bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complement activation patterns in atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome during acute phase and in remission
Authors: Volokhina E B , Westra D , van der Velden T J A M , van de Kar N C A J , Mollnes T E , van den Heuvel L P 
Published: July 2014

Summary
Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with (genetic) alterations in alternative complement pathway. Nevertheless, comprehensive evidence that the complement system in aHUS patients is more prone to activation is still lacking. Therefore, we performed a thorough analysis of complement activation in acute phase and in remission of this disease. Complement activation patterns of the aHUS patients in acute phase and in remission were compared to those of healthy controls. Background levels of complement activation products C3b/c, C3bBbP and terminal complement complex (TCC) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) plasma. In vitro-triggered complement activation in serum samples was studied using zymosan-coating and pathway-specific assay. Furthermore, efficiencies of the C3b/c, C3bBbP and TCC generation in fluid phase during spontaneous activation were analysed. Patients with acute aHUS showed elevated levels of C3b/c (P &lt; 0·01), C3bBbP (P &lt; 0·0001) and TCC (P &lt; 0·0001) in EDTA plasma, while values of patients in remission were normal, compared to those of healthy controls. Using data from a single aHUS patient with complement factor B mutation we illustrated normalization of complement activation during aHUS recovery. Serum samples from patients in remission showed normal in vitro patterns of complement activation and demonstrated normal kinetics of complement activation in the fluid phase. Our data indicate that while aHUS patients have clearly activated complement in acute phase of the disease, this is not the case in remission of aHUS. This knowledge provides important insight into complement regulation in aHUS and may have an impact on monitoring of these patients, particularly when using complement inhibition therapy.
Quantitative Evaluation of Translational Medicine Based on Scientometric Analysis and Information Extraction
Authors: Zhang Yin , Diao Tianxi , Wang Lei 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDesigned to advance the two‐way translational process between basic research and clinical practice, translational medicine has become one of the most important areas in biomedicine. The quantitative evaluation of translational medicine is valuable for the decision making of global translational medical research and funding. Using the scientometric analysis and information extraction techniques, this study quantitatively analyzed the scientific articles on translational medicine. The results showed that translational medicine had significant scientific output and impact, specific core field and institute, and outstanding academic status and benefit. While it is not considered in this study, the patent data are another important indicators that should be integrated in the relevant research in the future.
Evidence for genetic distinction among sympatric ecotypes of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) in south‐western Alaskan lakes
Authors: May‐McNally Shannan L. , Quinn Thomas P. , Woods Pamela J. , Taylor Eric B. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractResource polymorphism may play an important role in the process of speciation. The Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) exhibits great phenotypic and genetic diversity across its range, making it an ideal species for studies of resource polymorphism and divergence. Here, we investigated genetic variation at 11 microsatellite loci among 287 Arctic char from five isolated yet proximate postglacial lakes in south‐western Alaska that were previously examined for resource polymorphism. Significant differences in pairwise FST were detected among all lakes (range from 0.05 to 0.28, all P < 0.02). In one lake (Lower Tazimina Lake), we found evidence for two genetic groups of char and for significant differences in the distribution of microsatellite variability among at least two of the three previously described body size morphotypes (‘large’‐, ‘medium’‐, and ‘small’‐bodied char; maximum FST = 0.09; differences in admixture proportions). We also found a significant association between genetic admixture proportions and gill raker counts among body size morphs (r = −0.73, P < 0.001). Our data represent the first record of genetically distinct sympatric morphs of Arctic char in Alaska and provide further evidence that differences in morphology associated with feeding (gill rakers) and growth trajectories reflect niche diversification and promote genetic divergence in Holarctic populations of Arctic char.
Fabrication of Lead Titanate PbTiO3 Nanofiber Mats Via Electrospinning
Authors: Šutka Andris , Timusk Martin , Kisand Vambola , Šutka Anna , Dauksta Edvins 
Published: July 2014

We report an electrospinning approach to producing PbTiO3 polycrystalline nanofibers. The influence of the polymer concentration in the solution on the obtainable PbTiO3 nanofiber morphology was investigated. Nanofibers were characterized by high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR‐SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. After annealing at 500°C for 3 h, the continuous structure of nanofibers remained intact. Only tetragonal PbTiO3 was identified by Raman spectroscopy. Piezoelectric behavior of PbTiO3 nanofiber mats was demonstrated by making a nanomat‐based voltage generator with peak output voltage >1 V.
Assessment of antioxidant capacity of energy drinks, energy gels and sport drinks in comparison with coffee and tea
Authors: Diamantini Giuseppe , Pignotti Silvio , Antonini Elena , Chiarabini Andrea , Angelino Donato , Ninfali Paolino 
Published: July 2014

SummaryAntioxidant capacities of energy drinks (ED) and energy gels (EG) were evaluated by means of Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), Ferric‐ion Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Values obtained by the four methods linearly correlated and a ranking scale of their antioxidant contributes was drawn. The ORAC values per serving of ED and EG ranged between 100–7610 and 26–404 μmol Trolox Equivalents (TE), respectively, and correlated linearly with the total phenols (TP). TP and ORAC values of ED and EG were compared with a number of coffee, tea and sport drinks (SDR) samples. In coffees and teas, ORAC values ranged from 603 to 2954 and from 594 to 2587 μmol TE per serving, respectively. In SDR, ORAC values ranged between 420 and 1445 μmol TE per serving. The ORAC/TP and ORAC/Kcal ratios were also used to compare antioxidant capacities of the beverages and an optimal range for these ratios was discussed and proposed. Overall, our results supply new information to producers for a better formulation of antioxidant mixtures in ED and EG and also suggest advice to consumers concerning the choice of energy beverages.
A Prospective Placebo Controlled Randomized Study of Caffeine in Patients with Supraventricular Tachycardia Undergoing Electrophysiologic Testing
Authors: LEMERY ROBERT , PECARSKIE AMANDA , BERNICK JORDAN , WILLIAMS KATHRYN , WELLS GEORGE A. 
Published: July 2014

Study of Caffeine in Patients with Supraventricular TachycardiaIntroductionPatients with cardiac arrhythmias are generally instructed to avoid caffeine intake. A comprehensive evaluation of the electrophysiological effects of caffeine on atrial and ventricular tissues in humans has not previously been performed.Methods and ResultsEighty patients (31 men, mean age 49 ± 14 years) with symptomatic supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) undergoing an electrophysiologic study (EPS) prior to catheter ablation were randomized to receive oral caffeine or placebo. Caffeine at a dosage of 5 mg/kg (moderate intake) or placebo tablets were administered orally at a mean time of 57 ± 13 minutes prior to the EPS. The median (IQR) caffeine level in patients receiving caffeine was 7.4 μg/mL (4.7–8.7), as compared with 0.15 (0.00–0.61) in patients receiving placebo, P < 0.0001. Caffeine was associated with a significant increase in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures as compared with placebo, while the resting heart rate was not significantly different between both groups. Caffeine was not associated with significant effects on the effective refractory period of the atrium or ventricle, as well as on AV node conduction. SVT was induced in all but 3 patients; there was no significant difference between groups receiving placebo or caffeine on SVT inducibility or the cycle length of induced tachycardias.ConclusionsCaffeine, at moderate intake, was associated with significant increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, but had no evidence of a significant effect on cardiac conduction and refractoriness. Furthermore, no effect of caffeine on SVT induction or more rapid rates of induced tachycardias was found.
The Effect of Repeated Microwave Irradiation on the Dimensional Stability of a Specific Acrylic Denture Resin
Authors: Wagner David A. , Pipko Donald J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeTo determine the dimensional stability of a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) acrylic resin when subjected to multiple sessions of repeated microwave irradiation at power settings of 700 and 420 W.Materials and MethodsTwenty standardized denture bases were fabricated using a PMMA resin. Points of measurement were marked on each denture base with a standardized template, and the distances between points were recorded using a digital microscope. The denture bases were randomly placed into two experimental groups of 10 bases each. Individual denture bases were placed into a glass beaker containing 200 ml of room temperature deionized water and then exposed to either 700 or 420 W of microwave radiation for 3 minutes. The denture bases were allowed to cool to room temperature, and measurements between points were recorded. This process was carried out for two microwave periods with measurements being completed after each period. The data were then analyzed for any significant changes in distances between points using a Student's t‐test.ResultsAll denture bases experienced 1.0 to 2.0 mm or approximately 3% linear dimensional change after each period of microwaving. Results were significant with all t‐tests having values of p < 0.05.ConclusionThis report showed that the denture bases deformed significantly under experimental conditions at either 700 W for 3 minutes in 200 ml of water or 420 W for 3 minutes in 200 ml of water.
The real impact of telaprevir dosage on the antiviral and side effects of telaprevir, pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C patients with HCV genotype 1
Authors: Oze T. , Hiramatsu N. , Yakushijin T. , Yamada R. , Harada N. , Morishita N. , Oshita M. , Mita E. , Ito T. , Inui Y. , Inada M. , Tamura S. , Yoshihara H. , Imai Y. , Kato M. , Miyagi T. , Yoshida Y. , Tatsumi T. , Kasahara A. , Hayashi N. , Takehara T. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryTriple therapy with telaprevir, pegylated interferon and ribavirin has been reported to improve antiviral efficacy but have potentially severe adverse effects in patients with chronic hepatitis C. To avoid the severe effects of telaprevir, lowering the dose has been suggested. However, impact of dosage changes on antiviral and adverse effects remains unclear. One hundred and sixty‐six Japanese patients with HCV genotype 1 were treated with triple therapy. The drug exposure of each medication was calculated by averaging the dose actually taken. The overall SVR rate was 82%. The telaprevir discontinuation rate was 26%. The factors associated with discontinuation were an older age (≥65 y.o.) and a higher average dose during treatment. The telaprevir discontinuation rates were 42%, 25% and 14% in patients at ≥35, 25–35 and <25 mg/kg/day of telaprevir and 58% in older patients at ≥35 mg/kg/day of TVR. The factors associated with SVR were treatment‐naïve, relapse to previous treatment, higher average telaprevir dose during treatment and completion of treatment. The SVR rate was higher, at 91%, in patients at 25–35 mg/kg/day of telaprevir than the 71% and 78% observed in those at <25 and ≥35 mg/kg/day of drug. In Japanese patients, a mean telaprevir dose of 25–35 mg/kg/day during treatment can augment its efficacy in triple therapy for patients with HCV genotype 1.
The community‐level effect of light on germination timing in relation to seed mass: a source of regeneration niche differentiation
Authors: Zhang Chunhui , Willis Charles G. , Burghardt Liana T. , Qi Wei , Liu Kun , de Moura Souza‐Filho Paulo Roberto , Ma Zhen , Du Guozhen 
Published: July 2014

Summary

Within a community, species may germinate at different times so as to mitigate competition and to take advantage of different aspects of the seasonal environment (temporal niche differentiation). We illustrated a hypothesis of the combined effects of abiotic and biotic competitive factors on germination timing and the subsequent upscale effects on community assembly.

We estimated the germination timing (GT) for 476 angiosperm species of the eastern Tibetan Plateau grasslands under two light treatments in the field: high (i.e. natural) light and low light. We also measured the shift in germination timing (SGT) across treatments for all species. Furthermore, we used phylogenetic comparative methods to test if GT and SGT were associated with seed mass, an important factor in competitive interactions.

We found a significant positive correlation between GT and seed mass in both light treatments. Additionally, small seeds (early germinating seeds) tended to germinate later and large seeds (late germinating seeds) tended to germinate earlier under low light vs high light conditions.

Low light availability can reduce temporal niche differentiation by increasing the overlap in germination time between small and large seeds. In turn, reduced temporal niche differentiation may increase competition in the process of community assembly.
A multilocus perspective on the phylogenetic relationships and diversification of rodents of the tribeAbrotrichini (Cricetidae:Sigmodontinae)
Authors: Cañón Carola , Mir Daiana , Pardiñas Ulyses F. J. , Lessa Enrique P. , D'Elía Guillermo 
Published: July 2014

Abrotrichini is a recently defined and diagnosed tribe of Sigmodontinae with a complex taxonomy. Abrotrichine genera,Abrothrix(includingChroeomys),Chelemys,Geoxus,NotiomysandPearsonomys, are mostly distributed in the central and southern Andes and adjacent lowlands and show terrestrial and fossorial habits. Recent studies have evidenced some incongruence between current taxonomy and abrotrichine phylogeny, such as the polyphyly ofChelemysand paraphyly ofGeoxusrespect toPearsonomys. We usedDNAsequence data of six loci (one mitochondrial and five nuclear) to resolve the relationships within the tribe. Independent and combined analyses of these loci were carried out using parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Estimates of divergence time of the main lineages of abrotrichines were calculated with a molecular clock using as calibration, a fossil recently found. The concatenated data set increased the resolution and defined the relationships within the tribe. Our phylogenetic analyses corroborate thatAbrothrixis sister of a clade containing the long‐clawed abrotrichines. We recovered two main clades withinAbrothrixthat match morphologic variation and geographic distribution of its species. In addition, we corroborated the lack of monophyly ofChelemysand the lack of monophyly ofGeoxus. We discuss different taxonomic scenarios to abrotrichine classification reflects the phylogenetic relationships obtained in this study. Our molecular clock estimated the Abrotrichini crown age to be around the early Pliocene (4.4 Ma) and suggest that the tribe diversified over a short period of time.
Agreement Between the IPAQ and Accelerometer for Detecting Intervention-Related Changes in Physical Activity in a Sample of Latina Women
Authors: Nicaise Virginie , Crespo Noe C. , Marshall Simon 
Published: July 2014

Background:Even when objective physical activity (PA) measures are preferred, many intervention studies with Latina women rely on self-reports because they are more feasible and the type and domain of PA is of interest.Purpose:This study examined the sensitivity and specificity of the IPAQ for detecting intervention-related changes in physical activity compared with accelerometer measurement among Latinas.Methods:In March 2007, a community sample of 94 women (mean age = 36.31 ± 9.1 yr; mean body mass index = 31.37 ± 7.13) participated in a 12-week pedometer-based intervention to increase moderate intensity physical activity (MPA). Participants completed the Spanish-language International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Sp-IPAQ; telephone, long form) and wore an Actigraph accelerometer for 7 days at baseline and postintervention.Results:Both the IPAQ and the ActiGraph accelerometer detected intervention-related increases in MPA; however, these changes were largely uncorrelated. The IPAQ did not have acceptable level of sensitivity and specificity before and after the intervention when compared with objective assessments.Conclusions:Data suggest that it is important to improve the sensitivity and specificity of the IPAQ with Spanish-speaking participants and further research is needed to accurately measure intervention effectiveness using self-reports of PA in Latinas.
Declining Physical Activity and the Socio-Cultural Context of the Geography of Industrial Restructuring: A Novel Conceptual Framework
Authors: Rind Esther , Jones Andy 
Published: July 2014

Background:At the population level, the prevalence of physical activity has declined considerably in many developed countries in recent decades. There is some evidence that areas exhibiting the lowest activity levels are those which have undergone a particularly strong transition away from employment in physically demanding occupations. We propose that processes of deindustrialization may be causally linked to unexplained geographical disparities in levels of physical activity. While the sociocultural correlates of physical activity have been well studied, and prior conceptual frameworks have been developed to explain more general patterns of activity, none have explicitly attempted to identify the components of industrial change that may impact physical activity.Methods:In this work we review the current literature on sociocultural correlates of health behaviors before using a case study centered on the United Kingdom to present a novel framework that links industrial change to declining levels of physical activity.Results:We developed a comprehensive model linking sociocultural correlates of physical activity to processes associated with industrial restructuring and discuss implication for policy and practice.Conclusions:A better understanding of sociocultural processes may help to ameliorate adverse health consequences of employment decline in communities that have experienced substantial losses of manual employment.
Impact of Rotavirus Vaccine on Premature Infants
Authors: Roué Jean-Michel , Nowak Emmanuel , Le Gal Grégoire , Lemaitre Thomas , Oger Emmanuel , Poulhazan Elise , Giroux Jean-Dominique , Garenne Armelle , Gagneur Arnaud 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT
Infants born preterm are at a higher risk of complications and hospitalization in cases of rotavirus diarrhea than children born at term. We evaluated the impact of a rotavirus vaccination campaign (May 2007 to May 2010) on hospitalizations for rotavirus gastroenteritis in a population of children under 3 years old born prematurely (before 37 weeks of gestation) in the Brest University Hospital birth zone. Active surveillance from 2002 to 2006 and a prospective collection of hospitalizations for rotavirus diarrhea were initiated in the pediatric units of Brest University Hospital until May 2010. Numbers of hospitalizations for rotavirus diarrhea among the population of children born prematurely, before and after the start of the vaccination program, were compared using a Poisson regression model controlling for epidemic-to-epidemic variation. A total of 217 premature infants were vaccinated from 2007 to 2010. Vaccine coverage for a complete course of three doses was 41.9%. The vaccine safety in premature infants was similar to that in term infants. The vaccination program led to a division by a factor of 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 5.2) in the number of hospitalizations for rotavirus diarrhea during the first two epidemic seasons following vaccine introduction and by a factor of 11 (95% CI, 3.5 to 34.8) during the third season. We observed significant effectiveness of the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine on the number of hospitalizations in a population of prematurely born infants younger than 3 years of age. A multicenter national study would provide better assessment of this impact. (This study [Impact of Systematic Infants Vaccination Against Rotavirus on Gastroenteritis Hospitalization: a Prospective Study in Brest District, France (IVANHOE)] has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00740935.)
Fatal Systemic Necrotizing Infections Associated with a Novel Paramyxovirus, Anaconda Paramyxovirus, in Green Anaconda Juveniles
Authors: Woo Patrick C. Y. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Martelli Paolo , Hui Suk-Wai , Lau Candy C. Y. , Fan Rachel Y. Y. , Groff Joseph M. , Tam Emily W. T. , Chan Kwok-Hung , Yuen Kwok-Yung 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Beginning in July 2011, 31 green anaconda (
Eunectes murinus
) juveniles from an oceanarium in Hong Kong died over a 12-month period. Necropsy revealed at least two of the following features in 23 necropsies: dermatitis, severe pan-nephritis, and/or severe systemic multiorgan necrotizing inflammation. Histopathological examination revealed severe necrotizing inflammation in various organs, most prominently the kidneys. Electron microscopic examination of primary tissues revealed intralesional accumulations of viral nucleocapsids with diameters of 10 to 14 nm, typical of paramyxoviruses. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR results were positive for paramyxovirus (viral loads of 2.33 × 10
4
to 1.05 × 10
8
copies/mg tissue) in specimens from anaconda juveniles that died but negative in specimens from the two anaconda juveniles and anaconda mother that survived. None of the other snakes in the park was moribund, and RT-PCR results for surveillance samples collected from other snakes were negative. The virus was isolated from BHK21 cells, causing cytopathic effects with syncytial formation. The virus could also replicate in 25 of 27 cell lines of various origins, in line with its capability for infecting various organs. Electron microscopy with cell culture material revealed enveloped virus with the typical “herringbone” appearance of helical nucleocapsids in paramyxoviruses. Complete genome sequencing of five isolates confirmed that the infections originated from the same clone. Comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses and mRNA editing experiments revealed a novel paramyxovirus in the genus
Ferlavirus
, named anaconda paramyxovirus, with a typical
Ferlavirus
genomic organization of 3′-N-U-P/V/I-M-F-HN-L-5′. Epidemiological and genomic analyses suggested that the anaconda juveniles acquired the virus perinatally from the anaconda mother rather than from other reptiles in the park, with subsequent interanaconda juvenile transmission.
Parvovirus-Derived Endogenous Viral Elements in Two South American Rodent Genomes
Authors: Arriagada Gloria , Gifford Robert J. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

We describe endogenous viral elements (EVEs) derived from parvoviruses (family
Parvoviridae
) in the genomes of the long-tailed chinchilla (
Chinchilla lanigera
) and the degu (
Octodon degus
). The novel EVEs include dependovirus-related elements and representatives of a clearly distinct parvovirus lineage that also has endogenous representatives in marsupial genomes. In the degu, one dependovirus-derived EVE was found to carry an intact reading frame and was differentially expressed
in vivo
, with increased expression in the liver.