bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome Sequence of Kosmotoga olearia Strain TBF 19.5.1, a Thermophilic Bacterium with a Wide Growth Temperature Range, Isolated from the Troll B Oil Platform in the North Sea
Authors: Swithers Kristen S. , DiPippo Jonathan L. , Bruce David C. , Detter Christopher , Tapia Roxanne , Han Shunsheng , Goodwin Lynne A. , Han James , Woyke Tanja , Pitluck Sam , Pennacchio Len , Nolan Matthew , Mikhailova Natalia , Land Miriam L. , Nesbø Camilla L. , Gogarten J. Peter , Noll Kenneth M. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACT

Kosmotoga olearia
strain TBF 19.5.1 is a member of the
Thermotogales
that grows best at 65°C and very well even at 37°C. Information about this organism is important for understanding the evolution of mesophiles from thermophiles. Its genome sequence reveals extensive gene gains and a large content of mobile genetic elements. It also contains putative hydrogenase genes that have no homologs in the other member of the
Thermotogales
.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Dog Commensal and Human Pathogen Capnocytophaga canimorsus Strain 5
Authors: Manfredi Pablo , Pagni Marco , Cornelis Guy R. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTCapnocytophaga canimorsusis a commensal Gram-negative bacterium, originally isolated from a dog's mouth, that causes septicemia in humans.C. canimorsushas the unusual ability to feed on host cells, including phagocytes. This capacity depends on surface-exposed glycan-foraging systems. Here we present the first complete genome sequence of aC. canimorsusstrain (Cc5).
2-Deoxyglucose Induces Noxa-Dependent Apoptosis in Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Ramírez-Peinado Silvia , Alcázar-Limones Fermín , Lagares-Tena Laura , El Mjiyad Nadia , Caro-Maldonado Alfredo , Tirado Oscar M. , Muñoz-Pinedo Cristina 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Alveolar and embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas are childhood tumors that do not respond well to current chemotherapies. Here, we report that the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) can efficiently promote cell death in alveolar, but not embryonal, rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines. Notably, 2-DG also induced cell differentiation accompanied by downregulation of PAX3/FOXO1a, the chromosome translocation–encoded fusion protein that is a central oncogenic driver in this disease. Cell death triggered by 2-DG was associated with its ability to activate Bax and Bak. Overexpression of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 homologues Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 prevented apoptosis, indicating that cell death proceeds through the mitochondrial pathway. Mechanistic investigations indicated that Mcl-1 downregulation and Noxa upregulation were critical for 2-DG–induced apoptosis. In addition, 2-DG promoted eIF2α phosphorylation and inactivation of the mTOR pathway. Mcl-1 loss and cell death were prevented by downregulation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress–induced protein ATF4 and by incubating cells in the presence of mannose, which reverted 2-DG–induced ER stress but not ATP depletion. Thus, energetic stresses created by 2-DG were not the primary cause of cell death. Together, our findings suggest that glycolysis inhibitors such as 2-DG may be highly effective in treating alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and that Noxa could offer a prognostic marker to monitor the efficacy of such agents. Cancer Res; 71(21); 6796–806. ©2011 AACR.
Arterial Pulse Wave Dynamics After Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Davies Justin E. , Sen Sayan , Broyd Chris , Hadjiloizou Nearchos , Baksi John , Francis Darrel P. , Foale Rodney A. , Parker Kim H. , Hughes Alun D. , Chukwuemeka Andrew , Casula Roberto , Malik Iqbal S. , Mikhail Ghada W. , Mayet Jamil 
Published: September 2011

Background—
Aortic stenosis causes angina despite unobstructed arteries. Measurement of conventional coronary hemodynamic parameters in patients undergoing valvular surgery has failed to explain these symptoms. With the advent of percutaneous aortic valve replacement (PAVR) and developments in coronary pulse wave analysis, it is now possible to instantaneously abolish the valvular stenosis and to measure the resulting changes in waves that direct coronary flow.

Methods and Results—

Intracoronary pressure and flow velocity were measured immediately before and after PAVR in 11 patients with unobstructed coronary arteries. Using coronary pulse wave analysis, we calculated the intracoronary diastolic suction wave (the principal accelerator of coronary blood flow). To test physiological reserve to increased myocardial demand, we measured at resting heart rate and during pacing at 90 and 120 bpm. Before PAVR, the basal myocardial suction wave intensity was 1.9±0.3×10
−5
W · m
−2
· s
−2
, and this increased in magnitude with increasing severity of aortic stenosis (
r
=0.59,
P
=0.05). This wave decreased markedly with increasing heart rate (β coefficient=−0.16×10
−4
W · m
−2
· s
−2
;
P
<0.001). After PAVR, despite a fall in basal suction wave (1.9±0.3 versus 1.1±0.1×10
−5
W · m
−2
· s
−2
;
P
=0.02), there was an immediate improvement in coronary physiological reserve with increasing heart rate (β coefficient=0.9×10
−3
W · m
−2
· s
−2
;
P
=0.014).

Conclusions—
In aortic stenosis, the coronary physiological reserve is impaired. Instead of increasing when heart rate rises, the coronary diastolic suction wave decreases. Immediately after PAVR, physiological reserve returns to a normal positive pattern. This may explain how aortic stenosis can induce anginal symptoms and their prompt relief after PAVR.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01118442.
A Simple Kinematic Source of Skewness in Atmospheric Flow Fields
Authors: Luxford Fay , Woollings Tim 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Geopotential height fields exhibit a well-known pattern of skewness, with distributions that are positively skewed on the poleward side of the midlatitude jets/storm tracks and negatively skewed on the equatorward side. This pattern has often been interpreted as a signature of nonlinear dynamical features, such as blocking highs and cutoff lows, and there is renewed interest in the higher moments of flow variables as indicators of the nature of the underlying dynamics. However, this paper suggests that skewness can arise as a simple kinematic consequence of the presence of jet streams and so may not be a reliable indicator of nonlinear dynamical behavior. In support of this, reanalysis data are analyzed to demonstrate a close link between the jet streams and the skewness patterns. Further evidence is provided by a simple stochastic kinematic model of a jet stream as a Gaussian wind profile. The parameters of this model are fitted to data from the reanalysis and also from an aquaplanet general circulation model. The skewness of the model’s geopotential height and zonal wind fields are then compared to those of the original data. This shows that a fluctuating jet stream can produce patterns of skewness that are qualitatively similar to those observed, although the magnitude of the skewness is significantly overestimated by the kinematic model. These results suggest that this simple kinematic effect does contribute to the observed patterns of skewness but that other processes (such as nonlinear dynamics) likely also play a role.
Infiltrative cervical lesions causing symptomatic occipital neuralgia
Authors: Sierra-Hidalgo F , Ruíz J , Morales-Cartagena A , Martínez-Salio A , Serna J de la , Hernández-Gallego J 
Published: September 2011

Background: Occipital neuralgia is a well-recognized cause of posterior head and neck pain that may associate mild sensory changes in the cutaneous distribution of the occipital nerves, lacking a recognizable local structural aetiology in most cases. Atypical clinical features or an abnormal neurological examination are alerts for a potential underlying cause of pain, although cases of clinically typical occipital neuralgia as isolated manifestation of lesions of the cervical spinal cord, cervical roots, or occipital nerves have been increasingly reported. Case reports: We describe two cases (one with typical and another one with atypical clinical features) of occipital neuralgia secondary to paravertebral pyomyositis and vertebral relapse of multiple myeloma in patients with relevant medical history that aroused the possibility of an underlying structural lesion. Discussion: We discuss the need for cranio-cervical magnetic resonance imaging in all patients with occipital neuralgia, even when typical clinical features are present and neurological examination is completely normal.
Absence of changes in cortical thickness in patients with migraine
Authors: Datta Ritobrato , Detre John A , Aguirre Geoffrey K , Cucchiara Brett 
Published: September 2011

Objective: Previous studies have reported gray matter alterations in patients with migraine, particularly thinning of the cingulate gyrus, and thickening of the somatosensory cortex (SSC) and visual motion processing areas (V3A/MT+). We attempted to replicate these findings in a larger patient population. Methods: Brain anatomy was collected with 3T MRI. Surface-based morphometry was used to segment each brain volume, reconstruct and inflate the cortical sheet, and estimate gray matter thickness. Results: Eighty-four age and sex-matched participants (28 migraine with aura, 28 migraine without aura, and 28 controls) were studied. No significant differences in somatosensory, cingulate gyrus, or V3A/MT+ cortical thickness were found between the groups, including analysis of specific subregions previously reported to be affected. Whole brain analysis found no regions of differential gray matter thickness between groups. A highly significant inverse correlation between age and whole brain and regional cortical thickness was identified. Power analyses indicate that even a small difference (∼0.07 to 0.14 mm) in cortical thickness could have been detected between groups given the sample size. Interpretation: Using highly sensitive surface-based morphometry, no differences in cortical thickness between patients with migraine and controls could be identified.
Adaptive control for improved efficiency of hydraulic systems for high-speed tilting trains
Authors: Jacazio G , Risso D , Sorli M , Tomassini L 
Published: September 2011

Tilting trains are a mature technology using either hydraulic or electrical actuation to perform carbody tilting to reduce centrifugal force in curves at passengers level, thereby maintaining a good passenger comfort at enhanced service speed. The hydraulic actuation systems used in tilting trains operate at constant pressure, which is established to allow operation against the maximum loads at minimum ambient temperatures. However, these conditions occur seldom and unnecessary power is dissipated as heat under normal operating conditions that typically occur for more than 95 per cent of the service time. A research activity was performed to define a variable pressure system which adapts the discharge pressure as a function of the outside temperature and of the force to be developed by the actuators. In this system, the variable pressure is established as a function of an appropriate control strategy in order to minimize the power losses while keeping the required dynamic performance. This system architecture enables the tilting actuation system to save from 25 per cent to 50 per cent power for its operation depending on the severity of the track and on the operating conditions. This power saving is a small fraction (0.3–0.5 per cent) of the maximum traction power, but it is a large saving (10–20 per cent) of theelectrical power required by the train auxiliary systems. The electrical accumulators and the 400 V/50 Hz generators can thus be made smaller reducing the weight and facilitating the components installation. Moreover, lower average heat dissipation and lower average system pressure lead to a reduction of size and weight of the heat exchanger and to lower stresses in the system components. The overall weight reduction on its turn leads to an indirect power saving. This article presents a description of the system and of the control strategy providing the adaptivity of the pump discharge pressure and the simulations of the system behaviour at different environmental conditions. This is done for a train in service along tracks for which the time histories of train speed, acceleration, and tilt angles were known.
Effects of TLR agonists on maturation and function of 3-day dendritic cells from AML patients in complete remission
Authors: Beck Barbara , Dörfel Daniela , Lichtenegger Felix S , Geiger Christiane , Lindner Lysann , Merk Martina , Schendel Dolores J , Subklewe Marion 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Active dendritic cell (DC) immunization protocols are rapidly gaining interest as therapeutic options in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here we present for the first time a GMP-compliant 3-day protocol for generation of monocyte-derived DCs using different synthetic Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists in intensively pretreated patients with AML.

Methods
Four different maturation cocktails were compared for their impact on cell recovery, phenotype, cytokine secretion, migration, and lymphocyte activation in 20 AML patients and 25 healthy controls.

Results
Maturation cocktails containing the TLR7/8 agonists R848 or CL075, with and without the addition of the TLR3 agonist poly(I:C), induced DCs that had a positive costimulatory profile, secreted high levels of IL-12(p70), showed chemotaxis to CCR7 ligands, had the ability to activate NK cells, and efficiently stimulated antigen-specific CD8+ T cells.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that this approach translates into biologically improved DCs, not only in healthy controls but also in AML patients. This data supports the clinical application of TLR-matured DCs in patients with AML for activation of innate and adaptive immune responses.
The updating of clinical practice guidelines: insights from an international survey
Authors: Alonso-Coello Pablo , Martínez García Laura , Carrasco José Miguel , Solà Ivan , Qureshi Safia , Burgers Jako S ,   the Updating Guidelines Working Group
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have become increasingly popular, and the methodology to develop guidelines has evolved enormously. However, little attention has been given to the updating process, in contrast to the appraisal of the available literature. We conducted an international survey to identify current practices in CPG updating and explored the need to standardize and improve the methods.

Methods
We developed a questionnaire (28 items) based on a review of the existing literature about guideline updating and expert comments. We carried out the survey between March and July 2009, and it was sent by email to 106 institutions: 69 members of the Guidelines International Network who declared that they developed CPGs; 30 institutions included in the U.S. National Guideline Clearinghouse database that published more than 20 CPGs; and 7 institutions selected by an expert committee.

Results
Forty-four institutions answered the questionnaire (42% response rate). In the final analysis, 39 completed questionnaires were included. Thirty-six institutions (92%) reported that they update their guidelines. Thirty-one institutions (86%) have a formal procedure for updating their guidelines, and 19 (53%) have a formal procedure for deciding when a guideline becomes out of date. Institutions describe the process as moderately rigorous (36%) or acknowledge that it could certainly be more rigorous (36%). Twenty-two institutions (61%) alert guideline users on their website when a guideline is older than three to five years or when there is a risk of being outdated. Twenty-five institutions (64%) support the concept of "living guidelines," which are continuously monitored and updated. Eighteen institutions (46%) have plans to design a protocol to improve their guideline-updating process, and 21 (54%) are willing to share resources with other organizations.

Conclusions
Our study is the first to describe the process of updating CPGs among prominent guideline institutions across the world, providing a comprehensive picture of guideline updating. There is an urgent need to develop rigorous international standards for this process and to minimize duplication of effort internationally.
The prevalence of canine Leishmania infantum infection in Sichuan Province, southwestern China detected by real time PCR
Authors: Shang Li-min , Peng Wei-ping , Jin Hong-tao , Xu Ding , Zhong Ni-na , Wang Wen-long , Wu You-xi , Liu Quan 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic in western China, and becoming an important public health concern. Infected dogs are the main reservoir for Leishmania infantum, and a potential sentinel for human VL in endemic areas. In the present study we investigated the prevalence of Leishmania DNA in dogs from Wenchuan, Heishui and Jiuzhaigou County in Sichuan Province, southwestern China, which are important endemic areas of zoonotic VL, detected by real time PCR. The results will help to design control strategies against visceral leishmaniasis in dogs and humans.

Results
The overall prevalence of Leishmania DNA in dogs was 24.8% (78/314) in Sichuan Province, with the positive rate of 23.5% (23/98) in Wenchuan County, 28.2% (20/71) in Heishui County, and 24.1% (35/145) in Jiuzhaigou County, and no significant difference was observed among the three counties (P > 0.05). The dogs were further allocated to different groups based on sexes, ages and external clinical symptoms. The logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher prevalence was found in older and external symptomatic dogs, compared to that of younger and asymptomatic dogs (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
The results revealed that L. infantum infection in dogs is widespread in Sichuan Province, southwestern China, which has a public health significance, due to its contribution to the transmission of the infection to humans by sandflies. It is necessary to take measures, including treatment or eradication of infected dogs, to control canine leishmaniasis, which could be helpful to reduce human VL in this area.
Prognosis of Patients With Breast Cancer: Causes of Death and Effects of Time Since Diagnosis, Age, and Tumor Characteristics
Authors: Colzani Edoardo , Liljegren Annelie , Johansson Anna L.V. , Adolfsson Jan , Hellborg Henrik , Hall Per F.L. , Czene Kamila 
Published: September 2011

Purpose The proportion of women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer in developed countries is increasing. Because breast cancer–specific deaths decrease with time since diagnosis, it is important to assess the burden of other causes of death in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods Different causes of death within 10 years from diagnosis were assessed in 12,850 women younger than 75 years of age with stage 1 to 3 breast cancer diagnosed in Stockholm and Gotland regions 1990 to 2006. Flexible parametric survival models were used to estimate hazard ratios over time since diagnosis by tumor characteristics and age at diagnosis. Results The proportion of deaths attributed to breast cancer ranged from 95.0% among women younger than age 45 years at diagnosis to 44.5% among women age 65 to 74 years. The proportions of circulatory system–specific deaths and deaths resulting from other causes increased with older age at diagnosis. Patients with one to three positive lymph nodes were more likely to die as a result of breast cancer during the first 10 years of follow-up compared with women without positive lymph nodes. Women with estrogen receptor (ER) –positive tumors had the same risk of dying as a result of breast cancer 5 years after diagnosis compared with women with ER-negative tumors. Conclusion Lymph node negativity is an important long-term predictor of more favorable prognosis. The nature of the relationship between ER status and risk of dying as a result of breast cancer after 5 years of follow-up requires further investigation. Circulatory system diseases are an important cause of death, especially in women diagnosed with breast cancer at an older age.
Phase II Trial of Sorafenib Combined With Concurrent Transarterial Chemoembolization With Drug-Eluting Beads for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Pawlik Timothy M. , Reyes Diane K. , Cosgrove David , Kamel Ihab R. , Bhagat Nikhil , Geschwind Jean-Francois H. 
Published: September 2011

Purpose To evaluate safety and efficacy of combined transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with doxorubicin-eluting beads (DEB) and sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and Methods A prospective single-center phase II study was undertaken involving patients with unresectable HCC. The protocol involved sorafenib 400 mg twice per day combined with DEB-TACE. Safety and response were assessed. Results DEB-TACE in combination with sorafenib was successfully administered in 35 patients: mean age, 63 years; Child's A, 89%; Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C, 64%; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 and 1, 46% and 54%, respectively; and mean index tumor size, 7.7 cm (standard deviation, ± 4.2 cm). Patients underwent 128 cycles of therapy (sorafenib plus DEB-TACE, 60 cycles; sorafenib alone, 68 cycles). Median number of cycles per patient was two (range, one to five cycles); median number of days treated with sorafenib was 71 (range, 4 to 620 days). The most common toxicities during cycle one were fatigue (94%), anorexia (67%), alterations in liver enzymes (64%), and dermatologic adverse effects (48%). Although most patients experienced at least one grade 3 to 4 toxicity, most toxicities were minor (grade 1 to 2, 83% v grade 3 to 4, 17%). Toxicity during cycle two was decreased. Over the course of the study, there were 40 sorafenib dose interruptions and 25 sorafenib dose reductions. Sorafenib plus DEB-TACE was associated with a disease control rate of 95% (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Group)/100% (European Association for the Study of the Liver [EASL]), with an objective response of 58% (EASL). Conclusion The combination of sorafenib and DEB-TACE in patients with unresectable HCC is well tolerated and safe, with most toxicities related to sorafenib. Toxicity is manageable with dose adjustment of sorafenib. Preliminary efficacy data are promising.
Chorionic Disk Extravillous Trophoblasts in Placental Diagnosis
Authors: Stanek Jerzy 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTo study clinical and placental associations of increased amount of chorionic disk extravillous trophoblast (IAEVT), the frequency of selected clinical and placental parameters of 189 consecutive cases with IAEVT, defined as more than 5 cell islands and/or placental septa per placental section, were compared with those for all remaining 1,006 placentas examined during the same period. IAEVT was statistically significantly associated with preeclampsia, decidual arteriolopathy, placental infarction, and several chronic placental hypoxic lesions (uterine hypoxic pattern of hypoxic placental injury, microscopic chorionic pseudocysts, massive perivillous fibrin deposition, and trophoblastic multinucleated giant cells in decidua) and absence of meconium staining and umbilical cord abnormalities. The amount of chorionic disk extravillous trophoblast is increased in association with clinical conditions and placental lesions associated with chronic hypoxia of uterine origin, ie, placental malperfusion. Counting placental septa and cell islands is a valuable surrogate test of chronic placental hypoxia.
The use of humor in the foreign language classroom: Funny and effective?
Authors: Wagner Manuela , Urios-Aparisi Eduardo 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe present paper deals with the role of humor in world language teaching and learning. The goal is to enable educators and researchers to address the phenomenon of humor in the world language classroom in its complexity by suggesting a multidisciplinary approach and by introducing a coding scheme for investigating the use of humor in the world language classroom. Finally, we will introduce an ongoing long-term study planned with the proposed design.