bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mucosal Serpin A1 and A3 Levels in HIV Highly Exposed Sero‐Negative Women are Affected by the Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Contraceptives but are Independent of Epidemiological Confounders
Authors: Rahman Syeda , Rabbani Rasheda , Wachihi Charles , Kimani Joshua , Plummer Francis A. , Ball Terry B. , Burgener Adam 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveSerpins (serine protease inhibitors) are associated with protection against HIV infection. Here, we characterized mucosal serpin expression in the genital tract of HIV highly exposed sero‐negative (HESN) women meeting our epidemiological definition of HIV resistance in relation to epidemiological variables.MethodsCervicovaginal lavage (CVL) fluid and plasma were collected from 84 HIV‐resistant, 54 HIV‐uninfected, and 66 HIV‐infected female commercial sex workers. Serpin A1 and A3 concentrations were measured by ELISA and compared with clinical information.ResultsMucosal serpin A1 was elevated during proliferative phase over secretory phase (P = 0.017*), while A3 remained similar (P = 0.25). Plasma and mucosal serpin A1/A3 levels were not associated with each other and appeared compartment specific (r = 0.21, r = 0.056). Serpin A1/A3 expression did not associate with age (r = 0.009, r = −0.06), duration of sex work (r = 0.13, r = −0.10), clients per day (r = −0.11, r = −0.02), concurrent STIs (P = 0.36, P = 0.15), but was lower in women using hormonal contraceptives (P = 0.034, P = 0.008). Mucosal serpin A1/A3 levels in HIV‐infected individuals were not significantly different with disease status as determined by plasma CD4+ T‐cell counts (P = 0.94, P = 0.30).ConclusionThis study shows the relationship of serpins to the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives, as well as their independence to epidemiological sexual confounders. This information provides a broader understanding of innate components of the mucosal immune system in women.
Increased risk of pertussis in adult patients with mannose‐binding lectin deficiency
Authors: Gröndahl‐Yli‐Hannuksela Kirsi , Viander Markku , Mertsola Jussi , He Qiushui 
Published: September 2012

Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is an important molecule of the innate immunity. The low level of MBL in the serum is associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. In this study, MBL concentrations were determined from the sera of 125 Finnish pertussis patients and from 430 control subjects. Severe MBL deficiency (<50 ng/mL) was found more often in the patients than in the controls (11.2% vs 5.8%, p = 0.038). Moreover, the deficiency was detected more frequently in the adult patients than in the controls [20.4% vs 8.6%, p = 0.021; odds ratio 2.7 (95% confidence interval 1.1–6.5)]. Our findings suggest, for the first time, that MBL deficiency predisposes to pertussis infection, at least in adults.
eHealth: individualisation of infliximab treatment and disease course via a self‐managed web‐based solution in Crohn's disease
Authors: Pedersen N. , Elkjaer M. , Duricova D. , Burisch J. , Dobrzanski C. , Andersen N. N. , Jess T. , Bendtsen F. , Langholz E. , Leotta S. , Knudsen T. , Thorsgaard N. , Munkholm P. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBackgroundInfliximab (IFX) maintenance therapy for Crohn's disease (CD) is administered every 8 weeks, but inter‐patient variation in optimal treatment intervals may exist.AimTo assess, in a prospective pilot study, the efficacy, safety and quality of life (QoL) of IFX maintenance treatment scheduled through web‐based self‐monitoring of disease activity.MethodsTwenty‐seven CD patients in IFX maintenance therapy were enrolled and received a standardised disease education and web‐training. Using the http://www.cd.constant-care.dk concept, patients recorded their disease activity and faecal calprotectin weekly. From this, the inflammatory burden (IB) score was calculated, placing patients in the green, yellow or red zones of a ‘traffic light’ system. If placed in the yellow or red zones, the computer directed these patients to consult their physician for IFX infusion.ResultsSeventeen patients (63%) completed 52 weeks of follow‐up, 6 (22%) completed 26 weeks and 4 (15%) were excluded due to loss of response, patient decision or non‐adherence. In total, 121 IFX infusions were given with a median interval of 9 (range: 4–18) weeks. Only 10% of infusions were given at 8‐week intervals, whereas 39% were administered with shorter and 50% with longer intervals respectively. The mean IB and the QoL remained stable during the web‐treatment. One mild infusion reaction and one case of folliculitis were observed, while three patients underwent surgery.ConclusionsThe program http://www.cd.constant-care.dk appears to be a practical and safe concept for the individualised scheduling of maintenance treatment with IFX in patients with Crohn's disease. Larger studies are awaited to confirm this preliminary outcome.
A phase 1 open‐label trial shows that smad7 antisense oligonucleotide (GED0301) does not increase the risk of small bowel strictures in Crohn's disease
Authors: Zorzi F. , Calabrese E. , Monteleone I. , Fantini M. , Onali S. , Biancone L. , Pallone F. , Monteleone G. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBackgroundIn Crohn's disease (CD), knockdown of Smad7, an inhibitor of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)‐β1 activity, with a specific antisense oligonucleotide (GED0301) seems to be safe and tolerable and associates with TGF‐β1‐mediated suppression of inflammatory pathways.AimSince TGF‐β1 has pro‐fibrogenic effects in many organs, we evaluated whether GED0301 treatment associates with the formation of small bowel strictures.MethodsFifteen patients with active, inflammatory CD, receiving oral GED0301 once daily for 7 days, were monitored for the formation of small bowel strictures by Small Intestine Contrast Ultrasonography (SICUS). Serum basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and human chitinase 3‐like 1 (also known as YKL‐40), two markers of CD‐related intestinal strictures, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitor 1 of MMPs (TIMP1) were analysed at day 0 and day 180 by ELISA. Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) changes were also monitored.ResultsFourteen patients completed the 6‐month study; the remaining underwent intestinal resection for a severe relapse not responsive to medical treatment. No patient developed small bowel stricture and none experienced obstructive symptoms during the study period. GED0301 treatment induced no significant change in the circulating levels of bFGF, YKL‐40, MMPs and TIMP1. Seven of 12 patients who reached clinical remission following GED0301 treatment maintained a CDAI < 150 at day 180.ConclusionShort‐term treatment of patients with Crohn's disease using GED0301 is not associated with the development of small bowel stricture, thus reinforcing the concept that this drug is safe at least at early time points.
Whole genome expression profiling based on paraffin embedded tissue can be used to classify diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and predict clinical outcome
Authors: Barrans Sharon L. , Crouch Simon , Care Matthew A. , Worrillow Lisa , Smith Alex , Patmore Russell , Westhead David R. , Tooze Reuben , Roman Eve , Jack Andrew S 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThis study tested the validity of whole‐genome expression profiling (GEP) using RNA from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue to sub‐classify Diffuse Large B‐cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), in a population based cohort of 172 patients. GEP was performed using Illumina Whole Genome cDNA‐mediated Annealing, Selection, extension & Ligation, and tumours were classified into germinal centre (GCB), activated B‐cell (ABC) and Type‐III subtypes. The method was highly reproducible and reliably classified cell lines of known phenotype. GCB and ABC subtypes were each characterized by unique gene expression signatures consistent with previously published data. A significant relationship between subtype and survival was observed, with ABC having the worst clinical outcome and in a multivariate survival model only age and GEP class remained significant. This effect was not seen when tumours were classified by immunohistochemistry. There was a significant association between age and subtype (mean ages ABC – 72·8 years, GC – 68·4 years, Type‐III – 64·5 years). Older patients with ABC subtype were also over‐represented in patients who died soon after diagnosis. The relationship between prognosis and subtype improved when only patients assigned to the three categories with the highest level of confidence were analysed. This study demonstrates that GEP‐based classification of DLBCL can be applied to RNA extracted from routine FFPE samples and has potential for use in stratified medicine trials and clinical practice.
Childhood cruelty to animals in China: the relationship with psychological adjustment and family functioning
Authors: Wong J. , Mellor D. , Richardson B. , Xu X. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe current study broadened the general scope of research conducted on childhood cruelty to animals by examining the association between psychological adjustment, family functioning and animal cruelty in an Eastern context, China.MethodThe mothers and fathers of 729 children attending primary school in Chengdu, China participated in this study. Each parent completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Chinese Family Assessment Instrument, and the Children's Attitudes and Behaviours towards Animals questionnaire.ResultsFindings from an actor partner interdependence model demonstrated that parents' ratings of family functioning and of their child's externalizing coping style predicted only modest amounts of variance in animal cruelty. In particular, parents' ratings of their child's externalizing coping style most consistently predicted animal cruelty. Family functioning, fathers' ratings in particular, played a minor role, more so for boys compared with girls.ConclusionThis study provided the first insight into childhood animal cruelty in China, and suggests that further research may enhance our understanding of these phenomena.
Co‐occurring development of early childhood communication and motor skills: results from a population‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Wang M. V. , Lekhal R. , Aarø L. E. , Schjølberg S. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundCommunicative and motor development is frequently found to be associated. In the current study we investigate to what extent communication and motor skills at 1½ years predict skills in the same domains at 3 years of age.MethodsThis study is based on theNorwegianMother andChildCohortStudy (MoBa) conducted by theNorwegianInstitute ofPublicHeath. Data stem from 62 944 children and their mothers. Mothers completed questionnaires on their child's communication and motor skills at ages 1½ and 3. Associations between communication and motor skills were estimated in a cross‐lagged model with latent variables.ResultsEarly communication skills were correlated with early motor skills (0.72). Stability was high (0.81) across time points for motor skills and somewhat lower (0.40) for communication skills. Early motor skills predicted later communication skills (0.38) whereas early communication skills negatively predicted later motor skills (−0.14).ConclusionOur findings provide support for the hypothesis that these two difficulties are not symptoms of separate disorders, but might rather be different manifestations of a common underlying neurodevelopmental weakness. However, there also seem to be specific developmental pathways for each domain. Besides theoretical interest, more knowledge about the relationship between these early skills might shed light upon early intervention strategies and preventive efforts commonly used with children with problems in these areas. Our findings suggest that the relationship between language and motor skills is not likely to be simple and directional but rather to be complex and multifaceted.
The complexity of elastic fibre biogenesis in the skin – a perspective to the clinical heterogeneity of cutis laxa
Authors: Uitto Jouni , Li Qiaoli , Urban Zsolt 
Published: September 2012

AbstractElastic fibres are critical connective tissue components providing elasticity and resilience to skin and other tissues. These fibres are composed of elastin and a number of elastin‐associated microfibrillar proteins that assemble in a complex fibre network in a multi‐step process. Multiple cellular processes, including mitochondrial function, specific molecules in the secretory pathways and temporally and spatially ordered production of elastic fibre components, are required for the biogenesis of functional elastic fibres. Abnormalities in these processes can lead to loss of functional elastic fibres manifesting phenotypically as a skin disease. The paradigm of elastic fibre diseases affecting the skin is cutis laxa, a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by loose and sagging skin, frequently associated with extracutaneous manifestations in the lungs and the arterial blood vessels. The complexity of cutis laxa is emphasized by the fact that as many as 10 distinct genes can harbour mutations in this and related disorders. Understanding of the pathomechanistic pathways involved in perturbed elastic fibre assembly in cutis laxa provides information potentially helpful for the development of molecular strategies towards treatment of these, currently intractable, diseases.
IL‐33 is secreted by psoriatic keratinocytes and induces pro‐inflammatory cytokines via keratinocyte and mast cell activation
Authors: Balato Anna , Lembo Serena , Mattii Martina , Schiattarella Maria , Marino Rita , De Paulis Amato , Balato Nicola , Ayala Fabio 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIL‐33 is a novel pro‐inflammatory cytokine and ligand for the orphan receptor ST2. Although originally defined as an inducer of Th2‐mediated responses, IL‐33 was recently found to be involved in arthritis, a Th1/Th17‐mediated disease. Here, we assessed the ability of IL‐33 to promote inflammation via mast cells (MCs) and keratinocytes (KCs) activation in psoriasis. IL‐33 resulted elevated in the skin but not in the serum of psoriasis patients. IL‐33 was secreted by psoriasis KCs and HaCaT cells after TNF‐α stimulation. In HMC‐1, TNF‐α, but not IL‐17, could induce a robust increase in IL‐33 expression. In HaCaT cells, TNF‐α was able to induce IL‐6, MCP‐1 and VEGF, and the addition of IL‐33 reinforced these increases. TNF‐α + IL‐33 combination showed similar results in primary KCs and ex vivo skin organ culture. In conclusion, our study suggests that IL‐33 may be involved in psoriasis biology via MCs and KCs.
Behaviour and physiology are linked in the responses of freshwater mussels to drought
Authors: GOUGH HARLAN M. , GASCHO LANDIS ANDREW M. , STOECKEL JAMES A. 
Published: September 2012

Summary1. Droughts have become prevalent in the south‐eastern U.S.A. and are predicted to become more common in the future. Drought conditions have particularly strong negative effects on sessile aquatic organisms with limited dispersal ability. This study explored the linkages between physiological tolerance, behavioural response and survival of three species of freshwater mussels subjected to drought.2. To assess physiological tolerance, we measured survival under desiccation at 25, 35 and 45 °C in the laboratory. To assess behavioural responses, we tracked horizontal and vertical movement of mussels in a drying stream reach.3. Uniomerus tetralasmus showed the greatest desiccation tolerance, Lampsilis straminea was intermediate, and Pyganodon grandis had the lowest tolerance at all temperatures.4. In the drying stream reach, U. tetralasmus showed little horizontal movement and quickly became stranded. The other two species tracked the receding water. It was not until the pool had been reduced to c. 10% of its original size that ≥50% of P. grandis and L. straminea became stranded.5. Uniomerus tetralasmus and L. straminea burrowed in response to becoming stranded; however, both species burrowed only shallowly (3–4 cm), presumably because burrowing to greater depths did not convey increasing thermal refuge. Pyganodon grandis rarely burrowed. No P. grandis survived the 15‐week drought, while 45% of L. straminea and 77% of U. tetralasmus survived.6. Three strategies emerged for freshwater mussels to cope with drought conditions: tracking (intolerant), track then burrow (semi‐tolerant) and burrowing (tolerant). Results suggest that drought poses the greatest threat to intolerant trackers, while tolerant burrowers are the most resistant to drought conditions.
Dental health and oral health‐related quality of life in children with congenital bleeding disorders
Authors: Salem K. , Eshghi P. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to investigate the dental and some other aspects of oral health status of young patients with congenital bleeding disorders (CBD) and the impact of these on their quality of life (OHR‐QoL) compared with controls. DMFS‐dmfs (Decayed, Missed, Filled Tooth surfaces in permanent and primary teeth) scores, Simplified oral hygiene index, occurance of hypoplasia of first permanent molars, Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and occlusion of 46 CBD patients at the age range of 2–15 years and 46 of other children as control were compared, and the impact of their oral health situation on quality of life was also investigated. Data were analysed by chi–square, t‐test and Pearson correlation. Patients were significantly more caries‐free with less decayed teeth in primary‐permanent dentition (P = 0.03, t = −2.17).The mean scores of OHR‐QoL of CBD patients and controls were not significantly different. Oral Bleeding was the significant variable in relation to ‘oral health‐related quality of life’ in CBD groups (Pearson correlation, r = −0.56, P = 0.000). OHR‐QoL in the control group was related to dmfs score (r = −0.392, P = 0.011) and male gender (r = −0.329, P = 0.026). Congenital bleeding disorder CBD patients were found to have a better dental health situation in primary dentition compared with controls; however, their ‘oral health‐related quality of life’ was similar. Oral bleeding was the only significant factor related to OHR‐QoL in CBD. It shows an overall importance of development of comprehensive care centres for CBD as the main cause of this achievement.
Fracture resistance of bone samples filled with fibre‐reinforced composite posts: an ex vivo model
Authors: Cauwels R. G. E. C. , Martens L. C. , Verbeeck R. M. H. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo evaluate the strengthening effect of two different types of fibre‐reinforced composite (FRC) posts in an ex vivo experimental model.MethodologyCompact and hollow bone samples from bovine femurs were used as standardized samples. A total of 80 hollow samples were divided into two groups and filled either with a prefabricated FRC post or with individually adapted FRC posts. For each group, half of the samples were subjected to thermocycling (5–55 °C, 5000×). The remaining samples were kept for 24 h at 37 °C at 100% relative humidity. All samples were loaded diametrically until fracture. The null hypothesis tested was that the fracture resistance of standardized bone samples is not influenced by the type of FRC post, independently of the exposure to thermocycling. Results were evaluated by anova, and subsequent multiple comparisons were performed.ResultsThe samples filled with the individually adapted FRC posts were more resistant to fracture than the prefabricated ones (P < 0.001), but this difference was not apparent in the thermocycled groups. Detachment of the posts upon fracture was highest after thermocycling for both groups, amounting to 55% and 95% for the individual adapted posts and the prefabricated posts, respectively.ConclusionsInitially, the samples filled with the individually adapted FRC posts were more resistant to fracture than those filled with the prefabricated ones. However, after ageing of the samples, both types of posts had similar strengthening effects.
Leptin expression in healthy and inflamed human dental pulp
Authors: Martín‐González J. , Sánchez‐Jiménez F. , Pérez‐Pérez A. , Carmona‐Fernández A. , Sánchez‐Margalet V. , Segura‐Egea J. J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo investigate the expression of leptin in healthy and inflamed human dental pulp.MethodologyTwenty‐one pulp samples were obtained from freshly caries‐ and restoration‐free extracted human third molars. In seven‐third molars (inflamed pulp group), inflammation was induced prior to extraction. Pulp samples were processed, and leptin expression was determined by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and the amount of leptin by immunoblot.ResultsAll healthy and inflamed dental pulp samples expressed leptin. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of a protein with an apparent molecular weight of ~16 kDa in human dental pulp, which corresponds to the estimated molecular weight of leptin. The expression of leptin mRNA in dental pulp was confirmed by qRT‐PCR analysis, and the size of the amplified fragments (296 bp for leptin and 194 bp for cyclophilin) was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The expression of leptin in the inflamed pulp group was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than in healthy teeth. The relative amount of leptin in inflamed pulps was almost twice than in healthy pulps.ConclusionsFor the first time, the presence of leptin in human dental pulp tissues has been demonstrated. The upregulation of leptin expression in inflamed pulp samples suggests that leptin can play a role in pulpal inflammatory and immune responses.
Acute toxicity due to the confirmed consumption of synthetic cannabinoids: clinical and laboratory findings
Authors: Hermanns‐Clausen Maren , Kneisel Stefan , Szabo Bela , Auwärter Volker 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsRecently, several synthetic cannabinoids were identified in herbal mixtures consumed as recreational drugs alternative to cannabis products. The aim was to characterize the acute toxicity of synthetic cannabinoids as experienced by emergency patients.DesignThis was a retrospective study targeting patients seeking emergency treatment after recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids.Setting and participantsPatients were selected from the database of the Poisons Information Center Freiburg between September 2008 and February 2011. The inclusion criteria were: hospitalization, available clinical reports and analytical verification of synthetic cannabinoid uptake. In total, 29 patients were included (age 14–30 years, median 19; 25 males, four females).MeasurementsClinical reports were evaluated and synthetic cannabinoids and other drugs were determined analytically.FindingsCP‐47,497‐C8 (one), JWH‐015 (one), JWH‐018 (eight), JWH‐073 (one), JWH‐081 (seven), JWH‐122 (11), JWH‐210 (11), JWH‐250 (four) and AM 694 (one) were quantified in blood samples. JWH‐018 was most common in 2008–9, JWH‐122 in 2010, and JWH‐210 in 2011. Tachycardia, agitation, hallucination, hypertension, minor elevation of blood glucose, hypokalaemia and vomiting were reported most frequently. Chest pain, seizures, myoclonia and acute psychosis were also noted.ConclusionsThere appears to have been an increase in use of the extremely potent synthetic cannabinoids JWH‐122 and JWH‐210. Acute toxic symptoms associated with their use are also reported after intake of high doses of cannabis, but agitation, seizures, hypertension, emesis and hypokalaemia seem to be characteristic to the synthetic cannabinoids, which are high‐affinity and high‐efficacy agonists of the CB1 receptor. Thus, these effects are due probably to a strong CB1 receptor stimulation.