bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progressive resistance training did not improve walking but can improve muscle performance, quality of life and fatigue in adults with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dodd KJ , Taylor NF , Shields N , Prasad D , McDonald E , Gillon A 
Published: November 2011

Background: Few high-quality trials have examined the effects of progressive resistance training (PRT) on people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To determine the effectiveness of PRT for people with MS, focusing on improving the gait deficits common in this population. Methods: Using a single blind randomized controlled trial, people with relapsing–remitting MS were randomly allocated to either a PRT program targeting the lower limb muscles twice a week for 10 weeks ( n = 36), or usual care plus an attention and social program conducted once a week for 10 weeks ( n = 35). Outcomes were recorded at baseline, week 10 and week 22. Results: Participants attended 92% of training sessions, with no serious adverse events. At 10 weeks, no differences were detected in walking performance. However, compared with the comparison group PRT demonstrated increased leg press strength (16.8%, SD 4.5), increased reverse leg press strength (29.8%, SD 12.7), and increased muscle endurance of the reverse leg press (38.7%, SD 32.8). Improvements in favor of PRT were also found for physical fatigue (Mean difference −3.9 units, 95%CI −6.6 to −1.3), and the physical health domain of quality of life (Mean difference 1.5 units, 95%CI 0.1 to 2.9). At week 22 almost no between-group differences remained. Conclusion: PRT is a relatively safe intervention that can have short-term effects on reducing physical fatigue, increasing muscle endurance and can lead to small improvements in muscle strength and quality of life in people with relapsing–remitting MS. However, no improvements in walking performance were observed and benefits do not appear to persist if training is completely stopped.
mTORC1 and mTORC2 differentially regulate homeostasis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic human mast cells
Authors: Smrž Daniel , Kim Mi-Sun , Zhang Shuling , Mock Beverly A. , Smržová Šárka , DuBois Wendy , Simakova Olga , Maric Irina , Wilson Todd M. , Metcalfe Dean D. , Gilfillan Alasdair M. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Increased mast cell burden is observed in the inflamed tissues and affected organs and tissues of patients with mast cell proliferative disorders. However, normal mast cells participate in host defense, so approaches to preferentially target clonally expanding mast cells are needed. We found that mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2) are up-regulated in neoplastic and developing immature mast cells compared with their terminally differentiated counterparts. Elevated mTOR mRNA was also observed in bone marrow mononuclear cells of patients exhibiting mast-cell hyperplasia. Selective inhibition of mTORC1 and mTORC2 through genetic and pharmacologic manipulation revealed that, whereas mTORC1 may contribute to mast-cell survival, mTORC2 was only critical for homeostasis of neoplastic and dividing immature mast cells. The cytostatic effect of mTORC2 down-regulation in proliferating mast cells was determined to be via inhibition of cell-cycle progression. Because mTORC2 was observed to play little role in the homeostasis of differentiated, nonproliferating, mature mast cells, these data provide a rationale for adopting a targeted approaching selectively inhibiting mTORC2 to effectively reduce the proliferation of mast cells associated with inflammation and disorders of mast cell proliferation while leaving normal differentiated mast cells largely unaffected.
Inactivation of polycomb repressive complex 2 components in myeloproliferative and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Score Joannah , Hidalgo-Curtis Claire , Jones Amy V. , Winkelmann Nils , Skinner Alison , Ward Daniel , Zoi Katerina , Ernst Thomas , Stegelmann Frank , Döhner Konstanze , Chase Andrew , Cross Nicholas C. P. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a highly conserved histone H3 lysine 27 methyltransferase that regulates the expression of developmental genes. Inactivating mutations of the catalytic component of PRC2, EZH2, are seen in myeloid disorders. We reasoned that the other 2 core PRC2 components, SUZ12 and EED, may also be mutational targets in these diseases, as well as associated factors such as JARID2. SUZ12 mutations were identified in 1 of 2 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasms with 17q acquired uniparental disomy and in 2 of 2 myelofibrosis cases with focal 17q11 deletions. All 3 were missense mutations affecting the highly conserved VEFS domain. Analysis of a further 146 myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm patients revealed an additional VEFS domain mutant, yielding a total mutation frequency of 1.4% (2 of 148). We did not find mutations of JARID2 or EED in association with acquired uniparental disomy for chromosome 6p or 11q, respectively; however, screening unselected cases identified missense mutations in EED (1 of 148; 1%) and JARID2 (3 of 148; 2%). All 3 SUZ12 mutations tested and the EED mutation reduced PRC2 histone methyltransferase activity in vitro, demonstrating that PRC2 function may be compromised in myeloid disorders by mutation of distinct genes.
Rituximab blocks protective serologic response to influenza A (H1N1) 2009 vaccination in lymphoma patients during or within 6 months after treatment
Authors: Yri Olav Erich , Torfoss Dag , Hungnes Olav , Tierens Anne , Waalen Kristian , Nordøy Tone , Dudman Susanne , Kilander Anette , Wader Karin Fahl , Østenstad Bjørn , Ekanger Roald , Meyer Peter , Kolstad Arne 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Cancer patients are often encouraged to receive seasonal influenza vaccination. The monoclonal antibody rituximab is widely used in treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This results in a prolonged depletion of normal B cells, which might impair humoral responses. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether lymphoma patients undergoing rituximab-containing treatment regimens or having received such regimens within the past 6 months were able to mount protective antibody responses to the influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus vaccine Pandemrix during the 2009 “swine flu” pandemic. Contrary to the control group, where 82% responded adequately to the vaccine, none of the 67 patients achieved protective antibody titers, suggesting that lymphoma patients receiving rituximab-containing regimens might not benefit from this vaccine. It is important that doctors who care for such patients are aware that they may fail to respond not only to the influenza vaccine, but also to other common vaccines.
Molecular cloning, expression and biochemical characterisation of a cold-adapted novel recombinant chitinase from Glaciozyma antarctica PI12
Authors: Ramli Aizi NorMazila , Mahadi Nor Muhammad , Rabu Amir , Murad Abdul MunirAbdul , Bakar Farah DibaAbu , Illias Rosli Md 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Cold-adapted enzymes are proteins produced by psychrophilic organisms that display a high catalytic efficiency at extremely low temperatures. Chitin consists of the insoluble homopolysaccharide β-(1, 4)-linked N-acetylglucosamine, which is the second most abundant biopolymer found in nature. Chitinases (EC 3.2.1.14) play an important role in chitin recycling in nature. Biodegradation of chitin by the action of cold-adapted chitinases offers significant advantages in industrial applications such as the treatment of chitin-rich waste at low temperatures, the biocontrol of phytopathogens in cold environments and the biocontrol of microbial spoilage of refrigerated food.

Results
A gene encoding a cold-adapted chitinase (CHI II) from Glaciozyma antarctica PI12 was isolated using Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) and RT-PCR techniques. The isolated gene was successfully expressed in the Pichia pastoris expression system. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence revealed the presence of an open reading frame of 1,215 bp, which encodes a 404 amino acid protein. The recombinant chitinase was secreted into the medium when induced with 1% methanol in BMMY medium at 25°C. The purified recombinant chitinase exhibited two bands, corresponding to the non-glycosylated and glycosylated proteins, by SDS-PAGE with molecular masses of approximately 39 and 50 kDa, respectively. The enzyme displayed an acidic pH characteristic with an optimum pH at 4.0 and an optimum temperature at 15°C. The enzyme was stable between pH 3.0-4.5 and was able to retain its activity from 5 to 25°C. The presence of K+, Mn2+ and Co2+ ions increased the enzyme activity up to 20%. Analysis of the insoluble substrates showed that the purified recombinant chitinase had a strong affinity towards colloidal chitin and little effect on glycol chitosan. CHI II recombinant chitinase exhibited higher Vmax and Kcat values toward colloidal chitin than other substrates at low temperatures.

Conclusion
By taking advantage of its high activity at low temperatures and its acidic pH optimum, this recombinant chitinase will be valuable in various biotechnological applications under low temperature and acidic pH conditions.
Air pollution and anemia as risk factors for pneumonia in ecuadorian children: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Harris Aaron M , Sempértegui Fernando , Estrella Bertha , Narváez Ximena , Egas Juan , Woodin Mark , Durant John L , Naumova Elena N , Griffiths Jeffrey K 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Ambient air pollution and malnutrition, particularly anemia, are risk factors for pneumonia, a leading cause of death in children under five. We simultaneously assessed these risk factors in Quito, Ecuador.

Methods
In 2005, we studied two socioeconomically similar neighborhoods in Quito: Lucha de los Pobres (LP) and Jaime Roldos (JR). LP had relatively high levels of air pollution (annual median PM2.5 = 20.4 μg/m3; NO2 = 29.5 μg/m3) compared to JR (annual median PM2.5 = 15.3 μg/m3; NO2 = 16.6 μg/m3). We enrolled 408 children from LP (more polluted) and 413 children from JR (less polluted). All subjects were aged 18-42 months. We obtained medical histories of prior physician visits and hospitalizations during the previous year, anthropometric nutrition data, hemoglobin levels, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation via oximetry.

Results
In anemic children, higher pollution exposure was significantly associated with pneumonia hospitalization (OR = 6.82, 95%CI = 1.45-32.00; P = 0.015). In non-anemic children, no difference in hospitalizations by pollution exposure status was detected (OR = 1.04, NS). Children exposed to higher levels of air pollution had more pneumonia hospitalizations (OR = 3.68, 1.09-12.44; P = 0.036), total respiratory illness (OR = 2.93, 95% CI 1.92-4.47; P < 0.001), stunting (OR = 1.88, 1.36-2.60; P < 0.001) and anemia (OR = 1.45, 1.09-1.93; P = 0.013) compared to children exposed to lower levels of air pollution. Also, children exposed to higher levels of air pollution had significantly lower oxygen saturation (92.2% ± 2.6% vs. 95.8% ± 2.2%; P < 0.0001), consistent with air pollution related dyshemoglobinemia.

Conclusions
Ambient air pollution is associated with rates of hospitalization for pneumonia and with physician's consultations for acute respiratory infections. Anemia may interact with air pollution to increase pneumonia hospitalizations. If confirmed in larger studies, improving nutrition-related anemia, as well as decreasing the levels of air pollution in Quito, may reduce pneumonia incidence.
Biomonitoring of bisphenol A concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood in regard to birth outcomes and adipokine expression: a birth cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Chou Wei-Chun , Chen Jyh-Larng , Lin Chung-Fen , Chen Yi-Chun , Shih Feng-Cheng , Chuang Chun-Yu 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a sealant and flux of plastic materials and has been determined to be an endocrine-disrupting chemical. Prenatal exposure to BPA can lead to substantial adverse effects on fetal growth and development. This study was conducted to assess BPA concentration in pregnant women and umbilical cord blood, and to investigate whether maternal BPA exposure affected fetal outcomes including lower birth weight (LBW), smaller size for gestational age (SGA), and high leptin (HLP) and low adiponectin (LAD) secretion.

Methods
We measured the BPA levels of maternal blood (n = 97) and umbilical cord blood (n = 97) with a high-performance liquid chromatography/UV detector. The protein secretion of leptin and adiponectin were separately determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A logistic regression was performed to estimate the effects of maternal exposure to BPA on LBW, SGA, and adverse action of adipokines in newborns.

Results
The geometric means of BPA concentration in maternal blood and fetal cord blood were 2.5 ng/ml and 0.5 ng/ml, respectively. Elevated risks of LBW (OR 2.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.72-3.36), SGA (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.39-3.01), and adverse action of leptin (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.12-2.25) and adiponectin (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.52-3.97) were observed in male neonates in the highest quartile of maternal BPA exposure.

Conclusions
Elevated prenatal BPA exposure increased the risk of LBW, SGA, and adverse actions of adipokines in neonates, especially in male infants. These results provide further evidence that maternal exposure is correlated with adverse birth outcomes.
Novel genetic reassortants in H9N2 influenza A viruses and their diverse pathogenicity to mice
Authors: Bi Yuhai , Lu Lu , Li Jing , Yin Yanbo , Zhang Yi , Gao Huijie , Qin Zhuoming , Zeshan Basit , Liu Jinhua , Sun Lei , Liu Wenjun 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
H9N2 influenza A viruses have undergone extensive reassortments in different host species, and could lead to the epidemics or pandemics with the potential emergence of novel viruses.

Methods
To understand the genetic and pathogenic features of early and current circulating H9N2 viruses, 15 representative H9N2 viruses isolated from diseased chickens in northern China between 1998 and 2010 were characterized and compared with all Chinese H9N2 viruses available in the NCBI database. Then, the representative viruses of different genotypes were selected to study the pathogenicity in mice with the aim to investigate the adaptation and the potential pathogenicity of the novel H9N2 reassortants to mammals.

Results
Our results demonstrated that most of the 15 isolates were reassortants and generated four novel genotypes (B62-B65), which incorporated the gene segments from Eurasian H9N2 lineage, North American H9N2 branch, and H5N1 viruses. It was noteworthy that the newly identified genotype B65 has been prevalent in China since 2007, and more importantly, different H9N2 influenza viruses displayed a diverse pathogenicity to mice. The isolates of the 2008-2010 epidemic (genotypes B55 and B65) were lowly infectious, while two representative viruses of genotypes B0 and G2 isolated from the late 1990s were highly pathogenic to mice. In addition, Ck/SD/LY-1/08 (genotype 63, containing H5N1-like NP and PA genes) was able to replicate well in mouse lungs with high virus titers but caused mild clinical signs.

Conclusion
Several lines of evidence indicated that the H9N2 influenza viruses constantly change their genetics and pathogenicity. Thus, the genetic evolution of H9N2 viruses and their pathogenicity to mammals should be closely monitored to prevent the emergence of novel pandemic viruses.
Protocol: methodology for chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Strenkert Daniela , Schmollinger Stefan , Schroda Michael 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
We report on a detailed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) protocol for the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The protocol is suitable for the analysis of nucleosome occupancy, histone modifications and transcription factor binding sites at the level of mononucleosomes for targeted and genome-wide studies. We describe the optimization of conditions for crosslinking, chromatin fragmentation and antibody titer determination and provide recommendations and an example for the normalization of ChIP results as determined by real-time PCR.
The CUL3-KLHL18 ligase regulates mitotic entry and ubiquitylates Aurora-A
Authors: Moghe Saili , Jiang Fei , Miura Yoshie , Cerny Ronald L. , Tsai Ming-Ying , Furukawa Manabu 
Published: November 2011

Summary
The cullin-RING family of ubiquitin ligases regulates diverse cellular functions, such as cell cycle control, via ubiquitylation of specific substrates. CUL3 targets its substrates through BTB proteins. Here we show that depletion of CUL3 and the BTB protein KLHL18 causes a delay in mitotic entry. Centrosomal activation of Aurora-A, a kinase whose activity is required for entry into mitosis, is also delayed in depleted cells. Moreover, we identify Aurora-A as a KLHL18-interacting partner. Overexpression of KLHL18 and CUL3 promotes Aurora-A ubiquitylation in vivo, and the CUL3-KLHL18-ROC1 ligase ubiquitylates Aurora-A in vitro. Our study reveals that the CUL3-KLHL18 ligase is required for timely entry into mitosis, as well as for the activation of Aurora-A at centrosomes. We propose that the CUL3-KLHL18 ligase regulates mitotic entry through an Aurora-A-dependent pathway.
Expression of hsp70, hsp90 and hsf1 in the reef coral Acropora digitifera under prospective acidified conditions over the next several decades
Authors: Nakamura Masako , Morita Masaya , Kurihara Haruko , Mitarai Satoshi 
Published: November 2011

Summary
Ocean acidification is an ongoing threat for marine organisms due to the increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration. Seawater acidification has a serious impact on physiologic processes in marine organisms at all life stages. On the other hand, potential tolerance to external pH changes has been reported in coral larvae. Information about the possible mechanisms underlying such tolerance responses, however, is scarce. In the present study, we examined the effects of acidified seawater on the larvae of Acropora digitifera at the molecular level. We targeted two heat shock proteins, Hsp70 and Hsp90, and a heat shock transcription factor, Hsf1, because of their importance in stress responses and in early life developmental stages. Coral larvae were maintained under the ambient and elevated CO2 conditions that are expected to occur within next 100 years, and then we evaluated the expression of hsps and hsf1 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expression levels of these molecules significantly differed among target genes, but they did not change significantly between CO2 conditions. These findings indicate that the expression of hsps is not changed due to external pH changes, and suggest that tolerance to acidified seawater in coral larvae may not be related to hsp expression.
Revision surgery following total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Singh J. A. , Sperling J. W. , Cofield R. H. 
Published: November 2011

Our objective was to examine the rate of revision and its predictive factors in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). We used prospectively collected data from the Mayo Clinic Total Joint Registry to examine five-, ten- and 20-year revision-free survival following TSA and the predictive factors. We examined patient characteristics (age, gender, body mass index, comorbidity), implant fixation (cemented versus uncemented), American Society of Anesthesiologists class and underlying diagnosis. Univariate and multivariable adjusted hazard rates were calculated using Cox regression analysis. A total of 2207 patients underwent 2588 TSAs. Their mean age was 65.0 years (19 to 91) and 1163 (53%) were women; osteoarthritis was the underlying diagnosis in 1640 shoulders (63%). In all, 212 TSAs (8.2%) were revised during the follow-up period. At five, ten and 20 years, survival rates were 94.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 93.2 to 95.3), 90.2% (95% CI 88.7 to 91.7) and 81.4% (95% CI 78.4 to 84.5), respectively. In multivariable analyses men had a higher hazard ratio of revision of 1.72 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.31) (p < 0.01) compared with women, and those with rotator cuff disease had a hazard ratio of 4.71 (95% CI 2.09 to 10.59) (p < 0.001) compared with patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We concluded that male gender and rotator cuff disease are independent risk factors for revision after TSA. Future studies are needed to understand the biological rationale for these differences.
Efficacy of less invasive posterior lumbar interbody fusion as revision surgery for patients with recurrent symptoms after discectomy
Authors: Lakkol S. , Bhatia C. , Taranu R. , Pollock R. , Hadgaonkar S. , Krishna M. 
Published: November 2011

Recurrence of back or leg pain after discectomy is a well-recognised problem with an incidence of up to 28%. Once conservative measures have failed, several surgical options are available and have been tried with varying degrees of success. In this study, 42 patients with recurrent symptoms after discectomy underwent less invasive posterior lumbar interbody fusion (LI-PLIF). Clinical outcome was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaires and visual analogue scales for back (VAS-BP) and leg pain (VAS-LP). There was a statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures (p < 0.001). The debate around which procedure is the most effective for these patients remains controversial.Our results show that LI-PLIF is as effective as any other surgical procedure. However, given that it is less invasive, we feel that it should be considered as the preferred option.
Simultaneous cemented and cementless total knee replacement in the same patients
Authors: Park J.-W. , Kim Y.-H. 
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this prospective, randomised study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results comparing the identical cemented or cementless NexGen total knee prostheses implanted bilaterally in the same patient. Sequential simultaneous bilateral total knee replacements were performed in 50 patients (100 knees). There were 39 women and 11 men with a mean age of 58.4 years (51 to 67) who received a cemented prosthesis in one knee and a cementless prosthesis in the other. The mean follow-up was 13.6 years (13 to 14). At final review, the mean Knee Society scores (96.2 (82 to 100) versus 97.7 (90 to 100)), the mean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (34.5 (4 to 59) versus 35.6 (5 to 51)), the mean ranges of knee movement (124° (100° to 140°) versus 128° (110° to 140°)), mean patient satisfaction (8.1 (sd 1.9) versus 8.3 (sd 1.7)), and radiological results were similar in both groups. The rate of survival of the femoral components was 100% in both groups at 14 years. The rate of survival of the cemented tibial component was 100% and 98% in the cementless tibial component. No osteolysis was identified in either group. Our data have shown no advantage of cementless over cemented components in total knee replacement.