bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL‐17C and its receptor IL‐17RA/IL‐17RE identify human oral epithelial cell as an inflammatory cell in recurrent aphthous ulcer
Authors: Al‐Samadi Ahmed , Kouri Vesa‐Petteri , Salem Abdelhakim , Ainola Mari , Kaivosoja Emilia , Barreto Gonçalo , Konttinen Yrjö T. , Hietanen Jarkko , Häyrinen‐Immonen Ritva 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundRecurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) is an ulcerative disease of non‐keratinized oral mucosa. Colon and bronchial epithelial cells produce interleukin‐17C (IL‐17C) upon stimulation of Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR3 and TLR5, which are highly expressed in epithelial cells in RAU lesions. We therefore investigated the eventual presence and function of IL‐17C in cultured human oral keratinocytes (HOK) and control biopsies compared to RAU lesions.MethodsExpression of IL‐17A, IL‐17C, IL‐17RA and IL‐17RE was analysed in cultured HOK cells using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). HOK cells were stimulated with IL‐17C and analysed for IL‐8 and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) using qRT‐PCR. Control mucosa (n = 5) was immunostained for IL‐17A, IL‐17C, IL‐8, TNF‐α and mast cell tryptase and compared with RAU lesions (n = 5) using the mean grey scale value.ResultsIL‐17C, but no IL‐17A, mRNA was found in cultured HOK cells. Components of the heterodimeric IL‐17RA/IL‐17RE receptor for IL‐17C were also highly expressed. Stimulation of HOK with IL‐17C increased TNF‐α mRNA (P = 0.03; IL‐8 increase was not statistically significant). HOK in RAU lesions stained intensively for IL‐17C compared to controls (P = 0.006). This was associated with increased epithelial immunostaining of TNF‐α (P = 0.04) and IL‐8 (P = 0.02). Most of the inflammatory cells which stained for IL‐17A in control mucosa and RAU lesions were also mast cell tryptase positive.ConclusionIL‐17C is highly expressed in epithelial cells in RAU lesions, where it seems to stimulate oral keratinocytes via IL‐17RA/IL‐17RE to produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Human oral epithelial cells are probably important inflammatory cells in RAU.
The State of Hepatitis B and C in the Mediterranean and Balkan Countries: Report from a Summit Conference
Authors: Hatzakis A. , Van Damme P. , Alcorn K. , Gore C. , Benazzouz M. , Berkane S. , Buti M. , Carballo M. , Cortes Martins H. , Deuffic‐Burban S. , Dominguez A. , Donoghoe M. , Elzouki A‐N. , Ben‐Alaya Bouafif N. , Esmat G. , Esteban R. , Fabri M. , Fenton K. , Goldberg D. , Goulis I. , Hadjichristodoulou T. , Hatzigeorgiou T. , Hamouda O. , Hasurdjiev S. , Hughes S. , Kautz A. , Malik M. , Manolakopoulos S. , Matičič M. , Papatheodoridis G. , Peck R. , Peterle A. , Potamitis G. , Prati D. , Roudot‐Thoraval F. , Reic T. , Sharara A. , Shennak M. , Shiha G. , Shouval D. , Sočan M. , Thomas H. , Thursz M. , Tosti M. , Trépo C. , Vince A. , Vounou E. , Wiessing L. , Manns M. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe burden of disease due to chronic viral hepatitis constitutes a global threat. In many Balkan and Mediterranean countries, the disease burden due to viral hepatitis remains largely unrecognized, including in high‐risk groups and migrants, because of a lack of reliable epidemiological data, suggesting the need for better and targeted surveillance for public health gains. In many countries, the burden of chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B and C is increasing due to ageing of unvaccinated populations and migration, and a probable increase in drug injecting. Targeted vaccination strategies for hepatitis B virus (HBV) among risk groups and harm reduction interventions at adequate scale and coverage for injecting drug users are needed. Transmission of HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in healthcare settings and a higher prevalence of HBV and HCV among recipients of blood and blood products in the Balkan and North African countries highlight the need to implement and monitor universal precautions in these settings and use voluntary, nonremunerated, repeat donors. Progress in drug discovery has improved outcomes of treatment for both HBV and HCV, although access is limited by the high costs of these drugs and resources available for health care. Egypt, with the highest burden of hepatitis C in the world, provides treatment through its National Control Strategy. Addressing the burden of viral hepatitis in the Balkan and Mediterranean regions will require national commitments in the form of strategic plans, financial and human resources, normative guidance and technical support from regional agencies and research.
Low‐wage Jobs — Springboard to High‐paid Ones?
Authors: Knabe Andreas , Plum Alexander 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe examine whether low‐paid jobs have an effect on the probability that unemployed persons obtain better‐paid jobs in the future (springboard effect). We make use of data from the German Socio‐Economic Panel (SOEP) and apply a dynamic random effects bivariate probit model. Our results suggest that low‐wage jobs can act as springboards to better‐paid work. The improvement of the chance to obtain a high‐wage job by accepting low‐paid work is particularly large for less‐skilled persons and for individuals who experienced longer periods of unemployment. Low‐paid work is less beneficial if the job is associated with a low social status.
Arterial function and anatomy in obese children with cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Guven Baris , Demirpence Savas , Yilmazer Murat Muhtar , Carti Ozgur Umac , Tavli Vedide , Mese Timur , Oner Taliha 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundLimited data are available related to the effects of cardiovascular risk factors on abdominal arterial stiffness using carotid and brachial artery indices. Therefore, we aimed to determine arterial changes in obese children and investigate any relation with cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsThirty‐eight obese children (mean body mass index: 28.35 ± 4.65 kg/m2) and 34 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects underwent ultrasound measurements of abdominal, carotid and brachial arteries. Aortic strain, pressure strain elastic modulus (Ep), pressure strain normalized by diastolic blood pressure (Ep*), carotid intima‐media thickness, carotid artery compliance, brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation, and well‐known cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in the obese children.ResultsObese children had significantly higher Ep and Ep* parameters than the healthy controls (mean: 242.6 [107.1–666.6], 164.2 [110.6–231.5]; P < 0.001, and mean: 3.39 [1.76–7.5], 2.64 [1.46–4.2]; P < 0.001, respectively). Ep and Ep* were significantly correlated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r = 0.587, P = 0.001; r = 0.467, P = 0.004, respectively). Receiver–operator curve analysis of Ep for identification of children with cardiovascular risk factors showed that the area under the curve for hyperinsulinemia was 0.80 (P < 0.001) and for hypertriglyceridemia was 0.62 (P < 0.01).ConclusionsAbdominal arterial stiffness parameters as well as carotid intima‐media thickness and brachial arterial flow‐mediated dilatation assessment were similarly useful in identifying obese children with cardiovascular risk factors. Insulin resistance is related with the augmented rigidity of the aortic wall in obese children.
Spectroscopy, Microscopy and Fluorescence Imaging of Origanum vulgare L. Basis for Nondestructive Quality Assessment
Authors: Novo Johanna M. , Iriel Analia , Claudia Marchi María , Gabriela Lagorio María 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe organs of Origanum vulgare L. plant were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and autofluorescence imaging. The different organs were also studied spectroscopically. Fluorescence emission spectra were recorded for intact inflorescences, leaves and stems. Several fluorescence ratios (Blue/Red, Blue/Far‐red, Green/Red and Green/Far‐red), which varied depending on the considered organ of the plant, were derived. For leaves, a dependence of fluorescence spectra with water content was obtained as well. The intact samples were also analyzed by Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. These spectra were transformed to the Remission function depending on the wavenumber and two absorption bands (811 and 1740 cm−1), which displayed differences according to the plant organ sampled, were detected. These results were consistent with higher carvacrol content in inflorescences. The spectroscopic results were connected with the microscopic observation and with the presence of relevant nutraceutics contained in the plant. The optical indexes derived in this work may serve as potential indicators to be explored in the development of nondestructive methods for oregano quality assessment.
Suppression of clubroot by Clonostachys rosea via antibiosis and induced host resistance
Authors: Lahlali R. , Peng G. 
Published: July 2013

The mechanism of the biofungicide Prestop® (Clonostachys rosea) was investigated for control of clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) on canola. The key product components were partitioned and assessed for their effect on pathogen resting spores, root hair infection (RHI) and disease development using light microscopy, quantitative PCR and different application treatments during infection. The whole product of Prestop was consistently more effective than the C. rosea conidial suspension or product filtrate alone in reducing RHI and clubroot development. This biofungicide showed little effect on germination or viability of resting spores. Two‐application treatments at seeding and 7–14 days after seeding achieved greater clubroot control than a single application of the biofungicide at either seeding or post‐seeding stage. This may indicate the need to maintain a high biofungicide dose in the soil during primary and secondary infection. This biocontrol fungus colonized the rhizosphere and interior of canola roots extensively, and possibly induced plant resistance based on up‐regulation of the genes that are involved in jasmonic acid (BnOPR2), ethylene (BnACO) and phenylpropanoid (BnOPCL, BnCCR) biosynthetic pathways. It is concluded that the biofungicide Prestop suppressed clubroot on canola at least via root colonization and induced systemic resistance (ISR), and the latter may be through the modulation of phenylpropanoid and jasmonic acid/ethylene metabolic pathways elicited by the fungus.
Immunolocalization of Aquaporin Water Channels in the Domestic Cat Male Genital Tract
Authors: Arrighi S , Aralla M 
Published: July 2013

ContentsFour different aquaporins (AQP1, 2, 5 and 9), integral membrane water channels that facilitate rapid passive movement of water, were immuno‐localized in the excurrent ducts collected from sexually mature cats during orchiectomy. Aquaporins 1, 2 and 9, were immuno‐localized at distinct levels, whereas AQP5 was undetectable all along the feline genital tract. No immunoreactivity was present at the level of the rete testis with any of the antibodies tested. In the efferent ducts, AQP1‐immunoreactivity was strongly evidenced at the apical surface of the non‐ciliated cells, and AQP9‐immunoreactivity was shown at the periphery of both ciliated and non‐ciliated cells. Aquaporins 2 was absent in the caput epididymidis, either in the efferent ducts or in the epididymal duct. Otherwise, AQP2 was increasingly localized at the adluminal surface of principal cells from the corpus to the cauda epididymidis and more weakly in the vas deferens epithelium. The supranuclear zone of the epididymal principal cells was AQP9‐immunoreactive throughout the duct, with the exclusion of the vacuolated sub‐region of the caput and with higher reaction intensity in the cauda region. AQP1 was present in the blood vessels all along the genital tract. AQP1 was expressed also in the smooth muscle layer of the vas deferens. The tested AQP molecules showed a different expression pattern in comparison with laboratory mammals, primates and the dog, unique other carnivore species studied to date. The present information is possibly useful in regard to the regional morphology of the feline epididymis and correlated functions, which are still a matter of debate.
The influence of maternal optimality and infant temperament on parenting stress at 12 months among mothers with substance abuse and psychiatric problems
Authors: Siqveland Torill S. , Olafsen Kåre S. , Moe Vibeke 
Published: July 2013

The present prospective longitudinal study aimed to investigate the long‐term impact of maternal optimality assessed during pregnancy on parenting stress at infant age 12 months. In this study the concept of optimality was utilized to investigate maternal variations regarding resources during pregnancy in relation to later parenting stress, among three different groups of mothers that were recruited from substance abuse treatment, psychiatric outpatient treatment and well‐baby clinics respectively. The influence of infant temperament on parenting stress was also examined. All mothers were interviewed during pregnancy. At 12 months, infant temperament (Colorado Childhood Temperament Inventory; Rowe & Plomin, 1977) and stress in the parent and child domain (Parenting Stress Index; Abidin, 1955) were assessed. Results demonstrated higher levels of parenting stress among mothers in the clinical groups, compared to the non‐clinical group. Furthermore, it was the maternal psychiatric optimality index in combination with child temperament characteristics (child emotionality) that contributed uniquely to stress in the parent domain, while stress in the child domain was significantly associated only with child temperament characteristics (both child emotionality and soothability). The association between maternal psychiatric optimality assessed in pregnancy, infant temperament and parenting stress when the infants were 12 months old, points to the importance of simultaneously addressing the mothers' own psychological distress, and to support positive mother–infant interactions. Each woman's individual optimality profile may be used to display needs of follow‐up in order to prevent enduring effects of non‐optimality on parenting stress.
Adolescent Emotion Socialization: A Longitudinal Study of Friends' Responses to Negative Emotions
Authors: Klimes‐Dougan Bonnie , Pearson Theresa E. , Jappe Leah , Mathieson Lindsay , Simard Melissa R. , Hastings Paul , Zahn‐Waxler Carolyn 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAlthough peer influences are thought to be critically important to adolescent development, there is a paucity of research investigating the emotion socialization practices that take place between adolescents. This longitudinal study evaluated close friends' responses to negative emotion using a newly developed assessment tool of peer emotion socialization, you and your friends. Adolescent participants (N = 205) exhibiting a range of internalizing and externalizing problems between 11 and 17 years of age were assessed and re‐evaluated two years later. Participants were asked to rate the frequency with which their friends responded to them by encouraging, distracting, matching, ignoring, overtly victimizing, and/or relationally victimizing their emotions. The results indicated high levels of internal consistency and moderate levels of long‐term stability. Close friends most often responded supportively to the participants' emotional displays, but these responses differed by gender. Also, friends' emotion socialization responses were concurrently and predictively associated with participant problem status. This study contributes to a better understanding of the processes by which adolescents' emotions are socialized by their friends and has important implications for future prevention and intervention efforts.
Use of the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis comorbidity and multidrug‐resistant TB in obstetrics and gynaecology inpatient wards at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Bates Matthew , Ahmed Yusuf , Chilukutu Lophina , Tembo John , Cheelo Busiku , Sinyangwe Sylvester , Kapata Nathan , Maeurer Markus , O'Grady Justin , Mwaba Peter , Zumla Alimuddin 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesIn high‐tuberculosis (TB)‐endemic countries, comorbidity of pulmonary TB in hospitalised patients with non‐communicable diseases is well documented. In this study, we evaluated the use of the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay for the detection of concomitant pulmonary TB in patients admitted to the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia, with a primary obstetric or gynaecological condition.MethodsThe Study population were inpatients admitted with a primary obstetric or gynaecological problem who had a concomitant cough and were able to expectorate a sputum sample. Sputum samples from 94 patients were analysed for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) by standard smear microscopy, MGIT culture, MGIT drug‐susceptibility testing (DST) and the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay. The sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay were evaluated against the culture gold standard.ResultsTwenty‐six of 94 (27.7%) patients had culture‐confirmed pulmonary TB. The Xpert® MTB/RIF assay had a sensitivity of 80.8% [95% CI: 60.0–92.7%]) compared against MGIT culture. The Xpert® MTB/RIF assay was more sensitive than sputum smear microscopy (21/26 (80.8%) vs. 13/26 (50.0%), P = 0.02) and detected an additional eight culture‐confirmed cases. Culture DST analysis identified two monoresistant M.tb strains: one resistant to rifampicin (rifampicin sensitive by the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay) and one to ethambutol. HIV infection was linked with a 3‐fold increase in risk of TB, accounting for 87.5% (21/24) of TB cases. 50% of cases presented as comorbidities with other communicable diseases (CDs) and non‐communicable diseases (NCDs).ConclusionsAs an alternative to sputum microscopy, the Xpert® MTB/RIF assay provides a sensitive, specific and rapid method for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB in obstetric or gynaecological inpatients. Pulmonary TB is an important cause of concomitant comorbidity to the obstetric or gynaecological condition necessitating admission. TB and HIV comorbidities with other communicable and non‐communicable diseases were also common. More proactive screening for TB comorbidity is required in obstetric and gynaecological wards.
Orodental diseases and dermatological disorders are highly associated in pet rabbits: a case–control study
Authors: d'Ovidio Dario , Santoro Domenico 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundDermatological disorders (DDs) and orodental diseases (ODDs) are a major source of morbidity in pet rabbits. Orodental diseases have anecdotally been associated with cutaneous disorders in rabbits.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible association between DDs and ODDs and to determine whether ODD increases the risk of DD in pet rabbits.MethodsThis study was a retrospective review of 222 medical records of pet rabbits examined over 1 year in 20 private veterinary clinics. Records of rabbits diagnosed with DD were selected. Frequencies of ODDs and other variables were evaluated between rabbits with and without DDs using logistic regression. Rabbits seen during the same time period, but without a diagnosis of DD, were included as control animals.ResultsThe prevalence of DD was 28.4% (63 of 222), and the prevalence of ODD was 23% (51 of 222). A significant association was present between DD and ODD. Rabbits diagnosed with ODD were 63 times (odds ratio 63.75; 95% confidence interval 23.9–170.2; P < 0.0001) more likely to be diagnosed with DD in comparison to rabbits without ODD.Conclusions and clinical importanceThe results of this study indicate a strong association between ODD and DD. In particular, rabbits with ODD have a greater risk of developing skin disease later in life. Although coat condition and hair quality can be influenced by many biological and environmental factors, ODDs should be carefully considered as a possible underlying condition in rabbits showing DDs. More prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether this association is due to a behavioural disorder or a metabolic condition.
Use of a hearing loss grading system and an owner‐based hearing questionnaire to assess hearing loss in pet dogs with chronic otitis externa or otitis media
Authors: Mason Carly L. , Paterson Susan , Cripps Peter J. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundHearing loss is important when assessing the suitability of dogs with otitis externa/media for medical or surgical therapy.Hypothesis/objectivesTo assess an owner‐completed questionnaire as an indicator of hearing loss and a canine hearing loss scoring system in chronic canine otitis.AnimalsOne hundred hospital population dogs referred for chronic otitis investigation.MethodsOwners completed a questionnaire to assess their dog's response to common household noises. The presence of otitis externa or media was determined and brainstem auditory‐evoked response measurements were performed on each dog. The minimal hearing threshold (MHT) in decibels normal hearing level (dB NHL) was recorded and categorized according to the human World Health Organization grading system into five grades from 0 to 4 with cut‐off values of ≤25 dB NHL, 26–40 dB NHL, 41–60 dB NHL, 60–80 dB NHL and ≥81 dB NHL.ResultsThe questionnaire correctly determined normal hearing in grade 0 cases, but did not reliably detect unilateral or grade 1 bilateral hearing loss. For dogs with bilateral hearing loss ≥ grade 2, questionnaire sensitivity was 83% [24 of 29, 95% confidence interval, (CI) 64–94%] and specificity was 94% (67 of 71, 95% CI 86–98%). Higher grades of hearing loss were significantly associated with the presence of otitis media (P < 0.01).Conclusions and clinical importanceThe questionnaire may be a useful in‐practice screening tool in chronic canine otitis for moderate to severe bilateral hearing deficits (MHT ≥41 dB NHL). The hearing loss grading system may help clinicians make therapeutic decisions. Chronic otitis media may be associated with higher grades of hearing loss.
Early histopathologic changes in the retina and optic nerve in canine primary angle‐closure glaucoma
Authors: Scott Erin M. , Boursiquot Natalie , Beltran William A. , Dubielzig Richard R. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize the morphology of canine globes enucleated 1–5 days after the onset of overt clinical disease recognized by the owner.ProceduresParaffin‐embedded globes from 47 dogs with acute primary angle‐closure glaucoma (PACG) and 10 control dogs free of ocular disease were sectioned in the vertical plane sampling the optic nerve. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained sections were used to count ganglion cell numbers. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to quantify cell death, andMHCIIimmunohistochemistry was used to evaluate for antigen‐presenting phagocytes in a smaller subset of cases.ResultsMHCII‐labeled phagocytes were present in the optic nerve and retina within the first 24 h of documented glaucoma suggesting an early up‐regulation. Globes removed within 1 day of overt clinical disease had a mild neutrophilic infiltrate in the retina and optic nerve as well as marked ganglion cell necrosis. By 5 days after clinical signs appear, there is a rapid decline in the number of ganglion cells and cell death detected byTUNELlabeling in the outer and inner nuclear layers of the retina, but not the ganglion cell layer. The neuropil of the optic nerve progresses from edema and neutrophilia to malacia.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that retinal and optic nerve degeneration in dogs withPACGprogresses rapidly to irreversible tissue loss within days of recognizable clinical disease.