bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Czech Ethanol‐Free Propolis Extract Displays Inhibitory Activity against a Broad Spectrum of Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens
Authors: Netíková Ladislava , Bogusch Petr , Heneberg Petr 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPropolis acts primarily as a biocide against invasive bacteria and fungi in the hive, suggesting its potential for industrial applications. In food application, propolis is considered as a chemical preservative in meat products, extending shelf life of frozen meat and other food. The mechanism of action is still unclear due to the synergy of multiple compounds contained in propolis and due to parallel targeting of multiple pathways within each affected organism. Here, we examined the antimicrobial properties of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) Czech propolis extract. Until recently, DMSO was only rarely used in the propolis studies, although the other solvents tested (mostly ethanol) may significantly affect the observed inhibitory effects, notwithstanding the antimicrobial effects of ethanol itself. Here, we provide results of zone inhibition tests against Aspergillus fumigatus, Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterococcus faecalis. Although we determined inhibitory effects against all the microorganisms tested, the dose‐dependent response curves were not similar to each other. While inhibitory effects against C. albicans or S. aureus were strictly dose‐dependent, responses of M. gypseum and E. faecalis displayed plateau across the broad range of concentrations tested. Interestingly, response of E. coli revealed the double‐peak dose‐dependent curve, and responses of M. canis and L. monocytogenes decreased at the highest concentrations tested. Suggested is evaluation of DMSO propolis extracts in experimental treatment of human and veterinary infections, preferably in multitherapy with antibiotics.
Where to prick the apple for skin testing?
Authors: Vlieg‐Boerstra B. J. , van de Weg W. E. , van der Heide S. , Dubois A. E. J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractMal d 1 is not equally distributed over the apple. We aimed to examine the influence of the location of pricking in the apple on prick‐to‐prick skin prick test (PTP) results. PTPs were performed in autumn 2007 and spring 2008, before the birch pollen season, in 32 Dutch adults with symptoms of oral allergy to fresh apple, using apples harvested in autumn 2007. PTPs with fresh intact and unpeeled Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, Elise, Santana and Modi apples were performed using material obtained from approximately 2 cm near the stalk (top), and the middle region. All PTP responses were greater when performed with apple material near the stalk than from the middle region. In 2007, these differences were statistically significant for Pink Lady, Golden Delicious and Elise, and in 2008, for Pink Lady and Modi. When performing PTPs, the apple should be pricked near the stalk rather than in the middle.
House dust mite‐induced calcium signaling instigates epithelial barrier dysfunction and CCL20 production
Authors: Post S. , Nawijn M. C. , Jonker M. R. , Kliphuis N. , van den Berge M. , van Oosterhout A. J. M. , Heijink I. H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundHouse dust mite (HDM) affects the immunological and physical barrier function of airway epithelium, leading to allergic sensitization, airway remodeling, and eosinophilic inflammation in mouse models, although the mechanisms are still largely unknown.ObjectiveGiven the implications for adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐dependent Ca2+ signaling in allergic sensitization in mice, we sought to determine the role of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in HDM‐induced barrier dysfunction and pro‐inflammatory activity of bronchial epithelium.MethodsWe investigated the effect of HDM on accumulation of [Ca2+]i levels, barrier function, and CCL20 release in human bronchial epithelial 16HBE cells and primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs) from healthy subjects and asthma patients. Involvement of ATP‐dependent activation of purinergic receptors and downstream Ca2+ influx was studied, using the ATP hydrolyzing agent apyrase, the purinergic receptor agonist PPADS, the calcium chelator BAPTA‐AM, and calpain inhibitors.ResultsAsthma PBECs were more susceptible to HDM‐induced barrier dysfunction, CCL20 secretion, and Ca2+ influx than healthy PBECs. Furthermore, we show that the HDM‐induced increase in CCL20 in PBECs and 16HBE cells and the HDM‐induced barrier dysfunction in 16HBE cells are dependent on [Ca2+]i accumulation. Additionally, we demonstrate that [Ca2+]i accumulation is initiated partly through the activation of purinergic receptors, which contributes to HDM‐induced epithelial barrier dysfunction by disruption of cell–cell contacts, but not CCL20 secretion.ConclusionOur data show for the first time that Ca2+ signaling plays a crucial role in barrier dysfunction and the pro‐inflammatory response of bronchial epithelium upon HDM exposure and may thus have important implications for the development of allergic asthma.
Myeloid dendritic cells type 2 in allergic asthma
Authors: Dua B. , Smith S. , Kinoshita T. , Imaoka H. , Gauvreau G. , O'Byrne P. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundMyeloid dendritic cells type 2 (mDC2s) are a new subtype of DCs identified in both the circulation and the lung and suggested to have a role in allergic asthma.MethodsCirculating mDC2s were enumerated in 19 healthy, 18 atopic nonasthmatic, 18 mild atopic asthmatic, and 16 moderate/severe atopic asthmatic subjects using flow cytometry.ResultsThe number of circulating mDC2s was significantly lower in atopic subjects compared with healthy controls and in asthmatic subjects compared with nonasthmatic subjects. There was a trend toward lower levels of circulating mDC2s with increasing allergy and asthma severity. The largest differences were seen in moderate/severe atopic asthmatics being 430.78 ± 48.91/ml compared with healthy controls being 767.05 ± 101.64/ml (P < 0.05).ConclusionsCirculating mDC2s are lower in atopic and asthmatic subjects, which suggests that these cells efflux from the blood into the airways in patients with allergic disease.
Systemic application of sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor 1 immunomodulator inhibits corneal allograft rejection in mice
Authors: Zhu Jing , Liu Yong , Pi Yuli , Jia Liang , Wang Liqiang , Huang Yifei 
Published: August 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  This study aims to investigate the effects of systemic application of sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor 1(S1P1) on allogeneic corneal transplantation in mice.Methods:  A total of 112 BALB/c mice received corneal grafts from C57BL/6 donors. Recipients were randomly divided into seven groups and treated with intraperitoneal injections of S1P1 (5 mg/kg/days), cyclosporine A (5 mg/kg/days), dexamethasone (1 mg/kg/days) and rapamycin (2 mg/kg/days). S1P1was combined with rapamycin or cyclosporine A, and saline served as negative control. Serum levels of IL‐2, IL‐10, TGF‐β1 and IFN‐γ were measured by Elisa. The numbers of CD4+ T and regulatory (Treg) cell phenotype were measured by flow cytometry. Cytokine mRNA expression was analysed by real‐time quantitative PCR. CD4+ T cells and cytokines were histologically identified by immunofluorescence staining.Results:  Corneal graft survival was prolonged by intraperitoneal injections in S1P1 alone (mean survival time MST, 35.3 ± 5.6 days), S1P1 combined with rapamycin (MST, 38.7 ± 6.5 days) or S1P1 and cyclosporine A (MST, 32.7 ± 4.8 days) compared with the controls (MST, 14.6 ± 0.2 days; n = 5, p < 0.01). S1P1 alone increased CD4+ T (p < 0.01) and Treg cells (p < 0.01; n = 5) in the cervical and mesenteric lymph nodes compared with the controls and S1P1 + rapamycin (p < 0.05; n = 5). TGF‐β1 and IL‐10 mRNA transcriptions in corneal grafts following S1P1+ rapamycin increased (both p < 0.01; n = 3), and TGF‐β1 and IL‐10 in the serum level following S1P1 alone increased (both p < 0.01; n = 3). These results paralleled the findings obtained from immunofluorescence.Conclusion:  S1P1 has significant effect in corneal allograft rejection inhibition. The combined treatment of S1P1 and rapamycin results in synergistic effect.
The effectiveness of restarted lithium treatment after discontinuation: reviewing the evidence for discontinuation‐induced refractoriness
Authors: de Vries Christine , van Bergen Annet , Regeer Eline J , Benthem Elsje , Kupka Ralph W , Boks Marco PM 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesWe sought to determine whether the risk of relapse in patients with bipolar disorder is higher after discontinuation and restart of lithium treatment as compared to continuous lithium treatment in these same patients.MethodsWe conducted literature searches in the Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, and PsycINFO databases with cross‐reference checks. Relevant data were extracted and pooled for meta‐analysis.ResultsFive relevant studies were included for review, of which three studies qualified for the meta‐analysis and included a total of 212 analyzed cases. Two studies found lithium to be less effective after discontinuation and reintroduction and three studies found no decreased effectiveness. The pooled odds ratio for the occurrence of one or more relapses after interruption of lithium treatment compared to continuous treatment was 1.40 (95% confidence interval: 0.85–2.31; p = 0.19).ConclusionsAlthough studies are scarce, review and meta‐analysis of the available literature does not provide convincing evidence that lithium is less effective when treatment is discontinued and restarted, compared to uninterrupted treatment.
The Application of Experience Sampling Approaches to the Study of Ethnic Identity: New Developmental Insights and Directions
Authors: Yip Tiffany , Douglass Sara 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn this article, we review how the application of experience sampling methods (ESM) has advanced knowledge of the developmental importance of ethnic identity for youth outcomes. In particular, ESM approaches have allowed researchers to explore the construct of salience, the context‐dependent and fluid component of ethnic identity. We highlight new information on the importance of context for variability in ethnic identity salience, and the association between ethnic identity and psychological well‐being.
Memory Constraints on Infant Learning From Picture Books, Television, and Touchscreens
Authors: Barr Rachel 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe past 15 years have seen an explosion of educational books, television, and touchscreen applications developed specifically for infants. Although infants interact with these symbolic artifacts on a daily basis, they have difficulty going beyond the symbolic source and transferring learning to real‐world situations. Infants imitate fewer actions and recognize fewer words following demonstrations depicted in picture books and on televisions and touchscreens than they do following face‐to‐face interactions, a phenomenon termed the transfer deficit. Age‐related constraints on memory flexibility contribute to this deficit. Learning can be enhanced when such constraints are considered. Specifically, repeating content and adding visual and auditory cues reduce the transfer deficit. Given the widespread availability of educational media for infants, understanding memory constraints on learning from media has practical implications for the creation and effective use of infant‐directed media in early education.
Attenuating activity of the ovary on LH response to GnRH during the follicular phase of the cycle
Authors: Dimitraki Marina , Messini Christina I. , Dafopoulos Konstantinos , Gioka Theodora , Koutlaki Nikoletta , Garas Antonios , Georgoulias Panagiotis , Messinis Ioannis E. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryObjectiveOestradiol sensitizes the pituitary to GnRH, while gonadotrophin surge attenuating factor (GnSAF) may oppose this action. Using the LH response to GnRH during treatment with FSH as an in vivo bioassay for GnSAF, we tested the hypothesis that the augmented LH response to GnRH in the late follicular phase is related to reduced production of GnSAF from the ovulatory follicle.DesignProspective intervention study.PatientsTen healthy, normally cycling women.MeasurementsThe LH response to 10 μg GnRH i.v. (ΔLH) was investigated on days 2 and 3 and on days v (follicle size 16–17 mm) and v + 1 of cycle 1 (control) and cycle 2. On days 2 and v, a single s.c. injection of either normal saline (cycle 1) or 450 IU recombinant FSH (cycle 2) was given after the end of the GnRH experiment.ResultsFSH injection increased both serum oestradiol and inhibin B. In cycle 1, ΔLH remained unchanged from days 2 to 3 but increased significantly from days v to v + 1. In contrast, in cycle 2, ΔLH decreased significantly from days 2 to 3 (P < 0·05) and showed a nonsignificant increase from day v to day v + 1. The percentage difference in ΔLH between cycle 1 and cycle 2 was similar on days 3 (−66·9 ± 17·5%) and v + 1 (−65·2 ± 3·6%).ConclusionsThese results suggest that during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, GnSAF is produced by small antral follicles, while the contribution of the ovulatory follicle is minimal.
A pilot study of transcutaneous sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence
Authors: Thomas G. P. , Norton C. , Nicholls R. J. , Vaizey C. J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimAlthough effective in faecal incontinence (FI), sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is expensive and requires two procedures. It carries a small risk of infection and electrode migration. Transcutaneous SNS is noninvasive and cheap. Two small studies have reported the results when applied to segments S3 but there is no information on its effectiveness when applied to the whole sacral area.MethodA pilot study was carried out of self‐administered transcutaneous SNS given over a 4‐week period for 12 h a day. A 2‐week bowel diary was kept for the final 2 weeks and compared with baseline. Patients were assessed using the St Mark's Incontinence Score, a visual analogue scale assessing satisfaction with bowel habit, the Rockwood FI Quality of Life (QOL) score and SF‐36 QOL score.ResultsOf the 10 patients recruited, two achieved complete continence. There was a statistically significant reduction in the median (interquartile range) frequency of incontinent episodes per week from 9.5 (7.5) to 3 (7.38) (P = 0.03), and in the median frequency of defaecation per week from 25.5 (19.5) to 14.5 (14.9) (P = 0.007). There was a statistically significant improvement in the median ability to defer defaecation from 1 (1.25) to 4.5 (4.5) min (P = 0.02). There was also a statistically significant improvement in the St Marks Incontinence Score from 20 (5.25) to 14.5 (8.0) (P = 0.01) and in the bowel habit satisfaction visual analogue scale from 8.5 (20) to 45 (33) (P = 0.008). There was no change in the Rockwood FI QOL or SF‐36 QOL scores. No complications were reported.ConclusionTranscutaneous SNS appears to be an effective and safe treatment for FI. Larger controlled studies are needed to explore this further.
Is follow‐up CT imaging of the chest and abdomen necessary after preoperative neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer patients without evidence of metastatic disease at diagnosis?
Authors: Jaffe T. A. , Neville A. M. , Bashir M. R. , Uronis H. E. , Thacker J. M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimPatients with rectal cancer often undergo multiple CT scans prior to surgical resection. We propose that in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer without evidence of metastatic disease at presentation, CT imaging of the chest and abdomen after preoperative neoadjuvant therapy does not change clinical information or surgical management.MethodAn institutional review board‐approved medical record review identified patients with contrast enhanced CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis alone or in conjunction with 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose/positron emission tomography imaging for staging of rectal cancer prior to and after neoadjuvant therapy. Eighty‐eight patients were included in the study. Scans were reviewed for the presence of metastatic disease on initial and follow‐up imaging prior to surgical resection.ResultsSeventy‐six (86%) of 88 patients had no evidence of metastasis at presentation. None of these patients developed metastatic disease after neoadjuvant therapy. Twelve (14%) had metastases at presentation. No study patient developed metastatic disease in a new organ.ConclusionImaging after preoperative neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer does not change the designation of metastatic disease. Patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma without evidence of metastases may not benefit from repeat imaging of the chest and abdomen after neoadjuvant therapy.
Towards a definition of neurodisability: a Delphi survey
Authors: Morris Christopher , Janssens Astrid , Tomlinson Richard , Williams Jane , Logan Stuart 
Published: August 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to develop, systematically, a consensus‐based definition for ‘neurodisability’ that is meaningful to health professionals and parents of children with neurological conditions.MethodA multidisciplinary group of health professionals was recruited through child development teams and professional societies in the UK; several parents of children with neurological conditions worked with the research team. Professionals participated in three rounds of a Delphi survey. Participants rated their agreement with a proposed definition in each round, and feedback was used to refine the definition. Finally, a perspective was sought from international experts.ResultsResponses to the three rounds were as follows: round 1, 245 out of 290 (84.4%); round 2, 242 out of 300 (80.6%); and round 3, 237 out of 297 (79.7%). Agreement with the proposed definition was extremely high in every round (89.0%, 90.1%, and 93.6% respectively). The final version of the definition was widely endorsed among professionals, parents, and a small number of international colleagues. The final definition is as follows: ‘Neurodisability describes a group of congenital or acquired long‐term conditions that are attributed to impairment of the brain and/or neuromuscular system and create functional limitations. A specific diagnosis may not be identified. Conditions may vary over time, occur alone or in combination, and include a broad range of severity and complexity. The impact may include difficulties with movement, cognition, hearing and vision, communication, emotion, and behaviour'.InterpretationAn agreed definition of neurodisability will be useful for conducting research or clinical evaluations with people affected by neurological problems.
Detecting meaningful change using the North Star Ambulatory Assessment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mayhew Anna G , Cano Stefan J , Scott Elaine , Eagle Michelle , Bushby Kate , Manzur Adnan , Muntoni Francesco ,   the North Star Clinical Network for Neuromuscular Disease
Published: August 2013

AimClinician‐reported outcome instruments such as the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) need to be able to detect clinically important change to be suitable for clinical trials. However, in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), identifying changes in function is not straightforward. In this study, we use Rasch‐transformed data to examine the responsiveness and minimal important difference (MID) of the NSAA in males with DMD receiving different corticosteroid regimes.MethodNSAA data were examined from 198 males (mean age at assessment was 8y 6mo [SD 2y 6mo] range 4y–18y; 805 assessments). Responsiveness was assessed using mean score changes (using Rasch‐transformed data) between adjacent pairs of age groups, pairwise squared t‐values from paired samples t‐tests, and an effect size calculation. The MID was assessed using the effect size calculation and 0.5 standard deviation (SD) of mean score differences.ResultsOur findings revealed a difference in change scores over time between the two corticosteroid regimes. Mean NSAA person estimates were higher in the daily prednisolone group. The mean MID (0.5 SD) was 8.8 and 6.9 for the daily group and intermittent group respectively.InterpretationThis study, based on Rasch‐transformed NSAA data, provides an initial basis for the interpretation of clinical change in DMD over time and between corticosteroid regimes. Our proposed MIDs can be mapped back to differences in specific item content across the range of the NSAA.
Maternal insulin resistance, triglycerides and cord blood insulin in relation to post‐natal weight trajectories and body composition in the offspring up to 2 years
Authors: Brunner S. , Schmid D. , Hüttinger K. , Much D. , Heimberg E. , Sedlmeier E.‐M. , Brüderl M. , Kratzsch J. , Bader B. L. , Amann‐Gassner U. , Hauner H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimsThe intrauterine metabolic environment might have a programming effect on offspring body composition. We aimed to explore associations of maternal variables of glucose and lipid metabolism during pregnancy, as well as cord blood insulin, with infant growth and body composition up to 2 years post‐partum.MethodsData of pregnant women and their infants came from a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the impact of nutritional fatty acids on adipose tissue development in the offspring. Of the 208 pregnant women enrolled, 118 infants were examined at 2 years. In the present analysis, maternal fasting plasma insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and serum triglycerides measured during pregnancy, as well as insulin in umbilical cord plasma, were related to infant growth and body composition assessed by skinfold thickness measurements and abdominal ultrasonography up to 2 years of age.ResultsMaternal homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance at the 32nd week of gestation was significantly inversely associated with infant lean body mass at birth, whereas the change in serum triglycerides during pregnancy was positively associated with ponderal index at 4 months, but not at later time points. Cord plasma insulin correlated positively with birthweight and neonatal fat mass and was inversely associated with body weight gain up to 2 years after multiple adjustments. Subsequent stratification by gender revealed that this relationship with weight gain was stronger, and significant only in girls.ConclusionsCord blood insulin is inversely associated with subsequent infant weight gain up to 2 years and this seems to be more pronounced in girls.
Trait‐based tests of coexistence mechanisms
Authors: Adler Peter B. , Fajardo Alex , Kleinhesselink Andrew R. , Kraft Nathan J. B. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractRecent functional trait studies have shown that trait differences may favour certain species (environmental filtering) while simultaneously preventing competitive exclusion (niche partitioning). However, phenomenological trait‐dispersion analyses do not identify the mechanisms that generate niche partitioning, preventing trait‐based prediction of future changes in biodiversity. We argue that such predictions require linking functional traits with recognised coexistence mechanisms involving spatial or temporal environmental heterogeneity, resource partitioning and natural enemies. We first demonstrate the limitations of phenomenological approaches using simulations, and then (1) propose trait‐based tests of coexistence, (2) generate hypotheses about which plant functional traits are likely to interact with particular mechanisms and (3) review the literature for evidence for these hypotheses. Theory and data suggest that all four classes of coexistence mechanisms could act on functional trait variation, but some mechanisms will be stronger and more widespread than others. The highest priority for future research is studies of interactions between environmental heterogeneity and trait variation that measure environmental variables at within‐community scales and quantify species' responses to the environment in the absence of competition. Evidence that similar trait‐based coexistence mechanisms operate in many ecosystems would simplify biodiversity forecasting and represent a rare victory for generality over contingency in community ecology.