bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ursodeoxycholic acid decreases bilirubin‐induced osteoblast apoptosis
Authors: Ruiz‐Gaspà Silvia , Dubreuil Marta , Guañabens Nuria , Combalia Andrés , Peris Pilar , Monegal Ana , Parés Albert 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundLow bone turnover osteoporosis is common in cholestatic diseases. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) counteracts the damaging effects of bilirubin or lithocholic acid (LCA) on osteoblast viability, proliferation and mineralisation. UDCA is anti‐apoptotic in various cell lines, but this effect in bone cells is unknown. Therefore, the consequences of bilirubin and LCA on apoptosis, and whether UDCA has anti‐apoptotic effects have been assessed on osteoblasts.Materials and MethodsHuman osteoblasts (hOB) and osteosarcoma cell line (Saos‐2) were treated with camptothecin as a pro‐apoptotic agent, and UDCA, LCA and bilirubin. Apoptosis was determined by DNA fragmentation, flow cytometry, caspase‐3 activity and expression of pro‐apoptotic (Bcl‐2‐associated X protein BAX) and anti‐apoptotic (BCL2 and BCL2‐like 1 protein, BCL2L) genes.ResultsBoth LCA (10 μM) and bilirubin (50 μM) induced apoptosis as indicated by DNA fragmentation (4·7‐ and 3·7‐fold, respectively, P < 0·001), caspase‐3 activity and flow cytometry in Saos‐2 and hOB. UDCA (10 μM) reduced the apoptotic effects of camptothecin (0·5 μM) by 61%, (P < 0·001) and counteracted the apoptotic effects of LCA and bilirubin determined by DNA fragmentation (56% and 60%, respectively, P < 0·001), cytometry and caspase‐3 activity in Saos‐2, with lower effects in hOB. UDCA (10 μM) downregulated BAX (75%), upregulated BCL2L (10‐fold, P < 0·01) genes, and neutralised BAX upregulation (P < 0·01) and BCL2L downregulation (P < 0·01) induced by LCA and bilirubin.ConclusionsBilirubin and LCA induce apoptosis in osteoblastic cells. UDCA counteracts the apoptotic consequences of these two substances, and therefore, it may have further beneficial effects on the decreased bone formation in the cholestasis.
Autumn microhabitat breadth differs between family groups of Atlantic salmon parr (Salmo salar) in a small chalk stream
Authors: Fernandes Wendy P. A. , Copp Gordon H. , Riley William D. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe effect of family traits on the microhabitat use by six genetically distinct groups (three in each year of study) of juvenile Atlantic salmon tagged with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags was studied via PIT‐tag detectors installed on the river bed in a small chalk stream of southern England, during Autumn in 2006 and 2007. Canonical correspondence analysis of the molecular and microhabitat data revealed considerable overlap in the microhabitat use of the family groups and notable differences in microhabitat breadth, which was partly influenced by sample size. The data suggest that microhabitat breadth and preferences of wild salmon are influenced by family of origin.
Indicators of unsustainable fishery in the Middle Danube
Authors: Jarić Ivan , Smederevac‐Lalić Marija , Jovičić Katarina , Jaćimović Milica , Cvijanović Gorčin , Lenhardt Mirjana , Kalauzi Aleksandar 
Published: October 2014

AbstractFishery in the Danube River basin has been characterised over the past century by increasing fishing levels, illegal fishing practices and poor regulations. However, there is a remarkable lack of available information on the actual status of fish stocks, as well as on the trends and sustainability of fisheries, which poses a problem for the development of adequate policy and management measures. In this study, we assessed the trends in the commercial fishery in the Middle Danube in Serbia during 1969–1989 and 2006–2010 by evaluating the temporal changes in life history‐related indicators that might point out unsustainable fishing pressures. Moreover, we present the approach of using the catch‐weighted mean egg‐per‐recruit (EPR) index as a proxy for the overall resilience of fish stocks to fishing. Results indicated a marked shift towards smaller fish that mature earlier and have a shorter lifespan. Landings also shifted towards species at lower trophic levels, with a mean trophic level decline at a rate of approximately 0.16 per decade. Results indicated likely presence of the ‘fishing through the food web’ phenomenon. At the same time, catch‐weighted community mean of the 20% EPR threshold ratio (EPR20%) increased by 4.2%, indicating the increase of the overall resilience to fishing of the exploited species. Obtained results indicated the importance of using such metrics for the assessments of trends in fishery. The approach and results presented here could be of interest for the scientific community and stakeholders involved in fishery management.
Friend and foe: factors influencing the movement of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori along the parasitism–mutualism continuum
Authors: Lin Derek , Koskella Britt 
Published: October 2014

AbstractUnderstanding the transition of bacterial species from commensal to pathogen, or vice versa, is a key application of evolutionary theory to preventative medicine. This requires working knowledge of the molecular interaction between hosts and bacteria, ecological interactions among microbes, spatial variation in bacterial prevalence or host life history, and evolution in response to these factors. However, there are very few systems for which such broad datasets are available. One exception is the gram‐negative bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, which infects upwards of 50% of the global human population. This bacterium is associated with a wide breadth of human gastrointestinal disease, including numerous cancers, inflammatory disorders, and pathogenic infections, but is also known to confer fitness benefits to its host both indirectly, through interactions with other pathogens, and directly. Outstanding questions are therefore why, when, and how this bacterium transitions along the parasitism–mutualism continuum. We examine known virulence factors, genetic predispositions of the host, and environmental contributors that impact progression of clinical disease and help define geographical trends in disease incidence. We also highlight the complexity of the interaction and discuss future therapeutic strategies for disease management and public health in light of the longstanding evolutionary history between the bacterium and its human host.
The flavoprotein FerB of Paracoccus denitrificans binds to membranes, reduces ubiquinone and superoxide, and acts as an in vivo antioxidant
Authors: Sedláček Vojtĕch , Ptáčková Nikola , Rejmontová Petra , Kučera Igor 
Published: October 2014

FerB is a flavin mononucleotide (FMN)‐containing NAD(P)H:acceptor oxidoreductase of unknown function that is found in the cytoplasm of the bacterium Paracoccus denitrificans. Based on measurements of fluorescence anisotropy, we report here that recombinant FerB readily binds to artificial membrane vesicles. If ubiquinone is incorporated into the membrane, FerB catalyzes its conversion to ubihydroquinone, which may be followed fluorimetrically (with ferricyanide and pyranine entrapped inside the liposomes) or by HPLC. FerB also reduces exogenously added superoxide or superoxide that has been enzymatically generated by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase system or P. denitrificans membrane vesicles. In whole cells, deficiency of FerB increases sensitivity to methyl viologen, as indicated by a lower growth rate and increased production of reactive aldehydes (by‐products of lipid oxidation). Taken together, these data support a role for FerB in protection of cells against lipid peroxidation‐mediated oxidative stress, and suggest that FerB is a prokaryotic counterpart of mammalian NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1.
Incidence of and risk factors for bile duct stones after living donor liver transplantation: An analysis of 100 patients
Authors: Senoo Takemasa , Ichikawa Tatsuki , Taura Naota , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Miuma Satoshi , Shibata Hidetaka , Honda Takuya , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Hidaka Masaaki , Soyama Akihiko , Eguchi Susumu , Nakao Kazuhiko 
Published: October 2014

AimAlthough bile duct stone (BDS) is one of the biliary complications of liver transplantation, analytical studies, particularly on living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) cases, are rare. This study aimed to clarify the incidence of and risk factors for BDS following LDLT.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 100 patients who underwent LDLT at our institute from August 2000 to May 2012, and analyzed their clinical characteristics and risk factors for BDS.ResultsOf these, 10 patients (10.0%) developed BDS during the observation period. The median follow‐up period to BDS diagnosis was 45.5 months (range, 5–84) after LDLT. Univariate analysis revealed male sex, right lobe graft and bile duct strictures as factors that significantly correlated with BDS formation. Multivariate analysis revealed bile duct strictures (odds ratio, 7.17; P = 0.011) and right lobe graft (odds ratio, 10.20; P = 0.040) to be independent risk factors for BDS formation. One patient with BDS and biliary strictures succumbed to sepsis from cholangitis.ConclusionIn the present study, right lobe graft and bile duct strictures are independent risk factors for BDS formation after LDLT. More careful observation and monitoring are required in the patients with high‐risk factors.
Glucagon‐reactive islet‐infiltrating CD8 T cells in NOD mice
Authors: Mukherjee Gayatri , Chaparro Rodolfo J. , Schloss Jennifer , Smith Carla , Bando Christopher D. , DiLorenzo Teresa P. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryType 1 diabetes is characterized by T‐cell‐mediated destruction of the insulin‐producing β cells in pancreatic islets. A number of islet antigens recognized by CD8 T cells that contribute to disease pathogenesis in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice have been identified; however, the antigenic specificities of the majority of the islet‐infiltrating cells have yet to be determined. The primary goal of the current study was to identify candidate antigens based on the level and specificity of expression of their genes in mouse islets and in the mouse β cell line MIN6. Peptides derived from the candidates were selected based on their predicted ability to bind H‐2Kd and were examined for recognition by islet‐infiltrating T cells from NOD mice. Several proteins, including those encoded by Abcc8, Atp2a2, Pcsk2, Peg3 and Scg2, were validated as antigens in this way. Interestingly, islet‐infiltrating T cells were also found to recognize peptides derived from proglucagon, whose expression in pancreatic islets is associated with α cells, which are not usually implicated in type 1 diabetes pathogenesis. However, type 1 diabetes patients have been reported to have serum autoantibodies to glucagon, and NOD mouse studies have shown a decrease in α cell mass during disease pathogenesis. Our finding of islet‐infiltrating glucagon‐specific T cells is consistent with these reports and suggests the possibility of α cell involvement in development and progression of disease.
Déréglementation du marché du travail versus gains de productivité? Analyse des données de vingt pays de l'OCDE (1960–2004)
Authors: VERGEER Robert , KLEINKNECHT Alfred 
Published: October 2014

RésuméL'estimation économétrique montre que la modération salariale et la diminution de la part du travail dans le revenu national réduisent la croissance de la productivité du travail. Ainsi, les réformes du marché du travail dictées par l'offre contribuent à réduire les gains de productivité, ce qui ne peut s'expliquer par l'afflux de main‐d'œuvre faiblement productive, comme l'avance l'OCDE. En outre, déréglementation, licenciements facilités et rotation accélérée de la main‐d'œuvre freinent l'apprentissage et l'accumulation des connaissances dans les entreprises, ainsi que le modèle «routinier» d'innovation, dit «Schumpeter II». Enfin, la pertinence des lois de Baumol et Verdoorn est remise en question.
La importancia del empleo para reactivar el crecimiento y reducir la desigualdad
Authors: NAYYAR Deepak 
Published: October 2014

ResumenLa crisis económica mundial ha frenado el crecimiento y aún más la creación de empleo. El deterioro de las condiciones de trabajo exacerba la tendencia a la desigualdad. El crecimiento sin empleo obstaculiza el crecimiento de la producción debido a una peor distribución del ingreso. Los salarios son costos para la oferta, pero también ingresos que sostienen la demanda; el crecimiento impulsado por los salarios es pues complementario del impulsado por los beneficios. Crecimiento y empleo se retroalimentan. Con más empleo y de mejor calidad disminuirá también la desigualdad. Si las políticas macroeconómicas se centran en crear empleo y no en los precios y los presupuestos, el empleo reavivará el crecimiento y reducirá la desigualdad.
Sistemas de jubilación y reformas de los regímenes de pensiones en Malasia
Authors: TOLOS Habibah , WANG Peijie , ZHANG Miao , SHAND Rory 
Published: October 2014

ResumenSe evalúan en este artículo los problemas actuales de los sistemas de jubilación malasios y las reformas emprendidas recientemente. Se analizan y comparan los modelos de regímenes de pensiones de la OIT, el Banco Mundial y la Geneva Association, generando un marco conceptual para el diseño y la reforma de regímenes de pensiones. A continuación se utiliza este marco para evaluar las reformas emprendidas en Malasia y sus ventajas e inconvenientes para los trabajadores. Los autores concluyen con recomendaciones para reformas futuras.
Copy Number Variations in Normal Karyotype Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and their Association with Treatment Response
Authors: Kim Kyung Im , Kim Tae‐kyung , Kim In‐Wha , Ahn Kwang‐Sung , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Shin Wan Gyoon , Oh Jung Mi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCopy number variation (CNV) has been reported to be associated with chemotherapy response, which affects disease prognosis. Here, we determined the frequency of genome‐wide cytogenetic CNV aberrations in Korean patients with normal karyotype (NK) acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and tested whether these genomic variations contribute to differences in Ara‐C and anthracycline‐based chemotherapy responses. Bone marrow aspirates and blood from 30 previously untreated de novo NK‐AML patients were provided at the time of diagnosis for copy number analysis. Possible associations between cytogenetic aberrations and clinical parameters were analysed. CNVs were identified in 23 (76.7%) of the 30 cases tested. Multivariate analyses controlled for other clinical co‐variates showed that patients having copy number loss had a decreased probability of complete remission (OR, 0.015 [95% CI, 0–0.737], p = 0.035). Patients who had a copy number gain of more than four regions tended to have shorter event‐free survival (EFS) (p = 0.083) with multivariate analysis showing that CNV increase is an independent predictive factor for shorter EFS (HR, 22.104 [95% CI, 1.644–297.157], p = 0.020). In addition, we identified candidate genes that may be involved in Ara‐C and anthracycline drug response in Korean patients with NK‐AML. These results suggest that CNVs may affect the success of Ara‐C and anthracycline‐based chemotherapy in Korean patients with NK‐AML.
The Protective Role of Zinc against Acute Toxicity of Depleted Uranium in Rats
Authors: Hao Yuhui , Ren Jiong , Liu Jing , Luo Shenglin , Ma Ting , Li Rong , Su Yongping 
Published: October 2014

AbstractDepleted uranium (DU) has been widely used in both civilian and military activities and contributes to health problems. This study was undertaken to evaluate the protective role of zinc against acute toxicity of DU. Sprague Dawley rats were injected with DU (10 mg/kg, i.p.) to create a toxicity model (DU group). Before and after the injection of DU, zinc sulphate (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered once a day for 2 days. The survival rates at 30 days post DU administration and the effects of zinc at 4 days post DU administration were evaluated. Our data indicate that zinc has obvious protective effects, especially pre‐treatment with zinc. Rats pre‐treated with zinc had significantly higher survival rates than rats in the DU group, with 60.03% more surviving. In addition, at 4 days post DU administration, the former had lower kidney uranium content, insignificant renal tubular epithelial cell necrosis and less transparent tubes. Meanwhile, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and urine N‐acethyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase concentrations were significantly decreased; the gene expression levels of metallothionein (MT) in kidney tissues were significantly increased; and catalase levels were increased and malondialdehyde levels were decreased. In conclusion, pre‐treatment with zinc significantly alleviated acute toxicity of DU, and the mechanism appeared to be related to the induction of MT synthesis and enhancement of the antioxidant function.
Haemostatic Effects of Metformin in Simvastatin‐Treated Volunteers with Impaired Fasting Glucose
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Okopien Boguslaw 
Published: October 2014

AbstractOur study investigated whether metformin has an impact on haemostasis in patients with pre‐diabetes receiving statin therapy. The study included 41 simvastatin‐treated patients with impaired fasting glucose who were randomized to either metformin (3 g daily) or placebo. The international normalized ratio, the partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, factor VII coagulant activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 and von Willebrand factor were assessed on the day of randomization and after 90 days of treatment. Metformin treatment reduced plasma levels/activity of the assessed haemostatic risk factors, and this effect correlated with the improvement in insulin sensitivity. The obtained results indicate that high‐dose metformin produces a multi‐directional beneficial effect on coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with impaired fasting glucose already receiving statin therapy. The effect of metformin on haemostasis may play a role in the prevention of atherosclerosis‐related disorders and acute vascular events in this pre‐diabetic state.
The effect of a graph‐oriented computer‐assisted project‐based learning environment on argumentation skills
Authors: Hsu P.‐S. , Van Dyke M. , Chen Y. , Smith T.J. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this quasi‐experimental study was to explore how seventh graders in a suburban school in the United States developed argumentation skills and science knowledge in a project‐based learning environment that incorporated a graph‐oriented, computer‐assisted application. A total of 54 students (three classes) comprised this treatment condition and were engaged in a project‐based learning environment that incorporated a graph‐oriented, computer‐assisted application, whereas a total of 57 students (three classes) comprised the control condition and were engaged in a project‐based learning environment without this graph‐oriented, computer‐assisted application. Verbal collaborative argumentation was recorded and the students' post essays were collected. A random effects analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted and a significant difference in science knowledge about alternative energies between conditions was observed. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted and there was a significant difference in counterargument and rebuttal skills between conditions. A qualitative analysis was conducted to examine how the graph‐oriented, computer‐assisted application supported students' development of argumentation skills and affected the quality of collaborative argumentation. The difference in argumentation structure and quality of argumentation between conditions might explain a difference in science knowledge as well counterargument and rebuttal skills (argumentation) between both conditions. This study concluded that a project‐based learning environment incorporating a graph‐oriented, computer‐assisted application was effective in improving students' science knowledge and developing their scientific argumentation skills.
Maximal Electrogram Attenuation Recorded from Mini Electrodes Embedded on 4.5‐mm Irrigated and 8‐mm Nonirrigated Catheters Signifies Lesion Maturation
Authors: AVITALL BOAZ , HORBAL PIOTR , VANCE DAVID , KOBLISH JOSEF , KALINSKI ARTHUR 
Published: October 2014

4.5‐mm Irrigated vs. 8‐mm Nonirrigated Catheters with Mini Electrode TechnologyBackgroundThe electrograms (EGMs) recorded from mini electrodes (ME) placed on the tip of the ablation electrode allow more precise EGM monitoring during lesion formation. Our objective was to define the lesion boundaries and extracardiac injuries resulting from 60‐second RF application versus RF application time titrated to maximal attenuation of the ME EGM in the atria and ventricles using 4.5‐mm irrigated and 8‐mm catheters.MethodsRF lesions were placed in both atria and ventricles in 13 (30–35 kg) canines; 6 (4.5‐mm OI) and 7 (8 mm). The RF application time was fixed at 60 seconds or terminated at maximal ME EGM amplitude attenuation.ResultsPre/postablation pacing thresholds, EGM amplitudes, and lesion dimensions were not significantly different between maximal EGM attenuation and 60‐second RF application using either catheter. Atrial lesion transmurality was also similar for both catheters and groups 91.2% (4.5 mm) and 96% (8 mm) when the RF was titrated to the maximal EGM attenuation and 94.2% (4.5 mm) and 95% (8 mm) with 60‐second RF. The 60‐second RF ablation, however, presented with significant extracardiac injuries to the lungs and esophagus, along with char formation. Deep ventricular lesions were noted with maximal EGM attenuation that were not different from the 60‐second RF ablation.ConclusionTitration of the RF application time to the maximal EGM attenuation based on the ME recordings represents atrial lesion maturation and deep ventricular lesions. Prolonging the RF application results in greater extracardiac injury and char formation without increasing lesion size.
Lactoferrin levels in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva of HIV‐infected patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Ferreira Sonia Maria Soares , Gonçalves Lucio Souza , Torres Sandra R. , Nogueira Susie A. , Meiller Timothy F. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimThis study compared lactoferrin (LF) levels in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva between HIV‐infected and noninfected patients with chronic periodontitis.MethodsFor each subject, LF levels were analyzed in one shallow site (SS; PD ≤3 mm), one deep site (DS; PD >5 mm) and in resting whole saliva. Two groups, 28 HIV‐infected and 10 noninfected, were selected.ResultsAlthough the salivary LF levels were higher in HIV‐infected than in noninfected individuals, especially in AIDS patients, this was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Subgingival LF levels for SS and DS were lower among HIV‐infected individuals, although AIDS patients showed the lowest levels. Age, smoking, gender, T CD4 lymphocytes levels and viral load did not influence subgingival LF levels, neither for SS nor for DP. Positive fungal culture was observed in 24 HIV‐infected patients, but only observed in one in the control group. Overall, LF concentration was significantly higher in DS than SS, both in HIV‐infected and noninfected individuals (P < 0.05) and salivary LF levels were always higher than GCF levels.ConclusionThe data indicate that LF levels in the GCF and saliva are not different between HIV‐infected and noninfected patients with chronic periodontitis.