bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNA interference-based resistance against a legume mastrevirus
Authors: Nahid Nazia , Amin Imran , Briddon Rob W , Mansoor Shahid 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
RNA interference (RNAi) is a homology-dependant gene silencing mechanism and has been widely used to engineer resistance in plants against RNA viruses. However, its usefulness in delivering resistance against plant DNA viruses belonging to family Geminiviridae is still being debated. Although the RNAi approach has been shown, using a transient assay, to be useful in countering monocotyledonous plant-infecting geminiviruses of the genus Mastrevirus, it has yet to be investigated as a means of delivering resistance to dicot-infecting mastreviruses. Chickpea chlorotic dwarf Pakistan virus (CpCDPKV) is a legume-infecting mastrevirus that affects chickpea and other leguminous crops in Pakistan.

Results
Here a hairpin (hp)RNAi construct containing sequences encompassing part of replication-associated protein gene, intergenic region and part of the movement protein gene of CpCDPKV under the control of the Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter has been produced and stably transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana. Plants harboring the hairpin construct were challenged with CpCDPKV. All non-transgenic N. benthamiana plants developed symptoms of CpCDPKV infection within two weeks post-inoculation. In contrast, none of the inoculated transgenic plants showed symptoms of infection and no viral DNA could be detected by Southern hybridization. A real-time quantitative PCR analysis identified very low-level accumulation of viral DNA in the inoculated transgenic plants.

Conclusions
The results presented show that the RNAi-based resistance strategy is useful in protecting plants from a dicot-infecting mastrevirus. The very low levels of virus detected in plant tissue of transgenic plants distal to the inoculation site suggest that virus movement and/or viral replication was impaired leading to plants that showed no discernible signs of virus infection.
Concurrent nephrotic syndrome and acute renal failure caused by chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): a case report and literature review
Authors: Dou Xianrui , Hu Haitang , Ju Yongle , Liu Yongdong , Kang Kaifu , Zhou Shufeng , Chen Wenfang 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Kidney injury associated with lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is typically caused by direct tumor infiltration which occasionally results in acute renal failure. Glomerular involvement presenting as proteinuria or even nephrotic syndrome is exceptionally rare. Here we report a case of 54-year-old male CLL patient with nephrotic syndrome and renal failure. The lymph node biopsy confirmed that the patients had CLL with remarkable immunoglobulin light chain amyloid deposition. The renal biopsy demonstrated the concurrence of AL amyloidosis and neoplastic infiltration. Combined treatment of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab resulted in remission of CLL, as well as the renal disfunction and nephrotic syndrome, without recurrence during a 12-month follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case of CLL patient showing the nephrotic syndrome and acute renal failure caused by AL amyloidosis and neoplastic infiltration. Though AL amyloidosis caused by plasma cell dyscrasia usually responses poorly to chemotherapy, this patient exhibited a satisfactory clinical outcome due to successful inhibition of the production of amylodogenic light chains by combined chemotherapy.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/2479639195566762.
Oral ezatiostat HCl (Telintra®, TLK199) and Idiopathic Chronic Neutropenia (ICN): a case report of complete response of a patient with G-CSF resistant ICN following treatment with ezatiostat, a glutathione S-transferase P1-1 (GSTP1-1) inhibitor
Authors: Lyons Roger M , Wilks Sharon T , Young Shelby , Brown Gail L 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Idiopathic chronic neutropenia (ICN) describes a heterogeneous group of hematologic diseases characterized by low circulating neutrophil levels often associated with recurrent fevers, chronic mucosal inflammation, and severe systemic infections. The severity and risk of complications, including serious infections, are inversely proportional to the absolute neutrophil count (ANC), with the greatest problems occurring in patients with an ANC of less than 0.5 × 109/L. This case report describes a 64-year-old female with longstanding rheumatoid arthritis who subsequently developed ICN with frequent episodes of sepsis requiring hospitalization and prolonged courses of antibiotics over a 4-year period. She was treated with granulocyte colony stimulating factors (G-CSF) but had a delayed, highly variable, and volatile response. She was enrolled in a clinical trial evaluating the oral investigational agent ezatiostat. Ezatiostat, a glutathione S-transferase P1-1 inhibitor, activates Jun kinase, promoting the growth and maturation of hematopoietic progenitor stem cells. She responded by the end of the first month of treatment with stabilization of her ANC (despite tapering and then stopping G-CSF), clearing of fever, and healing of areas of infection. This ANC response to ezatiostat treatment has now been sustained for over 8 months and continues. These results suggest potential roles for ezatiostat in the treatment of patients with ICN who are not responsive to G-CSF, as an oral therapy alternative, or as an adjunct to G-CSF, and further studies are warranted.
Mutation of zebrafish dihydrolipoamide branched-chain transacylase E2 results in motor dysfunction and models maple syrup urine disease
Authors: Friedrich Timo , Lambert Aaron M. , Masino Mark A. , Downes Gerald B. 
Published: November 2011

SUMMARY
Analysis of zebrafish mutants that demonstrate abnormal locomotive behavior can elucidate the molecular requirements for neural network function and provide new models of human disease. Here, we show that zebrafish quetschkommode (que) mutant larvae exhibit a progressive locomotor defect that culminates in unusual nose-to-tail compressions and an inability to swim. Correspondingly, extracellular peripheral nerve recordings show that que mutants demonstrate abnormal locomotor output to the axial muscles used for swimming. Using positional cloning and candidate gene analysis, we reveal that a point mutation disrupts the gene encoding dihydrolipoamide branched-chain transacylase E2 (Dbt), a component of a mitochondrial enzyme complex, to generate the que phenotype. In humans, mutation of the DBT gene causes maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a disorder of branched-chain amino acid metabolism that can result in mental retardation, severe dystonia, profound neurological damage and death. que mutants harbor abnormal amino acid levels, similar to MSUD patients and consistent with an error in branched-chain amino acid metabolism. que mutants also contain markedly reduced levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate within the brain and spinal cord, which probably contributes to their abnormal spinal cord locomotor output and aberrant motility behavior, a trait that probably represents severe dystonia in larval zebrafish. Taken together, these data illustrate how defects in branched-chain amino acid metabolism can disrupt nervous system development and/or function, and establish zebrafish que mutants as a model to better understand MSUD.
Linaclotide: A Novel Approach to the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Wensel Terri M , Luthin David R 
Published: November 2011

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of linaclotide for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Data Sources: A literature search using PubMed (1966-August 2011) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-July 2011) was conducted using the terms linaclotide and MD-1100. Additional publications were identified by reviewing bibliographies. Abstracts were included in the absence of published full studies. Product information was requested from the manufacturer. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The search was limited to English-language publications. All available clinical trials of linaclotide pertinent to the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of linaclotide as a treatment for IBS were included. Animal studies were included in the absence of data in humans. Data Synthesis: Linaclotide is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist currently being studied in Phase 3 trials for the treatment of IBS with constipation. Controlled clinical trials have found that linaclotide significantly improves the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements per week, in addition to symptoms such as abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating, and straining. The most common adverse event associated with linaclotide is diarrhea. Conclusions: Linaclotide appears to be a safe and effective treatment for IBS. Additional clinical trials will more fully elucidate the safety profile of linaclotide and better define its place in therapy.
Ferumoxytol Use as an Intravenous Contrast Agent for Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Authors: Stabi Katie L , Bendz Lisa M 
Published: November 2011

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ferumoxytol for use in magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the vasculature. Data Sources: Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1946-September 2011) and EMBASE (1947-September 2011) using the terms ferumoxytol, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography, blood pool agent, and superparamagnetic iron oxide. Reference citations from Identified publications were reviewed for relevant information. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language articles and human studies (N = 9) were Identified that evaluated ferumoxytol use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Articles that evaluated the use of the drug in first-pass and equilibrium phase imaging of the vasculature were included (n = 4). Data Synthesis: Contrast agents for MRI improve disease characterization and diagnosis. Ferumoxytol, a medication approved for treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adults with chronic kidney disease, has superparamagnetic properties. As a blood pool agent, ferumoxytol remains primarily in the intravascular space. Therefore, its use in MRI may increase image sensitivity and specificity and have a decreased adverse effect profile compared to other contrast agents. Specifically, ferumoxytol may be an option for MRA. a specific type of MRI that images blood vessels. In the 4 studies evaluated here, ferumoxytol was administered primarily to healthy adults as an accumulative dose of 4 mg Fe/kg injected at 1 mL/sec. Not all studies reported adverse events and addressed safety monitoring. The evaluated studies are limited by small size, open-label design, and noncomparative methodology. Conclusions: Data from small pilot studies suggest that ferumoxytol may improve image quality in MRA; however, further investigation is necessary to establish its efficacy and safety. Large randomized, active-comparator trials are needed to establish optimal dosing, imaging procedures, and safety monitoring.
Left anterior descending/right coronary artery as culprit arteries in acute myocardial infarction (n=2011) in changing physical environment, percutaneous coronary intervention data, 2000–2010
Authors: Stoupel Eliyahu , Abramson Evgeny , Israelevich Peter 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the principal treatments of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This treatment largely expanded our knowledge on the pathophysiology of AMI and related coronary pathologies. Recent studies found a significant relationship of the timing of ACS with environmental physical activity: solar (SA), geomagnetic (GMA) and cosmic ray (CRA) activity. The aim of this study was to examine if the interrelationship of two principal culprit arteries, left anterior descending (LAD) and right coronary artery (RCA), are involved in the pathogenesis of AMI in different daily levels of GMA and CRA.

Methods: Patients undergoing PCI for AMI on the day of symptoms of the disease (n=2011, 79.9% males) in the Rabin Medical Center in the years 2000–2010 were studied. The culprit arteries, LAD and RCA, correlated to AMI in zero and I0–IV0 of daily GMA and inversely to GMA related CRA (measured by neutron activity on the earth surface) and their ratio was compared.

Results: LAD (45.0%) and RCA (35.7%) were the main culprit arteries in AMI. LAD/RCA ratio increased inversely to GMA (zero=IV0, r=–0.94, p=0.017) and in correlation with daily neutron activity for LAD (r=0.97, p=0.03) and RCA (r=0.95, p=0.04). LAD/RCA ratio was 1 in IV0 of GMA (28% increase) and steadily increased to 1.62 (62% difference) at zero GMA (r=–0.94, p=0.0117), and increasing neutron activity was accompanied by increasing LAD involvement as a culprit artery in AMI.

Conclusions: High daily neutron activity and low GMA are accompanied by increasing LAD as a culprit artery in AMI. The possible mechanisms of this finding are discussed.
Weak module amenability of triangular Banach algebras
Authors: Pourabbas Abdolrasoul , Nasrabadi Ebrahim 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Let A and B be unital Banach algebras and let M be a unital Banach A,B-module. Forrest and Marcoux [6] have studied the weak amenability of triangular Banach algebra $\mathcal{T} = \left[ {_B^{AM} } \right]$ and showed that T is weakly amenable if and only if the corner algebras A and B are weakly amenable. When $\mathfrak{A}$ is a Banach algebra and A and B are Banach $\mathfrak{A}$-module with compatible actions, and M is a commutative left Banach $\mathfrak{A}$-A-module and right Banach $\mathfrak{A}$-B-module, we show that A and B are weakly $\mathfrak{A}$-module amenable if and only if triangular Banach algebra T is weakly $\mathfrak{T}$-module amenable, where $\mathfrak{T}: = \{ [^\alpha _\alpha ]:\alpha \in \mathfrak{A}\} $.
Complete moment convergence of moving average processes under ρ-mixing assumption
Authors: Zhou Xing-Cai , Lin Jin-Guan 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Let {Y
i: −∞ < i < ∞} be a doubly infinite sequence of identically distributed ρ-mixing random variables, and {a
i: −∞ < i < ∞} an absolutely summable sequence of real numbers. In this paper we prove the complete moment convergence for the partial sums of moving average processes $\{ X_n = \sum\limits_{i = - \infty }^\infty {a_i Y_{i + n,} n \geqslant 1} \} $ based on the sequence {Y
i: −∞ < i < ∞} of ρ-mixing random variables under some suitable conditions.
Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis in Children with Special Needs or Social Disadvantage or Both: Contraindications are not Always Contraindications
Authors: Aksu Nejat , Yavascan Onder , Anil Murat , Kara Orhan Deniz , Bal Alkan , Anil Ayse Berna 
Published: November 2011

Objective Our aim in the present study was to identify outcomes in children with special needs or social disadvantage, or both, receiving chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) treatment in a pediatric dialysis unit. Methods Among 110 children started on CPD in our unit during the period between November 1995 and November 2008, we identified 13 patients (8 girls, 5 boys) with major physical, mental, or psychosocial problems. Age at CPD initiation in the group with disability ranged from 4.0 years to 16.5 years (median: 7.5 years). Under lying diseases were vesicoureteral reflux (4 patients), neuropathic bladder and vesicoureteral reflux (3 patients), chronic pyelonephritis (3 patients), amyloidosis (2 patients), and Alport syndrome (1 patient). Challenges encountered were adverse family or social circumstances (4 patients), cerebral palsy (3 patients), Down syndrome (1 patient), rectovesical fistula in conjunction with ectopic anus and previous multiple abdominal surgery (1 patient), blindness and deafness (1 patient), ventriculoperitoneal shunt (1 patient), colostomy and malnutrition (1 patient), and mental retardation and blindness (1 patient). All catheters were implanted percutaneously. Results Median duration of dialysis was 18 months (range: 6 – 124 months). The frequency of peritonitis was not different between children with and without disability ( p > 0.05). In children with disability compared with children without disability, the frequencies of catheter- related infections (1 episode/79.3 patient–months vs 1 episode/32.4 patient–months) and of catheter-related non-infectious complications (1 episode/238 patient–months vs 1 episode/115.7 patient–months) were lower ( p < 0.05). Chronic peritoneal dialysis was terminated in 5 children (for renal transplantation in 3, switch to hemodialysis in 1, death in 1). Conclusions Our results suggest that, with appropriate family support and an experienced multidisciplinary team, CPD can be effectively performed in children with special needs or social disadvantage, or both.
Intraperitoneal Vancomycin Concentrations during Peritoneal Dialysis–Associated Peritonitis: Correlation with Serum Levels
Authors: Fish Richard , Nipah Robert , Jones Chris , Finney Hazel , Fan Stanley L.S. 
Published: November 2011

Background For the treatment of peritoneal dialysis–associated peritonitis (PDP), it has been suggested that serum concentrations of vancomycin be kept above 12 mg/L – 15 mg/L. However, studies correlating vancomycin concentrations in serum and peritoneal dialysate effluent (PDE) during active infection are sparse. We undertook the present study to investigate this issue and to determine whether achieving the recommended serum level of vancomycin results in therapeutic levels intraperitoneally. Methods We studied patients treated with intraperitoneal (IP) vancomycin for non-gram-negative PDP. We gave a single dose (approximately 30 mg/kg) at presentation, and we subsequently measured vancomycin levels in PDE on day 5; we wanted to determine if efflux of vancomycin from serum to PDE during a 4-hour dwell was consistent and resulted in therapeutic levels. Results Of the 48 episodes of PDP studied, serum vancomycin concentrations exceeding 12 mg/L were achieved in 98% of patients, but in 11 patients (23%), a PDE vancomycin level below 4 mg/L—the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of many gram-positive organisms—was observed at the end of a 4-hour dwell on day 5. The correlation between the concentrations of vancomycin in serum and PDE (from efflux of antibiotic over 4 hours) was statistically significant, but poor ( R2 = 0.18). Conclusions Our data support the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis statement that adequate serum vancomycin concentrations can be achieved with intermittent dosing (single dose every 5 days), but cannot guarantee therapeutic PDE levels in the treatment of PDP. Intermittent dosing of vancomycin may not consistently result in PDE concentrations markedly greater than MIC of many important pathogens. Although the clinical significance of this finding remains to be determined, it may be preferable to give smaller but more frequent doses of PDE vancomycin (continuous dosing) for adults with PDP (as is currently recommended for children).
HBV Dna Level at 24 Weeks is the Best Predictor of Virological Response to Adefovir Add-On Therapy in Patients with Lamivudine Resistance
Authors: Shin Jung Woo , Jung Seok Won , Park Bo Ryung , Kim Chang Jae , Eum Jun Bum , Kim Byung Gyu , Jeong In Du , Bang Sung-Jo , Park Neung Hwa 
Published: November 2011

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between HBV DNA levels at baseline and on-treatment and the virological response at 96 weeks after adefovir add-on therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with lamivudine resistance. Methods Lamivudine and adefovir combination therapy was administered to 122 CHB patients for >24 months. Results Virological response (HBV DNA negativity) was achieved in 53 (43.3%) and 62 patients (50.8%) at 48 and 96 weeks, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the HBV DNA level at week 24 had a greater power (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.978; 95% CI 0.949, 1.000; P<0.001) to predict the virological response at week 96 of treatment than did the pre-treatment HBV DNA level (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.771; 95% CI 0.640, 0.902; P<0.001). The best cutoff value for the HBV DNA level, at week 24, for the prediction of the virological response at week 96 was 200 IU/ ml (3 log10 copies/ml), with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.3% and 95.0%, respectively. Using this time frame and cutoff value, 56 (90.3%) out of 62 patients that had a virological response at 96 weeks had <200 IU/ml HBV DNA at 24 weeks. Conclusions Although the HBV DNA level at baseline is often used to predict the antiviral potency of lamivudine and adefovir combination treatment in CHB patients with lamivudine resistance, the results of this study suggest that the HBV DNA level at 24 weeks is a better marker for the virological response.
Effects of Smoking on Disease Activity and Radiographic Progression in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: RUIZ-ESQUIDE VIRGINIA , GÓMEZ-PUERTA JOSÉ A. , CAÑETE JUAN D. , GRAELL EDUARD , VAZQUEZ IVONNE , ERCILLA M. GUADALUPE , VIÑAS ODETTE , GÓMEZ-CENTENO ANTONIO , HARO ISABEL , SANMARTÍ RAIMON 
Published: November 2011

Objective.To analyze the effects of cigarette smoking on disease activity and radiographic damage in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.Study subjects were 156 patients with early RA (< 2 yrs). Disease activity, therapeutic response, and radiographic progression were compared in smokers and nonsmokers at 24 months.Results.At baseline, ever-smokers had earlier disease onset and a closer association with the shared epitope (SE), but not more seropositive disease. No significant differences were observed in disease activity and European League Against Rheumatism therapeutic responses between smokers and nonsmokers. Multivariate analysis showed that baseline Larsen score, the HLA-DRB*04 genotype, being female, and current smoking were associated with radiographic progression.Conclusion.In patients with early RA, smoking was associated with earlier disease onset and the SE. Smoking was an independent factor of radiographic progression.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Immunocastration Vaccine Composed of Gonadotrophin‐releasing Hormone Conjugated with Salmonella typhimurium Flagellin in Rats
Authors: Song YJ , Kim DG , Nam HM , Lee JB , Park SY , Song CS , Seo KH , Kim HM , Choi IS 
Published: November 2011

ContentsImmunocastration is an alternative method to replace surgical castration that is commonly performed in domestic and pet animals. In this study, a new immunocastration vaccine was developed, and its efficacy was evaluated in male rats. Six tandem copies of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) peptide were genetically fused to Salmonella typhimurium flagellin fljB (STF2) that is a ligand of toll‐like receptor 5 (TLR5). The recombinant STF2–GnRH protein expressed in Escherichia coli was used as the immunocastration vaccine. Sixteen male rats were equally assigned to four groups. Excluding the control rats, three groups were immunized with 100, 200 and 400 μg of the STF2–GnRH vaccine, respectively. All of the immunized rats developed significantly higher titres of antibodies to GnRH than the control rats. The size and weight of both testes and epididymides from the immunized rats were significantly smaller than those of the control rats. Testicular tissues in the immunized rats demonstrated atrophy of seminiferous tubules and decreased numbers of both spermatogonia and spermatocytes. These data indicate that the newly developed STF2–GnRH vaccine has a potent immunogenicity to GnRH and efficiently suppresses the development of testes in rats.