bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Double‐blind Randomized Trial of Quadruple Sequential Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy in Asymptomatic Infected Children in El Paso, Texas
Authors: Prieto‐Jimenez Carmen A , Cardenas Victor M , Fischbach Lori A , Mulla Zuber D , Rivera Jose O , Dominguez Delfina C , Graham David Y , Ortiz Melchor 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:We assessed the efficacy of a novel quadruple sequential 10‐day eradication therapy, its compliance, and reported adverse events in a sample of asymptomatically Helicobacter pylori–infected children in El Paso, Texas, as part of a study aiming to assess the influence of this infection on the levels of markers of iron stores.Patients and Methods:Using a double‐blind randomized trial design, 110 asymptomatic children ages 3 to 11 with H pylori infection were randomly assigned to receive either a 10‐day course of sequential eradication therapy plus 6 weeks of iron supplementation, eradication therapy plus placebo, iron supplementation plus placebo, or placebo only. H pylori infection status was assessed ≥45 days after treatment using the urea breath test. Analyses compared the proportion of subjects cured according to assignment to and completion of the sequential eradication therapy.Results:Intent‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses indicated that 44.3% and 52.9%, respectively, of the children receiving the novel quadruple sequential therapy had their infection eradicated compared with 12.2% and 15.4% in the arms receiving iron or placebo only, respectively (P < 0.001 in both analyses). Study medications were taken with no or only mild adverse events in most children.Conclusions:A quadruple sequential regimen eradicated H pylori in only half the asymptomatic children receiving this treatment. There was no difference in the cure rates of those receiving iron supplementation and those receiving placebo.
iTRAQ Analysis Reveals Mechanisms of Growth Defects Due to Excess Zinc in Arabidopsis
Authors: Fukao Yoichiro , Ferjani Ali , Tomioka Rie , Nagasaki Nahoko , Kurata Rie , Nishimori Yuka , Fujiwara Masayuki , Maeshima Masayoshi 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe micronutrient zinc is essential for all living organisms, but it is toxic at high concentrations. Here, to understand the effects of excess zinc on plant cells, we performed an iTRAQ (for isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification)-based quantitative proteomics approach to analyze microsomal proteins from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) roots. Our approach was sensitive enough to identify 521 proteins, including several membrane proteins. Among them, IRT1, an iron and zinc transporter, and FRO2, a ferric-chelate reductase, increased greatly in response to excess zinc. The expression of these two genes has been previously reported to increase under iron-deficient conditions. Indeed, the concentration of iron was significantly decreased in roots and shoots under excess zinc. Also, seven subunits of the vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), a proton pump on the tonoplast and endosome, were identified, and three of them decreased significantly in response to excess zinc. In addition, excess zinc in the wild type decreased V-ATPase activity and length of roots and cells to levels comparable to those of the untreated de-etiolated3-1 mutant, which bears a mutation in V-ATPase subunit C. Interestingly, excess zinc led to the formation of branched and abnormally shaped root hairs, a phenotype that correlates with decreased levels of proteins of several root hair-defective mutants. Our results point out mechanisms of growth defects caused by excess zinc in which cross talk between iron and zinc homeostasis and V-ATPase activity might play a central role.
Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation for myelofibrosis in 30 patients 60–78 years of age
Authors: Samuelson Scott , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Heslop Helen E. , Popat Uday , Carrum George , Champlin Richard E. , Storb Rainer , Prchal Josef T. , Gooley Theodore A. , Joachim Deeg H. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryWe analysed the results of haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in 30 patients aged 60–78 (median 65) years, with primary myelofibrosis or myelofibrosis evolving from antecedent polycythaemia vera or essential thrombocythaemia. Donors were human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐identical siblings (N = 15) or unrelated individuals (N = 15). Various conditioning regimens were used, ranging from very low intensity (fludarabine plus 2 Gy total body irradiation) to high dose (busulfan plus cyclophosphamide). Stem cell sources were granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cells in 29 patients and marrow in one patient. Sustained engraftment was documented in 27 of 30 patients. Day ‐100 mortality was 13%. With a median follow‐up of 22 (range 0·5–69) months, 3‐year overall survival and progression‐free survival were 45% and 40%, respectively. Currently, 13 patients are surviving. Seven patients died with disease progression at 0·5–22 months, and 10 patients died from other causes at 1·5–37.5 months after HCT. While the selection of older patients for transplantation was probably biased, the present results are encouraging. Motivated older patients with myelofibrosis without substantial comorbid conditions should be offered the option of allogeneic HCT.
Recombinant human CD19‐ligand protein as a potent anti‐leukaemic agent
Authors: Uckun Fatih M. , Sun Lei , Qazi Sanjive , Ma Hong , Ozer Zahide 
Published: February 2011

SummaryWe report the cloning and characterization of a novel 54‐kDa high‐mobility group (HMG)‐box protein as the ligand for the human pan‐B cell co‐receptor CD19 (CD19‐L), which interacts with the extracellular domain of CD19 in trans. CD19‐L is the first CD19‐specific recombinant human protein with potent anti‐leukaemic activity against B‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer and the second most common form of acute leukaemia in adults. Soluble recombinant CD19‐L protein exhibited exquisite specificity for the extracellular domain of CD19 and strong binding to the surface of B‐lineage leukaemia/lymphoma cells. Engagement of CD19 co‐receptor on B‐lineage ALL cells with CD19‐L perturbed the CD19‐associated signalling network, altering the expression levels of multiple genes directly involved in regulation of apoptosis, and triggered rapid apoptotic cell death in a CD19‐specific manner. The identification of human CD19‐L may lead to therapeutic innovation for B‐lineage ALL and other B‐lineage lymphoid malignancies as well as B‐cell lymphoproliferative states and systemic autoimmunity.
Emerging diseases in freshwater systems
Authors: OKAMURA BETH , FEIST STEPHEN W. 
Published: February 2011

Summary1. Emerging diseases in marine and terrestrial systems have been the subject of several high‐profile syntheses but there are no such overviews of emerging diseases in fresh waters. The distinct differences associated with fresh waters merit the separate consideration given to freshwater emerging diseases in this Special Issue.2. Unique aspects of freshwater environments that can be expected to influence disease emergence include the following: the extreme levels of environmental degradation, overfishing and biodiversity loss arising from preferential human settlement near freshwater bodies for millenia; their relatively small volume and the attraction of animal aggregations that promote disease transmission; and their role as arteries linking terrestrial and marine environments.3. Understanding emerging diseases entails addressing the multiple drivers that influence the dynamics of host–parasite interactions in a changing world. Structural and functional transformations of ecosystems caused by overfishing may act as an important underlying driver.4. Climate change may promote disease emergence, but environmental change may cause some diseases to diminish as a result of changes in distributions and abundances of hosts and disease agents. Furthermore, rapid evolution may constrain disease emergence despite environmental change.5. Appreciating that parasites and pathogens are functional components of healthy ecosystems and that their dynamics may even portend ecosystem change would foster a more complete and balanced view of the value of biodiversity and the ecological role of disease.6. A multidisciplinary approach will enable a better understanding of disease ecology in general and of freshwater emerging diseases as manifestations of host–parasite interactions to a specific range of conditions.
A qualitative descriptive study of self‐management issues in people with long‐term intermittent urinary catheters
Authors: Wilde Mary H. , Brasch Judith , Zhang Yi 
Published: February 2011

wilde m.h., brasch j. & zhang y. (2011) A qualitative descriptive study of self‐management issues in people with long‐term intermittent urinary catheters. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(6), 1254–1263.AbstractAim.  The study was to identify and describe issues of intermittent urinary catheter users for future self‐management research and/or training programmes.Background.  Limited studies were found of how people using clean intermittent catheterization manage their daily routines or troubleshoot problems. Self‐management research related to intermittent catheterization could lead to improved compliance with the method and better quality of life.Method.  This qualitative descriptive study involved in‐depth tape‐recorded telephone interviews in 2008–2009 with 34 people in the United States of America using permanent intermittent catheterization, mostly individuals with spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. Recruitment was through Internet sites where individuals could link to the study website and then contact the researchers. The sample included 13 men and 21 women aged 21–72 years (mean 42 years). Content analysis for qualitative data involved iterative comparisons of transcripts, summaries and memos. Coding, key quotes and tables were developed to determine themes.Findings.  Six major themes were identified: Knowing the Body, Practising Intermittent Catheterization, Limited Options in Catheters and Equipment, Inaccessible Bathrooms, Hassles, and Adjustment in Making Intermittent Catheterization a Part of Life. While some persons had choices in catheters, many did not because of insurance constraints. Some individuals developed knowledge of how to balance the procedure with fluid intake and activities.Conclusion.  The lack of acceptable bathrooms can interfere with being able to go to work, travel or be with friends and family. All using intermittent catheterization should have adequate insurance coverage when this is needed. Research into training programmes could incorporate knowledge of experienced users.
Changes in quality of life during biofeedback for people with puborectalis dyssynergia: generic and disease‐specific measures
Authors: Zhu Fen‐Fen , Lin Zheng , Lin Lin , Wang Mei‐Feng 
Published: February 2011

zhu f.‐f, lin z., lin l. & wang m.‐f. (2011) Changes in quality of life during biofeedback for people with puborectalis dyssynergia: generic and disease‐specific measures. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(6), 1285–1293.AbstractAim.  The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in symptoms and quality of life in people with puborectalis dyssynergia after biofeedback by using Short Form‐36 and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire.Background.  Biofeedback is an effective treatment in clinical symptoms for puborectalis dyssynergia. However, little is known about the degree of the variation in the quality of life for these people after biofeedback.Method.  Thirty‐six people with puborectalis dyssynergia were studied between June 2006 and March 2008. A bowel symptom record, a generic quality of life measure – the Short Form‐36 and a disease‐specific measure – the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire were recorded before and after biofeedback.Findings.  Thirty‐one people rated their satisfaction with behavioural treatment as ‘major’ or ‘fair’ and substantial symptom improvements occurred. Before treatment, seven of Short Form‐36 subscales (except bodily pain) were significantly lower in people with puborectalis dyssynergia than those in healthy individuals. Following treatment, all subcategories except general health showed improvement surpassing pretreatment baseline values and equalling those for normal. The total Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire score also dramatically improved as did all subscales. The nurses continually encouraged the participants, increased participants’ motivation and got good outcomes.Conclusion.  Patient‐centred functional status outcomes measured by general and disease‐specific instruments give critical data, from which to inform patient management. The nurses should give psycho‐social support and increase the participants’ motivation during training.
Immunostimulatory Activities of a Decapeptide Derived from Alcaligenes faecalis FY‐3 to Crucian Carp
Authors: Wang G.‐X. , Li F.‐Y. , Cui J. , Wang Y. , Liu Y.‐T. , Han J. , Lei Y. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA strain was isolated from a soil sample collected from Weihe river in Shaanxi province (108°03′E 34°14′N), which was identified as Alcaligenes faecalis by 16S rRNA analysis. A compound M showing potent immune activity was isolated from secondary metabolites of the strain through bioassay‐guided isolation techniques. The structure of the compound M was elucidated using FT‐IR, EI‐MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra and identified as cyclo‐(l‐Pro‐Gly)5 which was first time reported as a natural product. We evaluated the immune effects of the cyclo‐(l‐Pro‐Gly)5 on the basis of serum lysozyme activity, bacterial agglutination titre assay, superoxide anion production and phagocytic activity assay, and they were found to be significantly increased by cyclo‐(l‐Pro‐Gly)5. The effects of cyclo‐(l‐Pro‐Gly)5 on immune‐related gene expression were further investigated. The outcomes of real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ‐PCR) proved that the transcribing level of interleukin 6β (IL‐6β) and inducible nitric oxide synthase 1β (iNOS‐1β) mRNA in the blood leucocytes have been augmented by cyclo‐(l‐Pro‐Gly)5. The challenge experiment showed that crucian carp injected the cyclo‐(l‐Pro‐Gly)5 had significantly (P < 0.05) lower cumulative mortality (13.0%) compared with the control (45.4%) after infection with live Aeromonas hydrophila. These results suggested that cyclo‐(l‐Pro‐Gly)5 is a possible immunostimulant and may strengthen the immune response and protect the heath status of crucian carp against A. hydrophila.
Avidity of Serogroup A Meningococcal IgG Antibodies after Immunization with Different Doses of a Tetravalent A/C/Y/W135 Polysaccharide Vaccine
Authors: Bårnes G. K. , Næss L. M. , Rosenqvist E. , Guerin P. J. , Caugant D. A. ,   the Fractional Doses Vaccine Study Group
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn the absence of an affordable conjugate meningococcal vaccine, mass vaccination campaigns with polysaccharide vaccines are the means to control meningitis epidemics in sub‐Saharan Africa. Facing global vaccine shortage, the use of reduced doses, which have been shown to be protective by serum bactericidal activity, can save many lives. In this study, we investigated the antibody responses and avidity of IgG antibodies evoked against the serogroup A capsule of Neisseria meningitidis by different doses of an A/C/Y/W135 polysaccharide vaccine. Volunteers in Uganda were vaccinated with 1/10, 1/5 or a full dose (50 μg) and revaccinated with a full dose after 1 year. Specific IgG geometric mean concentrations and geometric mean avidity indices (GMAI) were determined by a modified enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using thiocyanate as a chaotropic agent. After vaccination with 1/10 or 1/5 doses, the GMAI increased from 1 month to 1 year. One year following the initial dose, the GMAI levels were higher in the arm receiving reduced doses than for the arm receiving a full dose. Following the second full dose, avidity indices equalized at approximately the same level in the three arms. Although there are practical challenges to the use of reduced doses in the field, our findings suggest that reduced doses of polysaccharide vaccine are able to elicit antibodies of as good avidity against serogroup A polysaccharide as a full dose.
Can the impact of public involvement on research be evaluated? A mixed methods study
Authors: Barber Rosemary , Boote Jonathan D , Parry Glenys D , Cooper Cindy L , Yeeles Philippa , Cook Sarah 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground  Public involvement is central to health and social research policies, yet few systematic evaluations of its impact have been carried out, raising questions about the feasibility of evaluating the impact of public involvement.Objective  To investigate whether it is feasible to evaluate the impact of public involvement on health and social research.Methods  Mixed methods including a two‐round Delphi study with pre‐specified 80% consensus criterion, with follow‐up interviews. UK and international panellists came from different settings, including universities, health and social care institutions and charitable organizations. They comprised researchers, members of the public, research managers, commissioners and policy makers, self‐selected as having knowledge and/or experience of public involvement in health and/or social research; 124 completed both rounds of the Delphi process. A purposive sample of 14 panellists was interviewed.Results  Consensus was reached that it is feasible to evaluate the impact of public involvement on 5 of 16 impact issues: identifying and prioritizing research topics, disseminating research findings and on key stakeholders. Qualitative analysis revealed the complexities of evaluating a process that is subjective and socially constructed. While many panellists believed that it is morally right to involve the public in research, they also considered that it is appropriate to evaluate the impact of public involvement.Conclusions  This study found consensus among panellists that it is feasible to evaluate the impact of public involvement on some research processes, outcomes and on key stakeholders. The value of public involvement and the importance of evaluating its impact were endorsed.
X‐linked Alport syndrome in Hellenic families: Phenotypic heterogeneity and mutations near interruptions of the collagen domain in COL4A5
Authors: Demosthenous P , Voskarides K , Stylianou K , Hadjigavriel M , Arsali M , Patsias C , Georgaki E , Zirogiannis P , Stavrou C , Daphnis E , Pierides A , Deltas C ,   the Hellenic Nephrogenetics Research Consortium
Published: February 2011

Demosthenous P, Voskarides K, Stylianou K, Hadjigavriel M, Arsali M, Patsias C, Georgaki E, Zirogiannis P, Stavrou C, Daphnis E, Pierides A, Deltas C, Hellenic Nephrogenetics Research Consortium. X‐linked Alport syndrome in Hellenic families: Phenotypic heterogeneity and mutations near interruptions of the collagen domain in COL4A5.The X‐linked Alport syndrome (ATS) is caused by mutations in COL4A5 and exhibits a widely variable expression. Usually ATS is heralded with continuous microhematuria which rapidly progresses to proteinuria, hypertension and chronic or end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) by adolescence, frequently accompanied by sensorineural deafness and ocular complications. Milder forms of ATS also exist. We studied 42 patients (19M, 23F) of nine Hellenic families suspected clinically of X‐linked ATS who presented with marked phenotypic heterogeneity. We identified mutations in COL4A5 in six families. Two males with nonsense mutation E228X reached ESRD by ages 14 and 18. Frameshift mutation 2946delT followed the same course with early onset renal involvement and deafness. However, two males with the milder missense mutation G624D, reached ESRD after 39 years and one patient showed thin basement membrane nephropathy (TBMN). Another 5/8 affected males with missense mutation P628L also developed ESRD between 30 and 57 years, while three exhibit only mild chronic renal failure (CRF). The data support previous findings that certain mutations are associated with milder phenotypes and confirm that mutation G624D may be expressed as TBMN with familial hematuria. Similar conclusions apply for missense mutation P628L. Interestingly, mutations G624D and P628L are near the 12th natural interruption of COL4A5 triple helical domain, which may explain the milder phenotype.
Disseminated nocardiosis masking an atypical zygomycosis presentation in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Colón‐Santos E. , González‐Ramos M. , Bertrán‐Pasarell J. , Rodríguez‐Vega G. , Almira‐Suarez M. , Vélez‐Rosario R. 
Published: February 2011

E. Colón‐Santos, M. González‐Ramos, J. Bertrán‐Pasarell, G. Rodríguez‐Vega, M. Almira‐Suarez, R. Vélez‐Rosario. Disseminated nocardiosis masking an atypical zygomycosis presentation in a kidney transplant recipient. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 380–384. All rights reservedAbstract: Immunosuppressive agents increase the vulnerability of solid organ transplant patients to opportunistic infections. An atypical clinical presentation of a bacterial and fungal co‐infection makes diagnosis and treatment even more challenging in this population. A 54‐year‐old hypertensive woman underwent a cadaveric kidney transplant after years on hemodialysis. Her treatment included mycophenolate, tacrolimus, and prednisone. By post‐transplant week 8, she had pneumonia followed by progressive visual changes and seizures. Diagnostic work‐up, consisting of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and chest x‐ray, showed several cerebral ring‐enhancing lesions, and a pulmonary cavitary lesion. Disseminated nocardiosis was suspected and therapy was started. Skin biopsy was taken from a nodular lesion and culture confirmed Nocardia species infection. During hospitalization, neurological deficit persisted with worsening of brain lesions. She underwent excision of a brain abscess and the final pathologic report showed mucormycosis, revealing the patient's co‐infection by 2 different pathogens. After therapy with liposomal amphotericin B and posaconazole, she has remained stable for more than 1 year. Disseminated nocardiosis masked and delayed the diagnosis and treatment of a more aggressive and worrisome organism. Mucormycosis, as a non‐fatal isolated brain abscess without rhinal involvement, is an atypical presentation, and only a few cases have been reported.
The influence of selection on reaction to stress in mice
Authors: Rysińska J. , Kołątaj A. , Flak P. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryThe experiments were conducted on 6 week old mice selected for high weight gains and on unselected control animals.The mice were given triiodothyronine (T3) injection in dosis 50 and 100 μg/kg BW. Exogenic T3 in both doses caused an increase of glucose level in the blood and aldolase activity in the liver and in kidney. However, LDH activity decreased after T3 administration. Interactions have been observed between the genetic groups, the time of reaction and the T3 level.It seems, the results obtained indicate that the selected mice are more susceptible to the treatment with exogenic T3 than unselected animals.ZusammenfassungDer Einfluß von Selektion auf Streßreaktion bei Mäusen.I. Einfluß von Trijodthyronin auf Blutglukosespiegel in Aldolase und LDH‐Aktivität in Leber und NiereDie Versuche wurden an 6‐Wochen alten Mäusen, einer Linie mit Selektion auf Körpergewicht und an einer Kontrolle durchgeführt. Die Mäuse erhielten Trijodthyronin (T3) Injektion u. zw. 50 oder 100 μg/ kg Körpergewicht. In beiden Fällen kam es zu einer Steigerung des Blutglukosespiegels und der Aldolaseaktivität in Leber und Niere, während LDH‐Aktivität abnahm. Es zeigten sich statistische Interaktionen zwischen genetischen Gruppen, Reaktionszeit und T3 Gabe.Die Resultate deuten auf gesteigerte Empfindlichkeit der Mäuse aus der selektierten Linie gegenüber der T3 Behandlung.