bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene Deletion of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Protects Against Sepsis-Induced Cardiovascular Dysfunction and Mortality
Authors: Coquerel David , Neviere Remi , Delile Eugenie , Mulder Paul , Marechal Xavier , Montaigne David , Renet Sylvanie , Remy-Jouet Isabelle , Gomez Elodie , Henry Jean-Paul , do Rego Jean-Claude , Richard Vincent , Tamion Fabienne 
Published: February 2014

Objective—
Cardiovascular dysfunction is a major cause of mortality in patients with sepsis. Recently, we showed that gene deletion or pharmacological inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) improves endothelial dysfunction and reduces the severity of experimental heart failure. However, the cardiovascular effect of PTP1B invalidation in sepsis is unknown. Thus, we explored the beneficial therapeutic effect of PTP1B gene deletion on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiovascular dysfunction, inflammation, and mortality.

Approach and Results—

PTP1B
−/−
or wild-type mice received LPS (15 mg/kg) or vehicle followed by subcutaneous fluid resuscitation (saline, 30 mL/kg). α-1–dependent constriction and endothelium-dependent dilatation, assessed on isolated perfused mesenteric arteries, were impaired 8 hours after LPS and significantly improved in PTP1B
−/−
mice. This was associated with reduced vascular expression of interleukin1-β, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA. PTP1B gene deletion also limited LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction assessed by echocardiography, left ventricular pressure–volume curves, and in isolated perfused hearts. PTP1B
−/−
mice also displayed reduced LPS-induced cardiac expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin1-β, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and Gp91
phox
, as well as of several markers of cellular infiltration. PTP1B deficiency also reduced cardiac P38 and extracellular signal–regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 phosphorylation and increased phospholamban phosphorylation. Finally, PTP1B
−/−
mice displayed a markedly reduced LPS-induced mortality, an effect also observed using a pharmacological PTP1B inhibitor. PTP1B deletion also improved survival in a cecal ligation puncture model of sepsis.

Conclusions—
PTP1B gene deletion protects against septic shock-induced cardiovascular dysfunction and mortality, and this may be the result of the profound reduction of cardiovascular inflammation. PTP1B is an attractive target for the treatment of sepsis.
Radiation and decline of endodontid land snails in Makatea, French Polynesia
Authors: SARTORI ANDRÉ F. , GARGOMINY OLIVIER , FONTAINE BENOÎT 
Published: March 2014

The family Endodontidae Pilsbry, 1895 comprised one of the most diverse groups of indigenous land snails of Pacific Islands. However, due to anthropogenic degradation of their habitats and predation by or competition with introduced species, most members of the family are now extinct or severely endangered. Based on limited and sporadic collections, the endodontid fauna of the raised coral island of Makatea in the western Tuamotu Archipelago was known to consist of four valid species, Mautodontha (Mautodontha) daedalea (Gould, 1846), Kleokyphus callimus Solem, 1976, K. hypsus Solem, 1976 and Pseudolibera lillianae Solem, 1976, the last three of which were endemic. To these, we add 18 new species based on a reappraisal of museum collections and analysis of abundant new material collected in 2005: M. (M.) domaneschii, M. (M.) virginiae, M. (M.) harperae, M. (Garrettoconcha) aurora, M. (G.) occidentalis, M. (G.) temaoensis, M. (G.) makateaensis, M. (G.) passosi, M. (G.) spelunca, K. cowiei, P. solemi, P. matthieui, P. cookei, P. aubertdelaruei, P. extincta, P. paraminderae, P. elieporoii, and P. parva. The recently collected material also revealed new information on the morphology, intraspecific variation and distribution of the four previously known species, which are here revised and re-described. With 22 recognized taxa, the radiation of endodontids in Makatea is second in species richness only to that of Rapa Iti in the Austral Islands, from where 24 endodontids have been described. Despite intensive field work in Makatea in 2005, only M. (M.) daedalea was found alive. All other Makatean endodontids were represented solely by empty and worn shells and are probably extinct.
Finescale Dual-Doppler Analysis of Hurricane Boundary Layer Structures in Hurricane Frances (2004) at Landfall
Authors: Kosiba Karen A. , Wurman Joshua 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Two Doppler on Wheels (DOW) mobile radars collected fine-spatial-scale dual-Doppler data in the right-front quadrant and eye of Hurricane Frances (2004) as it made landfall near Stuart, Florida. A 5.7-km dual-Doppler baseline established a dual-Doppler domain south and east of Fort Pierce, Florida, encompassing a 5.5 km × 5.5 km horizontal area, with a grid spacing of 20 m, allowing for the resolution of subkilometer-scale horizontal structures and associated kinematics. Three-dimensional vector wind analyses of the boundary layer revealed the presence of linear coherent structures with a characteristic wavelength of 400–500 m near the surface that increased in size and became more cellular in shape with increasing height. Average horizontal perturbation winds were proportional to average total horizontal winds. Within the eye of the hurricane, the features lost linear coherency despite a high mean wind speed, possibly due to changes in stability. A slight decrease in the characteristic wavelength of boundary layer structures was documented as the winds cross the barrier islands east of Fort Pierce. Vertical flux of horizontal momentum caused by individual vortical structures was substantially higher than values employed in turbulence parameterization schemes, but the domain-wide average flux was substantially lower than that in individual structures, likely due to the transient nature of the most intense portions of the structures. Analysis of the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) yielded values comparable to those reported in previous observational studies over the open ocean. However, there was substantial variability in TKE within the dual-Doppler domain, emphasizing the challenge in obtaining representative samples using non-3D measurements such as dropsondes.
Reliable differentiation of Meyerozyma guilliermondii from Meyerozyma caribbica by internal transcribed spacer restriction fingerprinting
Authors: Romi Wahengbam , Keisam Santosh , Ahmed Giasuddin , Jeyaram Kumaraswamy 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background

Meyerozyma guilliermondii (anamorph Candida guilliermondii) and Meyerozyma caribbica (anamorph Candida fermentati) are closely related species of the genetically heterogenous M. guilliermondii complex. Conventional phenotypic methods frequently misidentify the species within this complex and also with other species of the Saccharomycotina CTG clade. Even the long-established sequencing of large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene remains ambiguous. We also faced similar problem during identification of yeast isolates of M. guilliermondii complex from indigenous bamboo shoot fermentation in North East India. There is a need for development of reliable and accurate identification methods for these closely related species because of their increasing importance as emerging infectious yeasts and associated biotechnological attributes.

Results
We targeted the highly variable internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and identified seven restriction enzymes through in silico analysis for differentiating M. guilliermondii from M. caribbica. Fifty five isolates of M. guilliermondii complex which could not be delineated into species-specific taxonomic ranks by API 20 C AUX and LSU rRNA gene D1/D2 sequencing were subjected to ITS-restriction fragment length polymorphism (ITS-RFLP) analysis. Taq I ITS-RFLP distinctly differentiated the isolates into M. guilliermondii (47 isolates) and M. caribbica (08 isolates) with reproducible species-specific patterns similar to the in silico prediction. The reliability of this method was validated by ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequencing, mitochondrial DNA RFLP and electrophoretic karyotyping.

Conclusions
We herein described a reliable ITS-RFLP method for distinct differentiation of frequently misidentified M. guilliermondii from M. caribbica. Even though in silico analysis differentiated other closely related species of M. guilliermondii complex from the above two species, it is yet to be confirmed by in vitro analysis using reference strains. This method can be used as a reliable tool for rapid and accurate identification of closely related species of M. guilliermondii complex and for differentiating emerging infectious yeasts of the Saccharomycotina CTG clade.
Childhood tuberculosis and its treatment outcomes in Addis Ababa: a 5-years retrospective study
Authors: Hailu Dereje , Abegaz Woldaregay Erku , Belay Mulugeta 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health problem leading to high morbidity and mortality both in adults and children. Reports on childhood TB and its treatment outcome are limited. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of TB among children in Addis Ababa.

Methods
Children registered for TB treatment over 5 years (2007 to 2011) were included in the analysis. Demographic and clinical data including treatment outcomes were extracted from TB unit registers of 23 health centers in Addis Ababa. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of poor treatment outcomes.

Results
Among 41,254 TB patients registered for treatment at the 23 health centers, 2708 (6.6%) were children. Among children with TB, the proportions of smear positive PTB, smear negative PTB and EPTB were 9.6%, 43.0% and 47.4%, respectively. Treatment outcomes were documented for 95.2% of children of whom 85.5% were successfully treated while rates of mortality and defaulting from treatment were 3.3% and 3.8%, respectively. The proportion of children with TB tested for HIV reached 88.3% during the final year of the study period compared to only 3.9% at the beginning of the study period. Mortality was significantly higher among under-five children (p < 0.001) and those with HIV co-infection (p < 0.001). On multivariate logistic regression, children 5–9 years [AOR = 2.50 (95% CI 1.67-3.74)] and 10–14 years [AOR = 2.70 (95% CI 1.86-3.91)] had a significantly higher successful treatment outcomes. On the other hand, smear positive PTB [AOR = 0.44 (95% CI 0.27-0.73), HIV co-infection (AOR = 0.49(95% CI 0.30-0.80)] and unknown HIV sero-status [AOR = 0.60 (95% CI 0.42-0.86)] were predictors of poor treatment outcomes.

Conclusion
The proportion of childhood TB in this study is lower than the national estimate. The overall treatment success rate has met the WHO target. Nonetheless, younger children (< 5 years), children with smear positive PTB and those with HIV co-infection need special attention to reduce poor treatment outcomes among children in the study area.
Main barriers to effective implementation of stroke care pathways in France: a qualitative study
Authors: Gache Kristel , Leleu Henri , Nitenberg Gérard , Woimant France , Ferrua Marie , Minvielle Etienne 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Stroke Care Pathways (SCPs) aim to improve quality of care by providing better access to stroke units, rehabilitation centres, and home care for dependent patients. The objective of this study was to identify the main barriers to effective implementation of SCPs in France.

Methods
We selected 4 types of SCPs currently implemented in France that differed in terms of geographical location, population size, socio-economic conditions, and available health care facilities. We carried out 51 semi-structured interviews of 44 key health professionals involved in these SCPs and used the interview data to (i) create a typology of the organisational barriers to effective SCP implementation by axial coding, (ii) define barrier contents by vertical coding. The typology was validated by a panel of 15 stroke care professionals.

Results
Four main barriers to effective SCP implementation were identified: lack of resources (31/44 interviewees), coordination problems among staff (14/44) and among facilities (27/44), suboptimal professional and organisational practices (16/44), and inadequate public education about stroke (13/44). Transposition of the findings onto a generic SCP highlighted alternative care options and identified 10 to 17 barriers that could disrupt continuity of care.

Conclusion
Lack of resources was considered to be the chief obstacle to effective SCP implementation. However, the main weakness of existing SCPs was poor communication and cooperation among health professionals and among facilities. We intend to use this knowledge to construct a robust set of quality indicators for use in SCP quality improvement initiatives, in comparisons between SCPs, and in the assessment of the effective implementation of clinical practice guidelines.
The mitochondrial ATPase6 gene is more susceptible to mutation than the ATPase8 gene in breast cancer patients
Authors: Ghaffarpour Massoud , Mahdian Reza , Fereidooni Forouzandeh , Kamalidehghan Behnam , Moazami Nasrin , Houshmand Massoud 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer is the most common malignancy in women throughout the world. Mitochondria play important roles in cellular energy production, free radical generation and apoptosis. Identification of mitochondrial DNA mutations and/or polymorphisms as cancer biomarkers is rapidly developing in molecular oncology research.MethodsIn this study, the DNA alterations of the mitochondrialATPase 6and8genes were investigated in 49 breast cancer patients using PCR amplification and direct DNA sequencing on mtDNA. A possible association between these variants and tumorigenesis was assessed. Furthermore, the impact of non-synonymous substitutions on the amino acid sequence was evaluated using the PolyPhen-2 software.ResultsTwenty eight distinct somatic mitochondrial DNA variants were detected in tumor tissues but not in the corresponding adjacent non-tumor tissues. Among these variants, 9 were observed for the first time in breast cancer patients. The mtDNA variants of A8384 (T7A), T8567C (I14T), G8572A (G16S), A9041G (H172R) and G9055A (A177T) showed the most significant effects probably due to damaging changes to the resulting protein. Furthermore, non-synonymous amino acid changing variants were more frequent in theATPase6gene compared to theATPase8gene.ConclusionOur results showed that theATPase6gene is more susceptible to variations in breast cancer and may play an important role in tumorigenesis by changing the energy metabolism level in cancer cells.
Mental health outcomes of mothers who conceived using fertility treatment
Authors: Raguz Nikolett , McDonald Sheila W , Metcalfe Amy , O’Quinn Candace , Tough Suzanne C 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Objective
To compare the proportion of women with self-reported depression and anxiety symptoms at four months postpartum between mothers of singletons who conceived spontaneously and mothers who conceived with the aid of fertility treatment.

Methods
The sample used for this study was drawn from The “All Our Babies Study”, a community-based prospective cohort of 1654 pregnant women who received prenatal care in Calgary, Alberta. This analysis included women utilizing fertility treatment and a randomly selected 1:2 comparison group. The data was collected via three questionnaires, two of which were mailed to the participants during pregnancy and one at four months postpartum. Symptoms of depression and anxiety at four months postpartum were measured using the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale and the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory. Secondary outcomes of parenting morale and perceived stress were also evaluated. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the population. Chi square tests and in cases of small cell sizes, Fisher Exact Tests were used to assess differences in postpartum mental health symptomatology between groups.

Results
Seventy-six participants (5.9%) conceived using a form of fertility treatment. At four months postpartum, no significant differences were observed in the proportions reporting excessive depression symptoms (2.6% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.50), anxiety (8.1% vs. 16.9%, p = 0.08) or high perceived stress scores (7.9% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.23). Women who conceived with fertility treatment were less likely to score low on parenting morale compared to women who conceived spontaneously and this was particularly evident in primiparous women (12.5% vs. 33.8%, p = 0.01). There were no group differences in proportions reporting low parenting morale in multiparous women.

Conclusion
This study suggests that at four months postpartum, the proportion of women who experience elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety or perceived stress do not differ between mothers who conceive using fertility treatment and those who conceive spontaneously. Parenting morale at four months postpartum is significantly lower in primiparous mothers conceiving spontaneously compared to those who conceive with fertility treatment.
Understanding diagnosis and management of dementia and guideline implementation in general practice: a qualitative study using the theoretical domains framework
Authors: Murphy Kerry , O’Connor Denise A , Browning Colette J , French Simon D , Michie Susan , Francis Jill J , Russell Grant M , Workman Barbara , Flicker Leon , Eccles Martin P , Green Sally E 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Dementia is a growing problem, causing substantial burden for patients, their families, and society. General practitioners (GPs) play an important role in diagnosing and managing dementia; however, there are gaps between recommended and current practice. The aim of this study was to explore GPs’ reported practice in diagnosing and managing dementia and to describe, in theoretical terms, the proposed explanations for practice that was and was not consistent with evidence-based guidelines.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs in Victoria, Australia. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) guided data collection and analysis. Interviews explored the factors hindering and enabling achievement of 13 recommended behaviours. Data were analysed using content and thematic analysis. This paper presents an in-depth description of the factors influencing two behaviours, assessing co-morbid depression using a validated tool, and conducting a formal cognitive assessment using a validated scale.

Results
A total of 30 GPs were interviewed. Most GPs reported that they did not assess for co-morbid depression using a validated tool as per recommended guidance. Barriers included the belief that depression can be adequately assessed using general clinical indicators and that validated tools provide little additional information (theoretical domain of ‘Beliefs about consequences’); discomfort in using validated tools (‘Emotion’), possibly due to limited training and confidence (‘Skills’; ‘Beliefs about capabilities’); limited awareness of the need for, and forgetting to conduct, a depression assessment (‘Knowledge’; ‘Memory, attention and decision processes’). Most reported practising in a manner consistent with the recommendation that a formal cognitive assessment using a validated scale be undertaken. Key factors enabling this were having an awareness of the need to conduct a cognitive assessment (‘Knowledge’); possessing the necessary skills and confidence (‘Skills’; ‘Beliefs about capabilities’); and having adequate time and resources (‘Environmental context and resources’).

Conclusions
This is the first study to our knowledge to use a theoretical approach to investigate the barriers and enablers to guideline-recommended diagnosis and management of dementia in general practice. It has identified key factors likely to explain GPs’ uptake of the guidelines. The results have informed the design of an intervention aimed at supporting practice change in line with dementia guidelines, which is currently being evaluated in a cluster randomised trial.
Sputum myeloperoxidase in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zhu Alling , Ge Dehai , Zhang Jingying , Teng Yue , Yuan Cheng , Huang Mao , Adcock Ian M , Barnes Peter J , Yao Xin 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundAirway inflammation, especially neutrophilic airway inflammation, is a cardinal pathophysiologic feature in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The ideal biomarkers characterizing the inflammation might have important potential clinical applications in disease assessment and therapeutic intervention. Sputum myeloperoxidase (MPO) is recognized as a marker of neutrophil activity. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine whether sputum MPO levels could reflect disease status or be regulated by regular medications for COPD.MethodsStudies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database, CINAHL andhttp://www.controlled-trials.comfor relevant reports published before September 2012. Observational studies comparing sputum MPO in COPD patients and healthy subjects or asthmatics, or within the COPD group, and studies comparing sputum MPO before and after treatment were all included. Data were independently extracted by two investigators and analyzed using STATA 10.0 software.ResultsA total of 24 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Sputum MPO levels were increased in stable COPD patients when compared with normal controls, and this increase was especially pronounced during exacerbations as compared with MPO levels during the stable state. Theophylline treatment was able to reduce MPO levels in COPD patients, while glucocorticoid treatment failed to achieve the same result.ConclusionSputum MPO might be a promising biomarker for guiding COPD management; however, further investigations are needed to confirm this.
Late preterm births: a retrospective analysis of the morbidity risk stratified for gestational age
Authors: Marrocchella Sonia , Sestilli Veronica , Indraccolo Ugo , de Rosario Filomena , Castellana Lara , Mastricci Anna Lucia , Calo’ Anna , Magaldi Rosario , Del Bianco Antongiulio , Greco Pantaleo , Matteo Maria 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Purpose
Late-preterm births are considered functionally mature but, several line of evidences suggest that, compared with term neonates, they have a higher risk of complications. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of maior clinical complications of late preterm infants born in our division, compared to those born at term.

Methods
We retrospectively analysed late preterm deliveries occurred in a twenty-months period. Late preterms were divided in 3 sub-groups according to gestational age at delivery: 34 0/6 , 35 0/6 , 36 0/6 weeks of gestation. The incidence of maior clinical complications was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed by using the Z- test.

Results
Among term deliveries 17.24% were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and 69.01% presented one major adverse outcome: 25.35% jaundice, 25.35% hypoglycemia , 11.26% RDS , 4.22% intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), 4,22% anemia. The incidence of IVH was significantly higher only at 340/6 weeks of gestation compared to term infants. The incidence of anemia and RDS was significantly higher at 34 0/6 and 35 0/6 weeks of gestation, but it was not significantly different at 36 weeks of gestation, compared to full-term infants. Finally, the incidence of hypoglycemia and jaundice results significantly higher in all the 3 sub groups of late preterms, compared to full term infants.

Conclusions
Results demostrated an increased risk of morbidity in the late preterm period. Results also showed that the gestational age at delivery of late preterms can influence the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes.