bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neto2 Influences on Kainate Receptor Pharmacology and Function
Authors: Han Liwei , Howe James R. , Pickering Darryl S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNeuropilin tolloid‐like protein 2 (Neto2) is an auxiliary subunit of kainate receptors (KARs). It specifically regulates KARs, for example slows desensitization and deactivation, increases the rate of recovery from desensitization, promotes modal gating and increases agonist sensitivity. Although the mechanism of Neto2 modulation is still unclear, gain‐of‐function results from the characterization of GluK1–GluA2 chimeras indicate that the GluK1 sequences included in these chimeras (part or all of the TMD and part of the linkers between the TMDs and LBD) play a key role in Neto2 modulation of KAR. In addition, GluK2 M3–S2 linkers and the D1–D1 dimer interface were also recently identified to be important for Neto2 modulation, and some studies suggested that Neto2's N‐terminal regions, LDLa domain and the C‐terminal regions are important for its modulation of KARs. Although more studies are needed to confirm the roles of these domains and to identify all the domains and residues essential for KAR modulation, these results facilitate our understanding of Neto2 modulation at the structural level, which could potentially aid the development of novel therapies for the treatment of diseases that are associated with KARs, for example epilepsies, non‐syndromic autosomal recessive mental retardation, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
How Are Motor Skills Linked to Children's School Performance and Academic Achievement?
Authors: Cameron Claire E. , Cottone Elizabeth A. , Murrah William M. , Grissmer David W. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractChildren need a range of skills to transition successfully to formal schooling. In early childhood classrooms, children must master their fine and gross motor skills. In this article, we review the evidence that links motor skills to diverse school outcomes, then describe three sets of cognitive processes—motor coordination, executive function, and visuospatial skills—that are tapped by motor assessments. We then use these processes to explain how motor skills are implicated in children's self‐regulation and their emergent literacy and numeracy. We conclude by encouraging theoretical and methodological approaches to clarify the mechanisms that implicate motor skills in school performance and achievement.
Titanium implants coated with UV‐irradiated vitamin D precursor and vitamin E: in vivo performance and coating stability
Authors: Satué María , Monjo Marta , Ronold Hans Jacob , Lyngstadaas Staale Petter , Ramis Joana M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed at evaluating the biological response of titanium implants coated with UV‐irradiated 7‐dehydrocholesterol (7‐DHC) and vitamin E (VitE) in vivo and analyzing the effects of aging on their stability and bioactivity in vitro.Material and methodsTitanium surfaces were coated with 7‐DHC and VitE, UV‐irradiated and incubated for 48 h at 23°C to allow cholecalciferol synthesis. The in vivo biological response was tested using a rabbit tibia model after 8 weeks of healing by analyzing the wound fluid and the mRNA levels of several markers at the bone–implant interface (N = 8). The stability of the coating after storage up to 12 weeks was determined using HPLC analysis, and the bioactivity of the stored modified implants was studied by an in vitro study with MC3T3‐E1 cells (N = 6).ResultsA significant increase in gene expression levels of osteocalcin was found in the bone tissue attached to implants coated with the low dose of 7‐DHC and VitE, together with a higher ALP activity in the wound fluid. Implants treated with the high dose of 7‐DHC and VitE showed increased tissue necrosis and inflammation. Regarding the aging effects, coated implants were stable and bioactive up to 12 weeks when stored at 4°C and avoiding oxygen, light and moisture.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that Ti implants coated with UV‐irradiated 7‐DHC and VitE promote in vivo gene expression of bone formation markers and ALP activity, while they keep their osteopromotive potential in vitro and composition when stored up to 12 weeks at 4°C.
Level of use and safety of botanical products for itching vulvar dermatoses. Are patch tests useful?
Authors: Corazza Monica , Virgili Annarosa , Toni Giulia , Minghetti Sara , Tiengo Silvia , Borghi Alessandro 
Published: March 2016

SummaryBackgroundTopical remedies based on botanical ingredients are popular.ObjectivesTo assess: (i) the usage of botanical substances in subjects affected with itching and chronic vulvar complaints; (ii) the incidence of side‐effects associated with their use and the frequency of contact allergy; (iii) the diagnostic usefulness of patch testing.MethodsSixty‐six patients were provided with a questionnaire to assess the prevalence and type of topical botanical preparations used and the occurrence of adverse reactions. Patients were patch tested with (i) the Italian baseline series, (ii) a topical medicament series, and (iii) a botanical series.ResultsForty‐two patients (63.6%) reported the use of natural topical products on the vulva. Seven (16.7%) noted adverse reactions; 27 showed positive reactions with the baseline series; 14 (21.2%) had at least one relevant reaction, mainly to allergens in topical products and cosmetics; and 2 (3%) showed positive reactions to the botanical series. Of the 7 patients complaining of adverse effects of botanical products, 3 (42.8%) showed relevant sensitization.ConclusionsThe use of natural topical products is widespread among women affected with itching vulvar diseases. Contact dermatitis is a possible adverse effect. Botanical series are of questionable usefulness, owing to the wide variety of botanical ingredients.
Antibody responses to influenza vaccine in pre‐ and post‐lung transplant patients
Authors: Miller Ryan M. , Rohde Kalynn A. , Tingle Michael T.A. , Moran John J.M. , Hayney Mary S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundAlthough pre‐transplant immunization is routinely recommended, this recommendation is based on little data. The primary objective of this study was to compare antibody responses in lung transplant patients who received influenza vaccine before the transplant, within the first six months of transplant, between 13 and 60 months post‐transplant, and 110 months or beyond transplant.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 357 total immunization events performed over five yr to measure H1N1, H3N2, and B antibody responses to the influenza vaccine in pre‐ and post‐lung transplant patients. Geometric mean titers, seroprotection (antibody titer at least 1:40), seroconversion (fourfold increase between pre and post), and mean fold increases were compared.ResultsThe geometric mean titer distributions were different for H3N2 and B (ANOVA; p = 0.002 for both). Pre‐transplant antibody concentrations were higher compared to the 13‐ to 60‐month group for H3N2 (corrected p = 0.002) and the healthy group for B (corrected p = 0.001). The ≥110‐month group had higher seroconversion rates compared to the 13‐ to 60‐month group for H3N2 and B viruses.ConclusionLung pre‐transplant patients and the long‐term survivors have higher responses to the influenza vaccine than early post‐transplant and the transplant control groups.
Comparison of live donor pre‐transplant and recipient post‐transplant renal volumes
Authors: Yanishi Masaaki , Kinoshita Hidefumi , Yoshida Takashi , Takayasu Kenta , Yoshida Kenji , Mishima Takao , Sugi Motohiko , Tsukaguchi Hiroyasu , Kawa Gen , Matsuda Tadashi 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundLive donor pre‐transplant and recipient post‐transplant kidney volumes based on three‐dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) have been related to post‐transplant renal function. We examined this association and the effect of sex/size differences between donor and recipient on kidney growth rate.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 30 live donors who underwent pre‐transplant and post‐transplant 3DCT. We determined donor (Dvol) and recipient renal volumes (Rvol) based on 3DCT and calculated changes in graft volume after transplantation (Vol‐ratio). We also divided Dvol by recipient body weight (Dvol/RWgt) and compared the correlations between Vol‐ratio and Dvol/RWgt and post‐transplant renal function after one yr. We determined the rates of change in kidney volume and renal function according to the sexes of the donor and recipient.ResultsThe mean Dvol and Rvol were 141.7 and 178.4 mL, respectively. The mean Vol‐ratio was 127.3%. Dvol/RWgt showed a significant linear correlation with remaining renal function after one yr (r = 0.6745, p < 0.0001). The combination of female donor and male recipient resulted in the fastest increase in kidney volume (p < 0.001) and highest level of proteinuria (p < 0.001).ConclusionsPre‐transplant and post‐transplant kidney volumes are correlated with post‐transplant graft function, and graft growth is affected by the relative sexes of the recipient and donor.
Impact of pre‐operative statin use on risk of mortality and early atrial fibrillation after heart transplantation
Authors: Krishnan Balaji , Vakil Kairav P. , Sankar Ashwini , Duprez Daniel , Benditt David G. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundPre‐operative statin use has shown to reduce the incidence of post‐operative atrial fibrillation (AF), but not mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This association, however, has not been examined in a heart transplant (HT) cohort.MethodsAdults (≥18 yr) who underwent HT between 1997 and 2007 at the University of Minnesota were retrospectively identified. Primary outcome was 30‐d mortality after HT. Secondary outcomes were 30‐d incidence of AF and time to all‐cause mortality.ResultsData from 259 patients (mean age 52.0 ± 11.7 yr, 81% males) were analyzed. Total of 133 (51%) patients were on statin pre‐operatively at the time of HT and constituted the statin group. During a mean follow‐up of 6.7 ± 3.7 yr, 82 (32%) deaths occurred, 21 (8%) of which occurred within 30 d of HT. The incidence of 30‐d mortality was not significantly different between the statin and no‐statin groups (9% vs. 7%, p = 0.58). Further, cumulative long‐term survival after HT was not significantly different between the study groups (log‐rank p = 0.49). Pre‐transplant statin use did not impact the 30‐d incidence of post‐transplant AF (16% vs. 19%, p = 0.59).ConclusionsPre‐operative statin therapy does not seem to influence the risk of mortality or early post‐operative AF after HT. Future large‐scale studies are required to validate these preliminary findings.
Christianity: Maidservant to War?
Authors: Denton‐Borhaug Kelly 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this multi‐book review article, the author examines three new texts that make the case for a deeper, richer understanding of the Christian tradition of nonviolence. All three authors argue that traditions of nonviolence, and misgivings and suspicion regarding the sanctioned shedding of blood, are central to the understanding and practice of Christianity, and deserve to be taken more seriously by researchers and practitioners alike.
Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors suppress atrial natriuretic peptide secretion in patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Y. , Xu L. , Yuan L. , Li D. , Zhang Y. , Zheng R. , Liu C. , Feng X. , Li Q. , Li Q. , Ma J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimsTo observe changes in atrial natriuretic peptide levels after treatment with sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.MethodsA total of 28 patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes and HbA1c levels of 58 –91 mmol/mol (7.5–10.5%) were randomly selected to receive sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor treatment (n = 18) or placebo (n = 10) for 24 weeks. We analysed atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations, using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, sodium and HbA1c levels were measured at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks and blood lipid levels and insulin sensitivities at baseline and 24 weeks.ResultsCompared with patients treated with placebo, patients who received sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor treatment exhibited lower atrial natriuretic peptide levels (36.74 vs 56.90 pg/ml in the placebo group; P < 0.05) and higher sodium levels (144.3 vs 141.4 mmol/l in the placebo group; P < 0.01) at 24 weeks, after adjusting for baseline values. HbA1c levels were lower after sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor treatment compared with placebo (51 vs 60 mmol/mol; P < 0.01). No correlation was found between atrial natriuretic peptide and HbA1c levels. Homeostatic model assessment of β‐cell function values and lipid profiles were generally similar after 24 weeks of treatment with placebo or sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor.ConclusionsThis study shows the ability of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors to lower atrial natriuretic peptide levels and improve glycaemic control, which may benefit the cardiovascular system.
Pyrodiversity begets plant–pollinator community diversity
Authors: Ponisio Lauren C. , Wilkin Kate , M'Gonigle Leithen K. , Kulhanek Kelly , Cook Lindsay , Thorp Robbin , Griswold Terry , Kremen Claire 
Published: March 2016

AbstractFire has a major impact on the structure and function of many ecosystems globally. Pyrodiversity, the diversity of fires within a region (where diversity is based on fire characteristics such as extent, severity, and frequency), has been hypothesized to promote biodiversity, but changing climate and land management practices have eroded pyrodiversity. To assess whether changes in pyrodiversity will have impacts on ecological communities, we must first understand the mechanisms that might enable pyrodiversity to sustain biodiversity, and how such changes might interact with other disturbances such as drought. Focusing on plant–pollinator communities in mixed‐conifer forest with frequent fire in Yosemite National Park, California, we examine how pyrodiversity, combined with drought intensity, influences those communities. We find that pyrodiversity is positively related to the richness of the pollinators, flowering plants, and plant–pollinator interactions. On average, a 5% increase in pyrodiversity led to the gain of approximately one pollinator and one flowering plant species and nearly two interactions. We also find that a diversity of fire characteristics contributes to the spatial heterogeneity (β‐diversity) of plant and pollinator communities. Lastly, we find evidence that fire diversity buffers pollinator communities against the effects of drought‐induced floral resource scarcity. Fire diversity is thus important for the maintenance of flowering plant and pollinator diversity and predicted shifts in fire regimes to include less pyrodiversity compounded with increasing drought occurrence will negatively influence the richness of these communities in this and other forested ecosystems. In addition, lower heterogeneity of fire severity may act to reduce spatial turnover of plant–pollinator communities. The heterogeneity of community composition is a primary determinant of the total species diversity present in a landscape, and thus, lower pyrodiversity may negatively affect the richness of plant–pollinator communities across large spatial scales.
Conversion from forests to pastures in the Colombian Amazon leads to contrasting soil carbon dynamics depending on land management practices
Authors: Navarrete Diego , Sitch Stephen , Aragão Luiz E. O. C. , Pedroni Lucio 
Published: March 2016

AbstractStrategies to mitigate climate change by reducing deforestation and forest degradation (e.g. REDD+) require country‐ or region‐specific information on temporal changes in forest carbon (C) pools to develop accurate emission factors. The soil C pool is one of the most important C reservoirs, but is rarely included in national forest reference emission levels due to a lack of data. Here, we present the soil organic C (SOC) dynamics along 20 years of forest‐to‐pasture conversion in two subregions with different management practices during pasture establishment in the Colombian Amazon: high‐grazing intensity (HG) and low‐grazing intensity (LG) subregions. We determined the pattern of SOC change resulting from the conversion from forest (C3 plants) to pasture (C4 plants) by analysing total SOC stocks and the natural abundance of the stable isotopes 13C along two 20‐year chronosequences identified in each subregion. We also analysed soil N stocks and the natural abundance of 15N during pasture establishment. In general, total SOC stocks at 30 cm depth in the forest were similar for both subregions, with an average of 47.1 ± 1.8 Mg C ha−1 in HG and 48.7 ± 3.1 Mg C ha−1 in LG. However, 20 years after forest‐to‐pasture conversion SOC in HG decreased by 20%, whereas in LG SOC increased by 41%. This net SOC decrease in HG was due to a larger reduction in C3‐derived input and to a comparatively smaller increase in C4‐derived C input. In LG both C3‐ and C4‐derived C input increased along the chronosequence. N stocks were generally similar in both subregions and soil N stock changes during pasture establishment were correlated with SOC changes. These results emphasize the importance of management practices involving low‐grazing intensity in cattle activities to preserve SOC stocks and to reduce C emissions after land‐cover change from forest to pasture in the Colombian Amazon.
Association Between Overall and Mentholated Cigarette Smoking With Headache in a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Qi Gan Wen , Estus Steve , Smith Jonathan H. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine associations between cigarette smoking and the existence of headache in a nationally representative sample, with attention to differences in effect estimates between mentholated and non‐mentholated cigarettes smoking.MethodsWe examined cross‐sectional associations between cigarette smoking and headache in 8,399 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999‐2004. The existence of headache was determined by an affirmative response to the question “During the past 3 months, did you have severe headaches or migraines?” Further refinement of headache diagnosis was not possible. We used logistic regression models to examine the association between cigarette smoking and headache.ResultsThe current study included 8,399 participants aged 20 years and over, including 68% (n = 5491) never smokers and 32% (n = 2548) current smokers. Among the current smokers, 24% (n = 739) smoked menthol cigarettes, and 76% (n = 1719) smoked non‐menthol cigarettes. Compared with never smokers, after adjustment for potential confounding factors, current smokers were more likely to have headache (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.17‐1.62; P < .001). With the increase of both the number of cigarettes smoked daily and pack‐years of smoking, the likelihood of having headache was significantly increased compared with never smokers (P for linear trend < .001). Compared with non‐mentholated smokers, mentholated smokers were not more likely to have headache (P = .302).ConclusionsBased on a nationally representative sample, we found that cigarette smoking was associated with headache in an exposure‐response manner. Mentholated cigarette smokers were not more likely to have headache compared to non‐mentholated cigarette smokers.
Immune polarization by hookworms: taking cues from T helper type 2, type 2 innate lymphoid cells and alternatively activated macrophages
Authors: Nair Meera G. , Herbert De'Broski R. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryCellular and molecular investigation of parasitic helminth infections has greatly accelerated the understanding of type 2 immune responses. However, there remains considerable debate regarding the specific leucocytes that kill parasites and whether these mechanisms are distinct from those responsible for tissue repair. Herein, we chronicle discoveries over the past decade highlighting current paradigms in type 2 immunity with a particular emphasis upon how CD4+ T helper type 2 cells, type 2 innate lymphoid cells and alternatively activated macrophages coordinately control helminth‐induced parasitism. Primarily, this review will draw from studies of the murine nematode parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, which bears important similarities to the human hookworms Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. Given that one or more hookworm species currently infect millions of individuals across the globe, we propose that vaccine and/or pharmaceutical‐based cure strategies targeting these affected human populations should incorporate the conceptual advances outlined herein.
Half of 23 Belgian dog breeds has a compromised genetic diversity, as revealed by genealogical and molecular data analysis
Authors: Wijnrocx K. , François L. , Stinckens A. , Janssens S. , Buys N. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryThe genetic diversity in 23 dog breeds raised in Belgium was investigated using both genealogical analysis and microsatellite markers. Some of these breeds are native breeds, with only small populations maintained. Pedigree and molecular data, obtained from the Belgian kennel club, were used to calculate the inbreeding coefficients, realised effective population size as well as probabilities of gene origin and average observed heterozygosity. Inbreeding coefficients ranged from 0.8 to 44.7% and realised effective population size varied between 3.2 and 829.1, according to the used method and breed. Mean observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.47 to 0.73. Both pedigree and molecular methods reveal low genetic diversity and presence of bottlenecks, especially in native Belgian breeds with small population sizes. Furthermore, principal component analysis on the set of investigated diversity parameters revealed no groups of breeds that could be identified in which similar breeding strategies could be applied to maintain genetic diversity.
Formative feedback to transfer self‐regulation of task‐oriented reading strategies
Authors: Llorens A.C. , Vidal‐Abarca E. , Cerdán R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe study includes two experiments to analyse the effects of automatic formative feedback designed to promote the transfer of self‐regulation of strategic decisions in task‐oriented reading (e.g. answering questions from an available text). Secondary‐school students read and answered multiple‐choice comprehension questions from two texts having them available while receiving consistent feedback about their performance and strategic decisions. Then, they read a different text and answered questions also with the text available, but receiving no feedback. In Experiment 1, we tested two feedback procedures that differed in task conditions and the feedback information associated to these conditions. The most effective was a procedure that forced students to select relevant text information to answer each question and provided accurate feedback based on that selection. Experiment 2 was designed to disentangle the role played by the selection task from that played by the feedback provided. We found that the two components contribute to transfer the self‐regulation strategies, although each one has a specific role for different strategies. Theoretical and practical implications of the studies are discussed.