bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amino Acid–based Formula as a Rescue Strategy in Feeding Very‐Low‐Birth‐Weight Infants With Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Raimondi Francesco , Spera Anna Maria , Sellitto Maria , Landolfo Francesca , Capasso Letizia 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and Aim:Very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) neonates may develop severe intolerance to standard preterm formula especially if they are associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). We tested the hypothesis that these infants may tolerate an elemental, amino acid–based formula as a rescue feeding strategy.Methods:In a prospective, case‐control pilot study, we enrolled VLBW IUGR infants enterally fed with standard preterm formula (SPF) at daily increments of 16 mL/kg. If gastric residuals accounted for >70% of milk feed in the previous 24 hours, then feedings were temporarily withheld and then resumed with amino acid formula (AAF) increased at the same speed. Cases on AAF were compared to controls on SPF and with cases themselves while on SPF. Primary outcome was the time to reach full enteral feedings. Secondary outcomes were time on parenteral nutrition, time on central venous catheter, and formula tolerability based on the amount of gastric residual volume.Results:Sixty‐four infants (22 cases) were enrolled. Although during the total duration of nutrition, cases had worse primary and secondary outcomes, when on AAF, cases were comparable to controls in time to full enteral feeding (14.4 vs 14 days), time on parenteral nutrition, and time on central venous catheter. Cases on AAF and controls had similar gastric residual volumes. At day 3 after AAF introduction, cases had a significantly reduced number (%) of gastric residual volume >5 mL/kg over total number of feedings (5.6 vs 1.5%; P < 0.05) and the mean gastric residual volume (2.7 vs 0.6 mL; P < 0.05) compared to themselves while on SPF. No difference was detected in weight at 21 and 28 days, in main serum parameters and outcome at discharge. Growth at 12 months of corrected age was also comparable.Conclusions:In our population of VLBW IUGR newborns with severe feeding intolerance, a short course on AAF was a safe and effective means of nutritional rescue.
Prevalence of Celiac Disease Among First‐degree Relatives of Patients With Celiac Disease
Authors: Doğan Yaşar , Yldrmaz Serap , Özercan İbrahim Hanifi 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTObjectives:Celiac disease, an autoimmune enteropathy that affects the proximal small intestine, is characteristically seen in people who have a genetic susceptibility to gluten sensitivity. Celiac patients' first‐degree relatives are more at risk of acquiring the disease. The objective of the present study was consequently to determine the prevalence of celiac disease in a group of first‐degree relatives of our patients with celiac disease.Methods:First‐degree relatives of 195 patients with celiac disease attending a gastroenterology unit underwent serologic screening. Antitissue transglutaminase (anti‐tTG) immunoglobulin A (IgA) and total serum IgA tests were used for first‐level screening. Duodenal biopsy was recommended to subjects showing positive results to anti‐tTG IgA testing. Biopsy samples were obtained by endoscopy, and biopsy specimens were evaluated and classified according to Marsh classification.Results:Positive anti‐tTG IgA was found in 46 first‐degree relatives (9.5%), whereas serum IgA levels were normal. Of 46 serology‐positive relatives, 34 agreed to the endoscopy procedure. Histological changes characteristic of celiac disease were found in 23 subjects. The prevalence of celiac disease among the first‐degree relatives was found to be at least 4.8%. Of 34 subjects that underwent biopsy, 11 were evaluated as Marsh 0, 5 as Marsh 1, 4 as Marsh 2, 12 as Marsh 3, and 2 as Marsh 4. Of the biopsy‐positive subjects, 3 were mothers, 1 was a father, and 19 were siblings.Conclusions:The present study identified 23 undiagnosed cases of celiac disease among 484 first‐degree relatives of 195 patients with celiac disease, confirming the high prevalence (4.8%) of the disease in this specific group. It is suggested that an extensive screening policy be mandatory for these subjects.
Esomeprazole for the Treatment of GERD in Infants Ages 1–11 Months
Authors: Winter Harland , Gunasekaran Thirumazhisai , Tolia Vasundhara , Gottrand Frederic , Barker Peter N. , Illueca Marta 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTObjectives:Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is present in pediatric patients when reflux of gastric contents causes troublesome symptoms and/ or complications. The present study evaluates the efficacy and safety of esomeprazole in infants ages 1 to 11 months with GERD.Methods:In this multicenter randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, treatment‐withdrawal study, infants received open‐label, weight‐adjusted doses of esomeprazole (2.5–10 mg) once daily for 2 weeks. Infants with symptom improvement were randomized to esomeprazole (weight‐adjusted doses [2.5–10 mg]) or placebo for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was time to discontinuation owing to symptom worsening based on global assessments by the parent/guardian and physician. Adverse events were recorded.Results:Of the 98 patients enrolled, 81 (82.7%) experienced symptom improvement determined by physician global assessment (PGA) during open‐label esomeprazole treatment; 80 entered the double‐blind phase. During this phase, discontinuation rates owing to symptom worsening were 48.8% (20/41) for placebo‐treated versus 38.5% (15/39) for esomeprazole‐treated patients (hazard ratio 0.69; P = 0.28). Posthoc analysis of infants with symptomatic GERD (ie, no diagnostic procedure performed) revealed that time to discontinuation was significantly longer with esomeprazole than placebo (hazard ratio 0.24; P = 0.01); the complementary subgroup difference was not significant (hazard ratio 1.39; P = 0.48). Esomeprazole was well tolerated.Conclusions:The discontinuation rate owing to symptom worsening did not differ significantly between infants receiving esomeprazole versus those receiving placebo. Improved diagnostic criteria in this age group are needed to identify infants with GERD who may benefit from acid suppression therapy.
Cross Talk among Calcium, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Nitric Oxide and Activation of Gene Expression Involving Calmodulins and Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases in Ulva compressa Exposed to Copper Excess
Authors: González Alberto , Cabrera M. de los Ángeles , Henríquez M. Josefa , Contreras Rodrigo A. , Morales Bernardo , Moenne Alejandra 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
To analyze the copper-induced cross talk among calcium, nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the calcium-dependent activation of gene expression, the marine alga Ulva compressa was treated with the inhibitors of calcium channels, ned-19, ryanodine, and xestospongin C, of chloroplasts and mitochondrial electron transport chains, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea and antimycin A, of pyruvate dehydrogenase, moniliformin, of calmodulins, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphtalene sulfonamide, and of calcium-dependent protein kinases, staurosporine, as well as with the scavengers of NO, 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, and of H2O2, ascorbate, and exposed to a sublethal concentration of copper (10 μm) for 24 h. The level of NO increased at 2 and 12 h. The first peak was inhibited by ned-19 and 3-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea and the second peak by ned-19 and antimycin A, indicating that NO synthesis is dependent on calcium release and occurs in organelles. The level of H2O2 increased at 2, 3, and 12 h and was inhibited by ned-19, ryanodine, xestospongin C, and moniliformin, indicating that H2O2 accumulation is dependent on calcium release and Krebs cycle activity. In addition, pyruvate dehydrogenase, 2-oxoxglutarate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase activities of the Krebs cycle increased at 2, 3, 12, and/or 14 h, and these increases were inhibited in vitro by EGTA, a calcium chelating agent. Calcium release at 2, 3, and 12 h was inhibited by 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide and ascorbate, indicating activation by NO and H2O2. In addition, the level of antioxidant protein gene transcripts decreased with N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphtalene sulfonamide and staurosporine. Thus, there is a copper-induced cross talk among calcium, H2O2, and NO and a calcium-dependent activation of gene expression involving calmodulins and calcium-dependent protein kinases.
Different potency of bacterial antigens TLR2 and TLR4 ligands in stimulating mature mast cells to cysteinyl leukotriene synthesis
Authors: Bąbolewska Edyta , Witczak Piotr , Pietrzak Anna , Brzezińska‐Błaszczyk Ewa 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe aim of study was to compare the potency of different bacterial antigens to induce rat mature mast cell to cysteinyl leukotriene (cysLT) generation. We examined Toll‐like receptor (TLR)2 agonists, i.e. lipoteichoic acid (LTA) Staphylococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, lipoarabinomannan (LAM) Mycobacterium smegmatis, peptydoglican (PGN) Staphylococcus aureus, as well as TLR4 agonists, i.e. lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis, Pophyromonas gingivalis and Escherichia coli. We also estimated the effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐, interleukin (IL)‐6‐, CCL5‐, and IL‐10‐priming on mast cell cysLT synthesis following bacterial antigen activation. We found that all bacterial antigens activated mast cells to cysLT generation; however, the extent of cysLT release in response to stimulation varied. Out of the examined antigens LPS P. gingivalis exhibited the highest potency, as it induced cysLT generation acting at a very low concentration (10−4 ng/mL). Other LPSs affected mast cells at higher (up to 105‐fold) concentrations. LTAs were the most effective at concentrations of 5 × 102 ng/mL, while LAM and PGN stimulated mast cells to maximal cysLT generation at concentrations as high as 105 ng/mL. Anti‐TLR2 and anti‐TLR4 antibodies, as well as nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) inhibitor significantly diminished cysLT generation in response to bacterial antigen stimulation. Priming with TNF, IL‐6 and CCL5 did not affect bacterial antigen‐induced cysLT generation, while IL‐10‐pretreatment caused significant decrease in cysLT synthesis by mast cells. These observations might have a great pathophysiological importance; inasmuch cysLTs strongly influence the development and intensity of inflammation during bacterial infection.
Analyzing the genetic characteristics and function of the swine leukocyte antigen 2 gene in a Chinese inbreed of pigs
Authors: Gao Feng‐Shan , Bai Jing , Gong Xiao‐jie , Zhang Xing‐hui , Zhang Wen‐jun , Guo Dan , Zhang Sheng 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTTo study the genetic characteristics and function of swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class I from the Hebao pig, a rare inbreed in China, a pair of primers was designed to amplify the SLA‐2 gene (SLA‐2‐HB) and then the genetic characteristics of the gene were analyzed. The 3D homology modeling was used to analyze the structure and function of SLA‐2‐HB proteins. After cloning, sequencing and computer analysis, four SLA‐2‐HB alleles were found, all of 1119 bp. Sites 3–1097 were an open reading frame encoding 364 amino acids with two sets of intra‐chain disulfide bonds comprising four cysteines situated in sites 125, 188, 227 and 283. By alignment of SLA‐2‐HB sequences with other SLA‐2 alleles in the IPD database, 11 key variable amino acid sites were found in the extracellular domain of the SLA‐2‐HB alleles at sites 23(F), 24(I), 43(A), 44(K), 50(Q), 73(N), 95(I), 114(R), 155(G), 156(E) and 216(S), which could be used to differentiate other SLA‐2 alleles. The 3D homology modeling demonstrated that the eight of 11 key variable amino acid sites were all in antigenic binding groove of SLA‐2‐HB proteins. The amino acid identities between SLA‐2‐HB and other SLA‐2, SLA‐1 and SLA‐3 alleles were 86.2–97.0%, 85.0–93.9% and 83.3–88.6%, respectively. The phylogenetic tree of SLA‐2‐HB showed that it was relatively independent of the other SLA‐2 genes. Furthermore, the SLA‐2‐HB alleles were similar to HLA‐B15 and HLA‐A2 functional domains and preserved some functional sites of HLA‐A2. It was concluded that SLA‐2‐HB are novel alleles of SLA‐2 and that the Hebao pig might have evolved independently in China.
From Denis Burkitt to Dar es Salaam. What happened next in East Africa? – Tanzania’s story
Authors: Scanlan Trish , Kaijage Jane 
Published: January 2012

SummaryEast Africa was at the forefront of early achievements and discoveries in paediatric oncology thanks to Denis Burkitt’s seminal work. Although these successes have been built upon and continued elsewhere, they were sadly not sustained in sub‐Saharan Africa for a variety of reasons. In recent years however this situation is slowly changing in countries across the continent. Tanzania is one such African country. Until very recently, survival rates of 5–10% for all children’s cancers were expected. However, change has been brought about thanks to the combined efforts and commitments of the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, non‐governmental organizations – such as The International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research and Children in Crossfire – and the participation of the private sector. Services are rapidly developing and outcomes are continuing to improve with 1‐year survival rates of approximately 60% achieved. Efforts to maintain this early progress are concentrated around providing high quality local subspecialty medical training and continued local ownership of the programme.
Adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Denmark. A national population‐based retrospective study on acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Denmark 1998–2008
Authors: Toft Nina , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Klausen Tobias W. , Birgens Henrik 
Published: January 2012

SummarySince July 2008, children and adults 1–45 years, diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in Denmark have been treated according to the common Nordic Society for Paediatric Haematology and Oncology ALL2008 protocol. To explore whether this strategy will improve survival compared with historical controls, we performed a retrospective national population‐based study of adult ALL between 1998 and 2008. Patients were identified through the Danish Patobank and the Danish Cancer Registry; data was collected from patient files, and included 277 patients (median age, 47 years, range 15–91 years). The 5‐year projected event‐free survival (pEFS5y) and overall survival (pOS5y) for the whole cohort was 27·5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 22·4–33·6] and 34·1% (95% CI 28·7–40·4), respectively. No patient above 65 years survived beyond 5 years from diagnosis. For patients receiving curatively intended treatment, the pEFS5y and pOS5y were 36·6% and 44·1%, respectively, with a significantly higher pOS5y for patients 15–35 years compared with patients 36–65 years (50·7% vs. 38·9%, P = 0·006). Cox multiple regression analysis identified age (Hazard Ratio = 1·7, P < 0·006) as a statistically significant predictor of EFS. The cure rates, not least for the elderly, are unacceptably low, and call for new strategies in the treatment of adult ALL in all age groups.
Impacts of elevated temperature on the growth and functioning of decomposer fungi are influenced by grazing collembola
Authors: A'Bear A. Donald , Boddy Lynne , Hefin Jones T. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractElevated temperature has potential to influence the biological mechanisms regulating ecosystem–atmosphere carbon exchange. The relationship between warming and heterotrophic microbial respiration remains poorly understood, not least in terms of the differential sensitivity of microbial groups to temperature and the complexity of interactions with other biota. Cord‐forming basidiomycete fungi are dominant primary decomposers in temperate woodland. Decomposition rates are determined by the composition of the decomposer community, ecophysiological relationships between these fungi and abiotic variables and interactions with other organisms. Amongst the latter, a major determinant is the balance between mycelial growth and removal by soil invertebrate grazers, which can themselves be affected by elevated temperature. We investigated the impact of elevated temperature on fungal foraging and decomposition of beech (Fagus sylvatica) wood in soil microcosms to which the invertebrate grazers, Folsomia candida and Protophorura armata (Collembola), were added in factorial combinations with five basidiomycete fungi. Species‐specific impacts on mycelial development and function resulted from differential sensitivity of fungi to warming and grazing. Temperature impacts on collembola abundance were resource‐specific, causing increased grazing pressure by both species, but on different fungi. Grazing often counteracted warming‐induced stimulation of mycelial growth, but occasionally amplified the temperature effect, with implications for colonization rates of new resources. High grazing pressure did not prevent increased fungal‐mediated decomposition of colonized wood, as fungi utilized more resource‐derived energy to maintain explorative growth. Impacts of elevated temperature on decomposition are likely to depend on local composition of the fungal and invertebrate decomposer community.
Parasites and hepatic lesions among pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walbaum), during early seawater residence
Authors: Saksida S M , Marty G D , Jones S R M , Manchester H A , Diamond C L , Bidulka J , St‐Hilaire S 
Published: January 2012

AbstractJuvenile pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walbaum), in the Broughton Archipelago region of western Canada were surveyed over 2 years for sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus clemensi), gross and microscopic lesions and evidence of infections with viruses and bacteria. The 1071 fish examined had an approximate ocean residence time no longer than 3 months. A high prevalence of degenerative liver lesions, renal myxosporean parasites and a low prevalence of skin lesions and sea lice were observed. No indications of viral or bacterial diseases were detected in either year. The monthly prevalence of sea lice in 2007 (18–51%) was higher than in 2008 (1–26%), and the infestation density exceeded the lethal threshold in only two fish. Degenerative hepatic lesions and renal myxosporean parasites occurred in approximately 40% of the pink salmon examined in June of both years, and the peak monthly prevalence of hepatocellular hydropic degeneration was greater in 2007 (32%, in May) than in 2008 (12%, in June). Logistic regression analysis found skin lesions and hepatocellular hydropic degeneration significantly associated with sea lice. Most parasites and lesions occurred during both years, but the prevalence was often higher in 2007. Fish weight was 35% less in June 2007 than in June 2008, but condition factor was not different. Further research is required to monitor inter‐annual variations and aetiology of the liver lesions and to assess their potential role on pink salmon survival.
The impact of caring for adults with intellectual disability on the quality of life of parents
Authors: Yoong A. , Koritsas S. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground Because of an increase in life expectancy and de‐institutionalisation, many adults with intellectual disability (ID) live with and are cared for by their parents throughout their adult lives. Because of caring demands, the quality of life (QOL) of parents may be affected. The study explored the impact of caring for an adult with ID on the QOL of parents.Methods Participants were 12 parents who were the full‐time carers of an adult with ID. Participants were interviewed about the effect of caring on their QOL. Interviews were analysed thematically.Results Caring had a positive impact on QOL by enabling participants to develop relationships and receive support, participate in leisure activities, achieve a sense of personal satisfaction and enable a more positive appraisal of their lives. Caring had a negative impact on participants' QOL by restricting their relationships, leisure activities and employment opportunities. Caring was also associated with financial insecurity, frustrations at the service system and fear of what the future held for their offspring.Conclusions Caring for an adult with ID had both positive and negative effects on parents' QOL. Improving services and service delivery, including the provision of residential services and respite, would address many of the issues that were reported to have a negative impact on parents' QOL.
Interaction of a bacterial flagellar chaperone FlgN with FlhA is required for efficient export of its cognate substrates
Authors: Minamino Tohru , Kinoshita Miki , Hara Noritaka , Takeuchi Shiori , Hida Akira , Koya Satomi , Glenwright Helen , Imada Katsumi , Aldridge Phillip D. , Namba Keiichi 
Published: January 2012

SummaryFlgN chaperone acts as a bodyguard to protect its cognate substrates, FlgK and FlgL, from proteolysis in the cytoplasm. Docking of the FlgN–FlgK complex with the FliI ATPase of the flagellar type III export apparatus is key to the protein export process. However, a ΔfliH‐fliI flhB(P28T) mutant forms some flagella even in the absence of FliH and FliI, raising the question of how FlgN promotes the export of its cognate substrates. Here, we report that the interaction of FlgN with an integral membrane export protein, FlhA, is directly involved in efficient protein export. A ΔfliH‐fliI flhB(P28T) ΔflgN mutant caused extragenic suppressor mutations in the C‐terminal domain of FlhA (FlhAC). Pull‐down assays using GST affinity chromatography showed an interaction between FlgN and FlhAC. The FlgN–FlgK complex bound to FlhAC and FliJ to form the FlgN–FlgK–FliJ–FlhAC complex. The FlgN–FlhAC interaction was enhanced by FlgK but not by FliJ. FlgN120 missing the last 20 residues still bound to FlgK and FliJ but not to FlhAC. A highly conserved Tyr‐122 residue was required for the interaction with FlhAC. These results suggest that FlgN efficiently transfers FlgK/L subunits to FlhAC to promote their export.
The early‐life social environment and DNA methylation
Authors: Szyf M 
Published: January 2012

Szyf M. The early‐life social environment and DNA methylation.DNA methylation is a chemical modification of DNA that confers, upon identical sequences, different identities that are reflected in different gene expression programming. DNA methylation has a well‐established role in cellular differentiation by providing a mechanism for one genome to express multiple phenotypes in a multicellular organism. Recent data point however to the possibility that in addition to the innate process of cellular differentiation, DNA methylation can serve as a genome adaptation mechanism, adapting genome function to changing environmental contexts including social environments. A critical time point for this process is early life when cues from the social and physical environments define lifelong trajectories of physical and mental health. DNA methylation and additional epigenetic modifications could therefore serve as molecular links between ‘nurture’ and ‘nature’. Data that are consistent with this new role for DNA methylation as a mechanism for conferring an ‘environment’ specific identity to DNA will be discussed.