bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the phenotypic test and genetic analysis in the detection of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Nantakomol Duangdao , Paul Rick , Palasuwan Attakorn , Day Nicholas PJ , White Nicholas J , Imwong Mallika 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is particularly prevalent in historically malaria-endemic countries. Although most individuals with G6PD deficiency are asymptomatic, deficiency can result in acute haemolytic anaemia after exposure to oxidative agents. A reliable test is necessary for diagnosing the deficiency to prevent an acute haemolytic crisis following, for example, anti-malarial treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate which method was the best predictor of this disorder.

Methods
The present study investigated four G6PD activity detections (fluorescence spot (FS), methaemoglobin reduction (MR), biochemical and cytochemical test). These methods accompanied with mutation analysis of blood samples were taken from 295 apparently healthy individuals with unknown G6PD deficiency status.

Results
Molecular characterization of 295 Thai adults revealed an overall prevalence of 14.2%. The G6PD Viangchan (871 G>A) was the most common (83.3%), followed by G6PD Mahidol (487G>A) (11.9%), and G6PD Union (1360 C>T) (4.8%). There were two cases of G6PD deficiency carrying the double mutations of Viangchan (871G > A)-Mahidol (487G > A) and Viangchan (871G > A)-Union (1360C > T). In comparison, the prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 6.1% by FS test and 7.1% by MR test. G6PD activity was 11 ± 2.5 IU/gHb in non-deficient females (mean ± SD), and 10.9 ± 0.6 IU/gHb in non-deficient males. The upper and lower limit cut-off points for partial and severe deficiency in adults were 5.7 IU/gHb (60% of the normal mean) and 0.95 IU/gHb (10% of the normal mean), respectively. All hemizygote, homozygote and double mutations were associated with severe enzyme deficiency (the residual enzyme activity <10% of the normal mean), whereas only 14.3% of the heterozygote mutations showed severe enzyme deficiency. Based on the cut-off value <5.7 IU/gHb, the quantitative G6PD assay diagnosed 83% of cases as G6PD-deficient. Using a cut-off number of negative cell >20% in the cytochemical assay to define G6PD deficiency, the prevalence of G6PD deficiency was closest to the molecular analysis (12.9% G6PD-deficient) compared to the others methods.

Conclusion
The cytochemical method is a significant predictor of this disease, while FS and MR test are recommended for the detection of severe G6PD deficiency in developing countries.
The associations of body mass index with physical and mental aspects of health-related quality of life in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Wong Carlos K H , Lo Yvonne Y C , Wong Winnie H T , Fung Colman S C 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to determine the associations of various clinical factors with generic health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores among Hong Kong Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the outpatient primary care setting using the short-form 12 (SF-12).

Methods
A cross-sectional survey of 488 Chinese adults with T2DM recruited from a primary care outpatient clinic was conducted from May to August 2008. Data on the standard Chinese (HK) SF-12 Health Survey and patients’ socio-demographics were collected from face-to-face interviews. Glycaemic control, body mass index (BMI), chronic co-morbidities, diabetic complications and treatment modalities were determined for each patient through medical records. Associations of socio-demographic and clinical factors with physical component summary (PCS-12) and mental component summary scores (MCS-12) were evaluated using multiple linear regression.

Results
The socio-demographic correlates of PCS-12 and MCS-12 were age, gender and BMI. After adjustment for socio-demographic variables, the BMI was negatively associated with PCS-12 but positively associated with MCS-12. The presence of diabetic complications was associated with lower PCS-12 (regression coefficient:-3.0 points, p < 0.05) while being on insulin treatment was associated with lower MCS-12 (regression coefficient:-5.8 points, p < 0.05). In contrast, glycaemic control, duration of T2DM and treatment with oral hypoglycaemic drugs were not significantly associated with PCS-12 or MCS-12.

Conclusions
Among T2DM subjects in the primary care setting, impairments in the physical aspect of HRQOL were evident in subjects who were obese or had diabetic complications whereas defects in the mental aspect of HRQOL were observed in patients with lower BMI or receiving insulin injections.
What interventions do rural doctors think will increase recruitment in rural areas: a survey of 2778 health workers in Beijing
Authors: Wang Jinwen , Su Jianglian , Zuo Huijuan , Jia Mingyan , Zeng Zhechun 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
A shortage of health professionals in rural areas is a major problem facing China, as more than 60% of the population lives in such areas. Strategies have been developed by the government to improve the recruitment of rural doctors. However, the inequitable distribution of doctors working in China has not improved significantly. The objective of this study was to explore the reasons for the poor recruitment and to propose possible strategies to improve the situation.

Methods
Between September 2009 and November 2009 data were collected from 2778 rural doctors in Beijing, China. A quantitative survey was used to explore health workers’ perceptions as to what factors would have the greatest impact on recruitment and whether access to training had been effective in increasing their confidence, enhancing their interest in practicing medicine and increasing their commitment to recruitment.

Results
Rural doctors were generally older than average in China. Of the 2778 participants, only 7.23% had obtained a license as a qualified doctor. For 53% of the rural doctors, the job was part-time work. The survey showed that rural doctors considered the training strategy to be inadequate. In general, the initiatives identified by rural doctors as being of most value in the recruitment of doctors were those targeting retirement pension and income.

Conclusions
From the perspective of rural doctors, specific initiatives that promised a secure retirement pension and an increased income were considered most likely to assist in the recruitment of rural doctors in Beijing.
Targeting therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma with doxorubicin prodrug PDOX increases anti-metastatic effect and reduces toxicity: a preclinical study
Authors: Wang Qun , Zhong Yan-Jun , Yuan Jing-Ping , Shao Li-Hua , Zhang Jue , Tang Li , Liu Shao-Ping , Hong Ya-Ping , Firestone Raymond A , Li Yan 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
This study was to investigate the effects and safety of cathepsin B-cleavable doxorubicin (DOX)-prodrug (PDOX) for targeting therapy of metastatic human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using DOX as a positive control drug.

Methods
The orthotopic nude mice model of highly metastatic HCC was established and the animals were randomized and treated with PDOX, DOX and saline, respectively. Hematology, biochemistry and tumor markers were studied. At autopsy, liver tumor weight and size, ascites, abdominal lymph nodes metastases, experimental peritoneal carcinomatosis index (ePCI), and tumor-host body weight ratio were investigated. Immunohistochemical studies and western blotting were done to investigate key molecules involved in the mechanism of action.

Results
Compared with Control, both PDOX and DOX could similarly and significantly reduce liver tumor weight and tumor volume by over 40%, ePCI values, retroperitoneal lymph node metastases and lung metastases and serum AFP levels (P < 0.05). The PDOX group had significantly higher WBC than the DOX group (P < 0.05), and higher PLT than Control (P < 0.05). Serum BUN and Cr levels were lower in the PDOX group than DOX and Control groups (P < 0.05). Compared with Control, DOX increased CK and CK-MB; while PDOX decreased CK compared with DOX (P < 0.05). Multiple spotty degenerative changes of the myocardium were observed in DOX-treated mice, but not in the Control and PDOX groups. PDOX could significantly reduce the Ki-67 positive rate of tumor cells, compared with DOX and Control groups. PDOX produced the effects at least via the ERK pathway.

Conclusion
Compared with DOX, PDOX may have better anti-metastatic efficacy and reduced side effects especially cardio-toxicities in this HCC model.
Phenology and pollinating wasp dynamics of Ficus microcarpa L.f.: adaptation to seasonality
Authors: Yang Hui-Wen , Tzeng Hsy-Yu , Chou Lien-Siang 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn the obligate plant/pollinator mutualism, pollinator abundance is conditioned by the host resource. In order to investigate the population fluctuation of pollinating wasps and the phenological processes involved, this study examined the dual dynamics of the pollinator and the syconium phenology of a seasonal fruited fig tree population,Ficus microparpa,in Taipei, Taiwan.ResultsOur results revealed three seasons in the annual phenology: spring crop, summer-fall crop and winter trough seasons. The syconium quantity was correlated most significantly with temperature based on the generalized linear model with the meteorological data transformed by a principal component analysis. The pollinator population showed an increasing trend in spring, reached the maximum abundance in summer, and then declined drastically in winter, consistent with the syconium production fluctuation. With the small amount of local pollinators from the winter syconia and potential immigrating foundresses from other populations, the pollinator population size can increase very quickly from almost zero to over 40,000 wasps for this 29-tree local population within a season.ConclusionThis syconium phenological scheme, coupled with the fast-recovery rate of pollinators, may explain the worldwide adaptation and invasion ofFicus microcarpa.
Ectopic expression of OsMADS45 activates the upstream genes Hd3a and RFT1 at an early development stage causing early flowering in rice
Authors: Wang Jiun-Da , Lo Shuen-Fang , Li Yan-Suan , Chen Po-Ju , Lin Shih-Yun , Ho Teh-Yuan , Lin Jenq-Horng , Chen Liang-Jwu 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
The rice gene, OsMADS45, which belongs to the MADS-box E class gene, participates in the regulation of floral development. Previous studies have revealed that ectopic expression of OsMADS45 induces early flowering and influences reduced plant height under short-day (SD) conditions. However, the regulation mechanism of OsMADS45 overexpression remains unknown. We introduce an OsMADS45 overexpression construct Ubi:OsMADS45 into TNG67 plants (an Hd1 (Heading date 1) and Ehd1 (Early heading date 1) defective rice cultivar grown in Taiwan), and we analyzed the expression patterns of various floral regulators to understand the regulation pathways affected by OsMADS45 expression.

Results
The transgenic rice exhibit a heading date approximately 40 days earlier than that observed in TNG67 plants, and transgenic rice display small plant size and low grain yield. OsMADS45 overexpression did not alter the oscillating rhythm of the examined floral regulatory genes but advanced (by approximately 20 days) the up-regulate of two florigens, Hd3a (Heading Date 3a) and RFT1 (RICE FLOWERING LOCUS T1) and suppressed the expression of Hd1 at the juvenile stage. The expression levels of OsMADS14 and OsMADS18, which are two well-known reproductive phase transition markers, were also increased at early developmental stages and are believed to be the major regulators responsible for early flowering in OsMADS45-overexpressing transgenic rice. OsMADS45 overexpression did not influence other floral regulator genes upstream of Hd1 and Ehd1, such as OsGI (OsGIGANTEA), Ehd2/Osld1/RID1 and OsMADS50.

Conclusion
These results indicate that in transgenic rice, OsMADS45 overexpressing ectopically activates the upstream genes Hd3a and RFT1 at early development stage and up-regulates the expression of OsMADS14 and OsMADS18, which induces early flowering.
24-epibrassinolide restores nitrogen metabolism of pigeon pea under saline stress
Authors: Dalio Ronaldo José Durigan , Pinheiro Hildete Prisco , Sodek Ladaslav , Haddad Claudia Regina Baptista 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Several studies have shown that brassinosteroids attenuate the effects of salt stress. However, nothing is known about their effects on amino acid transport, nor the effects of these hormones on nitrate uptake under saline conditions. This study set out to determine the effects of 24-epibrassinolide, at concentrations of 10-7 M and 0.5 × 10-9 M, and clotrimazole (inhibitor of brassinosteroid synthesis), at 10-4 M, on nitrate uptake and metabolism in plants of C. cajan (L.) Millsp, cultivar C11, growing under salinity. The following aspects were analyzed: levels of proteins, amino acids, nitrate, nitrate reductase of roots and the composition of xylem sap amino acids.

Results
Salinity reduced the proportion of N-transport amino acids ASN (the major component), GLU, ASP and GLN. The effect of the hormone in reducing the adverse effects of salt was related to the reestablishment (totally or partially) of the proportions of GLU, ASN and GLN, transported in the xylem and to the small but significant increase in uptake of nitrate. Increased nitrate uptake, induced by 24- epibrassinolide, was associated with a higher activity of nitrate reductase together with greater levels of free amino acids and soluble proteins in roots of plants cultivated under saline conditions.

Conclusion
The decline in several components of nitrogen metabolism, induced by salt, was attenuated by 24-epibrassinolide application and accentuated by clotrimazole, indicating the importance of brassinosteroid synthesis for plants growing under salinity.
Small molecule inhibitors of WNT/β-catenin signaling block IL-1β- and TNFα-induced cartilage degradation
Authors: Landman Ellie BM , Miclea Razvan L , van Blitterswijk Clemens A , Karperien Marcel 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Introduction
In this study, we tested the ability of small molecule inhibitors of WNT/β-catenin signaling to block interleukin 1β (IL-1β)- and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced cartilage degradation. Proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNFα are potent inducers of cartilage degradation by upregulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and activity. Because WNT/β-catenin signaling was found to be involved in IL-1β- and TNFα-induced upregulation of MMP activity, we hypothesized that inhibition of WNT/β-catenin signaling might block IL-1β- and TNFα-induced cartilage degradation. We tested the effect of small molecules that block the interaction between β-catenin and TCF/Lef transcription factors on IL-1β- and TNFα-induced cartilage degradation in mouse fetal metatarsals.

Methods
We used mouse fetal metatarsals treated with IL-1β and TNFα as an ex vivo model for cytokine-induced cartilage degradation. Metatarsals were treated with IL-1β and TNFα in combination with the small molecules PKF115-584, PKF118-310 and CGP049090 at different concentrations and then harvested them for histological and gene expression analysis.

Results
We found that IL-1β- and TNFα-induced cartilage degradation in mouse fetal metatarsals was blocked by inhibiting WNT/β-catenin signaling using small molecule PKF115-584 and partially using CGP049090 dose-dependently. In addition, we found that PKF115-584 blocked IL-1β- and TNFα-induced MMP mRNA expression, but did not reverse the inhibitory effect of IL-1β on the expression of cartilage anabolic genes.

Conclusion
In this study, we show that inhibition of WNT/β-catenin signaling by small molecules can effectively prevent IL-1β- and TNFα-induced cartilage degradation by blocking MMP expression and activity. Furthermore, we elucidate the involvement of WNT/β-catenin signaling in IL-1β- and TNFα-induced cartilage degradation.
Intramolecular Oxidative O-Demethylation in a Per-O-methylated β-Cyclodextrin–Iron Porphyrin Inclusion Complex in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ueda Takunori , Kumeda Saki , Kitagishi Hiroaki , Kano Koji 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The reaction of a supramolecular heme enzyme model (met-hemoCD2), a 1:1 inclusion complex of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphinatoiron(III) (FeIIITPPS) and a per-O-methylated β-cyclodextrin dimer having a OCH2PyCH2O (Py: pyridin-3,5-diyl) linker (Py2CD), with peroxy acid (m-chloroperbenzoic acid or peracetic acid) caused intramolecular mono- and di-O-demethylations of the OCH3 group(s) of Py2CD. The O-demethylation seemed to proceed through the hydroxylation of a C–H bond of OCH3 by an oxoiron(IV) porphyrin π-cation radical (O=FeIVP•+).
Polyoxomolybdate–Surfactant Layered Crystals Derived from Long-tailed Alkylamine and Ionic Liquid
Authors: Ito Takeru , Ide Ryuta , Kosaka Kurato , Hasegawa Shinsuke , Mikurube Keisuke , Taira Minako , Naruke Haruo , Koguchi Shinichi 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Polyoxomolybdate inorganic–organic hybrid crystals were synthesized by using long-tailed primary amine and ionic-liquid surfactants. Dodecylamine and 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide were employed for the syntheses. Both hybrid crystals contained a β-type octamolybdate (Mo8) anion and showed alternate stacking of Mo8 monolayers and interdigitated surfactant bilayers. The arrangement of Mo8 layers in the inorganic monolayers was different between the hybrid crystals because of the difference in the structures of the surfactant hydrophilic head.
Norman Barrett (1903-79): unorthodox pioneer of thoracic and oesophageal surgery
Authors: Edison E , Agha Ra , Camm Cf 
Published: August 2013

Summary It is an interesting quirk of medical history that the legacy of Norman Barrett most ostensibly lies in the name of a disease the he was quite emphatically wrong about, at least when he first described it. Indeed, there are those who argue to remove the eponym in favour of the title ‘Columnar Lined Epithelium’, in part because of what little Barrett actually had to do with the correct initial characterization of this disease. Yet the sum of Norman Barrett's contributions to modern medicine is much more than a mistaken characterization of a pathological process. Barrett was truly a pioneer of chest surgery in the UK - a specialty in its embryonic stages when he first qualified. He was also renowned as a teacher and academic of the highest calibre. In tracing the story of his life we can see how his natural attributes, life experiences and keen appreciation of the arts (especially history) facilitated personal success and such sharp insight into the vagaries of modern academic medicine.
Distribution and depletion of sulfadiazine after a multiple per os dosing in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fed two different diets
Authors: RIGOS G. , ZONARAS V. , NIKOLOUDAKI X. , COTOU E. , HENRY M. , VARO I. , ALEXIS M. 
Published: August 2013

The distribution and depletion profile of sulfadiazine (SDZ) were investigated in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fed on fish oil (FO) or plant oil-based (PO) diets. Fish averaging 230 g were given medicated feed containing 25 mg SDZ kg-1 fish for 5 days at 24-26oC. Blood and muscle plus skin were sampled on days 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9. Differences in plasma and fillet SDZ levels between the two groups were statistically insignificant. The maximum drug concentrations in plasma were 3.2 ± 1.9 μg mL-1 and 2.9 ± 1.2 μg mL-1 in the PO and FO groups, respectively. In post-medicated samples depletion rapidly reached concentrations close to the level of quantification at 72 h post medication. Withdrawal times to reach consumer safety levels were calculated to be 103 and 118 h for the FO and the PO groups, respectively. N4-acetylation was found to be the major metabolic pathway of SDZ in gilthead sea bream fillet accounting for 23 and 19% of the parent compound in the FO and the PO groups, respectively. Overall, alteration of the dietary lipid profile induced insignificant effects on the kinetics of SDZ. The high tissue SDZ levels during medication and the fast removal of the parent compound and its metabolites from edible tissues of gilthead sea bream reflect a promising antibacterial profile.
TNF-alpha neutralizing antibody blocks thermal sensitivity induced by compound 48/80-provoked mast cell degranulation
Authors: Chatterjea Devavani , Paredes Luisa , Martinov Tijana , Balsells Evelyn , Allen Juliann , Sykes Akilah , Ashbaugh Alyssa 
Published: August 2013

Background: Neuro-inflammatory circuits in the tissue regulate the complex pathophysiology of pain. Protective nociceptive pain serves as an early warning system against noxious environmental stimuli. Tissue-resident mast cells orchestrate the increased thermal sensitivity following injection of basic secretagogue compound 48/80 in the hind paw tissues of ND4 mice. Here we investigated the effects of pre-treatment with TNF-α neutralizing antibody on compound 48/80-provoked thermal hyperalgesia. Methods: We treated ND4 Swiss male mice with intravenous anti-TNF-α antibody or vehicle 30 minutes prior to bilateral, intra-plantar compound 48/80 administration and measured changes in the timing of hind paw withdrawal observed subsequent to mice being placed on a 51oC hotplate. We also assessed changes in tissue swelling, TNF-α gene expression and protein abundance, mast cell degranulation, and neutrophil influx in the hind paw tissue. Findings: We found that TNF-α neutralization significantly blocked thermal hyperalgesia, and reduced early tissue swelling. TNF-α neutralization had no significant effect on mast cell degranulation or neutrophil influx into the tissue, however. Moreover, no changes in TNF-α protein or mRNA levels were detected within 3 hours of administration of compound 48/80. Interpretation: The neutralizing antibodies likely target pre-formed TNF-α including that stored in the granules of tissue-resident mast cells. Pre-formed TNF-α, released upon degranulation, has immediate effects on nociceptive signaling prior to the induction of neutrophil influx. These direct effects on nociceptors are abrogated by TNF-α blockade resulting in compromised nociceptive withdrawal responses to acute, harmful environmental stimuli.
Diferencias léxicas entre el polaco y el español: los falsos amigos
Authors: Arias Gala 
Published: August 2013

LEXICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN POLISH AND SPANISH, THE FALSE FRIENDS
From the point of view of translation, false friends were more frequently studied between languages belonging to the same linguistic family or between languages where mutual translation is much more common than between Polish and Spanish. With this in mind we want to underline that the false friends issue affects all pairs of languages involved in translations. We consider it useful to let translators (and specifically future translators) know that is possible to find partial or total false friends when translating Polish into Spanish. We also want to provide a typology and a preliminary list that could be completed by translators.
¿Los usuarios de lenguas diferentes entienden y dividen el tiempo cronológico del mismo modo? – el caso del español, francés y polaco
Authors: Brzozowska-Zburzyńska Beata 
Published: August 2013

DO USERS OF DIFFERENT LANGUAGES UNDERSTAND AND DIVIDE CHRONOLOGICAL TIME IN THE SAME WAY? – A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SPANISH, FRENCH AND POLISH
We propose a comparative study on some Spanish, French and Polish, temporary expressions calling different time intervals, to check if the speakers of the three languages make the same divisions and if they perceive time in the same way. The initial hypothesis that we hold is that time is generally perceived in the three languages in a similar way, but if we compare the concrete expressions we can find differences in their function arising from cultural and sociolinguistic otherness between speakers of the three languages.