bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and 2 in mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic nasal mucosa and regulation of their expression by Th2 cytokines
Authors: Jun Y. J. , Park S. J. , Hwang J. W. , Kim T. H. , Jung K. J. , Jung J. Y. , Hwang G. H. , Lee S. H. , Lee S. H. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryBackgroundGlucocorticoids are used to treat allergic rhinitis, but the mechanisms by which they induce disease remission are unclear. 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β‐HSD) is a tissue‐specific regulator of glucocorticoid responses, inducing the interconversion of inactive and active glucocorticoids.ObjectiveWe analysed the expression and distribution patterns of 11β‐HSD1, 11β‐HSD2, and steroidogenic enzymes in normal and allergic nasal mucosa, and cytokine‐driven regulation of their expression. The production levels of cortisol in normal, allergic nasal mucosa and in cultured epithelial cells stimulated with cytokines were also determined.MethodsThe expression levels of 11β‐HSD1, 11β‐HSD2, steroidogenic enzymes (CYP11B1, CYP11A1), and cortisol in normal, mild, and moderate/severe persistent allergic nasal mucosa were assessed by real‐time PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. The expression levels of 11β‐HSD1, 11β‐HSD2, CYP11B1, CYP11A1, and cortisol were also determined in cultured nasal epithelial cell treated with IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, IL‐17A, and IFN‐γ. Conversion ratio of cortisone to cortisol was evaluated using siRNA technique, 11β‐HSD1 inhibitor, and the measurement of 11β‐HSD1 activity.ResultsThe expression levels of 11β‐HSD1, CYP11B1, and cortisol were up‐regulated in mild and moderate/severe persistent allergic nasal mucosa. By contrast, 11β‐HSD2 expression was decreased in allergic nasal mucosa. In cultured epithelial cells treated with IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and IL‐17A, 11β‐HSD1 expression and activity increased in parallel with the expression levels of CYP11B1 and cortisol, but the production of 11β‐HSD2 decreased. CYP11A1 expression level was not changed in allergic nasal mucosa or in response to stimulation with cytokines. SiRNA technique or the measurement of 11β‐HSD1 activity showed that nasal epithelium activates cortisone to cortisol in a 11β‐HSD‐dependent manner.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThese results indicate that the localized anti‐inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids are regulated by inflammatory cytokines, which can modulate the expression of 11β‐HSD1, 11β‐HSD2, and CYP11B1, and by the intracellular concentrations of bioactive glucocorticoids.
Mechanical compressive force inhibits adipogenesis of adipose stem cells
Authors: Li G. , Fu N. , Yang X. , Li M. , Ba K. , Wei X. , Fu Y. , Yao Y. , Cai X. , Lin Y. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate effects of mechanical compressive force on differentiation of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) in vitro.Materials and methodsMice ASCs were treated with compressive force (2000 με, 1 Hz) for 2 or 6 h after adipogenic induction for 3 days, then oil red O staining was used to examine oil droplet‐filled cells. Adipogenic genes, PPAR‐γ1 and APN, were examined by real‐time PCR and immunofluorescence (IF) staining was performed to test expression of de‐PPAR‐γ and ph‐PPAR‐γ at the protein level.ResultsOur data showed that mechanical compressive force reduced numbers of oil droplet‐filled cells, and down‐regulated mRNA levels of both PPAR‐γ1 and APN and protein level of PPAR‐γ, in ASCs.ConclusionsIn culture medium containing adipogenic stimuli, mechanical compressive force inhibited adipogenesis of ASCs.
Location and characterization of female germline stem cells (FGSCs) in juvenile porcine ovary
Authors: Bai Y. , Yu M. , Hu Y. , Qiu P. , Liu W. , Zheng W. , Peng S. , Hua J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectivesExistence of germline stem cells (GSCs) in juvenile mammalian female ovaries has been drastically debated recently since reports that adult mouse ovaries still have mitotically active germ cells have been proposed. In addition, definitive location of such female germline stem cells (FGSCs) had not been demonstrated.Materials and methodsWe segregated porcine FGSCs mechanically from ovary cortex, and tested our hypotheses by utilizing immunofluorescent staining, qRT‐PCR and western blotting.ResultsWe attached emphasis to unambiguous location of FGSCs, which settle simultaneously in the theca. Dissected cells from porcine thecal layers maintained similar characteristics to mouse FGSCs and ESCs over 4‐months in vitro culture.ConclusionThese results may provide a new resource for the study of oogenesis and therapy for ovarian sterility.
Reversal strategy in antagonizing the P2Y12‐inhibitor ticagrelor
Authors: Hobl Eva‐Luise , Derhaschnig Ulla , Firbas Christa , Schoergenhofer Christian , Schwameis Michael , Jilma Bernd 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundPatients on antiplatelet therapy have a higher incidence of bleeding complications. Reversal of antiplatelet drug effects is an important issue at trauma or emergency departments. For old and conventional anticoagulants, reversal strategies are established. While the effects of ticagrelor are reversible, developing a method to restore platelet function in patients is of importance due to its longer half‐life (approximately 8 h), compared with other P2Y12‐inhibitors.Materials and methodsWe report an ex vivo model to reverse the effects of the novel and highly effective P2Y12‐inhibitor ticagrelor in 20 healthy volunteers. To normalize platelet reactivity, we added increasing amounts of autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) to whole blood which was obtained 3 h after the intake of 180 mg of ticagrelor. Platelet aggregation was assessed by whole blood multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA), which is based on impedance aggregometry.ResultsThe basal ADP‐induced platelet aggregation averaged 71 ± 16 U (Units). Ticagrelor decreased ADP‐induced platelet aggregation to 16 ± 8 U. A clear dose‐response was obtained after spiking whole blood with increasing amounts of PRP. It is estimated that ≥2 units of apheresis platelet concentrates will be necessary to completely restore baseline platelet aggregation in the majority of patients after ticagrelor.ConclusionsPlatelets dose dependently improve ex vivo platelet aggregation of subjects after a loading dose of 180 mg of ticagrelor, making transfusion of platelet concentrates potentially useful in bleeding patients and those who need to undergo emergency surgery.
Warming increases plant biomass and reduces diversity across continents, latitudes, and species migration scenarios in experimental wetland communities
Authors: Baldwin Andrew H. , Jensen Kai , Schönfeldt Marisa 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAtmospheric warming may influence plant productivity and diversity and induce poleward migration of species, altering communities across latitudes. Complicating the picture is that communities from different continents deviate in evolutionary histories, which may modify responses to warming and migration. We used experimental wetland plant communities grown from seed banks as model systems to determine whether effects of warming on biomass production and species richness are consistent across continents, latitudes, and migration scenarios. We collected soil samples from each of three tidal freshwater marshes in estuaries at three latitudes (north, middle, south) on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. In one experiment, we exposed soil seed bank communities from each latitude and continent to ambient and elevated (+2.8 °C) temperatures in the greenhouse. In a second experiment, soil samples were mixed either within each estuary (limited migration) or among estuaries from different latitudes in each continent (complete migration). Seed bank communities of these migration scenarios were also exposed to ambient and elevated temperatures and contrasted with a no‐migration treatment. In the first experiment, warming overall increased biomass (+16%) and decreased species richness (−14%) across latitudes in Europe and North America. Species richness and evenness of south‐latitude communities were less affected by warming than those of middle and north latitudes. In the second experiment, warming also stimulated biomass and lowered species richness. In addition, complete migration led to increased species richness (+60% in North America, + 100% in Europe), but this higher diversity did not translate into increased biomass. Species responded idiosyncratically to warming, but Lythrum salicaria and Bidens sp. increased significantly in response to warming in both continents. These results reveal for the first time consistent impacts of warming on biomass and species richness for temperate wetland plant communities across continents, latitudes, and migration scenarios.
Carbon cost of collective farming collapse in Russia
Authors: Kurganova Irina , Lopes de Gerenyu Valentin , Six Johan , Kuzyakov Yakov 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe collapse of collective farming in Russia after 1990 and the subsequent economic crisis led to the abandonment of more than 45 million ha of arable lands (23% of the agricultural area). This was the most widespread and abrupt land use change in the 20th century in the northern hemisphere. The withdrawal of land area from cultivation led to several benefits including carbon (C) sequestration. Here, we provide a geographically complete and spatially detailed analysis of C sequestered in these abandoned lands. The average C accumulation rate in the upper 20 cm of mineral soil was 0.96 ± 0.08 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 for the first 20 years after abandonment and 0.19 ± 0.10 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 during the next 30 years of postagrogenic evolution and natural vegetation establishment. The amount of C sequestered over the period 1990–2009 accounts to 42.6 ± 3.8 Tg C per year. This C sequestration rate is equivalent to ca. 10% of the annual C sink in all Russian forests. Furthermore, it compensates all fire and postfire CO2 emissions in Russia and covers about 4% of the global CO2 release due to deforestation and other land use changes. Our assessment shows a significant mitigation of increasing atmospheric CO2 by prolonged C accumulation in Russian soils caused by collective farming collapse.
Managing water in agricultural landscapes with short‐rotation biomass plantations
Authors: Harper Richard J. , Sochacki Stanley J. , Smettem Keith R. J. , Robinson Nicole 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBioenergy production using woody biomass is a major climate change mitigation strategy but is often considered in terms of competitive effects on water. This paper describes the use of a short‐rotation biomass system (Phase Farming with Trees PFT or ‘Kamikaze Forestry’) to manage water in dryland farming systems where this has accumulated below the root zone and has on and off‐site environmental impacts. This excess water can be utilized for growth by deep‐rooted, high‐density biomass plantations inserted as short rotations into agricultural land. The objective is to promote rapid growth and mining of deep stored water through strategies such as high planting densities, the use of fast‐growing species or fertilization each of which increases leaf area. Once the water is used, the trees are harvested and excess water is allowed to build up again in the subsequent cropping phase. Biomass production and water depletion were measured in a five‐year rotation of trees inserted into a dryland (367 mm yr−1 mean annual rainfall) cereal farming system in south‐western Australia. Both were markedly affected by tree age, planting density, and landscape position on a very minor slope. The greatest biomass production was achieved with high‐density (4000 stems ha−1) plantings of Eucalyptus occidentalis and Eucalyptus globulus in lower landscape positions. High‐density plots of these species in mid and upper landscape positions succumbed to drought after 3–4 years, but depleted available soil water to depths of >8 m, equivalent to 771 mm of stored available water. These results suggest that biomass yield can be readily manipulated through planting density and site selection. Moreover, biomass production can produce positive water management co‐benefits.
Effects of the reappearance of primitive reflexes on eating function and prognosis
Authors: Hobo Kimiko , Kawase Junko , Tamura Fumiyo , Groher Michael , Kikutani Takeshi , Sunakawa Hajime 
Published: August 2013

AimPrimitive reflexes can reappear with diseases of the brain, particularly those affecting the frontal lobes. Most studies on primitive reflexes have reported an association between such reflexes and brain damage, and the clinical symptoms of dementia. These reflexes can also be present during eating; however, their effects on eating function are difficult to evaluate. The purpose of the present study was to identify the frequency at which primitive reflexes reappear in elderly people, and to determine the effects that such reflexes have on eating function, nutritional status and prognosis.MethodsWe followed 121 nursing home residents for 6 months. All patients required long‐term care and were examined for the presence of a sucking reflex, snout reflex and phasic bite reflex for baseline measures. Demographic characteristics, physical and cognitive function, and nutritional status were obtained from chart reviews, interviews with nurses, and a brief physical examination at baseline and incidence of aspiration pneumonia during the study period.ResultsThe sucking reflex was confirmed in 31 patients (25.6%), snout reflex in 15 patients (12.3%) and phasic bite reflex in 28 patients (23.1%). One or more of these reflexes was identified in 38 patients (31.4%). A relationship between the presence of a primitive reflex and nutritional status was shown. An association with the presence of these reflexes and the development of aspiration pneumonia during 6 months was also confirmed.ConclusionsThe appearance of primitive reflexes appears to be associated with the risk of malnutrition and developing aspiration pneumonia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 190–197.
Room for improvement: complementary therapy users and the Australian health system
Authors: Lin Vivian , Canaway Rachel , Carter Bronwyn , Manderson Lenore 
Published: August 2013

AbstractContextPeople with chronic conditions who are often in contact with the health‐care system are well placed to reflect on how services meet their needs. Some research characterizes people who use complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) as a distinct group who opt out of the mainstream health system. However, many CAM users are people with chronic or terminal health conditions who concurrently use mainstream health‐care services. The difference in perspectives between people with chronic conditions who do or do not use CAM has received little attention by researchers.ObjectiveTo explore the views of CAM users with chronic conditions and identify their perspectives on the health system.Design and SettingIn‐depth interviews and a self‐administered questionnaire were used to collect data on care‐seeking, self‐management and CAM use among people with type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease living in Victoria, Australia.ResultsOne in four CAM practitioner users was partly motivated to use CAM as a result of their dissatisfaction with the mainstream health system. In general, their dissatisfaction mirrored the concerns of the general population. This included the perceived lack of a humanistic or person‐centred approach, which was central to problems relating to individuals' clinical encounters as well as to health system design.Discussion and ConclusionParticipants' concerns suggest room for improvement in the Australian health system to better reflect patients' needs. A systems approach is needed to reorient health‐care practitioners to modify the organization of care because of the incentives embedded in the structure of the health‐care system.
A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of a therapeutic play intervention on outcomes of children undergoing inpatient elective surgery: study protocol
Authors: He Hong Gu , Zhu Lixia , Li Ho Cheung William , Wang Wenru , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri , Chan Sally Wai Chi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimTo report a trial protocol to determine if a therapeutic play intervention leads to significant reduction in perioperative anxiety, negative emotional manifestations and postoperative pain of children undergoing inpatient elective surgery and in their parents' perioperative anxiety.BackgroundChildren undergoing surgery often experience anxiety, exhibit negative emotional manifestations pre‐operatively and postoperative pain. Previous studies report that therapeutic play intervention has positive effects on anxiety reduction, while few studies have examined the effects of such intervention on children undergoing major elective surgery.DesignRandomized controlled trial with repeated measures is proposed.MethodsThis study will recruit 106 pairs of 6–14‐year‐old children undergoing elective surgery in a Singaporean public hospital and their parents (protocol approved in October 2011). Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to either a control group (receiving routine care) or an experimental group (receiving 1‐hour therapeutic play intervention plus routine care). Outcome measures include children's anxiety, emotional manifestation and postoperative pain, their parents' anxiety and process evaluation. Data will be collected at baseline (3–7 days before the operation), on the day of surgery and around 24 hours after the surgery.DiscussionThis study will identify a clinically useful and potentially effective approach to prepare children for surgery by reducing anxiety of both children and their parents during the perioperative period. The reduction of anxiety may lead to reduction of postoperative pain, which will eventually improve the physical and psychological well‐being of children. This study was funded by the National Medical Research Council in Singapore.
The nurse rostering problem: from operational research to organizational reality?
Authors: Drake Robert G. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimTo examine the practical applicability of the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ constraints associated with the ‘nurse rostering problem’ as defined in operations management research literature and thereby investigate the objectivity of the rostering process.BackgroundIn practice, rostering nursing staff is often unrecognized, unrewarded and undervalued; yet, despite four decades of research, operations management has little to offer in terms of faster, safer, fairer or more effective rosters. This paper contrasts the theoretical perceptions of roster ‘constraints’ with the subjective, often political, rules governing practical rosters.DesignUsing both qualitative and quantitative data, this inductive study compares the practical process of rostering with that theorized in the nurse rostering problem.MethodsThis research spanned 4 years examining the rosters from 28 wards in 14 hospitals. Interviews with senior nursing staff regarding staff levels and with ward managers regarding rules defining the roster were complemented by analysis of actual roster data to establish the number and type of unfilled shifts and rule breakages. Interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis and roster data were evaluated using the HealthRoster™ e‐rostering system.FindingsOften the rules governing how nursing staff are scheduled are undocumented, tacit and informal. Furthermore, the roster process can be highly politicized, leading to forms of ‘information anarchy’ or ‘information feudalism’ on the ward.ConclusionsHospital managers must understand that roster design has a major impact on ward performance and must develop clear roster policies that define staff levels, skill mix, shift patterns and the rules used in preparing the roster.
Telocytes and stem cells in limbus and uvea of mouse eye
Authors: Luesma María José , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Popescu Laurenţiu M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe potential of stem cell (SC) therapies for eye diseases is well‐recognized. However, the results remain only encouraging as little is known about the mechanisms responsible for eye renewal, regeneration and/or repair. Therefore, it is critical to gain knowledge about the specific tissue environment (niches) where the stem/progenitor cells reside in eye. A new type of interstitial cell–telocyte (TC) (www.telocytes.com) was recently identified by electron microscopy (EM). TCs have very long (tens of micrometres) and thin (below 200 nm) prolongations named telopodes (Tp) that form heterocellular networks in which SCs are embedded. We found TCs by EM and electron tomography in sclera, limbus and uvea of the mouse eye. Furthermore, EM showed that SCs were present in the anterior layer of the iris and limbus. Adhaerens and gap junctions were found to connect TCs within a network in uvea and sclera. Nanocontacts (electron‐dense structures) were observed between TCs and other cells: SCs, melanocytes, nerve endings and macrophages. These intercellular ‘feet’ bridged the intercellular clefts (about 10 nm wide). Moreover, exosomes (extracellular vesicles with a diameter up to 100 nm) were delivered by TCs to other cells of the iris stroma. The ultrastructural nanocontacts of TCs with SCs and the TCs paracrine influence via exosomes in the epithelial and stromal SC niches suggest an important participation of TCs in eye regeneration.
Biogeographic variation in the baboon: dissecting the cline
Authors: Dunn Jason , Cardini Andrea , Elton Sarah 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAll species demonstrate intraspecific anatomical variation. While generalisations such asBergman's andAllen's rules have attempted to explain the geographic structuring of variation with some success, recent work has demonstrated limited support for these in certainOldWorld monkeys. This study extends this research to the baboon: a species that is widely distributed across sub‐SaharanAfrica and exhibits clinal variation across an environmentally disparate range. This study uses trend surface analysis to map the pattern of skull variation in size and shape in order to visualise the main axes of morphological variation. Patterns of shape and size‐controlled shape are compared to highlight morphological variation that is underpinned by allometry alone. Partial regression is used to dissociate the effects of environmental terms, such as rainfall, temperature and spatial position. The diminutiveKinda baboon is outlying in size, so analyses were carried out with and without this taxon. Skull size variation demonstrates an east–west pattern, with small animals at the two extremes and large animals in Central and SouthernAfrica. Shape variation demonstrates the same geographical pattern as skull size, with small‐sized animals exhibiting classic paedomorphic morphology. However, an additional north–south axis of variation emerges. After controlling for skull size, the diminutiveKinda baboon is no longer an outlier for size and shape. Also, the east–west component is no longer evident and discriminant function analysis shows an increased misclassification of adjacent taxa previously differentiated by size. This demonstrates the east–west component of shape variation is underpinned by skull size, while the north–south axis is not. The latter axis is explicable in phylogenetic terms: baboons arose in SouthernAfrica and colonisedEast andWestAfrica to the north, diverging in the process, aided by climate‐mediated isolating mechanisms. Environmental terms appear poorly correlated with shape variation compared with geography. This might indicate that there is no simple environment–morphology association, but certainly demonstrates that phylogenetic history is an overbearing factor in baboon morphological variation.