bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hedgehog pathway proteins SMO and GLI expression as prognostic markers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Richtig Georg , Aigelsreiter Alena M , Asslaber Martin , Weiland Thomas , Pichler Martin , Eberhard Katharina , Sygulla Stephan , Schauer Silvia , Hoefler Gerald , Aigelsreiter Ariane 
Published: March 2019

AimsBecause the hedgehog signalling pathway plays a major role in many types of cancer and can nowadays be targeted by specific compounds, we aimed to investigate the role of this pathway in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.Methods and resultsNinety‐eight treatment‐naive head and neck cancer specimens were immunohistologically stained for SMO, GLI‐1, p53 and p16 expression and correlated with clinicopathological factors. Immunoreactivity for SMO and GLI‐1 was found in 20 (20.4%) and 52 (53.1%) cases of tumours, respectively. SMO expression correlated with GLI‐1 expression (ρ = 0.258, P = 0.010) in univariate and multivariate analysis (P = 0.007, t = 2.81). In univariate analysis, high SMO expression was associated with shorter overall survival (HR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.32–0.98; P = 0.044) and disease‐free survival (HR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.30–0.95; P = 0.034). In multivariate cox regression analysis SMO expression showed a trend towards an independent predictor for shorter overall survival (HR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.30–1.05; P = 0.072) and disease‐free survival (HR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.28–1.02; P = 0.056). In head and neck cancer patients with low tumour p16 expression, SMO expression was an independent factor for overall survival (HR = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.24–0.98; P = 0.043) and disease‐free survival (HR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.22‐0.96; P = 0.037).ConclusionAlthough it needs to be confirmed in larger cohorts, our results suggest that targeting SMO might be a potentially therapeutic option in patients with head and neck cancer. In line, molecular pathological analyses including mutation analysis in the hedgehog pathway might point to additional therapeutic leads.
Purchasing environmentally sustainable apparel: The attitudes and intentions of female Kuwaiti consumers
Authors: Albloushy Hayat , Hiller Connell Kim Y. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to examine relationships among knowledge, environmental concern, attitudes about environmentally sustainable apparel (ESA) and ESA purchasing behaviours of Kuwaiti women. This was accomplished by surveying 236 participants using four preexisting scales, measuring knowledge about the impact of manufacturing apparel and textile products on the environment, levels of concern about environmental degradation, feelings about clothing that is environmentally sustainable and ESA purchase intentions. Data analysis determined several findings. First, female Kuwaiti nationals showed a low level of knowledge about the environmental impacts of the apparel and textile industry. The participants also held neutral attitudes of environmental concern and neutral attitudes towards ESA. Finally, despite their knowledge and attitudes, the participants did have positive intentions to purchase ESA in the future. To produce, market and sell ESA effectively in Kuwait, the conclusions from this study are important for manufacturers and retailers of ESA products. Kuwait provides a large market for apparel goods and this study is a contribution to a better understanding of consumers and ESA in that market.
Overcoming the psychological barriers to energy conservation behaviour: The influence of objective and subjective environmental knowledge
Authors: Dursun İnci , Tümer Kabadayı Ebru , Tuğer Ahmet Tuğrul 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEnergy conservation is a crucial aspect of responsible consumption which is the reflection of individual efforts for sustainability. However, especially young consumers are reluctant to reduce their energy consumption despite their pro‐environmental attitudes. Resistance to behavioural change can be attributed to various psychological barriers that help consumer to avoid engaging in pro‐environmental actions. In this context, the first aim of the study is to extend the theoretical and empirical evidence regarding impeding effects of psychological barriers on individual energy conservation behaviour. Secondly, the study investigates the alleviating role of environmental knowledge on those barriers that limit energy conservation. Proposed impeding effects of objective and subjective environmental knowledge on various denial mechanisms, which are in turn expected to hinder energy conservation, were tested using the survey data collected from young Turkish consumers. Results suggest that denial mechanisms hinder young consumers’ energy conservation behaviour indirectly through diminishing feelings of moral obligations. Moreover, it was found that objective environmental knowledge's effect can be used to break down the psychological barriers and to facilitate the change towards more sustainable energy consumption patterns. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Evaluation of an automated algorithm for interpretation of lupus anticoagulant testing
Authors: Florin Lisa , Desloovere Maxime , Devreese Katrien M. J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionLupus anticoagulant (LAC) testing is a multistep procedure including screening, mixing, and confirmation tests. STA Coag Expert is a software module for STA R Max and STA Compact Max analyzers which includes an on‐demand LAC algorithm, based on ISTH guidelines, for automatic interpretation, calculation, and launch of assays in LAC interpretation (“Stago coag algorithm”).Materials and methodsOne hundred ninety four patient samples were analyzed in parallel and interpreted manually and automatically by LAC algorithms. LAC algorithms use identical flowcharts and cutoff values as in daily practice. Differently, it only uses index of circulating anticoagulant (ICA), whereas in routine also normalized ratios were assessed for interpretation of mixing tests. Interpretation of dRVVT and aPTT pathways and final conclusions were compared between both approaches.ResultsCompared to routine interpretation, LAC algorithm showed a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 100% for LAC detection, when discrepancies due to measured clotting times between both analyzers were excluded. Three false negatives were due to different interpretation of dRVVT mixing test. Discrepancies in interpretation of the aPTT mixing test (n = 11) did not result in discrepant final LAC result, all having negative confirmation tests. No false positives were observed. With LAC algorithm, hands‐on time reduced from 200 to 80 minutes.ConclusionThe LAC algorithm of the STA Coag Expert shows good comparability to the manual interpretation of LAC and may be used to assist laboratories in automatic launching of additional tests and in interpretation of LAC according to ISTH guidelines. This way the STA Coag Expert LAC algorithm may improve interlaboratory and STA comparability of LAC results.
Morphology, shape variation and movement of skeletal elements in starfish (Asterias rubens)
Authors: Schwertmann Lena , Focke Oliver , Dirks Jan‐Henning 
Published: March 2019

AbstractStarfish (order: Asteroidea) possess a complex endoskeleton composed of thousands of calcareous ossicles. These ossicles are embedded in a body wall mostly consisting of a complex collagen fiber array. The combination of soft and hard tissue provides a challenge for detailed morphological and histological studies. As a consequence, very little is known about the general biomechanics of echinoderm endoskeletons and the possible role of ossicle shape in enabling or limiting skeletal movements. In this study, we used high‐resolution X‐ray microscopy to investigate individual ossicle shape in unprecedented detail. Our results show the variation of ossicle shape within ossicles of marginal, reticular and carinal type. Based on these results we propose an additional classification to categorize ossicles not only by shape but also by function into ‘connecting’ and ‘node’ ossicles. We also used soft tissue staining with phosphotungstic acid successfully and were able to visualize the ossicle ultrastructure at 2‐μm resolution. We also identified two new joint types in the aboral skeleton (groove‐on‐groove joint) and between adambulacral ossicles (ball‐and‐socket joint). To demonstrate the possibilities of micro‐computed tomographic methods in analyzing the biomechanics of echinoderm skeletons we exemplarily quantified changes in ossicle orientation for a bent ray for ambulacral ossicles. This study provides a first step for future biomechanical studies focusing on the interaction of ossicles and soft tissues during ray movements.
Comparison of indirect peroxidase and avidin‐biotin‐peroxidase complex (ABC) immunohistochemical staining procedures for c‐fos in rat brain
Authors: Butler Jae L. , Barham Beverly J. , Heidenreich Byron A. 
Published: March 2019

Abstractc‐Fos is the product of a gene expressed within neurons in the brain that serves as an anatomical marker of cellular activation. Immunohistochemical staining for c‐fos allows a characterization of the effects of many different types of experimental manipulations on neuronal activity, making it a powerful technique for understanding brain, drug and behavior relationships. This study compared visualization of an anti‐c‐fos primary antibody in 40‐μm‐thick cryostat sections of formaldehyde‐fixed rat brainstem using either a peroxidase enzyme‐conjugated secondary antibody (indirect peroxidase) or the peroxidase‐conjugated avidin‐biotin complex (ABC) method. All sections were treated with H2O2 to quench endogenous peroxidase enzyme and sodium borohydride to enhance permeability of the tissue and improve staining quality. Every other section was used to examine either the indirect peroxidase or the ABC method. Sections for the indirect peroxidase method were treated with Triton X‐100 detergent to increase tissue permeability, goat serum to reduce non‐specific binding of the secondary antibody and, in some cases, bovine serum albumin (BSA) to reduce non‐specific binding of the primary antibody. Sections for the ABC method were treated with dilute normal serum, and avidin and biotin solutions and, in some cases BSA. Alternate sections were incubated for 72 h in either rabbit anti‐c‐fos primary antibody (1 : 20 000) or its vehicle (negative control). For the indirect peroxidase protocol, tissues were treated with peroxidase‐conjugated goat anti‐rabbit secondary antibody. For the ABC protocol, tissues were treated with biotinylated goat anti‐rabbit secondary antibody and ABC peroxidase complex. All sections were reacted with 3,3′‐diaminobenzadine (DAB) and H2O2, mounted and coverslipped. Both methods produced specific staining of c‐fos‐containing neurons, relative to the negative control sections. The indirect peroxidase protocol produced clear staining of c‐fos‐containing neurons, with very little background in the negative control sections. Staining for c‐fos was enhanced using the ABC method in that c‐fos stained neurons were darker and more clearly visible after shorter treatment with DAB. However, negative control sections showed a greater amount of non‐specific staining with the ABC method. Thus, the ABC method was more sensitive but showed reduced specificity, with BSA treatment slightly reducing the level of non‐specific staining. Overall, the ABC method produced better visualization and contrast of c‐fos‐containing neurons against the background color of the tissue.
A leaf‐level biochemical model simulating the introduction of C2 and C4 photosynthesis in C3 rice: gains, losses and metabolite fluxes
Authors: Bellasio Chandra , Farquhar Graham D. 
Published: March 2019

Summary

This work aims at developing an adequate theoretical basis for comparing assimilation of the ancestral C3 pathway with CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCM) that have evolved to reduce photorespiratory yield losses.

We present a novel model for C3, C2, C2 + C4 and C4 photosynthesis simulating assimilatory metabolism, energetics and metabolite traffic at the leaf level. It integrates a mechanistic description of light reactions to simulate ATP and NADPH production, and a variable engagement of cyclic electron flow. The analytical solutions are compact and thus suitable for larger scale simulations. Inputs were derived with a comprehensive gas‐exchange experiment.

We show trade‐offs in the operation of C4 that are in line with ecophysiological data. C4 has the potential to increase assimilation over C3 at high temperatures and light intensities, but this benefit is reversed under low temperatures and light.

We apply the model to simulate the introduction of progressively complex levels of CCM into C3 rice, which feeds > 3.5 billion people. Increasing assimilation will require considerable modifications such as expressing the NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase‐like complex and upregulating cyclic electron flow, enlarging the bundle sheath, and expressing suitable transporters to allow adequate metabolite traffic. The simpler C2 rice may be a desirable alternative.
Predicting serious bacterial infection in febrile young infants utilizing body temperature
Authors: Nomura Osamu , Ihara Takateru , Sakakibara Hiroshi , Hirokoshi Yuho , Inoue Nobuaki 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundFebrile young infants have a high risk of serious infection. Although measuring vital sign parameters can serve as a rapid and effective assessment in these patients, their predictive value for serious bacterial infection (SBI) has not been fully investigated.MethodsThis retrospective observational study enrolled febrile (>38.0°C) infants aged <90 days at the time of presentation. Data from the emergency room triage database at Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center for the period 1 November 2011–30 November 2013, were reviewed. Variables included patient age, gender, and vital sign data, including body temperature, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, definitive diagnosis, and disposition.ResultsTwo hundred and sixty‐nine patients were included, with a mean age of 55 days, and 158 (58.7%) were male. Of the total, 43 patients had an SBI. On logistic regression, body temperature ≥38.5°C (OR, 2.80; 95%CI: 1.37–5.74) was a significant predictor of SBI.ConclusionHigh‐grade fever was found to be a significant predictor of SBI in febrile young infants.
Improved detection and identification of the sudden oak death pathogenPhytophthora ramorumand the Port Orford cedar root pathogenPhytophthora lateralis
Authors: Feau N. , Ojeda D. I. , Beauseigle S. , Bilodeau G. J. , Brar A. , Cervantes‐Arango S. , Dale A. L. , Dhillon B. , Hammett C. , Herath P. , Shamoun S. F. , Tsui C. K. M. , Tanguay P. , Hamelin R. C. 
Published: March 2019

Early detection provides the best way to prevent introduction and establishment of alien plant pathogens. Amplification ofDNAbyPCRhas revolutionized the detection and monitoring of plant pathogens. Most of those assays rely on the amplification of a fraction of the genome of the targeted species. With the availability of whole genomes for a growing number of fungi and oomycetes it is becoming possible to compare genomes and discover regions that are unique to a target organism. This study has applied this pipeline to develop a set of hierarchical TaqMan real‐timePCRdetection assays targetingDNAof all fourPhytophthora ramorumlineages, and a closely related species,P. lateralis. Nine assays were generated: three targetingDNAof allP. ramorumlineages, one for each lineage ofP. ramorum, one forP. lateralisand one targetingDNAofP. ramorumandP. lateralis. These assays were very accurate and sensitive, ranging from 98.7% to 100% detection accuracy of 2–10 gene copies of the targeted taxa from pure cultures or inoculated tissues. This level of sensitivity is within the lowest theoretical limit of detection ofDNA. It is expected that these assays will be useful because of their high level of specificity and the ease with which they can be multiplexed because of the inherent flexibility in primer and probe design afforded by their lack of conservation in non‐target species.
Regional variations in exporters’ productivity premium: Theory and evidence
Authors: Okubo Toshihiro , Tomiura Eiichi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe international trade literature confirms that the average productivity of exporters is higher than that of nonexporters, while economic geography studies establish that urban firms tend to be more productive than rural ones. By introducing region‐specific transportation costs in a Melitz‐type heterogeneous‐firm trade model, the theory predicts that the minimum threshold productivity level for export is higher but that for survival by serving the local market is lower in the periphery region than in the core. Using Japanese plant‐level panel data, we find evidence supporting the theoretical prediction that exporters in the peripheral regions, especially those distant from the core, have large productivity premiums.
Assessing the efficacy and impact of management of an invasive species in a protected area: Poa annua on sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island
Authors: Williams L K , Sindel B M , Kristiansen P , Wilson S C , Shaw J D 
Published: March 2019

SummaryPlant eradication is difficult, particularly in remote, protected areas. The Southern Ocean Islands are very isolated and highly protected, but the flora contains many alien plants. Small restricted populations have been eradicated, but eradication of established species has proven difficult. A better understanding of the efficacy of control methods at sub‐Antarctic temperatures and their off‐target impacts may increase eradication success. With interest in controlling non‐native Poa annua in the region, we aimed to determine if physical and chemical methods can control P. annua (the sub‐Antarctic biotype) in sub‐Antarctic conditions and examined their impact on native plants. We quantified the effectiveness of physical control methods on P. annua in situ on sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island through field‐based experiments and assessed their selectivity on P. annua compared with native grasses. We also quantified the effectiveness of several herbicides on P. annua at sub‐Antarctic temperatures and assessed their selectivity on native grasses. Of the four physical disturbance methods tested, none effectively reduced P. annua cover as one‐off treatments. Of the herbicide treatments, glyphosate and trifloxysulfuron sodium were effective and were less damaging to native grass species, indicating potential selectivity. Physical control was of limited effectiveness, but did not affect native species richness. An integrated weed management programme utilising the strategic use of selective herbicides with follow‐up chemical and physical intervention may balance control and biodiversity outcomes. This research highlights the importance of site‐specific testing of control methods and understanding off‐target impacts of control when managing alien plant species in protected areas.
Risk factors for bacterial zoonotic pathogens in acutely febrile patients in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Authors: Berrian Amanda M. , Martínez‐López Beatriz , Quan Vanessa , Conrad Patricia A. , van Rooyen Jacques , Simpson Gregory J. G. , Frean John , Weyer Jacqueline , Rossouw Jennifer , Knobel Darryn , Blumberg Lucille 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEndemic zoonoses, such as Q fever and spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiosis, are prevalent in South Africa, yet often undiagnosed. In this study, we reviewed the demographics and animal exposure history of patients presenting with acute febrile illness to community health clinics in Mpumalanga Province to identify trends and risk factors associated with exposure to Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, and infection by SFG Rickettsia spp. Clinical and serological data and questionnaires elucidating exposure to animals and their products were obtained from 141 acutely febrile patients between 2012 and 2016. Exposure or infection status to C. burnetii and SFG Rickettsia spp. was determined by presence of IgG or IgM antibodies. Logistic regression models were built for risk factor analysis. Clinical presentation of patients infected by SFG rickettsiosis was described. There were 37/139 (27%) patients with a positive C. burnetii serology, indicative of Q fever exposure. Patients who had reported attending cattle inspection facilities (“dip tanks”) were 9.39 times more likely to be exposed to Q fever (95% CI: 2.9–30.4). Exposure risk also increased with age (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.002–1.06). Twenty‐one per cent of febrile patients (24/118) had evidence of acute infection by SFG Rickettsia spp. Similarly, attending cattle inspection facilities was the most significant risk factor (OR: 8.48, 95% CI: 1.58–45.60). Seropositivity of females showed a significant OR of 8.0 when compared to males (95% CI: 1.49–43.0), and consumption of livestock was associated with a decreased risk (OR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.001–0.54). A trend between domestic cat contact and SFG rickettsiosis was also noted, albeit borderline non‐significant. In this endemic region of South Africa, an understanding of risk factors for zoonotic pathogens, including exposure to domestic animals, can help clinic staff with diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic management of acutely febrile patients as well as identify target areas for education and prevention strategies.
Macaronesian islands as promoters of diversification in amphipods: The remarkable case of the family Hyalidae (Crustacea, Amphipoda)
Authors: Desiderato Andrea , Costa Filipe O. , Serejo Cristiana S. , Abbiati Marco , Queiroga Henrique , Vieira Pedro E. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe north‐east Atlantic (NEA) is an important and complex biogeographic region with a very rich marine fauna. However, little is known about the role of the Macaronesian islands in the evolutionary history and diversification of marine invertebrates in the NEA. Among the amphipods, the members of the family Hyalidae are particularly common and abundant in intertidal rocky shores of NEA. In this study, we aimed to investigate the genetic structure and diversity of seven hyalid species inhabiting the Macaronesian, European and Moroccan Atlantic coasts, with a focus on the genetic differentiation between island and Continental populations. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences of the cytochrome oxidase I gene, unravelled a very high level of hidden diversity, consisting of 26–32 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), the majority of them recorded in Macaronesian populations. Except for Apohyale stebbingi, all remaining MOTUs were in general allopatrically distributed, with a trend for segregation between islands and Continental populations on one side, but also for the occurrence of private MOTUs among islands. Results indicate distinct evolutionary and diversification patterns among Hyalidae species, but a strong separation between Continental and islands’ lineages appears to be a common feature to all of them. Apparently, the complex geomorphological history of the Macaronesian archipelagos served as an important promoter of extensive diversification of marine invertebrates in NEA, a phenomenon which only now starts to be fully appreciated through the use of molecular data.