bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing prevalence and incidence rates of multiple sclerosis in Kuwait
Authors: Alroughani R , Ahmed SF , Behbehani R , Khan R , Thussu A , Alexander KJ , Ashkanani A , Nagarajan V , Al-Hashel J 
Published: September 2013

Background: Kuwait was considered as low to intermediate risk area for MS. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and incidence rates of MS among Kuwaiti nationals based on 2011 population census. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2010 and April 2013 using the newly developed national MS registry in Kuwait. Patients with a diagnosis of MS according to 2010 revised McDonald criteria were identified. The crude, age- and sex-specific prevalence and incidence rates among Kuwaiti patients were calculated. Results: 1176 MS patients were identified of which 927 (78.8%) were Kuwaitis and 249 (21.2%) were expatriates. Among Kuwaiti patients, female to male ratio was 1.8:1 with a mean age of 35.40 ± 10.99 years. The prevalence rate of MS was 85.05 per 100,000 persons (95% CI: 82.80 – 87.04). There was a peak in prevalence among patients aged 30–39 years. The incidence of MS was 6.88 per 100,000 persons (95% CI 5.52–8.55). Between 2003 and 2011, the incidence increased 3.22 and 2.54 times in women and men respectively. Conclusion: Kuwait is considered a high-risk area for MS. The significant increase in prevalence and incidence rates may represent a true increase despite the improvement in case ascertainment and case definition.
The Thermostatic Model of Responsiveness in the American States
Authors: Pacheco Julianna 
Published: September 2013

AbstractDoes the thermostatic model exist in the states? Using a unique data set on state spending preferences on education and welfare, I find evidence ofdynamic policy representationanddynamic public responsiveness, but with important qualifications. As state support for spending on education or welfare increases, state expenditures increase, but only for states that are highly professional and, presumably, able to accurately gauge the preferences of residents. In other states, legislators are responding to national policy sentiment instead of specific state opinion. I find no evidence that initiative states are more responsive to state opinion. Empirical evidence for dynamic public responsiveness is more consistent across model specifications. As state expenditures on education or welfare increase, state preferences for additional spending decrease, even after controlling for federal expenditures. Finally, I find that policy representation and public responsiveness in the states are conditional on issue saliency. The results provide a more nuanced understanding about the degree of dynamic representation and responsiveness in the states and the thermostatic model more generally.
Revision MTP Arthrodesis for Failed MTP Arthroplasty
Authors: Gross Christopher E. , Hsu Andrew R. , Lin Johnny , Holmes George B. , Lee Simon 
Published: September 2013

Introduction. Although the gold standard to address hallux rigidus that fails conservative treatment is an arthrodesis, some surgeons have attempted to use arthroplasty to improve range of motion and to simulate a normal joint. When these implants do fail, a salvage MTP arthrodesis is the only surgical option for these patients. This research aims to outline various methods to arthrodese the MTP joint in salvage situations. Methods. We retrospectively looked at patients who underwent a first-MTP fusion after failure of an implant arthroplasty. All fusions involved either bone allograft or autograft and internal fixation. The patients were assessed clinically, radiographically, and with the Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal (AOFAS MTP-IP) clinical questionnaire preoperatively and postoperatively. Results. In all, 11 patients met the inclusion criteria. The average age of patients at the time of the salvage MTP arthrodesis was 57 years. The interval time between primary surgery and revision arthrodesis was on average 84.2 months. There was a high reoperation rate, with 7 operative procedures occurring per 12 arthrodeses (58%). The average time to radiographic fusion was 6.9 ± 4.8 months; 41.7% of patients had a delayed union (>6 months to fusion). Two patients had symptomatic nonunions (16.7%). All the patients had an improvement in their AOFAS MTP-IP score. Conclusion. Although salvage arthrodeses for failed arthroplasties generally have favorable satisfaction rates and are a powerful tool in treating this painful condition, they are fraught with complications. They unite slower, have a significantly higher reoperation rate, and have lower AOFAS scores than primary fusions. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV—Case series
Cost Estimation of First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy with Zidovudine/Stavudine as the Nucleoside Backbone in India
Authors: Thuppal Sowmyanarayanan V. , Karthik Rajiv , Abraham Ooriapadical C. , Wanke Christine A. , Mwamburi Mkaya , Terrin Norma , Cohen Joshua T. , Mathai Dilip , Muliyil Jayaprakash , Kang Gagandeep 
Published: September 2013

Background: In India, a zidovudine-based regimen is preferred as the first-line drug treatment for HIV, despite high rates of drug toxicity. This study estimates the treatment costs for HIV. Methods: Eligible patients were enrolled from Antiretroviral Therapy Center, Christian Medical College, India. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, medical and nonmedical expenditure, and lost income were collected. Results: Of 41 patients enrolled and followed for 6 months, HIV treatment toxicity and opportunistic infections were reported by 12 (29%) and 13 (31.7%) patients, respectively. The median total costs, direct costs, and out-of-pocket expenditure were Indian rupees (INR) 9418 (US$181), 8727 (US$168), and 7157 (US$138), respectively. Diagnostic tests accounted for 58% of the expenses. HIV treatment accounted for 34% of the median income earned INR 21 000 (US$404). Expenditure for treatment with toxicity was 44% higher than without toxicity. Conclusion: Current treatment is associated with toxicity, increasing treatment costs and imposing a significant economic burden.
Highly electronegative LDL from patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction triggers platelet activation and aggregation
Authors: Chan Hua-Chen , Ke Liang-Yin , Chu Chih-Sheng , Lee An-Sheng , Shen Ming-Yi , Cruz Miguel A. , Hsu Jing-Fang , Cheng Kai-Hung , Chan Hsiu-Chuan Bonnie , Lu Jonathan , Lai Wen-Ter , Sawamura Tatsuya , Sheu Sheng-Hsiung , Yen Jeng-Hsien , Chen Chu-Huang 
Published: September 2013

Key Points
Highly electronegative LDL (L5), which is elevated in patients with STEMI, induces platelet activation and aggregation through LOX-1. L5 may have a role in promoting thrombogenesis that leads to STEMI.
Strong population genetic structuring in an annual fish, Nothobranchius furzeri, suggests multiple savannah refugia in southern Mozambique
Authors: Bartáková Veronika , Reichard Martin , Janko Karel , Polačik Matej , Blažek Radim , Reichwald Kathrin , Cellerino Alessandro , Bryja Josef 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundIntraspecific genetic variation of African fauna has been significantly affected by pronounced climatic fluctuations in Plio-Pleistocene, but, with the exception of large mammals, very limited empirical data on diversity of natural populations are available for savanna-dwelling animals.Nothobranchius furzeriis an annual fish from south-eastern Africa, inhabiting discrete temporary savannah pools outside main river alluvia. Their dispersal is limited and population processes affecting its genetic structure are likely a combination of those affecting terrestrial and aquatic taxa.N. furzeriis a model taxon in ageing research and several populations of known geographical origin are used in laboratory studies. Here, we analysed the genetic structure, diversity, historical demography and temporal patterns of divergence in natural populations ofN. furzeriacross its entire distribution range.ResultsGenetic structure and historical demography ofN. furzeriwere analysed using a combination of mitochondrial (partial cytochromebsequences, 687 bp) and nuclear (13 microsatellites) markers in 693 fish from 36 populations. Genetic markers consistently demonstrated strong population structuring and suggested two main genetic groups associated with river basins. The split was dated to the Pliocene (>2 Mya). The northern group inhabits savannah pools across the basin of the intermittent river Chefu in south-western Mozambique and eastern Zimbabwe. The southern group (from southernmost Mozambique) is subdivided, with the River Limpopo forming a barrier (maximum divergence time 1 Mya). A strong habitat fragmentation (isolated temporary pools) is reflected in significant genetic structuring even between adjacent pools, with a major influence of genetic drift and significant isolation-by-distance. Analysis of historical demography revealed that the expansion of both groups is ongoing, supported by frequent founder effects in marginal parts of the range and evidence of secondary contact between Chefu and Limpopo populations.ConclusionsWe demonstrated: (1) ancient (pre-Pleistocene) divergence between the two mainN. furzerilineages, their recent secondary contact and lack of reproductive isolation; (2) important genetic structuring attributed to the fragmented nature of their environment and isolation-by-distance, suggesting that dispersal is limited, occurs over short distances and is not directly associated with river routes; (3) an apparent role of the River Limpopo as a barrier to dispersal and gene flow.
Parallel evolution of genome structure and transcriptional landscape in the Epsilonproteobacteria
Authors: Porcelli Ida , Reuter Mark , Pearson Bruce M , Wilhelm Thomas , van Vliet Arnoud HM 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Gene reshuffling, point mutations and horizontal gene transfer contribute to bacterial genome variation, but require the genome to rewire its transcriptional circuitry to ensure that inserted, mutated or reshuffled genes are transcribed at appropriate levels. The genomes of Epsilonproteobacteria display very low synteny, due to high levels of reshuffling and reorganisation of gene order, but still share a significant number of gene orthologs allowing comparison. Here we present the primary transcriptome of the pathogenic Epsilonproteobacterium Campylobacter jejuni, and have used this for comparative and predictive transcriptomics in the Epsilonproteobacteria.

Results
Differential RNA-sequencing using 454 sequencing technology was used to determine the primary transcriptome of C. jejuni NCTC 11168, which consists of 992 transcription start sites (TSS), which included 29 putative non-coding and stable RNAs, 266 intragenic (internal) TSS, and 206 antisense TSS. Several previously unknown features were identified in the C. jejuni transcriptional landscape, like leaderless mRNAs and potential leader peptides upstream of amino acid biosynthesis genes. A cross-species comparison of the primary transcriptomes of C. jejuni and the related Epsilonproteobacterium Helicobacter pylori highlighted a lack of conservation of operon organisation, position of intragenic and antisense promoters or leaderless mRNAs. Predictive comparisons using 40 other Epsilonproteobacterial genomes suggests that this lack of conservation of transcriptional features is common to all Epsilonproteobacterial genomes, and is associated with the absence of genome synteny in this subdivision of the Proteobacteria.

Conclusions
Both the genomes and transcriptomes of Epsilonproteobacteria are highly variable, both at the genome level by combining and division of multicistronic operons, but also on the gene level by generation or deletion of promoter sequences and 5′ untranslated regions. Regulatory features may have evolved after these species split from a common ancestor, with transcriptome rewiring compensating for changes introduced by genomic reshuffling and horizontal gene transfer.
Perturbation ofBrachypodium distachyon CELLULOSE SYNTHASE A4or7results in abnormal cell walls
Authors: Handakumbura Pubudu P , Matos Dominick A , Osmont Karen S , Harrington Michael J , Heo Kyuyoung , Kafle Kabindra , Kim Seong H , Baskin Tobias I , Hazen Samuel P 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Cellulose is an integral component of the plant cell wall and accounts for approximately forty percent of total plant biomass but understanding its mechanism of synthesis remains elusive. CELLULOSE SYNTHASE A (CESA) proteins function as catalytic subunits of a rosette-shaped complex that synthesizes cellulose at the plasma membrane. Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa) secondary wall CESA loss-of-function mutants have weak stems and irregular or thin cell walls.

Results
Here, we identify candidates for secondary wall CESAs in Brachypodium distachyon as having similar amino acid sequence and expression to those characterized in A. thaliana, namely CESA4/7/8. To functionally characterize BdCESA4 and BdCESA7, we generated loss-of-function mutants using artificial microRNA constructs, specifically targeting each gene driven by a maize (Zea mays) ubiquitin promoter. Presence of the transgenes reduced BdCESA4 and BdCESA7 transcript abundance, as well as stem area, cell wall thickness of xylem and fibers, and the amount of crystalline cellulose in the cell wall.

Conclusion
These results suggest BdCESA4 and BdCESA7 play a key role in B. distachyon secondary cell wall biosynthesis.
Identification and functional characterization of a rice NAC gene involved in the regulation of leaf senescence
Authors: Zhou Yong , Huang Weifeng , Liu Li , Chen Taiyu , Zhou Fei , Lin Yongjun 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
As the final stage of leaf development, leaf senescence may cause the decline of photosynthesis and gradual reduction of carbon assimilation, which makes it a possible limiting factor for crop yield. NACs are plant-specific transcription factors and some NACs have been confirmed to play important roles in regulating leaf senescence.

Results
In this study, we reported a member of the NAC transcription factor family named OsNAP whose expression is associated with leaf senescence, and investigated its preliminary function during the process of leaf senescence. The results of qRT-PCR showed that the OsNAP transcripts were accumulated gradually in response to leaf senescence and treatment with methyl jasmonic acid (MeJA). A subcellular localization assay indicated that OsNAP is a nuclear-localized protein. Yeast one-hybrid experiments indicated that OsNAP can bind the NAC recognition site (NACRS)-like sequence. OsNAP-overexpressing transgenic plants displayed an accelerated leaf senescence phenotype at the grain-filling stage, which might be caused by the elevated JA levels and the increased expression of the JA biosynthesis-related genes LOX2 and AOC1, and showed enhanced tolerance ability to MeJA treatment at the seedling stage. Nevertheless, the leaf senescence process was delayed in OsNAP RNAi transgenic plants with a dramatic drop in JA levels and with decreased expression levels of the JA biosynthesis-related genes AOS2, AOC1 and OPR7.

Conclusions
These results suggest that OsNAP acts as a positive regulator of leaf senescence and this regulation may occur via the JA pathway.
Upregulation of M3 muscarinic receptor inhibits cardiac hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Shu , Wang Chao , Song Haoxin , Han Hongmei , Hang Pengzhou , Jiang Yanan , Wei Lanlan , Huo Rong , Sun Lihua , Gao Xu , Lu Yanjie , Du Zhimin 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3-mAChR) is stably expressed in the myocardium, but its pathophysiological role remains largely undefined. This study aimed to investigate the role of M3-mAChR in cardiac hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods
Cardiac-specific M3-mAChR overexpression transgenic (TG) mice and rat H9c2 cardiomyoblasts with ectopic expression of M3-mAChR were established. Models of cardiac hypertrophy were induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or Ang II infusion in the mice in vivo, and by isoproterenol (ISO) or Ang II treatment of H9c2 cells in vitro. Cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by electrocardiography (ECG) measurement, hemodynamic measurement and histological analysis. mRNA and protein expression were detected by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis.

Results
M3-mAChR was upregulated in hypertrophic heart, while M2-mAChR expression did not change significantly. M3-mAChR overexpression significantly attenuated the increased expression of atrial natriuretic peptide and β-myosin heavy chain induced by Ang II both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, M3-mAChR overexpression downregulated AT1 receptor expression and inhibited the activation of MAPK signaling in the heart.

Conclusion
The upregulation of M3-mAChR during myocardial hypertrophy could relieve the hypertrophic response provoked by Ang II, and the mechanism may involve the inhibition of MAPK signaling through the downregulation of AT1 receptor.
Brachydactyly E: isolated or as a feature of a syndrome
Authors: Pereda Arrate , Garin Intza , Garcia-Barcina Maria , Gener Blanca , Beristain Elena , Ibañez Ane Miren , Perez de Nanclares Guiomar 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Brachydactyly (BD) refers to the shortening of the hands, feet or both. There are different types of BD; among them, type E (BDE) is a rare type that can present as an isolated feature or as part of more complex syndromes, such as: pseudohypopthyroidism (PHP), hypertension with BD or Bilginturan BD (HTNB), BD with mental retardation (BDMR) or BDE with short stature, PTHLH type. Each syndrome has characteristic patterns of skeletal involvement. However, brachydactyly is not a constant feature and shows a high degree of phenotypic variability. In addition, there are other syndromes that can be misdiagnosed as brachydactyly type E, some of which will also be discussed. The objective of this review is to describe some of the syndromes in which BDE is present, focusing on clinical, biochemical and genetic characteristics as features of differential diagnoses, with the aim of establishing an algorithm for their differential diagnosis. As in our experience many of these patients are recruited at Endocrinology and/or Pediatric Endocrinology Services due to their short stature, we have focused the algorithm in those steps that could mainly help these professionals.
Triterpenoid resinous metabolites from the genus Boswellia: pharmacological activities and potential species-identifying properties
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Ning Zhangchi , Lu Cheng , Zhao Siyu , Wang Jianfen , Liu Baoqin , Xu Xuegong , Liu Yuanyan 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The resinous metabolites commonly known as frankincense or olibanum are produced by trees of the genus Boswellia and have attracted increasing popularity in Western countries in the last decade for their various pharmacological activities. This review described the pharmacological specific details mainly on anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-bacterial and apoptosis-regulating activities of individual triterpenoid together with the relevant mechanism. In addition, species-characterizing triterpenic markers with the methods for their detection, bioavailability, safety and other significant properties were reviewed for further research.
Clostridium thermocellum transcriptomic profiles after exposure to furfural or heat stress
Authors: Wilson Charlotte M , Yang Shihui , Rodriguez Miguel , Ma Qin , Johnson Courtney M , Dice Lezlee , Xu Ying , Brown Steven D 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
The thermophilic anaerobe Clostridium thermocellum is a candidate consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) biocatalyst for cellulosic ethanol production. It is capable of both cellulose solubilization and its fermentation to produce lignocellulosic ethanol. Intolerance to stresses routinely encountered during industrial fermentations may hinder the commercial development of this organism. A previous C. thermocellum ethanol stress study showed that the largest transcriptomic response was in genes and proteins related to nitrogen uptake and metabolism.

Results
In this study, C. thermocellum was grown to mid-exponential phase and treated with furfural or heat to a final concentration of 3 g.L-1 or 68°C respectively to investigate general and specific physiological and regulatory stress responses. Samples were taken at 10, 30, 60 and 120 min post-shock, and from untreated control fermentations, for transcriptomic analyses and fermentation product determinations and compared to a published dataset from an ethanol stress study. Urea uptake genes were induced following furfural stress, but not to the same extent as ethanol stress and transcription from these genes was largely unaffected by heat stress. The largest transcriptomic response to furfural stress was genes for sulfate transporter subunits and enzymes in the sulfate assimilatory pathway, although these genes were also affected late in the heat and ethanol stress responses. Lactate production was higher in furfural treated culture, although the lactate dehydrogenase gene was not differentially expressed under this condition. Other redox related genes such as a copy of the rex gene, a bifunctional acetaldehyde-CoA/alcohol dehydrogenase and adjacent genes did show lower expression after furfural stress compared to the control, heat and ethanol fermentation profiles. Heat stress induced expression from chaperone related genes and overlap was observed with the responses to the other stresses. This study suggests the involvement of C. thermocellum genes with functions in oxidative stress protection, electron transfer, detoxification, sulfur and nitrogen acquisition, and DNA repair mechanisms in its stress responses and the use of different regulatory networks to coordinate and control adaptation.

Conclusions
This study has identified C. thermocellum gene regulatory motifs and aspects of physiology and gene regulation for further study. The nexus between future systems biology studies and recently developed genetic tools for C. thermocellum offers the potential for more rapid strain development and for broader insights into this organism’s physiology and regulation.
Gut Pharmacomicrobiomics: the tip of an iceberg of complex interactions between drugs and gut-associated microbes
Authors: Saad Rama , Rizkallah Mariam R , Aziz Ramy K 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The influence of resident gut microbes on xenobiotic metabolism has been investigated at different levels throughout the past five decades. However, with the advance in sequencing and pyrotagging technologies, addressing the influence of microbes on xenobiotics had to evolve from assessing direct metabolic effects on toxins and botanicals by conventional culture-based techniques to elucidating the role of community composition on drugs metabolic profiles through DNA sequence-based phylogeny and metagenomics. Following the completion of the Human Genome Project, the rapid, substantial growth of the Human Microbiome Project (HMP) opens new horizons for studying how microbiome compositional and functional variations affect drug action, fate, and toxicity (pharmacomicrobiomics), notably in the human gut. The HMP continues to characterize the microbial communities associated with the human gut, determine whether there is a common gut microbiome profile shared among healthy humans, and investigate the effect of its alterations on health. Here, we offer a glimpse into the known effects of the gut microbiota on xenobiotic metabolism, with emphasis on cases where microbiome variations lead to different therapeutic outcomes. We discuss a few examples representing how the microbiome interacts with human metabolic enzymes in the liver and intestine. In addition, we attempt to envisage a roadmap for the future implications of the HMP on therapeutics and personalized medicine.