bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global Health Care Justice, Delivery Doctors and Assisted Reproduction: Taking a Note From Catholic Social Teachings
Authors: Richie Cristina 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis article will examine the Catholic concept of global justice within a health care framework as it relates to women's needs for delivery doctors in the developing world and women's demands for assisted reproduction in the developed world. I will first discuss justice as a theory, situating it within Catholic social teachings. The Catholic perspective on global justice in health care demands that everyone have access to basic needs before elective treatments are offered to the wealthy.After exploring specific discrepancies in global health care justice, I will point to the need for delivery doctors in the developing world to provide basic assistance to women who hazard many pregnancies as a priority before offering assisted reproduction to women in the developed world. The wide disparities between maternal health in the developing world and elective fertility treatments in the developed world are clearly unjust within Catholic social teachings. I conclude this article by offering policy suggestions for moving closer to health care justice via doctor distribution.
Long‐term impact of the ketogenic diet on growth and resting energy expenditure in children with intractable epilepsy
Authors: Groleau Veronique , Schall Joan I , Stallings Virginia A , Bergqvist Christina A 
Published: April 2014

AimThe long‐term effects of the ketogenic diet, a high fat diet for treating intractable epilepsy, on resting energy expenditure (REE) are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 15 months of ketogenic diet treatment on growth and REE in children with intractable epilepsy.MethodGrowth, body composition, and REE were assessed at baseline, 3 months and 15 months in 24 children (14 males, 10 females; mean age 5y 6mo [SD 26mo], range 7mo–6y 5mo), 10 with cerebral palsy [CP]). Fifteen were identified as ketogenic diet responders at 3 months and continued on the ketogenic diet until 15 months. These were compared to 75 healthy children (43 males, 32 females; mean age 6y 3mo [SD 21mo] age range 2–9y). REE was expressed as percentage predicted, growth as height (HAz) and weight (WAz) z‐scores, and body composition as fat and fat free mass (FFM).ResultsHAz declined −0.2 and −0.6 from baseline to 3 months and 15 months respectively (p=0.001), while WAz was unchanged. In ketogenic diet responders, FFM, age and CP diagnosis predicted REE (overall R2=0.76, p<0.001) and REE did not change. REE adjusted for FFM was lower (p<0.01) in children with CP at baseline (mean [standard error], −143[51] kcals/d) and 15 months (−198[53] kcals/d) compared to the healthy children.InterpretationAfter 15 months of the ketogenic diet, linear growth status declined while weight status and REE were unchanged. REE remained reduced in children with CP.
Kidney biopsy results versus clinical parameters on mortality and ESRD progression in 2687 patients with glomerulonephritis
Authors: Haider Dominik G. , Masghati Salome , Goliasch Georg , Mouhieddine Mohamed , Wolzt Michael , Fuhrmann Valentin , Hörl Walter H. , Kaider Alexandra , Soleiman Afschin 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundPhysicians refer proteinuric patients to kidney biopsy in order to clarify the issue of underlying renal disease. We compared kidney biopsy results with classical outcome parameters in a large cohort of patients with biopsy proven glomerulonephritis (GN).MethodsIn a retrospective analysis, 2687 patients with different forms of GN from 123 Austrian centres were investigated. Patient characteristics, the diagnosis of GN and its respective subtype and clinical symptoms such as arterial hypertension, haematuria, amount of proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were tested for their association with all‐cause mortality and progression to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 129·9 months (IQR 89·6; 177·7), 688 patients (25·6%) died and 718 patients required dialysis (29·4%). In multivariate Cox's regression analysis age (HR 1·06), female sex (HR 0·71), eGFR (HR 0·74), the diagnosis of GN and its subtypes predicted patient survival (all P < 0·01), whereas the amount of proteinuria was not associated with patient survival. The incidence of progression to ESRD was associated with female sex (HR 0·71), eGFR (HR 0·65), amount of proteinuria (HR 1·15) and the diagnosis of GN and its subtypes (all P < 0·01). Nephrotic or nephritic syndromes were not associated with patient survival or progression to ESRD and did not add further predictive value to outcome of GN.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates histological diagnosis of GN and its specific subtype predicts patient survival and dialysis incidence. Therefore, kidney biopsy should be an integral part of routine diagnostic assessment in patients with any forms of suspected GN.
Predation on native sculpin by exotic brown trout exceeds that by native cutthroat trout within a mountain watershed (Logan, UT, USA)
Authors: Meredith Christy S. , Budy Phaedra , Thiede Gary P. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe explored potential negative effects of exotic brown trout (Salmo trutta) on native sculpin (Cottus sp.) on the Logan River, Utah, USA by (i) examining factors most strongly correlated with sculpin abundance (e.g., abiotic conditions or piscivory?), (ii) contrasting the extent of brown trout predation on sculpin with that by native cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii utah) and (iii) estimating the number of sculpin consumed by brown trout along an elevational gradient using bioenergetics. Abundance of sculpin across reaches showed a strong (r ≥ 0.40) and significant (P < 0.05) correlation with physical variables describing width (positive) and gradient (negative), but not with abundance of piscivorous brown trout or cutthroat trout. In mainstem reaches containing sculpin, we found fish in 0% of age‐1, 10% of age‐2 and 33% of age‐3 and older brown trout diets. Approximately 81% of fish consumed by brown trout were sculpin. Despite a similar length–gape relationship for native cutthroat trout, we found only two fish (one sculpin and one unknown) in the diets of native cutthroat trout similar in size to age‐3 brown trout. Based on bioenergetics, we estimate that an average large (> 260 mm) brown trout consumes as many as 34 sculpin per year. Nevertheless, results suggest that sculpin abundance in this system is controlled by abiotic factors and not brown trout predation. Additional research is needed to better understand how piscivory influences brown trout invasion success, including in‐stream experiments exploring trophic dynamics and interactions between brown trout and native prey under different environmental conditions.
Otolith geochemistry in young‐of‐the‐year peacock bass Cichla temensis for investigating natal dispersal in the Rio Negro (Amazon – Brazil) river system
Authors: Garcez Raniere C. S. , Humston Robert , Harbor David , Freitas Carlos E. C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis study examined otolith geochemistry as a natural marker of natal origins in young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) Cichla temensis in the Negro River Basin of Brazil. We analysed trace element and isotopic composition of otoliths of YOY collected off spawning nests from the main stem and major tributaries. These were compared with regional bedrock geologic composition to explore underlying mechanisms of differences in otolith geochemistry. Our results suggest that spatial differences in otolith geochemistry can be used to distinguish natal origins based on 87Sr/86Sr, Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios. This approach allowed us to correctly classify 99% of juvenile fish to their natal streams using cross‐validation in a linear discriminant function analysis (LDFA). Patterns of otolith isotopic composition correspond with patterns in regional geology as expected based on previously demonstrated correlations, although some fine‐scale spatial differences cannot be accounted for by available geologic information. These results demonstrate that otolith chemistry is valuable as a natural marker of natal origins in this system and suggest that inferences from geologic maps may be useful for interpreting movements based on otolith geochemical signatures. This information provides the basis for future work to investigate the early life history and spatial ecology of this important cichlid.
Bortezomib induces thrombocytopenia by the inhibition of proplatelet formation of megakaryocytes
Authors: Murai Kazunori , Kowata Shugo , Shimoyama Tadashi , Yashima‐Abo Akiko , Fujishima Yukiteru , Ito Shigeki , Ishida Yoji 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBortezomib is a potent proteasome inhibitor that has been extensively used to treat multiple myeloma. One of the most common grade 3 adverse events is cyclic thrombocytopenia. In this study, we studied the mechanism by which bortezomib induces thrombocytopenia in a mouse model. After the intravenous administration of bortezomib (2.5 mg/kg) via tail vein, platelet counts significantly decreased on days 2–4 and recovered to the normal range on day 6. Bortezomib (2.5 mg/kg) injected into mice in vivo did not affect colony‐forming unit‐megakaryocytes (CFU‐Mk) or megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. However, proplatelet formation (PPF) significantly decreased on days 2 and 4, after bortezomib administration to mice. Meanwhile, CFU‐Mk formation and the ploidy distribution of cultured megakaryocytes in vitro were not affected by bortezomib used at concentrations of ≤1 ng/mL. The PPF of megakaryocytes in vitro significantly decreased with 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 ng/mL bortezomib. Considering the bortezomib concentration in clinical studies, these data strongly suggest that decreased PPF activity induces thrombocytopenia. To elucidate the mechanism behind decreased PPF, Western blot was performed. Activated Rho expression increased after the incubation of murine platelets with bortezomib. Decreased PPF activity was eliminated by the addition of Y27632, a Rho kinase inhibitor, in vitro. Given that the Rho/Rho kinase pathway is a negative regulator of PPF, bortezomib increases activated Rho, inducing decreased PPF, which results in decreased platelet count.
Antibodies and antibody‐drug conjugates in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Eichenauer Dennis A. , Engert Andreas 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a B cell‐derived lymphoid malignancy most often affecting young adults. More than 80% of HL patients achieve long‐term remission after appropriate first‐line treatment consisting of multiagent chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (RT). In addition, approximately 50% of patients with disease recurrence remain relapse‐free after salvage therapy with high‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). However, patients with multiple relapses are mostly in a palliative situation, and novel drugs for this patient group are needed. Furthermore, novel less toxic but equally effective first‐line and second‐line approaches are required as therapy‐related late sequelae represent a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality in HL survivors. Several antibodies and antibody‐drug conjugates (ADC) targeting CD30 and CD20 have recently been evaluated in HL. Excellent response rates in heavily pretreated patients were observed with the ADC brentuximab vedotin directed against CD30. Thus, ongoing trials investigate brentuximab vedotin in different additional indications. One example is the first‐line treatment of advanced HL where the drug is currently being evaluated in combination with variants of the first‐line protocols ABVD (adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) and escalated BEACOPP (bleomycin, etoposide, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone). Anti‐CD20 antibodies given either as single agent or in combination with conventional chemotherapy have also been investigated and still undergo investigation in prospective studies including HL patients. This article reviews the available data on treatment approaches including antibodies and ADC in HL patients.
Frequency of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms influencing the warfarin pharmacogenetics in Slovak population
Authors: Krajčíová Ľubica , Petrovič Robert , Déžiová Ľudmila , Chandoga Ján , Turčáni Peter 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveWarfarin represents the most commonly prescribed oral anticoagulants, which functions as an antagonist of vitamin K, an essential factor of blood coagulation cascade. Warfarin has a narrow therapeutic index. An insufficient dose can cause failure of antithrombotic effect, and an overdose increases a risk of bleeding. It is known that variability in two genes (CYP2C9 and VKORC1) has a significant effect on individual response to warfarin dose. These polymorphisms influence more than one‐third of known warfarin dose effect. Pharmacogenetics of warfarin is less affected by polymorphisms in the other genes such as CYP4F2, CYP2C19, and GGCX.Material and MethodsThe frequency of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms including CYP2C9*2 (430C>T), CYP2C9*3 (1075A>C), VKORC1*2 (−1639G>A/1173C>T), VKORC1*3 (3730G>A), GGCX (12970C>G, 8016G>A), CYP2C19*2 (681G>A), and CYP4F2*3 (1297G>A) was tested in a control group consisting of 112 randomly selected individuals by allele‐specific real‐time PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and bidirectional PCR allele‐specific amplification.Results and DiscussionThe current results were statistically evaluated and compared with other populations. The presented results in Slovak population which is in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were compared with the prevalence in different countries. The incidence of selected polymorphisms in Slovak population correlates with Caucasians.
The effect of striatal pre‐enkephalin overexpression in the basal ganglia of the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bissonnette Stéphanie , Muratot Sophie , Vernoux Nathalie , Bezeau François , Calon Frédéric , Hébert Sébastien S. , Samadi Pershia 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe midbrain dopamine (DA) cell death underlying Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with upregulation of pre‐enkephalin (pENK) in striatopallidal neurons. Our previous results obtained with 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) parkinsonian monkeys suggest that increased striatal expression of pENK mRNA is a compensatory mechanism to alleviate PD‐related motor symptoms. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that increased pENK expression in the striatum protects against the neurotoxic insults of MPTP in mice. To this end, recombinant adeno‐associated virus serotype 2 also containing green fluorescent protein was used to overexpress pENK prior to DA depletion. Our results showed that overexpression of pENK in the striatum of MPTP mice induced: (i) increased levels of the opioid peptide enkephalin (ENK) in the striatum; (ii) higher densities of ENK‐positive fibers in both the globus pallidus (GP) and the substantia nigra; (iii) higher locomotor activity; and (iv) a higher density of striatal tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive fibers in the striatum. In addition, striatal overexpression of pENK in MPTP ‐treated mice led to 52 and 43% higher DA concentrations and DA turnover, respectively, in the GP compared to sham‐treated MPTP mice. These observations are in agreement with the idea that increased expression of pENK at an early stage of disease can improve PD symptoms.
Environmental heterogeneity as a universal driver of species richness across taxa, biomes and spatial scales
Authors: Stein Anke , Gerstner Katharina , Kreft Holger 
Published: April 2014

AbstractEnvironmental heterogeneity is regarded as one of the most important factors governing species richness gradients. An increase in available niche space, provision of refuges and opportunities for isolation and divergent adaptation are thought to enhance species coexistence, persistence and diversification. However, the extent and generality of positive heterogeneity–richness relationships are still debated. Apart from widespread evidence supporting positive relationships, negative and hump‐shaped relationships have also been reported. In a meta‐analysis of 1148 data points from 192 studies worldwide, we examine the strength and direction of the relationship between spatial environmental heterogeneity and species richness of terrestrial plants and animals. We find that separate effects of heterogeneity in land cover, vegetation, climate, soil and topography are significantly positive, with vegetation and topographic heterogeneity showing particularly strong associations with species richness. The use of equal‐area study units, spatial grain and spatial extent emerge as key factors influencing the strength of heterogeneity–richness relationships, highlighting the pervasive influence of spatial scale in heterogeneity–richness studies. We provide the first quantitative support for the generality of positive heterogeneity–richness relationships across heterogeneity components, habitat types, taxa and spatial scales from landscape to global extents, and identify specific needs for future comparative heterogeneity–richness research.
Are the Costs of Site Unfamiliarity Compensated With Vigilance? A Field Test in Eurasian Siskins
Authors: Pascual Jordi , Senar Juan Carlos , Domènech Jordi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractDetermination of fitness differentials between individuals adopting different migratory and dispersal strategies is basic to understand the evolution of migration. In the Eurasian siskin Carduelis spinus, both resident and transient birds forage within the same wintering area, providing the rare opportunity to compare their foraging behaviour in the same area and habitat. The aim of this study was to test the predictions associated to the different hypothesized costs of transience by studying the vigilance and foraging behaviour of wild wintering siskins foraging at three bird tables with different predation risk and interference competition levels. Transient siskins showed longer scan durations than residents, either because of site unfamiliarity or subordination (i.e. prior‐occupancy effect). However, residents and transients did not differ in aggression rates, contrary to the dear‐enemy effect. Transient siskins did not show a higher allocation of time to vigilance, contrary to the hypothesis of compensation vigilance to reduce predation risk by dispersing animals. Moreover, transients increased pecking rate with increasing predation risk, showed lower scan rates, longer foraging bouts and, in males, presented marginally higher proportions far from cover. Altogether these results strongly support the hypothesis that transients incur a predation cost due to a less efficient vigilance and foraging system.
Use of laser capture microdissection for the assessment of equine lamellar basal epithelial cell signalling in the early stages of laminitis
Authors: Leise B. S. , Watts M. R. , Roy S. , Yilmaz A. S. , Alder H. , Belknap J. K. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyDysadhesion of laminar basal epithelial cells (LBECs) from the underlying dermis is the central event leading to structural failure in equine laminitis. Although many studies of sepsis‐related laminitis have reported multiple events occurring throughout the lamellar tissue, there is minimal information regarding signalling events occurring specifically inLBECs.ObjectivesTo determine signalling events in theLBECsduring the early stages of carbohydrate‐induced laminitis.Study designExperimental study.MethodsEight horses were given an overload of carbohydrate (CHO) consisting of corn starch mixture via nasogastric tube. Prior to administration ofCHO, lamellar biopsies were taken from the left forefoot (control [CON]). Biopsies were taken from the left hind foot at the onset of fever (developmental [DEV]) and from the right forefoot at the onset of Obelgrade 1lameness (OG1). Laminar basal epithelial cells were isolated from cryosections using a laser capture microdissection (LCM) microscope. Next generation sequencing (RNA‐seq) was used to identify transcripts expressed in theLBECsfor each time point and bioinformatic analysis was performed with thresholds for between group comparisons set at a greater than 2‐fold change and P value ≤0.05.ResultsForty genes (22 increased/18 decreased) were significantly different fromDEVtime vs.CONand 107 genes (57 increased/50 decreased) were significantly different fromOG1time vs.CON. Significant increases in inflammatory genes were present in addition to significantly altered expression of genes related to extracellular matrix composition, stability and turnover.ConclusionsSignalling related to inflammatory response and extracellular matrix regulation was strongly represented at theDEVandOG1times. These results indicate that theLBECis not only a casualty but also an active participant in lamellar events leading to structural failure of the digital lamellae in equine laminitis.
Wnt5a – a potential factor linking psoriasis to metabolic complications
Authors: Gerdes Sascha , Laudes Matthias , Neumann Katrin , Baurecht Hansjoerg , Mrowietz Ulrich 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPsoriasis is associated with comorbidity including obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus type 2. In obesity, the protein wingless‐type MMTV integration site Family, Member 5a (wnt5a) is released from adipose tissue macrophages and was shown to be of importance in the development of insulin resistance. As wnt5a was also shown to be upregulated in psoriatic skin lesions, we investigated whether wnt5a and its counterpart secreted frizzled‐related protein 5 are altered in the circulation of lean and obese patients with psoriasis compared with lean and obese healthy volunteers by measuring serum concentrations of both proteins. Our results showed that wnt5a was significantly higher in lean patients with psoriasis (0.096 ng/ml; SD 0.12) compared with lean healthy controls (0.020 ng/ml; SD 0.04; P ≤ 0.01) as well as in obese patients (0.177 ng/ml; SD 0.14) compared with obese healthy controls (0.011 ng/ml; SD 0.03; P ≤ 0.001). Therefore, we suggest that in psoriasis, an increase in wnt5a may contribute to the development of metabolic comorbidity.
Non‐equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas modulate cell cycle‐related gene expressions in melanocytic tumors of RET‐transgenic mice
Authors: Yajima Ichiro , Iida Machiko , Kumasaka Mayuko Y. , Omata Yasuhiro , Ohgami Nobutaka , Chang Jie , Ichihara Sahoko , Hori Masaru , Kato Masashi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma is increasing at a greater rate than that of any other cancer in the world. However, an effective therapy for malignant melanoma has not been established. Recently, some studies have shown an antitumor effect of non‐equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas (NEAPPs) in vitro. Here, we examined the in vivo effect of NEAPP on cell cycle regulators, key elements for malignant transformation, in spontaneously developed benign melanocytic tumors in a hairless animal model. NEAPP irradiation decreased expression levels of cell cycle promoters, Cyclin D1, E1 and E2, and increased expression level of a cell cycle repressor, p27KIP1. Cyclin D1, E1 and E2 and p27KIP expression levels were associated with malignant transformation of the benign tumor in the animal model. Our results suggest that NEAPP irradiation suppresses malignant transformation of a benign melanocytic tumor via control of the expression levels of cell cycle regulators.