bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of antimicrobial peptides as novel bactericidal agents for room temperature–stored platelets
Authors: Mohan Ketha V.K. , Rao Shilpakala Sainath , Atreya Chintamani D. 
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: A single cost‐effective pathogen inactivation approach would help to improve the safety of our nation's blood supply. Several methods and technologies are currently being studied to help reduce bacterial contamination of blood components. There is clearly need for simple and easy‐to‐use pathogen inactivation techniques specific to plasma, platelets (PLTs), and red blood cells.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this report, we introduce a novel proof of concept: using known therapeutic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as bactericidal agents for room temperature–stored PLT concentrates (PCs). Nine synthetic AMPs, four from PLT microbicidal protein‐derived peptides (PD1‐4) and five Arg‐Trp (RW) repeat peptides containing one to five repeats, were tested for bactericidal activity in plasma and PC samples spiked with Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Bacillus cereus. A 3‐log reduction of viable bacteria was considered as the bactericidal activity of a given peptide.RESULTS: In both plasma alone and PCs, RW3 peptide demonstrated bactericidal activity against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae; PD4 and RW2 against P. aeruginosa; and RW4 against K. pneumoniae. The activity of each of these four peptides against the remaining bacterial species in the test panel resulted in less than a 3‐log reduction in the number of viable bacteria and hence considered ineffective.CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a new approach to improving the safety of blood components, demonstrating the potential usefulness of screening therapeutic AMPs against selected bacteria to identify suitable bactericidal agents for stored plasma, PCs, and other blood products.
One‐Year Follow‐Up of Nonrandomized Comparison between Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery and Drug‐Eluting Stent for the Treatment of Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease in Elderly Patients (Aged ≥75 Years)
Authors: GHENIM RABEH , RONCALLI JÉRÔME , TIDJANE AMIR M. , BONGARD VANINA , ZIANI ABDELKADER , BOUDOU NICOLAS , DUMONTEIL NICOLAS , MARCHEIX BERTRAND , LÉOBON BERTRAND , CARRIÉ DIDIER 
Published: September 2009

Purpose:

The present observational study compares in‐hospital and 12‐month clinical outcomes in elderly patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease treated either with coronary artery bypass grafting or drug‐eluting stent.
Methods:

From January 2004 to December 2007, 211 patients (pts) with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) stenosis, aged 75 or older, underwent coronary revascularization either with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (106 pts) or drug‐eluting stent (DES) (105 pts). The decision to treat with CABG or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was dependent on the patient's and the physician's choice. The occurrence of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE: death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke) and revascularizations was recorded after 1 year of follow‐up. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using a propensity score method to take potential baseline differences between groups into account.
Results:

In‐hospital MACCE rates were 5.7% and 3.8% in the CABG and PCI groups, respectively (P = 0.748). After 1 year of follow‐up, these rates were, respectively, 13.9% and 14.9% (P = 0.841), and rates for target vessel revascularization at 12 months were 1.0% and 13.9% (P < 0.001). The PCI group was significantly associated with older age, dyslipidemia, history of cancer, high Euroscore, elevated creatininemia, single‐vessel disease, fewer chronic occlusions of the left anterior descending artery, and more LMCA stenosis ≥70%. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was adjusted for age, diabetes, left ventricular ejection fraction, Euroscore, and plasma creatininemia and stratified on the score of propensity to be treated with PCI. In the subgroup below median propensity score, the adjusted odds ratio for 1‐year MACCE was OR = 0.91 (95% confidence interval: 0.14 to 5.98; P = 0.924) whereas OR was 0.16 (0.04–0.69; P = 0.013) in the subgroup above median propensity score.
Conclusions:

In patients with a high probability of being treated with PCI (older age, high Euroscore, high creatininemia, single‐vessel disease, …), the 1‐year risk of MACCE was significantly lower in PCI‐ than in CABG‐treated subjects. No significant difference was found in other cases.
Fishing for a Living but Catching HIV: AIDS and Changing Patterns of the Organization of Work in Fisheries in Uganda
Authors: Seeley Janet , Tumwekwase Grace , Grosskurth Heiner 
Published: September 2009

AbstractOver the last decade evidence has emerged suggesting that fisherfolk, as an occupational group, are at greater risk to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than other groups in many countries, including Uganda. In this paper we argue that the organization of work in fisheries on Lake Victoria, both now and in the past, encourages patterns of sexual behavior among men and women involved in fishing, trading, and servicing the industry which over the last 20 years has promoted the spread of the HIV among those working in fisheries. We use a case study of a family, Kiwanuka's, to illustrate how patterns of behavior practiced in the past (by Kiwanuka) have much more disastrous consequences now (for his children) because of the existence of HIV. Kiwanuka was a fisherman on Lake Victoria during the 1960s. During that time fish were plentiful and he earned enough to purchase land and establish himself as a coffee farmer. Two of his sons are currently employed as daily laborers at the lake. They complain of poor fish catches and their inability to make money. One daughter, who is HIV‐positive, is a dried fish trader. This family's experience illustrates the far‐reaching effects of economic and health conditions generated by the fishing industry on distant rural areas and across generations. Rising HIV rates are severely affecting fishers and related occupations already hit by falling fish stocks. The findings show how the same patterns of sexual behavior and wealth generation practiced by the older generation in their youth now represent a deadly risk to their children, a population in urgent need of better access to treatment, prevention, and care.
Is the prevalence of overweight and obesity declining among 4‐year‐old Swedish children?
Authors: Bergström Erik , Blomquist Hans K:son 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAim:  To investigate the trend in overweight and obesity prevalence among 4‐year‐old Swedish children.Methods:  Height and weight data registered at the regular health check up at the child health centres in the county of Västerbotten during the years 2007/2008 (2225 boys and 2156 girls) were analysed and compared with data from 2002/2003 (2231 boys and 2176 girls). Overweight and obesity were estimated using the International Obesity Task Force cut‐off values (ISO BMI).Results:  In both boys and girls, overweight prevalence (ISO BMI > 25) decreased over the 5‐year period, boys from 17.2% to 14.2% and girls from 22.3% to 19.0%. Among girls, there was also a decrease in obesity prevalence (ISO BMI > 30) from 5.7% to 3.1%.Conclusion:  The result of this study indicates that the overweight and obesity epidemic among Swedish pre‐school children may be levelling off.
Early high C‐reactive protein in infants with open abdominal wall defects does not predict sepsis or adverse outcome
Authors: Ramadan G , Rex D , Okoye B , Kennea NL 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAim:  To study CRP values and relate it to outcome in infants with antenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis, exomphalos and other surgical conditions.Methods:  Over five years, infants admitted to our neonatal unit with gastroschisis, exomphalos and other surgical diagnoses were identified. Serum CRP measurements in first 5 days were studied. Group one included 33 gastroschisis patients, group two, 18 exomphalos patients, and group three, 38 patients with other surgical diagnoses. Outcome measures included TPN days, time to full feeds and duration of hospitalization.Results:  Infants with gastroschisis were more premature (36.9 vs 38.1 weeks) with lower birth weights (2515 vs 3078 g), than infants with exomphalos. CRP values on admission in gastroschisis group were significantly higher than exomphalos and other diagnoses groups (33.7 ± 6.4 vs 8.8 ± 6.0 vs 5.7 ± 2.0, respectively, p < 0.05). All blood cultures were sterile. There was no relationship between high CRP and death or adverse outcome (TPN days, time to full feeds or duration of hospitalization) in the gastroschisis group.Conclusion:  Infants with gastroschisis exhibit high early CRP, which may not indicate sepsis or adverse outcome. This increase can complicate the assessment of these infants. Clinicians should be aware of this finding as it could inform management decisions in this group.
Cervical infection secondary to pyriform sinus fistula of branchial origin
Authors: Madana J. , Yolmo Deeke , Gopalakrishnan S. , Saxena Sunil Kumar 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTComplete third branchial arch anomalies are rare and have been described only in case reports, affecting mainly children and typically presenting as a cervical inflammatory process. Anomalies of the third and fourth branchial apparatus, though rare, usually present as sinuses/incomplete fistulas of pyriform sinus or recurrent suppurative thyroiditis. A 6‐year‐old girl presented with a small opening on the left side of her anterior neck, which had been present since birth and was associated with recurrent infection. She had no history of incision and drainage of swelling. Computed tomography with contrast injection into the cervical opening revealed a fistulous tract extending from the cervical neck skin to the pyriform fossa. Complete excision of the fistulous tract and left hemithyroidectomy were performed. There was no recurrence at 22 months of follow‐up.
Haptoglobin binds the antiatherogenic protein apolipoprotein E – impairment of apolipoprotein E stimulation of both lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity and cholesterol uptake by hepatocytes
Authors: Cigliano Luisa , Pugliese Carmela R. , Spagnuolo Maria S. , Palumbo Rosanna , Abrescia Paolo 
Published: September 2009

Haptoglobin (Hpt) binds apolipoprotein A‐I (ApoA‐I), and impairs its stimulation of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). LCAT plays a major role in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), like ApoA‐I, promotes different steps of RCT, including LCAT stimulation. ApoE contains amino acid sequences that are homologous with the ApoA‐I region bound by Hpt and are involved in the interaction with LCAT. Therefore, Hpt was expected to also bind ApoE, and inhibit the ApoE stimulatory effect on LCAT. Western blotting and ELISA experiments demonstrated that the Hpt β‐subunit binds ApoE. The affinity of Hpt for ApoE was higher than that for ApoA‐I. High ratios of Hpt with either apolipoprotein, such as those associated with the acute phase of inflammation, inhibited, in vitro, the stimulatory effect of ApoE on the cholesterol esterification activity of LCAT. Hpt also impaired human hepatoblastoma‐derived cell uptake of [3H]cholesterol from proteoliposomes containing ApoE or ApoA‐I. We suggest that the interaction between Hpt and ApoE represents a mechanism by which inflammation affects atherosclerosis progression. Hpt might influence ApoE function in processes other than RCT.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7258778: Hpt beta chain (uniprotkb:P00738) binds (MI:0407) to APOE (uniprotkb:P02649) by filter binding (MI:0049)
MINT‐7258829, MINT‐7258868: Hpt (uniprotkb:P00738) binds (MI:0407) to APOA1 (uniprotkb:P02647) by competition binding (MI:0405)
MINT‐7258848, MINT‐7258819, MINT‐7258877: APOE (uniprotkb:P02649) binds (MI:0407) to Hpt (uniprotkb:P00738) by competition binding (MI:0405)
MINT‐7258791: Hpt (uniprotkb:P00738) binds (MI:0407) to APOE (uniprotkb:P02649) by pull down (MI:0096)
MINT‐7258760: Hpt (uniprotkb:P00738) physically interacts (MI:0915) with APOE (uniprotkb:P02649) by pull down (MI:0096)
MINT‐7258811: Hpt (uniprotkb:P00738) binds (MI:0407) to APOA1 (uniprotkb:P02647) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)
MINT‐7258801: Hpt (uniprotkb:P00738) binds (MI:0407) to APOE (uniprotkb:P02649) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)
Plasma carnitine ester profiles in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients with different IGR2230a_1 genotypes
Authors: Talián G. , Lakner L. , Bene J. , Komlósi K. , Horváth K. , Gasztonyi B. , Miheller P. , Figler M. , Mózsik G. , Tulassay Z. , Melegh B. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryAn association has been repeatedly demonstrated between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the IBD5 locus in the 5q31 chromosomal region. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of the IGR2230a_1 intronic nucleotide polymorphism of the slc22a5 gene (coding for the OCTN2 carnitine transporter protein) lying within this region, and its possible relationship with the carnitine metabolism in Hungarian IBD patients and controls. We genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism 200 Crohn's disease (CD) and 246 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, as well as 187 healthy controls. From plasma samples we determined detailed carnitine ester profiles of 76 CD, 43 UC patients and 45 control persons using electrospray ionization triple quadruple tandem mass spectrometry. The distribution of the genotypes was not significantly different in the CD or the UC group compared with the controls. We found no significant alterations of the carnitine profile in the carrier/non‐carrier or the homozygote/non‐homozygote comparisons in both the CD and the UC groups, stratified by IGR2230a_1 genotype. Our data suggest that this polymorphism alone is not associated with CD and UC in the Hungarian population, and has no effect on the carnitine metabolism.
Analysis of the complete genomic sequence of HLA‐A alleles in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhu F. , He Y. , Zhang W. , He J. , He J. , Xu X. , Yan L. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryTo analyse the complete genomic sequences and investigate the intron polymorphism of the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A locus, the full‐length nucleotide sequences of each major allelic group of HLA‐A in the Chinese Han population were determined, including HLA‐A*01, A*02, A*03, A*11, A*23, A*24, A*26, A*29, A*30, A*31, A*32, A*33, A*34, A*68, A*69. More than 3.0‐kb DNA fragment of HLA‐A locus was amplified from 5′‐untranslated region to 3′‐noncoding region for sequencing. Full‐length sequences of the HLA‐A alleles were determined using an ABI BigDye® Terminator Cycle Sequencing kit and the HLA‐A phylogenetic tree was analysed by dnaman software. Full‐length nucleotide sequences of 15 HLA‐A alleles (GenBank Accession numbers EU445470–EU445484) were obtained. HLA‐A*110101, A*2301, A*300101, A*310102, A*330301, A*340101, A*680102 and A*6901 alleles were firstly reported for complete genomic sequences. Total 247 polymorphism positions were found in the complete genomic sequences of HLA‐A alleles and a insertion of 17 nucleotides within intron 3 was observed in several allelic groups. According to the phylogenetic tree of the full‐length nucleotide sequences, HLA‐A locus was classified into seven major allelic lineages. In this study, complete genomic sequences of common HLA‐A alleles were obtained and the data will help us understand the evolution of HLA‐A.
A retrospective study of the MRI findings in 18 dogs with stifle injuries
Authors: Barrett E. , Barr F. , Owen M. , Bradley K. 
Published: September 2009

Objectives:To make an objective assessment of the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of meniscal damage and cranial cruciate ligament disease in the canine stifle by comparing magnetic resonance imaging findings with surgical findings.Methods:Magnetic resonance images of 18 stifles from 18 dogs which had undergone magnetic resonance imaging for the investigation of stifle disease were reviewed. For every stifle, the menisci and cranial cruciate ligaments were assessed according to predetermined criteria. The magnetic resonance imaging findings were compared with the reported surgical findings and the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were calculated using the surgical findings as the gold standard. Kappa analysis was used as an objective measure of agreement between surgical and magnetic resonance imaging findings. For 11 stifles, meniscal evaluation by three different observers was used to measure interobserver agreement using Kappa analysis.Results:Magnetic resonance imaging was demonstrated to be an accurate technique in the detection of meniscal injury (k=0·86), with excellent interobserver agreement (k=0·89 to 1·0). Disruption of cranial cruciate ligament continuity and an increase in ligament intensity were found to be useful criteria in the diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament rupture.ClinicalSignificance:Magnetic resonance imaging offers a non‐invasive alternative to exploratory surgery in the evaluation of cranial cruciate ligament and meniscal disease.
Integrating Knowledge: The Key Challenge for a New Paradigm in River Management
Authors: Hillman Mick 
Published: September 2009

AbstractClaims for the arrival of a new paradigm in river management argue that substantial progress has been made away from top‐down, reach‐scale engineering towards catchment‐scale planning, community participation, ecosystem science and adaptive management. Implementing these new principles is widely seen as essential in reversing damage to river systems and in promoting sustainable management. However, the appraisal of a shift in river management is far from straightforward across the range of biophysical and social contexts involved. Literature from the philosophy and sociology of science suggests that such transitions are usually patchy and uneven. In particular, a paradigm shift requires recognition and integration of three levels of knowledge: technical, scientific and what Aristotle referred to as ‘phronesis’– contextualised and place‐based wisdom built on experience and incorporation of cultural values. The application of these forms of knowledge to river management is considered by reference to recent reviews and case studies from Europe, North America and Australasia. The conclusion is that integration is still proving elusive. Claims for a wholesale paradigm shift in river management must therefore be treated with considerable caution.
Evolutionary genomics of human intellectual disability
Authors: Crespi Bernard , Summers Kyle , Dorus Steve 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPrevious studies have postulated that X‐linked and autosomal genes underlying human intellectual disability may have also mediated the evolution of human cognition. We have conducted the first comprehensive assessment of the extent and patterns of positive Darwinian selection on intellectual disability genes in humans. We report three main findings. First, as noted in some previous reports, intellectual disability genes with primary functions in the central nervous system exhibit a significant concentration to the X chromosome. Second, there was no evidence for a higher incidence of recent positive selection on X‐linked than autosomal intellectual disability genes, nor was there a higher incidence of selection on such genes overall, compared to sets of control genes. However, the X‐linked intellectual disability genes inferred to be subject to recent positive selection were concentrated in the Rho GTP‐ase pathway, a key signaling pathway in neural development and function. Third, among all intellectual disability genes, there was evidence for a higher incidence of recent positive selection on genes involved in DNA repair, but not for genes involved in other functions. These results provide evidence that alterations to genes in the Rho GTP‐ase and DNA‐repair pathways may play especially‐important roles in the evolution of human cognition and vulnerability to genetically‐based intellectual disability.
Spatial socioeconomic data as a cost in systematic marine conservation planning
Authors: Ban Natalie Corinna , Klein Carissa Joy 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA common objective in identifying conservation areas is to minimize conservation costs while achieving a set of conservation targets. Recent literature highlights the importance of incorporating socioeconomic costs into conservation planning. Here, we review how costs have been used in systematic marine conservation planning. Four approaches emerged from the literature: (1) uniform cost or area as a proxy for human use, (2) opportunity costs, (3) multiple socioeconomic costs, and (4) measures of naturalness or ecological impact of human activities. Most marine systematic conservation planning projects that used a spatially explicit socioeconomic cost focused on fisheries as the opportunity cost. No study has incorporated transaction or management costs into the design of marine protected areas using systematic conservation planning software. Combining multiple costs into one cost is one of the primary challenges of incorporating socioeconomic costs into conservation planning decision support tools. Combining many costs is feasible when each cost is measured in the same unit (e.g., dollars), but this information is rarely available in marine planning. Where the objective of the planning exercise is to minimize impacts on multiple stakeholder groups, the use of separate scenarios or multi‐zone software may be a viable option.
Cacao boom and bust: sustainability of agroforests and opportunities for biodiversity conservation
Authors: Clough Yann , Faust Heiko , Tscharntke Teja 
Published: September 2009

AbstractCacao cultivation holds a sweet promise, not only for chocolate consumers and cacao farmers but also for conservationists who argue that diverse cacao agroforests may be used to sustain both livelihoods of smallholders and ecological benefits such as the conservation of biodiversity within human‐dominated tropical landscapes. However, regional boom‐and‐bust cycles are the rule in global cacao production: after initial forest conversion to cacao agroforests, sustaining production is difficult due to dwindling yields as trees age and pest and disease pressure increases. The failure to revitalize plantations often leads to a shift of cacao production to other regions. Shade removal dynamics within these cycles substantially reduce most of the biodiversity benefits. We investigate the conservation implications of these processes. Using examples from the current cacao crisis in Indonesia, we show that until now commitments to sustainability by the cacao‐chocolate sector have not been successful, which endangers remaining forests. Conservation can be combined with smallholder cacao production, but if this is to be achieved, greater quantitative and qualitative efforts to halt cacao cycles are needed on the part of the industry by making use of existing opportunities to combine sustainability, carbon storage, and biodiversity conservation.