bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of crayfish plague spores in large freshwater systems
Authors: Strand David A. , Jussila Japo , Johnsen Stein I. , Viljamaa‐Dirks Satu , Edsman Lennart , Wiik‐Nielsen Jannicke , Viljugrein Hildegunn , Engdahl Frederik , Vrålstad Trude 
Published: December 2013

Summary

Indigenous European freshwater crayfish (ICS) are threatened due to invasive North American freshwater crayfish that are natural carriers of Aphanomyces astaci which causes crayfish plague. Infectious A. astaci zoospores are released from carrier crayfish, but little is known about the spore abundance in water systems that either host non‐indigenous crayfish species (NICS) or experience crayfish plague outbreaks. We tested two large‐scale filtering approaches to generate new insight about the abundance and dynamics of A. astaci spores in natural freshwater systems.

Depth filtration (DF) and dead‐end ultrafiltration (DEUF) followed by A. astaci‐specific quantitative real‐time PCR was used to monitor A. astaci spores in large Nordic lakes hosting A. astaci‐positive Pacifastacus leniusculus, the dominating NICS in Northern Europe. Crayfish and water were sampled together to compare the A. astaci pathogen load in tissues, A. astaci prevalence in the population and the corresponding spore density in water. Samples were also obtained from a river where indigenous noble crayfish suffered from acute crayfish plague. The sensitivity of the filtering techniques was evaluated using simulation of random events.

We detected A. astaci spores in lakes hosting NICS with both filtering methods but predominantly at concentrations below c. 1 spore L−1. We found a significant positive association between A. astaci spore density in water, the A. astaci prevalence in the corresponding NICS population and the tissue pathogen load. Water from the river with the ongoing crayfish plague outbreak contained overall c. 43 times more spores L−1 than water hosting NICS. Both filtering techniques proved suitable and equally sensitive, but simulations suggest that an optimization of the spore recovery could yield a 10‐fold increase in the DEUF‐method sensitivity.

Synthesis and application. Our study demonstrates a low amount of pathogen spores are present in aquatic environments with non‐indigenous crayfish species, emphasizing the need for large‐volume filtering techniques for successful detection. The approach can be used for risk assessments and to improve conservation and management strategies of crayfish in Europe. Applications of this method include targeted disease surveillance, habitat evaluation prior to crayfish re‐stockings and water monitoring that can minimize disease transmission and spread, for example in crayfish farms and prior to fish movements for stocking purposes.
The transmission of world maize price to South African maize market: a threshold cointegration approach
Authors: Abidoye Babatunde O. , Labuschagne Marlene 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article seeks to provide an explanation for the relationship between domestic maize price in South Africa and world maize prices in order to evaluate comovement and transmission of world prices to domestic prices in sub‐Sahara African countries. This is done by comparing nested and nonnested models that capture different forms of nonlinearity in the price spread. Adopting a Bayesian approach that allows for comparison of models using Bayes factor, we found that the relationship between South African price and world price for maize indicates the presence of nonlinearity in price transmission with three regimes that is triggered by the price spread in previous period.
Electrocardiography at Diagnosis and Close to the Time of Death in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Tonelli Adriano R. , Baumgartner Manfred , Alkukhun Laith , Minai Omar A. , Dweik Raed A. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundScarce information exits on the electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients close to their death and whether observed abnormalities progress from the time of PAH diagnosis.MethodsWe analyzed the characteristics of the ECG performed at initial diagnosis, during the course of the disease and close to the time of death on consecutive PAH patients followed at our institution between June 2008 and December 2010.ResultsWe included 50 patients with PAH (76% women) with mean (SD) age of 58 (14) years. Median heart rate (83 vs 89 bpm, P = 0.001), PR interval (167 vs 176 ms, P = 0.03), QRS duration (88 vs 90 ms, P = 0.02), R/S ratio in lead V1 (1 vs 2, P = 0.01), and QTc duration (431 vs 444 ms, P = 0.02) significantly increased from the initial to the last ECG. In addition, the frontal QRS axis rotated to the right (97 vs 112 degrees, P = 0.003) and we more commonly observed right bundle branch block (5% vs 8%, P = 0.03) and negative T waves in inferior leads (31% vs 60%, P = 0.004). No patient had normal ECG at the time of death.ConclusionsSignificant changes progressively occur in a variety of ECG parameters between the time of the initial PAH diagnosis and close to death.
Review article: controversies in the management of primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Karlsen T. H. , Vesterhus M. , Boberg K. M. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryBackgroundDespite considerable advances over the last two decades in the molecular understanding of cholestasis and cholestatic liver disease, little improvement has been made in diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.AimsTo critically review controversial aspects of the scientific basis for common clinical practice in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and to discuss key ongoing challenges to improve patient management.MethodsWe performed a literature search using PubMed and by examining the reference lists of relevant review articles related to the clinical management of PBC and PSC. Articles were considered on the background of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) practice guidelines and clinical experience of the authors.ResultsOngoing challenges in PBC mainly pertain to the improvement of medical therapy, particularly for patients with a suboptimal response to ursodeoxycholic acid. In PSC, development of medical therapies and sensitive screening protocols for cholangiocarcinoma represent areas of intense research. To rationally improve patient management, a better understanding of pathogenesis, including complications like pruritis and fatigue, is needed and there is a need to identify biomarker end‐points for treatment effect and prognosis. Timing of liver transplantation and determining optimal regimens of immunosuppression post‐liver transplantation will also benefit from better appreciation of pre‐transplant disease mechanisms.ConclusionControversies in the management of PBC and PSC relate to topics where evidence for current practice is weak and further research is needed.
Oxygen–Glucose‐Deprived Rat Primary Neural Cells Exhibit DJ‐1 Translocation into Healthy Mitochondria: A Potent Stroke Therapeutic Target
Authors: Kaneko Yuji , Tajiri Naoki , Shojo Hideki , Borlongan Cesar V. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryAimsDJ‐1 is a key redox‐reactive neuroprotective protein implicated in regulation of oxidative stress after stroke. However, the molecular mechanism, especially the role of mitochondrial function, by which DJ‐1 protects neural cells in stroke remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to reveal whether DJ‐1 translocates into the mitochondria in exerting neuroprotection against oxidative stress. In particular, we examined DJ‐1 secretion from primary rat neural cells (PRNCs) exposed to experimental stroke.MethodsPrimary rat neural cells were exposed to the oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD), an established in vitro stroke model, and DJ‐1 translocation was measured by immunocytochemistry, and its secretion detected by ELISA.ResultsUnder OGD, DJ‐1 translocated into the healthy mitochondria, and significant levels of DJ‐1 protein were detected. Treatment with anti‐DJ‐1 antibody reduced cell viability and mitochondrial activity, and increased glutathione level. Interestingly, OGD reversed the ratio of astrocyte/neuron cells (6/4 to 4/6).ConclusionsAltogether, these results revealed that DJ‐1 participates in the acute endogenous neuroprotection after stroke via the mitochondrial pathway. That DJ‐1 was detected immediately after stroke and efficiently translocated into the mitochondria offer a new venue for developing neuroprotective and/or neurorestorative strategies against ischemic stroke.
Urotensin‐II receptor is over‐expressed in colon cancer cell lines and in colon carcinoma in humans
Authors: Federico Alessandro , Zappavigna Silvia , Romano Marco , Grieco Paolo , Luce Amalia , Marra Monica , Gravina Antonietta Gerarda , Stiuso Paola , D'Armiento Francesco Paolo , Vitale Giovanni , Tuccillo Concetta , Novellino Ettore , Loguercio Carmela , Caraglia Michele 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundUrotensin (U)‐II receptor (UTR) has been previously reported to be over‐expressed in a number of tumours. Whether UTR‐related pathway plays a role in colon carcinogenesis is unknown.MethodsWe evaluated UTR protein and mRNA expression in human epithelial colon cancer cell lines and in normal colon tissue, adenomatous polyps and colon cancer. U‐II protein expression was assessed in cancer cell lines. Moreover, we evaluated the effects of U‐II(4‐11) (an UTR agonist), antagonists and knockdown of UTR protein expression through a specific shRNA, on proliferation, invasion and motility of human colon cancer cells.ResultsCancer cell lines expressed U‐II protein and UTR protein and mRNA. By immunohistochemistry, UTR was expressed in 5–30% of epithelial cells in 45 normal controls, in 30–48% in 21 adenomatous polyps and in 65–90% in 48 colon adenocarcinomas. UTR mRNA expression was increased by threefold in adenomatous polyps and eightfold in colon cancer, compared with normal colon. U‐II(4‐11) induced a 20–40% increase in cell growth while the blockade of the receptor with specific antagonists caused growth inhibition of 20–40%. Moreover, the knock down of UTR with a shRNA or the inhibition of UTR with the antagonist urantide induced an approximately 50% inhibition of both motility and invasion.ConclusionsUTR appears to be involved in the regulation of colon cancer cell invasion and motility. These data suggest that UTR‐related pathway may play a role in colon carcinogenesis and that UTR may function as a target for therapeutic intervention in colon cancer.
Plant‐mediated effects of host plant density on a specialist herbivore of Solanum carolinense
Authors: HALPERN STACEY L. , BEDNAR DAVID , CHISHOLM AMANDA , UNDERWOOD NORA 
Published: December 2013

Host plant density can affect insect herbivore oviposition behaviour, which can, in turn, affect both plant and herbivore populations. Because clear generalisations about density effects on oviposition remain elusive, a better understanding of underlying mechanisms is needed. One such mechanism is plant‐mediated effects (i.e. changes in plant traits with density), which are often suggested but rarely isolated experimentally.
In an experiment directly manipulating host plant density (Solanum carolinense) in the field, oviposition by a specialist herbivore (Leptinotarsa juncta) declined as plant density increased.
A greenhouse cage experiment isolated the effects of plant‐mediated traits by removing neighbour plants before introducing L. juncta females. Oviposition declined as host plant density increased, supporting the importance of plant‐mediated effects in this system.
To determine whether food quality contributed to plant‐mediated effects, larval growth rates were measured on leaves from both field‐ and greenhouse‐grown plants. In both the field and the greenhouse experiments, larval growth rate was not significantly affected by plant density.
It is concluded that plant‐mediated effects contribute to, but do not completely explain, the strong influence of density on oviposition in the field experiment. These results suggest that considering plant‐mediated effects may help to explain variability in herbivore responses to plant density.
Molecular interactions of plant oil components with stratum corneum lipids correlate with clinical measures of skin barrier function
Authors: Mack Correa Mary Catherine , Mao Guangru , Saad Peter , Flach Carol R. , Mendelsohn Richard , Walters Russel M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPlant‐derived oils consisting of triglycerides and small amounts of free fatty acids (FFAs) are commonly used in skincare regimens. FFAs are known to disrupt skin barrier function. The objective of this study was to mechanistically study the effects of FFAs, triglycerides and their mixtures on skin barrier function. The effects of oleic acid (OA), glyceryl trioleate (GT) and OA/GT mixtures on skin barrier were assessed in vivo through measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and fluorescein dye penetration before and after a single application. OA's effects on stratum corneum (SC) lipid order in vivo were measured with infrared spectroscopy through application of perdeuterated OA (OA‐d34). Studies of the interaction of OA and GT with skin lipids included imaging the distribution of OA‐d34 and GT ex vivo with IR microspectroscopy and thermodynamic analysis of mixtures in aqueous monolayers. The oil mixtures increased both TEWL and fluorescein penetration 24 h after a single application in an OA dose‐dependent manner, with the highest increase from treatment with pure OA. OA‐d34 penetrated into skin and disordered SC lipids. Furthermore, the ex vivo IR imaging studies showed that OA‐d34 permeated to the dermal/epidermal junction while GT remained in the SC. The monolayer experiments showed preferential interspecies interactions between OA and SC lipids, while the mixing between GT and SC lipids was not thermodynamically preferred. The FFA component of plant oils may disrupt skin barrier function. The affinity between plant oil components and SC lipids likely determines the extent of their penetration and clinically measurable effects on skin barrier functions.
Characterization of four novel molecular changes in the promoter region of the factor VIII gene
Authors: Nougier C. , Roualdes O. , Fretigny M. , d'Oiron R. , Costa C. , Negrier C. , Vinciguerra C. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryHaemophilia A (HA) is an X‐linked recessive bleeding disorder, caused by a wide variety of mutations in the factor VIII (F8) gene, leading to deficiency in the activity of coagulation FVIII. These mutations can affect all theF8exons from the initiation codon to the termination codon, however, only few molecular changes in the promoter region of theF8gene were reported so far. Here, we describe six nucleotide variations (c.‐51G>A, c.‐218T>C, c.‐219C>T, c.‐219delC, c.‐221T>A and c.‐664G>A) detected in theF8promoter and their correlation with clinical phenotype of the patients. Potential role of these mutations inHAwas also assessed. Causality was demonstrated with transient transfection experiments using luciferase reporter gene plasmids and computational analysis. Two molecular changes (c.‐51G>A and c.‐664G>A) did not seem to affect the promoter function of theF8gene whereas c.‐218T>C, c.‐219C>T, c.‐219delC, c.‐221T>A mutations had an impact on theF8promoter function and were responsible forHA. Furthermore, these mutations were associated with resistance to 1‐deamino‐8‐d‐argininevasopressin (desmopressin) therapy when they were causative. When molecular variation was detected inF8promoter, we propose to use prediction software and to verify predictions by reporter gene analysis. If the mutation is causative, it will be probably associated with a lack of therapeutic response to desmopressin and this clinical implication should be considered by clinicians.
Absence of peripheral blood chimerism in graft‐vs‐host disease following orthotopic liver transplantation: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Schulman Joshua M. , Yoon Christina , Schwarz Jennifer , Vagefi Parsia A. , Mully Thaddeus W. , Shinkai Kanade 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundGraft‐vs‐host disease (GVHD) is a rare and often fatal complication of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The skin is frequently involved early in disease progression, but clinical and histopathological features may be nonspecific, presenting a diagnostic challenge. While the detection of peripheral blood chimerism has been proposed as a diagnostic criterion for post‐OLT GVHD, it is not known whether peripheral blood chimerism is an absolute requirement for the diagnosis.Materials and methodsWe report a case of a 57‐year‐old man who developed post‐OLT GVHD with cutaneous, enteric, and bone marrow involvement. We also review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, histopathology, molecular diagnostic techniques, and treatment of GVHD following liver transplantation.ResultsIn our patient, analysis of the peripheral blood by short‐tandem repeat polymerase chain reaction did not detect circulating donor lymphocytes. Donor lymphocytes were detected in the buccal mucosa, however, confirming the diagnosis. A review of chimerism patterns in 63 previously published cases of post‐OLT GVHD reveals that this is the first reported case in which chimerism was absent in the peripheral blood but present in another site.ConclusionsPeripheral blood chimerism may be absent in cases of post‐OLT GVHD. A combination of clinical, histopathological, and molecular features is therefore required to make this challenging diagnosis.
Specific causes of death in patients with bullous pemphigoid as measured by death certificate data: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Barrick Benjamin J. , Lohse Christine M. , Lehman Julia S. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundMortality rates in patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP) are higher than those in age‐matched counterparts. However, the specific causes of death in BP subjects have not been evaluated systematically.ObjectivesWe sought to characterize the causes of death in patients with BP as recorded by death certificate and to compare these with death data for age‐ and location‐matched control subjects.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort analysis conducted in a large tertiary referral center. Twenty‐seven participants who had a confirmed antemortem diagnosis of BP, were residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, and had died between January 1, 1999, and January 1, 2009, were included in the study. Underlying cause of death and multiple causes of death data for the study population were compared with data sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a control group matched by age and geographic location of origin by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD‐10) block, and specific ICD‐10 codes.ResultsComparisons of specific ICD‐10 codes revealed increased rates of sepsis (P = 0.031), dementia (P = 0.049), and major depressive disorder (P = 0.005) in the study group. The collective incidence of ICD‐10 codes for infections indicated that infections were more frequent contributors to death in the study group (P = 0.035).ConclusionsClinicians should be mindful of contributors to death in patients with BP and might consider screening for mental health issues, educating patients on the early symptoms of sepsis, and minimizing risk factors for infection.
The human hair: from anatomy to physiology
Authors: Buffoli Barbara , Rinaldi Fabio , Labanca Mauro , Sorbellini Elisabetta , Trink Anna , Guanziroli Elena , Rezzani Rita , Rodella Luigi F. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundHair is a unique character of mammals and has several functions, from protection of the skin to sexual and social communication. In literature, there are various studies about hair that take into consideration different aspects within many fields of science, including biology, dermatology, cosmetics, forensic sciences, and medicine.MethodsWe carried out a search of studies published in PubMed up to 2013.ResultsIn this review, we summarized the principal anatomical and physiological aspects of the different types of human hair, and we considered the clinical significance of the different structures and the distribution of the hair in the human body.ConclusionThis review could be the basis for improvement and progression in the field of hair research.
The “collerette” technique for skin excision and biopsy: an efficient method for managing lentigo maligna of the head and neck
Authors: Kassi Komenan , Vanwijck Romain , Kanga Jean‐Marie 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundMelanoma is responsible for 75% of all skin cancer‐related deaths. Lentigo maligna (LM), the most prevalent melanoma in situ (MIS), accounts for 79–83% of all MIS. Its location in the head and neck area requires that tissue be spared in the course of clearing the tumor.MethodsWe conducted a therapeutic study based on our practice experience with the so‐called “collarette” skin biopsy technique used in the management of LM.ResultsThirty‐one patients were diagnosed with LM in the head and neck area. These included 16 women and 15 men with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of 64.4 ± 13.6 years (range: 33–88 years). The majority (36%) of lesions were located on the cheek. To clear the tumor, surgery was performed using margins of >10 mm in 71% of cases. The average surface area of the surgical defect was 5.8 cm2 (range: 1.1–15.5 cm2). Reconstructive skin grafts were performed in the majority (68%) of cases. After the removal of the central tumor, 16 cases of MIS and 15 cases of invasive melanoma were identified. Only one patient experienced recurrence over a mean ± SD follow‐up of 31 ± 16 months.ConclusionsThe so‐called “collarette” or “spaghetti” skin excision and biopsy technique is an advantageous and efficient way to achieve tumor clearance and represents an equally effective alternative to Mohs micrographic surgery in the treatment of LM in the head and neck area.
An alternative encapsulation approach for production of active chitosan–propolis beads
Authors: Mascheroni Erika , Figoli Alberto , Musatti Alida , Limbo Sara , Drioli Enrico , Suevo Rossella , Talarico Stefania , Rollini Manuela 
Published: December 2013

SummaryEncapsulation is a promising technology to carry natural active substances, preventing their loss and maintaining their stability until use. Beads of chitosan‐containing propolis have been prepared using a mono‐pore filter device, which permits the encapsulation of natural polyphenols avoiding heat treatments, high shear rates and the use of toxic solvents. Beads proved to be active against Bacillis cereus, Escherichia coli, Listeria innocua, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Yarrovia lipolytica and three moulds strains; the highest effect was found against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 0.8 mg beads mL−1). Results in liquid cultures of S. aureus evidenced that beads were able to release the flavonoids from propolis: the diffusion of the active compounds is a key factor in the exploitation of the microbial activity. The obtained chitosan–propolis beads represent an example of natural antimicrobial delivery system that could be used to prevent the growth of pathogenic/spoilage bacteria in food applications.