bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide analyses implicate 33 loci in heritable dog osteosarcoma, including regulatory variants near CDKN2A/B
Authors: Karlsson Elinor K , Sigurdsson Snaevar , Ivansson Emma , Thomas Rachael , Elvers Ingegerd , Wright Jason , Howald Cedric , Tonomura Noriko , Perloski Michele , Swofford Ross , Biagi Tara , Fryc Sarah , Anderson Nathan , Courtay-Cahen Celine , Youell Lisa , Ricketts Sally L , Mandlebaum Sarah , Rivera Patricio , von Euler Henrik , Kisseberth William C , London Cheryl A , Lander Eric S , Couto Guillermo , Comstock Kenine , Starkey Mike P , Modiano Jaime F , Breen Matthew , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Background
Canine osteosarcoma is clinically nearly identical to the human disease, but is common and highly heritable, making genetic dissection feasible.

Results
Through genome-wide association analyses in three breeds (greyhounds, Rottweilers, and Irish wolfhounds), we identify 33 inherited risk loci explaining 55% to 85% of phenotype variance in each breed. The greyhound locus exhibiting the strongest association, located 150 kilobases upstream of the genes CDKN2A/B, is also the most rearranged locus in canine osteosarcoma tumors. The top germline candidate variant is found at a >90% frequency in Rottweilers and Irish wolfhounds, and alters an evolutionarily constrained element that we show has strong enhancer activity in human osteosarcoma cells. In all three breeds, osteosarcoma-associated loci and regions of reduced heterozygosity are enriched for genes in pathways connected to bone differentiation and growth. Several pathways, including one of genes regulated by miR124, are also enriched for somatic copy-number changes in tumors.

Conclusions
Mapping a complex cancer in multiple dog breeds reveals a polygenic spectrum of germline risk factors pointing to specific pathways as drivers of disease.
Magnetic targeting enhances retrograde cell retention in a rat model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Huang Zheyong , Shen Yunli , Sun Aijun , Huang Gangyong , Zhu Hongmin , Huang Bingqing , Xu Jianfeng , Song Yanan , Pei Ning , Ma Jing , Yang Xiangdong , Zou Yunzeng , Qian Juying , Ge Junbo 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Retrograde coronary venous infusion is a promising delivery method for cellular cardiomyoplasty. Poor cell retention is the major obstacle to the establishment of this method as the preferred route for cell delivery. Here, we explored whether magnetic targeting could enhance retrograde cell retention in a rat model of myocardial infarction.

Methods
Rat mesenchymal stem cells were labeled with superparamagnetic oxide nanoparticles. The magnetic responsiveness of MSCs was observed while cells flowed through a tube that served as a model of blood vessels in a 0.6-Tesla magnetic field. In a Sprague–Dawley rat model of acute myocardial infarction, 1 × 106 magnetic mesenchymal stem cells were transjugularly injected into the left cardiac vein while a 0.6-Tesla magnet was placed above the heart. The cardiac retention of transplanted cells was assessed by using quantitative Y chromosome-specific polymerase chain reaction, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and optical imaging. Cardiac function was measured by using echocardiography, and histologic analyses of infarct morphology and angiogenesis were obtained.

Results
The flowing iron oxide-labeled mesenchymal stem cells were effectively attracted to the area where the magnet was positioned. Twenty-four hours after cellular retrocoronary delivery, magnetic targeting significantly increased the cardiac retention of transplanted cells by 2.73- to 2.87-fold. Histologic analyses showed that more transplanted cells were distributed in the anterior wall of the left ventricle. The enhanced cell engraftment persisted for at least 3 weeks, at which time, left ventricular remodeling was attenuated, and cardiac function benefit was improved.

Conclusions
These results suggest that magnetic targeting offers new perspectives for retrograde coronary venous delivery to enhance cell retention and subsequent functional benefit in heart diseases.
Properties of Sandwich-Type Particleboard Panels Made from Rubberwood and Eastern Redcedar
Authors: Fueangvivat Vallayuth , Jarusombuti Songklod , Hiziroglu Salim , Bauchongkol Piyawade 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine some of the mechanical properties of sandwich-type particleboard manufactured from rubberwood (Hevea brasilenesis) and Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana). A total of 36 panels with two density levels of 0.65 and 0.75 g/cm3 were made using 10 percent urea-formaldehyde, a combination of 3 percent urea-formaldehyde and 10 percent cassava starch, and 10 percent cassava starch, respectively, as a binder. Three-layer panels with rubberwood fibers on the face layers and a mixture of 10 percent Eastern redcedar and 90 percent rubberwood particles in the core layer of the panels were manufactured. The highest modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and internal bond strength values of 2,990, 34.72, and 1.09 MPa, respectively, were found for those panels made with 10 percent urea-formaldehyde having a density of 0.75 g/cm3. Panels made with 10 percent starch did not have satisfactory mechanical properties and dimensional stability according to Japanese Industrial Standards. However, it seems that a mixture of a low percentage of urea-formaldehyde resin with cassava starch would be a viable alternative binder to manufacture particleboard with acceptable mechanical properties and enhanced surface quality.
An inverse problem for the recovery of the vascularization of a tumor
Authors: Colin Thierry , Iollo Angelo , Lagaert Jean-Baptiste , Saut Olivier 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
In this paper we present a simplified model of tumor growth and an associated inverse problem. Our model consists in describing the evolution of a population of cancer cells and the density of oxygen. The growth rate depends on the concentration of oxygen. The oxygen distribution is computed by means of a diffusion equation, the source term being localized on the blood vessels. We consider the inverse problem that consists in recovering the position of the blood vessels
assuming the distribution of tumor cells. We use an adjoint method. Results relative to idealized clinical cases are discussed.
Chemerin concentrations in maternal and fetal compartments: implications for metabolic adaptations to normal human pregnancy
Authors: Kasher-Meron Michal , Mazaki-Tovi Shali , Barhod Ehud , Hemi Rina , Haas Jigal , Gat Itai , Zilberberg Eran , Yinon Yoav , Karasik Avraham , Kanety Hannah 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Objectives: Chemerin, a novel adipocytokine, has been implicated in major metabolic and inflammatory processes. Study aims were to determine whether circulating maternal chemerin concentration (1) differs between pregnant and non-pregnant women, (2) changes as a function of gestational age, and (3) correlates with maternal insulin resistance. In addition, we investigated which compartment, maternal, fetal or placental, is the source of chemerin in maternal circulation.

Methods: The study included three groups: Non-pregnant (n=18), pregnant women in the first trimester (n=19) and pregnant women in the third trimester (n=33). Chemerin was measured in cord blood and in maternal serum samples taken before and after delivery. Chemerin mRNA expression was evaluated in fetal and human adult tissues.

Results: Chemerin serum concentration was significantly higher in pregnant women in the third trimester than in non-pregnant and pregnant women in the first trimester. Chemerin concentration positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance. Antenatal chemerin concentration was significantly lower than that during the postpartum period. Neonatal chemerin did not correlate with maternal one. Chemerin mRNA expression was abundant in fetal and adult liver and omental fat, but relatively low in placenta.

Conclusions: Chemerin is increased during normal gestation and is associated with maternal BMI and insulin resistance. Maternal tissues, possibly liver and adipose tissue, contribute to the increased maternal chemerin concentration.
Race/Ethnicity, Educational Attainment, and Foregone Health Care in the United States in the 2007–2009 Recession
Authors: Burgard Sarah A. , Hawkins Jaclynn M. 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. This study assessed possible associations between recessions and changes in the magnitude of social disparities in foregone health care, building on previous studies that have linked recessions to lowered health care use. Methods. Data from the 2006 to 2010 waves of the National Health Interview Study were used to examine levels of foregone medical, dental and mental health care and prescribed medications. Differences by race/ethnicity and education were compared before the Great Recession of 2007 to 2009, during the early recession, and later in the recession and in its immediate wake. Results. Foregone care rose for working-aged adults overall in the 2 recessionary periods compared with the pre-recession. For multiple types of pre-recession care, foregoing care was more common for African Americans and Hispanics and less common for Asian Americans than for Whites. Less-educated individuals were more likely to forego all types of care pre-recession. Most disparities in foregone care were stable during the recession, though the African American–White gap in foregone medical care increased, as did the Hispanic–White gap and education gap in foregone dental care. Conclusions. Our findings support the fundamental cause hypothesis, as even during a recession in which more advantaged groups may have had unusually high risk of losing financial assets and employer-provided health insurance, they maintained their relative advantage in access to health care. Attention to the macroeconomic context of social disparities in health care use is warranted.
Anti-Gay Prejudice and All-Cause Mortality Among Heterosexuals in the United States
Authors: Hatzenbuehler Mark L. , Bellatorre Anna , Muennig Peter 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We determined whether individuals who harbor antigay prejudice experience elevated mortality risk. Methods. Data on heterosexual sexual orientation (n = 20 226, aged 18–89 years), antigay attitudes, and mortality risk factors came from the General Social Survey, which was linked to mortality data from the National Death Index (1988–2008). We used Cox proportional hazard models to examine whether antigay prejudice was associated with mortality risk among heterosexuals. Results. Heterosexuals who reported higher levels of antigay prejudice had higher mortality risk than those who reported lower levels (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09, 1.42), with control for multiple risk factors for mortality, including demographics, socioeconomic status, and fair or poor self-rated health. This result translates into a life expectancy difference of approximately 2.5 years (95% CI = 1.0, 4.0 years) between individuals with high versus low levels of antigay prejudice. Furthermore, in sensitivity analyses, antigay prejudice was specifically associated with increased risk of cardiovascular-related causes of death in fully adjusted models (HR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.60). Conclusions. The findings contribute to a growing body of research suggesting that reducing prejudice may improve the health of both minority and majority populations.
The Impact of Smoke-Free Laws on Asthma Discharges: A Multistate Analysis
Authors: Landers Glenn 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. This is the first, to my knowledge, multistate, county-level analysis of Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project state inpatient data to examine the relationship between smoke-free laws and asthma discharges. Methods. I used treatment and control groups to examine the effects of state and county or city smoke-free laws separately and together (2002–2009). I compared quarterly county-level discharge rates before and after the implementation of 12 state smoke-free laws, accounting for counties with preexisting county or city smoke-free laws and using the data from 5 states without state smoke-free laws as a control group. I used difference-in-differences models, controlling for year and state fixed effects, state cigarette taxes, seasonality, and numerous county-level factors. Results. I observed statistically significant reductions in asthma discharges after the implementation of county smoke-free laws but no statistically significant effect of state laws besides the effect of county laws or of state laws alone. There was also no statistically significant effect of any smoke-free law on appendicitis discharges. Conclusions. It may be unwise to pursue state smoke-free laws where they have yet to pass; rather, efforts might be better focused at the local level, where there is evidence of a significant impact.
Fasciola hepatica — the pilot study of in vitro assessing immune response against native and recombinant antigens of the fluke
Authors: Bąska Piotr , Zawistowska-Deniziak Anna , Zdziarska Anna , Wasyl Katarzyna , Wiśniewski Marcin , Cywińska Anna , Klockiewicz Maciej , Januszkiewicz Kamil , Wędrychowicz Halina 
Published: December 2013

AbstractFasciola hepatica is a liver fluke that infects 2.4 million of people and causes great economical loss in animal production. To date a 100% effective vaccine has not been developed and the disease is controlled by drug therapy. Great efforts are put into development of effective vaccine against parasite what is difficult since Fasciola spp. (like other helmints) during evolutionary process has developed sophisticated and efficient methods to evade immune response. During preliminary experiments it is convenient to use cell lines which are relatively cheap and allow for reproducible comparison of results between laboratories. We stimulated BOMA (bovine monocyte/macrophage cell line) and BOMAC (bovine macrophage cell line) with native or recombinant antigens of Fasciola hepatica and assessed IFN-γ, IL-4 and TNF-α level upon stimulation. We observed diminished secretion of proinflammatory TNF-α in LPS activated BOMA cells stimulated with Excretory/Secretory products of adult fluke (Fh-ES). We also observed greater changes in gene expression in LPS activated BOMA cells than in non activated BOMA cells upon stimulation using Fh-ES. The results show possibility of using cell lines for in vitro research of bovine immune response against liver fluke, although this model still requires validation and further characterization.
The first detection of nematodes Ashworthius sidemi in elk Alces alces (L.) in Poland and remarks of ashworthiosis foci limitations
Authors: Demiaszkiewicz Aleksander , Kuligowska Izabela , Lachowicz Jacek , Pyziel Anna , Moskwa Bożena 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAshworthius sidemi, a nematode belonging to the family of Trichostrongylidae, is a primary parasite of the Asian deer, mainly sika deer (Cervus nippon), with which it was introduced to Ukraine, as well as Slovakia, the Czech Republic and France. Migrating red deer carried this parasite from neighboring countries to Polish territory. Until now, in Poland, this parasite has been recorded in European bison, red deer, roe deer and fallow deer. As a result of post-mortem examinations of 10 elk, 2 of them from the Augustów Forest and Biebrza Marshes, A. sidemi were found in abomasa for the first time in Poland. The intensity of the invasions was 120 and 7 specimens, respectively. This finding of Ashworthius sidemi in elk indicates a further expansion of the focus of ashworthiosis in BiaŁowieża towards the north into the Biebrza Marshes and the Augustowska Forest. The growth of the elk population and their tendency for long distance migrations can contribute to the spread of the parasitosis in much greater distances than deer. On the basis of our own research and data from the literature, the current spread of ashworthiosis in Poland is discussed.
Ultrastructure of the digestive system and experimental study of feeding in the monogenean skin and fin parasite Macrogyrodactylus congolensis
Authors: Arafa Safaa , El-Naggar Mohammed , Kearn Graham 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn the present study, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been used to study the ultrastructure of the digestive system, namely the pharynx, oesophageal glands and intestine, of the monogenean skin and fin parasite Macrogyrodactylus congolensis. The pharynx consists of an anterior highly muscular region and a posterior mainly glandular syncytial region. The anterior region is provided with six pharyngeal papillae, the centre of each of which is occupied by electron dense secretory bodies, identical with those in the posterior region of the pharynx. The intestine has an uninterrupted syncytial gastrodermis and the luminal surface is provided with many unbranched lamellae. The intestine of living specimens contains large and small granules which give it a reddish brown colour. Large particles, presumed to be lipid droplets, and small granules, presumed to be melanin granules, were found in the gastrodermis and in the intestinal lumen. Parasites were induced to feed and then preserved for TEM at the following intervals: just after feeding, 30 min after feeding, 1 h 30 min after feeding and 2 h after feeding. The specimens were then processed for TEM and sections cut through the intestine of each specimen were examined with the transmission electron microscope. Three types of vacuoles (V1, V2, V3) were detected in the gastrodermis. Vacuoles V1 have thick walls and are likely to be endocytotic, enclosing luminal contents at the surface of the gastrodermis. V2 vacuoles may be lysosomes that fuse with V1 vacuoles. V3 vacuoles may serve to dispose of residual digestive material into the lumen.
Parasites of juvenile golden grey mullet Liza aurata Risso, 1810 in Sarıkum Lagoon Lake at Sinop, Turkey
Authors: Öztürk Türkay 
Published: December 2013

AbstractJuvenile golden grey mullet, Liza aurata were collected from Sarıkum Lagoon Lake which connected to the Black Sea at Sinop, Turkey and examined for parasitic fauna. A total of 219 fish were investigated throughout a 1-year period. Parasite species recovered were Trichodina lepsii, T. puytoraci, Gyrodactylus sp., Ligophorus cephali, Ligophorus mediterraneus, Solostamenides mugilis, Ascocotyle sp. (metacercaria) and Ergasilus lizae. Overall infection prevalence (%) and mean intensity values were 95.9% and 412.65 ± 85.31 parasites per infected fish, respectively. Infection prevalence and mean intensity values for each parasite species in relation to season and fish size were also determined and discussed. While Ligophorus cephali and L. mediterraneus are new records for Turkish parasite fauna, the juvenile Liza aurata is a new host record for Ligophorus cephali and L. mediterraneus.
Associations between Demodex species infestation and various types of cancer
Authors: Sönmez Özlem , Yalçın Zeliha , Karakeçe Engin , Çiftci İhsan , Erdem Teoman 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTumor-associated immune system cells secrete protease and cytokines that can inhibit the immune response. In particular, T-cell effector functions could be inhibited, potentially causing an increase in parasitic infestations. Demodex species are common inhabitants of normal hair follicles. Humans are the specific host for two species Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and infestation of D. folliculorum and D. brevis in patients with cancer. In the present study, 101 patients with cancer were selected from among patients who were diagnosed and treated for cancer. The cancer patients were divided into four groups according to cancer type. Slides were examined for parasites using light microscopy at magnifications of ×40 and ×100. Infestation was defined as having at least five living parasites/cm2 of skin. The ages of the patients with cancer ranged between 38 and 82 years, with a mean of 65.5±10.1 years. It was determined that 77 of the 101 (76.2%) cancer patients were positive for Demodex species. Infestation was positive in 18 (47.4%) of the 38 cases in the breast cancer group, 7 (29.2%) of the 24 cases in the lung cancer group, 5 (18.5%) of the 27 cases in the gastrointestinal system cancer group, and 2 (16.7%) of the 12 cases in the urogenital system cancer group. Results showed that the rate of Demodex species infestation was higher in patients with breast cancer. Thus, cancer — and particularly breast cancer — is a risk factor for Demodex species infestation.
Can the studies at a spatial scale of 100s meters detect the spatiotemporal fluctuations of a parasite assemblage?
Authors: Parietti Manuela , Merlo Matías , Etchegoin Jorge 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe importance of small-scale heterogeneity in local factors which overrides that of larger-scales factors, suggest that local factors play a major role in determining the richness and prevalence of larval digeneans in intertidal gastropods. The restricted distribution of the snail Heleobia australis along a 500 m transect in Cangrejo creek (Mar Chiquita, Argentina) provides a good opportunity to test the assumption that a study at spatial scale of 100s meters can detect spatiotemporal fluctuations of a larval digenean assemblage. To analyze that, 3600 specimens of H. australis were collected seasonally during the year 2011. A quantitative variation and a space-time interaction between sampling points and seasons of the year for the total prevalence of larval digeneans and snail’s densities were found, as well as a positive correlation with abiotic factors. These results revealed that the fluctuations in the community of larval digeneans of the snail H. australis can be detected at small spatial scale, using its natural distribution of 500 m. This study also highlights the importance of seasonality as a factor that must be considered in studies focused on the search for patterns structuring the communities of larval digeneans, at medium and large scales.
The Effect of Nanocomposite Coating with Different Concentrations on Fatigue Life of Carbon Steel AISI 1045
Authors: Aldousari Saad M. A Saad M. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Recently, nano-materials have received more attention due to their potential application as practical structural and functional materials. The unique mechanical properties of CNTs, especially their high strength and stiffness, make them highly attractive for potential improvement of mechanical properties of structural materials. The aim of this research is to investigate experimentally the effect of coated nano-composite with different concentrations on fatigue life behaviour of carbon steel specimens with 0.3 μm surface finish. Nano-adhesives of epoxy resin are synthesized and evaluated. They are modified by multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) (0.3 wt.- %, 0.5 wt.- %, 0.7 wt.- %) as reinforcement. Fatigue tests are conducted on specimens using a rotating bending machine of the cantilever type to evaluate the fatigue strength and these are compared with them obtained for the neat material. By comparing the results of specimens coated with different concentrations of MWCNT-epoxy composition with the base materials, it is found that 0.5 wt.- % of MWCNT composition is the best selection for specimens having 0.3 μm roughness. As compared to the base materials, the fatigue life increased by 383 %, 785 %, 1239 %, and 800 % by coating with neat epoxy as well as with 0.3 wt.- %, 0.5 wt.- %, and 0.7 wt.- % MWCNT-epoxy, respectively.