bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clinical relevance of cell‐based therapy for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence
Authors: GRÄS SØREN , LOSE GUNNAR 
Published: May 2011

AbstractStress urinary incontinence is a common disorder affecting the quality of life for millions of women worldwide. Effective surgical procedures involving synthetic permanent meshes exist, but significant short‐ and long‐term complications occur. Cell‐based therapy using autologous stem cells or progenitor cells presents an alternative approach, which aims at repairing the anatomical components of the urethral continence mechanism. In vitro expanded progenitor cells isolated from muscle biopsies have been most intensely investigated, and both preclinical trials and a few clinical trials have provided proof of concept for the idea. An initial enthusiasm caused by positive results from early clinical trials has been dampened by the recognition of scientific irregularities. At the same time, the safety issue for cell‐based therapy has been highlighted by the appearance of new and comprehensive regulatory demands. The influence on the cost effectiveness, the clinical relevance and the future perspectives of the present clinical approach are discussed.
Titanium surface alterations following the use of different mechanical instruments: a systematic review
Authors: Louropoulou Anna , Slot Dagmar E. , Van der Weijden Fridus A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective: To systematically collect and evaluate existing evidence on the effects of different mechanical instruments on the surface characteristics of smooth and rough titanium surfaces.Materials and methods: PubMed‐MEDLINE, Cochrane‐CENTRAL and EMBASE databases were searched up to December 2010 to identify appropriate studies. The eligible studies were controlled studies investigating titanium surface alterations following treatment with different mechanical instruments.Results: In total, 3275 unique papers were identified. A screening of the titles and abstracts resulted in 34 publications that met all of the eligibility criteria. Surface roughness was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy in most studies and using a profilometer in only 10 studies. The rough surfaces evaluated were titanium plasma sprayed and sandblasted and acid‐etched surfaces only. Non‐metal instruments were found to cause minimal or no damage to both smooth and rough titanium surfaces. Metal instruments were found to cause major damage to smooth surfaces. Burs seemed to be the instruments of choice, if smoothening of a rough surface was required.Conclusion: Non‐metal instruments and rubber cups seem to be the instruments of choice for the treatment of smooth surfaces. Similarly, for rough implant surfaces, non‐metal instruments and air abrasives are the instruments of choice, if surface integrity needs to be maintained. Metal instruments and burs are recommended only in cases requiring the smoothening of the surface roughness. The clinical impact of these findings requires clarification.
Role of physical activity on health in children and adolescents
Authors: Ekblom B. , Åstrand P‐O 
Published: May 2011

This past century has been characterized by enormous advances in almost all aspects of human achievement. A person born at the beginning of the 20th century and still alive has witnessed more technical evolution than occurred during the preceding millions of years of the Homo family. Previously we were adapted to a life‐style as hunters‐gatherers. Now, after a short spell in an agrarian culture, we have in some “privileged” societies ended up in an urbanized, highly technologic society dominated by a sedentary life‐style.Previously when a child had matured enough to understand the message of a teacher, education began, and boys learned from a “retired” hunter. Today, there is an emphasis on chronological age more or less irrespective of maturity, body dimensions, functioning or intellectual potential. “Vertical” contact with the older generation has now more or less been replaced by a “horizontal” one of individuals of the same age. Furthermore, the educational, physical, physiological and social situation of a young individual has changed dramatically within a few decades from a life‐style of activity to one more reminiscent of Homo Sedentarius. The consequences of this enormous uncontrolled trial with whole generations of young people are still to manifest themselves. This paper is a commentary from a physiological‐medical perspective.
Zinc supplementation for four months does not affect plasma copper concentration in infants
Authors: Sazawal S. , Malik P. , Jalla S. , Krebs N. , Bhan MK , Black RE 
Published: May 2011

Aim: The aim of the present study, which was undertaken as a sub‐study within a randomized controlled trial of zinc supplementation, was to evaluate the effect of prolonged zinc supplementation on copper status as assessed by hematological markers. Methods: Plasma copper and zinc were estimated at baseline and after 120 d of supplementation in a randomly selected infant subset (115) of the children. Of these, 61 children were in a zinc group (Z) getting 10 mg of elemental zinc, and 54 were in a control group (C) getting supplement without zinc. Results: Baseline plasma zinc was comparable in the two groups; post‐supplementation zinc was significantly higher (Z 93.0 ± 3.6 vs C 60.6 ± 8.0) in the zinc supplementation group. There was no significant difference in the mean/median copper levels between the zinc and control groups. The percentage of children with plasma copper <100 μg/dl was also not significantly different between groups (baseline Z 14.8%, C 11.1%; post‐supplementation Z 18.0%, C 11.1%). There were no differences between the zinc and control groups after 120 d of supplementation in hemoglobin (Hgb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), or number of lymphocytes or granulocytes. Conclusion: Zinc supplementation of 10 mg/d for 4 mo in this study did not affect copper status, as assessed by plasma copper concentration and hematological parameters, diagnostics, of copper deficiency.
Gastric emptying in infants: Epigastric impedance versus scintigraphy
Authors: Savino F. , Cresi F. , Ferrigno M. , Palumeri E. , Oggero R. , Silvestro L. 
Published: May 2011

Aim: To compare epigastric impedance versus scintigraphy in monitoring the gastric emptying of the same adapted milk formula in infants. Methods: Seven infants with clinical symptoms of gastric motility disease underwent scintigraphy with 99mTc sulphur colloid for the 90 min following the ingestion of the same adapted milk formula, in order to evaluate gastric emptying. A bio‐impedance device, connected to a PC, was prepared for this purpose with four standard electrodes placed anteriorly on the upper part of the body. The obtained graphs were compared to those of the scintigraphic method. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation. The confidence limits were set at 95%. Parental consent was obtained before each analysis. Results: The gastric emptying patterns obtained with epigastric impedance were closely correlated to those shown by the scintigraphy (r= 0.86 ± 0.08; p < 0.05). A significant correlation between the gastric emptying velocity measured by the two techniques was found (r= 0.94; p= 0.002). Conclusions: Epigastric impedance in infants provided estimates of gastric emptying that were closely correlated with scintigraphy. However, the limits derived from the epigastric impedance suggest that, at the moment, the two methods should not be used interchangeably.
Enzymatic characterization and molecular modeling of an evolutionarily interesting fungal β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidase
Authors: Ryšlavá Helena , Kalendová Alžběta , Doubnerová Veronika , Skočdopol Přemysl , Kumar Vinay , Kukačka Zdeněk , Pompach Petr , Vaněk Ondřej , Slámová Kristýna , Bojarová Pavla , Kulik Natallia , Ettrich Rudiger , Křen Vladimír , Bezouška Karel 
Published: May 2011

Fungal β‐N‐acetylhexosaminidases are inducible extracellular enzymes with many biotechnological applications. The enzyme from Penicillium oxalicum has unique enzymatic properties despite its close evolutionary relationship with other fungal hexosaminidases. It has high GalNAcase activity, tolerates substrates with the modified N‐acyl group better and has some other unusual catalytic properties. In order to understand these features, we performed isolation, biochemical and enzymological characterization, molecular cloning and molecular modelling. The native enzyme is composed of two catalytic units (65 kDa each) and two propeptides (15 kDa each), yielding a molecular weight of 160 kDa. Enzyme deglycosylated by endoglycosidase H had comparable activity, but reduced stability. We have cloned and sequenced the gene coding for the entire hexosaminidase from P. oxalicum. Sufficient sequence identity of this hexosaminidase with the structurally solved enzymes from bacteria and humans with complete conservation of all catalytic residues allowed us to construct a molecular model of the enzyme. Results from molecular dynamics simulations and substrate docking supported the experimental kinetic and substrate specificity data and provided a molecular explanation for why the hexosaminidase from P. oxalicum is unique among the family of fungal hexosaminidases.Enzymeshexosaminidase, β‐N‐acetyl‐d‐hexosaminide N‐acetylhexosaminhydrolase, EC 3.2.1.52
Cassava Genetic Transformation and its Application in BreedingF
Authors: Liu Jia , Zheng Qijie , Ma Qiuxiang , Gadidasu Kranthi Kumar , Zhang Peng 
Published: May 2011

Abstract Peng Zhang (Corresponding author) As a major source of food, cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important root crop in the tropics and subtropics of Africa and Latin America, and serves as raw material for the production of starches and bioethanol in tropical Asia. Cassava improvement through genetic engineering not only overcomes the high heterozygosity and serious trait separation that occurs in its traditional breeding, but also quickly achieves improved target traits. Since the first report on genetic transformation in cassava in 1996, the technology has gradually matured over almost 15 years of development and has overcome cassava genotype constraints, changing from mode cultivars to farmer‐preferred ones. Significant progress has been made in terms of an increased resistance to pests and diseases, biofortification, and improved starch quality, building on the fundamental knowledge and technologies related to planting, nutrition, and the processing of this important food crop that has often been neglected. Therefore, cassava has great potential in food security and bioenergy development worldwide.
The Dominant Glutamic Acid Metabolic Flux to Produce γ‐Amino Butyric Acid over Proline in Nicotiana tabacum Leaves under Water Stress Relates to its Significant Role in Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Liu Cuili , Zhao Li , Yu Guanghui 
Published: May 2011

Abstract γ‐Amino butyric acid (GABA) and proline play a crucial role in protecting plants during various environmental stresses. Their synthesis is from the common precursor glutamic acid, which is catalyzed by glutamate decarboxylase and Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthetase respectively. However, the dominant pathway under water stress has not yet been established. To explore this, excised tobacco leaves were used to simulate a water‐stress condition. The results showed GABA content was much higher than that of proline in leaves under water‐deficit and non‐water‐deficit conditions. Specifically, the amount of GABA significantly increased compared to proline under continuous water loss for 16 h, indicating that GABA biosynthesis is the dominant pathway from glutamic acid metabolism under these conditions. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and protein Western gel‐blot analysis further confirmed this. To explore the function of GABA accumulation, a system producing superoxide anion (O2−), peroxide hydrogen (H2O2), and singlet oxygen (1O2) was employed to investigate the scavenging role on free‐radical production. The results demonstrated that the scavenging ability of GABA for O2−, H2O2, and 1O2 was significantly higher than that of proline. This indicated that GABA acts as an effective osmolyte to reduce the production of reactive oxygen species under water stress.
Comparison of pandemic and seasonal influenza A infections in pediatric patients: were they different?
Authors: Song Xiaoyan , DeBiasi Roberta L. , Campos Joseph M. , Fagbuyi Daniel B. , Jacobs Brian R. , Singh Nalini 
Published: May 2011

Please cite this paper as: Song et al. (2012) Comparison of pandemic and seasonal influenza A infections in pediatric patients: were they different?. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(1), 25–27.This retrospective cohort study revealed that the presence of pandemic H1N1 influenza resulted in a 77.7% increase of patient visits in the emergency department for influenza like illnesses and a 67.2% increase of hospital days in our hospital by comparing to a regular influenza season (2008–2009 season). However, median length of hospital stay was no different in either period (pandemic: 3 days versus seasonal: 4 days, P = 0.06). Except for the patients hospitalized for pandemic H1N1 influenza (n = 111) were older (median age: 4.7 years versus 1.6 years, P = 0.04) and tended to have pre‐existing asthma (21.6% versus 9.0%, P = 0.07) than those hospitalized for seasonal influenza A infections (n = 44), this study found no significant difference between the two comparison groups with regards of other clinical and epidemiological features.
Current trends in microsatellite genotyping
Authors: GUICHOUX E. , LAGACHE L. , WAGNER S. , CHAUMEIL P. , LÉGER P. , LEPAIS O. , LEPOITTEVIN C. , MALAUSA T. , REVARDEL E. , SALIN F. , PETIT R.J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractMicrosatellites have been popular molecular markers ever since their advent in the late eighties. Despite growing competition from new genotyping and sequencing techniques, the use of these versatile and cost‐effective markers continues to increase, boosted by successive technical advances. First, methods for multiplexing PCR have considerably improved over the last years, thereby decreasing genotyping costs and increasing throughput. Second, next‐generation sequencing technologies allow the identification of large numbers of microsatellite loci at reduced cost in non‐model species. As a consequence, more stringent selection of loci is possible, thereby further enhancing multiplex quality and efficiency. However, current practices are lagging behind. By surveying recently published population genetic studies relying on simple sequence repeats, we show that more than half of the studies lack appropriate quality controls and do not make use of multiplex PCR. To make the most of the latest technical developments, we outline the need for a well‐established strategy including standardized high‐throughput bench protocols and specific bioinformatic tools, from primer design to allele calling.
A mitochondrial species identification assay for Australian blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus tilstoni, C. limbatus and C. amblyrhynchoides) using real‐time PCR and high‐resolution melt analysis
Authors: MORGAN JESS A. T. , WELCH DAVID J. , HARRY ALISTAIR V. , STREET RAEWYN , BRODERICK DAMIEN , OVENDEN JENNIFER R. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractTropical Australian shark fisheries target two morphologically indistinguishable blacktip sharks, the Australian blacktip (Carcharhinus tilstoni) and the common blacktip (C. limbatus). Their relative contributions to northern and eastern Australian coastal fisheries are unclear because of species identification difficulties. The two species differ in their number of precaudal vertebrae, which is difficult and time consuming to obtain in the field. But, the two species can be distinguished genetically with diagnostic mutations in their mitochondrial DNA ND4 gene. A third closely related sister species, the graceful shark C. amblyrhynchoides, can also be distinguished by species‐specific mutations in this gene. DNA sequencing is an effective diagnostic tool, but is relatively expensive and time consuming. In contrast, real‐time high‐resolution melt (HRM) PCR assays are rapid and relatively inexpensive. These assays amplify regions of DNA with species‐specific genetic mutations that result in PCR products with unique melt profiles. A real‐time HRM PCR species‐diagnostic assay (RT‐HRM‐PCR) has been developed based on the mtDNA ND4 gene for rapid typing of C. tilstoni, C. limbatus and C. amblyrhynchoides. The assay was developed using ND4 sequences from 66 C. tilstoni, 33. C. limbatus and five C. amblyrhynchoides collected from Indonesia and Australian states and territories; Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales. The assay was shown to be 100% accurate on 160 unknown blacktip shark tissue samples by full mtDNA ND4 sequencing.
Genetic and quantitative assessment of Vibrio vulnificus populations in oyster (Crassostrea virginica) tissues
Authors: Staley Christopher , Jones Melissa K. , Wright Anita C. , Harwood Valerie J. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryVibrio vulnificus is a leading cause of shellfish‐associated food‐borne illness. US regulations stipulate shellfish processing procedures to limit V. vulnificus densities; however, the effect of these procedures on V. vulnificus strain distribution and/or genetic diversity is unknown. Vibrio vulnificus concentrations and strain diversity were analysed in various oyster tissues stored overnight at 26°C that were subsequently divided into two treatment groups: one received post‐harvest processing (PHP) via individual quick freeze and one was stored on ice. Vibrio vulnificus densities were 10‐fold lower in all PHP‐treated tissues compared with untreated tissues. Genetic diversity of V. vulnificus was assessed by BOX‐PCR genotyping and was high in all oyster tissues, but was significantly lower in untreated compared with PHP‐treated oysters. BOX‐PCR discriminated strains into BOX‐C (clinical‐associated) and BOX‐E (environmental‐associated) types based on a 1.1 kb DNA band, which correlated well (83% agreement) with 16S rRNA (A/B) typing. A significantly higher proportion of BOX‐C isolates were recovered from PHP oysters compared with untreated oysters (24% of all isolates versus 12%) suggesting that BOX‐C strains may be more resistant to treatment. These results reveal highly diverse populations of V. vulnificus in oysters with different responses to PHP, emphasizing the need to better understand the organism's ecology and population genetics to optimize food safety practices.
Evaluation of Satraplatin in Dogs with Spontaneously Occurring Malignant Tumors
Authors: Selting K.A. , Wang X. , Gustafson D.L. , Henry C.J. , Villamil J.A. , McCaw D.L. , Tate D. , Beittenmiller M. , Garnett C. , Robertson J.D. 
Published: May 2011

Background: Satraplatin is the 1st orally bioavailable platinum anticancer drug.Objective: Our objectives were to evaluate efficacy in vitro against a canine cancer cell line, to determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) of satraplatin in tumor‐bearing dogs, to identify the dose‐limiting and other toxicities in dogs, and to record pharmacokinetics (PK).Animals: Dogs with macro‐ or microscopic malignant neoplasia.Methods: D17 canine osteosarcoma cells first were evaluated in a clonogenic survival assay. Then, dogs with a diagnosis of malignant neoplasia were prospectively entered in standard 3 + 3 cohorts. Additional patients were entered at the MTD to assess efficacy. Total and free platinum (by ultrafiltrate) concentrations were determined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy.Results: Satraplatin inhibited clonogenic survival in vitro at clinically relevant and achievable concentrations. Twenty‐three dogs were treated, 14 with PK evaluation. The MTD was 35 mg/m2/d for 5 days, repeated every 3–4 weeks. Bioavailability was 41%. PK variables (mean ± SD) at the MTD included Tmax 1.8 (± 0.7) hours, Cmax 72 (± 26) ng/mL, area under concentration (AUC)0–24 h 316 (± 63) h × ng/mL, and MRT 7 (± 1.3) hours. Higher AUC after the 5th versus the 1st dose suggested drug accumulation. Interestingly, platelets consistently reached nadir sooner than did neutrophils (day 14 versus 19). Myelosuppression was dose‐limiting and gastrointestinal toxicity was mild.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Satraplatin was well tolerated in tumor‐bearing dogs, thus warranting further investigation in a phase II trial.
Serum Acute Phase Proteins as Clinical Phase Indicators and Outcome Predictors in Naturally Occurring Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis
Authors: Mylonakis M.E. , Ceron J.J. , Leontides L. , Siarkou V.I. , Martinez S. , Tvarijonaviciute A. , Koutinas A.F. , Harrus S. 
Published: May 2011

Background: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by Ehrlichia canis, is an important tick‐borne disease of global importance. Currently, limited information is available on the diagnostic and prognostic value of acute phase proteins (APPs) in dogs naturally infected with E. canis.Hypothesis: APPs may be useful indicators of the clinical phase of CME and predictive of the clinical outcome (death or survival).Animals: Fifty‐six dogs naturally infected with E. canis and 7 clinically healthy control dogs.Methods: C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), and albumin concentrations determined on admission were retrospectively compared among 27 dogs with nonmyelosuppressive CME, 29 dogs with myelosuppressive CME and 7 healthy dogs. Diagnosis of CME was based on clinical and clinicopathological findings, seropositivity to E. canis, polymerase chain reaction amplification of E. canis‐specific 16S rDNA, microscopic observation of Ehrlichia sp. morulae in blood monocytes or some combination of these.Results: Mean concentrations of CRP, SAA, and Hp were significantly higher in the myelosuppressed dogs compared with the other groups, but no significant differences were found in the concentration of albumin. Survival analysis of the affected animals indicated that APP concentrations were not associated with clinical outcome; the latter was strongly associated with pancytopenia (odds ratio for death 22.7) and neutropenia (odds ratio for death 7.7).Conclusions and Clinical Importance: CRP, SAA, and Hp serum concentrations on admission are useful indicators of the clinical phase of CME, but are not useful predictors of clinical outcome.