bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ProHNPs are the principal α‐defensins of human plasma
Authors: Glenthøj Andreas , Glenthøj Anders J. , Borregaard Niels 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundHuman neutrophil peptides (HNPs) were discovered as abundant antimicrobial peptides of azurophil granules. Later studies revealed that most HNPs were produced by myelocytes and metamyelocytes and secreted into the bone marrow plasma as the inert proforms, proHNPs. Despite the vast amounts of proHNPs released into bone marrow plasma, little has been done to characterize these. Numerous studies have investigated HNPs in plasma, linking them to a variety of diseases, but without distinguishing between HNPs and their proforms.Materials and methodsWe used an antibody with specificity against the propiece of proHNPs to investigate proHNPs in plasma and tissue.ResultsIn contrast to previous studies using HNP antibodies, we found proHNPs to be many‐fold more abundant than HNPs in plasma with a mean concentration of 2 μg/mL. The concentration was substantially higher in bone marrow plasma in accordance with the bone marrow being the site of origin of plasma proHNPs. ProHNPs were not bound to high molecular weight plasma proteins. Accordingly, proHNPs were filtered in the kidneys and resorbed in the proximal tubules.ConclusionsMost HNPs in plasma are in fact proHNPs, which is important given the differences in their origin and biological activities.
Transcranial color‐coded sonography to predict recurrent transient ischaemic attack/stroke
Authors: Nasr N. , Ssi‐Yan‐Kai G. , Guidolin B. , Bonneville F. , Larrue V. 
Published: May 2013

Background and purposePatients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA) with a high risk of imminent stroke can be identified with the ABCD2 score and findings on MRI and CT angiography. The predictive value of transcranial color‐coded sonography (TCCS) has not been evaluated in this setting.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted of patients consecutively treated for TIA or minor stroke in a TIA clinic within 24 h of symptom onset. Agreement between TCCS and MRI three‐dimensional time‐of‐flight images for the diagnosis of proximal (internal carotid artery, vertebral artery, basilar artery, circle of Willis and main stem of the middle cerebral artery) >50% stenosis or occlusion of the intracranial symptomatic artery was evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratio of TCCS for predicting recurrent TIA/stroke at 7 days were calculated.ResultsOf 159 patients with a TIA or minor stroke within the last 24 h, 142 had a readable acoustic temporal bone window (89.3%). TCCS and MRI were performed within 4 h of each other in 116 patients. MRI showed a symptomatic proximal intracranial steno‐occlusive lesion in six patients. Agreement between MRI and TCCS was perfect (κ coefficient = 1). Recurrent TIA/stroke occurred in 10 patients (eight TIA and two minor strokes). All recurrences occurred within 24 h of symptom onset. A symptomatic proximal intracranial steno‐occlusive lesion was found on TCCS in 4/10 patients with recurrence and 3/132 patients without recurrence [sensitivity 40%; specificity 97.7%; likelihood ratio 18.1; odds ratio (95% CI) adjusted for ABCD2 score 31.5 (4.5–218.6)].ConclusionOur study shows that TCCS can be used to guide triage of patients with TIA.
Bronchial collapse during bronchoalveolar lavage in horses is an indicator of lung inflammation
Authors: Koblinger K. , Hecker K. , Nicol J. , Wasko A. , Fernandez N. , Léguillette R. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) procedure can return variable volumes of fluid, possibly depending on the presence of bronchial collapse during fluid aspiration and on the severity of lung inflammation.ObjectivesWe tested the hypothesis that horses with bronchial collapse duringBALare at higher risk of having severe lung inflammation.Study designProspective field study.MethodsBronchial collapse was graded using a new simple scoring method (0, 1 or 2) during a standardisedBALprocedure in the field on 131 horses with normal, mild/moderate or severe lower airway inflammation on cytology ofBALfluid.ResultsOf the 131 horses, 37 (28%), 55 (42%) and 39 (30%) horses had bronchial collapse scores of 0, 1 and 2, respectively. There was a difference in collapse scores between all theBALinflammation categories (P<0.001). Severe collapse had a positive predictive value of 0.95 for both mild/moderate and severeBALinflammation, with a prevalence of 63% and 20%, respectively. TheBALfluid return volume in the horses with severe collapse scores was lower than volumes in the partial (score 1/2) and no collapse (score 0/2) groups (P<0.001). TheBALfluid volume was negatively correlated withBALneutrophil percentage (P<0.001).ConclusionsAirway collapse duringBALis associated with airway inflammation and neutrophilia.Potential relevanceDuring a standardisedBALprocedure, clinicians can expect lung inflammation in horses that have bronchial collapse and bronchial collapse in horses with lung inflammation. Lung inflammation may be a contributing factor in the mechanism of bronchial collapse duringBALin horses.The Summary is available inChinese – see Supporting information.
Methods of hair loss evaluation: a comparison of TrichoScan® with the modified wash test
Authors: Guarrera Marcella , Fiorucci Maria Cristina , Rebora Alfredo 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe reliability of the methods currently used for diagnosing hair loss is ill defined. We studied 41 subjects complaining of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium, and compared the results obtained with the modified wash test (MWT) and TrichoScan®. Data were analysed statistically with the t‐test and the Cohen κ statistic. The concordance between the clinical diagnosis and that of MWT (5% cut‐off) was fair (κ = 0.32) and that between clinical diagnosis and TrichoScan® was still fair though less satisfactory (κ = 0.22). Only in 17 patients (41%) were the MWT and TrichoScan® diagnoses concordant. MWT was better in general and especially at detecting telogen effluvium (TE) (29% vs 19%). In conclusion, the clinical observation should be assisted by MWT and dermoscopy, leaving the biopsy for very difficult cases. TrichoScan® is less useful and may be even misleading in TE.
Telomere shortening in human diseases
Authors: Kong Chiou Mee , Lee Xiao Wen , Wang Xueying 
Published: May 2013

The discovery of telomeres dates back to the early 20th century. In humans, telomeres are heterochromatic structures with tandem DNA repeats of 5′‐TTAGGG‐3′ at the chromosomal ends. Telomere length varies greatly among species and ranges from 10 to 15 kb in humans. With each cell division, telomeres shorten progressively because of the ‘end‐replication problem’. Short or dysfunctional telomeres are often recognized as DNA DSBs, triggering cell‐cycle arrest and result in cellular senescence or apoptotic cell death. Therefore, telomere shortening serves as an important tumor‐suppressive mechanism by limiting cellular proliferative capacity by regulating senescence checkpoint activation. Although telomeres serve as a mitotic clock to cells, they also confer capping on chromosomes, with help from telomere‐associated proteins. Over the past decades, many studies of telomere biology have demonstrated that telomeres and telomere‐associated proteins are implicated in human genetic diseases. In addition, it has become more apparent that accelerated telomere erosion is associated with a myriad of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Moreover, critically short or unprotected telomeres are likely to form telomeric fusions, leading to genomic instability, the cornerstone for carcinogenesis. In light of these, this minireview summarizes studies on telomeres and telomere‐associated proteins in human diseases. Elucidating the roles of telomeres involved in the mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of these diseases may open up new possibilities for novel molecular targets as well as provide important diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
Exclusively membrane‐inserted state of an uncleavable Tat precursor protein suggests lateral transfer into the bilayer from the translocon
Authors: Ren Chao , Patel Roshani , Robinson Colin 
Published: May 2013

In bacteria, the export of proteins by the twin‐arginine translocase (Tat) pathway is directed by cleavable N‐terminal signal peptides. We studied the relationship between transport and maturation using a substrate, YedY, that contains an Ala > Leu substitution at the ‐1 position of the signal peptide. This blocks maturation and leads to the accumulation of a membrane‐bound precursor form with the mature domain exposed to the periplasm. Its accumulation does not block transport of other Tat substrates, indicating that exit from the translocation channel has taken place, and the precursor protein is fir mLy integrated into the membrane bilayer. The membrane‐integrated nature of the precursor, and complete absence of precursor protein in the periplasm, strongly suggest that the precursor has undergone lateral transfer into the bilayer during translocation. We propose that subsequent proteolytic processing releases the mature protein into the periplasm. A delay in processing results in an inhibition of cell growth, emphasizing a requirement for efficient maturation of Tat substrates.
Linking geology, fluid chemistry, and microbial activity of basalt‐ and ultramafic‐hosted deep‐sea hydrothermal vent environments
Authors: Perner M. , Hansen M. , Seifert R. , Strauss H. , Koschinsky A. , Petersen S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractHydrothermal fluids passing through basaltic rocks along mid‐ocean ridges are known to be enriched in sulfide, while those circulating through ultramafic mantle rocks are typically elevated in hydrogen. Therefore, it has been estimated that the maximum energy in basalt‐hosted systems is available through sulfide oxidation and in ultramafic‐hosted systems through hydrogen oxidation. Furthermore, thermodynamic models suggest that the greatest biomass potential arises from sulfide oxidation in basalt‐hosted and from hydrogen oxidation in ultramafic‐hosted systems. We tested these predictions by measuring biological sulfide and hydrogen removal and subsequent autotrophic CO2 fixation in chemically distinct hydrothermal fluids from basalt‐hosted and ultramafic‐hosted vents. We found a large potential of microbial hydrogen oxidation in naturally hydrogen‐rich (ultramafic‐hosted) but also in naturally hydrogen‐poor (basalt‐hosted) hydrothermal fluids. Moreover, hydrogen oxidation–based primary production proved to be highly attractive under our incubation conditions regardless whether hydrothermal fluids from ultramafic‐hosted or basalt‐hosted sites were used. Site‐specific hydrogen and sulfide availability alone did not appear to determine whether hydrogen or sulfide oxidation provides the energy for primary production by the free‐living microbes in the tested hydrothermal fluids. This suggests that more complex features (e.g., a combination of oxygen, temperature, biological interactions) may play a role for determining which energy source is preferably used in chemically distinct hydrothermal vent biotopes.
On the homogeneity of fluids forming bedding‐parallel veins
Authors: Smith A. P. , Fischer M. P. , Evans M. A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA group of 400–500 m long, bedding‐parallel calcite veins are exposed in the central La Popa Basin of northeastern Mexico. These veins provide a unique opportunity to determine the kilometer‐scale fluid–rock system associated with bedding‐parallel vein formation, and to test for sampling bias in studies that often use one or two samples to constrain the characteristics of regional‐scale paleohydrogeological systems. We use fluid inclusion microthermometry in conjunction with measurements of δ13C, δ18O, and 87Sr/86Sr ratios to constrain the vein‐forming fluid temperatures, compositions and sources, and compare these values along and between the veins to establish the homogeneity of the vein‐forming fluids and fluid–rock system. The δ13C values of the veins are close to those of the host rock, and average – 3.96‰ (PDB). The δ18O values of the veins are typically 1‰ lower than those of the host rocks, and average – 9.54‰ (PDB). Fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures average 137°C and inclusion salinities are all <6 wt% NaCl equivalent. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the veins average 0.70731 and are substantially lower than the values expected for the host rock. Calculated fluid δ18O values range from 4 to 10‰ (SMOW). The isotopic and microthermometric data indicate the veins most likely formed at depths of 3–4 km when meteoric water mixed with upward migrating, warm basinal brines. Vein microstructures and field characteristics indicate they formed from multiple slip events that most likely were associated with transport of individual fluid pulses that migrated along bedding planes. The large‐scale homogeneity of vein geochemistry is remarkable and demonstrates that only one or two samples would be sufficient to accurately characterize the kilometer‐scale paleohydrogeological system for these veins.
Migraine and vascular risk factors in the elderly
Authors: Gilad Ronit , Boaz Mona , Dabby Ron , Finkelstein Vitali , Rapoport Abraham , Lampl Yair 
Published: May 2013

AimThe association between migraine and cerebrovascular disease is well documented in younger migraine patients, especially those with aura. Prevalence estimates of vascular risk factors among elderly migraine sufferers are lacking. The present study was designed to estimate the prevalence of vascular risk factors in the elderly population with late onset of migraine without aura.MethodsThe medical records of 163 patients aged 50 years and older suffering from migraine without aura were assessed for vascular risk factors, including hypertension, elevated serum lipid levels, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Prevalence was estimated and compared with age‐ and sex‐matched vascular risk factor estimates for the general population extracted from the 2003–2004 Israeli National Health Interview Survey, and to a group of patients matched by age suffering from migraine with aura.ResultsAmong women with migraine without aura, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus were significantly less prevalent than among women without migraine without aura. Prevalence estimates for vascular risk factors did not differ by migraine among males. The group of older patients suffering from migraine with aura showed a higher incidence of vascular risk factors in respect to the group of migraine patients without aura.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study might have an important clinical relevance, suggesting another pathophysiological process in respect to patients suffering from migraine with aura, and this evidence might have different therapeutic implications. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 220–225.
HER2 and EGFR gene copy number alterations are predominant in high‐grade salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma irrespective of MAML2 fusion status
Authors: Nakano Takafumi , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Hashimoto Kazuki , Tamiya Sadafumi , Shiratsuchi Hideki , Nakashima Torahiko , Nishiyama Ken‐ichi , Higaki Yuichiro , Komune Shizuo , Oda Yoshinao 
Published: May 2013

AimsIn this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC).Methods and resultsIn 31 cases, we examined the MAML2 fusion status using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, and HER2 and EGFR status using immunohistochemistry and chromogenic in‐situ hybridization. MAML2 fusions were detected in 15 (57.7%) of 26 MECs analysed, including 11 of 16 (68.8%) low‐grade, two of four (50%) intermediate‐grade and two of six (33.3%) high‐grade MECs. HER2 gene amplification and an increased EGFR gene copy number (with balanced chromosome 7 high‐polysomy) were each detected in four of 28 (14.3%) MECs analysed. Irrespective of MAML2 fusion status, all seven high‐grade MECs had an increased gene copy number of either HER2 or EGFR, in a mutually exclusive manner, whereas such abnormalities were extremely rare in low‐ and intermediate‐grade MEC.ConclusionsThese results suggest that HER2 or EGFR gene abnormality could play an important role in the development of high‐grade MEC, and also in the progression from MAML2 fusion‐positive low‐/intermediate‐grade to high‐grade in a subset of MEC. Furthermore, we suggest that high‐grade MEC comprises a heterogeneous group of tumours in terms of molecular pathogenesis, in particular MAML2 fusion status.
Prosocial Motivation, Stress and Burnout Among Direct Support Workers
Authors: Hickey Robert 
Published: May 2013

AimThis study explores whether the desire to engage in work that is beneficial to others moderates the effects of stress on burnout.MethodBased on a survey of 1570 direct support professionals in Ontario, this study conducted linear regression analyses and tested for the interaction effects of prosocial motivation on occupational stress and burnout.ResultsProsocial motivation significantly moderated the association of emotional exhaustion (EE) and role boundary stress with depersonalization (DP). Prosocial motivation also moderated the effects of role ambiguity stress with a direct support worker's sense of personal accomplishment. In contrast, prosocial motivation magnified feelings of EE when interacted with a sense of personal accomplishment.ConclusionsProsocial motivation plays an important role in explaining the relatively low levels of DP in the sector. The study advances our understanding of the key components of burnout among direct support workers.
Relationship Between Oral Health and Frailty in Community‐Dwelling Elderly Individuals in Brazil
Authors: de Andrade Fabíola Bof , Lebrão Maria Lúcia , Santos Jair Lício Ferreira , de Oliveira Duarte Yeda Aparecida 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo test the hypothesis that clinical oral health conditions are associated with frailty independent of socioeconomic and general health status.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingPopulation‐based cohort study of health, well‐being, and aging.ParticipantsOne thousand three hundred seventy‐four community‐dwelling individuals representing 998,528 individuals aged 60 and older in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.MeasurementsFrailty was defined on the basis of five characteristics: weight loss, weakness, slowness, exhaustion, and low level of physical activity. Participants with three or more characteristics were classified as frail, with one or two as prefrail, and with zero as nonfrail. Oral health measures were number of teeth, use of dental prostheses, need for dental prostheses, presence of decayed teeth, clinical attachment loss of 4 mm or greater, and periodontal pocket of 4 mm or greater. Data on sociodemographic (age, sex, and schooling) and general health (number of self‐reported chronic diseases and smoking status) data were assessed.ResultsThe prevalence of frailty was 8.5%, with 50.8% considered nonfrail. Elderly individuals with a need for dental prostheses were significantly more likely to be prefrail and frail. Participants with 20 or more teeth had a lower chance of being frail than edentulous individuals.ConclusionThe need for dental prostheses was significantly associated with frailty, independent of socioeconomic and general health status.
Mild Physical Impairment Predicts Future Diagnosis of Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type
Authors: Wilkins Consuelo H. , Roe Catherine M. , Morris John C. , Galvin James E. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo determine whether mildly impaired physical function (based on performance‐based assessment) is associated with development of dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT) in cognitively normal older adults.DesignLongitudinal, observational study with yearly assessments of physical and cognitive function. Mean follow‐up was 5 years.SettingKnight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.ParticipantsFour hundred thirty‐five cognitively normal adults aged 60 and older participating in longitudinal studies of aging.MeasurementsSurvival analyses were used to examine whether scores on the 9‐item Physical Performance Test (PPT) predicted time to DAT diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine associations between PPT total scores and time to cognitive impairment and DAT; as well as the association between time and these events, adjusting for and simultaneously testing the effects of age, sex, education, and presence of one or more apolipoprotein (APOE) ε4 alleles.ResultsDuring the follow‐up period, 81 participants developed DAT. Participants diagnosed with DAT were older (81.0 vs 74.2, P = .001) and had worse performance on the PPT (25.5 vs 28.1, P = .009) than those who remained cognitively normal. Time to DAT diagnosis was associated with PPT total score (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.86–0.93, P < .001) such that time to DAT diagnosis was longer for participants with higher physical performance scores. In the adjusted analysis, PPT score significantly predicted time to DAT diagnosis (HR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89–0.99, P = .02).ConclusionMild physical impairment in cognitively normal older adults is associated with subsequent development of DAT. Although the physical impairment may be sufficiently mild that it is recognized only using performance‐based assessments, its presence may predate clinically detectable cognitive decline.
Optimal Blood Pressure for Cognitive Function: Findings from an Elderly African‐American Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Hai , Gao Sujuan , Hall Kathleen S. , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Lane Kathleen A. , Callahan Christopher M. , Hendrie Hugh C. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo report the results from a prospective cohort study on the association between blood pressure (BP) and cognitive function in elderly African Americans.DesignProspective cohort study conducted from 1997 to 2009.SettingCommunity‐based study in Indianapolis.ParticipantsAfrican Americans aged 65 years or older (N = 3,145).MeasurementsAt each assessment, participant cognitive function was measured using the Community Screening Interview for Dementia. Other measurements included BP, height, weight, education level, antihypertensive medication use, alcohol use, smoking, and history of chronic medical conditions.ResultsLongitudinal assessments (n = 5,995) contributed by 2,721 participants with complete independent variables were analyzed using a semiparametric mixed‐effects model. Systolic BP (SBP) of approximately 135 mmHg and diastolic BP (DBP) of approximately 80 mmHg were associated with optimal cognitive function after adjusting for other variables (P = .02). Weight loss with body mass index < 30.0 kg/m2 was significantly related to poorer cognitive performance (P < .001). Older age at first assessment, lower education level; smoking; and history of depression, stroke, and diabetes mellitus were related to worse cognitive function; taking antihypertensive medication and drinking alcohol were associated with better cognitive function.ConclusionHigh and low BP were associated with poorer cognitive performance. A joint optimal region of SBP and DBP for cognitive function has been identified, which may provide useful clinical information on optimal BP control in cognitive health and lead to better quality of life for elderly adults.