bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in longer consultations for children in general practice
Authors: Freed Gary L , Spike Neil A , Sewell Jillian R , Moran Lauren M , Britt Helena , Valenti Lisa , Brooks Peter 
Published: March 2013

AimTo determine if the duration of general practitioner (GP) consultations, or the proportional distribution of item numbers associated with longer consultations, with children has changed in association with the demographic changes in Australia.MethodSecondary data analysis of Medicare claims from 1996 to 2010, which were stratified by patient age and visit type as designated by billing item number, and of the Bettering the Evaluation of Care and Health (BEACH) database was conducted. The Medicare data that were analysed were changes in overall proportion and absolute numbers of longer consultations for children from 1996 to 2010, while the BEACH data that were analysed were changes in the average duration of visits for children and the proportion of visits by children for chronic conditions.ResultsDespite the increase in the population of children, and the increasing numbers of children with chronic illness, the absolute number of longer consultations for children has decreased over the time period studied. Further, the proportion of all longer consultations that are being provided to children has diminished. For those consultations that do occur, the GPs are not spending any more time with children in 2010 than they did in consultations in 2000.ConclusionsThere have been significant changes in the patterns of longer consultations provided to children by GPs. Efforts to ensure that children receive primary care for chronic conditions and preventive care must now take on a greater urgency for the health‐care system.
IL28B genotype and the expression of ISGs in normal liver
Authors: Raglow Zoe , Thoma‐Perry Carly , Gilroy Richard , Wan Yu‐Jui Y. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsBoth polymorphisms in the IL28B gene locus and ISG expression levels are associated with the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The two are also interrelated, although the mechanism is unknown. Favourable CC genotype at rs12979860 expresses lower baseline ISG levels and responds better to treatment than unfavourable CT and TT genotypes. Little is known about this relationship in normal, uninfected liver. This study sought to explore this relationship.MethodsNormal human liver specimens (64) and HCV positive human liver specimens (95) were genotyped for IL28B rs12979860 C > T. mRNA levels of ISGs and other relevant genes were studied by qPCR.ResultsMost studied ISGs had significantly different expression by IL28B genotype in normal liver. CC genotype expressed the highest levels, CT intermediate and TT the lowest. This is opposite to the pattern seen in HCV patients. Principal component analysis of IL28B genotype and ISG expression further revealed a distinct set of genes correlated with the C allele (ISG15, HTATIP2, LGALS3BP, IRF2 and BCL2) and T allele (IFNα, β, γ, λ3 and CD80).ConclusionA subset of ISGs was found to be differentially expressed in normal liver by IL28B genotype. This suggests a relationship between IL28B genotype and gene expression before HCV infection.
Different changes in mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in lymphocytes and granulocytes in cirrhotic patients with sepsis
Authors: Precone Vincenza , Stornaiuolo Gianfranca , Amato Annamaria , Brancaccio Giuseppina , Nardiello Salvatore , Gaeta Giovanni B. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsApoptosis regulates leucocyte response during bacterial infections. This study explored leucocyte apoptotic pathway in cirrhotic patients with or without infections or sepsis.MethodsIn cirrhotic patients with bacterial infection or sepsis, the expression of Caspase 9, Bcl‐2 family proteins, which comprises pro‐apoptotic molecules, such as Bax, and anti‐apoptotic molecules, such as Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL, were measured in peripheral lymphocytes and granulocytes. Regulatory microRNAs MIR‐15 and MIR‐16 were also measured.ResultsThis study enrolled 80 patients with cirrhosis, of whom 28 had no evidence of infections, 32 had bacterial infections and 20 had sepsis; reference values were obtained from 10 age‐matched healthy subjects. An over‐expression of Caspase‐9 and pro‐apoptotic protein Bax was found in lymphocytes of cirrhotic patients with infection or sepsis as compared with non‐infected cases (P = 0.05 and 0.0001, respectively), while anti‐apoptotic proteins Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL were downregulated. In granulocytes, lowest expression of pro‐apoptotic protein Bax occurred in septic patients, while in cirrhotics with infections anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL were upregulated. Eight patients died; the survivors had less derangements in Bax, Bcl‐2 and BcL‐xL expression than non‐survivors. The pro‐apoptotic miRNA, MIR‐15 and MIR‐16, were upregulated in cirrhotics with bacterial infections.ConclusionsOverall, the data show in lymphocytes, and not in granulocytes, an activation of the pro‐apoptotic pathway in cirrhotic patients with bacterial infections, which correlates with the severity of the infection and the outcome.
Trapping of oxidized LDL in lysosomes of Kupffer cells is a trigger for hepatic inflammation
Authors: Bieghs Veerle , Walenbergh Sofie M. A. , Hendrikx Tim , van Gorp Patrick J. , Verheyen Fons , Olde Damink Steven W. , Masclee Ad A. , Koek Ger H. , Hofker Marten H. , Binder Christoph J. , Shiri‐Sverdlov Ronit 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsNon‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by steatosis and inflammation. The transition from steatosis towards NASH represents a key step in pathogenesis, as it will set the stage for further severe liver damage. Under normal conditions, lipoproteins that are endocytosed by Kupffer cells (KCs) are easily transferred from the lysosomes into the cytoplasm. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) that is taken up by the macrophages in vitro is trapped within the lysosomes, while acetylated LDL (acLDL) is leading to normal lysosomal hydrolysis, resulting in cytoplasmic storage. We have recently demonstrated that hepatic inflammation is correlated with lysosomal trapping of lipids. So far, a link between lysosomal trapping of oxLDL and inflammation was not established. We hypothesized that lysosomal trapping of oxLDL in KCs will lead to hepatic inflammation.MethodsLdlr−/− mice were injected with LDL, acLDL and oxLDL and sacrificed after 2, 6 and 24 h.ResultsElectron microscopy of KCs demonstrated that after oxLDL injection, small lipid inclusions were present inside the lysosomes after all time points and were mostly pronounced after 6 and 24 h. In contrast, no lipid inclusions were present inside KCs after LDL or acLDL injection. Hepatic expression of several inflammatory genes and scavenger receptors was higher after oxLDL injections compared with LDL or acLDL.ConclusionsThese data suggest that trapping of oxLDL inside lysosomes of KCs in vivo is causally linked to increased hepatic inflammatory gene expression. Our novel observations provide new bases for prevention and treatment of NASH.
Since turtles cannot talk: what beak movement sensors can tell us about the feeding ecology of neritic loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta
Authors: Hochscheid Sandra , Travaglini Andrea , Maffucci Fulvio , Hays Graeme C. , Bentivegna Flegra 
Published: March 2013

AbstractUnderstanding the role that consumers play in an ecosystem requires knowledge about food selection and intake rates. However, such basic data are often difficult to obtain, particularly for marine animals that are not easy to observe. To overcome this problem, a beak movement sensor was employed on a free‐ranging loggerhead turtle in a neritic foraging habitat at the Domitian littoral (SW Italy). In combination with gastrointestinal content analysis from six turtles found dead in the same area we sought to identify which beak movement patterns were associated with which prey type, and to quantify the ingestion of the various prey types. Brachyuran crabs (100% occurrence), in particular Liocarcinus vernalis, and small molluscs (66% occurrence) were found most frequently in the stomach and intestine of the turtles. Beak movements revealed average ingestion rates of (mean ± SE) 0.27 ± 0.13 food items per minute and that feeding occurred predominantly during dives >4 m and during early morning and evening. Interestingly, the time spent feeding amounted to only 2.2% of the total observation time, whereas feeding‐associated dives added up to just above 10% of the total time. We thus established that loggerhead turtles in this area are specialised on brachyuran crabs, on which they prey with high success during the short time dedicated to foraging. This information strengthens our knowledge about turtle–prey and turtle–habitat interactions, which are essential data to delineate the role that turtles play in this and similar marine ecosystems. Moreover, since the same area is also intensively used by the regional bottom trawl fishery, our results have important conservation implications, because they clearly show the time of day and water depths for which fishing activity should be regulated to reduce the number of turtles that are currently being incidentally caught in this area.
Optimization of TaDREB3 gene expression in transgenic barley using cold‐inducible promoters
Authors: Kovalchuk Nataliya , Jia Wei , Eini Omid , Morran Sarah , Pyvovarenko Tatiana , Fletcher Stephen , Bazanova Natalia , Harris John , Beck‐Oldach Kontanze , Shavrukov Yuri , Langridge Peter , Lopato Sergiy 
Published: March 2013

SummaryConstitutive over‐expression of the TaDREB3 gene in barley improved frost tolerance of transgenic plants at the vegetative stage of plant development, but leads to stunted phenotypes and 3‐ to 6‐week delays in flowering compared to control plants. In this work, two cold‐inducible promoters with contrasting properties, the WRKY71 gene promoter from rice and the Cor39 gene promoter from durum wheat, were applied to optimize expression of TaDREB3. The aim of the work was to increase plant frost tolerance and to decrease or prevent negative developmental phenotypes observed during constitutive expression of TaDREB3. The OsWRKY71 and TdCor39 promoters had low‐to‐moderate basal activity and were activated by cold treatment in leaves, stems and developing spikes of transgenic barley and rice. Expression of the TaDREB3 gene, driven by either of the tested promoters, led to a significant improvement in frost tolerance. The presence of the functional TaDREB3 protein in transgenic plants was confirmed by the detection of strong up‐regulation of cold‐responsive target genes. The OsWRKY71 promoter–driven TaDREB3 provides stronger activation of the same target genes than the TdCor39 promoter. Analysis of the development of transgenic plants in the absence of stress revealed small or no differences in plant characteristics and grain yield compared with wild‐type plants. The WRKY71–TaDREB3 promoter–transgene combination appears to be a promising tool for the enhancement of cold and frost tolerance in crop plants but field evaluation will be needed to confirm that negative development phenotypes have been controlled.
A Fiberoptic (Photodynamic Therapy Type) Device with a Photosensitizer and Singlet Oxygen Delivery Probe Tip for Ovarian Cancer Cell Killing
Authors: Bartusik Dorota , Aebisher David , Ghogare Ashwini , Ghosh Goutam , Abramova Inna , Hasan Tayyaba , Greer Alexander 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA portable “fiber optic‐based sensitizer delivery” (FOSD) device has been developed and studied. Before there might be success in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and antibacterial ambitions, an understanding of basic factors on device performance was needed. Thus, the device was examined for the localized delivery of sensitizer molecules in ovarian cancer cells and production of high concentrations of singlet oxygen for their eradication in vitro. The device tip releases stored pheophorbide by attack of singlet oxygen from sensitized oxygen gas delivered through the hollow fiber using 669 nm laser light. The performance of the device was enhanced when configured with a fluorosilane tip by virtue of its Teflon‐like property compared with a conventional glass tip (greater sensitizer quantities were photoreleased and laterally diffused, and greater amounts of ovarian OVCAR‐5 cancer cells were killed). No cell damage was observed at 2.2 N of force applied by the probe tip itself, an amount used for many of the experiments described here.
The Dynamics Simulation and Quantum Calculation Investigation About Luminescence Mechanism of Coelenteramide
Authors: Li Zuo‐Sheng , Zhao Xi , Zou Lu‐Yi , Ren Ai‐Min 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe dynamics simulation and quantum chemical calculation are employed to investigate spectrum properties of deprotonation process of coelenteramide and two final states neutral state and phenolate anion. According to the calculation results, theoretical evidence supporting the luminescence mechanism hypothesis is proposed in a significant bioluminescence process. In vivo of marine bioluminescent organisms, if the protein motion provides the conditions for the deprotonation of coelenteramide in some protein molecules, the phenolate anion is completely deprotonated coelenteramide as an emitter in these protein molecules and emits fluorescence assigned to the lower energy peak. And in another emitter in which the condition of deprotonation is not met, the fluorescence is produced by the neutral state of coelenteramide and assigned to the higher energy peak. The energy difference decreases gradually when the proton of coelenteramide gradually approaches to His22. For phenolate anion and neutral state, electronic cloud distributions between their each frontier molecular orbitals HOMO and LUMO have high overlapping volume. The molecular electrostatic potential indicates that for phenolate anion, the oxygen atom after deprotonation has greater electron density, which is good for formation hydrogen bonds with amino acids in the environment.
Blood pressure and pain sensitivity in children and adolescents
Authors: Drouin Sammantha , McGrath Jennifer J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractElevated blood pressure is associated with diminished pain sensitivity. While this finding is well established in adults, it is less clear when the relation between blood pressure and pain sensitivity emerges across the life course. Evidence suggests this phenomenon may exist during childhood. Children (N = 309; 56% boys) aged 10–15 years and their parents participated. Blood pressure readings were taken during a resting baseline. Maximum pain intensity was rated using a visual analogue scale (rated 0–10) in response to a finger prick pain induction. Parent‐measured resting blood pressure was inversely associated with boys' pain ratings only. Cross‐sectionally, lower pain ratings were related to higher SBP, univariately. Longitudinally, pain ratings predicted higher DBP, even after controlling for covariates. Determining when and how the relation between blood pressure and pain sensitivity emerges may elucidate the pathophysiology of hypertension.
Microbial mats implicated in the generation of intrastratal shrinkage (‘synaeresis’) cracks
Authors: Harazim Dario , Callow Richard H. T. , Mcilroy Duncan 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIntrastratal shrinkage (often termed ‘synaeresis’) cracks are commonly employed as diagnostic environmental indicators for ancient salinity‐stressed, transitional fluvial‐marine or marginal‐marine depositional environments. Despite their abundance and use in facies interpretations, the mechanism of synaeresis crack formation remains controversial, and widely accepted explanations for their formation have hitherto been lacking. Sedimentological, ichnological, petrographic and geochemical study of shallow marine mudstone beds from the Ordovician Beach Formation of Bell Island, Newfoundland, has revealed that crack development (cf. synaeresis cracks) on the upper surface of mudstone beds is correlated with specific organic, geochemical and sedimentological parameters. Contorted, sinuous, sand‐filled cracks are common at contacts between unbioturbated mudstone and overlying sandstone beds. Cracks are absent in highly bioturbated mudstone, and are considered to pre‐date firmground assemblages of trace fossils that include Planolites and Trichophycus. The tops of cracked mudstone beds contain up to 2·1 wt% total organic carbon, relative to underlying mudstone beds that contain around 0·5 wt% total organic carbon. High‐resolution carbon isotope analyses reveal low δ13Corg values (−27·6‰) on bed tops compared with sandy intervals lacking cracks (−24·4 to −24·9‰). Cracked mudstone facies show evidence for microbial matgrounds, including microbially induced sedimentary structures on bedding planes and carbonaceous laminae and tubular carbonaceous microfossils in thin section. Non‐cracked mudstone lacks evidence for development of microbial mats. Microbial mat development is proposed as an important prerequisite for intrastratal shrinkage crack formation. Both microbial mats and intrastratal shrinkage cracks have broad palaeoenvironmental distributions in the Precambrian and early Phanerozoic. In later Phanerozoic strata, matgrounds are restricted to depositional environments that are inhospitable to burrowing and surface‐grazing macrofauna. Unless evidence of synaeresis (i.e. contraction of clay mineral lattices in response to salinity change) can be independently demonstrated, the general term ‘intrastratal shrinkage crack’ is proposed to describe sinuous and tapering cracks in mudstone beds.
The role of the cytoskeleton and associated proteins in determination of the plant cell division plane
Authors: Rasmussen Carolyn G. , Wright Amanda J. , Müller Sabine 
Published: March 2013

SummaryIn plants, as in all eukaryotic organisms, microtubule‐ and actin‐filament based structures play fundamental roles during cell division. In addition to the mitotic spindle, plant cells have evolved a unique cytoskeletal structure that designates a specific division plane before the onset of mitosis via formation of a cortical band of microtubules and actin filaments called the preprophase band. During cytokinesis, a second plant‐specific microtubule and actin filament structure called the phragmoplast directs vesicles to create the new cell wall. In response to intrinsic and extrinsic cues, many plant cells form a preprophase band in G2, then the preprophase band recruits specific proteins to populate the cortical division site prior to disassembly of the preprophase band in prometaphase. These proteins are thought to act as a spatial reminder that actively guides the phragmoplast towards the cortical division site during cytokinesis. A number of proteins involved in determination and maintenance of the plane of cell division have been identified. Our current understanding of the molecular interactions of these proteins and their regulation of microtubules is incomplete, but advanced imaging techniques and computer simulations have validated some early concepts of division site determination.
Antibody Responses to Natural Rattlesnake Envenomation and a Rattlesnake Toxoid Vaccine in Horses
Authors: Gilliam Lyndi L. , Carmichael Robert C. , Holbrook Todd C. , Taylor Jennifer M. , Ownby Charlotte L. , McFarlane Dianne , Payton Mark E. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTAntivenom antibody titers following administration of rattlesnake venom for antivenom production in horses are well documented; however, antivenom antibody titers following natural rattlesnake envenomation in horses are not. Antibody titers produced in response to the commercially available rattlesnake venom vaccine are also not published. Our study objectives were to measure antivenom antibody titers in rattlesnake-bitten horses and compare them to titers in horses vaccinated with the rattlesnake venom vaccine. Additionally, titers were compared in pregnant versus nonpregnant horses to assess the affect of pregnancy on vaccine response and were measured pre- and postsuckle in foals of vaccinated mares to detect passive transfer of vaccine immunoglobulins. Blood samples were collected from16 rattlesnake-bitten horses. Thirty-six horses (11 pregnant mares, 12 nonpregnant mares, 13 geldings) were vaccinated using aCrotalus atroxvenom toxoid vaccine. Blood was collected before administering each vaccination and 30 days following the third vaccination. Blood was collected from foals of vaccinated mares pre- and postsuckle. All serum was assayed for anti-Crotalus atroxvenom antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Rattlesnake-bitten horses had higher (P= 0.001) titers than vaccinated horses. There was no significant difference between titers in vaccinated pregnant versus nonpregnant horses. One mare had a positive titer at foaling, and the foals had positive postsuckle titers. Antivenom antibody titer development was variable following natural envenomation and vaccination, and vaccine-induced titers were lower than natural envenomation titers. Further studies are required to determine if natural or vaccine antivenom antibody titers reduce the effects of envenomation.
Performance of Two Commercial Assays for Detecting Hepatitis E Virus RNA in Acute or Chronic Infections
Authors: Abravanel Florence , Chapuy-Regaud Sabine , Lhomme Sébastien , Dubois Martine , Peron Jean-Marie , Alric Laurent , Rostaing Lionel , Kamar Nassim , Izopet Jacques 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT
We assessed the performance of the Ceeram and Altona assays, the first two commercially available hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA assays, using serial dilutions of 4 HEV-positive reference samples (genotypes 3a, 3c, 3e, and 3f). Both assays provided good analytical sensitivity and high reproducibility for detecting genotype 3 HEV RNA.
Immunological Hallmarks of JC Virus Replication in Multiple Sclerosis Patients on Long-Term Natalizumab Therapy
Authors: Hendel-Chavez Houria , de Goër de Herve Marie-Ghislaine , Giannesini Claire , Mazet Anne-Aurélie , Papeix Caroline , Louapre Céline , Chardain Audrey , Boutarfa Nassima , Théaudin Marie , Adams David , Gasnault Jacques , Stankoff Bruno , Taoufik Yassine 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is the main adverse effect of natalizumab. Detectable JC virus-specific effector memory T-cell (TEM) responses may indicate ongoing JCV replication. We detected JCV-specific TEM responses in blood of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with natalizumab, including 2 patients with PML. The frequency of detection of these responses increased with the time on natalizumab. Thus, a subset of MS patients exhibit immunological hallmarks of JCV replication during prolonged natalizumab therapy.