bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms of ST2‐IL18R1‐IL18RAP gene cluster: a new risk for autoimmune thyroid diseases
Authors: Wang X. , Zhu Y. F. , Li D. M. , Qin Q. , Wang Q. , Muhali F. S. , Jiang W. J. , Zhang J. A. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryInterleukin 33 (IL33) / ST2 pathway and ST2‐interlukin18 receptor1‐interlukin18 receptor accessory protein (ST2‐IL18R1‐IL18RAP) gene cluster have been involved in many autoimmune diseases but few report in autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). In this study, we investigated whether polymorphisms of IL33, ST2, IL18R1, and IL18RAP are associated with Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), two major forms of AITD, among a Chinese population. A total of 11 SNPs were explored in a case–control study including 417 patients with GD, 250 HT patients and 301 controls, including rs1929992, rs10975519, rs10208293, rs6543116, rs1041973, rs3732127, rs11465597, rs1035130, rs2293225, rs1035127, rs917997 of IL 33, ST2‐IL18R1‐IL18RAP gene cluster. Genotyping of these SNPs was performed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption / ionization–time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) platform from Sequenom. The frequencies of allele A and AA+AG genotype of rs6543116 (ST2) in HT patients were significantly increased compared with those of the controls (P = 0.029/0.021, OR = 1.31/1.62). And in another SNP rs917997, AA+AG genotype presented an increased frequency in HT subjects compared with controls (P = 0.046, OR = 1.53). Furthermore, the haplotype GAGCCCG from ST2‐IL18R1‐IL18RAP gene cluster (rs6543116, rs1041973, rs1035130, rs3732127, rs1035127, rs2293225, rs917997) was associated with increased susceptibility to GD with an OR of 2.03 (P = 0.022, 95% CI = 1.07–3.86). Some SNPs of ST2‐IL18R1‐IL18RAP gene cluster might increase the risk of susceptibility of HT and GD in Chinese Han population.
Iron status determination in pregnancy using the Thomas plot
Authors: Weyers R. , Coetzee M. J. , Nel M. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryIntroductionPhysiological changes during pregnancy affect routine tests for iron deficiency. The reticulocyte haemoglobin equivalent (RET‐He) and serum‐soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) assay are newer diagnostic parameters for the detection of iron deficiency, combined in the Thomas diagnostic plot. We used this plot to determine the iron status of pregnant women presenting for their first visit to an antenatal clinic in Bloemfontein, South Africa.MethodsRoutine laboratory tests (serum ferritin, full blood count and C‐reactive protein) and RET‐He and sTfR were performed. The iron status was determined using the Thomas plot.ResultsFor this study, 103 pregnant women were recruited. According to the Thomas plot, 72.8% of the participants had normal iron stores and erythropoiesis. Iron‐deficient erythropoiesis was detected in 12.6%. A third of participants were anaemic. Serum ferritin showed excellent sensitivity but poor specificity for detecting depleted iron stores. HIV status had no influence on the iron status of the participants.ConclusionOur findings reiterate that causes other than iron deficiency should be considered in anaemic individuals. When compared with the Thomas plot, a low serum ferritin is a sensitive but nonspecific indicator of iron deficiency. The Thomas plot may provide useful information to identify pregnant individuals in whom haematologic parameters indicate limited iron availability for erythropoiesis.
Features, risk factors and clinical outcome of “very late” recurrences after surgery for localized renal carcinoma: A retrospective evaluation of a cohort with a minimum of 10 years of follow up
Authors: Antonelli Alessandro , Furlan Maria , Sodano Mario , Cindolo Luca , Belotti Sandra , Tardanico Regina , Cozzoli Alberto , Zanotelli Tiziano , Simeone Claudio 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the features and the predictors of “very late” recurrences after surgery for localized renal cell carcinoma.MethodsSince 1983, an institutional database with data of more than 2300 consecutive patients treated for renal cancer has been prospectively maintained. Patients N0/NxM0 followed for a minimum of 10 years without recurrences were retrieved. The site, time and treatment of recurrences observed afterwards were recorded, and the predictors were investigated by Cox regression analysis.ResultsA total of 554 patients (231 women, 323 men; age 59.3 ± 11.6 years) followed for a mean/median time of 15.1/13.6 years (range 10.0–34.1 years) were analyzed. A recurrence was observed in 26 patients (4.6%) after a mean/median interval of 13.3/12.3 years (range 10.5–30.2 years). The pathological stage 2/3 was the only independent predictor of recurrence (P = 0.003), and it was related also to the latency of recurrence (mean/median latency 15.4/14.0, 11.4/10.8 and 12.5/12.0 years, respectively, for stage 1, 2 and 3; P < 0.005 for stage 1 vs stage 2 or 3). The contralateral kidney was the most frequent site of relapse in patients with stage pT1, whereas multiple sites were more frequent for stage pT2 and pT3.ConclusionsThe risk of a “very late” recurrence of renal cancer is approximately 5%, and it depends on the pathological stage. For stage pT1, the kidney/s should be surveilled for indefinite time, preferably by ultrasound to reduce the X‐ray exposition; for stage pT2 and pT3, the abdomen and the lungs should be monitored, by computed tomography scan during the first years, and then by abdominal ultrasound and chest X‐ray.
Quantitative trait locus mapping and functional genomics of an organophosphate resistance trait in the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera
Authors: Coates B. S. , Alves A. P. , Wang H. , Zhou X. , Nowatzki T. , Chen H. , Rangasamy M. , Robertson H. M. , Whitfield C. W. , Walden K. K. , Kachman S. D. , French B. W. , Meinke L. J. , Hawthorne D. , Abel C. A. , Sappington T. W. , Siegfried B. D. , Miller N. J. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is an insect pest of corn and population suppression with chemical insecticides is an important management tool. Traits conferring organophosphate insecticide resistance have increased in frequency amongst D. v. virgifera populations, resulting in the reduced efficacy in many corn‐growing regions of the USA. We used comparative functional genomic and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping approaches to investigate the genetic basis of D. v. virgifera resistance to the organophosphate methyl‐parathion. RNA from adult methyl‐parathion resistant and susceptible adults was hybridized to 8331 microarray probes. The results predicted that 11 transcripts were significantly up‐regulated in resistant phenotypes, with the most significant (fold increases ≥ 2.43) being an α‐esterase‐like transcript. Differential expression was validated only for the α‐esterase (ST020027A20C03), with 11‐ to 13‐fold greater expression in methyl‐parathion resistant adults (P < 0.05). Progeny with a segregating methyl‐parathion resistance trait were obtained from a reciprocal backcross design. QTL analyses of high‐throughput single nucleotide polymorphism genotype data predicted involvement of a single genome interval. These data suggest that a specific carboyxesterase may function in field‐evolved corn rootworm resistance to organophosphates, even though direct linkage between the QTL and this locus could not be established.
Evaluation of twenty‐two rapid antigen detection tests in the diagnosis of Equine Influenza caused by viruses of H3N8 subtype
Authors: Yamanaka Takashi , Nemoto Manabu , Bannai Hiroshi , Tsujimura Koji , Kondo Takashi , Matsumura Tomio , Gildea Sarah , Cullinane Ann 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundEquine influenza (EI) is a highly contagious disease caused by viruses of the H3N8 subtype. The rapid diagnosis of EI is essential to reduce the disease spread. Many rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests for diagnosing human influenza are available, but their ability to diagnose EI has not been systematically evaluated.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the performance of 22 RAD tests in the diagnosis of EI.MethodsThe 22 RAD tests were performed on fivefold serial dilutions of EI virus to determine their detection limits. The four most sensitive RAD tests (ImmunoAce Flu, BD Flu examan, Quick chaser Flu A, B and ESPLINE Influenza A&B‐N) were further evaluated using nasopharyngeal samples collected from experimentally infected and naturally infected horses. The results were compared to those obtained using molecular tests.ResultsThe detection limits of the 22 RAD tests varied hugely. Even the four RAD tests showing the best sensitivity were 125‐fold less sensitive than the molecular techniques. The duration of virus detection in the experimentally infected horses was shorter using the RAD tests than using the molecular techniques. The RAD tests detected between 27% and 73% of real‐time RT‐PCR‐positive samples from naturally infected horses.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated the importance of choosing the right RAD tests as only three of 22 were fit for diagnosing EI. It was also indicated that even RAD tests with the highest sensitivity serve only as an adjunct to molecular tests because of the potential for false‐negative results.
Two‐Year Outcomes of Patients Treated With Aliskiren Under Clinical Practice Conditions: Non‐Interventional Prospective Study
Authors: Zeymer Uwe , Dechend Ralf , Riemer Thomas , Deeg Evelin , Senges Jochen , Pittrow David , Schmieder Roland ,   the 3A Registry Investigators
Published: November 2015

The authors investigated the long‐term effectiveness and safety of aliskiren (ALIS) with particular attention on its association with dual blockade of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS). The open, prospective 3A Registry (N=8723) in Germany assigned patients in a 4:1:1 ratio to ALIS, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or non‐RAS drugs. Patients taking ALIS compared with those taking ACE inhibitors/ARBs or non‐RAS had more comorbidities and risk factors, were taking more antihypertensive agents, and had higher blood pressure (BP) values at entry. At 2 years, BP reduction from baseline was similar in all groups (mean, −20.5/−9.9 mm Hg). A total of 2.3% of patients died, 0.5% had myocardial infarction, 0.6% had stroke, 2.9% were hospitalized, and 5.5% had any event (not significant between groups). ALIS alone or combined with another RAS inhibitor was well tolerated and effective in lowering BP in typical unselected patients with hypertension. Given the methodical limitations of the design, the study cannot be used to confirm or refute safety concerns for dual RAS blockade as suggested by the Aliskiren Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Using Cardio‐Renal Endpoints (ALTITUDE) trial.
A Novel Fluorescent Labeling Method Enables Monitoring of Spatio‐Temporal Dynamics of Developing Microsporidia
Authors: Santiana Marianita , Takvorian Peter M. , Altan‐Bonnet Nihal , Cali Ann 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe microsporidium, Anncaliia algerae (Brachiola algerae), is a eukaryotic obligate intracellular parasite first isolated from mosquitoes and is an important opportunistic human pathogen that can cause morbidity and mortality among immune‐compromised individuals including patients with AIDS and those undergoing chemotherapy. There is little known about the Microsporidia–host cell interface in living host cells, due to current approaches being limited by the lack of fluorescent reporters for detecting the parasite lifecycle. Here, we have developed and applied novel vital fluorescent parasite labeling methodologies in conjunction with fluorescent protein‐tagged reporters to track simultaneously the dynamics of both parasite and host cell specific components, including the secretory and endocytic trafficking pathways, during the entire infection time period. We have found dramatic changes in the dynamics of host secretory trafficking organelles during the course of infection. The Golgi compartment is gradually disassembled and regenerated into mini‐Golgi structures in parallel with cellular microtubule depolymerization. Importantly, we find that Microsporidia progeny are associated with these de novo formed mini‐Golgi structures. These host structures appear to create a membrane bound niche environment for parasite development. Our studies presented here provide novel imaging tools and methodologies that will facilitate in understanding the biology of microsporidial parasites in the living host.
Evolutionary History of the Enzymes Involved in the Calvin–Benson Cycle in Euglenids
Authors: Markunas Chelsea M. , Triemer Richard E. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractEuglenids are an ancient lineage that may have existed as early as 2 billion years ago. A mere 65 years ago, Melvin Calvin and Andrew A. Benson performed experiments on Euglena gracilis and elucidated the series of reactions by which carbon was fixed and reduced during photosynthesis. However, the evolutionary history of this pathway (Calvin–Benson cycle) in euglenids was more complex than Calvin and Benson could have imagined. The chloroplast present today in euglenophytes arose from a secondary endosymbiosis between a phagotrophic euglenid and a prasinophyte green alga. A long period of evolutionary time existed before this secondary endosymbiotic event took place, which allowed for other endosymbiotic events or gene transfers to occur prior to the establishment of the green chloroplast. This research revealed the evolutionary history of the major enzymes of the Calvin–Benson cycle throughout the euglenid lineage and showed that the majority of genes for Calvin–Benson cycle enzymes shared an ancestry with red algae and/or chromophytes suggesting they may have been transferred to the nucleus prior to the acquisition of the green chloroplast.
Isolation of a novel polyomavirus, related to Japanese eel endothelial cell‐infecting virus, from marbled eels, Anguilla marmorata (Quoy & Gaimard)
Authors: Wen C M , Chen M M , Wang C S , Liu P C , Nan F H 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMarbled eels, Anguilla marmorata (Quoy & Gaimard), cultured in Taiwan exhibited haemorrhage and mortality in January 2012. The severely diseased eels bled from the gills and showed congestion of the central venous sinus of the gill filaments and haemorrhage throughout the body similar to viral endothelial cell necrosis of eel. In this study, a novel polyomavirus (AmPyV) was isolated from the diseased eels using the AMPF cell line established from the pectoral fin of healthy marbled eels. AmPyV was found to encode a long T‐antigen orthologous gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that AmPyV was closely related to Japanese eel endothelial cell‐infecting virus. PCR assays revealed AmPyV infection throughout the systemic organs. AmPyV proliferated in the AMPF, EK‐1 and EO‐2 cells at temperatures 25–30 °C, and the progeny virus yields were 107.0, 107.4 and 107.7 TCID50 mL−1, respectively. The purified virions were icosahedral particles, 70–80 nm in diameter. No clinical signs or mortality was observed among the eels injected with the virus; however, the virus was reisolated from the brain, eyes, kidneys, fins and gills of infected eels 2 month after injection. Our results suggest that AmPyV exhibits a latent infection. Pathogen of the disease needs to study further.
Evaluating Nonverbal Behavior of Individuals with Dementia During Feeding: A Survey of the Nursing Staff in Residential Care Homes for Elderly Adults
Authors: Kuehlmeyer Katja , Schuler Anna F. , Kolb Christian , Borasio Gian Domenico , Jox Ralf J. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesTo determine how nursing staff evaluate nonverbal behavior related to hand and tube feeding of residents with dementia.DesignCross‐sectional survey.SettingA stratified sample of nurses and nursing assistants in residential nursing homes in a major German city.ParticipantsNursing staff members (N = 131) in 12 nursing homes.MeasurementsNursing staff perception of nonverbal behavior of residents with dementia in response to hand and tube feeding.ResultsNinety‐three percent of survey participants considered the nonverbal behavior of residents with advanced dementia crucial for decisions about artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH). The same percentage had at some point encountered residents who did not open their mouths when feeding was attempted. Fifty‐three percent of the participants interpreted residents’ expressions of pleasure while eating as a will to live. The most frequent interpretation of residents’ aversive behavior was discomfort. When residents did not open their mouth during nurse's hand feeding, 41% of the participants inferred a will to die.ConclusionMost nurses and nursing assistants consider residents’ behavior during hand or tube feeding to be important, but their interpretations are heterogeneous. Various professional caregivers assume a will to live or die. Further reflection is necessary to determine how behavioral expressions should be factored into treatment decisions.
Somatic and Neuroendocrine Changes in Response to Chronic Corticosterone Exposure During Adolescence in Male and Female Rats
Authors: Kaplowitz E. T. , Savenkova M. , Karatsoreos I. N. , Romeo R. D. 
Published: November 2015

Prolonged stress and repeated activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis can result in many sex‐dependent behavioural and metabolic changes in rats, including alterations in feeding behaviour and reduced body weight. In adults, these effects of stress can be mimicked by corticosterone, a major output of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, and recapitulate the stress‐induced sex difference, such that corticosterone‐treated males show greater weight loss than females. Similar to adults, chronic stress during adolescence leads to reduced weight gain, particularly in males. However, it is currently unknown whether corticosterone mediates this somatic change and whether additional measures of neuroendocrine function are affected by chronic corticosterone exposure during adolescence in a sex‐dependent manner. Therefore, we examined the effects of non‐invasively administered corticosterone (150 or 300 μg/ml) in the drinking water of male and female rats throughout adolescent development (30–58 days of age). We found that adolescent animals exposed to chronic corticosterone gain significantly less weight than controls, which may be partly mediated by the effects of corticosterone on food consumption, fluid intake and gonadal hormone function. Our data further show that, despite similar circulating corticosterone levels, males demonstrate a greater sensitivity to these changes than females. We also found thatNpy1andNpy5receptormRNAexpression, genes implicated in appetite regulation, was significantly reduced in the ventral medial hypothalamus of corticosterone‐treated males and females compared to controls. Finally, parameters of gonadal function, such as plasma sex steroid concentrations and weight of reproductive tissues, were reduced by adolescent corticosterone treatment, although only in males. The data obtained in the present study indicate that chronic corticosterone exposure throughout adolescent development results in significant and sex‐dependent somatic and neuroendocrine changes, and the results also provide an experimental framework for further investigating the impact of corticosterone on metabolic and neuroendocrine function during adolescence.
Women's attitudes to beauty, aging, and the place of cosmetic procedures: insights from the QUEST Observatory
Authors: Ehlinger‐Martin Agnès , Cohen‐Letessier Anny , Taïeb Maryna , Azoulay Elisabeth , du Crest Dominique 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe quest for beauty has been a constant theme in human history since the earliest civilizations. The QUEST Observatory, an online observational study, investigated how women continue the pursuit of beauty in the 21st century by examining women's perceptions of facial attractiveness and the strategies they adopt to combat the effects of time on their faces.AimsTo investigate women's attitudes toward beauty, aging, and the place of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and anti‐aging skincare.Patients/MethodsAn in‐depth questionnaire was developed by experts in dermatology, esthetic medicine, and social anthropology as the basis for this online, observational study. A nationally representative sample of 1000 French women aged between 25 and 70 years took part in the study.ResultsThe main criteria for beauty were identified as a natural look, self‐confidence, and attractive skin. A woman is considered to be at the peak of beauty in her mid‐thirties just before early signs of facial aging begin to appear. Approximately 50% of women contemplate cosmetic procedures, but less than 10% go ahead. Confidence in the practitioner and good postprocedure follow‐up are as influential as efficacy, safety, and cost in decisions about cosmetic procedures.ConclusionsThe QUEST Observatory sheds valuable light on factors that affect women's choices regarding strategies for anti‐aging and cosmetic procedures. These findings will help esthetic practitioners to better understand their patients and to meet their expectations.
Bilateral glossopharyngeal neuropathy following chemo and radiation therapy for a primitive neuroectodermal tumour
Authors: Heir G. M. , Masterson M. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryThis case describes a young adult male patient diagnosed and treated for a primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) at 3 years of age. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy used following surgical treatment of this tumour have known neurotoxic complications, some of which have delayed onset. In this case, the patient exhibited sudden onset, persistent bilateral and deep ear pain that was consistent with a neuropathy of the glossopharyngeal nerve occurring 17 years after the completion of therapy for PNET. Treatment with pregabalin was successful with near‐complete resolution of the complaint. The diagnostic certainty in this case is discussed in relation to the current diagnostic criteria for neuropathic pain.
Cytological Findings of 140 Bile Samples from Dogs and Cats and Associated Clinical Pathological Data
Authors: Peters L.M. , Glanemann B. , Garden O.A. , Szladovits B. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundCholecystocentesis can be part of the diagnostic workup of hepatobiliary disease in small animals, but literature on cytological evaluation of bile is scant.ObjectivesTo determine the diagnostic utility of cytological assessment of bile aspirates.AnimalsFifty‐six and 78 client‐owned dogs and cats, respectively, with bile collected by cholecystocentesis and submitted to our diagnostic laboratory between 1999 and 2014.MethodsRetrospective study describing cytological findings of bile, concurrent bacterial culture results, hematological and serum biochemical data, gallbladder biopsy results, as well as final diagnosis and complications after cholecystocentesis.ResultsInfectious agents were found in 30% of canine and 22% of feline bile aspirates, and inflammation in 5% and 19% respectively. Presence of microorganisms was more often detected on cytological examination (24%) than by culture (21%). The most common bacterial isolates wereEscherichia coliandEnterococcus spp., isolated from 14.8% and 6.7% of cultured samples respectively. Only increased canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentration (cPLI) was significantly associated with the presence of microorganisms, inflammatory cells, or both in bile. Clinically relevant complications of cholecystocentesis occurred in 2 dogs. The majority of the animals undergoing cholecystocentesis suffered from hepatic, pancreatic, gastrointestinal disease, or a combination thereof.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCytological examination of bile is inexpensive and straightforward, and yields diagnostically relevant information that precedes and complements bacterial culture.