bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preclinical sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease in French blood donors: an epidemiologic model‐based study
Authors: Pillonel Josiane , Brandel Jean‐Philippe , Léon Lucie , Salomon Dominique , Haïk Stéphane , Capek Isabelle , Vaillant Véronique , Coste Joliette , Alpérovitch Annick 
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: A recent case‐control study showed that transfusion recipients were at an increased risk of developing sporadic Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (sCJD), suggesting that blood donors with silent preclinical sCJD could transmit the sCJD agent. We therefore estimated the annual number of French blood donors expected to have preclinical sCJD at the time of donation.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We developed a mathematical model to estimate the number of blood donors who would subsequently develop sCJD, under various assumptions about how long their blood might be infective before clinical onset. The model used distributions by age group and sex for sCJD cases, blood donor population, French general population, and mortality in the general population.RESULTS: Using 1999 to 2008 data, modeling showed that, each year, a mean of 1.1 (standard deviation [SD], 0.3) donors were within 1 year of sCJD onset at the time of blood donation, 6.9 (SD, 0.5) donors were within 5 years, 18.0 (SD, 0.6) were within 10 years, and 33.4 (SD, 1.1) were within 15 years.CONCLUSION: Few donors are expected to be in the late preclinical stage of sCJD at the time of blood donation. This result and that of the worldwide absence of any epidemic increase in sCJD over the years indicate that this risk of transfusion‐transmitted sCJD, if any, is likely to be very low.
Introduction to periodontal epidemiology
Authors: Garcia Raul , Dietrich Thomas 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThere is growing interest in, and appreciation of, the importance of epidemiological science in furthering our understanding of periodontal diseases. There is also interest in applying modern epidemiological methods to identify periodontal disease risk factors, prognostic factors and the long‐term outcomes of care, as well as periodontal–systemic associations. This volume combines critical reviews of selected areas of contemporary interest with targeted methodologically focused articles, in order to provide a valuable reference text to guide readers in their own critical assessment of new scientific findings, as well as to assist investigators in the design and analysis of their own original research in periodontal epidemiology. The 11 review articles that comprise this volume were selected with this goal in mind. They aim to inform readers on the methodological rigor that needs to be applied, both in the design of epidemiological studies and interpretation of their results, and the limitations to the inferences that may be drawn from epidemiological studies. Despite its various limitations, the field of periodontal epidemiology is expected to continue to grow in importance and relevance. There remains a need for well‐designed, carefully analyzed and correctly interpreted observational studies, including longitudinal cohort studies and case–control studies, in order to adequately understand both the causes of periodontal disease and the associations between periodontal disease and systemic disease in populations.
Nutrition, dietary guidelines and optimal periodontal health
Authors: Kaye Elizabeth K. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractDietary nutrients may serve as antioxidants, co‐enzymes in energy production and metabolic processes, and components of tissue structures that keep the body’s systems functioning properly and maintain good overall health, including oral health. Nutrients that are thought to be especially important for maintaining the periodontium have been the focus of epidemiological studies for many years. However, such research has not consistently found significant associations between periodontal disease incidence or prevalence and the intake levels of these and other nutrients. To date, there is insufficient evidence that current dietary intake recommendations and guidelines need to be changed in order to promote optimal periodontal health. It is important to consider the range of nutrient intakes or biomarkers in any given study population and how they relate to recommended levels when evaluating the evidence. This information is often lacking in studies of nutritional associations in periodontal research. A number of methodological issues may arise in terms of study design, data collection and analysis of dietary data, and these may affect the interpretation of epidemiological study results and the ability to draw inferences and reach conclusions about appropriate dietary recommendations. These issues are critically reviewed.
Analytic epidemiology and periodontal diseases
Authors: Heaton Brenda , Dietrich Thomas 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe validity of epidemiological and clinical observations is paramount, not only for scientific advancement but also in evidence‐based practice. Concern regarding validity with respect to the design and conduct of analytic epidemiological studies is often under‐appreciated, partly as a consequence of our focus on randomized experimental designs as the highest standard of ‘proof’ in clinical science. We review the design, conduct and interpretation of rigorous analytic epidemiological study designs, with specific reference to periodontology. We give special emphasis to intrinsic validity and the use of focused aims to re‐frame the perspective on the strength of evidence in reviews of the literature. Specifically, we draw on the periodontal research literature to provide an overview of the appropriate design and conduct of cohort studies, including randomized designs, case–control and cross‐sectional studies. The concepts of selection bias, information bias and confounding are explored for each study design, both in general terms and with respect to a critical review of the literature on the epidemiology of periodontal diseases.
Association of KIR2DS4 and its variant KIR1D with syphilis in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhuang Y.‐L. , Zhu C.‐F. , Zhang Y. , Song Y.‐H. , Wang D.‐J. , Nie X.‐M. , Liu Y. , Ren G.‐J. 
Published: December 2011

SummarySyphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum spirochaete bacterium. The killer immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) gene family encodes cell surface receptors that are found on natural killer (NK) cells and certain T‐cell subsets. NK cells are fast‐acting effector lymphocytes of innate immunity that respond to infection. The activity of NK cells depends on the dynamic balance of activating and inhibitory signals that are transmitted through respective receptors including KIRs. KIR2DS4 is the only activating KIR gene in KIR haplotype A. KIR1D is a partial deletion KIR2DS4 variant encoding protein devoid of transmembrane region. Up to now, there is no knowledge of association of KIR2DS4 and its variant KIR1D with syphilis in a population that belongs to KIR gene haplotype A. Polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP) method was used to genotype KIR genes in 190 patients with syphilis and 192 healthy controls. The gene frequencies of KIR2DS4 and KIR1D were analysed for the association with syphilis in patients and healthy controls who belong to KIR gene haplotype A. The gene frequency of KIR1D/KIR1D in patients with syphilis classified as haplotype A was 16.85% and was significantly higher than that in the control group (6.59%) (P = 0.032). However, there was no significant difference for the gene frequencies of KIR2DS4/KIR2DS4 and KIR2DS4/KIR1D between the two groups (P > 0.05). KIR1D/KIR1D was found in association with susceptibility to syphilis in the Chinese Han population that belongs to KIR gene haplotype A.
Associations of IL‐23R polymorphisms with ankylosing spondylitis in East Asian population: a new case–control study and a meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen C. , Zhang X. , Li J. , Wang Y. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryInterleukin‐23 receptor (IL‐23R) has been confirmed to be associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Caucasian. However, whether they are associated with AS in East Asian population remains unidentified. Here, we conducted a new case–control study investigating this relationship in Chinese Han population and then performed a meta‐analysis in East Asian population. The Chinese Han study included 200 cases and 200 controls. Genotyping was completed using the chip‐based matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Allelic associations were analysed using contingency tables. In the meta‐analysis, 1384 cases and 1710 controls from five different studies and the new Chinese Han study were combined using Review Manager software Version 5.1.1. Mantel–Haenszel test was used to calculate fixed effects pooled ORs. No association with AS was observed in the Chinese Han study. Meta‐analysis showed that no SNP was significantly associated with AS in East Asian population. In conclusion, we found no evidence for association between IL‐23R and AS in East Asian population. Major attention should be paid to other genes belonged to IL‐23 signalling pathway network in the future.
NOTES ON A BOAR HUNT (PFS 2323)
Authors: GARRISON MARK 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The seal applied to tablet NN 2458 from the Persepolis Fortification archive, PFS 2323, is a large seal that bears a striking image of a boar hunt, remarkable both for its design and exceptional execution. This article briefly examines the specifics of the scene on PFS 2323 and reviews the glyptic evidence for boar hunts in the Achaemenid period.
Whole and fractionated yellow pea flours modulate insulin, glucose, oxygen consumption, and the caecal microbiome in Golden Syrian hamsters
Authors: Marinangeli Christopher P.F. , Krause Denis , Harding Scott V. , Rideout Todd C. , Zhu Fuqin , Jones Peter J.H. 
Published: December 2011

The objective was to evaluate the effects of whole and fractionated yellow peas on circulating lipids, glucose and insulin levels, energy expenditure, and body composition, as well as to assess their prebiotic actions in Golden Syrian hamsters. Forty-five hamsters consumed a hypercholesterolemic diet for 28 days, then were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: control (CON), whole pea flour (WPF), and fractionated pea flour (hulls only) (FPF). WPF and FPF were incorporated into the diets, replacing 10% of the cornstarch. WPF and FPF feeding produced negligible effects on circulating cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, both WPF (56.76 ± 9.22 pmol·L–1, p = 0.002) and FPF (89.27 ± 19.82 pmol·L–1, p = 0.032) reduced circulating insulin levels compared with the CON group (131.70 ± 17.70 pmol·L–1). Moreover, FPF decreased (p = 0.03) circulating glucose levels (6.26 ± 0.51 mmol·L–1) compared with CON (8.27 ± 0.81 mmol·L–1). Energy expenditure analysis revealed that hamsters consuming WPF demonstrated a higher (p = 0.036) oxygen consumption (2.00 ± 0.31 mL O2·g–1 lean body mass) vs. the CON group (1.56 ± 0.089 mL O2·g–1 lean body mass). Analysis of caecal digesta showed that WPF produced shifts in the abundance of microbial taxa with the most predominant changes occurring within the phylum Firmicutes. Yellow peas and their constituents should be investigated as future functional food ingredients that help prevent and manage lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
Effect of glycemic index and fructose content in lunch on substrate utilization during subsequent brisk walking
Authors: Sun Feng-Hua , Wong Stephen Heung-Sang , Chen Ya-Jun , Huang Ya-Jun , Hsieh Sandy Shen-Yu 
Published: December 2011

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of glycemic index (GI) and fructose content in lunch on substrate utilization during subsequent brisk walking. Ten healthy young males completed 3 main trials in a counterbalanced crossover design. They completed 60 min of brisk walking at approximately 50% maximal oxygen consumption after consuming a standard breakfast and 1 of 3 lunch meals, i.e., a low GI meal without fructose (LGI), a low GI meal that included fructose beverage (LGIF), or a high GI meal (HGI). The 3 lunch meals were isocaloric and provided 1.0 g·kg–1 carbohydrate. Substrate utilization was measured using indirect respiratory calorimetry method. Blood samples were collected at certain time points. During the 2-h postprandial period after lunch, the incremental area under the blood response curve values of glucose and insulin were higher (p < 0.05) in the HGI trial than those in the LGI and LGIF trials (HGI vs. LGI and LGIF: glucose, 223.5 ± 24.4 vs. 92.5 ± 10.4 and 128.0 ± 17.7 mmol·min·L–1; insulin, 3603 ± 593 vs. 1425 ± 289 and 1888 ± 114 mU·min·L–1). During brisk walking, decreased carbohydrate oxidation was observed (p < 0.05) in the LGI trial than in the LGIF and HGI trials (LGI vs. LGIF and HGI: 60.8 ± 4.0 vs. 68.1 ± 6.0 and 74.4 ± 4.7 g). No difference was found in fat oxidation among the 3 trials (LGI vs. LGIF vs. HGI: 21.6 ± 2.3 vs. 19.2 ± 2.3 vs. 16.4 ± 2.2 g). It appeared that fructose content was an important influencing factor when considering the effect of different GI lunch meals on substrate utilization during subsequent moderate intensity exercise.
A quantitative analysis of monochromaticity in genetic interaction networks
Authors: Hsu Chien-Hsiang , Wang Tse-Yi , Chu Hsueh-Ting , Kao Cheng-Yan , Chen Kuang-Chi 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
A genetic interaction refers to the deviation of phenotypes from the expected when perturbing two genes simultaneously. Studying genetic interactions help clarify relationships between genes, such as compensation and masking, and identify gene groups of functional modules. Recently, several genome-scale experiments for measuring quantitative (positive and negative) genetic interactions have been conducted. The results revealed that genes in the same module usually interact with each other in a consistent way (pure positive or negative); this phenomenon was designated as monochromaticity. Monochromaticity might be the underlying principle that can be utilized to unveil the modularity of cellular networks. However, no appropriate quantitative measurement for this phenomenon has been proposed.

Results
In this study, we propose the monochromatic index (MCI), which is able to quantitatively evaluate the monochromaticity of potential functional modules of genes, and the MCI was used to study genetic landscapes in different cellular subsystems. We demonstrated that MCI not only amend the deficiencies of MP-score but also properly incorporate the background effect. The results showed that not only within-complex but also between-complex connections present significant monochromatic tendency. Furthermore, we also found that significantly higher proportion of protein complexes are connected by negative genetic interactions in metabolic network, while transcription and translation system adopts relatively even number of positive and negative genetic interactions to link protein complexes.

Conclusion
In summary, we demonstrate that MCI improves deficiencies suffered by MP-score, and can be used to evaluate monochromaticity in a quantitative manner. In addition, it also helps to unveil features of genetic landscapes in different cellular subsystems. Moreover, MCI can be easily applied to data produced by different types of genetic interaction methodologies such as Synthetic Genetic Array (SGA), and epistatic miniarray profile (E-MAP).
Lipopolysaccharide-enhanced transcellular transport of HIV-1 across the blood-brain barrier is mediated by luminal microvessel IL-6 and GM-CSF
Authors: Dohgu Shinya , Fleegal-DeMotta Melissa A , Banks William A 
Published: December 2011

AbstractElevated levels of cytokines/chemokines contribute to increased neuroinvasion of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Previous work showed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is present in the plasma of patients with HIV-1, enhanced transcellular transport of HIV-1 across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) through the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Here, we found that LPS (100 μg/mL, 4 hr) selectively increased interleukin (IL)-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) release from BMECs. The enhancement of HIV-1 transport induced by luminal LPS was neutralized by treatment with luminal, but not with abluminal, antibodies to IL-6 and GM-CSF without affecting paracellular permeability as measured by transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). Luminal, but not abluminal, IL-6 or GM-CSF also increased HIV-1 transport. U0126 (MAPK kinase (MEK)1/2 inhibitor) and SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor) decreased the LPS-enhanced release of IL-6 and GM-CSF. These results show that p44/42 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways mediate the LPS-enhanced release of IL-6 and GM-CSF. These cytokines, in turn, act at the luminal surface of the BMEC to enhance the transcellular transport of HIV-1 independently of actions on paracellular permeability.
An Introduction to Certifying Algorithms
Authors: Alkassar Eyad , Böhme Sascha , Mehlhorn Kurt , Rizkallah Christine , Schweitzer Pascal 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
A certifying algorithm is an algorithm that produces, with each output, a certificate or witness that the particular output is correct. A user of a certifying algorithm inputs x, receives the output y and the certificate w, and then checks, either manually or by use of a program, that w proves that y is a correct output for input x. In this way, he/she can be sure of the correctness of the output without having to trust the algorithm. We put forward the thesis that certifying algorithms are much superior to non-certifying algorithms, and that for complex algorithmic tasks, only certifying algorithms are satisfactory. Acceptance of this thesis would lead to a change of how algorithms are taught and how algorithms are researched. The widespread use of certifying algorithms would greatly enhance the reliability of algorithmic software. We also demonstrate that the formal verification of result checkers is within the reach of current verification technology. The combination of certifying algorithms and formal verification of result checkers leads to formally verified computations.
Clinical characterization of Staphylococcus schleiferi infections and identification of risk factors for acquisition of oxacillin-resistant strains in dogs: 225 cases (2003–2009)
Authors: Cain Christine L. , Morris Daniel O. , Rankin Shelley C. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Objective—To define clinical differences between coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus schleiferi infections in dogs and to identify risk factors for the isolation of oxacillin-resistant S schleiferi.
Design—Retrospective case series.
Animals—225 dogs (yielding 225 S schleiferi isolates).
Procedures—Information obtained from affected dogs' medical records included isolate body site source, antimicrobial treatments, and primary disease. For each dog, the S schleiferi isolate was characterized and antimicrobial susceptibility data were recorded. Risk factors for infection based on coagulase status and for S schleiferi oxacillin resistance were investigated.
Results—Allergic dermatitis was the most common underlying disease (111/225 dogs). Ears (102 [45%]) and skin (95 [42%]) were sources of most of the 225 isolates. Isolate coagulase status was not significantly associated with any patient-level factors. Of the 225 isolates, 129 (57%) were oxacillin resistant. Coagulase-negative isolates were more likely to be oxacillin resistant than were coagulase-positive isolates (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 3.0). Administration of penicillin-based or first-generation cephalosporin drugs (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.8 to 5.9) and third-generation cephalosporins (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 12.3) within 30 days prior to culture were risk factors for oxacillin resistance.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that coagulase-negative and coagulase-positive S schleiferi are potential pathogens in dogs and are often oxacillin resistant. Recent patient treatments with penicillin or cephalosporin were risk factors for oxacillin resistance. In clinical cases, full speciation of all Staphylococcus isolates should be performed and microbial treatments should be selected on the basis of results of susceptibility testing.
About the usefulness of employing the models of the Church in the study of canon law
Authors: Kroczek Piotr 
Published: December 2011

About the usefulness of employing the models of the Church in the study of canon lawThis article originated in an effort to explain the usefulness of employing the models of the Church in the study of canon law. The article consists of three parts. The first one offers general approach to model as a tool for understanding the reality. The second part of the text is presenting some models of the Church. The last section of this reflection centers on R. Sobański's model of the Church as a mystery. Summing up, it can be said that among many models of the Church, Sobański's model can be successfully used in the realm of canon law.
The Icon in the Byzantine Liturgy
Authors: Šimko Miroslav 
Published: December 2011

The Icon in the Byzantine Liturgy
The icon is very connected with the liturgical mystery, therefore it can not be separated in any ways and looked for out of this mystery. It is an integral part of the liturgy in which the mission of the Church is revealed. In the church the icon, that speaks to the believer in spiritual language, helps the believer occurs higher, sublime world surrounded by heavenly beings. As we meet in the church with the world of the visible and the invisible, it is necessary to have boundary between these two worlds. However, this separation is only possible with the facts, which have dual possibilities of perception. And it is the iconostasis which is the boundary between the world of the visible and the invisible. This altar barrier divided two worlds, gives a vivid picture of understanding, indivisible Board of Saints which surrounds the throne of God. The iconostasis shows the Eucharist space. It reveals the entrance to another world and proclaims the kingdom of the heaven to the deaf ears. It is windows that reveals the fourth dimension to us. This an inseparable component of Byzantine churches is the Church's liturgical expression and history, too.
Les cercueils de bois médiévaux et modernes en Anjou : Meubles précieux ou simples caisses?
Authors: Hunot Jean-Yves 
Published: December 2011

An ethnobotanical methodology was used both during the excavation and the laboratory examination to study wood pseudomorphs, preserved by the corrosion of iron nails from coffins. A sampling technique developed and tested on three medieval and modem sites recently excavated in Anjou (western France). It consists of the precise recording of the position of the nails in space ; and enables us to analyse the structure of the coffin, the transversal section of wood remains and the localisation of each species within the coffin.
The identification of the woods species used to make the coffins shows that most of them have been made of two or three different species. The actual position of the nails reveals the way the planks were fixed and raises the probleme of the choice of timber. Among the ten taxons identified, the poplar, the oak, the walnut and the fir (which has been imported in Anjou) are the most used.
The timber preparation and particularly the way it is eut up are discussed. At last, the recording of the position of the nails and other remains during the excavation gives informations on the technology used to built the coffin, its structure, its finish andits possible decoration.
The study especiaîly focuses on the supply and preparation of timber in urban and rural settlements during the historic periods through the woods remains in burials.