bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying chromosomal selection‐sweep regions in facial eczema selection‐line animals using an ovine 50K‐SNP array
Authors: Phua S. H. , Brauning R. , Baird H. J. , Dodds K. G. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryFacial eczema (FE) is a hepato‐mycotoxicosis found mainly in New Zealand sheep and cattle. When genetics was found to be a factor in FE susceptibility, resistant and susceptible selection lines of Romney sheep were established to enable further investigations of this disease trait. Using the Illumina OvineSNP50 BeadChip, we conducted a selection‐sweep experiment on these FE genetic lines. Two analytical methods were used to detect selection signals, namely the Peddrift test (Dodds & McEwan, 1997) and fixation index FST (Weir & Hill, 2002). Of 50 975 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers tested, there were three that showed highly significant allele frequency differences between the resistant and susceptible animals (Peddrift nominal P < 0.000001). These SNP loci are located on chromosomes OAR1, OAR11 and OAR12 that coincide precisely with the three highest genomic FST peaks. In addition, there are nine less significant Peddrift SNPs (nominal P ≤ 0.000009) on OAR6 (n = 2), OAR9 (n = 2), OAR12, OAR19 (n = 2), OAR24 and OAR26. In smoothed FST (five‐SNP moving average) plots, the five most prominent peaks are on OAR1, OAR6, OAR7, OAR13 and OAR19. Although these smoothed FST peaks do not coincide with the three most significant Peddrift SNP loci, two (on OAR6 and OAR19) overlap with the set of less significant Peddrift SNPs above. Of these 12 Peddrift SNPs and five smoothed FST regions, none is close to the FE candidate genes catalase and ABCG2; however, two on OAR1 and one on OAR13 fall within suggestive quantitative trait locus regions identified in a previous genome screen experiment. The present studies indicated that there are at least eight genomic regions that underwent a selection sweep in the FE lines.
Cripto‐1 Expression in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Pilgaard Linda , Mortensen Joachim Høg , Henriksen Michael , Olesen Pia , Sørensen Preben , Laursen Rene , Vyberg Mogens , Agger Ralf , Zachar Vladimir , Moos Torben , Duroux Meg 
Published: February 2014

AbstractHuman glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive cancer with a very poor prognosis. Cripto‐1 (CR‐1) has a key regulatory role in embryogenesis, while in adult tissue re‐expression of CR‐1 has been correlated to malignant progression in solid cancers of non‐neuronal origin. As CR‐1 expression has yet to be described in cerebral cancer and CR‐1 is regulated by signaling pathways dysregulated in GBM, we aimed to investigate CR‐1 in the context of expression in GBM. The study was performed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry to analyze the blood and tissue from 28 GBM and 4 low‐grade glioma patients. Within the patient cohort, we found high CR‐1 protein levels in blood plasma to significantly correlate with a shorter overall survival. We identified CR‐1 in different areas of GBM tissue, including perivascular tumor cells, and in endothelial cells. Collectively, our data suggest that CR‐1 could be a prognostic biomarker for GBM with the potential of being a therapeutic target.
Saliva stimulation with glycerine and citric acid does not affect salivary cortisol levels
Authors: Brorsson Camilla , Dahlqvist Per , Nilsson Leif , Naredi Silvana 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveIn critically ill patients with hypotension, who respond poorly to fluids and vasoactive drugs, cortisol insufficiency may be suspected. In serum over 90% of cortisol is protein‐bound, thus routine measures of total serum cortisol may yield ‘false lows’ due to hypoproteinaemia. Thus, the occurrence of cortisol insufficiency could be overestimated in critically ill patients. Salivary cortisol can be used as a surrogate for free serum cortisol, but in critically ill patients saliva production is decreased, and insufficient volume of saliva for analysis is a common problem. The aim of this study was to investigate if a cotton‐tipped applicator with glycerine and citric acid could be used for saliva stimulation without affecting salivary cortisol levels.DesignProspective, observational study.ParticipantsThirty‐six volunteers (six males, 30 females), age 49 ± 9 years, without known oral mucus membrane rupture in the mouth.MeasurementsForty‐two pairs of saliva samples (22 paired morning samples, 20 paired evening samples) were obtained before and after saliva stimulation with glycerine and citric acid. Salivary cortisol was analysed using Spectria Cortisol RIA (Orion Diagnostica, Finland).ResultsThe paired samples correlated significantly (P < 0·0001) and there was no significant difference between un‐stimulated and stimulated salivary cortisol levels.ConclusionsSaliva stimulation with a cotton‐tipped applicator containing glycerine and citric acid did not significantly influence salivary cortisol levels in healthy volunteers. This indicates that salivary cortisol measurement after saliva stimulation may be a useful complement when evaluating cortisol status in critically ill patients.
Challenges of antituberculosis treatment in patients with difficult clinical conditions
Authors: Vasakova Martina 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivesTuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease with a global distribution. The mainstay of treatment is a combination of antituberculous (AT) drugs. The standard combination uses four first‐line AT drugs; however, in certain groups of patients, the combination must be modified or reduced in dosage. This is especially true of patients with comorbidities, in the elderly and in pregnant women. The aim of this review is to provide up‐to‐date information regarding AT treatment in a variety of special patient populations.Data SourceThe recommendations presented here are based on the clinical experience of the author, as well as data presented in textbooks, World Health Organization national and international guidelines, various respiratory societies and original articles quoted in medical databases. The time frame for this review was from 1995 to 2013. The data search was carried out only in English and the index words were as follows: tuberculosis – treatment – liver disease – kidney disease – HIV infection – skin toxicity – elderly – pregnancy.ResultsBased on our experience and the described sources above, we present AT treatment recommendations for specific patient populations.ConclusionsTB can be difficult to diagnose and treat. This can be especially true in patients with comorbidities, adverse reactions to AT drugs, the elderly and pregnant women. Despite the difficulties, an early diagnosis followed immediately by AT treatment should be the norm for these patients. When choosing a suitable AT regimen, we must consider the potential side effects of the drugs, which could exacerbate an underlying comorbidity, harm an expectant mother or fetus, or adversely affect the elderly.
Hospital outbreak of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) illness in immunocompromised hospitalized children during summer
Authors: Singh Ajay K. , Jain Bhawana , Verma Anil K. , Kumar Archana , Dangi Tanushree , Dwivedi Mukesh , Singh Kaleshwar P. , Jain Amita 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPurposeThe human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a community‐acquired virus that mainly causes acute respiratory tract infection in infants and children. HRSV is increasingly recognized as an important nosocomial pathogen causing morbidity in immunocompromised patients. Here, we are reporting a hospital outbreak of HRSV during summer in children receiving chemotherapy for haematological malignancies. Prompt detection and timely preventive measures could abort the devastating outbreak.MethodsIn the month of June 2013, seven children from paediatric oncology Ward at King George Medical University presented with respiratory signs and symptoms in span of 3 days. Nasal and throat swabs of children were tested for the presence of HRSV, human metapneumovirus and their subtypes A and B, influenza A and B, measles, parainfluenza virus (1, 2, 3 and 4), adenovirus, and human bocavirus by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. A segment of F gene of HRSV was amplified and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. The demographic, clinical profile, underlying diseases, clinical diagnosis and seasonal distribution were studied and analyzed.ResultsOf the total seven cases, six tested positive for HRSV A, which were genetically similar to each other. Children with respiratory symptoms were segregated from other patients, and strict implementation of restricted visiting policy was adapted, which led to control of widespread outbreak.ConclusionsHRSV A outbreak was detected in immunocompromised patients; the wider spread of which was prevented by prompt detection and application of preventive measures.
Establishing the dynamics of neutrophil accumulation in vivo by reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Wolberink Eshter A.W. , Peppelman Malou , van de Kerkhof Peter C.M. , van Erp Piet E.J. , Gerritsen Marie‐Jeanne P. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractReflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is an imaging tool, which visualizes the epidermal skin layers in vivo with a cellular resolution. Neutrophil accumulation is a characteristic feature in psoriasis and is thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. Until now, imaging of neutrophil accumulation in vivo is not performed. We evaluated the dynamics of neutrophil migration in active psoriatic lesions by non‐invasive RCM imaging. Additionally, we evaluated the time phasing and duration of neutrophil trafficking. We performed RCM imaging prior to the start of topical treatment and for seven consecutive days with a 24‐h time interval at the Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Twelve psoriatic lesions in three patients with a severe exacerbation of psoriasis were included. The four most active lesions were selected in each patient based on the highest degree of redness, induration and expansion in the previous 2 weeks. In all lesions, a cyclic pattern of neutrophil migration was observed, consisting of squirting papillae, transepidermal migration, accumulation in the stratum spinosum, accumulation in the stratum corneum and degeneration of the abscesses. The time interval of a neutrophil‐trafficking cycle was 5–7 days and showed a synchronic time phasing. This study is the first to establish the dynamics and time phasing of neutrophil migration in vivo in psoriatic lesions. Previously reported theories were confirmed by these novel in vivo data. RCM might distinguish between active or chronic psoriatic areas, which might contribute to new insights into the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, inhibits ultraviolet‐induced apoptosis in keratinocytes
Authors: Yoshihisa Yoko , Rehman Mati ur , Shimizu Tadamichi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIntra‐cellular reactive nitrogen/oxygen species and apoptosis play important roles in ultraviolet (UV)‐induced inflammatory responses in the skin. Astaxanthin (AST), a xanthophyll carotenoid, exhibits diverse clinical benefits. The protective effects of AST against UV‐induced apoptosis were investigated in the present study. Astaxanthin (5 μm) caused a significant decrease in the protein content and the mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, and decreased the release of prostaglandin E2 from HaCaT keratinocytes after UVB (20 mJ/cm2) or UVC (5 mJ/cm2) irradiation. No significant protective effects against UV‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed in AST‐pretreated cells. Astaxanthin caused a significant inhibition of UV‐irradiation‐induced apoptosis, as evidence by a DNA fragmentation assay. Furthermore, we found that the treatment with AST caused a reduction in the UVB‐ or UVC‐induced protein and mRNA expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), IL‐1β and TNF‐α in HaCaT keratinocytes. These results suggest that AST effectively protects against UV‐induced inflammation by decreasing iNOS and COX‐2, and thereby inhibiting the apoptosis of keratinocytes.
Therapeutic potential of the anti‐diabetic agent metformin in targeting the skin cancer stem cell diaspora
Authors: Reddi Anand , Powers Matthew A. , Dellavalle Robert P. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractType II diabetes is associated with increased prevalence of cancer including both melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin. Emerging evidence from epidemiological studies suggest that diabetic patients on metformin have a lower risk of cancer incidence and mortality in a broad range of neoplasms. In both melanoma and SCC, populations of cancer stem cells (CSC) contribute to tumor initiation and metastasis. We propose that metformin constitutes a new class of targeted therapy that acts on the skin CSC diaspora. We posit that metformin selectively and simultaneously targets CSCs of the primary tumor as well as in metastatic niches thereby disrupting the dynamic dispersal of circulating CSCs between the primary tumor and metastatic site. This hypothesis suggests a new concept in dermato‐oncology that treatment of type II diabetes and prevention of skin cancer are two sides of the same coin.
Increased expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases
Authors: Kim Hye One , Kim Jin Hye , Chung Bo Young , Choi Min Gyu , Park Chun Wook 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) are major environmental pollutants, and their effects on the human body critically depend on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of the AhR and its ligands in chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis. Expression of AhR‐related mRNA was increased in lesional skin from patients with AD and psoriasis compared to those of normal skin from healthy controls. The AhR and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator were colocalized in the nuclei of keratinocytes at the lower epidermis of psoriatic lesions, which suggested activation of the AhR pathway. After treatment of normal human epidermal keratinocytes with TCDD or PCBs, IL‐6 and IL‐8 production were increased. The results of this study suggest that AhR is highly expressed in the acute lesional skin of patients with AD and psoriasis, and the AhR pathway is activated especially in psoriasis.
MAUPing Workplace Clusters
Authors: Nielsen Michael M. , Hennerdal Pontus 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) is seldom accounted for in economic geography cluster studies. This issue is particularly problematic as clusters play such a central role in regional development policy. In this study, we tested for the appearance of the MAUP when examining workplace category clusters over three different administrative scales in Stockholm County, Sweden. The measures used were the standardised ratio, global autocorrelation, and local autocorrelation. We discovered not only that the appearance of clusters depended on the administrative unit scale but also that the location of the clusters, based on the local indicator of spatial association, fluctuated wildly over the various administrative scales. Thus, our conclusion was that the robustness and validity of workplace category clusters should always be challenged if the MAUP has not been taken into account, or at least tested for.
Does Federal Aid to States Aid the States?
Authors: Horváth Zachary , Moore Brian David , Rork Jonathan C. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractUsing data from 1977 to 2009, we explore whether the agency issuing federal aid to states influences the rate of state economic growth. We find that agencies' housing poverty alleviation programs, such as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Labor, have negative effects. The Department of Commerce and the Department of Interior have consistent positive effects, although this last effect is due to inordinately disproportionate spending in the state of Wyoming. Overall growth effects are relatively modest, suggesting that potential future cuts to federal discretionary spending may not be as damaging as feared.
Public Sector Agglomeration in Developed Countries: The Role of Oversight
Authors: Turner Sidney C. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA small but growing body of empirical research underscores the relationship between a city's status as a political capital and its status within an urban hierarchy. Both theoretical and empirical work has attributed this to the agglomeration effects of government activity in the capital. The hypothesis of this paper is that this agglomeration is driven by distance‐based transaction costs of oversight. This hypothesis is tested using a sample of U.S. metropolitan statistical areas for the years 2001–2008. The results are consistent with the hypothesis. Specifically, the empirical results indicate that greater distance from the capital is related to lower levels of government employment and expenditure per government employee among noncapital metropolitan areas.
Optimisation of vacuum pulse osmotic dehydration of blanched pumpkin
Authors: Corrêa Jefferson L. G. , Ernesto Dovel B. , Alves José G. L. F. , Andrade Raphael S. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryPulsed vacuum osmotic dehydration (PVOD) is an efficient process for obtaining semi‐dehydrated food. The effects of temperature (30–50°C), solute concentration (NaCl 0–15 kg per 100 kg solution, sucrose, 15–35 kg per 100 kg solution) and vacuum pulse application (50–150 mbar and 5–15 min) on water loss (WL), solid gain (SG), water activity (aw) and total colour difference (∆E) of previously blanched pumpkin slices were assessed through Plackett–Burman experimental design. Temperature was not statistically significant in the process. Later, with the aid of a central composite design (CCD), it was found that concentration of sucrose and NaCl was influent on the WL, SG, aw and ∆E, and the pressure and time of application of vacuum were influent on WL and SG. The optimal conditions of process were stabilised with the desirable function, and the simulated data were similar from the experimental ones.
n‐3 fatty acids in health and disease
Authors: NORDØY A. , DYERBERG J. 
Published: February 2014

Not more than 10 years ago, most of us knew very little about n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The message to both the patient and the physician with regard to fatty acids and fats in the diet was based largely on over‐simplified information. For example, saturated fats were said to be ‘bad’. A high consumption of saturated fats increased both blood cholesterol and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). In contrast, the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet were thought to be basically ‘good’. They reduced serum cholesterol and may have delayed the development of atherosclerosis.The lesson learnt from the Greenland Eskimos did not really change this concept, but has taught us more about some of the mechanisms involved [1, 2]. Today a common interest in regard to the potential benefit of n‐3 fatty acids is shared by almost everybody interested in the treatment and prevention of CHD. The diverse effects of twenty‐carbon fatty acids of the n‐6 and n‐3 families on platelet and vessel wall function, prostaglandin synthesis and lipoprotein metabolism, make them of special interest in relation to thrombosis and atherosclerosis [3].
Genetics of preparation and response control in ADHD: the role of DRD4 and DAT1
Authors: Albrecht Björn , Brandeis Daniel , von Sandersleben Henrik Uebel‐ , Valko Lilian , Heinrich Hartmut , Xu Xiaohui , Drechsler Renate , Heise Alexander , Kuntsi Jonna , Müller Ueli C. , Asherson Philip , Steinhausen Hans‐Christoph , Rothenberger Aribert , Banaschewski Tobias 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundDifficulties with performance and brain activity related to attentional orienting (Cue‐P3), cognitive or response preparation (Cue‐CNV) and inhibitory response control (Nogo‐P3) during tasks tapping executive functions are familial in ADHD and may represent endophenotypes. The aim of this study was to clarify the impact of dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) and dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene polymorphisms on these processes in ADHD and control children.MethodsBehavioural and electrophysiological parameters from cued continuous performance tests with low and high attentional load were assessed in boys with ADHD combined type (N = 94) and controls without family history of ADHD (N = 31). Both groups were split for the presence of at least one DRD4 7‐repeat allele and the DAT1 10‐6 haplotype.ResultsChildren with ADHD showed diminished performance and lower Cue‐P3, CNV and Nogo‐P3 amplitudes. Children with DRD4 7R showed similar performance problems and lower Cue‐P3 and CNV, but Nogo‐P3 was not reduced. Children with the DAT1 10‐6 haplotype had no difficulties with performance or Cue‐P3 and CNV, but contrary to expectations increased Nogo‐P3. There were no Genotype by ADHD interactions.ConclusionsThis study detected specific effects of DRD4 7R on performance and brain activity related to attentional orienting and response preparation, while DAT1 10‐6 was associated with elevated brain activity related to inhibitory response control, which potentially compensates increased impulsivity. As these genotype effects were additive to the impact of ADHD, the current results indicate that DRD4 and DAT1 polymorphisms are functionally relevant risk factors for ADHD and presumably other disorders sharing these endophenotypes.
Centres and Peripheries: Research Styles and Publication Patterns in ‘Top’USJournals and theirEuropean Alternatives, 1960–2010
Authors: Üsdiken Behlül 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn view of recent literature, suggesting a growing international ascendancy ofUS‐style scholarship but also a decreasingUSdominance in journal publications,Iask two questions with regard to management and organization studies: (1) whether there has been an increasing convergence towardsUS‐style research; and (2) whether the purported decline in the relative amount ofUSpublications has been uniform across leading journals based in theUSAandEurope. In addressing these questions,Itake a historical perspective and draw upon the centre–periphery model of international scholarship, arguing that convergence or fragmentation in styles of research and variations in publication patterns have evolved through the interplay between processes of influence by the centre (i.e., theUSA) and imitative or competitive responses by the periphery. Empirically, the study spans the period 1960–2010 and is confined to ‘top’US‐based journals and their mainEuropean alternatives. The findings answer the first question with a ‘no, other than a greater tendency towards theUS‐style when educational or collaborative ties to theUSAare involved and by the recently emerging parts of the periphery’. The second question again is answered with a ‘no, the decline has been much less in “top”USjournals relative to the ones based inEurope’.