bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the sensitivities of detection of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes by magnetic fractionation, thick blood film microscopy, and RT-PCR
Authors: Karl Stephan , Davis Timothy ME , St-Pierre Tim G 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
The magnetic properties of Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes have been exploited for different clinical and research purposes. A recent study in a rural clinical setting in Papua New Guinea has demonstrated that Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte detection is facilitated by magnetic deposition microscopy but no study has yet determined the relative sensitivity and limit of detection of a magnetic fractionation technique. The present study compares the detection limit and sensitivity of a technique based on the use of commercially available magnetic fractionation columns with those for thick blood film microscopy and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods.

Methods
Gametocyte detection in six series of dilutions of cultured P. falciparum parasites with known gametocytaemia was conducted using magnetic fractionation, thick blood film, and RT-PCR techniques.

Results
The preparations obtained by the magnetic fractionation method were of thin film quality allowing easy gametocyte identification by light microscopy. Magnetic fractionation had a higher sensitivity and approximately two orders of magnitude better limit of detection than thick blood film microscopy. Gametocytes were also more readily detectable on the magnetically fractionated preparations. Magnetic fractionation had a similar limit of detection to that of RT-PCR.

Conclusion
Magnetic fractionation is a highly sensitive and convenient method for gametocyte detection in comparison with the standard thick blood film and RT-PCR methods, and could readily be adapted to field application.
Identification of the B-Raf/Mek/Erk MAP kinase pathway as a target for all-trans retinoic acid during skin cancer promotion
Authors: Cheepala Satish B , Yin Weihong , Syed Zanobia , Gill Jennifer N , McMillian Alaina , Kleiner Heather E , Lynch Mark , Loganantharaj Rasiah , Trutschl Marjan , Cvek Urska , Clifford John L 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Retinoids have been studied extensively for their potential as therapeutic and chemopreventive agents for a variety of cancers, including nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Despite their use for many years, the mechanism of action of retinoids in the prevention of NMSC is still unclear. In this study we have attempted to understand the chemopreventive mechanism of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a primary biologically active retinoid, in order to more efficiently utilize retinoids in the clinic.

Results
We have used the 2-stage dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) mouse skin carcinogenesis model to investigate the chemopreventive effects of ATRA. We have compared the gene expression profiles of control skin to skin subjected to the 2-stage protocol, with or without ATRA, using Affymetrix 430 2.0 DNA microarrays. Approximately 49% of the genes showing altered expression with TPA treatment are conversely affected when ATRA is co-administered. The activity of these genes, which we refer to as 'counter-regulated', may contribute to chemoprevention by ATRA. The counter-regulated genes have been clustered into functional categories and bioinformatic analysis has identified the B-Raf/Mek/Erk branch of the MAP kinase pathway as one containing several genes whose upregulation by TPA is blocked by ATRA. We also show that ATRA blocks signaling through this pathway, as revealed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Finally, we found that blocking the B-Raf/Mek/Erk pathway with a pharmacological inhibitor, Sorafenib (BAY43-9006), induces squamous differentiation of existing skin SCCs formed in the 2-stage model.

Conclusion
These results indicate that ATRA targets the B-Raf/Mek/Erk signaling pathway in the 2-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model and this activity coincides with its chemopreventive action. This demonstrates the potential for targeting the B-Raf/Mek/Erk pathway for chemoprevention and therapy of skin SCC in humans. In addition our DNA microarray results provide the first expression signature for the chemopreventive effect of ATRA in a mouse skin cancer model. This is a potential source for novel targets for ATRA and other chemopreventive and therapeutic agents that can eventually be tested in the clinic.
Synergistic effect of human CycT1 and CRM1 on HIV-1 propagation in rat T cells and macrophages
Authors: Okada Hiroyuki , Zhang Xianfeng , Ben Fofana Ismael , Nagai Mika , Suzuki Hajime , Ohashi Takashi , Shida Hisatoshi 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background

In vivo studies of HIV-1 pathogenesis and testing of antiviral strategies have been hampered by the lack of an immunocompetent small animal model that is highly susceptible to HIV-1 infection. Although transgenic rats that express the HIV-1 receptor complex hCD4 and hCCR5 are susceptible to infection, HIV-1 replicates very poorly in these animals. To demonstrate the molecular basis for developing a better rat model for HIV-1 infection, we evaluated the effect of human CyclinT1 (hCycT1) and CRM1 (hCRM1) on Gag p24 production in rat T cells and macrophages using both established cell lines and primary cells prepared from hCycT1/hCRM1 transgenic rats.

Results
Expression of hCycT1 augmented Gag production 20–50 fold in rat T cells, but had little effect in macrophages. Expression of hCRM1 enhanced Gag production 10–15 fold in macrophages, but only marginally in T cells. Expression of both factors synergistically enhanced p24 production to levels approximately 10–40% of those detected in human cells. R5 viruses produced in rat T cells and macrophages were fully infectious.

Conclusion
The expression of both hCycT1 and hCRM1 appears to be fundamental to developing a rat model that supports robust propagation of HIV-1.
Phase III Postoperative Adjuvant Radiotherapy After Radical Prostatectomy Compared With Radical Prostatectomy Alone in pT3 Prostate Cancer With Postoperative Undetectable Prostate-Specific Antigen: ARO 96-02/AUO AP 09/95
Authors: Wiegel Thomas , Bottke Dirk , Steiner Ursula , Siegmann Alessandra , Golz Reinhard , Störkel Stephan , Willich Norman , Semjonow Axel , Souchon Rainer , Stöckle Michael , Rübe Christian , Weißbach Lothar , Althaus Peter , Rebmann Udo , Kälble Tilman , Feldmann Horst Jürgen , Wirth Manfred , Hinke Axel , Hinkelbein Wolfgang , Miller Kurt 
Published: May 2009

PurposeLocal failure after radical prostatectomy (RP) is common in patients with cancer extending beyond the capsule. Two randomized trials demonstrated an advantage for adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) compared with a wait-and-see policy. We conducted a randomized, controlled clinical trial to compare RP followed by immediate RT with RP alone for patients with pT3 prostate cancer and an undetectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level after RP.MethodsAfter RP, 192 men were randomly assigned to a wait-and-see policy, and 193 men were assigned to immediate postoperative RT. Eligible patients had pT3 pN0 tumors. Patients who did not achieve an undetectable PSA after RP were excluded from treatment according to random assignment (n = 78; 20%). Of the remaining 307 patients, 34 patients on the RT arm did not receive RT and five patients on the wait-and-see arm received RT. Therefore, 114 patients underwent RT and 154 patients were treated with a wait-and-see policy. The primary end point was biochemical progression-free survival.ResultsBiochemical progression-free survival after 5 years in patients with undetectable PSA after RP was significantly improved in the RT group (72%; 95% CI, 65% to 81%; v 54%, 95% CI, 45% to 63%; hazard ratio = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.79; P = .0015). On univariate analysis, Gleason score more than 6 and less than 7, PSA before RP, tumor stage, and positive surgical margins were predictors of outcome. The rate of grade 3 to 4 late adverse effects was 0.3%.ConclusionAdjuvant RT for pT3 prostate cancer with postoperatively undetectable PSA significantly reduces the risk of biochemical progression. Further follow-up is needed to assess the effect on metastases-free and overall survival.
Gleason Score and Lethal Prostate Cancer: Does 3 + 4 = 4 + 3?
Authors: Stark Jennifer R. , Perner Sven , Stampfer Meir J. , Sinnott Jennifer A. , Finn Stephen , Eisenstein Anna S. , Ma Jing , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Kurth Tobias , Loda Massimo , Giovannucci Edward L. , Rubin Mark A. , Mucci Lorelei A. 
Published: May 2009

Purpose Gleason grading is an important predictor of prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes. Studies using surrogate PCa end points suggest outcomes for Gleason score (GS) 7 cancers vary according to the predominance of pattern 4. These studies have influenced clinical practice, but it is unclear if rates of PCa mortality differ for 3 + 4 and 4 + 3 tumors. Using PCa mortality as the primary end point, we compared outcomes in Gleason 3 + 4 and 4 + 3 cancers, and the predictive ability of GS from a standardized review versus original scoring. Patients and Methods Three study pathologists conducted a blinded standardized review of 693 prostatectomy and 119 biopsy specimens to assign primary and secondary Gleason patterns. Tumor specimens were from PCa patients diagnosed between 1984 and 2004 from the Physicians' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Lethal PCa (n = 53) was defined as development of bony metastases or PCa death. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated according to original GS and standardized GS. We compared the discrimination of standardized and original grading with C-statistics from models of 10-year survival. Results For prostatectomy specimens, 4 + 3 cancers were associated with a three-fold increase in lethal PCa compared with 3 + 4 cancers (95% CI, 1.1 to 8.6). The discrimination of models of standardized scores from prostatectomy (C-statistic, 0.86) and biopsy (C-statistic, 0.85) were improved compared to models of original scores (prostatectomy C-statistic, 0.82; biopsy C-statistic, 0.72). Conclusion Ignoring the predominance of Gleason pattern 4 in GS 7 cancers may conceal important prognostic information. A standardized review of GS can improve prediction of PCa survival.
Treatment of Alhagi Residues with Tartaric Acid for the Removal of Zn(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Hashem A. , Abdel-Lateff A. , Farag S. , Hussein D.M. 
Published: May 2009

Alhagi cellulose tartrate (ACT) with a high carboxyl group content was prepared by treatment of Alhagi residues (AR) with tartaric acid (TA) at high temperature. Factors influencing the reaction were investigated, viz. tartaric acid concentration, dehydration temperature, particle size and dehydration time. The prepared Alhagi cellulose tartrate samples were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy and by estimation of the carboxyl group content. The esterified samples were utilized for the adsorptive removal of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solution with all the factors influencing the process being studied. These factors were the pH value of the adsorbate solution, the adsorbent concentration, agitation time and temperature. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to the data obtained from the adsorption studies. It was demonstrated that the Alhagi cellulose tartrate samples could be used effectively for the adsorption of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The thermodynamics constants of the adsorption process, viz. ΔH0, ΔS0 and ΔG0, were evaluated. The results showed that the adsorption of Zn(II) ions onto ACT was exothermic and spontaneous. The adsorption data followed second-order kinetics, with the equilibrium data being only satisfactorily described by the Langmuir isotherm.
The European Economic Constitution, Freedom of Contract and the DCFR
Authors: Rutgers Jacobien W. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
In the literature on European Contract Law and German contract law, a number of authors claim that the free movement of goods (Article 28 EC), services (Article 49 EC), capital (Article 56 EC) and persons (Article 39 EC) guarantee party autonomy and freedom of contract. In this paper, the opposite will be argued. It is submitted that ‘freedom of contract is taken for granted’ within the European Union. However, it is also generally accepted that there are restraints to freedom of contract to protect societal interests, as for instance protection of weaker parties, the environment and the capital market. Thus, the real question concerns the balance between on the one hand, freedom of contract and, on the other, restrictions to freedom of contract.
The issue whether freedom of contract is a constitutionally protected right within the European Union is relevant, since if freedom of contract is taken as point of departure ‘… collective interests [are put] to the background’.
In order to show that the free movements do not guarantee freedom of contract, first, the origin of the claim that the free movements guarantee party autonomy will be explored and will be placed against a historical background. Then, it will be discussed to what extent the Treaty provisions reflect the idea that the free movements guarantee freedom of contract and whether it can be inferred from the ECJ case law.
Automated Acid Content Determination in Lubricants by FTIR Spectroscopy as an Alternative to Acid Number Determination
Authors: Li D. , Sedman J. , García-González D. L. , van de Voort F. R. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
A new instrumental method for the quantitative measurement of acid content (AC) in mineral-based lubricants was devised by employing FTIR spectroscopy, with AC serving as an alternative to traditional acid number (AN) measures commonly made to assess lubricant quality. The method involves the addition of an oil-immiscible ethanolic solution of the base sodium hydrogen cyanamide (NaHN–CN) to the lubricant to extract and react with the acids present. After separation of the phases, the FTIR spectrum of the ethanol layer is recorded, and a differential spectrum is generated by subtracting out the spectrum of the reagent solution. AC is determined by measuring the absorbance of NaHN–CN at 2109 cm−1 (νCN) in the differential spectrum, which is proportional to the extent to which the reagent has been consumed by reaction with acidic constituents in the oil. Calibration standards were prepared by direct addition of oleic acid to the NaHN–CN/ethanol solution, and a calibration equation for the determination of AC was obtained by a quadratic fit of the concentration data to the FTIR νCN absorbance data. The equivalent response of the νCN band to strong inorganic acids and oleic acid demonstrated that NaHN–CN, a somewhat weaker base than KOH, fully ionizes organic acids. Comparison between FTIR AC values and titrimetric AN values (obtained by ASTM D664-89) for a set of used oils spanning an AN range of 0.3–5 mg KOH/g showed a reasonably good linear relationship (R=0.985), with the FTIR method generally producing lower values. This tendency was attributed to the presence of weakly acidic species, which would be less extensively ionized by NaHN–CN than by KOH. Implementation of the FTIR AC method on an autosampler-equipped spectrometer allows for the automated analysis of up to 120 preprepared samples/h, representing a significant increase in analytical throughput relative to traditional titrimetric procedures as well as substantive reductions in consumables and waste oil.
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Voß Christian 
Published: May 2009

Zusammenfassung
STEINKE, KLAUS, XHELAL, YLLI, Die slavischen Minderheiten in Albanien (SMA): 1. Teil: Prespa  Vërnik  Boboshtica. München: Otto Sagner 2007 (=Slavistische Beiträge, 458), 374 S. ISBN 978-3-87690-989-9
Linkage Disequilibrium Between Loci With Unknown Phase
Authors: Rogers Alan R , Huff Chad 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Linkage disequilibrium is often measured by two statistics, D and r, which can be interpreted as the covariance and the correlation between loci and across gametes. When data consist of diploid genotypes, however, gametes cannot be identified. A variety of iterative statistical methods are used in such cases, all of which assume random mating. Previous work has shown that D and r can be expressed as covariances and correlations across diploid genotypes, provided that mating is random. We show here that this result also holds approximately when mating is nonrandom. This provides a means of estimating these parameters without iteration and without assuming random mating. This estimator is nearly as accurate as the widely used EM estimator and is many times faster.
Transcriptional Silencing and Reactivation in Transgenic Zebrafish
Authors: Goll Mary G , Anderson Ryan , Stainier Didier Y R , Spradling Allan C , Halpern Marnie E 
Published: May 2009

AbstractEpigenetic regulation of transcriptional silencing is essential for normal development. Despite its importance, in vivo systems for examining gene silencing at cellular resolution have been lacking in developing vertebrates. We describe a transgenic approach that allows monitoring of an epigenetically regulated fluorescent reporter in developing zebrafish and their progeny. Using a self-reporting Gal4-VP16 gene/enhancer trap vector, we isolated tissue-specific drivers that regulate expression of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene through a multicopy, upstream activator sequence (UAS). Transgenic larvae initially exhibit robust fluorescence (GFPhigh); however, in subsequent generations, gfp expression is mosaic (GFPlow) or entirely absent (GFPoff), despite continued Gal4-VP16 activity. We find that transcriptional repression is heritable and correlated with methylation of the multicopy UAS. Silenced transgenes can be reactivated by increasing Gal4-VP16 levels or in DNA methyltransferase-1 (dnmt1) mutants. Strikingly, in dnmt1 homozygous mutants, reactivation of gfp expression occurs in a reproducible subset of cells, raising the possibility of different sensitivities or alternative silencing mechanisms in discrete cell populations. The results demonstrate the power of the zebrafish system for in vivo monitoring of epigenetic processes using a genetic approach.
Association Studies Identify Natural Variation at PHYC Linked to Flowering Time and Morphological Variation in Pearl Millet
Authors: Saïdou Abdoul-Aziz , Mariac Cédric , Luong Vivianne , Pham Jean-Louis , Bezançon Gilles , Vigouroux Yves 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
The identification of genes selected during and after plant domestication is an important research topic to enhance knowledge on adaptative evolution. Adaptation to different climates was a key factor in the spread of domesticated crops. We conducted a study to identify genes responsible for these adaptations in pearl millet and developed an association framework to identify genetic variations associated with the phenotype in this species. A set of 90 inbred lines genotyped using microsatellite loci and AFLP markers was used. The population structure was assessed using two different Bayesian approaches that allow inbreeding or not. Association studies were performed using a linear mixed model considering both the population structure and familial relationships between inbred lines. We assessed the ability of the method to limit the number of false positive associations on the basis of the two different Bayesian methods, the number of populations considered and different morphological traits while also assessing the power of the methodology to detect given additive effects. Finally, we applied this methodology to a set of eight pearl millet genes homologous to cereal flowering pathway genes. We found significant associations between several polymorphisms of the pearl millet PHYC gene and flowering time, spike length, and stem diameter in the inbred line panel. To validate this association, we performed a second association analysis in a different set of pearl millet individuals from Niger. We confirmed a significant association between genetic variation in this gene and these characters.
Induced Hypothermia for Infants With Hypoxic- Ischemic Encephalopathy Using a Servo-Controlled Fan: An Exploratory Pilot Study
Authors: Horn Alan , Thompson Clare , Woods David , Nel Alida , Bekker Adrie , Rhoda Natasha , Pieper Clarissa 
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVE. Several trials suggest that hypothermia is beneficial in selected infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. However, the cooling methods used required repeated interventions and were either expensive or reported significant temperature variation. The objective of this pilot study was to describe the use, efficacy, and physiologic impact of an inexpensive servo-controlled cooling fan blowing room-temperature air.
PATIENTS AND METHODS. A servo-controlled fan was manufactured and used to cool 10 infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy to a rectal temperature of 33°C to 34°C. The infants were sedated with phenobarbital, but clonidine was administered to some infants if shivering or discomfort occurred. A servo-controlled radiant warmer was used simultaneously with the fan to prevent overcooling. The settings used on the fan and radiant warmer differed slightly between some infants as the technique evolved.
RESULTS. A rectal temperature of 34°C was achieved in a median time of 58 minutes. Overcooling did not occur, and the mean temperature during cooling was 33.6°C ± 0.2°C. Inspired oxygen requirements increased in 6 infants, and 5 infants required inotropic support during cooling, but this was progressively reduced after 1 to 2 days. Dehydration did not occur. Five infants shivered when faster fan speeds were used, but 4 of the 5 infants had hypomagnesemia. Shivering was controlled with clonidine in 4 infants, but 1 infant required morphine.
CONCLUSIONS. Servo-controlled fan cooling with room-temperature air, combined with servo-controlled radiant warming, was an effective, simple, and safe method of inducing and maintaining rectal temperatures of 33°C to 34°C in sedated infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. After induction of hypothermia, a low fan speed facilitated accurate temperature control, and warmer-controlled rewarming at 0.2°C increments every 30 minutes resulted in more appropriate rewarming than when 0.5°C increments every hour were used.