bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic studies on the Ticuna, an eniǵmatic tribe of Central Amazonas
Authors: NEEL JAMES V. , GERSHOWITZ HENEY , MOHRENWEISER HARVEY W. , AMOS BERNARD , KOSTYU DONNA D. , SALZANO FRANCISCO M. , MESTRINER MOACYR A. , LAWRENCE DALE , SIMOTES AGUINALDO L. , SMOUSE PETER E. , OLIVER WILLIAM J. , SPIELMAN RICHARD S. , NEEL JAMES V. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryThe Ticuna are an Amerindian tribe of Central Amazonas, a key location in theories of the peopling of eastern South America. The results of typing some 1760 members of the tribe with respect to 37 different genetic systems are reported, as are the results of HLA typings on a subsample of 129 persons. Salient findings include the following. (1) Except for a high frequency of the LMsallele and an unusual combination of HLA allele frequencies, there are no notable findings with respect to the commonly studied polymorphic systems. A multivariate treatment of six of the most commonly studied genetic polymorphisms accords the Ticuna an ‘average’ position among Amerindian tribes. (2) There is much less intervillage heterogeneity than usually encountered in Amerindian tribes; this is attributed to recent high rates of intervillage migration due to religious developments. (3) A thus‐far unique polymorphism of ACP1was identified, the responsible allele having a frequency of 0.111. (4) In proportion to the size of the tribe, there was a relative paucity of ‘private’ genetic variants, the ACP1 allele being the only one. This discrepancy is attributed to a relatively recent numerical expansion of the tribe; effective population size over the past several thousand years is thought to have been well below what present numbers would suggest. (5) The thesis is again advanced that ‘private variants’ (alleles not occurring as polymorphisms of wide distribution) are more common in Amerindian than in Caucasian or Japanese populations.
Exclusion mapping illustrated by the MNSs blood group
Authors: COOK P. J. L. , NOADES J. E. , LOMAS C. G. , BUCKTON K. E. , ROBSON E. B. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryAn exclusion mapping method is described which attempts to combine in a compact form negative information from deletion studies and studies on families segregating for existing reference markers, centromere markers and familial translocations. A meiotic map is provided for exclusion mapping. Chromosome 22 is used as a worked example of the exclusion mapping of the MNSs blood group. A particular assignment for MNSs to the q28 or q31 region of chromosome 4 is suggested by this method.
The linear programming approach to the Randić index
Authors: Pavlović Ljiljana 
Published: October 2007

AbstractLet G(k, n) be the set of simple graphs (i.e. without multiple edges or loops) that have n vertices and the minimum degree of vertices is k. The Randić index of a graph G is: , where δu is the degree of vertex u and the summation extends over all edges (uv) of G. Using linear programming, we find the extremal graphs or give good bounds for this index when the number nk of vertices of degree kis n−k+t, for 0tk and kn/2. We also prove that for nkn−k, (kn/2) the minimum value of the Randić index is attained for the graph .
PspA and PspC Minimize Immune Adherence and Transfer of Pneumococci from Erythrocytes to Macrophages through Their Effects on Complement Activation
Authors: Li Jie , Glover David T. , Szalai Alexander J. , Hollingshead Susan K. , Briles David E. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTPneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) and PspC are important virulence factors. Their absence has been shown to allow improved clearance of pneumococci from the blood of mice and to decrease pneumococcal virulence. In the presence of antibody and complement, pneumococci attach to erythrocytes in a process called immune adherence (IA), which facilitates their delivery to, and eventual phagocytosis by, macrophages. It is not known, however, if PspA and PspC affect IA. Using PspA and/or PspC isogenic mutants and complement-deficient mouse sera, we demonstrated that absence of PspA allows greater deposition of C1q and thus increased classical-pathway-mediated C3 deposition. In the absence of both PspA and PspC, there is also a major increase in C1q-independent C3 deposition through the alternative pathway. The latter was observed even though absence of PspC alone did not have a major effect on alternative-pathway-dependent complement deposition. The enhanced complement C3 deposition realized in the absence of PspA alone and in the absence of PspA and PspC resulted in both greatly increased IA to human erythrocytes and improved transfer of pneumococci from erythrocytes to phagocytes. These data provide new insight into how PspA and PspC act in synergy to protect pneumococci from complement-dependent clearance during invasive infection.
Identification of a Wzy Polymerase Required for Group IV Capsular Polysaccharide and Lipopolysaccharide Biosynthesis in
Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Nakhamchik Alina , Wilde Caroline , Rowe-Magnus Dean A. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

The estuarine bacterium
Vibrio vulnificus
is a human and animal pathogen. The expression of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is essential for virulence. We used a new mini-Tn
10
delivery vector, pNKTXI-SceI, to generate a mutant library and identify genes essential for CPS biosynthesis. Twenty-one acapsular mutants were isolated, and the disrupted gene in one mutant, coding for a polysaccharide polymerase (
wzy
), is described here. A
wecA
gene initiating glycosyltransferase was among the genes identified in the region flanking the
wzy
gene. This, together with the known structure of the CPS, supports a group IV capsule designation for the locus; however, its overall organization mirrored that of group I capsules. This new arrangement may be linked to our finding that the CPS region appears to have been recently acquired by horizontal transfer. Alcian Blue staining and immunoblotting with antisera against the wild-type strain indicated that the
wzy
::Tn
10
mutant failed to produce CPS and was attenuated relative to the wild type in a septicemic mouse model. Interestingly, immunoblotting revealed that the mutant was also defective in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) production. However, the core-plus-one O-antigen pattern typical of
wzy
mutations was apparent. CPS production, LPS production, and virulence were restored following complementation with the wild-type
wzy
gene. Hence, Wzy participates in both CPS and LPS biosynthesis and is required for virulence in strain 27562. To our knowledge, this is the first functional demonstration of a Wzy polysaccharide polymerase in
V. vulnificus
and is the first to show a link between LPS and CPS biosynthesis.
Clonal mutations in primary human glial tumors: evidence in support of the mutator hypothesis
Authors: Misra Anjan , Chattopadhyay Parthaprasad , Chosdol Kunzang , Sarkar Chitra , Mahapatra Ashok K , Sinha Subrata 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
A verifiable consequence of the mutator hypothesis is that even low grade neoplasms would accumulate a large number of mutations that do not influence the tumor phenotype (clonal mutations). In this study, we have attempted to quantify the number of clonal mutations in primary human gliomas of astrocytic cell origin. These alterations were identified in tumor tissue, microscopically confirmed to have over 70% neoplastic cells.

Methods
Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was performed using a set of fifteen 10-mer primers of arbitrary but definite sequences in 17 WHO grade II astrocytomas (low grade diffuse astrocytoma or DA) and 16 WHO grade IV astrocytomas (Glioblastoma Multiforme or GBM). The RAPD profile of the tumor tissue was compared with that of the leucocyte DNA of the same patient and alteration(s) scored. A quantitative estimate of the overall genomic changes in these tumors was obtained by 2 different modes of calculation.

Results
The overall change in the tumors was estimated to be 4.24% in DA and 2.29% in GBM by one method and 11.96% and 6.03% in DA and GBM respectively by the other. The difference between high and lower grade tumors was statistically significant by both methods.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates the presence of extensive clonal mutations in gliomas, more in lower grade. This is consistent with our earlier work demonstrating that technique like RAPD analysis, unbiased for locus, is able to demonstrate more intra-tumor genetic heterogeneity in lower grade gliomas compared to higher grade. The results support the mutator hypothesis proposed by Loeb.
Nationwide monitoring of end-of-life care via the Sentinel Network of General Practitioners in Belgium: the research protocol of the SENTI-MELC study
Authors: Van den Block Lieve , Van Casteren Viviane , Deschepper Reginald , Bossuyt Nathalie , Drieskens Katrien , Bauwens Sabien , Bilsen Johan , Deliens Luc 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
End-of-life care has become an issue of great clinical and public health concern. From analyses of official death certificates, we have societal knowledge on how many people die, at what age, where and from what causes. However, we know little about how people are dying. There is a lack of population-based and nationwide data that evaluate and monitor the circumstances of death and the care received in the final months of life. The present study was designed to describe the places of end-of-life care and care transitions, the caregivers involved in patient care and the actual treatments and care provided to dying patients in Belgium. The patient, residence and healthcare characteristics associated with these aspects of end-of-life care provision will also be studied. In this report, the protocol of the study is outlined.

Methods/Design
We designed a nationwide mortality follow-back study with data collection in 2005 and 2006, via the nationwide Belgian Sentinel Network of General Practitioners (GPs) i.e. an existing epidemiological surveillance system representative of all GPs in Belgium, covering 1.75% of the total Belgian population. All GPs were asked to report weekly, on a standardized registration form, every patient (>1 year) in their practice who had died, and to identify patients who had died "non-suddenly." The last three months of these patients' lives were surveyed retrospectively. Several quality control measures were used to ensure data of high scientific quality.

Discussion
In 2005 and 2006, respectively 1385 and 1305 deaths were identified of which 66% and 63% died non-suddenly. The first results are expected in 2007. Via this study, we will build a descriptive epidemiological database on end-of-life care provision in Belgium, which might serve as baseline measurement to monitor end-of-life care over time. The study will inform medical practice as well as healthcare authorities in setting up an end-of-life care policy. We publish the protocol here to inform others, in particular countries with analogue GP surveillance networks, on the possibilities of performing end-of-life care research. A preliminary analysis of the possible strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of our research is outlined.
Glucosamine affects intracellular signalling through inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in human chondrocytes
Authors: Scotto d'Abusco Anna , Calamia Valentina , Cicione Claudia , Grigolo Brunella , Politi Laura , Scandurra Roberto 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of glucosamine on matrix metalloprotease (MMP) production, on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation, and on activator protein (AP)-1 transcription factor activation in human chondrocytes. The human immortalized cell line lbpva55 and healthy human chondrocytes (obtained from healthy donors) were subjected to challenge with 10 ng/ml IL-1β after pretreatment with 2.5 or 10 mmol/l glucosamine. MMP mRNA expression levels were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR, and MMP protein production levels were evaluated in the culture supernatant using ELISA. MAPK phosphorylation was evaluated using Western blotting. AP-1 transcription factor activation was evaluated by measuring AP-1 DNA-binding activity. After IL-1β stimulation, levels of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13 production were markedly increased. Treatment with 2.5 and 10 mmol/l glucosamine reduced expression of these metalloproteases. MMP expression is regulated by transcription factors such as the AP-1 complex, which is activated by phosphorylated MAPKs. IL-1β stimulated phosphorylation of c-jun amino-terminal kinase, p38 MAPK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2. Glucosamine inhibited c-jun amino-terminal kinase and p38 phosphorylation, and consequently c-jun binding activity. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that glucosamine inhibits IL-1β-stimulated MMP production in human chondrocytes by affecting MAPK phosphorylation.
Chromogenic in situ hybridisation for the assessment of HER2 status in breast cancer: an international validation ring study
Authors: van de Vijver Marc , Bilous Michael , Hanna Wedad , Hofmann Manfred , Kristel Petra , Penault-Llorca Frédérique , Rüschoff Josef 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Introduction
Before any new methodology can be introduced into the routine diagnostic setting it must be technically validated against the established standards. To this end, a ring study involving five international pathology laboratories was initiated to validate chromogenic in situ hybridisation (CISH) against fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a test for assessing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status in breast cancer.

Methods
Each laboratory performed CISH, FISH and IHC on its own samples. Unstained sections from each case were also sent to another participating laboratory for blinded retesting by CISH ('outside CISH').

Results
A total of 211 invasive breast carcinoma cases were tested. In 76 cases with high amplification (HER2/CEP17 ratio >4.0) by FISH, 73 cases (96%) scored positive (scores ≥ 6) by 'outside CISH'. For FISH-negative cases (HER2/CEP17 ratio <2.0), 94 of 100 cases (94%) had CISH scores indicating no amplification (score ≤ 5), and only three cases were positive by CISH; in the three remaining cases, no CISH result could be obtained. For cases with low-level amplification using FISH (HER2/CEP17 ratio 2.0–4.0), 20 of 35 had CISH scores indicating gene amplification. Inter-laboratory concordance was also very high: 95% for normal HER2 copy number (1–5 copies); and 92% for cases with HER2 copy numbers ≥ 6. CISH intra-laboratory concordance with IHC was 92% for IHC-negative cases (IHC 0/1+) and 91% for IHC 3+ cases. Among IHC 2+ cases, CISH was 100% concordant with samples showing high amplification by FISH, and 94% concordant with FISH-negative samples.

Conclusion
These results show that CISH inter- and intra-laboratory concordance to FISH and IHC is very high, even in equivocal IHC 2+ cases. Therefore, we conclude that CISH is a methodology that is a viable alternative to FISH in the HER2 testing algorithm.
Percutaneous tracheostomy in patients with severe liver disease and a high incidence of refractory coagulopathy: a prospective trial
Authors: Auzinger Georg , O'Callaghan Gerry P , Bernal William , Sizer Elizabeth , Wendon Julia A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Introduction
The purpose of this study was to assess the safety of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) performed by experienced operators in critically ill patients with liver disease and coagulopathy.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study in a 10-bed specialist liver intensive care unit of a tertiary university teaching hospital. The study consisted of 60 consecutive patients in need of tracheostomy insertion. Patients were categorized as having refractory coagulopathy if their platelet count was less than or equal to 50 × 109 cells/L or their international normalized ratio (INR) was greater than 1.5 on the day of PDT and for the 72 hours afterward despite clotting support.

Results
Twenty-five patients fulfilled the definition criteria of refractory coagulopathy. There was no significant difference in the number of adverse incidents between groups. Only one patient in the coagulopathy group had a severe bleeding complication, but this did not require open surgical intervention. The rate of clinically relevant early complications in all patients was not higher than expected (n = 7, 12%). Resource utilisation was higher for patients with coagulopathy who received significantly more platelet transfusions over the 3-day period (80 versus 49 units; p = 0.009) and who demonstrated a trend toward increased fresh frozen plasma requirements (p = 0.059). The number of patients requiring platelet transfusion was higher in the coagulopathy group (21/25 versus 20/35; p = 0.029). Hospital survival did not differ between groups.

Conclusion
PDT is safe and not contraindicated in patients with severe liver disease and refractory coagulopathy.
Phase I and Pharmacodynamic Trial of the DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitor Decitabine and Carboplatin in Solid Tumors
Authors: Appleton Kim , Mackay Helen J. , Judson Ian , Plumb Jane A. , McCormick Carol , Strathdee Gordon , Lee Chooi , Barrett Sophie , Reade Sarah , Jadayel Dalal , Tang Adrian , Bellenger Katharine , Mackay Lynsay , Setanoians Albert , Schätzlein Andreas , Twelves Chris , Kaye Stanley B. , Brown Robert 
Published: October 2007

Purpose The DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (decitabine) induces DNA demethylation and re-expression of epigenetically silenced genes, and increases carboplatin sensitivity of tumor xenograft models. We designed a clinical study to determine the feasibility of delivering a dose of decitabine, combined with carboplatin, that would be capable of producing equivalent biologic effects in patients with solid tumors. Patients and Methods In a two-stage design, 33 patients received escalating doses of decitabine administered as a 6-hour infusion on day 1 followed by carboplatin, area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) 5 (cohort 1) and AUC 6 (cohort 2), on day 8 of a 28-day cycle. Pharmacodynamic analyses included 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine levels, MAGE1A CpG island methylation, and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression. Results The major toxicity was myelosuppression. Dose limiting toxicities, prolonged grade 4 neutropenia (one patient), and sepsis and grade 3 anorexia/fatigue (one patient), were seen in two of four patients treated with decitabine 135 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 5. Dose limiting toxicity comprising neutropenic sepsis (one patient) and grade 3 fatigue (one patient) was seen in two of 10 patients treated at decitabine 90 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 6. Decitabine induced dose-dependent, reversible demethylation in peripheral-blood cells (PBCs) maximally at day 10. Furthermore, decitabine 90 mg/m2 induced demethylation of the MAGE1A CpG island in PBCs, buccal cells, and tumor biopsies, as well as elevation of HbF expression. Conclusion Decitabine can be combined safely with carboplatin at a dose and schedule that causes epigenetic changes equivalent to or greater than that observed in mice with carboplatin-sensitized xenografts. The recommended dose/schedule for phase II trials is decitabine 90 mg/m2 (day 1) followed by carboplatin AUC 6 (day 8) every 28 days.
Degradable Network Polymers Based on Di(meth)acrylates
Authors: Matsukawa Daisaku , Okamura Haruyuki , Shirai Masamitsu 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Degradable di(meth)acrylates were synthesized. Di(meth)acrylates were polymerizable by both photo-irradiation and thermal treatment to form insoluble networks. The networks were decomposed by photo-assisted thermolysis. The decomposed networks were completely soluble in solvents.
Development of an Oxygen Sensor Based on Visual Observation of Luminescence Color Change
Authors: Katoh Ryuzi , Nakamura Masayuki , Sasaki Yaeko , Furube Akihiro , Yokoyama Toshiro , Nanjo Hiroshi 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
With oxygen sensors based on luminescence quenching, the intensity or lifetime of the luminescence has to be measured precisely with a photodetector coupled with an electronic circuit. Thus, practical application of such sensors is limited by the photodetection systems. We propose here a new type of oxygen sensor based on visual observation of luminescence color change. In our sensor, red luminescence was observed under oxygen-free conditions, and the color changed to blue at 5% oxygen content.
Hydrophobization of Metal Surfaces by Covalent Grafting of Aromatic Layer via Aryldiazonium Chemistry and Their Application in the Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Pan Qinmin , Wang Min , Chen Weitao 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Superhydrophobic surfaces were prepared on iron and zinc plates by means of displacement deposition of copper and subsequent attachment of aromatic layers via diazonium chemistry.
Adsorption Mechanism of Selenite (Se4+) by Redox within Condensed-tannin Gel under Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid Solution
Authors: Kim Yeon-Ho , Ogawara Youhei , Ogata Takeshi , Nakano Yoshio 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Se4+ is adsorbed and retained as a reduced elemental Se0 on tannin gel network through redox reaction mechanism in very strong hydrochloric acid solution.
Asymmetric Bis(alkoxycarbonylation) Reaction of Cyclic Olefins Catalyzed by Palladium in the Presence of Copper(I) Triflate
Authors: Aratani Takahiro , Tahara Kenji , Takeuchi Susumu , Ukaji Yutaka , Inomata Katsuhiko 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
A palladium-catalyzed asymmetric bis(alkoxycarbonylation) reaction of cyclic olefins in the presence of copper(I) triflate was achieved by using a chiral bioxazoline ligand under normal pressure of carbon monoxide and oxygen to give the corresponding optically active cis-dicarboxylates with enantioselectivities up to 94% ee. The carbonylated product was well applied to the synthesis of a biologically active hexahydrobenz[e]isoindole derivative.
Stability of oleander extract and oleandrin in sera stored in plastic serum separator tubes
Authors: Dasgupta Amitava , White Dollett 
Published: October 2007

Introduction: Oleander poisoning is common in the southern parts of the United States as well as part of Europe and South East Asia. The fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) for digoxin cross-reacts with oleandrin, the major poison of oleander extract and can be used for rapid detection of oleander poisoning. However, for medicolegal investigation, the presence of oleandrin should be confirmed by a more sophisticated analytical technique such as liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry. We studied stability of oleander extract as well as oleandrin in serum samples stored in Becton Dickinson plastic serum separator tubes (SSTs) by comparing values obtained in parallel specimens stored in plain glass tubes and in red-topped plastic tubes. Method: Oleander leaves were extracted using absolute ethanol, and drug-free serum pools were supplemented with oleander extract or ethanolic solution of pure oleandrin. Aliquots of the supplemented pools were then stored in plain glass tubes, red-topped plastic tubes or SSTs and the stability of oleander extract or oleandrin in sera were studied by the FPIA digoxin assay for varying times up to seven days. Results: We observed no statistically significant change in apparent digoxin concentrations in specimens stored in SSTs even after seven days of storage compared to original values observed in the supplemented serum pools. Conclusions: Specimens can be stored in SSTs for up to seven days prior to analysis of oleandrin concentration.