bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The antihistamines clemastine and desloratadine inhibit STAT3 and c‐Myc activities and induce apoptosis in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma cell lines
Authors: Döbbeling Udo , Waeckerle‐Men Ying , Zabel Franziska , Graf Nicole , Kündig Thomas M. , Johansen Pål 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMycosis fungoides and its leukaemic counterpart Sézary syndrome are the most frequent cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCL), and there is no cure for these diseases. We evaluated the effect of clinically approved antihistamines on the growth of CTCL cell lines. CTCL cell lines as well as blood lymphocytes from patients with Sézary syndrome were cultured with antihistamines, and the cell were analysed for proliferation, apoptosis and expression of programmed death molecules and transcription factors. The two antihistamines clemastine and desloratadine, currently used for symptom alleviation in allergy, induced potent reduction of the activities of the constitutively active transcription factors c‐Myc, STAT3, STAT5a and STAT5b in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome cell lines. This inhibition was followed by apoptosis and cell death, especially in the Sézary syndrome‐derived cell line Hut78 that also showed increased expression of the programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) after clemastine treatment. In lymphocytes isolated from Sézary syndrome patients, the CD4‐positive fraction underwent apoptosis after clemastine treatment, while CD4‐negative lymphocytes were little affected. Because both c‐Myc and STAT transcription factors are highly expressed in proliferating tumours, their inhibition by clemastine, desloratadine and other inhibitors could complement established chemotherapies not only for cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas but perhaps also other cancers.
Clinical Outcomes of Two‐Week Sequential and Concomitant Therapies for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Lim Ji Hyun , Lee Dong Ho , Choi Chiun , Lee Seong Tae , Kim Nayoung , Jeong Sook Hyang , Kim Jin Wook , Hwang Jin Hyeok , Park Young Soo , Lee Sang Hyub , Shin Cheol Min , Jo Hyun Jin , Jang Eun Sun , Song In sung , Jung Hyun Chae 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe eradication rate with PPI‐based standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection has fallen considerably. One recent innovation is sequential therapy with PPI and three antibiotics, but the complexity of this regimen may reduce its usability. Concomitant administration of nonbismuth quadruple drugs (concomitant therapy) is also an effective treatment strategy. To investigate which regimen is a reasonable choice for Korean population, we performed two pilot studies with sequential and concomitant therapies.MethodsA total of 164 patients with proven H. pylori infection randomly received 14 days of sequential (n = 86) or concomitant (n = 78) therapies. The sequential group received 20 mg rabeprazole and 1 g amoxicillin (first week), followed by 20 mg rabeprazole, 500 mg clarithromycin, and 500 mg metronidazole (second week). The concomitant group received 20 mg rabeprazole, 1 g amoxicillin, 500 mg clarithromycin, and 500 mg metronidazole for 2 weeks. All drugs were administered BID. Helicobacter pylori status was confirmed 4 weeks later, after completion of treatment by 13C‐urea breath test.ResultsThe intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol eradication rates were 75.6% (95% CI, 66.3–84.9) and 76.8% (95% CI, 67.1–85.5) in the sequential group, and 80.8% (95% CI, 71.8–88.5) and 81.3% (95% CI, 71.6–90.7) in the concomitant group. There were no significant between‐group differences, in regard to the eradication rates, compliance, or side effects. The most common side effects were bitter taste, epigastric soreness, and diarrhea.ConclusionsTwo‐week concomitant and sequential therapies showed suboptimal efficacies. However, considering high antibiotics resistance, either of these two regimens may be a reasonable choice for Korean population.
The History of Time in Colonial Latin America
Authors: O’Hara Matthew D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractHistorians, like many academics, are increasingly specialized in their topics, research questions, and methods. While some defend this as a healthy development, the natural byproduct of a vigorous community of experts engaged in pure research, many both inside and outside the academy consider it more of a pathology, a symptom of a balkanized discipline whose practitioners find it difficult to exchange ideas across the boundaries of their various subfields. In this context, the history of time might seem like another tiny piece in the mosaic of historiographical hyper‐specialization. I want to propose, however, that time history could in fact play a useful role as a bridge between communities of historians, since the history of time is found in various subfields, draws eclectically on different historical methods, and prompts interesting comparative questions. This article reviews works on colonial Latin America that include elements of time history, paying special attention to their methodology.
Prenatal distress in Turkish pregnant women and factors associated with maternal prenatal distress
Authors: Yuksel Fatma , Akin Semiha , Durna Zehra 
Published: January 2013

Aims and objectivesTo assess: (1) the prenatal distress level in Turkish pregnant women and (2) to examine the association between prenatal maternal distress and personal and pregnancy‐specific factors.BackgroundPregnant women experience stress originating from a variety of pregnancy‐specific issues, including physical symptoms and changes, changes in body image, physiological, social and emotional changes, parenting concerns, changes in relationships with significant others, medical problems, anxiety about labour and delivery, concerns about birth and the baby's health.DesignA descriptive cross‐sectional study.MethodsThis study was conducted at a gynaecology clinic of a private hospital in Istanbul, Turkey within a 12‐month period. The study sample comprised 522 pregnant women continuing their regular visits for prenatal care. Pregnancy Description Form and Turkish Version of Revised Version of Prenatal Distress Questionnaire [(NUPDQ)‐17 Item Version] were used for data collection.ResultsStudy sample was moderately distressed. Turkish pregnant women were mostly distressed and concerned about premature delivery, having an unhealthy baby, labour and delivery, feeling tired and having low energy during pregnancy. Prenatal distress in Turkish pregnant women was associated with personal and pregnancy‐related characteristics.ConclusionsThis study found that pregnant women need to be supported emotionally, physically and socially. A better understanding of prenatal maternal distress could assist in informing healthcare professionals about the provision of physically, emotionally, socially and behaviourally appropriate support for achieving a healthy pregnancy.Relevance to clinical practiceIt is crucial for pregnant women to be regularly assessed and educated for dealing successfully with concerns and fears about prenatal period, birth and postnatal period and about difficulties that women may encounter during their pregnancy.
Using meta‐ethnography to understand the emotional impact of caring for people with increasing cognitive impairment
Authors: Grose Jane , Frost Julia , Richardson Janet , Skirton Heather 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe majority of people with degenerative neurological conditions are cared for within their own families. Cognitive impairment can be a significant and increasing symptom of these conditions. In this article we report how a team of experienced researchers carried out a meta‐ethnography of qualitative research articles focusing on the impact of caring for a loved one with cognitive impairment. We followed the seven‐step process outlined by Noblit and Hare. Synthesized findings from 31 papers suggest emotional impact is complex and uncertain and varies from day to day. The benefit of using meta‐ethnography is that the results represent a larger sample size and a reinterpretation of multiple studies can hold greater application for practice. The results of this study offer an opportunity for nurses to be aware of both the positive and negative sides of caring and being cared for. This knowledge can be used to discuss with patients and carers how best to prepare for decreasing cognition and still maintain a worthwhile quality of life.
Clinical Outcome of Patients in a Start‐Up Congenital Heart Surgery Program in Turkey
Authors: Onan Ismihan Selen , Erek Ersin , Haydin Sertac , Onan Burak , Kocyigit Ozgen Ilgaz , Topuz Ufuk , Odemis Ender , Yeniterzi Mehmet , Bakir Ihsan 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThis study summarizes the clinical outcome data of a start‐up congenital heart surgery program in Turkey. Between December 2009 and February 2012, 616 operations have been performed in 132 newborns (22%), 260 infants (42%), and 224 children/adolescents (36%). Risk adjustment analysis was performed using the risk adjustment in congenital heart surgery (RACHS‐1) risk assessment model. There were 66 mortalities (10.7%). According to the RACHS‐1 categories, there were 51 cases in level I (8.2%) with no mortality (0%), 250 in level II (40.6%) with 11 (4.4%) mortalities, 199 in level III (32.3%) with 33 (16.5%) mortalities, 53 in level IV (8.6%) with 10 (18.8%) mortalities, 14 in level V and VI (2.2%) with 11 (78.5%) mortalities, and 49 cases (7.9%) out of the RACHS‐1 categories with one (2.0%) mortality. Mortality was higher in neonates compared to infants, and in infants compared to children/adolescents. Mortality was higher in palliative procedures compared to corrective procedures. The data demonstrate that a start‐up program with a relatively loaded surgical volume may achieve acceptable clinical results with a good teamwork. Collaboration of anesthesiologists, perfusionists, pediatric cardiologists, intensivists, and cardiovascular surgeons is necessary to provide a better outcome in congenital heart surgery.
Response of Six‐Lined Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) to Habitat Restoration in Fire‐Suppressed Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) Sandhills
Authors: Steen David A. , Smith Lora L. , Morris Gail , Mike Conner L. , Litt Andrea R. , Pokswinski Scott , Guyer Craig 
Published: January 2013

AbstractSix‐lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) is an indicator species of frequently burned Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forests. To evaluate how the species responded to forest restoration, we conducted a mark‐recapture study in formerly fire‐suppressed Longleaf pine forests exposed to prescribed fire or fire surrogates (i.e. mechanical or herbicide‐facilitated hardwood removal) as well as in fire‐suppressed control sites and reference sites, which represented the historic condition. After initial treatment, all sites were exposed to over a decade of prescribed burning with an average return interval of approximately 2 years. We used population‐level response of A. sexlineata as an indicator of the effectiveness of the different treatments in restoring habitat. Specifically, we compared mean numbers of marked adults and juveniles at treatment sites to that of reference sites. After 4 years, restoration objectives were met at sites treated with burning alone and at sites treated with mechanical removal of hardwoods followed by fire. After over 10 years of prescribed burning, restoration objectives were met at all treatments. We conclude that prescribed burning alone was sufficient to restore fire‐suppressed Longleaf pine sandhills for A. sexlineata populations.
What is beyond a qRT‐PCR study on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation properties: how to choose the most reliable housekeeping genes
Authors: Ragni Enrico , Viganò Mariele , Rebulla Paolo , Giordano Rosaria , Lazzari Lorenza 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn the last years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified as an attractive cell population in regenerative medicine. In view of future therapeutic applications, the study of specific differentiation‐related gene expression is a pivotal prerequisite to define the most appropriate MSC source for clinical translation. In this context, it is crucial to use stable housekeeping genes (HGs) for normalization of qRT‐PCR to obtain validated and comparable results. By our knowledge, an exhaustive validation study of HGs comparing MSCs from different sources under various differentiation conditions is still missing. In this pivotal study, we compared the expression levels of 12 genes (ACTB, Β2M, EF1alpha, GAPDH, GUSB, PPIA, RPL13A, RPLP0, TBP, UBC, YWHAZ and 18S rRNA) to assess their suitability as HGs in MSCs during adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. We demonstrated that many of the most popular HGs including 18S rRNA, B2M and ACTB were inadequate for normalization, whereas TBP/YWHAZ/GUSB were frequently identified among the best performers. Moreover, we showed the dramatic effects of suboptimal HGs choice on the quantification of cell differentiation markers, thus interfering with a reliable comparison of the lineage potential properties among various MSCs. Thus, in the emerging field of regenerative medicine, the identification of the most appropriate MSC source and cell line is so crucial for the treatment of patients that being inaccurate in the first step of the stem cell characterization can bring important consequences for the patients and for the promising potential of stem cell therapy.
What determines biogeographical ranges? Historical wanderings and ecological constraints in the danthonioid grasses
Authors: Peter Linder H. , Antonelli Alexandre , Humphreys Aelys M. , Pirie Michael D. , Wüest Rafael O. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimWe sought to understand the variables that limit the distribution range of a clade (here the danthonioid grasses). We tested time, area of origin, habitat suitability, disjunction width and nature, and wind direction as possible range determinants.LocationGlobal, but predominantly the Southern Hemisphere.MethodsWe mapped the range of the subfamily Danthonioideae, and used 39,000 locality records and an ensemble modelling approach to define areas with suitable danthonioid habitat. We used a well‐sampled, dated phylogeny to estimate the number and direction of historical dispersal events, based on parsimony optimization. We tested for the impact of wind direction on dispersal rate using a likelihood approach, and for the effects of barrier width with a regression approach.ResultsWe found 17 geographically isolated areas with suitable habitats for danthonioids. All currently suitable Southern Hemisphere areas have been occupied, but three apparently suitable areas in the Northern Hemisphere have not. We infer that southern Africa was first occupied in the Oligocene and that dispersal to the other areas was initiated in the middle Miocene. Inferred dispersal rate was correlated with the width of the disjunctions, up to a distance of 5000 km. There was no support for wind direction having influenced differences in dispersal rate.Main conclusionsThe current range of the Danthonioideae can be predicted ecologically (areas with suitable habitat) and historically (the width of the disjunctions separating the areas with suitable habitat and the area of origin). The direction of dispersal is dictated by the area of origin and by serendipity: there is no evidence for general patterns of dispersal, for example for dispersal occurring more frequently over land than over sea or in an easterly versus a westerly direction around the Southern Hemisphere. Thus the range and range‐filling of Danthonioideae can be accounted for by surprisingly few variables: habitat suitability, distance between suitable areas, and area of origin.
A fixed‐dose approach to conducting emamectin benzoate tolerance assessments on field‐collected sea lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis
Authors: Whyte S K , Westcott J D , Elmoslemany A , Hammell K L , Revie C W 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIn New Brunswick, Canada, the sea louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, poses an on‐going management challenge to the health and productivity of commercially cultured Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar. While the in‐feed medication, emamectin benzoate (SLICE®; Merck), has been highly effective for many years, evidence of increased tolerance has been observed in the field since late 2008. Although bioassays on motile stages are a common tool to monitor sea lice sensitivity to emamectin benzoate in field‐collected sea lice, they require the collection of large numbers of sea lice due to inherent natural variability in the gender and stage response to chemotherapeutants. In addition, sensitive instruments such as EC50 analysis may be unnecessarily complex to characterize susceptibility subsequent to a significant observed decline in efficacy. This study proposes an adaptation of the traditional, dose–response format bioassay to a fixed‐dose method. Analysis of 657 bioassays on preadult and adult stages of sea lice over the period 2008–2011 indicated a population of sea lice in New Brunswick with varying degrees of susceptibility to emamectin benzoate. A seasonal and spatial effect was observed in the robustness of genders and stages of sea lice, which suggest that mixing different genders and stages of lice within a single bioassay may result in pertinent information being overlooked. Poor survival of adult female lice in bioassays, particularly during May/June, indicates it may be prudent to consider excluding this stage from bioassays conducted at certain times of the year. This work demonstrates that fixed‐dose bioassays can be a valuable technique in detecting reduced sensitivity in sea lice populations with varying degrees of susceptibility to emamectin benzoate treatments.
Proteomic analysis of epidermal mucus from sea lice–infected Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Provan F , Jensen L B , Uleberg K E , Larssen E , Rajalahti T , Mullins J , Obach A 
Published: January 2013

AbstractHealth diets that contain immunostimulants and other functional ingredients can strengthen the immune response in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, and thereby reduce sea lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, infection levels. Such diets can be used to supplement other treatments and will potentially reduce the need for delousing and medication. A sea lice infection trial was conducted on fish with an average weight of 215 g. One control diet and four experimental diets containing functional ingredients were produced. The diets were fed to salmon for 4 weeks before infection with sea lice copepodids. When lice had developed to chalimus III/IV, 88 fish per diet were examined for lice loads. Mucus samples from fish fed the different diets were taken before and after lice infection. Mass spectrometry–based proteomics was used to characterize the protein composition in the epidermal mucus of Atlantic salmon and to identify quantitative alterations in protein expression. Multivariate analysis of the generated data sets was performed to identify protein biomarkers. Putative biomarkers associated with functional feed intake and with sea lice infection have been identified and can form the basis for strategic validation experiments with selected functional feeds.
Development and assessment of a biophysical dispersal model for sea lice
Authors: Salama N K G , Collins C M , Fraser J G , Dunn J , Pert C C , Murray A G , Rabe B 
Published: January 2013

AbstractSalmon aquaculture in Scotland continues to increase; however, one of the potential limitations to its further sustainable growth is the ectoparasitic sea louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis. The industry in Scotland undertakes coordinated management procedures to control the levels of sea lice on farms in designated production areas. We developed a biophysical sea lice dispersal model for Loch Linnhe, one of the largest fjords on the west coast of Scotland, to provide further information to help establish more effective farm management areas. We successfully extend modelling principles previously applied to a small Scottish fjordic system. Modelling scenarios demonstrate heterogeneity in the distribution of sea lice within the system and simulations, suggesting that lice could be transmitted up to 30 km. The scenarios are assessed by comparing model predictions against lice sampled by both planktonic trawls and settlement on sentinel caged fish. The model predicts the ranked abundance of both planktonic and settled lice assuming that the lice input to the system is relative to host biomass. Data collection is ongoing for undertaking and assessing additional scenarios.
Patterns of Comorbidity in Older Adults with Heart Failure: The Cardiovascular Research Network PRESERVE Study
Authors: Saczynski Jane S. , Go Alan S. , Magid David J. , Smith David H. , McManus David D. , Allen Larry , Ogarek Jessica , Goldberg Robert J. , Gurwitz Jerry H. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo examine whether the total burden of comorbidity and pattern of co‐occurring conditions varies in individuals with heart failure (HF) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HF‐P) or HF with reduced LVEF (HF‐R).DesignCross‐sectional cohort study.SettingFour participating health plans within the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute–sponsored Cardiovascular Research Network.ParticipantsAll members aged 65 and older with HF based on hospital discharge and ambulatory visit diagnoses.MeasurementsParticipants with a LVEF of 50% or greater were classified as having HF‐P. Presence of cardiac and noncardiac comorbidities was obtained from health plan administrative databases.ResultsOf 23,435 individuals identified with HF and LVEF information, 53% (12,407) had confirmed HF‐P (mean age 79.6; 60% female). More than three‐quarters of the sample had three or more co‐occurring conditions in addition to HF, and half had five or more cooccurring conditions. Participants with HF‐P had a slightly higher burden of comorbidity than those with HF‐R (mean 4.5 vs 4.4, P = .002). Patterns of how specific conditions co‐occurred did not vary in participants with preserved or reduced systolic function.ConclusionThere is a high degree of comorbidity and multiple morbidity in individuals with HF. The burden and pattern of comorbidity varies only slightly in individuals with preserved or reduced LVEF.
Pulmonary Function Impairment May Be an Early Risk Factor for Late‐Life Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Vidal Jean‐Sébastien , Aspelund Thor , Jonsdottir Maria K. , Jonsson Palmi V. , Harris Tamara B. , Lopez Oscar L. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Launer Lenore J. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo determine the association between change in pulmonary function (PF) and mid‐ and late‐life cognitive function.DesignProspective population‐based cohort study that included measures of pulmonary function in midlife and brain magnetic resonance imaging data acquired in late life.SettingThe Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility—Reykjavik Study.ParticipantsThree thousand six hundred sixty‐five subjects who had at least one measure of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and were cognitively tested on average 23 years later. A subset of 1,281 subjects had two or three measures of FEV1 acquired over a 7.8‐year period.MeasurementsPulmonary function was estimated as FEV1/height2. Rate of PF decline was estimated as the slope of decline over time. Cognitive status was measured with continuous scores of memory, speed of processing, and executive function and as the outcome of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.ResultsLower PF measured in midlife predicted poorer memory, slower speed of processing, poorer executive function, and greater likelihood of MCI and dementia 23 years later. Decrease in PF over a 7.8‐year period in midlife was not associated with MCI or dementia.ConclusionLow PF measured in midlife may be an early marker of later cognitive problems. Additional studies characterizing early and late PF changes are needed.