bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influences of obese (ob/ob) and diabetes (db/db) genotype mutations on lumber vertebral radiological and morphometric indices: Skeletal deformation associated with dysregulated systemic glucometabolism
Authors: Burkemper Katherine M , Garris David R 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackgroundBoth diabetes and obesity syndromes are recognized to promote lumbar vertebral instability, premature osteodegeneration, exacerbate progressive osteoporosis and increase the propensity towards vertebral degeneration, instability and deformation in humans.MethodsThe influences of single-gene missense mutations, expressing either diabetes (db/db) or obese (ob/ob) metabolic syndromes on vertebral maturation and development in C57BL/KsJ mice were evaluated by radiological and macro-morphometric analysis of the resulting variances in osteodevelopment indices relative to control parameters between 8 and 16 weeks of age (syndrome onset @ 4 weeks), and the influences of low-dose 17-B-estradiol therapy on vertebral growth expression evaluated.ResultsAssociated with the indicative genotypic obesity and hyper-glycemic/-insulinemic states, bothdb/dbandob/obmutants demonstrated a significant (P ≤ 0.05) elongation of total lumbar vertebrae column (VC) regional length, and individual lumbar vertebrae (LV1-5) lengths, relative to control VC and LV parameters. In contrast, LV1-5 width indices were suppressed in db/db and ob/ob mutants relative to control LV growth rates. Between 8 and 16 weeks of age, the suppressed LV1-5 width indices were sustained in both genotype mutant groups relative to control osteomaturation rates. The severity of LV1-5 width osteosuppression correlated with the severe systemic hyperglycemic and hypertriglyceridemic conditions sustained inob/obanddb/dbmutants. Low-dose 17-B-estradiol therapy (E2-HRx: 1.0ug/ 0.1 ml oil s.c/3.5 days), initiated at 4 weeks of age (i.e., initial onset phase ofdb/dbandob/obexpressions) re-established control LV 1–5 width indices without influencing VC or LV lengths in db/db groups.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that the abnormal systemic endometabolic states associated with the expression ofdb/dbandob/obgenomutation syndromes suppress LV 1–5 width osteomaturation rates, but enhanced development related VC and LV length expression, relative to control indices in a progressive manner similar to recognized human metabolic syndrome conditions. Therapeutic E2 modulation of the hyperglycemic component of diabetes-obesity syndrome protected the regional LV from the mutation-induced osteopenic width-growth suppression. These data suggest that these genotype mutation models may prove valuable for the evaluation of therapeutic methodologies suitable for the treatment of human diabetes- or obesity-influenced, LV degeneration-linked human conditions, which demonstrate amelioration from conventional replacement therapies following diagnosis of systemic syndrome-induced LV osteomaturation-associated deformations.
Single- versus two- layer intestinal anastomosis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shikata Satoru , Yamagishi Hisakazu , Taji Yoshinori , Shimada Toshihiko , Noguchi Yoshinori 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Background
To compare single- with two- layer intestinal anastomosis after intestinal resection: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Methods
Randomized controlled trials comparing single- with two-layer intestinal anastomosis were identified using a systematic search of Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library Databases covering articles published from 1966 to 2004. Outcome of primary interest was postoperative leak. A risk ratio for trial outcomes and weighted pooled estimates for data were calculated. A fixed-effect model weighted using Mantel-Haenszel methods and a random-effect model using DerSimonian-Laird methods were employed.

Results
Six trials were analyzed, comprising 670 participants (single-layer group, n = 299; two-layer group, n = 371). Data on leaks were available from all included studies. Combined risk ratio using DerSimonian-Laird methods was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.49 to 1.69), and indicated no significant difference. Inter-study heterogeneity was significant (χ2 = 10.5, d.f. = 5, p = 0.06).

Conclusion
No evidence was found that two-layer intestinal anastomosis leads to fewer post-operative leaks than single layer. Considering duration of the anastomosis procedure and medical expenses, single-layer intestinal anastomosis appears to represent the optimal choice for most surgical situations.
The distribution of burden of dental caries in schoolchildren: a critique of the high-risk caries prevention strategy for populations
Authors: Batchelor Paul A , Sheiham Aubrey 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe 'high-risk approach' is a commonly adopted strategy recommended for the prevention of dental caries in populations. The scientific basis for the strategy has been questioned. The objective of this study is to assess the contribution that children identified at 'high-risk' made towards the total of new caries lesions over a 4-year period, by analysing the distribution of new lesions per 100 children.MethodsData are from the National Preventive Dentistry Demonstration Programme (NPDDP) in the United States. The analyses identified the distribution of new carious lesions over a 4-year period in four groups of 7 year-old children who received differing preventive regimes.ResultsThe majority of new lesions occurred in those children classified at lowest caries risk at baseline. Irrespective of the preventive regime adopted and the initial caries levels, children classified as 'highest risk' contributed less than 6% of the total number of new lesions developing over 4 years.ConclusionThese findings challenge the basis for the adoption of a high-risk strategy.
A survey of factors affecting clinician acceptance of clinical decision support
Authors: Sittig Dean F , Krall Michael A , Dykstra Richard H , Russell Allen , Chin Homer L 
Published: February 2006

Abstract

Background
Real-time clinical decision support (CDS) integrated into clinicians' workflow has the potential to profoundly affect the cost, quality, and safety of health care delivery. Recent reports have identified a surprisingly low acceptance rate for different types of CDS. We hypothesized that factors affecting CDS system acceptance could be categorized as relating to differences in patients, physicians, CDS-type, or environmental characteristics.

Methods
We conducted a survey of all adult primary care physicians (PCPs, n = 225) within our group model Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) to identify factors that affect their acceptance of CDS. We defined clinical decision support broadly as "clinical information" that is either provided to you or accessible by you, from the clinical workstation (e.g., enhanced flow sheet displays, health maintenance reminders, alternative medication suggestions, order sets, alerts, and access to any internet-based information resources).

Results
110 surveys were returned (49%). There were no differences in the age, gender, or years of service between those who returned the survey and the entire adult PCP population. Overall, clinicians stated that the CDS provided "helps them take better care of their patients" (3.6 on scale of 1:Never – 5:Always), "is worth the time it takes" (3.5), and "reminds them of something they've forgotten" (3.2). There was no difference in the perceived acceptance rate of alerts based on their type (i.e., cost, safety, health maintenance). When asked about specific patient characteristics that would make the clinicians "more", "equally" or "less" likely to accept alerts: 41% stated that they were more (8% stated "less") likely to accept alerts on elderly patients (> 65 yrs); 38% were more (14% stated less) likely to accept alerts on patients with more than 5 current medications; and 38% were more (20% stated less) likely to accept alerts on patients with more than 5 chronic clinical conditions. Interestingly, 80% said they were less likely to accept alerts when they were behind schedule and 84% of clinicians admitted to being at least 20 minutes behind schedule "some", "most", or "all of the time".

Conclusion
Even though a majority of our clinical decision support suggestions are not explicitly followed, clinicians feel they are of benefit and would be even more beneficial if they had more time available to address them.
Lactate production yield from engineered yeasts is dependent from the host background, the lactate dehydrogenase source and the lactate export
Authors: Branduardi Paola , Sauer Michael , De Gioia Luca , Zampella Giuseppe , Valli Minoska , Mattanovich Diethard , Porro Danilo 
Published: February 2006

Abstract

Background
Metabolic pathway manipulation for improving the properties and the productivity of microorganisms is becoming a well established concept. For the production of important metabolites, but also for a better understanding of the fundamentals of cell biology, detailed studies are required. In this work we analysed the lactate production from metabolic engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells expressing a heterologous lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) gene. The LDH gene expression in a budding yeast cell introduces a novel and alternative pathway for the NAD+ regeneration, allowing a direct reduction of the intracellular pyruvate to lactate, leading to a simultaneous accumulation of lactate and ethanol.

Results
Four different S. cerevisiae strains were transformed with six different wild type and one mutagenised LDH genes, in combination or not with the over-expression of a lactate transporter. The resulting yield values (grams of lactate produced per grams of glucose consumed) varied from as low as 0,0008 to as high as 0.52 g g-1. In this respect, and to the best of our knowledge, higher redirections of the glycolysis flux have never been obtained before without any disruption and/or limitation of the competing biochemical pathways.

Conclusion
In the present work it is shown that the redirection of the pathway towards the lactate production can be strongly modulated by the genetic background of the host cell, by the source of the heterologous Ldh enzyme, by improving its biochemical properties as well as by modulating the export of lactate in the culture media.
Antineoplastic effects of the DNA methylation inhibitor hydralazine and the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid in cancer cell lines
Authors: Chavez-Blanco Alma , Perez-Plasencia Carlos , Perez-Cardenas Enrique , Carrasco-Legleu Claudia , Rangel-Lopez Edgar , Segura-Pacheco Blanca , Taja-Chayeb Lucia , Trejo-Becerril Catalina , Gonzalez-Fierro Aurora , Candelaria Myrna , Cabrera Gustavo , Duenas-Gonzalez Alfonso 
Published: February 2006

Abstract

Background
Among the epigenetic alterations occurring in cancer, DNA hypermethylation and histone hypoacetylation are the focus of intense research because their pharmacological inhibition has shown to produce antineoplastic activity in a variety of experimental models. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined antineoplastic effect of the DNA methylation inhibitor hydralazine and the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid in a panel of cancer cell lines.

Results
Hydralazine showed no growth inhibitory effect on cervical, colon, breast, sarcoma, glioma, and head & neck cancer cell lines when used alone. On the contrary, valproic acid showed a strong growth inhibitory effect that is potentiated by hydralazine in some cell lines. Individually, hydralazine and valproic acid displayed distinctive effects upon global gene over-expression but the number of genes over-expressed increased when cells were treated with the combination. Treatment of HeLa cells with hydralazine and valproic acid lead to an increase in the cytotoxicity of gemcitabine, cisplatin and adriamycin. A higher antitumor effect of adriamycin was observed in mice xenografted with human fibrosarcoma cells when the animals were co-treated with hydralazine and valproic acid.

Conclusion
Hydralazine and valproic acid, two widely used drugs for cardiovascular and neurological conditions respectively have promising antineoplastic effects when used concurrently and may increase the antitumor efficacy of current cytotoxic agents.
Ecologists can enable communities to implement malaria vector control in Africa
Authors: Mukabana W Richard , Kannady Khadija , Kiama G Michael , Ijumba Jasper N , Mathenge Evan M , Kiche Ibrahim , Nkwengulila Gamba , Mboera Leonard , Mtasiwa Deo , Yamagata Yoichi , van Schayk Ingeborg , Knols Bart GJ , Lindsay Steven W , de Castro Marcia Caldas , Mshinda Hassan , Tanner Marcel , Fillinger Ulrike , Killeen Gerry F 
Published: February 2006

Abstract

Background
Integrated vector management (IVM) for malaria control requires ecological skills that are very scarce and rarely applied in Africa today. Partnerships between communities and academic ecologists can address this capacity deficit, modernize the evidence base for such approaches and enable future scale up.

Methods
Community-based IVM programmes were initiated in two contrasting settings. On Rusinga Island, Western Kenya, community outreach to a marginalized rural community was achieved by University of Nairobi through a community-based organization. In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Ilala Municipality established an IVM programme at grassroots level, which was subsequently upgraded and expanded into a pilot scale Urban Malaria Control Programme with support from national academic institutes.

Results
Both programmes now access relevant expertise, funding and policy makers while the academic partners benefit from direct experience of community-based implementation and operational research opportunities. The communities now access up-to-date malaria-related knowledge and skills for translation into local action. Similarly, the academic partners have acquired better understanding of community needs and how to address them.

Conclusion
Until sufficient evidence is provided, community-based IVM remains an operational research activity. Researchers can never directly support every community in Africa so community-based IVM strategies and tactics will need to be incorporated into undergraduate teaching programmes to generate sufficient numbers of practitioners for national scale programmes. Academic ecologists at African institutions are uniquely positioned to enable the application of practical environmental and entomological skills for malaria control by communities at grassroots level and should be supported to fulfil this neglected role.
An advanced expiratory circuit for the recovery of perfluorocarbon liquid from non-saturated perfluorocarbon vapour during partial liquid ventilation: an experimental model
Authors: Dunster Kimble R , Davies Mark W , Fraser John F 
Published: February 2006

Abstract

Background
The loss of perfluorocarbon (PFC) vapour in the expired gases during partial liquid ventilation should be minimized both to prevent perfluorocarbon vapour entering the atmosphere and to re-use the recovered PFC liquid.
Using a substantially modified design of our previously described condenser, we aimed to determine how much perfluorocarbon liquid could be recovered from gases containing PFC and water vapour, at concentrations found during partial liquid ventilation, and to determine if the amount recovered differed with background flow rate (at flow rates suitable for use in neonates).

Methods
The expiratory line of a standard ventilator circuit set-up was mimicked, with the addition of two condensers. Perfluorocarbon (30 mL of FC-77) and water vapour, at concentrations found during partial liquid ventilation, were passed through the circuit at a number of flow rates and the percentage recovery of the liquids measured.

Results
From 14.2 mL (47%) to 27.3 mL (91%) of the infused 30 mL of FC-77 was recovered at the flow rates studied. Significantly higher FC-77 recovery was obtained at lower flow rates (ANOVA with Bonferroni's multiple comparison test, p < 0.0001). As a percentage of the theoretical maximum recovery, 64 to 95% of the FC-77 was recovered. Statistically significantly less FC-77 was recovered at 5 Lmin-1 (ANOVA with Bonferroni's multiple comparison test, p < 0.0001). Amounts of perfluorocarbon vapour recovered were 47%, 50%, 81% and 91% at flow rates of 10, 5, 2 and 1 Lmin-1, respectively.

Conclusion
Using two condensers in series 47% to 91% of perfluorocarbon liquid can be recovered, from gases containing perfluorocarbon and water vapour, at concentrations found during partial liquid ventilation.
The proximal promoter region of mTert is sufficient to regulate telomerase activity in ES cells and transgenic animals
Authors: Pericuesta Eva , Ramírez Miguel Angel , Villa-Diaz Ana , Relaño-Gines Aroa , Maria Torres Juan , Nieto Marta , Pintado Belen , Gutiérrez-Adán Alfonso 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe reverse transcriptase of telomerase (Tert) controls telomerase activity maintaining the end of linear chromosomes in eukaryotic cells. Telomerase function is highly active in undifferentiated multipotent stem cells, decreases with cell differentiation and is generally absent from most somatic cells in the adult. Its absence is responsible of telomeres shortening in such somatic cells. Using an in vivo transgenic model and an in vitro culture differentiation of adult stem cells, we examined the elements of the mouse Tert (mTert) promoter that control telomerase activity.ResultsThree constructs comprising 1, 2 or 5 kb of the mTert promoter sequence coupled to the coding sequence of the green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were electroporated into embryonic stem (ES) cells. Transformed ES cells were able to mimic the expected mTert expression, which was associated to green fluorescence. One and 5 kb promoter produced the higher expression of EGFP, on ES cells. When ES cells were allowed to differentiate to embryoid bodies and to other cell types, they lost gradually the expression of mTert-EGFP as consequence of differentiation. No differences were found among the three constructs analyzed. We then generated transgenic mice with the three constructs. Expression of the reporter gene was monitored by reverse transcription-PCR analysis and EGFP visualization. The mRNA expression of the three constructs was lower than the endogenous mTert, but mimicked the endogenous mTert transcription pattern; however, no fluorescent expression of EGFP was detected in adult tissues. EGFP expression of the three constructs was visualized at the blastocysts stage and in new ES cells generated from them; in the germinal ring of E13 dpc foetuses; in ES-like colonies and in germinal stem cells generated from neonatal and adult testis cells; and in neuroesferes generated from E14 dpc foetuses' brain cells.ConclusionThe 1 kb promoter upstream of the initiating ATG codon of mTert contains all the regulatory elements to control telomerase expression in ES cells during in vitro loss of pluripotency. The transgenic mouse lines generated represent an appropriate system to analyze the expression of mouse Tert gene under physiological condition and during establishment of stem cell lines generated from embryonic or adult tissues.
Identification, cloning and functional characterization of novel beta-defensins in the rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Yenugu Suresh , Chintalgattu Vishnu , Wingard Christopher J , Radhakrishnan Yashwanth , French Frank S , Hall Susan H 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackgroundbeta-defensins are small cationic peptides that exhibit broad spectrum antimicrobial properties. The majority of beta-defensins identified in humans are predominantly expressed in the male reproductive tract and have roles in non-immunological processes such as sperm maturation and capacitation. Characterization of novel defensins in the male reproductive tract can lead to increased understanding of their dual roles in immunity and sperm maturation.MethodsIn silico rat genomic analyses were used to identify novel beta-defensins related to human defensins 118–123. RNAs isolated from male reproductive tract tissues of rat were reverse transcribed and PCR amplified using gene specific primers for defensins. PCR products were sequenced to confirm their identity. RT-PCR analysis was performed to analyze the tissue distribution, developmental expression and androgen regulation of these defensins. Recombinant defensins were tested against E. coli in a colony forming unit assay to analyze their antimicrobial activities.ResultsNovel beta-defensins, Defb21, Defb24, Defb27, Defb30 and Defb36 were identified in the rat male reproductive tract. Defb30 and Defb36 were the most restricted in expression, whereas the others were expressed in a variety of tissues including the female reproductive tract. Early onset of defensin expression was observed in the epididymides of 10–60 day old rats. Defb21-Defb36 expression in castrated rats was down regulated and maintained at normal levels in testosterone supplemented animals. DEFB24 and DEFB30 proteins showed potent dose and time dependent antibacterial activity.ConclusionRat Defb21, Defb24, Defb27, Defb30 and Defb36 are abundantly expressed in the male reproductive tract where they most likely protect against microbial invasion. They are developmentally regulated and androgen is required for full expression in the adult epididymis.
Reservoir cells no longer detectable after a heterologous SHIV challenge with the synthetic HIV-1 Tat Oyi vaccine
Authors: Watkins Jennifer D , Lancelot Sophie , Campbell Grant R , Esquieu Didier , Mareuil Jean de , Opi Sandrine , Annappa Sylvie , Salles Jean-Pierre , Loret Erwann P 
Published: February 2006

Abstract

Background
Extra-cellular roles of Tat might be the main cause of maintenance of HIV-1 infected CD4 T cells or reservoir cells. We developed a synthetic vaccine based on a Tat variant of 101 residues called Tat Oyi, which was identified in HIV infected patients in Africa who did not progress to AIDS. We compared, using rabbits, different adjuvants authorized for human use to test on ELISA the recognition of Tat variants from the five main HIV-1 subtypes. A formulation was tested on macaques followed by a SHIV challenge with a European strain.

Results
Tat Oyi with Montanide or Calcium Phosphate gave rabbit sera able to recognize all Tat variants. Five on seven Tat Oyi vaccinated macaques showed a better control of viremia compared to control macaques and an increase of CD8 T cells was observed only on Tat Oyi vaccinated macaques. Reservoir cells were not detectable at 56 days post-challenge in all Tat Oyi vaccinated macaques but not in the controls.

Conclusion
The Tat Oyi vaccine should be efficient worldwide. No toxicity was observed on rabbits and macaques. We show in vivo that antibodies against Tat could restore the cellular immunity and make it possible the elimination of reservoir cells.
RNAi dependent epigenetic marks on a geminivirus promoter
Authors: Dogar Afzal Muhammad 
Published: February 2006

Abstract

Nicotiana benthamiana plants were stably transformed with an intron-spliced dsRNA producing construct cognate to bidirectional promoter of African cassava mosaic geminivirus (ACMV) DNA A. Transgenic lines expressed multiple siRNAs species upon ACMV infection. The de novo DNA methylation and an increased proportion of histone H3 Lysine-9 methylation (H3K9) at intergenic region (IGR) of ACMV DNA A were observed.