bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unilateral bullous pemphigoid without erythema and eosinophil infiltration in a hemiplegic patient
Authors: TSURUTA Daisuke , NISHIKAWA Takeji , YAMAGAMI Jun , HASHIMOTO Takashi 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn this report, we describe an 88‐year‐old male stroke patient with unilateral bullous pemphigoid limited to the hemiplegic side. Physical examinations revealed multiple tense bullae with clear and/or bloody contents without apparent erythema on the right thigh and lower leg, accompanied by erosions on the right chest. Histopathologically, no eosinophils were infiltrated into and around the subepidermal bullae. Immunofluorescence revealed deposited and circulating immunoglobulin (Ig)G anti‐basement membrane zone antibodies. Immunoblot assays using various antigen sources and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay revealed that IgG antibodies in this case reacted with unique epitopes between NC16a and C‐terminal domains on the 120‐kDa LAD‐1, the extracellular truncated form of BP180. Three observations were unique in our case. First, the distribution of bullae in our patient was limited to the hemiplegic side. Second, there was no apparent erythema clinically and no eosinophilic infiltration histopathologically. Third, the patient achieved remission without the use of oral corticosteroids. The unusual epitopes in this case may contribute to these phenomena.
Direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing for addiction susceptibility: a premature commercialisation of doubtful validity and value
Authors: Mathews Rebecca , Hall Wayne , Carter Adrian 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTGenetic research on addiction liability and pharmacogenetic research on treatments for addiction have identified some genetic variants associated with disease risk and treatment. Genetic testing for addiction liability and treatment response has not been used widely in clinical practice because most of the genes identified only modestly predict addiction risk or treatment response. However, many of these genetic tests have been commercialized prematurely and are available direct to the consumer (DTC). The easy availability of DTC tests for addiction liability and lack of regulation over their use raises a number of ethical concerns. Of paramount concern is the limited predictive power and clinical utility of these tests. Many DTC testing companies do not provide the consumer with the necessary genetic counselling to assist them in interpreting and acting on their test results. They may also engage in misleading marketing to entice consumers to purchase their products. Consumers' genetic information may be vulnerable to misuse by third parties, as there are limited standards to protect the privacy of the genetic information. Non‐consensual testing and inappropriate testing of minors may also occur. The United States Food and Drug Administration plans to regulate DTC genetic tests. Based on the ethical concerns we discuss below, we believe there is a strong case for regulation of DTC genetic tests for addiction liability and treatment response. We argue that until this occurs, these tests have more potential to cause harm than to contribute to improved prevention and treatment of addiction.
Systematic review: acute liver failure – one disease, more than 40 definitions
Authors: Wlodzimirow K. A. , Eslami S. , Abu‐Hanna A. , Nieuwoudt M. , Chamuleau R. A. F. M. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryBackgroundAcute liver failure (ALF) is a clinical syndrome with very high mortality estimates ranging between 60% and 80%.AimTo investigate the explicitness and extent of variability in the used ALF definitions in the ALF prognostic literature.MethodsAll studies that pertain to the prognosis of patients with ALF were electronically searched in MEDLINE (1950–2012) and EMBASE (1950–2012). Identified titles and abstracts were independently screened by three reviewers to determine eligibility for additional review. We included English articles that reported original data from clinical trials or observational studies on ALF patients.ResultsA total of 103 studies were included. Of these studies 87 used 41 different ALF definitions and the remaining 16 studies did not report any explicit ALF definition. Four components underlying ALF definitions accounted for the differences: presence and/or grading of hepatic encephalopathy (HE); the interval between onset of disease and occurrence of HE; presence of coagulopathy and pre‐existing liver disease.ConclusionsThe diversity in acute liver failure definitions hinders comparability and quantitative analysis among studies. There is room for improvement in the reporting of acute liver failure definitions in prognostic studies. The result of this review may be useful as a starting point to create a uniform acute liver failure definition.
Undetectable HBV DNA at month 12 of entecavir treatment predicts maintained viral suppression and HBeAg‐seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B patients at 3 years
Authors: Wong G. L.‐H. , Wong V. W.‐S. , Chan H.‐Y. , Tse P. C.‐H. , Wong J. , Chim A. M.‐L. , Yiu K. K.‐L. , Chu S. H.‐T. , Chan H. L.‐Y. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryBackgroundOn‐treatment monitoring of serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA to guide treatment strategy for patients on entecavir has received little attention.AimTo investigate the predictive value of on‐treatment HBV DNA levels for responses to entecavir.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study among nucleos(t)ide analogue‐naïve HBV‐infected patients on entecavir with a minimum follow‐up of 2 years. Maintained virological suppression was defined as undetectable HBV DNA (<20 IU/mL) until the last visit. Genotypic drug resistance was screened by using the INNO‐LiPA DR assay.ResultsA total of 440 chronic hepatitis B patients (160 HBeAg‐positive) followed for 34 ± 9 months were included. The cumulative probability of maintained virological suppression at year 1, 2 and 3 were 76.5%, 83.0% and 88.3% respectively. On multivariate analysis, lower baseline HBV DNA, undetectable HBV DNA at month 12 and negative HBeAg were the independent predictors of maintained virological suppression. M12 responders (who had undetectable HBV DNA at month 12) had higher probability of maintained virological suppression at 3 years (99.1%) as compared to non responders (57.5%; P < 0.001). The cumulative probability of HBeAg‐seroconversion at year 1, 2 and 3 were 19.0%, 27.2% and 33.5% respectively. M12 responders had higher probability of HBeAg‐seroconversion at 3 years (43.2%) than the non responders (19.0%; P = 0.003). M12 responders had lower probability of drug resistance at 3 years (0%) than the non responders (2.6%; P = 0.004).ConclusionMonth 12 HBV DNA responses could predict the probability of maintained virological suppression, HBeAg‐seroconversion and risk of drug resistance among patients on entecavir treatment at 3 years.
Pre‐operative use of anti‐TNF‐α agents and the risk of post‐operative complications in patients with ulcerative colitis – a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Nørgård B. M. , Nielsen J. , Qvist N. , Gradel K. O. , de Muckadell O. B. S. , Kjeldsen J. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryBackgroundIt is still controversial whether pre‐operative anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (anti‐TNF‐α) agents increase post‐operative complications in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).AimIn a nationwide Danish cohort of patients with UC, we aimed to examine the impact of pre‐operative use of anti‐TNF‐α agents on post‐operative adverse outcomes after colectomy for UC. Outcomes (within 30 and 60 days after surgery) were reoperation, anastomosis leakage, intra‐abdominal abscess, bacteremia and death.MethodsBased on the Danish National Patient Registry we identified all UC patients, aged ≥15 years, having their first surgery for UC in the period of 1 January 2003–31 December 2010 (n = 1226). Patients were classified according to use of anti‐TNF‐α agents within 12 weeks before surgery or not. Outcome data were obtained from Danish registries. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate adjusted risks [with 95% confidence intervals (CI)] of post‐operative outcomes among patients treated with anti‐TNF‐α agents, relative to those not treated.ResultsA total of 199 UC patients were exposed to anti‐TNF‐α agents within 12 weeks before colectomy, and 1027 were not. Among exposed, the adjusted odds ratio of reoperation and anastomosis leakage within 30 days after colectomy was 1.07 (95% CI: 0.71–1.59) and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.06–4.11) respectively. No deaths, cases of abscess drainage or bacteremia occurred among exposed within 30 days. Furthermore, no increased relative risks were found within 60 days after colectomy.ConclusionsBased on nationwide data on UC patients having colectomies, pre‐operative use of anti‐TNF‐α agents did not increase the risk of post‐operative complications.
Miocene shelf‐edge deltas and their impact on deepwater slope progradation and morphology, Northwest Shelf of Australia
Authors: Sanchez Carla M. , Fulthorpe Craig S. , Steel Ronald J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractLate‐middle Miocene to Pliocene siliciclastics in the Northern Carnarvon Basin, Northwest Shelf of Australia, are interpreted as having been deposited by deltas. Some delta lobes deposited sediments near and at the shelf break (shelf‐edge deltas), whereas other lobes did not reach the coeval shelf break before retreating landward or being abandoned. Shelf‐margin mapview morphology changes from linear to convex‐outward in the northern part of the study area where shelf‐edge deltas were focused. Location and character of shelf‐edge deltas also had significant impact on along‐strike variability of margin progradation and shelf‐edge trajectory. Total late‐middle and late Miocene margin progradation is ca. 13 km in the south, where there were no shelf‐edge deltas, vs. ca. 34 km in the north where shelf‐edge deltas were concentrated. In the central area, the deltas were arrested and accumulated a few kilometres landward of the shelf break, resulting in an aggradational shelf‐edge trajectory, in contrast to the more progradational trajectory farther north. This illustrates a potential limitation of shelf‐edge trajectory analysis: only where shelf‐edge deltas occur, there is sufficient sediment available for the shelf‐edge trajectory to record relative sea‐level fluctuations reliably. Small‐scale (ca. 400 m wide) incisions were already conspicuous on the coeval slope even before deltas reached the shelf break. However, slope gullies immediately downdip from active shelf‐edge deltas display greater erosion of underlying strata and are wider and deeper (>1 km wide, ca. 100 m deep) than coeval incisions that are laterally offset from the deltaic depocenter (ca. 0.7 km wide, ca. 25 m deep). We interpret this change in slope‐gully dimensions as the result of greater erosion by sediment gravity flows sourced from the immediately adjacent shelf‐edge deltas. Similarly, gullies also incised further (up to 6 km) into the outer shelf in the region of active shelf‐edge deltas.
Middle Miocene–Pliocene siliciclastic influx across a carbonate shelf and influence of deltaic sedimentation on shelf construction, Northern Carnarvon Basin, Northwest Shelf of Australia
Authors: Sanchez Carla M. , Fulthorpe Craig S. , Steel Ronald J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractMiddle Miocene to Pliocene siliciclastics of the Bare Formation represent a long‐lived (ca. 11 Myr) break in the otherwise carbonate‐dominated shelf of the Northern Carnarvon Basin, Northwest Shelf of Australia. The quartz‐sandstone interval is correlated with the appearance of spectacular clinoform sets mapped on 3D and dense 2D seismic data. Twenty‐seven clinoform sets are interpreted as delta lobes primarily based on their plan‐view morphology (strike‐elongate to lobate features) and their 40–100‐m‐high clinoform amplitudes. The delta lobes were deposited on outer‐shelf to shelf‐edge positions, and the older deltas show evidence of a higher degree wave reworking than the younger deltas. Measurements of the along‐strike (migration) and down‐dip (progradation) movement of these deltas are compared with relative sea‐level behaviour inferred from shelf‐edge trajectory analysis. Delta lobes exhibit greater lateral shifting during relative sea‐level rise, whereas delta lobes are more restricted to dip‐oriented fairways during sea‐level fall, although no major incised valleys have been identified. Long‐term (cumulative) progradation of this delta system and subsequent backstepping correlates with long‐term sea‐level fall and rise during the late middle and late Miocene. In addition, a long‐term northeastward migration trend for these delta lobes was likely a result of localized uplift of an inversion anticline in the Rosemary–Legendre Trend; the growth of this anticline probably steered the fluvial source for the delta system towards the northeast. The Bare Formation siliciclastic influx correlates with other middle Miocene increases in siliciclastic sediment supply worldwide. Global cooling and a shift to more arid conditions, negatively influencing vegetation cover, may have combined with more seasonally variable rainfall to generate the high sediment supply that built the deltas. Retreat of the siliciclastics could correlate with ice‐sheet growth in the Northern Hemisphere and/or increase in the Indonesian Throughflow and Leeuwin Current (ca. 1.6 Ma), which might have modified climate regionally.
Increased freshwater discharge shifts the trophic balance in the coastal zone of the northern Baltic Sea
Authors: Wikner Johan , Andersson Agneta 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIncreased precipitation is one projected outcome of climate change that may enhance the discharge of freshwater to the coastal zone. The resulting lower salinity, and associated discharge of both nutrients and dissolved organic carbon, may influence food web functioning. The scope of this study was to determine the net outcome of increased freshwater discharge on the balance between auto‐ and heterotrophic processes in the coastal zone. By using long‐term ecological time series data covering 13 years, we show that increased river discharge suppresses phytoplankton biomass production and shifts the carbon flow towards microbial heterotrophy. A 76% increase in freshwater discharge resulted in a 2.2 times higher ratio of bacterio‐ to phytoplankton production (Pb:Pp). The level of Pb:Pp is a function of riverine total organic carbon supply to the coastal zone. This is mainly due to the negative effect of freshwater and total organic carbon discharge on phytoplankton growth, despite a concomitant increase in discharge of nitrogen and phosphorus. With a time lag of 2 years the bacterial production recovered after an initial decline, further synergistically elevating the microbial heterotrophy. Current climate change projections suggesting increased precipitation may therefore lead to increased microbial heterotrophy, thereby decreasing the transfer efficiency of biomass to higher trophic levels. This prognosis would suggest reduced fish production and lower sedimentation rates of phytoplankton, a factor of detriment to benthic fauna. Our findings show that discharge of freshwater and total organic carbon significantly contributes to the balance of coastal processes at large spatial and temporal scales, and that model's would be greatly augmented by the inclusion of these environmental drivers as regulators of coastal productivity.
Marked differences in CCR5 expression and activation levels in two South African populations
Authors: Picton Anabela C. P. , Shalekoff Sharon , Paximadis Maria , Tiemessen Caroline T. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThe chemokine receptor CCR5 is pivotal in determining an individual’s susceptibility to HIV‐1 infection and rate of disease progression. To establish whether population‐based differences exist in cell surface expression of CCR5 we evaluated the extent of CCR5 expression across all peripheral blood cell types in individuals from two populations, South African Africans (SAA) and South African Caucasians (SAC). Significant differences in CCR5 expression, both in number of CCR5 molecules per cell (density) and the percentage of CCR5‐expressing cells, were observed between the two study groups, within all cell subsets. Most notably, the percentage of all CCR5+ cell subsets was significantly lower in SAC compared with SAA individuals (P < 0·01) among natural killer (NK) ‐cell subsets (CD56+, CD16+ CD56+ and CD56dim) whereas CCR5 density was significantly higher in SAC compared with SAA individuals in CCR5+ CD8+ T‐cell subsets and CCR5+ NK‐cell subsets (CD56+, CD16+ CD56+ and CD56dim) (all P < 0·05). These relationships were maintained after exclusion of CCR5Δ32 heterozygous individuals (n = 7) from the SAC dataset. The SAA individuals exhibited significantly higher cell activation levels, as measured by HLA‐DR expression, than SAC individuals in CD4+ T‐cell subsets (P = 0·002) and CD56+ NK‐cell subsets (P < 0·001). This study serves to demonstrate that ethnically divergent populations show marked differences in both cell activation and CCR5 expression, which are likely to impact on both susceptibility to HIV‐1 infection and the rate of HIV‐1 disease progression.
An in vitro assessment of the physical properties of novel Hyflex nickel–titanium rotary instruments
Authors: Peters O. A. , Gluskin A. K. , Weiss R. A. , Han J. T. 
Published: April 2012

Peters OA, Gluskin AK, Weiss RA, Han JT. An in vitro assessment of the physical properties of novel Hyflex nickel–titanium rotary instruments. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 1027–1034, 2012.AbstractAim  To determine several properties including torsional and fatigue limits, as well as torque during canal preparation, of Hyflex, a rotary instrument manufactured from so‐called controlled memory nickel–titanium alloy.Methodology  The instruments were tested in vitro using a special torque bench that permits both stationary torque tests according to ISO3630‐1 and fatigue limit determination, as well as measurement of torque (in Ncm) and apical force (in N) during canal preparation. Fatigue limit (in numbers of cycles to failure) was determined in a 90°, 5 mm radius block‐and‐rod assembly. Simulated canals in plastic blocks were prepared using both a manufacturer‐recommended single‐length technique as well as a generic crown‐down approach. anova with Bonferroni post hoc procedures was used for statistical analysis.Results  Torque at failure ranged from 0.47 to 1.38 Ncm, with significant differences between instrument sizes (P < 0.0001). Fatigue life ranged from 260 to 2565, with the shortest and longest lifespan for instruments size 20, .04 taper and size 25, .08 taper, respectively. Torque during canal preparation was significantly higher for small instruments used in the single‐length technique but lower for the size 40, .04 taper, compared to a crown‐down approach. No instrument fractured; 82% of the instruments used were plastically deformed; however, only 37% of these remained deformed after a sterilization cycle.Conclusions  Hyflex rotary instruments are bendable and flexible and have similar torsional resistance compared to instruments made of conventional NiTi. Fatigue resistance is much higher, and torque during preparation is less, compared to other rotary instruments tested previously under similar conditions.
Less than eight (and a half) misconceptions of spatial analysis
Authors: Kühn Ingolf , Dormann Carsten F. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractSpatial analyses are indispensable analytical tools in biogeography and macroecology. In a recent Guest Editorial, Hawkins (Journal of Biogeography, 2012, 39, 1–9) raised several issues related to spatial analyses. While we concur with some points, we here clarify those confounding (1) spatial trends and spatial autocorrelation, and (2) spatial autocorrelation in the response variable and in the residuals. We argue that recognizing spatial autocorrelation in statistical modelling is not only a crucial step in model diagnostics, but that disregarding it is essentially wrong.
Morphopathological features of a severe ulcerative disease outbreak associated with Tenacibaculum maritimum in cultivated sole, Solea senegalensis (L.)
Authors: Vilar P , Faílde L D , Bermúdez R , Vigliano F , Riaza A , Silva R , Santos Y , Quiroga M I 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis study describes morphopathologic changes in naturally infected farmed Senegalese sole affected by tenacibaculosis caused by Tenacibaculum maritimum. Macroscopic observation, in addition to light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, was used to study the lesions. Main lesions were characterized by complete loss of epidermis and dermis, as well as extensive necrosis of muscle layers. Mild‐to‐moderate inflammatory response with the presence of macrophages was noted around hyaline degenerated muscle cells. Gram‐negative filamentous bacteria could be detected only at the dermis. Under scanning electron microscopy, filamentous bacteria located over the scales without epithelium could be observed. These findings together with the isolation and PCR detection of the bacteria in kidney and skin tissues suggest that once the bacteria reach the dermis, probably through eroded epidermis, they are able to proliferate and produce enzymes that are responsible for the damage in the underlying tissues.
Iophenoxic acid as a bait marker for wild mammals: efficacy and safety considerations
Authors: Ballesteros Cristina , Sage Mickaël , Fisher Penny , Massei Giovanna , Mateo Rafael , De La Fuente José , Rossi Sophie , Gortázar Christian 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Bait delivery of vaccines, toxicants or contraceptives to target wild mammals is an essential component of management strategies worldwide. Marking agents are required to enable the identification of individuals that consume the baits in order to evaluate and optimize the cost‐efficacy of baiting campaigns.
Ethyl‐iophenoxic acid (Et‐IPA) is an organic iodine‐containing compound that has been used increasingly since the 1980s as a bait marker. It binds to proteins in animal blood and therefore can be detected indirectly by measuring plasma or serum iodine concentration or directly by measuring plasma or serum Et‐IPA concentration with liquid chromatography. Methyl‐iophenoxic acid and propyl‐iophenoxic acid can also be used to provide quantitative information on temporal or spatial patterns of bait consumption in a range of mammalian species. We review the suitability of Et‐IPA and its analogues as bait markers in mammals.
The highly variable persistence of analogues and in species highlights the need for calibration testing of each compound as a marker for each species and for each proposed use before starting a bait delivery trial.
After absorption, the fate of IPAs (by metabolism, distribution and excretion) is variable, but most are bound to plasma proteins. Marking efficacy is therefore high.
The implications of exposure to IPAs for predators and humans were analyzed to evaluate its safety for delivery to wild mammals. Although it is highly unlikely that secondary exposure through ingestion could involve sufficiently large quantities to produce adverse effects, further studies are necessary to assess long‐term effects after chronic exposure to these compounds.
IPAs can mark animal serum for long periods of time, and improvements in detection methods for them are currently being developed, so that they are a good choice for oral baiting field experiments with mammals.