bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The −2T/C polymorphism in the adrenocorticotropin receptor gene affects stress perception of patients with alopecia areata
Authors: Guo Hong‐Wei , Guo Hong , Li Ke‐Shen , Wu Jiang , Yang Shao‐Yan , Liu Bao‐Heng , Hao Fei , Bai Yun 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundAltered hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis response involved in the pathogenesis of stress‐associated alopecia areata (AA) has been reported. A novel polymorphism −2T>C of the adrenocorticotropin receptor (ACTHR) can result in an insufficient HPA response to stress; therefore, the functional polymorphism may underlie a role in stress‐associated AA.ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between psychosocial factors and the risk of developing AA and to detect the association between the −2T>C polymorphism of ACTHR and AA.MethodsStressful situations were evaluated using Holmes and Rahe's social readjustment rating scale. The ACTHR −2T>C polymorphism was examined in 263 patients with AA and 241 controls.ResultsSignificant elevation of psychological stress experienced by some patients with AA compared with controls (Z = 6.628, P < 0.01). The frequency of the ACTHR C allele showed a significant difference between patients with AA and controls (P = 0.004). Allele C is the risk allele with a dominant model as the −2C allele occurred more often in patients with AA (P = 0.001). There were significant differences between patients with AA with a severe stress attack versus patients with AA with no obvious stress (P < 0.001), whereas the genotype frequencies were not correlated with the type, duration of disease, and age at onset. Notably, the C allele carrier was significantly associated with stress risk in both AA and controls (P = 0.002, OR = 1.576, 95% CI: 1.148–2.162; P = 0.042, OR = 1.529, 95% CI: 1.022–2.288).ConclusionsThese findings suggest AA in some patients may be associated with stress. The ACTHR gene −2T>C variant may be one important factor that influences stress perception of patients with AA.
The Italian Euromelanoma Day: evaluation of results and implications for future prevention campaigns
Authors: Suppa Mariano , Altomare Gianfranco , Cannavò Serafinella P. , Capizzi Rodolfo , Catricalà Caterina , Colombo Enrico , Fargnoli Maria C. , Fossati Barbara , Frascione Pasquale , Lisi Paolo , Santini Marcello , Scalvenzi Massimiliano , Peris Ketty 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundMelanoma incidence/mortality is increasing worldwide. “Euromelanoma Day” is a pan‐European campaign for skin cancer prevention. Results of the 2010 Euromelanoma Day in Italy are reported herein.Materials and methodsA questionnaire was used to collect data on participants' characteristics and suspected skin cancers.ResultA total of 1085 participants was screened (64.1% females, median age 44 years). Suspicion rate, detection rate, and positive predictive values for melanoma were 1.3, 0.28 and 21.4%, respectively. Poorly educated, ≥35 years old, pale‐skinned males were at higher risk for skin cancer than highly educated, <35 years old, darker‐skinned females, although the latter groups reported sun‐seeking behaviors. Full skin examination and dermoscopy were performed in 85.5 and 79.2% of participants.ConclusionsThe 2010 Italian Euromelanoma Day produced good results in terms of melanoma detection/suspicion rates, likely due to the extensive use of full clinical and dermoscopic examinations. The campaign failed to attract many high‐risk individuals. Targeted communication strategies are needed to this regard.
Cytomegalovirus disease in African‐American kidney transplant patients
Authors: McGee J. , Mave V. , Yau C.L. , Killackey M. , Paramesh A. , Buell J. , Slakey D.P. , Hamm L.L. , Zhang R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundCytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is a serious infection after kidney transplantation. The risk factors and the impact of CMV disease in African‐American (AA) kidney transplant patients have not been well characterized.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis on 448 AA patients transplanted between 1996 and 2005. A 3‐month universal chemoprophylaxis with ganciclovir or valganciclovir was administered to CMV donor‐positive/recipient‐negative (D+/R−) patients and to those treated with anti‐thymocyte globulin for rejection, but not routinely to those with other D/R serostatus.ResultsA total of 31 AA patients (7%) developed clinical CMV disease. Compared with other D/R serostatus groups, the D+/R− group had the highest 3‐year cumulative incidence of CMV disease (16.9% vs. 6.3% in D+/R+, 4.9% in D−/R+, and 2.4% in D−/R−). The D+/R− group also had the worst 3‐year death‐censored allograft survival (75% vs. 92% in D+/R+, 94% in D−/R+, and 96% in D−/R−, log‐rank P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis found that D+/R− serostatus (odds ratio [OR] 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6–48.2, P = 0.003) and donor age > 60 years (OR 9.1, 95% CI 1.3–65, P = 0.03) were independent risk factors for CMV disease.ConclusionThe D+/R− group has the highest incidence of CMV disease and the worst 3‐year renal allograft survival despite 3‐month universal prophylaxis. Prolonged chemoprophylaxis may be needed to prevent the late development of CMV disease and to improve allograft survival in the high‐risk group of AA kidney transplant recipients.
Rapid diagnostic method for discriminating two types of COI sequences in the gall‐forming aphid Tetraneura nigriabdominalis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) by multiplex polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Lee Wonhoon , Otsuki Akiko , Akimoto Shin‐ichi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractTetraneura nigriabdominalis (Sasaki, 1899) is a galling aphid that is distributed widely in Eurasia. In the present study, a diagnostic multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol was developed to discriminate two types of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences in this species, and its usefulness was examined from 25 samples of T. nigriabdominalis. Multiplex PCR and electrophoresis revealed that 10 and 15 samples had one band of 133 bp (type A) and 426 bp (type B), respectively. This discrimination was identical to the division of the 25 samples based on the alignments of COI sequences (511 bp), indicating high accuracy of this protocol in distinguishing the two types. This protocol is useful for studying microgeographic distributions of the two types and genetic diversities in T. nigriabdominalis.
Characteristics of an autologous leukocyte and platelet‐rich fibrin patch intended for the treatment of recalcitrant wounds
Authors: Lundquist Rasmus , Holmstrøm Kim , Clausen Christian , Jørgensen Bo , Karlsmark Tonny 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe have investigated the physical, biochemical, and cellular properties of an autologous leukocyte and platelet‐rich fibrin patch. This was generated in an automated device from a sample of a patient's blood at the point of care. Using microscopy, cell counting, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, antibody arrays, and cell culture assays, we show that the patch is a three‐layered membrane comprising a fibrin sheet, a layer of platelets, and a layer of leukocytes. Mean recovery of platelets from the donated blood was 98% (±95%CI 0.8%). Mean levels of platelet‐derived growth factor AB, human transforming growth factor beta 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor extracted from the patch were determined as 127 ng (±95% CI 20), 92 ng (±95%CI 17), and 1.35 ng (±95%CI 0.37), respectively. We showed a continued release of PDGF‐AB over several days, the rate of which was increased by the addition of chronic wound fluid. By comparison with traditional platelet‐rich plasma, differences in immune components were found. The relevance of these findings was assessed by showing a mitogenic and migratory effect on cultured human dermal fibroblasts. Further, we showed that fibrocytes, a cell type important for acute wound healing, could be grown from the patch. The relevance of these findings in relation to the use of the patch for treating recalcitrant wounds is discussed.
Prevalence of Dysphoria after Fentanyl in Dogs Undergoing Stifle Surgery
Authors: Becker Willem M. , Mama Khursheed R. , Rao Sangeeta , Palmer Ross H. , Egger Erick L. 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of dysphoria after intraoperative administration of fentanyl by infusion and identify other risk factors influencing this in dogs undergoing stifle surgery.Study DesignProspective, randomized clinical study.AnimalsDogs (n = 92) that had tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) or tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA).MethodsDogs were anesthetized using a standardized anesthetic protocol, and randomly assigned to receive a loading dose followed by 1 of 3 infusions of fentanyl perioperatively: 2 μg/kg/h, 10 μg/kg/h, or 20 μg/kg/h. Dog characteristics and all additional medications were recorded and included as part of the statistical analysis. Dog behavior was scored before anesthesia and during recovery using a scale of 1–4 (Appendices A and B). If no improvement in behavior was seen in 3–5 minutes postextubation, dogs with a score of 3 or 4 during recovery were administered fentanyl (2 μg/kg intravenously [IV]) in the event that the behaviors associated with the higher scores were related to pain. If they did not respond favorably to the administration of additional fentanyl and wound palpation did not elicit a response, but the untoward behaviors continued, dogs were administered either a tranquilizer, sedative, or opioid antagonist, and were considered dysphoric.ResultsOf 92 dogs, 22 (23.9%) were considered dysphoric using aforementioned criteria.ConclusionsAbout one‐fourth of dogs enrolled in this study were dysphoric based on study criteria.
Parathyroid Enlargement at Dialysis Initiation in Patients With Chronic Kidney Diseases
Authors: Nakai Kentaro , Fujii Hideki , Kono Keiji , Goto Shunsuke , Miura Shuhei , Maeda Atsuhiro , Takeda Kazuhito , Nishi Shinichi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe kidney chiefly maintains homeostasis of water, electrolytes, and other solutions. When kidney function is reduced, mineral metabolism is disrupted. Mineral and bone disorder in patients with chronic kidney disease associates with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality; however, management of chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder in predialysis patients remains controversial. This study investigates the association between parathyroid enlargement at dialysis initiation and hyperparathyroidism management in dialysis patients. We enrolled 72 patients at dialysis initiation in this study. Using parathyroid sonography, we categorized patients based on presence (detected group; N = 18) or absence (undetected group; N = 54) of enlarged parathyroid glands and assessed the clinical characteristics and laboratory findings. A literature review of ultrasound evaluations of secondary hyperparathyroidism was conducted. Ultrasonography revealed enlarged parathyroid glands in 18 patients (25%). Serum intact parathyroid hormone levels were high in patients with enlarged parathyroid glands; however, of the 29 patients with intact parathyroid hormone levels <240 pg/mL, four had enlarged parathyroid glands. Eight of the 29 patients with serum phosphorus and calcium levels within the optimal range had enlarged parathyroid glands. Twenty of these 29 patients were followed up at 38 ± 17 months (at least 3 months): enlarged parathyroid glands were detected in 6. During follow‐up, serum intact parathyroid hormone levels were significantly higher in the detected group compared with the undetected. In conclusion, enlarged parathyroid glands are frequently detected at dialysis initiation, potentially predicting the persistence of secondary hyperparathyroidism and the need for strict management.
Novel Inflammatory Marker in Dialysis Patients: YKL‐40
Authors: Okyay Gülay Ulusal , Er Ramazan Erdem , Tekbudak Merve Yasemin , Paşaoğlu Özge , İnal Salih , Öneç Kürşad , Paşaoğlu Hatice , Altok Kadriye , Derici Ülver , Erten Yasemin 
Published: December 2012

AbstractYKL‐40 has been introduced as a marker of inflammation in different clinical situations. The association between YKL‐40 and inflammation in chronic renal failure patients has not been researched currently. The objectives of this study were to establish serum YKL‐40 concentrations in dialysis patients with chronic renal failure compared to healthy subjects and to explore its relationships with a proinflammatory cytokine, interleukine‐6 (IL‐6) and an acute phase mediator, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP). The study population included hemodialysis patients (N = 43; mean age of 40.9 ± 14.5), peritoneal dialysis patients (N = 38; mean age of 45.8 ± 13.7) and healthy subjects (N = 37; mean age of 45.5 ± 10.6). Serum concentrations of YKL‐40, IL‐6, hs‐CRP and routine laboratory measures were evaluated. Compared to the healthy subjects, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients had higher concentrations of YKL‐40, IL‐6, hs‐CRP, as well as lower concentrations of hemoglobin, serum albumin and high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (P < 0.001). YKL‐40 concentrations were positively correlated with serum creatinine (P < 0.001, r = 0.495), IL‐6 (P < 0.001, r = 0.306), hs‐CRP (P = 0.001, r = 0.306) levels and inversely correlated with hemoglobin (P = 0.002, r = −0.285), serum albumin (P < 0.001, r = −0.355) and high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (P = 0.001, r = −0.306). In multivariate regression analysis YKL‐40 was associated with creatinine, serum albumin and hs‐CRP concentrations after adjustments with covariates. Dialysis patients with chronic renal failure have elevated serum YKL‐40 concentrations. Associations with standard inflammatory parameters suggest that YKL‐40 might be a novel inflammatory marker in this population.
SYRACUSAN IDENTITY BETWEEN TYRANNY AND DEMOCRACY
Authors: THATCHER MARK 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The city of Syracuse saw enormous social changes in the first half of the fifth century BCE, as the Deinomenid tyranny gave way to a more democratic constitution. In particular, the tyrants' extension of citizenship to some 10,000 former mercenaries was accompanied by shifting conceptions of Syracusan civic identity. The ideological program of Hieron, found in Pindar and on coinage, promoted a version of civic identity that focused on the city's Dorian ethnicity and unique topographical features (the island Ortygia and the spring Arethusa) as factors shared by all citizens. After the fall of the tyranny, however, this more inclusive conception of Syracusan identity was rejected by the ‘original’ citizens, who excluded the former mercenaries from office-holding. The resulting civil strife reveals a struggle, in the aftermath of tyranny, over the nature of Syracusan civic identity: what did it mean to be Syracusan and how would that status be defined?
FIGHTING TYRANNY IN FIFTH-CENTURY ATHENS: DEMOCRATIC CITIZENSHIP AND THE OATH OF DEMOPHANTUS
Authors: MCGLEW J. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
By way of explaining why he turned to the Athenian tyrannicides while narrating the Affair of the Mysteries in 415, Thucydides asserts at 6.60.1 that the Athenian demos, ‘remembering all that they knew from report’ about their civic heroes, became ‘unmanageable and suspicious of those blamed for the affair’. Should historians believe him? Perhaps not. This paper discusses the oath of Demophantus, which the Athenians collectively recited after restoring democracy in 410/09 (And. 1.97–98) and which gives prominent place to Harmodius and Aristogeiton. The tyrannicides support the oath's obvious ideological impulse, the assimilation of oligarchy and tyranny: citizens watch for threats of the few, just as Harmodius and Aristogeiton stood against tyranny. More importantly, I argue, the oath adopts tyrannicide as a model for democratic citizenship: the oath transforms the everyday political activities of citizenship into tyrannicide: standing with Harmodius and Aristogeiton (and his real neighbours), the citizen protects democracy with confidence, not suspicion.
GREEK TYRANNY AND ROMAN EMPERORS DURING THE SEVERAN PERIOD: A CASE STUDY OF P. COL. 123 AND SEG XVII 759
Authors: TUORI KAIUS 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Greek and Hellenistic models were central to the formulation of the position and capabilities in law of the Roman Emperor during the Principate. The purpose of this article is to argue that the ideological response to Greek tyranny by Roman authors and the impact of the narrative tradition on tyrants both influenced what the Emperors could do and what was expected of them. Through the narrative tradition which existed on tyranny in the ancient world, Roman Emperors were presented with modes of behaviour on how the interplay and the relationship between the ruler and the ruled took place. Through the examples of the Columbia papyrus and the Goharian inscription, I will argue that the Roman situation was quite unique in the combination of approachability and the practical administration of justice. These examples show how the Emperor was not simply a benevolent monarch but also, if necessary, a strict magistrate.
Transpiration Response of Maize Hybrids to Atmospheric Vapour Pressure Deficit
Authors: Gholipoor M. , Choudhary S. , Sinclair T. R. , Messina C. D. , Cooper M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) yield is often restricted by low soil water availability, particularly late in the growing season. To increase yields, genetic options for more effective use of available soil water are being explored. One option is to select genotypes that have restricted transpiration rate under high vapour pressure deficit (VPD) conditions so that soil water is conserved for use later in the growing season. While genetic variation for this trait has been identified within several crop species, such variation has never been explored in maize. The objective of this study was to examine transpiration rate of 35 single‐cross hybrids to determine whether hybrids can be identified that express limited transpiration under high VPD. Two sets of experiments were undertaken in which plants were exposed to a range of VPD in chambers. A two‐phase transpiration response was observed in 11 hybrids in which there was a threshold VPD above which transpiration rate was restricted. The VPD threshold varied from 1.7 to 2.5 kPa among these hybrids. Eight hybrids were included in both sets of experiments, and the same results were obtained in both experiments, indicating that expression of the trait was consistent.
Latitudinal forest advance in northernmost Norway since the early 20th century
Authors: Hofgaard Annika , Tømmervik Hans , Rees Gareth , Hanssen Frank 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimThe arctic forest–tundra boundary is expected to advance rapidly northwards in response to climate warming. The purpose of this study was: (1) to analyse region‐wide changes in the positions of the latitudinal forest line and tree line since the early 20th century; (2) to calculate rates of northward movement and to estimate uncertainties from different sources of data; (3) to analyse how rates of advance differ between two common tree species, Betula pubescens (downy birch) and Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine); and (4) to place the results in the context of dynamic global vegetation models.LocationThe study covers Finnmark county in northern Norway, which has warmed by 1–2 °C since the early 20th century.MethodsHistorical forest maps, topographic maps, aerial photographs and satellite imagery were used to delineate region‐wide, species‐specific and time‐specific subarctic forest lines and tree lines. Rates of advance were calculated using two geometrical methods, placing different emphases on the shape and mean position of the lines, but yielding similar results.ResultsThe analyses revealed an average northward advance of the birch and pine forest lines of 156 and 71 m year−1, respectively. Both showed considerable spatial and temporal variation. The birch tree line showed the most pronounced advance (340 m year−1), whereas the pine tree line showed very limited advance (10 m year−1). Data sources contributed an uncertainty of around 10 m year−1 to these rates.Main conclusionsThe analysis of historical and recent forest delineation data showed a very restricted advance rate compared to the predictions of dynamic global vegetation models. If these results are representative of the behaviour of the entire circumarctic forest–tundra zone over the present century, they suggest that the modelled prediction of the loss of 40% of the current tundra is a serious overestimate. A stronger focus on factors limiting the response of the forest–tundra ecotone to climate change is needed to refine the output from dynamic global vegetation models.
A KCNQ1 Mutation Causes a High Penetrance for Familial Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: BARTOS DANIEL C. , ANDERSON JEFFREY B. , BASTIAENEN RACHEL , JOHNSON JONATHAN N. , GOLLOB MICHAEL H. , TESTER DAVID J. , BURGESS DON E. , HOMFRAY TESSA , BEHR ELIJAH R. , ACKERMAN MICHAEL J. , GUICHENEY PASCALE , DELISLE BRIAN P. 
Published: December 2012

R231H Causes a High Penetrance for Familial AFBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, and its incidence is expected to grow. A genetic predisposition for AF has long been recognized, but its manifestation in these patients likely involves a combination of rare and common genetic variants. Identifying genetic variants that associate with a high penetrance for AF would represent a significant breakthrough for understanding the mechanisms that associate with disease.Method and ResultsCandidate gene sequencing in 5 unrelated families with familial AF identified the KCNQ1 missense mutation p.Arg231His (R231H). In addition to AF, several of the family members have abnormal QTc intervals, syncope or experienced sudden cardiac arrest or death. KCNQ1 encodes the voltage‐gated K+ channel that conducts the slowly activating delayed rectifier K+ current in the heart. Functional and computational analyses suggested that R231H increases KCNQ1 current (IKCNQ1) to shorten the atrial action potential (AP) duration. R231H is predicted to minimally affect ventricular excitability, but it prevented the increase in IKCNQ1 following PKA activation. The unique properties of R231H appeared to be caused by a loss in voltage‐dependent gating.ConclusionsThe R231H variant causes a high penetrance for interfamilial early‐onset AF. Our study indicates R231H likely shortens atrial refractoriness to promote a substrate for reentry. Additionally, R231H might cause abnormal ventricular repolarization by disrupting PKA activation of IKCNQ1. We conclude genetic variants, which increase IKs during the atrial AP, decrease the atrial AP duration, and/or shorten atrial refractoriness, present a high risk for interfamilial AF.