bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics of lichen and dysplasia vs lichen planus cases and dysplasia cases
Authors: Czerninski R , Zeituni S , Maly A , Basile J 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesTo compare the clinical characteristics of lichen planus with dysplasia (LD) cases with oral dysplasia (DYS), and LP/lichenoid reaction (LP/LR).MethodsPatients treated at the Department of Oral Medicine with a histological diagnosis were included. Patient information (age, gender, ethnicity, smoking habits, and medical status) and parameters of oral manifestation (lesions' distribution, site, and type) were compared.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty five patients were included. 54% were never smokers and 25% were current smokers. The LD group (n = 79) had more bilateral cases when compared to the DYS group (n = 30), 70% to 40.7%, respectively (P = 0.008), and a lower average age [56–62, respectively (P = 0.043)]. All other parameters were similar. When compared to LR patients, the LD group had a higher percentage of men [41.8–27.9%, respectively (P = 0.08)] while all other parameters were similar.ConclusionsAs clinical characteristics of LD are more similar to the LP and LR group than to dysplasia, these findings may indicate that LD should be considered as part of the lichen planus disorder spectrum rather than a separate entity, although further analysis of larger groups is warranted. These results support the need for clinical follow‐up among patients diagnosed with lichenoid changes.
Efficacy and Safety of Apixaban in the Patients Undergoing the Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: NAGAO TOMOYUKI , INDEN YASUYA , SHIMANO MASAYUKI , FUJITA MASAYA , YANAGISAWA SATOSHI , KATO HIROYUKI , ISHIKAWA SHINJI , MIYOSHI AYA , OKUMURA SATOSHI , OHGUCHI SHIOU , YAMAMOTO TOSHIHIKO , YOSHIDA NAOKI , HIRAI MAKOTO , MUROHARA TOYOAKI 
Published: December 2014

IntroductionApixaban, a factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor, is a new oral anticoagulant for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). However, little is known about its efficacy and safety as a periprocedural anticoagulant therapy for patients who had undergone catheter ablation (CA) for AF.Methods and ResultsWe evaluated 342 consecutive patients who underwent CA for AF between April 2013 and March 2014 and received apixaban (n = 105) and warfarin (n = 237) for uninterrupted periprocedural anticoagulation. We retrospectively investigated the occurrence of bleeding and thromboembolic complications during the procedural period and compared them between the apixaban group (AG) and warfarin group (WG). Thromboembolic complications occurred in one (0.4%) patient in the WG. Major and minor bleeding complications occurred in one (1%) and four (4%) patients in the AG, and three (1%) and 12 (5%) patients in the WG. No significant difference in complications was observed between the AG and WG. Of importance, adverse event rates did not differ between the two groups after adjusting by a propensity score analysis. In preoperative tests of blood coagulation, there were significant differences in the prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, FXa activity, and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1+2) levels between the AG and WG.ConclusionThe use of apixaban during the periprocedural period of AF ablation seemed as efficacious and safe as warfarin.
Development of disease‐resistant rice by optimized expression of WRKY45
Authors: Goto Shingo , Sasakura‐Shimoda Fuyuko , Suetsugu Mai , Selvaraj Michael Gomez , Hayashi Nagao , Yamazaki Muneo , Ishitani Manabu , Shimono Masaki , Sugano Shoji , Matsushita Akane , Tanabata Takanari , Takatsuji Hiroshi 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe rice transcription factor WRKY45 plays a central role in the salicylic acid signalling pathway and mediates chemical‐induced resistance to multiple pathogens, including Magnaporthe oryzae and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Previously, we reported that rice transformants overexpressing WRKY45 driven by the maize ubiquitin promoter were strongly resistant to both pathogens; however, their growth and yield were negatively affected because of the trade‐off between the two conflicting traits. Also, some unknown environmental factor(s) exacerbated this problem. Here, we report the development of transgenic rice lines resistant to both pathogens and with agronomic traits almost comparable to those of wild‐type rice. This was achieved by optimizing the promoter driving WRKY45 expression. We isolated 16 constitutive promoters from rice genomic DNA and tested their ability to drive WRKY45 expression. Comparisons among different transformant lines showed that, overall, the strength of WRKY45 expression was positively correlated with disease resistance and negatively correlated with agronomic traits. We conducted field trials to evaluate the growth of transgenic and control lines. The agronomic traits of two lines expressing WRKY45 driven by the OsUbi7 promoter (POsUbi7 lines) were nearly comparable to those of untransformed rice, and both lines were pathogen resistant. Interestingly, excessive WRKY45 expression rendered rice plants sensitive to low temperature and salinity, and stress sensitivity was correlated with the induction of defence genes by these stresses. These negative effects were barely observed in the POsUbi7 lines. Moreover, their patterns of defence gene expression were similar to those in plants primed by chemical defence inducers.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for congenital diaphragmatic hernia in Japan
Authors: Inamura Noboru , Usui Noriaki , Okuyama Hiroomi , Nagata Kouji , Kanamori Yutaka , Fujino Yuji , Takahashi Shigehiro , Hayakawa Masahiro , Taguchi Tomoaki 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to clarify how extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used to treat congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in Japan.MethodsWe completed a nationwide survey of CDH involving 614 infants. The subjects included 43 patients who underwent ECMO. We compared the clinical data of the patients who did and did not survive ≥90 days, and analyzed the 24 h blood gas data in isolated CDH cases in both groups.ResultsOf the 43 CDH patients, non‐isolated CDH associated with other life‐threatening or chromosomal anomalies was diagnosed in six patients. Only one of these six patients was able to discontinue ECMO and survived, and the other five died shortly after birth. The other 37 patients all had isolated CDH. The reason for initiating ECMO in 31 of these patients was persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). In the 37 patients with isolated CDH, ECMO was initiated within 24 h after birth. Sixteen patients (37%) survived ≥90 days, and intact discharge was possible in eight cases. Among the isolated CDH patients, on ROC analysis of the lowest oxygenation index (OI) to predict 90 day survival, the cut‐off was 15.ConclusionsECMO is used to treat PPHN starting from an early period after birth, but the mortality and morbidity are not favorable. For lowest OI, the index used to predict survival following ECMO, the cut‐off was 15.
Gut hormones of preterm infants with abdominal symptoms and hypothyroxinemia
Authors: Kawamata Ryou , Suzuki Yume , Yada Yukari , Koike Yasunori , Kono Yumi , Takahashi Naoto 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe pathogenesis of abdominal symptoms in premature infants with hypothyroxinemia is not understood; therefore, we investigated changes in gut hormones before and after levothyroxine sodium (T4‐Na) supplementation in preterm infants with abdominal symptoms and hypothyroxinemia.MethodsIn eight preterm study subjects and 14 gestational age‐matched controls, fasting serum concentration of leptin, glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), peptide YY (PYY), pancreatic polypeptide, insulin, amylin and ghrelin was measured using a bead array system.ResultsSerum GLP‐1, GIP and PYY in the subjects before T4‐Na supplementation were lower than in controls at age 2 weeks. After improvement of abdominal symptoms and free thyroxine, serum levels of the three gut hormones in the subjects were increased and were not different from those in the control patients.ConclusionsIn preterm infants with abdominal symptoms, serum GLP‐1, GIP and PYY might be related to thyroid function.
Total antioxidant and total oxidant states, and serum paraoxonase‐1 in neonatal sepsis
Authors: Annagür Ali , Örs Rahmi , Altunhan Hüseyin , Kurban Sevil , Ertuğrul Sabahattin , Konak Murat , Uygun Saime Sündüz , Pekcan Sevgi , Erbay Ekrem , Mehmetoğlu İdris 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundParaoxonase‐1 (PON‐1) is an enzyme with a glycoprotein structure that depends on calcium and which is located in serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL). The aim of this study was to evaluate PON‐1, and oxidant/antioxidant state, before and after treatment for neonatal sepsis, and to determine the usability of PON‐1 in neonatal sepsis treatment.MethodsA total of 35 neonatal sepsis patients and 35 healthy controls were included in the study. Activity of PON‐1, total oxidant state (TOS) and total antioxidant state (TAS) were measured and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated.ResultsIn the neonatal sepsis patients, pre‐treatment TAS, TOS and OSI were significantly higher than the post‐treatment levels (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively), and PON‐1 was significantly lower (P < 0.0001). Similarly, pre‐treatment TAS, TOS and OSI in the sepsis group were also significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively) and PON‐1 was significantly lower (P < 0.0001). Post‐treatment TAS in the sepsis group was significantly higher than in the control group (P = 0.009), whereas post‐treatment TOS, OSI and PON‐1 in the sepsis group were not significantly different to the control group (P = 0.078, P = 0.597 and P = 0.086, respectively).ConclusionLow serum PON‐1 was found in neonatal sepsis. Serum PON‐1 is thought to be a useful biomarker to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and recovery in neonatal sepsis.
Longitudinal renal function in pediatric heart transplant recipients: 20‐years experience
Authors: Gupta Punkaj , Rettiganti Mallikarjuna , Gossett Jeffrey M. , Gardner Megan , Bryant Janet C. , Noel Tommy R. , Knecht Kenneth R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis study was initiated to assess the temporal trends of renal function, and define risk factors associated with worsening renal function in pediatric heart transplant recipients in the immediate post‐operative period. We performed a single‐center retrospective study in children ≤18 yr receiving OHT (1993–2012). The AKIN's validated, three‐tiered AKI staging system was used to categorize the degree of WRF. One hundred sixty‐four patients qualified for inclusion. Forty‐seven patients (28%) were classified as having WRF after OHT. Nineteen patients (11%) required dialysis after heart transplantation. There was a sustained and steady improvement in renal function in children following heart transplantation in all age groups, irrespective of underlying disease process. The significant factors associated with risk of WRF included body surface area (OR: 1.89 for 0.5 unit increase, 95% CI: 1.29–2.76, p = 0.001) and use of ECMO prior to and/or after heart transplantation (OR: 3.50, 95% CI: 1.51–8.13, p = 0.004). Use of VAD prior to heart transplantation was not associated with WRF (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.17–1.51, p = 0.22). On the basis of these data, we demonstrate that worsening renal function improves early after orthotopic heart transplantation.
Application of CdTe/ZnSe Quantum Dots in In Vitro Imaging of Chicken Tissue and Embryo
Authors: Moulick Amitava , Blazkova Iva , Milosavljevic Vedran , Fohlerova Zdenka , Hubalek Jaromir , Kopel Pavel , Vaculovicova Marketa , Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe present work is aimed to synthesize CdTe/ZnSe core/shell quantum dots (QDs) in an easy way and to explore the possibilities of its application in in vitro imaging of chicken tissue and embryo. The QDs were prepared using microwave irradiation with different temperatures, which is a very easy and less time‐consuming method. Subsequently, these QDs were characterized by spectrofluorimetry, Transmission Electron Microscopy, X‐ray fluorescence analysis and Dynamic Light Scattering measurement. A blueshifting of the emission was found when ZnSe was deposited on CdTe QDs. The QDs showed its fluorescence emission quantum yields up to 25%. They were applied into chicken embryos and breast muscle tissues to study their efficiency in in vitro imaging. All the QDs of different color were able to visualize in in vitro imaging. The highest fluorescence intensity was detected in the case of red QDs prepared at 100°C. The green and red QDs were possible to detect up to the depth of 3 and 4 mm of the tissue, respectively.
Nobiletin, a Polymethoxy Flavonoid, Reduced Endothelin‐1 Plus SCF‐Induced Pigmentation in Human Melanocytes
Authors: Kim Hyo Jung , Yonezawa Takayuki , Teruya Toshiaki , Woo Je‐Tae , Cha Byung‐Yoon 
Published: December 2014

AbstractNobiletin is a unique flavonoid having polymethoxy groups and has exhibited anti‐inflammatory and antiobesity effects. Here, we examined the inhibition of nobiletin on melanogenesis induced by endothelin‐1 (ET) and stem cell factor (SCF) in normal human melanocytes. Nobiletin dose dependently reduced ET plus SCF‐stimulated tyrosinase activity without causing cytotoxicity. Nobiletin reduced cAMP‐response element‐binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) expression, which is a key transcription factor for tyrosinase expression in pigmentation induced by ET plus SCF stimulation. Nobiletin treatment effectively decreased ET plus SCF‐induced Raf‐1, MEK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and also downregulated the forskolin‐induced phosphorylation of CREB. Furthermore, nobiletin inhibited ET plus SCF‐triggered production of melanin and expression of MITF/tyrosinase in a three‐dimensional human epidermal model. In accordance with protein expression, the expression of genes related to the pigmentation was also increased in the cells stimulated with ET plus SCF and the cotreatment with nobiletin decreased obviously the ET plus SCF‐triggered gene expressions of tyrosinase, PMEL, TRP1 and MITF. Nobiletin contributes to hypopigmentation by downregulating MITF and tyrosinase expression through reduced Raf‐1 phosphorylation. Our findings implicate nobiletin as a potential new whitening agent.
Secreted effectors inToxoplasma gondiiand related species: determinants of host range and pathogenesis?
Authors: English E. D. , Adomako‐Ankomah Y. , Boyle J. P. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryRecent years have witnessed the discovery of a number of secreted proteins inToxoplasma gondiithat play important roles in host–pathogen interactions and parasite virulence, particularly in the mouse model. However, the role that these proteins play in driving the unique features ofT. gondiicompared to some of its nearest apicomplexan relatives (Hammondia hammondiandNeospora caninum) is unknown. These unique features include distinct dissemination characteristicsin vivoand a vast host range. In this review we comprehensively survey what is known about disease outcome, the host response and host range forT. gondii,H. hammondi, andN. caninum. We then review what is presently known about recently identified secreted virulence effectors in these three genetically related, but phenotypically distinct, species. Finally we exploit the existence of genome sequences for these three organisms and discuss what is known about the presence, and functionality, of keyT. gondiieffectors in these three species.
Fusarium species and chemotypes associated with fusarium head blight and fusarium root rot on wheat in Sardinia
Authors: Balmas V. , Scherm B. , Marcello A. , Beyer M. , Hoffmann L. , Migheli Q. , Pasquali M. 
Published: December 2014

Environmental conditions in Sardinia (Tyrrhenian Islands) are conducive to fusarium root rot (FRR) and fusarium head blight (FHB). A monitoring survey on wheat was carried out from 2001 to 2013, investigating relations among these diseases and their causal agents. FHB was more frequently encountered in the most recent years while FRR was constantly present throughout the monitored period. By assessing the population composition of the causal agents as well as their genetic chemotypes and EF‐1α polymorphisms, the study examined whether the two diseases could be differentially associated to a species or a population. Fusarium culmorum chemotypes caused both diseases and were detected at different abundances (88% 3‐ADON, 12% NIV). Fusarium graminearum (15‐ADON genetic chemotype) appeared only recently (2013) and in few areas as the causal agent of FHB. In F. culmorum, two haplotypes were identified based on an SNP mutation located 34 bp after the first exon of the EF‐1α partial sequence (60% adenine, 40% thymine); the two populations did not segregate with the chemotype but the A‐haplotype was significantly associated with FRR in the Sardinian data set (P = 0·001), suggesting a possible fitness advantage of the A‐haplotype in the establishment of FRR that was neither dependent on the sampling location nor the sampling year. The SNP determining the Sardinian haplotype is distributed worldwide. The question whether the A‐haplotype segregates with characters facilitating FRR establishment will require further validation on a specifically sampled international data set.
Does Late Childbearing Increase the Risk for Behavioural Problems in Children? A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Tearne Jessica E. , Robinson Monique , Jacoby Peter , Li Jianghong , Newnham John , McLean Neil 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to examine the relationship between advanced parental age and behavioural outcomes in offspring in a longitudinal cohort of children in Western Australia.MethodsThe Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) is a prospective study of 2900 pregnancies. Offspring were followed up at ages 2, 5, 8, 10, 14, and 17 years, and 1754 adolescents were available for follow‐up at 17 years. The Child Behaviour Checklist was used to measure child behaviour, including internalising (e.g. anxious/withdrawn) and externalising (e.g. aggressive/destructive) behaviours.ResultsThere was a significant linear relationship between maternal age and total internalising and externalising behaviour outcomes, but not paternal age. Increasing maternal age was associated with decreasing risk for problem behaviours in offspring. In the categorical models, young maternal age (20–24 years) was associated with significantly increased risk for problem behaviours in offspring relative to offspring of parents in the reference group (25–29 years), and a paternal age of 35–39 years was associated with decreased risk for total behaviour morbidity in offspring.ConclusionsThis study showed no evidence that late fatherhood is associated with adverse behavioural outcomes in offspring. Increasing maternal age was found to be a protective factor for child behaviour morbidity.
The Roles of Local Government Managers in Theory and Practice: A Centennial Perspective
Authors: Nelson Kimberly L. , Svara James H. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe standard narrative to explain the evolution of roles filled by city managers suggests that managers originally served as administrative technicians who carried out the policy directives of city councils, but, over time, they became more involved in policy advice and community leadership. This article documents enduring involvement in policy and the recent expansion of community leadership, analyzing definitions of the manager's roles offered by practitioners and scholars since the beginning of the city manager profession 100 years ago. In addition, measurements of the manager's role performance at various points in time are examined, along with trends in the preparation of managers and the context in which they work. Ignoring the evidence that the policy role is integral to professional management can lead to unfounded questions about the legitimacy of city and county managers and impairs our understanding of the council‐manager form of government and political–administrative relations.
Can carbon credits fund riparian forest restoration?
Authors: Matzek Virginia , Puleston Cedric , Gunn John 
Published: December 2014

AbstractEcological restoration is increasingly called on to provide ecosystem services (ES) valuable to humans, as well as to benefit biodiversity and improve wildlife habitat. Where mechanisms to pay for ES exist, they may serve as incentives to embark on habitat restoration projects. We evaluated the potential of newly established carbon markets in the United States to incentivize afforestation along riparian corridors, by comparing the income earnable by carbon offset credits with the costs of planting, maintaining, and registering such a restoration project in California. We used a 20‐year chronosequence of riparian forest sites along the Sacramento River as our model project. We found that carbon credits can repay more than 100% of costs after two decades of regrowth, if sufficient effort is put into sampling intensity in the first post‐restoration decade. However, carbon credits alone are unlikely to entice landowners currently engaged in agricultural activities to switch from farming crops to farming habitat.
Pleuroscopic cryoprobe biopsies of the pleura: A feasibility and safety study
Authors: Thomas Rajesh , Karunarathne Shanka , Jennings Barton , Morey Sue , Chai Siaw Ming , Lee Y.C. Gary , Phillips Martin J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveFlexi‐rigid pleuroscopy is a useful tool in the work‐up of pleural effusions, but pleural biopsy using flexible forceps can be difficult in some patients. This study evaluated the feasibility, safety and diagnostic value of using a flexible cryoprobe to obtain parietal pleural biopsies during pleuroscopy.MethodsThis was a single‐centre retrospective study. In patients undergoing diagnostic pleuroscopy, pleural biopsy using flexible forceps, followed by a flexible cryoprobe introduced through the pleuroscope, were performed. A pathologist independently reviewed all biopsies. Any complications, particularly bleeding, were recorded. All patients were followed up for ≥6 months (median 12 months (range 7–26)).ResultsTwenty‐two patients (21 males; median age 72 years; 14 right‐sided effusions) were included. All underwent flexible forceps biopsies (FFB) and cryoprobe biopsies (CB) of pleura. FFB and CB established a definitive diagnosis in 20/22 (90%). CB successfully obtained pleural tissue suitable for histopathological analysis in all patients. CB was larger than FFB (median, 25–75 IQR of 10, 7–15.8mm vs 4, 3–8mm), and had better preserved cellular architecture and tissue integrity. Crush artefacts were less common with CB (2/22) compared with FFB (21/22). No significant bleeding was reported.ConclusionsCB during flexi‐rigid pleuroscopy is feasible, safe and effective. Its routine use during flexi‐rigid pleuroscopy requires further evaluation.