bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low telomerase activity in CD4+ regulatory T cells in patients with severe chronic GVHD after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kawano Yutaka , Kim Haesook T. , Matsuoka Ken-ichi , Bascug Gregory , McDonough Sean , Ho Vincent T. , Cutler Corey , Koreth John , Alyea Edwin P. , Antin Joseph H. , Soiffer Robert J. , Ritz Jerome 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) play an important role in the control of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). In this study, we examined telomere length and telomerase activity of Treg and conventional CD4+ T cells (Tcon) in 61 patients who survived more than 2 years after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Cell proliferation and expression of Bcl-2 were also measured in each subset. Treg telomere length was shorter and Treg telomerase activity was increased compared with Tcon (P < .0001). After transplantation, Treg were also more highly proliferative than Tcon (P < .0001). Treg number, telomerase activity, and expression of Bcl-2 were each inversely associated with severity of cGVHD. These data indicate that activation of telomerase is not sufficient to prevent telomere shortening in highly proliferative Treg. However, telomerase activation is associated with increased Bcl-2 expression and higher Treg numbers in patients with no or mild cGVHD. In contrast, patients with moderate or severe cGVHD have fewer Treg with lower levels of telomerase activity and Bcl-2 expression. These results suggest that failure to activate Treg telomerase may restrict proliferative capacity and increase apoptotic susceptibility, resulting in the loss of peripheral tolerance and the development of cGVHD.
Inhibition of IL-32 activation by α-1 antitrypsin suppresses alloreactivity and increases survival in an allogeneic murine marrow transplantation model
Authors: Marcondes A. Mario , Li Xiang , Tabellini Laura , Bartenstein Matthias , Kabacka Julia , Sale George E. , Hansen John A. , Dinarello Charles A. , Deeg H. Joachim 
Published: September 2011

AbstractInterleukin (IL)–32 was originally identified in natural killer cells and IL-2–activated human T lymphocytes. As T cells are activated in allogeneic transplantation, we determined the role of IL-32 in human mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLCs) and GVHD. In allogeneic MLCs, IL-32 increased two-fold in responding T cells, accompanied by five-fold increases of TNFα, IL-6, and IL-8. After allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, IL-32 mRNA levels in blood leukocytes were statistically significantly higher in patients with acute GVHD (n = 10) than in serial samples from patients who did not develop acute GVHD (n = 5; P = .02). No significant changes in IL-32 levels were present in patients with treated (n = 14) or untreated (n = 8) chronic GVHD, compared with healthy controls (n = 8; P = .5, and P = .74, respectively). As IL-32 is activated by proteinase-3 (PR3), we determined the effect of the serine protease inhibitor α-1 antitrypsin (AAT) on IL-32 levels and showed suppression of IL-32 and T-lymphocyte proliferation in MLCs. In an MHC-minor antigen disparate murine transplant model, preconditioning and postconditioning treatment with AAT resulted in attenuation or prevention of GVHD and superior survival compared with albumin-treated controls (80% vs 44%; P = .04). These findings suggest that AAT modulates immune and inflammatory functions and may represent a novel approach to prevent or treat GVHD.
Pivotal trial with plant cell–expressed recombinant glucocerebrosidase, taliglucerase alfa, a novel enzyme replacement therapy for Gaucher disease
Authors: Zimran Ari , Brill-Almon Einat , Chertkoff Raul , Petakov Milan , Blanco-Favela Francisco , Muñoz Eduardo Terreros , Solorio-Meza Sergio E. , Amato Dominick , Duran Gloria , Giona Fiorina , Heitner Rene , Rosenbaum Hanna , Giraldo Pilar , Mehta Atul , Park Glen , Phillips Mici , Elstein Deborah , Altarescu Gheona , Szleifer Mali , Hashmueli Sharon , Aviezer David 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Taliglucerase alfa (Protalix Biotherapeutics, Carmiel, Israel) is a novel plant cell–derived recombinant human β-glucocerebrosidase for Gaucher disease. A phase 3, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, comparison-dose (30 vs 60 U/kg body weight/infusion) multinational clinical trial was undertaken. Institutional review board approvals were received. A 9-month, 20-infusion trial used inclusion/exclusion criteria in treatment-naive adult patients with splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia. Safety end points were drug-related adverse events: Ab formation and hypersensitivity reactions. Primary efficacy end point was reduction in splenic volume measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary end points were: changes in hemoglobin, hepatic volume, and platelet counts. Exploratory parameters included biomarkers and bone imaging. Twenty-nine patients (11 centers) completed the protocol. There were no serious adverse events; drug-related adverse events were mild/moderate and transient. Two patients (6%) developed non-neutralizing IgG Abs; 2 other patients (6%) developed hypersensitivity reactions. Statistically significant spleen reduction was achieved at 9 months: 26.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: −31.9, −21.8) in the 30-unit dose group and 38.0% (95% CI: −43.4, −32.8) in the 60-unit dose group (both P < .0001); and in all secondary efficacy end point measures, except platelet counts at the lower dose. These results support safety and efficacy of taliglucerase alfa for Gaucher disease. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00376168.
WebMGA: a customizable web server for fast metagenomic sequence analysis
Authors: Wu Sitao , Zhu Zhengwei , Fu Liming , Niu Beifang , Li Weizhong 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
The new field of metagenomics studies microorganism communities by culture-independent sequencing. With the advances in next-generation sequencing techniques, researchers are facing tremendous challenges in metagenomic data analysis due to huge quantity and high complexity of sequence data. Analyzing large datasets is extremely time-consuming; also metagenomic annotation involves a wide range of computational tools, which are difficult to be installed and maintained by common users. The tools provided by the few available web servers are also limited and have various constraints such as login requirement, long waiting time, inability to configure pipelines etc.

Results
We developed WebMGA, a customizable web server for fast metagenomic analysis. WebMGA includes over 20 commonly used tools such as ORF calling, sequence clustering, quality control of raw reads, removal of sequencing artifacts and contaminations, taxonomic analysis, functional annotation etc. WebMGA provides users with rapid metagenomic data analysis using fast and effective tools, which have been implemented to run in parallel on our local computer cluster. Users can access WebMGA through web browsers or programming scripts to perform individual analysis or to configure and run customized pipelines. WebMGA is freely available at http://weizhongli-lab.org/metagenomic-analysis.

Conclusions
WebMGA offers to researchers many fast and unique tools and great flexibility for complex metagenomic data analysis.
Genetic diagnosis of X-linked dominant hypophosphatemic rickets in a cohort study: Tubular reabsorption of phosphate and 1,25(OH)2D serum levels are associated with PHEX mutation type
Authors: Morey Marcos , Castro-Feijóo Lidia , Barreiro Jesús , Cabanas Paloma , Pombo Manuel , Gil Marta , Bernabeu Ignacio , Díaz-Grande José M , Rey-Cordo Lourdes , Ariceta Gema , Rica Itxaso , Nieto José , Vilalta Ramón , Martorell Loreto , Vila-Cots Jaime , Aleixandre Fernando , Fontalba Ana , Soriano-Guillén Leandro , García-Sagredo José M , García-Miñaur Sixto , Rodríguez Berta , Juaristi Saioa , García-Pardos Carmen , Martínez-Peinado Antonio , Millán José M , Medeira Ana , Moldovan Oana , Fernandez Angeles , Loidi Lourdes 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Genetic Hypophosphatemic Rickets (HR) is a group of diseases characterized by renal phosphate wasting with inappropriately low or normal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D) serum levels. The most common form of HR is X-linked dominant HR (XLHR) which is caused by inactivating mutations in the PHEX gene. The purpose of this study was to perform genetic diagnosis in a cohort of patients with clinical diagnosis of HR, to perform genotype-phenotype correlations of those patients and to compare our data with other HR cohort studies.

Methods
Forty three affected individuals from 36 non related families were analyzed. For the genetic analysis, the PHEX gene was sequenced in all of the patients and in 13 cases the study was complemented by mRNA sequencing and Multiple Ligation Probe Assay. For the genotype-phenotype correlation study, the clinical and biochemical phenotype of the patients was compared with the type of mutation, which was grouped into clearly deleterious or likely causative, using the Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact test.

Results
Mutations in the PHEX gene were identified in all the patients thus confirming an XLHR. Thirty four different mutations were found distributed throughout the gene with higher density at the 3' end. The majority of the mutations were novel (69.4%), most of them resulted in a truncated PHEX protein (83.3%) and were family specific (88.9%). Tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TRP) and 1,25(OH)2D serum levels were significantly lower in patients carrying clearly deleterious mutations than in patients carrying likely causative ones (61.39 ± 19.76 vs. 80.14 ± 8.80%, p = 0.028 and 40.93 ± 30.73 vs. 78.46 ± 36.27 pg/ml, p = 0.013).

Conclusions

PHEX gene mutations were found in all the HR cases analyzed, which was in contrast with other cohort studies. Patients with clearly deleterious PHEX mutations had lower TRP and 1,25(OH)2D levels suggesting that the PHEX type of mutation might predict the XLHR phenotype severity.
A life course approach to injury prevention: a "lens and telescope" conceptual model
Authors: Hosking Jamie , Ameratunga Shanthi , Morton Susan , Blank Danilo 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundAlthough life course epidemiology is increasingly employed to conceptualize the determinants of health, the implications of this approach for strategies to reduce the burden of injuries have received little recognition to date.MethodsThe authors reviewed core injury concepts and the principles of the life course approach. Based on this understanding, a conceptual model was developed, to provide a holistic view of the mechanisms that underlie the accumulation of injury risk and their consequences over the life course.ResultsA "lens and telescope" model is proposed that particularly draws on (a) the extended temporal dimension inherent in the life course approach, with links between exposures and outcomes that span many years, or even generations, and (b) an ecological perspective, according to which the contexts in which individuals live are critical, as are changes in those contexts over time.ConclusionsBy explicitly examining longer-term, intergenerational and ecological perspectives, life course concepts can inform and strengthen traditional approaches to injury prevention and control that have a strong focus on proximal factors. The model proposed also serves as a tool to identify intervention strategies that have co-benefits for other areas of health.
Growth of vertically aligned ZnO nanorods using textured ZnO films
Authors: Solís-Pomar Francisco , Martínez Eduardo , Meléndrez Manuel F , Pérez-Tijerina Eduardo 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
A hydrothermal method to grow vertical-aligned ZnO nanorod arrays on ZnO films obtained by atomic layer deposition (ALD) is presented. The growth of ZnO nanorods is studied as function of the crystallographic orientation of the ZnO films deposited on silicon (100) substrates. Different thicknesses of ZnO films around 40 to 180 nm were obtained and characterized before carrying out the growth process by hydrothermal methods. A textured ZnO layer with preferential direction in the normal c-axes is formed on substrates by the decomposition of diethylzinc to provide nucleation sites for vertical nanorod growth. Crystallographic orientation of the ZnO nanorods and ZnO-ALD films was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Composition, morphologies, length, size, and diameter of the nanorods were studied using a scanning electron microscope and energy dispersed x-ray spectroscopy analyses. In this work, it is demonstrated that crystallinity of the ZnO-ALD films plays an important role in the vertical-aligned ZnO nanorod growth. The nanorod arrays synthesized in solution had a diameter, length, density, and orientation desirable for a potential application as photosensitive materials in the manufacture of semiconductor-polymer solar cells.

PACS

61.46.Hk, Nanocrystals; 61.46.Km, Structure of nanowires and nanorods; 81.07.Gf, Nanowires; 81.15.Gh, Chemical vapor deposition (including plasma-enhanced CVD, MOCVD, ALD, etc.)
A relaxed hybrid steepest descent method for common solutions of generalized mixed equilibrium problems and fixed point problems
Authors: Onjai-uea Nawitcha , Jaiboon Chaichana , Kumam Poom 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn the setting of Hilbert spaces, we introduce a relaxed hybrid steepest descent method for finding a common element of the set of fixed points of a nonexpansive mapping, the set of solutions of a variational inequality for an inverse strongly monotone mapping and the set of solutions of generalized mixed equilibrium problems. We prove the strong convergence of the method to the unique solution of a suitable variational inequality. The results obtained in this article improve and extend the corresponding results.AMS (2000) Subject Classification: 46C05; 47H09; 47H10.
Fatigue-related adaptations in muscle coordination during a cyclic exercise in humans
Authors: Turpin Nicolas A. , Guével Arnaud , Durand Sylvain , Hug François 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARY
Muscle fatigue is an exercise-induced reduction in the capability of a muscle to generate force. A possible strategy to counteract the effects of fatigue is to modify muscle coordination. We designed this study to quantify the effect of fatigue on muscle coordination during a cyclic exercise involving numerous muscles. Nine human subjects were tested during a constant-load rowing exercise (mean power output: 217.9±32.4 W) performed until task failure. The forces exerted at the handle and the foot-stretcher were measured continuously and were synchronized with surface electromyographic (EMG) signals measured in 23 muscles. In addition to a classical analysis of individual EMG data (EMG profile and EMG activity level), a non-negative matrix factorization algorithm was used to identify the muscle synergies at the start and the end of the test. Among the 23 muscles tested, 16 showed no change in their mean activity level across the rowing cycle, five (biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, trapezius medius and vastus medialis) showed a significant increase and two (gastrocnemius lateralis and longissimus) showed a significant decrease. We found no change in the number of synergies during the fatiguing test, i.e. three synergies accounted for more than 90% of variance accounted for at the start (92.4±1.5%) and at the end (91.0±1.8%) of the exercise. Very slight modifications at the level of individual EMG profiles, synergy activation coefficients and muscle synergy vectors were observed. These results suggest that fatigue during a cyclic task preferentially induces an adaptation in muscle activity level rather than changes in the modular organization of the muscle coordination.
Remote Order Entry Services: Providing 24-Hour Pharmaceutical Care for Small to Medium Sized Hospitals
Authors: Mango Michael D. , Mabe Don M. 
Published: September 2011

Purpose In the last few years, The Joint Commission (TJC) has strongly recommended that hospitals provide 24-hour pharmacy services. Many small to medium sized hospitals have insufficient workload and/or lack the financial resources to justify 24-hour pharmacy services. When a pharmacy does not provide 24-hour pharmacy services, it must provide a retrospective review of medication orders. Carolinas Healthcare System (CHS) faced the challenge of economically providing 24-hour pharmaceutical care in smaller to medium size hospitals by developing a remote order entry service (ROES). Summary This article describes the process of implementing an ROES and the technology that is involved, including physician order transmittal, pharmacy information systems, communication between facilities, distribution of pharmaceuticals, and clinical pharmacy services. The financial and pharmaceutical service benefits are illustrated. Conclusion ROES has proven to be an effective method that allows small to medium sized hospitals access to 24-hour pharmaceutical care in a fiscally responsible manner.
Use of Prasugrel in a Patient with Clopidogrel Hypersensitivity
Authors: Peppard Sarah R , Held-Godgluck Bethanne M , Beddingfield Richard 
Published: September 2011

Objective: To report a case of successful use of prasugrel following percutaneous coronary intervention with placement of a bare metal stent in a patient with a documented hypersensitivity reaction to clopidogrel. Case Summary: A 61-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease with coronary stent placement presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The patient had developed Stephens-Johnson syndrome 6 years earlier following Clopidogrel administration, characterized by erythematous plaques and subsequent desquamation of the hands and feet; Clopidogrel was discontinued and he was subsequently treated with ticlopidine in addition to aspirin. The third-generation thienopyridine prasugrel was initiated as a therapeutic alternative to Clopidogrel after placement of a bare metal stent; a 60-mg dose was administered after extubation, followed by 10 mg/day. No signs of allergic reaction were observed in the days, weeks, and months following administration. Discussion: Thienopyridines, specifically Clopidogrel, are the standard of care for prevention of coronary stent thrombosis; however, there are few data available on cross-hypersensitivity between these agents. One study demonstrated that 27% of patients who developed an allergic or hematologic reaction to Clopidogrel developed a similar reaction to ticlopidine. Other therapeutic options for patients with Clopidogrel hypersensitivity who are undergoing a percutaneous coronary intervention with stent placement include Clopidogrel desensitization, warfarin plus aspirin, cilostazol, ticagrelor, and ticlopidine. However, these options are limited by efficacy and/or toxicity. With its approval in 2009, prasugrel has become a potential treatment option. Conclusions: Prasugrel may be considered a therapeutic alternative in some patients allergic or intolerant to Clopidogrel, but additional data are warranted to make a strong conclusion.
A new method for removing microflora from macroalgal surfaces: an important step for natural product discovery
Authors: Kientz Betty , Thabard Marie , Cragg Simon M. , Pope Josephine , Hellio Claire 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Numerous marine organisms, including macroalgae, produce bioactive compounds. As chemical extraction processes do not distinguish between compounds originating from the alga and its associated microflora, a key step immediately prior to isolation of molecules, is elimination of epibionts from the alga studied. In chemical, ecological and biotechnological contexts, a clear identification of the source organism, when symbiotic interactions occurs, is crucial. We aimed to improve understanding of specific secondary metabolite production by macroalgae through development of a metho-dology for removing microbial epibionts immediately prior to chemical extraction without damaging algal cell surfaces (to avoid extraction of endogenous macroalgal compounds at this stage). Various solutions were tested: non-polar solvents (dichloromethane and hexane), alcohols (methanol, ethanol and isopropanol), oxidants (sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide and iodine) and a natural product (tea tree oil) at various concentrations and contact times. Five macroalgal species were employed: Chondrus crispus, Fucus serratus, Palmaria palmata, Saccharina latissima and Ulva lactuca. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the surface integrity. The best epibiont removal rate without damaging tissue was obtained with mixtures of ethanol (40–50%) and sodium hypochlorite (1%). Interestingly, macroalgal moisture content influenced treatment efficacy.
To mix or not to mix venous blood samples collected in vacuum tubes?
Authors: Parenmark Anna , Landberg Eva 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThere are recommendations to mix venous blood samples by inverting the tubes immediately after venipuncture. Though mixing allows efficient anticoagulation in plasma tubes and fast initiation of coagulation in serum tubes, the effect on laboratory analyses and risk of haemolysis has not been thoroughly evaluated.Venous blood samples were collected by venipuncture in vacuum tubes from 50 patients (10 or 20 patients in each group). Four types of tubes and 18 parameters used in routine clinical chemistry were evaluated. For each patient and tube, three types of mixing strategies were used: instant mixing, no mixing and 5 min of rest followed by mixing.Most analyses did not differ significantly in samples admitted to different mixing strategies. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase and haemolysis index showed a small but significant increase in samples omitted to instant mixing compared to samples without mixing. However, in one out of twenty non-mixed samples, activated partial thromboplastin time was seriously affected.These results indicate that mixing blood samples after venipuncture is not mandatory for all types of tubes. Instant mixing may introduce interference for those analyses susceptible to haemolysis. However, tubes with liquid-based citrate buffer for coagulation testing should be mixed to avoid clotting.
Empirical models for radial and tangential fibre width in tree rings of Norway spruce in north-western Europe
Authors: Franceschini Tony , Lundqvist Sven-Olof , Bontemps Jean-Daniel , Grahn Thomas , Olsson Lars , Evans Robert , Leban Jean-Michel 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Tracheid dimensions influence the quality of wood and that of pulp and paper. Both between- and within-ring variations are influenced by tree developmental stage, site, genetics, and forest management. To contribute to the knowledge in this regard, the radial and tangential tracheid dimensions on Norway spruce, defined as the lumens and double cell wall thickness, have been measured using a SilviScan device. Namely, 4947 annual rings from 35 trees from plantations in France, Norway, and Sweden were examined. Mixed-effects models were constructed concerning the radial and tangential tracheid widths for the total ring and in three within-ring compartments – earlywood (EW), transition wood (TW), and latewood (LW) – as functions of age, radius, height in the tree, and growth rate. Between-site and between-tree variations were also considered. The mean radial tracheid width was 34.2 μm (EW), 29.9 μm (TrW), and 22.1 μm (LW). The tangential tracheid width was on average 30.1 μm in all compartments. The radial and tangential tracheid widths in the rings and compartments increased from the pith to the bark and decreased with greater growth rates. Within a given ring, both properties decreased with height in the tree. The fixed part of the models of the radial tracheid width accounted for 68% (EW), 45% (TW), and 33% (LW) while for the models of the tangential fibre width it accounted for 42% of the variation in all compartments. Climate or hydraulic maintenance was hypothesised to be responsible for the variation of the radial tracheid width.