bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the influence of breastfeeding on abdominal adiposity in young children using the waist to height ratio
Authors: Nambiar Smita , Truby Helen , Davies Peter S.W. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the duration of predominant breastfeeding and the waist to height ratio—a validated index of abdominal adiposity.MethodsWaist to height ratio (waist circumference/height, both in centimetres) and body mass index (weight (kg)/height (m2) ) were collected from 896 children aged 5.00–7.99 years. Mothers of these children reported on early feeding behaviour and indicated their highest level of education attained. The 75th and 95th percentiles were used to define high and very high waist to height ratio. Overweight and obesity defined by body mass index were also included in the analyses.ResultsThere were a higher proportion of children ≥75th percentile for waist to height ratio among the never breastfed group compared to breastfed children. This was statistically significant only in females (P = 0.002). Females predominantly breastfed for 4–6 months (P = 0.003) and >12 months (P = 0.006) had significantly lower mean waist to height ratio than those never breastfed. A similar pattern emerged with body mass index. Among males, delaying solids for ≥6 months was associated with significant decreases in waist to height ratio and body mass index. Females were six times more likely to have waist to height ratio ≥95th percentile than children predominantly breastfed for 4–6 months. This was statistically significant. Increasing maternal education was related to breastfeeding duration.ConclusionPrevalence of overweight and high abdominal adiposity was significantly greater among females who were never breastfed. Females who were predominantly breastfed for at least 4–6 months had the lowest mean waist to height ratio and body mass index and also the greatest reduction in the risk of very high waist to height ratios.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for children with acquired severe aplastic anaemia: a retrospective study by the Viva‐Asia Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group
Authors: Chen Jing , Lee Vincent , Luo Cheng Juan , Chiang Alan Kwok Shing , Hongeng Suradej , Tan Poh Lin , Tan Ah Moy , Sanpakit Kleebsabai , Li Chun Fu , Lee Anselm Chi‐wai , Chua Hsin Chieh , Okamoto Yasuhiro 
Published: June 2013

SummaryWe retrospectively analysed the outcomes of 127 children with acquired severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) who had received haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) between 2000 and 2011 in one of the 10 Asia Pacific institutions. Fifty‐three were matched sibling donor (MSD) and 74 were alternative donor (AD), including 22 matched unrelated donor, 32 mismatched unrelated donor and 20 mismatched related donor. With a median follow up 45·5 months (13–139) and when compared to the MSD group, AD recipients had more grade II‐IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD; 14·3% vs. 32·8%, P = 0·029), but similar grade III‐IV aGVHD (10·2% vs. 12·5%, P = 0·774), graft failure (GF) (15·1% vs. 15·5%, P = 0·658) and 5‐year overall survival (90·6% vs. 83·7%, P = 0·251). As a source of stem cell, peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) resulted in less GF (18% vs. 9·1% P = 0·013), similar grade II‐IV aGVHD (28·1% vs. 17·4%, P = 0·258), chronic GVHD (25·8% vs. 29·3%, P = 0·822) and similar outcomes (89·7% vs. 82·4%, P =0 ·665) when compared to bone marrow (BM). In univariate analysis, GF (P < 0·001) and grade II‐IV aGVHD (P = 0·009) were predictors of poor survival. In multivariate analysis, only GF was associated with poor survival (P = 0·012). The outcome of AD and PBSC HSCT were comparable to that of MSD and BM HSCT in the Asia Pacific region.
Interrogation of ERG gene rearrangements in prostate cancer identifies a prognostic 10‐gene signature with relevant implication to patients' clinical outcome
Authors: Bismar Tarek A. , Alshalalfa Mohammed , Petersen Lars F. , Teng Liang Hong , Gerke Travis , Bakkar Ashraf , Al‐Mami Amal , Liu Shuhong , Dolph Michael , Mucci Lorelei A. , Alhajj Reda 
Published: June 2013

Objectives
ERG‐gene rearrangement defines a distinct molecular subtype of PCA with potential biological and clinical implications.
To identify a molecular signature reflective of the downstream effects of ERG‐mediated transcriptional regulation with prognostic implication in patients with prostate cancer (PCA).
Material and Methods
We used a singular value decomposition (SVD) bioinformatics approach to re‐analyse gene expression data previously generated from 46 prostate tumours, and identified an ERG‐like gene signature.
The signature was validated on several patient cohorts and individual genes were correlated to ERG expression and PCA progression.
Results
An ERG‐like 10‐gene signature was identified and validated in PCA cohorts of the physician health study (p115) (n = 110) in addition to three independent public datasets, and was significantly associated with disease progression, biochemical recurrence and PCA‐specific mortality.
Patients with the ERG‐like signature were significantly associated with disease recurrence on univariate (hazard ratio [HR] 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.3–5.2; P = 0.004) and multivariate analysis (HR 2.3; 95% CI:1.1–4.6, P = 0.016) compared with patients without this signature.
Within the group of patients with Gleason score (GS) 6 and 7 PCA, the signature added prognostic value beyond GS and identified patients at higher risk of cancer deaths more accurately than GS alone or in combination with ERG status.
Protein expression of the 10 genes were significantly associated with ERG and disease progression regardless of ERG status.
Conclusion
The characterized ERG‐like signature was reflective of aggressive features of ERG‐mediated transcription and was prognostically robust.
The combination of this signature with clinicopathological variables should be validated prospectively to explore its clinical utility in stratifying patients with PCA and in identifying those at higher risk of metastatic and lethal disease.
Importance of HOX genes in normal prostate gland formation, prostate cancer development and its early detection
Authors: Javed Saqib , Langley Stephen E.M. 
Published: June 2013

The aims of this paper were to review the published literature on the role of HOX genes in the development of the normal prostate gland and in prostate cancer and to discuss the potential role of the HOX family member, Engrailed‐2 (EN2), as a diagnostic test of PCa.
Hox genes were first described in the fruit fly Drosphila melanogaster, where they specify the body plan and control the formation of body segments. They belong to a family of homeodomain‐containing transcription factors that determine cell and tissue identity during normal embryonic development. They have been shown to be re‐expressed by several different types of cancers.
Studies have shown that different Hox genes are responsible for the development of the separate lobes of the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles and the epididymis. All HOX13 paralogues are expressed in the adult human prostate, suggesting the possibility of similarities between the function and expression of HOX genes within urological structures at similar anterior–posterior positions.
The oncogenic and tumour suppressor signalling pathways associated with PCa converge on the HOX gene network, which ultimately controls gene expression, affecting tumour formation and metastatic progression.
The Engrailed genes (EN1 and EN2) from the HOX gene family show a very high degree of functional conservation during embryonic development.
Urinary EN2 is being investigated as a potential diagnostic marker of early PCa. It is secreted into the urine by PCa cells but not by normal prostatic tissue. A recent study has shown an association between urinary EN2 levels and cancer volume in radical prostatectomy specimens. The ability to predict tumour volume could inform the treatment decision‐making process for patients with localized PCa choosing between active surveillance and radical treatment options.
Capillaroscopy
Authors: Jung Peter , Trautinger Franz 
Published: June 2013

SummaryMicroscopy of the nailfold capillaries has found increasing use in dermatology, rheumatology and angiology particularly as an important tool to distinguish between primary and secondary Raynaud disease. The best evidence is available in systemic sclerosis where specific capillaroscopic patterns have a high positive predictive value for the development of the disease. Conversely, a regular capillary pattern rules out systemic sclerosis with high degree of probability. PRINCE (prognostic index for nailfold capillaroscopic examination) was developed to identify patients at high risk of developing systemic sclerosis. CSURI (capillaroscopic skin ulcer risk index) should predict the risk of developing digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis with high specificity and sensitivity.As a consequence of recent results a pathologic capillary pattern was integrated by the EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) in the diagnostic algorithm of the VEDOSS‐Project (very early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis). Capillary patterns may correlate with visceral involvement and capillaroscopy thus has the potential as a screening tool to enable early diagnosis of organ involvement in systemic sclerosis.
Genetic characterization of Botrytis cinerea isolates collected from pine and eucalyptus nurseries in Bio‐Bio Region, Chile
Authors: Muñoz G. , Campos F. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryA total of 55 Botrytis cinerea isolates collected from Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus plants cultivated in nurseries located in the Bio‐Bio Region, Chile, as well as isolates collected from native plants such as Rubus spp and Aristotelia chilensis located near the nurseries were genetically characterized. All isolates carried the Bc‐hch2 allele, thus belonging to genetic Group II, which is now referred to as B. cinerea. Genotyping based on the presence of transposons Boty and Flipper showed differences between isolates related to the plant host. Thus, transposa isolates (containing both transposons) were detected in P. radiata and E. globulus, while vacuma isolates (containing neither transposon) were detected in all plants except E. globulus. Notably, boty isolates (containing just the Boty transposon) were detected at high frequencies in all plant hosts. Analyses to detect mutations involved in resistance to fungicides such as benzimidazoles (BZ), dicarboximides and QoIs also showed differences in the studied isolates. Isolates collected from E. globulus were shown to carry mutations for all tree fungicides, while those collected from P. radiata presented mutations involved in resistance to BZ only. Isolates collected from native plant hosts did not carry any of the mutations analysed.
The majority of newly generated cells in the adult mouse substantia nigra express low levels of Doublecortin, but their proliferation is unaffected by 6‐OHDA‐induced nigral lesion or Minocycline‐mediated inhibition of neuroinflammation
Authors: Worlitzer Maik M. A. , Viel Thomas , Jacobs Andreas H. , Schwamborn Jens C. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractParkinson's disease is characterized by a selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). However, whether regenerative endogenous neurogenesis is taking place in the mammalian SN of parkinsonian and non‐parkinsonian brains remains of debate. Here, we tested whether proliferating cells in the SN and their neurogenic potential would be affected by anti‐inflammatory treatment under physiological conditions and in the 6‐hydroxy‐dopamine (6‐OHDA) Parkinson's disease mouse model. We report that the majority of newly generated nigral cells are positive for Doublecortin (Dcx), which is an often used marker for neural progenitor cells. Yet, Dcx expression levels in these cells were much lower than in neural progenitor cells of the subventricular zone and the dentate gyrus neural progenitor cells. Furthermore, these newly generated nigral cells are negative for neuronal lineage markers such as TuJ1 and NeuN. Therefore, their neuronal commitment is questionable. Instead, we found evidence for oligodendrogenesis and astrogliosis in the SN. Finally, neither short‐term nor long‐term inhibition of neuroinflammation by Minocycline‐ or 6‐OHDA‐induced lesion affected the numbers of newly generated cells in our disease paradigm. Our findings of adult generated Dcx+ cells in the SN add important data for understanding the cellular composition and consequently the regenerative capacity of the SN.
The ORF slr0091 of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 encodes a high‐light induced aldehyde dehydrogenase converting apocarotenals and alkanals
Authors: Trautmann Danika , Beyer Peter , Al‐Babili Salim 
Published: June 2013

Oxidative cleavage of carotenoids and peroxidation of lipids lead to apocarotenals and aliphatic aldehydes called alkanals, which react with vitally important compounds, promoting cytotoxicity. Although many enzymes have been reported to deactivate alkanals by converting them into fatty acids, little is known about the mechanisms used to detoxify apocarotenals or the enzymes acting on them. Cyanobacteria and other photosynthetic organisms must cope with both classes of aldehydes. Here we report that the Synechocystis enzyme SynAlh1, encoded by the ORF slr0091, is an aldehyde dehydrogenase that mediates oxidation of both apocarotenals and alkanals into the corresponding acids. Using a crude lysate of SynAlh1‐expressing Escherichia coli cells, we show that SynAlh1 converts a wide range of apocarotenals and alkanals, with a preference for apocarotenals with defined chain lengths. As suggested by in vitro incubations and using engineered retinal‐forming E. coli cells, we found that retinal is not a substrate for SynAlh1, making involvement in Synechocystis retinoid metabolism unlikely. The transcript level of SynAlh1 is induced by high light and cold treatment, indicating a role in the stress response, and the corresponding gene is a constituent of a stress‐related operon. The assumptions regarding the function of SynAlh are further supported by the surprisingly high homology to human and plant aldehyde dehydrogenase that have been assigned to aldehyde detoxification. SynAlh1 is the first aldehyde dehydrogenase that has been shown to form both apocarotenoic and fatty acids. This dual function suggests that its eukaryotic homologs may also be involved in apocarotenal metabolism, a function that has not been considered so far.
Climate change‐induced shifts in fire for Mediterranean ecosystems
Authors: Batllori Enric , Parisien Marc‐André , Krawchuk Meg A. , Moritz Max A. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAim Pyrogeographical theory suggests that fire is controlled by spatial gradients in resources to burn (fuel amount) and climatic conditions promoting combustion (fuel moisture). Examining trade‐offs among these environmental constraints is critical to understanding future fire activity. We evaluate constraints on fire frequency in modern fire records over the entire Mediterranean biome and identify potential shifts in fire activity under an ensemble of global climate projections.Location The biome encompassing the Mediterranean‐type ecosystems (MTEs).Methods We evaluate potential changes in fire over the 21st century in MTEs based on a standardized global framework. Future fire predictions are generated from statistical fire−climate models driven by ensembles of climate projections under the IPCC A2 emissions scenario depicting warmer–drier and warmer–wetter syndromes. We test the hypothesis that MTEs lie in the transition zone discriminating fuel moisture versus fuel amount as the dominant constraint on fire activity.Results Fire increases reported in MTEs in recent decades may not continue throughout the century. MTEs occupy a sensitive portion of global fire−climate relationships, especially for precipitation‐related variables, leading to highly divergent fire predictions under drier versus wetter syndromes. Warmer–drier conditions could result in decreased fire activity over more than half the Mediterranean biome by 2070–2099, and the opposite is predicted under a warmer–wetter future. MTEs encompass, however, a climate space broad and complex enough to include spatially varied fire responses and potential conversions to non‐MTE biomes.Main conclusions Our results strongly support the existence of both fuel amount and fuel moisture constraints on fire activity and show their geographically variable influence throughout MTEs. Climatic controls on fire occurrence in MTEs lie close to ‘tipping points’, where relatively small changes in future climates could translate into drastic and divergent shifts in fire activity over the Mediterranean biome, mediated by productivity alterations.
Trends in the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in Australia: a 10‐year nationwide study from 2000–2009
Authors: Burch A. W. T. , Wong C. X. , Sullivan T. , Brooks A. G. , Leong D. P. , Lau D. H. , Sun M. T. , Roberts‐Thomson K. C. , Sanders P. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundImplantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) have been demonstrated to reduce mortality in survivors of life‐threatening arrhythmias (secondary prevention) and in patients at increased risk of sudden cardiac death (primary prevention). Other nations have reported significant increases in ICD use in recent years.AimTo investigate Australian nationwide trends of ICD procedures over a 10‐year period (2000–2009).MethodsA retrospective analysis of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's National Hospital Morbidity Database was performed to determine the annual number of ICD implantation and replacement procedures between 2000 and 2009. Rates were calculated using Australian Bureau of Statistics data on the annual estimated population. Time trends in the yearly procedure number and rate were analysed using negative binomial regression models with comparisons made by age and sex.ResultsThe number of new ICD implantations increased from 708 to 3198 procedures between 2000 and 2009. Replacement procedures increased from 290 to 1378. The implantation rate (per million) increased from 37.0 to 145.6 and the replacement rate from 15.1 to 62.7. When rates were adjusted for age and sex, the implantation rate increased annually by 15.8% and the replacement rate by 16.6% (P < 0.0001). Procedures occurred most commonly in men (implantations: 80.1%; replacements: 78.0%) between ages 70–79.ConclusionsICD procedures increased significantly in Australia between 2000–2009. Despite these increases, other studies have suggested ICD devices are currently under‐utilised. During the study period, males accounted for the majority of ICD procedures. While there are numerous reasons for this, it is not known if device under‐use is more common in females.
Intended follow up of women with breast cancer at low risk of recurrence and at least 5 years from diagnosis
Authors: Bell R. J. , Fradkin P. , Robinson P. J. , Schwarz M. , Davis S. R. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlthough there is evidence that minimal surveillance is compatible with an optimal outcome in women after early stage breast cancer, little is known of the surveillance that these women receive.AimsTo describe the intended clinical follow up and patterns of use of imaging modalities in low‐risk breast cancer survivors who are at least 5 years from diagnosis.MethodsParticipants in the Bupa Health Foundation Health and Wellbeing After Breast Cancer Study with stage 1 invasive breast cancer at diagnosis, who had survived free of recurrence or new primary breast cancer for at least 5 years, provided information for this analysis.ResultsThe most common choice of physician follow up was with one doctor only (54%). Within this group, the most frequent choice was a general practitioner (GP) (63%) followed by medical oncologist (23%). Thirty‐five per cent of women said that they intended to consult two doctors and within this group, the most common combination was a GP and a medical oncologist (45%). This was despite two out of three women reporting being advised that there was no need to consult a medical oncologist. Over 90% of women reported having a mammogram with, or without, breast ultrasound in the previous 12 months. There was a low rate of use of other imaging tests in the absence of clear indications.ConclusionsMinimising unnecessary medical consultations by women with breast cancer at low risk of recurrence 5 years from diagnosis will require education about the benefits of a minimal surveillance strategy.
Evaluation of In Situ Heterogeneity of Elements in Solids: Implications for Analytical Geochemistry
Authors: Ramsey Michael H. , Solomon‐Wisdom Grace , Argyraki Ariadne 
Published: June 2013

A general method for the evaluation of in situ heterogeneity of geochemical materials is described and the significance of the results discussed, by using three case studies and earlier data sets. The heterogeneity of Pb in soil (expressed as RSD due to sampling, RSDsamp) varies from < 5 to > 100% between different sites, in a way that relates to the mode of deposition of the element. The heterogeneity of an element also varies systematically as a function of the distance scale at some sites. This variation can be modelled using linear regression, accounting for over 90% of the experimental variance, at seven scales over three orders of magnitude. Variation in heterogeneity between elements at the same site, seems to be somewhat diagnostic of the origin of the element, lithogenic being less than anthropogenic, although the later is also being modified by the mode of deposition. Where the heterogeneity is large (RSD > 30%), it is proposed that it can be expressed more accurately as a heterogeneity factor (10GSDsamp), to reflect its frequency distribution, which is positively skewed towards higher concentration values.
Processing and Properties of Eu3+‐Doped Barium Bismuth Titanate (BaBi4Ti4O15) Glass–Ceramic Nanocomposites
Authors: Molla Atiar Rahaman , Tarafder Anal , Mukherjee Siddhartha , Mohanty Sukant Kumar , Karmakar Basudeb 
Published: June 2013

Precursor glasses for the ferroelectric barium bismuth titanate (BaBi4Ti4O15) (BBiT) have been prepared by the melt‐quench technique in the SiO2–K2O–BaO–Bi2O3–TiO2 (SKBBT) glass system with and without Eu2O3 doping. BBiT glass–ceramic (GC) nanocomposites have been derived from these glasses by controlled heat treatment. The structural properties of the GCs have been investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (FE‐SEM, TEM), and FT‐IR reflectance spectroscopy. FE‐SEM images show the formation of randomly oriented hexagonal rod‐shaped crystals of 200–400 nm and TEM images show 10–20 nm crystallites. FT‐IR spectra exhibit the characteristic bands of BBiT at 480, 585, and 680 cm−1. The activation energy of crystallization (Ec) varies from 295 to 307 kJ/mol. The dielectric constants (εr) of glass and GC nanocomposites increase with an increase in frequency up to 3.0 MHz and then decrease up to 5.0 MHz. Heat‐treated GCs show higher εr values, in the range 25–55, compared to the precursor glasses (20–37). Dielectric losses (tan δ) for all the samples increase from 0.005 to 1.0 with an increase in frequency from 100 Hz to 5.0 MHz. Excitation spectra were recorded by monitoring emission at 613 nm corresponding to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition. An intense 466 nm excitation band corresponding to the 7F0 → 5D2 transition was observed. Emission spectra were then recorded by exciting the glass samples at 466 nm. Longer heat‐treatment times led to a 15‐fold increase in the intensity of the red emission at 612 nm, attributed to the segregation of Eu3+ ions into the low phonon energy BBiT crystallites. The hardness (3.8–5.1 GPa) and fracture toughness (1.8–3.5 MPam0.5) values obtained in the GCs are high and suitable for structural applications.