bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Attachment and Entry of Leishmania (Leishmania) Major into Macrophages: Observation by Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Uezato Hiroshi , Kato Hirotomo , Kayo Susumu , Hagiwara Keisuke , Bhutto Abdul Manan , Katakura Ken , Nonaka Shigeo , Hashiguchi Yoshihisa 
Published: July 2014

AbstractLeishmaniasis, a zoonotic protozoan disease, starts with the inoculation of the Leishmania promastigotes into the skin at the time of blood ingestion by a female sandfly. The infection of leishmaniasis is established when the Leishmania organisms start their own intracellular multiplication after having been phagocytized by the host's macrophages. In the earliest stage of the infection, therefore, the attachment of the promastigates to the macrophages is essential. We incubated a mixed culture of macrophages (JM774‐1A) and Leishmania (Leishmania) major for 6 hours in vitro and observed the process of the attachment between the parasite and host cell by scanning electron microscope. We found for the first time that the attachment between the two occurred at the site of the parasite body, in addition to the previously reported sites of the flagellar tip, flagellar base, and aflagellar tip (posterior pole).
Neurocutaneous Melanosis: An Atypical Presentation
Authors: Khera Siddharth , Sarkar Rashmi , Jain Rakesh Kumar , Saxena Ashok Kumar 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAn eleven‐year‐old male child presented with multiple small melanocytic nevi in a generalized distribution and a giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) over the lumbosacral area since birth. He had had difficulty in walking since the age of two and a half years. Histopathological examination revealed intradermal melanocytic nevi. Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans showed brainstem atrophy with central nervous system abnormality suggestive of neuromelanosis. Clinically and histologically, the diagnosis was suggestive of neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM). The present case is reported due to its clinical presentation of quadriparesis, which has been rarely reported as a manifestation of neurocutaneous melanosis.
Determining the Dynamics of Agricultural Water Use: Cases from Asia and Africa
Authors: Rebelo Lisa‐Maria , Johnston Robyn , Karimi Poolad , McCornick Peter G. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAcross Africa and Asia water resources are being affected by a complex mixture of social, economic, and environmental factors. These include climate change and population growth, food prices, oil prices, financial disruptions, and political fluctuations. The need to produce more food will have one of the largest impacts on water and will continue to re‐shape the patterns of agricultural water use in major food‐growing regions.With this increasing demand on water for agriculture, from large‐scale irrigation to intensification of rainfed systems, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that water resources decision‐making has access to information that captures the spectrum of water uses, across seasons, and over time. Furthermore, the major sectors that place demands on water and otherwise affect the resource need water‐related information to inform their decisions. In this paper we consider two cases where the range of agricultural water management uses have been examined. We examine the methodologies and approaches used, the utility of this information to decision‐making in the water and agricultural sectors, and the limitations of the information gathered.
Freshwater Mussel Population Status and Habitat Quality in the Clinch River, Virginia and Tennessee, USA: A Featured Collection
Authors: Zipper Carl E. , Beaty Braven , Johnson Gregory C. , Jones Jess W. , Krstolic Jennifer Lynn , Ostby Brett J.K. , Wolfe William J. , Donovan Patricia 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe Clinch River of southwestern Virginia and northeastern Tennessee is arguably the most important river for freshwater mussel conservation in the United States. This featured collection presents investigations of mussel population status and habitat quality in the Clinch River. Analyses of historic water‐ and sediment‐quality data suggest that water column ammonia and water column and sediment metals, including Cu and Zn, may have contributed historically to declining densities and extirpations of mussels in the river's Virginia sections. These studies also reveal increasing temporal trends for dissolved solids concentrations throughout much of the river's extent. Current mussel abundance patterns do not correspond spatially with physical habitat quality, but they do correspond with specific conductance, dissolved major ions, and water column metals, suggesting these and/or associated constituents as factors contributing to mussel declines. Mussels are sensitive to metals. Native mussels and hatchery‐raised mussels held in cages in situ accumulated metals in their body tissues in river sections where mussels are declining. Organic compound and bed‐sediment contaminant analyses did not reveal spatial correspondences with mussel status metrics, although potentially toxic levels were found. Collectively, these studies identify major ions and metals as water‐ and sediment‐quality concerns for mussel conservation in the Clinch River.
Characterizing a Major Urban Stream Restoration Project: Nine Mile Run (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA)
Authors: Bain Daniel J. , Copeland Erin M. , Divers Marion T. , Hecht Marijke , Hopkins Kristina G. , Hynicka Justin , Koryak Michael , Kostalos Mary , Brown Lisa , Elliott Emily M. , Fedor Joseph , Gregorich Michele , Porter Brady , Smith Brenda , Tracey Christopher , Zak Margaret 
Published: July 2014

AbstractUrban stream restoration continues to be used as an ecological management tool, despite uncertainty about the long‐term sustainability and resilience of restored systems. Evaluations of restoration success often focus on specific instream indicators, with limited attention to the wider basin or parallel hydrologic and geomorphic process. A comprehensive understanding of urban stream restoration progress is particularly important for comparisons with nonurban sites as urban streams can provide substantial secondary benefits to urban residents. Here, we utilize a wide range of indicators to retrospectively examine the restoration of Nine Mile Run, a multi‐million dollar stream restoration project in eastern Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania, USA). Examination of available continuous hydrological data illustrates the high cost of failures to incorporate the data into planning and adaptive management. For example, persistent extreme flows drive geomorphic degradation threatening to reverse hydrologic connections created by the restoration and impact the improved instream biotic communities. In addition, human activities associated with restoration efforts suggest a positive feedback as the stream restoration has focused effort on the basin beyond the reach. Ultimately, urban stream restoration remains a potentially useful management tool, but continued improvements in post‐project assessment should include examination of a wider range of indicators.
Investigations on the pattern of linkage disequilibrium and selection signatures in the genomes of German Piétrain pigs
Authors: Stratz P. , Wimmers K. , Meuwissen T.H.E. , Bennewitz J. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe aim of this study was to study the population structure, to characterize theLDstructure and to define core regions based on low recombination rates amongSNPpairs in the genome of Piétrain pigs using data from the PorcineSNP60 BeadChip. This breed is a European sire line and was strongly selected for lean meat content during the last decades. The data were used to map signatures of selection using theREHHtest. In the first step, selection signatures were searched genome‐wide using only core haplotypes having a frequency above 0.25. In the second step, the results from the selection signature analysis were matched with the results from the recently conducted genome‐wide association study for economical relevant traits to investigate putative overlaps of chromosomal regions. A small subdivision of the population with regard to the geographical origin of the individuals was observed. The extent ofLDwas determined genome‐wide using r2values forSNPpairs with a distance ≤5 Mb and was on average 0.34. This comparable low r2value indicates a high genetic diversity in the Piétrain population. SixREHHvalues having a p‐value < 0.001 were genome‐wide detected. These were located onSSC1, 2, 6 and 17. Three positional candidate genes with potential biological roles were suggested, calledLOC100626459,LOC100626014 andMIR1. The results imply that for genome‐wide analysis especially in this population, a higher marker density and higher sample sizes are required. For a number of nineSNPs, which were successfully annotated to core regions, theREHHtest was applied. However, no selection signatures were found for those regions (p‐value < 0.1).
Effects of Spironolactone on Dialysis Patients With Refractory Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Ni Xiaoying , Zhang Jisheng , Zhang Ping , Wu Fuquan , Xia Min , Ying Guanghui , Chen Jianghua 
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of spironolactone on dialysis patients with refractory hypertension and possible adverse effects. This was a 12‐week prospective, randomized, double‐blind trial of 82 patients randomly assigned to 12‐week treatment with 25 mg/d spironolactone or placebo as add‐on therapy. Visits were scheduled at the start of treatment and after 12 weeks. Measurements of 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring and morning BP were performed. After 12 weeks, spironolactone significantly improved refractory hypertension. Average placebo‐corrected morning BP was reduced by 16.7/7.6 mm Hg. Mean 24‐hour ambulatory BP was reduced by 10.9/5.8 mm Hg. In contrast, serum aldosterone levels in the spironolactone group slightly increased and serum potassium levels insignificantly increased. This study has demonstrated that spironolactone (50 mg) safely and effectively reduces BP in patients with refractory hypertension undergoing dialysis.
Relationship between calcified carotid atheromas in digital panoramic radiographs and underlying systemic diseases in implant patients
Authors: Ngamsom Supak , Arayasantiparb Raweewan , Pornprasertsuk‐Damrongsri Suchaya , Sureephong Boonchoo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between calcified carotid atheromas (CCA) detected on digital panoramic radiographs and underlying systemic diseases.MethodsPanoramic radiographs and underlying systemic diseases of retained mandibular denture implants in 265 patients (56 males, 209 females) aged over 50 years were retrospectively evaluated at the Dental Unit of Prasat Neurological Institute, Bangkok, Thailand.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 71 ± 7.1 years. The prevalence of CCA was 38.49%. The major underlying systemic diseases were hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), respectively. No relationship was found among these four systemic diseases in detecting CCA on panoramic radiographs. Similar findings were also observed in patients with only one systemic disease versus in combination with other diseases.ConclusionsThe presence of CCA on dental panoramic radiographs was not found to be related to the presence of underlying systemic diseases, including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and CVD.
Additive effect of autologous platelet concentrates in treatment of intrabony defects: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Panda Saurav , Doraiswamy Jayakumar , Malaiappan Sankari , Varghese Sheeja Saji , Del Fabbro Massimo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe aim of the present review is to systematically evaluate the additive effect of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) in treatment of intrabony defects when used along with other regenerative procedures and when used alone in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes. A search was performed in electronic databases (i.e., MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) in order to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the additive efficacy of APCs for healing and regeneration of hard and soft tissues in patients undergoing regenerative surgical procedures for the treatment of intrabony defects, having a follow‐up of at least 9 months. Included studies underwent risk of bias assessment and data extraction. The main variables evaluated for efficacy were: pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), radiographic bone filling, and postoperative pain. The effect of APCs adjunct was evaluated for the following procedures: open flap debridement (OFD) alone, OFD plus grafting of the defect with autogenous bone or bone substitutes, and grafting in combination with a covering membrane for guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) has a significant additive effect when used along with OFD. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has a significant additive effect when used along with bone grafts. Conversely, PRP was found to be ineffective when used in combination with GTR procedures. No study evaluated the effect of APCs on postoperative pain. Platelet‐rich plasma may be used advantageously as an adjunct to grafting materials, but not in combination with GTR, for treatment of intrabony defects. Moreover, PRF can be effective as a sole regenerative material, in combination with OFD. There is still a lack of evidence regarding the effect of PRF in combination with grafting materials and GTR, the effect of other types of APCs such as plasma rich in growth factors, and the effect of APCs on postoperative pain.
Significant association of deficiencies of hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid and high homocysteine level with recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Sun Andy , Chen Hsin‐Ming , Cheng Shih‐Jung , Wang Yi‐Ping , Chang Julia Yu‐Fong , Wu Yang‐Che , Chiang Chun‐Pin 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundA portion of patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) may have nutritional deficiency. This study evaluated whether there was an intimate association of the deficiencies of hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid and high blood homocysteine level with RAS.MethodsThe blood hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine concentrations in 273 RAS patients were measured and compared with the corresponding levels in 273 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects.ResultsWe found that 57 (20.9%), 55 (20.1%), 13 (4.8%), and 7 (2.6%) RAS patients had deficiencies of hemoglobin (Men < 13 g/dl, Women < 12 g/dl), iron (<60 μg/dl), vitamin B12 (<200 pg/ml), and folic acid (<4 ng/ml), respectively. Moreover, 21 (7.7%) RAS patients had abnormally high blood homocysteine level. RAS patients had a significantly higher frequency of hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid deficiency and of abnormally elevated blood homocysteine level than healthy control subjects (all P‐values = 0.000 except for folic acid P = 0.022). If 273 RAS patients were further divided into 32 patients with major‐typed RAS (MjRAS) and 241 patients with minor‐typed RAS (MiRAS), we found that male MjRAS patients had a significantly lower mean hemoglobin concentration than MiRAS patients (P = 0.021), but MjRAS patients had a significantly higher mean homocysteine level than MiRAS patients (P = 0.000).ConclusionWe conclude that there is a significant association of deficiencies of hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid and abnormally high blood homocysteine level with RAS.
Emmanuel Levinas, Radical Orthodoxy, and an Ontology of Originary Peace
Authors: Bahler Brock 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRadical Orthodoxy, a growing movement among contemporary Christian theologians, argues that the prominent philosophical paradigms of modern and postmodern thought lack transcendence, are ultimately nihilistic, and are guided by an ontology of violence. Among the thinkers Radical Orthodoxy criticizes are Hegel, Nietzsche, and Hobbes, but surprisingly also the Jewish philosopher Emmanuel Levinas, whom they claim offers an ethics for nihilists. In this essay, I analyze the claims of two prominent thinkers in Radical Orthodoxy, John Milbank and Catherine Pickstock, and argue that their account of Levinas is not only unfounded but point out the ways in which Levinas himself is also just as critical of the prevailing ontology of violence that figures in modern accounts of intersubjectivity and politics. Indeed, in his own way, Levinas also offers an ontology of peace, making him an important dialogue partner for Radical Orthodoxy's construction of an alternative ethics and politics.
Unclaimed Health Care Benefits: A Mixed‐Method Analysis of Rural Veterans
Authors: Wittrock Stacy , Ono Sarah , Stewart Kenda , Reisinger Heather Schacht , Charlton Mary 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeRural areas contribute a disproportionate number of US military recruits compared to urban areas. However, few studies have examined why many rural veterans do not enroll in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for health care. Our objective was to elicit reasons rural veterans chose not to use VHA.MethodsThis mixed‐methods study included quantitative survey and qualitative interview data. Surveys were mailed to 4,176 households with a registered voter in a rural Midwestern county to reach the estimated 1,100 veterans, of whom 600 were not enrolled in VHA. Surveys were designed to assess demographics and basic eligibility requirements for VHA. Themes were derived deductively from survey responses and inductively as they emerged through analysis of interview transcripts.FindingsA total of 180 veterans completed the survey and 165 were eligible based on an approximation of enrollment criteria. Of those, 74 (45%) were current VHA users, and 91 (55%) were nonusers of VHA but appeared to be eligible. The most common reason selected by these potentially eligible veterans for not using VHA was they did not think they were eligible (41%). Interviews revealed the issue of distance was superseded by the perception that enrollees must be poor and have experienced combat, injury, or disability during service. Most reported they had never been told about VHA health care benefits.ConclusionsResults suggest that lack of awareness of VHA health care benefits may be the biggest barrier identified by rural veterans. Targeted outreach and education efforts related to eligibility for rural veterans are warranted.
Effects of dietary interventions on pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gresham Ellie , Bisquera Alessandra , Byles Julie E. , Hure Alexis J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDietary intake during pregnancy influences maternal health. Poor dietary practices during pregnancy have been linked to maternal complications. The objective was to determine the effect of dietary intervention before or during pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes. A systematic review was conducted without date restrictions. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating whole diet or dietary components and pregnancy outcomes were included. Two authors independently identified papers for inclusion and assessed methodological quality. Meta‐analysis was conducted separately for each outcome using random effects models. Results were reported by type of dietary intervention: (1) counselling; (2) food and fortified food products; or (3) combination (counselling + food); and collectively for all dietary interventions. Results were further grouped by trimester when the intervention commenced, nutrient of interest, country income and body mass index. Of 2326 screened abstracts, a total of 28 RCTs were included in this review. Dietary counselling during pregnancy was effective in reducing systolic [standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.45 to −0.07; P < 0.001] and diastolic blood pressure (SMD −0.57, 95% CI −0.75 to −0.38; P < 0.001). Macronutrient dietary interventions were effective in reducing the incidence of preterm delivery (SMD −0.19, 95% CI −0.34 to −0.04; P = 0.01). No effects were seen for other outcomes. Dietary interventions showed some small, but significant differences in pregnancy outcomes including a reduction in the incidence of preterm birth. Further high‐quality RCTs, investigating micronutrient provision from food, and combination dietary intervention, are required to identify maternal diet intakes that optimise pregnancy outcomes.
Bioinformatic investigation of the cost management strategies of five oral microbes
Authors: Cross K.J. , Huq N.L. , Park S.H. , Park J.S. , Pham P. , Quah M. , Ranjan M. , Reynolds E.C. 
Published: July 2014

SummarySome amino acids are more energetically costly to synthesize de novo, therefore many microbes have evolved to regulate the metabolic expenditure of the cell and reduce the energy burden of extracellular unrecyclable proteins. Several oral bacterial species take up amino acids and peptides obtained from proteolysis of host proteins and hence do not rely only on de novo synthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate if five oral bacterial species implement cost management strategies to reduce the energy burden of extracellular unrecyclable proteins. Since the relative de novo amino acid synthesis costs are proportional to the masses of the amino acids, the energy costs of producing proteins were assessed by calculating the mean amino acid mass for each protein. For Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia and Streptococcus sanguinis, the outer membrane/extracellular proteins are made up of a much larger percentage of lower average mass amino acids whereas cytoplasmic proteins are made up of a larger proportion of higher average mass amino acid residues. These results are consistent with the five oral bacterial species employing energy‐saving mechanisms in the production of extracellular unrecyclable proteins. Interestingly, the P. gingivalis and S. sanguinis genomes exhibited significantly lower predicted mean amino acid masses compared with those of the genomes of the other three species, suggesting that this may provide them with an energy advantage with respect to protein biosynthetic cost.
Are you really just friends? Predicting the audience challenge in cross‐sex friendships
Authors: SCHOONOVER KATIE , McEWAN BREE 
Published: July 2014

AbstractCross‐sex friends experience a variety of challenges including the audience challenge: when cross‐sex friends are mistaken for a romantic couple by other members of their social network. This research sought to explore the various factors that might influence cross‐sex friends' experience of the audience challenge. Cross‐sex friends who were strictly platonic were less likely to experience the audience challenge and less likely to be concerned about the audience challenge than individuals in mutual romance, desires romance, or reject romance friendships. Regression analyses indicated cross‐sex friends tend to experience the audience challenge the least when their friendship network is supportive of cross‐sex friends. The relation between network support and the audience challenge is moderated by romantic desire and sexual activity.