bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scabies increased the risk of chronic kidney disease: a 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Chung S.‐D. , Wang K.‐H. , Huang C.‐C. , Lin H.‐C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe most documented complication of scabies has been reported to be infection by group A streptococci, which has in turn been suggested to contribute to the development of glomerulonephritis.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) subsequent to scabies utilizing a population‐based dataset in Taiwan.MethodsThis retrospective matched‐cohort study included 5071 subjects with scabies and 25 355 randomly selected comparison subjects. We individually tracked each subject for a 5‐year period to identify those who subsequently received a diagnosis of CKD during the follow‐up period. Stratified Cox proportional hazards regressions were performed to compute the hazard ratio (HR) of CKD during the 5‐year follow‐up period.ResultsThe incidence rate of CKD during the 5‐year follow‐up period was 9.66 (8.51–10.93) per 1,000 person‐years and 6.24 (5.82–6.69) per 1000 person‐years for subjects with and without scabies respectively. The HR for CKD during the 5‐year follow‐up period for subjects with scabies was 1.34 (95% CI = 1.15–1.56) that of comparison subjects after adjusting for monthly income, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, stroke, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tobacco use disorder, hyperlipidemia and alcohol abuse during the 5‐year follow‐up period. Male subjects with scabies were 1.40 (95% CI = 1.14–1.71) times more likely than comparison subjects to suffer from subsequent CKD, and female study subjects were 1.27 (95% CI = 1.05–1.61) times more likely.ConclusionsWe concluded that there was an increased risk for CKD among patients suffering from scabies.
Dopamine D2 receptor activation leads to an up‐regulation of glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor via Gβγ‐Erk1/2‐dependent induction of Zif268
Authors: Ahmadiantehrani Somayeh , Ron Dorit 
Published: February 2013

AbstractGlial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a potent growth factor essential to the development, survival, and function of dopaminergic neurons (Airaksinen and Saarma 2002). The molecular mechanisms underlying GDNF expression remain elusive; thus, we set out to identify a signaling pathway that governs GDNF levels. We found that treatment of both differentiated dopaminergic‐like SH‐SY5Y cells and rat midbrain slices with the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) agonist, quinpirole, triggered an increase in the expression of GDNF that was temporally preceded by an increase in the levels of zinc‐finger protein 268 (Zif268), a DNA‐binding transcription factor encoded by an immediate‐early gene. Moreover, the D2R inhibitor raclopride blocked the increase of both GDNF and Zif268 expression following potassium‐evoked dopamine release in SH‐SY5Y cells. We used adenoviral delivery of small hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting Zif268 to down‐regulate its expression and found that Zif268 is specifically required for the D2R‐mediated up‐regulation of GDNF. Furthermore, the D2R‐mediated induction of GDNF and Zif268 expression was dependent on Gβγ‐mediated signaling and activation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2. Importantly, using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we identified a direct association of Zif268 with the GDNF promoter. These results suggest that D2R activation induces a Gβγ‐ and extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2‐dependent increase in the level of Zif268, which functions to directly up‐regulate the expression of GDNF.
Localization of the primordial vomeronasal organ and its relationship to the associated gland in lungfish
Authors: Nakamuta Shoko , Nakamuta Nobuaki , Taniguchi Kazumi , Taniguchi Kazuyuki 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe lungfish, the closest fish to tetrapods, has two types of sensory epithelia in the olfactory organ: the lamellar olfactory epithelium and the recess epithelium. The former resembles the olfactory epithelium of ordinary teleosts and the latter resembles the vomeronasal organ of tetrapods with respect to the G‐protein expressions and the morphological properties of olfactory receptor cells. In contrast to the lamellar olfactory epithelium covering the surface of olfactory lamella, the recess epithelium, together with the glandular epithelium, lines the recesses at the base of olfactory lamellae and is separated from the surrounding tissues by nonsensory epithelium. In the present study, we examined the distribution of these recesses and the relationship between the recess epithelium and the associated gland in the nasal sac of lungfish. We found that the posterior part of the nasal sac contained more recesses than the anterior one, and the medial one contained more recesses than the lateral one. In addition, virtually all recesses consisted of both the recess epithelium and the glandular epithelium. Furthermore, the glandular epithelium was invariably situated proximal to the midline raphe of the nasal sac, and the recess epithelium distal to it. Possible roles of the recess epithelium and the glandular epithelium are discussed.
Osteopathology associated with bone resorption inhibitors – which role does Actinomyces play? A presentation of 51 cases with systematic review of the literature
Authors: Schipmann S. , Metzler P. , Rössle M. , Zemann W. , von Jackowski J. , Obwegeser J. A. , Grätz K. W. , Jacobsen C. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundBone resorption inhibitor‐related osteopathology of the jaw (BRIOJ) is a severe complication in patients treated with bisphosphonates or denosumab. However, the precise pathogenesis of BRIOJ is not yet fully understood. Recent studies discovered the presence of Actinomyces colonies in biopsy material from BRIOJ patients. The aim of this study was to analyze current knowledge concerning the impact of Actinomyces on the pathogenesis of this condition and to present data from our own patients.MethodsData from 51 patients with histopathological diagnoses of BRIOJ were retrospectively analyzed. In addition, a systematic literature search for studies describing the presence of Actinomyces was performed.ResultsActinomyces was present in 86% of our cases and 63.3% of 371 cases presented in the literature. All of our patients and 85% of patients described in the literature had a clearly defined local focus in association with osteopathology. A clear picture of whether Actinomyces colonizes the previously necrotic bone or contributes to inflammation causing subsequent bone necrosis is lacking in the literature.ConclusionThe pathogenesis of BRIOJ remains unknown; however, there seems to be a role for Actinomyces, and possibly other pathogens, in the development of osteopathology of the jaws, which is not exclusive to bisphosphonate therapy. This study supports the hypothesis that an infectious component is of utmost importance for the pathogenesis of BRIOJ.
Quality of canine spermatozoa retrieved by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration
Authors: Varesi S. , Vernocchi V. , Faustini M. , Luvoni G.C. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesTo investigate the feasibility of percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration in dogs and whether it might provide a population of epididymal spermatozoa similar to the population that can be obtained by processing isolated epididymis caudae.MethodsConcentration and total sperm number, motility, morphology and acrosomal integrity of spermatozoa retrieved by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration, in vitro aspiration and mincing of the cauda of the epididymis were compared.ResultsPercutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration is a feasible procedure to retrieve a population of spermatozoa in dogs. Quality is similar to that of spermatozoa collected in vitro, although a wide variation amongst animals was observed.Clinical SignificanceIn case of ejaculation failure due to pathological conditions in dogs, the collection of spermatozoa from the cauda of the epididymis could be an option for providing gametes for assisted reproductive technologies. Percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration can be used in dogs with compromised reproductive performance, in which orchiectomy cannot be performed for medical or owner reasons. Further studies aimed to investigate whether the percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration technique might be feasible for repeated semen collection and to accurately evaluate side effects are required.
Curettage and diathermy: a treatment for feline nasal planum actinic dysplasia and superficial squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jarrett R. H. , Norman E. J. , Gibson I. R. , Jarrett P. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate curettage and diathermy as a treatment for actinic dysplasia and superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the feline nasal planum.MethodsThirty‐four cats clinically assessed to have actinic dysplasia and superficial squamous cell carcinoma involving less than 50% of the nasal planum were treated with a three‐cycle curettage and diathermy procedure. Degree of dysplasia, response to treatment, adverse effects, owner perceptions, time to recurrence and proportion disease free at 1 year were evaluated.ResultsLesions ranged from actinic keratoses to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. A complete response to treatment was obtained in all cats. The median follow‐up time was 18 · 2 (IQR: 12 · 0–22 · 8) months. Two cats had a clinical recurrence of lesions at 161 and 192 days after treatment. The probability of remaining disease free after 12 months was 0 · 94 (95%CI: 0 · 85–1 · 0). Median time to recurrence was not reached. The procedure was well tolerated with a good cosmetic outcome and no significant post‐operative complications.Clinical SignificanceThis study suggests that curettage and diathermy is an effective treatment for feline actinic dysplasia and for superficial squamous cell carcinoma involving less than 50% of the nasal planum. Curettage and diathermy is an easily mastered technique, requiring minimal equipment.
Introgression of transgenic crop alleles: Its evolutionary impacts on conserving genetic diversity of crop wild relatives
Authors: LU Bao‐Rong 
Published: February 2013

AbstractEffective conservation of crop wild relative (CWR) species is essential for the sustainable use and genetic improvement of crop varieties, which offers greater opportunities for world food security, particularly in modern agroecosystems where CWR diversity is under severe threat. Factors such as habitat fragmentation, human disturbances, global climate change, and invasion of harmful alien species have been identified to be responsible for losses and threats to CWR diversity. However, a neglected factor, gene introgression from domesticated species through repeated outcrossing, may have a significant impact on CWR diversity. Introgression can influence genetic diversity and evolutionary processes of CWR populations through effects such as demographic swarming, genetic assimilation, and selective sweep. When largely enhancing or reducing fitness of wild plants, the introgression of crop genes will impose more significant genetic and evolutionary impacts on CWR populations, leading to undesired consequences for conserved CWR populations and species. This situation is particularly true when genetically engineered (GE) crops are deployed for commercial cultivation. It is argued that a GE crop usually contains transgenes with strong natural selection advantages, and such transgenes introgressed into CWR populations may have strong impacts on their genetic diversity and evolutionary processes, threatening their conservation. This article reviews the challenge of crop–wild gene flow, and particularly transgene introgression from GE crops, for the in situ conservation of wild relative species. The design of effective management strategies for conserving CWR species under the scenario of extensive cultivation of GE crops is also discussed.
Screening for hepatitis B and C in first‐generation Egyptian migrants living in the Netherlands
Authors: Zuure Freke R. , Bouman Jonathan , Martens Marjolein , Vanhommerig Joost W. , Urbanus Anouk T. , Davidovich Udi , van Houdt Robin , Speksnijder Arjen G. C. L. , Weegink Christine J. , van den Hoek Anneke , Prins Maria 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundEgypt has high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, infection prevalence among Egyptian migrants is unknown. Considering the asymptomatic onset and development of disease in chronically‐infected patients, many may remain undiagnosed.AimsTo evaluate an HCV‐ and HBV‐screening programme designed to identify undetected infections among first‐generation Egyptian migrants in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.MethodsIn 2009 and 2010, viral hepatitis educational and screening sessions were established at Egyptian meeting places. Data regarding demographics and HCV risk factors were collected. Chronically infected participants were referred and followed up. Phylogenetic analyses were used to ascertain the geographic origin of infections.ResultsEleven of 465 (2.4%; 95% CI = 1.3–4.2%) migrants had HCV antibodies; 10/11 were HCV RNA positive. All had genotype 4a, and strains were typical of those of Egypt and the Middle East. Older age and exposure to parenteral antischistosomal therapy (PAT) were significantly associated with HCV. Anti‐HBc prevalence was 16.8% (95% CI = 13.7–20.4%); HBsAg prevalence was 1.1% (95% CI = 0.5–2.5%). All had genotype D, typical of those of the Middle East. Most (9/10 HCV; 3/5 HBV) chronic infections were newly diagnosed; four of the HCV‐infected individuals started treatment.ConclusionsAnti‐HCV and HBsAg prevalence among Egyptian migrants was lower compared with the general Egyptian population, but higher than the general population of Western countries. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that all infections were from the region of origin. HCV‐screening programmes should target first‐generation Egyptian migrants, especially those of older age and those who received PAT.
Regulated proteolysis of a transcription factor complex is critical to cell cycle progression in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Gora Kasia G. , Cantin Amber , Wohlever Matthew , Joshi Kamal K. , Perchuk Barrett S. , Chien Peter , Laub Michael T. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryCell cycle transitions are often triggered by the proteolysis of key regulatory proteins. In Caulobacter crescentus, the G1‐S transition involves the degradation of an essential DNA‐binding response regulator, CtrA, by the ClpXP protease. Here, we show that another critical cell cycle regulator, SciP, is also degraded during the G1‐S transition, but by the Lon protease. SciP is a small protein that binds directly to CtrA and prevents it from activating target genes during G1. We demonstrate that SciP must be degraded during the G1‐S transition so that cells can properly activate CtrA‐dependent genes following DNA replication initiation and the reaccumulation of CtrA. These results indicate that like CtrA, SciP levels are tightly regulated during the Caulobacter cell cycle. In addition, we show that formation of a complex between CtrA and SciP at target promoters protects both proteins from their respective proteases. Degradation of either protein thus helps trigger the destruction of the other, facilitating a cooperative disassembly of the complex. Collectively, our results indicate that ClpXP and Lon each degrade an important cell cycle regulator, helping to trigger the onset of S phase and prepare cells for the subsequent programmes of gene expression critical to polar morphogenesis and cell division.
A herbal antifungal formulation of Thymus serpillum, Origanum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis for treating ovine dermatophytosis due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Authors: Mugnaini Linda , Nardoni Simona , Pistelli Luisa , Leonardi Michele , Giuliotti Lorella , Benvenuti Maria N. , Pisseri Francesca , Mancianti Francesca 
Published: February 2013

SummaryA number of herbal products with anti‐inflammatory, antiseptic and antimycotic properties are available for dermatological usage. The successful treatment of 13 sheep affected by ringworm due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes with a mixture consisting of essential oils (EOs) of Thymus serpillum 2%, Origanum vulgare 5% and Rosmarinus officinalis 5% in sweet almond (Prunus dulcis) oil. The effectiveness of EOs and of the major components of the mixture (thymol, carvacrol, 1,8 cineole, α‐pinene, p‐cymene, γ‐terpinene) against the fungal clinical isolate was evaluated by a microdilution test. Thirteen animals were topically administered with the mixture twice daily for 15 days. The other sheep were administered with a conventional treatment (seven animals) or left untreated (two animals). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 0.1% for T. serpillum, 0.5% for O. vulgare, 2.5% for I. verum and 5% for both R. officinalis and C. limon. Thymol and carvacrol showed MICs of 0.125% and 0.0625%. A clinical and aetiological cure was obtained at the end of each treatment regimen in only the treated animals. Specific antimycotic drugs licenced for food‐producing sheep are not available within the European Community. The mixture tested here appeared to be a versatile tool for limiting fungal growth.
Serum galactomannan assay for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in children with haematological malignancies
Authors: Jha Ajaya K. , Bansal Deepak , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Shivaprakash M. R. , Trehan Amita , Marwaha Ram K. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryDiagnostic efficacy of Galactomannan (GM) assay for invasive aspergillosis (IA) is variably reported. Data from developing countries are scant. Children with haematological malignancies and fever were enrolled prospectively. Blood sample for GM was drawn on the day of admission; levels were measured with Platellia Aspergillus enzyme immunoassay. Diagnostic criteria were adapted from EORTC‐MSG‐2002. Proven, probable and possible episodes were considered as the disease group. One hundred febrile episodes in 78 patients were evaluated. The mean age was 6.1 years. Majority (75%) episodes were in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. One episode each was diagnosed with proven and probable IA, while 23 were diagnosed with possible IA. Best results were obtained with a cut‐off value of 1.0, with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 60%, 93%, 75 and 87 respectively. The sensitivity dropped to 40%, at cut‐off value of 1.5 and specificity was 38%, at a cut‐off of 0.5. A higher value of GM correlated with pulmonary nodules (P = 0.037) and mortality (P = 0.001). GM assay is adjunctive to clinical/radiological evidence. A negative GM assay may not reassure the physician against the use of amphotericin in patients with febrile neutropenia, as it does not exclude the diagnosis of clinically relevant other fungal infections, particular mucormycosis.
Laryngeal cleft repair: the anesthetic perspective
Authors: Ferrari Lynne R. , Zurakowski David , Solari Jessica , Rahbar Reza 
Published: February 2013

SummaryIntroductionLaryngeal cleft is a rare congenital malformation that is being reported with increasing frequency. Diagnosis requires suspension microlaryngoscopy under general anesthesia during spontaneous respiration. Repair may be attempted by a minimally invasive endoscopic approach or open surgical repair. The authors report on their experience with total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and spontaneous ventilation without an endotracheal tube during suspension laryngoscopy and CO2 laser application for this specific surgical procedure. Of particular interest were the rate at which this technique failed and rescue techniques were employed and the ability to predict patients in whom this might occur.MethodsBetween July 2004 and September 2012, 110 endoscopic laryngeal cleft repairs were completed under TIVA with spontaneous ventilation without an endotracheal tube. Anesthetic induction was achieved by inhalation of sevoflurane and oxygen by mask or infusion of propofol at 300 mcg kg−1 min−1 and remifentanil at 0.05–1.0 mcg kg−1 min. The vocal cords and surgical site were sprayed with up to 2 mg kg−1 of 4% lidocaine. If the oxygen saturation decreased during the procedure or the patient became apneic, a rescue process utilizing jet ventilation or intermittent intubation was instituted.ResultsTen (9.1%) of the 110 cases required rescue (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.0–15.8%). The most prevalent comorbidities included reactive airway disease, chronic lung disease, failure to thrive, developmental delay, and an unrelated syndrome. Thirty‐nine patients (36%) had reactive airway disease and twelve (11%) had chronic lung disease. Intraoperative complications included six cases requiring a brief, temporary period of intubation (5.5%) and four cases requiring a brief period of jet ventilation (3.6%).ConclusionThe technique of TIVA with spontaneous respirations without an endotracheal tube is a safe and effective technique for laryngeal cleft repair. Although the potential for intraoperative adverse events may be high, the actual rate was very low. The need to convert to other techniques is not significant although the children who did require brief periods of jet ventilation or intubation tended to have reactive airway disease or chronic lung disease.
A multimethod investigation of depressive symptoms, perceived understanding, and relationship quality
Authors: GORDON AMIE M. , TUSKEVICIUTE RUGILE , CHEN SERENA 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis research examines whether people who are experiencing more depressive symptoms perceive their partners as less able to understand their thoughts and feelings. Results showed that depressive symptoms (Studies 1 and 3) and depressive mood (Study 2) were negatively associated with perceived understanding in general (Study 1), in daily life (Study 2), and during a conflict conversation (Study 3). Partners of people who were more depressed actually were less empathically accurate during the conflict conversation in Study 3, although they did not recognize that they were being less understanding. Moreover, perceived understanding helped explain the link between depressive symptoms and relationship quality in all three studies, and these effects held when controlling for self‐reported understanding and perceived partner hostility.
Tectonics of the Virgin Islands Basin, north eastern Caribbean
Authors: Raussen Sara , Lykke‐Andersen Holger , Kuijpers Antoon 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe tectonics of the Virgin Islands Basin are controlled by the plate boundary between the Puerto Rico‐Virgin Islands Microplate and the stable part of the Caribbean Plate. Several contradicting theories about the formation and development of this basin have previously been proposed. As part of the Danish Galathea 3 expedition, extensive marine geological investigations of the basin were carried out in March 2007 including sediment coring and acquisition of multi‐beam and two‐dimensional seismic data. This paper represents a summary of the key observations from the multi‐beam and the seismic data set. The interpretation of these observations leads to the proposition of a tectonic model for the Virgin Islands Basin. The model consists of N–S toNW–SEdirected extension combined with E‐W trending sinistral strike‐slip and the new structural evidence from the Virgin Islands Basin is entirely consistent with the most recently publishedGPSdata.