bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in children: evidence from global surveillance
Authors: Zignol Matteo , Sismanidis Charalambos , Falzon Dennis , Glaziou Philippe , Dara Masoud , Floyd Katherine 
Published: December 2012

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) can affect persons of any age, but it remains unknown whether children are more or less likely than adults to have MDR-TB.Representative drug resistance surveillance data reported to the World Health Organization between 1994 and 2011 were analysed to test the association between MDR-TB and age group (children aged <15 yearsversusadults aged ≥15 years), using odds ratios derived by logistic regression with robust standard errors.Of 85 countries with data from nationwide surveys or surveillance systems, 35 reported at least one paediatric MDR-TB case. Aggregated data on age and drug susceptibility testing for 323 046 tuberculosis cases notified in these 35 countries were analysed. Odds ratios for MDR-TB in children compared to adults varied widely between countries. In Germany, Namibia, South Africa, the UK and the USA, MDR-TB was positively associated with age <15 years. In the remaining countries no association was established.Despite the limitations intrinsic to the use of surveillance data and to the challenges of diagnosing childhood tuberculosis, our analysis suggests that proportions of MDR-TB in children and adults are similar in many settings. Of particular concern is the association found between age <15 years and MDR-TB in southern African countries with high HIV prevalence.
Accuracy of direct genomic breeding values for nationally evaluated traits in US Limousin and Simmental beef cattle
Authors: Saatchi Mahdi , Schnabel Robert D , Rolf Megan M , Taylor Jeremy F , Garrick Dorian J 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
In national evaluations, direct genomic breeding values can be considered as correlated traits to those for which phenotypes are available for traditional estimation of breeding values. For this purpose, estimates of the accuracy of direct genomic breeding values expressed as genetic correlations between traits and their respective direct genomic breeding values are required.

Methods
We derived direct genomic breeding values for 2239 registered Limousin and 2703 registered Simmental beef cattle genotyped with either the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip or the Illumina BovineHD BeadChip. For the 264 Simmental animals that were genotyped with the BovineHD BeadChip, genotypes for markers present on the BovineSNP50 BeadChip were extracted. Deregressed estimated breeding values were used as observations in weighted analyses that estimated marker effects to derive direct genomic breeding values for each breed. For each breed, genotyped individuals were clustered into five groups using K-means clustering, with the aim of increasing within-group and decreasing between-group pedigree relationships. Cross-validation was performed five times for each breed, using four groups for training and the fifth group for validation. For each trait, we then applied a weighted bivariate analysis of the direct genomic breeding values of genotyped animals from all five validation sets and their corresponding deregressed estimated breeding values to estimate variance and covariance components.

Results
After minimizing relationships between training and validation groups, estimated genetic correlations between each trait and its direct genomic breeding values ranged from 0.39 to 0.76 in Limousin and from 0.29 to 0.65 in Simmental. The efficiency of selection based on direct genomic breeding values relative to selection based on parent average information ranged from 0.68 to 1.28 in genotyped Limousin and from 0.51 to 1.44 in genotyped Simmental animals. The efficiencies were higher for 323 non-genotyped young Simmental animals, born after January 2012, and ranged from 0.60 to 2.04.

Conclusions
Direct genomic breeding values show promise for routine use by Limousin and Simmental breeders to improve the accuracy of predicted genetic merit of their animals at a young age and increase response to selection. Benefits from selecting on direct genomic breeding values are greater for breeders who use natural mating sires in their herds than for those who use artificial insemination sires. Producers with unregistered commercial Limousin and Simmental cattle could also benefit from being able to identify genetically superior animals in their herds, an opportunity that has in the past been limited to seed stock animals.
R-spondins are involved in the ovarian differentiation in a teleost, medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Authors: Zhou Linyan , Charkraborty Tapas , Yu Xiangguo , Wu Limin , Liu Gang , Mohapatra Sipra , Wang Deshou , Nagahama Yoshitaka 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
In mammals, R-spondin (Rspo), an activator of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, has been shown to be involved in ovarian differentiation. However, the role of the Rspo/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in fish gonads is still unknown.

Results
In the present study, full-length cDNAs of Rspo1, 2 and 3 were cloned from the gonads of medaka (Oryzias latipes). The deduced amino acid sequences of mRspo1-3 were shown to have a similar structural organization. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Rspo1, 2 and 3 were specifically clustered into three distinct clads. Tissue distribution revealed that three Rspo genes were abundantly expressed in the brain and ovary. Real-time PCR analysis around hatching (S33-5dah) demonstrated that three Rspo genes were specifically enhanced in female gonads from S38. In situ hybridization (ISH) analysis demonstrated that three Rspo genes were expressed in the germ cell in ovary, but not in testis. Fluorescence multi-color ISH showed that Rspo1 was expressed in both somatic cells and germ cells at 10dah. Exposure to ethinylestradiol (EE2) in XY individuals for one week dramatically enhanced the expression of three Rspo genes both at 0dah and in adulthood.

Conclusions
These results suggest that the Rspo-activating signaling pathway is involved in the ovarian differentiation and maintenance in medaka.
Stage-specific expression of protease genes in the apicomplexan parasite, Eimeria tenella
Authors: Katrib Marilyn , Ikin Rowan J , Brossier Fabien , Robinson Michelle , Slapetova Iveta , Sharman Philippa A , Walker Robert A , Belli Sabina I , Tomley Fiona M , Smith Nicholas C 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Proteases regulate pathogenesis in apicomplexan parasites but investigations of proteases have been largely confined to the asexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii. Thus, little is known about proteases in other Apicomplexa, particularly in the sexual stages. We screened the Eimeria tenella genome database for proteases, classified these into families and determined their stage specific expression.

Results
Over forty protease genes were identified in the E. tenella genome. These were distributed across aspartic (three genes), cysteine (sixteen), metallo (fourteen) and serine (twelve) proteases. Expression of at least fifteen protease genes was upregulated in merozoites including homologs of genes known to be important in host cell invasion, remodelling and egress in P. falciparum and/or T. gondii. Thirteen protease genes were specifically expressed or upregulated in gametocytes; five of these were in two families of serine proteases (S1 and S8) that are over-represented in the coccidian parasites, E. tenella and T. gondii, distinctive within the Apicomplexa because of their hard-walled oocysts. Serine protease inhibitors prevented processing of EtGAM56, a protein from E. tenella gametocytes that gives rise to tyrosine-rich peptides that are incorporated into the oocyst wall.

Conclusion

Eimeria tenella possesses a large number of protease genes. Expression of many of these genes is upregulated in asexual stages. However, expression of almost one-third of protease genes is upregulated in, or confined to gametocytes; some of these appear to be unique to the Coccidia and may play key roles in the formation of the oocyst wall, a defining feature of this group of parasites.
φX216, a P2-like bacteriophage with broad Burkholderia pseudomallei and B. malleistrain infectivity
Authors: Kvitko Brian H , Cox Christopher R , DeShazer David , Johnson Shannon L , Voorhees Kent J , Schweizer Herbert P 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background

Burkholderia pseudomallei and B. mallei are closely related Category B Select Agents of bioterrorism and the causative agents of the diseases melioidosis and glanders, respectively. Rapid phage-based diagnostic tools would greatly benefit early recognition and treatment of these diseases. There is extensive strain-to-strain variation in B. pseudomallei genome content due in part to the presence or absence of integrated prophages. Several phages have previously been isolated from B. pseudomallei lysogens, for example φK96243, φ1026b and φ52237.

Results
We have isolated a P2-like bacteriophage, φX216, which infects 78% of all B. pseudomallei strains tested. φX216 also infects B. mallei, but not other Burkholderia species, including the closely related B. thailandensis and B. oklahomensis. The nature of the φX216 host receptor remains unclear but evidence indicates that in B. mallei φX216 uses lipopolysaccharide O-antigen but a different receptor in B. pseudomallei. The 37,637 bp genome of φX216 encodes 47 predicted open reading frames and shares 99.8% pairwise identity and an identical strain host range with bacteriophage φ52237. Closely related P2-like prophages appear to be widely distributed among B. pseudomallei strains but both φX216 and φ52237 readily infect prophage carrying strains.

Conclusions
The broad strain infectivity and high specificity for B. pseudomallei and B. mallei indicate that φX216 will provide a good platform for the development of phage-based diagnostics for these bacteria.
Caregiver burden in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is more dependent on patients’ behavioral changes than physical disability: a comparative study
Authors: Lillo Patricia , Mioshi Eneida , Hodges John R 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Behavioral changes in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mirror those found in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Considering the high rate of neuropsychiatric symptoms found in ALS patients, this paper examines whether caregiver burden is associated with behavioral changes over and above the physical disability of patients with ALS, and if the presence of caregivers’ depression, anxiety and stress also impacts on caregiver burden.

Methods
140 caregivers of patients with ALS participated in a postal survey investigating patients’ neuropsychiatric symptoms (Cambridge Behaviour Inventory Revised CBI-R), motor function (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale Revised - ALSFRS-R), caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview), and caregiver mood (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale- DASS21). Seventy four percent of them were caregivers of patients with limb onset and 25.7% were caregivers of patients with bulbar onset.

Results
Moderate to severe behavioral changes were reported in 10-40% of patients with ALS. The levels of depression, anxiety and stress in the caregivers reached 20%. Burden was high in 48% of the caregivers. The strongest predictor of high caregiver burden was ALS patients’ abnormal behavior rather than physical disability, with an odds ratio of 1.4, followed by caregivers’ stress.

Conclusions
Our study has identified that behavioral changes (e.g. disinhibition, impulsivity) and caregiver stress have greater impact on caregiver burden than level and pattern of physical disability.
Risk factors for VIA positivity and determinants of screening attendances in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Kahesa Crispin , Kjaer Susanne Kruger , Ngoma Twalib , Mwaiselage Julius , Dartell Myassa , Iftner Thomas , Rasch Vibeke 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Tanzania is among the countries in the world where the cervical cancer incidence is estimated to be highest. Acknowledging an increase in the burden of cervical cancer, VIA was implemented as a regional cervical cancer screening strategy in Tanzania in 2002. With the aim of describing risk factors for VIA positivity and determinants of screening attendances in Tanzania, this paper present the results from a comparative analysis performed among women who are reached and not reached by the screening program”.

Methods
14 107 women aged 25–59 enrolled in a cervical cancer screening program in Dar es Salaam in the period 2002 – 2008. The women underwent VIA examination and took part in a structured questionnaire interview. Socioeconomic characteristics, sexual behavior, HIV status and high-risk (HR) HPV infection were determined in a subpopulation of 890 who participated and 845 who did not participate in the screening.

Results
Being widowed/separated OR=1.41 (95% CI: 1.17-1.66), of high parity OR=3.19 (95% CI: 1.84-5.48) of low education OR= 4.30 (95% CI: 3.50-5.31) and married at a young age OR=2.17 (95% CI: 1.37-3.07) were associated with being VIA positive. Women who participated in the screening were more likely to be HIV positive OR= 1.59 (95% CI. 1.14-2.25) in comparison with women who had never attended screening, while no difference was found in the prevalence of HR-HPV infection among women who had attended screening and women who had not attended screening.

Conclusion
Women who are widowed/separated, of high parity, of low education and married at a young age are more likely to be VIA positive and thus at risk of developing cervical cancer. The study further documents that a referral linkage between the HIV care and treatment program and the cervical cancer screening program is in place in the setting studied, where HIV positive were more likely to participate in the cervical cancer screening program than HIV negative women.
Lack of MMP-9 expression is a marker for poor prognosis in Dukes’ B colorectal cancer
Authors: Koskensalo Selja , Hagström Jaana , Linder Nina , Lundin Mikael , Sorsa Timo , Louhimo Johanna , Haglund Caj 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a role in cancer progression by degrading extracellular matrix and basement membranes, assisting in tumour neovascularization and in supporting immune response in cancer.

Methods
We studied the prognostic value of immunohistochemical expression of MMP-2, MMP-8, and MMP-9 in a series of 619 colorectal cancer patients using tissue microarray specimens.

Results
Of the samples, 56% were positive for MMP-2, 78% for MMP-8, and 60% for MMP-9. MMP-9 associated with low WHO grade (p < 0.001). In univariate analysis of Dukes’ B tumours, MMP-9 negativity associated with poor survival (p = 0.018), and MMP-9 positivity was an independent prognostic marker in multivariate analysis of these tumours (p = 0.034).

Conclusion
Negative MMP-9 expression can predict poor prognosis in Dukes’ B colorectal tumours and may prove useful for identifying patients, who should be offered adjuvant treatment.
The effect of community-based health management on the health of the elderly: a randomized controlled trial from China
Authors: Chao Jianqian , Wang Yimin , Xu Hui , Yu Qing , Jiang Lili , Tian Lin , Xie Wenyuan , Liu Pei 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
An aging population poses significant challenges to health care in China. Health management has been implemented to reduce the costs of care, raise health service utilization, increase health knowledge and improve quality of life. Several studies have tried to verify the effectiveness of health management in achieving these goals worldwide. However, there have been insufficient randomized control trials (RCTs) to draw reliable conclusions. The few small-scale studies conducted in China include mostly the general population rather than the elderly. Our study is designed to evaluate the impact of community-based health management on the health of the elderly through an RCT in Nanjing, China.

Methods
Two thousand four hundred participants, aged 60 or older and who gave informed consent, were randomly allocated 1:1 into management and control groups, the randomization schedule was concealed from community health service center staff until allocation. Community-based health management was applied in the former while the latter was only given usual care. After 18 months, three categories of variables (subjective grading health indices, objective health indices and health service utilization) were measured based on a questionnaire, clinical monitoring and diagnostic measurements. Differences between the two groups were assessed before and after the intervention and analyzed with t-test, χ2-test, and multiple regression analysis.

Results
Compared with the control group, the management group demonstrated improvement on the following variables (P<0.01): health knowledge score, self-evaluated psychological conditions, overall self-evaluated health conditions, diet score, physical activity duration per week, regular blood pressure monitoring, waist-to-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure and fasting blood sugar. The number of outpatient clinic visits did not differ significantly (P=0.60) between the two groups before intervention, while after intervention it was smaller in the management group than in the control group (P<0.01). However, the number of hospital admissions in the preceding 6 months was not different between the two groups even after intervention (P=0.36). Multiple regression analysis showed that gender, age, education level, chronic disease status and self-evaluated psychological conditions were important factors affecting health knowledge score, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio.

Conclusion
Community-based health management improved both subjective grading health indices, objective health indices and decreased the number of outpatient clinic visits, demonstrating effectiveness in improving elderly health.

Trial registration
ChiCTR-OCH-11001716
Reduction of multiplicity of infections but no change in msp2 genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Congolese children after introduction of artemisinin-combination therapy
Authors: Ibara-Okabande Rod , Koukouikila-Koussounda Felix , Ndounga Mathieu , Vouvoungui Jeannhey , Malonga Vladimir , Casimiro Prisca Nadine , Ibara Jean Rosaire , Sidibe Anissa , Ntoumi Francine 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
In this first study conducted after the introduction of artemisinin-combination therapy (ACT), the major objective was to evaluate Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection in isolates from Congolese children between one and nine years of age enrolled and followed up for one year. The secondary objective was to characterize the msp2 profiles of P. falciparum isolates collected from successive malaria episodes in ten children who had four or more clinical episodes during the follow up.

Methods
Three-hundred and thirteen children residing in southern part of Brazzaville participated in this study. Blood samples were obtained from all children at enrollment and checked for P. falciparum infection. Based on the one year follow-up data, two clinical groups were considered according to the number of malaria episodes presented over the follow up period: “protected”(children who did not experience any episode) and “unprotected” (those who experienced more that two episodes). Therefore, the msp2 genetic diversity of P. falciparum isolates collected at enrollment in the two groups was characterized by allele-specific nested PCR and compared. The msp2 profiles of P. falciparum isolates collected from successive malaria episodes was also characterized by allele-specific nested PCR.

Results
Forty-three percent of FC27 and fifty-seven percent of 3D7 in protected vs fifty-six percent of FC27 and forty-four percent of 3D7 in isolates from unprotected children were detected. Seven and two alleles belonging to the FC27, and six and three alleles belonging to 3D7 families were distinguished in isolates from protected and unprotected children respectively. The mean multiplicity of infection (MOI) values at inclusion for the msp2 locus was 1.29 and 1.43 for protected and unprotected children respectively. 43 isolates were obtained from the ten children who had four or more clinical episodes during the follow up. A total of 63 alleles or fragments corresponding to 57% (36/63) FC27 and 43% (27/63) 3D7 were detected. The variant 400bp of FC27 was the most prevalent. 46% (20/43), 42% (18/43), 2% (1/43) and 2% (1/43) of isolates were found to have 1, 2, 3 and 4 parasite genotypes respectively and the mean MOI was 1.78.

Conclusion
This study shows that the introduction of ACT in the Republic of Congo has reduced the MOI but not the genetic diversity of P. falciparum isolates from children living in Southern districts of Brazzaville.
Impact of apoptotic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on attenuating organ damage and reducing mortality in Rat sepsis syndrome induced by cecal puncture and ligation
Authors: Chang Chia-Lo , Leu Steve , Sung Hsin-Ching , Zhen Yen-Yi , Cho Chung-Lung , Chen Angela , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Chung Sheng-Ying , Chai Han-Tan , Sun Cheuk-Kwan , Yen Chia-Hung , Yip Hon-Kan 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
We tested whether apoptotic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (A-ADMSCs) were superior to healthy (H)-ADMSCs at attenuating organ damage and mortality in sepsis syndrome following cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).

Methods
Adult male rats were categorized into group 1 (sham control), group 2 (CLP), group 3 [CLP + H-ADMSC administered 0.5, 6, and 18 h after CLP], group 4 [CLP + A-ADMSC administered as per group 3].

Results
Circulating peak TNF-α level, at 6 h, was highest in groups 2 and 3, and higher in group 4 than group 1 (p < 0.0001). Immune reactivity (indicated by circulating and splenic helper-, cytoxic-, and regulatory-T cells) at 24 and 72 h exhibited the same pattern as TNF-α amongst the groups (all p < 0.0001). The mononuclear-cell early and late apoptosis level and organ damage parameters of liver (AST, ALT), kidney (creatinine) and lung (arterial oxygen saturation) also displayed a similar pattern to TNF-α levels (all p < 0.001). Protein levels of inflammatory (TNF-α, MMP-9, NF-κB, ICAM-1), oxidative (oxidized protein) and apoptotic (Bax, caspase-3, PARP) biomarkers were higher in groups 2 and 3 than group 1, whereas anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) biomarker was lower in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1 but anti-oxidant (GR, GPx, HO-1, NQO-1) showed an opposite way of Bcl-2; these patterns were reversed for group 4 (all p < 0.001). Mortality was highest in group 3 and higher in group 2 than group 4 than group 1 (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions
A-ADMSC therapy protected major organs from damage and improved prognosis in rats with sepsis syndrome.