bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Turbid plasma donations in whole blood donors: fat chance?
Authors: Peffer Karlijn , de Kort Wim L.A.M. , Slot Ed , Doggen Carine J.M. 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Blood donations resulting in “nontransparent turbid milky” plasma must be discarded. The aim of this study was to objectively determine opacity and to identify risk factors for turbid plasma donations.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This case‐control study included 238 whole blood donors who provided turbid plasma (cases) and 309 random control subjects with normal plasma. Participants filled in a questionnaire regarding cardiovascular risk factors. Fat intake was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Opacity and lipids were measured. Additional data were retrieved from the blood bank information system. Mean differences and odds ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals.RESULTS: Cases had a less favorable cardiovascular profile compared to control subjects. The usual intake of fat was not associated with turbid plasma donation. In a multivariate model, having dinner before donation (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.2‐11.1), triglyceride levels (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, 4.6‐10.8), and smoking (ORyes vs. no, 2.5; 95% CI, 0.9‐6.7; and ORever vs. no, 5.7; 95% CI, 1.8‐18.4) were associated with an increased risk. Opacity was clearly increased in turbid plasma. Total cholesterol levels were 0.51 (95% CI, 0.35‐0.66) mmol/L and triglyceride levels 4.28 (95% CI, 3.92‐4.68) mmol/L higher in cases. High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were 0.34 (95% CI, −0.39 to −0.30) mmol/L lower. Forty‐two percent of all cases had very high triglyceride levels (≥5.65 mmol/L) compared to less than 1% of control subjects.CONCLUSION: Donors who provided a turbid donation have a less favorable cardiovascular profile compared to other donors. Having dinner, high triglyceride levels, and smoking are independent risk factors for turbid plasma donations.
Sex‐specific trends in prevalence of childhood asthma over 30 years in Patras, Greece
Authors: Anthracopoulos Michael B , Pandiora Ageliki , Fouzas Sotirios , Panagiotopoulou Eugenia , Liolios Evangelos , Priftis Kostas N 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  According to four surveys conducted during 1978–2003, the prevalence of childhood asthma and wheezing has risen in the city of Patras, Greece, albeit at a decelerating rate. We examined sex‐specific wheeze and asthma prevalence in the same urban environment in 2008.Methods:  A cross‐sectional parental questionnaire survey was performed in 2008 among third and fourth grade schoolchildren (8–9 year old), which was identical to previously conducted surveys in 1978 (n = 3003), 1991 (n = 2417), 1998 (n = 3076) and 2003 (n = 2725).Results:  The prevalence of current wheeze and asthma in 1978, 1991, 1998, 2003 and 2008 (n = 2688) was 1.5%, 4.6%, 6.0%, 6.9% and 6.9%, respectively (p for trend <0.001). Respective values for lifetime (ever had) wheeze and asthma in the 1991–2008 surveys were 8.0%, 9.6%, 12.4% and 12.6% (p for trend <0.001). The male:female ratio of current and lifetime wheeze and asthma increased during the 30‐year surveillance period (p for trend <0.001). Irrespective of sex, diagnosed asthma declined among current wheezers by 17% (p < 0.001), but not among non‐current ones (6.7%, p = 0.16) during 2003–2008.Conclusions:  Childhood wheeze and asthma have reached a plateau in an urban environment in Greece, while the male:female ratio increased. Asthma diagnosis declined among schoolage but not preschool wheezers during 2003–2008.
The pendulum between food protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome and IgE‐mediated milk allergy
Authors: Kessel Aharon , Dalal Ilan 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe transition from milk protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome to IgE‐mediated milk allergy is uncommon. Herein, we describe three infants that suffered from recurrent vomiting and restlessness in response to cow’s milk formula with negative skin prick to milk and therefore diagnosed as milk protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome. After recovering and reintroducing cow’s milk formula, they developed disseminated urticaria and positive skin prick test to cow milk compatible with IgE‐mediated milk allergy.Conclusion:  An infant that recovers from cow milk food–induced enterocolitis syndrome might develop afterward IgE‐mediated cow milk allergy.
Genetic association between GHSR1a 5′UTR‐microsatellite and nt‐7(C>A) loci and growth and carcass traits in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: KOMATSU Masanori , ITOH Tomohito , FUJIMORI Yuki , SATOH Masahiro , MIYAZAKI Yoshiyuki , TAKAHASHI Hideaki , SHIMIZU Kazuhiro , MALAU‐ADULI Aduli E. O. , MORITA Mitsuo 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTWe carried out a genetic association study between five nucleotide polymorphisms (5′UTR microsatellite ((TG)n), nt‐7(C>A), L24V, DelR242 and Intron 1 microsatellite) of the GHSR1a gene and growth and carcass traits in 1285 steers sired by 117 Japanese Black bulls in a progeny testing program. We report herein, a significant association between the 5′UTR microsatellite and nt‐7(C>A) loci and growth and carcass traits. We also propose a translational hypothesis that the association is due to differences in the secondary structure of GHSR1b mRNA (the non‐spliced type with the 5′UTR microsatellite) among the GHSR1a gene haplotypes. Furthermore, we predicted the potential increase in profitability due to increased carcass weight in cow‐calf fattening enterprises through planned matings based on DNA testing of the 5′UTR microsatellite. Statistical analysis revealed that the 5′UTR microsatellite locus had a significant additive effect on carcass weight (CW) and average daily gain (ADG), but not on beef marbling score (BMS). One of the four major microsatellite alleles (19‐TG allele) with an allele frequency of 0.145, had a significantly (P < 0.0007) desirable effect on CW and ADG. We concluded that the 19‐TG allele could potentially be economically useful nucleotide markers for growth and carcass traits in Japanese Black cattle.
Of trees, geese and cirripedes: Man's quest for understanding
Authors: Buckeridge John 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAt least zoologists know that barnacles are arthropods rather than mollusks. However, this knowledge is surprisingly new, for it was as recent as 1830 before J. Vaughan Thompson showed, through a careful study of barnacle larvae, that they were crustaceans. In the 1850s, Charles Darwin unraveled much of the taxonomy of barnacles, and, significantly, his observations and classification of them follow the structure that was to be published later as his evolutionary theory. Irrespective of these works, knowledge of the systematic placement of barnacles remains surprisingly poor in the wider population today, with most non‐biologists viewing barnacles as shallow‐water fouling organisms related to oysters and limpets. The present paper reviews the way humans have perceived barnacles for at least a millennium; it evaluates why they were thought to have grown from trees and to have been part of the life cycle of birds; it concludes by contemplating the manner in which we perceive our environment and by doing so try to make sense of our world.
Axogenesis in the central and peripheral nervous system of the amphipod crustacean Orchestia cavimana
Authors: UNGERER Petra , GEPPERT Maria , WOLFF Carsten 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe describe the formation of the major axon pathways in the embryonic central and peripheral nervous systems of the amphipod crustacean Orchestia cavimana Heller, 1865 by means of antibody staining against acetylated alpha‐tubulin. The data add to a long list of previous studies of various other aspects of development in Orchestia and provide a basis for future studies of neurogenesis on a deeper cellular and molecular level. Orchestia exhibits a tripartite dorsal brain, which is a characteristic feature of euarthropods. Its anlagen are the first detectable structures in the developing nervous system and can be traced back to distinct neuronal cell clusters in the early embryo. The development of the ventral nervous system proceeds with an anteroposterior gradient of development. In each trunk segment, the longitudinal connectives and the anterior commissure form first, followed by the intersegmental nerve, the posterior commissure and segmental nerves, respectively. A single commissure of a vestigial seventh pleonal segment is found. In the peripheral nervous system we observe a spatial and temporal pattern of leg innervation, which is strikingly similar in both limb types, the uniramous pereopods and the biramous pleopods. A proximal leg nerve splitting distally into two separated nerves probably reflects a general feature of crustaceans.
Life history pattern and fitness of an endangered Hainan Eld's deer population
Authors: NIE Haiyan , SONG Yanling , ZENG Zhigao , ZHANG Qiong 
Published: March 2011

AbstractUnderstanding life history patterns, individual fitness and population fitness can assist with conservation of endangered species. Field data on life history traits (i.e. age specific fecundity, age specific mortality, age at first reproduction, litter size and adult life expectancy) were collected from 121 Hainan Eld's deer (Cervus eldi hainanus Thomas, 1918), an in situ herd of an endemic, rare and endangered cervid inhabiting Bangxi Natural Reserve of Hainan Island, from 1990 to 2002. First, we constructed a dynamic life table to analyze the life history pattern of the population, which showed that the difference between the average lifespan of males and females was not significant (P > 0.05), and that the difference between the average lifespan of the whole Hainan Eld's deer population and that of other Eld's deer populations living in South Asia (P > 0.05), North America (P > 0.05) and Europe (P > 0.05) was not significant. Second, we used individual reproductive success or number of offspring of a male over its lifetime to estimate male individual fitness. Statistic analysis showed that male individual fitness was not significantly correlated with total antler velvet mass. Third, we used the population intrinsic rate of increase to measure population fitness, and population fitness of Hainan Eld's deer was compared with similar indexes of 5 other cervid species. Hainan Eld's deer population fitness index was 0.012, the second lowest value relative to other cervids. Results indicated that this rare species is still endangered and is in need of additional protection.
Photodegradation of Folate Sensitized by Riboflavin
Authors: Scurachio Regina S. , Skibsted Leif H. , Metzker Gustavo , Cardoso Daniel R. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractFolate is shown to react with singlet‐excited state of riboflavin in a diffusion controlled reaction and with triplet‐excited state of riboflavin in a somewhat slower reaction with 3kq = 4.8 × 108 L mol−1 s−1 in aqueous phosphate buffer at pH 7.4, ionic strength of 0.2 mol L−1, and 25°C. Singlet quenching is assigned as photo‐induced reductive electron transfer from ground state folate to singlet‐excited riboflavin, while triplet quenching is assigned as one‐electron transfer rather than hydrogen atom transfer from folate to triplet‐excited riboflavin, as the reaction quantum yield, φ = 0.32, is hardly influenced by solvent change from water to deuterium oxide, φ = 0.37. Cyclic voltammetry showed an irreversible two‐electron anodic process for folate, E = 1.14 V versus NHE at a scan‐rate of 50 mV s−1, which appears to be kinetically controlled by the heterogeneous electron transfer from the substrates to the electrode. Main products of folate photooxidation sensitized by riboflavin were pterin‐6‐carboxylic acid and p‐aminobenzoyl‐l‐glutamic acid as shown by liquid chromatographic ion‐trap mass spectrometry (LC‐IT‐MS).
Women, Gender, and Economic Crisis Revisited
Authors: Moghadam Valentine M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractA gender perspective is brought to bear on the global financial crisis and economic recession that began in 2008, and on the social effects of the crisis. References also are made to earlier crises to highlight the role played by gender in economic relations. The article offers a critique of the economic model, forms of economic decision-making, and capitalist hyper-masculinities that generated the present crisis, and calls for new thinking and new policies predicated on welfare and caregiving.
Is There an Economic Basis for Working Class Solidarity in the Current Crises?
Authors: Rothenberg Mel 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe economic crises that unfolded in 2008 is leading to a long term world wide stagnation, a permanent recession which will ultimately eat away at profit levels and bring into question the viability of capitalism. The response to this by capital is the developing systematic attack on the organizations and living standards of the working class in the advanced capitalist world, particularly on public sector workers. This opens up the possibility of a revived world wide working class movement provided the deep differences and contradictions discussed in this article undermining international working class solidarity can be overcome.
Influence of NAFTA on Current US Economy
Authors: Sands Steven K. , Thakkar Bharat S. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe current unemployment rate in US is around 10 percent and is significantly lower in Mexico. The regional trade agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) were intended to ease and ultimately reduce barriers to allow businesses to flourish in North America, but current economic conditions are having a negative effect on export, import, and many of the economic indices. This paper describes the relationship between NAFTA’s execution and the general health of the current economy. It is suggested that the time is ripe to review and analyze NAFTA’s effectiveness in managing the current economy, globalization trends and challenges.
Conversion and Midrash: On Proselytes and Sympathisers with Judaism in Leviticus Rabbah
Authors: Maciá Lorena Miralles 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe homiletical commentary Leviticus Rabbah is proof of the interest that proselytism aroused among the Sages. Indeed, this Midrash includes several citations regarding converts to Judaism in general, as a collective with similar characteristics, as well as others about specific figures who became proselytes or at the least sympathisers. This paper analyses the texts relating to this matter in order to answer the following questions: what is the impression of proselytes as a well-known group that is transmitted by the Rabbis in a work dating back to fifth-century C.E. Palestine, taking into account that Christianity had already become the religion of the Empire? Were they accepted as a part of the true Israel? What type of individuals converted to Judaism according to the Sages? Were they notable figures or anonymous people? Were they biblical or contemporary characters? This study will contribute some answers in order to understand how the Rabbis tackled this phenomenon at a time when even specific decrees existed against this practice and when the Church was taking a decisive role against it.
Nickel-catalyzed Cycloadditions of Benzoxazinones with Alkynes: Synthesis of Quinolines and Quinolones
Authors: Maizuru Nobuyoshi , Inami Tasuku , Kurahashi Takuya , Matsubara Seijiro 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
A nickel-catalyzed cycloaddition has been developed where readily available benzoxazinones react with alkynes to afford substituted quinolines or quinolones. The specific cycloaddition can be achieved by tuning a substituent on C2 of benzoxazinone in favor of the formation of quinolines or quinolones selectively.
TGFβ1 suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell motility by expression of N-cadherin
Authors: Nuessle Johannes M. , Giehl Klaudia , Herzog Rosa , Stracke Sylvia , Menke Andre 
Published: March 2011

AbstractNeointimal formation in atheromatous blood vessels is associated with both growth factor-induced differentiation of smooth muscle cells and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ)-signaling is well known to play a critical role in the regulation of vessel remodeling as well as in atherosclerosis and restenosis. Here, we investigated the role of TGFβ1 and N-cadherin on the differentiation and migration of human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). TGFβ1-treatment of cultured VSMC reduced their migratory activity as determined in cell migration assays. This reduced migration correlated with increased concentration of N-cadherin on mRNA and protein level. The TGFβ1-induced increase of N-cadherin was sensitive against pharmacological inhibition of the ALK5 TGFβ receptor and was accompanied by TGFβ1-induced expression of the transcription factor snail1. Activation of N-cadherin by using a HAV-containing peptide of N-cadherin also decreased the migration of VSMC. N-cadherin-mediated suppression of VSMC migration was associated with an increased activity of RhoA, which is activated by binding of the HAV peptide to N-cadherin. Our results demonstrate that TGFβ1 induces the differentiation of primary VSMC cells by Smad2/3-dependent up-regulation of the transcription factor snail1 and subsequently of N-cadherin, leading to inhibition of VSMC migration by RhoA-dependent modulation of the actin cytoskeleton.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress, the unfolded protein response, and gene network modeling in antiestrogen resistant breast cancer
Authors: Clarke Robert , Shajahan Ayesha N. , Wang Yue , Tyson John J. , Riggins Rebecca B. , Weiner Louis M. , Bauman William T. , Xuan Jianhua , Zhang Bai , Facey Caroline , Aiyer Harini , Cook Katherine , Hickman F. Edward , Tavassoly Iman , Verdugo Anael , Chen Chun , Zwart Alan , Wärri Anni , Hilakivi-Clarke Leena A. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Lack of understanding of endocrine resistance remains one of the major challenges for breast cancer researchers, clinicians, and patients. Current reductionist approaches to understanding the molecular signaling driving resistance have offered mostly incremental progress over the past 10 years. As the field of systems biology has begun to mature, the approaches and network modeling tools being developed and applied therein offer a different way to think about how molecular signaling and the regulation of crucial cellular functions are integrated. To gain novel insights, we first describe some of the key challenges facing network modeling of endocrine resistance, many of which arise from the properties of the data spaces being studied. We then use activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) following induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress in breast cancer cells by antiestrogens, to illustrate our approaches to computational modeling. Activation of UPR is a key determinant of cell fate decision-making and regulation of autophagy and apoptosis. These initial studies provide insight into a small subnetwork topology obtained using differential dependency network analysis and focused on the UPR gene XBP1. The XBP1 subnetwork topology incorporates BCAR3, BCL2, BIK, NF-κB, and other genes as nodes; the connecting edges represent the dependency structures among these nodes. As data from ongoing cellular and molecular studies become available, we will build detailed mathematical models of this XBP1-UPR network.
A new concept of endometriosis and adenomyosis: tissue injury and repair (TIAR)
Authors: Leyendecker Gerhard , Wildt Ludwig 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Pelvic endometriosis, deeply infiltrating endometriosis and uterine adenomyosis share a common pathophysiology and may be integrated into the physiological mechanism and new nosological concept of ‘tissue injury and repair’ (TIAR) and may, in this context, just represent the extreme of a basically physiological, estrogen-related mechanism that is pathologically exaggerated in an extremely estrogen-sensitive reproductive organ. The acronym TIAR describes a fundamental and apparently ubiquitous biological system that becomes operative in mesenchymal tissues following tissue injury and, upon activation, results in the local production of estradiol. Endometriosis and adenomyosis are caused by trauma. In the spontaneously developing disease, chronic uterine peristaltic activity or phases of hyperperistalsis induce, at the endometrial-myometrial interface near the fundo-cornual raphe, microtraumatisations, with activation of the TIAR mechanism. With ongoing traumatisations, such sites of inflammation might accumulate and the increasingly produced estrogens interfere in a paracrine fashion with ovarian control over uterine peristaltic activity, resulting in permanent hyperperistalsis and a self-perpetuation of the disease process. Overt autotraumatisation of the uterus with dislocation of fragments of basal endometrium into the peritoneal cavity and infiltration of basal endometrium into the depth of the myometrial wall ensues. In most cases of endometriosis/adenomyosis a causal event early in the reproductive period of life must be postulated, rapidly leading to archimetral hyperestrogenism and uterine hyperperistalsis. In late premenopausal adenomyosis such an event might not have occurred. However, as indicated by the high prevalence of the disease, it appears to be unavoidable that, with time, chronic normoperistalsis throughout the reproductive period of life accumulates to the same extent of microtraumatisation. With activation of the TIAR mechanism followed by chronic inflammation and infiltrative growth, endometriosis/adenomyosis of the younger woman and premenopausal adenomyosis share in principal the same pathophysiology.
Pharmacokinetics, tolerability and cycle control of three transdermal contraceptive delivery systems containing different doses of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel
Authors: Stanczyk Frank Z. , Rubin Arkady , Flood Lisa , Foegh Marie 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background: The only available contraceptive patch, Ortho Evra®, delivers a relatively high dose of estrogen.

Materials and methods: Three transdermal contraceptive delivery systems (TCDS) containing low doses of ethinylestradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LNG) were evaluated in two open-label randomized trials. In a phase 1, two-period, cross-over trial, AG200-12.5 and AG200LE were compared with a 150 μg LNG/30 μg EE oral contraceptive (OC) (Levlen®) in 39 women. In a phase 2, parallel-group, multicenter, three-cycle study, AG200LE, AG200-12.5 and a higher-dose formulation, AG200-15, were evaluated in 123 women.

Results: In Study 1, mean steady-state plasma concentrations (C
ss, pg/mL) for the TCDS were 17 pg/mL to 26 pg/mL for EE and 1117 pg/mL to 1505 pg/mL for LNG (for AG200LE and AG200-12.5 respectively). Maximum concentration (C
max) and Css for both analytes were significantly lower than for Levlen. In both studies, the C
ss levels for EE and LNG in all groups were within the ranges reported for low-dose OCs. Cycle control for AG200-15, assessed by breakthrough bleeding and spotting episodes as well as number of days of unscheduled bleeding and/or spotting, was similar to that reported for low-dose OCs. Most adverse events were considered mild to moderate in intensity. The incidence of patches falling off was <2%.

Conclusions: All three patches exhibited excellent safety and wearability profiles while maintaining plasma drug levels required for ovulation suppression and adequate cycle control. A slight increase in the EE dose in AG200-15 still places this TCDS within the range of low-dose OCs, with EE exposure much lower than reported for Ortho Evra. AG200-15 was selected for further testing in phase 3 studies.