bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knockdown resistance in Anopheles vagus, An. sinensis, An. paraliae and An. peditaeniatus populations of the Mekong region
Authors: Verhaeghen Katrijn , Van Bortel Wim , Trung Ho Dinh , Sochantha Tho , Keokenchanh Kalouna , Coosemans Marc 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
In the Mekong region (Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos), a large investigation was conducted to assess the susceptibility of Anopheles species against DDT and pyrethroids. In this study, the resistance status of the potential malaria vectors An. vagus, An. sinensis, An. paraliae and An. peditaeniatus was assessed.

Methods
Bioassays were performed on field collected unfed female mosquitoes using the standard WHO susceptibility tests. In addition, the DIIS6 region of the para-type sodium channel gene was amplified and sequenced and four allele-specific PCR assays were developed to assess the kdr frequencies.

Results
In Southern Vietnam all species were DDT and pyrethroid resistant, which might suggest the presence of a kdr resistance mechanism. Sequence-analysis of the DIIS6 region of the para-type sodium channel gene revealed the presence of a L1014S kdr mutation in An. vagus, An. sinensis and An. paraliae. In An. peditaeniatus, a low frequency L1014S kdr mutation was found in combination with a high frequency L1014F kdr mutation. For pyrethroids and DDT, no genotypic differentiation was found between survivors and non-survivors for any of these species. In the two widespread species, An. vagus and An. sinensis, kdr was found only in southern Vietnam and in Cambodia near the Vietnamese border.

Conclusions
Different levels of resistance were measured in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The kdr mutation in different Anopheles species seems to occur in the same geographical area. These species breed in open agricultural lands where malaria endemicity is low or absent and vector control programs less intensive. It is therefore likely that the selection pressure occurred on the larval stages by insecticides used for agricultural purposes.
TNFRSF1B A1466G genotype is predictive of clinical efficacy after treatment with a definitive 5-fluorouracil/cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy in Japanese patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kuwahara Akiko , Yamamori Motohiro , Fujita Megumi , Okuno Tatsuya , Tamura Takao , Kadoyama Kaori , Okamura Noboru , Nakamura Tsutomu , Sakaeda Toshiyuki 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Currently definitive 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/cisplatin (CDDP) -based chemotherapy is recognized as one of the most promising treatments for esophageal cancer. A series of studies performed found genetic polymorphisms and the plasma concentration of 5-FU to be predictive of acute severe toxicities and clinical response. Genetic polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α and its surface receptors, TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B have been examined in terms of susceptibility to various cancers. In this study, genetic polymorphisms of TNFRSF1B gene were evaluated Japanese esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with the definitive 5-FU/CDDP-based chemoradiotherapy and their predictive values of prognosis or severe acute toxicities were assessed.

Methods
Forty-six patients with ESCC were treated with the definitive 5-FU/CDDP-based chemoradiotherapy, one course of which consisted of the continuous infusion of 5-FU for days 1-5 and 8-12, the infusion of CDDP on days 1 and 8, and the radiation at 2 Gy/day on days 1-5, 8-12, and 15-19, with a second course repeated after 2-week interval. Genetic polymorphisms of a TNF-α receptor TNFRSF1B gene were determined by a TaqMan® MGB probe-based polymerase chain reaction.

Results
The genotype of TNFSR1B A1466G, but not M196R/T587G or C1493T, was found to be predictive of clinical response, i.e., a complete response or not (p = 0.040). Clinical response was predicted by tumor size (p = 0,002), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.007), distant metastasis (p = 0.001) and disease stage (p < 0.001), but TNFRSF1B A1466G genotype was independent of these factors.

Conclusions
Genetic polymorphism of TNFRSF1B A1466G was found to be predictive response in Japanese ESCC patients with a definitive 5-FU/CDDP-based chemoradiotherapy. Further clinical investigation with a large number of patients or experiments in vitro should be performed to assess the predictive value of TNFRSF1B A1466G genotype after chemoradiotherapy.
Serum and follicular anti-Mullerian hormone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) under metformin
Authors: Falbo Angela , Rocca Morena , Russo Tiziana , D'Ettore Antonietta , Tolino Achille , Zullo Fulvio , Orio Francesco , Palomba Stefano 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
No data regarding metformin effects on follicular fluid anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were to date available in literature. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) whether metformin administration affects serum and follicular AMH levels, and whether this is related to ovarian response to the treatment.

Methods
Twenty young patients with PCOS who had received metformin were enrolled. Ten patients were anovulatory (Met-anov group), whereas the other 10 were ovulatory (Met-ov group) but had failed to conceive. Further untreated PCOS (PCOS controls, n. 10) and healthy controls (non-PCOS controls, n. 10) who were scheduled for laparoscopic surgery were enrolled. In each subjects, clinical and biochemical evaluations were performed. AMH concentrations in blood and antral follicular fluid were assayed.

Results
In both Met-anov and Met-ov groups, and without difference between them, serum androgens and AMH, and indices of insulin resistance were significantly (p < 0.05) improved after treatment. On the other hand, significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two groups were detected with respect to the same biochemical parameters in antral follicular fluid. In the Met-anov group, no significant correlation was observed between AMH concentrations in the follicular fluid and variation in serum androgens, AMH and insulin resistance indexes; whereas in Met-ov group significant correlations were detected between AMH levels in the follicular fluid and variation in serum androgens, AMH and insulin resistance indexes.

Conclusions
Metformin administration in patients with PCOS exerts a differential action on the ovarian AMH levels on the basis of ovulatory response. Changes in AMH levels in antral follicular fluid during metformin treatment could be involved in the local mechanisms mediating the ovulatory restoration.
Two pore domain potassium channels in cerebral ischemia: a focus on K2P9.1 (TASK3, KCNK9)
Authors: Ehling Petra , Bittner Stefan , Bobak Nicole , Schwarz Tobias , Wiendl Heinz , Budde Thomas , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Meuth Sven G 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundRecently, members of the two-pore domain potassium channel family (K2Pchannels) could be shown to be involved in mechanisms contributing to neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia. K2P3.1-/-animals showed larger infarct volumes and a worse functional outcome following experimentally induced ischemic stroke. Here, we question the role of the closely related K2Pchannel K2P9.1.MethodsWe combine electrophysiological recordings in brain-slice preparations of wildtype and K2P9.1-/-mice with an in vivo model of cerebral ischemia (transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO)) to depict a functional impact of K2P9.1 in stroke formation.ResultsPatch-clamp recordings reveal that currents mediated through K2P9.1 can be obtained in slice preparations of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) as a model of central nervous relay neurons. Current characteristics are indicative of K2P9.1 as they display an increase upon removal of extracellular divalent cations, an outward rectification and a reversal potential close to the potassium equilibrium potential. Lowering extracellular pH values from 7.35 to 6.0 showed comparable current reductions in neurons from wildtype and K2P9.1-/-mice (68.31 ± 9.80% and 69.92 ± 11.65%, respectively). These results could be translated in an in vivo model of cerebral ischemia where infarct volumes and functional outcomes showed a none significant tendency towards smaller infarct volumes in K2P9.1-/-animals compared to wildtype mice 24 hours after 60 min of tMCAO induction (60.50 ± 17.31 mm3and 47.10 ± 19.26 mm3, respectively).ConclusionsTogether with findings from earlier studies on K2P2.1-/-and K2P3.1-/-mice, the results of the present study on K2P9.1-/-mice indicate a differential contribution of K2Pchannel subtypes to the diverse and complex in vivo effects in rodent models of cerebral ischemia.
The delivery of evidence-based preventive care for older Americans with arthritis
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R , Arora Tarun , Narongroeknawin Pongthorn , Taylor Allison , Bingham Clifton O , Cush Jack , Saag Kenneth G , Safford Monika , Delzell Elizabeth 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Previous research suggests patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may receive suboptimal care with respect to preventive tests and services. We evaluated the proportion of older Americans with RA, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and osteoarthritis (OA) receiving these services and the specialty of the providers delivering this care.

Methods
Using data from 1999 to 2006 from the Medicare Chronic Conditions Warehouse, we identified persons age >/= 65 in the national 5% sample. Over the required five-year observation period, we identified tests and services recommended for older adults and the associated healthcare provider. Services of interest included dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, hyperlipidemia lab testing, mammography and colonoscopy.

Results
After accounting for the sampling fraction, we identified 141,140 RA, 6,300 PsA, and 770,520 OA patients eligible for analysis. Over five years, a majority of RA, PsA, and OA patients were tested for hyperlipidemia (84%, 89% and 87% respectively) and received DXA (69%, 75%, and 52%). Only approximately one-third of arthritis patients received pneumococcal vaccination; 19% to 22% received influenza vaccination each year. Approximately 20% to 35% of arthritis patients never underwent mammography and colonoscopy over five years. Concomitant care from both a rheumatologist and a primary care physician was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of receiving almost all preventive tests and services.

Conclusions
Among older Americans on Medicare, the absolute proportion of persons with arthritis receiving various recommended preventive services and screening tests was substantially less than 100%. Improved co-management between primary care and arthritis physicians may in part improve the delivery of preventive care for arthritis patients, but novel systematic interventions in this area are needed.
RNA polymerase mapping during stress responses reveals widespread nonproductive transcription in yeast
Authors: Kim Tae Soo , Liu Chih Long , Yassour Moran , Holik John , Friedman Nir , Buratowski Stephen , Rando Oliver J 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Background
The use of genome-wide RNA abundance profiling by microarrays and deep sequencing has spurred a revolution in our understanding of transcriptional control. However, changes in mRNA abundance reflect the combined effect of changes in RNA production, processing, and degradation, and thus, mRNA levels provide an occluded view of transcriptional regulation.

Results
To partially disentangle these issues, we carry out genome-wide RNA polymerase II (PolII) localization profiling in budding yeast in two different stress response time courses. While mRNA changes largely reflect changes in transcription, there remains a great deal of variation in mRNA levels that is not accounted for by changes in PolII abundance. We find that genes exhibiting 'excess' mRNA produced per PolII are enriched for those with overlapping cryptic transcripts, indicating a pervasive role for nonproductive or regulatory transcription in control of gene expression. Finally, we characterize changes in PolII localization when PolII is genetically inactivated using the rpb1-1 temperature-sensitive mutation. We find that PolII is lost from chromatin after roughly an hour at the restrictive temperature, and that there is a great deal of variability in the rate of PolII loss at different loci.

Conclusions
Together, these results provide a global perspective on the relationship between PolII and mRNA production in budding yeast.
Screening for Cervical Cancer with the Human Papillomavirus Test in an Area of Central Italy with No Previous Active Cytological Screening Programme
Authors: Confortini Massimo , Rossi Paolo Giorgi , Barbarino Paolo , Passarelli Anna Maria , Orzella Letizia , Tufi Maria Concetta 
Published: July 2010

Objective We report performance indicators and costs of the first round of a cervical cancer screening programme based on the human papillomavirus (HPV)-DNA test. Methods We implemented a demonstration study using HPV as the primary test in Guidonia, Italy (90,000 inhabitants). All women aged 25-64 were invited to undergo a Hybrid Capture II high-risk HPV test. Two cervical samplings, smear and liquid, were taken. The smear was dyed and interpreted only for HPV-positive (HPV+) women. Women with a non-negative Pap smear were referred for colposcopy, women HPV+/cytology negative were referred to one-year follow-up with HPV. A cost-analysis indicated the price at which the HPV-based and cytological screening would cost the same per screened woman and per lesion found. Results Of 24,000 women invited, 7639 accepted and 427 (5.6%) were HPV+; 141 (34%) of these had a non-negative Pap test, and 20 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or higher were found (positive predictive value 15%). Compliance to one-year follow-up was 58% (166/286); 90 (54%) were HPV-positive and five additional lesions were found (positive predictive value 9%; overall detection rate 3.4/1000). The cost analysis showed that at a price of 8.3 euros per HPV DNA test, the strategy using HPV as primary test followed by cytological triage would cost the same per screened woman, while at a price of 12.7 euros it would have the same cost per CIN2+ found. Conclusion The workload for management of positive women was similar to cytological screening. Low compliance to one-year follow-up was the main barrier to effectiveness. The price of HPV test should be about 9 euros to maintain the same screening budget, and can go as high as 13 euros per lesion found.
Risk Factors for Colonic Perforation after Screening Computed Tomographic Colonography: A Multicentre Analysis and Review of the Literature
Authors: Atalla Mohamed Anwar , Rozen Warren M , Niewiadomski Olga Dorota , Croxford Matthew A , Cheung Wa , Ho Yik-Hong 
Published: July 2010

Background Computed tomographic (CT) colonography (or ‘virtual’ colonoscopy) has become an increasingly popular tool for colorectal cancer screening. Colonic perforation, an uncommon complication, is a risk that has not been widely reported. Methods A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to identify all reported risk factors for colonic perforation following CT colonography. In addition, a retrospective multicentre study was undertaken, evaluating all CT colonographies in 10 major metropolitan tertiary referral centres. All colonic perforations were assessed for risk factors. Results A range of ‘patient’-related and ‘procedure’-related risk factors were identified in the literature. Among 3458 CT colonographies, there were two cases of colonic perforation contributing to an incidence of perforation of 0.06%. There was no statistical correlation between the incidence of perforation and institutional experience ( P = 0.66). Risk factors common to both cases and the literature included age, recent colonoscopy and manual colonic insufflation. Diverticular disease and recent colonic biopsy were also notable factors. Conclusion There is a small but real risk of perforation following CT colonography. Patient selection and preventative procedural measures may reduce this risk. The importance of the consent process is emphasized.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Screening for Colorectal Cancer: Uptake in a Population-based Pilot Programme
Authors: Robb Kathryn , Power Emily , Kralj-Hans Ines , Edwards Robert , Vance Maggie , Atkin Wendy , Wardle Jane 
Published: July 2010

Objective The aim of this study was is to examine uptake of population-based, flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening delivered by nurses in a socioeconomically and ethnically diverse area of London, England. Methods All adults aged 58 and 59 years registered at 34 general practices in North London ( n = 2260) were mailed an invitation to attend FS screening at the local hospital. Results In total, 45% (1024/2260) accepted the invitation and attended, 5% (114/2260) accepted the invitation but failed to attend, 5% (111/2260) accepted the invitation but were unable to attend within the time-frame of the pilot study, 7% (165/2260) declined the offer, 27% (602/2260) did not respond, and 11% (244/2260) were ineligible or did not receive the invitation. Among those eligible to be screened, the uptake rate was 51% (1024/2016). Uptake did not differ by gender, but people living in the most affluent quintile of areas had a substantially higher uptake rate (63%) than those living in the most deprived quintile (38%). Conclusion Uptake of FS screening delivered as a population-based programme was over 50% among the eligible population in a socioeconomically and ethnically diverse area of London. Disparities in uptake should be addressed to avoid exacerbating health inequalities.
Expression of LMO2 Is Associated With t(14;18)/IGH-BCL2 Fusion but Not BCL6 Translocations in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Durnick David K. , Law Mark E. , Maurer Matthew J. , Natkunam Yasodha , Levy Ronald , Lossos Izidore S. , Kurtin Paul J. , McPhail Ellen D. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can be separated for prognostic purposes using gene expression profiling (GEP) into 2 subgroups: germinal center B-cell (GCB) and activated B-cell phenotypes. However, GEP is impractical for routine clinical use, and immunophenotyping is an imperfect surrogate. Therefore, we studied the relationship between expression of the purported germinal center marker LMO2 and the presence of IGH-BCL2 fusions, BCL6 translocations, and LMO2 translocations. In addition, we investigated the usefulness of LMO2 expression as a marker of GCB subtype in DLBCL. Immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies were successfully performed on 101 cases of de novo DLBCL that had been incorporated into a tissue microarray. There was a statistically significant association between IGH-BCL2 fusion and LMO2 protein expression (P = .02) but not between BCL6 translocations and LMO2 expression. LMO2 translocations were not identified. Although uncommon, all cases that had both IGH-BCL2 fusion and BCL6 translocations expressed LMO2. The findings suggest LMO2 as a potential marker for the GCB phenotype.
Chairpersons of Pathology in the United States
Authors: Hedley-Whyte John , Milamed Debra R. , Hoaglin David C. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Pathology chairpersons continue their preeminence in US medical schools. The Hirsch (h) index of citation was analyzed for the chairpersons of 8 specialty departments in 41 US medical schools. The current h indices of department chairs (302 of 328 positions filled) were tabulated by specialty and medical school. The proportion of women was noted, as was whether the chairs had completed the first decade of this millennium continuously in post in the same medical school. Of the 8 specialties, pathology chairs at the 41 schools are the most likely to have been in the same post in 1999 and 2009, and the pathologists who remained are exclusively male. In the 41 medical schools studied, women chairs constituted only 3.7% of all heads of departments in 1999 and 7% in 2009. The paucity of female chairs 3 decades after women became at least one third of the medical student body is unfortunate.
Prospective, Multicenter Evaluation of the BD GeneOhm VanR Assay for Direct, Rapid Detection of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Species in Perianal and Rectal Specimens
Authors: Usacheva Elena A. , Ginocchio Christine C. , Morgan Margie , Maglanoc Geronimo , Mehta Maitry S. , Tremblay Sebastien , Karchmer Tobi B. , Peterson Lance R. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
The BD GeneOhm VanR assay (BD Diagnostics, San Diego, CA), a qualitative test for the rapid detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) from rectal and/or perianal swabs, combines integrated nucleic acid extraction and automated polymerase chain reaction for the detection of vanA and/or vanB gene sequences. We studied 1,027 perianal and rectal swab specimens from 3 geographically distinct US sites (prevalence rates, 13.1%–25.8%). Direct swab specimens were tested by the assay and compared with direct culture. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the assay were 93.2%, 81.9%, 54.4%, and 98.1%, respectively. The specificity was limited largely due to false-positives in the vanB portion of the assay. Specificity with perianal swabs was significantly greater than with rectal swabs, 87.1% vs 74.7%, respectively (P &lt; .0001). When used only to detect resistance conferred by vanA, the assay was 88.3% (158/179) sensitive and 95.8% (802/837) specific, with positive and negative predictive values of 81.9% and 97.4%, respectively. The assay is a simple, rapid, and acceptable method for screening for VRE in a variety of populations in which vanA is the predominant genotype. Samples positive for the vanB genotype should be confirmed by culture owing to the apparent high number of false-positive results.
Marrow Penicilliosis
Authors: Wong K. F. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Penicillium marneffei is a dimorphic fungus that causes one of the most common opportunistic infections in Asian patients with AIDS. The diagnosis is established by microbiologic culture, requiring at least several days. A presumptive diagnosis can be made by cytologic or histologic examination of biopsied or aspirated tissue. Bone marrow biopsy is often performed in the workup of patients with AIDS who have fever or hematologic abnormalities and can provide prompt diagnosis of opportunistic infection. We report the bone marrow findings in the largest series of patients with culture-proven P marneffei infection. In the bone marrow, the histiocytes can occur in large numbers and be easily recognized or may be extremely subtle. P marneffei infection is sometimes not accompanied by granuloma formation despite marked histiocytic proliferation. The histiocytes contain a few to many intracellular yeast-form cells that resemble cellular debris because of their small size and staining pattern. The characteristic septate forms and the absence of budding help distinguish the condition from histoplasmosis and toxoplasmosis. Routine performance of silver methenamine stain for fungi in marrow biopsy specimens of febrile patients with AIDS is recommended to detect a subtle infection.