bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of imported malaria in Europe
Authors: Askling Helena H , Bruneel Fabrice , Burchard Gerd , Castelli Francesco , Chiodini Peter L , Grobusch Martin P , Lopez-Vélez Rogelio , Paul Margaret , Petersen Eskild , Popescu Corneliu , Ramharter Michael , Schlagenhauf Patricia 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
In this position paper, the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Study Group on Clinical Parasitology, summarizes main issues regarding the management of imported malaria cases. Malaria is a rare diagnosis in Europe, but it is a medical emergency. A travel history is the key to suspecting malaria and is mandatory in patients with fever. There are no specific clinical signs or symptoms of malaria although fever is seen in almost all non-immune patients. Migrants from malaria endemic areas may have few symptoms.
Malaria diagnostics should be performed immediately on suspicion of malaria and the gold- standard is microscopy of Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. A Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) may be used as an initial screening tool, but does not replace urgent microscopy which should be done in parallel. Delays in microscopy, however, should not lead to delayed initiation of appropriate treatment. Patients diagnosed with malaria should usually be hospitalized. If outpatient management is preferred, as is the practice in some European centres, patients must usually be followed closely (at least daily) until clinical and parasitological cure. Treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria is either with oral artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) or with the combination atovaquone/proguanil. Two forms of ACT are available in Europe: artemether/lumefantrine and dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine. ACT is also effective against Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium knowlesi, but these species can be treated with chloroquine. Treatment of persistent liver forms in P. vivax and P. ovale with primaquine is indicated after excluding glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. There are modified schedules and drug options for the treatment of malaria in special patient groups, such as children and pregnant women. The potential for drug interactions and the role of food in the absorption of anti-malarials are important considerations in the choice of treatment.
Complicated malaria is treated with intravenous artesunate resulting in a much more rapid decrease in parasite density compared to quinine. Patients treated with intravenous artesunate should be closely monitored for haemolysis for four weeks after treatment. There is a concern in some countries about the lack of artesunate produced according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
(Zn,H)-codoped copper oxide nanoparticles via pulsed laser ablation on Cu-Zn alloy in water
Authors: Lin Bo-Cheng , Chen Shuei-Yuan , Shen Pouyan 
Published: September 2012

AbstractNanosized (5 to 10 nm) amorphous and crystalline nanocondensates, i.e., metallic α-phase of Zn-Cu alloy in face-centered cubic structure and (Zn,H)-codoped cuprite (Cu2O) with high-pressure-favored close-packed sublattice, were formed by pulsed laser ablation on bulk Cu65Zn35in water and characterized by X-ray/electron diffractions and optical spectroscopy. The as-fabricated hybrid nanocondensates are darkish and showed photoluminescence in the whole visible region. Further dwelling of such nanocondensates in water caused progressive formation of a rice-like assembly of (Zn,H)-codoped tenorite (CuO) nanoparticles with (001), (100), and {111} preferred orientations, (111) tilt boundary, yellowish color, and minimum bandgap narrowing down toca.2.7 eV for potential photocatalytic applications.
Bovine herpes virus type 1 induces apoptosis through Fas-dependent and mitochondria-controlled manner in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells
Authors: Xu Xingang , Zhang Kuan , Huang Yong , Ding Li , Chen Guangda , Zhang Honglei , Tong Dewen 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) is an important pathogen in cattle that is responsible for substantial economic losses. Previous studies suggest that BHV-1 may induce apoptosis in Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells via a mechanism only involving caspases and p53. However, the mechanism for BHV-1-induced MDBK cell apoptosis still requires more research.

Methods
MDBK was used as a model to study the precise signaling pathways of apoptosis induced by BHV-1 infection.

Results
BHV-1 infection activated a Fas/FasL-mediated apoptotic pathway, resulting in activation of caspase-8 and cleavage of Bid. In addition, BHV-1 infection down-regulated Bcl-2 and up-regulated Bax expression, thereby initiating the release of cytochrome c followed by caspase-9 activation. The combined activation of the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways resulted in activation of downstream effecter caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), leading to apoptosis. Furthermore, blocking apoptosis using caspase inhibitors improved BHV-1-infected MDBK cell viability to different extent. BHV-1 infection did not induce significant DNA fragmentation in MDBK cells pretreated with ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) or cells infected with UV-inactivated BHV-1. Blocking caspases activation increased BHV-1 replication.

Conclusions
BHV-1 induces apoptosis in MDBK cells through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways and there might be cross-talk between the two pathways. In addition, BHV-1 replication may be necessary for the induction of apoptosis in BHV-1-infected cells, and prolonged cell viability benefits BHV-1 replication.
Sf-PHB2, A new transcription factor, Drives WSSV Ie1Gene Expression via a 12-bp DNA Element
Authors: Ma Guoda , Yu Li , Wang Qian , Liu Wei , Cui Yudong , Kwang Jimmy 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The WSSV immediate early gene ie1 is highly expressed throughout viral infection cycle and may play a central role in initiating viral replication during infection.

Results
Here, a detailed characterization of the ie1 promoter was performed using deletion and mutation analyses to elucidate the role of the individual promoter motifs. Three results were obtained: 1) the ie1 promoter is a classical eukaryotic promoter that contains the initiator element (Inr) and TATA box responsible for the basal promoter activity; 2) mutation or truncation of a predicted Sp1 site decreased the level of promoter activity by about 3-fold, indicating that the Sp1 site is an important cis-element of the promoter; and 3) truncation of a 12-bp sequence that resides at -78/-67 of the ie1 promoter decreased the level of promoter activity by about 14-fold, indicating that the 12-bp motif is a critical upstream element of the ie1 promoter for binding of a strong transcription factor to drive the ie1 gene expression in the cells. Further, the 12-bp DNA binding protein was purified from the nuclear proteins of Sf9 cells using DNA affinity chromatography, and was identified as a homologue of the prohibitin2 protein (named as Sf-PHB2) using mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the DNA binding activity of Sf-PHB2 was verified using a super shift analysis.

Conclusion
These results support that the Sf-PHB2 is a novel transcription factor that drives WSSV ie1 gene expression by binding to the 12-bp DNA element.
Effect of electroacupuncture on opioid consumption in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Xue Charlie CL , Helme Robert D , Gibson Stephen , Hogg Malcolm , Arnold Carolyn , Somogyi Andrew A , Da Costa Cliff , Wang Yanyi , Lu Shao-chen , Zheng Zhen 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Chronic musculoskeletal pain is common and has been increasingly managed by opioid medications, of which the long-term efficacy is unknown. Furthermore, there is evidence that long-term use of opioids is associated with reduced pain control, declining physical function and quality of life, and could hinder the goals of integrated pain management. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to be effective in reducing postoperative opioid consumption. Limited evidence suggests that acupuncture could assist patients with chronic pain to reduce their requirements for opioids.
The proposed research aims to assess if EA is an effective adjunct therapy to standard pain and medication management in reducing opioids use by patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Methods
In this multicentre, randomised, sham-acupuncture controlled, three-arm clinical trial, 316 patients regularly taking opioids for pain control and meeting the defined selection criteria will be recruited from pain management centres and clinics of primary care providers in Victoria, Australia. After a four-week run-in period, the participants are randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups to receive EA, sham EA or no-EA with a ratio of 2:1:1. All participants receive routine pain medication management delivered and supervised by the trial medical doctors. Twelve sessions of semi-structured EA or sham EA treatment are delivered over 10 weeks. Upon completion of the acupuncture treatment period, there is a 12-week follow-up. In total, participants are involved in the trial for 26 weeks. Outcome measures of opioid and non-opioid medication consumption, pain scores and opioid-related adverse events are documented throughout the study. Quality of life, depression, function, and attitude to pain medications are also assessed.

Discussion
This randomised controlled trial will determine whether EA is of significant clinical value in assisting the management of debilitating chronic pain by reducing opioids consumption and their associated adverse events, as well as improving the quality of life for those with chronic pain. Such an outcome will provide the rationale for including EA into multidisciplinary programmes for effective management of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Trial registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12609000676213)

http://www.anzctr.org.au/trial_view.aspx?ID=308008
HbG200-mediated preinduction of heme oxygenase-1 improves bile flow and ameliorates pericentral downregulation of Bsep and Mrp2 following experimental liver ischemia and reperfusion
Authors: Donner Markus G. , Topp Stefan A. , Cebula Patricia , Krienen Anna , Gehrmann Thor , Sommerfeld Annika , Reinehr Roland , Macher Arne , Herebian Diran , Mayatepek Ertan , Pannen Benedikt H. , Knoefel Wolfram T. , Häussinger Dieter 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
We studied the downregulation of hepatobiliary transport systems and the effect of pharmacological heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) preinduction by Hemoglobin-Glutamer 200 (HbG200) in cold ischemia-reperfused rat liver (I/R). Cold I/R reduced bile flow in the reperfusion period from 3.10±0.10 ml/3 h to 0.54±0.20 ml/3 h (p<0.05) and biliary taurocholate excretion from 45.9±13.81 μmol/3 h to 1.87±0.46 μmol/3 h (p<0.05). Mrp2, Bsep and Ntcp peak immunofluorescence in pericentral hepatocytes decreased to 79.0±2.6% (p<0.001), 80.6±8.4% (p<0.05) and 65.8±5.0% (p<0.01), respectively. Pre-induction of HO-1 by HbG200 was largely confined to pericentral hepatocytes. HO-1 induction attenuated the decreased bile flow (0.91±0.16 ml/3 h, p<0.05) and canalicular taurocholate secretion (4.33±1.71 μmol/3 h, p<0.05). Bsep and Mrp2 peak immunofluorescence in pericentral hepatocytes was largely restored. Activation of JNK and Fyn by cold I/R was significantly attenuated by HO-1. Inhibiting HO activity by tin protoporphyrin IX after HbG200 administration reversed the effect on bile flow and canalicular transporter expression. In conclusion, pericentral downregulation of Bsep and Mrp2 following cold I/R is ameliorated by inducing HO-1 and was associated with diminished hepatocellular JNK and Fyn signaling. HO-1 may serve as a therapeutic target to attenuate hepatocellular cholestasis following I/R injury.
Mast cells limit extracellular levels of IL-13 via a serglycin proteoglycan-serine protease axis
Authors: Waern Ida , Karlsson Iulia , Thorpe Michael , Schlenner Susan M. , Feyerabend Thorsten B. , Rodewald Hans-Reimer , Åbrink Magnus , Hellman Lars , Pejler Gunnar , Wernersson Sara 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Mast cell (MC) granules contain large amounts of proteases of the chymase, tryptase and carboxypeptidase A (MC-CPA) type that are stored in complex with serglycin, a proteoglycan with heparin side chains. Hence, serglycin-protease complexes are released upon MC degranulation and may influence local inflammation. Here we explored the possibility that a serglycin-protease axis may regulate levels of IL-13, a cytokine involved in allergic asthma. Indeed, we found that wild-type MCs efficiently degraded exogenous or endogenously produced IL-13 upon degranulation, whereas serglycin–/– MCs completely lacked this ability. Moreover, MC-mediated IL-13 degradation was blocked both by a serine protease inhibitor and by a heparin antagonist, which suggests that IL-13 degradation is catalyzed by serglycin-dependent serine proteases and that optimal IL-13 degradation is dependent on both the serglycin and the protease component of the serglycin-protease complex. Moreover, IL-13 degradation was abrogated in MC-CPA–/– MC cultures, but was normal in cultures of MCs with an inactivating mutation of MC-CPA, which suggests that the IL-13-degrading serine proteases rely on MC-CPA protein. Together, our data implicate a serglycin-serine protease axis in the regulation of extracellular levels of IL-13. Reduction of IL-13 levels through this mechanism possibly can provide a protective function in the context of allergic inflammation.
Mitofilin complexes: conserved organizers of mitochondrial membrane architecture
Authors: Zerbes Ralf M. , van der Klei Ida J. , Veenhuis Marten , Pfanner Nikolaus , van der Laan Martin , Bohnert Maria 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Mitofilin proteins are crucial organizers of mitochondrial architecture. They are located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and interact with several protein complexes of the outer membrane, thereby generating contact sites between the two membrane systems of mitochondria. Within the inner membrane, mitofilins are part of hetero-oligomeric protein complexes that have been termed the mitochondrial inner membrane organizing system (MINOS). MINOS integrity is required for the maintenance of the characteristic morphology of the inner mitochondrial membrane, with an inner boundary region closely apposed to the outer membrane and cristae membranes, which form large tubular invaginations that protrude into the mitochondrial matrix and harbor the enzyme complexes of the oxidative phosphorylation machinery. MINOS deficiency comes along with a loss of crista junction structures and the detachment of cristae from the inner boundary membrane. MINOS has been conserved in evolution from unicellular eukaryotes to humans, where alterations of MINOS subunits are associated with multiple pathological conditions.
Structure of composites consolidated from ball milled 7475 aluminum alloy and ZrO2 powders
Authors: Dutkiewicz Jan , Lityńska-Dobrzyńska Lidia , Matsuda Kenji 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Nanocomposites were prepared from 7475 alloy powder ball milled for 40 h with additions of 2 % Zr and 10 or 20 wt.% of ZrO2, Y2O3 stabilized powders. Two types of ZrO2 powder additions of size near 30 nm and 0.3–0.5 μm were used. Transmission electron microscopy studies confirmed the refinement of the aluminum solid solution grain size after milling, down to about 40 nm. The milled powders were consolidated using uniaxial hot pressing in vacuum at 380 °C and at a pressure of 600 MPa. The hardness of consolidated samples was higher for the 20 % ZrO2 nanocrystalline ceramic powder addition than for 20 % ZrO2 coarser powder, at 320 and 280 HV, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy studies allowed the determination of the grain size of aluminum solid solution to be near 100 nm after hot pressing and homogeneous distribution of ZrO2 particles. The fractions of monoclinic ZrO2 were similar in the milled powder and in the hot pressed samples. ZrO2 nanoparticles did not retard the grain growth, contrary to 2 % of Zr which prevented grain growth during hot pressing. The compression tests showed 1 000 MPa of ultimate compression strength of samples with ZrO2 nanoparticles, slightly higher than those with ZrO2 larger particle additions.
Robin James Rowbury: 30th April 1937 – 11th July 2012
Authors: El-Sharoud Walid M. 
Published: September 2012

Robin Rowbury, Life Sciences Editor of Science Progress since 1995, died in July 2012 following a long battle with cancer. Despite his illness he continued working right up until May this year both writing and promoting the journal wherever he could. In this issue, we are proud to feature his final article in which he describes the multi-talented character who was Robert Hooke. However, first we are publishing some tributes to Robin whom we remember in the office as a gentle man with a very dry sense of humour, as well as a hard-working author and editor. We shall all certainly miss him. Professor David Phillips CBE, FRSC who worked as Physical Sciences Editor alongside Robin describes him as a real gentleman and an excellent academic. Dr David Smith, his lifelong colleague from University College London remembers Robin as a supportive friend and colleague, a great teacher, and a gifted research scientist. He influenced many lives, and numerous students owe their successful careers to his guidance. These sentiment are reflected in three more tributes from former colleagues.
Cancer‐related risk factors and preventive measures in US Hispanics/Latinos
Authors: Cokkinides Vilma E. , Bandi Priti , Siegel Rebecca L. , Jemal Ahmedin 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn this article, we provide prevalence data on major cancer‐related risk factors, early detection testing, and vaccination among Hispanics using nationally representative surveys. Compared with non‐Hispanic whites, Hispanic adults are less likely to be current smokers (13% vs 22%) or frequent alcohol drinkers, but they are more likely to be obese (32% vs 26%) and to have lower levels of mammography use within the past year (46% vs 51%), colorectal screening as per recommended intervals (47% vs 61%), and Papanicolaou (Pap) test use within the past 3 years (74% vs 79%). Within the Hispanic population, the prevalence of these risk factors and early detection methods substantially vary by country of origin. For example, Cuban men (20.7%) and Puerto Rican men (19%) had the highest levels of current smoking than any other Hispanic subgroups, while Mexican women had the lowest levels of mammogram use (44%) and Pap test use (71%). Hispanic migrants have a higher prevalence of hepatitis B virus and Helicobacter pylori, which cause liver and stomach cancer, respectively. Among Hispanic adolescents, tobacco use (eg, 20.8% use of any tobacco products), alcohol use (42.9%), and obesity (23.2%) remain highly prevalent risk factors. Although 56% of Hispanic adolescents initiate human papillomavirus vaccination, only 56% of them completed the 3‐dose series. Differences in risk factors and early detection testing among Hispanic groups should be considered in clinical settings and for cancer control planning. CA Cancer J Clin 2012;. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Entry modes of European firms in Vietnam
Authors: Simonet Daniel 
Published: September 2012

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to explore the entry modes of EU firms setting up operations in Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach: we use a case study approach on Haymarket, Cadbury, Creative Education, Fairchild, Aventis and Artemisinin and Farming International using interviews from managerial professionals in Vietnam. Findings: Despite the fact that Vietnam has been opening up for more than 20 years, licensing is the preferred entry mode because of the risks involved in venturing with local firms; that preference signals a low level commitment and a high perception of risk and state interference. In line with Vietnam transition to state - rather than private market - capitalism, a foreign company opting for a joint-venture will do so with a state-owned rather than privately-owned company. The choice of a subsidiary can be explained by the lack of trust in partners and institutions, not by improvement in the socio-political environment.Limitations: In determining the entry mode strategy, the paper focuses on the Uppsala school’s “psychic distance” (e.g. cultural distance, lack of trust) rather than on firm-specific advantages (Rugman, 1980; 2006).Key-words: international entry mode; emerging markets; subsidiary; joint-venture; India; Vietnam
Is the response to humans consistent over productive life in dairy cows?
Authors: Haskell MJ , Bell DJ , Gibbons JM 
Published: September 2012

AbstractDairy cattle have a high level of interaction with humans throughout their productive life. Welfare and productivity are affected if cows find these interactions aversive, so tests assessing fear of humans have been included in welfare assessment protocols. Practicality issues suggest that all animals on large farms cannot be tested. If a sub-sample is chosen, then animal factors affecting the response must be investigated. To assess the effect of age, 114 Holstein cows were tested at regular intervals across their productive lifetime. Animals were tested at 12-15 months of age, first breeding, prior to first calving, then at early, mid and late lactation for 1st and 2nd lactations and into their 3rd lactation. The test involved approaching each cow when standing in the passageway of the barn with sufficient space to retreat. Response was recorded on a 0-8 incremental scale, and several qualitative terms were scored using sliding scales from absence to full presence. There was a significant effect of age on response. Cows became more approachable with increasing age, up until the middle of the first lactation, with no further change beyond this stage. Cows became more at ease and less nervous with increasing age. Individual cow within-group rankings for tests at each stage showed correlation with rankings in the following stage. As this is a single-farm study, further research is necessary to assess interaction of factors such as housing, breed and quality of human handling on the long-term development of fear of humans. However, the results suggest that the age of the animal tested affects the response, and that animals of different age groups should be tested when a sub-sampling is required to assess welfare on large farms.