bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in VKORC1 have more impact than CYP2C9 polymorphisms on early warfarin International Normalized Ratio control and bleeding rates
Authors: Lund Kirstin , Gaffney Dairena , Spooner Richard , Etherington Anne Marie , Tansey Patrick , Tait Robert Campbell 
Published: May 2012

SummaryPoor warfarin control with resultant high International Normalized Ratios (INRs) and bleeding events is most common during the first months of treatment. The effects of genetic polymorphisms at the vitamin K epoxide reductase [VKORC1] and cytochrome P450 2C9 [CYP2C9] loci have been increasingly acknowledged as contributory factors of enhanced warfarin sensitivity. In our prospective, blinded study, 557 patients (49·1% male, mean age 65·4 years, range 18–91 years) commencing warfarin (target INR 2·5) were genotyped and monitored through the first 3 months of anticoagulation. Homozygosity for the −1639 G>A single nucleotide functional promoter polymorphism of the VKORC1 gene (genotype AA; 14·5% of cases) was associated with a significantly shortened time to therapeutic INR ≥ 2 (P < 0·01), reduced stable warfarin dose (P < 0·01), and an increased number of INRs > 5 (P < 0·001) and occurrence of bleeding events (P < 0·01) during the first month, as compared to the GG genotype. CYP2C9 genetic variations *2 and *3 were not associated with significant effect on these factors. Neither VKORC1 nor CYP2C9 polymorphisms influenced these parameters beyond the first month of treatment. These findings imply possible benefits of assessing VKORC1 polymorphisms prior to anticoagulation, particularly as a low dose induction regime in VKORC1 AA individuals appears to reduce the incidence of high INRs.
How I manage priapism in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients
Authors: Rodgers Ryan , Latif Zak , Copland Mhairi 
Published: May 2012

SummaryPriapism is a rare presenting feature of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). It is a urological emergency requiring urgent treatment to prevent long‐term complications, in particular erectile dysfunction. In males with CML, ischaemic priapism is believed to result from hyperleucocytosis and associated leucostasis or hyperviscosity, and is seen in patients presenting with a high white cell count. Increasingly, a combined modality approach is being used to treat CML patients presenting with priapism. This includes systemic therapy with chemotherapy (hydroxycarbamide or tyrosine kinase inhibitors) and therapeutic leukapheresis to reduce the white cell count as well as local intracavernous therapy. This review will examine the literature and discuss the presenting features, investigations and management of priapism in CML.
Neridronate improves bone mineral density and reduces back pain in β‐thalassaemia patients with osteoporosis: results from a phase 2, randomized, parallel‐arm, open‐label study
Authors: Forni Gian Luca , Perrotta Silverio , Giusti Andrea , Quarta Giovanni , Pitrolo Lorella , Cappellini Maria Domenica , D'Ascola Domenico Giuseppe , Borgna Pignatti Caterina , Rigano Paolo , Filosa Aldo , Iolascon Giovanni , Nobili Bruno , Baldini Marina , Rosa Alessandra , Pinto Valeria , Palummeri Ernesto 
Published: May 2012

SummaryNeridronate is a third generation bisphosphonate with established efficacy in metabolic bone disease. In this randomized, open‐label study, 118 adults with β‐thalassaemia and bone mineral density (BMD) Z scores ≤−2·0 were randomized 1:1–500 mg calcium with 400 international unis (iu) vitamin D daily or 500 mg calcium with 400 iu vitamin D daily plus neridronate 100 mg intravenously every 90 d. Significant increases in BMD at the lumbar spine and total hip were noted in the neridronate group at 6 and 12 months from baseline (P < 0·001), and values were significantly higher than the control group at both time intervals. Neridronate also significantly decreased serum bone alkaline phosphatase and C‐telopeptide of collagen type 1 levels from as early as 3 months (P = 0·04 and P < 0·001, respectively), reaching significantly lower values at 12 months compared with the control group (P < 0·05). Reductions in back pain and analgesic use were also evident, starting 3 months from commencing treatment. Treatment was well tolerated by all patients. In this largest randomized trial in thalassaemia‐induced osteoporosis to date, neridronate was safe and effective in reducing bone resorption and increasing BMD. The associated reduction in back pain and improved quality of life will encourage adherence to therapy. (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01140321.)
A prospective, randomized study of empirical antifungal therapy for the treatment of chemotherapy‐induced febrile neutropenia in children
Authors: Caselli Désirée , Cesaro Simone , Ziino Ottavio , Ragusa Pietro , Pontillo Alfredo , Pegoraro Anna , Santoro Nicola , Zanazzo Giulio , Poggi Vincenzo , Giacchino Mareva , Livadiotti Susanna , Melchionda Fraia , Chiodi Marcello , Aricò Maurizio 
Published: May 2012

SummaryGiven that the rationale for empirical antifungal therapy in neutropenic children is limited and based on adult patient data, we performed a prospective, randomized, controlled trial that evaluated 110 neutropenic children with persistent fever. Those at high risk for invasive fungal infections (IFI) received caspofungin (Arm C) or liposomal amphotericinB (Arm B); those with a lower risk were randomized to receive Arm B, C, or no antifungal treatment (Arm A). Complete response to empirical antifungal therapy was achieved in 90/104 patients (86·5%): 48/56 at high risk (85·7%) [88·0% in Arm B; 83·9% in Arm C (P = 0·72)], and 42/48 at low risk (87·5%) [87·5% in control Arm A, 80·0% Arm B, 94·1% Arm C; (P = 0·41)]. None of the variables tested by multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant effect on the probability to achieve complete response. IFI was diagnosed in nine patients (8·2%, 95% confidence interval, 3·8–15·0). This randomized controlled study showed that empirical antifungal therapy was of no advantage in terms of survival without fever and IFI in patients aged <18 years and defined with low risk of IFI. Higher risk patients, including those with relapsed cancer, appear to be the target for empirical antifungal therapy during protracted febrile neutropenia.
Secreted factors from adipose tissue increase adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Wu L. , Wang T. , Ge Y. , Cai X. , Wang J. , Lin Y. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectivesAdipose tissue engineering is one of the hottest topics in the field of regenerative medicine. Fat tissue has been considered as an abundant and accessible source of adult stem cells by tissue engineers, since it gives rise to adipose stem cells. However, recent reports have pointed out that adipose tissue, as a secretory and endocrine organ, might secrete cytokines that regulate body functions such as metabolism, infammation and more. In this study, we aim to investigate the adipogenic‐inducing factors secreted by fat tissue.Materials and methodsConditioned medium were collected by culturing fat tissue fragments in plastic flasks. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured in conditioned medium (CM) to test the adipogenic‐inducing factors. Oil red O staining, reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction and immunocytofluorescent staining were performed to examine the differentiation of MSCs in CM.ResultsMSCs cultured in CM of adipose tissue spontaneously differentiated into adipocytes. Furthermore, supplementation of insulin or dexamethasone to CM accelerated the process of lipid accumulation of differentiated MSCs.DiscussionResults from this study demonstrated that fat tissues secrete small molecules, which induce adipogenic differentiation of MSCs.ConclusionsOur study provides clues for improving adipose tissue engineering by using fragmented adipose tissue as sources of fat‐inducing factors.
The social networks of young people in Ireland with experience of long‐term foster care: some lessons for policy and practice
Authors: Mc Mahon Conor , Curtin Chris 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper presents findings from the first study of the social networks of a group of young people in Ireland who have experienced long‐term foster care. The study group was composed of two groups of young people, a group who were currently in care and a group who had left the care system. The central focus was to examine the impact of foster care on the social network experience of the young people. Findings indicated that foster care impacts on the young people's social network experience in the following ways: losing contact with extended family; a greater challenge in making and sustaining friendships; an impact on education; and an inability to maintain contact with groups and activities that are of significance. This paper also presents recommendations in relation to policy and practice, including the raising of awareness of the importance of a social network approach in working with young people with care experience.
The science of attracting foster carers
Authors: Randle Melanie , Miller Leonie , Dolnicar Sara , Ciarrochi Joseph 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTAcross the world the number of children needing a foster home is increasing; however, the number of individuals willing to foster a child is decreasing. It is therefore critical to gain insight into the barriers preventing people from fostering a child. Using data from a 2009 survey of 756 Australians, combinations of barriers are investigated by conducting a posteriori segmentation analysis within the market of potential foster carers. Four segments are identified and profiled to determined significant differences in terms of psychological and socio‐demographic characteristics. Findings, including the fact that almost one‐third of respondents indicated that they had not considered foster caring before because no one had ever asked them to, have practical implications. Improved marketing strategies tailored to the characteristics of each segment are required to harvest the full potential of individuals willing to foster a child and thus contribute to solving one of the most difficult social challenges facing developed nations.
Down syndrome, autoimmunity and T regulatory cells
Authors: Pellegrini F P , Marinoni M , Frangione V , Tedeschi A , Gandini V , Ciglia F , Mortara L , Accolla R S , Nespoli L 
Published: May 2012

SummaryAutoimmune diseases are more represented in Down syndrome (DS) individuals compared to chromosomally normal people. Natural T regulatory cells (nTreg) have been considered to be primary in the role of controlling the intensity and targets of the immune response. We have investigated the phenotypical and functional alteration of nTreg in a group of DS people. The phenotypical characteristic of Treg cells of 29 DS was analysed and compared with an age-matched healthy control group. The inhibitory potential of CD4+CD25highCD127low T regulatory cells was evaluated on autologous CD4+CD25– T cell proliferation in response to activation with a mytogenic pan-stimulus (anti-CD2, anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies). The CD4+CD25high cells in the DS and control groups were 2·692 ± 0·3808%, n = 29 and 1·246 ± 0·119, n = 29%, respectively (P = 0.0007), with a percentage of forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)-expressing cells of 79·21 ± 3·376%, n = 29 and 59·75 ± 4·496%, respectively (P = 0.0015). CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells were increased in peripheral blood from DS subjects (DS mean 5·231 ± 0·6065% n = 29, control mean 3·076 ± 0·3140% n = 29). The majority of CD4+CD25high were CD127low and expressed a high percentage of FoxP3 (natural Treg phenotype). While the proliferative capacity of DS T cells was not altered significantly compared to normal individuals, a reduced inhibitory potential of Treg compared to healthy controls was clearly observed (mean healthy control inhibition in Teff : Treg 1:1 co-culture: 58·9% ± 4·157%, n = 10 versus mean DS inhibition in Teff : Treg 1:1 co-culture: 39·8 ± 4·788%, n = 10, P = 0.0075; mean healthy control inhibition in Teff : Treg 1:0·5 co-culture: 45·10 ± 5·858%, n = 10 versus DS inhibition in Teff : Treg 1:0·5 co-culture: 24·10 ± 5·517%, n = 10, P = 0.0177). DS people present an over-expressed peripheral nTreg population with a defective inhibitory activity that may partially explain the increased frequency of autoimmune disease.
Low‐grade systemic inflammation and suboptimal bone mineral density throughout adolescence: a prospective study in girls
Authors: Lucas Raquel , Ramos Elisabete , Oliveira Andreia , Monjardino Teresa , Barros Henrique 
Published: May 2012

SummaryObjectiveWe aimed at quantifying the associations between high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and forearm bone mineral density (BMD) throughout adolescence in overweight and normal‐weight girls.DesignProspective cohort study.Patients346 girls born in 1990 and attending schools in Porto, Portugal.MeasurementsAdolescents were evaluated at 13 and 17 years of age using a standard protocol. Forearm BMD was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Anthropometric assessment included weight, height, body fat percentage and waist circumference. Girls were categorized according to age‐ and sex‐specific body mass index (BMI) percentiles as normal weight in both evaluations or overweight in at least one assessment. Pubertal development was estimated using menarche age. Serum hs‐CRP was determined using particle‐enhanced immunonephelometry. Hs‐CRP was log‐transformed, and associations were quantified using linear regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).ResultsAn inverse association between hs‐CRP and BMD was observed from 13 years of age in overweight girls [−11·26 mg/cm2 (−21·99, −0·52)]. Among normal‐weight adolescents, 13‐year‐old hs‐CRP was negatively associated with prospective BMD variation between 13 and 17 years of age [−1·90 mg/cm2 year (−3·35, −0·45)]. Overweight girls who maintained higher levels of hs‐CRP throughout adolescence had lower 17‐year‐old BMD (adjusted mean 0·441 vs 0·483 g/cm2 in those who remained with lower levels of hs‐CRP). At 17 years of age, significant inverse associations were found between hs‐CRP and BMD among normal‐weight and overweight girls.ConclusionsObesity‐related early systemic inflammation might be involved in suboptimal bone accrual, particularly in overweight girls.
Vitamin D in the aetiology and management of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Thomson Rebecca L. , Spedding Simon , Buckley Jonathan D. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryVitamin D deficiency is common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with the 67–85% of women with PCOS having serum concentrations of 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) <20 ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate symptoms of PCOS, with observational studies showing lower 25OHD levels were associated with insulin resistance, ovulatory and menstrual irregularities, lower pregnancy success, hirsutism, hyperandrogenism, obesity and elevated cardiovascular disease risk factors. There is some, but limited, evidence for beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation on menstrual dysfunction and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Vitamin D deficiency may play a role in exacerbating PCOS, and there may be a place for vitamin D supplementation in the management of this syndrome, but current evidence is limited and additional randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in this population.
Growth hormone reduces growth in free‐living Atlantic salmon fry
Authors: Sundt‐Hansen Line , Einum Sigurd , Neregård Lena , Björnsson Björn Thrandur , Johnsson Jörgen I. , Fleming Ian A. , Devlin Robert H. , Hindar Kjetil 
Published: May 2012

Summary1. Although life‐history theory predicts that juvenile growth rates should be high, there is substantial evidence that most juveniles grow below their physiological maximum. The endocrine system plays an important role in the determination of fundamental life‐history traits, and hormones often serve as a link between an organism’s environment and the expression of a trait. Particularly, growth is a life‐history trait, which is strongly associated with growth hormone (GH) in fish, as well as most vertebrates.2. To elucidate trade‐offs related to elevated GH in fish in a natural environment, we experimentally administrated GH exogenously to juvenile Atlantic salmon using sustained‐release GH implants, at an earlier ontogenetic stage than previously achieved (1·5 months). We assessed the effects on growth, dispersal and survival in contrasting environments.3. Exogenous GH treatment increased the growth rate when fish were fedad libitumin captivity. However, in a natural stream, GH treatment had a significant negative effect on growth and no apparent effect on survival or dispersal. This contrasts with previous studies conducted at later developmental stages, which show either a positive growth effect or no effect of elevated GH levels.4. This study shows that environmental conditions strongly affect the response to GH and that under some natural conditions, it may also reduce growth. We suggest that the endogenous plasma GH levels may be maximizing growth during early, but not later, juvenile stages in nature.
Influence of cold chain interruptions on the shelf life of fresh pork and poultry
Authors: Bruckner Stefanie , Albrecht Antonia , Petersen Brigitte , Kreyenschmidt Judith 
Published: May 2012

SummaryIn this study, the influence of fluctuations of the cold chain on the growth of Pseudomonas spp. on fresh pork and poultry and, therefore, their shelf life was evaluated. Thus, four storage trials were examined. In each trial, shelf life at the control scenario (4 °C, constant) was compared with shelf life at two dynamic scenarios including temperature shifts from 4 to 7 and to 15 °C, respectively. Overall, fresh pork and fresh poultry showed similar spoilage patterns at dynamic temperature conditions with remarkable reductions in the shelf life when short temperature upshifts occurred at the beginning of the storage. Reductions were up to 2 days (up to over 30%), although the storage time with an abusive temperature was <5% of the total storage time. As expected, scenarios with shifts to 15 °C led to higher shelf life reductions than scenarios with shifts to 7 °C for both meat types.
Analysis of odour‐active compounds of black mangrove (Avicennia germinans L.) honey by solid‐phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–olfactometry
Authors: Pino Jorge A. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe volatile compounds of Cuban black mangrove (Avicennia germinans L.) honey were analysed by solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–olfactometry. A total of 66 compounds were positively identified in this product for the first time. Application of the aroma extract dilution analysis in a novel approach, which consisted of carrying out successively dilutions of the honey sample with a synthetic honey before the SPME, revealed 17 odour‐active areas in the flavour dilution factor range of 32–1024. On the basis of the quantitative data and odour thresholds, odour activity values (OAV; ratio of concentration to odour threshold) were calculated. Sixteen compounds showed OAVs >1, among which dimethyl sulphide, 3‐methyl butanal, 2‐methylbutanal, heptanal, octanal, phenylacetaldehyde, (Z)‐linalool oxide, (E)‐linalool oxide, nonanal, hotrienol, isophorone, lilac aldehyde A, 1‐nonanol, decanal, 4‐vinyl‐2‐methoxyphenol and (E)‐β‐damascenone showed the highest values and should be considered as the most odour‐active compounds, particularly (E)‐β‐damascenone, nonanal and decanal.
Gender and abiotic stress affect community‐scale intensity of facilitation and its costs
Authors: Cranston Brittany H. , Callaway Ragan M. , Monks Adrian , Dickinson Katharine J. M. 
Published: May 2012

Summary1. Facilitation allows some plant species to occupy environments that they are otherwise unable to inhabit, potentially leading to greater fitness, greater productivity or abundance, and range expansions. However, we know little about the costs incurred by facilitators or how variation in resource allocation by facilitators influences effects and costs.2. Gynodioecy provides an opportunity to explore the effects of facilitation and potential costs because females and hermaphrodites differ in resource allocation patterns. We explored whether environmental stress and gender‐specific facilitation influence species interactions in an alpine plant community. We investigated the degree of facilitation and correlative associated costs for the gynodioecious alpine plant,Silene acaulis, at two elevations (2317 and 2560 m) in the northern Rocky Mountains of Montana, USA.3. Hermaphroditic Silene individuals supported a greater number of plant species and individual plants than female Silene (hermaphrodites = 4.2 ± 0.3, females = 3.5 ± 0.2; hermaphrodites = 11.5 ± 1.0, females = 9.1 ± 1.1). Facilitative effects on species richness significantly increased with elevation (2.1 ± 1.6 species at the low site vs. 3.2 ± 1.8 species at the high site), but abundance and percentage cover did not.4. Silene fitness at the high elevation site (2560 m) was reduced compared to the lower site (2317 m) as measured by flower and seed production. Female flower production decreased by 40%, the number of seeds per fruit by 11.6% and leaf size by 24%.5. Increases in the percentage cover of beneficiaries reduced the number of flowers per Silene plant, indicating a cost of facilitating other species, and this cost was slightly greater for females. However, seed size for hermaphrodites and leaf length for females increased with the percentage cover of beneficiaries, suggesting a mutual benefit of harbouring other species.6. Synthesis.Our results show that gender can affect the balance between competitive and facilitative interactions. Stronger facilitation by hermaphroditicSilene acaulis, coupled with a lower cost of harbouring beneficiaries, suggests that life‐history traits and related patterns of resource allocation can influence the facilitative effects of a species.
Development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction to detect five common Gram‐negative bacteria of aquatic animals
Authors: Tsai M‐A , Ho P‐Y , Wang P‐C , E Y‐J , Liaw L‐L , Chen S‐C 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m‐PCR) technique was developed as a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool for identifying five major Gram‐negative bacilli –Vibrio vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Chryseobacterium meningosepticum and Edwardsiella tarda– that cause major diseases in cultured aquatic animals in Taiwan. The expected amplicons for V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus, A. hydrophila, C. meningosepticum and E. tarda were 410, 368, 685, 180 and 230 bp, respectively. The assay was shown to be specific for the target pathogens. The sensitivities of detection were estimated to be 20.5 fg∼200 pg of genomic DNA or 102∼104 colony‐forming units (cfu) of bacterial isolates when adopted as PCR templates. The m‐PCR was capable of simultaneously amplifying target fragments from bacterial genome DNA mixed with the DNA extracted from viscera and tissues taken from fish without affecting the performance of the method.