bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased CTLA‐4+ T cells may contribute to impaired T helper type 1 immune responses in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Tan Dino B. A. , Teo Teck‐Hui , Setiawan Abdul M. , Ong Nathanael E. , Zimmermann Maja , Price Patricia , Kirkham Lea‐Ann S. , Moodley Yuben P. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryImpaired T helper type 1 (Th1) function is implicated in the susceptibility of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to respiratory infections, which are common causes of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). To understand the underlying mechanisms, we assessed regulatory T (Treg) cells and the expression of an inhibitory T‐cell receptor, cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 (CTLA‐4). Cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with AECOPD (n = 17), patients with stable COPD (sCOPD; n = 24) and age‐matched healthy non‐smoking controls (n = 26) were cultured for 24 hr with brefeldin‐A or monensin to detect intracellular or surface CTLA‐4 (respectively) by flow cytometry. T cells in PBMC from AECOPD (n = 9), sCOPD (n = 14) and controls (n = 12) were stimulated with anti‐CD3 with and without anti‐CTLA‐4 blocking antibodies and cytokines were quantified by ELISA. Frequencies of circulating T cells expressing intracellular CTLA‐4 were higher in sCOPD (P = 0·01), whereas patients with AECOPD had more T cells expressing surface CTLA‐4 than healthy controls (P = 0·03). Increased frequencies of surface CTLA‐4+ CD4+ T cells and CTLA‐4+ Treg cells paralleled increases in plasma soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor‐1 levels (r = 0·32, P = 0·01 and r = 0·29, P = 0·02, respectively) in all subjects. Interferon‐γ responses to anti‐CD3 stimulation were inversely proportional to frequencies of CD4+ T cells expressing intracellular CTLA‐4 (r = −0·43, P = 0·01). Moreover, CTLA‐4 blockade increased the induction of interferon‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 in PBMC stimulated with anti‐CD3. Overall, chronic inflammation may expand sub‐populations of T cells expressing CTLA‐4 in COPD patients and therefore impair T‐cell function. CTLA‐4 blockade may restore Th1 function in patients with COPD and so aid the clearance of bacterial pathogens responsible for AECOPD.
Priming with high and low respiratory allergen dose induces differential CD4+ T helper type 2 cells and IgE/IgG1 antibody responses in mice
Authors: Furuhashi Kazuki , Chua Yen L. , Wong Kenneth H. S. , Zhou Qian , Lee Debbie C. P. , Liong Ka H. , Teo Guo H. , Hutchinson Paul E. , Kemeny David M. 
Published: February 2017

SummarySensitization of allergic patients normally takes place over several years and is the result of repeated exposure to low levels of allergen. Most mouse asthma models use a high dose of allergen administered over a short period. We have investigated the role of dose in the immune response to an inhaled respiratory allergen (Blomia tropicalis). We observed the effect of priming dose on the allergic response in mice intranasally immunized with low (0·5 μg) and high (50 μg) doses of B. tropicalis extract and killed 1 day after the last challenge. For both doses of allergen, T helper type 2 (Th2) cells and Th2 cytokines were evident as well as eosinophilic inflammation accompanied by mucus hyper‐secretion. By contrast, IgE and IgG1 antibody responses were normally only detected at high‐dose priming. To investigate the mechanism for these effects, we found group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) were increased 48 hr after challenge in the low‐dose‐treated but not the high‐dose‐treated mice. Furthermore, we determined whether repeated low‐dose exposure with different priming protocols could induce an antibody response. Repeated low‐dose exposure to 0·5 μg three times weekly for 4 weeks (cumulative 6 μg) had the same effect as a shorter high‐dose exposure (cumulative 80 μg) and increasing cumulative dose induced antibody responses. These data indicate that low doses of allergen are sufficient to prime Th2 cells and ILC2s, but insufficient to induce antibody responses. Cumulative exposure to small amounts of allergen induces both Th2 and antibody responses and may better reflect natural sensitization.
CD4+ CD25+ GARP+ regulatory T cells display a compromised suppressive function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wei Yuzhen , Yu Kunwu , Wei Hui , Su Xin , Zhu Ruirui , Shi Huairui , Sun Haitao , Luo Quan , Xu Wenbin , Xiao Junhui , Zhong Yucheng , Zeng Qiutang 
Published: February 2017

SummaryDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a lethal inflammatory heart disease and closely connected with dysfunction of the immune system. Glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) expressed on activated CD4+ T cells with suppressive activity has been established. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and function of circulating CD4+ CD25+ GARP+ regulatory T (Treg) cells in DCM. Forty‐five DCM patients and 46 controls were enrolled in this study. There was a significant increase in peripheral T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 number and their related cytokines [interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL‐17)], and an obvious decrease in Treg number, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) levels and the expression of forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) and GARP in patients with DCM compared with controls. In addition, the suppressive function of CD4+ CD25+ GARP+ Treg cells was impaired in DCM patients upon T‐cell receptor stimulation detected using CFSE dye. Lower level of TGF‐β1 and higher levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐17 detected using ELISA were found in supernatants of the cultured CD4+ CD25+ GARP+ Treg cells in DCM patients compared with controls. Together, our results indicate that CD4+ CD25+ GARP+ Treg cells are defective in DCM patients and GARP seems to be a better molecular definition of the regulatory phenotype. Therefore, it might be an attractive stategy to pay more attention to GARP in DCM patients.
Do professional boundaries limit trust?
Authors: Smythe Elizabeth , Hennessy Julia , Abbott Max , Hughes Frances 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe present study uses stories of mental health support workers talking about their relationship with clients to wonder about how trust might be limited by the professional boundaries of nursing. The writing arose out of an appreciative inquiry study looking at the role of mental health support workers. Participants talked about how they worked with their clients. As researchers, we were struck by the depth of trust that was built between worker and client. We have brought a phenomenological lens to wonder about the nature of trust, as shown in the data. The original research sought to identify what was working well for mental health support workers. The present study brings a phenomenological interpretive approach to four stories from the discovery phase of the study, with our thinking informed by Heidegger and van Manen. Interviews were conducted with 26 mental health support workers and six stakeholders in 2012–2103. For this paper, we drew from those transcripts stories of three mental health support workers and one stakeholder. Through a process of talking together, writing, and rewriting, we wondered about the meaning within these stories, with a strong focus on how trust was enacted. We saw that mental health support workers in this study, by not carrying the boundaries of being ‘professional’, seemed free to grow a stronger relationship of trust which was therapeutic. We ask: Is it time to rethink how professional boundaries limit the level of trust achieved with clients to the detriment of impactful care?
A systematic review of the psychometric properties of instruments for assessing the quality of the physical environment in healthcare
Authors: Elf Marie , Nordin Susanna , Wijk Helle , Mckee Kevin J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimTo identify instruments measuring the quality of the physical healthcare environment, describe their psychometric properties.BackgroundThe physical healthcare environment is regarded as a quality factor for health care. To facilitate evidence‐based design there is a need for valid and usable instruments that can evaluate the design of the healthcare environment.DesignSystematic psychometric review.Data sourcesA systematic literature search in Medline, CINAHL, Psychinfo, Avery index and reference lists of eligible papers (1990–2016).Review methodConsensus based standards for selection of health measurement instruments guidelines were used to evaluate psychometric data reported.ResultsTwenty‐three instruments were included. Most of the instruments are intended for healthcare environments related to the care of older people. Many of the instruments were old, lacked strong, contemporary theoretical foundations, varied in the extent to which they had been used in empirical studies and in the degree to which their validity and reliability had been evaluated.ConclusionsAlthough we found many instruments for measuring the quality of the physical healthcare environment, none met all of our criteria for robustness. Of the instruments, The Multiphasic environmental assessment procedure, The Professional environment assessment protocol and The therapeutic environment screening have been used and tested most frequently. The Perceived hospital quality indicators are user centred and combine aspects of the physical and social environment. The Sheffield care environment assessment matrix has potential as it is comprehensive developed using a theoretical framework that has the needs of older people at the centre. However, further psychometric and user‐evaluation of the instrument is required.
Underemployment among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Chou Yueh‐Ching , Kröger Teppo , Pu Cheng‐yun 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundMothers with lifelong care responsibilities might involuntarily be non‐employed or work part‐time, both of which are defined as “underemployment.” This study aimed to investigate who these underemployed mothers are and what are the factors associated with such employment hardship when having a child with intellectual disability (ID).MethodAn interview survey was conducted in 2011 in two local authorities of Taiwan on 876 working‐age mothers with a child with intellectual disability; 514 of them were working part‐time/non‐employed and chosen as participants of this study.ResultsThe mothers with a younger child with intellectual disability, a higher level of education, a lower level of family income and more family members with disabilities were more likely to be underemployed compared with the mothers who were voluntarily working part‐time/non‐employed.ConclusionsThe underemployed mothers were more likely to have financial difficulty and heavy caregiving loads; their employment hardship should be of concern for policymakers.
The effect of host vicariance and parasite life history on the dispersal of the multi‐host ectoparasite, Hyalomma truncatum
Authors: Sands Arthur F. , Apanaskevich Dmitry A. , Matthee Sonja , Horak Ivan G. , Matthee Conrad A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimIt is predicted that the dispersal and gene flow of ectoparasites with wide host ranges are correlated with the vagilities of their most mobile hosts. To test this, the phylogeographical structure of a widespread generalist tick occurring on large ungulates was determined and compared with previously published host patterns.LocationAfrica.MethodsmtDNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences were generated for 182 Hyalomma truncatum specimens sampled from 21 Afrotropical localities. A subsample of these was sequenced for the nuclear Histone 3 (H3) and Calreticulin (CRT) regions. Phylogeographical inferences were made by using haplotype networks, a Bayesian analysis of population structure, isolation by distance (IBD) and a Bayesian gene tree. Demographic changes in the populations were determined with Bayesian skyline plots.ResultsTwo highly divergent geographically confined mtDNA clades were detected, and these were partly supported by significant differentiation at nuclear DNA level. The clades differ by 9.88% (± 0.40%) mtDNA COI sequence divergence. The southern African clade, which expanded approximately 100 ka, shows no geographical barriers to dispersal and also no IBD. The northern African clade shows signs of IBD, at least five distinct genetic subgroups and an earlier expansion at 200 ka.ConclusionThe phylogeography of the generalist tick is broadly congruent with host vicariance and supports the previously defined African Pleistocene savanna refugia. The magnitude of the sequence divergence between geographically separated genetic lineages suggests that H. truncatum comprises two distinct yet undescribed species. The dispersal of ectoparasites with wide host ranges is dependent on the ability of the various life stages of the parasite to survive in the off‐host environment coupled to host movement.
The matrix effect: how agricultural matrices shape forest fragment structure and amphibian composition
Authors: Ferrante Lucas , Baccaro Fabricio Beggiato , Ferreira Eric Batista , Sampaio Maria Fernanda de Oliveira , Santos Thays , Justino Rodrigo Cesário , Angulo Ariadne 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimHabitat loss and fragmentation are considered the main drivers of species population declines and extinctions in the world. The large‐scale replacement of natural habitats with human‐modified habitats, such as the replacement of forests with agricultural and livestock farming areas, creates a scenario where natural habitat patches are immersed in an inhospitable land use matrix. We sought to evaluate how forest fragments (FFs) are influenced by the different surrounding landscape components, where we assessed how agricultural matrices that differ in structure and seasonality affect the structure of FFs and their amphibian assemblages.LocationAtlantic Forest, Brazil.MethodsUsing diverse methods including satellite imagery, historical land use and field data, we evaluated the effects of representative agricultural matrices on the structure of FFs and their amphibian composition, species richness and abundance.ResultsOur results suggest that the structure of FFs and amphibian composition, species richness and individual abundance are intimately linked to the type of matrix and its proportion around FFs. The nature of the matrix is more likely to affect species richness, individual abundance and composition of amphibian assemblages than FF size, reducing the species‐area relationship in FFs. There is strong support for the hypothesis that certain agricultural matrices facilitate FF exposure to the elements and a decrease in forest integrity within the fragment, which is reflected in a loss of strict forest inhabitants. Those matrices that allow for a greater exposure of FFs also appear to favour their occupation by habitat generalists.Main conclusionsSurrounding matrices affect the structure and dynamics of forest remnants and should therefore be considered in management plans of severely fragmented landscapes. The influence of the land matrix should be urgently assessed, as it has effects on species occurrences and distribution. This is especially relevant considering the increasing deforestation rates in biodiversity hotspots world‐wide.
Evolutionary flexibility in five hummingbird/plant mutualistic systems: testing temporal and geographic matching
Authors: Abrahamczyk Stefan , Poretschkin Constantin , Renner Susanne S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimPartners in co‐evolutionary interactions must be ecologically interdependent and at least at some stage have matching traits and more or less overlapping ranges. As co‐evolution is a process, neither the mutual dependence nor the trait and range matching are expected to be static or perfect. Here we investigate the extent of evolutionary flexibility in tight pollination mutualisms between hummingbirds and plants, ranging from straight‐billed species to sicklebills.LocationThe Americas.MethodsThe five considered pollination mutualisms are between the following hummingbird and plant species: Calypte anna and Ribes speciosum (Grossulariaceae); Basilinna xantusii and Arbutus peninsularis (Ericaceae); two species of Sephanoides and Tristerix aphyllus/corymbosus (Loranthaceae); two species of Eutoxeres and 34 species of curved‐corolla Centropogon (Campanulaceae); and six species of Oreotrochilus and seven species of Chuquiraga (Asteraceae). While ecological interdependence and trait matching in these mutualisms are well established, geographic occurrence data and molecular clock‐based ages for the 10 clades were newly compiled.ResultsWe found matching bird and plant stem ages in two of the five systems and (much) older bird than plant ages in the other three. The implied adaptation of plant populations to already existing hummingbird species fits with the modelled distributions. In three of the systems, the ranges of the plants overlap those of their pollinators by > 90%; conversely, the range overlap between the bird species and the plant species they pollinate is much less than that. Surprisingly, the age mismatch was greatest in the Eutoxeres/Centropogon system, in spite of the perfect morphological fit among bills and corollas, illustrating the evolutionary flexibility of these mutualisms and the apparently rapid ‘addition’ of further plant species.Main conclusionsThese findings illuminate the macroevolutionary assembly of hummingbird/plant mutualisms, which has been highly dynamic, even in specialized systems with perfect morphological trait fitting.
Elevated PRC1 in gastric carcinoma exerts oncogenic function and is targeted by piperlongumine in a p53‐dependent manner
Authors: Zhang Bin , Shi Xiaoting , Xu Guifang , Kang Wei , Zhang Weijie , Zhang Shu , Cao Yu , Qian Liping , Zhan Ping , Yan Hongli , To Ka Fai , Wang Lei , Zou Xiaoping 
Published: February 2017

AbstractGastric carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the second most frequent cause of cancer‐related death in China. Protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) is involved in cytokinesis and plays key roles in microtubule organization in eukaryotes. This study was aimed to analyse the expression and to investigate the functional role of PRC1 in gastric tumorigenesis. The expression of PRC1 was evaluated by qRT‐PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The biological function of PRC1 was determined by CCK‐8 proliferation assays, monolayer colony formation, xenografted nude mice and cell invasion assays by shRNA‐mediated knockdown in AGS and HGC27 cells. The regulation of PRC1 expression by piperlongumine was also investigated using dual‐luciferase reporter assay and ChIP‐qPCR analysis. PRC1 was up‐regulated in primary gastric cancers. Overexpression of PRC1 in gastric cancers was associated with poor disease‐specific survival and overall survival. PRC1 knockdown in AGS and HGC27 cell lines suppressed proliferation, reduced monolayer colony formation, inhibited cell invasion and migration ability and induced cell‐cycle arrest and apoptosis. Inhibition of PRC1 also suppressed tumour growth in vivo. We finally confirmed that PRC1 is a novel downstream target of piperlongumine in gastric cancer. Our findings supported the oncogenic role of PRC1 in gastric carcinogenesis. PRC1 might serve as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for gastric carcinoma.
Effect of ridge preservation for early implant placement – is there a need to remove the biomaterial?
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Naenni Nadja , Benic Goran I. , Muñoz Fernando , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimTo assess (i) bone regeneration around implants placed early in sites with or without ridge preservation and (ii) if the bone substitute material (DBBM‐C) has to be removed at implant placement.Materials and methodsIn eight beagle dogs, three sites were randomly assigned to ridge preservation (DBBM‐C plus collagen matrix (CMX)) (two sites; RP) or spontaneous healing (1 site; SH). Four weeks later, in one of the RP sites, dental implants were placed without removing the DBBM‐C (RP1), whereas in RP2 and SH sites all non‐integrated DBBM‐C and/or granulation tissue were removed before implant placement and concomitant GBR. Histomorphometric outcomes were assessed at 4 and 12 weeks.ResultsThe median buccal fBIC (first bone‐to‐implant contact) was located more apical in groups RP1: 1.34 mm (0.09; 2.96) and RP2: 1.41 mm (0.54; 2.72) than in group SH: 0.79 mm (0.26; 1.50) (p = 0.452) at 4 weeks. At 12 weeks, median buccal fBIC values were for RP1: 0.88 mm (0.00; 2.33), for RP2: 0.16 mm (0.00; 1.33) and for SH: 0.00 mm (0.00; 0.98) (p = 0.362). BIC values increased over 12 weeks in all groups.ConclusionsRidge preservation followed by early implant placement led to higher BIC values at 12 than at 4 weeks. There is no need to remove the biomaterial at implant placement to ensure osseointegration. No relevant differences were observed between the three groups for any outcome measure.
Chemokine in inflamed periodontal tissues activates healthy periodontal‐ligament stem cell migration
Authors: Lee Jung‐Seok , Lee Jong‐Bin , Cha Jae‐Kook , Choi Eun‐Young , Park So‐Yon , Cho Kyoo‐Sung , Kim Chang‐Sung 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimThe present study aimed to characterize the expression pattern of chemokines obtained from inflamed periodontal defects and to determine the characteristics of human periodontal‐ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) migrated by each specific chemokine.Materials and MethodsBoth inflamed and healthy periodontal tissues were obtained from periodontitis patients (n = 11), and the chemokine expression levels were analyzed. The periodontal‐tissue‐specific chemokines were applied to healthy hPDLSCs from extracted teeth (n = 3), with FGF‐2 acting as a positive control. Cells were separated by selected chemokines using transwell method into migrated/unmigrated hPDLSCs. The characteristics of the hPDLSC subpopulation recruited by each chemokine were assessed, and gene expression pattern was analyzed by microarray.ResultsChemokines were categorized into three groups by specific patterns of “appearing,” “increasing,” and “decreasing/disappearing” from healthy to inflamed tissues. A representative chemokine from each group enhanced the capacities for colony formation and osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation while maintaining the surface markers of hPDLSCs. RANTES/CCL5 significantly increased the cellular migration of hPDLSCs, via enhancement of signaling pathways, regulation of the actin skeleton, and focal adhesion.ConclusionThe present study found a specific chemokine profile induced by inflammation in periodontal tissues, with RANTES/CCL5 appearing to play a role in the migration of hPDLSCs into inflammatory periodontal lesions.