bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of cardiac melusin gene expression by hypertrophic stimuli in the rat
Authors: Aro J. , Tokola H. , Ronkainen V‐P. , Koivisto E. , Tenhunen O. , Ilves M. , Szokodi I. , Ruskoaho H. , Rysä J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimMelusin is an integrin β1‐interacting protein proposed to act as a biomechanical sensor in the heart. We characterized mechanisms and signalling pathways regulating cardiac melusin expression.MethodsInfusion of arginine8‐vasopressin (AVP) in Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and double transgenic rats (dTGR) harbouring both human angiotensinogen and renin genes as well as infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II) in SD rats were used. The effect of direct left ventricular (LV) wall stretch was analysed by using isolated perfused rat heart preparation. For the cell culture studies, mouse atrial HL‐1 cell line and neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) were used.ResultsLeft atrial melusin mRNA levels increased already after 30 min of AVP infusion. Ang II caused significant upregulation of left atrial melusin mRNA (2.1‐fold at 6 h, P < 0.05) and protein (1.9‐fold at 72 h, P < 0.05) levels. In contrast, LV melusin mRNA levels remained unchanged in response to both infusions, as well as to aortic banding‐induced pressure overload. Direct LV wall stress or late‐stage hypertensive heart disease did not modify LV melusin gene expression either. Interestingly, in atrial HL‐1 cells, cyclic stretching increased melusin mRNA levels. Stretching and treatments with hypertrophic agonists increased melusin mRNA and protein levels in NRVMs, endothelin‐1 being the most potent. PD98059, an extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase 1/2 inhibitor, markedly attenuated the endothelin‐1‐induced upregulation of melusin gene expression in NRVMs.ConclusionMultiple hypertrophic stimuli regulate melusin expression predominately in the atria, which may represent a necessary initial step in early adaptive remodelling processes.
A U‐Shaped Relation Between Sitting Ability and Upright Face Processing in Infants
Authors: Cashon Cara H. , Ha Oh‐Ryeong , Allen Casey L. , Barna Amelia Cevelle 
Published: November 2012

A growing body of research indicates connections exist between action, perception, and cognition in infants. In this study, associated changes between sitting ability and upright face processing were tested in 111 infants. Using the visual habituation “switch” task (C. H. Cashon & L. B. Cohen, 2004; L. B. Cohen & C. H. Cashon, 2001), holistic processing of faces was assessed in same‐aged non‐ and near sitters (22–25 weeks) and same‐aged new and expert sitters (27–32 weeks). U‐shaped relation was found between sitting stage and holistic face processing such that only nonsitters and expert sitters processed faces holistically. It is posited that the results are due to a reorganization of the upright face‐processing system resulting from infants' learning to sit independently and trying to incorporate the meaning of upright faces.
Antabuse's diamond anniversary: Still sparkling on?
Authors: Ellis Pete M. , Dronsfield Alan T. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSeventy‐five years after its first medical use was described, disulfiram's place in treatment is being favourably re‐evaluated. This paper reviews its discovery and subsequent development. [Ellis PM, Dronsfield AT. Antabuse's diamond anniversary: Still sparkling on? Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:342–344]
How do weather extremes affect rice productivity in a changing climate? An answer to episodic lack of sunshine
Authors: Choi Woo‐Jung , Lee Myoung‐Seok , Choi Jae‐Eul , Yoon Sanghoo , Kim Han‐Yong 
Published: November 2012

AbstractHere, we experimentally examined how an episodic lack of sunshine (ELS), as an extreme weather event, would affect rice productivity under warming with elevated [CO2]. In 2009 and 2010, rice plants were grown at two levels of [CO2] (ca. 390 and 650 μl l−1) and three levels of warming (≈ambient, +1.2 °C, and +2.2/2.4 °C) in six independent temperature gradient field chambers (three each for ambient and elevated [CO2]). At panicle initiation (PI), booting (BT), or flowering (FL), rice plants were exposed to ELS (ca. 18% of full sunlight) for 10–14 days consecutively. As expected, ELS elicited a significant reduction in aboveground biomass (AGB) and yields. However, elevated [CO2] had the potential to relieve the ELS‐induced reduction in AGB and yield, whereas warming had the reverse effect for yields, without a significant warming × [CO2] interaction. When ELS applied at PI, BT, and FL, the extents to which warming‐reduced yields (averaged across [CO2] levels) ranged from 9 to 25%, 7 to 14, and 10 to 18% at +1.2 °C, and ranged from 24 to 56%, 22 to 55%, and 18 to 46% at +2.2/2.4 °C across two seasons, respectively. Meanwhile, under normal sunshine they ranged from 1 to 3% at +1.2 °C and 7 to 21% at +2.2/2.4 °C. Warming predisposed rice plants that had experienced ELS to be more sensitive to spikelet sterility and spikelet number per panicle, accounting for most of the yield reductions. These findings provide evidence that an expected warming could further exacerbate rice productivity if ELS occurs simultaneously during reproductive stages. Our results collectively suggest that it might be critically important to consider extreme events for a holistic evaluation of the potential impact of warming and [CO2] on crop productivity, when considering changing climate.
Factors affecting the formation of membranous substances in the palates of elderly persons requiring nursing care
Authors: Kawase Yuka , Ogasawara Tadashi , Kawase Soichiro , Wakimoto Nina , Matsuo Koichiro , Shen Fa‐Chih , Hasegawa Hiromasa , Kakinoki Yasuaki 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the causative factor behind the formation of membranous substances in the mouths of elderly patients requiring nursing care.BackgroundMembranous substances are sometimes observed in the mouths of elderly persons requiring nursing care, and these can lead to bleeding, infection and asphyxiation.Materials and methodsIn April 2007, samples were collected from 70 patients at C Hospital, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, who were 65 years or older (median age, 81.1 ± 7.7 years). Sixteen of the subjects were confirmed to have a membranous substance containing a keratin degeneration product that had been derived from stratified squamous epithelium. The samples were examined microscopically, and the presence of epithelial components was confirmed through immunohistochemical staining with anti‐cytokeratin‐1 antibodies.ResultsDecision tree analysis and logistic regression suggest that the leading contributors to the formation of the membranous substances were the method of ingesting nutrients, dryness of the tongue dorsum and open mouth. These three factors are related to elderly persons requiring nursing care with impaired oral cavity function, and it was suggested that dryness of the oral mucosa was the major factor behind the membrane formation.
Evaluation of Tibial Torsion in Yorkshire Terriers with and without Medial Patellar Luxation
Authors: Fitzpatrick Courtney L. , Krotscheck Ursula , Thompson Margret S. , Todhunter Rory J. , Zhang Zhiwu 
Published: November 2012

ObjectiveTo determine if medial patellar luxation (MPL) in Yorkshire Terriers is associated with tibial torsion.Study DesignProspective cross‐sectional study.AnimalsYorkshire Terriers (n = 30; 60 tibiae).MethodsEach MPL was graded using a categorical grading scheme. Computed tomography of the tibiae was performed and tibial torsion angle (TTA) was assessed. MPL grade was analyzed with a general linear model where the independent variables include sex, neutering status, age, weight, and TTA.ResultsFactors that had collective impact on MPL grade were TTA, age, and weight squared. As MPL grade increased, TTA decreased by 0.05° and age increased by 0.13 years. As weight increased, MPL decreased. There was no effect (P > .05) from scorers, side, and neutering status.ConclusionBody weight squared, TTA, and age affect MPL grade, suggesting that a torsional deformity may contribute to the development of MPL in Yorkshire terriers along with weight and age.
Effect of Zirconia Concentration on the Growth of Nanowires in Bioactive Glass–Ceramic Coatings
Authors: Rabiee Sayed M. , Azizian Misaq 
Published: November 2012

Bioactive glass–ceramic with various zirconia concentrations was applied on stainless steel (SS) by the sol–gel method. Bioactive glass powder was prepared by the sol–gel method, and thermal properties of the prepared powders were studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA). The effects of zirconia were investigated to explore the growth of nanowires. The growth model of nanowires, in this study, is proposed in terms of the surface diffusion. The coatings showed the hardness values to be in the range of 3000–4500 MPa. The hardness values of prepared composite coatings increased with an increase in zirconia amounts.
The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene and erectile dysfunction risk: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang T. , Li W. L. , He X. F. , Wu Z. Y. , Liu L. H. , He S. H. , Wei A. Y. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryErectile dysfunction (ED) is increasingly recognized as a public health problem. Several studies have reported the influence of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene on ED susceptibility, but the results remain controversial. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta‐analysis was conducted using data published previously by other groups. A total of six case‐control studies, including 1039 cases and 927 controls, were selected. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by comparing the carriers of D‐allele with the wild homozygotes (ID + DD vs. II). Comparisons of other genetic models were also performed (ID + II vs. DD, DD vs. II, DI vs. II and D vs. I). In the overall analysis, no significant association between the polymorphism and ED risk was observed (OR=1.07, 95% CI = 0.84 − 1.37, p = 0.575 for ID + DD vs. II). In the subgroup analysis by ethnic, no significant association was detected among Asian, Latino and European for the comparison of ID + DD vs. II (Asian: OR=1.27, 95% CI = 0.89 − 1.81; Latino: OR=0.76, 95% CI = 0.46 − 1.27; European: OR=1.06, 95% CI = 0.67 − 1.66). Results from other comparative genetic models also indicated the lack of associations between this polymorphism and ED risk. In conclusion, this meta‐analysis indicates that the ACE I/D polymorphism might not contribute to the risk of ED.
Sexual bother and function after radical prostatectomy: predictors of sexual bother recovery in men despite persistent post‐operative sexual dysfunction
Authors: Kimura M. , Bañez L. L. , Polascik T. J. , Bernal R. M. , Gerber L. , Robertson C. N. , Donatucci C. F. , Moul J. W. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryChanges in sexual bother (SB) following radical prostatectomy (RP) negatively affect health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of prostate cancer survivors. However, post‐operative SB tends to be neglected whereas sexual function (SF) is thoroughly assessed in clinical practice and few studies have focused on and evaluated patients’ SB. We retrospectively reviewed 2 345 consecutive patients who underwent RP between 2001 and 2009 at a single institution. SF and SB were assessed using Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaires. We stratified our cohort by SB recovery and post‐operative SF status, including a subset of men who recovered SB despite persistent post‐RP sexual dysfunction. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors for men who have SB recovery. Of 319 eligible patients, 133 (41.7%) recovered their SB at a mean of 20 months after RP. Among the 133 men who demonstrated SB recovery, 109 had post‐operative sexual dysfunction. Patients with SB recovery despite post‐RP sexual dysfunction were more likely to be old (p = 0.004), to have higher clinical T stage (p < 0.001), to have more non‐nerve‐sparing RP (p < 0.001), to have lower pre‐operative EPIC‐SF/SB scores (p < 0.001), to have more extracapsular extension (p = 0.031) and to be PDE5i non‐users after surgery (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, predictors for this subset were lower comorbidity (OR 0.62, p = 0.043), higher clinical cancer stage (OR 2.35, p = 0.026), worse pre‐operative SF (OR 0.98, p = 0.010), SB (OR 0.98, p < 0.010) and no PDE5i use (OR 0.37, p = 0.002); age was not related (OR 0.99, p = 0.555). As SB can influence patients’ overall HRQoL, expectations of SB recovery should be provided to patients in the same way that SF recovery is presented. This study may help clinicians to discuss SB with patients and assess their potential for SB recovery following RP.
Keeping Score for Causal Claims: Causal Contextualism applied to a Medical Case
Authors: Maslen Cei 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis article investigates how Causal Contextualism applies in a medical context. It is shown how the correct interpretation of some medical causal claims depends on relevant alternatives and then argued that these relevant alternatives are determined by standards of practice and practical limitations (of equipment, personnel, expertise, cost), amongst other factors. Causal Contextualism has recently been defended by a number of philosophers; however details of the relevant factors determining content in different contexts have been lacking. It seems to me that establishing such details of Causal Contextualism goes a long way towards making the view plausible, and is also necessary for discovering some important consequences of Causal Contextualism.
Maternal and family characteristics associated with the Healthy Eating Index among low socioeconomic status Brazilian children
Authors: Rauber F. , da Costa Louzada M. L. , Feldens C. A. , Vitolo M. R. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe assessment of the factors that influence children's diets is important for supporting the development of public health policies for the prevention of diet‐related diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the diet quality of preschoolers by using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and to identify maternal and family characteristics associated with this score and its components.MethodsThe present study comprised a cohort study conducted with 345 low socioeconomic status children from São Leopoldo in southern Brazil aged 6 months and 3–4 years old. Dietary data were collected through 24‐h recalls and diet quality was evaluated according to the HEI.ResultsThe mean (SD) total HEI score was 65.7 (11.2). Only 9.6% (n = 33) of the children had a good diet. No significant association was detected between the overall diet quality of children and the characteristics. The prevalence of children who achieved the 75th percentile of the scores for grains [prevalence ratio (PR) = 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.43–0.98] and total fat (PR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.69–0.93) was lower among children whose families had higher incomes, whereas the prevalence for grains was lower in those whose fathers were employed (PR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.34–0.81). The prevalence for diet variety (PR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.01–2.05) and milk (P = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.04–1.35) was higher and for total fat (PR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.70–0.98) and saturated fat (PR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.59–0.98) was lower among children whose mothers had higher levels of education.ConclusionsThe total HEI score in these children indicates that compliance with dietary guidelines is generally poor. Although the overall diet quality did not show variation across maternal and family characteristics, some components of the diet were affected by these features.
15‐Deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2) protects neurons from oxidative death via an Nrf2 astrocyte‐specific mechanism independent of PPARγ
Authors: Haskew‐Layton Renée E. , Payappilly Jimmy B. , Xu Hongbin , Bennett Steffany A. L. , Ratan Rajiv R. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAstrocytes are critical for the antioxidant support of neurons. Recently, we demonstrated that low level hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) facilitates astrocyte‐dependent neuroprotection independent of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2, leaving the identity of the endogenous astrocytic Nrf2 activator to question. In this study, we show that an endogenous electrophile, 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2), non‐cell autonomously protects neurons from death induced by depletion of the major antioxidant glutathione. Nrf2 knockdown in astrocytes abrogated 15d‐PGJ2's neuroprotective effect as well as 15d‐PGJ2 facilitated Nrf2‐target gene induction. In contrast, knockdown of the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator activated‐receptor gamma (PPARγ), a well‐characterized 15d‐PGJ2 target, did not alter 15d‐PGJ2 non‐cell autonomous neuroprotection. In addition, several PPARγ agonists of the thiazolidinedione (TZD) family failed to induce neuroprotection. Unexpectedly, however, the TZD troglitazone (which contains a chromanol moiety found on vitamin E) induced astrocyte‐mediated neuroprotection, an effect which was mimicked by the vitamin E analogs alpha‐tocopherol or alpha‐tocotrienol. Our findings lead to two important conclusions: (i) 15d‐PGJ2 induces astrocyte‐mediated neuroprotection via an Nrf2 but not PPARγ mediated pathway, suggesting that 15d‐PGJ2 is a candidate endogenous modulator of Nrf2 protective pathways in astrocytes; (ii) selective astrocyte treatment with analogs or compounds containing the chromanol moiety of vitamin E facilitates non‐cell autonomous neuroprotection.
Food allergy and anaphylaxis in pediatrics: update 2010‐2012
Authors: Santos Alexandra F. , Lack Gideon 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis review highlights the progress made in food allergy (FA) and anaphylaxis research in pediatrics published in the journal Pediatric Allergy and Immunology since 2010. Putative risk factors for FA are as follows: a family history of allergic disease, particularly in the mother, low birth order, season of birth, and severe atopic eczema. Obstetric practices, antibiotic use, and home environment are factors deserving further research. Diagnostic decision levels and component‐specific IgE are useful in the diagnosis of FA; however, oral food challenges remain the gold standard and may also be a means to reduce parental anxiety and to improve education. Oral immunotherapy studies show promise in increasing the threshold of reactivity of allergic patients and therefore improving their quality of life. In single‐nut‐allergic patients, introduction of other nuts allows broadening the diet and thus reducing the psychological impact of allergen avoidance. Nutritional deficiencies are not uncommon in food‐allergic children and should be specifically assessed. The prescription of injectable adrenaline is still insufficient and not consistent among practitioners, requiring improved training and implementation of guidelines. Current research into the epidemiology and immunological mechanisms of FA and tolerance will enable us to devise strategies to both prevent and treat food allergies.
Lack of the Associations of the Polymorphisms in IGF2, MC4R and GNAS Genes with Reproduction Traits in Pigs and Imprinting Analysis of IGF2 Gene in Ovary and Cornus Uteri
Authors: Oczkowicz M , Mucha A , Tyra M , Ropka‐Molik K , Piórkowska K 
Published: November 2012

ContentsIn recent years, intensive attention has been put on improving reproductive performance of pigs. Several experiments aimed to identify markers associated with prolificacy, but this issue still remains open. In our study, we investigated associations between polymorphisms in IGF2, GNAS and MC4R genes with reproductive traits of Polish Landrace and Large White pigs. We did not find any significant associations for g. GNAS314T > 324C, IGF2 intron3‐g.3072G > A or g. MC4R 1426G > A in Polish Landrace and Large White pigs. In the case of IGF2 intron3‐g.3072G > A, this information is of great importance, because this marker is widely implemented in pigs breeding and previous experiments suggested its role in prolificacy of pigs. We also investigated expression of IGF2 gene and showed that this gene is monoallelically expressed in reproductive organs (ovary and cornus uteri).
Adherence to miltefosine treatment for visceral leishmaniasis under routine conditions in Nepal
Authors: Uranw Surendra , Ostyn Bart , Dorlo Thomas P.C. , Hasker Epco , Dujardin Bruno , Dujardin Jean‐Claude , Rijal Suman , Boelaert Marleen 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess patient adherence to unsupervised single‐drug miltefosine treatment for visceral leishmaniasis and to identify the factors influencing adherence.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study of 171 patients with Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in three healthcare settings in Nepal. Adherence was assessed through pill count, checking of treatment cards and adherence questionnaires, as well as miltefosine concentration measurements at the end of treatment. Poor adherence was defined as less than 90% of required capsules taken.ResultsPatient adherence to miltefosine was 83%. Predictors of adherence were being the male sex (OR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.02–6.67) and knowing the duration of treatment (OR = 3.05, 95% CI 1.16–8.04). Adherence was also better for patients who were literate and knew the side effects of treatment. Gastrointestinal side effects and negligence after the resolution of clinical symptoms of VL were the main reasons for poor adherence. Poor adherence was associated (though not statistically significant) with future relapse.ConclusionEffective counselling during the treatment, a short take‐home message on VL and on side effects and action of miltefosine, and follow‐up visits are the best way to prevent poor adherence. Single end‐of‐treatment measurements of miltefosine concentrations as objective assessment of adherence would only be useful in addition to the subjective assessments when substantial doses of miltefosine have been missed.
Tuberculosis and the risk of opportunistic infections and cancers in HIV‐infected patients starting ART in Southern Africa
Authors: Fenner Lukas , Reid Stewart E. , Fox Matthew P. , Garone Daniela , Wellington Maureen , Prozesky Hans , Zwahlen Marcel , Schomaker Michael , Wandeler Gilles , Kancheya Nzali , Boulle Andrew , Wood Robin , Henostroza German , Egger Matthias ,   IeDEA Southern Africa
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the incidence of selected opportunistic infections (OIs) and cancers and the role of a history of tuberculosis (TB) as a risk factor for developing these conditions in HIV‐infected patients starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Southern Africa.MethodsFive ART programmes from Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa participated. Outcomes were extrapulmonary cryptococcal disease (CM), pneumonia due to Pneumocystis jirovecii (PCP), Kaposi's sarcoma and Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. A history of TB was defined as a TB diagnosis before or at the start of ART. We used Cox models adjusted for age, sex, CD4 cell count at ART start and treatment site, presenting results as adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsWe analysed data from 175 212 patients enrolled between 2000 and 2010 and identified 702 patients with incident CM (including 205 with a TB history) and 487 with incident PCP (including 179 with a TB history). The incidence per 100 person‐years over the first year of ART was 0.48 (95% CI 0.44–0.52) for CM, 0.35 (95% CI 0.32–0.38) for PCP, 0.31 (95% CI 0.29–0.35) for Kaposi's sarcoma and 0.02 (95% CI 0.01–0.03) for Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. A history of TB was associated with cryptococcal disease (aHR 1.28, 95% CI 1.05–1.55) and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (aHR 1.61, 95% CI 1.27–2.04), but not with Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (aHR 1.09, 95% CI 0.45–2.65) or Kaposi's sarcoma (aHR 1.02, 95% CI 0.81–1.27).ConclusionsOur study suggests that there may be interactions between different OIs in HIV‐infected patients.