bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Risks Associated with Short-Term Use of Mefloquine in Canadian Forces Members: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Vaillancourt R. , Ma J. , Sampalis J. 
Published: June 2013

Background: Media reports have implicated mefloquine as a contributor to adverse health effects experienced by military members serving in areas where chloroquine-resistant malaria is endemic. A systematic retrospective review has been undertaken to evaluate the health effects seen in members who received mefloquine for chemoprophylaxis against malaria. Methods: Medical records of Regular Canadian Forces (CF) personnel who served in Somalia between 1992 and 1993 were reviewed by trained data extractors. All health effects recorded during treatment with mefloquine were assigned ICD-10-CA codes. Data extractors also noted if the effect has been reported with mefloquine, and rated the severity of the effect. Cohen's kappa was calculated to determine concordance between extractors, and descriptive statistics used to report the health effects seen. Results: The majority of the 1413 subjects identified were male (96%). A total of 5019 adverse health effects were recorded in the medical records, most of which were mild in severity. At least one adverse effect which could potentially have been related to mefloquine was reported in 74.7% ( n = 1056) of subjects. Of the adverse effects recorded, 21 were classified by the data extractors as major (18 cases affecting the nervous system and 3 cardiovascular system effects). These results are consistent with those reported in other populations. Conclusions: The results of this study have been applied to guide development of policies governing the provision of chemoprophylaxis during subsequent military missions. In particular, resources have been allocated to formalize the counselling provided to members regarding antimalarials and prevention of malaria infection.
Epigenetics and phenotypic variability: some interesting insights from birds
Authors: Frésard Laure , Morisson Mireille , Brun Jean-Michel , Collin Anne , Pain Bertrand , Minvielle Francis , Pitel Frédérique 
Published: June 2013

AbstractLittle is known about epigenetic mechanisms in birds with the exception of the phenomenon of dosage compensation of sex chromosomes, although such mechanisms could be involved in the phenotypic variability of birds, as in several livestock species. This paper reviews the literature on epigenetic mechanisms that could contribute significantly to trait variability in birds, and compares the results to the existing knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms in mammals. The main issues addressed in this paper are: (1) Does genomic imprinting exist in birds? (2) How does the embryonic environment influence the adult phenotype in avian species? (3) Does the embryonic environment have an impact on phenotypic variability across several successive generations? The potential for epigenetic studies to improve the performance of individual animals through the implementation of limited changes in breeding conditions or the addition of new parameters in selection models is still an open question.
Differential response of bovine mammary epithelial cells to Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli agonists of the innate immune system
Authors: Gilbert Florence B , Cunha Patricia , Jensen Kirsty , Glass Elizabeth J , Foucras Gilles , Robert-Granié Christèle , Rupp Rachel , Rainard Pascal 
Published: June 2013

AbstractMastitis caused byEscherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureusis a major pathology of dairy cows. To better understand the differential response of the mammary gland to these two pathogens, we stimulated bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC) with eitherE. colicrude lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or withS. aureusculture supernatant (SaS) to compare the transcriptomic profiles of the initial bMEC response. By using HEK 293 reporter cells for pattern recognition receptors, the LPS preparation was found to stimulate TLR2 and TLR4 but not TLR5, Nod1 or Nod2, whereas SaS stimulated TLR2. Biochemical analysis revealed that lipoteichoic acid, protein A and α-hemolysin were all present in SaS, and bMEC were found to be responsive to each of these molecules. Transcriptome profiling revealed a core innate immune response partly shared by LPS and SaS. However, LPS induced expression of a significant higher number of genes and the fold changes were of greater magnitude than those induced by SaS. Microarray data analysis suggests that the activation pathways and the early chemokine and cytokine production preceded the defense and stress responses. A major differential response was the activation of the type I IFN pathway by LPS but not by SaS. The higher upregulation of chemokines (Cxcl10,Ccl2,Ccl5andCcl20) that target mononuclear leucocytes by LPS than by SaS is likely to be related to the differential activation of the type I IFN pathway, and could induce a different profile of the initial recruitment of leucocytes. The MEC responses to the two stimuli were different, as LPS was associated with NF-κB and Fas signaling pathways, whereas SaS was associated with AP-1 and IL-17A signaling pathways. It is noteworthy that at the protein level secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β was not induced by either stimulus. These results suggest that the response of MEC to diffusible stimuli fromE. coliandS. aureuscontributes to the onset of the response with differential leucocyte recruitment and distinct inflammatory and innate immune reactions of the mammary gland to infection.
Resolving ambiguity in the phylogenetic relationship of genotypes A, B, and C of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Jiang Yueming , Wang Minxian , Zheng Hongxiang , Wang Wei R , Jin Li , He Yungang 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important infectious agent that causes widespread concern because billions of people are infected by at least 8 different HBV genotypes worldwide. However, reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationship between HBV genotypes is difficult. Specifically, the phylogenetic relationships among genotypes A, B, and C are not clear from previous studies because of the confounding effects of genotype recombination. In order to clarify the evolutionary relationships, a rigorous approach is required that can effectively explore genetic sequences with recombination.ResultIn the present study, phylogenetic relationship of the HBV genotypes was reconstructed using a consensus phylogeny of phylogenetic trees of HBV genome segments. Reliability of the reconstructed phylogeny was extensively evaluated in agreements of local phylogenies of genome segments.The reconstructed phylogenetic tree revealed that HBV genotypes B and C had a closer phylogenetic relationship than genotypes A and B or A and C. Evaluations showed the consensus method was capable to reconstruct reliable phylogenetic relationship in the presence of recombinants.ConclusionThe consensus method implemented in this study provides an alternative approach for reconstructing reliable phylogenetic relationships for viruses with possible genetic recombination. Our approach revealed the phylogenetic relationships of genotypes A, B, and C of HBV.
Expressing one’s feelings and listening to others increases emotional intelligence: a pilot study of Asian medical students
Authors: Abe Keiko , Evans Phillip , Austin Elizabeth J , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Fujisaki Kazuhiko , Niwa Masayuki , Aomatsu Muneyoshi 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
There has been considerable interest in Emotional Intelligence (EI) in undergraduate medical education, with respect to student selection and admissions, health and well-being and academic performance. EI is a significant component of the physician-patient relationship. The emotional well-being of the physician is, therefore, a significant component in patient care. The aim is to examine the measurement of TEIQue-SF in Asian medical students and to explore how the practice of listening to the feelings of others and expressing one’s own feelings influences an individual’s EI, set in the context of the emotional well-being of a medical practitioner.

Methods
A group of 183 international undergraduate medical students attended a half-day workshop (WS) about mental-health and well-being. They completed a self-reported measure of EI on three occasions, pre- and post-workshop, and a 1-year follow-up.

Result
The reliability of TEIQue-SF was high and the reliabilities of its four factors were acceptable. There were strong correlations between the TEIQue-SF and personality traits. A paired t-test indicated significant positive changes after the WS for all students (n=181, p= .014), male students (n=78, p= .015) and non-Japanese students (n=112, p= .007), but a repeated measures analysis showed that one year post-workshop there were significant positive changes for all students (n=55, p= .034), female students (n=31, p= .007), especially Japanese female students (n=13, p= .023). Moreover, 80% of the students reported that they were more attentive listeners, and 60% agreed that they were more confident in dealing with emotional issues, both within themselves and in others, as a result of the workshop.

Conclusion
This study found the measurement of TEIQue-SF is appropriate and reliable to use for Asian medical students. The mental health workshop was helpful to develop medical students’ EI but showed different results for gender and nationality. The immediate impact on the emotional awareness of individuals was particularly significant for male students and the non-Japanese group. The impact over the long term was notable for the significant increase in EI for females and Japanese. Japanese female students were more conscious about emotionality. Emotion-driven communication exercises might strongly influence the development of students’ EI over a year.
Evaluation of three industrial Escherichia coli strains in fed-batch cultivations during high-level SOD protein production
Authors: Marisch Karoline , Bayer Karl , Cserjan-Puschmann Monika , Luchner Markus , Striedner Gerald 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn the biopharmaceutical industry,Escherichia coli(E. coli) strains are among the most frequently used bacterial hosts for producing recombinant proteins because they allow a simple process set-up and they are Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for human applications. Widespread use ofE. coliin biotechnology has led to the development of many different strains, and selecting an ideal host to produce a specific protein of interest is an important step in developing a production process.E. coliB and K–12 strains are frequently employed in large-scale production processes, and therefore are of particular interest. We previously evaluated the individual cultivation characteristics ofE. coliBL21 and the K–12 hosts RV308 and HMS174. To our knowledge, there has not yet been a detailed comparison of the individual performances of these production strains in terms of recombinant protein production and system stability. The present study directly compared the T7-based expression hostsE. coliBL21(DE3), RV308(DE3), and HMS174(DE3), focusing on evaluating the specific attributes of these strains in relation to high-level protein production of the model protein recombinant human superoxide dismutase (SOD). The experimental setup was an exponential carbon-limited fed-batch cultivation with minimal media and single-pulse induction.ResultsThe host strain BL21(DE3) produced the highest amounts of specific protein, followed by HMS174(DE3) and RV308(DE3). The expression system HMS174(DE3) exhibited system stability by retaining the expression vector over the entire process time; however, it entirely stopped growing shortly after induction. In contrast, BL21(DE3) and RV308(DE3) encountered plasmid loss but maintained growth. RV308(DE3) exhibited the lowest ppGpp concentration, which is correlated with the metabolic stress level and lowest degradation of soluble protein fraction compared to both other strains.ConclusionsOverall, this study provides novel data regarding the individual strain properties and production capabilities, which will enable targeted strain selection for producing a specific protein of interest. This information can be used to accelerate future process design and implementation.
Dynamic contact angle of water-based titanium oxide nanofluid
Authors: Radiom Milad , Yang Chun , Chan Weng Kong 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
This paper presents an investigation into spreading dynamics and dynamic contact angle of TiO2-deionized water nanofluids. Two mechanisms of energy dissipation, (1) contact line friction and (2) wedge film viscosity, govern the dynamics of contact line motion. The primary stage of spreading has the contact line friction as the dominant dissipative mechanism. At the secondary stage of spreading, the wedge film viscosity is the dominant dissipative mechanism. A theoretical model based on combination of molecular kinetic theory and hydrodynamic theory which incorporates non-Newtonian viscosity of solutions is used. The model agreement with experimental data is reasonable. Complex interparticle interactions, local pinning of the contact line, and variations in solid–liquid interfacial tension are attributed to errors.
Validation of SYBR Green based quantification assay for the detection of human Torque Teno virus titers from plasma
Authors: Tyagi Anuj Kumar , Pradier Amandine , Baumer Odile , Uppugunduri Chakradhara Rao S , Huezo-Diaz Patricia , Posfay-Barbe Klara M , Roosnek Eddy , Ansari Marc 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Quantification of titers of ubiquitous viruses such as Torque teno virus (TTV) that do not cause clinical symptoms might be helpful in assessing the immune status of an individual. We hereby describe the validation of a SYBR Green-based TTV quantification method for plasma samples.

Methods
Plasmids with TTV specific inserts were used for preparing standards and absolute quantification of TTV was performed using SYBR Green methodology. The method was assessed for its accuracy and precision (intra and inter-day) on four non-consecutive days. TTV was also quantified from plasma samples of 20 healthy volunteers and from 30 hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients.

Results
The assay was specific and showed satisfactory efficiency (82.2%, R2=0.99) with the limit of quantification defined as 100 copies per reaction. The assay had good precision (inter and intra-day coefficient of variation in cycle threshold (CT) < 4%) and accuracy (100 ± 10%) in the range of 100 to 1010 copies/reaction. We found TTV loads ranging from 2.5 – 4.07 log copies/mL of plasma with CT (mean ± SD) of 33.8 ± 1.77 in healthy individuals and 2.06 – 8.49 log copies/mL of plasma with CT (mean ± SD) of 24.3 ± 1.04 in HSCT recipients.

Conclusion
SYBR Green-based q-PCR assay combines simplicity with satisfactory sensitivity and may be suitable for monitoring the immune status of transplant recipients, where TTV loads over time may serve as a marker for immune reconstitution in human plasma samples.
Identification of multiple interacting alleles conferring low glycerol and high ethanol yield in Saccharomyces cerevisiae ethanolic fermentation
Authors: Hubmann Georg , Mathé Lotte , Foulquié-Moreno Maria R , Duitama Jorge , Nevoigt Elke , Thevelein Johan M 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Genetic engineering of industrial microorganisms often suffers from undesirable side effects on essential functions. Reverse engineering is an alternative strategy to improve multifactorial traits like low glycerol/high ethanol yield in yeast fermentation. Previous rational engineering of this trait always affected essential functions like growth and stress tolerance. We have screened Saccharomyces cerevisiae biodiversity for specific alleles causing lower glycerol/higher ethanol yield, assuming higher compatibility with normal cellular functionality. Previous work identified ssk1

E330N…K356N
as causative allele in strain CBS6412, which displayed the lowest glycerol/ethanol ratio.

Results
We have now identified a unique segregant, 26B, that shows similar low glycerol/high ethanol production as the superior parent, but lacks the ssk1

E330N…K356N
allele. Using segregants from the backcross of 26B with the inferior parent strain, we applied pooled-segregant whole-genome sequence analysis and identified three minor quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to low glycerol/high ethanol production. Within these QTLs, we identified three novel alleles of known regulatory and structural genes of glycerol metabolism, smp1

R110Q,P269Q
, hot1

P107S,H274Y
and gpd1

L164P
as causative genes. All three genes separately caused a significant drop in the glycerol/ethanol production ratio, while gpd1

L164P
appeared to be epistatically suppressed by other alleles in the superior parent. The order of potency in reducing the glycerol/ethanol ratio of the three alleles was: gpd1

L164P
> hot1

P107S,H274Y
≥ smp1

R110Q,P269Q
.

Conclusions
Our results show that natural yeast strains harbor multiple specific alleles of genes controlling essential functions, that are apparently compatible with survival in the natural environment. These newly identified alleles can be used as gene tools for engineering industrial yeast strains with multiple subtle changes, minimizing the risk of negatively affecting other essential functions. The gene tools act at the transcriptional, regulatory or structural gene level, distributing the impact over multiple targets and thus further minimizing possible side-effects. In addition, the results suggest polygenic analysis of complex traits as a promising new avenue to identify novel components involved in cellular functions, including those important in industrial applications.
Rapid induction of complete molecular remission by sequential therapy with LDAC and sorafenib in FLT3-ITD-positive patients unfit for intensive treatment: two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Wolleschak Denise , Schalk Enrico , Krogel Christian , Schnoeder Tina M , Luehr Helga , Jentsch-Ullrich Kathleen , Fischer Thomas , Heidel Florian H 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Treatment of acute myeloid leukemia remains a therapeutic challenge. Even in younger patients with a low rate of co-morbidities less than 50% of patients can be cured. For older patients or patients with significant co-morbidities, the situation appears even worse. In patients not eligible for intensive treatment approaches - e.g. due to underlying medical conditions - therapeutic approaches remain almost exclusively palliative. However, even with less intense treatment approaches, temporary remission can be achieved and this contributes to prolonged survival and improved quality of life of the respective patient. Targeted therapies have been widely used as palliative treatment in- and outside clinical trials as single agents. Combination with low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) potentially improves remission rates and can be safely administered in an outpatient setting.
Previous studies showed that additive hematologic toxicity of combinatory therapeutic approaches may arise from simultaneous treatment (e.g. chemotherapy plus targeted therapies). However, sequential therapies have already proven their feasibility in clinical trials. Here, we report two cases of rapid induction of complete molecular remission by sequential therapy with LDAC and sorafenib in patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy without significant long-term toxicity.
Indium-catalyzed Annulation of Indoles with Ethyl (2-Ethynylaryl)methyl Carbonates: Synthesis and Photoluminescent Properties of Aryl- and Heteroaryl[b]carbazoles
Authors: Nagase Yuta , Miyamura Takuhiro , Inoue Kensuke , Tsuchimoto Teruhisa 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Two successive carbon–carbon bond-forming annulation of indoles with ethyl (2-ethynylaryl)methyl carbonates and their heteroaryl analogs under indium catalysis provided aryl- and heteroaryl[b]carbazoles, photoluminescent properties of which were then evaluated and compared with those of the corresponding [a]- and [c]-types, thereby showing that the order of light-emitting efficiency is [a]- &lt; [b]- &lt; [c]-type.
1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition-based Synthesis of Diverse Heterocyclic Scaffolds
Authors: Zhang Wei 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition reaction-based diversity-oriented synthesis developed from our research lab is highlighted. The initial [3 + 2] cycloaddition products are subjected to postcondensation modifications to afford heterocyclic scaffolds with substitutional, skeletal, and stereochemical variations. Multicomponent reactions and fluorous linker-facilitated separation are integrated to increase the efficiency of compound library synthesis.
Morbidity pattern among the disabled in Ibadan, Nigeria: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Atoba Temitope , Adeyinka Daniel Adedayo 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIn many countries, resources are not sufficient to meet the need for the rehabilitation and supportive services of the disabled population. More attention must be focused on them to reduce health inequality in our societies.A review of case files of patients with disability (n=155) and controls (n=526) at Oluyole Cheshire home, Ibadan, Nigeria from April, 2009 to December, 2010 was conducted using a total sampling method.The three most common groups of illnesses observed among the disabled were plasmodiasis (41.3%), upper respiratory tract infections (14.8%) and trauma following domestic accident and physical abuse (11.6%). Cervical spondylosis and arthralgia were the most common musculoskeletal disorders (OR 4.95, 95% CI 1.95–12.53). The disabled were significantly more likely than the controls to be physically assaulted (OR 6.15; 95% CI 2.84–13.33).The findings from this study demand prompt diagnosis and prevention of malaria, respiratory tract infection, cervical spondylosis, and physical abuse in all disabled patients in our environment.
Influence of Reinforcement Characteristics on Non-Linear Performance Evaluation of Confined Beam-Column Joints Under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Surya Kumar Dadi V. V. S. , Agarwal Pankaj 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The non-linear performance of beam-column joint specimens with different types of reinforcement (thermo-mechanically treated [TMT] and twisted ore reinforced [TOR]) has been evaluated under cyclic loading. A number of parametric variations in the preparation of joints, such as the type of reinforcement, the percentage of reinforcement, and the effect of confinement, have been studied. Comparative cyclic test results have been plotted in the form of hysteresis behavior, envelope of load deformation curves, cumulative energy dissipation curves, strength and stiffness decay curves, etc. The effects of types of reinforcement and confinement of beam-column joint specimens possessing the same percentage of reinforcement have been clearly manifested in non-linear performance evaluation parameters. The energy dissipation in beam-column joint specimens increases with the percentage of reinforcement, but it also decreases as the reinforcement characteristics change from ductile to brittle. A higher over-strength ratio has been observed in joint specimens with TOR reinforcement than in specimens with TMT reinforcement. The post-elastic stiffness degradation is lower in specimens with TMT reinforcement than in specimens with TOR reinforcement over a constant post-elastic drift.