bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Victimization and restricted participation among young people with disabilities in the US child welfare system
Authors: Berg Kristin L , Shiu Cheng‐Shi , Msall Michael E , Acharya Kruti
Published: January 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the role of disability and victimization in young people's participation in developmentally salient activities by analyzing a nationally representative group of young people from the child welfare system (CWS).

Method

Data were obtained from interviews with young people and their parents, recorded by the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well‐Being (NSCAW II). The sample group consisted of 405 females and 270 males, ranging in age from 11 to 17 years (mean age 13y 6mo), and residing with families throughout the USA. The relationships among disability status, victimization, and participation were explored using weighted logistic regression analysis.

Results

Controlling for demographical and family‐related factors, the probability of young people with disabilities (YWD), involved with the CWS, reporting two or more victimizations was 120% higher (p<0.01) than that of young people without disabilities. YWD in the CWS were almost twice as likely as young people without disabilities to report participation in only one or no developmentally salient activities. Controlling for all other variables, the odds of restricted participation were 6.8‐fold higher (p<0.05) for victimized YWD in the CWS.

Interpretation

Young people with disabilities who report victimization are significantly less likely than their typically developing peers to participate in developmentally salient activities. Without coordinated efforts to prevent victimization of YWD in the CWS, there will be significant barriers to their participation, well‐being, and independent living outcomes.
Lophodermium pinastri and an unknown species of Teratosphaeriaceae are associated with needle cast in a Pinus radiata selection trial
Authors: Prihatini I. , Glen M. , Wardlaw T. J. , Mohammed C. L.
Published: January 2015

Spring needle cast (SNC) in Tasmania is defined by the early casting of pine needles and appears in 6‐ to 7‐year‐old pine plantations after canopy closure. The severity of SNC can vary significantly among trees growing within the same plantation. Fungal communities were surveyed in a Pinus radiata family trial, using DNA extraction from needles, PCR with fungal‐specific primers and sequencing to detect the presence of fungal species. Samples were taken at the same time as the trees were scored for disease severity. Trees with contrasting levels of SNC disease severity have significantly different needle fungal communities, but family pedigree and different ages of needle are not clearly distinguished by their fungal communities. All common fungal pathogens previously implicated in causing SNC were identified from the study, but of these, only Lophodermium pinastri was correlated with high levels of disease. Several species of Teratosphaeriaceae were detected, and one of these was also strongly associated with needle cast.
Survival and graft‐versus‐host disease in patients receiving peripheral stem cell compared to bone marrow transplantation from HLA‐matched related donor: retrospective analysis of 334 consecutive patients
Authors: Campregher Paulo Vidal , Hamerschlak Nelson , Colturato Vergilio Antonio Renzi , Mauad Marcos Augusto , de Souza Mair Pedro , Bouzas Luis Fernando da Silva , Tavares Rita de Cássia B. , Barros José Carlos , Chiattone Ricardo , Paz Alessandra , Silla Lucia , Vigorito Afonso Celso , Miranda Eliane , Funke Vaneuza Araújo Moreira , Flowers Mary Evelyn
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare the major transplant outcomes between patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC).

Methods

All consecutive HSCT patients using BM or PBSC from an HLA‐matched related donors for haematological malignancies after high intensity conditioning at seven Brazilian transplant centres between January 2008 and December 2009 were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

In the study period, 334 patients were treated in the centres and included in the evaluation. The cumulative incidence of grades II–IV and III–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) at one year was 36.7% and 9.7% for BM recipients and 34.4% and 15.1% for PBSC recipients, respectively (not statistically different). The cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD at three years was 53.7% and 79.8% (HR 1.93; 95% CI 1.38–2.69, P < 0.001) for BM and PBSC, respectively. Median overall survival was 2.85 and 2.39 years for BM and PBSC recipients, respectively (HR 1.19; 95% CI, 0.84–1.68, P = 0.34).

Conclusions

Our results confirm previous findings of increased chronic GVHD incidence in patients receiving PBSC when compared to patients receiving BM as the graft source in HSCT. Acute GVHD incidence, progression‐free survival and overall survival were not different between the groups.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for adult patients with mixed phenotype acute leukemia: results of a matched‐pair analysis
Authors: Shimizu Hiroaki , Saitoh Takayuki , Machida Shinichiro , Kako Shinichi , Doki Noriko , Mori Takehiko , Sakura Toru , Kanda Yoshinobu , Kanamori Heiwa , Miyawaki Shuichi , Okamoto Shinichiro ,   Kanto Study Group for Cell Therapy (KSGCT)
Published: January 2015

Adult patients with mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) have a poor prognosis, and the therapeutic role of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) for MPAL remains to be elucidated. Thus, we retrospectively assessed the efficacy of allo‐SCT for MPAL. Eighteen patients with MPAL were identified from the transplant outcome database of Kanto Study Group for Cell Therapy (KSGCT). We also selected 215 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as control cohorts using an optimal matching method. The 5‐yr overall survival (OS) rate of patients with MPAL was 48.1%, and patients in remission at the time of transplant showed significantly better survival than those not in remission (5‐yr OS: 71.8% vs. 0%, P = 0.001). No significant differences were seen in OS when stratifying patients according to immunophenotype, cytogenetic abnormalities, or the type of induction therapy. The 5‐yr OS rate of patients with MPAL was not significantly different compared with AML control patients (48.1% vs. 48.1%; P = 0.855) or ALL control patients (48.1% vs. 37.8%; P = 0.426). These results suggested that allo‐SCT is an effective treatment for MPAL, especially early in the disease course, and innovative transplant approaches are warranted to improve the transplant outcome of patients with MPAL who are not in remission.
Predictors of survival and cause of death in patients with essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Lekovic Danijela , Gotic Mirjana , Sefer Dijana , Mitrovic‐Ajtic Olivera , Cokic Vladan , Milic Natasa
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Standard risk stratification for overall survival (OS) in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) is based on advanced age and history of thrombotic events. Recently, International Prognostic Score for ET (IPSET) incorporated also leukocytosis in prognostic model. The aim of this study was to establish additional risk factors for OS in ET patients.

Methods

After the median follow‐up of 7 yr, in 244 consecutive ET patients, 32 deaths were documented (13.2%). The 5‐ and 10‐yr OS was 95.9% and 79.7%, respectively. Considered additional risk factors at diagnosis of ET were the presence of arterial hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and smoking attitude.

Results

The main cause of death in 75% of patients was cardiovascular (CV) comorbidity. Patients with CV risk factors had increased risk of death (HR = 2.33). Cox regression model identified age, leukocytosis, presence of CV risk factors, and previous thrombosis as unfavorable predictors of survival. Based on these parameters, four risk groups were defined, with significantly different survivals (P < 0.001). Improved prognostic model displayed a better hazard ratio profile compared to the standard risk stratification and IPSET.

Conclusion

The addition of CV risk factors allows better prognostic assessment by delineating the intermediate‐risk category and improved identification of the high‐risk patients.
Activation of mTOR signaling pathway is secondary to neuronal excitability in a mouse model of mesio‐temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Shima Ayako , Nitta Naoki , Suzuki Fumio , Laharie Anne‐Marie , Nozaki Kazuhiko , Depaulis Antoine
Published: January 2015

Recent studies in animal models have suggested that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is involved in several features of mesio‐temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), and that its inhibition could have therapeutic interests. However, it remains controversial whether mTOR activation is the cause or the consequence of MTLE. We previously showed in a mouse model of MTLE associated with hippocampal sclerosis that increased neuronal excitability and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) overexpression contribute to the development of morphological features of this form of epilepsy. Here, we addressed whether mTOR activation promotes MTLE epileptogenesis via increasing neuronal excitability and/or BDNF expression or rather mediates neuroplasticity associated with hippocampal sclerosis. In mice injected intrahippocampally with kainate (1 nmol), we showed a biphasic increase of phospho‐S6 (p‐S6) ribosomal protein expression, the downstream product of the mTOR signaling pathway, in the dispersed granule cell layer (GCL) of the dentate gyrus with a second phase lasting up to 6 months. Chronic treatment with rapamycin suppressed p‐S6 expression, granule cell dispersion and mossy fiber sprouting, but did not reduce cell loss, BDNF overexpression, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)67 expression or the development of hippocampal paroxysmal discharges. Neuronal inhibition by midazolam (2 × 10 mg/kg, i.p.) abolished the increased expression of p‐S6 in the dispersed GCL. Our data suggest that activation of the mTOR signaling pathway results from the increased neuronal excitation that develops in the GCL and may contribute to MTLE morphological changes. However, these data do not support the role of this pathway in the development of MTLE or its inhibition as a therapy for this form of epilepsy.
White matter microstructural changes in pure Alzheimer's disease and subcortical vascular dementia
Authors: Kim Y. J. , Kwon H. K. , Lee J.‐M. , Kim Y. J. , Kim H. J. , Jung N.‐Y. , Kim S. T. , Lee K. H. , Na D. L. , Seo S. W.
Published: January 2015

Background and purpose

Recent studies have demonstrated that Alzheimer's disease (AD) and subcortical vascular dementia (SVaD) have white matter (WM) microstructural changes. However, previous studies on AD and SVaD rarely eliminated the confounding effects of patients with mixed Alzheimer's and cerebrovascular disease pathologies. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the divergent topography of WM microstructural changes in patients with pure AD and SVaD.

Methods

Patients who were clinically diagnosed with AD and SVaD were prospectively recruited. Forty AD patients who were Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) positive [PiB(+) AD] without WM hyperintensities and 32 SVaD patients who were PiB negative [PiB(−) SVaD] were chosen. Fifty‐six cognitively normal individuals were also recruited (NC). Tract‐based spatial statistics of diffuse tensor imaging were used to compare patterns of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD).

Results

Compared with the NC group, the PiB(+) AD group showed decreased FA in the bilateral frontal, temporal and parietal WM regions and the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum as well as increased MD in the left frontal and temporal WM region. PiB(−) SVaD patients showed decreased FA and increased MD in all WM regions. Direct comparison between PiB(+) AD and PiB(−) SVaD groups showed that the PiB(−) SVaD group had decreased FA across all WM regions and increased MD in all WM regions except occipital regions.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that pure AD and pure SVaD have divergent topography of WM microstructural changes including normal appearing WM.
It Takes All Kinds in Acoustic Communication: A New Perspective on the Song Overlapping Phenomenon
Authors: Helfer Bartosz , Osiejuk Tomasz S.
Published: January 2015

Over the last few decades, research into song overlapping produced many – often conflicting – interpretations of its function and culminated in the current debate about the usefulness of this concept. To avoid a deadlock in song overlapping research, we present a new approach to existing evidence and offer several novel hypotheses that might help enhance future experiments. Our analysis offers both a theoretical perspective and specific predictions of each testable hypothesis. We present a detailed analysis of important questions. First, what information does song overlapping convey (is it a signal of aggressive intent or of male quality)? Second, what evolutionary mechanism stabilizes honesty of song overlapping as a signal (is it an index signal, handicap, proximity risk, conventional signal or a modifier)? Additionally, we offer some alternative explanations of the phenomenon (song overlapping as a mask or an incidental phenomenon). We hope to encourage future researchers not only to gather high‐quality experimental data, but also to make more careful interpretations, as we believe that no all‐encompassing explanation of song overlapping will be formulated any time soon. Focused comparative approaches will be necessary, as song overlapping might have different functions in different species.
A decision support tool for response to global change in marine systems: the IMBER‐ADApT Framework
Authors: Bundy Alida , Chuenpagdee Ratana , Cooley Sarah R , Defeo Omar , Glaeser Bernhard , Guillotreau Patrice , Isaacs Moenieba , Mitsutaku Makino , Perry R Ian
Published: January 2015

Global change is occurring now, often with consequences far beyond those anticipated. Although there is a wide range of assessment approaches available to address‐specific aspects of global change, there is currently no framework to identify what governance responses have worked and where, what has facilitated change and what preventative options are possible. To respond to this need, we present an integrated assessment framework that builds on knowledge learned from past experience of responses to global change in marine systems, to enable decision‐makers, researchers, managers and local stakeholders to: (i) make decisions efficiently; (ii) triage and improve their responses; and (iii) evaluate where to most effectively allocate resources to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience of coastal people. This integrated assessment framework, IMBER‐ADApT is intended to enable and enhance decision‐making through the development, a typology of case‐studies providing lessons on how the natural, social and governance systems respond to the challenges of global change. The typology is developed from a database of case‐studies detailing the systems affected by change, responses to change and, critically, an appraisal of these responses, generating knowledge‐based solutions that can be applied to other comparable situations. Fisheries, which suffer from multiple pressures, are the current focus of the proposed framework, but it could be applied to a wide range of global change issues. IMBER‐ADApT has the potential to contribute to timely, cost‐effective policy and governing decision‐making and response. It offers cross‐scale learning to help ameliorate, and eventually prevent, loss of livelihoods, food sources and habitat.
Structure of the Elongator cofactor complex Kti11/Kti13 provides insight into the role of Kti13 in Elongator‐dependent tRNA modification
Authors: Kolaj‐Robin Olga , McEwen Alastair G. , Cavarelli Jean , Séraphin Bertrand
Published: January 2015

Modification of wobble uridines of many eukaryotic tRNAs requires the Elongator complex, a highly conserved six‐subunit eukaryotic protein assembly, as well as the Killer toxin‐insensitive (Kti) proteins 11–14. Kti11 was additionally shown to be implicated in the biosynthesis of diphthamide, a post‐translationally modified histidine of translation elongation factor 2. Recent data indicate that iron‐bearing Kti11 functions as an electron donor to the [4Fe–4S] cluster of radical S‐Adenosylmethionine enzymes, triggering the subsequent radical reaction. We show here that recombinant yeast Kti11 forms a stable 1 : 1 complex with Kti13. To obtain insights into the function of this heterodimer, the Kti11/Kti13 complex was purified to homogeneity, crystallized, and its structure determined at 1.45 Å resolution. The importance of several residues mediating complex formation was confirmed by mutagenesis. Kti13 adopts a fold characteristic of RCC1‐like proteins. The seven‐bladed β‐propeller consists of a unique mixture of four‐ and three‐stranded blades. In the complex, Kti13 orients Kti11 and restricts access to its electron‐carrying iron atom, constraining the electron transfer capacity of Kti11. Based on these findings, we propose a role for Kti13, and discuss the possible functional implications of complex formation.

Database

Structural data have been submitted to the Protein Data Bank under accession number 4X33.
Pharmacokinetic characterization of recombinant factor XIII (FXIII)‐A2 across age groups in patients with FXIII A‐subunit congenital deficiency
Authors: Brand‐Staufer B. , Carcao M. , Kerlin B. A. , Will A. , Williams M. , Tornøe C. W. , Sandberg Lundblad M. , Nugent D.
Published: January 2015

Three trials investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK) of recombinant factor XIII (rFXIII) A‐subunit. To compare the PK characteristics of rFXIII among trials and different age groups of patients. Dosing with rFXIII 35 IU kg−1 every 4th week. Blood samples for PK assessments were collected regularly throughout the dosing interval from a total of 68 individual patients with FXIII congenital deficiency. The mean PK parameters were similar across the three age groups, and for the three trials, as well as constant over time based on results from patients participating in both mentor™1 and mentor™2 trials. The geometric mean half‐life ranged from 11.6 to 15.0 days, and the trough FXIII activity levels ranged from 0.15 to 0.21 IU mL−1. The population PK model identified body weight as a statistically significant covariate influencing clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (Vd), with a similar increase in both parameters with increased body weight. The half‐life was not affected by body weight. Gender (females vs. males) and age category (paediatric vs. adult) did not affect CL. The PK profile of rFXIII, after dosing with 35 IU kg−1 of rFXIII, was independent of age and comparable between trials and FXIII trough activity levels were constant. Despite rather large individual variation in the maximal FXIII activity levels, all individual mean trough activity levels were above 0.1 IU mL−1 during the entire duration of the trials. The results support that monthly dosing with 35 IU kg−1 of rFXIII to patients with FXIII A‐subunit deficiency, regardless of age, is adequate for prophylaxis.
Massive catheter‐related thrombosis of vena cava superior protruding into the right atrium in a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Mach Lukas , Ondruskova Olga , Nemec Petr , Orban Marek
Published: January 2015

A 36‐year‐old man with chronic renal insufficiency secondary to type 1 diabetes mellitus was on hemodialysis via central venous catheter (CVC), newly placed into the right subclavian vein after his arteriovenous fistula became dysfunctional. Seven days after CVC insertion, the patient developed fever and on day 11 echocardiography showed a large nearly occluding thrombus in the superior vena cava (SVC) extending into the right atrium (RA). Emergency surgical thrombectomy was successfully performed and an 11 cm long thrombus extending from the RA cranially into the SVC occupying majority of the vein's lumen was removed. Cultures from the thrombus and CVC were negative, but polymerase chain reaction was positive for Staphylococcus aureus. This particular case was interesting for a marked discrepancy between large SVC occluding thrombosis and a relatively mild clinical presentation with fever, and it highlights the importance of correct timing of echocardiography exam which might prevent potentially fatal consequences such as pulmonary embolism.
Open access behaviours and perceptions of health sciences faculty and roles of information professionals
Authors: Lwoga Edda T. , Questier Frederik
Published: January 2015

Objective

This study sought to investigate the faculty's awareness, attitudes and use of open access, and the role of information professionals in supporting open access (OA) scholarly communication in Tanzanian health sciences universities.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 16 librarians, while questionnaires were physically distributed to 415 faculty members in all eight Tanzanian health sciences universities, with a response rate of 71.1%.

Results

The study found that most faculty members were aware about OA issues. However, the high level of OA awareness among faculty members did not translate into actual dissemination of faculty's research outputs through OA web avenues. A small proportion of faculty's research materials was made available as OA. Faculty were more engaged with OA journal publishing than with self‐archiving practices. Senior faculty with proficient technical skills were more likely to use open access than junior faculty. Major barriers to OA usage were related to ICT infrastructure, awareness, skills, author‐pay model, and copyright and plagiarism concerns. Interviews with librarians revealed that there was a strong support for promoting OA issues on campus; however, this positive support with various open access‐related tasks did not translate into actual action. It is thus important for librarians and OA administrators to consider all these factors for effective implementation of OA projects in research and academic institutions.

Conclusion

This is the first comprehensive and detailed study focusing on the health sciences faculty's and librarians’ behaviours and perceptions of open access initiatives in Tanzania and reveals findings that are useful for planning and implementing open access initiatives in other institutions with similar conditions.
Risk of non‐AIDS‐defining events among HIV‐infected patients not yet on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Zhang S , van Sighem A , Kesselring A , Gras L , Prins JM , Hassink E , Kauffmann R , Richter C , de Wolf F , Reiss P ,   ATHENA national observational HIV cohort study
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Certain non‐AIDS‐related diseases have been associated with immunodeficiency and HIV RNA levels in HIV‐infected patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We aimed to investigate these associations in patients not yet on cART, when potential antiretroviral‐drug‐related effects are absent and variation in RNA levels is greater.

Methods

Associations between, on the one hand, time‐updated CD4 counts and plasma HIV RNA and, on the other hand, a composite non‐AIDS‐related endpoint, including major cardiovascular diseases, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, and non‐AIDS‐related malignancies, were studied with multivariate Poisson regression models in 12 800 patients diagnosed with HIV infection from 1998 onwards while not yet treated with cART.

Results

During 18 646 person‐years of follow‐up, 203 non‐AIDS‐related events occurred. Compared with a CD4 count ≥ 500 cells/μL, adjusted relative risks (RRs) for the composite endpoint were 4.71 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.98‐7.45] for a CD4 count < 200 cells/μL, 2.06 (95% CI 1.38–3.06) for a CD4 count of 200–349 cells/μL, and 1.19 (95% CI 0.82–1.74) for a CD4 count of 350–499 cells/μL. There was no evidence for an independent association with HIV RNA. Other important covariates were age [RR 1.40 (95% CI 1.31–1.49) per 5 years older], hepatitis B virus coinfection [RR 5.66 (95% CI 3.87–8.28)] and hepatitis C virus coinfection [RR 9.26 (95% CI 6.04–14.2)].

Conclusions

In persons not yet receiving cART, a more severe degree of immunodeficiency rather than higher HIV RNA levels appears to be associated with an increased risk of our composite non‐AIDS‐related endpoint. Larger studies are needed to address these associations for individual non‐AIDS‐related events.
Optimum Soil Water Content for Chickpea Emergence in Heavy‐Textured Soils of North‐West Bangladesh
Authors: Vance W. H. , Bell R. W. , Johansen C.
Published: January 2015

Sowing of chickpea in the heavy‐textured soils of north‐west Bangladesh with minimum tillage technology aims to increase the timely planting of large areas during a relatively short sowing window before soil water deficit limits germination and emergence. However, the seedbed conditions into which chickpea is sown need to be better quantified, so that limiting factors which affect germination and emergence can be identified. Two of the soil physical characteristics of importance are soil water and aeration. Growth cabinet studies have identified the fastest germination and emergence of chickpea on representative soils for this area at gravimetric water contents of 17–18 %, whilst soil water contents above and below this delayed germination and emergence. Emergence was recorded at soil water potentials between field capacity (−10 kPa) and wilting point (−1500 kPa). Emergence was possible at lower soil water potentials in the finer textured soil, whilst in coarser textured soil, emergence was still possible at higher soil water potentials.
Fabrication and Upconversion Luminescent Properties of Er3+‐Doped and Er3+/Yb3+ Codoped La2O2CN2 Nanofibers
Authors: Guo Xiaomin , Yu Wensheng , Dong Xiangting , Wang Jinxian , Ma Qianli , Liu Guixia , Yang Ming
Published: January 2015

La2O2CN2:Er3+and La2O2CN2:Er3+/Yb3+ upconversion (UC) luminescence nanofibers were successfully fabricated via cyanamidation of the respective relevant La2O3:Er3+ and La2O3:Er3+/Yb3+ nanofibers which were obtained by calcining the electrospun composite nanofibers. The morphologies, structures, and properties of the nanofibers are investigated. The mean diameters of La2O2CN2:Er3+ and La2O2CN2:Er3+/Yb3+ nanofibers are 179.46 ± 12.58 nm and 198.85 ± 17.07 nm, respectively. It is found that intense green and weak red emissions around 524, 542, and 658 nm corresponding to the 2H11/2→4I15/2, 4S3/2→4I15/2, and 4F9/2→4Il5/2 energy levels transitions of Er3+ ions are observed for La2O2CN2:Er3+ and La2O2CN2:Er3+/Yb3+ nanofibers under the excitation of a 980‐nm diode laser. Moreover, the emitting colors of La2O2CN2:Er3+ and La2O2CN2:Er3+/Yb3+ nanofibers are all located in the green region. The upconversion luminescent mechanism and formation mechanism of the nanofibers are also proposed.
Outcomes of regenerative treatment with rhPDGF‐BB and rhFGF‐2 for periodontal intra‐bony defects: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Khoshkam Vahid , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Lin Guo‐Hao , Mailoa James , Giannobile William V. , Wang Hom‐Lay , Oh Tae‐Ju
Published: January 2015

Background

The aim was to evaluate the effects of recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (rhPDGF‐BB) and recombinant human fibroblast growth factor‐2 (rhFGF‐2) on treating periodontal intra‐bony defects, compared to the control (carrier alone).

Methods

Electronic and hand searches were performed to identify eligible studies. The weighed mean differences of linear defect fill (LDF), probing depth (PD) reduction, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain and gingival recession (GR) were calculated using random effect meta‐analysis.

Results

The searches yielded 1018 articles, of which seven studies were included. Only one included study was considered at low risk of bias. The outcomes that reached statistical significance in comparison to carriers alone included: LDF (0.95 mm, 95% CI: 0.62–1.28 mm or 20.17%, 95% CI: 11.81–28.54%) and CAL gain (0.34 mm, 95% CI: 0.03–0.65 mm) for PDGF, and LDF (21.22%, 95% CI: 5.82–36.61%) for FGF‐2.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this review, rhPDGF‐BB demonstrated significantly more LDF and CAL gain; rhFGF‐2 resulted in significantly higher percentage of LDF.
Radio‐telemetry shows differences in the behaviour of wild and hatchery‐reared European grayling Thymallus thymallus in response to environmental variables
Authors: Horká P. , Horký P. , Randák T. , Turek J. , Rylková K. , Slavík O.
Published: January 2015

Juvenile wild and hatchery‐reared European grayling Thymallus thymallus were tagged with radio‐transmitters and tracked in the Blanice River, River Elbe catchment, Czech Republic, to study their behavioural response to stocking and environmental variation. Both wild and hatchery‐reared T. thymallus increased their diel movements and home range with increasing light intensity, flow, temperature and turbidity, but the characteristics of their responses differed. Environmental variables influenced the movement of wild T. thymallus up to a specific threshold, whereas no such threshold was observed in hatchery‐reared T. thymallus. Hatchery‐reared fish displayed greater total migration distance over the study period (total migration) than did wild fish, which was caused mainly by their dispersal in the downstream direction.
Proteomic analysis of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus Streptococcus agalactiae strains with different genotypes and serotypes
Authors: Li L. , Shi Y. , Wang R. , Huang T. , Liang W. , Luo H. , Gan X. , Huang W. , Li J. , Lei A. , Chen M.
Published: January 2015

Nine tilapia Oreochromis niloticus group B streptococcus (GBS) strains differing in serotype and genotype were selected and paired. Two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE) and matrix‐assisted laser‐desorption ionization time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) were used to analyse the protein profiles of the strain pairs. Forty‐three proteins corresponding to 66 spots were identified, of which 35 proteins were found in the seven selected strain pairs that represented pairs differing in genotype and serotype. Among the 35 proteins, numbers of differentially expressed proteins in strains of different serotypes were greater than found in strains of different genotypes, suggesting that serotype plays a more essential role than genotype in the differential protein expression among GBS strains. No distinct pattern was found with respect to genotype and the protein expression profile of GBS strains. Several proteins were identified as surface‐associated cytoplasmic proteins that possessed the typical immunity‐eliciting characteristics of surface proteins. The identified proteins were found to be involved in 16 biological processes and seven Kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways. The data, for the first time, identified differentially expressed proteins in O. niloticus GBS strains of different serotypes, which play a major role in immunogenicity of O. niloticus GBS than does genotype, offering further information for design of a vaccine against O. niloticus GBS.
3D and 2D structural characterization of 1D Al/Al2O3 biphasic nanostructures
Authors: MIRÓ M. MARTINEZ , VEITH M. , LEE J. , SOLDERA F. , MÜCKLICH F. , BENNEWITZ R. , AKTAS C.
Published: January 2015

1D Al/Al2O3 nanostructures have been synthesized by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of the molecular precursor [tBuOAlH2]2. The deposited nanostructures grow chaotically on the substrate forming a layer with a high porosity (80%). Depending on the deposition time, diverse nanostructured surfaces with different distribution densities were achieved. A three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction has been evaluated for every nanostructure density using the Focus Ion Beam (FIB) tomography technique and reconstruction software tools. Several structural parameters such as porosity, Euler number, geometrical tortuosity and aspect ratio have been quantified through the analysis with specified software of the reconstructions. Additionally roughness of the prepared surfaces has been characterized at micro‐ and nanoscale using profilometry and AFM techniques, respectively. While high aspects ratio around 20–30 indicates a strong anisotropy in the structure, high porosity values (around 80%) is observed as a consequence of highly tangled geometry of such 1D nanostructures.
Array tomography: characterizing FAC‐sorted populations of zebrafish immune cells by their 3D ultrastructure
Authors: WACKER IRENE , CHOCKLEY PETER , BARTELS CAROLIN , SPOMER WALDEMAR , HOFMANN ANDREAS , GENGENBACH ULRICH , SINGH SACHIN , THALER MARLENE , GRABHER CLEMENS , SCHRÖDER RASMUS R.
Published: January 2015

For 3D reconstructions of whole immune cells from zebrafish, isolated from adult animals by FAC‐sorting we employed array tomography on hundreds of serial sections deposited on silicon wafers. Image stacks were either recorded manually or automatically with the newly released ZEISS Atlas 5 Array Tomography platform on a Zeiss FEGSEM. To characterize different populations of immune cells, organelle inventories were created by segmenting individual cells. In addition, arrays were used for quantification of cell populations with respect to the various cell types they contained. The detection of immunological synapses in cocultures of cell populations from thymus or WKM with cancer cells helped to identify the cytotoxic nature of these cells. Our results demonstrate the practicality and benefit of AT for high‐throughput ultrastructural imaging of substantial volumes.
Oral‐specific ablation of Klf4 disrupts epithelial terminal differentiation and increases premalignant lesions and carcinomas upon chemical carcinogenesis
Authors: Paparella María L. , Abrigo Marianela , Bal de Kier Joffe Elisa , Raimondi Ana R.
Published: January 2015

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) of the head and neck is the sixth most common cancer and is rarely diagnosed in early stages. The transcription factor Krϋppel‐like factor 4 (Klf4) suppresses cell proliferation and promotes differentiation. Inducible mice carrying an oral‐specific ablation of Klf4 (K14‐CreERtam/Klf4flox/flox) develop mild dysplastic lesions and abnormal differentiation in the tongue. Aiming to analyze whether Klf4 cooperate in oral chemical carcinogenesis,we applied 4‐nitroquinoline 1‐oxide (4NQO), a tobacco surrogate, to this conditional Klf4 knockout mice.

Methods

K14‐CreERtam/Klf4flox/flox and control mice were treated with 4NQO for 16 weeks and monitored until week 30. Histopathological samples were used for diagnostic purposes and immunofluorescence detection of epithelial differentiation markers.

Results

4NQO‐treated K14‐CreERtam/Klf4flox/flox mice (Klf4KO 4NQO) showed a significant weight loss and developed more severe dysplastic lesions than control mice with 4NQO (P < 0.005). The Klf4KO 4NQO showed a tendency to higher incidence of oral SCC and a marked keratinization pattern in dysplasias, in situ carcinomas and SCC. Also, tongues derived from Klf4KO 4NQO mice exhibited reduced terminal differentiation as judged by cytokeratin 1 staining when compared with 4NQO‐treated controls.

Conclusions

Klf4 ablation results in more severe dysplastic lesions in oral mucosa, with a tendency to higher incidence of SCC, after chemical carcinogenesis. We show here, in a context similar to the human carcinogenesis, that absence of Klf4 accelerates carcinogenesis and correlates with the absence of cytokeratin 1 expression. These results suggest a potential role for KLF4 as a tumor suppressor gene for the tongue epithelium.
Generation and characterization of soluble interleukin-33 receptor fused with immunoglobulin gamma-1 constant domain expressed by P
ichia pastoris yeast
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao , Truong Thi Hoang Dieu , Le Gia Bao , Duong Hoa Xo , Nguyen Quoc Binh , Nguyen Dang Quan
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Interleukin (IL)-33 is a novel member of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 family, which plays an important role in the immune response. IL-33 was proved to involve in many inflammatory and allergic diseases, thus the inhibition of this cytokine may be a promising treatment for these diseases. Arms of the study were to generate mouse soluble IL-33 receptor fused with human IgG1 Fc domain (msIL33R-Fc) expressed by Pichia pastoris yeast and to characterize the IL-33 inhibitory activity of this protein.

Methods

Clone of P. pastoris expressing msIL33R-Fc was established and the recombinant protein was harvested from culture supernatant by protein A sepharose beads. Recombinant msIL33R-Fc was analysed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting and activity of the protein was investigated using the immunoprecipitation and the bio-assay on EL-4 cells.

Key findings

P . pastoris-derived msIL33R-Fc was expressed as a glyco-protein and perhaps in dimeric form. The glycosylation of protein expressed by P. pastoris yeast was more intensive and more heterogeneous compared with the counterpart protein expressed from HEK293 cells. Similar to HEK293-derived protein, msIL33R-Fc from P. pastoris was able to capture IL-33 and to interfere with the interaction between IL-33 and IL-33R in in-vitro condition. In IL-33-stimulated EL-4 cell bio-assay, P. pastoris-derived msIL33R-Fc suppressed IL-33 activity similarly as HEK293-derived msIL33R-Fc did.

Conclusions

P . pastoris yeast can express and secrete bio-functional fusion protein sIL33R-Fc IgG1 and this expression system may be beneficial in future studies on the fusion protein.
Glycerol‐3‐phosphate metabolism plays a role in stress response in the red alga Pyropia haitanensis
Authors: Lai Xiao‐Juan , Yang Rui , Luo Qi‐Jun , Chen Juan‐Juan , Chen Hai‐Min , Yan Xiao‐Jun
Published: January 2015

Glycerol‐3‐phosphate (G3P) has been suggested as a novel regulator of plant defense signaling, however, its role in algal resistance remains largely unknown. The glycerol kinase (also designated as NHO1) and NAD‐dependent G3P dehydrogenase (GPDH) are two key enzymes involved in the G3P biosynthesis. In our study, we cloned the full‐length cDNA of NHO1 (NHO1Ph) and GPDH (GPDHPh) from the red alga Pyropia haitanensis (denoted as NHO1Ph and GPDHPh) and examined their expression level under flagellin peptide 22 (flg22) stimulation or heat stress. We also measured the level of G3P and floridoside (a downstream product of G3P in P. haitanensis) under flg22 stimulation or heat stress. Both NHO1Ph and GPDHPh shared high sequence identity and structural conservation with their orthologs from different species, especially from red algae. Phylogenetic analysis showed that NHO1s and GPDHs from red algae were closely related to those from animals. Under flg22 stimulation or heat stress, the expression levels of NHO1Ph and GPDHPh were up‐regulated, G3P levels increased, and the contents of floridoside decreased. But the floridoside level increased in the recovery period after heat stress. Taken together, we found that G3P metabolism was associated with the flg22‐induced defense response and heat stress response in P. haitanensis, indicating the general conservation of defense response in angiosperms and algae. Furthermore, floridoside might also participate in the stress resistance of P. haitanensis.
Effect of omega 3 fatty acids plus low‐dose aspirin on both clinical and biochemical profiles of patients with chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes: a randomized double blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Elwakeel N. M. , Hazaa H. H.
Published: January 2015

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was, first, to investigate the effect of omega 3 (ω3) fatty acids plus low‐dose aspirin with closed debridement in the treatment of patients with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and second, to estimate the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐3 (MCP‐3) in response to the supposed modulatory therapy.

Material and Methods

Forty patients with chronic periodontitis and type 2 DM were equally divided into groups 1 (patients received ω3 plus low‐dose aspirin for 6 mo) and 2 (patients received placebo during the same period). Evaluation was done clinically (pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, gingival index and plaque index) and biochemically by estimating levels of interleukin 1β and MCP‐3 in gingival crevicular fluid, plus investigating the effect of treatment on glycemic control by levels of glycated hemoglobin A1c in serum. All data were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 mo after treatment.

Results

Subjects of group 1 showed a highly significant reduction in pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, gingival index (p ≤ 0.01) after 3 and 6 mo compared to group 2. Glycated hemoglobin A1c levels showed a reduction in both groups at the end of the study period, with a non‐significant difference (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the treatment protocol showed a significant reduction in levels of MCP‐3 and interleukin 1β at 3 and 6 mo compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions

Within the limits of the present study, ω3 plus low‐dose aspirin proved effective as an adjunct to closed periodontal therapy in the management of patients with periodontitis and type 2 DM. Moreover, MCP‐3 was proven to be effective both in the pathogenesis of the disease and as a biomarker in evaluating the response to periodontal treatment.
Predictive value of plasma neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin for acute kidney injury in intensive care unit patients after major non‐cardiac surgery
Authors: Shum Hoi‐Ping , Leung Natalie Yuk‐Wah , Chang Li‐Li , Tam Oi‐Yan , Kwan Arthur Ming‐Chit , Chan King‐Chung , Yan Wing‐Wa , Chan Tak Mao
Published: January 2015

Aim

The performance of plasma neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (pNGAL) for prediction of acute kidney injury (AKI) in non‐cardiac surgical patients has not been well described. This study investigates the use of pNGAL for early detection of AKI in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) after major or ultra‐major non‐cardiac surgery.

Methods

A total of 151 patients were recruited. Blood samples at 0 h and 6 h post‐ICU admission were collected. Primary outcome was occurrence of AKI within 48 h of ICU admission defined using Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) classification.

Results

Forty‐five (29.8%) patients developed AKI within 48 h of ICU admission. Among them, 22, 14, and nine were classified as AKIN Stage 1, 2, and 3 respectively. pNGAL levels at 0 h and 6 h were significantly related to AKI severity. The AUROC for pNGAL at 0 h and 6 h increased with AKI severity (AKIN stage ≥1 0.671 ± 0.048 and 0.691 ± 0.047; stage ≥2 0.737 ± 0.055 and 0.796 ± 0.048; stage 3 0.829 ± 0.072 and 0.860 ± 0.065, respectively) and requirement of renal replacement therapy (0.880 ± 0.059 & 0.837 ± 0.088). Change of pNGAL from 0 h to 6 h showed no advantage in predictive power compared with pNGAL level at 0 h or 6 h alone. The addition of pNGAL into clinical AKI prediction model could only provide marginal benefit.

Conclusion

pNGAL correlated with severity of AKI and requirement of renal replacement therapy in ICU patients who received major or ultra‐major non‐cardiac surgery. However, the benefit of adding pNGAL into clinical AKI prediction model is marginal.
Assessing assumptions of a combined structure‐function index
Authors: Swanson William H. , Horner Douglas G.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Medeiros et al. developed a combined structure‐function index for glaucoma by combining two ganglion cell models developed by Harwerth et al. The current study assessed assumptions of the Medeiros combined structure‐function index by evaluating whether the two Harwerth models gave similar distributions of ganglion cells in an independent dataset.

Methods

The Harwerth models were applied to our previously published data for retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness (Stratus OCT 3.4) and visual field sensitivities (24‐2 SITA Standard) from one eye each of 51 patients with glaucoma and 62 age‐similar control subjects free of eye disease. RNFL thicknesses and perimetric sensitivities were converted to ganglion cell numbers using the Harwerth model for perimetry and the Harwerth model for RNFL. These two estimates of ganglion cell number were compared for the inferior temporal (IT) and superior temporal (ST) sectors of the optic disc and the corresponding visual field locations. Comparisons were made with 14 visual field locations per sector (including a point in the macula for the inferior temporal sector) and with 13 locations (no point in the macula). Data for controls and patients were analysed separately, comparing mean values for RNFL perimetry models. Bonferroni correction was applied to control for repeated tests of significance. The difference between mean values for the RNFL and perimetry models was quantified by equating the means for controls through reduction of the assumed axon diameter used by the RNFL model.

Results

For the control group, the Harwerth RNFL model yielded smaller mean number of retinal ganglion cells than the Harwerth perimetry model, 23–47% lower (t > 13, p < 0.0001). This corresponded to mean axon diameters from 0.48 to 0.69 μm, with the smallest axons when the 14th location in the macula was included. With these new axon diameters, estimates of ganglion cell numbers for patients were still lower than for the RNFL model, by 19–28% (t > 6.5, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The Harwerth RNFL model consistently gave lower ganglion cell numbers than the Harwerth perimetry model, and this discordance persisted in patients even after reducing assumed axon diameter for controls. This finding contradicts the assumptions of the Medeiros structure‐function index.
Life in proto‐Amazonia: Middle Miocene mammals from the Fitzcarrald Arch (Peruvian Amazonia)
Authors: Tejada‐Lara Julia V. , Salas‐Gismondi Rodolfo , Pujos François , Baby Patrice , Benammi Mouloud , Brusset Stéphane , De Franceschi Dario , Espurt Nicolas , Urbina Mario , Antoine Pierre‐Olivier
Published: January 2015

The Middle Miocene has been identified as a time of great diversification in modern lineages now distributed in tropical South America, and when basic archetypal traits defining Amazonia appear, including climatic humid conditions, basic floral physiognomy and phylogenetic composition of modern rainforests. Nonetheless, Middle Miocene localities in South America are poorly known, especially at low latitudes where only one species‐rich locality, La Venta in Colombia, has been extensively studied. The present contribution describes the mammal fauna of Fitzcarrald, a new Middle Miocene local fauna from western Amazonia in Peru. Fitzcarrald is correlated with the Laventan South American Land Mammal Age based on the presence of taxa defining the ‘Miocochiliusassemblage zone’ in La Venta. The mammalian fauna of Fitzcarrald comprises 24 taxa among cingulates, folivores, astrapotheres, notoungulates, litopterns, rodents, odontocetes and a possible marsupial. At this time, tropical South America was characterized by the presence of the Pebas megawetland, a huge lacustrine complex that provided unique ecological and environmental conditions most likely isolating northern South America from southern South America. These isolating conditions might have come to an end with its disappearance in the Late Miocene and the establishment of the subsequent Acre system, the predecessor fluvial system of modern Amazonia. Results of faunistic similarity between Fitzcarrald and other Miocene faunas throughout South America support these scenarios. The Fitzcarrald mammal fauna exhibits first appearance datums and last appearance datums of various taxa, showing that tropical South America has played a crucial role in the evolutionary history and biogeography of major clades, and revealing a more complex biological history than previously proposed, based on the record from the southern cone of the continent.