bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) modulates immunopathology and airway hyperresponsiveness representing a novel target for the treatment of asthma
Authors: Singh Shailendra R , Sullo Nikol , Matteis Maria , Spaziano Giuseppe , McDonald John , Saunders Ruth , Woodman Lucy , Urbanek Konrad , De Angelis Antonella , De Palma Raffaele , Berair Rachid , Pancholi Mitesh , Mistry Vijay , Rossi Francesco , Guerrini Remo , Calò Girolamo , D'Agostino Bruno , Brightling Christopher E , Lambert David G 
Published: January 2016

Background and PurposeThere is evidence supporting a role for the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ; NOP) receptor and its endogenous ligand N/OFQ in the modulation of neurogenic inflammation, airway tone and calibre. We hypothesized that NOP receptor activation has beneficial effects upon asthma immunopathology and airway hyperresponsiveness. Therefore, the expression and function of N/OFQ and the NOP receptor were examined in healthy and asthmatic human airway tissues. The concept was further addressed in an animal model of allergic asthma.Experimental ApproachNOP receptor expression was investigated by quantitative real‐time PCR. Sputum N/OFQ was determined by RIA. N/OFQ function was tested using several assays including proliferation, migration, collagen gel contraction and wound healing. The effects of N/OFQ administration in vivo were studied in ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized and challenged mice.Key ResultsNOP receptors were expressed on a wide range of human and mouse immune and airway cells. Eosinophils expressed N/OFQ‐precursor mRNA and their number correlated with N/OFQ concentration. N/OFQ was found in human sputum and increased in asthma. Additionally, in asthmatic human lungs N/OFQ immunoreactivity was elevated. NOP receptor activation inhibited migration of immunocytes and increased wound healing in airway structural cells. Furthermore, N/OFQ relaxed spasmogen‐stimulated gel contraction. Remarkably, these findings were mirrored in OVA‐mice where N/OFQ treatment before or during sensitization substantially reduced airway constriction and immunocyte trafficking to the lung, in particular eosinophils. N/OFQ also reduced inflammatory mediators and mucin production.Conclusions and ImplicationsWe demonstrated a novel dual airway immunomodulator/bronchodilator role for N/OFQ and suggest targeting this system as an innovative treatment for asthma.
Microglia antioxidant systems and redox signalling
Authors: Vilhardt F , Haslund‐Vinding J , Jaquet V , McBean G 
Published: January 2016

For many years, microglia, the resident CNS macrophages, have been considered only in the context of pathology, but microglia are also glial cells with important physiological functions. Microglia‐derived oxidant production by NADPH oxidase (NOX2) is implicated in many CNS disorders. Oxidants do not stand alone, however, and are not always pernicious. We discuss in general terms, and where available in microglia, GSH synthesis and relation to cystine import and glutamate export, and the thioredoxin system as the most important antioxidative defence mechanism, and further, we discuss in the context of protein thiolation of target redox proteins the necessity for tightly localized, timed and confined oxidant production to work in concert with antioxidant proteins to promote redox signalling. NOX2‐mediated redox signalling modulates the acquisition of the classical or alternative microglia activation phenotypes by regulating major transcriptional programs mediated through NF‐κB and Nrf2, major regulators of the inflammatory and antioxidant response respectively. As both antioxidants and NOX‐derived oxidants are co‐secreted, in some instances redox signalling may extend to neighboring cells through modification of surface or cytosolic target proteins. We consider a role for microglia NOX‐derived oxidants in paracrine modification of synaptic function through long term depression and in the communication with the adaptive immune system. There is little doubt that a continued foray into the functions of the antioxidant response in microglia will reveal antioxidant proteins as dynamic players in redox signalling, which in concert with NOX‐derived oxidants fulfil important roles in the autocrine or paracrine regulation of essential enzymes or transcriptional programs.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Redox Biology and Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.12/issuetoc
Predicting the consequences of species loss using size‐structured biodiversity approaches
Authors: Brose Ulrich , Blanchard Julia L. , Eklöf Anna , Galiana Nuria , Hartvig Martin , R. Hirt Myriam , Kalinkat Gregor , Nordström Marie C. , O'Gorman Eoin J. , Rall Björn C. , Schneider Florian D. , Thébault Elisa , Jacob Ute 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the consequences of species loss in complex ecological communities is one of the great challenges in current biodiversity research. For a long time, this topic has been addressed by traditional biodiversity experiments. Most of these approaches treat species as trait‐free, taxonomic units characterizing communities only by species number without accounting for species traits. However, extinctions do not occur at random as there is a clear correlation between extinction risk and species traits. In this review, we assume that large species will be most threatened by extinction and use novel allometric and size‐spectrum concepts that include body mass as a primary species trait at the levels of populations and individuals, respectively, to re‐assess three classic debates on the relationships between biodiversity and (i) food‐web structural complexity, (ii) community dynamic stability, and (iii) ecosystem functioning. Contrasting current expectations, size‐structured approaches suggest that the loss of large species, that typically exploit most resource species, may lead to future food webs that are less interwoven and more structured by chains of interactions and compartments. The disruption of natural body‐mass distributions maintaining food‐web stability may trigger avalanches of secondary extinctions and strong trophic cascades with expected knock‐on effects on the functionality of the ecosystems. Therefore, we argue that it is crucial to take into account body size as a species trait when analysing the consequences of biodiversity loss for natural ecosystems. Applying size‐structured approaches provides an integrative ecological concept that enables a better understanding of each species' unique role across communities and the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss.
Effect of oral hygiene maintenance on HbA1c levels and peri‐implant parameters around immediately‐loaded dental implants placed in type‐2 diabetic patients: 2 years follow‐up
Authors: Al Amri Mohammad D. , Kellesarian Sergio Varela , Al‐Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Malmstrom Hans , Javed Fawad , Romanos Georgios E. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present 2‐year follow‐up study was to assess the effect of oral hygiene maintenance on hemoglobin Alc (HbA1c) levels and peri‐implant parameters around immediately‐loaded dental implants placed in type‐2 diabetic patients with varying glycemic levels.Material and methodsNinety‐one individuals were divided into three groups. In group 1, 30 systemically healthy individuals were included (HbA1c < 6%). Patients in group 2 and 3, comprised of 30 patients with T2DM (HbA1c 6.1–8%); and 31 patients with T2DM (HbA1c 8.1–10%) respectively. In all groups, patients received immediately loaded bone level implants. All participants were enrolled in a 6 monthly periodontal/peri‐implant maintenance program. Peri‐implant bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and marginal bone loss (MBL) were measured at 6, 12, and 24 months of follow‐up.ResultsMean preoperative HbA1c levels in patients in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 4.5%, 6.8%, and 8.7% respectively. In group‐1, there was no significant difference in HbA1c levels at all follow‐up durations. Among patients in groups 2 and 3, there was a significant decrease in HbA1c levels at 24‐months follow‐up than 6‐months follow‐up. At 6 months follow‐up, BOP, PD, and MBL were significantly higher among patients in group‐3 than group‐1. At 12 and 24 months follow‐up, there was no significant difference in BOP, PD, and MBL in all groups.ConclusionsOral hygiene maintenance reduces hyperglycemia and peri‐implant inflammatory parameters around immediately loaded dental implants placed in type 2 diabetic patients.
Thoughts on how to improve the quality of multicentre patch test studies
Authors: Bruze Magnus 
Published: January 2016

SummaryMulticentre patch test studies (MPTSs) can contribute useful information for diagnostic and preventive measures. The aim of the present paper is to propose how to perform high‐quality MPTSs. To this end, factors of significance for the patch test result are discussed with regard to the standardization and calibration of high‐quality MPTSs. The 16 factors discussed are scored 0, 1, 2, or 3, depending on the relative importance of a particular factor for the patch test result. The total score of an MPTS allows it to be ranked as having doubtful, acceptable, high or excellent quality. A total score of 30 is possible. Depending on the total score the MPTSs are grouped into those with a doubtful, acceptable, high, and excellent quality. In conclusion, high‐quality MPTSs can be performed and are facilitated if a guideline and check list are followed when the study is being planned. The scoring enables the calculation of a total score, which can be used for quality ranking.
Quality in epidemiological surveillance of contact allergy
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Rustemeyer Thomas , Wilkinson Mark , Duus Johansen Jeanne 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe reporting of scientific results (in the field of contact dermatitis/allergy) should include a description of the methods used, including, but not limited to, standardized patch testing. Several aspects always need to be reported, such as duration of exposure, reading times, vehicle, and concentration of allergens. However, concerning other aspects, explicit compliance with international patch testing guidelines, notably the European Society of Contact Dermatitis guideline, which covers all relevant general aspects, is deemed to be a sufficient description of methods, supplemented by study‐specific information, including partial non‐compliance with the guideline, as indicated. Besides technical aspects, the quality of reporting of scientific results has several other dimensions, including epidemiological and biostatistical aspects discussed in this article. Prospectively, when a study is planned, performed, and reported, issues such as selection of patients and sample size and their impact on power and precision, the role of misclassification and potential conflicts of interests need to be addressed and discussed, respectively. Retrospectively, when a study is read and analysed, all relevant aspects of quality should be considered when the weight of evidence that a study publication provides is evaluated. Employing rigid ‘quality criteria’ may have the detrimental effect of relevant, if slightly imperfect, evidence being deliberately excluded.
Survivors of childhood leukaemia treated with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and total body irradiation should undergo screening for diabetes by oral glucose tolerance tests
Authors: Wei C. , Unsworth R. , Davis N. , Cox R. , Bradley K. , Stevens M. , Crowne E. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimsChildhood cancer survivors treated with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and total body irradiation are at an increased risk of developing diabetes early in life due to insulin resistance and β–cell dysfunction, but the optimal screening method is unknown. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for community diabetes screening recommend using fasting glucose ≥ 7 mmol/l and/or HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) for diagnosis and, fasting glucose 5.5–6.9 mmol/l or HbA1c 42–47 mmol/mol (6–6.5%) to indicate high risk. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivities of fasting glucose and HbA1c in the diagnosis of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in childhood HSCT survivors.MethodThe patients were 35 (male = 19) HSCT survivors from a single UK centre under follow‐up from 2006 to 2013. Patients had a median age (range) of 19.2 (13.1–26.2) years and had been treated for acute lymphoblastic (n = 31) or myeloid (n = 4) leukaemia when aged 7.8 (2.4–16.7) years. The outcome measures were oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting glucose and HbA1c.ResultsOGTT identified 6 patients with diabetes (120‐min glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/l), 12 with impaired glucose tolerance (120–min glucose 7.8–11.0 mmol/l) and 2 with impaired fasting glucose (≥ 7 mmol/l). Fasting glucose ≥ 7 mmol/l or HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol identified two of the six patients with diabetes diagnosed on OGTT. Fasting glucose ≥ 5.5 mmol/l and HbA1c ≥ 42 mmol/mol identified three and two patients, respectively, with diabetes. Only 1 of 12 patients with impaired glucose tolerance had a fasting glucose ≥ 5.5 mmol/l and none had HbA1c ≥ 42 mmol/mol (≥ 6%).ConclusionsThe fasting glucose and HbA1c cut‐offs used in UK population screening only identified one‐third of HSCT survivors with diabetes and do not identify those at risk. Diabetes screening in HSCT survivors requires standard OGTTs.
Sink or Swim: Learning by Doing in a Supply Chain Integration Activity*
Authors: Harnowo Akhadian S. , Calhoun Mikelle A. , Monteiro Heather L. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTStudies show that supply chain integration (SCI) is important to organizations. This article describes an activity that places students in the middle of an SCI scenario. The highly interactive hands‐on simulation requires only 50 to 60 minutes of classroom time, may be used with 18 to about 36 students, and involves minimal instructor preparation. Through the activity, students learn the basics of SCI and then analyze an SCI event to better appreciate the need for collaboration and information sharing. In courses that address supply chain management, instructors can use the activity early in the semester to introduce students to the complexities of supply chain networks. Alternatively, instructors may use the simulation later to provoke a more nuanced discussion.
Introducing B2B Service Level Measures via a Poker‐Card Activity
Authors: Chen Chun‐Miin (Jimmy) , Bailey Matthew D. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTTo determine the appropriate level of product availability, most operations management textbooks introduce and define service level measures in a Business‐to‐Customer context. In other words, a retailer that wants to measure product availability in their store calculates the fill rate (FR) or cycle service level over an infinite review horizon. However, in a Business‐to‐Business (B2B) context, a retailer almost always calculates the FR or compliance level over a finite review horizon. The goal of this article is to highlight calculations of service level measures in a B2B context. Pedagogically, it presents in‐class activities that use standard playing cards and/or a spreadsheet simulation that allow students to experientially learn about service level measures in a B2B context.
Demonstrating the Effect of Supply Chain Disruptions through an Online Beer Distribution Game*
Authors: Sarkar Sourish , Kumar Sanjay 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTThis article describes a classroom tool to teach the impact of supply chain disruptions and mitigation strategies based on information sharing and collaboration. The tool is an adaptation of the Beer Distribution Game, is easy to play, and can be hosted online or on local servers. The game considers several scenarios based on the location of the disruptions (i.e., upstream or downstream) and the information available to supply chain partners. Students play the roles of managers who make ordering decisions in a serial supply chain and experience decision‐making under disruptions.
The Eucalyptus stem canker pathogen Teratosphaeria gauchensis represents distinct genetic groups in Africa and South America
Authors: Jimu L. , Chen S. F. , Wingfield M. J. , Mwenje E. , Roux J. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryTeratosphaeria gauchensis (Capnodiales) causes a serious stem canker disease on commercially propagated Eucalyptus species in South America. Recently, this pathogen was detected for the first time in Africa. Very little is known regarding the biology or origin of T. gauchensis, but it has been suggested that it is native to South America. The aim of this study was to compare isolates from Africa and South America using microsatellite markers. Bayesian analysis conducted in STRUCTURE, principal coordinates analysis and a UPGMA dendrogram revealed two distinct genetic groups for these isolates. The South American isolates were more genetically diverse than those from Africa. Patterns of genetic diversity in Africa suggest that T. gauchensis could have been introduced into Zimbabwe before spreading north‐eastwards. The existence of the two genetic groups and high haplotype richness associated with the South American and Zimbabwean populations suggest that it will be more difficult to reduce the impact of disease caused by T. gauchensis in these regions than in those areas where there is limited genetic diversity.
Variations in virulence and hyphal growth of four Raffaelea quercivora isolates within Quercus crispula
Authors: Torii M. , Ito M. , Nagao M. , Matsuda Y. , Ito S. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryMass mortality of fagaceous trees caused by Japanese oak wilt has occurred widely in Japan. Although virulence of the causal fungus, Raffaelea quercivora, appeared to differ among isolates, its relation to the fungal growth within trees was unknown. To clarify the differences in fungal virulence against susceptible Quercus crispula, we examined fungal growth of four R. quercivora isolates within trees and the resulting virulence. In our study, the isolates were multiple‐inoculated in seedlings and single‐inoculated in twigs of mature trees. In the multiple‐inoculation test, mortality rates were examined by the observation of external symptoms. In the single‐inoculation test, water conductance and hyphal growth within the trees were examined by applying aqueous dyes and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Mortality rates, the proportion of the cross‐sectional area comprising non‐conductive sapwood and horizontal hyphal growth differed significantly among the isolates. Univariate logistic regression analyses showed that both the proportion of non‐conductive sapwood and hyphal growth were significantly positively related to mortality rates. For three isolates, hyphal growth was significantly positively correlated with the proportion of non‐conductive sapwood. These results suggested that the virulence against Q. crispula varies among R. quercivora isolates and that the extent of fungal colonization of the tree determines fungal virulence.
Individual resistance of Fraxinus angustifolia clones to ash dieback
Authors: Hauptman T. , Ogris N. , de Groot M. , Piškur B. , Jurc D. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe presumed resistance of individual ash trees to ash dieback caused by invasive pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus is an important issue for the maintenance of ash in European forests. All known studies regarding the resistance of ash trees to ash dieback were conducted in plantations and stands of F. excelsior; however, no such data exist for F. angustifolia. Crown damage assessments were performed over four consecutive years between 2009 and 2012 at a F. angustifolia clonal plantation in Hraščica, Slovenia. Inoculation of H. fraxineus into the branches of the most and least damaged clones of F. angustifolia and leaf phenology assessments was performed to verify the presence of defence mechanisms that limit fungal growth or promote disease escape. Additionally, root collars of selected clones were inspected for fungal infections. The crown damage assessments showed considerable differences among F. angustifolia clones, indicating genetic variability in susceptibility to ash dieback. Crown dieback progressed significantly over the 4‐year time period; the mean crown damage of individual clones in 2012 varied between 16.7% and 83.8%. Significant differences among F. angustifolia clones were found in the inoculation trials and leaf phenology assessments. However, defence mechanisms such as early leaf flushing, early leaf shedding and the ability to inhibit pathogen growth in host tissues were not confirmed. High frequency of Armillaria spp. and H. fraxineus root collar infection demonstrated the need for whole tree inspection to determine causal agent of damages on individual ash trees. Armillaria spp. may be highly associated with ash decline epidemiology.
The distribution ofDothistroma septosporumand its mating types in Poland
Authors: Boroń P. , Lenart‐Boroń A. , Mullett M. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryDothistroma needle blight (DNB), one of the most dangerous foliar diseases of pines, is the cause of much economic loss in pine plantations worldwide. The threat to pine‐dominated Polish forestry from this disease is therefore very large. However, the impact ofDNBhas not been high mainly due to the planting ofP. sylvestris, a less susceptible native species. Until now,DNBwas recorded in Poland only on highly susceptible exoticP. nigra. The current situation concerning the disease in Poland is described in this article. This disease, caused byDothistroma septosporum, was first recorded in a single location (Domiarki) in southern Poland in 1990. This study reports the occurrence ofD. septosporumin 37 new locations, demonstrating that the disease has now spread across the whole country.Pinus nigraremains the predominant host species in Poland. However, three new hosts for this fungus are reported, that isP. sylvestris,P. mugoandP. ponderosa. The ratio ofD. septosporummating types varies significantly between sites, ranging from an equal proportion of each mating type to single mating type populations. For the oldest known Polish population ofD. septosporum,the mating type ratio has shifted towards equilibrium over time.
The effects of asymmetric competition on the life history of Trinidadian guppies
Authors: Bassar Ronald D. , Childs Dylan Z. , Rees Mark , Tuljapurkar Shripad , Reznick David N. , Coulson Tim 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe effects of asymmetric interactions on population dynamics has been widely investigated, but there has been little work aimed at understanding how life history parameters like generation time, life expectancy and the variance in lifetime reproductive success are impacted by different types of competition. We develop a new framework for incorporating trait‐mediated density‐dependence into size‐structured models and use Trinidadian guppies to show how different types of competitive interactions impact life history parameters. Our results show the degree of symmetry in competitive interactions can have dramatic effects on the speed of the life history. For some vital rates, shifting the competitive superiority from small to large individuals resulted in a doubling of the generation time. Such large influences of competitive symmetry on the timescale of demographic processes, and hence evolution, highlights the interwoven nature of ecological and evolutionary processes and the importance of density‐dependence in understanding eco‐evolutionary dynamics.