bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FVIII and FIX inhibitors in people living with hemophilia in Cameroon, Africa: a preliminary study
Authors: Balôgôg P. N. , Tagny C. T. , Ndoumba A. , Mbanya D. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryIntroductionHemophilia is a reality in Cameroon were more than 100 patients are registered and followed‐up in the Yaoundé Hemophilia treatment center.AimWe conducted a cross sectional study in patient living with hemophilia in that setting in order to determine the frequency of Factor VIII and IX specific inhibitors and the factors associated their presence.MethodsFrom May to December 2012, venous blood samples of hemophiliac patients undergoing replacement therapy were collected in tubes containing 0.109 m (3.2%) trisodium citrate. Inhibitors were screened by APTT based method using 50 : 50 patients' plasma mixed with normal plasma incubated together for 2 h at 37 °C. Quantitative assay was carried out to measure Bethesda units (BU) with the Bethesda Nijmegen Assay. Samples were labeled as low titer inhibitor when <5 BU were detected.ResultsA total of 42 patients were tested among which four had haemophilia B while 38 had hemophilia A. Eight patients (19%) were found to have positive Bethesda test. The mean age of patients with inhibitors was 9.2 ± 6 years (2–18). Two of them were high responders (25%). the frequency of inhibitors was higher in severe hemophiliac patients.ConclusionThe frequency of inhibitors in hemophiliac patient undergoing replacement therapy is high in Cameroon. Severity of disease was found to be the main contributing factor in patients who developed inhibitors.
Estimation of polyclonal IgG4 hybrids in normal human serum
Authors: Young Elizabeth , Lock Emma , Ward Douglas G. , Cook Alexander , Harding Stephen , Wallis Gregg L. F. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe in vivo or in vitro formation of IgG4 hybrid molecules, wherein the immunoglobulins have exchanged half molecules, has previously been reported under experimental conditions. Here we estimate the incidence of polyclonal IgG4 hybrids in normal human serum and comment on the existence of IgG4 molecules with different immunoglobulin light chains. Polyclonal IgG4 was purified from pooled or individual donor human sera and sequentially fractionated using light‐chain affinity and size exclusion chromatography. Fractions were analysed by SDS–PAGE, immunoblotting, ELISA, immunodiffusion and matrix‐assisted laser‐desorption mass spectrometry. Polyclonal IgG4 purified from normal serum contained IgG4κ, IgG4λ and IgG4κ/λ molecules. Size exclusion chromatography showed that IgG4 was principally present in monomeric form (150 000 MW). SDS–PAGE, immunoblotting and ELISA showed the purity of the three IgG4 samples. Immunodiffusion, light‐chain sandwich ELISA and mass spectrometry demonstrated that both κ and λ light chains were present on only the IgG4κ/λ molecules. The amounts of IgG4κ/λ hybrid molecules ranged from 21 to 33% from the five sera analysed. Based on the molecular weight these molecules were formed of two IgG4 heavy chains plus one κ and one λ light chain. Polyclonal IgG (IgG4‐depleted) was similarly fractionated according to light‐chain specificity. No evidence of hybrid IgG κ/λ antibodies was observed. These results indicate that hybrid IgG4κ/λ antibodies compose a substantial portion of IgG4 from normal human serum.
Suprathel®‐assisted surgical treatment of the hand in a dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patient
Authors: Sari Elif , Eryilmaz Tolga , Tetik Gulsum , Ozakpinar Hulda R , Eker Esabil 
Published: February 2014

AbstractEpidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a progressive familial disorder composed of dermal mucosal blisters, flexion contractures and pseudosyndactylies. Flexion contractures and pseudosyndactyly can be treated with surgery but usually require skin grafting. Because of poor wound healing, skin graft harvesting is a challenge in these patients. In order to prevent donor‐site morbidities due to skin graft harvesting some alloplastic materials were introduced. In this study, we focused on Suprathel® as a new allograft material for covering the skin defects of a patient with dystrophic EB.
Validation of biomarkers for loin meat quality (M. longissimus) of pigs
Authors: Pierzchala M. , Hoekman A.J.W. , Urbanski P. , Kruijt L. , Kristensen L. , Young J.F. , Oksbjerg N. , Goluch D. , te Pas M.F.W. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe aim of this study was to validate previously reported associations between microarray gene expression levels and pork quality traits using real‐time PCR. Meat samples and meat quality data from 100 pigs were collected from a different pig breed to the one tested by microarray (Large White versus Pietrain) and a different country of origin (Denmark versus Germany). Ten genes (CARP, MB, CSRP3, TNNC1, VAPB, TNNI1, HSPB1, TNNT1, TIMP‐1, RAD‐like) were chosen from the original microarray study on the basis of the association between gene expression levels and the meat quality traits meat %, back fat,pH24, drip loss %, coloura*, colourb*, colourL*, WB‐SF, SFA, MUFA, PUFA. Real‐time PCR detection methods were developed for validation of all ten genes, confirming association with drip loss (two of two genes), ultimatepH(three of four genes),a* (redness) (two of six genes) andL*(lightness) (two of four genes). Furthermore, several new correlations for MUFA and PUFA were established due to additional meat quality trait information on fatty acid composition not available for the microarray study. Regression studies showed that the maximum explanation of the phenotypic variance of the meat quality traits was 50% for the ultimatepHtrait using these ten genes only. Additional studies showed that the gene expression of several of the genes was correlated with each other. We conclude that the genes initially selected from the microarray study were robust, explaining variances of the genes for the meat quality traits.
The Road to Environmental Policy Integration is Paved with Obstacles: Intra‐ and Inter‐Organizational Conflicts in EU Transport Decision‐Making
Authors: Dyrhauge Helene 
Published: February 2014

AbstractTransport is one of the most polluting sectors and needs to adopt environmental protection, yet the constant struggle between the environment and the economy is often won by economic priorities. This struggle makes environmental policy integration difficult, especially in the legislative process. This article analyzes the co‐decision process which led to the adoption of the 2011 Eurovignette Directive, and examines how intra‐organizational conflicts in the European Parliament and the Council shaped inter‐organizational negotiations and thus the level of environmental policy integration in the adopted policy. The European Parliament's rapporteur is identified as central for resolving differences between the actors. Overall, the paper argues that the economic crisis has strengthened existing national economic preferences over environmental protection, leading to environmental policy integration that is symbolic rather than substantial.
Factors influencing the durability of the glucose‐lowering effect of sitagliptin combined with a sulfonylurea
Authors: Kubota Akira , Yabe Daisuke , Kanamori Akira , Kuroe Akira , Takahashi Nobuo , Saito Tatsuhiko , Matsuba Ikuro , Nabe Koichiro , Kurose Takeshi , Seino Yutaka 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe analyzed the changes of glycemic control over 12 months and the factors influencing blood glucose in 162 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes having inadequate glycemic control despite sulfonylurea‐based therapy who received add‐on sitagliptin. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) decreased significantly after 4 weeks of treatment, and this improvement was maintained for 1 year, although HbA1c was slightly higher in week 52 than in week 24. Comparison of the patients showing a ≥0.4% increase of HbA1c between weeks 24 and 52 (n = 57) with the others (n = 105) showed a significant difference in the change of bodyweight, as well as the dose of glibenclamide (both P < 0.01). Although combined therapy with sitagliptin and a sulfonylurea seems to be effective for at least 1 year, blood glucose levels are more likely to increase again in patients who show greater weight gain after 24 weeks of treatment and those receiving a higher dose of glibenclamide.
Variation and evolution of sex ratios at the northern range limit of a sexually polymorphic plant
Authors: Yakimowski S. B. , Barrett S. C. H. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractGender strategies involve three fundamental sex phenotypes – female, male and hermaphrodite. Their frequencies in populations typically define plant sexual systems. Patterns of sex‐ratio variation in a geographical context can provide insight into transitions among sexual systems, because environmental gradients differentially influence sex phenotype fitness. Here, we investigate sex‐ratio variation in 116 populations ofSagittaria latifoliaat the northern range limit in eastern N. America and evaluate mechanisms responsible for the patterns observed. We detected continuous variation in sex phenotype frequencies from monoecy through subdioecy to dioecy. There was a decline in the frequency and flower production of females in northerly populations, whereas hermaphrodite frequencies increased at the range limit, and in small populations. Tests of a model of sex‐ratio evolution, using empirical estimates of fitness components, indicated that the relative female and male contribution of males and hermaphrodites to fitness is closer to equilibrium expectations than female frequencies. Plasticity in sex expression and clonality likely contribute to deviations from equilibrium expectations.
Rapid Detection of Salmonella in Food Samples by Polymerase Chain Reaction After a 10 h Pre‐enrichment
Authors: Khan Abdul Basit , Sahir Korish Hasnain , Ahmed Mushtaq , Khan Seema Ismat 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSalmonella species have been frequently implicated in foodborne illnesses. These organisms can be transmitted via ingestion of a wide variety of contaminated food items and polluted drinking water. The detection of Salmonella in such commodities relies mainly on some laborious, and time‐consuming conventional methods. This warrants for development and/or adoption of other nonconventional, user‐friendly and rapid methods.In view of the above‐mentioned facts, studies have been conducted to develop a simple, cost‐effective and rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based method for the detection of Salmonella in food samples using the primers for invA gene sequence. The method developed, based on PCR, has been compared with the conventional method for Salmonella detection. Experiments were performed with different inoculum sizes and time intervals to determine the sensitivity of the method. Optimization studies were also conducted using rice sample with different inoculum size and time interval combinations. Initially, the method developed was tested for its efficacy on different artificially contaminated samples, and later on, in commercially available products in comparison with the conventional method. The method developed is also free of any involvement of kit‐based proprietary instruments.Practical ApplicationsFood products are being scrutinized intensively for Salmonella contamination, especially during export or marketing across the boundaries. Consequently, the food industry is facing economic problems like rejection of consignments, recall of the product, loss of product, marred product prestige, etc. Usually, 4 to 6 days are required for Salmonella detection. The manufacturers have either to ship the product without the laboratory clearance or to keep the product in storage until laboratory report is obtained. Both alternatives are not economically appealing. The product might be recalled or rejected as microbiological safety can be violated or additional handling and storage expenditures could be involved. These considerations demand for a rapid test for Salmonella detection that is at least as sensitive and accurate as the tests used currently. The PCR test described here fulfills these criteria and can be used for rapid detection of Salmonella in food testing laboratories.
A Controlled Quality Improvement Trial to Reduce the Use of Physical Restraints in Older Hospitalized Adults
Authors: Enns Echo , Rhemtulla Rishma , Ewa Vivian , Fruetel Karen , Holroyd‐Leduc Jayna M. 
Published: February 2014

ObjectivesTo implement and evaluate an evidence‐informed multicomponent strategy to reduce physical restraint use in older adults admitted to acute care medical units.DesignStepped‐wedge trial.SettingFour acute care medical units in Calgary, Alberta, over a 4‐month time period.ParticipantsData were collected from individuals aged 65 and older present on the study units during monthly restraint audits.InterventionDevelopment of opinion leaders among the nursing leadership, education and training of physicians and unit nurses, and implementation of least restraint rounds.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was rate of restraint use as determined from walk‐around audits. Secondary outcomes included number of physician orders for physical restraints on the electronic medical record and fall reports.ResultsThirteen percent to 27% of individuals were being restrained on the medical units before the intervention, with the vast majority of restraints being bed rails. This decreased to 7% to 14% after the intervention. The intervention resulted in a statistically significant reduction in restraint use measured in the early mornings (P = .01), and this trend continued after adjusting for unit and month (P = .06). Similarly, the rate of restraint use trended down at all other measured time periods but was not statistically significant. A limited number of individuals had an order for physical restraint within their electronic medical record (3% before, 2% after the intervention). The median number of monthly fall reports did not change (three before, three after; P = .60).ConclusionA multicomponent team‐focused quality improvement intervention has the potential to decrease the use of physical restraints in older hospitalized adults.
Acute‐phase reactants in periodontal disease: Current concepts and future implications
Authors: Archana Vilasan , Ambili Ranjith , Nisha Krishnavilasam Jayakumary , Seba Abraham , Preeja Chandran 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPeriodontal disease has been linked to adverse cardiovascular events by unknown mechanisms. C‐reactive protein is a systemic marker released during the acute phase of an inflammatory response and is a prognostic marker for cardiovascular disease, with elevated serum levels being reported during periodontal disease. Studies also reported elevated levels of various other acute‐phase reactants in periodontal disease. It has been reported extensively in the literature that treatment of periodontal infections can significantly lower serum levels of C‐reactive protein. Therefore, an understanding of the relationship between acute‐phase response and the progression of periodontal disease and other systemic health complications would have a profound effect on the periodontal treatment strategies. In view of this fact, the present review highlights an overview of acute‐phase reactants and their role in periodontal disease.
Rab‐mediated trafficking role in neurite formation
Authors: Villarroel‐Campos David , Gastaldi Laura , Conde Cecilia , Caceres Alfredo , Gonzalez‐Billault Christian 
Published: February 2014

AbstractNeuronal cells are characterized by the presence of two confined domains, which are different in their cellular properties, biochemical functions and molecular identity. The generation of asymmetric domains in neurons should logically require specialized membrane trafficking to both promote neurite outgrowth and differential distribution of components. Members of the Rab family of small GTPases are key regulators of membrane trafficking involved in transport, tethering and docking of vesicles through their effectors. RabGTPases activity is coupled to the activity of guanine nucleotide exchange factors or GEFs, and GTPase‐activating proteins known as GAPs. Since the overall spatiotemporal distribution of GEFs, GAPs and Rabs governs trafficking through the secretory and endocytic pathways, affecting exocytosis, endocytosis and endosome recycling, it is likely that RabGTPases could have a major role in neurite outgrowth, elongation and polarization. In this review we summarize the evidence linking the functions of several RabGTPases to axonal and dendritic development in primary neurons, as well as neurite formation in neuronal cell lines. We focused on the role of RabGTPases from the trans‐Golgi network, early/late and recycling endosomes, as well as the function of some Rab effectors in neuritogenesis. Finally, we also discuss the participation of the ADP‐ribosylation factor 6, a member of the ArfGTPase family, in neurite formation since it seems to have an important cross‐talk with RabGTPases.
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Intracellular trafficking emerges as key regulator of neurite and axon elongation. We summarized how members of RabGTPase family regulate several aspects of neuronal differentiation. Trans‐Golgi network resident Rabs (in green) promotes neurite growth through exocytic carriers; whereas recycling endosome associated Rabs (in red) promote neurite elongation by local membrane delivery. Early/late endosome associated Rabs (in blue) show mixed behaviour, depending on the experimental model, a feature which is also discussed in the review.
Urotensin II promotes vagal‐mediated bradycardia by activating cardiac‐projecting parasympathetic neurons of nucleus ambiguus
Authors: Brailoiu Gabriela Cristina , Deliu Elena , Rabinowitz Joseph E. , Tilley Douglas G. , Koch Walter J. , Brailoiu Eugen 
Published: February 2014

AbstractUrotensin II (U‐II) is a cyclic undecapeptide that regulates cardiovascular function at central and peripheral sites. The functional role of U‐II nucleus ambiguus, a key site controlling cardiac tone, has not been established, despite the identification of U‐II and its receptor at this level. We report here that U‐II produces an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in retrogradely labeled cardiac vagal neurons of nucleus ambiguus via two pathways: (i) Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum via inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor; and (ii) Ca2+ influx through P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels. In addition, U‐II depolarizes cultured cardiac parasympathetic neurons. Microinjection of increasing concentrations of U‐II into nucleus ambiguus elicits dose‐dependent bradycardia in conscious rats, indicating the in vivo activation of the cholinergic pathway controlling the heart rate. Both the in vitro and in vivo effects were abolished by the urotensin receptor antagonist, urantide. Our findings suggest that, in addition, to the previously reported increase in sympathetic outflow, U‐II activates cardiac vagal neurons of nucleus ambiguus, which may contribute to cardioprotection.
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Our study characterizes the effects of urotensin II (U‐II) on cardiac‐projecting nucleus ambiguus neurons. U‐II depolarizes these neurons, promotes Ca2+ entry via P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels and Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum via inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors. U‐II microinjection into the nucleus ambiguus elicits bradycardia in conscious rats. Thus, U‐II increases cardiac vagal tone, potentially promoting cardioprotection, as previously reported.
Hydrochlorothiazide‐induced hyperuricaemia in the pharmacogenomic evaluation of antihypertensive responses study
Authors: Vandell A. G. , McDonough C. W. , Gong Y. , Langaee T. Y. , Lucas A. M. , Chapman A. B. , Gums J. G. , Beitelshees A. L. , Bailey K. R. , Johnson R. J. , Boerwinkle E. , Turner S. T. , Cooper‐DeHoff R. M. , Johnson J. A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveElevations in uric acid (UA) and the associated hyperuricaemia are commonly observed secondary to treatment with thiazide diuretics. We sought to identify novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)‐induced elevations in UA and hyperuricaemia.MethodsA genome‐wide association study of HCTZ‐induced changes in UA was performed in Caucasian and African American participants from the pharmacogenomic evaluation of antihypertensive responses (PEAR) study who were treated with HCTZ monotherapy. Suggestive SNPs were replicated in Caucasians and African Americans from the PEAR study who were treated with HCTZ add‐on therapy. Replicated regions were followed up through expression and pathway analysis.ResultsFive unique gene regions were identified in African Americans (LUC7L2, ANKRD17/COX18, FTO, PADI4 and PARD3B), and one region was identified in Caucasians (GRIN3A). Increases in UA of up to 1.8 mg dL−1 were observed following HCTZ therapy in individuals homozygous for risk alleles, with heterozygotes displaying an intermediate phenotype. Several risk alleles were also associated with an increased risk of HCTZ‐induced clinical hyperuricaemia. A composite risk score, constructed in African Americans using the ‘top’ SNP from each gene region, was strongly associated with HCTZ‐induced UA elevations (P = 1.79 × 10−7) and explained 11% of the variability in UA response. Expression studies in RNA from whole blood revealed significant differences in expression of FTO by rs4784333 genotype. Pathway analysis showed putative connections between many of the genes identified through common microRNAs.ConclusionSeveral novel gene regions were associated with HCTZ‐induced UA elevations in African Americans (LUC7L2, COX18/ANKRD17, FTO, PADI4 and PARD3B), and one region was associated with these elevations in Caucasians (GRIN3A).
Salivary: flow and proteins of the innate and adaptive immunity in the limited and diffused systemic sclerosis
Authors: Knaś Małgorzata , Zalewska Anna , Waszkiewicz Napoleon , Szulimowska Julita , Dzięcioł Janusz , Sierakowski Stanisław , Waszkiel Danuta 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundHowever, there are some informations on the salivary glands involvement in systemic sclerosis, and there is a lack of any data about salivary glands function depending on systemic sclerosis subsets.MethodsThe unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow, the activity of peroxidase, the total amount of lactoferrin, lysozyme and sIgA were determined in two subgroups of systemic sclerosis and healthy controls.ResultsIn the unstimulated saliva of both patients groups, the salivary flow, the output of total protein and peroxidase activity were significantly lower; the total: sIgA and lactoferrin were significantly higher as compared with the control. In the stimulated saliva of the patients with limited form, the total lysozyme and peroxidase activity were significantly higher than in the control. In the stimulated saliva of the patients with diffused form, the salivary flow was significantly lower and the total sIgA and peroxidase activity were significantly higher than in the control.ConclusionSystemic sclerosis regardless of its subset affects salivary defense system of human unstimulated and stimulated saliva. Patients with the limited form experience the same impairment of the submandibular glands function as compared with patients with the diffused form. Only patients with the diffused form are deficient in respect of stimulated saliva secretion; the parotid glands of the patients with the limited form have a good secretory capacity in comparison with the healthy control.