bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of arteriosclerosis index and oxidative stress markers in school children
Authors: Yamano Yuko , Miyakawa Sanpei , Nakadate Toshio 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundRecent years have seen increased numbers of children with conditions that contribute strongly to atherosclerotic disease, such as passive smoking, obesity, and dyslipidemia. In the present study, we evaluated the utility of non‐invasive urinary markers in preventing lifestyle‐related diseases by comparing lipid metabolism‐related parameters with oxidative stress markers in school children.MethodsSubjects were 85 first‐grade students. The variables examined included the smoking in subjects' household; exercise habits; height and weight; blood pressure; and plasma total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, leptin, blood sugar, urinary cotinine, 8‐hydroxy‐2'‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), and 8‐isoprostaglandin F2α (IsoP).ResultsOf the subjects, 10.6% were obese (% overweight ≥20%), 3.5% had a high‐risk arteriosclerosis index (AI; 3 ≤ AI < 5), and 29.4% were passive smokers. No significant differences were seen between boys and girls for any of the measurement parameters. Both urinary 8‐OHdG (6.8–24.5 ng/mg creatinine) and IsoP (0.9–7.4 ng/mg creatinine) were detected in all subjects, and a significant positive correlation was seen between the two markers. On multiple regression analysis using AI as an objective variable and all non‐invasive markers as explanatory variables, urinary IsoP correlated most strongly with AI (P ≤ 0.01).ConclusionsRisk factors for atherosclerosis in adults, such as obesity and hypercholesterolemia, are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. The present findings of the strongest correlation between urinary IsoP and AI suggest that urinary IsoP may serve as a non‐invasive and effective early marker in predicting risk in children of developing lifestyle‐related diseases.
Comparison of plasma exchange procedures using three apheresis systems
Authors: Cid Joan , Molina Juan M. , Mustieles Maria J. , Periáñez Montse , Lozano Miguel 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundA new protocol for the Amicus separator (Fresenius Kabi) enables the device to perform plasma exchange (PE). The aim of the study was to compare retrospectively the plasma removal efficiency (PRE) of the Amicus, the Optia (TerumoBCT), and the Spectra (TerumoBCT) when performing PEs.Study Design and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients who received at least one PE with the Amicus and at least one PE with the Optia, the Spectra, or both. We collected data regarding PRE, volume of anticoagulant and calcium‐magnesium (Ca‐Mg) solution infused, and changes in laboratory data from patients' blood sampled immediately before starting and immediately after finishing each PE procedure: complete blood count, coagulation, acid‐base equilibrium, and biochemistry variables. We also collected severe adverse events (AEs).ResultsWe performed 18, 44, and 14 PEs with the Amicus, Optia, and Spectra, respectively. We observed significant differences among the Amicus, Optia, and Spectra regarding PRE (79.8 ± 8.2, 82.9 ± 5.8, and 70.4 ± 8.2%; p < 0.001), volume of anticoagulant infused (542 ± 196, 687 ± 120, and 647 ± 111 mL; p = 0.002), volume of Ca‐Mg solution infused (81 ± 28, 56 ± 16, and 63 ± 15 mL; p < 0.001), absolute change of ionic Ca (−0.04 ± 0.13, −0.05 ± 0.12, and −0.19 ± 0.16 mmol/L; p = 0.002), and absolute change of Na (1.18 ± 1.97, 1.02 ± 1.93, and 3.71 ± 1.98 mEq/L; p < 0.001). We observed no significant differences in other analytic variables and we observed no severe AEs.ConclusionThe Amicus device could effectively perform PE procedures. In terms of PRE, the Amicus and Optia were similar, but both devices were superior to the Spectra. The Amicus used a lower volume of anticoagulant when compared with the Optia.
Report of the First Workshop of the ISBT International Platelet Immunobiology Working Party, Asia Regional
Authors: Matsuhashi M. , Tsuno N. H. , Takahashi K. , Wu G.‐G. , Han K.‐S. , Chu C.‐C. , Santoso S. 
Published: December 2014

Background and ObjectivesThe aims of the first workshop of the International Platelet Immunology Working Party, Asia Regional (IPIWP‐AR), were to identify antibodies against human platelet antigen (HPA), to compare laboratory performance in the detection of the antibodies and to help laboratories to audit and standardize the own in‐house platelet DNA genotyping methods.Materials and MethodsFourteen laboratories from eight countries participated, which were provided with six DNA samples for genotyping, six serum samples, monoclonal antibodies for monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA) and the mixed passive hemagglutination (MPHA) kits for antibody detection.ResultsMost of the laboratories could detect the anti‐HPA‐2b, anti‐HPA‐4b, anti‐HPA‐5b and Naka antibodies, by the combination of MAIPA and MPHA. However, some had difficulties with the HPA‐1a antibody, possibly dependent on the rarity of HPA‐1b alloantigen among Asian. Although a good concordance was obtained in genotyping, a significant inter‐laboratory variation was observed, possibly dependent on the methods used.ConclusionsThe IPIWP‐AR and the workshop were successfully established, and most laboratories were able to identify majority of HPA antibodies and genotype HPA correctly.
Decadal Relationship between European Blocking and the North Atlantic Oscillation during 1978–2011. Part I: Atlantic Conditions
Authors: Luo Dehai , Yao Yao , Dai Aiguo 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Both the positive and negative phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO+ and NAO−, respectively) and atmospheric blocking in the Euro-Atlantic sector reflect synoptic variability over the region and thus are intrinsically linked. This study examines their relationship from a decadal change perspective. Since the winter-mean NAO index is defined as a time average of instantaneous NAO indices over the whole winter, it is unclear how the activity of European blocking (EB) events can be related to the variation of the positive mean NAO index. Here, this question is examined by dividing the winter period 1978–2011 into two decadal epochs: 1978–94 (P1) with an increasing and high NAO index and 1995–2011 (P2) with a decreasing and low NAO index. Using atmospheric reanalysis data, it is shown that there are more intense and persistent EB events in eastern Europe during P1 than during P2, while the opposite is true for western Europe.
It is further shown that there are more NAO+ (NAO−) events during P1 (P2). The EB events associated with NAO+ events extend more eastward and are associated with stronger Atlantic mean zonal wind and weaker western Atlantic storm track during P1 than during P2, but EB events associated with NAO− events increase in western Europe under opposite Atlantic conditions during P2. Thus, the increase in the number of individual NAO+ (NAO−) events results in more EB events in eastern (western) Europe during P1 (P2). The EB change is also associated with the increased frequency of NAO− to NAO+ (NAO+ to NAO−) transition events.
Mechanism for the Formation of Equatorial Superrotation in Forced Shallow-Water Turbulence with Newtonian Cooling
Authors: Saito Izumi , Ishioka Keiichi 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Forced shallow-water turbulence on a rotating sphere with Newtonian cooling is examined with the aim of elucidating the mechanism of the robust formation of equatorial superrotation reported by R. K. Scott and L. M. Polvani. It is shown that the Newtonian cooling term distorts the structure of the Hough modes. This distortion can be visualized as either the westward or eastward tilting of the equiphase line with increasing absolute value of latitude; the structural change of the Hough modes leads to the acceleration of the zonal-mean flow. A statistical analysis based on a weak-nonlinear theory predicts that stochastically excited Hough modes generate a prograde equatorial jet, the profile of which is quantitatively consistent with that of the ensemble-averaged zonal-mean flow obtained in nonlinear time evolutions. The predicted prograde equatorial jet originates mainly from the acceleration produced by Rossby modes, the equiphase line of which is tilted westward by the Newtonian cooling term. This tilt of the equiphase line of the Hough modes is clarified and a comparison between the acceleration mechanism presented in the present paper and that in other numerical studies in which equatorial superrotation emerges is made.
Exploring Lightning Jump Characteristics
Authors: Chronis T. , Carey Lawrence D. , Schultz Christopher J. , Schultz Elise V. , Calhoun Kristin M. , Goodman Steven J. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
This study is concerned with the characteristics of storms exhibiting an abrupt temporal increase in the total lightning flash rate [i.e., lightning jump (LJ)]. An automated storm tracking method is used to identify storm “clusters” and total lightning activity from three different lightning detection systems over Oklahoma, northern Alabama, and Washington, D.C. On average and for different employed thresholds, the clusters that encompass at least one LJ (LJ1) last longer and relate to higher maximum expected size of hail, vertical integrated liquid, and lightning flash rates (area normalized) than do the clusters without an LJ (LJ0). The respective mean radar-derived and lightning values for LJ1 (LJ0) clusters are 80 min (35 min), 14 mm (8 mm), 25 kg m−2 (18 kg m−2), and 0.05 flash min−1 km−2 (0.01 flash min−1 km−2). Furthermore, the LJ1 clusters are also characterized by slower-decaying autocorrelation functions, a result that implies a less “random” behavior in the temporal flash rate evolution. In addition, the temporal occurrence of the last LJ provides an estimate of the time remaining to the storm’s dissipation. Depending on the LJ strength (i.e., varying thresholds), these values typically range between 20 and 60 min, with stronger jumps indicating more time until storm decay. This study’s results support the hypothesis that the LJ is a proxy for the storm’s kinematic and microphysical state rather than a coincidental value.
Development, genetic and cytogenetic analyses of genetic sexing strains of the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Zepeda-Cisneros Cristina Silvia , Meza Hernández José Salvador , García-Martínez Víctor , Ibañez-Palacios Jorge , Zacharopoulou Antigone , Franz Gerald 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Background
Anastrephaludens is among the pests that have a major impact on México's economy because it attacks fruits as citrus and mangoes. The Mexican Federal government uses integrated pest management to control A. ludens through the Programa Nacional Moscas de la Fruta [National Fruit Fly Program, SAGARPA-SENASICA]. One of the main components of this program is the sterile insect technique (SIT), which is used to control field populations of the pest by releasing sterile flies.

Results
To increase the efficiency of this technique, we have developed a genetic sexing strain (GSS) in which the sexing mechanism is based on a pupal colour dimorphism (brown-black) and is the result of a reciprocal translocation between the Y chromosome and the autosome bearing the black pupae (bp) locus. Ten strains producing wild-type (brown pupae) males and mutant (black pupae) females were isolated. Subsequent evaluations for several generations were performed in most of these strains. The translocation strain named Tapachula-7 showed minimal effect on survival and the best genetic stability of all ten strains. Genetic and cytogenetic analyses were performed using mitotic and polytene chromosomes and we succeeded to characterize the chromosomal structure of this reciprocal translocation and map the autosome breakpoint, despite the fact that the Y chromosome is not visible in polytene nuclei following standard staining.

Conclusions
We show that mitotic and polytene chromosomes can be used in cytogenetic analyses towards the development of genetic control methods in this pest species. The present work is the first report of the construction of GSS of Anastrepha ludens, with potential use in a future Moscafrut operational program.
Microsatellite markers from the 'South American fruit fly' Anastrepha fraterculus: a valuable tool for population genetic analysis and SIT applications
Authors: Lanzavecchia Silvia B , Juri Marianela , Bonomi Angelica , Gomulski Ludvik , Scannapieco Alejandra C , Segura Diego F , Malacrida Anna , Cladera Jorge L , Gasperi Giuliano 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Background
Anastrepha fraterculus Wiedemann is a horticultural pest which causes significant economic losses in the fruit-producing areas of the American continent and limits the access of products to international markets. The use of environmentally friendly control strategies against this pest is constrained due to the limited knowledge of its population structure.

Results
We developed microsatellite markers for A. fraterculus from four genomic libraries, which were enriched in CA, CAA, GA and CAT microsatellite motifs. Fifty microsatellite regions were evaluated and 14 loci were selected for population genetics studies. Genotypes of 122 individuals sampled from four A. fraterculus populations were analyzed. The level of polymorphism ranged from three to 13 alleles per locus and the mean expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.60 to 0.64. Comparison between allelic and genotypic frequencies showed significant differences among all pairs of populations.

Conclusions
This novel set of microsatellite markers provides valuable information for the description of genetic variability and population structure of wild populations and laboratory strains of A. fraterculus. This information will be used to identify and characterize candidate strains suitable to implement effective pest control strategies and might represent a first step towards having a more comprehensive knowledge about the genetics of this pest.
Male-specific phosphorylated SR proteins in adult flies of the Mediterranean Fruitfly Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Saccone Giuseppe , Louis Christos , Zhang Hongyou , Petrella Valeria , Natale Manuela Di , Perri Maria , Salvemini Marco 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAlternative splicing is a widely used mechanism of gene regulation in sex determination pathways of Insects. In species from orders as distant as Diptera, Hymenoptera and Coleoptera, female differentiation relies on the activities of conserved splicing regulators, TRA and TRA-2, promoting female-specific expression of the global effector doublesex (dsx). Less understood is to what extent post-translational modifications of splicing regulators plays a role in this pathway. In Drosophila melanogaster phosphorylation of TRA, TRA-2 and the general RBP1 factor by the LAMMER kinase doa (darkener of apricot) is required for proper female sex determination. To explore whether this is a general feature of the pathway we examined sex-specific differences in phosphorylation levels of SR splicing factors in the dipteran species D. melanogaster, Ceratitis capitata (Medfly) and Musca domestica (Housefly). We found a distinct and reproducible pattern of male-specific phosphorylation on protein extracts enriched for SR proteins in C. capitata suggesting that differential phosphorylation may also contribute to the regulation of sex-specific splicing in the Medfly.
Comprehensive transcriptome analysis of early male and female Bactrocera jarvisi embryos
Authors: Morrow Jennifer L , Riegler Markus , Gilchrist A Stuart , Shearman Deborah CA , Frommer Marianne 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Background
Developing embryos are provided with maternal RNA transcripts and proteins, but transcription from the zygotic nuclei must be activated to control continuing embryonic development. Transcripts are generated at different stages of early development, and those involved in sex determination and cellularisation are some of the earliest to be activated. The male sex in tephritid fruit flies is determined by the presence of a Y chromosome, and it is believed that a transcript from the Y-chromosome sets in motion a cascade that determines male development, as part of the greater maternal to zygotic transition (MTZ). Here we investigate the poly(A+) transcriptome in early male and female embryos of the horticultural pest Bactrocera jarvisi (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Results
Bactrocera jarvisi embryos were collected over two pre-blastoderm time periods, 2-3h and 3-5h after egg laying. Embryos were individually sexed using a Y-chromosome marker, allowing the sex-specific poly(A+) transcriptome of single-sex embryo pools to be deep-sequenced and assembled de novo. Transcripts for sixteen sex-determination and two cellularisation gene homologues of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) were identified in early embryos of B. jarvisi, including transcripts highly upregulated prior to cellularisation. No strong candidates for transcripts derived solely from the Y chromosome were recovered from the poly(A+) fraction.

Conclusions
Bactrocera jarvisi provides an excellent model for embryonic studies due to available Y-chromosome markers and the compact time frame for zygotic transcription and the sex-determined state. Our data contribute fundamental information to sex-determination research, and provide candidates for the sourcing of gene promoters for transgenic pest-management strategies of tephritid fruit flies.
E2F4 regulatory program predicts patient survival prognosis in breast cancer
Authors: Khaleel Sari S , Andrews Erik H , Ung Matthew , DiRenzo James , Cheng Chao 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Genetic and molecular signatures have been incorporated into cancer prognosis prediction and treatment decisions with good success over the past decade. Clinically, these signatures are usually used in early-stage cancers to evaluate whether they require adjuvant therapy following surgical resection. A molecular signature that is prognostic across more clinical contexts would be a useful addition to current signatures.

Methods
We defined a signature for the ubiquitous tissue factor, E2F4, based on its shared target genes in multiple tissues. These target genes were identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) experiments using a probabilistic method. We then computationally calculated the regulatory activity score (RAS) of E2F4 in cancer tissues, and examined how E2F4 RAS correlates with patient survival.

Results
Genes in our E2F4 signature were 21-fold more likely to be correlated with breast cancer patient survival time compared to randomly selected genes. Using eight independent breast cancer datasets containing over 1,900 unique samples, we stratified patients into low and high E2F4 RAS groups. E2F4 activity stratification was highly predictive of patient outcome, and our results remained robust even when controlling for many factors including patient age, tumor size, grade, estrogen receptor (ER) status, lymph node (LN) status, whether the patient received adjuvant therapy, and the patient’s other prognostic indices such as Adjuvant! and the Nottingham Prognostic Index scores. Furthermore, the fractions of samples with positive E2F4 RAS vary in different intrinsic breast cancer subtypes, consistent with the different survival profiles of these subtypes.

Conclusions
We defined a prognostic signature, the E2F4 regulatory activity score, and showed it to be significantly predictive of patient outcome in breast cancer regardless of treatment status and the states of many other clinicopathological variables. It can be used in conjunction with other breast cancer classification methods such as Oncotype DX to improve clinical outcome prediction.
Elucidating variations in the nucleotide sequence of Ebola virus associated with increasing pathogenicity
Authors: Dowall Stuart D , Matthews David A , García-Dorival Isabel , Taylor Irene , Kenny John , Hertz-Fowler Christiane , Hall Neil , Corbin-Lickfett Kara , Empig Cyril , Schlunegger Kyle , Barr John N , Carroll Miles W , Hewson Roger , Hiscox Julian A 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Background
Ebolaviruses cause a severe and often fatal haemorrhagic fever in humans, with some species such as Ebola virus having case fatality rates approaching 90%. Currently, the worst Ebola virus outbreak since the disease was discovered is occurring in West Africa. Although thought to be a zoonotic infection, a concern is that with increasing numbers of humans being infected, Ebola virus variants could be selected which are better adapted for human-to-human transmission.

Results
To investigate whether genetic changes in Ebola virus become established in response to adaptation in a different host, a guinea pig model of infection was used. In this experimental system, guinea pigs were infected with Ebola virus (EBOV), which initially did not cause disease. To simulate transmission to uninfected individuals, the virus was serially passaged five times in naïve animals. As the virus was passaged, virulence increased and clinical effects were observed in the guinea pig. An RNAseq and consensus mapping approach was then used to evaluate potential nucleotide changes in the Ebola virus genome at each passage.

Conclusions
Upon passage in the guinea pig model, EBOV become more virulent, RNA editing and also coding changes in key proteins become established. The data suggest that the initial evolutionary trajectory of EBOV in a new host can lead to a gain in virulence. Given the circumstances of the sustained transmission of EBOV in the current outbreak in West Africa, increases in virulence may be associated with prolonged and uncontrolled epidemics of EBOV.
Shared signatures between rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome uncovered through gene expression meta-analysis
Authors: Toro-Domínguez Daniel , Carmona-Sáez Pedro , Alarcón-Riquelme Marta E 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS) are inflammatory systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) that share several clinical and pathological features. The shared biological mechanisms are not yet fully characterized. The objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis using publicly available gene expression data about the three diseases to identify shared gene expression signatures and overlapping biological processes.

Methods
Previously reported gene expression datasets were selected and downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Normalization and initial preprocessing were performed using the statistical programming language R and random effects model–based meta-analysis was carried out using INMEX software. Functional analysis of over- and underexpressed genes was done using the GeneCodis tool.

Results
The gene expression meta-analysis revealed a SAD signature composed of 371 differentially expressed genes in patients and healthy controls, 187 of which were underexpressed and 184 overexpressed. Many of these genes have previously been reported as significant biomarkers for individual diseases, but others provide new clues to the shared pathological state. Functional analysis showed that overexpressed genes were involved mainly in immune and inflammatory responses, mitotic cell cycles, cytokine-mediated signaling pathways, apoptotic processes, type I interferon–mediated signaling pathways and responses to viruses. Underexpressed genes were involved primarily in inhibition of protein synthesis.

Conclusions
We define a common gene expression signature for SLE, RA and SjS. The analysis of this signature revealed relevant biological processes that may play important roles in the shared development of these pathologies.