bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ex vivotranscriptional profiling reveals a common set of genes important for the adaptation ofPseudomonas aeruginosato chronically infected host sites
Authors: Bielecki Piotr , Komor Uliana , Bielecka Agata , Müsken Mathias , Puchałka Jacek , Pletz Mathias W. , Ballmann Manfred , Martins dos Santos Vítor AP , Weiss Siegfried , Häussler Susanne 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe opportunistic bacteriumPseudomonas aeruginosais a major nosocomial pathogen causing both devastating acute and chronic persistent infections. During the course of an infection,P. aeruginosarapidly adapts to the specific conditions within the host. In the present study, we aimed at the identification of genes that are highly expressed during biofilm infections such as in chronically infected lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), burn wounds and subcutaneous mouse tumours. We found a common subset of differentially regulated genes in all threein vivohabitats and evaluated whether their inactivation impacts on the bacterial capability to form biofilmsin vitroand to establish biofilm‐associated infections in a murine model. Additive effects on biofilm formation and host colonization were discovered by the combined inactivation of several highly expressed genes. However, even combined inactivation was not sufficient to abolish the establishment of an infection completely. These findings can be interpreted as evidence that either redundant traits encode functions that are essential forin vivosurvival and chronic biofilm infections and/or bacterial adaptation is considerably achieved independently of transcription levels. Supplemental screens, will have to be applied in order to identify the minimal set of key genes essential for the establishment of chronic infectious diseases.
Changes in content of vitamins A and E in growing‐up milk throughout its shelf life
Authors: Haro‐Vicente Juan Francisco , Frontela‐Saseta Carmen , Romero‐Braquehais Fernando , Ros Berruezo Gaspar 
Published: October 2012

The stabilities of vitamins A and E were determined in 51 samples of growing‐up milk stored at 23, 30 and 37 °C for up to 9 months. Initially, the content of vitamin A and vitamin E was 330 RE μg/100 mL and 1.78 α‐TE mg/100 mL, respectively. Decreases in vitamin content were higher (P < 0.05) in formulas stored at 37 °C (from 330 to 111 μg RE/100 mL for vitamin A and from 1.78 to 1.16 mg α‐TE/100 mL for vitamin E). Over‐fortification of growing‐up milk could be recommended for vitamin E.
The mental health, emotional literacy, cognitive ability, literacy attainment and ‘resilience’ of ‘looked after children’: A multidimensional, multiple‐rater population based study
Authors: Rees Paul 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesExisting research studies suggest that children who are looked after by the State experience high levels of mental health difficulties and underachieve in many other domains. Few studies, however, aim to reflect the heterogeneity of these children and those who are performing well may be under‐represented in the findings. This study aims to provide a more representative picture, offering novel data on resilience.DesignA multidimensional, multiple‐rater population‐based study of looked after children.MethodThe entire population of looked after children aged 7–15 years (n = 193) in one local authority was assessed in core domains; mental health, emotional literacy, cognitive ability and literacy attainment. Measures included the Strength and Difficulties questionnaire, Emotional Literacy Assessment and Intervention Inventory, and the British Ability Scales. The children's data were compared with general population norms and existing research studies. The incidence of resilience, defined by the fulfilment of positive exception criteria, was recorded. Children fulfilling positive exception criteria were then compared to the remaining children on key factors.ResultsThe looked after children performed less well in all domains compared with general population norms. Sixteen per cent of children met the positive exception criteria. Positive performance on individual measures varied from 34% to 76%. A statistically significant association was found between positive exception classification and two factors; parental contact and mainstream schooling.ConclusionsIn general terms, this study supports the findings of previous research studies. However, evidence of positive exceptions across and within all domains cautions against overgeneralization of findings. The findings also implicate parental contact and mainstream education in the promotion of resilience.
Local and systemic effects of co-stimulatory blockade using cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4-immunoglobulin in dinitrofluorobenzene- and oxazolone-induced contact hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Christensen A D , Skov S , Haase C 
Published: October 2012

SummaryCytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4)-immunoglobulin (Ig) has immunosuppressive properties both in vivo and in vitro, but much is still unknown about the mechanisms by which CTLA-4-Ig exerts its immunosuppressive activities in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CTLA-4-Ig in a mouse model of contact hypersensitivity (CHS). The inflammatory response in the presence or absence of CTLA-4-Ig was evaluated by measuring the increase in ear thickness in sensitized animals after challenge. We observed a dose-dependent suppression of the ear swelling in both dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)- and oxazolone-induced CHS. The suppressive effect was still present 3 weeks after administration, even in the absence of circulating levels of CTLA-4-Ig. It was further shown that CTLA-4-Ig inhibits activation of T cells in the draining lymph node after sensitization and affects the maturation level of both dendritic cells and B cells. Furthermore, CTLA-4-Ig reduces infiltration of activated CD8+ T cells into the inflamed ear tissue and suppresses both local and systemic inflammation, as illustrated by reduced expression of cytokines and chemokines in the inflamed ear and a reduced level of acute-phase proteins in circulation. Finally, our results suggest that CTLA-4-Ig has a mainly immunosuppressive effect during the sensitization phase. We conclude that CTLA-4-Ig induces long-term immunosuppression of both DNFB- and oxazolone-induced inflammation and our data are the first to compare the effect of this compound in both DNFB- and oxazolone-induced CHS and to show that CTLA-4-Ig exerts an immunosuppressive effect on both local and systemic inflammatory mediators which is mediated principally during the sensitization phase.
Long‐term changes in graft height after maxillary sinus augmentation, onlay bone grafting, and combination of both techniques: a long‐term retrospective cohort study
Authors: Schmitt Christian , Karasholi Tarek , Lutz Rainer , Wiltfang Jörg , Neukam Friedrich‐Wilhelm , Schlegel Karl Andreas 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectivesThis investigation focused on long‐term changes in graft height, implant survival rate, and peri‐implant tissue conditions of dental implants placed in alveolar ridges after augmentation procedures with a follow‐up of 10 years.Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study with prospective long‐term follow‐up of 25 patients with edentulous severe atrophic maxillary situations who received a vertical augmentation procedure with autologous bone prior to implant placement. The participants were divided into three groups according to whether they underwent sinus elevation, onlay grafting, or a combination of both techniques. After a four‐month healing period, 127 implants were inserted in the corresponding regions. Following a six‐month healing period, the participants underwent prosthodontic rehabilitation, incorporating a fixed or removable implant denture. The cohort was clinically and radiographically followed up 1, 5, and 10 years after augmentation. The following parameters were measured: radiographic vertical bone changes, implant loss, peri‐implant pocket depth (PD), width of keratinized mucosa (KM), sulcus fluid flow rate (SFFR), and the radiographic distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone‐to‐implant contact (DIB).ResultsSeven implants were lost during the observation period, resulting in a cumulative 10‐year survival rate of 94.48%. Significant bone loss occurred during the first 12 months, after which the resorption slowed down and bone height eventually stabilized. After 10 years, the total vertical bone loss was 27.51% after onlay grafting, 28.14% after sinus elevation, and 30.24% in the combination group, with no statistically significant between‐group differences. Peri‐implant follow‐up examinations revealed a positive correlation between SFFR and PD, respectively, DIB, and a negative correlation between SFFR and KM.ConclusionThe treatment method does not seem to impact vertical bone loss following augmentation using autologous grafts. This approach results in long‐term stability of dental implants. A sufficient width of keratinized peri‐implant mucosa is important to prevent peri‐implant bone loss and inflammation.
Follow‐up of atypia and follicular lesions of undetermined significance in thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Dincer N. , Balci S. , Yazgan A. , Guney G. , Ersoy R. , Cakir B. , Guler G. 
Published: October 2012

N. Dincer, S. Balci, A. Yazgan, G. Guney, R. Ersoy, B. Cakir and G. Guler  Follow‐up of atypia and follicular lesions of undetermined significance in thyroid fine needle aspiration cytologyObjective:  To report our experience of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS)/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS) rate and outcome.Methods:  Among 7658 patients with 19 569 nodules, 524 (2.7%) nodules were diagnosed as AUS/FLUS on fine needle aspiration (FNA). After exclusion of patients with simultaneous nodules that were suspicious for follicular neoplasm or malignancy or that were malignant, 368 (4.8%) patients were diagnosed as AUS/FLUS. The outcome of 146 patients who had undergone surgery or repeated fine needle aspirate at the time of preparation of this study was evaluated. The original FNAs were matched to repeated FNAs and thyroidectomy or diagnostic lobectomy specimens.Results:  Seventy‐two (19.6%) of the 368 patients had directly undergone surgery, either a lobectomy or a thyroidectomy: of these, 27 (37.5%) had neoplastic nodules (21 were malignant). Seventy‐four (20.1%) of the 368 patients had repeat FNA. On second FNA, 47 of 74 (63.5%) were benign, three were suspicious for follicular neoplasm, one was malignant and 23 (31.1%) were non‐diagnostic. Four patients had a third FNA: two were AUS/FLUS, one was malignant and one non‐diagnostic. One patient had a fourth FNA, which was diagnosed as AUS/FLUS. Sixteen (21.6%) of 74 patients with repeat FNA had surgery: three of these had neoplastic nodules (two were malignant). Overall, 88 of the 368 (23.9%) patients had a thyroidectomy of which 30 (34.1%) were neoplastic and 23 (26.1%) malignant. The neoplastic rate for patients who were once diagnosed with AUS/FLUS was 8.2% and the malignancy rate 6.3%. The malignancy rate for patients on follow‐up at the time we prepared the study was 15.7% (23/146); 222 remained on follow‐up without surgery or repeat FNA or were managed elsewhere.Conclusions:  Although in this category repeat FNA is expected rather than excision, we suggest evaluation of all AUS/FLUS patients in multidisciplinary meetings to decide management and recommend follow‐up of all patients with this diagnosis.
Longitudinal association between medication adherence and glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Aikens J. E. , Piette J. D. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimDespite the widespread assumption that adherence drives glycaemic control, there is little published support for this in Type 2 diabetes. The study objective was to determine whether self‐reported medication adherence predicts future glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes, after accounting for baseline control.MethodsMedication adherence (4‐item Morisky scale), glycaemic control (HbA1c%), and other variables were assessed in 287 adult primary care patients prescribed oral medication (40% also on insulin) for Type 2 diabetes. Glycaemic control was reassessed 6 months later. Regression analyses examined concurrent and future glycaemic control as a function of baseline medication adherence after adjustment for baseline glycaemia and other potential confounders.ResultsOnly half of patients reported high adherence. Cross‐sectional adjusted analysis replicated prior reports of an adherence‐HbA1c association (P = 0.011). Even after adjusting for baseline HbA1c, each one‐point increase in baseline Morisky total score was associated with a 1.8 mmol/mol (or 0.16%) increase in HbA1c measured 6 months later. Additionally, baseline endorsement of forgetting to take medication was associated with a 4.7 mmol/mol (or 0.43%) increase in 6‐month HbA1c (P = 0.005). This effect persisted after adjusting for psychological distress and did not vary by key demographic and medical features.ConclusionsEven after stringent adjustment for baseline glycaemic control, self‐reported adherence to diabetes medication predicts long‐term glycaemic control. The Morisky scale is an easy‐to‐use clinical tool to identify patients whose glycaemic control will subsequently worsen, regardless of age, gender and psychological distress.
The lipid accumulation product as a useful index for identifying abnormal glucose regulation in young Korean women
Authors: Oh J.‐Y. , Sung Y.‐A. , Lee H. J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimsThe lipid accumulation product, a combination of waist circumference and triglycerides concentration, has been suggested as a better marker for abnormal glucose regulation than BMI. We aimed to compare the lipid accumulation product and BMI as useful markers for abnormal glucose regulation in young Korean women.MethodsThe lipid accumulation product was calculated using the formula [waist circumference (cm) – 58] × triglycerides (mmol/l). Glucose tolerance status was determined using a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test in 2810 Korean women aged 18–39 years from the general population.ResultsThe prevalence of abnormal glucose regulation was 6.8% (isolated impaired fasting glucose 1.8%, isolated impaired glucose tolerance 4.0%; impaired fasting glucose + impaired glucose tolerance 0.4% and diabetes mellitus 0.6%). According to the quintile distributions of the lipid accumulation product and BMI, women with a lipid accumulation product quintile greater than their BMI quintile exhibited significantly greater areas under the curve and higher levels of 2‐h post‐load glucose, insulin, homeostasis model analysis of insulin resistance and lipid profiles than did women with a BMI quintile greater than their lipid accumulation product quintile. Multiple logistic regression revealed that the lipid accumulation product exhibited a higher odds ratio for abnormal glucose regulation than did BMI after adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, previous history of gestational diabetes and family history of diabetes (odds ratios 3.5 and 2.6 of the highest vs. the lowest quintiles of lipid accumulation product and BMI, respectively).ConclusionsThe lipid accumulation product could be useful for identifying the young Korean women with abnormal glucose regulation.
Late‐onset neurological symptoms in thalidomide‐exposed subjects: a study of an Australasian cohort
Authors: Jankelowitz S. K. , Spies J. M. , Burke D. 
Published: October 2012

Background and purposeThalidomide was marketed for the treatment of morning sickness and resulted in foetal death and physical deformities. The exact mechanism of action of thalidomide in its teratogenicity is still actively debated in the literature.MethodsThis study reviewed 16 of the confirmed Australasian victims of in utero exposure to thalidomide who now presented with new‐onset neurological symptoms in the fourth and fifth decades.ResultsClinical neurological examination and neurophysiological investigations revealed that new symptoms were due in part to compressive neuropathies, often exacerbated by the adaptations made to accommodate the disability and poor mobility arising from the limb deformities. Other subjects were found to have musculoskeletal symptoms due to compensatory postures employed to perform tasks of daily living.ConclusionsThe study provides no evidence of ongoing loss of neurons or late reactivated neural degeneration and no evidence of a generalized peripheral neuropathy. Rather, the development of new symptoms in subjects can be explained by compressive neuropathies and compensatory postures employed to perform tasks of daily living.
Analytical and numerical models of hydrothermal fluid flow at fault intersections
Authors: PERSON M. , HOFSTRA A. , SWEETKIND D. , STONE W. , COHEN D. , GABLE C. W. , BANERJEE A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractFault intersections are the locus of hot spring activity and Carlin‐type gold mineralization within the Basin and Range, USA. Analytical and numerical solutions to Stokes equation suggest that peak fluid velocities at fault intersections increase between 20% and 47% when fracture apertures have identical widths but increase by only about 1% and 8% when aperture widths vary by a factor of 2. This suggests that fault zone intersections must have enlarged apertures. Three‐dimensional finite element models that consider intersecting 10‐ to 20‐m wide fault planes resulted in hot spring activity being preferentially located at fault zone intersections when fault zones were assigned identical permeabilities. We found that the onset of convection at the intersections of the fault zones occurred in our hydrothermal model over a narrow permeability range between 5 × 10−13 and 7 × 10−13 m2. Relatively high vertical fluid velocities (0.3–3 m year−1) extended away from the fault intersections for about 0.5–1.5 km. For the boundary conditions and fault plane dimensions used, peak discharge temperatures of 112°C at the water table occurred with an intermediate fault zone permeability of 5 × 10−13 m2. When fault plane permeability differed by a factor of 2 or more, the locus of hot spring activity shifted away from the intersections. However, increasing the permeability at the core of the fault plane intersection by 40% shifted the discharge back to the intersections. When aquifer units were assigned a permeability value equal to those of the fault planes, convective rolls developed that extend about 3 km laterally along the fault plane and into the adjacent aquifer.
Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) management combining nitrogen fertilizer rate and defoliation frequency to enhance forage production efficiency
Authors: Pitman W. D. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) pastures are widespread in warm climates worldwide and respond to nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilization has recently decreased because of increased cost and concerns regarding excessive N in the environment. Responses of bahiagrass to treatments representing three alternative levels of pasture management were assessed. Treatments, each including 56 kg N ha−1 applied for each growth period, were as follows: (i) six harvests with a total of 336 kg N ha−1 annually (referred to as intensive management), (ii) three harvests with 168 kg N ha−1 annually (intermediate management) and (iii) two harvests with 112 kg N ha−1 annually (extensive management). The intensive management produced the most forage with the highest nutritive value. Intermediate management, with only half the amount of N fertilizer, produced at least 80% of the forage yield each year as the intensive management treatment (4‐year average of 8236 vs. 9122 kg ha−1 for the intermediate and intensive management treatments respectively) with forage of acceptable nutritive value for some classes of livestock. Limited forage production from the last harvest each year restricts autumn management opportunities, even though crude protein concentration was usually sufficient for some classes of livestock. Extended growth periods, as those that occur with the less‐intensive management treatments, provide opportunities to accumulate forage for late‐season grazing. Matching livestock enterprises to the forage produced, particularly in terms of nutritive value, can contribute to favourable livestock production responses from a range of bahiagrass pasture management approaches.
Morphology and morphometry of fetal liver at 16–26 weeks of gestation by magnetic resonance imaging: Comparison with embryonic liver at Carnegie stage 23
Authors: Hamabe Yui , Hirose Ayumi , Yamada Shigehito , Uwabe Chigako , Okada Tomohisa , Togashi Kaori , Kose Katsumi , Takakuwa Tetsuya 
Published: October 2012

AimNormal liver growth was described morphologically and morphometrically using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of human fetuses, and compared with embryonic liver to establish a normal reference chart for clinical use.MethodsMRI images from 21 fetuses at 16–26 weeks of gestation and eight embryos at Carnegie stage (CS)23 were investigated in the present study. Using the image data, the morphology of the liver as well as its adjacent organs was extracted and reconstructed three‐dimensionally. Morphometry of fetal liver growth was performed using simple regression analysis.ResultsThe fundamental morphology was similar in all cases of the fetal livers examined. The liver tended to grow along the transversal axis. The four lobes were clearly recognizable in the fetal liver but not in the embryonic liver. The length of the liver along the three axes, liver volume and four lobes correlated with the bodyweight (BW). The morphogenesis of the fetal liver on the dorsal and caudal sides was affected by the growth of the abdominal organs, such as the stomach, duodenum and spleen, and retroperitoneal organs, such as the right adrenal gland and right kidney. The main blood vessels such as inferior vena cava, portal vein and umbilical vein made a groove on the surface of the liver. Morphology of the fetal liver was different from that of the embryonic liver at CS23.ConclusionThe present data will be useful for evaluating the development of the fetal liver and the adjacent organs that affect its morphology.
H2S inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cells and downregulates the expression of urotensin II
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Yiming , Yang Wenbin , Cao Gang 
Published: October 2012

AimH2S, a newly discovered signaling gasotransmitter, has been found involved in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension through the H2S/CSE system. Studies also showed that urotensin II (UII), a recently discovered most potent vasoconstrictor, played an important role in cirrhotic portal hypertension. Therefore, studies were conducted to explore the relationship between H2S and UII in cirrhosis.MethodsIn the present study, the changes in the expression levels of cystathionine‐γ‐lyase (CSE), UII, urotensin II receptor (UT), collagen I, collagen III, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were determined by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction after exposure of hepatic stellate cells to H2S. The influence of H2S on UII was examined by western blotting, and the relationship between H2S and UII was further confirmed by detection of cell proliferation and apoptosis.ResultsStudies have shown that increase in H2S concentration could reduce the expression of UII, UT, collagen I, collagen III, TIMP‐1 and α‐SMA without involvement of CSE. Moreover, the results of western blotting further proved that H2S inhibited the expression of UII. The examination of cell proliferation by 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay suggests that H2S significantly inhibited the proliferation of LX‐2 cells and the proliferation‐promoting effect of UII. Similarly, the examination of cell apoptosis revealed that H2S could promote LX‐2 cell apoptosis and inhibit the apoptosis‐inhibiting effect of UII.ConclusionH2S suppresses fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells and reducing the expression of UII.