bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory biomarkers in saliva: assessing the strength of association of diabetes mellitus and periodontal status with the oral inflammatory burden
Authors: Yoon Angela J. , Cheng Bin , Philipone Elizabeth , Turner Ryan , Lamster Ira B. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAimTo determine the strength of association of type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease with the oral inflammatory burden, as assessed by markers of inflammation in saliva.Material and MethodsUnstimulated saliva samples were collected from 192 subjects with or without type 2 diabetes. β‐glucuronidase (βG) was measured via a fluorometric array and interlukin‐1β (IL‐1β) via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The concentration of both mediators was evaluated in relationship to clinical parameters, severity of periodontal disease and diabetes status.ResultsRegression analysis demonstrated that diabetes and periodontal disease was independently and positively correlated with increased concentration of βG in saliva (p < 0.001). Moreover, the relative association of periodontal disease with the level of βG in saliva was greater than the strength of association of the diabetic status. IL‐1β concentration in saliva was primarily associated with the severity of periodontal disease (p < 0.01), but not the presence of diabetes (p = 0.50).ConclusionsThis study examined the nature of the inflammatory response in the oral cavity as assessed by inflammatory markers in saliva. Both periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with the oral inflammatory burden, in which the effect of periodontal disease was more pronounced.
The relative importance of climate and habitat in determining the distributions of species at different spatial scales: a case study with ground beetles in Great Britain
Authors: Gillingham Phillipa K. , Palmer Stephen C. F. , Huntley Brian , Kunin William E. , Chipperfield Joseph D. , Thomas Chris D. 
Published: February 2012

Experimental studies have shown that many species show preferences for different climatic conditions, or may die in unsuitable conditions. Climate envelope models have been used frequently in recent years to predict the presence and absence of species at large spatial scales. However, many authors have postulated that the distributions of species at smaller spatial scales are determined by factors such as habitat availability and biotic interactions. Climatic effects are often assumed by modellers to be unimportant at fine resolutions, but few studies have actually tested this.We sampled the distributions of 20 beetle species of the family Carabidae across three study sites by pitfall trapping, and at the national scale from monitoring data. Statistical models were constructed to determine which of two sets of environmental variables (temperature or broad habitat type) best accounted for the observed data at the three sites and at the national (Great Britain) scale.High‐resolution temperature variables frequently produced better models (as determined by AIC) than habitat features when modelling the distributions of species at a local scale, within the three study sites. Conversely, habitat was always a better predictor than temperature when describing species’ distributions at a coarse scale within Great Britain. Northerly species were most likely to occur in cool micro‐sites within the study sites, whereas southerly species were most likely to occur in warm micro‐sites. Effects of microclimate were not limited to species at the edges of their distribution, and fine‐resolution temperature surfaces should therefore ideally be utilised when undertaking climate‐envelope modelling.
Observational study comparing long‐term safety and efficacy of Deferasirox with Desferrioxamine therapy in chelation‐naïve children with transfusional iron overload
Authors: Aydinok Yesim , Unal Sule , Oymak Yesim , Vergin Canan , Türker Zeynep D. , Yildiz Dilek , Yesilipek Akif 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjectives:  An observational study was conducted to explore postmarketing safety and efficacy of Deferasirox (DFX) in comparison with conventional Desferrioxamine (DFO) in chelation‐naïve children with transfusional iron overload.Methods:  Transfusion‐dependent children (aged ≤5 yr) who had serum ferritin above 1000 μg/L and had been prescribed either first‐line DFX or DFO for at least 12 months to maintain serum ferritin between 500 and 1000 μg/L were included. Initial DFX dose was 20 mg/kg/d for 7 d a week, and DFO dose was 25–35 mg/kg/d subcutaneously, given for 5 d a week. Dose adjustments were based on serum ferritin changes and safety markers. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in serum ferritin from baseline. The effect of transfusional iron loading rate (ILR) and different doses of chelators on serum ferritin was also assessed.Results:  A total of 111 patients were observed for a median of 2.29 yr on DFX (n = 71) and 2.75 yr on DFO (n = 40). Absolute change in serum ferritin from baseline to the last available observation was not significant with DFX (91 μg/L, P = 0.5) but significantly higher with DFO (385 μg/L, P < 0.005). ILR and DFX doses had a major impact on serum ferritin changes in DFX cohort. The height‐ and weight‐standard deviation scores did not differ significantly in both cohorts during the study. Fluctuations in liver enzymes and non‐progressive increase in serum creatinine were the most common adverse events (DFX; 9.8%, 18.0% and DFO; 5.0%, 7.5%, respectively).Conclusion:  DFX is well tolerable and at least as effective as DFO to maintain safe serum ferritin levels and normal growth progression in chelation‐naïve children.
Disease Resistance in Maize and the Role of Molecular Breeding in Defending Against Global Threat
Authors: Ali Farhan , Yan Jianbing 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDiseases are a potential threat to global food security but plants have evolved an extensive array of methodologies to cope with the invading pathogens. Non‐host resistance and quantitative resistance are broad spectrum forms of resistance, and all kinds of resistances are controlled by extremely diverse genes called “R‐genes”. R‐genes follow different mechanisms to defend plants and PAMP‐induced defenses in susceptible host plants are referred to as basal resistance. Genetic and phenotypic diversity are vital in maize (Zea mays L.); as such, genome wide association study (GWAS) along with certain other methodologies can explore the maximum means of genetic diversity. Exploring the complete genetic architecture to manipulate maize genetically reduces the losses from hazardous diseases. Genomic studies can reveal the interaction between different genes and their pathways. By confirming the specific role of these genes and protein‐protein interaction (proteomics) via advanced molecular and bioinformatics tools, we can shed a light on the most complicated and abstruse phenomena of resistance.
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[ Jianbing Yan (Corresponding author)]
Properties of Proxy-Derived Modified Rankin Scale Assessment
Authors: McArthur Kate , Beagan Michael L. C. , Degnan Andrew , Howarth Rosanne C. , Mitchell Kirsten A. , McQuaige Fiona B. , Shannon Mary Ann C. , Stott DJ , Quinn Terence J. 
Published: February 2012

Background Cognitive or communication issues may preclude direct modified Rankin Scale interview, necessitating interview with a suitable surrogate. The clinimetric properties of this proxy modified Rankin Scale assessment have not been described. Aims To describe reliability of proxy-derived modified Rankin Scale and compare with traditional direct patient interview. Methods Researchers assessed consenting stroke inpatients and their proxies using a nonstructured modified Rankin Scale approach. Paired interviewers (trained in modified Rankin Scale) performed independent and blinded modified Rankin Scale assessment of patients and appropriate proxies. Interobserver variability and agreement between patient and proxy modified Rankin Scale were described using kappa statistics ( k, 95% confidence interval) and percentage agreement. Results Ninety-seven stroke survivors were assessed. Proxies were family members ( n = 29), nurses ( n = 50), or physiotherapists ( n = 25). Median modified Rankin Scale from both patient and proxies was 3 [interquartile range (IQR): 2–4]. Reliability for patient modified Rankin Scale interview was weighted kappa = 0.70 (95% confidence interval: 0.30–1.00). Reliability for proxy modified Rankin Scale weighted kappa = 0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.34–0.90). Subgroup analysis of various proxy information sources were as follows: family weighted kappa = 0.61; nurse weighted kappa = 0.58; therapist weighted kappa = 0.58. There was disagreement between patient-derived modified Rankin Scale and corresponding proxy modified Rankin Scale weighted kappa = 0.64 (95% CI: 0.42–0.86). Conclusions There is potential for substantial interobserver variability in proxy modified Rankin Scale and validity of certain proxy assessments is questionable. Direct modified Rankin Scale interview is preferred.
Transmission of influenza A(H1N1) 2009 pandemic viruses in Australian swine
Authors: Deng Yi‐Mo , Iannello Pina , Smith Ina , Watson James , Barr Ian G. , Daniels Peter , Komadina Naomi , Harrower Bruce , Wong Frank Y. K. 
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: Deng et al. (2012). Transmission of influenza A(H1N1) 2009 pandemic viruses in Australian swine. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(3), e42–e47.Background  Swine have receptors for both human and avian influenza viruses and are a natural host for influenza A viruses. The 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic (H1N1pdm) virus that was derived from avian, human and swine influenza viruses has infected pigs in various countries.Objectives  To investigate the relationship between the H1N1pdm viruses isolated from piggery outbreaks in Australia and human samples associated with one of the outbreaks by phylogenetic analysis, and to determine whether there was any reassortment event occurring during the human‐pig interspecies transmission.Methods  Real‐time RT‐PCR and full genome sequencing were carried out on RNA isolated from nasal swabs and/or virus cultures. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the Geneious package.Results  The influenza H1N1pdm outbreaks were detected in three pig farms located in three different states in Australia. Further analysis of the Queensland outbreak led to the identification of two distinct virus strains in the pigs. Two staff working in the same piggery were also infected with the same two strains found in the pigs. Full genome sequence analysis on the viruses isolated from pigs and humans did not identify any reassortment of these H1N1pdm viruses with seasonal or avian influenza A viruses.Conclusions  This is the first report of swine infected with influenza in Australia and marked the end of the influenza‐free era for the Australian swine industry. Although no reassortment was detected in these cases, the ability of these viruses to cross between pigs and humans highlights the importance of monitoring swine for novel influenza infections.
Review on the impact of pregnancy and obesity on influenza virus infection
Authors: Karlsson Erik A. , Marcelin Glendie , Webby Richard J. , Schultz‐Cherry Stacey 
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: Karlsson et al. (2012) Review on the impact of pregnancy and obesity on influenza virus infection. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(6), 449–460.A myriad of risk factors have been linked to an increase in the severity of the pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza A virus [A(H1N1)pdm09] including pregnancy and obesity where death rates can be elevated as compared to the general population. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the influence of pregnancy and obesity on the reported cases of A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection and of how the concurrent presence of these factors may have an exacerbating effect on infection outcome. Also, the hypothesized immunologic mechanisms that contribute to A(H1N1)pdm09 virus severity during pregnant or obese states are outlined. Identifying the mechanisms underlying the increased disease severity in these populations may result in improved therapeutic approaches and future pandemic preparedness.
Kallikrein 6 Regulates Early CNS Demyelination in a Viral Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Scarisbrick Isobel A. , Yoon Hyesook , Panos Michael , Larson Nadya , Blaber Sachiko I. , Blaber Michael , Rodriguez Moses 
Published: February 2012

AbstractKallikrein 6 (Klk6) is a secreted serine protease that is elevated in active multiple sclerosis lesions and patient sera. To further evaluate the involvement of Klk6 in chronic progressive demyelinating disease, we determined its expression in the brain and spinal cord of SJL mice infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) and assessed the effects of Klk6‐neutralizing antibodies on disease progression. Klk6 RNA expression was elevated in the brain and spinal cord by 7 days postinfection (dpi). Thereafter, Klk6 expression persisted primarily in the spinal cord reaching a peak of fivefold over controls at mid‐chronic stages (60 dpi–120 dpi). Significant elevations in Klk6 RNA were also induced in splenocytes stimulated with viral capsid proteins in vitro and in activated human acute monocytic leukemia cells. Klk6‐neutralizing antibodies reduced TMEV‐driven brain and spinal cord pathology and delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses when examined at early chronic time points (40 dpi). Reductions in spinal cord pathology included a decrease in activated monocytes/microglia and reductions in the loss of myelin basic protein (MBP). By 180 dpi, pathology scores no longer differed between groups. These findings point to regulatory activities for Klk6 in the development and progression of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and demyelination that can be effectively targeted through the early chronic stages with neutralizing antibody.
Vehicle‐related flood deaths in the United States, 1995–2005
Authors: Kellar D.M.M. , Schmidlin T.W. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractVehicle‐related deaths comprise more than half of all flash flood fatalities in the United States. Using the publication Storm Data from the United States National Climatic Data Center, we found 555 vehicle‐related flood deaths that occurred in 355 flooding events during 1995–2005. Males accounted for 60% of the deaths. The difference in death rates between the sexes was small at ages 19 and younger but males died at twice the rate of females for ages 40 and older. Elevated deaths rates were found for both males and females under age 5 and over 60. Flooding events classified as flash floods accounted for most of the fatalities. Vehicle‐related flood deaths were concentrated in the Texas Hill Country, the desert Southwest, the Ohio River Valley, and eastern North Carolina.
Systematic classification of melanoma cells by phenotype‐specific gene expression mapping
Authors: Widmer Daniel S. , Cheng Phil F. , Eichhoff Ossia M. , Belloni Benedetta C. , Zipser Marie C. , Schlegel Natalie C. , Javelaud Delphine , Mauviel Alain , Dummer Reinhard , Hoek Keith S. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThere is growing evidence that the metastatic spread of melanoma is driven not by a linear increase in tumorigenic aggressiveness, but rather by switching back and forth between two different phenotypes of metastatic potential. In vitro these phenotypes are respectively defined by the characteristics of strong proliferation/weak invasiveness and weak proliferation/strong invasiveness. Melanoma cell phenotype is tightly linked to gene expression. Taking advantage of this, we have developed a gene expression–based tool for predicting phenotype called Heuristic Online Phenotype Prediction. We demonstrate the predictive utility of this tool by comparing phenotype‐specific signatures with measurements of characteristics of melanoma phenotype‐specific biology in different melanoma cell lines and short‐term cultures. We further show that 86% of 536 tested melanoma lines and short‐term cultures are significantly associated with the phenotypes we describe. These findings reinforce the concept that a two‐state system, as described by the phenotype switching model, underlies melanoma progression.
Association of Wild Bird Density and Farm Management Factors with the Prevalence of E. coli O157 in Dairy Herds in Ohio (2007–2009)
Authors: Cernicchiaro N. , Pearl D. L. , McEwen S. A. , Harpster L. , Homan H. J. , Linz G. M. , LeJeune J. T. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryOur objective was to determine the role that European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) play in the epidemiology of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in dairy cattle. We visited 150 dairy farms in Ohio twice during summer and fall months from 2007 to 2009. Fresh faecal pats from 30 lactating cows were collected during each visit. Information on farm management and environmental variables was gathered through a questionnaire administered to the farm owner. The number of starlings observed on the farm was also recorded. Approximately 1% of dairy cattle and 24% of farms were positive for E. coli O157. Risk factors associated with the presence of E. coli O157 in faecal pats included contact between adult cattle and calves, types or number of ventilation and manure management systems and number of birds per milking cow.
Effects of interferon therapy on development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C‐related cirrhosis: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Qu Li‐Shuai , Chen Hong , Kuai Xiao‐Ling , Xu Zheng‐Fu , Jin Fei , Zhou Guo‐Xiong 
Published: February 2012

Aim:  The role of interferon (IFN) therapy on prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related cirrhosis remains controversial. This meta‐analysis aimed to determine whether IFN therapy reduced the incidence of HCC in HCV‐related cirrhotic patients.Methods:  We performed a meta‐analysis including eight randomized controlled trials (RCT) (a total of 1505 patients) to assess the effect of IFN therapy on prevention of HCC in patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis. The pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated using a random or fixed effects model.Results:  Our results showed that IFN therapy significantly decreased the overall HCC incidence in HCV‐related cirrhotic patients (OR, 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10–0.80; P = 0.02). HCC risk in patients who failed to achieve sustained virological response (SVR) in the initial IFN‐based treatment was also reduced by maintenance IFN therapy (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32–0.90; P = 0.02). Subgroup analysis indicated that IFN therapy decreased HCC incidence in HCV‐related cirrhotic patients during long‐term follow up (>48 months) evidently (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09–0.67; P = 0.006). However, subgroup analysis of four RCT with short‐term follow up (≤48 months) did not demonstrate the significant difference in HCC incidence between IFN‐treated cirrhotic patients and controls (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.39–1.55; P = 0.48).Conclusion:  The present study suggested that IFN therapy could efficiently reduce HCC development in patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis; this effect was more evident in the subgroup of patients with long‐term follow up (>48 months). Patients who received maintenance IFN therapy had a lower risk of HCC than controls.
Bronchomalacia in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Degeneration
Authors: Singh M.K. , Johnson L.R. , Kittleson M.D. , Pollard R.E. 
Published: February 2012

BackgroundCough in the geriatric small breed dog with myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD), a large left atrium, and absence of heart failure often is attributed to compression of the left mainstem bronchus by the left atrium. Studies investigating this syndrome are lacking in dogs.HypothesisAirway collapse is independent of left atrial enlargement.AnimalsA total of 16 dogs presenting with chronic cough in the absence of congestive heart failure. Group 1 dogs (n = 10) had moderate‐to‐severe left atrial enlargement based on an echocardiographically calculated left atrial:aortic surface area [LA:Ao(a)] > 6. Group 2 dogs (n = 6) had no to mild left atrial enlargement [LA:Ao(a) ≤ 6].MethodsDogs were prospectively evaluated.CBC, biochemistry, urinalysis, cervical and thoracic radiographs, fluoroscopy, echocardiography, and bronchoscopy were performed. Bronchoscopic abnormalities were compared between groups using Fisher's Exact Test.P < .05 was considered significant.ResultsFluoroscopy identified airway collapse in both groups. Bronchoscopic evidence of airway collapse >50% was observed in multiple bronchi with no difference between groups. All dogs had inflammation on airway cytology with respiratory infection in 1 dog in group 2. Left atrial size was interpreted radiographically as enlarged in 9 of 10 group 1 dog and in 2 of 6 group 2 dogs.VHSwas above normal in both groups of dogs regardless of echocardiographic evidence of cardiomegaly.ConclusionsResults failed to identify an association between left atrial enlargement and airway collapse in dogs withMMVD, but did suggest that airway inflammation is common in dogs with airway collapse.
Assessment of a point‐of‐care test for measurement of blood triglyceride levels for rapid detection of equid hypertriglyceridaemia
Authors: Williams A. , Peachey L. E. , Christley R. M. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThis project investigated the clinical value of a human whole blood point‐of‐care (POC) triglyceride (TG) measurement device to determine equid blood TG concentrations. Equid plasma TG measurements were determined in a commercial laboratory and also using whole blood and plasma on the POC device from equid patients with TG concentrations from within the normal range to severely hypertriglyceridaemic. Results were compared between methods using the Bland‐Altman method for validation. Seventy‐four samples were collected: 35 from inappetent or starved equid patients (considered ‘at‐risk’ of developing hypertriglyceridaemia) and 39 from equids eating with a normal appetite. The POC device readable range is 0.8–6.86 mmol/l; high readings were diluted and measurements repeated and calculated. Inappetent/starved patients had a higher risk of developing raised plasma triglycerides (OR 16.8, 95% CI 4.8–58.4, P<0.0001) than the appetent ones with 34% (12/35) having mildly increased TG and 31% (11/35) having moderately to severely increased TG concentrations. In comparison, there were no severely hypertriglyceridaemic patients, one moderately increased and 3/39 (8%) mildly elevated TG patients in the appetent group. In the readable range, using whole blood, the POC device had excellent agreement with the laboratory (mean difference ‐0.59). However, accuracy varied with TG concentration and the POC instrument overestimated TG values, particularly when TG values were above the POC device's range. For a given value in the readable range of the POC device, multiplication of the POC value by a factor of 0.77 (whole blood) and 0.72 (plasma) provides an estimation of the laboratory TG value. Whole blood TG readings below the POC instrument's range were reliably low. The POC device reliably predicted TG values in a clinical setting. Use of this device provides rapid, easy to perform, reliable assessment of blood TG concentration in equids at risk of developing hypertriglyceridaemia.