bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deletion polymorphism of GSTT1 gene as protective marker for allergic rhinitis
Authors: Iorio Andrea , Polimanti Renato , Piacentini Sara , Liumbruno Giancarlo Maria , Manfellotto Dario , Fuciarelli Maria 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsAllergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common respiratory diseases among human populations. Strong evidence suggests that genetic predisposition and environmental factors could contribute to the development of this complex disease. Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) are biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. These phase II enzymes play a significant role in detoxifying xenobiotic compounds.To analyze the role of GST gene polymorphisms in AR pathogenesis in a case‐control population of 103 patients affected by AR and 200 healthy non‐allergic subjects.MethodsWe screened genomic DNA extracted from buccal cells for GSTM1 positive/null, GSTP1*I105V (rs1695) and GSTT1 positive/null polymorphisms. The X2‐test, odds ratio (OR) and logistic regression were used as statistical analyses.ResultsSignificant differences in null genotype distribution between AR patients (13%) and healthy controls (30%) were found for the GSTT1 null genotype (OR = 0.30, 95% confidence interval = 0.14–0.65; P = 0.001). GSTM1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms did not show any significant results.ConclusionOur data indicated that GSTT1 may be a susceptibility locus for AR. Specifically, the positive/null polymorphism of GSTT1 may be involved in an oxidative stress‐related mechanism that may enhance pathogenic pathways related to AR. Moreover, beside GSTT1, this deletion polymorphism affects also another gene potentially related to AR phenotype, LOC391322. This gene belongs to MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) gene family and several studies indicated the role of this gene in several immunology‐related phenotypes. Therefore, two different scenarios may explain the observed genetic association.
Three dimensions of religious place making in diaspora
Authors: VÁSQUEZ MANUEL A. , KNOTT KIM 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn this article, we explore comparatively how migrant minorities draw from their religious resources to carve out spaces of livelihood in three global cities – Kuala Lumpur, which includes Kajang, Johannesburg and London. We also examine the spatial regimes through which the state and its apparatuses seek to manage the migrants' presence and visibility or invisibility within these urban spaces. In particular, we focus on three of the most salient dimensions of migrants' religious place making – embodied performance, the spatial management of difference and belonging, and multiple embedding across networked spaces. Although these three dimensions intersect in dynamic, often tensile ways to constitute the fabric of the life world of migrant minorities, we separate them for heuristic purposes to highlight the richness and texture of religious place making.
High juvenile annual survival probabilities in Southern Rockhopper Penguins Eudyptes chrysocome are independent of individual fledging traits
Authors: Dehnhard Nina , Poisbleau Maud , Demongin Laurent , Ludynia Katrin , Quillfeldt Petra 
Published: June 2014

Juvenile survival is an important demographic parameter. Southern Rockhopper Penguins Eudyptes chrysocome have undergone a dramatic population decline in the past century across their distribution, but the demographic processes are poorly understood. To estimate juvenile annual survival probabilities, Rockhopper Penguin chicks from two cohorts on New Island, Falkland Islands, were marked with transponders and recorded in subsequent years using an automated gateway. We first estimated annual survival and detection probabilities using a Cormack‐Jolly‐Seber (CJS) model, and found that both probabilities were extremely high (81% in the first and 98% in the second, third and fourth years of life), even in comparison with adult birds. Because detection probability after 3 years was effectively 1, and our sample size (n = 114) was too small to explore the effects of individual traits on survival in a CJS model, we assessed whether sex, cohort, body mass and laying sequence affected whether juveniles returned to the colony during their first 3 years of life using a simple generalized linear model that assumed perfect detection. Juveniles from the first cohort and males showed a higher return probability than juveniles from the second cohort and females. There was no clear effect of fledging body mass on return rate, probably related to the favourable environmental conditions during the study period. The laying sequence did not markedly affect the return probability of chicks, indicating that, once fledged, first‐laid A‐chicks have the same probability to return as second‐laid B‐chicks despite a much larger initial maternal investment in B‐eggs in this species. This study demonstrates extraordinarily high juvenile survival probabilities and will help to understand the recent changes in the population dynamics of the Falkland Islands Southern Rockhopper Penguins.
Extramarginal excision is preferable for hypertrophic scars
Authors: Shin Jung U. , Park Jihun , Lee Ju Hee , Lee Kwnag Hoon , Kim Yong‐Ook , Yun Chae‐Ok , Lee Won Jai 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundRecently, higher proliferative activity and collagen production in the peripheral parts of keloids have been reported. Therefore, we hypothesized that insufficient removal of active proliferating and collagen‐producing fibroblasts at the scar margin might cause a high recurrence rate of hypertrophic scars and keloids. To address this hypothesis, we evaluated the influence of surgical margins on the recurrence of hypertrophic scars and compared the recurrence rates between intramarginal excision and extramarginal excision.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of patients with car tire injury‐induced hypertrophic scars treated by surgical excision from 2004 to 2010. To evaluate the influence of surgical margins on the recurrence of hypertrophic scars, we divided these patients into two groups, the intramarginal excision group and the extramarginal excision group, and compared the recurrence rate.ResultsA total of 15 patients with car tire injury‐induced hypertrophic scars were treated with surgical excision and skin grafting. The recurrence rate in those with intramarginal excision was significantly higher than in those with extramarginal excision. All patients treated with intramarginal excision experienced hypertrophic scar recurrence within six months. Three of nine patients exhibited recurrence when the hypertrophic scars were excised with a 3–5 mm margin.ConclusionExtramarginal excision with complete removal of the abnormal collagen bundles followed by skin grafting is a viable alternative to reconstruction of the foot after hypertrophic scar excision, and this treatment can effectively decrease issues related to recurrence.
Predicting hepatic steatosis and liver fat content in obese children based on biochemical parameters and anthropometry
Authors: Zhang H‐X. , Xu X‐Q. , Fu J‐F. , Lai C. , Chen X‐F. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryBackgroundPredictors of quantitative evaluation of hepatic steatosis and liver fat content (LFC) using clinical and laboratory variables available in the general practice in the obese children are poorly identified.ObjectiveTo build predictive models of hepatic steatosis and LFC in obese children based on biochemical parameters and anthropometry.MethodsHepatic steatosis and LFC were determined using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 171 obese children aged 5.5–18.0 years. Routine clinical and laboratory parameters were also measured in all subjects. Group analysis, univariable correlation analysis, and multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis were used to develop a liver fat score to identify hepatic steatosis and a liver fat equation to predict LFC in each subject.ResultsThe predictive model of hepatic steatosis in our participants based on waist circumference and alanine aminotransferase had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.959 (95% confidence interval: 0.927–0.990). The optimal cut‐off value of 0.525 for determining hepatic steatosis had sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 90%. A liver fat equation was also developed based on the same parameters of hepatic steatosis liver fat score, which would be used to calculate the LFC in each individual.ConclusionsThe liver fat score and liver fat equation, consisting of routinely available variables, may help paediatricians to accurately determine hepatic steatosis and LFC in clinical practice, but external validation is needed before it can be employed for this purpose.
Home environmental determinants of children's fruit and vegetable consumption across different SES backgrounds
Authors: de Jong E. , Visscher T. L. S. , HiraSing R. A. , Seidell J. C. , Renders C. M. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the association between home environmental determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption with childhood overweight separately for low, medium and high social economic status (SES) families.MethodA cross‐sectional study was carried out in 2006 among 4072 children aged 4–13 years in the city of Zwolle, the Netherlands. Of these children, data were available on measured height and weight, and from a parental questionnaire, on sociodemographic characteristics and children's fruit and vegetables intake. Associations were studied using logistic regression analyses.ResultsNot eating the recommended amounts of vegetables daily was associated with overweight for children with a low SES background (odds ratio [OR]: 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66–2.07) and medium SES background (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.20–2.49). Eating < 2 pieces of fruit daily was associated with a lower OR for overweight among children with a high SES background (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.50–0.88). Determinants of eating vegetables < 7 d were: permission to take candy without asking, eating at the table < 7 d per week, eating a takeaway meal ≥ 1 d per week, eating a home cooked meal < 6 d per week and cooking together with caregiver less than 5 d per week.ConclusionInterventions regarding vegetable consumption should be tailored to families with low and medium SES background. The most promising avenues for intervention seem to be (i) to prevent eating takeaway meals on a weekly basis and, (ii) to promote eating a home cooked meal at the table and (iii) to involve children in the cooking process. Interventions should support parents in making these home environmental changes.
Crosstalk between circadian rhythmicity, mitochondrial dynamics and macrophage bactericidal activity
Authors: Oliva‐Ramírez Jacqueline , Moreno‐Altamirano María Maximina B. , Pineda‐Olvera Benjamín , Cauich‐Sánchez Patricia , Sánchez‐García F. Javier 
Published: June 2014

SummaryBiological functions show rhythmic fluctuations with 24‐hr periodicity regulated by circadian proteins encoded by the so‐called ‘clock’ genes. The absence or deregulation of circadian proteins in mice leads to metabolic disorders and in vitro models have shown that the synthesis of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by macrophages follows a circadian rhythm so showing a link between circadian rhythmicity, metabolism and immunity. Recent evidence reveals that mitochondrial shape, position and size, collectively referred to as mitochondrial dynamics, are related to both cell metabolism and immune function. However, studies addressing the simultaneous crosstalk between circadian rhythm, mitochondrial dynamics and cell immune function are scarce. Here, by using an in vitro model of synchronized murine peritoneal macrophages, we present evidence that the mitochondrial dynamics and the mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ψm) follow a circadian rhythmic pattern. In addition, it is shown that the fusion of mitochondria along with high ∆ψm, indicative of high mitochondrial activity, precede the highest phagocytic and bactericidal activity of macrophages on Salmonella typhimurium. Taken together, our results suggest a timely coordination between circadian rhythmicity, mitochondrial dynamics, and the bactericidal capacity of macrophages.
Impacts of 21st‐Century Climate Change on Hydrologic Extremes in the Pacific Northwest Region of North America
Authors: Tohver Ingrid M. , Hamlet Alan F. , Lee Se‐Yeun 
Published: June 2014

AbstractClimate change projections for the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region of North America include warmer temperatures (T), reduced precipitation (P) in summer months, and increasedPduring all other seasons. Using a physically based hydrologic model and an ensemble of statistically downscaled global climate model scenarios produced by the Columbia Basin Climate Change Scenarios Project, we examine the nature of changing hydrologic extremes (floods and low flows) under natural conditions for about 300 river locations in thePNW. The combination of warming, and shifts in seasonalPregimes, results in increased flooding and more intense low flows for most of the basins in thePNW. Flood responses depend on average midwinterTand basin type. Mixed rain and snow basins, with average winter temperatures near freezing, typically show the largest increases in flood risk because of the combined effects of warming (increasing contributing basin area) and more winterP. Decreases in low flows are driven by loss of snowpack, drier summers, and increasing evapotranspiration in the simulations. Energy‐limited basins on the west side of the Cascades show the strongest declines in low flows, whereas more arid, water‐limited basins on the east side of the Cascades show smaller reductions in low flows. A fine‐scale analysis of hydrologic extremes over the Olympic Peninsula echoes the results for the larger rivers discussed above, but provides additional detail about topographic gradients.
Absence of Gender‐Based Differences in the Atrial and Pulmonary Vein Substrate: A Detailed Electroanatomic Mapping Study
Authors: WALTERS TOMOS E. , TEH ANDREW W. , SPENCE STEVEN , MORTON JOSEPH B. , KISTLER PETER M. , KALMAN JONATHAN M. 
Published: June 2014

Gender and Atrial ElectrophysiologyBackgroundGender‐based differences in the clinical nature of cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AF) are well established.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify any such gender‐based differences in the underlying pulmonary vein and atrial substrate.Methods and ResultsThirty‐eight patients with no history of AF undergoing catheter ablation for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and 55 with paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing catheter ablation of AF underwent detailed electroanatomic mapping of the pulmonary veins and atria. Refractory periods in multiple locations, sinus node function, endocardial bipolar voltage, pulmonary vein and atrial conduction, and bipolar electrogram complexity were analyzed. There were no significant between‐gender differences in age or other clinical variables known to impact on the atrial or pulmonary vein substrate. In neither the AF nor the non‐AF cohorts were there any significant differences in atrial or pulmonary vein refractoriness, sinus node function, any measure of PV electrophysiology, or any measure of atrial electrophysiology.ConclusionNo systematic between‐gender differences were observed in the PV or atrial substrate either in those with or without a history of AF, with a similar prevalence of the cardiovascular comorbidities frequently associated with atrial remodeling and AF seen in both male and female groups.
Transvenous Stimulation of the Renal Sympathetic Nerves Increases Systemic Blood Pressure: A Potential New Treatment Option for Neurocardiogenic Syncope
Authors: MADHAVAN MALINI , DESIMONE CHRISTOPHER V. , EBRILLE ELISA , MULPURU SIVA K. , MIKELL SUSAN B. , JOHNSON SUSAN B. , SUDDENDORF SCOTT H. , LADEWIG DOROTHY J. , GILLES EMILY J. , DANIELSEN ANDREW J. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. 
Published: June 2014

Renal Vein Stimulation Increases Blood PressureBackgroundNeurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) is a common and sometimes debilitating disorder, with no consistently effective treatment. NCS is due to a combination of bradycardia and vasodilation leading to syncope. Although pacemaker devices have been tried in treating the bradycardic aspect of NCS, no device‐based therapy exists to treat the coexistent vasodilation that occurs. The renal sympathetic innervation has been the target of denervation to treat hypertension. We hypothesized that stimulation of the renal sympathetic nerves can increase blood pressure and counteract vasodilation in NCS.Methods and ResultsHigh‐frequency stimulation (800–900 pps, 10 V, 30–200 seconds) was performed using a quadripolar catheter in the renal vein of 7 dogs and 1 baboon. A significant increase in blood pressure (BP; mean [SD] systolic BP 117 [±28] vs. 128 [±33], diastolic BP 75 [±19] vs. 87 [±29] mmHg) was noted during the stimulation, which returned to baseline after cessation of stimulation. The mean increase in systolic and diastolic BP was 13.0 (±3.3) (P = 0.006) and 10.2 (±4.6) (P = 0.08), respectively.ConclusionWe report the first ever study of feasibility and safety of high‐frequency electrical stimulation of the renal sympathetic innervation to increase BP in animal models. This has potential applications in the treatment of hypotensive states such as NCS.
Does Prior Valve Surgery Change Outcome in Patients Treated with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy?
Authors: BOSE ABHISHEK , UPADHYAY GAURAV A. , KANDALA JAGDESH , HEIST EDWIN K. , MELA THEOFANIE , PARKS KIMBERLY A. , SINGH JAGMEET P. 
Published: June 2014

Impact of Prior Valve Surgery in CRT PatientsAimsCardiac valve surgery (CVS) has been implicated as a potential barrier to optimal response after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) though prospective data regarding outcome remains limited. We sought to determine CRT response in patients with a prior history of CVS.Methods and ResultsWe performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively acquired cohort of CRT patients with history of CVS. Echocardiographic response was evaluated at baseline and 6 months. The coprimary endpoints were time to first heart failure (HF) hospitalization and a composite of all‐cause mortality, transplantation and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) assessed over a 3‐year follow‐up period. The study group consisted of 569 patients undergoing CRT. Of these, 86 patients had a history of CVS (46.5% aortic, 37.2% mitral, 16.3% combined, and tricuspid), and were compared to 483 patients with no history of CVS. Baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were not significantly different between the groups except for a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF; 74.4% vs. 55.3%; P = 0.001), coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG; 58.1% vs. 38.7%; P = 0.001), and longer QRS duration (167.6 ± 29.3 milliseconds vs. 159.4 ± 27.5 milliseconds; P = 0.01) in those with prior CVS. Survival with respect to HF hospitalization and composite outcome was comparable in both groups. Echocardiographic response (improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥10%) was similar. No difference in clinical or echocardiographic outcome was found by type of valve surgery performed.ConclusionDespite a higher incidence of AF, CABG, and longer QRS duration, history of CVS is not associated with worse clinical or echocardiographic outcome after CRT.
p.Y1449C SCN5A Mutation Associated with Overlap Disorder Comprising Conduction Disease, Brugada Syndrome, and Atrial Flutter
Authors: HOTHI SANDEEP S. , ARA FARHANA , TIMPERLEY JONATHAN 
Published: June 2014

p.Y1449C SCN5A Mutation in a Family with Overlap DisorderMutations in the SCN5A gene, which encodes the cardiac sodium channel, have been associated with cardiac arrhythmia syndromes and conduction disease. Specific SCN5A mutations had initially been considered to cause specific phenotypes. More recently, some SCN5A mutations have been associated with overlap syndromes, characterized by phenotypic heterogeneity within and between mutation carriers. Here we report and associate the presence of the p.Y1449C SCN5A mutation in a single family with a spectrum of cardiac phenotypes including conduction disease, Brugada syndrome and atrial arrhythmias, for the first time to our knowledge.
A longitudinal high‐risk study of adolescent anxiety, depression and parent‐severity on the developmental course of risk‐adjustment
Authors: Rawal Adhip , Riglin Lucy , Ng‐Knight Terry , Collishaw Stephan , Thapar Anita , Rice Frances 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundAdolescence is associated with developments in the reward system and increased rates of emotional disorders. Familial risk for depression may be associated with disruptions in the reward system. However, it is unclear how symptoms of depression and anxiety influence the development of reward‐processing over adolescence and whether variation in the severity of parental depression is associated with hyposensitivity to reward in a high‐risk sample.MethodsWe focused on risk‐adjustment (adjusting decisions about reward according to the probability of obtaining reward) as this was hypothesized to improve over adolescence. In a one‐year longitudinal sample (N = 197) of adolescent offspring of depressed parents, we examined how symptoms of depression and anxiety (generalized anxiety and social anxiety) influenced the development of risk‐adjustment. We also examined how parental depression severity influenced adolescent risk‐adjustment.ResultsRisk‐adjustment improved over the course of the study indicating improved adjustment of reward‐seeking to shifting contingencies. Depressive symptoms were associated with decreases in risk‐adjustment over time while social anxiety symptoms were associated with increases in risk‐adjustment over time. Specifically, depression was associated with reductions in reward‐seeking at favourable reward probabilities only, whereas social anxiety (but not generalized anxiety) led to reductions in reward‐seeking at low reward probabilities only. Parent depression severity was associated with lowered risk‐adjustment in offspring and also influenced the longitudinal relationship between risk‐adjustment and offspring depression.ConclusionsAnxiety and depression distinctly alter the pattern of longitudinal change in reward‐processing. Severity of parent depression was associated with alterations in adolescent offspring reward‐processing in a high‐risk sample.