bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of first year adherence to antiretroviral therapy on long‐term clinical and immunological outcomes in the DART trial in Uganda and Zimbabwe
Authors: Kiwuwa‐Muyingo S. , Walker A. S. , Oja H. , Levin J. , Miiro G. , Katabira E. , Kityo C. , Hakim J. , Todd J. ,   the DART Trial Team
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectives  To describe associations between different summaries of adherence in the first year on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the subsequent risk of mortality, to identify patients at high risk because of early adherence behaviour.Methods  We previously described an approach where adherence behaviour at successive clinic visits during the first year on ART was seen as a Markov chain (MC), and the individually estimated transition probabilities between ‘good’, ‘poor’ and ‘non‐response’ adherence states were used to classify HIV‐infected adults in the DART trial into subgroups with similar behaviour. The impact of this classification and classifications based on traditional ‘averaged’ measures [mean drug possession ratio (DPR) and self‐reported adherence] were compared in terms of their impact on longer‐term mortality over the 2–5 years on ART using Cox proportional hazards models.Results  Of 2960 participants in follow‐up after 1 year on ART, 29% had never missed pills in the last month and 11% had 100% DPR throughout the first year. The poorest adherers by self‐reported measures were more likely to have only none/primary education (P < 0.01). Being in the poorest adherence subgroup by MC and DPR was independently associated with increased mortality [HR = 1.57 (95% CI 1.02, 2.42); 1.82 (1.32, 2.51) respectively].Conclusions  Classification based on dynamic adherence behaviour is associated with mortality independently of DPR. The classifications could be useful in understanding adherence, targeting focused interventions and improving longer‐term adherence to therapy.
Morphological Characteristics of the Vallate Papillae of the One‐Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: El Sharaby A. A. , Alsafy M. A. , El‐Gendy S. A. , Wakisaka S. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryIn this study, the morphology of the vallate papillae of camel was investigated using gross, light and scanning electron microscopy as well as immunohistochemistry. Vallate papillae were arranged along an identical line on each side of the lingual torus and revealed remarkable individual differences. However, each papilla – round or flat, small or large, single or paired – was surrounded by a prominent groove and an annular pad. Based on our findings, postnatal development and formation of new papillae occur in camel. Microscopically, taste buds were constantly observed along the medial wall epithelium, and in the papillary wall epithelium on both sides of the secondary groove apparently separating the vallate papillae. In addition, an aggregation of taste buds was occasionally observed at the bottom of the lateral wall epithelium. Using SEM, we observed several pits and microplicae on the surface of papillae as well as distinct taste pores on the peripheral parts of the dorsal surface. We demonstrated immunoreactivity of α‐gustducin only in mature taste buds. We conclude that the morphological features and microstructure of vallate papillae are a characteristic feature in camel compared to other ruminants. These features might have evolved to assist the camel in the manipulation and tasting of thin organic stiff plants that grow in its environment and therefore might have related to the feeding habits of the animal.
Expression and Characterization of Constitutive Heat Shock Protein 70.1 (HSPA‐1A) Gene in In Vitro Produced and In Vivo‐Derived Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Embryos
Authors: Sharma GT , Nath A , Prasad S , Singhal S , Singh N , Gade NE , Dubey PK , Saikumar G 
Published: April 2012

ContentsCells are blessed with a group of stress protector molecules known as heat shock proteins (HSPs), amongst them HSP70, encoded by HSPA‐1A gene, is most abundant and highly conserved protein. Variety of stresses hampers the developmental competence of embryos under in vivo and in vitro conditions. Present work was designed to study the quantitative expression of HSPA‐1A mRNA in immature oocytes (IMO), matured oocytes (MO), in vitro produced (IVP) and in vivo‐derived (IVD) buffalo embryos to assess the level of stress to which embryos are exposed under in vivo and in vitro culture conditions. Further, HSPA‐1A gene sequence was analysed to determine its homology with other mammalian sequences. The mRNA expression analysis was carried out on 72 oocytes (40 IMO; 32 MO), 76 IVP and 55 IVD buffalo embryos. Expression of HSPA‐1A was found in oocytes and throughout the developmental stages of embryos examined irrespective of the embryo source; however, higher (p < 0.05) expression was observed in 8–16 cell, morula and blastocyst stages of IVP embryos as compared to IVD embryos. Phylogenetic analysis of bubaline HSPA‐1A revealed that it shares 91–98% identity with other mammalian sequences. It can be concluded that higher level of HSPA‐1A mRNA in IVP embryos in comparison with in vivo‐derived embryos is an indicator of cellular stress in IVP system. This study suggests need for further optimization of in vitro culture system in which HSPA‐1A gene could be used as a stress biomarker during pre‐implantation development.
Contrast‐induced nephropathy: Protective role of fenoldopam
Authors: Caixeta Adriano , Dogan Ozgen , Weisz Giora 
Published: April 2012

Summary

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) often occurs after contrast media‐related procedures and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The acute renal failure observed after administration of contrast media is usually transient but, in some cases, it can be severe enough to lead to permanent renal damage with life‐long dialysis.

Except for saline hydration, no other treatment has been shown to have a consistent benefit in protecting against CIN. Despite sound physiological and pharmacological bases, intravenous infusion of fenoldopam does not prevent CIN.

Initial studies have shown the safety of and favourable results with direct infusion of fenoldopam into the renal arteries using the Benephit renal infusion system (FlowMedica‐AngioDynamics, Latham, NY, USA). These results are encouraging and suggest that intrarenal delivery of fenoldopam has an advantage in patients with a high risk of developing CIN.

A randomized controlled study comparing intrarenal fenoldopam with placebo is warranted.
Systematics and diversification of Praomys species (Rodentia: Muridae) endemic to the Cameroon Volcanic Line (West Central Africa)
Authors: Missoup Alain D. , Nicolas Violaine , Wendelen Wim , Keming Ernest , Bilong Bilong Charles F. , Couloux Arnaud , Atanga Ekobo , Hutterer Rainer , Denys Christiane 
Published: April 2012

Missoup, A.D., Nicolas, V., Wendelen, W., Keming, E., Bilong Bilong, C.F., Couloux, A., Atanga, E., Hutterer, R. & Denys, C. (2012). Systematics and diversification of Praomys species (Rodentia: Muridae) endemic to the Cameroon Volcanic Line (West Central Africa). —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 327–345.Our integrative approach combines two mitochondrial genes (16S and cyt b gene), two nuclear genes (exon 10 GHR and exon 1 IRBP) and craniometrical data to test the status and to infer phylogenetic relationships of the three Praomys Cameroon Volcanic Line endemics (P. hartwigi, P. morio and P. obscurus). The taxonomic rank of the principal genus group is assessed and the mode of diversification of species of the P. tullbergi complex in Afrotropical forests is discussed based on estimates of times to the most recent common ancestors and on tree topologies. This study documents for the first time the molecular and morphometrical distinctiveness of P. hartwigi and P. morio within the P. tullbergi species complex. Further studies including specimens of P. hartwigi from all its distribution range are needed to conclude on the status of P. obscurus. The monophyly of the genus Praomys is refuted. Times to the most recent common ancestors of major clades within the P. tullbergi species complex are estimated for the last 2.5 Mya and during the last 1 or 2 Mya for different species or forms. The lowland forest refuge hypothesis might well explain the diversification of P. misonnei, P. rostratus and P. tullbergi in the guineo‐congolese forest block. The isolation of montane forests could have facilitated the divergence between the two montane forest forms P. hartwigi and P. obscurus and between populations of P. morio from the continent and those from the island of Bioko. Praomys populations (species) that inhabit the Cameroon Volcanic Line Praomys probably originated as lowland forms subsequently specialized to highland conditions.
Biogeographic constraints on the world‐wide leaf economics spectrum
Authors: Heberling J. Mason , Fridley Jason D. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTAim  The world‐wide leaf economic spectrum (LES) describes tight coordination of leaf traits across global floras, reported to date as being largely independent of phylogeny and biogeography. Here, we present and test an alternative, historical perspective that predicts that biogeography places significant constraints on global trait evolution. These hypothesized constraints could lead to important deviations in leaf trait relationships between isolated floras that were influenced by different magnitudes of genetic constraint and selection.Location  Global, including floristic regions of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, eastern North America, East Asia (EAS), the Hawaiian Islands and tropical mainland floras.Methods  We use a large leaf‐trait database (GLOPNET) and species native distribution data to test for variation in leaf trait relationships modulated by floristic region, controlling for climatic differences. Standardized major axis analyses were used to evaluate biogeographic effects on bivariate relationships between LES traits, including relationships of photosynthetic capacity and dark respiration rate (Amass–Rd‐mass), leaf lifespan and mass per area ratio (LL–LMA), and photosynthetic capacity and nitrogen content (Amass–Nmass).Results  Independent of climate or biome, floras of different evolutionary histories exhibited different leaf trait allometries. Floras of the Northern Hemisphere exhibited greater rates of return on resource investment (steeper slopes for the trait relationships analysed), and the more diverse temperate EAS flora exhibited greater slopes or intercepts in leaf trait relationships, with the exception of the Amass–Nmass relationship. In contrast to our hypothesis, plants of the floristically isolated Hawaiian Islands exhibited a similar Amass–Nmass relationship to those of mainland tropical regions.Main conclusions  Differences in leaf trait allometries among global floristic regions support a historical perspective in understanding leaf trait relationships and suggest that independent floras can exhibit different tradeoffs in resource capture strategies.
THE EFFECT OF GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON ECONOMIC GROWTH: TESTING THE NON‐LINEAR HYPOTHESIS
Authors: Christie Tamoya 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTTheoretical models suggest a non‐linear relationship between government size and long‐run economic growth. However, testing this hypothesis empirically in cross‐country studies is complicated by the endogeneity of government spending and the accurate identification of inflexion points. This paper examines the non‐linear hypothesis by incorporating threshold analysis in a cross‐country growth regression. The methodology utilizes a sample‐splitting framework and follows an objective strategy for identifying and testing changes in the slope. The results provide evidence in support of the non‐linear hypothesis for a broad panel of countries.
Integrating Multiple Social Statuses in Health Disparities Research: The Case of Lung Cancer
Authors: Williams David R. , Kontos Emily Z. , Viswanath K. , Haas Jennifer S. , Lathan Christopher S. , MacConaill Laura E. , Chen Jarvis , Ayanian John Z. 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveTo illustrate the complex patterns that emerge when race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and gender are considered simultaneously in health care disparities research and to outline the needed research to understand them by using disparities in lung cancer risks, treatment, and outcomes as an example.Principal FindingsSES, gender, and race/ethnicity are social categories that are robust predictors of variations in health and health services utilization. These are usually considered separately, but intersectionality theory indicates that the impact of each depends on the others. Each reflects historically and culturally contingent variations in social, economic, and political status. Distinct patterns of risk and resilience emerge at the intersections of multiple social categories and shape the experience of health, health care access, utilization, quality, and outcomes where these categories intersect. Intersectional approaches call for greater attention to understand social processes at multiple levels of society and require the collection of relevant data and utilization of appropriate analytic approaches to understand how multiple risk factors and resources combine to affect the distribution of disease and its management.ConclusionsUnderstanding how race/ethnicity, gender, and SES are interactive, interdependent, and social identities can provide new knowledge to enhance our efforts to effectively address health disparities.
Chondroprotective and anti‐inflammatory role of melanocortin peptides in TNF‐α activated human C‐20/A4 chondrocytes
Authors: Kaneva Magdalena K , Kerrigan Mark JP , Grieco Paolo , Curley G Paul , Locke Ian C , Getting Stephen J 
Published: April 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEMelanocortin MC1 and MC3 receptors, mediate the anti‐inflammatory effects of melanocortin peptides. Targeting these receptors could therefore lead to development of novel anti‐inflammatory therapeutic agents. We investigated the expression of MC1 and MC3 receptors on chondrocytes and the role of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) and the selective MC3 receptor agonist, [DTRP8]‐γ‐MSH, in modulating production of inflammatory cytokines, tissue‐destructive proteins and induction of apoptotic pathway(s) in the human chondrocytic C‐20/A4 cells.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHEffects of α‐MSH, [DTRP8]‐γ‐MSH alone or in the presence of the MC3/4 receptor antagonist, SHU9119, on TNF‐α induced release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, apoptotic pathway(s) and cell death in C‐20/A4 chondrocytes were investigated, along with their effect on the release of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10.KEY RESULTSC‐20/A4 chondrocytes expressed functionally active MC1,3 receptors. α‐MSH and [DTRP8]‐γ‐MSH treatment, for 30 min before TNF‐α stimulation, provided a time‐and‐bell‐shaped concentration‐dependent decrease in pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐8) release and increased release of the chondroprotective and anti‐inflammatory cytokine, IL‐10, whilst decreasing expression of MMP1, MMP3, MMP13 genes.α‐MSH and [DTRP8]‐γ‐MSH treatment also inhibited TNF‐α‐induced caspase‐3/7 activation and chondrocyte death. The effects of [DTRP8]‐γ‐MSH, but not α‐MSH, were abolished by the MC3/4 receptor antagonist, SHU9119.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSActivation of MC1/MC3 receptors in C‐20/A4 chondrocytes down‐regulated production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and cartilage‐destroying proteinases, inhibited initiation of apoptotic pathways and promoted release of chondroprotective and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Developing small molecule agonists to MC1/MC3 receptors could be a viable approach for developing chondroprotective and anti‐inflammatory therapies in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
What Protects Rejected Adolescents From Also Being Bullied by Their Peers? The Moderating Role of Peer‐Valued Characteristics
Authors: Knack Jennifer M. , Tsar Vasilinka , Vaillancourt Tracy , Hymel Shelley , McDougall Patricia 
Published: April 2012

Adolescents rejected by peers are often targets of bullying. However, peer rejection is not a sure path to victimization. We examined whether characteristics valued by peers (i.e., attractiveness, wealth, academic, and athletic ability) moderated the relationship between peer rejection and victimization. We predicted rejected adolescents high on peer‐valued characteristics (PVCs) would receive fewer nominations for being victimized than adolescents with lower levels. Canadian students in Grades 6–10 (N = 549; Mage = 13.32, SD = 1.50) provided peer nominations for peer victimization, rejection, attractiveness, wealth, and academic and athletic competence. As hypothesized, each PVC moderated the relationship between peer rejection and peer victimization. No sex differences were found. This study demonstrates the buffering effects of nonbehavioral characteristics valued by peers.
Sequential technology implementation, network externalities, and risk: the case of automatic milking systems
Authors: Sauer Johannes , Zilberman David 
Published: April 2012

AbstractUsing random effects and mixed effects probit regression techniques, this empirical study investigates factors for technology adoption at the firm level. We account for problems of sequential technology implementation and behavior identification. Results underscore the importance of risks faced by the agents, the effects of network externalities and peer‐group learning, and the positive influence of previous firm‐specific innovation experiences.
Identification and functional screening of microRNAs highly deregulated in colorectal cancer
Authors: Faltejskova Petra , Svoboda Marek , Srutova Klara , Mlcochova Jitka , Besse Andrej , Nekvindova Jana , Radova Lenka , Fabian Pavel , Slaba Katerina , Kiss Igor , Vyzula Rostislav , Slaby Ondrej 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a robust regulatory network with post‐transcriptional regulatory efficiency for almost one half of human coding genes, including oncogenes and tumour suppressors. We determined the expression profile of 667 miRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and paired non‐tumoural tissues and identified 42 differentially expressed miRNAs. We chose miR‐215, miR‐375, miR‐378, miR‐422a and miR‐135b for further validation on an independent cohort of 125 clinically characterized CRC patients and for in vitro analyses. MiR‐215, miR‐375, miR‐378 and miR‐422a were significantly decreased, whereas miR‐135b was increased in CRC tumour tissues. Levels of miR‐215 and miR‐422a correlated with clinical stage. MiR‐135b was associated with higher pre‐operative serum levels of CEA and CA19‐9. In vitro analyses showed that ectopic expression of miR‐215 decreases viability and migration, increases apoptosis and promotes cell cycle arrest in DLD‐1 and HCT‐116 colon cancer cell lines. Similarly, overexpression of miR‐375 and inhibition of miR‐135b led to decreased viability. Finally, restoration of miR‐378, miR‐422a and miR‐375 inhibited G1/S transition. These findings indicate that miR‐378, miR‐375, miR‐422a and miR‐215 play an important role in CRC as tumour suppressors, whereas miR‐135b functions as an oncogene; both groups of miRNA contribute to CRC pathogenesis.
The mitigation effects of exogenous melatonin on salinity‐induced stress in Malus hupehensis
Authors: Li Chao , Wang Ping , Wei Zhiwei , Liang Dong , Liu Changhai , Yin Lihua , Jia Dongfeng , Fu Mingyang , Ma Fengwang 
Published: April 2012

Abstract: As an indoleamine molecule, melatonin mediates many physiological processes in plants. We investigated its role in regulating growth, ion homeostasis, and the response to oxidative stress in Malus hupehensis Rehd. under high‐salinity conditions. Stressed plants had reduced growth and a marked decline in their net photosynthetic rates and chlorophyll contents. However, pretreatment with 0.1 μm melatonin significantly alleviated this growth inhibition and enabled plants to maintain an improved photosynthetic capacity. The addition of melatonin also lessened the amount of oxidative damage brought on by salinity, perhaps by directly scavenging H2O2 or enhancing the activities of antioxidative enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and peroxidase. We also investigated whether melatonin might control the expression of ion‐channel genes under salinity. Here, MdNHX1 and MdAKT1 were greatly up‐regulated in the leaves, which possibly contributed to the maintenance of ion homeostasis and, thus, improved salinity resistance in plants exposed to exogenous melatonin.
10‐Year Survival and Success Rates of 511 Titanium Implants with a Sandblasted and Acid‐Etched Surface: A Retrospective Study in 303 Partially Edentulous Patients
Authors: Buser Daniel , Janner Simone F. M. , Wittneben Julia‐Gabriela , Brägger Urs , Ramseier Christoph A. , Salvi Giovanni E. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTPurpose: This retrospective study assessed the 10‐year outcomes of titanium implants with a sandblasted and acid‐etched (SLA) surface in a large cohort of partially edentulous patients.Materials and Methods: Records of patients treated with SLA implants between May 1997 and January 2001 were screened. Eligible patients were contacted and invited to undergo a clinical and radiologic examination. Each implant was classified according to strict success criteria.Results: Three hundred three patients with 511 SLA implants were available for the examination. The mean age of the patients at implant surgery was 48 years. Over the 10‐year period, no implant fracture was noted, whereas six implants (1.2%) were lost. Two implants (0.4%) showed signs of suppuration at the 10‐year examination, whereas seven implants had a history of peri‐implantitis (1.4%) during the 10‐year period, but presented with healthy peri‐implant soft tissues at examination. The remaining 496 implants fulfilled the success criteria. The mean Plaque Index was 0.65 (±0.64), the mean Sulcus Bleeding Index 1.32 (±0.57), the mean Probing Depth 3.27 mm (±1.06), and the mean distance from the implant shoulder to the mucosal margin value −0.42 mm (±1.27). The radiologic mean distance from the implant shoulder to the first bone‐to‐implant contact was 3.32 mm (±0.73).Conclusion: The present retrospective analysis resulted in a 10‐year implant survival rate of 98.8% and a success rate of 97.0%. In addition, the prevalence of peri‐implantitis in this large cohort of orally healthy patients was low with 1.8% during the 10‐year period.