bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of novel iron microencapsulation techniques: fortification of milk
Authors: Abbasi Soleiman , Azari Sara 
Published: July 2011

SummaryEffects of iron/lipid ratio, Tween 80 and polyglycerol monostearate (PGMS)/iron ratio on encapsulation efficiency (EE) of liposome and fatty acid esters (FAE) methods were investigated. Then, microencapsulated irons were added to pasteurised milk, and during storage, stability, colour and sensory characteristics were evaluated. Regarding liposome method, the highest EE (85.5%) was found at iron/lipid ratio and Tween 80 of 0.04 and 5%, respectively. In terms of FAE, the highest EE (81.8%) was obtained at PGMS/iron salt ratio of 15:1. Regarding sensory properties, the differences were insignificant (P > 0.05) except metallic taste and smell (P < 0.05). Moreover, milk fortified with FAE‐microencapsulated irons showed highest similarity to control particularly at low concentration (7 mg L−1). In general, the FAE technique was found very efficient, low cost, simple, rapid and practical for microencapsulation of iron in either forms as well as fortification of pasteurised milk.
Efficacy of a non‐drilling approach to manage non‐cavitated dentin occlusal caries in primary molars: a 12‐month randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: BORGES BONIEK C. D. , De SOUZA BEZERRA ARAÚJO RAPHAEL F. , DANTAS RACHEL F. , De ARAÚJO LUCENA ALLISSON , De ASSUNÇÃO PINHEIRO ISAUREMI V. 
Published: July 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2011; 22: 44–51Background.  Despite the efficacy of non‐drilling approaches to manage non‐cavitated dentin occlusal lesions (NCDOL) in permanent teeth, there is no data validating this type of therapy in the primary dentition.Aim.  To compare the efficacy of a traditional fissure sealant in managing NCDOL in primary molars.Design.  This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial with a split‐mouth design. Thirty schoolchildren with two NCDOL were selected and divided into two groups. The experimental group received a resin‐based fissure sealant, whereas the control group was treated with a conventional composite resin. Treatment efficacy was evaluated after 1 year by means of clinical and radiographic examinations.Results.  The two treatment modalities were found to be similarly effective in managing DONCL in primary molars.Conclusion.  For the management of non‐cavitated dentin occlusal caries in primary teeth, the invasive approach can be replaced with non‐drilling fissure sealing techniques.
Relative role of deterministic and stochastic determinants of soil animal community: a spatially explicit analysis of oribatid mites
Authors: Caruso Tancredi , Taormina Mauro , Migliorini Massimo 
Published: July 2011

Summary1. Ecologists are debating the relative role of deterministic and stochastic determinants of community structure. Although the high diversity and strong spatial structure of soil animal assemblages could provide ecologists with an ideal ecological scenario, surprisingly little information is available on these assemblages.2. We studied species‐rich soil oribatid mite assemblages from a Mediterranean beech forest and a grassland. We applied multivariate regression approaches and analysed spatial autocorrelation at multiple spatial scales using Moran’s eigenvectors. Results were used to partition community variance in terms of the amount of variation uniquely accounted for by environmental correlates (e.g. organic matter) and geographical position. Estimated neutral diversity and immigration parameters were also applied to a soil animal group for the first time to simulate patterns of community dissimilarity expected under neutrality, thereby testing neutral predictions.3. After accounting for spatial autocorrelation, the correlation between community structure and key environmental parameters disappeared: about 40% of community variation consisted of spatial patterns independent of measured environmental variables such as organic matter. Environmentally independent spatial patterns encompassed the entire range of scales accounted for by the sampling design (from tens of cm to 100 m). This spatial variation could be due to either unmeasured but spatially structured variables or stochastic drift mediated by dispersal. Observed levels of community dissimilarity were significantly different from those predicted by neutral models.4. Oribatid mite assemblages are dominated by processes involving both deterministic and stochastic components and operating at multiple scales. Spatial patterns independent of the measured environmental variables are a prominent feature of the targeted assemblages, but patterns of community dissimilarity do not match neutral predictions. This suggests that either niche‐mediated competition or environmental filtering or both are contributing to the core structure of the community. This study indicates new lines of investigation for understanding the mechanisms that determine the signature of the deterministic component of animal community assembly.
Plant species identity and arbuscular mycorrhizal status modulate potential nitrification rates in nitrogen‐limited grassland soils
Authors: Veresoglou Stavros D. , Sen Robin , Mamolos Andreas P. , Veresoglou Demetrios S. 
Published: July 2011

Summary1. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and ammonia oxidizers (AO) represent key soil microbial groups regulating nitrogen (N) cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Both utilize soil ammonium‐N reserves for N assimilation, whilst the latter, through autotrophic nitrification, drive ammonia oxidation to highly mobile nitrate‐N.2. An incompatible interaction between root symbiotic AM fungi and AO was hypothesized and evaluated in plant–species‐rich, N‐limited Mediterranean grassland soils. Such an outcome would be manifested in a negative relationship between plant mycotrophy and local soil potential nitrification rates (PNR), a standard functional measure of ammonia‐oxidizing activity in soils.3. In three independent mesocosm experiments, grassland soils that supported monocultures of mycotrophic, as opposed to weakly and non‐mycotrophic, plants exhibited significantly lower PNR. Under field conditions in a fourth experiment, we verified that soils from stands of weakly mycotrophic Agrostis capillaris sustained higher PNR than counterparts supporting highly mycorrhizal Prunella vulgaris and Fragaria vesca.4. Discussion of mycotrophy‐related modulation of AO activity centres on whether the observed relationships highlight evidence for either direct competition or a functionally important example of plant–microbial allelopathy.5. Synthesis. Substantial evidence has been presented confirming (i) plant species identity‐related regulation of PNR and (ii) negative relationships between plant mycotrophy and plant species‐mediated impact on PNR in N‐limited Mediterranean grassland soils. Likely mechanisms (i.e. competition and/or allelopathy) that underpin this functionally significant plant–microbe–soil relationship controlling the fate of ammonium‐N require urgent elucidation in N‐deficient ecosystems.
Three methods for estimating days of hospitalization because of hospital‐acquired infection: a comparison
Authors: Barbaro Silvana , De Rosa Francesco G. , Charrier Lorena , Silvestre Carlo , Lovato Emanuela , Gianino Maria M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectives  The objective of this study is to compare the three methods internationally used for estimating days of hospitalization attributable to hospital infections by applying them to the same population. The methods are: (1) unmatched comparison group; (2) matched control method‐based; and (3) Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol method. A study of the prevalence of infections was performed among patients during hospitalization for an ordinary single sampling department. The survey was completed within eight working days between 15 and 24 October 2007. All patients admitted at least 24 hours to the survey day in each department were included in the study, as well as patients discharged/transferred to another hospital or department. During the prevalence study 621 patients were observed, 70 of which with infection (equal to 11.27%).Method  The 70 uninfected patients needed for comparison using method 1 were selected through a procedure based on propensity score on demographic variables and clinical trials of patients. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to verify the normality of quantitative variables. In comparing the three methods Kruskall–Wallis test was used (alpha = 0.05), while comparisons between pairs of methods were performed with the Mann–Whitney test (alpha = 0.017).Results  Estimation results of recovery days with infection using the three comparison tests showed that there is a statistically significant difference between the three methods (P = 0.016) and there is a significant difference between 1 versus 3 (P = 0.013) and between 2 and 3 (P = 0.017), whereas between 1 and 2 no difference was found (P = 0.82).Conclusion  In conclusion, the three methods are not showing the same estimations and thus may not be exchangeable.
Beyond the genome: recent advances in Toxoplasma gondii functional genomics
Authors: ADOMAKO‐ANKOMAH Y. , WIER G. M. , BOYLE J. P. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryRecent years have witnessed an explosion in the amount of genomic information available for Toxoplasma gondii and other closely related pathogens. These data, many of which have been made publicly available prior to publication, have facilitated a wide variety of functional genomics studies. In this review, we provide a brief overview of existing database tools for querying the Toxoplasma genome and associated genome‐wide data and review recent publications that have been facilitated by these data. Topics covered include strain comparisons and quantitative trait loci mapping, gene expression analyses during the cell cycle as well as during parasite differentiation, and proteomics.
Immunologically based control strategies for ostertagiosis in cattle: where do we stand?
Authors: RINALDI M. , GELDHOF P. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryOstertagia ostertagi is one of the most important gastrointestinal parasites infecting millions of cattle in temperate climate areas. Because infection leads to significant losses in productivity, farmers are pushed, because of the on‐going intensification of the livestock production systems, to frequently administer anthelmintics to minimize the exposure of their animals to this parasite. However, whether such approach is sustainable in the long term, especially in an era of emerging drug resistance and global climatic changes, is still a matter of debate. Immunological control of worm infections through vaccination is often put forward as the most rational and cost‐effective alternative for anthelmintics to control helminth infections. However, the development of an immunologically based control strategy requires a thorough knowledge of the host–parasite interactions, the immune responses involved and the biology of the parasite itself. The aim of this review is to consolidate information available in these areas, specifically for O. ostertagi, and identify some critical gaps in our current knowledge.
Unstructured treatment interruption of antiretroviral therapy in clinical practice: a systematic review
Authors: Kranzer Katharina , Ford Nathan 
Published: July 2011

SummaryObjective  To characterize the frequency, reasons, risk factors, and consequences of unstructured anti‐retroviral treatment interruptions.Method  Systematic review.Results  Seventy studies were included. The median proportion of patients interrupting treatment was 23% for a median duration of 150 days. The most frequently reported reasons for interruptions were drug toxicity, adverse events, and side‐effects; studies from developing countries additionally cited treatment costs and pharmacy stock‐outs as concerns. Younger age and injecting drug use was a frequently reported risk factor. Other risk factors included CD4 count, socioeconomic variables, and pharmacy stock outs. Treatment interruptions increased the risk of death, opportunistic infections, virologic failure, resistance development, and poor immunological recovery. Proposed interventions to minimize interruptions included counseling, mental health services, services for women, men, and ethnic minorities. One intervention study found that the use of short message service reminders decrease the prevalence of treatment interruption from 19% to 10%. Finally, several studies from Africa stressed the importance of reliable and free access to medication.Conclusion  Treatment interruptions are common and contribute to worsening patient outcomes. HIV/AIDS programmes should consider assessing their causes and frequency as part of routine monitoring. Future research should focus on evaluating interventions to address the most frequently reported reasons for interruptions.
Increased HAS2‐driven hyaluronic acid synthesis in shar‐pei dogs with hereditary cutaneous hyaluronosis (mucinosis)
Authors: Docampo María José , Zanna Giordana , Fondevila Dolors , Cabrera Jennifer , López‐Iglesias Carmen , Carvalho Andrea , Cerrato Santiago , Ferrer Lluís , Bassols Anna 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe Chinese shar‐pei dog is known for its distinctive feature of wrinkled and thickened skin, defined as primary or hereditary cutaneous mucinosis. In a recent report, we identified the mucinous material deposited in the shar‐pei skin as the polysaccharide hyaluronan (HA). In the present work, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this phenotype have been identified in dermal fibroblasts isolated from shar‐pei dogs. The production of HA, which appeared to be mainly associated with cell membrane protrusions and also intracellular, was higher in shar‐pei fibroblasts than in control cells. The HA accumulation is related to a higher mRNA expression of the isoform HAS2 of the HA‐synthesizing enzyme family, hyaluronan synthases (HAS). The higher expression of HAS2 in shar‐pei fibroblasts was confirmed at the protein level. The other HAS isoenzymes, HAS1 and HAS3, and the HA‐degrading enzymes, Hyal1 and Hyal2, were not differentially expressed in shar‐pei fibroblasts compared with cells from control dogs. Fibroblasts from shar‐pei dogs and from control dogs are morphologically different as observed by transmission electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a large number of cellular protrusions with associated globular deposits. Electron microscopy after labelling with biotinylated HA‐binding protein confirmed an increased HA content in shar‐pei fibroblasts, which could be localized in several subcellular structures. The authors propose the name hereditary cutaneous hyaluronosis (HCH) for affected dogs, because it better defines the cutaneous mucinosis of shar‐pei dogs.
Successful treatment of a novel generalized variant of canine discoid lupus erythematosus with oral hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Oberkirchner Ursula , Linder Keith E. , Olivry Thierry 
Published: July 2011

AbstractDiscoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a common canine autoimmune disease that usually manifests as a localized ulcerative and scarring nasal dermatitis. We report herein a generalized variant of canine DLE successfully treated with the antimalarial immunomodulator hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). A 9‐year‐old hairless Chinese crested dog was presented with annular and polycyclic hyperpigmented and scaly skin lesions with central erosions, hypopigmentation and/or scarring on the trunk, neck and lateral extremities. Associated systemic signs were not seen. The clinical diagnosis of generalized DLE was supported by the demonstration of lymphocyte‐rich interface dermatitis with epidermal atrophy and dermo‐epidermal deposition of immunoglobulins and activated complement. As for human DLE, treatment was initiated with HCQ at 5 mg/kg once daily along with 2 weeks of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment and restriction of sun exposure. Over the following year, complete remission was maintained with HCQ at 5 mg/kg orally once daily with the exception of three relapses; two occurred during treatment induction and the third arose when the frequency of HCQ administration was reduced to every other day. Disease flares were controlled with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment alternating with 0.1% prednicarbate cream once daily for 5–10 days. Altogether, adverse drug events were not seen with this regimen. In summary, clinically, histologically and immunologically, this dog’s disease mirrored the generalized discoid variant of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus of humans. The apparent benefit of HCQ, its safety and low cost warrant future investigations of its use for treatment of canine cutaneous lupus variants.
What can we learn from old microdeletion syndromes using array‐CGH screening?
Authors: Mosca‐Boidron A L , Bouquillon S , Faivre L , Callier P , Andrieux J , Marle N , Bonnet C , Vincent‐Delorme C , Berri M , Plessis G , Manouvrier‐Hanu S , Dieux‐Coeslier A , Thauvin‐Robinet C , Pipiras E , Delahaye A , Payet M , Ragon C , Masurel‐Paulet A , Questiaux E , Benzacken B , Jonveaux P , Mugneret F , Holder‐Espinasse M 
Published: July 2011

Mosca‐Boidron AL, Bouquillon S, Faivre L, Callier P, Andrieux J, Marle N, Bonnet C, Vincent‐Delorme C, Berri M, Plessis G, Manouvrier‐Hanu S, Dieux‐Coeslier A, Thauvin‐Robinet C, Pipiras E, Delahaye A, Payet M, Ragon C, Masurel‐Paulet A, Questiaux E, Benzacken B, Jonveaux P, Mugneret F, Holder‐Espinasse M. What can we learn from old microdeletion syndromes using array‐CGH screening?Most microdeletion syndromes identified before the implementation of array‐comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) were presumed to be well‐defined clinical entities. However, the introduction of whole‐genome screening led not only to the description of new syndromes but also to the recognition of a broader spectrum of features for well‐known syndromes. Here, we report on 10 patients presenting with mental retardation associated with atypical features not suggestive of a known microdeletion and a normal standard karyotype. Array‐CGH analyses revealed five microdeletions in the DiGeorge region, three microdeletions in the Williams‐Beuren region and two microdeletions in the Smith‐Magenis region. Reevaluation in these patients confirmed that the diagnosis remained difficult on clinical grounds and emphasized that well‐known genomic disorders can have a phenotype that is heterogeneous and more variable than originally thought. The widespread use of array‐CGH shows that such patients may be more readily achieved on the basis of genotype rather than phenotype.
‘Rediscovery’ revised – the cooperation of Erich and Armin von Tschermak‐Seysenegg in the context of the ‘rediscovery’ of Mendel’s laws in 1899–19011
Authors: Simunek M. , Hoßfeld U. , Wissemann V. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe ‘rediscovery’ of Mendel’s laws in 1900 is seen as a turning point in modern research on heredity and genetics. In the first half of the 20th century it was generally held that the ‘rediscovery’ was made several times, independently, and in a parallel fashion by three European botanists (Carl Correns, Hugo de Vries and Erich von Tschermak‐Seysenegg). Since the 1950s, however, serious questions have arisen concerning both the chronology and the specific conceptual contribution of the scientists involved. Not only the independence but also parallelism was analysed in the context of individual research programmes of all three of these scholars. The youngest of them, Austrian botanist Erich von Tschermak‐Seysenegg, was excluded from the rank of ‘rediscoverers’. It is the aim of this paper to use new archival evidence and add important facts both to the chronology and conceptual framework of Erich von Tschermak‐Seysenegg’s work. An entirely new aspect is added by identifying his older brother, the physiologist Armin von Tschermak‐Seysenegg (1870–1952), as a significant spiritus movens of the events of 1900 and 1901. A selected part of their correspondence, covering the period from 13 March 1898 until 19 November 1901, is made available in transcriptions.
Association of 8q24.21 loci with the risk of colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Haerian Monir Sadat , Baum Larry , Haerian Batoul Sadat 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Recent genome‐wide association studies of colorectal cancer (CRC) have identified rs6983267 and trs10505477 polymorphisms as key loci in the 8q24 region to be associated with CRC. In the present study, we performed a meta‐analysis to determine whether these loci are risk factors for susceptibility to CRC.Methods:  We meta‐analyzed the 22 included studies (47 003 cases and 45 754 controls) that evaluated the association of rs6983267 and trs10505477 with CRC under alternative genetic models.Results:  A meta‐analysis of the pooled data showed allelic and genotypic association of the rs6983267 polymorphism with CRC risk in Asians, Europeans, and European‐Americans. A subanalysis of the US studies showed negative results in the studies with non‐identified ethnicity of the patients. A meta‐analysis of included studies of rs10505477 polymorphisms identified allelic and genotypic associations with CRC risk in the US patients. A further meta‐analysis of the US studies demonstrated positive results in the studies with non‐identified ethnicity of the samples.Conclusion:  Our data suggested that the rs6983267 G > T polymorphism is a risk factor for CRC in Asians, Europeans, and Americans with European ancestry.
Detection of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the intron 9 region of the nucleotide oligomerization domain‐1 gene in ulcerative colitis patients of North India
Authors: Verma Ravi , Ahuja Vineet , Paul Jaishree 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐1 (NOD1) gene encodes a pattern recognition receptor that senses pathogens. NOD1/caspase recruitment domain (CARD4) signaling leads to the activation of nuclear factor‐kB, and plays an important role in innate immunity. Certain polymorphisms and mutations in NOD1/CARD4 might result in a dysfunctional innate immune response during bacterial recognition, which might have direct implications in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis.Methods:  We carried out a systemic analysis for the presence of polymorphic variants in the intron 9 region of the leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) domain encompassing the exon–intron boundaries of the NOD1 gene. To detect unknown single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, we used the denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) screening technique and validated our data by restriction fragment length polymorphism and direct sequencing.Result:  Genotype and allele frequencies showed significant differences in their distribution. The mutations discriminating alleles in the intron 9 region of the LRR domain of the NOD1 gene were correctly predicted by DHPLC technique and statistically verified in IBD and non‐IBD individuals. Of the seven mutations detected, only four showed a significant association with disease activity. Mutations detected earlier in the exon 6 region of NOD1 were also used for the haplotype analysis. The GTTG haplotype was found to be significantly overrepresented in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, as compared to the controls (P = 3.3726E−6).Conclusion:  Our study has revealed a polymorphism association in the LRR domain of the NOD1 gene with the severity of UC disease. This might be due to disruption of the LRR region critical for NOD1‐mediated bacterial sensing. A gene‐wide, haplotype‐based approach shows that GTTG haplotype carriers are overrepresented in UC patients, and that could increase the risk of the disease.