bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of the first oligonucleotide microarray for global gene expression profiling in guinea pigs: defining the transcription signature of infectious diseases
Authors: Jain Ruchi , Dey Bappaditya , Tyagi Anil K 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
The Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is one of the most extensively used animal models to study infectious diseases. However, despite its tremendous contribution towards understanding the establishment, progression and control of a number of diseases in general and tuberculosis in particular, the lack of fully annotated guinea pig genome sequence as well as appropriate molecular reagents has severely hampered detailed genetic and immunological analysis in this animal model.

Results
By employing the cross-species hybridization technique, we have developed an oligonucleotide microarray with 44,000 features assembled from different mammalian species, which to the best of our knowledge is the first attempt to employ microarray to study the global gene expression profile in guinea pigs. To validate and demonstrate the merit of this microarray, we have studied, as an example, the expression profile of guinea pig lungs during the advanced phase of M. tuberculosis infection. A significant upregulation of 1344 genes and a marked down regulation of 1856 genes in the lungs identified a disease signature of pulmonary tuberculosis infection.

Conclusion
We report the development of first comprehensive microarray for studying the global gene expression profile in guinea pigs and validation of its usefulness with tuberculosis as a case study. An important gap in the area of infectious diseases has been addressed and a valuable molecular tool is provided to optimally harness the potential of guinea pig model to develop better vaccines and therapies against human diseases.
A comparative genomics screen identifies a Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021 sodM-like gene strongly expressed within host plant nodules
Authors: Queiroux Clothilde , Washburn Brian K , Davis Olivia M , Stewart Jamie , Brewer Tess E , Lyons Michael R , Jones Kathryn M 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
We have used the genomic data in the Integrated Microbial Genomes system of the Department of Energy’s Joint Genome Institute to make predictions about rhizobial open reading frames that play a role in nodulation of host plants. The genomic data was screened by searching for ORFs conserved in α-proteobacterial rhizobia, but not conserved in closely-related non-nitrogen-fixing α-proteobacteria.

Results
Using this approach, we identified many genes known to be involved in nodulation or nitrogen fixation, as well as several new candidate genes. We knocked out selected new genes and assayed for the presence of nodulation phenotypes and/or nodule-specific expression. One of these genes, SMc00911, is strongly expressed by bacterial cells within host plant nodules, but is expressed minimally by free-living bacterial cells. A strain carrying an insertion mutation in SMc00911 is not defective in the symbiosis with host plants, but in contrast to expectations, this mutant strain is able to out-compete the S. meliloti 1021 wild type strain for nodule occupancy in co-inoculation experiments. The SMc00911 ORF is predicted to encode a “SodM-like” (superoxide dismutase-like) protein containing a rhodanese sulfurtransferase domain at the N-terminus and a chromate-resistance superfamily domain at the C-terminus. Several other ORFs (SMb20360, SMc01562, SMc01266, SMc03964, and the SMc01424-22 operon) identified in the screen are expressed at a moderate level by bacteria within nodules, but not by free-living bacteria.

Conclusions
Based on the analysis of ORFs identified in this study, we conclude that this comparative genomics approach can identify rhizobial genes involved in the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with host plants, although none of the newly identified genes were found to be essential for this process.
Migrant workers’ occupation and healthcare-seeking preferences for TB-suspicious symptoms and other health problems: a survey among immigrant workers in Songkhla province, southern Thailand
Authors: Naing Tinzar , Geater Alan , Pungrassami Petchawan 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Much of the unskilled and semi-skilled workforce in Thailand comprises migrant workers from neighbouring countries. While, in principle, healthcare facilities in the host country are open to those migrants registered with the Ministry of Labour, their actual healthcare-seeking preferences and practices, as well as those of unregistered migrants, are not well documented. This study aimed to describe the patterns of healthcare-seeking behaviours of immigrant workers in Thailand, emphasizing healthcare practices for TB-suspicious symptoms, and to identify the role of occupation and other factors influencing these behaviours.

Methods
A survey was conducted among 614 immigrant factory workers (FW), rubber tappers (RT) and construction workers (CW), in which information was sought on socio-demography, history of illness and related healthcare-seeking behaviour. Mixed effects logistic regression modeling was employed in data analysis.

Results
Among all three occupations, self-medication was the most common way of dealing with illnesses, including the development of TB-suspicious symptoms, for which inappropriate drugs were used. Only for GI symptoms and obstetric problems did migrant workers commonly seek healthcare at modern healthcare facilities. For GI illness, FW preferred to attend the in-factory clinic and RT a private facility over government facilities owing to the quicker service and greater convenience. For RT, who were generally wealthier, the higher cost of private treatment was not a deterrent. CW preferentially chose a government healthcare facility for their GI problems. For obstetric problems, including delivery, government facilities were utilized by RT and CW, but most FW returned to their home country. After adjusting for confounding, having legal status in the country was associated with overall greater use of government facilities and being female and being married with use of both types of modern healthcare facility. One-year estimated period prevalence of TB-suspicious symptoms was around 6% among FW but around 27% and 30% in RT and CW respectively. However, CW were the least likely to visit a modern healthcare facility for these symptoms.

Conclusions
Self medication is the predominant mode of healthcare seeking among these migrant workers. When accessing a modern healthcare facility the choice is influenced by occupation and its attendant lifestyle and socioeconomic conditions. Utilization of modern facilities could be improved by reducing the current barriers by more complete registration coverage and better provision of healthcare information, in which local vendors of the same ethnicity could play a useful role. Active surveillance for TB among migrant workers, especially CW, may lead to better TB control.
Tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis in cervical lymph nodes in oral melanoma-bearing mice
Authors: Ozasa Ryuki , Ohno Jun , Iwahashi Teruaki , Taniguchi Kunihisa 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
Metastasis via the lymphatic system is promoted by lymphangiogenesis. Alterations of the lymphatic channels during the progression of metastasis to regional lymph nodes (LNs) remain unexplored. To examine whether tumor-induced LN lymphangiogenesis controls metastasis to regional LNs, we investigated cervical LN metastasis in a mouse model of oral melanoma.

Methods
Injection of B16F10 melanoma cells into mouse tongues replicated spontaneous cervical LN metastasis. We performed histological, immunofluorescent, and histomorphometric analyses of tumor-reactive lymphadenopathy and lymphangiogenesis in tumor-associated LNs. We investigated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and its receptor, VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3), in tumor cells and tissues, and LNs by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence.

Results
Tumor-associated LNs comprised sentinel LNs (SLNs) before and after tumor cell invasion (tumor-bearing SLNs), and LNs adjacent or contralateral to tumor-bearing SLNs. Extensive lymphangiogenesis appeared in SLNs before evidence of metastasis. After metastasis was established in SLNs, both LNs adjacent and contralateral to tumor-bearing SLNs demonstrated lymphangiogenesis. Interaction between VEGF-C-positive melanoma cells and VEGFR-3-positive lymphatic vessels was evident in tumor-associated LNs.

Conclusions
LN lymphangiogenesis contributes a progression of tumor metastasis from SLNs to other regional LNs.
Glycemic variability and glucose complexity in critically ill patients: a retrospective analysis of continuous glucose monitoring data
Authors: Brunner Richard , Adelsmayr Gabriel , Herkner Harald , Madl Christian , Holzinger Ulrike 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Glycemic variability as a marker of endogenous and exogenous factors, and glucose complexity as a marker of endogenous glucose regulation are independent predictors of mortality in critically ill patients. We evaluated the impact of real time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on glycemic variability in critically ill patients on intensive insulin therapy (IIT), and investigated glucose complexity - calculated using detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) - in ICU survivors and non-survivors.

Methods
Retrospective analysis were conducted of two prospective, randomized, controlled trials in which 174 critically ill patients either received IIT according to a real-time CGM system (n = 63) or according to an algorithm (n = 111) guided by selective arterial blood glucose measurements with simultaneously blinded CGM for 72 hours. Standard deviation, glucose lability index and mean daily delta glucose as markers of glycemic variability, as well as glucose complexity and mean glucose were calculated.

Results
Glycemic variability measures were comparable between the real time CGM group (n = 63) and the controls (n = 111). Glucose complexity was significantly lower (higher DFA) in ICU non-survivors (n = 36) compared to survivors (n = 138) (DFA: 1.61 (1.46 to 1.68) versus 1.52 (1.44 to 1.58); P = 0.003). Diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with a loss of complexity (diabetic (n = 33) versus non-diabetic patients (n = 141) (DFA: 1.58 (1.48 to 1.65) versus 1.53 (1.44 to 1.59); P = 0.01).

Conclusions
IIT guided by real time CGM did not result in significantly reduced glycemic variability. Loss of glucose complexity was significantly associated with mortality and with the presence of diabetes mellitus.
Predictors of Locoregional Recurrence After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Results From Combined Analysis of National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-18 and B-27
Authors: Mamounas Eleftherios P. , Anderson Stewart J. , Dignam James J. , Bear Harry D. , Julian Thomas B. , Geyer Charles E. , Taghian Alphonse , Wickerham D. Lawrence , Wolmark Norman 
Published: October 2012

Purpose The limited information on predictors of locoregional recurrence (LRR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) has resulted in controversy about the optimal use of adjuvant radiotherapy and the timing of sentinel lymph node biopsy. Patients and Methods We examined patterns and predictors of LRR as first event in combined analysis of two National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) neoadjuvant trials. NC was either doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (AC) alone or AC followed by neoadjuvant/adjuvant docetaxel. Lumpectomy patients received breast radiotherapy alone; mastectomy patients received no radiotherapy. Pathologic complete response was defined as the absence of invasive tumor in the breast. Multivariate analyses were used to identify independent predictors of LRR. The primary end point was time to LRR as first event. Results In 3,088 patients, 335 LRR events had occurred after 10 years of follow-up. The 10-year cumulative incidence of LRR was 12.3% for mastectomy patients (8.9% local; 3.4% regional) and 10.3% for lumpectomy plus breast radiotherapy patients (8.1% local; 2.2% regional). Independent predictors of LRR in lumpectomy patients were age, clinical nodal status (before NC), and pathologic nodal status/breast tumor response; in mastectomy patients, they were clinical tumor size (before NC), clinical nodal status (before NC), and pathologic nodal status/breast tumor response. By using these independent predictors, groups at low, intermediate, and high risk of LRR could be identified. Nomograms that incorporate these independent predictors were created. Conclusion In patients treated with NC, age, clinical tumor characteristics before NC, and pathologic nodal status/breast tumor response after NC can be used to predict risk for LRR and to optimize the use of adjuvant radiotherapy.
Keynote address by John A. Lent at "Centennial Reflections on Chinese Cinema: A Generational Dialogue," Film Festival and International Symposium, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, October 7, 2000
Authors: Lent John A. 
Published: October 2012

In light of China's entry into the World Trade Organization, Chinese cinema is on the brink of a new horizon-some say, on its way to going out to the world and winning global audiences; others, on its way to Armageddon or, almost extinction.
If one thing is clear, it is that both
the optimists and pessimists have had much to say about negotiations for China's entry into the World Trade Organization. At issue has been the impending competition from Hollywood that would engulf Chinese film once trade restrictions are loosened.
Dead Man Gazing: Posthumous Voyeurism in 12 Storeys, or "Splacing" Singapore's Official and Unofficial Discourses
Authors: Lee Michael 
Published: October 2012

At first, a spirit is earthbound. Gradually, he goes on and becomes acclimatized to the unseen. After learning he goes on until at last he becomes a leader and teacher. Spiritualism is a science, not a speculation.
This is an excerpt of a sermon delivered by the husband of the late
actress Anny Ahlers, expressing his belief in life after death.2 Though speaking in a context temporally and culturally different from the focus of my paper, his remark about a ghost's ability to become "leader" and "teacher" suggests that, instead of treating spirits as
phenomena outside intellectual discourse, we may learn a thing or two from them by using some humility.
On the Hessian geometry of a real polynomial hyperbolic near infinity
Authors: Hernández Martínez Lucía Ivonne , Ortiz Rodríguez Adriana , Sánchez-Bringas Federico 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Consider a polynomial f∊R[x; y] whose Hessian curve is compact and the unbounded connected component of its complement is hyperbolic. We study the fields of asymptotic directions on this component. Thus, we determine an index formula for the field of asymptotic directions involving the number of connected components of the Hessian curve constituting the boundary of this component, and the number of the corresponding Gaussian cusps. As an application of this study we show an example of a polynomial of degree 4 with 10 Gaussian cusps. Moreover, we determine the parity of the Gaussian cusps on the boundary of the unbounded region of a graph of a polynomial.
Improvement in Adolescent Screening and Counseling Rates for Risk Behaviors and Developmental Tasks
Authors: Duncan Paula , Frankowski Barbara , Carey Peggy , Kallock Emily , Delaney Thomas , Dixon Rebecca , Garcia Ana , Shaw Judith S. 
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND:
High-quality preventive services for youth aged 11 to 18 include assessment and counseling regarding health behavior risks and developmental tasks/strengths of adolescence. Nationally, primary care health behavior risk screening and counseling rates lag consid-erably behind other preventive health services. The purpose of this project was to assist pediatric and family medicine practices to make office systems–based changes that promote comprehensive screening and counseling for risks and developmental tasks/strengths during adolescent preventive services visits.

METHODS:
Over a 9-month period, 7 pediatric and 1 family medicine primary care practices (13 physicians and 3 nurse practitioners) participated in a modified Breakthrough Series Collaborative. This project was designed to support primary care practitioner efforts to implement comprehensive screening and counseling for risk behaviors and developmental tasks/strengths for their adolescent patients and increase the rate of brief office intervention and referral. Composite variables were designed to reflect whether screening and counseling were documented for risks and developmental tasks. Statistical comparisons were made by using the nonparametric Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test.

RESULTS:
There were increases in the composite measures of screening and counseling for risk behaviors (all 6 risks: 26%–50%, P = .01) and 3 of 4 developmental tasks/strengths (32%–66%, P = .01). Documentation of office interventions for identified risks and out-of office referral rates did not change.

CONCLUSIONS:
With the use of an office systems–based approach, screening and counseling for all critical risk behaviors and developmental tasks/strengths during adolescent preventive services visits can be improved in primary care practices.
Depressive Symptoms and Neurocardiogenic Syncope in Children: A 2-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Hyphantis Thomas N. , Pappas Argiro-Irene , Vlahos Antonios P. , Carvalho André F. , Levenson James L. , Kolettis Theofilos M. 
Published: October 2012

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate prospectively the relationship between neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) and depressive symptoms in pediatric patients.METHODS:Forty-five patients (aged 12.3 ± 2.9 years) with NCS (diagnosed as ≥1 syncopal episodes with typical symptoms, reproduced by tilt-table testing, in the absence of structural or primary electrical heart disease) were compared with 45 age- and gender-matched control subjects. Assessment was performed at baseline and 2 years thereafter. Depressive symptoms and self-perception profile of participants were evaluated, along with their parents’ psychological distress, defensive profile and hostility. Family cohesion and adaptability, as well as the opinion of parents and teachers on children's strengths and difficulties, were also examined.RESULTS:At baseline, patients showed more (P = .008) depressive symptoms than controls, correlating with the number of syncopal episodes, impaired relationship with parents and poor family cohesion. A conservative management strategy of NCS was adopted and psychological counseling was offered, focusing on patients with clinically significant depressive symptoms and their families. During follow-up, depressive symptoms decreased in patients (P &lt; .001), but remained stable in controls. Child-parent relationship, family cohesion and family adaptability improved at follow-up in patients. No recurrent syncope was noted during follow-up and this along with improvement in child-parent relationship were associated with depressive symptoms improvement.CONCLUSIONS:Depressive symptomatology is common in pediatric patients with NCS. Our findings call for additional investigation in larger controlled clinical interventional studies that will enhance understanding of the possible pathophysiological association between depressive symptomatology and NCS in pediatric populations.
Causal Attributions of Cleft Lip and Palate across Cultures
Authors: Mednick Lauren , Snyder Julie , Schook Carolyn , Blood Emily A. , Brown Shan-Estelle , Weatherley-White R.C.A. 
Published: October 2012

Objective To describe and compare the causal beliefs associated with cleft lips and/or palates across several different countries. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Operation Smile surgery screenings in six developing countries. Participants Two hundred seventy-nine adult patients and parents of children with cleft lips and/or palates in Kenya, Russia, Cambodia, India, Egypt, and Peru. Interventions In person interviews were conducted with interpreters. Main Outcome Measure As part of a larger study, a semistructured questionnaire was created to explore cleft perceptions, belief systems that affect these perceptions, and social reactions to individuals with clefts. Results Causal attributions were grouped by category (environment, self-blame, supernatural, chance, unknown, or other) and type of locus of control (external, internal, or unknown). Results indicate significant difference by country for both causal attribution category ( P < .001) and type ( P < .001). This difference was maintained in multivariate analyses, which controlled for differences by demographic variables between countries. Conclusions This study provides evidence that causal attributions for clefts are influenced by culture. As harmful beliefs about cause may continue to impact affected individuals and their families even after a repair, it is insufficient to provide surgical care alone. Care of the entire person must include attempts to change misinformed cultural beliefs through educating the broader community.
A National Study on Craniosynostosis Surgical Repair
Authors: Nguyen Christine , Hernandez-Boussard Tina , Khosla Rohit K. , Curtin Catherine M. 
Published: October 2012

Objective Our study aimed to use national data to assess the perioperative outcomes of craniosynostosis surgical repair. Design Data were obtained from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids Inpatient Database from 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006. Setting Community hospitals in the United States. Patients The cohort was identified using the ICD-9-CM procedure codes for craniosynostosis surgical repair (2.01, 2.03, 2.04, 2.06). Main Outcome Measures(s) We determined patient and hospital characteristics. We clustered patients by age group (7 months, 7 to 12 months, 1 to 3 years) and assessed mortality, comorbidities, mean length of stay (LOS), and total charge. We performed logistic regression with our dependent variable being longer average hospital stay: LOS > 4.2 days. Results We found 3426 patients. Average age at the time of surgery was 181 days (SD 84). Average length of stay was 4.2 days. The majority of the patients were boys (66%), white (71%), and insured (93%). Nearly all patients underwent surgery in a teaching hospital (98%) in urban centers (99%). Approximately 10% of patients experienced an acute complication, most commonly hemorrhages or hematomas and airway or respiratory failure. Patients ages 1 to 3 years had the highest rates of comorbidities and a longer LOS. Mortality rate was <1%. Conclusions Craniosynostosis surgery is safe with low rates of mortality and acute complications. LOS >4.2 appears to be associated more with comorbidities than with complications. Higher rates of comorbidities and LOS >4.2 days for patients age 1 to 3 years warrant addition research to assess potential barriers to care.
Study of macro- and micro-segregation of iridium in molybdenum single crystals after electron beam zone melting
Authors: Drápala Jaromír , Skotnicová Kateřina 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe aim of the work was to study the creation of micro- and macro-segregation of iridium in low-alloyed molybdenum single crystals after electron beam zone melting (floating zone technique) depending on various conditions of crystallization. In order to evaluate relations between the chemical inhomogeneity and structural defects and their influence on properties of single crystals, the dependence of concentration and character of distribution of admixtures under various crystallization conditions on the origin of concentration undercooling and dislocation substructure of molybdenum single crystals prepared by electron beam floating zone melting was experimentally investigated.