bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ferritin in the antiphospholipid syndrome and its catastrophic variant (cAPS)
Authors: Agmon-Levin N , Rosário C , Katz B-S Porat , Zandman-Goddard G , Meroni P , Cervera R , Stojanovich L , Blank M , Pierangeli SS , Praprotnik S , Meis E de , Seguro L Parente , Ruffatti A , Pengo V , Tincani A , Doria A , Shoenfeld Y 
Published: September 2013

Background Ferritin is an iron storage protein considered also as an acute phase reactant with high levels in various inflammatory conditions. Recently, a plausible role for ferritin in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated and especially autoimmune diseases has been suggested. However, the link between ferritin and the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has been rarely explored. Therefore, in the current study we evaluated ferritin levels and their correlation to clinical and serological manifestations in patients with APS. We further analyzed ferritin levels among patients with the catastrophic variant of APS (cAPS). Methods Ferritin levels were determined in serum samples of 176 APS patients and 98 matched healthy controls according to age and sex (LIAISON, DiaSorin, Italy). APS samples were further analyzed for antiphospholipid (anti-cardiolipin, anti- beta-2-glycoprotein, lupus anticoagulant) and anti-infectious antibodies (CMV, EBV, rubella, toxoplasma, HBV) (LIAISON, DiaSorin, Italy). Clinical, serological and demographic manifestations were recorded. An additional analysis of ferritin levels among 14 patients with cAPS was performed. Results Hyperferritinemia was present in 9% vs. 0% of APS patients and controls, respectively ( p < 0.001). Among patients with APS, ferritin levels correlated with venous thrombosis, cardiac, neurological, and hematological manifestations and the presence of anti-CMV-IgM antibodies. Hyperferritinemia was present in 71% of cAPS patients, and ferritin levels among this subgroup were significantly higher compared with APS-non-cAPS patients (816 ± 847 ng/ml vs. 120 ± 230 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Conclusions Herein, we found that hyperferritinemia correlates with the presence of APS, its clinical manifestations and specifically with the catastrophic variant of this disease. Hyperferritinemia was also linked with anti-CMV antibodies among patients with APS. These associations allude to a pathogenic role of ferritin in the pathogenesis of APS, and the plausible role of ferritin as a marker of ensuing cAPS, although further studies are needed to elucidate these associations.
Teaching Communication Skills to Hospice Teams
Authors: Hamilton Gillian , Ortega Rosio , Hochstetler Vicki , Pierson Kristen , Lin Peiyi , Lowes Susan 
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Communication skills are critical in hospice care but challenging to teach. Therefore, a hospice agency developed a communication skills laboratory for nurses and social workers. Methods: Learners role-played 3 common hospice scenarios. The role-play modalities were in-person, Second Life, and telephone. Learners were scored on 4 communication aspects. Results: Learners in all modalities rated the laboratory as very effective. However, learners in the Second Life and phone modality showed greater improvements from scene 1 to 3 than those in the in-person modality. There were no significant differences in improvement between the Second Life and phone modalities. Conclusion: Results support the effectiveness of this communication skills laboratory while using different teaching modalities and show phone and Second Life role-plays were more effective than an in-person role-play.
Supplementation of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Prevents Increase in Arterial Stiffness After Experimental Menopause
Authors: Losurdo Pasquale , Grillo Andrea , Panizon Emiliano , Cappellari Gianluca Gortan , Fabris Bruno , Bardelli Moreno , Biolo Gianni , Zanetti Michela , Carretta Renzo 
Published: September 2013

Background: Menopause is associated with increased arterial stiffness, an independent marker of cardiovascular risk. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (N3-PUFAs) are thought to have multiple cardiovascular benefits, including prevention of arterial stiffness. We investigated whether treatment with N3-PUFA prevents increase in arterial stiffness in ovariectomized rats, an animal model of experimental menopause. Methods: A total of 43 Wistar rats, 2 months old, were divided into 3 groups, control, sham surgery, normal diet (CTRL, n = 15); ovariectomy, normal diet (OVX, n = 14); and ovariectomy with N3-PUFA supplementation (0.8 g/kg/d in daily gavages administration; OVX + O3, n = 14). Two months after surgery, carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and arterial blood pressure (BP) were measured by carotid and femoral cannulation. Aortic morphometric measurements were performed after dissection. Results: Ovariectomy caused a significant increase in BP ( P < .05), PWV ( P < .0001), and elastic modulus ( P = .001) compared to CTRL. After ovariectomy, N3-PUFA supplementation completely prevented increase in arterial stiffness ( P < .0001 vs OVX) and BP ( P < .05 vs OVX) and resulted in a significant increase in body weight and aortic thickness. Conclusions: In an experimental model of menopause, N3-PUFA supplementation prevents arterial stiffening and other vascular changes induced by ovariectomy. These results represent a therapeutic benefit of N3-PUFAs in prevention of postmenopausal cardiovascular disease.
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards: What determines the judgements of Best Interests Assessors? A factorial survey
Authors: Carpenter John , Langan Joan , Patsios Demi , Jepson Marcus 
Published: September 2013

Summary The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards were introduced in England and Wales to protect the interests of people with learning disabilities, dementia and neurological conditions resident in hospitals and care homes. The Safeguards apply when residents lack capacity to make decisions about their care and treatment in circumstances that may amount to a deprivation of their liberty. Best Interests Assessors must establish whether a deprivation of liberty has occurred. However, there is no definition in statute; instead, the identification of factors which define a deprivation of liberty is evolving through case law. A factorial survey was used to identify the factors which influenced the professional judgements of 93 Best Interests Assessors (three-quarters social workers) who generated 798 responses to randomly generated vignettes. Findings Coercive staff behaviour was the strongest statistical predictor of a deprivation of liberty judgement, followed by the resident’s response. Other indicators of staff control, including the use of medication to reduce agitation, restriction of movement and family unhappiness with care were also significant. The resident’s condition, gender/age and the setting were not significant predictors. Best Interests Assessors were generally confident in their decision making; there were no differences in confidence associated with Best Interests Assessors’ professions. Applications Reviews of the operation of the Safeguards stress significant complexity in defining a deprivation of liberty. Nevertheless, this study suggests that the factors which Best Interests Assessors take into account are rooted in the fundamental principles of the Safeguards and an informed appreciation of case law. Best Interests Assessors and local authorities, in their role as supervisory bodies, must keep up to date with developments.
Spironolactone enhances the beneficial effect of aliskiren on cardiac structural and electrical remodeling in TGR(mRen2)27 rats
Authors: De Mello Walmor C 
Published: September 2013

Objective: To investigate the influence of simultaneous administration of spironolactone (20 mg/kg per day, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) and aliskiren (50 mg/kg per day, i.p.) for a period of eight weeks on cardiac remodeling in TGR(mRen2)27 rats. Methods: Echocardiographic and electrophysiological and histological methods were used to determine the influence of spironolactone and aliskiren on cardiac remodeling. Results: 1) the beneficial effect of aliskiren on SBP was enhanced by simultaneous administration of spironolactone; 2) echocardiographic studies showed that the left ventricle diameter (LVD), the left ventricle end diastolic volume (LVEDV) and the left ventricle posterior wall thickness (LVPW) were significantly reduced by the combination of both drugs when compared with aliskiren alone; 3) the ejection fraction was also increased; 4) histological studies indicated a greater decline in perivascular and interstitial fibrosis when both drugs were used; 5) the decrease of electrical remodeling of the left ventricle caused by aliskiren was further reduced by simultaneous administration of spironolactone; 6) the cardiac refractoriness increased by aliskiren was further incremented by spironolactone. Spironolactone (20 mg/kg per day) alone increased the ejection fraction and reduced LVD, LVEDV and LVPW but its effect was smaller than that achieved with the combination spironolactone plus aliskiren. Conclusion: The combination of an aldosterone inhibitor with a direct renin inhibitor proved to be of greater benefit for cardiac structural and electrical remodeling in this experimental model of hypertension than aliskiren alone.
Working reflexively with ethical complexity in narrative research with disadvantaged young people
Authors: Kearns Sarah 
Published: September 2013

This article draws on the author’s experience of a narrative inquiry project with young people who were designated within the policy context in Scotland as at risk of social exclusion and in need of ‘More Choices, More Chances’. The project explored how the young people’s narratives of transition integrated the concept of ‘critical moments’, namely how the complex interplay between self and social structures was seen to be embedded at key transitional stages. The relevance of professional support was also examined through engaging with themes of identity construction and inclusion at these ‘moments’, and through highlighting choices and constraints to choice as the overarching theme. This article focuses on the methodological dimensions of the research through the lens of ethical practice and social justice, interrogating notions of researcher reflexivity, empowerment, authenticity and transferability in accessing and representing the marginalized ‘voices’ of the participants, and exploring the ethical dilemmas which arose in this process. The use of visual tools to prompt and represent the young people’s narratives is examined in the light of the interweaving of substantive and participatory aims. In conclusion key questions are posed in relation to how far the research may contribute to a social justice agenda.
CMV serostatus still has an important prognostic impact in de novo acute leukemia patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a report from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of EBMT
Authors: Schmidt-Hieber Martin , Labopin Myriam , Beelen Dietrich , Volin Liisa , Ehninger Gerhard , Finke Jürgen , Socié Gerard , Schwerdtfeger Rainer , Kröger Nicolaus , Ganser Arnold , Niederwieser Dietger , Polge Emmanuelle , Blau Igor W. , Mohty Mohamad 
Published: September 2013

Key PointsDonor and/or recipient CMV seropositivity is still associated with an adverse prognosis in de novo acute leukemia patients after allo-SCT.
Genome-wide copy-number analyses reveal genomic abnormalities involved in transformation of follicular lymphoma
Authors: Bouska Alyssa , McKeithan Timothy W. , Deffenbacher Karen E. , Lachel Cynthia , Wright George W. , Iqbal Javeed , Smith Lynette M. , Zhang Weiwei , Kucuk Can , Rinaldi Andrea , Bertoni Francesco , Fitzgibbon Jude , Fu Kai , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Greiner Timothy C. , Dave Bhavana J. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Rosenwald Andreas , Ott German , Campo Elias , Rimsza Lisa M. , Delabie Jan , Jaffe Elaine S. , Braziel Rita M. , Connors Joseph M. , Staudt Louis M. , Chan Wing-Chung 
Published: September 2013

Key PointsChromosome copy-number alterations that may affect immune surveillance and the NF-κB and p53 pathways are more frequent in tFL than FL. Abnormalities involving chromosomes 6 and X are predictive of overall survival in FL.
Mast cells suppress murine GVHD in a mechanism independent of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Leveson-Gower Dennis B. , Sega Emanuela I. , Kalesnikoff Janet , Florek Mareike , Pan Yuqiong , Pierini Antonio , Galli Stephen J. , Negrin Robert S. 
Published: September 2013

Key PointsMice lacking mast cells have severely exacerbated GVHD compared with WT controls. Engraftment of mast cells into C75BL/6-KitW-sh/W-sh mast cell–deficient animals improves survival but not if the mast cells are derived from IL-10 KO mice.
Pneumococcal disease seasonality: incidence, severity and the role of influenza activity
Authors: Weinberger Daniel M. , Harboe Zitta B. , Viboud Cécile , Krause Tyra G. , Miller Mark , Mølbak Kåre , Konradsen Helle B. 
Published: September 2013

We tested whether the effect of influenza activity on invasive pneumococcal disease incidence and severity varies between age and comorbidity groups.Weekly rates of invasive pneumococcal disease were obtained from the Danish National Laboratory Surveillance System (1977–2007). Influenza-like illness data were collected from a sentinel surveillance system at the Statens Serum Institut (Copenhagen, Denmark). We fitted Poisson regression models for invasive pneumococcal disease, with predictors of seasonality, trends and influenza activity, and allowed the influenza activity variable to vary by comorbidity level and clinical presentation.Influenza activity accounted for 8.4% (95% CI 4.8−11.9%) and 6.9% (95% CI 5.4–10.2%) of all invasive pneumococcal disease cases among those aged 15–39 and ≥40 years, respectively, but had no measurable impact among children aged <15 years. Influenza activity was associated with significant increases in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal pneumonia in both children and adults. The association was more pronounced among younger adults without comorbidities. Case fatality also varied seasonally among the elderly, and this variation might be associated with influenza activity.Pneumococcal incidence and the severity of disease varied seasonally and between age groups. The effect of influenza activity on pneumococcal disease varied between children and adults, and this difference was largely due to differences in disease presentation.
Lipid mediator profiles differ between lung compartments in asthmatic and healthy humans
Authors: Larsson Nirina , Lundström Susanna L. , Pinto Rui , Rankin Gregory , Karimpour Masoumeh , Blomberg Anders , Sandström Thomas , Pourazar Jamshid , Trygg Johan , Behndig Annelie F. , Wheelock Craig E. , Nording Malin L. 
Published: September 2013

Oxylipins are oxidised fatty acids that can exert lipid mediator functions in inflammation, and several oxylipins derived from arachidonic acid are linked to asthma. This study quantified oxylipin profiles in different regions of the lung to obtain a broad-scale characterisation of the allergic asthmatic inflammation in relation to healthy individuals.Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), bronchial wash fluid and endobronchial mucosal biopsies were collected from 16 healthy and 16 mildly allergic asthmatic individuals. Inflammatory cell counts, immunohistochemical staining and oxylipin profiling were performed. Univariate and multivariate statistics were employed to evaluate compartment-dependent and diagnosis-dependent oxylipin profiles in relation to other measured parameters.Multivariate modelling showed significantly different bronchial wash fluid and BALF oxylipin profiles in both groups (R2Y[cum]=0.822 and Q2[cum]=0.759). Total oxylipin concentrations and five individual oxylipins, primarily from the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway of arachidonic and linoleic acid, were elevated in bronchial wash fluid from asthmatics compared to that from healthy controls, supported by immunohistochemical staining of 15-LOX-1 in the bronchial epithelium. No difference between the groups was found among BALF oxylipins.In conclusion, bronchial wash fluid and BALF contain distinct oxylipin profiles, which may have ramifications for the study of respiratory diseases. Specific protocols for sampling proximal and distal airways separately should be employed for lipid mediator studies.
Efficient disruption of Zebrafish genes using a Gal4-containing gene trap
Authors: Balciuniene Jorune , Nagelberg Danielle , Walsh Kathleen T , Camerota Diana , Georlette Daphné , Biemar Frédéric , Bellipanni Gianfranco , Balciunas Darius 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
External development and optical transparency of embryos make zebrafish exceptionally suitable for in vivo insertional mutagenesis using fluorescent proteins to visualize expression patterns of mutated genes. Recently developed Gene Breaking Transposon (GBT) vectors greatly improve the fidelity and mutagenicity of transposon-based gene trap vectors.

Results
We constructed and tested a bipartite GBT vector with Gal4-VP16 as the primary gene trap reporter. Our vector also contains a UAS:eGFP cassette for direct detection of gene trap events by fluorescence. To confirm gene trap events, we generated a UAS:mRFP tester line. We screened 270 potential founders and established 41 gene trap lines. Three of our gene trap alleles display homozygous lethal phenotypes ranging from embryonic to late larval: nsf
tpl6
, atp1a3a

tpl10
and flr

tpl19
. Our gene trap cassette is flanked by direct loxP sites, which enabled us to successfully revert nsf
tpl6
, atp1a3a

tpl10
and flr

tpl19
gene trap alleles by injection of Cre mRNA. The UAS:eGFP cassette is flanked by direct FRT sites. It can be readily removed by injection of Flp mRNA for use of our gene trap alleles with other tissue-specific GFP-marked lines. The Gal4-VP16 component of our vector provides two important advantages over other GBT vectors. The first is increased sensitivity, which enabled us to detect previously unnoticed expression of nsf in the pancreas. The second advantage is that all our gene trap lines, including integrations into non-essential genes, can be used as highly specific Gal4 drivers for expression of other transgenes under the control of Gal4 UAS.

Conclusions
The Gal4-containing bipartite Gene Breaking Transposon vector presented here retains high specificity for integrations into genes, high mutagenicity and revertibility by Cre. These features, together with utility as highly specific Gal4 drivers, make gene trap mutants presented here especially useful to the research community.
A combination of improved differential and global RNA-seq reveals pervasive transcription initiation and events in all stages of the life-cycle of functional RNAs in Propionibacterium acnes, a major contributor to wide-spread human disease
Authors: Lin Yu-fei , A David Romero , Guan Shuang , Mamanova Lira , McDowall Kenneth J 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Sequencing of the genome of Propionibacterium acnes produced a catalogue of genes many of which enable this organism to colonise skin and survive exposure to the elements. Despite this platform, there was little understanding of the gene regulation that gives rise to an organism that has a major impact on human health and wellbeing and causes infections beyond the skin. To address this situation, we have undertaken a genome–wide study of gene regulation using a combination of improved differential and global RNA-sequencing and an analytical approach that takes into account the inherent noise within the data.

Results
We have produced nucleotide-resolution transcriptome maps that identify and differentiate sites of transcription initiation from sites of stable RNA processing and mRNA cleavage. Moreover, analysis of these maps provides strong evidence for ‘pervasive’ transcription and shows that contrary to initial indications it is not biased towards the production of antisense RNAs. In addition, the maps reveal an extensive array of riboswitches, leaderless mRNAs and small non-protein-coding RNAs alongside vegetative promoters and post-transcriptional events, which includes unusual tRNA processing. The identification of such features will inform models of complex gene regulation, as illustrated here for ribonucleotide reductases and a potential quorum-sensing, two-component system.

Conclusions
The approach described here, which is transferable to any bacterial species, has produced a step increase in whole-cell knowledge of gene regulation in P. acnes. Continued expansion of our maps to include transcription associated with different growth conditions and genetic backgrounds will provide a new platform from which to computationally model the gene expression that determines the physiology of P. acnes and its role in human disease.
Leaf cDNA-AFLP analysis of two citrus species differing in manganese tolerance in response to long-term manganese-toxicity
Authors: Zhou Chen-Ping , Qi Yi-Ping , You Xiang , Yang Lin-Tong , Guo Peng , Ye Xin , Zhou Xin-Xing , Ke Feng-Jiao , Chen Li-Song 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Very little is known about manganese (Mn)-toxicity-responsive genes in citrus plants. Seedlings of ‘Xuegan’ (Citrus sinensis) and ‘Sour pummelo’ (Citrus grandis) were irrigated for 17 weeks with nutrient solution containing 2 μM (control) or 600 μM (Mn-toxicity) MnSO4. The objectives of this study were to understand the mechanisms of citrus Mn-tolerance and to identify differentially expressed genes, which might be involved in Mn-tolerance.

Results
Under Mn-toxicity, the majority of Mn in seedlings was retained in the roots; C. sinensis seedlings accumulated more Mn in roots and less Mn in shoots (leaves) than C. grandis ones and Mn concentration was lower in Mn-toxicity C. sinensis leaves compared to Mn-toxicity C. grandis ones. Mn-toxicity affected C. grandis seedling growth, leaf CO2 assimilation, total soluble concentration, phosphorus (P) and magenisum (Mg) more than C. sinensis. Using cDNA-AFLP, we isolated 42 up-regulated and 80 down-regulated genes in Mn-toxicity C. grandis leaves. They were grouped into the following functional categories: biological regulation and signal transduction, carbohydrate and energy metabolism, nucleic acid metabolism, protein metabolism, lipid metabolism, cell wall metabolism, stress responses and cell transport. However, only 7 up-regulated and 8 down-regulated genes were identified in Mn-toxicity C. sinensis ones. The responses of C. grandis leaves to Mn-toxicity might include following several aspects: (1) accelerating leaf senescence; (2) activating the metabolic pathway related to ATPase synthesis and reducing power production; (3) decreasing cell transport; (4) inhibiting protein and nucleic acid metabolisms; (5) impairing the formation of cell wall; and (6) triggering multiple signal transduction pathways. We also identified many new Mn-toxicity-responsive genes involved in biological and signal transduction, carbohydrate and protein metabolisms, stress responses and cell transport.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that C. sinensis was more tolerant to Mn-toxicity than C. grandis, and that Mn-toxicity affected gene expression far less in C. sinensis leaves. This might be associated with more Mn accumulation in roots and less Mn accumulation in leaves of Mn-toxicity C. sinensis seedlings than those of C. grandis seedlings. Our findings increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the responses of plants to Mn-toxicity.