bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellular and humoral immune responses against the Plasmodium vivax MSP-119 malaria vaccine candidate in individuals living in an endemic area in north-eastern Amazon region of Brazil
Authors: Riccio Evelyn KP , Totino Paulo RR , Pratt-Riccio Lilian R , Ennes-Vidal Vitor , Soares Irene S , Rodrigues Maurício Martins , de Souza José Maria , Daniel-Ribeiro Cláudio Tadeu , Ferreira-da-Cruz Maria de Fátima 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background

Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) is an antigen considered to be one of the leading malaria vaccine candidates. PvMSP-1 is highly immunogenic and evidences suggest that it is target for protective immunity against asexual blood stages of malaria parasites. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the acquired cellular and antibody immune responses against PvMSP-1 in individuals naturally exposed to malaria infections in a malaria-endemic area in the north-eastern Amazon region of Brazil.

Methods
The study was carried out in Paragominas, Pará State, in the Brazilian Amazon. Blood samples were collected from 35 individuals with uncomplicated malaria. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and the cellular proliferation and activation was analysed in presence of 19 kDa fragment of MSP-1 (PvMSP-119) and Plasmodium falciparum PSS1 crude antigen. Antibodies IgE, IgM, IgG and IgG subclass and the levels of TNF, IFN-γ and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
The prevalence of activated CD4+ was greater than CD8+ T cells, in both ex-vivo and in 96 h culture in presence of PvMSP-119 and PSS1 antigen. A low proliferative response against PvMSP-119 and PSS1 crude antigen after 96 h culture was observed. High plasmatic levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 as well as lower TNF levels were also detected in malaria patients. However, in the 96 h supernatant culture, the dynamics of cytokine responses differed from those depicted on plasma assays; in presence of PvMSP-119 stimulus, higher levels of TNF were noted in supernatant 96 h culture of malaria patient’s cells while low levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 were verified. High frequency of malaria patients presenting antibodies against PvMSP-119 was evidenced, regardless class or IgG subclass.PvMSP-119-induced antibodies were predominantly on non-cytophilic subclasses.

Conclusions
The results presented here shows that PvMSP-119 was able to induce a high cellular activation, leading to production of TNF and emphasizes the high immunogenicity of PvMSP-119 in naturally exposed individuals and, therefore, its potential as a malaria vaccine candidate.
Lentiviral-mediated RNA interference targeting stathmin1 gene in human gastric cancer cells inhibits proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo
Authors: Akhtar Javed , Wang Zhou , Zhang Zhi Ping , Bi Ming Ming 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Gastric cancer is highly aggressive disease. Despite advances in diagnosis and therapy, the prognosis is still poor. Various genetic and molecular alterations are found in gastric cancer that underlies the malignant transformation of gastric mucosa during the multistep process of gastric cancer pathogenesis. The detailed mechanism of the gastric cancer development remains uncertain. In present study we investigated the potential role of stathmin1 gene in gastric cancer tumorigenesis and examined the usefulness of RNA interference (RNAi) targeting stathmin1 as a form of gastric cancer treatment.

Methods
A lentiviral vector encoding a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeted against stathmin1 was constructed and transfected into the packaging cells HEK 293 T and the viral supernatant was collected to transfect MKN-45 cells. The transwell chemotaxis assay and the CCK-8 assay were used to measure migration and proliferation of tumor cells, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of stathmin1.

Results
Lentivirus mediated RNAi effectively reduced stathmin1 expression in gastric cells. Significant decreases in stathmin1 mRNA and protein expression were detected in gastric cells carrying lentiviral stathmin-shRNA vector and also significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration in gastric cancer cells and tumorigenicity in Xenograft Animal Models.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that stathmin1 overexpression is common in gastric cancer and may play a role in its pathogenesis. Lentivirus mediated RNAi effectively reduced stathmin1 expression in gastric cells. In summary, shRNA targeting of stathmin1 can effectively inhibits human gastric cancer cell growth in vivo and may be a potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.
Land-based versus aquatic resistance therapeutic exercises for older women with sarcopenic obesity: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: de Souza Vasconcelos Karina Simone , Dias João Marcos Domingues , de Araújo Marília Caixeta , Pinheiro Ana Cisalpino , Maia Marcela Machado , Dias Rosângela Corrêa 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Sarcopenic obesity is a health condition that combines excess adipose tissue and loss of muscle mass and strength. Sarcopenic obesity predisposes to more functional disabilities than obesity or sarcopenia alone. Progressive resistance exercises are recommended for older people as a potential treatment for sarcopenia and also for obesity. However, there is a lack of evidence indicating which programmes are best applied to older people, and no studies have investigated their effects on sarcopenic obese people. The aims of this protocol study are to investigate and compare the efficacy of land-based and aquatic resistance exercise programmes on improving muscle performance, functional capacity and quality of life of older women with sarcopenic obesity.

Methods/Design
This is a protocol study for a parallel randomised controlled clinical trial. Eligible participants are older women (≥65 years) with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 and hand grip strength ≤21 kg force. A total sample of 36 participants will be randomly allocated to one of the intervention groups in blocks of three: land-based, aquatic or control. Each intervention group will undergo 2-week sessions of a 10-week therapeutic exercise programme for strength, power and endurance training of the lower-limb muscles. Participants in the control group will not participate in any strengthening activity for lower limbs and will receive telephone calls once a week. Baseline and final evaluation of outcomes will encompass muscle performance of the lower limbs assessed by an isokinetic dynamometer; functional tests of usual walking speed, maximal walking speed (shuttle walking test), stair speed and the Short Physical Performance Battery; and health-related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Questionnaire – SF-36). Data collectors will be blinded to randomisation and will not be in touch with participants during the interventions.

Discussion
This study is the first randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate resistance exercises in older patients with sarcopenic obesity. If our hypothesis proves correct, both intervention programmes will be effective, with the land-based exercises conferring better results in muscle performance.

Trial registration
Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos: RBR-9p5q67
Assessment of Truflex™ articulating stylet versus conventional rigid Portex™ stylet as an intubation guide with the D-blade of C-Mac™ videolaryngoscope during elective tracheal intubation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Al-Qasmi Aida , Al-Alawi Wafa , Malik Azharuddin Mohammed , Khan Rashid Manzoor , Kaul Naresh 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
A variety of videolaryngoscopes with angulated blade have been recently introduced into clinical practice. They provide an indirect view of the glottic structures in normal and challenging clinical settings. Despite the very good visualization of the laryngeal structures by these devices, the insertion and advancement of the endotracheal tube may be prolonged and occasionally fail as it does not conform to the enhanced angulation of the blade. To overcome this handicap, it is recommended to use a pre-shaped, styleted tracheal tube during intubation. Unfortunately, these malleable rigid stylets permit only a fixed shape to the advancing endotracheal tube. This may necessitate withdrawal of endotracheal tube-stylet assembly for reshaping, before undertaking a new attempt. This may cause soft tissue injury and hemodynamic disturbance.
This single-blinded randomized clinical trial aims to overcome these handicaps using a novel method of dynamically changing the shape of the advancing endotracheal tube by Truflex™ articulating stylet as per need during D-blade C-Mac™ videolaryngoscopy.

Methods
One hundred and fifty four patients between 18 and 60 years of age belonging to either sex undergoing tracheal intubation under uniform general anesthetic technique will be randomly divided into Portex™ malleable stylet group and Truflex™ articulating stylet group. The primary efficacy variable of success/failure between the two groups will be analyzed using the chi square test. For comparison of intubation times and the Intubation Difficulty Score, ANOVA will be used. Primary efficacy endpoint results will be successful or failed tracheal intubation in the first attempt, total intubation time and the intubation difficulty score. Secondary efficacy endpoints will be overall user satisfaction graded from 1 to 10 (1 = very poor, 10 = excellent), Cormack and Lehane’s grading, glotticoscopy time and ETT negotiation time and total number of intubation attempts. Result of safety endpoints will include dental and airway trauma, hemodynamic disturbances, arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN57679531; Date of registration 12/02/2013
Rapid destruction of the rhodamine B using TiO2photocatalyst in the liquid phase plasma
Authors: Lee Heon , Park Sung Hoon , Park Young-Kwon , Kim Byung Hoon , Kim Sun-Jae , Jung Sang-Chul 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Rhodamine B (RhB) is widely used as a colorant in textiles and food stuffs, and is also a well-known water tracer fluorescent. It is harmful to human beings and animals, and causes irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. The carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity and chronic toxicity toward humans and animals have been experimentally proven. RhB cannot be effectively removed by biological treatment due to the slow kinetics. Therefore, RhB is chosen as a model pollutant for liquid phase plasma (LPP) treatment in the present investigation.

Results
This paper presents experimental results for the bleaching of RhB from aqueous solutions in the presence of TiO2 photocatalyst with LPP system. Properties of generated plasma were investigated by optical emission spectroscopy methods. The results of electrical-discharge degradation of RhB showed that the decomposition rate increased with the applied voltage, pulse width, and frequency. The oxygen gas addition to reactant solution increases the degradation rate by active oxygen species. The RhB decomposition rate was shown to increase with the TiO2 particle dosage.

Conclusion
This work presents the conclusions on the photocatalytic oxidation of RhB, as a function of plasma conditions, oxygen gas bubbling as well as TiO2 particle dosage. We knew that using the liquid phase plasma system with TiO2 photocatalyst at high speed we could remove the organic matter in the water.
Mapping genome-wide transcription factor binding sites in frozen tissues
Authors: Savic Daniel , Gertz Jason , Jain Preti , Cooper Gregory M , Myers Richard M 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Genome-wide maps of transcription factor binding sites in primary tissues can expand our understanding of genome function, transcriptional regulation, and genetic alterations that contribute to disease risk. However, almost all genome-wide studies of transcription factors have been in cell lines, and performing these experiments in tissues has been technically challenging and limited in throughput.

Results
Here we outline a simple strategy for mapping transcription factor binding sites in frozen tissues that utilizes dry pulverization of samples and is scalable for high-throughput analyses. We show that the method leads to accurate and reproducible chromatin immunoprecipitation next-generation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data, and is highly sensitive, identifying high-quality transcription factor binding sites from chromatin corresponding to only 5 mg of liver tissue.

Conclusions
The enhanced reproducibility, robustness, and sensitivity of the dry pulverization method, in addition to the ease of implementation and scalability, makes ChIP-seq in primary tissues a widely accessible assay.
Life-long spontaneous exercise does not prolong lifespan but improves health span in mice
Authors: Garcia-Valles Rebeca , Gomez-Cabrera Mari Carmen , Rodriguez-Mañas Leocadio , Garcia-Garcia Francisco J , Diaz Ana , Noguera Inma , Olaso-Gonzalez Gloria , Viña Jose 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Life expectancy at birth in the first world has increased from 35 years at the beginning of the 20th century to more than 80 years now. The increase in life expectancy has resulted in an increase in age-related diseases and larger numbers of frail and dependent people. The aim of our study was to determine whether life-long spontaneous aerobic exercise affects lifespan and healthspan in mice.

Results
Male C57Bl/6J mice, individually caged, were randomly assigned to one of two groups: sedentary (n = 72) or spontaneous wheel-runners (n = 72). We evaluated longevity and several health parameters including grip strength, motor coordination, exercise capacity (VO2max) and skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis. We also measured the cortical levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin associated with brain plasticity. In addition, we measured systemic oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl plasma levels) and the expression and activity of two genes involved in antioxidant defense in the liver (that is, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD)). Genes that encode antioxidant enzymes are considered longevity genes because their over-expression may modulate lifespan. Aging was associated with an increase in oxidative stress biomarkers and in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, GPx and Mn-SOD, in the liver in mice. Life-long spontaneous exercise did not prolong longevity but prevented several signs of frailty (that is, decrease in strength, endurance and motor coordination). This improvement was accompanied by a significant increase in the mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle and in the cortical BDNF levels.

Conclusion
Life-long spontaneous exercise does not prolong lifespan but improves healthspan in mice. Exercise is an intervention that delays age-associated frailty, enhances function and can be translated into the clinic.
Pituitary gland metastasis from rectal cancer: report of a case and literature review
Authors: Ratti Margherita , Passalacqua Rodolfo , Poli Rossana , Betri Enrico , Crispino Mario , Poli Roberto , Tomasello Gianluca 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Pituitary metastases are unusual complications of malignancies. In about only 2% of patients they origin from colorectal cancer (CRC), with breast and lung as the most common primary tumors. Nevertheless, some authors reported a recent increase of the incidence of metastases in infrequent sites, such as brain or bone, arising from gastrointestinal cancers, probably due to the expanded treatment options and the resulting improved survival. Here, we report the case of a 54-year old woman diagnosed with lung metastases from rectal cancer, who, after several cycles of radio- and chemotherapy, presented symptoms and signs of pituitary disfunction (i.e. diabetes insipidus, hypothyroidism and diplopy). The diagnosis of pituitary metastasis from rectal cancer was histologically confirmed after surgery.
Mahalanobis-Taguchi System-based criteria selection for strategy formulation: a case in a training institution
Authors: Hadighi Seyed Ali , Sahebjamnia Navid , Mahdavi Iraj , Asadollahpour Hadi , Shafieian Hosna 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The increasing complexity of decision making in a severely dynamic competitive environment of the universe has urged the wise managers to have relevant strategic plans for their firms. Strategy is not formulated from one criterion but from multiple criteria in environmental scanning, and often, considering all of them is not possible. A list of criteria utilizing Delphi was selected by consultation with company experts. By reviewing the literature and strategy experts’ proposals, the list is then classified into five categories, namely, human resource, equipment, market, supply chain, and rules. Since all the criteria may not be necessary for the decision process, as they are eliminated in the early stage traditionally, it is important to identify the prime set of criteria, which is a subset of the original criteria and affects decision making. Utilizing these criteria, a Mahalanobis-Taguchi System-based tool was developed to facilitate the selection of a prime set of criteria, which is a subset of the original criteria for ensuring that only ineffective subcriteria are eliminated and the conditions are prepared for relevant strategy formulation. Mahalanobis distance was used for making a measurement scale to distinguish ineffective subcriteria from significant criteria in the environmental scanning stage. The principles of the Taguchi method were used for screening the important criteria in the system and generate the prime set of criteria for each category. One can use these criteria within each category instead of all criteria for the identification of a suitable institution in training. To validate the proposed approach, a case study has been conducted for 38 educational institutions in Iran. The results demonstrated the usefulness of the proposed approach.
Mesenchymal stem cells modified with angiopoietin-1 gene promote wound healing
Authors: Li Yunling , Zheng Lei , Xu Xia , Song Lili , Li Yin , Li Wei , Zhang Suhan , Zhang Feng , Jin Haiyan 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Treatment of chronic skin wounds is difficult and largely ineffective. Little improvement has been shown in promoting the healing of these wounds in the past few decades. Innovative treatments to enhance chronic wound healing process are therefore needed.

Methods
In this study, we examined the efficacy of angiopoietin-1 gene-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (Ang1-MSCs) on the promotion of cutaneous wound healing in rats. Excisional full-thickness wounds were treated with Ang1-MSCs, a recombinant adenovirus encoding angiopoietin-1 (Ad-Ang1), unmodified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), or vehicle medium (sham).

Results
The results showed that Ang1-MSCs significantly promoted wound healing with increased epidermal and dermal regeneration, and enhanced angiogenesis compared with MSCs, Ad-Ang1 or sham treatment. Moreover, Ang1-MSCs expressed CD31 in the wound, suggesting a direct contribution of Ang1-MSCs to angiogenesis.

Conclusions
Here we show that Ang1-MSCs accelerate wound healing by promoting skin regeneration and angiogenesis, compared with MSCs or Ad-Ang1 alone.
Thousands of exon skipping events differentiate among splicing patterns in sixteen human tissues
Authors: Florea Liliana , Song Li , Salzberg Steven L 
Published: September 2013

Alternative splicing is widely recognized for its roles in regulating genes and creating gene diversity. However, despite many efforts, the repertoire of gene splicing variation is still incompletely characterized, even in humans. Here we describe a new computational system, ASprofile, and its application to RNA-seq data from Illumina’s Human Body Map project (>2.5 billion reads). Using the system, we identified putative alternative splicing events in 16 different human tissues, which provide a dynamic picture of splicing variation across the tissues. We detected 26,989 potential exon skipping events representing differences in splicing patterns among the tissues. A large proportion of the events (>60%) were novel, involving new exons (~3000), new introns (~16000), or both. When tracing these events across the sixteen tissues, only a small number (4-7%) appeared to be differentially expressed (‘switched’) between two tissues, while 30-45% showed little variation, and the remaining 50-65% were not present in one or both tissues compared. Novel exon skipping events appeared to be slightly less variable than known events, but were more tissue-specific. Our study represents the first effort to build a comprehensive catalog of alternative splicing in normal human tissues from RNA-seq data, while providing insights into the role of alternative splicing in shaping tissue transcriptome differences. The catalog of events and the ASprofile software are freely available from the Zenodo repository(http://zenodo.org/record/7068; doi:10.5281/zenodo.7068) and from our web site http://ccb.jhu.edu/software/ASprofile.
Stable reduction of X0(p4)
Authors: Tsushima Takahiro 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

R. Coleman and K. McMurdy calculated
the stable reduction of X0(p3) (

p
≥
13

$p \ge 13$

)
on the basis of the rigid geometry in [Algebra Number Theory 4 (2010), 357–431].
In the present paper, we determine
the stable reduction of X0(p4) for primes

p
≥
13

$p \ge 13$

on the basis of their idea.
As irreducible components in the stable reduction of X0(p4),
a certain number of copies of the Hermitian curve,
with an affine equation

a
p

-
a
=

t

p
+
1

$a^p-a=t^{p+1}$

, appear.
Hyperreactio luteinalis in association with multiple foetal malformations – a consequence of supra-physiological HCG?
Authors: Faden Majed , Salehi Amir H. , Simon Jeannine , Chen Moy Fong , Omeroglu Atilla , Brown Richard 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Aim: Hyperreactio luteinalis (HL) is characterised by ovarian cystic enlargement that is associated with high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Here the possible effects of abnormally high hCG levels on foetal development are demonstrated.

Method: We report a 28-year-old patient who was referred for evaluation of bilateral maternal ovarian enlargement in the second trimester. Abnormally elevated hCG (887,514 IU/L) was found with ultrasound examination identifying various foetal malformations. The karyotype was normal. Spontaneous abortion occurred at 20 weeks. Autopsy showed testicular hypertrophy with marked Leydig cell hyperplasia. The HL resolved with normalisation of the hCG levels following delivery.

Conclusion: HL is a rare finding in normal pregnancies; the potential effects of abnormally elevated hCG on the foetus are discussed.