bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parasite maturation and host serum iron influence the labile iron pool of erythrocyte stagePlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Clark Martha , Fisher Nancy C. , Kasthuri Raj , Cerami Hand Carla 
Published: February 2013

SummaryIron is a critical and tightly regulated nutrient for both the malaria parasite and its human host. The importance of the relationship between host iron and the parasite has been underscored recently by studies showing that host iron supplementation may increase the risk of falciparum malaria. It is unclear what host iron sources the parasite is able to access. We developed a flow cytometry‐based method for measuring the labile iron pool (LIP) of parasitized erythrocytes using the nucleic acid dyeSTYO61 and the iron sensitive dye, calcein acetoxymethyl ester (CA‐AM). This new approach enabled us to measure theLIPofP. falciparumthrough the course of its erythrocytic life cycle and in response to the addition of host serum iron sources. We found that theLIPincreases as the malaria parasite develops from early ring to late schizont stage, and that the addition of either transferrin or ferric citrate to culture media increases theLIPof trophozoites. Our method for detecting theLIPwithin malaria parasitizedRBCs provides evidence that the parasite is able to access serum iron sources as part of the host vs. parasite arms race for iron.
New advances in the diagnosis and treatment of POEMS syndrome
Authors: Li Jian , Zhou Dao‐bin 
Published: February 2013

SummaryPOEMS syndrome is a clonal plasma cell disease characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, and skin changes. Significant advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of POEMS syndrome over the last decade. Herein, the diagnostic criteria and characteristic features are reviewed, focusing the role of characteristic features in early diagnoses. Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation has become the first‐line treatment for younger patients with normal organ function. Autologous transplantation has resulted in a high response rate and durable remission. Moreover, transplantation‐related morbidity and mortality has been significantly reduced over the past 5 years. Induction therapy before transplantation may improve the harvest of stem cells and decrease transplantation‐related morbidity. Melphalan and dexamethasone is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for older patients or those with organ dysfunction. Novel agents may also offer benefits to patients with a poor performance status or renal dysfunction, and transform transplantation eligibility.
Modern management of lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Xing Katharine H. , Savage Kerry J. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryNodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) represents 5% of all Hodgkin lymphoma and has distinct clinico‐pathological features. It is typified by the presence of lymphocyte predominant cells, which are CD20+, CD15− and CD30− and are found scattered amongst small B‐lymphocytes arranged in a nodular pattern. Patients typically are males presenting with localized, peripheral lymphadenopathy. Despite frequent and often late or multiple relapses the prognosis is favourable. Deaths due to NLPHL are uncommon, but secondary malignancies and other treatment toxicities contribute appreciably to overall mortality. Secondary aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma can occur in approximately 7–14% of cases of NLPHL. Given this diseases' rarity, the optimal management is unclear and opinions differ as to whether treatment paradigms should be similar to or differ from those for classical Hodgkin lymphoma. This review provides an overview of the existing literature describing of the outcome and treatment approaches for limited and advanced stage NLPHL.
Taxonomy: no decline, but inertia
Authors: Tancoigne Elise , Dubois Alain 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe recent literature is rich in papers sounding the alarm about taxonomy. We analyzed data from the Zoological Record (1864–2010 and 1978–2010) to show that we cannot speak of a decline. The number of authors describing new species is growing, along with the number of articles describing new species and the number of new species. We also observed a growing interdisciplinarity and a change in the number of species described per author, suggesting that taxonomy is experiencing new ways of doing research. The modalities of these changes remain to be explored. It is therefore more pertinent to speak not of a decline, i.e. of a degradation relative to a previous situation, but of inadequacy relative to its objective, namely the scientific inventory and classification of the planet's living taxa.
Influence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease on the Neuropad® test performance in patients with diabetes
Authors: Aubert C. E. , Le Doeuff J. , Lajou J. , Barthelemy O. , Hartemann A. , Bourron O. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimsThe specificity of the Neuropad® test to screen for peripheral neuropathy is moderate, but this test has several advantages, such as self‐use, educative value and good sensitivity. Use of the Neuropad is usually contra‐indicated in the presence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease, a condition associated with skin dryness. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease on the performance of the Neuropad for screening peripheral neuropathy, and to compare it with the monofilament test.MethodsWe included 200 patients with diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy was defined by a neuropathy disability score ≥ 6. The Neuropad was determined as normal or abnormal at 10 and 20 min, respectively, and its performance was compared in patients with and without peripheral arterial occlusive disease diagnosed by colour duplex ultrasonography. The performances of the Neuropad and of the monofilament test were compared.ResultsPrevalences of peripheral neuropathy and of peripheral arterial occlusive disease were 15.8 and 44%, respectively. At 10 min, sensitivity and negative predictive value were high (93.8 and 95.1%), while specificity and positive predictive value were poor (23.2 and 18.9%). The Neuropad performance was not significantly different between patients with and without arteriopathy. Between 10 and 20 min, there was significant loss of sensitivity and gain in specificity. The Neuropad at 10 min was more sensitive but less specific than the monofilament test.ConclusionsThe reliability of the Neuropad is not significantly different in the presence or absence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Effect of online diabetes training for hospitalists on inpatient glycaemia
Authors: Tamler R. , Dunn A. S. , Green D. E. , Skamagas M. , Breen T. L. , Looker H. C. , LeRoith D. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimAn online diabetes course for medical residents led to lower patient blood glucose, but also increased hypoglycaemia despite improved trainee confidence and knowledge. Based on these findings, we determined whether an optimized educational intervention delivered to hospitalists (corresponding to an Acute Physician or Specialist in Acute Hospital Medicine in the UK) improved inpatient glycaemia without concomitant hypoglycaemia.MethodsAll 22 hospitalists at an academic medical centre were asked to participate in an online curriculum on the management of inpatient dysglycaemia in autumn 2009 and a refresher course in spring 2010.ResultsAll hospitalists completed the initial intervention. Median event blood glucose decreased from 9.3 mmol/l (168 mg/dl) pre‐intervention to 7.8 mmol/l (141 mg/dl) post‐intervention and 8.5 mmol/l (153 mg/dl) post‐refresher (P < 0.001 for both). Hospitalizations categorized as hyperglycaemia decreased from 83.3 to 55.6% (P = 0.014), with a trend towards euglycaemia (10–28.9%, P = 0.08) and no change in hypoglycaemia. Hyperglycaemic patient‐days decreased from 72.0 to 57.3% (P = 0.004), with greater target glycaemia (27.3–39.4%, P = 0.016) and no change in hypoglycaemia.ConclusionsAn optimized online educational intervention delivered to hospitalists yielded significant improvements in inpatient glycaemia without increased hypoglycaemia.
‘The pump was a saviour for me.’Patients' experiences of insulin pump therapy
Authors: Garmo A. , Hörnsten Å. , Leksell J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground and aimThe present study formed part of a larger study examining the potential long‐term effects of glycaemic control and treatment satisfaction in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus who changed from multiple daily insulin injections to insulin pump therapy. Individuals (n = 46) who made the transition between May 1999 and February 2004 participated. The aim of the study was to describe experiences of the impact of insulin pump therapy in adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus after > 5 years’ use of an insulin pump.MethodDuring spring 2009, 16 of the individuals were interviewed through a narrative approach on the effects of insulin pump therapy on daily life. The interviews were analysed using content analysis.ResultsThe overarching theme revealed that insulin pump therapy was experienced as both a shackle and a lifeline. Six sub‐themes emerged: subjected vs. empowered; dependent vs. autonomous; vulnerable vs. strengthened; routinized vs. flexible; burdened vs. relieved; and stigmatized vs. normalized.ConclusionsUsers of insulin pump therapy have different views about and experience of having used the technical equipment over years. Both positive and negative views emerged. However, it is difficult to identify any general trends that cover all views and can predict which individuals will be able to manage pump therapy in the best way. Even so, the sub‐themes and theme that emerged could be used by physicians and diabetes specialist nurses when counselling and planning educational programmes aimed at supporting self‐management among people with insulin pump treatment.
Relation of socio‐economic status to impaired fasting glucose and Type 2 diabetes: findings based on a large population‐based cross‐sectional study in Tianjin, China
Authors: Zhang H. , Xu W. , Dahl A. K. , Xu Z. , Wang H.‐X. , Qi X. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimsStudies on the relationship between socio‐economic status and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Chinese population are sparse. We aimed to examine the relation of socio‐economic status as represented by income, education and occupation to impaired fasting glucose, Type 2 diabetes, and the control of Type 2 diabetes in a large Chinese population.MethodsThis study included 7315 individuals who were aged 20–79 years and living in Tianjin, China. Impaired fasting glucose and Type 2 diabetes were ascertained according to the 1999 World Health Organization criteria. Data were analysed using multinomial and binary logistic regression, with adjustment for potential confounders.ResultAmong all participants, 532 (7.3%) persons had impaired fasting glucose, 688 (9.4%) persons had Type 2 diabetes, including 288 (3.9%) previously undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. In fully adjusted multinomial logistic regression, compared with higher income (≥ 2000 yuan, $243.3/month), lower income (< 1000 yuan, $121.70/month) showed odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 3.31 (2.48–4.41) for impaired fasting glucose, 4.50 (3.07–6.61) for undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes and 4.56 (3.20–6.48) for diagnosed Type 2 diabetes. These results remained significant in the analysis stratified by education and occupation. Furthermore, persons who were retired were more likely to have impaired fasting glucose [odds ratio 1.91 (1.40–2.45)], undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes [odds ratio 2.01) 1.40–2.89] and diagnosed Type 2 diabetes [odds ratio 3.02 (2.12–4.22)]. Among the patients with Type 2 diabetes previously diagnosed, lower education (less than senior high school), non‐manual work and unemployment were related to worse glycaemic control (fasting blood glucose level > 8.5 mmol/l).ConclusionsLower income and retirement are associated with increased odds of impaired fasting glucose and Type 2 diabetes in Tianjin, China. Education and occupation may play a role in glycaemic control among patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Diversity, abundance, and distribution of NO‐forming nitrite reductase–encoding genes in deep‐sea subsurface sediments of the South China Sea
Authors: Li M. , Hong Y. , Cao H. , Klotz M. G. , Gu J.‐D. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn marine ecosystems, both nitrite‐reducing bacteria and anaerobic ammonium‐oxidizing (anammox) bacteria, containing different types of NO‐forming nitrite reductase–encoding genes, contribute to the nitrogen cycle. The objectives of study were to reveal the diversity, abundance, and distribution of NO‐forming nitrite reductase–encoding genes in deep‐sea subsurface environments. Results showed that higher diversity and abundance of nirS gene than nirK and Scalindua‐nirS genes were evident in the sediments of the South China Sea (SCS), indicating bacteria containing nirS gene dominated the NO‐forming nitrite‐reducing microbial community in this ecosystem. Similar diversity and abundance distribution patterns of both nirS and Scalindua‐nirS genes were detected in this study sites, but different from nirK gene. Further statistical analyses also showed both nirS and Scalindua‐nirS genes respond similarly to environmental factors, but differed from nirK gene. These results suggest that bacteria containing nirS and Scalindua‐nirS genes share similar niche in deep‐sea subsurface sediments of the SCS, but differed from those containing nirK gene, indicating that community structures of nitrite‐reducing bacteria are segregated by the functional modules (NirS vs. NirK) rather than the competing processes (anammox vs. classical denitrification).
Minimal functional routes in directed graphs with dependent edges
Authors: Wang Rui‐Sheng , Sun Zhongyao , Albert Réka 
Published: February 2013

AbstractGraphs are mathematical structures used to model a set of objects and the relations between them. One of the basic concepts of graph theory, the path, has wide real‐world applications. In classic graph models, edges ending at a node are assumed to be independent. However, many real graphs/networks can only be correctly described by considering a dependency among nodes or edges. Paths in such graphs may not be functional if the conditional dependency is ignored. In this study, we investigate the routing problem in directed graphs with dependent edges represented by general graph models as alternatives to hypergraphs. We define a minimal functional route (MFR) as a minimal set of nodes and edges that can independently perform information transfer between two given nodes, and formulate the determination of MFRs as a graph search problem. A depth‐first‐search (DFS) top‐down algorithm, an iterative integer linear programming (ILP) bottom‐up algorithm, and a subgraph‐growing bottom‐up algorithm are devised subsequently to solve this problem. Numerical experiments verify the effectiveness of the algorithms. The defined MFR problem and the proposed algorithms are expected to find many practical applications.
Chromosomal assignment of seventeen porcine microsatellites and genes by use of a somatic cell hybrid mapping panel
Authors: Rettenberger G , Bruch J , Beattie C W , Moran C , Fries R , Hameister H 
Published: February 2013

SummarySwine‐specific sequence tagged (microsatellite) sites, STS and STMS, were assigned chromosomally by polymerase chain reaction analysis of a somatic cell hybrid panel. This study confirms the localization from genetic mapping of seven anonymous microsatellites and the genes ANPEP, ATP2, CGA, DAGK, FSHB, IFNG, IGF1, IL1B and SPP1. New assignment for the gene BNP1 to chromosome 6 is reported. The confirmed and the new assignments extend the information of the previously established linkage maps and provide framework loci on which to order additional informative markers.
Understanding GRADE: an introduction
Authors: Goldet Gabrielle , Howick Jeremy 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveGrading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations (GRADE) is arguably the most widely used method for appraising studies to be included in systematic reviews and guidelines. In order to use the GRADE system or know how to interpret it when reading reviews, reading several articles and attending a workshop are required. Moreover, the GRADE system is not covered in standard medical textbooks. Here, we explain GRADE concisely with the use of examples so that students and other researchers can understand it.BackgroundIn order to use or interpret the GRADE system, reading several articles and attending a workshop is currently required. Moreover, the GRADE system is not covered in standard medical textbooks.MethodsWe read, synthesized, and digested the GRADE publications and contacted GRADE contributors for explanations where required. We composed a digested version of the system in a concise way a general medical audience could understand.ResultsWe were able to explain the GRADE basics clearly and completely in under 1500 words.ConclusionsWhile advanced critical appraisal requires judgment, training, and practice, it is possible for a non‐specialist to grasp GRADE basics very quickly.
Determining normal and abnormal lip shapes at border positions for use as a longitudinal surgical outcome measure
Authors: Popat H. , Zhurov A. I. , Richmond S. , Marshall D. , Rosin P. L. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryObjective measures of facial movement are important for interventions where surgical repositioning of facial structures can influence soft tissue mobility and include the management of patients with cleft lip, facial nerve palsy and orthognathic surgery. As such, the aim of this study is to present a method for determining the outcome of surgical procedures on lip shape during speech. A control group (CG) of 115 average subjects and 30 patients with a Class 3 malocclusion requiring bimaxillary surgery performed four reproducible verbal utterances during image capture using a non‐invasive, three‐dimensional (3D) motion scanner (3dMDFace™ Dynamic System). Landmark coordinates around the lips of the 3D facial shells were extracted and subjected to discriminant analysis and principal component analysis to statistically differentiate lip shapes between the CG and the patient group (PG) pre‐ and post‐surgery. Pre‐surgically, the PG showed statistically significant differences in lip shape during speech in the lateral and vertical dimensions, preferring a wider, shorter lip shape when compared with the CG for all the utterances. The shape differences normalised towards the CG post‐surgery. The method presented utilises pre‐existing statistical shape analyses and can be reproduced in the clinical setting to provide a diagnostic and functional outcome tool. In this example, correction of the Class 3 skeletal disproportions appeared to normalise lip shape during speech.
Improving AFLP analysis of large‐scale patterns of genetic variation – a case study with the Central African lianas Haumania spp (Marantaceae) showing interspecific gene flow
Authors: Ley A. C. , Hardy O. J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAFLP markers are often used to study patterns of population genetic variation and gene flow because they offer a good coverage of the nuclear genome, but the reliability of AFLP scoring is critical. To assess interspecific gene flow in two African rainforest liana species (Haumania danckelmaniana, H. liebrechtsiana) where previous evidence of chloroplast captures questioned the importance of hybridization and species boundaries, we developed new AFLP markers and a novel approach to select reliable bands from their degree of reproducibility. The latter is based on the estimation of the broad‐sense heritability of AFLP phenotypes, an improvement over classical scoring error rates, which showed that the polymorphism of most AFLP bands was affected by a substantial nongenetic component. Therefore, using a quantitative genetics framework, we also modified an existing estimator of pairwise kinship coefficient between individuals correcting for the limited heritability of markers. Bayesian clustering confirms the recognition of the two Haumania species. Nevertheless, the decay of the relatedness between individuals of distinct species with geographic distance demonstrates that hybridization affects the nuclear genome. In conclusion, although we showed that AFLP markers might be substantially affected by nongenetic factors, their analysis using the new methods developed considerably advanced our understanding of the pattern of gene flow in our model species.
Checklists improve experts’ diagnostic decisions
Authors: Sibbald Matthew , de Bruin Anique B H , van Merrienboer Jeroen J G 
Published: February 2013

Context  Checklists are commonly proposed tools to reduce error. However, when applied by experts, checklists have the potential to increase cognitive load and result in ‘expertise reversal’. One potential solution is to use checklists in the verification stage, rather than in the initial interpretation stage of diagnostic decisions. This may avoid expertise reversal by preserving the experts’ initial approach. Whether checklist use during the verification stage of diagnostic decision making improves experts’ diagnostic decisions is unknown.Methods  Fifteen experts interpreted 18 electrocardiograms (ECGs) in four different conditions: undirected interpretation; verification without a checklist; verification with a checklist, and interpretation combined with verification with a checklist. Outcomes included the number of errors, cognitive load, interpretation time and interpretation length. Outcomes were compared in two analyses: (i) a comparison of verification conditions with and without a checklist, and (ii) a comparison of all four conditions. Standardised scores for each outcome were used to calculate the efficiency of a checklist and to weigh its relative benefit against its relative cost in terms of cognitive load imposed, interpretation time and interpretation length.Results  In both analyses, checklist use was found to reduce error (more errors were corrected in verification conditions with checklists [0.29 ± 0.77 versus 0.03 ± 0.61 errors per ECG], and fewer net errors occurred in all conditions with checklists [0.39 ± 1.14 versus 1.04 ± 1.49 errors per ECG]; p < 0.01 for both). Checklists were not associated with increased cognitive load (verifications with and without checklists: 3.7 ± 1.9 and 3.3 ± 2.0, respectively; conditions with and without checklists: 4.0 ± 1.8 versus 3.9 ± 2.0, respectively [p = not significant for both]). Checklists resulted in greater interpretation times and lengths (p < 0.01 for all). However, checklists were efficient in terms of the cognitive load invested, interpretation time and interpretation length (p < 0.01 for all).Conclusions  Among ECG interpretation experts, checklist use during the verification stage of diagnostic decisions did not increase cognitive load or cause expertise reversal, but did reduce diagnostic error.