bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and subsequent mortality in cirrhotic patients with ascites
Authors: Schwabl Philipp , Bucsics Theresa , Soucek Kathrin , Mandorfer Mattias , Bota Simona , Blacky Alexander , Hirschl Alexander M. , Ferlitsch Arnulf , Trauner Michael , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Reiberger Thomas 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundPatients with ascites are at risk for developing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) – a severe complication associated with high mortality. We aimed to identify risk factors for SBP development and mortality to optimize stratification for primary prophylaxis and therapeutic strategies to improve survival.Methods575 patients with cirrhosis and ascites undergoing paracentesis at a tertiary care hospital were included in this retrospective cohort study. Demographical, clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded at first paracentesis and during follow‐up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of SBP development and mortality.ResultsChild–Pugh stage C (OR: 3.323; P = 0.009), ascitic fluid polymorph‐nuclear cell (PMN) count (OR: 1.544; P = 0.028) and low serum sodium (OR: 0.917; P = 0.029) emerged as independent risk factors for SBP development. SBP‐naïve patients undergoing paracentesis and presenting with PMN‐counts ≥100 cells/μl, or hyponatraemia <125 mM were at highest risk for developing SBP. Increases in MELD and CRP levels indicated SBP development, while no changes where observed in a matched control group with sterile ascites at multiple paracenteses. MELD score (OR: 1.565; P = 0.001) and CRP (OR: 1.067; P = 0.037) were identified as independent risk factors for 30‐day mortality after SBP diagnosis. In particular SBP patients with MELD≥22, CRP ≥3.5 mg/dl and development of grade III/IV hepatic encephalopathy showed highest mortality.ConclusionsLow serum sodium levels, Child‐Pugh stage C and elevated ascites PMN counts (≥100 cells/μl) indicate a significant risk for SBP development. SBP‐related mortality is highest in patients with MELD≥22 and elevated CRP levels.
Diagnostic accuracy of Narrow Band Imaging for the detection of oral potentially malignant disorders
Authors: Vu AN , Matias MAT , Farah CS 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the clinical diagnostic accuracy of Narrow Band Imaging™ for the detection of oral potentially malignant disorders in a prospective series of patients.Materials and MethodsNew and existing patients referred to an oral medicine and pathology specialist clinic for assessment of at least one white, red or red‐white oral mucosal lesion underwent conventional oral examination, followed by examination with the white light mode and then narrow band imaging mode of a Narrow Band Imaging™ system. The clinical presentation, microvascular architecture and relevant histopathology of all lesions were recorded.ResultsA total of 272 lesions from 95 patients were observed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for the detection of oral potentially malignant disorders or worse by Narrow Band Imaging™ were 100%, 74.63%, 92.38%, 100% and 93.77%, respectively, when compared with conventional oral examination. Narrow Band Imaging™ aided the detection of 24 lesions undetected by conventional oral examination and 13 lesions undetected by white light endoscopy.ConclusionNarrow Band Imaging™ demonstrates great utility as a visualisation adjunct for detecting and monitoring oral potentially malignant diseases, particularly lesions not identified by conventional oral examination or white light examination alone.
Children with a Mother with Delusional Infestation—Implications for Child Protection and Management
Authors: Ahmed Hera , Blakeway Elizabeth A. , Taylor Ruth E. , Bewley Anthony P. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDelusional infestation (DI) is a reportedly uncommon psychocutaneous condition in which an individual holds a fixed, false belief of pathogenic infestation of the skin or body contrary to medical evidence. There are reports of such a delusion being shared with family members or close friends (folie a deux/famillie), but the implications of DI induced in children have not been discussed. We describe the case of a mother with DI whose children subsequently shared her belief. Implications for child protection and management are explored.
Hiporfin‐Mediated Photodynamic Therapy in Preclinical Treatment of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Sun Mengxiong , Zhou Chenghao , Zeng Hui , Puebla‐Osorio Nahum , Damiani Elisabetta , Chen Jian , Wang Hongsheng , Li Guodong , Yin Fei , Shan Liancheng , Zuo Dongqing , Liao Yuxin , Wang Zhuoying , Zheng Longpo , Hua Yingqi , Cai Zhengdong 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis study was carried out to investigate the anti‐tumor effect and mechanism of hiporfin‐mediated photodynamic therapy (hiporfin‐PDT) in osteosarcoma. We found that hiporfin accumulated mainly in the cytoplasm of osteosarcoma cells in a time and concentration‐dependent manner. Hiporfin‐PDT inhibited the proliferation, induced apoptosis and produced cell cycle arrest at G2M in osteosarcoma cell lines. Hiporfin‐PDT increased the expression of cleaved‐caspase‐3, cleaved PARP‐1, Bax and RIP1 while it decreased the expression of Bcl‐2; in addition, low concentration of hiporfin increased LC3 conversion. Furthermore, cell death caused by hiporfin‐PDT could be rescued by Nec‐1 but not by Z‐VAD‐FMK. Production of reactive oxygen species was increased after hiporfin‐PDT. In vivo studies showed a significant decrease in tumor volume and weight after hiporfin‐PDT in all three tumor mouse models investigated (subcutaneous and orthotopic). Histological analysis showed widespread cell apoptosis and necrosis after treatment. Immunohistochemistry also showed upregulation of cleaved‐caspase‐3 and downregulation of Bcl‐2 after hiporfin‐PDT. These results indicate that hiporfin‐PDT exhibits a killing effect in osteosarcoma both in vitro and in vivo, which is associated with apoptosis and necroptosis, while autophagy plays a protective role. All these findings shed light on a potential future clinical use for hiporfin in the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Financial Support from the Family Network and Illegal Immigration
Authors: Djajić Slobodan 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBarriers to immigration of low‐skilled workers from developing countries into the advanced countries prevent many potential migrants from leaving their countries of origin. With very low home‐country wages in relation to the cost of undocumented migration, the opportunity to migrate often hinges on the possibility of obtaining credit from a human smuggling organization or family and friends. This paper examines the conditions under which migration is optimal for an individual who lacks liquid assets, with a focus on alternative options for financing migration costs. One is by accumulating the required amount of savings out of source‐country income, with or without financial support from the family or social network. The other is debt‐bonded migration, which involves borrowing from a smuggling organization and paying off the loan while working in the host country. I find that greater financial support from the family network increases the attractiveness of debt‐bonded relative to self‐financed migration.
Variability of Total and Free IgE Levels and IgE Receptor Expression in Allergic Subjects in and Out of Pollen Season
Authors: Carlsson M. , Thorell L. , Sjölander A. , Larsson‐Faria S. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe inter‐ and intra‐individual variability and seasonal variation of IgE, and high (FcεRI)‐ and low‐affinity (CD23) IgE receptor expression in blood of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) subjects, is not well studied. Thirty‐two otherwise healthy subjects with a history of SAR to birch pollen and a positive skin prick test to birch pollen were sampled three times out of the pollen season and three times during the pollen season. FcεRI and CD23 expressions were analysed using flow cytometry. Total IgE was analysed using ImmunoCAP® and free IgE was analysed with a novel customised research assay using an IgG‐FcεRI‐chimera protein coupled to ImmunoCAP as capture reagent, ImmunoCAP‐specific IgE conjugate and ImmunoCAP IgE calibrators. The performance of the free IgE assay was compared well with the reference ImmunoCAP total IgE assay. The working range of the assay was 0.35–200 kU/l IgE. FcεRI expression on basophils and CD23 expression on B cells showed low intrasubject variability both in and out of the pollen season (<10% CV). There was a small seasonal difference with lower total IgE levels (120 versus 128 kU/l; P = 0.004) and FcεRI expression (283 versus 325 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI); P < 0.001) during the pollen season. IgE, FcεRI expression and CD23 expression fulfilled biomarker and assay requirements of variability, and allergen exposure affected the biomarkers only to a minor degree. The free IgE assay may be used for measurement of free IgE levels in patients after anti‐IgE antibody treatment.
Expression of NK Cell and Monocyte Receptors in Critically Ill Patients – Potential Biomarkers of Sepsis
Authors: Kjærgaard A. G. , Nielsen J. S. , Tønnesen E. , Krog J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSepsis is characterized by activation of both the innate and adaptive immune systems as a response to infection. During sepsis, the expression of surface receptors expressed on immune competent cells, such as NKG2D and NKp30 on NK cells and TLR4 and CD14 on monocytes, is partly regulated by pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators. In this observational study, we aimed to explore whether the expression of these receptors could be used as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers in sepsis. Patients with severe sepsis or septic shock (n = 21) were compared with critically ill non‐septic patients (n = 15). Healthy volunteers (n = 15) served as controls. To elucidate variations over time, all patients were followed for 4 days. Cell surface expression of NKG2D, NKp30, TLR4 and CD14 and serum levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐4 and IL‐10 was estimated by flow cytometry. We found that NK cell expression of NKG2D and monocyte expression of CD14 were lower in the septic patients compared with the non‐septic patients, both at ICU admission and during the observation period (P < 0.01 for all comparisons). Both at ICU admission, and during the observation period, levels of IL‐6 and IL‐10 were higher in the septic patients compared with the non‐septic patients (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Conclusion: As both NKG2D and CD14 levels appear to distinguish between septic and non‐septic patients, both NKG2D and CD14 may be considered potential diagnostic biomarkers of severe sepsis and septic shock.
Immune Response Against 2,4‐Dinitrofluorobenzene‐Induced Atopic Dermatitis‐Like Clinical Manifestation is Suppressed by Spermidine in NC⁄Nga Mice
Authors: Kim G.‐D. , Kim T.‐H. , Park Y. S. , Ahn H.‐J. , Cho J.‐J. , Park C.‐S. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractOf the biogenic polyamines, spermidine is a natural constituent of living cells and organisms. Spermidine is associated with regulation of cell growth, proliferation and differentiation, and with the suppression of oxidation and inflammation. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that has a complex and multiple pathogenesis, which includes genetic abnormality, modified or abnormal immune response and the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. We investigated whether spermidine can relieve AD‐like clinical manifestation induced by the continual application of 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) in NC⁄Nga mice. Spermidine at concentrations of 1 or 10 mg/kg reduced increasing ear swelling and attenuated oedema, haemorrhage and hyperkeratosis in AD‐like skin lesions. Repetitive application of DNFB induced inflammatory cell infiltration to skin lesions, whereas intraperitoneal injection of spermidine inhibited DNFB‐evoked infiltration of eosinophils, mast cells and T lymphocytes. Furthermore, spermidine suppressed mast cell degranulation and production of interferon‐gamma by activated CD4+ T cells in AD‐like skin lesions. Spermidine may be a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of AD.
Trends in health facility deliveries and caesarean sections by wealth quintile in Morocco between 1987 and 2012
Authors: Cresswell Jenny A. , Assarag Bouchra , Meski Fatima‐Zahra , Filippi Veronique , Ronsmans Carine 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo examine trends in the utilisation of facility‐based delivery care and caesareans in Morocco between 1987 and 2012, particularly among the poor, and to assess whether uptake increased at the time of introduction of policies or programmes aimed at improving access to intrapartum care.MethodsUsing data from nationally representative household surveys and routine statistics, our analysis focused on whether women delivered within a facility, and whether the delivery was by caesarean; analyses were stratified by relative wealth quintile and public/private sector where possible. A segmented Poisson regression model was used to assess whether trends changed at key events.ResultsUptake of facility‐based deliveries and caesareans in Morocco has risen considerably over the past two decades, particularly among the poor. The rate of increase in facility deliveries was much faster in the poorest quintile (annual increase RR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.07–1.11) than the richest quintile (annual increase RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.02–1.02). A similar pattern was observed for caesareans (annual increase among poorest RR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07–1.19 vs. annual increase among richest RR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.06–1.10). We found no significant acceleration in trend coinciding with any of the events investigated.ConclusionsMorocco's success in improving uptake of facility deliveries and caesareans is likely to be the result of the synergistic effects of comprehensive demand and supply‐side strategies, including a major investment in human resources and free delivery care. Equity still needs to be improved; however, the overall trend is positive.
Regulation of a maize HD–ZIP IV transcription factor by a non‐conventional RDR2‐dependent small RNA
Authors: Klein‐Cosson Catherine , Chambrier Pierre , Rogowsky Peter M. , Vernoud Vanessa 
Published: January 2015

SummarySmall non‐coding RNAs are versatile riboregulators that control gene expression at the transcriptional or post‐transcriptional level, governing many facets of plant development. Here we present evidence for the existence of a 24 nt small RNA (named small1) that is complementary to the 3′ UTR of OCL1 (Outer Cell Layer1), the founding member of the maize HD–ZIP IV gene family encoding plant‐specific transcription factors that are mainly involved in epidermis differentiation and specialization. The biogenesis of small1 depends on DICER‐like 3 (DCL3), RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase 2 (RDR2) and RNA polymerase IV, components that are usually required for RNA‐dependent DNA‐methylation. Unexpectedly, GFP sensor experiments in transient and stable transformation systems revealed that small1 may regulate its target at the post‐transcriptional level, mainly through translational repression. This translational repression is attenuated in an rdr2 mutant background in which small1 does not accumulate. Our experiments further showed the possible involvement of a secondary stem‐loop structure present in the 3′ UTR of OCL1 for efficient target repression, suggesting the existence of several regulatory mechanisms affecting OCL1 mRNA stability and translation.
HOS1 regulates Argonaute1 by promoting transcription of the microRNA gene MIR168b in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Bangshing , Duan Cheng‐Guo , Wang Xingang , Hou Yueh‐Ju , Yan Jun , Gao Caiqiu , Kim Jin‐Hong , Zhang Huiming , Zhu Jian‐Kang 
Published: January 2015

SummaryProper accumulation and function of miRNAs is essential for plant growth and development. While core components of the miRNA biogenesis pathway and miRNA‐induced silencing complex have been well characterized, cellular regulators of miRNAs remain to be fully explored. Here we report that HIGH EXPRESSION OF OSMOTICALLY RESPONSIVE GENES1 (HOS1) is a regulator of an important miRNA, mi168a/b, that targets the ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1) gene in Arabidopsis. HOS1 functions as an ubiquitin E3 ligase to regulate plant cold‐stress responses, associates with the nuclear pores to regulate mRNA export, and regulates the circadian clock and flowering time by binding to chromatin of the flowering regulator gene FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). In a genetic screen for enhancers of sic–1, we isolated a loss‐of‐function Arabidopsis mutant of HOS1 that is defective in miRNA biogenesis. Like other hos1 mutant alleles, the hos1–7 mutant flowered early and was smaller in stature than the wild‐type. Dysfunction in HOS1 reduced the abundance of miR168a/b but not of other miRNAs. In hos1 mutants, pri‐MIR168b and pre‐MIR168b levels were decreased, and RNA polymerase II occupancy was reduced at the promoter of MIR168b but not that of MIR168a. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that HOS1 protein is enriched at the chromatin of the MIR168b promoter. The reduced miR168a/b level in hos1 mutants results in an increase in the mRNA and protein levels of its target gene, AGO1. Our results reveal that HOS1 regulates miR168a/b and AGO1 levels in Arabidopsis by maintaining proper transcription of MIR168b.
The Alfin‐like homeodomain finger protein AL5 suppresses multiple negative factors to confer abiotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhang Yu‐Qin , Tao Jian‐Jun , Chen Hao‐Wei , Li Qing‐Tian , Zhang Wan‐Ke , Ma Biao , Lin Qing , Zhang Jin‐Song , Chen Shou‐Yi 
Published: January 2015

SummaryPlant homeodomain (PHD) finger proteins affect processes of growth and development by changing transcription and reading epigenetic histone modifications, but their functions in abiotic stress responses remain largely unclear. Here we characterized seven Arabidopsis thaliana Alfin1‐like PHD finger proteins (ALs) in terms of the responses to abiotic stresses. ALs localized to the nucleus and repressed transcription. Except AL6, all the ALs bound to G‐rich elements. Mutations of the amino acids at positions 34 and 35 in AL6 caused loss of ability to bind to G‐rich elements. Expression of the AL genes responded differentially to osmotic stress, salt, cold and abscisic acid treatments. AL5‐over‐expressing plants showed higher tolerance to salt, drought and freezing stress than Col‐0. Consistently, al5 mutants showed reduced stress tolerance. We used ChIP‐Seq assays to identify eight direct targets of AL5, and found that AL5 binds to the promoter regions of these genes. Knockout mutants of five of these target genes exhibited varying tolerances to stresses. These results indicate that AL5 inhibits multiple signaling pathways to confer stress tolerance. Our study sheds light on mechanisms of AL5‐mediated signaling in abiotic stress responses, and provides tools for improvement of stress tolerance in crop plants.
Differential effects of ambient or diminished CO2 and O2 levels on thylakoid membrane structure in light‐stressed plants
Authors: Tsabari Onie , Nevo Reinat , Meir Sagit , Carrillo L. Ruby , Kramer David M. , Reich Ziv 
Published: January 2015

SummaryOver‐reduction of the photosynthetic electron transport chain may severely damage the photosynthetic apparatus as well as other constituents of the chloroplast and the cell. Here, we exposed Arabidopsis leaves to saturating light either under normal atmospheric conditions or under CO2‐ and O2‐limiting conditions, which greatly increase excitation and electron pressures by draining terminal electron acceptors. The two treatments were found to have very different, often opposing, effects on the structure of the thylakoid membranes, including the width of the granal lumenal compartment. Modulation of the latter is proposed to be related to movements of ions across the thylakoid membrane, which alter the relative osmolarity of the lumen and stroma and affect the partitioning of the proton motive force into its electrical and osmotic components. The resulting changes in thylakoid organization and lumenal width should facilitate the repair of photodamaged photosystem II complexes in response to light stress under ambient conditions, but are expected to inhibit the repair cycle when the light stress occurs concurrently with CO2 and O2 depletion. Under the latter conditions, the changes in thylakoid structure are predicted to complement other processes that restrict the flow of electrons into the high‐potential chain, thus moderating the production of deleterious reactive oxygen species at photosystem I.
The heritability of hemolysis in stored human red blood cells
Authors: Van 't Erve Thomas J. , Wagner Brett A. , Martin Sean M. , Knudson C. Michael , Blendowski Robyn , Keaton Mignon , Holt Tracy , Hess John R. , Buettner Garry R. , Ryckman Kelli K. , Darbro Benjamin W. , Murray Jeffrey C. , Raife Thomas J. 
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUNDThe transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) with maximum therapeutic efficacy is a major goal in transfusion medicine. One of the criteria used in determining stored RBC quality is end‐of‐storage hemolysis. Between donors, a wide range of hemolysis is observed under identical storage conditions. Here, a potential mechanism for this wide range is investigated. We hypothesize that the magnitude of hemolysis is a heritable trait. Also, we investigated correlations between hemolysis and RBC metabolites; this will establish pathways influencing hemolysis as future targets for genetic analysis.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSUnits of RBCs from identical and nonidentical twins were collected and stored under standard conditions for 56 days. Hemolysis, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and total glutathione (tGSH) were measured throughout storage. Nontargeted metabolic analyses were performed on RBCs that had been stored for 28 days. Heritability was determined by comparing values between identical and nonidentical twins.RESULTSHemolysis was found to be heritable (mean > 45%) throughout the storage period. Potential correlations were observed between hemolysis and metabolites from the purine metabolism, lysolipid, and glycolysis pathways. These also exhibited heritability (>20%). No correlation was found with ATP or tGSH.CONCLUSIONThe susceptibility of RBCs to lysis during storage is partly determined by inheritance. We have also uncovered several pathways that are candidate targets for future genomewide association studies. These findings will aid in the design of better storage solutions and the development of donor screening tools that minimize hemolysis during storage.