bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epitope Insertion at the N-Terminal Molecular Switch of the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus T=3 Capsid Protein Leads to Larger T=4 Capsids
Authors: Luque Daniel , González José M. , Gómez-Blanco Josué , Marabini Roberto , Chichón Javier , Mena Ignacio , Angulo Iván , Carrascosa José L. , Verdaguer Nuria , Trus Benes L. , Bárcena Juan , Castón José R. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT
Viruses need only one or a few structural capsid proteins to build an infectious particle. This is possible through the extensive use of symmetry and the conformational polymorphism of the structural proteins. Using virus-like particles (VLP) from rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) as a model, we addressed the basis of calicivirus capsid assembly and their application in vaccine design. The RHDV capsid is based on a T=3 lattice containing 180 identical subunits (VP1). We determined the structure of RHDV VLP to 8.0-Å resolution by three-dimensional cryoelectron microscopy; in addition, we used San Miguel sea lion virus (SMSV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) capsid subunit structures to establish the backbone structure of VP1 by homology modeling and flexible docking analysis. Based on the three-domain VP1 model, several insertion mutants were designed to validate the VP1 pseudoatomic model, and foreign epitopes were placed at the N- or C-terminal end, as well as in an exposed loop on the capsid surface. We selected a set of T and B cell epitopes of various lengths derived from viral and eukaryotic origins. Structural analysis of these chimeric capsids further validates the VP1 model to design new chimeras. Whereas most insertions are well tolerated, VP1 with an FCV capsid protein-neutralizing epitope at the N terminus assembled into mixtures of T=3 and larger T=4 capsids. The calicivirus capsid protein, and perhaps that of many other viruses, thus can encode polymorphism modulators that are not anticipated from the plane sequence, with important implications for understanding virus assembly and evolution.
A meta-analysis to determine the effect on survival of platelet transfusions in patients with either spontaneous or traumatic antiplatelet medication-associated intracranial haemorrhage
Authors: Batchelor John S , Grayson Alan 
Published: April 2012

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate by meta-analysis the current level of evidence in order to establish the impact of a platelet transfusion on survival in patients on pre-injury antiplatelet agents who sustain an intracranial haemorrhage (either spontaneous or traumatic).DesignThis was a meta-analysis; the MEDLINE Database was searched using the PubMed interface and the Ovid interface. CINAHL and EMBASE Databases were also searched. The search was performed to identify randomised controlled trials (RCT)'s case-controlled studies or nested case-controlled studies. Comparing the outcome (death or survival) of patients with intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) and pre-injury antiplatelet agents who received a platelet transfusion against a similar cohort of patients who did not receive a platelet transfusion.Results499 citations were obtained from the PubMed search. 31 full articles were reviewed from 34 abstracts. 6 studies were found suitable for the meta-analysis. No randomised controlled studies were identified. 2 of the six studies were in patients with spontaneous ICH. The remaining four studies were in patients with traumatic intracranial haemorrhage. Significant heterogeneity was present between the studies, I2=58.276. The random effects model was therefore the preferred model, this produced a pooled OR for survival of 0.773 (95% CI 0.414 to 1.442).ConclusionsThe results of this meta-analysis has shown, based upon six small studies, that there was no clear benefit in terms of survival in the administration of a platelet transfusion to patients with antiplatelet-associated ICH. Further work is required in order to establish any potential benefit in the administration of a platelet transfusion in patients with spontaneous or traumatic intracranial haemorrhage who were on pre-injury antiplatelet agents.
Oral phenotype and scoring of vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome: a case–control study
Authors: Ferré François Côme , Frank Michael , Gogly Bruno , Golmard Lisa , Naveau Adrien , Chérifi Hafida , Emmerich Joseph , Gaultier Frédérick , Berdal Ariane , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Fournier Benjamin P J 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveVascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a rare genetic condition related to mutations in theCOL3A1gene, responsible of vascular, digestive and uterine accidents. Difficulty of clinical diagnosis has led to the design of diagnostic criteria, summarised in the Villefranche classification. The goal was to assess oral features of vEDS. Gingival recession is the only oral sign recognised as a minor diagnostic criterion. The authors aimed to check this assumption since bibliographical search related to gingival recession in vEDS proved scarce.DesignProspective case–control study.SettingDental surgery department in a French tertiary hospital.Participants17 consecutive patients with genetically proven vEDS, aged 19–55 years, were compared with 46 age- and sex-matched controls.ObservationsComplete oral examination (clinical and radiological) with standardised assessment of periodontal structure, temporomandibular joint function and dental characteristics were performed.COL3A1mutations were identified by direct sequencing of genomic or complementary DNA.ResultsPrevalence of gingival recession was low among patients with vEDS, as for periodontitis. Conversely, patients showed marked gingival fragility, temporomandibular disorders, dentin formation defects, molar root fusion and increased root length. After logistic regression, three variables remained significantly associated to vEDS. These variables were integrated in a diagnostic oral score with 87.5% and 97% sensitivity and specificity, respectively.ConclusionsGingival recession is an inappropriate diagnostic criterion for vEDS. Several new specific oral signs of the disease were identified, whose combination may be of greater value in diagnosing vEDS.
Societal preferences for standard health insurance coverage in the Netherlands: a cross-sectional study
Authors: van der Wulp Ineke , van den Hout Wilbert B , de Vries Marieke , Stiggelbout Anne M , van den Akker-van Marle Elske M 
Published: April 2012

IntroductionCost-effectiveness is an important criterion in the decision to cover interventions in health insurance packages. One of the outcome measures, the quality-adjusted life year, has been criticised on its assumptions and implications concerning life expectancy and quality of life. Several studies have been conducted that measured societal preferences concerning healthcare rationing decisions. These studies mainly focused on one attribute. To adjust quality-adjusted life year maximisation in accordance with societal preferences, the relative importance of attributes should be studied. The present study aims to measure the relative importance of age, gender, socioeconomic status, pre-intervention health state, treatment effect, chance of treatment success and number of people in need of the intervention. A secondary objective is to compare the validity of the willingness to pay method with the validity of a relatively new preference elicitation method, best–worst scaling.Methods and analysisA representative sample of 2000 Dutch citizens, over 18 years of age, are recruited to complete a web-based survey containing treatment scenarios. The scenarios present different levels of attributes. Respondents are asked to select one of the four scenarios that they prefer to be covered by the Dutch standard health insurance package and one that they prefer not to be covered. They are also asked to indicate how much they are willing to pay for each treatment scenario. At the end of the survey, respondents are asked to rate every attribute on a 1–10 scale. Two versions of the questionnaire are developed which differ on the framing, that is, treatments can be added to or removed from the insurance package. The data will be analysed by means of sequential conditional logit analysis (best–worst scaling) and analysis of variance (willingness to pay).Ethics and disseminationThe protocol is reviewed and approved by the medical ethical committee of the University Medical Center Leiden.
Multidrug Resistance–Linked Gene Signature Predicts Overall Survival of Patients with Primary Ovarian Serous Carcinoma
Authors: Gillet Jean-Pierre , Calcagno Anna Maria , Varma Sudhir , Davidson Ben , Bunkholt Elstrand Mari , Ganapathi Ram , Kamat Aparna A. , Sood Anil K. , Ambudkar Suresh V. , Seiden Michael V. , Rueda Bo R. , Gottesman Michael M. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Purpose: This study assesses the ability of multidrug resistance (MDR)–associated gene expression patterns to predict survival in patients with newly diagnosed carcinoma of the ovary. The scope of this research differs substantially from that of previous reports, as a very large set of genes was evaluated whose expression has been shown to affect response to chemotherapy.
Experimental Design: We applied a customized TaqMan low density array, a highly sensitive and specific assay, to study the expression profiles of 380 MDR-linked genes in 80 tumor specimens collected at initial surgery to debulk primary serous carcinoma. The RNA expression profiles of these drug resistance genes were correlated with clinical outcomes.
Results: Leave-one-out cross-validation was used to estimate the ability of MDR gene expression to predict survival. Although gene expression alone does not predict overall survival (OS; P = 0.06), four covariates (age, stage, CA125 level, and surgical debulking) do (P = 0.03). When gene expression was added to the covariates, we found an 11-gene signature that provides a major improvement in OS prediction (log-rank statistic P &lt; 0.003). The predictive power of this 11-gene signature was confirmed by dividing high- and low-risk patient groups, as defined by their clinical covariates, into four specific risk groups on the basis of expression levels.
Conclusion: This study reveals an 11-gene signature that allows a more precise prognosis for patients with serous cancer of the ovary treated with carboplatin- and paclitaxel-based therapy. These 11 new targets offer opportunities for new therapies to improve clinical outcome in ovarian cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 18(11); 3197–206. ©2012 AACR.
Regional Coronary Endothelial Function Is Closely Related to Local Early Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients With Mild Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Hays Allison G. , Kelle Sebastian , Hirsch Glenn A. , Soleimanifard Sahar , Yu Jing , Agarwal Harsh K. , Gerstenblith Gary , Schär Michael , Stuber Matthias , Weiss Robert G. 
Published: April 2012

Background—
Coronary endothelial function is abnormal in patients with established coronary artery disease and was recently shown by MRI to relate to the severity of luminal stenosis. Recent advances in MRI now allow the noninvasive assessment of both anatomic and functional (endothelial function) changes that previously required invasive studies. We tested the hypothesis that abnormal coronary endothelial function is related to measures of early atherosclerosis such as increased coronary wall thickness.

Methods and Results—

Seventeen arteries in 14 healthy adults and 17 arteries in 14 patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease were studied. To measure endothelial function, coronary MRI was performed before and during isometric handgrip exercise, an endothelial-dependent stressor, and changes in coronary cross-sectional area and flow were measured. Black blood imaging was performed to quantify coronary wall thickness and indices of arterial remodeling. The mean stress-induced change in cross-sectional area was significantly higher in healthy adults (13.5%±12.8%, mean±SD, n=17) than in those with mildly diseased arteries (−2.2%±6.8%,
P
<0.0001, n=17). Mean coronary wall thickness was lower in healthy subjects (0.9±0.2 mm) than in patients with coronary artery disease (1.4±0.3 mm,
P
<0.0001). In contrast to healthy subjects, stress-induced changes in cross-sectional area, a measure of coronary endothelial function, correlated inversely with coronary wall thickness in patients with coronary artery disease (
r
=−0.73,
P
=0.0008).

Conclusions—
There is an inverse relationship between coronary endothelial function and local coronary wall thickness in patients with coronary artery disease but not in healthy adults. These findings demonstrate that local endothelial-dependent functional changes are related to the extent of early anatomic atherosclerosis in mildly diseased arteries. This combined MRI approach enables the anatomic and functional investigation of early coronary disease.
Relationship Between Angiographic Vasospasm and Regional Hypoperfusion in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Dhar Rajat , Scalfani Michael T. , Blackburn Spiros , Zazulia Allyson R. , Videen Tom , Diringer Michael 
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—
Angiographic vasospasm frequently complicates subarachnoid hemorrhage and has been implicated in the development of delayed cerebral ischemia. Whether large-vessel narrowing adequately accounts for the critical reductions in regional cerebral blood flow underlying ischemia is unclear. We sought to clarify the relationship between angiographic vasospasm and regional hypoperfusion.

Methods—

Twenty-five patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage underwent cerebral catheter angiography and
15
O-positron emission tomographic imaging within 1 day of each other (median of 7 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage). Severity of vasospasm was assessed in each intracranial artery, whereas cerebral blood flow and oxygen extraction fraction were measured in 28 brain regions distributed across these vascular territories. We analyzed the association between vasospasm and perfusion and compared frequency of hypoperfusion (cerebral blood flow <25 mL/100 g/min) and oligemia (low oxygen delivery with oxygen extraction fraction ≥0.5) in territories with versus without significant vasospasm.

Results—

Twenty-four percent of 652 brain regions were supplied by vessels with significant vasospasm. Cerebral blood flow was lower in such regions (38.6±12 versus 48.7±16 mL/100 g/min), whereas oxygen extraction fraction was higher (0.48±0.19 versus 0.37±0.14, both
P
<0.001). Hypoperfusion was seen in 46 regions (7%), but 66% of these were supplied by vessels with no significant vasospasm; 24% occurred in patients without angiographic vasospasm. Similarly, oligemia occurred more frequently outside territories with vasospasm.

Conclusions—
Angiographic vasospasm is associated with reductions in cerebral perfusion. However, regional hypoperfusion and oligemia frequently occurred in territories and patients without vasospasm. Other factors in addition to large-vessel narrowing must contribute to critical reductions in perfusion.
Defending Territory, Demanding Participation
Authors: Haughney Diane 
Published: April 2012

The center-left coalition known as the Concertación used a multifaceted strategy to establish the terms of democracy and participation. Its legal reforms created a set of channels for citizen input but reserved decision-making power for the top level of the executive branch. The Concertación government openly supported major development projects, characterizing them as necessary for national security and development, and along with corporate interests used neoliberalism as a political philosophy for defining modernity and as a legal framework for the expression of interests and rights. The current rightist administration continues to defend growth at the expense of indigenous rights. Mapuche communities find their collective interests shunted aside and recalibrated as sets of individual interests fewer and of less political significance than those of the nation as a whole. Legal reform has become an “authoritarianization” of law and policy making within a democratic framework. La coalición centro-izquierda conocida como la Concertación usó una estrategia polifacética para establecer los términos de la democracia y participación. Su reforma jurídica elaboró una gama de canales para la participación ciudadana, pero reservó para la cúpula mas alta de la rama ejecutiva el poder de la toma de decisiones. El gobierno de la Concertación apoyoba abiertamente grandes proyectos de desarrollo, caracterizando a estos como necesarios para la seguridad nacional y el desarrollo, y, junto con los intereses de las grandes empresas, usó el neoliberalismo como filosofía política para definir la modernidad y como marco jurídico para expresar intereses y derechos. La actual administración derechista sigue defendiendo al crecimiento por encima de los derechos indígenas. Encuentran las comunidades Mapuche que sus intereses colectivos se ponen al lado en una nueva calca que hace de ellos conjuntos de intereses individuos, achicados y con menos significado político que los de la nación en su total. La reforma jurídica se ha vuelto una “autoritarización” de la ley y la adopción de normas dentro de un marco democrático.
New Social Conflicts under Bachelet
Authors: Ruiz Carlos 
Published: April 2012

From a political and social point of view, the Chilean transition to democracy was one of the most conservative in Latin America. The rise of Michelle Bachelet, a socialist woman whose father had been executed by the Pinochet regime and herself a victim of imprisonment and torture, suggested a change. Instead, the legacy of the authoritarian regime, the government’s technocratic response to it, and the economy’s “mature” neoliberalism enabled the replacement of the original coalition (the Concertación de Partidos por la Democracia) by a right-wing government that reversed many of its main tenets. Desde una perspectiva política y social la transición democrática chilena fue una de las mas conservadoras en la América Latina. El alcance de Michelle Bachelet, una mujer socialista cuyo padre fue ejecutado por el régimen de Pinochet y ella misma victima de encarcelamiento y tortura, sugirió un cambio. Al contrario, la herencia del régimen autoritario, la respuesta tecnocrática del gobierno, y la “madurez” neoliberal de la economía permitió que se remplazara la coalición original (la Concertación de Partidos por la Democracia) con un gobierno derechista que puso en reversa muchos de sus mayores principios.
Thermoplastic vulcanizates based on compatibilized polyurethane and silicone rubber blend
Authors: Lei Cai-Hong , Li Shan-Liang , Xu Rui-Jie , Xu Yun-Qi 
Published: April 2012

The polyurethane (PU)/silicone rubber dynamic vulcanizated elastomer was prepared using Pt catalyst and organohydrido silicone compound as cross-linking agent. The effect of segmented PU modified by hydroxyalkyl functional polydimethylsiloxane (Si–PU) as a compatibilizer was investigated. It is found that simple blend shows co-continuous structure and worse mechanical properties. After dynamic vulcanization, the elongation at break improved to 745.8% when the contents of catalyst and cross-linking agent are 0.12 phr and 1.65 phr, respectively. The introduction of Si–PU in 4.5 phr further improves the value to 942.6% and the sizes of cross-linked rubber dispersed in the continuous PU matrix are less than 8 μm. Si–PU copolymer shows better compatibilization effect.
Quality assessment of recycled and modified LDPE/PP blends
Authors: Borovanska Irena , Dobreva Tatyana , Benavente Rosario , Djoumaliisky Strashimir , Kotzev George 
Published: April 2012

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of recycled polyolefin blends with different prehistory modified with ethylene propylene rubber (ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM)) using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X-ray scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope and mechanical methods. The efficiency of the modification was investigated as a function of the modifier content in the range from 7 wt% to 15 wt%. DSC results show that the single polymers are not clean material and contain some quantity of another polyolefins. In the processing and exploitation conditions, there is an increase in imperfect crystals in the postconsumer waste polypropylene. FTIR provides clear evidence about the oxidative processes and mechanical destruction during exploitation and blending. The obtained results proved that the technological and postconsumer wastes could be successfully reused as blends by the addition of EPDM.
Headache attributed to airplane travel (‘airplane headache’): Clinical profile based on a large case series
Authors: Mainardi F , Lisotto C , Maggioni F , Zanchin G 
Published: April 2012

Background: The ‘headache attributed to airplane travel’, also named ‘airplane headache’ (AH), is a recently described headache disorder that appears exclusively in relation to airplane flights, in particular during the landing phase. Based on the stereotypical nature of the attacks in all reported cases, we proposed provisional diagnostic criteria for AH in a previously published paper. Up to now 37 cases have been described in the literature. Methods: After our paper was disseminated via the Internet, we received several email messages from subjects around the world who had experienced such a peculiar headache. Their cooperation, by completing a structured questionnaire and allowing the direct observation of three subjects, enabled us to carry out a study on a total of 75 patients suffering from AH. Results: Our survey confirmed the stereotypical nature of the attacks, in particular with regard to the short duration of the pain (lasting less than 30 minutes in up to 95% of the cases), the clear relationship with the landing phase, the unilateral pain, the male preponderance, and the absence of accompanying signs and/or symptoms. It is conceivable to consider barotrauma as one of the main mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of AH. The observation that the pain appears inconstantly in the majority of cases, without any evident disorder affecting the paranasal sinuses, could be consistent with a multimodal pathogenesis underlying this condition, possibly resulting in the interaction between anatomic, environmental and temporary concurrent factors. Conclusions: This is by far the largest AH case series ever reported in the literature. The diagnostic criteria that we previously proposed proved to be valid when applied to a large number of patients suffering from this condition. We support its recognition as a new form of headache, to be included in the forthcoming update of the International Headache Society Classification, within ‘10. Headache attributed to disorder of homoeostasis’. Its formal validation would favour further studies aimed at improving the understanding of its pathophysiology and implementing preventative measures.