bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A stitch in time: a cross-sectional survey looking at long lasting insecticide-treated bed net ownership, utilization and attrition in SNNPR, Ethiopia
Authors: Batisso Esey , Habte Tedila , Tesfaye Gezahegn , Getachew Dawit , Tekalegne Agonafer , Kilian Albert , Mpeka Betty , Lynch Caroline 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Since 2002/03, an estimated 4.7 million nets have been distributed in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) among an at risk population of approximately 10 million people. Evidence from the region suggests that large-scale net ownership rapidly increased over a relatively short period of time. However, little is known about how coverage is being maintained given that the last mass distribution was in 2006/2007. This study sought to determine the status of current net ownership, utilization and rate of long lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLIN) loss in the previous three years in the context of planning for future net distribution to try to achieve sustainable universal coverage.

Methods
A total of 750 household respondents were interviewed across malarious, rural kebeles of SNNPR. Households were randomly selected following a two-stage cluster sampling design where kebeles were defined as clusters. Kebeles were chosen using proportional population sampling (PPS), and 25 households within 30 kebeles randomly chosen.

Results
Approximately 67.5% (95%CI: 64.1–70.8) of households currently owned at least one net. An estimated 31.0% (95%CI 27.9–34.4) of all nets owned in the previous three years had been discarded by owners, the majority of whom considered the nets too torn, old or dirty (79.9%: 95%CI 75.8–84.0). Households reported that one-third of nets (33.7%) were less than one year old when they were discarded. The majority (58.8%) of currently owned nets had ‘good’ structural integrity according to a proportionate Hole Index. Nearly two-thirds of households (60.6%) reported using their nets the previous night. The overriding reason for not using nets was that they were too torn (45.7%, 95% CI 39.1–50.7). Yet, few households are making repairs to their nets (3.7%, 95% CI: 2.4–5.1).

Conclusions
Results suggest that the life span of nets may be shorter than previously thought, with little maintenance by their owners. With the global move towards malaria elimination it makes sense to aim for sustained high coverage of LLINs. However, in the current economic climate, it also makes sense to hark back to simple tools and messages on the importance of careful net maintenance, which could increase their lifespans.
Effect of 50 Hz electric field in diacylglycerol acyltransferase mRNA expression level and plasma concentration of triacylglycerol, free fatty acid, phospholipid and total cholesterol
Authors: Hori Takuya , Harakawa Shinji , Herbas Shirley M , Ueta Yoshiko Y , Inoue Noboru , Suzuki Hiroshi 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
The effects of exposure to a 50 Hz electric field (EF) on plasma level of triacylglycerol, free fatty acids, total cholesterol and phospholipid and mRNA expression level of diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) 1 and 2 in liver and intestines from C57BL/6 J mice were studied.

Methods
The test was based on comparison between mice post treated with 50 Hz EF of 45 kV/m intensity for 30 min per day for 11 days or without EF. DGATs mRNA expression was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results
There was no difference in the gene expression level of DGAT1 in liver and intestines. The DGAT2 gene expression level in liver derived from mice treated with EF was significantly lower than those in the control (P < 0.001). Both plasma total cholesterol (P < 0.01) and phospholipid (P < 0.05) in the group exposed to EF were lower than those in the control, but there was no difference in triacylglycerol or free fatty acid levels.

Conclusion
Exposure to 50 Hz EF decrease the plasma levels of total cholesterol and phospholipids, and downregulated DGAT2 mRNA expression in liver. The mechanisms for the effects of EF on lipid metabolism are not well understand yet, but altered DGAT2 activity may be involved.
Optimization of iTRAQ labelling coupled to OFFGEL fractionation as a proteomic workflow to the analysis of microsomal proteins of Medicago truncatula roots
Authors: Abdallah Cosette , Sergeant Kjell , Guillier Christelle , Dumas-Gaudot Eliane , Leclercq Céline C , Renaut Jenny 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Shotgun proteomics represents an attractive technical framework for the study of membrane proteins that are generally difficult to resolve using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The use of iTRAQ, a set of amine-specific isobaric tags, is currently the labelling method of choice allowing multiplexing of up to eight samples and the relative quantification of multiple peptides for each protein. Recently the hyphenation of different separation techniques with mass spectrometry was used in the analysis of iTRAQ labelled samples. OFFGEL electrophoresis has proved its effectiveness in isoelectric point-based peptide and protein separation in solution. Here we describe the first application of iTRAQ-OFFGEL-LC-MS/MS on microsomal proteins from plant material. The investigation of the iTRAQ labelling effect on peptide electrofocusing in OFFGEL fractionator was carried out on Medicago truncatula membrane protein digests.

Results
In-filter protein digestion, with easy recovery of a peptide fraction compatible with iTRAQ labelling, was successfully used in this study. The focusing quality in OFFGEL electrophoresis was maintained for iTRAQ labelled peptides with a higher than expected number of identified peptides in basic OFFGEL-fractions. We furthermore observed, by comparing the isoelectric point (pI) fractionation of unlabelled versus labelled samples, a non-negligible pI shifts mainly to higher values.

Conclusions
The present work describes a feasible and novel protocol for in-solution protein digestion in which the filter unit permits protein retention and buffer removal. The data demonstrates an impact of iTRAQ labelling on peptide electrofocusing behaviour in OFFGEL fractionation compared to their native counterpart by the induction of a substantial, generally basic pI shift. Explanations for the occasionally observed acidic shifts are likewise presented.
Hybrid iterative method for finding common solutions of generalized mixed equilibrium and fixed point problems
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Guu Sy-Ming , Yao Jen-Chih 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Recently, Colao et al. (J Math Anal Appl 344:340-352, 2008) introduced a hybrid viscosity approximation method for finding a common element of the set of solutions of an equilibrium problem and the set of fixed points of a finite family of nonexpansive mappings in a real Hilbert space. In this paper, by combining Colao, Marino and Xu's hybrid viscosity approximation method and Yamada's hybrid steepest-descent method, we propose a hybrid iterative method for finding a common element of the set GMEP of solutions of a generalized mixed equilibrium problem and the set

⋂

i
=
1

N

Fix (

S

i

)

of fixed points of a finite family of nonexpansive mappings

{

S

i

}

i
=
1

N

in a real Hilbert space. We prove the strong convergence of the proposed iterative algorithm to an element of

⋂

i
=
1

N

Fix (

S

i

)

∩
G
M
E
P

, which is the unique solution of a variational inequality.

AMS subject classifications: 49J40; 47J20; 47H09.
Differential Roles of Galanin on Mechanical and Cooling Responses at the Primary Afferent Nociceptor
Authors: Hulse Richard P , Donaldson Lucy F , Wynick David 
Published: June 2012

Background: Galanin is expressed in a small percentage of intact small diameter sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia and in the afferent terminals of the superficial lamina of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The neuropeptide modulates nociception demonstrating dose-dependent pro- and anti-nociceptive actions in the naïve animal. Galanin also plays an important role in chronic pain, with the anti-nociceptive actions enhanced in rodent neuropathic pain models. In this study we compared the role played by galanin and its receptors in mechanical and cold allodynia by identifying individual rat C-fibre nociceptors and characterising their responses to mechanical or acetone stimulation. Results: Mechanically evoked responses in C-fibre nociceptors from naive rats were sensitised after close intra-arterial infusion of galanin or Gal2-11 (a galanin receptor-2/3 agonist) confirming previous data that galanin modulates nociception via activation of GalR2. In contrast, the same dose and route of administration of galanin, but not Gal2-11, inhibited acetone and menthol cooling evoked responses, demonstrating that this inhibitory mechanism is not mediated by activation of GalR2. We then used the partial saphenous nerve ligation injury model of neuropathic pain (PSNI) and the complete Freund's adjuvant model of inflammation in the rat and demonstrated that close intra-arterial infusion of galanin, but not Gal2-11, reduced cooling evoked nociceptor activity and cooling allodynia in both paradigms, whilst galanin and Gal2-11 both decreased mechanical activation thresholds. A previously described transgenic mouse line which inducibly over-expresses galanin (Gal-OE) after nerve injury was then used to investigate whether manipulating the levels of endogenous galanin also modulates cooling evoked nociceptive behaviours after PSNI. Acetone withdrawal behaviours in naive mice showed no differences between Gal-OE and wild-type (WT) mice. 7-days after PSNI Gal-OE mice demonstrated a significant reduction in the duration of acetone-induced nociceptive behaviours compared to WT mice. Conclusions: These data identify a novel galaninergic mechanism that inhibits cooling evoked neuronal activity and nociceptive behaviours via a putative GalR1 mode of action that would also be consistent with a TRP channel-dependent mechanism.
LINE-1 methylation status and its association with tetralogy of fallot in infants
Authors: Sheng Wei , Wang Huijun , Ma Xiaojing , Qian Yanyan , Zhang Ping , Wu Yao , Zheng Fengyun , Chen Long , Huang Guoying , Ma Duan 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background
Methylation levels of long interspersed nucleotide elements (LINE-1) are representative of genome-wide methylation status and play an important role in maintaining genomic stability and gene expression. To derive insight into the association between genome-wide methylation status and tetralogy of fallot (TOF), we compared the methylation status of LINE-1 element between TOF patients and controls. The methylation of the NKX 2–5, HAND 1, and TBX 20 promoter regions was also evaluated.

Methods
Genomic DNA from right ventricular tissue samples was obtained from 32 patients with TOF and 15 control subjects. Sequenom MassARRAY platform was performed to examine the methylation levels of LINE-1, NKX2-5, HAND1 and TBX20. Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare differences in methylation levels between two groups.

Results
The methylation level of LINE-1 was significantly lower in patients with TOF, with a median of 57.95% (interquartile range [IQR]: 56.10%–60.04%), as opposed to 59.70% in controls (IQR: 59.00%–61.30%; P = 0.0021). The highest LINE-1 methylation level was 61.3%. The risk of TOF increased in subjects with the lowest methylation levels (less than or equal to 59.0%; OR = 14.7, 95% CI: 1.8–117.7, P = 0.014) and in those with medium methylation levels (59.0%–61.3%; OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 0.3–14.2, P = 0.65). An ROC curve analysis showed a relatively high accuracy of using the LINE-1 methylation level in predicting the presence of TOF (AUC = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.65–0.91; P = 0.002). The association of the LINE-1 methylation level with TOF was only observed in males (P = 0.006) and not in females (P = 0.25). Neither age nor gender was found to be associated with the LINE-1 methylation level in patients or controls. Higher methylation levels of NKX2-5 and HAND1 and lower methylation levels of TBX20 were also observed in patients with TOF than in controls. No association was found between the methylation levels of NKX2-5, HAND1 and TBX 20 with the LINE-1 methylation level.

Conclusions
Lower LINE-1 methylation levels are associated with increased risk of TOF and may provide important clues for the development of TOF.
Establishment and characterization of a sustained delayed-type hypersensitivity model with arthritic manifestations in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Atkinson Sara M , Usher Pernille A , Kvist Peter H , Markholst Helle , Haase Claus , Nansen Anneline 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic progressive, inflammatory and destructive autoimmune disease, characterised by synovial joint inflammation and bone erosion. To better understand the pathophysiology and underlying immune mechanisms of RA various models of arthritis have been developed in different inbred strains of mice. Establishment of arthritis models with components of adaptive immunity in the C57BL/6J strain of mice has been difficult, and since most genetically modified mice are commonly bred on this background, there is a need to explore new ways of obtaining robust models of arthritis in this strain. This study was undertaken to establish and characterise a novel murine model of arthritis, the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH)-arthritis model, and evaluate whether disease can be treated with compounds currently used in the treatment of RA.

Methods
DTH-arthritis was induced by eliciting a classical DTH reaction in one paw with methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA), with the modification that a cocktail of type II collagen monoclonal antibodies was administered between the immunisation and challenge steps. Involved cell subsets and inflammatory mediators were analysed, and tissue sections evaluated histopathologically. Disease was treated prophylactically and therapeutically with compounds used in the treatment of RA.

Results
We demonstrate that DTH-arthritis could be induced in C57BL/6 mice with paw swelling lasting for at least 28 days and that disease induction was dependent on CD4+ cells. We show that macrophages and neutrophils were heavily involved in the observed pathology and that a clear profile of inflammatory mediators associated with these cell subsets was induced locally. In addition, inflammatory markers were observed systemically. Furthermore, we demonstrate that disease could be both prevented and treated.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that DTH-arthritis shares features with both collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and human RA. DTH-arthritis is dependent on CD4+ cells for induction and can be successfully treated with TNFα-blocking biologics and dexamethasone. On the basis of our findings we believe that the DTH-arthritis model could hold potential in the preclinical screening of novel drugs targeting RA. The model is highly reproducible and has a high incidence rate with synchronised onset and progression, which strengthens its potential.
Effect of antidepressive therapy on retinal contrast processing
in depressive disorder
Authors: Bubl Emanuel , Ebert Dieter , Kern Elena , van Elst Ludger Tebartz , Bach Michael 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundRecently, we reported a reduced retinal contrast gain in unmedicated and
medicated patients with major depression.AimsTo analyse whether the contrast gain normalises after successful
antidepressive therapy by recording the pattern electroretinogram (PERG)
in healthy controls and patients with depression before and after
antidepressive therapy.MethodFourteen patients diagnosed with major depression were repeatedly scanned
and the results compared with that from 40 matched controls.ResultsThe retinal contrast gain was lower at baseline in patients with
depression, was normalised with remission and correlated with the
severity of depression. Patients who did not achieve remission retained
significantly lower contrast gain at follow-up.ConclusionsThe study provides evidence for a state-dependent modulation of retinal
contrast gain in patients with major depression. Reduced contrast gain
normalised after therapy. A PERG-based contrast gain could serve as a
state marker of depression.
Cardiovascular fitness in males at age 18 and risk of serious depression in adulthood: Swedish prospective population-based study
Authors: Åberg Maria A. I. , Waern Margda , Nyberg Jenny , Pedersen Nancy L. , Bergh Ylva , Åberg N. David , Nilsson Michael , Kuhn H. Georg , Torén Kjell 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundStudies suggest a role for cardiovascular fitness in the prevention of affective disorders.AimsTo determine whether cardiovascular fitness at age 18 is associated with future risk of serious affective illness.MethodPopulation-based Swedish cohort study of male conscripts (n= 1 117 292) born in 1950–1987 with no history of mental illness who were followed for 3–40 years. Data on cardiovascular fitness at conscription were linked with national hospital registers to calculate future risk of depression (requiring in-patient care) and bipolar disorder.ResultsIn fully adjusted models low cardiovascular fitness was associated with increased risk for serious depression (hazard ratios (HR)=1.96, 95%, CI 1.71–2.23). No such association could be shown for bipolar disorder (HR=1.11, 95% CI 0.84–1.47).ConclusionsLower cardiovascular fitness at age 18 was associated with increased risk of serious depression in adulthood. These results strengthen the theory of a cardiovascular contribution to the aetiology of depression.
Sertoli-cell-specific knockout of connexin 43 leads to multiple alterations in testicular gene expression in prepubertal mice
Authors: Giese Sarah , Hossain Hamid , Markmann Melanie , Chakraborty Trinad , Tchatalbachev Svetlin , Guillou Florian , Bergmann Martin , Failing Klaus , Weider Karola , Brehm Ralph 
Published: June 2012

SummaryA significant decline in human male reproductive function has been reported for the past 20 years but the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. However, recent studies showed that the gap junction protein connexin-43 (CX43; also known as GJA1) might be involved. CX43 is the predominant testicular connexin (CX) in most species, including in humans. Alterations of its expression are associated with different forms of spermatogenic disorders and infertility. Men with impaired spermatogenesis often exhibit a reduction or loss of CX43 expression in germ cells (GCs) and Sertoli cells (SCs). Adult male transgenic mice with a conditional knockout (KO) of the Gja1 gene [referred to here as connexin-43 (Cx43)] in SCs (SCCx43KO) show a comparable testicular phenotype to humans and are infertile. To detect possible signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms leading to the testicular phenotype in adult SCCx43KO mice and to their failure to initiate spermatogenesis, the testicular gene expression of 8-day-old SCCx43KO and wild-type (WT) mice was compared. Microarray analysis revealed that 658 genes were significantly regulated in testes of SCCx43KO mice. Of these genes, 135 were upregulated, whereas 523 genes were downregulated. For selected genes the results of the microarray analysis were confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR and immunostaining. The majority of the downregulated genes are GC-specific and are essential for mitotic and meiotic progression of spermatogenesis, including Stra8, Dazl and members of the DM (dsx and map-3) gene family. Other altered genes can be associated with transcription, metabolism, cell migration and cytoskeleton organization. Our data show that deletion of Cx43 in SCs leads to multiple alterations of gene expression in prepubertal mice and primarily affects GCs. The candidate genes could represent helpful markers for investigators exploring human testicular biopsies from patients showing corresponding spermatogenic deficiencies and for studying the molecular mechanisms of human male sterility.
A meta-analysis of lymph node metastasis rate for patients with thoracic oesophageal cancer and its implication in delineation of clinical target volume for radiation therapy
Authors: Ding X , Zhang J , Li B , Wang Z , Huang W , Zhou T , Wei Y , Li H 
Published: June 2012

Objectives
The objective of this study was to pool the lymph node metastasis rate (LNMR) in patients with thoracic oesophageal cancer (TOC) and to determine which node level should be included when undergoing radiation therapy.

Methods
Qualified studies were identified on Medline, Embase, CBM and the Cochrane Library through to the end of April 2011. Pooled estimates of LNMR were obtained through a random-effect model. Possible effect modifiers which might lead to the statistical heterogeneity were identified through meta-regression, and further subgroup analyses of factors influencing LNMR were performed.

Results
45 observational studies with a total of 18 415 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimates of LNMR in upper, middle and lower TOC were 30.7%, 16.8% and 11.0% cervical, 42.0%, 21.1% and 10.5% upper mediastinal, 12.9%, 28.1% and 19.6% middle mediastinal, 2.6%, 7.8% and 23.0% lower mediastinal, and 9%, 21.4% and 39.9% abdominal, respectively. Lymph node metastasis most frequently happened to paratracheal, paraoesophageal, perigastric 106recR and station 7. The most obvious difference (≥15%) of LNMR between two-field and three-field lymphatic dissection occurred in cervical, paratracheal, 106recR and 108.

Conclusions
Through the meta-analysis, more useful information was obtained about clinical target volume (CTV) delineation of TOC patients treated with radiotherapy. However, our study is predominantly a description of squamous carcinoma and the results may not be valid for adenocarcinoma.
Factors influencing the degree of enhancement of prostate cancer on contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasonography: correlation with biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens
Authors: Jiang J , Chen Y-Q , Zhu Y-K , Yao X-H , Qi J 
Published: June 2012

Objectives
This study was designed to identify factors that influenced the degree of enhancement of prostate cancer on contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasonography (CETRUS).

Methods
139 patients suspected of prostate cancer were evaluated with CETRUS followed by systematic and targeted transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies. The degree of enhancement of the lesions was objectively measured using peak intensity with time–intensity curve analysis software. Ultrasound findings were correlated with clinical characteristics as well as biopsy and radical prostatectomy findings.

Results
Prostate cancers were detected in 230 biopsy sites from 91 patients. The mean peak intensity value of prostate cancer was significantly higher than that of the benign lesions (9.82±3.73 vs 7.51±2.97; p&lt;0.001), and the peak intensity value of the cancer foci varied across the prostate. The mixed model analysis revealed that the location and Gleason score of tumour foci were the influencing factors of the peak intensity value, and the former had a stronger influence upon peak intensity than the latter (p=0.000 and 0.040, respectively). However, age, prostate volume or serum prostate-specific antigen of the patient had no significant influence on the peak intensity value (p&gt;0.05). Furthermore, the peak intensity value of tumours larger than 5 mm diameter was significantly higher than tumours of 5 mm or smaller diameter (9.28±2.46 vs 6.69±2.65; p&lt;0.001).

Conclusions
The prostate cancer lesions with a higher Gleason score and larger tumour size which were located in the lateral peripheral zone (PZ) were more likely to show a marked enhancement. Lesions with lower peak intensity that are located in the medial PZ should also be treated as suspicious.