bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endogenous TWEAK is critical for regulating the function of mouse uterine natural killer cells in an immunological model of pregnancy loss
Authors: Qi Xuefeng , Lei Mingzhu , Qin Lijuan , Xie Mengjie , Zhao Dandan , Wang Jingyu 
Published: January 2016

SummaryUterine natural killer (uNK) cells are the most abundant lymphocyte population in the feto–maternal interface during early gestation, and uNK cells play a significant role in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy‐related vascularization, as well as in tolerance to the fetus. Tumour necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its receptor, fibroblast growth factor‐inducible molecule (Fn14), are involved in preventing local cytotoxicity and counterbalancing the cytotoxic function of uNK cells. Here, we studied the regulation of TWEAK/Fn14‐mediated innate immunity in the uterus using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced model of abortion in pregnant mice. Specifically, we detected the expression of TWEAK and Fn14 in the uterus and in uNK cells following LPS treatment. Our results revealed that TWEAK and Fn14 are expressed by uNK cells in pregnant mice; in particular, it appears that the cytokine TWEAK is primarily derived from uNK cells. Interestingly, the down‐regulation of TWEAK in uNK cells and the up‐regulation of the Fn14 receptor in the uterus in LPS‐treated mice may contribute to the disruption of decidual homeostasis by altering uNK cell cytotoxicity – ultimately leading to fetal rejection. In conclusion, the present study strongly suggests that the TWEAK–Fn14 axis in uNK cells is involved in maintaining the tolerance necessary for successful pregnancy.
Banking Union in Historical Perspective: The Initiative of the European Commission in the 1960s–1970s
Authors: Mourlon‐Druol Emmanuel 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis article shows that planning for the organization of EU banking regulation and supervision did not just appear on the agenda in recent years with discussions over the creation of the eurozone banking union. It unveils a hitherto neglected initiative of the European Commission in the 1960s and early 1970s. Drawing on extensive archival work, this article explains that this initiative, however, rested on a number of different assumptions, and emerged in a much different context. It first explains that the Commission's initial project was not crisis‐driven; that it articulated the link between monetary integration and banking regulation; and finally that it did not set out to move the supervisory framework to the supranational level, unlike present‐day developments.
Retention costs of periodontally compromised molars in a German population
Authors: Schwendicke Falk , Plaumann Anna , Stolpe Michael , Dörfer Christof E. , Graetz Christian 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimThis study assessed the long‐term costs per retention year for periodontally affected molars.MethodsA cohort of 379 compliant subjects was retrospectively evaluated. Periodontal, restorative, endodontic, prosthetic and surgical treatment costs were estimated based on fee items of the private German health insurance. Costs/year were calculated and the impact of tooth‐ and subject‐related factors on this cost‐effectiveness ratio assessed using generalized linear‐mixed modelling.Results2306 molars received non‐regenerative initial and supportive therapy and were followed until extraction or censoring (in mean (SD): 16.5 [6.8] years). Per year, 0.07 (SD: 0.12) deep scalings, 0.04 (0.11) open flap debridements, 0.01 (0.04) resective therapies and 2.49 (0.12) SPTs had been provided. Few teeth received non‐periodontal treatments. Costs/year decreased significantly with each tooth a patient had at baseline (mean difference: −0.01, 95% CI: −0.02/−0.01 Euro/year), and increased with each mm of probing‐pocket depth (0.04 [0.03/0.06] Euro/year), in upper (0.07 [0.11/0.31] Euro/year) or mobile molars (up to 0.33 [0.18/0.48] Euro/year), those with bone loss (up to 0.11 [0.04/0.17] Euro/year), endodontic treatment (0.24 [0.15/0.33] Euro/year), peri‐apical lesions (0.24 [0.11/0.38]) and prosthetic treatment (0.54 [0.49/0.59] Euro/year).ConclusionsAnnual costs for retaining periodontally affected molars were limited, and associated mainly with tooth‐level factors.
Suitability of native North American Rutaceae to serve as host plants for the Asian citrus psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae)
Authors: Sétamou M. , da Graça J. V. , Sandoval J. L. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, a vector of citrus huanglongbing, is now present in all citrus‐producing states in the USA and Mexico. In addition to citrus, the insect can reproduce on several other plant species in the Rutaceae family; orange jasmine (Murraya spp.) and curry leaf (Bergera koenigii) are among its preferred hosts. There are several indigenous Rutaceae species in North America, and some are popular ornamentals. A study was therefore initiated to determine the suitability of some of these plants for feeding and development of the psyllid in choice and no‐choice experiments. D. citri was found to reproduce successfully on Choisya ternata, C. arizonica and Helietta parvifolia in no‐choice tests, but preferentially selected orange jasmine and curry leaf for feeding and reproduction, in choice tests. On Amyris madrensis, A. texana and Zanthoxylum fagara, adult psyllids laid eggs which hatched, but no successful nymphal development was recorded beyond the first instars. No oviposition was recorded on Esenbeckia berlandieri, Ptelea trifoliata and Casimiroa tetrameria, although adult psyllids were able to survive on these species for several days. Results showed that C. ternata, C. arizonica and H. parvifolia can serve host plants of D. citri and this constitutes the first report of these plants serving as host for D. citri. The findings of the present study suggest that native rutaceous host plants can serve as host plants and thus affect D. citri population dynamics and the epidemiology of Huanglongbing, the deadly citrus greening disease whose pathogen is vectored by D. citri. Thus, area‐wide management of this pest also should target these riparian habitats where these host plants are present with D. citri biological control agents for sustainable management of this pest.
Nebela jiuhuensis nov. sp. (Amoebozoa; Arcellinida; Hyalospheniidae): A New Member of the Nebela saccifera ‐ equicalceus ‐ ansata Group Described from Sphagnum Peatlands in South‐Central China
Authors: Qin Yangmin , Man Baiying , Kosakyan Anush , Lara Enrique , Gu Yansheng , Wang Hongmei , Mitchell Edward A. D. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHyalospheniids are among the most common and conspicuous testate amoebae in high‐latitude peatlands and forest humus. These testate amoebae were widely studied as bioindicators and are increasingly used as models in microbial biogeography. However, data on their diversity and ecology are still very unevenly distributed geographically: notably, data are lacking for low‐latitude peatlands. We describe here a new species, Nebela jiuhuensis, from peatlands near the Middle Yangtze River reach of south‐central China with characteristic morphology. The test (shell) has hollow horn‐like lateral extensions also found in N. saccifera, N. equicalceus (=N. hippocrepis), and N. ansata, three large species restricted mostly to Sphagnum peatlands of Eastern North America. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) data confirm that N. jiuhuensis is closely related to the morphologically very similar North American species N. saccifera and more distantly to N. ansata within the N. penardiana group. These species are all found in wet mosses growing in poor fens. Earlier reports of morphologically similar specimens found in South Korea peatlands suggest that N. jiuhuensis may be distributed in comparable peatlands in Eastern Asia (China and Korea). The discovery of such a conspicuous new species in Chinese peatlands suggests that many new testate amoebae species are yet to be discovered, including potential regional endemics. Furthermore, human activities (e.g., drainage, agriculture, and pollution) have reduced the known habitat of N. jiuhuensis, which can thus be considered as locally endangered. We, therefore, suggest that this very conspicuous micro‐organism with a probably limited geographical distribution and specific habitat requirement should be considered as a flagship species for microbial biogeography as well as local environmental conservation and management.
Long‐term epidemiological study of disseminated neoplasia of cockles in Galicia (NW Spain): temporal patterns at individual and population levels, influence of environmental and cockle‐based factors and lethality
Authors: Díaz S , Iglesias D , Villalba A , Carballal M J 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe dynamics of disseminated neoplasia (DN) affecting cockles Cerastoderma edule (L.) in Galicia was addressed at individual and population levels. Early stage of DN was characterized by isolated neoplastic cells occurring in branchial vessels or in the connective tissue of gills, mantle, gonad or digestive gland. As disease progressed, the neoplastic cells appeared loose in foci and became widely distributed throughout the organs. In advanced stages, the connective tissue of most organs was infiltrated by neoplastic cells, which displaced normal cells, leading to the loss of the normal tissue/organ architecture. Host defence reaction was occasionally observed. A field survey performed for 7 years, in two cockle beds located in different Galician Rías, showed that DN is a hyperendemic disease usually present all year‐round at high prevalence in adult cockles but with annual prevalence minima in spring likely due to the death of heavily affected cockles, concurrently with gonad ripeness–spawning. DN was detected in the cockles ranging from 10 to 39 mm in size; the highest DN prevalence and severity corresponded to the cockles of intermediate size/age (22–29 mm/0.7–1 year old). Sex did not appear to influence DN occurrence. An inhibitory effect of DN on cockle gametogenesis was detected.
First detection of koi herpesvirus from koi, Cyprinus carpio L. experiencing mass mortalities in Iran: clinical, histopathological and molecular study
Authors: Rahmati‐Holasoo H , Zargar A , Ahmadivand S , Shokrpoor S , Ezhari S , Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi H A 
Published: January 2016

AbstractKoi herpesvirus (KHV) is the aetiological agent of an emerging disease (KHVD) associated with mass mortalities in koi and common carp and reported from at least 30 countries. We report the first detection of KHV from koi in Iran using clinical, histopathological and molecular studies. KHV‐infected fish showed reduced swimming activity, sunken eyes and increased mucus production on skin and fins. On post‐mortem examination, gill necrosis was observed in the majority of fish. Histopathologically, the gill showed diffuse necrosis of the branchial epithelial cells. Margination of chromatin was detected in gills, kidney, heart, spleen, intestine and brain. In addition, sequence analyses of the TK gene, ORF 136 and marker I and II, demonstrates that Iranian KHV isolates were identical and classified as variant A1 of TUSMT1 (J strain) and displayed the I++II+ allele of this Asian genotype.
Ribosomal RNA – a tail wagging the dog?
Authors: Stehle Jörg H. , Rawashdeh Oliver 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
image
It is an intriguing hypothesis that the complex organization of neuronal dynamics important for a memory engram is largely underpinned by the regulation of nucleolar functioning. This Editorial highlights a study by Capitano and coworkers in this issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry, in which the authors tackle this hypothesis with a behavioral approach. The study investigates the role of axo‐dendritic mRNAs within learning‐induced plasticity and in vivo modulation of rRNA transcription in response to spatial learning. The authors confirm with their in vivo approach what is known from many earlier in vitro experiments: efficient learning and memory requires a proper homeostasis of hippocampal neurons in general, which, however, depends crucially on proper integrity of the nucleolus.
Read the highlighted article ‘RNA polymerase I transcription is modulated by spatial learning in different brain regions’ on page 706.
High‐Cholesterol Diet Disrupts the Levels of Hormones Derived from Anterior Pituitary Basophilic Cells
Authors: Yang J. , Zhang X. , Liu Z. , Yuan Z. , Song Y. , Shao S. , Zhou X. , Yan H. , Guan Q. , Gao L. , Zhang H. , Zhao J. 
Published: January 2016

Emerging evidence shows that elevated cholesterol levels are detrimental to health. However, it is unclear whether there is an association between cholesterol and the pituitary. We investigated the effects of a high‐cholesterol diet on pituitary hormones using in vivo animal studies and an epidemiological study. In the animal experiments, rats were fed a high‐cholesterol or control diet for 28 weeks. In rats fed the high‐cholesterol diet, serum levels of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH; also known as thyrotrophin), luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) produced by the basophilic cells of the anterior pituitary were elevated in a time‐dependent manner. Among these hormones, TSH was the first to undergo a significant change, whereas adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), another hormone produced by basophilic cells, was not changed significantly. As the duration of cholesterol feeding increased, cholesterol deposition increased gradually in the pituitary. Histologically, basophilic cells, and especially thyrotrophs and gonadotrophs, showed an obvious increase in cell area, as well as a potential increase in their proportion of total pituitary cells. Expression of the β‐subunit of TSH, FSH and LH, which controls hormone specificity and activity, exhibited a corresponding increase. In the epidemiological study, we found a similar elevation of serum TSH, LH and FSH and a decrease in ACTH in patients with hypercholesterolaemia. Significant positive correlations existed between serum total cholesterol and TSH, FSH or LH, even after adjusting for confounding factors. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that the high‐cholesterol diet affected the levels of hormones derived from anterior pituitary basophilic cells. This phenomenon might contribute to the pituitary functional disturbances described in hypercholesterolaemia.
Processes in healthcare teams that include nurse practitioners: what do patients and families perceive to be effective?
Authors: Kilpatrick Kelley , Jabbour Mira , Fortin Chantal 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesTo explore patient and family perceptions of team effectiveness of teams those include nurse practitioners in acute and primary care.BackgroundNurse practitioners provide safe and effective care. Patients are satisfied with the care provided by nurse practitioners. Research examining patient and family perceptions of team effectiveness following the implementation of nurse practitioners in teams is lacking.DesignA descriptive qualitative design was used.MethodsWe used purposeful sampling to identify participants in four clinical specialties. We collected data from March 2014–January 2015 using semi‐structured interviews and demographic questionnaires. Content analysis was used. Descriptive statistics were generated.ResultsParticipants (n = 49) believed that the teams were more effective after the implementation of a nurse practitioner and this was important to them. They described processes that teams with nurse practitioners used to effectively provide care. These processes included improved communication, involvement in decision‐making, cohesion, care coordination, problem‐solving, and a focus on the needs of patients and families. Participants highlighted the importance of interpersonal team dynamics. A human approach, trust, being open to discussion, listening to patient and family concerns and respect were particularly valued by participants. Different processes emerged as priorities when data were examined by speciality. However, communication, trust and taking the time to provide care were the most important processes.ConclusionThe study provides new insights into the views of patients and families and micro‐level processes in teams with nurse practitioners. The relative importance of each process varied according to the patient's health condition. Patients and providers identified similar team processes. Future research is needed to identify how team processes influence care outcomes.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings can support patients, clinicians and decision‐makers to determine the processes to focus on to promote effective team functioning, and involve patients and families as team members.
Profiles of delirium and the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting: a prospective study from China
Authors: Zhang Weiying , Hu Wenlin , Shen Meifang , Ye Xiaofei , Huang Yan , Sun Yan 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesTo explore the profiles of delirium in coronary artery bypass grafting patients and identify related patient outcomes.BackgroundDelirium was assessed previously as a binary result, i.e. present or absent, but little attention was paid to the profiles of delirium, e.g. the subtype, severity, duration and the first episode, and little was known about clinical outcomes.DesignA prospective study.MethodsNinety‐five delirious patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting were included. Delirium episodes were categorised as hypoactive, hyperactive or mixed type and as mild, moderate or severe. Duration in days and the first episode of delirium in day after surgery were recorded. Patient outcomes were recorded prospectively to determine the effects of delirium profiles.ResultsMixed‐type delirium was most common (44·21%), followed by hyperactive delirium (26·32%) and hypoactive delirium (29·47%). Patients with hypoactive delirium had a longer duration of ventilator use. Severity of delirium measurements revealed 28·42% mild, 51·58% moderate and 20·00% severe. Patients with severe delirium had a longer duration of ventilation use, longer lengths of intensive care unit stay and hospital stay compared to mild and moderate delirium. Delirium duration lasted from 1–5 days. Differences were observed in the length of intensive care unit stay and hospital days across groups of different delirium duration. A total of 73·68% of delirium developed on the first and second postoperative days. The later the first episode of delirium occurred, the longer the duration of delirium was, which also yielded longer lengths of intensive care unit stay.ConclusionHypoactive delirium, severe delirium and delirium of later onset and longer duration were associated with adverse outcomes.Relevance to clinical practiceHospital staff should pay attention to hypoactive delirium, take measures properly to decrease the severity and duration of delirium to improve the results of delirious patients.
How do nurses and ward managers perceive that evidence‐based sources are obtained to inform relevant nursing interventions? – an exploratory study
Authors: Jansson Inger , Forsberg Anna 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesTo explore how nurses and managers perceive that evidence‐based sources are obtained to inform relevant nursing interventions.BackgroundImplementation of evidence‐based practice requires a systematic search and evaluation of research, clinical expertise and consideration of the patients’ preferences and values. Much has been written over the past decade about how this should be done and nurses’ mandatory education has provided them with the necessary tools to work in this way. In spite of this, nurses do not provide evidence‐based practice on a regular basis. Many of the barriers against evidence‐based practice are dependent on contextual factors. Therefore, it can be of interest to study both managers and nurses.DesignThis qualitative study has an explorative and retrospective design.MethodInterviews were conducted with 15 participants, including eight nurses, four ward managers, two operation managers and one care developer. Directed content analysis was used.ResultNurses and managers had different approaches towards the use of scientific knowledge. Nurses’ use of clinical experience and learning from each other was common. Nurses’ work as facilitators was structured by managers. Not involving the patient in the care was common among the nurses.ConclusionThe parts of evidence‐based practice that are supported by the managers are also used by the nurses. When use of research is not controlled by the managers, the nurses do not search for scientific research. Neither is the patients’ involvement in decision‐making obvious.Relevance to clinical practiceA change in nurses’ attitudes to scientific knowledge and perception of patient participation is needed. For this to happen, nurses need managers with a strong interest in evidence‐based practice that support successful implementation of research in everyday clinical practise.
Evaluation of two instruments of perceived symptom intensity in palliative care patients in an outpatient clinic
Authors: Sætra Pia , Fossum Mariann , Svensson Elisabeth , Cohen Marlene Z 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesTo evaluate the test–retest stability in assessments of perceived symptom intensity on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System‐revised and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative. The possible interchangeability between the instruments and the patients’ experiences of completing the instruments were also studied.BackgroundThe two instruments assess the same symptoms, but the symptom intensity is assessed on 11‐point numerical scales on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System‐revised and on four‐point verbal descriptive scales on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative. Both instruments are commonly used; however, uncertainty exists about which instrument should be recommended and about the interchangeability of the instruments.DesignThis study used a test–retest design with inter‐scale comparisons.MethodsData from 54 patients with cancer who were receiving palliative care in an oncology outpatient clinic were self‐reported by the patients in the clinic, at home and when patients returned to the clinic.ResultsThe assessments on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative verbal rating scales showed a higher level of test–retest stability than the assessments on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System‐revised numerical scoring scales, indicating higher reliability. The correspondence between the verbal categories and the numerical scores of symptom intensity were low because different verbal categories were used by patients who assessed the same numerical score.ConclusionsThe test–retest stability in the assessments was higher on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative and the results show that assessments on the two instruments could not be used interchangeably. Therefore, the symptom instrument chosen must be specified and unchanged within a patient to improve efficacy in clinical practice.Relevance to clinical practiceThe Edmonton Symptom Assessment System‐revised or the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 Palliative can be used for initial assessments of patients, but should not be compared or used interchangeably. It is vitally important to have individual follow‐up for all patients who score an instrument.