bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitroantimalarial susceptibility and molecular markers of drug resistance in Franceville, Gabon
Authors: Zatra Rafika , Lekana-douki Jean Bernard , Lekoulou Faustin , Bisvigou Ulrick , Ngoungou Edgard Brice , Ndouo Fousseyni S Toure 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Malaria remains a major public health problem, due largely to emergence and widespread P. falciparum drug resistance. WHO recommends artemisinine combination based therapy (ACT) to overcome P. falciparum drug resistance, but reports of declining ACT efficacy have been published. A thorough understanding of the molecular bases of P. falciparum resistance to existing drugs is therefore needed. The aims of this study were to analyze the in vitro sensitivity of P. falciparum field isolates from Franceville, Gabon, to chloroquine (CQ), mefloquine (MF), dihydroartemisinine (DHA) and monodesethylamodiaquine (MDAQ), and to investigate polymorphisms associated with drug resistance.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 53 field isolates. Field isolates sensitivity to CQ, MF, DHA and MDAQ was assessed using the colorimetric DELI test. The Pfmdr1 codons 86 and 1246, Pfcrt (haplotype codon 72 to 76) and the PfATPAse6 codons 110 and 2694 were analysed by PCR-RFLP. Associations between drug sensitivity and parasite gene polymorphisms were evaluated with the Chi square test, and routine hematological parameters were analyzed with Fisher’s exact test implemented with Epinfo software. In all statistical tests, significance was assumed at p<0.05.

Results
A total of 46 P. falciparum isolates were successfully cultured in vitro and their sensitivity was tested. The proportions of isolates resistant to CQ, MF and MDAQ were 43.5%, 23.4% and 56.5%, respectively. Some isolates (23.9%) had DHA IC50 values higher than 10 nM. The median IC50 values were 71.67 (interquartile range (IQR, 1–438.2), 6.59 (IQR, 0.08-96), 64.79 (IQR, 0.09-448) and 6.45 nM (IQR, 0.09-23) for CQ, MF, MDAQ and DHA, respectively. The strongest correlation between diminished DHA sensitivity and MF resistance was observed (r2=0.73), followed by correlation between diminished DHA sensitivity and CQ resistance. Cross-resistance between CQ and MF was also observed. The prevalence of the 86Y and 1246Y mutations in Pfmdr1, 76T in Pfcrt, and 110A and 2694T in PfATPase6 was respectively 42% and 17.1%, 97.8%, and 0% and 22.2%.

Conclusion
These high levels of antimalarial drug resistance in Franceville, Gabon, call for reinforced surveillance of drug efficacy.
Testosterone deficiency causes penile fibrosis and organic erectile dysfunction in aging men. Evaluating association among Age, TDS and ED
Authors: Iacono Fabrizio , Prezioso Domenico , Ruffo Antonio , Illiano Ester , Romis Leo , Di Lauro G , Romeo Giuseppe , Amato Bruno 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Introduction
We studied the possible correlation between age, testosterone deficiency, cavernosal fibrosis and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods
47 patients with ED were enrolled between September 2010 and October 2011. IIEF-EF score, NPTR test using the Rigiscan method, total and free testosterone levels, and cavernosum biopsy were carried out on all patients. Patients aged 65 or over were defined as Old Age (OA) while patients under 65 were defined Young age (YA). The strength of the relationships found was estimated by Odds Ratio.

Results
74% of patients with values of over 52% collagen fibers in the corpora cavernosa were found to have organic ED. A significant difference was found in age, percentage of collagen fibers, testosterone levels between patients with Positive Rigiscan (PR) and Negative Rigiscan (NR). Hypotestosteronaemia increased the risk of ED with PR (OR: 21.4, 95% CI: 20.2-22.6) and in both young age patients (OR: 4.3, 95% CI: 2.4-6.2) and old age patients (OR: 15.5, 95% CI: 13.4-17.6). Moreover cavernosal fibrosis increased the risk of ED with PR in both young age patients (OR: 8.2, 95% CI: 6.4-10.0 and old age patients (OR: 24.6, 95% CI: 20.8-28.4).

Conclusions
This study demonstrates a strong association among age, testosterone deficiency, cavernosal fibrosis and ED with PR. Age, testosterone deficiency and cavernosal fibrosis are potentially correctable factors of cavernosal fibrosis and organic ED. Further, prospective studies are needed to evaluate if testosterone treatment, alone or in association with PDE5 inhibitors, may lower the risk of cavernosal fibrosis or decrease the severity the fibrosis in ED patients.
Molecular evidence for the occurrence of Japanese encephalitis virus genotype I and III infection associated with acute Encephalitis in Patients of West Bengal, India, 2010
Authors: Sarkar Arindam , Taraphdar Debjani , Mukhopadhyay Subhra Kanti , Chakrabarti Sekhar , Chatterjee Shyamalendu 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen, is the sole etiologic agent of Japanese Encephalitis (JE); a neurotropic killer disease which is one of the major causes of viral encephalitis worldwide with prime public health concern. JE was first reported in the state of West Bengal, India in 1973. Since then it is being reported every year from different districts of the state, though the vaccination has already been done. Therefore, it indicates that there might be either partial coverage of the vaccine or the emergence of mutated/new strain of JEV. Considering this fact, to understand the JEV genotype distribution, we conducted a molecular epidemiological study on a total of 135 serum/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples referred and/or collected from the clinically suspected patients with Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), admitted in different district hospitals of West Bengal, India, 2010.

Findings
JEV etiology was confirmed in 36/135 (26.6%) and 13/61 (21.3%) 2–15 days’ febrile illness samples from AES cases by analyzing Mac-ELISA followed by RT-PCR test respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete envelope gene sequences of 13 isolates showed the emergence of JEV genotype I (GI), co-circulating with genotype III (GIII).

Conclusion
This study represents the first report of JEV GI with GIII, co-circulating in West Bengal. The efficacy of the vaccine (derived from JEV GIII strain SA-14-14-2) to protect against emerging JEV GI needs careful evaluation. In future, JE outbreak is quite likely in the state, if this vaccine fails to protect sufficiently against GI of JEV.
Treatment-emergent adverse events after infusion of adherent stem cells: the MiSOT-I score for solid organ transplantation
Authors: Dillmann Johannes , Popp Felix C , Fillenberg Barbara , Zeman Florian , Eggenhofer Elke , Farkas Stefan , Scherer Marcus N , Koller Michael , Geissler Edward K , Deans Robert , Ladenheim Deborah , Loss Martin , Schlitt Hans J , Dahlke Marc H 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Cellular therapy after organ transplantation is emerging as an intriguing strategy to achieve dose reduction of classical immunosuppressive pharmacotherapy. Here, we introduce a new scoring system to assess treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of adherent stem cell therapies in the clinical setting of allogeneic liver transplantation (for example, the MiSOT-I trial Eudract CT: 2009-017795-25).

Methods
The score consists of three independent modalities (set of parameters) that focus on clinically relevant events early after intravenous or intraportal stem cell infusion: pulmonary toxicity, intraportal-infusional toxicity and systemic toxicity. For each modality, values between 0 (no TEAE) and 3 (severe TEAE) were defined. The score was validated retrospectively on a cohort of n=187 recipients of liver allografts not receiving investigational cell therapy between July 2004 and December 2010. These patients represent a control population for further trials. Score values were calculated for days 1, 4, and 10 after liver transplantation.

Results
Grade 3 events were most commonly related to the pulmonary system (3.5% of study cohort on day 4). Almost no systemic-related TEAEs were observed during the study period. The relative frequency of grade 3 events never exceeded 5% over all modalities and time points. A subgroup analysis for grade 3 patients provided no descriptors associated with severe TEAEs.

Conclusion
The MiSOT-I score provides an assessment tool to score specific adverse events that may occur after adherent stem cell therapy in the clinical setting of organ transplantation and is thus a helpful tool to conduct a safety study.
Mitochondrial pathways in sarcopenia of aging and disuse muscle atrophy
Authors: Calvani Riccardo , Joseph Anna-Maria , Adhihetty Peter J. , Miccheli Alfredo , Bossola Maurizio , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Bernabei Roberto , Marzetti Emanuele 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Muscle loss during aging and disuse is a highly prevalent and disabling condition, but knowledge about cellular pathways mediating muscle atrophy is still limited. Given the postmitotic nature of skeletal myocytes, the maintenance of cellular homeostasis relies on the efficiency of cellular quality control mechanisms. In this scenario, alterations in mitochondrial function are considered a major factor underlying sarcopenia and muscle atrophy. Damaged mitochondria are not only less bioenergetically efficient, but also generate increased amounts of reactive oxygen species, interfere with cellular quality control mechanisms, and display a greater propensity to trigger apoptosis. Thus, mitochondria stand at the crossroad of signaling pathways that regulate skeletal myocyte function and viability. Studies on these pathways have sometimes provided unexpected and counterintuitive results, which suggests that they are organized into a complex, heterarchical network that is currently insufficiently understood. Untangling the complexity of such a network will likely provide clinicians with novel and highly effective therapeutics to counter the muscle loss associated with aging and disuse. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms whereby mitochondrial dysfunction intervenes in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia and disuse atrophy, and highlight the prospect of targeting specific processes to treat these conditions.
ADAMTS: Novel proteases expressed by activated mast cells
Authors: García-Faroldi Gianni , Rönnberg Elin , Orro Adolfo , Calounova Gabriela , Guss Bengt , Lundequist Anders , Pejler Gunnar 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Here we show that mast cells (MCs) express the metalloproteases of the A
disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family, and that ADAMTS expression is influenced by MC activation. Co-culture of MCs with live Gram-positive bacteria caused a profound induction of ADAMTS-9 and -6, as well as down-regulated expression of ADAMTS-5. Similar patterns were also seen after MC activation with calcium ionophore and by immunoglobulin E receptor crosslinking. Moreover, ADAMTS-5, -6 and -9 were all induced by activation of terminally differentiated murine peritoneal MCs and in a human MC line. ADAMTS-9 up-regulation in response to immunoglobulin E receptor crosslinking was strongly dependent on Gö6976-sensitive protein kinase C and partly dependent on nuclear factor of activated T cells and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, respectively. The expression of ADAMTS-5, -6 and -9 was closely linked to MC maturation, as shown by their strong induction during the differentiation of bone marrow precursor cells into mature MCs. ADAMTS family members have been shown to possess aggrecanase activity. Accordingly, MCs were shown to express aggrecanase activity. Finally, ADAMTS-5 protein was detected in MCs by immunocytochemistry. Taken together, the present study reveals ADAMTS expression by MCs and that MC activation regulates the expression of these proteases, thus implicating the ADAMTS family of proteases in MC function.
Cubes in {0,1,...,n}3
Authors: Ionascu Eugen J. , Obando Rodrigo A. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract.The main aim of this paper is to describe a procedure for calculating the number of cubes that have coordinates in the set {0,1,...,n}. For this purpose we continue and, at the same time, revise some of the work begun in a sequence of papers about equilateral triangles and regular tetrahedra all having integer coordinates for their vertices. We adapt the code that was included in a paper by the first author and was used to calculate the number of regular tetrahedra with vertices in {0,1,...,n}
Prediction-Based Synchronized Human Motion Imitation by a Humanoid Robot
Authors: Hu Kai , Lee Dongheui 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
In this paper we propose a framework of realtime whole-body human motion imitation for humanoid robots. The approach starts with a kinematic mapping in combination with a balancing algorithm in order to ensure the dynamic constraints during different stance phases. In order to compensate for time delays in the imitation, which emerge from the required weight transfer before stance changes, we apply a machine learning approach based on Hidden Markov Models and Gaussian Regression. Once locomotion primitives are learned from demonstrations, the robot can recognize human´s current locomotion state and predict future trajectories. The proposed approaches are implemented and evaluated using a small humanoid robot NAO.
Can Robots Help to Understand Human Locomotion?
Authors: Seyfarth Andre , Grimmer Sten , Häufle Daniel F. B. , Kalveram Karl-Theodor 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
As robots are becoming increasingly powerful and consequently potentially capable of reproducing human-like movements and interactions, the question appears how these motor skills found in biology could be transferred to the technical system. Such a transfer of biological movements to robots also offers the chance to question and to improve our understanding of the underlying principles on how movements are organized in nature. For this, a new conceptual framework, a test trilogy comparing human, simulation, and robot behavior will be presented and demonstrated exemplary.
Experiences of Transgender-Related Discrimination and Implications for Health: Results From the Virginia Transgender Health Initiative Study
Authors: Bradford Judith , Reisner Sari L. , Honnold Julie A. , Xavier Jessica 
Published: November 2012

Objectives. We examined relationships between social determinants of health and experiences of transgender-related discrimination reported by transgender people in Virginia.Methods. In 2005 through 2006, 387 self-identified transgender people completed a statewide health needs assessment; 350 who completed eligibility questions were included in this examination of factors associated with experiences of discrimination in health care, employment, or housing. We fit multivariate logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations to adjust for survey modality (online vs paper).Results. Of participants, 41% (n = 143) reported experiences of transgender-related discrimination. Factors associated with transgender-related discrimination were geographic context, gender (female-to male spectrum vs male-to-female spectrum), low socioeconomic status, being a racial/ethnic minority, not having health insurance, gender transition indicators (younger age at first transgender awareness), health care needed but unable to be obtained (hormone therapy and mental health services), history of violence (sexual and physical), substance use health behaviors (tobacco and alcohol), and interpersonal factors (family support and community connectedness).Conclusions. Findings suggest that transgender Virginians experience widespread discrimination in health care, employment, and housing. Multilevel interventions are needed for transgender populations, including legal protections and training for health care providers.
Gender Role Conflict Among African American Men Who Have Sex With Men and Women: Associations With Mental Health and Sexual Risk and Disclosure Behaviors
Authors: Bingham Trista A. , Harawa Nina T. , Williams John K. 
Published: November 2012

Objectives. We investigated whether high gender role conflict (GRC; internal conflict with traditional gender-role stereotypes and an individual’s perceived need to comply with these roles) is associated with psychological distress and HIV-related risk behaviors in a sample of African American men who have sex with men and women (MSMW). Methods. We analyzed baseline data collected from questionnaires completed by 400 MSMW participating in the Men of African American Legacy Empowering Self project in Los Angeles, California, in 2007 to 2010 for associations between participants’ GRC and experiences of poor mental health and HIV risk outcomes. Results. MSMW who reported higher levels of GRC than other participants also reported more psychological distress, lower self-esteem, greater internalized homophobia, less HIV knowledge, lower risk reduction skills, less disclosure of same-sex behaviors to others, and more unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse with female partners. Conclusions. Future research should consider how high GRC affects African American MSMW’s lives and identify specific approaches to help alleviate the psychological distress and other negative behavioral outcomes associated with internal conflict caused by rigid gender role socialization.
Hepatitis C Testing, Infection, and Linkage to Care Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the United States, 2009–2010
Authors: Tohme Rania A. , Xing Jian , Liao Youlian , Holmberg Scott D. 
Published: November 2012

Objectives. We estimated rates and determinants of hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing, infection, and linkage to care among US racial/ethnic minorities. Methods. We analyzed the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Across the US Risk Factor Survey conducted in 2009–2010 (n = 53 896 minority adults). Results. Overall, 19% of respondents were tested for HCV. Only 60% of those reporting a risk factor were tested, with much lower rates among Asians reporting injection drug use (40%). Odds of HCV testing decreased with age and increased with higher education. Of those tested, 8.3% reported HCV infection. Respondents with income of $75 000 or more were less likely to report HCV infection than those with income less than $25 000. College-educated non-Hispanic Blacks and Asians had lower odds of HCV infection than those who did not finish high school. Of those infected, 44.4% were currently being followed by a physician, and 41.9% had taken HCV medications. Conclusions. HCV testing and linkage to care among racial/ethnic minorities are suboptimal, particularly among those reporting HCV risk factors. Socioeconomic factors were significant determinants of HCV testing, infection, and access to care. Future HCV testing and prevention activities should be directed toward racial/ethnic minorities, particularly those of low socioeconomic status.
Adaptive Bayesian Randomized Trials: Realizing Their Potential
Authors: Pullenayegum Eleanor M. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract:
Bayesian adaptive designs offer the flexibility to adapt the conduct of a trial in response to accumulating evidence. This ability of the trial to adapt is especially appealing when studying an intervention that evolves rapidly. Examples of design adaptations include dropping arms from a study, sample size re-estimation, or stopping a trial early. The choice of adaptive design must match the objectives of the trial, and this paper gives examples of designs suitable for exploratory trials, explanatory trials, and trials assessing cost-effectiveness.
The Changing Landscape of Product Development and Randomized Trials
Authors: Stengel Dirk 
Published: November 2012

Abstract:
Controversy exists about whether or not similar standards apply to the clinical evaluation of orthopaedic implants and pharmaceuticals. The long-lasting dispute is likely to be abandoned shortly, given that certain regulatory bodies in Europe now mandate proof of effectiveness by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) prior to market approval of innovative devices. This is a timely signal—it will help to strengthen both the credibility of orthopaedic researchers among all health-care disciplines and the role of manufacturers as creative minds and scientific partners. Yet, it must be accompanied by substantial changes in the current trial landscape.
Given the level of perfection of available orthopaedic technology, superiority of a new product over an established standard will become a rare finding. Noninferiority or equivalence must be accepted as important trial results by investigators, sponsors, clinicians, and health authorities to enhance the spectrum of therapeutic options and help to individualize patient care.
Specific problems are slow recruitment rates and long intervals from the protocol stage to publication of results. This may counteract the innovative potential of a novel product. Pragmatic trial designs, lean but complete documentation, limited but precise end points, the avoidance of competing trials, and the fostering of international collaboration are possible ways to streamline clinical trials of orthopaedic devices. Finally, RCTs should be conducted, conditional to the presumed level of innovation of a new implant, and supplemented by data from registries to fully determine the utility, value, and safety of the intervention.
Ethical Issues in the Design of Randomized Trials: To Sham or Not to Sham
Authors: Dowrick Adam S. , Bhandari Mohit 
Published: November 2012

Abstract:
The placebo effect is based on the expectations of the patient regarding the effectiveness of the treatment. The high levels of stress and rituals involved with surgery can lead to a strong placebo effect. However, the ethical principles of performing sham surgery to measure any placebo effect have been questioned, and sham-controlled surgical trials are rarely conducted. While there are a number of ethical principles that must be considered to justify the implementation of a sham-controlled surgical clinical trial, four areas deserve particular attention: equipoise, risk minimization, informed consent, and deception. Particularly in orthopaedics, where equipoise is common, sham-controlled trials may be important to ensure that inferior or ineffective treatments do not become standard practice.
Comparison of Bariatric Surgical Procedures for Diabetes Remission: Efficacy and Mechanisms
Authors: Vetter Marion L. , Ritter Scott , Wadden Thomas A. , Sarwer David B. 
Published: November 2012

In BriefBariatric surgery induces a mean weight loss of 15–30% of initial body weight (depending on the procedure), as well as a 45–95% rate of diabetes remission. Procedures that induce greater weight loss are associated with higher rates of diabetes remission. Improvements in glucose homeostasis after bariatric surgery are likely mediated by a combination of caloric restriction (followed by weight loss) and the effects of altered gut anatomy on the secretion of glucoregulatory gut hormones.