bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age-related defects in B lymphopoiesis underlie the myeloid dominance of adult leukemia
Authors: Signer Robert A. J. , Montecino-Rodriguez Encarnacion , Witte Owen N. , McLaughlin Jami , Dorshkind Kenneth 
Published: June 2007

AbstractReduced lymphopoiesis during aging contributes to declines in immunity, but little consideration has been given to its effect on the development of hematologic disease. This report demonstrates that age-related defects in lymphopoiesis underlie the myeloid dominance of adult leukemia. Using a murine model of chronic myeloid leukemia, an adult-onset malignancy that arises from transformation of hematopoietic stem cells by the BCR-ABLP210 oncogene, we demonstrate that young bone marrow (BM) cells that were transformed with BCR-ABLP210 initiated both a myeloproliferative disorder (MPD) and B-lymphoid leukemia, whereas BCR-ABLP210–transformed old BM cells recapitulated the human disease by inducing an MPD with rare lymphoid involvement. In addition, the lesser severity of MPDs initiated from old BCR-ABLP210–transduced BM cells revealed unappreciated defects in aged myeloid progenitors. These data demonstrate that aging affects patterns of leukemogenesis and indicate that the effects of senescence on hematopoiesis are more extensive than previously appreciated.
Rapid generation of a functional NK-cell compartment
Authors: Prlic Martin , Kamimura Daisuke , Bevan Michael J. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Bone marrow transplants are an important therapeutic tool for treating certain types of cancer as well as genetic diseases affecting the hematopoietic system. Until the transferred stem cells differentiate and reconstitute the immune system, recipients are at increased risk from opportunistic infections. We report the rapid generation of a functional natural killer (NK) compartment in lethally irradiated mice that received bone marrow cells from a syngeneic donor by treatment with IL-2/anti–IL-2 antibody complexes. We demonstrate that IL-2 complexes specifically expand the donor but not the host NK population and discuss the implications of this finding in the context of graft-versus-host disease and tumor relapse. Finally, we show that NK cells rapidly generated by IL-2 complexes kill MHC class I–deficient cells effectively in vivo. These data underline the unique therapeutic potential of IL-2 complexes.
160-fold acceleration of the Smith-Waterman algorithm using a field programmable gate array (FPGA)
Authors: Li Isaac TS , Shum Warren , Truong Kevin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundTo infer homology and subsequently gene function, the Smith-Waterman (SW) algorithm is used to find the optimal local alignment between two sequences. When searching sequence databases that may contain hundreds of millions of sequences, this algorithm becomes computationally expensive.ResultsIn this paper, we focused on accelerating the Smith-Waterman algorithm by using FPGA-based hardware that implemented a module for computing the score of a single cell of the SW matrix. Then using a grid of this module, the entire SW matrix was computed at the speed of field propagation through the FPGA circuit. These modifications dramatically accelerated the algorithm's computation time by up to 160 folds compared to a pure software implementation running on the same FPGA with an Altera Nios II softprocessor.ConclusionThis design of FPGA accelerated hardware offers a new promising direction to seeking computation improvement of genomic database searching.
Low major histocompatibility complex class II DQA diversity in the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Zhu Liang , Ruan Xiang-Dong , Ge Yun-Fa , Wan Qiu-Hong , Fang Sheng-Guo 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the most endangered animals due to habitat fragmentation and loss. Although the captive breeding program for this species is now nearly two decades old, researches on the genetic background of such captive populations, especially on adaptive molecular polymorphism of major histocompatibility complex (MHC), are still limited. In this study, we characterized adaptive variation of the giant panda's MHC DQA gene by PCR amplification of its antigen-recognizing region (i.e. the exon 2) and subsequent single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and sequence analyses.

Results
The results revealed a low level of DQA exon 2 diversity in this rare animal, presenting 6 alleles from 61 giant panda individuals. The observed polymorphism was restricted to 9 amino acid substitutions, all of which occurred at and adjacent to positions forming the functionally important antigen-binding sites. All the samples were in Hardy-Weinberg proportions. A significantly higher rate of non-synonymous than synonymous substitutions at the antigen-binding sites indicated positive selection for diversity in the locus.

Conclusion
The DQA allelic diversity of giant pandas was low relative to other vertebrates. Nonetheless, the pandas exhibited more alleles in DQA than those in DRB, suggesting the alpha chain genes would play a leading role when coping with certain pathogens and thus should be included in conservation genetic investigation. The microsatellite and MHC loci might predict long-term persistence potential and short-term survival ability, respectively. Consequently, it is recommended to utilize multiple suites of microsatellite markers and multiple MHC loci to detect overall genetic variation in order to design unbiased conservation strategies.
Healthcare utilization of patients accessing an African national treatment program
Authors: Harling Guy , Orrell Catherine , Wood Robin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe roll-out of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Africa will have significant resource implications arising from its impact on demand for healthcare services. Existing studies of healthcare utilization on HAART have been conducted in the developed world, where HAART is commenced when HIV illness is less advanced.MethodsThis paper describes healthcare utilization from program entry by treatment-naïve patients in a peri-urban settlement in South Africa. Treatment criteria included a CD4 cell count <200 cells/μl or an AIDS-defining illness. Data on health service utilization were collected retrospectively from the primary-care clinic and secondary and tertiary referral hospitals. Hospital visits were reviewed to determine the clinical reason for each visit.Results212 patients were followed for a median of 490 days. Outpatient visits per 100 patient years of observation (PYO), excluding scheduled primary-care follow-up, fell from 596 immediately prior to ART to 334 in the first 48 weeks on therapy and 245 thereafter. Total inpatient time fell from 2,549 days per 100 PYO pre-ART to 476 in the first 48 weeks on therapy and 73 thereafter. This fall in healthcare utilization occurred at every level of care. The greatest causes of utilization were tuberculosis, cryptococcal meningitis, HIV-related neoplasms and adverse reactions to stavudine. After 48 weeks on ART demand reverted to primarily non-HIV-related causes.ConclusionUtilization of both inpatient and outpatient hospital services fell significantly after commencement of ART for South African patients in the public sector, with inpatient demand falling fastest. Earlier initiation might reduce early on-ART utilization rates.
Nurses' experiences of recruitment and migration from developing countries: a phenomenological approach
Authors: Troy Paul H , Wyness Laura A , McAuliffe Eilish 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
There is growing concern globally at the current flows of nurse migration, particularly from low-income to middle and high-income countries. Recruitment practices of many countries such as Ireland are thought to be fuelling this rate of migration. This paper aims to establish the perceptions and opinions of those involved in the recruitment process on their role in recruitment and the effects recruitment has on both source and destination countries.

Methods
A purposive sample of 12 directors of nursing, from major academic teaching hospitals in Dublin and hospitals in South Africa and the Philippines were recruited. Ten overseas nurses were also recruited. A phenomenological approach was used with semi-structured interviews as the data collection method.

Results
There were pronounced differences in opinions between the Irish and the overseas directors on recruitment and its effects on the health systems of the source countries. Difficulties in the retention of staff were highlighted by both groups of directors. Other findings included the language and cultural differences experienced by the overseas nurses.

Conclusion
Recruitment of overseas nurses should not be left to the individual employer even in the presence of government guidelines. An international effort from all the involved parties is required to formulate a solution to this complex issue in order to protect both the health systems of individual countries and the nurse's right to migrate.
Pulmonary congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, type I, presenting as a single cyst of the middle lobe in an adult: case report
Authors: Morelli Luca , Piscioli Irene , Licci Stefano , Donato Salvatore , Catalucci Alessia , Del Nonno Franca 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of the lung is an uncommon fetal development anomaly of the terminal respiratory structures. The large cyst type usually occurs in stillborn infants or newborn infants with respiratory distress. Cases of CCAM have been previously described in adulthood, more often type I with multiloculated cystic lesions.

Case presentation
We report a case of type I CCAM presenting as a single, expansive cystic mass in the middle pulmonary lobe in a 38-year-old man, revealed by persistent cough and haemoptysis. Computed tomographic scan showed a single cyst with air fluid level, occupying the lateral segment of the lobe. When the type I CCAM is a single cyst, other cystic pulmonary lesions must be excluded. The intrapulmonary localization and the absence of cartilage in the cyst wall are conclusive findings of CCAM. The pathogenesis, management and differential diagnosis with other lung malformations are discussed along with a review of the literature.

Conclusion
The literature data confirm that surgical resection is the treatment of choice in all cases of CCAM and in the cases of cystic pulmonary lesions with uncertain radiological findings, in order to perform a histological examination of the lesion and to prevent infection and the potential neoplastic transformation.
Free Fluid in Morison's Pouch on Bedside Ultrasound Predicts Need for Operative Intervention in Suspected Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Moore Chris , Todd William M. , O'Brien Elizabeth , Lin Henry 
Published: June 2007

BackgroundEctopic pregnancies are frequently present in women who present to the emergency department with pregnancy and abdominal pain or bleeding, a subset of whom may require operative intervention. ObjectivesTo prospectively determine if emergency physician (EP)‐performed transabdominal pelvic ultrasonography (US) with determination of free abdominal fluid in the hepatorenal space predicted the need for operative intervention. MethodsPatients who were suspected to have an ectopic pregnancy were prospectively enrolled over a ten‐month period. An EP‐performed bedside transabdominal pelvic US that included a view of the hepatorenal space (Morison's pouch) for free fluid. The EP US was classified as intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) or no definitive IUP, with Morison's pouch classified as positive or negative. The majority of patients had a subsequent transvaginal pelvic US performed by the Department of Radiology. Patients were followed up for radiology results, need for operative intervention, and ultimate outcome of the pregnancy. ResultsThere were 242 patients enrolled, with an average time to complete the EP US of 4 minutes and 27 seconds. There were 28 ectopic pregnancies diagnosed (11.6%), of which 18 patients underwent operative intervention. Free fluid in Morison's pouch was identified in ten patients, nine of whom underwent operative intervention, yielding a positive likelihood ratio of 112 (95% confidence interval = 15 to 831) for patients with suspected ectopic pregnancy who required operative intervention. ConclusionsFree intraperitoneal fluid found in Morison's pouch in patients with suspected ectopic pregnancy may be rapidly identified at the bedside by EP‐performed US and predicts the need for operative intervention.
The rise and fall of Hox gene clusters
Authors: Duboule Denis 
Published: June 2007

Although all bilaterian animals have a related set of Hox genes, the genomic organization of this gene complement comes in different flavors. In some unrelated species, Hox genes are clustered; in others, they are not. This indicates that the bilaterian ancestor had a clustered Hox gene family and that, subsequently, this genomic organization was either maintained or lost. Remarkably, the tightest organization is found in vertebrates, raising the embarrassingly finalistic possibility that vertebrates have maintained best this ancestral configuration. Alternatively, could they have co-evolved with an increased `organization' of the Hox clusters, possibly linked to their genomic amplification, which would be at odds with our current perception of evolutionary mechanisms? When discussing the why's and how's of Hox gene clustering, we need to account for three points: the mechanisms of cluster evolution; the underlying biological constraints; and the developmental modes of the animals under consideration. By integrating these parameters, general conclusions emerge that can help solve the aforementioned dilemma.“See my son, here time becomes space” Gurnemanz, in Parsifal (R. Wagner)
Genetic analysis of renal function in mice. 1. Glomerular filtration rate and its correlation with body and kidney weight
Authors: Hackbarth H. , Hackbarth D. 
Published: June 2007

Investigation of 18 inbred and 6 F1 hybrid mouse strains has shown that the glomerular filtration rate, bodyweight and kidney weight showed strain- and sex-dependent differences. Covariance analysis showed stronger correlations (genetic and environmental) between glomerular filtration rate and bodyweight than between glomerular filtration rate and kidney weight. This was predominantly due to a high within-strain variation of kidney weight (56%) in male mice. Therefore an allometric regression was calculated between the 48 strain means of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and bodyweight (BW): GFR = 0·036 × BW0·74 Thus the term BW0·74 a suitable correction term for comparing the heat production of different species, is also suitable for the correction of glomerular filtration rate within one species.
Multiple Fluorescent Labeling of Silica Nanoparticles with Lanthanide Chelates for Highly Sensitive Time-Resolved Immunofluorometric Assays
Authors: Xu Ye , Li Qingge 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Background: Time-resolved immunofluorometric assays (TrIFA) using lanthanide-labeled nanoparticles have greatly increased the sensitivity of immunoassays. Current labeling strategies, however, use either physical doping of lanthanide chelates into preformed nanoparticles or covalent linking of lanthanide chelates to precursors used for making nanoparticles; both these strategies have drawbacks.
Methods: Luminescent Eu(III) and Tb(III) chelates were covalently coated on the surface of preformed silica nanoparticles to which detection antibodies or bridging proteins for antibody binding were conjugated. We used the resulting conjugates in TrIFA for detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), both individually and simultaneously. We compared the results of the newly established method with results of an ELISA for serum samples. Positive samples identified by TrIFA but not by ELISA were confirmed by additional assays, including real-time PCR detection of viral DNA.
Results: The prepared nanoparticle conjugates were homogeneous in size, at ∼55 (5) nm in diameter [mean (SD)], were stable for long-time storage (&gt;2 years), and contained more chelates [6.86 × 105 for Eu(III), 4.73 × 104 for Tb(III)] per nanoparticle than particles made as previously reported. The TrIFA established for HBsAg had a comparable or lower detection limit (0.0092 μg/L) than existing nanoparticle-based TrIFA or ELISA. The TrIFA for HBeAg had a much lower detection limit [10.0 National Centre Unit (NCU)/L] than ELISA and detected HBeAg in 5 samples missed by the ELISA method. Simultaneous TrIFA for both HBsAg and HBeAg was achieved with detection limits (0.033 μg/L for HBsAg and 27.0 NCU/L for HBeAg) close to those of the individual assays.
Conclusions: Covalent surface labeling of silica nanoparticles with lanthanide chelates provides good fluorescent labels that can be used in TrIFA for highly sensitive and robust detection of clinical targets.
Population Dynamics of a June Sucker Refuge Population
Authors: Billman Eric J. , Crowl Todd A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe June suckerChasmistes liorusis an endangered sucker endemic to Utah Lake in the Bonneville basin of the western United States. Little is known about the critical life history parameters for this species. We evaluated the life history characteristics of a June sucker refuge population using mark‐recapture techniques. The Red Butte June sucker population was structured as five stage‐classes: age 0, age 1, age 2, age 3, and adult. The first four annuli on opercles were estimated to form at approximately 57, 121, 184, and 259 mm total length (TL). The adult class comprised all June suckers 4 years and older; the oldest possible age for an adult was 16 years, these June suckers representing the original suckers used to establish this refuge population. Mean lengths of reproductive adults indicated sex‐specific differences in size at maturity; females were significantly greater in TL than males (402 and 378 mm, respectively). The estimated population size excluding age‐0 fish was 13,556 (95% confidence interval, 11,499–16,510) after adjusting for tag loss. Survival rates were estimated for all but the age‐0 class as follows: age 1, 0.4225; age 2, 0.4625; age 3, 0.8020; and adults, 0.9576. This study provides the first estimates of abundance and survival of juvenile June suckers as well as comprehensive life history data for a June sucker population.
Prediction of optical properties of paints
Authors: Ďurikovič Roman , Ágošton Tomaš 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe field of predictive rendering concerns itself with those methods of image synthesis which yield results that do not only look real, but are also radiometrically correct renditions of nature, i.e., which are accurate predictions of what a real scene would look like under given lighting conditions. A real coating consists of pigments, effect pigments, clear lacquer and glaze. A novel and unique combination of real parameters that are commonly measured in the industry and a theoretical reflectance model consisting of measurable parameters is required. Here, the authors design perception parameters and put them into well known surface reflection functions such as He and Torrance. The original contributions are the study of the sub-surface scattering of real paint and the prediction of its appearance in rendered images by the proposed model of light reflection beneath the paint surface.
Identifying the etiologic role of Parvovirus B19 in non-immune hydrops fetalis by histopathology, immunohistochemistry and nucleic acid testing: a retrospective study
Authors: Ergunay Koray , Altinok Gulcin , Gurel Bora , Pinar Ahmet , Sungur Arzu , Balci Sevim , Ustacelebi Semsettin 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Intrauterine Parvovirus B19 infections may cause fetal anemia, non-immune hydrops fetalis or abortion. This study focuses on the pathogenic role of Parvovirus B19 in non-immune hydrops fetalis at Hacettepe University, a major reference hospital in Turkey. Twenty-two cases of non-immune hydrops fetalis were retrospectively selected out of a total of 431 hydrops fetalis specimens from the Department of Pathology archieves. Paraffine embedded tissue sections from placental and liver tissues from each case were evaluated by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, nested PCR and commercial quantitative Real-time PCR. Viral DNA was detected in placental tissues by Real-time PCR in 2 cases (2/22, 9.1%) where histopathology also revealed changes suggestive of Parvovirus B19 infection. No significant histopathologic changes were observed for the remaining sections. Nested PCR that targets the VP1 region of the viral genome and immunohistochemistry for viral capsid antigens were negative for all cases. As a result, Parvovirus B19 is identified as the etiologic agent for the development of non-immune hydrops fetalis for 9.1% of the cases in Hacettepe University, Turkey. Real-time PCR is observed to be an effective diagnostic tool for nucleic acid detection from paraffine embedded tissues. Part of this study was presented as a poster at XIIIth International Congress of Virology, San Francisco, USA (Abstract V-572).
Variables Influencing Physical Therapists’ Perceptions of Continuing Education
Authors: Austin Tricia M , Graber Kim C 
Published: June 2007

Background and Purpose: As of October 1, 2002, physical therapy continuing education (CE) in Illinois was mandated. Research examining the recent mandate for physical therapists to engage in CE is limited. The purposes of this study were to examine the perceptions of physical therapist clinicians and managers concerning the barriers to and facilitators of CE and to identify how physical therapists perceive the role of their department in the CE process.Subjects: Participants were 23 physical therapists at 6 hospitals.Methods: Qualitative methodology was used to analyze data.Results: Four themes were identified: negotiating and managing the variables associated with CE, providing and promoting opportunities that meet physical therapists’ CE needs, identifying the elements of employment environments that foster CE, and perceived implications of mandating CE.Discussion and Conclusion: This investigation highlights the need to identify the core set of variables associated with engaging in CE and to promote the elements of employment environments that foster CE.