bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dose‐dependent mesothelioma induction by intraperitoneal administration of multi‐wall carbon nanotubes in p53 heterozygous mice
Authors: Takagi Atsuya , Hirose Akihiko , Futakuchi Mitsuru , Tsuda Hiroyuki , Kanno Jun 
Published: April 2012

Among various types of multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are those containing fibrous particles longer than 5 μm with an aspect ratio of more than three (i.e. dimensions similar to mesotheliomagenic asbestos). A previous study showed that micrometer‐sized MWCNT (μm‐MWCNT) administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 3000 μg/mouse corresponding to 1 × 109 fibers per mouse induced mesotheliomas in p53 heterozygous mice. Here, we report a dose‐response study; three groups of p53 heterozygous mice (n = 20) were given a single intraperitoneal injection of 300 μg/mouse of μm‐MWCNT (corresponding to 1 × 108 fibers), 30 μg/mouse (1 × 107) or 3 μg/mouse (1 × 106), respectively, and observed for up to 1 year. The cumulative incidence of mesotheliomas was 19/20, 17/20 and 5/20, respectively. The severity of peritoneal adhesion and granuloma formation were dose‐dependent and minimal in the lowest dose group. However, the time of tumor onset was apparently independent of the dose. All mice in the lowest dose group that survived until the terminal kill had microscopic atypical mesothelial hyperplasia considered as a precursor lesion of mesothelioma. Right beneath was a mononuclear cell accumulation consisting of CD45‐ or CD3‐positive lymphocytes and CD45/CD3‐negative F4/80 faintly positive macrophages; some of the macrophages contained singular MWCNT in their cytoplasm. The lesions were devoid of epithelioid cell granuloma and fibrosis. These findings were in favor of the widely proposed mode of action of fiber carcinogenesis, that is, frustrated phagocytosis where the mesotheliomagenic microenvironment on the peritoneal surface is neither qualitatively altered by the density of the fibers per area nor by the formation of granulomas against agglomerates. (Cancer Sci, doi: 10.1111/j.1349‐7006.2012.02318.x, 2012)
Identification of new Potato virus Y (PVY) molecular determinants for the induction of vein necrosis in tobacco
Authors: FAUREZ FLORENCE , BALDWIN THOMAS , TRIBODET MICHEL , JACQUOT EMMANUEL 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYTwo tobacco vein necrosis (TVN) determinants, the residues K400 and E419, have been identified previously in the helper component‐protease (HC‐Pro) protein sequence of Potato virus Y (PVY). However, since their description, non‐necrotic PVY isolates with both K400 and E419 necrotic determinants have been reported in the literature. This suggests the presence in the viral genome of other, as yet uncharacterized, TVN determinant(s). The identification of PVYN pathogenicity determinants was approached through the replacement of genomic regions of the necrotic PVYN‐605 infectious clone by corresponding sequences from the non‐necrotic PVYO‐139 isolate. Series of PVYN/O chimeras and site‐directed PVY mutants were constructed to test the involvement of different parts of the PVY genome (from nucleotide 421 to nucleotide 9629) in the induction of TVN symptoms. The analysis of both the genomic characteristics and biological properties of these mutants made it possible to highlight the involvement, in addition to residues K400 and E419, of the residue N339 of the HC‐Pro protein and two regions in the cytoplasmic inclusion (CI) protein to nuclear inclusion protein a‐protease (NIa‐Pro) sequence (nucleotides 5496–5932 and 6233–6444) in the induction of vein necrosis in tobacco infected by PVY isolates.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in severe autoimmune diseases: analysis of UK outcomes from the British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BSBMT) data registry 1997–2009
Authors: Snowden John A. , Pearce Rachel M. , Lee Julia , Kirkland Keiren , Gilleece Maria , Veys Paul , Clark Richard E. , Kazmi Majid , Abinun Mario , Jackson Graham H. , Mackinnon Stephen , Russell Nigel H. , Cook Gordon ,   on behalf of the BSBMT Clinical Trials Committee
Published: April 2012

SummaryThe British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation Data Registry was used to analyse outcomes of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in severe autoimmune diseases (SADs) from 1997 to 2009. 55 autologous and 15 allogeneic HSCT were registered (0·22% of overall UK HSCT activity). Sustained responses were observed following HSCT, although toxicity was significant. This is the first reported national analysis of long‐term outcomes of HSCT in SADs, and should be viewed in the context of translational and developmental phases of HSCT in poor prognosis and refractory SADs. Treatment of poor‐risk but reversible SADs with adequate fitness for HSCT in accordance with current guidelines is warranted.
Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of combined elastosonography and BRAF analysis vs cytology and ultrasonography for thyroid nodule suspected of malignancy
Authors: Nacamulli Davide , Nico Lorena , Barollo Susi , Zambonin Laura , Pennelli Giammaria , Girelli Maria Elisa , Casal Ide Eric , Pelizzo Maria Rosa , Vianello Federica , Negro Isabella , Watutantrige‐Fernando Sara , Mantero Franco , Rugge Massimo , Mian Caterina 
Published: April 2012

SummaryObjectiveDiagnosing thyroid nodules preoperatively using traditional diagnostic tools – ultrasonography (US) and cytology – still carries a considerable degree of uncertainty, and surgery is recommended for a far from negligible number of patients simply for diagnostic purposes. Thyroid elastosonography (USE) and BRAF analysis have recently proved useful in detecting thyroid malignancies. The aim of this study is to establish whether combining USE and BRAF testing ameliorates preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodule candidates for intervention by conventional approaches, thereby avoiding the need for diagnostic surgical procedures.Design and PatientsWe retrospectively analysed the files of 155 consecutive patients with 164 nodules, all assessed by ultrasonography, cytology, USE and BRAF testing, who underwent thyroid surgery.ResultsOf the 164 nodules, 74 (45%) were benign and 90 (55%) were malignant at final histology. Combining ultrasonography and cytology identified 21 (13%) as benign, 93 (57%) as malignant or probably malignant and 50 (30%) as ‘suspended’ (when the combined test was not able to classify the node as benign or malignant) with a 99% sensitivity, 28% specificity, 63% PPV, 95% NPV and 67% accuracy. Combining USE and BRAF testing indicated that 59 (36%) were benign, 74 (45%) were malignant and 31 (19%) were in a ‘suspended’ category, with a 95% sensitivity, 74% specificity, 82% PPV, 93% NPV and 86% accuracy.ConclusionsIn assessing thyroid nodules suspected of malignancy, the combined analysis of USE and BRAF is equally sensitive and more specific than conventional procedures, achieving more accurate preoperative diagnoses than US and cytology combined. USE and BRAF analysis for thyroid nodule evaluation might reduce the number of unnecessary surgical procedures.
Parental history of type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic biomarkers in offspring
Authors: Abbasi Ali , Corpeleijn Eva , van der Schouw Yvonne T. , Stolk Ronald P. , Spijkerman Annemieke , van der A Daphne L. , Navis Gerjan , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Beulens Joline W. J. 
Published: April 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (9): 974–982AbstractBackground Parental history of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with cardiometabolic risk. We aimed to investigate the associations of parental history of T2D with cardiometabolic biomarkers and to subsequently investigate to what extent these putative associations were explained by modifiable factors.Materials and methods Cross‐sectionally, we analysed a random sample of 2001 participants without T2D (20–70 years) from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition–Netherlands (EPIC‐NL). Plasma levels of 12 biomarkers – total, HDL and LDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides, HbA1c, gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparate aminotransferase (AST), albumin, uric acid, creatinine and high‐sensitivity CRP (hs‐CRP) – were assessed according to categories of parental history of T2D.Results In age and sex–adjusted analyses, offspring with parental history of T2D had significantly higher ALT [β = 0·074; 95% confidence interval (95%CI), 0·023–0·126] and AST levels (β = 0·033; 95%CI, 0·001 to 0·066) and a trend towards higher HbA1c (β = 0·011; 95%CI, −0·001 to 0·024) and GGT (β = 0·049; 95%CI, −0·015 to 0·112) levels. Adjustment for diet, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity and educational level modestly attenuated the magnitude of these associations, but they remained significant for ALT and borderline significant for AST. After further adjustment for adiposity, additional attenuation was observed, but the association remained significant for ALT. Only maternal history of T2D was associated with higher ALT levels. T2D in both parents was associated with increased levels of all liver enzymes, but the association remained significant for GGT after adjustment for adiposity. Overall, the modifiable factors explained 21·2–45·4% of these associations. The contribution of adiposity was 18·2–38·9%.Conclusion We conclude that parental history of T2D was associated with higher non‐fasting levels of liver enzymes in a general population without T2D. Adiposity substantially contributed to these associations. The contribution of diet and lifestyle factors was modest.
Metaphors used by in‐service training nurses for in‐service training nurses in Turkey
Authors: Kaya Hülya , Işik Burçin , Çalişkan Figen 
Published: April 2012

kaya h., işik b. & çalişkan f. (2012) Metaphors used by in‐service training nurses for in‐service training nurses in Turkey. Journal of Advanced Nursing69(2), 404–414. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2648.2012.06019.xAbstractAim.  To report a study conducted using a qualitative and quantitative study pattern with an aim to reveal the perceptions of in‐service training nurses about in‐service training nurses via metaphors.Background.  The in‐service training nurse assumes great responsibility in the effective and efficient implementation of the educational activities in healthcare. In line with this, determining the perceptions of the in‐service training nurses about in‐service training nurses via metaphors and taking this into consideration in professional activities are important in terms of developing, changing, or questioning the perspectives of the in‐service training nurses about their roles and developing their own training nurse identity.Design.  This article was designed as qualitative and quantitative study pattern.Methods.  The population of the study included 93 in‐service training nurses. Data were collected between June–September 2009. To collect data, each in‐service training nurse was asked to complete the blanks in the sentence, ‘The in‐service training nurse is like a/an.....................because..................’ The data were analysed using qualitative (content analysis) and quantitative (chi‐square) data analysis methods.Findings.  According to the findings of the study, the in‐service training nurses identified 59 metaphors in total. The metaphors were grouped under nine conceptual categories depending on the characteristics they had in common. In cognitive image of the in‐service training nurses relating to the concept of in‐service training nurse, the outstanding conceptual category was the in‐service training nurse as a knowledge provider.Conclusion.  The metaphors can be used as a strong research tool in understanding, revealing and explaining the cognitive images of the in‐service training nurses.
Asymmetric reproductive interference between specialist and generalist predatory ladybirds
Authors: Noriyuki Suzuki , Osawa Naoya , Nishida Takayoshi 
Published: April 2012

Summary1. Closely related species often differ greatly in the quality and breadth of resources exploited, but the actual mechanisms causing these differences are poorly understood. Because in the laboratory specialized species often survive and perform as well or better on host species that are never utilized in nature, negative ecological interactions restricting host range must exist. Here, we focused on reproductive interference, which has been theoretically predicted to drive niche separation between closely related species with overlapping mating signals.2. We examined the interspecific sexual interactions in relation to ecological specialization and generalization in two sibling ladybird species,Harmonia yedoensisandHarmonia axyridis.Harmonia yedoensisis a specialist predator that preys only on pine aphids, which are highly elusive prey for ladybird hatchlings, whereasH. axyridisis a generalist predator with a broad prey and habitat range.3. We experimentally showed that conspecific sperm fertilized the vast majority of eggs regardless of mating order (i.e. conspecific sperm precedence) when a female ofH. yedoensisorH. axyridismated with both a conspecific and a heterospecific male. Moreover, we demonstrated that mating opportunities ofH. yedoensisfemales strongly decreased as heterospecific density increased relative to conspecific density. In contrast, inH. axyridis, female mating success was high regardless of conspecific or heterospecific density.4. Our results suggest that the generalistH. axyridisshould be dominant to the specialistH. yedoensisin terms of reproductive interference. Our results support the hypothesis that asymmetric reproductive interference from the dominant species may force the non‐dominant species to become a specialist predator that exclusively utilizes less preferred prey in nature.
A low prevalence of mycobacteria in freshwater fish from water reservoirs, ponds and farms
Authors: Mrlik V , Slany M , Kubecka J , Seda J , Necas A , Babak V , Slana I , Kriz P , Pavlik I 
Published: April 2012

AbstractA survey of the occurrence of mycobacteria was conducted from 717 freshwater fish (25 species) in two water reservoirs, five ponds and two farms in the Czech Republic. A total of 2182 tissue samples from these fish were examined using the conventional culture method. Thirteen mycobacterial isolates were obtained from 12 (1.7%) fish belonging to nine species. Isolates were identified using sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene as: Mycobacterium algericum, M. fortuitum, M. gordonae, M. insubricum, M. kumamotonense, M. nonchromogenicum, two isolates of M. peregrinum, M. terrae and M. triplex. Mycobacteria were isolated more frequently from fish skin and gills than from internal organs or muscles.
A ‘learning platform’ approach to outcome measurement in fragile X syndrome: a preliminary psychometric study
Authors: Hall S. S. , Hammond J. L. , Hirt M. , Reiss A. L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground  Clinical trials of medications to alleviate the cognitive and behavioural symptoms of individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) are now underway. However, there are few reliable, valid and/or sensitive outcome measures available that can be directly administered to individuals with FXS. The majority of assessments employed in clinical trials may be suboptimal for individuals with intellectual disability (ID) because they require face‐to‐face interaction with an examiner, taxing administration periods, and do not provide reinforcement and/or feedback during the test. We therefore examined the psychometric properties of a new computerised ‘learning platform’ approach to outcome measurement in FXS.Method  A brief computerised test, incorporated into the Discrete Trial Trainer©– a commercially available software program designed for children with ID – was administered to 13 girls with FXS, 12 boys with FXS and 15 matched ID controls aged 10 to 23 years (mental age = 4 to 12 years). The software delivered automated contingent access to reinforcement, feedback, token delivery and prompting procedures (if necessary) on each trial to facilitate responding. The primary outcome measure was the participant's learning rate, derived from the participant's cumulative record of correct responses.Results  All participants were able to complete the test and floor effects appeared to be minimal. Learning rates averaged approximately five correct responses per minute, ranging from one to eight correct responses per minute in each group. Test–retest reliability of the learning rates was 0.77 for girls with FXS, 0.90 for boys with FXS and 0.90 for matched ID controls. Concurrent validity with raw scores obtained on the Arithmetic subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children‐III was 0.35 for girls with FXS, 0.80 for boys with FXS and 0.56 for matched ID controls. The learning rates were also highly sensitive to change, with effect sizes of 1.21, 0.89 and 1.47 in each group respectively following 15 to 20, 15‐min sessions of intensive discrete trial training conducted over 1.5 days.Conclusions  These results suggest that a learning platform approach to outcome measurement could provide investigators with a reliable, valid and highly sensitive measure to evaluate treatment efficacy, not only for individuals with FXS but also for individuals with other ID.
Identification of a Novel UTY‐Encoded Minor Histocompatibility Antigen
Authors: Mortensen B. K. , Rasmussen A. H. , Larsen M. E. , Larsen M. V. , Lund O. , Braendstrup P. , Harndahl M. , Rasmussen M. , Buus S. , Stryhn A. , Vindeløv L. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMinor histocompatibility antigens (mHags) encoded by the Y‐chromosome (H‐Y‐mHags) are known to play a pivotal role in allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) involving female donors and male recipients. We present a new H‐Y‐mHag, YYNAFHWAI (UTY139–147), encoded by the UTY gene and presented by HLA‐A*24:02. Briefly, short peptide stretches encompassing multiple putative H‐Y‐mHags were designed using a bioinformatics predictor of peptide‐HLA binding, NetMHCpan. These peptides were used to screen for peptide‐specific HLA‐restricted T cell responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained post‐HCT from male recipients of female donor grafts. In one of these recipients, a CD8+ T cell response was observed against a peptide stretch encoded by the UTY gene. Another bioinformatics tool, HLArestrictor, was used to identify the optimal peptide and HLA‐restriction element. Using peptide/HLA tetramers, the specificity of the CD8+ T cell response was successfully validated as being HLA‐A*24:02‐restricted and directed against the male UTY139–147 peptide. Functional analysis of these T cells demonstrated male UTY139–147 peptide‐specific cytokine secretion (IFNγ, TNFα and MIP‐1β) and cytotoxic degranulation (CD107a). In contrast, no responses were seen when the T cells were stimulated with patient tumour cells alone. CD8+ T cells specific for this new H‐Y‐mHag were found in three of five HLA‐A*24:02‐positive male recipients of female donor HCT grafts available for this study.
Conversion to sirolimus in pediatric renal transplant patients: A single‐center experience
Authors: Monteverde Marta L. , Ibañez Juan , Balbarrey Ziomara , Chaparro Alicia , Diaz Mario , Turconi Amalia 
Published: April 2012

Monteverde ML, Ibañez J, Balbarrey Z, Chaparro A, Diaz M, Turconi A. Conversion to sirolimus in pediatric renal transplant patients: A single‐center experience.Abstract:  We studied efficacy and safety of conversion from CNI‐ to SRL‐based immunosuppression in 92 kidney TX recipients, mainly due to CAN (69%). Median time of conversion was 31 months (r: 0.3–165); median time of follow‐up: 36 months (r: 2–102). In the whole group mean eGFR increased from 53 ± 22 to 67 ± 26 mL/min/1.73 m2 at three months (p = 0.02) and did not change subsequently. Patients with grade I CAN had higher eGFR than those with grade II CAN. Patient and graft survival was 96% and 70% 10 yr after conversion. Patients with grade I CAN had better graft survival than those with grade II CAN: 89% vs. 65% at six yr (p = 0.02) post conversion. There were two episodes of BPAR. Baseline proteinuria >20 mg/kg/day (HR: 10) and baseline eGFR <50 mL/min/1.73 m2 (HR: 8) were independent predictors of graft loss. Sixty‐seven of 92 subjects had ≥1 AEs: diarrhea (n = 52), urinary tract infections (n = 35), and lower respiratory tract infections (n = 12) were the most frequent. Patients with >2 AEs had SRL blood levels >9 ng/mL at month 3 (p = 0.01). In conclusion, patients converted from CNI to SRL had good graft survival and tolerable but frequent AEs. Independent predictors of graft loss were baseline proteinuria and eGFR.
Experimental evidence of early costs of reproduction in conspecific viviparous and oviparous lizards
Authors: BLEU J. , HEULIN B. , HAUSSY C. , MEYLAN S. , MASSOT M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractReproduction entails costs, and disentangling the relative importance of each stage of the reproductive cycle may be important to assess the costs and benefits of different reproductive strategies. We studied the early costs of reproduction in oviparous and viviparous lizard females of the bimodal reproductive species Zootoca vivipara. Egg retention time in oviparous females is approximately one‐third of the time in viviparous females. We compared the vitellogenesis and egg retention stages that are common to both reproductive modes. Precisely, we monitored the thermoregulatory behaviour, the weight gain and the immunocompetence of the females. Moreover, we injected an antigen in half of the females (immune challenge) to study the trade‐offs between reproductive mode and immune performance and between different components of the immune system. Finally, we experimentally induced parturition in viviparous females at the time of egg laying in oviparous females. Oviparous and viviparous females did not show strong differences in response to the immune challenge. However, viviparous females spent more time thermoregulating while partially hidden and gained more weight than oviparous females. The greater weight gain indicates that the initial period of egg retention is less costly for viviparous than for oviparous females or that viviparous females are able to save and accumulate energy at this period. This energy may be used by viviparous females to cope with the subsequent costs of the last two‐third of the gestation. Such an ability to compensate the higher costs of a longer egg retention period may account for the frequent evolution of viviparity in squamate reptiles.
Diversity of Cryphonectria parasitica in western Spain and identification of hypovirus‐infected isolates
Authors: Zamora P. , Martín A. B. , Rigling D. , Diez J. J. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryIsolates of the chestnut blight fungus Cryphonectria parasitica were obtained from 44 localities in four provinces in Western Spain and characterized for vegetative compatibility (vc) types, mating types and the presence of Cryphonectria hypovirus 1 (CHV1). Among the 1232 isolates recovered from chestnut blight cankers, 11 vc types were identified: five known vc types included in EU1 to EU74 (EU1, EU11, EU12, EU28 and EU66) and six unknown vc types (CL4, CL5 CL6, CL8, CL9 and CL10). The number of vc types found per province varied between two and seven. The vc type EU11 was present in all provinces and accounted for 48.9% of all isolates. EU1 was detected in three provinces and accounted for 39.1% of the isolates. The vc types EU12, EU66, CL5 and CL6 were present in one or two provinces and comprised between 2.4% and 3% of the isolates. The other vc types were represented by only one or very few isolates. The mating type MAT‐1 was largely dominant in the provinces Leon and Avila, while both mating types MAT‐1 and MAT‐2 were found in Salamanca and Zamora. Fourteen hypovirus‐infected C. parasitica isolates were found, nine were in vc type EU1 and five in EU11, and they were detected only in the province León. All isolates analysed contained the French hypovirus subtype CHV1‐F1.