bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinoic acid‐dependent control of MAP kinase phosphatase‐3 is necessary for early kidney development in Xenopus
Authors: Le Bouffant Ronan , Wang Jian‐Hong , Futel Mélinée , Buisson Isabelle , Umbhauer Muriel , Riou Jean‐François 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground informationIn Xenopus, the functional kidney of the tadpole, the pronephros, forms from the kidney field, which is specified at completion of gastrulation. Specification of the kidney field requires retinoic acid (RA) signalling during gastrulation, while fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signals inhibit should be inhibit this process.ResultsWe have analysed the functional interactions taking place during gastrulation between RA and FGF signals in the lateral marginal zone (LMZ), that is in the environment of unspecified pronephric mesoderm precursors. Inhibition of FGF receptor (FGFR) signalling with SU5402 does not significantly affect expression of genes encoding RA metabolism enzymes and RA receptor‐α in LMZ explants. Furthermore, SU5402 has no effect on the expression of hoxa1, a major RA target in the LMZ, showing that FGF is not antagonising RA in the LMZ. Disruption of RA signalling affects FGF ligand production to some extent, especially FGF8b, but the strongest effect is the down‐regulation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase‐3 (MKP3)‐encoding gene, mkp3. A strong up‐regulation of mkp3 occurs in response to exogenous RA. This effect is reduced in a context of FGFR inhibition, suggesting that RA and FGF signals are co‐operating upstream of mkp3. Mkp3 knockdown results in an inhibition of the kidney field markers pax8 and lhx1 and in a defective development of the pronephros.ConclusionsFGF is not negatively influencing pronephric specification by antagonising RA signalling. Functional interactions between RA and FGF rather take place at the level of the transcriptional regulation of mkp3, indicating that RA may antagonise FGF signalling at the level of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (Erk) pathway. A fine tuning of Erk signalling by MKP3 is important for the proper establishment of the kidney field.
Multicenter study of preservative sensitivity in patients with suspected cosmetic contact dermatitis in Korea
Authors: LEE Sang S. , HONG Dong K. , JEONG Nam J. , LEE Jeung H. , CHOI Yun‐Seok , LEE Ai‐Young , LEE Cheol‐Heon , KIM Kea J. , PARK Hae Y. , YANG Jun‐Mo , LEE Ga‐Young , LEE Joon , EUN Hee C. , MOON Kee‐Chan , SEO Seong J. , HONG Chang K. , LEE Sang W. , CHOI Hae Y. , LEE Jun Y. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAs many new cosmetic products are introduced into the market, attention must be given to contact dermatitis, which is commonly caused by cosmetics. We investigate the prevalence of preservative allergy in 584 patients with suspected cosmetic contact dermatitis at 11 different hospitals. From January 2010 to March 2011, 584 patients at 11 hospital dermatology departments presented with cosmetic contact dermatitis symptoms. These patients were patch‐tested for preservative allergens. An irritancy patch test performed on 30 control subjects using allergens of various concentrations showed high irritancy rates. Preservative hypersensitivity was detected in 41.1% of patients. Allergens with the highest positive test rates were benzalkonium chloride (12.1%), thimerosal (9.9%) and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) (5.5%). Benzalkonium chloride and chlorphenesin had the highest irritancy rate based on an irritancy patch test performed using various concentrations. Seven of 30 normal subjects had a positive irritant patch reading with 0.1% benzalkonium chloride and eight of 30 normal subjects had a positive irritant patch reading at 4 days with 0.5% chlorphenesin in petrolatum. Although benzalkonium chloride was highly positive for skin reactions in our study, most reactions were probably irritation. MCI/MI and thimerosal showed highly positive allergy reactions in our study. The optimum concentration of chlorphenesin to avoid skin reactions is less than 0.5%.
Evidence of HIV epidemics among non‐injecting drug users in Iran: a systematic review
Authors: Amin‐Esmaeili Masoumeh , Rahimi‐Movaghar Afarin , Haghdoost Ali‐akbar , Mohraz Minoo 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAimsIn Iran, injecting drug users have been recognized as a high‐risk group for HIV/AIDS for years. However, evidence of HIV epidemics in non‐injecting drug users (non‐IDUs) has also been found in recent years. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of HIV in non‐IDUs in Iran.MethodsInternational and regional databanks, including Pubmed, ISI, CINAHL, ASCI and IMEMR, as well as domestic databanks such as IranPsych, IranMedex SID and research reports were searched, and extensive personal contacts were made. All studies with HIV testing conducted between 1998 and 2007, which included non‐IDU subjects, were gathered and their qualities were assessed. HIV prevalence was pooled for each gender and stratified to several categories. The prevalence of HIV in non‐IDUs and IDUs was compared using pooled odds ratios in a fixed meta‐analysis model.ResultsOverall, 10 studies with 2275 non‐IDU samples were included. Six of the studies were conducted in prison settings, two in treatment centres, one in a community setting and one in a shelter setting. Four studies were performed in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. The pooled HIV prevalence was 5.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.7–7.4] after 2005, which was significantly higher than the prevalence before 2005 [1.6% (95% CI 1.0–2.3)]. IDUs were 4.36 (95% CI 2.63–7.24) times more likely to be infected with HIV than non‐IDUs.ConclusionIran is facing a major HIV epidemic among non‐injecting illicit drug users, which necessitates an urgent preventive response.
Spatial and temporal variation of fish assemblage in two intermittent streams in north‐western Zimbabwe
Authors: Kadye Wilbert T. , Chakona Albert 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis study examined the spatial and temporal variation in fish assemblage composition within two intermittent streams in north‐western Zimbabwe. Eight sites were sampled during three different periods of flow. Twenty‐five species in eight families, dominated by cichlids and cyprinids, were collected. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was used to explore the relationship between species and their environmental correlates. According to variation partition, 68.1% of assemblage variation was explained by both habitat and temporal variables. Most species were associated with large pools, whereas small species were associated with habitats that had gravel and boulders. The temporal aspect suggested a pattern associated with high catch per unit effort (CPUE) for the mormyrids, Clarias gariepinus and Labeo altivelis, during the early rain period. By comparison, the late rain period was associated with high CPUE for Labeo cylindricus, Labeobarbus marequensis, Chiloglanis neumanni and Oreochromis mortimeri, whereas the rest of the species had high CPUE during both the late rain and dry periods. The assemblage composition was more diverse during the late rain period. Refuge availability during the dry period appeared to be essential for the assemblage of the intermittent streams. Protection of these temporal habitats is therefore important in conserving fish assemblages within intermittent streams of the Lake Kariba area.
Association of polymorphisms in calpain 1, (mu/I) large subunit, calpastatin, and cathepsin D genes with meat quality traits in double‐muscled Piemontese cattle
Authors: Ribeca Cinzia , Bonfatti Valentina , Cecchinato Alessio , Albera Andrea , Maretto Fabio , Gallo Luigi , Carnier Paolo 
Published: May 2012

SummaryFive single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the calpain 1, (mu/I) large subunit (CAPN1), calpastatin (CAST), and cathepsin D (CTSD) genes were analyzed in a large sample of Piemontese cattle. The aim of this study was to evaluate allele and genotype frequencies of these SNPs and to investigate associations of CAPN1, CAST, and CTSD gene variants with meat quality traits. Minor allele frequencies ranged from 30 to 48%. The presence of the A allele at CAPN530 increased yellowness and drip loss. The CAST282 G allele was associated with an increased drip loss compared to the C allele, and the CAST2959 A allele decreased redness compared to the G allele.
Thyroid testing in pregnant women with thyroid dysfunction in Tayside, Scotland: the thyroid epidemiology, audit and research study (TEARS)
Authors: Vadiveloo Thenmalar , Mires Gary J. , Donnan Peter T. , Leese Graham P. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the rate of thyroid testing during pregnancy.DesignPopulation‐based, retrospective record‐linkage study.SettingHealth care data on pregnant women in Tayside, Scotland.ParticipantsAll pregnant women who were 18 years and above and who delivered between 1 January 1993 and 31 March 2011 in Tayside were identified. Patients were included in the study if they have had at least three thyroxine prescriptions prior to pregnancy of which at least one prescription was within 6 months prior to pregnancy.Main outcome measuresNumber of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) assays performed during pregnancy and the changes in dosage of thyroxine prescribed during pregnancy.ResultsWe identified 950 pregnancies that had thyroxine prescribed prior to pregnancy. Overall, 96·9% (95% CI: 96–98) of these pregnancies had at least one TSH assay performed during or just prior to pregnancy, with 81·2% (95% CI: 79–84) in the first trimester. The prescription of thyroxine was increased in 60·0% (95% CI: 57–63) at any time during pregnancy and in 34·0% (95% CI: 31–37) of pregnancies during the first trimester. Overall, 60% (95% CI: 57–63) of pregnancies had at least one elevated serum TSH during pregnancy with 55% (95% CI: 51–58) in the first trimester.ConclusionThe TSH concentration is raised in many pregnancies in women taking long‐term thyroxine.
Microseismic feasibility studies – assessing the probability of success of monitoring projects
Authors: Freudenreich Yann , Oates Stephen J. , Berlang Wilfred 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTIn this paper we present a workflow for microseismic feasibility studies that allows a thorough assessment of the probability of success of the monitoring project to be made. The workflow includes the following elements: assessment of the value of information to establish the business case; identification of hardware options to investigate deployment options; survey of analogue cases to confirm the do‐ability of the project; modelling of event location errors and detectability to establish the most favourable array geometry; generation of full waveform synthetics to anticipate undesired seismic features. A study comprising all these elements provides the reference frame for discussions with service companies, limiting misunderstandings and avoiding missed opportunities.
Continuous chelation irrigation improves the adhesion of epoxy resin‐based root canal sealer to root dentine
Authors: Neelakantan P. , Varughese A. A. , Sharma S. , Subbarao C. V. , Zehnder M. , De‐Deus G. 
Published: May 2012

Neelakantan P, Varughese AA, Sharma S, Subbarao CV, Zehnder M, De‐Deus G. Continuous chelation irrigation improves the adhesion of epoxy resin‐based root canal sealer to root dentine. International Endodontic JournalAbstractAim  To test the impact of continuous chelation by NaOCl+ etidronic acid (HEBP) during instrumentation, and a final rinse of EDTA or NaOCl + HEBP on the dentine bond strength of an epoxy resin sealer (AH Plus).Methodology  Single‐rooted teeth (n = 100) were divided into five groups (n = 20) based on the irrigation protocol and their root canals instrumented using a rotary Ni‐Ti system: 2.5% NaOCl during instrumentation followed by bi‐distilled water (G1) or 17% EDTA (G2) as final rinse; 1 : 1 mixture of 5% NaOCl and 18% HEBP during instrumentation, and the same mixture (G3), 17% EDTA (G4) or bi‐distilled water (G5) as final rinse. Canals were filled with AH Plus. Roots were sectioned, and push‐out tests were performed in coronal, middle and apical root thirds. Results were analysed using analysis of variance (anova) and Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons. The alpha‐type error was set at 0.05 for all the analyses.Results  Push‐out bond strength was highest in coronal and lowest in apical root thirds (P < 0.05). Groups that used NaOCl + HEBP irrigation during instrumentation had significantly higher bond strengths than groups following the NaOCl‐EDTA irrigation in all root thirds (P < 0.05). The use of a strong chelator as final flush further increased bond strengths (G4, P < 0.05).Conclusion  The continuous chelation irrigation protocol optimizes the bond strength of an epoxy resin sealer to dentine.
Establishment of an ex vivo pulpitis model by co‐culturing immortalized dental pulp cells and macrophages
Authors: Yonehiro J. , Yamashita A. , Yoshida Y. , Yoshizawa S. , Ohta K. , Kamata N. , Okihara T. , Nishimura F. 
Published: May 2012

Yonehiro J, Yamashita A, Yoshida Y, Yoshizawa S, Ohta K, Kamata N, Okihara T, Nishimura F. Establishment of an ex vivo pulpitis model by co‐culturing immortalized dental pulp cells and macrophages. International Endodontic Journal.AbstractAim  To establish an ex vivo pulpitis model by co‐culturing dental pulp cells with macrophages.Methodology  As dental pulp cells, immortalized human dental pulp cells, named DP‐1, were used, whilst as macrophage cell lines, the differentiated human monocytic cell line, THP‐1, was used. In some experiments, primary dental pulp cells were isolated and used to confirm the results obtained in the experiments using immortalized cells. Co‐culturing was performed using transwell systems. Inflammatory responses were evaluated by measuring cytokines produced by the cells.Results  Co‐culturing both cell types markedly up‐regulated inflammatory cytokine production as compared with the cells cultured independently, suggesting that both cell types interact with each other to synergistically produce higher amounts of inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, both DP‐1 and primary dental pulp cells appeared to produce molecules stimulating macrophages to produce tumour necrosis factor‐α‐.Conclusion  Co‐culturing immortalized dental pulp cells and macrophages may be a new ex vivo model for studying the pathophysiology of reversible pulpitis.
Modelling and simulation of bottle rinsing
Authors: Meister Claus , Velten Kai , Methner Frank‐Jürgen 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThis study describes newly developed mathematical models of bottle rinsing. Our approach is based on 3D‐CFD models of turbulent two‐phase flow (water and air), which have been implemented based on the freely available open source software OpenFOAM. The models are validated using data obtained with a standard injection nozzle and then used to evaluate the performance of two fictitious modified nozzle types w.r.t. cleaning efficiency, water consumption and water drainage. Maps of the interior walls of the bottles showing the distribution of important parameters such as wall shear stresses or water coverage were derived from the simulations. The simulations suggest that rotating or pulsating injection nozzles may perform better than standard nozzle configurations.
Gamma radiation effect on quality changes in vacuum‐packed squid (Illex argentinus) mantle rings during refrigerated (4–5 °C) storage
Authors: Tomac Alejandra , Yeannes María Isabel 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe effect of gamma radiation (0, 1.8, 3.3 and 5.8 kGy) on microbiological, chemical and colour characteristics of vacuum‐packed squid (Illex argentinus) mantle rings was studied. Total viable counts; psychrotrophic bacteria counts, Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens; total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) and colour difference were analysed during 29 days of storage at 4–5 °C. Higher doses of gamma radiation significantly reduced Total Viable, phychrotrophic counts and TVBN production (P < 0.05) in a dose‐dependent way, delaying squid spoilage. Colour difference of non‐irradiated samples with respect to first day significantly increased while it was constant in radiated samples during 22 days (P < 0.05). Independently from the dose, radiation avoided colour changes of squid rings. Gamma irradiation was effective in delaying deterioration reactions, improving microbiological, chemical and colour quality of vacuum‐packed squid rings stored at 4–5 °C.
B‐type natriuretic peptide in the evaluation and management of dyspnoea in primary care
Authors: Burri E. , Hochholzer K. , Arenja N. , Martin‐Braschler H. , Kaestner L. , Gekeler H. , Hatziisaak T. , Büttiker M. , Fräulin A. , Potocki M. , Breidthardt T. , Reichlin T. , Socrates T. , Twerenbold R. , Mueller C. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract.  Burri E, Hochholzer K, Arenja N, Martin‐Braschler H, Kaestner L, Gekeler H, Hatziisaak T, Büttiker M, Fräulin A, Potocki M, Breidthardt T, Reichlin T, Socrates T, Twerenbold R, Mueller C (University Hospital Basel, Basel; University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland). B‐type natriuretic peptide in the evaluation and management of dyspnoea in primary care. J Intern Med 2012; 272: 504–513.Objectives.  The rapid and accurate diagnosis of heart failure in primary care is a major unmet clinical need. We evaluated the additional use of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.Design.  A randomized controlled trial.Setting.  Twenty‐nine primary care physicians in Switzerland and Germany coordinated by the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland.Subjects.  A total of 323 consecutive patients presenting with dyspnoea.Interventions.  Assignment in a 1 : 1 ratio to a diagnostic strategy including point‐of‐care measurement of BNP (n = 163) or standard assessment without BNP (n = 160). The total medical cost at 3 months was the primary end‐point. Secondary end‐points were diagnostic certainty, time to appropriate therapy, functional capacity, hospitalization and mortality. The final diagnosis was adjudicated by a physician blinded to the BNP levels.Results.  Heart failure was the final diagnosis in 34% of patients. The number of hospitalizations, functional status and total medical cost at 3 months [median $1655, interquartile range (IQR), 850–3331 vs. $1541, IQR 859–2827; P = 0.68] were similar in both groups. BNP increased diagnostic certainty as defined by the need for further diagnostic work‐up (33% vs. 45%; P = 0.02) and accelerated the initiation of the appropriate treatment (13 days vs. 25 days; P = 0.01). The area under the receiver‐operating characteristics curve for BNP to identify heart failure was 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.93).Conclusions.  The use of BNP levels in primary care did not reduce total medical cost, but improved some of the secondary end‐points including diagnostic certainty and time to initiation of appropriate treatment.
Classic clover cline clues
Authors: OLSON MATTHEW S. , LEVSEN NICHOLAS 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAdaptive clines are striking examples of natural selection in action, yet few have been studied in depth. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Kooyers & Olsen (2012) introduce modern analyses and thinking towards studies of a classical example of the rapid and repeated evolution of latitudinal and altitudinal clines in cyanogenesis in white clover, Trifolium repens L. Recognizing that adaptive clines represent trade‐offs in the selective benefits of traits at different ends of a geographical transect, these researchers focus on whether evidence for selection can be found at regional (coarse) and local (fine) scales. After adjusting for population genetic patterns generated by demographic processes, Kooyers and Olsen provide evidence that the cyanogenesis cline is adaptive across a transect from Louisiana to Wisconsin, USA. Within local populations, divergent selection on coupling dominant and recessive alleles that underlie cyanogenesis is predicted to drive populations to gametic phase disequilibrium (LD), a pattern that has been found in several other studies reviewed by Kooyers and Olsen. The absence of LD within any sampled populations in this study leads the authors to suggest that selective patterns within these clines may be more complex than previously proposed, perhaps even following theoretical predictions of a geographic mosaic.
‘Back to the future’: How archaeological remains can describe salmon adaptation to climate change
Authors: BLANCHET SIMON , DUBUT VINCENT 
Published: May 2012

A strategy for species to survive climate change will be to change adaptively their way of life. Understanding rapid adaptation to climate change is therefore a priority for current research. In this issue, Turrero et al. (2012) use an original approach to unravel life history trait responses to climate change in two fish species (Salmo trutta and S. salar). Going against the flow, the authors adopt the strategy of going back to the future by investigating the responses of fish to the warming periods that followed the Last Glacial Period (approximately 30–20 000 years BP). To do this, they analysed Salmo vertebrae from well‐dated archaeological sites in northern Spain in order to uncover key life history traits, which they then compared to those of contemporary specimens. They found that, as the climate got warmer, Salmo species tended to reduce the time spent in growing areas and reached spawning areas at a younger age; this tendency began approximately 15 000 years BP and accelerated in contemporary periods. The implication is a lower age at maturity and a lower reproductive success, which they tentatively related to recent declines in population growth rate. This innovative study demonstrates how changes in life history traits are linked both to the population growth rate and to the evolutionary rate under climatic constraints, which may serve as a basis for future conservation research.
Dynamics of introgressive hybridization assessed by SNP population genomics of coding genes in stocked brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis)
Authors: LAMAZE FABIEN C. , SAUVAGE CHRISTOPHER , MARIE AMANDINE , GARANT DANY , BERNATCHEZ LOUIS 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSalmonid fishes rank among species being most severely affected by introgressive hybridization as a result of a long tradition of stocking with hatchery‐reared conspecifics. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the genetic consequences of stocking and resulting introgression rates on the genetic integrity of natural populations of brook charr, (ii) to identify genomic regions potentially associated with adaptation to natural and artificial rearing environments, and (iii) to test the null hypothesis that introgression from domesticated brook charr into wild populations is homogeneous among loci. A total of 336 individuals were sampled from nine lakes, which were stocked at different intensities with domestic fish. Individuals were genotyped at 280 SNPs located in transcribed regions and developed by means of next‐generation sequencing. As previously reported with microsatellites, we observed a positive relationship between stocking intensity and genetic diversity among stocking groups, and a decrease in population differentiation. Individual admixture proportions also increased with stocking intensity. Moreover, genomic cline analysis revealed 27 SNPs, seven of which were also identified as outliers in a genome scan, which showed an introgression rate either more restricted or enhanced relative to neutral expectations. This indicated that selection, mainly for growth‐related biological processes, has favored or hampered the introgression of genomic blocks into the introgressed wild populations. Overall, this study highlights the usefulness of investigating the impact of stocking on the dynamics of introgression of potentially adaptive genetic variation to better understand the consequences of such practice on the genomic integrity of wild populations.