bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Acromiohumeral Distance in Overhead Athletes With Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Loss and the Influence of a Stretching Program
Authors: Maenhout Annelies , Van Eessel Valerie , Van Dyck Lieselot , Vanraes Aagje , Cools Ann 
Published: August 2012

Background: Loss of internal rotation range of motion (ROM) on the dominant side is well documented in athletes performing overhead sports activity. This altered motion pattern has been shown to change glenohumeral and scapular kinematics. This could compromise the subacromial space and explain the association between glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) and subacromial impingement. Purpose: First, to quantify acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and compare between the dominant and nondominant side in overhead athletes with GIRD of more than 15°. Second, to investigate the effect of a sleeper stretch program on ROM and AHD. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Range of motion was measured with a digital inclinometer and AHD was measured with ultrasound in 62 overhead athletes with GIRD (>15°) at baseline. Differences between sides were analyzed. Athletes were randomly allocated to the stretch (n = 30) or control group (n = 32). The stretch group performed a 6-week sleeper stretch program on the dominant side. Change of range of motion and AHD were measured and analyzed in both groups after 6 weeks. Results: The dominant side showed a significant internal rotation deficit (−24.7° ± 6.3°) and horizontal adduction deficit (−11.8° ± 7.4°) and the dominant side AHD was significantly smaller with the arm at neutral (−0.4 ± 0.6 mm) and at 45° (−0.5 ± 0.8 mm) and 60° (−0.6 ± 0.7 mm) of active abduction compared with the nondominant side. After stretching, significant increase of internal rotation (+13.5° ± 0.8°), horizontal adduction (+10.6° ± 0.9°) ROM and AHD (+0.5 to +0.6mm) was observed at the dominant side of the stretch group compared with prestretching measurements. No significant change of AHD was seen in the nondominant side of the stretch group and in both sides of the control group. Conclusion: The AHD, a 2-dimensional measure for subacromial space, was found to be smaller on the dominant side in athletes with GIRD and was found to increase after a 6-week sleeper stretch program. Clinical Relevance: These findings might provide insight into the relation between GIRD and subacromial impingement but future studies are needed to determine clinical implications.
Dicer is selectively important for the earliest stages of erythroid development
Authors: Buza-Vidas Natalija , Cismasiu Valeriu B. , Moore Susan , Mead Adam J. , Woll Petter S. , Lutteropp Michael , Melchiori Luca , Luc Sidinh , Bouriez-Jones Tiphaine , Atkinson Deborah , O'Carroll Donal , Jacobsen Sten Eirik W. , Nerlov Claus 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) are involved in many aspects of normal and malignant hematopoiesis, including hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal, proliferation, and terminal differentiation. However, a role for miRs in the generation of the earliest stages of lineage committed progenitors from HSCs has not been identified. Using Dicer inactivation, we show that the miR complex is not only essential for HSC maintenance but is specifically required for their erythroid programming and subsequent generation of committed erythroid progenitors. In bipotent pre-MegEs, loss of Dicer up-regulated transcription factors preferentially expressed in megakaryocyte progenitors (Gata2 and Zfpm1) and decreased expression of the erythroid-specific Klf1 transcription factor. These results show a specific requirement for Dicer in acquisition of erythroid lineage programming and potential in HSCs and their subsequent erythroid lineage differentiation, and in particular indicate a role for the miR complex in achieving proper balance of lineage-specific transcriptional regulators necessary for HSC multilineage potential to be maintained.
The first comprehensive and quantitative analysis of human platelet protein composition allows the comparative analysis of structural and functional pathways
Authors: Burkhart Julia M. , Vaudel Marc , Gambaryan Stepan , Radau Sonja , Walter Ulrich , Martens Lennart , Geiger Jörg , Sickmann Albert , Zahedi René P. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAntiplatelet treatment is of fundamental importance in combatting functions/dysfunction of platelets in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Dysfunction of anucleate platelets is likely to be completely attributable to alterations in posttranslational modifications and protein expression. We therefore examined the proteome of platelets highly purified from fresh blood donations, using elaborate protocols to ensure negligible contamination by leukocytes, erythrocytes, and plasma. Using quantitative mass spectrometry, we created the first comprehensive and quantitative human platelet proteome, comprising almost 4000 unique proteins, estimated copy numbers for ∼ 3700 of those, and assessed intersubject (4 donors) as well as intrasubject (3 different blood samples from 1 donor) variations of the proteome. For the first time, our data allow for a systematic and weighted appraisal of protein networks and pathways in human platelets, and indicate the feasibility of differential and comprehensive proteome analyses from small blood donations. Because 85% of the platelet proteome shows no variation between healthy donors, this study represents the starting point for disease-oriented platelet proteomics. In the near future, comprehensive and quantitative comparisons between normal and well-defined dysfunctional platelets, or between platelets obtained from donors at various stages of chronic cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases will be feasible.
The evolving contribution of hematopoietic progenitor cells to lymphomagenesis
Authors: Weigert Oliver , Weinstock David M. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Recent genomic studies have outlined a landscape of recurrent alterations within some subtypes of lymphoid cancer. Yet, the timing and cellular contexts during which these alterations occur (ie, the molecular ontogeny) remain poorly understood. Lymphoid malignancies offer an exceptional opportunity to delineate the ontogeny of somatic alterations, as lymphocyte differentiation absolutely requires the introduction of indelible genetic rearrangements at antigen receptor loci during specific stages of maturation. We review competing models of lymphomagenesis and highlight evolving evidence that somatic alterations in uncommitted hematopoietic progenitors contribute to some mature lymphoid neoplasms. These progenitors could serve as reservoirs for further clonal evolution and thereby contribute to therapeutic resistance, tumor relapse, and the development of second hematologic malignancies. Defining the pathways that are dysregulated within early progenitors and the ontogeny of subsequent alterations that contribute to lymphoid transformation could establish novel therapeutic targets across a variety of hematologic malignancies and even guide avenues for future preventive strategies.
The mammalian PYHIN gene family: Phylogeny, evolution and expression
Authors: Cridland Jasmyn A , Curley Eva Z , Wykes Michelle N , Schroder Kate , Sweet Matthew J , Roberts Tara L , Ragan Mark A , Kassahn Karin S , Stacey Katryn J 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Proteins of the mammalian PYHIN (IFI200/HIN-200) family are involved in defence against infection through recognition of foreign DNA. The family member absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) binds cytosolic DNA via its HIN domain and initiates inflammasome formation via its pyrin domain. AIM2 lies within a cluster of related genes, many of which are uncharacterised in mouse. To better understand the evolution, orthology and function of these genes, we have documented the range of PYHIN genes present in representative mammalian species, and undertaken phylogenetic and expression analyses.

Results
No PYHIN genes are evident in non-mammals or monotremes, with a single member found in each of three marsupial genomes. Placental mammals show variable family expansions, from one gene in cow to four in human and 14 in mouse. A single HIN domain appears to have evolved in the common ancestor of marsupials and placental mammals, and duplicated to give rise to three distinct forms (HIN-A, -B and -C) in the placental mammal ancestor. Phylogenetic analyses showed that AIM2 HIN-C and pyrin domains clearly diverge from the rest of the family, and it is the only PYHIN protein with orthology across many species. Interestingly, although AIM2 is important in defence against some bacteria and viruses in mice, AIM2 is a pseudogene in cow, sheep, llama, dolphin, dog and elephant. The other 13 mouse genes have arisen by duplication and rearrangement within the lineage, which has allowed some diversification in expression patterns.

Conclusions
The role of AIM2 in forming the inflammasome is relatively well understood, but molecular interactions of other PYHIN proteins involved in defence against foreign DNA remain to be defined. The non-AIM2 PYHIN protein sequences are very distinct from AIM2, suggesting they vary in effector mechanism in response to foreign DNA, and may bind different DNA structures. The PYHIN family has highly varied gene composition between mammalian species due to lineage-specific duplication and loss, which probably indicates different adaptations for fighting infectious disease. Non-genomic DNA can indicate infection, or a mutagenic threat. We hypothesise that defence of the genome against endogenous retroelements has been an additional evolutionary driver for PYHIN proteins.
CrMPK3, a mitogen activated protein kinase from Catharanthus roseusand its possible role in stress induced biosynthesis of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids
Authors: Raina Susheel Kumar , Wankhede Dhammaprakash Pandhari , Jaggi Monika , Singh Pallavi , Jalmi Siddhi Kashinath , Raghuram Badmi , Sheikh Arsheed Hussain , Sinha Alok Krishna 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is an important signaling cascade that operates in stress signal transduction in plants. The biologically active monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIA) produced in Catharanthus roseus are known to be induced under several abiotic stress conditions such as wounding, UV-B etc. However involvement of any signaling component in the accumulation of MIAs remains poorly investigated so far. Here we report isolation of a novel abiotic stress inducible Catharanthus roseus MAPK, CrMPK3 that may have role in accumulation of MIAs in response to abiotic stress.

Results
CrMPK3 expressed in bacterial system is an active kinase as it showed auto-phosphorylation and phosphorylation of Myelin Basic Protein. CrMPK3 though localized in cytoplasm, moves to nucleus upon wounding. Wounding, UV treatment and MeJA application on C. roseus leaves resulted in the transcript accumulation of CrMPK3 as well as activation of MAPK in C. roseus leaves. Immuno-precipitation followed by immunoblot analysis revealed that wounding, UV treatment and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) activate CrMPK3. Transient over-expression of CrMPK3 in C. roseus leaf tissue showed enhanced expression of key MIA biosynthesis pathway genes and also accumulation of specific MIAs.

Conclusion
Results from our study suggest a possible involvement of CrMPK3 in abiotic stress signal transduction towards regulation of transcripts of key MIA biosynthetic pathway genes, regulators and accumulation of major MIAs.
Diagnostic accuracy of the STRATIFY clinical prediction rule for falls: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Billington Jennifer , Fahey Tom , Galvin Rose 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The STRATIFY score is a clinical prediction rule (CPR) derived to assist clinicians to identify patients at risk of falling. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the overall diagnostic accuracy of the STRATIFY rule across a variety of clinical settings.

Methods
A literature search was performed to identify all studies that validated the STRATIFY rule. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. A STRATIFY score of ≥2 points was used to identify individuals at higher risk of falling. All included studies were combined using a bivariate random effects model to generate pooled sensitivity and specificity of STRATIFY at ≥2 points. Heterogeneity was assessed using the variance of logit transformed sensitivity and specificity.

Results
Seventeen studies were included in our meta-analysis, incorporating 11,378 patients. At a score ≥2 points, the STRATIFY rule is more useful at ruling out falls in those classified as low risk, with a greater pooled sensitivity estimate (0.67, 95% CI 0.52–0.80) than specificity (0.57, 95% CI 0.45 – 0.69). The sensitivity analysis which examined the performance of the rule in different settings and subgroups also showed broadly comparable results, indicating that the STRATIFY rule performs in a similar manner across a variety of different ‘at risk’ patient groups in different clinical settings.

Conclusion
This systematic review shows that the diagnostic accuracy of the STRATIFY rule is limited and should not be used in isolation for identifying individuals at high risk of falls in clinical practice.
Exploring psychotic symptoms: a comparison of motor related neuronal activation during and after acute psychosis
Authors: Sheridan Rains Luke , Fallica Gregory , O’Daly Owen , Gilleen James , Giampetro Vincent , Morley Lucy , Shergill Sukhi 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundDelusions and hallucinations are classic positive symptoms of schizophrenia. A contemporary cognitive theory called the ‘forward output model’ suggests that the misattribution of self-generated actions may underlie some of these types of symptoms, such as delusions of control – the experience of self-generated action being controlled by an external agency. In order to examine the validity of this suggestion, we performed a longitudinal functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study examining neuronal activation associated with motor movement during acute psychosis.MethodsWe studied brain activation using fMRI during a motor task in 11 patients with schizophrenia and 9 healthy controls. The patient group was tested at two time points separated by 6–8 weeks.ResultsAt initial testing, the patient group had a mean Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score of 56.3, and showed significantly increased activation within the left inferior parietal lobe (IPL) compared to controls. Patients reported significantly decreased positive symptoms at 6–8 week followup and IPL activation had returned to normal. Our results demonstrate that first-rank positive symptoms are associated with hyperactivation in the secondary somatosensory cortex (IPL).ConclusionsThese findings lend further credence to the theory that a dysfunction in the sensory feedback system located in the IPL, and which is thought to underlie our sense of agency, may contribute to the aetiology of delusions of control.
Legionella on board trains: effectiveness of environmental surveillance and decontamination
Authors: Quaranta Gianluigi , Vincenti Sara , Ferriero Anna Maria , Boninti Federica , Sezzatini Romina , Turnaturi Cinzia , Gliubizzi Maria Daniela , Munafò Elio , Ceccarelli Gianluca , Causarano Carmelo , Accorsi Massimo , Del Nord Pasquale , Ricciardi Walter , Laurenti Patrizia 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background

Legionella pneumophila is increasingly recognised as a significant cause of sporadic and epidemic community-acquired and nosocomial pneumonia. Many studies describe the frequency and severity of Legionella spp. contamination in spa pools, natural pools, hotels and ships, but there is no study analysing the environmental monitoring of Legionella on board trains. The aims of the present study were to conduct periodic and precise environmental surveillance of Legionella spp. in water systems and water tanks that supply the toilet systems on trains, to assess the degree of contamination of such structures and to determine the effectiveness of decontamination.

Methods
A comparative pre-post ecological study was conducted from September 2006 to January 2011. A total of 1,245 water samples were collected from plumbing and toilet water tanks on passenger trains. The prevalence proportion of all positive samples was calculated. The unpaired t-test was performed to evaluate statistically significant differences between the mean load values before and after the decontamination procedures; statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results
In the pre-decontamination period, 58% of the water samples were positive for Legionella. Only Legionella pneumophila was identified: 55.84% were serogroup 1, 19.03% were serogroups 2–14 and 25.13% contained both serogroups. The mean bacterial load value was 2.14 × 103 CFU/L. During the post-decontamination period, 42.75% of water samples were positive for Legionella spp.; 98.76% were positive for Legionella pneumophila: 74.06% contained serogroup 1, 16.32% contained serogroups 2–14 and 9.62% contained both. The mean bacterial load in the post-decontamination period was 1.72 × 103 CFU/L. According to the t-test, there was a statistically significant decrease in total bacterial load until approximately one and a half year after beginning the decontamination programme (p = 0.0097).

Conclusions
This study indicates that systematic environmental surveillance could be a useful approach for assessing the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria, which still represents a public health threat. According to the study results, an environmental surveillance programme, followed by decontamination procedures where necessary, would decrease the total bacterial count, protecting the health of travellers and workers.
Effects of sildenafil and/or muscle derived stem cells on myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Judy SC , Kovanecz Istvan , Vernet Dolores , Nolazco Gaby , Kopchok George E , Chow Sheryl L , White Rodney A , Gonzalez-Cadavid Nestor F 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have shown that long-term oral daily PDE 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) counteract fibrosis, cell loss, and the resulting dysfunction in tissues of various rat organs and that implantation of skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (MDSC) exerts some of these effects. PDE5i and stem cells in combination were found to be more effective in non-MI cardiac repair than each treatment separately. We have now investigated whether sildenafil at lower doses and MDSC, alone or in combination are effective to attenuate LV remodeling after MI in rats.MethodsMI was induced in rats by ligature of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Treatment groups were: “Series A”: 1) untreated; 2) oral sildenafil 3 mg/kg/day from day 1; and “Series B”: intracardiac injection at day 7 of: 3) saline; 4) rat MDSC (106cells); 5) as #4, with sildenafil as in #2. Before surgery, and at 1 and 4 weeks, the left ventricle ejection fraction(LVEF)was measured. LV sections were stained for collagen,myofibroblasts, apoptosis, cardiomyocytes, and iNOS, followed by quantitative image analysis.Western blots estimated angiogenesis and myofibroblast accumulation, as well as potential sildenafil tachyphylaxis by PDE 5 expression. Zymography estimated MMPs 2 and 9 in serum.ResultsAs compared to untreated MI rats, sildenafil improved LVEF, reduced collagen, myofibroblasts, and circulating MMPs, and increased cardiac troponin T. MDSC replicated most of these effects and stimulated cardiac angiogenesis. Concurrent MDSC/sildenafil counteracted cardiomyocyte and endothelial cells loss, but did not improve LVEF or angiogenesis, and upregulated PDE 5.ConclusionsLong-term oral sildenafil, or MDSC given separately, reduce the MI fibrotic scar and improve left ventricular function in this rat model. The failure of the treatment combination may be due to inducing overexpression of PDE5.
Rapid and selective separation for mixed proteins with thiol functionalized magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Soo Youn , Ahn Chi Young , Lee Jiho , Lee Jin Hyung , Chang Jeong Ho 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Thiol group functionalized silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (Si-MNPs@SH) were synthesized for rapid and selective magnetic field-based separation of mixed proteins. The highest adsorption efficiencies of binary proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA; 66 kDa; pI = 4.65) and lysozyme (LYZ; 14.3 kDa; pI = 11) were shown at the pH values corresponding to their own pI in the single-component protein. In the mixed protein, however, the adsorption performance of BSA and LYZ by Si-MNPs@SH was governed not only by pH but also by the molecular weight of each protein in the mixed protein.
Photoluminescence enhancement of quantum dots on Ag nanoneedles
Authors: Ahmed Syed Rahin , Cha Hee Ryoung , Park Jung Youn , Park Enoch Y , Lee Dongyun , Lee Jaebeom 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Noble metal nanostructure allows us to tune optical and electrical properties, which has high utility for real-world application. We studied surface plasmon-induced emission of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) on engineered metallic nanostructures. Highly passive organic ZnS-capped CdSe QDs were spin-coated on poly-(methyl methacrylate)-covered Ag films, which brought QDs near the metallic surface. We obtained the enhanced electromagnetic field and reduced fluorescence lifetimes from CdSe/ZnS QDs due to the strong coupling of emitter wave function with the Ag plasmon resonance. Observed changes include a six-fold increase in the fluorescence intensity and striking reduction in fluorescence lifetimes of CdSe/ZnS QDs on rough Ag nanoneedle compared to the case of smooth surfaces. The advantages of using those nanocomposites are expected for high-efficiency light-emitting diodes, platform fabrication of biological and environmental monitoring, and high-contrast imaging.
Extending the scope of empirical mode decomposition by smoothing
Authors: Kim Donghoh , Kim Kyungmee O , Oh Hee-Seok 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis article considers extending the scope of the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method. The extension is aimed at noisy data and irregularly spaced data, which is necessary for widespread applicability of EMD. The proposed algorithm, called statistical EMD (SEMD), uses a smoothing technique instead of an interpolation when constructing upper and lower envelopes. Using SEMD, we discuss how to identify non-informative fluctuations such as noise, outliers, and ultra-high frequency components from the signal, and to decompose irregularly spaced data into several components without distortions.
Movement adds bite to the evolutionary morphology of mammalian teeth
Authors: David Polly P 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSelection and constraints put limits on morphological evolution. Mammalian teeth are no exception, and the need for them to meet precisely exerts exacting constraints on a staggering array of developmental and functional factors that must be integrated to maintain their performance as they evolve. A study inBMC Evolutionary Biologydemonstrates that mandibular movement is an important component of this integration, and one that should not be neglected in the quantitiative study of the evolution of tooth morphology.See research articlehttp://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2148/12/146/