bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disentangling invasion processes in a dynamic shipping–boating network
Authors: LACOURSIÈRE‐ROUSSEL ANAÏS , BOCK DAN G. , CRISTESCU MELANIA E. , GUICHARD FRÉDÉRIC , GIRARD PHILIPPE , LEGENDRE PIERRE , McKINDSEY CHRISTOPHER W. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe relative importance of multiple vectors to the initial establishment, spread and population dynamics of invasive species remains poorly understood. This study used molecular methods to clarify the roles of commercial shipping and recreational boating in the invasion by the cosmopolitan tunicate, Botryllus schlosseri. We evaluated (i) single vs. multiple introduction scenarios, (ii) the relative importance of shipping and boating to primary introductions, (iii) the interaction between these vectors for spread (i.e. the presence of a shipping‐boating network) and (iv) the role of boating in determining population similarity. Tunicates were sampled from 26 populations along the Nova Scotia, Canada, coast that were exposed to either shipping (i.e. ports) or boating (i.e. marinas) activities. A total of 874 individuals (c. 30 per population) from five ports and 21 marinas was collected and analysed using both mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) and 10 nuclear microsatellite markers. The geographical location of multiple hotspot populations indicates that multiple invasions have occurred in Nova Scotia. A loss of genetic diversity from port to marina populations suggests a stronger influence of ships than recreational boats on primary coastal introductions. Population genetic similarity analysis reveals a dependence of marina populations on those that had been previously established in ports. Empirical data on marina connectivity because of boating better explains patterns in population similarities than does natural spread. We conclude that frequent primary introductions arise by ships and that secondary spread occurs gradually thereafter around individual ports, facilitated by recreational boating.
Hepatitis B serological changes following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Teh B.W. , Slavin M.A. , Szer J. , Sasadeusz J.J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractHepatitis B (HBV) reverse seroconversion (RS) in immunocompromised patients with serological evidence of past HBV infection (hepatitis B surface antigen [sAg] negative, core antibody [cAb] positive) has been reported with increasing frequency following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo‐HSCT). We performed a retrospective review of serial HBV serological testing in patients who had undergone allo‐HSCT at our center between 2000 and 2006. We identified 12 patients with serological evidence of past HBV, including 1 case of RS. Although 7 of these 12 patients had no changes in serological markers detected after transplantation, 5 of them had declining levels of hepatitis B surface antibodies [sAb], with 2 to < 10 IU/mL. The remaining 4 patients with past HBV had loss of antiHBcAb. An additional 14 patients developed isolated antiHBcAb post allo‐HSCT in the setting of receiving HBV screened (HBsAg, antiHBcAb) negative donor stem cells. Monitoring of HBV serological markers (including antiHBsAb) and HBV DNA levels pre allo‐HSCT in recipients and donors, and post allo‐SCT in recipients, would allow early detection and treatment of RS and identify new acquisition of HBV.
An outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outpatients: good outcome without specific antiviral treatment
Authors: Mendes E.T. , Ramos J. , Peixoto D. , Dulley F. , Alves T. , Vilas Boas L.S. , Batista M.V. , da Silva D.P. , Levin A.S. , Shikanai‐Yasuda M.A. , Costa S.F. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of seasonal respiratory viral infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT) patients. The efficacy of treatment, however, remains controversial. We describe an outbreak of 31 cases of RSV that occurred in an HSCT outpatient care unit in the fall season from March through May 2010, with a good outcome without any specific antiviral treatment.MethodsDuring these 3 months, 222 nasal wash samples were tested and, of these, 31 outpatients were positive for RSV. In 2009, 99 samples had been tested and only 10 outpatients were positive for RSV in the same period.ResultsSeven (22.5%) patients had severe neutropenia (<500 cells/μL); severe lymphopenia (<200 cells/μL) was present in 13 (41.9%) patients, and 14 (45%) had received intravenous broad‐spectrum antibiotics. Hospitalization was necessary only for 8 patients (25.8%); 20 had lower respiratory tract infection (64.5%). Only 1 patient died as a result of proven invasive aspergillosis.ConclusionThis report suggests that HSCT outpatients with no risk factors may not always require specific treatment for RSV.
Social Citizenship and Social Security Fraud in the UK and Australia
Authors: McKeever Gráinne 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article examines the nature of social citizenship for social security claimants in the UK and Australia, focusing on claimants suspected or convicted of minor social security fraud. It argues that claimants are excluded from social citizenship and that social security fraud legislation reinforces this exclusion. It proposes that social citizenship be redefined to more closely mirror T. H. Marshall's vision of social citizenship, and suggests a new policy framework within which minor social security fraud could be decriminalized.
Risk factors in facial hyperpigmentation in Maghrebian population – a case–control study
Authors: Benchikhi H. , Atide N. , Jroundi I. , Humbert P. , Lakhdar H. 
Published: July 2012

SynopsisTriggering factors seem to be multiple in the pathogenesis of facial hyperpigmentation (FH), as dark skin types, pregnancy, sun exposure… The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for FH in Maghrebian population. Patients with FH were included in a case‐controlled study. Following data were recorded: age, sex, parity, phototype, FH and hormonal‐related history, endocrinological features, sunlight exposure, specific cultural behaviours, use of topic corticosteroids and sunscreens. One hundred women (mean age 29.5 ± 13.7 years) were included with 200 age‐matched controls. Duration of FH was 32.9 ± 42.2 months. There was a statistically significant relation between FH and hirsutism (P = 0.009), troubles of menstruations (P = 0.008), but not with acne (P = 0.23) and contraceptive oral (P = 0.06) drugs or with history of thyroid disorders (P = 0.13). For cultural factors, there were a statistical significant relation with rubbing by flannel glove (P < 0.05), use of dark soap (P = 0.009) and traditional masks (P < 0.05) but both groups were used to go to hammam. A strong relation was observed between FH and use of topical corticosteroids: 40% in the FH group vs. 5% in the control group (P < 0.05). Both groups used to apply sunscreens: 70% in the FH group and 67% in the control group where as there were no differences in the two groups for sun exposure. No statistical differences were observed regarding to age, phototypes and grade of parity. Our study demonstrated a relation between FH and hyperestrogenemia, rubbing with a friction glove, use of moroccan traditional masks and application of topical steroids. The eviction of all these triggering factors could be an adjuvant recommendation in the assessment of FH.
Irritable oppositional defiance and callous unemotional traits: is the association partially explained by peer victimization?
Authors: Barker Edward D. , Salekin Randall T. 
Published: July 2012

Background:  Irritability is a subdimension of ODD, which predicts mainly to internalizing disorders, and to a lesser extent, conduct problems and callous‐unemotional traits. Given that youth with similar dispositions as the irritable types – as well as youth high in callous‐unemotional (CU) traits – have both been reported to experience high levels of victimization by peers, the authors examined an extension of the failure model (Patterson & Capaldi, 1990): that irritability increases peer victimization, which, in turn, predicts both CU and internalizing symptoms.Sample:  Using data from 5,923 mother‐child pairs participating in The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, the authors tested the outcomes of internalizing difficulties and callous‐unemotional traits (based on mother report at age 13) via the predictors (at ages 8 and 10) of irritability (mother report) and the experience of peer victimization (youth report).Results:  Irritability and peer victimization (age 10) directly predicted both CU and internalizing difficulties (age 13). Contrary to strict interpretation of the failure model, the significant indirect pathway described peer victimization (age 8) as increasing irritability (age 10), which, in turn, increased both CU and internalizing difficulties (age 13).Conclusion:  Results suggest that – for youth with irritable dispositions – co‐occurring CU and internalizing difficulties can be acquired via adverse experiences in the social environment.
Uncoupling of eNOS causes superoxide anion production and impairs NO signaling in the cerebral microvessels of hph‐1 mice
Authors: Santhanam Anantha Vijay R. , d’Uscio Livius V. , Smith Leslie A. , Katusic Zvonimir S. 
Published: July 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 1211–1218.AbstractIn this study, we used the GTP cyclohydrolase I‐deficient mice, i.e., hyperphenylalaninemic (hph‐1) mice, to test the hypothesis that the loss of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in cerebral microvessels causes endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, resulting in increased superoxide anion production and inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide signaling. Both homozygous mutant (hph‐1−/−) and heterozygous mutant (hph‐1+/− mice) demonstrated reduction in GTP cyclohydrolase I activity and reduced bioavailability of BH4. In the cerebral microvessels of hph‐1+/− and hph‐1−/− mice, increased superoxide anion production was inhibited by supplementation of BH4 or NOS inhibitor‐ L‐ NG‐nitro arginine‐methyl ester, indicative of eNOS uncoupling. Expression of 3‐nitrotyrosine was significantly increased, whereas NO production and cGMP levels were significantly reduced. Expressions of antioxidant enzymes namely copper and zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, and catalase were not affected by uncoupling of eNOS. Reduced levels of BH4, increased superoxide anion production, as well as inhibition of NO signaling were not different between the microvessels of male and female mice. The results of our study are the first to demonstrate that, regardless of gender, reduced BH4 bioavailability causes eNOS uncoupling, increases superoxide anion production, inhibits eNOS/cGMP signaling, and imposes significant oxidative stress in the cerebral microvasculature.
What determines pine naturalization: species traits, climate suitability or forestry use?
Authors: McGregor Kirsty F. , Watt Michael S. , Hulme Philip E. , Duncan Richard P. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAimSpecies attributes, biogeographic features and human factors have all been shown to discriminate between invasive and non‐invasive plant species. However, the relative importance of these factors, their generality in determining invasion outcomes across different regions and their ability to discriminate success and failure at different stages of the invasion process have not been established.LocationNew Zealand (NZ) and Great Britain (GB).MethodsFor species in the genus
Pinus, we used boosted regression trees to identify factors associated with success or failure at the introduction and naturalization stages in each region.ResultsHuman factors, notably the forestry use index, were the strongest determinants of which species from the global pool were introduced to both NZ and GB. Species with a close climate match were also more likely to be introduced to NZ but not to GB. Human factors and climate match were also the strongest determinants of which introduced species became naturalized in both NZ and GB, although the order of importance differed (human factors followed by climate match for NZ and vice versa for GB). Species attributes (life‐history traits and the Z‐score) had much less ability to discriminate successful and failed species at both the introduction and naturalization stages in these two regions.Main conclusionsWe show for the first time that human factors are more important than either species or biogeographic traits in determining the likelihood of a species being introduced or becoming naturalized. The similarity between two different regions in the factors found to be important in success at both these invasions stages points to potentially general mechanisms underlying these processes. The strong human component to introduction and naturalization highlights a potential conflict between future afforestation using alien species with conservation and management aims in the surrounding landscape, given that the factors desirable for forestry species are also those that may promote invasion.
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor improves neovascularization by increasing circulating endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Huang Chun‐Yao , Shih Chun‐Ming , Tsao Nai‐Wen , Lin Yi‐Wen , Huang Po‐Hsun , Wu Shinn‐Chih , Lee Ai‐Wei , Kao Yung‐Ta , Chang Nen‐Chung , Nakagami Hironori , Morishita Ryuichi , Ou Keng‐Liang , Hou Wen‐Chi , Lin Cheng‐Yen , Shyu Kuo‐Gi , Lin Feng‐Yen 
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current methods used to treat critical limb ischaemia (CLI) are hampered by a lack of effective strategies, therefore, therapeutic vasculogenesis may open up a new field for the treatment of CLI. In this study we investigated the ability of the DPP‐4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, originally used as a hypoglycaemic agent, to induce vasculogenesis in vivo.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Sitagliptin were administered daily to C57CL/B6 mice and eGFP transgenic mouse bone marrow‐transplanted ICR mice that had undergone hindlimb ischaemic surgery. Laser Doppler imaging and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the degree of neovasculogenesis and circulating levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) respectively. Cell surface markers of EPCs and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in vessels were studied.KEY RESULTS Sitagliptin elevated plasma glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) levels in mice subjected to ischaemia, decreased plasma dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) concentration, and augmented ischaemia‐induced increases in stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) in a dose‐dependent manner. Blood flow in the ischaemic limb was significantly improved in mice treated with sitagliptin. Circulating levels of EPCs were also increased after sitagliptin treatment. Sitagliptin also enhanced the expression of CD 34 and eNOS in ischaemic muscle. In addition, sitagliptin promoted EPC mobilization and homing to ischaemic tissue in eGFP transgenic mouse bone marrow‐transplanted ICR mice.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Circulating EPC levels and neovasculogenesis were augmented by the DPP‐4 inhibitor, sitagliptin and this effect was dependent on an eNOS‐related pathway in a mouse model of hindlimb ischaemia. The results indicate that oral administration of sitagliptin has therapeutic potential as an inducer of vasculogenesis.
MCM7 expression predicts post‐operative prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Yan‐Ming , Zhang Xiao‐Feng , Cao Lu , Li Bin , Sui Cheng‐Jun , Li Yu‐Min , Yin Zheng‐Feng 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundDysregulation of minichromosome maintenance protein 7 (MCM7) was previously identified in multiple human malignancies. The clinical significance of MCM7 expression is yet to be delineated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsPaired cancerous and non‐cancerous specimens from 87 patients with HCC who underwent resection were used for the immunohistochemical evaluation of MCM7 expression. Effect of sorafenib on the expression of MCM7 was tested in two human HCC cell lines SMMC‐7721 and PLC/PRF/5.ResultsNon‐cancerous tissues were negative for immunohistochemical staining for MCM7 expression. Nuclear MCM7 was expressed in 42 of 87 HCC (48.2%) and was correlated with hepatitis B virus infection (P = 0.020), intrahepatic metastasis (P = 0.022) and vascular invasion (P = 0.013). Moreover, its expression was correlated with shorter overall survival (P = 0.033). Multivariate analysis showed that MCM7 expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival(P = 0.041). Sorafenib inhibited the expression of MCM7 in a concentration‐dependent manner in vitro.ConclusionsThe current findings suggested that MCM7 expression may be a useful predictor of prognosis in patients with HCC after resection. Adjuvant therapy with sorafenib might be a valuable therapeutic strategy for MCM7‐positive HCC patients.
Role of chemical processes on shear zone formation: an example from the Grimsel metagranodiorite (Aar massif, Central Alps)
Authors: GONCALVES P. , OLIOT E. , MARQUER D. , CONNOLLY J. A. D. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAlpine deformation in the Grimsel granodiorite (Aar massif, Central Alps) at greenschist facies conditions (6.5 ± 1 kbar for 450°C ± 25°C) is characterized by the development of a network of centimetre to decametre localized shear zones that surround lenses of undeformed granodiorite. Localization of deformation is assumed to be the result of a first stage of extreme localization on brittle precursors (nucleation stage) followed by a transition to ductile deformation and lateral propagation into the weakly deformed granodiorite (widening stage). A paradox of this model is that the development of the ductile shear zone is accompanied by the crystallization of large amounts of phyllosilicates (white mica and chlorite) that maintains a weak rheology in the localized shear zone relative to the host rock so that deformation is localized and prevents shear zone widening. We suggest that chemical processes, and more particularly, the metamorphic reactions and metasomatism occurring during re‐equilibration of the metastable magmatic assemblage induced shear zone widening at these P–T–X conditions. These processes (reactions and mass transfer) were driven by the chemical potential gradients that developed between the thermodynamically metastable magmatic assemblage at the edge of the shear zone and the stable white mica and chlorite rich ultramylonite formed during the first stage of shear zone due to localized fluid infiltration metasomatism. P–T and chemical potential projections and sections show that the process of equilibration of the wall rocks (μ–μ path) occurs via the reactions: kf + cz + ab + bio + MgO + H2O = mu + q + CaO + Na2O and cz + ab + bio + MgO + H2O = chl + mu + q + CaO + Na2O. Computed phase diagram and mass balance calculations predict that these reactions induce relative losses of CaO and Na2O of ∼100% and ∼40% respectively, coupled with hydration and a gain of ∼140% for MgO. Intermediate rocks within the strain gradient (ultramylonite, mylonite and orthogneiss) reflect various degrees of re‐equilibration and metasomatism. The softening reaction involved may have reduced the strength at the edge of the shear zone and therefore promoted shear zone widening. Chemical potential phase diagram sections also indicate that the re‐equilibration process has a strong influence on equilibrium mineral compositions. For instance, the decrease in Si‐content of phengite from 3.29 to 3.14 p.f.u, when white mica is in equilibrium with the chlorite‐bearing assemblage, may be misinterpreted as the result of decompression during shear zone development while it is due only to syn‐deformation metasomatism at the peak metamorphic condition. The results of this study suggest that it is critical to consider chemical processes in the formation of shear zones particularly when deformation affects metastable assemblages and mass transfer are involved.
Tissue changes of extraction sockets in humans: a comparison of spontaneous healing vs. ridge preservation with secondary soft tissue healing
Authors: Barone Antonio , Ricci Massimiliano , Tonelli Paolo , Santini Stefano , Covani Ugo 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIntroductionAs a consequence of extraction, the height of the buccal wall tends to decrease and results in the disappearance of bundle bone. To modify bone remodelling after extraction, various ridge preservation techniques have been proposed. The present research was drawn up with the following considerations in mind: to evaluate and to compare changes of hard and soft tissues in post‐extraction sockets which received a ridge preservation procedure, with post‐extraction sockets which had healed naturally.Materials and methodsEach patient was randomly allocated to a test or control group using a specific software package. After extraction, the sockets were carefully inspected and any granulation tissue was removed. The control sites received silk sutures to stabilize the clot without any grafting material. The test sites were grafted with corticocancellous porcine bone and a collagen membrane. All experimental sites had the membranes left exposed to the oral cavity with a secondary wound healing. The thickness of the buccal alveolar bone, if present, was carefully measured at the time of tooth extraction using a calliper at 1 mm from the edge of the wall. The following clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 4 months at implant placement: vertical bone changes, horizontal bone changes and width of keratinized gingiva. The length, diameter and need for additional bone augmentation were assessed for both groups at the time of implant insertion.ResultsThe control group showed vertical bone resorption of 1 ± 0.7 mm, 2.1 ± 0.6 mm, 1 ± 0.8 mm and 2 ± 0.73 mm at the mesial, vestibular, distal and lingual sites respectively. Moreover, changes in horizontal dimension showed an average resorption of 3.6 ± 0.72 mm. The test sites showed a horizontal bone remodelling of 0.3 ± 0.76 mm, 1.1 ± 0.96 mm, 0.3 ± 0.85 mm, 0.9 ± 0.98 mm at the mesial, vestibular, distal and lingual sites respectively. The horizontal bone resorption at the test sites was 1.6 ± 0.55 mm. The keratinized gingiva showed a coronal shift of 0.7 mm in the control group when compared to 1.1 mm in the test group. In addition, 42% of sites in the control group required an additional bone augmentation at implant placement, when compared to 7% in the test sites.ConclusionsThis study clearly points out that an alveolar ridge preservation technique performed with collagenated porcine bone and a resorbable membrane – according to the procedure reported in this study – was able to limit the contour changes after tooth extraction. Finally, the test sites showed a better preservation of facial keratinized tissue when compared to control sites; grafted sites allowed the placement of longer and wider implants when compared to implants inserted in non‐grafted sites.