bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Investigative and Operative Procedures on Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Concentration
Authors: Dew T , Coker C , Saadeh F , Mulvin D , Coptcoat M J , Sherwood R A 
Published: February 2014

We determined the effect of cystoscopy (flexible and rigid), transrectal ultrasonography (with and without needle biopsy of the prostate) and transurethral resection of the prostate or bladder tumour on the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration. Samples were taken from 60 men before and up to 14 days following these procedures. Flexible cystoscopy did not result in a significant increase in serum PSA concentration, with a median increase of 0·1 μg/L ( P > 0·05). Small but statistically significant increases in serum PSA levels 1 day post-procedure were observed following rigid cystoscopy and transrectal ultrasound without biopsy. The median increase in serum PSA concentration following rigid cystoscopy was 0·15 μg/L ( P = 0·04) and following transrectal ultrasound was 0·3 μg/L ( P = 0·01). In both cases the serum PSA level had normalized by 2 days post-procedure. Transurethral resection of bladder tumours resulted in a variable rise in serum PSA, with a median increase of 2·6 μg/L after 1 day, which returned to normal over 7–14 days. Ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate produced significant increases in serum PSA levels, which took up to fourteen days to return to normal. The median increase in serum PSA following needle biopsy was 6·0 μg/L and following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was 13 μg/L. Samples for PSA measurement may safely be taken within 24–48 h of flexible cystoscopy and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) providing prostatic biopsy is not carried out. For other procedures it is necessary to wait for at least 14 days to ensure that false positive PSA results are not obtained.
FELASA recommendations for the health monitoring of mouse, rat, hamster, guinea pig and rabbit colonies in breeding and experimental units
Authors:   FELASA working group on revision of guidelines for health monitoring of rodents and rabbits, Mähler (Convenor) M , Berard M , Feinstein R , Gallagher A , Illgen-Wilcke B , Pritchett-Corning K , Raspa M 
Published: February 2014

The microbiological quality of experimental animals can critically influence animal welfare and the validity and reproducibility of research data. It is therefore important for breeding and experimental facilities to establish a laboratory animal health monitoring (HM) programme as an integrated part of any quality assurance system. FELASA has published recommendations for the HM of rodent and rabbit colonies in breeding and experimental units (Nicklas et al. Laboratory Animals, 2002), with the intention of harmonizing HM programmes. As stated in the preamble, these recommendations need to be adapted periodically to meet current developments in laboratory animal medicine. Accordingly, previous recommendations have been revised and shall be replaced by the present recommendations. These recommendations are aimed at all breeders and users of laboratory mice, rats, Syrian hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits as well as diagnostic laboratories. They describe essential aspects of HM, such as the choice of agents, selection of animals and tissues for testing, frequency of sampling, commonly used test methods, interpretation of results and HM reporting. Compared with previous recommendations, more emphasis is put on the role of a person with sufficient understanding of the principles of HM, opportunistic agents, the use of sentinel animals (particularly under conditions of cage-level containment) and the interpretation and reporting of HM results. Relevant agents, testing frequencies and literature references are updated. Supplementary information on specific agents and the number of animals to be monitored and an example of a HM programme description is provided in the appendices.
Association between phospholipase C epsilon gene (PLCE1) polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk in a Chinese population
Authors: Wang Qi , Chen Ping , Chen Dafang , Liu Fanlong , Pan Weihuo 
Published: February 2014

Objective To investigate the association between a single nucleotide polymorphism rs2274223 (adenine [A] to guanine [G]) in the phospholipase C epsilon 1 ( PLCE1) gene and susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods The PLCE1 rs2274223 polymorphism was genotyped in patients with CRC and age- and sex-matched cancer-free control subjects from a Chinese population in a case–control study. PLCE1 mRNA levels in pair-matched tumour and adjacent noncancerous tissue were evaluated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Results A total of 417 patients with CRC and 416 control subjects were enrolled in the study. The AG and GG genotypes of PLCE1 rs2274223 were associated with a significantly increased risk of CRC (for AG + GG versus AA: adjusted odds ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 1.15, 2.00). PLCE1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in tumours than in adjacent noncancerous tissue. Lower levels of PLCE1 mRNA were observed in both AG and GG genotype carriers compared with the AA genotype carriers. Conclusions These results indicate that the PLCE1 rs2274223 A > G change might reduce gene expression and that the variant G genotype might contribute to the increased risk of CRC.
Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms of sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 gene and risk of knee osteoarthritis in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Qiu Xiao-ming , Jin Cheng-tao , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2014

Objective To investigate associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2228314 and rs2267443 in the sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 gene ( SREBP-2) and knee osteoarthritis (OA) susceptibility in a Chinese Han population. Methods SREBP-2 rs2228314 and rs2267443 polymorphisms were genotyped in patients with knee OA and age- and sex-matched OA-free controls from a Chinese Han population. Results A total of 402 patients with knee OA and 410 controls were enrolled in the study. GC and CC genotypes of rs2228314, and variant C, were associated with a significantly increased risk of knee OA. On stratification analysis, the association between the risk of OA and rs2228314 GC heterozygotes compared with GG homozygotes was stronger in females and those aged >65 years. In contrast, the GA and AA genotypes of rs2267443 were not significantly associated with the risk of knee OA, even after further stratification analysis according to age or sex. Conclusions SREBP-2 rs2228314 G to C change and variant C genotype may contribute to knee OA risk in a Chinese Han population.
Re-inventing the GM Debate: The Ethiopian Biosafety Law and its Implications for Innovation and Knowledge Production on Emerging Technologies
Authors: Demissie Hailemichael Teshome , Muchie Mammo 
Published: February 2014

A regulatory framework is among the major factors that determine the innovative capacity of a nation. It may block or ease innovative performance; it may scare away skills and expertise or may reverse brain drain and waste, it may attract and retain investment or lead to relocation of investors. The Ethiopian Biosafety Proclamation of 2009 has come under thorough scrutiny from all sides for its effect on innovation in biotechnology in Ethiopia. While it was expected to introduce a creative mechanism of compliance with international environmental agreements without upsetting the promising biotechnology research in Ethiopia, it conspicuously failed to strike a balance between the imperatives of promoting innovation and protecting humans and biodiversity. Contrary to the claims of the architects of the Proclamation, the legislation hardly entertained any national indigenous input other than adopting a more stringent version of the parent law—the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The article examines the Ethiopian Biosafety law and its impact on innovation in biotechnology and other emerging technologies that go by other names. It will discuss some striking parallels between EU biotechnology regulation and the Proclamation and in particular the U-turns Europe is taking. Broader issues of the linkage between regulation and innovation policy and the imperatives of expediting innovation are emerging as Ethiopia takes the road Europe is abandoning and even international biosafety regulation is revising. It will argue that the promotion of the responsible development of biotechnology in Ethiopia needs to be reinstated as a priority and not pushed aside as secondary interest.
PLCG1 mutations in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas
Authors: Vaqué José P. , Gómez-López Gonzalo , Monsálvez Verónica , Varela Ignacio , Martínez Nerea , Pérez Cristina , Domínguez Orlando , Graña Osvaldo , Rodríguez-Peralto José L. , Rodríguez-Pinilla Socorro M. , González-Vela Carmen , Rubio-Camarillo Miriam , Martín-Sánchez Esperanza , Pisano David G. , Papadavid Evangelia , Papadaki Theodora , Requena Luis , García-Marco José A. , Méndez Miriam , Provencio Mariano , Hospital Mercedes , Suárez-Massa Dolores , Postigo Concepción , San Segundo David , López-Hoyos Marcos , Ortiz-Romero Pablo L. , Piris Miguel A. , Sánchez-Beato Margarita 
Published: February 2014

Key Points
Activating mutations in PLCG1 are a frequent finding in tumoral CTCL samples. This raises the possibility of targeted therapies against PLCG1 signaling pathway, using calcineurin inhibitors.
cIAPs and XIAP regulate myelopoiesis through cytokine production in an RIPK1- and RIPK3-dependent manner
Authors: Wong W. Wei-Lynn , Vince James E. , Lalaoui Najoua , Lawlor Kate E. , Chau Diep , Bankovacki Aleksandra , Anderton Holly , Metcalf Donald , O’Reilly Lorraine , Jost Philipp J. , Murphy James M. , Alexander Warren S. , Strasser Andreas , Vaux David L. , Silke John 
Published: February 2014

Key Points
cIAPs and XIAP negatively regulate cytokine production, including TNF to disrupt myeloid lineage differentiation. IAPs prevent RIPK1 and RIPK3 activity to limit cytokine production prior to cell death.
Diversity of floral regulatory genes of japonica rice cultivated at northern latitudes
Authors: Naranjo Laura , Talón Manuel , Domingo Concha 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Rice is considered a short day plant. Originally from tropical regions rice has been progressively adapted to temperate climates and long day conditions in part by modulating its sensitivity to day length. Heading date 3a (Hd3a) and RICE FLOWERING LOCUS T 1 (RFT1) that code for florigens, are known as major regulatory genes of floral transition in rice. Both Hd3a and RFT1 are regulated by Early heading date 1 (Ehd1) and Days to heading on chromosome 2 (DTH2) while Heading date 1 (Hd1) also governs Hd3a expression. To investigate the mechanism of rice adaptation to temperate climates we have analyzed the natural variation of these five genes in a collection of japonica rice representing the genetic diversity of long day cultivated rice.

Results
We have investigated polymorphisms of Hd3a, RFT1, Ehd1, Hd1 and DTH2 in a collection of 57 japonica varieties. Hd3a and RFT1 were highly conserved, displaying one major allele. Expression analysis suggested that RFT1 rather than Hd3a could be the pivotal gene controlling flowering under long day conditions. While few alleles were found in the Ehd1 promoter and DTH2 coding region, a high degree of variation in Hd1, including non-functional alleles, was observed. Correlation analysis between gene expression levels and flowering periods suggested the occurrence of other factors, additionally to Ehd1, affecting RFT1 regulation in long day adapted cultivars.

Conclusions
During domestication, rice expansion was accompanied by changes in the regulatory mechanism of flowering. The existence of non-functional Hd1 alleles and the lack of correlation of their presence with flowering times in plants grown under long day conditions, indicate a minor role of this branch in this process and the existence of an alternative regulatory pathway in northern latitudes. Expression analysis data and a high degree of conservation of RFT1 suggested that this gene could be the main factor regulating flowering among japonica cultivars adapted to northern areas. In the absence of inhibition exerted by Hd1 through repression of Hd3a expression, the role of Ehd1 as a regulator of RFT1 and Hd3a appears to be reinforced. Data also indicated the occurrence of additional regulatory factors controlling flowering.
Insights into naturally minimised Streptomyces albus J1074 genome
Authors: Zaburannyi Nestor , Rabyk Mariia , Ostash Bohdan , Fedorenko Victor , Luzhetskyy Andriy 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
The Streptomyces albus J1074 strain is one of the most widely used chassis for the heterologous production of bioactive natural products. The fast growth and an efficient genetic system make this strain an attractive model for expressing cryptic biosynthetic pathways to aid drug discovery.

Results
To improve its capabilities for the heterologous expression of biosynthetic gene clusters, the complete genomic sequence of S. albus J1074 was obtained. With a size of 6,841,649 bp, coding for 5,832 genes, its genome is the smallest within the genus streptomycetes. Genome analysis revealed a strong tendency to reduce the number of genetic duplicates. The whole transcriptomes were sequenced at different time points to identify the early metabolic switch from the exponential to the stationary phase in S. albus J1074.

Conclusions

S. albus J1074 carries the smallest genome among the completely sequenced species of the genus Streptomyces. The detailed genome and transcriptome analysis discloses its capability to serve as a premium host for the heterologous production of natural products. Moreover, the genome revealed 22 additional putative secondary metabolite gene clusters that reinforce the strain’s potential for natural product synthesis.
Histoplasma capsulatum and Pneumocystis spp. co-infection in wild bats from Argentina, French Guyana, and Mexico
Authors: González-González Antonio E , Aliouat-Denis Cécile M , Ramírez-Bárcenas José A , Demanche Christine , Pottier Muriel , Carreto-Binaghi Laura E , Akbar Haroon , Derouiche Sandra , Chabé Magalie , Aliouat El Moukhtar , Dei-Cas Eduardo , Taylor Maria Lucia 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background

Histoplasma capsulatum and Pneumocystis organisms cause host infections primarily affecting the lung tissue. H. capsulatum is endemic in the United States of America and Latin American countries. In special environments, H. capsulatum is commonly associated with bat and bird droppings. Pneumocystis-host specificity has been primarily studied in laboratory animals, and its ability to be harboured by wild animals remains as an important issue for understanding the spread of this pathogen in nature. Bats infected with H. capsulatum or Pneumocystis spp. have been found, with this mammal serving as a probable reservoir and disperser; however, the co-infection of bats with both of these microorganisms has never been explored. To evaluate the impact of H. capsulatum and Pneumocystis spp. infections in this flying mammal, 21 bat lungs from Argentina (AR), 13 from French Guyana (FG), and 88 from Mexico (MX) were screened using nested-PCR of the fragments, employing the Hcp100 locus for H. capsulatum and the mtLSUrRNA and mtSSUrRNA loci for Pneumocystis organisms.

Results
Of the 122 bats studied, 98 revealed H. capsulatum infections in which 55 of these bats exhibited this infection alone. In addition, 51 bats revealed Pneumocystis spp. infection of which eight bats exhibited a Pneumocystis infection alone. A total of 43 bats (eight from AR, one from FG, and 34 from MX) were found co-infected with both fungi, representing a co-infection rate of 35.2% (95% CI = 26.8-43.6%).

Conclusion
The data highlights the H. capsulatum and Pneumocystis spp.co-infection in bat population’s suggesting interplay with this wild host.
Cost-effectiveness of a universal strategy of brief dietary intervention for primary prevention in primary care: population-based cohort study and Markov model
Authors: Gulliford Martin C , Bhattarai Nawaraj , Charlton Judith , Rudisill Caroline 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundA healthy diet is associated with reduced risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a universal strategy to promote healthy diet through brief intervention in primary care.MethodsThe research was informed by a systematic review of randomised trials which found that brief interventions in primary care may be associated with a 0.5 portion per day increase in fruit and vegetable consumption. A Markov model that included five long-term conditions (diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, colorectal cancer and depression) was developed. Empirical data from a large cohort of United Kingdom-based participants sampled from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink populated the model. Simulations compared an intervention promoting healthy diet over 5 years in healthy adults, and standard care in which there was no intervention. The annual cost of intervention, in the base case, was one family practice consultation per participant year. Health service costs were included and the model adopted a lifetime perspective. The primary outcome was net health benefit in quality adjusted life years (QALYs).ResultsA cohort of 262,704 healthy participants entered the model. Intervention was associated with an increase in life years lived free from physical disease of 41.9 (95% confidence interval -17.4 to 101.0) per 1,000 participants entering the model (probability of increase 88.0%). New incidences of disease states were reduced by 28.4 (18.7 to 75.8) per 1,000, probability reduced 84.6%. Discounted incremental QALYs were 4.3 (-8.8 to 18.0) per 1,000, while incremental costs were £139,755 (£60,466 to 220,059) per 1,000. Net health benefits at £30,000 per QALY were -0.32 (-13.8 to 13.5) QALYs per 1,000 participants (probability cost-effective 47.9%). When the intervention was restricted to adults aged 50 to 74 years, net health benefits were 2.94 (-21.3 to 26.4) QALYs per 1000, probability increased 59.0%.ConclusionsA universal strategy to promote healthy diet through brief intervention in primary care is unlikely to be cost-effective, even when delivered at low unit cost. A targeted strategy aimed at older individuals at higher risk of disease might be more cost-effective. More effective dietary change interventions are needed.
Neuroimaging findings in a woman with brainstem paragonimiasis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yi Dong , Qiang Dong , Wenjie Cao 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Introduction
The most serious erratic migration of paragonimiasis is a cerebral paragonimiasis. Infection in the temporal and occipital lobes of the brain has been previously reported in cerebral paragonimiasis. Here, we report a case of chronic brainstem paragonimiasis.

Case presentation
A 29-year-old Chinese woman presented to our hospital complaining of a sudden onset, three days previously, of double vision and dizziness. A computed tomography scan and diffusion-weighted images looked like an ischemic stroke. However, conglomerates of multiple ring-like enhancements on contrast magnetic resonance imaging, and the characteristic appearance of the ‘tunnel sign’, were found on further examination. Our patient was treated with praziquantel to prevent the spread of the paragonimiasis. She was followed up three months later and showed good recovery.

Conclusions
Conglomerates of multiple ring-like enhancements on contrast magnetic resonance imaging and the characteristic appearance of the ‘tunnel sign’ were important for the diagnosis of chronic brainstem paragonimiasis.
Comparison of Benzene & Toluene removal from synthetic polluted air with use of Nano photocatalyticTiO2/ ZNO process
Authors: Gholami Mitra , Nassehinia Hamid Reza , Jonidi-Jafari Ahmad , Nasseri Simin , Esrafili Ali 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Mono aromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) are a group of hazardous pollutants which originate from sources such as refineries, gas, and oil extraction fields, petrochemicals and paint and glue industries.
Conventional methods, including incineration, condensation, adsorption and absorption have been used for removal of VOCs. None of these methods is economical for removal of pollutants of polluted air with low to moderate concentrations. The heterogeneous photocatalytic processes involve the chemical reactions to convert pollutant to carbon dioxide and water. The aim of this paper is a comparison of Benzene & Toluene removal from synthetic polluted air using a Nano photocatalytic TiO2/ ZNO process.

Results
The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that Nano crystals of TiO2 and ZNO were in anatase and rutile phases. Toluene & benzene were decomposed by TiO2/ ZNO Nano photocatalyst and UV radiation. Kruskal-wallis Test demonstrated that there are significant differences (pvalue < 0.05) between pollutant concentrations in different operational conditions.

Conclusions
Degradation of toluene & benzene increases with increasing UV intensity and decreasing initial concentrations. Effect of TiO2/ZNO Nano photocatalyst on benzene is less than that on toluene. In this research, Toluene & benzene removal by TiO2/ZNO and UV followed first-order reactions.
Accuracy and precision of calibrated arterial pulse contour analysis in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage requiring high-dose vasopressor therapy: a prospective observational clinical trial
Authors: Metzelder Sebastian M , Coburn Mark , Stoppe Christian , Fries Michael , Simon Tim-Philipp , Reinges Marcus HT , Höllig Anke , Rossaint Rolf , Marx Gernot , Rex Steffen 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Calibrated arterial pulse contour analysis has become an established method for the continuous monitoring of cardiac output (PCCO). However, data on its validity in hemodynamically instable patients beyond the setting of cardiac surgery are scarce. We performed the present study to assess the validity and precision of PCCO-measurements using the PiCCO™-device compared to transpulmonary thermodilution derived cardiac output (TPCO) as the reference technique in neurosurgical patients requiring high-dose vasopressor-therapy.

Methods
A total of 20 patients (16 females and 4 males) were included in this prospective observational clinical trial. All of them suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhage (Hunt&Hess grade I-V) due to rupture of a cerebral arterial aneurysm and underwent high-dose vasopressor therapy for the prevention/treatment of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Simultaneous CO measurements by bolus TPCO and PCCO were obtained at baseline as well as 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after inclusion.

Results
PCCO- and TPCO-measurements were obtained at baseline as well as 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after inclusion. Patients received vasoactive support with (mean ± standard deviation, SD) 0.57 ± 0.49 μg · kg-1 · min-1 norepinephrine resulting in a mean arterial pressure of 103 ± 13 mmHg and a systemic vascular resistance of 943 ± 248 dyn · s · cm-5. 136 CO-data pairs were analyzed. TPCO ranged from 5.2 to 14.3 l · min-1 (mean ± SD 8.5 ± 2.0 l · min-1) and PCCO ranged from 5.0 to 14.4 l · min-1 (mean ± SD 8.6 ± 2.0 l · min-1). Bias and limits of agreement (1.96 SD of the bias) were −0.03 ± 0.82 l · min-1 and 1.62 l · min-1, resulting in an overall percentage error of 18.8%. The precision of PCCO-measurements was 17.8%. Insufficient trending ability was indicated by concordance rates of 74% (exclusion zone of 15% (1.29 l · min-1)) and 67% (without exclusion zone), as well as by polar plot analysis.

Conclusions
In neurosurgical patients requiring extensive vasoactive support, CO values obtained by calibrated PCCO showed clinically and statistically acceptable agreement with TPCO-measurements, but the results from concordance and polar plot analysis indicate an unreliable trending ability.