bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Latitudinal variation of morphological characteristics in the swallowtail Sericinus montelus Gray, 1798 (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)
Authors: Zheng Xia‐Lin , Yang Qiu‐Sheng , Hu Yu‐Wei , Lei Chao‐Liang , Wang Xiao‐Ping 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPatterns of latitudinal variation in the phenotype or genotype of an organism may provide evidence for natural selection. In this study, we investigated seven populations of swallowtail Sericinus montelus Gray, 1798 (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), a non‐migratory species, to explore the latitudinal variation of morphological characteristics in adults. The results showed that body size and the development of dark pigmentation on wings in this species responded strongly to latitude. The body size of both male and female adult of S. montelus was negatively correlated with latitude. These findings provided solid evidence to support the converse Bergmann's rule. We considered that the observed variation in morphological characteristics was most likely mediated by the seasonal length and thermoperiod to adapt to different latitudinal environment (e.g. shortened developmental time of immature stages for smaller body size at higher latitude). Moreover, the tendency towards progressively darker colour patterns (only in adult males) at increasingly low latitudes was consistent with Gloger's rule. We suggested that the observed colour variation was most likely associated with thermoregulation. Slight variation in the morphology of the W‐shaped stripe on the forewing of adult females was also found, and we presumed that the functions of sexual preferences, mimicry and thermoregulation might be involved.
Structure–Activity Relationship of Terpenes with Anti‐Inflammatory Profile – A Systematic Review
Authors: de Santana Souza Marilia Trindade , Almeida Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva , de Souza Araujo Adriano Antunes , Duarte Marcelo Cavalcante , Gelain Daniel Pens , Moreira José Cláudio Fonseca , dos Santos Marcio Roberto Viana , Quintans‐Júnior Lucindo José 
Published: February 2014

AbstractInflammation is a complex biological response that in spite of having available treatments, their side effects limit their usefulness. Because of this, natural products have been the subject of incessant studies, among which the class of terpenes stands out. They have been the source of study for the development of anti‐inflammatory drugs, once their chemical diversity is well suited to provide skeleton for future anti‐inflammatory drugs. This systematic review reports the studies present in the literature that evaluate the anti‐inflammatory activity of terpenes suffering any change in their structures, assessing whether these changes also brought changes in their effects. The search terms anti‐inflammatory agents, terpenes, and structure–activity relationship were used to retrieve English language articles in SCOPUS, PUBMED and EMBASE published between January 2002 and August 2013. Twenty‐seven papers were found concerning the structural modification of terpenes with the evaluation of anti‐inflammatory activity. The data reviewed here suggest that modified terpenes are an interesting tool for the development of new anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Haptoglobin, alpha‐thalassaemia and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase polymorphisms and risk of abnormal transcranial Doppler among patients with sickle cell anaemia in Tanzania
Authors: Cox Sharon E. , Makani Julie , Soka Deogratias , L'Esperence Veline S. , Kija Edward , Dominguez‐Salas Paula , Newton Charles R. J. , Birch Anthony A. , Prentice Andrew M. , Kirkham Fenella J. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryTranscranial Doppler ultrasonography measures cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) of basal intracranial vessels and is used clinically to detect stroke risk in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). Co‐inheritance in SCA of alpha‐thalassaemia and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) polymorphisms is reported to associate with high CBFv and/or risk of stroke. The effect of a common functional polymorphism of haptoglobin (HP) is unknown. We investigated the effect of co‐inheritance of these polymorphisms on CBFv in 601 stroke‐free Tanzanian SCA patients aged <24 years. Homozygosity for alpha‐thalassaemia 3·7 deletion was significantly associated with reduced mean CBFv compared to wild‐type (β‐coefficient −16·1 cm/s, P = 0·002) adjusted for age and survey year. Inheritance of 1 or 2 alpha‐thalassaemia deletions was associated with decreased risk of abnormally high CBFv, compared to published data from Kenyan healthy control children (Relative risk ratio [RRR] = 0·53 [95% confidence interval (CI):0·35–0·8] & RRR = 0·43 [95% CI:0·23–0·78]), and reduced risk of abnormally low CBFv for 1 deletion only (RRR = 0·38 [95% CI:0·17–0·83]). No effects were observed for G6PD or HP polymorphisms. This is the first report of the effects of co‐inheritance of common polymorphisms, including the HP polymorphism, on CBFv in SCA patients resident in Africa and confirms the importance of alpha‐thalassaemia in reducing risk of abnormal CBFv.
Serotonin (5‐HT)2A/2C receptor agonist (2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐idophenyl)‐2‐aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI) improves voiding efficiency in the diabetic rat
Authors: Tu Hongjian , Cao Nailong , Gu Baojun , Si Jiemin , Chen Zhong , Andersson Karl‐Erik 
Published: February 2014

ObjectivesTo examine the effects of the serotonin (5‐HT)2A/2C receptor agonist (2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐idophenyl)‐2‐aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI) on micturition in rats with diabetes mellitus (DM).MethodsFemale Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 16) were divided into two groups: rats with Type 1 DM and age‐matched control rats. DM was induced by i.p. injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and detailed cystometrogram (CMG) studies were performed 8 weeks post‐injection in all rats under urethane anaesthesia. The selective 5‐HT2A antagonist ketanserin was administered after each DOI dose–response curve was plotted. All drugs were administered i.v.ResultsCompared with controls, comprehensive urodynamic studies showed that DM rats had a higher bladder capacity and post‐void residual urine volume (PVR), and a markedly lower voiding efficiency. In DM rats, DOI (0.01–0.3 mg/kg) induced significant dose‐dependent increases in micturition volume and reductions in PVR, resulting in greater voiding efficiency. CMG measurements showed a dose‐dependent increase in high‐frequency oscillation (HFO) activity, evidenced by an increased duration of HFOs per voiding. This correlated with the improved voiding efficiency. Ketanserin (0.1 mg/kg) partially or completely reversed the DOI‐induced changes.ConclusionsThe HFOs observed in the present study seem to correlate with external urethral sphincter bursting activity during voiding. Bladder voiding efficiency was reduced in DM rats. The 5‐HT2A receptor agonist can enhance HFO activity and improves voiding efficiency, and so may represent a new strategy to improve voiding efficiency after DM in experimental studies.
Penile prosthesis insertion in patients with refractory ischaemic priapism: early vs delayed implantation
Authors: Zacharakis Evangelos , Garaffa Gulio , Raheem Amr A. , Christopher Andrew N. , Muneer Asif , Ralph David J. 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo compare the long‐term results of early and delayed insertion of a penile prosthesis (PP) in men with refractory ischaemic priapism (IP).Patients and MethodsEarly insertion of a PP was carried out in 68 men with IP within a median of 7 days from the onset of priapism, while 27 had delayed insertion after a median of 5 months. The results for sexual ability, satisfaction and subjective penile shortening were assessed by questioning at follow‐up visits.ResultsIn the early group, a malleable and an inflatable PP were implanted in 64 and four patients, respectively. After a median follow‐up of 17 months, six patients needed revision surgery due to infection and curvature. Patient's satisfaction rate and ability to have sexual intercourse was 96%. In the delayed group, a malleable PP was inserted in 12 patients and an inflatable in the remaining 15. In all, 80% of the patients required a second corporotomy and downsized cylinders due to dense fibrosis. After a median follow‐up of 21 months, seven patients required revision surgery due to infection, erosion and mechanical failure. In all, 25 patients were able to engage in sexual intercourse but the satisfaction rate was only 60% mainly due to significant penile shortening.ConclusionsEarly PP implantation should be the preferred option in patients with IP, as the procedure is technically easier, has less complication rates and allows greater preservation of penile length.
Inconsistencies in the roles of family‐ and paid‐ carers in monitoring health issues in people with learning disabilities: some implications for the integration of health and social care
Authors: Willis Diane S. 
Published: February 2014

Accessible summary

This paper looks at the views of paid‐ and family‐carers about discussing health matters with people with learning disabilities.

The author found that the roles of paid‐ and family‐carers in monitoring health were not clearly defined.

Explaining health problems and different medical tests to people with learning disabilities proved difficult.

Nevertheless, carers possessed good skills in helping people with learning disabilities understand more about their health.

SummaryChanges in the living circumstances of people with learning disabilities have seen responsibility for their health become the provenance of paid‐and family‐carers. Thirteen semi‐structured interviews were conducted with three family‐carers and ten paid‐carers. Findings revealed that the role of these carers was undefined, leading to difficulty in deciphering who was responsible for the health care of the people they supported, with some paid‐carers claiming that health was outwith their remit. The difficulty of monitoring health problems of people with learning disabilities was noted, and carers disclosed skills and techniques that they used to explain health messages to individuals. If the health needs of people with learning disabilities are to be met, then a more consistent approach to health care within the community setting is needed, especially in terms of the remit of paid‐and family‐carers and with the integration of health and social services.
Safe and social: what does it mean anyway??
Authors: Tinney Grainne , Forde Jenny , Hone Loraine , Flanagan Lisa , Smith Martine 
Published: February 2014

Accessible summary

People with intellectual disabilities can find it hard to understand what behaviours are ok in what situations and with what people. These rules change all the time, and so it is important to be able to work out how to behave for each new situation.

If people with intellectual disability behave inappropriately, they may be judged as rude. They may put themselves at risk and be unsafe if they do not understand what information is ok to share with others and how to say no if someone is behaving inappropriately with them.

This paper describes a training programme that was developed to help people with intellectual disabilities to work out if a behaviour is ok or not ok. The programme also shows that it is important to think about the person we are with and the place we are in so we can work out if a behaviour is ok or not.

SummaryThis paper outlines a programme Safe and Social that has been implemented with adults with intellectual disability across multiple contexts in a service based in Ireland. The emphasis within the programme is on providing service users and staff with a framework and the necessary language to discuss social behaviours and boundaries, moving away from an emphasis on rules and regulations. The programme draws on visual supports of three nested circles, red indicating ‘not ok’, green indicating ‘ok’ and a central circle that is used to set the topic of discussion. Over a series of seven modules, adults with intellectual disabilities and their support staff are encouraged to collaboratively problem solve some of the behaviours and understandings that can undermine social acceptability and compromise personal safety. Based on positive outcomes over a five‐year period, we highlight the need for further research to explore the effectiveness of the programme.
Computer‐Aided Discovery of Trypanosoma brucei RNA‐Editing Terminal Uridylyl Transferase 2 Inhibitors
Authors: Demir Özlem , Labaied Mehdi , Merritt Chris , Stuart Ken , Amaro Rommie E. 
Published: February 2014

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a major health problem in sub‐Saharan Africa caused by Trypanosoma brucei infection. Current HAT drugs are difficult to administer and not effective against all parasite species at different stages of the disease which indicates an unmet pharmaceutical need. TbRET2 is an indispensable enzyme for the parasite and is targeted here using a computational approach that combines molecular dynamics simulations and virtual screening. The compounds prioritized are then tested in T. brucei via Alamar blue cell viability assays. This work identified 20 drug‐like compounds which are candidates for further testing in the drug discovery process.
Children's Attractiveness, Gender, and Race Biases: A Comparison of Their Strength and Generality
Authors: Rennels Jennifer L. , Langlois Judith H. 
Published: February 2014

Although research suggests that facial attractiveness biases significantly affect social development and interactions, these biases are understudied in the developmental literature and are overlooked when designing interventions relative to gender and race. The authors, therefore, compared how much bias 3‐ to 11‐year‐olds (N = 102) displayed in the three domains. They also examined whether bias and flexibility (understanding that different social groups can possess similar attributes) were related across domains. Children's attractiveness biases, particularly for girl targets, were as strong as or stronger than gender or race biases. Flexibility, but not bias, was related across domains. Developmental scientists and policy makers should increase efforts toward understanding development of attractiveness biases and determine which methods of teaching flexibility are most successful at reducing bias across domains.
Neutrophils from vasculitis patients exhibit an increased propensity for activation by anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies
Authors: Ohlsson S M , Ohlsson S , Söderberg D , Gunnarsson L , Pettersson Å , Segelmark M , Hellmark T 
Published: February 2014

SummaryAnti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are thought to be pathogenic in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) by stimulating polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) to degranulate and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study was to investigate if PMNs from AAV patients are stimulated more readily by ANCA compared with PMNs from healthy controls (HCs). Differences in ANCA characteristics that can account for different stimulation potential were also studied. PMNs from five AAV patients and five HCs were stimulated with 10 different immunoglobulins (Ig)Gs, purified from PR3–ANCA-positive patients, and ROS production, degranulation and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation was measured. ANCA levels, affinity and clinical data of the AAV donors were recorded. The results show that PMNs from AAV patients produce more intracellular ROS (P = 0·019), but degranulate to a similar extent as PMNs from HCs. ROS production correlated with NET formation. Factors that may influence the ability of ANCA to activate PMNs include affinity and specificity for N-terminal epitopes. In conclusion, our results indicate that PMNs from AAV patients in remission behave quite similarly to HC PMNs, with the exception of a greater intracellular ROS production. This could contribute to more extensive NET formation and thus an increased exposure of the ANCA autoantigens to the immune system.
Serum autoantibodies directed against transglutaminase-2 have a low avidity compared with alloantibodies against gliadin in coeliac disease
Authors: Gelderman K A , Drop A C A D , Trouw L A , Bontkes H J , Bouma G , van Hoogstraten I M W , von Blomberg B M E 
Published: February 2014

SummaryCoeliac disease is characterized by intolerance to gliadin and related gluten components present in wheat, barley and rye. Coeliac disease patients harbour antibodies directed against alloantigens such as gliadin, but also against the autoantigen transglutaminase-2 (TG2). The type and quality of antibody responses provides insight into the underlying immune activation processes. Therefore, in this study we have analysed the avidity of the antibody response directed against the autoantigen TG2 and compared this with antibody responses against the alloantigens gliadin and Escherichia coli. We observed that the immunoglobulin (Ig)A autoantibody response directed against TG2 is of low avidity compared with the IgA response against the alloantigens gliadin and E. coli in the same patients; the same was true for IgG, both in IgA-deficient and in -sufficient coeliac patients. The observed avidities appear not to be related to disease stage, antibody levels, age or duration of exposure to gluten. In conclusion, in coeliac disease there is a clear difference in avidity of the antibody responses directed against the auto- and alloantigens, indicating different regulation or site of initiation of these responses.
Peri‐Implant Response and Microflora in Organ Transplant Patients 1 Year after Prosthetic Loading: A Prospective Controlled Study
Authors: Montebugnoli Lucio , Venturi Mattia , Cervellati Fabio , Servidio Dora , Vocale Caterina , Pagan Flavia , Landini Maria Paola , Magnani Gaia , Sambri Vittorio 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundA recent study conducted in humans demonstrated for the first time that bone loss in the immediate period after implant insertion before loading did not significantly differ in organ transplant recipients with respect to normal subjects.PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate bone and periodontal response and peri‐implant microflora in a group of organ‐transplanted patients 1 year after prosthetic loading.Materials and MethodsThe study population included 13 consecutive organ‐transplanted (11 hearts, two livers) patients and 13 normal (healthy) control subjects who received 29 and 28 submerged dental implants, respectively. Crestal bone level, peri‐implant probing depth (PIPD), and bleeding on probing were evaluated at prosthetic loading and after 1 year. Samples for microbiological testing were taken from the subgingival microbiota of each implant 1 year after loading and analyzed with polymerase chain reaction. All samples were examined for the presence of five microorganisms: Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannarella forsythensis, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.ResultsA mean bone loss of 0.17 ± 0.10 and 0.20 ± 0.10 mm at 1 year was observed in the group of transplant recipients and in controls, respectively (N.S.). Similar results were obtained considering PIPD changes at 1 year (respectively 0.06 ± 0.71 mm in transplants vs 0.11 ± 0.74 mm in controls). Detection frequencies of pathogens were not statistically different between normal and transplanted patients.ConclusionsThe present pilot study seems to indicate that bone and periodontal response and microbiological status around submerged dental implants in immunocompromised organ‐transplanted patients do not differ 1 year after loading from those observed in control patients and that this particular population of patients may be successfully rehabilitated with dental implants.
Osteoconductive Potential of Mesoporous Titania Implant Surfaces Loaded with Magnesium: An Experimental Study in the Rabbit
Authors: Galli Silvia , Naito Yoshihito , Karlsson Johan , He Wenxiao , Andersson Martin , Wennerberg Ann , Jimbo Ryo 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundMesoporous coatings enable incorporation of functional substances and sustainedly release them at the implant site. One bioactive substance that can be incorporated in mesoporous is magnesium, which is strongly involved in bone metabolism and in osteoblast interaction.PurposeThe aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of incorporation of magnesium into mesoporous coatings of oral implants on early stages of osseointegration.Material and MethodsTitanium implants were coated with thin films of mesoporous TiO2 having pore diameters of 6 nm and were loaded with magnesium. The implant surfaces were extensively characterized by means of interferometry, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy and then placed in the tibiae of 10 rabbits. After 3 weeks of healing, osseointegration was evaluated by means of removal torque testing and histology and histomorphometry.ResultsHistological and biomechanical analyses revealed no side effects and successful osseointegration of the implants. The biomechanical evaluation evidenced a significant effect of magnesium doping on strengthening the implant‐bone interface.ConclusionsA local release of magnesium from the implant surfaces enhances implant retention at the early stage of healing (3 weeks after implantation), which is highly desirable for early loading of the implant.
Early Osseointegration Events on Neoss® ProActive and Bimodal Implants: A Comparison of Different Surfaces in an Animal Model
Authors: Grossi‐Oliveira Gustavo Augusto , Antunes Antonio Azoubel , Elias Carlos Nelson , Wennerberg Ann , Sennerby Lars , Salata Luiz Antonio 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundCell interactions, adherence, and osseointegration at the bone‐implant interface can be directly influenced by the surface properties of the titanium implant.PurposeTo characterize osseointegration of Neoss® implants with conventional (control group) and hydrophilic (test group) surface treatments.Materials and MethodsSix Labrador dogs received Neoss implants with conventional and hydrophilic surfaces. The bone‐implant interfaces were evaluated 1 and 4 weeks after implantation, and osseointegration was evaluated using histological, histomorphometric, fluorescence, and resonance frequency analyses. The surfaces were also subjected to topographic and hydrophilicity analyses.ResultsThe topographic analyses revealed increased surface roughness in the test group compared with the control group (surface area roughness 0.42 and 0.78 μm, respectively, for control and test group surfaces; p ≤ .05). The wettability values were higher in the test group (contact angles 67.2° and 27.2° for the control and test group surfaces, respectively; p ≤ .05). Implants in the test group also exhibited better stability, more bone‐implant contact, and increased bone area compared with implants in the control group.ConclusionNeoss implants in the test group improved bone formation in the early stages of osseointegration compared with implants in the control group.