bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo, micro‐morphological vascular changes induced by topical brimonidine studied by Dynamic optical coherence tomography
Authors: Themstrup L. , Ciardo S. , Manfredi M. , Ulrich M. , Pellacani G. , Welzel J. , Jemec G.B.E. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundBrimonidine is a selective α2 adrenergic receptor agonist with potent vasoconstrictive activity topically used for treatment of facial flushing and erythema caused by rosacea. Direct evidence for the in vivo morphology changes in skin vessels induced by topical application of brimonidine is limited. Dynamic optical coherence tomography is a novel technology that combines conventional OCT with information on flow and thereby provides supplementary information about the microvasculature. Dynamic OCT is non‐invasive and creates high‐resolution in vivo images of skin to a depth of maximum 2 mm.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine and describe micro‐morphological skin vessel changes in normal skin exposed to brimonidine gel using Dynamic OCT.Materials and methodsA total of 35 healthy subjects from three European clinical dermatology centres were included in the study. A normal skin area on the cheek was marked and clinically photographed. Brimonidine gel 0.33% was applied on the area and chromaticity measurements; laser speckle measurements and Dynamic OCT images were acquired at baseline and 60 min after application. The images were subsequently described in detail and quantitatively analysed.ResultsAll the measurement tools (chromaticity, laser speckle, Dynamic OCT showed highly significant (P < 0.001) quantitative differences in blood flow before and after the application of brimonidine. In 58% of the subjects the Dynamic OCT images showed notable changes in the morphology of the blood vessel network after application of brimonidine including a marked reduction in the abundance and the diameter of the blood vessels.ConclusionThe vascular constriction induced by topical brimonidine gel 0.33% was visualized in vivo by Dynamic OCT and confirmed by quantitative measurements and analyses. This study shows that Dynamic OCT can detect characteristic morphological changes in the vessels and may potentially aid the monitoring of treatment effects on skin vessels following topical or laser treatment.
Sex‐dependent mitochondrial respiratory impairment and oxidative stress in a rat model of neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Demarest Tyler G. , Schuh Rosemary A. , Waddell Jaylyn , McKenna Mary C. , Fiskum Gary 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIncreased male susceptibility to long‐term cognitive deficits is well described in clinical and experimental studies of neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy. While cell death signaling pathways are known to be sexually dimorphic, a sex‐dependent pathophysiological mechanism preceding the majority of secondary cell death has yet to be described. Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to cell death following cerebral hypoxic‐ischemia (HI). Several lines of evidence suggest that there are sex differences in the mitochondrial metabolism of adult mammals. Therefore, this study tested the hypothesis that brain mitochondrial respiratory impairment and associated oxidative stress is more severe in males than females following HI. Maximal brain mitochondrial respiration during oxidative phosphorylation was two‐fold more impaired in males following HI. The endogenous antioxidant glutathione was 30% higher in the brain of sham females compared to males. Females also exhibited increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity following HI injury. Conversely, males displayed a reduction in mitochondrial GPx4 protein levels and mitochondrial GPx activity. Moreover, a 3–4‐fold increase in oxidative protein carbonylation was observed in the cortex, perirhinal cortex, and hippocampus of injured males, but not females. These data provide the first evidence for sex‐dependent mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction and oxidative damage, which may contribute to the relative male susceptibility to adverse long‐term outcomes following HI.
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Lower basal GSH levels, lower post‐hypoxic mitochondrial glutathione peroxidase (mtGPx) activity, and mitochondrial glutathione peroxidase 4 (mtGPx4) protein levels may contribute to the susceptibility of the male brain to oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction following neonatal hypoxic‐ischemia (HI). Treatment of male pups with acetyl‐L‐carnitine (ALCAR) protects against the loss of mtGPx activity, mtGPx4 protein, and increases in protein carbonylation after HI. These findings provide novel insight into the pathophysiology of sexually dimorphic outcomes following HI.
Morphological and postural sexual dimorphism of the lumbar spine facilitates greater lordosis in females
Authors: Bailey Jeannie F. , Sparrey Carolyn J. , Been Ella , Kramer Patricia A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPrevious work suggests females are evolutionarily adapted to have greater lumbar lordosis than males to aid in pregnancy load‐bearing, but no consensus exists. To explore further sex‐differences in the lumbar spine, and to understand contradictions in the literature, we conducted a cross‐sectional retrospective study of sex‐differences in lumbar spine morphology and sacral orientation. In addition, our sample includes data for separate standing and supine samples of males and females to examine potential sex‐differences in postural loading on lumbosacral morphology. We measured sagittal lumbosacral morphology on 200 radiographs. Measurements include: lumbar angle (L1–S1), lumbar vertebral body and disc wedging angles, sacral slope and pelvic incidence. Lumbar angle, representative of lordotic curvature between L1 and S1, was 7.3° greater in females than males, when standing. There were no significant sex‐differences in lumbar angle when supine. This difference in standing lumbar angle can be explained by greater lordotic wedging of the lumbar vertebrae (L1–L5) in females. Additionally, sacral slope was greater in females than males, when standing. There were no significant sex‐differences in pelvic incidence. Our results support that females have greater lumbar lordosis than males when standing, but not when supine – suggesting a potentially greater range of motion in the female spine. Furthermore, sex‐differences in the lumbar spine appear to be supported by postural differences in sacral‐orientation and morphological differences in the vertebral body wedging. A better understanding of sex‐differences in lumbosacral morphology may explain sex‐differences in spinal conditions, as well as promote necessary sex‐specific treatments.
Work stress, occupational burnout and depression levels: a clinical study of paediatric intensive care unit nurses in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Ching , Lin Huey‐Shyan , Cheng Su‐Fen , Wu Li‐Min , Ou‐Yang Mei‐Chen 
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectivesThis study aimed to examine the relationship between work stress and depression; and investigate the mediating effect of occupational burnout among nurses in paediatric intensive care units.BackgroundThe relationships among work stress, occupational burnout and depression level have been explored, neither regarding occupational burnout as the mediating role that causes work stress to induce depression nor considering the paediatric intensive care unit context.DesignA cross‐sectional correlational design was conducted.MethodsOne hundred and forty‐four female paediatric intensive care unit nurses from seven teaching hospitals in southern Taiwan were recruited as the participants. Data were collected by structured questionnaires including individual demographics, the Nurse Stress Checklist, the Occupational Burnout Inventory and the Taiwan Depression Questionnaire.ResultsThe results indicated that after controlling for individual demographic variables, the correlations of work stress with occupational burnout, as well as work stress and occupational burnout with depression level were all positive. Furthermore, occupational burnout may exert a partial mediating effect on the relationship between work stress and depression level.ConclusionThis study provides information about work stress, occupational burnout and depression level, and their correlations, as well as the mediating role of occupational burnout among paediatric intensive care unit nurses.Relevance to clinical practiceIt suggests government departments and hospital administrators when formulating interventions to prevent work stress and occupational burnout. These interventions can subsequently prevent episodes of depression in paediatric intensive care unit nurses, thereby providing patients with a safe and high‐quality nursing environment.
Identifying emotional intelligence skills of Turkish clinical nurses according to sociodemographic and professional variables
Authors: Kahraman Nilgün , Hiçdurmaz Duygu 
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectivesThis study aimed to identify the emotional intelligence skills of Turkish clinical nurses according to sociodemographic and professional variables.BackgroundEmotional intelligence is “the ability of a person to comprehend self‐emotions, to show empathy towards the feelings of others, and to control self‐emotions in a way that enriches life.” Nurses with a higher emotional intelligence level offer more efficient and professional care, and they accomplish more in their social and professional lives.DesignWe designed a descriptive cross‐sectional study. The Introductory Information Form and the Bar‐On emotional intelligence Inventory were used to collect data between 20th June and 20th August 2012.MethodThe study was conducted with 312 nurses from 37 hospitals located within the borders of the metropolitan municipality in Ankara.ResultsThere were no significant differences between emotional intelligence scores of the nurses according to demographic variables such as age, gender, marital status, having children. Thus, sociodemographic factors did not appear to be key factors, but some professional variables did. Higher total emotional intelligence scores were observed in those who had 10 years or longer experience, who found oneself successful in professional life, who stated that emotional intelligence is an improvable skill and who previously received self‐improvement training. Interpersonal skills were higher in those with a graduate degree and in nurses working in polyclinics and paediatric units.ConclusionsThese findings indicate which groups require improvement in emotional intelligence skills and which skills need improvement. Additionally, these results provide knowledge and create awareness about emotional intelligence skills of nurses and the distribution of these skills according to sociodemographic and professional variables.Relevance to clinical practiceImplementation of emotional intelligence improvement programmes targeting the determined clinical nursing groups by nursing administrations can help the increase in emotional intelligence.
Heat‐killed Staphylococcus aureus reduces atherosclerosis by inducing anti‐inflammatory macrophages
Authors: Frodermann V. , van Duijn J. , van Puijvelde G. H. M. , van Santbrink P. J. , Lagraauw H. M. , de Vries M. R. , Quax P. H. A. , Bot I. , Foks A. C. , de Jager S. C. A. , Kuiper J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundStaphylococcus aureus cell wall components can induce IL‐10 responses by immune cells, which may be atheroprotective. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether heat‐killed S. aureus (HK‐SA) could inhibit the development of atherosclerosis.MethodsAtherosclerosis‐susceptible LDL receptor‐deficient mice were administered intraperitoneal HK‐SA twice weekly and fed a Western‐type diet for 6 weeks.ResultsHK‐SA administration resulted in a 1.6‐fold increase in IL‐10 production by peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes, and a 12‐fold increase in serum IL‐10 levels. Moreover, aortic plaque ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and CCL2 expression levels were significantly downregulated by on average 40%. HK‐SA‐treated mice had reduced numbers of inflammatory Ly‐6Chi monocytes as well as Th1 and Th17 cells in the circulation and spleen, respectively. Attenuated leucocyte recruitment resulted in a significant inhibition of macrophage and T cell infiltration in atherosclerotic plaques, culminating in a significant 34% reduction in the development of atherosclerosis. To determine the effects of intraperitoneal HK‐SA treatment, we stimulated macrophages with HK‐SA in vitro. This resulted in a significant toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2)‐dependent increase in IL‐10, arginase‐1, iNOS, TNF‐α, PD‐L1, CCL22 and indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase expression. It was found that phosphoinositide 3‐kinase crucially determined the balance of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory gene expression. The HK‐SA‐induced macrophage phenotype resembled M2b‐like immunoregulatory macrophages.ConclusionsWe have shown that HK‐SA treatment induces strong anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 responses by macrophages, which are largely dependent on TLR2 and PI3K, and protects against the development of atherosclerosis. Commensalism with S. aureus could thus reduce cardiovascular events.
Clinical Management Protocol for Dental Implants Inserted in Patients with Active Lichen Planus
Authors: Aboushelib Moustafa Nabil , Elsafi Mohammed Hamdy 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPurposeTo propose a treatment protocol for management of implant candidates suffering from active lichen planus.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐three patients who were diagnosed with active lichen planus were referred to a dental practice seeking dental implants. Patients received dental implants using open flap technique and sequential osteotomy. After a healing time of 6 weeks, implants were put into occlusal contact using interim prostheses. Of the 55 inserted implants, 42 failed after a short clinical service time (7 to 11 weeks). Failed implants were surgically removed, and osteotomy sites were carefully cleaned using manual curettes and scrubbing of osteotomy walls. CD4/CD8 cell count and gingival biopsies were collected from the surgical sites. Patients were put on an ascending dose (5 mg/10 days) of oral corticosteroids until a daily dose of 20 mg/day was achieved and maintained for 2 weeks. All patients received ten sessions of low‐energy soft tissue laser irradiation at the implant insertion sites to assess soft tissue healing through improving blood circulation, reduction of inflammation, and sterilization of the osteotomy region. After approximately 8 weeks, a new set of 42 implants was placed, and definitive restorations were cemented using early loading technique. Marginal bone levels around inserted implants were periodically evaluated every 3 months using digital periapical radiographs (α = 0.05).ResultsPrimary blood tests revealed a high CD8 cell count, while soft tissue biopsies revealed infiltration of inflammatory cells at the epithelium soft tissue interface of the examined tissue. Repetition of immunological investigations after administration of the oral corticosteroids and soft tissue laser irradiation revealed reduction of CD8 cell counts and disappearance of inflammatory cell infiltration of the examined soft tissue biopsy. Patients reported marked improvement of the oral mucosa after treatment. All implants (n = 42) were functional after 3 years of clinical observation. There was an initial reduction in marginal bone level after 3 months from insertion time, after which it remained constant during the following observation periods.ConclusionActive lichen planus should be managed with oral corticosteroids and soft tissue laser irradiation before insertion of dental implants.
HAPPY IN THE HOOD? THE IMPACT OF RESIDENTIAL SEGREGATION ON SELF‐REPORTED HAPPINESS
Authors: Herbst Chris M. , Lucio Joanna 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTPrevious research consistently finds that racially based residential segregation is associated with poor economic, health, and social outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between residential segregation and self‐reported happiness. Using panel data from the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH), we begin by estimating ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions of happiness on a measure of MSA‐level segregation, controlling for a rich set of individual, neighborhood, regional, and state characteristics. The OLS results suggest that increased segregation is associated with a reduction in happiness among blacks. To deal more appropriately with the potential endogeneity of location choice, we extend the methodology to fully exploit the panel structure of the NSFH and incorporate individual fixed effects into the happiness equation. Contrary to the OLS results, our fixed effects estimates imply that blacks are happier in more segregated metropolitan areas. The paper discusses the implications of these results within the context of current integration policies.
Prevalence of pancreatic, hepatic and renal microscopic lesions in post‐mortem samples from cavalier King Charles spaniels
Authors: Kent A. C. C. , Constantino‐Casas F. , Rusbridge C. , Corcoran B. M. , Carter M. , Ledger T. , Watson P. J. 
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVESThe objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of microscopic pancreatic, hepatic and renal lesions in post‐mortem samples from cavalier King Charles spaniels.METHODSThe prevalence of microscopic lesions was determined by routine histopathology and compared to ante‐mortem clinical signs.RESULTSThere was evidence of chronic pancreatitis in 51·9% of the cases, and age correlated with severity. Renal lesions were diagnosed in 52·2% of cases, most of which were inflammatory. Ante‐mortem diagnosis of pancreatic and renal disease was 25 and 16·7%, respectively. Primary hepatic lesions were diagnosed in 11·1% of cases; secondary hepatic lesions were diagnosed in 64·8%.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEPancreatic and renal lesions are common in cavalier King Charles spaniels, but they have similar rates of hepatic disease as the general population. The increasing prevalence of pancreatic lesions with age suggests that it might be a progressive condition.
Fifteen novel universal primer pairs for sequencing whole chloroplast genomes and a primer pair for nuclear ribosomal DNAs
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zeng Chun‐Xia , Yang Jun‐Bo , Li Hong‐Tao , Li De‐Zhu 
Published: February 2016

AbstractChloroplast genome information helps improve the phylogenetic resolution and can act as organelle‐scale barcodes in recently radiated plant groups. Previously we reported that nine universal primer pairs could amplify angiosperm whole chloroplast genomes by long‐range polymerase chain reaction and using next‐generation sequencing. Although these primers show high universality and efficiency for sequencing whole chloroplast genomes in angiosperms, they did not fully resolve the following two issues surrounding sequencing angiosperm chloroplast genomes: (i) approximately 30% of angiosperms cannot be amplified successfully; and (ii) only fresh leaves can be applied. In this study, we designed another set of 15 universal primer pairs for amplifying angiosperm whole chloroplast genomes to complement the original nine primer pairs. Furthermore, we designed a primer pair for nuclear ribosomal DNAs (nrDNAs). To validate the functionality of the primers, we tested 44 species with silica gel‐dried leaves and 15 species with fresh leaves that have been shown to not be amplified with the original nine primer pairs. The result showed that, in 65.9% and 88.6% of the 44 species with silica gel‐dried leaves, the whole chloroplast genome and nrDNAs could be amplified, respectively. In addition, all 15 fresh leaf samples could have the whole chloroplast genome successfully amplified. The nrDNAs comprise partial sequences of 18S and 26S, along with the complete sequence of 5.8S and the internal transcribed spacers ITS1 and ITS2. The mean size of nrDNA was 5800 bp. This study shows that the 15 universal primer set is an indispensable tool for amplifying whole chloroplast genomes in angiosperms, and these are an important supplement to the nine reported primer pairs.
Feeding ecology of the mud shrimpSolenocera melanthoin theEastChinaSea
Authors: Li Hui Yu , Ling Jian Zhong , Yan Li Ping , Cheng Jia Hua , Hu Fen 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe feeding habits of the mud shrimpSolenocera melanthowere studied in the East China Sea by analysing 720 stomach contents and comparing diet composition and prey diversity among seasons, sexes and size classes. Feeding activity was linked to season and ovarian condition. The stomach fullness was high during spring and summer and low in fall. Females with advanced ovaries also displayed low stomach fullness, which suggests that feeding activity is affected by the reproductive cycle. The diet ofS. melanthoconsisted of 42 different prey categories, primarily smaller crustaceans, Foraminifera, polychaetes, mollusks and fishes (larvae and eggs). Crustacea,Foraminifera and polychaetes together constituted the dominant prey groups, accounting for 75% of total prey abundance and >50% of total prey occurrence. Diet composition differed among seasons between sexes and size classes. Females and males consumed the same prey items but with different orders of importance. In terms of body size, the small shrimps preferred relatively small food items, such as Foraminifera and algae, whereas larger shrimps preferred polychaetes and crustaceans. Trophic diversity varied among the seasons within both sexes and size classes, with the highest values being observed in fall. Niche overlap was high within both sexes and size classes among seasons (0.6051–0.8740).
Does ecological redundancy maintain functioning of marine benthos on centennial to millennial time scales?
Authors: Frid Chris L.J. , Caswell Bryony A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPredicting the ability of the biosphere to continue to deliver ecosystem services in the face of biodiversity loss and environmental change is a major challenge. The results of short‐term and small‐scale experimental studies are both equivocal and difficult to extrapolate from. In this study we use data on benthic palaeocommunities covering 4,000,000 years (in the Late Jurassic when temperate coastal seas inNWEurope experienced fluctuations in oxygenation). The biological traits associated with each species in the palaeocommunities were combined to index the delivery of ecological functions. Five ecosystem functions were examined: food for large mobile predators, biogenic habitat provision, nutrient recycling/regeneration, inorganic carbon sequestration and food‐web dynamics. In modern systems these ecological functions underpin ecosystem services that are important for human well‐being. Our results show that the supply of food for higher predators was remarkably constant during the 4,000,000 years, suggesting that redundancy amongst species in the assemblage drives the biodiversity–ecosystem function (BEF) relationship. By contrast, the provision of biogenic habitat varied with the occurrence of a relatively few taxa, a pattern consistent with a rivet type model ofBEF. For nutrient regeneration, carbon sequestration and food‐web dynamics the patterns were complex and suggestive of an idiosyncratic model ofBEF. To our knowledge this is the first study to quantify ecological functioning through deep time and demonstrates the utility of this approach to understanding long‐term patterns ofBEFin both ancient and contemporary marine ecosystems. The delivery of all five ecological functions studied became increasingly variable as the regional climate became drier, thus modifying the supply of terrigenous nutrient inputs.