bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological Aspects of Oral Denticles in the Sharpnose SharkRhizoprionodon lalandii(Müller and Henle, 1839) (Elasmobranchii, Carcharhinidae)
Authors: Ciena A. P. , de S. Rangel B. , Bruno C. E. M. , Miglino M. A. , de Amorim A. F. , Rici R. E. G. , Watanabe I. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe oral denticles of some elasmobranchs are found on the surface of the oral cavity and are homologous to those on the body surface, being well developed, independent and non‐growing, with varying morphology and distribution depending on the species. The structural and three‐dimensional characteristics of oral denticles from the rostro‐ventral surface of the sharpnose sharkRhizoprionodon lalandiiwere described following imaging by both light and scanning electron microscopy. The light microscopy results showed that the triangular shape of the denticles consisted of a base and an apex. Picrosirius staining showed the arrangement of collagen fibres and oral denticles, and a predominance of type‐I collagen was found in both structures under polarized light. There was a broad homogeneous distribution of denticles on the ventral surface, forming a leaf‐like shape with the cusp facing the caudal region. Interlocking, hexagonal, geometric structures on its rostral side and ridges on the rostral side of the oral denticles were observed under increased magnification. We concluded that the denticle morphology found inR. lalandiidiffer of others analysed species, and the descriptions of these structures therefore provide important information for the classification of the species. In this species, the main functions can be assigned to help reduce hydrodynamic drag, particularly by this being a species that uses ram ventilation, and to protect the epithelium of the oropharynx of abrasion and parasites.
Interleukin-36α axis is modulated in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Ciccia F , Accardo-Palumbo A , Alessandro R , Alessandri C , Priori R , Guggino G , Raimondo S , Carubbi F , Valesini G , Giacomelli R , Rizzo A , Triolo G 
Published: April 2015

Summary
The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the interleukin (IL)-36 axis in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Blood and minor labial salivary glands (MSG) biopsies were obtained from 35 pSS and 20 non-Sjögren's syndrome patients (nSS) patients. Serum IL-36α was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL-36α, IL-36R, IL-36RA, IL-38, IL-22, IL-17, IL-23p19 and expression in MSGs was assessed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), and tissue IL-36α and IL-38 expression was also investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). αβ and γδ T cells and CD68+ cells isolated from MSGs were also studied by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analysis. IL-36α was over-expressed significantly in the serum and in the salivary glands of pSS. Salivary gland IL-36α expression was correlated with the expression levels of IL-17, IL-22 and IL-23p19. IL-38, that acts as inhibitor of IL-36α, was also up-regulated in pSS. αβ+ CD3+ T cells and CD68+ cells were the major source of IL-36α in minor salivary glands of pSS. γδ T cells were not significantly expanded in the salivary glands of pSS but produced more IL-17, as their percentage correlated with the focus score. Higher expression of IL-36α and IL-36R was also demonstrated in γδ T cells isolated from pSS compared to controls. In this study we demonstrate that a significant increase in circulating and tissue levels of IL-36α occurs in pSS patients.
Teaching reading to children with neurofibromatosis type 1: a clinical trial with random assignment to different approaches
Authors: Barquero Laura A , Sefcik Angela M , Cutting Laurie E , Rimrodt Sheryl L 
Published: April 2015

AimNeurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder with a cognitive profile that includes visual–spatial perception deficits and a high incidence of reading disability. There is a paucity of information about how this cognitively complex population responds to mainstream reading interventions. The clinical trial goals were to determine whether children and adolescents with NF1 and reading deficits (NF+RD) benefit from mainstream remedial reading programs and whether responsiveness varies with differences in program‐related visual–spatial demands.MethodForty‐nine participants (28 males, 21 females; aged 8–14y) with either NF+RD (n=17, 11 males, six females) or idiopathic reading deficit (IRD) (n=32, 17 males, 15 females) were randomly assigned to intensive remedial teaching using one of two multisensory reading programs: one with greater kinesthetic demands and the other with greater visual–spatial demands. Two control groups – wait‐list IRD (n=14, 11 males, three females) and typically developing readers (n=26, 13 males, 13 females) – received no treatment. Repeated measures and multivariate ANOVA analyses compared each group's growth in reading achievement from pre‐ to post‐testing.ResultsTreated groups showed significant growth whereas untreated groups did not. Comparing treated groups, the IRD group responded equally well to both interventions, whereas the NF+RD group showed a better response to the more kinesthetic approach.InterpretationResults suggest that multisensory remedial reading teaching that emphasizes kinesthetic demands more than visual–spatial demands is suitable for students with NF+RD.
DNA structure and function
Authors: Travers Andrew , Muskhelishvili Georgi 
Published: April 2015

The proposal of a double‐helical structure for DNA over 60 years ago provided an eminently satisfying explanation for the heritability of genetic information. But why is DNA, and not RNA, now the dominant biological information store? We argue that, in addition to its coding function, the ability of DNA, unlike RNA, to adopt a B‐DNA structure confers advantages both for information accessibility and for packaging. The information encoded by DNA is both digital – the precise base specifying, for example, amino acid sequences – and analogue. The latter determines the sequence‐dependent physicochemical properties of DNA, for example, its stiffness and susceptibility to strand separation. Most importantly, DNA chirality enables the formation of supercoiling under torsional stress. We review recent evidence suggesting that DNA supercoiling, particularly that generated by DNA translocases, is a major driver of gene regulation and patterns of chromosomal gene organization, and in its guise as a promoter of DNA packaging enables DNA to act as an energy store to facilitate the passage of translocating enzymes such as RNA polymerase.
Fasting Lipid and Lipoproteins Concentrations in Pregnant Women With a History of Migraine
Authors: Gelaye Bizu , Larrabure‐Torrealva Gloria T. , Qiu Chunfang , Luque‐Fernandez Miguel Angel , Peterlin B. Lee , Sanchez Sixto E. , Williams Michelle A. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundMigraine is associated with a number of cardiometabolic risk factors including abnormalities in lipid metabolism. However, little is known about these associations among pregnant migraineurs. We conducted the present study to evaluate the extent to which altered lipid profiles are associated with history of migraine among pregnant women.MethodsA cohort of 1062 Peruvian women were interviewed at 24‐28 weeks of gestation. Migraine status was classified based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders‐II diagnostic criteria. Serum lipid concentrations were measured enzymatically using standardized assays. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as measures of associations of migraine status with varying concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins during pregnancy.ResultsApproximately 18.5% of the study participants were identified as migraineurs (196 of 1062). Maternal serum total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol : HDL ratio were all statistically significantly elevated among pregnant migraineurs compared with pregnant non‐migraineurs. In multivariate adjusted models, pregnant women with migraine had higher odds of elevated total cholesterol, LDL, and total cholesterol : HDL ratio as compared with pregnant women without migraine. For instance, the AOR and 95% CI for successive quartiles of the total cholesterol associated with history of migraine were Q2 (219‐247 mg/dL): 1.05 (0.64‐1.70), Q3 (248‐281 mg/dL): 1.16 (0.72‐1.86), and Q4 (≥282 mg/dL): 1.87 (1.20‐2.91) with the lowest quartile (<219 mg/dL) as the referent group (P value for trend = .003). Obese women with elevated total cholesterol (≥282 mg/dL) were more likely to be migraineurs (OR = 3.71; 95% CI 1.58‐8.71) as compared with non‐obese women with lower total cholesterol (<219 mg/dL). Similar elevated odds of migraine were observed for obese women with elevated LDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides and high total cholesterol : HDL ratio.ConclusionPregnant migraineurs had elevated odds of dyslipidemia, particularly hypercholesterolemia, elevated LDL, and total cholesterol : HDL ratio as compared with pregnant non‐migraineurs. The observed associations were more pronounced among obese migraineurs. Our findings add to the accumulating evidence of adverse cardiometabolic risk profiles among migraineurs and extend these associations to pregnant women.
Pretreatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio as an independent predictor of survival in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma: A multi‐institutional study
Authors: Taguchi Satoru , Nakagawa Tohru , Matsumoto Akihiko , Nagase Yasushi , Kawai Taketo , Tanaka Yoshinori , Yoshida Kanae , Yamamoto Sachi , Enomoto Yutaka , Nose Yorito , Sato Toshikazu , Ishikawa Akira , Uemura Yukari , Fujimura Tetsuya , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Kume Haruki , Homma Yukio 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the prognostic significance of the pretreatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma who underwent salvage chemotherapy.MethodsWe reviewed 200 metastatic urothelial carcinoma patients who received salvage chemotherapy at our five affiliate institutions between 2003 and 2011. The associations of pretreatment clinicopathological factors, including neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, with cancer‐specific survival and overall survival from the start of chemotherapy were assessed. Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis.ResultsA total of 15 cases with missing data were excluded. Among the remaining 185 patients, 157 died during follow up, with a median survival of 13.0 months. Multivariate analysis showed that the pretreatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio ≥3, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2 and liver metastasis were independent poor prognostic factors, both for cancer‐specific survival and overall survival. A prognostic model predicting overall survival was constructed based on the number of these three variables (0, 1 and ≥ 2). The classified patients showed significantly different overall survival (each P < 0.0001, log–rank test), with Harrell's concordance index as high as 0.81.ConclusionsPretreatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio elevation was an independent poor prognostic factor for metastatic urothelial carcinoma undergoing salvage chemotherapy. Our newly constructed prognostic model including the pretreatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio proved to be an excellent discriminator of overall survival.
Handheld fluorescence imaging device detects subclinical wound infection in an asymptomatic patient with chronic diabetic foot ulcer: a case report
Authors: Wu Yichao C , Smith Marlie , Chu Ashley , Lindvere‐Teene Liis , Starr Danielle , Tapang Kim , Shekhman Rachel , Wong Olive , Linden Ron , DaCosta Ralph S 
Published: April 2015

AbstractChronic wounds are a significant burden to global patient and health care infrastructures, and there is a need for better methods of early wound diagnosis and treatment. Traditional diagnosis of chronic wound infection by pathogenic bacteria, using clinical signs and symptoms, is based on visual inspection under white light and microbiological sampling (e.g. swabbing and/or biopsy) of the wound, which are subjective and suboptimal. Diagnosing microbial infection based on traditional clinical signs and symptoms in wounds of asymptomatic patients is especially challenging at the bedside. Bacteria are invisible to the unaided eye and wound sampling for diagnostic testing can cause unacceptable delays in diagnosis and treatment. To address this problem, we developed a new prototype handheld, portable fluorescence imaging device that enables non‐contact, real‐time, high‐resolution visualisation of pathogenic bacteria and tissues in wounds. Herein, we report the clinical use of this imaging device in detecting subsurface heavy bacterial load and subclinical local infection in an asymptomatic 50‐year‐old patient with a non‐healing diabetic foot ulcer.
Subfactors of oppositional defiant disorder: converging evidence from structural and latent class analyses
Authors: Herzhoff Kathrin , Tackett Jennifer L. 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundStructural models of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms have gained empirical support but await greater empirical scrutiny on issues such as reconciliation between competing models, evidence for gender differences, and delineation of external correlates. More extensive validation evidence is particularly necessary in consideration of their incorporation in psychiatric nomenclature.MethodsWe fitted previously proposed, but competing, models to ODD symptoms assessed with the Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (Shaffer et al., 2000, J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 39, 28) in a community sample and then fitted the best‐fitting model in a replication sample (combined N = 730, Mage = 9.89, SD = 0.75). Analyses also examined potential classes based on resulting subfactors, gender differences, longitudinal associations with later behavioral problems, and concurrent personality associations.ResultsBurke's (2010) two‐factor model composed of Irritability and Oppositionality subfactors best fit the data. Irritability and Oppositionality showed convergent and divergent patterns of association with personality traits at T1 and with externalizing and internalizing problems at T2. Latent class analyses revealed three classes (low severity, irritable/combined, and oppositional) which showed parallel divergence in externalizing and internalizing problem comorbidity. These findings were largely robust across gender and samples.ConclusionsThese findings support Irritability/Oppositionality subfactors of ODD in two mixed‐gender samples, demonstrate strong evidence for a lack of gender differences in such subfactors, and demonstrate their convergent and divergent validity in emergent latent classes, later behavioral problems, and personality correlates.
DETECTION OF MALNUTRITION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING MAINTENANCE HAEMODIALYSIS: A QUANTITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS ON 12 PARAMETERS
Authors: Nafzger Sonja , Fleury Lea‐Angelica , Uehlinger Dominik E. , Plüss Petra , Scura Ninetta , Kurmann Silvia 
Published: April 2015

SUMMARYBackgroundProtein‐energy‐malnutrition (PEM) is common in people with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) and correlates strongly with mortality. To this day, there is no gold standard for detecting PEM in patients on MHD.Aim of StudyThe aim of this study was to evaluate if Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS‐2002), handgrip strength measurement, mid‐upper arm muscle area (MUAMA), triceps skin fold measurement (TSF), serum albumin, normalised protein catabolic rate (nPCR), Kt/V and eKt/V, dry body weight, body mass index (BMI), age and time since start on MHD are relevant for assessing PEM in patients on MHD.MethodsThe predictive value of the selected parameters on mortality and mortality or weight loss of more than 5% was assessed. Quantitative data analysis of the 12 parameters in the same patients on MHD in autumn 2009 (n = 64) and spring 2011 (n = 40) with paired statistical analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.ResultsPaired data analysis showed significant reduction of dry body weight, BMI and nPCR. Kt/Vtot did not change, eKt/v and hand grip strength measurements were significantly higher in spring 2011. No changes were detected in TSF, serum albumin, NRS‐2002 and MUAMA. Serum albumin was shown to be the only predictor of death and of the combined endpoint “death or weight loss of more than 5%”.ConclusionWe now screen patients biannually for serum albumin, nPCR, Kt/V, handgrip measurement of the shunt‐free arm, dry body weight, age and time since initiation of MHD.
Complexity Analysis of Beat‐to‐Beat Skin‐Surface Laser‐Doppler Flowmetry Signals in Stroke Patients
Authors: Chen Chao‐Tsung , Hsiu Hsin , Fan Jin‐Shiang , Lin Fong‐Cheng , Liu Yen‐Ting 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesThis study performed skin‐surface LDF measurements and SampEn analysis with the aims of (i) capturing the temporal complexity of cerebral hemodynamics in stroke patients and (ii) discriminating stroke patients from healthy control subjects. We also investigated the response induced by AS in beat‐to‐beat SampEn indexes of LDF signals.MethodsLDF signals were obtained at bilateral TaiYang acupoints in 52 stroke patients. Each assessment involved a 20‐minute baseline recording, a 20‐minute AS, and a subsequent 20‐minute recording. The FDT, FRT, and PW were calculated for each pulse of the LDF signals, and then their SampEn values were calculated.ResultsThe SampEn values of FRT were significantly larger in the stroke group (1.064 ± 0.052 and p = 0.013 at the stroke side; 1.059 ± 0.055 and p = 0.017 at the controlateral side) than in the control group (0.975 ± 0.120). On the stroke side, the SampEn of value of FRT was significantly decreased following AS (1.064 ± 0.052 to 1.008 ± 0.060; p = 0.027).ConclusionLarger SampEn values of FRT can be partly attributed to the local regulatory activities that are present in the stroke subjects when facing the induced abnormal vascular conditions and blood flow perfusion resistance. The present findings could aid the development of a noninvasive monitoring technique that will enable discrimination of the different microcirculatory responses in stroke patients.
Increased expression of six ZIP family genes by zinc (Zn) deficiency is associated with enhanced uptake and root‐to‐shoot translocation of Zn in barley (Hordeum vulgare)
Authors: Tiong Jingwen , McDonald Glenn , Genc Yusuf , Shirley Neil , Langridge Peter , Huang Chun Y. 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Low zinc (Zn) in soils reduces yield and grain Zn content. Regulation of ZRT/IRT‐like protein (ZIP) family genes is a major mechanism in plant adaptation to low and fluctuating Zn in soil. Although several Zn deficiency‐inducible ZIP genes are identified in cereals, there has been no systematic study on the association of Zn deficiency‐induced uptake and root‐to‐shoot translocation with expression of ZIP family genes.

We measured Zn deficiency‐induced uptake and root‐to‐shoot translocation of Zn in barley (Hordeum vulgare) plants by resupplying 0.5 μM Zn, and quantified the transcripts of thirteen HvZIP genes. Subcellular localization and tissue‐specific expression were also determined for Zn deficiency‐inducible HvZIP genes.

Zn deficiency enhanced the capacity of uptake and root‐to‐shoot translocation of Zn, and sustained the enhanced capacity for 6 d after Zn resupply. Six HvZIP genes were highly induced in roots of Zn‐deficient plants, and their proteins were localized in the plasma membrane. Tissue‐specific expression in roots supports their roles in uptake and root‐to‐shoot translocation of Zn under low Zn conditions.

Our results provide a comprehensive view on the physiological roles of ZIP genes in plant adaptation to low and fluctuating Zn in soil, and pave the way for development of new strategies to improve Zn‐deficiency tolerance and biofortification in cereals.
Fasting and bed rest, even for a relatively short period, are risk factors for ceftriaxone‐associated pseudolitiasis
Authors: Murata Shinya , Aomatsu Tomoki , Yoden Atsushi , Tamai Hiroshi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundCholelithiasis is one of the side‐effects of ceftriaxone (CTRX). Reportedly, the cholelithiasis resolves relatively soon after cessation of CTRX, hence, it is called pseudolithiasis. Previous reports have suggested that biliary pseudolithiasis can cause not only gallstone attacks, but also severe adverse events, such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis. The purpose of this study was to prospectively elucidate the risk factors and clinical features of CTRX‐associated pseudolithiasis in pediatric patients.MethodsWe prospectively examined the incidence and clinical outcome of CTRX‐associated biliary pseudolithiasis. Subjects included infants and children who were admitted to hospital with acute disease. Ultrasonography was used to confirm the absence of stones and sludge in the gallbladder before CTRX therapy, and in assessment of pseudolithiasis on days 3, 5, 7 and 10 after initiation of CTRX in all subjects. The pseudolithiasis group was then compared with the non‐pseudolithiasis group in terms of age, sex, CTRX dose, CTRX duration, duration of fever, fasting period, period of bed rest, and blood test results.ResultsSixty patients were enrolled in the study. Eleven of them had biliary pseudolithiasis on ultrasonography (18.3%). Formation of biliary pseudolithiasis was prevalent in the fasting and bed rest groups, appearing relatively early in these groups.ConclusionsSpecial attention should be paid to the degree of oral intake and patient activity when CTRX is prescribed. We recommend regular ultrasonographic follow up of patients receiving CTRX, to evaluate the formation of biliary pseudolithiasis.
Why do we Suffer? Buddhism and the Problem of Evil
Authors: Gäb Sebastian 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis paper explains the Buddhist concept of suffering (dukkha) and its relation to the Christian problem of evil. Although there is no problem of evil in Buddhism, the Buddhist understanding of the origin and causes of suffering will help us to find new approaches to the problem of evil. More specifically, I argue (1) that the concept of evil can be interpreted in terms of dukkha; (2) that the existence of suffering or dukkha is necessarily inevitable for finite beings, given the metaphysical structure of the world and ourselves; and (3) that this reasoning can be interpreted as a defense against the problem of evil.
Dissemination of Plasmodiophora brassicae in livestock manure detected by qPCR
Authors: Chai A. L. , Li J. P. , Xie X. W. , Shi Y. X. , Li B. J. 
Published: April 2015

The present study was performed to investigate whether Plasmodiophora brassicae can be disseminated by livestock manure. A quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed and used to detect and quantify P. brassicae in manure samples from naturally and artificially infested chickens and pigs. In naturally infested manure, quantifiable levels of infestation were observed in 7 out of the 28 samples, ranging from 103 to 107 resting spores per g of manure. The vast majority of the resting spores (76–91%) were viable, as determined by a dual fluorescence viability assay. Clubroot symptoms developed on plants inoculated with P. brassicae resting spores isolated from all seven qPCR‐positive samples. Artificially infested manure samples were produced by feeding chickens and pigs on P. brassicae‐contaminated feed. The levels of infestation were 103 resting spores per g of manure for both chicken and pig manure sampled 24 and 48 h after feeding, respectively. Spore viability was >80% for both samples, and the disease severity indices were both >40 as indicated by bioassay. This showed that resting spores can survive the digestive tracts of chickens and pigs, and retain strong pathogenicity. The findings indicate that manure dissemination is possible for P. brassicae. Farmers should avoid feeding livestock on P. brassicae‐contaminated feed or applying infested manure as fertilizer on land intended for crucifer crops.