bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual effect of Lutzomyia longipalpis saliva on Leishmania braziliensis infection is mediated by distinct saliva-induced cellular recruitment into BALB/c mice ear
Authors: Carregaro Vanessa , Costa Diego Luis , Brodskyn Claudia , Barral Aldina Maria , Barral-Netto Manuel , Cunha Fernando Q , Silva João Santana 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundLeishmaniaparasites are transmitted to their vertebrate hosts by infected Phlebotomine sand flies during the blood meal of the flies. Sand fly saliva is known to enhanceLeishmaniaspp. infection, while pre-exposure to saliva protects mice against parasitic infections. In this study, we investigated the initial inflammatory leucocyte composition induced by one or three inocula of salivary gland extract (SGE) fromLutzomyia longipalpisin the presence or absence ofLeishmania braziliensis.ResultsWe demonstrated that inoculating SGE once (SGE-1X) or three times (SGE-3X), which represented a co-inoculation or a pre-exposure to saliva, respectively, resulted in different cellular infiltrate profiles. Whereas SGE-1X led to the recruitment of all leucocytes subtypes including CD4+T cells, CD4+CD25+T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils, the immune cell profile in the SGE-3X group differed dramatically, as CD4+T cells, CD4+CD25+T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils were decreased and CD8+T cells were increased. The SGE-1X group did not show differences in the ear lesion size; however, the SGE-1X group harbored a higher number of parasites. On the other hand, the SGE-3X group demonstrated a protective effect against parasitic disease, as the parasite burden was lower even in the earlier stages of the infection, a period in which the SGE-1X group presented with larger and more severe lesions. These effects were also reflected in the cytokine profiles of both groups. Whereas the SGE-1X group presented with a substantial increase in IL-10 production, the SGE-3X group showed an increase in IFN-γ production in the draining lymph nodes. Analysis of the inflammatory cell populations present within the ear lesions, the SGE-1X group showed an increase in CD4+FOXP3+cells, whereas the CD4+FOXP3+population was reduced in the SGE-3X group. Moreover, CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells producing IFN-γ were highly detected in the ears of the SGE-3X mice prior to infection. In addition, upon treatment of SGE-3X mice with anti-IFN-γ monoclonal antibody, we observed a decrease in the protective effect of SGE-3X againstL. braziliensisinfection.ConclusionsThese results indicate that different inocula ofLutzomyia longipalpissalivary gland extract can markedly modify the cellular immune response, which is reflected in the pattern of susceptibility or resistance toLeishmania braziliensisinfection.
Behavioural and medical predictors of bacterial vaginosis recurrence among female sex workers: longitudinal analysis from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Guédou Fernand A , Van Damme Lut , Deese Jennifer , Crucitti Tania , Becker Marissa , Mirembe Florence , Solomon Suniti , Alary Michel 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Data on risk factors of recurrent bacterial vaginosis (RBV) are still scarce. We used data from female sex workers (FSW) participating in a randomized controlled microbicide trial to examine predictors of BV recurrence.

Methods
Trial’s participants with at least an episode of BV which was treated and/or followed by a negative BV result and at least one subsequent visit offering BV testing were included in the analysis. Behavioural and medical data were collected monthly while laboratory testing for STI and genital tract infections were performed quarterly. The Andersen-Gill proportional hazards model was used to determine predictors of BV recurrence both in bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results
440 women were included and the incidence rate for RBV was 20.8 recurrences/100 person-months (95% confidence interval (CI) =18.1–23.4). In the multivariate analysis controlling for the study site, recent vaginal cleansing as reported at baseline with adjusted hazard-ratio (aHR)=1.30, 95% CI = 1.02-1.64 increased the risk of BV recurrence, whereas consistent condom use (CCU) with the primary partner (aHR=0.68, 95% CI=0.49-0.93) and vaginal candidiasis (aHR=0.70, 95% CI=0.53-0.93), both treated as time-dependent variables, were associated with decreased risk of RBV.

Conclusion
This study confirms the importance of counselling high-risk women with RBV about the adverse effects of vaginal cleansing and the protective effects of condom use with all types of partners for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, including BV. More prospective studies on risk factors of BV recurrence are warranted.

Trial registration
Trial registration: NCT00153777
The natural history of secondary muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Hidas Guy , Pode Dov , Shapiro Amos , Katz Ran , Appelbaum Liat , Pizov Galina , Zorn Kevin C , Landau Ezekiel H , Duvdevani Mordechai , Gofrit Ofer N 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
The management of patients with high-grade non muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) brings diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In the current study, we sought to study the natural history of progression to "secondary" muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC)-cancer that developed during follow up of patients presenting with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Methods
Between 1998 and 2008, 760 patients were treated for bladder cancer. Primary MIBC (>=T2) tumors (present upon presentation) were diagnosed in 114 patients. All patients with high-grade NMIBC were treated with intravesical BCG. Mean follow-up was 44 months.

Results
Forty patients (6.1%) developed secondary MIBC after a mean period of 21 months from initial diagnosis of bladder cancer. The 2- and 5-year disease-specific survival rates were better for patients with secondary MIBC (90% and 56% compared to 69% and 42% for patients with primary disease, p=0.03). The Kaplan-Meier curves of the two groups were parallel but displaced by approximately 2 years.

Conclusion
In the current series, MIBC progression occurred among initially presenting patients with NMIBC in 6.1%. In most patients, the initial diagnosis of NMIBC is correct and muscle invasion occurs after a mean period of about 2 years. This supports a non-radical approach in patients with high-grade T1, Ta or Tis. Meticulous follow-up with liberal biopsy of any suspicious lesion may provide early diagnosis of invasive disease.
Factors affecting center of pressure in older adults: the Framingham Foot Study
Authors: Hagedorn Thomas J , Dufour Alyssa B , Golightly Yvonne M , Riskowski Jody L , Hillstrom Howard J , Casey Virginia A , Hannan Marian T 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlthough aberrant foot movement during gait has been associated with adverse outcomes in the lower extremities in clinical patients, few studies have analyzed population differences in foot function. The purpose of this study was to assess demographic differences in foot function in a large population‐based study of community‐dwelling adults.MethodsParticipants in this study were from the Framingham Foot Study. Walking data were collected from both feet using a Tekscan Matscan pressure mat. Foot function was characterized using the center of pressure excursion index (CPEI). T‐tests were used to assess differences between population subsets based on sex, and in men and women separately, age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity and in women, past high heel use.ResultsThere were 2111 participants included in this analysis. Significant differences in CPEI were noted by sex (p< 0.0001), by age in women (p = 0.04), and by past high heel use in women (p = 0.04).ConclusionsFoot function during gait was affected by sex, as well as by age and shoe‐wear in women, but not by BMI or physical activity. Future work will evaluate possible relations between CPEI and outcomes such as falls, sarcopenia, and lower extremity function.
Bacteremia and resistant gram-negative pathogens among under-fives in Tanzania
Authors: Christopher Alexandra , Mshana Stephen E , Kidenya Benson R , Hokororo Aldofineh , Morona Domenica 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most serious public health concerns worldwide and is increasing at an alarming rate, making daily treatment decisions more challenging. This study is aimed at identifying local bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns to avoid irrational antibiotic use, especially in settings where unguided management occurs and febrile illnesses are predominant.

Material and methods
A hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2011 to February 2012. Febrile children were serially recruited and demographic and clinical data were collected using a standardized data collection tool. A blood culture was performed and identification of the isolates was undertaken using in-house biochemical tests. Susceptibility to common antibiotics was investigated using the disc diffusion methods.

Results
Of the 1081 children admitted during the study period, 317 (29.3%) met the inclusion criteria and were recruited, of whom 195 (61.5%) and 122 (38.5%) were male and female respectively. The median age was 18 months with an interquartile range of 9 to 36 months. Of the 317 children, 251 (79.2%) were below or equal to 36 months of age. The prevalence of bacteremia was 6.6%. A higher prevalence of bacteraemia was observed in children below 36 months than in those ≥ 36 months (7.5% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.001). Predictors of bacteraemia were an axillary temperature of >38.5 °C (OR =7, 95% CI = 2.2 - 14.8, p-value = 0.0001), a positive malaria slide (OR =5, 95% CI = 3.0 - 21.2, p-value = 0.0001) and a high neutrophils’ count (OR =21 95% CI = 5.6 - 84, p-value = 0.0001). Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae accounted for 7 (33.3%) and 6 (28.6%) of all the isolates respectively. Others gram-negatives bacteria were Citrobacter spp 2 (9.5%), Enterobacter spp 1 (4.25%), Pseudomonas spp 2 (9.5%), Proteus spp 1 (4.25%) and Salmonella spp 1 (4.25%). These isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (95%), co-trimoxazole (90%), tetracycline (90%), gentamicin (80%), augmentin (80%), chloramphenicol (65%), ceftriaxone (35%), cefotaxime (35%) ciprofloxacin (30%), amikacin (30%), ceftazidime (25%) and norfloxacine (10%).

Conclusion
Multi-resistant gram-negative bacteria are the commonest cause of bacteremia in under-fives attending the Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania. A high body temperature, a positive malaria slide and a high absolute neutrophils’ count were all independent risk factors found to predict bacteremia. A higher mortality rate was observed in children with bacteraemia. Continuous epidemiological surveillance should be conducted so that a proper and effective antibiotics management can be instituted, especially in children with a high grade fever, a positive malaria slide and a high neutrophils’ count.
The prion hypothesis in Parkinson's disease: Braak to the future
Authors: Visanji Naomi P , Brooks Patricia L , Hazrati Lili-Naz , Lang Anthony E 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder typified by the presence of intraneuronal inclusions containing aggregated alpha synuclein (αsyn). The progression of parkinsonian pathology and clinical phenotype has been broadly demonstrated to follow a specific pattern, most notably described by Braak and colleagues. In more recent times it has been hypothesized that αsyn itself may be a critical factor in mediating transmission of disease pathology from one brain area to another. Here we investigate the growing body of evidence demonstrating the ability of αsyn to spread transcellularly and induce pathological aggregation affecting neurons by permissive templating and provide a critical analysis of some irregularities in the hypothesis that the progression of PD pathology may be mediated by such a prion-like process. Finally we discuss some key questions that remain unanswered which are vital to determining the potential contribution of a prion-like process to the pathogenesis of PD.
Eco-friendly synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles using Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Malarkodi Chelladurai , Rajeshkumar Shanmugam , Vanaja Mahendran , Paulkumar Kanniah , Gnanajobitha Gnanadhas , Annadurai Gurusamy 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The thrust to develop eco-friendly procedures for the production of nanoparticles arises from the extremely recent nanotechnology research. Extracellular biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles was achieved by an easy biological procedure using Klebsiella pneumoniae as the reducing agent. After exposing the gold ions to K. pneumoniae, rapid reduction of gold ions is observed foremost to the formation of gold nanoparticles in colloidal solution. UV-vis spectrum of the aqueous medium containing gold nanoparticles showed a peak around 560 nm. The crystalline nature of the particles was confirmed from an X-ray diffractometer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrograph analysis of the gold nanoparticles indicated that they were well dispersed and ranged in sizes 35 to 65 nm. The high crystalline in the FCC phase is evidenced by bright circular spots in a selected-area electron diffraction pattern and clear lattice fringes in the high-resolution TEM image. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed possible involvement of reductive groups on the surface of nanoparticles. The method exploits a cheap and easily available biomaterial not explored so far for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles.
The productivity of return migrants: the case of China’s “Sea Turtles”
Authors: Sun Wei 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Abstract
This paper explores the productivity differential between return migrants (“Sea Turtles”) and non-migrants through a case study of China’s venture capital (VC) industry. I find that even after correcting for selection bias, return venture capitalists are less productive than comparable non-migrants in targeting promising projects and/or providing value-added services. Given that the VC industry is a useful laboratory in which to look at the performance of return migrants and China’s economic development, I discuss why the presumably better human capital accumulated overseas does not translate into productivity in the Chinese market, and how related policies could reverse this situation in the long run.

JEL Codes
F22, G24, O15
Acute Hypernatremia Exerts an Inhibitory Oxytocinergic Tone That Is Associated With Anxiolytic Mood in Male Rats
Authors: Frazier Charles J. , Pati Dipanwita , Hiller Helmut , Nguyen Dan , Wang Lei , Smith Justin A. , MacFadyen Kaley , de Kloet Annette D. , Krause Eric G. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses and are associated with heightened stress responsiveness. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has garnered significant attention for its potential as a treatment for anxiety disorders; however, the mechanism mediating its effects on stress responses and anxiety is not well understood. Here we used acute hypernatremia, a stimulus that elevates brain levels of OT, to discern the central oxytocinergic pathways mediating stress responsiveness and anxiety-like behavior. Rats were rendered hypernatremic by acute administration of 2.0 M NaCl and had increased plasma sodium concentration, plasma osmolality, and Fos induction in OT-containing neurons relative to 0.15 M NaCl-treated controls. Acute hypernatremia decreased restraint-induced elevations in corticosterone and created an inhibitory oxytocinergic tone on parvocellular neurosecretory neurons within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. In contrast, evaluation of Fos immunohistochemistry determined that acute hypernatremia followed by restraint increased neuronal activation in brain regions receiving OT afferents that are also implicated in the expression of anxiety-like behavior. To determine whether these effects were predictive of altered anxiety-like behavior, rats were subjected to acute hypernatremia and then tested in the elevated plus maze. Relative to controls given 0.15 M NaCl, rats given 2.0 M NaCl spent more time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze, suggesting that acute hypernatremia is anxiolytic. Collectively the results suggest that acute elevations in plasma sodium concentration increase central levels of OT, which decreases anxiety by altering neuronal activity in hypothalamic and limbic nuclei.
Syntheses, Redox Properties, Self-Assembled Structures, and Charge-Transfer Complexes of Imidazole- and Benzimidazole-Annelated Tetrathiafulvalene Derivatives
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Yamamoto Yosuke , Yakiyama Yumi , Nakasuji Kazuhiro , Morita Yasushi 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
New tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)-type electron-donor molecules annelated with imidazole or benzimidazole moiety were designed and synthesized by the phosphite-mediated coupling reactions of imidazole- or benzimidazole-annelated 1,3-dithiole-2-thiones. The effect of imidazole-annelation on the redox properties was evaluated by theoretical calculation and electrochemical measurement, and the imidazole-annelation slightly enhances the electron-donating abilities of parent TTF and benzo-TTF skeletons. The substitution of the imidazole ring with an electron-withdrawing cyano group caused a large high potential shift of the oxidation potentials in the cyclic voltammetry and an intense intramolecular charge-transfer absorption band in the electronic spectrum. The self-assembling ability was investigated by crystal structure analysis, where solvent or counter anion mediated one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded arrays of imidazole rings were linked through π-stacks and S···S interactions to construct multidimensional networks. The donor molecules afforded weak charge-transfer complexes with tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and fully ionic complexes with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-TCNQ. In the crystal structures of TCNQ complex and iodine salt of a benzimidazole-annelated derivative, π-stacking motifs, donor–acceptor alternating stack, and π-stacking dimer, respectively, were interacted through hydrogen-bonds.
Preparation of Composite Material of Na-P1-Type Zeolite and Magnetite for Cs Decontamination
Authors: Aono Hiromichi , Tamura Kazumasa , Johan Erni , Yamauchi Rie , Yamamoto Toru , Matsue Naoto , Henmi Teruo 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
For the decontamination of radioactive 134Cs and 137Cs using magnetic collection, a new composite material consisting of a Na-P1-type zeolite and magnetite was synthesized from the waste fly-ash from thermal power stations and iron chlorides. The presence of nanosized magnetites in the polycrystalline zeolite (several micrometers) was confirmed by TEM observations. The cation-exchange capacity (CEC) and magnetic properties of these composite materials were characterized.
The Impact of New Product Introduction on Plant Productivity in the North American Automotive Industry
Authors: Gopal Anandasivam , Goyal Manu , Netessine Serguei , Reindorp Matthew 
Published: May 2013

Product launch—an event when a new product debuts for production in a plant—is an important phase in product development. But launches disrupt manufacturing operations, resulting in productivity losses. Using data from North American automotive plants from years 1999–2007, we estimate that a product launch entails an average productivity loss of 12%–15% at the plant level. This translates to a monetary loss of $42–$53 million per launch in lost productivity. We identify several ways to mitigate the decrease in productivity. Product (or mix) flexibility in the body shop is critical for reducing the productivity loss. A plant's past experiences with product launches as well as with manufacturing similar products (specifically, on the same platform as the launch product) temper the productivity losses even further. Nevertheless, there are subtle differences in the accrued learning with these two types of experiences: whereas the positive impact of platform experience persists over time, the learning accrued with launching other products in the same plant decays more quickly. Altogether, our results suggest that launching products at a flexible plant with appropriate platform experience could recover approximately $31 million per launch in lost productivity. This paper was accepted by Kamalini Ramdas, entepreneurship and innovation.
Investors' Heterogeneity and Implied Volatility Smiles
Authors: Li Tao 
Published: May 2013

Heterogeneity in beliefs and time preferences among investors make stock volatility stochastic, even though the volatility of the underlying dividend is constant. Prices of the European options written on this stock admit closed-form solutions, hence their hedging deltas. The Black–Scholes implied volatility surface, which depends on wealth distribution, investors' beliefs, and time preferences, exhibits observed patterns that are widely documented in various options markets. Along with benchmark models, the model is calibrated weekly to the S&P 500 index options from January 1996 to April 2006. It shows comparable performance to the stochastic volatility and jump model and outperforms the traders' rules and two no-arbitrage models (stochastic volatility, and stochastic volatility and stochastic interest rate) in terms of out-of-sample pricing errors. This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
Relacionamento na cadeia de abastecimento – Estudo de caso em uma pequena empresa distribuidora
Authors: Torres Jr. Alvair Silveira , RATAO BRUNO PINHEIRO 
Published: May 2013

A literatura sobre gerenciamento da cadeia de abastecimento tem considerado fundamentais a eficiência interorganizacional dos processos e a qualidade dos relacionamentos entre os agentes internos e externos à organização, objetivando o alinhamento de esforços e resultados. O presente trabalho objetiva estudar tais aspectos no interior de uma pequena empresa, explorando os elementos que envolvem alcançar resultados na sua cadeia de abastecimento em um ambiente caracterizado pelo contraste entre a informalidade ágil do pequeno negócio, porém em grande parte das vezes desestruturada, diante da formalidade profissional, eficiente, entretanto fria e calculista no seu tecnicismo. Através de uma pesquisa qualitativa de oportunidade sobre uma pequena empresa distribuidora brasileira da cidade de São Paulo, compradora cativa de um produtor de Taiwan, esta pesquisa empreendeu o método do estudo de caso simples, focando em profundidade a cadeia de abastecimento, com o intuito de analisar os relacionamentos entre a empresa, seu fornecedor e seus clientes. Foram coletados dados que apontam para a coexistência de estruturas informais e formais de relacionamento que constituíram a resposta sustentável do negócio à peculiaridade de sua cadeia de abastecimento. A conclusão aponta para uma crítica aos modelos de análise de relacionamento presentes na literatura, que não contemplam os contrastes e as peculiaridades das PME, havendo indícios para propor um processo de transição em que a informalidade deva ser modificada, porém não substituída pelo formalismo. Palavras-chave: cadeia de abastecimento, relacionamento, microempresa, PME.