bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining peripheral skin temperature: subjective versus objective measurements
Authors: Tse Jennifer , Rand Casey , Carroll Michael , Charnay Aaron , Gordon Samantha , Morales Briseyda , Vitez Sally , Le Michele , Weese‐Mayer Debra 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimDiseases that affect peripheral vasculature or neurological function can manifest with peripheral skin temperature abnormalities. This pilot study investigates the accuracy of current physical examination techniques and determines whether a hand‐held infrared device can be used to estimate peripheral skin temperature and detect temperature disparities.MethodsComparison between traditional physical examination of hands/feet by 30 healthcare professionals and a hand‐held infrared device was made in 12 individuals (ages 4–25 years; 5 with disorders affecting peripheral skin temperature). Thermal camera measurements served as the reference temperature for comparison.ResultsA total of 231 extremity examinations by healthcare professionals were analysed. Healthcare professionals correctly identified subjects with colder or warmer than normal peripheral temperature. Hand‐held device measurements were significantly different than reference measurements, with the size of the temperature difference diverging significantly between hands (1.20°C) and feet (0.78°C). When analysing temperature disparities, healthcare professionals identified fewer clinically significant disparities (≥3.0°C) than the hand‐held device (76% vs. 99%).ConclusionAlthough different from reference temperatures, the hand‐held infrared device provided a more accurate and objective method than traditional physical exam in identifying peripheral skin temperature asymmetries that may be related to chronic paediatric illness.
Protein tyrosine phosphatases receptor type D is a potential tumour suppressor gene inactivated by deoxyribonucleic acid methylation in paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Song Lei , Jiang Wen , Liu Wei , Ji Ju‐Hua , Shi Tai‐Feng , Zhang Jie , Xia Chun‐Qiu 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimProtein tyrosine phosphatases receptor type D (PTPRD) is a tumour suppressor gene, and its epigenetic silencing is frequently found in glioblastoma. As aberrant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation patterning has been shown to play a role in leukaemogenesis, we studied the promoter methylation, expression profiles and molecular functions of PTPRD in paediatric patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).MethodsBone marrow specimens were obtained from 32 Chinese patients with a mean age of 7.2 years (range 1.1–16.5). PTPRD and methylation status were evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and methylation‐specific PCR. Western blot and flow cytometry techniques were also used.ResultsPTPRD expression was decreased by promoter region methylation in six AML cells and methylated in 21 (65.6%) of the 32 samples. In addition, PTPRD expression could be induced by the DNA demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine. Furthermore, functional studies showed that overexpression of PTPRD in AML cells inhibited cell proliferation and clonogenicity as well as inducing apoptosis. However, PTPRD knockdown increased cell proliferation. These effects were associated with downregulation of cyclin D1, c‐myc and upregulation of Bax.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrated that PTPRD was a potential tumour suppressor gene inactivated by DNA methylation in paediatric AML.
Effects of different forages on the chemical compositions and antiosteoporotic activities of velvet antlers
Authors: Tseng Sung‐Hui , Chen Lih‐Geeng , Lai Ying‐Jang , Wang Kun‐Teng , Wang Ching‐Chiung 
Published: November 2015

AbstractFor this study, we aimed to assess the dose–response antiosteoporotic effects of the middle section of velvet antlers (VAs) from sika deers (Cervus nippon) fed with different types of fodders. VAs prepared from farmed sika deers fed with feed mixtures containing sorghum distillery residue (VA‐SDR) or without SDR (SDR replaced with hay, VA‐Hay) were divided into upper (VAU), middle (VAM) and basal (VAB) sections. The chemical constituents of the middle sections obtained from each VA type were compared, and their antiosteoporotic activities were evaluated using rats with ovaries removed surgically (ovariectomy, OVX). The VA‐Hay exhibited markedly increased iron and cysteine levels, whereas the VA‐SDR exhibited markedly increased level of alcoholic extract and testosterone. Both VA‐Hay‐ and VA‐SDR‐treated rats exhibited increased femur strength compared with the control group. However, VA‐SDR exhibited greater bone‐strengthening effects than did VA‐Hay. The serum osteocalcin and estradiol levels were significantly moderated in the VA‐Hay group alone. These results suggest that VA‐SDR and VA‐Hay prevent the loss of bone strength, and preserve trabecular architecture connectivity in an estrogen‐deficient state. However, differences in the chemical compositions of different forages may be responsible for the varying antiosteoporotic mechanisms observed. Thus, the addition of SDR in deer forage may enhance antiosteoporosis activity in VAs, and confer considerable economic and ecological benefits.
Correlated responses of respiratory disease and immune capacity traits of Landrace pigs selected for Mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine (MPS) lesion
Authors: Okamura Toshihiro , Maeda Kouki , Onodera Wataru , Kadowaki Hiroshi , Kojima‐Shibata Chihiro , Suzuki Eisaku , Uenishi Hirohide , Satoh Masahiro , Suzuki Keiichi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractFive generations of Landrace pigs selected for average daily gain, backfat thickness, Mycoplasmal pneumonia of swine (MPS) lesion score, and plasma cortisol levels, was executed to decrease the MPS lesion score. Genetic parameters and correlated genetic responses for respiratory disease and peripheral blood immune traits were estimated in 1395 Landrace pigs. We estimated the negative genetic correlation of MPS lesion score with phagocytic activity (PA) at 7 weeks of age (‐0.67). The breeding values of PA at 7 weeks of age and 105 kg body weight and the correlated selection response of the ratio of granular leukocytes to lymphocytes at 105 kg body weight were significantly increased, and sheep red blood cell‐specific antibody production (AP) was significantly decreased in a selection‐dependent manner. Increasing of natural immunological indicators (e.g. PA) and decreasing of humoral immunological indicator (e.g. AP) were observed due to genetically decreasing MPS lesion score.
Factors controlling stratal pattern and facies distribution of fluvio‐lacustrine sedimentation in the Sivas mini‐basins, Oligocene (Turkey)
Authors: Ribes Charlotte , Kergaravat Charlie , Crumeyrolle Philippe , Lopez Michel , Bonnel Cédric , Poisson André , Kavak Kaan S. , Callot Jean‐Paul , Ringenbach Jean‐Claude 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe Sivas Basin, located in the Central Anatolian Plateau of Turkey, is a foreland basin that records a complex interaction between sedimentation, salt tectonics and regional shortening during the Oligo‐Miocene leading to the formation of numerous mini‐basins. The Oligocene sedimentary infill of the mini‐basins consists of a thick continental succession, the Karayün Formation, comprising a vertical succession of three main sub‐environments: (i) playa‐lake, (ii) fluvial braided, and (iii) saline lacustrine. These sub‐environments are seen as forming a large Distributive Fluvial System (DFS) modified through time as a function of sediment supply and accommodation related to regional changes in climate and tectonic regime. Within neighbouring mini‐basins and despite a similar vertical stratigraphic succession, subtle variations in facies assemblages and thickness are observed in stratigraphic units of equivalent age, thus demonstrating the local control exerted by halokinesis. Stratigraphic and stratal patterns reveal in great detail the complex interaction between salt tectonics and sedimentation including different types of halokinetic structures such as hooks, wedges and halokinetic folds. The regional variations of accommodation/sediment supply led to coeval changes in the architectural patterns recorded in the mini‐basins. The type of accommodation regime produces several changes in the sedimentary record: (i) a regime dominated by regional accommodation limits the impact of halokinesis, which is recorded as very small variations in stratigraphic thickness and facies distribution within and between mini‐basins; (ii) a regime dominated by localized salt‐induced accommodation linked to the subsidence of each individual mini‐basin enhances the facies heterogeneity within the DFS, causing sharp changes in stratigraphic thickness and facies assemblages within and between mini‐basins.
The interleukin‐33 receptor ST2 is important for the development of peripheral airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in a house dust mite mouse model of asthma
Authors: Zoltowska A. M. , Lei Y. , Fuchs B. , Rask C. , Adner M. , Nilsson G. P. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundSeveral clinical and experimental studies have implicated IL‐33 and its receptor ST2 in the development of asthma. However, the effect of IL‐33/ST2 signalling on airway responses and inflammation in allergic asthma is not well established.ObjectiveTo investigate the role of IL‐33/ST2 signalling in promoting allergen‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway inflammation, antigen‐specific IgE production and mast cell activity in a mouse model of asthma.MethodsST2‐deficient (ST2−/−) mice and control BALB/c mice were given house dust mite (HDM) extract over a 6‐week period. Forty‐eight hours after the final HDM administration, lung function and airway inflammation were evaluated. Airway responsiveness was determined in the central airways and peripheral lung. Cellular infiltration and mast cell protease mMCP‐1 levels were quantified in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Recruitment of inflammatory cells and inflammatory cytokine profiles were assessed in pulmonary tissue, and HDM‐specific IgE was measured in serum.ResultsST2 deficiency diminished HDM‐induced AHR in the peripheral lung, while AHR in the central airways was unaffected. Inflammatory responses to HDM were also reduced in ST2−/− mice as reflected by the lower induction of HDM‐specific serum IgE, inhibition of HDM‐induced eosinophilia and reduced macrophage count in BALF, and a diminished influx of inflammatory cells and reduced goblet cell hyperplasia around the peripheral airways. Furthermore, the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐5, IL‐13, IL‐33, GM‐CSF, thymic stromal lymphopoietin and mast cell protease mMCP‐1 were reduced in HDM‐treated ST2−/− mice compared with wild‐type controls.ConclusionsIn addition to promoting Th2 inflammation, we now suggest a role for the IL‐33/ST2 pathway for the induction of peripheral inflammation and mucus production that causes AHR in the peripheral lung. This mechanism for inducing AHR at distal parts of the lung may be of specific importance as asthma is considered as a small airway disease.
T cell epitope immunotherapy ameliorates allergic responses in a murine model of shrimp allergy
Authors: Wai C. Y. Y. , Leung N. Y. H. , Leung P. S. C. , Chu K. H. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundShellfish allergy is one of the most common food hypersensitivities worldwide but allergen‐specific immunotherapy for shellfish allergy is not yet available. We believe that T cell peptide‐based immunotherapy holds the potential for modulating allergic responses without IgE cross‐linking.ObjectiveWe sought to identify the immunodominant T cell epitopes of tropomyosin, the major shrimp allergen of Metapenaeus ensis (Met e 1), and to evaluate their therapeutic effects in a Balb/c mouse model of Met e 1 hypersensitivity.MethodsT cell epitopes of Met e 1 were first identified based on the proliferation and cytokine responses of splenocytes isolated from Met e 1‐sensitized Balb/c mice upon stimulation by 18 synthetic peptides that span the full‐length Met e 1. The immunodominant T cell peptides identified were then fed orally to Met e 1‐sensitized Balb/c mice twice a week for four weeks. Allergic responses, serological antibody levels, intestinal histology and systemic and local cytokine profiles were compared between the treated and the untreated groups.ResultsSix major Met e 1 T cell epitopes were identified. Mice treated with the T cell epitope peptide mixture demonstrated an amelioration of systemic allergic symptoms and a significant reduction in Th2‐associated antibody and cytokine responses. These benefits were accompanied by a shift to a balanced Th1/Th2 response, induction of IgG2a antibodies possessing in vitro and in vivo blocking activities and the induction of regulatory T cell responses.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceT cell epitope‐based oral immunotherapy is effective in reducing allergic responses towards shrimp tropomyosin. This is a novel strategy for clinical management of shellfish allergy and is a model for mechanistic studies of oral immunotherapy.
Is Passive Syntax Semantically Constrained? Evidence From Adult Grammaticality Judgment and Comprehension Studies
Authors: Ambridge Ben , Bidgood Amy , Pine Julian M. , Rowland Caroline F. , Freudenthal Daniel 
Published: November 2015

AbstractTo explain the phenomenon that certain English verbs resist passivization (e.g., *£5 was cost by the book), Pinker (1989) proposed a semantic constraint on the passive in the adult grammar: The greater the extent to which a verb denotes an action where a patient is affected or acted upon, the greater the extent to which it is compatible with the passive. However, a number of comprehension and production priming studies have cast doubt upon this claim, finding no difference between highly affecting agent‐patient/theme‐experiencer passives (e.g., Wendy was kicked/frightened by Bob) and non‐actional experiencer theme passives (e.g., Wendy was heard by Bob). The present study provides evidence that a semantic constraint is psychologically real, and is readily observed when more fine‐grained independent and dependent measures are used (i.e., participant ratings of verb semantics, graded grammaticality judgments, and reaction time in a forced‐choice picture‐matching comprehension task). We conclude that a semantic constraint on the passive must be incorporated into accounts of the adult grammar.
Ventricular Twisting and Dyssynchrony in Children with Single Left Ventricle Using Three‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Imaging after the Fontan Operation
Authors: Zhong Shu‐Wen , Zhang Yu‐Qi , Chen Li‐Jun , Wang Shan‐Shan , Li Wei‐Hua , Sun Yan‐Jun 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundThe importance of left ventricular (LV) twisting has been recognized in various types of heart disease, but no studies have investigated twisting of functional single ventricle using echocardiography. This study aimed to evaluate LV twisting and dyssynchrony of children with single left ventricle (SLV) after the Fontan operation and explore the relationship between twisting motion and ventricular contractility using three‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging (3DSTI).MethodsThirty‐five children with SLV and 35 healthy children (controls) were enrolled. The patients were divided into wide and narrow QRS groups according to the QRS interval. Atrioventricular valve inflow velocity and tissue Doppler imaging velocity were obtained, and the Tei index was calculated. Apical rotation, basal rotation, twist, torsion, time to peak apical rotation, time to peak basal rotation, time to peak twist, apical–basal rotation delay, and the systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI) were measured by 3DSTI.ResultsPatients with SLV had significantly lower apical rotation (2.50 ± 2.25° vs. 4.85 ± 2.68°, P < 0.001), basal rotation (−3.46 ± 3.11° vs. −7.76 ± 2.11°, P < 0.001), twist (5.15 ± 4.75° vs. 12.19 ± 3.65°, P < 0.001), and torsion (1.04 ± 0.99°/cm vs. 2.37 ± 0.77°/cm, P < 0.001) compared to controls. Time to peak basal rotation, apical–basal rotation delay, and time to peak twist were significantly longer in patients. Apical rotation was significantly lower in the wide QRS group but similar in the narrow QRS group as compared to controls. Time to peak twist and apical–basal delay were significantly longer in the wide QRS group in contrast to the similar time in the narrow QRS group compared with controls. Among these twisting parameters, twist and torsion were most significantly correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), the Tei index, and SDI. Twist and age were significantly correlated.ConclusionTwisting is reduced in children with SLV after the Fontan operation. Torsion is a good indicator of LV global function because of good reproducibility and its lack of association with age.
Early Detection of Subclinical Uremic Cardiomyopathy Using Two‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Hassanin Noha , Alkemary Alkhateeb 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundOverhydration has a deleterious effect on cardio myocytes. This study was designated to evaluate left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with various stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) using conventional, tissue Doppler and two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE).MethodsForty controls and 90CKDpatients, aged 49.3 ± 14 years old, were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on their glomerular filtration rate. Group 1 (≥60 mL/min per 1.73 m2), group 2 (≤60 mL/min per 1.73 m2), and group 3 (≤60 mL/min per 1.73 m2and on regular dialysis for at least 12 months). Pulsed‐Doppler and tissue Doppler studies were used to estimateLVfilling pressure E/E′. Using 2DSTE, circumferential, radial, and longitudinal functions of theLVhave been measured.ResultsLV longitudinal systolic strain, early, and late diastolic strain rates were significantly reduced inCKDpatients (−16.9 ± 3.8%, 1.6 ± 0.5%, and 1.3 ± 0.4% inCKDvs. −22.5 ± 0.6%, 2.3 ± 0.2%, and 1.9 ± 0.1% in controls, P < 0.001 for all), and no difference was observed in terms of the circumferentialLVfunctions (−22.4 ± 1.7 vs. −22.5 ± 1.4, P = 0.567). Severity of the kidney dysfunction appears to parallel with the rise of E/E′ significantly (P < 0.001).ConclusionInCKD, although the longitudinal and radial systolic functions were reduced, LV ejection fraction may remain within normal limits due to the preservation of the circumferential functions. Early detection of uremic cardiomyopathy might provide useful information for the risk stratification and decide the proper dialysis therapy in these patients.
Twice‐daily therapeutical plasma exchange‐based salvage therapy in severe autoimmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: the French TMA Reference Center experience
Authors: Soucemarianadin Myriam , Benhamou Ygal , Delmas Yahsou , Pichereau Claire , Maury Eric , Pène Frédéric , Halimi Jean‐Michel , Presne Claire , Thouret Jean‐Marc , Veyradier Agnès , Coppo Paul 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundDaily therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and rituximab improved thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) prognosis. In the more severe cases, salvage therapies including twice‐daily TPE and/or cyclophosphamide may be proposed and require evaluation.MethodsTTP was defined as a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) with severe (<10%) acquired ADAMTS13 deficiency. Among patients included in the French Reference Center for TMA registry, we considered those with a severe disease (i.e., unresponsive to daily TPE and rituximab) who received twice‐daily TPE.ResultsNineteen of 289 (6.6%) patients with TTP were treated by twice‐daily TPE between 2008 and 2014. Twice‐daily TPE was associated with rituximab in 16 cases. The median duration of twice‐daily TPE treatment was 3 d (2–22 d). In 6 patients (31.6%), additional treatments (mainly pulses of cyclophosphamide) were performed because of a persistently refractory disease (4 cases) or an exacerbation (2 cases), despite twice‐daily TPE. Only one patient (5.3%) died. The other 18 achieved a durable complete remission 25.5 d (13–68 d) after the first TPE. The median follow‐up was 14.4 months (7 d–45 months).ConclusionsTwice‐daily TPE may be an efficient strategy in the more severe TTP patients with a short‐term life‐threatening disease that could overcome their poor prognosis.
Stochastic density effects on adult fish survival and implications for population fluctuations
Authors: Okamoto Daniel K. , Schmitt Russell J. , Holbrook Sally J. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe degree to which population fluctuations arise from variable adult survival relative to variable recruitment has been debated widely for marine organisms. Disentangling these effects remains challenging because data generally are not sufficient to evaluate if and how adult survival rates are regulated by stochasticity and/or population density. Using unique time series for a largely unexploited reef fish, we found both population density and stochastic food supply impacted adult survival. The estimated effect of variable survival on adult abundance (both mean and variability) rivalled that of variable recruitment. Moreover, we show density‐dependent adult survival can dampen impacts of stochastic recruitment. Thus, food variability may alter population fluctuations by simultaneously regulating recruitment and compensatory adult survival. These results provide an additional mechanism for why intensified density‐independent mortality (via harvest or other means) amplifies population fluctuations and emphasises need for research evaluating the causes and consequences of variability in adult survival.
Fructan, sucrose and related enzyme activities are preserved in timothy (Phleum pratenseL.) during wilting
Authors: Ould‐Ahmed M. , Decau M.‐L. , Morvan‐Bertrand A. , Prud'homme M. ‐P. , Lafrenière C. , Drouin P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractTimothy (Phleum pratenseL.) is an important forage grass used for pasture, hay and silage in regions with cool and humid growth seasons. Harvesting conditions could reduce its nutritive value, particularly with extended wilting periods. To understand how daytime or night‐time wilting influences the nutritive value of timothy, this study investigated the metabolism of non‐structural carbohydrates, including fructan and starch, together with total soluble protein and amino acid patterns in timothy plants harvested at two maturity stages (heading and anthesis) and wilted under controlled conditions for 24 h at two temperatures (15°C, 20°C) and two light regimes (darkness, light) by simulating different wilting management practices. Correlation analysis with the whole dataset showed that soluble protein, glucose and starch contents declined in plant tissues concomitantly with water loss, while amino acid, sucrose and fructose contents increased. Transient increase in amino acid content suggests that the decrease in protein content was due to proteolysis during wilting. Sucrose and fructose contents generally increased in plant tissues harvested at anthesis and wilted in light whereas they were unaffected in plants wilted in darkness. Fructan content remained stable. Fructan exohydrolase (FEH) and soluble acid invertase (INV) activities were well preserved during the first 12 h of wilting and might facilitate the fermentation process at the beginning of ensiling by supplying fructose from fructans and hexoses from sucrose to the fermentive bacteria.