bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in body temperature is related to ambient temperature but not experimental manipulation of insulation in two small endotherms with different thermoregulatory patterns
Authors: Boyles J. G. , Smit B. , McKechnie A. E. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMaintaining a high and constant body temperature (T
b) is thought to enhance performance in endotherms, but such a thermoregulatory pattern is energetically expensive. Thus, some variation in T
b is probably universal among endotherms, and several recent attempts have been made to generalize the factors that should cause this variation. Two factors that may be closely tied to the thermoregulatory pattern expressed are the cost of thermoregulation and food availability. To test these predictions, we measured T
b of eastern rock elephant shrews (Elephantulus myurus; a traditionally defined heterotherm) and Namaqua rock mice (Micaelamys namaquensis; a homeotherm) in the field and under semi‐natural conditions after experimentally reducing insulation by shaving a patch of dorsal fur. After accounting for ambient temperature (T
a), there was no significant difference in the level of variation in T
b between shaven and unshaven elephant shrews. In rock mice, the increase in heat loss paradoxically led to decreased variation in T
b in the field, but no effect was evident in captivity. Furthermore, as predicted, both species displayed significantly less variation in T
b under semi‐natural conditions when given food ad libitum and predation risk involved with obtaining that food was low. Our results show that small mammals, both homeothermic and heterothermic, are capable of altering their thermoregulatory patterns in response to ecological conditions (e.g. rapid changes in food availability). However, increasing the cost of thermoregulation, at least as it was done in this experiment, does not appear to affect the expression of T
b as strongly as does T
a.
Who is entitled to ‘earn sovereignty'? Legitimacy and regime support in Abkhazia and Nagorno‐Karabakh
Authors: Berg Eiki , Mölder Martin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAbkhazia and Nagorno‐Karabakh are internationally unrecognised political entities, or so‐called de facto states, that have emerged as a result of the incomplete and contested state‐formation of their parent states and of the secessionist movements that emerged in the power vacuum of the post‐Soviet space. In addition to examining the conventional reliance on the self‐determination principle, usually followed by a call for international recognition (as often practised by emerging sovereigns), this article aims to survey whether these political entities have proved that they embody ‘rightful authority’ as such and whether they ‘have earned their sovereignty’. In other words, it attempts to examine the self‐determination claims in Abkhazia and Nagorno‐Karabakh based on legitimacy criteria that are widely accepted for liberal democratic societies using an analysis of the respective issues as they were represented in focus‐group discussions in these two regions.
Lumbar Posterolateral Fusion Using Heparin‐Conjugated Fibrin for Sustained Delivery of Bone Morphogenic Protein‐2 in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Koo Ki Hyoung , Yeo Do Hyun , Ahn Jung Min , Kim Byung‐Soo , Kim Chang‐Sung , Im Gun‐Il 
Published: April 2012

AbstractWe had devised a heparin‐conjugated fibrin (HCF) system to deliver bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) for a long‐term period to enhance bone regeneration. In the present study, we tested the effectiveness of the delivery system for spinal fusion in a rabbit model. A total of 15 rabbits underwent posterolateral lumbar spine fusion with BMP‐2 (50 µg per collagen sponge). The control group received only collagen sponges without BMP‐2, another group (short‐term delivery [SD] group) received collagen sponges filled with fibrin gel loaded with BMP‐2, and the third group (long‐term delivery [LD] group) received collagen sponges filled with HCF loaded with BMP‐2. All animals were euthanized 8 weeks after surgery, and the fusion was assessed by radiographs, manual palpation, computed tomography, and mechanical testing. The fusion rate was significantly higher in the LD group using HCF than in the SD group or in the control group. Biomechanical testing showed the tensile strength was also significantly higher in the LD group using HCF than in other groups. The HCF system can provide a good option for the delivery of BMP‐2 on posterolateral lumbar spine fusion.
Obesity is the predominant predictor of impaired glucose tolerance and metabolic disturbance in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: LIANG SO‐JUNG , LIOU TSAN‐HON , LIN HUI‐WEN , HSU CHUN‐SEN , TZENG CHII‐RUEY , HSU MING‐I 
Published: April 2012

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the contribution to glucose intolerance and metabolic syndrome of obesity combined with the diagnostic criteria of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design. Prospective study. Setting. University teaching hospital from 31 August 2010 to 31 August 2011. Population. Two hundred and twenty women with PCOS and seventy normal control women. Methods. The clinical and biochemical characteristics of women with PCOS and control women were evaluated. Main outcome measures. The impact of obesity, hyperandrogenism, oligo‐anovulation and polycystic ovary morphology on impaired glucose tolerance and metabolic disturbances. Results. Obese women with PCOS had significantly higher insulin resistance than obese normal control women. Logistic regression analysis showed that obesity was the only factor that predicted impaired glucose tolerance and metabolic syndrome. Use of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the body mass index to predict impaired glucose tolerance and metabolic syndrome was more accurate than AUROCs for serum total testosterone level and the average menstrual interval. Conclusions. Body weight status was the major factor determining the risk of impaired glucose tolerance and metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS. Obesity should be treated as the major factor determining long‐term health consequences associated with PCOS.
Oxytocin is expressed in epidermal keratinocytes and released upon stimulation with adenosine 5′‐[γ‐thio]triphosphate in vitro
Authors: Denda Sumiko , Takei Kentaro , Kumamoto Junichi , Goto Makiko , Tsutsumi Moe , Denda Mitsuhiro 
Published: April 2012

AbstractOxytocin is a neuropeptide produced primarily in the hypothalamus and is best known for its roles in parturition and lactation. It also influences behaviour, memory and mental state. Recent studies have suggested a variety of roles for oxytocin in peripheral tissues, including skin. Here we show that oxytocin is expressed in human skin. Immunohistochemical studies showed that oxytocin and its carrier protein, neurophysin I, are predominantly localized in epidermis. RT‐PCR confirmed the expression of oxytocin in both skin and cultured epidermal keratinocytes. We also show that oxytocin is released from keratinocytes after application of adenosine 5′‐[γ‐thio]triphosphate (ATPγS, a stable analogue of ATP) in a dose‐dependent manner. The ATPγS‐induced oxytocin release was inhibited by removal of extracellular calcium, or by the P2X receptor antagonist 2′,3′‐O‐(2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl)adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (TNP‐ATP). These results suggest that oxytocin is produced in human epidermal keratinocytes and is released in response to calcium influx via P2X receptors.
Are Farm‐to‐School Programs More Common in States With Farm‐to‐School‐Related Laws?
Authors: Schneider Linda , Chriqui Jamie , Nicholson Lisa , Turner Lindsey , Gourdet Camille , Chaloupka Frank 
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: Farm‐to‐School programs (FTSPs) connect schools with locally grown food. This article examines whether FTSPs are more common in public elementary schools (ESs) in states with a formal, FTSP law or with a related, locally grown procurement law.METHODS: A pooled, cross‐sectional analysis linked nationally representative samples of 1872 public ESs (across 47 states) for the 2006–2007, 2007–2008, and 2008–2009 school years with state laws effective as of the beginning of September of each year that were collected and analyzed for all states. Multivariate logistic regression models examined the impact of state law on school FTSP participation, controlling for year and school‐level race/ethnicity, region, locale, free‐reduced lunch participation, and school size.RESULTS: The percentage of schools located in a state with a FTSP‐specific law increased from 7.3% to 20.4% over the 3‐year period, while the percentage of schools located in a state with a locally grown procurement law was approximately 30% across all years. The percentage of schools with FTSPs has more than tripled over the last 3 years (from 4.9% to 17.7%). After adjusting for all covariates except year, FTSPs were significantly more likely in states with a FTSP‐specific law (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.28‐4.67); once adjusting for year, the results were marginally significant (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = .91‐3.25). School‐level FTSPs were not related to state locally grown procurement laws.CONCLUSION: Although the percentage of schools with FTSPs is relatively small, these programs are becoming more common, particularly in states with FTSP‐specific laws.
Environmental Justice at School: Understanding Research, Policy, and Practice to Improve Our Children's Health
Authors: Sampson Natalie 
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND: No overarching federal agencies or policies are responsible for ensuring environmental health at schools in the United States, potentially allowing many inequities for low‐income and minority communities to persist. This article examines emergent research, policy, and practice‐based efforts that may be used to identify and address environmental justice at school.METHODS: A brief literature review was conducted to understand (1) major mental, behavioral, and physical outcomes associated with environmental risk for school‐aged children and (2) current research methods for assessing these relationships. Documents prepared by government agencies, school districts, and advocacy groups were also collected and synthesized to improve understanding of the state of planning and policies for maintaining or improving school environments.RESULTS: Environmental risk can manifest in diverse ways such as mold, poor air quality, poor community design, or contaminated playgrounds. Deeply rooted in national and state structures of school funding and planning, such risks can lead to outcomes including respiratory illness, poor performance in school, and reduced levels of physical activity. With growing attention to these concerns, methods for measuring environmental risks and underlying disparities have advanced tremendously in the last few decades, yet development of innovative research approaches may be necessary to further advance and evaluate appropriate interventions.CONCLUSIONS: Environmental injustice is generally unacknowledged during decision‐making in US school districts. Continued dialogue reflective of translatable science is necessary to support school districts with limited funding in ensuring safe, healthy environments for learning.
Defining Clinico‐Neuropathological Subtypes of Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Hippocampal Sclerosis
Authors: Blümcke Ingmar , Coras Roland , Miyata Hajime , Özkara Cigdem 
Published: April 2012

AbstractHippocampal sclerosis (HS) is the most frequent cause of drug‐resistant focal epilepsies (ie, mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis; mTLE‐HS), and presents a broad spectrum of electroclinical, structural and molecular pathology patterns. Many patients become drug resistant during the course of the disease, and surgical treatment was proven helpful to achieve seizure control. Hence, up to 40% of patients suffer from early or late surgical failures. Different patterns of hippocampal cell loss, involvement of other mesial temporal structures, as well as temporal neocortex including focal cortical dysplasia, may contribute to the extent of the epileptogenic network and will be discussed. An international consensus is mandatory to clarify terminology use and to reliably distinguish mTLE‐HS subtypes. High‐resolution imaging with confirmed histopathologic diagnosis, as well as advanced neurophysiologic and molecular genetic measures, will be a powerful tool in the future to address these issues and help to predict each patient's probability to control their epilepsy in mTLE‐HS conditions.
Characterization of the bioactive motif of neuregulin‐1, a fibroblast‐derived paracrine factor that regulates the constitutive color and the function of melanocytes in human skin
Authors: Choi Wonseon , Kolbe Ludger , Hearing Vincent J. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryInteractions between melanocytes and neighboring cells in the skin (keratinocytes and fibroblasts) play important roles in regulating human skin color. We recently reported that neuregulin‐1 (NRG1) is highly expressed in fibroblasts from Fitzpatrick type VI skin (the darkest) and at least in part determines the constitutive color of human skin. We have now characterized the bioactive motif of NRG1 that is involved in modulating melanin production in human melanocytes. We found that 8‐mer motifs (PSRYLCKC and LCKCPNEF) increased melanin production but did not increase the proliferation of melanocytes; the minimum fragment that could elicit that effect was the tetrapeptide LCKC. This smaller bioactive peptide might have an advantage in clinical applications in which it modulates only pigmentation and does not stimulate melanocyte proliferation.
Increased frequency of osteoporosis and BMD below the expected range for age among South Korean women with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lee Seung‐Geun , Park Young‐Eun , Park Sung‐Hoo , Kim Tae‐Kyun , Choi Hyun‐Ju , Lee Seong‐Jun , Kim Sung‐Il , Lee Sun‐Hee , Kim Geun‐Tae , Lee Joung‐Wook , Lee Jun‐Hee , Baek Seung‐Hoon 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the frequency of osteoporosis and bone mineral density (BMD) below the expected range for age between female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy subjects and to determine risk factors for bone loss in female patients with RA.MethodTwo hundred and ninety‐nine patients with RA and 246 age‐matched healthy subjects were included in this study. BMD in the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip were measured with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. A T‐score of −2.5 or lower in postmenopausal women was defined as osteoporosis, and a Z‐score −2.0 or lower in females prior to menopause was defined as below the expected range for age.ResultThe frequency of osteoporosis in the RA patients (22.1%) was significantly higher than in healthy subjects (11.4%) at either the spine or hip (P = 0.014). The occurrence of BMD below the expected range for age in RA patients (7.8%) was also significantly higher than in healthy subjects (1.0%, P = 0.015). In 299 female patients with RA, higher age, lower body mass index and postmenopausal status were significantly associated with the lumbar spine and hip BMD reduction. Of disease‐related variables, glucocorticoid use was independently associated with reduction of hip BMD.ConclusionThe prevalence of osteoporosis in the RA patients was 1.9 times higher than in healthy subjects. Glucocorticoid use was a risk factor for generalized bone loss in female RA patients.
Enamel roughness and depth profile after phosphoric acid etching of healthy and fluorotic enamel
Authors: Torres‐Gallegos I , Zavala‐Alonso V , Patiño‐Marín N , Martinez‐Castañon GA , Anusavice K , Loyola‐Rodríguez JP 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground:  Dental fluorosis requires aesthetic treatment to improve appearance and etching of enamel surfaces with phosphoric acid is a key step for adhesive restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate surface roughness and a depth profile in healthy and fluorotic enamel before and after phosphoric acid etching at 15, 30 and 60 seconds.Methods:  One hundred and sixty enamel samples from third molars with no fluorosis to severe fluorosis were evaluated by atomic force microscopy.Results:  Healthy enamel showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between mean surface roughness at 15 seconds (180.3 nm), 30 seconds (260.9 nm) and 60 seconds (346.5 nm); depth profiles revealed a significant difference for the 60 second treatment (4240.2 nm). For mild fluorosis, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between mean surface roughness for 30 second (307.8 nm) and 60 second (346.6 nm) treatments; differences in depth profiles were statistically significant at 15 seconds (2546.7 nm), 30 seconds (3884.2 nm) and 60 seconds (3612.1 nm). For moderate fluorosis, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed for surface roughness for 30 second (324.5 nm) and 60 second (396.6 nm) treatments.Conclusions:  Surface roughness and depth profile analyses revealed that the best etching results were obtained at 15 seconds for the no fluorosis and mild fluorosis groups, and at 30 seconds for the moderate fluorosis group. Increasing the etching time for severe fluorosis decreased surface roughness and the depth profile, which suggests less micromechanical enamel retention for adhesive bonding applications.
Bone regeneration in sinus augmentation procedures with calcium sulphate. Microstructure and microanaytical investigations
Authors: Pettinicchio M , Sammons R , Caputi S , Piattelli A , Traini T 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground:  The aim of this study was a histological and ultrastructural evaluation of the bone formed in human sinus augmentation procedures with calcium sulphate (CaS).Methods:  Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to evaluate the relationship between CaS and newly‐formed bone, while birefringence was used to evaluate the bone structure around the CaS particles by polarized light microscopy. Unstained sections were studied with an Axiovert 200 M using the fluorescence in reflected UV light to evaluate the interface between CaS and newly‐formed bone. Twenty specimens retrieved from the sinus after a healing period of six months were studied.Results:  EDS analysis of six specimens showed that little sulphur remained and residual particles appeared to have transformed to calcium phosphate. Under polarized light a few biomaterial remnants were present in some areas and covered by mature bone. The relationship between residual particles and bone due to the different photon emission under UV light stimulation was observed under fluorescence microscopy.Conclusions:  The present results confirm the high biocompatibility and rapid resorption rate of CaS. The mechanism of transformation of CaS to calcium phosphate, already demonstrated in animal studies, has been confirmed in the present human study.
Efficacy of Dart or Booster Vaccination with Strain RB51 in Protecting Bison against Experimental Brucella abortus Challenge
Authors: Olsen S. C. , Johnson C. S. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThis study characterized the efficacy of theBrucella abortusstrain RB51 vaccine in bison when delivered by single intramuscular vaccination (hand RB51), by single pneumatic dart delivery (dart RB51), or as two vaccinations approximately 13 months apart (booster RB51) in comparison to control bison. All bison were challenged intraconjunctivally in midgestation with 107CFU ofB. abortusstrain 2308 (S2308). Bison were necropsied and sampled within 72 h of abortion or delivery of a live calf. Compared to nonvaccinated bison, bison in the booster RB51 treatment had a reduced (P< 0.05) incidence of abortion, uterine infection, or infection in maternal tissues other than the mammary gland at necropsy. Bison in single-vaccination treatment groups (hand RB51 and dart RB51) did not differ (P> 0.05) from the control group in the incidence of abortion or recovery of S2308 from uterine, mammary, fetal, or maternal tissues at necropsy. Compared to nonvaccinated animals, all RB51 vaccination groups had reduced (P< 0.05) mean colonization or incidence of infection in at least 2 of 4 target tissues, with the booster RB51 group having reduced (P< 0.05) colonization and incidence of infection in all target tissues. Our data suggest that booster vaccination of bison with RB51 enhances protective immunity againstBrucellachallenge compared to single vaccination with RB51 by hand or by pneumatic dart. Our study also suggests that an initial vaccination of calves followed by booster vaccination as yearlings should be an effective strategy for brucellosis control in bison.
Drug and Multidrug Resistance among Mycobacterium leprae Isolates from Brazilian Relapsed Leprosy Patients
Authors: Rocha Adalgiza da Silva , Cunha Maria das Graças , Diniz Lucia Martins , Salgado Claudio , Aires Maria Araci P. , Nery José Augusto , Gallo Eugênia Novisck , Miranda Alice , Magnanini Monica M. F. , Matsuoka Masanori , Sarno Euzenir Nunes , Suffys Philip Noel , de Oliveira Maria Leide W. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTSkin biopsy samples from 145 relapse leprosy cases and from five different regions in Brazil were submitted for sequence analysis of part of the genes associated withMycobacterium lepraedrug resistance. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes were observed inM. lepraefrom 4 out of 92 cases with positive amplification (4.3%) and included a case with a mutation inrpoBonly, another sample with SNPs in bothfolP1andrpoB, and two cases showing mutations infolP1,rpoB, andgyrA, suggesting the existence of multidrug resistance (MDR). The nature of the mutations was as reported in earlier studies, being CCC to CGC in codon 55 infolP(Pro to Arg), while in the case ofrpoB, all mutations occurred at codon 531, with two being a transition of TCG to ATG (Ser to Met), one TCG to TTC (Ser to Phe), and one TCG to TTG (Ser to Leu). The two cases with mutations ingyrAchanged from GCA to GTA (Ala to Val) in codon 91. The median time from cure to relapse diagnosis was 9.45 years but was significantly shorter in patients with mutations (3.26 years;P= 0.0038). More than 70% of the relapses were multibacillary, including three of the mutation-carrying cases; one MDR relapse patient was paucibacillary.
Routine Identification of Medical Fungi by the New Vitek MS Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight System with a New Time-Effective Strategy
Authors: Iriart Xavier , Lavergne Rose-Anne , Fillaux Judith , Valentin Alexis , Magnaval Jean-François , Berry Antoine , Cassaing Sophie 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT

We report here a clinical evaluation of the Vitek MS system for rapid fungal identification. A strategy that uses a single deposit without prior protein extraction was utilized to save time and money. Clinical isolates from the Toulouse University hospital were used to evaluate the performance of the Vitek MS compared to that of both routine laboratory techniques and Vitek2. The Vitek MS performed well in the identification of yeasts and
Aspergillus
fungi (93.2% of correct identifications).