bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconstructing a Carboniferous inferred coral–alcyonarian association using a biomineralogical approach
Authors: Coronado I. , Fernández‐Martínez E. , Rodríguez S. , Tourneur F. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe taxonomic assignation and ecological implications of the genusSyringoalcyonTermier & Termier, 1945 have been a palaeontological problem for a long time. Carboniferous material from Morocco and Spain has been studied using a biomineralogical approach by means of petrographic microscopy,SEM,AFM,EMPAandCIPmicroscopy analysis. Detailed morphological, structural, chemical composition and crystallographic data enable a deeper understanding of the nature ofSyringoalcyon. The coral walls and the so‐called epithecal scales exhibit conspicuous differences in microstructure (lamellae and holacanthine fibres in the coral vs. single crystal in scales), nanostructure (pill‐shaped vs. granule‐shaped nanocrystals), composition (LMCvs.HMC) and crystallographic orientation. The results of these analyses imply thatSyringoalcyonis an association between the tabulate coralSyringoporaand an epibiont. They also suggest that the epibiont was an alcyonarian (a rare occurrence in the fossil record) that was attached to the syringoporoid. This work highlights the utility of the biomineralizational approaches for solving palaeontological problems, such as systematic affinities, and for advancing knowledge of the evolution of biocrystallization processes.
Safety of radiation exposure after radiosynovectomy in paediatric patients with haemophilia
Authors: Rodriguez‐Merchan E. C. , Valentino L. A. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryMany paediatric patients with haemophilia who might benefit from radiosynovectomy (RS) for the control of synovitis do not undergo the procedure as there is controversy in the literature regarding the safety of radiation exposure after two cases of acute lymphocytic leukaemia in children with haemophilia treated with 32P RS were reported. The purpose of this review was to analyse the safety of RS in paediatric patients with haemophilia and provide a risk‐benefit assessment, which practitioners could apply to their patients. Children undergoing knee RS receive a radiation dose of approximately 0.74 mSv (90 megabecquerels‐MBq) and elbow and ankle RSs a dose of approximately 0.32 mSv (30–40 MBq). The radiation dose from natural sources is approximately 2 mSv and the recommended limit for patients (apart from natural sources) is 1 mSv per year. The lifetime cancer risk increases about 0.5% per 100 mSv per year. Considering the risks and benefits of RS, the authors recommend that clinicians consider this procedure in children with inhibitors or in patients without inhibitors when bleeding is recurrent and persistent despite aggressive factor replacement.
The features of clearance in recombinant factor IX (BeneFIX®)
Authors: Suzuki N. , Takedani H. , Hirakawa A. , Ushijima Y. , Matsushita T. 
Published: April 2015

IntroductionDosage adjustment is very important to perform continuous infusion (CI) of recombinant factor IX (rFIX) concentrates more effectively and economically, and clearance (CL) is strongly related to the infusion rate. However, previous reports have shown that the CL of rFIX concentrates varies widely (4.2–11.4 mL kg−1 h−1).AimThe goal of this study was to gain a better understanding of the CL of the rFIX concentrate (BeneFIX®) to precisely set the infusion rate of rFIX concentrates.MethodsWe estimated CLs by five different calculation approaches: from area under the blood concentration–time curve (AUC), from in vivo recovery (IVR) and half‐life, from actual FIX activity value during CI, and from the simulation by one‐compartment model in seven patients with haemophilia B.ResultsThe mean CL calculated from AUC was 3.8 ± 0.4 mL kg−1 h−1 (range = 3.3–4.3 mL kg−1 h−1).ConclusionThe mean CL calculated from IVR and distribution half‐life was 4.4 ± 0.4 mL kg−1 h−1 (range = 4.0–5.1 mL kg−1 h−1). The mean CL calculated from IVR and terminal half‐life was 2.1 ± 0.5 mL kg−1 h−1 (range = 1.7–2.8 mL kg−1 h−1). The mean CL during CI was 4.9 ± 0.6 mL kg−1 h−1 (range = 4.2–5.6 mL kg−1 h−1). In addition, when we simulated the theoretical CL using a one‐compartment model, the adjusted mean CL during CI was 4.8 ± 0.5 mL kg−1 h−1 (range = 4.0–5.4 mL kg−1 h−1). The CL obtained from distribution half‐life was comparable to the CL during CI, while the CL calculated from terminal half‐life did not reflect actual CL. Further, the rFIX concentrate was characterized by a one‐compartment model under certain conditions.
Blood markers of oxidative stress predict weaning failure from mechanical ventilation
Authors: Verona Cléber , Hackenhaar Fernanda S. , Teixeira Cassiano , Medeiros Tássia M. , Alabarse Paulo V. , Salomon Tiago B. , Shüller Ártur K. , Maccari Juçara G. , Condessa Robledo Leal , Oliveira Roselaine P. , Rios Vieira Silvia R. , Benfato Mara S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPatients undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV) often experience respiratory muscle dysfunction, which complicates the weaning process. There is no simple means to predict or diagnose respiratory muscle dysfunction because diagnosis depends on measurements in muscle diaphragmatic fibre. As oxidative stress is a key mechanism contributing to MV‐induced respiratory muscle dysfunction, the aim of this study was to determine if differences in blood measures of oxidative stress in patients who had success and failure in a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) could be used to predict the outcome of MV. This was a prospective analysis of MV‐dependent patients (≥72 hrs; n = 34) undergoing a standard weaning protocol. Clinical, laboratory and oxidative stress analyses were performed. Measurements were made on blood samples taken at three time‐points: immediately before the trial, 30 min. into the trial in weaning success (WS) patients, or immediately before return to MV in weaning failure (WF) patients, and 6 hrs after the trial. We found that blood measures of oxidative stress distinguished patients who would experience WF from patients who would experience WS. Before SBT, WF patients presented higher oxidative damage in lipids and higher antioxidant levels and decreased nitric oxide concentrations. The observed differences in measures between WF and WS patients persisted throughout and after the weaning trial. In conclusion, WF may be predicted based on higher malondialdehyde, higher vitamin C and lower nitric oxide concentration in plasma.
Acacetin inhibits expression of matrix metalloproteinases via a MAPK‐dependent mechanism in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes
Authors: Chen Wei‐Ping , Yang Zhi‐Gao , Hu Peng‐Fei , Bao Jia‐Peng , Wu Li‐Dong 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIt is well known that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune joint disease in which fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) play a pivotal role. In this study, we investigated the anti‐arthritic properties of acacetin in FLSs. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, MMP‐3 and MMP‐13 were investigated by quantitative RT‐PCR and western blot at gene and protein levels. At the same time, the phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) was investigated. The DNA‐binding activity of NF‐κB was investigated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. We found that acacetin inhibits p38 and JNK phosphorylation and reduces MMP‐1, MMP‐3 and MMP‐13 expression in interleukin‐1β‐induced FLSs. Our results suggest that acacetin has antiarthritic effects in FLSs. Thus, acacetin should be further studied for the treatment of arthritis.
Cardiac regenerative potential of cardiosphere‐derived cells from adult dog hearts
Authors: Hensley Michael Taylor , de Andrade James , Keene Bruce , Meurs Kathryn , Tang Junnan , Wang Zegen , Caranasos Thomas G. , Piedrahita Jorge , Li Tao‐Sheng , Cheng Ke 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe regenerative potential of cardiosphere‐derived cells (CDCs) for ischaemic heart disease has been demonstrated in mice, rats, pigs and a recently completed clinical trial. The regenerative potential of CDCs from dog hearts has yet to be tested. Here, we show that canine CDCs can be produced from adult dog hearts. These cells display similar phenotypes in comparison to previously studied CDCs derived from rodents and human beings. Canine CDCs can differentiate into cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells in vitro. In addition, conditioned media from canine CDCs promote angiogenesis but inhibit cardiomyocyte death. In a doxorubicin‐induced mouse model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), intravenous infusion of canine CDCs improves cardiac function and decreases cardiac fibrosis. Histology revealed that injected canine CDCs engraft in the mouse heart and increase capillary density. Out study demonstrates the regenerative potential of canine CDCs in a mouse model of DCM.
Improved Zernike‐type phase contrast for transmission electron microscopy
Authors: KOECK P.J.B. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryZernike phase contrast has been recognized as a means of recording high‐resolution images with high contrast using a transmission electron microscope. This imaging mode can be used to image typical phase objects such as unstained biological molecules or cryosections of biological tissue. According to the original proposal discussed in Danev and Nagayama (2001) and references therein, the Zernike phase plate applies a phase shift of π/2 to all scattered electron beams outside a given scattering angle and an image is recorded at Gaussian focus or slight underfocus (below Scherzer defocus). Alternatively, a phase shift of ‐π/2 is applied to the central beam using the Boersch phase plate. The resulting image will have an almost perfect contrast transfer function (close to 1) from a given lowest spatial frequency up to a maximum resolution determined by the wave length, the amount of defocus and the spherical aberration of the microscope. In this paper, I present theory and simulations showing that this maximum spatial frequency can be increased considerably without loss of contrast by using a Zernike or Boersch phase plate that leads to a phase shift between scattered and unscattered electrons of only π /4, and recording images at Scherzer defocus. The maximum resolution can be improved even more by imaging at extended Scherzer defocus, though at the cost of contrast loss at lower spatial frequencies.
Profound Changes in Sex Hormone Levels during Cross-Sex Hormone Therapy of Transsexuals do not Alter Serum Cholesterol Acceptor Capacity
Authors: Wultsch Anna , Kaufmann Ulrike , Ott Johannes , Stojakovic Tatjana , Scharnagl Hubert , Stangl Herbert , Strobl Witta Monika 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Men and postmenopausal women exhibit a higher risk for atherosclerosis than premenopausal women. These differences were often attributed to sex steroids, but the role of estrogen and testosterone in atherosclerosis are more complex than anticipated. Cross-sex hormone therapy of transsexuals is an interesting model, which has been used to study hormonal effects on serum lipid profile, insulin resistance, and body composition. However, studies on macrophage cholesterol efflux, the first step in reverse cholesterol transport, are not available.

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cross-sex hormone therapy in transsexuals on the capacity of serum to accept cholesterol from macrophages.

Methods
Cholesterol acceptor capacity (CAC) of serum from transsexuals before and after at least 6 months of hormone treatment was measured using macrophage tissue culture models.

Main Outcome Measures
CAC of serum using the human acute monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1 cells).

Results
Unexpectedly, the CAC of serum from male to female (MtF) transsexuals was not increased, but decreased after hormone therapy. Serum from female to male (FtM) transsexuals showed no changes in CAC.

Conclusions
Despite drastic changes in hormone status, no increase in CAC was detected in MtF patients, and no alteration in CAC was seen in FtM patients. These data further challenge the traditional view that estrogen and testosterone exert beneficial and detrimental effects, respectively, on lipoprotein metabolism and ultimately atherosclerosis.
Integration of genetic and physical maps of the Primula vulgaris S locus and localization by chromosome in situ hybridization
Authors: Li Jinhong , Webster Margaret A. , Wright Jonathan , Cocker Jonathan M. , Smith Matthew C. , Badakshi Farah , Heslop‐Harrison Pat , Gilmartin Philip M. 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Heteromorphic flower development in Primula is controlled by the S locus. The S locus genes, which control anther position, pistil length and pollen size in pin and thrum flowers, have not yet been characterized. We have integrated S‐linked genes, marker sequences and mutant phenotypes to create a map of the P. vulgaris S locus region that will facilitate the identification of key S locus genes. We have generated, sequenced and annotated BAC sequences spanning the S locus, and identified its chromosomal location.

We have employed a combination of classical genetics and three‐point crosses with molecular genetic analysis of recombinants to generate the map. We have characterized this region by Illumina sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, together with chromosome in situ hybridization.

We present an integrated genetic and physical map across the P. vulgaris S locus flanked by phenotypic and DNA sequence markers. BAC contigs encompass a 1.5‐Mb genomic region with 1 Mb of sequence containing 82 S‐linked genes anchored to overlapping BACs. The S locus is located close to the centromere of the largest metacentric chromosome pair.

These data will facilitate the identification of the genes that orchestrate heterostyly in Primula and enable evolutionary analyses of the S locus.
Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations in Dyskeratosis Congenita
Authors: Samuel Bennett P. , Duffner Ulrich A. , Abdel‐Mageed Aly S. , Vettukattil Joseph J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are rare lesions known to cause cyanosis due to abnormal communication between the pulmonary arteries and veins. They are commonly seen in association with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, congenital heart disease, hepatopulmonary syndrome, and portopulmonary shunting, but rarely in patients with dyskeratosis congenita (DC). We describe a patient previously diagnosed with DC confirmed to have microscopic PAVMs after bone marrow transplantation and discuss possible pathogenic mechanisms.
Bone marrow transplant for X‐linked protoporphyria with severe hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Butler David F. , Ginn Kevin F. , Daniel James F. , Bloomer Joseph R. , Kats Alexander , Shreve Nancy , Myers Gary D. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractXLP is an erythroid porphyria that results in variable cutaneous photosensitivity due to accumulation of protoporphyrin. The genetic defect in XLP is mutation of the gene ALAS2, resulting in gain of function for the erythroid enzyme 5‐aminolevulinate synthase 2. Previous reports have shown that protoporphyrin‐induced liver disease may also occur in XLP, occasionally severe enough to warrant liver transplantation; however, transplantation may be followed by injury to the graft due to continued presence of the underlying metabolic disorder in the bone marrow. We present a case of XLP with severe liver disease successfully treated with HPCT to avoid liver transplantation. The case also demonstrates the feasibility of reduced intensity transplant to provide engraftment sufficient for correction of porphyria and tolerability of reduced intensity conditioning containing TLI in the face of severe liver injury.
Identifying the immunomodulatory components of helminths
Authors: Shepherd C. , Navarro S. , Wangchuk P. , Wilson D. , Daly N. L. , Loukas A. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryImmunomodulatory components of helminths offer great promise as an entirely new class of biologics for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Here, we discuss the emerging themes in helminth‐driven immunomodulation in the context of therapeutic drug discovery. We broadly define the approaches that are currently applied by researchers to identify these helminth molecules, highlighting key areas of potential exploitation that have been mostly neglected thus far, notably small molecules. Finally, we propose that the investigation of immunomodulatory compounds will enable the translation of current and future research efforts into potential treatments for autoimmune and allergic diseases, while at the same time yielding new insights into the molecular interface of host–parasite biology.
The importance of pollinators and autonomous self‐fertilisation in the early stages of plant invasions:BanksiaandHakea(Proteaceae) as case studies
Authors: Moodley D. , Geerts S. , Richardson D. M. , Wilson J. R. U. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractReproduction is a crucial stage in the naturalisation of introduced plant species. Here, using breeding system experiments and observations of floral visitors, we investigate whether a lack of pollinators or an inability to autonomously self‐fertilise limits naturalisation in five AustralianBanksiaspecies and the co‐familialHakea salicifoliain South Africa.Banksiaspecies were heavily utilised by native insects and nectar‐feeding birds. AlthoughBanksiaproduced fruit when pollinators were excluded, pollinators significantly increased seed set in four of the five species.H. salicifoliaflowers were visited by 11 insect species; honeybees (Apis mellifera) were the main visitors. Flowers in naturalisedH. salicifoliapopulations received almost four times the number of visits as flowers in non‐naturalised populations; the latter showed both pollen limitation (PLI0.40) and partial self‐incompatibility. This should not prevent invasion, sinceH. salicifoliaproduces fruitsviaautonomous selfing in the absence of pollinators. The results suggest a limited role of breeding systems in mediating naturalisation of introduced Proteaceae species. Other factors, such as features of the recipient environments, appear to be more important. Spatial variation in rates of reproduction might, however, explain variation in the extent and rate of naturalisation of different populations.
The Effect of Land Restitution on Poverty Reduction among the Khomani San “Bushmen” in South Africa
Authors: Dikgang Johane , Muchapondwa Edwin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis paper looks at the impact of land restitution involving the Khomani San “bushmen” in the Kgalagadi area of South Africa. It seeks to investigate the effect of land restitution on poverty reduction among the beneficiaries. We run two‐stage least squares models of access to nature, per capita income and poverty status on the use of restituted land, among other variables. Our results suggest that the Khomani San beneficiaries have gotten more access to natural resources but that the use of restituted land has neither increased per capita income nor reduced poverty. In fact, the use of restituted land has contributed to increased poverty. Therefore, land restitution should become part of a broader, carefully crafted rural developmental strategy for it to be effective in reducing poverty. Otherwise, land restitution risks enabling indigenous communities to continue with their “traditional” way of life, and in fact thereby keep them poor.
Gender, Race, and Dissensus on State Supreme Courts*
Authors: Szmer John , Christensen Robert K. , Kaheny Erin B. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to integrate multiple streams of research on judicial dissensus to better understand the causes of state court of last resort justices’ decisions to dissent. The study particularly focused on the relationship between dissent and gender and race (and their intersection) at the individual and panel level.MethodsWe employed probit regression with clustered standard errors of the population of state court of last resort cases from 1995 to 1998.ResultsWomen and minorities were more likely to dissent in cases involving issues that are particularly salient to those particular groups. We also find evidence of the intersectionality of race and gender: while white women and African‐American males were less likely to dissent than white males, African‐American women were the most likely to cast dissenting votes.ConclusionsOur results suggest that, in addition to small‐group (panel) and institutional characteristics, individual attributes such as race and gender (and their intersection) matter in the decision to dissent.
Longing for a Better American Dream: Homeowners in Trouble Evaluate Shared Equity Alternatives
Authors: Saegert Susan , Greer Andrew , Thaden Emily P. , Anthony Donald L. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveWe investigated how households with histories of mortgage default, including foreclosure, view traditional homeownership and how shared equity homeownership (SEH), an alternative housing tenure, would be evaluated.MethodFocus groups and individual interviews with households who had contacted foreclosure counseling organizations were analyzed for themes relating to perceptions of homeownership and renting. After explaining the SEH concept, interviewees compared this form of tenure to both traditional homeownership and renting.FindingsInterviewees associated homeownership with increased ontological security and financial stability, but the associations were reversed when mortgage delinquency and foreclosure were discussed. Nonetheless, they strongly preferred owning to renting. Participants were interested in SEH and found it a potentially valuable form of homeownership if practical details were properly addressed.ConclusionsSEH offers the benefits that interviewees associated with homeownership. Those with histories of mortgage default expressed strong interest in SEH as an alternative to traditional homeownership and renting. Policy implications are discussed.
Improving red blood cell orders, utilization, and management with point‐of‐care clinical decision support
Authors: McKinney Zeke J. , Peters Jessica M. , Gorlin Jed B. , Perry Elizabeth H. 
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUNDThe computerized order for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion within our electronic health record was redesigned with integrated clinical decision support (CDS) to reinforce our restrictive transfusion policy. These changes encouraged 1‐unit (1U) RBC orders, clarified hemoglobin (Hb) transfusion triggers, and discouraged unnecessary orders. This study assessed whether these changes resulted in durable effects on provider practices.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe study compared three 1‐year subperiods from August 2011 to August 2014, with each year corresponding to a historical control period, preintervention and postintervention years. This study analyzed ratios of 1U versus 2‐unit (2U) orders and the absolute rate of RBC orders, units charged, Hb transfusion triggers, repeat transfusion orders, and selected clinical indications both institution‐wide and across several subpopulations.RESULTSOur institution‐wide ratio of 1U versus 2U orders increased from 0.50 to 1.20 (p < 0.0001) in the pre‐ to postintervention subperiods, respectively. The number of units charged per day decreased from 15.68 to 13.53 (p < 0.001), while rates of initial and repeat orders remained stable. Proportion of clinical indications used and mean Hb triggers demonstrated generally positive results. The changes observed between the pre‐ and postintervention years were far greater than changes between historical control versus preintervention years, reinforcing attribution of results to computerized physician order entry changes.CONCLUSIONUse of computerized orders and CDS encouraged a restrictive transfusion policy, which was highly successful in changing provider practices. We also succeeded in decreasing mean Hb triggers and overall utilization of RBCs. These findings persisted across many subpopulations.