bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia in a patient with ataxia telangiectasia
Authors: Onoda Tadashi , Kanno Miyako , Meguro Toru , Sato Hiroko , Takahashi Noriyuki , Kawakami Takako , Mitsui Tetsuo , Hayasaka Kiyoshi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAtaxia telangiectasia (AT) is a rare autosomal recessive multisystem disorder characterised by cerebellar degeneration, immunodeficiency and cancer predisposition. Around 10% of AT patients develop lymphoid malignancies, but the development of myeloid leukaemia with AT (AT‐AML) is extremely rare, and there have been no previous publications regarding suitable therapies. Here, we first describe a successful therapeutic experience in a patient with AT‐AML (FAB‐M1) who attained remission after induction therapy and maintained stable disease for a year. To minimise therapy‐induced toxicity, low‐dose induction was applied first, though this was obviously insufficient and the patient subsequently responded well to dose‐intensified short‐term chemotherapy. In this report, we suggest a curative therapeutic approach for AT‐AML, though the issue of how best to manage patients with cancer complicated by immunodeficiency remains undecided.
Rapid monitoring of immune reconstitution after allogeneic stem cell transplantation ‐ a comparison of different assays for the detection of cytomegalovirus‐specific T cells
Authors: Abu‐Khader Ahmad , Krause Stefan 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectivesCytotoxic T cells (CTLs) play an important role in controlling cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The purpose of this study was to compare four different assays to detect CMV antigen‐specific T cells for the monitoring of CMV‐specific immune reconstitution after HSCT.MethodsComparative monitoring of CMV‐specific T cells was performed using HLA tetramer, interferon‐gamma enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT), intracellular IFN‐γ (IC‐FACS), and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assays with immunodominant CMV pp65‐HLA‐A2‐restricted peptide and recombinant pp65‐protein in 18 patients after allogeneic HSCT.ResultsUsing pp65‐peptide to stimulate T cells in HLA‐A2‐positive patients, antigen‐specific T cells have been detected in 43% (10 of 23) by IC‐FACS, 62% (13 of 21) by tetramer, 68% (15 of 22) by RT‐PCR, and 53% (10 of 19) by ELISPOT. No T‐cell responses were detected in HLA‐A2‐negative patients by all assays. Stimulating with combination of both pp65‐peptide and pp65‐protein detected 72% (18/25) by IC‐FACS, 88% (22/25) by RT‐PCR, and 59% (12/22) by ELISPOT. Comparing the different methods of T‐cell detection we found a significant positive correlation between RT‐PCR and tetramer analysis, IC flow cytometry and ELISPOT assay. Using pp65‐protein for T‐cell activation overcomes the HLA restriction of the HLA‐A2‐restricted pp65‐peptide stimulation, thus increasing the detection limit of antigen‐specific T cells.ConclusionCMV‐specific T cells have been most frequently detected using RT‐PCR suggesting a higher sensitivity compared with IC‐FACS, tetramer, and ELISPOT assays. This technique allows rapid and sensitive monitoring of CMV‐specific immune reconstitution after HSCT, which could guide prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to avoid active CMV disease.
Effect of recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin on clinical outcomes of patients with coagulopathy after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Ikezoe Takayuki , Takeuchi Asako , Chi SungGi , Takaoka Masato , Anabuki Kazuki , Kim Tsukie , Sakai Mizu , Taniguchi Ayuko , Togitani Kazuto , Yokoyama Akihito 
Published: August 2013

AbstractFrom 2001 to 2012, 71 individuals with hematological diseases received HSCT in our institution. Of these, 41 developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in association with various underlying conditions. The patients who developed DIC after 2008 (n = 23) were treated by recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rTM), and the others (n = 11) were treated by either heparin and/or antithrombin III concentrate. Seven patients did not receive any anticoagulant therapy. Of note, treatment for coagulopathy by rTM significantly improved clinical outcomes of patients at day 100 and dramatically prolonged their overall survival (P = 0.044). Taken together, rTM is useful to improve clinical outcomes of transplant recipients with coagulopathy.
Awareness and attitudes related to dental erosive wear among 18‐yr‐old adolescents in Oslo, Norway
Authors: Skudutyte‐Rysstad Rasa , Mulic Aida , Skeie Marit Slåttelid , Skaare Anne B 
Published: August 2013

The aim of the present study was to describe awareness and attitudes related to dental erosive wear among 18‐yr‐old adolescents in Oslo and to explore attitudinal differences between participants with and without the condition. All 18‐yr‐old subjects scheduled for their routine examination at the Public Dental Service clinics during 2008 (n = 3,206) were invited, and 1,456 agreed to participate (a response rate of 45%). The data were collected using structured questionnaires and by clinical examination of the participants. Dental erosive wear was assessed using a pictorial manual – the Visual Erosion Dental Examination scoring system – as a guide. Overall, 88% of participants had heard about dental erosive wear; however, of participants with erosive lesions only 56% were aware of, and only 47% could recall their dentist mentioning, the condition. Participants with erosive wear were more likely to have low or moderate positive attitudes towards acidic drink consumption and to be reluctant to change. In multivariate analyses controlling for gender and behavioural variables, weak or moderate positive awareness of acidic drinks remained significantly associated with higher erosion risk. This study emphasizes the importance of assessment and understanding of awareness and attitudinal aspects in relation to dental erosive wear.
Influence of oxygen‐inhibited layer on dentin bond strength of chemical‐cured resin composite
Authors: Yamaji Ayumi , Koga Kensaku , Tsujimoto Akimasa , Shimizu Yusuke , Tsubota Keishi , Takamizawa Toshiki , Miyazaki Masashi 
Published: August 2013

This study evaluated the influence of an oxygen‐inhibited layer on the surface free energies of three single‐step self‐etch adhesives and on the bond strength of chemical‐cured resin. Adhesives were applied to bovine dentin and light irradiated, and the oxygen‐inhibited layer was either retained or removed. Surface free energies were determined by measuring the contact angles of test liquids placed on the cured adhesives. Dentin bond strengths of chemical‐cured resin with and without the oxygen‐inhibited layer were measured. Ultrastructural observation of the restorative–dentin interface was made by scanning electron microscopy. For all surfaces, values of the estimated surface tension component, Lifshitz‐Van der Waals force (γSLW), were relatively constant. Values for the Lewis acid (γS+) component increased slightly when the oxygen‐inhibited layer was removed, whereas those of the Lewis base (γS−) component decreased significantly. The bond strength of the chemical‐cured resin composite was significantly higher in specimens without an oxygen‐inhibited layer (7.6–8.0 MPa) than in those with an oxygen‐inhibited layer (4.8–5.2 MPa). Small gaps between adhesive and resin composite were found for the group with an oxygen‐inhibited layer. These results indicate that the absence of an oxygen‐inhibited layer in single‐step self‐etch adhesives promotes higher dentin bond strength of the chemical‐cured resin.
Anthropogenic modification disrupts species co‐occurrence in stream invertebrates
Authors: Larsen Stefano , Ormerod Steve J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe question of whether species co‐occurrence is random or deterministic has received considerable attention, but little is known about how anthropogenic disturbance mediates the outcomes. By combining experiments, field surveys and analysis against null models, we tested the hypothesis that anthropogenic habitat modification disrupts species co‐occurrence in stream invertebrates across spatial scales. Whereas communities in unmodified conditions were structured deterministically with significant species segregation, catchment‐scale conversion to agriculture and sediment deposition at the patch‐ or micro‐habitat scale apparently randomized species co‐occurrences. This shift from non‐random to random was mostly independent of species richness, abundance and spatial scale. Data on community‐wide life‐history traits (body size, dispersal ability and predatory habits) and beta‐diversity indicated that anthropogenic modification disrupted community assembly by affecting biotic interactions and, to a lesser extent, altering habitat heterogeneity. These data illustrate that the balance between predictable and stochastic patterns in communities can reflect anthropogenic modifications that not only transcend scales but also change the relative forces that determine species coexistence. Research into the effects of habitat modification as a key to understanding global change should extend beyond species richness and composition to include species co‐occurrence, species interactions and any functional consequences.
Testing simulations of intra‐ and inter‐annual variation in the plant production response to elevated CO2 against measurements from an 11‐year FACE experiment on grazed pasture
Authors: Li Frank Yonghong , Newton Paul C. D. , Lieffering Mark 
Published: August 2013

AbstractEcosystem models play a crucial role in understanding and evaluating the combined impacts of rising atmospheric CO2 concentration and changing climate on terrestrial ecosystems. However, we are not aware of any studies where the capacity of models to simulate intra‐ and inter‐annual variation in responses to elevated CO2 has been tested against long‐term experimental data. Here we tested how well the ecosystem model APSIM/AgPasture was able to simulate the results from a free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiment on grazed pasture. At this FACE site, during 11 years of CO2 enrichment, a wide range in annual plant production response to CO2 (−6 to +28%) was observed. As well as running the full model, which includes three plant CO2 response functions (plant photosynthesis, nitrogen (N) demand and stomatal conductance), we also tested the influence of these three functions on model predictions. Model/data comparisons showed that: (i) overall the model over‐predicted the mean annual plant production response to CO2 (18.5% cf 13.1%) largely because years with small or negative responses to CO2 were not well simulated; (ii) in general seasonal and inter‐annual variation in plant production responses to elevated CO2 were well represented by the model; (iii) the observed CO2 enhancement in overall mean legume content was well simulated but year‐to‐year variation in legume content was poorly captured by the model; (iv) the best fit of the model to the data required all three CO2 response functions to be invoked; (v) using actual legume content and reduced N fixation rate under elevated CO2 in the model provided the best fit to the experimental data. We conclude that in temperate grasslands the N dynamics (particularly the legume content and N fixation activity) play a critical role in pasture production responses to elevated CO2, and are processes for model improvement.
Decreased CD1a+, CD83+ and factor XIIIa+ dendritic cells in cervical lymph nodes and palatine tonsils of AIDS patients
Authors: Gondak Rogério , Mauad Thais , Schultz Luciana , Soares Fernando , Kowalski Luiz P , Vargas Pablo A 
Published: August 2013

AimsThe purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the density of dendritic cells (DCs) in cervical lymph nodes (LNs) and palatine tonsils (PTs) of AIDS and non‐AIDS patients.Methods and resultsFactor XIIIa, CD1a and CD83 antibodies were used to identify migratory DCs by immunohistochemistry in LNs and PTs of 32 AIDS patients and 21 HIV‐negative control patients. Quantification was performed by the positive pixel count analytical method. AIDS patients presented a lower density of factor XIIIa+ cells (P < 0.001), CD1a+ cells (P < 0.05) and CD83+ cells (P < 0.001) in cervical LNs and PTs compared to the non‐AIDS control group.ConclusionOverall depletion of DCs in lymphoid tissues of AIDS patients may be predictive of the immune system's loss of disease control.
Increased SOX2 expression in less differentiated breast carcinomas and their lymph node metastases
Authors: Huang Yu‐Hua , Luo Ming‐Hua , Ni Yun‐Bi , Tsang Julia Y S , Chan Siu‐Ki , Lui Philip C W , Yu Alex M C , Tan Puay‐Hoon , Tse Gary M 
Published: August 2013

AimsSOX2 is a key regulatory gene in embryonic stem cells. Although it has been implicated in cancer progression, its role in breast carcinoma is poorly understood.Materials and methodsFifty‐seven ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS), 552 invasive breast carcinomas and 107 corresponding metastatic lymph nodes were evaluated immunohistochemically for the expression of SOX2. Its correlation with clinicopathological features, other biomarker profiles and patients’ outcomes were analysed.ResultsSOX2 was detected in 19.0% (105 of 552) of invasive breast carcinomas and 12.3% (seven of 57) of DCIS. Expression correlated with larger tumour size (P = 0.005) and higher grade (P = 0.002). It was associated negatively with ER (P = 0.015) and PR (P = 0.046) expression, but positively with Ki67 index (P = 0.013). Interestingly, it was also associated with neuroendocrine marker expression (synpatophysin and chromogranin/synaptophysin, P = 0.048 and 0.028, respectively). Expression appeared to be independent from that of common stem cell markers, namely CD44, CD24 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1). Furthermore, a higher rate of expression was observed in metastatic lymph nodes than in the corresponding primary tumours (P = 0.034). High SOX2 expression was correlated with poor disease‐free survival (log‐rank=9.489, P = 0.012) and was an independent prognostic factor (HR=2.918, P = 0.015) in patients with high nodal stages.ConclusionsIn summary, SOX2 expression was related to adverse breast carcinoma profile and poor outcome in selected patient groups.
Viscosity and Fragility of Alkaline‐Earth Sodium Boroaluminosilicate Liquids
Authors: Smedskjaer Morten M. , Potuzak Marcel 
Published: August 2013

Understanding the composition and temperature dependence of viscosity of silicate liquids is of the highest importance not only for geological processes but also for production of industrial glass. In this work, we have determined the temperature dependence of equilibrium liquid viscosity of 36 alkaline‐earth sodium boroaluminosilicate liquids as a function of the Si/Al ratio and the type of alkaline‐earth oxide (MgO, CaO, SrO, or BaO). We demonstrate that the isokom temperature at 1012 Pa s (i.e., the glass transition temperature) generally increases with increasing Si/Al ratio, whereas the isokom temperatures at 104 and 101.5 Pa s exhibit a decrease with increasing [Al2O3] in the peraluminous regime. The isokom temperatures decrease with increasing alkaline‐earth size in the peralkaline regime, whereas they increase with increasing alkaline‐earth size in the peraluminous regime. The liquid fragility index m exhibits a minimum value at an intermediate Si/Al ratio, with the position of the minimum increasing to a higher value of [Al2O3] with increasing alkaline‐earth size. We have discussed our findings in terms of the underlying structural and topological changes as a function of composition and temperature.
Consequences for diversity when animals are prioritized for conservation of the whole genome or of one specific allele
Authors: Engelsma K.A. , Veerkamp R.F. , Calus M.P.L. , Windig J.J. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryWhen animals are selected for one specific allele, for example for inclusion in a gene bank, this may result in the loss of diversity in other parts of the genome. The aim of this study was to quantify the risk of losing diversity across the genome when targeting a single allele for conservation when storing animals in a gene bank. From a small Holstein population, genotyped for 54 001 SNP loci, animals were prioritized for a single allele while maximizing the genomewide diversity using optimal contribution selection. Selection for a single allele was done for five different target frequencies: (i) no restriction on a target frequency; (ii) target frequency = original frequency in population; (iii) target frequency = 0.50; (iv) target frequency of the major allele = 1 (fixation); and (v) target frequency of the major allele = 0 (elimination). To do this, optimal contribution selection was extended with an extra constraint on the allele frequency of the target SNP marker. Results showed that elimination or fixation of alleles can result in substantial losses in genetic diversity around the targeted locus and also across the rest of the genome, depending on the allele frequency and the target frequency. It was concluded that losses of genetic diversity around the target allele are the largest when the target frequency is very different from the current allele frequency.
Application of Ripple Mapping with an Electroanatomic Mapping System for Diagnosis of Atrial Tachycardias
Authors: JAMIL‐COPLEY SHAHNAZ , LINTON NICK , KOA‐WING MICHAEL , KOJODJOJO PIPIN , LIM PHANG BOON , MALCOLME‐LAWES LOUISA , WHINNETT ZACHARY , WRIGHT IAN , DAVIES WYN , PETERS NICHOLAS , FRANCIS DARREL P. , KANAGARATNAM PRAPA 
Published: August 2013

Ripple Mapping: A Novel 3D EGM DisplayBackgroundThree‐dimensional (3D) mapping is often used to guide ablation in atrial tachycardia (AT), but maps can be susceptible to annotation and interpolation errors. Ripple Mapping (RM) is a technique that displays electrogram time–voltage data simultaneously as dynamic bars on the surface shell to overcome these limitations.ObjectivesWe hypothesized that RM would be superior to established 3D activation mapping.MethodsCARTO‐XPTM maps of ATs were collected without any manual annotation and studied on a CARTO‐based offline RM system. Paired unannotated CARTO‐XP and Ripple Maps were presented to experienced CARTO users with limited RM training. These assessors were allowed to annotate the CARTO‐XP maps, but were blinded to conventional EP data.ResultsCARTO‐XP maps of AT (10 patients) were studied in RM format and the diagnosis was confirmed by entrainment in all cases and with termination of tachycardia in 9/10 cases. Blinded assessors (n = 11) reached the correct diagnosis using RM in 35/44 (80%) compared to 22/44 (50%) using CARTO‐XP (P = 0.029). The time to the correct diagnosis was also shorter with RM (136 seconds vs. 212 seconds; P = 0.022). The causes of diagnostic errors using RM (insufficient point density, particularly in low‐voltage areas, and the operator not assessing all available views) were overcome with an improved MatLab version showing both scar and dynamic bars on the same shell.ConclusionRM does not need any manual annotation of local activation time and enables rapid diagnosis of AT with higher diagnostic accuracy than conventional 3D activation mapping.
Public spirometry for primary prevention of COPD
Authors: Zirlik Sabine , Wich Christina , Frieser Markus , Hildner Kai , Kleye Christin , Neurath Markus F. , Fuchs Florian S. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe most effective action for primary prevention of chronic obstructive lung disease is smoking cessation early enough. In secondary prevention, smokers with airway obstruction were more likely to quit smoking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a public spirometry on smoking habits in terms of primary prevention.MethodsSpirometry with its medical analysis was offered to visitors of a local public event called ‘Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften’ (‘Long night of sciences’). The impact of results on smoking habits was evaluated in all smokers with an anonymized questionnaire afterwards.ResultsTwo hundred fifty‐seven people with the median age of 30 years (interquartile range 22–46) were examined. Out of 44 current smokers (17.1%), only two individuals showed a prebronchodilator FEV1/forced vital capacity‐value <0.7. Fourteen smokers stated to have an increased motivation to quit smoking whereas 28 smokers declared that their motivation to quit smoking was independent of spirometry result. These smokers were significantly younger (median age 28 vs. 40 years, P = 0.025) without differences in spirometry results or smoking habits.ConclusionIn an unselected population with a high amount of younger adults, normal spirometry did not show a short‐term benefit for primary prevention of chronic obstructive lung disease in terms of increasing motivation to quit smoking.
In vitro and in vivo efficacy of drugs against the protozoan parasite Azumiobodo hoyamushi that causes soft tunic syndrome in the edible ascidian Halocynthia roretzi (Drasche)
Authors: Park K H , Zeon S‐R , Lee J‐G , Choi S‐H , Shin Y K , Park K‐I 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIt was discovered recently that infection by a protozoan parasite, Azumiobodo hoyamushi, is the most probable cause for soft tunic syndrome in an edible ascidian, Halocynthia roretzi (Drasche). In an attempt to develop measures to eradicate the causative parasite, various drugs were tested for efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Of the 20 antiprotozoal drugs having different action mechanisms, five were found potent (24‐h EC50 < 10 mg L−1) in their parasite‐killing effects: formalin, H2O2, bithionol, ClO2 and bronopol. Moderately potent drugs (10 < 24‐h EC50 < 100 mg L−1) were quinine, fumagillin, amphotericin B, ketoconazole, povidone‐iodine, chloramine‐T and benzalkonium chloride. Seven compounds, metronidazole, albendazole, paromomycin, nalidixic acid, sulfamonomethoxine, KMnO4, potassium monopersulphate and citric acid, exhibited EC50 > 100 mg L−1. When ascidians were artificially infected with A. hoyamushi, treated using 40 mg L−1 formalin, bronopol, ClO2, or H2O2 for 1 h and then monitored for 24 h, very low mortality was observed. However, the number of surviving parasite cells in the ascidian tunic tissues was significantly reduced by treating with 40 mg L−1 formalin or ClO2 for 1 h. The data suggest that we might be able to develop a disinfection measure using a treatment regimen involving commonly available drugs.
Characterization of Mycobacterium salmoniphilum as causal agent of mycobacteriosis in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., from a freshwater recirculation system
Authors: Aro L , Correa K , Martínez A , Ildefonso R , Yáñez J M 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThirty Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., with low corporal condition relative to other fish present in the culture system, were sampled from a freshwater recirculation pisciculture located in Chile. The most characteristic signs and lesions were cachexia and presence of multiple greyish‐white granulomas within internal organs. The external and internal lesions, along with the microscopic, histologic and biochemical findings, were consistent with mycobacteriosis. The identification of Mycobacterium salmoniphilum as the causal agent of the lesions was possible through the use of molecular analyses. This study represents the first report of Mycobacterium salmoniphilum in a freshwater recirculation system and the first case of fish mycobacteriosis described in Chile.