bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of
Asaia
sp. Strain SF2.1, an Important Member of the Microbiome of
Anopheles
Mosquitoes
Authors: Shane Jackie L. , Bongio Nicholas J. , Favia Guido , Lampe David J. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Asaia
spp. are abundant members of the microbiota of
Anopheles
mosquitoes, the principle vectors of malaria. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Asaia
sp. strain SF2.1. This strain is under development as a platform to deliver antimalarial peptides and proteins to adult female
Anopheles
mosquitoes.
Deaths due to injury, including violence among married Nepali women of childbearing age: a qualitative analysis of verbal autopsy narratives
Authors: Houston Kiely T , Surkan Pamela J , Katz Joanne , West Keith P , LeClerq Steven C , Christian Parul , Wu Lee , Dali Sanu M , Khatry Subarna K 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesSelf-harm and interpersonal violence are important causes of death among women in Nepal. We analysed prospectively collected data to investigate the extent and nature of injury-related deaths among married women aged 15–49 years, recorded through verbal autopsy in rural Sarlahi District, Nepal.MethodsVerbal autopsies were systematically collected on all deaths of married women of reproductive age (15–49 years) over a 3-year period (1994–1997) as part of a randomised community-based trial of maternal vitamin A and β-carotene supplementation. This analysis included a three-way comparison of verbal autopsy data: qualitative free-response narratives, closed-ended responses, and physician-assigned consensus cause of death.ResultsWe focused on 46 of 559 deaths (8.2%) that were determined to be injury-related. Of the 46, 28% were identified as intentionally self-inflicted, and 11% as intentionally inflicted by another. Inconsistencies were noted between verbal autopsy reports of causes of deaths and physician assessments. Conflicts within the family figured prominently in the narratives. Women with unstable family situations and suffering from mental illness were often described as having experienced violent deaths.ConclusionsFindings highlight that intervention efforts might be necessary especially in situations where there are poor family dynamics or mental health issues in order to prevent potential intrafamily violence and possible death. Results also point to the need for further documentation of violent deaths in rural Nepal.
Cardiorespiratory, anaesthetic and recovery effects of morphine combined with medetomidine and alfaxalone in rabbits
Authors: Navarrete‐Calvo R. , Gómez‐Villamandos R. J. , Morgaz J. , Manuel Domínguez J. , Fernández‐Sarmiento A. , Muñoz‐Rascón P. , López Villalba I. , Del Mar Granados M. 
Published: January 2014

Ten New Zealand White rabbits were used in a crossover experimental study: 200 µg/kg medetomidine and 1 (M1) or 2 mg/kg (M2) morphine were administered intramuscularly. After preoxygenation, anaesthesia was induced with alfaxalone at 10 mg/kg intravenously. The trachea was intubated and 60 per cent oxygen provided. Heart and respiratory rates (HR and RR), direct arterial pressures (APs), arterial pH (pHa), PaO2, PaCO2 and SaO2 were taken at baseline, after premedication and every 10 minutes during the 90 minutes following induction. The times to return the ear pinch, toe pinch and righting reflexes were recorded. Data were analysed using a two‐way analysis of variance and a paired samples t test. Compared to baseline values, HR, RR, APs, PaO2 and SaO2 decreased significantly after premedication in both groups. Postinduction apnoea of 20±10 with M1 and 27±18 minutes with M2 was experienced following alfaxalone administration, intermitent positive pressure ventilation was applied until spontaneous breathing efforts appeared. Cardiovascular variables, RR and pHa remained below, and PaCO2 over baseline values during the anaesthetic period. No significant differences were observed in the recovery times. Morphine at 1 or 2 mg/kg combined with medetomidine and alfaxalone in rabbits produced a suitable level of anaesthesia, although profound cardiorespiratory depression was found.
Bookmarking Target Genes in Mitosis: A Shared Epigenetic Trait of Phenotypic Transcription Factors and Oncogenes?
Authors: Zaidi Sayyed K. , Grandy Rodrigo A. , Lopez-Camacho Cesar , Montecino Martin , van Wijnen Andre J. , Lian Jane B. , Stein Janet L. , Stein Gary S. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The regulatory information for phenotype, proliferation, and growth of normal and tumor cells must be maintained through genome replication in the S phase and cell division during mitosis. Epigenetic mechanisms that include DNA methylation, posttranslational modifications of histones, selective utilization of histone variants, and inheritable RNA molecules play pivotal roles in maintaining cellular identity through mitotic divisions. Recent studies demonstrate that mitotic occupancy of genes, which are determinants of cell fate, growth, and proliferation, by lineage-restricted transcription factors is a key epigenetic mechanism for retention and transmission of cellular expression memory. Evidence is emerging for the presence of distinct transcriptional regulatory microenvironments in mitotic chromosomes in which the genes bookmarked for reactivation postmitotically reside. Importantly, some oncoproteins are present in mitotic microenvironments where they occupy target genes during mitosis and may contribute to perpetuating the transformed phenotype. We discuss emerging regulatory implications of epigenetically bookmarking genes during mitosis for physiologic control as well as for the onset and progression of cancer. Cancer Res; 74(2); 420–5. ©2014 AACR.
Urinary Tobacco Smoke–Constituent Biomarkers for Assessing Risk of Lung Cancer
Authors: Yuan Jian-Min , Butler Lesley M. , Stepanov Irina , Hecht Stephen S. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Tobacco-constituent biomarkers are metabolites of specific compounds present in tobacco or tobacco smoke. Highly reliable analytic methods, based mainly on mass spectrometry, have been developed for quantitation of these biomarkers in both urine and blood specimens. There is substantial interindividual variation in smoking-related lung cancer risk that is determined in part by individual variability in the uptake and metabolism of tobacco smoke carcinogens. Thus, by incorporating these biomarkers in epidemiologic studies, we can potentially obtain a more valid and precise measure of in vivo carcinogen dose than by using self-reported smoking history, ultimately improving the estimation of smoking-related lung cancer risk. Indeed, we have demonstrated this by using a prospective study design comparing biomarker levels in urine samples collected from smokers many years before their development of cancer versus those in their smoking counterparts without a cancer diagnosis. The following urinary metabolites were associated with lung cancer risk, independent of smoking intensity and duration: cotinine plus its glucuronide, a biomarker of nicotine uptake; 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol and its glucuronides (total NNAL), a biomarker of the tobacco carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK); and r-1-,t-2,3,c-4-tetrahydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrophenanthrene (PheT), a biomarker of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). These results provide several possible new directions for using tobacco smoke–constituent biomarkers in lung cancer prevention, including improved lung cancer risk assessment, intermediate outcome determination in prevention trials, and regulation of tobacco products. Cancer Res; 74(2); 401–11. ©2014 AACR.
Allometric Dose Retranslation Unveiled Substantial Immunological Side Effects of Granulocyte Colony–Stimulating Factor After Stroke
Authors: Wagner Daniel-Christoph , Pösel Claudia , Schulz Isabell , Schicht Gerda , Boltze Johannes , Lange Franziska , Scheibe Johanna , Möller Karoline , Weise Gesa 
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose—
Granulocyte colony–stimulating factor (GCSF) showed robust neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties after stroke in rodents but failed to meet study end points in patients. Because immunologic side effects of GCSF may have escaped preclinical testing because of nonallometric dose translation, we hypothesized those as possible reasons.

Methods—
Stroke was induced in C57BL/6 mice by 45-minute filament middle cerebral artery occlusion. GCSF was administered at 50 and 832.5 μg/kg body weight. Treatment was controlled by vehicle injection, sham surgery, and naive animals. Immune cell counts were assessed in blood, spleen, and brain by multidimensional flow cytometry 1 day after stroke.

Results—
High-dose GCSF significantly altered myeloid and T-cell subpopulations in blood and spleen and caused a tremendous increase of monocytes/macrophages infiltrating the ischemic brain.

Conclusions—
Dose-dependent immunomodulation superimposes central nervous system-specific effects of GCSF after stroke. Adaption of dose or treatment time may overcome this drawback.
Addition of Hyperacute MRI Aids in Patient Selection, Decreasing the Use of Endovascular Stroke Therapy
Authors: Wisco Dolora , Uchino Ken , Saqqur Maher , Gebel James M. , Aoki Junya , Alam Shazia , George Pravin , Newey Christopher R. , Man Shumei , Tateishi Yohei , McNeil Julie , Winfield Michelle , Cheng-Ching Esteban , Hui Ferdinand K. , Toth Gabor , Bain Mark , Rasmussen Peter A. , Masaryk Thomas , Ruggieri Paul , Hussain Muhammad Shazam 
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose—
The failure of recent trials to show the effectiveness of acute endovascular stroke therapy (EST) may be because of inadequate patient selection. We implemented a protocol to perform pretreatment MRI on patients with large-vessel occlusion eligible for EST to aid in patient selection.

Methods—
We retrospectively identified patients with large-vessel occlusion considered for EST from January 2008 to August 2012. Patients before April 30, 2010, were selected based on computed tomography/computed tomography angiography (prehyperacute protocol), whereas patients on or after April 30, 2010, were selected based on computed tomography/computed tomography angiography and MRI (hyperacute MRI protocol). Demographic, clinical features, and outcomes were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results—

We identified 267 patients: 88 patients in prehyperacute MRI period and 179 in hyperacute MRI period. Fewer patients evaluated in the hyperacute MRI period received EST (85 of 88, 96.6% versus 92 of 179, 51.7%;
P
<0.05). The hyperacute-MRI group had a more favorable outcome of a modified Rankin scale 0 to 2 at 30 days as a group (6 of 66, 9.1% versus 33 of 140, 23.6%;
P
=0.01), and when taken for EST (6 of 63, 9.5% versus 17 of 71, 23.9%;
P
=0.03). On adjusted multivariate analysis, the EST in the hyperacute MRI period was associated with a more favorable outcome (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–10.6;
P
=0.03) and reduced mortality rate (odds ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.03–0.37;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—
Implementation of hyperacute MRI protocol decreases the number of endovascular stroke interventions by half. Further investigation of MRI use for patient selection is warranted.
Cuban Agriculture and Food Sovereignty
Authors: Gürcan Efe Can 
Published: January 2014

Civil-society-centric and globalist conceptions of food sovereignty neglect the fact that food sovereignty depends not only on the counterhegemonic conquest of civil society but also on (international) political society. A comprehensive analysis of the restructuring of Cuban agriculture shows that food sovereignty policies in Cuba are built on a fourfold strategy emerging out of a state/civil-society partnership at the local, national, and regional levels: the collectivization of land through agrarian cooperatives, the socialization of urban agriculture on the basis of participatory methods, the guaranteeing of local access to food through the establishment of free agricultural markets, and the transnationalization and solidarity of agroecological movements. Los conceptos de soberanía alimenticia centrados en la sociedad civil y global descuidan el hecho de que dicha soberanía depende no sólo de la conquista de dicha sociedad sobre poderes hegemónicos sino también de la sociedad política (internacional). Un análisis exhaustivo de la reestructuración de la agricultura cubana muestra que las políticas de soberanía alimenticia en Cuba están construidas sobre una estrategia cuádruple surgida de un pacto entre el Estado y la sociedad civil a niveles local, nacional y regional: la colectivización de la tierra a través de cooperativas agrarias, la socialización de la agricultura urbana en base a métodos participativos, el acceso local garantizado a los alimentos mediante el establecimiento de los mercados agrícolas libres, y la transnacionalización y solidaridad entre movimientos agroecológicos.
Characterizing human herpes virus 6 following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Perissinotti Anthony J , Gulbis Alison , Shpall Elizabeth J , Howell Joshua 
Published: January 2014

Background Human herpes virus 6 reactivation occurs in approximately 50% of patients following hematopoietic stem cell transplant, however, the significance of human herpes virus 6 reactivation remains uncertain. Methods A retrospective study was conducted analyzing clinical data of patients testing positive for human herpes virus 6 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction following hematopoietic stem cell transplant from 1 January 1998 to 1 October 2011. Data retrieved were used to describe the clinical course and outcome of human herpes virus 6 positive hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. Results Sixty patients were identified who tested positive for human herpes virus 6 by polymerase chain reaction following hematopoietic stem cell transplant. A high proportion of patients were identified in this cohort with acute myeloid leukemia (28.3%), active disease (65%), transplanted with a matched unrelated donor (30%), ≥1 antigen mismatched (28.3%) matched unrelated donor, or an umbilical cord graft (25%), and those who received antithymocyte globulin (42.4%). Thirty-eight (63.3%) patients were treated for human herpes virus 6 with foscarnet alone or in combination with intravenous immunoglobulin, whereas 18 (30%) did not require treatment survival at Day 100 was 73.3%. Conclusion This study suggests human herpes virus 6 reactivation occurs shortly after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (median of 25 days (interquartile range, 20–31.75) after hematopoietic stem cell transplant). Many potential risk factors are described in this report. Treatment of human herpes virus 6 predominately consisted of foscarnet with or without intravenous immunoglobulin; however, treatment of human herpes virus 6 was not always warranted. Furthermore, the effect of treatment on patient outcomes is uncertain.
Pattern of and Risk Factors for Brain Microbleeds in Neurodegenerative Dementia
Authors: Olazarán Javier , Ramos Ana , Boyano Inmaculada , Alfayate Eva , Valentí Meritxell , Rábano Alberto , Álvarez-Linera Juan 
Published: January 2014

Objective: A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the prevalence, locations, and risk factors for brain microbleeds (BMBs) in neurodegenerative dementia. Methods: The database of the Alzheimer Center Reina Sofía Foundation was searched, BMBs were described, and the potential associations of BMBs were investigated using univariate statistics. Results: A total of 148 patients (age 81.6 [standard deviation 6.7], 79.1% female) were studied. Prevalence of BMBs was 44.6%. A group of patients with unusually high (ie, ≥4) number of BMBs were identified, which displayed higher number of vascular risk factors and vascular diseases. Brain microbleeds were also associated with ischemic lesions in the basal ganglia ( r = .39), clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cerebrovascular disease ( r = .33), cortical infarction ( r = .20), and antiaggregant or anticoagulant treatment duration ( r = .20). Conclusions: Brain microbleeds are associated with vascular burden and AD diagnosis in old patients with neurodegenerative dementia. More research is warranted regarding the mechanisms and potential clinical implications of these results.
Gastritis May Boost Odds of Dementia
Authors: Momtaz Yadollah Abolfathi , Hamid Tengku Aizan , Ibrahim Rahimah 
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Given the high prevalence of dementia and its devastating consequences, identifying risk factors for dementia is a public health priority. The present study aims to assess whether gastritis increases the odds of dementia. Methodology: The data for this study, consisting of 2926 community-dwelling older adults, were obtained from the National survey entitled “Mental Health and Quality of Life of Older Malaysians.” Dementia was diagnosed using the Geriatric Mental State-Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer-Assisted Taxonomy. Results: Prevalence of dementia was considerably higher among older adults with gastritis (29.5%) compared to those without gastritis (13.2%). After adjusting for age, gender, marital status, educational attainment, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes, gastritis was significantly associated with more than twice odds of dementia (adjusted odds ratio = 2.42, P < .001, 95% confidence interval = 1.68-3.49). Conclusions: The findings from this population-based observational study showing evidence that gastritis may increase the risk of dementia provide avenue for further inquiries into dementia.
Predictors of Restenosis After Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Chan R. C. , Chan Y. C. , Cheung G. C. , Cheng S. W. 
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a well-established surgical technique in stroke prophylaxis. Long-term follow-up data on restenosis or recurrent neurological symptoms in Oriental patients are unclear. Methods: Patients’ notes from 1994 to 2011 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. A total of 301 cases of CEA were identified. Results: A lower restenosis rate was associated with the use of patch and never smokers in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Use of patch and never smokers were also found to be significantly associated with longer restenosis-free survival. Use of patch and postoperative use of statin were associated with better overall survival in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Use of patch and lack of smoking history are associated with less restenosis and longer restenosis-free survival. Use of patch and use of postoperative statin improves overall survival. Although restenosis after CEA is relatively common, reintervention was rarely necessary.
Evaluation of Readmission Rates for Carotid Endarterectomy Versus Carotid Artery Stenting in the US Medicare Population
Authors: Galiñanes Edgar Luis , Dombroviskiy Viktor Y. , Hupp Colleen S. , Kruse Robin L. , Vogel Todd R. 
Published: January 2014

Objective: We evaluated rates and identified predictors of readmission in the Medicare population after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) compared to carotid artery stenting (CAS). Methods: MedPAR data (2005-2009) were used to select patients who underwent CEA or CAS (utilizing International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes). Readmission was evaluated using chi-square and multivariable logistic regression. Results: A total of 235 247 carotid interventions were performed (211 118 CEA and 24 129 CAS). Readmission rates (%) for patients undergoing CEA and CAS, respectively, were 8.84 and 11.11 (30 days; P < .0001); 13.31 and 17.98 (60 days; P < .0001); and 16.86 and 22.68 (90 days; P < .0001). Patients aged >80 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20-1.30) and patients with renal failure (OR = 1.6 95%; CI = 1.56-1.73), congestive heart failure (OR = 1.6; 95%CI = 1.57-1.73), diabetes (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.27-1.52), and CAS (OR = 1.2; 95%CI = 1.15-1.25) were more likely to be readmitted. Conclusions: Interventions for carotid artery disease had high overall readmission rates. After adjustment for comorbidities, utilization of less invasive techniques (CAS) did not result in lower readmission rates. Further evaluation is needed to determine strategies to reduce hospital readmission rates after carotid interventions.
Satisfying the needs of Japanese cancer patients: A comparative study of detailed and standard informed consent documents
Authors: Sato Keiko , Watanabe Toru , Katsumata Noriyuki , Sato Tosiya , Ohashi Yasuo 
Published: January 2014

Background Simplified informed consent forms have been successful in improving patient satisfaction and decreasing patient anxiety. However, unsolved problems remain about whether these documents improve comprehension and satisfaction of patients with standard literacy skills. Purposes To investigate whether a detailed consent form explaining the key elements of informed consent, in comparison to a standard consent form, would increase the comprehension and satisfaction of adult cancer patients. Methods Patients who were eligible for the National Surgical Adjuvant Study of Breast Cancer (protocol 01(N-SAS/BC-01)) were randomly selected to receive one of the following four versions: detailed document with graphics, detailed document without graphics, standard document with graphics, and standard document without graphics. The forms were written in plain language from the patients’ point of view. A total of 85 patients were administered questionnaires via interview to assess levels of comprehension, satisfaction, and anxiety. Results Patients demonstrated a strong understanding of information regarding treatment and research. Patient comprehension did not differ significantly between the detailed document arms and the standard document arms. Patient satisfaction level increased according to the amount of information presented in the consent form; most patients preferred the detailed document with graphics. Anxiety and accrual rates in the parent study were not affected by informed consent procedures. Limitations Findings were limited to adults who had standard literacy skills and may not be generalizable to a population with lower literacy. Conclusion Informed consent can be a significant experience for a population with standard literacy skills, as long as the document is easily comprehensible. Such information should be provided in a format that corresponds with patient needs, education levels, and preferences.
A disturbed interaction with accessory cells upon opportunistic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa contributes to an impaired IFN-γ production of NK cells in the lung during sepsis-induced immunosuppression
Authors: Pastille Eva , Pohlmann Stephanie , Wirsdörfer Florian , Reib Anna , Flohé Stefanie B 
Published: January 2014

Impaired resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced pneumonia after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), a mouse model for human polymicrobial sepsis, is associated with decreased IFN-γ, but increased IL-10, levels in the lung. We investigated the so far unknown mechanisms underlying this reduced IFN-γ synthesis in CLP mice. CD11b+ NK cells, but not T or NKT cells in the lung were impaired in IFN-γ synthesis upon challenge with Pseudomonas in vitro and in vivo after CLP. The inhibition of NK cells was independent of IL-10. IFN-γ synthesis of NK cells was only partly restored by addition of recombinant IL-12. Accessory cells including dendritic cells and alveolar macrophages were required for maximal IFN-γ secretion. But accessory cells of CLP mice suppressed the IFN-γ secretion from naive lung leukocytes. In turn, naive accessory cells were unable to restore the IFN-γ production from lung leukocytes of CLP mice. Thus, a disturbed interaction of accessory cells and NK cells is involved in the impaired IFN-γ release in response to Pseudomonas in the lung of CLP mice. Considering the importance of IFN-γ in the immune defense against bacteria the dysfunction of accessory cells and NK cells might contribute to the enhanced susceptibility to Pseudomonas after CLP.