bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clarifying the morphology of the ostium primum defect
Authors: Anderson Robert H. , Mohun Timothy J. , Brown Nigel A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe ‘ostium primum’ defect is still frequently considered to be the consequence of deficient atrial septation, although the key feature is a common atrioventricular junction. The bridging leaflets of the common atrioventricular valve, which are joined to each other, are depressed distal to the atrioventricular junction, and fused to the crest of the muscular ventricular septum, which is bowed in the concave direction towards the ventricular apex. As a result, shunting across the defect occurs between the atrial chambers. These observations suggest that the basic deficiency in the ‘ostium primum’ defect is best understood as a product of defective atrioventricular septation, rather than an atrial septal defect. We have now encountered four examples of ‘ostium primum’ defects in mouse embryos that support this view. These were identified from a large number of mouse embryo hearts collected from a normal, outbred mouse colony and analysed by episcopic microscopy as part of an ongoing study of normal mouse cardiac development. The abnormal hearts were identified from embryos collected at embryonic days 15.5, 16.5 and 18.5 (two cases). We have analysed the features of the abnormal hearts, and compared the findings with those obtained in the large number of normally developed embryos. Our data show that the key feature of normal atrioventricular septation is the ventral growth through the right pulmonary ridge of a protrusion from the dorsal pharyngeal mesenchyme, confirming previous findings. This protrusion, known as the vestibular spine, or the dorsal mesenchymal protrusion, reinforces the closure of the primary atrial foramen, and muscularises along with the mesenchymal cap of the primary atrial septum to form the ventro‐caudal buttress of the oval foramen, identified by some as the ‘canal septum’. Detailed analysis of the four abnormal hearts suggests that in each case there has been failure of growth of the vestibular spine, with the result that the common atrioventricular junction found earlier during normal development now persists during cardiac development. Failure of separation of the common junction also accounts for the trifoliate arrangement of the left atrioventricular valve in the abnormal hearts. Analysis of the episcopic datasets also permits recognition of the location of the atrioventricular conduction axis. Comparison of the location of this tract in the normal and abnormal hearts shows that there is no separate formation of a ventricular component of the ‘canal septum’ as part of normal development. We conclude that it is abnormal formation of the primary atrial septum that is the cause of so‐called ‘secundum’ atrial septal defects, whereas it is the failure to produce a second contribution to atrial septation (via growth of the vestibular spine) that results in the ‘ostium primum’ defect.
Human articular chondrocytes express functional leukotriene B4 receptors
Authors: Hansen Ann Kristin , Indrevik Jill‐Tove , Figenschau Yngve , Martinez‐Zubiaurre Inigo , Sveinbjörnsson Baldur 
Published: February 2015

AbstractLeukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent chemoattractant associated with the development of osteoarthritis (OA), while its receptors BLT1 and BLT2 have been found in synovium and subchondral bone. In this study, we have investigated whether these receptors are also expressed by human cartilage cells and their potential effects on cartilage cells. The expression of LTB4 receptors in native tissue and cultured cells was assessed by immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electron microscopy. The functional significance of the LTB4 receptor expression was studied by Western blotting, using phospho‐specific antibodies in the presence or absence of receptor antagonists. In further studies, the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and metalloproteinases by LTB4‐stimulated chondrocytes was measured by multiplex protein assays. The effects of LTB4 in cartilage signature gene expression in cultured cells were assessed by quantitative PCR, whereas the LTB4‐promoted matrix synthesis was determined using 3D pellet cultures. Both receptors were present in cultured chondrocytes, as was confirmed by immunolabelling and PCR. The relative quantification by PCR demonstrated a higher expression of the receptors in cells from healthy joints compared with OA cases. The stimulation of cultured chondrocytes with LTB4 resulted in a phosphorylation of downstream transcription factor Erk 1/2, which was reduced after blocking BLT1 signalling. No alteration in the secretion of cytokine and metalloproteinases was recorded after challenging cultured cells with LTB4; likewise, cartilage matrix gene expression and 3D tissue synthesis were unaffected. Chondrocytes express BLT1 and BLT2 receptors, and LTB4 activates the downstream Erk 1/2 pathway by engaging the high‐affinity receptor BLT1. However, any putative role in cartilage biology could not be revealed, and remains to be clarified.
Epidermal growth factor is a potential biomarker for poor cetuximab response in tongue cancer cells
Authors: Ansell Anna , Jedlinski Adam , Johansson Ann‐Charlotte , Roberg Karin 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma is frequently associated with aberrant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, which contributes to tumor growth. Here, the functional importance of EGFR ligands in relation to proliferation and sensitivity to the EGFR‐targeted therapy cetuximab was investigated in three tongue cancer cell lines.MethodsThe influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF), amphiregulin (AR), and epiregulin (EPR) on tumor cell proliferation and cetuximab response was evaluated by the addition of recombinant human (rh) proteins or by siRNA‐mediated downregulation of the endogenous ligand production. The expression, activation and cellular distribution of EGFR were assessed by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry.ResultsEGF downregulation suppressed the proliferation of all investigated tumor cell lines, whereas the response to an increased level of EGF differed between EGFR‐overexpressing and EGFR‐non‐overexpressing cell lines. Furthermore, tumor cells consistently displayed increased cetuximab resistance upon the addition of rhEGF, whereas EGF silencing was associated with an improved cetuximab response. The data regarding AR and EPR were inconclusive.ConclusionsOur data suggest that the amount of EGF is a determinant of the tumor cell proliferation rate and the response to cetuximab treatment in tongue cancer. Thus, EGF is a potential predictive biomarker of poor cetuximab response and a possible treatment target.
Do Personality Traits Moderate Relations Between Psychologically Controlling Parenting and Problem Behavior in Adolescents?
Authors: Mabbe Elien , Soenens Bart , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Van Leeuwen Karla 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis research examined whether and how adolescents' personality traits moderate associations between psychologically controlling parenting and problem behaviors. On the basis of self‐determination theory, we also examined the mediating role of psychological need frustration in the effects of psychologically controlling parenting. A cross‐sectional study in two samples (N = 423 and 292; Mage = 12.43 and 15.74 years) was conducted. While in Sample 1 both mothers and adolescents provided reports of parenting and problem behavior, Sample 2 relied on adolescent‐reported parenting and mother‐reported problem behavior. Psychologically controlling parenting was related to internalizing and externalizing problems in both samples. Little systematic evidence was obtained for the moderating role of personality, with the exception of a moderating effect of Agreeableness. In both samples, psychological control was unrelated to externalizing problems among adolescents high on Agreeableness. Analyses of Sample 2 showed that associations between psychological control and problem behavior were mediated by psychological need frustration. Adolescent personality plays a modest role as a moderator of associations between psychologically controlling parenting and problem behavior. Frustration of adolescents' basic and universal psychological needs can account for the undermining effects of psychologically controlling parenting. Directions for future research are discussed.
What has happened in the last 50 years in immunology
Authors: Wong Melanie 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFifty years ago, in 1964, our understanding of the immune system was very rudimentary. Gell and Coombs had just described classes of hypersensitivity reactions, and Bruton had described and commenced immunoglobulin replacement in agammaglobulinaemia. The distinction between T and B cells was not identified and characterised until the 1960s and 1970s. This was followed by increasing recognition of T and B cell collaboration in immune responses and identification of significant immunodeficiencies. CD4 and CD8 T cells were only recognised in the 1970s and 1980s. We now know of five CD4 subsets; dysfunction of each is associated with different disorders. By 2014, advances in technology have enabled identification of the genetic basis of over 240 primary immunodeficiencies. Research into the gut microbiome and vitamin D holds promise for the understanding, treatment and prevention of autoimmune and allergic diseases. Immunoglobulin preparations for the treatment of antibody deficiencies improved with the development of preparations for intravenous then subcutaneous administration, giving patients choice and the ability for home‐based treatment, especially if experiencing infusion associated adverse effects. Newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency is a reality. Improvements in haemopoietic stem cell transplantation and now gene therapy, albeit still only available in the research setting, are improving long‐term survival in primary immunodeficiencies. Biologic therapeutic agents are improving the control of autoimmune disease but potentially leading to secondary immunodeficiency, increasing the risk of opportunistic infection and malignancy. It is an exciting time.
The effect of feeding on the pharmacokinetic variables of two commercially available formulations of omeprazole
Authors: Sykes B. W. , Underwood C. , McGowan C. M. , Mills P. C. 
Published: February 2015

The objectives of this study were to investigate the impact of formulation (enteric coated and buffered) and feeding on pharmacokinetic variables associated with the oral administration of omeprazole in the horse. Six thoroughbred racehorses were studied in a crossover design. Each received 2 g of an enteric coated or buffered formulation in both the fed and fasted state. Plasma omeprazole concentrations were determined by UHPLC‐MS. The effects of feeding or formulation on AUC0‐inf_obs, half‐life, Tmaxor Cmaxwere not statistically significant. However, a wider‐than‐expected degree of variation was present and examination of the raw data suggests that an effect of feeding, wherein the bioavailability of omeprazole may be reduced in the fed animal, may be present. Further investigation in a larger population of animals to assess the factors that contribute to the wide degree of absorption observed is warranted.
Post‐fragmentation population structure in a cooperative breeding Afrotropical cloud forest bird: emergence of a source‐sink population network
Authors: Husemann M. , Cousseau L. , Callens T. , Matthysen E. , Vangestel C. , Hallmann C. , Lens L. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe impact of demographic parameters on the genetic population structure and viability of organisms is a long‐standing issue in the study of fragmented populations. Demographic and genetic tools are now readily available to estimate census and effective population sizes and migration and gene flow rates with increasing precision. Here we analysed the demography and genetic population structure over a recent 15‐year time span in five remnant populations of Cabanis's greenbul (Phyllastrephus cabanisi), a cooperative breeding bird in a severely fragmented cloud forest habitat. Contrary to our expectation, genetic admixture and effective population sizes slightly increased, rather than decreased between our two sampling periods. In spite of small effective population sizes in tiny forest remnants, none of the populations showed evidence of a recent population bottleneck. Approximate Bayesian modelling, however, suggested that differentiation of the populations coincided at least partially with an episode of habitat fragmentation. The ratio of meta‐Ne to meta‐Nc was relatively low for birds, which is expected for cooperative breeding species, while Ne/Nc ratios strongly varied among local populations. While the overall trend of increasing population sizes and genetic admixture may suggest that Cabanis's greenbuls increasingly cope with fragmentation, the time period over which these trends were documented is rather short relative to the average longevity of tropical species. Furthermore, the critically low Nc in the small forest remnants keep the species prone to demographic and environmental stochasticity, and it remains open if, and to what extent, its cooperative breeding behaviour helps to buffer such effects.
Candidaemia in a paediatric centre and importance of central venous catheter removal
Authors: Karadag‐Oncel Eda , Kara Ates , Ozsurekci Yasemin , Arikan‐Akdagli Sevtap , Cengiz Ali Bulent , Ceyhan Mehmet , Gur Deniz , Celik Melda , Ozkaya‐Parlakay Aslinur 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe aim of this study is to identify differences in distribution of Candida species, resistance to antifungals and clinical outcome, as well as the identification of potential risk factors associated with candidaemia in children. We conducted a retrospective analysis in children ≤18 years with blood culture proven candidaemia identified between 2004 and 2012. Patients were divided into two groups (Group 1, <3 months, n = 51; Group 2, ≥3 months, n = 197) to identify any potential difference between the neonatal and early infantile periods in terms of risk factors and distribution of Candida species. A total of 248 distinct episodes of candidaemia were identified over the study period. The most frequently isolated Candida species were C. albicans (53.2%), followed by C. parapsilosis (26.2%), C. tropicalis (8.1%). Of the 248 episodes, 71 episodes (28.6%) resulted in death within 30 days from the onset of candidaemia. In Group 1, failure of central venous catheter (CVC) removal was found to be associated with a 20.5‐fold increase in mortality [95% CI (3.9, 106.5); P < 0.001], compared to a 5.9‐fold increased risk with hypoalbuminaemia [95% CI (1.03, 34.1); P = 0.046]. For Group 2, the increased risk was 23‐fold for failure of CVC removal [95% CI (7.48, 70.77); P < 0.001], 7.4‐fold for mechanical ventilation [95% CI (2.64, 21.08); P < 0.001], 4.4‐fold for hypoalbuminaemia [95% CI (1.56, 12.56); P = 0.005], 3.1‐fold for neutropaenia [95% CI (1.31, 7.69); P = 0.010] and 2.2‐fold for male gender [95% CI (1.02, 4.71); P = 0.043]. Therapeutic choices should be guided by sound knowledge of local epidemiological trends in candidaemia. Removal of CVC significantly reduces mortality and is an essential step in the management of candidaemia.
Medium chain fatty acid ethyl esters – activation of antimicrobial effects by Malassezia enzymes
Authors: Mayser Peter 
Published: February 2015

SummaryFree medium and short chain fatty acids are known to have broad antimicrobial activity. However, their practical use in topical therapy is limited by their intensive smell and acidity. Surprisingly, a nearly identical antimicrobial effect was found with the ethyl ester derivatives of these fatty acids, but only against Malassezia (M.) yeast, not against Candida spp. Obviously, these esters are hydrolysed by M. enzymes, thus generating a selective activation of antimicrobial activity especially in areas well populated with these yeast (‘targeting’). Octanoic acid ethyl ester (CAS 106‐32‐1) was found to be most suitable. In an agar dilution test, the minimal inhibitory concentrations against M. globosa, M. pachydermatis and M. sympodialis, respectively, ranged between ~5 and 10 mmol l−1 after 10 days of incubation. The effect started immediately and was not delayed by other lipid sources applied simultaneously. Based on these data, fatty acid monoesters may represent a new therapeutic concept in M.‐associated diseases.
Peritoneal mast cell degranulation and gastrointestinal recovery in patients undergoing colorectal surgery
Authors: Berdún S. , Bombuy E. , Estrada O. , Mans E. , Rychter J. , Clavé P. , Vergara P. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundDegranulation of peritoneal mast cells (MCs) induced by intestinal manipulation has been proposed as a pathophysiological factor in postoperative ileus (POI). We aimed to explore the relationship between peritoneal and colonic MC degranulation and gastrointestinal (GI) recovery following colectomy.MethodsPatients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (using a laparoscope and small abdominal incisions, n = 14), and elective laparoscopic (n = 32) or open partial colectomy (through a large abdominal incision, n = 10) were studied. MC protease tryptase and chymase were studied in peritoneal fluid at the beginning, middle, and end of each surgical intervention. Density of MCs in colectomy samples were examined and oro‐caecal transit time by breath test, GI function recovery by clinical composite endpoint GI‐2 and association between MC proteases and clinical recovery.Key ResultsOpen and laparoscopic colectomy caused greater peritoneal release of tryptase and chymase (323.0 ng/mL [IQR: 53.05–381.4] and 118.6 ng/mL [IQR: 53.60–240.3]), than cholecystectomy (41.64 ng/mL [IQR: 11.17–90.93]) at the end of the surgical intervention. However, there were no differences between laparoscopic and open colectomy. Increased peritoneal protease release during surgery was observed in patients who developed POI after colectomy.Conclusions & InferencesColorectal surgery causes protease release from peritoneal MCs. Protease release does not differ between both types of colectomy (laparoscopy vs laparotomy). However, MC activation is increased in colectomy patients developing POI. Therefore, degranulation of peritoneal MCs as a factor contributing to human POI after colectomy might be considered in future studies as a target to avoid POI.
Operculum regeneration following failed predation in the Silurian gastropod Oriostoma
Authors: Peel John S. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractRegeneration of the calcareous rigiclaudent operculum following severe, non‐lethal, predatory attacks is described in two specimens of the characteristic Silurian gastropod Oriostoma from the English Midlands. This is the first record of the regeneration of opercula in Palaeozoic gastropods and of opercula conjoined with shells that have been repaired after significant, failed, durophagous attacks. In one specimen, a series of repaired injuries culminates in a repaired aperture closed by the operculum. In the second specimen, new shell growth has failed to recover the full extent of the original broken whorl, and the new aperture and operculum, though well developed, are smaller than the originals. Both opercula are unusually thin centrally when compared to other, strongly domed, Oriostoma opercula.
Controlling the blood glucose of type 1 diabetes mice by co‐culturing MIN‐6 β cells on 3D scaffold
Authors: Yuan Xiaoqi , Huang Yan , Guo Yibing , Wang Lei , Guo Qingsong , Xu Tianxing , Wu Di , Zhou Pengcheng , Zhu Shajun , Wang Yao , Fan Xiangjun , Zhu Mingyan , Lu Yuhua , Wang Zhiwei 
Published: February 2015

AbstractT1D is an autoimmune disease, which may be caused by lack of insulin‐secreting β cells due to damage of autoimmune system. Living with T1D is a challenge for the child and the family; cell transplantation is a treatment option for diabetes in children. To establish a microenvironment suitable for cell growth and proliferation as well as for sustained cellular function, we used MIN‐6 β cells as seed cells and SF‐IV collagen as a 3D composite scaffold to construct artificial pancreas in this experiment. The cell viabilities were determined by MTT assay, and the response of cells to different glucose concentrations was observed by glucose stimulation test. Artificial pancreas was transplanted into the abdominal cavity of T1D mice, and the changes of blood glucose were monitored. After 10 days, insulin expression was detected by immunohistochemical method, and the claybank stained area showed effectiveness of insulin secretion. A series of experiments showed that implantation of 3D cell scaffold into the abdominal cavity can effectively control the blood glucose level of T1D mice. It also had longer‐lasting hypoglycemic effects than simple cell transplantation, which was expected to become a new method for the treatment of T1D.
How Policy Rules Shape the Structure and Performance of Collaborative Governance Arrangements
Authors: Siddiki Saba N. , Carboni Julia L. , Koski Chris , Sadiq Abdul‐Akeem 
Published: February 2015

AbstractLocal food system governance increasingly occurs in collaborative venues at the local, state, and regional levels. Prominent examples of such are food policy councils (FPCs). FPCs take a systemic approach to improve local food systems by including diverse stakeholders to advise on policy development. The authors study public FPCs to understand how policies structure the stakeholder composition and goals of FPCs and how FPCs’ stakeholder composition facilitates and/or impedes performance. Data come from a content analysis of policies that mandate the structure and functions of public FPCs and interviews with FPC representatives. Findings indicate that FPCs connected to a broader array of food policy actors in their communities produce more diverse policy outputs, but this outcome is tempered by whether council members represent personal or organizational interests.
Highway to Economic Growth? Competition in Public Works Tenders in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Galletta Sergio , Jametti Mario , Redonda Agustin 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the poorest countries in the world. The construction sector will play an essential part to bring the country on the path of economic growth, and competition within the sector is crucial to achieve this goal. In this paper, we analyse the effect of competition in public works tenders in the DRC, using a unique and newly assembled database on public works contracts. We find that the number of participating bidders significantly reduces contract prices, confirming our prior hypothesis that competitive pressure can enhance the overall performance of the sector. Further, we account for the possibility of heteregenous tender participants, finding that the competition effect can vary with the degree of bidders' heterogeneity.
Hostile Worlds or Connected Lives? Research on the Interplay Between Intimacy and Economy
Authors: Bandelj Nina , Morgan Paul James , Sowers Elizabeth 
Published: February 2015

AbstractEconomic sociologists have devoted most of their attention to the activities of individuals and firms in markets. However, recent attempts have pushed for a better understanding of the relationship between intimacy and economy. Such efforts have been inspired, in large part, by Viviana Zelizer (2000, 2005). In her inquiry on the purchase of intimacy, Zelizer proposed seminal differentiations between the “hostile worlds,” “nothing but,” and “connected lives” perspectives, and advanced a cultural relational analysis of the economy. In this essay, we review research that applies Zelizer's framework, and suggest substantive and analytical avenues for future research on economy/intimacy nexus.