bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MyD88 knockout mice develop initial enlarged periapical lesions with increased numbers of neutrophils
Authors: Bezerra da Silva R. A. , Nelson‐Filho P. , Lucisano M. P. , De Rossi A. , de Queiroz A. M. , Bezerra da Silva L. A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo characterize the formation and progression of experimentally induced periapical lesions in teeth of MyD88 knockout (MyD88 KO) mice compared with wild‐type (WT) mice.MethodologyPeriapical lesions were induced in the mandibular first molars of 30 WT and 30 MyD88 KO mice. After 7, 21 and 42 days, the animals were euthanized and the mandibles were subjected to histotechnical processing. Histological sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE), TRAP histoenzymology, Brown and Brenn staining and immunohistochemistry (RANK, RANKL, OPG). Data were subjected to statistical analysis by the nonparametric Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests and the Dunn post‐test, using the SPSS software, version 17.0 (α = 0.05).ResultsRegarding the periapical lesion size, the MyD88 KO group had significantly higher values than the WT group in the periods of 7 (P = 0.001) and 21 days (P = 0.05). A larger number of neutrophils in the MyD88 KO group were observed (P = 0.01 at 7 days, P = 0.004 at 21 days and P < 0.001 at 42 days). Regarding the number of osteoclasts, no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups at any of the experimental periods (P = 0.884 at 7 days, P = 0.506 at 21 days and P = 0.211 at 42 days).ConclusionsIn the absence of MyD88, the animals had larger periapical lesions, with a severe inflammatory infiltrate and a significantly larger number of neutrophils.
Intravenous immunoglobulin modulates the expansion and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells
Authors: Trépanier Patrick , Chabot Dominique , Bazin Renée 
Published: October 2013

SummaryIntravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is successfully used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases involving self‐reactive CD8+ T cells. However, its direct influence on the cytotoxic response remains unknown. Using an antigen cross‐presentation assay and a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA) immunization, we showed that IVIg decreases the in vitro activation, proliferation and cytokine secretion of OVA‐specific CD8+ T cells (OT‐I), as well as the in vivo generation of OVA‐specific CD8+ T cells. In addition, IVIg significantly decreases the proportion of perforin‐ and CD107a‐expressing CD8+ T cells, and inhibits the cytotoxic activity of OVA‐activated OT‐I cells. The interference of IVIg with the CD8+ T‐cell response is associated with T‐cell receptor blockade, therefore reducing the interaction between effector and target cells. A similar blockade is observed on human CD8+ T cells, suggesting that the observations reported here could apply to the IVIg‐mediated improvement of CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune conditions in human patients.
Use of recombinant activated factor VII in Jehovah's Witness patients with critical bleeding
Authors: Kandane‐Rathnayake Rangi K. , Isbister James P. , Zatta Amanda J. , Aoki Naomi J. , Cameron Peter , Phillips Louise E. ,   on behalf of the Australian and New Zealand Haemostasis Registry Steering Committee
Published: October 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe Australian and New Zealand Haemostasis Registry (ANZHR) included patients who received off‐licence recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) for critical bleeding from 2000 to 2009. Approximately 1.3% of the ANZHR patients were Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs). We compared them with the non‐JW patients in the registry.MethodsPatient characteristics (e.g. gender, context of bleeding), factors influencing rFVIIa use (e.g. body temperature and pH) and outcomes (e.g. bleeding response (stopped/attenuated or unchanged) to rFVIIa, mortality) were compared between JW and non‐JW patients using Fisher's exact chi‐square tests and Kruskal‐Wallis tests.ResultsA total of 42 JW and 3134 non‐JW patients were included in the analysis. Approximately 99% (n = 3098) of non‐JWs received blood products compared with only 30% (n = 13) of JWs (P < 0.01). The distribution of gender and contexts of critical bleeding in the two groups was significantly different. Approximately 17% of the non‐JW patients were hypothermic (T < 35°C) and about 19% were acidotic (pH < 7.2) at the time of initial rFVIIa administration. Conversely, none of the JWs were hypothermic and only one was acidotic. The proportion of positive responders to rFVIIa (stopped/attenuated bleeding following rFVIIa use) was similar in both groups (75% non‐JWs, 74% JWs; P = 1.0). Approximately 28% of non‐JW and 17% of JW patients were deceased by day 28 following rFVIIa use (P = 0.16).DiscussionSeveral factors were observed to be significantly different between JW and non‐JW patients, yet the proportions of responders to rFVIIa were similar in both groups. The actual factors influencing response to rFVIIa are yet to be determined.
HIV and hepatitis C virus coinfection in Canada: challenges and opportunities for reducing preventable morbidity and mortality
Authors: Klein MB , Rollet KC , Saeed S , Cox J , Potter M , Cohen J , Conway B , Cooper C , Côté P , Gill J , Haase D , Haider S , Hull M , Moodie E , Montaner J , Pick N , Rachlis A , Rouleau D , Sandre R , Tyndall M , Walmsley S ,   Canadian HIV‐HCV Cohort Investigators
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesHepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as an important health problem in the era of effective HIV treatment. However, very few data exist on the health status and disease burden of HIV/HCV‐coinfected Canadians.MethodsHIV/HCV‐coinfected patients were enrolled prospectively in a multicentre cohort from 16 centres across Canada between 2003 and 2010 and followed every 6 months. We determined rates of a first liver fibrosis or endstage liver disease (ESLD) event and all‐cause mortality since cohort enrolment and calculated standardized mortality ratios compared with the general Canadian population.ResultsA total of 955 participants were enrolled in the study and followed for a median of 1.4 (interquartile range 0.5–2.3) years. Most were male (73%) with a median age of 44.5 years; 13% self‐identified as aboriginal. There were high levels of current injecting drug and alcohol use and poverty. Observed event rates [per 100 person‐years; 95% confidence interval (CI)] were: significant fibrosis (10.21; 8.49, 12.19), ESLD (3.16; 2.32, 4.20) and death (3.72; 2.86, 4.77). The overall standardized mortality ratio was 17.08 (95% CI 12.83, 21.34); 12.80 (95% CI 9.10, 16.50) for male patients and 28.74 (95% CI 14.66, 42.83) for female patients. The primary causes of death were ESLD (29%) and overdose (24%).ConclusionsWe observed excessive morbidity and mortality in this HIV/HCV‐coinfected population in care. Over 50% of observed deaths may have been preventable. Interventions aimed at improving social circumstances, reducing harm from drug and alcohol use and increasing the delivery of HCV treatment in particular will be necessary to reduce adverse health outcomes among HIV/HCV‐coinfected persons.
Effect of Ca2+ Substitution on the Structure, Microstructure, and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Sr2Al2SiO7 Ceramic
Authors: Manu Kurusaroor Mana , Karthik Chinnathambi , Ubic Rick , Sebastian Mailadil Thomas 
Published: October 2013

The effect of Ca2+ substitution on the structure, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties of Sr–gehlenite (Sr2Al2SiO7) ceramic has been investigated. The structure and microstructure of Sr2−xCaxAl2SiO7 ceramics were analyzed via X‐ray diffraction (XRD) as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopic techniques. While the end‐members (x = 0 and 2) form isostructural compounds, a highly defective, nonstoichiometric, Ca‐rich secondary phase was observed via bright‐field transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy in compositions corresponding to x = 0.75 and 1.5. The concentration of secondary phase in x = 0.75 is too low to be detected via XRD or scanning electron microscopy. Identical selected‐area electron‐diffraction patterns of the compounds (x = 0, 1, and 2) confirmed that they belong to the space group P21m (no. 113) with tetragonal crystal symmetry. The porosity‐corrected relative permittivity at microwave frequencies showed a gradual increase with Ca2+ content; however, Ca2+ substitution made only marginal changes to the microwave dielectric properties except in the case of x = 1.5, in which the secondary phase reduced the quality factor considerably. Thermal conductivity decreased with increasing Ca2+ content, and the compounds with defective structures showed the lowest thermal conductivity. All the compounds exhibited low coefficients of linear thermal expansion, with values varying in the range 2.3–3.6 ppm/°C.
Grain Size Effects on Piezoelectric Properties and Domain Structure of BaTiO3 Ceramics Prepared by Two‐Step Sintering
Authors: Huan Yu , Wang Xiaohui , Fang Jian , Li Longtu 
Published: October 2013

A series of highly dense barium titanate (BaTiO3) ceramics with the average grain size (GS) from 0.29 to 8.61 μm are successfully prepared by two‐step sintering, and the GS effect on piezoelectric coefficient (d33) is systematically discussed in this work. It is found that when GS above 1 μm, d33 can be enhanced with decreasing GS, reaching a maximum value of 519 pC/N around 1 μm due to the high activity of domain wall mobility. Subsequently, d33 rapidly drops with a further decrease in GS owing to the reduced domain density. The results suggest that it is possible to prepare high‐performance BaTiO3 ceramics by controlling the GS and domain configuration properly, which brings great revitalization to the BaTiO3‐based piezoceramics.
Thermodynamics of Nanoscale Calcium and Strontium Titanate Perovskites
Authors: Sahu Sulata K. , Maram Pardha S. , Navrotsky Alexandra 
Published: October 2013

The surface enthalpies of nanocrystalline CaTiO3 and SrTiO3 perovskites were determined using high‐temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry in conjunction with water adsorption calorimetry. The nanocrystalline samples were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and characterized using powder X‐ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurements. The integral heats of water vapor adsorption on the surfaces of nanocrystalline CaTiO3 and SrTiO3 are −78.63 ± 4.71 kJ/mol and −69.97 ± 4.43 kJ/mol, respectively. The energies of the hydrous and anhydrous surfaces are 2.49 ± 0.12 J/m2 and 2.79 ± 0.13 J/m2 for CaTiO3 and 2.55 ± 0.15 J/m2 and 2.85 ± 0.15 J/m2 for SrTiO3, respectively. The stability of the perovskite compounds in this study is discussed according to the lattice energy and tolerance factor approach. The energetics of different perovskites suggest that the formation enthalpy becomes more exothermic and surface energy increases with an increase in ionic radius of the “A” site cation (Ca, Sr, and Ba), or with the tolerance factor. PbTiO3 shows a lower surface energy, weaker water binding, and a less exothermic enthalpy of formation than the alkaline‐earth perovskites.
Effects of marginality on plant population performance
Authors: Abeli Thomas , Gentili Rodolfo , Mondoni Andrea , Orsenigo Simone , Rossi Graziano 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimPopulations at the edge of a species' distribution range may differ substantially from central populations. Peripheral populations may have either a high evolutionary potential or be prone to extinction, but the processes driving these outcomes are still unclear. Peripheral plant populations have been the subject of numerous studies and reviews, with many focusing on their genetic characteristics. In this review, we consider the effect of marginality on demographic species‐specific traits.LocationWorld‐wide.MethodsWe reviewed the literature based on direct comparisons between central and peripheral plant populations. Strict inclusion criteria were applied to avoid biased analysis that may arise as a result of inaccurate boundary considerations or inappropriate comparisons. We inferred from the published data whether a certain trait had a better performance in central or peripheral populations (reliability of the abundant centre hypothesis,ACH).ResultsThere have not been enough studies on plant performance to allow for generalizations on the effects of marginality on plants.ACHexpectations were not met in most cases and specific responses to marginality were observed at the species and population levels. Population and plant size more often met theACHassumptions, suggesting that most geographically peripheral populations are also ecologically marginal. The availability of resources, the reproductive strategy, the level of ploidy and the ability to cope with interspecific competitors seem to drive the numerous exceptions to theACHexpectations.Main conclusionsThe large numbers of exceptions to theACHexpectations suggest that a new comprehensive theory is needed to explain the effects of marginality in plants and to identify any general patterns. From the theoretical point of view, we propose that population history and dynamics should be considered when attempting to explain the processes that occur in peripheral plant populations.
Parental separation/divorce in childhood and partnership outcomes at age 30
Authors: Fergusson David M. , McLeod Geraldine F. H. , John Horwood L. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundPrevious research has found that children exposed to separation/divorce may also experience relationship problems in adulthood. The aim of this investigation was to examine this issue in a birth cohort of over 900 New Zealand children studied to age 30.MethodsData were gathered over the course of the Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS). The CHDS is a 30 year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 1265 children born in Christchurch (NZ) in 1977. The data collected included the following: (a) timing and number of parental separations and divorces from birth to 15 years; (b) partnership outcomes (16–30 years) of the number of cohabiting/marriage partnerships; positive partner relations; negative partner relations; partner adjustment/conduct problems; and interpartner violence victimization and perpetration; and (c) potential covariate factors.ResultsStudy findings showed the presence of significant associations between childhood parental separations/divorces and number of cohabiting/marriage partnerships (16–30 years) (p < .001), negative partner relations (p = .021), extent of partner adjustment/conduct problems (p < .001), and perpetration of interpartner violence (p = .018). Childhood parental separation/divorce explained less than 2.5% of the variance in partnership outcomes. These associations were explained statistically by a series of covariate factors associated with childhood parental separation/divorce including parental history of illicit drug use, childhood sexual abuse, childhood conduct problems (7–9 years), interparental conflict and violence, childhood physical punishment/maltreatment, family socio‐economic status at the child's birth, and parental history of criminality. Tests of gender interaction showed that the effect of childhood parental separations/divorces may be the same for males and females. Analysis of the number of childhood parental separations/divorces experienced into three age groups (birth to 5, 5–10 years and 10–15 years) yielded similar results.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the general associations between childhood parental separation/divorce and partner relationships in adulthood reflect the consequences of various contextual factors that are associated with childhood parental separation.
Widespread phenotypic and genetic divergence along altitudinal gradients in animals
Authors: Keller I. , Alexander J. M. , Holderegger R. , Edwards P. J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAltitudinal gradients offer valuable study systems to investigate how adaptive genetic diversity is distributed within and between natural populations and which factors promote or prevent adaptive differentiation. The environmental clines along altitudinal gradients tend to be steep relative to the dispersal distance of many organisms, providing an opportunity to study the joint effects of divergent natural selection and gene flow. Temperature is one variable showing consistent altitudinal changes, and altitudinal gradients can therefore provide spatial surrogates for some of the changes anticipated under climate change. Here, we investigate the extent and patterns of adaptive divergence in animal populations along altitudinal gradients by surveying the literature for (i) studies on phenotypic variation assessed under common garden or reciprocal transplant designs and (ii) studies looking for signatures of divergent selection at the molecular level. Phenotypic data show that significant between‐population differences are common and taxonomically widespread, involving traits such as mass, wing size, tolerance to thermal extremes and melanization. Several lines of evidence suggest that some of the observed differences are adaptively relevant, but rigorous tests of local adaptation or the link between specific phenotypes and fitness are sorely lacking. Evidence for a role of altitudinal adaptation also exists for a number of candidate genes, most prominently haemoglobin, and for anonymous molecular markers. Novel genomic approaches may provide valuable tools for studying adaptive diversity, also in species that are not amenable to experimentation.
The portfolio method as management support for patients with major depression
Authors: Nunstedt Håkan , Nilsson Kerstin , Skärsäter Ingela 
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectivesTo describe how patients with major depression in psychiatric outpatient care use the portfolio method and whether the method helps the patients to understand their depression.BackgroundMajor depressive disorder is an increasing problem in society. Learning about one's depression has been demonstrated to be important for recovery. If the goal is better understanding and management of depression, learning must proceed on the patient's own terms, based on the patient's previous understanding of their depression. Learning must be aligned with patient needs if it is to result in meaningful and useful understanding.DesignEach patient's portfolio consisted of a binder. Inside the binder, there was a register with predetermined flaps and questions. The patients were asked to work with the questions in the sections that built the content in the portfolio.MethodsIndividual interviews with patients (n = 5) suffering from major depression according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV) (American Psychiatric Association 1994) were repeatedly conducted between April 2008 and August 2009 in two psychiatric outpatient clinics in western Sweden. Data were analysed using latent content analysis.ResultsThe results showed that the portfolio was used by patients as a management strategy for processing and analysis of their situation and that a portfolio's structure affects its usability. The patients use the portfolio for reflection on and confirmation of their progress, to create structure in their situation, as a management strategy for remembering situations and providing reminders of upcoming activities.ConclusionsUsing a clearly structured care portfolio can enable participation and patient learning and help patients understand their depression.Relevance to clinical practiceThe portfolio method could provide a tool in psychiatric nursing that may facilitate patient understanding and increase self‐efficacy.
Molecular cloning of type I collagen cDNA and nutritional regulation of type I collagen mRNA expression in grass carp
Authors: Yu E. M. , Liu B. H. , Wang G. J. , Yu D. G. , Xie J. , Xia Y. , Gong W. B. , Wang H. H. , Li Z. F. , Wei N. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryGrass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) are important Chinese freshwater fish, and in China, the faba bean has been used as the sole food source for grass carp to transform them into crisp grass carp. Because of this, crisp grass carp has become an economically important fish because of its increased muscle hardness. To study the nutritional regulation of type I collagen in faba bean‐fed grass carp, we isolated type I collagen alpha 2 (COL1A2) on the basis of our isolation of COL1A1. The COL1A2 cDNA was found to be 4899 bp in length and included a 4059‐bp coding sequence (CDS) and encoded a polypeptide of 1352 AA. The protein peptide molecular weight was 127.39 kD, and the theoretical isoelectric point was 9.37. The COL1A2 protein possessed five α‐helixes, eight β‐sheets, 16 regions of triple helical repeats, 21 low‐complexity regions, 10 function domains and two zinc‐binding sites; however, no calcium‐binding sites were observed. The mRNA expression of COL1A1 and COL1A2 was assessed in eight tissues (muscle, hepatopancreas, intestine, gills, skin, fin, kidney and spleen) from grass carp and crisp grass carp by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR. Expression of COL1A1 in the muscle, intestines and skin of crisp grass carp was higher than that in grass carp, and expression of COL1A2 in the muscle, gills, fin and skin of crisp grass carp was higher than that in grass carp. In the muscle of crisp grass carp, expression of COL1A1 and COL1A2 was higher than that in grass carp, which was further confirmed by real‐time PCR, and collagen content also was enhanced. These results demonstrated that type I collagen was closely related to the increased muscle hardness of faba bean‐fed grass carp.
Transfer of the Virulence‐Associated Protein A‐Bearing Plasmid between Field Strains of Virulent and AvirulentRhodococcus equi
Authors: Stoughton W. , Poole T. , Kuskie K. , Liu M. , Bishop K. , Morrissey A. , Takai S. , Cohen N. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundVirulent and avirulent isolates ofRhodococcus equicoexist in equine feces and the environment and are a source of infection for foals. The extent to which plasmid transfer occurs among field strains is ill‐defined and this information is important for understanding the epidemiology ofR. equiinfections of foals.ObjectivesTo estimate the frequency of transfer of the virulence plasmid between virulent and avirulent strains ofR. equiderived from foals and their environment.AnimalsNone.MethodsIn vitro study; 5 rifampin‐susceptible, virulentR. equiisolates obtained from clinically affected foals or air samples from a farm with a history of recurrentR. equifoal pneumonia were each mixed with 5 rifampin‐resistant, avirulent isolates derived from soil samples, using solid medium, at a ratio of 10 donor cells (virulent) per recipient cell. Presumed transconjugates were detected by plating on media with rifampin and colony immunoblotting to detect the presence of the virulence‐associated protein A.ResultsThree presumed transconjugates were detected among 2,037 recipient colonies, indicating an overall estimated transfer frequency of 0.15% (95%CI, 0.03–0.43%). All 3 transconjugates were associated with a single donor and 2 recipient strains. Genotyping and multiplexPCRof presumed transconjugates demonstrated transfer of the virulence‐associated protein A‐bearing plasmid between virulent and avirulentR. equi.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceTransfer of the virulence plasmid occurs with relatively high frequency. These findings could impact strategies to control or preventR. equithrough environmental management.