bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular epidemiology of drug resistance markers of Plasmodium falciparum in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Huang Fang , Tang Linhua , Yang Henglin , Zhou Shuisen , Liu Hui , Li Junwei , Guo Shaohua 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
The mutations in Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt), multidrug resistance 1 (pfmdr1), dihydrofolate reductase (pfdhfr), dihydropteroate synthase (pfdhps) and ATPase (pfatp6) genes were associated with anti-malaria drug resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of polymorphisms in pfcrt, pfmdr1, pfdhfr, pfdhps and pfatp6 in Yunnan Province. Finger-prick blood samples were collected from malaria-positive patients from Yunnan Province in 2009-2010. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the resistance-related genes were analysed by various PCR-based methods.

Results
A total of 108 blood samples were collected. Although chloroquine has not been used to treat falciparum malaria for nearly 30 years, 95.3% of the parasites still carried the pfcrt K76T mutation, whereas the majority of isolates displayed the wild-type pfmdr1 N86 and D1246 sequences. The molecular level of sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine resistance in P. falciparum was high. The most prevalent mutation was pfdhfr C59R (95.9%), whereas the frequencies of the quadruple, triple and double mutants were 22.7% (N51I/C59R/S108N/I164L), 51.5% (N51I/C59R/S108N, N51I/C59R/I164L and C59R/S108N/ I164L) and 21.6% (N51I/ C59R, C59R/S108N and C59R/I164L), respectively. A437G (n = 77) and K540E (n = 71) were the most prevalent mutations in pfdhps, and 52.7% of the samples were double mutants, among which A437G/K540E was the most common double mutation (37/49). Quadruple mutants were found in 28.0% (26/93) of samples. A total of 8.6% of isolates (8/93) carried the S436A/A437G/A581G triple mutation. No mutations were found in pfatp6 codons 623 or 769, but another two mutations (N683K and R756K) were found in 4.6% (3/97) and 9.2% (6/97) of parasite isolates, respectively.

Conclusions
This study identified a high frequency of mutations in pfcrt, pfdhfr and pfdhps associated with CQ and SP resistance in P. falciparum and no mutations linked to artemisinin resistance (pfatp6). Molecular epidemiology should be included in routine surveillance protocols and used to provide complementary information to assess the appropriateness of the current national anti-malarial drug policy.
Therapeutic electric stimulation does not affect immune status in healthy individuals – a preliminary report
Authors: Kopitar Andreja N , Kotnik Vladimir , Vidmar Gaj , Ihan Alojz , Novak Primoz , Stefancic Martin 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundNeuromuscular electric stimulation is widely used for muscle strengthening in clinical practice and for preventative purposes. However, there are few reports on the effects of electric stimulation on the immune response of the organism, and even those mainly describe the changes observed immediately after the electrotherapeutic procedures. The objective of our study was to examine the possible immunological consequences of moderate low-frequency transcutaneous neuromuscular electric stimulation for quadriceps muscle strengthening in healthy individuals.MethodsThe study included 10 healthy volunteers (5 males, 5 females, mean age 37.5 years). At the beginning and after a two-week electric stimulation program, muscle strength was measured and peripheral blood was collected to analyse white blood cells by flow cytometry for the expression of cell surface antigens (CD3, CD19, CD4, CD8, CD4/8, DR/3, NK, Th reg, CD25 + CD3+, CD25 + CD4+, CD25 + CD8+, CD69 + CD3+, CD69 + CD4+, CD69 + CD8+) and phagocytosis/oxidative killing function.ResultsMuscle strength slightly increased after the program on the dominant and the nondominant side. No statistically or clinically significant difference was found in any of the measured blood and immune cells parameters as well as phagocytosis and oxidative burst function of neutrophil granulocytes and monocytes one day after the program.ConclusionsThe program of transcutaneous low-frequency electric stimulation slightly strengthened the quadriceps femoris muscle while producing no changes in measured immunological parameters. Hence, therapeutic low-frequency electric stimulation appears not to be affecting the immune response of healthy persons.
Prognostic significance of c-KIT in vulvar cancer: bringing this molecular marker from bench to bedside
Authors: de Melo Maia Beatriz , Lavorato-Rocha André Mourão , Rodrigues Iara Sant’Ana , Baiocchi Glauco , Cestari Flávia Munhoz , Stiepcich Monica Maria , Chinen Ludmila Thomé Domingues , Carvalho Kátia C , Soares Fernando Augusto , Rocha Rafael Malagoli 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Vulvar carcinomas are rare tumors, and there is limited data regarding molecular alterations. To our knowledge there are no published studies on c-KIT and squamous cell carcinomas of the vulva (VSCC). Although there are a significant number of other tumor types which express c-KIT, there remains controversy as to its relationship to patient outcome. Thus, we wished to investigate such controversial findings to determine the prognostic importance of c-KIT by evaluating its protein and mRNA expression in VSCCs, correlating these findings with clinicopathological features and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Methods
c-KIT expression was scored by immunohistochemistry (IHC) as positive or negative in 139 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cases of vulvar carcinomas arrayed in a tissue microarray (TMA) using the DAKO® A4502 rabbit polyclonal c-KIT antibody (diluted 1:100). c-KIT mRNA was evaluated by qRT-PCR in 34 frozen samples from AC Camargo Hospital Biobank (17 tumoral and 17 non-tumoral samples) using TaqMan probes–Applied Biosystems [Hs00174029_m1]. HPV genotyping was assessed in 103 samples using Linear Array® HPV Genotyping Test kit (Roche Molecular Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland). All results obtained were correlated with clinical and pathological data of the patients.

Results
c-KIT protein was positive by immunohistochemistry in 70.5% of the cases and this was associated with a higher global survival (p = 0.007), a higher recurrence-free survival (p < 0.0001), an absence of associated lesions (p = 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.0053), and HPV infection (p = 0.034). Furthermore, c-KIT mRNA quantitation revealed higher levels of transcripts in normal samples compared to tumor samples (p = 0,0009).

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that those vulvar tumors staining positively for c-KIT present better prognosis. Thus, positivity of c-KIT as evaluated by IHC may be a good predictor for use of more conservative surgery techniques and lymph node dissection in vulvar cancer. So part of the essence of our study is to see the possibility of translating our current results from the bench to the bedside. This will help provide patients a more appropriate, less mutilating treatment, in order to keep the maximum physical and psychic quality as possible to these women.
Zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C status are associated with leptin concentrations and obesity in Mexican women: results from a cross-sectional study
Authors: García Olga Patricia , Ronquillo Dolores , Caamaño María del Carmen , Camacho Mariela , Long Kurt Zane , Rosado Jorge L 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of obesity among Mexican women is high and it could be related to micronutrient status. We evaluated in a cross-sectional study the associations of zinc and vitamins A, C and E concentrations with BMI, central adiposity, body fat and leptin concentration.MethodsWomen aged 37 ± 7.5 years (n = 580) from 6 rural communities in Mexico were evaluated. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, waist and hip circumference. A fasting blood sample was taken for the analysis of glucose, lipid profile, leptin, zinc, and vitamins A, C and E. Body composition was determined by DEXA (Hologic Mod Explorer).ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity was 36% (BMI > 25 Kg/m2) and 44% (BMI > 30 Kg/m2), respectively. Prevalence of zinc and vitamins C and E deficiencies were similar in obese, overweight and normal weight women. No vitamin A deficiency was found. Vitamin C was negatively associated with BMI, waist-to-height ratio, and leptin concentrations (p < 0.05).Vitamin A was positively associated with leptin (p < 0.05). When stratifying by BMI, % body fat and waist circumference, high leptin concentrations were associated with lower zinc and lower vitamin C concentrations in women with obesity (p < 0.05) and higher vitamin A concentrations in women without obesity (p < 0.01). Vitamin E status was not associated with any markers of obesity.ConclusionZinc and vitamins A and C are associated with obesity, adiposity and leptin concentration in women from rural Mexico, and may play an important role in fat deposition. The causality of these associations needs to be confirmed.
A blinded randomised controlled trial to determine the effect of enteric coating on enzyme treatment for canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Authors: Mas Aran , Noble Peter-John M , Cripps Peter J , Batchelor Daniel J , Graham Peter , German Alexander J 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundEnzyme treatment is the mainstay for management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in dogs. ‘Enteric-coated’ preparations have been developed to protect the enzyme from degradation in the stomach, but their efficacy has not been critically evaluated. The hypothesis of the current study was that enteric coating would have no effect on the efficacy of pancreatic enzyme treatment for dogs with EPI.Thirty-eight client-owned dogs with naturally occurring EPI were included in this multicentre, blinded, randomised controlled trial. Dogs received either an enteric-coated enzyme preparation (test treatment) or an identical preparation without the enteric coating (control treatment) over a period of 56 days.ResultsThere were no significant differences in either signalment or cobalamin status (where cobalamin deficient or not) between the dogs on the test and control treatments. Body weight and body condition score increased in both groups during the trial (P<0.001) but the magnitude of increase was greater for the test treatment compared with the control treatment (P<0.001). By day 56, mean body weight increase was 17% (95% confidence interval 11-23%) in the test treatment group and 9% (95% confidence interval 4-15%) in the control treatment group. The dose of enzyme required increased over time (P<0.001) but there was no significant difference between treatments at any time point (P=0.225). Clinical disease severity score decreased over time for both groups (P=0.011) and no difference was noted between groups (P=0.869). No significant adverse effects were reported, for either treatment, for the duration of the trial.ConclusionsEnteric coating a pancreatic enzyme treatment improves response in canine EPI.
Carbonic anhydrase I (CA1) is involved in the process of bone formation and is susceptible to ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Chang Xiaotian , Zheng Yabing , Yang Qingrui , Wang Lin , Pan Jihong , Xia Yifang , Yan Xinfeng , Han Jinxiang 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Introduction

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is characterized by abnormal bone formation in the spine and the sacroiliac joints. In vitro assays demonstrate that carbonic anhydrase I (CA1) promotes calcium precipitation. This study investigated the function of CA1 for bio-mineralization and determined if common polymorphisms in the CA1 gene might contribute to AS risk.

Methods

Calcification was induced in Saos-2 cells, a human osteosarcoma cell line, with ascorbic acid and β-glycerophosphate. Calcification was determined by Alizarin Red-S (AR-S) staining. Expressions of CA1, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN), osterix (OSX) and runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2) were determined by real-time PCR and western blotting. The cells were also treated with acetazolamide, an anti-carbonic anhydrase drug. Genotyping was performed using Illumina VeraCode microarray in a case-control study including 51 AS patients, 267 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 160 healthy controls. The result was confirmed by Taqman assay, including 258 AS patients, 288 RA patients and 288 healthy controls.

Results

Following the induction of calcification, Saos-2 cells produced large amounts of calcium-rich deposits. Increased transcriptions of CA1, ALP, BSP, OCN, OSX and Runx2, essential genes for ossification, were detected in the cultured cells. Following treatmen with acetazolamide, the expression of CA1 obviously declined and mineralized nodule formation was also decreased. Illumina microarray indicates that SNP at rs7841425 also showed significant differences in allelic frequency (P = 0.01396) and genotypic frequency (P = 0.005902) between AS cases and controls. In addition, SNP at rs7827474 showed significant differences in allelic frequency (P = 5.83E-04) and genotypic frequency (P = 0.000186) between RA cases and controls (P values were adjusted to multiple comparisons). The Taqman assay revealed that rs725605 demonstrated statistically significant evidence of allele frequency (P = 0.022307) and gene frequency (P = 0.007731) for association with AS. This SNP did not show significant differences in allelic frequencies and gene frequencies between RA patients and controls.

Conclusions

CA1 may play an essential role in bio-mineralization and new bone formation. The gene encoding CA1 is susceptible to AS.
Novel Catalysis in the Internal Nanocavity of Polyamine Dendrimer for Intramolecular Michael Reaction
Authors: Maeno Zen , Mitsudome Takato , Mizugaki Tomoo , Jitsukawa Koichiro , Kaneda Kiyotomi 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Poly(propyleneimine) (PPI) dendrimers functionalized with C16 alkyl chains acted as efficient tertiary amine catalysts for an intramolecular Michael reaction. The substrate was accommodated in a reactive conformation within a sterically confined nanocavity consisting of regularly arranged tertiary amino groups of the PPI dendrimers.
One-pot Synthesis of Permethylated α-CD-based Rotaxanes Having Alkylene Chain Axles and Their Structural Characteristics
Authors: Akae Yosuke , Arai Takayuki , Koyama Yasuhito , Okamura Hisashi , Johmoto Kohei , Uekusa Hidehiro , Kuwata Shigeki , Takata Toshikazu 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Permethylated α-CD-based rotaxanes with short alkylene chains as an axle were synthesized through urea end-capping in one pot: Products were [2]rotaxane and [3]rotaxane. The head-to-head structure of [3]rotaxane obtained as a single isomer was confirmed by the characteristic 1H NMR peak shifts and X-ray single-crystal structure analysis.
The Baumann procedure to correct equinus gait in children with diplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: Svehlík M. , Kraus T. , Steinwender G. , Zwick E. B. , Saraph V. , Linhart W. E. 
Published: July 2012

Although equinus gait is the most common abnormality in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) there is no consistency in recommendations for treatment, and evidence for best practice is lacking. The Baumann procedure allows selective fractional lengthening of the gastrocnemii and soleus muscles but the long-term outcome is not known. We followed a group of 18 children (21 limbs) with diplegic CP for ten years using three-dimensional instrumented gait analysis. The kinematic parameters of the ankle joint improved significantly following this procedure and were maintained until the end of follow-up. We observed a normalisation of the timing of the key kinematic and kinetic parameters, and an increase in the maximum generation of power of the ankle. There was a low rate of overcorrection (9.5%, n = 2), and a rate of recurrent equinus similar to that found with other techniques (23.8%, n = 5).As the procedure does not impair the muscle architecture, and allows for selective correction of the contracted gastrocnemii and soleus, it may be recommended as the preferred method for correction of a mild fixed equinus deformity.
Bleeding Meckel′s diverticulum diagnosed and treated by double-balloon enteroscopy
Authors: Olafsson Snorri , Yang Julie T , Jackson Christian S , Barakat Mohamad , Lo Simon 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMeckel′s diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The diagnosis of symptomatic MD has been cumbersome. Several case reports been published regarding direct visualization of MD with double balloon enteroscopy (DBE); diagnosing a bleeding MD leading to surgical resection. We report the use of DBE for the treatment of a bleeding MD.
Does Adding Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms to Risk Algorithms Improve Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction in Rheumatoid Arthritis? An Internal and External Validation of a Clinical Risk Score
Authors: Agca Rabia , Popa Calin D. , Heymans Martijn W. , Crusius Bart , Voskuyl Alexandre E. , Nurmohamed Michael T. 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveCurrent risk algorithms do not accurately predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). An area of interest is that of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), of which several have been associated with CVD in the general population. We investigated whether these SNPs are associated with CVD in RA and whether SNPs could improve CVD risk prediction in RA.MethodsSixty SNPs were genotyped in 353 patients with RA. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to identify SNPs that were associated with CVD (n = 99). A prediction model with clinical variables was made. SNPs were added to investigate the additional predictive value. Both models were internally validated. External validation was done in a separate cohort (n = 297).Resultsrs3184504, rs4773144, rs12190287, and rs445925 were significantly associated with new CVD. The clinical prediction model consisted of age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), and creatinine, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.74 (P = 0.03). Internal validation resulted in an AUC of 0.76 (P < 0.01). A new model was made including SNPs and resulted in a model with rs17011666 and rs801426, age, total cholesterol, and HDLc, which performed slightly better with an AUC of 0.77 (P < 0.01). External validation resulted in a good fit for the clinical model, but a poor fit for the SNP model.ConclusionSeveral SNPs were associated with CVD in RA. Risk prediction slightly improved after adding SNPs to the models, but the clinical relevance is debatable. However, larger studies are needed to determine more accurately the additional value of these SNPs to CVD risk prediction algorithms.
Long‐Lived Acoustic Phonon and Carrier Dynamics in III–V Adiabatic Cavities
Authors: Hanif Muhammad , Dubajic Milos , Sreerag Sujakala J. , Kini Rajeev N. , Conibeer Gavin J. , Nielsen Michael P. , Bremner Stephen P. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEvidence of strongly confined coherent acoustic phonons inside high quality factor phononic cavities that exhibit tailored phonon potentials is provided. Using GaAs/AlAs quasiperiodic superlattices, functional phonon potentials are realized by adiabatically changing the layer thicknesses along the growth direction. Room temperature ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy reveals discrete phonon modes with frequencies in the range of ≈96–101 GHz. Additionally, it is confirmed that phononic cavities impact the energy loss rate of the photoexcited carriers, as evidenced by time‐resolved photoluminescence measurements. These results highlight the potential of concurrently engineering optoelectronic and phononic properties for a range of novel applications.
Universal Carbonizable Filaments for 3D Printing
Authors: Park Soyeon , Shi Baohui , Islam Md Mohaiminul , He Jinlong , Sung Dae Han , Zhang Chunyan , Cao Zhang , Shang Yuanyuan , Liu Ling , Fu Kelvin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCarbon additive manufacturing emerges as a powerful technique for crafting tunable 3D carbon architectures, employing multiscale arrangement and topological design for mechanical and functional applications. However, the potential of 3D carbon fabrication is constrained when utilizing state‐of‐the‐art feedstock and manufacturing routes. To address these limitations, a 3D carbon fabrication strategy is developed named carbonizable filament technology (CAFIT). In CAFIT, the evolution of high‐loaded carbon composite filaments broadens the capabilities of straightforward 3D printing technology by ensuring structural stability for subsequent post‐carbonization to achieve scalable and engineered 3D carbon structures. This strategy has strengths regarding 1) simplicity, 2) applicability to a variety of carbon materials, and 3) creating nearly replicated 3D carbon structures with multiscale features. The fundamental mechanisms governing the processability of the universal filament and structural change of carbon particles throughout the process using carbon nanotubes as an example are explored. Moreover, through simulation and demonstration, the adaptability of CAFIT is illustrated by utilizing a wide range of carbon materials, including low‐dimensional nano/micro carbons (carbon blacks, carbon nanotubes, and graphenes), as well as carbon fibers, to fabricate 3D architected carbon structures.
Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Ethanol on Zn‐Coordinated Cu Sites Formed by Atmosphere‐Induced Surface Reconstruction
Authors: Du Jie , Zhang Gong , Ma Xiao , Chang Qingfeng , Gao Hui , Wang Chaoxi , Du Xiaowei , Li Shuying , Wang Tuo , Zhao Zhi‐Jian , Zhang Peng , Gong Jinlong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractElectrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to produce chemicals and fuels is a promising strategy to achieve carbon neutrality. However, due to the slow C─C coupling kinetics and the fact that C2H5OH and C2H4 products share the same *HCCOH intermediate, achieving high activity and selectivity for C2H5OH remains challenging. This paper describes an atmosphere‐induced reconstruction method to optimize the surface composition and coordination structure of the CuxZny bimetallic alloy catalysts for C2H5OH production. Specifically, the CuxZny alloy catalyst treated within CO atmosphere (CO‐CuxZny) enriches with low‐coordinated Cu sites, which are favorable for the adsorption of the *CO intermediates for promoted C2H5OH production. A C2+ Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 85.1% and a C2H5OH FE of 59.5% are achieved by the CO‐Cu84Zn16 at a current density of 300 mA cm−2. In‐situ spectroscopic studies and DFT calculations demonstrate that the enhanced *CO adsorption promotes the C─C coupling process. At the same time, the hydrogenation of *HCCOH is more favorable on CO‐Cu84Zn16 to inhibit the C2H4 pathway, thus enhancing the generation of C2H5OH. This study provides an effective strategy to regulate the selectivity of CO2RR through the control of the surface coordination environment of the active sites.