bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malaria and haematologic parameters of pupils at different altitudes along the slope of Mount Cameroon: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kimbi Helen K , Sumbele Irene UN , Nweboh Malaika , Anchang-Kimbi Judith K , Lum Emmaculate , Nana Yannick , Ndip Lucy M , Njom Henry , Lehman Leopold G 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Haematologic abnormalities are features in Plasmodium falciparum infection, and anaemia is an inevitable outcome. This study examines the influence of malaria status and altitude on haematologic parameters in school-aged pupils.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 728 school pupils aged between four and 15 years at three different altitudinal ranges along the slope of the Mount Cameroon region. The investigative methods included the use of questionnaire, clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations. Blood sample collected from each child was used for the preparation of blood films for detection of malaria parasites and assessment of malaria parasite density as well as full blood count determination using an automated haematology analyzer.

Results
The prevalence of malaria in the study population was 33.8% and 64.2% (158/246) of these were asymptomatic (AM). Pupils in lowlands had a significantly higher (P <0.05) prevalence (95% confidence interval, CI) of malaria (60.6%, CI = 54.6–65.9%) than those in middle belt (29.1%, CI = 23.9–34.8%) and highlands (7.7%, CI = 6.1–9.8%), while those in middle belt had significantly higher geometric mean parasite density (475) than those in lowlands (233) and highlands (388). The prevalence of malaria was significantly higher in children that presented with fever (40.4%, CI = 33.8–47.2%) when compared with afebrile subjects (31%, CI = 27–35.2%). Pupils with AM had a higher prevalence of leucopaenia (43.7%, CI = 35.8–51.8%), microcytosis (27.2%, CI = 20.5–34.9%), hypochromasia (27.8%, CI = 21–35.5%) and thrombocytopaenia (14.9%, CI = 8.9–22.8%) when compared with those with clinical malaria (CM). All mean haematological parameters were comparable in pupils with CM and AM, except for the mean white blood cell (WBC) counts. Pupils with AM had significantly lower (P = 0.02) mean WBC counts (5.1 ± 2.5 × 109/L) than those with CM (5.9 ± 2.3 × 109/L). Age, altitude and malaria parasitaemia was of significant influence on several haematological parameters.

Conclusion
Altitude influenced the distribution and density of malaria parasites and was of confounding influence on the haematologic profiles. These results highlight the insidious effects of AM on the haematologic components.
Determination of artemether and lumefantrine in anti-malarial fixed-dose combination tablets by microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography with short-end injection procedure
Authors: Amin N’Cho Christophe , Fabre Huguette , Blanchin Marie-Dominique , Montels Jérôme , Aké Michèle 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) combination therapy is now the most used anti-malarial treatment in the world. Quality control of AL formulations is still a major challenge in developing countries. Until now, only liquid chromatographic methods have been reported in the literature for their analysis. Capillary electrophoretic methods, which present various advantages (low price of capillary, low volumes of electrolyte consumption), may be an alternative to liquid chromatography methods. In this paper, a reliable method was developed and validated for the determination of AL in commercial fixed-dose combination tablets commercialized in Côte d’Ivoire.

Methods
Artemether and lumefantrine were determined by microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography using short-end injection procedure. The two analytes were extracted from tablets by acidified methanol. Pyrimethamine was used as internal standard. Separation was carried out in an uncoated fused silica capillary, 30 cm long × 50 μm internal diameter, using an effective length of 10 cm and a microemulsion composed of octane, butanol, sodium dodecyl sulfate and borate buffer as background electrolyte, a - 500 V.cm-1 electric field and a detection wavelength of 214 nm.

Results
Artemether, lumefantrine and pyrimethamine were separated in 6 min. The method was reliable with respect to selectivity towards formulation excipients, linearity of the response function (r2 > 0.998), recovery studies from synthetic tablets (in the range 99–101%), repeatability (relative standard deviation 1–3%, n = 7 analytical procedures). Application to four commercial formulations containing 20/120 mg of AL per tablet gave a content in good agreement with the declared content. However, the electropherogram of one tablet formulation showed the presence of an ingredient which was not declared.

Conclusion
The developed MEEKC method can be proposed as an alternative method to liquid chromatography for the determination of artemether and lumefantrine in fixed-dose combination tablet formulations.
The expression of cytokeratin 19 in lymph nodes was a poor prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection
Authors: Lee Chao-Wei , Kuo Wen-Ling , Yu Ming-Chin , Chen Tse-Ching , Tsai Chi-Neu , Lee Wei-Chen , Chen Miin-Fu 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The expression of CK19 in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor outcome. However, few studies have investigated the expression profile of CK19 in regional lymph nodes (LNs) of HCC after hepatic resection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of CK19 in primary liver tumor and regional LNs of HCC with and without lymph node metastasis (LNM).

Methods
The expression of CK19 in patients with (n = 16) and without LNM (n = 26) was examined using immunohistochemical staining. Both the primary tumor and LN specimen were studied for their CK19 expression. Clinico-pathological variables and prognostic significance were analyzed.

Results
Immunopositivity of CK19 in primary liver tumor was significantly correlated with LNM (P = 0.005) and tumor non-encapsulation (P <0.005). Univariate analysis showed that CK19 expression in primary liver tumor, CK19 expression in regional LN, vascular invasion, daughter nodules, positive resection margin and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor stage significantly decreased overall survival. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that daughter nodules (P = 0.001) and CK19 expression in regional LN (P = 0.002) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival.

Conclusions
This study showed that CK19 expression in regional LN of HCC was associated with LNM and an extremely poor outcome after operation. It is of clinical significance to identify these patients at risk for more aggressive HCC, and multi-modality treatment could be helpful to improve their dismal outcome.
Dexmedetomidine protects against renal ischemia and reperfusion injury by inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling activation
Authors: Si Yanna , Bao Hongguang , Han Liu , Shi Hongwei , Zhang Yuan , Xu Li , Liu Chenhui , Wang Jinsong , Yang Xiaobing , Vohra Akbar , Ma Daqing 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The α2-adrenoreceptor agonist dexmedetomidine is known to provide renoprotection against ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. However the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway plays a role in dexmedetomidine’s renoprotection.

Methods
I/R model was induced by bilateral renal pedicle clamping for 45 min followed by 48 h of reperfusion in male Wistar rat. Sham laparotomy served as controls. Animals received dexmedetomidine (50 μg/kg, i.p.) in the absence or presence of atipamezole (250 μg/kg, i.p.), or vehicle (DMSO) in the absence or presence of selective JAK2 inhibitor tyrphostin AG490 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) before ischemia. Renal function, histology, apoptosis, expression of cleaved caspase 3 protein, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and phosphorylations of JAK2, STAT1 and STAT3 were assessed.

Results
The animals treated with either dexmedetomidine or AG490 exhibited an improved renal functional recovery, attenuated histological lesions and reduced number of apoptotic tubular epithelial cells. Either dexmedetomidine or AG490 inhibited the phosphorylations of JAK2 and its downstream molecule STAT1 and STAT3, accompanied by down-regulation the expression of cleaved caspase 3, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 proteins, and significantly ameliorated renal I/R injury.

Conclusions
Dexmedetomidine protects kidney against I/R injury, at least in part, through its inhibitory effects on injury-induced activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway. If our data can be extrapolated to clinical setting, then dexmedetomidine may therefore serve as a clinical strategy to treat/prevent perioperative renal I/R injury.
A pilot study of sensory feedback by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to improve manipulation deficit caused by severe sensory loss after stroke
Authors: Kita Kahori , Otaka Yohei , Takeda Kotaro , Sakata Sachiko , Ushiba Junichi , Kondo Kunitsugu , Liu Meigen , Osu Rieko 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundSensory disturbance is common following stroke and can exacerbate functional deficits, even in patients with relatively good motor function. In particular, loss of appropriate sensory feedback in severe sensory loss impairs manipulation capability. We hypothesized that task-oriented training with sensory feedback assistance would improve manipulation capability even without sensory pathway recovery.MethodsWe developed a system that provides sensory feedback by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (SENS) for patients with sensory loss, and investigated the feasibility of the system in a stroke patient with severe sensory impairment and mild motor deficit. The electrical current was modulated by the force exerted by the fingertips so as to allow the patient to identify the intensity. The patient had severe sensory loss due to a right thalamic hemorrhage suffered 27 months prior to participation in the study. The patient first practiced a cylindrical grasp task with SENS for 1 hour daily over 29 days. Pressure information from the affected thumb was fed back to the unaffected shoulder. The same patient practiced a tip pinch task with SENS for 1 hour daily over 4 days. Pressure information from the affected thumb and index finger was fed back to the unaffected and affected shoulders, respectively. We assessed the feasibility of SENS and examined the improvement of manipulation capability after training with SENS.ResultsThe fluctuation in fingertip force during the cylindrical grasp task gradually decreased as the training progressed. The patient was able to maintain a stable grip force after training, even without SENS. Pressure exerted by the tip pinch of the affected hand was unstable before intervention with SENS compared with that of the unaffected hand. However, they were similar to each other immediately after SENS was initiated, suggesting that the somatosensory information improved tip pinch performance. The patient’s manipulation capability assessed by the Box and Block Test score improved through SENS intervention and was partly maintained after SENS was removed, until at least 7 months after the intervention. The sensory test score, however, showed no recovery after intervention.ConclusionsWe conclude that the proposed system would be useful in the rehabilitation of patients with sensory loss.
CETN1 is a cancer testis antigen with expression in prostate and pancreatic cancers
Authors: Kim John J , Rajagopalan Krithika , Hussain Basil , Williams Brenten H , Kulkarni Prakash , Mooney Steven M 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The Cancer Testis Antigens (CTAs) are a group of genes that are highly expressed in the normal testis and several types of cancer. Due to their restricted expression in normal adult tissues, CTAs have been attractive targets for immunotherapy and biomarker development. In this work, we discovered that Centrin 1 (CETN1) which is found in the centrosome of all eukaryotes, may be a member of this group and is highly expressed in prostate and pancreatic cancer. Three members of the centrin family of calcium binding proteins (CETN) are localized to the centrosome in all eukaryotes with CDC31 being the sole yeast homolog. CETN1 is a retrogene that probably arose from a retrotransposition of CETN2, an X-linked gene. A previous mouse study shows that CETN1 is expressed solely in the testis, while CETN2 is expressed in all organs.

Results
In this work, we show that CETN1 is a new member of the growing group of CTAs. Through the mining of publicly available microarray data, we discovered that human CETN1 expression but not CETN2 or CETN3 is restricted to the testis. In fact, CETN1 is actually down-regulated in testicular malignancies compared to normal testis. Using q-PCR, CETN1 expression is shown to be highly up-regulated in cancer of the prostate and in pancreatic xenografts. Unexpectedly however, CETN1 expression was virtually absent in various cell lines until they were treated with the DNA demethylation agent 5’AZA-2’Deoxycytidine (AZA) but showed no increased expression upon incubation with Histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin-A (TSA) alone. Additionally, like most CTAs, CETN1 appears to be an intrinsically disordered protein which implies that it may occupy a hub position in key protein interaction networks in cancer. Neither CETN1 nor CETN2 could compensate for loss of CDC31 expression in yeast which is analogous to published data for CETN3.

Conclusions
This work suggests that CETN1 is a novel CTA with expression in cancer of the prostate and pancreas. In cell lines, the expression is probably regulated by promoter methylation, while the method of regulation in normal adult tissues remains unknown.
Continuous and intermittent exposure of neonatal rat calvarial cells to PTHrP (1-36) inhibits bone nodule mineralization in vitro by downregulating bone sialoprotein expression via the cAMP signaling pathway
Authors: Kamel Suzan A , Yee John A 
Published: June 2013

The development and growth of the skeleton in the absence of parathyroid-hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is abnormal. The shortening of appendicular bones in PTHrP gene null mice is explained by an effect of PTHrP on endochondral bone growth. Whether or not PTHrP influences intramembranous ossification is less clear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of exogenous PTHrP on intramembranous ossificationin vitro. Neonatal rat calvarial cells maintained in primary cell culture conditions that permit spontaneous formation of woven bone nodules by intramembranous ossification were studied. The expression of PTHrP, parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R), and alkaline phosphatase (AP) by osteogenic cells in developing nodules and the effects of PTHrP (1-36) on nodule development was determined over 3-18 days. PTHrP and PTH1R were detected colonies of osteogenic cells on culture day three, and AP was detected on day six. PTHrP and its receptor were localized in pre-osteoblasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes, and AP activity was detected in pre-osteoblasts and osteoblasts but not osteocytes. Continuous and intermittent exposure to PTHrP (1-36) decreased the number of mineralized bone nodules and bone sialoprotein (BSP) mRNA and protein, but had no effect on the number of AP-positive osteogenic cell colonies, cell proliferation, apoptosis, or osteopontin (OPN) mRNA. These results demonstrate that osteogenic cells that participate in the formation of woven bone nodulesin vitroexhibit PTHrP and PTH1R before they demonstrate AP activity. Exogenous PTHrP (1-36) inhibits the mineralization of woven bone deposited during bone nodule formationin vitro,possibly by reducing the expression of BSP.
Clinical Forum: canine pancreatitis and biliary duct obstruction
Authors: Schaafsma Irene , Bradley Kate , Denning Andrew , Barett Esther 
Published: June 2013

Part 2: The radiologist's perspective This clinical forum will review pancreatic disease in dogs, primarily focusing on those patients that go on to develop obstruction of the biliary tree. A series of commonly asked questions relating to pancreatitis and concurrent biliary tract obstruction will be asked of a panel of specialists with varying views expressed! In the August 2013 issue of Companion Animal, a further article on this topic will be published giving both a surgeon's perspective on canine pancreatitis and biliary duct obstruction.
Surgery of the small intestine in dogs and cats
Authors: Murgia Daniela 
Published: June 2013

Part 2: surgical techniques This article, the second on surgery of the small intestine in dogs and cats, will focus on the surgical techniques and closure modalities of the intestinal wound. Small intestine pathological conditions that require surgical intervention include intestinal obstruction and perforation, ischaemia, intussusception and mesenteric volvulus.
Cloning of TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 and Likely Exclusion as Loci of Origin in a Rabbit Craniosynostotic Model
Authors: Gallo Phillip H. , Cray James J. , Durham Emily L. , Losee Joseph E. , Mooney Mark P. , Cooper Gregory M. , Kathju Sandeep 
Published: June 2013

Objective To determine whether TgfβR1 or TgfβR2 cause the craniosynostotic phenotype in a rabbit model of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. Design Full-length TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 cDNAs were sequenced and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to measure TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 transcripts in suturai tissue from wild type (WT) and craniosynostotic (CS) rabbits. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were identified within TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 and were assayed for segregation with disease phenotype in 22 craniosynostotic animals. Results No structural mutations in TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 were identified in the craniosynostotic rabbits. Real-time RT-PCR quantification of TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 mRNA showed no significant difference in TgfβR1 expression between CS and WT animals, while TgfβR2 showed 50% elevation in the CS animals compared to WT ( P < .05). SNP analysis within the TgfβR1 and TgfβR2 genes suggested that neither locus is linked to the craniosynostotic phenotype because no allelic combination showed any specific correlation with disease phenotype for either TgfβR1 or TgfβR2. Conclusions Our data indicate that the craniosynostotic phenotype in this rabbit model does not arise from any structural mutation in TgfβR1 or TgfβR2, and SNP analysis also likely excludes these genes more broadly as the site of causative mutation.
Longitudinal Predictors of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among a National Sample of Adolescent Males
Authors: Reiter Paul L. , McRee Annie-Laurie , Pepper Jessica K. , Gilkey Melissa B. , Galbraith Kayoll V. , Brewer Noel T. 
Published: June 2013

Objectives. We conducted a longitudinal study to examine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among male adolescents and to identify vaccination predictors. Methods. In fall 2010 and 2011, a national sample of parents with sons aged 11 to 17 years (n = 327) and their sons (n = 228) completed online surveys. We used logistic regression to identify predictors of HPV vaccination that occurred between baseline and follow-up. Results. Only 2% of sons had received any doses of HPV vaccine at baseline, with an increase to 8% by follow-up. About 55% of parents who had ever received a doctor’s recommendation to get their sons HPV vaccine did vaccinate between baseline and follow-up, compared with only 1% of parents without a recommendation. Fathers (odds ratio = 0.29; 95% confidence interval = 0.09, 0.80) and non-Hispanic White parents (odds ratio = 0.29; 95% confidence interval = 0.11, 0.76) were less likely to have vaccinated sons. Willingness to get sons HPV vaccine decreased from baseline to follow-up among parents (P < .001) and sons (P = .003). Conclusions. Vaccination against HPV remained low in our study and willingness to vaccinate may be decreasing. Physician recommendation and education about HPV vaccine for males may be key strategies for improving vaccination.
Indications for Testing Among Reported Cases of HCV Infection From Enhanced Hepatitis Surveillance Sites in the United States, 2004–2010
Authors: Mahajan Reena , Liu Stephen J. , Klevens R. Monina , Holmberg Scott D. 
Published: June 2013

Objectives. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a 1-time HCV test for persons born from 1945 through 1965 to supplement current risk-based screening. We examined indications for testing by birth cohort (before 1945, 1945–1965, and after 1965) among persons with past or current HCV. Methods. Cases had positive HCV laboratory markers reported by 4 surveillance sites (Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, and New York) to health departments from 2004 to 2010. Health department staff abstracted demographics and indications for testing from cases’ medical records and compiled this information into a surveillance database. Results. Of 110 223 cases of past or current HCV infection reported during 2004–2010, 74 578 (68%) were among persons born during 1945–1965. Testing indications were abstracted for 45 034 (41%) cases; of these, 29 544 (66%) identified at least 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–recommended risk factor as a testing indication. Overall, 74% of reported cases were born from 1945 to 1965 or had an injection drug use history. Conclusions. These data support augmenting the current HCV risk-based screening recommendations by screening adults born from 1945 to 1965.
The Natural History of Food Sensitization in Children With Atopic Dermatitis and the Prognostic Role of Specific Serum IgE
Authors: Giannetti Arianna , Ricci Giampaolo , Dondi Arianna , Piccinno Valentina , Bellini Federica , Rondelli Roberto , Patrizi Annalisa , Pession Andrea 
Published: June 2013

Background:
The natural history and the prognostic factors for food tolerance in childhood atopic dermatitis(AD) are poorly
understood.

Objective:
We aimed at investigating the natural course of egg and milk allergy in children affected by AD and food allergy
and identifying if the persistence of allergy is associated with high specific serum IgE(sIgE).

Methods:
The retrospective study included 58 patients affected by AD, aged 9-16 months, with a first clinical examination
between 1993 and 2002.

Results:
Patients with AD and allergy to hen’s egg(N=58) or cow’s milk(N=44) were studied. In most patients milk and egg
tolerance was reached before school age, but it was achieved later in children with severe AD and high egg sIgE.

Conclusions:
The food tolerance is normally reached before school age and, at the time of diagnosis, levels of sIgE>5kU/L for
hen’s egg are risk factors for a later tolerance achievement.
Behavioral Health Order Sets in a Hybrid Information Environment
Authors: Strauss John , Olbrycht Peggy , Woo Vincent 
Published: June 2013

Introduction:
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is a 500 bed freestanding psychiatric hospital in Canada. We are in the process of preparing for an integrated commercial clinical information system, which will have computerized physician order entry (CPOE) functionality.

Methods:
As a preparation for CPOE, we developed inpatient order sets (OSs). Development teams from individual clinical programs created and sent their OSs to an OS Working Group for initial endorsement, and then to Pharmacy & Therapeutics and Medical Advisory committees subsequent approvals.

Results:
In twelve months we created and introduced 22 behavioral health OSs across eight clinical programs in our hybrid information system with an excellent adoption rate (>97%) by clinicians.

Discussion:
The development and implementation temporarily contributed to a multifactorial flow problem in the emergency department (ED), which was addressed by substantially simplifying the General Admission via the ED OS. Also, as the OSs were developed and sent for approval the project identified areas where local clinical practice can improve. Our electronic-paper hybrid set of clinical systems was a major factor impacting the effort.