bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An RNA interference model of RPS19 deficiency in Diamond-Blackfan anemia recapitulates defective hematopoiesis and rescue by dexamethasone: identification of dexamethasone-responsive genes by microarray
Authors: Ebert Benjamin L. , Lee Michele M. , Pretz Jennifer L. , Subramanian Aravind , Mak Raymond , Golub Todd R. , Sieff Colin A. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractDiamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), a congenital erythroblastopenia, is a model disease for the study of erythroid differentiation but is poorly understood. RPS19 is the only gene yet to have been associated with DBA, but its relevance to erythroid differentiation is unclear. The molecular basis for the stimulation of erythropoiesis by glucocorticoids in patients with DBA has not been identified. We demonstrate that targeted degradation of the RPS19 transcript, through retroviral expression of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), blocks the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells in cultured human CD34+ cells. Treatment of RPS19-deficient cells with dexamethasone restores erythroid differentiation to normal levels. We investigated the molecular basis of pharmacologic therapies for DBA using oligonucleotide microarrays to survey gene expression in CD34+ cells treated with combinations of dexamethasone, erythropoietin, stem cell factor, and interleukin-3. Dexamethasone did not alter expression of RPS19 but activated a genetic program that includes a set of key hematopoietic regulatory genes. Genes specific to erythroid progenitor cells were up-regulated by dexamethasone, while genes specific to nonerythroid lineages were down-regulated. Deficiency of RPS19 therefore blocks proliferation of immature erythroid progenitor cells, and dexamethasone activates proliferation of the same cell population through mechanisms independent of RPS19. (Blood. 2005;105:4620-4626)
In vivo studies of genomic packaging in the dsRNA bacteriophage Φ8
Authors: Qiao Jian , Qiao Xueying , Mindich Leonard 
Published: March 2005

Abstract

Background
Φ8 is a bacteriophage containing a genome of three segments of double-stranded RNA inside a polyhedral capsid enveloped in a lipid-containing membrane. Plus strand RNA binds and is packaged by empty procapsids. Whereas Φ6, another member of the Cystoviridae, shows high stringency, serial dependence and precision in its genomic packaging in vitro and in vivo, Φ8 packaging is more flexible. Unique sequences (pac) near the 5' ends of plus strands are necessary and sufficient for Φ6 genomic packaging and the RNA binding sites are located on P1, the major structural protein of the procapsid.

Results
In this paper the boundaries of the Φ8 pac sequences have been explored by testing the in vivo packaging efficacy of transcripts containing deletions or changes in the RNA sequences. The pac sequences have been localized to the 5' untranslated regions of the viral transcripts. Major changes in the pac sequences are either tolerated or ameliorated by suppressor mutations in the RNA sequence. Changes in the genomic packaging program can be established as a result of mutations in P1, the major structural protein of the procapsid and the determinant of RNA binding specificity.

Conclusion
Although Φ8 is distantly related to bacteriophage Φ6, and does not show sequence similarity, it has a similar genomic packaging program. This program, however, is less stringent than that of Φ6.
Family physicians' involvement and self-reported comfort and skill in care of children with behavioral and emotional problems: a population-based survey
Authors: Miller Anton R , Johnston Charlotte , Klassen Anne F , Fine Stuart , Papsdorf Michael 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
Little is known about general and family practitioners' (GP/FPs') involvement and confidence in dealing with children with common psychosocial problems and mental health conditions. The aims of this study were to ascertain GP/FPs' preferred level of involvement with, and perceived comfort and skill in dealing with children with behavioral problems, social-emotional difficulties, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and mood disorders; and to identify factors associated with GP/FPs' involvement, comfort and skill.

Methods
Postal survey of a representative sample of 801 GP/FPs in British Columbia, Canada, which enquired about level of involvement (from primarily refer out to deal with case oneself); ratings of comfort/skill with assessment/diagnosis and management; beliefs regarding psychosocial problems in children; basic demographics; and practice information.

Results
Surveys were completed by 405 of 629 eligible GP/FPs (64.4%). Over 80% of respondents reported collaborative arrangements with specialists across problem and condition types, although for children with behavior problems or ADHD, more physicians primarily refer (χ2 (1) = 9.0; P < 0.005; and χ2 (1) = 103.9; P < 0.001, respectively). Comfort/skill levels (mean ± s.d) were higher for mood disorders (4.4 ± 1.3) than behavior problems (3.6 ± 1.1; F [3, 1155] = 84.0, P < .0001; effect size = 0.67), but not different from social-emotional difficulties (3.8 ± 1.1) or ADHD (3.9 ± 1.3). Taking primary responsibility for a case was consistently related to self-reported comfort/skill with each condition type (34% to 61% of variance across condition types), while comfort/skill ratings for each condition were related to exposure to relevant continuing medical education (all P ≤ 0.001), and beliefs that these problems are significant and that GP/FPs have a role to play in dealing with them (P values ranged from 0.01 to <0.001).

Conclusion
Supporting GP/FPs in their care for children with common psychosocial and mental health problems should include efforts to bolster their confidence and modify attitudes in relation towards these problems, especially behavior problems and ADHD, possibly within innovative continuing education programs.
Role of axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with pure ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast
Authors: Zavagno Giorgio , Carcoforo Paolo , Marconato Renato , Franchini Zeno , Scalco Giuliano , Burelli Paolo , Pietrarota Paolo , Lise Mario , Mencarelli Roberto , Capitanio Giovanni , Ballarin Andrea , Pierobon Maria Elena , Marconato Giorgia , Nitti Donato 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is an effective tool for axillary staging in patients with invasive breast cancer. This procedure has been recently proposed as part of the treatment for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), because cases of undetected invasive foci and nodal metastases occasionally occur. However, the indications for SLN biopsy in DCIS patients are controversial.
The aim of the present study was therefore to assess the incidence of SLN metastases in a series of patients with a diagnosis of pure DCIS.

Methods
A retrospective evaluation was made of a series of 102 patients who underwent SLN biopsy, and had a final histologic diagnosis of pure DCIS. Patients with microinvasion were excluded from the analysis. The patients were operated on in five Institutions between 1999 and 2004.
Subdermal or subareolar injection of 30–50 MBq of 99 m-Tc colloidal albumin was used for SLN identification. All sentinel nodes were evaluated with serial sectioning, haematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunohistochemical analysis for cytocheratin.

Results
Only one patient (0.98%) was SLN positive. The primary tumour was a small micropapillary intermediate-grade DCIS and the SLN harboured a micrometastasis. At pathologic revision of the specimen, no detectable focus of microinvasion was found.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that SLN metastases in pure DCIS are a very rare occurrence. SLN biopsy should not therefore be routinely performed in patients who undergo resection for DCIS. SLN mapping can be performed, as a second operation, in cases in which an invasive component is identified in the specimen. Only DCIS patients who require a mastectomy should have SLN biopsy performed at the time of breast operation, since in these cases subsequent node mapping is not feasible.
Necrotic gangrenous intrathoracic appendix in a marfanoid adult patient: a case report
Authors: Barakat Mohannad J , Vickers Jon H 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
A diaphragmatic hernia is defined as a defect in part of the diaphragm through which abdominal contents can protrude into the thorax. It may be congenital or acquired. In this case report, we aim to demonstrate a congenital diaphragmatic hernia in an adult marfanoid patient which required emergency treatment

Case presentation
A 43 year old woman was admitted with classical appendicitis requiring surgery. She incidentally had Marfan's clinical features with a positive family history for the syndrome. At operation she had grossly abnormal abdominal anatomy. Radiological investigations demonstrated a large right congenital diaphragmatic hernia with an intrathoracic hernial sac containing a perforated gangrenous appendix. The hernial sac was opened surgically and the appendix excised. The patient made a full recovery.

Conclusion
Diaphragmatic hernias are usually congenital in nature often requiring early corrective surgery for future survival. We have demonstrated the presence of an unusually large diaphragmatic defect, almost a hemidiaphragmatic defect, of unknown direct etiology, but of some possible association with Marfan's syndrome in an adult patient presenting with an acute perforated gangrenous appendix requiring emergency life-saving surgery.
Discordance in diagnosis of osteoporosis using spine and hip bone densitometry
Authors: Moayyeri Alireza , Soltani Akbar , Tabari Nasibeh Khaleghnejad , Sadatsafavi Mohsen , Hossein-neghad Arash , Larijani Bagher 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
Diagnostic discordance for osteoporosis is the observation that the T-score of an individual patient varies from one key measurement site to another, falling into two different diagnostic categories identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system. This study was conducted to evaluate the presence and risk factors for this phenomenon in a large sample of Iranian population.

Methods
Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, and risk factors for osteoporosis were derived from a database on 4229 patients referred to a community-based outpatient osteoporosis testing center from 2000 to 2003. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed on L1–L4 lumbar spine and total hip for all cases. Minor discordance was defined as present when the difference between two sites was no more than one WHO diagnostic class. Major discordance was present when one site is osteoporotic and the other is normal. Subjects with incomplete data were excluded.

Results
In 4188 participants (3848 female, mean age 53.4 ± 11.8 years), major discordance, minor discordance, and concordance of T-scores were seen in 2.7%, 38.9% and 58.3%, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, older age, menopause, obesity, and belated menopause were recognized as risk factors and hormone replacement therapy as a protective factor against T-score discordance.

Conclusion
The high prevalence of T-score discordance may lead to problems in interpretation of the densitometry results for some patients. This phenomenon should be regarded as a real and prevalent finding and physicians should develop a particular strategy approaching to these patients.
Antibiotic activity of telithromycin and comparators against bacterial pathogens isolated from 3,043 patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
Authors: Sethi Sanjay , Anzueto Antonio , Farrell David J 
Published: March 2005

AbstractBackgroundAntimicrobial therapy is considered an important component in the medical management of most patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB). The three predominant bacterial species isolated are nontypeableHaemophilus influenzae,Moraxella catarrhalis, andStreptococcus pneumoniae.Staphylococcus aureusis also frequently isolated while atypical bacteria are thought to cause up to 10% of exacerbations. Antibacterial resistance is increasing worldwide and little surveillance data exist concerning pathogens isolated from patients with AECB.MethodsThis study examines the prevalence of antibacterial resistance in isolates obtained from patients with clinically diagnosed AECB. A total of 3043 isolates were obtained from 85 centres in 29 countries, between 1999–2003, and were tested against the new ketolide telithromycin and a panel of commonly used antibiotics.Results and DiscussionOf theS. pneumoniaeisolates, 99.9% were susceptible to telithromycin, but only 71% were susceptible to erythromycin and 75.3% to penicillin. Of theH. influenzaeisolates, 99.6% were susceptible to telithromycin. 11.7% of these isolates produced β-lactamase. Almost 10% ofS. pneumoniaewere multidrug-resistant; 99.0% of these isolates were susceptible to telithromycin. Telithromycin also demonstrated goodin vitroactivity againstM. catarrhalis(MIC90= 0.12 mg/L) and was the most active compound against methicillin-susceptibleS. aureus(98.9% susceptible).ConclusionTelithromycin demonstrated similar or better activity against the bacterial species investigated than the other agents, with the most complete coverage overall. These species are the predominant causative bacterial pathogens in AECB and thus the spectrum of activity of telithromycin makes it a potential alternative for the empirical treatment of AECB.
Organic Explosives Analysis Using On Column-Ion Trap EI/NICI GC-MS with an External Source
Authors: Calderara S , Gardebas D , Martinez F , Khong SP 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
In this study, a standard method by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for the analysis of classical organic explosives was developed. This method was validated in the EI mode, based on the XPT 90-210 standard method (1). Detection limits (LOD) and quantitation limits (LOQ) were both determined using electronic impact (EI) and negative ion chemical ionization (NICI) modes. These were compared and results showed that in the NICI mode, detection limits were lower than in the EI mode, thus NICI mode appeared to be the best way to analyze nitrate esters. Results of ion trap MS detection were then compared with those obtained in a previous study (2) with single quadrupolar technology. Major ions that were obtained using ion trap MS detection in these two modes were reported.
Stable Isotope Ratios as a Tool in Microbial Forensics—Part 1. Microbial Isotopic Composition as a Function of Growth Medium?
Authors: Kreuzer-Martin HW , Chesson LA , Lott MJ , Dorigan JV , Ehleringer JR 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The stable isotope ratios of a seized pathogen culture could potentially reveal information about the environment in which the agent was produced. In this paper we describe general relationships between stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen in bacteriological culture media and spores of Bacillus subtilis, an endospore-forming soil bacterium. In numerous media that varied both in nutrient composition and water stable isotope ratios, medium to spore enrichment in carbon isotopes was 0.3 ± 2.0% (parts per thousand), and in nitrogen, 4.5 ± 0.7%. We achieved mass balance for the contribution of hydrogen isotopes from nutrients (70%) and water (30%) to spores in independent experiments by varying the isotope ratios of nutrients or water. A model was derived for predicting the isotope ratio values of spores from those in nutrients and water.
Enhanced Kinship Analysis and STR-based DNA Typing for Human Identification in Mass Fatality Incidents: The Swissair Flight 111 Disaster
Authors: Leclair B , Frégeau CJ , Bowen KL , Fourney RM 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
A bioinformatic tool was developed to assist with the victim identification initiative that followed the Swissair Flight 111 disaster. Making use of short tandem repeat (STR) DNA typing data generated with AmpF/STR® Profiler Plus™ (PP) and AmpF/STR® COfiler™(CO) kits, the software systematically compared each available STR genotype with every other genotype. The matching algorithm was based on the search for: (i) direct matches to genotypes derived from personal effects; and (ii) potential kinship associations between victims and next-of-kin, as measured by allele sharing at individual loci. The software greatly assisted parentage analysis by enabling kinship evaluation in situations where complete parentage trios were unavailable and, in some situations, with distantly related relatives. Exclusion of fortuitous kinship associations (FKA) was made possible through the recovery at the disaster site of at least one remains for every sought-after victim, and was incorporated into the kinship software. The data from the 13 combined STR loci produced 6 and 23 times fewer FKAs when compared with PP alone and AmpF/STR® Profiler™ (PR) alone, respectively. Identification leads or confirmations of identification were obtained for 218 victims for which DNA reference samples (personal effects and kin) had been submitted. Confirmation of an inferred kinship association was sought through frequency and likelihood calculations, as well as corroborative data from other identification modalities. The use of a simple, yet powerful, automated genotype comparison approach and the use of megaplexes with high power of discrimination (PD) values extended considerably the identification capabilities in the case of the Swissair disaster. The DNA typing identification modality proved to be a valuable component of the large arsenal of identification tools deployed in the aftermath of this disaster.
Ear Piercing Affects Earprints: The Role of Ear Piercing in Human Identification
Authors: Abbas A , Rutty GN 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Previous research conducted into the use of the human ear in the fizeld of forensic identification has focused upon the use of grids and manual methods to measure and catalogue the different anatomical features of the ear. To date, few have considered the importance of the presence of ear piercings and their possible role in human identification. This study aims to highlight the common distribution of piercings of both ears in both genders and to explore the effect of piercings on earprints. The presence of a piercing may, in part, help to explain why partial and not whole earprints are sometimes recovered from a scene of crime (suggesting that the offender's ears may be pierced). The presence of piercings through the tragus and the superior part of the helix are shown to be infrequent and thus may be used to assist the identification of a body, due to its relative rarity with respect to piercings found in other areas of the ear.
A Case Study on Forensic Polymer Analysis by DIOS-MS: The Suspect Who Gave Us the SLIP®
Authors: Shen Z , Thomas JJ , Siuzdak G , Blackledge RD 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
New technology was used to identify traces of a commercial barrier/spermicide in evidence from a case of a man accused of rape of a minor. Examination of vaginal swabs performed by another laboratory had been negative for seminal fluid or other sources of DNA from the suspect and we were asked to examine the remaining swabs for any traces that might have originated from the commercial product. Encare® consists of vaginal inserts having a suppository-like shape. They contain the spermicide, nonoxynol-9, in a matrix consisting of approximately two parts polyethylene glycol (PEG) 1000 to one part PEG 1450, plus minor inorganic components added to produce foaming. Portions of the cotton from vaginal swabs from the victim and penile swabs from the suspect were extracted with methanol and subsequently examined by desorption ionization on silicon time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DIOS TOF MS). Low levels of PEG in the same mass range as Encare® were found on two separate vaginal swabs from the victim and one penile swab from the suspect. Subsequent to these findings, the suspect (through his attorneys) provided us with a sample of SLIP® Plus, a commercial sexual lubricant that also contains nonoxynol-9. Traces of PEG in the same mass range as Encare® were found in this sample, while no PEG was found in a sealed sample of SLIP® Plus provided by the manufacturer At trial the suspect's attorneys stipulated that their client had added some Encare® to the SLIP® Plus sample he had provided.
Comparison of Gasolines Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Target Ion Response
Authors: Barnes AT , Dolan JA , Kuk RJ , Siegel JA 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to compare gasoline samples obtained from different sources based on the difference in amounts of certain components found in the headspace of gasoline using target response data. Many suspected arson cases involve comparing an ignitable liquid extracted from fire debris to a liquid found in a suspect's possession to determine if they could have had a common source. Various component ratios are proposed for determining if an unevaporated gasoline sample could have originated from the same source as an evaporated gasoline extracted from fire debris. Fifty and 75% evaporated gasoline samples were both found to contain similar ratios of certain components when compared with its unevaporated source gasoline. The results of the comparisons in this study demonstrate that for cases involving gasoline that has been evaporated up to 50% and extracted from pine, it is possible to eliminate comparison samples as originating from the same source. The results of the 75% comparisons suggest it may be possible to apply the same type of comparison to cases involving 75% evaporated gasoline.
A Comparison of Smokeless Powders and Mixtures by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis
Authors: Hopper KG , McCord BR 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The analysis of inorganic ions present in smokeless and muzzleloading powders has been performed using capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). Previous publications have examined inorganic low explosives using CZE, but have not looked at the ion profiles from smokeless powders. In this report, seven commercially available smokeless powders were analyzed as unburned powder and burned residue. The results demonstrate that ionic profiles can be used to characterize smokeless powders. Our analysis also included a smokeless powder/ Pyrodexê combination to determine if smokeless powder ions are distinguishable in a mixture; however, the high concentration of ions present in Pyrodexê RS prevented its detection. In addition, five different smokeless powder samples as well as Pyrodexê RS were collected for analysis subsequent to deflagration in fifteen plastic pipe bombs. The relative ion concentrations between these powders can be used to illustrate the differences between open burning and pipe bomb deflagration.
Allelic Frequencies of Three X-Y Homologous STR Loci in Chinese Population
Authors: Shi MS , Deng JQ , Jia ZJ , Ying BW , Li YB , Wu J , Hou YP , Zhang J 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
We have analyzed the distribution of allele frequencies at three X-Y homologous short tandem repeat (STR) loci (DXS9900, DXS9905, DXS9906) among individuals (n= 385) in Chengdu, China