bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D status and acute lower respiratory infection in early childhood in Sylhet, Bangladesh
Authors: Roth DE , Shah R , Black RE , Baqui AH 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim: Acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) is the most important global cause of childhood death. Micronutrient deficiencies may increase the risk of ALRI. A case–control study was conducted to assess the association between vitamin D status and ALRI in rural Bangladesh.Methods: Children aged 1–18 months hospitalized with ALRI (cases) were individually matched to controls on age, sex, and village (N = 25 pairs). The mean serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration [25(OH)D] in cases and controls was compared using paired t‐test. The unadjusted and adjusted odds of ALRI were assessed by multivariate conditional logistic regression.Results: Mean [25(OH)D] was significantly lower among ALRI cases than controls (29.1 nmol/L vs. 39.1 nmol/L; p = 0.015). The unadjusted odds of ALRI was halved for each 10 nmol/L increase in [25(OH)D] (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30–0.96). Adjustment for confounders increased the magnitude of the association.Conclusion: Vitamin D status was associated with early childhood ALRI in a matched case–control study in rural Bangladesh. Randomized trials may establish whether interventions to improve vitamin D status can reduce the burden of ALRI in early childhood.
Breastfeeding perceptions in communities in Mangochi district in Malawi
Authors: Kamudoni PR , Maleta K , Shi Z , De Paoli MM , Holmboe‐Ottesen G 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim:  To investigate mothers’ perceptions of breastfeeding and influences from their social network.Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was carried out in Mangochi district, Malawi where questionnaire data from 157 rural and 192 semi‐urban mother–infant pairs were obtained.Results:  The proportion of mothers who thought that exclusive breastfeeding should last for 6 months and those who reported to have actually exclusively breastfed were 40.1% and 7.5% respectively. Of those who reported practising exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, 77.5% stated that exclusive breastfeeding should last for 6 months. This opinion was independently associated with giving birth in a Baby‐Friendly facility, OR = 5.22; 95% CI (1.92–14.16). Among the mothers who thought that exclusive breastfeeding should last for less than 6 months, 43.9% reported having been influenced in their opinion by health workers. Infant crying was the most common (62.4%) reason for stopping exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusion:  The findings illustrate the positive impact health workers can have, as well as the need to raise awareness of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding among both health workers and mothers. Furthermore, continued counselling of mothers on how to deal with stressful infant behaviour such as crying may assist to prolong exclusive breastfeeding.
Identifying problematic severe asthma in the individual child – does lung function matter?*
Authors: Lang AM , Konradsen J , Carlsen K‐H , Sachs‐Olsen C , Mowinckel P , Hedlin G , Lødrup Carlsen KC 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim:  Measures of lung function (usually FEV1 <80% predicted) are used to classify asthma severity in both adults and children, despite evidence that lung function impairment is less pronounced in the paediatric asthma population. The present study assesses the relevance of lung function measurements as discriminators of severe childhood asthma.Methods:  Fifty‐one school‐aged children with problematic severe asthma, 37 mild‐to‐moderate asthmatics and 29 healthy controls underwent a comprehensive clinical work‐up. Problematic severe asthma was defined in patients exhibiting poor asthma control despite high‐dose inhaled corticosteroid treatment and at least one other asthma controller drug. Mild‐to‐moderate asthmatic children used low‐dose inhaled steroids and reported minimal asthma symptoms.Results:  Baseline FEV1 values were significantly reduced in children with problematic severe asthma, yet FEV1 <80% predicted showed a low sensitivity (41%) for discriminating severe vs. mild‐to‐moderate asthma. Receiver‐operated characteristic analysis estimated the optimal cut‐off of FEV1 to be 90% predicted in this population (sensitivity 61%, specificity 83%). Baseline FEV1/FVC and FEF25–75 values were not superior to FEV1 in discriminating problematic severe asthma, and neither exhaled nitric oxide levels nor bronchial hyperresponsiveness differentiated between the two asthmatic study populations.Conclusion:  Spirometric measurements are insensitive discriminators of problematic severe asthma in childhood.
The effect of ascorbate on minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Yasui K , Kurata T , Yashiro M , Tsuge M , Ohtsuki S , Morishima T 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim:  Minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis (MRAS) is a common, painful and inflammatory ailment of the oral cavity with juvenile onset and unknown aetiology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of ascorbate (vitamin C) to reduce the frequency of MRAS and severity of pain.Patients and methods:  Sixteen MRAS patients (9 boys and 7 girls: mean age, 12.0 ± 2.4 years old) were assigned to take an oral dosage of 2000 mg/m2/day ascorbate.Subjects:  Their baseline frequency of outbreaks and the level of pains were compared during the treatment; in addition, a crossover clinical trial was performed. Polymorphonuclear leucocytes play a role in the pathogenesis, and then superoxide anion production was evaluated in prior to ascorbate treatment.Results:  The data indicated a statistically significant 50% reduction in oral ulcer outbreaks and a decline of pain level. Neutrophils were primed for superoxide anion production in the patients with MRAS.Conclusion:  Ascorbate may modulate the generation of reactive oxygen species and augment neutrophil apoptosis, which could prevent neutrophil‐mediated inflammation. Ascorbate seems to be effective, but the findings of our study were preliminary and it should be re‐evaluated with a larger randomized controlled clinical trials.
Interleukin‐4 receptor polymorphisms in asthma and allergy: relation to different disease phenotypes
Authors: Hesselmar B , Bergin A‐M , Park H , Hahn‐Zoric M , Eriksson B , Hanson L‐Å , Padyukov L 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim:  Inheritance and genetic factors are supposed to influence susceptibility to asthma and allergy. We tested if single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL4R gene were associated with susceptibility to such diseases, or if they were related to the phenotypic presentation of asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC).Methods:  Three hundred and nine 12‐ to 13‐year‐old children were included. Six SNPs in the IL4R were analysed in response to current allergic disease, and to presentation of specific asthma and ARC phenotypes. Questionnaires were used to determine allergic disease status, and skin prick tests to evaluate sensitization to common airborne allergens.Results:  Less eczema was seen in individuals with the AA‐genotype of rs2057768, and less ARC among those with the AA‐genotype of rs2107356, especially ARC associated with sensitization to pollen. The AA‐genotype of rs2057768 and the TT genotype of rs3024632 were associated with a specific asthma phenotype.Conclusion:  Variations within the IL4R gene are associated with allergic diseases in children, preferably with eczema and disease phenotypes of ARC and asthma.
Complications affecting preterm neonates from 1991 to 2006: what have we gained?
Authors: Groenendaal F , Termote JUM , Van Der Heide‐Jalving M , Van Haastert IC , De Vries LS 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAim:  In this study, we determined whether outcome of preterm neonates has improved over a period of 16 years.Study design:  Inborn neonates with a gestational age of 25.0–29.9 weeks were included. Patients with severe congenital malformations were excluded. Mortality and morbidity (chronic lung disease; CLD, intraventricular haemorrhage: IVH grade III or IV, cystic periventricular leukomalacia: cPVL, perforated necrotizing enterocolitis: NEC, severe retinopathy of prematurity needing surgery: ROP and cerebral palsy: CP) were compared in three periods (period 1: 1991–1996 n = 434; period 2: 1997–2001 n = 356; period 3: 2002–2006 n = 422).Results:  Infant mortality decreased from 15.2% to 10.9%. CLD did not differ significantly between periods (14.1–14.8%). Perforated NEC decreased from 2.8% to 1.6%. IVH grade III and IV both remained at 5.7% in period 3, whereas cPVL decreased significantly from 4.5% to 1.6%. Cerebral palsy decreased from 5.8% to 3.5% in period 3. Two neonates in each period were in need of surgery for ROP.Conclusion:  Inborn preterm patients showed an improved survival and a significant reduction in cPVL and CP. Perforated NEC showed a trend to decrease. CLD and IVH grade III and IV remain a matter of concern.
Snail associates with EGR‐1 and SP‐1 to upregulate transcriptional activation of p15INK4b
Authors: Hu Chi‐Tan , Chang Tsu‐Yao , Cheng Chuan‐Chu , Liu Chun‐Shan , Wu Jia‐Ru , Li Ming‐Che , Wu Wen‐Sheng 
Published: February 2010

Snail is a multifunctional transcriptional factor that has been described as a repressor in many different contexts. It is also proposed as an activator in a few cases relevant to tumor progression and cell‐cycle arrest. This study investigated the detailed mechanisms by which Snail upregulates gene expression of the CDK inhibitor p15INK4b in HepG2 induced by the tumor promoter tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA). Using deletion mapping, the TPA‐responsive element on the p15INK4b promoter was located between 77 and 228 bp upstream of the transcriptional initiation site, within which the putative binding regions of early growth response gene 1 (EGR‐1) and stimulatory protein 1 (SP‐1) were found. Gene expression of EGR‐1, Snail and SP‐1 can be induced by TPA within 0.5–6 h. In addition, basal levels of SP‐1, but not of the other two transcriptional factors, were observed. Blockade of TPA‐induced gene expression of Snail, EGR‐1 or SP‐1 suppressed activation of the p15–pro228 reporter plasmid harboring the TPA‐responsive element. More detailed deletion mapping and site‐directed mutagenesis further concluded that the overlapping EGR‐1/SP‐1‐binding site was required for TPA‐induced p15–pro228 activation. In an EMSA, a DNA–protein complex was elevated by TPA, which can be blocked by antibodies against EGR‐1, SP‐1 or Snail at 6 h. Immunoprecipitation/western blotting demonstrated that TPA could trigger the association of EGR‐1 with Snail or SP‐1. Furthermore, a double chromatin immunoprecipitation assay verified that EGR‐1 could form a complex with Snail or SP‐1 on the TPA‐responsive element after treatment with TPA for 2–6 h. Finally, we demonstrated a novel Snail‐target region which could be bound by Snail and was also required for TPA‐induced p15–pro228 activation. In conclusion, Snail associates with EGR‐1 and SP‐1 to mediate TPA‐induced transcriptional upregulation of p15INK4b in HepG2.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7384899: Snail (uniprotkb:O95863) physically interacts (MI:0915) with EGR‐1 (uniprotkb:P18146) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
MINT‐7384908: SP‐1 (uniprotkb:P08047) physically interacts (MI:0915) with EGR‐1 (uniprotkb:P18146) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Physiological truncation and domain organization of a novel uracil‐DNA‐degrading factor
Authors: Pukáncsik Mária , Békési Angéla , Klement Éva , Hunyadi‐Gulyás Éva , Medzihradszky Katalin F. , Kosinski Jan , Bujnicki Janusz M. , Alfonso Carlos , Rivas Germán , Vértessy Beáta G. 
Published: February 2010

Uracil in DNA is usually considered to be an error, but it may be used for signaling in Drosophila development via recognition by a novel uracil‐DNA‐degrading factor (UDE) [(Bekesi A et al. (2007) Biochem Biophys Res Commun355, 643–648]. The UDE protein has no detectable similarity to any other uracil‐DNA‐binding factors, and has no structurally or functionally described homologs. Here, a combination of theoretical and experimental analyses reveals the domain organization and DNA‐binding pattern of UDE. Sequence alignments and limited proteolysis with different proteases show extensive protection by DNA at the N‐terminal duplicated conserved motif 1A/1B segment, and a well‐folded domain within the C‐terminal half encompassing conserved motifs 2–4. Theoretical structure prediction suggests that motifs 1A and 1B fold as similar α‐helical bundles, and reveals two conserved positively charged surface patches that may bind DNA. CD spectroscopy also supports the presence of α‐helices in UDE. Full functionality of a physiologically occurring truncated isoform in Tribolium castaneum lacking one copy of the N‐terminal conserved motif 1 is revealed by activity assays of a representative truncated construct of Drosophila melanogaster UDE. Gel filtration and analytical ultracentrifugation results, together with analysis of predicted structural models, suggest a possible dimerization mechanism for preserving functionality of the truncated isoform.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7385914: UDE (uniprotkb:Q961C4) and UDE (uniprotkb:Q961C4) bind (MI:0407) by cosedimentation in solution (MI:0028)
Stars quenching stars: how photoionization by local sources regulates gas cooling and galaxy formation
Authors: Cantalupo Sebastiano 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Current models of galaxy formation lack an efficient and physically constrained mechanism to regulate star formation (SF) in low and intermediate mass galaxies. We argue that the missing ingredient could be the effect of photoionization by local sources on the gas cooling. We show that the soft X-ray and EUV flux generated by SF is able to efficiently remove the main coolants (e.g. He+, O4+ and Fe8+) from the halo gas via direct photoionization. As a consequence, the cooling and accretion time of the gas surrounding star-forming galaxies may increase by one or two orders of magnitude. For a given halo mass and redshift, the effect is directly related to the value of the star formation rate (SFR). Our results suggest that the existence of a critical SFR above which ‘cold’ mode accretion is stopped, even for haloes with Mvir well below the critical shock-heating mass suggested by previous studies. The evolution of the critical SFR with redshift, for a given halo mass, resembles the respective steep evolution of the observed SFR for z &lt; 1. This suggests that photoionization by local sources would be able to regulate gas accretion and SF, without the need for additional, strong feedback processes.
Superflares from magnetars revealing the GRB central engine
Authors: Giannios Dimitrios 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) may be powered by the rotational energy of a millisecond magnetar. I argue that the GRB-driving magnetars lie at the high end of the distribution of magnetic field strengths of magnetars. The field of GRB magnetars decays on time-scale of hundreds of years and can power soft gamma-ray repeater (SGR)-like flares up to ∼100 times more powerful than the 2004 event of SGR 1806–20. A few of these flares per year may have been observed by the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) and classified as short-duration GRBs. Association of one of these superflares with a nearby dL≲ 250 Mpc galaxy and the discovery of a, coincident in space, 100-yr-old GRB afterglow (observed in the radio) will be the characteristic signature of the magnetar model for GRBs.
Mineralogy and crystallization history of the Ilafegh 009 EL‐chondritic impact melt rock: An ATEM investigation
Authors: LEROUX H. , DOUKHAN J. C. , BISCHOFF A. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract— The Ilafegh 009 meteorite is an impact melt rock from an EL‐chondritic parent body. Its mineralogic assemblage is the result of rapid crystallization after shock‐induced melting. We report here an analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM) study of the major minerals of this meteorite (enstatite, plagioclase, Fe‐Ni metal and sulfides). Based on this study, we discuss the crystallization sequence and the further evolution of the rock in the solid state.Microstructure and microanalyses confirm that the mineralogy of Ilafegh 009 results from the crystallization of an EL‐chondritic melt. The high compositional variability of plagioclases and the presence of silica‐rich glass pockets indicate fast cooling. During crystallization, the large enstatite grains trapped a large number of phases (plagioclase, silica‐rich glass and enstatite nuclei). Sulfides (troilite, alabandite and daubreelite) form finely polycrystalline areas and reveal a complex crystallization sequence. Although Fe‐Ni metal grains formed during rapid cooling, their microstructures show that some postsolidification process occurred in Ilafegh 009. A large number of tiny Ni‐P‐Si‐rich precipitates were detected that formed as a result of exsolution of elements that become insoluble in kamacite at low temperature.Finally, the microstructure (dislocation arrangements and phase transformations) observed in enstatite and Fe‐Ni metal attests that Ilafegh 009 also experienced a moderate postsolidification shock event.
The condensation with partial isolation (CWPI) model of condensation in the solar nebula
Authors: PETAEV MICHAIL I. , WOOD JOHN A. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract— We have developed a nebular condensation model and a computational routine that potentially can account for the unequilibrated mineral assemblages in chondritic meteorites. The model assumes that as condensation proceeds, a specified fraction (called the isolation degree, ξ) of the existing condensate is steadily withdrawn from reactive contact with the residual gas, presumably as a result of the growth and aggregation of condensed mineral grains. The isolated condensates may remain in the condensing system as coarse inert objects; whereas, the mineral grains that are still in reactive contact with residual nebular gases are in the form of fine dust.This paper describes the condensation with partial isolation (CWPI) model of condensation and uses it to study condensation in a nebula of solar composition at a total pressure of 10−5 bar. The systematic isolation of condensates from residual nebular gases has profound effects on the condensation sequence. At ξ values <0.2%, the condensation sequence is essentially independent of the isolation degree and identical to the classic condensation sequence. At ξ values >2.5%, the condensation sequence is also independent of the isolation degree and closely resembles the “inhomogeneous accretion model” or “chemical disequilibrium model” of condensation. In the intermediate range of ξ values, the character of the condensation sequence is very sensitive to the degree of chemical fractionation caused by condensate isolation.The mineralogy of chondritic meteorites is not consistent with condensation sequences having ξ > 2.5; this is an upper limit on the ξ values that is characteristic of condensation in the solar nebula. The mineralogy and chemistry of carbonaceous and enstatite chondrites can be explained by accretion of isolated condensates formed at ξ values of ≤0.1% and 0.7–1.5%, respectively, providing that segregation of the inert coarse objects and fine reactive dust occurred in the nebula. Segregation of these two categories of condensate may have been responsible for the observed volatility‐based chemical fractionations among chondritic meteorites.
Elemental redistribution in Tieschitz and the origin of white matrix
Authors: HUTCHISON ROBERT , ALEXANDER CONEL M.O'D. , BRIDGES JOHN C. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract— Two types of mesostasis coexist within some porphyritic chondrules in Tieschitz. One type is smooth. The other, confined to chondrule margins, is blocky on a 5–10 μm scale. Mesostases in one porphyritic olivine‐pyroxene (POP) chondrule and one porphyritic olivine (PO) chondrule were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectrometry (EDS), as was white matrix nearby. Mesostases in the PO chondrule and in four others were analysed by ion probe. Pyroxene phenocrysts or dendrites extend across contacts between smooth and blocky mesostasis with no compositional change. Relative to smooth mesostasis, blocky mesostasis is enriched in Al, alkalis, Ba, F, and Cl but depleted in Si, Fe, and Ca. White matrix fills channels between the chondrules. It is physically and chemically similar to blocky mesostasis, but three ion probe analyses indicate that, unlike the mesostases, it is poor in Sc and has variable and fractionated rare earth elements (REEs).Smooth mesostasis is interpreted as solidified primary chondrule liquid; whereas blocky mesostasis is its alteration product or, less likely, a precipitate replacing smooth mesostasis leached out by aqueous fluid. White matrix may have formed by secondary alteration or replacement of mesostases that had been expelled from chondrules during accretion, or as a precipitate filling interchondrule voids. Iron may have been lost from the bulk meteorite, but most other elements merely underwent internal redistribution. Disturbed isotopic systems indicate that aqueous fluid may have been active on the Tieschitz parent body only 2 Ga ago. If correct, this would be the first evidence that an ordinary chondrite parent body underwent internal reprocessing significantly later than 4.5 Ga ago.
Distant ejecta from the Lockne marine‐target impact crater, Sweden
Authors: STURKELL Erik , ORMÖ Jens , NÕLVAK Jaak , WALLIN ÅSa 
Published: February 2010

Abstract— The Lockne impact event took place in a Middle Ordovician (455 Ma) epicontinental sea. The impact resulted in an at least 13.5 km wide, concentric crater in the sea floor. Lockne is one of very few locations where parts of an ejecta layer have been preserved outside the crater structure. The ejecta from the Lockne impact rests on progressively higher stratigraphic levels with increasing distance from the crater, hence forming a slightly inclined discontinuity surface in the pre‐impact strata. We report on a ∼30 cm thick sandy layer at Hallen, 45 km south of the crater centre. This layer has a fining upward sequence in its lower part, followed by low‐angle cross‐laminations indicating two opposite current directions. It is rich in quartz grains with planar deformation features and contains numerous, up to 15 cm large, granite clasts from the crystalline basement at the Lockne impact site. The layer is within a sequence dated to the Baltoniodus gerdae conodont subzone. The dating is corroborated by chitinozoans indicating the latest Kukruse time below and the late Idavere above the impact layer. According to the chitinozoans biostratigraphy, some erosion may have occurred because of deposition of the impact layer. The Hallen outcrop, today 45 km from the centre of the Lockne crater, is at present the most distant accessible occurrence of ejecta from the Lockne impact. It is also the most distant location so far found where the resurge of water towards the crater has affected the bottom sediments.A greater crater diameter than hitherto assumed, thus representing greater impact energy, might explain the extent of the ejecta blanket. Fluidisation of ejecta, to be expected at a marine‐target impact, might furthermore have facilitated the wide distribution of ejecta.