bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Placental Regulation of Inflammation and Hypoxia after TNF‐α Infusion in Mice
Authors: Bobek Gabriele , Surmon Laura , Mirabito Katrina M. , Makris Angela , Hennessy Annemarie 
Published: July 2015

ProblemIncreased levels of inflammatory cytokines are demonstrated in the serum of women with pre‐eclampsia. TNF‐α infusion in animal models induces proteinuric hypertension similar to human pre‐eclampsia. The effect of TNF‐α on regulation of the immune and hypoxic pathways in the developing placenta and their relationship with experimental pre‐eclampsia remains unexamined.Method of StudyTNF‐α was infused into pregnant mice, and the effects on maternal hypertension, proteinuria, circulating levels of sFlt‐1 and corresponding placental changes in molecules responding to inflammation (TLR‐3 and TLR‐4) and hypoxia (HIF‐1α) were examined.ResultsTNF‐α infusion resulted in maternal hypertension and proteinuria. Molecular changes in the placenta involved upregulation of TLR‐3, TLR‐4 and HIF‐1α. Serum levels of sFlt‐1 were high in pregnant animals, but not further upregulated by TNF‐α infusion.ConclusionA role for maladaptive regulation of TLR and HIF‐1α induced by an imbalance in inflammatory cytokines is implicated in the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia.
Guideline‐based development of quality indicators for prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Woiski Mallory D. , Scheepers Hubertina C. , Liefers Janine , Lance Marcus , Middeldorp Johanna M. , Lotgering Fred K. , Grol Richard P. , Hermens Rosella P. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIntroductionTo systematically develop a set of guideline‐based quality indicators for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) as a tool to measure guideline adherence in actual PPH care.Material and methodsA Rand‐modified Delphi procedure was used to systematically achieve consensus among a panel of 22 experts on PPH care on recommendations extracted from evidence‐based guidelines, Managing‐Obstetrics‐Emergencies‐Trauma (MOET) instructions and international literature. The selected recommendations were individually rated on health gain (prevention of maternal mortality and morbidity) and overall efficiency by the expert panel. Subsequently, consensus about the most important recommendations to measure quality of PPH care among the panel members was reached, followed by a final approval. Last, definition of the final set by critical appraisal of the recommendations regarding measurability took place. The main outcome measure was a set of valid quality indicators for prevention and management of PPH.ResultsFrom the 69 extracted recommendations, 50 were selected and translated into 22 quality indicators on professional performance (n = 17) and organization of PPH care (n = 5). The professional performance indicators covered all fields of PPH care, such as prevention (n = 2) and management of PPH, including communication and documentation (n = 4), monitoring and prevention of shock (n = 3), use of blood products (n = 3) and treatment of PPH (n = 5). Organizational indicators (n = 5) were clustered into protocols and agreements, audit, accessibility and documentation.ConclusionsThis study describes a stepwise systematic development of 22 performance and organizational indicators to use for measuring the whole care process of prevention and management of PPH.
Mortality in northern corroboree frog tadpoles (Pseudophryne pengilleyi) associated with Tetrahymena‐like infection
Authors: Holz PH , Portas T , Donahoe S , Crameri S , Rose K 
Published: July 2015

Case reportMortality of northern corroboree frog tadpoles and eggs occurred in association with Tetrahymena‐like ciliates. The predominant lesions in the tadpoles were inflammation and necrosis of the dermis and skeletal muscle. Some of the egg capsules also contained ciliates, but were overgrown with bacteria and fungi.ConclusionDisease occurred, secondary to underlying husbandry issues, and resolved following their correction.
Survey of captive parrot populations around Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia, for psittacine beak and feather disease virus, avian polyomavirus and psittacine adenovirus
Authors: Hulbert CL , Chamings A , Hewson KA , Steer PA , Gosbell M , Noormohammadi AH 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveThis study investigated the prevalence of psittacine beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), avian polyomavirus (APV) and psittacine adenovirus (PsAdV) in captive psittacine birds around Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia.MethodsSamples of fresh droppings were collected from 118 psittacine birds (109 clinically normal and 9 with feather abnormalities) from 11 avaries in different locations and were used for detection of BFDV, APV and PsAdV using PCR.ResultsBFDV, APV and PsAdV were detected in 31%, 13% and 4%, respectively, of the specimens tested. One budgerigar was found to be co‐infected with BFDV and PsAdV. At least one sample tested positive for BFDV at each location.ConclusionThis is the first report of the prevalence of BFDV, APV and PsAdV in Victoria and provides a foundation for future studies examining the influence of these viruses on the health of aviary birds in Victoria.
Integrating Molecular Subclassification of Medulloblastomas into Routine Clinical Practice: A Simplified Approach
Authors: Kaur Kavneet , Kakkar Aanchal , Kumar Anupam , Mallick Supriya , Julka Pramod K. , Gupta Deepak , Suri Ashish , Suri Vaishali , Sharma Mehar C. , Sarkar Chitra 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMedulloblastoma (MB) is composed of four molecular subgroups viz. WNT, SHH, groups 3 and 4, identified using various high‐throughput methods. Translation of this molecular data into pathologist‐friendly techniques that would be applicable in laboratories all over the world is a major challenge. Ninety‐two MBs were analyzed using a panel of 10 IHC markers, real‐time PCR for mRNA and miRNA expression, and FISH for MYC amplification. β‐catenin, GAB1 and YAP1 were the only IHC markers of utility in classification of MBs into three subgroups viz. WNT (9.8%), SHH (45.6%) and non‐WNT/SHH (44.6%). mRNA expression could further classify some non‐WNT/SHH tumors into groups 3 and 4. This, however, was dependent on integrity of RNA extracted from FFPE tissue. MYC amplification was seen in 20% of non‐WNT/SHH cases and was associated with the worst prognosis. For routine diagnostic practice, we recommend classification of MBs into three subgroups: WNT, SHH and non‐WNT/SHH, with supplementation by prognostic markers like MYC for non‐WNT/SHH tumors. Using this panel, we propose a new three‐tier risk stratification system for MBs. Molecular subgrouping with this limited panel is rapid, economical, works well on FFPE tissue and is reliable as it correlates significantly with clinicopathological parameters and patient survival.
Immunologic responses to the major allergen of Olea europaea in local and systemic allergic rhinitis subjects
Authors: Campo P. , Villalba M. , Barrionuevo E. , Rondón C. , Salas M. , Galindo L. , Rodríguez M. J. , López‐Rodríguez J. C. , Prieto‐del Prado M. A. , Torres M. J. , Blanca M. , Mayorga C. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate the in vivo and in vitro responses to nOle e 1 in allergic rhinitis (AR) and local allergic rhinitis (LAR) patients sensitized to olive tree pollen (OL) confirmed by nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT).MethodsTwelve subjects with AR, 12 with LAR and 12 subjects as control group (CG) were selected. Skin testing and NAPT with nOle e 1 were performed. Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase were measured in nasal lavages before and after NAPT. Serum IgE to OL allergens was measured by ELISA. Basophil activation tests (BAT) with OL and nOle e 1 and dendritic cell maturation/proliferation studies were carried out.ResultsAll AR (12/12) and 10/12 (83%) of LAR had a +NAPT to nOle e 1. ECP levels in nasal lavages were significantly increased after NAPT in both AR and LAR compared with CG at 15 min (P < 0.05). Serum IgE was positive only in AR. All AR had +BAT responses to OL and 10/12 to nOle e 1 (83%); 8/12 LAR (66.6%) had a +BAT to OL and 4/12 (33%) to nOle e 1, with only one subject of the CG with a +BAT to both OL and nOle e 1 (8%). Dendritic cell proliferation to nOle e 1 was increased in AR compared to LAR and CG (P = 0.019 and P = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionBoth AR and LAR had a similar in vivo response to nOle e 1 with release of inflammatory mediators. Specific basophil activation with OL and nOle e 1 was observed in LAR confirming previous data obtained with dust mites.
Activation-induced cytidine deaminase in B cells of hepatits C virus-related cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis
Authors: Russi S , Dammacco F , Sansonno S , Pavone F , Sansonno D 
Published: July 2015

SummaryImmunoglobulin variable region heavy chain (IgVH) somatic gene diversification is instrumental in the transformation process that characterizes hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related B cell lymphoproliferative disorders. However, the extent to which activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), an enzyme essential for IgV gene somatic hypermutation (SHM), is active in cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis (CV) remains unclear. AID mRNA expression in the peripheral blood of 102 chronically hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients (58 with and 44 without CV) and 26 healthy subjects was investigated using real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). The features of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) protein and mRNA transcripts were explored in liver tissue biopsies and portal tracts isolated using laser capture microdissection. In chronically HCV-infected patients, AID mRNA expression was almost threefold higher in those with than in those without CV and sevenfold higher than in healthy subjects (median-fold: 6·68 versus 2·54, P = 0·03 and versus 0·95, P = 0·0003). AID transcript levels were significantly higher in polyclonal than in clonally restricted B cell preparations in either CV or non-CV patients (median-fold, 15·0 versus 2·70, P = 0·009 and 3·46 versus 1·58, P = 0·02, respectively). AID gene expression was found to be related negatively to age and virological parameters. AID protein was found in portal tracts containing inflammatory cells that, in several instances, expressed AID mRNA transcripts. Our data indicate that the aberrant expression of AID may reflect continuous B cell activation and sustained survival signals in HCV-related CV patients.
Colour Mapping: A Review of Recent Methods, Extensions and Applications
Authors: Faridul H. Sheikh , Pouli T. , Chamaret C. , Stauder J. , Reinhard E. , Kuzovkin D. , Tremeau A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe objective of colour mapping or colour transfer methods is to recolour a given image or video by deriving a mapping between that image and another image serving as a reference. These methods have received considerable attention in recent years, both in academic literature and industrial applications. Methods for recolouring images have often appeared under the labels of colour correction, colour transfer or colour balancing, to name a few, but their goal is always the same: mapping the colours of one image to another. In this paper, we present a comprehensive overview of these methods and offer a classification of current solutions depending not only on their algorithmic formulation but also their range of applications. We also provide a new dataset and a novel evaluation technique called ‘evaluation by colour mapping roundtrip’. We discuss the relative merit of each class of techniques through examples and show how colour mapping solutions can have been applied to a diverse range of problems.
Variational Image Fusion with Optimal Local Contrast
Authors: Hafner David , Weickert Joachim 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we present a general variational method for image fusion. In particular, we combine different images of the same subject to a single composite that offers optimal exposedness, saturation and local contrast. Previous research approaches this task by first pre‐computing application‐specific weights based on the input, and then combining these weights with the images to the final composite later on. In contrast, we design our model assumptions directly on the fusion result. To this end, we formulate the output image as a convex combination of the input and incorporate concepts from perceptually inspired contrast enhancement such as a local and non‐linear response. This output‐driven approach is the key to the versatility of our general image fusion model. In this regard, we demonstrate the performance of our fusion scheme with several applications such as exposure fusion, multispectral imaging and decolourization. For all application domains, we conduct thorough validations that illustrate the improvements compared to state‐of‐the‐art approaches that are tailored to the individual tasks.
Patient‐reported quality of life in a randomized placebo‐controlled trial of naltrexone/bupropion for obesity
Authors: Kolotkin R. L. , Chen S. , Klassen P. , Gilder K. , Greenway F. L. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryWeight loss is associated with improved quality of life in some, but not all, weight loss trials. We evaluated changes at 56 weeks in quality of life, measured by the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life‐Lite (IWQOL‐Lite) questionnaire, in a pooled analysis of patient‐level data from four randomized controlled Phase 3 studies of naltrexone/bupropion (NB32 or Contrave®). The total number of subjects was 3362 (NB32 = 2043; placebo = 1319; mean body mass index = 36.3 kg m2; mean age = 46). Improvements in IWQOL‐Lite Total Score were greater in subjects treated with NB32 (11.9 points [SE 0.3]) vs. placebo (8.2 points [SE 0.3]; P < 0.001), corresponding to weight reductions of 7.0% (SE 0.2) and 2.3% (SE 0.2), respectively. Greater improvements were also observed for NB32 vs. placebo on all five subscale scores of the IWQOL‐Lite. Fifty per cent of NB32‐treated subjects achieved clinically meaningful improvements in IWQOL‐Lite Total Score vs. 32.3% of placebo‐treated subjects (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval; 2.09, 1.79–2.44). Subjects losing the most weight (≥15% of baseline weight) experienced the greatest improvement in IWQOL‐Lite Total Score (19.3 points [SE 0.7] for NB32 and 18.7 points [SE 1.3] for placebo; P = 0.624). Improved quality of life was associated with weight reduction and was achieved in more subjects treated with NB32 than placebo.
Algorithm that delivers an individualized rapid‐acting insulin dose after morning resistance exercise counters post‐exercise hyperglycaemia in people with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Turner D. , Luzio S. , Gray B. J. , Bain S. C. , Hanley S. , Richards A. , Rhydderch D. C. , Martin R. , Campbell M. D. , Kilduff L. P. , West D. J. , Bracken R. M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsTo develop an algorithm that delivers an individualized dose of rapid‐acting insulin after morning resistance exercise to counter post‐exercise hyperglycaemia in individuals with Type 1 diabetes.MethodsEight people with Type 1 diabetes, aged 34 ± 7 years with HbA1c concentrations 72 ± 12 mmol/mol (8.7 ± 1.1%), attended our laboratory on two separate mornings after fasting, having taken their usual basal insulin the previous evening. These people performed a resistance exercise session comprising six exercises for two sets of 10 repetitions at 60% of the maximum amount of force that was generated in one maximal contraction (60% 1RM). In a randomized and counterbalanced order, the participants were administered an individualized dose of rapid‐acting insulin (2 ± 1 units, range 0–4 units) immediately after resistance exercise (insulin session) by means of an algorithm or were not administered this (no‐insulin session). Venous blood glucose concentrations were measured for 125 min after resistance exercise. Data (mean ± sem values) were analysed using anova (P ≤ 0.05).ResultsParticipants had immediate post‐resistance exercise hyperglycaemia (insulin session 13.0 ± 1.6 vs. no‐insulin session 12.7 ± 1.5 mmol/l; P = 0.834). The decline in blood glucose concentration between peak and 125 min after exercise was greater in the insulin exercise session than in the no‐insulin session (3.3 ± 1.0 vs. 1.3 ± 0.4 mmol/l: P = 0.015). There were no episodes of hypoglycaemia (blood glucose <3.9 mmol/l).ConclusionsAdministration of rapid‐acting insulin according to an individualized algorithm reduced the hyperglycaemia associated with morning resistance exercise without causing hypoglycaemia in the 2 h post‐exercise period in people with Type 1 diabetes.
Zinc nutrition increases the antioxidant defenses of honey bees
Authors: Zhang Ge , Zhang Weixing , Cui Xuepei , Xu Baohua 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIs the typical zinc (Zn) content of honey and pollen sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of honey bees? To answer this question, and find the optimal dietary Zn levels for honey bees, we investigated the effects of varying dietary Zn levels on both captive worker bees and free‐flying honey bees, Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola (Hymenoptera: Apidae). We fed captive workers and free‐flying honey bees with 50% (wt/wt) sucrose solutions with Zn levels of either 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, or 75 mg kg−1 diet and measured their Cu/Zn‐SOD activity, the mean survival time of captive bees, the Cu/Zn‐SOD activity of larvae, and the Zn concentration of royal jelly. Captive workers provided with 30 mg kg−1 dietary Zn had higher Cu/Zn‐SOD activity and mean survival time than the control. Dietary Zn levels from 60 to 75 mg kg−1 significantly increased the Zn content of royal jelly provided by colonies and the Cu/Zn‐SOD activity of larvae. Honey or pollen with a Zn content of <30 mg kg−1 was insufficient to satisfy the maintenance nutritional requirements of bees that were not raising larvae. It therefore seems advisable to supply supplementary Zn to non‐brooding colonies when the Zn content of honey or pollen is <30 mg kg−1. Honey or pollen with a Zn content of 60 mg kg−1 was sufficient to satisfy the nutritional requirements for royal jelly production and to improve the health of larvae. It may therefore also be advisable to provide supplementary Zn to colonies with larvae when the Zn content of honey or pollen is <60 mg kg−1.
Carbon accumulation and sequestration of lakes in China during the Holocene
Authors: Wang Mei , Chen Huai , Yu Zicheng , Wu Jianghua , Zhu Qiu'an , Peng Changhui , Wang Yanfen , Qin Boqiang 
Published: July 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the responses of lake systems to past climate change and human activity is critical for assessing and predicting the fate of lake carbon (C) in the future. In this study, we synthesized records of the sediment accumulation from 82 lakes and of C sequestration from 58 lakes with direct organic C measurements throughout China. We also identified the controlling factors of the long‐term sediment and C accumulation dynamics in these lakes during the past 12 ka (1 ka = 1000 cal yr BP). Our results indicated an overall increasing trend of sediment and C accumulation since 12 ka, with an accumulation peak in the last couple of millennia for lakes in China, corresponding to terrestrial organic matter input due to land‐use change. The Holocene lake sediment accumulation rate (SAR) and C accumulation rate (CAR) averaged (mean ± SE) 0.47 ± 0.05 mm yr−1 and 7.7 ± 1.4 g C m−2 yr−1 in China, respectively, comparable to the previous estimates for boreal and temperate regions. The SAR for lakes in the East Plain of subtropical China (1.05 ± 0.28 mm yr−1) was higher than those in other regions (P < 0.05). However, CAR did not vary significantly among regions. Overall, the variability and history of climate and anthropogenic interference regulated the temporal and spatial dynamics of sediment and C sequestration for lakes in China. We estimated the total amount of C burial in lakes of China as 8.0 ± 1.0 Pg C. This first estimation of total C storage and dynamics in lakes of China confirms the importance of lakes in land C budget in monsoon‐influenced regions.
A novel continuous colour mapping approach for visualization of facial skin hydration and transepidermal water loss for four ethnic groups
Authors: Voegeli R. , Rawlings A. V. , Seroul P. , Summers B. 
Published: July 2015

SynopsisObjectivesThe aim of this exploratory study was to develop a novel colour mapping approach to visualize and interpret the complexity of facial skin hydration and barrier properties of four ethnic groups (Caucasians, Indians, Chinese and Black Africans) living in Pretoria, South Africa.MethodsWe measured transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin capacitance on 30 pre‐defined sites on the forehead, cheek, jaw and eye areas of sixteen women (four per ethnic group) and took digital images of their faces. Continuous colour maps were generated by interpolating between each measured value and superimposing the values on the digital images.ResultsThe complexity of facial skin hydration and skin barrier properties is revealed by these measurements and visualized by the continuous colour maps of the digital images. Overall, the Caucasian subjects had the better barrier properties followed by the Black African subjects, Chinese subjects and Indian subjects. Nevertheless, the two more darkly pigmented ethnic groups had superior skin hydration properties. Subtle differences were seen when examining the different facial sites.ConclusionsThere exists remarkable skin capacitance and TEWL gradients within short distances on selected areas of the face. These gradients are distinctive in the different ethnic groups. In contrast to other reports, we found that darkly pigmented skin does not always have a superior barrier function and differences in skin hydration values are complex on the different parts of the face among the different ethnic groups.
Identification and functional characterization of a novel transglutaminase 1 gene mutation associated with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis
Authors: Zhang San‐Quan , Li Chang‐Xing , Gao Xin‐Qian , Qiu Wen‐Yuan , Chen Quan , Li Xue‐Mei , Zhou Xin , Tian Xin , Tang Zhi‐Ping , Zhao Tian , Zhang Fang , Zhang Xi‐Bao 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundAutosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a group of genetically heterogeneous diseases. Mutations in transglutaminase (TGase) 1 gene (TGM1, OMIM 190195) have been implicated in ARCI. However, little is known about TGM1 mutations in the Chinese population, and no functional studies have investigated the biological effect of mutant TGM1 on human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells.ObjectivesTo identify the pathogenic mutations of TGM1 gene in two Chinese siblings with ARCI and gain insight into functional consequences of these mutations.MethodsFifteen exons and flanking splice sites of TGM1 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and then underwent bidirectional Sanger sequencing. The HaCaT cells were transfected with lentiviral vectors, which overexpressed either wild‐type or mutant TGM1 cDNAs with deleted homeodomain. Cell proliferation and cell cycle progression were detected. The expression of cyclin D1, cyclin B1, CDK4, TGM1, K10, involucrin, and filaggrin proteins were investigated by Western blot analysis.ResultsWe found two compound heterozygous missense mutations (c.515C>T, R143C in exon 3 and c.759C>T, S212F in exon 4) in both siblings. HaCaT cells transfected with mutant TGM1 cDNAs displayed a lower growth rate and delayed S phase while overexpression of wild‐type TGM1 cDNAs led to accelerated growth. HaCaT cells transfected with mutant TGM1 cDNAs displayed lower expression of differentiation markers such as involucrin and filaggrin. Our findings suggest that the compound heterozygous missense (c.515C>T, R143C) mutations in exon 3 and missense (c.759C>T, S212F) mutations in exon 4 result in the phenotype of ARCI. TGM1 mutations can suppress keratinocyte growth and cornified cell envelope formation.