bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early loading in physiotherapy treatment after full-thickness rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized pilot-study with a two-year follow-up
Authors: Klintberg Ingrid Hultenheim , Gunnarsson Ann-Christine , Svantesson Ulla , Styf Jorma , Karlsson Jòn 
Published: May 2009

Objective: To describe the clinical changes following two different physiotherapy treatment protocols after rotator cuff repair. Design: A prospective, randomized pilot study with a two-year follow-up. Subjects: Five women and nine men, 55 (40—64) years old, were included. Intervention: The progressive group (n = 7) started with dynamic, specific muscle activation of the rotator cuff the day after surgery as well as passive range of motion. After four weeks of immobilization the loading to the rotator cuff increased and in a progressive manner throughout the rehabilitation. In the traditional group (n = 7) the rotator cuff was protected from loading. Patients were immobilized for six weeks and started with passive range of motion the day after surgery. No specific exercises to the rotator cuff were introduced during this period. Main measures: A clinical evaluation was made preoperatively, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Pain rating during activity and at rest, patient satisfaction, active range of motion and muscle strength, Constant score, hand in neck, hand in back and pour out of a pot, as well as Functional Index of the Shoulder were used. Results: At two years follow-up, the progressive group and traditional group scored pain during activity visual analogue scale (VAS) 2/0 mm and pain at rest 0/0 mm, respectively. The groups attained 170/175° in active abduction in standing and 70/90° in passive external rotation while lying in supine. Using Constant score, the groups attained 82/77 points respectively. Conclusion: The present study showed that the progressive protocol produced no adverse effects compared with the traditional protocol.
Positioning to prevent or reduce shoulder range of motion impairments after stroke: a meta-analysis
Authors: Borisova Yelena , Bohannon Richard W 
Published: May 2009

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of positioning on range of motion of the paretic shoulder following stroke. Data sources: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, PEDro, Cochrane Controlled Trails Register and article reference lists. Review methods: Randomized controlled trials reporting range of motion outcomes of shoulder positioning programmes for patients with stroke were examined independently by the two authors. Studies reporting external rotation range of motion outcomes were abstracted and their quality was rated. Results: Five studies, all published in 2000 or later, were included. Shoulder external rotation range of motion was lost by control groups (mean = 11.0—18.4°) and experimental (positioning) groups (mean = 6.1° to 19.2 °) in every study. The standardized mean difference between groups was -0.216 (95% confidence interval -0.573 to 0.141). These findings and the demonstration of homogeneity between and within groups do not support positioning (as practised) as an effective intervention for preventing or slowing the development of range-of-motion impairments of the paretic shoulder after stroke. Conclusion: This meta-analysis failed to support the benefit of positioning the paretic upper extremity to prevent or reduce shoulder external rotation range of motion impairments after stroke.
Bioresorbable Pins and Interference Screws for Fixation of Hamstring Tendon Grafts in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery
Authors: Stengel Dirk , Casper Dirk , Bauwens Kai , Ekkernkamp Axel , Wich Michael 
Published: May 2009

Background Biodegradable cross-pins have been shown to provide higher failure loads than do screws for fixation of hamstring tendons under laboratory conditions. Purpose To compare the clinical results of biodegradable pins (RigidFix) and interference screws (BioCryl) for fixation of hamstring grafts in arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Study Design Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods To test the hypothesis of a difference of 1.0 ± 1.2 mm in anterior knee laxity between the two fixation options, 54 patients were randomly assigned to groups via a block randomization scheme and sealed envelopes. All patients underwent standardized hamstring graft reconstruction and had similar postoperative aftercare by an accelerated rehabilitation protocol. Measures assessed at baseline and after 1 and 2 years of follow-up included (1) the side-to-side difference in anterior laxity (KT-1000 arthrometer), (2) Short Form 36 physical and mental component scores, and (3) the International Knee Documentation Committee form scores. Results After 1 and 2 years, 26 and 21 patients in the BioCryl group and 28 and 24 patients in the RigidFix group were available for follow-up examination. No significant difference was noted in instrumented anterior translation between BioCryl and RigidFix fixation: 1 year, 0.11 (95% CI, —0.60 to 0.82; P = .7537); 2 years, 0.33 (95% CI, —0.43 to 1.08 mm; P = .3849). Also, there were no significant differences in the mean physical and mental component scores and International Knee Documentation Committee form scores and in overall complication and surgical revision rates. A pin dislocation was classified as the sole procedure-specific serious adverse event. Conclusion Bioresorbable pins do not provide better clinical results than do resorbable interference screws for hamstring graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery.
The Asn505 mutation of the c-MPL gene, which causes familial essential thrombocythemia, induces autonomous homodimerization of the c-Mpl protein due to strong amino acid polarity
Authors: Ding Jianmin , Komatsu Hirokazu , Iida Shinsuke , Yano Hiroki , Kusumoto Shigeru , Inagaki Atsushi , Mori Fumiko , Ri Masaki , Ito Asahi , Wakita Atsushi , Ishida Takashi , Nitta Masakazu , Ueda Ryuzo 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
We previously reported that a dominant-positive activating mutation (Asn505) in the transmembrane domain (TMD) of c-MPL, which encodes the thrombopoietin receptor, caused familial essential thrombocythemia. Here, we show that the Asn505 mutation induces both autonomous dimerization of c-Mpl and signal activation in the absence of its ligand. Signal activation was preserved in a truncated mutant of Asn505 that lacked the extracellular domain of c-MPL. We also found that the substitution of the amino acid (AA) residue at position 505 with others of strong polarity (Glu, Asp, or Gln) also resulted in activated dimerization without ligand stimulation. Overall, these data show that the Asn505 mutation transduced the signal through the autonomous dimerization of the c-MPL protein due to strong AA polarity. This finding provides a new insight into the mechanism of disease causation by mutations in the TMD of cytokine/hematopoietic receptors.
Bone marrow cell derived arginase I is the major source of allergen-induced lung arginase but is not required for airway hyperresponsiveness, remodeling and lung inflammatory responses in mice
Authors: Niese Kathryn A , Collier Ann R , Hajek Amanda R , Cederbaum Stephen D , O'Brien William E , Wills-Karp Marsha , Rothenberg Marc E , Zimmermann Nives 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundArginase is significantly upregulated in the lungs in murine models of asthma, as well as in human asthma, but its role in allergic airway inflammation has not been fully elucidated in mice.ResultsIn order to test the hypothesis that arginase has a role in allergic airway inflammation we generated arginase I-deficient bone marrow (BM) chimeric mice. Following transfer of arginase I-deficient BM into irradiated recipient mice, arginase I expression was not required for hematopoietic reconstitution and baseline immunity. Arginase I deficiency in bone marrow-derived cells decreased allergen-induced lung arginase by 85.8 ± 5.6%. In contrast, arginase II-deficient mice had increased lung arginase activity following allergen challenge to a similar level to wild type mice. BM-derived arginase I was not required for allergen-elicited sensitization, recruitment of inflammatory cells in the lung, and proliferation of cells. Furthermore, allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and collagen deposition were similar in arginase-deficient and wild type mice. Additionally, arginase II-deficient mice respond similarly to their control wild type mice with allergen-induced inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, proliferation and collagen deposition.ConclusionBone marrow cell derived arginase I is the predominant source of allergen-induced lung arginase but is not required for allergen-induced inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness or collagen deposition.
Increased levels of soluble CD226 in sera accompanied by decreased membrane CD226 expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from cancer patients
Authors: Xu Zhuwei , Zhang Tao , Zhuang Ran , Zhang Yun , Jia Wei , Song Chaojun , Yang Kun , Yang Angang , Jin Boquan 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundAs a cellular membrane triggering receptor, CD226 is involved in the NK cell- or CTL-mediated lysis of tumor cells of different origin, including freshly isolated tumor cells and tumor cell lines. Here, we evaluated soluble CD226 (sCD226) levels in sera, and membrane CD226 (mCD226) expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from cancer patients as well as normal subjects, and demonstrated the possible function and origin of the altered sCD226, which may provide useful information for understanding the mechanisms of tumor escape and for immunodiagnosis and immunotherapy.ResultsSoluble CD226 levels in serum samples from cancer patients were significantly higher than those in healthy individuals (P< 0.001), while cancer patients exhibited lower PBMC mCD226 expression than healthy individuals (P< 0.001). CD226-Fc fusion protein could significantly inhibit the cytotoxicity of NK cells against K562 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, three kinds of protease inhibitors could notably increase mCD226 expression on PMA-stimulated PBMCs and Jurkat cells with a decrease in the sCD226 level in the cell culture supernatant.ConclusionThese findings suggest that sCD226 might be shed from cell membranes by certain proteases, and, further, sCD226 may be used as a predictor for monitoring cancer, and more important, a possible immunotherapy target, which may be useful in clinical application.
Construction of siRNA/miRNA expression vectors based on a one-step PCR process
Authors: Xu Jun , Zeng Jie Qiong , Wan Gang , Hu Gui Bin , Yan Hong , Ma Li Xin 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
RNA interference (RNAi) has become a powerful means for silencing target gene expression in mammalian cells and is envisioned to be useful in therapeutic approaches to human disease. In recent years, high-throughput, genome-wide screening of siRNA/miRNA libraries has emerged as a desirable approach. Current methods for constructing siRNA/miRNA expression vectors require the synthesis of long oligonucleotides, which is costly and suffers from mutation problems.

Results
Here we report an ingenious method to solve traditional problems associated with construction of siRNA/miRNA expression vectors. We synthesized shorter primers (< 50 nucleotides) to generate a linear expression structure by PCR. The PCR products were directly transformed into chemically competent E. coli and converted to functional vectors in vivo via homologous recombination. The positive clones could be easily screened under UV light. Using this method we successfully constructed over 500 functional siRNA/miRNA expression vectors. Sequencing of the vectors confirmed a high accuracy rate.

Conclusion
This novel, convenient, low-cost and highly efficient approach may be useful for high-throughput assays of RNAi libraries.
Empowerment of disability benefit claimants through an interactive website: design of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Samoocha David , Bruinvels David J , Anema Johannes R , Steenbeek Romy , van der Beek Allard J 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Individuals claiming a disability benefit after long-term sickness absence, have to undergo medical disability assessments. These assessments, often carried out by specialized physicians, can be complicated by wrong expectations or defensive attitudes of disability benefit claimants. It is hypothesized that empowerment of these claimants will enhance the physician-patient relationship by shifting claimants from a passive role to a more active and constructive role during disability assessments. Furthermore, empowerment of claimants may lead to a more realistic expectation and acceptance of the assessment outcome among claimants and may lead to a more accurate assessment by the physician.

Methods/Design
In a two-armed randomized controlled trial (RCT), 230 claimants will be randomized to either the intervention or control group. For the intervention group, an interactive website was designed http://www.wiagesprek.nl using an Intervention Mapping procedure. This website was tested during a pilot study among 51 claimants. The final version of the website consists of five interactive modules, in which claimants will be prepared and empowered step-by-step, prior to their upcoming disability assessment. Other website components are a forum, a personal health record, a personal diary, and information on disability assessment procedures, return to work, and coping with disease and work disability. Subjects from the control group will be directed to a website with commonly available information only.
Approximately two weeks prior to their disability assessment, disability claimants will be recruited through the Dutch Workers Insurance Authority (UWV). Outcomes will be assessed at five occasions: directly after recruitment (baseline), prior to disability assessment, directly after disability assessment as well as 6 and 16 weeks after the assessment. The study's primary outcome is empowerment, measured with the Vrijbaan questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include claimants' satisfaction, perceived justice, coping strategy, and knowledge. A process evaluation will also be conducted.

Discussion
This study evaluates the effectiveness of an interactive website aimed at empowerment of disability claimants. It is hypothesized that by increasing empowerment, the physician-patient relationship may be enhanced and claimants' satisfaction and perceived justice can be improved. Results are expected in 2010.

Trial registration
NTR-1414
OpenFLUX: efficient modelling software for 13C-based metabolic flux analysis
Authors: Quek Lake-Ee , Wittmann Christoph , Nielsen Lars K , Krömer Jens O 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
The quantitative analysis of metabolic fluxes, i.e., in vivo activities of intracellular enzymes and pathways, provides key information on biological systems in systems biology and metabolic engineering. It is based on a comprehensive approach combining (i) tracer cultivation on 13C substrates, (ii) 13C labelling analysis by mass spectrometry and (iii) mathematical modelling for experimental design, data processing, flux calculation and statistics. Whereas the cultivation and the analytical part is fairly advanced, a lack of appropriate modelling software solutions for all modelling aspects in flux studies is limiting the application of metabolic flux analysis.

Results
We have developed OpenFLUX as a user friendly, yet flexible software application for small and large scale 13C metabolic flux analysis. The application is based on the new Elementary Metabolite Unit (EMU) framework, significantly enhancing computation speed for flux calculation. From simple notation of metabolic reaction networks defined in a spreadsheet, the OpenFLUX parser automatically generates MATLAB-readable metabolite and isotopomer balances, thus strongly facilitating model creation. The model can be used to perform experimental design, parameter estimation and sensitivity analysis either using the built-in gradient-based search or Monte Carlo algorithms or in user-defined algorithms. Exemplified for a microbial flux study with 71 reactions, 8 free flux parameters and mass isotopomer distribution of 10 metabolites, OpenFLUX allowed to automatically compile the EMU-based model from an Excel file containing metabolic reactions and carbon transfer mechanisms, showing it's user-friendliness. It reliably reproduced the published data and optimum flux distributions for the network under study were found quickly (<20 sec).

Conclusion
We have developed a fast, accurate application to perform steady-state 13C metabolic flux analysis. OpenFLUX will strongly facilitate and enhance the design, calculation and interpretation of metabolic flux studies. By providing the software open source, we hope it will evolve with the rapidly growing field of fluxomics.
Ruptured gallbladder as the first presentation of breast cancer
Authors: Jones M , Mathew J , Abdullah KE , McCulloch T , Cheung KL 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundPerforation of the gall bladder as a first presentation of breast cancer has not been reported.Case presentationHere we present a case of an elderly lady with acute abdomen with evidence of possible perforation of gall bladder on CT scan. Histopathology of the cholecystectomy specimen revealed invasive lobular breast cancer.Her metastatic breast cancer with right sided primary discovered subsequent to her presentation with acute abdomen is managed successfully with Anastrozole.ConclusionWe present a rare case of gall bladder perforation from metastatic breast cancer.
Dog ecology and demography in Antananarivo, 2007
Authors: Ratsitorahina Maherisoa , Rasambainarivo Jhon H , Raharimanana Soloherilala , Rakotonandrasana Hary , Andriamiarisoa Marie-Perle , Rakalomanana Fidilalao A , Richard Vincent 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Rabies is a widespread disease in African domestic dogs and a serious public health problem in developing countries. Canine rabies became established in Africa during the 20th century, coinciding with ecologic changes that favored its emergence in canids.
This paper reports the results of a cross-sectional study of dog ecology in the Antananarivo urban community in Madagascar.
A questionnaire survey of 1541 households was conducted in Antananarivo from October 2007 to January 2008. The study addressed both owned and unowned dogs. Various aspects of dog ecology were determined, including size of dog population, relationship between dogs and humans, rabies vaccination.

Results
Dog ownership was common, with 79.6 to 94.1% (mean 88.9%) of households in the six arrondissements owning dogs. The mean owned dog to person ratio was 1 dog per 4.5 persons and differed between arrondissements (administrative districts), with ratios of 1:6.0 in the first arrondissement, 1:3.2 persons in the 2nd, 1:4.8 in the 3rd, 1:5.2 in the 4th, 1:5.6 in the 5th and 1:4.4 in the 6th arrondissement. Overall, there were more male dogs (61.3%) and the male/female sex ratio was estimated to be 1.52; however, mature females were more likely than males to be unowned (OR: 1.93, CI 95%; 1.39<OR<2.69). Most (79.1%) owned dogs were never restricted and roamed freely to forage for food and mix with other dogs. Only a small proportion of dogs (11.7%) were fed with commercial dog food. Only 7.2% of owned dogs had certificates confirming vaccination against rabies. The proportion of vaccinated dogs varied widely between arrondissements (3.3% to 17.5%).

Conclusion
Antananarivo has a higher density of dogs than many other urban areas in Africa. The dog population is unrestricted and inadequately vaccinated against rabies. This analysis of the dog population will enable targeted planning of rabies control efforts.
Reconstruction of Escherichia coli transcriptional regulatory networks via regulon-based associations
Authors: Zare Hossein , Sangurdekar Dipen , Srivastava Poonam , Kaveh Mostafa , Khodursky Arkady 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Network reconstruction methods that rely on covariance of expression of transcription regulators and their targets ignore the fact that transcription of regulators and their targets can be controlled differently and/or independently. Such oversight would result in many erroneous predictions. However, accurate prediction of gene regulatory interactions can be made possible through modeling and estimation of transcriptional activity of groups of co-regulated genes.

Results
Incomplete regulatory connectivity and expression data are used here to construct a consensus network of transcriptional regulation in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The network is updated via a covariance model describing the activity of gene sets controlled by common regulators. The proposed model-selection algorithm was used to annotate the likeliest regulatory interactions in E. coli on the basis of two independent sets of expression data, each containing many microarray experiments under a variety of conditions. The key regulatory predictions have been verified by an experiment and literature survey. In addition, the estimated activity profiles of transcription factors were used to describe their responses to environmental and genetic perturbations as well as drug treatments.

Conclusion
Information about transcriptional activity of documented co-regulated genes (a core regulon) should be sufficient for discovering new target genes, whose transcriptional activities significantly co-vary with the activity of the core regulon members. Our ability to derive a highly significant consensus network by applying the regulon-based approach to two very different data sets demonstrated the efficiency of this strategy. We believe that this approach can be used to reconstruct gene regulatory networks of other organisms for which partial sets of known interactions are available.
Genomic profiling identifies common HPV-associated chromosomal alterations in squamous cell carcinomas of cervix and head and neck
Authors: Wilting Saskia M , Smeets Serge J , Snijders Peter JF , van Wieringen Wessel N , van de Wiel Mark A , Meijer Gerrit A , Ylstra Bauke , Leemans C René , Meijer Chris JLM , Brakenhoff Ruud H , Braakhuis Boudewijn JM , Steenbergen Renske DM 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
It is well known that a persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is causally involved in the development of squamous cell carcinomas of the uterine cervix (CxSCCs) and a subset of SCCs of the head and neck (HNSCCs). The latter differ from hrHPV-negative HNSCCs at the clinical and molecular level.

Methods
To determine whether hrHPV-associated SCCs arising from different organs have specific chromosomal alterations in common, we compared genome-wide chromosomal profiles of 10 CxSCCs (all hrHPV-positive) with 12 hrHPV-positive HNSCCs and 30 hrHPV-negative HNSCCs. Potential organ-specific alterations and alterations shared by SCCs in general were investigated as well.

Results
Unsupervised hierarchical clustering resulted in one mainly hrHPV-positive and one mainly hrHPV-negative cluster. Interestingly, loss at 13q and gain at 20q were frequent in HPV-positive carcinomas of both origins, but uncommon in hrHPV-negative HNSCCs, indicating that these alterations are associated with hrHPV-mediated carcinogenesis. Within the group of hrHPV-positive carcinomas, HNSCCs more frequently showed gains of multiple regions at 8q whereas CxSCCs more often showed loss at 17p. Finally, gains at 3q24-29 and losses at 11q22.3-25 were frequent (>50%) in all sample groups.

Conclusion
In this study hrHPV-specific, organ-specific, and pan-SCC chromosomal alterations were identified. The existence of hrHPV-specific alterations in SCCs of different anatomical origin, suggests that these alterations are crucial for hrHPV-mediated carcinogenesis.