bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health Supervision in the Management of Children and Adolescents With IBD
Authors: Rufo Paul A. , Denson Lee A. , Sylvester Francisco A. , Szigethy Eva , Sathya Pushpa , Lu Ying , Wahbeh Ghassan T. , Sena Laureen M. , Faubion William A. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTUlcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD), collectively referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are chronic inflammatory disorders that can affect the gastrointestinal tract of children and adults. Like other autoimmune processes, the cause(s) of these disorders remain unknown but likely involves some interplay between genetic vulnerability and environmental factors. Children, in particular with UC or CD, can present to their primary care providers with similar symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody stool. Although UC and CD are more predominant in adults, epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that a significant percentage of these patients were diagnosed during childhood. The chronic nature of the inflammatory process observed in these children and the waxing and waning nature of their clinical symptoms can be especially disruptive to their physical, social, and academic development. As such, physicians caring for children must consider these diseases when evaluating patients with compatible symptoms. Recent research efforts have made available a variety of more specific and effective pharmacologic agents and improved endoscopic and radiologic assessment tools to assist clinicians in the diagnosis and interval assessment of their patients with IBD; however, as the level of complexity of these interventions has increased, so too has the need for practitioners to become familiar with a wider array of treatments and the risks and benefits of particular diagnostic testing. Nonetheless, in most cases, and especially when frequent visits to subspecialty referral centers are not geographically feasible, primary care providers can be active participants in the management of their pediatric patients with IBD. The goal of this article is to educate and assist pediatricians and adult gastroenterology physicians caring for children with IBD, and in doing so, help to develop more collaborative care plans between primary care and subspecialty providers.
Potential association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in pigmentation genes with the development of basal cell carcinoma
Authors: KOSINIAK‐KAMYSZ Agnieszka , POŚPIECH Ewelina , WOJAS‐PELC Anna , MARCIŃSKA Magdalena , BRANICKI Wojciech 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe risk of developing skin cancers is dependent on a combination of environmental factors and personal genetic predispositions. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has been associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms in several pigmentation genes; however, there is still controversy concerning the mechanism by which these variants may increase the risk of BCC. The pathway may lead to pigmentation alone, but evidence for their independent influence is growing. Using a single base extension protocol, candidate polymorphisms within 11 known pigment‐related genes were studied for their association with BCC in a population sample consisting of 164 patients and 707 controls. The significance of variation within the MC1R gene was confirmed and, in addition, position rs12203592 within the IRF4 gene was shown to be associated with BCC. These associations remained significant after adjustment for skin color. Gene–gene interactions were found to influence susceptibility to BCC. Among interacting genes are the two above‐mentioned loci with main effect on BCC risk and additionally KITLG, TYRP1, ASIP and TYR. The obtained results indicate that polymorphism at MC1R and IRF4 constitute pigmentation‐independent risk factor in the development of BCC. Moreover, susceptibility to BCC may be influenced by epistatic effects between pigmentation genes.
Non‐thermal DNA damage of cancer cells using near‐infrared irradiation
Authors: Tanaka Yohei , Tatewaki Naoto , Nishida Hiroshi , Eitsuka Takahiro , Ikekawa Nobuo , Nakayama Jun 
Published: April 2012

Previously, we reported that near‐infrared irradiation that simulates solar near‐infrared irradiation with pre‐ and parallel‐irradiational cooling can non‐thermally induce cytocidal effects in cancer cells. To explore these effects, we assessed cell viability, DNA damage response pathways, and the percentage of mitotic cancer cells after near‐infrared treatment. Further, we evaluated the anti‐cancer effects of near‐infrared irradiation compared with doxorubicin in xenografts in nude mice by measuring tumor volume and assessing protein phosphorylation by immunoblot analysis. The cell viability of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells was significantly decreased after three rounds of near‐infrared irradiation at 20 J ⁄ cm2. Apoptotic cells were observed in near‐infrared treated cells. Moreover, near‐infrared treatment increased the phosphorylation of ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated (ATM) at Ser1981, H2AX at Ser139, Chk1 at Ser317, structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) 1 at Ser966, and p53 at Ser15 in A549 cells compared with control. Notably, near‐infrared treatment induced the formation of nucleic foci of γH2AX. The percentage of mitotic A549 cells, as measured by histone H3 phosphorylation, decreased significantly after three rounds of near‐infrared irradiation at 20 J ⁄cm2. Both near‐infrared and doxorubicin inhibited the tumor growth of MDA‐MB435 melanoma cell xenografts in nude mice and increased the phosphorylation of p53 at Ser15, Chk1 at Ser317, SMC1 at Ser966, and H2AX at Ser139 compared with control mice. These results indicate that near‐infrared irradiation can non‐thermally induce cytocidal effects in cancer cells as a result of activation of the DNA damage response pathway. The near‐infrared irradiation schedule used here reduces discomfort and side effects. Therefore, this strategy may have potential application in the treatment of cancer. (Cancer Sci, doi: 10.1111/j.1349‐7006.2012.02310.x, 2012)
Phase I trial of gemcitabine and candesartan combination therapy in normotensive patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: GECA1
Authors: Nakai Yousuke , Isayama Hiroyuki , Ijichi Hideaki , Sasaki Takashi , Kogure Hirofumi , Yagioka Hiroshi , Miyabayashi Koji , Mizuno Suguru , Yamamoto Keisuke , Mouri Dai , Kawakubo Kazumichi , Yamamoto Natsuyo , Hirano Kenji , Sasahira Naoki , Tateishi Keisuke , Tada Minoru , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: April 2012

Our retrospective study showed inhibition of the renin–angiotensin system was associated with better outcomes in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer receiving gemcitabine. The primary objective of this phase I study was to determine the recommended dose of candesartan in combination with gemcitabine in normotensive patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Candesartan was given orally at an escalating dose (4, 8, 16, and 32 mg) q.d. daily, and gemcitabine was given 1000 mg/m2 30 min i.v. on days 1, 8, and 15, repeated every 4 weeks. Dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as grade 4 hematological toxicities, grade 2 hypotension, abnormal creatinine or potassium, and grade 3 or 4 other non‐hematological toxicities. A standard “3+3” phase I dose‐escalation design was used. A total of 14 patients (candesartan 4 mg, three patients; 8 mg, three patients; 16 mg, six patients; 32 mg, two patients) were enrolled. One of six patients at 16 mg showed DLT of grade 4 neutropenia and two of two patients at 32 mg showed DLT of grade 2 hypotension. Response rate and disease control rate were 0% and 79%, respectively. Progression‐free survival and overall survival were 7.6 and 22.9 months, respectively. Candesartan 16 mg is the recommended dose in combination with gemcitabine in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. (UMIN CTR: UMIN000002152) (Cancer Sci, doi: 10.1111/j.1349‐7006.2012.02311.x, 2012)
The psyllid Macrohomotoma gladiata Kuwayama, 1908 (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Homotomidae): a Ficus pest recently introduced in the EPPO region
Authors: Mifsud D. , Porcelli F. 
Published: April 2012

The psyllid Macrohomotoma gladiata, is a new insect pest of Ficus originating from Asia which has recently been found in Spain (Alicante) on urban Ficus microcarpa trees. This species may be of phytosanitary concern because of its leaf wrapping habits, wax secretion and honeydew excretion that may lead to direct and secondary twig damage. Although more studies are needed on the biology of M. gladiata, it is suspected that it might behave in the Euro‐Mediterranean as an invasive alien species. The predation by Anthocoris sp. (nemoralis?) needs to be investigated in order to assess its effectiveness as a natural biological control agent. This is the first report of M. gladiata from the EPPO region.
Deep‐fat frying under moderate vacuum of potato cylinders
Authors: Mir‐Bel Jorge , Oria Rosa , Salvador María L. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThis study evaluates parameters relating to the mass transfer during the frying of potato cylinders at different temperatures (100, 120 and 140 °C) and moderate vacuum (around 25 kPa). In all cases, there is a linear relation between water loss and fat uptake. The parameters relating to the textural and structural modifications show less marked changes in vacuum fried products compared to those fried under atmospheric pressure. The maximum penetration force reaches 30%–40% of the initial hardness in vacuum frying and 10% for atmospheric pressure frying; starch gelatinization and pectin methylesterase enzyme activity reduce more quickly under atmospheric pressure, although after 240 s both values are negligible. The scanning electron microscopy images verify that the surface of potato cylinders fried under vacuum or atmospheric pressure are completely different as a result of the steam being released at different temperatures.
Purification and functional characterisation of an α‐l‐rhamnosidase from Penicillium citrinum MTCC‐3565
Authors: Yadav Sarita , Yadav Vinita , Yadava Sudha , Yadav Kapil D.S. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryAn extracellular α‐l‐rhamnosidase from Penicillium citrinum MTCC‐3565 has purified to homogeneity from its culture filtrate using ethanol precipitation and cation‐exchange chromatography on carboxymethyl cellulose. The purified enzyme gave a single protein band corresponding to molecular mass of 45.0 kDa in SDS‐PAGE analysis showing the purity of the enzyme preparation. The native PAGE analysis showed the monomeric nature of the purified enzyme. Using p‐nitrophenyl α‐l‐rhamnopyranoside as substrate, Km and Vmax values of the enzyme were 0.30 mm and 27.0 μm min mg−1, respectively. The kcat value was 20.1 s giving kcat/Km value of 67.0 mm s−1 for the same substrate. The pH and temperature optima of the enzyme were 8.5 and 50 °C, respectively. The activation energy for the thermal denaturation of the enzyme was 29.9 KJ mol−1. The α‐l‐rhamnosidase was able to hydrolyse naringin, rutin and hesperidin and liberated l‐rhamnose, indicating that the purified enzyme can be used for the preparation of α‐l‐rhamnose and pharmaceutically important compounds by derhamnosylation of natural glycosides containing terminal α‐l‐rhamnose. The α‐l‐rhamnosidase was active at the level of ethanol concentration present in wine, indicating that it can be used for improving wine aroma.
Forecasting changes in population genetic structure of alpine plants in response to global warming
Authors: JAY FLORA , MANEL STÉPHANIE , ALVAREZ NADIR , DURAND ERIC Y. , THUILLER WILFRIED , HOLDEREGGER ROLF , TABERLET PIERRE , FRANÇOIS OLIVIER 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSpecies range shifts in response to climate and land use change are commonly forecasted with species distribution models based on species occurrence or abundance data. Although appealing, these models ignore the genetic structure of species, and the fact that different populations might respond in different ways because of adaptation to their environment. Here, we introduced ancestry distribution models, that is, statistical models of the spatial distribution of ancestry proportions, for forecasting intra‐specific changes based on genetic admixture instead of species occurrence data. Using multi‐locus genotypes and extensive geographic coverage of distribution data across the European Alps, we applied this approach to 20 alpine plant species considering a global increase in temperature from 0.25 to 4 °C. We forecasted the magnitudes of displacement of contact zones between plant populations potentially adapted to warmer environments and other populations. While a global trend of movement in a north‐east direction was predicted, the magnitude of displacement was species‐specific. For a temperature increase of 2 °C, contact zones were predicted to move by 92 km on average (minimum of 5 km, maximum of 212 km) and by 188 km for an increase of 4 °C (minimum of 11 km, maximum of 393 km). Intra‐specific turnover—measuring the extent of change in global population genetic structure—was generally found to be moderate for 2 °C of temperature warming. For 4 °C of warming, however, the models indicated substantial intra‐specific turnover for ten species. These results illustrate that, in spite of unavoidable simplifications, ancestry distribution models open new perspectives to forecast population genetic changes within species and complement more traditional distribution‐based approaches.
Population transcriptomics of cactus host shifts in Drosophila mojavensis
Authors: MATZKIN LUCIANO M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn the presence of environmental change, natural selection can shape the transcriptome. Under a scenario of environmental change, genotypes that are better able to modulate gene expression to maximize fitness will tend to be favoured. Therefore, it is important to examine gene expression at the population level to distinguish random or neutral gene expression variation from the pattern produced by natural selection. This study investigates the natural variation in transcriptional response to a cactus host shift utilizing the mainland Sonora population of Drosophila mojavensis. Drosophila mojavensis is a cactophilic species composed of four cactus host populations endemic to the deserts of North America. Overall, the change in cactus host was associated with a significant reduction in larval viability as well as the differential expression of 21% of the genome (3109 genes). Among the genes identified were a set of genes previously known to be involved in xenobiotic metabolism, as well as genes involved in cellular energy production, oxidoreductase/carbohydrate metabolism, structural components and mRNA binding. Interestingly, of the 3109 genes whose expression was affected by host use, there was a significant overrepresentation of genes that lacked an orthologous call to the D. melanogaster genome, suggesting the possibility of an accelerated rate of evolution in these genes. Of the genes with a significant cactus effect, the majority, 2264 genes, did not exhibit a significant cactus‐by‐line interaction. This population‐level approach facilitated the identification of genes involved in past cactus host shifts.
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in the dog: taxonomy, diagnostics, ecology, epidemiology and pathogenicity
Authors: Bannoehr Jeanette , Guardabassi Luca 
Published: April 2012

The dog is the natural host of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Many research efforts are currently being undertaken to expand our knowledge and understanding of this important canine commensal and opportunistic pathogen.The objective of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of the species, including the latest research outcomes, with emphasis on taxonomy, diagnostics, ecology, epidemiology and pathogenicity.Despite the important taxonomic changes that have occurred over the past few years, the risk of misidentification in canine specimens is low and does not have serious consequences for clinical practice. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius carriage in the dog is more frequent and genetically heterogeneous compared with that of Staphylococcus aureus in man. It appears that these staphylococcal species have evolved separately through adaptation to their respective natural hosts and differ with regard to various aspects concerning ecology, population structure and evolution of antibiotic resistance.Further understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of S. pseudintermedius is hampered by the lack of a standard method for rapid and discriminatory typing and by the limited data available on longitudinal carriage and population structure of meticillin‐susceptible strains. With regard to pathogenicity, it is only now that we are starting to explore the virulence potential of S. pseudintermedius based on genomic and proteomic approaches, and more research is needed to assess the importance of individual virulence factors and the possible existence of hypervirulent strains.
The investigation of autonomic functions in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Halıgür Beyzan Durul , Cicek Demet , Bulut Serpil , Berilgen Muhammed Said 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground  Psoriasis is a common Th1‐mediated skin disease whose etiology remains obscure. Loss of sweating caused by retention hyperkeratosis is seen in psoriasis plaques, which is likely to have resulted from autonomic dysfunction.Objective  In the present study, we aimed to evaluate autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions with regard to psoriasis and to examine whether there is an underlying ANS dysfunction.Materials and methods  Fifty adult patients with plaque‐type psoriasis and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the present study.Results  In this study, R‐R interval variation (RRIV) was used to evaluate the parasympathetic system. No statistically significant difference was detected when RRIV values of the patient and the control groups were evaluated during normal and deep breathing (P > 0.05). It was determined that parasympathetic activity in the patient group remained unaffected. The sympathetic skin response (SSR) method was used for the evaluation of the sympathetic system. It was found that SSR latency and amplitude values of upper and lower extremities of the patient group were prolonged in comparison to those of the control group. The change in SSR latency of the upper extremity was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05), whereas the changes in hand amplitude, foot latency, and foot amplitude values were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). It was determined that sympathetic activity in the patient group was affected.Conclusion  In conclusion, we detected that a dysfunction was present in sympathetic nervous systems of patients with psoriasis. The parasympathetic nervous system functions were normal in patients with psoriasis.
Clinical comparison of two hyaluronic acid‐derived fillers in the treatment of nasolabial folds: Mesoglow® and IAL System®
Authors: Ahn Ji Young , Lee See Hyun , Park Kui Young , Hong Chang Kwun , Song Hae Jun , Park Mi Youn , Choi Yu Sung , Seo Seong Jun 
Published: April 2012

AbstractHyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are widely used to reduce the appearance of aging. However, comparative research on the efficacy and safety of products of similar composition is limited. We compared outcomes achieved with two non‐cross‐linked HA fillers of almost identical composition, Mesoglow® and IAL System®. Forty subjects with visible nasolabial folds (NLFs) were enrolled in a randomized study. Wrinkle severity was rated using the 5‐point Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS). Each subject was injected with Mesoglow® in one NLF and IAL System® in the other. An optimal cosmetic result was established at two weeks after a second treatment. Participants were then reassessed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks, respectively, post‐optimal cosmetic result using the WSRS. The degree of improvement was also assessed by subjects and investigators using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS).At baseline, the mean WSRS score was 3.20 ± 0.41. At the optimal cosmetic result, 98% of subjects showed a 1‐ or 2‐point change in WSRS score with either treatment. All subsequent WSRS scores were significantly improved over baseline for both treatments. There was no significant difference between treatments or improvement in WSRS score at any point in time. Investigator GAIS scores at weeks 4 and 6 were slightly but not significantly higher for Mesoglow®‐treated skin. There was no significant difference in the frequency of local adverse responses. No serious systemic adverse events occurred. This study indicates that Mesoglow® and IAL System® are equally effective in achieving short‐term correction of NLFs, but the longevity of their effects is limited.
Dying with motor neurone disease, what can we learn from family caregivers?
Authors: Ray Robin A. , Brown Janice , Street Annette F. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground  Increasingly, people with neurodegenerative illness are cared for at home until close to death. Yet, discussing the reality of dying remains a social taboo.Objective  To examine the ways, family caregivers of people living with motor neurone disease (MND) experienced the dying of their relative and to identify how health practitioners can better prepare families for end‐of‐life care.Design  Secondary analysis was undertaken on data sets generated from two longitudinal qualitative studies employing similar data collection and analysis methods. Combining data sets increased participant numbers in a low incidence disease group.Setting and participants  Primary studies were undertaken with family caregivers in England and Australia. Interview and observational data were collected mostly in home. Participants who discussed dying and death formed the sample for secondary analysis.Results  Combined data revealed four major themes: planning for end of life, unexpected dying, dignity in the dying body and positive end to MND. Despite short survival predictions, discussions among family members about dying were often sporadic and linked to loss of hope. Effective planning for death assisted caregivers to manage the final degenerative processes of dying. When plans were not effectively communicated or enacted, capacity to preserve personhood was reduced.Discussion and Conclusion  Returning death and dying to social discourse will raise the level of community awareness and normalize conversations about end‐of‐life care. Strategies for on‐going, effective communication that facilitates advance care planning among patients, their families and practitioners are essential to improve dying and death for people with MND and their family caregivers.
Parents’ views on how health professionals should work with them now to get the best for their child in the future
Authors: Marshall Joyce L. , Green Josephine M. , Spiby Helen 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground  Pregnancy and the first years of life are important times for future child well‐being. Early identification of families and children who might be likely to experience poorer outcomes could enable health professionals and parents to work together to promote each child’s well‐being. Little is known about the acceptability and feasibility of such an approach to parents.Objective  To investigate parents’ views about how health professionals should identify and work with families who may benefit from additional input to maximize their children’s future health and well‐being.Design  A qualitative study using focus groups.Setting and participants  Eleven focus groups were conducted with a total of 54 parents; 42 mothers and 12 fathers living in the north of England.Results  Parents welcomed the idea of preventive services. They strongly believed that everyone should have access to services to enhance child well‐being whilst recognizing that some families need additional support. Making judgements about who should receive additional services based on specific criteria evoked powerful emotions because of the implication of failure. Parents projected a belief in themselves as ‘good parents’ even in adverse circumstances.Conclusions  Targeted additional preventive services can be acceptable and welcome if health professionals introduce them sensitively, in the context of an existing relationship, providing parents are active participants.