bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating Dickkopf‐1 in Diabetes Mellitus: Association With Platelet Activation and Effects of Improved Metabolic Control and Low‐Dose Aspirin
Authors: Lattanzio Stefano , Santilli Francesca , Liani Rossella , Vazzana Natale , Ueland Thor , Di Fulvio Patrizia , Formoso Gloria , Consoli Agostino , Aukrust Pål , Davì Giovanni 
Published: July 2014

Background

Dickkopf‐1 (
DKK
‐1) is a major regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway, involved in inflammation, atherogenesis, and the regulation of glucose metabolism. Because platelets are major contributors to circulating levels of
DKK
‐1 in other clinical settings, we aimed at characterizing the platelet contribution to
DKK
‐1 in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2
DM
) and evaluating associations of
DKK
‐1 with glucose metabolism, platelet activation, and endothelial dysfunction.

Methods and Results

A cross‐sectional comparison of DKK‐1, soluble CD40L (
sCD
40L; reflecting platelet‐mediated inflammation), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA; marker of endothelial dysfunction), and urinary 11‐dehydro‐thromboxane B
2
(in vivo marker of platelet activation) was performed among 214 diabetic patients (90 receiving aspirin at 100 mg/day) and 30 healthy controls. Plasma DKK‐1 levels were markedly higher in patients with T2DM than in healthy patients (
P
<0.0001). DKK‐1 levels were significantly lower in diabetic patients receiving compared with those not on aspirin treatment (
P
=0.008); in the latter, DKK‐1 was significantly correlated with 11‐dehydro‐thromboxane B
2
, ADMA, and CD40L (ρ=0.303.
P
<0.0001, ρ=0.45.
P
<0.0001, and ρ=0.37,
P
<0.0001, respectively) but not with glycemic control or DM duration. Among patients not receiving aspirin, improvement of metabolic control in a subgroup of newly diagnosed patients treated with acarbose for 20 weeks and in a group treated with rosiglitazone for 24 weeks was associated with concurrent significant reductions in DKK‐1 (
P
=0.005 and
P
=0.004) and 11‐dehydro‐thromboxane B
2
(
P
=0.005 and
P
=0.004).

Conclusions

Circulating
DKK
‐1 is increased in T2
DM
and associated with endothelial dysfunction and platelet activation. Plasma
DKK
‐1 levels are reduced with improvement of glycemic control and low‐dose aspirin treatment.
The process of epithelial cell death in Pinus thunbergii caused by the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Son Joung A. , Son Joung A. , Hogetsu Taizo , Son Joung A. , Hogetsu Taizo , Moon Yil-Sung 
Published: July 2014

This study describes a new technique to investigate how the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, kills pine epithelial cells. After inoculating PWN into 20-cm-long Pinus thunbergii stem cuttings and incubating for 1, 3 or 7 days, the cuttings were split into 2.5 cm segments. The segments were tangentially cut so that the epithelia of several cortical resin canals were exposed, and these were stained with Evans Blue for the detection of dead epithelial cells. While almost no dead epithelial cells were found in the cortical resin canals of non-PWN-inoculated control cuttings up to day 7 of the experiment, dead epithelial cells were distributed sparsely in the epithelium of cortical resin canals throughout pine cuttings inoculated with PWN 1, 3 and 7 days after inoculation. The sparse and sporadic distribution of dead pine cells in the epithelium suggested that individual PWN attacked one epithelial cell at a time with its stylet and migrated between attacks.
Comparative susceptibility of Macrotermes bellicosus and Trinervitermes occidentalis (Isoptera: Termitidae) to entomopathogenic nematodes from Benin
Authors: Zadji Lionel , Zadji Lionel , Baimey Hugues , Zadji Lionel , Baimey Hugues , Afouda Leonard , Zadji Lionel , Baimey Hugues , Afouda Leonard , Moens Maurice , Zadji Lionel , Baimey Hugues , Afouda Leonard , Moens Maurice , Decraemer Wilfrida 
Published: July 2014

The differential susceptibility of two termite species, Macrotermes bellicosus and Trinervitermes occidentalis, to four entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) isolates from Benin, Heterorhabditis indica Ayogbe1, H. sonorensis Azohoue2, H. sonorensis Ze3 and Steinernema sp. Bembereke, was bio-assayed in laboratory tests. Soldiers of both M. bellicosus and T. occidentalis were similarly susceptible, but more susceptible than workers. Forty-eight h post-exposure of workers of M. bellicosus to 50 infective juveniles (IJ) of H. indica Ayogbe1, H. sonorensis Azohoue2, H. sonorensis Ze3 and Steinernema sp. Bembereke for each termite resulted in 96.3, 87.9, 94.5 and 75.0% mortality, respectively, whereas under the same conditions, these EPN isolates caused 91.7, 98.5, 75.0 and 95.0% mortality of workers of T. occidentalis. Soldiers of M. bellicosus were the most invaded with 13.2-18.6% of applied IJ. Based on concentration-mortality data, the isolates H. indica Ayogbe1 and H. sonorensis Ze3 were more virulent to M. bellicosus with LC50 values of 11 IJ, whereas Steinernema sp. Bembereke was the most virulent to T. occidentalis with LC50 values of 12 IJ. However, none of these isolates showed the highest penetration rate. All tested EPN isolates can recycle in both M. bellicosus and T. occidentalis. Our EPN repellent-dispersing assay did not show evidence that M. bellicosus and T. occidentalis would be able to detect the presence of IJ of any EPN isolates/species. However, it was observed that nematode dispersal occurred by infected termites or phoresis.
Does Parent–Child Interaction Therapy Reduce Future Physical Abuse? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kennedy Stephanie C. , Kim Johnny S. , Tripodi Stephen J. , Brown Samantha M. , Gowdy Grace 
Published: July 2014

Objective: To use meta-analytic techniques to evaluating the effectiveness of parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) at reducing future physical abuse among physically abusive families. Methods: A systematic search identified six eligible studies. Outcomes of interest were physical abuse recurrence, child abuse potential, and parenting stress. Results: Parents receiving PCIT had significantly fewer physical abuse recurrences and significantly greater reductions on the Parenting Stress Index than parents in comparison groups. Reductions in child abuse potential were nonsignificant, although 95% confidence intervals suggest clinically meaningful treatment effects. The studies examining physical abuse recurrence had a medium treatment effect ( g = 0.52), while results from pooled effect size estimates for child abuse potential ( g = 0.31) and parenting stress ( g = 0.35) were small. Conclusions: PCIT appears to be effective at reducing physical abuse recurrence and parenting stress for physically abusive families, with the largest treatment effects seen on long-term physical abuse recurrence. Applications to social work practice are discussed.
Foot Disorders Associated With Overpronated and Oversupinated Foot Function
Authors: Golightly Yvonne M. , Hannan Marian T. , Dufour Alyssa B. , Hillstrom Howard J. , Jordan Joanne M. 
Published: July 2014

Background: The occurrence of musculoskeletal foot disorders differs by race and obesity, and these disorders may be related to pronated (low arch) or supinated (high arch) foot structure. This cross-sectional analysis examined relationships of foot disorders and foot function by race and obesity in a community-based observational study of adults 50+ years old with and without osteoarthritis. Methods: Members of a prospective cohort study in North Carolina were included in this analysis (N = 1466, 67.2% women, 29.5% African American, mean age 68.5 years). Foot disorders were identified with a validated assessment tool, and each foot was categorized as overpronated, oversupinated, and referent using the center of pressure excursion index from foot pressure scans during normal-paced walking. Logistic regression models estimated associations between foot function and each foot disorder with age, body mass index (BMI), gender, and race as covariates. Results: Compared to referent, an overpronated foot was associated with hallux valgus (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-1.65) and overlapping toes (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.12-1.64), especially in the obese. An oversupinated foot was inversely associated with hallux valgus (aOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74-0.97). An oversupinated foot was less likely to be associated with bunionettes among the obese and was more likely to be associated with plantar fasciitis in Caucasians. Conclusion: Foot function was related to hallux valgus and overlapping toes, especially among the obese. In clinical patients as well as in the community of older adults, treatments for both the foot disorder and the pronated/supinated foot may be needed. Level of Evidence: Level II, comparative cohort study.
The Effects of Different Lying Positions on Interface Pressure, Skin Temperature, and Tissue Blood Flow in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Källman Ulrika , Engström Maria , Bergstrand Sara , Ek Anna-Christina , Fredrikson Mats , Lindberg Lars-Göran , Lindgren Margareta 
Published: July 2014

Background: Although repositioning is considered an important intervention to prevent pressure ulcers, tissue response during loading in different lying positions has not been adequately explored. Aim: To compare the effects of different lying positions on interface pressure, skin temperature, and tissue blood flow in nursing home residents. Method: From May 2011 to August 2012, interface pressure, skin temperature, and blood flow at three tissue depths were measured for 1 hr over the sacrum in 30° supine tilt and 0° supine positions and over the trochanter major in 30° lateral and 90° lateral positions in 25 residents aged 65 years or older. Measurement of interface pressure was accomplished using a pneumatic pressure transmitter connected to a digital manometer, skin temperature using a temperature sensor, and blood flow using photoplethysmography and laser Doppler flowmetry. Results: Interface pressure was significantly higher in the 0° supine and 90° lateral positions than in 30° supine tilt and 30° lateral positions. The mean skin temperature increased from baseline in all positions. Blood flow was significantly higher in the 30° supine tilt position compared to the other positions. A hyperemic response in the post pressure period was seen at almost all tissue depths and positions. Conclusion: The 30° supine tilt position generated less interface pressure and allowed greater tissue perfusion, suggesting that this position is the most beneficial.
Is hormone replacement therapy in post‐menopausal women associated with a reduced risk of oesophageal cancer?
Authors: Menon Shyam , Nightingale Peter , Trudgill Nigel 
Published: July 2014

PurposeThe rise in oesophageal adenocarcinoma incidence in women with age is delayed compared with men until the post‐menopausal period. A matched cohort study was therefore undertaken of post‐menopausal women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to examine the association between HRT, oesophageal cancer and the potentially associated conditions, reflux oesophagitis and Barrett's oesophagus.MethodsWomen aged over 50 years within the UK General Practice Research Database with a history of HRT exposure were matched by age and general practice with controls without HRT exposure (1:1). Matched Cox‐regression analysis was performed to estimate adjusted hazard ratios.Results51,851 HRT users and controls were studied. Prolonged HRT use for 5–10 years (hazard ratio 0.25 (95% CI 0.07–0.95)) and time‐dependent covariates for increasing duration of HRT use (0.06 (0.01–0.43)) were associated with a reduced oesophageal cancer risk. HRT use was associated with reflux oesophagitis (1.27 (1.12–1.43)), but when analysis was confined to women with codes for both reflux oesophagitis and endoscopy there was no association (1.1 (0.81–1.44)), suggesting increased reporting of reflux symptoms among HRT users rather than an association with endoscopic reflux oesophagitis.ConclusionLong‐term post‐menopausal HRT may be associated with a reduced risk of oesophageal cancer.
Dynamics of complement activation in aHUS and how to monitor eculizumab therapy
Authors: Noris Marina , Galbusera Miriam , Gastoldi Sara , Macor Paolo , Banterla Federica , Bresin Elena , Tripodo Claudio , Bettoni Serena , Donadelli Roberta , Valoti Elisabetta , Tedesco Francesco , Amore Alessandro , Coppo Rosanna , Ruggenenti Piero , Gotti Eliana , Remuzzi Giuseppe 
Published: July 2014

Key Points
Endothelial-restricted complement activation occurs in aHUS, and clinical remission relies on efficient endothelial complement inhibition. Ex vivo serum-induced endothelial C5b-9 deposits are a sensitive tool to monitor complement activation and eculizumab effectiveness in aHUS.
Factors influencing readiness to deploy in disaster response: findings from a cross-sectional survey of the Department of Veterans Affairs Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System
Authors: Zagelbaum Nicole K , Heslin Kevin C , Stein Judith A , Ruzek Josef , Smith Robert E , Nyugen Tam , Dobalian Aram 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
The Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System (DEMPS) program provides a system of volunteers whereby active or retired Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) personnel can register to be deployed to support other VA facilities or the nation during national emergencies or disasters. Both early and ongoing volunteer training is required to participate.

Methods
This study aims to identify factors that impact willingness to deploy in the event of an emergency. This analysis was based on responses from 2,385 survey respondents (response rate, 29%). Latent variable path models were developed and tested using the EQS structural equations modeling program. Background demographic variables of education, age, minority ethnicity, and female gender were used as predictors of intervening latent variables of DEMPS Volunteer Experience, Positive Attitude about Training, and Stress. The model had acceptable fit statistics, and all three intermediate latent variables significantly predicted the outcome latent variable Readiness to Deploy.

Results

DEMPS Volunteer Experience and a Positive Attitude about Training were associated with Readiness to Deploy. Stress was associated with decreased Readiness to Deploy. Female gender was negatively correlated with Readiness to Deploy; however, there was an indirect relationship between female gender and Readiness to Deploy through Positive Attitude about Training.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that volunteer emergency management response programs such as DEMPS should consider how best to address the factors that may make women less ready to deploy than men in order to ensure adequate gender representation among emergency responders. The findings underscore the importance of training opportunities to ensure that gender-sensitive support is a strong component of emergency response, and may apply to other emergency response programs such as the Medical Reserve Corps and the American Red Cross.
Bioactive proteins and peptides isolated from Chinese medicines with pharmaceutical potential
Authors: Wong Kam Lok , Wong Ricky Ngok Shun , Zhang Liang , Liu Wing Keung , NG Tzi Bun , Shaw Pang Chui , Kwok Philip Chi Lip , Lai Yau Ming , Zhang Zhang Jin , Zhang Yanbo , Tong Yao , Cheung Ho-Pan , Lu Jia , Sze Stephen Cho Wing 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Some protein pharmaceuticals from Chinese medicine have been developed to treat cardiovascular diseases, genetic diseases, and cancer. Bioactive proteins with various pharmacological properties have been successfully isolated from animals such as Hirudo medicinalis (medicinal leech), Eisenia fetida (earthworm), and Mesobuthus martensii (Chinese scorpion), and from herbal medicines derived from species such as Cordyceps militaris, Ganoderma, Momordica cochinchinensis, Viscum album, Poria cocos, Senna obtusifolia, Panax notoginseng, Smilax glabra, Ginkgo biloba, Dioscorea batatas, and Trichosanthes kirilowii. This article reviews the isolation methods, molecular characteristics, bioactivities, pharmacological properties, and potential uses of bioactive proteins originating from these Chinese medicines.
Critical Perspectives on Wellness
Authors: Kirkland Anna 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Workplace wellness programs are written into law as exceptions to otherwise protective antidiscrimination provisions, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act expands employers' ability to treat workers differently based on their health. Rather than assume that wellness programs promote health and save money, here I approach them as legally sanctioned discrimination. What exactly wellness discrimination might look like in practice across many contexts is an open question, but there is good reason to be wary of the power of wellness to create and reproduce hierarchy, to promote homogeneity, narrow-mindedness, and moralism about how to live one's life, and to cover for discrimination based on health, weight, income, age, pregnancy, and disability.
Repositioning drugs for inflammatory disease-fishing for new anti-inflammatory agents
Authors: Hall Christopher J. , Wicker Sophie M. , Chien An-Tzu , Tromp Alisha , Lawrence Lisa M. , Sun Xueying , Krissansen Geoffrey W. , Crosier Kathryn E. , Crosier Philip S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractInflammation is an important and appropriate host response to infection or injury. However, dysregulation of this response, with resulting persistent or inappropriate inflammation, underlies a broad range of pathological processes, from inflammatory dermatoses to type 2 diabetes and cancer. As such, identifying new drugs to suppress inflammation is an area of intense interest. Despite notable successes, there still exists an unmet need for new effective therapeutic approaches to treat inflammation. Traditional drug discovery, including structure-based drug design, have largely fallen short of satisfying this unmet need. With faster development times and reduced safety and pharmacokinetic uncertainty, drug repositioning is emerging as an alternative strategy to traditional drug design that promises an improved risk-reward trade-off. Drug repositioning is the process of finding new uses for existing drugs. Using a zebrafish in vivo neutrophil migration assay, we undertook a drug repositioning screen to identify new anti-inflammatory activities for known drugs. By interrogating a library of 1,280 approved drugs for their ability to suppress the recruitment of neutrophils to tail fin injury, we identified a number of drugs with significant anti-inflammatory activity that have not previously been characterized as general anti-inflammatories. Importantly, we reveal the 10 most potent repositioned drugs from our zebrafish screen displayed conserved anti-inflammatory activity in a mouse model of skin inflammation (atopic dermatitis). This study provides compelling evidence that exploiting the zebrafish as an in vivo drug repositioning platform holds promise as a strategy to reveal new anti-inflammatory activities for existing drugs.
Identification and characterization of Salmonella typhi isolates from Southwest Sumba District, East Nusa Tenggara based on 16S rRNA gene sequences
Authors: AMARANTINI CHARIS , SEMBIRING LANGKAH , KUSHADIWIJAYA HARIPURNOMO , ASMARA WIDYA 
Published: July 2014

Amarantini C, Sembiring L, Kushadiwijaya H, Asmara W TÂ . It was also found that the isolates which belong to S. typhi species formed several different centers of diversityÂ within the 16S rRNA gene tree. Each clade consisted of the strains from different geographical places in the District. Thus, to concludeÂ the inquiry, there was evident inter-geographical spread of the strains and it tended to spread further into more remote areas in theÂ District.
Species diversity of Amorphophallus (Araceae) in Bali and Lombok with attention to genetic study in A. paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson
Authors: KURNIAWAN AGUNG , WIBAWA I PUTU AGUS HENDRA , ADJIE` BAYU 
Published: July 2014

Kurniawan A, Wibawa IPAH, Adjie B (2011).Â Species diversity of Amorphophallus (Araceae) in Bali and Lombok with attention to genetic study in A. paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson. Biodiversitas 12: 7-11. Amorphophallus belongs to Araceae family that consists ofÂ more than 170 species worldwide and distributed predominantly in tropical countries, especially in Asia and Africa. The study ofÂ Amorphophallus in Bali and Lombok Islands had been conducted to reveal its diversity. Genetic study was also conducted amongÂ Amorphophallus paeoniifolius species to recognize the variation within the species. The fieldworks showed three speciesÂ Amorphophallus distributed in Bali, notably A. muelleri Blume, A. paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson, A. variabilis Blume and twoÂ species in Lombok, notably A. muelleri and A. paeoniifolius. Var. hortensis and var. sylvestris were two varieties of A. paeoniifolius thatÂ commonly found either in Bali or in Lombok. Genetic study on A. paeoniifolius indicated that there was no genetic variation in cpDNAÂ region of trnL-F IGS within the species.
Diversity and phosphate solubilization by bacteria isolated from Laki Island coastal ecosystem
Authors: WIDAWATI SRI 
Published: July 2014

Widawati S. (2011). Diversity and phosphate solubilization by bacteria isolated from Laki Island coastal ecosystem. Biodiversitas 12: 1721.Â Soil,Â water,Â sand,Â andÂ plantÂ rhizosphereÂ samplesÂ collected from coastal ecosystem of Laki Island, Jakarta, Indonesia were screened for phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB). While the population was dependent on the cultivation media and the sample type, the highest bacterial population was observed in the rhizosphere of Ipomoea aquatica. The PSB strains isolated from the sample registered 18.59 g-1 L-1. 18.31 g-1 L-1, and 5.68 g-1 L-1Â of calcium phosphate (Ca-P), Al-P and rock phosphate solubilization after 7-days. PhosphateÂ solubilizing capacity was the highest in the Ca-P medium. Two strains, 13 and 14, registered highest phosphomonoesterase activities (2.01 ÂµgNP.g-1.h-1 and 1.85NP Âµg.g-1.h-1) were identified as Serratia marcescens, and Pseudomonas fluorescens, respectively. BothÂ strains were isolated from the crops of Amaranthus hybridus and I. aquatica, respectively, which are commonly observed in coastalÂ ecosystems. The presence of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and their ability to solubilize various types of phosphate species areÂ indicative of the important role of both species of bacteria in the biogeochemical cycle of phosphorus and the plant growth in coastalÂ ecosystems.
Epiphytic orchids and host trees diversity at Gunung Manyutan Forest Reserve, Wilis Mountain, Ponorogo, East Java
Authors: YULIA NINA DWI , BUDIHARTA SUGENG 
Published: July 2014

Yulia ND, Budiharta S (2011). Epiphytic orchids and host trees diversity at Gunung Manyutan Forest Reserve, Wilis Mountain, Ponorogo, East Java. Biodiversitas 12: 22-27. Natural forests in Wilis Mountain have been destroyed by forest fires, landslides and illegal logging. As a consequence, biological diversity in this area is threatened by local extinctions, particularly of orchid species. ThisÂ study was aimed to explore, document and analyze the diversity of epiphytic orchids at Gunung Manyutan Forest Reserve, a naturalÂ forest area in Wilis Mountain. Purposive sampling on 1 hectare (50 x 200 m2)Â eight subplots (25 x 50 m2) All data on orchid species were recorded including its number, host trees and zone of the host tree where the orchid attached. The results showed that there were 29 epiphytic orchid species recorded. Flickingeria angulata was the most abundant species (Relative Abundance of orchids/ %Fo = 38.74), continued by Appendicula sp. (%Fo = 10.91) and Eria hyacinthoides (%Fo=6.57). The three most important host trees were Pinus merkusii, Schima wallichii and Engelhardia spicata. Zone 3 (bottom part of theÂ branches) was revealed as the most favorable part at the host tree (281 individuals), while Zone 1 (bottom part of the main stem) was the least preferable one.