bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sponge non-metastatic Group I Nme gene/protein - structure and function is conserved from sponges to humans
Authors: Perina Drago , Bosnar Maja Herak , Bago Ružica , Mikoč Andreja , Harcet Matija , Deželjin Martina , Ćetković Helena 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Nucleoside diphosphate kinases NDPK are evolutionarily conserved enzymes present in Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya, with human Nme1 the most studied representative of the family and the first identified metastasis suppressor. Sponges (Porifera) are simple metazoans without tissues, closest to the common ancestor of all animals. They changed little during evolution and probably provide the best insight into the metazoan ancestor's genomic features. Recent studies show that sponges have a wide repertoire of genes many of which are involved in diseases in more complex metazoans. The original function of those genes and the way it has evolved in the animal lineage is largely unknown. Here we report new results on the metastasis suppressor gene/protein homolog from the marine sponge Suberites domuncula, NmeGp1Sd. The purpose of this study was to investigate the properties of the sponge Group I Nme gene and protein, and compare it to its human homolog in order to elucidate the evolution of the structure and function of Nme.

Results
We found that sponge genes coding for Group I Nme protein are intron-rich. Furthermore, we discovered that the sponge NmeGp1Sd protein has a similar level of kinase activity as its human homolog Nme1, does not cleave negatively supercoiled DNA and shows nonspecific DNA-binding activity. The sponge NmeGp1Sd forms a hexamer, like human Nme1, and all other eukaryotic Nme proteins. NmeGp1Sd interacts with human Nme1 in human cells and exhibits the same subcellular localization. Stable clones expressing sponge NmeGp1Sd inhibited the migratory potential of CAL 27 cells, as already reported for human Nme1, which suggests that Nme's function in migratory processes was engaged long before the composition of true tissues.

Conclusions
This study suggests that the ancestor of all animals possessed a NmeGp1 protein with properties and functions similar to evolutionarily recent versions of the protein, even before the appearance of true tissues and the origin of tumors and metastasis.
PTPRF is disrupted in a patient with syndromic amastia
Authors: Ausavarat Surasawadee , Tongkobpetch Siraprapa , Praphanphoj Verayuth , Mahatumarat Charan , Rojvachiranonda Nond , Snabboon Thiti , Markello Thomas C , Gahl William A , Suphapeetiporn Kanya , Shotelersuk Vorasuk 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
The presence of mammary glands distinguishes mammals from other organisms. Despite significant advances in defining the signaling pathways responsible for mammary gland development in mice, our understanding of human mammary gland development remains rudimentary. Here, we identified a woman with bilateral amastia, ectodermal dysplasia and unilateral renal agenesis. She was found to have a chromosomal balanced translocation, 46,XX,t(1;20)(p34.1;q13.13). In addition to characterization of her clinical and cytogenetic features, we successfully identified the interrupted gene and studied its consequences.

Methods
Characterization of the breakpoints was performed by molecular cytogenetic techniques. The interrupted gene was further analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. Mutation analysis and high-density SNP array were carried out in order to find a pathogenic mutation. Allele segregations were obtained by haplotype analysis.

Results
We enabled to identify its breakpoint on chromosome 1 interrupting the protein tyrosine receptor type F gene (PTPRF). While the patient's mother and sisters also harbored the translocated chromosome, their non-translocated chromosomes 1 were different from that of the patient. Although a definite pathogenic mutation on the paternal allele could not be identified, PTPRF's RNA and protein of the patient were significantly less than those of her unaffected family members.

Conclusions
Although ptprf has been shown to involve in murine mammary gland development, no evidence has incorporated PTPRF in human organ development. We, for the first time, demonstrated the possible association of PTPRF with syndromic amastia, making it a prime candidate to investigate for its spatial and temporal roles in human breast development.
Assessing the severity of conjunctivochalasis in a senile population: a community-based epidemiology study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhang Xingru , Li Qingsong , Zou Haidong , Peng Jinjuan , Shi Caicai , Zhou Huanming , Zhang Guili , Xiang Minhong , Li Yijie 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
In a previous hospital-based study, conjunctivochalasis was diagnosed in 85.24% of 1416 patients aged 1 to 94 years and in 98.5% of patients aged 60 or older. This report is the first to present data from a large scale epidemiologic study on conjunctivochalasis in a community-based population, thereby helping to better identify the severity of conjunctivochalasis in the general population.

Methods
This community-based epidemiologic study was conducted to evaluate prevalence rates and related factors of conjunctivochalasis among people over 60 years old in the CaoYangXinCun community, Shanghai, China. Cluster sampling was used in randomly selected local residents aged no less than 60 years. A cross-sectional study using a slit-lamp ophthalmoscope for examination was carried out from September 2008 to October 2008. A modified grading system based on the well-accepted Meller and Tseng's system was used. SPSS10.0 software was used for data and statistical analysis.

Results
A total of 2110 residents took part in this study, with a response rate of 94.85%. Among these, 930 cases were confirmed as conjunctivochalasis, with a prevalence rate of 44.08%. The prevalence rate increased with age (X2 = 10.44, P < 0.01). A total of 1762 eyes were confirmed as conjunctivochalasis eyes. Of these eyes, 943 were classified as Grade I (53.52%), 647 as Grade II (36.72%), 162 as Grade III (9.19%), and the remaining 10 eyes as Grade IV (0.57%). The conjunctiva usually accumulated on the nasal and temporal areas of the conjunctival sac (944 eyes, 53.58%).

Conclusions
Although the rate estimated in the present study is not as high as reported in the former hospital-based study, conjunctivochalasis is considered a common age-related eye disease, deserving more attention to its early diagnosis.
Automated surveillance of 911 call data for detection of possible water contamination incidents
Authors: Haas Adam J , Gibbons Darcy , Dangel Chrissy , Allgeier Steve 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Drinking water contamination, with the capability to affect large populations, poses a significant risk to public health. In recent water contamination events, the impact of contamination on public health appeared in data streams monitoring health-seeking behavior. While public health surveillance has traditionally focused on the detection of pathogens, developing methods for detection of illness from fast-acting chemicals has not been an emphasis.

Methods
An automated surveillance system was implemented for Cincinnati's drinking water contamination warning system to monitor health-related 911 calls in the city of Cincinnati. Incident codes indicative of possible water contamination were filtered from all 911 calls for analysis. The 911 surveillance system uses a space-time scan statistic to detect potential water contamination incidents. The frequency and characteristics of the 911 alarms over a 2.5 year period were studied.

Results
During the evaluation, 85 alarms occurred, although most occurred prior to the implementation of an additional alerting constraint in May 2009. Data were available for analysis approximately 48 minutes after calls indicating alarms may be generated 1-2 hours after a rapid increase in call volume. Most alerts occurred in areas of high population density. The average alarm area was 9.22 square kilometers. The average number of cases in an alarm was nine calls.

Conclusions
The 911 surveillance system provides timely notification of possible public health events, but did have limitations. While the alarms contained incident codes and location of the caller, additional information such as medical status was not available to assist validating the cause of the alarm. Furthermore, users indicated that a better understanding of 911 system functionality is necessary to understand how it would behave in an actual water contamination event.
Complex modulation of androgen responsive gene expression by methoxyacetic acid
Authors: Bagchi Gargi , Zhang Yijing , Stanley Kerri A , Waxman David J 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundOptimal androgen signaling is critical for testicular development and spermatogenesis. Methoxyacetic acid (MAA), the primary active metabolite of the industrial chemical ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, disrupts spermatogenesis and causes testicular atrophy. Transcriptionaltrans-activation studies have indicated that MAA can enhance androgen receptor activity, however, whether MAA actually impacts the expression of androgen-responsive genesin vivo, and which genes might be affected is not known.MethodsA mouse TM3 Leydig cell line that stably expresses androgen receptor (TM3-AR) was prepared and analyzed by transcriptional profiling to identify target gene interactions between MAA and testosterone on a global scale.ResultsMAA is shown to have widespread effects on androgen-responsive genes, affecting processes ranging from apoptosis to ion transport, cell adhesion, phosphorylation and transcription, with MAA able to enhance, as well as antagonize, androgenic responses. Moreover, testosterone is shown to exert both positive and negative effects on MAA gene responses. Motif analysis indicated that binding sites for FOX, HOX, LEF/TCF, STAT5 and MEF2 family transcription factors are among the most highly enriched in genes regulated by testosterone and MAA. Notably, 65 FOXO targets were repressed by testosterone or showed repression enhanced by MAA with testosterone; these include 16 genes associated with developmental processes, six of which areHoxgenes.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the complex interactions between testosterone and MAA, and provide insight into the effects of MAA exposure on androgen-dependent processes in a Leydig cell model.
In vitro migration of cytotoxic T lymphocyte derived from a colon carcinoma patient is dependent on CCL2 and CCR2
Authors: Berencsi Klara , Rani Pyapalli , Zhang Tianqian , Gross Laura , Mastrangelo Michael , Meropol Neal J , Herlyn Dorothee , Somasundaram Rajasekharan 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Infiltration of colorectal carcinomas (CRC) with T-cells has been associated with good prognosis. There are some indications that chemokines could be involved in T-cell infiltration of tumors. Selective modulation of chemokine activity at the tumor site could attract immune cells resulting in tumor growth inhibition. In mouse tumor model systems, gene therapy with chemokines or administration of antibody (Ab)-chemokine fusion proteins have provided potent immune mediated tumor rejection which was mediated by infiltrating T cells at the tumor site. To develop such immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer patients, one must identify chemokines and their receptors involved in T-cell migration toward tumor cells.

Methods
To identify chemokine and chemokine receptors involved in T-cell migration toward CRC cells, we have used our previously published three-dimensional organotypic CRC culture system. Organotypic culture was initiated with a layer of fetal fibroblast cells mixed with collagen matrix in a 24 well tissue culture plate. A layer of CRC cells was placed on top of the fibroblast-collagen layer which was followed by a separating layer of fibroblasts in collagen matrix. Anti-CRC specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) mixed with fibroblasts in collagen matrix were placed on top of the separating layer. Excess chemokine ligand (CCL) or Abs to chemokine or chemokine receptor (CCR) were used in migration inhibition assays to identify the chemokine and the receptor involved in CTL migration.

Results
Inclusion of excess CCL2 in T-cell layer or Ab to CCL2 in separating layer of collagen fibroblasts blocked the migration of CTLs toward tumor cells and in turn significantly inhibited tumor cell apoptosis. Also, Ab to CCR2 in the separating layer of collagen and fibroblasts blocked the migration of CTLs toward tumor cells and subsequently inhibited tumor cell apoptosis. Expression of CCR2 in four additional CRC patients' lymphocytes isolated from infiltrating tumor tissues suggests their role in migration in other CRC patients.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that CCL2 secreted by tumor cells and CCR2 receptors on CTLs are involved in migration of CTLs towards tumor. Gene therapy of tumor cells with CCL2 or CCL2/anti-tumor Ab fusion proteins may attract CTLs that potentially could inhibit tumor growth.
Preparation and evaluation of novel mixed micelles as nanocarriers for intravenous delivery of propofol
Authors: Li Xinru , Zhang Yanhui , Fan Yating , Zhou Yanxia , Wang Xiaoning , Fan Chao , Liu Yan , Zhang Qiang 
Published: April 2011

AbstractNovel mixed polymeric micelles formed from biocompatible polymers, poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide) (mPEG-PLA) and polyoxyethylene-660-12-hydroxy stearate (Solutol HS15), were fabricated and used as a nanocarrier for solubilizing poorly soluble anesthetic drug propofol. The solubilization of propofol by the mixed micelles was more efficient than those made of mPEG-PLA alone. Micelles with the optimized composition of mPEG-PLA/Solutol HS15/propofol = 10/1/5 by weight had particle size of about 101 nm with narrow distribution (polydispersity index of about 0.12). Stability analysis of the mixed micelles in bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution indicated that the diblock copolymer mPEG efficiently protected the BSA adsorption on the mixed micelles because the hydrophobic groups of the copolymer were efficiently screened by mPEG, and propofol-loaded mixed micelles were stable upon storage for at least 6 months. The content of free propofol in the aqueous phase for mixed micelles was lower by 74% than that for the commercial lipid emulsion. No significant differences in times to unconsciousness and recovery of righting reflex were observed between mixed micelles and commercial lipid formulation. The pharmacological effect may serve as pharmaceutical nanocarriers with improved solubilization capacity for poorly soluble drugs.
A review on boiling heat transfer enhancement with nanofluids
Authors: Barber Jacqueline , Brutin David , Tadrist Lounes 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThere has been increasing interest of late in nanofluid boiling and its use in heat transfer enhancement. This article covers recent advances in the last decade by researchers in both pool boiling and convective boiling applications, with nanofluids as the working fluid. The available data in the literature is reviewed in terms of enhancements, and degradations in the nucleate boiling heat transfer and critical heat flux. Conflicting data have been presented in the literature on the effect that nanofluids have on the boiling heat-transfer coefficient; however, almost all researchers have noted an enhancement in the critical heat flux during nanofluid boiling. Several researchers have observed nanoparticle deposition at the heater surface, which they have related back to the critical heat flux enhancement.
Solution-processed germanium nanowire-positioned Schottky solar cells
Authors: Yun Ju-Hyung , Park Yun Chang , Kim Joondong , Lee Hak-Joo , Anderson Wayne A , Park Jeunghee 
Published: April 2011

AbstractGermanium nanowire (GeNW)-positioned Schottky solar cell was fabricated by a solution process. A GeNW-containing solution was spread out onto asymmetric metal electrodes to produce a rectifying current flow. Under one-sun illumination, the GeNW-positioned Schottky solar cell yields an open-circuit voltage of 177 mV and a short-circuit current of 19.2 nA. Schottky and ohmic contacts between a single GeNW and different metal electrodes were systematically investigated. This solution process may provide a route to the cost-effective nanostructure solar architecture.
Enhanced convective heat transfer using graphene dispersed nanofluids
Authors: Baby Tessy Theres , Ramaprabhu Sundara 
Published: April 2011

AbstractNanofluids are having wide area of application in electronic and cooling industry. In the present work, hydrogen exfoliated graphene (HEG) dispersed deionized (DI) water, and ethylene glycol (EG) based nanofluids were developed. Further, thermal conductivity and heat transfer properties of these nanofluids were systematically investigated. HEG was synthesized by exfoliating graphite oxide in H2 atmosphere at 200°C. The nanofluids were prepared by dispersing functionalized HEG (f-HEG) in DI water and EG without the use of any surfactant. HEG and f-HEG were characterized by powder X-ray diffractometry, electron microscopy, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. Thermal and electrical conductivities of f-HEG dispersed DI water and EG based nanofluids were measured for different volume fractions and at different temperatures. A 0.05% volume fraction of f-HEG dispersed DI water based nanofluid shows an enhancement in thermal conductivity of about 16% at 25°C and 75% at 50°C. The enhancement in Nusselts number for these nanofluids is more than that of thermal conductivity.
Particle shape effect on heat transfer performance in an oscillating heat pipe
Authors: Ji Yulong , Wilson Corey , Chen Hsiu-hung , Ma Hongbin 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe effect of alumina nanoparticles on the heat transfer performance of an oscillating heat pipe (OHP) was investigated experimentally. A binary mixture of ethylene glycol (EG) and deionized water (50/50 by volume) was used as the base fluid for the OHP. Four types of nanoparticles with shapes of platelet, blade, cylinder, and brick were studied, respectively. Experimental results show that the alumina nanoparticles added in the OHP significantly affect the heat transfer performance and it depends on the particle shape and volume fraction. When the OHP was charged with EG and cylinder-like alumina nanoparticles, the OHP can achieve the best heat transfer performance among four types of particles investigated herein. In addition, even though previous research found that these alumina nanofluids were not beneficial in laminar or turbulent flow mode, they can enhance the heat transfer performance of an OHP.
A case of IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis concurrent with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis
Authors: Tamai Rukako , Hasegawa Yoshiyuki , Hisano Satoshi , Miyake Katsuhisa , Nakashima Hitoshi , Saito Takao 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe describe a 72-year-old man, who had been suffered from Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) several times, presented with hematoproteinuria with granular cast, and general lymphadenopathy. The immunological examination of the serum showed polyclonal hypergammagloburinemia with high value of IgG4. The renal biopsy revealed interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, including infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells, and segmental glomerulonephritis. Direct immunofluorescence microscopy revealed apparent positive staining with anti-human IgA, and anti-human IgG in glomeruli, anti-human IgG4 antibody staining showed many positive plasma cells in the interstitium. The patient was diagnosed with HSP nephritis that was complicated by IgG4-related nephropathy. As a result of the treatment with 30mg prednisolone, the swelling of the LNs decreased, but the patient continued to have persistent hematoproteinuria.
Use of deferred consent for severely ill children in a multi-centre phase III trial
Authors: Maitland Kathryn , Molyneux Sassy , Boga Mwamvua , Kiguli Sarah , Lang Trudie 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Voluntary participation of a subject in research respects a subject's rights, strengthens its ethical conduct, and is formalized by the informed consent process. Clinical trials of life-saving interventions for medical emergencies often necessitate enrolment of patients where prior written individual informed consent is impossible. Although there are regulations and guidelines on protecting subjects in emergency research, these have been criticised for being limited and unnecessarily restrictive. Across Europe and the United States stringent regulations have resulted in a substantial decline of clinical trials involving emergency interventions.

Methods
We are conducting a trial of fluid resuscitation in children with hypovolaemic shock in six hospitals across three malaria-endemic African countries. The design is pragmatic as children are enrolled on clinical criteria alone and is being conducted in hospitals with facilities typical of many district hospitals across Africa. The trial aims to inform strategy for managing children with febrile illness and features of shock. In order to develop appropriate consent processes for the trial, we conducted a narrative review of current international recommendations for emergency consent.

Results
Practical or specific guidance was generally sparse or confusing with few examples in the literature to direct our informed consent process. For a sub-group of children who were critically sick or where parents themselves were otherwise too distressed to consider prior written consent, we opted for a modified form of deferred consent. This included verbal assent from guardians at the point of enrolment, with full written consent obtained after stabilising the child. For children who died prior to full written consent, ethical permission was received to waiver full consent.

Conclusions
In light of the controversy around guidance and regulations in this area we report how and why we have used a modified system of deferred consent in an emergency intervention trial in children. Although approved by all relevant ethics committees and operational in 3 countries in Africa, formal research is now necessary to explore the perceptions and experiences of parents, health workers, researchers and ethics committees of the modified method of deferred consent.
Reengineering the clinical research enterprise to involve more community clinicians
Authors: Ryan Gery , Berrebi Claude , Beckett Megan , Taylor Stephanie , Quiter Elaine , Cho Michelle , Pincus Harold , Kahn Katherine 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
The National Institutes of Health has called for expansion of practice-based research to improve the clinical research enterprise.

Methods
This paper presents a model for the reorganization of clinical research to foster long-term participation by community clinicians.
Based on the literature and interviews with clinicians and other stakeholders, we posited a model, conducted further interviews to test the viability of the model, and further adapted it.

Results
We propose a three-dimensional system of checks and balances to support community clinicians using research support organizations, community outreach, a web-based registry of clinicians and studies, web-based training services, quality audits, and a feedback mechanism for clinicians engaged in research.

Conclusions
The proposed model is designed to offer a systemic mechanism to address current barriers that prevent clinicians from participation in research. Transparent mechanisms to guarantee the safety of patients and the integrity of the research enterprise paired with efficiencies and economies of scale are maintained by centralizing some of the functions. Assigning other responsibilities to more local levels assures flexibility with respect to the size of the clinician networks and the changing needs of researchers.