bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water‐Extractable Nonstarch Polysaccharide Distribution in Pilot Milling Analysis of Soft Winter Wheat
Authors: Souza Edward J. , Guttieri Mary J. , Sneller Clay 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTCommercial wheat (Triticum aestivum em. Thell) flour milling produces flour streams that differ in water absorption levels because of variability in protein concentration, starch damaged by milling, and nonstarch polysaccharides. This study characterized the distribution of water‐extractable (WE) nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) in long‐flow pilot‐milling streams of soft wheat to model flour quality and genetic differences among cultivars. Existing reports of millstream analysis focus on hard wheat, which breaks and reduces differently from soft wheat. Seven soft winter wheat genotypes were milled on a pilot‐scale mill that yields three break flour streams, five reduction streams, and two resifted streams. Protein concentration increased linearly through the break streams. WENSP concentration was low and similar in the first two break streams, which are the largest break streams. Flour recovery decreased exponentially through the reduction streams; flour ash and water‐extractable glucose and galactose polymers increased exponentially through the reduction streams. Protein concentration and WE xylan concentration increased linearly through the reduction streams. The ratio of arabinose to xylose in WE arabinoxylan (WEAX) decreased through the reduction streams, and response varied among the genotypes. Flour ash was not predictive of stream composition among genotypes, although within genotypes, ash and other flour components were correlated when measured across streams. The second reduction flour stream was the largest contributor to straight‐grade flour WEAX because of both the size of the stream and the concentration of WEAX in the stream.
Population pharmacokinetics and maximum a posteriori probability Bayesian estimator of abacavir: application of individualized therapy in HIV‐infected infants and toddlers
Authors: Zhao Wei , Cella Massimo , Della Pasqua Oscar , Burger David , Jacqz‐Aigrain Evelyne ,   on behalf of Pediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA) 15 study group
Published: October 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Abacavir is used to treat HIV infection in both adults and children. The recommended paediatric dose is 8 mg kg−1 twice daily up to a maximum of 300 mg twice daily.• Weight was identified as the central covariate influencing pharmacokinetics of abacavir in children.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• A population pharmacokinetic model was developed to describe both once and twice daily pharmacokinetic profiles of abacavir in infants and toddlers.• Standard dosage regimen is associated with large interindividual variability in abacavir concentrations.• A maximum a posteriori probability Bayesian estimator of AUC0–t based on three time points (0, 1 or 2, and 3 h) is proposed to support area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) targeted individualized therapy in infants and toddlers.AIMS To develop a population pharmacokinetic model for abacavir in HIV‐infected infants and toddlers, which will be used to describe both once and twice daily pharmacokinetic profiles, identify covariates that explain variability and propose optimal time points to optimize the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) targeted dosage and individualize therapy.METHODS The pharmacokinetics of abacavir was described with plasma concentrations from 23 patients using nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling (NONMEM) software. A two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination was developed. The final model was validated using bootstrap, visual predictive check and normalized prediction distribution errors. The Bayesian estimator was validated using the cross‐validation and simulation–estimation method.RESULTS The typical population pharmacokinetic parameters and relative standard errors (RSE) were apparent systemic clearance (CL) 13.4 l h−1 (RSE 6.3%), apparent central volume of distribution 4.94 l (RSE 28.7%), apparent peripheral volume of distribution 8.12 l (RSE14.2%), apparent intercompartment clearance 1.25 l h−1 (RSE 16.9%) and absorption rate constant 0.758 h−1 (RSE 5.8%). The covariate analysis identified weight as the individual factor influencing the apparent oral clearance: CL = 13.4 × (weight/12)1.14. The maximum a posteriori probability Bayesian estimator, based on three concentrations measured at 0, 1 or 2, and 3 h after drug intake allowed predicting individual AUC0–t.CONCLUSIONS The population pharmacokinetic model developed for abacavir in HIV‐infected infants and toddlers accurately described both once and twice daily pharmacokinetic profiles. The maximum a posteriori probability Bayesian estimator of AUC0–t was developed from the final model and can be used routinely to optimize individual dosing.
Can AIDS stigma be reduced to poverty stigma? Exploring Zimbabwean children's representations of poverty and AIDS
Authors: Campbell C. , Skovdal M. , Mupambireyi Z. , Madanhire C. , Robertson L. , Nyamukapa C. A. , Gregson S. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjective  We use children's drawings to investigate social stigmatization of AIDS‐affected and poverty‐affected children by their peers, in the light of suggestions that the stigmatization of AIDS‐affected children might derive more from the poverty experienced by these children than from their association with AIDS.Methods  A qualitative study, in rural Zimbabwe, used draw‐and‐write techniques to elicit children's (10–12 years) representations of AIDS‐affected children (n= 30) and poverty‐affected children (n= 33) in 2009 and 2010 respectively.Results  Representations of children affected by AIDS and by poverty differed significantly. The main problems facing AIDS‐affected children were said to be the psychosocial humiliations of AIDS stigma and children's distress about sick relatives. Contrastingly, poverty‐affected children were depicted as suffering from physical and material neglect and deprivation. Children affected by AIDS were described as caregivers of parents whom illness prevented from working. This translated into admiration and respect for children's active contribution to household survival. Poverty‐affected children were often portrayed as more passive victims of their guardians' inability or unwillingness to work or to prioritize their children's needs, with these children having fewer opportunities to exercise agency in response to their plight.Conclusions  The nature of children's stigmatization of their AIDS‐affected peers may often be quite distinct from poverty stigma, in relation to the nature of suffering (primarily psychosocial and material respectively), the opportunities for agency offered by each affliction, and the opportunities each condition offers for affected children to earn the respect of their peers and community. We conclude that the particular nature of AIDS stigma offers greater opportunities for stigma reduction than poverty stigma.
Facebook: an effective tool for participant retention in longitudinal research
Authors: Mychasiuk R. , Benzies K. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground  Facebook is currently one of the world's most visited websites, and home to millions of users who access their accounts on a regular basis. Owing to the website's ease of accessibility and free service, demographic characteristics of users span all domains. As such, Facebook may be a valuable tool for locating and communicating with participants in longitudinal research studies. This article outlines the benefit gained in a longitudinal follow‐up study, of an intervention programme for at‐risk families, through the use of Facebook as a search engine.Results  Using Facebook as a resource, we were able to locate 19 participants that were otherwise ‘lost’ to follow‐up, decreasing attrition in our study by 16%. Additionally, analysis indicated that hard‐to‐reach participants located with Facebook differed significantly on measures of receptive language and self‐esteem when compared to their easier‐to‐locate counterparts.Conclusions  These results suggest that Facebook is an effective means of improving participant retention in a longitudinal intervention study and may help improve study validity by reaching participants that contribute differing results.
Immunoglobulin E‐binding autoantigens: biochemical characterization and clinical relevance
Authors: Crameri R. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryAlthough immediate‐Type I skin reactions to human dander have been described six decades ago, only the recent application of molecular biology to allergology research allowed fast and detailed characterization of IgE‐binding autoantigens. These can be functionally subdivided into three classes: (1) self‐antigens with sequence homology to environmental allergens belonging to the class of phylogenetically conserved proteins, (2) self‐antigens without sequence homology to known environmental allergens, and (3) chemically modified self‐antigens deriving from workplace exposure. As environmental allergens, also IgE‐binding autoantigens belong to different protein families without common structural features that would explain their IgE‐binding capability. Many of the self‐antigens showing sequence homology to environmental allergens, are phylogenetically conserved proteins like manganese dependent superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin or cyclopilin. Their IgE‐binding capability can be explained by molecular mimicry resulting from shared B‐cell epitopes. A common factor of IgE‐binding self‐antigens without sequence homology to known environmental allergens is that they elicit IgE responses only in individuals suffering from long‐lasting atopic diseases. In contrast, IgE‐mediated reactions to modified self‐antigens might be explained with the generation of novel B‐cell epitopes. Chemically modified self‐antigens are likely to be recognized as non‐self by the immune system. The clinical relevance of IgE responses to self‐antigens remains largely unclear. Well documented is their ability to induce immediate Type I skin reactions in vivo, and to induce mediator release from effector cells of sensitized individuals in vitro. Based on these observations it is reasonable to assume that IgE‐mediated cross‐linking of FcRIε receptors on effector cells can elicit the same symptoms as those induced by environmental allergens, and this could explain exacerbations of chronic allergic diseases in the absence of external exposure. However, because most of the described IgE‐binding self‐antigens are intracellular proteins normally not accessible for antigen–antibody interactions, local release of the antigens is required to explain the induction of symptoms.
‘Insulin autoantibody affinity measurement using a single concentration of unlabelled insulin competitor discriminates risk in relatives of patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Curnock R M , Reed C R , Rokni S , Broadhurst J W , Bingley P J , Williams A J K 
Published: October 2011

Summary
Development of high-risk combinations of multiple islet autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes is associated with high-affinity insulin autoantibodies (IAA), but IAA affinity measurements require large serum volumes. We therefore investigated whether a simplified method of IAA affinity measurement using a low concentration of unlabelled insulin (ULI) competitor discriminated between moderate–high- and low-affinity IAA and identified individuals at highest risk of disease. Samples were assayed by radiobinding microassay using high (4·0 × 10−5 mol/l) and low (7 × 10−9 mol/l) ULI concentrations for competitive displacement in three cohorts of IAA-positive individuals; (1) 68 patients with newly-diagnosed type 1 diabetes; (2) 40 healthy schoolchildren; and (3) 114 relatives of patients with type 1 diabetes followed prospectively for disease development (median follow-up 13 years). IAA results obtained with low ULI were expressed as a percentage of those obtained with high ULI and this was used to classify samples as low or moderate–high affinity (0–50% and &gt;50%, respectively). Sixty-eight patient samples were positive with high and 67 (99%) with low ULI. Forty schoolchildren were IAA-positive with high and 22 (55%) with low ULI (P &lt; 0·001). Of the relatives, 113 were positive with high and 83 (73%) with low ULI (P &lt; 0·001). In relatives, moderate–high affinity IAA were associated with multiple islet antibodies (P &lt; 0·001) and greater diabetes risk than low affinity IAA (P &lt; 0·001). A single low concentration of ULI competitor can act as a surrogate for complex IAA affinity measurements and identifies those IAA-positive relatives at highest risk of disease progression.
Cytokine profile and induction of T helper type 17 and regulatory T cells by human peripheral mononuclear cells after microbial exposure
Authors: Donkor O N , Ravikumar M , Proudfoot O , Day S L , Apostolopoulos V , Paukovics G , Vasiljevic T , Nutt S L , Gill H 
Published: October 2011

SummaryThe immunomodulatory effects of probiotics were assessed following exposure of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), cord blood cells and the spleen-derived monocyte/macrophage cell line CRL-9850 to Lactobacillus acidophilus LAVRI-A1, Lb. rhamnosus GG, exopolysaccharides (EPS)-producing Streptococcus thermophilus St1275, Bifidobacteriun longum BL536, B. lactis B94 and Escherichia coli TG1 strains. The production of a panel of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by PBMC following bacterial stimulation was measured, using live, heat-killed or mock gastrointestinal tract (GIT)-exposed bacteria, and results show that (i) all bacterial strains investigated induced significant secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines from PBMC-derived monocytes/macrophages; and (ii) cytokine levels increased relative to the expansion of bacterial cell numbers over time for cells exposed to live cultures. Bifidobacteria and S. thermophilus stimulated significant concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, an interleukin necessary for the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Treg)/T helper type 17 (Th17) cells and, as such, the study further examined the induction of Th17 and Treg cells after PBMC exposure to selected bacteria for 96 h. Data show a significant increase in the numbers of both cell types in the exposed populations, measured by cell surface marker expression and by cytokine production. Probiotics have been shown to induce cytokines from a range of immune cells following ingestion of these organisms. These studies suggest that probiotics' interaction with immune-competent cells produces a cytokine milieu, exerting immunomodulatory effects on local effector cells, as well as potently inducing differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells.
Trend changes in global greening and browning: contribution of short‐term trends to longer‐term change
Authors: de Jong Rogier , Verbesselt Jan , Schaepman Michael E. , de Bruin Sytze 
Published: October 2011

AbstractField observations and time series of vegetation greenness data from satellites provide evidence of changes in terrestrial vegetation activity over the past decades for several regions in the world. Changes in vegetation greenness over time may consist of an alternating sequence of greening and/or browning periods. This study examined this effect using detection of trend changes in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) satellite data between 1982 and 2008. Time series of 648 fortnightly images were analyzed using a trend breaks analysis (BFAST) procedure. Both abrupt and gradual changes were detected in large parts of the world, especially in (semi‐arid) shrubland and grassland biomes where abrupt greening was often followed by gradual browning. Many abrupt changes were found around large‐scale natural influences like the Mt Pinatubo eruption in 1991 and the strong 1997/98 El Niño event. The net global figure – considered over the full length of the time series – showed greening since the 1980s. This is in line with previous studies, but the change rates for individual short‐term segments were found to be up to five times higher. Temporal analysis indicated that the area with browning trends increased over time while the area with greening trends decreased. The Southern Hemisphere showed the strongest evidence of browning. Here, periods of gradual browning were generally longer than periods of gradual greening. Net greening was detected in all biomes, most conspicuously in croplands and least conspicuously in needleleaf forests. For 15% of the global land area, trends were found to change between greening and browning within the analysis period. This demonstrates the importance of accounting for trend changes when analyzing long‐term NDVI time series.
Parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone‐related peptide receptor 1 expression in odontogenic cystic lesions
Authors: Lima A. C. , Fregnani E. R. , Silva‐Sousa Y. T. C. , da Cruz Perez D. E. 
Published: October 2011

Lima AC, Fregnani ER, Silva‐Sousa YTC, da Cruz Perez DE. Parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone‐related peptide receptor 1 (PTHR1) expression in odontogenic cystic lesions. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 209–214, 2012.AbstractAim  To evaluate parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone‐related peptide receptor 1 (PTHR1) expression in odontogenic cystic lesions and to compare immunoexpression between the lesions.Methodology  Thirty‐five radicular cysts, 22 dentigerous cysts and 17 keratocystic odontogenic tumours were evaluated. Immunohistochemical reactions against PHTR1 were carried out in 3‐μm histological sections, and the expression and the intensity of PTHR1 expression were evaluated. For statistical analysis, the Fisher exact test was used, with a significance of 5%.Results  The intensity of expression in the epithelial lining was significantly weaker in the radicular cyst (P = 0.007). However, in the fibrous capsule, the radicular cyst presented higher positivity for PTHR1 (P = 0.04).Conclusions  The probable co‐expression of PTHrP and PTHR1 in odontogenic cystic lesions may eventually have an autocrine and/or paracrine stimulus in the epithelial and mesenchymal cells, inducing proliferation and lesion growth.
Gain of chromosome arm 1q in atypical meningioma correlates with shorter progression‐free survival
Authors: Jansen M. , Mohapatra G. , Betensky R. A. , Keohane C. , Louis D. N. 
Published: October 2011

M. Jansen, G. Mohapatra, R. A. Betensky, C. Keohane and D. N. Louis (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 213–219Gain of chromosome arm 1q in atypical meningioma correlates with shorter progression‐free survivalAims: Atypical (World Health Organization grade II) meningiomas have moderately high recurrence rates; even for completely resected tumours, approximately one‐third will recur. Post‐operative radiotherapy may aid local control and improve survival, but carries the risk of side effects. More accurate prediction of recurrence risk is therefore needed for patients with atypical meningioma. Previously, we used high‐resolution array comparative genomic hybridization to identify genetic variations in 47 primary atypical meningiomas and found that approximately 60% of tumours show gain of 1q at 1q25.1 and 1q25.3 to 1q32.1 and that 1q gain appeared to correlate with shorter progression‐free survival. This study aimed to validate and extend these findings in an independent sample. Methods: Eighty‐six completely resected atypical meningiomas (with 25 recurrences) from two neurosurgical centres in Ireland were identified and clinical follow‐up was obtained. Utilizing a dual‐colour interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization assay, 1q gain was assessed using Bacterial Artificial Chromosome probes directed against 1q25.1 and 1q32.1. Results: The results confirm the high prevalence of 1q gain at these loci in atypical meningiomas. We further show that gain at 1q32.1 and age each correlate with progression‐free survival in patients who have undergone complete surgical resection of atypical meningiomas. Conclusions: These independent findings suggest that assessment of 1q copy number status can add clinically useful information for the management of patients with atypical meningiomas.
Selective Increase in Blood Dendritic Cell Antigen‐3‐Positive Dendritic Cells in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Allergic Patients
Authors: Kayserova J. , Zentsova‐Jaresova I. , Budinsky V. , Rozkova D. , Kopecka J. , Vernerova E. , Pohunek P. , Skalicka V. , Spisek R. , Sediva A. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) are specific antigen‐presenting cells that play critical roles in the initiation and polarization of immune responses. DCs residing in the lungs might be detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). We analysed DC compartment in the peripheral blood and BALF of patients with allergy and in controls. Plasmacytoid and four distinct subsets of myeloid DCs [characterized by the expression of blood dendritic cell antigen (BDCA)‐1+ and ‐3+ and CD16 positivity or negativity] were detected in both tested compartments. We further evaluated the expression of C‐type lectins [mannose receptor (MR), dendritic cell‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule‐3‐grabbing non‐integrin (DC‐SIGN) and dendritic and epithelial cells (DEC)‐205] relevant to the pathogenesis of asthma. Interestingly, we found a selective increase in the frequency of myeloid DC‐expressing BDCA‐3 and MR particularly in BALF from allergic patients. Specific and highly statistically significant increase in BDCA‐3+ and/or MR+ DCs brings a novel characteristic to BAL analysis in allergic patients.
MicroRNAs: Emerging Regulators of Immune‐Mediated Diseases
Authors: Tomankova T. , Petrek M. , Gallo J. , Kriegova E. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent the most abundant class of regulators of gene expression in humans: they regulate one‐third of human protein‐coding genes. These small noncoding ∼22‐nucleotides (nt)‐long RNAs originate by multistep process from miRNA genes localized in the genomic DNA. To date, more than 1420 miRNAs have been identified in humans (miRBase v17). The main mechanism of miRNA action is the posttranscriptional regulation via RNA interference with their target mRNAs. The majority of target mRNAs (more than 80%) undergo degradation after recognition by complementary miRNA; the translational inhibition with little or no influence on mRNA levels has been also reported. Each miRNA may suppress multiple mRNA targets (average ∼200), and at the same time, one mRNA can be targeted by many miRNAs enabling to control a spectrum wide range of cellular processes. Recently, the role of miRNAs in the development of immune cells and the maintenance of immune system homeostasis gained attention, and the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of several immune system diseases has emerged. This review focuses on the role of miRNAs in autoimmune disorders (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis), inflammatory pathologies of distinct organ (atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis and atopic eczema) and/or systemic locations such as allergy. The role of miRNAs, their predicted and known mRNA targets and description of their actions in physiological immune reactions and in the pathological processes ongoing in immune‐mediated human disorders will be discussed. Finally, miRNA‐based diagnostics and therapeutic potentials will be highlighted.