bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current status and future of clinical islet xenotransplantation
Authors: Matsumoto Shinichi , Tomiya Masayuki , Sawamoto Osamu 
Published: March 2016

Abstractβ‐Cell replacement therapy, including allogeneic pancreas and islet transplantation, can normalize HbA1c levels in unstable type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients, but a donor shortage is a serious issue. To overcome this problem, xenotransplantation is an attractive option. In fact, islet transplantation from porcine pancreata was performed in the 1990s, which opened the door for islet xenotransplantation, but the possibility of porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) infection was raised, which has restricted progress in this field. The International Xenotransplantation Association published a consensus statement on conditions for undertaking clinical trials of porcine islet products in T1D to restart islet xenotransplantation safely. Clinical porcine islet xenotransplantation was restarted under comprehensive regulations in New Zealand. In addition, newly emerged gene‐editing technologies have activated the xenotransplantation field. Islet xenotransplantation is becoming a clinical reality, with the results of recent studies showing promise to advance this field.
Trophic web associated with the South American tomato mothTuta absoluta: implications for its conservation biological control in Argentina
Authors: Salas Gervassio Nadia G. , Luna María G. , Lee Sangmi , Salvo Adriana , Sánchez Norma E. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe South American tomato mothTuta absolutais a major pest targeted for biological control by entomophagous insects. Trophic interactions among parasitoids ofT. absolutaand other gelechiids feeding on crop and spontaneous wild solanaceous were investigated in north‐eastern Buenos Aires (Argentina), with the aim of assisting in the design of conservation biological control strategies.A quantitative parasitoid trophic web was constructed that included five gelechiid leafminers, five solanaceous species and a complex of 18 parasitoid species.The relative abundance ofT. absolutawas highest in theSolanum melongenacrop, followed by the wild plantsNicotiana glauca,Solanum americanum,Solanum sisymbriifoliumandSalpichroa origanifolia. Greater parasitoid species richness associated withT. absolutawas found in the wild plantsN. glaucaandS. americanum.Pseudapanteles dignuswas the main parasitoid ofT. absolutaand co‐occurred with this pest in four plant species.Parasitism ofT. absolutabyP. dignuswas observed throughout the year inS. melongena, reaching values up to 33%, whereas it was sporadic and exhibited lower parasitism rates in the noncropS. sisymbriifolium,N. glaucaandS. americanum.The presence of some wild solanaceous plants should be promoted to maintain theT. absoluta– P. dignusinteraction in horticultural farms.
Pectin nanocoating of titanium implant surfaces ‐ an experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Gurzawska Katarzyna , Dirscherl Kai , Jørgensen Bodil , Berglundh Tord , Jørgensen Niklas Rye , Gotfredsen Klaus 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIntroductionA major determinant of successful osseointegration of endosseous implants is the surface of the implant, which influences the cellular response of the surrounding tissues. A new strategy to improve osseointegration and bone healing is biochemical stimulation by surface nanocoatings that may increase adhesion of bone proteins, and bone cells at the implant surface. Nanocoating with pectins, plant cell wall‐derived polysaccharides, is frequently done using rhamnogalacturonan‐I (RG‐I).AimThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of nanocoating titanium implants with plant cell wall‐derived rhamnogalacturonan‐I, on bone healing and osseointegration.Material and methodsMachined titanium implants were coated with three modifications of rhamnogalacturonan‐I (RG‐I). Chemical and physical surface properties were examined before insertion of nanocoated implants (n = 96) into the left and right tibia of rabbits. Machined titanium implants without RG‐I nanocoating were used as controls (n = 32). Total number of 128 implants was placed in tibias of 16 rabbits. Fluorochrome bone labels, calcein green and alizarin red S were given intravenously after 9 and 12 days, respectively. The bone response to the nanocoated implants was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of healing using light microscopy and histomorphometric methods.ResultsThe RG‐I coating influenced the surface chemical composition; wettability and roughness, making the surface more hydrophilic without any major effect on surface micro roughness compared to control implant surfaces.The different modifications of pectin RG‐I did not significantly enhance bone healing and osseointegration analyzed after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of healing compared to control implants. Although the qualitative analyses of the fluorochromes indicated a higher activity of bone formation in the mineralization front at the early stage, after 9 and 12 days at the RG‐I nanocoated implants compared to the control implants although no significant quantitative difference was demonstrated.ConclusionThe present study showed that nanocoating of titanium implants with pectin RG‐Is did not significantly enhance bone healing and osseointegration when placed in rabbit tibia bone.
The integration of alien plants in mutualistic plant–hummingbird networks across the Americas: the importance of species traits and insularity
Authors: Maruyama Pietro K. , Vizentin‐Bugoni Jeferson , Sonne Jesper , Martín González Ana M. , Schleuning Matthias , Araujo Andréa C. , Baquero Andrea C. , Cardona Juliana , Cardona Paola , Cotton Peter A. , Kohler Glauco , Lara Carlos , Malucelli Tiago , Marín‐Gómez Oscar Humberto , Ollerton Jeff , Rui Ana M. , Timmermann Allan , Varassin Isabela G. , Zanata Thais B. , Rahbek Carsten , Sazima Marlies , Dalsgaard Bo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTo investigate the role of alien plants in mutualistic plant–hummingbird networks, assessing the importance of species traits, floral abundance and insularity on alien plant integration.LocationMainland and insular Americas.MethodsWe used species‐level network indices to assess the role of alien plants in 21 quantitative plant–hummingbird networks where alien plants occur. We then evaluated whether plant traits, including previous adaptations to bird pollination, and insularity predict these network roles. Additionally, for a subset of networks for which floral abundance data were available, we tested whether this relates to network roles. Finally, we tested the association between hummingbird traits and the probability of interaction with alien plants across the networks.ResultsWithin the 21 networks, we identified 32 alien plant species and 352 native plant species. On average, alien plant species attracted more hummingbird species (i.e. aliens had a higher degree) and had a higher proportion of interactions across their hummingbird visitors than native plants (i.e. aliens had a higher species strength). At the same time, an average alien plant was visited more exclusively by certain hummingbird species (i.e. had a higher level of complementary specialization). Large alien plants and those occurring on islands had more evenly distributed interactions, thereby acting as connectors. Other evaluated plant traits and floral abundance were unimportant predictors of network roles. Short‐billed hummingbirds had higher probability of including alien plants in their interactions than long‐billed species.Main conclusionsOnce incorporated into plant‐hummingbird networks, alien plants appear strongly integrated and, thus, may have a large influence on network dynamics. Plant traits and floral abundance were generally poor predictors of how well alien species are integrated. Short‐billed hummingbirds, often characterized as functionally generalized pollinators, facilitate the integration of alien plants. Our results show that plant–hummingbird networks are open for invasion.
Can local adaptation research in plants inform selection of native plant materials? An analysis of experimental methodologies
Authors: Gibson Alexis L. , Espeland Erin K. , Wagner Viktoria , Nelson Cara R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractLocal adaptation is used as a criterion to select plant materials that will display high fitness in new environments. A large body of research has explored local adaptation in plants, however, to what extent findings can inform management decisions has not been formally evaluated. We assessed local adaptation literature for six key experimental methodologies that have the greatest effect on the application of research to selecting plant materials for natural resource management: experimental environment, response variables, maternal effects, intraspecific variation, selective agents, and spatial and temporal variability. We found that less than half of experiments used reciprocal transplants or natural field conditions, which are both informative for revegetation and restoration. Population growth rate was rarely (5%) assessed, and most studies measured only single generations (96%) and ran for less than a year. Emergence and establishment are limiting factors in successful revegetation and restoration, but the majority of studies measured later life‐history stages (66%). Additionally, most studies included limited replication at the population and habitat levels and tested response to single abiotic selective factors (66%). Local adaptation research should be cautiously applied to management; future research could use alternative methodologies to allow managers to directly apply findings.
Larva‐mediated chalkbrood resistance‐associated single nucleotide polymorphism markers in the honey bee Apis mellifera
Authors: Liu Y. , Yan L. , Li Z. , Huang W.‐F. , Pokhrel S. , Liu X. , Su S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractChalkbrood is a disease affecting honey bees that seriously impairs brood growth and productivity of diseased colonies. Although honey bees can develop chalkbrood resistance naturally, the details underlying the mechanisms of resistance are not fully understood, and no easy method is currently available for selecting and breeding resistant bees. Finding the genes involved in the development of resistance and identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that can be used as molecular markers of resistance is therefore a high priority. We conducted genome resequencing to compare resistant (Res) and susceptible (Sus) larvae that were selected following in vitro chalkbrood inoculation. Twelve genomic libraries, including 14.4 Gb of sequence data, were analysed using SNP‐finding algorithms. Unique SNPs derived from chromosomes 2 and 11 were analysed in this study. SNPs from resistant individuals were confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing using in vitro reared larvae and resistant colonies. We found strong support for an association between the C allele at SNP C2587245T and chalkbrood resistance. SNP C2587245T may be useful as a genetic marker for the selection of chalkbrood resistance and high royal jelly production honey bee lines, thereby helping to minimize the negative effects of chalkbrood on managed honey bees.
Hardiness, psychosocial factors and shift work tolerance among nurses – a 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Saksvik‐Lehouillier Ingvild , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Magerøy Nils , Pallesen Ståle 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTo examine the predictive power of the subfactors of hardiness (commitment, control and challenge) on shift work tolerance (measured with sleepiness, fatigue, anxiety and depression) over 2 years in nurses working shifts. We also investigated the direct effects of psychosocial variables such as role conflict, social support and fair leadership on shift work tolerance, as well as their moderating role on the relationship between hardiness and shift work tolerance.BackgroundSeveral scholars have discussed the role of individual differences and psychosocial variables in predicting shift work tolerance. The conclusions are not clear.DesignLongitudinal questionnaire study.MethodsA sample of Norwegian nurses employed in shift work including nights participated in this longitudinal questionnaire study: 1877 at baseline, 1228 at 1‐year follow‐up and 659 nurses at 2‐year follow‐up. Data were collected in three waves, first wave in 2008 and third in 2011 and were analysed with a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses.ResultsWe found that the subfactor commitment could predict fatigue over 1 year and anxiety and depression over 2 years. Challenge could predict anxiety over 1 year. Control was unrelated to shift work intolerance. Hardiness did not predict sleepiness. Social support, role conflict and fair leadership were important for some aspects of shift work tolerance; however, hardiness seemed to be more eminent for shift work tolerance than the psychosocial variables. Social support moderated the relationship between hardiness and shift work tolerance to some degree, but this interaction was weak.ConclusionHardiness can to some degree predict shift work tolerance over 2 years among nurses.
A cross‐sectional survey on consequences of nurses' burnout: moderating role of organizational politics
Authors: Basar Ufuk , Basim Nejat 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to assess whether perceptions of organizational politics (defined as self‐serving behaviours at the expense of others) influence the prospective associations between nurses' burnout and its consequences, namely, intention to quit and neglect of work.BackgroundResearchers have previously investigated relationships between nurses’ burnout, intention to quit, neglect of work and perceptions of organizational politics in different research models and from different perspectives. As far as we know, no studies have considered whether nurses’ perceptions of organizational politics moderate the influence of burnout.DesignA cross‐sectional survey using self‐report questionnaires.MethodData were collected by questionnaire from a sample of 456 nurses from six private hospitals in Ankara, Turkey in March 2015. Four different previously designed scales were used to measure research variables (burnout, intention to quit, neglect of work and perceptions of organizational politics). Following confirmatory validity and reliability analyses of data collection instruments, descriptive statistics for each research variable were analysed. Structural regression models were created to assess relationships among variables.FindingsBurnout resulted in intention to quit and neglect. Intention to quit partially mediated the association between burnout and neglect. Burnout gave rise to intention to quit slightly more strongly in nurses who had greater perceptions of organizational politics.ConclusionThis study uncovers and emphasizes the moderating role of perceptions of organizational politics in consequences of burnout. This may help hospital managers and nurses to improve costs, efficiency, satisfaction and productivity.
MicroRNA expression profile of human periodontal ligament cells under the influence of Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS
Authors: Du Anqing , Zhao Sen , Wan LingYun , Liu TianTao , Peng Zaoxia , Zhou ZiYu , Liao Zhengyu , Fang Huan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPeriodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which is caused by bacterial infection and leads to the destruction of periodontal tissues and resorption of alveolar bone. Thus, special attention should be paid to the mechanism under lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced periodontitis because LPS is the major cause of periodontitis. However, to date, miRNA expression in the LPS‐induced periodontitis has not been well characterized. In this study, we investigated miRNA expression patterns in LPS‐treated periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). Through miRNA array and differential analysis, 22 up‐regulated miRNAs and 28 down‐regulated miRNAs in LPS‐treated PDLCs were identified. Seven randomly selected up‐regulated (miR‐21‐5p, 498, 548a‐5p) and down‐regulated (miR‐495‐3p, 539‐5p, 34c‐3p and 7a‐2‐3p) miRNAs were examined by qRT‐PCR, and the results proved the accuracy of the miRNA array. Moreover, targets of these deregulated miRNAs were analysed using the miRWalk database. Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integration Discovery software were performed to analyse the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway of differential expression miRNAs, and the results shown that Toll‐like receptor signalling pathway, cAMP signalling pathway, transforming growth factor‐beta signalling pathway, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway and other pathways were involved in the molecular mechanisms underlying LPS‐induced periodontitis. In conclusion, this study provides clues for enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms and roles of miRNAs as key regulators of LPS‐induced periodontitis.
Internalization of nanopolymeric tracers does not alter characteristics of placental cells
Authors: Bigini Paolo , Zanier Elisa R. , Saragozza Silvia , Maciotta Simona , Romele Pietro , Bonassi Signoroni Patrizia , Silini Antonietta , Pischiutta Francesca , Sammali Eliana , Balducci Claudia , Violatto Martina B. , Talamini Laura , Garry David , Moscatelli Davide , Ferrari Raffaele , Salmona Mario , De Simoni Maria Grazia , Maggi Federico , Simoni Giuseppe , Grati Francesca Romana , Parolini Ornella 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn the cell therapy scenario, efficient tracing of transplanted cells is essential for investigating cell migration and interactions with host tissues. This is fundamental to provide mechanistic insights which altogether allow for the understanding of the translational potential of placental cell therapy in the clinical setting. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) from human placenta are increasingly being investigated for their potential in treating patients with a variety of diseases. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using poly (methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles (PMMA‐NPs) to trace placental MSC, namely those from the amniotic membrane (hAMSC) and early chorionic villi (hCV‐MSC). We report that PMMP‐NPs are efficiently internalized and retained in both populations, and do not alter cell morphofunctional parameters. We observed that PMMP‐NP incorporation does not alter in vitro immune modulatory capability of placental MSC, a characteristic central to their reparative/therapeutic effects in vitro. We also show that in vitro, PMMP‐NP uptake is not affected by hypoxia. Interestingly, after in vivo brain ischaemia and reperfusion injury achieved by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) in mice, iv hAMSC treatment resulted in significant improvement in cognitive function compared to PBS‐treated tMCAo mice. Our study provides evidence that tracing placental MSC with PMMP‐NPs does not alter their in vitro and in vivo functions. These observations are grounds for the use of PMMP‐NPs as tools to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of hAMSC and hCV‐MSC in preclinical models of inflammatory‐driven diseases.
Ambient particulate matter exposure and cardiovascular diseases: a focus on progenitor and stem cells
Authors: Cui Yuqi , Sun Qinghua , Liu Zhenguo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAir pollution is a major challenge to public health. Ambient fine particulate matter (PM) is the key component for air pollution, and associated with significant mortality. The majority of the mortality following PM exposure is related to cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms for the adverse effects of PM exposure on cardiovascular system remain largely unknown and under active investigation. Endothelial dysfunction or injury is considered one of the major factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of vasculature. Particulate matter exposure significantly suppressed the number and function of EPCs in animals and humans. However, the mechanisms for the detrimental effects of PM on EPCs remain to be fully defined. One of the important mechanisms might be related to increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. Bone marrow (BM) is a major source of EPCs. Thus, the number and function of EPCs could be intimately associated with the population and functional status of stem cells (SCs) in the BM. Bone marrow stem cells and other SCs have the potential for cardiovascular regeneration and repair. The present review is focused on summarizing the detrimental effects of PM exposure on EPCs and SCs, and potential mechanisms including ROS formation as well as clinical implications.
Validation of the Turkish version of medication regimen complexity index among elderly patients
Authors: Okuyan Betul , Babi Bedis , Sancar Mesut , Ay Pınar , Yücel Emre , Yücel Aylin , Izzettin Fikret Vehbi 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to validate the Turkish version of the ‘Medication Regimen Complexity Index’ (MRCI).MethodsThis validation study has been conducted in prescriptions of the first 100 elderly patients who had visited the pharmacy for their prescription refill to evaluate convergent and divergent validity of the Turkish version. The reliability of the Turkish version was assessed with inter‐rater and test‐retest analysis after its translation and cultural adaptation.ResultsThe mean age of the 100 patients (53 women) was 74.9 years (SD = 7.58, 65–95). The scale showed high inter‐rater reliability and test‐retest reliability for the total and subscale scores (p < 0.05). A strong and positive correlation between the number of medications in a prescription and the total Medication Regimen Complexity Index scores (r = 0.930, p < 0.001) was determined. There were no statistically significant differences between age, gender and MRCI scores (p > 0.05).ConclusionThese results show that the Turkish version of MRCI is a reliable and valid tool in elderly patients.
Geographic Variations of Colorectal and Breast Cancer Late‐Stage Diagnosis and the Effects of Neighborhood‐Level Factors
Authors: Lin Yan , Wimberly Michael C. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the geographic variations of late‐stage diagnosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) and breast cancer as well as to investigate the effects of 3 neighborhood‐level factors—socioeconomic deprivation, urban/rural residence, and spatial accessibility to health care—on the late‐stage risks.MethodsThis study used population‐based South Dakota cancer registry data from 2001 to 2012. A total of 4,878 CRC cases and 6,418 breast cancer cases were included in the analyses. Two‐level logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk of late‐stage CRC and breast cancer.FindingsFor CRC, there was a small geographic variation across census tracts in late‐stage diagnosis, and residing in isolated small rural areas was significantly associated with late‐stage risk. However, this association became nonsignificant after adjusting for census‐tract level socioeconomic deprivation. Socioeconomic deprivation was an independent predictor of CRC late‐stage risk, and it explained the elevated risk among American Indians. No relationship was found between spatial accessibility and CRC late‐stage risk. For breast cancer, no geographic variation in the late‐stage diagnosis was observed across census tracts, and none of the 3 neighborhood‐level factors was significantly associated with late‐stage risk.ConclusionsResults suggested that socioeconomic deprivation, rather than spatial accessibility, contributed to CRC late‐stage risks in South Dakota as a rural state. CRC intervention programs could be developed to target isolated small rural areas, socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, as well as American Indians residing in these areas.