bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AttenuatedActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeas a bacterial vector for expression ofMycoplasma hyopneumoniaeP36 gene
Authors: Zou Hao‐Yong , Liu Xin‐Jun , Ma Feng‐Ying , Chen Pin , Zhou Rui , He Qi‐Gai 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackgroundActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeandMycoplasma hyopneumoniaeare causative agents of porcine pneumonia. Over the last few years, attenuatedA. pleuropneumoniaelive vaccines have been shown to provide protection againstA. pleuropneumoniaeinfection. We postulated that attenuatedA. pleuropneumoniaecould additionally be used as a vaccine vector for protection againstM. hyopneumoniae.MethodsA mutant strain ofA. pleuropneumoniae, SLW36, was constructed by replacing the urease structural gene of mutant strain SLW03 ofA. pleuropneumoniaewith the L‐lactate dehydrogenase gene (p36) ofM. hyopneumoniaeby transconjugation and counter selection. The urease function and the growth kinetics of SLW36 were measured. Protein expression of P36 was analyzed by sodium dodecylsulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting. The attenuated virulence and immunity of SLW36 were analyzed in a mouse model.ResultsThe mutant strain SLW36 was urease negative and four‐fold less virulent than the parental strain SLW03. There were no differences in expression levels of p36 at different culture time‐points and the foreign gene was stable afterin vitropassage. Immunoglobulin G responses against p36 antigen andM. hyopneumoniaewhole‐cell antigen were detected.ConclusionsThe mutant strain SLW36 can induce antibody against p36 andM. hyopneumoniae.The mutant strain SLW36 has the potential to be used as a live vaccine for protection againstA. pleuropneumoniaeandM. hyopneumoniae. Studies in pigs are needed to confirm protective levels of antibodies and to check for rare side‐effects of the vaccine. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of some aza‐uracil derivatives
Authors: El‐Barbary Ahmed Ahmed , Hafiz Yehia Ahmed , Abdel‐Wahed Mohamed Shaker 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThiation of 1 by LR gave the corresponding 3,5‐dithioxo derivative 2 and the trimer 3. Methylation of 1 afforded the S‐methyl derivative 4. Compound 1 was fused with 6‐bromo‐2‐phenyl‐benzo[1,3‐d]oxazin‐4‐one (5) and gave 6. Condensation of 1 with some acid derivatives 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d and/or 8a, 8b, 8c yielded thiadiazolo‐triazine derivatives 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and 10a, 10b, 10c. Compounds 9a,9c and 10c were hydrolyzed to furnish 11a, 11b, 11c Acetylation of 14 afforded mono‐ and diacetyl‐derivatives 15 and 16. Benzoylation of 14 afforded mono‐ and dibezoyl‐derivatives 17 and 18. 14 with some aromatic aldehydes yielded 9a, 9b, 9c. Reacting 14 with phenyl (iso‐ and/or isothio‐) cyanate gave the urea derivatives 20a,20b. Thiation of 14 with P4S10 furnished 21. The newly synthesized compounds were tested as antimicrobial agents. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011)
Patterns of distribution of calcite crystals in soft corals sclerites
Authors: Tentori Ernestina , van Ofwegen Leen P. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe gross morphology of soft coral surface sclerites has been studied for taxonomic purposes for over a century. In contrast, sclerites located deep in the core of colonies have not received attention. Some soft coral groups develop massive colonies, in these organisms tissue depth can limit light penetration and circulation of internal fluids affecting the physiology of coral tissues and their symbiotic algae; such conditions have the potential to create contrasting calcifying conditions. To test this idea, we analyzed the crystal structure of sclerites extracted from different colony regions in selected specimens of zooxanthellate and azooxanthellate soft corals with different colony morphologies, these were: Sarcophyton mililatensis, Sinularia capillosa, Sinularia flexibilis, Dendronephthya sp. and Ceeceenus levis. We found that the crystals that constitute polyp sclerites differ from those forming stalk sclerites. We also observed different crystals in sclerites located at various depths in the stalk including signs of sclerite breakdown in the stalk core region. These results indicate different modes of calcification within each colonial organism analyzed and illustrate the complexity of organisms usually regarded as repetitive morphological and functional units. Our study indicates that soft corals are ideal material to study natural gradients of calcification conditions. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A review of triticale uses and the effect of growth environment on grain quality
Authors: McGoverin Cushla M , Snyders Franci , Muller Nina , Botes Willem , Fox Glen , Manley Marena 
Published: March 2011

AbstractTriticale (× Triticosecale sp. Wittmack ex A. Camus 1927) is an anthropogenic cereal designed to incorporate the functionality and high yield of wheat (Triticum spp. Linnaeus 1753) and durability of rye (Secale cereale Linnaeus 1753). The potential of triticale has remained largely unrealised, and in the 135 years since A. Stephen Wilson first crossed wheat and rye, triticale has mostly been used as animal feed. Growing demand for food resources has led to an increased interest in triticale development. Efforts to breed cultivars appropriate for baking have met with difficulty, although relatively new approaches to triticale end‐use propose greater applicability for human consumption. Further, environmental awareness has generated interest in the use of triticale within biofuel production. We review environmental and genetic effects on triticale yield with a view towards increased demand on a hardy and useful cereal crop. We find triticale could satisfy many of the hopes originally placed upon it, and may be useful in foodstuffs and fuel, but only when growth environment is carefully considered. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Can Virtual reality simulator be used as a training aid to improve cadaver temporal bone dissection? Results of a randomized blinded control trial
Authors: Zhao Yi C. , Kennedy Gregor , Yukawa Kumiko , Pyman Brian , Stephen O'Leary  
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:This study aims to determine whether there are improved performances in cadaver temporal bone dissection after training using a VR simulator as a teaching aid compared with traditional training methodsStudy design:Randomized control trial.Methods:Twenty participants with minimal temporal bone experience were recruited for this randomized control trial. After receiving the same didactic teaching they were randomized into two groups. The traditional group were to receive addition teaching via traditional teaching methods such as small group tutorials, videos, and models. The VR group received supervised teaching on the VR simulator. At the end of their teaching they were asked to perform a cadaveric temporal bone dissection and had their performance videoed and assessed by blinded assessors. The assessors judged the videos on four domains of assessments looking at the end product, injury size, overall performance, and technique. These assessments were based on the Welling's scale and OSATS.Results:The VR group performed significantly better in the end product of the dissection (VR 80% vs. traditional 45%, P‐value <.001) and caused smaller injuries to anatomic structures (VR 19% vs. traditional 36%, P‐value = .01). They also did better in the overall performance score (VR 55% vs. traditional 35%, P‐value = .04) There were no differences in the technique score. There was a fair to moderate degree of interrater reliability between the assessors (kappa = 0.33–0.47; Intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.34–0.76).Conclusion:Supervised teaching using a VR simulator seems to improve cadaveric temporal bone dissection performance compared with traditional teaching methods. Laryngoscope, 2011
Impact of surgeon and hospital volume on short‐term outcomes and cost of oropharyngeal cancer surgical care
Authors: Gourin Christine G. , Forastiere Arlene A. , Sanguineti Giuseppe , Marur Shanthi , Koch Wayne M. , Bristow Robert E. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the impact of surgeon and hospital case volume and other related variables on short‐term outcomes after surgery for oropharyngeal cancer.Methods:The Maryland Health Service Cost Review Commission database was queried for oropharyngeal cancer surgical case volumes from 1990 to 2009. Multivariable regression models were used to identify significant associations between surgeon and hospital case volume, as well as independent variables predictive of in‐hospital death, postoperative wound complications, length of hospitalization, and hospital‐related cost of care.Results:Overall, 1,534 oropharyngeal cancer surgeries were performed during the study period. Complete financial data was available for 1,482 oropharyngeal cancer surgeries, performed by 233 surgeons at 36 hospitals. The only independently significant factors associated with the risk of in‐hospital death were an APR‐DRG mortality risk score of 4 (odds ratio [OR] = 14.0, P < .001) and total glossectomy (OR = 5.6, P = .020). Wound fistula or dehiscence was associated with an increased mortality risk score (OR = 5.9, P < .001), total glossectomy (OR = 6.9, P < .001), mandibulectomy (OR = 3.4, P < .001), and flap reconstruction (OR = 2.1, P = .038). Increased mortality risk score, total glossectomy, pharyngectomy, mandibulectomy, flap reconstruction, neck dissection, and Black race were associated with an increased length of stay and hospital‐related costs. After controlling for all other variables, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed between surgery at a high‐volume hospital and length of hospitalization and hospital‐related costs.Conclusions:After controlling for other factors, high‐volume hospital care is associated with a shorter length of hospitalization and lower hospital‐related cost of care for oropharyngeal cancer surgery. Laryngoscope, 2011
Endoscopic anterior maxillotomy: Infratemporal fossa via transnasal approach
Authors: El‐Sayed Ivan , Pletcher Steve , Russell Matthew , McDermott Michael , Parsa Andrew 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To evaluate our initial experience with a novel technique, endoscopic anterior maxillotomy (EAM), for improved access to the anterior‐lateral skull base. Clinical and radioanatomic data are presented to describe and define this novel technique.Study Design:Case series.Methods:Surgical patients with lesions of the pterygopalatine fossa, infratemporal fossa, and anterior‐lateral maxilla treated from 2006 to 2008 are reviewed. Demographic data and surgical technique are presented. A radioanatomic analysis pre‐ and post‐EAM is performed to describe increased access. Matched‐paired analysis was performed for statistical evaluation.Results:Thirty‐two patients had surgical treatment of anterior‐lateral skull base lesions. EAM was utilized in 16 cases. Fifty‐six percent extended lateral to V2 and 56% extended posterior to the maxillary sinus. Complete resection was achieved in 11 patients. There was one unplanned subtotal resection. Radioanatomic measurements demonstrated an increase in the radius of surgical access to the ipsilateral skull base using the EAM when compared with both standard transnasal techniques (33.1° vs. 14.8°; P < .0001) and extended approaches removing the nasolacrimal duct (33.1° vs. 23.5°; P < .001). Similar findings were noted for lateral access to the contralateral skull base.Conclusions:Endoscopic anterior maxillotomy is a novel technical addition to the skull base surgeon's armamentarium. Radioanatomic analysis demonstrates a significant improvement in access to the anterolateral skull base. Laryngoscope, 2011
Antigen‐specific blocking of CD4‐Specific immunological synapse formation using BPI and current therapies for autoimmune diseases
Authors: Manikwar Prakash , Kiptoo Paul , Badawi Ahmed H. , Büyüktimkin Barlas , Siahaan Teruna J. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn this review, we discuss T‐cell activation, etiology, and the current therapies of autoimmune diseases (i.e., MS, T1D, and RA). T‐cells are activated upon interaction with antigen‐presenting cells (APC) followed by a “bull's eye”‐like formation of the immunological synapse (IS) at the T‐cell–APC interface. Although the various disease‐modifying therapies developed so far have been shown to modulate the IS and thus help in the management of these diseases, they are also known to present some undesirable side effects. In this study, we describe a novel and selective way to suppress autoimmunity by using a bifunctional peptide inhibitor (BPI). BPI uses an intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1)‐binding peptide to target antigenic peptides (e.g., proteolipid peptide, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and type II collagen) to the APC and therefore modulate the immune response. The central hypothesis is that BPI blocks the IS formation by simultaneously binding to major histocompatibility complex‐II and ICAM‐1 on the APC and selectively alters the activation of T cells from TH1 to Treg and/or TH2 phenotypes, leading to tolerance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev., 32, No. 4, 727‐764, 2012
Comparative analysis of the role of domain size, horizontal resolution and initial conditions in the simulation of tropical heavy rainfall events
Authors: Goswami Prashanth , Shivappa Himesh , Goud Santhaveeranna 
Published: March 2011

AbstractLimited area models (LAMs) currently provide the only computationally feasible tool to simulate weather processes at very high spatial resolution of 1–2 km. Unlike in a global circulation model (GCM), however, the limited domains, and the associated artificial lateral boundaries, introduce additional uncertainties and errors into the simulation of LAMs. Domain size and grid spacing (horizontal resolution) both influence the spectrum of resolved scale and the nature of scale interaction in the model dynamics. A comparative, comprehensive and quantitative estimation of the relative role of domain size, grid spacing and initial condition in the simulation of mesoscale events is, however, lacking. This issue is investigated using a mesoscale model (MM5V3) with respect to three high impact weather (heavy rainfall) events in the tropics with a series of ensemble (five initial conditions) simulations. A high‐resolution (10 km) benchmark simulation is used to establish the model's performance in simulating heavy rainfall events which occurred over the west coast of India during 26–27 July 2005. As the study's emphasis is on relative roles and not on the precise forecast, sensitivity simulations are carried out at coarser resolutions in view of the large number of simulations involved. Results show that, along with initial conditions and grid size, the size of the domain also significantly affects simulated quantities such as total rain and maximum rain. The results also show that domain size plays as important a role as that of grid spacing and initial condition in the simulation of high impact weather events. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
A 20‐channel receive‐only mouse array coil for a 3 T clinical MRI system
Authors: Keil Boris , Wiggins Graham C. , Triantafyllou Christina , Wald Lawrence L. , Meise Florian M. , Schreiber Laura M. , Klose Klaus J. , Heverhagen Johannes T. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractA 20‐channel phased‐array coil for MRI of mice has been designed, constructed, and validated with bench measurements and high‐resolution accelerated imaging. The technical challenges of designing a small, high density array have been overcome using individual small‐diameter coil elements arranged on a cylinder in a hexagonal overlapping design with adjacent low impedance preamplifiers to further decouple the array elements. Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and noise amplification in accelerated imaging were simulated and quantitatively evaluated in phantoms and in vivo mouse images. Comparison between the 20‐channel mouse array and a length‐matched quadrature driven small animal birdcage coil showed an SNR increase at the periphery and in the center of the phantom of 3‐ and 1.3‐fold, respectively. Comparison with a shorter but SNR‐optimized birdcage coil (aspect ratio 1:1 and only half mouse coverage) showed an SNR gain of twofold at the edge of the phantom and similar SNR in the center. G‐factor measurements indicate that the coil is well suited to acquire highly accelerated images. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relaxivity of gadolinium complexes detected by atomic magnetometry
Authors: Michalak David J. , Xu Shoujun , Lowery Thomas J. , Crawford C. W. , Ledbetter Micah , Bouchard Louis‐S. , Wemmer David E. , Budker Dmitry , Pines Alexander 
Published: March 2011

AbstractLaser atomic magnetometry is a portable and low‐cost yet highly sensitive method for low magnetic field detection. In this work, the atomic magnetometer was used in a remote‐detection geometry to measure the relaxivity of aqueous gadolinium‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid Gd(DTPA) at the Earth's magnetic field (40 μT). The measured relaxivity of 9.7 ± 2.0 s−1 mM−1 is consistent with field‐cycling experiments measured at slightly higher magnetic fields, but no cryogens or strong and homogeneous magnetic field were required for this experiment. The field‐independent sensitivity of 80 fT Hz–1/2 allowed an in vitro detection limit of ∼ 10 μM Gd(DTPA) to be measured in aqueous buffer solution. The low detection limit and enhanced relaxivity of Gd‐containing complexes at Earth's field motivate continued development of atomic magnetometry toward medical applications. Magn Reson Med 66:603–606, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Utility of ultrasound‐guided surface electrode placement in lateral femoral cutaneous nerve conduction studies
Authors: Boon Andrea J. , Bailey Peter W. , Smith Jay , Sorenson Eric J. , Harper C. Michel , Hurdle Mark F. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Meralgia paresthetica is a common clinical complaint for which some patients ultimately undergo surgical treatment. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) has been difficult to reliably test electrophysiologically, likely due to anatomic variability and lack of responses in asymptomatic obese subjects. Methods: We compared a novel ultrasound‐guided antidromic sensory nerve conduction study (NCS) with a technique described previously in a population of normal subjects, of whom 50% had body mass indices within the obese range (>27.5). Results: Responses were obtained in at least 92% of subjects using either technique, and 92% of normal subjects had <60% interside variability using the ultrasound‐guided technique. Conclusions: LFCN sensory nerve action potentials can be obtained in the vast majority of normal subjects, even in an obese population and can provide a useful sensory NCS for evaluation of mid‐lumbar radiculopathy, plexopathy, or meralgia paresthetica. Muscle Nerve, 2011
The thymus in myasthenia gravis: Site of “innate autoimmunity”?
Authors: Cavalcante Paola , Le Panse Rozen , Berrih‐aknin Sonia , Maggi Lorenzo , Antozzi Carlo , Baggi Fulvio , Bernasconi Pia , Mantegazza Renato 
Published: March 2011

AbstractMyasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder caused, in most cases, by autoantibodies against components of the neuromuscular junction, frequently the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), and less often the muscle‐specific kinase receptor. The thymus plays a major role in the pathogenesis of MG with anti‐AChR antibodies: it shows marked pathologic alterations (hyperplastic or tumoral) in most AChR‐positive patients and contains the elements required to initiate and sustain an autoimmune reaction (AChR autoantigen, AChR‐specific T cells, and autoantibody‐secreting plasma cells). In this study we review early and more recent findings implicating the thymus as site of AChR autosensitization in MG and briefly discuss the therapeutic role of thymectomy. We also summarize data showing that the MG thymus is in a state of chronic inflammation, and we review emerging evidence of a viral contribution to the onset and maintenance of the thymic autoimmune response. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Effect of botulinum neurotoxin treatment in the lateral spread monitoring of microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm
Authors: Habeych Miguel E. , Shah Aalap C. , Nikonow Tara N. , Balzer Jeffrey R. , Crammond Donald J. , Thirumala Parthasarathy D. , Kassam Amin , Horowitz Michael 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Botulinum neurotoxin (BtNtx) treatment for hemifacial spasm (HFS) prior to microvascular decompression (MVD) is hypothesized to be a factor in the variability of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) during this procedure. Methods: We analyzed 282 MVDs performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2007. We retrospectively compared the lateral spread response (LSR) in the mentalis muscle when stimulus‐triggered electromyography (EMG) was elicited from the facial nerve. Previous BtNtx treatment was the grouping factor. Results: Baseline LSR amplitudes during MVD (prior BtNtx: mean = 341.47 μV; no BtNtx: mean = 241.81 μV) were significantly different between groups (df = 1,281; t = −2.463; P = 0.014). Comparisons of latency and current threshold at baseline, as well as HFS disappearance or LSR persistence after the procedure, did not achieve statistical significance. Conclusions: HFS patients treated with BtNtx prior to MVD demonstrated higher LSR baseline amplitudes during IONM. This could be related to muscle poly‐reinnervation after recovery from repeated BtNtx use. Muscle Nerve, 2011
A comparative study of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI parameters as biomarkers for anti‐angiogenic drug therapy
Authors: Koh Tong San , Thng Choon Hua , Hartono Septian , Tai Bee Choo , Rumpel Helmut , Ong Ai Bee , Sukri Norita , Soo Ross A. , Wong Chuing Ing , Low Albert S. C. , Humerickhouse Rod A. , Goh Boon Cher 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to compare three tracer kinetics methods for the analysis of dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI data, namely the generalized kinetics model, the distributed‐parameter model and the initial area under the tumor tracer curve (IAUC) method, in a Phase I study of an anti‐angiogenic drug ABT ‐869; and to explore their utility as biomarkers. Twenty‐eight patients with a range of tumors formed the study population. DCE MRI performed at baseline and 2 weeks post‐treatment was analyzed using all three methods, yielding percentage changes for various tracer kinetics parameters. Correlation analyzes were performed between these parameters and in relation to drug exposure. The association of these parameters with time‐to‐progression was examined using receiver‐operating characteristic and Kaplan–Meier curves. Significant correlation with drug exposure was found for the following parameters: normalized IAUC (IAUCnorm), fractional interstitial volume ve, fractional intravascular volume v1 and permeability PS. However, only ve and PS were effective in predicting late progression. A decrease in ve of more than 1.7% and a decrease in PS of more than 25.1% observed at 2 weeks post‐treatment could be associated with late progression. All three tracer kinetics methods have biomarker potential for assessing the effects of anti‐angiogenic therapy. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.