bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of meningococcal disease in the Panamanian pediatric population, 1998-2008
Authors: Nieto-Guevara Javier , Luciani Kathia , Montesdeoca-Melían Abian , Mateos-Durán Mercedes 
Published: June 2011

Introduction: Worldwide public health authorities report 500,000 cases of invasive meningococcal disease with 50,000 deaths per year and 10-15% of sequelae in people affected. This study describes the epidemiology, microbiology, and clinical presentation of this disease in the Panamanian pediatric population. Methodology: The discharge of patients with a meningococcal invasive disease diagnosis was reviewed in the statistical database and archives of the Hospital del Niño. Results: A total of 32 discharges with a meningococcal disease diagnosis were reported during the study period (1998-2008). Ninety-one percent (n/N = 29/32) were confirmed as meningitis. The mean age of patients was 4.1 ± 4.6 years. The incidence in the period of the study was 0.25/100,000. Infants younger than one year old presented the highest incidence rate and number of cases. Four deaths were reported, three of which occurred in the group of 10-14 years and one in the group of 1-4 years. The overall fatality rate was 12.5%. The serogroup of the causative agent, Neisseria meningitidis, was documented in 30 of the 32 cases, with serogroup B the most frequent (66.7%). Ninety-percent (18/20) of serogroup B were isolated in the first five years of study. Serogroup C was identified in 8 of the 12 cases during the period 2004-2008. Conclusions: The present study showed a change in the epidemiological circulation pattern from serogroup B to serogroup C during the study period. Such epidemiological surveillance data is important in the implementation of preventive measures such as vaccination.
Cyclospora cayetanensis: First report of imported and autochthonous infections in Kuwait
Authors: Iqbal Jamshaid , Hira Parsotam Ravjee , Al-Ali Faiza , Khalid Nabila 
Published: June 2011

Introduction: The intestinal coccidian parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora cayetanensis have emerged as significant human pathogens worldwide. The reports of Cyclospora cayetanensis infection in the Middle East are sporadic and no case has been reported from Kuwait. Methodology: Stool specimens were collected from six individuals presenting with watery diarrhoea of varying degree and severity at the District General hospitals, Kuwait. Four patients were male, two were female and their ages ranged from 5 to 64 years. Three cases were seen among the migrant population from the Indian subcontinent who had recently returned to Kuwait and two cases were seen in the local population with no history of travel abroad. The stool smears were stained with modified acid-fast stain and examined under ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence illumination. . Results: Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts with variable staining characteristics were detected by microscopy. Two of the cases were also associated with other enteric pathogens. Clinical suspicion of Cyclospora infection was not recorded for any of the cases. All patients showed remarkable symptomatic and parasitologic improvements upon treatment with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion: Cyclospora spp. are important aetiological agents of diarrhoea in the Middle East. An awareness of the parasitic infection and use of appropriate diagnostic modalities are essential to elucidate the clinical and epidemiological significance of the parasitosis in this geographic area.
Trap response and genetic structure of eastern subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Point Pelee National Park, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Raffoul Melissa , Hecnar Stephen J. , Prezioso Stephanie , Hecnar Darlene R. , Thompson Graham J. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractReticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) is best known throughout southwestern counties of Ontario, Canada, as an urban pest. Little is known, however, of the presence of this termite in nonurban settings in Ontario. In this study, we confirmed the existence of a population of R. flavipes on the shores of Lake Erie within Point Pelee National Park. A systematic trap survey conducted along the park's semi-vegetated west beach revealed several zones of termite activity. An analysis of trap response at one location indicated an association between termite activity and smaller sized, moderately decayed woody debris. Further, microsatellite DNA analysis suggested the presence of at least three genetically distinct colonies, each likely headed by multiple inbred reproductives. Together these data suggest that termite activity is linked to food quality, and that single colonies are potentially long-lived through multiple generations of inbreeding. Assuming it is derived from a population reported from Point Pelee in 1929, the study population is the oldest known eastern subterranean termite population in Ontario.
Mapping Historic Hookworm Disease Prevalence in the Southern Us, Comparing Percent Prevalence with Percent Soil Drainage Type Using GIS
Authors: Anderson Alice L. , Allen Thomas 
Published: June 2011

Mapping of Historic US Hookworm prevalence data from the Rockefeller Sanitary Commission (early 1900s) using current GIS (Geographic Information System) software (county shape files) illustrates the extremely high prevalence of hookworm disease (Uncariasis) in the Southeastern US at the time. Some counties in 7 states recorded 50% to 100% of the population with positive screens for hookworm in a monumental surveillance and treatment campaign. Narrative descriptions mentioned higher prevalence in “sand districts” vs. “clay districts”. In order to validate this description for historic data, further GIS databases (STATSGO) were used to classify and quantify the % acreage in Eastern North Carolina falling into moderately- to well-drained soil types. These were then mapped and compared with the historic prevalence data. Most severely infested counties had at least 50% moderately to well-drained soil. Further analysis on soil data for other states with “coastal plains” could provide more background information on Environmental conditions for hookworm prevalence and distribution in US history. “Since history has no properly scientific value, its only purpose is educative. And if historians neglect to educate the public, if they fail to interest it intelligently in the past, then all their historical learning is valueless except in so far as it educates themselves”. Trevelyan, (1922).
Extending Outflow Brachial Vein Tength for Transposition Arteriovenous Fistulas
Authors: Jennings William C. , Howard C. Anthony , Lee Fred S. , McMurray Dirk 
Published: June 2011

Purpose Transposition arteriovenous fistulas (T-AVF) play an important role in establishing autogenous vascular access for many hemodialysis patients. When the basilic vein is not available, one of the paired brachial veins offers a reliable T-AVF option, generally as a two-staged operation. Uncommonly, the brachial vein outflow conduit dissipates into multiple small branches communicating with the paired brachial vein or occasionally with a residual proximal segment of the basilic vein. We utilized parallel outflow vein component segments to create additional outflow vein length necessary for successful T-AVFs in these patients. Materials and methods We identified four patients where a vein length extension technique utilizing parallel and overlapping vein segments with an end-to-end anastomosis gained adequate length for successful T-AVFs. All transpositions were based on a first stage AVF with access outflow established into a brachial vein. Case Reports Three of the operations utilized paired brachial vein segments and one gained needed access outflow length with a brachial vein anastomosis to a residual proximal basilic vein segment. All four patients had functional T-AVFs at 4, 5, 7, and 14 month follow-up. None of the patients developed arm swelling. Conclusions Creating a longer transposition AVF venous outflow segment using parallel and overlapping vein segments with an end-to-end anastomosis gained the adequate length needed for successful T-AVFs in these four patients.
Great Saphenous Vein Transposition to the Forearm for Dialysis Vascular Access; An under used Autologous Option?
Authors: Smith George E. , Carradice Daniel , Samuel Nehemiah , Gohil Risha , Chetter Ian C. 
Published: June 2011

Purpose The recommended site for the next autologous vascular access in patients without suitable cephalic vein for fistula formation is basilic vein transposition. This study aims to compare outcomes from great saphenous vein transpositions to the forearm with that of basilic vein transposition. Comparison is reported in terms of primary and secondary patency, intervention, and complication rates in our unit. Method A retrospective search of a prospectively maintained vascular database identified 24 consecutive patients undergoing great saphenous vein transposition (GSVT) and 34 consecutive patients having basilic vein transposition (BVT) were included for comparison. Primary and secondary patency details were obtained from hospital case notes and dialysis unit review records. Patency was studied using a Kaplan Meier analysis and compared using log rank testing. Results No significant difference was identified in primary or secondary patency between the procedures ( P=0.745). Primary patency at 6, 12 and 24 months: for GSVT this was 62%, 41%, and 20%; for BVT this was 44%, 32%, and 15% respectively. Secondary patency at 6, 12, and 24 months; for GSVT this was 75%, 50%, and 41%; for BVT this was 65% respectively. Requirements for intervention were similar between groups. Complications were more common in the BVT group. Conclusion Acceptable patency rates can be achieved using GSVT, thus adding another autologous option for upper limb dialysis access. Our results would suggest GSVT could be performed prior to BVT as the basilic vein may benefit from prior partial arterialization and can subsequently be used if GSVT fails.
Animal Models of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Ex Vivo Assay Design for Drug Discovery
Authors: Seavey Matthew M. , Lu Lily D. , Stump Kristine L. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a debilitating and often fatal autoimmune disease that involves multiple organ systems. It can develop for years before being diagnosed. Current treatments for SLE usually involve the use of cytotoxic or immunosuppressive agents that can lead to infection or cancer. The design of appropriate models and assays will determine the efficiency and speed with which an investigator can test a new chemical entity (NCE) or expect results to move a drug discovery program forward. This unit describes a series of preclinical assays for the identification of new agents for the treatment of SLE. Most importantly, this unit will guide the reader through a step‐by‐step process to select appropriate models, validation drugs, and readouts, depending on the objective of the study. The reader will acquire a working knowledge of what models are available and the potential advantages and disadvantages of each, including ex vivo assays relevant to the discovery of new SLE therapeutics. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 53:5.60.1‐5.60.40. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In Vitro Anti‐Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Resistance Selection and Characterization
Authors: Mo Hongmei 
Published: June 2011

AbstractUnderstanding the resistance profile for an antiviral drug is essential in the drug discovery process. The selection of drug‐resistant mutant viruses is critical in characterizing the resistance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) to anti‐HCV agents, and can be examined in HCV replicon systems. Three basic methods are employed in this unit to select HCV resistance replicons: (i) cells containing HCV replicons are cultured at low density in the presence of G418 and a fixed concentration of the investigational drug; (ii) cells containing HCV replicons are passaged in the presence of a fixed concentration of investigational drug, but in the absence of G418; (iii) cells containing HCV replicons are passaged in the presence of a gradually increasing concentration of an investigational drug in the presence of G418 for several weeks. The cells from each passage are then harvested and stored for phenotypic and genotypic characterization. The protocols in this unit describe the techniques necessary to select and characterize drug‐ resistant HCV variants and estimate the frequency of drug resistance in a viral population. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 53:13B.5.1‐13B.5.27. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Orthotopic Xenograft Model of Cervical Cancer for Studying Microenvironmental Effects on Metastasis Formation and Response to Drug Treatment
Authors: Chaudary Naz , Hedley David W. , Hill Richard P. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCancers arising in the uterine cervix are usually squamous cell carcinomas that develop from preneoplastic lesions. They invade locally, and then typically metastasize to the regional lymph nodes and eventually to distant sites. Orthotopically grown xenografts are technically challenging to perform, but recapitulate the clinical situation to a greater extent than xenografts grown at subcutaneous or intramuscular sites. Thus, orthotopic xenografts develop lymphovascular invasion and metastasize to the para‐aortic lymphatic chain in a pattern similar to that seen in patients. The extent of (lymph node) metastases is particularly apparent when the implanted tumor cells are transfected to express a fluorescent marker, such as DsRed, which allows the exposed retroperitoneum to be examined by fluorescence microscopy. Described in this unit is a surgical technique for orthotopic implantation and the use of this model for investigating the effects of novel agents as inhibitors of tumor growth and metastasis. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 53:14.19.1‐14.19.11. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Importance of Biological Databases in Biological Discovery
Authors: Baxevanis Andreas D. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBiological databases play a central role in bioinformatics. They offer scientists the opportunity to access a wide variety of biologically relevant data, including the genomic sequences of an increasingly broad range of organisms. This unit provides a brief overview of major sequence databases and portals, such as GenBank, the UCSC Genome Browser, and Ensembl. Model organism databases, including WormBase, the Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR), and those made available through the Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI) resource are also covered. Non‐sequence‐centric databases, such as Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), the Protein Data Bank (PDB), MetaCyc, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) are also discussed. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 34:1.1.1‐1.1.6. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Basic Techniques in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Cultures: Differentiation into Osteogenic and Adipogenic Lineages, Genetic Perturbations, and Phenotypic Analyses
Authors: Bruedigam Claudia , Driel Marjolein van , Koedam Marijke , Peppel Jeroen van de , van der Eerden Bram C.J. , Eijken Marco , van Leeuwen Johannes P.T.M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis unit describes basic techniques in human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) cultures. It includes protocols for the differentiation of hMSCs into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages, genetic perturbations, and phenotypic analyses. hMSCs can be differentiated with dexamethasone and β‐glycerophosphate into mineralizing osteoblasts within 2 to 3 weeks, or with dexamethasone, indomethacin, and 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine into lipid vesicle–containing adipocytes within 1 to 2 weeks. Phenotypic changes during those highly dynamic differentiation processes can be detected by biochemical and histological assays and gene expression analyses of differentiation markers. In addition, this unit describes an electroporation method that allows the transient genetic perturbation of hMSCs. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 17:1H.3.1‐1H.3.20. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Miniaturized High‐Throughput Fluorescent Assay for Conversion of NAD(P)H to NAD(P)
Authors: Napper Andrew D. , Sivendran Sharmila 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis unit describes a miniaturized fluorescence assay that monitors the conversion of NADPH to NADP+. The same assay format may also be used to measure NADH to NAD+ conversion. Examples of assay development and validation results are presented to illustrate the use of this protocol to screen an enzyme that consumes NADPH as a cofactor during conversion of substrate to a reduced product. Enzymatic assays are carried out in low‐volume 384‐well plates, in which the turnover of NADPH is monitored by the decrease in fluorescence emission at 460 nm between an initial measurement and a second reading after 90 min. A follow‐up assay is used to rule out false‐positive artifacts arising from compounds that fluoresce at 460 nm. Curr. Protoc. Chem. Biol. 3:81‐97 © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Non‐Geminate Recombination as the Primary Determinant of Open‐Circuit Voltage in Polythiophene:Fullerene Blend Solar Cells: an Analysis of the Influence of Device Processing Conditions
Authors: Credgington Dan , Hamilton Rick , Atienzar Pedro , Nelson Jenny , Durrant James R. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe physical origin of the open‐circuit voltage in bulk heterojunction solar cells is still not well understood. While significant evidence exists to indicate that the open‐circuit voltage is limited by the molecular orbital energies of the heterojunction components, it is clear that this picture is not sufficient to explain the significant variations which often occur between cells fabricated from the same heterojunction components. We present here an analysis of the variation in open‐circuit voltage between 0.4–0.65 V observed for a range of P3HT/PCBM solar cells where device deposition conditions, electrode structure, active‐layer thickness and device polarity are varied. The analysis quantifies non‐geminate recombination losses of dissociated carriers in these cells, measured under device operating conditions. It is found that at open‐circuit, losses due to non‐geminate recombination are sufficiently large that other loss pathways may effectively be neglected. Variations in open‐circuit voltage between different devices are shown to arise from differences in the rate coefficient for non‐geminate recombination, and from differences in the charge densities in the photoactive layer of the device. The origin of these differences is discussed, particularly with regard to variations in film microstructure. By separately quantifying these differences in rate coefficient and charge density, and by application of a simple physical model based upon the assumption that open‐circuit is reached when the flux of charge photogeneration is matched by the flux of non‐geminate recombination, we are able to calculate correctly the open‐circuit voltage for all the cells studied to within an accuracy of ±5 mV.
An Alternative Route Towards Metal–Polymer Hybrid Materials Prepared by Vapor‐Phase Processing
Authors: Lee Seung‐Mo , Ischenko Vladislav , Pippel Eckhard , Masic Admir , Moutanabbir Oussama , Fratzl Peter , Knez Mato 
Published: June 2011

AbstractTransition metals incorporated into polymers lead to unusual or improved physical properties that significantly differ from those of purely organic polymers. A simple and practicable incorporation of diverse transition metals into any available polymer would make an important contribution to overcome some of the synthetic difficulties of metal‐polymer hybrid materials. Here, it is demonstrated that atomic layer deposition (ALD) can be a promising means to resolve some of those difficulties. It is found that even polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with its great physical and chemical stability can be easily transformed into a transition metal–PTFE hybrid material simply by applying a metal‐oxide ALD process to PTFE. Upon metal incorporation into the PTFE, the molecular structure as well as mechanical properties (tensile behavior) of PTFE were observed to significantly change. For a better understanding of the changes to the material, experimental investigations using Raman spectroscopy, attenuated‐total‐reflection Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis were performed. In addition, with density functional theory calculations, potential bonding states of the incorporated metal into PTFE were modeled and predicted. The ALD‐based vapor‐phase approach for metal incorporation into a polymer could bring about rapid progress in the research area of metal–polymer hybrid materials.
The De‐biasing Effect of Incidental Anger on Other‐provided Anchors
Authors: Jung Heajung , Young Maia J 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThe current research investigates the effect of incidental anger on anchoring bias. We hypothesized that feeling angry will make people less influenced by other‐provided anchors because of the moving against action tendency associated with anger. That is, individuals in an angry state will be likely to perceive a given anchor as a viable target for their desire to attack and actively seek out anchor‐inconsistent information, thereby committing less anchoring bias. To examine our hypothesis, in Study 1, we manipulated emotions using film clips and administered a general knowledge task with other‐provided anchors. As predicted, participants in the anger condition showed less anchoring bias to the other‐provided anchors than those in the sad or neutral condition. Study 2 replicated the finding with a different emotion manipulation technique and different anchoring questions. More important, consistent with the moving against action tendency explanation, we also found that people in an angry state committed more anchoring bias for self‐generated anchors, compared with people in a sad or neutral state. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploiting the Wisdom of Others to Make Better Decisions: Suspending Judgment Reduces Egocentrism and Increases Accuracy
Authors: Yaniv Ilan , Choshen‐Hillel Shoham 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTAlthough decision makers often consult other people's opinions to improve their decisions, they fail to do so optimally. One main obstacle to incorporating others' opinions efficiently is one's own opinion. We theorize that decision makers could improve their performance by suspending their own judgment. In three studies, participants used others' opinions to estimate uncertain quantities (the caloric value of foods). In the full‐view condition, participants could form independent estimates prior to receiving others' opinions, whereas participants in the blindfold condition could not form prior opinions. We obtained an intriguing blindfold effect. In all studies, the blindfolded participants provided more accurate estimates than did the full‐view participants. Several policy‐capturing measures indicated that the advantage of the blindfolded participants was due to their unbiased weighting of others' opinions. The full‐view participants, in contrast, adhered to their prior opinion and thus failed to exploit the information contained in others' opinions. Moreover, in all three studies, the blindfolded participants were not cognizant of their advantage and expressed less confidence in their estimates than did the full‐view participants. The results are discussed in relation to theories of opinion revision and group decision making. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.