bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recombinant Soluble, Multimeric HA and NA Exhibit Distinctive Types of Protection against Pandemic Swine-Origin 2009 A(H1N1) Influenza Virus Infection in Ferrets
Authors: Bosch Berend Jan , Bodewes Rogier , de Vries Robert P. , Kreijtz Joost H. C. M. , Bartelink Willem , van Amerongen Geert , Rimmelzwaan Guus F. , de Haan Cornelis A. M. , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Rottier Peter J. M. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

The emergence and subsequent swift and global spread of the swine-origin influenza virus A(H1N1) in 2009 once again emphasizes the strong need for effective vaccines that can be developed rapidly and applied safely. With this aim, we produced soluble, multimeric forms of the 2009 A(H1N1) HA (sHA
3
) and NA (sNA
4
) surface glycoproteins using a virus-free mammalian expression system and evaluated their efficacy as vaccines in ferrets. Immunization twice with 3.75-μg doses of these antigens elicited strong antibody responses, which were adjuvant dependent. Interestingly, coadministration of both antigens strongly enhanced the HA-specific but not the NA-specific responses. Distinct patterns of protection were observed upon challenge inoculation with the homologous H1N1 virus. Whereas vaccination with sHA
3
dramatically reduced virus replication (e.g., by lowering pulmonary titers by about 5 log
10
units), immunization with sNA
4
markedly decreased the clinical effects of infection, such as body weight loss and lung pathology. Clearly, optimal protection was achieved by the combination of the two antigens. Our observations demonstrate the great vaccine potential of multimeric HA and NA ectodomains, as these can be easily, rapidly, flexibly, and safely produced in high quantities. In particular, our study underscores the underrated importance of NA in influenza vaccination, which we found to profoundly and specifically contribute to protection by HA. Its inclusion in a vaccine is likely to reduce the HA dose required and to broaden the protective immunity.
Evolution of untreated calf deep-vein thrombosis in high risk symptomatic outpatients: The blind, prospective CALTHRO study
Authors: Cosmi Benilde , Lessiani Gianfranco , Rodorigo Giuseppina , Guazzaloca Giuliana , Brusi Carlotta , Valdré Lelia , Conti Eleonora , Sartori Michelangelo , Legnani Cristina , Palareti Gualtiero 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThe natural history of calf deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is still uncertain and it is debated whether it warrants to be diagnosed and treated. We aimed to investigate the complication rate of untreated isolated calf DVT (ICDVT). Symptomatic outpatients were prospectively managed with serial compression ultrasonography (SCUS). Those without proximal DVT and with likely pre-test clinical probability (PCP) or altered D-dimer received immediate subsequent complete examination of calf deep veins (CCUS) by a different operator. The result of CCUS was kept blind both to the managing doctor and the patient and disclosed after three months. Primary outcome was the rate of venous thromboembolism at three months. We examined 431 subjects (196 males; median age 68.0 years) in whom five outcomes were recorded (1.2%; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.4–2.7). If CCUS results had been available, outcomes would have been recorded in 3/424 patients (0.7%; 95% CI: 0.2–2.1) with two events in subjects negative at both serial and complete CUS. ICDVT was diagnosed in 65 subjects (15.3%; 95% CI: 12–19); of whom 59 remained uneventful (one was lost to follow-up). A significant higher rate of outcomes was recorded in subjects with than without ICDVT (5/64; 7.8%; 95% CI: 3–17 vs. 3/351; 0.8%; 95% CI: 0–2; p=0.003). However, after excluding two events picked at serial CUS in subjects with ICDVT, the difference became barely significant (3/64; 4.7%; 95% CI: 1–13; p=0.049). Thrombotic evolution of untreated ICDVT in high-risk subjects may be relevant. Larger studies are needed to address this issue.
RoBuST: an integrated genomics resource for the root and bulb crop families Apiaceae and Alliaceae
Authors: Bhasi Ashwini , Senalik Doug , Simon Philipp W , Kumar Brajendra , Manikandan Vinu , Philip Philge , Senapathy Periannan 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundRoot and bulb vegetables (RBV) include carrots, celeriac (root celery), parsnips (Apiaceae), onions, garlic, and leek (Alliaceae)—food crops grown globally and consumed worldwide. Few data analysis platforms are currently available where data collection, annotation and integration initiatives are focused on RBV plant groups. Scientists working on RBV include breeders, geneticists, taxonomists, plant pathologists, and plant physiologists who use genomic data for a wide range of activities including the development of molecular genetic maps, delineation of taxonomic relationships, and investigation of molecular aspects of gene expression in biochemical pathways and disease responses. With genomic data coming from such diverse areas of plant science, availability of a community resource focused on these RBV data types would be of great interest to this scientific community.DescriptionThe RoBuST database has been developed to initiate a platform for collecting and organizing genomic information useful for RBV researchers. The current release of RoBuST contains genomics data for 294 Alliaceae and 816 Apiaceae plant species and has the following features: (1) comprehensive sequence annotations of 3663 genes 5959 RNAs, 22,723 ESTs and 11,438 regulatory sequence elements from Apiaceae and Alliaceae plant families; (2) graphical tools for visualization and analysis of sequence data; (3) access to traits, biosynthetic pathways, genetic linkage maps and molecular taxonomy data associated with Alliaceae and Apiaceae plants; and (4) comprehensive plant splice signal repository of 659,369 splice signals collected from 6015 plant species for comparative analysis of plant splicing patterns.ConclusionsRoBuST, available athttp://robust.genome.com, provides an integrated platform for researchers to effortlessly explore and analyze genomic data associated with root and bulb vegetables.
Physical activity interventions to improve daily walking activity in cancer survivors
Authors: Knols Ruud H , de Bruin Eling D , Shirato Kei , Uebelhart Daniel , Aaronson Neil K 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Cancer patients may benefit from physical exercise programs. It is unclear, however, how sustained levels of physical activity are best achieved in this population. A systematic review was performed to summarize the current evidence of the effect of physical activity interventions on daily walking activity enhancement in cancer survivors, and to review the literature for its methodological quality.

Methods
A search in Medline, PEDro and the Cochrane databases was performed for English literature citations (randomized controlled trials; 'RCTs'). In a first step, one reviewer abstracted data from the included studies on patients, physical activity interventions and outcomes. Two independent reviewers reviewed the methodological quality of these studies. Data were pooled using random-effects calculations.

Results
Our search identified 201 citations. Five RCTs that reported changes in daily step activity over time were identified, and were reviewed for methodological quality and substantive results. The median score across studies for methodological quality based on the PEDro criteria was 8. These 5 RCTs evaluated 660 participants with a mean age of 53.6 (SD 4.2) years. The mean change in daily step activity for patients with a physical exercise intervention was 526 daily steps (SD 537), with a range from -92 to 1299 daily steps. The data of three studies reporting the effect of combined physical activity and counseling on daily walking activity in breast cancer survivors were pooled, however; the I2 was 79%, indicating statistical heterogeneity between the three trials.

Conclusion
The 5 RCTs reviewed were of good methodological quality. Together they suggest that combined physical activity and counseling improves daily step activity in (breast) cancer survivors. Studies that define a step goal appear to be more effective in improving daily walking activity than studies that do not do so. However, the current results should be interpreted with caution because of the observed clinical and statistical heterogeneity. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the effects of goal targeted physical activity, with or without counseling, on daily walking in various cancer populations.
Testing the interaction between analytical modules: an example with Roundup Ready®soybean line GTS 40-3-2
Authors: Bellocchi Gianni , De Giacomo Marzia , Foti Nicoletta , Mazzara Marco , Palmaccio Eleonora , Savini Cristian , Di Domenicantonio Chiara , Onori Roberta , Van den Eede Guy 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
The modular approach to analysis of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) relies on the independence of the modules combined (i.e. DNA extraction and GM quantification). The validity of this assumption has to be proved on the basis of specific performance criteria.

Results
An experiment was conducted using, as a reference, the validated quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) module for detection of glyphosate-tolerant Roundup Ready® GM soybean (RRS). Different DNA extraction modules (CTAB, Wizard and Dellaporta), were used to extract DNA from different food/feed matrices (feed, biscuit and certified reference material [CRM 1%]) containing the target of the real-time PCR module used for validation. Purity and structural integrity (absence of inhibition) were used as basic criteria that a DNA extraction module must satisfy in order to provide suitable template DNA for quantitative real-time (RT) PCR-based GMO analysis. When performance criteria were applied (removal of non-compliant DNA extracts), the independence of GMO quantification from the extraction method and matrix was statistically proved, except in the case of Wizard applied to biscuit. A fuzzy logic-based procedure also confirmed the relatively poor performance of the Wizard/biscuit combination.

Conclusions
For RRS, this study recognises that modularity can be generally accepted, with the limitation of avoiding combining highly processed material (i.e. biscuit) with a magnetic-beads system (i.e. Wizard).
What would PCR assessment change in the management of fevers in a malaria endemic area? A school-based study in Benin in children with and without fever
Authors: Faucher Jean-François , Aubouy Agnès , Béhéton Todoégnon , Makoutode Patrick , Abiou Grace , Doritchamou Justin , Houzé Pascal , Ouendo Edgard , Deloron Philippe , Cot Michel 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundA recent school-based study in Benin showed that applying a policy of anti-malarial prescriptions restricted to parasitologically-confirmed cases on the management of fever is safe and feasible. Additional PCR data were analysed in order to touch patho-physiological issues, such as the usefulness of PCR in the management of malaria in an endemic area or the triggering of a malaria attack in children with submicroscopic malaria.MethodsPCR data were prospectively collected in the setting of an exposed (with fever)/non exposed (without fever) study design. All children had a negative malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) at baseline, were followed up to day 14 and did not receive drugs with anti-malarial activity. The index group was defined by children with fever at baseline and the control group by children without fever at baseline. Children with submicroscopic malaria in these two groups were defined by a positive PCR at baseline.ResultsPCR was positive in 66 (27%) children of the index group and in 104 (44%) children of the control group respectively. The only significant factor positively related to PCR positivity at baseline was the clinical status (control group). When definition of malaria attacks included PCR results, no difference of malaria incidence was observed between the index and control groups, neither in the whole cohort, nor in children with submicroscopic malaria. The rate of undiagnosed malaria at baseline was estimated to 3.7% at baseline in the index group.ConclusionsTreating all children with fever and a positive PCR would have led to a significant increase of anti-malarial consumption, with few benefits in terms of clinical events. Non malarial fevers do not or do not frequently trigger malaria attacks in children with submicroscopic malaria.
Brg-1 mediates the constitutive and fenretinide-induced expression of SPARC in mammary carcinoma cells via its interaction with transcription factor Sp1
Authors: Xu Yong Zhong , Heravi Mitra , Thuraisingam Thusanth , Marco Sergio Di , Muanza Thierry , Radzioch Danuta 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundSecreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular protein that mediates cell-matrix interactions. It has been shown, depending on the type of cancer, to possess either pro- or anti-tumorigenic properties. The transcriptional regulation of the SPARC gene expression has not been fully elucidated and the effects of anti-cancer drugs on this process have not been explored.ResultsIn the present study, we demonstrated that chromatin remodeling factor Brg-1 is recruited to the proximal SPARC promoter region (-130/-56) through an interaction with transcription factor Sp1. We identified Brg-1 as a critical regulator for the constitutive expression levels of SPARC mRNA and protein in mammary carcinoma cell lines and for SPARC secretion into culture media. Furthermore, we found that Brg-1 cooperates with Sp1 to enhance SPARC promoter activity. Interestingly, fenretinide [N-4(hydroxyphenyl) retinamide, 4-HPR], a synthetic retinoid with anti-cancer properties, was found to up-regulate the transcription, expression and secretion of SPARC via induction of the Brg-1 in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, our results demonstrated that fenretinide-induced expression of SPARC contributes significantly to a decreased invasion of mammary carcinoma cells.ConclusionsOverall, our results reveal a novel cooperative role of Brg-1 and Sp1 in mediating the constitutive and fenretinide-induced expression of SPARC, and provide new insights for the understanding of the anti-cancer effects of fenretinide.
Incidence of the V600K mutation among melanoma patients with BRAF mutations, and potential therapeutic response to the specific BRAF inhibitor PLX4032
Authors: Rubinstein Jill C , Sznol Mario , Pavlick Anna C , Ariyan Stephan , Cheng Elaine , Bacchiocchi Antonella , Kluger Harriet M , Narayan Deepak , Halaban Ruth 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Activating mutations in BRAF kinase are common in melanomas. Clinical trials with PLX4032, the mutant-BRAF inhibitor, show promising preliminary results in patients selected for the presence of V600E mutation. However, activating V600K mutation is the other most common mutation, yet patients with this variant are currently excluded from the PLX4032 trials. Here we present evidence that a patient bearing the BRAF V600K mutation responded remarkably to PLX4032, suggesting that clinical trials should include all patients with activating BRAF V600E/K mutations.
Early impact of aortic wrapping on patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with mild to moderate ascending aorta dilatation
Authors: Ang Keng-Leong , Raheel Furqan , Bajaj Amrita , Sosnowski Andrzej , Galiñanes Manuel 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
The management of mild to moderate dilatation of the ascending aorta of less than 5 cm is controversial, particularly when concomitant surgical correction of aortic valve is required. We investigate the impact of a simple method of aorta reduction using Dacron graft wrapping during aortic valve replacement on the rest of the aorta.

Methods
We studied 14 patients who had ascending aorta dilatation of 4-5 cm before undergoing aortic wrapping during their aortic valve replacement and compared with their post-operative imaging within a month.

Results
The diameters of the ascending aorta wrapped with the Dacron graft were significantly reduced within 4 weeks after surgery from 44.7 ± 2.6 to 33.6 ± 3.9 mm (p < 0.001). This was associated with significant reduction in the diameter of rest of ascending aorta: coronary sinuses (from 37.9 ± 4.9 mm to 33.3 ± 6.1 mm; p < 0.001), sinotubular junction (from 33.2 ± 4.7 mm to 30.6 ± 4.4 mm, p = 0.02), and aortic arch (from 34.7 ± 4.3 mm to 32.6 ± 4.1 mm, p = 0.03).

Conclusions
Reduction of ascending aortic dilatation by wrapping with a Dacron graft in this preliminary study is associated with favourable early reversed aortic remodelling. This supports the hypothesis that correction of mild-moderate dilatation of the ascending aorta with Dacron wrapping at the time of aortic valve surgery may prevent the progression of the dilatation, although the long-term study on a larger population is needed to confirm its benefits.
PKCα-induced drug resistance in pancreatic cancer cells is associated with transforming growth factor-β1
Authors: Chen Ying , Yu Guanzhen , Yu Danghui , Zhu Minghua 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Drug resistance remains a great challenge in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The goal of this study was to determine whether TGF-β1 is associated with drug resistance in pancreatic cancer.

Methods
Pancreatic cancer BxPC3 cells were stably transfected with TGF-β1 cDNA. Cellular morphology and cell cycle were determined and the suppressive subtracted hybridization (SSH) assay was performed to identify differentially expressed genes induced by TGF-β1. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect expression of TGF-β1-related genes in the cells and tissue samples. After that, the cells were further treated with an anti-cancer drug (e.g., cisplatin) after pre-incubated with the recombinant TGF-β1 plus PKCα inhibitor Gö6976. TGF-β1 type II receptor, TβRII was also knocked down using TβRII siRNA to assess the effects of these drugs in the cells. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay.

Results
Overexpression of TGF-β1 leads to a markedly increased invasion potential but a reduced growth rate in BxPC3 cells. Recombinant TGF-β1 protein increases expression of PKCα in BxPC3 cells, a result that we confirmed by SSH. Moreover, TGF-β1 reduced the sensitivity of BxPC3 cells to cisplatin treatment, and this was mediated by upregulation of PKCα. However, blockage of PKCα with Gö6976 and TβRII with siRNA reversed the resistance of BxPC3 cells to gemcitabine, even in the presence of TGF-β1. Immunohistochemical data show that pancreatic cancers overexpress TGF-β1 and P-gp relative to normal tissues. In addition, TGF-β1 expression is associated with P-gp and membranous PKCα expression in pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions
TGF-β1-induced drug resistance in pancreatic cancer cells was associated with PKCα expression. The PKCα inhibitor Gö6976 could be a promising agent to sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy.
PPARγ modulated inflammatory response of human dendritic cell subsets to engulfed apoptotic neutrophils
Authors: Majai Gyöngyike , Gogolák Péter , Ambrus Csilla , Vereb György , Hodrea Judit , Fésüs László , Rajnavölgyi Éva 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
PPARγ expression and activation in CD1a– monocyte derived dendritic cells modulates the engulfment of and the cytokine and T cell response to apoptotic neutrophils.
The means of how phagocytes handle apoptotic cells has a great impact on the outcome of immune responses. Here, we show that phagocytosis of allogeneic, apoptotic neutrophils by human monocyte-derived DCs is slow and less efficient than that of macrophages, and CD1a– DCs are more active in the engulfment of apoptotic neutrophils than CD1a+ DCs. Blocking DC-SIGN function partially interferes with the uptake of apoptotic cells, and long-term interaction of apoptotic neutrophils with DCs makes them prone to proinflammatory cytokine responses. Engulfment of apoptotic cells sensitizes CD1a– DCs for high IL-8, TNF-α, IL-6, and CD1a+ cells for IL-12 and IL-10 cytokine secretion elicited by additional inflammatory stimuli, which also result in the polarization of autologous T lymphocytes to Th1 effector cells. Ligand-induced activation of PPARγ by RSG results in enhanced phagocytosis, but the proinflammatory response and the capacity to trigger Th1 cell activation of CD1a– DCs are not enhanced. These results demonstrate that DCs are able to respond to allogeneic, apoptotic neutrophils with inflammatory cytokines and T cell responses in a subtype-specific manner that is modulated by the anti-inflammatory effects of PPARγ.
Effect of Surface-oxidized Structure of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes on Heterogeneous Direct Electron-transfer Reaction of Cytochrome c
Authors: Tominaga Masato , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Sakamoto Shingo , Taniguchi Isao 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
The redox reaction of cytochrome c was not observed at as-grown, high-quality, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) synthesized onto a gold electrode surface. On the other hand, at a gold electrode modified with SWCNTs with oxidized carbon species such as C–O, C=O, and O–C=O induced by UV–ozone treatment, a well-defined diffusion-controlled redox wave of cytochrome c was observed. The results clearly indicated that oxidized carbon species such as C–O, C=O, and O–C=O play an important role for the fast heterogeneous direct electron-transfer reaction of cytochrome c with CNTs.
MesoDyn and Experimental Approach to the Structural Fabrication and Pore-Size Adjustment of SBA-15 Molecular Sieves
Authors: Huiyong Chen , Jianghong Wu , Shaojuan Luo , Hongxia Xi , Yu Qian 
Published: August 2010

As the main structure-directing template, P123 performs a key role during the formation of the bimodal pore system of the micro–mesoporous silica SBA-15. In this paper, the method of mesoscopic dynamics (MesoDyn) has been applied to simulate the aggregation behaviour of the triblock copolymer P123 (PEO20PPO70PEO20), and to further explore the structure-formation mechanism and analyze the feasibility of accurately adjusting the pore size of SBA-15. In particular, the effect of the synthesis temperature on the P123 micelle size in the SBA-15 synthesis process has been investigated in detail due to its importance in adjusting the pore size of SBA-15. In addition, in order to validate the simulation results, a series of SBA-15 samples were synthesized at temperatures within the range 293–328 K. The simulation results show that uniform spherical micelles of P123, composed of hydrophilic PEO coronas and hydrophobic PPO cores, can be formed in aqueous solutions. This provides a perfect explanation of the experimental findings of previous work. Moreover, it has also been found that the P123 micelle gradually expands as the temperature increases, which leads directly to an increase in the mesopore diameter of SBA-15. The relevant experimental results reported in this paper demonstrate this conclusion. Overall, the mesoscopic simulation method has been shown to be a valuable tool for exploring structure fabrication and for providing an accurate guide for adjusting the pore size of SBA-15, as well as being a strong complement and extension to the experimental approach.