bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity, diabetes and OSAS induce of sleep disorders: Exercise as therapy
Authors: Alves Eduardo S , Lira Fabio S , Santos Ronaldo VT , Tufik Sergio , de Mello Marco T 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Sleep is an integral part of good health. Sleep disorders and variations in sleep habits are associated with a low-grade inflammatory status, which may be either a cause or consequence of other conditions, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Several strategies are available to counteract these conditions including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), pharmacological and nutritional interventions, and even surgery. At present, our group is investigating the effect of chronic endurance exercise on sleep alterations.
Responsiveness of EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-CR38 and FACT-C quality of life questionnaires in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Uwer Lionel , Rotonda Christine , Guillemin Francis , Miny Joëlle , Kaminsky Marie-Christine , Mercier Mariette , Tournier-Rangeard Laetitia , Leonard Isabelle , Montcuquet Philippe , Rauch Philippe , Conroy Thierry 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to compare the responsiveness of the European Organization for Research and Treatment (EORTC) quality of life questionnaires (QLQ-C30, QLQ-CR38) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-colorectal version 4 questionnaire (FACT-C).

Method
This prospective study included 127 patients with colorectal cancer: 71 undergoing chemotherapy and 56 radiation therapy. Responsiveness statistics included the Standardized Response Mean (SRM) and the Effect Size (ES). The patient's overall assessment of his/her change in state of health status was the reference criterion to evaluate the responsiveness of the QoL questionnaires.

Results
34 patients perceived their health as stable and 17 as improved between the first and the fourth courses of chemotherapy. 21 patients perceived their health as stable and 22 as improved between before and the last week of radiotherapy.
The responsiveness of the 3 questionnaires differed according to treatments. The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire was more responsive in patients receiving chemotherapy, particulary functional scales (SRM > 0.55). The QLQ-CR38 and the FACT-C questionnaires provided little clinically relevant information during chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Conclusion
The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire appears to be more responsive in patients receiving chemotherapy.
Integrated nanophotonic hubs based on ZnO-Tb(OH)3/SiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Lin Hsia Yu , Cheng Chung Liang , Lin Yu Shen , Hung Yann , Mou Chung Yuan , Chen Yang Fang 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Optical integration is essential for practical application, but it remains unexplored for nanoscale devices. A newly designed nanocomposite based on ZnO semiconductor nanowires and Tb(OH)3/SiO2 core/shell nanospheres has been synthesized and studied. The unique sea urchin-type morphology, bright and sharply visible emission bands of lanthanide, and large aspect ratio of ZnO crystalline nanotips make this novel composite an excellent signal receiver, waveguide, and emitter. The multifunctional composite of ZnO nanotips and Tb(OH)3/SiO2 nanoparticles therefore can serve as an integrated nanophotonics hub. Moreover, the composite of ZnO nanotips deposited on a Tb(OH)3/SiO2 photonic crystal can act as a directional light fountain, in which the confined radiation from Tb ions inside the photonic crystal can be well guided and escape through the ZnO nanotips. Therefore, the output emission arising from Tb ions is truly directional, and its intensity can be greatly enhanced. With highly enhanced lasing emissions in ZnO-Tb(OH)3/SiO2 as well as SnO2-Tb(OH)3/SiO2 nanocomposites, we demonstrate that our approach is extremely beneficial for the creation of low threshold and high-power nanolaser.
Biocompatible micro-sized cell culture chamber for the detection of nanoparticle-induced IL8 promoter activity on a small cell population
Authors: Kohl Yvonne , Oostingh Gertie J , Sossalla Adam , Duschl Albert , von Briesen Hagen , Thielecke Hagen 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
In most conventional in vitro toxicological assays, the response of a complete cell population is averaged, and therefore, single-cell responses are not detectable. Such averaging might result in misinterpretations when only individual cells within a population respond to a certain stimulus. Therefore, there is a need for non-invasive in vitro systems to verify the toxicity of nanoscale materials. In the present study, a micro-sized cell culture chamber with a silicon nitride membrane (0.16 mm2) was produced for cell cultivation and the detection of specific cell responses. The biocompatibility of the microcavity chip (MCC) was verified by studying adipogenic and neuronal differentiation. Thereafter, the suitability of the MCC to study the effects of nanoparticles on a small cell population was determined by using a green fluorescence protein-based reporter cell line. Interleukin-8 promoter (pIL8) induction, a marker of an inflammatory response, was used to monitor immune activation. The validation of the MCC-based method was performed using well-characterized gold and silver nanoparticles. The sensitivity of the new method was verified comparing the quantified pIL8 activation via MCC-based and standard techniques. The results proved the biocompatibility and the sensitivity of the microculture chamber, as well as a high optical quality due to the properties of Si3N4. The MCC-based method is suited for threshold- and time-dependent analysis of nanoparticle-induced IL8 promoter activity. This novel system can give dynamic information at the level of adherent single cells of a small cell population and presents a new non-invasive in vitro test method to assess the toxicity of nanomaterials and other compounds.

PACS: 85.35.Be, 81.16.Nd, 87.18.Mp
Clustering-based routing for top-k querying in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Mo Shangfeng , Chen Hong , Li Yinglong 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
A large-scale wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can be deployed for top-k querying applications. There are many top-k querying algorithms which are based on traditional routing approaches. In this article, we proposed a clustering-based routing for top-k querying (CRTQ) in WSNs to save the energy consumption and extend the network lifetime. The proposed scheme consists of two parts: one is the cluster formation algorithm; another part is the inter-cluster choosing the relay cluster head algorithm. Moreover, we adopt a corresponding dynamic clustering algorithm. Our experimental result shows that CRTQ substantially outperforms the existing tree-based approaches and clustering-based approaches in terms of both energy consumption and network lifetime.
Structural aspects of leg-to-gonopod metamorphosis in male helminthomorph millipedes (Diplopoda)
Authors: Drago Leandro , Fusco Giuseppe , Garollo Elena , Minelli Alessandro 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundIn the adult males of helminthomorph millipedes, one or two pairs of legs in the anterior part of the trunk are strongly modified into sexual appendages (gonopods) used for sperm transfer during the copula. Gonopods differentiate in an advanced phase of post-embryonic development, in most cases as replacement for the walking legs of the seventh trunk ring, as these first regress to tiny primordia, to eventually develop into gonopods at a subsequent stadium. These extremely localized but dramatic changes have been described as a non-systemic metamorphosis. In the present study we describe morphological and anatomical changes of trunk ring VII associated with non-systemic metamorphosis in four helminthomorph species.ResultsAs documented here for the first time by means of traditional histology methods and new techniques based on confocal laser scanning microscopy, the external modifications caused by non-systemic metamorphosis are associated to a huge rearrangement of internal anatomy, mostly due to the development of gonopod apodemes and extrinsic muscles.ConclusionsInternal changes in the seventh trunk ring, locally leading to the dorsal displacement of the ventral nerve cord and the digestive tract, are modulated in a taxon-specific manner, and are very conspicuous in the blaniulidsNopoiulus kochiiandBlaniulus guttulatus, with likely major functional consequences.
Activation of TRPA1 by Membrane Permeable Local Anesthetics
Authors: Leffler Andreas , Lattrell Anja , Kronewald Sergej , Niedermirtl Florian , Nau Carla 
Published: August 2011

Background: Low concentrations of local anesthetics (LAs) suppress cellular excitability by inhibiting voltage-gated Na+ channels. In contrast, LAs at high concentrations can be excitatory and neurotoxic. We recently demonstrated that LA-evoked activation of sensory neurons is mediated by the capsaicin receptor TRPV1, and, to a lesser extent by the irritant receptor TRPA1. LA-induced activation and sensitization of TRPV1 involves a domain that is similar, but not identical to the vanilloid-binding domain. Additionally, activation of TRPV1 by LAs involves PLC and PI(4,5)P2-signalling. In the present study we aimed to characterize essential structural determinants for LA-evoked activation of TRPA1. Results: Recombinant rodent and human TRPA1 were expressed in HEK293t cells and investigated by means of whole-cell patch clamp recordings. The LA lidocaine activates TRPA1 in a concentration-dependent manner. The membrane impermeable lidocaine-derivative QX-314 is inactive when applied extracellularly. Lidocaine-activated TRPA1-currents are blocked by the TRPA1-antagonist HC-030031. Lidocaine is also an inhibitor of TRPA1, an effect that is more obvious in rodent than in human TRPA1. This species-specific difference is linked to the pore region (transmembrane domain 5 and 6) as described for activation of TRPA1 by menthol. Unlike menthol-sensitivity however, lidocaine-sensitivity is not similarly determined by serine- and threonine-residues within TM5. Instead, intracellular cysteine residues known to be covalently bound by reactive TRPA1-agonists seem to mediate activation of TRPA1 by LAs. Conclusions: The structural determinants involved in activation of TRPA1 by LAs are disparate from those involved in activation by menthol or those involved in activation of TRPV1 by LAs.
Lentiviral Gene Transfer into the Dorsal Root Ganglion of Adult Rats
Authors: Yu gwei , Fischer Greg , Jia Guangfu , Reiser Jakob , Park Frank , Hogan Quinn H 
Published: August 2011

Background: Lentivector-mediated gene delivery into the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is a promising method for exploring pain pathophysiology and for genetic treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. In this study, a series of modified lentivector particles with different cellular promoters, envelope glycoproteins, and viral accessory proteins were generated to evaluate the requirements for efficient transduction into neuronal cells in vitro and adult rat DRG in vivo. Results: In vitro, lentivectors expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under control of the human elongation factor 1α (EF1α) promoter and pseudotyped with the conventional vesicular stomatitis virus G protein (VSV-G) envelope exhibited the best performance in the transfer of EGFP into an immortalized DRG sensory neuron cell line at low multiplicities of infection (MOIs), and into primary cultured DRG neurons at higher MOIs. In vivo, injection of either first or second-generation EF1α-EGFP lentivectors directly into adult rat DRGs led to transduction rates of 19 ± 9% and 20 ± 8% EGFP-positive DRG neurons, respectively, detected at 4 weeks post injection. Transduced cells included a full range of neuronal phenotypes, including myelinated neurons as well as both non-peptidergic and peptidergic nociceptive unmyelinated neurons. Conclusion: VSV-G pseudotyped lentivectors containing the human elongation factor 1α (EF1α)-EGFP expression cassette demonstrated relatively efficient transduction to sensory neurons following direct injection into the DRG. These results clearly show the potential of lentivectors as a viable system for delivering target genes into DRGs to explore basic mechanisms of neuropathic pain, with the potential for future clinical use in treating chronic pain.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related gastrointestinal limited Kaposi's sarcoma presenting as acute intestinal obstruction: a case report
Authors: Pal Jyotirmoy , Shrivastav Ankit , Pathak Hari Shankar , Sarkar Dipendra Kumar 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome during anti-retroviral treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) -associated gastrointestinal Kaposi's sarcoma has rarely been reported.

Case Presentation
A 36-year-old Asian Indian male, newly diagnosed with AIDS and treatment naïve, was started on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). He developed acute intestinal obstruction after four weeks of therapy. A laparotomy was done with excision and adhesiolysis leading to relief of symptoms. A histology report revealed the lesion to be Kaposi's sarcoma. Our patient was diagnosed to be having immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome associated with AIDS-associated gastrointestinal limited Kaposi's sarcoma, which presented as acute intestinal obstruction. Our patient was treated with paclitaxel post-operatively and HAART was continued. Our patient responded to therapy.

Conclusion
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome involving Kaposi's sarcoma may occur in HAART-naïve individuals with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Gastrointestinal Kaposi's sarcoma may present with sudden increase in size or inflammation leading to acute intestinal obstruction. This does not indicate failure of HAART or a need for changes in anti-retroviral regimen.
Submicroscopic interstitial deletion of chromosome 11q22.3 in a girl with mild mental retardation and facial dysmorphism: Case report
Authors: Krgovic Danijela , Marcun Varda Natasa , Zagorac Andreja , Kokalj-Vokac Nadja 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Except for terminal deletions that lead to Jacobsen syndrome, interstitial deletions involving the long arm of chromosome 11 are not frequently reported. A clinically distinct phenotype is usually observed in these cases, and no clear genotype-phenotype correlation is proposed.

Results
Here we present a case study of a 5-year-old girl with de novo submicroscopic deletion of chromosome 11q22.3 with mild mental retardation and facial dysmorphism. A standard cytogenetic analysis did not reveal any structural aberrations. In contrary, array-CGH analysis indicated a small deletion of 11q22.3.

Discussion
To our knowledge, this is the smallest 11q22.3 deletion reported in literature, containing nine RefSeq genes. Although none of the deleted genes are obvious candidates for the features observed in our patient, genes CUL5 and SLN could play a key role in the features described.
Short term efficacy of nebulized beclomethasone in mild-to-moderate wheezing episodes in pre-school children
Authors: Papi Alberto , Nicolini Gabriele , Boner Attilio L , Baraldi Eugenio , Cutrera Renato , Fabbri Leonardo M , Rossi Giovanni A 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Few data are available on the usefulness of short term treatment with low-medium dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in pre-school children with wheezing exacerbations.

Methods
To compare the efficacy of one week treatment with 400 μg b.i.d. nebulized beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP), plus nebulized 2500 μg prn salbutamol (BDP group), versus nebulized b.i.d. placebo, plus nebulized prn 2500 μg salbutamol (placebo group), a post-hoc analysis was performed on data obtained in 166 pre-school children with multiple-trigger wheezing, recruited during an acute wheezing episode.

Results
The percentage of symptom-free days (SFDs) was significantly higher in the BDP group (54.7%) than in the placebo group (40.5%; p = 0.012), with a 35% relative difference. Day-by-day analysis showed that the percentage of SFDs was already higher in the BDP group after 2 days (7.4%), the difference reaching statistical significance at day 6 (12.3%; p = 0.035). Cough score was also reduced in the BDP group (0.11) as compared with the placebo group (0.39; p = 0.048), the difference reaching statistical significance after 5 days of treatment (0.18 and 0.47 respectively; p = 0.047). The mean number of nebulizations per day of prn salbutamol was lower in the BDP group as compared to the placebo group (0.26 and 0.34, respectively), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.366). There were no differences in positive effects of BDP treatment between children with and without risk factors for asthma.

Conclusions
A 1-week treatment with nebulized BDP and prn salbutamol is effective in increasing SFDs and improving cough in children with wheezing, providing a clinical rationale for the short term use of ICS in episodic wheeze exacerbations in pre-school children.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00497523)
The zinc-ribbon domain of Helicobacter pylori HP0958: requirement for RpoN accumulation and possible roles of homologs in other bacteria
Authors: Pereira Lara E , Tsang Jennifer , Mrázek Jan , Hoover Timothy R 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background

Helicobacter pylori HP0958 protein (FlgZ) prevents the rapid turnover of RpoN (σ54), a transcription factor required for expression of several flagellar genes in H. pylori. FlgZ possesses a zinc-ribbon domain (DUF164) that contains two conserved CXXC motifs which coordinate a zinc ion and is thought to interact with nucleic acids or proteins. Two conserved cysteine residues in FlgZ (Cys-202 and Cys-223) were replaced with serine to assess their significance in FlgZ function. After confirming the importance of the CXXC motifs in the DUF164 domain of FlgZ, the distribution of DUF164 proteins and RpoN homologs in other bacteria was examined to determine if a correlation existed for the concurrence of the two proteins.

Results
Levels of RpoN were greatly reduced in H. pylori strains that expressed the FlgZC202S or FlgZC223S variants. The FlgZC202S variant, but not the FlgZC223S variant, accumulated at levels similar to the wild-type protein. DUF164 proteins are not universally distributed and appear to be absent in several major bacterial taxa, including Cyanobacteria as well as Alpha-, Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria. With the exception of the Actinobacteria, members of which generally lack RpoN, genes encoding DUF164 proteins and RpoN are frequently found in the same genome. Interestingly, many of the DUF164 proteins in Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes lack most or even all of the conserved cysteine residues.

Conclusions
These findings suggest the importance of the zinc-ribbon domain of FlgZ in protecting RpoN from turnover. Since many bacteria that possess a DUF164 protein also contain RpoN, DUF164 proteins may have roles in RpoN protection or function in other bacteria.
Glycomonomeric and Glycopolymeric Inhibitors for β-Glucuronidase. π–π Stacking Interaction, Polymeric Effect, and Plausible Conformation
Authors: Kawaguchi Asei William , Okawa Haruki , Hashimoto Kazuhiko 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
N-p-Vinylbenzyl-6-d-glucaramic acid (VB-6-d-GlcaH, 1) and its corresponding polymer, P(VB-6-d-GlcaH-co-AAm) (2), were found to inhibit β-glucuronidase activity more efficiently than d-glucaro-6,3-lactone, while the inhibition ability of N-butyl-6-d-glucaramic acid (Butyl-6-d-GlcaH, 3) on the enzyme activity was seriously lower than that of the lactone. The π–π stacking interaction between the styryl part of 1 and Trp587 of β-glucuronidase was confirmed by the blue shift detected on fluorescence spectrophotometry and the observation of the 3D motif for the active site with the glycomonomer, which must enhance the inhibition ability of the enzyme. In the case of 2, however, such a shift was not observed, which indicated that the effective inhibition of 2 was induced not by the π–π stacking interaction but a polymeric effect. Based on these results and our previous work, plausible conformations of 1 and 2 fitting in β-glucuronidase were proposed.
Pediatric Injuries Attributable to Falls From Windows in the United States in 1990–2008
Authors: Harris Vaughn A. , Rochette Lynne M. , Smith Gary A. 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE:To examine the epidemiological features of pediatric injuries related to falls from windows.METHODS:By using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, emergency department (ED) data for pediatric injury cases associated with window falls in 1990–2008 were reviewed.RESULTS:An estimated 98 415 children (95% confidence interval [CI]: 82 416–114 419) were treated in US hospital EDs for window fall–related injuries during the 19-year study period (average: 5180 patients per year [95% CI: 4828–5531]). The mean age of children was 5.1 years, and boys accounted for 58.1% of cases. One-fourth (25.4%) of the patients required admission to the hospital. The annual injury rate decreased significantly during the study period because of a decrease in the annual injury rate among 0- to 4-year-old children. Children 0 to 4 years of age were more likely to sustain head injuries (injury proportion ratio [IPR]: 3.22 [95% CI: 2.65–3.91]) and to be hospitalized or to die (IPR: 1.65 [95% CI: 1.38–1.97]) compared with children 5 to 17 years of age. Children who landed on hard surfaces were more likely to sustain head injuries (IPR: 2.05 [95% CI: 1.53–2.74]) and to be hospitalized or to die (IPR: 2.23 [95% CI: 1.57–3.17]) compared with children who landed on cushioning surfaces.CONCLUSIONS:To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate window fall–related injuries treated in US hospital EDs by using a nationally representative sample. These injuries are an important pediatric public health problem, and increased prevention efforts are needed, including development and evaluation of innovative prevention programs.
Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination Reduces Childhood Hepatitis B Virus–Associated Membranous Nephropathy
Authors: Liao Min-Tser , Chang Mei-Hwei , Lin Fu-Gong , Tsai I-Jung , Chang Yen-Wen , Tsau Yong-Kwei 
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE:
To compare the incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated membranous nephropathy (HBVMN) before and after universal HBV vaccination and to identify factors underlying the change.

METHODS:
This study included 471 hospitalized children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) and 488 long-term follow-up hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-carrier children. Horizontal transmission (negative maternal HBsAg status) of HBVMN and HBV was assessed, and the incidence of HBVMN was compared before and after initiation of the universal HBV vaccination program started in 1984.

RESULTS:
The frequency of HBVMN in children with NS was 11.6% between 1974 and 1984, 4.5% between 1984 and 1994, 2.1% between 1994 and 2004, and 0% between 2004 and 2009. Similarly, the number of HBsAg-seropositive children with NS (mainly via horizontal infection) decreased after universal vaccination. The prevaccination frequency of HBV horizontal transmission in chronic HBsAg carriers from the general population was 36.5% compared with 5% in the postvaccination period. The incidence of HBVMN in these carriers revealed a parallel decline.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our results revealed a significant decrease in the frequency of HBVMN in children with NS and in long-term follow-up HBsAg carriers. Children with HBVMN are primarily infected with HBV via horizontal transmission; thus, the significant reduction in horizontal transmission in HBsAg-carrier children in the general population after universal HBV vaccination may explain the reduction of HBVMN in the vaccinated population. These findings confirm the effectiveness of HBV vaccination on reducing the incidence of HBVMN, possibly through a significant decline in horizontal HBV infection.