bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular and clinical characterization of glucokinase maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (GCK‐MODY) in Japanese patients
Authors: Kawakita R. , Hosokawa Y. , Fujimaru R. , Tamagawa N. , Urakami T. , Takasawa K. , Moriya K. , Mizuno H. , Maruo Y. , Takuwa M. , Nagasaka H. , Nishi Y. , Yamamoto Y. , Aizu K. , Yorifuji T. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimsTo investigate the molecular and clinical characteristics of the largest series of Japanese patients with glucokinase maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (GCK‐MODY), and to find any features specific to Asian people.MethodsWe enrolled 78 Japanese patients with GCK‐MODY from 41 families (55 probands diagnosed at the age of 0–14 years and their 23 adult family members). Mutations were identified by direct sequencing or multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification of all exons of the GCK gene. Detailed clinical and laboratory data were collected on the probands using questionnaires, which were sent to the treating physicians.　Data on current clinical status and HbA1c levels were also collected from adult patients.ResultsA total of 35 different mutations were identified, of which seven were novel. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels of the probands were ≤9.3 mmol/l and ≤56 mmol/mol (7.3%), respectively, and there was considerable variation in their BMI percentiles (0.4–96.2). In total, 25% of the probands had elevated homeostatic assessment of insulin resistance values, and 58.3% of these had evidence of concomitant Type 2 diabetes in their family. The HbA1c levels for adults were slightly higher, up to 61 mmol/mol (7.8%). The incidence of microvascular complications was low. Out of these 78 people with GCK‐MODY and 40 additional family members with hyperglycaemia whose genetic status was unknown, only one had diabetic nephropathy.ConclusionsThe molecular and clinical features of GCK‐MODY in Japanese people are similar to those of other ethnic populations; however, making a diagnosis of GCK‐MODY was more challenging in patients with signs of insulin resistance.
Current status of haematopoietic autologous stem cell transplantation in lymphoid malignancies: a European perspective
Authors: Hübel Kai , de la Rubia Javier , Azar Nabih , Corradini Paolo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe use of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has increased considerably in lymphoid malignancies in the last decade, and it is now considered as the standard of care in particular circumstances. This review aims to present an overview of the current situation with ASCT in lymphoid malignancies in Europe, in terms of both current use and issues. It will also look briefly at ASCT in rarer haematological malignancies and at the future. It is intended as a reflection of opinion from selected centres in Europe and as an aid to understanding for those who are new to the area. The review is based on a series of four preceptorship meetings held in Europe in 2013.
Feasibility and effectiveness of posaconazole prophylaxis in combination with micafungin bridging for patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation: A 6‐yr analysis from the cologne cohort for neutropenic patients
Authors: Vehreschild Maria J. G. T. , von Bergwelt‐Baildon Michael , Tran Liliane , Shimabukuro‐Vornhagen Alexander , Wisplinghoff Hilmar , Bangard Christopher , Cornely Oliver Andreas , Vehreschild Jörg Janne 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIntroductionInvasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT).MethodsTo compare the effectiveness of two prophylactic antifungal regimens used as standard of care (SOC) in the setting of SCT during the periods of May 2006 – September 2009 (oral posaconazole, POS) and October 2009 – July 2011 (oral posaconazole with intravenous micafungin bridging, POS‐MIC), data from the Cologne Cohort of Neutropenic Patients (CoCoNut) study were analyzed after nearest‐neighbor matching. Endpoints were occurrence of breakthrough probable/proven IFD under prophylaxis, incidence and duration of persistent febrile neutropenia, incidence of unspecific pneumonic infiltrates, possible IFD, positive galactomannan tests, as well as fungal‐free and overall survival.ResultsOf 291 patients with 307 SCTs observed during the study period, 212 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included into the analysis. Patients receiving POS‐MIC were less likely to develop a pneumonic infiltrate (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51–1.00) or possible IFD (RR 0.36, 95% 0.15–0.87). They also demonstrated improved fungal‐free survival at day 100 (P = 0.009). No significant differences were observed for the incidence of probable or proven IFD, positive galactomannan tests, persistent febrile neutropenia, duration of hospitalization and overall mortality. There was no grade III or IV CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) toxicity related to antifungal prophylaxis.ConclusionOur results suggest that both prophylactic regimens, POS and POS‐MIC are feasible, safe and effective. Our data suggest that bridging with intravenous micafungin could indeed improve exposure to antifungal prophylaxis, which may explain the reduced incidence of pneumonia and IFD in the bridging group.
Infection control and biosecurity in equine disease control
Authors: Weese J. S. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryInfectious diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in horses, along with economic costs and broader impacts associated with the loss of members of a species that generates income, acts as a working animal and is a companion. Endemic diseases continue to challenge, emerging diseases are an ever‐present threat and outbreaks can be both destructive and disruptive. While infectious diseases can never be completely prevented, measures can be introduced to restrict the entry of pathogens into a population or limit the implications of the presence of a pathogen. Objective research regarding infection control and biosecurity in horses is limited, yet a variety of practical infection prevention and control measures can be used. Unfortunately, infection control can be challenging, because of the nature of the equine industry (e.g. frequent horse movement) and endemic pathogens, but also because of lack of understanding or motivation to try to improve practices. Recognition of the basic concepts of infection control and biosecurity, and indeed the need for measures to control infectious diseases, is the foundation for successful infection prevention and control.
Primordial odontogenic tumour: clinicopathological analysis of six cases of a previously undescribed entity
Authors: Mosqueda‐Taylor Adalberto , Pires Fabio Ramoa , Aguirre‐Urízar José Manuel , Carlos‐Bregni Roman , de la Piedra‐Garza José Mario , Martínez‐Conde Rafael , Martínez‐Mata Guillermo , Carreño‐Álvarez Sergio J , da Silveira Henrique Martins , de Barros Dias Bruno Santos , de Almeida Oslei Paes 
Published: May 2014

AimTo describe the clinicopathological and immuno‐histochemical features of six tumours that do not fulfil the criteria of any of the currently classified odontogenic tumours.Methods and resultsThe patients were three males and three females, whose ages ranged from 3 years to 18 years (mean, 11.05 years). In all cases there were well‐defined radiolucencies associated with unerupted teeth apparently showing a pericoronal relationship. Microscopically, all tumours were composed of variably cellular loose fibrous tissue with areas similar to dental papilla, entirely surrounded by cuboidal to columnar epithelium resembling the internal epithelium of the enamel organ. Mesenchymal tissue was positive only for vimentin, and Ki67 expression was very low (<2%). The epithelium was positive for CK AE1/AE3, CK5, CK14, and CK19, but negative for CK18 and CK20. All cases showed clear demarcation from the surrounding bone, and were surgically removed, with no recurrences after follow‐up ranging from 6 months to 20 years.ConclusionsThese findings differ from those observed in other odontogenic lesions, such as ameloblastic fibroma, odontogenic myxoma, odontogenic fibroma, and hyperplastic dental follicles. The term primordial odontogenic tumour is proposed to describe this novel lesion.
Factors associated with financial independence of young adults
Authors: Xiao Jing Jian , Chatterjee Swarn , Kim Jinhee 
Published: May 2014

AbstractYoung adults are in an important transition period from financially depending on their parents to becoming financially independent. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with perceived financial independence among American young adults aged 18–23. Taking an interdisciplinary perspective, we hypothesized that major contributing factors of young adults’ financial independence would include economic, psychological and family factors. Data were from two linked data sets, the 2009 Transition into Adulthood data set and its parental companion data set, the 2009 Panel Study of Income Dynamics, a nationally representative US sample. Results indicated that economic factors, such as young adults’ income, assets, work status and educational attainment were positively associated with financial independence. Several psychological factors such as economic self‐efficacy, money management ability and problem‐solving ability were also positively associated with financial independence. Family economic factors such as parental income, stock holding and financial assistance decreased the level of young adults’ financial independence. Additional analyses indicated that the level of financial independence of college graduates was higher than those who had never attended college or were currently in college but did not differ from those who had dropped out of college. Common and different factors associated with young adults’ financial independence were also identified among the four education groups. The findings of this study have implications for consumer educators to develop and implement targeted financial education programs for young adults aged 18–23 who differ by educational attainment.
Adaptive compression therapy for venous leg ulcers: a clinically effective, patient‐centred approach
Authors: Harding Keith G , Vanscheidt Wolfgang , Partsch Hugo , Caprini Joseph A , Comerota Anthony J 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA prospective, randomised, 12‐week study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of two compression methods for venous leg ulcers (VLUs); a new adaptive compression therapy (ACT) system, combining intermittent and sustained pneumatic compression (n = 38) and a conventional four‐layer bandage system (n = 52). Primary outcomes were ulcer healing and safety. Secondary outcomes were comfort, compliance, ulcer pain, patient‐perceived product performance and quality of life. Ulcer healing rate was similar (31·6% versus 42·3%, respectively, P = 0·30) between the treatments. Adverse events and patient‐rated comfort were also similar. Average daily usage for the dual system was 10·5 and 1·8 hours in the sustained and intermittent modes, respectively, representing its use during 71% of waking hours. Predicted final ulcer pain was also similar (P = 0·68). Performance was subjectively better for adaptive compression and significantly higher for exudate management (P = 0·04), skin protection (P < 0·001), removal ease (P = 0·0007), bathing (P < 0·0001) and sleep comfort (P = 0·0405). The adjusted final quality‐of‐life score was 0·1025 higher for adaptive compression (P = 0·0375). Subjects with healed ulcers attained higher final scores than unhealed subjects (P = 0·0004). This study provides evidence that ACT is comparably efficacious to successfully heal VLUs compared with four‐layer bandage management but is better accepted and achieves higher patient‐reported quality‐of‐life scores in these challenging patients.
Gun Law and Crime
Authors: Gius Mark 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
America seems obsessed as no other nation by guns. Mass shootings such as at Columbine and at Sandy Hook school in Connecticut bring calls for gun control laws. Opponents claim that such laws would only disarm the law-abiding and that the right to bear arms deters crime. It might perhaps seem obvious that a ban on the most lethal weapons would reduce murder rates, and that allowing concealed weapons to be carried would increase them. Mark Gius examines those conclusions to see whether the statistics back them up.
Deterrence and the Death Penalty: Why the Statistics should be Ignored
Authors: Nagin Daniel 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Is the death penalty a deterrent? Does it dissuade potential murders from killing? Many studies say it does, many studies say it does not; but “all of the research about deterrence and the death penalty done in the past generation … should be ignored” said a recent headline summarising a report from the National Research Council. Daniel Nagin co-edited the report. He explains why the statistics are no guide.
Victorian Eyes: Literary, Statistical, and Artistic Perspectives on Victorian Novels – And Dickens's Unfinished Murder Mystery
Authors: DeRose Catherine , Roy Carrie , Boehm Fred 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Visualisations are usually statistics made to look pretty. Here, the artists take over – but the statistics of read and unread novels are the inspiration. Catherine DeRose, Carrie Roy and Fred Boehm walk the blurry line between art and representing data.
Weak phylogenetic signal in physiological traits of methane‐oxidizing bacteria
Authors: Krause S. , van Bodegom P. M. , Cornwell W. K. , Bodelier P. L. E. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe presence of phylogenetic signal is assumed to be ubiquitous. However, for microorganisms, this may not be true given that they display high physiological flexibility and have fast regeneration. This may result in fundamentally different patterns of resemblance, that is, in variable strength of phylogenetic signal. However, in microbiological inferences, trait similarities and therewith microbial interactions with its environment are mostly assumed to follow evolutionary relatedness. Here, we tested whether indeed a straightforward relationship between relatedness and physiological traits exists for aerobic methane‐oxidizing bacteria (MOB). We generated a comprehensive data set that included 30 MOB strains with quantitative physiological trait information. Phylogenetic trees were built from the 16S rRNA gene, a common phylogenetic marker, and the pmoA gene which encodes a subunit of the key enzyme involved in the first step of methane oxidation. We used a Blomberg's K from comparative biology to quantify the strength of phylogenetic signal of physiological traits. Phylogenetic signal was strongest for physiological traits associated with optimal growth pH and temperature indicating that adaptations to habitat are very strongly conserved in MOB. However, those physiological traits that are associated with kinetics of methane oxidation had only weak phylogenetic signals and were more pronounced with the pmoA than with the 16S rRNA gene phylogeny. In conclusion, our results give evidence that approaches based solely on taxonomical information will not yield further advancement on microbial eco‐evolutionary interactions with its environment. This is a novel insight on the connection between function and phylogeny within microbes and adds new understanding on the evolution of physiological traits across microbes, plants and animals.
Nitrate induction triggers different transcriptional changes in a high and a low nitrogen use efficiency maize inbred line
Authors: Zamboni Anita , Astolfi Stefania , Zuchi Sabrina , Pii Youry , Guardini Katia , Tononi Paola , Varanini Zeno 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn higher plants, NO3− can induce its own uptake and the magnitude of this induction is positively related to the external anion concentration. This phenomenon has been characterized in both herbaceous and woody plants. Here, different adaptation strategies of roots from two maize (Zea mays L., ZmAGOs) inbred lines differing in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and exhibiting different timing of induction were discussed by investigating NO3−‐induced changes in their transcriptome. Lo5 line (high NUE) showing the maximum rate of NO3− uptake 4 h after the provision of 200 μmol/L NO3− treatment modulated a higher number of transcripts relative to T250 (low NUE) that peaked after 12 h. The two inbred lines share only 368 transcripts that are modulated by the treatment with NO3− and behaved differently when transcripts involved in anion uptake and assimilation were analyzed. T250 line responded to the NO3− induction modulating this group of genes as reported for several plant species. On the contrary, the Lo5 line did not exhibit during the induction changes in this set of genes. Obtained data suggest the importance of exploring the physiological and molecular variations among different maize genotypes in response to environmental clues like NO3− provision, in order to understand mechanisms underlying NUE.
Diploid hybrid origin of Ostryopsis intermedia (Betulaceae) in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau triggered by Quaternary climate change
Authors: Liu Bingbing , Abbott Richard J. , Lu Zhiqiang , Tian Bin , Liu Jianquan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDespite the well‐known effects that Quaternary climate oscillations had on shaping intraspecific diversity, their role in driving homoploid hybrid speciation is less clear. Here, we examine their importance in the putative homoploid hybrid origin and evolution of Ostryopsis intermedia, a diploid species occurring in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP), a biodiversity hotspot. We investigated interspecific relationships between this species and its only other congeners, O. davidiana and O. nobilis, based on four sets of nuclear and chloroplast population genetic data and tested alternative speciation hypotheses. All nuclear data distinguished the three species clearly and supported a close relationship between O. intermedia and the disjunctly distributed O. davidiana. Chloroplast DNA sequence variation identified two tentative lineages, which distinguished O. intermedia from O. davidiana; however, both were present in O. nobilis. Admixture analyses of genetic polymorphisms at 20 SSR loci and sequence variation at 11 nuclear loci and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) tests supported the hypothesis that O. intermedia originated by homoploid hybrid speciation from O. davidiana and O. nobilis. We further estimated that O. davidiana and O. nobilis diverged 6–11 Ma, while O. intermedia originated 0.5–1.2 Ma when O. davidiana is believed to have migrated southward, contacted and hybridized with O. nobilis possibly during the largest Quaternary glaciation that occurred in this region. Our findings highlight the importance of Quaternary climate change in the QTP in causing hybrid speciation in this important biodiversity hotspot.
Ethnic differences in microvascular function in apparently healthy South African men and women
Authors: Pienaar P. R. , Micklesfield L. K. , Gill J. M. R. , Shore A. C. , Gooding K. M. , Levitt N. S. , Lambert E. V. 
Published: May 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
It is well recognized that there are disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes between ethnic groups. Are there ethnic differences in microvascular function between healthy, young men and women of different ethnicities? This study used laser Doppler imagery and iontophoresis of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside to compare microvascular function between different ethnic groups and to understand the role of skin resistance in this methodology.
What is the main finding and its importance?
Endothelium‐independent microvascular function remained attenuated after correcting for skin resistance in the Black African and mixed ancestry groups, suggesting that differences in smooth muscle function may be an important factor contributing to ethnic differences in disease risk.
Microvascular dysfunction precedes the clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease. Given the ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease, we aimed to investigate ethnic differences in microvascular endothelial function in a group of young (18–33 years old), apparently healthy individuals (n = 33, nine Black African, 12 mixed ancestry and 12 Caucasian). Microvascular endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent function was assessed by laser Doppler imagery and iontophoresis of ACh and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), respectively, adjusting for skin resistance. Microvascular reactivity was expressed as maximum absolute perfusion, percentage change from baseline and area under the curve (AUC). Skin resistance was significantly lower in the Caucasian group in response to ACh (Caucasian, mean 0.16 ± 0.03 Ω versus Black, 0.21 ± 0.04 Ω and mixed ancestry, 0.20 ± 0.02 Ω, P < 0.01) and SNP (Caucasian, 0.08 ± 0.01 Ω versus Black, 0.11 ± 0.02 Ω and mixed ancestry, 0.12 ± 0.01 Ω, P < 0.01). Microvascular function in response to ACh was significantly higher in the Caucasian group compared with the other two groups; however, after adjusting for skin resistance these differences were no longer significant. Conversely, the microvascular SNP response remained significantly higher in the Caucasian group, even after adjusting for skin resistance (P < 0.01). Diastolic blood pressure was inversely associated with the AUC of ACh (r = −0.4) and all SNP responses (r = −0.3 to −0.6). Skin resistance was inversely associated with AUC and maximum absolute ACh response (r = −0.59 and −0.64, respectively) and all SNP responses (r = −0.37 to −0.79). Ethnic differences in endothelium‐independent microvascular function may contribute to ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease. Moreover, skin resistance plays a significant role in the interpretation of the microvascular response to outcomes of iontophoresis in a multiethnic group.
Effects of pH and Lactate on Hydrogen Sulfide Production by Oral Veillonella spp
Authors: Washio Jumpei , Shimada Yuko , Yamada Masakazu , Sakamaki Ryouichi , Takahashi Nobuhiro 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Indigenous oral bacteria in the tongue coating such as
Veillonella
have been identified as the main producers of hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S), one of the major components of oral malodor. However, there is little information on the physiological properties of H
2
S production by oral
Veillonella
such as metabolic activity and oral environmental factors which may affect H
2
S production. Thus, in the present study, the H
2
S-producing activity of growing cells, resting cells, and cell extracts of oral
Veillonella
species and the effects of oral environmental factors, including pH and lactate, were investigated. Type strains of
Veillonella atypica
,
Veillonella dispar
, and
Veillonella parvula
were used. These
Veillonella
species produced H
2
S during growth in the presence of
l
-cysteine. Resting cells of these bacteria produced H
2
S from
l
-cysteine, and the cell extracts showed enzymatic activity to convert
l
-cysteine to H
2
S. H
2
S production by resting cells was higher at pH 6 to 7 and lower at pH 5. The presence of lactate markedly increased H
2
S production by resting cells (4.5- to 23.7-fold), while lactate had no effect on enzymatic activity in cell extracts. In addition to H
2
S, ammonia was produced in cell extracts of all the strains, indicating that H
2
S was produced by the catalysis of cystathionine γ-lyase (EC 4.4.1.1). Serine was also produced in cell extracts of
V. atypica
and
V. parvula
, suggesting the involvement of cystathionine β-synthase lyase (EC 4.2.1.22) in these strains. This study indicates that
Veillonella
produce H
2
S from
l
-cysteine and that their H
2
S production can be regulated by oral environmental factors, namely, pH and lactate.