bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dry‐matter yield of Lotus varieties in grass–white clover mixtures in a low‐fertility soil
Authors: Marshall A. H. , Fothergill M. , Rees E. , Sizer‐Coverdale E. , Collins R. P. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractLotus corniculatus (bird's‐foot trefoil) and L. pedunculatus (greater bird's‐foot trefoil) have the potential to contribute nutritional benefits to grass–legume swards in temperate regions, but there is a lack of information on their competitive ability in such mixtures. This experiment compared the sward contribution and condensed tannin (CT) content of nine Lotus varieties established in plots on a low‐fertility upland site in Wales, UK, containing mixtures of meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) and white clover (Trifolium repens) varieties of different leaf size, or without white clover (control). Total dry‐matter (DM) yields and Lotus DM were evaluated in two cuts in each of three harvest years, with CT content of Lotus measured at Cut 1 in each year. Lotus corniculatus varieties were significantly higher yielding than those of L. pedunculatus, except in Year 3. In all cuts, except Cut 1 in Year 1 and Year 3, the presence of white clover increased total DM yield compared with the zero‐clover treatment. Total DM yields were higher with large‐leaved cv. Katrina than with small‐leaved cv. AberAce except for Cut 1 in Year 1. Annual Lotus DM yields were significantly higher in the presence of white clover, except in Year 3, but were not significantly affected by white clover leaf size. The highest concentration of sward CT (17 mg g−1 of sward DM) was insufficient to bring about measurable environmental benefits. A Lotus breeding programme aimed at increasing the leaf/stem ratio within persistent germplasm could be pursued to ensure delivery of appropriate levels of sward CT.
Comparison of clinical and cost‐effectiveness of psoralen + ultraviolet A versus psoralen + sunlight in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis in a developing economy
Authors: Aggarwal Komal , Khandpur Sujay , Khanna Neena , Sharma Vinod K. , Pandav Chandrakant S. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPsoralen + ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy is an established modality for psoriasis. As India is a tropical country that has good availability of natural sunlight psoralen + sunlight (PUVAsol) may be a more convenient option. To compare the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of PUVA versus PUVAsol in chronic plaque psoriasis. Cases of chronic plaque psoriasis with body surface area ≥10% or Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≥10, excluding erythrodermic or pustular psoriasis, were randomized to receive either PUVA or PUVAsol, with endpoint being the achievement of PASI 90 or completion of 12 weeks treatment, whichever is earlier. Cost analysis was also undertaken. Thirty‐six cases (16 in PUVA and 20 in PUVAsol group) completed treatment. In the PUVA group, 15 cases (93.75%) responded to therapy while in the PUVAsol group, 15 (75%) responded (P = 0.29). Mean baseline PASI in the PUVA and PUVAsol groups was 16 and 14.4, respectively, and at endpoint was 1.62 and 3.77. There was a significantly greater reduction in PASI in the PUVA group at 2 and 4 weeks but at 8 and 12 weeks and endpoint, it was comparable. Treatment failure occurred in 6.25% and 25% of cases respectively (P = 0.29). Side effects were higher with PUVA. Total cost of therapy was significantly higher in the PUVA group (P = 0.002). Cost‐effectiveness ratio was US$0.72 with PUVA and US$0.37 with PUVAsol. Both PUVA and PUVAsol were equally efficacious, with PUVAsol being twice as cost effective. Hence, PUVAsol may be recommended as treatment for psoriasis in a developing economy such as India.
Tinea capitis in schoolchildren in southern Ivory Coast
Authors: Fulgence Kassi Kondo , Abibatou Konate , Vincent Djohan , Henriette Vanga , Etienne Angora Kpongbo , Kiki‐Barro Pulchérie Christiane , Yavo William , Koné Moussa , Hervé Menan Eby Ignace 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesFungal infections of the scalp commonly affect the pediatric population. These infections are caused by dermatophytes that are able to invade the keratinized structures of skin, hair, and nails. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology of fungal scalp infections in southern Ivory Coast during 2008–2009.MethodsFrom October 2008 to July 2009, 17,745 children ranging in age from 4–16 years, attending urban and rural primary schools in seven towns in Ivory Coast, were examined clinically for tinea capitis. Hair stumps and scales were collected from children who showed symptoms suggestive of scalp ringworm. Samples were exposed to direct microscopic examination using 30% potassium hydroxide solution and cultivation on Sabouraud's dextrose agar with or without actidione.ResultsOf the 17,745 children who were clinically examined, a total of 2645 exhibited symptoms suggestive of scalp ringworm. Positive cultures for fungi were found in 2458, yielding an overall prevalence of tinea capitis of 13.9%. The majority of infections occurred in males (74.0%). The most commonly affected age group involved children ranging from 9–12 years (n = 1335, 54.3%), followed by those in the range of 4–8 years (n = 936, 38.1%). Trichophyton soudanense, Microsporum langeronii, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes were the most prevalent etiologic agents (56.7%, 21.4% and 19.7%, respectively). Other species were occasionally isolated, including Trichophyton violaceum (1.4%) and Trichophyton rubrum (0.8%).ConclusionsEpidemiological surveys are an essential tool for developing strategies for infection control.
Effect of Age and Prostheses Location on Rima Glottidis Area in Equine Cadaveric Larynges
Authors: Bischofberger Andrea S. , Hadidane Ines , Wereszka Marta M. , Perkins Nigel R. , Jeffcott Leo B. , Dart Andrew J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effect of horse age and laryngeal prosthesis location on rima glottidis area in cadaveric larynges.Study DesignExperimental study.AnimalsCadaveric equine larynges (n = 40).MethodsSpecimens were grouped by age: group 1, ≤5 years (n = 18); group 2, >5 to ≤10 years (n = 12); group 3, >10 years (n = 10). A cranial prosthesis was placed through the dorsal cricoid spine at 70% of the distance of the total cricoid length measured from the caudal rim. A dorsal prosthesis was placed through the caudal rim of the cricoid on the dorsal midline. A lateral prosthesis was placed 1.5 cm lateral to the dorsal prosthesis. All prostheses passed through the muscular process. Rima glottidis area was determined after progressively tightening each suture in 5 N increments from 0 N to 35 N using a tensiometer.ResultsThere was no significant effect of age on the area of the rima glottidis at any load for any of the three prosthesis locations.ConclusionsAge did not affect the area of the rima glottidis when prostheses were loaded between 5 N and 35 N.
Lung miliary micro‐nodules in human T‐cell leukemia virus type I carriers
Authors: Fukuoka Junya , Tominaga Masaki , Ichikado Kazuya , Tanaka Tomonori , Ichiyasu Hidenori , Kohrogi Hirotsugu , Ishizawa Shin , Suga Moritaka 
Published: February 2013

Human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) carriers are rarely subject to inflammatory disorders in multiple organs, other than the well‐known complication, adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). HTLV‐1 associated bronchiolo‐alveolar disorder (HABA) has been proposed as an immune mediated pulmonary reaction seen rarely in HTLV‐1 carriers. The reported clinico‐pathological patterns of HABA are diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) and lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP).We here report three cases of HTLV‐1 carriers showing miliary micro‐nodules throughout both lungs. Microscopic examination in the video assisted thoracic surgery biopsies demonstrated that all cases had multiple discrete micro‐nodules which consisted of marked lymphoid infiltration, granulomas, eosinophils and a few foci of necrosis inside the granuloma. No findings indicating ATLL, other neoplastic conditions, infection or interstitial pneumonia, including DPB and LIP, were present following panels of special staining and immunohistochemical examinations. Two patients improved without treatment within one month, with no evidence of recurrence after 7 years. One patient showed slow deterioration of lung reticular shadows in spite of a low dose corticosteroid therapy (prednisolone 10 mg/day). We believe these cases may be a newly recognized variant of HABA.
Peroxiredoxin 2 Battles Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1- and p53-Dependent Prodeath Pathways After Ischemic Injury
Authors: Leak Rehana K. , Zhang Lili , Luo Yumin , Li Peiying , Zhao Haiping , Liu Xiangrong , Ling Feng , Jia Jianping , Chen Jun , Ji Xunming 
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose—
Ischemic/reperfusion neuronal injury is characterized by accumulation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative DNA damage, which can trigger cell death by various signaling pathways. Two of these modes of death include poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1–mediated death or p53- and Bax-mediated apoptosis. The present study tested the hypothesis that peroxiredoxin 2 (PRX2) attenuates DNA damage–mediated prodeath signaling using in vitro and in vivo models of ischemic injury. The impact of this peroxide scavenger on p53- and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1–mediated ischemic death is unknown.

Methods—
Neuronal PRX2 overexpression in primary cortical cultures and transgenic mice was combined with the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 inhibitor AG14361. AG14361 was also applied to p53 and Bax knockout cultures and mice and combined with the JNK inhibitor SP600125. DCF fluorescence, apurinic/apyrimidinic sites, single-strand breaks, Comet tail-length, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide depletion, and viability were assessed in response to oxygen-glucose deprivation in cultures or transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice.

Results—
PRX2 attenuated reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide depletion, and cell death. PRX2 knockdown exacerbated neuronal death after oxygen and glucose deprivation. PRX2 ameliorated poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1, p53, Bax, and caspase activation after ischemia. AG14361 reduced ischemic cell death in wild-type and p53 or Bax knockout cultures and animals but had no additional effect in PRX2-overexpressing mice. AG14361 and p53 knockout elicited additive effects with SP600125 on viability in vitro. Our findings support the existence of multiple parallel prodeath pathways with some crosstalk.

Conclusions—
The promising therapeutic candidate PRX2 can clamp upstream DNA damage and efficiently inhibit multiple prodeath cascades operating in both parallel and interactive fashions.
An investigation of the effects of the antioxidants, ebselen or N-acetyl cysteine on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T cells
Authors: Marthandan Shiva , Hyland Paul , Pawelec Graham , Barnett Yvonne 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The research literature has documented age-related increases in genetic damage, including oxidative DNA damage, in human T lymphocytes, in vitro and ex vivo. Such damage has the potential to interfere with the ability of the T cells to proliferate at times when they need to, such as when antigen challenged. The consequence of this could be a sub-optimal immune response in vivo.

Context and purpose
The purpose of the research reported in this paper was to investigate the impact of two antioxidants, which can be administered in vivo, Ebselen and N-acetyl L-cysteine, on the age-related increase in genetic damage, and on T cell proliferation and lifespan. In vitro human T cell clones, ex vivo peripheral blood mononuclear cells or T cells were supplemented with different concentrations of antioxidants, under standard conditions and for different periods of time. A range of assays were then applied in order to determine any impact of the antioxidants.

Results
30 μM ebselen or 7.5 mM N-acetyl L-cysteine supplementation resulted in a significantly higher intracellular GSH: GSSG ratio. This increased ratio was accompanied by reduced levels of oxidative DNA damage in established CD4+ human T cell clones, from a young or a middle-aged donor. Additionally, cultures of primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and CD4+ T cells from donors aged 25–30 or 55–60 years were also supplemented with these agents. Cells from all sources exhibited increased proliferation, and in the case of the T cell clones, an increase in cumulative population doublings. Neither ebselen nor N-acetyl L-cysteine had such effects on clones supplemented from the midpoint of their in vitro lifespan.

Conclusions
Ebselen and N-acetyl L-cysteine, under certain conditions, may have anti-immunosenescent potential in T cells in in vitro clonal and ex vivo polyclonal culture models.
Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Spirocerca lupi: sequence, gene organization and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Liu Guo-Hua , Wang Yan , Song Hui-Qun , Li Ming-Wei , Ai Lin , Yu Xing-Long , Zhu Xing-Quan 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background

Spirocerca lupi is a life-threating parasitic nematode of dogs that has a cosmopolitan distribution but is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries. Despite its veterinary importance in canids, the epidemiology, molecular ecology and population genetics of this parasite still remain unexplored.

Methods
The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of S. lupi was amplified in four overlapping long fragments using primers designed based on partial cox 1, rrn S, cox 2 and nad 2 sequences. Phylogenetic re-construction of 13 spirurid species (including S. lupi) was carried out using Bayesian inference (BI) based on concatenated amino acid sequence datasets.

Results
The complete mt genome sequence of S. lupi is 13,780 bp in length, including 12 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and two ribosomal RNA genes, but lacks the atp 8 gene. The gene arrangement is identical to that of Thelazia callipaeda (Thelaziidae) and Setaria digitata (Onchocercidae), but distinct from that of Dracunculus medinensis (Dracunculidae) and Heliconema longissimum (Physalopteridae). All genes are transcribed in the same direction and have a nucleotide composition high in A and T. The content of A + T is 73.73% for S. lupi, in accordance with mt genomes of other spirurid nematodes sequenced to date. Phylogenetic analyses using concatenated amino acid sequences of the 12 protein-coding genes by BI showed that the S. lupi (Thelaziidae) is closely related to the families Setariidae and Onchocercidae.

Conclusions
The present study determined the complete mt genome sequence of S. lupi. These new mt genome dataset should provide novel mtDNA markers for studying the molecular epidemiology and population genetics of this parasite, and should have implications for the molecular diagnosis, prevention and control of spirocercosis in dogs and other canids.
Age at Graft Loss after Pediatric Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Van Arendonk Kyle J. , James Nathan T. , Boyarsky Brian J. , Garonzik-Wang Jacqueline M. , Orandi Babak J. , Magee John C. , Smith Jodi M. , Colombani Paul M. , Segev Dorry L. 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Background and objective
The risk of graft loss after pediatric kidney transplantation increases during late adolescence and early adulthood, but the extent to which this phenomenon affects all recipients is unknown. This study explored interactions between recipient factors and this high-risk age window, searching for a recipient phenotype that may be less susceptible during this detrimental age interval.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
With use of Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data from 1987 to 2010, risk of graft loss across recipient age was quantified using a multivariable piecewise-constant hazard rate model with time-varying coefficients for recipient risk factors.

Results
Among 16,266 recipients, graft loss during ages ≥17 and <24 years was greater than that for both 3–17 years (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.61; P<0.001) and ≥24 years (aHR, 1.28; P<0.001). This finding was consistent across age at transplantation, sex, race, cause of renal disease, insurance type, pretransplant dialysis history, previous transplant, peak panel-reactive antibody (PRA), and type of induction immunosuppression. The high-risk window was seen in both living-donor and deceased-donor transplant recipients, at all levels of HLA mismatch, regardless of centers’ pediatric transplant volume, and consistently over time. The relationship between graft loss risk and donor type, PRA, transplant history, insurance type, and cause of renal disease was diminished upon entry into the high-risk window.

Conclusions
No recipient subgroups are exempt from the dramatic increase in graft loss during late adolescence and early adulthood, a high-risk window that modifies the relationship between typical recipient risk factors and graft loss.
Classification Shifting in an International Setting: Investor Protection and Financial Analysts Monitoring
Authors: Behn Bruce K. , Gotti Giorgio , Herrmann Don , Kang Tony 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT
Prior research on publicly traded U.S. firms provides evidence that managers engage in classification shifting to opportunistically manage “core” earnings. We extend this line of research in a broader international setting, by examining (1) whether the level of investor protection affects managers' decisions to engage in classification shifting behavior and (2) whether coverage by financial analysts mitigates this behavior. Based on an international sample of firms from 40 countries, we observe evidence consistent with classification shifting in both strong and weak investor protection countries using four separate measures of investor protection. We then explore the potential monitoring role of financial analysts in mitigating classification shifting. We provide evidence that higher financial analyst following mitigates classification shifting, primarily in weak investor protection countries. Overall, our results provide evidence of classification shifting in a broad international setting and evidence of financial analysts' influence in reducing this form of earnings management.
Data Availability: The data are available from public sources identified in the text.
The Madness Narrative, Between the Literary, the Therapeutic and the Political
Authors: Viusenco Anca-Luisa 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe present paper discusses the types, functions and limitations of the madness narrative, a particular type of text dealing with a popular research topic: mental instability, within the larger contexts of women’s autobiographical writing and illness-based writing. The overview aims to provide the theoretical framework necessary for the further analysis of specific madness narratives.
Multi-type facts placement for loss minimization using biogeography based optimization
Authors: Subramanian A. , Ravi G. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
This paper presents a new strategy for optimal placement of multi-type FACTS devices with a view to minimize losses besides enhancing the voltage profile using biogeography based optimization. The strategy places three types of FACTS devices that include static VAR compensator, thyristor controlled series compensator and unified power flow controller; and offers optimal locations for placement, type and parameters of the FACTS devices. Test results on IEEE 14, 30 and 57 bus systems reveal the superiority of the algorithm.
Concentrations of Proinflammatory Mediators of The Arachidonic Acid Cascade in Serum of Sheep with Natural Zearalenone Intoxication
Authors: Kostro Krzysztof , Dudek Katarzyna , Lisiecka Urszula , Majer-Dziedzic Barbara , Aleksiewicz Roman , Lutnicki Krzysztof 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The clinical form of natural zearalenone intoxication was observed in sheep that were kept indoors and fed a constant diet of feed concentrates containing high concentrations of zearalenone and its metabolite α-zearalenol. The clinical form of the disease was not noted in the control group, consisting of sheep that were kept on a pasture from spring to late autumn; only in the winter they were fed wheat pellets, in which the zearalenone concentration was determined to be the lowest among all used feed concentrates. During the course of natural zearalenone intoxication, metabolism of arachidonic acid increased, mainly due to enzymes of the cyclooxygenase group, which are responsible for the generation of prostaglandin F2α and thromboxane B2, and an increase in their concentration. Increased production of F2α and B2 was closely correlated with the serum level of SAA, an indicator of the intensity of the inflammatory reaction. This indicates that both compounds participated in the development of inflammatory reactions in the terminal end of the digestive tract that accompanied zearalenone intoxication in sheep. The imbalances noted between the eicosanoid classes investigated in this study were fundamentally responsible for the development of clinical symptoms in sick sheep that showed symptoms of partial or total prolapse of the anus and rectum and prolapse of the large intestine, which were the direct cause of the animals death.
Immunocytochemical Analysis of Calretinin in the Frontal Cortex of Chinchilla
Authors: Krawczyk Aleksandra , Szalak Radosław , Jaworska-Adamu Jadwiga 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The aim of the study was to define morphology and distribution of calretinin (CR) positive neurons in the frontal cortex of adult chinchilla males and intracellular localisation of the protein in this area. The brains of 5 adult chinchilla males were used in the study. CR immunoreactive neurons were shown with peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical reaction using a specific monoclonal antibody. Intensive CR immunoreactivity was demonstrated mainly in few polymorphic neurons of II, III, and V layers. Cytoplasmic and nuclear reaction product in most CR positive neurons was diffuse and in some neurons of layer V in the form of granules localised peripherally. In a few cells more intensive staining was observed in the nuclei than in the cytoplasm. The results indicate the presence of heteromorphic CR positive neurons in specific layers of the frontal cortex. Nuclear localisation of CR in neurons suggests passive transport of this protein, which may affect the nuclear genes. This protein is a neuroprotector maintaining appropriate level of calcium, modulating neuronal activity, and synaptic conduction in the frontal cortex of chinchilla.