bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human platelet antigen genotyping of platelet donors in southern Brazil
Authors: Merzoni J. , Fagundes I. S. , Lunardi L. W. , Lindenau J. D.‐R. , Gil B. C. , Jobim M. , Dias V. G. , Merzoni L. , Sekine L. , Onsten T. G. H. , Jobim L. F. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryHuman platelet antigens (HPA) are immunogenic structures that result from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) leading to single amino acid substitutions. This study sought to determine the allele and genotype frequencies of HPA‐1, HPA‐2, HPA‐3, HPA‐4, HPA‐5 and HPA‐15 in platelet donors from the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, and compare their allele frequencies to those observed in other populations. HPA genotyping was performed by PCR‐SSP method. The study sample comprised 201 platelet donors (167 Caucasians and 34 non‐Caucasians). Allele ‘a’ was that most commonly found for HPA‐1 to 5 in both groups. The HPA‐15ab genotype predominated over homozygous genotypes of this system. Fisher's exact test revealed statistically significant differences for the HPA‐5 system, with a greater prevalence of the HPA‐5b allele in non‐Caucasians. The neighbour‐joining method and principal components analysis revealed genetic proximity between our Caucasian group and European populations. We conclude that the allele frequencies of HPA‐1 to 5 and HPA‐15 found in our Caucasian sample are similar to those reported for European populations. These findings corroborate the ethnic makeup of the population of RS. The higher frequency of the HPA‐5b allele found in the non‐Caucasian group of our sample suggests the possibility of allosensitization in patients who receive platelet transfusions from genetically incompatible donors.
Infant–Mother and Infant–Caregiver Emotional Relationships: Process Analyses of Interactions in Three Contemporary Childcare Arrangements
Authors: Bornstein Marc H. , Putnick Diane L. , Suwalsky Joan T. D. 
Published: July 2015

Emotional relationships in infant–mother dyads in families where mothers provided full‐time childcare were compared with those of families where mothers used in‐home childcare providers and family childcare providers (N = 245). Infant relationships with childcare providers were also studied. Emotional relationships were adequate in all three childcare arrangements, but infant–mother dyads in in‐home childcare arrangements displayed healthier emotional relationships than infant–mother dyads in mother care arrangements; no differences in the health of emotional relationships with infants emerged among the three types of childcare providers (mother care, in‐home childcare, family childcare). Infant–mother dyads in in‐home childcare arrangements also displayed healthier emotional relationships than infant–in‐home childcare caregiver dyads, but infant–mother and infant–caregiver dyads were comparable in family childcare families. Emotional relationships in infant–mother and infant–caregiver dyads were not correlated, regardless of the type of childcare.
Lower temperature at the wound edge detected by thermography predicts undermining development in pressure ulcers: a pilot study
Authors: Kanazawa Toshiki , Kitamura Aya , Nakagami Gojiro , Goto Taichi , Miyagaki Tomomitsu , Hayashi Akitatsu , Sasaki Sanae , Mugita Yuko , Iizaka Shinji , Sanada Hiromi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractUndermined pressure ulcers (PUs) are troublesome complications that are likely to delay wound healing. Early skin incision and debridement can prevent the deterioration of undermined PUs, thus it is necessary to identify devitalised tissue areas to determine the appropriate timing for such interventions. This retrospective cohort study evaluated whether a lower temperature at the wound edge than the wound bed and periwound skin, detected by thermography, can predict undermining development in PUs 1 week after the assessment. Twenty‐two participants with category III, IV, or unstageable PUs who were examined by interdisciplinary PU team and were followed up for at least two consecutive weeks were analysed. We found 9/11 PUs without a lower temperature at the wound edge did not develop undermining development, whereas 8/11 PUs with the lower temperature did develop undermining. The relative risk of undermining development after 1 week in PUs with the lower temperature was 4·00 (95% confidence intervals: 1·08–14·7). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 0·80, 0·75, 0·73 and 0·81, respectively. A thermal imaging assessment focusing on a lower temperature pattern at the wound edge may provide sufficient information to predict undermining development.
Labour provisions in EU trade agreements: What potential for channelling labour standards‐related capacity building?
Authors: EBERT Franz Christian 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe labour provisions of the EU's trade agreements have been of limited effectiveness as a means of enforcing labour standards within the jurisdictions of the respective parties. However, the author argues, these provisions could serve other useful purposes in this regard. In particular, he focuses on their potential as a framework for channelling capacity‐building activities relating to labour standards through the EU's development cooperation instruments. He also considers options for increasing the potential effectiveness of labour provisions in framing capacity‐building activities through a change in their design, particularly by reducing the parties’ discretion in applying the relevant provisions.
The architecture of global labour governance
Authors: HENDRICKX Frank , MARX Axel , RAYP Glenn , WOUTERS Jan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn their introduction to this Special Issue, the authors situate the architecture of global labour governance against the background of the challenges posed by globalization. Noting the limitations of a conventional governmental approach to labour governance, they suggest considering new “hybrid” regulatory modes and mechanisms, which involve a combination of public and private actors and initiatives alongside or instead of traditional international labour law. The authors conclude by examining possible explanations for the emergence of gaps in the enforcement of labour rights, looking in particular at the issues of labour‐standard “selectivity” and the stringency with which standards are enforced.
Where did all the trees come from? A novel multispecies approach reveals the impacts of biogeographical history and functional diversity on rain forest assembly
Authors: Rossetto Maurizio , McPherson Hannah , Siow Juelian , Kooyman Robert , van der Merwe Marlien , Wilson Peter D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimWe take advantage of next generation sequencing‐based technology to assess how landscape‐level dynamics, biogeographical history and functional factors shape the distribution of genetic diversity in rain forest trees. To achieve this, we explore chloroplast genomic diversity and divergence patterns across multiple, co‐distributed species from three major centres of rain forest diversity.LocationSubtropical rain forests in south‐eastern Australia: Nightcap–Border Ranges, Dorrigo and Washpool.MethodsWe assembled chloroplast genomic data from whole‐genome shotgun libraries for 71 species collected across three major centres of rain forest diversity. Chloroplast single nucleotide polymorphisms were used to measure genetic variation within and between multiple populations, species and locations, and we used this information to identify patterns related to landscape‐level processes, biogeographical origins and functional characteristics.ResultsWe identified Nightcap–Border Ranges and Dorrigo as containing multiple refugia and Washpool as primarily a recolonized area. We found that rapidly expanding lineages of Indo‐Malesian origin exhibit significantly lower levels of genetic diversity than Gondwanan lineages with longer local histories. Functional traits related to persistence and dispersal were the most important in regulating the distribution of genetic diversity.Main conclusionsThe distribution and assembly of species reflect interactions and competition between different floristic elements at different stages of continental occupation. Additionally, given the multiple evolutionary origins and histories of the Australian rain forest flora, it is important to avoid treating rain forest communities as single management units.
Anti‐B lymphocyte immunotherapy is associated with improvement of periodontal status in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Coat Juliette , Demoersman Julien , Beuzit Sébastien , Cornec Divi , Devauchelle‐Pensec Valérie , Saraux Alain , Pers Jacques‐Olivier 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimRheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis present many similar features. The benefits of anti‐B lymphocyte therapy (rituximab) on reducing tissue resorption in RA prompted us to assess its potential efficacy on the periodontal status of patients with RA treated with rituximab.Materials and MethodsPeriodontal status was assessed in 21 subjects with RA, divided into two groups: Group I consisted in 11 subjects assessed before their first infusion of rituximab and again 6 months later. Five of them were also assessed for up to 4 years after their first rituximab infusion. The 10 subjects in group II had received more than two courses of two rituximab infusions at the time of periodontal assessment.ResultsPocket depth and attachment loss were significantly decreased 6 months after treatment with rituximab in group I. The periodontal status of the five subjects from group I followed for up to 48 months after rituximab treatment was improved irrespective of the clinical parameter observed. Patients from group II had a better periodontal status than patients from group I before treatment with rituximab.ConclusionsAnti‐B lymphocyte therapy could be beneficial to improve periodontitis suggesting a major role of B cells in this disease.
A randomized controlled trial comparing surgical and non‐surgical periodontal therapy: a 3‐year clinical and cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Miremadi S. Reza , De Bruyn Hugo , Steyaert Harold , Princen Katrijn , Cosyn Jan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimTo compare immediate surgery to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of advanced periodontitis focusing on the prevalence of residual pockets after treatment and cost‐effectiveness (1); to elucidate the adjunctive effects of azithromycin in a second‐treatment phase (2) up to 36 months.Materials and MethodsThirty‐nine patients (18 males, 21 females; mean age: 54.6) received oral hygiene instructions and were randomly allocated to surgery (n = 19) or SRP (n = 20). Patients with residual pockets (≥6 mm) at 6 months received re‐debridement of these sites and systemic azithromycin. Clinical measurements were performed at 12, 24 and 36 months whereby residual pockets underwent re‐debridement. Patients were evaluated in terms of clinical response parameters and cost‐effectiveness. Chair‐time was used to assess the financial impact of treatment.ResultsOnly six patients in the surgery group required additional treatment at 6 months, whereas 14 patients in the SRP underwent this therapy. Both treatment arms were equally effective in terms of clinical outcome demonstrating <2% residual pockets at 36 months. Surgery imposed an extra 746 Euro on the patient up to 6 months compared to SRP. At 36 months, 69 Euro of this amount could be offset due to the lower need for re‐treatment during maintenance phase.ConclusionsSurgery was ultimately associated with a significantly lower need for re‐treatment during supportive care, however, at significantly higher costs over the 3 years.
Uncovering Cryptic Diversity in Two Amoebozoan Species Using Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequences
Authors: Fučíková Karolina , Lahr Daniel J. G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe Amoebozoa are a major eukaryotic lineage that encompasses a wide range of amoeboid organisms. The group is understudied from a systematic perspective: molecular tools have only been applied in the last 15 yr. Hence, there is an undersampling of both genes and taxa in the group especially compared to plants, animals, and fungi. Here, we present the complete mitochondrial genomes of two ubiquitous and abundant morpho‐species (Acanthamoeba castellanii and Vermamoeba vermiformis). Both have mitochondrial genomes of close relatives previously available, enabling insights into recent divergences at a genomic scale, while simultaneously offering comparisons with divergence estimates obtained from traditionally used single genes, SSU rDNA and cox1. The newly sequenced mt genomes are significantly divergent from their previously sequenced conspecifics (A. castellannii 16.4% divergence at nucleotide level and 10.4% amino acid; V. vermiformis 21.6% and 13.1%, respectively), while divergence at the small subunit ribosomal DNA is below 1% within both species. Morphological analyses determined that these lineages are indistinguishable from their previously sequenced counterparts. Phylogenetic reconstructions using 26 mt genes also indicate a level of divergence that is comparable to divergence among species, while reconstructions using the small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) do not. In addition, we demonstrate that between closely related taxa, there are high levels of synteny, which can be explored for primer design to obtain larger fragments than the traditional barcoding genes. We conclude that, although most systematic work has relied on SSU, this gene alone can severely underestimate diversity. Thus, we suggest that the mt genome emerges as an alternative for unraveling the lower level phylogenetic relationships of Amoebozoa.
Serum cortisol level and disc displacement disorders of the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Lin S.‐L. , Wu S.‐L. , Tsai C.‐C. , Ko S.‐Y. , Yang J.‐W. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryTemporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a significant public health problem, affecting approximately 5–12% of the population. Objectives: This retrospective cross‐sectional study investigated the relationship between 8 AM serum cortisol levels (8ASC) and disc displacement disorders (DDD) of TMD. One hundred and forty patients with DDD were recruited. Among them, 60 patients comprised the case group of disc displacement without reduction with limited opening (DDWORWLO, age 37·7 ± 17·22), and 80 were ‘other DDD’ for the control group (age 36·4 ± 13·08). The independent variables included domains of demography, history, malocclusion, comorbid symptoms, comorbid TMD and 8ASC. Data were analysed with the chi‐square test, logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results of multiple logistic regression showed that 8ASC was the only factor significantly related to DDWORWLO (P = 0·006). Receiver operating characteristic analysis of DDWORWLO and 8ASC indicated an area under the curve of 0·669, standard error of 0·049 and P value of 0·001. The adequate cut‐off point of 8ASC was 12·45 (μg dL−1), with sensitivity of 0·636, and specificity of 0·729. 8 AM serum cortisol level can be used as a clinical clue to differentiate DDWORWLO from other DDD.
On the relative roles of background selection and genetic hitchhiking in shaping human cytomegalovirus genetic diversity
Authors: Renzette Nicholas , Kowalik Timothy F. , Jensen Jeffrey D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA central focus of population genetics has been examining the contribution of selective and neutral processes in shaping patterns of intraspecies diversity. In terms of selection specifically, surveys of higher organisms have shown considerable variation in the relative contributions of background selection and genetic hitchhiking in shaping the distribution of polymorphisms, although these analyses have rarely been extended to bacteria and viruses. Here, we study the evolution of a ubiquitous, viral pathogen, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), by analysing the relationship among intraspecies diversity, interspecies divergence and rates of recombination. We show that there is a strong correlation between diversity and divergence, consistent with expectations of neutral evolution. However, after correcting for divergence, there remains a significant correlation between intraspecies diversity and recombination rates, with additional analyses suggesting that this correlation is largely due to the effects of background selection. In addition, a small number of loci, centred on long noncoding RNAs, also show evidence of selective sweeps. These data suggest that HCMV evolution is dominated by neutral mechanisms as well as background selection, expanding our understanding of linked selection to a novel class of organisms.
Kinect‐Based Pedestrian Detection for Crowded Scenes
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Henrickson Kristian , Wang Yinhai 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPedestrian movement data including volumes, walking speeds, and trajectories are essential in transportation engineering, planning, and research. Although traditional image‐based pedestrian detectors provide very rich information, their performance degrades quickly with increased occurrence of occlusion. The three‐dimensional sensing capabilities of Microsoft's Kinect present a potential cost‐effective solution for occlusion‐robust pedestrian detection. This article proposes an efficient pedestrian detection approach for crowded scenes by fusing RGB and depth images from the Kinect. More specifically, we first extract the pedestrian contour regions from RGB images using background subtraction. Then, we develop a region clustering algorithm to extract pedestrians from the contour regions using depth information. Finally, a tracking and counting algorithm is designed to acquire pedestrian volumes. The proposed approach was proven effective with an average detection accuracy of 93.1% at 20 frames per second. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using the low‐cost Kinect device for real‐world pedestrian detection in crowded scenes.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis oriC sequestration by MtrA response regulator
Authors: Purushotham Gorla , Sarva Krishna B. , Blaszczyk Ewelina , Rajagopalan Malini , Madiraju Murty V. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe regulators of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA replication are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that in synchronously replicating M. tuberculosis, MtrA access to origin of replication (oriC) is enriched in the post‐replication (D) period. The increased oriC binding results from elevated MtrA phosphorylation (MtrA∼P) as evidenced by reduced expression of dnaN, dnaA and increased expression of select cell division targets. Overproduction of gain‐of‐function MtrAY102C advanced the MtrA oriC access to the C period, reduced dnaA and dnaN expression, interfered with replication synchrony and compromised cell division. Overproduction of wild‐type (MtrA+) or phosphorylation‐defective MtrAD56N did not promote oriC access in the C period, nor affected cell cycle progression. MtrA interacts with DnaA signaling a possibility that DnaA helps load MtrA on oriC. Therefore, oriC sequestration by MtrA∼P in the D period may normally serve to prevent untimely initiations and that DnaA–MtrA interactions may facilitate regulated oriC replication. Finally, despite the near sequence identity of MtrA in M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis, the M. smegmatis oriC is not MtrA‐target. We conclude that M. tuberculosis oriC has evolved to be regulated by MtrA and that cell cycle progression in this organisms are governed, at least in part, by oscillations in the MtrA∼P levels.
Tacrolimus combined with corticosteroids versus Modified Ponticelli regimen in treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy: Randomized control trial
Authors: Ramachandran Raja , Hn Harsha Kumar , Kumar Vinod , Nada Ritambhra , Yadav Ashok Kumar , Goyal Ajay , Kumar Vivek , Rathi Manish , Jha Vivekanand , Gupta Krishan Lal , Sakhuja Vinay , Kohli Harbir Singh 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThere have been very few studies comparing cyclophosphamide (CTX) and calcineurin inhibitor based regimens in the management of non‐immunosuppressive symptomatic therapy (NIST) resistant idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). The present study was aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus (TAC)/steroids with cyclical CTX/steroids (Modified Ponticelli regimen (MPR)) in patients with IMN.MethodsIdiopathic membranous nephropathy patients (n = 70) with persistent nephrotic syndrome after at least 6 months of antiproteinuric therapy or with complications of nephrotic syndrome were equally randomized to receive TAC with oral prednisolone (TAC*) or MPR. Antibodies against m‐type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R Ab) were tested for at baseline and, at 6 and 12 months after the start of therapy. The primary end point was achievement of remission and secondary objectives were adverse effects and estimated glomerular filtration rate in both the study groups.ResultsIntention‐to‐treat analysis showed that remissions at the end of 6 (74% with TAC* vs. 60% with MPR; P = 0.30) and 12 months (71% with TAC* vs. 77% with MPR; P = 0.78) were comparable. PLA2R Ab titres at 6/12 months correlated with urine protein (r 0.54/0.58) and serum albumin (r −0.49/−0.53) at the end of therapy. Patients on CTX had a significantly higher risk of amenorrhea and while those on TAC had a greater risk of reversible nephrotoxicity.ConclusionIn NIST refractory IMN, both TAC* and MPR are comparable, but with different adverse effect profile. PLA2R Ab has a very good association with proteinuria, and should be regularly monitored on clinical follow‐up.
The conserved carboxyl domain of MorC, an inner membrane protein of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, is essential for membrane function
Authors: Smith K.P. , Voogt R.D. , Ruiz T. , Mintz K.P. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryMorphogenesis protein C (MorC) of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is important for maintaining the membrane morphology and integrity of the cell envelope of this oral pathogen. The MorC sequence and operon organization were found to be conserved in Gammaproteobacteria, based on a bioinformatic analysis of 435 sequences from representative organisms. Functional conservation of MorC was investigated using an A. actinomycetemcomitans morC mutant as a model system to express MorC homologs from four phylogenetically diverse representatives of the Gammaproteobacteria: Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Moraxella catarrhalis. The A. actinomycetemcomitans strains expressing the homologous proteins were assessed for sensitivity to bile salts, leukotoxin secretion, autoaggregation and membrane morphology. MorC from the most closely related organism (H. influenzae) was functionally identical to MorC from A. actinomycetemcomitans. However, the genes from more distantly related organisms restored some but not all A. actinomycetemcomitans mutant phenotypes. In addition, deletion mutagenesis indicated that the most conserved portion of the protein, the C‐terminus DUF490 domain, was necessary to maintain the integrity of the membrane. Deletion of the last 10 amino acids of this domain of the A. actinomycetemcomitans MorC protein was sufficient to disrupt membrane stability and leukotoxin secretion. The data suggest that the MorC sequence is functionally conserved across Gammaproteobacteria and the C‐terminus of the protein is essential for maintaining membrane physiology.