bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel USP9Y polymorphism allowing a rapid and unambiguous classification of Bos taurus Y chromosomes into haplogroups
Authors: Bonfiglio S. , De Gaetano A. , Tesfaye K. , Grugni V. , Semino O. , Ferretti L. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryA new sequence‐tagged site (STS) was identified within intron 26 of the bovine USP9Y gene, showing an 81‐base pair insertion (g.76439_76440ins81 in sequence with GenBank accession FJ195366) able to distinguish Y2 and Y3 Bos Y haplogroups from Y1. Moreover, four Y3‐specific sequence variants allow a distinction from haplogroup Y2. The typing of a Bison bison Y chromosome indicates that the ancestral allele for the USP9Y 81‐bp insertion is the short Y1 version. The results from typing the new STS in 1230 cattle Y chromosomes are fully consistent with their classification through standard methods. Thanks to the newly identified STS, it is now possible to assign cattle Y chromosomes to the currently known haplogroups using a single marker.
Differential compaction and early rock fracturing in high‐relief carbonate platforms: numerical modelling of a Triassic case study (Esino Limestone, Central Southern Alps, Italy)
Authors: Berra F. , Carminati E. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNumerical models were used to investigate the effects of differential compaction on strain development and early fracturing in an early cemented high‐relief Triassic carbonate platform prograding onto basinal sediments, whose thickness increases basinward. Results show that basinal sediment compaction induces stretching of internal platform and slope strata in prograding platforms. When sediments are early cemented, such extensional strain is accommodated by the generation of syndepositional fractures. The amount of stretching is predicted to increase from the oldest to the youngest layers, due to the thickening of the compactable basinal sequences towards the external parts of the platform. Stretching is also controlled by the characteristics of the basin: the thicker and the more compactable the basinal sediments, the larger will be the stretching. Numerical modelling has been applied to the Ladinian–Early Carnian carbonate platform of the Esino Limestone (Central Southern Alps of Italy). This case study is favourable for numerical modelling, as it is well exposed and both its internal geometry (inner platform, reef and prograding clinostratified slope deposits) and the relationship with the adjacent basin can be fully reconstructed, as the Alpine tectonic overprint is weak in the study area. Evidence for early fracturing (fractures filled by fibrous cements coeval with the platform development) is described and the location, orientation and width of the fractures measured. The fractures are mainly steeply dipping and oriented perpendicularly to the direction of progradation of the platform, mimicking local platform‐margin trends. The integration of numerical models with field data gives the opportunity to quantify the extension triggered by differential compaction and predict the possible distribution of early fractures in carbonate platforms of known geometry and thickness, whereas the interpretation of early fractures as the effects of differential compaction can be supported or rejected by the comparison with the results of ad hoc numerical modelling.
Long‐term macrolide treatment of chronic inflammatory airway diseases: risks, benefits and future developments
Authors: Cameron E. J. , McSharry C. , Chaudhuri R. , Farrow S. , Thomson N. C. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryMacrolide antibiotics were discovered over 50 years ago and following their use as antimicrobials it became apparent that this group of antibiotics also possessed anti‐inflammatory properties. Subsequent clinical trials showed benefits of macrolides as long‐term adjuncts in the treatment of a spectrum of chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases, particularly diffuse panbronchiolitis, cystic fibrosis, post‐transplant bronchiolitis obliterans and more recently chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The evidence for efficacy of macrolides in the long‐term treatment of chronic asthma and bronchiectasis is less well established. The mechanism(s) of action of macrolides in the treatment of these diseases remains unexplained, but may be due to their antibacterial and/or anti‐inflammatory actions, which include reductions in interleukin‐8 production, neutrophil migration and/or function. Macrolides have additional potentially beneficial properties including anti‐viral actions and an ability to restore corticosteroid sensitivity. The increased prescribing of macrolides for long‐term treatment could result in the development of microbial resistance and adverse drug effects. New macrolides have been developed which do not possess any antimicrobial activity and hence lack the ability to produce microbial resistance, but which still retain immunomodulatory effects. Potentially novel macrolides may overcome a significant barrier to the use of this type of drug for the long‐term treatment of chronic inflammatory airway diseases.
A prospective randomized study to compare pelvic floor rehabilitation and dapoxetine for treatment of lifelong premature ejaculation
Authors: Pastore A. L. , Palleschi G. , Leto A. , Pacini L. , Iori F. , Leonardo C. , Carbone A. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryPremature ejaculation (PE) is the most common male sexual disorder. We compared pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation to on‐demand treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor dapoxetine in 40 men with lifelong PE (baseline intra‐vaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) ≤1 min). Subjects were randomized into the following two treatment groups: (1) PFM rehabilitation or (2) 30 or 60 mg of on‐demand dapoxetine. Total treatment time for both groups was 12 weeks, at the end of which, IELT mean values were calculated to compare the effectiveness of the two different therapeutic approaches. At the end of treatment, 11 of the 19 patients (57%) treated with rehabilitation were able to control the ejaculation reflex, with a mean IELT of 126.6 sec (range: 123.6–152.4 sec). In the dapoxetine group, after 12 weeks of therapy, 5 of 8 (62.5%) patients in the 30 mg subgroup and five of seven (72%) in the 60 mg subgroup had an IELT >180 sec (mean: 178.2 and 202.8 sec, respectively). The results obtained in the group treated with pelvic floor rehabilitation are promising, and this treatment represents an important cost reduction if compared to dapoxetine on‐demand treatment. The present study confirms the data that are previously available in the literature on the efficacy and safety of the new inhibitor of serotonin reuptake, dapoxetine, as well as proposes and evaluates a new type of physical treatment that may be a viable therapeutic option for treatment of PE.
Fluoride content in toothpastes commercialized for children in Chile and discussion on professional recommendations of use
Authors: GIACAMAN RODRIGO A. , CARRERA CAROLA A. , MUÑOZ‐SANDOVAL CECILIA , FERNANDEZ CONSTANZA , CURY JAIME A. 
Published: February 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 77–83
Background.  In Chile, no information is available regarding the soluble fluoride (F) content in the toothpastes commercialized for children and the country’s guidelines recommend the use of F in toothpastes in an age‐dependent concentration. No global consensus has been reached on this subject.Aim.  To determine the soluble F concentration in dentifrices for children sold in Chile and to discuss Chilean guidelines and professional recommendations of use.Design.  Three samples of twelve different dentifrices were purchased from drugstores. Toothpastes were analysed in duplicate using an ion‐specific electrode. The concentrations of total F (TF) and total soluble F (TSF) were determined (μg F/g).Results.  Measured TF was consistent with that declared by the manufacturer in eight products. Two dentifrices showed lower TF and two higher F concentrations than declared. A toothpaste, marketed as low‐F (450 ppm), showed F concentration threefold higher. Most dentifrices exhibited TSF concentrations similar to the TF content, except one sample that displayed considerably lower TSF than TF. Recommendations on F toothpastes use in children widely vary from country to country.Conclusions.  Most dentifrices for children match F content in the labelling, but recommendations are not supported by the best evidence available on the benefit/risk of F toothpastes use.
Novel insights in the role of peripheral corticotropin‐releasing factor and mast cells in stress‐induced visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Larauche M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractVisceral hypersensitivity is one of the hallmarks in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pathophysiology. Stress is well known to affect visceral sensitivity in humans and rodents, an effect which is associated in part with alterations of intestinal epithelial permeability in rodents. Although the pathophysiology of visceral hypersensitivity is still unclear, two key factors have been identified as playing a major role in its modulation, namely peripheral corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) and mast cells. In a recent study in Neurogastroenterology and Motility, van den Wijngaard et al. demonstrate that the mast‐cell dependent visceral hypersensitivity observed in maternally separated rats after an acute exposure to a psychological stress can be prevented but not reversed by the peripherally restricted CRF receptor antagonist, α‐helical CRF9–41. They further show that the preventive effect of the CRF receptor antagonist is linked to a stabilization of mast cells and maintenance of the epithelial barrier at the colonic level. These data suggest that post stress mast cell activation and subsequent visceral hypersensitivity are not targeted by peripheral CRF receptor antagonists. These novel insights in the role of peripheral CRF in the modulation of stress‐induced visceral hypersensitivity add to our growing understanding of the mechanisms that may lie at the origin of visceral pain disturbances following stress and will contribute to enhance the development of drugs that may have potential therapeutic benefits for IBS patients.
Acupuncture compared with oral antihistamine for type I hypersensitivity itch and skin response in adults with atopic dermatitis – a patient‐ and examiner‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial
Authors: Pfab F. , Kirchner M.‐T. , Huss‐Marp J. , Schuster T. , Schalock P. C. , Fuqin J. , Athanasiadis G. I. , Behrendt H. , Ring J. , Darsow U. , Napadow V. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundItch is the major symptom of atopic dermatitis (AD). Acupuncture has been shown to exhibit a significant effect on experimental itch in AD. Our study evaluated acupuncture and antihistamine itch therapy (cetirizine) on type I hypersensitivity itch and skin reaction in AD using a patient and examiner‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial.MethodsAllergen‐induced itch was evaluated in 20 patients with AD after several interventions in separate sessions: preventive (preceding) and abortive (concurrent) verum acupuncture (VAp and VAa), cetirizine (10 mg, VC), corresponding placebo interventions (preventive, PAp, and abortive, PAa, placebo acupuncture; placebo cetirizine pill, PC) and a no‐intervention control (NI). Itch was induced on the forearm and temperature modulated over 20 min, using our validated model. Outcome parameters included itch intensity, wheal and flare size and the D2 attention test.ResultsMean itch intensity (SE: 0.31 each) was significantly lower following VAa (31.9) compared with all other groups (PAa: 36.5; VC: 36.8; VAp: 37.6; PC: 39.8; PAp: 39.9; NI: 45.7; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between VAp and VC (P > 0.1), although both therapies were significantly superior to their respective placebo interventions (P < 0.05). Flare size following VAp was significantly smaller (P = 0.034) than that following PAp. D2 attention test score was significantly lower following VC compared with all other groups (P < 0.001).ConclusionsBoth VA and cetirizine significantly reduced type I hypersensitivity itch in patients with AD, compared with both placebo and NI. Timing of acupuncture application was important, as VAa had the most significant effect on itch, potentially because of counter‐irritation and/or distraction. Itch reduction following cetirizine coincided with reduced attention.
α‐6 Integrin Expression in Bovine Spermatogonial Cells Purified by Discontinuous Percoll Density Gradient
Authors: de Barros FRO , Worst RA , Saurin GCP , Mendes CM , Assumpção MEOA , Visintin JA 
Published: February 2012

ContentsThe study of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) provides a model to better understand adult stem cell biology. Besides the biomedical potential to perform studies of infertility in many species, SSCs hold a promising application at animal transgenesis. Because stem cells are thought to be associated with basement membranes, expression of α‐6 integrin has been investigated as a marker of type A spermatogonial cells, which are considered SSCs because of their undifferentiated status and self‐renewal ability. In this manner, the aim of this study was to isolate type A SSCs from adult bulls by a two‐step enzymatic procedure followed by a discontinuous Percoll density gradient purification and verify the expression of α‐6 integrin by flow cytometry and real‐time RT‐PCR before and after Percoll purification. Spermatogonial cells were successfully obtained using the two‐step enzymatic digestion. An average of 1 × 105 viable cells per gram of testis was isolated. However, the discontinuous Percoll did not purify isolated cells regarding α‐6 integrin expression. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated no differences in the α‐6 integrin expression between cell samples before and after Percoll purification (p = 0.5636). The same was observed in the real‐time PCR analysis (p > 0.05). In addition to α‐6 integrin, the expression of GFRa‐1 and PGP9.5, known bovine SSCs markers, was detected in all samples studied. Considering that Percoll can reduce cell viability, it is possible to conclude that Percoll density gradient is not suitable to purify bovine SSC, according to α‐6 integrin expression.
Regulation of transglutaminase‐mediated hepatic cell death in alcoholic steatohepatitis and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Kojima Soichi , Kuo Ting‐Fang , Tatsukawa Hideki 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), catalyzing crosslinking between lysine and glutamine residues, is involved in many liver diseases. We previously reported that TG2, induced in the nucleus of ethanol‐ or free fatty acids (FFAs)‐treated hepatic cells, crosslinks and inactivates a transcription factor Sp1, leading to reduced expression of c‐Met and thereby caspase independent hepatic apoptosis in culture systems, animal models, and both alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients. FFAs increase endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, NFkB activation and nuclear TG2 (nTG2) through pancreatic ER kinase (PERK)‐dependent pathway, whereas ethanol induces nTG2 via retinoid signaling. However, the molecular mechanism by which ethanol/FFAs induce nuclear localization of TG2 has been unclear.Method:  A similar nTG2‐mediated cell death is induced in acyclic retinoid (ACR)‐treated hepatocellular carcinoma. Using cultured cells, we investigated how to control this novel apoptotic pathway by regulating nuclear localization of TG2.Results:  TG2 is composed of N‐terminal b‐sandwich, catalytic core, b‐barrel 1, and C‐terminal b‐barrel 2 domains. In a previous work, we identified a 14 amino acid nuclear localization signal (NLS) within the b‐barrel 1 domain and a putative leucine‐rich nuclear export signal (NES) at position 657 to 664 (LHMGLHKL) near the C‐terminus in the b‐barrel 2 domain, and found that ACR downregulated exportin‐1 levels, thereby accumulation of TG2 in the nucleus. Here, we found that both ethanol and FFAs provoked generation of truncated short form of TG2 (TG2‐S) defects in the putative NES at least in part through alternative splicing, thereby causing accumulation of TG2‐S in the nucleus.Conclusion:  The generation of TG2‐S in ethanol or FFAs‐treated hepatic cells is a novel therapeutic target for prevention of hepatic cell death associated with ASH/NASH.
Epidemiology, risk factors, and the promotion of pancreatic cancer: Role of the stellate cell
Authors: Pandol Stephen , Gukovskaya Anna , Edderkoui Mouad , Dawson David , Eibl Guido , Lugea Aurelia 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThere are approximately 277 000 new cases of pancreatic cancer and 266 000 deaths from pancreatic cancer annually, indicating a mortality rate of 96% of the cases diagnosed. Because of the ineffectiveness of therapies, a major emphasis needs to be placed on prevention. This paper reviews the epidemiology and risk factors for pancreatic cancer, and uses this information to propose plausible research directions for determining the biological mechanisms mediating the effects of risk factors on the promotion of pancreatic cancer, with a focus on the pancreatic stellate cell.
Pathophysiology guided treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Nguyen Tuyet A T , Sanyal Arun J 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a spectrum that ranges from benign steatosis to steatohepatitis. It has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease, and yet there continues to be a lack of effective therapeutic options. This article reviews current concepts underlying the pathophysiological basis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis from development of insulin resistance to the establishment of fibrosis. Then using a physiology‐based approach, specific targeted therapeutics are reviewed along with their drawbacks. The evidence behind current therapies is based predominantly on small trials and, thus, no recommendations can be made until larger randomized trials are conducted.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells improve liver function and ascites in decompensated liver cirrhosis patients
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Lin Hu , Shi Ming , Xu Ruonan , Fu Junliang , Lv Jiyun , Chen Liming , Lv Sa , Li Yuanyuan , Yu Shuangjie , Geng Hua , Jin Lei , Lau George K K , Wang Fu‐Sheng 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDecompensated liver cirrhosis (LC), a life‐threatening complication of chronic liver disease, is one of the major indications for liver transplantation. Recently, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transfusion has been shown to lead to the regression of liver fibrosis in mice and humans. This study examined the safety and efficacy of umbilical cord‐derived MSC (UC‐MSC) in patients with decompensated LC. A total of 45 chronic hepatitis B patients with decompensated LC, including 30 patients receiving UC‐MSC transfusion, and 15 patients receiving saline as the control, were recruited; clinical parameters were detected during a 1‐year follow‐up period. No significant side‐effects and complications were observed in either group. There was a significant reduction in the volume of ascites in patients treated with UC‐MSC transfusion compared with controls (P < 0.05). UC‐MSC therapy also significantly improved liver function, as indicated by the increase of serum albumin levels, decrease in total serum bilirubin levels, and decrease in the sodium model for end‐stage liver disease scores. UC‐MSC transfusion is clinically safe and could improve liver function and reduce ascites in patients with decompensated LC. UC‐MSC transfusion, therefore, might present a novel therapeutic approach for patients with decompensated LC.
Seed germination of Pilosocereus arrabidae (Cactaceae) from a semiarid region of south‐east Brazil
Authors: MARTINS LUIZA SÃO THIAGO , PEREIRA TANIA SAMPAIO , CARVALHO AMANDA SILVA DA ROSA , BARROS CLAUDIA FRANCA , DE ANDRADE ANTONIO CARLOS SILVA 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe evaluated the effect of temperature regimes (six constant and four alternating temperatures), light qualities (five red : far red ratios) and water potentials (ΨW; seven NaCl and polyethylene glycol 6000 [PEG] solutions) on the percentage and germination rate, as well as the post‐seminal development morphology, that allow Pilosocereus arrabidae seeds to germinate in a hot semiarid climate on the south‐eastern Brazilian coast. The results showed that seeds germinated similarly between constant and alternating temperatures, with an optimal germination at 25/20°C and 20°C. Pilosocereus arrabidae seeds were photoblastic positive and the final germination percentage was inhibited at low red : far red ratios. Maximum germination was obtained in distilled water (0 MPa) and decreases of ΨW in the solutions reduced the germination, which was lower in NaCl than in iso‐osmotic PEG solutions. Germination inhibition appears to be osmotic because the recovery response was high when non‐germinated seeds from both iso‐osmotic solutions were transferred to water. Seeds of P. arrabidae are small and germination is phaneroepigeal. Despite the slow growth typically seen in seedlings and adults of Cactaceae, germination in this species depends on the ability of the seeds to appropriately sense and react to environmental cues that correlate with times and places under low‐risk growth conditions.
Impact of age on recurrence and severity of left colonic diverticulitis
Authors: Lopez‐Borao J. , Kreisler E. , Millan M. , Trenti L. , Jaurrieta E. , Rodriguez‐Moranta F. , Miguel B. , Biondo S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAim  There has been controversy about the presentation and treatment of acute colonic diverticulitis (AD) in young patients. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the virulence and natural history of AD in three different age groups of patients.Method  The study was performed on 686 patients with the diagnosis of a first episode of AD admitted between January 1998 and December 2008. Patients were classified into three groups: age 45 years or younger (group 1), 45–70 years of age (group 2) and 70 years or more (group 3). The variables studied were gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, associated comorbidity, type of treatment, length of hospital stay and recurrence of AD.Results  Group 1 included 99 (14.4%) patients, group 2 339 (49.4%) and group 3 248 (36.2%). Of these, 144 patients needed emergency operation at the first admission, 25 underwent elective surgery after the first episode of AD and 10 died after medical treatment; 507 patients were followed for recurrence. In all, 104 (20.5%) patients had a recurrence of AD that required hospitalization. Fifty (9.9%) presented with one episode of severe recurrence, without any difference between the groups (P = 0.533). There were no differences in the analysis of cumulative recurrence (Kaplan–Maier) between the three groups.Conclusion  AD does not present a more aggressive clinical course in younger patients and it can be safely managed using the same strategy as in middle aged and older patients.
Maladaptive Variants of Conscientiousness and Agreeableness
Authors: Samuel Douglas B. , Gore Whitney L. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAlthough reasonably strong support has been obtained for the Five‐Factor Model's (FFM) ability to account for the existing personality disorder (PD) constructs, the support for obsessive‐compulsive PD (OCPD) and dependent PD (DPD) has been relatively less consistent. Specifically, the expected correlation between OCPD and the FFM trait of Conscientiousness has varied in magnitude across studies while DPD has, at times, also evinced rather weak relationships with FFM Agreeableness. We determined that these inconsistencies were due primarily to the reliance on FFM measures that lack adequate fidelity to assess the maladaptive aspects of high Conscientiousness and Agreeableness. When alternative measures were utilized, the correlations were generally large and in line with expectations. We conclude that OCPD and DPD can be fruitfully conceptualized within the FFM but encourage the use of measures that provide a comprehensive assessment of both the adaptive and maladaptive aspects of the FFM traits.