bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
KIR‐HLA‐A and B alleles of the Bw4 epitope against HIV infection in discordant heterosexual couples in Chaco Argentina
Authors: Habegger de Sorrentino Alicia , Sinchi Jessica L. , Marinic Karina , López Rosana , Iliovich Ernesto 
Published: June 2013

SummaryActivating and inhibitory killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) and their ligands HLA‐Bw4 (loci A and B) were studied by way of establishing whether they can contribute to protection against HIV‐1 infection in highly exposed and persistently seronegative (HESN) patients. Twenty‐three HIV‐1 serodiscordant heterosexual couples, 100 HIV‐1+ patients and 200 healthy individuals were included in this retrospective case–control study. HLA typing was performed by means of PCR followed by sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probe reverse hybridization. KIR3DL1 and KIR3DS1 were studied by PCR sequence‐specific primers. The frequency of KIR3DS1(3DS1/3DL1)‐Bw4 combination was significantly higher in HESN patients versus the discordant couples (P = 0·0003) and HIV‐1+ patients (P = 0·0001). Conversely, the KIR3DL1/KIR3DL1 homozygosity was significantly decreased in HESN patients versus the discordant couples (P = 0·00003), and HIV‐1+ patients (P = 0·00066). The frequency of HLA‐A*32 and HLA‐B*44 was higher in HESN versus their discordant couples (P = 0·009; P = 0·049), and HIV‐1+ patients (P = 0·00002; P = 0·0001). This had greater significance in combination with KIR3DS1 (3DS1/3DL1). KIR3DS1(3DS1/3DL1) could have a greater effect on protection against HIV‐1 infection in HESN patients when bound to a specific HLA allele, in this case HLA‐A*32 and HLA‐B*44, both Bw4 alleles. The differences probably arise both in the HLA alleles and in the subtypes of KIR receptors depending on the ethnic group studied.
Challenges in pressure ulcer prevention
Authors: Dealey Carol , Brindle C. Tod , Black Joyce , Alves Paulo , Santamaria Nick , Call Evan , Clark Michael 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAlthough this article is a stand‐alone article, it sets the scene for later articles in this issue. Pressure ulcers are considered to be a largely preventable problem, and yet despite extensive training and the expenditure of a large amount of resources, they persist. This article reviews the current understanding of pressure ulcer aetiology: pressure, shear and microclimate. Individual risk factors for pressure ulceration also need to be understood in order to determine the level of risk of an individual. Such an assessment is essential to determine appropriate prevention strategies. The main prevention strategies in terms of reducing pressure and shear and managing microclimate are studied in this article. The problem of pressure ulceration related to medical devices is also considered as most of the standard prevention strategies are not effective in preventing this type of damage. Finally, the possibility of using dressings as an additional preventive strategy is raised along with the question: is there enough evidence to support their use?
The effect of alternating and biphasic currents on humans' wound healing: a literature review
Authors: Martínez‐Rodríguez Alicia , Bello Olalla , Fraiz Manuel , Martinez‐Bustelo Sandra 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAlthough different types of currents, including bidirectional currents, have been used to promote healing, there is neither a summary about their effects nor consensus on best parameters to be used. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of current evidence on the effectiveness of bidirectional electrical stimulation on wound healing in accordance with the parameters used. Relevant articles were selected following a search of Medline, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, and PEDro for English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, or French articles published between 1980 and 2011. Ten trials and four case‐series were found that deal with pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, skin flaps, and amputation. Eight trials were of low‐quality. Five of ten controlled trials found a statistically significant difference on wound healing, and another four trials found positive trends. Both of the two skin flap trials, one of two diabetic trials, and two of five pressure ulcer trials found a significant difference in bidirectional stimulated groups. Both TENS and NMES types of currents were used, but many parameters were not specified. In general, bidirectional currents appear to increase wound healing rates and reduce size of wounds, above all in skin flaps. However, there is a lack of well‐designed studies on biphasic and alternating stimulation, and there is a need for improvement in description of parameters and in uniformity of nomenclature.
Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment of Vascular Lesions in Children
Authors: GERONEMUS ROY G. 
Published: June 2013

background. The flashlamp‐pumped pulsed dye laser (577, 585 nm) with 300 to 450 μsecond pulsewidths has been demonstrated to effectively and safely treat portwine stains, telangiectases, and superficial hemangiomas in children.objective. The objective of this manuscript is to review the indications of the pulsed dye laser in the treatment of vascular lesions in children.conclusion. Pulsed dye laser treatment of port‐wine stains can remove or lighten the lesions with multiple treatment sessions. Spider telangiectases respond with complete resolution, usually within one to two treatment sessions. Superficial hemangiomas respond quite easily and effectively with the pulsed dye laser, while a more variable response is noted in deeper hemangiomas, early proliferative lesions, and ulcerated hemangiomas. This procedure is safe with a low incidence of scarring and pigmentary alteration.
Benign Pigmented Lesions of the Skin
Authors: GOLDBERG DAVID J. 
Published: June 2013

background. The Q‐switched ruby laser is a 694 nanometer (red light) pulsed (20–40 nsecond) laser that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of cutaneous pigmented lesions.objective. This article will review my experience in the use of the Q‐switched ruby laser to treat a wide gamut of epidermal and dermal pigmented lesions.results. The Q‐switched ruby laser is highly effective in treating epidermal pigmented lesions and can be efficacious in the treatment of some dermal pigmented lesions.conclusion. The Q‐switched ruby laser is an effective addition to the cutaneous laser armamentarium.
Historical Groundwater Trends in Northern New England and Relations with Streamflow and Climatic Variables
Authors: Dudley Robert W. , Hodgkins Glenn A. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWater‐level trends spanning 20, 30, 40, and 50 years were tested using month‐end groundwater levels in 26, 12, 10, and 3 wells in northern New England (Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont), respectively. Groundwater levels for 77 wells were used in interannual correlations with meteorological and hydrologic variables related to groundwater. Trends in the contemporary groundwater record (20 and 30 years) indicate increases (rises) or no substantial change in groundwater levels in all months for most wells throughout northern New England. The highest percentage of increasing 20‐year trends was in February through March, May through August, and October through November. Forty‐year trend results were mixed, whereas 50‐year trends indicated increasing groundwater levels. Whereas most monthly groundwater levels correlate strongly with the previous month's level, monthly levels also correlate strongly with monthly streamflows in the same month; correlations of levels with monthly precipitation are less frequent and weaker than those with streamflow. Groundwater levels in May through August correlate strongly with annual (water year) streamflow. Correlations of groundwater levels with streamflow data and the relative richness of 50‐ to 100‐year historical streamflow data suggest useful proxies for quantifying historical groundwater levels in light of the relatively short and fragmented groundwater data records presently available.
Combining palaeodistribution modelling and phylogeographical approaches for identifying glacial refugia in Alpine Primula
Authors: Schorr Gertrud , Pearman Peter B. , Guisan Antoine , Kadereit Joachim W. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimWe investigated the late Quaternary history of two closely related and partly sympatric species of Primula from the south‐western European Alps, P. marginata Curtis and P. latifolia Lapeyr., by combining phylogeographical and palaeodistribution modelling approaches. In particular, we were interested in whether the two approaches were congruent and identified the same glacial refugia.LocationSouth‐western European Alps.MethodsFor the phylogeographical analysis we included 352 individuals from 28 populations of P. marginata and 172 individuals from 15 populations of P. latifolia and used amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). For palaeodistribution modelling, species distribution models (SDMs) were based on extant species occurrences and then projected to climate models (CCSM, MIROC) of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), c. 21 ka.ResultsThe locations of the modelled LGM refugia were supported by various indices of genetic variation. The refugia of the two species were largely geographically isolated, overlapping only 6–11% of the species' total LGM distribution. This overlap decreased when the position of the glacial ice sheet and the differential elevational and edaphic distributions of the two species were considered.Main conclusionsThe combination of phylogeography and palaeodistribution modelling proved useful in locating putative glacial refugia of the two alpine species of Primula. The phylogeographical data allowed us to identify those parts of the modelled LGM refugial area that were likely source areas for recolonization. The use of SDMs predicted LGM refugial areas substantially larger and geographically more divergent than could have been predicted by phylogeographical data alone.
Fossil evidence for seasonal calving and migration of extinct blue antelope (Hippotragus leucophaeus) in southern Africa
Authors: Tyler Faith J. , Thompson Jessica C. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimPalaeoecological data are crucial to understanding the historical extinction of the blue antelope (Hippotragus leucophaeus). This study examined late Quaternary fossil evidence bearing on the blue antelope's calving and migratory habits.LocationCape Floristic Region (CFR), South Africa.MethodsBlue antelope mortality patterns were reconstructed from dental remains from fossil assemblages spanning the last c. 200,000 years and located in the CFR's winter and year‐round rainfall zones. Two demographic measures were examined: (1) the frequencies of juveniles relative to adults; and (2) the frequencies of neonates relative to older juveniles. Geographical trends were examined across a longitudinal gradient of decreasing winter rainfall and increasing summer rainfall.ResultsThere was a significant longitudinal trend in the blue antelope mortality data, with juveniles and neonates declining in frequency from west to east. This suggests that calving occurred primarily in the winter rainfall zone, probably during the winter months when seasonal rains promoted the growth of C3 grasses. The summer drought and lack of adequate forage forced blue antelope to migrate east, in time with summer rainfall and the increased availability of C4 grasses. The migration route probably depended in part on reduced sea levels during glacial phases of the Pleistocene.Main conclusionsBlue antelope were probably migratory. Rising sea levels at the onset of the Holocene disrupted their migration routes, limited access to west‐coast calving grounds, and fragmented populations. Such disruption would have devastated the blue antelope population and contributed to its vulnerability to extinction. Blue antelope survived previous marine transgressions, however, suggesting that other factors played a role in its demise. Agricultural expansion early in the colonial era may have further disrupted migration routes and played an important role in its extinction.
Efficacy of adalimumab across subgroups of patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic plaque psoriasis of the hands and/or feet: post hoc analysis of REACH
Authors: Poulin Y. , Crowley J.J. , Langley R.G. , Unnebrink K. , Goldblum O.M. , Valdecantos W.C. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe Randomized Controlled Evaluation of Adalimumab in Treatment of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis of the Hands and Feet (REACH) trial demonstrated that adalimumab was efficacious and well‐tolerated for the treatment of hand and/or foot psoriasis through 28 weeks.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of patient baseline characteristics on efficacy of adalimumab treatment of hand and/or foot psoriasis.MethodsPatients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic plaque psoriasis of the hands and/or feet were randomized 2 : 1 to adalimumab or placebo during the 16 week, double‐blind period of REACH. Primary endpoint was percentage of patients achieving Physician's Global Assessment of the hands and/or feet of clear/almost clear at week 16. Post hoc analyses evaluated effects of baseline patient characteristics on the primary endpoint. Patients with nail psoriasis at baseline were assessed for association of Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) 50 response with efficacy outcomes at week 16.ResultsSeventy‐two patients (49 adalimumab : 23 placebo) were analysed. Greater percentages of adalimumab‐treated patients achieved the primary endpoint vs. placebo across all subgroups. Among 31 patients with nail psoriasis, a greater percentage of adalimumab‐treated patients achieved NAPSI 50 (56.5%) vs. placebo (12.5%) at week 16. In adalimumab‐treated patients, greater percentages of NAPSI 50 Responders vs. Non‐responders achieved the primary endpoint, and had greater improvements in erythema, scaling, induration and fissuring, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and pain scores.ConclusionsAdalimumab was efficacious in treating chronic plaque psoriasis of the hands and/or feet over 16 weeks, regardless of baseline characteristics. Marked improvement in nail psoriasis among adalimumab‐treated patients correlated with significant improvements in skin disease and patient‐reported outcomes.
Russian Wheat Aphid, Diuraphis noxia in the Czech Republic – cause of the significant population decrease
Authors: Havelka J. , Žurovcová M. , Rychlý S. , Starý P. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractDiuraphis noxia is a newly established alien pest in the Czech Republic. There were two population explosions during the period 1993–2012. A successful overwintering of the anholocyclic populations of D. noxia was the cause of a population explosion in the oncoming growth season. Viviparous parthenogenetic females of the anholocyclic populations and diapausing eggs of holocyclic populations could overwinter at the same time. Analysis of the course of winter temperatures showed that a complete winter mortality of anholocyclic populations depended mainly on the duration of the freezing period, when temperature dropped below −5°C, and on the intensity of the frost. We proposed the cumulative effective freeze (in minus degree days) as a key parameter for the aphid anholocyclic population's mortality during overwintering. This parameter equalled −10.1 degree days for relatively warm winter period 2006–2007, whereas in the relatively cold winter period of 2009–2010, this parameter reached −87.1 DD, which caused complete mortality of anholocyclic populations. A cumulative effective freeze could be used for short‐time prognosis of D. noxia population explosion.
Hypoadiponectinaemia in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease obese women is associated with infrequent intake of dietary sucrose and fatty foods
Authors: Magalhães G. C. B. , Feitoza F. M. , Moreira S. B. , Carmo A. V. , Souto F. J. D. , Reis S. R. L. , Martins M. S. F. , Gomes da Silva M. H. G. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to investigate the relationship between adiponectinaemia and food intake among obese women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsIn total, 60 obese women were examined by abdominal ultrasound for liver steatosis and subcutaneous and visceral adiposity. A standard interview (including questions about alcohol intake, medical history and physical activity), a physical examination (including height, weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and body composition) and biochemical and clinical parameters (including serum glucose and insulin, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance, lipid profile, aminotransferases, C‐reactive protein, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 levels and blood pressure) were performed. Food intake was evaluated by a qualitative food frequency questionnaire.ResultsTwenty‐four NAFLD patients and thirty‐six controls were analysed. The Mann–Whitney test showed lower adiponectin levels in the liver disease group compared to controls (P < 0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated that adiponectinaemia was negatively correlated with lipid profile and serum tumour necrosis factor‐α (P = 0.05) and was positively associated with adiposity measures and serum leptin (P < 0.05). By simple linear regression, all of these variables predicted serum adiponectin levels. Chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests indicated that, in both groups, food intake showed no differences, although sucrose and fatty foods were associated with lower adiponectin levels in the liver disease group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively), as well as in the control group (P = 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively).ConclusionsHypoadiponectinaemia in NAFLD was associated with dietary sucrose and fatty food intake, emphasising the important role of diet in the occurrence of this disease.
A Mediterranean diet improves HbA1c but not fasting blood glucose compared to alternative dietary strategies: a network meta‐analysis
Authors: Carter P. , Achana F. , Troughton J. , Gray L. J. , Khunti K. , Davies M. J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundOverweight or obese individuals with type 2 diabetes are encouraged to lose weight for optimal glucose management, yet many find this difficult. Determining whether alterations in dietary patterns irrespective of weight loss can aid glucose control has not been fully investigated.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis aiming to determine the effects of a Mediterranean diet compared to other dietary interventions on glycaemic control irrespective of weight loss. Electronic databases were searched for controlled trials that included a Mediterranean diet intervention. The interventions included all major components of the Mediterranean diet and were carried out in free‐living individuals at high risk or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Network meta‐analysis compared all interventions with one another at the same time as maintaining randomisation. Analyses were conducted within a Bayesian framework.ResultsEight studies met the inclusion criteria, seven examined fasting blood glucose (n = 972), six examined fasting insulin (n = 1330) and three examined HbA1c (n = 487). None of the interventions were significantly better than the others in lowering glucose parameters. The Mediterranean diet reduced HbA1c significantly compared to usual care but not compared to the Palaeolithic diet.ConclusionsThe effect of alterations in dietary practice irrespective of weight loss on glycaemic control cannot be concluded from the present review. The need for further research in this area is apparent because no firm conclusions about relative effectiveness of interventions could be drawn as a result of the paucity of the evidence.
Quantification of fly ash in hydrated, blended Portland cement pastes by backscattered electron imaging
Authors: DESCHNER F. , MÜNCH B. , WINNEFELD F. , LOTHENBACH B. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryAn automated image analysis procedure for the segmentation of anhydrous fly ash from backscattered electron images of hydrated, fly ash blended Portland cement paste is presented. A total of six hundred backscattered electron images per sample are acquired at a magnification of 2000. Characteristic features of fly ash particles concerning grey level, shape and texture were used to segment anhydrous fly ash by a combination of grey level filtering, grey level segmentation and morphological filtering techniques. The thresholds for the grey level segmentation are determined for each sample by semiautomatic histogram analysis of the full image stack of each sample. The analysis of the presented dataset reveals a standard deviation of the reaction degree of fly ash of up to 4.3%. The results agree with a selective dissolution method to quantify the reaction degree of fly ash showing the potential of the presented image analysis procedure.
Molecular targets underlying SUMO‐mediated neuroprotection in brain ischemia
Authors: Silveirinha Vasco , Stephens Gary J. , Cimarosti Helena 
Published: June 2013

AbstractSUMOylation (small ubiquitin‐like modifier conjugation) is an important post‐translational modification which is becoming increasingly implicated in the altered protein dynamics associated with brain ischemia. The function of SUMOylation in cells undergoing ischemic stress and the identity of small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) targets remain in most cases unknown. However, the emerging consensus is that SUMOylation of certain proteins might be part of an endogenous neuroprotective response. This review brings together the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms and downstream effects of SUMOylation in brain ischemia, including processes such as autophagy, mitophagy and oxidative stress. We focus on recent advances and controversies regarding key central nervous system proteins, including those associated with the nucleus, cytoplasm and plasma membrane, such as glucose transporters (GLUT1, GLUT4), excitatory amino acid transporter 2 glutamate transporters, K+ channels (K2P1, Kv1.5, Kv2.1), GluK2 kainate receptors, mGluR8 glutamate receptors and CB1 cannabinoid receptors, which are reported to be SUMO‐modified. A discussion of the roles of these molecular targets for SUMOylation could play following an ischemic event, particularly with respect to their potential neuroprotective impact in brain ischemia, is proposed.
Cortical GluK1 kainate receptors modulate scratching in adult mice
Authors: Descalzi Giannina , Chen Tao , Koga Kohei , Li Xiang‐Yao , Yamada Kaori , Zhuo Min 
Published: June 2013

AbstractRecent investigations into the mechanisms mediating itch transmission have focused on spinal mechanisms, whereas few studies have investigated the role of the cerebral cortex in itch‐related behaviors. Human imaging studies show that several cortical regions are active in correspondence with itch, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). We present here evidence of cortical modulation of pruritogen‐induced scratching behavior. We combine pharmacological, genetic, and electrophysiological approaches to show that cortical GluK1‐containing kainate (KA) receptors are involved in scratching induced by histamine and non‐histamine‐dependent itching stimuli. We further show that scratching corresponds with enhanced excitatory transmission in the ACC through KA receptor modulation of inhibitory circuitry. In addition, we found that inhibiting GluK1‐containing KA receptors in the ACC also reduced behavioral nociceptive responses induced by formalin. Our results reveal a new role of the cortex in pruritogen‐induced scratching.
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Cortical contribution to pruritogen‐induced scratching is shown in an animal model. Through a combination of pharmacological, genetic, and electrophysiological data, we show that cortical GluK1‐containing kainate receptors (KAR) are involved in pruritogen‐induced scratching. Peripheral application of itching stimuli activates excitatory afferents projecting to ACC layer II/III pyramidal neurons, initiating presynaptic glutamate (Glu) release which activates postsynaptic AMPA receptors. Simultaneously, presynaptic Glu activates presynaptic KAR located on inhibitory neurons, thereby modulating evoked GABA release and affecting the attenuation of the postsynaptic response.