bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural characterization of Haemophilus parainfluenzae lipooligosaccharide and elucidation of its role in adherence using an outer core mutant
Authors: Pollard Angela , St. Michael Frank , Connor Lynn , Nichols Wade , Cox Andrew 
Published: November 2008

The opportunistic pathogen Haemophilus parainfluenzae is a gram-negative bacterium found in the oropharynx of humans. Haemophilus parainfluenzae is a member of the Pasteurellaceae family in which it is most closely related to Haemophilus sengis and Actinobacillus . Characterization of surface displayed lipooligosaccharide has identified components that are crucial in adherence. We examined the oligosaccharide structure of lipooligosaccharide from 2 clinical isolates of H. parainfluenzae. Core oligosaccharide was isolated by standard methods from purified lipooligosaccharide. Structural information was established by a combination of monosaccharide and methylation analyses, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry revealing the following structures: R-(1-6)-β-Glc-(1-4)-d,d-α-Hep-(1-6)-β-Glc-(1-4)- substituting a tri-heptose-Kdo inner core of L,d-α-Hep-(1-2)-l,d-α-Hep-(1-3)-l,d-α-Hep-(1-5)-α-Kdo at the 4-position of the proximal l,d-α-Hep residue to Kdo, and with a PEtn residue at the 6-position of the central l,d-α-Hep residue. In strain 4282, the R substituent is β-galactose and in strain 4201 there is no substituent at the distal glucose. These analyses have revealed that multiple structural aspects of H. parainfluenzae lipooligosaccharide are comparable with nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae lipooligosaccharide. This study also identified a galactan in strain 4201 and a glucan in strain 4282. Haemophilus parainfluenzae was shown to adhere to a bronchial epithelial cell line to the same degree as nontypeable H. influenzae. However, an H. parainfluenzae mutant lacking the outer core of the lipooligosaccharide showed diminished adherence to the epithelial cells, suggesting that H. parainfluenzae lipooligosaccharide plays a role in tissue colonization.
Pathomechanisms of Symptomatic Developmental Venous Anomalies
Authors: Pereira Vitor M. , Geibprasert Sasikhan , Krings Timo , Aurboonyawat Thaweesak , Ozanne Augustin , Toulgoat Frederique , Pongpech Sirintara , Lasjaunias Pierre L. 
Published: November 2008

Background and Purpose—Although it is generally accepted that developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) are benign vascular malformations, over the past years, we have seen patients with symptomatic DVAs. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study and a literature study to review how, when, and why DVAs can become clinically significant.Methods—Charts and angiographic films of 17 patients with DVAs whose 18 vascular symptoms could be attributed to a DVA were selected from a neurovascular databank of our hospital. MRI had to be available to rule out any other associated disease. In the literature, 51 cases of well-documented symptomatic DVAs were found. Pathomechanisms were divided into mechanical and flow-related causes.Results—Mechanical (obstructive or compressive) pathomechanisms accounted for 14 of 69 symptomatic patients resulting in hydrocephalus or nerve compression syndromes. Flow-related pathomechanisms (49 of 69 patients) could be subdivided into complications resulting from an increase of flow into the DVA (owing to an arteriovenous shunt using the DVA as the drainage route; n=19) or a decrease of outflow (n=26) or a remote shunt with increased venous pressure (n=4) leading to symptoms of venous congestion. In 6 cases, no specific pathomechanisms were detected.Conclusions—Although DVAs should be considered benign, under rare circumstances, they can be symptomatic. DVAs, as extreme variations of normal venous drainage, may represent a more fragile venous drainage system that can be more easily affected by in- and outflow alterations. The integrity of the DVA needs to be preserved irrespective of the treatment that should be tailored to the specific pathomechanism.
Reforming primary health care: is New Zealand's primary health care strategy achieving its early goals?
Authors: Cumming Jacqueline , Mays Nicholas , Gribben Barry 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
In 2001, the New Zealand government introduced its Primary Health Care Strategy (PHCS), aimed at strengthening the role of primary health care, in order to improve health and to reduce inequalities in health. As part of the Strategy, new funding was provided to reduce the fees that patients pay when they use primary health care services in New Zealand, to improve access to services and to increase service use. In this article, we estimate the impact of the new funding on general practitioner and practice nurse visit fees paid by patients and on consultation rates. The analyses involved before-and-after monitoring of fees and consultation rates in a random sample of 99 general practices and covered the period from June 2001 (pre-Strategy) to mid-2005.

Results
Fees fell particularly in Access (higher need, higher per capita funded) practices over time for doctor and nurse visits. Fees increased over time for many in Interim (lower need, lower per capita funded) practices, but they fell for patients aged 65 years and over as new funding was provided for this age group. There were increases in consultation rates across almost all age, funding model (Access or Interim), socio-demographic and ethnic groups. Increases were particularly high in Access practices.

Conclusion
The Strategy has resulted in lower fees for primary health care for many New Zealanders, and consultation rates have also increased over the past few years. However, fees have not fallen by as much as expected in government policy given the amount of extra public money spent since there are limited requirements for practices to reduce patients' fees in line with increases in public funding for primary care.
Temporal Silencing of an Androgenic Gland-Specific Insulin-Like Gene Affecting Phenotypical Gender Differences and Spermatogenesis
Authors: Ventura Tomer , Manor Rivka , Aflalo Eliahu D. , Weil Simy , Raviv Shaul , Glazer Lilah , Sagi Amir 
Published: November 2008

Androgenic glands (AGs) of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii were subjected to endocrine manipulation, causing them to hypertrophy. Transcripts from these glands were used in the construction of an AG cDNA subtractive library. Screening of the library revealed an AG-specific gene, termed the M. rosenbergii insulin-like AG (Mr-IAG) gene. The cDNA of this gene was then cloned and fully sequenced. The cysteine backbone of the predicted mature Mr-IAG peptide (B and A chains) showed high similarity to that of other crustacean AG-specific insulin-like peptides. In vivo silencing of the gene, by injecting the prawns with Mr-IAG double-stranded RNA, temporarily prevented the regeneration of male secondary sexual characteristics, accompanied by a lag in molt and a reduction in growth parameters, which are typically higher in males of the species. In terms of reproductive parameters, silencing of Mr-IAG led to the arrest of testicular spermatogenesis and of spermatophore development in the terminal ampullae of the sperm duct, accompanied by hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the AGs. This study constitutes the first report of the silencing of a gene expressed specifically in the AG, which caused a transient adverse effect on male phenotypical gender differences and spermatogenesis.
Temporal silencing of a newly identified insulin-like gene from prawn androgenic gland inhibits primary spermatogenesis, male secondary sex characteristics, and growth.
Value of Cardiac Troponin I Cutoff Concentrations below the 99th Percentile for Clinical Decision-Making
Authors: Eggers Kai M , Jaffe Allan S , Lind Lars , Venge Per , Lindahl Bertil 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate factors influencing the 99th percentile for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) when this cutoff value is established on a highly sensitive assay, and to compare the value of this cutoff to that of lower cutoffs in the prognostic assessment of patients with coronary artery disease.
Methods: We used the recently refined Access AccuTnI assay (Beckman-Coulter) to assess the distribution of cTnI results in a community population of elderly individuals [PIVUS (Prospective Study of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors) study; n = 1005]. The utility of predefined cTnI cutoffs for risk stratification was then evaluated in 952 patients from the FRISC II (FRagmin and Fast Revascularization during InStability in Coronary artery disease) study at 6 months after these patients had suffered acute coronary syndrome.
Results: Selection of assay results from a subcohort of PIVUS participants without cardiovascular disease resulted in a decrease of the 99th percentile from 0.044 μg/L to 0.028 μg/L. Men had higher rates of cTnI elevation with respect to the tested thresholds. Whereas the 99th percentile cutoff was not found to be a useful prognostic indicator for 5-year mortality, both the 90th percentile (hazard ratio 3.1; 95% CI 1.9–5.1) and the 75th percentile (hazard ratio 2.8; 95% CI 1.7–4.7) provided useful prognostic information. Sex-specific cutoffs did not improve risk prediction.
Conclusions: The 99th percentile of cTnI depends highly on the characteristics of the reference population from which it is determined. This dependence on the reference population may affect the appropriateness of clinical conclusions based on this threshold. However, cTnI cutoffs below the 99th percentile seem to provide better prognostic discrimination in stabilized acute coronary syndrome patients and therefore may be preferable for risk stratification.
Clinical Performance of Two Highly Sensitive Cardiac Troponin I Assays
Authors: Venge Per , James Stefan , Jansson Leif , Lindahl Bertil 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical performance of 2 sensitive cTnI assays with 10% CV imprecision below the 99th percentile upper reference limit.
Methods: We measured cardiac troponin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations in a random sample of the Global Use of Strategies To Open Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO) IV cohort (n = 1251). Outcome data of 1-year mortality and the composite endpoint DMI [death and/or myocardial infarction (MI) within 30 days] were available in all patients. The 99th percentile of a healthy population was estimated from the Sweden Women and Men and Ischemic Heart Disease (SWISCH) cohort (n = 442). We measured cardiac troponin I (cTnI) using the Access AccuTnI (Beckman Coulter) and Centaur TnI Ultra (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics) and NT-proBNP using the Elecsys 2010 (Roche Diagnostics).
Results: Applying the 10% CV cutoff, the sensitivity of the Access AccuTnI assay in identifying DMI and death was higher than that of the Centaur TnI Ultra (P = 0.02 and P &lt; 0.001), and the AccuTnI assay also identified more patients at risk (P &lt; 0.001) and with poor outcome. Applying the 99th percentile cutoffs, AccuTnI identified more patients at risk than the Centaur TnI (P &lt; 0.001) and with significant differences in outcome. Significantly more patients with cardiac troponins below the cutoffs as measured by Centaur TnI had increased NT-proBNP concentrations (P &lt; 0.001) compared with AccuTnI.
Conclusions: The AccuTnI assay identified more patients at risk than the Centaur cTnI Ultra assay. Our results demonstrate the clinical potential of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays for the identification of patients at risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
Short- and Long-Term Biological Variation in Cardiac Troponin I Measured with a High-Sensitivity Assay: Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Wu Alan H B , Lu Quynh Anh , Todd John , Moecks Joachim , Wians Frank 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground: The improved detection limit and precision in new-generation commercial assays for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) have lowered the 99th-percentile cutoff value, yielding higher frequencies of positive test results. Because serial testing is important in interpreting low concentrations, we evaluated the biological variation of cTnI in both the short (hours) and long (weeks) terms and determined reference change values (RCVs) and the index of individuality (II) for cTnI.Methods: To assess short- and long-term variation, we collected blood from 12 healthy volunteers hourly for 4 h and from 17 healthy individuals once every other week for 8 weeks, measured cTnI with a high-sensitivity assay (detection limit, 0.2 ng/L), and computed analytical, intraindividual, interindividual, and total CVs (CVA, CVI, CVG, and CVT, respectively; CVT = CVA + CVI + CVG) as well as the II. Because of the slight right-skewness of the data, RCVs were calculated with a lognormal approach.Results: Within-day CVA, CVI, and CVG values were 8.3%, 9.7%, and 57%, respectively; the corresponding between-day values were 15%, 14%, and 63%. Within- and between-day IIs were 0.21 and 0.39, respectively. Lognormal within-day RCVs were 46% and −32%, respectively; the corresponding between-day values were 81% and −45%.Conclusions: The low II indicates that population-based reference intervals are less useful for interpreting cTnI values than following serial changes in values in individual patients. This criterion is particularly important for interpreting results from patients who show cTnI increases at low concentrations measured with very high-sensitivity assays, from patients presenting with chest pain (short term), and for evaluating drugs for cardiotoxicity (long term).
Lack of Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility of Circulating Plasma Myeloperoxidase Concentrations in Patients Presenting with Dyspnea
Authors: Shah Keyur B , Kop Willem J , Christenson Robert H , Diercks Deborah B , Kuo Dick , Henderson Sue , Hanson Karen , Mehra Mandeep R , deFilippi Christopher R 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Background: Plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO), an inflammatory biomarker, is associated with increased mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome or chronic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. We sought to assess the diagnostic accuracy of MPO for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and its prognostic value for patients with acute dyspnea.
Methods: In a prospective, observational study conducted in 5 US centers, 412 patients [mean (SD) age, 58 (14) years; 39% women] presenting with dyspnea to the emergency department were enrolled and followed for 1 year. Clinical, serum/plasma biomarker [MPO, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP)], and transthoracic echocardiographic data were obtained.
Results: We observed no differences in MPO concentration (P = 0.07) between patients with ADHF [n = 147; median, 553 pmol/L; interquartile range (IQR), 415–738 pmol/L] and those without ADHF (n = 265; median, 576 pmol/L; IQR, 413–884 pmol/L). The diagnostic accuracy for ADHF was excellent for BNP [area under the ROC curve (AUC), 0.90; P &lt; 0.001] and NT-proBNP (AUC, 0.90; P &lt; 0.001) but poor for MPO (AUC, 0.46; P = 0.18). MPO appeared uncorrelated with echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure or function. The observed 1-year mortality rate was 12%. MPO concentration also appeared unrelated to mortality [hazard ratio, 1.25 (above vs below the median); 95% CI, 0.71–2.18], whereas BNP (P = 0.001) and NT-proBNP (P &lt; 0.001) were significant predictors of mortality. MPO concentration provided no prognostic information in addition to that of BNP or NT-proBNP concentration.
Conclusions: Unlike natriuretic peptides, MPO concentration was not predictive of ADHF diagnosis or 1-year mortality in a heterogeneous sample of emergency department patients with acute dyspnea.
Biological importance of an Atlantic European maërl bed off Benencia Island (northwest Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Peña Viviana , Bárbara Ignacio 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe studied the conservation status of a maërl bed off Benencia Island (NW Spain) over a 2-year period using SCUBA and dredging. The maërl bed, which includes a maërl beach, extended from the intertidal to subtidal zones (18 m), and occupied an area of 215 ha. It was composed of a pure unattached coralline algal deposit occasionally mixed with broken shells. The area estimated for the highest maërl cover (76–100%) was greater than reported in previous research. The living maërl layer reached 15 cm in depth and the living/dead maërl ratio was high (80–100% living maërl cover). The dominant maërl-forming species wasPhymatolithon calcareum, although unattached plants ofMesophyllumsp. reaching 10 cm in diameter were found in two sites. Both maërl species are fruticose. The proportion of discoidal specimens ofP. calcareumwas related to depth. The associated flora comprised 137 species whose seasonal variations were very marked, with high floristic richness in summer (71 species) and low in winter (35 species). Crustose and turf-like species were the dominant floral components throughout the year, whereas the presence of other species was restricted to specific periods. We propose that Benencia Island be included in future Atlantic Iberian maërl bed conservation schemes.
Brief Report—Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Progenitors Possess Strong Immunosuppressive Effects Toward Natural Killer Cells as Well as T Lymphocytes
Authors: Yen B. Linju , Chang Chan Jung , Liu Ko-Jiunn , Chen Yao Chang , Hu Hsin-I , Bai Chi-Huey , Yen Men-Luh 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe derivation of mesenchymal progenitors from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) has recently been reported. We studied the immune characteristics of these hESC-derived mesenchymal progenitors (EMPs) and their interactions with T lymphocytes and natural killer cells (NKs), two populations of lymphocytes with important roles in transplantation immunology. EMPs express a number of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell (BMMSC) markers, as well as the hESC marker SSEA-4. Immunologically, EMPs do not express HLA-DR or costimulatory molecules. On the other hand, HLA-G, a nonclassic MHC I protein involved in mediating maternal-fetal tolerance, can be found on the surface of EMPs, and its expression is increased after interferon-γ stimulation. EMPs can suppress CD4+ or CD8+ lymphocyte proliferation, similar to BMMSCs. However, EMPs are more resistant to NK-mediated lysis than BMMSCs and can suppress the cytotoxic effects of activated NKs, as well as downregulating the NK-activating receptors NKp30 and NKp46. With their broad immunosuppressive properties, EMPs may represent a new potential cell source for therapeutic use.
A Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Biomarker for Neural Progenitor Cells: Is It All Neurogenesis?
Authors: Ramm Paul , Couillard-Despres Sebastien , Plötz Sonja , Rivera Francisco J. , Krampert Monika , Lehner Bernadette , Kremer Werner , Bogdahn Ulrich , Kalbitzer Hans R. , Aigner Ludwig 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
In vivo visualization of endogenous neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is crucial to advance stem cell research and will be essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of neurogenesis-based therapies. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (i.e., spatially resolved spectroscopy in vivo) is a highly promising technique by which to investigate endogenous neurogenesis noninvasively. A distinct feature in nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (i.e., a lipid signal at 1.28 ppm) was recently attributed specifically to NPCs in vitro and to neurogenic regions in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that although this 1.28-ppm biomarker is present in NPC cultures, it is not specific for the latter. The 1.28-ppm marker was also evident in mesenchymal stem cells and in non-stem cell lines. Moreover, it was absent in freshly isolated NPCs but appeared under conditions favoring growth arrest or apoptosis; it is initiated by induction of apoptosis and correlates with the appearance of mobile lipid droplets. Thus, although the 1.28-ppm signal cannot be considered as a specific biomarker for NPCs, it might still serve as a sensor for processes that are tightly associated with neurogenesis and NPCs in vivo, such as apoptosis or stem cell quiescence. However, this requires further experimental evidence. The present work clearly urges the identification of additional biomarkers for NPCs and for neurogenesis.
Efficacy and Safety of 10% and 16% Carbamide Peroxide Tooth-whitening Gels: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Meireles S. S. , Heckmann S. S. , Leida F. L. , Santos I. S. , Bona ÁDella , Demarco F. F. 
Published: November 2008

Clinical Relevance
This clinical trial suggests that two carbamide peroxide concentrations, when used once a day for three weeks, were well tolerated by patients and were effective in tooth whitening. Although some tooth sensitivity occurred during treatment, this side effect was mostly mild and transient.
Effect of Venting and Seating Techniques on the Cementation of Complete Coverage Restorations
Authors: Cruz M. A. , Sorenson J. A. , Johnson W. K. 
Published: November 2008

Clinical Relevance
The best seating of complete crowns during cementation can be achieved by venting the crown and using a tapping cementation technique. When the crown is not vented, a dynamic seating method provides the best seating.
Flow properties of natural rubber composites filled with defatted soy flour
Authors: Byars Jeffrey A. , Jong Lei 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe linear and nonlinear viscoelastic properties of natural rubber composites reinforced with defatted soy flour (DSF) were studied. DSF is an abundant, renewable commodity, and its rigid nature makes it suitable as a reinforcement phase in rubber composites. At small strain, the elastic modulus of a 30% filled composite was about 20 times higher than the unfilled rubber. Greater reinforcement was observed for carbon black filled composites than for DSF filled composites at filler concentrations of 10 and 20%. At high strain, values of the relaxation modulus dropped more rapidly for highly filled DSF composites. At high shear rates in a capillary viscometer, a small reinforcement effect remained for all composites, and lower die swell was observed for DSF composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Planung und Ausführung des Ersatzneubaus einer U‐Bahn‐Brücke in Berlin unter hohem Zeitdruck
Authors: Scholz Hans , Genetzke Carsten , Wette Klaus 
Published: November 2008

AbstractEs wird über die Planung und Ausführung einer neuen U‐Bahn‐Brücke in Berlin berichtet. Aufgrund nicht mehr ausreichender Standsicherheit und Gebrauchstauglichkeit wurde ein Neubau erforderlich. Die Baumaßnahme musste unter hohem Zeitdruck realisiert werden, um eine Stilllegung des U‐Bahn‐Betriebs zu vermeiden. Hieraus ergab sich eine stark verkürzte Planungs‐ und Ausführungsphase. Zudem stellte der Bauherr der ausführenden Baufirma den Baustahl zur Fertigung des Überbaus zur Verfügung, Ursache für ein Konfliktpotential, das es zu bewältigen galt. Es wird der Projektablauf aus Sicht der Planung dargestellt.
Verbesserter Vertikallastabtrag durch konische Pfähle – Feldversuche und Vorschlag für ein Bemessungsverfahren
Authors: Dührkop Jan , Grabe Jürgen 
Published: November 2008

AbstractKonische Pfähle können höhere Vertikallasten abtragen als herkömmliche Pfähle mit einem konstanten Schaftquerschnitt. Der durch die Konizität aktivierte Mechanismus ist bislang wenig erforscht und so gibt es bisher kein Verfahren zur Erfassung des zusätzlich aktivierten Widerstands. In diesem Beitrag werden Ergebnisse von Feldversuchen vorgestellt, die die Wirksamkeit der konischen Pfahlform belegen. Auf Basis dieser Untersuchung wird ein Vorschlag für ein Bemessungsverfahren erarbeitet, das auf den Empfehlungen des Arbeitskreises Pfähle aufbaut. Über den Ansatz eines äquivalenten Spitzendrucks im Schaftbereich gelingt die Nachrechnung der Feldversuche.