bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of α-mannoside hydrogel and electrical detection of saccharide-protein interactions using the smart gel-modified gate field effect transistor
Authors: Maeda Yasuhiro , Matsumoto Akira , Miura Yoshiko , Miyahara Yuji 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to detect saccharide-protein interaction capitalizing on the gel-modified field effect transistor [FET]. A lectin-sensitive polymer gel that undergoes volume changes in response to the formation of molecular complex between 'pendant' carbohydrate and a 'target' lectin concanavalin A [Con A] was synthesized. It was revealed that direction and magnitude of the gel response (swelling or deswelling) could be readily designed depending on composition and network density of the gel. The Con A-sensitive polymer gel has shown the ability to transduce the detection of saccharide-protein interactions into electrical signals for FET.

PACS: 87.85.jf, bio-based materials
Spectrum of gluten-related disorders: consensus on new nomenclature and classification
Authors: Sapone Anna , Bai Julio C , Ciacci Carolina , Dolinsek Jernej , Green Peter HR , Hadjivassiliou Marios , Kaukinen Katri , Rostami Kamran , Sanders David S , Schumann Michael , Ullrich Reiner , Villalta Danilo , Volta Umberto , Catassi Carlo , Fasano Alessio 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA decade ago celiac disease was considered extremely rare outside Europe and, therefore, was almost completely ignored by health care professionals. In only 10 years, key milestones have moved celiac disease from obscurity into the popular spotlight worldwide. Now we are observing another interesting phenomenon that is generating great confusion among health care professionals. The number of individuals embracing a gluten-free diet (GFD) appears much higher than the projected number of celiac disease patients, fueling a global market of gluten-free products approaching $2.5 billion (US) in global sales in 2010. This trend is supported by the notion that, along with celiac disease, other conditions related to the ingestion of gluten have emerged as health care concerns. This review will summarize our current knowledge about the three main forms of gluten reactions: allergic (wheat allergy), autoimmune (celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis and gluten ataxia) and possibly immune-mediated (gluten sensitivity), and also outline pathogenic, clinical and epidemiological differences and propose new nomenclature and classifications.
P2X7 Receptors in Satellite Glial Cells Mediate High Functional Expression of P2X3 Receptors in Immature Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Chen Yong , Li Guangwen , Huang Li-Yen Mae 
Published: February 2012

Background: The purinergic P2X3 receptor (P2X3R) expressed in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neuron and the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) expressed in the surrounding satellite glial cell (SGC) are two major receptors participating in neuron-SGC communication in adult DRGs. Activation of P2X7Rs was found to tonically reduce the expression of P2X3Rs in DRGs, thus inhibiting the abnormal pain behaviors in adult rats. P2X receptors are also actively involved in sensory signaling in developing rodents. However, very little is known about the developmental change of P2X7Rs in DRGs and the interaction between P2X7Rs and P2X3Rs in those animals. We therefore examined the expression of P2X3Rs and P2X7Rs in postnatal rats and determined if P2X7R-P2X3R control exists in developing rats. Findings: We immunostained DRGs of immature rats and found that P2X3Rs were expressed only in neurons and P2X7Rs were expressed only in SGCs. Western blot analyses indicated that P2X3R expression decreased while P2X7R expression increased with the age of rats. Electrophysiological studies showed that the number of DRG neurons responding to the stimulation of the P2XR agonist, α,β-meATP, was higher and the amplitudes of α,β-meATP-induced depolarizations were larger in immature DRG neurons. As a result, P2X3R-mediated flinching responses were much more pronounced in immature rats than those found in adult rats. When we reduced P2X7R expression with P2X7R-siRNA in postnatal and adult rats, P2X3R-mediated flinch responses were greatly enhanced in both rat populations. Conclusions: These results show that the P2X7R expression increases as rats age. In addition, P2X7Rs in SGCs exert inhibitory control on the P2X3R expression and function in sensory neurons of immature rats, just as observed in adult rats. Regulation of P2X7R expression is likely an effective way to control P2X3R activity and manage pain relief in infants.
MAVIDOS Maternal Vitamin D Osteoporosis Study: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. The MAVIDOS Study Group
Authors: Harvey Nicholas C , Javaid Kassim , Bishop Nicholas , Kennedy Stephen , Papageorghiou Aris T , Fraser Robert , Gandhi Saurabh V , Schoenmakers Inez , Prentice Ann , Cooper Cyrus 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMAVIDOS is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ISRCTN82927713, registered 2008 Apr 11), funded by Arthritis Research UK, MRC, Bupa Foundation and NIHR.BackgroundOsteoporosis is a major public health problem as a result of associated fragility fractures. Skeletal strength increases from birth to a peak in early adulthood. This peak predicts osteoporosis risk in later life. Vitamin D insufficiency in pregnancy is common (31% in a recent Southampton cohort) and predicts reduced bone mass in the offspring. In this study we aim to test whether offspring of mothers supplemented with vitamin D in pregnancy have higher bone mass at birth than those whose mothers were not supplemented.Methods/DesignWomen have their vitamin D status assessed after ultrasound scanning in the twelfth week of pregnancy at 3 trial centres (Southampton, Sheffield, Oxford). Women with circulating 25(OH)-vitamin D levels 25-100 nmol/l are randomised in a double-blind design to either oral vitamin D supplement (1000 IU cholecalciferol/day, n = 477) or placebo at 14 weeks (n = 477). Questionnaire data include parity, sunlight exposure, dietary information, and cigarette and alcohol consumption. At 19 and 34 weeks maternal anthropometry is assessed and blood samples taken to measure 25(OH)-vitamin D, PTH and biochemistry. At delivery venous umbilical cord blood is collected, together with umbilical cord and placental tissue. The babies undergo DXA assessment of bone mass within the first 14 days after birth, with the primary outcome being whole body bone mineral content adjusted for gestational age and age. Children are then followed up with yearly assessment of health, diet, physical activity and anthropometric measures, with repeat assessment of bone mass by DXA at age 4 years.DiscussionAs far as we are aware, this randomised trial is one of the first ever tests of the early life origins hypothesis in human participants and has the potential to inform public health policy regarding vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy. It will also provide a valuable resource in which to study the influence of maternal vitamin D status on other childhood outcomes such as glucose tolerance, blood pressure, cardiovascular function, IQ and immunology.
Wnt proteins regulate acetylcholine receptor clustering in muscle cells
Authors: Zhang Bin , Liang Chuan , Bates Ryan , Yin Yiming , Xiong Wen-Cheng , Mei Lin 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a cholinergic synapse that rapidly conveys signals from motoneurons to muscle cells and exhibits a high degree of subcellular specialization characteristic of chemical synapses. NMJ formation requires agrin and its coreceptors LRP4 and MuSK. Increasing evidence indicates that Wnt signaling regulates NMJ formation in Drosophila, C. elegans and zebrafish.

Results
In the study we systematically studied the effect of all 19 different Wnts in mammals on acetylcholine receptor (AChR) cluster formation. We identified five Wnts (Wnt9a, Wnt9b, Wnt10b, Wnt11, and Wnt16) that are able to stimulate AChR clustering, of which Wnt9a and Wnt11 are expressed abundantly in developing muscles. Using Wnt9a and Wnt11 as example, we demonstrated that Wnt induction of AChR clusters was dose-dependent and non-additive to that of agrin, suggesting that Wnts may act via similar pathways to induce AChR clusters. We provide evidence that Wnt9a and Wnt11 bind directly to the extracellular domain of MuSK, to induce MuSK dimerization and subsequent tyrosine phosphorylation of the kinase. In addition, Wnt-induced AChR clustering requires LRP4.

Conclusions
These results identify Wnts as new players in AChR cluster formation, which act in a manner that requires both MuSK and LRP4, revealing a novel function of LRP4.
The predominantly selfing plant Arabidopsis thaliana experienced a recent reduction in transposable element abundance compared to its outcrossing relative Arabidopsis lyrata
Authors: de la Chaux Nicole , Tsuchimatsu Takashi , Shimizu Kentaro K , Wagner Andreas 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundTransposable elements (TEs) are major contributors to genome evolution. One factor that influences their evolutionary dynamics is whether their host reproduces through selfing or through outcrossing. According to the recombinational spreading hypothesis, for instance, TEs can spread more easily in outcrossing species through recombination, and should thus be less abundant in selfing species. We here studied the distribution and evolutionary dynamics of TE families in the predominantly selfing plantArabidopsis thalianaand its close outcrossing relativeArabidopsis lyrataon a genome-wide scale. We characterized differences in TE abundance between them and asked which, if any, existing hypotheses about TE abundances may explain these differences.ResultsWe identified 1,819 TE families representing all known classes of TEs in both species, and found three times more copies in the outcrossingA. lyratathan in the predominantly selfingA. thaliana, as well as ten times more TE families unique toA. lyrata. On average, elements inA. lyrataare younger than elements inA.thaliana. In particular,A. thalianashows a marked decrease in element number that occurred during the most recent 10% of the time interval sinceA. thalianasplit fromA. lyrata. This most recent period in the evolution ofA. thalianastarted approximately 500,000 years ago, assuming a splitting time of 5 million years ago, and coincides with the time at which predominant selfing originated.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the mating system may be important for determining TE copy number, and that selfing species are likely to have fewer TEs.
Insertion site preference of Mu, Tn5, and Tn7 transposons
Authors: Green Brian , Bouchier Christiane , Fairhead Cécile , Craig Nancy L , Cormack Brendan P 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Transposons, segments of DNA that can mobilize to other locations in a genome, are often used for insertion mutagenesis or to generate priming sites for sequencing of large DNA molecules. For both of these uses, a transposon with minimal insertion bias is desired to allow complete coverage with minimal oversampling.

Findings
Three transposons, Mu, Tn5, and Tn7, were used to generate insertions in the same set of fosmids containing Candida glabrata genomic DNA. Tn7 demonstrates markedly less insertion bias than either Mu or Tn5, with both Mu and Tn5 biased toward sequences containing guanosine (G) and cytidine (C). This preference of Mu and Tn5 yields less uniform spacing of insertions than for Tn7, in the adenosine (A) and thymidine (T) rich genome of C. glabrata (39% GC).

Conclusions
In light of its more uniform distribution of insertions, Tn7 should be considered for applications in which insertion bias is deleterious.
Germline DNA copy number variation in familial and early-onset breast cancer
Authors: Krepischi Ana CV , Achatz Maria Isabel W , Santos Erika MM , Costa Silvia S , Lisboa Bianca CG , Brentani Helena , Santos Tiago M , Gonçalves Amanda , Nóbrega Amanda F , Pearson Peter L , Vianna-Morgante Angela M , Carraro Dirce M , Brentani Ricardo R , Rosenberg Carla 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Genetic factors predisposing individuals to cancer remain elusive in the majority of patients with a familial or clinical history suggestive of hereditary breast cancer. Germline DNA copy number variation (CNV) has recently been implicated in predisposition to cancers such as neuroblastomas as well as prostate and colorectal cancer. We evaluated the role of germline CNVs in breast cancer susceptibility, in particular those with low population frequencies (rare CNVs), which are more likely to cause disease."

Methods
Using whole-genome comparative genomic hybridization on microarrays, we screened a cohort of women fulfilling criteria for hereditary breast cancer who did not carry BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations.

Results
The median numbers of total and rare CNVs per genome were not different between controls and patients. A total of 26 rare germline CNVs were identified in 68 cancer patients, however, a proportion that was significantly different (P = 0.0311) from the control group (23 rare CNVs in 100 individuals). Several of the genes affected by CNV in patients and controls had already been implicated in cancer.

Conclusions
This study is the first to explore the contribution of germline CNVs to BRCA1/2-negative familial and early-onset breast cancer. The data suggest that rare CNVs may contribute to cancer predisposition in this small cohort of patients, and this trend needs to be confirmed in larger population samples.
Breast cancer risk prediction and individualised screening based on common genetic variation and breast density measurement
Authors: Darabi Hatef , Czene Kamila , Zhao Wanting , Liu Jianjun , Hall Per , Humphreys Keith 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Over the last decade several breast cancer risk alleles have been identified which has led to an increased interest in individualised risk prediction for clinical purposes.

Methods
We investigate the performance of an up-to-date 18 breast cancer risk single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), together with mammographic percentage density (PD), body mass index (BMI) and clinical risk factors in predicting absolute risk of breast cancer, empirically, in a well characterised Swedish case-control study of postmenopausal women. We examined the efficiency of various prediction models at a population level for individualised screening by extending a recently proposed analytical approach for estimating number of cases captured.

Results
The performance of a risk prediction model based on an initial set of seven breast cancer risk SNPs is improved by additionally including eleven more recently established breast cancer risk SNPs (P = 4.69 × 10-4). Adding mammographic PD, BMI and all 18 SNPs to a Swedish Gail model improved the discriminatory accuracy (the AUC statistic) from 55% to 62%. The net reclassification improvement was used to assess improvement in classification of women into low, intermediate, and high categories of 5-year risk (P = 8.93 × 10-9). For scenarios we considered, we estimated that an individualised screening strategy based on risk models incorporating clinical risk factors, mammographic density and SNPs, captures 10% more cases than a screening strategy using the same resources, based on age alone. Estimates of numbers of cases captured by screening stratified by age provide insight into how individualised screening programs might appear in practice.

Conclusions
Taken together, genetic risk factors and mammographic density offer moderate improvements to clinical risk factor models for predicting breast cancer.
Costs and benefits of rapid screening of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage in intensive care units: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Wassenberg Marjan , Kluytmans Jan , Erdkamp Stephanie , Bosboom Ron , Buiting Anton , van Elzakker Erika , Melchers Willem , Thijsen Steven , Troelstra Annet , Vandenbroucke-Grauls Christina , Visser Caroline , Voss Andreas , Wolffs Petra , Wulf Mireille , van Zwet Ton , de Wit Ardine , Bonten Marc 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Pre-emptive isolation of suspected methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriers is a cornerstone of successful MRSA control policies. Implementation of such strategies is hampered when using conventional cultures with diagnostic delays of three to five days, as many non-carriers remain unnecessarily isolated. Rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) reduces the amount of unnecessary isolation days, but costs and benefits have not been accurately determined in intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods
Embedded in a multi-center hospital-wide study in 12 Dutch hospitals we quantified cost per isolation day avoided using RDT for MRSA, added to conventional cultures, in ICUs. BD GeneOhm™ MRSA PCR (IDI) and Xpert MRSA (GeneXpert) were subsequently used during 17 and 14 months, and their test characteristics were calculated with conventional culture results as reference. We calculated the number of pre-emptive isolation days avoided and incremental costs of adding RDT.

Results
A total of 163 patients at risk for MRSA carriage were screened and MRSA prevalence was 3.1% (n = 5). Duration of isolation was 27.6 and 21.4 hours with IDI and GeneXpert, respectively, and would have been 96.0 hours when based on conventional cultures. The negative predictive value was 100% for both tests. Numbers of isolation days were reduced by 44.3% with PCR-based screening at the additional costs of €327.84 (IDI) and €252.14 (GeneXpert) per patient screened. Costs per isolation day avoided were €136.04 (IDI) and €121.76 (GeneXpert).

Conclusions
In a low endemic setting for MRSA, RDT safely reduced the number of unnecessary isolation days on ICUs by 44%, at the costs of €121.76 to €136.04 per isolation day avoided.
Prevalence and Benefits of Care Plans and Care Planning for People with Long-Term Conditions in England
Authors: Burt Jenni , Roland Martin , Paddison Charlotte , Reeves David , Campbell John , Abel Gary , Bower Peter 
Published: February 2012

Objectives Among patients with long-term conditions, to determine the prevalence and benefits of care planning discussions and of care plans. Methods Data from the 2009/10 General Practice Patient Survey, a cross sectional survey of 5.5 million patients in England. Outcomes were patient reports of: care planning discussions; perceived benefit from care planning discussions and resultant care plans. Patient and practice variables were included in multilevel logistic regression to investigate predictors of each outcome. Results Half the respondents (49%) reported a long-term condition and were eligible to answer the care planning questions. Of these, 84% reported having a care planning discussion during the last 12 months and most reported some benefit. Only 12% who reported a care planning discussion also reported being told they had a care plan. Patients who reported having a care plan were more likely to report benefits from care planning discussions. Several factors predicted the reporting of care planning and care plans of which the most important was patients' reports of the quality of interpersonal care. Conclusions There is a gap between policy and current practice which might reflect uncertainty as to the benefits of care plans. There is, therefore, a need for rigorous evaluation of care plans.
Implementing World Class Commissioning Competencies
Authors: McCafferty Sara , Williams Iestyn , Hunter David , Robinson Suzanne , Donaldson Cam , Bate Angela 
Published: February 2012

Background The world class commissioning (WCC) programme was introduced in the English NHS in 2007 to develop primary care trust (PCT) commissioning of health services. There has been limited evaluation of health commissioning initiatives over the years and in particular little is known about how commissioners interpret and implement initiatives and guidance intended to strengthen commissioning. This research explores the development and implementation of WCC and draws implications for future commissioning arrangements. Methods This research draws on interviews with key informants (n = 6) and a literature review to analyse the aims of, and stimulus for, WCC. In-depth interviews (n = 38) were conducted in three PCTs in the north of England in 2009 to analyse the interpretation and implementation of WCC. Results The aims and rationale of WCC, in particular, the specification of commissioning skills and the aspirations to improve health outcomes, were largely welcomed and supported by interviewees. However, the implementation of WCC posed a number of challenges, including: availability of resources and knowledge; lack of a supportive organizational culture and networks; and the dominance of central government control. Conclusions The findings have implications for emerging clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in the English NHS. Specifically, the research highlights the need for a system-wide approach to improving commissioning, including appropriately aligned policy and objectives underpinned by a co-ordinated and supportive organizational culture.
Features of Formation of Composite Nanopowders Based on Al2O3 and AlN
Authors: Vlasova M. , Márquez Aguilar P. A. , Kakazey M. , Stetsenko V. , Bykov A. , Tomila T. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTTwo technological processes of synthesis of nanopowders containing Al2O3, AlN, and AlON have been investigated. It has been established that AlN nanoparticles formed on the base of ablation products (Al and N2) during laser irradiation of AlN targets are coated with AlON films of different composition and have a complex surface defective structure. In composite powders obtained by carbothermal reduction of Al2O3, along with AlN and AlON, initial oxide Al2O3 is present, which indicates the incompleteness of the process.
Characterization of dispersion of carbon nanotubes in polymer matrices
Authors: Peña-Parás Laura , Phillips Hubert , Barrera Enrique V. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTDispersions of carbon nanotube polymer composites were characterized by Raman mapping.Single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs), double-walled nanotubes (DWNTs), multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs), and XD-grade carbon nanotubes (XD-CNTs) were dispersed in a vinyl ester (VE) resin using an ultrasonic probe at a fixed frequency. SWNTs were functionalized with succinic acid peroxide (SAP) to enhance dispersion. Increasing ultrasonication energy was found to improve the distribution of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and decrease the size of ropes, whereas excessive amounts of energy were found to result in damage. The quality of dispersion was verified through optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Surface physical property of the CrO2 thin films prepared using a closed chemical vapor deposition method
Authors: Muraoka Y. , Yoshida S. , Wakita T. , Hirai M. , Yokoya T. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTWe have examined the intrinsic surface physical property of a CrO2 thin film by means of surface sensitive photoemission spectroscopy. Epitaxial thin film of CrO2(100) has been grown on TiO2(100) by a closed chemical vapor deposition method using a Cr8O21 precursor. Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) observations find that epitaxial growth of rutile-phase CrO2 occurs to the top monolayer of the film. Surface sensitive x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) measurements show a finite intensity in the region of the Fermi energy. The result evidences that the physical nature of near topmost layer of CrO2 thin film is metallic. Progress of understanding of the surface physical property of CrO2 thin film helps not only perform a reliable photoemission study to understand the physics of ferromagnetic metal in CrO2, but also develop the CrO2-based devices using a half-metallic nature for spintronics applications.