bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malaria transmission in non-endemic areas: case report, review of the literature and implications for public health management
Authors: Zoller Thomas , Naucke Torsten J , May Jürgen , Hoffmeister Bodo , Flick Holger , Williams Christopher J , Frank Christina , Bergmann Frank , Suttorp Norbert , Mockenhaupt Frank P 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
In non-endemic areas, malaria is rare and locally acquired infections, particularly with Plasmodium falciparum, are exceptional events. The diagnosis is, therefore, likely to be delayed or missed in patients without a relevant travel history. This report describes a case of falciparum malaria in Berlin, Germany, in a patient who had not been to an endemic area for more than a decade. Potential routes of vector-related and direct transmission were evaluated, particularly with regard to a possible danger to the public. A review of the literature was conducted regarding possible routes of transmission and their probability assessed. Genotyping of parasite isolates of this and another patient with malaria admitted 16 days before revealed homology between the two strains. In a local entomological survey, anopheline vectors on the hospital grounds as well as in the residential area of both patients were found. Despite intensive investigations, the mode of transmission remained obscure. In this context, possible routes of vector-borne and direct occupational/accidental transmission in a major European city are reviewed and discussed, providing information and guidance in case other similar events occur elsewhere. Examples for investigations and measures to be taken in such a situation are provided. When local malaria transmission within a large non-immune population cannot be ruled out, genotyping of parasite isolates, local entomological surveys, preparedness for secondary cases, expert consultations in a multidisciplinary team and careful information management are essential. Malaria acquired in non-endemic areas remains an unlikely, but possible event for which awareness needs to be maintained.
High retention and appropriate use of insecticide-treated nets distributed to HIV-affected households in Rakai, Uganda: results from interviews and home visits
Authors: Cohee Lauren , Mills Lisa A , Kagaayi Joseph , Jacobs Ilana , Galiwango Ronald , Ludigo James , Ssekasanvu Joseph , Reynolds Steven J 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
Distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) has recently been incorporated into comprehensive care strategies for HIV-positive people in malaria-endemic areas. WHO now recommends free or low-cost distribution of ITNs to all persons in malaria-endemic areas, regardless of age, pregnancy and HIV status. Knowledge about and appropriate use of ITNs among HIV-positive ITN recipients and their household members has not been well characterized.

Methods
142 randomly selected adults were interviewed in July–August 2006 to assess knowledge, retention, and appropriate use of ITNs they had received through a PEPFAR-funded comprehensive HIV care programme in rural Uganda.

Results
Among all participants, 102 (72%, CI: 65%–79%) reported they had no ITNs except those provided by the programme. Of 131 participants who stated they were given ≥ 1 ITN, 128 (98%, CI: 96%–100%) stated they still possessed at least one programme-provided ITN. Reported programme-ITN (pITN) use by participants was high: 119 participants (91%, CI: 86%–96%) reported having slept under pITN the night prior to the survey and 115 (88%, CI: 82%–94%) reported sleeping under pITN seven days per week. Being away from home and heat were the most common reasons given for not sleeping under an ITN. A sub-study of thirteen random home visits demonstrated concordance between participants' survey reports and actual use of ITNs in homes.

Conclusion
There was excellent self-reported retention and appropriate use of ITNs distributed as a part of a community-based outpatient HIV care programme. Participants perceived ITNs as useful and were unlikely to have received ITNs from other sources.
Head to head comparisons of two modalities of perfusion adenosine stress echocardiography with simultaneous SPECT
Authors: Gudmundsson Petri , Shahgaldi Kambiz , Winter Reidar , Dencker Magnus , Kitlinski Mariusz , Thorsson Ola , Ljunggren Lennart , Willenheimer Ronnie B 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackgroundReal-time perfusion (RTP) contrast echocardiography can be used during adenosine stress echocardiography (ASE) to evaluate myocardial ischemia. We compared two different types of RTP power modulation techniques, angiomode (AM) and high-resolution grayscale (HR), with99mTc-tetrofosmin single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for the detection of myocardial ischemia.MethodsPatients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), admitted to SPECT, were prospectively invited to participate. Patients underwent RTP imaging (SONOS 5500) using AM and HR during Sonovue®infusion, before and throughout the adenosine stress, also used for SPECT. Analysis of myocardial perfusion and wall motion by RTP-ASE were done for AM and HR at different time points, blinded to one another and to SPECT. Each segment was attributed to one of the three main coronary vessel areas of interest.ResultsIn 50 patients, 150 coronary areas were analyzed by SPECT and RTP-ASE AM and HR. SPECT showed evidence of ischemia in 13 out of 50 patients. There was no significant difference between AM and HR in detecting ischemia (p = 0.08). The agreement for AM and HR, compared to SPECT, was 93% and 96%, with Kappa values of 0.67 and 0.75, respectively (p < 0.001).ConclusionThere was no significant difference between AM and HR in correctly detecting myocardial ischemia as judged by SPECT. This suggests that different types of RTP modalities give comparable data during RTP-ASE in patients with known or suspected CAD.
Human embryonic stem cells hemangioblast express HLA-antigens
Authors: Basak Grzegorz Wladyslaw , Yasukawa Satoshi , Alfaro Andre , Halligan Samantha , Srivastava Anand S , Min Wei-Ping , Minev Boris , Carrier Ewa 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
It has been suggested that the initial differentiation of endothelial and hematopoietic cells during embryogenesis occurs from a common progenitor, called hemangioblast (hB). We hypothesized that these cells with dual hematopoietic/endothelial potential could be used in future regenerative medicine.

Methods
We used the two-step differentiation technology to generate bipotential blast cells from human embryonic stem cells (hES). This involved short differentiation in our in vitro EB system followed by differentiation in semisolid culture medium supplemented with mixture of cytokines.

Results
The occurrence of blast-colony-forming cells (BL-CFC) during EB differentiation (day 0–6) was transient and peaked on day 3. The emergence of this event was associated with expression of mesoderm gene T, and inversely correlated with expression of endoderm gene FoxA2. Similarly, the highest BL-CFC number was associated with increase in expression of early hematopoietic/endothelial genes: CD34, CD31 and KDR. The derived colonies were composed of 30–50 blast cells on day 6 in culture. These cells had homogenous appearance in Wright-Giemsa stain, but to a different extent expressed markers of immature hematopoietic and endothelial cells (CD31, CD34, VE-cadherin, Flt-1) and mature differentiated cells (CD45, CD33, CD146). We found that some of them expressed fetal and embryonic globin genes. Interestingly, these cells expressed also HLA class I molecules, however at very low levels compared to endothelial and hematopoietic cells. The blast cells could be successfully differentiated to hematopoietic cells in a CFU assay. In these conditions, blast cells formed CFU-M colonies (63.4 ± 0.8%) containing macrophages, BFU-E colonies (19.5 ± 3.5%) containing nucleated red blood cells, and CFU-EM colonies (17.1 ± 2.7%) composed of macrophages and nucleated erythrocytes. Cells of CFU-EM and BFU-E colonies expressed both ε – and γ- globin genes, but not adult-type γ-globin. When in endothelial cell culture conditions, blast cells differentiated to endothelial cells which had the ability to take up Dil-Ac-LDL and to form complex vascular networks in Matrigel.

Conclusion
1) Hematoendothelial precursors exist transiently in early embryonic development and form single cell-derived colonies; 2) their differentiation can be tracked by the use of chosen molecular markers; 3) blast colonies consist of cells having properties of endothelial and hematopoietic precursors, however the issue of their ability to maintain dual properties over time needs to be further explored; 4) blast cells can potentially be used in regenerative medicine due to their low expression of HLA molecules.
Genome-wide investigation of in vivoEGR-1 binding sites in monocytic differentiation
Authors: Kubosaki Atsutaka , Tomaru Yasuhiro , Tagami Michihira , Arner Erik , Miura Hisashi , Suzuki Takahiro , Suzuki Masanori , Suzuki Harukazu , Hayashizaki Yoshihide 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Background
Immediate early genes are considered to play important roles in dynamic gene regulatory networks following exposure to appropriate stimuli. One of the immediate early genes, early growth response gene 1 (EGR-1), has been implicated in differentiation of human monoblastoma cells along the monocytic commitment following treatment with phorbol ester. EGR-1 has been thought to work as a modifier of monopoiesis, but the precise function of EGR-1 in monocytic differentiation has not been fully elucidated.

Results
We performed the first genome-wide analysis of EGR-1 binding sites by chromatin immunoprecipitation with promoter array (ChIP-chip) and identified EGR-1 target sites in differentiating THP-1 cells. By combining the results with previously reported FANTOM4 data, we found that EGR-1 binding sites highly co-localized with CpG islands, acetylated histone H3 lysine 9 binding sites, and CAGE tag clusters. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed enriched terms, including binding of molecules, in EGR-1 target genes. In addition, comparison with gene expression profiling data showed that EGR-1 binding influenced gene expression. Moreover, observation of in vivo occupancy changes of DNA binding proteins following PMA stimulation indicated that SP1 binding occupancies were dramatically changed near EGR-1 binding sites.

Conclusions
We conclude that EGR-1 mainly recognizes GC-rich consensus sequences in promoters of active genes. GO analysis and gene expression profiling data confirm that EGR-1 is involved in initiation of information transmission in cell events. The observations of in vivo occupancy changes of EGR-1 and SP1 suggest that several types of interplay between EGR-1 and other proteins result in multiple responses to EGR-1 downstream genes.
A new function of the Fas-FasL pathway in macrophage activation
Authors: Chakour Reza , Allenbach Cindy , Desgranges Florian , Charmoy Mélanie , Mauel Jacques , Garcia Irène , Launois Pascal , Louis Jacques , Tacchini-Cottier Fabienne 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Triggering of the Fas/Fas ligand pathway leads to macrophage activation and to the induction of microbicidal activity in macrophages infected with Leishmania major.
Upon infection with the protozoan parasite Leishmania major, susceptible BALB/c mice develop unhealing lesions associated with the maturation of CD4+Th2 cells secreting IL-4. In contrast, resistant C57BL/6 mice heal their lesions, because of expansion and secretion of IFN-γ of CD4+ Th1 cells. The Fas-FasL pathway, although not involved in Th cell differentiation, was reported to be necessary for complete resolution of lesions. We investigate here the role of IFN-γ and IL-4 on Fas-FasL nonapoptotic signaling events leading to the modulation of macrophage activation. We show that addition of FasL and IFN-γ to BMMø led to their increased activation, as reflected by enhanced secretion of TNF, IL-6, NO, and the induction of their microbicidal activity, resulting in the killing of intracellular L. major. In contrast, the presence of IL-4 decreased the synergy of IFN-γ/FasL significantly on macrophage activation and the killing of intracellular L. major. These results show that FasL synergizes with IFN-γ to activate macrophages and that the tight regulation by IFN-γ and/or IL-4 of the nonapoptotic signaling events triggered by the Fas-FasL pathway affects significantly the activation of macrophages to a microbicidal state and may thus contribute to the pathogenesis of L. major infection.
[18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Correlates With Akt Pathway Activity but Is Not Predictive of Clinical Outcome During mTOR Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Ma Wen Wee , Jacene Heather , Song Dongweon , Vilardell Felip , Messersmith Wells A. , Laheru Dan , Wahl Richard , Endres Chris , Jimeno Antonio , Pomper Martin G. , Hidalgo Manuel 
Published: April 2009

Purpose Positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) has increasingly been used to evaluate the efficacy of anticancer agents. We investigated the role of FDG-PET as a predictive marker for response to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition in advanced solid tumor patients and in murine xenograft models. Patients and Methods Thirty-four rapamycin-treated patients with assessable baseline and treatment FDG-PET and computed tomography scans were analyzed from two clinical trials. Clinical response was evaluated according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, and FDG-PET response was evaluated by quantitative changes and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) criteria. Six murine xenograft tumor models were treated with temsirolimus. Small animal FDG-PET scans were performed at baseline and during treatment. The tumors were analyzed for the expression of pAkt and GLUT1. Results Fifty percent of patients with increased FDG-PET uptake and 46% with decreased uptake had progressive disease (PD). No objective response was observed. By EORTC criteria, the sensitivity of progressive metabolic disease on FDG-PET in predicting PD was 19%. Preclinical studies demonstrated similar findings, and FDG-PET response correlated with pAkt activation and plasma membrane GLUT1 expression. Conclusion FDG-PET is not predictive of proliferative response to mTOR inhibitor therapy in both clinical and preclinical studies. Our findings suggest that mTOR inhibitors suppress the formation of mTORC2 complex, resulting in the inhibition of Akt and glycolysis independent of proliferation in a subset of tumors. Changes in FDG-PET may be a pharmacodynamic marker for Akt activation during mTOR inhibitor therapy. FDG-PET may be used to identify patients with persistent Akt activation following mTOR inhibitor therapy.
Pooled Analysis of Individual Patient-Level Data From All Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials of Darbepoetin Alfa in the Treatment of Patients With Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia
Authors: Ludwig Heinz , Crawford Jeffrey , Österborg Anders , Vansteenkiste Johan , Henry David H. , Fleishman Alex , Bridges Ken , Glaspy John A. 
Published: April 2009

Purpose Although numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and tolerability of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA), results of some recent trials and one meta-analysis have suggested that ESAs may negatively impact survival and/or disease control in patients with cancer. Methods To assess the benefits and risks of ESAs in CIA, we conducted a pooled analysis of individual patient-level data from all randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in 2,122 patients with CIA receiving darbepoetin alfa (DA; n = 1,200) or placebo (n = 912). Results DA did not increase mortality (hazard ratio = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.1) and had no effect on progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.04) and disease progression (hazard ratio = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.03), but, as expected, increased the risk for thromboembolic events (hazard ratio = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.10 to 2.26). Overall and progression-free survival were not affected by baseline hemoglobin and seemed better in patients who achieved hemoglobin more than 12 or more than 13 g/dL. Transfusions and rates of hemoglobin increase (> 1 g/dL in 14 days; > 2 g/dL in 28 days) owing to transfusions were associated with an increased risk for death and disease progression in both treatment groups; in the absence of transfusions, rates of hemoglobin increase did not appear to increase the risk for adverse outcomes. Compared with placebo, DA significantly reduced the risk of receiving one or more transfusion. Conclusion There seemed to be no association between DA and risk of death or disease progression in this meta-analysis of individual patient data from DA studies conducted in CIA, the approved indication for ESAs in oncology.
Annoyance Related to Low Frequency Noise in Subjective Assessment of Workers
Authors: Pawlaczyk-Luszczynska Malgorzata , Dudarewicz Adam , Waszkowska Malgorzata , Sliwinska-Kowalska Mariola 
Published: April 2009

The aim of this study was to assess annoyance related to low frequency noise (LFN) in employees of the control rooms and office-like areas. Subjects were 276 workers, aged 26–62 years, exposed to noise at A-weighted sound pressure level (SPL) of 41–66 dB. They were asked to assess noise annoyance at their workplace using a 100 point graphical scale. The subjective ratings were compared with various noise metrics and objective evaluations based on proposed LFN exposure criteria for occupational settings. There was a difference in annoyance assessment related to noise with and without (or with less prominent) low frequency content. Low frequency noise was rated as more annoying even though it was at lower dBA levels. Among the noise metrics, the low frequency A-weighted SPL yielded the highest correlation with subjective evaluations of LFN. There was also a quite good agreement between individual annoyance ratings and limit excesses corresponding to preliminary Swedish and Polish exposure criteria.
How to find the Source of Low Frequency Noise: Three Case Studies
Authors: Ostendorf Carel 
Published: April 2009

When people are annoyed by low frequency noise, their first concern is to stop the noise. Therefore it is necessary to find the source of the noise. Unfortunately, not in every case is the source very obvious. In most cases a lot of potential sources are available both inside and outside the building. Of course in theory it is possible to find the source by switching on and off all the potential sources but in practice this is not always practicable. In this paper three cases of possible low frequency noise are presented in which different methods of finding the source have been used. In all these cases the nuisance is present in a domestic situation and has been going on for several years. Some of the residents suffer from mental problems due to the unwanted noise. Using the measurement results the searching methods are discussed and evaluated.
Developmental Trajectories of Young Girls With Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Hatton Deborah D. , Wheeler Anne , Sideris John , Sullivan Kelly , Reichardt Alison , Roberts Jane , Clark Renee , Bailey Donald B. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTo describe the early phenotype of girls with full mutation fragile X, we used 54 observations of 15 girls between the ages of 6 months and 9 years to examine developmental trajectories as measured by the Battelle Development Inventory. In this sample, autistic behavior was associated with poorer developmental outcomes, primarily due to interactions of age with autistic behavior, even though autistic behavior, measured continuously, was relatively mild. Although this small sample, ascertained primarily through male relatives with fragile X syndrome, limits generalizability, considerable variability in developmental outcome in young girls was documented. In addition, findings support previous research suggesting that even mild autistic behaviors in girls can be associated with developmental outcomes.
Outcomes in Different Residential Settings for People With Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kozma Agnes , Mansell Jim , Beadle-Brown Julie 
Published: April 2009

AbstractLarge-scale reviews of research in deinstitutionalization and community living were last conducted about 10 years ago. Here we surveyed research from 1997 to 2007. Articles were included if the researchers based the study on original research, provided information on the participants and methodology, compared residential arrangements for adults with intellectual disability, and were published in English-language peer-reviewed journals. Sixty-eight articles were found. In 7 of 10 domains, the majority of studies show that community-based services are superior to congregate arrangements. These studies provide more evidence of the benefits of deinstitutionalization and community living and continue to indicate variability in results, suggesting that factors other than the basic model of care are important in determining outcomes.
Skepticism and Internalism
Authors: Nordby Halvor 
Published: April 2009

The skeptical Dream argument appeals to the possibility of dreaming. The skeptic holds that states of being awake are subjectively indistinguishable from possible dream states and that this means that we do not know that we are awake. This, the skeptic then claims, means that we have to accept that we do not have external world knowledge.It is natural to assume that there must be a connection between the Dream argument and epistemic internalism, the view that a belief is justified for a given person if and only if the person has cognitive access to all the factors that are needed for the belief to be justified. The problem, the skeptic thinks, is that in order for my belief that I am awake to be justified I have to have cognitive access to something that establishes that I am awake. But according to the skeptic, even if I am awake, this is not something I have cognitive access to. However, the more precise connections between internalism and the skeptical argument are not so clear.
A Model for Thought Experiments
Authors: Höggqvist Sären 
Published: April 2009

Philosophical interest in thought experiments has grown over the last couple of decades. Several positions have emerged, defined largely by their differing responses to a perceived epistemological challenge: how do thought experiments yield justified belief revision, even in science, when they provide no new empirical data? Attitudes towards this supposed explanandum differ. Many philosophers accept that it poses a genuine puzzle and hence seek to provide a substantive explanation. Others reject or deflate the epistemic claims made for thought experiments.In this paper I present a model for many thought experiments in philosophy and science. The model doesn't assume that thought experiments in fact manage to achieve epistemic justifi cation, but it allows us to see how they aspire to do so. It also emphasises both the parallels and the discrepancies between thought experiments and ordinary scientific experiments.
Causal Essentialism versus the Zombie Worlds
Authors: Garrett Brian Jonathan 
Published: April 2009

David Chalmers claims that the logical possibility of ‘zombie worlds’ — worlds physically indiscernible from the actual world, but that lack consciousness — reveal that consciousness is a distinct fact, or property, in addition to the physical facts or properties.The ‘existence’ or possibility of Zombie worlds violates the physicalist demand that consciousness logically supervene upon the physical. On the assumption that the logical supervenience of consciousness upon the physical is, indeed, a necessary entailment of physicalism, the existence of zombie worlds implies the falsity of physicalism. How do we determine the logical possibility of zombie worlds? By conceptual analysis of the concepts involved, keeping empirical facts in mind.