bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
True prevalence of twin HDV-HBV infection in Pakistan: a molecular approach
Authors: Khan Asad U , Waqar Muhammad , Akram Madiha , Zaib Mehnaz , Wasim Muhammad , Ahmad Shahzad , Niaz Zeeshan , Ali Sajid , Ali Haider , Idrees Muhammad , Bajwa Mohammad A 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) infects only patients that are already infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) because this is sub satellite virus which depends on and propagate only in the presence of HBV. HDV causes co-infection or super infection with sever complication as compared to only HBV infection. No study on molecular level on HDV is available from this region; therefore, the aim of this study was to found out the molecular epidemiology of HDV (as a co-infection with HBV) in different geographical regions of Pakistan.
Total 228 HBsAg positive samples were received for the study from different geographical regions of the country. Only HBV DNA PCR positive samples were further utilized for the presence of HDV RNA. For this purpose, HDV RNA and HBV DNA was extracted and amplified using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), nested PCR and real-time PCR.
Out of the total 228 HBsAg positive samples, HBV DNA was detected in total 190 (83.3%) samples belonged to different patients. Of these 190 patients, HDV RNA was observed in 53 (28%) patients. Of the 53 HDV positive cases, 37 (69.8%) were males and 16 (30.2%) were female patients. The percentage of dual infection was found higher significantly (p < 0.05) in male patients as compared to female patients. Total 41 (26.8%) patients were below 40 years and 13 (31.7%) were above 40 years of age. No significant difference was seen in patients with ages above or below 40 years. In the provinces of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw and Punjab the observed prevalence of HDV was 67%, 6% and 4% respectively.
In conclusion, the HDV infection is not uncommon in Pakistan and its prevalence is higher significantly in the Province of Sindh (p < 0.01) and male six (p < 0.05).
XMRV: usage of receptors and potential co-receptors
Authors: Haleyur Giri Setty Mohan Kumar , Devadas Krishnakumar , Ragupathy Viswanath , Ravichandran Veerasamy , Tang Shixing , Wood Owen , Gaddam Durga Sivacharan , Lee Sherwin , Hewlett Indira K 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
XMRV is a gammaretrovirus first identified in prostate tissues of Prostate Cancer (PC) patients and later in the blood cells of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Although XMRV is thought to use XPR1 for cell entry, it infects A549 cells that do not express XPR1, suggesting usage of other receptors or co-receptors.

Methods
To study the usage of different receptors and co- receptors that could play a role in XMRV infection of lymphoid cells and GHOST (GFP- Human osteosarcoma) cells expressing CD4 along with different chemokine receptors including CCR1, CCR2, etc., were infected with XMRV. Culture supernatants and cells were tested for XMRV replication using real time quantitative PCR.

Results
Infection and replication of XMRV was seen in a variety of GHOST cells, LNCaP, DU145, A549 and Caski cell lines. The levels of XMRV replication varied in different cell lines showing differential replication in different cell lines. However, replication in A549 which lacks XPR1 expression was relatively higher than DU145 but lower than, LNCaP. XMRV replication varied in GHOST cell lines expressing CD4 and each of the co- receptors CCR1-CCR8 and bob. There was significant replication of XMRV in CCR3 and Bonzo although it is much lower when compared to DU145, A549 and LNCaP.

Conclusion
XMRV replication was observed in GHOST cells that express CD4 and each of the chemokine receptors ranging from CCR1- CCR8 and BOB suggesting that infectivity in hematopoietic cells could be mediated by use of these receptors.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma intermingled with ductal carcinoma of the breast: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kontos Michael , Karles Dimitrios , Petrou Athanasios , Alexandrou Paraskevi TH 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIntroductionAdenoid cystic cancer of the breast is a rare condition, and even rarer are the cases where it is histologically mixed with other variants of cancer within a single lesion. In this report, one of the few cases of mixed adenoid cystic breast cancer intermingled with the infiltrating ductal variant is presented. A subsequent review of the relevant literature presents the existing experience in treating mixed breast cancers with adenoid cystic components with regard to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.Case presentationWe describe a case of mixed adenoid cystic cancer of the breast with infiltrating ductal carcinoma in a 67-year-old Caucasian woman who underwent mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy.ConclusionSurgery remains the cornerstone of treatment of these patients, and radiotherapy is administered when breast-conserving treatment is undertaken or a large tumor with affected lymph nodes is present. Hormonal treatment does not have a role, as estrogen receptors are always absent from both tumor components. Chemotherapy is nearly always administered on the basis of estrogen receptor and progesterone negativity and the more aggressive potential of the non-adenoid cystic component. The de-differentiation of an indolent type of cancer to a more aggressive one may affect the prognosis.
”I could cry, the amount of shoes I can't get into”:A qualitative exploration of the factors that influence retail footwear selection in women with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Naidoo Serena , Anderson Stephanie , Mills Joanna , Parsons Stephanie , Breeden Stephanie , Bevan Emma , Edwards Camilla , Otter Simon 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundStudies have reported that women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are not wearing NHS supplied therapeutic footwear; therefore it is likely they are wearing footwear sourced through retailers. Previous research gives limited information (largely associated with cosmesis) on people's perceptions on the relationships that exist between retail footwear, well‐being and quality of life. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of women with RA regarding their choice of retail footwear and identify the factors influencing retail footwear selection.MethodsEleven women with RA wearing normal retail footwear were recruited from an out‐patient podiatry clinic in the south east of England. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out and an interpretative phenomenological approach was adopted for data collection and transcript analysis.ResultsSix key themes were revealed from the analysis: (1) the nature of foot complaints and deformities, (2) aesthetic appearance and design of footwear, (3) body image, (4) psychosocial aspects, (5) Perceptions of footwear and (6) the therapeutic value of retail shoes. These contributed to an overarching concept of loss of choice associated with retail footwear. In particular, the areas discussed most frequently throughout were themes (2), (3) and (4), which were notably more ‘emotional’ in nature.ConclusionsLimitations in retail footwear for these women have impacted on their individuality, linking significantly with their body image. The loss of choice in footwear as a consequence of the disease impacts negatively on emotions, wellbeing and was identified in reduced self‐perceived quality of life.
[3 + 2] Cycloaddition reactions of thioisatin with thiazolidine-2-carboxylic acid: a versatile route to new heterocyclic scaffolds
Authors: Verma Sonali , George Johnson , Singh Saurabh , Pardasani Pushpa , Pardasani Ramchand 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA facile synthesis of azabicycloadducts is described by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of thioisatin with thiazolidine-2-carboxylic acid in the presence of various electron rich and electron deficient dipolarophiles. Theoritical calculations have been performed to study the regioselectivity of products. The geometrical and energetic properties have been analyzed for the different reactants, transition states and cycloadducts formed.
Motor Chip: A Comparative Genomic Hybridization Microarray for Copy-Number Mutations in 245 Neuromuscular Disorders
Authors: Piluso Giulio , Dionisi Manuela , Del Vecchio Blanco Francesca , Torella Annalaura , Aurino Stefania , Savarese Marco , Giugliano Teresa , Bertini Enrico , Terracciano Alessandra , Vainzof Mariz , Criscuolo Chiara , Politano Luisa , Casali Carlo , Santorelli Filippo Maria , Nigro Vincenzo 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND
Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is a reference high-throughput technology for detecting large pathogenic or polymorphic copy-number variations in the human genome; however, a number of quantitative monogenic mutations, such as smaller heterozygous deletions or duplications, are usually missed in most disease genes when proper multiplex ligation-dependent probe assays are not performed.

METHODS
We developed the Motor Chip, a customized CGH array with exonic coverage of 245 genes involved in neuromuscular disorders (NMDs), as well as 180 candidate disease genes. We analyzed DNA samples from 26 patients with known deletions or duplications in NMDs, 11 patients with partial molecular diagnoses, and 19 patients with a clinical diagnosis alone.

RESULTS
The Motor Chip efficiently confirmed and refined the copy-number mutations in all of the characterized patients, even when only a single exon was involved. In noncharacterized or partially characterized patients, we found deletions in the SETX (senataxin), SGCG [sarcoglycan, gamma (35kDa dystrophin-associated glycoprotein)], and LAMA2 (laminin, alpha 2) genes, as well as duplications involving LAMA2 and the DYSF [dysferlin, limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2B (autosomal recessive)] locus.

CONCLUSIONS
The combination of exon-specific gene coverage and optimized platform and probe selection makes the Motor Chip a complementary tool for molecular diagnosis and gene investigation in neuromuscular diseases.
Attitudes toward depression among a sample of Muslim adolescents in the Midwestern United States
Authors: Haroun Zubeir , Bokhari Ali , Marko-Holguin Monika , Blomeke Kelsey , Goenka Ajay , Fogel Joshua , Van Voorhees Benjamin W. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background: Little is known about how Muslim youth in non-Muslim countries perceive depression and its treatment and prevention.

Objective: We investigated the barriers and suggest treatment models for depressive disorders in Muslim adolescents and young adults residing in the United States.

Methods: We conducted a thorough literature review to identify previous study on the beliefs of American Muslim adolescents about depression and its treatment. We identified the gaps and developed a survey to ascertain this information from American Muslim adolescents.

Results: The survey was administered to a convenience sample of 125 Muslim subjects (60.0% males) aged 14–21 years. The sample was ethnically diverse with Pakistani (44.8%) encompassing the majority of the sample. Most responders believed that recitation from the Koran relieves mental distress. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that those who reported strong emotional support from parents or a greater acceptance of taking depression medication prescribed from a physician were more likely to accept a physician’s diagnosis, whereas believing in prayer to heal depression was associated with a lower likelihood of the same. Youth were accepting of Internet and preventive approaches.

Conclusion: Planning of culturally sensitive mental health services is useful to accommodate the needs of Muslim youth served by primary care physicians and mental health practitioners in the United States. Muslim adolescents tend to be more traditional with family, social, and religious values. This value system plays an important role in their likelihood of seeking and accepting professional help for depression.
The Fentanyl/Etomidate‐Anesthetized Beagle (FEAB) Model in Safety Pharmacology Assessment
Authors: van der Linde Henk J. , Deuren Bruno Van , Somers Yves , Teisman Ard , Gallacher David J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis unit describes a procedure for performing safety studies in the anesthetized beagle dog. Detailed are the anesthetic regime, the surgical procedure, and all materials needed to perform cardiovascular, central nervous system, and respiratory safety studies in these animals. An overview of all parameters that can be measured and calculated is provided, as are experimental protocols. Endpoints discussed include hemodynamic, electrocardiological, respiratory, arterial blood, and electroencephalogical parameters. Also presented are a formula to correct QT interval for changes in core body temperature and an overview of changes in ECG, MAP, and EEG traces that may occur during safety studies. The information provided yields a multiparametric model for performing reliable safety studies in anesthetized dogs. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 54:10.13.1‐10.13.21. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Biochemical Evaluation of HCV NS3 Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Schultz Brian , Yang Huiling , Delaney William E. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis unit describes assays for characterizing the potency and mechanism of action of NS3 protease inhibitors. Determination of IC50values is described using in vitro expressed and purified NS3 protease. This assay can also be used for the rapid exploration of structure‐activity relationships. Another protocol describes using the full‐length NS3/4A complexes expressed in HCV replicon cell lines for a rapid alternative method for assessing protease activity without requiring conventional protein expression and purification. A method is then provided for determination of inhibitorKi, which more accurately assesses the potency of inhibitors compared to the IC50assay, particularly for potent inhibitors that reach the sensitivity limit for the basic IC50assay. The final protocol describes how to determine the reversibility of inhibitor binding to the enzyme, an important parameter that can affect the pharmacodynamic properties of a compound.Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 54:13B.7.1‐13B.7.22. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Orthotopic Models of Esophageal Carcinoma and Their Use in Drug Discovery
Authors: Gros Stephanie J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe protocol detailed in this unit is for the establishment of an orthotopic model of human esophageal adenocarcinoma in NMRI/nu mice. The resultant tumor has high metastatic potential, spreading readily to liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. This model is useful for studying primary esophageal carcinoma, tumor biology, pathogenesis, tumor progression, metastatic homing, and the efficacy of therapeutic approaches for treating this condition. The practical use of this preclinical model for drug discovery is illustrated with data from a study on the chemotherapeutic effects of HER2‐targeted therapy. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 54:14.20.1‐14.20.15. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pre‐Clinical Mouse Models of Primary and Metastatic Pleural Cancers of the Lung and Breast and the Use of Bioluminescent Imaging to Monitor Pleural Tumor Burden
Authors: Servais Elliot L. , Colovos Christos , Kachala Stefan S. , Adusumilli Prasad S. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMalignant pleural disease (MPD) results in an estimated 150,000 cases of malignant pleural effusions (MPE) annually. The most common malignancies associated with MPD are primary malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and metastatic lung cancer, breast cancer, and lymphoma. MPM is a rare, regionally aggressive malignancy whose incidence is increasing secondarily to the latency of disease progression. MPD is characteristic of advanced‐stage pleural disease and portends a grave clinical prognosis with a median survival between 3 and 12 months. Preclinical investigations conducted in flank and intraperitoneal tumor models do not fully recapitulate the pleural tumor microenvironment, and the results are not directly translatable to the clinical setting. The protocol described herein provides a mouse model of MPM and MPD from nonhematogenous tumors, resulting in reproducible tumor location, tumor progression, animal survival, and histopathology. Pleural tumor growth in this model resembles the regionally aggressive clinical course and tumor microenvironment of human pleural cancers and provides an optimal animal model to investigate MPD biology and therapies. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 54:14.21.1‐14.21.18. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Colorimetric Detection and Quantitation of Total Protein
Authors: Krohn Randall I. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractProtein quantification is an important step for handling protein samples for isolation and characterization; it is a prerequisite step before submitting proteins for chromatographic, electrophoretic, or immunochemical analysis and separation. Colorimetric methods are fast, simple, and not laborious. This unit describes a number of assays able to detect protein concentrations in the low microgram to milligram per milliliter ranges in a variety of formats. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 52:A.3H.1‐A.3H.28. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Janus Kinase V617F mutation in cigarette smokers
Authors: Weinberg Ido , Borohovitz Ariel , Krichevsky Svetlana , Perlman Riki , Ben‐Yehuda Arie , Ben‐Yehuda Dina 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe JAK2 V617F mutation is responsible for the constitutive activation of the erythropoietin receptor signaling pathway in most cases of polycythemia vera (PV). The mutation has also been described in healthy people. As smoking may result in secondary polycythemia, the goal of this trial was to examine the effect of smoking on the prevalence of the JAK2 mutation and its correlation to erythrocytosis. The study was case–control. Hospitalized smokers (n = 81) and nonsmokers (n = 61) were recruited. Serum was drawn for complete blood count, erythropoietin, ferritin and venous blood gases. JAK2 mutation was analyzed by highly sensitive allele‐specific Quantitative Real Time PCR. The JAK2 mutation was found in 29/81 (35.8%) of smokers in comparison to only 9/61 (14.8%) of the control group (P = 0.007). The frequency of the mutation among smokers who were positive for the JAK2 mutation had a mean of 6.78 × 10−4 ± 1.08 × 10−3 vs. 1.51 × 10−4 ± 2.04 × 10−4 among nonsmokers (P = 0.027). Both frequencies are much lower than those found in PV. There was a medium correlation between older age and mutation frequency in nonsmokers (r= 0.67, P = 0.043). Hematocrit was higher in smokers (47.8 ± 6 vs. 41.7 ± 4.7, P < 0.0001), but no correlation was found to JAK2 mutation. In a cohort of hospitalized smokers and nonsmokers, JAK2 mutation was more prevalent and found in higher frequencies among smokers than nonsmokers. We suggest that accelerated erythropoiesis renders the cells susceptible to JAK2 mutation. Am. J. Hematol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seasonal versatility in the feeding ecology of a group of titis (Callicebus coimbrai) in the northern Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Souza‐Alves João Pedro , Fontes Isadora P. , Chagas Renata R.D. , Ferrari Stephen F. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe feeding behavior of a group of titis (Callicebus coimbrai) was monitored over an annual cycle at a site in northeastern Brazil. Behavioral data were collected in scan samples (1‐min scan at 5‐min intervals), and complementary data on fruit availability and new leaf cover were collected. Feeding time accounted for 28.9% of daily activity. Fruit was the principal item of the diet (61.2% of records) and the primary category in all months except September, when it was surpassed by leaves. Young leaves were the second most important category (20.0%). The consumption of seeds and insects was prominent in November and December. Fifty‐two plant species were exploited, and the Elaeocarpaceae, Myrtaceae, Sapotaceae, and Passifloraceae provided the vast majority (86.0%) of plant feeding records. The phenological record did not provide a good measure of fruit availability, but a strong correlation (rs=0.902,P<0.0001,n=12) was found between the consumption of leaves and the exploitation of lianas each month. Lianas accounted for 28.2% of plant feeding records, and predominated between August and December. This suggests that lianas may represent a key factor in the ability of the species to tolerate the intense habitat fragmentation found throughout its geographic range. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1199–1209, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sex ratio affects sex‐specific innovation and learning in captive ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegataandVarecia rubra)
Authors: Dean Lewis G. , Hoppitt William , Laland Kevin N. , Kendal Rachel L. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractRecent years have witnessed extensive research into problem solving and innovation in primates, yet lemurs have not been subjected to the same level of attention as apes and monkeys, and the social context in which novel behavior appears has rarely been considered. We gave novel foraging puzzlebox devices to seven groups of ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegataandVarecia rubra) to examine the factors affecting rates of innovation and social learning. We found, across a range of group sex ratios, that animals of the less‐represented sex were more likely to contact and solve the puzzlebox sooner than those of the more‐represented sex. We established that while some individuals were able to solve the puzzleboxes there was no evidence of social learning. Our findings are consistent with previously reported male deference as a sexual strategy, but we conclude that the need for male deference diminishes when, within a group, males are rare. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1210–1221, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21, via its C‐terminal domain, is essential for resolution of murine inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Mavers Melissa , Cuda Carla M. , Misharin Alexander V. , Gierut Angelica K. , Agrawal Hemant , Weber Evan , Novack Deborah Veis , Haines G. Kenneth , Balomenos Dimitrios , Perlman Harris 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveThe mechanism responsible for persistent synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown. Previously, we demonstrated that expression of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21 is reduced in synovial tissue from RA patients compared to osteoarthritis patients and that p21 is a novel suppressor of the inflammatory response in macrophages. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role and mechanism of p21‐mediated suppression of experimental inflammatory arthritis.MethodsExperimental arthritis was induced in wild‐type or p21−/− (C57BL/6) mice, using the K/BxN serum–transfer model. Mice were administered p21 peptide mimetics as a prophylactic for arthritis development. Lipopolysaccharide‐induced cytokine and signal transduction pathways in macrophages that were treated with p21 peptide mimetics were examined by Luminex‐based assay, flow cytometry, or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsEnhanced and sustained development of experimental inflammatory arthritis, associated with markedly increased numbers of macrophages and severe articular destruction, was observed in p21−/− mice. Administration of a p21 peptide mimetic suppressed activation of macrophages and reduced the severity of experimental arthritis in p21‐intact mice only. Mechanistically, treatment with the p21 peptide mimetic led to activation of the serine/threonine kinase Akt and subsequent reduction of the activated isoform of p38 MAPK in macrophages.ConclusionThese are the first reported data to reveal that p21 has a key role in limiting the activation response of macrophages in an inflammatory disease such as RA. Thus, targeting p21 in macrophages may be crucial for suppressing the development and persistence of RA.