bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the population genetics toolbox for the study of the African malaria vector Anopheles nili: microsatellite mapping to chromosomes
Authors: Peery Ashley , Sharakhova Maria V , Antonio-Nkondjio Christophe , Ndo Cyrille , Weill Mylene , Simard Frederic , Sharakhov Igor V 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background

Anopheles nili is a major vector of malaria in the humid savannas and forested areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the population genetic structure and evolutionary dynamics of this species is important for the development of an adequate and targeted malaria control strategy in Africa. Chromosomal inversions and microsatellite markers are commonly used for studying the population structure of malaria mosquitoes. Physical mapping of these markers onto the chromosomes further improves the toolbox, and allows inference on the demographic and evolutionary history of the target species.

Results
Availability of polytene chromosomes allowed us to develop a map of microsatellite markers and to study polymorphism of chromosomal inversions. Nine microsatellite markers were mapped to unique locations on all five chromosomal arms of An. nili using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Probes were obtained from 300-483 bp-long inserts of plasmid clones and from 506-559 bp-long fragments amplified with primers designed using the An. nili genome assembly generated on an Illumina platform. Two additional loci were assigned to specific chromosome arms of An. nili based on in silico sequence similarity and chromosome synteny with Anopheles gambiae. Three microsatellites were mapped inside or in the vicinity of the polymorphic chromosomal inversions 2Rb and 2Rc. A statistically significant departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, due to a deficit in heterozygotes at the 2Rb inversion, and highly significant linkage disequilibrium between the two inversions, were detected in natural An. nili populations collected from Burkina Faso.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that next-generation sequencing can be used to improve FISH for microsatellite mapping in species with no reference genome sequence. Physical mapping of microsatellite markers in An. nili showed that their cytological locations spanned the entire five-arm complement, allowing genome-wide inferences. The knowledge about polymorphic inversions and chromosomal locations of microsatellite markers has been useful for explaining differences in genetic variability across loci and significant differentiation observed among natural populations of An. nili.
Investigation of the serum levels of anterior pituitary hormones in male children with autism
Authors: Iwata Keiko , Matsuzaki Hideo , Miyachi Taishi , Shimmura Chie , Suda Shiro , Tsuchiya Kenji J , Matsumoto Kaori , Suzuki Katsuaki , Iwata Yasuhide , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Tsujii Masatsugu , Sugiyama Toshirou , Sato Kohji , Mori Norio 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
The neurobiological basis of autism remains poorly understood. The diagnosis of autism is based solely on behavioural characteristics because there are currently no reliable biological markers. To test whether the anterior pituitary hormones and cortisol could be useful as biological markers for autism, we assessed the basal serum levels of these hormones in subjects with autism and normal controls.

Findings
Using a suspension array system, we determined the serum levels of six anterior pituitary hormones, including adrenocorticotropic hormone and growth hormone, in 32 drug-naive subjects (aged 6 to 18 years, all boys) with autism, and 34 healthy controls matched for age and gender. We also determined cortisol levels in these subjects by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, growth hormone and cortisol were significantly higher in subjects with autism than in controls. In addition, there was a significantly positive correlation between cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels in autism.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that increased basal serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone accompanied by increased cortisol and growth hormone may be useful biological markers for autism.
Pharmacological postconditioning with sevoflurane after cardiopulmonary resuscitation reduces myocardial dysfunction
Authors: Meybohm Patrick , Gruenewald Matthias , Albrecht Martin , Müller Christina , Zitta Karina , Foesel Nikola , Maracke Moritz , Tacke Sabine , Schrezenmeir Jürgen , Scholz Jens , Bein Berthold 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Introduction
In this study, we sought to examine whether pharmacological postconditioning with sevoflurane (SEVO) is neuro- and cardioprotective in a pig model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Methods
Twenty-two pigs were subjected to cardiac arrest. After 8 minutes of ventricular fibrillation and 2 minutes of basic life support, advanced cardiac life support was started. After successful return of spontaneous circulation (N = 16), animals were randomized to either (1) propofol (CONTROL) anesthesia or (2) SEVO anesthesia for 4 hours. Neurological function was assessed 24 hours after return of spontaneous circulation. The effects on myocardial and cerebral damage, especially on inflammation, apoptosis and tissue remodeling, were studied using cellular and molecular approaches.

Results
Animals treated with SEVO had lower peak troponin T levels (median [IQR]) (CONTROL vs SEVO = 0.31 pg/mL [0.2 to 0.65] vs 0.14 pg/mL [0.09 to 0.25]; P < 0.05) and improved left ventricular systolic and diastolic function compared to the CONTROL group (P < 0.05). SEVO was associated with a reduction in myocardial IL-1β protein concentrations (0.16 pg/μg total protein [0.14 to 0.17] vs 0.12 pg/μg total protein [0.11 to 0.14]; P < 0.01), a reduction in apoptosis (increased procaspase-3 protein levels (0.94 arbitrary units [0.86 to 1.04] vs 1.18 arbitrary units [1.03 to 1.28]; P < 0.05), increased hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α protein expression (P < 0.05) and increased activity of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (P < 0.05). SEVO did not, however, affect neurological deficit score or cerebral cellular and molecular pathways.

Conclusions
SEVO reduced myocardial damage and dysfunction after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the early postresuscitation period. The reduction was associated with a reduced rate of myocardial proinflammatory cytokine expression, apoptosis, increased HIF-1α expression and increased activity of matrix metalloproteinase 9. Early administration of SEVO may not, however, improve neurological recovery.
Geographic Variation in the Cost of Ambulatory Care in Switzerland
Authors: Busato André , Matter Pius , Künzi Beat , Goodman David 
Published: October 2011

Objectives Swiss health care is relatively costly. In order better to understand the drivers of spending, this study analyses geographic variation in per capita consultation costs for ambulatory care. Methods Small area and longitudinal analysis of costs of ambulatory services covered by compulsory health insurance, 2003-07. Results The results show considerable geographic variation in per capita consultation costs, with higher costs in urban compared to rural areas. Areas with higher availability of care had higher costs, and residents of urban and high income areas used more specialist care and generated higher costs than residents of rural areas. Conclusions There are persistent regional differences in the per capita cost of ambulatory care that are not explained by demographic factors, access to care, or needs. It is likely that higher access to care leads to greater inappropriate use, particularly of specialists. Implementing gatekeeping systems and financial incentives that encourage better coordination of primary care may slow growth in costs and improve care.
The Andersen Model of Total Patient Delay: A Systematic Review of Its Application in Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Walter Fiona , Webster Andrew , Scott Suzanne , Emery Jon 
Published: October 2011

Objective Patient pathways to presentation to health care professionals and initial management in primary care are key determinants of outcomes in cancer. Reducing diagnostic delays may result in improved prognosis and increase the proportion of early stage cancers identified. Investigating diagnostic delay could be facilitated by use of a robust theoretical framework. We systematically reviewed the literature reporting the application of Andersen's Model of Total Patient Delay (delay stages: appraisal, illness, behavioural, scheduling, treatment) in studies which assess cancer diagnosis. Methods We searched four electronic databases and conducted a narrative synthesis. Inclusion criteria were studies which: reported primary research, focused on cancer diagnosis and explicitly applied one or more stages of the Andersen Model in the collection or analysis of data. Results The vast majority of studies of diagnostic delay in cancer have not applied a theoretical model to inform data collection or reporting. Ten papers (reporting eight studies) met our inclusion criteria: three studied several cancers. The studies were heterogeneous in their methods and quality. The review confirmed that there are clearly identifiable stages between the recognition of a symptom, first presentation to a health care professional, subsequent diagnosis and initiation of treatment. There was strong evidence to support the existence and importance of appraisal and treatment delay as defined in the Andersen Model, although treatment delay requires expansion. There was some evidence to support scheduling delay which may be contributed to by both patient and the health service. Illness delay was often difficult to distinguish from appraisal delay. It was less clear whether behavioural delay exists as a separate significant stage. Conclusions Greater consistency is required in the conduct and reporting of studies of diagnostic delay in cancer. We propose refinements to the Andersen Model which could be used to increase its validity and improve the consistency of reporting in future studies.
Critically Elevated INR in a Patient on Warfarin After Increase in Extended-Release Niacin Dose
Authors: Christopher Amy 
Published: October 2011

Objective: To report a case of a probable interaction between warfarin and extended-release niacin that may have led to synergistic coagulopathy and to inform health care providers of a need for more frequent monitoring of international normalized ratio (INR) in patients taking these drugs concomitantly. Case Summary: A 69-year-old white female whose anticoagulation treatment had been stable for 18 months with warfarin 2.5 mg daily (17.5 mg/wk) presented to an anticoagulation clinic with a critically elevated INR of greater than 12.3 after a dose increase in extended-release niacin (Niaspan) from 500 mg to 1000 mg daily the previous week. Extended-release niacin 500 mg daily had not affected the patient's INR for the previous 3 months; the most recent INR before this episode was 2.4. Warfarin was withheld and extended-release niacin was discontinued. The INR 2 days later was 4.8 and, with titration of warfarin to the previous maintenance dose of 2.5 mg daily, the INR was 2.3. Discussion: Common drug interaction resources do not consistently list an interaction between warfarin and extended-release niacin. The mechanism of niacin-induced coagulopathy is theorized to be related to diminished coagulation factors, and limited data suggest that this may be more pronounced with extended-release niacin. Because of the described effects of niacin on the coagulation cascade and the possibility for pharmacokinetic interactions, there is a potential for synergistic coagulopathy when combined with warfarin therapy. For patients taking both medications, more frequent INR monitoring than that which drug interaction references suggest may be advised. An objective causality assessment (Horn Drug Interaction Probability Scale) revealed that the interaction was probable. Conclusions: An interaction between niacin and warfarin likely elevated the INR in this patient because of synergistic coagulopathy and pharmacokinetic effects of niacin. Increased frequency of INR monitoring may be advised for patients taking these drugs concomitantly.
Implementation of an Enoxaparin Protocol for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Obese Surgical Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Ludwig Kyle P , Simons Heidi J , Mone Mary , Barton Richard G , Kimball Edward J 
Published: October 2011

Background:: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious health care issue that affects a large number of people. Few standards exist for delineating the optimal dosing strategy for VTE prevention in obese patients, especially in the setting of major surgery or trauma. Objective: To document the efficacy of a surgical intensive care unit (SICU)–specific, weight-based dosing protocol of enoxaparin 0.5 mg/kg given subcutaneously every 12 hours for VTE prophylaxis in morbidly obese (defined as body mass index [BMI] ≥35 kg/m2 or weight ≥150 kg) SICU patients, using peak anti-factor Xa levels to determine therapeutic endpoints. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively in an academic, university-based SICU on 23 morbidly obese patients who received weight-based enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis from December 1, 2008, through June 30, 2010. Results: A weight-based dosage range of enoxaparin 50-120 mg twice daily (median 60) was given to 23 patients. The mean BMI was 46.4 kg/m2. The initial mean anti-factor Xa level (measured after the third dose) was 0.34 IU/mL (range 0.20-0.59). Patients received an average of 18 doses. Two cases required an increase or decrease in dosage based on anti-factor Xa levels. Morbidity related to this dosing included a single event of minor endotracheal bleeding and a single deep vein thrombosis that was likely present prior to treatment. Conclusions: Weight-based dosing with enoxaparin in morbidly obese SICU patients was effective in achieving anti-factor Xa levels within the appropriate prophylactic range. This regimen reduced the rate of VTE below expected levels and no additional adverse effects were reported.
Atrial Flutter Associated with Carboplatin Administration
Authors: Zakaria Sammy , Lu Kit Yu , Nussenblatt Veronique , Browner Ilene 
Published: October 2011

Objective: To report a novel case of atrial flutter associated with carboplatin administration and review chemotherapy-related cardiac toxicities, focusing on platinum-containing compounds. Case Report: A 69-year-old man with extensive small cell lung cancer and asymptomatic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease was inconsistently adherent to his medication regimen. While undergoing carboplatin infusion, he developed atrial flutter. He had no other immediate arrhythmogenic causes of atrial flutter and the arrhythmia spontaneously reverted to sinus rhythm after 24 hours. His condition remained stable until he died 8 days later. The cause of death was unknown and the family declined postmortem examination. Discussion: Although this patient's cardiac history and nonadherence to his medications may have increased his susceptibility to develop atrial arrhythmias, the Naranjo probability scale reveals a possible relationship between atrial flutter and Infusion of carboplatin. A literature search revealed other adverse cardiac events due to platinum compounds; however, to our knowledge, this case is the first to describe an association with atrial flutter. A definitive causal link cannot be determined, but this may have been the result of a direct arrhythmogenic effect of treatment or to a novel hypersensitivity reaction. Given the potential deleterious impact of drug-induced arrhythmias, we have reported this case to the Food and Drug Administration as a new adverse effect of carboplatin. Conclusions: Providers should consider cardiac monitoring during carboplatin infusion in patients with known cardiac disease or at high risk of cardiac complications.
Clinical Experience with Aminoglycosides in Dialysis-Dependent Patients: Risk Factors for Mortality and Reassessment of Current Dosing Practices
Authors: Heintz Brett H , Thompson George R , Dager William E 
Published: October 2011

Background:: A resurgence of aminoglycoside use has followed the recent increase of multidrug-resistant gram-negative pathogens and is often needed even in the treatment of dialysis-dependent patients; however, studies evaluating the treatment of gram-negative infections with aminoglycosides, including the optimal dose, in the setting of dialysis are limited. Objective: To evaluate the current patterns of aminoglycoside use, including microbiologic and clinical indications, and identify risk factors associated with mortality in dialysis-dependent patients receiving aminoglycosides. Methods: Utilization, clinical, and microbiologic data were collected retrospectively over a 2-year period (July 2008-June 2010) for adults with a diagnosis of renal failure requiring dialysis and aminoglycoside therapy. Binary logistic and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for alt-cause 30-day mortality. Results: Ninety-five consecutive aminoglycoside courses in 88 patients met inclusion criteria for evaluation. A wide variety of clinical and microbiologic indications were documented. The average duration of aminoglycoside therapy was 5.2 days (range 1-42), the average duration of antimicrobial therapy was 13.5 days (1-60), and the all-cause 30-day mortality rate was 36.5%. Factors associated with all-cause 30-day mortality were gram-negative rod (GNR) bacteremia (OR 28.6; p = 0.035), advanced age (OR 8.5; p = 0.030), recent admission (OR 33.4; p = 0.038). and inadequate empiric therapy (OR 14.9; p = 0.024). Intravenous catheter removal was protective of all-cause 30-day mortality (OR 0.01; p = 0.005). A first pre-dialysis plasma concentration relative to the minimum inhibitory concentration (Cp:MIC) <6 mg/L (gentamicin/tobramycin) was associated with an increased risk of mortality (p = 0.026) upon subgroup analysis of dialysis-dependent patients with GNR bloodstream infections. Conclusions: Outcomes among dialysis-dependent patients who received aminoglycosides were below expectations. Various risk factors for mortality were identified, including retention of the catheter, inadequate empiric therapy, and a Cp:MIC <6 mg/L. Improved approaches to dosing of aminoglycosides in dialysis-dependent patients, including more aggressive dosing practices, should be urgently explored in attempts to maximize favorable patient outcomes.
Measuring Attachment Dimensions in Adolescents: Development and Validation of the Experiences in Close Relationships — Revised — General Short Form
Authors: Wilkinson Ross B. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe assessment of attachment in adolescence remains problematic, with the most widely used measure, the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA; Armsden & Greenberg, 1987), argued to have major short-comings. This article reports two studies examining the psychometric properties of a shortened and modified version of the Experiences in Close Relationships — Revised (ECR-R) (Fraley, Waller, & Brennan, 2000), the Experiences in Close Relationships — Revised — General Short Form (ECR-R-GSF), for the assessment of general relationship attachment anxiety and avoidance in adolescents and young adults. Confirmatory factor analyses in two independent samples of high school and university students (TotalN= 1187, 11 to 22 years) demonstrate support for the two-factor model of attachment anxiety and avoidance. The measurement model was supported across data sets and was not significantly different with respect to either age or sex. While the ECR-R-GSF demonstrated appropriate convergent and discriminant validity with the Relationships Questionnaire (RQ (Bartholomew & Horowitz, 1991) it did not converge with specific, parental relationship attachment as assessed by the IPPA. The ECR-R-GSF is argued to be a reliable and psychometrically sound instrument for assessing general attachment dimensions across a wide age range.
Pro-healing effects of morin, a natural antioxidant, on normal and dexamethasone-impaired wounds
Authors: Shenoy Rekha Raghuveer , Sudheendra Arun Theerthahalli , Nayak Pawan Ganesh , Paul Piya , Kutty Nampurath Gopalan , Rao Chamallamudi Mallikarjuna 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of morin on skin breaking strength, hydroxyproline, lysyl oxidase, DNA and RNA content of experimentally inflicted wounds in rats.

Methods: This study was performed on albino rats of either sex at the Central Animal Research Facility (CARF), Manipal University.

Results: Morin showed significant wound contraction on day 7 as compared to control with mean closure of 47.44±6.07% in excision wound model. Granulation tissue breaking strength was significantly increased (p<0.05) in the morin treated group with 180.2±7.94 g when compared to control at 151.2±6.99 g. There was a significant increase in hydroxyproline content with the morin treated group when compared to control with 3.41±0.33 μg/mg of granulation tissue. Similarly, the wound parameters were improved with the morin treated group in dexamethasone delayed healing.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that morin treatment accelerates the healing process delayed by concurrent use of steroids.
Principles of Design and Installation of Below-Grade and Building Deck Waterproofing in 2010
Authors: Rutila Dean A. , Klein Kenneth A. , Normandeau Matthew J. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The introduction of new materials, the innovative use of various construction methods, and the popularity of vegetative (green) roofs make it timely to update and expand the 1990 article, “Principles of Design and Installation of Building Deck Waterproofing” [Ruggiero, S. S. and Rutila, D. A., “Principles of Design and Installation of Building Deck Waterproofing,” Building Deck Waterproofing, ASTM STP 1084, L.E. Gish, Ed., ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 1990, p. 5. We review the state of the art for materials and practices, and apply the lessons learned over the past 20 years of below-ground and building deck waterproofing. Of particular importance are the following: Performance and durability advancements in fluid-applied systems have resulted in increased use. New chemical formulations as well as recognition of settled technologies that work allow some fluid-applied membranes to demonstrate proven durability equal to sheet membrane systems. Sodium bentonite-polymer composite systems resolve many past performance questions and often provide advantages over other options. Blind-side and other foundation waterproofing systems are increasingly driven by foundation forming and concrete placement, and support of excavation designs. Vegetative (green) roofing has created challenges not completely addressed by “plaza waterproofing” designs, but key principles of deck waterproofing must still be applied to vegetative roofing.