bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of Electrical Power Facilities and Measures for Planned Outages in Japanese Hemodialysis Clinics After the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Ishida Kai , Sawa Manami , Fujiwara Kousaku , Hirose Minoru , Tsuruta Harukazu , Takeuchi Akihiro , Ikeda Noriaki 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe Great East Japan Earthquake on 11 March 2011 caused major damage in northeastern Japan. The Kanto region experienced a massive electrical power shortage in the summer of 2011. A questionnaire was submitted to 354 hemodialysis clinics in Kanagawa prefecture and the Tokyo metropolitan area, excluding isolated islands, and 176 responses were analyzed (49.7%). The questions included evaluation of the availability of a private electricity generator, countermeasures in case of a planned outage, awareness of saving electricity, and improvement of safety of medical devices or electrical facilities after the earthquake. Only 12% of the clinics had private electricity generators and many clinics had no plans to introduce this facility. However, 96% of the clinics had established countermeasures to deal with a planned outage. Many clinics planned to provide dialysis on a different day or at a different time. All clinics had tried hard to establish procedures to save electricity in the summer of 2011, and 84% of the clinics had reconsidered and improved the safety of medical devices or electricity facilities after the earthquake. These results show that the awareness of crisis management was greatly improved in the wake of the earthquake.
Increased Plasma Angiogenin Level is Associated and May Contribute to Decreased T‐Cell Zeta‐Chain Expression in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Eleftheriadis Theodoros , Kartsios Charalambos , Pissas Georgios , Liakopoulos Vassilios , Antoniadi Georgia , Galaktidou Grammati , Stefanidis Ioannis 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHemodialysis (HD) patients are characterized by impaired T‐cell function at least in part because of T‐cell zeta‐chain downregulation due to inflammation. Angiogenin responds as an acute phase reactant, is increased in HD patients, suppresses T‐cell function and increased angiogenin level is co‐localized with T‐cell zeta‐chain downregulation in various pathologies. Angiogenin can inhibit translation of proteins, which lack internal ribosomal entry sites in the corresponding mRNAs. In this study, the possible effect of angiogenin on T‐cell zeta‐chain downregulation was evaluated. Thirty HD patients and 21 healthy volunteers participated. T‐cell zeta‐chain expression was assessed with flow cytometry, plasma angiogenin and serum IL‐6 with ELISA and serum C‐reactive protein with an immunoturbidimetric method. Two available software tools were used for predicting the presence or not of internal ribosomal entry sites in T‐cell zeta‐chain mRNA sequence. In silico analysis of T‐cell zeta‐chain mRNA sequence failed to reveal the presence of internal ribosomal entry sites. T‐cell zeta‐chain expression was lower in HD patients than in healthy volunteers (1.86 ± 0.63 vs. 4.73 ± 3.22). In HD patients, C‐reactive protein as well as IL‐6 were higher than in healthy volunteers (10.04 ± 15.13 mg/L vs. 3.43 ± 0.98 mg/L and 15.06 ± 13.08pg/mL vs. 2.11 ± 2.10 pg/mL respectively). Angiogenin was higher in HD patients than in healthy volunteers (483.20 ± 154.07 ng/mL vs. 259.98 ± 64.15 ng/mL). Neither C‐reactive protein, nor IL‐6 was associated with angiogenin or T‐cell zeta‐chain expression. Angiogenin concentration was negatively related to the expression of T‐cell zeta‐chain (r = −0.410, P = 0.025). Increased angiogenin may contribute to decreased T‐cell zeta‐chain expression in HD patients.
Validation and evaluation of a commercially available ELISA for the detection of antibodies specific to bovine viral diarrhoea virus (bovine pestivirus)
Authors: Lanyon SR , Anderson ML , Bergman E , Reichel MP 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveTo compare the performance of an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibodies specific to bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) with a virus neutralisation test (VNT) and agarose gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test.DesignA total of 125 cattle serum samples were tested by a commercially available ELISA for antibodies specific to BVDV and by a VNT as the reference standard. A comparison between AGID and ELISA for detection of BVDV antibodies was also carried out, using 1182 serum samples from unvaccinated South Australian cattle.MethodsTwo‐graph receiver operating characteristics (TG‐ROC) analysis was used to confirm that the manufacturer's recommended cut‐off value for the ELISA was appropriate. Two‐by‐two tables were constructed to analyse the concordance of serological results among the three assays. McNemar tests were used to assess the agreement among serological tests.Results and conclusionsUsing the manufacturer's cut‐off threshold, supported by TG‐ROC analysis, the ELISA's sensitivity and specificity were calculated to be 96.7% and 97.1%, respectively, compared with the VNT. Compared with AGID, ELISA with specific BVDV antibodies may be more sensitive and detect 5.8% more samples than AGID. McNemar test also showed a significant difference (P < 0.001) between AGID and ELISA.
Chronic scrotal pain syndrome (CSPS): the widespread use of antibiotics is not justified
Authors: Strebel R. T. , Schmidt C. , Beatrice J. , Sulser T. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryData supporting the widespread use of antibiotics in patients with chronic scrotal pain syndrome (CSPS) are not available. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of bacteria in the genitourinary tract in patients presenting with CSPS. From July 2005 to July 2007 we prospectively enrolled patients presenting with CSPS in our outpatient clinic. The evaluation consisted of a detailed patient's history, physical examination and ultrasound examination of the scrotum. A blood and urinalysis, a Meares‐Stamey four‐glass test for bacterial cultures and PCR testing for Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae as well as a semen culture were performed. We assessed the symptom severity with the chronic epididymitis symptom index (CESI) score according to Nickel et al. (J Urol 2002, 167:1701; based on the NIH‐CPSI). A total of 55 eligible men (median age 34 years) with CSPS were enrolled in the study. The median CESI score was 17 (range 4–26). The majority of patients (n = 39; 71%) were seen by a general practitioner or an urologist before. Of these, 25 patients (64%) were treated with antibiotics and 26 (67%) with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, respectively. A significant bacterial colony count in at least one specimen was detected in 21 of 55 patients (38%). The predominantly detected microorganisms were an Alpha‐haemolytic Streptococcus (11 patients) and coagulase‐negative staphylococci (10 patients). Thus, only in 12 of 55 (22%) patients isolated bacteria were considered to be of clinical relevance. No factor or condition predictive for a bacterial aetiology for CSPS could be identified. In our microbiological assessment of patients presenting with CSPS we found no evidence for the widely held belief that CSPS is predominantly the result of a chronic bacterial infection. We therefore conclude that the widespread use of antibiotic agents in the treatment of patients with CSPS is not justified.
Association between obstructive sleep apnoea and chronic periodontitis: a population‐based study
Authors: Keller Joseph J. , Wu Chuan‐Song , Chen Yi‐Hua , Lin Herng‐Ching 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimThis study set out to explore the association between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and prior chronic periodontitis (CP) by utilizing a population‐based data set with a case‐control design in Taiwan.Materials and MethodsWe included 7673 subjects with OSA as cases, and randomly selected 21,963 subjects without a history of OSA as controls. We performed conditional logistic regression analyses to explore the association between OSA and having been previously diagnosed with CP.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the prevalence of prior CP between cases and controls (33.8% versus 22.6%, p < 0.001). Conditional logistic regression analysis suggested that the odds ratio of prior CP for cases was 1.75 (95% CI = 1.68–1.88) times greater than that of controls after adjusting for monthly income and geographical location, as well as hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, hyperlipidaemia, obesity, tobacco use disorder, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and alcohol abuse.ConclusionOur study detected an association between OSA and a prior diagnosis of CP.
Salivary biomarkers of oral health – a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rathnayake Nilminie , Åkerman Sigvard , Klinge Bjorn , Lundegren Nina , Jansson Henrik , Tryselius Ylva , Sorsa Timo , Gustafsson Anders 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimSaliva is a useful diagnostic fluid for oral‐related diseases. Monitoring salivary biomarkers for oral and systemic diseases could become an important complement to clinical examinations in epidemiological surveys. Recent findings indicate that it is possible to detect biomarkers for oral diseases within saliva samples. The aim of this study was to investigate if known salivary biomarkers could be used for epidemiological studies for detection of periodontitis.Materials and MethodsA randomly selected sample of adults (20–89 years) living in Southern Sweden were invited to participate. Four hundred and fifty‐one individuals were examined clinically using standard examination procedures. Stimulated saliva samples were collected and analysed for concentrations of IL‐1β, ‐6, ‐8, lysozyme, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐8 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 using ELISA, immunofluorometric assay or Luminex assays.ResultsPatients with severe periodontitis presented with elevated salivary concentrations of IL‐1β (p < 0.001) and MMP‐8 (p < 0.001). In addition, the MMP‐8/TIMP‐1 ratio was significantly higher in the severe periodontitis group (p < 0.001). Smokers compared with non‐smokers showed slightly lower concentrations of IL–8 (p < 0.05) and MMP‐8 (p = 0.052).ConclusionThis investigation shows that IL‐1β, MMP‐8 and the ratio of MMP‐8/TIMP‐1 could be used as markers of periodontal disease in larger patient populations.
Coexistence and origin of trophic ecotypes of pygmy whitefish,Prosopium coulterii, in a south‐westernAlaskan lake
Authors: Gowell C. P. , Quinn T. P. , Taylor E. B. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractEcologically, morphologically and genetically distinct populations within single taxa often coexist in postglacial lakes and have provided important model systems with which to investigate ecological and evolutionary processes such as niche partitioning and ecological speciation. Within the Salmonidae, these species complexes have been well studied, particularly within theCoregonus clupeaformis–C. laveratus(lake andEuropean whitefish, respectively) group, but the phenomenon has been less well documented in the other whitefish genera,ProsopiumandStenodus. Here, we examined the morphology, feeding biology and genetic structure of three putative forms of the pygmy whitefish,Prosopium coulterii(Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1892), first reported fromChignikLake, south‐westernAlaska, over 40 years ago. Field collections and morphological analyses resolved a shallow water (< 5 m depth) low gill raker count form (< 15 first arch gill rakers), a deepwater (> 30 m), low gill raker form and a deepwater, high gill raker count (> 15 gill rakers) form. The two low gill raker count forms fed almost exclusively on benthic invertebrates (mostly chironomids), while the deepwater, high gill raker count form fed almost exclusively on zooplankton; differences in diet were also reflected in differences both inδ13Candδ15Nstable isotopes. All three forms were characterized by the same major mitochondrialDNAclade that has been associated with persistence in, and postglacial dispersal from, aBeringian glacial refugium. Analysis of variation at nine microsatelliteDNAloci indicated low, but significant differentiation among forms, especially between the two low gill raker count forms and the high gill raker count form. The extent of differentiation along phenotypic (considerable) and genetic (subtle) axes among theChignikLake forms is similar to that found among distinct taxa ofProsopiumfound in pre‐glacialBearLake (Utah–Idaho,USA) which is probably at least ten times older than Chignik Lake. Our analyses illustrate the potential for the postglacial differentiation in traits subject to divergent natural selection across variable environments.
Occurrence, costs and heritability of delayed selfing in a free‐living flatworm
Authors: Ramm S. A. , Vizoso D. B. , Schärer L. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractEvolutionary theory predicts that in the absence of outcrossing opportunities, simultaneously hermaphroditic organisms should eventually switch to self‐fertilization as a form of reproductive assurance. Here, we report the existence of facultative self‐fertilization in the free‐living flatworm Macrostomum hystrix, a species in which outcrossing occurs via hypodermic insemination of sperm into the parenchyma of the mating partner. First, we show that isolated individuals significantly delay the onset of reproduction compared with individuals with outcrossing opportunities (‘delayed selfing’) as predicted by theory. Second, consistent with the idea of M. hystrix being a preferential outcrosser under natural conditions, we report likely costs of selfing manifested via reduced hatchling production and offspring survival. Third, we demonstrate that selfing propensity has a genetic basis in this species, with a heritability estimated at 0.43 ± 0.11. Variation in selfing propensity could arise due to differing costs of inbreeding among families; despite marked inter‐family variation in apparent costs of inbreeding, we found no evidence for such a link. Alternatively, selfing propensity might differ across families because of heritable variation in reproductive traits that determine the likelihood of selfing. We speculate that adaptations to hypodermic insemination under outcrossing, most notably a highly modified copulatory stylet (male copulatory organ) and reduced sperm complexity, could also facilitate facultative selfing in this species.
Spatially explicit models of divergence and genome hitchhiking
Authors: Flaxman S. M. , Feder J. L. , Nosil P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractStrong barriers to genetic exchange can exist at divergently selected loci, whereas alleles at neutral loci flow more readily between populations, thus impeding divergence and speciation in the face of gene flow. However, ‘divergence hitchhiking’ theory posits that divergent selection can generate large regions of differentiation around selected loci. ‘Genome hitchhiking’ theory suggests that selection can also cause reductions in average genome‐wide rates of gene flow, resulting in widespread genomic divergence (rather than divergence only around specific selected loci). Spatial heterogeneity is ubiquitous in nature, yet previous models of genetic barriers to gene flow have explored limited combinations of spatial and selective scenarios. Using simulations of secondary contact of populations, we explore barriers to gene flow in various selective and spatial contexts in continuous, two‐dimensional, spatially explicit environments. In general, the effects of hitchhiking are strongest in environments with regular spatial patterning of starkly divergent habitat types. When divergent selection is very strong, the absence of intermediate habitat types increases the effects of hitchhiking. However, when selection is moderate or weak, regular (vs. random) spatial arrangement of habitat types becomes more important than the presence of intermediate habitats per se. We also document counterintuitive processes arising from the stochastic interplay between selection, gene flow and drift. Our results indicate that generalization of results from two‐deme models requires caution and increase understanding of the genomic and geographic basis of population divergence.
Synergistic effects of reserves and connectivity on ecological resilience
Authors: Olds Andrew D. , Pitt Kylie A. , Maxwell Paul S. , Connolly Rod M. 
Published: October 2012

Summary

In light of the global extent and cascading effect of our impact on the environment, we design and manage reserves to restore biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems. Mobile organisms link important processes across ecosystems, however, their roles in providing these services are often overlooked and we need to know how they influence ecosystem functions in reserves. Herbivorous fish play a key role in coral reef seascapes. By removing algae, they promote coral growth and recruitment, and help to increase resilience.
We examined how connectivity with mangroves affected herbivore populations and benthic succession on reefs in eastern Australia. We surveyed fish assemblages, examined reef composition and characterised benthic recruitment on reefs at multiple levels of connectivity with mangroves, in a no‐take reserve and areas open to fishing.
Our results show that connectivity enhanced herbivore biomass and richness in reserves, and that these connectivity and reserve effects interacted to promote herbivory on protected reefs near mangroves.
Connectivity and reserve protection combined to double the biomass of roving herbivorous fish on protected reefs near mangroves. The increase in grazing intensity drove a trophic cascade that reduced algal cover and enhanced coral recruitment and reef resilience.
Synthesis and applications. Our findings demonstrate that ecosystem resilience can be improved by managing both reefs and adjacent habitats together as functional seascape units. By understanding how landscapes influence resilience, and explicitly incorporating these effects into conservation decision‐making, we may have greater success with environmental restoration and preservation actions.
PD‐1 expression on CTL may be related to more severe liver damage in CHB patients with HBV genotype C than in those with genotype B infection
Authors: Xibing G. , Xiaojuan Y. , Juanhua W. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryCompared with Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients infected with genotype B, those infected with genotype C have higher hepatic histopathological activity and higher level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Our previous studies suggest that this phenomenon is related to lower level of HBV specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) of patients infected with genotype C than those infected with genotype B, but its mechanism was not clear. The aim of present study was to explain the possible mechanism of lower level of HBV specific CTL and more serious liver function damage of patients infected with genotype C than those infected with genotype B through study on relationship between expression of HBV specific CTL surface programmed death receptor‐1 (PD‐1) and viral genotypes of CHB patients. A total of 100 CHB patients were studied, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A2 positive, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA>103 copies/ml, of which 48 cases were genotype C (48%) positive, and 52 cases were genotype B positive (52%). Expression of Peripheral blood HBV specific CTL surface PD‐1, levels of HBV specific CTL, HBV DNA, ALT and total bilirubin (TBil) of patients infected with genotype C and B were compared. Expression of HBV specific CTL surface PD‐1 of CHB patients infected with genotype C was significantly higher than that of patients infected with genotype B, t = 17.57, P < 0.001, level of HBV specific CTL was significantly lower than that of patients infected with genotype B, t = 23.64, P < 0.001, level of HBV DNA was significantly higher than that of patients infected with genotype B, t = 9.43, P < 0.001, level of ALT was significantly higher than that of patients infected with genotype B, t = 13.42, P < 0.001. Expression of peripheral blood HBV specific CTL surface PD‐1 of CHB patients infected with genotype C was significantly higher than that of patients infected with genotype B, resulting in lower level of HBV specific CTL and higher level of HBV DNA of patients infected with genotype C than those of patients infected with genotype B. So liver function damage of CHB patients infected with genotype C was more serious than those infected with genotype B.
A histone deacetylase inhibitor, largazole, decreases liver fibrosis and angiogenesis by inhibiting transforming growth factor‐β and vascular endothelial growth factor signalling
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Wang Zhuo , Wang Jianing , Lam Wingchi , Kwong Shuqin , Li Furong , Friedman Scott L. , Zhou Shuyan , Ren Qi , Xu Zhengshuang , Wang XinGen , Ji Ling , Tang Shoubin , Zhang Hui , Lui Eric L. , Ye Tao 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground & AimsLargazole is a novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. This study investigated the effects of largazole against liver fibrosis.MethodsThe in vitro effects of largazole were examined using hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In vivo effects of largazole were studied using a mouse liver fibrotic model induced by CCl4.ResultsLargazole augmented acetylation of histone H3 (H3) and histone H4 (H4) in HSCs. It directly inhibited the activation of HSCs owing to HDAC inhibitory activity as the antifibrotic effect of largazole was significantly decreased in cells with HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC3 knockdown. Largazole also induced apoptosis of HSCs. Largazole not only inhibited the expression of TGFβR2, but also reduced phosphorylation of Smad2 and Akt induced by TGF‐β1. Largazole also inhibited the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor. VEGF‐induced proliferation of HSCs and activation of Akt and p38MAPK were also suppressed by largazole. In vivo, largazole reduced the expression of collagen I, α‐smooth muscle actin and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 in CCl4–induced fibrosis, and these antifibrotic effects were associated with increased acetylation of H3 and H4. Largazole also induced HSCs to undergo apoptosis in vivo, which was correlated with downregulation of bcl‐2 and bcl‐xL. Furthermore, largazole inhibited angiogenesis in vivo as evidenced by reduced expression of CD34, VEGF and VEGFR. In addition to its antifibrotic activity, the drug reduced inflammatory activity in CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis.ConclusionsOur findings revealed a novel role of largazole in the treatment of liver fibrosis. Through multiple mechanisms, largazole could be a potentially effective antifibrotic agent.