bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reflections on network governance in Africa's forestry sector
Authors: Andrew Grant J. , Balraj Dianne , Mavropoulos‐Vagelis Georgia 
Published: October 2013

AbstractInternational forestry governance is an integral part of the global policy debates on how to prevent deforestation, illicit extraction, and unsustainable timber practices. Africa is an important producer of timber, yet the region is beset by a lack of capacity and other governance challenges in the management of its forestry sector. We employ a network governance analysis to examine the extent to which the evolution and operation of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and la Commission des Forêts d'Afrique Centrale (COMIFAC) have addressed governance challenges. We assess the strengths and weaknesses of these two leading examples of international forestry governance by introducing recent evidence and insights from Africa. We conclude with a policy‐relevant discussion of how the FSC and COMIFAC might enhance authority, legitimacy, and effectiveness and improve forestry governance in Africa and other parts of the world.
Percutaneous tenotomy: Development of a novel, percutaneous, ultrasound‐guided needle‐cutting technique for division of tendons and other connective tissue structures
Authors: Hopkins James , Sampson Matthew 
Published: October 2013

SummaryA variety of surgical procedures derive therapeutic benefit from the division of retinacular, ligamentous or tendinous structures. Examples include carpal tunnel release for median nerve impingement, annular pulley release for trigger finger and tendon division for spastic muscular contractures. Here, using an animal cadaveric model, we describe the first steps in determining the feasibility of a novel, percutaneous, ultrasound‐guided needle‐cutting technique to achieve the same ends. The technique we describe involves the creation of an effective needle tenotomy device via a simple modification to an 18G coaxial, beveled needle. The technique holds promise for the development of a minimally invasive alternative approach that utilises readily available technology and equipment with minimisation of morbidity and cost associated with open procedures.
Microsatellite markers from the Ion Torrent: a multi‐species contrast to 454 shotgun sequencing
Authors: Elliott Carole P. , Enright Neal J. , Allcock Richard J. N. , Gardner Michael G. , Meglécz Emese , Anthony Janet , Krauss Siegfried L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe development and screening of microsatellite markers have been accelerated by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology and in particular GS‐FLX pyro‐sequencing (454). More recent platforms such as the PGM semiconductor sequencer (Ion Torrent) offer potential benefits such as dramatic reductions in cost, but to date have not been well utilized. Here, we critically compare the advantages and disadvantages of microsatellite development using PGM semiconductor sequencing and GS‐FLX pyro‐sequencing for two gymnosperm (a conifer and a cycad) and one angiosperm species. We show that these NGS platforms differ in the quantity of returned sequence data, unique microsatellite data and primer design opportunities, mostly consistent with the differences in read length. The strength of the PGM lies in the large amount of data generated at a comparatively lower cost and time. The strength of GS‐FLX lies in the return of longer average length sequences and therefore greater flexibility in producing markers with variable product length, due to longer flanking regions, which is ideal for capillary multiplexing. These differences need to be considered when choosing a NGS method for microsatellite discovery. However, the ongoing improvement in read lengths of the NGS platforms will reduce the disadvantage of the current short read lengths, particularly for the PGM platform, allowing greater flexibility in primer design coupled with the power of a larger number of sequences.
Alcohol Activates the Hedgehog Pathway and Induces Related Procarcinogenic Processes in the Alcohol‐Preferring Rat Model of Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Chan Isaac S. , Guy Cynthia D. , Machado Mariana V. , Wank Abigail , Kadiyala Vishnu , Michelotti Gregory , Choi Steve , Swiderska‐Syn Marzena , Karaca Gamze , Pereira Thiago A. , Yip‐Schneider Michele T. , Max Schmidt C. , Diehl Anna Mae 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundAlcohol consumption promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The responsible mechanisms are not well understood. Hepatocarcinogenesis increases with age and is enhanced by factors that impose a demand for liver regeneration. Because alcohol is hepatotoxic, habitual alcohol ingestion evokes a recurrent demand for hepatic regeneration. The alcohol‐preferring (P) rat model mimics the level of alcohol consumption by humans who habitually abuse alcohol. Previously, we showed that habitual heavy alcohol ingestion amplified age‐related hepatocarcinogenesis in P rats, with over 80% of alcohol‐consuming P rats developing HCCs after 18 months of alcohol exposure, compared with only 5% of water‐drinking controls.MethodsHerein, we used quantitative real‐time PCR and quantitative immunocytochemistry to compare liver tissues from alcohol‐consuming P rats and water‐fed P rat controls after 6, 12, or 18 months of drinking. We aimed to identify potential mechanisms that might underlie the differences in liver cancer formation and hypothesized that chronic alcohol ingestion would activate Hedgehog (HH), a regenerative signaling pathway that is overactivated in HCC.ResultsChronic alcohol ingestion amplified age‐related degenerative changes in hepatocytes, but did not cause appreciable liver inflammation or fibrosis even after 18 months of heavy drinking. HH signaling was also enhanced by alcohol exposure, as evidenced by increased levels of mRNAs encoding HH ligands, HH‐regulated transcription factors, and HH target genes. Immunocytochemistry confirmed increased alcohol‐related accumulation of HH ligand‐producing cells and HH‐responsive target cells. HH‐related regenerative responses were also induced in alcohol‐exposed rats. Three of these processes (i.e., deregulated progenitor expansion, the reverse Warburg effect, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transitions) are known to promote cancer growth in other tissues.ConclusionsAlcohol‐related changes in Hedgehog signaling and resultant deregulation of liver cell replacement might promote hepatocarcinogenesis.
A putative upupiform bird from the Early Oligocene of the Central Western Carpathians and a review of fossil birds unearthed in Slovakia
Authors: Kundrát Martin , Soták Ján , Ahlberg Per E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAn isolated hind limb of a miniature bird from an Early Oligocene locality (30–34 Ma) near Bystré (Slovakia) is described and analyzed. The tarsometatarsus (TMT) of the specimen is remarkably short relative to the tibiotarsus. When relative length ratios of the bones are compared with a sample of 29 extant and extinct birds with short metatarsi, the specimen variably clusters with some alcedinids, coraciids and trochilids. Log‐clusters give less ambiguous results and indicate significant proximity of the Bystré specimen to the extinct messelirrisorids (Upupiformes) and the recent acledinids (Coraciiformes). With regard to morphological details, such as those of the first metatarsal, II‐IV metatarsal trochleae, intertrochlear incisurae and phalanges, the Slovak specimen shows a combination of features, which are distributed among recent upupiforms and coraciiforms as well as extinct upupiforms (Messelirrisor) and apodiforms (Eocypselus, Parargornis). Taken together, the metric and morphological data sets suggest that the specimen from Bystré is a coraciiform sensu lato rather than an apodiform bird. Within the Coraciiformes, the robust trochlea of MT‐I with expanded dorsal shelf, the large medial and slit‐like lateral intertrochlear incisura, and the long hindtoe suggest upupiform rather than alcedinid relationships.
Abnormal screening for gestational diabetes, maternal mood disorder, and preterm birth
Authors: Sit Dorothy , Luther James , (Jesse) Dills John Louis , Eng Heather , Wisniewski Stephen , Wisner Katherine L 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects 7% of pregnant mothers, and those with GDM have increased rates of perinatal complications. Major depressive disorder (MDD) and its pharmacologic treatments are associated with obesity and adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this prospective study, we investigated the relationship between abnormal GDM screens, maternal mood disorders, and adverse outcomes.MethodsWe examined mothers with MDD, those with bipolar disorder (BD), and healthy controls (HC) at 20, 30, and 36 weeks of gestation and delivery. We obtained demographic data and pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and confirmed diagnoses with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV. We evaluated smoking, alcohol use, substance use, and medication treatments with the Longitudinal Interval Follow‐up Evaluation interview. Mothers received the one‐hour 50‐g glucose challenge test (GCT) at 26–28 weeks of gestation. Outcome variables were preterm birth, birth weight (BW) and peripartum events.ResultsWe enrolled 62 HC, 50 BD, 41 past MDD, and 39 current MDD mother–infant pairs. Mean GCT levels and the frequency of abnormal GCT (>140 mg/dL) did not differ across groups. Rates of smoking (χ2 = 20.68, df = 3, p < 0.001), substance use (χ2 = 21.76, df = 3, p < 0.001), and pre‐pregnancy obesity [BMI ≥ 30 (χ2 = 9.97, df = 3, p = 0.019)] differed significantly across groups. Mothers with BD received medications associated with weight gain significantly more often than others [13/45 (29%), p < 0.001). After adjusting for group differences, GCT levels were associated significantly with increased odds for preterm birth (odds ratio = 1.29, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–1.7, p = 0.05) and increased perinatal events (beta = 0.11, p = 0.04) but were not associated with BW.ConclusionsIn mothers with or without mood disorders, having increased GCT levels contributes to a higher likelihood for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Mothers with BD or current MDD can have additional risks for adverse outcomes and may benefit from early referral for high‐risk services and supportive management in pregnancy.
Romiplostim in children with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): the French Experience
Authors: Pasquet Marlène , Aladjidi Nathalie , Guiton Corinne , Courcoux Mary‐France , Munzer Martine , Auvrignon Anne , Lutz Patrick , Ducassou Stéphane , LeRoy Gwennaelle , Munzer Caroline , Leverger Guy ,   for the Centre de Référence National des Cytopénies Auto‐immunes de l'Enfant (CEREVANCE)
Published: October 2013

SummaryA minority of children with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) require therapeutic intervention to prevent haemorrhagic risk. This retrospective national study evaluated romiplostim in childhood non‐responsive or refractory chronic ITP. Between 2009 and 2012, 10 patients whose Buchanan score was 3–4 were treated with romiplostim. The median duration of thrombocytopenia was 1·9 years (0·8–15). The median duration of romiplostim treatment was 9 months (3–36). A response was observed in 5/10 patients (one complete, four partial). No serious adverse effect was noticed. The long‐term benefit/risk balance of this innovative treatment is currently recorded by Centre de Référence National des Cytopénies Auto‐immunes de l'Enfant.
In vitro and ex vivo evaluation of a multi‐epitope heparinase vaccine for various malignancies
Authors: Tang Xu‐Dong , Guo Shu‐Liang , Wang Guo‐Zhen , Li Ning , Wu Yu‐Yun , Fang Dian‐Chun , Fan Ya‐Han , Yang Shi‐Ming 
Published: October 2013

Previous studies have indicated that heparanase (Hpa) might represent a candidate universal tumor‐associated antigen. However, vaccine therapy targeting only one cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope is suboptimal in preventing cancer. In the present study, we designed heparanase multi‐epitope vaccines to increase the immune response to standard single heparanase epitopes. The results showed that multi‐epitope vaccines Hpa525 + 277 + 405 + 16 and Hpa8 + 310 + 315 + 363 induced higher Hpa‐specific lysis of various cancer cells from different tissues in a HLA‐A2‐restricted and heparanase‐specific manner compared with the single epitope vaccines Hpa525, Hpa277, Hpa405, Hpa16, Hpa8, Hpa310, Hpa315 and Hpa363, both in vitro and ex vivo. Heparanase multi‐epitope vaccines not only induced the heparanase‐specific CTL to lyse tumor cells but also increased CTL secretion of interferon‐γ. However, these heparanase‐specific CTL did not lyse heparanase‐expressing autologous lymphocytes and dendritic cells, which confirms the safety of these multi‐epitope vaccines. Therefore, the present study provides theoretical evidence for the use of heparanase multi‐epitope vaccines for clinical application.
Dimensional changes in soft tissues around dental implants following free gingival grafting: an experimental study in dogs
Authors: Bengazi Franco , Lang Niklaus P. , Caroprese Marino , Urbizo Velez Joaquin , Favero Vittorio , Botticelli Daniele 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo study the buccal dimensional tissue changes at oral implants following free gingival grafting, with or without including the keratin layer, performed at the time of implant installation into alveolar mucosa.Material and methodsThe mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally in six Beagle dogs. In the right side of the mandible (Test), flaps were first elevated, and the buccal as well as part of the lingual masticatory mucosa was removed. An incision of the periosteum at the buccal aspect was performed to allow the flap to be coronally repositioned. Primary wound closure was obtained. In the left side, the masticatory (keratinized) mucosa was left in situ, and no sutures were applied (Control).After 3 months of healing, absence of keratinized mucosa was confirmed at the test sites. Two recipient sites were prepared at each side of the mandible in the region of the third and fourth premolars. All implants were installed with the shoulder placed flush with the buccal alveolar bony crest, and abutments were connected to allow a non‐submerged healing. Two free gingival mucosal grafts were harvested from the buccal region of the maxillary canines. One graft was left intact (gingival mucosal graft), while for the second, the epithelial layer was removed (gingival connective tissue graft). Subsequently, the grafts were fixed around the test implants in position of the third and fourth premolars, respectively. After 3 months, the animals were euthanized and ground sections obtained.ResultsSimilar bony crest resorption and coronal extension of osseointegration were found at test and control sites. Moreover, similar dimensions of the peri‐implant soft tissues were obtained at test and control sites.ConclusionsThe increase in the alveolar mucosal thickness by means of a gingival graft affected the peri‐implant marginal bone resorption and soft tissue recession around implants. This resulted in outcomes that were similar to those at implants surrounded by masticatory mucosa, indicating that gingival grafting in the absence of keratinized mucosa around implants may reduce the resorption of the marginal crest and soft tissue recession.
Evaluation of Atrial Electromechanical Coupling Times in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Karavelioğlu Yusuf , Karapınar Hekim , Özkurt Sultan , Sarıkaya Savas , Küçükdurmaz Zekeriya , Arısoy Arif , Kurt Recep , Yılmaz Ahmet , Kaya Mehmet G. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundThere are no definite data about the atrial electromechanical coupling times (AEMCT) in patients with end stage renal failure (ESRF). The aim of this study was to investigate the AEMCT in ESRF patients without hypertension (HT) and diabetes mellitus.MethodsThe study population consisted of 47 normotensive, nondiabetic ESRF patients and 41 healthy age/gender‐matched control subjects. The time intervals from the onset of P‐wave on the surface electrocardiogram to the beginning of late diastolic A‐wave (PA) were obtained from the lateral mitral annulus (PA‐lateral, maximum AEMCT), septal annulus (PA‐septal), and tricuspid lateral annulus (PA‐tricuspid). Time intervals were corrected according to the heart rate. The difference between PA‐septal and PA‐tricuspid (right AEMCT), PA‐lateral and PA‐septal (left AEMCT), and PA‐lateral and PA‐tricuspid (inter AEMCT) were calculated. Corrected time intervals were used for calculations.ResultsGroups were similar for age (52 ± 12.3 vs. 49.9 ± 6 years, P > 0.05) and gender. Maximum (61 ± 20 vs. 47 ± 13 ms; P < 0.001) AEMCT was significantly higher in the patients compared with the control group, but septal and tricuspid EMCT were not different (P > 0.05). Both inter‐atrial (37 ± 21 vs. 24 ± 16 ms, P = 0.002) and left atrial (25 ± 18 vs. 12 ± 9 ms; P < 0.001) EMCT were significantly higher in patients when compared with the controls but intra‐right atrial EMCT was not different.ConclusionsAtrial conduction parameters such as maximal EMCT, left atrial, and inter‐atrial EMCTs were prolonged in ESRF patients. This prolongation is seen in ESRF patients even in the absence of factors that affect atrial coupling, such as HT.
Cell‐type‐dependent action potentials and voltage‐gated currents in mouse fungiform taste buds
Authors: Kimura Kenji , Ohtubo Yoshitaka , Tateno Katsumi , Takeuchi Keita , Kumazawa Takashi , Yoshii Kiyonori 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTaste receptor cells fire action potentials in response to taste substances to trigger non‐exocytotic neurotransmitter release in type II cells and exocytotic release in type III cells. We investigated possible differences between these action potentials fired by mouse taste receptor cells using in situ whole‐cell recordings, and subsequently we identified their cell types immunologically with cell‐type markers, an IP3 receptor (IP3R3) for type II cells and a SNARE protein (SNAP‐25) for type III cells. Cells not immunoreactive to these antibodies were examined as non‐IRCs. Here, we show that type II cells and type III cells fire action potentials using different ionic mechanisms, and that non‐IRCs also fire action potentials with either of the ionic mechanisms. The width of action potentials was significantly narrower and their afterhyperpolarization was deeper in type III cells than in type II cells. Na+ current density was similar in type II cells and type III cells, but it was significantly smaller in non‐IRCs than in the others. Although outwardly rectifying current density was similar between type II cells and type III cells, tetraethylammonium (TEA) preferentially suppressed the density in type III cells and the majority of non‐IRCs. Our mathematical model revealed that the shape of action potentials depended on the ratio of TEA‐sensitive current density and TEA‐insensitive current one. The action potentials of type II cells and type III cells under physiological conditions are discussed.
Cells or signals: which moves to drive skin pattern formation?
Authors: Headon Denis 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDuring its development, the skin produces an array of evenly spaced hair follicles. How the location of each follicle is determined to produce this pattern has been the subject of study and speculation for several decades. A central unresolved issue is the extent to which movement of scattered, precommitted follicle cells might play a role in this process. Xavier et al. now report the identification of subpopulations of dermal cells in developing sheep skin which are positive for Delta1 expression, suggesting that these cells may represent precommitted dermal papilla cells and that dermal Notch pathway signalling plays a role in hair follicle patterning.
Potential pitfalls in the diagnosis of Hb Handsworth in areas with high prevalence of HbS
Authors: Al Zadjali S. , Al‐Riyami A. Z. , Gravell D. , Al Haddabi H. , Al Rawahi M. , Al Falahi K. , Daar S. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryHb Handsworth is a rare α‐globin structural variant caused by a missense mutation either on the α2 or α1‐globin gene (HBA2 or HBA1: c.55G>C, p.Gly18Arg). This variant might be erroneously diagnosed as HbS unless secondary confirmative tests are carried out. We encountered a child with a prominent peak eluting in the ‘S’ window on high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sickle solubility test, gel electrophoresis, and selective direct nucleotide sequencing of α1, α2, and β globin genes were performed on the patient's sample. In addition, previous HPLC results on a cord blood sample were retrieved. Sickle solubility test was negative. Gel electrophoresis revealed a band migrating at the S region with an extra faint band seen on acid gel electrophoresis. Molecular analysis of α2 globin gene revealed heterozygous state of Hb Handsworth. Hb Handsworth is a rare variant that can mimic HbS on HPLC. Failure to recognize this rare variant in regions where HbS is highly prevalent may result in serious misdiagnosis and subsequent incorrect genetic counseling.
LINGUISTIC VALIDATION OF THE 5D ITCHING SCALE TO ARABIC IN PATIENTS WITH END‐STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Khan Tahir Mehmood , Al‐Haider Ibrahim , Syed Sulaiman Syed Azhar , Hassali Mohamed Azmi 
Published: October 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundPruritus is one of the commonest skin complaints in end‐stage kidney disease. Pruritus can be effectively managed if proper assessment is carried out to categorise its severity. The objective of this study is to test the reliability of an Arabic version of the 5D‐Itching scale (5D‐IS).MethodA self‐ administered Arabic version of the 5D‐IS was tested for linguistic validation. Language validity of the tool was carried by using the forward/backward method. Internal consistency was tested using Cronbach's alpha and Spearman's rank. Factor analysis was performed to assess the content adequacy of the study tool.FindingsA total of 151 patients completed the survey. The 5D‐IS is mainly comprised of five domains that are used to assess the level of itching. The mean ± SD 5‐D score obtained in the study group was 12.7 ± 5.3 with scores ranging between 6 and 25. Cronbach's alpha was 0.850 for the five domains of 5 D‐IS. The reliability of five domain 5 D‐IS indicates the practical applicability of the instrument with inter‐correlation of 0.847 (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe 5D‐IS was found to be a reliable tool for assessing itching in Arabic patients with uraemic pruritus. Due to its simplicity, this tool can easily be used by clinical staff to assess the severity of pruritus.
Genome‐wide patterns of large‐size presence/absence variants in sorghum
Authors: Zhang Li‐Min , Luo Hong , Liu Zhi‐Quan , Zhao Yi , Luo Jing‐Chu , Hao Dong‐Yun , Jing Hai‐Chun 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe presence/absence variants (PAVs) are a major source of genome structural variation and have profound effects on phenotypic and genomic variation in animals and humans. However, little is understood about PAVs in plant genomes. Our previous resequencing effort on three sorghum (Sorghum bicolour L.) genomes, each 12× coverage, uncovered 5 364 PAVs. Here, we report a detailed characterization of 51 large‐size (>30 kb) PAVs. These PAVs spanned a total size of 2.92 Mb of the sorghum genome containing 202 known and predicted genes, including 38 genes annotated to encode cell death and stress response genes. The PAVs varied considerably for repeat sequences and mobile elements with DNA transposons as the major components. The frequency and distribution of these PAVs differed substantially across 96 sorghum inbred lines, and the low‐ and high frequency PAVs differed in their gene categories. This report shed new light on the occurrence and diversity of PAVs in sorghum genomes. Our research exemplifies a new perspective to explore genome structural variation for genetic improvement in plant breeding.