bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does lymphopenia or macrocytosis reflect 6‐thioguanine levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with azathioprine or 6‐mercaptopurine?
Authors: Heerasing N. M. , Ng J. F. , Dowling D. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundThe thiopurine drugs, 6‐mercaptopurine and azathioprine, remain the mainstay of immunomodulator therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Optimal management depends on achieving therapeutic levels of 6‐thioguanine (6‐TGN), but measuring thiopurine metabolites is associated with significant cost. Thiopurines cause lymphopenia and an increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV). It is unclear whether any clinically useful correlation exists between 6‐TGN levels and lymphocyte count or MCV.AimsThe aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between 6‐TGN levels and lymphocyte count and MCV in thiopurine‐treated patients with IBD.MethodsWe analysed a prospectively acquired database of 67 patients with IBD treated with thiopurine therapy. The data were analysed looking at the relationship between 6‐TGN levels and both lymphocyte count and MCV by using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.ResultsTwenty‐seven (40%) patients had therapeutic 6‐TGN levels. Thirty‐three (49%) patients had sub‐therapeutic 6‐TGN levels. A weak positive correlation between 6‐TGN levels and lymphocyte count was demonstrated, but this was not statistically significant (Spearman's R = 0.14, P = 0.23). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between 6‐TGN levels and MCV was statistically significant (R = 0.42, P = 0.0005). MCV >101 fL excluded a subtherapeutic 6‐TGN level with positive predictive value of 92%.ConclusionsThere is no specific lymphopenia that can be assumed to indicate a therapeutic 6‐TGN level. The relationship between 6‐TGN levels and MCV is likely to be clinically relevant. If MCV is elevated, 6‐TGN is unlikely to be sub‐therapeutic. MCV is a potential surrogate marker which can rule out sub‐therapeutic thiopurine metabolites in patients with IBD treated with azathioprine or 6‐mercaptopurine.
FASD Prevalence among Schoolchildren in Poland
Authors: Okulicz‐Kozaryn Katarzyna , Borkowska Magdalena , Brzózka Krzysztof 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundPrenatal Alcohol Exposure is a major cause of brain damage and developmental delay, known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) but in Poland is rarely diagnosed and the scale of problem is not known.MethodsAn active case ascertainment approach was applied to estimate the prevalence of FASD among 7–9 years olds. Pre‐screening was conducted in 113 randomly selected regular and special schools. In the screening phase participated 280 children (54% from the risk group, 60% boys). The entire number of eligible students (N = 2500) was taken as a denominator.ResultsThe prevalence of FASD is not lower than 2%, including 0.4% of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.ConclusionsNeurodevelopmental disorders associated with PAE are a serious challenge for the public health system. Development of procedures and services to diagnose and to support individuals affected by PAE and their families is an urgent need in Poland.
Rates of inbreeding and genetic adaptation for populations managed as herds in zoos with a rotational mating system or with optimized contribution of parents
Authors: Mucha S. , Komen H. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThis study compares two genetic management scenarios for species kept in herds, such as deer. The simulations were designed so that their results can be extended to a wide range of zoo populations. In the first scenario, the simulated populations of size 3 × 20, 6 × 40 or 20 × 60 (herds × animals in herd) were managed with a rotational mating (RM) scheme in which 10%, 20% or 50% of males were selected for breeding and moved between herds in a circular fashion. The second scenario was based on optimal contribution theory (OC). OC requires an accurate pedigree to calculate kinship; males were selected and assigned numbers of offspring to minimize kinship in the next generation. RM was efficient in restriction of inbreeding and produced results comparable with OC. However, RM can result in genetic adaptation of the population to the zoo environment, in particular when 20% or less males are selected for rotation and selection of animals is not random. Lowest rates of inbreeding were obtained by combining OC with rotation of males as in the RM scheme. RM is easy to implement in practice and does not require pedigree data. When full pedigree is available, OC management is preferable.
Statistical modeling of nitrogen‐dependent modulation of root system architecture in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Araya Takao , Kubo Takuya , von Wirén Nicolaus , Takahashi Hideki 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPlant root development is strongly affected by nutrient availability. Despite the importance of structure and function of roots in nutrient acquisition, statistical modeling approaches to evaluate dynamic and temporal modulations of root system architecture in response to nutrient availability have remained as widely open and exploratory areas in root biology. In this study, we developed a statistical modeling approach to investigate modulations of root system architecture in response to nitrogen availability. Mathematical models were designed for quantitative assessment of root growth and root branching phenotypes and their dynamic relationships based on hierarchical configuration of primary and lateral roots formulating the fishbone‐shaped root system architecture in Arabidopsis thaliana. Time‐series datasets reporting dynamic changes in root developmental traits on different nitrate or ammonium concentrations were generated for statistical analyses. Regression analyses unraveled key parameters associated with: (i) inhibition of primary root growth under nitrogen limitation or on ammonium; (ii) rapid progression of lateral root emergence in response to ammonium; and (iii) inhibition of lateral root elongation in the presence of excess nitrate or ammonium. This study provides a statistical framework for interpreting dynamic modulation of root system architecture, supported by meta‐analysis of datasets displaying morphological responses of roots to diverse nitrogen supplies.
Biorevitalizing effect of a novel facial serum containing apple stem cell extract, pro‐collagen lipopeptide, creatine, and urea on skin aging signs
Authors: Sanz Maria Teresa , Campos Celia , Milani Massimo , Foyaca Monica , Lamy Amandine , Kurdian Karine , Trullas Carles 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundEpithelial regeneration in skin is achieved by the constant turnover and differentiation of keratinocytes. Epidermal and dermal stem cells compartments are fundamental for the continuous renewal of the skin. Adult stem cells are the unique source for skin tissue renewal. Plants have stem cells and plant derived stem cell extracts are now used in topical products for their potential anti‐ageing and anti‐wrinkle effects. A new dermocosmetic product containing apple stem cell extract, urea, creatine and palmitoyl tripeptide‐38 (Ureadin Fusion Serum Lift Antiarrugas, ISDIN S.A), has been recently developed to target different aspects involved in skin aging.Study aimTo assess in vitro the effects of this new serum on the metabolic functions of human senescent fibroblasts and in vivo the anti‐aging effects by clinical and instrumental evaluation.MethodsWe evaluated the effects of the serum on the mitochondrial ROS (reactive oxygen species) production in human senescent cultured fibroblasts measured at 0.1% and 1% using the Mitoread AntiOx mtROS method. In addition we evaluated the anti‐ageing in vivo effect of this new serum applied on the face twice daily for 28 consecutive days and assessed by clinical and instrumental evaluation in 32 women with sensitive skin bearing wrinkles on crow's feet.ResultsThe tested serum both at 0.1% and 1% induces a significant increase in 02 consumption, cellular ATP level and a reduction in extra‐cellular lactate concentration. The product reduces also significantly the mitochondrial ROS production. The clinical study shows a relevant anti‐wrinkle effect in 71% of the treated women with visible effects in 68% of the subjects as soon as 7 days of treatment. A significant increase in dermal density and skin elasticity was also observed.ConclusionThe use of this novel anti‐aging serum demonstrated a significant improvement of aging skin signs with first visible results achieved after one week of use. The product seemed to optimize the metabolic functions in human senescent cultured fibroblast restoring a more efficient cell metabolism therefore contributing to the anti‐aging properties of the product.
The Effect of Luting Cement and Titanium Base on the Final Color of Zirconium Oxide Core Material
Authors: Capa Nuray , Tuncel Ilkin , Tak Onjen , Usumez Aslihan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effects of different types of luting cements and different colors of zirconium cores on the final color of the restoration that simulates implant‐supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs) by using a titanium base on the bottom.Materials and MethodsOne hundred and twenty zirconium oxide core plates (Zr‐Zahn; 10 mm in width, 5 mm in length, 0.5 mm in height) were prepared in different shades (n = 20; noncolored, A2, A3, B1, C2, D2). The specimens were subdivided into two subgroups for the two types of luting cements (n = 10). The initial color measurements were made on zirconium oxide core plates using a spectrometer. To create the cement thicknesses, stretch strips with holes in the middle (5 mm in diameter, 70 μm in height) were used. The second measurement was done on the zirconium oxide core plates after the application of the resin cement (U‐200, A2 Shade) or polycarboxylate cement (Lumicon). The final measurement was done after placing the titanium discs (5 mm in diameter, 3 mm in height) in the bottom. The data were analyzed with two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant differences (HSD) tests (α = 0.05).ResultsThe ∆E*ab value was higher in the resin cement‐applied group than in the polycarboxylate cement‐applied group (p < 0.001). The highest ∆E*ab value was recorded for the zirconium oxide core‐resin cement–titanium base, and the lowest was recorded for the polycarboxylate cement–zirconium oxide core (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe luting cement, the presence of titanium, and the color of zirconium are all important factors that determine the final shade of zirconia cores in implant‐supported FPDs.
Hybrid ‘superswarm’ leads to rapid divergence and establishment of populations during a biological invasion
Authors: Roy Denis , Lucek Kay , Walter Ryan P. , Seehausen Ole 
Published: October 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the genetic background of invading species can be crucial information clarifying why they become invasive. Intraspecific genetic admixture among lineages separated in the native ranges may promote the rate and extent of an invasion by substantially increasing standing genetic variation. Here, we examined the genetic relationships among threespine stickleback that recently colonized Switzerland. This invasion results from several distinct genetic lineages that colonized multiple locations and have since undergone range expansions, where they coexist and admix in parts of their range. Using 17 microsatellites genotyped for 634 individuals collected from 17 Swiss and two non‐Swiss European sites, we reconstruct the invasion of stickleback and investigate the potential and extent of admixture and hybridization among the colonizing lineages from a population genetic perspective. Specifically, we test for an increase in standing genetic variation in populations where multiple lineages coexist. We find strong evidence of massive hybridization early on, followed by what appears to be recent increased genetic isolation and the formation of several new genetically distinguishable populations, consistent with a hybrid ‘superswarm’. This massive hybridization and population formation event(s) occurred over approximately 140 years and likely fuelled the successful invasion of a diverse range of habitats. The implications are that multiple colonizations coupled with hybridization can lead to the formation of new stable genetic populations potentially kick‐starting speciation and adaptive radiation over a very short timescale.
Parasite molecules and host responses in cystic echinococcosis
Authors: Díaz A. , Casaravilla C. , Barrios A. A. , Ferreira A. M. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryCystic echinococcosis is the infection by the larvae of cestode parasites belonging to the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato species complex. Local host responses are strikingly subdued in relation to the size and persistence of these larvae, which develop within mammalian organs as ‘hydatid cysts’ measuring up to tens of cm in diameter. In a context in which helminth‐derived immune‐suppressive, as well as Th2‐inducing, molecules garner much interest, knowledge on the interactions between E. granulosus molecules and the immune system lags behind. Here, we discuss what is known and what are the open questions on E. granulosus molecules and structures interacting with the innate and adaptive immune systems, potentially or in demonstrated form. We attempt a global biological approach on molecules that have been given consideration primarily as protective (Eg95) or diagnostic antigens (antigen B, antigen 5). We integrate glycobiological information, which traverses the discussions on antigen 5, the mucin‐based protective laminated layer and immunologically active preparations from protoscoleces. We also highlight some less well‐known molecules that appear as promising candidates to possess immune‐regulatory activities. Finally, we point out gaps in the molecular‐level knowledge of this infectious agent that hinder our understanding of its immunology.
Bridging the gap between interviewer and interviewee: developing an interview guide for individual interviews by means of a focus group
Authors: Pedersen Birgith , Delmar Charlotte , Falkmer Ursula , Grønkjær Mette 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundIn developing an interview guide, pre‐existing knowledge about the research topic is essential. In a recent study, we were interested in exploring the experiences of weight changes among women treated for breast cancer using individual interviews. However, to develop an interview guide for the individual interviews that covered relevant thematic and dynamic dimensions, we found existing literature insufficient. Thus, we turned our attention to the benefit of the focus group method.ObjectivesThis study aims to discuss how a focus group prior to individual interviews may contribute in developing the thematic dimension and translating the dynamic dimension of an interview guide into everyday language.MethodsWe conducted one focus group interview of five women treated for breast cancer with experiences in weight changes. Data were analysed using content and conversation analysis and discussed with relevant literature on interview guide development.EthicsThe study is approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency (2008‐58‐0028) and follows the ethical guidelines for qualitative research.ResultsData generation and analysis resulted in themes for the thematic dimension, as well as three dynamic areas to consider in the individual interviews to bridge the gap between the interviewer and the interviewee. The dynamic areas are as follows: The use of words, images and metaphors – a shield and self‐protection, Multiple meanings to explore and Staying close to the everyday language.ConclusionThe analysis made us more familiar with the content and meaning of weight changes among breast cancer survivors. Furthermore, it provided images and metaphors, multiple meanings and a sense of the women's everyday language that calls for an open interview frame to be used in subsequent individual interviews.
Beginnings—The Kidney and Nephrology in Ancient Mesopotamian Culture
Authors: Eknoyan Garabed 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA defining period in the history of civilization occurred in ancient Mesopotamia. While some of Mesopotamian contributions to knowledge (writing, mathematics, astronomy) have been recognized, those made to medicine are just beginning to be studied and appreciated. The medicine of the time developed in a theocratic society where local gods controlled all aspects of life and their healers were learned scribes who established the priestly medicine of old. For their use of prayers and incantations as a component of therapy Mesopotamian medicine has been belittled and relegated to magic. In fact, the Mesopotamian healers established the basic medical skills of observation, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment and, over time, systematically produced an expanding corpus of medical knowledge that had not existed theretofore. The kidney as an organ, the components of the urogenital tract, some signs and symptoms of renal diseases, and the art of urinalysis were first conceptualized, studied, and codified in Mesopotamia. In doing so, the Mesopotamians set the foundations of rational medicine that would follow after the introduction of the phonetic alphabet and the Socratic method of questioning and debate to stimulate critical analysis.
Mortality in adult immigrants in the 2000s in Belgium: a test of the ‘healthy‐migrant’ and the ‘migration‐as‐rapid‐health‐transition’ hypotheses
Authors: Vandenheede Hadewijch , Willaert Didier , De Grande Hannelore , Simoens Steven , Vanroelen Christophe 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveFirstly, to map out and compare all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality patterns by migrant background in Belgium; and secondly, to probe into explanations for the observed patterns, more specifically into the healthy‐migrant, acculturation and the migration‐as‐rapid‐health‐transition theories.MethodsData comprise individually linked Belgian census‐mortality follow‐up data for the period 2001–2011. All official inhabitants aged 25–54 at time of the census were included. To delve into the different explanations, differences in all‐cause and chronic‐ and infectious‐disease mortality were estimated using Poisson regression models, adjusted for age, socioeconomic position and urbanicity.ResultsFirst‐generation immigrants have lower all‐cause and chronic‐disease mortality than the host population. This mortality advantage wears off with length of stay and is more marked among non‐Western than Western first‐generation immigrants. For example, Western and non‐Western male immigrants residing 10 years or more in Belgium have a mortality rate ratio for cardiovascular disease of 0.72 (95% CI 0.66–0.78) and 0.59 (95% CI 0.53–0.66), respectively (vs host population). The pattern of infectious‐disease mortality in migrants is slightly different, with rather high mortality rates in first‐generation sub‐Saharan Africans and rather low rates in all other immigrant groups. As for second‐generation immigrants, the picture is gloomier, with a mortality disadvantage that disappears after control for socioeconomic position.ConclusionFindings are largely consistent with the healthy‐migrant, acculturation and the migration‐as‐rapid‐health‐transition theories. The convergence of the mortality profile of second‐generation immigrants towards that of the host population with similar socioeconomic position indicates the need for policies simultaneously addressing different areas of deprivation.
Potassium inhibits nitric oxide and adenosine arteriolar vasodilatation via KIR and Na+/K+ATPase: implications for redundancy in active hyperaemia
Authors: Lamb Iain R. , Murrant Coral L. 
Published: October 2015

Key points
Multiple vasodilators have been identified as being important in matching blood flow to the metabolism of contracting skeletal muscle and it has been hypothesized that this process is governed by redundancy between vasodilators, where one vasodilator can compensate for the loss of another.
In the present study, we aimed to determine whether redundancy between vasodilators exists by investigating whether vasodilators relevant to skeletal muscle contraction can inhibit the effects of other vasodilators.
We show that potassium can inhibit vasodilatations induced by adenosine and nitric oxide, and also that adenosine and nitric oxide can interact in a way that changes over time.
Furthermore, we show that inward rectifying potassium channels and Na+/K+ATPase are partially mechanistically responsible for the interaction between potassium and adenosine and nitric oxide.
Our data provide proof of principle that vasodilators relevant to muscle contraction interact and also that redundancy may govern the processes of active hyperaemia.
AbstractRedundancy, in active hyperaemia, where one vasodilator can compensate for another if the first is missing, would require that one vasodilator inhibits the effects of another; therefore, if the first vasodilator is inhibited, its inhibitory influence on the second vasodilator is removed and the second vasodilator exerts a greater vasodilatory effect. We aimed to determine whether vasodilators relevant to skeletal muscle contraction [potassium chloride (KCl), adenosine (ADO) and nitric oxide] inhibit one another and, in addition, to investigate the mechanisms for this interaction. We used the hamster cremaster muscle and intravital microscopy to directly visualize 2A arterioles when exposed to a range of concentrations of one vasodilator [10−8 to 10−5 m S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl penicillamine (SNAP), 10−8 to 10−5 m ADO, 10 and 20 mm KCl] in the absence and then in the presence of a second vasodilator (10−7 m ADO, 10−7 m SNAP, 10 mm KCl). We found that KCl significantly attenuated SNAP‐induced vasodilatations by ∼65.8% and vasodilatations induced by 10−8 to 10−6 m ADO by ∼72.8%. Furthermore, we observed that inhibition of KCl vasodilatation, by antagonizing either Na+/K+ ATPase using ouabain or inward rectifying potassium channels using barium chloride, could restore the SNAP‐induced vasodilatation by up to ∼53.9% and 30.6%, respectively, and also restore the ADO‐induced vasodilatations by up to ∼107% and 76.7%, respectively. Our data show that vasodilators relevant to muscle contraction can interact in a way that alters the effectiveness of other vasodilators. These data suggest that active hyperaemia may be the result of complex interactions between multiple vasodilators via a redundant control paradigm.