bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colonization of Anopheles cracens: a malaria vector of emerging importance
Authors: Amir Amirah , Sum Jia Siang , Lau Yee Ling , Vythilingam Indra , Fong Mun Yik 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Background

Anopheles cracens has been incriminated as a vector for the simian malaria parasite, Plasmodium knowlesi, that is the fifth Plasmodium species infecting humans. Little experimental data exists on this mosquito species due to the lack of its availability in laboratories.

Findings
The population of An. cracens, collected from Kuala Lipis, Pahang was maintained at the insectary of the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya at 24-26°C and 60-80% relative humidity. The mosquitoes were maintained with artificial mating and blood-fed on humans and hamsters. The colony has been established since November 2011 and to date has reached its sixth generation.

Conclusion
This is the first description of maintaining the Malaysian strain An. cracens colony by artificial mating. Colonization of An. cracens will provide fundamental information for genetic studies and will be useful in assessing comparative susceptibility to Plasmodium parasites.
The epidemiology of anaphylaxis in Europe: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Panesar Sukhmeet S , Nwaru Bright I , Hickstein Lennart , Rader Tamara , Hamadah Hala , Ali Dana Fawzi Ibrahim , Patel Bhavesh , Muraro Antonella , Roberts Graham , Worm Margitta , Sheikh Aziz ,   European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines group
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology is in the process of developing its Guideline for Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis, and this systematic review is one of seven inter‐linked evidence syntheses that are being undertaken in order to provide a state‐of‐the‐art synopsis of the current evidence base in relation to epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis and clinical management and impact on quality of life, which will be used to inform clinical recommendations.The aims of this systematic review will be to understand and describe the epidemiology of anaphylaxis, i.e. frequency, risk factors and outcomes of anaphylaxis, and describe how these characteristics vary by person, place and time.MethodsA highly sensitive search strategy has been designed to retrieve all articles combining the concepts of anaphylaxis and epidemiology from electronic bibliographic databases.DiscussionThis review will aim to provide some estimates of the incidence and prevalence of anaphylaxis in Europe. The occurrence of anaphylaxis can have a profound effect on the quality of life of the sufferer and their family. Estimates of disease frequency will help us to ascertain the burden of anaphylaxis and provide useful comparators for management strategies.
Expression of quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1 is associated with a highly invasive phenotype and correlates with a poor prognosis in Luminal B breast cancer
Authors: Katchman Benjamin A , Ocal I Tolgay , Cunliffe Heather E , Chang Yu-Hui , Hostetter Galen , Watanabe Aprill , LoBello Janine , Lake Douglas F 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1 (QSOX1) oxidizes sulfhydryl groups to form disulfide bonds in proteins. Tumor specific expression of QSOX1 has been reported for numerous tumor types. In this study, we investigate QSOX1 as a marker of breast tumor progression and evaluate the role of QSOX1 as it relates to breast tumor growth and metastasis.

Methods
Correlation of QSOX1 expression with breast tumor grade, subtype and estrogen receptor (ER) status was gathered through informatic analysis using the "Gene expression based Outcome for Breast cancer Online" (GOBO) web-based tool. Expression of QSOX1 protein in breast tumors tissue microarray (TMA) and in a panel of breast cancer cell lines was used to confirm our informatics analysis. To investigate malignant cell mechanisms for which QSOX1 might play a key role, we suppressed QSOX1 protein expression using short hairpin (sh) RNA in ER+ Luminal A-like MCF7, ER+ Luminal B-like BT474 and ER- Basal-like BT549 breast cancer cell lines.

Results
GOBO analysis revealed high levels of QSOX1 RNA expression in ER+ subtypes of breast cancer. In addition, Kaplan Meyer analyses revealed QSOX1 RNA as a highly significant predictive marker for both relapse and poor overall survival in Luminal B tumors. We confirmed this finding by evaluation of QSOX1 protein expression in breast tumors and in a panel of breast cancer cell lines. Expression of QSOX1 in breast tumors correlates with increasing tumor grade and high Ki-67 expression. Suppression of QSOX1 protein slowed cell proliferation as well as dramatic inhibition of MCF7, BT474 and BT549 breast tumor cells from invading through Matrigel™ in a modified Boyden chamber assay. Inhibition of invasion could be rescued by the exogenous addition of recombinant QSOX1. Gelatin zymography indicated that QSOX1 plays an important role in the function of MMP-9, a key mediator of breast cancer invasive behavior.

Conclusions
Taken together, our results suggest that QSOX1 is a novel biomarker for risk of relapse and poor survival in Luminal B breast cancer, and has a pro-proliferative and pro-invasive role in malignant progression partly mediated through a decrease in MMP-9 functional activity.
Genome sequence of ground tit Pseudopodoces humilis and its adaptation to high altitude
Authors: Cai Qingle , Qian Xiaoju , Lang Yongshan , Luo Yadan , Xu Jiaohui , Pan Shengkai , Hui Yuanyuan , Gou Caiyun , Cai Yue , Hao Meirong , Zhao Jinyang , Wang Songbo , Wang Zhaobao , Zhang Xinming , He Rongjun , Liu Jinchao , Luo Longhai , Li Yingrui , Wang Jun 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Background
The mechanism of high-altitude adaptation has been studied in certain mammals. However, in avian species like the ground tit Pseudopodoces humilis, the adaptation mechanism remains unclear. The phylogeny of the ground tit is also controversial.

Results
Using next generation sequencing technology, we generated and assembled a draft genome sequence of the ground tit. The assembly contained 1.04 Gb of sequence that covered 95.4% of the whole genome and had higher N50 values, at the level of both scaffolds and contigs, than other sequenced avian genomes. About 1.7 million SNPs were detected, 16,998 protein-coding genes were predicted and 7% of the genome was identified as repeat sequences. Comparisons between the ground tit genome and other avian genomes revealed a conserved genome structure and confirmed the phylogeny of ground tit as not belonging to the Corvidae family. Gene family expansion and positively selected gene analysis revealed genes that were related to cardiac function. Our findings contribute to our understanding of the adaptation of this species to extreme environmental living conditions.

Conclusions
Our data and analysis contribute to the study of avian evolutionary history and provide new insights into the adaptation mechanisms to extreme conditions in animals.
CRAC: an integrated approach to the analysis of RNA-seq reads
Authors: Philippe Nicolas , Salson Mikaël , Commes Thérèse , Rivals Eric 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA large number of RNA-sequencing studies set out to predict mutations, splice junctions or fusion RNAs. We propose a method, CRAC, that integrates genomic locations and local coverage to enable such predictions to be made directly from RNA-seq read analysis. A k-mer profiling approach detects candidate mutations, indels and splice or chimeric junctions in each single read. CRAC increases precision compared with existing tools, reaching 99:5% for splice junctions, without losing sensitivity. Importantly, CRAC predictions improve with read length. In cancer libraries, CRAC recovered 74% of validated fusion RNAs and predicted novel recurrent chimeric junctions. CRAC is available at http://crac.gforge.inria.fr.
Heterozygous inactivation of tsc2 enhances tumorigenesis in p53 mutant zebrafish
Authors: Kim Seok-Hyung , Kowalski Marie L. , Carson Robert P. , Bridges L. Richard , Ess Kevin C. 
Published: March 2013

Summary
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multi-organ disorder caused by mutations of the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. A key function of these genes is to inhibit mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) kinase signaling. Cells deficient for TSC1 or TSC2 have increased mTORC1 signaling and give rise to benign tumors, although, as a rule, true malignancies are rarely seen. In contrast, other disorders with increased mTOR signaling typically have overt malignancies. A better understanding of genetic mechanisms that govern the transformation of benign cells to malignant ones is crucial to understand cancer pathogenesis. We generated a zebrafish model of TSC and cancer progression by placing a heterozygous mutation of the tsc2 gene in a p53 mutant background. Unlike tsc2 heterozygous mutant zebrafish, which never exhibited cancers, compound tsc2;p53 mutants had malignant tumors in multiple organs. Tumorigenesis was enhanced compared with p53 mutant zebrafish. p53 mutants also had increased mTORC1 signaling that was further enhanced in tsc2;p53 compound mutants. We found increased expression of Hif1-α, Hif2-α and Vegf-c in tsc2;p53 compound mutant zebrafish compared with p53 mutant zebrafish. Expression of these proteins probably underlies the increased angiogenesis seen in compound mutant zebrafish compared with p53 mutants and might further drive cancer progression. Treatment of p53 and compound mutant zebrafish with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin caused rapid shrinkage of tumor size and decreased caliber of tumor-associated blood vessels. This is the first report using an animal model to show interactions between tsc2, mTORC1 and p53 during tumorigenesis. These results might explain why individuals with TSC rarely have malignant tumors, but also suggest that cancer arising in individuals without TSC might be influenced by the status of TSC1 and/or TSC2 mutations and be potentially treatable with mTORC1 inhibitors.
Comparison of outcomes between proximal and distal chevron osteotomy, both with supplementary lateral soft-tissue release, for severe hallux valgus deformity
Authors: Park H-W. , Lee K-B. , Chung J-Y. , Kim M-S. 
Published: March 2013

Severe hallux valgus deformity is conventionally treated with proximal metatarsal osteotomy. Distal metatarsal osteotomy with an associated soft-tissue procedure can also be used in moderate to severe deformity. We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of proximal and distal chevron osteotomy in severe hallux valgus deformity with a soft-tissue release in both. A total of 110 consecutive female patients (110 feet) were included in a prospective randomised controlled study. A total of 56 patients underwent a proximal procedure and 54 a distal operation. The mean follow-up was 39 months (24 to 54) in the proximal group and 38 months (24 to 52) in the distal group. At follow-up the hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, tibial sesamoid position, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score, patient satisfaction level, and complications were similar in each group. Both methods showed significant post-operative improvement and high levels of patient satisfaction. Our results suggest that the distal chevron osteotomy with an associated distal soft-tissue procedure provides a satisfactory method for correcting severe hallux valgus deformity. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:510–16.
Mid-flexion laxity is greater after posterior-stabilised total knee replacement than with cruciate-retaining procedures
Authors: Hino K. , Ishimaru M. , Iseki Y. , Watanabe S. , Onishi Y. , Miura H. 
Published: March 2013

There are several methods for evaluating stability of the joint during total knee replacement (TKR). Activities of daily living demand mechanical loading to the knee joint, not only in full extension, but also in mid-flexion. The purpose of this study was to compare the varus-valgus stability throughout flexion in knees treated with either cruciate-retaining or posterior-stabilised TKR, using an intra-operative navigation technique. A total of 34 knees underwent TKR with computer navigation, during which the investigator applied a maximum varus-valgus stress to the knee while steadily moving the leg from full extension to flexion both before and after prosthetic implantation. The femorotibial angle was measured simultaneously by the navigation system at every 10° throughout the range of movement. It was found that posterior-stabilised knees had more varus-valgus laxity than cruciate-retaining knees at all angles examined, and the differences were statistically significant at 10° (p = 0.0093), 20° (p = 0.0098) and 30° of flexion (p = 0.0252). Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:493–7.
The use of a zero-profile device compared with an anterior plate and cage in the treatment of patients with symptomatic cervical spondylosis
Authors: Qi M. , Chen H. , Liu Y. , Zhang Y. , Liang L. , Yuan W. 
Published: March 2013

In a retrospective cohort study we compared the clinical outcome and complications, including dysphagia, following anterior cervical fusion for the treatment of cervical spondylosis using either a zero-profile (Zero-P; Synthes) implant or an anterior cervical plate and cage. A total of 83 patients underwent fusion using a Zero-P and 107 patients underwent fusion using a plate and cage. The mean follow-up was 18.6 months (sd 4.2) in the Zero-P group and 19.3 months (sd 4.1) in the plate and cage group. All patients in both groups had significant symptomatic and neurological improvement. There were no significant differences between the groups in the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and visual analogue scores at final follow-up. The cervical alignment improved in both groups. There was a higher incidence of dysphagia in the plate and cage group on the day after surgery and at two months post-operatively. All patients achieved fusion and no graft migration or nonunion was observed. When compared with the traditional anterior cervical plate and cage, the Zero-P implant is a safe and convenient procedure giving good results in patients with symptomatic cervical spondylosis with a reduced incidence of dysphagia post-operatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:543–7.
The significance of an asymmetric extension gap on routine radiographs after total knee replacement
Authors: Liebs T. R.  , Kloos S-A. , Herzberg W. , Rüther W. , Hassenpflug J. 
Published: March 2013

We investigated whether an asymmetric extension gap seen on routine post-operative radiographs after primary total knee replacement (TKR) is associated with pain at three, six, 12 and 24 months’ follow-up. On radiographs of 277 patients after primary TKR we measured the distance between the tibial tray and the femoral condyle on both the medial and lateral sides. A difference was defined as an asymmetric extension gap. We considered three groups (no asymmetric gap, medial-opening and lateral-opening gap) and calculated the associations with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index pain scores over time.Those with an asymmetric extension gap of ≥ 1.5 mm had a significant association with pain scores at three months’ follow-up; patients with a medial-opening extension gap reported more pain and patients with a lateral-opening extension gap reported less pain (p = 0.036). This effect was still significant at six months (p = 0.044), but had lost significance by 12 months (p = 0.924). When adjusting for multiple cofounders the improvement in pain was more pronounced in patients with a lateral-opening extension gap than in those with a medial-opening extension gap at three (p = 0.037) and six months’ (p = 0.027) follow-up.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:472–7.
Behind Closed Doors: Medication Storage and Disposal in the Home
Authors: Wieczorkiewicz Sarah M , Kassamali Zahra , Danziger Larry H 
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND More than half of all medications are inappropriately prescribed, dispensed, or sold and only 50% of patients take their medications correctly. Oftentimes, unwanted or expired medications are saved for later use, stored indefinitely, or disposed via the sink, toilet, or garbage. OBJECTIVE To determine how residents in Cook County, Illinois, use, store, and dispose of their medications to assess the possible impact of these medications on health care and the environment. METHODS Researchers at the University of Illinois conducted a survey of Cook County residents over a 13-week period. Residents were surveyed regarding their use, storage, and disposal of prescription and nonprescription medications. RESULTS From 3954 telephone numbers generated through random-digit dialing, 445 telephone interviews were completed. Eighty-one and a half percent of respondents had prescription medications and 92.4% had nonprescription medications in their homes. On average, respondents possessed 4.4 distinct prescription and 5.5 distinct nonprescription medications. Despite possessing a number of medications, approximately 30% of respondents stated that they took no medication on a regular basis; 59% of respondents reported disposing medications in the household garbage and 31% flushed them down the toilet or sink. Over 80% of respondents stated that they had never received information about proper medication disposal. Thirty-seven percent reported having leftover unexpired medications from a previous illness. Of these, 63% stopped taking their medications because they believed that they no longer needed them or because they felt better. Thirty-two percent of respondents expected to have leftover prescription medications within the next 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Almost all respondents had excess and leftover medications in their homes. This may be a result of both overprescribing and poor medication adherence. In addition to the potential human health risk of nonadherence, disposal of excess medication raises concerns about their environmental impact and safety.
Acute Pulmonary Emboli in a Patient on Long-Term Dabigatran Therapy
Authors: Rafferty Joseph A , Prom Rathasen , Kujawski Stephanie Z 
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE To describe the case of a patient who developed acute pulmonary emboli (PE) despite long-term anticoagulation with dabigatran. CASE SUMMARY A 69-year-old obese woman was hospitalized for worsening shortness of breath, dyspnea on exertion, and left pleuritic chest pain. On admission, a computed tomography angiogram revealed acute bilateral PE, despite use of dabigatran for atrial fibrillation for approximately 5 years prior to admission. Dabigatran was stopped and therapeutic enoxaparin was initiated concomitantly with warfarin. An investigation into possible causes for the development of the PE, including hypercoagulability, was unrevealing. Since dabigatran should have protected against PE, the patient was questioned regarding adherence to her regimen. She stated that she was adherent but reported using a pillbox. The patient was discharged home on warfarin with an enoxaparin bridge until her international normalized ratio was at least 2.0. DISCUSSION The underlying cause for the patient's acute PE is unknown but could possibly be attributed to obesity and reduced mobility. Although dabigatran should have prevented PE, the presence of interacting drugs, patient-specific pharmacokinetics, suboptimal medication storage, and laboratory abnormalities may have resulted in reduced dabigatran exposure and protection. This is a reasonable hypothesis; however, the patient did not develop a stroke while receiving dabigatran. CONCLUSIONS Our patient developed acute bilateral PE despite receiving long-term anticoagulation with dabigatran. While it is possible that patient-specific factors resulted in reduced dabigatran exposure and efficacy, conclusions cannot be made.
What's at Stake in the Lives of People With Intellectual Disability? Part I: The Power of Naming, Defining, Diagnosing, Classifying, and Planning Supports
Authors: Schalock Robert L. , Luckasson Ruth 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
This article focuses on the power of naming, defining, diagnosing, classifying, and planning supports for people with intellectual disability. The article summarizes current thinking regarding these five functions, states the essential question addressed by the respective function, and provides an overview of the high stakes involved for people with intellectual disability, their families, and the field of intellectual disability.
Depression, obesity, and smoking were independently associated with inadequate glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Melin Eva O , Thunander Maria , Svensson Ralph , Landin-Olsson Mona , Thulesius Hans O 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the associations between inadequate glycemic control of diabetes and psychological, anthropometric, and lifestyle variables in a population-based cohort of type 1 diabetes patients.DesignCross-sectional study.MethodsIn this study, 292 patients with type 1 diabetes, aged 18–59 years, participated. Psychological data were assessed by self-report instruments: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20. Anthropometrics, blood analyses, data from medical records, and data from the Swedish National Diabetes Registry were collected.ResultsSelf-reported depression (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.8), obesity (AOR 4.3), and smoking (AOR 3.0) were independently associated with inadequate glycemic control of diabetes (HbA1c>8.6%). Gender-stratified analyses showed that self-reported depression (AOR 19.8) and obesity (AOR 7.0) in women and smoking in men (AOR 4.2) were associated with HbA1c>8.6%. Alexithymia, antidepressant medication, and physical inactivity were associated with HbA1c>8.6% only in bivariate analyses. Alexithymia, self-rated anxiety, physical inactivity, and absence of abdominal obesity were associated with self-reported depression.ConclusionsDepression was the only psychological factor independently associated with HbA1c>8.6%. The association was of comparable importance as obesity and smoking, well-known risk factors for inadequate glycemic control and diabetes complications. The association between depression and HbA1c>8.6% was particularly strong for women. Alexithymia, which is a relatively stable personality trait, was associated with depression. In the future care of patients with diabetes, psychological aspects should be considered alongside anthropometrics and lifestyle factors in order to achieve the goals for HbA1c.
Parents Without Partners:Drosophilaas a Model for Understanding the Mechanisms and Evolution of Parthenogenesis
Authors: Markow Therese Ann 
Published: March 2013

AbstractOf 40 Drosophila species screened to date, a majority have shown some ability to at least initiate parthenogenetic development. In one case, Drosophila mangebeirai, natural populations are entirely female, making it the only obligate parthenogenetic species of Drosophila. Only a few of the species that exhibit the ability to undergo early embryonic development of unfertilized eggs successfully respond to selection for parthenogenetic production of adult flies. Laboratory strains of parthenogenetic Drosophila mercatorum have been created by artificial selection on multiple occasions, but the proportion of eggs undergoing development to adulthood has never exceeded 8%. Selection produces gains in the number of unfertilized eggs undergoing early development, but the majority arrest at the embryonic or first larval instar stages. Four components to successful parthenogenesis include (1) a female’s propensity to lay unfertilized eggs, (2) the ability of the eggs to restore diploidy, (3) the ability of the parthenogenetically produced diploid embryo to complete larval development and pupation, and (4) the existence of genetic variability within and among Drosophila species in the frequency of parthenogenesis suggests the existence of multiple steps in its evolution and offers a way to explore the genetics of this unusual reproductive strategy.