bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Species delimitation in Cladonia (Ascomycota): a challenge to the DNA barcoding philosophy
Authors: Pino‐Bodas Raquel , Martín María P. , Burgaz Ana R. , Lumbsch H. Thorsten 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe lichen‐forming fungal genus Cladonia is species‐rich with approximately 500 described species. The accepted barcode for fungi (ITS rDNA) often fails in identifying Cladonia spp. In order to find other markers that, in combination with the ITS rDNA region can be used for species identification in Cladonia, we studied the loci IGS rDNA, ef1α, rpb2 and cox1. A total of 782 sequences from 36 species have been analyzed. PCR amplification success rate, intraspecific and interspecific genetic distance variation, calculated using the K2P model, and the correct identification percentage (PCI) were taken into account to assess possible barcode regions. The marker showing the least intraspecific genetic distance range was cox1, followed by ITS rDNA and ef1α. Of the five studied markers only cox1 showed a barcoding gap. The rpb2 locus showed the highest PCI values, but it was the most difficult to amplify. The highest correct identification rates using blast method were obtained with rpb2.
Cytomegalovirus infection is associated with increased mortality in the older population
Authors: Savva George M. , Pachnio Annette , Kaul Baksho , Morgan Kevin , Huppert Felicia A. , Brayne Carol , Moss Paul A. H. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryCytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common herpesvirus infection and stimulates the expansion of very large numbers of CMV‐specific T cells that reduce the CD4/CD8 ratio and suppress the number of naïve T cells. CMV infection has been associated with frailty and impaired survival. We investigated the correlates of CMV and the impact of the CMV infection on mortality within a cohort of 511 individuals aged at least 65 years who were followed up for 18 years. The mean age of the participants was 74 years of which 70% were CMV‐seropositive. CMV was strongly linked to socio‐economic status, and CMV infection increased the annual mortality rate by 42% (Hazard ratio = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.11–1.76 after adjusting for age, sex and baseline socio‐economic and health variables) corresponding to 3.7 years lower life expectancy from age 65. Infection was associated with a near doubling of cardiovascular deaths, whereas there was no increase in mortality from other causes. These results show that CMV infection markedly increases the mortality rate in healthy older individuals due to an excess of vascular deaths. These findings may have significant implications for the study of immune senescence and if confirmed more generally could have important implications for measures to optimize the health of the elderly.
Targeting macrophages rescues age‐related immune deficiencies in C57BL/6J geriatric mice
Authors: Jackaman Connie , Radley‐Crabb Hannah G. , Soffe Zoe , Shavlakadze Tea , Grounds Miranda D. , Nelson Delia J. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryChanges to innate cells, such as macrophages and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), during aging in healthy or tumor‐bearing hosts are not well understood. We compared macrophage subpopulations and MDSCs from healthy young (6–8 weeks) C57BL/6J mice to those from healthy geriatric (24–28 months) mice. Spleens, lymph nodes, and bone marrow of geriatric hosts contained significantly more M2 macrophages and MDSCs than their younger counterparts. Peritoneal macrophages from geriatric, but not young, mice co‐expressed CD40 and CX3CR1 that are usually mutually exclusively expressed by M1 or M2 macrophages. Nonetheless, macrophages from geriatric mice responded to M1 or M2 stimuli similarly to macrophages from young mice, although they secreted higher levels of TGF‐β in response to IL‐4. We mimicked conditions that may occur within tumors by exposing macrophages from young vs. geriatric mice to mesothelioma or lung carcinoma tumor cell–derived supernatants. While both supernatants skewed macrophages toward the M2‐phenotype regardless of age, only geriatric‐derived macrophages produced IL‐4, suggesting a more immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment will be established in the elderly. Both geriatric‐ and young‐derived macrophages induced allogeneic T‐cell proliferation, regardless of the stimuli used, including tumor supernatant. However, only macrophages from young mice induced T‐cell IFN‐γ production. We examined the potential of an IL‐2/agonist anti‐CD40 antibody immunotherapy that eradicates large tumors in young hosts to activate macrophages from geriatric mice. IL‐2‐/CD40‐activated macrophages rescued T‐cell production of IFN‐γ in geriatric mice. Therefore, targeting macrophages with IL‐2/anti‐CD40 antibody may improve innate and T‐cell immunity in aging hosts.
Absence of the Articular Disc in the Tasmanian Devil Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Hayashi K. , Sugisaki M. , Kino K. , Ishikawa T. , Sugisaki M. , Abe S. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe articular disc of the temporomandibular joint is a constant structure in mammals. According to Parsons' report in 1900, however, it is absent in four animals: the armadillo, two kinds of monotremes and the Tasmanian devil. Thereafter, no research was performed to confirm this observation. The aim of this study was to determine by anatomical and histological examination whether the Tasmanian devil has an articular disc in its temporomandibular joint. Six fresh frozen corpses and one dry skull of Tasmanian devils were obtained from the School of Zoology, University of Tasmania. The corpses were dissected and the morphology of the temporomandibular joint was carefully observed by gross anatomical and histological examination. The structure of the temporomandibular joint of the dry skull was examined macroscopically and by micro‐computed tomography. In all cases, absence of the articular disc in the Tasmanian devil temporomandibular joint was morphologically confirmed. The surface layer of both the condyle and the glenoid fossa comprised a thick fibrous tissue. Micro‐computed tomography revealed dense and fine trabecular bone in the condyle. The thick fibrous tissue covering the condyle and high‐density trabecular bone in the condyle might play a role in absorption against powerful mastication and heavy loading of the Tasmanian devil temporomandibular joint.
Placental weight relative to birthweight in pregnancies with maternal diabetes mellitus
Authors: Strøm‐Roum Ellen M. , Haavaldsen Camilla , Tanbo Tom G. , Eskild Anne 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo study the association of maternal diabetes mellitus with placental weight, birthweight and placental weight‐to‐birthweight ratio.DesignPopulation‐based study.SettingMedical Birth Registry of Norway.PopulationAll singleton births in Norway during 1999–2008 (n = 536 997).MethodsWe compared the distribution of placental weight z‐scores and placental weight‐to‐birthweight ratio between pregnancies with and without diabetes. The associations of diabetes with placental weight z‐scores were also estimated as odds ratios with and without adjustment for birthweight, maternal age, parity, preeclampsia, smoking and cesarean delivery.Main outcome measuresPlacental weight, birthweight and placental weight‐to‐birthweight ratio.ResultsMean placental weight was 736.6 g in diabetic pregnancies and 672.1 g in non‐diabetic pregnancies. The corresponding birthweights were 3682.1 g and 3557.0 g. In diabetic pregnancies, 26.2% of the placentas were in the highest decile of placental weight z‐score, as compared with 9.7% in non‐diabetic pregnancies (p < 0.001). The corresponding figures for being in the highest decile of placental weight‐to‐birthweight ratio were 18.2 and 9.9% (p < 0.001). The crude odds ratio for having a placenta in the highest decile of placental weight z‐score was 3.29 (95% confidence interval 3.14–3.45) in diabetic pregnancies with non‐diabetic pregnancies as the reference. After adjustment for birthweight and other variables, the odds ratio was 2.42 (95% confidence interval 2.29–2.56).ConclusionsIn diabetic pregnancies, placental weight as well as placental weight relative to birthweight were higher than in non‐diabetic pregnancies.
Alarelin active immunization influences expression levels of GnRHR, FSHR and LHR proteins in the ovary and enhances follicular development in ewes
Authors: Wei Suocheng , Chen Shien , Gong Zhuandi , Ouyang Xiahui , An Lifeng , Xie Kun , Dong Jiangling , Wei Min 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe investigated the effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist on expressions of GnRH receptor (GnRHR), follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) proteins in the ovaries and follicular development in the ewes. Forty‐two pre‐pubertal ewes were assigned to experimental groups 1 to 5 (EG‐I to EG‐V) and control group (CG). Ewes in EG‐I, EG‐II and EG‐III were subcutaneously injected with 200, 300 or 400 μg alarelin antigens twice (on days 0 and 14), respectively. Ewes in EG‐IV and EG‐V were subcutaneously injected with 200 μg and 300 μg alarelin antigen four times (on days 0, 7, 14 and 21). Ewes in CG were subcutaneously injected with a solvent twice (on days 0 and 14). Serum concentrations of GnRH antibody in the EGs increased and were higher than (P < 0.05) that of CG from day 14 to day 60. GnRH antibody concentrations in EG‐IV and EG‐V were higher than that in EG‐I, EG‐II and EG‐III from days 35 to 45. Expressions of GnRHR protein in EG‐IV and EG‐V were lower than that in CG (P < 0. 01). Expressions of FSHR and LHR proteins in EGs increased. Levels of FSHR and LHR proteins in EG‐IV and EG‐V (P < 0.05) were higher than CG. Ovarian weights in EGs increased. Values of follicle vertical diameter, follicle transverse diameter, follicle wall thickness, follicle externatheca thickness and follicle internatheca thickness in EG‐III and EG‐V were greater than other groups. Primordial follicles and primary follicles developed quickly in alarelin‐immunized animals. Secondary follicles and mature follicles became more abundant. Mitochondria, mitochondrial cristaes and cortical granules increased. Serum FSH concentrations of EGs remained higher than that in CG from days 28 to 70 (P < 0.05). Alarelin immunization stimulated GnRH antibody production, suppressed expression of GnRHR protein, enhanced expressions of FSHR and LHR proteins in ovaries, promoted FSH secretion and thereby accelerated the development of ovaries and follicles in ewes.
Lower initial dose desoxycorticosterone pivalate for treatment of canine primary hypoadrenocorticism
Authors: Bates JA , Shott S , Schall WD 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of initial doses of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) that are lower and less expensive than the presently recommended initial dose of 2.2 mg/kg for treating dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism.MethodsA retrospective study was performed on 49 dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism, including 36 with initialDOCPdoses less than 2.2 mg/kg. Medical records were reviewed for clinical data. All study dogs were followed up with telephone calls to owners or veterinarians to determine the date of death or last follow‐up. Data were analysed to investigate relationships between initialDOCPdose and survival and serumNa,Kand their ratio.ResultsRegardless of their initialDOCPdose, none of the dogs developed uncontrolled hypoadrenocorticism or severe electrolyte abnormalities or clinical problems that would have made an increase in theDOCPdose necessary. Over time, most dogs had a decrease in theirDOCPdose in mg/kg, because of weight gain during treatment. No statistically significant relationships were found between initialDOCPdose and survival or post‐treatment serumNa,KorNa : K, with the exception of one statistically significant result that suggested lower efficacy for higher doses.ConclusionInitialDOCPdoses less than 2.2 mg/kg may be effective in controlling serum electrolyte concentrations in dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism without adversely affecting survival. If confirmed by additional research, these findings would enable practitioners to reduce the cost ofDOCPtreatment by using lower initial doses, potentially saving the lives of dogs that would otherwise be euthanased because of treatment expense.
Bioavailability of twoL‐thyroxine formulations after oral administration to healthy dogs
Authors: Simpson C , Devi JL , Whittem T 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo describe the pharmacokinetics of two veterinary formulations ofL‐thyroxine available inAustralia.MethodsA two‐phase randomised, crossover, open‐label trial followed by a third‐phase parallel‐dosing trial was conducted in 11 healthy dogs with an investigative oralL‐thyroxine liquid formulation and a reference tablet formulation. Blood sampling was done at defined intervals and serum totalL‐thyroxine concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. The post‐dose concentrations were plotted as a function of time for each period and the relative bioavailability of the two formulations were compared using a general linear model with factors for dog, phase, sequence and formulation.ResultsFollowing oral administration of the reference tablet at the dose of 100 μg/kg, a maximum plasma concentration of approximately 96.2 nmol/L (baseline endogenous corrected) was reached within 3.77 h. For the investigative liquid preparation at a dose of 50 μg/kg, the maximum plasma concentration was 60.1 nmol/L (baseline endogenous corrected), which was reached within 3.59 h.ConclusionThe geometric mean of the relative bioavailability for the liquid/tablet product was 1.1, which suggests that the relative bioavailability of thyroxine following administration of tablet or liquid formulation is similar.
Suicide in prisoners with bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Fazel Seena , Wolf Achim , Geddes John R 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesTo examine the risk of suicide and suicide attempts in prisoners with bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders compared with prisoners without psychiatric disorders.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies comparing suicide outcomes in prisoners with bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders to other prisoners.ResultsFive studies reported the risk of suicidal outcomes in prisoners with bipolar disorder compared with other prisoners, with a random effects pooled odds ratio of 2.4 (95% confidence interval: 1.6–3.7; I2 = 0%). This appeared to be lower than the risk of suicidal outcomes for all psychiatric disorders and for depression, specifically, and, in meta‐regression, significantly lower (p = 0.03) than for schizophrenia‐spectrum disorders.ConclusionsAlthough bipolar disorder is associated with suicide and non‐fatal suicidal behavior in prisoners, further research is necessary to confirm any associations and mediating mechanisms.
Sexual distractors boost younger and older adults' visual search RSVP performance
Authors: Didierjean André , Maquestiaux François , Vieillard Sandrine , Ruthruff Eric , Hartley Alan 
Published: February 2013

Do sexual words have high attentional priority? How does the ability to ignore sexual distractors evolve with age? To answer these questions, two experiments using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) were conducted. Experiment 1 showed that both younger and older participants were better at identifying a target (the name of a colour) when it was preceded by 336 ms by a sexual word rather than by a musical word. Strikingly, the sexual‐word advantage was more pronounced for older adults than for younger adults. Experiment 2 showed that introducing a variable delay between the distractor and the target eliminated the sexual‐word advantage. This finding suggests that the sexual‐word advantage found in Experiment 1 was due to learning to utilize the sexual word as a temporal cue with a fixed duration between the distractor and the target. Contrary to previous research [Arnell et al., 2007, Emotion, 7, 465), neither experiment showed that sexual words produce an attentional blink.
Matrix metalloproteinases inhibition promotes the polyfunctionality of human natural killer cells in therapeutic antibody-based anti-tumour immunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Q , Gil-Krzewska A , Peruzzi G , Borrego F 
Published: February 2013

SummaryActivation of human natural killer (NK) cells is associated with the cleavage of CD16 from the cell surface, a process mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In this report, we examined whether inhibition of MMPs would lead to improved NK cell antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) function. Using an in-vitro ADCC assay, we tested the anti-tumour function of NK cells with three different therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in the presence of MMPs inhibitor GM6001 or its control. Loss of CD16 was observed when NK cells were co-cultured with tumour targets in the presence of specific anti-tumour antibodies, and was found particularly on the majority of degranulating NK responding cells. Treatment with MMPs inhibitors not only prevented CD16 down-regulation, but improved the quality of the responding cells significantly, as shown by an increase in the percentage of polyfunctional NK cells that are capable of both producing cytokines and degranulation. Furthermore, MMPs inhibition resulted in augmented and sustained CD16-mediated signalling, as shown by increased tyrosine phosphorylation of CD3ζ and other downstream signalling intermediates, which may account for the improved NK cell function. Collectively, our results provide a foundation for combining MMPs inhibitors and therapeutic mAbs in new clinical trials for cancer treatment.
Phosphohistone‐H3 and Ki‐67 immunostaining in cutaneous pilar leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma (atypical intradermal smooth muscle neoplasm)
Authors: Idriss Munir H , Kazlouskaya Viktoryia , Malhotra Saurabh , Andres Christian , Elston Dirk M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe mitotic index is important in the assessment of tumors such as leiomyoma (LM) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS), which may exhibit a range of cytological atypia. The mitotic marker phosphohistone‐H3 (PHH3) was shown to improve interobserver and intraobserver variability in many tumors.Materials and methodsWe evaluated the mitotic index in 20 pilar LM and cutaneous LMS using PHH3 and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained sections. Ki‐67 staining characteristics of the tumors were also assessed.ResultsMitotic figures were more easily identified within PHH3 sections. The mitotic index per 10 high power fields (HPF) on the PHH3 stain was slightly higher than H&E both in the LM (mean 0.1, range 0–1 vs. mean 0) and LMS groups (mean 8.6 vs. 8.0 with range of 1–24 for both stains). The difference in mitotic index between the two stains was not statistically significant in either group (p = 0.7). The Ki‐67 proliferative index showed a statistically significant correlation with a diagnosis of LMS.ConclusionPHH3 immunostain can simplify counting of mitotic figures in cutaneous smooth muscle neoplasms, especially those with many pyknotic nuclei, and may help to reduce interobserver variability. Ki‐67 staining may also be of help in establishing a diagnosis of LMS.
Practicability of combined treatment with calcipotriol/betamethasone gel (Daivobet® Gel) and improvement of quality of life in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Sticherling Michael , Eicke Christoph , Anger Tobias 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundThe successful treatment of psoriasis depends not only on the efficacy of the medication but also on patientsí acceptance and adherence to the prescribed regimen.Patients and MethodsIn this non‐interventional, prospective trial 579 patients with psoriasis were treated once daily with the fixed combination of calcipotriol 50 μg/g plus betamethasone 0.5 mg/g (Daivobet® Gel) for 4 weeks. Comparing the new medication to their previous treatment, patients assessed their quality of life by means of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), reported their therapy‐ associated burden in daily life by the Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) and assessed how easy the new medication was to employ. Disease severity was rated at the start and end of the study by physicians and patients using a Global Assessment (PGA from 0–5 points) and the Body Surface Area (BSA) assessed by the physicians.ResultsQuality of life improved from 8.7 to 3.2 points (p < 0.0001) parallel to a significant decrease of PGA by 39.6% (p < 0.0001) and BSA (72.5% of patients with BSA > 4% before vs. 37.3% after therapy). The application of the study medication was 30% less time‐consuming and handling associated with significantly higher patient satisfaction. Efficacy and tolerability of Daivobet® Gel versus prior treatment were judged “very good” in 85.7% vs. 27.6% of patients.ConclusionsThe study substantiates a significant improvement of the quality of life during therapy with the fixed combination. Patients benefit from the convenience and time‐saving as compared to their prior treatment. Thus, Daivobet® Gel can be recommended as an effective and well‐tolerated treatment which may easily be integrated into daily life of patients with psoriasis.
Intensive dysarthria therapy for younger children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Pennington Lindsay , Roelant Ella , Thompson Vicki , Robson Sheila , Steen Nick , Miller Nick 
Published: February 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate if intervention targeting breath support, phonation, and speech rate increases speech intelligibility and participation in the conversational interactions of younger children with dysarthria and cerebral palsy (CP).MethodFifteen children with dysarthria andCP(nine males, six females; age range 5–11y, mean age 8y,SD2y;CPtype: eight spastic, four dyskinetic, one ataxia, twoWorsterDrought syndrome;GrossMotorFunctionClassificationSystem levelsII–IV, median levelII) participated in this study. Children received three sessions of individual therapy per week for 6 weeks. Intelligibility of single words and connected speech was compared across five points: 1 and 6 weeks before therapy and 1, 6, and 12 weeks after therapy. Three familiar listeners and three unfamiliar listeners scored each recording. Participation in communicative interactions was measured using theFocus on theOutcomes ofCommunicationUnderSix (FOCUS) tool. Analyses of variance and pairedt‐tests were used to investigate change.ResultsMean speech intelligibility increased after therapy to familiar listeners (single words 10.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.2–14.4; connected speech 9.4%, 95%CI4.8–14.1) and unfamiliar listeners (single words 9.3%, 95%CI6.8–11.8; connected speech 10.5%, 95%CI7.3–13.8).FOCUSscores increased following therapy for parents (mean increase 30.3, 95%CI10.2–50.4) and for teachers (28.25, 95%CI14.4–42.1), but changes did not correlate with intelligibility. A wide variation was seen in individual responses to therapy.InterpretationBrief intensive therapy is associated with gains in intelligibility and communicative interactions for some younger children with dysarthria.