bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduction of burn progression with topical delivery of (antitumor necrosis factor‐α)‐hyaluronic acid conjugates
Authors: Sun Liang Tso , Friedrich Emily , Heuslein Joshua L. , Pferdehirt Rachel E. , Dangelo Nicole M. , Natesan Shanmugasundaram , Christy Robert J. , Washburn Newell R. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn this study, we explored whether topical application of antibodies targeting tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) or interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) conjugated to hyaluronic acid (HA) could reduce the extension of necrosis by modulating inflammation locally in a partial‐thickness rat burn model. Partial‐thickness to deep partial‐thickness burn injuries present significant challenges in healing, as these burns often progress following the initial thermal insult, resulting in necrotic expansion and increased likelihood of secondary complications. Necrotic expansion is driven by a microenvironment with elevated levels of pro‐inflammatory mediators, and local neutralization of these using antibody conjugates could reduce burn progression. Trichrome‐stained tissue sections indicated the least necrotic tissue in (anti‐TNF‐α)‐HA‐treated sites, while (anti‐IL‐6)‐HA‐treated sites displayed similar outcomes to saline controls. This was confirmed by vimentin immunostaining, which demonstrated that HA treatment alone reduced burn progression by nearly 30%, but (anti‐TNF‐α)‐HA reduced it by approximately 70%. At all time points, (anti‐TNF‐α)‐HA‐treated sites showed reduced tissue levels of IL‐1β compared to controls, suggesting inhibition of a downstream mediator of inflammation. Decreased macrophage infiltration in (anti‐TNF‐α)‐HA‐treated sites compared to controls was elucidated by immunohistochemical staining of macrophages, suggesting a reduction in overall inflammation in all time points. These results suggest that local targeting of TNF‐α may be an effective strategy for preventing progression of partial‐thickness burns.
High expression of the autophagy gene Beclin‐1 is associated with favorable prognosis for salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Liang Li‐Zhong , Ma Ben , Liang Yu‐Jie , Liu Hai‐Chao , Zheng Guang‐Sen , Zhang Tong‐Han , Chu Mei , Xu Ping‐Ping , Su Yu‐Xiong , Liao Gui‐Qing 
Published: June 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 621–629Background:  Although autophagy is universally involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, the roles of autophagy and autophagy‐regulating genes in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression of the autophagy‐regulating genes Beclin‐1, death‐associated protein kinase‐1, ultraviolet radiation resistance–associated gene, and phosphatase and tensin homolog in salivary gland ACC samples.Methods:  Immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used to analyze the expression of these genes in 89 ACC samples and normal salivary gland tissue samples. The relationship of their expression with clinicopathological features was analyzed.Results:  The data showed significantly lower expression of these genes in the tumor samples than in normal salivary gland tissue samples. Furthermore, Beclin‐1 expression was significantly correlated with histological pattern of ACC (P < 0.05), and high expression of ultraviolet radiation resistance–associated gene was associated with distant metastasis (P < 0.05). Most importantly, univariate and multivariate survival analyses suggested that Beclin‐1 protein and mRNA expression in cancer cells were independent prognostic indicators for ACC.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that autophagy‐regulating genes may participate in the pathogenesis of salivary gland ACC. Further research will be required to gain a better understanding of autophagy in ACC.
Detecting Asymmetric Price Transmission with Consistent Threshold along the Fish Supply Chain
Authors: Simioni Michel , Gonzales Frédéric , Guillotreau Patrice , Le Grel Laurent 
Published: June 2012

The present study deals with asymmetric price transmission (APT) along the fish value chain by using a consistent threshold autoregressive (consistent TAR and momentum‐threshold autoregressive [M‐TAR]) model. A nonzero threshold captures strategic behaviors and adjustment costs that are not observable with small price changes around a zero threshold. Fish farming, because of greater control over supply, is expected to produce less asymmetry than wild harvesting. Asymmetry is notwithstanding found for both wild cod and farmed salmon marketed in France, but only with consistent thresholds and operating in opposite ways. The results are discussed with regard to the trade restrictions imposed by the Common Fisheries Policy.Cet article traite de l’asymétrie de transmission des prix (ATP) dans la filière des produits de la mer en utilisant un modèle autorégressif à effet de seuil (consistent TAR et M‐TAR). Un seuil non nul permet de révéler certains comportements stratégiques et des coûts fixes d’ajustement qui ne seraient pas observables sur de faibles variations de prix autour d’un seuil nul. On s’attend à ce que l’aquaculture, en vertu d’un degré de contrôle supérieur sur l’offre, engendre une plus faible asymétrie comparativement à la production halieutique. Une asymétrie de transmission est néanmoins observée à la fois dans le cas du cabillaud sauvage et du saumon d’élevage commercialisés en France, mais uniquement à partir de seuils endogènes et l’ATP agissant en sens opposé. Les résultats sont commentés au regard des restrictions commerciales imposés par la Politique Commune des Pêches européenne.
U.S. Consumers’ Preference and Willingness to Pay for Country‐of‐Origin‐Labeled Beef Steak and Food Safety Enhancements
Authors: Lim Kar H. , Hu Wuyang , Maynard Leigh J. , Goddard Ellen 
Published: June 2012

While previous studies have investigated country‐of‐origin effect from various angles, the extent to which Country‐of‐Origin Labelling (COOL) affects U.S. beef imports from specific countries remains unexplored. Using data from 1,079 consumers from the United States, we examined consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for Canadian and Australian beefsteaks. We also estimated WTP for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)–tested traceability‐enabled, tenderness‐assured, and natural beef. The results from both a mixed logit model and a latent class model (LCM) revealed unobserved taste heterogeneity and important differences in the WTP between the imported and domestic steak. The LCM, for instance, estimated the range of discount needed for consumers to switch from U.S. to Canadian steak as $1.09 to $35.12 per pound. This strongly suggested that U.S. consumers prefer domestic‐originated beef to imported beef. In addition, consumers were found to be willing to pay significant amount for BSE‐tested, traceability‐enabled, and tenderness‐assured beef.Bien que des études antérieures aient examiné les répercussions de l’étiquetage du pays d’origine sous différents angles, les répercussions de cet étiquetage obligatoire sur les importations étatsuniennes de bœuf en provenance de pays spécifiques ne l’ont pas été. À l’aide de données tirées d’un échantillon de 1079 consommateurs étatsuniens, nous avons examiné le consentement à payer (CAP) pour du bifteck en provenance du Canada et de l’Australie. Nous avons également examiné le CAP des consommateurs pour du bœuf provenant d’un animal ayant subi un test de dépistage de l’ESB, traçable, de tendreté assurée et naturel. Les résultats obtenus à l’aide d’un modèle logit mixte et d’un modèle à classes latentes ont révélé une hétérogénéité non observée du goût et des écarts importants dans le CAP pour du bifteck provenant des États‐Unis et de l’extérieur du pays. Le modèle à classes latentes, par exemple, a révélé que les écarts de rabais nécessaires pour que les consommateurs délaissent le bifteck américain pour le bifteck canadien variaient de 1,09 $à 35,12 $ la livre. Ces résultats montrent clairement que les consommateurs étatsuniens préfèrent le bœuf des États‐Unis plutôt que le bœuf importé. Les résultats montrent également que les consommateurs sont prêts à payer plus cher pour du bœuf provenant d’un animal ayant subi un test de dépistage de l’ESB, traçable et de tendreté assurée.
High Target Hemoglobin With Erythropoiesis‐Stimulating Agents Has Advantages in the Renal Function of Non‐Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Tsubakihara Yoshiharu , Gejyo Fumitake , Nishi Shinichi , Iino Yasuhiko , Watanabe Yuzou , Suzuki Masashi , Saito Akira , Akiba Takashi , Hirakata Hideki , Akizawa Tadao 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe investigated the long‐term effects of maintaining high hemoglobin (Hb) on renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis. Subjects (Hb < 10 g/dL and serum creatinine (Cr) 2–6 mg/dL) were randomized to either a high Hb group (N = 161, 11.0 ≤ Hb < 13.0 g/dL) receiving darbepoetin alfa or to a low Hb group (N = 160, 9.0 ≤ Hb < 11.0 g/dL) with epoetin alfa, stratified according to baseline Hb and serum Cr levels, comorbidity of diabetes, and study centers. Primary endpoints were composites of the following events: doubling of serum Cr, initiation of dialysis, renal transplantation, or death. Three‐year cumulative renal survival rates (95% CI) were 39.9% (30.7–49.1%) and 32.4% (24.0–40.8%) in the high and low Hb groups, respectively (log‐rank test; P = 0.111). A Cox proportional‐hazards model adjusted by age, sex and the randomization factors showed a significantly lower event rate in the high Hb group (P = 0.035). The estimated hazard ratio (95% CI) for the high versus the low Hb group was 0.71 (0.52–0.98), the risk reduction was 29% in the high Hb group. Incidences of serious adverse cardiovascular events did not differ significantly between the high and low Hb groups (3.1% and 4.4%, respectively). No safety issues were noted in either group. Maintaining higher Hb levels with darbepoetin alfa better preserved renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis.
Occurrence of toxic cyanobacterial blooms for the first time in Lake Karaoun, Lebanon
Authors: Atoui Ali , Hafez Hala , Slim Kamal 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe increasing occurrence of cyanobacterial bloom in freshwaters worldwide is of great importance because of public health risks. In addition, they are very likely to have negative impact on ecological and economic aspects. In this study, the seasonal succession of phytoplankton population in Lake Karaoun in Lebanon was monitored from May 2009 to June 2011. The physicochemical parameters of lake water were then monitored for 1 year, from June 2010 until June 2011, to correlate the physicochemical parameters with the phytoplankton population in the lake. Our results showed, for the first time in Lebanon, that the eutrophied Lake Karaoun has been under the invasion of toxic cyanobacterial blooms since May 2009. The cyanobacterial bloom was persistent from late spring (May) until late fall (December) for 2 consecutive years. The high water temperature in the summer season is the main factor that has been affecting the growth of the cyanobacteria. The most frequently encountered bloom‐forming species were Microcystis aeruginosa and Aphanizomenon ovalisporum, which were either present individually or coexistent. The obtained results showed that during the period of cyanobacterial bloom, a deterioration of water quality defined by low levels of dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, and electric conductivity was reported. During cyanobacterial bloom period, the concentration of the orthophosphate–P (PO4‐P) was very minimal. The measured high value of chlorophyll‐a concentration during cyanobacterial bloom period (48.6 μg/L) was attributed to high photosynthetic activity. Cyanobacterial blooms can cause a variety of water‐quality problems in Lake Karaoun in addition to human health risk.
Monoclonal gammopathies presenting as inflammatory arthritis: uncommon but important – a case series
Authors: Srinivasulu Nagaraj , Sharma Vishnu , Samant Rohini 
Published: June 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo review the clinical profile of patients with plasma cell dyscrasias presenting with inflammatory arthritis.Material and methodsRetrospective analysis was performed on clinical, laboratory and imaging data of patients who presented with inflammatory arthritis between May 2009 and April 2010 and were subsequently diagnosed as having plasma cell dyscrasias. Six out of 630 patients presenting with inflammatory arthritis were identified. The demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of these patients were analyzed. The diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy was based on protein electrophoresis, immunoelectrophoresis and bone marrow biopsy. The outcomes of the treatments were analyzed.ResultsFour patients had monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance and two patients had multiple myeloma. Mean age of the patients was 65 years (range 59–74). Three patients presented with oligoarticular arthritis, two with symmetrical polyarticular joint pains and one with fleeting periarticular pains. Wrist and shoulder were the most commonly involved joints. Three patients had carpal tunnel syndrome. Five patients were seronegative for both rheumatoid factor and anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. Mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was high in all patients (range: 82–120 mm/h with a mean of 99.6 mm/h). Arthritis improved with chemotherapy in patients with multiple myeloma.ConclusionOccurrence of inflammatory arthritis with plasma dyscrasias is more than a chance association. Plasma cell dyscrasias should be ruled out in any elderly patient presenting with atypical arthritis with disproportionately high ESR, high creatinine and hyperglobulinemia.
High abundance of novel environmental chlamydiae in a Tyrrhenian coastal lake (Lago di Paola, Italy)
Authors: Pizzetti Ilaria , Fazi Stefano , Fuchs Bernhard M. , Amann Rudolf 
Published: June 2012

SummaryFor a long time the bacterial phylum of Chlamydiae exclusively consisted of one family of obligate intracellular bacteria, the Chlamydiaceae, which encompassed causative agents of severe diseases. In the 1990s, environmental chlamydiae were discovered as symbionts of free‐living amoebae and other eukaryotic hosts. During a sampling campaign in September 2008, while monitoring Planctomycetes, we retrieved 20 almost full‐length 16S rRNA gene sequences affiliated with Chlamydiales from a lake at the Tyrrhenian coast of central Italy (Lago di Paola, Latium). Two main clusters were identified. The nine sequences within the tight cluster I shared ∼98% identity, just like the six sequences of cluster II. The 16S rRNA sequence identity between the two novel groups was with 88% higher than with all known families of the order Chlamydiales. Four types of less frequent chlamydial 16S rRNA sequences were also detected. Two oligonucleotide probes were designed, and optimized. Chl282 targets the cluster I and almost all other Chlamydiales, while Chl282bis targets the cluster II and few other sequences. By catalysed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD‐FISH), we identified in the Lago di Paola picoplankton abundant tiny cells with dot‐shaped morphology and, interestingly, rarely also protists with intracellular pleomorphic chlamydiae. Abundances of the novel chlamydial clusters were up to 5 × 104 cells per millilitre. The two clusters were also detected in similar numbers during a second sampling in October 2010. This confirmed the relevance of the two newly described clusters of chlamydiae in Lago di Paola, not only enlarging the knowledge on the biodiversity of environmental chlamydiae in aquatic habitats, but also raising sanitary issues that should be addressed in the future.
Extended international (IOTF) body mass index cut‐offs for thinness, overweight and obesity
Authors: Cole T. J. , Lobstein T. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe international (International Obesity Task Force; IOTF) body mass index (BMI) cut‐offs are widely used to assess the prevalence of child overweight, obesity and thinness. Based on data from six countries fitted by the LMS method, they link BMI values at 18 years (16, 17, 18.5, 25 and 30 kg m−2) to child centiles, which are averaged across the countries. Unlike other BMI references, e.g. the World Health Organization (WHO) standard, these cut‐offs cannot be expressed as centiles (e.g. 85th).MethodsTo address this, we averaged the previously unpublished L, M and S curves for the six countries, and used them to derive new cut‐offs defined in terms of the centiles at 18 years corresponding to each BMI value. These new cut‐offs were compared with the originals, and with the WHO standard and reference, by measuring their prevalence rates based on US and Chinese data.ResultsThe new cut‐offs were virtually identical to the originals, giving prevalence rates differing by <0.2% on average. The discrepancies were smaller for overweight and obesity than for thinness. The international and WHO prevalences were systematically different before/after age 5.ConclusionsDefining the international cut‐offs in terms of the underlying LMS curves has several benefits. New cut‐offs are easy to derive (e.g. BMI 35 for morbid obesity), and they can be expressed as BMI centiles (e.g. boys obesity = 98.9th centile), allowing them to be compared with other BMI references. For WHO, median BMI is relatively low in early life and high at older ages, probably due to its method of construction.
Gβ2 and Gβ4 participate in the opioid and adrenergic receptor‐mediated Ca2+ channel modulation in rat sympathetic neurons
Authors: Mahmoud Saifeldin , Yun Jong K. , Ruiz‐Velasco Victor 
Published: June 2012

Key point
Sympathetic stellate ganglion (SG) neurons that innervate cardiac muscle play an important role in regulating heart rate and contractility.
In this study, we examined which Gβ protein subunit couples Ca2+ channels to opioid and adrenergic receptors expressed in SG neurons.
We show that Gβ2 and Gβ4 are important signalling elements that maintain the transduction pathway of both receptor subtypes and Ca2+ channels, and how their expression levels are differentially compensated.
Our results also indicate that Gβ1 subunits do not appear to play a role in either signalling pathway.
The elucidation of specific G proteins that couple Ca2+ channels with opioid and adrenergic receptors will help us better understand how these receptors regulate synaptic transmission of SG neurons that innervate cardiac muscle.
Abstract  Cardiac function is regulated in part by the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system via the stellate ganglion (SG) neurons. Neurotransmitters, such as noradrenaline (NA), and neuropeptides, including nociceptin (Noc), influence the excitability of SG neurons by modulating Ca2+ channel function following activation of the adrenergic and nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) opioid receptors, respectively. The regulation of Ca2+ channels is mediated by Gβγ, but the specific Gβ subunit that modulates the channels is not known. In the present study, small interference RNA (siRNA) was employed to silence the natively expressed Gβ proteins in rat SG tissue and to examine the coupling specificity of adrenergic and NOP opioid receptors to Ca2+ channels employing the whole‐cell variant of the patch‐clamp technique. Western blotting analysis showed that Gβ1, Gβ2 and Gβ4 are natively expressed. The knockdown of Gβ2 or Gβ4 led to a significant decrease of the NA‐ and Noc‐mediated Ca2+ current inhibition, while Gβ1 silencing was without effect. However, sustaining low levels of Gβ2 resulted in an increased expression of Gβ4 and a concomitant compensation of both adrenergic and opioid signalling pathways modulating Ca2+ channels. Conversely, Gβ4‐directed siRNA was not accompanied with a compensation of the signalling pathway. Finally, the combined silencing of Gβ2 and Gβ4 prevented any additional compensatory mechanisms. Overall, our studies suggest that in SG neurons, Gβ2 and Gβ4 normally maintain the coupling of Ca2+ channels with the receptors, with the latter subtype responsible for maintaining the integrity of both pathways.
Burnout levels among Portuguese family doctors: a nationwide survey
Authors: Marcelino Gisela , Cerveira João Melich , Carvalho Inês , Costa João Azeredo , Lopes Marta , Calado Nelson Encarnação , Marques-Vidal Pedro 
Published: June 2012

AimTo characterise the prevalence of burnout syndrome in a sample of family doctors (FDs) working in the Portuguese National Health System.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingPrimary healthcare centres from the 18 continental districts and two archipelagos of Portugal.MethodThe Portuguese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Survey was sent to 40 randomly selected healthcare centres and distributed to the FDs employed. Socio-demographic and work-related data were also collected. Participants were classified as having high, average or low levels of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP) and personal accomplishment (PA) dimensions of burnout.Results371 questionnaires were sent, of which 153 (83 women, age range 29–64 years; response rate 41%) returned. One-quarter (25.3%, 95% CI 18.6% to 33.1%) of FDs scored high for EE, 16.2% (10.7% to 23.2%) for DP and 16.7% (11.1% to 23.6%) for lack of PA. On multivariate analysis, being married, of older age, having many years of practice or working in a personalised healthcare unit tended to be associated with increased burnout components. Men tended to present higher EE and DP but lower lack of PA than women. Finally, the prevalence (95% CI) of burnout ranged between 4.1% (1.5% to 8.6%) and 32.4% (25.0% to 40.6%), depending on the definition used.ConclusionsHigh burnout is relatively common among Portuguese FDs. Burnout relief measures should be developed in order to prevent a further increase of burnout syndrome among Portuguese FDs.
Exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the risk of congenital malformations: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Jimenez-Solem Espen , Andersen Jon Traerup , Petersen Morten , Broedbaek Kasper , Jensen Jonas Krogh , Afzal Shoaib , Gislason Gunnar H , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Poulsen Henrik Enghusen 
Published: June 2012

ObjectivesTo analyse the relation between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use and major congenital malformations, with focus on malformations of the heart.DesignRegister-based retrospective nationwide cohort study, using the Danish Medical Birth Registry.SettingDenmark.ParticipantsPregnant women in Denmark between 1997 and 2009 and their offspring.Primary outcome measuresFor each SSRI, ORs for major congenital malformations were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models for women exposed to an SSRI during the first trimester and for women with paused exposure during pregnancy.ResultsThe authors identified 848 786 pregnancies; 4183 were exposed to an SSRI throughout the first trimester and 806 pregnancies paused exposure during pregnancy. Risks of congenital malformations of the heart were similar for pregnancies exposed to an SSRI throughout the first trimester, adjusted OR 2.01 (95% CI 1.60 to 2.53), and for pregnancies with paused SSRI treatment during pregnancy, adjusted OR 1.85 (95% CI 1.07 to 3.20), p value for difference: 0.94. The authors found similar increased risks of specific congenital malformations of the heart for the individual SSRIs. Furthermore, the authors found no association with dosage.ConclusionsThe apparent association between SSRI use and congenital malformations of the heart may be confounded by indications. The moderate absolute risk increase combined with uncertainty for causality still requires the risk versus benefit to be evaluated in each individual case.