bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Naturally acquired immune responses to malaria vaccine candidate antigens MSP3 and GLURP in Guahibo and Piaroa indigenous communities of the Venezuelan Amazon
Authors: Baumann Andreas , Magris Magda M , Urbaez Marie-Luz , Vivas-Martinez Sarai , Durán Rommy , Nieves Tahidid , Esen Meral , Mordmüller Benjamin G , Theisen Michael , Avilan Luisana , Metzger Wolfram G 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Malaria transmission in most of Latin America can be considered as controlled. In such a scenario, parameters of baseline immunity to malaria antigens are of specific interest with respect to future malaria eradication efforts.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out in two indigenous population groups in Amazonas/Venezuela. Data from the regional malaria documentation system were extracted and participants from the ethnic groups of the Guahibo (n = 180) and Piaroa (n = 295) were investigated for the presence of Plasmodium parasites and naturally acquired antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum antigens in serum. The GMZ2 vaccine candidate proteins MSP3 and GLURP were chosen as serological markers.

Results
The incidence of P. falcip arum in both communities was found to be less than 2%, and none of the participants harboured P. falciparum at the time of the cross-sectional. Nearly a quarter of the participants (111/475; 23,4%) had positive antibody titres to at least one of the antigens. 53/475 participants (11.2%) were positive for MSP3, and 93/475 participants (19.6%) were positive for GLURP. High positive responses were detected in 36/475 participants (7.6%) and 61/475 participants (12.8%) for MSP3 and GLURP, respectively. Guahibo participants had significantly higher antibody titres than Piaroa participants.

Conclusions
Considering the low incidence of P. falciparum, submicroscopical infections may explain the comparatively high anti-P. falciparum antibody concentrations.
Graphical approximation of common solutions to generalized nonlinear relaxed cocoercive operator equation systems with (A, η)-accretive mappings
Authors: Li Fang , Lan Heng-you , Je Cho Yeol 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
In this paper, we develop a new perturbed iterative algorithm framework with errors based on the variational graphical convergence of operator sequences with (A, η)-accretive mappings in Banach space. By using the generalized resolvent operator technique associated with (A, η)-accretive mappings, we also prove the existence of solutions for a class of generalized nonlinear relaxed cocoercive operator equation systems and the variational convergence of the sequence generated by the perturbed iterative algorithm in q-uniformly smooth Banach spaces. The obtained results improve and generalize some well-known results in recent literatures.

2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 47H05; 49J40
Genome-wide assessment of the carriers involved in the cellular uptake of drugs: a model system in yeast
Authors: Lanthaler Karin , Bilsland Elizabeth , Dobson Paul D , Moss Harry J , Pir Pınar , Kell Douglas B , Oliver Stephen G 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
The uptake of drugs into cells has traditionally been considered to be predominantly via passive diffusion through the bilayer portion of the cell membrane. The recent recognition that drug uptake is mostly carrier-mediated raises the question of which drugs use which carriers.

Results
To answer this, we have constructed a chemical genomics platform built upon the yeast gene deletion collection, using competition experiments in batch fermenters and robotic automation of cytotoxicity screens, including protection by 'natural' substrates. Using these, we tested 26 different drugs and identified the carriers required for 18 of the drugs to gain entry into yeast cells.

Conclusions
As well as providing a useful platform technology, these results further substantiate the notion that the cellular uptake of pharmaceutical drugs normally occurs via carrier-mediated transport and indicates that establishing the identity and tissue distribution of such carriers should be a major consideration in the design of safe and effective drugs.
Microglial activation induced by brain trauma is suppressed by post-injury treatment with a PARP inhibitor
Authors: d’Avila Joana C , Lam Tina I , Bingham Deborah , Shi Jian , Won Seok Joon , Kauppinen Tiina M , Massa Stephen , Liu Jialing , Swanson Raymond A 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces activation of microglia. Activated microglia can in turn increase secondary injury and impair recovery. This innate immune response requires hours to days to become fully manifest, thus providing a clinically relevant window of opportunity for therapeutic intervention. Microglial activation is regulated in part by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). Inhibition of PARP-1 activity suppresses NF-kB-dependent gene transcription and thereby blocks several aspects of microglial activation. Here we evaluated the efficacy of a PARP inhibitor, INO-1001, in suppressing microglial activation after cortical impact in the rat.

Methods
Rats were subjected to controlled cortical impact and subsequently treated with 10 mg/kg of INO-1001 (or vehicle alone) beginning 20 - 24 hours after the TBI. Brains were harvested at several time points for histological evaluation of inflammation and neuronal survival, using markers for microglial activation (morphology and CD11b expression), astrocyte activation (GFAP), and neuronal survival (NeuN). Rats were also evaluated at 8 weeks after TBI using measures of forelimb dexterity: the sticky tape test, cylinder test, and vermicelli test.

Results
Peak microglial and astrocyte activation was observed 5 to 7 days after this injury. INO-1001 significantly reduced microglial activation in the peri-lesion cortex and ipsilateral hippocampus. No rebound inflammation was observed in rats that were treated with INO-1001 or vehicle for 12 days followed by 4 days without drug. The reduced inflammation was associated with increased neuronal survival in the peri-lesion cortex and improved performance on tests of forelimb dexterity conducted 8 weeks after TBI.

Conclusions
Treatment with a PARP inhibitor for 12 days after TBI, with the first dose given as long as 20 hours after injury, can reduce inflammation and improve histological and functional outcomes.
Minocycline modulates antigen-specific CTL activity through inactivation of mononuclear phagocytes in patients with HTLV-I associated neurologic disease
Authors: Enose-Akahata Yoshimi , Matsuura Eiji , Tanaka Yuetsu , Oh Unsong , Jacobson Steven 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe activation of mononuclear phagocytes (MPs), including monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells, contributes to central nervous system inflammation in various neurological diseases. In HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), MPs are reservoirs of HTLV-I, and induce proinflammatory cytokines and excess T cell responses. The virus-infected or activated MPs may play a role in immuneregulation and disease progression in patients with HTLV-I-associated neurological diseases.ResultsPhenotypic analysis of CD14+monocytes in HAM/TSP patients demonstrated high expression of CX3CR1 and HLA-DR in CD14lowCD16+monocytes, compared to healthy normal donors (NDs) and asymptomatic carriers (ACs), and the production of TNF-α and IL-1β in cultured CD14+cells of HAM/TSP patients. CD14+cells of HAM/TSP patients also showed acceleration of HTLV-I Tax expression in CD4+T cells. Minocycline, an inhibitor of activated MPs, decreased TNF-α expression in CD14+cells and IL-1β release in PBMCs of HAM/TSP patients. Minocycline significantly inhibited spontaneous lymphoproliferation and degranulation/IFN-γ expression in CD8+T cells of HAM/TSP patients. Treatment of minocycline also inhibited IFN-γ expression in CD8+T cells of HAM/TSP patients after Tax11-19 stimulation and downregulated MHC class I expression in CD14+cells.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that minocycline directly inhibits the activated MPs and that the downregulation of MP function can modulate CD8+T cells function in HAM/TSP patients. It is suggested that activated MPs may be a therapeutic target for clinical intervention in HAM/TSP.
Comparative evaluation of grip and pinch strength in an Asian and European population
Authors: Anjum Syed Neshat , Choudary Poorva , Dimri Ravi , Ankarath Sudhi 
Published: February 2012

Introduction Evaluation of grip and pinch strengths of the hand is an effective way of measuring hand function. There is no study available on grip strength (GS) in young healthy Asian populations. We deal with a large number of Asian patients in Yorkshire. This study was carried out to gather data on the grip and pinch strengths in adult Asians and to compare the results with that in Europeans. Methods A Jamar dynamometer (Asimow Engineering®) and Pinch Gauge (B & L Engineering®) were used for measuring the grip and pinch strengths, respectively, in pounds. American Society of Hand Therapist's recommendations for standard hand positioning for the tests were followed. Subjects were healthy adults divided into five age groups of 10-year intervals. The height and weight of all subjects were also recorded. Results There were 105 Asians and 103 Europeans. The mean GS in Asians were 92.8 lbs (right) and 89.3 lbs (left) in men and 53 lbs (right) and 51.3 lbs (left) in women, respectively. The key pinch strength and tip pinch strength were 22 and 15.3 lbs in men and 15 and 10.3 lbs in women, respectively. The GS was higher in Europeans than in Asians. However, the pinch strength was higher only in European women and not in both sexes. GS has a direct relationship with height and weight but not with body mass index. Conclusions This study shows that the normal values for grip and pinch strengths are lower for Asian as compared with European groups. The published data for Europeans should not be used as the reference standard for Asian populations.
Efficacy of Handwriting for Heroes, a novel hand dominance transfer intervention
Authors: Yancosek Kathleen E , Calderhead William J 
Published: February 2012

Introduction Handwriting For Heroes is a six-week hand dominance transfer intervention for adults who sustain injuries that result in permanent loss of dominant hand function. While used in military treatment facilities, the efficacy of this intervention has not been established. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of Handwriting For Heroes. Methods A single-subject research design was utilized with replication across five non-impaired right-hand dominant participants ( N = 5). A leftward transfer of hand dominance for handwriting skill was simulated utilizing Handwriting For Heroes. Multiple probes were taken across baseline, intervention and maintenance phases to measure performance during five functional handwriting tasks. Visual and statistical analysis was performed on variables related to the writing process (pressure, velocity, time and displacement) and the written product (letters-per-minute and legibility). Results All participants improved one grade-level in writing speed. Four of five participants improved in handwriting legibility. Following the intervention, participants achieved greater than 50% of their dominant hand's writing ability. Discussion Handwriting is a functional task that was shown to be transferable to the non-dominant limb using a commercially available, six-week intervention. Positive results, replicated across five non-impaired participants during this efficacy study, warrant a clinical effectiveness study.
Immunophenotypic Stability of Sézary Cells by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Vaughan James , Harrington Alexandra M. , Hari Parameswaran N. , Kroft Steven H. , Olteanu Horatiu 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Flow cytometry (FC) is frequently used to detect aberrant peripheral blood (PB) T cells (“Sézary cells”) in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS). However, immunophenotypic stability of MF/SS over time is not well characterized.
We analyzed 141 PB samples from 9 cases (2 SS, 7 MF). At diagnosis, there were 3 to 5 immunophenotypic aberrancies per case (median, 4), including dim or absent CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, or CD26 and bright CD45RO. Of 9 patients, 7 had a subsequent change in immunophenotype. All patients retained multiple aberrancies at follow-up (median, 3 per analysis; range, 2–6), of which 22.0% (81/369) were new. In 5 patients, a more than 99% decrease in absolute Sézary cell (ASC) counts by FC after alemtuzumab therapy or total skin electron beam radiation was associated with clinical improvement.
We observed minor immunophenotypic changes over time in most patients with MF/SS; however, the Sézary clones maintain persistently aberrant immunophenotypes and seem amenable to follow-up with limited FC panels. ASC counts by FC correlated well with clinical response.
Molecular and Clinicopathologic Characterization of AML With Isolated Trisomy 4
Authors: Bains Ashish , Lu Gary , Yao Hui , Luthra Rajalakshmi , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Sargent Rachel L. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with isolated trisomy 4 is rare. Associations with KIT mutations on chromosome 4q12 have been documented. The clinicopathologic features and mutational status of KIT, FLT3, NPM1, CEBPA, and RAS were assessed in 13 AML cases with isolated trisomy 4. There were 9 men and 4 women with a median age of 54 years. Median blast count was 84% (range, 24%–93%). Morphologic features varied across five 2008 World Health Organization categories. FLT3 (5/10) and NPM1 (4/10) mutations were observed at a frequency similar to normal-karyotype AML cases. KIT D816V (1/10), RAS (1/11; NRAS), and CEBPA (0/9) mutations were rare or absent. In 11 of 13 cases, complete remission was achieved. In 8 cases, relapse occurred, with median relapse-free survival of 11 months. Median overall survival was 28 months. AML with isolated trisomy 4 is rare and associated with high bone marrow blast counts and an intermediate to poor prognosis. KIT mutations are uncommon.
Immunophenotypic Analysis of Myeloperoxidase-Negative Leukemia Cutis and Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm
Authors: Cronin Danielle M.P. , George Tracy I. , Reichard Kaaren K. , Sundram Uma N. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractMyeloid leukemia cutis (LC) and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) are morphologically indistinguishable malignancies that frequently manifest in the skin. Separating myeloperoxidase-negative LC from BPDCN may be particularly challenging. We identified a panel of immunohistochemical stains to distinguish myeloid LC (23 cases) from BPDCN (12 cases): myeloperoxidase, which stained 7 cases (30%) of LC and 0 cases (0%) of BPDCN; CD56, which stained 12 cases (52%) of LC and all 12 cases (100%) of BPDCN; CD4, which stained 2 cases (9%) of LC and all 12 cases (100%) of BPDCN; CD123, which stained 4 cases (17%) of LC and 10 cases (83%) of BPDCN; and Tcl-1, which stained 2 cases (9%) of LC and 9 (82%) of 11 cases of BPDCN. It is interesting that CD33 was not helpful; it stained 18 (78%) cases of LC and 11 cases (92%) of BPDCN. Our results indicate that a panel that includes CD4, CD56, CD123, and Tcl-1 can appropriately distinguish between these 2 entities.
Correlation of Histopathologic/Cytologic Follow-up Findings With Vaginal ASC-US and ASC-H Papanicolaou Test and HPV Test Results
Authors: Bansal Mona , Li Zaibo , Zhao Chengquan 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Current American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology recommendations about human papillomavirus (HPV) triage and further management for atypical squamous cells are pertinent to cervical Papanicolaou (Pap) tests. There are limited data on HPV detection in vaginal liquid-based cytology (LBC) specimens. The aims of this study were to determine whether adjunctive high-risk (HR)-HPV testing is useful for disease risk assessment in women with vaginal atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) and atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H) Pap results. We identified 1,125 ASC-US and 36 ASC-H vaginal Pap results with HR-HPV testing. Of the cases, 244 (21.7%) ASC-US and 21 (58%) ASC-H were HR-HPV+. Among ASC-US HR-HPV+ cases, 47.8% had a squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) compared with 4.7% of HR-HPV– cases. Among ASC-H HR-HPV+ cases, 75% (12/16) had SIL compared with 31% (4/13) in HR-HPV– cases. Our results indicate that HPV triage testing is a reasonable and cost-effective approach for women with ASC-US vaginal Pap results and also a useful option for women with ASC-H vaginal Pap results.
Validation of a Postfixation Tissue Storage and Transport Medium to Preserve Histopathology and Molecular Pathology Analyses (Total and Phosphoactivated Proteins, and FISH)
Authors: Stumm Michael M. , Walker Maja R. , Stork Caroline , Hanoteau Noelle , Wagner Urs , O’Reilly Terence M. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Tumor biomarker studies are integral to oncology clinical trials but may yield artifactual results owing to variation in sample procurement and processing. Ethanol, 70% vol/vol, was validated as a sample transport medium using markers of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. BT474 tumor xenografts were excised and slices were immediately placed into formaldehyde and fixed for 24 hours. Fixed tissue slices were immediately processed into paraffin or transferred to 70% vol/vol ethanol and stored at room temperature for 1, 2, and 4 weeks before further processing. Freshly cut tissue sections were evaluated for pAKTS473, HER2, pHER-2Y1248, pS6S235/236, and pS6S240/244, Ki-67, and HER2 by fluorescence in situ hybridization and stained with H&E and Masson trichrome. No significant changes were observed when comparing samples stored in 70% ethanol for up to 4 weeks with immediately processed tissue. Ethanol, 70% vol/vol, provides a safe storage medium for formaldehyde-fixed tumor tissue, facilitating sample transport during multicenter clinical trials.
Structure of Dislocations and Mechanical Properties of B2 Alloys
Authors: Paidar V. , Vitek V. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTAdequate mechanical properties are important for both structural and functional applications of materials. There are significant differences in mechanical behaviour of different B2 ordered alloys and these are related to the properties of superlattice dislocations. Several types of dislocations can be activated, in particular <111> and <001> dislocations gliding on {110} planes. Their mobility can vary markedly from material to material and this has a strong impact on the mechanical properties. With the aim to elucidate qualitatively the differences between different alloys crystallising in the same B2 structure we analyse possible dislocation dissociations. The model employed is based on the isotropic elasticity but includes an important characteristic of stacking-fault-like defects involved in the splittings, the deviation of their displacements away from the usually assumed ½<111> APB.
Exploring the Synthesis Parameters and Spark Plasma Sintering of Tantalum Carbide Powders Prepared by Solvothermal Synthesis
Authors: Clark Braeden M. , Kelly James P. , Graeve Olivia A. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTTantalum carbide is a technologically important material for use in ultra-high temperatures and corrosive environments. In this report, we describe the scalability of a low temperature solvothermal method for the preparation of this useful material. X-ray diffraction shows phase-pure powders with no change in average crystallite size or compound stoichiometry compared to synthesis in smaller batches, remaining at 25 nm and 0.94 respectively. Dynamic light scattering shows a slight decrease in particle size distribution with scale-up. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in air shows a decrease in surface species on the powders, but the powders oxidize at a lower temperature when scaling the synthesis. Mass spectrometry performed alongside TGA in a helium atmosphere reveals that water is the most abundant species on the surface of the powders, but oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen are also detected. Oxygen analysis reveals that the oxygen content of the powders is high (>6%). The oxygen source and methods of decreasing oxygen content are discussed. Initial sintering trials were performed and demonstrate the need for further powder processing.
Thermal Behavior of Celsian Ceramics Synthesized from Coal Fly Ash
Authors: López-Cuevas Jorge , Long-González David , Gutiérrez-Chavarría Carlos A. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTCelsian with a chemical composition of Ba0.75Sr0.25Al2Si2O8, is synthesized by using coal fly ash (byproduct of a Mexican coal-burning power plant, composed mainly by SiO2and Al2O3) as main raw material. The thermal behavior of the synthesized material is evaluated by differential (DTA) and gravimetric (TGA) thermal analyses as well as by heating microscopy; its coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE) is also determined. Heating microscopy shows that cylinders of compacted powdered Celsian start sintering at ∼1140 ºC, which is associated with a considerable contraction occurring up to 1500 ºC. The mean CTE value of the material in the temperature range of 30-1100ºC is slightly affected by the synthesis conditions employed. Synthesis at 1400 or 1300 ºC during 10 h, with a pre-calcination step at 900 ºC/5h in both cases, produce mean CTE values of 5.15 x 10-6and 5.43 x 10-6ºC-1, respectively. On the other hand, Celsian synthesized at 1400 ºC/10 h, without the pre-calcination step, has a mean CTE value of 5.25 x 10-6ºC-1. Lastly, the DTA/TGA analysis of the synthesized material shows that a slight weight gain takes place from room temperature to 1100ºC, which is followed by a slight weight loss up to 1300ºC. This is attributed to oxidation and evaporation of some of the impurities present in the material.
Effect of Milling Time on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Celsian-Mullite Composites Synthesized from Coal Fly Ash
Authors: López-Cuevas Jorge , Long-González David , Gutiérrez-Chavarría Carlos A. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTFour Celsian (Ba0.75Sr0.25Al2Si2O8)/Mullite (Al6Si2O13) composites, with potential structural applications at high temperatures, are synthesized from coal fly ash (byproduct of a Mexican coal-burning power plant, constituted mainly by SiO2and Al2O3). Nominal Celsian/Mullite weight ratios studied are 80/20, 60/40, 40/60 and 20/80. Mullite is synthesized separately at 1600ºC/2h and then mixed with a Celsian precursor mixture previously calcined at 900°C/5h. During this process the Celsian phase is formed by a solid state reaction at 1100-1400ºC/5h. Prior to this, the reacting mixture is milled in a planetary mill during 1 or 2h and then compacted by uniaxial and cold isostatic pressing. The microstructure and phase composition of the synthesized composites are characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM/EDS). Their dynamic Young’s modulus is measured by an ultrasonic technique, and their mechanical strength is evaluated from flexural tests carried out at room temperature. The expected phases are obtained in all cases, although with some differences with respect to their expected relative proportions, according to the studied nominal compositions. In general, the longest milling time employed produced samples with the largest degree of crystallinity and density, as well as with the best microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties.
Physical, Petrographic, and Mineralogical Properties of Limestone Rocks from the Peninsula of Yucatán
Authors: May-Crespo J. , Quintana P. , Alvarado-Gil J. J. , Juárez de la Rosa B. A. , May-Pat A. , Avilés F. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTKnowledge of the mechanical and petrographic properties of limestone rocks is an important issue to different areas of science and engineering. Sedimentary limestone rock is one of the most abundant materials in the Peninsula of Yucatán used for decorative and building construction. This work studies the petrographic, mineralogical, and physical properties of three different types of limestone slabs of the state of Yucatán.