bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malarial parasite diversity in chimpanzees: the value of comparative approaches to ascertain the evolution of Plasmodium falciparum antigens
Authors: Pacheco M Andreína , Cranfield Michael , Cameron Kenneth , Escalante Ananias A 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundPlasmodium falciparumshares its most recent common ancestor with parasites found in African apes; these species constitute the so-called Laverania clade. In this investigation, the evolutionary history ofPlasmodiumlineages found in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) was explored.MethodsHere, the remainders of 74 blood samples collected as part of the chimpanzees’ routine health examinations were studied. For all positive samples with parasite lineages belonging to the Laverania clade, the complete mitochondrial genome (mtDNA), the gene encoding dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (dhfr-ts), the chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt), the circumsporozoite protein (csp), merozoite surface protein 2 (msp2), and the DBL-1 domain fromvar2CSAwere amplified, cloned, and sequenced. OtherPlasmodiumspecies were included in the mtDNA,dhfr-ts, andcspanalyses. Phylogenetic and evolutionary genetic analyses were performed, including molecular clock analyses on the mtDNA.Results/ConclusionsNine chimpanzees were malaria positive (12.2%); four of those infections were identified asP. falciparum, two as aPlasmodium reichenowi-like parasite orPlasmodiumsp., one asPlasmodium gaboni, and two asPlasmodium malariae.AllP. falciparumisolates were resistant to chloroquine indicating that the chimpanzees acquired such infections from humans in recent times. Such findings, however, are not sufficient for implicating chimpanzees as an animal reservoir forP. falciparum.Timing estimates support that the Laverania clade has co-existed with hominids for a long-period of time. The proposed speciesP. gaboni, Plasmodium billbrayi, andPlasmodium billcollinsiare monophyletic groups supporting that they are indeed different species.An expanded CSP phylogeny is presented, including all the Laverania species and other malarial parasites. Contrasting with otherPlasmodium, the Laveraniacspexhibits great conservation at the central tandem repeat region.Msp2andvar2CSA, however, show extended recent polymorphism inP. falciparumthat likely originated after theP. reichenowi-P. falciparumsplit. The accumulation of such diversity may indicate adaptation to the human host. These examples support the notion that comparative approaches amongP. falciparumand its related species will be of great value in understanding the evolution of proteins that are important in parasite invasion of the human red blood cell, as well as those involved in malaria pathogenesis.
Rapid detection of Akabane virus by a novel reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (RT-LAMP)
Authors: Qiao Jun , Wang Junwei , Meng Qingling , Wang Guochao , Liu Yucheng , He Zhihao , Yang Haibo , Zhang Zaichao , Cai Xuepeng , Chen Chuangfu 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundAkabane disease, caused by Akabane virus, is an insect-transmitted disease of ruminants that is primarily characterized by fetal damage.Methods and resultsIn this study, a novel reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for rapid detection of Akabane virus was successfully developed. The primers were designed to target the highly conserved fragment of nucleoprotein from the Akabane virus. The results indicate that the assay is highly specific and sensitive with a detection limit of 5.0 TCID50/mL within a 60-min incubation time. A total of 126 abortive samples collected from Xinjiang province were detected by the established RT-LAMP. The results of RT-LAMP assay showed 96.8% agreement with the semi-nested RT-PCR.ConclusionThis study is to first to develop a rapid, sensitive, and accurate method for the detection of Akabane virus, which may be used to screen clinical samples in developing countries or regions.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in gastric adenocarcinoma: impact on lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis
Authors: Karadayı Nimet , Kandemır Nilufer Onak , Yavuzer Dilek , Korkmaz Taner , Gecmen Gonca , Kokturk Furuzan 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Lymphatic metastasis is the most important parameter in the spread of gastric carcinomas. Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule that plays an important role in inflammation and carcinogenesis. In this study, the possible link between inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression with lymphangiogenesis and the clinicopathological parameters of gastric carcinomas was investigated.

Methods
In this study, iNOS expression and D2-40 (lymphatic endothelium-specific marker monoclonal antibody) reactivity were examined immunohistochemically in 41 gastric adenocarcinoma and 20 non-neoplastic gastric tissues. iNOS expression was scored semiquantitatively in the tumor parenchyma and stroma. D2-40-positive lymphatic vessels were used in the determination of lymphatic invasion and intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic vascular density.

Results
iNOS expression was higher in gastric carcinoma tissue compared with non-neoplastic tissue. Particularly, iNOS expression in tumor cells was found to be closely related to lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. The density of lymphatic invasion as well as intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic vascular density were positively correlated with lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that iNOS-mediated NO formation plays an important role in gastric carcinogenesis, tumor lymphangiogenesis, and the development of lymphatic metastases. Inhibition of the NO pathway may be an alternative treatment of gastric carcinomas.

Virtual slides
The virtual slides for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1713572940104388.
Traditional medicine practitioners’ knowledge and views on treatment of pregnant women in three regions of Mali
Authors: Nordeng Hedvig , Al-Zayadi Waled , Diallo Drissa , Ballo Ngolo , Paulsen Berit Smestad 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Background
Despite the widespread use of medicinal plants in Mali, knowledge about how traditional practitioners (TPs) treat pregnant and lactating women is lacking.

Aim of the study
The aim of this study was to investigate how traditional practitioners in Mali treat common diseases and ailments during pregnancy.

Methods
Data was collected through structured interviews of traditional practitioners in one urban (Bamako) and two rural areas (Siby and Dioila) in Mali. The TPs were interviewed about how they treat common diseases and ailments during pregnancy. They were also asked to name harmful plants in pregnancy and plants that could affect breast milk production. In addition, we asked about nine specific medicinal plants commonly used in Mali; Opilia amentacea (syn. Opilia celtidifolia), Ximenia americana, Cola cordifolia, Combretum glutinosum, Parkia biglobosa, Trichilia emetica, Combretum micranthum, Lippia chevalieri and Vepris heterophylla.

Results
A total of 72 traditional practitioners (64% women, age: 34 to 90 years) were interviewed during an eight week period October 2011 to December 2011. They treated between 1 and 30 pregnant women with medicinal plants per months. We found a relatively high consensus for treatment of pregnant women with common diseases and ailments like nausea and dermatitis. The highest informer consensus was found for the treatment of malaria during pregnancy. TPs generally recommended pregnant women to avoid medicinal plants with bitter tastes like stem and root bark of Khaya senegalensis and Opilia amentacea (syn. Opilia celtidifolia). TPs distinguished between oral (potentially unsafe) and dermal use (safe) of Opilia amentacea (syn. Opilia celtidifolia). Cola cordifolia was used to facilitate labor.

Conclusion
Experience and knowledge about treatment of pregnant women with medicinal plants was broad among the traditional practitioners in the three investigated regions in Mali. Collaborating with traditional practitioners on the safe use of medicinal plants in pregnancy may promote safer pregnancies and better health for mothers and their unborn infants in Mali.
Factors influencing pharmacists’ adoption of prescribing: qualitative application of the diffusion of innovations theory
Authors: Makowsky Mark J , Guirguis Lisa M , Hughes Christine A , Sadowski Cheryl A , Yuksel Nese 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
In 2007, Alberta became the first Canadian jurisdiction to grant pharmacists a wide range of prescribing privileges. Our objective was to understand what factors influence pharmacists’ adoption of prescribing using a model for the Diffusion of Innovations in healthcare services.

Methods
Pharmacists participated in semi-structured telephone interviews to discuss their prescribing practices and explore the facilitators and barriers to implementation. Pharmacists working in community, hospital, PCN, or other settings were selected using a mix of random and purposive sampling. Two investigators independently analyzed each transcript using an Interpretive Description approach to identify themes. Analyses were informed by a model explaining the Diffusion of Innovations in health service organizations.

Results
Thirty-eight participants were interviewed. Prescribing behaviours varied from non-adoption through to product, disease, and patient focused use of prescribing. Pharmacists’ adoption of prescribing was dependent on the innovation itself, adopter, system readiness, and communication and influence. Adopting pharmacists viewed prescribing as a legitimization of previous practice and advantageous to instrumental daily tasks. The complexity of knowledge required for prescribing increased respectively in product, disease and patient focused prescribing scenarios. Individual adopters had higher levels of self-efficacy toward prescribing skills. At a system level, pharmacists who were in practice settings that were patient focused were more likely to adopt advanced prescribing practices, over those in product-focused settings. All pharmacists stated that physician relationships impacted their prescribing behaviours and individual pharmacists’ decisions to apply for independent prescribing privileges.

Conclusions
Diffusion of Innovations theory was helpful in understanding the multifaceted nature of pharmacists’ adoption of prescribing. The characteristics of the prescribing model itself which legitimized prior practices, the model of practice in a pharmacy setting, and relationships with physicians were prominent influences on pharmacists’ prescribing behaviours.
The Nedd4-binding protein 3 (N4BP3) is crucial for axonal and dendritic branching in developing neurons
Authors: Schmeisser Michael J , Kühl Susanne J , Schoen Michael , Beth Nathalie H , Weis Tobias M , Grabrucker Andreas M , Kühl Michael , Boeckers Tobias M 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Circuit formation in the nervous system essentially relies on the proper development of neurons and their processes. In this context, the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4 is a crucial modulator of axonal and dendritic branching.

Results
Herein we characterize the Nedd4-binding protein 3 (N4BP3), a Fezzin family member, during nerve cell development. In developing rat primary hippocampal neurons, endogenous N4BP3 localizes to neuronal processes, including axons and dendrites. Transient in vitro knockdown of N4BP3 in hippocampal cultures during neuritogenesis results in impaired branching of axons and dendrites. In line with these findings, in vivo knockdown of n4bp3 in Xenopus laevis embryos results in severe alteration of cranial nerve branching.

Conclusions
We introduce N4BP3 as a novel molecular element for the correct branching of neurites in developing neurons and propose a central role for an N4BP3-Nedd4 complex in neurite branching and circuit formation.
Detection of doublecortin domain-containing 2 (DCDC2), a new candidate tumor suppressor gene of hepatocellular carcinoma, by triple combination array analysis
Authors: Inokawa Yoshikuni , Nomoto Shuji , Hishida Mitsuhiro , Hayashi Masamichi , Kanda Mitsuro , Nishikawa Yoko , Takeda Shin , Sugimoto Hiroyuki , Fujii Tsutomu , Yamada Suguru , Kodera Yasuhiro 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
To detect genes correlated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we developed a triple combination array consisting of methylation array, gene expression array and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis.

Methods
A surgical specimen obtained from a 68-year-old female HCC patient was analyzed by triple combination array, which identified doublecortin domain-containing 2 (DCDC2) as a candidate tumor suppressor gene of HCC. Subsequently, samples from 48 HCC patients were evaluated for their DCDC2 methylation and expression status using methylation specific PCR (MSP) and semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR, respectively. Then, we investigated the relationship between clinicopathological factors and methylation status of DCDC2.

Results

DCDC2 was revealed to be hypermethylated (methylation value 0.846, range 0–1.0) in cancer tissue, compared with adjacent normal tissue (0.212) by methylation array in the 68-year-old female patient. Expression array showed decreased expression of DCDC2 in cancerous tissue. SNP array showed that the copy number of chromosome 6p22.1, in which DCDC2 resides, was normal. MSP revealed hypermethylation of the promoter region of DCDC2 in 41 of the tumor samples. DCDC2 expression was significantly decreased in the cases with methylation (P = 0.048). Furthermore, the methylated cases revealed worse prognosis for overall survival than unmethylated cases (P = 0.048).

Conclusions
The present study indicates that triple combination array is an effective method to detect novel genes related to HCC. We propose that DCDC2 is a tumor suppressor gene of HCC.
The impact of crystalloidal and colloidal infusion preparations on coronary vascular integrity, interstitial oedema and cardiac performance in isolated hearts
Authors: Zausig York A , Chappell Daniel , Becker Bernhard F , Potschka Daniel , Busse Hendrik , Nixdorf Kathrin , Bitzinger Diane , Jacob Barbara , Jacob Matthias 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Recent data suggested an interaction between plasma constituents and the endothelial glycocalyx to be relevant for vascular barrier function. This might be negatively influenced by infusion solutions, depending on ionic composition, pH and binding properties. The present study evaluated such an influence of current artificial preparations.

Methods
Isolated guinea pig hearts were prepared in a modified Langendorff mode and perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer augmented with 1g% human albumin. After equilibration the perfusion was switched to replacement of one half buffer by either isotonic saline (NaCl), ringer's acetate (Ri-Ac), 6% and 10% hydroxyethyl starch (6% and 10% HES, resp.), or 4% gelatine (Gel), the artificial colloids having been prepared in balanced solution. We analysed glycocalyx shedding, functional integrity of the vascular barrier and heart performance.

Results
While glycocalyx shedding was not observed, diluting albumin concentration towards 0.5g% by artificial solutions was associated with a marked functional breakdown of vascular barrier competence. This effect was biggest with isotonic saline and significantly attenuated with artificial colloids, the difference in the pressure dependent transvascular fluid filtration (basal vs. during infusion in groups NaCl, Ri-Ac, 6% HES, 10% HES and Gel, n = 6 each) being 0.31 ± 0.03 vs. 1.00 ± 0.04; 0.27 ± 0.03 vs. 0.81 ± 0.03; 0.29 ± 0.03 vs. 0.68 ± 0.02; 0.32 ± 0.03 vs. 0.59 ± 0.08 and 0.31 ± 0.04 vs. 0.61 ± 0.03 g/5min, respectively. Heart performance was directly related to pH value (7.38 ± 0.06, 7.33 ± 0.03, 7.14 ± 0.04, 7.08 ± 0.04, 7.25 ± 0.03), the change in the rate pressure product being 21,702 ± 1969 vs. 21,291 ± 2,552; 22,098 ± 2,115 vs. 14,114 ± 3,386; 20,897 ± 2,083 vs. 10,671 ± 1,948; 21,822 ± 2,470 vs. 10,047 ± 2,320 and 20,955 ± 2,296 vs. 15,951 ± 2,755 mmHg × bpm, respectively.

Conclusions
It appears important to maintain the pH value within a physiological range to maintain optimal myocardial contractility. Using colloids prepared in calcium-containing, balanced solutions for volume replacement therapy may attenuate the breakdown of vascular barrier competence in the critically ill.
Melanoma Epidemic: An Analysis of Six Decades of Data From the Connecticut Tumor Registry
Authors: Geller Alan C. , Clapp Richard W. , Sober Arthur J. , Gonsalves Lou , Mueller Lloyd , Christiansen Cindy L. , Shaikh Waqas , Miller Donald R. 
Published: September 2013

Purpose Melanoma is the most commonly fatal form of skin cancer, with nearly 50,000 annual deaths worldwide. We sought to assess long-term trends in the incidence and mortality of melanoma in a state with complete and consistent registration. Methods We used data from the Connecticut Tumor Registry, the original National Cancer Institute SEER site, to determine trends in invasive melanoma (1950-2007), in situ melanoma (1973-2007), tumor thickness (1993-2007), mortality (1950-2007), and mortality to incidence (1950-2007) among the 19,973 and 3,635 Connecticut residents diagnosed with invasive melanoma (1950-2007) and who died as a result of melanoma (1950-2007), respectively. Main outcome measures included trends in incidence and mortality by age, sex, and birth cohort. Results In the initial period (1950-1954), a diagnosis of invasive melanoma was rare, with 1.9 patient cases per 100,000 for men and 2.6 patient cases per 100,000 for women. Between 1950 and 2007, overall incidence rates rose more than 17-fold in men (1.9 to 33.5 per 100,000) and more than nine-fold in women (2.6 to 25.3 per 100,000). During these six decades, mortality rates more than tripled in men (1.6 to 4.9 per 100,000) and doubled in women (1.3 to 2.6 per 100,000). Mortality rates were generally stable or decreasing in men and women through age 54 years. Conclusion Unremitting increases in incidence and mortality of melanoma call for a nationally coordinated effort to encourage and promote innovative prevention and early-detection efforts.
Everolimus for Previously Treated Advanced Gastric Cancer: Results of the Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase III GRANITE-1 Study
Authors: Ohtsu Atsushi , Ajani Jaffer A. , Bai Yu-Xian , Bang Yung-Jue , Chung Hyun-Cheol , Pan Hong-Ming , Sahmoud Tarek , Shen Lin , Yeh Kun-Huei , Chin Keisho , Muro Kei , Kim Yeul Hong , Ferry David , Tebbutt Niall C. , Al-Batran Salah-Eddin , Smith Heind , Costantini Chiara , Rizvi Syed , Lebwohl David , Van Cutsem Eric 
Published: September 2013

PurposeThe oral mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus demonstrated promising efficacy in a phase II study of pretreated advanced gastric cancer. This international, double-blind, phase III study compared everolimus efficacy and safety with that of best supportive care (BSC) in previously treated advanced gastric cancer.Patients and MethodsPatients with advanced gastric cancer that progressed after one or two lines of systemic chemotherapy were randomly assigned to everolimus 10 mg/d (assignment schedule: 2:1) or matching placebo, both given with BSC. Randomization was stratified by previous chemotherapy lines (one v two) and region (Asia v rest of the world [ROW]). Treatment continued until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate, and safety.ResultsSix hundred fifty-six patients (median age, 62.0 years; 73.6% male) were enrolled. Median OS was 5.4 months with everolimus and 4.3 months with placebo (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.08; P = .124). Median PFS was 1.7 months and 1.4 months in the everolimus and placebo arms, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.78). Common grade 3/4 adverse events included anemia, decreased appetite, and fatigue. The safety profile was similar in patients enrolled in Asia versus ROW.ConclusionCompared with BSC, everolimus did not significantly improve overall survival for advanced gastric cancer that progressed after one or two lines of previous systemic chemotherapy. The safety profile observed for everolimus was consistent with that observed for everolimus in other cancers.
Photochemical Grafting Reactions of a Benzophenone-Containing Alkanethiol Monolayer on Au with Deuterated Polystyrene
Authors: Oda Hirokazu , Onda Ken , Nakagawa Masaru 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Photochemical reactions of 4-[(10-sulfanyldecyl)oxy]benzophenone with deuterated polystyrene (PS-d8) were studied using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy. The FT-IR spectral changes of PS thin films indicated that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light caused photochemical consumption of the benzophenone moiety by a hydrogen abstraction reaction of the carbonyl group; the reaction was almost complete at an exposure energy of 2.0 J cm−2 at 254 nm. The VSFG spectral changes of the adsorbed monolayer on Au on UV exposure revealed that the carbonyl groups oriented parallel to the Au substrate surface were consumed at more exposure energies. The exposure-energy-dependent formation of PS-grafted layers was confirmed by atomic force microscopy observations of Au surfaces modified with a photoreactive monolayer.
Analytical Variability Among Methods for the Measurement of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D
Authors: Holmes Earle W. , Garbincius Jean , McKenna Kathleen M. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Objectives:
To compare total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] results measured by 3 direct immunoassays, including the previous version of the DiaSorin Liaison2 assay and the current versions of the Siemens Centaur2 and the Abbott Architect assays, with results measured in serum extracts by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and radioimmunoassay (RIA).

Methods:
Our study sample consisted of 163 consecutive clinical specimens submitted to our laboratory for 25(OH)D testing.

Results:
Regression and bias analyses of the data revealed that results measured by the 3 direct immunoassay methods had high degrees of random variability and bias relative to the results determined by LC/MS and RIA. The relative biases between results measured by the direct assays and the comparison methods exceeded a recommended criterion for the total allowable error of a 25(OH)D test in as many as 48% of our clinical specimens. Of the subjects in our study sample, 33, 37, 30, 45, and 71 were classified as vitamin D deficient based on results determined by LC/MS, RIA, Liaison2, Architect, and Centaur2, respectively.

Conclusions:
Intermethod variability in 25(OH)D assays continues to limit our progress toward the establishment of reference values for 25(OH)D in health and our efforts to gain a better understanding of the role of vitamin D insufficiency as a risk factor for disease.