bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conducting community research in rural China: Addressing the methodological challenges of recruiting participants in rapidly changing social environments
Authors: Dai Jing , Chiu Helen F.K. , Hou Zai‐Jin , Caine Eric D. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIntroductionThe present paper addresses a unique challenge for public health and community research in rural China, i.e. the very large percentage of young adults that comprises a highly mobile working population that has been an essential component of the country's economic transformation. Fluid local demographic patterns potentially have a substantial impact on sample representativeness and data validity.MethodsThis report is based upon a cross‐sectional survey with face‐to‐face interviews of residents aged 16–34 years in rural communities of Mianyang, Sichuan Province, China. Two waves of fieldwork and other strategies were adopted in response to recruitment challenges.Results1654 of 3008 potential participants took part in the study; this constituted 98% of those individuals approached and 55% of the persons enumerated in the local household registration system (hukou). Analyses revealed substantial differences among those who were interviewed during September and October 2005, versus those seen during the Chinese Lunar New Year of 2006 when many migrant workers and students returned to their homes. Both groups together differed from those who were unavailable during either recruiting episode.DiscussionWe discuss potential responses to associated methodological challenges, including (i) permanent hukou mismatches; (ii) temporary hukou mismatches; (iii) difficulties faced by potential participants to fully understand the purpose of research, the informed consent process, and specific research questions; and (iv) appreciation of the importance of local social networks, as they pertain in particular to rural China. These findings underscore that there may be a need to make “on‐the‐ground” adjustments to varying local conditions to maximize sample representativeness and data validity.
Bartonella henselaeSeroprevalence in Cattle Breeders and Veterinarians in the Rural Areas of Aydin and Denizli, Turkey
Authors: Sayin‐Kutlu S. , Ergin C. , Kutlu M. , Akkaya Y. , Akalin S. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryBartonella henselaeinfections are usually detected among people who have close contact with animals. Veterinarians and cattle breeders, in particular, are considered as the risk groups forB. henselaeinfections. In this study, the seroprevalence of antibodies toB. henselaewas investigated in these two groups of subjects in the two cities of Aydin and Denizli, which are located in the same region in the southwest of Turkey. Total antibodies toB. henselaewere evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay in serum samples taken from 63 cattle breeders and 27 veterinarians. Twenty samples (22.2%) were found to react on 1/64 titre withB. henselaeantigens.Bartonella henselaeseroprevalence was found to be significantly related to age (P = 0.033) and higher in those living in Aydin (P = 0.047). Age was the only independent factor in multivariate analysis (P = 0.008). Seroprevalence was found to be 2‐fold higher in those people who had had tick contact (P = 0.093). In conclusion, the physicians in the region should considerB. henselaeinfection among veterinarians and breeders in their differential diagnosis list of fever of unknown origin.
A dragonfly (δ2H) isoscape for North America: a new tool for determining natal origins of migratory aquatic emergent insects
Authors: Hobson Keith A. , Soto David X. , Paulson Dennis R. , Wassenaar Leonard I. , Matthews John H. 
Published: April 2012

Summary1. Tracking insect migration at continental scales is intractable using exogenous markers because of tiny body size and high improbability of recapture. Naturally occurring endogenous isotopic markers, such as tissue δ2H and δ18O, are a means of assigning origins to both vertebrate and invertebrate populations, but the success depends upon derivation of a robust algorithm linking measured tissue isotope values with large‐scale geospatial isotopic patterns (isoscapes) in the terrestrial hydrosphere.2. We derived a North American dragonfly wing δ2H and δ18O isoscape from known‐origin dragonflies of three species (Aeshna interrupta, Aeshna umbrosa and Pachydiplax longipennis) obtained across North America. A strong relationship (r2 = 0·75) was found between wing δ2H and hydrologic geospatial δ2H patterns, and between wing δ2H and δ18O (r2 = 0·92). The strong coupling between emergent insect tissue and hydrologic spatial patterning suggested that this dragonfly isoscape may be applicable to other aquatic emergent migratory insects in North America and elsewhere.3. As a proof of concept, we used the wing isoscape algorithm to map the probability of natal origin of Common Green Darners (Anax junius) migrating through southern Texas. Results showed that these Texan dragonflies were a mix of local and far‐distant migrant (e.g. northern United States) individuals. We suggest that this isoscape algorithm opens new opportunities to quantify the migration and natal origins of dragonflies and other aquatic emergent insects where conventional methods have failed.
Ethnicity and childhood overweight/obesity in England
Authors: Higgins V. , Dale A. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryBackgroundSome studies suggest that British Afro‐Caribbean girls and Pakistani girls have higher levels of obesity than girls in the general population of England. However, the interplay between child obesity, ethnicity, mother's socioeconomic status and other parental characteristics is unclear and requires exploration.ObjectivesThis study examines the relationship between child ethnicity and child overweight/obesity after controlling for a wide range of mothers′ socioeconomic characteristics and parental overweight/obesity.MethodsHealth Survey for England data (1999 and 2004) are used to examine 7047 children aged 2–15 years. Body mass index (BMI) for children is classified using the International Obesity Task Force age‐specific BMI thresholds for obesity and overweight.ResultsAfter controlling for a wide range of maternal socioeconomic characteristics and parental overweight/obesity, there are no ethnic differences in childhood overweight/obesity.ConclusionsHaving overweight or obese parents is a stronger predictor of childhood overweight/obesity than ethnic origin of the child. Interventions aimed at reducing childhood overweight/obesity should focus on parental characteristics rather than the ethnicity of the child, but they also need to be sensitive to gender and ethnic differences. Future research should aim to repeat the analyses using a measure of abdominal obesity such as waist circumference, if data become available.
Sympathetic inhibition attenuates hypoxia induced insulin resistance in healthy adult humans
Authors: Peltonen Garrett L. , Scalzo Rebecca L. , Schweder Melani M. , Larson Dennis G. , Luckasen Gary J. , Irwin David , Hamilton Karyn L. , Schroeder Thies , Bell Christopher 
Published: April 2012

Key points
In low‐oxygen environments, such as high‐altitude, control of blood sugar is disrupted. Further, the activity of the sympathetic nervous system is known to increase when the availability of oxygen is decreased.
We have investigated the possibility that the increase in sympathetic activity is partially responsible for the disruption in blood sugar control.
Using gasbags filled with low‐oxygen gas, together with a commonly used blood pressure medication (clonidine) that inhibits the sympathetic nervous system, we have shown that breathing low oxygen disrupts blood sugar control, and that this disruption is prevented when the nervous system is inhibited.
This finding has important implications for people travelling to high altitudes, and for people who suffer from conditions characterized by low oxygen, such as sleep apnoea and lung diseases.
Quantitative measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential in cultured cells: calcium‐induced de‐ and hyperpolarization of neuronal mitochondria
Authors: Gerencser Akos A. , Chinopoulos Christos , Birket Matthew J. , Jastroch Martin , Vitelli Cathy , Nicholls David G. , Brand Martin D. 
Published: April 2012

Key pointsWithin cells, mitochondria oxidize carbohydrates, and fatty and amino acids to use the released energy to form ATP, and in the process, they also generate reactive oxygen species. Their maximal rates are linked to the magnitude of the mitochondrial membrane potential.Here we derive a model of fluorescent potentiometric probe dynamics, and on these principles we introduce an absolute quantitative method for assaying mitochondrial membrane potential in millivolts in individual cultured cells.This is the first micro‐scale method to enable measurement of differences in mitochondrial membrane potential between cells with different properties, e.g. size, mitochondrial density and plasma membrane potential, including cases when plasma membrane potential fluctuates.Mitochondrial membrane potential in cultured rat cortical neurons is −139 mV at rest. In response to electrical stimulation of the cells, it is regulated between −108 mV and −158 mV by concerted increases in energy demand and metabolic activation.
Phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibition as a therapeutic approach to treat capillary leakage in systemic inflammation
Authors: Schick Martin Alexander , Wunder Christian , Wollborn Jakob , Roewer Norbert , Waschke Jens , Germer Christoph‐Thomas , Schlegel Nicolas 
Published: April 2012

Key points
A specific therapy to treat capillary leakage in systemic inflammation and sepsis is not available at present.
Recent studies demonstrated that reduced cAMP levels in endothelial cells contribute to inflammation‐induced breakdown of the endothelial barrier.
The present study demonstrates that systemically applied phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitors to increase endothelial cAMP are effective to prevent and to treat capillary leakage followed by improved microcirculation in a rodent model of systemic inflammation.
These data suggest a highly clinically relevant and applicable approach to stabilize capillary leakage in sepsis and systemic inflammation.
Exploring 57Co as a new isotope for brachytherapy applications
Authors: Enger Shirin A. , Lundqvist Hans , D'Amours Michel , Beaulieu Luc 
Published: April 2012

Purpose:The characteristics of the radionuclide 57Co make it interesting for use as a brachytherapy source. 57Co combines a possible high specific activity with the emission of relatively low‐energy photons and a half‐life (272 days) suitable for regular source exchanges in an afterloader. 57Co decays by electron capture to the stable 57Fe with emission of 136 and 122 keV photons.Methods: A hypothetical57Co source based on the Flexisource brachytherapy encapsulation with the active core set as a pure cobalt cylinder (length 3.5 mm and diameter 0.6 mm) covered with a cylindrical stainless‐steel capsule (length 5 mm and thickness 0.125 mm) was simulated using Geant4 Monte Carlo (MC) code version 9.4. The radial dose function, g(r), and anisotropy function F(r,θ), for the line source approximation were calculated following the TG‐43U1 formalism. The results were compared to well‐known 192Ir and 125I radionuclides, representing the higher and the lower energy end of brachytherapy, respectively.Results:The mean energy of photons in water, after passing through the core and the encapsulation material was 123 keV. This hypothetical57Co source has an increasing g(r) due to multiple scatter of low‐energy photons, which results in a more uniform dose distribution than 192Ir.Conclusions:57Co has many advantages compared to 192Ir due to its low‐energy gamma emissions without any electron contamination. 57Co has an increasing g(r) that results in a more uniform dose distribution than 192Ir due to its multiple scattered photons. The anisotropy of the 57Co source is comparable to that of 192Ir. Furthermore, 57Co has lower shielding requirements than 192Ir.
Ultrasound temperature estimation based on probability variation of backscatter data
Authors: Tsui Po‐Hsiang , Shu Yu‐Chen , Chen Wen‐Shiang , Liu Hao‐Li , Hsiao Ing‐Tsung , Chien Yu‐Ting 
Published: April 2012

Purpose:In recent years, ultrasound imaging has become an attractive modality for noninvasive temperature monitoring. Temperature variations that occur during tissue heating could induce changes in various acoustic parameters that may affect the echo interference so as to make ultrasound backscattering a random process. In this study, we assumed that the degree of variation in the probability distribution of the backscattered signals is temperature dependent. The feasibility of using the variation in the backscatter statistics for ultrasound temperature estimation was investigated in this study.Methods:We tested this hypothesis by carrying out experiments on agar phantoms and tissue samples using a temperature‐regulated water tank and a microwave ablation system. During heating, raw images of the backscattered‐signal envelope of each phantom and tissue at temperatures ranging between 37 °C and 45 °C were acquired to construct the parametric matrix based on the ratio of the change in the Nakagami parameter (RCN), which was used as a quantitative measure of the backscatter statistics. The absolute value of the RCN (ARCN) matrix was obtained, to which a polynomial approximation was applied to obtain the ARCNpa image.Results:The results showed that the RCN matrix locally increased or decreased with increasing temperature, indicating bidirectional changes in the backscatter statistics. We also found that the ARCN significantly increased with the temperature, demonstrating that the magnitude of the variation in the probability distribution of the backscattered‐signal envelope is a monotonic function of temperature. Unlike the phantom, tissues tended to exhibit a nonlinear dependency of the ARCN on the temperature that may be attributable to tissue denaturation. Especially, the ARCNpa image is highly suitable for visualizing the contour of the temperature distribution during microwave ablation of tissue samples.Conclusions:This study has demonstrated that temperature changes are reflected in variations in the envelope statistics. This novel approach makes it possible to develop an ultrasound temperature imaging method for simultaneously estimating the thermal dose and the tissue properties.
FdeC, a Novel Broadly Conserved Escherichia coli Adhesin Eliciting Protection against Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Nesta Barbara , Spraggon Glen , Alteri Christopher , Gomes Moriel Danilo , Rosini Roberto , Veggi Daniele , Smith Sara , Bertoldi Isabella , Pastorello Ilaria , Ferlenghi Ilaria , Fontana Maria Rita , Frankel Gad , Mobley Harry L. T. , Rappuoli Rino , Pizza Mariagrazia , Serino Laura , Soriani Marco 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

The increasing antibiotic resistance of pathogenic
Escherichia coli
species and the absence of a pan-protective vaccine pose major health concerns. We recently identified, by subtractive reverse vaccinology, nine
Escherichia coli
antigens that protect mice from sepsis. In this study, we characterized one of them, ECOK1_0290, named FdeC (
f
actor a
d
herence

E
.
c
oli

) for its ability to mediate
E. coli
adhesion to mammalian cells and extracellular matrix. This adhesive propensity was consistent with the X-ray structure of one of the FdeC domains that shows a striking structural homology to
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
invasin and enteropathogenic
E. coli
intimin. Confocal imaging analysis revealed that expression of FdeC on the bacterial surface is triggered by interaction of
E. coli
with host cells. This phenotype was also observed in bladder tissue sections derived from mice infected with an extraintestinal strain. Indeed, we observed that FdeC contributes to colonization of the bladder and kidney, with the wild-type strain outcompeting the
fdeC
mutant in cochallenge experiments. Finally, intranasal mucosal immunization with recombinant FdeC significantly reduced kidney colonization in mice challenged transurethrally with uropathogenic
E. coli
, supporting a role for FdeC in urinary tract infections.

IMPORTANCE
Pathogenic
Escherichia coli
strains are involved in a diverse spectrum of diseases, including intestinal and extraintestinal infections (urinary tract infections and sepsis). The absence of a broadly protective vaccine against all these
E. coli
strains is a major problem for modern society due to high costs to health care systems. Here, we describe the structural and functional properties of a recently reported protective antigen, named FdeC, and elucidated its putative role during extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
infection by using both
in vitro
and
in vivo
infection models. The conservation of FdeC among strains of different
E. coli
pathotypes highlights its potential as a component of a broadly protective vaccine against extraintestinal and intestinal
E. coli
infections.
Glaciodynamic sequence stratigraphy
Authors: Pedersen Stig A. Schack 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The glaciofluvial deposits are by volume and permeability the most important unit in the terrestrial glacial successions, and they are the obvious target for groundwater as well as hydrocarbon reservoir exploration. The dominant glaciofluvial units are related to the proglacial setting in the foreland of an advancing ice margin, which results in a coarsening-upwards sequence with fine-grained beds at the base and glaciofluvial gravel at the top. In a complete sequence a till caps the unit, and at its base a glacitectonite is formed by shearing related to the development of the deformational layer below the ice. The glacial deposits laid down during the same glacial advance represent a glaciodynamic sequence. An important feature added to this is the proglacial glaciotectonic deformation. The glaciotectonic architectural elements comprise thrust faulting, folding of hanging-wall anticlines, thrust-sheet duplexes, hydrodynamic breccias and mud diapirs, the structural style of which define the glaciotectonic complex. The glaciodynamic sequence corresponds to the glaciodynamic event related to one major ice advance. The glaciodynamic processes representing the event comprise deposition as well as deformation, creating a glaciogenic sedimentary succession and a set of glaciotectonic structures. These constitute the elements to be recognized for defining a glaciodynamic sequence.
Bevacizumab-Induced Alterations in Vascular Permeability and Drug Delivery: A Novel Approach to Augment Regional Chemotherapy for In-Transit Melanoma
Authors: Turley Ryan S. , Fontanella Andrew N. , Padussis James C. , Toshimitsu Hiroaki , Tokuhisa Yoshihiro , Cho Eugenia H. , Hanna Gabi , Beasley Georgia M. , Augustine Christina K. , Dewhirst Mark W. , Tyler Douglas S. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate whether the systemically administered anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody bevacizumab could improve regional chemotherapy treatment of advanced extremity melanoma by enhancing delivery and tumor uptake of regionally infused melphalan (LPAM).
Experimental Design: After treatment with systemic bevacizumab or saline, changes in vascular permeability were determined by spectrophotometric analysis of tumors infused with Evan's blue dye. Changes in vascular structure and tumor hemoglobin-oxygen saturation HbO2 were determined by intravital microscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, respectively. Rats bearing the low-VEGF secreting DM738 and the high-VEGF secreting DM443 melanoma xenografts underwent isolated limb infusion (ILI) with melphalan (LPAM) or saline via the femoral vessels. The effect of bevacizumab on terminal drug delivery was determined by immunohistochemical analysis of LPAM-DNA adducts in tumor tissues.
Results: Single-dose bevacizumab given three days before ILI with LPAM significantly decreased vascular permeability (50.3% in DM443, P &lt; 0.01 and 35% in DM738, P &lt; 0.01) and interstitial fluid pressure (57% in DM443, P &lt; 0.01 and 50% in DM738, P = 0.01). HbO2 decreased from baseline in mice following treatment with bevacizumab. Systemic bevacizumab significantly enhanced tumor response to ILI with LPAM in two melanoma xenografts, DM443 and DM738, increasing quadrupling time 37% and 113%, respectively (P = 0.03). Immunohistochemical analyses of tumor specimens showed that pretreatment with systemic bevacizumab markedly increased LPAM-DNA adduct formation.
Conclusions: Systemic treatment with bevacizumab before regional chemotherapy increases delivery of LPAM to tumor cells and represents a novel way to augment response to regional therapy for advanced extremity melanoma. Clin Cancer Res; 18(12); 3328–39. ©2012 AACR.
Cancer Cell Metabolism: There Is No ROS for the Weary
Authors: Dang Chi V. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Using a high-throughput short-hairpin RNA library screen targeting 222 metabolic nodes, Ros and colleagues identified 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 4 (PFKFB4), a glycolytic enzyme that shunts glucose into the pentose phosphate pathway for NADPH production, as a critical node for the survival of prostate cancer cells. Blocking PFKFB4 induces reactive oxygen species and cancer cell death, suggesting that PFKFB4 could be therapeutically targeted. Cancer Discov; 2(4); 304–7. ©2012 AACR.
Commentary on Ros et al., p. 328.
Effect of Iron Chelation on Myocardial Infarct Size and Oxidative Stress in ST-Elevation–Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Chan William , Taylor Andrew J. , Ellims Andris H. , Lefkovits Lisa , Wong Chiew , Kingwell Bronwyn A. , Natoli Alaina , Croft Kevin D. , Mori Trevor , Kaye David M. , Dart Anthony M. , Duffy Stephen J. 
Published: April 2012

Background—
Experimental studies suggest that deferoxamine (DFO) limits the generation of reactive oxygen species by chelating redox-active iron and thereby may reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury and myocardial infarct (MI) size. We investigated whether DFO administered before reperfusion by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) would ameliorate oxidative stress and MI size.

Methods and Results—

We randomly assigned 60 patients with ST-elevation–MI to receive an intravenous bolus of DFO (500 mg) immediately before PPCI followed by a 12-hour infusion (50 mg/kg of body weight) (n=28) or normal saline bolus and infusion (placebo group, n=32). MI size was measured by contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI (CMRI; day 3±1), creatine kinase and troponin I area-under-the-curve, and severity of wall motion abnormality on echocardiography. Clinical follow-up including repeat CMRI and echocardiography were performed at 3 months (100±17 days). Oxidative stress was assessed by plasma F
2
-isoprostane levels. DFO and placebo groups were well balanced with respect to baseline characteristics, symptom- and door-to-balloon times, pre-PPCI coronary patency, and infarct-related artery location. Serum iron levels were decreased with DFO treatment after PPCI compared with placebo (3.0±2.5 versus 12.6±5.5 μmol/L,
P
<0.0001), which persisted until the end of the infusion. In DFO-treated patients, there was a significant reduction in plasma F
2
-isoprostane levels immediately after PPCI (2878±1461 versus 2213±579 pmol/L,
P
=0.04). However, there was no difference in CMRI-determined infarct size (DFO, 17.4±10.8%, versus placebo, 18.6±10.2%;
P
=0.73), myocardial salvage index at 3 days or at 3 months, or the area-under-the-curve for creatine kinase or troponin I.

Conclusions—
Adjunctive DFO treatment after the onset of ischemia and continued periprocedurally ameliorates oxidative stress without limiting infarct size.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.anzctr.org.au/
. Unique identifier: ACTRN12608000308392.