bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CCR5 gene polymorphism is a genetic risk factor for radiographic severity of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Han S. W. , Sa K. H. , Kim S. I. , Lee S. I. , Park Y. W. , Lee S. S. , Yoo W. H. , Soe J. S. , Nam E. J. , Lee J. , Park J. Y. , Kang Y. M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe chemokine receptor [C–C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5)] is expressed on diverse immune effecter cells and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study sought to determine whether single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CCR5 gene and their haplotypes were associated with susceptibility to and severity of RA. Three hundred fifty‐seven patients with RA and 383 healthy unrelated controls were recruited. Using a pyrosequencing assay, we examined four polymorphisms −1118 CTATins/del (rs10577983), 303 A>G (rs1799987), 927 C>T (rs1800024), and 4838 G>T (rs1800874) of the CCR5 gene, which were distributed over the promoter region as well as the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions. No significant difference in the genotype, allele, and haplotype frequencies of the four selected SNPs was observed between RA patients and controls. CCR5 polymorphisms of −1118 CTATdel (P = 0.012; corrected P = 0.048) and 303 A>G (P = 0.012; corrected P = 0.048) showed a significant association with radiographic severity in a recessive model, and, as a result of multivariate logistic regression analysis, were found to be an independent predictor of radiographic severity. When we separated the erosion score from the total Sharp score, the statistical significance of CCR5 polymorphisms showed an increase; −1118 CTATins/del (P = 0.007; corrected P = 0.028) and 303 A>G (P = 0.007; corrected P = 0.028). Neither SNPs nor haplotypes of the CCR5 gene showed a significant association with joint space narrowing score. These results indicate that genetic polymorphisms of CCR5 are an independent risk factor for radiographic severity denoted by modified Sharp score, particularly joint erosion in RA.
Successful cord blood transplantation in a patient with malignant infantile osteopetrosis and hemophilia
Authors: Buchbinder David , Steward Colin G. , Puthenveetil Geetha , Nugent Diane , Hsieh Loan , Kirov Ivan , Neudorf Steven , Soni Amit 
Published: August 2012

Buchbinder D, Steward CG, Puthenveetil G, Nugent D, Hsieh L, Kirov I, Neudorf S, Soni A. Successful cord blood transplantation in a patient with malignant infantile osteopetrosis and hemophilia.Abstract:  MIOP is a congenital disorder of osteoclast differentiation or dysfunction. Inadequate bone resorption by osteoclasts results in a spectrum of complications including hypocalcemia, osteosclerosis, marrow failure, extramedullary hematopoiesis, hydrocephalus, visual deficits, and eventual mortality. Early diagnosis and timely HCT is a recommended treatment approach for select patients prior to the development of end‐organ damage. A comorbid bleeding disorder presents a unique challenge in the setting of MIOP and cord blood HCT given the additional risk factors for bleeding including delayed engraftment, a high risk of developing sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, and potential need for emergent invasive procedures. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with an autosomal recessive form of MIOP who successfully underwent a cord blood HCT complicated by the presence of mild hemophilia A and HCT‐related complications including delayed engraftment, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, and need for multiple invasive procedures (e.g., ventriculostomy, tracheostomy) without clinically significant bleeding. Given the underlying diagnosis of MIOP and need for HCT, the challenge of mitigating the significant risk of bleeding in a patient with a comorbid bleeding disorder is discussed.
Host–parasite coevolution induces selection for condition‐dependent sex
Authors: Mostowy R. , Engelstädter J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSex and recombination remain one of the biggest riddles of evolutionary biology. One of the most prominent hypotheses, the Red Queen Hypothesis, claims that sex has evolved as a means to efficiently create genotypes that are resistant against coevolving parasites. However, previous models of the Red Queen have assumed that all individuals are equally likely to engage in sexual reproduction, regardless of their infection status, an assumption that may not be true in reality. Here, we consider a population genetic model of a host population coevolving with a parasite population, where the parasites are haploid and the hosts either haploid or diploid. We assume that the probability to engage in sex may be different in infected and uninfected hosts and ascertain the success of different reproductive strategies with a modifier‐gene approach. Our model shows that in the large majority of the parameter space, infection‐dependent sex is more successful than infection‐independent sex. We identify at least two reasons for this: (i) an immediate short‐term advantage of breaking‐down gene combinations of unfit individuals and (ii) a selfish spread of the condition‐dependent modifiers, in analogy to the ‘abandon‐ship’ effect in single species. In diploids, these effects are often powerful enough to overcome the detrimental effects of segregation. These results raise the intriguing question of why infection‐induced sex is not more commonly observed in nature.
Outcome and management of invasive candidiasis following oesophageal perforation
Authors: Hoffmann Martin , Kujath Peter , Vogt Florian‐M. , Laubert Tilman , Limmer Stefan , Mulrooney Thomas , Bruch Hans‐Peter , Jungbluth Thomas , Schloericke Erik 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe regular colonisation of the oesophagus with a Candida species can, after oesophageal perforation, result in a contamination of the mediastinum and the pleura with a Candida species. A patient cohort of 80 patients with oesophageal perforation between 1986 and 2010 was analysed retrospectively. The most common sources with positive results for Candida were mediastinal biopsies and broncho‐alveolar secretions. Candida species were detected in 30% of the patients. The mortality rate was 41% in patients with positive microbiology results for Candida, whereas it was 23% in the remaining patient cohort. This difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.124). Mortality associated with oesophageal perforation was attributed mainly to septic complications, such as mediastinitis and severe pneumonia. During the study period we observed a shift towards non‐albicans species that were less susceptible or resistant to fluconazole. In selected patients with risk factors as immunosuppression, granulocytopenia and long‐term intensive‐care treatment together with the finding of Candida, an antimycotic therapy should be started. A surgical approach offers the possibility to obtain deep tissue biopsies. The antimycotic therapy should start with an echinocandin, as the resistance to fluconazole is growing and to cover non‐albicans Candida species, too.
Interactions of Metabolism, Inflammation, and Reproductive Tract Health in the Postpartum Period in Dairy Cattle
Authors: LeBlanc SJ 
Published: August 2012

ContentsThis paper reviews recent data and concepts on the development of inflammation in the reproductive tract of dairy cows during the first 2 months after calving. The incidence of metritis is typically 10–20%, with 5–15% of cows having purulent vaginal discharge (PVD), 15–40% having cervicitis approximately 1 month after calving, and 10–30% having cytological endometritis between 1 and 2 months after calving. Endometritis, cervicitis and PVD are distinct conditions, each of which is associated with significantly increased time to pregnancy, and affected cows often have more than one of these conditions. Cumulatively, 35–50% of cows have at least one form of pathological reproductive tract inflammation between 3 and 7 weeks postpartum. It is hypothesized that reproductive tract disease represents a failure of the immune system to switch fast enough or far enough from the down‐regulated state necessary for maintenance of pregnancy to a heightened state of function for postpartum clearance of bacteria and tissue debris and then to a ‘quiet’ state 3–4 weeks later. There are numerous links between fat metabolism, inflammation and immune function, and changes in these precede reproductive tract disease by several weeks. An excessive pro‐inflammatory state early in the postpartum period appears to be a key feature of cows with endometritis approximately 1 month later. Generally, worse postpartum negative energy balance (NEB) is associated with more severe or prolonged uterine inflammation. Aspects of both mononuclear cell proliferation and neutrophil oxidative burst are commonly impaired, particularly in association with elevated non‐esterified fatty acid concentrations and to a lesser degree by ketosis. In summary, NEB contributes to immune dysfunction which in turn is a major component of reproductive tract inflammatory disease. The factors that initiate and sustain harmful inflammation of the reproductive tract are not yet well quantified.
Post‐mating Inflammatory Responses of the Uterus
Authors: Katila T 
Published: August 2012

ContentsThis review attempts to summarize the current knowledge on uterine inflammatory response after mating in horses, pigs and cattle. Post‐mating endometritis has been extensively studied in horses as it has been considered to cause infertility. The inflammation is known to occur also in cattle, but it has not been investigated to a similar extent. There are a number of publications about mechanisms of post‐mating uterine inflammation in pigs, which seem to resemble those in horses. The major focus of this review is the horse, but relevant literature is presented also on swine and cattle. Spermatozoa, seminal plasma and semen extenders play roles in the induction of inflammation. In addition, sperm numbers, concentration and viability, as well as the site of semen deposition may modulate the inflammatory response. Cytokines, polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) and mononuclear cells represent the uterine inflammatory response to mating. Inflammation is the first line of defence against invasion and eliminates excess spermatozoa and bacteria. Semen deposition elicits a massive PMN invasion, followed by phagocytosis of sperm aided by the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps. Exposure of the female genital tract to semen is important also for endometrial receptivity and pre‐implantation embryo development. Seminal plasma (SP) and inflammation elicit transient immune tolerance to antigens present in semen. SP contains immune‐regulatory molecules that activate and control immune responses to antigens by stimulating expression of cytokines and growth factors and by initiating tissue remodelling. SP also regulates ovarian function. Effective elimination of excess sperm and inflammatory by‐products and subsequent rapid return of the endometrium to the normal state is a prerequisite for pregnancy. Uterine backflow, driven by myometrial contractions and requiring a patent cervix, is an important physical tool in uterine drainage.
Remote frozen section examination of breast sentinel lymph nodes by telepathology
Authors: Gifford Andrew J. , Colebatch Andrew J. , Litkouhi Shahram , Hersch Fred , Warzecha William , Snook Kylie , Sywak Mark , Gill Anthony J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundIntraoperative sentinel lymph node (SLN) examination during breast cancer surgery guides the need for immediate axillary clearance. This may be difficult to implement when surgery is performed distant to the centres where pathological examination is undertaken. We aimed to implement and validate a telepathology service for the remote examination of breast SLN by frozen section (FS).MethodsWe tested an Internet‐based remote microscopy system to report intraoperative FS in real time from two district hospitals without on‐site anatomical pathology services.ResultsFS was performed remotely on 52 patients. Seventeen out of 52 patients had metastases, of which there were six false‐negative diagnoses comprising four of micrometastatic disease and two of isolated tumour cells (ITCs). There were no false‐negative diagnoses for macrometastatic disease and no false‐positive diagnoses. As a control, we audited our experience with 239 consecutive SLN FS examined by on‐site pathologists. Sixty out of 239 patients had metastases, of which there were 24 false‐negative diagnoses comprising 12 cases of ITC, 5 of micrometastases and 7 of macrometastases. The accuracy of remote FS was equivalent to that of in‐house FS (88.2% versus 89.9%).ConclusionRemote FS for breast SLN is an accurate procedure ,which is not inferior to FS performed on site.
Phylogenetic host specificity and understanding parasite sharing in primates
Authors: Cooper Natalie , Griffin Randi , Franz Mathias , Omotayo Moshood , Nunn Charles L. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractUnderstanding how parasites are transmitted to new species is of great importance for human health, agriculture and conservation. However, it is still unclear why some parasites are shared by many species, while others have only one host. Using a new measure of ‘phylogenetic host specificity’, we find that most primate parasites with more than one host are phylogenetic generalists, infecting less closely related primates than expected. Evolutionary models suggest that phylogenetic host generalism is driven by a mixture of host–parasite cospeciation and lower rates of parasite extinction. We also show that phylogenetic relatedness is important in most analyses, but fails to fully explain patterns of parasite sharing among primates. Host ecology and geographical distribution emerged as key additional factors that influence contacts among hosts to facilitate sharing. Greater understanding of these factors is therefore crucial to improve our ability to predict future infectious disease risks.
Herbicides in the environment alter infection dynamics in a microbial host–parasite system
Authors: Van den Wyngaert Silke , Gsell Alena S. , Spaak Piet , Ibelings Bas W. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryParasites play an important role in the regulation of host population growth. How these ubiquitous stressors interact with anthropogenic stressors is less often studied. In a full factorial experiment we explored the independent and combined effects of the widely used herbicide diuron and a chytrid parasite on the fitness of genetically different monoclonal diatom populations. Furthermore, we evaluated how herbicide exposure influenced infection dynamics, parasite fitness and the impact of infectious disease on host populations. We found no evidence of host genetic variation for diuron sensitivity and parasite resistance. Instead, host population phenotype was a decisive factor in controlling parasite growth. Although herbicide exposure initially posed a constraint on disease transmission, it enhanced the spread of disease over time. Consequently, the nature of the parasite–toxicant stressor interaction shifted from antagonistic (on exponential host growth) towards additive (on final uninfected host density). We conclude that herbicide exposure can modify infection dynamics and impact of disease on host populations through the complex interplay between host and parasite growth dynamics and host population phenotype.
PEASANTS AGAINST PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Vendryes Thomas 
Published: August 2012

AbstractLand is the main – if not the only – asset for a majority of people in developing countries. The definition and allocation of rights over land are thus naturally essential aspects of individuals’ daily lives, as well as critical determinants of social and economic development. The privatization of land rights has long been seen as a necessary process, enhancing both efficiency and equity. However, privatized land rights have not always emerged endogenously, while exogenously driven programs of land privatization have not always been successful nor popular. This has raised questions about the expected benefits of land rights privatization. This paper aims at summarizing the main arguments and studies, both theoretical and empirical, on this issue, with a specific focus on the factors that can make privatization inefficient or detrimental for the most concerned individuals.
Boarding the Aircraft: Trust Development Amongst Negotiators of a Complex Merger
Authors: Lander Michel W. , Kooning Linda 
Published: August 2012

Abstract We explore trust development in the context of an international merger negotiation. Based on in‐depth interviews with chief negotiators of the Air France–KLM merger, we contribute to existing theory by showing that trust develops in three interrelated domains: personal, process, and outcome. Progressively, trust develops in all domains on the basis of antecedents that differ between phases and domains. Distinguishing between different domains facilitates analysis of trust asymmetry and the coexistence of trust and distrust, as well as the influence of trust in interorganizational relationships.
Altered leaf colour is associated with increased superoxide‐scavenging activity in aureusidin‐producing transgenic plants
Authors: Shakya Roshani , Ye Jingsong , Rommens Caius M. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe health‐promoting property of diets rich in fruits and vegetables is based, in part, on the additive and synergistic effects of multiple antioxidants. In an attempt to further enhance food quality, we introduced into crops the capability to synthesize a yellow antioxidant, aureusidin, that is normally produced only by some ornamental plants. For this purpose, the snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) chalcone 4′‐O‐glucosyltransferase (Am4’CGT) and aureusidin synthase (AmAs1) genes, which catalyse the synthesis of aureusidin from chalcone, were expressed in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plants that displayed a functionally active chalcone/flavanone biosynthetic pathway. Leaves of the resulting transgenic plants developed a yellow hue and displayed higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibiting and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) activities than control leaves. Our results suggest that the nutritional qualities of leafy vegetables can be enhanced through the introduction of aurone biosynthetic pathways.
Why (and how) do teachers engage in social networks? An exploratory study of professional use of Facebook and its implications for lifelong learning
Authors: Ranieri Maria , Manca Stefania , Fini Antonio 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTo date, little empirical research on professional use of social network sites has been conducted, particularly with reference to groups of teachers on Facebook. The paper presents the results of two surveys addressed to the founders of five Italian Facebook groups and their members (n = 1107), with the aim of investigating mechanisms underlying group membership and reflecting on their implications for professional development. A number of hypotheses were tested in order to explore the nature of three dimensions (domain, network and practice) involved in these groups, assimilated by authors into networks of practice. The study investigated the mechanisms of group membership and their participatory dynamics in terms of group types (generic vs. thematic), duration of membership and the interplay between offline and online activities. Results showed that groups differing in terms of domain (generic or thematic) are characterized by particular mechanisms of affiliation and participation and that mechanisms of legitimation of the members, as well as of shared resources, are associated with the duration of membership. Further research should be conducted to investigate how social capital dynamics evolve over time, influencing the construction of group identity.Practitioner Notes
What is already known about this topic
The use of social network sites (SNS), particularly Facebook, is growing in the educational field.
To date, little attention has been given to the use of Facebook for professional development.
Empirical research mainly refers to the higher education context and shows that the use of SNS has positive outcomes for social capital.

What this paper adds
An application of social capital theory with the networks of practice framework (Brown & Duguid, ) to the study of professional groups of teachers in SNS.
An understanding of groups in terms of shared social capital, both bridging and bonding.
An analysis of the interplay between online and offline activities in terms of professional benefits for teachers.

Implications for practice and/or policy
Participation in this kind of groups may have a positive impact on professional development.
Social networks may afford different types of social capital for professionals.
Policy makers should encourage and support the use of social networks for professional learning.
Tweeting for learning: A critical analysis of research on microblogging in education published in 2008–2011
Authors: Gao Fei , Luo Tian , Zhang Ke 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis study critically analyzed the current body of published research on microblogging in education (MIE) to build a deep and comprehensive understanding of this increasingly popular phenomenon. Twenty‐one studies on MIE in 2008–2011 were selected based on the selection criteria and analyzed to answer the following questions: What types of research have been published on MIE? How was microblogging used for teaching and learning in these studies? What educational benefits did microblogging have on teaching and learning? What suggestions and implications did the current research have for future MIE research and practices? The analysis suggests that microblogging has a potential to encourage participation, engagement, reflective thinking as well as collaborative learning under different learning settings. The quality of research, however, varies greatly, suggesting a need for rigorous research on MIE. The analysis has implications for MIE practices as well as research and development efforts.Practitioner Notes
What is already known about this topic
Microblogging has a potential to facilitate learning.
Research on microblogging has been conducted under different educational settings.

What this paper adds
What are the characteristics of the current research on microblogging in education.
How educators and researchers integrated microblogging to achieve different educational goals as identified in these studies.
What are the identified educational effects of using microblogging for teaching and learning.
What are the challenges and suggestions of using microblogging in teaching and learning.

Implications for practice and/or policy
Future research on microblogging in education should go beyond formal higher education settings by considering learning occurring in other settings.
Future research needs to observe and analyze how learners participate and learn in microblogging‐based environments over time.
Innovative data collection and analysis methods are needed to understand the interaction and learning that occur in such environments.
Future research is needed to identify effective approaches of microblogging integration.
Differential Migration Prospects, Skill Formation, and Welfare
Authors: Stark Oded , Zakharenko Roman 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis paper develops a one sector, two‐input model with endogenous human capital formation. The two inputs are two types of skilled labor: “engineering,” which exerts a positive externality on total factor productivity, and “law,” which does not. The paper shows that a marginal prospect of migration by engineers increases human capital accumulation of both types of workers (engineers and lawyers), and also the number of engineers who remain in the country. These two effects are socially desirable, since they move the economy from the (inefficient) free‐market equilibrium towards the social optimum. The paper also shows that if the externality effect of engineering is sufficiently powerful, everyone will be better off as a consequence of the said prospect of migration, including the engineers who lose the migration “lottery,” and even the individuals who practice law.