bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluxomics – connecting ‘omics analysis and phenotypes
Authors: Winter Gal , Krömer Jens O. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryIn our modern ‘omics era, metabolic flux analysis (fluxomics) represents the physiological counterpart of its siblings transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Fluxomics integrates in vivo measurements of metabolic fluxes with stoichiometric network models to allow the determination of absolute flux through large networks of the central carbon metabolism. There are many approaches to implement fluxomics including flux balance analysis (FBA), 13C fluxomics and 13C‐constrained FBA as well as many experimental settings for flux measurement including dynamic, stationary and semi‐stationary. Here we outline the principles of the different approaches and their relative advantages. We demonstrate the unique contribution of flux analysis for phenotype elucidation using a thoroughly studied metabolic reaction as a case study, the microbial aerobic/anaerobic shift, highlighting the importance of flux analysis as a single layer of data as well as interlaced in multi‐omics studies.
Politics of childcare policy beyond the left–right scale: Post‐industrialisation, transformation of party systems and welfare state restructuring
Authors: Hieda Takeshi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractChildcare policy has become an integral part of social and economic policy in post‐industrial democracies. This article explores how the transformation of party systems structures the politics of childcare policy. It reveals that political parties contend with each other over childcare and female employment policy on the social‐value dimension as well as the redistributive dimension. Assuming that different party policies have distinct impacts on public childcare policy, it is hypothesised in this article that a government's policy position – composed of the governing parties' policy positions – affects changes in public spending for childcare services. Through an analysis of the pooled time‐series and cross‐section data of 18 advanced industrialised countries from 1980 until 2005 using multivariate regression methods, it is revealed that a government's redistributive left–right policy position interacts with its social liberal–conservative policy position, and that a left–liberal government raises its budget for childcare services while a left–conservative government does not.
Association between Traditional Nursing Home Quality Measures and Two Sources of Nursing Home Complaints
Authors: Troyer Jennifer L. , Sause Wendy 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo test for an association between traditional nursing home quality measures and two sources of resident‐ and caregiver‐derived nursing home complaints.Data SourcesNursing home complaints to the North Carolina Long‐Term Care Ombudsman Program and state certification agency from October 2002 through September 2006 were matched with Online Survey Certification and Reporting data and Minimum Data Set Quality Indicators (MDS‐QIs).Study DesignWe examine the association between the number of complaints filed against a facility and measures of inspection violations, staffing levels, and MDS‐QIs.Data ExtractionOne observation per facility per quarter is constructed by matching quarterly data on complaints to OSCAR data from the same or most recent prior quarter and to MDS‐QIs from the same quarter. One observation per inspection is obtained by matching OSCAR data to complaint totals from both the same and the immediate prior quarter.Principal FindingsThere is little relationship between MDS‐QIs and complaints. Ombudsman complaints and inspection violations are generally unrelated, but there is a positive relationship between state certification agency complaints and inspection violations.ConclusionsOmbudsman and state certification agency complaint data are resident‐ and caregiver‐derived quality measures that are distinctive from and complement traditional quality measures.
Analysis of the NMI01 Marker for a Population Database of Cannabis Seeds
Authors: Shirley Nicholas , Allgeier Lindsay , LaNier Tommy , Coyle Heather Miller 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe have analyzed the distribution of genotypes at a single hexanucleotide short tandem repeat (STR) locus in a Cannabis sativa seed database along with seed‐packaging information. This STR locus is defined by the polymerase chain reaction amplification primers CS1F and CS1R and is referred to as NMI01 (for National Marijuana Initiative) in our study. The population database consists of seed seizures of two categories: seed samples from labeled and unlabeled packages regarding seed bank source. Of a population database of 93 processed seeds including 12 labeled Cannabis varieties, the observed genotypes generated from single seeds exhibited between one and three peaks (potentially six alleles if in homozygous state). The total number of observed genotypes was 54 making this marker highly specific and highly individualizing even among seeds of common lineage. Cluster analysis associated many but not all of the handwritten labeled seed varieties tested to date as well as the National Park seizure to our known reference database containing Mr. Nice Seedbank and Sensi Seeds commercially packaged reference samples.
Success rate of BladderScan‐assisted suprapubic aspiration
Authors: Buntsma Davina , Stock Amanda , Bevan Catherine , Babl Franz E 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveSuprapubic aspiration (SPA) is the gold standard for obtaining uncontaminated urine specimens in young febrile children. The use of real‐time ultrasound (RTUS) has been shown to increase the success rate of SPA. The BladderScan (BSUS) Verathon® is an alternative portable ultrasound device designed to provide automated measurement of bladder volume. Although simple and requiring minimal training, there are no data on the success rate of SPA using the device.MethodsAn audit of current SPA practice using BSUS in the ED of a tertiary referral children's hospital was conducted. We assessed the success rate of SPA to obtain urine and correlate with BSUS readings and techniques.ResultsSixty SPAs (mean age 5.0 months) were observed over an 8‐month period between August 2009 and March 2010. The audit showed an overall success rate of 53% (32/60) [95% confidence interval 41–66%]. Success rates were 63%, 32%, 82% and 63% for the largest BSUS readings of 0–9 mL (n = 8), 10–19 mL (n = 25), 20–29 mL (n = 11) and 30+ mL (n = 16), respectively, or 39% at <20 mL and 70% at ≥20 mL (P = 0.02).ConclusionThe success rate of SPA in ‘real‐life’ non‐standardised clinical practice was low at 53% overall. The BSUS‐assisted SPA success rate was higher in patients with readings ≥20 mL. These rates are lower than success rates reported using RTUS. Parameters for using BSUS to assist SPA should be established.
Distribution of sleeping sites of the Yunnan snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) in the Samage Forest, China
Authors: LI Dayong , GRUETER Cyril C. , REN Baoping , LI Ming , PENG Zhengsong , WEI Fuwen 
Published: December 2012

AbstractSleeping site locations are important to free‐ranging primate groups. Sites are strategically selected by primates so as to optimize security, comfort and foraging efficiency. Data were collected on the distribution of sleeping sites of the Yunnan snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti) between Sep 2005 and Sep 2006 at Gehuaqing in Baimaxueshan Nature Reserve, China. We identified 54 sleeping sites, which were used 137 times during the study period. These sleeping sites were distributed throughout the monkey group's total home range. R. bieti preferred certain sleeping sites over others: 63% of the sleeping sites were used 2 or more times in 13 months. Groups reused locations in an unpredictable long‐term pattern, but avoided using the same sleeping site on consecutive nights. To reduce the time and energetic costs of travel, monkeys preferred sleeping near commonly used feeding sites. We recorded 124 feeding sites in the home range, which were used 174 times. A total of 27 sleeping sites were also feeding sites, and all remaining sleeping sites were close to feeding sites. There was a positive correlation between the intensity of use of sleeping sites and feeding sites. The present study suggests that the availability and the location of immediate sources of food is a key factor in the choice of sleeping sites.
Polarization of tumor‐associated macrophage is associated with tumor vascular normalization by endostatin
Authors: Peng Qian , Li Mei , Wang Zi , Jiang Ming , Yan Xi , Lei Song , Zhang Hui , Zhang Wei , Liu Yan‐Yang , Luo Feng 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundVascular normalization is an emerging concept in cancer treatment, but its precise mechanisms are not completely understood. The polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) is important in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. However, little is known about the effect of anti‐angiogenic agents on the polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages. Therefore, we explore the changes of TAMs polarization in the development of tumor vascular normalization induced by endostatin.MethodsA murine xenograft model of lung cancer was treated with endostatin for 10 days. The morphology and function of tumor vasculature was examined using various techniques. Flow cytometry was carried out to assess the TAMs, and immunofluorescence was used to examine Tie‐2‐expressing monocytes (TEMs) in tumors. Levels of the histidine‐rich glycoprotein (HRG) in tumors were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.ResultsTumor vessels became more normal and mature on day six in the endostatin‐treated mice. During vascular normalization, the number of M2‐like TAMs and TEMs in the tumors was significantly reduced, whereas the number of M1‐like TAMs showed an increase on day six after endostatin treatment, although the latter was not statistically significant. The HRG in the tumors accumulated at an early stage after endostatin administration.ConclusionsThe polarization of TAMs is associated with tumor vascular normalization induced by endostatin. These observations may be useful in the exploration of new strategies for anti‐angiogenic treatment.
Genome‐Wide Significant Association Signals in IPO11‐HTR1A Region Specific for Alcohol and Nicotine Codependence
Authors: Zuo Lingjun , Zhang Xiang‐Yang , Wang Fei , Li Chiang‐Shan R. , Lu Lingeng , Ye Liefu , Zhang Heping , Krystal John H. , Deng Hong‐Wen , Luo Xingguang 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundAlcohol and nicotine codependence can be considered as a more severe subtype of alcohol dependence. A portion of its risk may be attributable to genetic factors.MethodsWe searched for significant risk genomic regions specific for this disorder using a genome‐wide association study. A total of 8,847 subjects underwent gene–disease association analysis, including (i) a discovery cohort of 818 European American cases with alcohol and nicotine codependence and 1,396 European American controls, (ii) a replication cohort of 5,704 Australian family subjects with 907 affected offspring, and (iii) a replication cohort of 449 African American cases and 480 African American controls. Additionally, a total of 38,714 subjects of European or African descent in 18 independent cohorts with 10 other nonalcoholism neuropsychiatric disorders were analyzed as contrast. Furthermore, 90 unrelated HapMap CEU individuals, 93 European brain tissue samples, and 80 European peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples underwent cis‐acting expression quantitative locus (cis‐eQTL) analysis.ResultsWe identified a significant risk region for alcohol and nicotine codependence between IPO11 and HTR1A on chromosome 5q that was reported to be suggestively associated with alcohol dependence previously. In the European American discovery cohort, 381 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this region were nominally associated with alcohol and nicotine codependence (p < 0.05); 57 associations of them survived region‐ and cohort‐wide correction (α = 3.6 × 10−6); and the top SNP (rs7445832) was significantly associated with alcohol and nicotine codependence at the genome‐wide significance level (p = 6.2 × 10−9). Furthermore, associations for 34 and 11 SNPs were replicated in the Australian and African American replication cohorts, respectively. Among these replicable associations, 4 reached genome‐wide significance level in the meta‐analysis of European Americans and European Australians: rs7445832 (p = 9.6 × 10−10), rs13361996 (p = 8.2 × 10−9), rs62380518 (p = 2.3 × 10−8), and rs7714850 (p = 3.4 × 10−8). Cis‐eQTL analysis showed that many risk SNPs in this region had nominally significant cis‐acting regulatory effects on HTR1A or IPO11 mRNA expression. Finally, no markers were significantly associated with any other neuropsychiatric disorder examined.ConclusionsWe speculate that this IPO11‐HTR1A region might harbor a causal variant for alcohol and nicotine codependence.
Methods for lion monitoring: a comparison from the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Authors: Brink Henry , Smith Robert J. , Skinner Kirsten 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania is believed to contain Africa's largest population of lions (Panthera leo), making it a popular destination for trophy hunters and photographic tourists. However, a lack of recent data has raised concerns about the conservation status of this iconic population, so we collected two types of population data between 2006 and 2009. First, we identified 112 individual animals in an 800 km2 study area in the photographic tourism part of Selous, giving a density of 0.14 individuals km−2. This density estimate was similar to results using the same method from 1997 to 1999, but the adult sex ratio has decreased from 1 male : 1.3 female in 1997 to 1 male : 3 females in 2009. Second, using buffalo calf distress calls, we conducted call‐up surveys to census lions in three hunting sectors in the west, east and south of Selous and in the northern photographic area. Estimated adult lion densities varied from 0.02 to 0.10 km−2, allowing an overall population estimate of 4,300 (range: 1,700–6,900). Our results highlight the value of call‐ups in surveying cryptic hunted carnivores but stress the importance of long‐term projects for calibrating the responses to call‐ups and for measuring trends in demography and population size.
Adhesion of klotho‐deficient eryptotic erythrocytes to endothelial cells
Authors: Abed M. , Towhid S. T. , Feger M. , Schmidt S. , Kuro‐o M. , Gawaz M. , Lang F. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimSuicidal erythrocyte death or eryptosis is characterized by cell shrinkage and phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface. Eryptotic erythrocytes may adhere to the vascular wall by binding of phosphatidylserine to endothelial CXC chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16). Triggers of eryptosis include osmotic shock or energy depletion. Susceptibility to eryptosis is modified by Klotho, a protein with profound effect on ageing and lifespan. Klotho deficiency leads to accelerated ageing and early death. The percentage of eryptotic erythrocytes is significantly larger in klotho‐deficient mice (klotho−/−) than in their wild‐type littermates (klotho+/+). The present study explored whether the accelerated eryptosis of klotho‐deficient mice is paralleled by enhanced adhesion.MethodsPhosphatidylserine‐exposing erythrocytes were identified by measurement of annexin V binding and adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) from trapping of labelled erythrocytes in a flow chamber.ResultsAnnexin V binding was higher in klotho−/− erythrocytes than in klotho+/+ erythrocytes. Osmotic shock for 1 h (addition of 550 mm sucrose) and energy depletion (12‐h glucose depletion) increased annexin V binding to values again significantly larger in klotho−/− erythrocytes than in klotho+/+ erythrocytes. klotho−/− erythrocytes were particularly sensitive to osmotic shock. Both osmotic shock and energy depletion enhanced erythrocyte adhesion, an effect again more pronounced in klotho−/− erythrocytes than in klotho+/+ erythrocytes. The adhesion was significantly decreased by coating of phospatidylserine with annexin V (5 μL mL−1) or by coating of CXCL16 with neutralizing antibodies (4 μg mL−1).Conclusionsklotho−/− erythrocytes are particularly sensitive to osmotic shock, and enhanced eryptosis of klotho−/− erythrocytes is paralleled by enhanced adhesion to endothelial CXCL16.
Mechanisms of renal NaCl retention in proteinuric disease
Authors: Svenningsen P. , Friis U. G. , Versland J. B. , Buhl K. B. , Møller Frederiksen B. , Andersen H. , Zachar R. M. , Bistrup C. , Skøtt O. , Jørgensen J. S. , Andersen R. F. , Jensen B. L. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn diseases with proteinuria, for example nephrotic syndrome and pre‐eclampsia, there often are suppression of plasma renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system components, expansion of extracellular volume and avid renal sodium retention. Mechanisms of sodium retention in proteinuria are reviewed. In animal models of nephrotic syndrome, the amiloride‐sensitive epithelial sodium channel ENaC is activated while more proximal renal Na+ transporters are down‐regulated. With suppressed plasma aldosterone concentration and little change in ENaC abundance in nephrotic syndrome, the alternative modality of proteolytic activation of ENaC has been explored. Proteolysis leads to putative release of an inhibitory peptide from the extracellular domain of the γ ENaC subunit. This leads to full activation of the channel. Plasminogen has been demonstrated in urine from patients with nephrotic syndrome and pre‐eclampsia. Urine plasminogen correlates with urine albumin and is activated to plasmin within the urinary space by urokinase‐type plasminogen activator. This agrees with aberrant filtration across an injured glomerular barrier independent of the primary disease. Pure plasmin and urine samples containing plasmin activate inward current in single murine collecting duct cells. In this study, it is shown that human lymphocytes may be used to uncover the effect of urine plasmin on amiloride‐ and aprotinin‐sensitive inward currents. Data from hypertensive rat models show that protease inhibitors may attenuate blood pressure. Aberrant filtration of plasminogen and conversion within the urinary space to plasmin may activate γ ENaC proteolytically and contribute to inappropriate NaCl retention and oedema in acute proteinuric conditions and to hypertension in diseases with chronic microalbuminuria/proteinuria.
Validation of suicide and self‐harm records in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Thomas Kyla H. , Davies Neil , Metcalfe Chris , Windmeijer Frank , Martin Richard M. , Gunnell David 
Published: December 2012

AimsThe UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) is increasingly being used to investigate suicide‐related adverse drug reactions. No studies have comprehensively validated the recording of suicide and nonfatal self‐harm in the CPRD. We validated general practitioners' recording of these outcomes using linked Office for National Statistics (ONS) mortality and Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) admission data.MethodsWe identified cases of suicide and self‐harm recorded using appropriate Read codes in the CPRD between 1998 and 2010 in patients aged ≥15 years. Suicides were defined as patients with Read codes for suicide recorded within 95 days of their death. International Classification of Diseases codes were used to identify suicides/hospital admissions for self‐harm in the linked ONS and HES data sets. We compared CPRD‐derived cases/incidence of suicide and self‐harm with those identified from linked ONS mortality and HES data, national suicide incidence rates and published self‐harm incidence data.ResultsOnly 26.1% (n = 590) of the ‘true’ (ONS‐confirmed) suicides were identified using Read codes. Furthermore, only 55.5% of Read code‐identified suicides were confirmed as suicide by the ONS data. Of the HES‐identified cases of self‐harm, 68.4% were identified in the CPRD using Read codes. The CPRD self‐harm rates based on Read codes had similar age and sex distributions to rates observed in self‐harm hospital registers, although rates were underestimated in all age groups.ConclusionsThe CPRD recording of suicide using Read codes is unreliable, with significant inaccuracy (over‐ and under‐reporting). Future CPRD suicide studies should use linked ONS mortality data. The under‐reporting of self‐harm appears to be less marked.
Hydrogen sulphide‐induced relaxation of porcine peripheral bronchioles
Authors: Rashid S , Heer JK , Garle MJ , Alexander SPH , Roberts RE 
Published: December 2012

Background and PurposeHydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter. Although it has been shown to elicit responses in vascular and other smooth muscle preparations, a role for endogenously produced H2S in mediating airway tone has yet to be demonstrated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether H2S is produced within the airways and to determine the functional effect on airway tone.Experimental ApproachSmall peripheral airways (<5 mm in diameter) from porcine lungs were set up in isolated tissue baths, pre‐contracted with the muscarinic agonist carbachol, and then exposed to either the H2S donor sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS), or the precursor L‐cysteine. H2S production from L‐cysteine or 3‐mercaptopyruvate in tissue homogenates was measured by the methylene blue assay. Expression of the H2S‐synthesizing enzymes cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ lyase (CSE) and 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase (3‐MST) were measured by Western blotting.Key ResultsNaHS caused a large relaxation of the airways, which was inhibited partially by pre‐contraction with KCl or exposure to tetraethylammonium, but not glibenclamide, paxilline or 4‐aminopyridine. L‐cysteine also caused a relaxation of the airways which was inhibited by the CBS inhibitor aminooxyacetic acid. Tissue homogenates from airways exposed to L‐cysteine or 3‐mercaptopyruvate in vitro showed a significant production of H2S. Western blotting demonstrated immunoreactivity to CBS, CSE and 3‐MST enzymes in the airways.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese data demonstrate that H2S can be produced endogenously within porcine airways causing relaxation. The mechanism of relaxation depends, in part, on K+ channel activity.
Anxiety symptoms in adolescents at risk for psychosis: a comparison among help seekers
Authors: Granö Niklas , Karjalainen Marjaana , Edlund Virve , Saari Erkki , Itkonen Arja , Anto Jukka , Roine Mikko 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundSeveral studies have reported on how anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms are already present before the onset of psychosis. However, anxiety disorders are typically studied in these studies at diagnosis‐level. The aim of present study was to investigate the profile of anxiety symptoms in subjects at risk of developing psychosis and to compare the anxiety profile with those who are not at risk.MethodData were collected at Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH) by an early detection and intervention team. Of 185 help‐seeking respondents, between 12 and 18 years of age, 59 adolescents were classified as being at risk of psychosis and 126 as not being at risk via an interview conducted by a validated at‐risk assessment tool (PROD). Anxiety was measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).ResultsThe anxiety total sum score was higher in the at‐risk group for psychosis (mean 8.33 vs. 13.34, p = .000). Both subfactors of the anxiety scale, cognitive anxiety (p = .000) and somatic anxiety (p = .000), differed significantly by risk status. After using the Bonferroni correction for multiple analysis, items of relax (p = .000), nervous (p = .002), losing control (p = .000) and faint (p = .002) had statistically significant higher mean scores in the group at risk of psychosis. In logistic regression analysis, being female (p = .015) and the subfactor relating to cognitive anxiety (p = .044) significantly explained the at‐risk status for psychosis.ConclusionsAdolescents at risk for psychosis have a higher level of anxiety compared with other help‐seeking adolescents. These results should be considered in clinical practice.