find that while Par-6 and aPKC are both required for subcellular lumen formation, neither Bazooka nor a direct interaction between Par-6 and aPKC is needed for this process. Thus a novel, noncanonical role for the polarity proteins Par-6 and aPKC is used in formation of this subcellular apical compartment. Our results demonstrate that proteins from the PAR complex can be deployed independently within a single cell to control two different morphogenetic processes.
Identification of Mutations that Delay Somatic or Reproductive Aging ofCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Hughes Stacie E , Huang Cheng , Kornfeld Kerry 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAging is an important feature of animal biology characterized by progressive, degenerative changes in somatic and reproductive tissues. The rate of age-related degeneration is genetically controlled, since genes that influence lifespan have been identified. However, little is known about genes that affect reproductive aging or aging of specific somatic tissues. To identify genes that are important for controlling these degenerative changes, we used chemical mutagenesis to perform forward genetic screens in Caenorhabditis elegans. By conducting a screen focused on somatic aging, we identified mutant hermaphrodites that displayed extended periods of pharyngeal pumping, body movement, or survival. One of these mutations is a novel allele of the age-1 gene. age-1 encodes a phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) that functions in the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway. age-1(am88) creates a missense change in the conserved PIK domain and causes dramatic extensions of the pharyngeal pumping and body movement spans, as well as a twofold extension of the lifespan. By conducting screens focused on reproductive aging in mated hermaphrodites, we identified mutants that displayed increased progeny production late in life. To characterize these mutations, we developed quantitative measurements of age-related morphological changes in the gonad. The am117 mutation delayed age-related declines in progeny production and morphological changes in the gonad. These studies provide new insights into the genetic regulation of age-related degenerative changes in somatic and reproductive tissues.
Hydrogen gas sensors based on nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films
Authors: Haidry Azhar , Schlosser Peter , Durina Pavol , Mikula Marian , Tomasek Milan , Plecenik Tomas , Roch Tomaš , Pidik Andrej , Stefecka Miloslav , Noskovic Jaroslav , Zahoran Miroslav , Kus Peter , Plecenik Andrej 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Titanium dioxide thin films are extensively studied for applications in solid state gas sensor devices. Their gas sensing properties are strongly dependent on deposition technique, annealing temperature, film thickness and consequent properties like crystalline structure, grain size or amount of defects and impurities. In this work we report the gas sensing properties of TiO2 thin films prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering technique and subsequently annealed at temperatures 600°C and 900°C. The films were exposed to different concentrations of H2 gas up to 10 000 ppm. Their sensitivity to gas at various operating temperatures, ranging from 250°C to 450°C, was obtained by measuring their resistance.
The Association Between Submaximal Quadriceps Force Steadiness and the Knee Adduction Moment During Walking in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Sørensen Tina Juul , Langberg Henning , Aaboe Jens , Bandholm Thomas , Bliddal Henning , Henriksen Marius 
Published: July 2011

Study Design Cross-sectional study. Objectives To investigate the relationship between quadriceps force steadiness and knee adduction moment during walking in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Background Studies have shown that quadriceps force steadiness is impaired in patients with knee OA. Furthermore, patients with knee OA, compared to healthy controls, have also demonstrated a significantly higher external knee adduction moment during walking. However, no studies have examined the relationship between quadriceps force steadiness and the peak knee adduction moment during walking in this population. Methods Forty-one patients with knee OA (34 females and 7 males) were included in the study. Submaximal isometric quadriceps force steadiness was measured during a force target-tracking task. Peak knee adduction moments during ambulation were measured using a 3-dimensional gait analysis system, and knee pain was assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pain subscale and a visual analog scale. Results Regression analyses showed that quadriceps force steadiness did not predict the peak knee adduction moment (adjusted R2 = 0.05, P = .41). Inclusion of covariates did not change the outcome. Conclusion No statistically significant association between submaximal isometric quadriceps force steadiness and peak knee external adduction moments during walking was found. It could be speculated that submaximal isometric quadriceps muscle force steadiness and knee joint loads during walking represent 2 distinctive pathways and may have independent influences on knee OA pathogenesis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(8):592–599, Epub 12 July 2011. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3481
Investigation of Abdominal Muscle Thickness Changes After Spinal Manipulation in Patients Who Meet a Clinical Prediction Rule for Lumbar Stabilization
Authors: Konitzer Lisa N. , Gill Norman W. , Koppenhaver Shane L. 
Published: July 2011

Study Design Prospective case series. Objectives To investigate changes in abdominal muscle thickness with ultrasound imaging, after spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), in a subgroup of patients with low back pain (LBP) who meet a proposed clinical prediction rule for lumbar stabilization exercise (LSE). Background The characteristics of a subgroup of patients with LBP who respond clinically to LSE has been proposed. Although the pathoanatomical characteristics of this subgroup have not been determined, clinicians often assume that this type of LBP is related, in part, to neuromuscular deficits of the lateral abdominal muscles. Recent evidence suggests that SMT may facilitate abdominal muscle activity and, therefore, enhance exercises targeting these deficits. Methods Nineteen patients (mean age ± SD, 32.5 ± 7.8 years; 11 female) with LBP, who met the criteria for LSE, underwent ultrasound imaging of the transversus abdominis (TrA) and internal oblique (IO) muscles before, immediately after, and 3 to 4 days after lumbopelvic SMT. Measurements of resting thickness, contracted thickness during the abdominal drawing-in maneuver, and percent thickness change from rest to contraction of the TrA and IO muscles were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance. Numeric pain rating scale and Oswestry Disability Index data were also collected. Results No significant differences in resting, contracted, or percent thickness change in the TrA or IO were found over the 3 time periods. There were statistically significant reductions in numeric pain rating scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores, but mean differences failed to meet the minimal clinically important difference. Conclusion The results provide preliminary evidence that TrA and IO muscle resting and contracted thicknesses do not change post-SMT in patients with LBP in the LSE subgroup. In addition, while reductions in pain and disability were noted, they were not clinically meaningful. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(9):666–674, Epub 12 July 2011. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3685
Differential chromosome banding and isozyme assay in <i>Corchorus aestuans</i> L.
Authors: Alam Sheikh Shamimul , Khatun Masuda , Sultana Syeda Sharmeen 
Published: July 2011

Karyotype of Corchorus aestuans L. was investigated with differential staining, viz. orcein, CMA and DAPI. In addition, activities of three isozyme system namely, esterase, acid phosphatase and peroxidase were studied to obtain specific molecular markers. This species was found to possess 2n = 14 metacentric chromosomes. In this species, three terminal CMA-bands appeared of which two in chromosome pairs I and the rest in a member of chromosome pair VI. Two thick DAPI-positive terminal bands were found in pair II and III. These two chromosomes showed deep CMA-negative bands at the terminal regions where DAPIpositive bands were found. Moreover, one member of pair VII fluoresced entirely with DAPI whereas an interstitial DAPI band occurred in its homologue. Five esterase, one peroxidase and two acid phosphatase bands were observed in this species. These isozyme bands were very stable and species specific. Therefore, differential fluorescent chromosome banding and isozyme assay were found to produce characteristic cytogenetical and molecular markers in C. aestuans. Key words: Fluorascent banding; Isozyme assay; Corchorus aestuans DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i1.7997 Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(1): 47-52, 2011 (June)
Pollen tube growth of <i>Paeonia tenuifolia</i> L. (Paeoniaceae) in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Dane Feruzan , Ekici Nuran 
Published: July 2011

In vitro and in vivo studies on pollen germination of Paeonia tenuifolia L. (Paeoniaceae) revealed that pollen grains are shed at two-celled stage. Normal and abnormal pollens were observed. Pollen viability was recorded between 55 and 75%. In vitro studies revealed 85% germination and usually the germination was monosphonic. Some pollen tubes with swollen tube tip and undulations were found. Styles and stigma were found to contain many pollen tubes 24 hrs after pollination. Key words: Paeonia tenuifolia; Pollen tube; In vitro growth; In vivo growth DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i1.8003 Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(1): 93-95, 2011 (June)