bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Full blood count parameters for the detection of asthma inflammatory phenotypes
Authors: Zhang X.‐Y. , Simpson J. L. , Powell H. , Yang I. A. , Upham J. W. , Reynolds P. N. , Hodge S. , James A. L. , Jenkins C. , Peters M. J. , Lin J.‐T. , Gibson P. G. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundIn asthma, the airway inflammatory phenotype influences clinical characteristics and treatment response. Although induced sputum is the gold standard test for phenotyping asthma, a more accessible method is needed for clinical practice.ObjectiveTo investigate whether white blood cell counts and/or their derived ratios can predict sputum eosinophils or neutrophils in uncontrolled asthma.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study evaluated 164 treated but uncontrolled asthmatic patients with sputum induction and blood collection. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the relationship between blood and sputum parameters.ResultsThere was a significant positive relationship between blood eosinophil parameters and the percentage of sputum eosinophil count. A weak but significant correlation was found between sputum neutrophil percentage and blood neutrophil percentage (r = 0.219, P = 0.005). ROC curve analysis identified that blood eosinophil percentage count was the best predictor for eosinophilic asthma, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.907 (P < 0.001). The optimum cut‐point for blood eosinophil percentage was 2.7%, and this yielded a sensitivity of 92.2% and a specificity of 75.8%. The absolute blood eosinophil count was also highly predictive with an AUC of 0.898 (P < 0.0001) at a blood eosinophil cut‐off of 0.26 × 109/L. The blood eosinophil/lymphocyte ratio (ELR) and eosinophil/neutrophil ratio (ENR) were increased in eosinophilic asthma, and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was increased in neutrophilic asthma. Neutrophilic asthma could also be detected by blood neutrophil percentages and NLR, but with less accuracy.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceBlood eosinophil counts and derived ratios (ELR and ENR) can accurately predict eosinophilic asthma in patients with persistent uncontrolled asthma despite treatment. Blood neutrophil parameters are poor surrogates for the proportion of sputum neutrophils. Blood counts may be a useful aid in the monitoring of uncontrolled asthma.
Soft tissue histomorphology at implants with a transmucosal modified surface. A study in minipigs
Authors: Liñares Antonio , Muñoz Fernando , Permuy María , Dard Michel , Blanco Juan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate soft tissue histomorphology and quality around implants with a modified transgingival collar surface comparatively to a machined.Material and methodsTwenty‐seven Straumann Standard Tissue Level implants belonging to the following groups (nine of each group): Ti modSLA with machined collar (Ti‐M), Ti modSLA with machined, acid‐etched surface collar (Ti‐modMA), and TiZr modSLA with machined, acid‐etched surface collar (TiZr‐modMA) were placed in the mandible of six minipigs. After 8 weeks of healing, buccal sections were obtained and processed for histological evaluation.ResultsHistometric soft tissue outcomes were similar for the three types of implants. The percentage of connective tissue attached to implant surface and its length was longer at TiZr‐modMA with respect to Ti‐M implants. The number of inflammatory cells was slightly higher at the TiZr‐modMA with respect to Ti‐M implant. The percentage of area occupied by perpendicular collagen fibers was slightly higher for the modified surfaces in comparison with the machined.ConclusionsModified implant collar surfaces at Ti and TiZr implants showed a soft tissue interface similar to machined. A tendency of increasing number of perpendicular collagen fibers and improved connective tissue contact was found at the modified implant surfaces.
782. SALVIA INVOLUCRATA
Authors: Wood John R. I. , Pink Lynsey 
Published: May 2014

SummarySalvia involucrata Cav., the Rose‐leaf sage, is a species endemic to east Mexico which has been in cultivation since at least the late 18th century. It is little‐known as a native species but is widely cultivated and various cultivars and cultivated hybrids are also known. Salvia puberula Fern. is treated as belonging to S. involucrata but has been subject to different interpretations over the years.
A new equation for the soil water retention curve
Authors: Kuang X. , Jiao J. J. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe soil water retention curve is a fundamental characteristic of unsaturated zone flow and transport properties. Recent studies show that an air‐entry value is needed in a soil water retention equation in order to provide a better prediction of relative hydraulic conductivity. A new equation considering the air‐entry value is proposed to describe the soil water retention curve. The performance of the proposed equation is contrasted with a well‐supported equation by comparing measured and calculated data for 14 soils, representing various soil textures, which range from sandstone to clay. Results show that the proposed equation provides adequate characterization of the soil water retention curves. The equation for predicting relative hydraulic conductivity is derived from the proposed soil water retention equation. An empirical equation for relative hydraulic conductivity is also used. Our results show that the agreement between the predicted and measured relative hydraulic conductivities is improved by the combinations of the proposed equation and the relative hydraulic conductivity equations. The proposed equation is mathematically simple and it can easily be implemented in unsaturated flow and multiphase flow numerical models.
SPINK5 knockdown in organotypic human skin culture as a model system for Netherton syndrome: effect of genetic inhibition of serine proteases kallikrein 5 and kallikrein 7
Authors: Wang Shirley , Olt Sabine , Schoefmann Nicole , Stuetz Anton , Winiski Anthony , Wolff‐Winiski Barbara 
Published: May 2014

Abstract Netherton syndrome (NS; OMIM 256500) is a genetic skin disease resulting from defects in the serine protease inhibitor Kazal‐type 5 (SPINK5) gene, which encodes the protease inhibitor lympho‐epithelial Kazal type inhibitor (LEKTI). We established a SPINK5 knockdown skin model by transfecting SPINK5 small interfering RNA (siRNA) into normal human epidermal keratinocytes, which were used together with fibroblast‐populated collagen gels to generate organotypic skin cultures. This model recapitulates some of the NS skin morphology: thicker, parakeratotic stratum corneum frequently detached from the underlying epidermis and loss of corneodesmosomes. As enhanced serine protease activity has been implicated in the disease pathogenesis, we investigated the impact of the kallikreins KLK5 [stratum corneum trypsin‐like enzyme (SCTE)] and KLK7 [stratum corneum chymotrypsin‐like enzyme (SCCE)] on the SPINK5 knockdown phenotype by generating double knockdowns in the organotypic model. Knockdown of KLK5 or KLK7 partially ameliorated the epidermal architecture: increased epidermal thickness and expression of desmocollin 1 (DSC1), desmoglein 1 (DSG1) and (pro)filaggrin. Thus, inhibition of serine proteases KLK5 and KLK7 could be therapeutically beneficial in NS.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer based quantitative analysis of feedforward and feedback loops in epidermal growth factor receptor signaling and the sensitivity to molecular targeting drugs
Authors: Fujita Yoshihisa , Komatsu Naoki , Matsuda Michiyuki , Aoki Kazuhiro 
Published: May 2014

The Ras‐ERK and PI3K‐mTOR pathways are hyperactivated in various malignant tumors. Feedforward (FF) and feedback (FB) regulations between the Ras‐ERK and the PI3K‐mTOR pathways have been suggested to attenuate sensitivity to drugs targeting these pathways and confer tumor resistance to therapies. However, because analyses of such regulations require measurements and perturbations with high temporal resolution, the quantitative roles played by FF and FB regulations in the intrinsic resistance to molecular targeting drugs still remain unclear. To address this issue, we quantified FF and FB regulations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway by Förster/fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging. EGF‐induced activation of EGFR, Ras, extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase and S6K with or without inhibitors was measured by FRET imaging, and analyzed by semi‐automatic image processing. Based on the imaging data set and kinetic parameters determined by our previous studies, we identified the roles played by a coherent FF regulation and two negative FB regulations, one of which was not recognized previously. The systems analyses revealed how these FF and FB regulations shape the temporal dynamics of extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase activity upon EGF stimulation. Furthermore, the simulation model predicts the response of molecular targeting drugs applied solely or in combination with each other to BRaf‐ or KRas‐mutated cancer cell lines, indicating the validity of a quantitative model integrating FF and FB regulations.DatabaseThe mathematical model described here has been submitted to the JWS Online Cellular Systems Modelling Database and can be accessed free of charge at http://jjj.mib.ac.uk/webMathematica/UItester.jsp?modelName=fujita
Modern and Pleistocene large‐sized benthic foraminifers from Tahiti, French Polynesia, collected during IODP Expedition 310
Authors: Fujita Kazuhiko , Omori Akitoshi 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis paper reports the fauna and distribution of large‐sized benthic foraminifers (LsBFs; defined as benthic foraminifers >0.5 mm in size) from surface sediments collected around Tahiti, French Polynesia, as well as from the Pleistocene deposits drilled off the Tiarei area, Tahiti, during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 310. At least 6 and 22 genera of living and dead tests of LsBFs, respectively, were identified from modern surface sediments. Foraminiferal abundance in surface sediments depends mainly on the water depth and substratum type. The taxonomic composition of dead LsBF assemblages varies with depositional environments and water depths. Back‐reef lagoon assemblages are dominated by Schlumbergerina alveoliniformis, whereas fore‐reef slope and shelf assemblages are dominated by Amphistegina spp. The relative abundance of Amphistegina lessonii decreases with increasing water depth. On the shelf, A. lessonii is replaced by Amphistegina bicirculata and Planostegina sp. Pleistocene samples consisting mainly of volcaniclastic sandstone/siltstone and skeletal grainstone contained very small numbers and low species diversity of fossil LsBFs. Amphistegina lobifera, Heterostegina depressa, and Eponides repandus were commonly found in the Pleistocene samples. The taxonomic compositions showed little variation within holes. The Pleistocene assemblages were compositionally similar to those found in modern fore‐reef slope environments of <30 m depth. Combined results of coral U/Th ages and paleoenvironmental interpretations from in situ corals and LsBFs indicate that the Pleistocene sequence in the Tiarei area was deposited in a fore‐reef slope environment during Marine Isotope Stage 3.
Catechins inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor production and cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in human dental pulp cells
Authors: Nakanishi T. , Mukai K. , Hosokawa Y. , Takegawa D. , Matsuo T. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the effect of catechins on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in human dental pulp cells (HDPC) stimulated with bacteria‐derived factors or pro‐inflammatory cytokines.MethodologyMorphologically fibroblastic cells established from explant cultures of healthy human dental pulp tissues were used as HDPC. HDPC pre‐treated with catechins, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) or epicatechin gallate (ECG), were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PG), interlukin‐1β (IL‐1β) or tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). VEGF production was examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and COX‐2 expression was assessed by immunoblot.ResultsEGCG and ECG significantly reduced LPS‐ or PG‐mediated VEGF production in the HDPC in a dose‐dependent manner. EGCG also prevented IL‐1β‐mediated VEGF production. Although TNF‐α did not enhance VEGF production in the dental pulp cells, treatment of 20 μg mL−1 of EGCG decreased the level of VEGF. In addition, the catechins attenuated COX‐2 expression induced by LPS and IL‐1β.ConclusionsThe up‐regulated VEGF and COX‐2 expressions in the HDPC stimulated with these bacteria‐derived factors or IL‐1β were diminished by the treatment of EGCG and ECG. These findings suggest that the catechins may be beneficial as an anti‐inflammatory tool of the treatment for pulpal inflammation.
Genomic aberrations of myeloproliferative and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms in chronic phase and during disease progression
Authors: Hahm C. , Huh H. J. , Mun Y. C. , Seong C. M. , Chung W. S. , Huh J. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIntroductionMyeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN) may transform into secondary myelofibrosis (MF) or evolve into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The genetic mechanisms underlying disease progression in MPN and MDS/MPN patients remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate sequential genomic aberrations identified by single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP‐A)‐based karyotyping that can detect cryptic aberrations or copy neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN‐LOH) in the chronic phase and during disease progression of MPN and MDS/MPN patients.MethodsThe study group included 13 MPN and four MDS/MPN patients (seven polycythemia vera (PV); four essential thrombocythemia (ET); two MPN‐unclassifiable (MPN‐U); one chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML); one atypical chronic myeloid leukemia, BCR‐ABL1 negative (aCML); and two MDS/MPN‐unclassifiable (MDS/MPN‐U)). Among them, five patients (two PV, two MPN‐U, and one MDS/MPN‐U) progressed to MF and three patients (one CMML, one aCML, and one MDS/MPN‐U) transformed to AML. The median follow‐up period was 70 months (range, 7–152). Whole‐genome SNP‐A (SNP 6.0; Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA, USA)‐based karyotyping and JAK2 mutation analysis were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.ResultsSNP‐A showed 19 kinds of genomic aberrations, including seven gains, eight deletions, and four CN‐LOH. CN‐LOH of 9p involving JAK2 was the most common aberration, followed by 5q deletion and 9p gain. The incidence of genomic changes identified by SNP was not different in patients with disease progression (75%), compared with those without disease progression (56%) (P = 0.4). However, when excluding 9p CN‐LOH, the incidence of genomic changes was significantly higher in patients with disease progression than in patients without disease progression (63% and 0%, respectively, P = 0.01). Among eight patients with disease progression, two patients (two MPN‐U) showed abnormal SNP‐A results, whereas metaphase cytogenetics (MC) analysis showed normal results at diagnosis and during follow‐up. In nine patients without disease progression, SNP‐A did not show any genomic aberrations except for 9p CN‐LOH. In three patients (one PV, one aCML, and one MDS/MPN‐U), clonal evolutions were identified by both MC and SNP‐A according to disease progression. One PV patient who progressed to MF at 45 months after diagnosis showed sequential genomic changes from 9p CN‐LOH to 9p gain by SNP‐A. Results of JAK2 mutation analysis were variable depending on the patient. Most of the patients with 9p CN‐LOH or 9p gain showed more than 50% of the JAK2 mutant alleles. In one patient (MDS/MPN‐U) evolving to AML, the number of JAK2 mutant alleles decreased according to disease progression.ConclusionThis study suggests sequential genomic changes identified by SNP‐A may be associated with disease progression.
Developing a pressure ulcer risk factor minimum data set and risk assessment framework
Authors: Coleman Susanne , Nelson E. Andrea , Keen Justin , Wilson Lyn , McGinnis Elizabeth , Dealey Carol , Stubbs Nikki , Muir Delia , Farrin Amanda , Dowding Dawn , Schols Jos M.G.A. , Cuddigan Janet , Berlowitz Dan , Jude Edward , Vowden Peter , Bader Dan L. , Gefen Amit , Oomens Cees W.J. , Schoonhoven Lisette , Nixon Jane 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimTo agree a draft pressure ulcer risk factor Minimum Data Set to underpin the development of a new evidenced‐based Risk Assessment Framework.BackgroundA recent systematic review identified the need for a pressure ulcer risk factor Minimum Data Set and development and validation of an evidenced‐based pressure ulcer Risk Assessment Framework. This was undertaken through the Pressure UlceR Programme Of reSEarch (RP‐PG‐0407‐10056), funded by the National Institute for Health Research and incorporates five phases. This article reports phase two, a consensus study.DesignConsensus study.MethodA modified nominal group technique based on the Research and Development/University of California at Los Angeles appropriateness method. This incorporated an expert group, review of the evidence and the views of a Patient and Public Involvement service user group. Data were collected December 2010–December 2011.FindingsThe risk factors and assessment items of the Minimum Data Set (including immobility, pressure ulcer and skin status, perfusion, diabetes, skin moisture, sensory perception and nutrition) were agreed. In addition, a draft Risk Assessment Framework incorporating all Minimum Data Set items was developed, comprising a two stage assessment process (screening and detailed full assessment) and decision pathways.ConclusionThe draft Risk Assessment Framework will undergo further design and pre‐testing with clinical nurses to assess and improve its usability. It will then be evaluated in clinical practice to assess its validity and reliability. The Minimum Data Set could be used in future for large scale risk factor studies informing refinement of the Risk Assessment Framework.
Negotiating multiple cues of predation risk in a landscape of fear: what scares free‐ranging brushtail possums?
Authors: Mella V. S. A. , Banks P. B. , McArthur C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHerbivores live in a landscape of fear and must incorporate danger in their foraging decisions, balancing their need of food and safety using a variety of cues to assess the risk of predation. These cues can either be direct (i.e. signalling the possible presence of a predator) or indirect (i.e. linked to the likelihood of encountering a predator). How then do herbivores negotiate these multiple cues in the landscape? And which type of cues do foraging herbivores use to assess variation in predation risk? We examined these questions by investigating the foraging responses of a free‐ranging marsupial herbivore, the common brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula to perceived predation risk. We found that indirect habitat‐related cues of predation (i.e. feeder location) consistently influenced foraging, while other more variable indirect (i.e. illumination) and direct cues (i.e. predator odour) did not. Giving‐up‐density at above‐ground feeders was always lower than at on‐ground feeders. Possums spent more time and foraged more at the above‐ground feeders than at the on‐ground feeders. Our results demonstrate that when multiple cues are present, varying in the accuracy of the information they provide about predation risk, possums respond to habitat‐related cues. Possums manage risk by modifying behaviours, reducing time spent foraging in areas where potential risk is perceived as high. Thus, when the location of a predator at a certain point in time and space is unknown, and food demands are high, habitat‐related cues are a safe choice to assess predation risk, with reliable returns for free‐ranging herbivores.
Detecting genotypic changes associated with selective mortality at sea in Atlantic salmon: polygenic multilocus analysis surpasses genome scan
Authors: Bourret Vincent , Dionne Mélanie , Bernatchez Louis 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWild populations of Atlantic salmon have declined worldwide. While the causes for this decline may be complex and numerous, increased mortality at sea is predicted to be one of the major contributing factors. Examining the potential changes occurring in the genome‐wide composition of populations during this migration has the potential to tease apart some of the factors influencing marine mortality. Here, we genotyped 5568 SNPs in Atlantic salmon populations representing two distinct regional genetic groups and across two cohorts to test for differential allelic and genotypic frequencies between juveniles (smolts) migrating to sea and adults (grilses) returning to freshwater after 1 year at sea. Given the complexity of the traits potentially associated with sea mortality, we contrasted the outcomes of a single‐locus FST based genome scan method with a new multilocus framework to test for genetically based differential mortality at sea. While numerous outliers were identified by the single‐locus analysis, no evidence for parallel, temporally repeated selection was found. In contrast, the multilocus approach detected repeated patterns of selection for a multilocus group of 34 covarying SNPs in one of the two populations. No significant pattern of selective mortality was detected in the other population, suggesting different causes of mortality among populations. These results first support the hypothesis that selection mainly causes small changes in allele frequencies among many covarying loci rather than a small number of changes in loci with large effects. They also point out that moving away from the a strict ‘selective sweep paradigm’ towards a multilocus genetics framework may be a more useful approach for studying the genomic signatures of natural selection on complex traits in wild populations.
Manipulation of two α‐endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanase genes, AtCel6 and GmCel7, reduces susceptibility to Heterodera glycines in soybean roots
Authors: Woo Mi‐Ok , Beard Hunter , MacDonald Margaret H. , Brewer Eric P. , Youssef Reham M. , Kim Hyunsoon , Matthews Benjamin F. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryPlant endo‐β‐1,4‐glucanases (EGases) include cell wall‐modifying enzymes that are involved in nematode‐induced growth of syncytia (feeding structures) in nematode‐infected roots. EGases in the α‐ and β‐subfamilies contain signal peptides and are secreted, whereas those in the γ‐subfamily have a membrane‐anchoring domain and are not secreted. The Arabidopsis α‐EGase At1g48930, designated as AtCel6, is known to be down‐regulated by beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii) in Arabidopsis roots, whereas another α‐EGase, AtCel2, is up‐regulated. Here, we report that the ectopic expression of AtCel6 in soybean roots reduces susceptibility to both soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines) and root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita). Suppression of GmCel7, the soybean homologue of AtCel2, in soybean roots also reduces the susceptibility to SCN. In contrast, in studies on two γ‐EGases, both ectopic expression of AtKOR2 in soybean roots and suppression of the soybean homologue of AtKOR3 had no significant effect on SCN parasitism. Our results suggest that secreted α‐EGases are likely to be more useful than membrane‐bound γ‐EGases in the development of an SCN‐resistant soybean through gene manipulation. Furthermore, this study provides evidence that Arabidopsis shares molecular events of cyst nematode parasitism with soybean, and confirms the suitability of the Arabidopsis–H. schachtii interaction as a model for the soybean–H. glycines pathosystem.