bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rationale and design of the multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled Aliskiren Trial on Acute Heart Failure Outcomes (ASTRONAUT)
Authors: Gheorghiade Mihai , Albaghdadi Mazen , Zannad Faiez , Fonarow Gregg C. , Böhm Michael , Gimpelewicz Claudio , Botha Jaco , Moores Shelley , Lewis Eldrin F. , Rattunde Henning , Maggioni Aldo ,   on behalf of the ASTRONAUT investigators and study coordinators
Published: December 2010

BackgroundHospitalizations for acute heart failure syndromes (AHFS) are associated with high post‐discharge mortality and readmission rates in spite of available therapies. Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) antagonists improve outcomes in outpatients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction, however these therapies have not been tested in AHFS. Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor (DRI) that is known to enhance RAAS inhibition, which may result in improved clinical outcomes in AHFS. The aim of the Aliskiren Trial on Acute Heart Failure Outcomes (ASTRONAUT) study is to evaluate the effect of aliskiren on cardiovascular death and HF in AHFS patients.MethodsASTRONAUT will be an event‐driven trial with an estimated enrolment of 1782 patients hospitalized with worsening chronic HF, a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%, and an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥40 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients will be randomized 1:1 in a double‐blind fashion to receive aliskiren or placebo, in addition to standard HF therapy. The primary endpoint will be a composite of time to either cardiovascular death or first occurrence of HF re‐hospitalization.PerspectiveAliskiren is a DRI with a favourable neurohormonal and haemodynamic profile that may benefit patients hospitalized with worsening HF. Given the neurohormonal abnormalities that are present during and after hospitalization for AHFS, it is hypothesized that adding aliskiren to standard therapy will reduce post‐discharge mortality and re‐hospitalization. NCT00894387.
Suppression of Soybean Yield Potential in the Continental United States by Plant Diseases from 2006 to 2009
Authors: Koenning Stephen R. , Wrather J. Allen 
Published: December 2010

Research must focus on management of diseases that cause extensive losses, especially when funds for research are limited. Knowledge of the losses caused by various soybean diseases is essential when prioritizing research budgets. The objective of this project was to compile estimates of soybean yield potential losses caused by diseases for each soybean producing state in the United States from 2006 to 2009. This data is of special interest since the 4-year period summarized in this report, permits an examination of the impact of soybean rust that was first reported in the United States in 2004. Thus, in addition to the goal of providing this information to aid funding agencies and scientists in prioritizing research objectives and budgets, an examination of the impact of soybean rust on soybean yield losses relative to other diseases is warranted. Yield losses caused by individual diseases varied among states and years. Soybean cyst nematode caused more yield losses than any other disease during 2006 to 2009. Seedling diseases, Phytophthora root and stem rot, sudden death syndrome, Sclerotinia stem rot, and charcoal rot ranked in the top six of diseases that caused yield loss during these years. Soybean yield losses due to soybean rust and Sclerotinia stem rot varied greatly over years, especially when compared to other diseases. Accepted for publication 21 October 2010. Published 22 November 2010.
Determining “Practical” Fungicide Resistance Development and Drift in the Control of Cucurbit Powdery Mildew in Pumpkin
Authors: Wyenandt Christian A. , Maxwell Nancy L. 
Published: December 2010

In 2006 and 2007, nine fungicides were evaluated to determine if “practical” fungicide resistance could be identified and if fungicide resistance drift occurred in cucurbit powdery mildew of pumpkin. The fungicides and/or tank mixes whose active ingredient(s) were evaluated included: sulfur (FRAC code M1), chlorothalonil (M5), myclobutanil (3), pyraclostrobin (11), azoxystrobin (11), quinoxyfen (13), chlorothalonil + myclobutanil (M5 + 3), famoxadone + cymoxanil (11 + 27), pyraclostrobin + boscalid (11 + 7), and water only (control). Based on visual ratings of upper and lower leaf surfaces, a FRAC code 11 resistance cucurbit powdery mildew population was present in both years. Practical resistance and cross resistance were identified where a FRAC code 11 fungicide had not been applied season-long as well as where a FRAC code 11 fungicide was applied weekly or in rotation with another fungicide chemistry. Resistance to a FRAC code 3 fungicide was not identified where a FRAC code 3 fungicide had been applied season-long, or in rotation, or where no FRAC code 3 fungicide was applied. This study demonstrates that cucurbit powdery mildew populations resistant and/or cross resistant to FRAC code 11 fungicides can develop and have the potential to disseminate into and be detected in areas where no FRAC code 11 fungicides have been applied. Accepted for publication 11 October 2010. Published 22 November 2010.
Drugs and addiction: an introduction to epigenetics
Authors: Wong Chloe C. Y. , Mill Jonathan , Fernandes Cathy 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTAddiction is a debilitating psychiatric disorder, with a complex aetiology involving the interaction of inherited predispositions and environmental factors. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic alterations to the genome, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are important mechanisms underlying addiction and the neurobiological response to addictive substances. In this review, we introduce the reader to epigenetic mechanisms and describe a potential role for dynamic epigenetic changes in mediating addictive behaviours via long‐lasting changes in gene expression. We summarize recent findings from both molecular and behavioural experiments elucidating the role of epigenetic changes in mediating the addictive potential of various drugs of abuse, including cocaine, amphetamine and alcohol. The implications of these findings for molecular studies of addiction and the future development of novel therapeutic interventions are also discussed.
Increasing US mortality due to accidental poisoning: the role of the baby boom cohort
Authors: Miech Richard , Koester Steve , Dorsey‐Holliman Brook 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTAims  In this study we examine whether the recent, sharp increase in mortality in the United States due to accidental poisoning since 2000 is the result of the aging of the baby boom cohort or, instead, a historical trend apparent among decedents of all ages.Design  We conducted an age–period–cohort analysis using data from the US Vital Statistics and the US Census covering the period 1968–2007.Setting and participants  The United States population aged 15–64 years.Measurements  Cause of death and demographic data as recorded on death certificates.Findings  The increase in mortality due to accidental poisoning since the year 2000 stems primarily from a historical period effect across all ages for whites, but results in large part from a rate spike in the baby boom cohort among blacks. For all demographic groups baby boomers had higher odds of death due to accidental poisoning than the cohorts that came before and after them. Historical influences acting across all ages led to an increase in accidental poisoning mortality that was almost 10‐fold for whites and threefold for blacks over the study period.Conclusions  While the recent, sharp increase in accidental poisoning mortality stems in part from the aging of the baby boom cohort, substantially more of the increase results from influences unique to recent years that have affected all age groups. These results point to the need to bolster overdose prevention programs and policies as the historical increase in accidental poisoning mortality appears to continue unabated.
A longitudinal analysis of alcohol outlet density and domestic violence
Authors: Livingston Michael 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTAims  A small number of studies have identified a positive relationship between alcohol outlet density and domestic violence. These studies have all been based on cross‐sectional data and have been limited to the assessment of ecological correlations between outlet density and domestic violence rates. This study provides the first longitudinal examination of this relationship.Design  Cross‐sectional time‐series using aggregated data from small areas. The relationships between alcohol outlet density and domestic violence were assessed over time using a fixed‐effects model. Controls for the spatial autocorrelation of the data were included in the model.Setting  The study uses data for 186 postcodes from within the metropolitan area of Melbourne, Australia for the years 1996 to 2005.Measures  Alcohol outlet density measures for three different types of outlets (hotel/pub, packaged liquor, on‐premise) were derived from liquor licensing records and domestic violence rates were calculated from police‐recorded crime data, based on the victim's postcode.Findings  Alcohol outlet density was associated significantly with rates of domestic violence, over time. All three licence categories were positively associated with domestic violence rates, with small effects for general (pub) and on‐premise licences and a large effect for packaged liquor licences. Conclusions: In Melbourne, the density of liquor licences is positively associated with rates of domestic violence over time. The effects were particularly large for packaged liquor outlets, suggesting a need for licensing policies that pay more attention to o off‐premise alcohol availability.
A variant of theLRP4gene affects the risk of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia transformation to Richter syndrome
Authors: Rasi Silvia , Spina Valeria , Bruscaggin Alessio , Vaisitti Tiziana , Tripodo Claudio , Forconi Francesco , De Paoli Lorenzo , Fangazio Marco , Sozzi Elisa , Cencini Emanuele , Laurenti Luca , Marasca Roberto , Visco Carlo , Xu‐Monette Zijun Y. , Gattei Valter , Young Ken H. , Malavasi Fabio , Deaglio Silvia , Gaidano Gianluca , Rossi Davide 
Published: December 2010

SummaryRichter syndrome (RS) represents the transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) to aggressive lymphoma. Risk factors of CLL transformation to RS are only partly known. We explored the role of the host genetic background as a risk factor for RS occurrence. Forty‐five single nucleotide polimorphisms (SNPs) known to be relevant for CLL prognosis were genotyped in a consecutive cohort of 331 CLL, of which 21 had transformed to RS. After correcting for multiple testing and adjusting for previously reported RS risk factors, theLRP4rs2306029 TT variant genotype was the sole SNP independently associated with a higher risk of RS transformation (Hazard Ratio: 4·17;P = 0·001;q = 0·047). The enrichment ofLRP4TT genotype in RS was confirmed in an independent series (n = 44) used for validation purposes. The LRP4 protein was expressed in CLL (n = 66). Bioinformatic analysis scoredLRP4rs2306029 as a variant with possible deleterious and damaging variant of LRP4.LRP4genotyping may help the recognition of patients with increased risk of RS at the time of CLL diagnosis.
Efficacy, safety and immunological actions of butanol‐extracted Food Allergy Herbal Formula‐2 on peanut anaphylaxis
Authors: Srivastava K. , Yang N. , Chen Y. , Lopez‐Exposito I. , Song Y. , Goldfarb J. , Zhan J. , Sampson H. , Li X‐M. 
Published: December 2010

Cite this as: K. Srivastava, N. Yang, Y. Chen, I. Lopez‐Exposito, Y. Song, J. Goldfarb, J. Zhan, H. Sampson and X‐M. Li, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 582–591.SummaryBackground
Therapies for peanut allergy (PNA) are urgently needed. Food Allergy Herbal Formula‐2 (FAHF‐2) has profound therapeutic effects in a murine PNA model and is safe for food‐allergic adults in clinical trials. However, the large FAHF‐2 pill‐load is not conducive to clinical studies in children. Thus, refining FAHF‐2 to decrease pill‐load is essential for the inclusion of children in clinical trials and to facilitate studying FAHF‐2 as a clinically useful botanical drug.Objectives
Testing long‐term efficacy and safety of a butanol‐purified extract of FAHF‐2 (B‐FAHF‐2) in a murine model of PNA, and to explore its immunological mechanisms of action.Methods
FAHF‐2 was purified by butanol extraction. C3H/HeJ mice with established PNA received the first course of B‐FAHF‐2 at 6 mg, twice daily for 7 weeks (PNA/B‐FAHF‐2) or water (PNA/sham) and were then challenged immediately after completing the treatment and six more times every 1–2 months post‐treatment up to week 50. Mice then received a second course of B‐FAHF‐2 treatment at week 52 and were challenged at week 65. In vivo and in vitro immunological effects on T, B and mast cells were also determined.Results
Butanol purification reduced the volume of the effective dose ∼5‐fold. All PNA/B‐FAHF‐2 mice were completely protected from PN anaphylaxis until the fifth challenge after the first course of treatment, as compared with PNA/sham mice. Partial protection persisted up to 50 weeks. A second treatment course restored complete protection. B‐FAHF‐2 significantly suppressed Th2 cytokine, IgE and histamine levels in vivo, and showed direct inhibition of Th2, IgE‐producing B cells and mast cell activation in vitro. B‐FAHF‐2 had a high margin of safety.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
B‐FAHF‐2 produced long‐lasting protection against PN anaphylaxis for approximately half of the murine life span without side‐effects. B‐FAHF‐2 exhibited direct effects on multiple food allergy effector cells.
The challenges for nut‐allergic consumers of eating out
Authors: Leftwich J. , Barnett J. , Muncer K. , Shepherd R. , Raats M. M. , Hazel Gowland M. , Lucas J. S. 
Published: December 2010

Cite this as: J. Leftwich, J. Barnett, K. Muncer, R. Shepherd, M. M. Raats, M. Hazel Gowland and J. S. Lucas, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 243–249.SummaryCite this as: J. Leftwich, J. Barnett,K. Muncer, R. Shepherd,M. M. Raats, M. Hazel Gowland and J. S. Lucas, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 243–249.Background
For individuals with a nut allergy, the avoidance of allergens is particularly challenging in situations where they are not preparing their own food. Many allergic reactions occur when eating outside the home.Objective
To identify and explore the challenges faced by nut‐allergic individuals (NAIs) when they are eating in restaurants and other eating establishments.Methods
A qualitative interview study was conducted with 32 adults with a clinical history of allergy to peanuts and/or tree nuts.Results
The main strategies that participants adopted to manage the risk of allergic reactions when eating outside the home were avoidance and communication. They avoided types of restaurants, meal courses or particular foods. Seeking familiarity was a key strategy that enabled NAIs to reduce uncertainty and anxiety. Language differences were a major barrier to confident communication about food content. The need to check whether the food on offer may contain nuts was a source of social embarrassment for many participants and the desire to avoid this sometimes led to increased risk taking. Some did not disclose their allergy to restaurant staff as they feared a conservative reaction that would further constrain food choices. NAIs often have to plan where to eat out. The consequent lack of spontaneity was a source of regret to some.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
Communication patterns of nut‐allergic adults are often grounded in legitimate everyday social considerations around embarrassment, choice and spontaneity. Education and training strategies are needed that recognize and take account of this. Focusing on communication deficits of NAIs may be unhelpful; responsibility for food safety must be shared with the food industry.
Sex and PRNP Genotype Determination in Preimplantation Caprine Embryos
Authors: Guignot F , Perreau C , Cavarroc C , Touzé J‐L , Pougnard J‐L , Dupont F , Beckers J‐F , Rémy B , Babilliot J‐M , Bed’Hom B , Lamorinière JM , Mermillod P , Baril G 
Published: December 2010

ContentsThe objective of this study was to test the accuracy of genotype diagnosis after whole amplification of DNA extracted from biopsies obtained by trimming goat embryos and to evaluate the viability of biopsied embryos after vitrification/warming and transfer. Whole genome amplification (WGA) was performed using Multiple Displacement Amplification (MDA). Sex and prion protein (PRNP) genotypes were determined. Sex diagnosis was carried out by PCR amplification of ZFX/ZFY and Y chromosome‐specific sequences. Prion protein genotype determination was performed on codons 142, 154, 211, 222 and 240. Embryos were collected at day 7 after oestrus and biopsied either immediately after collection (blastocysts and expanded blastocysts) or after 24 h of in vitro culture (compacted morulae). Biopsied embryos were frozen by vitrification. Vitrified whole embryos were kept as control. DNA of biopsies was extracted and amplified using MDA. Sex diagnosis was efficient for 97.4% of biopsies and PRNP genotyping was determined in 78.7% of biopsies. After embryo transfer, no significant difference was observed in kidding rate between biopsied and vitrified control embryos, whereas embryo survival rate was different between biopsied and whole vitrified embryos (p = 0.032). At birth, 100% of diagnosed sex and 98.2% of predetermined codons were correct. Offspring PRNP profiles were in agreement with parental genotype. Whole genome amplification with MDA kit coupled with sex diagnosis and PRNP genotype predetermination are very accurate techniques to genotype goat embryos before transfer. These novel results allow us to plan selection of scrapie‐resistant genotypes and kid sex before transfer of cryopreserved embryo.
Addition of Seminal Plasma to Post‐thawing Equine Semen: What is the Effect on Sperm Cell Viability?
Authors: de Andrade AFC , Zaffalon FG , Celeghini ECC , Nascimento J , Tarragó OFB , Martins SMMK , Alonso MA , Arruda RP 
Published: December 2010

ContentsEffect of seminal plasma addition after thawing on viability or cryocapacitation is not definitively established. This experiment was performed to verify the effect of adding seminal plasma, autologous or homologous (from an animal with good semen freezability). Five ejaculates from each of four stallions with proven fertility were collected and cryopreserved. The semen was subsequently thawed and divided into the following three treatment groups: no seminal plasma addition after semen thawing (NOSP); the addition of homologous seminal plasma after semen thawing (HSP) and the addition of autologous seminal plasma after semen thawing (ASP). The addition of 20% of seminal plasma led to an increase in the cell population that simultaneously show plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity (p < 0.05). The addition of seminal plasma did not alter the total motility, the amount of cells with mitochondrial membrane potential or the sperm velocities (average path velocity, straight‐line velocity and curvilinear velocity). However, the beat/cross‐frequency, straightness and linearity were reduced in ASP and HSP groups (p < 0.05). Unexpectedly, the addition of homologous seminal plasma reduced the proportion of cells with progressive motility (p < 0.05) and the addition of autologous seminal plasma reduced the amplitude of the lateral head displacement (p < 0.05). Based on the increase in the cell populations that had the plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity simultaneously identified in this study, we proposed that the addition of seminal plasma (autologous or homologous) into post‐thawed semen before insemination could increase semen fertility.
Ambient particulate matter affects occludin distribution and increases alveolar transepithelial electrical conductance
Authors: CARABALLO Juan C. , YSHII Cecilia , WESTPHAL Whitney , MONINGER Thomas , COMELLAS Alejandro P. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Inhaled particulate matter (PM) causes lung inflammation and epithelial dysfunction. However, the direct effect of PM on alveolar epithelial barrier integrity is not well understood. Our aim is to determine whether PM exposure affects the alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) transepithelial electrical conductance (Gt) and tight junction (TJ) proteins.Methods:  Human AEC (A549) and primary rat AEC were exposed to PM of <10 µm in size (PM10) and diesel exhaust particles (DEP), using titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a control for particle size effects. Gt and permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran (FITC‐Dextran) were measured to assess barrier integrity. TJ integrity was evaluated by analysing penetration of Lanthanum nitrate (La3+) under transmission electron microscopy. Surface proteins were labelled with biotin and analysed by western blot. Immunofluorescence was performed to assess colocalization of TJ proteins including occludin and zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1). PM induced dissociation of occludin‐ZO‐1 was evaluated by co‐immunoprecipitation.Results:  PM10 and DEP increased Gt and disrupted TJ after 3 h of treatment. PM10 and DEP induced occludin internalization from the plasma membrane into endosomal compartments and dissociation of occludin from ZO‐1. Overexpression of antioxidant enzymes manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase, prevented PM‐induced Gt increase, occludin reduction from the plasma membrane and its dissociation from ZO‐1.Conclusions:  PM induces alveolar epithelial dysfunction in part via occludin reduction at the plasma membrane and ZO‐1 dissociation in AEC. Furthermore, these effects are prevented by overexpression of two different antioxidant enzymes.
Psychological stress‐induced changes in salivary alpha‐amylase and adrenergic activity
Authors: Kang Younhee 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe aim of the study was to examine the relationships among salivary alpha‐amylase, plasma catecholamines, blood pressure, and heart rate during psychological stress. This study used a pretest–post‐test experimental design with a control group, using repeated measures. A total of 33 participants was divided into the experimental group (n = 16) that underwent a college academic final test as the psychological stress and the control group (n = 17) that did not undergo the test. The levels of salivary alpha‐amylase and plasma catecholamines, blood pressure, and heart rate were measured seven times and stress and anxiety were measured once and twice, respectively, as subjective stress markers. Significant changes in the level of salivary alpha‐amylase were found in response to psychological stress. However, the correlations of salivary alpha‐amylase with the plasma catecholamines, blood pressure, and heart rate were only partially found to be statistically significant. In conclusion, it was shown that salivary alpha‐amylase was sensitive to stress throughout this study. Thus, salivary alpha‐amylase may be used to measure stress uninvasively in both clinical settings and nursing research where the effects of stress might be scrutinized. Furthermore, the mechanisms of illnesses that are induced by stress could be explored.