bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of testosterone fractions between Framingham Heart Study participants and Japanese participants
Authors: Taya Masaki , Koh Eitetsu , Izumi Kouji , Iijima Masashi , Maeda Yuji , Matsushita Tomohiko , Iwamoto Teruaki , Namiki Mikio 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo determine testosterone fractions in Japanese men and to compare these values with those of Framingham Heart Study participants.MethodsWe enrolled 498 healthy Japanese men. Total testosterone was assayed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, sex hormone‐binding globulin was assayed by immunoassay and free testosterone was calculated by a laboratory at the Boston Medical Center. Analog‐based free testosterone and immunoassay‐based total testosterone were determined by immunoassay. We compared mass spectrometry assay‐based total testosterone and calculated free testosterone values in the Japanese participants with values in the American Framingham Heart Study third generation cohort.ResultsThe mean serum mass spectrometry assay‐based total testosterone, sex hormone‐binding globulin, and calculated free testosterone values were 439.4 ± 167 ng/dL, 65.34 ± 30.61 nmol/L, and 58.75 ± 20.0 pg/mL, respectively. The correlation coefficients with age for mass spectrometry assay‐based total testosterone, sex hormone‐binding globulin, and calculated free testosterone were 0.0010, 0.5041, and −0.496, respectively. There were no age‐related changes in mass spectrometry assay‐based total testosterone values in healthy men (P = 0.981), whereas sex hormone‐binding globulin and calculated free testosterone levels showed similar age‐related changes (P < 0.0001). Serum analog‐based free testosterone levels (8.24 ± 2.9 pg/mL) showed age‐related changes (P < 0.0001) regardless of immunoassay‐based total testosterone levels (P = 0.828). Serum immunoassay‐based total testosterone values (486.1 ± 162.5 ng/dL) correlated with serum mass spectrometry assay‐based total testosterone values (r = 0.740, 95% confidence interval 0.6965–0.7781, P < 0.0001). Similarly, analog‐based free testosterone and calculated free testosterone values showed a highly significant correlation (r = 0.706, 95% confidence interval 0.6587–0.7473, P < 0.0001). The analog‐based free testosterone values were approximately 10% of the calculated free testosterone values.ConclusionsIn contrast to the Framingham Heart Study cohort, total testosterone values in Japanese men are not associated with advancing age; thus, they cannot be used to diagnose late‐onset hypogonadism in Japan. The analog‐based free testosterone value can be considered instead as a suitable biochemical determinant for diagnosing late‐onset hypogonadism syndrome.
Adherence and outcomes of patients prescribed dabigatran (Pradaxa) in routine clinical practice
Authors: Thorne K. , Jayathissa S. , Dee S. , Briggs N. , Taylor J. , Reid S. , De Silva K. , Dean J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimTo explore and detail clinical experiences of dabigatran, a novel anticoagulant, after it became available in New Zealand in July 2011.MethodsA cohort of patients was recruited from Hutt Hospital and the two largest primary care practices in the Hutt Valley region. They were included if they took at least one dose of dabigatran between July 2011 and April 2012. Participants undertook a questionnaire 3–12 months after starting dabigatran assessing adherence, perceived side‐effects and complications. Those presenting due to an adverse event were analysed separately.ResultsOf 102 patients identified, 92 were recruited to this study. At a median of 8 months, 70% of participants were still taking dabigatran, significantly lower than in the RE‐LY trial at 12 months (P = 0.0002). The commonest reason given for discontinuation was gastrointestinal (GI) side‐effects. Rates of serious adverse outcomes on dabigatran therapy were relatively low. Patients expressed polarised comments, both positive and negative, regarding their experiences of dabigatran.ConclusionsA high rate of discontinuation of dabigatran, mainly due to GI symptoms, was observed. There does not appear to be any specific predictor of dabigatran tolerance. When prescribed according to guidelines, rates of serious adverse events associated with dabigatran appear to be low.
A population biological approach to understanding the maintenance and loss of the T‐cell repertoire during aging
Authors: Johnson Philip L. F. , Goronzy Jörg J. , Antia Rustom 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe adaptive immune system requires a diverse T‐cell repertoire to be able to respond to a wide variety of pathogens. Worryingly, the repertoire diversity declines dramatically in old age. As thymic output generates novel T cells, the conventional view holds that a decrease in this output with age is responsible for the loss in the repertoire. However, many additional factors affect the repertoire such as homeostatic turnover and antigen‐dependent expansion in response to infection. Mathematical models taking a population biology perspective are important tools for understanding how the interplay between these factors affects the immune repertoire. These models suggest that thymic decline is not a major factor but rather that some combination of virus‐induced proliferation and T‐cell‐intrinsic genetic or epigenetic changes gives rise to the oligoclonal expansions that cause the decline in T‐cell diversity. We also discuss consequences for strategies to rejuvenate the immune repertoire in old age.
Immunological characteristics and T‐cell receptor clonal diversity in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis undergoing T‐cell‐depleted autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Wu Qiong , Pesenacker Anne M. , Stansfield Alka , King Douglas , Barge Dawn , Foster Helen E. , Abinun Mario , Wedderburn Lucy R. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryChildren with systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (sJIA), the most severe subtype of JIA, are at risk from destructive polyarthritis and growth failure, and corticosteroids as part of conventional treatment can result in osteoporosis and growth delay. In children where there is failure or toxicity from drug therapies, disease has been successfully controlled by T‐cell‐depleted autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). At present, the immunological basis underlying remission after ASCT is unknown. Immune reconstitution of T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, natural killer T cells and monocytes, in parallel with T‐cell receptor (TCR) diversity by analysis of the β variable region (TCRVb) complementarity determining region‐3 (CDR3) using spectratyping and sequencing, were studied in five children with sJIA before and after ASCT. At time of follow up (mean 11·5 years), four patients remain in complete remission, while one child relapsed within 1 month of transplant. The CD8+ TCRVb repertoire was highly oligoclonal early in immune reconstitution and re‐emergence of pre‐transplant TCRVb CDR3 dominant peaks was observed after transplant in certain TCRVb families. Further, re‐emergence of pre‐ASCT clonal sequences in addition to new sequences was identified after transplant. These results suggest that a chimeric TCR repertoire, comprising T‐cell clones developed before and after transplant, can be associated with clinical remission from severe arthritis.
The Effect of Preoperative Planning Method on Recommended Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Cage Size
Authors: Cadmus Jill , Palmer Ross H. , Duncan Colleen 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo determine if use of various commonly practiced tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) preoperative planning methods leads to variable TTA cage size recommendations.Study DesignRadiographic study.AnimalsDogs (n = 14) with naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament disease.MethodsTTA was planned by a single observer on mediolateral stifle radiographs of each dog using 2 sets of tibial plateau landmarks (anatomic [A] vs. femorotibial common tangent [T]) and 2 advancement measurement techniques (transparent overlay [O] vs. simulated TTA using imaging software [S]) for 4 different planning methods (AO, AS, TO, TS). Cage size recommendations for each stifle were tabulated for each of the 4 planning methods. Mean advancement (mm) required to obtain patellar tendon angle (PTA) = 90° for each of the 4 planning methods were statistically compared.ResultsIn the 14 stifles studied, the 4 planning methods evaluated led to 4 different cage size recommendations in 1 stifle, 3 different recommendations in 8 stifles, 2 different recommendations in 3 stifles, and 1 recommendation in only 2 stifles. There was a significant difference in the mean advancement measurement between the 4 planning methods (P < .0001); the AS technique was the largest whereas TO resulted in the smallest measurement. Overall, larger advancement was associated with use of anatomic landmarks (vs. common tangent) and imaging software to simulate TTA (vs. overlays).ConclusionCurrently practiced methods for TTA pre‐planning led to variable cage size recommendations in 86% of the stifles evaluated and may be a source of inconsistent functional outcomes.
Cryptospores and cryptophytes reveal hidden diversity in early land floras
Authors: Edwards Dianne , Morris Jennifer L. , Richardson John B. , Kenrick Paul 
Published: January 2014

SummaryCryptospores, recovered from Ordovician through Devonian rocks, differ from trilete spores in possessing distinctive configurations (i.e. hilate monads, dyads, and permanent tetrads). Their affinities are contentious, but knowledge of their relationships is essential to understanding the nature of the earliest land flora. This review brings together evidence about the source plants, mostly obtained from spores extracted from minute, fragmented, yet exceptionally anatomically preserved fossils. We coin the term ‘cryptophytes’ for plants that produced the cryptospores and show them to have been simple terrestrial organisms of short stature (i.e. millimetres high). Two lineages are currently recognized.Partitathecashows a combination of characters (e.g. spo‐rophyte bifurcation, stomata, and dyads) unknown in plants today.Lenticulathecaencompasses discoidal sporangia containing monads formed from dyads with ultrastructure closer to that of higher plants, as exemplified byCooksonia. Other emerging groupings are less well characterized, and their precise affinities to living clades remain unclear. Some may be stem group embryophytes or tracheophytes. Others are more closely related to the bryophytes, but they are not bryophytes as defined by extant representatives. Cryptophytes encompass a pool of diversity from which modern bryophytes and vascular plants emerged, but were competitively replaced by early tracheophytes. Sporogenesis always produced either dyads or tetrads, indicating strict genetic control. The long‐held consensus that tetrads were the archetypal condition in land plants is challenged.ContentsSummary50I.Introduction50II.History, characters and disparity in cryptospores52III.In situcryptospores53IV.Evolutionary overview66V.Variation in the meiotic process71VI.Spore wall formation and the nature of the envelope72VII.Conclusions74Acknowledgements75References75
MITFE318K's effect on melanoma risk independent of, but modified by, other risk factors
Authors: Berwick Marianne , MacArthur Jamie , Orlow Irene , Kanetsky Peter , Begg Colin B. , Luo Li , Reiner Anne , Sharma Ajay , Armstrong Bruce K. , Kricker Anne , Cust Anne E. , Marrett Loraine D. , Gruber Stephen B. , Anton‐Culver Hoda , Zanetti Roberto , Rosso Stefano , Gallagher Richard P. , Dwyer Terence , Venn Alison , Busam Klaus , From Lynn , White Kirsten , Thomas Nancy E. ,   the GEM Study Group
Published: January 2014

SummaryA rare germline variant in the microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF)gene, E318K, has been reported as associated with melanoma. We confirmed its independent association with melanoma [odds ratio (OR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1, 2.7, P = 0.03]; adjusted for age, sex, center, age × sex interaction, pigmentation characteristics, family history of melanoma, and nevus density). In stratified analyses, carriage ofMITFE318K was associated with melanoma more strongly in people with dark hair than fair hair (P for interaction, 0.03) and in those with no moles than some or many moles (P for interaction, <0.01). There was no evidence of interaction betweenMC1R‘red hair variants’ andMITFE318K. Moreover, risk of melanoma among carriers with ‘low risk’ phenotypes was as great or greater than among those with ‘at risk’ phenotypes with few exceptions.
miR‐20b regulates expression of proteinase‐activated receptor‐1 (PAR‐1) thrombin receptor in melanoma cells
Authors: Saleiban Amina , Faxälv Lars , Claesson Kjersti , Jönsson Jan‐Ingvar , Osman Abdimajid 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe proteinase‐activated receptor 1 (PAR‐1) plays a central role in melanoma progression and its expression level is believed to correlate with the degree of cancer invasiveness. Here, we show that PAR‐1 is post‐transcriptionally regulated by miR‐20b microRNA in human melanoma cells. PAR‐1 was found to be expressed in metastatic melanoma cells but was barely detectable in primary melanoma. By transducing primary melanoma cells with a lentivirus containing a 3′‐UTR construct of PAR‐1 mRNA, we could show that endogenous melanoma microRNAs interacted with PAR‐1 3′‐UTR and silenced a fused luciferase reporter. Transfection of an inhibitor against miR‐20b into primary melanoma cells reversed this process. Finally, transfection of miR‐20b mimic into metastatic melanoma cells caused downregulation of the luciferase reporter. We conclude that miR‐20b regulates expression of melanoma PAR‐1 receptor, which may explain the differential expression of PAR‐1 observed in human melanoma.
Predicting 10‐year quality‐of‐life outcomes of patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders
Authors: Ritsner Michael S. , Lisker Alexander , Grinshpoon Alexander 
Published: January 2014

AimsThis study aimed to determine predictors for 10‐year good versus poor perceived general quality of life (QOL) outcomes from baseline variables in people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.MethodsWe compared patients with poor versus good 10‐year QOL outcomes using baseline clinical, personality‐related variables, demographic and background characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used for predicting the 10‐year QOL outcomes from baseline data. One‐hundred‐eight patients completed the Quality‐of‐Life Enjoyment and Life Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Positive and Negative Syndromes Scale (PANSS), the Talbieh Brief Distress Inventory, and psychosocial questionnaires at baseline and 10 years later.ResultsLogistic regression revealed six predictors of QOL outcomes: paranoid ideations (odds ratio [OR] 3.1), PANSS general psychopathology (OR 1.1), obsessiveness (OR 0.84), hostility (OR 0.4), PANSS positive scale scores (OR 0.4), and general QOL index (OR 0.4). This model classified 80.6% of the sample with good sensitivity (87% correctly identified ‘poor outcome’), and specificity (71% correctly identified ‘good outcome’).ConclusionThis study provides a pattern of baseline predictors for long‐term QOL outcomes. Identified predictors are factors that can potentially be ameliorated, and thereby enhance the QOL of people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Effectiveness of Low‐Cost Planting Techniques for Improving Water Availability toOlea europaeaSeedlings in Degraded Drylands
Authors: Valdecantos Alejandro , Fuentes David , Smanis Athanasios , Llovet Joan , Morcillo Luna , Bautista Susana 
Published: January 2014

AbstractReforestation projects in semiarid lands often yield poor results. Water scarcity, poor soil fertility, and structure strongly limit the survival and growth of planted seedlings in these areas. At two experimental semiarid sites, we evaluated a variety of low‐cost planting techniques in order to increase water availability to plants. Treatments included various combinations of traditional planting holes; water‐harvesting microcatchments; stone or plastic mulches; small waterproof sheets to increase water harvesting; dry wells; buried clay pots; and deep irrigation. Some of these treatments were also combined with addition of composted biosolids. Waterproof sheets significantly enhanced water harvesting (43%) and soil moisture in the planting hole (40%), especially for low‐intensity rainfall events. Treatment effects on the survival and growth ofOlea europaeaseedlings varied between experimental sites. At the most water‐limited site, clay pots, and dry wells improved seedling survival, while no treatment enhanced seedling growth. At the least water‐stressed site, the application of composted sludge significantly improved seedling growth. We conclude that nutrient‐mediated stress is subordinate to water stress in arid and semiarid environments, and we suggest modifications on the microsite scale to address these limiting conditions in Mediterranean drylands.
Prevalence of Group A beta‐haemolytic Streptococcus isolated from children with acute pharyngotonsillitis in Aden, Yemen
Authors: Ba‐Saddik I. A. , Munibari A. A. , Alhilali A. M. , Ismail S. M. , Murshed F. M. , Coulter J. B. S. , Cuevas L. E. , Hart C. A. , Brabin B. J. , Parry C. M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of Group A beta‐haemolytic streptococcus (GAS) and non‐GAS infections among children with acute pharyngotonsillitis in Aden, Yemen, to evaluate the value of a rapid diagnostic test and the McIsaac score for patient management in this setting and to determine the occurrence of emm genotypes among a subset of GAS isolated from children with acute pharyngotonsillitis and a history of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) or rheumatic heart disease (RHD).MethodsGroup A beta‐haemolytic streptococcus infections in school‐aged children with acute pharyngotonsillitis in Aden, Yemen, were diagnosed by a rapid GAS antigen detection test (RADT) and/or GAS culture from a throat swab. The RADT value and the McIsaac screening score for patient management were evaluated. The emm genotype of a subset of GAS isolates was determined.ResultsGroup A beta‐haemolytic streptococcus pharyngotonsillitis was diagnosed in 287/691 (41.5%; 95% CI 37.8–45.3) children. Group B, Group C and Group G beta‐haemolytic streptococci were isolated from 4.3% children. The RADT had a sensitivity of 238/258 (92.2%) and specificity of 404/423 (95.5%) against GAS culture. A McIsaac score of ≥4 had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 82% for confirmed GAS infection. The emm genotypes in 21 GAS isolates from children with pharyngitis and a history of ARF and confirmed RHD were emm87 (11), emm12 (6), emm28 (3) and emm5 (1).ConclusionThis study demonstrates a very high prevalence of GAS infections in Yemeni children and the value of the RADT and the McIsaac score in this setting. More extensive emm genotyping is necessary to understand the local epidemiology of circulating strains.
Systematic evaluation of evidence on veterinary viscoelastic testing Part 5: Nonstandard assays
Authors: Brainard Benjamin M. , Goggs Robert , Mendez‐Angulo Jose L. , Mudge Margaret C. , Ralph Alan G. , Wiinberg Bo 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically examine the evidence on nontraditional uses of viscoelastic coagulation monitoring in veterinary species.DesignStandardized, systematic evaluation of the literature, categorization of relevant articles according to level of evidence and quality, and development of consensus on conclusions for application of the concepts to clinical practice.SettingAcademic and referral veterinary medical centers.ResultsDatabases searched included Medline, CAB abstracts, and Google Scholar.ConclusionsNontraditional assays identified included thrombelastography (TEG)‐PlateletMapping (PM), functional fibrinogen assessment, and rapid‐TEG (r‐TEG). Direct veterinary evidence was found for only the ADP‐activated PM, which appears to generate valid data in dogs but not cats or horses. Arachidonic acid activated PM shows high variability and requires further assessment and validation in veterinary species. Functional fibrinogen assays may be performed in veterinary species but may require modification due to species differences in response to abciximab. While tissue factor (TF)‐activated TEG has been well described in the veterinary literature, the specific r‐TEG assay has not been assessed, but presumably would be effective for generating TEG tracings and values for maximum amplitude and angle in shorter periods of time than some traditional assays.
Responses of Elite Road Motorcyclists to Racing in Tropical Conditions: A Case Study
Authors: Brearley Matt , Norton Ian , Kingsbury David , Maas Simon 
Published: January 2014

Introduction:Anecdotal reports suggest that elite road motorcyclists suffer from high core body temperatures and physiological and perceptual strain when competing in hot conditions.Methods:Four male non-heat-acclimatized elite motorcyclists (3 Superbike, 1 Supersport) had their gastrointestinal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate measured and recorded throughout practice, qualifying, and race sessions of an Australian Superbike and Supersport Championship round contested in tropical conditions. Physiological strain was calculated during the sessions, and fluid-balance measures were taken during practice and qualifying. Rider thermal sensation was assessed immediately postsession.Results:Mean ambient temperature and relative humidity were 29.5–30.2°C and 64.5–68.7%, respectively, across the sessions. Gastrointestinal temperature rose from 37.6°C to 37.7°C presession at a median rate of 0.035°C, 0.037°C ,and 0.067°C/min during practice, qualifying, and race sessions to reach medians of 38.9°C, 38.8°C, and 39.1°C postsession, respectively. The peak postsession gastrointestinal temperature was 39.8°C. Median heart rates were ~164, 160, and 177 beats/min during the respective practice, qualifying, and race sessions, contributing to median physiological strain of 5.5, 5.6, and 6.2 across the sessions. Sweat rates were 1.01 and 0.90 L/h during practice and qualifying sessions, while rider thermal sensation was very hot after each session.Conclusions:This investigation confirms that elite road motorcyclists endure moderate to high physiological strain during practice, qualifying, and race sessions, exhibiting more-rapid rates of body-heat storage, higher core body temperatures, and higher physiological and perceptual strain than their stock-car-racing counterparts when competing in tropical conditions.
Draft Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium ulcerans FRC58, Isolated from the Bronchitic Aspiration of a Patient in France
Authors: Silva Andréia do Socorro de Sousa , Baraúna Rafael Azevedo , de Sá Pablo Caracciolo Gomes , das Graças Diego Assis , Carneiro Adriana Ribeiro , Thouvenin Maxime , Azevedo Vasco , Badell Edgar , Guiso Nicole , da Silva Artur Luiz da Costa , Ramos Rommel Thiago Jucá 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTCorynebacterium ulceransis a bacterial species with high importance because it causes infections in animals and, rarely, in humans. Its virulence mechanisms remain unclear. The current study describes the draft genome ofC. ulceransFRC58, which was isolated from the bronchitic aspiration of a patient in France.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Moderately Halophilic Bacillus megaterium Strain, MSP20.1, Isolated from a Saltern of the Little Rann of Kutch, India
Authors: Pal Kamal Krishna , Dey Rinku , Sherathia Dharmesh , Vanpariya Sejal , Patel Ilaxi , Dalsania Trupti , Savsani Kinjal , Sukhadiya Bhoomika , Mandaliya Mona , Thomas Manesh , Ghorai Sucheta , Rupapara Rupal , Rawal Priya , Shah Abhi , Bhayani Sharmila 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

The 4.37-Mbp draft genome of a moderately halophilic
Bacillus megaterium
strain, MSP20.1, isolated from a saltern of the Little Rann of Kutch, India, is reported here. To understand the mechanism(s) of moderate halophilism and to isolate the gene(s) involved in osmotolerance and adaptation, the genome of MSP20.1 was sequenced.