bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum neuron‐specific enolase is elevated as a novel indicator of diabetic retinopathy including macular oedema
Authors: Li J. , Yan M. , Zhang Y. , Xie M. , Yan L. , Chen J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimNeuron‐specific enolase as a potential biomarker of diabetic retinopathy, a neurovascular disease, had not been fully explored. We aimed to investigate the relationship between NSE and diabetic retinopathy.MethodsParticipants included Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients and healthy controls (n = 392). In this cross‐sectional study, diabetic retinopathy status was assessed by fundus photographs. Serum neuron‐specific enolase was measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Co‐variables for diabetic retinopathy and neuron‐specific enolase were obtained from fasting blood samples and interviewer questionnaires.ResultsNeuron‐specific enolase was slightly elevated in diabetic patients, in contrast to healthy participants, and obviously increased in diabetic patients with retinopathy compared with those without [8.3 (2.0) vs. 7.6 (1.5), P = 0.037 and 8.3 (2.0) vs. 9.5 (2.7), P = 0.004, respectively]. In addition, neuron‐specific enolase levels increased with and were closely correlated to the stages of retinopathy without macular oedema [r = 0.60 (0.50–0.71), P = 0.002] and stages of macular oedema with comparable retinopathy [r = 0.58 (0.46–0.69), P = 0.006]. The association of neuron‐specific enolase with diabetic retinopathy was independent [odds ration (OR): 1.31 (1.12–1.65), P = 0.017], after the diabetic state and other potential confounders affecting NSE levels were considered (e.g., HbA1c, duration, age, gender, renal status and medicines). The optimal cut‐off point for serum neuron‐specific enolase levels for differentiating between participants with diabetic retinopathy including macular oedema and those without was 9.3 μg/l, with a sensitivity of 67.5% and a specificity of 69.8%.ConclusionsSerum neuron‐specific enolase is elevated in and indicative of diabetic retinopathy. Neuron‐specific enolase may be a potential biomarker of diabetic retinopathy. Future prospective studies are warranted to clarify the relationship.
Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Type I Gaucher Disease: An Echo Doppler Study
Authors: Lo Iudice Francesco , Barbato Antonio , Muscariello Riccardo , Di Nardo Carlo , de Stefano Francesco , Sibilio Michelina , Strazzullo Pasquale , de Simone Giovanni , Galderisi Maurizio 
Published: September 2014

Type I Gaucher disease (GD1) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease characterized by multiorgan damage. Left ventricular (LV) involvement has been rarely reported. Accordingly, the aim of the study was to evaluate LV geometry and function in a series of patients with GD1. Eighteen patients with GD1, 18 age‐ and sex‐matched normal controls, and 18 age‐ and sex‐matched hypertensive patients (HTN) were compared by standard echo Doppler examination. LV mass index, relative wall thickness and ejection fraction, transmitral E/A ratio, E velocity deceleration time (DT), atrial filling fraction (AFF = time‐velocity integral of A velocity/time‐velocity integral of total diastole × 100), E/e′ ratio, and left atrial volume index were determined. Nine GD1 patients also exhibited arterial hypertension. The intergroup difference of LV mass index and relative wall thickness was not significant. Transmitral E/A ratio was lower in HTN than in normal controls and GD1 (P < 0.05). GD1 exhibited longer DT than NC and HTN (P = 0.009). AFF was higher in GD1 and HTN compared to NC (P = 0.034). After adjustment for heart rate, GD1 was associated with longer DT (P < 0.001) and greater AFF (P = 0.036), while HTN was associated only with AFF (P = 0.013). No interaction was found between GD1 and HTN. In conclusion, GD1 is associated with subclinical LV diastolic dysfunction, which is independent of the coexistence of arterial hypertension. Subclinical LV impaired relaxation in the context of myocardial infiltrative damage could be the mechanism underlying these alterations.
Combining ecological methods and molecular gut‐content analysis to investigate predation of a lepidopteran pest complex of Brassica crops
Authors: Furlong Michael J. , Rowley Daniel L. , Murtiningsih Rini , Greenstone Matthew H. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn South East Queensland, Australia, Brassica crops are typically attacked by Crocidolomia pavonana Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in late summer and autumn (February to May) and by Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and Pieris rapae L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) from late autumn to the end of spring (May to November). Physical exclusion studies were used to assess the impact of predators on pest populations in two cabbage [Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata cv. Warrior (Brassicaceae)] crops grown sequentially between April and September 2006. The studies were complemented by molecular gut‐content analysis of predators simultaneously hand‐collected from the study crops by destructive sampling of cabbage plants. In May 2006, exclusion studies showed that 57% (95% CI = 40–74%) of the C. pavonana study cohort was lost to predation. Spiders represented 81% of all predators collected and Lycosidae collected from the soil surface beneath sampled plants dominated (61% of predators); 23% of Lycosidae contained C. pavonana DNA, whereas 5% contained P. xylostella DNA. In August 2006, exclusion studies showed that 88% (95% CI = 83–93%) of the P. xylostella cohort was lost to predation. Spiders represented 99% of all predators collected; soil surface dwelling Lycosidae (51% of predators) dominated, followed by Linyphiidae (20%) and foliar‐dwelling spiders (16%; Theridiidae, Salticidae, Clubionidae/Miturgidae, and Oxyopidae combined); 12% of Lycosidae and 38% of foliar‐dwelling spiders contained P. xylostella DNA. Life tables for P. xylostella that were constructed for cohorts exposed to predators and cohorts from which predators had been physically excluded showed that eggs and neonates suffered the highest rates of predation. In a concurrent study, P. xylostella that were naturally recruited to the field population suffered similar high levels of early‐stage mortality.
How we manage JAK inhibition in allogeneic transplantation for myelofibrosis
Authors: Ballinger Tarah J. , Savani Bipin N. , Gupta Vikas , Kroger Nicolaus , Mohty Mohamad 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is currently the only curative treatment for myelofibrosis (MF), but this option is complicated by high incidences of associated morbidity and mortality. Ruxolitinib, a janus‐activated kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor, has proven to be beneficial in reduction of splenomegaly, improvement of constitutional symptoms, and possibly in overall survival. However, use of JAK inhibitors in the peritransplant period has been complicated by unpredictable response, return of MF symptoms or cytokine storm reaction upon discontinuation, and lack of long‐term response data. This review considers the current limited available data on JAK inhibitor use prior to HCT, including common side effects and possible impact of severe adverse events on discontinuation of the drug. We provide our experience and recommendations regarding use of JAK inhibition in patients undergoing HCT. Additional studies are needed to determine the optimal schedule of JAK inhibitors in the transplant protocols and their impact on engraftment, graft‐versus‐host disease, and survival.
A mineralogical characterization of biogenic calcium carbonates precipitated by heterotrophic bacteria isolated from cryophilic polar regions
Authors: Ronholm J. , Schumann D. , Sapers H. M. , Izawa M. , Applin D. , Berg B. , Mann P. , Vali H. , Flemming R. L. , Cloutis E. A. , Whyte L. G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractPrecipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3(s)) can be driven by microbial activity. Here, a systematic approach is used to identify the morphological and mineralogical characteristics of CaCO3(s)precipitated during the heterotrophic growth of micro‐organisms isolated from polar environments. Focus was placed on establishing mineralogical features that are common in bioliths formed during heterotrophic activity, while in parallel identifying features that are specific to bioliths precipitated by certain microbial phylotypes. Twenty microbial isolates that precipitated macroscopic CaCO3(s)when grown on B4 media supplemented with calcium acetate or calcium citrate were identified. A multimethod approach, including scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and micro‐X‐ray diffraction (μ‐XRD), was used to characterize CaCO3(s)precipitates. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that complete CaCO3(s)crystal encrustation ofArthrobactersp. cells was common, while encrustation ofRhodococcussp. cells did not occur. Several euhedral and anhedral mineral formations including disphenoid‐like epitaxial plates, rhomboid‐like aggregates with epitaxial rhombs, and spherulite aggregates were observed. While phylotype could not be linked to specific mineral formations, isolates tended to precipitate either euhedral or anhedral minerals, but not both. Three anhydrous CaCO3(s)polymorphs (calcite, aragonite, and vaterite) were identified by μ‐XRD, and calcite and aragonite were also identified based onTEMlattice‐fringedvalue measurements. The presence of certain polymorphs was not indicative of biogenic origin, although several mineralogical features such as crystal‐encrusted bacterial cells, or casts of bacterial cells embedded in mesocrystals are an indication of biogenic origin. In addition, some features such as the formation of vaterite and bacterial entombment appear to be linked to certain phylotypes. Identifying phylotypes consistent with certain mineralogical features is the first step toward discovering a link between these crystal features and the precise underlying molecular biology of the organism precipitating them.
Bioenergy futures in Sweden – system effects of CO2 reduction and fossil fuel phase‐out policies
Authors: Börjesson Martin , Athanassiadis Dimitris , Lundmark Robert , Ahlgren Erik O. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBioenergy could contribute both to the reduction of greenhouse gases and to increased energy security, but the extent of this contribution strongly depends on the cost and potential of biomass resources. For Sweden, this study investigates how the implementation of policies for CO2 reduction and for phase out of fossil fuels in road transport affect the future utilization of biomass, in the stationary energy system and in the transport sector, and its price. The analysis is based on the bottom‐up, optimization MARKAL_Sweden model, which includes a comprehensive representation of the national energy system. For the analysis, the biomass supply representation of MARKAL_Sweden is updated and improved by the use of, e.g., forestry forecasting modeling and through construction of detailed biomass supply curves. A time horizon up to 2050 is applied. The results indicate a potential for significantly higher use of bioenergy. In the main analysis scenario, in which CO2 reduction of 80% by 2050 is imposed on the Swedish energy system, the total bioenergy utilization increases by 63% by 2050 compared to 2010. The largest increase occurs in the transport sector, which by 2050 accounts for 43% of the total primary bioenergy use. The high demand and strong competition significantly increase biomass prices and lead to the utilization of higher cost biomass sources such as stumps and cultivated energy forest, as well as use of pulpwood resources for energy purposes.
DEVOTIONAL SONGS AS EVIDENCE OF A WOMEN'S FRIENDSHIP: MAGDALENA SIBYLLA OF WÜRTTEMBERG‐STUTTGART AND AEMILIA JULIANA OF SCHWARZBURG‐RUDOLSTADT
Authors: Aikin Judith P. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTDevotional song texts, thousands of which were authored and published in seventeenth‐century Lutheran Germany, can provide evidence for otherwise unrecorded friendship networks among women. The songs and publications of two dynastic women, Duchess Magdalena Sibylla of Württemberg‐Stuttgart and Countess Aemilia Juliana of Schwarzburg‐Rudolstadt, offer clear evidence of the nature of their long‐distance relationship, despite the fact that their correspondence has not survived. That their interchanges over a period of three decades offered the opportunity to confide their concerns to a person distanced from the situation and to receive emotional support is clear in the surviving song texts. In particular, the songs written explicitly for Magdalena Sibylla by Aemilia Juliana show that she solaced her correspondent by assuming her persona in a show of empathy, employing a sort of ventriloquism in order to give Magdalena Sibylla the words with which to voice her woes and converse with her deity. The handwritten original songs and published books containing songs sent by Aemilia Juliana to her friend as gifts then served as sources for the devotional books that Magdalena Sibylla compiled and published.
Sensory study of different sodium chloride substitutes in aqueous solution
Authors: Feltrin Ana Carolina , de Souza Vanessa Rios , Saraiva Carla Gonçalves , Nunes Cleiton Antônio , Pinheiro Ana Carla Marques 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe reduction of salt (sodium chloride) in food is one of the major challenges facing the food industry today and is motivated by the positive association between dietary salt intake and some diseases. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine the equivalent amount of different sodium chloride replacements required to promote the same degree of ideal saltiness in aqueous solution and to study the sensory profile of sodium chloride and its substitutes using temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) analysis. The relative potencies of potassium chloride, monosodium glutamate, potassium phosphate, calcium lactate and potassium lactate compared to an aqueous solution with 0.75% sodium chloride were 74.75%, 59.52%, 60.48%, 11.40% and 4.96%, respectively. An evaluation of the sensory profiles of potassium chloride, potassium phosphate, calcium lactate and monosodium glutamate revealed saltiness as well as other tastes, including bitterness, sourness, umami and an unidentified undesirable taste as being dominant. The potassium chloride was the only one which showed temporal sensory profile similar to sodium chloride.
Prevention of excess weight gain in paediatric primary care: beverages only or multiple lifestyle factors. The Smart Step Study, a cluster‐randomized clinical trial
Authors: Stettler N. , Wrotniak B. H. , Hill D. L. , Kumanyika S. K. , Xanthopoulos M. S. , Nihtianova S. , Shults J. , Leff S. S. , Pinto A. , Berkowitz R. I. , Faith M. S. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundInsufficient evidence exists to support obesity prevention in paediatric primary care.ObjectivesTo test a theory‐based behaviour modification intervention delivered by trained paediatric primary care providers for obesity prevention.MethodsEfficacy trial with cluster randomization (practice level) and a 12‐session 12‐month sweetened beverages decrease intervention or a comprehensive dietary and physical activity intervention, compared with a control intervention among children ages 8–12 years.ResultsA low recruitment rate was observed. The increase in body mass index z‐score (BMIz) for the 139 subjects (11 practices) randomized to any of the two obesity interventions (combined group) was less than that of the 33 subjects (five practices) randomized to the control intervention (−0.089, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.170 to −0.008, P = 0.03) with a −1.44 kg weight difference (95% CI: −2.98 to +0.10 kg, P = 0.095). The incidences of obesity and excess weight gain were lower in the obesity interventions, but the number of subjects was small. Post hoc analyses comparing the beverage only to the control intervention also showed an intervention benefit on BMIz (−0.083, 95% CI: −0.165 to −0.001, P = 0.048).ConclusionsFor participating families, an obesity prevention intervention delivered by paediatric primary care clinicians, who are compensated, trained and continuously supported by behavioural specialists, can impact children's BMIz.
Efficacy and tolerance of one‐third full dose bacillus Calmette–Guérin maintenance therapy every 3 months or 6 months: Two‐year results of URO‐BCG‐4 multicenter study
Authors: Pfister Christian , Kerkeni Walid , Rigaud Jerome , Le Gal Sophie , Saint Fabien , Colombel Marc , Guy Laurent , Wallerand Herve , Irani Jacques , Soulie Michel ,   The Cancer Committee of the French Urological Association
Published: September 2014

ObjectivesTo assess bacillus Calmette–Guérin maintenance treatment schedule for non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer at 2 years, using one‐third of the full dose and fewer instillations every 3 months or 6 months.MethodsThis was a prospective, randomized, multicenter study. All patients had an intermediate‐ or high‐risk non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer. They received three weekly instillations of one‐third dose bacillus Calmette–Guérin every 6 months (group I) and two weekly instillations every 3 months (group II) during 3 years. In the two schedules we assessed efficacy, tolerance, leukocyturia and prostate‐specific antigen.ResultsNo significant difference was observed between the two groups for recurrence at 6, 12 or 18 months. At 2 years, tumor recurrence was observed in 10.9% and muscle invasion in 2.9% of cases. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin tolerance was comparable – the adverse events score was 0.8 in group I and 1 in group II (P = 0.242). No statistical correlation was observed between the adverse events score over 2 years, either for leukocyturia (P = 0.8891) or prostate‐specific antigen level (P = 0.7155). Leukocyturia level was not significantly associated with tumor recurrence or progression.ConclusionOne‐third dose maintenance bacillus Calmette–Guérin is effective with no impact on tumor recurrence or muscle invasion. Furthermore, there seems to be no difference in tumor response or side‐effects between patients receiving two or three maintenance instillations every 3 months or 6 months. In clinical practice, the use of leukocyturia or total prostate‐specific antigen levels do not appear to be useful in predicting bacillus Calmette–Guérin toxicity.
Transcriptome profiling of the testis reveals genes involved in spermatogenesis and marker discovery in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Wei D. , Li H‐M. , Yang W‐J. , Wei D‐D. , Dou W. , Huang Y. , Wang J‐J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe testis is a highly specialized tissue that plays a vital role in ensuring fertility by producing spermatozoa, which are transferred to the female during mating. Spermatogenesis is a complex process, resulting in the production of mature sperm, and involves significant structural and biochemical changes in the seminiferous epithelium of the adult testis. The identification of genes involved in spermatogenesis of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is critical for a better understanding of its reproductive development. In this study, we constructed a cDNA library of testes from male B. dorsalis adults at different ages, and performed de novo transcriptome sequencing to produce a comprehensive transcript data set, using Illumina sequencing technology. The analysis yielded 52 016 732 clean reads, including a total of 4.65 Gb of nucleotides. These reads were assembled into 47 677 contigs (average 443 bp) and then clustered into 30 516 unigenes (average 756 bp). Based on BLAST hits with known proteins in different databases, 20 921 unigenes were annotated with a cut‐off E‐value of 10−5. The transcriptome sequences were further annotated using the Clusters of Orthologous Groups, Gene Orthology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases. Functional genes involved in spermatogenesis were analysed, including cell cycle proteins, metalloproteins, actin, and ubiquitin and antihyperthermia proteins. Several testis‐specific genes were also identified. The transcripts database will help us to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis in B. dorsalis. Furthermore, 2913 simple sequence repeats and 151 431 single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified, which will be useful for investigating the genetic diversity of B. dorsalis in the future.
Analysis of developmentally regulated chorion gene promoter architecture via electroporation of silk moth follicles
Authors: Tsatsarounos S. P. , Rodakis G. C. , Lecanidou R. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn the silk moth Bombyx mori, chorion genes of the same developmental specificity are organized in divergently transcribed α/β gene pairs, sharing a common 5′ flanking promoter region. This bidirectional promoter contains a complete set of cis‐elements responsible for developmentally accurate gene expression. In the present paper, based on the observation that Bombyx chorion gene promoters contain cis‐elements for the same transcription factors without concrete evidence on which of them are essential, we address the question as to how promoter architecture (number, orientation and position of common factor binding sites) facilitates developmentally accurate chorion gene regulation. To this end, we constructed several mutated promoter regions of an early‐middle gene pair and cloned them upstream of a reporter gene to introduce these plasmid constructs into silk moth follicle epithelial cells via electroporation as an efficient and quick method for transient expression. This is the first time that an ex vivo method had been applied to test the impact of systematic cis‐element mutations on a chorion gene promoter. Our results confirmed the importance of the HMGA factor and the role of the GATA factor as an early repressor, and led to a more detailed understanding of which C/EBP sites participate in the regulation of early‐middle chorion gene expression.