bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Training auscultatory skills: computer simulated heart sounds or additional bedside training? A randomized trial on third-year medical students
Authors: Sverdrup Øystein , Jensen Torstein , Solheim Svein , Gjesdal Knut 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
The present study compares the value of additional use of computer simulated heart sounds, to conventional bedside auscultation training, on the cardiac auscultation skills of 3rd year medical students at Oslo University Medical School.

Methods
In addition to their usual curriculum courses, groups of seven students each were randomized to receive four hours of additional auscultation training either employing a computer simulator system or adding on more conventional bedside training. Cardiac auscultation skills were afterwards tested using live patients. Each student gave a written description of the auscultation findings in four selected patients, and was rewarded from 0-10 points for each patient. Differences between the two study groups were evaluated using student's t-test.

Results
At the auscultation test no significant difference in mean score was found between the students who had used additional computer based sound simulation compared to additional bedside training.

Conclusions
Students at an early stage of their cardiology training demonstrated equal performance of cardiac auscultation whether they had received an additional short auscultation course based on computer simulated training, or had had additional bedside training.
Enhancing spatial detection accuracy for syndromic surveillance with street level incidence data
Authors: Savory David J , Cox Kenneth L , Emch Michael , Alemi Farrokh , Pattie David C 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe Department of Defense Military Health System operates a syndromic surveillance system that monitors medical records at more than 450 non-combat Military Treatment Facilities (MTF) worldwide. The Electronic Surveillance System for Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics (ESSENCE) uses both temporal and spatial algorithms to detect disease outbreaks. This study focuses on spatial detection and attempts to improve the effectiveness of the ESSENCE implementation of the spatial scan statistic by increasing the spatial resolution of incidence data from zip codes to street address level.MethodsInfluenza-Like Illness (ILI) was used as a test syndrome to develop methods to improve the spatial accuracy of detected alerts. Simulated incident clusters of various sizes were superimposed on real ILI incidents from the 2008/2009 influenza season. Clusters were detected using the spatial scan statistic and their displacement from simulated loci was measured. Detected cluster size distributions were also evaluated for compliance with simulated cluster sizes.ResultsRelative to the ESSENCE zip code based method, clusters detected using street level incidents were displaced on average 65% less for 2 and 5 mile radius clusters and 31% less for 10 mile radius clusters. Detected cluster size distributions for the street address method were quasi normal and sizes tended to slightly exceed simulated radii. ESSENCE methods yielded fragmented distributions and had high rates of zero radius and oversized clusters.ConclusionsSpatial detection accuracy improved notably with regard to both location and size when incidents were geocoded to street addresses rather than zip code centroids. Since street address geocoding success rates were only 73.5%, zip codes were still used for more than one quarter of ILI cases. Thus, further advances in spatial detection accuracy are dependant on systematic improvements in the collection of individual address information.
Vascular endothelial growth factor regulates myeloid cell leukemia-1 expression through neuropilin-1-dependent activation of c-MET signaling in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Shumin , Zhau Haiyen E , Osunkoya Adeboye O , Iqbal Shareen , Yang Xiaojian , Fan Songqing , Chen Zhengjia , Wang Ruoxiang , Marshall Fray F , Chung Leland WK , Wu Daqing 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundMyeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) is a member of the Bcl-2 family, which inhibits cell apoptosis by sequestering pro-apoptotic proteins Bim and Bid. Mcl-1 overexpression has been associated with progression in leukemia and some solid tumors including prostate cancer (PCa). However, the regulatory mechanism for Mcl-1 expression in PCa cells remains elusive.ResultsImmunohistochemical analyses revealed that Mcl-1 expression was elevated in PCa specimens with high Gleason grades and further significantly increased in bone metastasis, suggesting a pivotal role of Mcl-1 in PCa metastasis. We further found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a novel regulator of Mcl-1 expression in PCa cells. Inhibition of endogenous Mcl-1 induced apoptosis, indicating that Mcl-1 is an important survival factor in PCa cells. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), the "co-receptor" for VEGF165isoform, was found to be highly expressed in PCa cells, and indispensible in the regulation of Mcl-1. Intriguingly, VEGF165promoted physical interaction between NRP1 and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor c-MET, and facilitated c-MET phosphorylationviaa NRP1-dependent mechanism. VEGF165induction of Mcl-1 may involve rapid activation of Src kinases and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Stat3). Importantly, NRP1 overexpression and c-MET activation were positively associated with progression and bone metastasis in human PCa specimens and xenograft tissues.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that Mcl-1 overexpression is associated with PCa bone metastasis. Activation of VEGF165-NRP1-c-MET signaling could confer PCa cells survival advantages by up-regulating Mcl-1, contributing to PCa progression.
An M2e-based multiple antigenic peptide vaccine protects mice from lethal challenge with divergent H5N1 influenza viruses
Authors: Zhao Guangyu , Lin Yongping , Du Lanying , Guan Jie , Sun Shihui , Sui Hongyan , Kou Zhihua , Chan Chris CS , Guo Yan , Jiang Shibo , Zheng Bo-Jian , Zhou Yusen 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
A growing concern has raised regarding the pandemic potential of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop an effective and safe vaccine against the divergent H5N1 influenza viruses. In the present study, we designed a tetra-branched multiple antigenic peptide (MAP)-based vaccine, designated M2e-MAP, which contains the sequence overlapping the highly conserved extracellular domain of matrix protein 2 (M2e) of a HPAI H5N1 virus, and investigated its immune responses and cross-protection against different clades of H5N1 viruses.

Results
Our results showed that M2e-MAP vaccine induced strong M2e-specific IgG antibody responses following 3-dose immunization of mice with M2e-MAP in the presence of Freunds' or aluminium (alum) adjuvant. M2e-MAP vaccination limited viral replication and attenuated histopathological damage in the challenged mouse lungs. The M2e-MAP-based vaccine protected immunized mice against both clade1: VN/1194 and clade2.3.4: SZ/406H H5N1 virus challenge, being able to counteract weight lost and elevate survival rate following lethal challenge of H5N1 viruses.

Conclusions
These results suggest that M2e-MAP presenting M2e of H5N1 virus has a great potential to be developed into an effective subunit vaccine for the prevention of infection by a broad spectrum of HPAI H5N1 viruses.
Wnt-5aoccludes Aβ oligomer-induced depression of glutamatergic transmission in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Cerpa Waldo , Farías Ginny G , Godoy Juan A , Fuenzalida Marco , Bonansco Christian , Inestrosa Nibaldo C 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Soluble amyloid-β (Aβ;) oligomers have been recognized to be early and key intermediates in Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related synaptic dysfunction. Aβ oligomers block hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and impair rodent spatial memory. Wnt signaling plays an important role in neural development, including synaptic differentiation.

Results
We report here that the Wnt signaling activation prevents the synaptic damage triggered by Aβ oligomers. Electrophysiological analysis of Schaffer collaterals-CA1 glutamatergic synaptic transmission in hippocampal slices indicates that Wnt-5a increases the amplitude of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) and both AMPA and NMDA components of the excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), without modifying the paired pulse facilitation (PPF). Conversely, in the presence of Aβ oligomers the fEPSP and EPSCs amplitude decreased without modification of the PPF, while the postsynaptic scaffold protein (PSD-95) decreased as well. Co-perfusion of hippocampal slices with Wnt-5a and Aβ oligomers occludes against the synaptic depression of EPSCs as well as the reduction of PSD-95 clusters induced by Aβ oligomers in neuronal cultures. Taken together these results indicate that Wnt-5a and Aβ oligomers inversely modulate postsynaptic components.

Conclusion
These results indicate that post-synaptic damage induced by Aβ oligomers in hippocampal neurons is prevented by non-canonical Wnt pathway activation.
Effects of a fish oil containing lipid emulsion on plasma phospholipid fatty acids, inflammatory markers, and clinical outcomes in septic patients: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Barbosa Vera M , Miles Elizabeth A , Calhau Conceição , Lafuente Estevão , Calder Philip C 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Introduction
The effect of parenteral fish oil in septic patients is not widely studied. This study investigated the effects of parenteral fish oil on plasma phospholipid fatty acids, inflammatory mediators, and clinical outcomes.

Methods
Twenty-five patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis, and predicted to need parenteral nutrition were randomized to receive either a 50:50 mixture of medium-chain fatty acids and soybean oil or a 50:40:10 mixture of medium-chain fatty acids, soybean oil and fish oil. Parenteral nutrition was administrated continuously for five days from admission. Cytokines and eicosanoids were measured in plasma and in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated whole blood culture supernatants. Fatty acids were measured in plasma phosphatidylcholine.

Results
Fish oil increased eicosapentaenoic acid in plasma phosphatidylcholine (P < 0.001). Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 concentration decreased significantly more, and IL-10 significantly less, in the fish oil group (both P < 0.001). At Day 6 the ratio PO2/FiO2 was significantly higher in the fish oil group (P = 0.047) and there were fewer patients with PO2/FiO2 <200 and <300 in the fish oil group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively). Days of ventilation, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and mortality were not different between the two groups. The fish oil group tended to have a shorter length of hospital stay (22 ± 7 vs. 55 ± 16 days; P = 0.079) which became significant (28 ± 9 vs. 82 ± 19 days; P = 0.044) when only surviving patients were included.

Conclusions
Inclusion of fish oil in parenteral nutrition provided to septic ICU patients increases plasma eicosapentaenoic acid, modifies inflammatory cytokine concentrations and improves gas exchange. These changes are associated with a tendency towards shorter length of hospital stay.

Trials Registration
Clinical Trials Registration Number ISRCTN89432944
Neuroligin-deficient mutants ofC. eleganshave sensory processing deficits and are hypersensitive to oxidative stress and mercury toxicity
Authors: Hunter Jerrod W. , Mullen Gregory P. , McManus John R. , Heatherly Jessica M. , Duke Angie , Rand James B. 
Published: January 2010

SUMMARYNeuroligins are postsynaptic cell adhesion proteins that bind specifically to presynaptic membrane proteins called neurexins. Mutations in human neuroligin genes are associated with autism spectrum disorders in some families. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has a single neuroligin gene (nlg-1), and approximately a sixth of C. elegans neurons, including some sensory neurons, interneurons and a subset of cholinergic motor neurons, express a neuroligin transcriptional reporter. Neuroligin-deficient mutants of C. elegans are viable, and they do not appear deficient in any major motor functions. However, neuroligin mutants are defective in a subset of sensory behaviors and sensory processing, and are hypersensitive to oxidative stress and mercury compounds; the behavioral deficits are strikingly similar to traits frequently associated with autism spectrum disorders. Our results suggest a possible link between genetic defects in synapse formation or function, and sensitivity to environmental factors in the development of autism spectrum disorders.
Experimental study on the mechanical properties of the horn sheaths from cattle
Authors: Li B. W. , Zhao H. P. , Feng X. Q. , Guo W. W. , Shan S. C. 
Published: January 2010

SUMMARY
Bovine horn is composed of a sheath of keratin overlying a bony core. Previous studies of the bovine horn sheath have focused mainly on its morphology and compositions. In the present paper, we performed a series of uniaxial tension, three-point bending, and fracture tests to investigate the structural and mechanical properties of the horn sheaths from subadult cattle, Bos taurus. The effects of hydration on the mechanical properties were examined and their variations along the longitudinal direction of the horn sheath were addressed. Scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces showed that the horn sheath has a layered structure and, more interestingly, the laminae have a rippled appearance. The Young's modulus and tensile strength increase from 850 MPa and 40 MPa at 19% water content to 2.3 GPa and 154 MPa at 0% water content, respectively. The Poisson's ratio of the horn sheath was about 0.38. The critical stress intensity factor was about 4.76 MPa m1/2 at an intermediate hydration (8% water content), greater than that at 0% water content (3.86 MPa m1/2) and 19% water content (2.56 MPa m1/2). The bending properties of the samples varied along the length of the horn. The mean flexural moduli of the specimens in the distal, middle and proximal parts were about 6.26 GPa, 5.93 GPa and 4.98 GPa, respectively; whereas the mean yield strength in the distal segment was about 152.4 MPa, distinctly higher than that in the middle (135.7 MPa) and proximal parts (116.4 MPa). This study deepens our understanding of the relationships among optimal structure, property and function of cattle horn sheaths.
Regulation of Bacterial Conjugation in Microaerobiosis by Host-Encoded Functions ArcAB and SdhABCD
Authors: Serna Ana , Espinosa Elena , Camacho Eva M , Casadesús Josep 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The virulence plasmid of Salmonella enterica (pSLT) is an F-like conjugative plasmid. High rates of pSLT transfer occur in the mammalian gut, a microaerobic environment. In this study, we describe genetic screens for host-encoded activators and repressors of the transfer operon (tra) of pSLT. We show that the transcription factor ArcA is an activator of conjugation, especially under microaerobiosis. In turn, succinate dehydrogenase (SdhABCD) is a repressor of mating in aerobiosis. ArcA binds upstream of the main tra promoter (ptraY) and activates tra transcription, as previously described in F, R1, and R100. In the absence of ArcA, transfer of pSLT decreased 7-fold in aerobiosis and &gt;100-fold in microaerobiosis. In aerobiosis, ArcA activates the traY promoter in an ArcB-independent manner, as described in other F-like plasmids. In microaerobiosis, however, the ArcB sensor is necessary for activation of ptraY. Lack of Sdh causes a &gt;20-fold increase in pSLT transfer in aerobiosis, but has little effect under microaerobiosis. Sdh inhibits conjugal transfer by reducing traJ transcription, probably in an indirect manner. In turn, the sdhCDAB operon is repressed by the ArcAB system under microaerobiosis. Hence, the ArcAB two-component system of S. enterica stimulates pSLT transfer under microaerobiosis by two concerted actions: activation of the tra operon and repression of the sdhCDAB operon.
Flavonoid Phytoalexin-Dependent Resistance to Anthracnose Leaf Blight Requires a Functional yellow seed1 in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Ibraheem Farag , Gaffoor Iffa , Chopra Surinder 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
In Sorghum bicolor, a group of phytoalexins are induced at the site of infection by Colletotrichum sublineolum, the anthracnose fungus. These compounds, classified as 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, have structural similarities to the precursors of phlobaphenes. Sorghum yellow seed1 (y1) encodes a MYB transcription factor that regulates phlobaphene biosynthesis. Using the candystripe1 transposon mutagenesis system in sorghum, we have isolated functional revertants as well as loss-of-function alleles of y1. These near-isogenic lines of sorghum show that, compared to functionally revertant alleles, loss of y1 lines do not accumulate phlobaphenes. Molecular characterization of two null y1 alleles shows a partial internal deletion in the y1 sequence. These null alleles, designated as y1-ww1 and y1-ww4, do not accumulate 3-deoxyanthocyanidins when challenged with the nonpathogenic fungus Cochliobolus heterostrophus. Further, as compared to the wild-type allele, both y1-ww1 and y1-ww4 show greater susceptibility to the pathogenic fungus C. sublineolum. In fungal-inoculated wild-type seedlings, y1 and its target flavonoid structural genes are coordinately expressed. However, in y1-ww1 and y1-ww4 seedlings where y1 is not expressed, steady-state transcripts of its target genes could not be detected. Cosegregation analysis showed that the functional y1 gene is genetically linked with resistance to C. sublineolum. Overall results demonstrate that the accumulation of sorghum 3-deoxyanthocyanidin phytoalexins and resistance to C. sublineolum in sorghum require a functional y1 gene.
Duplication Frequency in a Population of Salmonella enterica Rapidly Approaches Steady State With or Without Recombination
Authors: Reams Andrew B , Kofoid Eric , Savageau Michael , Roth John R 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Tandem duplications are among the most common mutation events. The high loss rate of duplication suggested that the frequency of duplications in a bacterial population (1/1000) might reflect a steady state dictated by relative rates of formation (kF) and loss (kL). This possibility was tested for three genetic loci. Without homologous recombination (RecA), duplication loss rate dropped essentially to zero, but formation rate decreased only slightly and a steady state was still reached rapidly. Under all conditions, steady state was reached faster than predicted by formation and loss rates alone. A major factor in determining steady state proved to be the fitness cost, which can exceed 40% for some genomic regions. Depending on the region tested, duplications reached 40–98% of the steady-state frequency within 30 generations—approximately the growth required for a single cell to produce a saturated overnight culture or form a large colony on solid medium (109 cells). Long-term bacterial populations are stably polymorphic for duplications of every region of their genome. These polymorphisms contribute to rapid genetic adaptation by providing frequent preexisting mutations that are beneficial whenever imposed selection favors increases in some gene activity. While the reported results were obtained with the bacterium Salmonella enterica, the genetic implications seem likely to be of broader biological relevance.
Pulp Capping with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA): A Retrospective Analysis of Carious Pulp Exposures Treated by Undergraduate Dental Students
Authors: Miles J. P. , Gluskin A. H. , Chambers D. , Peters O. A. 
Published: January 2010

Clinical RelevanceCarious pulp exposures present a therapeutic challenge for clinicians. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a treatment option that may provide successful outcomes for the capping of carious pulp exposures in adult patients. However, the success measured as pulp survival over a period of one and two years of pulp caps performed by undergraduate dental students may be low. This study provides data regarding the impact of exposure sizes and other pre-operative variables on outcomes of MTA pulp caps in adults.
Evaluation of Bond Strength and Internal Adaptation Between the Dental Cavity and Adhesives Applied in One and Two Layers
Authors: Soares C. G. , Carracho H. G. , Braun A. P. , Borges G. A. , Hirakata L. M. , Spohr A. M. 
Published: January 2010

Clinical Relevance
The double layer of adhesive promoted a slight increase in bond strength for Scotchbond MP and Clearfil SE Bond. However, this technique did not promote improvement in the internal adaptation between the dental cavity and the adhesive systems tested.
Adhesive Bond Strengths to Enamel and Dentin Using Recommended and Extended Treatment Times
Authors: Kimmes N. S. , Barkmeier W. W. , Erickson R. L. , Latta M. A. 
Published: January 2010

Clinical Relevance
Self-etch adhesive systems are promoted as being more efficient for bonding procedures by using fewer treatment steps to condition tooth surfaces for bonding resin-based materials. Concern has been expressed regarding the ability of the newer self-etch adhesives to yield strong, durable bonds when compared to more traditional etch-and-rinse systems. Extending the treatment time of etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives does not appear to result in relevant increases in the bond strength of resin composites to enamel or dentin.
Restoration of Occlusal Vertical Dimension in Dental Erosion Caused by Gastroesophageal Reflux: Case Report
Authors: Reston E. G. , Closs L. Q. , Busato A. L. S. , Broliato G. A. , Tessarollo F. R. 
Published: January 2010

PURPOSE
The authors describe a minimally invasive procedure for occlusal rehabilitation in a young patient presenting with mild mandibular prognathism and loss of occlusal vertical dimension caused by dental erosion from chronic gastroesophageal reflux.
Calculation of atomic spontaneous emission rate in 1D finite photonic crystal with defects
Authors: Rudziński Adam , Szczepański Paweł 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
We derive an expression for the spontaneous-emission rate in finite one-dimensional photonic crystals with arbitrary defects, using the effective resonator model to describe electromagnetic field distributions in the structure. We obtain explicit formulae for contributions from different modes, i.e. radiation, substrate and guided modes. Formal calculations are illustrated by a few numerical examples, which demonstrate that application of the effective resonator model simplifies the interpretation of results.
Cosmological implications of the tetron model of elementary particles
Authors: Lampe Bodo 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Based on a possible solution to the tetron spin problem, a modification of the standard Big Bang scenario is suggested, where the advent of a space-time manifold is connected to the appearance of tetronic bound states. The metric tensor is constructed from tetron constituents and the reason for cosmic inflation is elucidated. Furthermore, there are natural dark matter candidates in the tetron model. The ratio of ordinary to dark matter in the universe is calculated to be 1:5.
The Leafhopper Typhlocyba froggatti Baker as an Apple Pest in Ontario
Authors: Phillips J. H. H. 
Published: January 2010

A large apple orchard at Queenston, Ont., was sprayed regularly with DDT in 1946, 1947, and 1948, but in 1949 part of it was left unsprayed. The unsprayed trees became so heavily infestcd with leafhoppers that by the end of August the foliage was severely injured. The injury was similar to that caused by the white apple leafhopper, Typhlocyba pomaria McAtee.A collection of more than 200 nymphs was made on August 11 and reared to maturity, and additional adults were collected on August 29. All of the males, except a few specimens of Erythroneura lawsoniana Baker, proved to be Typhlocyba froggatti Baker.