bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between adaptive behaviour and age in adults with Down syndrome without dementia: examining the range and severity of adaptive behaviour problems
Authors: Makary A. T. , Testa R. , Tonge B. J. , Einfeld S. L. , Mohr C. , Gray K. M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundStudies on adaptive behaviour and ageing in adults with Down syndrome (DS) (without dementia) have typically analysed age‐related change in terms of the total item scores on questionnaires. This research extends the literature by investigating whether the age‐related changes in adaptive abilities could be differentially attributed to changes in the number or severity (intensity) of behavioural questionnaire items endorsed.MethodsThe Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System‐II Adult (ABAS‐II Adult) was completed by parents and caregivers of 53 adults with DS aged between 16 and 56 years. Twenty adults with DS and their parents/caregivers were a part of a longitudinal study, which provided two time points of data. In addition 33 adults with DS and their parents/caregivers from a cross‐sectional study were included. Random effects regression analyses were used to examine the patterns in item scores associated with ageing.ResultsIncreasing age was found to be significantly associated with lower adaptive behaviour abilities for all the adaptive behaviour composite scores, expect for the practical composite. These associations were entirely related to fewer ABAS‐II Adult items being selected as present for the older participants, as opposed to the scores being attributable to lower item severity.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for a differential pattern of age‐related change for various adaptive behaviour skills in terms of range, but not severity. Possible reasons for this pattern will be discussed. Overall, these findings suggest that adults with DS may benefit from additional support in terms of their social and conceptual abilities as they age.
Acute hepatitis C infection in HIV‐negative men who have sex with men
Authors: McFaul K. , Maghlaoui A. , Nzuruba M. , Farnworth S. , Foxton M. , Anderson M. , Nelson M. , Devitt E. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryAcute hepatitis C infection is recognized in HIV‐infected men who have sex with men (MSM), but the risk in HIV‐negative MSM remains unclear. We evaluated a population of MSM with acute hepatitis C. From January 2010 to May 2014, all cases of HCV antibody positive HIV‐negative MSM were identified. European AIDS Network criteria were applied to determine acute infection, and 44 individuals fulfilled the criteria for acute hepatitis C. Ten were RNA negative at baseline and classed as prior spontaneous clearance. 15 (34.1%) had a previously negative HCV antibody within 1 year. 11 (25.0%) had significant elevation in ALT levels, and 18 (40.9%) were clinically diagnosed from risk exposure and history. Median age was 37 years (range 24–75). 41 (93.2%) individuals reported unprotected anal sex, 36 with (87.8%) both insertive and receptive intercourse, 4 (9.8%) with receptive intercourse, 1 (2.4%) with insertive intercourse, and no data were recorded for 3 (7.3%) patients. Individuals had an average of 7.3 reported (median 2, range 1–100) partners. 12 (27.3%) engaged in group sex, 11 (25.0%) practised fisting, 11 (25.0%) admitted using drugs during sexual activity, 16 (36.4%) reported nasal, and 9 (20.5%) reported injection drug use. 14 (31.8)% had unprotected sex whilst under the influence of recreational drugs. 29 individuals were aware of a partner's status. 2 (4.5%) individuals had sexual contact with a known HCV monoinfected partner, 13 (29.5%) with a HIV monoinfected partner and 6 (13.6%) with a HCV/HIV coinfected partner. 9 (20.5%) reported a partner/partners with no known infection. No data were available in 14 (31.8%) individuals. 13 (29.5%) individuals had a coexisting STI at the time of acute HCV diagnosis. 8 (18.2%) received HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) within the 6 months prior to the HCV diagnosis (2 were participants in a HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis trial). 15 (34.1%) individuals achieved spontaneous clearance of HCV, and 11 patients received HCV treatment. Similar to the ongoing epidemic of acute HCV infection in HIV+ MSM, HIV‐negative MSM remain at risk.
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicology and therapeutics of mavacoxib in the dog: a review
Authors: Lees P. , Pelligand L. , Elliott J. , Toutain P.‐L. , Michels G. , Stegemann M. 
Published: November 2014

Mavacoxib is a novel nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), with a preferential action on the cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 isoform of COX and a long duration of action. It is classified chemically as a member of the sulphonamide subgroup of coxibs. Mavacoxib is highly lipid but very poorly water soluble. In the dog, the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile comprises very slow body clearance, long elimination half‐life and a relatively large distribution volume. Biotransformation and renal excretion are very limited, and elimination occurs primarily by biliary secretion and excretion of unchanged drug in faeces. The PK profile of mavacoxib differs quantitatively between young healthy dogs (Beagles and mongrels) and clinical cases with osteoarthritis (OA). In OA dogs, mavacoxib exhibits a much longer terminal half‐life, associated principally with their greater median body weight compared with dogs used in preclinical studies. There is also some evidence of breed differences and a small effect of age on mavacoxib PK in the OA canine population. The pharmacodynamics (PD) of mavacoxib has been established: (i) in whole blood assays at the molecular level (inhibition of COX‐1 and COX‐2 isoforms); (ii) in preclinical models of inflammation and pain; and (iii) in clinical OA subjects treated with mavacoxib. The dosage schedule of mavacoxib for clinical use has been determined by owner and veterinary clinical assessments and is supported by integration of PK and PD preclinical data with clinical responses in canine disease models and in dogs with naturally occurring OA. The dosage regimen has been further confirmed by correlating levels of inhibition of COX isoforms in in vitro whole blood assays with plasma concentrations of mavacoxib achieved in OA dogs. In addition to the specific properties of mavacoxib, some general aspects of the PK and PD of other agents of the NSAID group, together with pathophysiological and clinical aspects of OA, are reviewed, as a basis for correlating with the safety and efficacy of mavacoxib in therapeutic use. Integration of PK and PD data suggests that the recommended dosage regimen of 2 mg/kg bw once for 14 days, followed by administration at monthly intervals, is optimal from both efficacy and safety perspectives and is further confirmed by clinical field studies.
Effect of enforced physical inactivity induced by 60‐day of bed rest on hepatic markers of NAFLD in healthy normal‐weight women
Authors: Rudwill Floriane , Bergouignan Audrey , Gastebois Caroline , Gauquelin‐Koch Guillemette , Lefai Etienne , Blanc Stéphane , Simon Chantal 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsPhysical inactivity leads to a cluster of metabolic disorders that have been associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver diseases. We tested whether physical inactivity increases hepatic biomarkers of NAFLDs.MethodsSixteen normal‐weight healthy women (body mass index = 21.2 ± 0.5 kg/m2) were studied under controlled energy balance conditions during a previous 60‐day bed rest with (n = 8) or without (n = 8) a combined aerobic/resistive exercise protocol. Stored samples were retrospectively used to measure plasma hepatic markers, i.e. steatosis‐related alanine and aspartate transaminases, cytokeratin 18 and angiopoietin‐like 3, at baseline, after 30 and 60 days of bed rest. Fasting insulin and triglycerides were measured at baseline and after 30 days of bed rest. Two indexes were calculated, one combining alanine and aspartate transaminase and cytokeratin 18 and another cytokeratin 18, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and aspartate aminotransferase.ResultsSixty days of bed rest increased all hepatic markers (P < 0.05 for all) and the two indexes (P < 0.01 for both). Exercise significantly reduced the elevation in aspartate transaminase, cytokeratin 18 and both indexes (P < 0.02 for all) but not the increase in alanine transaminase and angiopoietin‐like 3. Changes between baseline and 30 days of bed rest in triglycerides were positively associated with changes in aspartate transaminase (R2 = 0.28, P = 0.04) suggesting a role of hypertriglyceridaemia in the alteration of liver metabolism under inactive conditions.ConclusionPhysical inactivity increases, independent of fat mass, hepatic markers of steatosis and steatohepatitis. Regular exercise can limit these physical inactivity‐induced metabolic alterations. Future studies need to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Differential evolution of members of the rhomboid gene family with conservative and divergent patterns
Authors: Li Qi , Zhang Ning , Zhang Liangsheng , Ma Hong 
Published: November 2014

Summary

Rhomboid proteins are intramembrane serine proteases that are involved in a plethora of biological functions, but the evolutionary history of the rhomboid gene family is not clear.

We performed a comprehensive molecular evolutionary analysis of the rhomboid gene family and also investigated the organization and sequence features of plant rhomboids in different subfamilies.

Our results showed that eukaryotic rhomboids could be divided into five subfamilies (RhoA–RhoD and PARL). Most orthology groups appeared to be conserved only as single or low‐copy genes in all lineages in RhoB–RhoD and PARL, whereas RhoA genes underwent several duplication events, resulting in multiple gene copies. These duplication events were due to whole genome duplications in plants and animals and the duplicates might have experienced functional divergence. We also identified a novel group of plant rhomboid (RhoB1) that might have lost their enzymatic activity; their existence suggests that they might have evolved new mechanisms.

Plant and animal rhomboids have similar evolutionary patterns. In addition, there are mutations affecting key active sites in RBL8, RBL9 and one of the Brassicaceae PARL duplicates. This study delineates a possible evolutionary scheme for intramembrane proteins and illustrates distinct fates and a mechanism of evolution of gene duplicates.
Diagnostic frameworks and nursing diagnoses: a normative stance
Authors: Zanotti Renzo , Chiffi Daniele 
Published: November 2014

AbstractDiagnostic frameworks are essential to many scientific and technological activities and clinical practice. This study examines the main fundamental aspects of such frameworks. The three components required for all diagnoses are identified and examined, i.e. their normative dimension, temporal nature and structure, and teleological perspective.The normative dimension of a diagnosis is based on (1) epistemic values when associated with Hempel's inductive risk concerning the balance between false‐positive and false‐negative outcomes, leading to probabilistic judgements; and (2) non‐epistemic values when related to ideas such as well‐being, normality, illness, etc, as idealized norms or ideal points of reference.It should be noted that medical diagnoses match the three necessary components, while some essential diagnostic frameworks – the taxonomies ofGordon andNANDA– in nursing lack some components. The main lack is normative as the most popular frameworks in nursing diagnosis seem to be descriptions of observed reality rather than normative and value‐based judgements in which both epistemic and non‐epistemic values may coexist.
Porphyromonas gingivalis RagB is a proinflammatory signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 agonist
Authors: Hutcherson J.A. , Bagaitkar J. , Nagano K. , Yoshimura F. , Wang H. , Scott D.A. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryPeriodontal diseases are semi‐ubiquitous and caused by chronic, plaque‐induced inflammation. The 55‐kDa immunodominant RagB outer membrane protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone periodontal pathogen, has been proposed to facilitate nutrient transport. However, potential interactions between RagB and the innate response have not been examined. We determined that RagB exposure led to the differential and dose‐related expression of multiple genes encoding proinflammatory mediators [interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and CCL2; all P < 0.05] in primary human monocytes and to the secretion of tumor necrosis factor and IL‐8, but not interferon‐γ or IL‐12. RagB was shown to be a Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 agonist that activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 and nuclear factor‐κB signaling, as determined by a combination of blocking antibodies, pharmaceutical inhibitors and gene silencing. In keeping, a ΔragB mutant similarly exhibited reduced inflammatory capacity, which was rescued by ragB complementation. These results suggest that RagB elicits a major pro‐inflammatory response in primary human monocytes and, therefore, could play an important role in the etiology of periodontitis and systemic sequelae.
High‐level hemicellulosic arabinose predominately affects lignocellulose crystallinity for genetically enhancing both plant lodging resistance and biomass enzymatic digestibility in rice mutants
Authors: Li Fengcheng , Zhang Mingliang , Guo Kai , Hu Zhen , Zhang Ran , Feng Yongqing , Yi Xiaoyan , Zou Weihua , Wang Lingqiang , Wu Changyin , Tian Jinshan , Lu Tiegang , Xie Guosheng , Peng Liangcai 
Published: November 2014

SummaryRice is a major food crop with enormous biomass residue for biofuels. As plant cell wall recalcitrance basically decides a costly biomass process, genetic modification of plant cell walls has been regarded as a promising solution. However, due to structural complexity and functional diversity of plant cell walls, it becomes essential to identify the key factors of cell wall modifications that could not much alter plant growth, but cause an enhancement in biomass enzymatic digestibility. To address this issue, we performed systems biology analyses of a total of 36 distinct cell wall mutants of rice. As a result, cellulose crystallinity (CrI) was examined to be the key factor that negatively determines either the biomass enzymatic saccharification upon various chemical pretreatments or the plant lodging resistance, an integrated agronomic trait in plant growth and grain production. Notably, hemicellulosic arabinose (Ara) was detected to be the major factor that negatively affects cellulose CrI probably through its interlinking with β‐1,4‐glucans. In addition, lignin and G monomer also exhibited the positive impact on biomass digestion and lodging resistance. Further characterization of two elite mutants, Osfc17 and Osfc30, showing normal plant growth and high biomass enzymatic digestion in situ and in vitro, revealed the multiple GH9B candidate genes for reducing cellulose CrI and XAT genes for increasing hemicellulosic Ara level. Hence, the results have suggested the potential cell wall modifications for enhancing both biomass enzymatic digestibility and plant lodging resistance by synchronically overexpressing GH9B and XAT genes in rice.
Tissue‐specific and pathogen‐inducible expression of a fusion protein containing a Fusarium‐specific antibody and a fungal chitinase protects wheat against Fusarium pathogens and mycotoxins
Authors: Cheng Wei , Li He‐Ping , Zhang Jing‐Bo , Du Hong‐Jie , Wei Qi‐Yong , Huang Tao , Yang Peng , Kong Xian‐Wei , Liao Yu‐Cai 
Published: November 2014

SummaryFusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat and other small grain cereals is a globally devastating disease caused by toxigenic Fusarium pathogens. Controlling FHB is a challenge because germplasm that is naturally resistant against these pathogens is inadequate. Current control measures rely on fungicides. Here, an antibody fusion comprised of the Fusarium spp.‐specific recombinant antibody gene CWP2 derived from chicken, and the endochitinase gene Ech42 from the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma atroviride was introduced into the elite wheat cultivar Zhengmai9023 by particle bombardment. Expression of this fusion gene was regulated by the lemma/palea‐specific promoter Lem2 derived from barley; its expression was confirmed as lemma/palea‐specific in transgenic wheat. Single‐floret inoculation of independent transgenic wheat lines of the T3 to T6 generations revealed significant resistance (type II) to fungal spreading, and natural infection assays in the field showed significant resistance (type I) to initial infection. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed marked reduction of mycotoxins in the grains of the transgenic wheat lines. Progenies of crosses between the transgenic lines and the FHB‐susceptible cultivar Huamai13 also showed significantly enhanced FHB resistance. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis revealed that the tissue‐specific expression of the antibody fusion was induced by salicylic acid drenching and induced to a greater extent by F. graminearum infection. Histochemical analysis showed substantial restriction of mycelial growth in the lemma tissues of the transgenic plants. Thus, the combined tissue‐specific and pathogen‐inducible expression of this Fusarium‐specific antibody fusion can effectively protect wheat against Fusarium pathogens and reduce mycotoxin content in grain.
Safety and Efficacy of Calcipotriene Plus Betamethasone Dipropionate Topical Suspension in the Treatment of Extensive Scalp Psoriasis in Adolescents Ages 12 to 17 Years
Authors: Eichenfield Lawrence F. , Ganslandt Cecilia , Kurvits Merle , Schlessinger Joel 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the fixed combination calcipotriene 0.005% plus betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% topical suspension in adolescents with extensive scalp psoriasis. In this phase II, open‐label, 8‐week study, adolescents with psoriasis (ages 12–17 years) with 20% or more of the scalp area affected (at least moderate severity according to Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA]) were assigned to once‐daily treatment with calcipotriene plus betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension. The primary endpoint was safety, focusing on calcium metabolism and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function. Secondary efficacy endpoints were the proportion of patient's achieving treatment success (clear or almost clear disease according to the IGA and clear or very mild disease according to the Patient's Global Assessment [PaGA]) and percentage change in investigator‐assessed Total Sign Score (TSS). Pruritus was also assessed. Overall, 31 patients received treatment. Sixteen patients (52%) experienced a total of 20 adverse events; 19 were considered unrelated to study treatment, 14 were mild, and none were serious or lesional or perilesional on the scalp. One patient showed signs of mild adrenal suppression at week 4; the patient discontinued treatment and had normal test results at follow‐up 4 weeks later. No cases of hypercalcemia were reported. By treatment end, treatment success was reported for 17 patients (55%) according to the IGA and 18 (58%) according to the PGA. Mean TSS improved from 6.9 at baseline to 2.9 at treatment end (59% improvement). By week 8, 28 patients (90%) experienced mild or no itching, versus 20 (65%) at baseline. Once‐daily calcipotriene plus betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension was well tolerated and efficacious for the treatment of scalp psoriasis in adolescents.
Presence of Membranous Vesicles in Cat Seminal Plasma: Ultrastructural Characteristics, Protein Profile and Enzymatic Activity
Authors: Polisca A , Troisi A , Minelli A , Bellezza I , Fontbonne A , Zelli R 
Published: November 2014

ContentsThis study sought to verify the presence of membranous vesicles in cat seminal plasma by means of transmission electron microscopy and to identify protein profile and some of the enzymatic activities associated with these particles. The transmission electron microscopy observations showed the existence of different sized vesicular membranous structures of more or less spherical shape. These vesicles were surrounded by single‐, double‐ or multiple‐layered laminar membranes. The vesicle diameters ranged from 16.3 to 387.4 nm, with a mean of 116.5 ± 70.7 nm. Enzyme activity determinations showed the presence of dipeptilpeptidaseIV, aminopeptidase, alkaline and acid phosphatase. To our knowledge, this is the first report that identifies and characterizes the membranous vesicles in cat seminal plasma. However, further studies are necessary to identify the exact site of production of these membranous vesicles in the cat male genital tract and to determine their specific roles in the reproductive events of this species.
Illegal Cartel Overcharges in Markets with a Legal Cartel History: Bitumen Prices in South Africa
Authors: Boshoff Willem H. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn recent years, South African competition authorities have initiated a number of price‐fixing cases in markets where cooperation among competitors was legal and often encouraged. These markets present economists with special difficulties when estimating cartel overcharges. Conventional approaches often rely on temporal approaches, where pricing during the cartel period is compared with prices in a competitive period. In markets with a legal cartel history, a competitive price cannot be identified in the period preceding illegal collusion. Structural change also reduces data, and hence the robustness of temporal models. Spatial approaches, where prices are compared with those in other countries, offer a better alternative. The paper studies the performance of temporal and spatial approaches in estimating overcharge in the context of a bitumen price‐fixing case. The results suggest that, while the bitumen cartel may have responded to cost and demand shocks in a similar way to how players in more competitive markets respond, it was still cushioned by a large monopoly premium: the long‐run level of South African bitumen prices are higher than in comparable competitive markets. The findings have implications for the study of transition dynamics from legal to illegal cartel regimes and for the detection of cartels.
Letting Go of ‘Conventionalisation’: Family Labour on New Zealand Organic Dairy Farms
Authors: Schewe Rebecca L. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn contrast to arguments about the conventionalisation of organic agriculture, this study of organic dairy labour relations in New Zealand finds that many organic producers have reverted to a heavy reliance on family labour even while conventional New Zealand dairy farms are increasingly dependent on paid non‐family and immigrant labour. I argue that a return to classic rural sociological literature on the persistence of family farming and the agrarian question explains this seeming anomaly, and that the narrative of conventionalisation oversimplifies the complexity of labour relations specifically and organic agricultural production more broadly. Labour relations in both conventional and organic agriculture are complex and contradictory, further demonstrating the importance of specificity and historicity in analysis of the organic agrifood system.