bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation status of integrated stress response pathways in neurones and astrocytes of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) cortex
Authors: Akay C. , Lindl K. A. , Shyam N. , Nabet B. , Goenaga‐Vazquez Y. , Ruzbarsky J. , Wang Y. , Kolson D. L. , Jordan‐Sciutto K. L. 
Published: August 2011

C. Akay, K. A. Lindl, N. Shyam, B. Nabet, Y. Goenaga‐Vazquez, J. Ruzbarsky, Y. Wang, D. L. Kolson and K. L. Jordan‐Sciutto (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 175–200Activation status of integrated stress response pathways in neurones and astrocytes of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) cortexAims: Combined anti‐retroviral therapy (cART) has led to a reduction in the incidence of HIV‐associated dementia (HAD), a severe motor/cognitive disorder afflicting HIV(+) patients. However, the prevalence of subtler forms of neurocognitive dysfunction, which together with HAD are termed HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), continues to escalate in the post‐cART era. The microgliosis, astrogliosis, dendritic damage, and synaptic and neuronal loss observed in autopsy cases suggest an underlying neuroinflammatory process, due to the neurotoxic factors released by HIV‐infected/activated macrophages/microglia in the brain, might underlie the pathogenesis of HAND in the post‐cART era. These factors are known to induce the integrated stress response (ISR) in several neurodegenerative diseases; we have previously shown that BiP, an indicator of general ISR activation, is upregulated in cortical autopsy tissue from HIV‐infected patients. The ISR is composed of three pathways, each with its own initiator protein: PERK, IRE1α and ATF6. Methods: To further elucidate the specific ISR pathways activated in the central nervous system of HAND patients, we examined the protein levels of several ISR proteins, including ATF6, peIF2α and ATF4, in cortical tissue from HIV‐infected patients. Results: The ISR does not respond in an all‐or‐none fashion in HAND, but rather demonstrates a nuanced activation pattern. Specifically, our studies implicate the ATF6 pathway of the ISR as a more likely candidate than the PERK pathway for increases in BiP levels in astrocytes. Conclusion: These findings begin to characterize the nature of the ISR response in HAND and provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention in this disease.
Novel immunomic technologies for schistosome vaccine development
Authors: McWILLIAM H. E. G. , DRIGUEZ P. , PIEDRAFITA D. , McMANUS D. P. , MEEUSEN E. N. T. 
Published: August 2011

SummarySchistosomiasis remains one of the most common human helminthiases, despite the availability of an effective drug against the causative parasites. Drug treatment programmes have several limitations, and it is likely that a vaccine is required for effective control. While decades of vaccine development have seen the discovery and testing of several candidate antigens, none have shown consistent and acceptable high levels of protection. The migrating larval stages are susceptible to immunity, however few larval‐specific antigens have been discovered. Therefore, there is a need to identify novel larval‐specific antigens, which may prove to be more efficacious than existing targets. Immunomics, a relatively new field developed to cope with the recent large influx of biological information, holds promise for the discovery of vaccine targets, and this review highlights some immunomic approaches to schistosome vaccine development. Firstly, a method to focus on the immune response elicited by the important and vulnerable larval stage is described, which allows a targeted study of the immunome at different tissue sites. Then, two high‐throughput arrays are discussed for the identification of protein and carbohydrate antigens. It is anticipated that these approaches will progress vaccine development against the schistosomes, as well as other parasites.
A stratigraphic model to account for complexity in aeolian dune and interdune successions
Authors: MOUNTNEY NIGEL P. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWet aeolian systems, in which the water table or its capillary fringe are in contact with the accumulation surface, such that moisture influences sedimentation, are well‐known from modern aeolian systems and several ancient preserved successions are recognized from outcrop. One common mechanism by which accumulation of wet aeolian system deposits occurs is via a progressive rise in the relative water‐table level that is coincident with ongoing dune and interdune migration, the angle of dune climb being determined by the ratio between the rate of relative water‐table rise and the rate of downwind migration of the bedforms. Accumulations of wet aeolian system deposits tend to be characterized by units of climbing dune strata separated by units of damp or wet interdune strata. For simple geometric configurations, where the size of the dune and interdune units, the rate of bedform migration and the rate of aggradation all remain constant over space and time, the resulting accumulation has a simple architecture characterized by sets of uniform thickness inclined at a constant angle. However, the dynamic nature of most aeolian dune systems means that such simple configurations are unlikely in nature. The complexity inherent in these systems is accounted for here by a numerical model in which key controlling parameters, including dune and interdune wavelength and spacing, migration rate and aggradation rate, are allowed to vary systematically both spatially (from a dune‐field centre to its margin) and temporally (in response to changes in sediment availability or water‐table level). The range of synthetic stratigraphic architectures generated by the model accounts for all the best‐known examples of aeolian dune and interdune stratigraphic configurations documented from the stratigraphic record. Modelling results have enabled the erection of a scheme for the classification of dune system type whereby the many elaborate stratal architectures known to exist in nature can effectively be accounted for by only four parameters that are allowed to vary over space and time: dune and interdune wavelength and spacing, rate of bedform migration and rate of accumulation. Results have applied implications, including the modelling of reservoir heterogeneity and the prediction of fluid flow pathways of hydrocarbons, water, CO2 and contaminants in subsurface reservoirs and aquifers, in which low permeability interdune units might act as baffles or barriers.
Calcineurin inhibitor minimization using sirolimus leads to improved renal function in pediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Chinnock Timothy J. , Shankel Tamara , Deming Douglas , Cutler Drew , Sahney Shobha , Fitts James , Chinnock Richard E. 
Published: August 2011

Chinnock TJ, Shankel T, Deming D, Cutler D, Sahney S, Fitts J, Chinnock RE. Calcineurin inhibitor minimization using sirolimus leads to improved renal function in pediatric heart transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 746–749. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  The introduction of cyclosporine revolutionized the practice of immunosuppression for solid organ transplant recipients, and has resulted in a significant increase in survival. While CNI use has been the mainstay of immunosuppressive therapy in pediatric heart transplantation, CNIs have been associated with an increased risk of nephropathy leading to significant morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the effect on renal function of a CNI minimization protocol using SRL in pediatric heart transplant patients with CNI induced renal insufficiency. An IRB approved retrospective chart review and case control study was performed. There were 20 patients identified with renal insufficiency who had been converted to SRL (target 5–8 ng/mL) and cyclosporine (target 50–75 vs. 125–150 ng/mL). Renal insufficiency was defined as isotopic (Indium 111 DTPA) GFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or sCr >1 mg/dL. Outcome variables evaluated were GFR and sCr at time of conversion and at two yr post conversion. Comparison was made with case control subjects matched for age at Tx, time from Tx to conversion, and initial GFR. The median age at Tx = 81 days (S.D. ±26), median time of conversion after Tx = 10 yrs (s.d. ±0.65). Self‐limited/treatable side effects included hypercholesterolemia (10), neutropenia (6), aphthous ulcer (3), edema (2), anemia (2), and tremor (1). One patient rejected in the two yr prior to conversion, and one patient had two rejection episodes following conversion. GFR at conversion for study group was 51 ± 14 vs. 60 ± 22 at two yr, p = 0.018. GFR at inclusion for control group was 56 ± 20 vs. 53 ± 21, p = 0.253. This report demonstrates that minimizing CNI exposure by addition of SRL to the immunosuppressant regimen in pediatric heart transplant recipients result in improved renal function in comparison to historically managed patients. Furthermore, immunotherapy with SRL and lower‐dose CNI can effectively prevent rejection with an acceptable side‐effect profile.
Selecting predictors for discriminant analysis of species performance: an example from an amphibious softwater plant
Authors: Vanderhaeghe F. , Smolders A. J. P. , Roelofs J. G. M. , Hoffmann M. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractSelecting an appropriate variable subset in linear multivariate methods is an important methodological issue for ecologists. Interest often exists in obtaining general predictive capacity or in finding causal inferences from predictor variables. Because of a lack of solid knowledge on a studied phenomenon, scientists explore predictor variables in order to find the most meaningful (i.e. discriminating) ones. As an example, we modelled the response of the amphibious softwater plant Eleocharis multicaulis using canonical discriminant function analysis. We asked how variables can be selected through comparison of several methods: univariate Pearson chi‐square screening, principal components analysis (PCA) and step‐wise analysis, as well as combinations of some methods. We expected PCA to perform best. The selected methods were evaluated through fit and stability of the resulting discriminant functions and through correlations between these functions and the predictor variables. The chi‐square subset, at P < 0.05, followed by a step‐wise sub‐selection, gave the best results. In contrast to expectations, PCA performed poorly, as so did step‐wise analysis. The different chi‐square subset methods all yielded ecologically meaningful variables, while probable noise variables were also selected by PCA and step‐wise analysis. We advise against the simple use of PCA or step‐wise discriminant analysis to obtain an ecologically meaningful variable subset; the former because it does not take into account the response variable, the latter because noise variables are likely to be selected. We suggest that univariate screening techniques are a worthwhile alternative for variable selection in ecology.
Impact of dietary manganese concentration on status criteria to determine manganese requirement in piglets
Authors: Pallauf J. , Kauer C. , Most E. , Habicht S. D. , Moch J. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryThe Mn requirement for pigs is not well established. This study aimed to find criteria for assessing growing piglet supply status for Mn and to determine whether the current Mn recommendations meet the requirements for piglets. Thirty‐six weaned male castrated 27‐day‐old piglets (7.24 ± 0.69 kg) were randomized into six groups of six piglets each and housed individually in stainless steel metabolic cages for 42 days. The piglets were fed a diet based on skimmed milk powder and corn starch with increasing Mn concentrations (0.24; 2; 4; 8; 16; or 32 mg Mn/kg diet as‐fed). In week 6, Mn0.24 led to reduced feed intake (p < 0.05). Manganese concentrations in blood, liver, kidney, lung, heart, phalanx proximalis, pancreas and skeletal muscle were influenced by the dietary Mn supply (p < 0.05). The activity of the Mn‐containing superoxide dismutase in the heart as well as relative arginase activity in the liver were lower in groups Mn0.24, Mn2 and Mn4 compared with the higher supplemented groups (p < 0.05). The relative arginase activity increased clearly with enhanced dietary Mn up to 16 mg/kg and correlated with Mn concentration in the liver. Manganese concentrations in the liver, kidney and phalanx proximalis seem to be suitable biomarkers for Mn status. A 4 mg/kg dietary Mn concentration recommended by NRC (1998, Nutrient Requirements of Swine. National Academy Press, Washington DC.) did not fulfil piglet requirements. Under the conditions investigated, 16 mg Mn/kg diet were necessary to reach a plateau in specific enzyme activity and Mn concentration in organs.
Heritability and gene effect estimates for components of partial resistance to grey leaf spot of maize by generation mean analysis*
Authors: Lyimo Herman J. F. , Pratt Richard C. , Mnyuku Reuben S. O. W. 
Published: August 2011

With 1 figure and 6 tablesAbstractHeritability and gene effect estimates for components of partial resistance to grey leaf spot were evaluated in Eastern Tanzania, using three populations derived from grey leaf spot partial‐resistant maize inbred lines K36 and P103 and susceptible inbred lines CML 395‐5 and L37 by generation mean analysis. Populations included the resistant parents (P1), susceptible parents (P2), F1 and F2 generations and backcross BC1 and BC2 generations. Significant differences between generations, crosses and generation × cross and generation × location interactions were detected. Measurements for components conferring partial resistance to grey leaf spot behaved in a quantitative manner. The magnitude of additive, dominance and epistatic effects varied between crosses and components. Broad‐ and narrow‐sense heritability estimates were high for disease severity, lesion length and lesion size but lower for incubation period. Results have shown that lesion size, lesion length, lesion numbers and disease severity could be used for selection of partial resistance to grey leaf spot based on field measurements.
Outcome of hepatitis C virus infection in Chinese paid plasma donors: A 12–19‐year cohort study
Authors: Rao Hui‐Ying , Sun De‐Gui , Yang Rui‐Feng , Liu Feng , Wang Jian , Feng Bo , Wu Nan , Fang Ji‐Lian , Song Guang‐Jun , Ma Hui , Guo Fang , Wang Jiang‐Hua , Li Xiao‐Bo , Jin Qian , Qin Hong , Zhuang Hui , Wei Lai 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Commercial plasma donation was introduced in China in the 1970s. Cases of non‐A, non‐B hepatitis (hepatitis C) continued to occur, with multiple outbreaks among plasma donors in Guan county, Hebei province between 1972 and 1990. The outcomes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in these paid plasma donors from six villages of Guan county were followed up for 12–19 years.Methods:  A total of 402 plasma donors with HCV infection were enrolled since anti‐HCV‐positive in 1991 or 1998. Follow up was maintained until death or the end of the observation period. No antiviral treatment was applied during the period of infection.Results:  Follow up was lost in 23 cases. After a 12–19‐year follow up, 31 donors died, with the cause of death directly related to liver disease in 15 cases, and an overall mortality of 8.18% (31/379). The incidence of liver cirrhosis was 10.03%, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was 2.90%. The rate of viral spontaneous clearing was 20.32% (77/379), and 13.69% (23/168) in males and 25.59% (54/211) in females. In May 2010, detections were performed in 348 cases. Abnormality of liver function was related to HCV viremia. Sex and alcohol intake impacted the outcome of HCV infection. There was no correlation between the viral spontaneous clearance with age of infection and genotype.Conclusions:  This area has a high rate of chronicity in HCV infection due to plasma donation. Twenty‐five years after virus infection, liver cirrhosis or HCC developed in one‐tenth of patients, with an overall mortality of 8.18%.
DR‐70 immunoassay for the surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lin Shan‐Zu , Chen Chun‐Chia , Lee Kuei‐Chuan , Tseng Chih‐Wei , Lin Hsiao‐Yi , Chen Yi‐Chou , Lin Han‐Chieh 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Although alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) is a widely used serological marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its utility is limited due to its unsatisfactory sensitivity. Meanwhile, a newly developed immunoassay—DR‐70—has been reported to have a good sensitivity for HCC in a small‐scale study. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical value of DR‐70 for the surveillance of HCC.Methods:  Serum levels of DR‐70 and AFP were measured in 103 patients with HCC, 50 healthy volunteers, and 33 patients with chronic liver disease. In addition, we investigated the prognostic value of DR‐70 in patients with HCC correlating with the clinical staging—Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification.Results:  Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve with area under the curve of 0.836, the DR‐70 cut‐off value for detecting HCC was determined to be 0.75 µg/mL. DR‐70 provided a sensitivity of 81.6% and a specificity of 77.1%, and correlated well with the CLIP score and BCLC classification. The combination of DR‐70 and AFP increased the sensitivity to 91.2%. The prognosis for patients with HCC with DR‐70 level > 0.75 µg/mL was worse than that for those with DR‐70 ≤ 0.75 µg/mL. Among the patients with early stage HCC (CLIP score 0–2), DR‐70 > 0.75 µg/mL independently predicted a poor survival.Conclusions:  DR‐70 immunoassay is complementary to AFP for the detection of HCC and has a good correlation with clinical staging and prognosis.
Associations of muscle stiffness and thickness with muscle strength and muscle power in elderly women
Authors: Ikezoe Tome , Asakawa Yasuyoshi , Fukumoto Yoshihiro , Tsukagoshi Rui , Ichihashi Noriaki 
Published: August 2011

Aim:  The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of age on muscle stiffness and to examine the relationships among muscle stiffness, muscle thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness, muscle strength and muscle power in elderly women.Methods:  The subjects were 16 young (mean age 20.3 years) and 34 elderly (mean age 84.2 years) women. Muscle stiffness of the right quadriceps femoris muscle was measured at rest and during a maximal voluntary isometric muscle contraction using a myotonometer, a computerized, electronic tissue compliance meter. Thicknesses of the rectus femoris and the vastus intermedius muscles and the overlying subcutaneous fat were measured using ultrasound. Quadriceps strength and the chair stand test were used to represent muscle strength and muscle power, respectively.Results:  There were significant differences in muscle stiffness between rest and contraction conditions among the young but not the elderly women. Muscle stiffness during contraction, the rate of change in muscle stiffness during contraction, and muscle thickness were significantly greater in young than in elderly subjects. Pearson correlation coefficient analyses showed that muscle stiffness was significantly associated with muscle power, but not with muscle strength.Conclusion:  This study suggests that the increase in muscle stiffness during voluntary muscle contraction is limited in elderly women compared with young women, and that muscle stiffness may be related to muscle power rather than muscle strength in elderly persons. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 86–92.
The role of a standardized 36 core template‐assisted transperineal prostate biopsy technique in patients with previously negative transrectal ultrasonography‐guided prostate biopsies
Authors: Pal Raj P. , Elmussareh Muhammad , Chanawani Malek , Khan Masood A. 
Published: August 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Template assisted transperineal biopsy of the prostate has become increasingly popular over the past decade. Several studies have demonstrated that transperineal prostate biopsy (TPB) is associated with an increased rate of cancer detection, increased histological concordance with final prostatectomy samples and an increase in anterior and apical prostate cancers than standard TRUS biopsy. However, interpretation of the literature is difficult due to considerable variation between studies in terms of technique and equipment.We examined a small cohort (n= 40) of patients using a standardized 36 core template assisted TPB technique. We show that utilising this technique is associated with high cancer (68%) detection rate in patients with two previous negative TRUS biopsies. Of patients were found to have anterior gland tumours which would not have been detected by standard TRUS guided biopsy.OBJECTIVE• To determine the efficacy and safety of a standardized 36 core template‐assisted transperineal biopsy technique for detecting prostate cancer in patients with previously negative transrectal ultrasonography‐guided prostate biopsies and elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels.PATIENTS AND METHODS• Between April 2008 to September 2010, a total of 40 patients with a mean (range) age of 63 (49–73) years, a mean (range) elevated PSA level of 21.9 (4.7–87) ng/mL and two previous sets of negative TRUS‐guided prostate biopsies underwent standardized 36 core template‐assisted transperineal prostate biopsies under general anaesthetic as a day case procedure.• The cancer detection rate and complications for all cases were evaluated.RESULTS• In total, 27 of 40 (68%) patients were found to have adenocarcinoma of the prostate, two patients (5.0%) had atypical small acinar proliferation, one had high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (2.5%), four (10%) had chronic active inflammation and six (15%) had benign histology.• Gleason scores were in the range 6–9, with a median Gleason score of 7.• There were no cases of urosepsis, urinary tract infections or haematuria. A single patient experienced acute urinary retention, with a subsequent succesful trial without a catheter, and haematospermia was common, although minor.CONCLUSIONS• Our standardized 36 core template‐assisted transperineal prostate biopsy technique is safe and associated with a high detection rate of prostate cancer.• This technique should be considered in patients with elevated PSA levels and previously negative TRUS‐guided prostate biopsies.