bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How does adenosine control neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration?
Authors: Cunha Rodrigo A. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe adenosine modulation system mostly operates through inhibitory A1 (A1R) and facilitatory A2A receptors (A2AR) in the brain. The activity‐dependent release of adenosine acts as a brake of excitatory transmission through A1R, which are enriched in glutamatergic terminals. Adenosine sharpens salience of information encoding in neuronal circuits: high‐frequency stimulation triggers ATP release in the ‘activated’ synapse, which is locally converted by ecto‐nucleotidases into adenosine to selectively activate A2AR; A2AR switch off A1R and CB1 receptors, bolster glutamate release and NMDA receptors to assist increasing synaptic plasticity in the ‘activated’ synapse; the parallel engagement of the astrocytic syncytium releases adenosine further inhibiting neighboring synapses, thus sharpening the encoded plastic change. Brain insults trigger a large outflow of adenosine and ATP, as a danger signal. A1R are a hurdle for damage initiation, but they desensitize upon prolonged activation. However, if the insult is near‐threshold and/or of short‐duration, A1R trigger preconditioning, which may limit the spread of damage. Brain insults also up‐regulate A2AR, probably to bolster adaptive changes, but this heightens brain damage since A2AR blockade affords neuroprotection in models of epilepsy, depression, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson's disease. This initially involves a control of synaptotoxicity by neuronal A2AR, whereas astrocytic and microglia A2AR might control the spread of damage. The A2AR signaling mechanisms are largely unknown since A2AR are pleiotropic, coupling to different G proteins and non‐canonical pathways to control the viability of glutamatergic synapses, neuroinflammation, mitochondria function, and cytoskeleton dynamics. Thus, simultaneously bolstering A1R preconditioning and preventing excessive A2AR function might afford maximal neuroprotection.
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The main physiological role of the adenosine modulation system is to sharp the salience of information encoding through a combined action of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) in the synapse undergoing an alteration of synaptic efficiency with an increased inhibitory action of A1R in all surrounding synapses. Brain insults trigger an up‐regulation of A2AR in an attempt to bolster adaptive plasticity together with adenosine release and A1R desensitization; this favors synaptotocity (increased A2AR) and decreases the hurdle to undergo degeneration (decreased A1R). Maximal neuroprotection is expected to result from a combined A2AR blockade and increased A1R activation.This article is part of a mini review series: “Synaptic Function and Dysfunction in Brain Diseases”.
Australian general practice nurse's knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding influenza vaccination: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Smith Sarah , Sim Jenny , Halcomb Elizabeth 
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Australian general practice nurses (GPNs) regarding influenza vaccination.BackgroundDespite the evidence for the benefits of influenza vaccination, vaccination rates remain sub‐optimal. The knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses both affects vaccination rates and the advice given to consumers. Given their significant role in opportunistic and planned vaccinations, GPNs are in an optimal position to positively influence vaccination rates.DesignA descriptive cross‐sectional survey was used.MethodsGPNs were recruited by email to complete an online survey. The survey tool comprised the King's College Nurses' Influenza Vaccination Questionnaire and adapted demographic items. Data analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics. Open‐ended questions were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsMost of the 85 respondents had received the seasonal influenza vaccination in the last year (n = 67; 78·8%); fewer received the H1N1 vaccination (n = 54; 63·5%). Intention to receive vaccination was affected by previous vaccination. Those who had received the seasonal influenza vaccine in the last year had a higher total knowledge score. The seasonal and total influenza knowledge score was high, with lower scores on the H1N1 sub‐scale. A positive correlation was identified between influenza knowledge and risk perception.ConclusionsThis study highlighted the high level of knowledge amongst GPNs related to seasonal influenza, whilst identifying a knowledge deficit around the H1N1 items. It demonstrated that GPN's knowledge of seasonal influenza was related to vaccination status and risk perception. Further research is required to explore how this translates into the advice GPNs give to consumers.Relevance to clinical practiceInfluenza vaccination should be considered as a key topic for GPNs ongoing professional development. The evidence for links between education and vaccination uptake should encourage employers to facilitate opportunities for this training. Future efforts to increase vaccination uptake in nurses should promote the benefits of vaccination in protecting the individual rather than as a professional responsibility.
Cultural and Intellectual Openness Differentially Relate to Social Judgments of Potential Work Partners
Authors: Porter Caitlin M. , Parrigon Scott E. , Woo Sang Eun , Saef Rachel M. , Tay Louis 
Published: July 2016

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigates the differential functioning of cultural and intellectual openness (the two aspects of Openness to Experience) in relation to social cognitive processes by examining how they influence people's perceptions and interpretations of social information when deciding to initiate working relationships.MethodUsing a policy‐capturing design, 681 adult participants were asked to rate their similarity to and preference to work with potential work partners characterized by varying nationalities and levels of work‐related competence. Multilevel moderated mediation was conducted to simultaneously evaluate whether the indirect effects of potential work partners’ characteristics (i.e., nationalities and levels of work‐related competence) on work partner preference through perceived similarity were moderated by cultural and intellectual openness.ResultsPerceived similarity mediated the relationships between work partner nationality and work‐related competence and participants’ work partner preferences. Furthermore, the negative indirect effect of work partner nationality on work partner preference via perceived similarity was attenuated by cultural openness, and the positive indirect effect of work partner work‐related competence on work partner preference via perceived similarity was strengthened by intellectual openness.ConclusionsCultural and intellectual openness may have distinct functions that influence how people perceive, evaluate, and appreciate social information when making social judgments.
Seasonal and decadal patterns in Discostella (Bacillariophyceae) species from bi‐weekly records of two boreal lakes (Experimental Lakes Area, Ontario, Canada)
Authors: Wiltse Brendan , Paterson Andrew M. , Findlay David L. , Cumming Brian F. 
Published: July 2016

A recent rise in the relative abundance of Discostella species (D. stelligera and D. pseudostelligera) has been well documented from sedimentary diatom assemblages across the Northern Hemisphere. This unprecedented change over the last ~150 years has been linked to rises in atmospheric temperatures, changes in ice cover, and/or increases in thermal stability, among other factors. The bi‐weekly monitoring data from two boreal lakes at the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) in northwestern Ontario were analyzed across seasons (spring, summer, and fall) and decades (1970s–2000s). We found that Discostella species are primarily spring/early summer bloomers (i.e., late April to June) in these lakes and changes in concentrations of Discostella over time were most pronounced in the spring or early summer months. Increases in Discostella abundance over time may be linked to earlier ice‐off and a longer period of spring turnover, resulting from increased winter and spring temperatures. It is also possible that a trophic mismatch between the spring diatom bloom and zooplankton is occurring, thus reducing diatom loss rates, and resulting in greater overall abundance. Moreover, the spring dominance of Discostella in our study lakes occurred at a time of the year when nutrient concentrations were at their highest seasonally, suggesting that these taxa are neither limited directly by nutrients, nor responding to enhanced stratification during the summer months in these lakes.
Wnt activity is associated with cementum‐type transition
Authors: Bae C.‐H. , Choi H. , You H.‐K. , Cho E.‐S. 
Published: July 2016

Background and ObjectiveCellular and acellular cementum and the cells that form them are postulated to have different characteristics, and the relationship between these two tissues is not well understood. Based on the hypothesis that Wnt signaling is involved in the determination of cementum type, we examined Wnt activity along the tooth root and analyzed cementum formation in genetic mutant models.Material and MethodsWe generated mutant models with Wnt signaling upregulation (OCCatnblox(ex3)/+), downregulation (OCWlsfl/fl), and a compound mutant (Enpp1asj/asj;OCCatnblox(ex3)/+) to compare cementum apposition patterns of ectonucleotide diphosphatase/phosphodiesterase (Enpp1) mutant (Enpp1asj/asj). The analysis of structural morphology and histology was performed with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining and scanning electron microscopy.ResultsThe cementum type of upper apical region of tooth roots in the molar is altered from the cellular form at the initial stage to the acellular form at the late stage of cementum formation. However, the basal part of this apical region is not altered and retains cellular cementum characters with strong Wnt activity. In the genetic mutant models for Wnt upregulation, cellular cementum is formed at the cervical region instead of acellular cementum. However, Enpp1 mutant mice have clearly different characteristics with cellular‐type cementum even with dramatically increased cervical cementum matrix. In addition, we found that acellular‐type formation could be altered into cellular‐type formation by analyzing Wnt upregulation and compound mutant models.ConclusionsCementum type is not determined by its specific location and could be transformed with Wnt activity during cementum formation.
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection and the risk for diabetes: a community‐based prospective study
Authors: Lin Yu‐Ju , Shaw Tzun‐Wen G. , Yang Hwai‐I , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Jen Chin‐Lan , Wang Li‐Yu , Wong Kang‐Hsuan , Chan Soa‐Yu , Yuan Yong , L'Italien Gilber , Chen Chien‐Jen , Lee Mei‐Hsuan ,   the R.E.V.E.A.L.‐HCV Study Group
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the occurrence of type II diabetes remains controversial. Prospective studies are needed to assess its causal temporality.MethodsA cohort of 21 559 adults enrolled from seven townships in Taiwan during 1991–1992 and followed till the end of 2010. Incident diabetes over a study time period from 2000 to 2010 was ascertained through computerized linkage with the National Health Insurance database and the National Death Certification profiles. Cox's proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Antibodies against HCV (anti‐HCV) were tested for all participants, and serum HCV RNA levels were measured for anti‐HCV seropositives.ResultsDuring 180 244 person‐years of follow‐up, there were 1917 incident diabetes cases recorded. The cumulative risk for diabetes was 10.9% for anti‐HCV seronegatives and 16.7% for anti‐HCV seropositives respectively. The HR for diabetes of anti‐HCV seropositivity was 1.53 (95% CI: 1.29–1.81) compared with anti‐HCV seronegatives after adjustment for risk predictors. The adjusted HRs were 1.63 (1.31–2.02) for anti‐HCV seropositives with positive HCV RNA compared to anti‐HCV seronegatives (P<.001).ConclusionChronic HCV infection was associated with an increased risk for diabetes after adjustment for other risk predictors.
Role of Bladder Dysfunction in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Refractory to Alpha‐blocker Therapy: A Video‐urodynamic Analysis
Authors: JIANG Yuan‐Hong , LIAO Chun‐Hou , KUO Hann‐Chorng 
Published: July 2016

ObjectivesLower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men result from a complex interplay of pathophysiology, including bladder and bladder outlet dysfunction. This study retrospectively analyzed bladder dysfunction in men with LUTS based on the results of video‐urodynamic studies (VUDS).MethodsMale patients (aged ≥40 years), with LUTS and an International Prostate Symptom Score of 8 or more, who were refractory to alpha‐blocker treatment were retrospectively recruited and evaluated with VUDS and total prostate volume (TPV). Patients were further divided into subgroups of bladder dysfunction and bladder outlet dysfunction according to characteristic VUDS findings. Age, TPV and VUDS findings were compared among different subgroups.ResultsAfter VUDS, bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) was only noted in 48.6% of men. Of patients, 919 of 2991 (30.7%) had bladder dysfunction including detrusor underactivity (DU, 5.1%), detrusor overactivity and inadequate contractility (DHIC, 5.3%), detrusor overactivity (DO, 17%) and hypersensitive bladder (HSB, 3.3%). In addition, 1941 (64.9%) had bladder outlet dysfunction including BOO + DO (33.8%), BOO alone (14.8%), and poor urethral sphincter relaxation (PRES, 16.3%). Among the 1519 patients with DO, 66.6% (1012) had BOO while, among 1454 patients with BOO, 69.5% (1010) had DO. Patients with DHIC, DU and DO were 5 years older than patients with HSB and normal men. TPV was significantly smaller in patients with DHIC, DU and DO as compared with BOO + DO.ConclusionApproximately one‐third of male LUTS was due to bladder dysfunction. A man older than 70 years with LUTS and TPV less than 30 mL usually indicates the presence of bladder dysfunction rather than BOO.
Comorbidities in difficult asthma are independent risk factors for frequent exacerbations, poor control and diminished quality of life
Authors: Tay Tunn Ren , Radhakrishna Naghmeh , Hore‐Lacy Fiona , Smith Catherine , Hoy Ryan , Dabscheck Eli , Hew Mark 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveLittle is known about how comorbidities affect difficult asthma patients across different domains of asthma outcomes. We hypothesized that comorbidities in difficult asthma significantly influence asthma outcomes.MethodsWe analysed 90 consecutive patients who underwent systematic assessment at our hospital's difficult asthma clinic. Eight comorbidities were assessed in all patients. They were allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), gastroesophageal reflux disease, obesity, obstructive sleep apnoea, anxiety or depression, dysfunctional breathing (DB) and vocal cord dysfunction (VCD). Asthma outcomes examined were exacerbation frequency (≥3/year vs <3/year), asthma control using the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and quality of life using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Multivariate logistic regression was performed for dichotomous outcomes and linear regression for continuous outcomes. Analyses were adjusted for lung function and absolute blood eosinophils.ResultsIncreasing BMI was an independent risk factor for exacerbations (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1–1.1, P = 0.042), lower ACT score (β coefficient: −0.25, 95% CI: −0.37 to −0.12, P < 0.001) and poorer AQLQ (β coefficient: −0.05, 95% CI: −0.09 to −0.02, P = 0.006). DB predicted lower ACT (β coefficient: −2.85, 95% CI: −5 to −0.7, P = 0.01) and AQLQ scores (β coefficient: −0.73, 95% CI: −1.34 to −0.12, P = 0.02). Patients with CRS had more exacerbations (OR: 4, 95% CI: 1.5–10.9, P = 0.006). Patients with VCD had lower AQLQ scores (β coefficient: −0.78, 95% CI: −1.38 to −0.18, P = 0.012).ConclusionComorbidities independently impact a broad spectrum of outcomes in difficult asthma. Systematic evaluation of these conditions is essential in difficult asthma.
The Invisible Hand of Rain in Spending: Effect of Rainfall‐Driven Agricultural Income on Per Capita Expenditure in Ghana
Authors: Akobeng Eric 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis paper uses a nationally representative household pseudo‐panel dataset for Ghana, a rain‐fed agriculture economy, to investigate whether there is a positive relationship between rainfall‐driven agricultural income and household per capita expenditure. By using the Two Stage Least Squares Instrumental Variable (2SLS‐IV) estimator, it is found that a fall in rainfall‐driven agricultural income leads to a decrease in per capita expenditure. The results show that the gender and the locality of the household head matter in the response of per capita expenditures to rainfall‐driven agricultural income. Female‐headed and rural households are more vulnerable to rainfall‐driven agricultural income changes. The expenditure disaggregation indicates that female‐headed households significantly reduce per capita non‐food expenditure in times of rainfall‐induced agricultural income decrease whilst the response of male‐headed households focuses more on reducing per capita food and remittance expenditures.
Trade Effects of the East African Community Customs Union: Hype Versus Reality
Authors: Buigut Steven 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis study uses a theoretically consistent gravity model to assess the average trade effect of the East African Community customs union implemented in 2005. The estimation is carried out using a framework that controls for endogeneity. Country‐pair fixed effects are included to control for time constant factors while importer‐year and exporter‐year fixed effects account for time varying multilateral resistance variables. To check for robustness a Poisson pseudo‐maximum likelihood estimation is used. The study covers the period 2000 to 2013 with a total of forty nine trading partners. The results suggest that the EAC customs union has produced a moderate positive effect on intra‐EAC trade of about 22.1%.
Aragonite and calcite preservation in sediments from Lake Iznik related to bottom lake oxygenation and water column depth
Authors: Roeser Patricia , Franz Sven O. , Litt Thomas 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis study examines the forcing mechanisms driving long‐term carbonate accumulation and preservation in lacustrine sediments in Lake Iznik (north‐western Turkey) since the last glacial. Currently, carbonates precipitate during summer from the alkaline water column, and the sediments preserve aragonite and calcite. Based on X‐ray diffraction data, carbonate accumulation has changed significantly and striking reversals in the abundance of the two carbonate polymorphs have occurred on a decadal time scale, during the last 31 ka cal bp. Different lines of evidence, such as grain size, organic matter and redox sensitive elements, indicate that reversals in carbonate polymorph abundance arise due to physical changes in the lacustrine setting, for example, water column depth and lake mixing. The aragonite concentrations are remarkably sensitive to climate, and exhibit millennial‐scale oscillations. Extending observations from modern lakes, the Iznik record shows that the aerobic decomposition of organic matter and sulphate reduction are also substantial factors in carbonate preservation over long time periods. Lower lake levels favour aragonite precipitation from supersaturated waters. Prolonged periods of stratification and, consequently, enhanced sulphate reduction favour aragonite preservation. In contrast, prolonged or repeated exposure of the sediment–water interface to oxygen results in in situ aerobic organic matter decomposition, eventually leading to carbonate dissolution. Notably, the Iznik sediment profile raises the hypothesis that different states of lacustrine mixing lead to selective preservation of different carbonate polymorphs. Thus, a change in the entire lake water chemistry is not strictly necessary to favour the preservation of one polymorph over another. Therefore, this investigation is a novel contribution to the carbon cycle in lacustrine systems.
Prevention of perceptual‐motor decline by branched‐chain amino acids, arginine, citrulline after tennis match
Authors: Yang C‐C. , Wu C‐L. , Chen I‐F. , Chang C‐K. 
Published: July 2016

Perceptual‐motor performance in prolonged tennis matches may be affected by central fatigue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the supplementation of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA), arginine, and citrulline on tennis‐specific perceptual‐motor performance after a simulated match. Nine male tennis players consumed 0.17 g/kg BCAA, 0.05 g/kg arginine, and 0.05 g/kg citrulline (AA trial), or placebo (PB trial) 1 h before the match. In the perceptual‐motor performance test before and after the match, the subjects hit balls to the opposite direction of the examiner's movement. The AA trial showed significantly higher rate of correct direction than the PB trial after the match (AA trial: 93.63 ± 1.28%, PB trial: 69.09 ± 2.40%). The AA trial also demonstrated significantly higher post‐match accuracy and consistency than the PB trial. The AA trial showed significantly lower heart rate and ratings of perceive exertion during the match, concurrently with a significantly lower plasma total tryptophan/BCAA ratio. Similar post‐match plasma NH3 concentrations were found in both trials while the AA trial was significantly higher in NOx concentration. This study suggested that the supplementation could prevent the decline in perceptual‐motor performance through alleviation of central fatigue by BCAA and prevention of excess hyperammonemia by arginine and citrulline.
Networking Enforced–Comparing Social Services'Collaborative Rationales across Different Welfare Regimes
Authors: Breimo Janne Paulsen , Turba Hannu , Firbank Oscar , Bode Ingo , Sandvin Johans Tveit 
Published: July 2016

AbstractCollaboration and networking are ubiquitous,versatile features of social service provision in most Western countries. However,it is an open question whether networking means and entails the same across countries. Comparing regulatory frameworks in three jurisdictions representing distinctive‘worlds of welfare services’ –Germany,Norway and Quebec–this article aims at eliciting the normative rationales that underpin and inform local service networks in child welfare and protection(CWP)systems. In Norway,where services are little diversified and largely insular,networking appears as a way of opening up for greater organizational plurality,within and beyond the public sector realm. In Germany in contrast,where services are highly pluralized and fragmented,networks are seen as an instrument for streamlining complexity. As for Quebec–an intermediate case in some respects–networking is envisioned as a catalyst for aligning two co‐existing service streams and mitigating the child protection–family support divide. Interestingly,in all three places,networking is now being enforced through similar highly formalized,top‐down regulatory provisions,even though the intended directions of change differ markedly. This has implications for CWP policy as well as research on networks at large.