bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypospadias and variants in genes related to sex hormone biosynthesis and metabolism
Authors: Carmichael S. L. , Witte J. S. , Ma C. , Lammer E. J. , Shaw G. M. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryWe examined whether variants in genes related to sex hormone biosynthesis and metabolism were associated with hypospadias in humans. We examined 332 relatively common tag single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPs) in 20 genes. Analyses included 633 cases (84 mild, 322 moderate, 212 severe and 15 undetermined severity) and 855 population‐based non‐malformed male controls born in California from 1990 to 2003. We used logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each SNP. Several of the 332 studied SNPs had p < 0.01: one in CYP3A4, four in HSD17B3, one in HSD3B1, two in STARD3, 10 in SRD5A2 and seven in STS. In addition, haplotype analyses gave several associations with p < 0.01. For HSD17B3, 14‐SNP and 5‐SNP blocks had ORs of 1.5 (95% CI 1.1, 2.0, p < 0.001) and 2.8 (95% CI 1.6, 4.8, p < 0.001) respectively. For SRD5A2, 9‐SNP, 3‐SNP and 8‐SNP blocks had ORs of 1.7 (95% CI 1.3, 2.2, p < 0.001), 1.4 (95% CI 1.1, 1.8, p = 0.008) and 1.5 (95% CI 1.2, 1.9, p = 0.002) respectively. Our study indicates that several genes that contribute to sex hormone biosynthesis and metabolism are associated with hypospadias risk.
The role of macrophages polarization in predicting prognosis of radically resected gastric cancer patients
Authors: Pantano Francesco , Berti Pierpaolo , Guida Francesco Maria , Perrone Giuseppe , Vincenzi Bruno , Amato Michelina Maria Carla , Righi Daniela , Dell'Aquila Emanuela , Graziano Francesco , Catalano Vincenzo , Caricato Marco , Rizzo Sergio , Muda Andrea Onetti , Russo Antonio , Tonini Giuseppe , Santini Daniele 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTumour‐associated Macrophages (TAM) present two different polarizations: classical (M1) characterized by immunostimulation activity and tumour suppression; alternative (M2) characterized by tumour promotion and immune suppression. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the correlation between the two forms of TAM with survival time in radically resected gastric cancer patients. A total of 52 chemo‐ and radio‐naive patients were included. Two slides were prepared for each patient and double‐stained for CD68/NOS2 (M1) or CD68/CD163 (M2) and five representative high‐power fields per slide were evaluated for TAM count. The median value of the two macrophage populations density and the median value of M1/M2 ratio were used as cut‐off. Twenty‐seven patients with M1 density above‐the‐median had a significantly higher survival compared to those below the median. Twenty‐six patients with M1/M2 ratio above the median showed median OS of 27.2 months compared to 15.5 months of the patients below the median. No association between M2 macrophage density and patient's outcome was found. In multivariate analysis, M1/M2 was a positive independent predictor of survival. The M1 macrophage density and M1/M2 ratio, as confirmed in multivariate analysis, are factors that can help in predicting patients survival time after radical surgery for gastric cancer.
Life experiences among obstructive sleep apnoea patients receiving continuous positive airway pressure therapy
Authors: Hu Shui‐Tao , Yu Chung‐Chieh , Lee Pei‐Shan , Tsao Lee‐Ing 
Published: November 2013

Aims and objectivesTo generate a descriptive theoretical framework for experiences among obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients undergoing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.BackgroundInsufficient information is available about subjective experiences among OSA patients undergoing CPAP therapy. This study aims to address that lack of insight into patients' feelings.DesignA qualitative study using the grounded theory method to establish a descriptive theory.MethodsTwenty‐two Taiwanese OSA patients undergoing CPAP therapy participated in comprehensive interviews.ResultsThe patients, aged 37–68 years, participated in wide‐ranging interviews. ‘Living with CPAP’ was the core theme describing the life experiences of OSA patients undergoing CPAP. Health warnings were identified as the antecedent condition, with subcategories including the following: severe snoring, choking and feelings of a terrible death during sleep, day and night sleepiness, easy tiredness, decreased memory, poor sleep, dry mouth, dry throat, headache, high blood pressure, poor blood sugar level control and falling asleep while driving. Analyses indicated seven subcategories of OSA patients with CPAP: (1) seeking medical information, (2) difficulties with CPAP, (3) trial and error for the ‘right’ CPAP, (4) long scheduled waiting times, (5) wondering, (6) high expectations, and (7) getting back good health.ConclusionsThe results will assist healthcare providers with references for OSA health care based on patients' subjective perspectives.Relevance to clinical practiceAfter interpreting and analysing results, suggestions include the following: (1) provide medical resource education for outpatients and inpatients to access self‐care knowledge regarding OSA; (2) institute professional personnel for providing OSA health education in sleep clinics or sleep centres; (3) develop hospital standards for sleep examination processes to shorten waiting times; (4) establish case management for pursuing OSA patients receiving CPAP; (5) arrange regular forums for patients to share their experiences; and (6) provide community health education to promote awareness of snoring issues.
Monitoring acute phase proteins in retrovirus infected cats undergoing feline interferon‐ω therapy
Authors: Leal R. O. , Gil S. , Sepúlveda N. , McGahie D. , Duarte A. , Niza M.M.R.E. , Tavares L. 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesRecombinant feline interferon‐ω therapy is an immunomodulator currently used in the treatment of different retroviral diseases including feline immune deficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus. Although its mechanism of action remains unclear, this drug appears to potentiate the innate response. Acute phase proteins are one of the key components of innate immunity and studies describing their use as a monitoring tool for the immune system in animals undergoing interferon‐ω therapy are lacking. This study aimed to determine whether interferon‐ω therapy influences acute phase protein concentrations namely serum amyloid‐A, α‐1‐glycoprotein and C‐reactive protein.MethodsA single‐arm study was performed using 16 cats, living in an animal shelter, naturally infected with retroviruses and subjected to the interferon‐ω therapy licensed protocol. Samples were collected before (D0), during (D10 and D30) and after therapy (D65). Serum amyloid‐A and C‐reactive protein were measured by specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits and α‐1‐glycoprotein by single radial immunodiffusion.ResultsAll the acute phase proteins significantly increased in cats undergoing interferon‐ω therapy (D0/D65: P<0·05)Clinical SignificanceAcute phase proteins appear to be reasonable predictors of innate‐immune stimulation and may be useful in the individual monitoring of naturally retroviral infected cats undergoing interferon‐ω therapy.
Non‐dermatophyte mould onychomycosis: a clinical and epidemiological study at a dermatology referral centre in Bogota, Colombia
Authors: Morales‐Cardona Camilo A. , Valbuena‐Mesa Martha C. , Alvarado Zulma , Solorzano‐Amador Andrea 
Published: November 2013

SummaryWorldwide prevalence of non‐dermatophyte mould onychomycosis has increased in recent years; however, available information on the topic is confusing and oftentimes contradictory, probably due to the small number of reported cases. The aim of this study was to determine and describe the aetiological agents, as well as the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of non‐dermatophyte mould onychomycosis in a dermatology referral centre in Bogota, Colombia. A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted between January 2001 and December 2011 among patients who attend the National Institute of Dermatology with a confirmed diagnosis of onychomycosis by non‐dermatophytes moulds. There were 317 confirmed cases of non‐dermatophyte mould onychomycosis in 196 women and 121 men whose average age was 43 years. Twenty‐seven per cent of them had a history of systemic disease. The habit of walking and showering barefoot was the major infection‐related factor. Distal and lateral subungual presentation was the most common pattern of clinical presentation. The most frequent non‐dermatophyte mould was Neoscytalidium dimidiatum followed by Fusarium spp. No relationship was observed with predisposing factors previously reported in the literature. Clinical features found in this population are indistinguishable from onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes. High prevalence of N. dimidiatum found here was in contrast to a large number of studies where other types of moulds predominate.
Glomerular filtration rates in healthy Asians without kidney disease
Authors: Teo Boon Wee , Xu Hui , Koh Yun Yin , Li Jialiang , Subramanian Srinivas , Sinha Arvind Kumar , Shuter Borys , Toh Qi Chun , Sethi Sunil , Lee Evan JC 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimThe Chronic Kidney Disease Collaboration – Epidemiology (CKD‐EPI) glomerular filtration rates (GFR) estimation equation is believed to estimate GFR more accurately in healthy people but this has not been validated in Asians. We studied the distribution of GFR in a multi‐ethnic Asian population without CKD, and compared the performance of measures of GFR estimation, including the CKD‐EPI equation, Cockroft‐Gault equation, and 24‐hour urine creatinine clearances.Materials and MethodsA total of 103 healthy volunteers without a history of kidney disease, hypertension, or diabetes underwent GFR measurement using 3‐sample plasma clearance of 99mTc‐DTPA. Cockroft‐Gault estimated GFR and 24‐hour urine creatinine clearances were normalized to body surface area.ResultsThe mean measured GFR was 101 ± 15.8 mL/min per 1.73 m2 and was lowest in Indians (93 ± 12.3 mL/min per 1.73 m2; P < 0.001). The CKD‐EPI equation appears to be more accurate for healthy participants. Estimated GFR correlated with measured GFR (r = 0.57, P < 0.001), and the mean difference is 3.72 ± 14.43 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (P < 0.001). However, estimating GFR using self‐directed 24‐hour urine creatinine clearances is poorer than using the CKD‐EPI equation.ConclusionsGFR estimation using self‐directed 24‐hour urine collection for creatinine clearance is less accurate than using the CKD‐EPI equation. A larger study is required to clarify GFR in healthy Asians, and the association of health outcomes of Asian kidney donors with lower GFR thresholds.
Potassium nutrition of ectomycorrhizal Pinus pinaster: overexpression of the Hebeloma cylindrosporum HcTrk1 transporter affects the translocation of both K+ and phosphorus in the host plant
Authors: Garcia Kevin , Delteil Amandine , Conéjéro Geneviève , Becquer Adeline , Plassard Claude , Sentenac Hervé , Zimmermann Sabine 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Mycorrhizal associations are known to improve the hydro‐mineral nutrition of their host plants. However, the importance of mycorrhizal symbiosis for plant potassium nutrition has so far been poorly studied. We therefore investigated the impact of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hebeloma cylindrosporum on the potassium nutrition of Pinus pinaster and examined the involvement of the fungal potassium transporter HcTrk1.

HcTrk1 transcripts and proteins were localized in ectomycorrhizas using in situ hybridization and EGFP translational fusion constructs. Importantly, an overexpression strategy was performed on a H. cylindrosporum endogenous gene in order to dissect the role of this transporter.

The potassium nutrition of mycorrhizal pine plants was significantly improved under potassium‐limiting conditions. Fungal strains overexpressing HcTrk1 reduced the translocation of potassium and phosphorus from the roots to the shoots of inoculated plants in mycorrhizal experiments. Furthermore, expression of HcTrk1 and the phosphate transporter HcPT1.1 were reciprocally linked to the external inorganic phosphate and potassium availability.

The development of these approaches provides a deeper insight into the role of ectomycorrhizal symbiosis on host plant K+ nutrition and in particular, the K+ transporter HcTrk1. The work augments our knowledge of the link between potassium and phosphorus nutrition via the mycorrhizal pathway.
Anesthetic neurotoxicity: what to tell the parents?
Authors: Nemergut Michael E. , Aganga Devon , Flick Randall P. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryOver the past decade, numerous preclinical and retrospective human studies have reported that the provision of anesthetic and sedative agents to infants and children may be associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. These data have gained widespread attention from professional and regulatory agencies, including the public at large. As such, pediatric anesthesiologists are being increasingly questioned by parents about the risks of anesthetic agents on their children's neurocognitive development. To impart a framework from which anesthesiologists may address the apprehensions of parents who actively bring up this issue, we review the data supporting anesthetic neurotoxicity and discuss its strengths and limitations. As many parents are not yet aware and do not actively raise these concerns, we also discuss whether such a conversation should be undertaken as a part of the consent process.
Pneumatosis intestinalis following pediatric live‐related liver transplant: A case report and successful conservative approach
Authors: Abdel‐Aziz Omer , Elaffandi Ahmed H. , El Shazly Mostafa , Hosny Adel , El‐Karaksy Hanaa 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPI has been rarely reported following pediatric live‐related liver transplantation. Such a disorder is characterized by accumulation of gas in the bowel wall. The cause of PI has not been yet established; however, it has been strongly linked with steroid therapy. In this report, we present a case of PI following pediatric live‐related liver transplantation that has been successfully managed conservatively.
Microtopography Influences Early Successional Plant Communities on Experimental Coal Surface Mine Land Reclamation
Authors: Gilland Keith E. , McCarthy Brian C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSurface mining for coal represents one of the dominant forms of anthropogenic disturbance to forests of the eastern United States. Reclamation methods adopted under federal law in the 1970s have led to a state of arrested succession, failing to achieve pre‐disturbance conditions. New methods of reclamation have been proposed with the goal of returning mined land to its former forested state through the use of compaction reducing techniques that significantly increase fine‐scale heterogeneity. The Forestry Reclamation Approach creates topographic heterogeneity by loosely dumping overburden material into large piles to serve as a tree‐planting medium. We examined the effect of fine‐scale topographic relief, soil physical properties, and reclamation method on early plant community development on a mine site in eastern Ohio. We sampled plots at four microtopographic positions and three distances from the remaining forest edge in both experimentally and traditionally reclaimed areas of a surface mine. Multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) on distance matrices indicated significant differences in plant community composition among microtopographic positions and reclamation methods. Microtopographic positions also exhibited significant differences in measured soil properties significantly affecting plant community composition. Plots in the traditionally reclaimed areas had no woody plant colonization, indicating arrested succession common to sites reclaimed using traditional methods. Our results suggest that the creation of topographic heterogeneity at the time of reclamation markedly accelerates ecological succession and promotes enhanced plant community diversity. Expanded application of the methods used here could allow for a faster return to the former forested state of mined lands than traditional reclamation methods.
Ralstonia solanacearum Requires PopS, an Ancient AvrE-Family Effector, for Virulence and To Overcome Salicylic Acid-Mediated Defenses during Tomato Pathogenesis
Authors: Jacobs Jonathan M. , Milling Annett , Mitra Raka M. , Hogan Clifford S. , Ailloud Florent , Prior Philippe , Allen Caitilyn 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

During bacterial wilt of tomato, the plant pathogen
Ralstonia solanacearum
upregulates expression of
popS
, which encodes a type III-secreted effector in the AvrE family. PopS is a core effector present in all sequenced strains in the
R. solanacearum
species complex. The phylogeny of
popS
mirrors that of the species complex as a whole, suggesting that this is an ancient, vertically inherited effector needed for association with plants. A
popS
mutant of
R. solanacearum
UW551 had reduced virulence on agriculturally important
Solanum
spp., including potato and tomato plants. However, the
popS
mutant had wild-type virulence on a weed host,
Solanum dulcamara
, suggesting that some species can avoid the effects of PopS. The
popS
mutant was also significantly delayed in colonization of tomato stems compared to the wild type. Some AvrE-type effectors from gammaproteobacteria suppress salicylic acid (SA)-mediated plant defenses, suggesting that PopS, a betaproteobacterial ortholog, has a similar function. Indeed, the
popS
mutant induced significantly higher expression of tomato SA-triggered pathogenesis-related (PR) genes than the wild type. Further, pretreatment of roots with SA exacerbated the
popS
mutant virulence defect. Finally, the
popS
mutant had no colonization defect on SA-deficient NahG transgenic tomato plants. Together, these results indicate that this conserved effector suppresses SA-mediated defenses in tomato roots and stems, which are
R. solanacearum
’s natural infection sites. Interestingly, PopS did not trigger necrosis when heterologously expressed in
Nicotiana
leaf tissue, unlike the AvrE homolog DspE

Pcc

from the necrotroph
Pectobacterium carotovorum
subsp.
carotovorum
. This is consistent with the differing pathogenesis modes of necrosis-causing gammaproteobacteria and biotrophic
R. solanacearum
.

IMPORTANCE
The type III-secreted AvrE effector family is widely distributed in high-impact plant-pathogenic bacteria and is known to suppress plant defenses for virulence. We characterized the biology of PopS, the only AvrE homolog made by the bacterial wilt pathogen
Ralstonia solanacearum
. To our knowledge, this is the first study of
R. solanacearum
effector function in roots and stems, the natural infection sites of this pathogen. Unlike the functionally redundant
R. solanacearum
effectors studied to date, PopS is required for full virulence and wild-type colonization of two natural crop hosts.
R. solanacearum
is a biotrophic pathogen that causes a nonnecrotic wilt. Consistent with this, PopS suppressed plant defenses but did not elicit cell death, unlike AvrE homologs from necrosis-causing plant pathogens. We propose that AvrE family effectors have functionally diverged to adapt to the necrotic or nonnecrotic lifestyle of their respective pathogens.
Capturing intraoperative process deviations using a direct observational approach: the glitch method
Authors: Morgan Lauren , Robertson Eleanor , Hadi Mohammed , Catchpole Ken , Pickering Sharon , New Steve , Collins Gary , McCulloch Peter 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesTo develop a sensitive, reliable tool for enumerating and evaluating technical process imperfections during surgical operations.DesignProspective cohort study with direct observation.SettingOperating theatres on five sites in three National Health Service Trusts.ParticipantsStaff taking part in elective and emergency surgical procedures in orthopaedics, trauma, vascular and plastic surgery; including anaesthetists, surgeons, nurses and operating department practitioners.Outcome measuresReliability and validity of the glitch count method; frequency, type, temporal pattern and rate of glitches in relation to site and surgical specialty.ResultsThe glitch count has construct and face validity, and category agreement between observers is good (κ=0.7). Redundancy between pairs of observers significantly improves the sensitivity over a single observation. In total, 429 operations were observed and 5742 glitches were recorded (mean 14 per operation, range 0–83). Specialty-specific glitch rates varied from 6.9 to 8.3/h of operating (ns). The distribution of glitch categories was strikingly similar across specialties, with distractions the commonest type in all cases. The difference in glitch rate between specialty teams operating at different sites was larger than that between specialties (range 6.3–10.5/h, p<0.001). Forty per cent of glitches occurred in the first quarter of an operation, and only 10% occurred in the final quarter.ConclusionsThe glitch method allows collection of a rich dataset suitable for analysing the changes following interventions to improve process safety, and appears reliable and sensitive. Glitches occur more frequently in the early stages of an operation. Hospital environment, culture and work systems may influence the operative process more strongly than the specialty.
Effect of exercise on abdominal fat loss in men and women with and without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dobrosielski Devon A , Barone Gibbs Bethany , Chaudhari Sameer , Ouyang Pamela , Silber Harry A , Stewart Kerry J 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of exercise on abdominal adipose tissue in adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).DesignPost hoc analysis of two randomised controlled trials.SettingOutpatient secondary prevention programme in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.Participants97 men and women with prehypertension, stage 1 or medically controlled hypertension. 49% of the sample was also diagnosed with T2DM.InterventionAll participants completed a 26-week (6.5 months) supervised aerobic and resistance exercise programme following American College of Sports Medicine guidelines.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe main outcomes in this post hoc analysis were total abdominal adipose tissue (TAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measured by MRI. Secondary outcomes were to determine whether the magnitude of abdominal fat change differed by diabetes status in men and women and to identify the predictors of change in abdominal fat distribution with exercise.ResultsOverall, participants (mean age 61±6 years; 45% women) significantly improved peak oxygen uptake by 15% (p<0.01) and reduced weight by 2% (p<0.01). No change in SAT was observed after training. The reduction in VAT following exercise was attenuated in participants with T2DM (–3%) compared with participants who were non-T2DM (–18%, p<0.001 for the difference in change). The magnitude of VAT loss was associated with a decrease in body weight (r=0.50, p<0.001). After adjustment for weight change using regression analysis, diabetes status remained an independent predictor of the change in VAT.ConclusionsAlthough participants with and without T2DM attained an exercise training effect as evidenced by increased fitness, VAT was unchanged in T2DM compared to those without T2DM, suggesting that these individuals may be resistant to this important benefit of exercise. The strategies for reducing cardiovascular disease risk in T2DM may be most effective when they include a weight loss component.Clinical Trials RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov RegistryNCT00212303.