bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐15 receptor α expression in inflammatory bowel disease patients before and after normalization of inflammation with infliximab
Authors: Perrier Clémentine , Arijs Ingrid , Staelens Dominiek , Breynaert Christine , Cleynen Isabelle , Covens Kris , Ferrante Marc , Van Assche Gert , Vermeire Séverine , de Hertogh Gert , Schuit Frans , Rutgeerts Paul , Ceuppens Jan L. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryInterleukin‐15 (IL‐15) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine thought to contribute to the inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The specific receptor chain IL‐15Rα can be expressed as a transmembranous signalling receptor, or can be cleaved by a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain 17 (ADAM17) into a neutralizing, soluble receptor (sIL‐15Rα). The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of IL‐15Rα in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) patients before and after infliximab (IFX) therapy. Gene expression of IL‐15Rα, IL‐15 and ADAM17 was measured at the mRNA level by quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR in mucosal biopsies harvested before and after first IFX therapy. Concentrations of sIL‐15Rα were measured in sera of patients by ELISA and IL‐15Rα protein was localized in the gut by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Mucosal expression of IL‐15Rα is increased in UC and CD patients compared with controls and it remains elevated after IFX therapy in both responder and non‐responder patients. The concentration of sIL‐15Rα in serum is also increased in UC patients when compared with controls and does not differ between responders and non‐responders either before or after IFX. CD patients have levels of sIL‐15Rα comparable to healthy controls before and after therapy. In mucosal tissues, IL‐15Rα+ cells closely resemble activated memory B cells with a pre‐plasmablastic phenotype. To conclude, IBD patients have an increased expression of IL‐15Rα mRNA in the mucosa. Expression is localized in B cells, suggesting that IL‐15 regulates B‐cell functions during bowel inflammation. No change in release of sIL‐15Rα is observed in patients treated with IFX.
Genotypic characteristics of a Mycobacterium sp. isolated from yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata and striped jack Pseudocaranx dentex in Japan
Authors: Imajoh Masayuki , Sugiura Hidehiro , Hashida Yumiko , Hatai Kishio , Oshima Syun‐ichirou , Daibata Masanori , Kawai Kenji 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn Japan, a Mycobacterium marinum‐like mycobacterium was isolated from the yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata. The species was identified as M. marinum by a commercial mycobacterial DNA‐DNA hybridization kit. Nevertheless, PCR restriction analysis of the DNA of its RNA polymerase β‐subunit gene definitively showed that this Mycobacterium sp. was M. ulcerans. PCR analysis revealed the genotypic characteristics of M. ulcerans in the Mycobacterium sp., only the mup053 gene sequence being absent, as has been found previously in other piscine mycobacteria such as M. marinum strains DL240490 and DL045 and M. pseudoshottsii. With one exception, this Mycobacterium sp. and M. pseudoshottsii had identical 16S rRNA gene sequences, which is also probably true of M. marinum strains DL240490 and DL045. Similarly, according to comparisons of the 16S rRNA gene, ITS region, and hsp65 gene sequences, this Mycobacterium sp. is more closely related to M. pseudoshottsii than to M. ulcerans or M. marinum. A PCR product of approximately 2000 bp was amplified from region of difference 9 in the Mycobacterium sp. The nucleotide sequence revealed insertion of IS2404, the sequence of which is 1366 bp long. The novel single nucleotide polymorphisms identified in this region distinguished this Mycobacterium sp. from M. marinum strain DL240490 and M. pseudoshottsii. The present findings raise the possibility that these species have a common ancestor. Further studies are required to improve our understanding of the relationship between their geographical origin and genetic diversity.
Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of a human anti‐interleukin‐13 monoclonal antibody (CNTO 5825) in an ascending single‐dose first‐in‐human study
Authors: van Hartingsveldt Bart , Nnane Ivo P. , Bouman‐Thio Esther , Loza Matthew J. , Piantone Alexa , Davis Hugh M. , Petty Kevin J. 
Published: October 2012

AimsTo assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and immunogenicity of CNTO 5825 following single‐dose intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) administration in healthy and healthy atopic subjects.MethodsSixty‐four subjects received a single dose of placebo or CNTO 5825 (0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, or 10 mg kg−1 i.v. in a dose‐escalating manner, or 3.0 mg kg−1 s.c. in healthy subjects; and 10 mg kg−1 i.v. in healthy atopic subjects). Subjects were observed for 96 h postadministration and followed for 16 weeks. Safety and tolerability were monitored, and serum samples were collected to measure CNTO 5825 concentrations, antibodies to CNTO 5825 and PD biomarkers.ResultsMost adverse events were mild to moderate in severity and considered to be unrelated to CNTO 5825, with no dose‐dependent trends seen. The two serious adverse events were considered to be unrelated to CNTO 5825. After i.v. administration, CNTO 5825 exhibited linear PK, with a terminal half‐life of ∼22–32 days. After a single 3 mg kg−1 s.c. dose in healthy subjects, CNTO 5825 was absorbed into the systemic circulation with a median time to maximum serum concentration (tmax) of 5.45 days and absolute bioavailability of ∼75%. The PK profile of CNTO 5825 at 10 mg kg−1 was similar in both healthy and healthy atopic subjects. No antibodies to CNTO 5825 were detected through week 16. In the CNTO 5825‐treated healthy atopic subjects, there was a significant reduction in serum IgE and C‐C motif chemokine ligand 17 (P = 0.028 and 0.068 vs. placebo, respectively).ConclusionsCNTO 5825 was well tolerated, had an acceptable safety profile, exhibited linear PK characteristics, and no detected antibodies to CNTO 5825.
Effect modification by parental education on the associations of birth order and gender with learning achievement in adolescents
Authors: Cheng C‐C. J. , Wang W‐L. , Sung Y‐T. , Wang Y‐C. , Su S‐Y. , Li C‐Y. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundA child's gender and ordinal position within a family have varied implications on his or her personality and cognitive development. However, little is known about whether or not parental educational level may moderate the effects of birth order and gender.MethodsBasic Competence Test (BCT) scores of 290 588 young adolescents aged 15–16 years in Taiwan were analysed. Parental educational level was calculated as the highest educational attainment of the subjects’ parents. The multiple linear regression model was used to assess the modification effects of parental educational levels on the associations of interest.ResultsAfter controlling for covariates, we noted a clear inverse relationship between birth order and BCT scores in Mandarin, Mathematics and Science. Additionally, boys had significantly lower mean scores in Mandarin, but had significantly higher mean scores in both Mathematics and Science. We also found the significant interactive effects of birth order, gender and parental educational attainment on BCT scores, in which the birth order and gender effects were more evident in higher‐educated families than in lower‐educated ones.ConclusionsThis large cohort study confirmed that both birth order and gender may pose independent influences on BCT scores; moreover, such influences are significantly modified by parental educational attainment.
Temperature and water controls on vegetation emergence, microbial dynamics, and soil carbon and nitrogen fluxes in a high Arctic tundra ecosystem
Authors: Glanville Helen C. , Hill Paul W. , Maccarone Linda D. , N. Golyshin Peter , Murphy Daniel V. , Jones Davey L. 
Published: October 2012

Summary

Arctic tundra ecosystems contain 14% of the global soil carbon (C) store which is becoming vulnerable to decomposition. Arctic soil organic matter (SOM) contains large amounts of old, recalcitrant, high molecular weight (MW) C compounds which are protected from decomposition whilst soils remain frozen. Climatic change alters soil temperature and water regimes in the Arctic, however, the impact of these changes on C decomposition and storage is poorly understood.
We investigated vegetation emergence, microbial dynamics and nutrient fluxes in response to snow melt on the high Arctic Svalbard archipelago using field and laboratory studies. Using bacterial and archaeal genetic material (16S rRNA) and ammonia‐oxidising genes, microbial communities were quantified in transects across the active snow melt front. The effects of soil temperature and water content on SOM decomposition rates were measured using 14C‐labelled low and high MW compounds.
Vegetation and below‐ground microbial communities, in the field, responded rapidly with peaks in nutrient availability and soil respiration observed within 72 h of snowmelt. Temperature strongly drives early growing season C dynamics in the Arctic. We suggest the nutrient peaks following snowmelt, coupled with higher levels of DNA in the subniveal zone are due to the decomposition of bacteria and archaea from previous years.
We show, in the laboratory, when soils thaw, mineralisation of recalcitrant C (high MW) compounds was sensitive to soil water but not to increasing temperatures. In contrast, low MW compounds exhibited sensitivity to both temperature and soil water. We suggest that if future soil water content increases under climate change, high MW compounds could become more susceptible to decomposition, releasing more C to the atmosphere.
The adaptive value of morphological, behavioural and life‐history traits in reproductive female wolves
Authors: Stahler Daniel R. , MacNulty Daniel R. , Wayne Robert K. , vonHoldt Bridgett , Smith Douglas W. 
Published: October 2012

Summary

Reproduction in social organisms is shaped by numerous morphological, behavioural and life‐history traits such as body size, cooperative breeding and age of reproduction, respectively. Little is known, however, about the relative influence of these different types of traits on reproduction, particularly in the context of environmental conditions that determine their adaptive value.

Here, we use 14 years of data from a long‐term study of wolves (Canis lupus) in Yellowstone National Park, USA, to evaluate the relative effects of different traits and ecological factors on the reproductive performance (litter size and survival) of breeding females.

At the individual level, litter size and survival improved with body mass and declined with age (c. 4–5 years). Grey‐coloured females had more surviving pups than black females, which likely contributed to the maintenance of coat colour polymorphism in this system.

The effect of pack size on reproductive performance was nonlinear as litter size peaked at eight wolves and then declined, and litter survival increased rapidly up to three wolves, beyond which it increased more gradually.

At the population level, litter size and survival decreased with increasing wolf population size and canine distemper outbreaks.

The relative influence of these different‐level factors on wolf reproductive success followed individual > group > population. Body mass was the primary determinant of litter size, followed by pack size and population size. Body mass was also the main driver of litter survival, followed by pack size and disease. Reproductive gains because of larger body size and cooperative breeding may mitigate reproductive losses because of negative density dependence and disease.

These findings highlight the adaptive value of large body size and sociality in promoting individual fitness in stochastic and competitive environments.
Relative effects of vehicle pollution, moisture and colonization sources on urban lichens
Authors: Coffey Heather M. P. , Fahrig Lenore 
Published: October 2012

Summary

Lichens are sensitive to pollution and have therefore been used as air quality indicators. While the distribution of lichens within cities may reflect the distribution of traffic pollution, other factors affecting urban lichens are correlated with this pollution – particularly moisture and the presence of lichen colonization sources.

Our objective was to determine the relative importance of these three factors – vehicle pollution, moisture and colonization sources – in determining lichen distribution within a city. We surveyed macrolichen richness and cover on 420 trees within 84 sites across urban Ottawa, Canada. The sites were selected to minimize correlations among vehicle pollution, moisture and colonization sources. Model‐averaged standardized regression coefficients were used to compare the relative effects of these three variables on macrolichen richness and cover.

We found that macrolichen cover was most strongly related to vehicle pollution and that this effect occurred within 300 m of a site.

However, macrolichen species richness responded more strongly to both moisture (at the site centre) and colonization sources (within 1000 m of the site) than to vehicle pollution.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that macrolichen cover, but not macrolichen species richness, can be used as an indicator of urban traffic pollution. Our results also suggest that, to promote urban macrolichen diversity, it would be more effective to increase the availability of lichen colonization sources (nearby trees) than to control traffic pollution.
A worldwide investigation of critical care research coordinators’ self‐reported role and professional development priorities: the winner survey
Authors: Eastwood Glenn M , Roberts Brigit , Williams Ged , Rickard Claire M 
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives.  To describe the self‐reported role and professional development priorities of research coordinators in different regions of the world.Background.  Research coordinators employed in critical care settings provide clinical and technical expertise in the development, conduct and completion of clinical research studies. Knowledge of this specialised role is well established in some parts of the world, yet emerging in others.Design.  Descriptive exploratory study involving research coordinators outside of Australia and New Zealand.Method.  An anonymous, structured, multiple‐choice, web‐based questionnaire conducted between April–May 2011.Results.  There were 80 respondents from North America (61%), Europe (29%) and Latin America (10%). The majority of respondents performed data collection and obtained informed consent, and half had presented study findings at conferences or wrote scholarly articles, despite a greater willingness to do so. Requisite skills for the research coordinator role included clinical research knowledge, creative problem solving and the ability to identify/resolve ethical questions. ‘Best’ reported aspects of the role were promotion of evidence‐based clinical practice, intellectual stimulation and autonomy. ‘Worst’ aspects included heavy workload, lack of funding and recognition.Conclusion.  Research coordinators working in critical care settings collect data, require clinical research knowledge and problem‐solving skills and are interested in, but have less confidence in, dissemination of research findings. They feel isolated with a lack of support and inadequate remuneration for the effort and time required to maintain the high standards of their role. This is outweighed by the satisfaction derived from promoting the research process and autonomy. Further observational studies aimed at clarifying and advancing the role of the research coordinator is warranted.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study offers insight into the global roles and responsibilities as reported by research coordinators employed in critical care settings.
Nurses’ experiences providing bereavement follow‐up: an exploratory study using feminist poststructuralism
Authors: MacConnell Grace , Aston Megan , Randel Pat , Zwaagstra Nick 
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives.  To describe the experiences of nurses who provided bereavement follow‐up with families after the death of a child or a pregnancy loss and explore facilitators, barriers and challenges.Background.  Bereavement follow‐up after the death of a child has been identified as an indicator of quality end of life care by families and health care professionals. Research suggests communication with bereaved families can be challenging and intimidating for nurses, particularly those who have had limited experience. In‐depth information about the personal, professional and institutional experiences of nurses providing this care is lacking.Design.  Eight registered nurses with experience in providing bereavement follow‐up to families were interviewed. Purposive sampling provided information rich cases.Methods.  Feminist poststructuralism was the guiding theory and methodology used to uncover underlying discourses. This methodology uses the concepts of discourse analysis, subjectivity and agency to enable a critical understanding of the relationships.Results.  The nurses described complex interactions between themselves, the families, hospital practices and policy, and social norms around the discourses of death and professionalism. The importance of relationship, self‐care and closure, professional boundaries, invisible nature of the practice and institutional support were prominent themes. Insights into the challenges and rewards of providing bereavement follow‐up are discussed in the context of power relations, and recommendations for change are offered.Conclusions.  Nurses in the study were strongly committed to providing ongoing care to families who had experienced the death of a child or a pregnancy loss. Relationships were important to bereavement follow‐up care, and the connections with families were often emotional for the nurses.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses and other health professionals would benefit from increased support and education related to bereavement and communication with grieving families. Clarity related to institutional policies to support bereavement care is paramount in helping nurses and others in this work.
Assessment of fluid status in CAPD patients using the body composition monitor
Authors: Cader Rizna A , Gafor Halim A , Mohd Rozita , Kong Norella CT , Ibrahim Suriani , Wan Hassan Wan Haslina , Abdul Rahman Wan Khadijah 
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectivesTo assess the degree of overhydration in our peritoneal dialysis patients and to examine the factors contributing to overhydration.BackgroundVolume control is critical for the success of peritoneal dialysis, but dry weight has been difficult to ascertain accurately. Chronic fluid overload and hypertension are among the leading causes of mortality in dialysis patients.DesignA cross‐sectional observational study.MethodsThe body composition monitor (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany) is a bioimpedance spectroscopy device that has been validated for the assessment of overhydration. We used this body composition monitor device on all patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis at our institution who met the inclusion criteria to assess their degree of overhydration.ResultsThirty four (17 men, 17 women; mean age 44·5 ± 14·2 years) of a 45 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients were enrolled. The mean overhydration was 2·4 ± 2·4 l. Fifty per cent of the patients were ≥2 l overhydrated. Overhydration correlated with male gender, low serum albumin, increasing number of antihypertensive agents and duration of dialysis. There was no difference in overhydration between diabetic and non‐diabetic patients. Men were more overhydrated than women, had lower Kt/V and were older. Although, there was no difference in blood pressure between the genders, men had a trend towards a higher usage of antihypertensive agents.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that overhydration is common in peritoneal dialysis patients. Blood pressure should ideally be controlled with adherence to dry weight and low salt intake rather than adding antihypertensive agents even in the absence of clinical oedema.Relevance to clinical practiceBody composition monitor is a simple, reliable and inexpensive tool that can be routinely used in the outpatient clinic setting or home visit to adjust the dry weight and avoid chronic fluid overload in between nephrologists review.
Intensification of nickel‐ and cobalt‐filled neurone profiles following differential staining by rubeanic acid
Authors: Quicke D. L. J. , Brace R. C. , Kirby P. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYIt is demonstrated that a double colour labelling technique which uses rubeanic acid to precipitate nickel and cobalt ions within neurones (Quicke & Brace, 1979), yields complexes which may be intensified using Timm's silver method, thus allowing the subsequent appreciation of fine dendritic and axonal morphology. The resolution of neural architecture appears comparable to that revealed by the intensification of ammonium sulphide treated preparations.
Photomicrographic attachments: capabilities and limits
Authors: Simonsen Reimer 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYHigh magnification micrographs of high film contrast taken with a camera of short focal length revealed peculiar patterns which are attributed to minute unevennesses in ocular lens surfaces. These patterns can be avoided only by increasing the diameter of the microscope exit pupil, viz by the employment of low‐power oculars. In consequence it is recommended that cameras intended for universal use should have focal lengths of not shorter than 125 mm. Proposals for a test standard of microcameras are made.
Direct evaluation of fluorescence in single renal epithelial cells using a mitochondrial probe (DASPMI)
Authors: Horster Michael F. , Wilson Patricia D. , Gundlach Heinz 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYThe study of distribution and quantitation of a fluorescent probe in living epithelia with the aid of an inverted microscope requires that individual cells can be analysed without optical interference from adjacent cells. This report describes the application of fluorescence microscopy and fluorometry to a recently developed in vitro culture system of renal epithelial cells.Epithelial cells derived from the mammalian renal cortical collecting tubule (CT) and the thick ascending loop of Henle (TAL) are cultivated as continuous monolayers in serum‐free, hormone‐supplemented media. A specific mitochondrial marker (DASPMI) is added to the medium and incorporated into the cytoplasm. The microscopic image reveals that the mitochondrial fluorescence distribution differs between CT and TAL cultures. The fluorometric quantitation shows a normally distributed histogram of medium‐range intensity in TAL cell cultures while CT cultures exhibit a two‐peak pattern of mitochondrial fluorescence distribution among epithelial cells.
Reinforcement and protection with polystyrene of freeze‐fracture replicas during thawing and digestion of tissue
Authors: Stolinski C. , Gabriel G. , Martin B. 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARYAn improved method for reinforcing freeze‐fracture replicas, which is especially suitable for tough tissues, is described. For this purpose, polystyrene dissolved in chloroform is used to produce a solid protecting layer of plastic on top of the replica, enabling it to withstand the stresses associated with the thawing and digestion of the tissue with strong acids. The method results in production of large clean replicas from tissues such as skin or peripheral nerve which are difficult to process. The method can also be used profitably for reinforcing other softer and more homogeneous tissues.