bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STAT3 Genotypic Variation and Cellular STAT3 Activation and Colon Leukocyte Recruitment in Pediatric Crohn Disease
Authors: Willson Tara A. , Kuhn Benjamin R. , Jurickova Ingrid , Gerad Shaina , Moon David , Bonkowski Erin , Carey Rebecca , Collins Margaret H. , Xu Huan , Jegga Anil G. , Guthery Stephen L. , Denson Lee A. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:Genotypic variation in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) increases risk for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and STAT3‐dependent inflammatory networks are induced in the colon in these patients. We hypothesized that STAT3 “A” risk allele carriage would be associated with increased cellular STAT3 activation and colon leukocyte recruitment.Methods:Colonic expression of genes regulating STAT3 signaling and leukocyte recruitment and function was measured in pediatric patients with Crohn disease (CD) stratified by STAT3 genotype. The frequency of colonic pSTAT3+ and CXCR2+ neutrophils was determined using immunohistochemistry. STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation (pSTAT3) was measured in circulating leukocytes by flow cytometry, and mechanisms regulating STAT3 activation were tested in IBD Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV)–transformed lymphocytes (EBL).Results:Colonic expression of interleukin 6 (IL‐6), the STAT3 target gene SOCS3, the neutrophil chemoattractants IL‐8, CXCL1, and CXCL3, and the neutrophil products S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12 were increased in patients carrying the STAT3 “A” risk allele. The frequency of neutrophils expressing the cognate receptor for IL‐8, CXCR2, was increased in colonic biopsies from patients carrying the risk allele, and the frequency of pSTAT3+ or CXCR2+ neutrophils correlated with histologic severity. The frequency of CD4+ lymphocytes and granulocytes expressing pSTAT3 was increased in patients carrying the STAT3 “A” risk allele. EBLs from patients carrying the STAT3 “A” risk allele exhibited increased basal and IL‐6–stimulated STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation, increased transcription of STAT3 and SOCS3 after IL‐6 stimulation, and increased membrane localization of the IL‐6 receptor, GP130, and Janus‐associated kinase 2.Conclusions:The STAT3 “A” risk allele is associated with increased cellular STAT3 activation and upregulation of pathways that promote recruitment of CXCR2+ neutrophils to the gut.
Correlation Between IgA Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody Ratio and Histological Finding in Celiac Disease
Authors: Alessio Maria G. , Tonutti Elio , Brusca Ignazio , Radice Antonella , Licini Lisa , Sonzogni Aurelio , Florena Ada , Schiaffino Eugenio , Marus Wally , Sulfaro Sandro , Villalta Danilo ,   Study Group on Autoimmune Diseases of the Italian Society of Laboratory Medicine
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:Positivity of both immumoglobulin A anti‐tissue transglutaminase (TTG) and anti‐endomysium antibodies (EMA) has a positive predictive value of nearly 100% for celiac disease (CD). The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether patients of any age, with high pretest probability of CD and high titre of anti‐TTG and EMA positivity, have a high probability of intestinal damage and may not require the biopsy for final diagnosis.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 412 consecutively referred patients, age range 10 months to 72 years, who underwent small‐bowel biopsy for suspicion of CD and positivity to both anti‐TTG and EMA, was performed at 4 Italian centers. Biopsies were evaluated independently by 2 pathologists using Marsh modified classification; in cases of dissimilar results, a third pathologist examined the biopsy. The final histological finding diagnosis was expressed as the prevalent or highest score assigned by the pathologist board.Results:Three hundred ninety‐six patients (96.1%) had histological findings consistent with CD (grade 2 and 3a, 3b, or 3c of modified Marsh classification). An anti‐TTG ratio ≥7 was able to identify with the 3 assays used (Celikey, anti‐TTG immumoglobulin A, EuTTG) all of the patients with significant mucosal damage (Marsh ≥2) independent of age and sex; specificity and positive predictive value were 100%. An anti‐TTG ratio >20 was more specific (99.8%) for identification of patients with villous atrophy (Marsh 3 a, b, or c).Conclusions:Patients with positivity of anti‐TTG ≥7‐fold cutoff, confirmed by positivity to EMA, have a high‐degree probability of duodenal damage. In selected conditions, a duodenal biopsy may be avoided and a confirmed greatly positive anti‐TTG result could be the basis to prescribe a gluten‐free diet.
Diagnostic Value of Anti‐deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgG Antibodies for Celiac Disease in Children and IgA‐deficient Patients
Authors: Mozo Lourdes , Gómez Jesús , Escanlar Esther , Bousoño Carlos , Gutiérrez Carmen 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of the study was to analyze the diagnostic performance of anti‐deamidated gliadin peptide (dGp) immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgA regarding the age at celiac disease (CD) diagnosis and the anti‐dGp IgG usefulness for diagnosing CD IgA‐deficient patients.Methods:Anti‐dGp IgG and IgA and anti‐native gliadin (nGlia) IgA were determined by enzyme fluoroimmunoassay in 100 newly diagnosed anti‐tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA‐positive pediatric and adult patients with CD and in 100 age‐matched patients with other digestive pathologies. Anti‐dGp IgG was evaluated in 6 CD IgA‐deficient patients.Results:When analyzing all of the patients, the anti‐dGp IgG assay showed higher diagnostic accuracy (area under receiver operating characteristic curve), specificity, and positive predictive value than anti‐dGp IgA and anti‐nGlia IgA. All of the diagnostic parameters corresponding to anti‐dGp IgG reached the same values as anti‐tTG IgA in children 7 years or younger. In older patients, both anti‐dGp isotypes showed an inverse behavior, IgG having a higher specificity and positive predictive value but a lower sensitivity and negative predictive value than IgA. Anti‐dGp levels were associated with the severity of intestinal lesions, and an inverse association was found regarding age at diagnosis. Both anti‐dGp IgG and IgA were found to be positive in the 9 patients with minimal intestinal changes included in the study. All of the patients with CD with IgA deficiency were positive for anti‐dGp IgG.Conclusions:The diagnostic performance of anti‐dGp depends on the antibody isotype and on the age at CD diagnosis, anti‐dGp IgG being a serological marker at least as useful as anti‐tTG IgA for detecting CD in children ages 7 years or younger. Our data also indicate that anti‐dGp IgG can improve the diagnosis of IgA‐deficient patients.
Taste Perception and Food Choices
Authors: Negri Rossella , Di Feola Mariarosaria , Di Domenico Simone , Scala M. Giuseppa , Artesi Ginevra , Valente Serena , Smarrazzo Andrea , Turco Francesca , Morini Gabriella , Greco Luigi 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:The extent to which variation in taste perception influences food preferences is, to date, controversial. Bitterness in food triggers an innate aversion that is responsible for dietary restriction in children. We investigated the association among genetic variations in bitter receptor TAS2R38 and food choices in healthy children in the Mediterranean area, to develop appropriate tools to evaluate the relation among genetic predisposition, dietary habits, and feeding disorders. The aims of the study were to get a first baseline picture of taste sensitivity in healthy adults and their children and to explore taste sensitivity in a preliminary sample of obese children and in samples affected by functional gastrointestinal diseases.Methods:Individuals (98 children, 87 parents, 120 adults) were recruited from the general population in southern Italy. Bitterness sensitivity was assessed by means of a suprathreshold method with 6‐propyl‐2‐thiouracil. Genomic DNA from saliva was used to genotype individuals for 3 polymorphisms of TAS2R38 receptor, A49P, A262 V, and V296I. Food intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire.Results:Children's taste sensation differed from that of adults: we observed a higher frequency of supertasters among children even in the mother–child dyads with the same diplotypes. Among adults, supertaster status was related with proline‐alanine‐valine (taster allele) homozygous haplotype, whereas supertaster children were mainly heterozygous. Regarding the food choices, we found that a higher percentage of taster children avoided bitter vegetables or greens altogether compared with taster adults. Taster status was also associated with body mass index in boys.Conclusions:Greater sensitivity to 6‐propyl‐2‐thiouracil predicts lower preferences for vegetables in children, showing an appreciable effect of the genetic predisposition on food choices. None of the obese boys was a supertaster.
Parenteral Plant Sterols and Intestinal Failure–associated Liver Disease in Neonates
Authors: Kurvinen Annika , Nissinen Markku J. , Andersson Sture , Korhonen Päivi , Ruuska Tarja , Taimisto Mari , Kalliomäki Marko , Lehtonen Liisa , Sankilampi Ulla , Arikoski Pekka , Saarela Timo , Miettinen Tatu A. , Gylling Helena , Pakarinen Mikko P. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTObjectives:We prospectively evaluated incidence of prolonged (>28 days) parenteral nutrition (PN), associated complications, and significance of parenteral plant sterols (PS) in neonatal intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) compared with children.Methods:We recruited 28 neonates (mean age 50 days, range 28–126) and 11 children (6.9 y, 2.1–16.6) in all of Finland. Patients underwent repeated measurements of serum cholesterol, noncholesterol sterols, including PS, cholestanol and cholesterol precursors, and liver biochemistry during and 1 month after discontinuation of PN. Healthy matched neonates (n = 10) and children (n = 22) served as controls.Results:IFALD occurred more frequently among neonates (63%) than children (27%; P < 0.05). Ratios of serum PS, including stigmasterol, sitosterol, avenasterol, and campesterol, and total PS were increased among neonates compared with healthy controls and children on PN by 2‐ to 22‐ and 2‐ to 5‐fold (P < 0.005), respectively. Neonates with IFALD had significantly higher ratios of serum PS and cholestanol compared with neonates without IFALD (P < 0.05). Total duration of PN associated with serum cholestanol, stigmasterol, avenasterol, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase (r = 0.472–0.636, P < 0.05). Cholestanol and individual serum PS, excluding campesterol, reflected direct bilirubin (r = 0.529–0.688, P < 0.05). IFALD persisted after discontinuation of PN in 25% of neonates with 4.2‐ and 2.2‐times higher ratios of serum stigmasterol and cholestanol compared with neonates without IFALD (P < 0.05).Conclusions:Frequent occurrence of IFALD among neonates on PN displays an association to duration of PN and markedly increased serum PS, especially stigmasterol, in comparison to healthy neonates and children on PN. Striking accumulation of parenteral PS may contribute to IFALD among neonates.
Parent-of-Origin Effects on Gene Expression and DNA Methylation in the Maize Endosperm
Authors: Waters Amanda J. , Makarevitch Irina , Eichten Steve R. , Swanson-Wagner Ruth A. , Yeh Cheng-Ting , Xu Wayne , Schnable Patrick S. , Vaughn Matthew W. , Gehring Mary , Springer Nathan M. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Imprinting describes the differential expression of alleles based on their parent of origin. Deep sequencing of RNAs from maize (Zea mays) endosperm and embryo tissue 14 d after pollination was used to identify imprinted genes among a set of ~12,000 genes that were expressed and contained sequence polymorphisms between the B73 and Mo17 genotypes. The analysis of parent-of-origin patterns of expression resulted in the identification of 100 putative imprinted genes in maize endosperm, including 54 maternally expressed genes (MEGs) and 46 paternally expressed genes (PEGs). Three of these genes have been previously identified as imprinted, while the remaining 97 genes represent novel imprinted maize genes. A genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation identified regions with reduced endosperm DNA methylation in, or near, 19 of the 100 imprinted genes. The reduced levels of DNA methylation in endosperm are caused by hypomethylation of the maternal allele for both MEGs and PEGs in all cases tested. Many of the imprinted genes with reduced DNA methylation levels also show endosperm-specific expression patterns. The imprinted maize genes were compared with imprinted genes identified in genome-wide screens of rice (Oryza sativa) and Arabidopsis thaliana, and at least 10 examples of conserved imprinting between maize and each of the other species were identified.
Corrosion inhibition in copper by isolated bacteria
Authors: Garcia Fernando , Leonor Rivera Lopez Ana , Campos Guillén Juan , Hernández Sandoval Luis , Regalado González Carlos , Castaño Victor 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report a study of microbiological influenced corrosion (MIC) of copper due to bacteria strains isolated from potable water pipes and oxidation lagoons using electrochemical noise (EN) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Design/methodology/approachBacteria strains isolated from copper surfaces of potable water pipes and from oxidation lagoons were identified, based on the 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. Corrosion studies were undertaken over a period of six weeks, placing copper electrodes inside an LB culture media with and without bacteria. The corrosion resistance was obtained using EN analysis. In all the cases, the corrosion type was identified. SEM images of the copper electrodes were taken to evaluate the surface condition.FindingsThe bacteria strains identified were: Pantoea agglomerans, Alcaligenes faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Brucellaceae bacterium, Enterobacter cloacae, Delftia tsuruhatensis, and Pseudochrobactrum asaccharolyticum. EN analysis gave noise resistance values in the range 1,036‐5,040 Ωcm2 for the control samples and in the range of 2,336‐22,573 Ωcm2 for samples that had been inoculated with bacteria. It was found that a decrease in the rate of corrosion took place due to the development of a biofilm by the microorganisms on the copper surface. SEM images corroborated the presence of the biofilm on the copper electrodes.Practical implicationsThe isolated bacteria strain reduced the rate of corrosion on the copper electrodes, as shown by the SEM images and EN analysis results, due to the formation of a biofilm that can act as an anticorrosive coating.Originality/valueEven though MIC is a known phenomenon, it has not been reported that isolated bacteria strains can reduce corrosion on the surface of copper potable water pipes and in oxidation lagoons.
Studies of the conversion coatings formed by combined use of lanthanum salt and benzotriazole on commercial brass
Authors: Fan Hongqiang , Li Shuying , Shi Zhicong , LV Xuefei , Zhao Zongchang 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the synergism effect between lanthanum salt (La(NO3)3) and benzotriazole (BTAH) on the corrosion inhibition of commercial brass and to further study the inhibition mechanism.Design/methodology/approachPotentiodynamic polarization curves were carried out on bare brass and brass treated with additions of optimum concentration of BTAH, La salt and La salt+BTAH to the basal deposition solutions in 3.5 wt. percent sodium chloride solution. The inhibition mechanism of the composite conversion coatings on brass obtained in optimal deposition techniques were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and FT‐IR reflection spectra.FindingsA “Critical La(NO3)3 content” and “Critical BTAH content” were both observed, at which the coatings prepared performs the highest protectiveness, and La(NO3)3 and BTAH had an excellent synergism effect on the corrosion inhibition of brass. The corrosion mechanisms for uncoated and coated brass are different. A remarkable enhancement of the brass's corrosion protection was obtained by the formation of composite conversion coatings consisted of Cu(I)BTA and La coordinate thing except for Cu2O and La2O3, which acted as a barrier avoiding the release of metal ions and inhibited the diffusion of the oxygen.Originality/valueThe results from this paper showed that La(NO3)3 and BTAH could be used together to prepare the novel composited conversion coatings on commercial brass for the good corrosion inhibition.
A conceptual model for the successful deployment of Lean Six Sigma
Authors: Hilton Roger John , Sohal Amrik 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the successful deployment of Lean Six Sigma and a number of key explanatory variables that essentially comprise the competence of the organization, the competence of the deployment facilitator and the competence of the project leaders.Design/methodology/approachThe preliminary fieldwork involved interviews with two senior Master Black Belts; then, combined with the results of a literature review, the authors develop a conceptual model. A number of hypotheses are developed and the procedures involved in empirically testing these hypotheses are briefly explained.FindingsTechnical and interpersonal attributes of Black Belts and Master Black Belts are identified as well as the factors for success in deploying Lean Six Sigma. These factors relate to: leadership, communication, behavior and awareness of Six Sigma; policies, culture and organizational support and strategy; education, training and competency of the Six Sigma experts; project improvement teams and project management; and performance evaluations based on quality criteria, information systems, data and measurement.Originality/valueThe paper produces a predictive model for the successful deployment of a continuous improvement program such as Lean Six Sigma.
Are books becoming extinct in academic libraries?
Authors: Dewan Pauline 
Published: December 2011

PurposeAcademic librarians who are planning for the future need to be knowledgeable about the short‐ and long‐range outlook for print. They must also consider what will happen if libraries abolish most or all of their books. This paper aims to explore current and future academic e‐book usage, and to suggest ideas for response to collection changes.Design/methodology/approachThis article examines a wide range of studies and comments on this timely topic.FindingsThe disparity between the reception of e‐books in the general population and the adoption of them in the academic world suggests that print is still important to faculty and students. Given the advances in e‐book technology, the increasing popularity of online/distance education courses, the adoption of the new EPUB 3 format, and the ubiquity of mobile devices, e‐books are expected increasingly to replace print volumes in academic libraries.Originality/valueWhat has received little attention in the literature is the complexity of the issue of e‐book reception in the academic world. This article looks at current and future e‐book usage from the perspective of several large studies on diverse aspects of academic life, including students' perceptions of libraries, their information‐seeking behaviors, faculty research habits and information needs, students' reading habits, and the impact of emerging technologies on teaching and learning. Providing insight into current and future academic e‐book trends, this article suggests practical ways to respond to these trends.
Towards a conceptual framework for user‐driven semantic metadata interoperability in digital libraries
Authors: Alemu Getaneh , Stevens Brett , Ross Penny 
Published: December 2011

PurposeWith the aim of developing a conceptual framework which aims to facilitate semantic metadata interoperability, this paper explores overarching conceptual issues on how traditional library information organisation schemes such as online public access catalogues (OPACs), taxonomies, thesauri, and ontologies on the one hand versus Web 2.0 technologies such as social tagging (folksonomies) can be harnessed to provide users with satisfying experiences.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews works in relation to current metadata creation, utilisation and interoperability approaches, focusing on how a social constructivist philosophical perspective can be employed to underpin metadata decisions in digital libraries. Articles are retrieved from databases such as EBSCO host and Emerald and online magazines such as D‐Lib and Ariadne. Books, news articles and blog posts that are deemed relevant are also used to support the arguments put forward in this paper.FindingsCurrent metadata approaches are deeply authoritative and metadata deployments in digital libraries tend to favour an objectivist approach with focus on metadata simplicity. It is argued that unless information objects are enriched with metadata generated through a collaborative and user‐driven approach, achieving semantic metadata interoperability in digital libraries will remain difficult.Practical implicationsIn this paper, it is indicated that the number of metadata elements (fields) constituting a standard has a direct bearing on metadata richness, which in turn directly affects semantic interoperability. It is expected that this paper will contribute towards a better understanding of harnessing user‐driven metadata.Originality/valueAs suggested in this paper, a conceptual metadata framework underpinned by a social constructivist approach substantially contributes to semantic interoperability in digital libraries.
Librarians and faculty collaboration – partners in student success
Authors: Massis Bruce E. 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this column is to discuss the importance of faculty/librarian collaboration in establishing a base of reference support to serve as an underpinning for each course across the college curriculum.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by colleagues.FindingsIt is imperative that librarians collaborate with and support the faculty on a college campus to reinforce overall academic success.Originality/valueThe value in addressing this issue is to discuss the importance of the librarian/faculty collaboration in a college and suggest the value to the students in such collaboration.
Institutional repositories in India: a preliminary study
Authors: Sawant Sarika 
Published: December 2011

PurposeThis study aims to explore the various aspects of the development of institutional repositories (IRs), and especially the timeline involved beginning with planning, pilot testing, system implementation, exploratory activities conducted before implementation of the IR and its anticipated benefits.Design/methodology/approachA survey research method was used. The data collection tool applied for the study was an online questionnaire, which was created with the help of software provided by surveymonkey.com.FindingsIt has found that all institutions had done planning and pilot testing before implementation of an IR. “Attending institutional repository software implementation training and workshops” and “Demonstrating an operational institutional repository to my institution’s decision‐makers” were the most exercised exploratory activities. All respondents agreed on the benefit that an IR provides “Better service to contributors and institution’s learning community”. “Contributor’s lack of knowledge” was the most important inhibitor that impedes the web administrator’s ability to set up a successful institutional repository.Research limitations/implicationsOnly Indian institutional repositories were studied.Originality/valueThis is one of the preliminary studies focusing the development of IRs in India. Paper type Research paper