bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and FIB‐4 scoring system could identify patients at risk of systemic complications
Authors: Takahashi Yuka , Kurosaki Masayuki , Tamaki Nobuharu , Yasui Yutaka , Hosokawa Takanori , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Itakura Jun , Izumi Namiki 
Published: August 2014

AimTo investigate the relation between systemic complications of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non‐invasive fibrosis scores.MethodsThe NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and FIB‐4 were measured in 1559 people who underwent a complete medical checkup at our hospital and were followed for more than 3 years. Correlation between these scores and prevalence and new incidence rates of diabetes or cerebral–cardiovascular diseases were analyzed.ResultsThe 1559 cases were classified into two groups using the low cut‐off values of NFS and FIB‐4: group 1 (≥low cut‐off score with fatty liver) and group 2 (the others). In group 1, the prevalence of diabetes and cerebral–cardiovascular diseases at baseline and additional incidences during the observation period was higher compared with group 2. Diabetes at baseline in group 1 versus group 2 were 31.5% versus 3.1% (NFS, P < 0.0001), 17.0% versus 4.7% (FIB‐4, P < 0.0001), and cerebral–cardiovascular diseases at baseline were 7.7% versus 2.3% (NFS, P = 0.002) and 9.0% versus 2.3% (FIB‐4, P = 0.0012). New incidences of diabetes were 4.5% versus 1.2% (NFS, P = 0.034) and 3.6% versus 1.2% (FIB‐4, P = 0.11), and of cerebral–cardiovascular diseases were 5.0% versus 0.9% (NFS, P = 0.0019) and 5.4% versus 0.9% (FIB‐4, P = 0.0034).ConclusionNFS and FIB‐4 are useful to extract cases with high risk of systemic complications of NAFLD in the public.
Age‐specific survival and movement among major African Penguin Spheniscus demersus colonies
Authors: Sherley Richard B. , Abadi Fitsum , Ludynia Katrin , Barham Barbara J. , Clark Allan E. , Altwegg Res 
Published: August 2014

Reliable estimates of survival and dispersal are crucial to understanding population dynamics, but for seabirds, in which some individuals spend years away from land, mortality and emigration are often confounded. Multistate mark–recapture methods reduce bias by incorporating movement into the process of estimating survival. We used a multistate model to provide unbiased age‐specific survival and movement probabilities for the Endangered African Penguin Spheniscus demersus based on 5281 nestlings and 31 049 adults flipper‐banded and resighted in the Western Cape, South Africa, between 1994 and 2012. Adult survival was initially high (≥ 0.74) but declined after 2003–2004 coincident with a reduction in the availability of Sardine Sardinops sagax and Anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus on the west coast of South Africa. Juvenile survival was poorly estimated, but was lower and more variable than adult survival. Fidelity to the locality of origin varied over time, but was high in adults at Robben and Dassen islands (≥ 0.88) and above 0.55 for juvenile and immature Penguins at all localities. Movement occurred predominantly during 1994–2003 and was indicative of immigration to Robben and Dassen islands. Our results confirm that a prolonged period of adult mortality contributed to the observed decline in the African Penguin population and suggest a need for approaches operating over large spatial scales to ensure food security for marine top predators.
CD38 expression in early B‐cell precursors contributes to extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐mediated apoptosis
Authors: Romero‐Ramírez Héctor , Morales‐Guadarrama Monserrat Teresa , Pelayo Rosana , López‐Santiago Rubén , Santos‐Argumedo Leopoldo 
Published: August 2014

SummaryCD38 is a 45 000 molecular weight transmembrane protein that is expressed in immature and mature lymphocytes. However, the expression and function of CD38 during B‐cell differentiation in mice is poorly understood. Here, we report that CD38 is expressed from the earliest stages of B‐cell development. Pre‐pro‐B, pro‐B, pre‐B and immature B cells from murine bone marrow all stained positive for CD38. Interestingly, CD38 expression increases with B‐cell maturation. To assess the role of CD38 during B‐cell maturation, CD38‐deficient mice were analysed. CD38−/− mice showed a significant increase in both the frequency of B‐lineage cells and the absolute numbers of pre‐pro‐B cells in bone marrow; however, no other differences were observed at later stages. CD38 cross‐linking in Ba/F3 cells promoted apoptosis and marked extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, and these effects were reduced by treatment with the mitogen‐activated protein kinase/ERK kinase inhibitor PD98059, and similar effects were observed in B‐cell precursors from bone marrow. These data demonstrate that B‐cell precursors in mouse bone marrow express functional CD38 and implicate the early ligation of CD38 in the ERK‐associated regulation of the B‐lineage differentiation pathway.
Fournier's gangrene current approaches
Authors: Ozkan Omer F , Koksal Neset , Altinli Ediz , Celik Atilla , Uzun Mehmet A , Cıkman Oztekin , Akbas Alpaslan , Ergun Ersin , Kiraz Hasan A , Karaayvaz Muammer 
Published: August 2014

AbstractFournier's gangrene is a rare but highly mortal infectious disease characterised by fulminant necrotising fasciitis involving the genital and perineal regions. The objective of this study is to analyse the demographics, clinical feature and treatment approaches as well as outcomes of Fournier's gangrene. Data were collected retrospectively from medical records and operative notes. Patient data were analysed by demographics, aetiological factors, clinical features, treatment approaches and outcomes. Twelve patients (five female and seven male) were enrolled in this study. The most common aetiology was perianal abscess (41·6%). Wound cultures showed a mixture of microorganisms in six (50%) patients. For faecal diversion, while colostomy was performed in six cases (50%), Flexi‐Seal was used in two cases (16·6%). In four patients (33·4%), no faecal diversion was performed. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system was effective in the last four patients (33·4%). The mean hospitalisation period in patients who used NPWT was 18 days, while it was 20 days in the others. NPWT in Fournier's gangrene is a safe dressing method. It promotes granulation formation. Flexi‐Seal faecal management is an alternative method to colostomy and provides protection from its associated complications. The combination of two devices (Flexi‐Seal and NPWT) is an effective and comfortable method in the management of Fournier's gangrene in appropriate patients.
Contralateral biopsies in patients with testicular germ cell tumours: patterns of care in Germany and recent data regarding prevalence and treatment of testicular intra‐epithelial neoplasia
Authors: Ruf C.G. , Gnoss A. , Hartmann M. , Matthies C. , Anheuser P. , Loy V. , Pichlmeier U. , Dieckmann K.‐P. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe precursor of testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs), called testicular intra‐epithelial neoplasia (TIN/CIS), is safely diagnosed immunohistologically. Testicular biopsy provides a valuable tool for early detection of GCTs in risk groups. Although this knowledge is undisputed, testicular biopsies are utilized poorly. The patterns of care regarding the use of biopsies remain unknown. Uncertainty exists about the prevalence and specific treatment of TIN/CIS. We asked clinical urologists in Germany whether or not they employed contralateral biopsies in GCT patients. We evaluated the prevalence of contralateral TIN/CIS in a retrospective analysis of 780 consecutive GCT patients. All had contralateral double biopsies. Discordance of TIN/CIS findings among biopsy pairs as well as age, histology of the primary tumour and clinical stage was noted. Evaluation of data comprised descriptive statistical methods. To evaluate treatment options for TIN/CIS, we performed a literature search. 52.1% of German urologists always perform the biopsy, 17% do it mostly, 27.3% in select cases, 3.5% never. Curiously, there was a geographic north‐south gradient regarding biopsy use. Contralateral TIN/CIS was found in 5%. The median ages of patients with TIN/CIS and those without were 31.8 and 34.9 years respectively (p = 0.02). The discordance rate among biopsy pairs was of 33%. Two‐site biopsies provide a 17% gain in diagnostic sensitivity. Local radiotherapy with 20 Gy is the safest treatment of TIN/CIS failing in 2%. Chemotherapy has significantly lower efficacy. Contralateral testicular biopsies in GCT patients are well accepted among German urologists. The prevalence of contralateral TIN/CIS found in this series is in accordance with previous reports. Double biopsies should be the diagnostic standard because of their diagnostic superiority. Local radiotherapy with 20 Gy is the safest way of eradicating TIN/CIS. Failures occur in only 2%, usually many years after irradiation. Cisplatin‐based chemotherapy is dose dependent and less effective.
Contrasting Water‐Use Efficiency (WUE) Responses of a Potato Mapping Population and Capability of Modified Ball‐Berry Model to Predict Stomatal Conductance and WUE Measured at Different Environmental Conditions
Authors: Kaminski K. P. , Kørup K. , Kristensen K. , Nielsen K. L. , Liu F. , Topbjerg H. B. , Kirk H. G. , Andersen M. N. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPotatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are drought‐sensitive and more efficient water use, while maintaining high yields is required. Here, water‐use efficiency (WUE) of a mapping population comprising 144 clones from a cross between 90‐HAF‐01 (Solanum tuberosum1) and 90‐HAG‐15 (S. tuberosum2 × S. sparsipilum) was measured on well‐watered plants under controlled‐environment conditions combining three levels of each of the factors: [CO2], temperature, light, and relative humidity in growth chambers. The clones were grouped according to their photosynthetic WUE (pWUE) and whole‐plant WUE (wpWUE) during experiments in 2010. Two offspring groups according to pWUE and wpWUE were identified on the basis of experiments conducted in 2010, which in experiments in 2011 again showed significant differences in pWUE (46 %, P < 0.001) and wpWUE (34 %, P < 0.001). The high‐WUE group had a higher net photosynthesis rate (34 %) and dry matter accumulation (55 %, P < 0.001) rather than leaf‐level transpiration rate (−4 %, no significant difference) or whole‐plant water use (16 %). The pWUE correlated negatively to the ratio between leaf‐internal and leaf‐external [CO2] (R2 = −0.86 in 2010 and R2 = −0.83 in 2011, P < 0.001). The leaf chlorophyll content was lower in the high‐WUE group indicating that the higher net photosynthesis rate was not due to higher leaf‐N status. Less negative value of carbon isotope discrimination (δ13C) in the high‐WUE group was only found in 2011. A modified Ball‐Berry model was fitted to measured stomatal conductance (gs) under the systematically varied environmental conditions to identify parameter differences between the two groups, which could explain their contrasting WUE. Compared to the low‐WUE group, the high‐WUE group showed consistently lower values of the parameter m, which is inversely related to WUE. Differences related specifically to the dependence of gs on humidity and net photosynthesis rate were only found in 2010. The lower ratio between leaf‐internal and leaf‐external [CO2] and higher WUE of the high‐WUE group was consistent over a wide range of air vapour pressure deficits from 0.5 to 3.5 kPa. The mapping population was normally distributed with respect to WUE suggesting a multigenic nature of this trait. The WUE groups identified can be further employed for quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis by use of gene expression studies or genome resequencing. The differences in population WUE indicate a genetic potential for improvement of this trait.
Reduction in behavior problems with omega‐3 supplementation in children aged 8–16 years: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, stratified, parallel‐group trial
Authors: Raine Adrian , Portnoy Jill , Liu Jianghong , Mahoomed Tashneem , Hibbeln Joseph R. 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundWhile limited evidence suggests that omega‐3 supplementation may reduce antisocial behavior in children, studies have not reported on posttreatment follow‐up and most treatment periods have been of short duration. This study tests the hypothesis that omega‐3 supplementation over 6 months will reduce behavior problems in children both at the end of treatment and at 6 months post treatment.MethodsIn this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, stratified, parallel‐group trial, a community sample of 8–16 year old children were randomized into a treatment group (N = 100) and a placebo‐control group (N = 100). The supplementation consisted of a fruit drink containing 1 g/day of omega‐3 or a placebo consisting of the same fruit drink without omega‐3. Participants, caregivers, and research assistants were blinded to group assignment. The primary outcome measures of externalizing and internalizing behavior problems were reported by both caregivers and their children in a laboratory setting at 0 months (baseline), 6 months (end of treatment) and 12 months (6 months post treatment), together with the secondary outcome measures of parental antisocial behavior. Data were analyzed on an intention‐to‐treat basis including all participants. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02016079?term=mauritius&rank=2ResultsSignificant group × time interactions were observed with the treatment group showing long‐term improvements in child behavior problems. The average posttreatment effect size was d = −.59. Effects were documented for parent reports, but with the exception of proactive and reactive aggression, child‐report data were nonsignificant. Parents whose children took omega‐3 showed significant posttreatment reductions in their own antisocial and aggressive behavior. This improvement in caregiver behavior partly mediated the improvements observed in child behavior.ConclusionsFindings provide initial evidence that omega‐3 supplementation can produce sustained reductions in externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. Results are the first to report improvements in caregiver behavior, and to establish this improvement as a part‐mechanism for the efficacy of omega‐3.
Slr0151 in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is required for efficient repair of photosystem II under high‐light condition
Authors: Yang Haomeng , Liao Libing , Bo Tingting , Zhao Lei , Sun Xuwu , Lu Xuefeng , Norling Birgitta , Huang Fang 
Published: August 2014

AbstractCyanobacteria are ancient photosynthetic prokaryotes that have adapted successfully to adverse environments including high‐light irradiation. Although it is known that the repair of photodamaged photosystem II (PSII) in the organisms is a highly regulated process, our knowledge of the molecular components that regulate each step of the process is limited. We have previously identified a hypothetical protein Slr0151 in the membrane fractions of cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Here, we report that Slr0151 is involved in PSII repair of the organism. We generated a mutant strain (Δslr0151) lacking the protein Slr0151 and analyzed its characteristics under normal and high‐light conditions. Targeted deletion of slr0151 resulted in decreased PSII activity in Synechocystis. Moreover, the mutant exhibited increased photoinhibition due to impairment of PSII repair under high‐light condition. Further analysis using in vivo radioactive labeling and 2‐D blue native/sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the PSII repair cycle was hindered at the levels of D1 synthesis and disassembly and/or assembly of PSII in the mutant. Protein interaction assays demonstrated that Slr0151 interacts with D1 and CP43 proteins. Taken together, these results indicate that Slr0151 plays an important role in regulating PSII repair in the organism under high‐light stress condition.
Quantification and micron‐scale imaging of spatial distribution of trace beryllium in shrapnel fragments and metallurgic samples with correlative fluorescence detection method and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)
Authors: ABRAHAM J.L. , CHANDRA S. , AGRAWAL A. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryRecently, a report raised the possibility of shrapnel‐induced chronic beryllium disease from long‐term exposure to the surface of retained aluminum shrapnel fragments in the body. Since the shrapnel fragments contained trace beryllium, methodological developments were needed for beryllium quantification and to study its spatial distribution in relation to other matrix elements, such as aluminum and iron, in metallurgic samples. In this work, we developed methodology for quantification of trace beryllium in samples of shrapnel fragments and other metallurgic sample‐types with main matrix of aluminum (aluminum cans from soda, beer, carbonated water and aluminum foil). Sample preparation procedures were developed for dissolving beryllium for its quantification with the fluorescence detection method for homogenized measurements. The spatial distribution of trace beryllium on the sample surface and in 3D was imaged with a dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry instrument, CAMECA IMS 3f secondary ion mass spectrometry ion microscope. The beryllium content of shrapnel (∼100 ppb) was the same as the trace quantities of beryllium found in aluminum cans. The beryllium content of aluminum foil (∼25 ppb) was significantly lower than cans. SIMS imaging analysis revealed beryllium to be distributed in the form of low micron‐sized particles and clusters distributed randomly in X–Y‐ and Z dimensions, and often in association with iron, in the main aluminum matrix of cans. These observations indicate a plausible formation of Be–Fe or Al–Be alloy in the matrix of cans. Further observations were made on fluids (carbonated water) for understanding if trace beryllium in cans leached out and contaminated the food product. A direct comparison of carbonated water in aluminum cans and plastic bottles revealed that beryllium was below the detection limits of the fluorescence detection method (∼0.01 ppb). These observations indicate that beryllium present in aluminum matrix was either present in an immobile form or its mobilization into the food product was prevented by a polymer coating on the inside of cans, a practice used in food industry to prevent contamination of food products. The lack of such coating in retained shrapnel fragments renders their surface a possible source of contamination for long‐term exposure of tissues and fluids and induction of disease, as characterized in a recent study. Methodological developments reported here can be extended to studies of beryllium in electronics devices and components.
Thrombosis formation on atherosclerotic lesions and plaque rupture
Authors: Badimon L. , Vilahur G. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAtherosclerosis is a silent chronic vascular pathology that is the cause of the majority of cardiovascular ischaemic events. The evolution of vascular disease involves a combination of endothelial dysfunction, extensive lipid deposition in the intima, exacerbated innate and adaptive immune responses, proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and remodelling of the extracellular matrix, resulting in the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque. High‐risk plaques have a large acellular lipid‐rich necrotic core with an overlying thin fibrous cap infiltrated by inflammatory cells and diffuse calcification. The formation of new fragile and leaky vessels that invade the expanding intima contributes to enlarge the necrotic core increasing the vulnerability of the plaque. In addition, biomechanical, haemodynamic and physical factors contribute to plaque destabilization. Upon erosion or rupture, these high‐risk lipid‐rich vulnerable plaques expose vascular structures or necrotic core components to the circulation, which causes the activation of tissue factor and the subsequent formation of a fibrin monolayer (coagulation cascade) and, concomitantly, the recruitment of circulating platelets and inflammatory cells. The interaction between exposed atherosclerotic plaque components, platelet receptors and coagulation factors eventually leads to platelet activation, aggregation and the subsequent formation of a superimposed thrombus (i.e. atherothrombosis) which may compromise the arterial lumen leading to the presentation of acute ischaemic syndromes. In this review, we will describe the progression of the atherosclerotic lesion along with the main morphological characteristics that predispose to plaque rupture, and discuss the multifaceted mechanisms that drive platelet activation and subsequent thrombus formation. Finally, we will consider the current scientific challenges and future research directions.
Rectal Lactobacillus Species and Their Influence on the Vaginal Microflora: A Model of Male-to-Female Transsexual Women
Authors: Petricevic Ljubomir , Kaufmann Ulrike , Domig Konrad J. , Kraler Manuel , Marschalek Julian , Kneifel Wolfgang , Kiss Herbert 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Based on Lactobacillus species co-colonizing the vagina and rectum, it has been hypothesized that the rectum may be an important reservoir for vaginal colonization by lactobacilli. There are no data on this issue in male-to-female transsexual women.

Aim
We undertook this observational study to characterize the Lactobacillus species present in the neovagina and rectum of male-to-female transsexual women and to determine the degree of neovaginal-rectal co-colonization in order to gain a better understanding of the potential role of the gut as a reservoir for genital lactobacilli.

Methods
Sixty-one male-to-female transsexual women with penile skin lined neovagina without clinical signs of infection were recruited on an ongoing basis from among male-to-female transsexual outpatients. Neovaginal and rectal smears were taken for molecular Lactobacillus species profiling by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE).

Main Outcome Measures
Matching Lactobacillus species between neovagina and rectum.

Results
Forty-three of the 61 male-to-female transsexual women (70.5%) simultaneously harbored the same lactobacilli in both the neovagina and rectum. We found 276 neovaginal and 258 rectal DGGE bands representing 11 Lactobacillus species, with 201 matches of the same Lactobacillus species in neovagina and rectum. 37 of the 61 women (61%) had two or more matching Lactobacillus species.

Conclusion
These data support the hypothesis that the rectum may play an important role as source of Lactobacillus species that colonies neovagina of male-to-female transsexual women. In view of the specific anatomical circumstances of the study population, these findings may be extended to the general population of women.