bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulation of striatal astrocytic receptor for advanced glycation end‐products variants in an early stage of experimental Parkinson's disease
Authors: Viana Sofia D. , Valero Jorge , Rodrigues‐Santos Paulo , Couceiro Patrícia , Silva Andréa M. , Carvalho Félix , Ali Syed F. , Fontes‐Ribeiro Carlos A. , Pereira Frederico C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractConvincing evidence indicates that advanced glycation end‐products and danger‐associated protein S100B play a role in Parkinson's disease (PD). These agents operate through the receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE), which displays distinct isoforms playing protective/deleterious effects. However, the nature of RAGE variants has been overlooked in PD studies. Hence, we attempted to characterize RAGE regulation in early stages of PD striatal pathology. A neurotoxin‐based rodent model of PD was used in this study, through administration of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to C57BL/6 mice. Animals were killed 6 h post‐MPTP to assess S100B/RAGE contents (RT‐qPCR, ELISA) and RAGE isoform density (WB) and cellular distribution (immunohistochemistry). Dopaminergic and gliotic status were also mapped (HPLC‐ED, WB, immunohistochemistry). At this preliminary stage of MPTP‐induced PD in mice, RAGE inhibitory isoforms were increased whereas full‐length RAGE was not affected. This putative cytoprotective RAGE phenotype paired an inflammatory and pro‐oxidant setting fueling DAergic denervation. Increased RAGE inhibitory variants occur in astrocytes showing higher S100B density but no overt signs of hypertrophy or NF‐κB activation, a canonical effector of RAGE. These findings expand our understanding of the toxic effect of MPTP on striatum and offer first in vivo evidence of RAGE being a responder in early stages of astrogliosis dynamics, supporting a protective rather tissue‐destructive phenotype of RAGE in the initial phase of PD degeneration. These data lay the groundwork for future studies on the relevance of astrocytic RAGE in DAergic neuroprotection strategies.
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We report increased antagonistic RAGE variants paralleling S100B up‐regulation in early stages of MPTP‐induced astrogliosis dynamics . We propose that selective RAGE regulation reflects a self‐protective mechanism to maintain low levels of RAGE ligands , preventing long‐term inflammation and oxidative stress arising from sustained ligands/flRAGE activation . Understanding loss of RAGE protective response to stress may provide new therapeutic options to halt or slow down dopaminergic axonopathy and, ultimately, neuronal death .
The Glasgow Coma Scale and evidence‐informed practice: a critical review of where we are and where we need to be
Authors: Braine Mary E , Cook Neal 
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectivesThis paper aims to critically consider the evidence since the Glasgow Coma Scale was first launched, reflecting on how that evidence has shaped practice. It illustrates the lack of clarity and consensus about the use of the tool in practice and draws upon existing evidence to determine the route to clarity for an evidence‐informed approach to practice.BackgroundThe Glasgow Coma Scale has permeated and influenced practice for over 40 years, being well‐established worldwide as the key tool for assessing level of consciousness. During this time, the tool has been scrutinised, evaluated, challenged and re‐launched in a plethora of publications. This has led to an insight into the challenges, and to some extent the opportunities, in using the Glasgow Coma Scale in practice but has also resulted in a lack of clarity.DesignThis is a discursive paper that invites readers to explore and arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of the Glasgow Coma Scale in practice and is based on searches of Scopus, Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Science Direct and CINAHL databases.ResultsWhile the Glasgow Coma Scale has been rivalled by other tools in an attempt to improve upon it, a shift in practice to those tools has not occurred. The tool has withstood the test of time in this respect, indicating the need for further research into its use and a clear education strategy to standardise implementation in practice.ConclusionFurther exploration is needed into the application of painful stimuli in using the Glasgow Coma Scale to assess level of consciousness. In addition, a robust educational strategy is necessary to maximise consistency in its use in practice.Relevance to clinical practiceThe evidence illustrates inconsistency and confusion in the use of the Glasgow Coma Scale in practice; this has the potential to compromise care and clarity around the issues is therefore necessary.
Intimate partner violence and pregnancy intentions: a qualitative study
Authors: Baird Kathleen , Creedy Debra , Mitchell Theresa 
Published: May 2016

Aim and objectiveIn this qualitative study, we explored women's pregnancy intentions and experiences of intimate partner violence before, during and after pregnancy.BackgroundUnintended pregnancies in the context of intimate partner violence can have serious health, social and economic consequences for women and their children.DesignFeminist and phenomenological philosophies underpinned the study to gain a richer understanding of women's experiences.MethodsEleven women who had been pregnant in the previous two years were recruited from community‐based women's refuges in one region of the UK. Of the 11 women, eight had unplanned pregnancies, two reported being coerced into early motherhood, and only one woman had purposively planned her pregnancy. Multiple in‐depth interviews focused on participants’ accounts of living with intimate partner violence. Experiential data analysis was used to identify, analyse and highlight themes.ResultsThree major themes were identified: men's control of contraception, partner's indiscriminate response to the pregnancy and women's mixed feelings about the pregnancy. Participants reported limited influence over their sexual relationship and birth control. Feelings of vulnerability about themselves and fear for their unborn babies’ safety were intensified by their partners’ continued violence during pregnancy.ConclusionWomen experiencing intimate partner violence were more likely to have an unintended pregnancy. This could be attributed to male dominance and fear, which impacts on a woman's ability to manage her birth control options. The women's initial excitement about their pregnancy diminished in the face of uncertainty and ongoing violence within their relationship.Relevance to clinical practiceWomen experiencing violence lack choice in relation to birth control options leading to unintended pregnancies. Interpreting the findings from the victim–perpetrator interactive spin theory of intimate partner violence provides a possible framework for midwives and nurses to better understand and respond to women's experiences of violence during pregnancy.
THE DECOMPOSITION AND DYNAMICS OF INDUSTRIAL CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS FOR 287 CHINESE CITIES IN 1998–2009
Authors: Auffhammer Maximilian , Sun Weizeng , Wu Jianfeng , Zheng Siqi 
Published: May 2016

Abstract85% of China's GHG emissions are attributed to urban economic activities, and this share is expected to rise given China's fast urbanization process. This paper provides estimates of city‐level industrial CO2 emissions and their growth rates for all 287 Chinese prefecture‐level and above cities during the years 1998–2009. We decompose the CO2 emission changes into scale, composition and technique effects. The decomposition results show that these three effects differ significantly across the three tiers of cities in China. The scale effect contributes to rising CO2 emissions, while the technique effect leads to declining CO2 emissions in all cities. The composition effect leads to increasing CO2 emissions in the third‐tier cities, while it reduces CO2 emissions in the first and second‐tier cities, due to the relocation of energy‐intensive industries from the latter to the former type of cities. Based on these decomposition results, we identify the separate channels through which the inflow of FDI and the environmental regulations affect city‐level CO2 emissions. The decomposition framework in our paper can help policy makers and scholars to better understand Chinese cities’ trade‐offs between economic growth and environmental goals.
In vivo and in vitro effects of curcumin on head and neck carcinoma: a systematic review
Authors: Borges Gabriel Álvares , Rêgo Daniela Fortunato , Assad Daniele Xavier , Coletta Ricardo D. , De Luca Canto Graziela , Guerra Eliete Neves Silva 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) contributes globally to a great number of deaths and morbidity, in spite of new therapeutic strategies. There is a great need of new drugs that are significantly effective and less deleterious to the patients' general health. In this sense, phytotherapy is a tendency, with results pointing to its use as a chemo‐preventive and adjuvant therapy. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of curcumin on proliferation and survival of HNSCC.Materials and methodsThe search was conducted on six databases: Cochrane, LILACS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science. In vitro and in vivo studies that evaluated the effects of curcumin on cell viability, tumor growth, cell cycle and/or cell death pattern in HNSCC cell lines or animal models were selected.ResultsOf the 525 initially gathered studies, 30 met the inclusion criteria. These studies demonstrated that curcumin induces cytotoxicity, apoptosis (via intrinsic pathway), and cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase in HSNCC cell lines. It also reduces tumor measurements in animal models. These events were mostly studied through MTT assay, flow cytometry, and cell cycle‐ and apoptosis‐related proteins expression.ConclusionThis systematic review demonstrated that curcumin is effective on HNSCC cell proliferation and survival, reinforcing the currently available evidence that curcumin could be an adjuvant drug in HNSCC treatment.
Maximum levels of hepatitis C virus lipoviral particles are associated with early and persistent infection
Authors: Sheridan David A. , Hajarizadeh Behzad , Fenwick Fiona I. , Matthews Gail V. , Applegate Tanya , Douglas Mark , Neely Dermot , Askew Bev , Dore Gregory J. , Lloyd Andrew R. , George Jacob , Bassendine Margaret F. , Grebely Jason 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatitis C virus (HCV) is bound to plasma lipoproteins and circulates as an infectious lipoviral particle (LVP). Experimental evidence indicates that LVPs have decreased susceptibility to antibody‐mediated neutralisation and higher infectivity. This study tested the hypothesis that LVPs are required to establish persistent infection, and conversely, low levels of LVP in recent HCV infection increase the probability of spontaneous HCV clearance.MethodsLVP in non‐fasting plasma was measured using the concentration of HCV RNA bound to large >100 nm sized lipoproteins after ex vivo addition of a lipid emulsion, that represented the maximum concentration of LVP (maxi‐LVP). This method correlated with LVP in fasting plasma measured using iodixanol density gradient ultracentrifugation. Maxi‐LVP was measured in a cohort of 180 HCV participants with recent HCV infection and detectable HCV RNA from the Australian Trial in Acute Hepatitis C (ATAHC) and Hepatitis C Incidence and Transmission Study in prison (HITS‐p) cohorts.ResultsSpontaneous clearance occurred in 15% (27 of 180) of individuals. In adjusted analyses, low plasma maxi‐LVP level was independently associated with spontaneous HCV clearance (≤827 IU/ml; adjusted odds ratio 3.98, 95% CI: 1.02, 15.51, P = 0.047), after adjusting for interferon lambda‐3 rs8099917 genotype, estimated duration of HCV infection and total HCV RNA level.ConclusionsMaxi‐LVP is a biomarker for the maximum concentration of LVP in non‐fasting samples. Low maxi‐LVP level is an independent predictor of spontaneous clearance of acute HCV.
OPTIMAL LIQUIDATION AND ADVERSE SELECTION IN DARK POOLS
Authors: Kratz Peter , Schöneborn Torsten 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe consider an investor who has access both to a traditional venue and a dark pool for liquidating a position in a single asset. While trade execution is certain on the traditional exchange, she faces linear price impact costs. On the other hand, dark pool orders suffer from adverse selection and trade execution is uncertain. Adverse selection decreases order sizes in the dark pool while it speeds up trading at the exchange. For small orders, it is optimal to avoid the dark pool completely. Adverse selection can prevent profitable round‐trip trading strategies that otherwise would arise if permanent price impact were included in the model.
Repeated invasions into the twilight zone: evolutionary origins of a novel assemblage of fishes from deep Caribbean reefs
Authors: Tornabene Luke , Van Tassell James L. , Robertson D. Ross , Baldwin Carole C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMesophotic and deeper reefs of the tropics are poorly known and underexplored ecosystems worldwide. Collectively referred to as the ‘twilight zone’, depths below ~30–50 m are home to many species of reef fishes that are absent from shallower depths, including many undescribed and endemic species. We currently lack even a basic understanding of the diversity and evolutionary origins of fishes on tropical mesophotic reefs. Recent submersible collections in the Caribbean have provided new specimens that are enabling phylogenetic reconstructions that incorporate deep‐reef representatives of tropical fish genera. Here, we investigate evolutionary depth transitions in the family Gobiidae (gobies), the most diverse group of tropical marine fishes. Using divergence‐time estimation coupled with stochastic character mapping to infer the timing of shallow‐to‐deep habitat transitions in gobies, we demonstrate at least four transitions from shallow to mesophotic depths. Habitat transitions occurred in two broad time periods (Miocene, Pliocene–Pleistocene), and may have been linked to the availability of underutilized niches, as well as the evolution of morphological/behavioural adaptations for life on deep reefs. Further, our analysis shows that at least three evolutionary lineages that invaded deep habitats subsequently underwent speciation, reflecting another unique mode of radiation within the Gobiidae. Lastly, we synthesize depth distributions for 95 species of Caribbean gobies, which reveal major bathymetric faunal breaks at the boundary between euphotic and mesophotic reefs. Ultimately, our study is the first rigorous investigation into the origin of Caribbean deep‐reef fishes and provides a framework for future studies that utilize rare, deep‐reef specimens.
Genomic and phenotypic differentiation of Arabidopsis thaliana along altitudinal gradients in the North Italian Alps
Authors: Günther Torsten , Lampei Christian , Barilar Ivan , Schmid Karl J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAltitudinal gradients in mountain regions are short‐range clines of different environmental parameters such as temperature or radiation. We investigated genomic and phenotypic signatures of adaptation to such gradients in five Arabidopsis thaliana populations from the North Italian Alps that originated from 580 to 2350 m altitude by resequencing pools of 19–29 individuals from each population. The sample includes two pairs of low‐ and high‐altitude populations from two different valleys. High‐altitude populations showed a lower nucleotide diversity and negative Tajima's D values and were more closely related to each other than to low‐altitude populations from the same valley. Despite their close geographic proximity, demographic analysis revealed that low‐ and high‐altitude populations split between 260 000 and 15 000 years before present. Single nucleotide polymorphisms whose allele frequencies were highly differentiated between low‐ and high‐altitude populations identified genomic regions of up to 50 kb length where patterns of genetic diversity are consistent with signatures of local selective sweeps. These regions harbour multiple genes involved in stress response. Variation among populations in two putative adaptive phenotypic traits, frost tolerance and response to light/UV stress was not correlated with altitude. Taken together, the spatial distribution of genetic diversity reflects a potentially adaptive differentiation between low‐ and high‐altitude populations, whereas the phenotypic differentiation in the two traits investigated does not. It may resemble an interaction between adaptation to the local microhabitat and demographic history influenced by historical glaciation cycles, recent seed dispersal and genetic drift in local populations.
The Different Approaches to the Study of Innovation in Services in Europe and the USA
Authors: De Liso Nicola , Vergori Anna Serena 
Published: May 2016

AbstractInnovation in services is a hot topic since the 1990s, but little attention has been paid until today to the applied side of this research field. In this work we consider the features of two fundamental, large‐scale, innovation surveys: the European CIS and the American SIRD/BRDIS. Innovation surveys are the main tool through which innovation data are gathered, and these data become more and more important to test theories and to provide ground for innovation policy. Once the characteristics of both surveys have been identified, we carry on with our analysis in two ways. First, we match the surveys with the theories; second we provide a comparison between the two surveys. The different paths undertaken by the European scholars on the one hand, and the American scholars on the other, are explicitly indicated.
The metaethics of nursing codes of ethics and conduct
Authors: Snelling Paul C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractNursing codes of ethics and conduct are features of professional practice across the world, and in the UK, the regulator has recently consulted on and published a new code. Initially part of a professionalising agenda, nursing codes have recently come to represent a managerialist and disciplinary agenda and nursing can no longer be regarded as a self‐regulating profession. This paper argues that codes of ethics and codes of conduct are significantly different in form and function similar to the difference between ethics and law in everyday life. Some codes successfully integrate these two functions within the same document, while others, principally the UK Code, conflate them resulting in an ambiguous document unable to fulfil its functions effectively. The paper analyses the differences between ethical‐codes and conduct‐codes by discussing titles, authorship, level, scope for disagreement, consequences of transgression, language and finally and possibly most importantly agent‐centeredness. It is argued that conduct‐codes cannot require nurses to be compassionate because compassion involves an emotional response. The concept of kindness provides a plausible alternative for conduct‐codes as it is possible to understand it solely in terms of acts. But if kindness is required in conduct‐codes, investigation and possible censure follows from its absence. Using examples it is argued that there are at last five possible accounts of the absence of kindness. As well as being potentially problematic for disciplinary panels, difficulty in understanding the features of blameworthy absence of kindness may challenge UK nurses who, following a recently introduced revalidation procedure, are required to reflect on their practice in relation to The Code. It is concluded that closer attention to metaethical concerns by code writers will better support the functions of their issuing organisations.
A sacred command of reason? Deceit, deception, and dishonesty in nurse education
Authors: Rolfe Gary 
Published: May 2016

AbstractKant (Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals. Hackett, Indianapolis, 1797) described honesty as ‘a sacred command of reason’ which should be obeyed at all times and at any cost. This study inquires into the practice of dishonesty, deception, and deceit by universities in the UK in the pursuit of quality indicators such as league table positions, Research Excellence Framework (REF) scores, and student satisfaction survey results. Deception occurs when the metrics which inform these tables and surveys are manipulated to suggest an improvement in quality when, in fact, the raised scores are merely the result of clever strategic planning. Deceit occurs when these manipulated scores are deliberately and knowingly presented as real improvements in research and educational quality. It might be argued that, within the context of the artificial ivory tower world of academe, this is a game played by almost every academic in every higher education institution with no real losers and little wider consequence. However, this study suggests that some of the strategies employed by institutions to improve their scores without directly addressing the issue of quality can, in certain practice‐based disciplines such as nursing, result in dire consequences for practitioners and service users. It concludes with a number of suggestions taken from personal experience to resolve the tension between the contractual demands placed on nurse academics by their employers and the moral and practical obligations of their professional body, most notably the use of subversion. The conclusion, contra Kant, is that the most effective strategy against dishonesty and deception is often more dishonesty and deception.
Global TLR2 and 4 deficiency in mice impacts bone resorption, inflammatory markers and atherosclerosis to polymicrobial infection
Authors: Chukkapalli S.S. , Velsko I.M. , Rivera‐Kweh M.F. , Larjava H. , Lucas A.R. , Kesavalu L. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryToll‐like‐receptors (TLRs) play a significant role in the generation of a specific innate immune response against invading pathogens. TLR2 and TLR4 signaling contributes to infection‐induced inflammation in periodontal disease (PD) and atherosclerosis. Observational studies point towards a relationship between PD and atherosclerosis, but the role of TLR2 and TLR4 in the recognition of multiple oral pathogens and their modulation of host response leading to atherosclerosis are not clear. We evaluated the role of TLR2 and TLR4 signaling in the induction of both PD and atherosclerosis in TLR2−/− and TLR4−/− mice to polymicrobial infection with periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Polybacterial infections have established gingival colonization in TLR2−/− and TLR4−/− mice and induction of a pathogen‐specific immunoglobulin G immune response. But TLR deficiency dampened accelerated alveolar bone resorption and intrabony defects, indicating a central role in infection‐induced PD. Periodontal bacteria disseminated from gingival tissue to the heart and aorta through intravascular dissemination; however, there was no increase in atherosclerosis progression in the aortic arch. Polybacterial infection does not alter levels of serum risk factors such as oxidized low‐density lipoprotein, nitric oxide, and lipid fractions in both mice. Polymicrobial‐infected TLR2−/− mice demonstrated significant levels (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01) of T helper type 2 [transforming growth factor‐β1, macrophage inflammatory protein‐3α, interleukin‐13 (IL‐13)] and T helper type 17 (IL‐17, IL‐21, IL‐22, IL‐23) splenic T‐cell cytokine responses. Increased heat‐shock protein expression, hspa1a for Hsp 70, was observed for both TLR2−/− and TLR4−/− mice. This study supports a role for TLR2 and TLR4 in PD and atherosclerosis, corroborating an intricate association between two inflammatory diseases.