bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Giardia diagnostic methods in human fecal samples: A comparative study
Authors: El‐Nahas Hala A. , Salem Dalia A. , El‐Henawy Abeer A. , El‐Nimr Hosam I. , Abdel‐Ghaffar Hasan A. , El‐Meadawy Ali M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSeveral methods were tried for Giardia detection in stool. This study aimed to compare between the results of ordinary microscopy, direct immunofluorescence assay (DIF), and flow cytometry (FC) for the detection of Giardia cyst in human stool samples. The study included 84 children recruited from outpatient clinics of Mansoura University Children Hospital. Fecal samples were processed and examined for Giardia cysts using conventional microscopy, DIF, and FC. Among 84 fecal samples, 40 (47.6%) were diagnosed as Giardia‐positive by saline wet mount, while DIF and FC detected 52 (61.9%), and 38 (45%) Giardia‐positive cases, respectively. When compared with DIF as a gold standard method, ordinary microscopy had 76.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity while the FC had a sensitivity of 73.1% and 100% specificity, with statistically significant differences between DIF and the other two methods (P < 0.05). DIF was able to detect as few as 500 cysts/g of concentrated stool, yielding a threshold higher than ordinary microscopy (1,800 cyst/g) even after concentration. It is concluded that direct microscopic examination is reliable in Giardia diagnosis as a first choice test. DIF is an excellent technique in clinically suspected cases after negative microscopy. FC was found to be less sensitive to obtain accurate organisms' count but it could be an effective alternative method for the detection of Giardia cysts, especially for large‐scale epidemiological studies or extensive surveillance programs as it has the beneficial attribute of speed and do not depend on an experienced microscope viewer. However, DIF remains the gold standard while FC still requires significant technical improvements before it can compete with DIF for Giardia diagnosis. © 2012 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Cybrids for Mitochondrial DNA Pharmacogenomics
Authors: Iglesias Eldris , Llobet Laura , Pacheu‐Grau David , Gómez‐Durán Aurora , Ruiz‐Pesini Eduardo 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Preclinical Research

Several key components of the oxidative phosphorylation system are coded in mitochondrial DNA. In humans, the mutation rate of the mitochondrial genome is higher than that of nuclear DNA. Some of these mutations can modify the interaction of mitochondrial DNA‐encoded products with different therapeutic drugs. Several of these mutations have survived evolution, therefore generating different mitochondrial DNA genetic backgrounds. Thus, personalized medicine approaches must consider these particular interactions. However, before incorporating this knowledge into patient treatments, cellular and molecular studies are required. In this review, we discuss the cybrid model as a tool for this type of analysis, along with the pitfalls and improvements that are necessary before the translation of such models to medical practice.
Pharmacogenomics of Central Nervous System (CNS) Drugs
Authors: Cacabelos Ramón 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Preclinical Research

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders represent a major problem of health in developed countries, with important consequences in disability and health economics. Recent findings in CNS genomics and pharmacogenomics suggest that the introduction of pharmacogenomic procedures in clinical practice may help to optimize therapeutics (efficacy and safety issues). The genes involved in the pharmacogenomics of CNS drugs fall into five categories: (i) genes associated with CNS pathogenesis; (ii) genes associated with the mechanism of action of drugs; (iii) genes associated with drug metabolism; (iv) genes associated with drug transporters; and (v) pleiotropic genes involved in multifaceted cascades and metabolic reactions. Pharmacogenomics accounts for 30–90% variability in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Only 20–30% of the Caucasian population processes normally approximately 60% of the current drugs that are metabolized via CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. Clinical pharmacogenomics may contribute to personalizing pharmacological treatment, predicting patient/drug‐dose selection, minimizing drug interactions, increasing drug efficacy, and reducing unnecessary costs.
Biological, Chemical, and Omics Research of Taxus Medicinal Resources
Authors: Hao Da‐Cheng , Xiao Pei‐Gen , Ge Guang‐Bo , Liu Ming 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Preclinical Research

Taxus is a botanical source for the anticancer drug taxol (paclitaxel), first reported in 1971 as a result of bioassay guided fractionation of active extracts from stem bark samples of T. brevifolia. This led to additional discoveries of pharmacologically active taxoids in other Taxus species and to investigations on their biosynthetic precursors, analogues, and derivatives. In continuation with our studies on Taxus biochemistry, we review the genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics of Taxus and their endophytic fungi. The bibliometric method is used to quantify and characterize the global scientific effort in the omics technologies being applied. We conclude that systems biology and omics technologies will play an increasingly important role in future medical research involving bioactive compounds of Taxus and other natural products.
Benefits and Limitations of Infrared Technologies in Omics Research and Development of Natural Drugs and Pharmaceutical Products
Authors: Cozzolino Daniel 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Preclinical Research

Properties related to individual or bioactive compounds that constitute the matrix of pharmaceutical and natural drug products (e.g., essential oils, terpenoids, flavonoids, volatile compounds, and other chemicals) are present at low concentrations (e.g., parts per million or parts per billion). Classical separation, chromatographic, and spectrometric techniques such as high‐performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry have been used for the elucidation of isolated compounds in research and development (R&D) of drugs and pharmaceutical products. Hence, the use of standard separation, chromatographic, and spectrometric methods were found useful for fingerprinting and comparing natural and synthetic samples, as well as for identifying single active compounds. However, these methods are time consuming and require some level of preprocessing of the sample before analysis. Over the last four decades, infrared (IR) spectroscopy became one of the most attractive and used methods for analysis of agricultural‐related products and plant materials providing simultaneous, rapid, and nondestructive tool to quantify major constituents in such samples. This review describes the benefits and limitations of IR spectroscopy combined with multivariate data analysis for high‐throughput screening and R&D of natural drugs and pharmaceutical products.
Role of Epigenomics in Drug Discovery and Therapies
Authors: Shastry Barkur S. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Preclinical Research

Recent studies suggest that the mammalian genome alone cannot completely explain many physiological and pathophysiological phenomena including variability in phenotypes, drug responses, discordance between monozygotic twins for the same trait or disorder, and disease susceptibility of an individual. The missing link could be epigenetic modifications of genome such as DNA methylation, numerous posttranslational modifications of histone proteins and regulation of expression of microRNAs. Epigenetic modifications are well known and are involved in normal mammalian development. They are modulated globally and in a gene‐specific manner by environmental factors including nutrition, hormones, toxins, and drugs. Age also plays an important role in gene–environmental interactions. Epigenomic pathways are essential for normal cellular functions with abnormalities in their programming leading to complex disorders including psychiatric diseases. Epigenetic factors can thus serve as molecular markers to predict the responsiveness of diseases to therapy. Further knowledge of epigenomic changes and identification of factors that mediate alterations in the epigenome may lead to new drug targets and therapies. In this overview the importance of epigenomics in drug development and therapies has been highlighted.
Issues in Omics Data Integration for Gene Set Analysis and Aberrant Pathway Identification
Authors: Ochs Michael F. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Preclinical Research

The impact of omics technologies, from microarrays to next‐generation sequencing, on drug development has been limited by our inability to integrate the data meaningfully for pathway analysis. Here we discuss the relationship between biomolecules and pathway activity, focusing on metabolic and signaling pathways. We discuss how each type of pathway requires a different approach to the generation of pathway statistics from omics data and provide guidance for the creation of appropriate gene sets for pathway analysis.
The effects of sand abrasion of a predominantly stable stream bed on periphyton biomass losses
Authors: Luce J. J. , Lapointe M. F. , Roy A. G. , Ketterling D. B. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTPeriphytic algae are a rich food resource that sustains the upper trophic levels of stream ecosystems. These algae are susceptible to loss through hydraulic shear and abrasion by mobile sediments, but there are few documented linkages between periphyton biomass and sediment transport regimes. In this study, we use both a large set of field observations and an in situ experiment to document the relationship between periphyton biomass and sand transport rate. The in situ experimental design investigates the response of diatom‐dominated periphyton biomass to abrasion from fine and coarse sand in transport over low‐lying and higher protruding host rocks. Our results showed that periphyton biomass decreased with increasing transport rates in a threshold‐type response (transport rates > 0·04–1·8 g m−1 s−1) quantified using classification and regression trees. The in situ experiment revealed that low‐lying rocks lost more biomass for a given transport rate than the higher, protruding ones. Saltating coarse sand abraded surfaces more effectively than fine sand travelling primarily in suspension. The observed pattern of biomass loss was similar to that reported in flume studies of the effects of suspended sediment on periphyton. The negative relationship between sand transport rate and post‐flow event biomass was nearly identical to that found on the Skona River, Norway, for larger flow events. Sand constitutes a large percentage of the bedload of gravel‐bed rivers and is susceptible to transport during frequent flow events. Even small increases in sand loadings to the gravel‐cobble river bed can cause large increases in streambed abrasion. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Nonequivalency of the Flexibility of the Ligand Bridges Leads to Anisotropy of Perturbation Transmission in a 3D Spin‐Crossover Coordination Network
Authors: Białońska Agata , Bronisz Robert , Kusz Joachim , Weselski Marek , Zubko Maciej 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe role of the covalent connections of iron(II) spin‐crossover centres in the transmission of perturbation produced by the HS ↔ LS transition has been investigated for the new 3D coordination polymer {[Fe(qbtr)3](ClO4)2}∞ [qbtr = 1,5‐di(1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)pentane]. In this complex, a sequence of structural phase transitions occurs. A Ph1 (HS,HS) → Ph2 (HS,HS,HS) transition precedes spin crossover and is associated with an increased number of crystallographically unique iron(II) ions, whereas the change of spin state Ph2 (HS,HS,HS) → Ph3 (HS,LS) triggers another structural phase transition accompanied by a reduction in the number of the unique iron(II) sites. Iron(II) ions occupying two crystallographically unique Fe1 and Fe2 sites form the nodes of a coordination network in the Ph1 phase. The characteristic feature of the polymeric skeleton is the presence of three kinds of ligand bridges tethering the Fe1···Fe1, Fe1···Fe2 and Fe2···Fe2 sites. The ligand linkages differ from each other in rigidity, and the diversification of their properties arises from the susceptibility of the ligand molecules to undergo conformational changes. The high rigidity of the bridge established in the Ph2 phase between iron(II) ions occupying Fe2 sites allows for the propagation of the perturbation produced by the HS (Fe2) → LS (Fe2) transition through the crystal lattice. A strong compression along the Fe2···Fe2 bridging direction occurs. In contrast, the ligand molecules that form the two remaining types of bridge are disordered in the Ph2 phase and the change of spin state for the iron(II) ions occupying Fe2 sites induces their ordering, which leads to an increase in the separation between donor atoms. In effect, perturbation cannot be effectively transmitted along the Fe1···Fe1 and Fe1···Fe2 linkage directions because the “elongation” of conformationally labile ligand molecules compensates for the shortening of the Fe2–N bond lengths.
Perpendicular versus Coplanar Conformation of the SeCl2Moiety in T‐Shaped Selenyl Chloride Adducts – Propeller‐Like Free Rotation in Solution
Authors: Khrustalev Victor N. , Ismaylova Sheyda R. , Aysin Rinat R. , Matsulevich Zhanna V. , Osmanov Vladimir K. , Peregudov Alexander S. , Borisov Alexander V. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe structures of two new T‐shaped selenyl chloride adducts studied by experimental (multinuclear NMR, IR, and Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis) and theoretical (ab initio and DFT quantum chemical calculations) methods clearly demonstrate the possibility of propeller‐like free rotation of the SeCl2moiety around the C–Se bond and indicate the absence of any significant double‐bond character.
Natural gas & electricity pricing: A midsummer night's dream: Why natural gas prices still sleep
Authors: Bodell Tanya 
Published: October 2012

AbstractFor those crushed by falling natural gas prices last spring, the summer offered an opportunity for hope that prices would recover. Although prices did creep up from their April lows, Henry Hub barely broke the $3.00‐a‐million‐Btu threshold. Forces tempering price recovery this past summer portend what may happen this winter in the absence of extreme weather conditions.
Natural gas matters: All industry segments working for success in growing gas‐fired generation
Authors: Smead Richard G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis summer, the US natural gas industry celebrated an important milestone. It has been no secret that power generation is the most important growth market for the industry, with natural gas largely competing with coal as the preferred fuel. It was announced this summer by the Energy Information Administration that in April 2012, for the first time in history, the nation generated as much power with natural gas as it did with coal. Exhibit 1 shows the month‐by‐month convergence of the two fuels' total megawatts generated, from the beginning of 2010 until April.
VALUING QALY GAINS BY APPLYING A SOCIETAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Bobinac Ana , van Exel N. Job A. , Rutten Frans F. H. , Brouwer Werner B. F. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTInterpreting the outcomes of cost utility analyses requires an appropriately defined threshold for costs per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY). A common view is that the threshold should represent the (consumption) value a society attaches to a QALY. So far, individual valuations of personal health gains have mainly been studied rather than potentially relevant social values. In this study, we present the first direct empirical estimates of the willingness to pay for a QALY from a societal perspective. We used the contingent valuation approach, valuing QALYs under uncertainty and correcting for probability weighting. The estimates obtained in a representative sample of the Dutch population (n = 1004) range from €52,000 to €83,000, depending on the specification of the societal perspective. The scale sensitivity was weak, however. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interleukin‐27 expression modifies prostate cancer cell crosstalk with bone and immune cells in vitro
Authors: Zolochevska Olga , Diaz‐Quiñones Adriana O. , Ellis Jayne , Figueiredo Marxa L. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractProstate cancer is frequently associated with bone metastases, where the crosstalk between tumor cells and key cells of the bone microenvironment (osteoblasts, osteoclasts, immune cells) amplifies tumor growth. We have explored the potential of a novel cytokine, interleukin‐27 (IL‐27), for inhibiting this malignant crosstalk, and have examined the effect of autocrine IL‐27 on prostate cancer cell gene expression, as well as the effect of paracrine IL‐27 on gene expression in bone and T cells. In prostate tumor cells, IL‐27 upregulated genes related to its signaling pathway while downregulating malignancy‐related receptors and cytokine genes involved in gp130 signaling, as well as several protease genes. In both undifferentiated and differentiated osteoblasts, IL‐27 modulated upregulation of genes related to its own signaling pathway as well as pro‐osteogenic genes. In osteoclasts, IL‐27 downregulated several genes typically involved in malignancy and also downregulated osteoclastogenesis‐related genes. Furthermore, an osteogenesis‐focused real‐time PCR array revealed a more extensive profile of pro‐osteogenic gene changes in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In T‐lymphocyte cells, IL‐27 upregulated several activation‐related genes and also genes related to the IL‐27 signaling pathway and downregulated several genes that could modulate osteoclastogenesis. Overall, our results suggest that IL‐27 may be able to modify interactions between prostate tumor and bone microenvironment cells and thus could be used as a multifunctional therapeutic for restoring bone homeostasis while treating metastatic prostate tumors. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reduction of choroidal neovascularization in mice by adeno‐associated virus‐delivered anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor short hairpin RNA
Authors: Askou Anne Louise , Pournaras Jean‐Antoine C. , Pihlmann Maria , Svalgaard Jesper D. , Arsenijevic Yvan , Kostic Corinne , Bek Toke , Dagnæs‐Hansen Frederik , Mikkelsen Jacob Giehm , Jensen Thomas Gryesten , Corydon Thomas J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundStrategies leading to the long‐term suppression of inappropriate ocular angiogenesis are required to avoid the need for repetitive monthly injections for treatment of diseases of the eye, such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). The present study aimed to develop a strategy for the sustained repression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is identified as the key player in exudative AMD.MethodsWe have employed short hairpin (sh)RNAs combined with adeno‐associated virus (AAV) delivery to obtain the targeted expression of potent gene‐regulatory molecules. Anti‐VEGF shRNAs were analyzed in human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells using Renilla luciferase screening. For in vivo delivery of the most potent shRNA, self‐complementary AAV vectors were packaged in serotype 8 capsids (scAAV2/8‐hU6‐sh9). In vivo efficacy was evaluated either by injection of scAAV2/8‐hU6‐sh9 into murine hind limb muscles or in a laser‐induced murine model of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) following scAAV2/8‐hU6‐sh9 subretinal delivery.ResultsPlasmids encoding anti‐VEGF shRNAs showed efficient knockdown of human VEGF in RPEs. Intramuscular administration led to localized expression and 91% knockdown of endogenous murine (m)VEGF. Subsequently, the ability of AAV2/8‐encoded shRNAs to impair vessel formation was evaluated in the murine model of CNV. In this model, the sizes of the CNV were significantly reduced (up to 48%) following scAAV2/8‐hU6‐sh9 subretinal delivery.ConclusionsUsing anti‐VEGF vectors, we have demonstrated efficient silencing of endogenous mVEGF and showed that subretinal administration of scAAV2/8‐hU6‐sh9 has the ability to impair vessel formation in an AMD animal model. Thus, AAV‐encoded shRNA can be used for the inhibition of neovascularization, leading to the development of sustained anti‐VEGF therapy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can serum procalcitonin levels help interpret indeterminate chest radiographs in patients hospitalized with acute respiratory illness?
Authors: Walsh Edward E. , Swinburne Andrew J. , Becker Kenneth L. , Nylen Eric S. , Snider Richard H. , Baran Andrea , Peterson Derick R. , Falsey Ann R. 
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUNDClinical diagnosis of pneumonia is difficult and chest radiographs often indeterminate, leading to incorrect diagnoses and antibiotic overuse.OBJECTIVETo determine if serum procalcitonin (ProCT) could assist in managing patients with respiratory illness and indeterminate radiographs.DESIGNSubjects were prospectively enrolled during 2 consecutive winters.SETTINGA 520‐bed hospital in Rochester, NY.PATIENTSFive hundred twenty‐eight adults admitted with acute respiratory illness were enrolled.MEASUREMENTSSerum ProCT, admission diagnoses, and chest radiographic findings were used to derive receiver operating characteristics curves to assess predictive accuracy of ProCT for the presence of infiltrates.RESULTSSubjects with pneumonia had higher ProCT (median 0.27 ng/ml) than those with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (0.08 ng/ml), acute bronchitis (0.09 ng/ml), or asthma (0.06 ng/ml). ProCT had moderate accuracy for the presence of infiltrates (area under curve [AUC] 0.72), when indeterminate radiographs were independently classified as infiltrates by a pulmonologist evaluating patients.CONCLUSIONSProCT may be useful in diagnosing pneumonia when chest radiographs are indeterminate. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:61–67. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine
qMRI relaxometry of mandibular bone marrow: A monomodal distribution in sickle cell disease
Authors: Liao Joseph H. , Jara Hernan , Nadgir Rohini , Elias Elliott , Nowrouzi Nekou , Saito Naoko , Steinberg Martin H. , Sakai Osamu 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPurpose:To identify and characterize sickle cell disease (SCD)‐related changes in the composition of mandibular bone marrow using qMRI relaxometry histograms.Materials and Methods:Thirteen SCD patients and 17 controls underwent brain MR imaging with the mixed turbo spin‐echo (TSE) pulse sequence at 1.5T. The mandible was manually segmented and divided into body, angle, ramus, and condyle. T1 and T2 histograms of each mandible were modeled with Gaussian functions. The relaxation time histogram peaks were calculated, and the number of monomodal versus bimodal curves was compared.Results:SCD patients exhibited monomodal distributions on both T1 and T2 histograms, consistent with a composition of predominantly red hematopoietic marrow. Eighty‐eight percent of mandibles in control subjects exhibited a bimodal distribution in T1 and all showed a bimodal distribution in T2, indicating mixed but predominantly yellow marrow composition. The second peak in control subjects was shorter in T1 and longer in T2, consistent with yellow marrow composition.Conclusion:Instead of physiological fatty replacement, SCD patients exhibit red marrow persistence in the mandible, likely due to the increased demand for hematopoiesis. This phenomenon can be manifested by a monomodal curve in both T1 and T2 relaxometric histograms. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1182–1188. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.