bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in adiponectin receptor genes are associated with lipodystrophy‐related phenotypes in HIV‐infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Castilhos JK , Sprinz E , Lazzaretti RK , Kuhmmer R , Mattevi VS 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesAdiponectin is a circulating peptide secreted by mature adipocytes that may act as a regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the association between genetic variability in the adiponectin receptor genes ADIPOR1 (adiponectin receptor 1) and ADIPOR2 and lipodystrophy and its related anthropometric and metabolic phenotypes in HIV‐infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).MethodsWe studied six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin receptor genes ADIPOR1 (rs1342387 and rs10920533) and ADIPOR2 (rs11061925, rs10773983, rs929434 and rs767870) and their association with adiponectin plasma levels, lipodystrophy subtypes and other parameters linked to glucose and lipid metabolism involved in the lipodystrophic syndrome. The genotypes of 407 HIV‐infected patients receiving HAART were investigated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Mean biochemical and anthropometrical parameters were compared between the different genotypes using analysis of variance.ResultsTwo ADIPOR2 SNPs (rs11061925 and rs929434) were associated with fasting plasma triglyceride concentrations in the entire sample. Stronger significant associations were found between these SNPs and biochemical parameters (levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, adiponectin and glucose) in men. We did not find any significant associations with ADIPOR1 gene variants.ConclusionsSNPs in the ADIPOR2 gene appear to be involved in the metabolic alterations in HIV‐infected men receiving HAART.
The clinical application of plasma Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus viral load as a tumour biomarker: results from 704 patients
Authors: Haq I‐U , Dalla Pria A , Papanastasopoulos P , Stegmann K , Bradshaw D , Nelson M , Bower M 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the role of plasma Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in people living with HIV (PLWH) and diagnosed with KSHV‐associated diseases.MethodsUsing quantitative nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the open reading frame‐26 gene of KSHV, plasma levels of KSHV were measured in consecutive PLWH with KSHV‐associated diseases or as part of the investigation of lymphadenopathy.ResultsPlasma KSHV assays were performed on samples from 684 PLWH and 20 HIV‐seronegative people with KSHV‐associated malignancies. In PLWH, plasma KSHV was detected in 39% of those with KS, 99% of those with multicentric Castleman disease (MCD), 9% of those with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 2% of those with non‐AIDS‐defining malignancies and 0% of those with nonmalignant lymphadenopathy. There was no significant difference in plasma KSHV viral load among those with KS, MCD and KSHV‐associated NHL. The 5‐year overall survival rate from KS diagnosis of 335 PLWH was 95.2% (95% confidence interval 92.6–97.8%). Plasma KSHV viraemia did not predict overall survival in those with KS (P = 0.73), nor when those with T0 stage KS (P = 0.52) or T1 stage KS (P = 0.62) were analysed separately.ConclusionsMeasuring the plasma levels of KSHV as a biomarker in KSHV‐associated disease has a very limited value in either diagnosis or prognostication. The only potential role of clinical value is the suggestion that an undetectable plasma KSHV excludes a diagnosis of MCD in PLWH.
EDTA conditioning of dentine promotes adhesion, migration and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Galler K. M. , Widbiller M. , Buchalla W. , Eidt A. , Hiller K. ‐A. , Hoffer P. C. , Schmalz G. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of dentine conditioning on migration, adhesion and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells.MethodologyDentine discs prepared from extracted human molars were pre‐treated with EDTA (10%), NaOCl (5.25%) or H2O. Migration of dental pulp stem cells towards pre‐treated dentine after 24 and 48 h was assessed in a modified Boyden chamber assay. Cell adhesion was evaluated indirectly by measuring cell viability. Expression of mineralization‐associated genes (COL1A1, ALP, BSP, DSPP, RUNX2) in cells cultured on pre‐treated dentine for 7 days was determined by RT‐qPCR. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed for cell migration and cell viability data to compare different groups and time‐points (Mann–Whitney U‐test, α = 0.05).ResultsTreatment of dentine with H2O or EDTA allowed for cell attachment, which was prohibited by NaOCl with statistical significance (P = 0.000). Furthermore, EDTA conditioning induced cell migration towards dentine. The expression of mineralization‐associated genes was increased in dental pulp cells cultured on dentine after EDTA conditioning compared to H2O‐pre‐treated dentine discs.ConclusionsEDTA conditioning of dentine promoted the adhesion, migration and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells towards or onto dentine. A pre‐treatment with EDTA as the final step of an irrigation protocol for regenerative endodontic procedures has the potential to act favourably on new tissue formation within the root canal.
miR‐7 modulates chemoresistance of small cell lung cancer by repressing MRP1/ABCC1
Authors: Liu Huanxin , Wu Xiaoxia , Huang Jie , Peng Juan , Guo Linlang 
Published: June 2015

SummaryMicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of small non‐coding RNAs and have been shown to play important roles in various biological processes including cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis by regulating the target genes. miR‐7 has been described not only as a tumour suppressor gene but also as an oncogene in human cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional roles of miR‐7 in chemoresistance of SCLC and its underlying mechanism. By using a bioinformatic assay, we found that MRP1/ABCC1 was a potential target gene of miR‐7. Expression of miR‐7 and MRP1/ABCC1 was examined in 44 SCLC samples by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry methods. Low‐level expression of miR‐7 was associated significantly with drug responsiveness and overall survival rate of patients with SCLC, but not with gender, age and stage. There was an inverse relationship between miR‐7 and MRP1/ABCC1 expression. Downregulation of MRP1/ABCC1 level was revealed after transfection with a miR‐7 mimic in H69 AR cells. Transfection of a miR‐7 inhibitor into H69 cells restored MRP1/ABCC1 expression. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR‐7 targeted predicted sites in the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of the MRP1/ABCC1 gene. Our data suggested that miR‐7 mediated SCLC chemoresistance by repressing MRP1/ABCC1 and may be a prognostic predictor and potential therapeutic target in human SCLC.
The Origins of the Common Market: Political Economy vs. Hagiography
Authors: Karagiannis Yannis 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFollowing a historiographical tradition which emphasizes the individual agency of specific individuals, a recent article claims that Jean Monnet's ‘path‐breaking’ ideas and actions were a necessary condition for the Schuman declaration of 1950. I show that, like other deterministic claims about necessary conditions, this is at odds with current political science theory, and is also based on methodologically dubious inferences. Using less biased sources I develop an alternative explanation for the Schuman declaration, which emphasizes broad societal preferences, institutional constraints and international interactions. I find that Monnet did play his cards well, but also that there is no reason to believe that his ideas were original, or that any other competent French planning commissioner would not have acted similarly. I discuss the implications for academic debates between historians and political scientists, for policy‐makers who seek to learn from the European experience and for the construction of a new euro‐mythology.
The combined effect of soil‐applied azadirachtin with entomopathogens for integrated management of western flower thrips
Authors: Otieno J. A. , Pallmann P. , Poehling H.‐M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPerformance of soil application of azadirachtin products with entomopathogens was evaluated as single treatments, in multiple combinations and in different concentrations against the soil stages of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), in French beans Phaseolus vulgaris L. Treatments consisted of NeemAzal‐T solution, neem pellets, Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) Nemastar®, isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (IPP 2539 and ICIPE‐69) and Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) – Naturalis®. All treatments were analysed for the number of emerging adults, while emerged adults in fungi‐based treatments were analysed additionally for the retarded development of mycosis as a possible cause of secondary mortality. Possible interactive effects in combined treatments were analysed using a generalized linear model (GLM) approach, and three levels of dose–response combinations of the selected treatments were further tested. Bioassay results of the single treatments indicated between 43% and 60% reduction in adult emergence with NeemAzal‐T solution thus proving to be the most efficient. However, most cadavers with entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) treatments showed the development of mycosis. Therefore, the reduction in adult emergence attributed to the EPF was altogether >87%. Combined treatments with Steinernema, Metarhizium (ICIPE‐69), NeemAzal‐T and neem pellets resulted in total reduction in adult emergence of 95–97% when late mortality by mycosis was considered. Of the treatment combinations, two showed synergistic, four additive and one an antagonistic response. Combining low concentration of entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) (100 IJ/cm2) with NeemAzal‐T resulted in satisfactory control compared to the operational dose of EPN, while the highest concentration of M. anisopliae (108 conidia) combined with Steinernema showed the best performance with 74% reduction in adult emergence.
Effect of plant barriers and citrus leaf age on dispersal of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)
Authors: Tomaseto A. F. , Krugner R. , Lopes J. R. S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractStudies designed to measure dispersal capacity of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) are needed to provide the epidemiological knowledge necessary to improve management of citrus huanglongbing. In this study, a mark–release–recapture technique was used to investigate whether 1) host or non‐host plants of D. citri can act as barriers for dispersing insects and 2) presence or absence of young citrus leaves influence movement of D. citri towards citrus plants. The experimental field consisted of four circular and adjacent areas containing citrus trees, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. ‘Hamlin’, planted in concentric circles at 18, 24 and 30 m from the release centre. Insect activity was monitored by recapturing at each distance using yellow stick traps. Dense plantings of tall non‐host plants of D. citri such as corn had no effect on insect dispersal towards citrus plants when compared to a shorter cover crop such as grass. In contrast, suitable host plants acted as traps decreasing movement of D. citri. Diaphorina citri dispersed at greater speeds in the absence of young leaves reaching 140 m within 6 hours after release, whereas in the presence of young leaves, individuals reached at most 60 m at 1 day after release. Results suggest that D. citri control measures may be more efficient during periods of highest vegetative activity when insects are less active. Moreover, the use of suitable host plants for D. citri as trap plants may be a potential tactic to prevent movement of insects into the crop.
Chemical Profile of the Carpino Broad Bean by Conventional and Innovative Physicochemical Analyses
Authors: Longobardi F. , Sacco D. , Casiello G. , Ventrella A. , Sacco A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA detailed chemical characterization of a typical Apulian legume, the Carpino broad bean, was obtained. Crude proteins, moisture, phosphorus, ash and energy content were evaluated on starting seeds, half‐ripening beans and final products. Stable isotope ratios (15N/14N and 13C/12C), major (Ca, Mg, Na and K) and trace metals (Zn, Mo, Mn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Cd, Ni and Co) were also assessed. Moreover, information on a large number of metabolites was obtained by 1H high‐resolution magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The data revealed that Carpino broad bean dry seeds supply adequate protein and energy content, 28.1% and 326 kcal, respectively, being also a good source of macro‐ and microelements. In particular, the iron content was 46.0 mg/kg: this potentially provides about 33% of the recommended daily allowance by a 100 g serving. Moreover, the analyzed samples seem to lack elements considered potentially harmful for health.Practical ApplicationsThe Carpino broad bean is a native faba bean cultivar, traditionally cultivated in small quantities in Gargano (Southern Italy). It is commonly considered a traditional food product with interesting nutritional properties. At present, the Carpino broad bean has still not received an official European label as typical product, but it is a Slow Food presidium, this remarks its considerable socio‐cultural, nutritional and environmental values. Even if restricted to a limited geographic area, this typical and appreciable cultivation should be protected from extinction, preserving territory identity and working techniques; therefore, it is essential to explore ways to prove the Carpino broad bean quality and peculiarities, starting from a physicochemical characterization, that has not been presented in detail until now, and that could be a considerable basis for an official valorization of this product, for instance, for the attainment of EU Protected Designation of Origin/Protected Geographical Indication (EU PDO/PGI) labels.
Surface water flood warnings in England: overview, assessment and recommendations based on survey responses and workshops
Authors: Ochoa‐Rodríguez S. , Wang L.‐P. , Thraves L. , Johnston A. , Onof C. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFollowing extensive surface water flooding (SWF) in England in summer 2007, progress has been made in improving the management and prediction of this type of flooding. A rainfall threshold‐based extreme rainfall alert (ERA) service was launched in 2009 and superseded in 2011 by the surface water flood risk assessment (SWFRA). Through survey responses from local authorities (LAs) and the outcome of workshops with a range of flood professionals, this paper examines the understanding, benefits, limitations and ways to improve the current SWF warning service. The current SWFRA alerts are perceived as useful by district and county LAs, although their understanding of them is limited. The majority of LAs take action upon receipt of SWFRA alerts, and their reactiveness to alerts appears to have increased over the years and as SWFRA superseded ERA. This is a positive development towards increased resilience to SWF. The main drawback of the current service is its broad spatial resolution. Alternatives for providing localised SWF forecast and warnings were analysed, and a two‐tier national‐local approach, with pre‐simulated scenario‐based local SWF forecasting and warning systems, was deemed most appropriate by flood professionals given current monetary, human and technological resources.
Incretin‐based therapies for the treatment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Carbone Laura J , Angus Peter W , Yeomans Neville D 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease in Western societies. Despite its significance, there are no well‐proven pharmacological treatments. Two novel classes of potential pharmacotherapies are the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RA) and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4I), collectively known as incretin‐based therapies. These have several metabolic and anti‐inflammatory actions that may be of benefit in NAFLD. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate their efficacy via a structured retrieval and pooled analysis of relevant studies.Methods:Studies were sourced from electronic databases and meeting abstracts. Main inclusion criteria were original studies investigating treatment of adults with NAFLD using GLP‐1 RA/DPP‐4I. Key outcomes were a change in serum alanine transaminase (ALT), as a marker of liver inflammation, and improvement in disease status measured by imaging or histology.Results:Initial searching retrieved 1357 peer‐reviewed articles and abstracts. Four studies met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were a total of 136 participants with NAFLD and concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Meta‐analysis (random‐effects model) revealed a significant decrease in serum ALT following treatment (mean reduction 14.1 IU/L, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 8.3–19.8, P < 0.0001). In two studies with imaging and tissue data, treatment was found to significantly reduce steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.Conclusion:The significant decrease in a key biochemical marker of hepatic inflammation following treatment with incretin‐based therapies, as well as improvements in imaging and histology, suggests these agents may be effective options for managing NAFLD with comorbid T2DM.
Geographic distribution and characteristics of genotype A hepatitis B virus infection in acute and chronic hepatitis B patients in Japan
Authors: Ito Kiyoaki , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Sugiyama Masaya , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Karino Yoshiyasu , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Saito Takafumi , Arase Yasuji , Imazeki Fumio , Kurosaki Masayuki , Umemura Takeji , Ichida Takafumi , Toyoda Hidenori , Yoneda Masashi , Tanaka Yasuhito , Mita Eiji , Yamamoto Kazuhide , Michitaka Kojiro , Maeshiro Tatsuji , Tanuma Junko , Korenaga Masaaki , Murata Kazumoto , Masaki Naohiko , Koike Kazuhiko , Mizokami Masashi ,   The Japanese AHB CHB Study Group
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsThe prevalence of sexually transmitted acute infections of the genotype A hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been increasing in Japan. Genotype A HBV is associated with an increased risk of HBV progression to chronic infection after acute hepatitis B (AHB) in adults. A nationwide survey was conducted to evaluate the geographic distribution, clinical, and virologic characteristics of genotype A AHB and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Japan.MethodsFive hundred seventy AHB patients were recruited between 2005 and 2010, and 3682 CHB patients were recruited between 2010 and 2011. HBV genotypes were determined for 552 and 3619 AHB and CHB patients, respectively. Clinical characteristics were compared among different genotypes in AHB and CHB patients. Genomic characteristics of HBV genotype A were examined by molecular evolutionary analysis.ResultsHepatitis B virus genotype A was the predominant genotype for AHB between 2005 and 2010. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all strains in the AHB patients with genotype A were classified into subtype Ae. Among CHB patients, the occurrence of genotype A was 4.1%, and genotype A was spreading in young adults. In genotype A CHB patients, early stage liver diseases were predominant, although liver diseases progressed to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma in some patients.ConclusionsThe distribution of HBV genotypes is quite different between AHB and CHB in Japanese patients. Genotype A infection is spreading in young adults of Japanese CHB patients. Sequences derived from Japanese AHB patients were identical to or closely resembled the sequences derived from other Japanese AHB patients.
Evidence for protracted prograde metamorphism followed by rapid exhumation of the Zermatt‐Saas Fee ophiolite
Authors: Skora S. , Mahlen N. J. , Johnson C. M. , Baumgartner L. P. , Lapen T. J. , Beard B. L. , Szilvagyi E. T. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMajor and trace‐element zoning in garnet, in combination with Rb–Sr, Sm–Nd and Lu–Hf geochronology, provide evidence for a protracted garnet growth history for the Zermatt‐Saas Fee (ZSF) ophiolite, western Alps. Four new Lu–Hf ages from Pfulwe (c. 52–46 Ma) and one from Chamois (c. 52 Ma) are very similar to a previously published Lu–Hf age from Lago di Cignana. Overall, the similarity of geochronological and garnet zoning patterns suggests that these three localities had a similar prograde tectonic history, commensurate with their similar structural position near the top of the ZSF. Samples from the lower part of the ZSF at Saas Fee and St. Jacques, however, produced much younger Lu–Hf ages (c. 41–38 Ma). Neither differences in whole‐rock geochemistry, which might produce distinct garnet growth histories, nor rare‐earth‐element zoning in garnet, can account for the age differences in the two suites. This suggests a much later prograde history for the lower part of the ZSF, supporting the idea that it was subducted diachronously. Such a model is consistent with changes in subduction vectors based on plate tectonic reconstructions, where early oblique subduction, which produced long prograde garnet growth, changed to more orthogonal subduction, which corresponds to shorter prograde garnet growth. Six new Rb–Sr phengite ages range from c. 42 to 39 Ma and, in combination with previously published Rb–Sr ages, constrain the timing of the transition from eclogite to upper greenschist facies P–T conditions. The proximity of the ZSF in the Saas Fee region to the underlying continental Monte Rosa unit and the similarity of peak‐metamorphic ages suggest these two units were linked for part of their tectonic history. This in turn indicates that the Monte Rosa may have been partly responsible for rapid exhumation of the ZSF unit.
Modelling the mechanoreceptor's dynamic behaviour
Authors: Song Zhuoyi , Banks Robert W. , Bewick Guy S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAll sensory receptors adapt, i.e. they constantly adjust their sensitivity to external stimuli to match the current demands of the natural environment. Electrophysiological responses of sensory receptors from widely different modalities seem to exhibit common features related to adaptation, and these features can be used to examine the underlying sensory transduction mechanisms. Among the principal senses, mechanosensation remains the least understood at the cellular level. To gain greater insights into mechanosensory signalling, we investigated if mechanosensation displayed adaptive dynamics that could be explained by similar biophysical mechanisms in other sensory modalities. To do this, we adapted a fly photoreceptor model to describe the primary transduction process for a stretch‐sensitive mechanoreceptor, taking into account the viscoelastic properties of the accessory muscle fibres and the biophysical properties of known mechanosensitive channels (MSCs). The model's output is in remarkable agreement with the electrical properties of a primary ending in an isolated decapsulated spindle; ramp‐and‐hold stretch evokes a characteristic pattern of potential change, consisting of a large dynamic depolarization during the ramp phase and a smaller static depolarization during the hold phase. The initial dynamic component is likely to be caused by a combination of the mechanical properties of the muscle fibres and a refractory state in the MSCs. Consistent with the literature, the current model predicts that the dynamic component is due to a rapid stress increase during the ramp. More novel predictions from the model are the mechanisms to explain the initial peak in the dynamic component. At the onset of the ramp, all MSCs are sensitive to external stimuli, but as they become refractory (inactivated), fewer MSCs are able to respond to the continuous stretch, causing a sharp decrease after the peak response. The same mechanism could contribute a faster component in the ‘sensory habituation’ of mechanoreceptors, in which a receptor responds more strongly to the first stimulus episode during repetitive stimulation.