bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic structure of Plasmodium falciparum populations across the Honduras-Nicaragua border
Authors: Larrañaga Nerea , Mejía Rosa E , Hormaza José I , Montoya Alberto , Soto Aida , Fontecha Gustavo A 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
The Caribbean coast of Central America remains an area of malaria transmission caused by Plasmodium falciparum despite the fact that morbidity has been reduced in recent years. Parasite populations in that region show interesting characteristics such as chloroquine susceptibility and low mortality rates. Genetic structure and diversity of P. falciparum populations in the Honduras-Nicaragua border were analysed in this study.

Methods
Seven neutral microsatellite loci were analysed in 110 P. falciparum isolates from endemic areas of Honduras (n = 77) and Nicaragua (n = 33), mostly from the border region called the Moskitia. Several analyses concerning the genetic diversity, linkage disequilibrium, population structure, molecular variance, and haplotype clustering were conducted.

Results
There was a low level of genetic diversity in P. falciparum populations from Honduras and Nicaragua. Expected heterozigosity (H

e
) results were similarly low for both populations. A moderate differentiation was revealed by the FST index between both populations, and two putative clusters were defined through a structure analysis. The main cluster grouped most of samples from Honduras and Nicaragua, while the second cluster was smaller and included all the samples from the Siuna community in Nicaragua. This result could partially explain the stronger linkage disequilibrium (LD) in the parasite population from that country. These findings are congruent with the decreasing rates of malaria endemicity in Central America.
A safe anastomotic technique of using the transorally inserted anvil (OrVil™) in Roux-en-Y reconstruction after laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy for proximal malignant tumors of the stomach
Authors: Xie Jian-Wei , Huang Chang-Ming , Zheng Chao-Hui , Li Ping , Wang Jia-Bin , Lin Jian-Xian , Jun Lu 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
To explore the safety and feasibility of the transorally inserted anvil (OrVil™) in laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods
From December 2010 to June 2011, a total of 28 patients underwent laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy with a Roux-en-Y-esophagojejunostomy anastomosis with OrVil™. Perioperative treatments, intraoperative data, postoperative complications and hospital length of stay were evaluated.

Results
There were no conversions to the open gastrectomy. The mean operation time was 143 minutes and the mean blood loss was 70 ml. Patients resumed an oral liquid diet on postoperative days 4 to 5. Two patients (7%) who suffered postoperative aspiration pneumonia were cured by conservative treatment. The median hospital length of stay was 9.6 days (8 to 11 days), with no inhospital mortalities. The median follow-up time was 14.8 months (12 to 18 months), and postoperative endoscopic examination revealed no anastomosis stenosis in patients who had dysphagia.

Conclusion
The use of the OrVil™ is technically feasible and relatively safe for Roux-en-Y reconstruction after laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy.
Inflammatory demyelination induces glia alterations and ganglion cell loss in the retina of an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model
Authors: Horstmann Lioba , Schmid Heiko , Heinen André P , Kurschus Florian C , Dick H Burkhard , Joachim Stephanie C 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is often accompanied by optic nerve inflammation. And some patients experience permanent vision loss. We examined if the grade of optic nerve infiltration and demyelination affects the severity of clinical signs in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. The loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and alterations in glia activity were also investigated.

Methods
C57BL/6 mice were immunized with peptide MOG35-55 in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) and controls received PBS in CFA. Then 23 days post immunization eyes were prepared for flatmounts and stained with Nissl to evaluated neuronal density. Clinical EAE symptoms as well as cell infiltration and demyelination in the optic nerve were examined. Retinal sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and silver stain. Immunohistochemistry was used to label RGCs (Brn-3a), apoptotic cells (caspase 3), macroglia (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)), microglia (Iba1), macrophages (F 4/80) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion.

Results
EAE symptoms started at day 8 and peaked at day 15. Cell infiltrations (P = 0.0047) and demyelination (P = 0.0018) of EAE nerves correlated with the clinical score (r > 0.8). EAE led to a significant loss of RGCs (P< 0.0001). Significantly more caspase 3+ cells were noted in these animals (P = 0.0222). They showed an increased expression of GFAP (P< 0.0002) and a higher number of microglial cells (P< 0.0001). Also more macrophages and IL-6 secretion were observed in EAE mice.

Conclusions
MOG immunization leads to optic neuritis and RGC loss. EAE severity is related to the severity of optic nerve inflammation and demyelination. EAE not only affects activation of apoptotic signals, but also causes a glial response in the retina.
The feasibility of omitting irradiation to the contralateral lower neck in stage N1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Hu Weixu , Zhu Guopei , Guan Xiyin , Wang Xiaoshen , Hu Chaosu 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Purpose
This study was conducted to analyze the feasibility of omitting irradiation to the contralateral lower neck in stage N1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.

Materials and methods
From July 2008 to January 2012, 52 patients with stage N1 NPC were analyzed. All patients were treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and received bilateral upper neck irradiation to levels II, III and VA and ipsilateral lower neck irradiation to levels IV and VB. The contralateral lower neck irradiation was omitted.

Results
The median follow-up was 29 months (range, 12–52 months). The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate, progress-free survival (PFS), local failure-free (LFS), nodal recurrence-free survival (NFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates were 92.2%, 94.1%, 94.3%, 98% and 94.1%, respectively. Only one patient developed a neck recurrence in the irradiation field, while no patients experienced out-of-field nodal recurrence. Univariate analysis suggested that T classification was the only significant prognostic factor for overall survival, and age was significantly associated with PFS. Multivariate analyses indicated that age was also a predictor for overall survival. The elective neck irradiation procedure was not a significant predictor for all of the treatment results.

Conclusion
Selective irradiation to bilateral levels of II, III and VA and unilateral levels of IV and VB, omitted the contralateral lower neck in a proportion of patients with N1 stage NPC was safe and practicable.
Effects of metamorphosis timing and the larval growth rate on the latitudinal distribution of sympatric freshwater eels, Anguilla japonica and A. marmorata, in the western North Pacific
Authors: Leander Nico Jose , Tzeng Wann-Nian , Yeh Nian-Tzu , Shen Kang-Ning , Han Yu-San 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Early life history traits of the temperate eel Anguilla japonica and tropical eel Anguilla marmorata were examined to determine the possible reason why these two species have similar spawning areas and oceanic larval transport in the North Equatorial Current and yet are recruited to different but partly overlapping continental growth habitats in northern East Asia. To understand the segregative migration of these two sympatric eel species, their glass eels were collected from nine estuaries in the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and China. The age at metamorphosis from leptocephalus to glass eel (T
m), the age at estuarine arrival (T
t), the time between metamorphosis and estuarine arrival (T
t−m), and the growth rate (G
t) of glass eels were calculated from daily growth increments in their otoliths.

Results
Results indicated that the G
t was faster and the T
m was younger in A. marmorata than in A. japonica. On the other hand, fish length and the T
t at estuarine arrival were larger in A. japonica than in A. marmorata, indicating that elvers of A. japonica experience a longer oceanic drift than those of A. marmorata. In addition, the T
t−m also indicated that A. japonica experienced a longer coastal migration than A. marmorata.

Conclusion
This study validated that the T
m and G
t seem to play important roles in the segregative migration and latitudinal distribution of these two sympatric freshwater eel species in the northwestern Pacific.
Glycophenotyping of osteoarthritic cartilage and chondrocytes by RT-qPCR, mass spectrometry, histochemistry with plant/human lectins and lectin localization with a glycoprotein
Authors: Toegel Stefan , Bieder Daniela , André Sabine , Altmann Friedrich , Walzer Sonja M , Kaltner Herbert , Hofstaetter Jochen G , Windhager Reinhard , Gabius Hans-Joachim 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
This study aimed to characterize the glycophenotype of osteoarthritic cartilage and human chondrocytes.

Methods
Articular knee cartilage was obtained from nine osteoarthritis (OA) patients. mRNA levels for 27 glycosyltransferases were analyzed in OA chondrocytes using RT-qPCR. Additionally, N- and O-glycans were quantified using mass-spectrometry. Histologically, two cartilage areas with Mankin scores (MS) either ≤4 or ≥9 were selected from each patient representing areas of mild and severe OA, respectively. Tissue sections were stained with (1) a selected panel of plant lectins for probing into the OA glycophenotype, (2) the human lectins galectins-1 and -3, and (3) the glycoprotein asialofetuin (ASF) for visualizing β-galactoside-specific endogenous lectins.

Results
We found that OA chondrocytes expressed oligomannosidic structures as well as non-, mono- and disialylated complex-type N-glycans, and core 2 O-glycans. Reflecting B4GALNT3 mRNA presence in OA chondrocytes, LacdiNAc-terminated structures were detected. Staining profiles for plant and human lectins were dependent on the grade of cartilage degeneration, and ASF-positive cells were observed in significantly higher rates in areas of severe degeneration.

Conclusions
In summary, distinct aspects of the glycome in OA cartilage are altered with progressing degeneration. In particular, the alterations measured by galectin-3 and the pan-galectin sensor ASF encourage detailed studies of galectin functionality in OA.
Age of red blood cells and outcome in acute kidney injury
Authors: Kaukonen Kirsi-Maija , Vaara Suvi T , Pettilä Ville , Bellomo Rinaldo , Tuimala Jarno , Cooper David J , Krusius Tom , Kuitunen Anne , Reinikainen Matti , Koskenkari Juha , Uusaro Ari ,   The FINNAKI study group
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) and, in particular, older RBCs has been associated with increased short-term mortality in critically ill patients. We evaluated the association between age of transfused RBCs and acute kidney injury (AKI), hospital, and 90-day mortality in critically ill patients.

Methods
We conducted a prospective, observational, predefined sub-study within the FINNish Acute Kidney Injury (FINNAKI) study. This study included all elective ICU admissions with expected ICU stay of more than 24 hours and all emergency admissions from September to November 2011. To study the age of RBCs, we classified transfused patients into quartiles according to the age of oldest transfused RBC unit in the ICU. AKI was defined according to KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) criteria.

Results
Out of 1798 patients, 652 received at least one RBC unit. The median [interquartile range] age of the oldest RBC unit transfused was 12 [11-13] days in the freshest quartile and 21 [17-27] days in the quartiles 2 to 4. On logistic regression, RBC age was not associated with the development of KDIGO stage 3 AKI. Patients in the quartile of freshest RBCs had lower crude hospital and 90-day mortality rates compared to those in the quartiles of older blood. After adjustments, older RBC age was associated with significantly increased risk for hospital mortality. Age, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II)-score without age points, maximum Sequental Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and the total number of transfused RBC units were independently associated with 90-day mortality.

Conclusions
The age of transfused RBC units was independently associated with hospital mortality but not with 90-day mortality or KDIGO stage 3 AKI. The number of transfused RBC units was an independent risk factor for 90-day mortality.
The Regulation of Testicular Descent and the Effects of Cryptorchidism
Authors: Hutson John M. , Southwell Bridget R. , Li Ruili , Lie Gabrielle , Ismail Khairul , Harisis George , Chen Nan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe first half of this review examines the boundary between endocrinology and embryonic development, with the aim of highlighting the way hormones and signaling systems regulate the complex morphological changes to enable the intra-abdominal fetal testes to reach the scrotum. The genitoinguinal ligament, or gubernaculum, first enlarges to hold the testis near the groin, and then it develops limb-bud-like properties and migrates across the pubic region to reach the scrotum. Recent advances show key roles for insulin-like hormone 3 in the first step, with androgen and the genitofemoral nerve involved in the second step. The mammary line may also be involved in initiating the migration.The key events in early postnatal germ cell development are then reviewed because there is mounting evidence for this to be crucial in preventing infertility and malignancy later in life. We review the recent advances in what is known about the etiology of cryptorchidism and summarize the syndromes where a specific molecular cause has been found. Finally, we cover the recent literature on timing of surgery, the issues around acquired cryptorchidism, and the limited role of hormone therapy. We conclude with some observations about the differences between animal models and baby boys with cryptorchidism.
Cesium Ion Decontamination by Layered Perovskite HCa2Nb3O10·1.5H2O
Authors: Chitrakar Ramesh , Makita Yoji , Sonoda Akinari 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The ion-exchange properties of the layered perovskite HCa2Nb3O10·1.5H2O toward cesium ion were examined. The Cs+ uptake by the protonated material follows the Langmuir model with uptake capacity of 0.82 mmol g−1 at equilibrium pH 3.3. The Cs+ uptake capacity decreased with increase in equilibrium pH showing 1.0 mmol g−1 at pH 1.6 and 0.70 mmol g−1 at pH 10.2. The selectivity order determined by comparison of the distribution coefficient (Kd) values was Cs+ &gt; Na+ &gt; K+ &gt;&gt; Ca2+ &gt; Mg2+ at equilibrium pH 3.4 or 2.5 from initial concentration of 0.10 or 1.0 mmol dm−3 solution containing cations, respectively. The protonated material was efficient for Cs+ decontamination (ca. 100%) from drinking water spiked with 0.01 or 0.10 mmol dm−3 CsCl at volume to mass ratio (V/m) of 0.1–1.0 dm3 g−1. The protonated material can be regenerated after treatment of Cs+-exchanged material with 5 mol dm−3 HNO3 solution.
Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Malonates to Enones Using Perfluorobutanesulfonamide Organocatalyst
Authors: Kamito Yuji , Masuda Akira , Yuasa Hiroki , Tada Norihiro , Itoh Akichika , Koseki Yuji , Miura Tsuyoshi 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Perfluorobutanesulfonamide organocatalyst 4 efficiently promotes asymmetric conjugate additions of malonates to α,β-unsaturated ketones to afford the corresponding adducts with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).
Site-selective Scission of Double-stranded DNA by Combining a Triplex-forming bis-PNA and Ce(IV)/EDTA
Authors: Aiba Yuichiro , Yasuda Kohei , Komiyama Makoto 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
By combining triplex-forming bis-peptide nucleic acid (bis-PNA) with Ce(IV)/EDTA, double-stranded DNA was selectively hydrolyzed at a predetermined homopyrimidine/homopurine site, which is difficult to be targeted by the previous strategy using pseudocomplementary PNAs (pcPNAs). These homopyrimidine/homopurine sequences take various important roles in vivo, and thus, the present site-selective DNA cutters should be useful in biology, biotechnology, medicine, and other fields.
Iron Corrole-catalyzed [4 + 2] Cycloaddition of Dienes and Aldehydes
Authors: Kuwano Toru , Kurahashi Takuya , Matsubara Seijiro 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
We have developed cationic iron(IV) corrole-catalyzed formal hetero-Diels–Alder reaction of aldehydes with dienes, which opens the way for divergent synthesis of pyrans. The potential utility of the catalyst was also demonstrated by carrying out cycloaddition of α,β-unsaturated aldehyde with a diene to give pyran selectively. Furthermore, the catalytic reactivity of iron corrole complex on the cycloaddition was determined by comparing that of iron porphyrin complex.
Seizure evoked regulation of LIM-HD genes and co-factors in the postnatal and adult hippocampus
Authors: Lakhina Vanisha , Subramanian Lakshmi , Huilgol Dhananjay , Shetty Ashwin S , Vaidya Vidita A. , Tole Shubha 
Published: October 2013

The LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) family of transcription factors is well known for its functions during several developmental processes including cell fate specification, cell migration and axon guidance, and its members play fundamental roles in hippocampal development. The hippocampus is a structure that displays striking activity dependent plasticity. We examined whether LIM-HD genes and their co-factors are regulated during kainic acid induced seizure in the adult rat hippocampus as well as in early postnatal rats, when the hippocampal circuitry is not fully developed. We report a distinct and field-specific regulation of LIM-HD genesLhx1,Lhx2, andLhx9, LIM-only geneLmo4, and cofactorClim1ain the adult hippocampus after seizure induction. In contrast none of these genes displayed altered levels upon induction of seizure in postnatal animals. Our results provide evidence of temporal and spatial seizure mediated regulation of LIM-HD family members and suggest that LIM-HD gene function may be involved in activity dependent plasticity in the adult hippocampus
Too little or too much corticosteroid? Coexisting adrenal insufficiency and Cushing's syndrome from chronic, intermittent use of intranasal betamethasone
Authors: Dow Adrienne , Yu Run , Carmichael John 
Published: October 2013

Summary
To report the puzzling, rare occurrence of coexisting adrenal insufficiency and Cushing's syndrome from chronic, intermittent use of intranasal betamethasone spray. A 62-year-old male was referred to our endocrinology clinic for management of adrenal insufficiency. This previously healthy individual began to experience chronic sinus symptoms in 2007, was treated with multiple ensuing sinus surgeries, and received oral glucocorticoid for 6 months. In the following 5 years, he suffered severe fatigue and was diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency. He could not be weaned from corticosteroid and developed clear cushingoid features. In our clinic, careful inquiry on medications revealed chronic, intermittent use of high-dose intranasal betamethasone since 2008, which was not apparent to his other treating physicians. His cushingoid features significantly improved after holding intranasal betamethasone.

Learning points

Chronic, intermittent intranasal betamethasone can cause secondary adrenal insufficiency and iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome when used in excess.

Topical corticosteroid use should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency or Cushing's syndrome.
Epidemiology of rabies in bats in Texas (2001–2010)
Authors: Mayes Bonny C. , Wilson Pamela J. , Oertli Ernest H. , Hunt Patrick R. , Rohde Rodney E. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Objective—To obtain epidemiological information on rabies in bats in Texas.
Design—Epidemiological study.
Sample—Laboratory reports of bats that had been submitted for rabies testing in Texas from 2001 through 2010.
Procedures—Laboratory reports were reviewed to obtain information on seasonality of rabies in bats; distribution, species, and rabies virus variants of rabid bats; and human and domestic animal exposures to rabid bats.
Results—The number of rabid bats during the first 5 years of the study period remained static until a > 2-fold increase in 2006; during the subsequent 4 years, the annual number of rabid bats remained at this higher level, including a peak in 2008. The highest proportions of rabid bats were seen in late summer and early fall. The Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) was the most often affected species. Additionally, the rabies virus variant associated with the Brazilian free-tailed bat was the most prevalent. The percentage of rabid bats from urban areas was greater than that from rural areas. Dogs and cats were the domestic animals most frequently exposed to rabid bats. Most humans exposed to rabid bats did not report a known bite or scratch. The highest numbers of humans exposed to rabid bats were males between 11 to 15 years old.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Information on the epidemiology of rabies in bats and the epidemiology of exposures to rabid bats may be useful in planning and implementing local, state, and national rabies control and prevention campaigns and in encouraging rabies vaccination of domestic animals.
Population pharmacokinetics of doxycycline in the tears and plasma of northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) following oral drug administration
Authors: Freeman Kate S. , Thomasy Sara M. , Stanley Scott D. , Van Bonn William , Gulland Frances , Friedlaender Ari S. , Maggs David J. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Objective—To assess tear and plasma concentrations of doxycycline following oral administration to northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris).
Design—Pharmacokinetic study.
Animals—18 juvenile northern elephant seals without signs of ocular disease.
Procedures—Study seals were receiving no medications other than a multivitamin and were free from signs of ocular disease as assessed by an ophthalmic examination. Doxycycline (10 or 20 mg/kg [4.5 or 9.1 mg/lb]) was administered orally every 24 hours for 4 days. Tear and plasma samples were collected at fixed time points, and doxycycline concentration was assessed by means of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Concentration-time data were calculated via noncompartmental analysis.
Results—Following administration of doxycycline (10 mg/kg/d, PO), maximum plasma doxycycline concentration was 2.2 μg/mL at 6.1 hours on day 1 and was 1.5 μg/mL at 4.0 hours on day 4. Administration of doxycycline (20 mg/kg/d, PO) produced a maximum plasma doxycycline concentration of 2.4 μg/mL at 2.3 hours on day 1 and 1.9 μg/mL at 5.8 hours on day 4. Doxycycline elimination half-life on day 4 in animals receiving doxycycline at a dosage of 10 or 20 mg/kg/d was 6.7 or 5.6 hours, respectively. Mean plasma-to-tear doxycycline concentration ratios over all days were not significantly different between the low-dose (9.85) and high-dose (9.83) groups. For both groups, doxycycline was detectable in tears for at least 6 days following cessation of dosing.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Oral administration of doxycycline at the doses tested in the present study resulted in concentrations in the plasma and tears of northern elephant seals likely to be clinically effective for treatment of selected cases of systemic infectious disease, bacterial ulcerative keratitis, and ocular surface inflammation. This route of administration should be considered for treatment of corneal disease in northern elephant seals and possibly other related pinniped species.