bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcal colonization of mucosal and lesional skin sites in atopic and healthy dogs
Authors: Fazakerley Jennifer , Nuttall Tim , Sales Debby , Schmidt Vanessa , Carter Stuart D. , Hart C. Anthony , McEwan Neil A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractStaphylococcal colonization was compared in healthy dogs and in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Bacterial swabs were collected from the nasal mucosa, ear and perineum of 43 healthy and 24 atopic dogs and also from potentially infected skin lesions of the atopic dogs. Coagulase positive staphylococcal isolates were identified to the species level. At the time of this studyStaphylococcus intermediuswas considered a single species but has since been recognized as comprising at least three species with canine isolates believed to belong toStaphylococcus pseudintermedius. Of atopic dogs, 87.5% were colonized withS. intermediuscompared to only 37.2% of healthy dogs. The ear was the only carriage site that showed any significant difference inS. intermediusisolation between healthy and atopic dogs. The perineum represented the most frequently colonized mucosal site for both groups. Sampling the nasal mucosa alone identified 71.4% of atopic and 37.5% of healthyS. intermediuscarriers. Inclusion of a perineal swab identified 100% of atopic and 93.8% of healthy carriers.S. intermediuswas isolated from all the lesional sites sampled from atopic dogs. Significantly fewer dogs were colonized byStaphylococcus aureusthanS. intermedius, and there was no significant difference betweenS. aureuscolonization of atopic and healthy dogs.S. aureuswas not recovered from any lesions in atopic dogs. The results show thatS. intermediuscarriage is more prevalent in atopic dogs compared to healthy dogs and that to identify staphylococcal carriers both the nasal mucosa and the perineum should be sampled.
Pseudopapilledema in a pediatric kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Bilginer Yelda , Haliloglu Göknur , Kadayıfçılar Sibel , Bakkaloglu Aysin , Besbas Nesrin 
Published: April 2009

Bilginer Y, Haliloglu G, Kadayıfçılar S, Bakkaloglu A, Besbas N. Pseudopapilledema in a pediatric kidney transplant recipient. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14:E83–E85. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  IIH is a syndrome of increased intracranial pressure characterized by headache, visual disturbance, papilledema with normal cranial neuroimaging. It is associated with many factors in childhood. From the renal perspective renal insufficiency, chronic dialysis, steroid treatment, and recombinant human growth hormone have been associated with IIH. It has also been described in pediatric recipients several months to years following kidney transplantation. In this study, we present a pediatric kidney transplant recipient receiving CyA, prednisone, and mycophenolate mofetil who was discovered to have pseudopapilledema during routine ophthalmological examination. He had no additional signs of increased intracranial pressure. Awareness of possible side effects in the follow‐up of these patients may improve management of these children.
The use of drotrecogin alfa (activated) in solid organ transplant patients: a case series
Authors: Berkman S. , Weimert N.A. , Taber D.J. , Baillie G.M. , Lin A. , Baliga P. , Chavin K.D. 
Published: April 2009

Background. Drotrecogin alfa (activated) (DAA), a recombinant human activated protein C, is indicated for the reduction of mortality in patients with severe sepsis who have a high risk of death. In the initial trial, DAA demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality at 28 days for patients treated with DAA in comparison with standard supportive treatment (placebo). However, solid organ transplant recipients were excluded from the study. Transplant recipients are at an increased risk for sepsis and there is minimal literature describing the safety and efficacy of DAA in the transplant population.Methods. Thirteen solid organ transplant recipients who received DAA between November 2001 and January 2004 were included in this case series. Patients were prospectively identified and data collection occurred concurrently and by retrospective chart review. All patients met the DAA use criteria based on the institutional standard protocol.Results. We report the outcomes of the 13 adult transplant patients who received a total of 14 courses of DAA for severe sepsis. At the time of DAA initiation, all patients required mechanical ventilation, 86% necessitated vasopressor support, and had a median of 3 dysfunctional organs. The median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score at initiation was 30. Overall, hemodynamic stability and APACHE II score improved at the end of DAA infusion. Causes of early discontinuation were bleeding (57%), scheduled procedure (14%), increased international normalized ratio (14%), and death (14%). In‐hospital, 28‐day, and 1‐year mortality was 69%, 62%, and 83%, respectively.Conclusion. DAA appears to be safe with appropriate monitoring. However, transplant recipients had a higher incidence of bleeding events leading to early discontinuation of DAA. Efficacy is difficult to assess without an appropriate control group for comparison.
New developments in the antiviral treatment of hepatitis C
Authors: De Bruijne J. , Weegink C. J. , Jansen P. L. M. , Reesink H. W. 
Published: April 2009

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV is endemic in most parts of the world, with an estimated 170 million people infected worldwide and 3–4 million new cases each year. HCV‐related end‐stage liver disease is now the main indication for liver transplantation in the USA and Western Europe. Unfortunately, no vaccine or immunoglobulin is available to prevent HCV infection. Currently, HCV treatment consists of the combined administration of pegylated interferon and ribavirin for a period of 24–48 weeks, resulting in complete viral eradication in 40–80% of patients, depending on genotype, viral load and patient characteristics. This therapy is often accompanied with side‐effects that affect compliance and reduce treatment outcomes.Recently, reliablein vitroculture systems have been developed which accelerated antiviral therapy research. Many new specifically targeted antiviral therapies for hepatitis C (STAT‐C) and treatment strategies are evaluated in clinical trials. These new antiviral agents are expected to improve treatment significantly with potentially shorter treatment duration. The most promising antiviral agents will be reviewed.
Generation Of Time Series Models With Given Spectral Properties
Authors: Boshnakov Georgi N. , Iqelan Bisher M. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract. We give a method for generation of periodically correlated and multivariate ARIMA models whose dynamic characteristics are partially or fully specified in terms of spectral poles and zeroes or their equivalents in the form of eigenvalues/eigenvectors of associated model matrices. Our method is based on the spectral decomposition of multi‐companion matrices and their factorization into products of companion matrices. Generated models are needed in simulation but may also be used in estimation, e.g. to set sensible initial values of parameters for nonlinear optimization.We are not aware of any other general method for multivariate linear systems of comparable generality and control over the spectral properties of the generated model.
A Non‐parametric Examination of Capital–Skill Complementarity*
Authors: Henderson Daniel J. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis paper uses non‐parametric kernel methods to construct observation‐specific elasticities of substitution for a balanced panel of 73 developed and developing countries to examine the capital–skill complementarity hypothesis. The exercise shows some support for capital–skill complementarity, but the strength of the evidence depends upon the definition of skilled labour and the elasticity of substitution measure being used. The added flexibility of the non‐parametric procedure is also capable of uncover ing that the elasticities of substitution vary across countries, groups of countries and time periods.
Inter‐ and Extra‐Indian Admixture and Genetic Diversity in Reunion Island Revealed by Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Dubut Vincent , Murail Pascal , Pech Nicolas , Thionville Marie‐Dominique , Cartault François 
Published: April 2009

SummaryReunion Island is a French territory located in the western Indian Ocean. The genetic pattern of the Reunionese population has been shaped by contributions from highly contrasting regions of the world. Over the last 350 years, several migration waves and cultural and socio‐economic factors have led to the emergence of six main ethnic groups in Reunion. India is one of the principal regions that contributed to the setting up of the Reunionese population. Diversity, demographic and admixture analyses were performed on mtDNA variation of the Reunionese of Indian ancestry, including theMalbarandZarabethnic groups, in order to question their history. Using a phylogeographical approach, we generated and analysed quantitative data on the contribution of the Indian parental populations. Furthermore, we showed that the settlement of Reunion Island by Indians did not involve a founder effect, except in the very beginning of the Reunionese settlement (at the end of the 17thcentury). The accuracy of our results was optimised by a re‐evaluation of the classification of the Southern Asian mtDNA haplogroups. Finally, by comparing our results to a previous study dealing with the Reunionese population, we highlighted how ethno‐historical data are critical for reconstructing the complex history of multiethnic populations.
Current knowledge of tooth development: patterning and mineralization of the murine dentition
Authors: Catón Javier , Tucker Abigail S. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe integument forms a number of different types of mineralized element, including dermal denticles, scutes, ganoid scales, elasmoid scales, fin rays and osteoderms found in certain fish, reptiles, amphibians and xenarthran mammals. To this list can be added teeth, which are far more widely represented and studied than any of the other mineralized elements mentioned above, and as such can be thought of as a model mineralized system. In recent years the focus for studies on tooth development has been the mouse, with a wealth of genetic information accrued and the availability of cutting edge techniques. It is the mouse dentition that this review will concentrate on. The development of the tooth will be followed, looking at what controls the shape of the tooth and how signals from the mesenchyme and epithelium interact to lead to formation of a molar or incisor. The number of teeth generated will then be investigated, looking at how tooth germ number can be reduced or increased by apoptosis, fusion of tooth germs, creation of new tooth germs, and the generation of additional teeth from existing tooth germs. The development of mineralized tissue will then be detailed, looking at how the asymmetrical deposition of enamel is controlled in the mouse incisor. The continued importance of epithelial–mesenchymal interactions at these later stages of tooth development will also be discussed. Tooth anomalies and human disorders have been well covered by recent reviews, therefore in this paper we wish to present a classical review of current knowledge of tooth development, fitting together data from a large number of recent research papers to draw general conclusions about tooth development.
The integumentary skeleton of tetrapods: origin, evolution, and development
Authors: Vickaryous Matthew K. , Sire Jean‐Yves 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAlthough often overlooked, the integument of many tetrapods is reinforced by a morphologically and structurally diverse assemblage of skeletal elements. These elements are widely understood to be derivatives of the once all‐encompassing dermal skeleton of stem‐gnathostomes but most details of their evolution and development remain confused and uncertain. Herein we re‐evaluate the tetrapod integumentary skeleton by integrating comparative developmental and tissue structure data. Three types of tetrapod integumentary elements are recognized: (1) osteoderms, common to representatives of most major taxonomic lineages; (2) dermal scales, unique to gymnophionans; and (3) the lamina calcarea, an enigmatic tissue found only in some anurans. As presently understood, all are derivatives of the ancestral cosmoid scale and all originate from scleroblastic neural crest cells. Osteoderms are plesiomorphic for tetrapods but demonstrate considerable lineage‐specific variability in size, shape, and tissue structure and composition. While metaplastic ossification often plays a role in osteoderm development, it is not the exclusive mode of skeletogenesis. All osteoderms share a common origin within the dermis (at or adjacent to the stratum superficiale) and are composed primarily (but not exclusively) of osseous tissue. These data support the notion that all osteoderms are derivatives of a neural crest‐derived osteogenic cell population (with possible matrix contributions from the overlying epidermis) and share a deep homology associated with the skeletogenic competence of the dermis. Gymnophionan dermal scales are structurally similar to the elasmoid scales of most teleosts and are not comparable with osteoderms. Whereas details of development are lacking, it is hypothesized that dermal scales are derivatives of an odontogenic neural crest cell population and that skeletogenesis is comparable with the formation of elasmoid scales. Little is known about the lamina calcarea. It is proposed that this tissue layer is also odontogenic in origin, but clearly further study is necessary. Although not homologous as organs, all elements of the integumentary skeleton share a basic and essential relationship with the integument, connecting them with the ancestral rhombic scale.
Evolution of hard proteins in the sauropsid integument in relation to the cornification of skin derivatives in amniotes
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo , Dalla Valle Luisa , Nardi Alessia , Toni Mattia 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHard skin appendages in amniotes comprise scales, feathers and hairs. The cell organization of these appendages probably derived from the localization of specialized areas of dermal–epidermal interaction in the integument. The horny scales and the other derivatives were formed from large areas of dermal–epidermal interaction. The evolution of these skin appendages was characterized by the production of specific coiled‐coil keratins and associated proteins in the inter‐filament matrix. Unlike mammalian keratin‐associated proteins, those of sauropsids contain a double beta‐folded sequence of about 20 amino acids, known as the core‐box. The core‐box shows 60%–95% sequence identity with known reptilian and avian proteins. The core‐box determines the polymerization of these proteins into filaments indicated as beta‐keratin filaments. The nucleotide and derived amino acid sequences for these sauropsid keratin‐associated proteins are presented in conjunction with a hypothesis about their evolution in reptiles‐birds compared to mammalian keratin‐associated proteins. It is suggested that genes coding for ancestral glycine‐serine‐rich sequences of alpha‐keratins produced a new class of small matrix proteins. In sauropsids, matrix proteins may have originated after mutation and enrichment in proline, probably in a central region of the ancestral protein. This mutation gave rise to the core‐box, and other regions of the original protein evolved differently in the various reptilians orders. In lepidosaurians, two main groups, the high glycine proline and the high cysteine proline proteins, were formed. In archosaurians and chelonians two main groups later diversified into the high glycine proline tyrosine, non‐feather proteins, and into the glycine‐tyrosine‐poor group of feather proteins, which evolved in birds. The latter proteins were particularly suited for making the elongated barb/barbule cells of feathers. In therapsids‐mammals, mutations of the ancestral proteins formed the high glycine‐tyrosine or the high cysteine proteins but no core‐box was produced in the matrix proteins of the hard corneous material of mammalian derivatives.
Loss of teeth and enamel in tetrapods: fossil record, genetic data and morphological adaptations
Authors: Davit‐Béal Tiphaine , Tucker Abigail S. , Sire Jean‐Yves 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSince their recruitment in the oral cavity, approximately 450 million years ago, teeth have been subjected to strong selective constraints due to the crucial role that they play in species survival. It is therefore quite surprising that the ability to develop functional teeth has subsequently been lost several times, independently, in various lineages. In this review, we concentrate our attention on tetrapods, the only vertebrate lineage in which several clades lack functional teeth from birth to adulthood. Indeed, in other lineages, teeth can be absent in adults but be functionally present in larvae and juveniles, can be absent in the oral cavity but exist in the pharyngeal region, or can develop on the upper jaw but be absent on the lower jaw. Here, we analyse the current data on toothless (edentate) tetrapod taxa, including information available on enamel‐less species. Firstly, we provide an analysis of the dispersed and fragmentary morphological data published on the various living taxa concerned (and their extinct relatives) with the aim of tracing the origin of tooth or enamel loss, i.e. toads in Lissamphibia, turtles and birds in Sauropsida, and baleen whales, pangolins, anteaters, sloths, armadillos and aardvark in Mammalia. Secondly, we present current hypotheses on the genetic basis of tooth loss in the chicken and thirdly, we try to answer the question of how these taxa have survived tooth loss given the crucial importance of this tool. The loss of teeth (or only enamel) in all of these taxa was not lethal because it was always preceded in evolution by the pre‐adaptation of a secondary tool (beak, baleens, elongated adhesive tongues or hypselodonty) useful for improving efficiency in food uptake. The positive selection of such secondary tools would have led to relaxed functional constraints on teeth and would have later compensated for the loss of teeth. These hypotheses raise numerous questions that will hopefully be answered in the near future.
Structure and functions of keratin proteins in simple, stratified, keratinized and cornified epithelia
Authors: Bragulla Hermann H. , Homberger Dominique G. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHistorically, the term ‘keratin’ stood for all of the proteins extracted from skin modifications, such as horns, claws and hooves. Subsequently, it was realized that this keratin is actually a mixture of keratins, keratin filament‐associated proteins and other proteins, such as enzymes. Keratins were then defined as certain filament‐forming proteins with specific physicochemical properties and extracted from the cornified layer of the epidermis, whereas those filament‐forming proteins that were extracted from the living layers of the epidermis were grouped as ‘prekeratins’ or ‘cytokeratins’. Currently, the term ‘keratin’ covers all intermediate filament‐forming proteins with specific physicochemical properties and produced in any vertebrate epithelia. Similarly, the nomenclature of epithelia as cornified, keratinized or non‐keratinized is based historically on the notion that only the epidermis of skin modifications such as horns, claws and hooves is cornified, that the non‐modified epidermis is a keratinized stratified epithelium, and that all other stratified and non‐stratified epithelia are non‐keratinized epithelia. At this point in time, the concepts of keratins and of keratinized or cornified epithelia need clarification and revision concerning the structure and function of keratin and keratin filaments in various epithelia of different species, as well as of keratin genes and their modifications, in view of recent research, such as the sequencing of keratin proteins and their genes, cell culture, transfection of epithelial cells, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Recently, new functions of keratins and keratin filaments in cell signaling and intracellular vesicle transport have been discovered. It is currently understood that all stratified epithelia are keratinized and that some of these keratinized stratified epithelia cornify by forming aStratum corneum. The processes of keratinization and cornification in skin modifications are different especially with respect to the keratins that are produced. Future research in keratins will provide a better understanding of the processes of keratinization and cornification of stratified epithelia, including those of skin modifications, of the adaptability of epithelia in general, of skin diseases, and of the changes in structure and function of epithelia in the course of evolution. This review focuses on keratins and keratin filaments in mammalian tissue but keratins in the tissues of some other vertebrates are also considered.
Morphology of the corpus callosum in treatment‐resistant schizophrenia and major depression
Authors: Sun J. , Maller J. J. , Daskalakis Z. J. , Furtado C. C. , Fitzgerald P. B. 
Published: April 2009

Objective:  To identify possible differences in the mean midsagittal corpus callosum (CC) total and subdivision areas in treatment‐resistant schizophrenia and depression (TRS and TRD) patients.Method:  Areas of the total CC and its five equidistant subregions (from CC1 to CC5) obtained by parallel grid partitioning schemes were manually segmented from brain MRI of 42 TRS, 45 TRD patients and 30 healthy controls. The intracranial volume (ICV) normalized areas were calculated and compared between groups.Results:  When compared with controls, patients with TRS had reduced ICV and a larger CC5, and TRD patients had a smaller CC4 while no significant difference in CC total area in patients with TRS or TRD was found. Multiple individual segments and total CC areas were significantly larger in TRS than TRD patients after normalization.Conclusion:  Patients with TRS and TRD have different CC morphological characteristics, and therefore there may be aberrant interhemispheric connectivity in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder patients.
Adults with Tourette’s syndrome with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Haddad A. D. M. , Umoh G. , Bhatia V. , Robertson M. M. 
Published: April 2009

Objective:  Comorbidity between Tourette’s syndrome (TS) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is high. In children, those with both TS+ADHD fare less well than those with TS‐only on measures of both psychopathology and behaviour. The objective of this study was to document such measures in adult patients.Method:  Eighty adults with TS‐only were compared to 64 with TS+ADHD using a clinical interview and standardised measures of depression, anxiety and obsessionality.Results:  The two groups were no different on measures of TS severity. TS+ADHD patients had significantly more depression, anxiety, obsessive–compulsive behaviour and maladaptive behaviours than patients with TS‐only. There were also significant differences in the incidence of copro‐ and echo‐phenomena and family history of ADHD.Conclusion:  The finding of increased overall behavioural difficulties and psychopathology in adult patients with TS+ADHD when compared with TS‐only is in agreement with previous findings in children with TS. Appropriate treatment of ADHD in TS patients during childhood may prevent many behavioural problems in adulthood.