bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rac regulates PtdInsP3 signaling and the chemotactic compass through a redox-mediated feedback loop
Authors: Kuiper Jan W. P. , Sun Chunxiang , Magalhães Marco A. O. , Glogauer Michael 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Directional cell migration is an essential requirement for efficient neutrophil translocation to sites of infection and requires the establishment of a polarized cell characterized by an actin-rich leading edge facing the chemoattractant gradient. The asymmetrical accumulation of phosphatidylinositol(3,4,5)-trisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P3] in the up-gradient leading edge is a hallmark of polarization and regulates the recruitment and localization of various effector proteins at the leading-edge plasma membrane. How shallow gradients of chemoattractants trigger and maintain a much steeper intracellular gradient of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 is a critical question in the study of leukocyte chemotaxis. Our data demonstrate that the migration of neutrophils toward the chemoattractant N-formyl–L-methionyl–L-leucyl–L-phenylalanine depends on the generation of reactive oxygen species by the phagocytic NADPH oxidase (NOX2) and subsequent oxidation and inhibition of phosphatase and tensin homolog. Moreover, we show that events downstream of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, including phosphorylation of AKT, Rac activation, uncapping of actin filaments, and directional migration, can be attenuated by ROS scavengers or genetic ablation of NOX2. Using Rac mutants that are defective in their ability to activate NOX2, we show that Rac regulates a redox-mediated feedback loop that mediates directional migration of neutrophils.
Alimentary fluoride intake in preschool children
Authors: Oganessian Edgar , Ivancakova Romana , Lencova Erika , Broukal Zdenek 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
The knowledge of background alimentary fluoride intake in preschool children is of utmost importance for introducing optimal and safe caries preventive measures for both individuals and communities. The aim of this study was to assess the daily fluoride intake analyzing duplicate samples of food and beverages. An attempt was made to calculate the daily intake of fluoride from food and swallowed toothpaste.

Methods
Daily alimentary fluoride intake was measured in a group of 36 children with an average age of 4.75 years and an average weight of 20.69 kg at baseline, by means of a double plate method. This was repeated after six months. Parents recorded their child's diet over 24 hours and collected duplicated portions of food and beverages received by children during this period. Pooled samples of food and beverages were weighed and solid food samples were homogenized. Fluoride was quantitatively extracted from solid food samples by a microdiffusion method using hexadecyldisiloxane and perchloric acid. The content of fluoride extracted from solid food samples, as well as fluoride in beverages, was measured potentiometrically by means of a fluoride ion selective electrode.

Results
Average daily fluoride intake at baseline was 0.389 (SD 0.054) mg per day. Six months later it was 0.378 (SD 0.084) mg per day which represents 0.020 (SD 0.010) and 0.018 (SD 0.008) mg of fluoride respectively calculated per kg bw/day.
When adding the values of unwanted fluoride intake from the toothpaste shown in the literature (0.17-1.21 mg per day) the estimate of the total daily intake of fluoride amounted to 0.554-1.594 mg/day and recalculated to the child's body weight to 0.027-0.077 mg/kg bw/day.

Conclusions
In the children studied, observed daily fluoride intake reached the threshold for safe fluoride intake. When adding the potential fluoride intake from swallowed toothpaste, alimentary intake reached the optimum range for daily fluoride intake. These results showed that in preschool children, when trying to maximize the benefit of fluoride in caries prevention and to minimize its risk, caution should be exercised when giving advice on the fluoride containing components of child's diet or prescribing fluoride supplements.
Two Major Resistance Quantitative Trait Loci are Required to Counteract the Increased Susceptibility to Fusarium Head Blight of the Rht‐D1b Dwarfing Gene in Wheat
Authors: Lu Qiongxian , Szabo‐Hever Agnes , Bjørnstad Åsmund , Lillemo Morten , Semagn Kassa , Mesterhazy Akos , Ji Fang , Shi Jianrong , Skinnes Helge 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTFusarium head blight (FHB) is a destructive wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) disease of global importance. The widely used dwarfing allele Rht‐D1b has recently been shown to compromise FHB resistance. The objectives of this study were to investigate the impact of this dwarfing allele in a segregating population with major resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) derived from ‘Sumai‐3’ and Nobeokabozu, and to determine how many resistance QTL are needed to counteract its negative effect. Fusarium head blight resistance was evaluated in four field trials with spray inoculation and two field trials with point inoculation in a double‐haploid (DH) population from a cross between the Swedish cv. Avle (susceptible spring type; wild‐type allele Rht‐D1a) and Line 685 (resistant winter type; semi‐dwarf allele Rht‐D1b). The Rht‐D1 locus explained up to 38% of the phenotypic variation and was the most important QTL for FHB severity under spray inoculation but did not show any effect after point inoculation. Fhb1 on 3BS was detected with both inoculation methods but was relatively more important after point inoculation. Another two QTL on 5A and 2BL were detected after spray inoculation and a QTL on 2D after point inoculation. Comparison of phenotypic effects of different allele combinations revealed that a combination of both Fhb1 and the 5A QTL was required to counteract the increased susceptibility of Rht‐D1b. Although breeding of FHB resistant cultivars with this dwarfing allele is possible, it requires the pyramiding of several resistant QTL to achieve adequate levels of resistance.
Statistical Techniques for Defining Reference Sets of Accessions and Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Odong T. L. , van Heerwaarden J. , Jansen J. , van Hintum T. J. L. , van Eeuwijk F. A. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTExploitation of the available genetic resources around the world requires information about the relationships and genetic diversity present among genebank collections. These relations can be established by defining for each crop a small but informative set of accessions, together with a small set of reliable molecular markers, that can be used as reference material. In this study, various strategies to arrive at small but informative reference sets are discussed. For selection of accessions, we proposed genetic distance optimization (GDOpt) method, which selects a subset of accessions that optimally represent the accessions not included in the core collection. The performance of GDOpt was compared with Core Hunter, an advanced stochastic local search algorithm for selecting core subsets. For the selection of molecular markers, we evaluated (i) the backward elimination (BE) method and (ii) methods based on principal component analysis (PCA). We examined the performance of the proposed methodologies using five real datasets. Relative to average distance between an accession and the nearest selected accession (representativeness), GDOpt outperformed Core Hunter. However, Core Hunter outperformed GDOpt with respect to allelic richness. The BE performed much better than other methods in selecting subsets of markers. Methods based on PCA showed that, for practical purposes, the inclusion of the first few (two or three) principal components (PCs) was often sufficient. To obtain robust and high‐quality reference sets of accessions and markers we advise a combination of GDOpt (for accessions) and BE or methods based on PCA using a few PCs (for subsets of markers).
Position Statement on Crop Adaptation to Climate Change
Authors: Boote Kenneth J. , Ibrahim Amir M. H. , Lafitte Renee , McCulley Rebecca , Messina Carlos , Murray Seth C. , Specht James E. , Taylor Sterling , Westgate Mark E. , Glasener Karl , Bijl Caron Gala , Giese James H. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTThe Crop Science Society of America's (CSSA) position statement—Crop Adaptation to Climate Change—was researched and assembled by a working group of scientists from academia and industry. The statement (i) reviews the impacts of variable weather conditions arising from climate change on cropping systems, (ii) reports the progress to date in adapting crops and management practices to new conditions, and (iii) offers focus areas for increasing the speed at which global agricultural systems can adapt to climate change.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Biogas Stations in the Czech Republic
Authors: Lapčík Vladimír , Lapčíková Marta 
Published: October 2011

Environmental Impact Assessment of Biogas Stations in the Czech Republic
The article summarizes the authors' experience with environmental impact assessment in the branch of biogas plants. The introductory part of the paper describes the legislative obligations of the Czech Republic concerning the fulfilment of the European Union's limits as for the utilization of renewable energy resources. The next parts of the paper deal with an impact analysis of biogas plants on the environment. The final part of the paper deals with the experience concerning the implementation of the environmental impact assessment process in the field of biogas plants in the Czech Republic.
Analysis of Czech Organizations Participation in FP7 Surface Transport Projects and Transport Horizontal Activities in Years 2007 - 2009
Authors: Škarka Martin 
Published: October 2011

Analýza zapojení českých řešitelů v prioritě Doprava 7. RP v letech 2007 - 2009 - pozemní doprava a horizontální aktivity
Cílem tohoto článku je analyzovat zapojení českých řešitelů do výzkumných a dalších projektů v prioritě Doprava, která je součástí programové části Spolupráce 7. RP. Zpracovaná analýza se zabývá pouze povrchovou dopravou a průřezovými aktivitami. Příspěvek hodnotí výsledky výzev 7. RP, které měly uzávěrky v letech 2007 a 2008. Porovnává parametry účasti českých řešitelů s celoevropským průměrem a hodnotí účast ČR i podle dalších ukazatelů. Posuzuje zapojení českých řešitelů z hlediska počtů projektů, řešitelů, finančního příspěvku EK, zaměření na koordinátory z určitých zemí a na určitá témata.
Alcohol-Related Cognitive Impairment in New South Wales Hospital Patients Aged 50 Years and Over
Authors: Draper Brian , Karmel Rosemary , Gibson Diane , Peut Ann , Anderson Phil 
Published: October 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the principal reasons for admission, medical comorbidities, interventions and outcomes of patients admitted to New South Wales hospitals with alcohol-related cognitive impairment. Methods: We extracted data from the NSW Admitted Patient Care Database for nearly 410 000 multi-day hospital admissions from 222 public hospitals ending between July 2006 and June 2007 for people aged 50 and over. Data linkage using a unique patient identifier, derived by the Centre for Health Record Linkage identified hospital transfers and readmissions for individual patients. Using ICD10-AM codes, we identified patients with alcohol-related dementia, amnesic syndrome due to alcohol, and Wernicke's encephalopathy, their principal reasons for admission and medical comorbidities, and procedures undertaken. Outcomes were length of stay, mortality, discharge destination, and readmission. Results: A total of 462 patients diagnosed with alcohol-related dementia (n = 300; 82% male, mean age 63.9 years), Wernicke's encephalopathy (n = 77) or amnesic syndrome due to alcohol (n = 126) were identified with overlap between diagnoses. Alcohol-related dementia occurred in 1.4% of dementia patients, and was more likely to occur in younger age groups and men than other types of dementia. Alcohol-related mental disorder was recorded in 70% of alcohol-related dementia multi-day admissions: dependence (52%), ‘harmful use’ (11%) and withdrawal (12%). Principal reasons for admission for multi-day stays included alcohol-related mental disorder (18%), liver disease (11%) and injuries/poisonings (10%). Medical comorbidity was common. Like other dementia patients, alcohol-related dementia patients had longer length of stay (mean of 15 days) than non-dementia patients and more transfers to residential care (7%). However, mortality was similar to non-dementia patients (5%). Discharge at own risk was high (3.7%). Conclusions: Alcohol-related dementia is a preventable and potentially reversible condition. Investigation of intervention strategies initiated during hospitalization are warranted.
Evidence for PTPN22 R620W Polymorphism As the Sole Common Risk Variant for Rheumatoid Arthritis in the 1p13.2 Region
Authors: MARTÍN JOSE-EZEQUIEL , ALIZADEH BEHROOZ Z. , GONZÁLEZ-GAY MIGUEL A. , BALSA ALEJANDRO , PASCUAL-SALCEDO DORA , GONZÁLEZ-ESCRIBANO MARÍA F. , RODRIGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ LUIS , FERNÁNDEZ-GUTIÉRREZ BENJAMÍN , RAYA ENRIQUE , COENEN MARIEKE J.H. , van RIEL PIET , RADSTAKE TIMOTHY R.D.J. , KVIEN TORE K. , VIKEN MARTE K. , LIE BENEDICTE A. , KOELEMAN BOBBY P.C. , MARTÍN JAVIER 
Published: October 2011

Objective.The PTPN22 rs2476601 genetic variant has been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases. Some reports suggest that this single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) may not be the only causal variant in the region of PTPN22. Our aim was to identify new independent RA-associated common gene variants in the PTPN22 region.Methods.We analyzed Wellcome Trust Case-Control Consortium genome-wide association study data for associations in the 397.2 kb PTPN22 region and selected 9 associated SNP (with p < 5 × 10−3) for replication and dependence analysis. The replication cohorts comprised 2857 patients with RA and 2994 controls from Spain, Netherlands, and Norway.Results.We found that 6 of the 9 selected SNP were associated in the Spanish cohort. Of these, 4 were also associated in the Dutch and Norwegian cohorts, and all 6 were associated with RA in the combined analysis. Conditional analyses showed that none of these associations was independent of rs2476601.Conclusion.The SNP rs2476601 located in the PTPN22 gene is the sole common genetic variant associated with RA in the 1p13.2 region, suggesting that neighbor genes of PTPN22 do not have a major influence in RA.
Predictors of Chronic Kidney Disease in Korean Patients with Lupus Nephritis
Authors: MOON SU-JIN , KWOK SEUNG-KI , JU JI HYEON , PARK KYUNG-SU , PARK SUNG-HWAN , CHO CHUL-SOO , KIM HO-YOUN 
Published: October 2011

Objective.Since chronic kidney disease (CKD) is closely associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality as well as endstage renal disease, prediction of progressive CKD is a clinically important issue. We investigated the independent risk factors for the development of CKD in patients with lupus nephritis (LN).Methods.The cohort included 322 Korean patients diagnosed with LN between 1985 and 2010. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and laboratory indices, treatment response, the final renal function, and the biopsy findings. The timing and cumulative risk of developing CKD were identified by Kaplan-Meier methods. The independent risk factors for developing CKD were examined by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.Results.The median followup time after the diagnosis of LN was 84 months. CKD occurs in 22% of the patients within 10 years after the diagnosis of LN. The probability of developing CKD was significantly associated with the onset time of LN (delayed-onset LN vs initial-onset LN; HR 2.904, p = 0.003), deteriorated renal function [an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2body surface area] at the onset of LN (HR 7.458, p < 0.001), relapse of LN after achieving remission (HR 2.806, p = 0.029), and resistance to induction therapy (HR 8.120, p < 0.001).Conclusion.Our results demonstrate that delayed-onset LN, a decreased eGFR at the time of LN onset, and the failure to achieve a sustained remission are predictors for the development of CKD in Korean patients with LN.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Bone Edema Is Not a Major Feature of Gout Unless There Is Concomitant Osteomyelitis: 10-year Findings from a High-prevalence Population
Authors: POH YIH JIA , DALBETH NICOLA , DOYLE ANTHONY , McQUEEN FIONA M. 
Published: October 2011

Objective.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used in autoimmune inflammatory arthritis to define disease activity and damage, but its role in gout remains unclear. The aim of our study was to identify and describe the MRI features of gout.Methods.Over a 10-year period we identified patients with gout who underwent MRI scanning of the hands or feet. Scans were reviewed for erosions, synovitis, tenosynovitis, tendinosis, bone edema, and tophi by a musculoskeletal radiologist and 2 rheumatologists in a blinded manner. MRI features in patients with uncomplicated gout were compared with features where concomitant osteomyelitis was diagnosed.Results.A total of 47 patients with gout (51 scans) were included: 33 (70%) had uncomplicated gout and 14 (30%) had gout complicated by osteomyelitis. MRI features included tophi in 36 scans (71%), erosions in 35 (69%), bone edema in 27 (53%), synovitis in 15 (29%), tenosynovitis in 8 (16%), and tendinosis in 2 (4%). Uncomplicated gout and gout plus osteomyelitis did not differ for most MRI features. However, “severe bone marrow edema” was much more common in gout plus osteomyelitis, occurring in 14/15 scans (93%) compared with 3/36 scans (8%) in uncomplicated gout (OR 154.0, 95% CI 14.7–1612, p < 0.0001). Sensitivity and specificity of “severe bone edema” for concomitant osteomyelitis were 0.93 (95% CI 0.68–0.99) and 0.92 (95% CI 0.78–0.98), respectively.Conclusion.MRI reveals that gout affects the joints, bones, and tendons. Bone edema in patients with chronic tophaceous gout is frequently mild and this contrasts with the “severe bone edema” observed in patients with concomitant osteomyelitis.
Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion Is a Robust Outcome Measure in Systemic Sclerosis-associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: MATHAI STEPHEN C. , SIBLEY CHRISTOPHER T. , FORFIA PAUL R. , MUDD JAMES O. , FISHER MICAH R. , TEDFORD RYAN J. , LECHTZIN NOAH , BOYCE DANIELLE , HUMMERS LAURA K. , HOUSTEN TRACI , ZAIMAN ARI L. , GIRGIS REDA E. , HASSOUN PAUL M. 
Published: October 2011

Objective.The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) strongly reflects right ventricular (RV) function and predicts survival in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). But its role in systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated PAH has not been established. Our objective was to validate the TAPSE in the assessment of RV function and prediction of survival in SSc-PAH.Methods.Fifty consecutive patients with SSc-PAH who underwent echocardiography with TAPSE measurement within 1 h of clinically indicated right heart catheterization were followed prospectively. The relationship between TAPSE and measures of RV function and measures of survival was assessed.Results.The majority of the cohort were women in New York Heart Association class III/IV with severe PAH (mean cardiac index 2.4 ± 0.8 l/min/m2). RV function was significantly impaired (mean cardiac index 2.1 ± 0.7 vs 2.9 ± 0.8 l/min/m2; p < 0.01) and RV afterload was significantly greater (mean pulmonary vascular resistance 11.1 ± 5.1 vs 5.8 ± 2.5 Wood units; p < 0.01) in subjects with a TAPSE ≤ 1.7 cm. The proportion surviving in the low TAPSE group was significantly lower [0.56 (95% CI 0.37–0.71) and 0.46 (95% CI 0.28–0.62) vs 0.87 (95% CI 0.55–0.96) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.49–0.93), 1- and 2-year survival, respectively]. TAPSE ≤ 1.7 cm conferred a nearly 4-fold increased risk of death (HR 3.81, 95% CI 1.31–11.1, p < 0.01).Conclusion.TAPSE is a robust measure of RV function and strongly predicts survival in patients with PAH-SSc. Future studies are needed to identify the responsiveness of TAPSE to PAH-specific therapy and to assess its diagnostic utility in PAH-SSc.
An International, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Phase III Trial of Pregabalin Monotherapy in Treatment of Patients with Fibromyalgia
Authors: PAUER LYNNE , WINKELMANN ANDREAS , ARSENAULT PIERRE , JESPERSEN ANDERS , WHELAN LAURENCE , ATKINSON GARY , LEON TERESA , ZEIHER BERNHARDT 
Published: October 2011

Objective.To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pregabalin monotherapy versus placebo for symptomatic pain relief and improvement of patient global assessment in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) enrolled from countries outside the United States.Methods.This international, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomly assigned 747 patients with FM to placebo or 300, 450, or 600 mg/day pregabalin twice daily for 14 weeks. Primary efficacy measures were endpoint mean pain scores and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC). Secondary outcomes included assessments of sleep and function.Results.Patients in the 450 mg/day pregabalin group showed significant improvements versus placebo in endpoint mean pain score (−0.56; p = 0.0132), PGIC (73% improved vs 56% placebo; p = 0.0017), and function [Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) total score −5.85; p = 0.0012]. PGIC was also significant for 600 mg/day pregabalin (69% improved; p = 0.0227). Results for these endpoints were nonsignificant for pregabalin at 300 mg/day and for pain and FIQ score at 600 mg/day. Early onset of pain relief was seen, with separation from placebo detected by Week 1 in all pregabalin groups. All pregabalin doses demonstrated superiority to placebo on the Medical Outcomes Study-Sleep Scale Sleep Disturbance subscale and the Sleep Quality diary. Dizziness and somnolence were the most frequently reported adverse events.Conclusion.Pregabalin demonstrated modest efficacy in pain, global assessment, and function in FM at 450 mg/day, and improved sleep across all dose levels, but it did not provide consistent evidence of benefit at 300 and 600 mg/day in this study. Pregabalin was generally well tolerated for the treatment of FM. (Clinical trial registryNCT00333866).
A Blend of Chlorophytum Borivilianum and Velvet Bean Increases Serum Growth Hormone in Exercise-Trained Men
Authors: Alleman Rick J. , Canale Robert E. , McCarthy Cameron G. , Bloomer Richard J. 
Published: October 2011

Background Several isolated ingredients have been proposed to increase growth hormone (GH) release, including Chlorophytum borivilianum and Velvet bean. A combination of these two ingredients has been packaged within an investigational dietary supplement. It was the purpose of the present investigation to determine the impact of acute ingestion of this supplement on circulating GH in healthy, exercise-trained men. Methods Fifteen men ingested the dietary supplement on two different days, separated by one week. Blood was collected from subjects before ingestion of the supplement and at 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 minutes post ingestion. GH was analyzed in serum samples using an ELISA method. Values for GH for each subject, at each collection time, were averaged over both test days and used in the main analysis. Results Serum GH increased over time, with higher values at 60 minutes (1.56 ± 0.65 ng mL-1; P = 0.04; +767%), 80 minutes (1.76 ± 0.69 ng · mL-1; P = 0.02; +878%), and 100 minutes (1.48 ± 0.62 ng · mL1; P = 0.05; +722%) compared to pre ingestion (0.18 ± 0.04 ng · mL-1). A great deal of subject variability existed in the area under the curve (AUC) for GH, with pooled values ranging from 0.49 to 61.2 ng · mL-1 · 2 hr-1. Conclusion Acute ingestion of an investigational dietary supplement containing the active ingredients Chlorophytum borivilianum and Velvet bean results in an increase in circulating GH in exercise-trained men. Additional placebo controlled investigations are needed to extend these findings. Moreover, studies are needed to determine if chronic use of such supplementation leads to favorable changes in health-related parameters associated with increased circulating GH.