bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the fossil record of complex animal behaviour a stratigraphical analogue for the Anthropocene?
Authors: Williams M. , Zalasiewicz J. A. , Waters C. N. , Landing E. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

The base of the Cambrian System is recognized by a characteristic (marine) trace fossil suite assigned to the
Treptichnus pedum
Biozone, which signals increasing complexity of animal behaviour and demarcates the Cambrian from the (older) Ediacaran System (Proterozoic Eonathem). Ichnotaxa of the
T. pedum
Biozone are not the earliest trace fossils, and are preceded in the latest Proterozoic by a progressive increase in the diversity of trace-producing organisms and the communities they comprised, the structural and behavioural complexity of the trace fossils, and even the depth of burrowing in sediments. Parallels can be drawn with the increasing complexity of subsurface structures associated with human cities, which also reflect evolution of an increasingly complex community. Before the nineteenth century, these structures were limited and simple, but beginning with the development of London in the mid-nineteenth century as the world's first megacity, subsurface structures have become increasingly complex, reflecting the technology-driven behaviour of twentieth- and twenty-first-century humans.
Prognostic Role of Subsequent Atrial Tachycardias Occurring During Ablation of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Rostock Thomas , Salukhe Tushar V. , Hoffmann Boris A. , Steven Daniel , Berner Imke , Müllerleile Kai , Theis Cathrin , Bock Karsten , Servatius Helge , Sultan Arian , Willems Stephan 
Published: October 2013

Background—
The role of subsequent atrial tachycardias (AT) in the context of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains undetermined. This study evaluated the prognostic role of subsequent ATs for arrhythmia recurrences after catheter ablation of persistent AF.

Methods and Results—

A total of 110 patients with persistent AF (63±9 years; 22 women; 61 long-lasting persistent AF) underwent pulmonary vein isolation followed by electrogram-guided ablation. After AF terminated to AT, patients were separated by the randomization protocol to receive either direct cardioversion (group A) or further ablation of subsequent ATs to sinus rhythm (group B). After a mean follow-up of 20.1±13.3 months after the first procedure, significantly more group B patients were in sinus rhythm as compared with patients in group A (30 [57%] versus 18 [34%];
P
=0.02). Moreover, recurrences of AF were significantly less frequent of group B than in group A patients (10 [19%] versus 26 [49%];
P
=0.001). After the last procedure (follow-up, 34.0±6.4 months), significantly more group B patients were free of AF as compared with patients of group A (49 [92%] versus 39 [74%];
P
=0.01). The proportion of AT recurrences did not differ between the 2 groups after the first and final procedures. The strongest predictor for an arrhythmia-free survival after a single procedure was randomization to the procedural end point of termination to sinus rhythm by elimination of subsequent ATs (
P
=0.004).

Conclusions—
Catheter ablation of subsequent ATs increases freedom from AF but not AT, suggesting a contributing role of subsequent ATs in the mechanisms of persistent AF.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01896570.
Proinflammatory Endothelial Activation Detected by Molecular Imaging in Obese Nonhuman Primates Coincides With Onset of Insulin Resistance and Progressively Increases With Duration of Insulin Resistance
Authors: Chadderdon Scott M. , Belcik J. Todd , Bader Lindsay , Kirigiti Melissa A. , Peters Dawn M. , Kievit Paul , Grove Kevin L. , Lindner Jonathan R. 
Published: October 2013

Background—
Inflammation and insulin resistance (IR) are associated processes that potentiate risk for cardiovascular disease in obesity. The temporal relation between IR and inflammation is not completely characterized. We hypothesized that endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression in large arteries is an early event that coincides with diet-induced obesity and IR in primates.

Methods and Results—

Ten adult male rhesus macaques were studied at baseline and every 4 to 6 months on a high-fat diet for 2 years. Truncal fat, carotid intima-media thickness, plasma inflammatory biomarkers, and carotid P-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression by contrast-enhanced ultrasound molecular imaging were assessed. Intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed at baseline and at 4 and 18 months. A high-fat diet produced a rapid increase (
P
<0.01) in weight, truncal fat, and degree of IR indicated by the insulin area under the curve and glucose disappearance rate on intravenous glucose tolerance test, all of which worsened minimally thereafter. Molecular imaging detected a progressive increase in endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression over time (5- to 7-fold greater than control agent signal at 2 years;
P
<0.01). Changes in intima-media thickness were not detected until 2 years and, although there was a trend toward an increase in plasma markers of inflammation (monocyte chemotactic protein-1, C-reactive protein), the pattern of increase varied considerably over time.

Conclusions—
In primates with diet-induced obesity, endothelial inflammatory activation is an early event that occurs coincident with the development of IR and long before any measurable change in carotid intima-media thickness. Endothelial activation is related more to the duration rather than to the severity of IR and is not mirrored by changes in plasma biomarkers.
Protection of Parathyroid Function Using Carbon Nanoparticles during Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Huang Kai , Luo Dingyuan , Huang Mingqing , Long Miaoyun , Peng Xingzhi , Li Honghao 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the hypothesis that injected carbon nanoparticle (CN) suspension helps identify parathyroid glands (PGs) during thyroid cancer surgery, thereby reducing PG injury.Study DesignA prospective, randomized controlled trial.SettingSun Yet‐san Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China.Subjects and MethodsThyroid cancer surgeries were performed on 72 consenting patients who were randomized for conventional surgery (control group) or surgery with CN suspension injection (CN group). The primary end point was the prevalence of symptomatic hypocalcemia and serum calcium levels <1.9 mmol/L.ResultsFrom 36 patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer in each group, symptomatic hypocalcemia was found in 10 patients without CN injection and 3 patients with CN suspension injection (P =. 032). In total, 5.6% of patients in the CN group presented with muscle cramps compared with 22.2% of the control group (P =. 041), which showed a significant difference.ConclusionOur randomized study revealed that CN suspension injection was feasible and appeared to be beneficial for patients undergoing thyroid surgery because the incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia was lower compared with controls. Therefore, this technology and technique should be more widely considered for thyroid cancer therapy. Additional studies with more patients and longer follow‐up times will be needed for a thorough evaluation of this methodology.
Simultaneous zinc-finger nuclease editing of the HIV coreceptors ccr5 and cxcr4 protects CD4+ T cells from HIV-1 infection
Authors: Didigu Chuka A. , Wilen Craig B. , Wang Jianbin , Duong Jennifer , Secreto Anthony J. , Danet-Desnoyers Gwenn A. , Riley James L. , Gregory Phillip D. , June Carl H. , Holmes Michael C. , Doms Robert W. 
Published: October 2013

Key PointsZinc-finger nucleases simultaneously and permanently inactivate HIV coreceptors ccr5 and cxcr4 resulting in HIV-resistant CD4+ T cells. These HIV-resistant cells may be used to achieve a functional cure for HIV in humans.
The mid-term outcome of total ankle arthroplasty and ankle fusion in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review
Authors: van Heiningen Jacqueline , Vliet Vlieland Thea PM , van der Heide Huub JL 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
While arthrodesis is the standard treatment of a severely arthritic ankle joint, total ankle arthroplasty has become a popular alternative. This review provides clinical outcomes and complications of both interventions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods
Studies were obtained from Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science (January 1980 – June 2011) and additional manual search. Inclusion criteria: original clinical study, > 5 rheumatoid arthritis (population), internal fixation arthrodesis or three-component mobile bearing prosthesis (intervention), ankle scoring system (outcome). The clinical outcome score, complication- and failure rates were extracted and the methodological quality of the studies was analysed.

Results
17 observational studies of 868 citations were included. The effect size concerning total ankle arthroplasty ranged between 1.9 and 6.0, for arthrodesis the effect sizes were 4.0 and 4.7. Reoperation due to implant failure or reoperation due to non-union, was 11% and 12% for respectively total ankle arthroplasty and arthrodesis. The methodological quality of the studies was low (mean 6.4 out of a maximum of 14 points) and was lower for arthrodesis (mean 4.8) as compared to arthroplasty (mean 7.8) (p = 0.04).

Conclusions
17 observational and no (randomized) controlled clinical trials are published on the effectiveness of arthroplasty or arthrodesis of the ankle in rheumatoid arthritis. Regardless of the methodological limitations it can be concluded that both interventions show clinical improvement and in line with current literature neither procedure is superior to the other.
CpG oligodeoxynucleotides enhance chemosensitivity of 5-fluorouracil in HepG2 human hepatoma cells via downregulation of the antiapoptotic factors survivin and livin
Authors: Liang Sheng-ran , Hu Guang-rui , Fang Li-juan , Huang Su-jing , Li Jin-song , Zhao Ming-yi , Meng Min-jie 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Recent studies indicated that a synthetic oligonucleotide containing un-methylated CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) has a potential function for cancer therapy. In this study, we evaluated the chemosensitizing effects of CpG-ODN in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-treated HepG2 human hepatoma cells.

Methods
Cell viability assay were utilized to evaluate the direct cytotoxicity of CpG-ODN in the presence or absence of 5-FU in HepG2 cells, and apoptosis as well as cell-cycle was examined by flow cytometry analysis. The mRNA expression of Bcl-2, Livin and Survivin within HepG2 cells treated with CpG-ODN and/or 5-FU were analyzed by Real Time PCR assay in vitro.

Results
CpG-ODN in combination with 5-FU could decrease cell viability, increase apoptosis and further induce HepG2 cells cycle arrest at S phase when compared with CpG-ODN or 5-FU. CpG-ODN or 5-FU could down-regulate the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 within HepG2 cells. The mRNA expression of Livin and Survivin decreased in cells treated with CpG-ODN alone but increased in cells treated with 5-FU alone. However, CpG-ODN in combination with 5-FU could down-regulate the mRNA expression of Livin and Survivin within HepG2 cells.

Conclusions
Our finding demonstrated that CpG-ODN enhanced the chemosentivity of 5-FU in HepG2 human hepatoma cells at least in part by down-regulating the expression of Livin and Survivin, leading to apoptosis and further inducing cell cycle arrest at S phase. Therefore, CpG-ODN may be a potential candidate as chemosensitizer for human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Building a national direction for research in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV: results from a national prioritization initiative in Malawi
Authors: Landes Megan , Lettow Monique van , Cataldo Fabian , Chan Adrienne K , Barr Beth Tippett , Harries Anthony D , Bedell Richard 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
In 2011, Malawi initiated an ambitious program for the prevention of maternal to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, called 'Option B+,’ which employs a universal test and life-long treatment strategy for all pregnant women. Priority setting should take place in defining a national research agenda for evaluating Option B + rollout in Malawi.

Methods
In April 2011, a three-day workshop took place for all major stakeholders in PMTCT aiming to provide an update on current PMTCT operational research in Malawi, find consensus on key questions not yet being addressed, identify opportunities for collaboration, and develop multi-partner research proposals.

Results
Overall, 24 participants attended the workshop including representatives from the Ministry of Health, the National AIDS Commission and 12 multilateral, non-governmental organizations and academic partners.
Three interrelated clusters emerged as priorities for research: i) pregnancy intentions and family planning needs; ii) evaluation of models of care; and iii) determinants of uptake, adherence, and retention of women for Option B+. In addition, two cross-cutting themes arose: partner involvement in PMTCT services and cost-effectiveness as a guide to priority setting.
Within each cluster a coordinator was designated and a proposed plan for research and potential collaborators were discussed. The results of the workshop were presented to the national technical working groups and the National AIDS Commission. Several large-scale, collaborative proposals have been developed and funded to address the research areas defined.

Conclusions
Option B + represents a significant change in PMTCT policy in Malawi and the process for evaluation of the Malawi PMTCT strategy is outlined. This workshop contributed to defining and coordinating the national agenda for research priorities.
Single dose of Glycoprotein K (gK)-deleted HSV-1 live-attenuated virus protects mice against lethal vaginal challenge with HSV-1 and HSV-2 and induces lasting T cell memory immune responses
Authors: Iyer Arun V , Pahar Bapi , Chouljenko Vladimir N , Walker Jason D , Stanfield Brent , Kousoulas Konstantin G 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Herpes simplex virus type-1(HSV-1) and HSV-2 are important human pathogens that cause significant ocular and urogenital complications, respectively. We have previously shown that HSV-1 virions lacking glycoprotein K (gK) are unable to enter into neurons via synaptic axonal membranes and be transported in either retrograde or anterograde manner. Here, we tested the ability of HSV-1 (F) gK-null to protect against lethal challenge with either highly virulent ocular HSV-1 (McKrae strain), or genital HSV-2 (G strain). The gK-null virus vaccine efficiently protected mice against lethal vaginal infection with either HSV-1(McKrae) or HSV-2 (G).

Results
Female mice were immunized via a single intramuscular injection with 106 PFU of the gK-null virus. Immunized mice were treated with Depo-Provera fourteen days after vaccination and were challenged via the vaginal route one week later. Ninety percent of mice vaccinated with the gK-null virus survived HSV-1 (McKrae) challenge, while 70% of these mice survived after HSV-2 (G) challenge. Moreover, all vaccinated mice exhibited substantially reduced disease symptoms irrespective of HSV-1 or HSV-2 challenge as compared to the mock vaccinated challenge group. T-cell memory immune responses to specific glycoprotein B (gB) and glycoprotein D (gD) peptide epitopes were detectable at 7 months post vaccination.

Conclusions
These results suggest that the highly attenuated, non-neurotropic gK-null virus may be used as an effective vaccine to protect against both virulent HSV-1 and HSV-2 genital infections and induce lasting immune responses.
Detection of lamivudine-resistant variants and mutations related to reduced antigenicity of HBsAg in individuals from the cities of Santos and São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Mantovani Nathalia , Cicero Maira , Santana Luiz Claudio , Silveira Carla , do Carmo Eliane Pereira , Abrão Paulo Roberto Ferreira , Diaz Ricardo Sobhie , Caseiro Marcos Montani , Komninakis Shirley Vasconcelos 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Continuous long-term treatment is recommended to reduce the hepatitis B virus (HBV) viral load. However, as a consequence, resistance mutations can emerge and be transmitted to other individuals. The polymerase (POL) gene overlaps the surface (S) gene. Thus, during treatment, mutations in the POL gene may lead to changes in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of lamivudine and vaccine escape mutations in HBsAg-positive blood donors from the city of Santos and in untreated HBV mono-infected patients from the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

Methods
HBV DNA was extracted from 80 serum samples, of which 61 were from volunteer blood donors and 19 were from untreated HBV patients. A fragment of the POL/S genes containing 593 base pairs was amplified using nested PCR. Thirty four were PCR-positive and sequencing was performed using an ABI Prism 3130 Genetic Analyzer. Alignments and mutation mapping were performed using BioEdit software.

Results
HBV DNA from 21 blood donors and 13 untreated patient samples were characterized using nucleotide sequencing PCR products from the POL/S genes. We were able to detect one sample with the resistance mutation to lamivudine rtM204V + rtL180M (2.94%), which was found in a volunteer blood donor that has never used antiviral drugs. The other samples showed only compensatory mutations, such as rtL80F (5.88%), rtL80V (2.94%), rtL82V + rtV207L (2.94%), rtT128P (5.88%), rtT128N/S (2.94%) and rtS219A (5.88%). We found modifications in the S gene in 14 of the 34 samples (41.16%). The mutations detected were as follows: sM133L + sI195T (2.94%), sI195M (2.94%), sP120T (2.94%), sY100S/F (2.94%), sY100C (17.64%), sI/T126P + sQ129P (2.94%), sM198I + sF183C (2.94%) and sS210R (5.88%).

Conclusions
Our results suggest the transmission of lamivudine-resistant forms. Thus, the evaluation of HBV-infected subjects for lamivudine resistance would improve treatment regime. Moreover, the mutations in the S gene may impair HBsAg antigenicity and contribute to HBsAg failure detection and vaccine escape.
High-dose stereotactic body radiotherapy correlates increased local control and overall survival in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jang Won Il , Kim Mi-Sook , Bae Sun Hyun , Cho Chul Koo , Yoo Hyung Jun , Seo Young Seok , Kang Jin-Kyu , Kim So Young , Lee Dong Han , Han Chul Ju , Kim Jin , Park Su Cheol , Kim Sang Bum , Cho Eung-Ho , Kim Young Han 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Recent studies using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have reported high tumor response and local control. However, the optimal SBRT dose remains unknown, and it is still not clear whether a dose response relationship for local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) exist or not. We performed this study to determine whether a dose response relationship for LC and OS is observed in SBRT for inoperable HCC.

Methods
Between 2003 and 2011, 108 patients with HCC were treated with SBRT. All patients were unsuitable for surgery or local ablation and had incomplete response to transarterial chemoembolization. Eighty-two patients with a longest tumor diameter (LD) less than or equal to 7.0 cm who were treated with 3-fraction SBRT and were analyzed. This cohort comprised 74 Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class A patients and 8 CTP class B7 patients. The median LD was 3.0 cm (range, 1.0–7.0 cm), and the median dose was 51 Gy (range, 33–60 Gy).

Results
LC and OS rates at 2 years after SBRT were 87% and 63%, respectively, with a median follow-up duration of 30 months for all patients. The 2-year LC/OS rates for patients treated with doses of > 54, 45–54, and < 45 Gy were 100/71, 78/64, and 64%/30%, respectively (p = .009/p < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the SBRT dose (p = .005) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage (p = .015) were significant prognostic factors for OS. Correlation analysis revealed a positive linear relationship between the SBRT dose and LC (p = .006, R = .899)/OS (p = .002, R = .940) at 2 years. Based on the tumor-control probability model, a dose of 54.8 Gy provides 2-year LC with a 90% probability. Five patients experienced grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal toxicity, and 6 had deteriorating of CTP score by greater than or equal to 2 within 3 months of SBRT.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated a dose response relationship for LC and OS with SBRT for HCC. Higher LC rates resulting from an increased dose may translate into survival benefits for patients with HCC.
Evaluation of the content variation of anthraquinone glycosides in rhubarb by UPLC-PDA
Authors: Wang Zhe , Ma Pei , Xu Lijia , He Chunnian , Peng Yong , Xiao Peigen 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Rhubarb is an important Chinese medicinal herb with a long history of over 2000 years and has been commonly used as a laxative. It is the radix and rhizome of Rheum officinale Baill., R. palmatum L. and R. tanguticum Maxim, all of which are mainly distributed in a broad region in the Tibetan plateau. Anthraquinone glycosides are a series of major active ingredients found in all three species. They are key intermediates in the anthraquinone secondary metabolism and the sennnoside biosynthesis. The variation of the anthraquinone glycoside content in rhubarb in response to specific factors remains an attractive topic.

Results
A simple and sensitive Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photo-Diode Array (UPLC-PDA) detector was developed for the simultaneous determination of six anthraquinone glycosides in rhubarb, i.e., aloeemodin-8-O-glucoside, rhein-8-O-glucoside, chrysophanol-1-O-glucoside, emodin-1-O-glucoside, chrysophanol-8-O-glucoside, emodin-8-O-glucoside. Twenty-seven batches from three species were submitted to the multi-component analysis. The results showed that the anthraquinone glycoside content varied significantly even within the same species. The results showed that the anthraquinone glycoside content varied significantly within the same species but not between different species. The PCA and content analysis results confirmed that the plant species has no obvious effect on the content variation. Neither was any significant correlation observed between the anthraquinone glycoside content and the geographic distribution of the rhubarb. Through correlational analysis, altitude was found to be the main factor that affects the anthraquinone glycoside content in rhubarb. Rhubarb grown at higher altitude has higher anthraquinone glycoside content.

Conclusions
This work provides a rapid, sensitive and accurate UPLC-PDA method for the simultaneous determination of six anthraquinone glycosides in rhubarb. The anthraquinone glycoside content varied significantly within the same species. The relationship of the anthraquinone glycoside content with plant species, geographic distribution and altitude were studied using correlational analysis, principal component analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis through SPSS and ArcGIS. Plant species and geographic distribution were found not to affect the content of the six anthraquinone glycosides in rhubarb. The variations in the anthraquinone glycoside content were primarily due to the different altitude where the plant was grown.