bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Animal models of toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: AZUKIZAWA Hiroaki 
Published: February 2011

AbstractStevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe acute exfoliative skin diseases developing extensive epidermal detachment and mucosal damage. Although SJS and TEN are mostly caused by drugs, an animal model of TEN using drugs has not been established yet. We have established an autoimmune skin disease model mouse reproducing the devastating skin damage of TEN by a combination of transgenic mice expressing an epidermal model antigen and its specific CD8+ T‐cell receptor. In this model mouse, we found that the thymus‐derived CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell (Treg) is a critical regulator of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) causing TEN. Indeed, loss of Treg function was recently demonstrated by human studies of TEN patients. Although how drug‐reactive CTL is activated in vivo is still unknown, this model elucidated the immunological pathomechanism of TEN after CTL obtained cytotoxicity against epidermal keratinocyte. In this review, roles of CTL, Treg, cytotoxic granules and antigen‐presenting cells were discussed on pathogenesis of TEN.
Nucleotide‐binding and oligomerization domain‐like receptors and retinoic acid inducible gene‐like receptors in human tonsillar T lymphocytes
Authors: Petterson Terese , Månsson Anne , Riesbeck Kristian , Cardell Lars O. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryNucleotide‐binding and oligomerization domain (NOD) ‐like receptors (NLRs) and retinoic acid‐inducible gene (RIG) ‐like receptors (RLRs) are recently discovered cytosolic pattern‐recognition receptors sensing mainly bacterial components and viral RNA, respectively. Their importance in various cells and disorders is becoming better understood, but their role in human tonsil‐derived T lymphocytes remains to be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated expression and functional relevance of NLRs and RLRs in human tonsillar CD3+ T lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry, real‐time RT‐PCR and flow cytometry revealed expression of NOD1, NOD2, NALP1, NALP3, NAIP, IPAF, RIG‐1, MDA‐5 and LGP‐2 at mRNA and protein levels. Because of the limited number of ligands (iE‐DAP, MDP, Alum, Poly(I:C)/LyoVec), functional evaluation was restricted to NOD1, NOD2, NALP3 and RIG‐1/MDA‐5, respectively. Stimulation with the agonists alone was not enough to induce activation but upon triggering via CD3 and CD28, a profound induction of proliferation was seen in purified CD3+ T cells. However, the proliferative response was not further enhanced by the cognate ligands. Nonetheless, in tonsillar mononuclear cells iE‐DAP, MDP and Poly(I:C)/LyoVec were found to augment the CD3/CD28‐induced proliferation of tonsillar mononuclear cells. Also, iE‐DAP and MDP were found to promote secretion of interleukins 2 and 10 as well as to up‐regulate CD69. This study demonstrates for the first time a broad range of NLRs and RLRs in human tonsillar T cells and that NOD1, NOD2 and RIG‐1/MDA‐5 act synergistically with αCD3 and αCD28 to induce proliferation of human T cells. Hence, these results suggest that these receptors have a role in T‐cell activation.
The effect of music therapy on physiological signs of anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support
Authors: Korhan Esra Akin , Khorshid Leyla , Uyar Mehmet 
Published: February 2011

Aims.  The aim of this study was to investigate if relaxing music is an effective method of reducing the physiological signs of anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support.Background.  Few studies have focused on the effect of music on physiological signs of anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support.Design.  A study–case–control, experimental repeated measures design was used.Method.  Sixty patients aged 18–70 years, receiving mechanical ventilatory support and hospitalised in the intensive care unit, were taken as a convenience sample. Participants were randomised to a control group or intervention group, who received 60 minutes of music therapy. Classical music was played to patients using media player (MP3) and headphones. Subjects had physiological signs taken immediately before the intervention and at the 30th, 60th and 90th minutes of the intervention. Physiological signs of anxiety assessed in this study were mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation in blood measured by pulse oxymetry. Data were collected over eight months in 2006–2007.Results.  The music group had significantly lower respiratory rates, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, than the control group. This decrease improved progressively in the 30th, 60th and 90th minutes of the intervention, indicating a cumulative dose effect.Conclusion.  Music can provide an effective method of reducing potentially harmful physiological responses arising from anxiety.Relevance to clinical practice.  As indicated by the results of this study, music therapy can be supplied to allay anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Nurses may include music therapy in the routine care of patients receiving mechanical ventilation.
Evolution and molecular mechanisms of adaptive developmental plasticity
Authors: BELDADE PATRÍCIA , MATEUS ANA RITA A. , KELLER ROBERTO A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAside from its selective role in filtering inter‐individual variation during evolution by natural selection, the environment also plays an instructive role in producing variation during development. External environmental cues can influence developmental rates and/or trajectories and lead to the production of distinct phenotypes from the same genotype. This can result in a better match between adult phenotype and selective environment and thus represents a potential solution to problems posed by environmental fluctuation. The phenomenon is called adaptive developmental plasticity. The study of developmental plasticity integrates different disciplines (notably ecology and developmental biology) and analyses at all levels of biological organization, from the molecular regulation of changes in organismal development to variation in phenotypes and fitness in natural populations. Here, we focus on recent advances and examples from morphological traits in animals to provide a broad overview covering (i) the evolution of developmental plasticity, as well as its relevance to adaptive evolution, (ii) the ecological significance of alternative environmentally induced phenotypes, and the way the external environment can affect development to produce them, (iii) the molecular mechanisms underlying developmental plasticity, with emphasis on the contribution of genetic, physiological and epigenetic factors, and (iv) current challenges and trends, including the relevance of the environmental sensitivity of development to studies in ecological developmental biology, biomedicine and conservation biology.
Nappe structure revealed by thermal constraints in the Taiwan metamorphic belt
Authors: Chen Chih‐Tung , Chan Yu‐Chang , Lu Chia‐Yu , Simoes Martine , Beyssac Olivier 
Published: February 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 85–91, 2011AbstractVitrinite reflectance and Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous material data are used to better resolve the thermal history of the Hsuehshan Range, which is accreted between the foreland fold–thrust belt and bulldozer hinterland units in the Taiwan mountain belt. The observed thermal data indicate that the strata in the northern Hsuehshan Range underwent dynamic metamorphism during the Neogene orogeny, while the strata in the southern Hsuehshan Range may have predominantly experienced burial metamorphism during Palaeogene sedimentation. Based on the thermal constraints, the Hsuehshan Range is interpreted to consist of nappe stacks, originating from the rifted Eurasian continental margin. This interpretation is consistent with well‐documented cases in the European Alps and the Himalayas and is also shown in physical modelling and thermo‐kinematic studies invoking underplating and erosion processes.
The problem of glaucony from the Shannon Sandstone (Campanian, Wyoming)
Authors: Amorosi Alessandro 
Published: February 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 100–107, 2011AbstractThe Shannon Sandstone, one of the most controversial units in the field of stratigraphy, was first interpreted as a shelf sand‐ridge deposit, but subsequent studies have furnished different interpretations, from lowstand‐shoreface to incised‐valley models. Despite a general consensus among previous workers about the significance of glaucony for Shannon interpretation, mineralogical characterization of the green grains has never been undertaken: identification of glaucony has been restricted to visual inspection. Accurate characterization of ‘highly glauconitic’ deposits from the Shannon Sandstone (Powder River Basin of Wyoming, Section W3) reveals that sedimentological interpretation of the greensands relies mostly upon mistaken mineral identity. Glaucony appears as a minor component of the rock and proves to be poorly mature and significantly less abundant (0–6%) than previously inferred (up to 85%). Characterization of the glauconitic minerals, however, provides data that contribute to Shannon interpretation.
Insights on the spreading of the Tyrrhenian Sea from the magnetic anomaly pattern
Authors: Florio Giovanni , Fedi Maurizio , Cella Federico 
Published: February 2011

Terra Nova, 23, 127–133, 2011AbstractWe analyse the pattern of magnetic anomalies in the Tyrrhenian back‐arc basin by a simple and objective method that is able to simplify the readability of the maps and to safely identify reversely magnetized sources. This analysis is useful to better understand the reliability of recent studies indicating the presence of striped, ‘mid‐ocean like’, magnetic anomalies in this small basin, from which spreading velocities have been calculated. Our results show that in the Vavilov and Marsili sub‐basins reversely magnetized bodies are actually present, but their areal distribution is rather irregular. The resulting pattern of normally and reversely magnetized bodies does not fit with an ocean‐like central expansion model. Instead, the distribution of magnetic sources may suggest that the crustal tearing induced by extension processes is not concentrated only beneath the seamounts, but may have in different times involved different areas of these sub‐basins.
Incidence of endophyte Neotyphodium occultans in Lolium rigidum from Australia
Authors: KIRKBY K A , PRATLEY J E , HUME D E , FAVILLE M J , AN M , WU H 
Published: February 2011

Kirkby KA, Pratley JE, Hume DE, Faville MJ, An M & Wu H (2011). Incidence of endophyte Neotyphodium occultans in Lolium rigidum from Australia. Weed Research51, 261–272.Summary Lolium rigidum (annual ryegrass), a widespread weed of southern Australian cereal crops, has frequently evolved herbicide resistance. It is commonly found associated with the mutualistic, endophytic fungus, Neotyphodium occultans. The objectives of this study were as follows: (i) determine the occurrence of N. occultans in L. rigidum populations across southern Australia, (ii) evaluate potential associations between infection frequency and herbicide resistance, climatic and topographic variables and (iii) examine genetic diversity of N. occultans from this national collection of L. rigidum using simple sequence repeat markers. By microscopic assessment of seed, we found all seed lots were infected with N. occultans, with highly variable frequencies, ranging from 4% to 98%. Frequencies were higher in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria (54–62%) than in Western Australia (43%) or Tasmania (17%). A negative association existed between elevation and mean rainfall, and infection frequency. Significant interactions were as follows: mean rainfall (growing season) and state and mean rainfall (growing season) and elevation. Significant associations were found between infection frequency and herbicide mode of action. Infection was lower in seed lots resistant to group B (sulfonylurea and imidazolinone) and higher in seed lots resistant to group D (dinitroaniline) herbicides. Higher infection frequencies were observed in seed lots from earlier years, with the lowest in seed lots recently collected. No significant associations were found with long‐term mean temperature or rainfall. Little genetic diversity was observed for N. occultans endophyte in Australian plants. These results provide a benchmark of the relationship of N. occultans with L. rigidum and suggest further research on the role this endophyte has in determining the fitness of L. rigidum under varying conditions of herbicide resistance, rainfall and elevation that may aid in the management of this grass.
Endogenous ochronosis: case report and a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Khaled Aida , Kerkeni Nadia , Hawilo Abdelmoti , Fazaa Becima , Kamoun Mohamed Ridha 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground  Endogenous ochronosis (EO) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to accumulation of oxidized and polymerized forms of homogentisic acid (HGA) in connective tissues, giving them a deep dark blue pigmentation.Aim  Through a new Tunisian case of EO and a review of the literature, we aimed to define the epidemioclinical features of EO, its diagnostic criteria, and evolution.Methods  Three hundred and forty patients were enrolled through 54 articles and four abstracts.Case report  A 35‐year‐old woman, born in consanguineous parents, presented with blue‐grey patches of fingernails, first interdigital spaces, and ears with brown conjunctival pigmentation. Urine specimen turned dark on standing overnight. The diagnosis of EO was confirmed by urinary high levels of HGA. Investigations revealed radiologic signs of ochronotic arthropathy.Review of the literature  EO is ubiquitary. Its prevalence was estimated at almost 6.5 cases/year. The mean age at diagnosis was 55.9 years (M/F: 1.85). Onset symptoms mainly consisted in cutaneous signs. Ochronotic arthropathy was the most frequently reported manifestation. Treatment was mainly symptomatic.Discussion  EO is often revealed in adulthood mainly after the fourth decade. Urinary darkening is the first sign of the disease but is rarely reported as an onset sign. Skin signs are the alerting features. Ochronotic arthropathy is insidious but may be debilitating. No specific medical treatment of EO is available.Conclusion  Cutaneous manifestations are the hallmarks of OE. As vital organ involvement has been reported, close monitoring and continuous surveillance is warranted.
Experimental leprosy: a model of epithelioid cell granuloma
Authors: Crawford Colin L. , Hardwicke Peter M.D. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAn animal model of granulomatous hypersensitivity has been developed, which reproduces some features of the pathologies of important chronic granulomatous disorders, including tuberculosis, tuberculoid leprosy, sarcoidosis, berylliosis, Crohn’s disease, and sensitivity to zirconium. The lesions consist of focal collections of epithelioid cells surrounded by lymphocytes to form tubercles. The epithelioid cell has a secretory function and is not phagocytic. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells are precursors of epithelioid cells, which are therefore part of the innate immune system. Subplasmalemmal linear densities are also present in these cells. This autoimmune model has been induced in rabbits using a non‐myelin sensory peripheral antigen to reproduce the features of tuberculoid leprosy. The antigen is probably present only in human tissue. A granuloma antigen, which is tissue specific similar to that in peripheral nerves, could be present in sarcoidosis and Crohn’s disease. In multiple sclerosis, mononuclear cells in the brain parenchyma are not phagocytic and are therefore similar to epithelioid cells. The induction of tolerance leading to the development of a vaccine to prevent the lesions in multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, and Crohn’s disease is possible after purification of the granuloma antigen.
Assessing medicare beneficiaries’ strength‐of‐preference scores for health care options: how engaging does the elicitation technique need to be?
Authors: Crump Trafford , Llewellyn‐Thomas Hilary A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjective The objective was to determine if participants’ strength‐of‐preference scores for elective health care interventions at the end‐of‐life (EOL) elicited using a non‐engaging technique are affected by their prior use of an engaging elicitation technique.Design Medicare beneficiaries were randomly selected from a larger survey sample. During a standardized interview, participants considered four scenarios involving a choice between a relatively less‐ or more‐intense EOL intervention. For each scenario, participants indicated their favoured intervention, then used a 7‐point Leaning Scale (LS1) to indicate how strongly they preferred their favoured intervention relative to the alternative. Next, participants engaged in a Threshold Technique (TT), which, depending on the participant’s initially favoured intervention, systematically altered a particular attribute of the scenario until the participant switched preferences. Finally, they repeated the LS (LS2) to indicate how strongly they preferred their initially‐favoured intervention.Results Two hundred and two participants were interviewed (189–198 were included in this study). The concordance of individual participants’ LS1 and LS2 scores was assessed using Kendall tau‐b correlation coefficients; scores of 0.74, 0.84, 0.85 and 0.89 for scenarios 1–4, respectively, were observed.Conclusion Kendall tau‐b statistics indicate a high concordance between LS scores, implying that the interposing engaging TT exercise had no significant effects on the LS2 strength‐of‐preference scores. Future investigators attempting to characterize the distributions of strength‐of‐preference scores for EOL care from a large, diverse community could use non‐engaging elicitation methods. The potential limitations of this study require that further investigation be conducted into this methodological issue.
What does it take to have sustained use of decision aids? A programme evaluation for the Breast Cancer Initiative
Authors: Feibelmann Sandra , Yang Theresa S. , Uzogara Ekeoma E. , Sepucha Karen 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground  The Breast Cancer Initiative (BCI) was started in 2002 to disseminate breast cancer decision aids (PtDAs) to providers.Methods  We analysed BCI programme data for 195 sites and determined the proportion of sites involved in each of five stages of dissemination and implementation of PtDAs. We conducted cross‐sectional mail and telephone surveys of 79 sites with the most interest in implementation. We examined barriers associated with sustained use of the PtDAs.Results  Since 2002 we attempted contact with 195 sites to join the BCI. The majority indicated interest in using PtDAs 172 of 195 (88%), 93 of 195 signed up for the BCI (48%), 57 of 195 reported distributing PtDAs to at least one patient (57%), and 46 of 195 reported sustained use (24%). We analysed data from interviews with 59 of 79 active sites (75% response rate). The majority of providers 49 of 59 (83%) had watched the PtDAs, and 46 of 59 (78%) distributed them to patients. The most common barriers were lack of a reliable way to identify patients before decisions are made (37%), a lack of time to distribute the PtDAs (22%) and having too many educational materials (15%). Sites that indicated a lack of clinician support as a barrier were significantly less likely to have sustained use compared to sites that didn’t (33% vs. 74%, P = 0.02).Conclusions  Community breast cancer providers, both physicians and non‐physicians, express a high interest in using PtDAs with their patients. About a quarter of sites report sustained use of the PtDAs in routine care.
Risk of de novo hepatitis in liver recipients from hepatitis‐B core antibody‐positive grafts – a systematic analysis
Authors: Skagen Catherine L. , Jou Janice H. , Said Adnan 
Published: February 2011

Skagen CL, Jou JH, Said A. Risk of de novo hepatitis in liver recipients from hepatitis‐B core antibody‐positive grafts – a systematic analysis. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E243–E249. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Many transplant programs utilize liver grafts from hepatitis‐B core antibody (HBcAb)‐positive and hepatitis‐B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative donors. However, there is risk for de novo hepatitis B (DNH) in recipients of these grafts. We reviewed 26 studies reporting the rates of DNH in recipients receiving HBcAb‐positive liver grafts. Four hundred and sixty‐two donor–recipient pairs were included to evaluate the risk of DNH stratified by the recipient’s immune status to hepatitis B and type of prophylactic therapy given, if any. The rate of DNH was highest (58%) in the stratum of hepatitis‐B (HBV) naïve recipients who did not receive prophylaxis. In HBV naïve recipients, prophylactic therapy (lamivudine and/or hepatitis‐B immunoglobulin – HBIG) reduced DNH to 11% (odds ratio [OR] = 11.1, 95% CI 4.98–25, p < 0.0001 for DNH without prophylaxis). Recipients with hepatitis‐B surface antibody (HBsAb) positivity had DNH rates of 18% without prophylaxis and 0% with prophylaxis (OR = 9.2, 95% CI 1.1–83.3, p = 0.039). Recipients with both HBsAb and HBcAb positivity had DNH rates of 4% without prophylaxis and 3% with prophylaxis (p = 1.00), while recipients with HBcAb positivity alone had DNH rates of 14% without prophylaxis and 3% with prophylaxis (p = 0.21). There was no significant difference between the types of HBV prophylaxis received whether lamivudine, HBIG or both. However, in the subgroup who received HBIG alone, rates of DNH were higher after cessation of HBIG prophylaxis compared to DNH rates with indefinite HBIG (p = 0.0002). In summary, the risk of DNH is highest for HBV naïve liver recipients from HBcAb‐positive donors. Recipients who are HBV naïve as well as those recipients with isolated HBsAb positivity derive significant benefit from HBV prophylaxis after transplantation with a HBcAb‐positive graft. The ideal prophylactic regimen for prevention of DNH is unclear, but based on our analysis of the literature, antivirals alone may suffice. More data are needed with the newer antivirals for hepatitis B.