bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis used for the phylogeny of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex based on a pyrosequencing assay
Authors: Cabal Adriana , Strunk Mark , Domínguez José , Lezcano María Antonia , Vitoria María Asunción , Ferrero Miguel , Martín Carlos , Iglesias María José , Samper Sofía 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Different polymorphisms have been described as markers to classify the lineages of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The analysis of nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was used to describe seven SNPs cluster groups (SCGs). We attempted to classify those strains that could not been categorized into lineages by the genotyping methods used in the routine testing.

Results
The M. tuberculosis complex isolates collected in 2010 in our region were analysed. A new method based on multiplex-PCRs and pyrosequencing to analyse these SNPs was designed. For the pyrosequencing assay nine SNPs that defined the seven SCGs were selected from the literature: 1977, 74092, 105139, 232574, 311613, 913274, 2460626, 3352929 and gyrA 95. In addition, SNPs in kat G463, mgtC

182
, Ag85C
103 and RDRio deletion were detected.

Conclusions
This work has permitted to achieve a better classification of Aragonian strains into SCGs and in some cases, to assign strains to its certain lineage. Besides, the description of a new pattern shared by two isolates “SCG-6c” reinforces the interest of SNPs to follow the evolution of M. tuberculosis complex.
Repeated mapping of cortical language sites by preoperative navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation compared to repeated intraoperative DCS mapping in awake craniotomy
Authors: Krieg Sandro M , Sollmann Nico , Hauck Theresa , Ille Sebastian , Meyer Bernhard , Ringel Florian 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Repetitive navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was recently described for mapping of human language areas. However, its capability of detecting language plasticity in brain tumor patients was not proven up to now. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate such data in order to compare rTMS language mapping to language mapping during repeated awake surgery during follow-up in patients suffering from language-eloquent gliomas.

Methods
Three right-handed patients with left-sided gliomas (2 opercular glioblastomas, 1 astrocytoma WHO grade III of the angular gyrus) underwent preoperative language mapping by rTMS as well as intraoperative language mapping provided via direct cortical stimulation (DCS) for initial as well as for repeated Resection 7, 10, and 15 months later.

Results
Overall, preoperative rTMS was able to elicit clear language errors in all mappings. A good correlation between initial rTMS and DCS results was observed. As a consequence of brain plasticity, initial DCS and rTMS findings only corresponded with the results obtained during the second examination in one out of three patients thus suggesting changes of language organization in two of our three patients.

Conclusions
This report points out the usefulness but also the limitations of preoperative rTMS language mapping to detect plastic changes in language function or for long-term follow-up prior to DCS even in recurrent gliomas. However, DCS still has to be regarded as gold standard.
Isoquercitrin activates the AMP–activated protein kinase (AMPK) signal pathway in rat H4IIE cells
Authors: Zhou Jingxin , Yoshitomi Hisae , Liu Tonghua , Zhou Boxin , Sun Wen , Qin Lingling , Guo Xiangyu , Huang Liansha , Wu Lili , Gao Ming 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Isoquercitrin, a flavonoid compound that is widely distributed in medicinal and dietary plants, possesses many biological activities, including inhibition of adipocyte differentiation. In this study, we investigated the effect of isoquercitrin on lipid accumulation and its molecular mechanisms in rat hepatoma H4IIE cells.

Methods
To investigate the effect of isoquercitrin on lipid accumulation, H4IIE cells were induced by FFA and the total lipid levels were detected by Oil Red O staining. Furthermore, The protein levels of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), the gene expressions of transcriptional factor, lipogenic genes, and adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) were analyzed by Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. To further confirm the pathway of isoquercitrin-mediated hepatic lipid metabolism, H4IIE cells were treated with an AMPK inhibitor and AdipoR1 siRNA.

Results
Isoquercitrin significantly enhances AMPK phosphorylation, downregulates sterol regulatory element binding protein transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) gene expressions. Pretreatment with AMPK inhibitor, significantly decreased the AMPK phosphorylation and increased FAS expression stimulated by isoquercitrin. Isoquercitrin might also upregulate the expression of AdipoR1 dose-dependently via AMPK in the presence of an AMPK inhibitor and AdipoR1 siRNA.

Conclusions
Isoquercitrin appears to regulate AMPK activation, thereby enhancing AdipoR1 expression, suppressing SREBP-1 and FAS expressions, and resulting in the regulation of lipid accumulation. These results suggest that isoquercitrin is a novel dietary compound that can be potentially be used to prevent lipid metabolic disorder and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Relationship between vitamin D status and the inflammatory state in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Grzanka Alicja , Machura Edyta , Mazur Bogdan , Misiolek Maciej , Jochem Jerzy , Kasperski Jacek , Kasperska-Zajac Alicja 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is an immune-inflammatory disease, characterized by acute phase response (APR) and immune activation. There has been increasing evidence showing that vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is associated with increased incidence and/or severity of immune-inflammatory disorders.

Aim
To assess relationship between vitamin D status and C-reactive protein (CRP), a nonspecific inflammatory marker of CSU activity.

Methods
Concentrations of CRP and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], a biomarker of vitamin D status were measured in serum of CSU patients and compared with the healthy controls.

Results
Serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in CSU group as compared with the normal subjects. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/ml) was significantly higher in patients with CSU than among normal population. There were no significant differences in prevalence of 25(OH)D insufficiency between the groups. Serum CRP concentrations were significantly higher in CSU patients as compared with the healthy subjects. There were no significant correlations between CRP and 25(OH)D concentrations in CSU patients.

Conclusions
CSU is associated with lower serum 25(OH)D concentration and higher prevalence of its deficiency. The results failed to show any effect of vitamin D status on circulating CRP concentrations in CSU. A potential role of vitamin D in pathogenesis and/or additive therapy of CSU needs to be examined in other cohorts of CSU patients as well as in larger studies.
Calcifying fibrous tumor presenting as rectal submucosal tumor: first case reported in rectum
Authors: Im Soyoung , Jung Ji-Han , Yoo Changyoung , Choi Hyun Joo , Yoo Jinyoung , Kang Chang Suk 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Calcifying fibrous tumor (CFT) is a recently recognized rare benign lesion characterized by dense hyalinized collagenous tissue with interspersed spindle cells and a lymphoplasmocytic infiltrate. Calcification is the hallmark of CFT and may present in the form of psammomatous bodies or dystrophic calcifications. CFT of the intestinal tract is uncommon and rectal CFT has never been reported. Recently, we experienced a case of CFT found in the rectum of a 36-year-old man. In this study, we described the characteristic histopathological findings with a review of the relevant literature. Although CFT of the intestinal tract as an intrinsic visceral lesion is unusual and clinically unexpected, CFT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of rectal submucosal tumor.
How evidence-based workforce planning in Australia is informing policy development in the retention and distribution of the health workforce
Authors: Crettenden Ian F , McCarty Maureen V , Fenech Bethany J , Heywood Troy , Taitz Michelle C , Tudman Sam 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Australia’s health workforce is facing significant challenges now and into the future. Health Workforce Australia (HWA) was established by the Council of Australian Governments as the national agency to progress health workforce reform to address the challenges of providing a skilled, innovative and flexible health workforce in Australia. HWA developed Australia’s first major, long-term national workforce projections for doctors, nurses and midwives over a planning horizon to 2025 (called Health Workforce 2025; HW 2025), which provided a national platform for developing policies to help ensure Australia’s health workforce meets the community’s needs.

Methods
A review of existing workforce planning methodologies, in concert with the project brief and an examination of data availability, identified that the best fit-for-purpose workforce planning methodology was the stock and flow model for estimating workforce supply and the utilisation method for estimating workforce demand. Scenario modelling was conducted to explore the implications of possible alternative futures, and to demonstrate the sensitivity of the model to various input parameters. Extensive consultation was conducted to test the methodology, data and assumptions used, and also influenced the scenarios selected for modelling. Additionally, a number of other key principles were adopted in developing HW 2025 to ensure the workforce projections were robust and able to be applied nationally.

Results
The findings from HW 2025 highlighted that a ‘business as usual’ approach to Australia’s health workforce is not sustainable over the next 10 years, with a need for co-ordinated, long-term reforms by government, professions and the higher education and training sector for a sustainable and affordable health workforce. The main policy levers identified to achieve change were innovation and reform, immigration, training capacity and efficiency and workforce distribution.

Conclusion
While HW 2025 has provided a national platform for health workforce policy development, it is not a one-off project. It is an ongoing process where HWA will continue to develop and improve health workforce projections incorporating data and methodology improvements to support incremental health workforce changes.
A note on ‘ψ-Geraghty type contractions’
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Samet Bessem 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Very recently, the notion of a ψ-Geraghty type contraction was defined by Gordji et al. (Fixed Point Theory and Applications 2012:74, 2012). In this short note, we realize that the main result via ψ-Geraghty type contraction is equivalent to an existing related result in the literature. Consequently, all results inspired by the paper of Gordji et al. in (Fixed Point Theory and Applications 2012:74, 2012) can be derived in the same way.

MSC:47H10, 54H25, 46J10, 46J15.
Multiplicity of positive solutions for Sturm-Liouville boundary value problems of fractional differential equations with p-Laplacian
Authors: Lu Hongling , Han Zhenlai , Sun Shurong 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In this article, we investigate the Sturm-Liouville boundary value problems of fractional differential equations with p-Laplacian

{

D

0
+

β

(

ϕ
p

(

D

0
+

α

u
(
t
)
)
)
+
f
(
t
,
u
(
t
)
)
=
0
,

0
<
t
<
1
,

ξ
u
(
0
)
−
η

u
′

(
0
)
=
0
,

γ
u
(
1
)
+
δ

u
′

(
1
)
=
0
,

D

0
+

α

u
(
0
)
=
0
,

where

1
<
α
≤
2

,

0
<
β
≤
1

,

D

0
+

α

,

D

0
+

β

are the standard Caputo fractional derivatives,

ϕ
p

(
s
)
=
|
s

|

p
−
2

s

,

p
>
1

,

ϕ
p

−
1

=

ϕ
q

,

1
/
p
+
1
/
q
=
1

,

ξ
,
η
,
γ
,
δ
≥
0

,

ρ
:
=
ξ
γ
+
ξ
δ
+
η
γ
>
0

, and

f
:
[
0
,
1
]
×
[
0
,
+
∞
)
→
[
0
,
+
∞
)

is continuous. By means of the properties of the Green’s function, Leggett-Williams fixed-point theorems, and fixed-point index theory, several new sufficient conditions for the existence of at least two or at least three positive solutions are obtained. As an application, an example is given to demonstrate the main result.

MSC:34A08, 34B18, 35J05.
CX3CR1 deficiency suppresses activation and neurotoxicity of microglia/macrophage in experimental ischemic stroke
Authors: Tang Zhiwei , Gan Yan , Liu Qiang , Yin Jun-Xiang , Liu Qingwei , Shi Jiong , Shi Fu-Dong 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1)/ CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) signaling is important in modulating the communication between neurons and resident microglia/migrated macrophages in the central nervous system (CNS). Although CX3CR1 deficiency is associated with an improved outcome following ischemic brain injury, the mechanism of this observation is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate how CX3CR1 deficiency influences microglia/macrophage functions in the context of its protection following brain ischemia.

Methods
Wild-type (WT) and CX3CR1-deficient (CX3CR1-/-) mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion. The ischemic brain damage was monitored by rodent high-field magnetic resonance imaging. Neurological deficit was assessed daily. Neuronal apoptotic death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were analyzed by immunostaining and live imaging. Activation/inflammatory response of microglia/macrophage were assessed using immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine labeling, cytokine ELISA, and real-time PCR.

Results
CX3CR1-/- mice displayed significantly smaller infarcts and less severe neurological deficits compared to WT controls, following MCAO. In addition, CX3CR1-/- MCAO mice displayed fewer apoptotic neurons and reduced ROS levels. Impaired CX3CR1 signaling abrogated the recruitment of monocyte-derived macrophages from the periphery, suppressed the proliferation of CNS microglia and infiltrated macrophage, facilitated the alternative activation (M2 state) of microglia/macrophages, and attenuated their ability to synthesize and release inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that inhibition of CX3CR1 signaling could function as a therapeutic modality in ischemic brain injury, by reducing recruitment of peripheral macrophages and expansion/activation of CNS microglia and macrophages, resulting in protection of neurological function.
Guidelines for the practice and performance of manipulation under anesthesia
Authors: Gordon Robert , Cremata Edward , Hawk Cheryl 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Background
There are currently no widely accepted guidelines on standards for the practice of chiropractic or manual therapy manipulation under anesthesia, and the evidence base for this practice is composed primarily of lower-level evidence. The purpose of this project was to develop evidence-informed and consensus-based guidelines on spinal manipulation under anesthesia to address the gaps in the literature with respect to patient selection and treatment protocols.

Methods
An expert consensus process was conducted from August-October 2013 using the Delphi method. Panelists were first provided with background literature, consisting of three review articles on manipulation under anesthesia. The Delphi rounds were conducted using the widely-used and well-established RAND-UCLA consensus process methodology to rate seed statements for their appropriateness. Consensus was determined to be reached if 80% of the 15 panelists rated a statement as appropriate. Consensus was reached on all 43 statements in two Delphi rounds.

Results
The Delphi process was conducted from August-October 2013. Consensus was reached on recommendations related to all aspects of manipulation under anesthesia, including patient selection; diagnosis and establishing medical necessity; treatment and follow-up procedures; evaluation of response to treatment; safety practices; appropriate compensation considerations; and facilities, anesthesia and nursing standards.

Conclusions
A high level of agreement was achieved in developing evidence-informed recommendations about the practice of chiropractic/manual therapy manipulation under anesthesia.
Cigarette smoking and breast cancer risk in relation to joint estrogen and progesterone receptor status: a case-control study in Japan
Authors: Nishino Yoshikazu , Minami Yuko , Kawai Masaaki , Fukamachi Kayoko , Sato Ikuro , Ohuchi Noriaki , Kakugawa Yoichiro 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAn association of cigarette smoking with breast cancer risk has been hypothesized. However, results from previous studies have been inconsistent. This case-control study investigated the association of cigarette smoking with breast cancer risk in terms of estrogen-receptor/progesterone-receptor (ER/PgR) status. From among female patients aged 30 years and over admitted to a single hospital in Japan between 1997 and 2011, 1,263 breast cancer cases (672 ER+/PgR+, 158 ER+/PgR-, 22 ER-/PgR+, 308 ER-/PgR- and 103 missing) and 3,160 controls were selected. History of smoking (ever, never), some smoking-related measures, and passive smoking from husbands (ever, never) were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Polytomous logistic regression and tests for heterogeneity across ER+/PgR + and ER-/PgR- were conducted. For any hormone receptor subtype, no significant association was observed between history of smoking (ever, never) and breast cancer risk. Analysis of smoking-related measures revealed that starting to smoke at an early age of ≤19 years was significantly associated with an increased risk of postmenopausal ER-/PgR- cancer (odds ratio = 7.01, 95% confidence interval: 2.07-23.73). Other measures of smoking such as the number of cigarettes per day, the duration of smoking, and start of smoking before the first birth were not associated with breast cancer risk for any receptor subtype. There was no association between passive smoking (ever, never) and breast cancer risk for any of the four subtypes. These results indicate that history of smoking and passive smoking from husbands may have no overall effect on breast cancer risk for any hormone receptor subtype. However, it is possible that women who start to smoke as teenagers may have a higher risk of developing postmenopausal ER-/PgR- cancer. Further studies are needed to clarify the association of smoking with breast cancer risk, especially the role of starting to smoke at an early age.
The experience of recovering gamblers in Malaysia: a phenomenological study
Authors: Choong Li Li , Loo Jasmine M Y , Ng Wai Sheng 
Published: January 2014

AbstractUnderstanding the problem gambling recovery process is essential in the development of effective prevention and treatment programs. Existing empirical studies have examined the determinants and treatment of gambling behaviour but little research has investigated the experiences of Asian gamblers and their perceptions of gambling impact on family and significant others. This study utilizes a phenomenological approach to examine the experiences of ten gamblers who were enrolled in a gambling recovery program. Data analyses on qualitative interview sessions revealed four main themes comprising meaning of gambling, beliefs about gambling, perception of themselves (gamblers), family and significant others, and factors associated with the cessation of gambling behaviour. Within each theme, there are interrelated sub-themes that will be discussed within the study. In sum, the common factors that were evident are the importance of the gambler’s motivation to quit gambling and also their family’s support in the recovery process. Suggestions and implications for treatment and recovery are discussed.
Exploring necrotizing autoimmune myopathies with a novel immunoassay for anti-3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase autoantibodies
Authors: Drouot Laurent , Allenbach Yves , Jouen Fabienne , Charuel Jean-Luc , Martinet Jérémie , Meyer Alain , Hinschberger Olivier , Bader-Meunier Brigitte , Kone-Paut Isabelle , Campana-Salort Emmanuelle , Eymard Bruno , Tournadre Anne , Musset Lucile , Sibilia Jean , Marie Isabelle , Benveniste Olivier , Boyer Olivier ,   the French Myositis Network [CN]
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Necrotizing autoimmune myopathies (NAM) have recently been defined as a distinct group of severe acquired myopathies, characterized by prominent myofiber necrosis without significant muscle inflammation. Because of the lack of appropriate biomarkers, these diseases have been long misdiagnosed as atypical forms of myositis. NAM may be associated to autoantibodies directed against signal recognition particle (SRP) or 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR). The objective of this work was to quantify anti-HMGCR autoantibodies in patients with suspicion of NAM through the development of a new addressable laser bead immunoassay (ALBIA).

Methods
Recombinant HMGCR C-domain was bound to fluorescent beads. After incubation with serum, autoantibodies were revealed using class- or subclass-specific anti-human immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Anti-HMGCR levels were assayed in 150 patients with suspicion of NAM, 142 controls with different inflammatory/autoimmune diseases and 100 healthy donors. Inhibition with free recombinant HMGCR and immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed test specificity. Reproducibility and repeatability were determined from sera with various levels of anti-HMGCR autoantibodies. A multiplex assay (ALBIA-NAM) was also developed to permit the simultaneous quantification of anti-HMGCR and anti-signal recognition particle autoantibodies.

Results
No controls scored positive. Of 150 patients with suspicion of NAM, 24% were positive for anti-HMGCR autoantibodies with levels ranging from 24 to 2,656 AU/mL. Anti-HMGCR positivity could be associated to a cytoplasmic pattern in immunofluorescence assay on HEp-2 cells. Anti-HMGCR-positive patients had high creatine kinase (CK) levels (mean 6,630 IU/L) and only 40% of them had been exposed to statins. Multiplex ALBIA-NAM was equally as effective as monoplex anti-HMGCR and anti-SRP ALBIA.

Conclusions
Both monoplex ALBIA-HMGCR and multiplex ALBIA-NAM reliably detect and quantify anti-HMGCR autoantibodies. A positive result allows ascribing patients with a necrotizing myopathy to an autoimmune form. Anti-HMGCR autoantibodies may be found in patients who have not taken statins.