bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Second‐Trimester Ultrasound as a Tool for Early Detection of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Montag Annika C. , Hull Andrew D. , Yevtushok Lyubov , Zymak‐Zakutnya Natalya , Sosyniuk Zoryana , Dolhov Viktor , Jones Kenneth Lyons , Wertelecki Wladimir , Chambers Christina D. ,   the CIFASD
Published: October 2016

BackgroundEarly detection of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) is desirable to allow earlier and more comprehensive interventions to be initiated for the mother and infant. We examined prenatal ultrasound as an early method of detecting markers of the physical features and neurobehavioral deficits characteristic of FASD.MethodsA longitudinal cohort of pregnant women in Ukraine was recruited as part of the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Women were enrolled into a moderately to heavy‐alcohol‐exposed group or a low‐ or no‐alcohol exposure group and were followed to pregnancy outcome. In the second trimester, a fetal ultrasound was performed to measure transverse cerebellar diameter, occipital frontal diameter (OFD), caval–calvarial distance, frontothalamic distance (FTD), interorbital distance (IOD), outer orbital diameter, and orbital diameter (OD). Live born infants received a dysmorphological examination and a neurobehavioral evaluation using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. These data were used to classify infants with respect to FASD. Comparisons were made on the ultrasound measures between those with and without features of FASD, adjusting for gestational age at ultrasound and maternal smoking.ResultsA total of 233 mother/child dyads were included. Children classified as FASD had significantly longer IOD and lower FTD/IOD, OFD/IOD, and FTD/OD ratios (p < 0.05). Children with a Bayley score <85 had significantly shorter FTD, longer IOD, lower OFD/IOD, and FTD/IOD ratios (p < 0.05). In general, mean differences were small. Ultrasound variables alone predicted <10% of the variance in the FASD outcome.ConclusionsSome ultrasound measurements were associated with FASD, selected facial features of the disorder, and lower neurobehavioral scores. However, mean differences were relatively small, making it difficult to predict affected children based solely on these measures. It may be advantageous to combine these easily obtained ultrasound measures with other data to aid in identifying high risk for an FASD outcome.
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Pair Feeding Differentially Impact Puberty and Reproductive Development in Female Rats: Role of the Kisspeptin System
Authors: Sliwowska Joanna Helena , Comeau Wendy L. , Bodnar Tamara S. , Ellis Linda , Weinberg Joanne 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundReproductive maturation is initiated with the onset of puberty, which activates the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis and coincidences with increased expression of the hormone kisspeptin within the hypothalamus. Maturational events are sensitive to environmental factors, including alcohol, which is known to delay reproductive development. We hypothesized that, similar to alcohol's adverse effects during reproductive maturation, prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) would alter pubertal markers, sex hormone profiles, and kisspeptin expression in the hypothalamus.MethodsFemale offspring from control (C), pair‐fed (PF), and PAE groups were sacrificed prior to puberty onset (postnatal day [PND] 30), during puberty [PND 35], or in adulthood [PND 65]. Estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), prolactin, and luteinizing hormone levels, and Kiss1 mRNA expression were measured in the arcuate (ARC) and anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) nuclei of the hypothalamus. Pubertal markers (vaginal opening [VO], uterus/body wt ratio) were assessed.ResultsOur findings indicate that (i) PAE inhibits the expected increases in E2 levels with age and delays maturational increases of P4 levels; (ii) PAE and pair feeding have similar adverse effects on VO and uterus/body wt ratio; (iii) differential relationships between PRL and P4 suggest that different mechanisms may underlie delayed maturation in PAE and PF; that is, PF females have low PRL levels and no increase in P4 with age, whereas PAE animals, despite low PRL, show the expected age‐related increase in P4; and (iv) there is higher mean density of Kiss1 mRNA in the ARC of adult PAE females and altered Kiss1 expression in the AVPV of both PAE and PF females.ConclusionsPAE and pair feeding have some overlapping but important differential effects on hormonal profiles and Kiss1 mRNA expression during reproductive development. Preadolescent alterations in Kiss1 expression in the AVPV and ARC, which may change the balance of function in these 2 nuclei, may differentially contribute to delayed reproductive maturation in PAE and PF compared to C females.
Antibiotic resistance and repetitive‐element PCR fingerprinting in Aeromonas veronii isolates
Authors: Chung T‐H , Yi S‐W , Shin G‐W 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis study evaluated antibiotic resistance and the related genes in total 47 Aeromonas veronii isolates from pet fish, eel (Anguilla japonica) and koi (Cyprinus carpio) in Korea. In comparison with the antibiotic susceptibilities of isolates from eel and koi, those of pet fish were more resistant to ceftiofur, aminoglycosides, tetracycline and nitrofurantoin. And isolates from pet fish showed high prevalences of class 1 integron, quinolones and tetracycline resistance determinants than those from eel and koi. Repetitive‐element palindromic PCR (rep‐PCR) showed larger diversities among A. veronii isolates. Collectively, pet fish may be a reservoir for multiple clones of A. veronii involved in antibiotic resistance. In this aspect, imported fish in the aquaculture trade should be steadily and continually screened for bacterial antibiotic resistance and related genes.
Fitness‐related consequences shed light on the mechanisms of covering and sheltering behaviors in the sea urchin Glyptocidaris crenularis
Authors: Zhao Chong , Bao Zhenmin , Chang Yaqing 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe know of no comparative assessment on the benefits and costs of long‐term covering and sheltering behaviors in sea urchins. The present study investigated the long‐term effects of conditions suitable for sheltering and covering behaviors on fitness‐related traits of sea urchins Glyptocidaris crenularis. In general, conditions suitable for covering and sheltering behaviors significantly affected the fitness‐related traits of G. crenularis in a long‐term laboratory study of 31 months. Glyptocidaris crenularis kept in conditions suitable for sheltering behavior (bricks with openings) showed significantly lower test size, body weight, organ (test, lantern, gonad and gut) weights, gonad index and slower gonad development than those kept in conditions suitable for covering behavior (presence of shells) and the control conditions (without conditions for covering and sheltering). However, the index of maximum pressure resistance of the test was significantly higher in G. crenularis kept in the sheltering conditions than those in the covering and control conditions. The present study provides new insight into the mechanisms of covering and sheltering behaviors and has implications for the conservation and aquaculture of sea urchins.
Temporal variability of sedimentation rates and mobile fauna inside and outside a gorgonian garden
Authors: Valisano Laura , Notari Francesca , Mori Mario , Cerrano Carlo 
Published: October 2016

AbstractParamuricea clavata (Cnidaria, Octocorallia) is an important ecosystem engineer of coralligenous assemblages increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities and climate changes. As climate warming is predicted to continue in the coming years it is important to hypothesize future scenarios. Here we tested the influence of gorgonian colonies on sedimentation rates and vagile fauna trends, comparing sediments collected by traps inside and outside a gorgonian garden, in a coralligenous community of the Western Ligurian Sea, at 32 m depth, over a period of 1 year. The results indicated that sea fans created a sort of homeostatic effect on the surrounding habitat. We found evidence that where gorgonian colonies were present, the monthly fluctuations of sediments rate were lower than outside a garden. Gorgonian colonies also influenced the distribution of the associated vagile fauna; these organisms were generally more abundant inside than outside the garden. The data collected in this work appear to confirm the role of P. clavata as an ecosystem engineer, affecting biomass and variability of the surrounding habitat at both spatial and temporal scales.
Taxonomic sufficiency and the influence of rare species on variation partitioning analysis of a polychaete community
Authors: Checon Helio H. , Amaral Antonia C. Z. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractVariation partitioning is an important tool to investigate the importance of spatial structure to species distribution in communities, but its use is lacking in marine ecosystems. The influence of rare species and the level of taxonomic resolution are important features to be considered when planning sampling designs and efforts for community studies. We tested the significance of spatial and environmental components to species distribution of a polychaete community, considering how the results varied among models with increasingly rare species (and contrasting metrics), and among models with distinct taxonomic levels. For all models evaluated, both spatial and environmental components significantly explained the structure of species distribution. However, spatial processes explained a higher percentage of variance than environmental ones in almost all models. The inclusion of rare species did not influence the outcome in most models, with the exception of a Chi‐square distance model with all species included. Family taxonomic level was sufficient to detect the relative contribution of both components, but the number of environmental variables included in the model was higher for the genus level. The influence of rare species was related to the metric applied to the analysis. If weight to rare species is not desirable, the use of a few dominant species coupled with the Hellinger function can provide a good surrogate to the whole sampled community in variation partition analysis. The genus level is suggested as an appropriate taxonomic level with which to evaluate the relevance of spatial and environmental components in polychaete community studies.
Self-Stabilizing Prefix Tree Based Overlay Networks
Authors: Caron Eddy , Datta Ajoy K. , Petit Franck , Tedeschi Cédric 
Published: October 2016

Computing over large platforms calls for the ability to maintain distributed structures at large scale. Among the many different structures proposed in this context, the prefix tree structure has been identified as an adequate one for indexing and retrieving information. One weakness of using such a distributed structure stands in its poor native fault tolerance, leading to the use of preventive costly mechanisms such as replication.Self-stabilization is a suitable approach to design reliable solutions for dynamic systems, and was recently enhanced with new models to be able to deal with large scale dynamic platforms. A self-stabilizing system is guaranteed to reach a correct configuration, whatever its initial state is. Following this path, it is becoming possible to make distributed structures self-stabilizing at large scale.In this paper, we focus on making tries self-stabilizing over such platforms, and propose a self-stabilizing maintenance algorithm for a prefix tree using a message passing model. The proof of self-stabilization is provided, and simulation results are given, to better capture its performances. Still based on simulations, we provide evidences that the protocol, beyond its capacity to repair the structure, can significantly improve the system’s availability, even when the system is not yet stabilized.
Boron-doped cobalt oxide thin films and its electrochemical properties
Authors: Kerli S. 
Published: October 2016

The cobalt oxide and boron-doped cobalt oxide thin films were produced by spray deposition method. All films were obtained onto glass and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates at 400[Formula: see text]C and annealed at 550[Formula: see text]C. We present detailed analysis of the morphological and optical properties of films. XRD results show that boron doping disrupts the structure of the films. Morphologies of the films were investigated by using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Optical measurements indicate that the band gap energies of the films change with boron concentrations. The electrochemical supercapacitor performance test has been studied in aqueous 6 M KOH electrolyte and with scan rate of 5 mV/s. Measurements show that the largest capacitance is obtained for 3% boron-doped cobalt oxide film.
Effective tumour necrosis factor-blocking therapy reduces reactive oxygen metabolite level in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Cacciapaglia Fabio , Grazia Anelli Maria , Rizzo Daniela , Morelli Emma , Mazzotta Daniela , Scioscia Crescenzio , Iannone Florenzo , Lapadula Giovanni 
Published: October 2016

Objective To assess circulating levels of derived reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), before and during antitumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy. Methods Patients with active RA and failed previous treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs received subcutaneous anti-TNF-α for 52 weeks. Circulating hydrogen peroxide was quantified as a marker of oxidative stress at baseline and at 24 and 52 weeks. Results The study included 40 patients. Circulating dROM levels were significantly reduced compared with baseline after 24 and 52 weeks’ of anti-TNF-α treatment (33.2 ± 10.0 mgH2O2/dl, 29.5 ± 7.0 mgH2O2/dl and 29.3 ± 9.0 mgH2O2/dl, respectively). There was a significant direct correlation between disease activity score and ROM levels. Conclusion TNF-α inhibition can control disease activity and reduce circulating levels of reactive oxygen species in patients with RA.
The effect of etanercept on vascular endothelial growth factor production by cutaneous mesenchymal stem cells from patients with psoriasis
Authors: Campanati Anna , Orciani Monia , Ganzetti Giulia , Consales Veronica , Di Primio Roberto , Offidani Annamaria 
Published: October 2016

Objective To evaluate prospectively the effect of etanercept (a tumour necrosis factor [TNF]-α inhibitor) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from patients with psoriasis. Methods MSCs from lesional and perilesional skin were isolated, cultured and characterized. VEGF production was evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks’ etanercept treatment. Results Etanercept treatment resulted in significant reductions in VEGF production compared with baseline in both lesional MSCs (256.42 ± 3.07 pg/ml per 106 cells at baseline vs 27.66 ± 2.03 pg/ml per 106 cells after treatment) and perilesional MSCs (235.03 ± 2.52 pg/ml per 106 cells vs 41.65 ± 4.72 pg/ml per 106 cells). Conclusions Etanercept reduces the production of VEGF in MSCs, which may modulate angiogenesis and contributes towards preventing the start of the “psoriatic march”.
Synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis modulates monocyte cell-surface phenotype
Authors: Chimenti Maria Sole , Conigliaro Paola , Triggianese Paola , Baffari Eleonora , Squillaci Ettore , Bolacchi Francesca , Perricone Roberto , Bergamini Alberto 
Published: October 2016

Objectives To investigate the ability of synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA) to modulate cell-surface phenotype, function and viability of monocytes. Methods Monocytes from healthy donors were incubated with synovial fluid from patients with RA or OA. These were then cultured with autologous healthy CD4+ T-cells. Immunoglobulin-like transcript 4 (ILT4) and CD86 were evaluated on stimulated monocytes and CD4+ T-cells via fluorescence activated cell sorting. Results Monocytes incubated with synovial fluid from patients with RA (SF-RA; n = 12) had significantly lower ILT4 and higher CD86 levels than those incubated with synovial fluid from patients with OA (SF-OA; n = 12) or medium alone. In patients with RA, there was a significant negative correlation between ILT4 and disease activity score (DAS; r = −0.699), and a positive correlation between CD86 and DAS ( r = 0.626). T-cells costimulated with monocytes cultured with SF-RA produced significantly more interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α than those costimulated with monocytes cultured with SF-OA or controls. Conclusions Soluble mediators in SF-RA could contribute to modulating inflammation and local effectiveness of the immune response.
Long-term treatment with adalimumab in psoriatic arthritis: serum adalimumab concentration, immunogenicity and the link with clinical response
Authors: Chimenti Maria Sole , Triggianese Paola , Narcisi Alessandra , Marinari Barbara , Teoli Miriam , Faleri Sara , Arcese Annalisa , Perricone Roberto , Costanzo Antonio 
Published: October 2016

Objectives An observational study to evaluate the relationship between serum concentrations of adalimumab and disease activity in patients receiving long-term adalimumab treatment for psoriatic arthritis. Methods Serum adalimumab and adalimumab antidrug antibodies were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Disease activity was assessed using Disease Activity Score (44 joint measures). Serum C-reactive protein was quantified using standard methods. Results A total of 30 patients were recruited. There were significant inverse correlations between serum adalimumab concentration and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration [ r = −0.43], the number of tender joints ( r = −0.4), and Disease Activity Score (DAS44)-CRP ( r = −0.36). Mean serum adalimumab levels were significantly higher in patients with DAS44-CRP <1.6 than in patients with DAS44-CRP ≥1.6. Conclusions Serum adalimumab could be an important tool that may improve the management of psoriatic arthritis in patients responding to long-term treatment.
Serological markers associated with disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with rituximab
Authors: Conigliaro Paola , Triggianese Paola , Chimenti Maria Sole , Lucchetti Ramona , Kroegler Barbara , Perricone Roberto 
Published: October 2016

Objective To evaluate prospectively serological markers at baseline and during treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) initiating rituximab treatment, following failure of antitumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy. Methods Patients with RA and healthy control subjects were recruited. Plasma complement (C)3, C4, rheumatoid factor (RF), anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA), immunoglobulin (Ig)M, A and G, disease activity scores (DAS) and therapeutic response were recorded at baseline and at 6, 12 and 18 months. Results Patients ( n = 35) had significantly higher C3 and C4 levels than controls ( n = 30). At 12 months after initiation of rituximab, C3 and C4 levels were significantly lower in patients who responded to treatment, compared with nonresponders. There were direct correlations between C3 levels and DAS at 12 months in the study population as a whole, and between IgM levels and DAS in responding patients after 6, 12 and 18 months’ treatment. Conclusions C3 and IgM levels may represent potentially useful serological markers of disease activity during rituximab treatment in patients with RA.
Cardiovascular risk evaluation through heart rate variability analysis in psoriatic patients before and after 24 weeks of etanercept therapy: Prospective study
Authors: Potenza Concetta , Raimondi Gianfranco , Pampena Riccardo , Proietti Ilaria , Viola Giorgio La , Bernardini Nicoletta , Tolino Ersilia , Zuber Sara , Balduzzi Veronica , Scordamaglia Beatrice , Skroza Nevena 
Published: October 2016

Objective To assess the influence of etanercept, an anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α agent, on autonomic cardiovascular regulation in young patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis without cardiovascular risk factors. Methods Patients with psoriasis underwent 5-min electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings before and after 24 weeks of etanercept therapy. Linear heart rate variability (HRV) analysis was performed. Results The study recruited 19 patients. Frequency-domain analysis showed a significant decrease in oscillatory components attributable to sympathetic activity (LF%) and a significant decrease in low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio following etanercept therapy. Conclusion Treatment with etanercept in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis could affect cardiovascular autonomic regulation, and subsequently reduce cardiovascular risk.
Long-term safety of etanercept in psoriasis: Retrospective study focused on infections
Authors: Orsini Diego , Narcisi Alessandra , Arcese Annalisa , Costanzo Antonio 
Published: October 2016

Objective Retrospective study to evaluate the incidence of infectious adverse events in patients with psoriasis treated with etanercept. Methods Patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis who were treated with etanercept (50 mg, administered weekly via subcutaneous injection) for ≥48 weeks were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were screened for occult infections before treatment commenced, and then every 12 months thereafter. Minor (not requiring hospitalization and/or discontinuation of treatment) and major (requiring hospitalization and/or discontinuation of treatment) infectious events were recorded. Results The study included 50 patients. Minor infectious events included self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections (six patients), lower urinary tract infections (one patient) and recurrent herpes simplex labialis (two patients). Major infections occurred in only two cases. Conclusion These data support the good safety profile of etanercept in patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
Suicide risk and psychiatric comorbidity in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Pompili Maurizio , Innamorati Marco , Trovarelli Sara , Narcisi Alessandra , Bellini Samantha , Orsini Diego , Forte Alberto , Erbuto Denise , Botti Elisabetta , Lamis Dorian A , Girardi Paolo , Costanzo Antonio 
Published: October 2016

Objectives To examine the occurrence of stressful life events, psychological comorbidity and suicide risk in patients with psoriasis or other dermatological conditions. Methods Consecutive adult outpatients with psoriasis or other dermatological conditions completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Hamilton scales for depression and anxiety. Results The study included 157 patients (91 with psoriasis; 66 with other conditions [melanoma; allergy]). Patients with psoriasis were significantly more likely to have experienced major life events in the 12 months before diagnosis, have had a psychiatric diagnosis and to have experienced past suicidal ideation than patients with other dermatological conditions. Conclusions Patients with psoriasis have an increased risk of psychiatric comorbidities, suicidal ideation, and long-term course of the disease compared with patients who have other dermatological conditions. Psychiatric assessment is highly recommended in patients with psoriasis.