bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcription Factor GATA‐4 Is Abundantly Expressed in Childhood but Not in Adult Liver Tumors
Authors: Soini Tea , Haveri Hanna , Elo Jenni M. , Kauppinen Marjut , Kyrönlahti Antti , Salo Matti K. , Lohi Jouko , Andersson Leif C. , Wilson David B. , Heikinheimo Markku 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:Transcription factor GATA‐4 is expressed in early fetal liver and essential for organogenesis. It is also implicated in carcinogenesis in several endoderm‐derived organs. Hepatoblastoma (HB), the most common malignant pediatric liver tumor, has features of fetal liver including extramedullary hematopoiesis. We investigated the expression of GATA‐4 and its purported target gene erythropoietin (Epo) in liver tumors and the role of GATA‐4 in HB pathogenesis.Patients and Methods:Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction were used for liver samples from patients with HB or hepatocellular carcinoma. To further investigate the role of GATA‐4 in pediatric liver tumors, we used adenoviral transfections of wild‐type or dominant negative GATA‐4 constructs in the human HB cell line, HUH6.Results:We found abundant GATA‐4 expression in both types of liver tumors in children, whereas it was absent in adult hepatocellular carcinoma. A close family member GATA‐6 was expressed in a minority of childhood but not adult liver tumors. Epo, present in the fetal liver, was also expressed in childhood liver tumors. Moreover, cell line HUH6 was GATA‐4 positive and produced Epo. We found that altering the amount of functional GATA‐4 in HUH6 cells did not significantly affect either proliferation or apoptosis.Conclusions:GATA‐4 is abundant in pediatric liver tumors, but unraveling its exact role in these neoplasms requires further investigation.
Primary outcome indices in illicit drug dependence treatment research: systematic approach to selection and measurement of drug use end‐points in clinical trials
Authors: Donovan Dennis M. , Bigelow George E. , Brigham Gregory S. , Carroll Kathleen M. , Cohen Allan J. , Gardin John G. , Hamilton John A. , Huestis Marilyn A. , Hughes John R. , Lindblad Robert , Marlatt G. Alan , Preston Kenzie L. , Selzer Jeffrey A. , Somoza Eugene C. , Wakim Paul G. , Wells Elizabeth A. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTAims  Clinical trials test the safety and efficacy of behavioral and pharmacological interventions in drug‐dependent individuals. However, there is no consensus about the most appropriate outcome(s) to consider in determining treatment efficacy or on the most appropriate methods for assessing selected outcome(s). We summarize the discussion and recommendations of treatment and research experts, convened by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse, to select appropriate primary outcomes for drug dependence treatment clinical trials, and in particular the feasibility of selecting a common outcome to be included in all or most trials.Methods  A brief history of outcomes employed in prior drug dependence treatment research, incorporating perspectives from tobacco and alcohol research, is included. The relative merits and limitations of focusing on drug‐taking behavior, as measured by self‐report and qualitative or quantitative biological markers, are evaluated.Results  Drug‐taking behavior, measured ideally by a combination of self‐report and biological indicators, is seen as the most appropriate proximal primary outcome in drug dependence treatment clinical trials.Conclusions  We conclude that the most appropriate outcome will vary as a function of salient variables inherent in the clinical trial, such as the type of intervention, its target, treatment goals (e.g. abstinence or reduction of use) and the perspective being taken (e.g. researcher, clinical program, patient, society). It is recommended that a decision process, based on such trial variables, be developed to guide the selection of primary and secondary outcomes as well as the methods to assess them.
A global analysis of molecular markers and phenotypic traits in local chicken breeds in Taiwan
Authors: Chang C. S. , Chen C. F. , Berthouly‐Salazar C. , Chazara O. , Lee Y. P. , Chang C. M. , Chang K. H. , Bed’Hom B. , Tixier‐Boichard M. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryMolecular and phenotypic data have been combined to characterize the genetic diversity of six local chicken breeds maintained with a long‐term conservation programme. Hua‐Tung, Hsin‐Yi, Ju‐Chi and Quemoy originated from Taiwan, Shek‐Ki is from South China, and Nagoya is from Japan. Molecular tools included 24 microsatellite markers, melanocortin 1 receptor (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor) (MC1R), the LEI0258 marker located within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and mitochondrial DNA. Performance was recorded on the same individuals for body weight, panting rate in summer and antibody response (antigens: Newcastle disease virus and sheep red blood cells). A multivariate method previously proposed for taxonomy was used to combine the different data sets. Melanocortin 1 receptor (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor) and the MCW330 marker contributed the most to the first axis of the multiple coinertia analysis of molecular markers. Melanocortin 1 receptor (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone receptor) showed evidence of selection, probably related to its effect on feather colour. The MHC exhibited a large diversity, with 16 alleles of the LEI0258 marker. Immune response traits contributed the most to the principal component analysis of phenotypic data. Eight mitochondrial DNA haplotypes related to clades A, B, C and E were distributed across breeds and revealed an important contribution of Indian and European breeds to Ju‐Chi, Quemoy and Hsin‐Yi. Phenotypic data contributed less than molecular data to the combined analysis, and two markers, LEI0258 and LEI0228, contributed the most. The combined analysis could clearly discriminate all breeds, except Ju‐Chi, which was similar to Quemoy for many criteria, except immune response.
Association studies in QTL regions linked to bovine trypanotolerance in a West African crossbred population
Authors: Dayo G. K. , Gautier M. , Berthier D. , Poivey J. P. , Sidibe I. , Bengaly Z. , Eggen A. , Boichard D. , Thevenon S. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryAfrican animal trypanosomosis is a parasitic blood disease transmitted by tsetse flies and is widespread in sub‐Saharan Africa. West African taurine breeds have the ability, known as trypanotolerance, to limit parasitaemia and anaemia and remain productive in enzootic areas. Several quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying traits related to trypanotolerance have been identified in an experimentally infected F2 population resulting from a cross between taurine and zebu cattle. Although this information is highly valuable, the QTL remain to be confirmed in populations subjected to natural conditions of infection, and the corresponding regions need to be refined. In our study, 360 West African cattle were phenotyped for the packed cell volume control under natural conditions of infection in south‐western Burkina Faso. Phenotypes were assessed by analysing data from previous cattle monitored over 2 years in an area enzootic for trypanosomosis. We further genotyped for 64 microsatellite markers mapping within four previously reported QTL on BTA02, BTA04, BTA07 and BTA13. These data enabled us to estimate the heritability of the phenotype using the kinship matrix between individuals computed from genotyping data. Thus, depending on the estimators considered and the method used, the heritability of anaemia control ranged from 0.09 to 0.22. Finally, an analysis of association identified an allele of the MNB42 marker on BTA04 as being strongly associated with anaemia control, and a candidate gene, INHBA, as being close to that marker.
SNP identification and polymorphism analysis in exon 2 of the horse myostatin gene
Authors: Baron E. E. , Lopes M. S. , Mendonça D. , da Câmara Machado A. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThe myostatin gene (MSTN) belongs to the TGF‐β superfamily of secreted growth and differentiation factors and is responsible for embryonic and adult skeletal muscle development. In this study, exon 2 of the MSTN gene, which encodes part of the TGF‐β pro‐peptide, was sequenced in 332 horses of 20 different breeds and compared with the horse MSTN gene sequence deposited in GenBank. The sequences obtained revealed the presence of 11 haplotypes represented by 10 variable nucleotide mutations, eight of them corresponding to amino acid sequence changes. This gene shows a high variability when compared with other genes. This might be an indication that some breeds have the same ancestry but different pressures of selection.
Hypoplastic root cementum and premature loss of primary teeth in Coffin–Lowry syndrome: a case report
Authors: NORDERYD JOHANNA , ARONSSON JOHAN 
Published: July 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 154–156Background.  Coffin–Lowry syndrome (CLS) is a rare genetic disorder. The syndrome presents with psychomotor retardation, short stature, skeletal deformations, digit abnormalities, and distinctive facial features. Oral and dental findings in CLS are common and they include thick prominent lips, high palate, midline lingual furrow, hypodontia, microdontia, delayed eruption, and early tooth loss. Only one earlier case suggesting hypoplastic root cementum as cause for primary loss of teeth in CLS has been published.Case Report.  This case describes a 3‐year‐old boy with premature loss of primary incisors without preceding root resorption. In addition to the dental findings, the boy had several general signs and symptoms and the dental findings together with the other characteristics led to the clinical diagnosis of CLS, which later was genetically verified. Histological analysis of an extracted primary incisor showed hypoplastic root cementum.Conclusion.  Hypoplastic root cementum may explain early tooth loss in CLS. As early loss of primary teeth is rare, especially when there is no previous root resorption, the individual is likely to seek dental care. Thus, the dentist may play an important role in assisting in the diagnosing of CLS.
Differential transcriptome analyses of three wheat genotypes reveal different host response pathways associated with Fusarium head blight and trichothecene resistance
Authors: Foroud N. A. , Ouellet T. , Laroche A. , Oosterveen B. , Jordan M. C. , Ellis B. E. , Eudes F. 
Published: July 2011

Fusarium head blight is a disease of cereal crops caused by a group of trichothecene‐producing Fusarium species. In the current study, three wheat genotypes with cv. Superb pedigree were evaluated for their ability to activate different defence‐response pathways when exposed to one of three elicitors: (i) trichothecene‐producing and (ii) non‐producing F. graminearum strains, and (iii) the trichothecene toxin deoxynivalenol. Spikelets distal to the inoculation point were harvested at multiple time points in order to identify systemic temporal changes in transcript accumulation associated with resistance. Distinct differences were observed between the resistant genotypes and cv. Superb, as well as between the two resistant genotypes. The current data suggest that different molecular mechanisms exist not only between susceptibility and resistance responses, but between different forms of genetic resistance. It is proposed that Type 1 resistance in one of the resistant double haploid lines evaluated here involves a combination of structural features that slow fungal penetration and activation of a systemic response in uninfected tissues adjacent to the site of infection to prevent or minimize secondary infection; in contrast, Type 2 resistance is more likely a form of local resistance.
Germination, survival and growth of three vascular plants on biological soil crusts from a Mexican tropical desert
Authors: Godínez‐Alvarez H. , Morín C. , Rivera‐Aguilar V. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractInformation about the effects of biological soil crusts (BSC) on germination, seedling survival and growth of vascular plants is controversial because they can have positive, neutral or negative effects. This controversy may be because most studies conducted until now have just analysed one or two recruitment stages independently. To understand the BSC effects on vascular plants, it is necessary to consider each stage of the recruitment process and synthesise all this information. The goal of this study was twofold. First, we analyse germination, seedling survival and growth of three vascular plants (Agave marmorata, Prosopis laevigata and Neobuxbaumia tetetzo) on BSC (cyanobacteria and mixed crust) from a tropical desert region of south‐central México. Second, we synthesise the information to determine the total effect of BSC on plant species performance. We conducted experiments under controlled conditions to evaluate the proportion of germinated seeds, proportion of surviving seedlings and seedling dry weight in BSC and bare soil. Results showed that BSC have different effects on germination, seedling survival and growth of plant species. Plant species performance was qualitatively higher on BSC than bare soil. The highest performance of A. marmorata and P. laevigata was observed on cyanobacteria and mixed crusts, respectively. The highest performance of N. tetetzo was on both crust types.
THE FUND‐FLOW APPROACH: A CRITICAL SURVEY
Authors: Marzetti Giuseppe Vittucci 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe fund‐flow approach to production theory was proposed by Nicholas Georgescu‐Roegen almost half a century ago and it provides a description of production as a process unfolding in time and entailing a temporal coordination between different elements. Despite the initial interest, the approach has seldom received attention by mainstream economists and it is not yet well known. The paper critically surveys Georgescu‐Roegen's model, together with: (i) the later developments and modifications; (ii) the recent criticisms focused on its limitations due to the instrumental assumption of constant efficiency for funds. The paper concludes by discussing the limits and comparative merits and suggesting possible applications.
A Theory of Financial Liberalisation: Why are Developing Countries so Reluctant?
Authors: Gu Xinhua , Dong Baomin 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis study treats capital flows as risky growth opportunities for both investing and host countries in a standard mean‐variance model. Differing optimal trade‐offs between growth and volatility on both sides of capital flows are examined on the basis of their different attitudes towards destabilising risk, different considerations of capital market openness and different levels of financial sector development. It is established that growth and volatility may have a positive or negative relationship in theory, but in practice, they are correlated negatively with each other. This negative correlation is significantly non‐linear after some normalisation and holds persistently not only for developing but also for developed countries. The study shows that one side’s push for financial liberalisation may come across the other side’s resistance to it. This conflict of interest can be resolved via negotiations for a compromise equilibrium at which both sides’ optimal trade‐offs are made internationally compatible.
On China’s Domestic Capital Mobility and the Role of the Government: Empirical Evidence Over 1970–2006
Authors: Chan K. S. , Dang V. Q. T. , Jiang M. , Yan Isabel K. M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis article investigates capital mobility across 29 provinces in China for the period of 1970–2006 using the Feldstein–Horioka (FH) approach and Campbell and Mankiw’s consumption‐smoothing (CS) framework. It also examines the role of the governments in driving provincial capital mobility. If the provincial government investment is not properly separated out from the private investment, the FH framework applied to the overall saving and investment (private plus public) is found to underestimate the private saving–investment correlation and hence overstates the degree of private capital mobility compared with the CS framework that focuses on the private consumption and output. Both frameworks indicate strong correlation between private saving–investment and private consumption–output, implying strong barriers in the provincial private capital flows. However, there is ample evidence that capital mobility has been rising over time, particularly after the mid 1990s. It also appears that the government facilitates capital flows through inter‐governmental transfers during the sample period. The extent of provincial capital mobility sheds light on the ability of different provinces in diversifying idiosyncratic provincial risks. The earlier findings are robust to alternative measurements of variables and model specifications.
The APN role in holistic assessment and integration of spiritual assessment for advance care planning
Authors: Chrash Melany , Mulich Barbara , Patton Carol M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPurpose: Provide advanced practice nurses (APNs) with tools and guidance on spiritual assessment for advance care planning(ACP); to review the literature on the connectedness between spiritual assessment and ACP; and to discuss implications for the APN in application of these concepts with a case study.Data sources: Selected research and clinical articles.Conclusions: There is a disconnect between what patients have expressed as their wishes regarding end‐of‐life care (EOLC) and what occurs. Spiritual beliefs and values impact patients' and families' decisions regarding EOLC, but if not discussed in advance, most wishes, especially dying at home, do not occur.Implications for practice: Incorporating spiritual assessment in a holistic assessment, it is possible to assist patients and families prior to crisis in sorting out patients' wishes with respect to EOLC during clinic visits. With the use of a simple mnemonic to guide spiritual assessment, the APN can bridge the gap between what the patient wants and what care is received at end of life.
Use of continuous glucose monitoring to introduce adjunctive pramlintide therapy in a patient with type 1 diabetes: A case study
Authors: Walker Tomas C. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPurpose: To report the successful use of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) in helping a patient with type 1 diabetes initiate a new diabetes therapy, pramlintide, which improves glycemic control.Data sources: Case report, diagnostic evidence, and scientific literature.Conclusions: CGMS data before and 3 months after pramlintide initiation supported the changes felt by the patient. Diurnal and postprandial glucose excursions decreased with a resultant decrease in A1C from 9% to 7.4%. Additionally, body weight decreased by 8 lbs and hypoglycemic events declined markedly. No nocturnal hypoglycemic events occurred during the observation period.Implications for practice: Given the serious and chronic nature of diabetes, it is paramount for the patient and healthcare provider to develop and modify as needed treatment regimens that help the patient achieve and maintain glycemic control over time—a difficult task even in the motivated patient. In patients with type 1 diabetes, pramlintide can further improve glycemic control and CGMS can be a beneficial tool for monitoring that change.
Sensitivity of oral fluids for detecting influenza A virus in populations of vaccinated and non‐vaccinated pigs
Authors: Romagosa Anna , Gramer Marie , Joo Han Soo , Torremorell Montserrat 
Published: July 2011

Please cite this paper as: Romagosa et al. (2011) Sensitivity of oral fluids for detecting influenza A virus in populations of vaccinated and non‐vaccinated pigs. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses.Background/objective  We evaluated the sensitivity of PCR on oral fluids in detecting influenza virus in vaccinated and non‐vaccinated pigs.Methods  Three‐week‐old influenza‐free pigs were divided into three groups: (i) control, non‐vaccinated, (ii) vaccinated with a commercial, heterologous vaccine, and (iii) vaccinated with an experimental, homologous vaccine. After vaccination, an influenza‐infected pig was placed in contact with each of the groups. Individual nasal swabs and pen oral fluids were collected daily. Viral RNA was tested for the presence of influenza by RRT‐PCR and virus isolation attempted from oral fluids. A pen was considered positive if at least one nasal swab was positive.Results  Based on nasal swab results, 43·8% of pens were detected positive but only 35% based on oral fluids. Overall sensitivity of oral fluids was 80%, and virus was isolated from 51% of RRT‐PCR‐positive oral fluids. The kappa coefficient for agreement (ĸ) between oral fluids and nasal swabs was 0·82. Among groups, ĸ was 1 (95% CI, 1–1), 0·74 (95% CI, 0·55–0·92), and 0·76 (95% CI, 0·5–1) for control, heterologous, and homologous‐vaccinated groups, respectively. There was less agreement when within pen prevalence was 10% or less. Probability of detecting influenza virus in oral fluids was 99% when within pen prevalence was higher than 18% and decreased to 69% when prevalence was 9%.Conclusions  Results indicated that pen‐based collection of oral fluids is a sensitive method to detect influenza even when within pen prevalence is low and when pigs have been vaccinated and highlight the potential use of oral fluids for influenza surveillance.
The effect of giving intra‐operative local anaesthetic (lidocaine 2% with 1:80 000 adrenaline) on post‐operative pain in adolescents having day‐case oral surgery to facilitate orthodontic treatment: A blinded, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Murphy M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim:  To elucidate the effect of giving local anaesthetic to adolescents having oral surgery carried out under day‐case general anaesthetic on their post‐operative pain.Materials and methods:  Randomised, blinded, placebo‐controlled design. Sixty‐eight subjects aged 12–16 years randomly assigned to receive either a local anaesthetic (2% lidocaine with 1:80 000 adrenaline) or placebo (saline) infiltration at the surgical site before the start of surgery. Pain assessed by a research nurse using a visual analogue scale, firstly pre‐surgery and then at 30, 60 and 120 min post‐surgery. The time of post‐surgery rescue analgesia requirements also noted.Results:  Mean pain scores were significantly less in the local anaesthetic group compared with the placebo group at 30 min post‐surgery (P < 0.01) and at 60 min post‐surgery (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in mean pain scores at 120 min at which time the mean pain score in the placebo group had reduced to approach that of the local anaesthetic group. More subjects in the placebo group (21) required rescue analgesia compared with the local anaesthetic group (12). The mean time to rescue analgesia was significantly longer in the local anaesthetic group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.04).Conclusions:  Giving local anaesthetic infiltrations at the surgical site significantly reduced post‐operative pain in the early stages following oral surgery procedures carried out under general anaesthesia in adolescent subjects. It also reduced the need for post‐surgery analgesia and significantly increased the time from surgery to any such required analgesia.