bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preventive efficacy of hydroalcoholic extract of Cymbopogon citratus against radiation-induced DNA damage on V79 cells and free radical scavenging ability against radicals generated in vitro
Authors: Rao BSS , Shanbhoge R , Rao BN , Adiga SK , Upadhya D , Aithal BK , Kumar MRS 
Published: September 2009

This study presents the findings of free radical scavenging and antigenotoxic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Cymbopogon citratus (CCE). The CCE at a concentration of 60 μg/mL resulted in a significant scavenging ability of 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH; (85%), 2,2-azinobis (3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS; 77%), hydroxyl (70%), superoxide (76%), nitric oxide (78%) free radicals generated using in vitro and also a moderate anti-lipid peroxidative effect (57%). Further, the radiation-induced antigenotoxic potential of CCE was assessed in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells (V79) using micronucleus assay. The CCE resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the yield of radiation-induced micronuclei, with a maximum effect at 125 μg/mL CCE for 1 h before 2 Gy of radiation. Similarly, there was a significant ( P < 0.05–0.0001) decrease in percentage of micronuclei when V79 cells were treated with optimal dose of CCE (125 μg/mL) before exposure to different doses of gamma radiation, that is, 0.5–4 Gy, compared with radiation alone groups. The results of the micronucleus study indicated antigenotoxic effect demonstrating the radioprotective potential of CCE and, which may partly due to its and antioxidant capacity as it presented its ability to scavenge various free radicals in vitro and anti-lipid peroxidative potential.
Prospective Comparison of the Pneumatic Cuff and Manual Compression Methods in Diagnosing Lower Extremity Venous Reflux
Authors: Kakkos Stavros K. , Lin Judith C. , Sparks Jennifer , Telly Melissa , McPharlin Michalene , Reddy Daniel J. 
Published: September 2009

Aim: To compare pneumatic cuff with manual compression in diagnosing reflux in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Patients and Methods: Eighteen patients (Clinical Etiologic Anatomic Pathophysiologic [CEAP 2-5], median Venous Clinical Severity Score [VCSS 6.5]) were studied. The VenaPulse device (ACI Medical, San Marcos, California) was used for cuff inflation. The hemodynamic performance of the 2 methods was tested in the first 9 patients, while their diagnostic value was tested in the last 9 patients. Results: Both methods induced equal compression with median peak velocity of the antegrade flow (PVA) being 86 cm/s (P = .65). Coefficient of variation (CV) for PVA in the superficial veins was significantly higher with the manual method (16.8%) compared to the VenaPulse method (9.5%, P <.001), while sensitivity and specificity were 85% and 100%, and 78% (κ .68, P <.001) and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: Pneumatic cuff and manual compression were shown to be equally effective in diagnosing venous reflux. Cost-effectiveness and ease-of-use studies comparing these methods are justified.
Sequence features associated with microRNA strand selection in humans and flies
Authors: Hu Hai Yang , Yan Zheng , Xu Ying , Hu Hao , Menzel Corinna , Zhou Yan Hong , Chen Wei , Khaitovich Philipp 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
During microRNA (miRNA) maturation in humans and flies, Drosha and Dicer cut the precursor transcript, thereby producing a short RNA duplex. One strand of this duplex becomes a functional component of the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC), while the other is eliminated. While thermodynamic asymmetry of the duplex ends appears to play a decisive role in the strand selection process, the details of the selection mechanism are not yet understood.

Results
Here, we assess miRNA strand selection bias in humans and fruit flies by analyzing the sequence composition and relative expression levels of the two strands of the precursor duplex in these species. We find that the sequence elements associated with preferential miRNA strand selection and/or rejection differ between the two species. Further, we identify another feature that distinguishes human and fly miRNA processing machinery: the relative accuracy of the Drosha and Dicer enzymes.

Conclusion
Our result provides clues to the mechanistic aspects of miRNA strand selection in humans and other mammals. Further, it indicates that human and fly miRNA processing pathways are more distinct than currently recognized. Finally, the observed strand selection determinants are instrumental in the rational design of efficient miRNA-based expression regulators.
Outer membrane porin M35 of Moraxella catarrhalis mediates susceptibility to aminopenicillins
Authors: Jetter Marion , Heiniger Nadja , Spaniol Violeta , Troller Rolf , Schaller André , Aebi Christoph 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
The outer membrane protein M35 is a conserved porin of type 1 strains of the respiratory pathogen Moraxella catarrhalis. It was previously shown that M35 is involved in the uptake of essential nutrients required for bacterial growth and for nasal colonization in mice. The aim of this study was (i) to characterize the potential roles of M35 in the host-pathogen interactions considering the known multifunctionality of porins and (ii) to characterize the degree of conservation in the phylogenetic older subpopulation (type 2) of M. catarrhalis.

Results
Isogenic m35 mutants of the type 1 strains O35E, 300 and 415 were tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility against 15 different agents. Differences in the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) between wild-type and mutant strains were found for eight antibiotics. For ampicillin and amoxicillin, we observed a statistically significant 2.5 to 2.9-fold MIC increase (p < 0.03) in the m35 mutants. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that human saliva contains anti-M35 IgA. Wild-type strains and their respective m35 mutants were indistinguishable with respect to the phenotypes of autoagglutination, serum resistance, iron acquisition from human lactoferrin, adherence to and invasion of respiratory tract epithelial cells, and proinflammatory stimulation of human monocytes. DNA sequencing of m35 from the phylogenetic subpopulation type 2 strain 287 revealed 94.2% and 92.8% identity on the DNA and amino acid levels, respectively, in comparison with type 1 strains.

Conclusion
The increase in MIC for ampicillin and amoxicillin, respectively, in the M35-deficient mutants indicates that this porin affects the outer membrane permeability for aminopenicillins in a clinically relevant manner. The presence of IgA antibodies in healthy human donors indicates that M35 is expressed in vivo and recognized as a mucosal antigen by the human host. However, immunoblot analysis of human saliva suggests the possibility of antigenic variation of immunoreactive epitopes, which warrants further analysis before M35 can be considered a potential vaccine candidate.
Promoter analysis of the rabbit POU5F1 gene and its expression in preimplantation stage embryos
Authors: Kobolak Julianna , Kiss Katalin , Polgar Zsuzsanna , Mamo Solomon , Rogel-Gaillard Claire , Tancos Zsuzsanna , Bock Istvan , Baji Arpad G , Tar Krisztina , Pirity Melinda K , Dinnyes Andras 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
The POU5F1 gene encodes the octamer-binding transcription factor-4 (Oct4). It is crucial in the regulation of pluripotency during embryonic development and widely used as molecular marker of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The objective of this study was to identify and to analyse the promoter region of rabbit POU5F1 gene; furthermore to examine its expression pattern in preimplantation stage rabbit embryos.

Results
The upstream region of rabbit POU5F1 was subcloned sequenced and four highly conserved promoter regions (CR1-4) were identified. The highest degree of similarity on sequence level was found among the conserved domains between rabbit and human. Among the enhancers the proximal enhancer region (PE-1A) exhibited the highest degree of homology (96.4%). Furthermore, the CR4 regulator domain containing the distal enhancer (DE-2A) was responsible for stem cell-specific expression. Also, BAC library screen revealed the existence of a processed pseudogene of rabbit POU5F1. The results of quantitative real-time PCR experiments showed that POU5F1 mRNA was abundantly present in oocytes and zygotes, but it was gradually reduced until the activation of the embryonic genome, thereafter a continuous increase in POU5F1 mRNA level was observed until blastocyst stage. By using the XYClone laser system the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophoblast portions of embryos were microdissected and examined separately and POU5F1 mRNA was detected in both cell types.

Conclusion
In this study we provide a comparative sequence analysis of the regulatory region of rabbit POU5F1 gene. Our data suggest that the POU5F1 gene is strictly regulated during early mammalian development. We proposed that the well conserved CR4 region containing the DE-2A enhancer is responsible for the highly conserved ESC specific gene expression. Notably, we are the first to report that the rabbit POU5F1 is not restricted to ICM cells only, but it is expressed in trophoblast cells as well. This information may be well applicable to investigate further the possible phylogenetic role and the regulation of POU5F1 gene.
Evaluation of a novel real-time PCR test based on the ssrAgene for the identification of group B streptococci in vaginal swabs
Authors: Wernecke Martina , Mullen Ciara , Sharma Vimla , Morrison John , Barry Thomas , Maher Majella , Smith Terry 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Despite the implementation of prevention guidelines, early-onset group B streptococci (GBS) disease remains a cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Strategies to identify women who are at risk of transmitting GBS to their infant and the administration of intrapartum antibiotics have greatly reduced the incidence of neonatal GBS disease. However, there is a requirement for a rapid diagnostic test for GBS that can be carried out in a labour ward setting especially for women whose GBS colonisation status is unknown at the time of delivery. We report the design and evaluation of a real-time PCR test (RiboSEQ GBS test) for the identification of GBS in vaginal swabs from pregnant women.

Methods
The qualitative real-time PCR RiboSEQ GBS test was designed based on the bacterial ssrA gene and incorporates a competitive internal standard control. The analytical sensitivity of the test was established using crude lysate extracted from serial dilutions of overnight GBS culture using the IDI Lysis kit. Specificity studies were performed using DNA prepared from a panel of GBS strains, related streptococci and other species found in the genital tract environment. The RiboSEQ GBS test was evaluated on 159 vaginal swabs from pregnant women and compared with the GeneOhm™ StrepB Assay and culture for the identification of GBS.

Results
The RiboSEQ GBS test is specific and has an analytical sensitivity of 1-10 cell equivalents. The RiboSEQ GBS test was 96.4% sensitive and 95.8% specific compared to "gold standard" culture for the identification of GBS in vaginal swabs from pregnant women. In this study, the RiboSEQ GBS test performed slightly better than the commercial BD GeneOhm™ StrepB Assay which gave a sensitivity of 94.6% and a specificity of 89.6% compared to culture.

Conclusion
The RiboSEQ GBS test is a valuable method for the rapid, sensitive and specific detection of GBS in pregnant women. This study also validates the ssrA gene as a suitable and versatile target for nucleic acid-based diagnostic tests for bacterial pathogens.
Nonsurgical management of a tricuspid valvular pedunculated papillary fibroelastoma
Authors: Seol Sang-Hoon , Kim Dong-Soo , Han Yang-Chun , Kim Ki-Hun , Kim Young-Bok , Kim Dong-Kie , Ung-Kim  , Yang Tae-Hyun , Kim Dae-Kyeong , Kim Doo-Il 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
A 25-year-old woman with a history of kidney transplantation for lupus nephritis was referred for the evaluation and management of a mass incidentally found on echocardiography. An oval and pedunculated mass attached to the tricuspid valve was managed with nonsurgical treatment. No symptoms and complications attributable to the mass developed. Three years later, the size of the mass decreased. Here we report the case of a probable cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (PFE), a mobile mass, with a stalk on the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve that was managed for three years without surgical treatment.
Update: Greenland and Robins (1986). Identifiability, exchangeability and epidemiological confounding
Authors: Maldonado George 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe are pleased to publish an update to "Identifiabiliity, exchangeability and epidemiological confounding" (IEEC) by Sander Greenland and James Robins, originally published in 1986 in the International Journal of Epidemiology. This is the first in a series of updates to classic epidemiologic-methods papers that EP&I has commissioned.
The crosstalk between EGF, IGF, and Insulin cell signaling pathways - computational and experimental analysis
Authors: Zielinski Rafal , Przytycki Pawel F , Zheng Jie , Zhang David , Przytycka Teresa M , Capala Jacek 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Cellular response to external stimuli requires propagation of corresponding signals through molecular signaling pathways. However, signaling pathways are not isolated information highways, but rather interact in a number of ways forming sophisticated signaling networks. Since defects in signaling pathways are associated with many serious diseases, understanding of the crosstalk between them is fundamental for designing molecularly targeted therapy. Unfortunately, we still lack technology that would allow high throughput detailed measurement of activity of individual signaling molecules and their interactions. This necessitates developing methods to prioritize selection of the molecules such that measuring their activity would be most informative for understanding the crosstalk. Furthermore, absence of the reaction coefficients necessary for detailed modeling of signal propagation raises the question whether simple parameter-free models could provide useful information about such pathways.

Results
We study the combined signaling network of three major pro-survival signaling pathways: E pidermal G rowth F actor R eceptor (EGFR), I nsulin-like G rowth F actor-1 R eceptor (IGF-1R), and I nsulin R eceptor (IR). Our study involves static analysis and dynamic modeling of this network, as well as an experimental verification of the model by measuring the response of selected signaling molecules to differential stimulation of EGF, IGF and insulin receptors. We introduced two novel measures of the importance of a node in the context of such crosstalk. Based on these measures several molecules, namely Erk1/2, Akt1, Jnk, p70S6K, were selected for monitoring in the network simulation and for experimental studies. Our simulation method relies on the Boolean network model combined with stochastic propagation of the signal. Most (although not all) trends suggested by the simulations have been confirmed by experiments.

Conclusion
The simple model implemented in this paper provides a valuable first step in modeling signaling networks. However, to obtain a fully predictive model, a more detailed knowledge regarding parameters of individual interactions might be necessary.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the natural history of in situmammary neoplasia in transgenic mice: a pilot study
Authors: Jansen Sanaz A , Conzen Suzanne D , Fan Xiaobing , Markiewicz Erica J , Newstead Gillian M , Karczmar Gregory S 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Because of the small size of in situ mammary cancers in mouse models, high-resolution imaging techniques are required to effectively observe how lesions develop, grow and progress over time. The purpose of this study was to use magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to track in vivo the transition from in situ neoplasia to invasive cancer in a transgenic mouse model of human cancer.

Methods
MR images of 12 female C3(1) SV40 Tag mice that develop mammary intraepithelial neoplasia (MIN) were obtained. MIN is believed to be similar to human ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and is considered a precursor of invasive tumors. Images were serially obtained from 10-21 weeks of age at 2-3 week intervals. MIN lesions were identified based on their morphology on MR images. Lesions were followed over time and several lesion features were measured including volume, growth rate and morphology. For those MIN lesions that progressed to invasive cancer the progression time was measured.

Results
Overall, 21 MIN lesions were initially detected at an average initial volume of 0.3 ± 0.2 mm3 with an average growth rate of -0.15 ± 0.66 week-1. Even though all mice were inbred to express the SV40 Tag transgene in the mammary epithelium and expected to develop invasive carcinoma, the individual MIN lesions took vastly different progression paths: (i) 9 lesions progressed to invasive tumors with an average progression time of 4.6 ± 1.9 weeks; (ii) 2 lesions regressed, i.e., were not detected on future images; and (iii) 5 were stable for over 8 weeks, and were demonstrated by a statistical model to represent indolent disease.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, the results reported here are the first measurements of the timescale and characteristics of progression from in situ neoplasia to invasive carcinoma and provide image-based evidence that DCIS may be a non-obligate precursor lesion with highly variable outcomes. In addition, this study represents a first step towards developing methods of image acquisition for identifying radiological characteristics that might predict which in situ neoplasias will become invasive cancers and which are unlikely to progress.
Politics and the Body Social in Colonial Hong Kong
Authors: Chiu Fred Y. L. 
Published: September 2009

Preamble
In 1966, a year before riots broke out in Hong Kong protesting British colonial rule, an official government inquiry sought to explain the political behavior of the Hong Kong Chinese. According to the authors of the Report of the Working Party on Local Administration, the traditional Chinese view of the ideal relationship between government and people
is analogous to that which should exist between parents and children or between a shepherd and his flock. The actions of both parties should be in strict accordance with a moral code, under which the rulers of a society, who should be men of learning, virtue and ability, must ensure that the community enjoys peace, order and security, leaving individuals free to pursue their affairs without undue governmental interference. In return, the people must impose their full trust and confidence in their rulers, and have cause to oppose them only if the regime fails to provide the conditions of peace, order and security to which the community is entitled. Save for such opposition, this traditional concept does not contemplate the direct participation of the population in the organization or processes of government.
Acidification and urine calcium: is it a preanalytical necessity?
Authors: Sodi R , Bailey L B , Glaysher J , Allars L , Roberts N B , Marks E M , Fraser W D 
Published: September 2009

Background It has been suggested that for the accurate measurement of calcium in urine, samples must be collected into bottles containing acid. Acidification poses risks to both patients and laboratory staff. Here we reappraise whether acidification is a preanalytical necessity. Methods Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected from 133 patients into bottles without acid or preservatives. In a subset of 29 patients, 10 mL aliquots were prepared to test the effect on urine calcium of 0.1, 1.0 and 5.0 mol/L hydrochloric acid (HCl). Calcium was then measured immediately after acidification, after 12 h and seven days storage at 4°C. In a separate study, urine calcium concentrations in paired control (non-acidified) and acidified (with 5 mol/L HCl) samples were compared in 133 patients. When available, we recorded the time from start of urine collection to time of analysis. Calcium was measured using the cresolphthalein complexone colorimetric endpoint assay on the Roche Modular system. Results There was no significant difference in the calcium concentration in the 29 cases studied between the varying acid concentrations tested compared with non-acidified urine ( P = 0.987). Overall, in 133 patients there was no difference between control and acidified samples ( P = 0.888). We found no correlation between basal urine pH and urine calcium at all time points studied. Conclusions Our results suggest that the acidification of urine samples is not a preanalytical necessity for the measurement of urine calcium.
Assessment of glomerular filtration rate by serum cystatin C in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Wang Qing-Ping , Gu Jian-Wen , Zhan Xiang-Hong , Li Hui , Luo Xiang-Hang 
Published: September 2009

Background Assessment of renal function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is important. Cystatin C has been proposed as an improved indicator of renal function. The aim of this study was to assess cystatin C as an early marker of changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after CABG. Methods Blood samples were collected from 61 CABG patients at different time points. Using 51Cr-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (51Cr-EDTA) clearance as a ‘gold standard’, we compared the correlations and non-parametric receiver operator characteristic curves of serum cystatin C, serum creatinine and 24 h creatinine clearance (Ccr). Results The inverse of cystatin C correlated better with 51Cr-EDTA than those of serum creatinine and Ccr ( r = 0.8578, 0.6771 and 0.6929, respectively). Cystatin C exhibited significantly superior diagnostic accuracy for detecting GFR <80 mL/min/1.73 m2 compared with serum creatinine ( P = 0.013) and Ccr ( P = 0.025); for detecting GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, cystatin C had similar diagnostic accuracy to Ccr ( P = 0.812) but was superior to creatinine ( P = 0.033). At the best cut-off value, cystatin C had sensitivity 89% and specificity 93% for detecting GFR <80 mL/min/1.73 m2, sensitivity 86% and specificity 96% for detecting GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conclusions Cystatin C is a better marker for detecting small temporary changes of GFR in CABG patients. This may allow better identification of patients with renal impairment.