bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and clinical significance of nodular regenerative hyperplasia in liver biopsies
Authors: Barge Sandrine , Grando Véronique , Nault Jean‐Charles , Broudin Chloé , Beaugrand Michel , Ganne‐Carrié Nathalie , Roulot Dominique , Ziol Marianne 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundNodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is a rare histological disorder associated with a wide variety of systemic diseases.AimsWe aimed (i) to report the prevalence of NRH in a database of liver biopsies (LBs) and the frequency of portal hypertension (PHT) at diagnosis, and (ii) to investigate whether associated diseases and/or specific histological lesions, including abnormalities of the microvasculature, were related to PHT.MethodsPatients with a histological diagnosis of NRH, referred by seven clinical departments, were retrospectively selected. Clinical, biological, radiological, haemodynamic and endoscopic data at diagnosis were recorded. LBs were reassessed for microvascular abnormalities.ResultsNRH was diagnosed in 4.4% of LBs (n = 159, male: 52%, mean age: 54). Among patients referred for unexplained liver enzyme abnormalities, 15% had NRH. PHT was present at diagnosis in 45 patients (38%), including 13 with portal thrombosis; 65% of patients had an associated disorder. Obliteration of portal vein branches, observed in the LBs of 17 patients (11%), was significantly associated with PHT (P = 0.02). Periportal angiomatosis, observed in 101 patients (63%), was associated with the absence of PHT (P < 10−4).ConclusionWe suggest that NRH is a frequent histological lesion in the setting of unexplained liver enzyme abnormalities. PHT is present at the time of diagnosis in 1/3 of patients regardless of the presence of associated disease. The frequency of periportal angiomatosis in NRH without obliteration of portal vein branches, and its association with the absence of PHT suggest that obstructive portal venopathy would not represent the most frequent mechanism involved in NRH.
Mineralogy, petrology, chronology, and exposure history of the Chelyabinsk meteorite and parent body
Authors: Righter K. , Abell P. , Agresti D. , Berger E. L. , Burton A. S. , Delaney J. S. , Fries M. D. , Gibson E. K. , Haba M. K. , Harrington R. , Herzog G. F. , Keller L. P. , Locke D. , Lindsay F. N. , McCoy T. J. , Morris R. V. , Nagao K. , Nakamura‐Messenger K. , Niles P. B. , Nyquist L. E. , Park J. , Peng Z. X. , Shih C.‐Y. , Simon J. I. , Swisher C. C. , Tappa M. J. , Turrin B. D. , Zeigler R. A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThree masses of the Chelyabinsk meteorite have been studied with a wide range of analytical techniques to understand the mineralogical variation and thermal history of the Chelyabinsk parent body. The samples exhibit little to no postentry oxidation via Mössbauer and Raman spectroscopy indicating their fresh character, but despite the rapid collection and care of handling some low levels of terrestrial contamination did nonetheless result. Detailed studies show three distinct lithologies, indicative of a genomict breccia. A light‐colored lithology is LL5 material that has experienced thermal metamorphism and subsequent shock at levels near S4. The second lithology is a shock‐darkened LL5 material in which the darkening is caused by melt and metal‐troilite veins along grain boundaries. The third lithology is an impact melt breccia that formed at high temperatures (~1600 °C), and it experienced rapid cooling and degassing of S2 gas. Portions of light and dark lithologies from Chel‐101, and the impact melt breccias (Chel‐102 and Chel‐103) were prepared and analyzed for Rb‐Sr, Sm‐Nd, and Ar‐Ar dating. When combined with results from other studies and chronometers, at least eight impact events (e.g., ~4.53 Ga, ~4.45 Ga, ~3.73 Ga, ~2.81 Ga, ~1.46 Ga, ~852 Ma, ~312 Ma, and ~27 Ma) are clearly identified for Chelyabinsk, indicating a complex history of impacts and heating events. Finally, noble gases yield young cosmic ray exposure ages, near 1 Ma. These young ages, together with the absence of measurable cosmogenic derived Sm and Cr, indicate that Chelyabinsk may have been derived from a recent breakup event on an NEO of LL chondrite composition.
Coral—the world's most diverse symbiotic ecosystem
Authors: Blackall Linda L. , Wilson Bryan , van Oppen Madeleine J. H. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractZooxanthellate corals (i.e. those harbouring Symbiodinium) are the main builders of the world's shallow‐water marine coral reefs. They represent intimate diverse symbioses between coral animals, single‐celled photosynthetic dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium spp.), other microscopic eukaryotes, prokaryotes and viruses. Crabs and other crustaceans, worms, sponges, bivalves and hydrozoans, fishes, sea urchins, octopuses and sea stars are itinerant members of these ‘rainforests of the sea’. This review focuses on the biodiversity of scleractinian coral animals and their best studied microscopic epi‐ and endosymbionts. In relation to coral‐associated species diversity, Symbiodinium internal transcribed spacer region sequence types tally 102–103 or up to ~15 different operational taxonomic units (OTUs, or putative species at the 97% sequence identity level; this cut‐off was chosen based on intragenomic sequence diversity observed in monoclonal cultures) and prokaryotes (mostly bacterial) total 102–104 OTUs. We analysed all publically accessible 16S rRNA gene sequence data and found Gammaproteobacteria were extremely abundant, followed by Alphaproteobacteria. Notably, Archaea were poorly represented and ‘unassigned OTUs’ were abundant in data generated by high‐throughput DNA sequencing studies of corals. We outline and compare model systems that could be used in future studies of the coral holobiont. In our future directions, we recommend a global coral sampling effort including substantial attention being paid to method of coral tissue acquisition, which compartments (mucus, tissue, skeleton) to explore, broadening the holobiont members considered and linking biodiversity with functional investigations.
Functional characterization of Ostreococcus tauri phototropin
Authors: Sullivan Stuart , Petersen Jan , Blackwood Lisa , Papanatsiou Maria , Christie John M. 
Published: September 2015

Summary

Phototropins (phots) regulate a range of adaptive processes in plants that serve to optimize photosynthetic efficiency and promote growth. Light sensing by Arabidopsis thaliana phots is predominantly mediated by the Light, Oxygen and Voltage sensing 2 (LOV2) flavin‐binding motif located within the N‐terminus of the photoreceptor. Here we characterize the photochemical and biochemical properties of phot from the marine picoalga Ostreococcus tauri phototropin (Otphot) and examine its ability to replace phot‐mediated function in Arabidopsis.

Photochemical properties of Otphot rely on both LOV1 and LOV2. Yet, biochemical analysis indicates that light‐dependent receptor autophosphorylation is primarily dependent on LOV2. As found for Arabidopsis phots, Otphot associates with the plasma membrane and partially internalizes, albeit to a limited extent, in response to blue‐light irradiation.

Otphot is able to elicit a number of phot‐regulated processes in Arabidopsis, including petiole positioning, leaf expansion, stomatal opening and chloroplast accumulation movement. However, Otphot is unable to restore phototropism and chloroplast avoidance movement. Consistent with its lack of phototropic function in Arabidopsis, Otphot does not associate with or trigger dephosphorylation of the phototropic signalling component Non‐Phototropic Hypocotyl 3 (NPH3).

Taken together, these findings indicate that the mechanism of action of plant and evolutionarily distant algal phots is less well conserved than previously thought.
Viscoelastic response of the midpalatal suture during maxillary expansion treatment
Authors: Romanyk D. L. , Shim C. , Liu S. S. , Lagravere M. O. , Major P. W. , Carey J. P. 
Published: September 2015

Structured AbstractObjectivesThe viscoelastic response of the midpalatal suture during maxillary expansion treatment has been sparsely studied. The aim of our study was to use viscoelastic models to investigate the effect of appliance mechanics on sutural tissue.Materials and MethodsFour creep‐strain models were utilized in predicting the midpalatal suture's response to a constant‐force application during expansion treatment. The functional forms included a three‐term separable, three‐term inseparable, two‐term inseparable, and single‐term arrangement. The functions were then transformed into subsequent stress‐relaxation representations to predict suture response as a result of 0.25, 0.20, 0.15, and 0.10 mm displacements. Finally, the single‐term creep‐strain representation was altered to simulate treatment decaying force during treatment. A force that decays 30 and 10% of an initially applied 0.98 N was considered for decaying functions over a 6‐week period, and compared to strain resulting from a constant‐force application.ResultsThis analysis illustrated that the decay in suture strain closely followed decay in force and that the path of decay had minimal impact on overall results. Also, it was found that a single screw activation would likely not cause suture soft tissue failure, even for a 0.25 mm displacement, and that suture stress rapidly decayed within minutes of activation.ConclusionResults from this study support the notion of maintaining a low‐magnitude constant traction on the suture during treatment to avoid soft tissue failure and promote tissue remodeling.
Autoantibodies against β1‐Adrenergic Receptors: Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and Renal Function
Authors: MICHELUCCI ANTONIO , D'ELIOS MARIO MILCO , STICCHI ELENA , PIERAGNOLI PAOLO , RICCIARDI GIUSEPPE , FATINI CINZIA , BENAGIANO MARISA , NICCOLAI ELENA , GRASSI ALESSIA , ATTANÀ PAOLA , NESTI MARTINA , GRIFONI GINO , PADELETTI LUIGI , ABBATE ROSANNA , PRISCO DOMENICO 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) nonresponse remains a major clinical problem. Autoantibodies specific for the β1‐adrenergic (β1‐AAbs) and muscarinic (M2‐AAbs) receptors are found in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) of various etiologies.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 73 HF patients (median age 67 years, 84% males, New York Heart Association II–IV, in sinus rhythm, left ventricular ejection fraction <35%) who received CRT defibrillator (CRT‐D) from 2010 to 2013. β1‐AAbs and M2‐AAbs were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Echocardiography was used to assess CRT response (reduction >15% in left ventricular end‐systolic volume at 6 months follow‐up). Renal function (RF) parameters (creatinine [Cr], blood urea nitrogen [BUN], estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR Modified Diet in Renal Disease], cystatin C [Cys‐C], and neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin [NGAL]) were also evaluated.ResultsA significantly higher percentage of patients positive for β1‐AAbs (OD sample/OD reference ratio >2.1) in nonresponders than in responder patients was observed (57% vs 27%, P = 0.004). No influence of M2‐AAbs on CRT‐D response was demonstrated. β1‐AAbs were predictive of a poor CRT‐D response (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] 3.64 [1.49–8.88], P = 0.005), also after adjustment for RF parameters (OR [95% CI] 4.95 [1.51–16.26], P = 0.008) observed to influence CRT‐D response (Cr P = 0.03, BUN P = 0.009, Cys‐C P = 0.02). The positive rates of β1‐AABs in patients with abnormal blood level of Cr, eGFR, Cys‐C, and NGAL were significantly higher than those with normal levels (P = 0.03, P = 0.02, P = 0.001, P = 0.007, respectively).ConclusionsOur study suggests that (1) the evaluation of β1‐AAb is useful to identify responders to CRT‐D; (2) the presence of β1‐AAbs is in relationship with elevated renal function parameters.
Extrinsic factors can mediate resistance to BRAF inhibition in central nervous system melanoma metastases
Authors: Seifert Heike , Hirata Eishu , Gore Martin , Khabra Komel , Messiou Christina , Larkin James , Sahai Erik 
Published: September 2015

SummaryHere, we retrospectively review imaging of 68 consecutive unselected patients with BRAF V600‐mutant metastatic melanoma for organ‐specific response and progression on vemurafenib. Complete or partial responses were less often seen in the central nervous system (CNS) (36%) and bone (16%) compared to lung (89%), subcutaneous (83%), spleen (71%), liver (85%) and lymph nodes/soft tissue (83%), P < 0.001. CNS was also the most common site of progression.Based on this, we tested in vitro the efficacy of the BRAF inhibitors PLX4720 and dabrafenib in the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Exogenous CSF dramatically reduced cell death in response to both BRAF inhibitors. Effective cell killing was restored by co‐administration of a PI‐3 kinase inhibitor.We conclude that the efficacy of vemurafenib is variable in different organs with CNS being particularly prone to resistance. Extrinsic factors, such as ERK‐ and PI3K‐activating factors in CSF, may mediate BRAF inhibitor resistance in the CNS.
The Underexplored Species: Selective Participation in Direct Democratic Votes
Authors: Sciarini Pascal , Cappelletti Fabio , Goldberg Andreas C. , Lanz Simon 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWhile electoral research usually distinguishes voters from abstainers, in the Swiss direct democratic context one needs to take into account a third category of citizens, the selective voters, who decide anew at each vote whether they will participate or not. This article offers an investigation of this common but under‐researched form of participation. To that end, we take advantage of a unique data‐set linking official turnout data with survey data. Our results show that selective voters constitute the bulk of the electorate. While they form a heterogeneous group in terms of socio‐demographic characteristics, selective voters lean more towards abstainers than towards permanent voters with respect to political variables. We argue that this is not necessarily bad news in terms of democratic theory.
Who, What, Where: an analysis of private sector family planning provision in 57 low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Campbell Oona M. R. , Benova Lenka , Macleod David , Goodman Catherine , Footman Katharine , Pereira Audrey L. , Lynch Caroline A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveFamily planning service delivery has been neglected; rigorous analyses of the patterns of contraceptive provision are needed to inform strategies to address this neglect.MethodsWe used 57 nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys in low‐ and middle‐income countries (2000–2013) in four geographic regions to estimate need for contraceptive services, and examined the sector of provision, by women's socio‐economic position. We also assessed method mix and whether women were informed of side effects.ResultsModern contraceptive use among women in need was lowest in sub‐Saharan Africa (39%), with other regions ranging from 64% to 72%. The private sector share of the family planning market was 37–39% of users across the regions and 37% overall (median across countries: 41%). Private sector users accessed medical providers (range across regions: 30–60%, overall mean: 54% and median across countries 23%), specialised drug sellers (range across regions: 31–52%, overall mean: 36% and median across countries: 43%) and retailers (range across regions: 3–14%, overall mean: 6% and median across countries: 6%). Private retailers played a more important role in sub‐Saharan Africa (14%) than in other regions (3–5%). NGOs and FBOs served a small percentage. Privileged women (richest wealth quintile, urban residents or secondary‐/tertiary‐level education) used private sector services more than the less privileged. Contraceptive method types with higher requirements (medical skills) for provision were less likely to be acquired from the private sector, while short‐acting methods/injectables were more likely. The percentages of women informed of side effects varied by method and provider subtype, but within subtypes were higher among public than private medical providers for four of five methods assessed.ConclusionGiven the importance of private sector providers, we need to understand why women choose their services, what quality services the private sector provides, and how it can be improved. However, when prioritising one of the two sectors (public vs. private), it is critical to consider the potential impact on contraceptive prevalence and equity of met need.
HIV‐positive blood donors unaware of their sexual at‐risk behaviours before donation in Italy
Authors: Raimondo M. , Facco G. , Regine V. , Pupella S. , Grazzini G. , Suligoi B. 
Published: September 2015

Background and ObjectivesDespite the procedures adopted for the selection of blood donors, in Italy the HIV prevalence per 100 000 repeat tested donors (RTD) and first‐time tested donors (FTD) is high compared to most other Council of Europe member states. To evaluate the effectiveness of predonation procedures, we studied both the characteristics and the undisclosed risk behaviours of HIV‐positive donors.Materials and MethodsWe analysed the data from the Italian blood donor surveillance system in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Based on the postdonation interview, HIV‐positive donors were classified by risk behaviour (heterosexual, MSM, ‘non‐sexual’ and ‘not determined’) and by time elapsed from risk behaviour to donation. In Italy, the temporary deferral for exposure to behaviour at risk is 4 months.ResultsIn the postdonation interview, 113 HIV‐positive donors (32·4%), who denied at‐risk behaviours in the predonation selection, reported sexual risk behaviours <4 months prior to donation; they were predominantly males (84·1%) and RTD (63·7%). The main reason for not having reported the risk behaviour in the predonation selection was ‘not realizing having engaged in at‐risk behaviour’ (66·4%).ConclusionThese findings underline the need for more comprehensible educational material, a clearer predonation questionnaire, and effective information campaigns to improve the awareness of HIV sexual risk behaviours among blood donors.
Biomechanical Evaluation of the Stabilizing Function of Three Atlantoaxial Implants Under Shear Loading: A Canine Cadaveric Study
Authors: Riedinger Benoit , Bürki Alexander , Stahl Christina , Howard Judith , Forterre Franck 
Published: September 2015

ObjectiveTo compare the biomechanical properties of a ventral transarticular lag screw fixation technique, a new dorsal atlantoaxial instability (AAI) clamp, and a new ventral AAI hook plate under sagittal shear loading after transection of the ligaments of the atlantoaxial joint.Study DesignCadaveric biomechanical study.AnimalsCanine cadavers (n = 10).Materials and MethodsThe occipitoatlantoaxial region of Beagles euthanatized for reasons unrelated to the study was prepared leaving only ligamentous structures and the joint capsules between the first 2 cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2). The atlanto‐occipital joints were stabilized with 2 transarticular diverging positive threaded K‐wires. The occipital bone and the caudal end of C2 were embedded in polymethylmethacrylate and loaded in shear to a force of 50 Newtons. The range of motion (ROM) and neutral zone (NZ) of the atlantoaxial joint were determined after 3 loading cycles with atlantoaxial ligaments intact, after ligament transection, and after fixation with each implant. The testing order of implants was randomly assigned. The implants tested last were subjected to failure testing.ResultsAll stabilization procedures decreased the ROM and NZ of the atlantoaxial joint compared to transected ligament specimens. Only stabilization with transarticular lag screws and ventral plates produced a significant reduction of ROM compare to intact specimens.ConclusionFixation with transarticular lag screws and a ventral hook plate was biomechanically similar and provided more rigidity compared to dorsal clamp fixation. Further load cycling to failure tests and clinical studies are required before making clinical recommendations.
The Birth of a Contingent Faculty Activist
Authors: Wiegard Anne 
Published: September 2015

What follows is a transcript of a telephone interview conducted on October 10, 2014 with Kim Laffont, founder of the South Florida Faculty Association. In 2013, Kim and her partner Julian, who is an independent filmmaker, began work on a documentary about the employment issues Kim (shown in the photo on the left in a white skirt) was experiencing in her adjunct positions at community colleges. Her communications with colleagues as she began work on the film led to the inception of organizing the South Florida Faculty Association. In January of 2015, Kim obtained a full‐time job at a community college; her professional obligations do not include teaching.Kim was interviewed by Anne Wiegard, an executive board member of United University Professions (affiliated with New York State United Teachers and American Federation of Teachers). Judy Olson, a representative on the Lecturers' Council of the California Faculty Association (affiliated with California Teachers Association and National Education Association) and Chair of the NEA Contingent Faculty Caucus, served as the scribe. The interviewer's questions appear in bold type.
Risk Prioritization Tool to Identify the Public Health Risks of Wildlife Trade: The Case of Rodents from Latin America
Authors: Bueno I. , Smith K.M. , Sampedro F. , Machalaba C.C. , Karesh W.B. , Travis D.A. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryWildlife trade (both formal and informal) is a potential driver of disease introduction and emergence. Legislative proposals aim to prevent these risks by banning wildlife imports, and creating ‘white lists’ of species that are cleared for importation. These approaches pose economic harm to the pet industry, and place substantial burden on importers and/or federal agencies to provide proof of low risk for importation of individual species. As a feasibility study, a risk prioritization tool was developed to rank the pathogens found in rodent species imported from Latin America into the United States with the highest risk of zoonotic consequence in the United States. Four formally traded species and 16 zoonotic pathogens were identified. Risk scores were based on the likelihood of pathogen release and human exposure, and the severity of the disease (consequences). Based on the methodology applied, three pathogens (Mycobacterium microti, Giardia spp. and Francisella tularensis) in one species (Cavia porcellus) were ranked as highest concern. The goal of this study was to present a methodological approach by which preliminary management resources can be allocated to the identified high‐concern pathogen–species combinations when warranted. This tool can be expanded to other taxa and geographic locations to inform policy surrounding the wildlife trade.