bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A glycine receptor is involved in the organization of swimming movements in an invertebrate chordate
Authors: Nishino Atsuo , Okamura Yasushi , Piscopo Stefania , Brown Euan R 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Rhythmic motor patterns for locomotion in vertebrates are generated in spinal cord neural networks known as spinal Central Pattern Generators (CPGs). A key element in pattern generation is the role of glycinergic synaptic transmission by interneurons that cross the cord midline and inhibit contralaterally-located excitatory neurons. The glycinergic inhibitory drive permits alternating and precisely timed motor output during locomotion such as walking or swimming. To understand better the evolution of this system we examined the physiology of the neural network controlling swimming in an invertebrate chordate relative of vertebrates, the ascidian larva Ciona intestinalis.

Results
A reduced preparation of the larva consisting of nerve cord and motor ganglion generates alternating swimming movements. Pharmacological and genetic manipulation of glycine receptors shows that they are implicated in the control of these locomotory movements. Morphological molecular techniques and heterologous expression experiments revealed that glycine receptors are inhibitory and are present on both motoneurones and locomotory muscle while putative glycinergic interneurons were identified in the nerve cord by labeling with an anti-glycine antibody.

Conclusions
In Ciona intestinalis, glycine receptors, glycinergic transmission and putative glycinergic interneurons, have a key role in coordinating swimming movements through a simple CPG that is present in the motor ganglion and nerve cord. Thus, the strong association between glycine receptors and vertebrate locomotory networks may now be extended to include the phylum chordata. The results suggest that the basic network for 'spinal-like' locomotion is likely to have existed in the common ancestor of extant chordates some 650 M years ago.
SoyDB: a knowledge database of soybean transcription factors
Authors: Wang Zheng , Libault Marc , Joshi Trupti , Valliyodan Babu , Nguyen Henry T , Xu Dong , Stacey Gary , Cheng Jianlin 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Transcription factors play the crucial rule of regulating gene expression and influence almost all biological processes. Systematically identifying and annotating transcription factors can greatly aid further understanding their functions and mechanisms. In this article, we present SoyDB, a user friendly database containing comprehensive knowledge of soybean transcription factors.

Description
The soybean genome was recently sequenced by the Department of Energy-Joint Genome Institute (DOE-JGI) and is publicly available. Mining of this sequence identified 5,671 soybean genes as putative transcription factors. These genes were comprehensively annotated as an aid to the soybean research community. We developed SoyDB - a knowledge database for all the transcription factors in the soybean genome. The database contains protein sequences, predicted tertiary structures, putative DNA binding sites, domains, homologous templates in the Protein Data Bank (PDB), protein family classifications, multiple sequence alignments, consensus protein sequence motifs, web logo of each family, and web links to the soybean transcription factor database PlantTFDB, known EST sequences, and other general protein databases including Swiss-Prot, Gene Ontology, KEGG, EMBL, TAIR, InterPro, SMART, PROSITE, NCBI, and Pfam. The database can be accessed via an interactive and convenient web server, which supports full-text search, PSI-BLAST sequence search, database browsing by protein family, and automatic classification of a new protein sequence into one of 64 annotated transcription factor families by hidden Markov models.

Conclusions
A comprehensive soybean transcription factor database was constructed and made publicly accessible at http://casp.rnet.missouri.edu/soydb/.
Prevalence and risk factors for soil-transmitted helminth infection in mothers and their infants in Butajira, Ethiopia: a population based study
Authors: Belyhun Yeshambel , Medhin Girmay , Amberbir Alemayehu , Erko Berhanu , Hanlon Charlotte , Alem Atalay , Venn Andrea , Britton John , Davey Gail 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are widespread in underdeveloped countries. In Ethiopia, the prevalence and distribution of helminth infection varies by place and with age. We therefore investigated the prevalence of and risk factors for STH infection in mothers and their one year-old children living in Butajira town and surrounding rural areas in southern Ethiopia.

Methods
In 2005-2006, 1065 pregnant women were recruited in their third trimester of pregnancy. In 2006-2007, when children reached their first birthdays, data on the infants and their mothers were collected, including stool samples for qualitative STH analysis. Questionnaire data on various demographic, housing and lifestyle variables were available. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the independent risk factors for STH infection in the mothers and children.

Results
908 mothers and 905 infants provided complete data for analysis. Prevalence of any STH infection was 43.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 40.2-46.8%) in mothers and 4.9% (95%CI 3.6-6.5%) in children. In the fully adjusted regression model, infrequent use of soap by the mother was associated with increased risk (odds ratio (OR) 1.40, 95% CI 1.04-1.88, and 1.66, 95% CI 0.92-2.99, for use at least once a week and less frequent than once a week respectively, relative to daily use; p for trend = 0.018), and urban place of residence (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28-0.73, p = 0.001) was associated with reduced risk of maternal STH infection. The only factor associated with STH infection in infants was household source of water, with the greatest risk in those using piped water inside the compound (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.38 for river water, 0.20, 95% CI 0.56-0.69 for either well or stream water and 0.21, 95% CI 0.09-0.51 for piped water outside compared with piped water inside the compound, overall p = 0.002)

Conclusion
In this rural Ethiopian community with a relatively high prevalence of STH infection, we found a reduced risk of infection in relation to maternal hygiene and urban living. Daily use of soap and a safe supply of water are likely to reduce the risk of STH infection.
Predictors of short and long term outcome in patellofemoral pain syndrome: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Collins Natalie J , Crossley Kay M , Darnell Ross , Vicenzino Bill 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFP) is a common musculoskeletal condition that has a tendency to become chronic and problematic in a proportion of affected individuals. The objective of this study was to identify prognostic factors that may have clinical utility in predicting poor outcome on measures of pain and function in individuals with PFP.

Methods
A prospective follow-up study was conducted of 179 participants in a randomised clinical trial. Nine baseline factors (age, gender, body mass index, arch height, duration of knee pain, worst pain visual analogue scale, Kujala Patellofemoral Score (KPS), functional index questionnaire (FIQ), step down repetitions) were investigated for their prognostic ability on outcome assessed at six, 12 and 52 weeks (worst pain, KPS and FIQ). Factors with significant univariate associations were entered into multivariate linear regression models to identify a group of factors independently associated with poor outcome.

Results
Long symptom duration was the most consistent predictor of poor outcome over 52 weeks rated on the KPS and the FIQ (β-0.07, 95% confidence interval -0.1 to -0.03, p < 0.000; and -0.02, -0.03 to -0.01, p < 0.000, respectively). Worse KPS at baseline was predictive of outcome at six, 12 and 52 weeks. Gender, body mass index and arch height were generally not associated with outcome (univariate analysis), while age, worst pain, FIQ and step downs were excluded during multivariate analyses.

Conclusions
Patients presenting with PFP of long duration who score worse on the KPS have a poorer prognosis, irrespective of age, gender and morphometry. These results suggest that strategies aimed at preventing chronicity of more severe PFP may optimise prognosis.
Characterization of the quinolone resistant determining regions in clinical isolates of pneumococci collected in Canada
Authors: Patel Samir N , Melano Roberto , McGeer Allison , Green Karen , Low Donald E 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to examine Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates collected from a longitudinal surveillance program in order to determine their susceptibility to currently used fluoroquinolones and of the frequency and type of mutations in the quinolone-resistant determining regions (QRDRs) of their parC and gyrA genes.

Methods
The Canadian Bacterial Surveillance Network has been collecting clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae from across Canada since 1988. Broth microdilution susceptibility testing was carried out according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The QRDRs of the parC and gyrA genes were sequenced for all isolates with ciprofloxacin MIC ≥ 4 mg/L, and a large representative sample of isolates (N = 4,243) with MIC ≤ 2 mg/L.

Results
A total of 4,798 out of 30,111 isolates collected from 1988, and 1993 to 2007 were studied. Of those isolates that were successfully sequenced, 184 out of 1,032 with mutations in parC only, 11 out of 30 with mutations in gyrA only, and 292 out of 298 with mutations in parC and gyrA were considered resistant to ciprofloxacin (MIC ≥ 4 mg/L). The most common substitutions in the parC were at positions 137 (n = 722), 79 (n = 209), and 83 (n = 56), of which substitutions at positions 79 and 83 were associated with 4-fold increase in MIC to ciprofloxacin, whereas substitutions at position 137 had minimal effect on the ciprofloxacin MIC. A total of 400 out of 622 isolates with Lys-137 parC mutation belonged to serotypes 1, 12, 31, 7A, 9V, 9N and 9L, whereas only 49 out of 3064 isolates with no mutations belonged to these serotypes. Twenty-one out of 30 isolates with substitutions at position 81 of the gyrA gene had an increased MIC to ciprofloxacin. Finally, we found that isolates with mutations in both parC and gyrA were significantly associated with increased MIC to fluoroquinolones.

Conclusions
Not all mutations, most frequently Lys-137, found in the QRDRs of the parC gene of S. pneumoniae is associated with an increased MIC to fluoroquinolones. The high prevalence of Lys-137 appears to be due to its frequent occurrence in common serotypes.
The effect of intraoperative specimen inking on lumpectomy re-excision rates
Authors: Singh Mansher , Singh Gayatri , Hogan Kevin T , Atkins Kristen A , Schroen Anneke T 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Lumpectomy re-excision to obtain negative margins is common. We compare the effect of two specimen orientation approaches on lumpectomy re-excision rates.

Methods
All women undergoing lumpectomy for breast cancer by a single surgeon between 03/2007 - 02/2009 were included. Lumpectomies underwent standard inking (SI) after surgery by a pathologist from 03/2007-02/2008 while intraoperative inking (II) with direct surgeon input was done from 03/2008-02/2009. Rates of margin positivity and re-excision were compared between these methods.

Results
65 patients were evaluated, reflecting SI in 39 and II in 26 cases. Margin positivity rates of 46% [SI] vs. 23% [II] (p = 0.06) and re-excision rates of 38% [SI] vs. 19% [II] were observed. Residual disease at re-excision was found in 27% [SI] vs. 67% [II] of cases.

Conclusions
Intraoperative inking in this practice offered a simple way to reduce re-excision rates after lumpectomy and affect an improvement in quality of patient care.
Panallergens and their impact on the allergic patient
Authors: Hauser Michael , Roulias Anargyros , Ferreira Fátima , Egger Matthias 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The panallergen concept encompasses families of related proteins, which are involved in general vital processes and thus, widely distributed throughout nature. Plant panallergens share highly conserved sequence regions, structure, and function. They are responsible for many IgE cross-reactions even between unrelated pollen and plant food allergen sources. Although usually considered as minor allergens, sensitization to panallergens might be problematic as it bears the risk of developing multiple sensitizations. Clinical manifestations seem to be tightly connected with geographical and exposure factors. Future population- and disease-based screenings should provide new insights on panallergens and their contribution to disease manifestations. Such information requires molecule-based diagnostics and will be valuable for developing patient-tailored prophylactic and therapeutic approaches. In this article, we focus on profilins, non-specific lipid transfer proteins, polcalcins, and Bet v 1-related proteins and discuss possible consequences of panallergen sensitization for the allergic patient. Based on their pattern of IgE cross-reactivity, which is reflected by their distribution in the plant kingdom, we propose a novel classification of panallergens into ubiquitously spread "real panallergens" (e.g. profilins) and widespread "eurallergens" (e.g. polcalcins). "Stenallergens" display more limited distribution and cross-reactivity patterns, and "monallergens" are restricted to a single allergen source.
Cancer proliferation and therapy: the Warburg effect and quantum metabolism
Authors: Demetrius Lloyd A , Coy Johannes F , Tuszynski Jack A 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundMost cancer cells, in contrast to normal differentiated cells, rely on aerobic glycolysis instead of oxidative phosphorylation to generate metabolic energy, a phenomenon called the Warburg effect.ModelQuantum metabolism is an analytic theory of metabolic regulation which exploits the methodology of quantum mechanics to derive allometric rules relating cellular metabolic rate and cell size. This theory explains differences in the metabolic rates of cells utilizing OxPhos and cells utilizing glycolysis. This article appeals to an analytic relation between metabolic rate and evolutionary entropy - a demographic measure of Darwinian fitness - to: (a) provide an evolutionary rationale for the Warburg effect, and (b) propose methods based on entropic principles of natural selection for regulating the incidence of OxPhos and glycolysis in cancer cells.ConclusionThe regulatory interventions proposed on the basis of quantum metabolism have applications in therapeutic strategies to combat cancer. These procedures, based on metabolic regulation, are non-invasive, and complement the standard therapeutic methods involving radiation and chemotherapy
Spectrum of musculo-skeletal disorders in sickle cell disease in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Balogun Rufai A , Obalum Dike C , Giwa Suleiman O , Adekoya-Cole Thomas O , Ogo Chidiebere N , Enweluzo George O 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a common genetic disease in Nigeria. Past studies from West Africa focused on isolated aspects of its medical and surgical presentations. To the best of our knowledge, the musculo-skeletal presentations amongst Nigerians with SCA have not been documented in a single all encompassing study. This work aims to prospectively document the musculo-skeletal disease burden among SCA patients.

Methods
In a prospective study of 318 consecutive patients with genotype-confirmed SCA at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the musculo-skeletal pathologies, anatomic sites, grade of disease, age at presentation and management outcome were recorded over a one-year period. Data obtained were analyzed using Epi-Info software version 6.0. Data are presented as frequencies (%) and mean values (SD) as appropriate.

Results
The HbSS genotype occurred in 296 (93.0%), while 22 (7.0%) were HbSC. 100 (31.4%) patients with average presenting haemoglobin concentration of 8.2 g/100 ml in the study group, presented with 131 musculo-skeletal pathologies in 118 anatomic sites. Osteomyelitis 31 (31%) and septic arthritis 19 (19%) were most commonly observed in children less than 10 years. Skin ulcers and avascular necrosis (AVN) occurred predominantly in the older age groups, with frequencies of 13 (13.0%) and 26 (26.0%) respectively. 20 (71.5%) of diagnosed cases of AVN presented with radiological grade 4 disease. The lower limbs were involved in 84 (71.1%) of sites affected. Lesions involving the spine were rare 11 (0.9%). Multiple presentations occurred in 89 (28.0%) of patients; 62 (69.7%) of which were children below 10 years.

Conclusions
Musculo-skeletal complications are common features of sickle cell anaemia seen in 31.4%. Infectious aetiologies predominate with long bones and joints of lower limbs more commonly affected by osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. Healthcare providers managing SCA should be aware of the potential morbidity and mortality of these conditions to ensure early diagnosis and adequate management.
Flexible bronchoscopic management of benign tracheal stenosis: long term follow-up of 115 patients
Authors: Rahman Nader Abdel , Fruchter Oren , Shitrit David , Fox Benjamin D , Kramer Mordechai R 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Management of benign tracheal stenosis (BTS) varies with the type and extent of the disease and influenced by the patient's age and general health status, hence we sought to investigate the long-term outcome of patients with BTS that underwent minimally invasive bronchoscopic treatment.

Methods
Patients with symptomatic BTS were treated with flexible bronchoscopy therapeutic modalities that included the following: balloon dilatation, laser photo-resection, self-expanding metal stent placement, and High-dose rate endobronchial brachytherapy used in cases of refractory stent-related granulation tissue formation.

Results
A total of 115 patients with BTS and various cardiac and respiratory co-morbidities with a mean age of 61 (range 40-88)were treated between January 2001 and January 2009. The underlining etiologies for BTS were post - endotracheal intubation (N = 76) post-tracheostomy (N = 30), Wegener's granulomatosis (N = 2), sarcoidosis (N = 2), amyloidosis (N = 2) and idiopathic BTS (N = 3). The modalities used were: balloon dilatation and laser treatment (N = 98). Stent was placed in 33 patients of whom 28 also underwent brachytherapy. Complications were minor and mostly included granulation tissue formation. The overall success rate was 87%. Over a median follow-up of 51 months (range 10-100 months), 30 patients (26%) died, mostly due to exacerbation of their underlying conditions.

Conclusions
BTS in elderly patients with co-morbidities can be safely and effectively treated by flexible bronchoscopic treatment modalities. The use of HDR brachytherapy to treat granulation tissue formation following successful airway restoration is promising.
Amyloid-β-Acetylcholinesterase complexes potentiate neurodegenerative changes induced by the Aβ peptide. Implications for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Dinamarca Margarita C , Sagal Juan P , Quintanilla Rodrigo A , Godoy Juan A , Arrázola Macarena S , Inestrosa Nibaldo C 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The presence of amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits in selected brain regions is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The amyloid deposits have "chaperone molecules" which play critical roles in amyloid formation and toxicity. We report here that treatment of rat hippocampal neurons with Aβ-acetylcholinesterase (Aβ-AChE) complexes induced neurite network dystrophia and apoptosis. Moreover, the Aβ-AChE complexes induced a sustained increase in intracellular Ca2+ as well as a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The Aβ-AChE oligomers complex also induced higher alteration of Ca2+ homeostasis compared with Aβ-AChE fibrillar complexes. These alterations in calcium homeostasis were reversed when the neurons were treated previously with lithium, a GSK-3β inhibitor; Wnt-7a ligand, an activator for Wnt Pathway; and an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist (MK-801), demonstrating protective roles for activation of the Wnt signaling pathway as well as for NMDA-receptor inhibition. Our results indicate that the Aβ-AChE complexes enhance Aβ-dependent deregulation of intracellular Ca2+ as well as mitochondrial dysfunction in hippocampal neurons, triggering an enhanced damage than Aβ alone. From a therapeutic point of view, activation of the Wnt signaling pathway, as well as NMDAR inhibition may be important factors to protect neurons under Aβ-AChE attack.
Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Danish horses
Authors: Hansen Marie GB , Christoffersen Mette , Thuesen Line R , Petersen Morten R , Bojesen Anders M 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato andAnaplasma phagocytophilumare able to infect horses. However, the extend to which Danish horses are infected and seroconvert due to these two bacteria is unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence ofB. burgdorferisensu lato andA. phagocytophilumin Danish horses.MethodsA total of 390 blood samples collected from all major regions of Denmark and with a geographical distribution corresponding to the density of the Danish horse population were analyzed. All samples were examined for the presence of antibodies againstB. burgdorferisensu lato andA. phagocytophilumby the use of the SNAP®4DX®ELISA test.ResultsOverall, 29.0% of the horses were seropositive forB. burgdorferisensu lato whereas 22.3% were seropositive forA. phagocytophilum.ConclusionsAntibodies againstB burgdorferisensu lato andA. phagocytophilumare commonly found among Danish horses thus showing that Danish horses are frequently infected by these organisms.
Erythropoietin elevates but not voluntary wheel running in mice
Authors: Kolb E. M. , Kelly S. A. , Middleton K. M. , Sermsakdi L. S. , Chappell M. A. , Garland T. 
Published: January 2010

SUMMARYVoluntary activity is a complex trait, comprising both behavioral (motivation, reward) and anatomical/physiological (ability) elements. In the present study, oxygen transport was investigated as a possible limitation to further increases in running by four replicate lines of mice that have been selectively bred for high voluntary wheel running and have reached an apparent selection limit. To increase oxygen transport capacity, erythrocyte density was elevated by the administration of an erythropoietin (EPO) analogue. Mice were given two EPO injections, two days apart, at one of two dose levels (100 or 300 μg kg–1). Hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]), maximal aerobic capacity during forced treadmill exercise () and voluntary wheel running were measured. [Hb] did not differ between high runner (HR) and non-selected control (C) lines without EPO treatment. Both doses of EPO significantly (P&lt;0.0001) increased [Hb] as compared with sham-injected animals, with no difference in [Hb] between the 100 μg kg–1 and 300 μg kg–1 dose levels (overall mean of 4.5 g dl–1 increase). EPO treatment significantly increased by ∼5% in both the HR and C lines, with no dose × line type interaction. However, wheel running (revolutions per day) did not increase with EPO treatment in either the HR or C lines, and in fact significantly decreased at the higher dose in both line types. These results suggest that neither [Hb] per se nor is limiting voluntary wheel running in the HR lines. Moreover, we hypothesize that the decrease in wheel running at the higher dose of EPO may reflect direct action on the reward pathway of the brain.