bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of dengue epidemics in urban contexts
Authors: Pongsumpun P. , Garcia Lopez D. , Favier C. , Torres L. , Llosa J. , Dubois M. A. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryDengue, similar to other arboviral diseases, exhibits complex spatiotemporal dynamics. Even at town or village level, individual‐based spatially explicit models are required to correctly reproduce epidemic curves. This makes modelling at the regional level (province, country or continent) very difficult and cumbersome. We propose here a first step to build a hierarchized model by constructing a simple analytical expression which reproduces the model output from macroscopic parameters describing each ‘village’. It also turns out to be a good approximation of real urban epidermic outbreaks. Subsequently, a regional model could be built by coupling these equations on a lattice.
Vertically acquired paediatric HIV infection: the challenges of providing comprehensive packages of care in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Little K. E. , Bland R. M. , Newell M. L. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe successes achieved in paediatric disease management in well‐resourced countries in recent years highlight the vast divide between the care options, and ultimately survival, between developed and developing areas of the world. Using an extensive literature review, we quantify recent achievements in terms of improved survival and quality of life, and examine current evidence of the effects of treatment on the survival and morbidity of HIV‐infected children in developing countries. When provided with the same care as their counterparts in developed countries, children in developing countries show similar improvements in survival and general health, with 1‐year survival rates exceeding 90% in many African settings. Despite the challenges of providing comprehensive packages of care in resource‐limited settings, there is an urgent need to scale up prevention and treatment of HIV infections in children, focussing on strengthening Prevention of Mother‐to‐Child Transmission programmes in order to reduce the numbers of infants who are infected in addition to reducing morbidity and mortality among their mothers.
Causes of deaths using verbal autopsy among adolescents and adults in rural western Kenya
Authors: Van Eijk A. M. , Adazu K. , Ofware P. , Vulule J. , Hamel M. , Slutsker L. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryObjective  To establish causes and patterns of deaths among adolescents and adults (age >11 years) using verbal autopsy (VA) in a rural area of western Kenya where malaria and HIV are common.Methods  Village reporters reported all deaths in Asembo and Gem (population 135 000), an area under routine demographic surveillance. After an interval of ≥1 month, a trained interviewer used a structured questionnaire to ask the caretaker about signs and symptoms that preceded death. Three clinical officers independently reviewed the interviews and assigned two unranked causes of death; a common cause was designated as the cause of death.Results  In 2003, 1816 deaths were reported from residents; 48% were male and 72% were between 20 and 64 years of age. Most residents (97%) were ill before death, with 60% of illnesses lasting more than 2 months; 87% died at home. Care was sought by 96%; a health facility was the most common source, visited by 73%. For 1759 persons (97%), a common cause of death was designated. Overall, 74% of deaths were attributed to infectious causes. HIV (32%) and tuberculosis (TB) (16%) were the most frequent, followed by malaria, respiratory infections, anaemia and diarrhoeal disease (approximately 6% each). Death in a health facility was associated with young age, higher education, higher SES, a non‐infectious disease cause and a shorter duration of illness.Conclusion  In this area, the majority of adult and adolescent deaths were attributed to potentially preventable infectious diseases. Deaths in health facilities were not representative of deaths in the community. Programmes to prevent HIV and TB infection and to decrease mortality have started. Their impact can be evaluated against this baseline information.
TB, HIV‐associated TB and multidrug‐resistant TB on Thailand’s border with Myanmar, 2006–2007
Authors: Hemhongsa Patjuban , Tasaneeyapan Theerawit , Swaddiwudhipong Witaya , Danyuttapolchai Junya , Pisuttakoon Kanoknart , Rienthong Somsak , McCarthy Kimberly , Varma Melissa J. , Whitmore Jacqueline , Varma Jay K. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryObjective  To measure the burden and improve management of tuberculosis (TB), HIV‐associated TB and MDR TB in Tak Province, Thailand, which borders Myanmar.Methods  From September 2006 to August 2007, we collected uniform data about TB cases and enhanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counselling and testing. We provided mycobacterial culture and drug‐susceptibility testing in public or non‐governmental organization facilities. Patients were classified by nationality and, for non‐Thais, by migration status.Results  Of 1662 TB cases in the 12‐month period, 1087 (65%) occurred in non‐Thais. Of non‐Thais, 415 (38%) lived in Myanmar but crossed the border for healthcare. HIV infection was diagnosed in 18% of Thais compared with 12% of non‐Thais (P < 0.01); HIV status was unknown for 22% of Thais and 27% of non‐Thais (P = 0.02). Overall, multidrug‐resistant (MDR) TB was diagnosed in 27 patients, 19 (70%) in non‐Thais. Among TB cases never previously treated for TB, no MDR cases were diagnosed in Thais or in Myanmar refugees, but six cases were diagnosed in migrants from Myanmar.Conclusions  In Thailand, TB, HIV‐associated TB and MDR TB in migrants from Myanmar are important public health problems; they need to be resolved in both the countries.
Recurrent costs of HIV/AIDS‐related health services in Rwanda: implications for financing
Authors: Quentin Wilm , König Hans‐Helmut , Schmidt Jean‐Olivier , Kalk Andreas 
Published: August 2008

SummaryObjective  To estimate recurrent costs per patient and costs for a national HIV/AIDS treatment programme model in Rwanda.Methods  A national HIV/AIDS treatment programme model was developed. Unit costs were estimated so as to reflect necessary service consumption of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Two scenarios were calculated: (1) for patients/clients in the year 2006 and (2) for potential increases of patients/clients. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to test the robustness of results.Results  Average yearly treatment costs were estimated to amount to 504 US$ per patient on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to 91 US$ for non‐ART patients. Costs for the Rwandan HIV/AIDS treatment programme were estimated to lie between 20.9 and 27.1 million US$ depending on the scenario. ART required 9.6 to 11.1 million US$ or 41–46% of national programme costs. Treatment for opportunistic infections and other pathologies consumed 7.1 to 9.3 million US$ or 34% of total costs.Conclusion  Health Care in general and ART more specifically is unaffordable for the vast majority of Rwandan PLWHA. Adequate resources need to be provided not only for ART but also to assure treatment of opportunistic infections and other pathologies. While risk‐pooling may play a limited role in the national response to HIV/AIDS, considering the general level of poverty of the Rwandan population, no appreciable alternative to continued donor funding exists for the foreseeable future.
Tryptophan catabolites regulate mucosal sensitization to ovalbumin in respiratory airways
Authors: Odemuyiwa S. O. , Ebeling C. , Duta V. , Abel M. , Puttagunta L. , Cravetchi O. , Majaesic C. , Vliagoftis H. , Moqbel R. 
Published: August 2008

Background:  Indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO), the rate‐limiting enzyme in tryptophan catabolism, is important in generating tolerance at the foetal–maternal interface. Studies using 1‐methyl‐tryptophan (1‐MT), the specific inhibitor of IDO, showed that this enzyme is important in interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ)‐dependent inhibition of allergic inflammation in the respiratory airway during immunotherapy.Aims of study:  We investigated the role of IDO in the development of allergic sensitization, leading to allergic inflammation and airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR).Methods:  We used a mouse model to generate mucosal tolerance to lipopolysaccharide‐free ovalbumin (OVA) following repeated intranasal inoculation of OVA over a 3‐day period. We tested the successful induction of tolerance by subsequent intraperitoneal (i.p.) sensitization followed by intranasal challenge with OVA. A slow‐release pellet of 1‐MT implanted into mice was used to block IDO activity prior to repeated intranasal inoculation of OVA. We measured T‐cell proliferation in response to OVA, determined airway inflammation, and measured AHR to intranasal methacholine to investigate the role of IDO in sensitization to OVA.Results:  Repeated intranasal administration of OVA generated tolerance and prevented a subsequent sensitization to OVA via the i.p. route. This response was inhibited in mice receiving a slow‐release pellet of 1‐MT. However, we successfully reconstituted tolerance in mice receiving 1‐MT following intra‐peritoneal injection of a mixture of kynurenine and hydroxyanthranilic acid.Conclusion:  Our data suggest that, in addition to their role in IFN‐γ‐mediated inhibition of allergic airway inflammation, products of tryptophan catabolism play an important role in the prevention of sensitization to potential allergens in the respiratory airway.
Analysis of genotype by environment interaction for milk yield traits in first lactation of Simmental cattle
Authors: Gerber A. , Krogmeier D. , Emmerling R. , Götz K.‐U. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe breeding goal for Simmental cattle is derived for intensively managed dairy farms. Its suitability for extensive farms was addressed by analysing possible genotype by environment interaction (G × E) between the management levels for first lactation milk yield traits. A first analysis was performed with the data collected from 300 000 purebred daughters of 278 second crop bulls born in Bavaria in 1993 and 1994. The farms were classified by herd‐year‐effect, using the sum of fat and protein yields into two levels of management, either with 33 or 10% quantiles, corresponding to approximately 100 000 cows and 30 000 cows, respectively. The comparison was based on ‘daughter yield’ deviations (DYD). Correlations between DYD of extensive and intensive environments were 0.90, 0.91 and 0.87 for milk, fat and protein yield (kg) for 33% quantiles, respectively. Corresponding correlations for 10% quantiles were 0.85, 0.83 and 0.77. Despite high correlations, 50 out of 149 sires showed significant differences between DYD in different environments. Bulls with higher DYD for milk yield on intensive farms were superior in all environments. For the second analysis extensive and intensive farms in northern and southern Bavaria were chosen at random. Approximately 20 000 cows in each management class were used for the estimation of genetic parameters. In both regions phenotypic and additive‐genetic variances were higher in the intensively managed herds. Likewise heritabilities were higher for fat and protein yield, but not for milk where higher heritabilities were observed in 33% quantiles. Genetic correlations between extensive and intensive environments were 0.97 and above (33% quantiles). Ten per cent quantiles led to lower genetic correlations (0.90–0.95). Although no serious re‐ranking effects of sires were evident, the scale effect and the differences in genetic parameters should be taken into consideration in practical breeding.
Multiple trait genetic evaluation of ewe traits in Icelandic sheep
Authors: Árnason T. , Jónmundsson J.V. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe prolificacy of the ewes was measured as the number of lambs born per ewe mated (NLB) when the ewes were 1–4 years of age. The ewe productivity related to the same age interval was measured by special ewe production indices (EPI). The genetic parameters for these traits were estimated by a series of bivariate REML analyses using animal models. The material used for the genetic analysis contained records on 193 213 ewes. The heritability estimates for NLB were h2 = 0.17, 0.13, 0.11, 0.10 for the four respective age classes. Corresponding estimates for EPI were h2 = 0.16, 0.17, 0.17, 0.15. The genetic correlations among NLB at different ages ranged from 0.63 to 0.98 and among EPI from 0.82 to 0.99. The genetic correlations between NLB and EPI were generally low. The material used for estimating the breeding values by the MT‐BLUP Animal Model consisted of 1.5 million individuals in the pedigree file. In total 815 782 ewes had records for the NLB and 763 491 ewes had production index (at least 1 year). The records were registered in the years 1990–2006. All possible missing patterns were present in the data. In the iteration process expected values for missing traits were generated and solutions were obtained on canonical transformed scale. The genetic evaluations were run independently for NLB and EPI for computational convenience given the correlations between these traits were negligible.
Optimized management of genetic variability in selected pig populations
Authors: Colleau J.J. , Tribout T. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryControlling the increase of coancestry and inbreeding coefficients in selected populations is made possible through calculation of the optimal contributions allowed to breeding animals, given the current situation with regard to genetic diversity, and further, through optimal design of matings. The potential of such an approach for pig breeding was tested by retrospective optimization on the French Landrace population in reference to the matings actually carried out during a 21‐week test period. The major constraint was that the average overall estimated breeding value (EBV) should be the same as the observed one, for not decreasing short‐term genetic gain. Optimizing breeding allocations to boars would have led one to decrease coancestry and inbreeding coefficients by approximately 20%. This decrease would have even increased to approximately 30%, would have replacements and disposals been optimized after accounting for genetic variability, keeping the same constraint of genetic level identical to the observed one. These results showed the potential value, in the future, of completing each periodical calculation of EBVs by optimizations considering genetic variability and of releasing corresponding information to breeders, in order to enhance maintenance of genetic variability.
In vivo DNA electrotransfer into muscle
Authors: Miyazaki Satsuki , Miyazaki Jun‐Ichi 
Published: August 2008

Naked plasmid DNA injected into skeletal muscle is taken up by muscle cells and the genes in the plasmid are expressed. Among the non‐viral techniques for gene transfer in vivo, this method is especially simple, inexpensive, and safe. However, the relatively low expression levels attained by this method have limited its applications for uses other than as a DNA vaccine. We and other groups investigated the applicability of in vivo electroporation for gene transfer into muscle, using plasmid DNA vector. The results demonstrated that gene transfer into muscle by in vivo electroporation is far more efficient than simple intramuscular DNA injection and provides a potential approach to systemically delivering cytokines, growth factors, and other serum proteins for basic research and human gene therapy.
RNA interference by expressing short hairpin RNA in the Ciona intestinalis embryo
Authors: Nishiyama Aya , Fujiwara Shigeki 
Published: August 2008

We carried out RNA interference by expressing short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in the Ciona intestinalis embryo. For this purpose, we identified a gene encoding U6 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) in the C. intestinalis genome. The 1‐kb sequence upstream of the U6 snRNA gene was sufficient for directing transcription of short RNA as revealed by Northern blot hybridization. An shRNA‐expressing plasmid vector was constructed, in which shRNA‐encoding oligonucleotides are inserted downstream of the U6 promoter. An shRNA that contained a sequence homologous to the C. intestinalis tyrosinase gene (Ci‐tyrosinase) suppressed melanization of pigment cells in the brain of morphologically normal tailbud embryos. An shRNA that perfectly matched the translated sequence of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) (a mutant type of Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein) suppressed the expression of the coelectroporated EGFP transgene. These results suggest that the expression of shRNA interferes with functions of both endogenous and exogenous genes. The shRNA‐expressing plasmid constructed in the present study provides an easy and inexpensive alternative for the functional analysis of genes in ascidian embryos.
Do perineal exercises during pregnancy prevent the development of urinary incontinence? A systematic review
Authors: Lemos Andrea , de Souza Ariani Impieri , Ferreira Ana Laura Carneiro Gomes , Figueiroa José Natal , Cabral‐Filho José Eulálio 
Published: August 2008

Objectives:  The aim of the current article was to conduct a systematic review of the performance of perineal exercises during pregnancy and their utility in the prevention of urinary incontinence.Methods:  Randomized controlled studies (RCT) of a low‐risk obstetric population (primiparas or nulliparas) who had done perineal exercises only during pregnancy met the inclusion criteria. Articles published between 1966 and 2007 from periodicals indexed in the LILACS, SCIELO, PubMed/MEDLINE, SCIRUS and Cochrane Library databases were selected, using the following keywords: ‘urinary incontinence’, ‘pregnancy’, ‘pelvic floor’ and ‘exercise’. The Jadad scale was applied to assess the internal validity of the RCT and two meta‐analysis: one of fixed effects and the other of random effects were carried out with data extracted from the RCT, using the Stata 9.2 statistical software and adopting a significance level of 0.05.Results:  Four RCTs with high methodological quality, involving a total of 675 women were included. They indicated that perineal muscle exercise significantly reduced the development of urinary incontinence from 6 weeks to 3 months after delivery (odds ratio = 0.45; confidence interval: 0.3 to 0.66). However, when evaluating this effect during the 34th and 35th gestational week, a meta‐analysis showed that the results were not significant (odds ratio = 0.13; confidence interval: 0.00 to 3.77).Conclusion:  Pelvic floor muscle exercises may be effective at reducing the development of postpartum urinary incontinence, despite clinical heterogeneity among the RCT.
Effect of fasting during Ramadan on fetal development and maternal health
Authors: Dikensoy Ebru , Balat Ozcan , Cebesoy Bahar , Ozkur Ayhan , Cicek Hulya , Can Gunay 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim:  The aim of the present study was to determine whether fasting during Ramadan causes ketonemia and/or ketonuria and their effects on fetal intrauterine development.Methods:  Thirty‐six consecutive healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies of ≥20 weeks of gestation who were fasting during Ramadan were included in the study group (group 1). The control group (group 2) consisted of 29 healthy pregnant women who were not fasting. Doppler ultrasonography was performed in all subjects in the beginning and at the end of Ramadan to evaluate the changes in the following measurements: fetal biparietal diameter; fetal femur length; and estimated fetal body weight. Fetal biophysical profile, amniotic fluid index, and umbilical artery systole/diastole ratio were measured in the beginning and at the end of Ramadan. Effects of fasting on the mother were evaluated by measuring serum concentrations of 3ß hydroxybutyrate and glucose, and urinary concentration of ketone. Subjects with any of the followings were excluded: diabetes; thyroid dysfunction; Cushing's syndrome; adrenal disease; pre‐eclampsia; and multiple pregnancy.Results:  The mean duration of fasting in the study group was 18 ± 2.1 days. The mean maternal glucose level was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P = 0.003). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the comparisons of other parameters.Conclusion:  We concluded that fasting during Ramadan does not lead to maternal ketonemia or ketonuria in pregnant women. In addition, fasting during Ramadan has no significant adverse effect on intrauterine fetal development or the fetus's health.
Depth of invasion for appendiceal metastasis of ovarıan cancers: Does it have any clinical significance?
Authors: Ayhan Ali , Gultekin Murat , Sağlam Emine Arzu , Dursun Polat , Dogan Nasuh Utku , Aksan Guldeniz , Usubutun Alp , Yuce Kunter 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim:  Depth of appendiceal metastasis in patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) has not been previously analyzed for a possible relationship with clinico‐pathological variables.Methods:  Sixty‐nine patients with EOC treated at Hacettepe University were retrospectively analyzed. All of the patients had appendiceal metastasis. Pathological slides were re‐reviewed by the same pathologist. Appendiceal metastases were defined as serosal (if tumoral spread involved only serosa of the appendix) or sero‐mucosal (if tumoral spread also involved either muscular or mucosal surfaces of the appendix). Univariate and multivariate analysis did not reveal a significant difference with respect to the prognostic variables between the groups.Results:  Thirty‐nine patients had serosal appendiceal metastasis (56.5%), while the remaining 30 patients (43.5%) had appendiceal metastasis extending toward the muscular layer (seromucosal metastasis: 16 within muscularis mucosa, 14 within the mucosa of the appendix). The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 54.58 years (range, 26‐88 years), with no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.9). Comparison of the survival rates between the two groups did not reveal a significant difference. Three‐year survival rates were 23.3% in the serosal metastasis and 27.9% in the seromucosal metastasis group (P = 0.9). This figure was 25% for patients with only muscular metastasis and 41.6% for patients with appendiceal metastasis extending to the mucosal layer (P = 0.2).Conclusion:  This is the first report to analyze the metastatic pattern of EOC on the appendix with respect to depth of invasion which could not reveal a significant difference.
Serum ghrelin, leptin and resistin levels in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Bideci Aysun , Çamurdan Mahmut Orhun , Yeşilkaya Ediz , Demirel Fatma , Cinaz Peyami 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the levels of leptin, resistin and ghrelin in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and to assess their possible correlations with the hormonal and metabolic features of PCOS.Methods:  Sixteen obese (ObPCOS) and 12 lean (LeanPCOS) subjects with PCOS and 19 obese control subjects were enrolled in the study.Results:  Ghrelin, leptin and resistin concentrations were similar between groups when body mass index (BMI) was used as a covariate (P > 0.05). Mean androgen, SHBG, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and luteinizing hormone/follicle‐stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio tended to be similar between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) groups. However, when compared with the control group, SHBG was lower and androgen, LH levels and LH/FSH ratio were higher in the PCOS groups. Free testosterone levels significantly correlated with resistin (r = −0.38), SHBG correlated significantly with body mass index (BMI) (r = −0.45) and resistin (r = −0.67), LH/FSH ratio was significantly correlated with ghrelin (r = −0.52) and estradiol (E2) levels (r = 0.51).Conclusion:  ObPCOS and LeanPCOS groups having higher LH/FSH ratios and lower SHBG levels suggest that there could be factors other than adiposity responsible for the clinical features of PCOS patients. In the light of our results, those factors can be suggested as ghrelin and E2 for the elevated LH/FSH ratio and resistin for the lowered SHBG.