bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Allergies and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Cotterchio Michelle , Lowcock Elizabeth , Hudson Thomas J. , Greenwood Celia , Gallinger Steven 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground: Less than 10% of pancreatic cancer cases survive 5 years, yet its etiology is not well understood. Studies suggest allergies are associated with reduced pancreatic cancer risk. Our study collected additional information on allergies (including skin prick test results and differentiation of allergic/nonallergic asthma), and is the first to assess possible confounding by allergy medications.Methods: A population-based case–control study was designed to comprehensively assess the association between allergy and pancreatic cancer risk. Pancreas cancer cases were diagnosed during 2011 to 2012, and identified through the Ontario Cancer Registry (345 cases). Population-based controls were identified using random digit dialing and age/sex frequency matched to cases (1,285 controls). Questionnaires collected lifetime allergy history (type of allergy, age at onset, skin prick testing results), allergy medications, and established pancreas cancer risk factors. Logistic regression was used to estimate odd ratios and test potential confounders, including allergy medications.Results: Hay fever was associated with a significant reduction in pancreatic cancer risk [AOR = 0.68; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.52–0.89], and reduction was greatest for those whose skin prick test was positive for hay fever allergens. No particular patterns were observed as regards age at onset and duration of allergy. Positive dust/mold allergy skin prick test and animal allergies were associated with a statistically significant reduced pancreatic cancer risk; AOR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.31–0.78 and AOR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.46–0.99, respectively. Asthma was not associated with pancreatic cancer risk.Conclusions/Impact: These findings support the growing body of evidence that suggests certain allergies are associated with reduced pancreatic cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(3); 469–80. ©2014 AACR.
Novel Potent and Selective Inhibitors of p90 Ribosomal S6 Kinase Reveal the Heterogeneity of RSK Function in MAPK-Driven Cancers
Authors: Aronchik Ida , Appleton Brent A. , Basham Stephen E. , Crawford Kenneth , Del Rosario Mercedita , Doyle Laura V. , Estacio William F. , Lan Jiong , Lindvall Mika K. , Luu Catherine A. , Ornelas Elizabeth , Venetsanakos Eleni , Shafer Cynthia M. , Jefferson Anne B. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) family of serine/threonine kinases is expressed in a variety of cancers and its substrate phosphorylation has been implicated in direct regulation of cell survival, proliferation, and cell polarity. This study characterizes and presents the most selective and potent RSK inhibitors known to date, LJH685 and LJI308. Structural analysis confirms binding of LJH685 to the RSK2 N-terminal kinase ATP-binding site and reveals that the inhibitor adopts an unusual nonplanar conformation that explains its excellent selectivity for RSK family kinases. LJH685 and LJI308 efficiently inhibit RSK activity in vitro and in cells. Furthermore, cellular inhibition of RSK and its phosphorylation of YB1 on Ser102 correlate closely with inhibition of cell growth, but only in an anchorage-independent growth setting, and in a subset of examined cell lines. Thus, RSK inhibition reveals dynamic functional responses among the inhibitor-sensitive cell lines, underscoring the heterogeneous nature of RSK dependence in cancer.
Implications: Two novel potent and selective RSK inhibitors will now allow a full assessment of the potential of RSK as a therapeutic target for oncology. Mol Cancer Res; 12(5); 803–12. ©2014 AACR.
Come Together, Right Now: Dynamic Overwriting of an Object's History through Common Fate
Authors: Luria Roy , Vogel Edward K. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The objects around us constantly move and interact, and the perceptual system needs to monitor on-line these interactions and to update the object's status accordingly. Gestalt grouping principles, such as proximity and common fate, play a fundamental role in how we perceive and group these objects. Here, we investigated situations in which the initial object representation as a separate item was updated by a subsequent Gestalt grouping cue (i.e., proximity or common fate). We used a version of the color change detection paradigm, in which the objects started to move separately, then met and stayed stationary, or moved separately, met, and then continued to move together. We monitored the object representations on-line using the contralateral delay activity (CDA; an ERP component indicative of the number of maintained objects), during their movement, and after the objects disappeared and became working memory representations. The results demonstrated that the objects' representations (as indicated by the CDA amplitude) persisted as being separate, even after a Gestalt proximity cue (when the objects “met” and remained stationary on the same position). Only a strong common fate Gestalt cue (when the objects not just met but also moved together) was able to override the objects' initial separate status, creating an integrated representation. These results challenge the view that Gestalt principles cause reflexive grouping. Instead, the object initial representation plays an important role that can override even powerful grouping cues.
A Comparison of Climate Signal Trend Detection Uncertainty Analysis Methods
Authors: Phojanamongkolkij Nipa , Kato Seiji , Wielicki Bruce A. , Taylor Patrick C. , Mlynczak Martin G. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Two climate signal trend analysis methods are the focus of this paper. The uncertainty of trend estimate from these two methods is investigated using Monte Carlo simulation. Several theoretically and randomly generated series of white noise, first-order autoregressive and second-order autoregressive, are explored. The choice of method that is most appropriate for the time series of interest depends upon the autocorrelation structure of the series. If the structure has its autocorrelation coefficients decreased with increasing lags (i.e., an exponential decay pattern), then the method of Weatherhead et al. is adequate. If the structure exhibits a decreasing sinusoid pattern of coefficient with lags (or a damped sinusoid pattern) or a mixture of both exponential decay and damped sinusoid patterns, then the method of Leroy et al. is recommended. The two methods are then applied to the time series of monthly and globally averaged top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) irradiances for the reflected solar shortwave and emitted longwave regions, using radiance observations made by Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) instruments during March 2000 through June 2011. Examination of the autocorrelation structures indicates that the reflected shortwave region has an exponential decay pattern, while the longwave region has a mixture of exponential decay and damped sinusoid patterns. Therefore, it is recommended that the method of Weatherhead et al. is used for the series of reflected shortwave irradiances and that the method of Leroy et al. is used for the series of emitted longwave irradiances.
Molecular mechanisms of neutrophil dysfunction in glycogen storage disease type Ib
Authors: Jun Hyun Sik , Weinstein David A. , Lee Young Mok , Mansfield Brian C. , Chou Janice Y. 
Published: February 2014

Key Points
A deficiency in G6PT impairs neutrophil energy homeostasis characterized by reduced intracellular levels of G6P, ATP, lactate, and NADPH. Impaired energy homeostasis and activation of the HIF-1α/PPAR-γ pathway underlie neutrophil dysfunction in GSD-Ib.
NR4A1-mediated apoptosis suppresses lymphomagenesis and is associated with a favorable cancer-specific survival in patients with aggressive B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Deutsch Alexander J. A. , Rinner Beate , Wenzl Kerstin , Pichler Martin , Troppan Katharina , Steinbauer Elisabeth , Schwarzenbacher Daniela , Reitter Sonja , Feichtinger Julia , Tierling Sascha , Prokesch Andreas , Scheideler Marcel , Krogsdam Anne , Thallinger Gerhard G. , Schaider Helmut , Beham-Schmid Christine , Neumeister Peter 
Published: February 2014

Key Points
NR4A1 is downregulated in aggressive B-cell lymphoma. Its overexpression causes apoptosis in lymphoma cells and suppresses lymphoma formation in vivo.
Screening for celiac disease in 1st degree relatives: a 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Uenishi Rosa H , Gandolfi Lenora , Almeida Lucas M , Fritsch Patrícia M , Almeida Fernanda C , Nóbrega Yanna K M , Pratesi Riccardo 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Although it is known that first degree relatives of celiac patients have an increased risk for celiac disease few studies are available on its incidence. We investigated the incidence of serologic conversion and of new cases of celiac disease among first degree relatives with negative results at a first screening.

Methods
From a total of 634 first degree relatives of 186 biopsy-proven celiac disease patients diagnosed between October 2000 and October 2010, 450 subjects agreed to participate in the study (Group I), and underwent serologic screening. Between January 2010 and October 2012, out of the initial group of 450, 205 previously sero-negative subjects consented to participate in a second stage of the study and undergo new serologic testing (Group II). All serologically positive individuals of both groups (I and II) were genotyped for celiac disease-predisposing alleles (HLA-DQ2/DQ8).

Results
19 subjects (4.2%) out of the 450 subjects of Group I disclosed positive serologic results, presence of DQ2 and/or DQ8 alleles and celiac disease-compatible mucosal abnormalities. The 205 previously negative first degree relatives from Group II that underwent new serologic testing disclosed eight sero-converted subjects. Mucosal abnormalities in five of these patients confirmed the diagnosis of celiac disease. During the 10-year period of the study the incidence of sero-conversion was 8/205 and the incidence of biopsy-proven celiac disease cases was 5/205.

Conclusions
Our data are coincident with other works on this subject and confirm once again that relatives of celiac patients, especially first degree relatives are at high risk of developing celiac disease. In view of the relatively low incidence further studies are needed to try to establish a useful and cost-effective algorithm for follow-up of relatives of celiac patients.
An inexpensive device to treat postpartum hemorrhage: a preliminary proof of concept study of health provider opinion and training in Nepal
Authors: Kerr Nancy L , Hauswald Mark , Tamrakar Suman Raj , Wachter David A , Baty Gillian M 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Obstetric hemorrhage remains the leading cause of maternal mortality in resource limited areas. An inexpensive pneumatic anti-shock garment was devised of bicycle tubes and tailored cloth which can be prepared from local materials in resource-limited settings. The main purposes of this study were: 1) to determine acceptability of the device by nurses and midwives and obtain suggestions for making the device more suitable for use in their particular work environments, 2) to determine whether a three hour training course provided adequate instruction in the use of this device for the application of circumferential abdominal pelvic pressure, and 3) determine production capability and cost in a resource-limited country.

Methods
Fifty-eight nurse and midwife participants took part in three sessions over eight months in Nepal. Correct device placement was assessed on non-pregnant participants using ultrasound measurement of distal aortic flow before and after device inflation, and analyzed using confidence intervals. Participants were surveyed to determine acceptability of the device, obtain suggestions for improvement, and to collect data on clinical use.

Results
Device placement achieved flow decreases with a mean of 39% (95% CI 25%-53%, p < 0.001) in the first session, 28% (95% CI 21%-33%, P < 0.001) after four months and 29% (95% CI 24%-34%, p < 0.001) at 8 months. All nurses and midwives thought the device would be acceptable for use in obstetric hemorrhage and that they could make, clean, and apply it. They quickly learned to apply the device, remembered how to apply it, and were willing and able to use the device clinically. Ten providers used the device, each on one patient, to treat obstetric hemorrhage after routine measures had failed; bleeding stopped promptly in all ten, two of whom were transported to the hospital. Production of devices in Kathmandu using local tailors and supplies cost approximately $40 per device, in a limited production setting.

Conclusions
Preliminary data suggest that an inexpensive, easily-made device is potentially an appropriate addition to current obstetric hemorrhage treatment in resource-limited areas and that further study is warranted.
An international collaborative study to determine the prevalence of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia by monoclonal antibody-based cELISA
Authors: Peyraud Armelle , Poumarat François , Tardy Florence , Manso-Silván Lucía , Hamroev Karomatullo , Tilloev Tillo , Amirbekov Mullojon , Tounkara Karim , Bodjo Charles , Wesonga Hezron , Nkando Isabel Gacheri , Jenberie Shiferaw , Yami Martha , Cardinale Eric , Meenowa Deodass , Jaumally Mahmad Reshad , Yaqub Tahir , Shabbir Muhammad Zubair , Mukhtar Nadia , Halimi Mohibullah , Ziay Ghulam Mohammad , Schauwers Willy , Noori Hafizullah , Rajabi Ali Madad , Ostrowski Stéphane , Thiaucourt François 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundFew serological tests are available for detecting antibodies againstMycoplasma capricolumsubsp.capripneumoniae, the causal agent of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP). The complement fixation test, the test prescribed for international trade purposes, uses a crude antigen that cross-reacts with all the other mycoplasma species of the “mycoides cluster” frequently infecting goat herds. The lack of a more specific test has been a real obstacle to the evaluation of the prevalence and economic impact of CCPP worldwide. A new competitive ELISA kit for CCPP, based on a previous blocking ELISA, was formatted at CIRAD and used to evaluate the prevalence of CCPP in some regions of Kenya, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Tajikistan and Pakistan in an international collaborative study.ResultsThe strict specificity of the test was confirmed in CCPP-free goat herds exposed to other mycoplasma species of the “mycoides cluster”. Prevalence studies were performed across the enzootic range of the disease in Africa and Asia. Seroprevalence was estimated at 14.6% in the Afar region of Ethiopia, whereas all the herds presented for CCPP vaccination in Kenya tested positive (individual seroprevalence varied from 6 to 90% within each herd). In Mauritius, where CCPP emerged in 2009, nine of 62 herds tested positive. In Central Asia, where the disease was confirmed only recently, no positive animals were detected in the Wakhan District of Afghanistan or across the border in neighboring areas of Tajikistan, whereas seroprevalence varied between 2.7% and 44.2% in the other districts investigated and in northern Pakistan. The test was also used to monitor seroconversion in vaccinated animals.ConclusionsThis newly formatted CCPP cELISA kit has retained the high specificity of the original kit. It can therefore be used to evaluate the prevalence of CCPP in countries or regions without vaccination programs. It could also be used to monitor the efficacy of vaccination campaigns as high-quality vaccines induce high rates of seroconversion.
The effects of cichorium intybus extract on the maturation and activity of dendritic cells
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Hossein , Ebrahimnezhad Salimeh , Namayandeh Mandana , Amirghofran Zahra 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background

Cichorium intybus is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine for its benefits in immune-madiated disorders. There are several evidences showing that C. intybus can modulate immune responses. In the present study we have investigated the effects of the ethanolic root extract of this plant on the immune system by targeting dendritic cells (DCs). For this purpose, phenotypic and functional maturity of murine DCs after treatment with the extract was analyzed by flow cytometry and mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay.

Results

C. intybus did not change the expression of CD40, CD86 and MHC-II molecules as important co-stimulatory markers on DCs compared to the control, indicating that it could not promote DCs phenotypic maturation. Treatment of DCs with lower concentrations of the extract resulted in an increased production of IL-12 by these cells with no change in IL-10 release. The capacity of treated DCs to stimulate allogenic T cells proliferation and cytokines secretion was examined in the co-cuture of these cells with T cells in MLR. C. intybus at higher concentrations inhibited proliferation of allogenic T cells and in lower concentrations changed the level of cytokines such that IL-4 decreased and IFN-γ increased.

Conclusions
These results indicated that C. intybus extract at higher concentrations can inhibit T cell stimulating activity of DCs, whereas at lower concentrations can modulate cytokine secretion toward a Th1 pattern. These data may in part explain the traditional use of this plant in treatment of immune-mediated disorders.
Degradation of archaeological horn silver artefacts in burials
Authors: Marchand Geraldine , Guilminot Elodie , Lemoine Stéphane , Rossetti Loretta , Vieau Michelle , Stephant Nicolas 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Archaeological silver objects from burial sites are of a grey-lavender aspect. The formation of AgCl leads to an increase in the volume of the objects, which may undergo a complete transformation into corrosion products. This degradation process has been little studied to date. In this paper, eight horn silver objects were studied by SEM and XRD.

Results
Analyses showed a corrosion system composed of bi-layers: a compact inner layer and a porous outer layer. Corrosion products were mainly silver chlorides (AgCl), chlorargyrite. Some objects displayed copper inclusions both in the metallic core and in the inner layer. Highly mineralized objects contained other oxygen-rich phases (with Si, Ca) in the inner layer. Soil markers were detected in the outer layer.

Conclusion
Based on these results, we put forward a corrosion mechanism for horn silver objects. Silver chloride is formed by the disappearance of the initial silver oxide layer. This AgCl layer is not protective and supports ion transport. Thus an outer layer of silver chloride, incorporating soil markers, is formed.
Gender differences in the association of insulin resistance and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein in obese adolescents
Authors: Alemzadeh Ramin , Kichler Jessica 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Background
Low-grade vascular inflammation is believed to initiate early atherosclerotic process by inducing insulin resistance (IR), with significant gender differences in adults. We evaluated the relationship between surrogate measures of inflammation and IR in obese adolescents.

Methods
The association among markers of inflammation [high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] and IR, cardiometabolic risk factors and body composition was retrospectively examined in 199 obese adolescents [(111 F/88 M), aged 15.5 ± 1.2 years]. Insulin resistance was assessed using homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Results
Males had higher body mass index SD-score (BMI-SDS), fat mass (FM), glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, hs-CRP, triglycerides: HDL-C (TG:HDL-C) ratio than females (p < 0.05), whereas females had higher c-peptide: insulin ratio than males (p < 0.05). Also, 50.8% of subjects were identified with metabolic syndrome with similar gender distribution (M: 57.9% vs. F: 45.1%, p = 0.32). Hs-CRP was correlated with HOMA-IR in the cohort, even when controlling for FM (r = 0.26; p < 0.0001). However, hs-CRP and HOMA-IR displayed a significant correlation only in females (r = 0.37; p < 0.0001) when adjusting for FM and pubertal status. Also, c-peptide: insulin ratio was inversely correlated with hs-CRP (r = −0.32; p < 0.001) and HOMA-IR (r = −0.62; p < 0.0001) and partially mediated the relationship between these biomarkers only among females (β = 0.36, p < 0.001 to β = 0.18, p < 0.05; Sobel Test: p < 0.01).

Conclusions
A positive association between hs-CRP and HOMA-IR was observed only in adolescent girls which was influenced by altered hepatic insulin clearance. This implies that obese adolescent girls may be at greatest risk of developing early atherosclerosis and diabetes.
Choosing wisely - when to mend a broken heart with ECMO?
Authors: Stephens R Scott , Fan Eddy 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRefractory cardiac shock in the cardiac surgical intensive care unit confers significant morbidity and mortality. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become a common intervention for refractory cardiogenic shock when other therapies have failed. However, it is difficult to predict who will benefit from this costly, resource-intensive, but potentially life-saving technology. Here, we discuss the utility of a novel biomarker, serum butylcholinesterase, in determining survival in patients supported with ECMO following cardiac surgery.
MOABS: model based analysis of bisulfite sequencing data
Authors: Sun Deqiang , Xi Yuanxin , Rodriguez Benjamin , Park Hyun Jung , Tong Pan , Meong Mira , Goodell Margaret A , Li Wei 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBisulfite sequencing (BS-seq) is the gold standard for studying genome-wide DNA methylation. We developed MOABS to increase the speed, accuracy, statistical power and biological relevance of BS-seq data analysis. MOABS detects differential methylation with 10-fold coverage at single-CpG resolution based on a Beta-Binomial hierarchical model and is capable of processing two billion reads in 24 CPU hours. Here, using simulated and real BS-seq data, we demonstrate that MOABS outperforms other leading algorithms, such as Fisher’s exact test and BSmooth. Furthermore, MOABS analysis can be easily extended to differential 5hmC analysis using RRBS and oxBS-seq. MOABS is available at http://code.google.com/p/moabs/.