bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute chest syndrome is associated with single nucleotide polymorphism‐defined beta globin cluster haplotype in children with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Bean Christopher J. , Boulet Sheree L. , Yang Genyan , Payne Amanda B. , Ghaji Nafisa , Pyle Meredith E. , Hooper W. Craig , Bhatnagar Pallav , Keefer Jeffrey , Barron‐Casella Emily A. , Casella James F. , DeBaun Michael R. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryGenetic diversity at the human β‐globin locus has been implicated as a modifier of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) severity. However, haplotypes defined by restriction fragment length polymorphism sites across the β‐globin locus have not been consistently associated with clinical phenotypes. To define the genetic structure at the β‐globin locus more thoroughly, we performed high‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mapping in 820 children who were homozygous for the sickle cell mutation (HbSS). Genotyping results revealed very high linkage disequilibrium across a large region spanning the locus control region and the HBB (β‐globin gene) cluster. We identified three predominant haplotypes accounting for 96% of the βS‐carrying chromosomes in this population that could be distinguished using a minimal set of common SNPs. Consistent with previous studies, fetal haemoglobin level was significantly associated with βS‐haplotypes. After controlling for covariates, an association was detected between haplotype and rate of hospitalization for acute chest syndrome (ACS) (incidence rate ratio 0·51, 95% confidence interval 0·29–0·89) but not incidence rate of vaso‐occlusive pain or presence of silent cerebral infarct (SCI). Our results suggest that these SNP‐defined βS‐haplotypes may be associated with ACS, but not pain or SCI in a study population of children with SCA.
Population‐based survey of refractive error among school‐aged children in rural northern China: the Heilongjiang eye study
Authors: Li Zhijian , Xu Keke , Wu Shubin , Lv Jia , Jin Di , Song Zhen , Wang Zhongliang , Liu Ping 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of refractive error in the north of China is unknown. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of refractive error in school‐aged children in a rural area of northern China.DesignCross‐sectional study.Participants or SamplesThe cluster random sampling method was used to select the sample.MethodsA total of 1700 subjects of 5 to 18 years of age were examined. All participants underwent ophthalmic evaluation. Refraction was performed under cycloplegia. Association of refractive errors with age, sex, and education was analysed.Main Outcome MeasuresThe main outcome measure was prevalence rates of refractive error among school‐aged children.ResultsOf the 1700 responders, 1675 were eligible. The prevalence of uncorrected, presenting, and best‐corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or worse in the better eye was 6.3%, 3.0% and 1.2%, respectively. The prevalence of myopia was 5.0% (84/1675, 95% CI, 4.8%–5.4%) and of hyperopia was 1.6% (27/1675, 95% CI, 1.0%–2.2%). Astigmatism was evident in 2.0% of the subjects. Myopia increased with increasing age, whereas hyperopia and astigmatism were associated with younger age. Myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism were more common in females. We also found that prevalence of refractive error were associated with education. Myopia and astigmatism were more common in those with higher degrees of education.ConclusionThis report has provided details of the refractive status in a rural school‐aged population. Although the prevalence of refractive errors is lower in the population, the unmet need for spectacle correction remains a significant challenge for refractive eye‐care services.
Local excision of rectal cancer followed by radical surgery because of poor prognostic features does not compromise the long term oncologic outcome
Authors: Gagliardi G. , Newton T. R. , Bailey H. R. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimThe outcome of patients undergoing full‐thickness local excision (LE) of rectal cancers may be compromised if poor prognostic features are found in the LE specimen. Our aim was to evaluate the long‐term results of radical surgery performed after LE because poor prognostic factors are identified.MethodPatients with biopsy‐proven rectal cancer who had undergone full‐thickness LE followed by radical surgery because of a positive margin, T stage ≥3, lymphovascular invasion, poor differentiation or mucinous histology were identified from a prospective database. Their records were retrospectively reviewed and follow up was updated.ResultsBetween 1995 and 2003, 17 patients underwent LE followed by radical surgery because of poor prognostic features. Combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy was given to 11 (65%) patients before radical surgery. Patients underwent radical surgery after a median of 14 (range: 0–40) weeks from LE. Nine underwent a low anterior resection and eight an abdominoperineal resection. At the time of radical surgery, residual disease was found in six (35%) patients (in lymph nodes in three; intramural in two; and both lymph nodes and intramural in one). Four of the patients with residual disease had undergone neoadjuvant therapy before radical surgery. The mean follow up was 110 (95% CI: 92–129) months. Recurrence‐free survival at 10 years was 88%. There was no case of local recurrence, and two patients died of metastatic disease.ConclusionIn this series patients who underwent early radical surgery because of poor prognostic features found at LE had good overall and cancer‐specific long‐term survival. Even after neoadjuvant therapy, more than a third of patients had residual disease at the time of radical surgery. We therefore recommend radical surgery with neoadjuvant therapy when poor prognostic features are found at LE.
Q&A
Authors: Lafley A.G. , Norman Don , Brown Tim , Martin Roger 
Published: August 2013

The Procter & Gamble leader describes how P&G uses design thinking to cope with problems that fall far outside the realm of product or package design.The author of The Design of Everyday Things suggests that design thinkers have existed for millennia, and that many of them were not designers.IDEO's CEO and president speaks out on creating design leaders in business, the value of apprenticeships, and the design issues facing our species.Writer, strategist, advisor to CEOs, dean of the Rotman School of Management: however you want to describe him, Roger Martin has looked at design thinking from all the angles.
New genetic variants in the CCR5 gene and the distribution of known polymorphisms in Omani population
Authors: Al‐Mahruqi S. H. , Zadjali F. , Koh C. Y. , Balkhair A. , Said E. A. , Al‐Balushi M. S. , Hasson S. S. , Al‐Jabri A. A. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryC–C motif chemokine receptor‐5 (CCR5) is a pro‐inflammatory receptor that binds to chemokines and facilitates the entry of the R5 strain of HIV‐1. A number of polymorphisms were identified within the promoter and coding regions of the CCR5 gene, some of which have been found to affect the protein expression and thus receptor function. Although several CCR5 polymorphisms were shown to vary widely in their distribution among different ethnic populations, there has been no study addressing the potential variants of the CCR5 gene in the Omani population. The aim of this study was to identify the polymorphic sites that exist within the CCR5 gene in Omanis. Blood samples were collected from 89 Omani adult individuals, and genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced to identify the polymorphic sites. The distribution of the detected variants was examined and compared with the previously published data. Four new indels were detected of 32 variable positions, −2973A/–, −2894A/–, −2827TA/– and −2769T/–, and all were located in the 5′UTR. Furthermore, two new mutations, −2248G/A and +658A/G, were observed for the first time; the −2248G/A was detected in the intron 1 region in one subject and +658A/G in the coding region of the CCR5 in another subject. In silico analysis showed that the novel variations in the 5′UTR may have effects on the transcription factor binding sites. Therefore, this study demonstrates the presence of two new SNPs and four novel indels in the CCR5 gene in the Omani population. Our findings support the wide spectrum of genetic diversity reported within the CCR5 gene region among different ethnic groups.
Tissue‐resident memory T cells
Authors: Shin Haina , Iwasaki Akiko 
Published: August 2013

SummaryTissues such as the genital tract, skin, and lung act as barriers against invading pathogens. To protect the host, incoming microbes must be quickly and efficiently controlled by the immune system at the portal of entry. Memory is a hallmark of the adaptive immune system, which confers long‐term protection and is the basis for efficacious vaccines. While the majority of existing vaccines rely on circulating antibody for protection, struggles to develop antibody‐based vaccines against infections such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have underscored the need to generate memory T cells for robust antiviral control. The circulating memory T‐cell population is generally divided into two subsets: effector memory (TEM) and central memory (TCM). These two subsets can be distinguished by their localization, as TCM home to secondary lymphoid organs and TEM circulate through non‐lymphoid tissues. More recently, studies have identified a third subset, called tissue‐resident memory (TRM) cells, based on its migratory properties. This subset is found in peripheral tissues that require expression of specific chemoattractants and homing receptors for T‐cell recruitment and retention, including barrier sites such as the skin and genital tract. In this review, we categorize different tissues in the body based on patterns of memory T‐cell migration and tissue residency. This review also describes the rules for TRM generation and the properties that distinguish them from circulating TEM and TCM cells. Finally, based on the failure of recent T‐cell‐based vaccines to provide optimal protection, we also discuss the potential role of TRM cells in vaccine design against microbes that invade through the peripheral tissues and highlight new vaccination strategies that take advantage of this newly described memory T‐cell subset.
Paediatric gastrointestinal conditions and their oral implications
Authors: Crighton Alexander 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesThe paediatric dentist must be familiar with a range of medical problems which can affect the mouth or general health of children. Dental clinicians are ideally placed to help with the detection of a range of gastrointestinal issues and should know when to refer to the paediatric specialist for advice.MethodsThis article reviews the common gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions that can affect children reviewing the conditions, their usual treatments, and how they can influence the mouth and the oral environment. This article will review how the different conditions may produce oral symptoms and signs. The management of the oral problems and appropriate photographs are covered well in other texts and will not be included here.ConclusionThe mouth is a specialised part of the GIT and can be involved in or affected by many of the diseases encountered in other GIT regions.
The influence of different forms of early childcare on children's emotional and behavioural development at school entry
Authors: Stein A. , Malmberg L.‐E. , Leach P. , Barnes J. , Sylva K. ,   the FCCC Team
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundOver the past few decades there has been a dramatic increase in maternal employment and, as a result, an increase in the use of non‐maternal childcare in the early years. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine, in a large representative English sample, the influence of different forms of childcare on children's behavioural and emotional development around the age of school entry.MethodsA sample of 991 families, originally recruited when the children were 3 months old, was assessed around school entry age at 51 months. The main outcome variable was the children's emotional and behavioural functioning, measured by questionnaire completed by both mothers and teachers. A range of repeated assessments were carried out at different time points, including direct observation of the quality of maternal caregiving and observations of the quality of non‐parental care, and amount of time spent in different forms of care.ResultsThe strongest and most consistent influences on behaviour and emotional problems were derived from the home, including lower socio‐demographic status, poorer maternal caregiving, parental stress/maternal mental health problems, as well as child gender (being a boy). Non‐parental childcare had small effects on child outcome. One finding that did emerge was that children who spent more time in group care, mainly nursery care, were more likely to have behavioural problems, particularly hyperactivity.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that interventions to enhance children's emotional and behavioural development might best focus on supporting families and augmenting the quality of care in the home.
Methodology and Application of Hafnium Isotopes in Ilmenite and Rutile by MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Morisset Caroline‐Emmanuelle , Scoates James S. , Weis Dominique , Rahier André 
Published: August 2013

The high abundances of the high field‐strength elements in ilmenite and rutile make these minerals particularly suitable for hafnium isotopic investigations. We present a technique for separating Hf by ion exchange chemistry from high‐TiO2 (> 40% m/m) minerals to achieve precise Hf isotopic composition analyses by MC (multiple collector)‐ICP‐MS. Following digestion and conversion to chlorides, the first elution column is used to separate iron and the rare earth elements, the second column is designed to separate most of the titanium from Hf, an evaporation step using HClO4 is then performed to remove any trace of HF in preparation for the third column, which is needed to eliminate any remaining trace of titanium. The modified chemistry helped to improve the yields from < 10 to > 78% as well as the analytical precision of the processed samples (e.g., sample 2033‐A1, 176Hf/177Hf = 0.282251 ± 25 before vs. 0.282225 ± 6 after). The technique was tested on a case study in which the Hf isotopic ratios of ilmenite and rutile (analysed prior to the chemistry improvement) were determined and permitted to evaluate that the origin of rutile‐bearing ilmenite deposits is from the same or similar magma than their, respectively, associated Proterozoic anorthosite massifs (Saint‐Urbain and Lac Allard) of the Grenville Province in Québec, Canada.
Effect of the alcohol consumption on osteocyte cell processes: a molecular imaging study
Authors: Maurel Delphine B. , Benaitreau Delphine , Jaffré Christelle , Toumi Hechmi , Portier Hugues , Uzbekov Rustem , Pichon Chantal , Benhamou Claude L. , Lespessailles Eric , Pallu Stéphane 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe have previously shown microarchitectural tissue changes with cellular modifications in osteocytes following high chronic alcohol dose. The aim of this study was to assess the dose effect of alcohol consumption on the cytoskeleton activity, the cellular lipid content and modulation of differentiation and apoptosis in osteocyte. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Control (C), Alcohol 25% v/v (A25) or Alcohol 35% v/v (A35) for 17 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by DXA, osteocyte empty lacunae, lacunae surface, bone marrow fat with bright field microscopy. Osteocyte lipid content was analysed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and epifluorescence microscopy. Osteocyte apoptosis was analysed with immunolabelling and TEM. Osteocyte differentiation and cytoskeleton activity were analysed with immunolabelling and real time quantitative PCR. At the end of the protocol, BMD was lower in A25 and A35 compared with C, while the bone marrow lipid content was increased in these groups. More empty osteocyte lacunae and osteocyte containing lipid droplets in A35 were found compared with C and A25. Cleaved caspase‐3 staining and chromatin condensation were increased in A25 and A35 versus C. Cleaved caspase‐3 was increased in A35 versus A25. CD44 and phosphopaxillin stainings were higher in A35 compared with C and A25. Paxillin mRNA expression was higher in A35 versus A25 and C and sclerostin mRNA expression was higher in A35 versus C. We only observed a dose effect of alcohol consumption on cleaved caspase‐3 osteocyte immunostaining levels and on the number of lipid droplets in the bone marrow.
Identification of RAPD‐SCAR marker linked to white spot syndrome virus resistance in populations of giant black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon Fabricius
Authors: Dutta S , Biswas S , Mukherjee K , Chakrabarty U , Mallik A , Mandal N 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWhite spot disease (WSD) caused by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) creates severe epizootics in shrimp aquaculture industry worldwide. Despite several efforts, no such permanent remedy was yet developed. Selective breeding using DNA markers would be a cost‐effective strategy for long‐term solution of this problem. In the present investigation, out of 30 random primers, only one primer produced a statistically significant (P < 0.01) randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker of 502 bp, which provided a good discrimination between disease resistant and disease susceptible populations of Penaeus monodon from three geographical locations along the East coast of India. Because RAPD markers are dominant, a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker was developed by cloning and sequencing of 502 bp RAPD fragment, which generates a single 457 bp DNA fragment after PCR amplification only in the disease resistant shrimps. Challenge experiment was also conducted to validate this 457 bp SCAR marker, and the results suggested that the WSSV loads were 2.25 × 103 fold higher in disease susceptible than that in disease resistant shrimps using real‐time PCR. Therefore, this 457 bp DNA SCAR marker will be very valuable towards the development of disease‐free shrimp aquaculture industry.
Ranks Are Not Bypassed, Rituals Are Not Negated: The Dionysian Corpus on Return
Authors: Knepper Timothy 
Published: August 2013

AbstractModern readings of the Dionysian corpus often subordinate its hierarchical treatises to its theological treatises. Two unfortunate consequences follow: one, the thetic positions and aphairetic removals of the Divine Names and Mystical Theology bypass or transcend the hierarchical ranks and hierurgical rituals of the Celestial Hierarchy and Ecclesiastical Hierarchy. Second, the return to God occurs through apophatic abstraction rather than sacramental performance. This article interprets the Dionysian corpus differently, offering four arguments why Dionysian negative theology is not the means by which ranks and rituals are negated or abandoned but rather a means by which they are affirmed and accomplished.
Delivering high‐level food industry skills for future food security through Advanced Training Partnerships
Authors: Frazier R. A. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThe UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council's (BBSRC) Advanced Training Partnerships (ATPs) initiative represents a significant investment in the provision of high‐level skills for the UK food industry sector to address global food security from farm to fork. This paper summarises the background, aims and scope of the Advanced Training Partnerships, their development so far, and offers a view on future directions and evaluation of impact.
Effects of High‐Dose Radiotherapy on Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: An In Vivo Porcine Study
Authors: ZAREMBA TOMAS , JAKOBSEN ANNETTE R. , THØGERSEN ANNA M. , RIAHI SAM , KJÆRGAARD BENEDICT 
Published: August 2013

IntroductionAlthough the effects of radiotherapy (RT) on implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have been studied in vitro, and some information has been gathered from case reports and series, no in vivo experiments have previously been performed.MethodsIn vivo effects of photon RT applied directly to five modern ICD generators from different manufacturers implanted in pigs were studied. The devices were interrogated between and after increasing doses of ionizing radiation. Afterwards, the shock function was tested.ResultsAll ICDs withstood fractionated irradiations with a cumulative dose of 18.5 gray (Gy) of 6 megavolt (MV) photons and 18.5 Gy of 18 MV photons and were still fully functional. Especially, no oversense was recorded. Induced ventricular fibrillation was detected and treated properly by shock therapy in all cases. However, one of the ICDs converted to back‐up mode later the same night.ConclusionThe animal model is feasible for investigating RT effects on implanted cardiac devices. During irradiations with 37 Gy, one recoverable malfunction was present in the tested devices. Additional animal studies could provide supplementary evidence for treating ICD patients, including recommendations for reprogramming of the ICD during RT and avoidance of relocating the device.
Effects of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity
Authors: KUNIYOSHI RICARDO R. , MARTINELLI MARTINO , NEGRÃO CARLOS E. , SIQUEIRA SÉRGIO F. , RONDON MARIA U. P. B. , TROMBETTA IVANI C. , KUNIYOSHI FATIMA H. S. , LATERZA MATEUS C. , NISHIOKA SILVANA A. D’ÓRIO , COSTA ROBERTO , TAMAKI WAGNER T. , CREVELARI ELIZABETH S. , PEIXOTO GISELLE DE LIMA , RAMIRES JOSÉ A. F. , KALIL ROBERTO 
Published: August 2013

IntroductionMuscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) is an independent prognostic marker in patients with heart failure (HF). Therefore, its relevance to the treatment of HF patients is unquestionable.ObjectivesIn this study, we investigated the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on MSNA response at rest and during exercise in patients with advanced HF.MethodsWe assessed 11 HF patients (51 ± 3.4 years; New York Heart Association class III–IV; left ventricular ejection fraction 27.8 ± 2.2%; optimal medical therapy) submitted to CRT. Evaluations were made prior to and 3 months after CRT. MSNA was performed at rest and during moderate static exercise (handgrip). Peak oxygen consumption (VO2) was evaluated by means of cardiopulmonary exercise test. HF patients with advanced NYHA class without CRT and healthy individuals were also studied.ResultsCRT reduced MSNA at rest (48.9 ± 11.1 bursts/min vs 33.7 ± 15.3 bursts/min, P < 0.05) and during handgrip exercise (MSNA 62.3 ± 13.1 bursts/min vs 46.9 ± 14.3 bursts/min, P < 0.05). Among HF patients submitted to CRT, the peak VO2 increased (12.9 ± 2.8 mL/kg/min vs 16.5 ± 3.9 mL/kg/min, P < 0.05) and an inverse correlation between peak VO2 and resting MSNA (r = –0.74, P = 0.01) was observed.ConclusionsIn patients with advanced HF and severe systolic dysfunction: (1) a significant reduction of MSNA (at rest and during handgrip) occurred after CRT, and this behavior was significantly superior to HF patients receiving only medical therapy; (2) MSNA reduction after CRT had an inverse correlation with O2 consumption outcomes.