bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ACTIVITY AGAINST OSTERTAGIA OSTERTAGI OF LOW DOSES OF OXFENDAZOLE CONTINUOUSLY RELEASED FROM INTRARUMINAL CAPSULES IN CATTLE
Authors: ANDERSON N. , LABY R. H. 
Published: December 2017

SUMMARYSlow release from intraruminal capsules of 0.48 mg/kg oxfendazole per day for 5.5 days gave percentage efficiencies of 99 ± 0.6, 86.6 ± 6.3 and 93.1 ± 4.5 for the removal of adult worms, developing 4th stages and inhibited larvae of Ostertagia ostertagi respectively. These efficiencies were not significantly different from those obtained from a single oral dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Peak plasma levels of oxfendazole were similar for the 2 types of administration but high levels were maintained longer in cattle given capsules.
Protein‐altering variants of PTPN2 in childhood‐onset Type 1A diabetes
Authors: Okuno M. , Ayabe T. , Yokota I. , Musha I. , Shiga K. , Kikuchi T. , Kikuchi N. , Ohtake A. , Nakamura A. , Nakabayashi K. , Okamura K. , Momozawa Y. , Kubo M. , Suzuki J. , Urakami T. , Kawamura T. , Amemiya S. , Ogata T. , Sugihara S. , Fukami M. ,   the Japanese Study Group of Insulin Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimTo examine the contribution of PTPN2 coding variants to the risk of childhood‐onset Type 1A diabetes.MethodsPTPN2 mutation analysis was carried out for 169 unrelated Japanese people with childhood‐onset Type 1A diabetes. We searched for coding variants that were absent or extremely rare in the general population and were scored as damaging by multiple in silico programs. We performed mRNA analysis and three‐dimensional structural prediction of the detected variants, when possible. We also examined possible physical links between these variants and previously reported risk SNPs as well as clinical information from variant‐positive children.ResultsOne frameshift variant (p.Q286Yfs*24) and two probably damaging missense substitutions (p.C232W and p.R350Q) were identified in one child each. Of these, p.Q286Yfs*24 and p.C232W were hitherto unreported, while p.R350Q accounted for 2/121,122 alleles of the exome datasets. The p.Q286Yfs*24 variant did not encode stable mRNA, and p.C232W appeared to affect the structure of the tyrosine‐protein phosphatase domain. The three variants were physically unrelated to known risk SNPs. The variant‐positive children manifested Type 1A diabetes without additional clinical features and invariably carried risk human leukocyte antigen alleles.ConclusionsThe results provide the first indication that PTPN2 variants contribute to the risk of Type 1A diabetes, independently of known risk SNPs. PTPN2 coding variants possibly induce non‐specific Type 1A diabetes phenotypes in individuals with human leukocyte antigen‐mediated disease susceptibility. Our findings warrant further validation.
Nutrients from salmon parents alter selection pressures on their offspring
Authors: Auer Sonya K. , Anderson Graeme J. , McKelvey Simon , Bassar Ronald D. , McLennan Darryl , Armstrong John D. , Nislow Keith H. , Downie Helen K. , McKelvey Lynn , Morgan Thomas A.J. , Salin Karine , Orrell Danielle L. , Gauthey Alice , Reid Thomas C. , Metcalfe Neil B. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOrganisms can modify their surrounding environment, but whether these changes are large enough to feed back and alter their evolutionary trajectories is not well understood, particularly in wild populations. Here we show that nutrient pulses from decomposing Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parents alter selection pressures on their offspring with important consequences for their phenotypic and genetic diversity. We found a strong survival advantage to larger eggs and faster juvenile metabolic rates in streams lacking carcasses but not in streams containing this parental nutrient input. Differences in selection intensities led to significant phenotypic divergence in these two traits among stream types. Stronger selection in streams with low parental nutrient input also decreased the number of surviving families compared to streams with high parental nutrient levels. Observed effects of parent‐derived nutrients on selection pressures provide experimental evidence for key components of eco‐evolutionary feedbacks in wild populations.
Response of estuarine consumer communities following the stocking of a juvenile penaeid (Penaeus plebejus) over two consecutive years
Authors: Becker A. , Lowry M. B. , Taylor M. D. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractResearch programmes that monitor and evaluate the impact of stocking activities are essential to quantify effects of stocking and provide information for adaptive management of future releases. The consumer communities in two estuaries stocked with 5.8 million post‐larvae eastern king prawn Penaeus plebejus (Hess) were monitored, both before and after stocking, and relative to two similar reference estuaries. Following stocking, there was evidence of increases in the abundances of prawns within stocked estuaries. Communities in all four estuaries showed significant levels of variation over time as well as among the systems themselves. Changes in overall diversity were similarly observed. The presence or absence of vegetation and other seasonal effects were found to explain most of the observed variation in the community assemblage, while prawn stocking appeared to have a little detectable influence. While this study points to minimal impacts of prawn stocking on the consumer community at the densities used, research into potential shifts in resource use by competitors and the growth and survival of prawns is required to fully understand post‐release changes in stocked systems.
Vitamin A‐coupled liposome system targeting free cholesterol accumulation in hepatic stellate cells offers a beneficial therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis
Authors: Furuhashi Hirotaka , Tomita Kengo , Teratani Toshiaki , Shimizu Motonori , Nishikawa Makoto , Higashiyama Masaaki , Takajo Takeshi , Shirakabe Kazuhiko , Maruta Koji , Okada Yoshikiyo , Kurihara Chie , Watanabe Chikako , Komoto Shunsuke , Aosasa Suefumi , Nagao Shigeaki , Yamamoto Junji , Miura Soichiro , Hokari Ryota 
Published: December 2017

AimLiver fibrosis is a life‐threatening disorder for which no approved therapy is available. Recently, we reported that mouse hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation increased free cholesterol (FC) accumulation, partly by enhancing signaling through sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 2 (SREBP2) and microRNA‐33a (miR‐33a), which resulted in HSC sensitization to transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ)‐induced activation in a “vicious cycle” of liver fibrosis.MethodsHuman HSCs were isolated from surgical liver specimens from control patients and patients with liver fibrosis. C57BL/6 mice were treated with carbon tetrachloride for 4 weeks and concurrently given SREBP2‐siRNA‐ or anti‐miR‐33a‐bearing vitamin A‐coupled liposomes.ResultsIn human activated HSCs obtained from patients with liver fibrosis, FC accumulation was enhanced independently of serum cholesterol levels through increased signaling by both SREBP2 and miR‐33a. This increased FC accumulation enhanced Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein levels and lowered the TGFβ‐pseudoreceptor Bambi (bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane‐bound inhibitor) mRNA levels in HSCs. Notably, in a mouse liver fibrosis model, reduction of FC accumulation, specifically in activated HSCs by suppression of SREBP2 or miR‐33a expression using SREBP2‐siRNA‐ or anti‐miR‐33a‐bearing vitamin A‐coupled liposomes, downregulated TLR4 signaling, increased Bambi expression, and consequently ameliorated liver fibrosis.ConclusionsOur results suggest that FC accumulation in HSCs, as an intracellular mediator promoting HSC activation, contributes to a vicious cycle of HSC activation in human and mouse liver fibrosis independent of serum cholesterol levels. Targeting FC accumulation‐related molecules in HSCs through a vitamin A‐coupled liposomal system represents a favorable therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
Vulture funds and the fresh start accounting value of firms emerging from bankruptcy
Authors: Gietzmann Miles , Isidro Helena , Raonic Ivana 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe study how distress‐oriented hedge funds (vulture funds) play an important role in the fresh start valuation of firms emerging from Chapter 11 reorganization. We find that loan‐to‐own vultures acquire debt positions of the distressed firm that grant dominant power in the bankruptcy negotiations, and they then use the discretion allowed by fresh start accounting to introduce valuation bias in their favor. We show that the strategic influence over fresh start values can create opportunities to increase vulture investors’ returns at the expense of other claim holders.
Genotoxicity of non‐alcoholic mouth rinses: A micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities study with fluorescent microscopy
Authors: Durbakula Karteek , Prabhu Vishnudas , Jose Maji 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the genotoxicity of non‐alcoholic mouth rinses on buccal epithelial cells using a micronucleus test.MethodsA total of 105 patients were selected and randomly divided into five groups. Four different mouth rinses and normal saline were given for 2 weeks’ duration, and cytological smears were collected before and after exposure. These smears were subjected to micronucleus (MN) and other nuclear abnormalities (ONA) tests using acridine orange stain, and their frequencies were obtained in 500 buccal epithelial cells. The statistical analysis included mean, χ2‐test, analysis of variance, and post‐hoc analysis by Bonferroni test.ResultsMicronucleated cells (P < .00) and MN (P < .00) were higher in individuals exposed to chlorhexidine (CHX), followed by chlorine dioxide (ClO2), potassium nitrate (KNO3), and sodium fluoride (NaF), amine fluoride (AmF), and normal saline. ONA were greater (P < .00) in individuals exposed to CHX, followed by ClO2, AmF, KNO3, and NaF and normal saline. Overall, the results showed that genotoxic damage was greater in the case of CHX, followed by ClO2, KNO3, and NaF, AmF, and normal saline.ConclusionChronic exposure to mouth rinses can cause genotoxic damage to buccal epithelial cells. Long‐term injudicious and inadvertent use of mouth rinses should be discouraged.
Delphinid brain development from neonate to adulthood with comparisons to other cetaceans and artiodactyls
Authors: Ridgway Sam H. , Carlin Kevin P. , Van Alstyne Kaitlin R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWhy do neonatal and adult delphinids have much larger brains than artiodactyls when they have common ancestors? We explore relationships between neonatal brain size, gestation duration, maternal body mass, and body growth. Cetacean brains grow fast in the womb and longer gestation results in a larger brain. Allometry shows that the larger the mother's body mass, the larger the neonatal brain. After birth, delphinid bodies grow much faster than brains, and the index of encephalization decreases even as brains grow beyond maturity. Delphinids’ larger brain growth during life at sea may be explained by at least three differences from artiodactyls’ life on land. First, the sea offers high calorie prey to support growth of a large brain. Second, life in water offers relief from gravity, allowing for a large head to contain a large brain. Third, sound in water may pass through an immersed body. This allows sounds from the water to reach the fetus, driving early development of delphinoid auditory brain parts. As an example of this, the dolphin ear bone is very large at birth. Furthermore, the auditory nervous system appears mature well before birth. Compared with artiodactyls, these three differences likely result in a larger delphinid brain.
Occupational radiation exposure and its health effects on interventional medical workers: study protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ko Seulki , Chung Hwan Hoon , Cho Sung Bum , Jin Young Woo , Kim Kwang Pyo , Ha Mina , Bang Ye Jin , Ha Yae Won , Lee Won Jin 
Published: December 2017

IntroductionAlthough fluoroscopically guided procedures involve a considerably high dose of radiation, few studies have investigated the effects of radiation on medical workers involved in interventional fluoroscopy procedures. Previous research remains in the early stages and has not reached a level comparable with other occupational studies thus far. Furthermore, the study of radiation workers provides an opportunity to estimate health risks at low doses and dose rates of ionising radiation. Therefore, the objectives of this study are (1) to initiate a prospective cohort study by conducting a baseline survey among medical radiation workers who involve interventional fluoroscopy procedures and (2) to assess the effect of occupational radiation exposure and on the overall health status through an in-depth cross-sectional study.Methods and analysisIntervention medical workers in Korea will be enrolled by using a self-administered questionnaire survey, and the survey data will be linked with radiation dosimetry data, National Health Insurance claims data, cancer registry and mortality data. After merging these data, the radiation organ dose, lifetime attributable risk due to cancer and the risk per unit dose will be estimated. For the cross-sectional study, approximately 100 intervention radiology department workers will be investigated for blood tests, clinical examinations such as ultrasonography (thyroid and carotid artery scan) and lens opacity, the validation of badge dose and biodosimetry.Ethics and disseminationThis study was reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of Korea University (KU-IRB-12-12-A-1). All participants will provide written informed consent prior to enrolment. The findings of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific journals, conference presentations, and a report will be submitted to the relevant public health authorities in the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help with the development of appropriate research and management policies.
Transcorneal electrical stimulation for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa: results from the TESOLAUK trial
Authors: Wagner Siegfried K , Jolly Jasleen K , Pefkianaki Maria , Gekeler Florian , Webster Andrew R , Downes Susan M , Maclaren Robert E 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of weekly transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) over a 6-month period as a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa (RP).Methods and analysisA prospective open-label observational trial was carried out assessing weekly TES in participants with RP for a period of 6 months followed by observation for a further 6 months. Clinical examination and investigations were carried out at 3 monthly intervals for a total of 12 months. The primary outcome measure explored safety through a descriptive analysis of adverse effects with secondary outcome measures evaluating structural and functional efficacy.ResultsSeven male and seven female participants with RP aged 18–80 years were recruited. TES was well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported. Two participants reported transient foreign body sensation and one participant had discomfort underneath the skin electrode. Following 6 months of TES, best-corrected visual acuity increased by 1.1±1.4 letters in the control arm and 0.93±1.4 letters in the treated arm. Central microperimetry threshold sensitivity rose by 0.02±0.5 decibels (dB) and 0.37±0.4 dB and Goldmann visual field volume by 0.16±0.09 steradians (sr) vs 0.22±0.12 sr for the control and treated eye, respectively. There was no statistical significance seen between eyes following the treatment or observation period.ConclusionThis small open-label clinical trial showed that TES was safe and well tolerated in patients with RP. Visual function measurements at 6 months demonstrated no significant difference between the control and treated eyes. The results justify a larger clinical trial over a longer period of time in order to identify any treatment effect.
Lipoprotein(a) and the Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio Independently Associate With Surgery for Aortic Stenosis Only in Patients With Concomitant Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ljungberg Johan , Holmgren Anders , Bergdahl Ingvar A , Hultdin Johan , Norberg Margareta , Näslund Ulf , Johansson Bengt , Söderberg Stefan 
Published: December 2017

Background

Aortic stenosis (
AS
) has different clinical phenotypes, including
AS
with or without concomitant coronary artery disease (
CAD
). It is unknown whether these phenotypes share the same risk factors. In particular, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and apolipoproteins (Apo) are associated with
AS
, but it is unknown whether these associations differ among phenotypes. In this prospective analysis we examined the impact of Lp(a) and Apo in subgroups of patients with
AS
.

Methods and Results

We identified 336 patients (mean age at survey 56.7 years, 48% female) who underwent surgery for
AS
after a median 10.9 years (interquartile range 9.3 years), participants in 1 of 3 large population surveys. For each patient, 2 matched referents were allocated. Lp(a) and Apo were analyzed in the baseline samples. Uni‐ and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate risks related to a 1 (ln) standard deviation increase in Lp(a) and the ratio of Apo B to Apo A1 (Apo B/A1 ratio). High levels of Lp(a) predicted surgery for
AS
in 203 patients with concomitant
CAD
(odds ratio [95% confidence intervals]) (1.29 [1.07‐1.55]), but not in 132 patients without
CAD
(1.04 [0.83‐1.29]) in the fully adjusted model. Similarly, a high Apo B/A1 ratio predicted surgery in patients with concomitant
CAD
(1.43 [1.16‐1.76]) but not in those without
CAD
(0.87 [0.69‐1.10]).

Conclusions

High levels of Lp(a) and a high Apo B/A1 ratio were associated with surgery for
AS
in patients with concomitant
CAD
but not in those with isolated
AS
. This finding may lead to a new avenue of research for targeted risk factor interventions in this population.
An analysis of educators sanctioned for misconduct
Authors: Brady Geronima , Tajalli Hassan 
Published: December 2017

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the uncharted territory of disciplinary actions taken against educators for their misconducts. The study examines demographics of the educators who have committed various types of offenses to find out whether results are different than the findings in the criminal justice literature. Methods The data used in this study include all 582 educators who were disciplined for misconduct in the 2012–2013 school year in Texas. Various descriptive and significance tests were used to answer the hypotheses of this study. Results Some of the findings correspond with the findings of the criminal justice literature while others do not. Young, male, and black educators are more likely to offend. Contrary to the literature on “student discipline” and “criminal justice,” minority educators are not treated more harshly when they are disciplined. There are some offenses committed more often by younger, male, and those educators who have held their credentials for a shorter amount of time. Conclusion The results have raised many questions similar to the ones studied in the field of criminal justice. A new body of research needs to address questions such as discrimination and the constitutional rights of the accused and the victims.
BRAF GENE MUTATION AND CD56 IMMUNOEXPRESSION IN PAPILLARY THYROID CARCINOMA IN DUHOK-IRAQ
Authors: Salih Ahmed , Naqshabandi Mowafaq , Hassan Narmeen , Hadji Djwar , Pity Intisar , Al-Dohoky Wan , Pity Rawaa 
Published: December 2017

Background
As much as the distinction of papillary carcinoma versus endocrine thyroid lesions may result in some relevant pitfalls, different immunohistochemical panels have addressed this task. The concept of CD56 deletion has been accepted to be specific for papillary carcinoma.
Objectives
This study was an attempt to test CD56 immunoexpression in papillary carcinoma in this locality and to study the relative association of CD56 immunoexpression with BRAFV600 gene mutation on papillary carcinoma.
Methods
Paraffin embedded, thyroid biopsy specimens containing papillary carcinoma were available for 70 patients. The immunohistochemical technique applied was streptavidin-biotin, using CD56 mouse monoclonal antibodies manufactured by Ventana Corporation (Ventana, Rocklin, Calif). BRAFV600 gene mutation was tested on 48 cases using Real-Time PCR, the target (BRAFV600) DNA was amplified with the mutation-specific primers.
Results
Out of 70 papillary carcinoma cases, 7.1% showed CD56 immunopositivity and out of 48 cases, 27.1% were positive for BRAFV600 gene mutation. Morphologically, the five CD56 positive cases included 2 follicular variants, 2 anaplastic and 1 conventional papillary carcinoma. On the other hand, the thirteen BRAFV600 positive cases encompassed 8 conventional, 2 microcarcinoma, 2 columnar variant and 1 anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. The frequency of BRAF mutation was statistically highest among the conventional papillary carcinoma. No any association was detected between CD56 immunostaining and BRAFV600 gene mutations.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that although CD56 negativity helps but can not role out papillary thyroid canrcer. There is no any association between CD56 expression and BRAF gene mutation at least among our cases.
PREVALENCE OF OSTEOPOROSIS AMONG THALASSEMIC CHILDREN IN SULAIMANI
Authors: Hasan Adnan , Qaradaghi Taha , Alghabsha Mohammed 
Published: December 2017

Background
Thalassaemia is a group of hereditary disorders and it is the most prevalent monogenetic disease in the world. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are frequent among beta-thalassaemia major patients caused by multiple factors interfere with bone remodeling.
Objective
To assess the prevalence of osteoporosis among thalassemic children and identify factors contributed to osteoporosis in Sulaimani city\Iraq.
Patients and Methods
A cross sectional study carried out in Shaheed Dr. Hemin Hospital (Internal Teaching Hospital) in Sulaimani for period from the 1st of January to the 30th of August, 2015 on a sample of 100 patients with thalassaemia. The data were collected with direct interview and filling of a questionnaire. Selected patients were known cases of Beta thalassaemia registered in Thalassaemia center. Some information was taken from the patients and/or their parents; other information was taken from the patients files in Thalassaemia department and DXA department.
Results
Mean age of thalassemic patients was 13.4±3.2 years. Osteoporosis was represent in 44 of thalassemic patients and osteopenia was represent in 47 patients. A significant association between osteoporosis and thalassemic patients with age 13-18 years (p=0.009).A significant association was observed between osteoporosis and weekly intake of dairy products (p=0.03), and weekly intake of eggs by thalassemic patients (p=0.001).
Conclusion
Osteoporosis prevalence in thalassaemic patients in Sulaimani was lower than the reported prevalence in previous researches in Iraq and other countries.