bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Life history and virulence are linked in the ectoparasitic salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis
Authors: MENNERAT A. , HAMRE L. , EBERT D. , NILSEN F. , DÁVIDOVÁ M. , SKORPING A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractModels of virulence evolution for horizontally transmitted parasites often assume that transmission rate (the probability that an infected host infects a susceptible host) and virulence (the increase in host mortality due to infection) are positively correlated, because higher rates of production of propagules may cause more damages to the host. However, empirical support for this assumption is scant and limited to microparasites. To fill this gap, we explored the relationships between parasite life history and virulence in the salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, a horizontally transmitted copepod ectoparasite on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. In the laboratory, we infected juvenile salmon hosts with equal doses of infective L. salmonis larvae and monitored parasite age at first reproduction, parasite fecundity, area of damage caused on the skin of the host, and host weight and length gain. We found that earlier onset of parasite reproduction was associated with higher parasite fecundity. Moreover, higher parasite fecundity (a proxy for transmission rate, as infection probability increases with higher numbers of parasite larvae released to the water) was associated with lower host weight gain (correlated with lower survival in juvenile salmon), supporting the presence of a virulence–transmission trade‐off. Our results are relevant in the context of increasing intensive farming, where frequent anti‐parasite drug use and increased host density may have selected for faster production of parasite transmission stages, via earlier reproduction and increased early fecundity. Our study highlights that salmon lice, therefore, are a good model for studying how human activity may affect the evolution of parasite virulence.
Study of the correlation between tumor size and cyst rupture in laparotomy and laparoscopy for benign ovarian tumor: Is 10 cm the limit for laparoscopy?
Authors: Shiota Mitsuru , Kotani Yasushi , Umemoto Masahiko , Tobiume Takako , Hoshiai Hiroshi 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim:  Laparoscopy is the gold standard for treatment of benign ovarian cysts, although there is a risk of intraoperative cyst rupture if the lesion is cancerous. This study is aimed at comparing the incidence of cyst rupture to tumor size in both laparotomy and laparoscopy in order to select the optimum surgical procedure for ovarian cysts.Methods:  A total of 1483 cases of benign ovarian cysts were surgically treated at our center between 1995 and 2010. These cases were divided into three groups according to the maximum diameter of the ovarian tumors: <5 cm, ≥5 cm but <10 cm, and ≥10 cm. The incidence of cyst rupture was compared between laparotomy and laparoscopy according to the size of the tumor in ovarian tumorectomy and adnexectomy.Results:  The incidence of cyst rupture was significantly higher in ovarian tumorectomy by laparoscopy than by laparotomy. Cyst rupture occurred independent of the tumor size in both laparoscopy and laparotomy. For adnexectomy for tumors smaller than 10 cm, there was no significant difference by tumor size in the incidence of cyst rupture between laparoscopy and laparotomy; however, the incidence of cyst rupture was significantly higher in laparoscopy of tumors sized 10 cm or larger than in the laparotomy of tumors of similar size; the incidence was also greater than laparoscopy of tumors smaller than 10 cm.Conclusion:  Laparotomy, rather than laparoscopy, is recommended in cases of ovarian cysts with any finding suggestive of malignancy.
Agranulocytosis associated with intravenous ritodrine hydrochloride therapy: Two case reports by different mechanisms
Authors: Yasuda Rino , Makino Yasuo , Matsuda Yoshio , Kawamichi Yayoi , Matsui Hideo 
Published: February 2012

AbstractRitodrine hydrochloride has been widely used for tocolysis, although serious side‐effects have been reported. We report two cases of agranulocytosis induced by ritodrine hydrochloride, which probably occurred by different mechanisms. Two patients were hospitalized because of preterm labor and were given intravenous ritodrine hydrochloride. The nadir of neutrocytes was 199/mm3 and 13/mm3 in the two cases, respectively. The total dose of ritodrine hydrochloride was calculated to be 7800 mg for 26 days and 2500 mg for 22 days, respectively. The total doses were heavier and administration duration was longer in Case 1, which suggested a toxic mechanism of agranulocytosis, while in Case 2, they were smaller and shorter, suggesting an immunological mechanism. For patients receiving ritodrine hydrochloride, the white blood cell count should be checked frequently regardless of the duration of therapy and a drug lymphocyte stimulation test should be performed.
Activity‐dependent regulation of the dopamine phenotype in substantia nigra neurons
Authors: Aumann Tim , Horne Mal 
Published: February 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 497–515.AbstractDegeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) causes the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The development of cell‐replacement therapies for Parkinson’s disease motor symptoms is hampered by poor acquisition and retention of the DA phenotype by endogenous and transplanted neurons. Factors which regulate the DA phenotype in the adult SNc are, therefore, keenly sought. Transcription of the rate‐limiting enzyme in DA synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase, and possibly other DA genes, is known to be regulated by changes in membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates DA gene transcription is sensitive to fast membrane potential changes and intracellular Ca2+transients, that is, those associated with normal rates and patterns of neuronal activity. In other words, the DA phenotype is activity‐dependent. In this review, we highlight the importance of spatiotemporal Ca2+dynamics for regulating gene expression in cells, and the possible role of fast Ca2+dynamics associated with normal rates and patterns of neuronal activity. We review evidence supporting activity‐ and Ca2+‐dependent regulation of the DA phenotype in cells, including SNc neurons, as well as knowledge about the molecular pathways intervening between intracellular Ca2+ and TH gene expression. We describe the electrophysiology of SNc DA neurons, emphasizing features that may regulate DA gene expression. We conclude by bringing together this information in a model of how neuronal activity might regulate the DA phenotype in SNc neurons.
The histamine autoreceptor is a short isoform of the H3 receptor
Authors: Gbahou F , Rouleau A , Arrang J‐M 
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The histamine H3 receptor was identified as the autoreceptor of brain histaminergic neurons. After its cloning, functional H3 receptor isoforms generated by a deletion in the third intracellular loop were found in the brain. Here, we determined if this autoreceptor was the long or the short isoform.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We hypothesized that the deletion would affect H3 receptor stereoselectivity. The effects of the enantiomers of two chiral ligands, Nα‐methyl‐α‐chloromethylhistamine (NαMe‐αClMeHA) and sopromidine, were investigated on cAMP formation at the H3(445) and H3(413) receptor isoforms, common to all species. They were further compared with their effects at autoreceptors. They were also compared on [35S]GTPγ[S] binding to membranes of rat cerebral cortex, striatum and hypothalamus, the richest area in autoreceptors.KEY RESULTS The stereoselectivity of NαMe‐αClMeHA enantiomers as agonists was similar at the H3(413) receptor isoform and autoreceptors, but lower at the long isoform. While (S) sopromidine did not discriminate between the isoforms, (R) sopromidine was an antagonist at the H3(413) receptor isoform and autoreceptors, but a full agonist at the long isoform. In rat brain, stereoselectivity of NαMe‐αClMeHA was higher in the hypothalamus than in cerebral cortex or striatum, whereas the opposite pattern was found for sopromidine.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The pharmacological profiles of H3 receptor isoforms differed markedly, showing that the function of autoreceptors was fulfilled by a short isoform, such as the H3(413) receptor. Development of drugs selectively targeting autoreceptors might enhance their therapeutic efficacy and/or decrease incidence of side effects.
Multicenter Analysis on the Impact of Nephrologist‐Initiated Catheter Insertion Program on Peritoneal Dialysis Penetration
Authors: Ng Eng Khim , Goh Bak Leong , Chew Siew Eng , Tan Chwee Choon , Ching Chen Hua , Sha’ariah Md Yusuf Wan , Rozina Mohamed Ghazalli 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe demands for timely catheter insertion have spurred the growth of peritoneoscopic catheter insertion program by nephrologists in Malaysia. We performed a multicenter analysis to study its impact on the growth of peritoneal dialysis (PD) population. Data were collected retrospectively from five centers at the point of program initiation until December 2009. In Center 1, with this program, PD population continued to grow from 25 patients in 2006 to 120 in 2009. In center 2, the program began in 2005, but comprised only 28.6% of total insertions. From 2007 onwards, nephrologists had overtaken the surgeon, inserting from 85% to 97% of the total insertions. In center 3, with the program at its infancy, a modest growth in its PD population was shown. In center 4, nephrologists maintained an annual average of 41.8% of total catheter insertions, and thus maintaining a stable PD population. In center 5, surgeon‐assisted PD catheter insertions helped to maintain the growth of its PD, seeing lesser impact from this program. Subanalysis showed that 1‐year catheter survival in Center 1 was 85.4%. This study on PD catheter insertion program by nephrologists showed the greatest impact on new center and center experiencing suboptimal catheter insertions by traditional providers.
Investigation of the relationship between the structure and function of Ts2, a neurotoxin from Tityus serrulatus venom
Authors: Cologna Camila T. , Peigneur Steve , Rustiguel Joane K. , Nonato M. Cristina , Tytgat Jan , Arantes Eliane C. 
Published: February 2012

Scorpion toxins targeting voltage‐gated sodium (NaV) channels are peptides that comprise 60–76 amino acid residues cross‐linked by four disulfide bridges. These toxins can be divided in two groups (α and β toxins), according to their binding properties and mode of action. The scorpion α‐toxin Ts2, previously described as a β‐toxin, was purified from the venom of Tityus serrulatus, the most dangerous Brazilian scorpion. In this study, seven mammalian NaV channel isoforms (rNaV1.2, rNaV1.3, rNaV1.4, hNaV1.5, mNaV1.6, rNaV1.7 and rNaV1.8) and one insect NaV channel isoform (DmNaV1) were used to investigate the subtype specificity and selectivity of Ts2. The electrophysiology assays showed that Ts2 inhibits rapid inactivation of NaV1.2, NaV1.3, NaV1.5, NaV1.6 and NaV1.7, but does not affect NaV1.4, NaV1.8 or DmNaV1. Interestingly, Ts2 significantly shifts the voltage dependence of activation of NaV1.3 channels. The 3D structure of this toxin was modeled based on the high sequence identity (72%) shared with Ts1, another T. serrulatus toxin. The overall fold of the Ts2 model consists of three β‐strands and one α‐helix, and is arranged in a triangular shape forming a cysteine‐stabilized α‐helix/β‐sheet (CSαβ) motif.Database Model data are available in the PMDB under accession number PM0077533.
Urinary Biomarkers of Renal Disease in Dogs with X‐Linked Hereditary Nephropathy
Authors: Nabity M.B. , Lees G.E. , Cianciolo R. , Boggess M.M. , Steiner J.M. , Suchodolski J.S. 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundSensitive and specific biomarkers for early tubulointerstitial injury are lacking.HypothesisThe excretion of certain urinary proteins will correlate with the state of renal injury in dogs with chronic kidney disease.AnimalsTwenty‐five male colony dogs affected with X‐linked hereditary nephropathy (XLHN) and 19 unaffected male littermates were evaluated.MethodsRetrospective analysis of urine samples collected every 2–4 weeks was performed. Urine proteins evaluated were retinol binding protein (uRBP/c), β2‐microglobulin (uB2M),N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase (uNAG/c), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (uNGAL/c), and immunoglobulin G (uIgG/c). Results were correlated with serum creatinine concentration (sCr), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urine protein : creatinine ratio, and histopathologic analysis of serial renal biopsies. Analytical validation was performed for all assays;uNAGstability was evaluated.ResultsAll urinary biomarkers distinguished affected dogs from unaffected dogs early in their disease process, increasing during early and midstages of disease.uRBP/c correlated most strongly with conventional measures of disease severity, including increasing sCr (r = 0.89), decreasingGFR(r = −0.77), and interstitial fibrosis (r = 0.80),P < .001. However, multivariate analysis revealed age, sCr, uIgG/c, and uB2M, but notuRBP/c, as significant independent predictors ofGFR(P < .05).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAll urinary biomarkers were elevated before sCr increased, but typically after proteinuria developed in dogs with progressive glomerular disease because ofXLHN.uRBP/c measurement might be promising as a noninvasive tool for diagnosis and monitoring of tubular injury and dysfunction in dogs.
Lack of Association of the S769N Mutation in Plasmodium falciparum SERCA (PfATP6) with Resistance to Artemisinins
Authors: Cui Long , Wang Zenglei , Jiang Hongying , Parker Daniel , Wang Haiyan , Su Xin-Zhuan , Cui Liwang 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

The recent emergence of artemisinin (ART) resistance in
Plasmodium falciparum
in western Cambodia, manifested as delayed parasite clearance, is a big threat to the long-term efficacy of this family of antimalarial drugs. Among the multiple candidate genes associated with ART resistance in
P. falciparum
, the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
-ATPase PfATP6 has been postulated as a specific target of ARTs. The
PfATP6
gene harbors multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms in field parasite populations, and S769N has been associated with decreased sensitivity to artemether in parasite populations from French Guiana. In this study, we used an allelic exchange strategy to engineer parasite lines carrying the S769N mutations in
P. falciparum
strain 3D7 and evaluated whether introduction of this mutation modulated parasite sensitivity to ART derivatives. Using three transgenic lines carrying the 769N mutation and two transgenic lines carrying the wild-type 769S as controls, we found that S769N did not affect
PfATP6
gene expression. We compared the sensitivities of these parasite lines to three ART derivatives, artemether, artesunate, and dihydroartemisinin, in 18 biological experiments and detected no significant effect of the S769N mutation on parasite response to these ART derivatives. This study provides further evidence for the lack of association of PfATP6 with ART resistance.
Involvement of Host Cell Integrin α2 in Cryptosporidium parvum Infection
Authors: Zhang Haili , Guo Fengguang , Zhu Guan 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Cryptosporidium parvum
is an opportunistic pathogen in AIDS patients. It is an intracellular but extracytoplasmic parasite residing in a host cell-derived parasitophorous vacuole. It is still poorly understood how this parasite interacts with host cells. We observed that expression of the integrin α2 (ITGA2) gene in host cells was significantly upregulated upon
C. parvum
infection, and a higher level of ITGA2 protein was present in the parasite infection sites. The infection could be reduced by the treatment of antibodies against ITGA2 and integrin β1 (ITGB1) subunits, as well as by type I collagen (an integrin α2β1 ligand). We also generated stable knockdown of ITGA2 gene expression in HCT-8 cells and observed consistent reduction of parasite infection in these knockdown cells. Collectively, our evidence indicates that host cell ITGA2 might be involved in interacting with
Cryptosporidium
during infection, probably acting as part of the regulatory elements upstream of the reported recruiting and reorganization of F actin at the infection sites.
Updating Perspectives on the Initiation of Bacillus anthracis Growth and Dissemination through Its Host
Authors: Weiner Zachary P. , Glomski Ian J. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT

Since 1957, it has been proposed that the dissemination of inhalational anthrax required spores to be transported from the lumena of the lungs into the lymphatic system. In 2002, this idea was expanded to state that alveolar macrophages act as a “Trojan horse” capable of transporting spores across the lung epithelium into draining mediastinal lymph nodes. Since then, the Trojan horse model of dissemination has become the most widely cited model of inhalational infection as well as the focus of the majority of studies aiming to understand events initiating inhalational anthrax infections. However, recent observations derived from animal models of
Bacillus anthracis
infection are inconsistent with aspects of the Trojan horse model and imply that bacterial dissemination patterns during inhalational infection may be more similar to the cutaneous and gastrointestinal forms than previously thought. In light of these studies, it is of significant importance to reassess the mechanisms of inhalational anthrax dissemination, since it is this form of anthrax that is most lethal and of greatest concern when
B. anthracis
is weaponized. Here we propose a new “jailbreak” model of
B. anthracis
dissemination which applies to the dissemination of all common manifestations of the disease anthrax. The proposed model impacts the field by deemphasizing the role of host cells as conduits for dissemination and increasing the role of phagocytes as central players in innate defenses, while moving the focus toward interactions between
B. anthracis
and lymphoid and epithelial tissues.
Building a three dimensional work breakdown structure
Authors: Katz Barry , Lerman Naftali 
Published: February 2012

With the proliferation of project management software tools, the growth of more and more complex software projects and the dissatisfaction and limitation of the capabilities of the current tools, more companies are looking at the possibility of developing their own project management tools. This paper presents the basic principles and considerations for developing the functional specifications for developing a three dimensional Work Breakdown Structure.
A metric for measuring the progress is presented. The metric states that, tracking the progress of the development of a software system is a function of the relative value of the outputs to be undertaken for each node of the software architecture, the phase in which the work will be undertaken and the tasks to complete the work.
A description of some of the basic considerations for generating a WBS, PERT, Gantt, and Manpower Distribution Graph are presented.
High-throughput SNP genotyping in Cucurbita pepo for map construction and quantitative trait loci mapping
Authors: Esteras Cristina , Gómez Pedro , Monforte Antonio J , Blanca José , Vicente-Dólera Nelly , Roig Cristina , Nuez Fernando , Picó Belén 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundCucurbita pepois a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, the second- most important horticultural family in terms of economic importance after Solanaceae. The "summer squash" types, including Zucchini and Scallop, rank among the highest-valued vegetables worldwide. There are few genomic tools available for this species.The firstCucurbitatranscriptome, along with a large collection of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP), was recently generated using massive sequencing. A set of 384 SNP was selected to generate an Illumina GoldenGate assay in order to construct the first SNP-based genetic map ofCucurbitaand map quantitative traitloci(QTL).ResultsWe herein present the construction of the first SNP-based genetic map ofCucurbita pepousing a population derived from the cross of two varieties with contrasting phenotypes, representing the main cultivar groups of the species' two subspecies: Zucchini (subsp.pepo) × Scallop (subsp.ovifera). The mapping population was genotyped with 384 SNP, a set of selected EST-SNP identifiedin silicoafter massive sequencing of the transcriptomes of both parents, using the Illumina GoldenGate platform. The global success rate of the assay was higher than 85%. In total, 304 SNP were mapped, along with 11 SSR from a previous map, giving a map density of 5.56 cM/marker. This map was used to infer syntenic relationships betweenC. pepoand cucumber and to successfully map QTL that control plant, flowering and fruit traits that are of benefit to squash breeding. The QTL effects were validated in backcross populations.ConclusionOur results show that massive sequencing in different genotypes is an excellent tool for SNP discovery, and that the Illumina GoldenGate platform can be successfully applied to constructing genetic maps and performing QTL analysis inCucurbita. This is the first SNP-based genetic map in theCucurbitagenus and is an invaluable new tool for biological research, especially considering that most of these markers are located in the coding regions of genes involved in different physiological processes. The platform will also be useful for future mapping and diversity studies, and will be essential in order to accelerate the process of breeding new and better-adapted squash varieties.
Prevalence and correlates for school truancy among pupils in grades 7-10: results from the 2004 Zambia Global School-based Health Survey
Authors: Muula Adamson S , Rudatsikira Emmanuel , Babaniyi Olusegun , Songolo Peter , Siziya Seter 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
There are limited data on the prevalence and associated factors of truancy in southern Africa. Yet truancy should attract the attention of public health professionals, educators and policy makers as it may be associated with adolescent problem behaviours. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence and determine correlates of school truancy among pupils in Zambia.

Findings
We used data collected in 2004 in the Zambia Global School-based Health Survey. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with truancy. A total of 2257 pupils participated in the survey of whom 53.9% were male. Overall 58.8% of the participants (58.1% of males and 58.4% of females) reported being truant in the past 30 days. Factors associated with truancy were having been bullied (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.32, 1.36]), current alcohol use (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI [2.16, 2.23]), perception that other students were kind and helpful (AOR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.10, 1.14]), being male and being from the lowest school grade. Pupils whose parents or guardians checked their homework (AOR = 0.91 95% CI, [0.89, 0.92]) and those who reported parental supervision (AOR = 0.94, 95% CI [0.92-0.95]) were less likely to report being truant.

Conclusions
We found a high prevalence of truancy among pupils in grades 7-10 in Zambia. Interventions aimed to reduce truancy should be designed and implemented with due consideration of the associated factors.