bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sentinel surveillance system for early outbreak detection in Madagascar
Authors: Randrianasolo Laurence , Raoelina Yolande , Ratsitorahina Maherisoa , Ravolomanana Lisette , Andriamandimby Soa , Heraud Jean-Michel , Rakotomanana Fanjasoa , Ramanjato Robinson , Randrianarivo-Solofoniaina Armand Eugène , Richard Vincent 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Following the outbreak of chikungunya in the Indian Ocean, the Ministry of Health directed the necessary development of an early outbreak detection system. A disease surveillance team including the Institut Pasteur in Madagascar (IPM) was organized to establish a sentinel syndromic-based surveillance system. The system, which was set up in March 2007, transmits patient data on a daily basis from the various voluntary general practitioners throughout the six provinces of the country to the IPM. We describe the challenges and steps involved in developing a sentinel surveillance system and the well-timed information it provides for improving public health decision-making.

Methods
Surveillance was based on data collected from sentinel general practitioners (SGP). The SGPs report the sex, age, visit date and time, and symptoms of each new patient weekly, using forms addressed to the management team. However, the system is original in that SGPs also report data at least once a day, from Monday to Friday (number of fever cases, rapid test confirmed malaria, influenza, arboviral syndromes or diarrhoeal disease), by cellular telephone (encrypted message SMS). Information can also be validated by the management team, by mobile phone. This data transmission costs 120 ariary per day, less than US$1 per month.

Results
In 2008, the sentinel surveillance system included 13 health centers, and identified 5 outbreaks. Of the 218,849 visits to SGPs, 12.2% were related to fever syndromes. Of these 26,669 fever cases, 12.3% were related to Dengue-like fever, 11.1% to Influenza-like illness and 9.7% to malaria cases confirmed by a specific rapid diagnostic test.

Conclusion
The sentinel surveillance system represents the first nationwide real-time-like surveillance system ever established in Madagascar. Our findings should encourage other African countries to develop their own syndromic surveillance systems.
Prompt detection of an outbreak of infectious disease may lead to control measures that limit its impact and help prevent future outbreaks.
Comparison of lung cancer cell lines representing four histopathological subtypes with gene expression profiling using quantitative real-time PCR
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Miura Tomohiro , Degawa Yusuke , Fujita Yuna , Inoue Masaaki , Kawaguchi Makoto , Furihata Chie 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Lung cancers are the most common type of human malignancy and are intractable. Lung cancers are generally classified into four histopathological subtypes: adenocarcinoma (AD), squamous cell carcinoma (SQ), large cell carcinoma (LC), and small cell carcinoma (SC). Molecular biological characterization of these subtypes has been performed mainly using DNA microarrays. In this study, we compared the gene expression profiles of these four subtypes using twelve human lung cancer cell lines and the more reliable quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR).

Results
We selected 100 genes from public DNA microarray data and examined them by DNA microarray analysis in eight test cell lines (A549, ABC-1, EBC-1, LK-2, LU65, LU99, STC 1, RERF-LC-MA) and a normal control lung cell line (MRC-9). From this, we extracted 19 candidate genes. We quantified the expression of the 19 genes and a housekeeping gene, GAPDH, with qPCR, using the same eight cell lines plus four additional validation lung cancer cell lines (RERF-LC-MS, LC-1/sq, 86-2, and MS-1-L). Finally, we characterized the four subtypes of lung cancer cell lines using principal component analysis (PCA) of gene expression profiling for 12 of the 19 genes (AMY2A, CDH1, FOXG1, IGSF3, ISL1, MALL, PLAU, RAB25, S100P, SLCO4A1, STMN1, and TGM2). The combined PCA and gene pathway analyses suggested that these genes were related to cell adhesion, growth, and invasion. S100P in AD cells and CDH1 in AD and SQ cells were identified as candidate markers of these lung cancer subtypes based on their upregulation and the results of PCA analysis. Immunohistochemistry for S100P and RAB25 was closely correlated to gene expression.

Conclusions
These results show that the four subtypes, represented by 12 lung cancer cell lines, were well characterized using qPCR and PCA for the 12 genes examined. Certain genes, in particular S100P and CDH1, may be especially important for distinguishing the different subtypes. Our results confirm that qPCR and PCA analysis provide a useful tool for characterizing cancer cell subtypes, and we discuss the possible clinical applications of this approach.
The anti-inflammatory effects of the tellurium redox modulating compound, AS101, are associated with regulation of NFκB signaling pathway and nitric oxide induction in macrophages
Authors: Brodsky Miri , Halpert Gilad , Albeck Michael , Sredni Benjamin 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
LPS-activated macrophages produce mediators which are involved in inflammation and tissue injury, and especially those associated with endotoxic shock. The non toxic tellurium compound ammonium tri-chloro(dioxoethylene-O,O'-)tellurate, AS101, has been recently shown to exert profound anti-inflammatory properties in animal models, associated with its Te(IV) redox chemistry. This study explores the anti-inflammatory properties of AS101 with respect to modulation of inflammatory cytokines production and regulation of iNOS transcription and expression in activated macrophages via targeting the NFkB complex.

Results
AS101 decreased production of IL-6 and in parallel down-regulated LPS-induced iNOS expression and NO secretion by macrophages. AS101 reduced IkB phosphorylation and degradation, and reduced NFkB nuclear translocalization, albeit these effects were exerted at different kinetics. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that AS101 treatment attenuated p50-subunit ability to bind DNA at the NFkB consensus site in the iNOS promotor following LPS induction.

Conclusions
Besides AS101, the investigation of therapeutic activities of other tellurium(IV) compounds is scarce in the literature, although tellurium is the fourth most abundant trace element in the human body. Since IKK and NFkB may be regulated by thiol modifications, we may thus envisage, inview of our integrated results, that Te(IV) compounds, may have important roles in thiol redox biological activity in the human body and represent a new class of anti-inflammatory compounds.
Neutrophil elastase downmodulates native G-CSFR expression and granulocyte-macrophage colony formation
Authors: Piper Melissa G , Massullo Pam R , Loveland Megan , Druhan Lawrence J , Kindwall-Keller Tamila L , Ai Jing , Copelan Alexander , Avalos Belinda R 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
The granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor (G-CSFR) plays a critical role in maintaining homeostatic levels of circulating neutrophils (PMN). The mechanisms modulating G-CSFR surface expression to prevent chronic neutrophilia are poorly understood. Here, we report that neutrophil elastase (NE) proteolytically cleaves the G-CSFR on human PMN and blocks G-CSFR-mediated granulopoiesis in vitro.

Methods
Human peripheral blood PMN isolated from healthy donors were incubated with NE. Expression of the G-CSFR was analyzed by flow cytometry and western blot analyses. Detection of G-CSFR cleavage products from the culture supernatants was also performed. Human bone marrow mononuclear cells were also cultured in the presence or absence of NE to determine its effects on the proliferation of granulocyte-macrophage colony forming units (CFU-GM).

Results
Treatment of PMN with NE induced a time-dependent decrease in G-CSFR expression that correlated with its degradation and the appearance of proteolytic cleavage fragments in conditioned media. Immunoblot analysis confirmed the G-CSFR was cleaved at its amino-terminus. Treatment of progenitor cells with NE prior to culture inhibited the growth of granulocyte-macrophage colony forming units.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that in addition to transcriptional controls and ligand-induced internalization, direct proteolytic cleavage of the G-CSFR by NE also downregulates G-CSFR expression and inhibits G-CSFR-mediated granulopoiesis in vitro. Our results suggest that NE negatively regulates granulopoiesis through a novel negative feedback loop.
A simple and rapid method for detection of Goose Parvovirus in the field by loop-mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: JinLong Yang , Rui Yang , AnChun Cheng , MingShu Wang , LiZhi Fu , SongQuan Yang , SuHui Zhang , Liu Yang , ZhiYong Xu 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Goose parvovirus (GPV) is a Dependovirus associated with latent infection and mortality in geese. Currently, in a worldwide scale, GPV severely affects geese production. The objective of this study is to develop a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for the sensitive, rapid, and inexpensive detection of GPV in the field.

Results
A set of six specific primers was designed by targeting the GPV VP3 DNA. With Bst DNA polymerase large fragment, the target DNA could be amplified at 65°C as early as 20 min of incubation in a simple water bath. A positive reaction was identified through the detection of the LAMP product by color change visible to the naked eye. The detection limit of the assay was 28 copies/μl of plasmid pVP3, and with equal sensitivity and specificity to fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR (FQ-PCR).

Conclusions
The high sensitivity, specificity, and simplicity, as well as the high throughput, make this method suitable for specific detection of GPV infection in both field conditions and laboratory settings. The utilization of complicated equipment and conduct of technical training on the GPV LAMP were not necessary.
Impact of dietary protein on lipid metabolism-related gene expression in porcine adipose tissue
Authors: Zhao Sumei , Wang Jing , Song Xinlei , Zhang Xi , Ge Changrong , Gao Shizheng 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
High dietary protein can reduce fat deposition in animal subcutaneous adipose tissue, but little is known about the mechanism.

Methods
Sixty Wujin pigs of about 15 kg weight were fed either high protein (HP: 18%) or low protein (LP: 14%) diets, and slaughtered at body weights of 30, 60 or 100 kg. Bloods were collected to measure serum parameters. Subcutaneous adipose tissues were sampled for determination of adipocyte size, protein content, lipid metabolism-related gene expression, and enzyme activities.

Results
HP significantly reduced adipocyte size, fat meat percentage and backfat thickness, but significantly increased daily gain, lean meat percentage and loin eye area at 60 and 100 kg. Serum free fatty acid and triglyceride concentrations in the HP group were significantly higher than in the LP group. Serum glucose and insulin concentrations were not significantly affected by dietary protein at any body weight. HP significantly reduced gene expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) at 60 kg and 100 kg; however, the mRNA level and enzyme activity of FAS were increased at 30 kg. HP promoted gene and protein expression and enzyme activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), carmitine palmtoyltransferase-1B (CPT-1B), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and adipocyte-fatty acid binding proteins (A-FABP) at 60 kg, but reduced their expression at 100 kg.
Gene expression and enzyme activity of hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) was reduced markedly at 60 kg but increased at 100 kg by the high dietary protein. Levels of mRNA, enzyme activities and protein expression of ACC, FAS, SREBP-1c and PPARγ in both LP and HP groups increased with increasing body weight. However, gene and protein expression levels/enzyme activities of LPL, CPT-1B, A-FABP and HSL in both groups were higher at 60 kg than at 30 and 100 kg.

Conclusion
Fat deposition in Wujin pigs fed high dietary protein for 25 weeks was reduced mainly by depression of lipogenic gene expression. The mechanism of lipid transport, lipolysis and oxidation in adipose tissue regulated by dietary protein appeared to be different at 60 kg and 100 kg body weights.
Systematic analysis, comparison, and integration of disease based human genetic association data and mouse genetic phenotypic information
Authors: Zhang Yonqing , De Supriyo , Garner John R , Smith Kirstin , Wang S Alex , Becker Kevin G 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
The genetic contributions to human common disorders and mouse genetic models of disease are complex and often overlapping. In common human diseases, unlike classical Mendelian disorders, genetic factors generally have small effect sizes, are multifactorial, and are highly pleiotropic. Likewise, mouse genetic models of disease often have pleiotropic and overlapping phenotypes. Moreover, phenotypic descriptions in the literature in both human and mouse are often poorly characterized and difficult to compare directly.

Methods
In this report, human genetic association results from the literature are summarized with regard to replication, disease phenotype, and gene specific results; and organized in the context of a systematic disease ontology. Similarly summarized mouse genetic disease models are organized within the Mammalian Phenotype ontology. Human and mouse disease and phenotype based gene sets are identified. These disease gene sets are then compared individually and in large groups through dendrogram analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis.

Results
Human disease and mouse phenotype gene sets are shown to group into disease and phenotypically relevant groups at both a coarse and fine level based on gene sharing.

Conclusion
This analysis provides a systematic and global perspective on the genetics of common human disease as compared to itself and in the context of mouse genetic models of disease.
DREAM (Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonist Modulator) contributes to synaptic depression and contextual fear memory
Authors: Wu Long-Jun , Mellström Britt , Wang Hansen , Ren Ming , Domingo Sofia , Kim Susan S , Li Xiang-Yao , Chen Tao , Naranjo Jose R , Zhuo Min 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM), a multifunctional Ca2+-binding protein, binds specifically to DNA and several nucleoproteins regulating gene expression and with proteins outside the nucleus to regulate membrane excitability or calcium homeostasis. DREAM is highly expressed in the central nervous system including the hippocampus and cortex; however, the roles of DREAM in hippocampal synaptic transmission and plasticity have not been investigated. Taking advantage of transgenic mice overexpressing a Ca2+-insensitive DREAM mutant (TgDREAM), we used integrative methods including electrophysiology, biochemistry, immunostaining, and behavior tests to study the function of DREAM in synaptic transmission, long-term plasticity and fear memory in hippocampal CA1 region. We found that NMDA receptor but not AMPA receptor-mediated current was decreased in TgDREAM mice. Moreover, synaptic plasticity, such as long-term depression (LTD) but not long-term potentiation (LTP), was impaired in TgDREAM mice. Biochemical experiments found that DREAM interacts with PSD-95 and may inhibit NMDA receptor function through this interaction. Contextual fear memory was significantly impaired in TgDREAM mice. By contrast, sensory responses to noxious stimuli were not affected. Our results demonstrate that DREAM plays a novel role in postsynaptic modulation of the NMDA receptor, and contributes to synaptic plasticity and behavioral memory.
Quality of life in the five years after intensive care: a cohort study
Authors: Cuthbertson Brian H , Roughton Siân , Jenkinson David , MacLennan Graeme , Vale Luke 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Data on quality of life beyond 2 years after intensive care discharge are limited and we aimed to explore this area further. Our objective was to quantify quality of life and health utilities in the 5 years after intensive care discharge.

Methods
A prospective longitudinal cohort study in a University Hospital in the UK. Quality of life was assessed from the period before ICU admission until 5 years and quality adjusted life years calculated.

Results
300 level 3 intensive care patients of median age 60.5 years and median length of stay 6.7 days, were recruited. Physical quality of life fell to 3 months (P = 0.003), rose back to pre-morbid levels at 12 months then fell again from 2.5 to 5 years after intensive care (P = 0.002). Mean physical scores were below the population norm at all time points but the mean mental scores after 6 months were similar to those population norms. The utility value measured using the EuroQOL-5D quality of life assessment tool (EQ-5D) at 5 years was 0.677. During the five years after intensive care unit, the cumulative quality adjusted life years were significantly lower than that expected for the general population (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
Intensive care unit admission is associated with a high mortality, a poor physical quality of life and a low quality adjusted life years gained compared to the general population for 5 years after discharge. In this group, critical illness associated with ICU admission should be treated as a life time diagnosis with associated excess mortality, morbidity and the requirement for ongoing health care support.
Pivotal Advance: Interconversion between pure chemotactic ligands and chemoattractant/secretagogue ligands of neutrophil C5a receptor by a single amino acid substitution
Authors: Jia Nan , Semba Umeko , Nishiura Hiroshi , Kuniyasu Akihiko , Nsiama Tienabe K , Nishino Norikazu , Yamamoto Tetsuro 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
The C5a receptor can induce plain chemotaxis or chemotaxis with secretion in neutrophils depending upon a single amino acid residue difference of its ligand.
Skp derived from Escherichia coli attracts leukocytes as a pure chemotactic ligand of the C5a receptor [1]. We identified the submolecular region of Skp that binds and activates the C5a receptor to be -Gln103-Asp104-Arg105- using synthetic peptide fragments and site-directed mutants of Skp. As the C5a amino acid residue equivalent to Gln103 of Skp is Leu72, we prepared a Gln103Leu-Skp mutant as a recombinant protein. With this mutation, Skp gained secretagogue functions including induction of the respiratory burst and granule release reactions and leukotriene generation, in addition to the chemoattraction displayed by C5a. However, when we substituted Leu72 with Gln in C5a, the L72Q-C5a mutant largely lost its secretagogue function. These functional conversions were reproduced using synthetic peptides mimicking the receptor-binding/-activating regions of the recombinant proteins. Receptor-binding assays using the mimicking peptides demonstrated only a small difference between the Leu72-C5a and Gln72-C5a peptides. Consistently, L72Q-C5a apparently antagonized C5a secretagogue function. These results indicate that the difference between a chemotactic response and a combined chemotactic/secretory response can be attributed not to the nature of the receptor but to guidance by the ligand, at least in the case of C5a receptor-mediated leukocyte responses.
Design and manufacture of surface textures on gun cartridge cases to trap DNA material
Authors: Xu Y , Harrison D J , Hay G , Hopwood A J , Gashi B , Edwards M R , Courtney L , Sermon P A 
Published: January 2010

US and Australian work has shown that the effectiveness of extracting deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from standard gun cartridges is low and so analysis costs are high ( www.cci.gov/Reference/LpDNACtg_files ). The presence of greater than 1 ng of trapped bio-material would increase the success rates of DNA profiling and facilitate cheaper DNA analysis. The aim of this work is to increase the amount of recoverable DNA from a gun user deposited on fired cartridges, using microtextured surfaces as DNA receptors. Success would increase the probability of identifying perpetrators of gun crime through DNA matching. Various textures have been applied to flat surfaces of cartridge case material and the effects of those surface textures on trapping skin materials have been evaluated. In addition to treated/patterned surfaces, standard emery abrasive paper was adopted as a control medium. From the different surfaces tested, the emery abrasive paper was found to be most effective at trapping skin debris. Rough surfaces with pyramid textures, which are similar to features on emery paper, were subsequently manufactured on cartridge rims by a standard knurling process. Scratch tests were carried out to simulate the process of handling and loading these cartridges during the use of firearms. DNA test results of the knurled cartridges after firing, showed a high success rate of DNA profiling and high matching percentage to the donor's DNA profile.
Couples at risk for HIV infection in Southern India: characteristics of HIV-infected patients in concordant and discordant heterosexual relationships
Authors: Kumarasamy N , Venkatesh K K , Srikrishnan A K , Prasad L , Balakrishnan P , Murugavel K G , Thamburaj E , Solomon S , Mayer K H 
Published: January 2010

The aim of the article is to compare the clinical and behavioural characteristics of HIV-infected South Indian patients in concordant and discordant heterosexual relationships. A cross-sectional analysis of married couples in concordant and discordant relationships was carried out. Demographic and clinical characteristics, sexual behaviours, CD4 cell count and plasma HIV-1 RNA loads were assessed. A total of 839 concordant patients and 996 discordant patients were included in this analysis. Significantly more men were in discordant than concordant relationships (97% versus 59%; P = 0.002). More discordant patients had never initiated highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) than concordant patients (14.1% versus 8.5%; P = 0.004). Concordant patients had significantly higher CD4 cell counts than discordant patients at the time of enrolling to care (205 versus 139 cells/μL; P = 0.001). Discordant patients had significantly higher plasma viral loads than concordant patients (100,000 copies/mL versus 89,154 copies/mL; P = 0.002). Discordant patients were more likely to use condoms with their spouses than concordant patients (49% versus 28.8%; P = 0.01). In conclusion, couples-based interventions and the provision of HAART could substantially decrease behavioural and clinical correlates of HIV transmission among discordant South Indian married couples. The spouses of HIV-infected index patients are at increased risk for HIV infection, and further preventive measures are needed.