bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A progressive declining in the burden of malaria in north-eastern Tanzania
Authors: Mmbando Bruno P , Vestergaard Lasse S , Kitua Andrew Y , Lemnge Martha M , Theander Thor G , Lusingu John PA 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
The planning and assessment of malaria interventions is complicated due to fluctuations in the burden of malaria over time. Recently, it has been reported that the burden of malaria in some parts of Africa has declined. However, community-based longitudinal data are sparse and the reasons for the apparent decline are not well understood.

Methods
Malaria prevalence and morbidity have been monitored in two villages in north-eastern Tanzania; a lowland village and a highland village from 2003 to 2008. Trained village health workers treated presumptive malaria with the Tanzanian first-line anti-malarial drug and collected blood smears that were examined later. The prevalence of malaria parasitaemia across years was monitored through cross-sectional surveys.

Results
The prevalence of malaria parasitaemia in the lowland village decreased from 78.4% in 2003 to 13.0% in 2008, whereas in the highland village, the prevalence of parasitaemia dropped from 24.7% to 3.1% in the same period. Similarly, the incidence of febrile malaria episodes in the two villages dropped by almost 85% during the same period and there was a marked reduction in the number of young children who suffered from anaemia in the lowland village.

Conclusion
There has been a marked decline in malaria in the study villages during the past few years. This decline is likely to be due to a combination of factors that include improved access to malaria treatment provided by the trained village helpers, protection from mosquitoes by increased availability of insecticide-impregnated bed nets and a reduced vector density. If this decline in malaria morbidity is sustained, it will have a marked effect on the disease burden in this part of Tanzania.
A mouse model to study infection against porcine circovirus type 2: viral distribution and lesions in mouse
Authors: Li Jun , Yuan Xiaoyuan , Zhang Chaofan , Miao Lanfei , Wu Jiaqiang , Shi Jianli , Xu Shaojian , Cui Shangjin , Wang Jinbao , Ai Hongbin 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Little information is known about viral distribution and transmission of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in species other than swine. It is still a debated topic whether the PCV2 could be infected and caused clinical lesions. Our study is aimed to estimate the susceptibility of Kunming mouse to PCV2. Forty-eight, 6-week-old Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups. Group A (C1-C12) was inoculated with PK-15 cell culture as a control group. Group B (sPCV1-12) was inoculated orally and intramuscularly with PCV2 (106.2TCID50/ml). Group C (mPCV1-12) was inoculated orally and intramuscularly with PCV2 (106.2TCID50/ml) and a booster inoculation at days 14 and 28 after the first inoculation. Group D (MixPCV1-12) was unvaccinated but released into Group C. Each group was sacrificed at 7, 14, 28, and 42 days post-inoculation, respectively. Necropsy was checked on every mouse. Sera samples were collected for the test of PCV2 specific antibody. Tissues were collected for histopathology study and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results
The results showed that viral replication, seroconversion, and microscopic lesions were found in inoculated mice. Continuous existence of PCV2 viruses in lymph nodes have been confirmed by PCR, which took at least seven days for the virus to be transferred into other organs from the primary interface, and the diffusion to thymus had been retarded for seven days. Special PCV2 antibody could be found in PCV2 inoculation mice and was significantly higher than that in the control. Further more, microscopic lesions and the main target of PCV2 focused in the lymph nodes with a characteristic depletion and occasional necrosis of lymphocytes in the cortex and paracortex were found in inoculated mice.

Conclusions
The Kunming mouse could be infected by PCV2 virus and used as a PCV2 infected experimental model.
Dynamics of Sundarban estuarine ecosystem: eutrophication induced threat to mangroves
Authors: Manna Suman , Chaudhuri Kaberi , Bhattacharyya Somenath , Bhattacharyya Maitree 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundSundarbans is the largest chunk of mangrove forest and only tiger mangrove land in the world. Compared to the rich species diversity and uniqueness, very few studies have so far been conducted here, mainly due to its inaccessibility. This study explores water quality, density of biomass, species diversity, phytoplankton abundance and bacterial population of a tidal creek in Sunderban estuary during the post and pre monsoon period of 2008-09.ResultsPhytoplankton community was observed to be dominated by diatoms (Biacillariophyceae) followed by Pyrrophyceae (Dinoflagellates) and Chlorophyceae. A total of 46 taxa belonging to 6 groups were recorded. Other algal groups were Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Chrysophyceae. Species diversity was highest in summer (March) and lowest in winter season (November) in all the sample stations indicating its close correlation with ambient temperature. Species evenness was fairly high in all five stations throughout the study period. Present study indicated that dissolved oxygen, nutrients and turbidity are the limiting factors for the phytoplankton biomass. The estuary was in eutrophic condition (Chlorophyll-a ≥10 μg/L) in winter. During the month of May phytoplankton biomass declined and at high salinity level (21.2PSU) new phytoplankton species take over, which are definitely better resilient to the high saline environment. Bio-indicator species likePolykrikos schwartzil, Dinophysis norvegica and Prorocentrum concavumpoints to moderately polluted water quality of the estuary.ConclusionEutrophication as well as presence of toxic Dinoflagellates and Cyanophyceae in the tidal creek of Sundarban estuary definitely revealed the deteriorated status of the water quality. The structure and function of the mangrove food web is unique, driven by both marine and terrestrial components. But little attention has been paid so far to the adaptive responses of mangrove biota to the various disturbances, and now our work unfolds the fact that marine status of Sundarban estuary is highly threatened which in turn will affect the ecology of the mangrove. This study indicates that ecosystem dynamics of the world heritage site Sundarban may facilitate bioinvasion putting a question mark on the sustainability of mangroves.
Ethnomedicinal uses of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel. among rural communities of Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Biruktayet , Glatzel Gerhard , Buchmann Christine 
Published: August 2010

AbstractEthiopian communities highly depend on local plant resources to secure their subsistence and health. Local tree resources are exploited and used intensively for medicinal purposes. This study provides insight into the medicinal importance of Hagenia abyssinica as well as the degree of threat on its population. An ethnobotanical study was carried out to document medicinal uses of Hagenia abyssinica by rural communities of North and Southeastern Ethiopia. The study was conducted using an integrated approach of group discussions, observation, a local market survey and interviews. A total of 90 people were interviewed among whom elderly and traditional healers were the key informants. Societies in the study sites still depend on Hagenia abyssinica for medicine. All plant parts are used to treat different aliments. Tree identification, collection and utilization were different among the studied communities. In spite of its significance, interest in utilizing flowers of Hagenia abyssinica as an anthelmintic seems to be diminishing, notably among young people. This is partly because the medicine can be harmful when it is taken in large quantities. Nowadays, the widely used Hagenia abyssinica is endangered primarily due to various anthropogenic impacts. This in turn may become a threat for the associated knowledge. It is recommended to assist communities in documenting their traditional knowledge. Measures for conserving species are urgently needed.
Predictive biomarker discovery through the parallel integration of clinical trial and functional genomics datasets
Authors: Swanton Charles , Larkin James M , Gerlinger Marco , Eklund Aron C , Howell Michael , Stamp Gordon , Downward Julian , Gore Martin , Futreal P Andrew , Escudier Bernard , Andre Fabrice , Albiges Laurence , Beuselinck Benoit , Oudard Stephane , Hoffmann Jens , Gyorffy Balázs , Torrance Chris J , Boehme Karen A , Volkmer Hansjuergen , Toschi Luisella , Nicke Barbara , Beck Marlene , Szallasi Zoltan 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe European Union multi-disciplinary Personalised RNA interference to Enhance the Delivery of Individualised Cytotoxic and Targeted therapeutics (PREDICT) consortium has recently initiated a framework to accelerate the development of predictive biomarkers of individual patient response to anti-cancer agents. The consortium focuses on the identification of reliable predictive biomarkers to approved agents with anti-angiogenic activity for which no reliable predictive biomarkers exist: sunitinib, a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor and everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway inhibitor. Through the analysis of tumor tissue derived from pre-operative renal cell carcinoma (RCC) clinical trials, the PREDICT consortium will use established and novel methods to integrate comprehensive tumor-derived genomic data with personalized tumor-derived small hairpin RNA and high-throughput small interfering RNA screens to identify and validate functionally important genomic or transcriptomic predictive biomarkers of individual drug response in patients. PREDICT's approach to predictive biomarker discovery differs from conventional associative learning approaches, which can be susceptible to the detection of chance associations that lead to overestimation of true clinical accuracy. These methods will identify molecular pathways important for survival and growth of RCC cells and particular targets suitable for therapeutic development. Importantly, our results may enable individualized treatment of RCC, reducing ineffective therapy in drug-resistant disease, leading to improved quality of life and higher cost efficiency, which in turn should broaden patient access to beneficial therapeutics, thereby enhancing clinical outcome and cancer survival. The consortium will also establish and consolidate a European network providing the technological and clinical platform for large-scale functional genomic biomarker discovery. Here we review our current understanding of molecular mechanisms driving resistance to anti-angiogenesis agents, the current limitations of laboratory and clinical trial strategies and how the PREDICT consortium will endeavor to identify a new generation of predictive biomarkers.
Role of CD27/CD70 pathway of activation in immunity and tolerance
Authors: Denoeud Julie , Moser Muriel 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTThe CD70/CD27 axis has gained increasing interest among the immunologists, because of its capacity to regulate immunity versus tolerance. Recent studies clearly show that expression of CD70 may prevent tolerance induced by antigen presentation in the steady-state, i.e., by nonactivated DCs. In addition, CD27 signaling appears critical for T cell expansion and survival and therefore, induction of long-term memory. It contributes to germinal center formation, B cell activation, and production of neutralizing antibodies but can also be subverted by viruses, in particular, during chronic infections. The potential role of the CD27/CD70 pathway in the course of inflammatory diseases, as in EAE, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease models, suggests that CD70 may be a target for immune intervention. Conversely, the potency of costimulation through CD27 suggests that the CD27/CD70 axis could be exploited for the design of anti-cancer vaccines.
Affine Tallini Sets and Grassmannians
Authors: Ferrara Dentice Eva , Lo Re Pia Maria 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
In 1982/1983 A. Bichara and F. Mazzocca characterized the Grassmann space Gr(h, 𝔸) of index h of an affine space 𝔸 of dimension at least 3 over a skew-field K by means of the intersection properties of the three disjoint families of maximal singular subspaces of Gr(h, 𝔸) and, till now, their result represents the only known characterization of Gr(h, 𝔸). If K is a commutative field and 𝔸 has finite dimension m, then the image under the well known Plücker morphism is a proper subset of PG(M, K), , called the affine Grassmannian of the h-subspaces of 𝔸. The aim of this paper is to introduce the notion of Affine Tallini Set and provide a natural and intrinsic characterization of from the point-line geometry point of view. More precisely, we prove that if a projective space over a skew-field K contains an Affine Tallini Set Δ satisfying suitable axioms on “perp” of lines, then the skew-field K is forced to be a commutative field and Δ is an affine Grassmannian, up to projections. Furthermore, several results concerning Affine Tallini Sets are stated and proved.
DsbA-L Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress–Induced Adiponectin Downregulation
Authors: Zhou Lijun , Liu Meilian , Zhang Jingjing , Chen Hongzhi , Dong Lily Q. , Liu Feng 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE
Obesity impairs adiponectin expression, assembly, and secretion, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The aims of this study were 1) to determine the molecular mechanisms by which obesity impairs adiponectin multimerization and stability, and 2) to determine the potential role of disulfide-bond-A oxidoreductase-like protein (DsbA-L), a recently identified adiponectin interactive protein that promotes adiponectin multimerization and stability in obesity-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and adiponectin downregulation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a chemical chaperone that alleviates ER stress, was used to study the mechanism underlying obesity-induced adiponectin downregulation in db/db mice, high-fat diet-induced obese mice, and in ER-stressed 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The cellular levels of DsbA-L were altered by RNAi-mediated suppression or adenovirus-mediated overexpression. The protective role of DsbA-L in obesity- and ER stress–induced adiponectin downregulation was characterized.

RESULTS
Treating db/db mice and diet-induced obese mice with TUDCA increased the cellular and serum levels of adiponectin. In addition, inducing ER stress is sufficient to downregulate adiponectin levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which could be protected by treating cells with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine or by overexpression of DsbA-L.

CONCLUSIONS
ER stress plays a key role in obesity-induced adiponectin downregulation. In addition, DsbA-L facilitates adiponectin folding and assembly and provides a protective effect against ER stress–mediated adiponectin downregulation in obesity.
Residual Insulin Production and Pancreatic β-Cell Turnover After 50 Years of Diabetes: Joslin Medalist Study
Authors: Keenan Hillary A. , Sun Jennifer K. , Levine Jared , Doria Alessandro , Aiello Lloyd P. , Eisenbarth George , Bonner-Weir Susan , King George L. 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the extent of pancreatic β-cell function in a large number of insulin-dependent diabetic patients with a disease duration of 50 years or longer (Medalists).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Characterization of clinical and biochemical parameters and β-cell function of 411 Medalists with correlation with postmortem morphologic findings of 9 Medalists.

RESULTS
The Medalist cohort, with a mean ± SD disease duration and age of 56.2 ± 5.8 and 67.2 ± 7.5 years, respectively, has a clinical phenotype similar to type 1 diabetes (type 1 diabetes): mean ± SD onset at 11.0 ± 6.4 years, BMI at 26.0 ± 5.1 kg/m2, insulin dose of 0.46 ± 0.2 u/kg, ∼94% positive for DR3 and/or DR4, and 29.5% positive for either IA2 or glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) autoantibodies. Random serum C-peptide levels showed that more than 67.4% of the participants had levels in the minimal (0.03–0.2 nmol/l) or sustained range (≥0.2 nmol/l). Parameters associated with higher random C-peptide were lower hemoglobin A1C, older age of onset, higher frequency of HLA DR3 genotype, and responsiveness to a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT). Over half of the Medalists with fasting C-peptide &gt;0.17 nmol/l responded in MMTT by a twofold or greater rise over the course of the test compared to fasting. Postmortem examination of pancreases from nine Medalists showed that all had insulin+ β-cells with some positive for TUNEL staining, indicating apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS
Demonstration of persistence and function of insulin-producing pancreatic cells suggests the possibility of a steady state of turnover in which stimuli to enhance endogenous β cells could be a viable therapeutic approach in a significant number of patients with type 1 diabetes, even for those with chronic duration.
Prophylactic Antibiotics in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Short Follow-Up Study
Authors: Albu Silviu , Lucaciu Roxana 
Published: August 2010

Background The study was designed to assess the usefulness of postoperative antibiotics in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Methods The effects of antibiotics in the postoperative period of ESS patients were evaluated in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Fifty patients were treated with amoxicillin/clavulanate for 2 weeks after ESS, while the other half received placebo. Preoperatively, the symptom, endoscopic, and CT scores were recorded. In the postoperative period, symptom and endoscopic scores were recorded on the 5th, 12th, 21st, and 30th days. In estimating the length of the blood crust formation episode, a Kaplan-Meier plot was used. Results Seventy-five patients completed the study: forty in the antibiotic-treated group and thirty-five in the placebo group. On the 5th day, nasal obstruction and drainage were significantly better in the antibiotic-treated group. In addition, a statistically significant difference in the endoscopic scores was noted between the treatment and placebo groups on days 5 and 12. Conclusion The use of an antibiotic (amoxicillin/clavulanate) in the postoperative period is able to improve the outcome in the early blood crust healing phase: nasal obstruction and drainage are reduced and the endoscopic score objectively showed a faster recovery.
Olfactory Cleft Inflammation is Present in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis and is Reduced with Intranasal Steroids
Authors: Sivam Anita , Jeswani Seema , Reder Lindsay , Wang Jianghong , DeTineo Marcella , Taxy Jerome , Baroody Fuad M. , Naclerio Robert M. , Pinto Jayant M. 
Published: August 2010

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is commonly associated with olfactory loss, although the mechanism is not well studied. This study was designed to determine the effect of mometasone furoate (MF) on olfactory loss in seasonal AR (SAR) and study its effect on inflammation in the olfactory region. Methods We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical trial in 17 patients with SAR who had symptoms of impaired olfaction. Subjects received MF or placebo for 2 weeks during their allergy season. Before and after treatment, we measured nasal peak inspiratory flow (NPIF), chemosensory quality of life, and objective olfactory function (the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test). Additionally, nasal cytology samples were obtained from each visit, and a unilateral endoscopic biopsy specimen of the olfactory epithelium was obtained at the end of the study and scored for inflammation. Results Treatment with MF was associated with improved nasal symptoms (p < 0.015), NPIF (p < 0.04), reduced nasal inflammation (p < 0.05), and chemosensory-specific quality of life (p < 0.03). Histological analysis of the olfactory region reveals fewer eosinophils in the MF group when compared with placebo (p < 0.012). We found no improvement in objective olfactory function (p > 0.05). Conclusion The use of MF in SAR is associated with reduced eosinophilic inflammation in the olfactory region and improved symptoms of AR. The presence of eosinophils in the olfactory area in SAR may indicate a direct, deleterious effect of inflammation on olfactory epithelium in this disease. In this study we show that inflammation in SAR can affect the olfactory cleft, implicating a direct role for allergic inflammation in smell loss. Treatment with intranasal steroids is associated with decreased inflammation in the olfactory region in humans. This treatment is also associated with improved olfactory quality of life.
Use of Cold Dry Air Provocation with Acoustic Rhinometry in Detecting Nonspecific Nasal Hyperreactivity
Authors: Kim Young Hyo , Oh Yoon Suk , Kim Kyu Jin , Jang Tae Young 
Published: August 2010

Background Cold dry air provocation is useful for evaluating nonspecific nasal hyperreactivity. However, there is no research on nasal volume and dimensions after cold dry air provocation. In this respect, acoustic rhinometry is a useful tool in objectively assessing nasal cavity volume and dimension. The goal of this study was to evaluate nonspecific hyperreactivity using cold dry air provocation with acoustic rhinometry. Methods Cold dry air provocation with acoustic rhinometry was performed on 21 healthy volunteers (group A), 24 patients with allergic rhinitis (group B), and 32 patients with nonallergic rhinitis (group C). The change in symptoms using a visual analog scale (VAS), amount of rhinorrhea, and change of total nasal volume (TNV) and minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) were measured in all three groups. Results The two patient groups showed greater change in nasal symptoms (VAS, 2.0 ± 2.3 in group C versus 0.9 ± 1.8 in group A), more rhinorrhea (0.4 ± 0.7 g in group B and 0.3 ± 0.3 g in group C versus 0.1 ± 0.1 g in group A), and greater change in total nasal volume (TNV) and MCA. The patient group with history of nonspecific hyperreactivity showed more rhinorrhea (0.5 ± 0.7 g versus 0.1 ± 0.2 g) and greater change in TNV and MCA (TNV, 56.8 ± 39.5% versus 18.0 ± 17.0%; MCA, 86.6 ± 81.0% versus 11.5 ± 9.7%). Conclusion Cold dry air provocation with acoustic rhinometry could be a useful adjunct tool for detecting nonspecific hyperreactivity.