bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extrahepatic stem cells mobilized from the bone marrow by the supplementation of branched‐chain amino acids ameliorate liver regeneration in an animal model
Authors: Okabayashi Takehiro , Shima Yasuo , Sumiyoshi Tatsuaki , Kozuki Akihito , Iiyama Tatsuo , Tokumaru Teppei , Namikawa Tsutomu , Sugimoto Takeki , Takezaki Yuka , Maeda Hiromichi , Kobayashi Michiya , Hanazaki Kazuhiro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsIn recent years, bone marrow (BM)‐derived stem cell repopulation of injured organs has been increasingly observed; however, the extent to which it occurs and its clinical relevance remain unclear. Here, we investigated on the potential of extrahepatic stem cells to become hepatocytes using the treatment of the oral supplementation of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA).MethodsIn the first, Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were administered BCAA to promote liver regeneration; in the second, syngenic liver transplantations using wild‐type SD rats that do not express green fluorescent protein (GFP) as syngenic donors and GFP‐transgenic SD rats as recipients to confirm that an extrahepatic source of cells (GFP+) could repopulate the transplanted (GFP–) liver were performed.ResultsTreatment of the oral supplementation of BCAA for 2–3 weeks before transplantation to promote liver regeneration resulted in greater than 7 days graft volume, with extensive spotty conversion of a small wild‐type graft to the recipient GFP+ genotype. The treatment by oral supplementation of BCAA resulted in higher levels of CD34+SDF+c‐kit+ stem cells in the blood and liver after liver transplantation. Liver repopulation could be achieved with hepatocytes that bone marrow‐derived from stem cells proliferated.ConclusionsWe have identified extrahepatic stem cell migration from the BM to the injured liver as a mechanism underlying liver regeneration that supports hepatocyte proliferation in diseased liver. Our results suggested that BCAA is able to mobilize a population of BM‐derived cells that contribute to hepatic regeneration.
Dexamethasone in outcome of patients with hepatitis B virus‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Chen Jun‐Feng , Wang Ke‐Wei , Zhang Shao‐Quan , Lei Zi‐Ying , Xie Jun‐Qiang , Zhu Jian‐Yun , Weng Wei‐Zhen , Gao Zhi‐Liang , Lin Bing‐Liang 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackground and AimAcute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a severe disease with high mortality. Immune injury plays an important role during the early stage of the disease. Our research aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of dexamethasone therapy for patients with HBV‐related ACLF.MethodsA total of 134 inpatients with HBV‐induced ACLF were enrolled from January 2009 to December 2012. All the patients received the standard medicine treatment (SMT), among whom 31 cases underwent additional dexamethasone injection for three times (dexamethasone treatment [DMT] Group). A total of 35 patients (SMT Group) matched for baseline characters served as controls. Both the groups were followed up for 12 weeks. The survival rates, liver functions, and complications were recorded.ResultsThe 12‐week cumulative survival rates were 45.7% (16/35)and 48.4% (15/31) for SMT Group and DMT Group, respectively, and no significant differences were found (P = 0.959). There were no dramatic differences in liver function and model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks between two groups. There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications (i.e. infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, and ascites) from 1 to 12 weeks between Group SMT and Group DMT. More than 40 ages, MELD score more than 28 and encephalopathy were independent risk factors for the mortality of patients.ConclusionsDexamethasone cannot improve liver functions and 12‐week survival rates of patients with HBV‐related ACLF. Age, MELD score, and encephalopathy are independent risk factors.
Insight into the mode of action of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) as an herbicide
Authors: Song Yaling 
Published: November 2013

Abstract2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) was the first synthetic herbicide to be commercially developed and has commonly been used as a broadleaf herbicide for over 60 years. It is a selective herbicide that kills dicots without affecting monocots and mimics natural auxin at the molecular level. Physiological responses of dicots sensitive to auxinic herbicides include abnormal growth, senescence, and plant death. The identification of auxin receptors, auxin transport carriers, transcription factors response to auxin, and cross‐talk among phytohormones have shed light on the molecular action mode of 2,4‐D as a herbicide. Here, the molecular action mode of 2,4‐D is highlighted according to the latest findings, emphasizing the physiological process, perception, and signal transduction under herbicide treatment.
Practice leadership and active support in residential services for people with intellectual disabilities: an exploratory study
Authors: Beadle‐Brown J. , Mansell J. , Ashman B. , Ockenden J. , Iles R. , Whelton B. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe hypothesised that a key factor determining the quality of active support was ‘practice leadership’ – provided by the first‐line manager to focus staff attention and develop staff skills in providing direct support to enable people with intellectual disabilities to have a good quality of life. This exploratory study focused on what levels of practice leadership were found and its role in explaining variation in active support.MethodRelevant aspects of management, including practice leadership, were assessed by questionnaires administered to staff in residential settings alongside observational measures of active support and resident engagement in meaningful activity. Relationships between these variables were explored using regression and post hoc group comparisons.ResultsThere was wide variation, with average levels of practice leadership being low, though improving over the period studied. Practice leadership had a significant impact on active support, but was fully mediated by the effect of quality of management. When the quality of management was higher better practice leadership did produce a significant difference in active support. However, higher quality of management on its own did not produce better active support.ConclusionsA number of limitations are acknowledged and further research is required. Practice leadership appears to be an important factor in enabling staff to provide active support but as part of generally good management. Given the rather low levels found, attention needs to be given to the training, career development and support of practice leaders and also to how to protect their time from their many other responsibilities.
Long‐Term Results after Carotid Stent Implantation
Authors: RADU HEIKE , BERTOG STEFAN C. , ROBERTSON GREG , FRANKE JENNIFER , RABE KASJA , HORNUNG MARIUS , VASKELYTE LAURA , HOFMANN ILONA , SIEVERT HORST 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThough carotid artery stenting (CS) has gained popularity as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy, studies examining long‐term results are limited.MethodsAll consecutive patients who underwent unilateral CS between 7/1993 and 8/2005 with no or non‐significant contralateral stenosis were included. Follow‐up with duplex sonography and/or angiography and neurological assessment was performed at 6 and/or 12 months. Thereafter, annually, a questionnaire was sent to the patients and their referring physicians.ResultsTwo‐hundred and seventy‐nine patients underwent CS. In 99% of procedures stent delivery was successful. The periprocedural major and minor stroke rates were 2.2%, respectively. The periprocedural major stroke or death rate was 2.9%. Median clinical follow‐up was 49 ± 32 months (range: 30 days–12.1 years). Excluding perioperative (<30 days) events, the annual major and minor stroke rate was 1.3% and the annual ipsilateral major and minor stroke rate was 0.6%. In symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, the annual major and minor stroke rates were 2.2% and 0.8%, respectively, and the ipsilateral major and minor stroke rates were 1.1% and 0.3%, respectively. There was no significant difference between ipsilateral and contralateral major or minor strokes at long‐term follow‐up. At last sonographic follow‐up (median 36 ± 32 months), restenosis rates for symptomatic and asymptomatic stenoses were 5% and 3%, respectively.ConclusionThe results of our study demonstrate very low long‐term cerebral event rates after CS supporting the long‐term safety of CS. Importantly, there was no significant difference in long‐term ipsilateral versus contralateral cerebral events lending support to the hypothesis of plaque stabilization.
Genetic variation in toll‐like receptors and retinoic acid‐inducible gene I and outcome of hepatitis C virus infection: a candidate gene association study
Authors: Clausen L. N. , Ladelund S. , Weis N. , Bukh J. , Benfield T. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryWe evaluated the effects of genetic variation in toll‐like receptors (TLR), retinoic acid‐inducible gene I (RIG‐I) and their signalling pathways on spontaneous hepatitis C virus (HCV) resolution. We screened 95 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 22 genes. SNPs significantly associated with resolution in the discovery cohort were genotyped in a validation cohort. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for sex, hepatitis B surface antigen, HIV infection and the interleukin‐28B rs12979860 SNP was performed in the combined cohort. Haplotype reconstruction and linkage disequilibrium analysis were performed. srs2233437, rs730775 and rs28362857 in Inhibitor of NF‐kB ε (IkBε) and rs352140 in TLR9 were associated with spontaneous HCV resolution (P ≤ 0.05) in the discovery cohort (n = 308). In the validation cohort (n = 216), we replicated a significant association with HCV resolution for two SNPs in the IkBε, rs2233437 and rs730775. Presence of one or two of the variant allele in rs2233437 had more than twofold higher odds of resolution in adjusted logistic regression (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.6; (95% CI, 1.4, 4.8) P = 0.002). We identified polymorphisms in the IkBε gene associated with spontaneous HCV resolution in two independent cohorts.
The spatio‐temporal distribution of wild and domestic ungulates modulates lynx kill rates in a multi‐use landscape
Authors: Gervasi V. , Nilsen E. B. , Odden J. , Bouyer Y. , Linnell J. D. C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDepredation on livestock and competition with hunters for game species are prominent among the conflicts that the return of large carnivores generates in multi‐use landscapes. The relative magnitude of the conflict strongly depends on what prey selection patterns predators will adopt once established in a new area. We explored prey selection and kill rates from 24 Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx in Southern Norway, between 2006 and 2011, using Global Positioning System collars. We recorded 603 lynx predation events on a wide range of prey species, ranging from passerines to large ungulates. During summer, domestic sheep were the most frequent prey, representing 64% of the ungulates killed, for an average kill rate of 8.2/100 days, whereas roe deer Capreolus capreolus were killed in about 33% of cases (kill rate = 4.2/100 days). In winter, when sheep were unavailable, roe deer were the most frequent prey, accounting for about 73% of the kills, for an average kill rate of 9.4/100 days, whereas red deer were found at 17% of the kill sites, corresponding to a kill rate of 2.2/100 days. Lynx‐killed prey provided an average of 400 kg of meat per 100 days, irrespective of prey density. In both seasons, the proportion of each species killed by lynx was determined by the combined effect of all prey densities, so that the density of wild ungulates had the potential to affect the rate of depredation on sheep, to the same extent as the abundance of sheep could influence the kill rate on wild ungulates. Our results underline the complexity of carnivore–ungulate trophic interactions in multi‐use landscapes where livestock and wildlife co‐occur, and suggest that changes in densities of prey, predators or both may produce undesired outcomes, if such complexity is not taken into account during the decision‐making process for management and conservation.
Culturally Appropriate Education: Insights From Educational Neuroscience
Authors: Zhou Jiaxian , Fischer Kurt W. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTCulturally appropriate education focuses on educational competence needed in a global world and respect for different world views of learners and teachers from different cultural contexts. The relationship between gene, brain, and culture is complex and dynamical. Cultural experience and learning sculpts the anatomy and function of the human brain and shapes human behavior. This neuroplasticity is the basis of educability in human beings. Education reform should reflect cultural diversity and embed teaching practices into the cultural history of a nation and should promote positive inclusion of minority and indigenous history so as to maximize successful adoption by teachers and parents. This tenet is at the core of the concept of “culturally appropriate education.” Successful educational reform and pedagogy require that teachers become culturally and neuroscientifically literate.
Dissonance Between Parent‐Selected Bedtimes and Young Children's Circadian Physiology Influences Nighttime Settling Difficulties
Authors: LeBourgeois Monique K. , Wright Kenneth P. , LeBourgeois Hannah B. , Jenni Oskar G. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTNighttime settling difficulties (i.e., bedtime resistance, sleep‐onset delay) occur in about 25% of young children and are associated with attentional, behavioral, and emotional problems. We examined whether the timing of internal (endogenous) circadian melatonin phase (i.e., dim light melatonin onset; DLMO) and its relationship with parent‐selected bedtimes were related to nighttime settling behaviors. Fourteen regularly napping preschoolers (8 females; 30–36 months) participated in a 6‐day protocol (parent‐report of nighttime settling, actigraphic assessment of sleep onset latency, evening salivary DLMO). Average DLMO clock time was 07:40 p.m. ± 00:48 minutes, occurring 29 minutes ± 32 minutes prior to bedtime (lights‐out). Children with later DLMOs had longer sleep‐onset latencies (r  =  .62) and poorer success in falling asleep (r  =  −.59). Children whose bedtimes were closer to their DLMO had longer sleep‐onset latencies (r  =  .72) and increased bedtime resistance (r  =  −.54). We conclude that dissonance between parent‐selected bedtimes and children's circadian physiology may contribute to the development of nighttime settling difficulties in early childhood.
Obesity‐Related Hormones in Low‐Income Preschool‐Age Children: Implications for School Readiness
Authors: Miller Alison L. , Lumeng Carey N. , Delproposto Jennifer , Florek Brian , Wendorf Kristin , Lumeng Julie C. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTMechanisms underlying socioeconomic disparities in school readiness and health outcomes, particularly obesity, among preschool‐aged children are complex and poorly understood. Obesity can induce changes in proteins in the circulation that contribute to the negative impact of obesity on health; such changes may relate to cognitive and emotion regulation skills important for school readiness. We investigated obesity‐related hormones, body mass index (BMI), and school readiness in a pilot study of low‐income preschoolers attending Head Start (participating in a larger parent study). We found that the adipokine leptin was related to preschoolers' BMI z‐score, the appetite‐regulating hormones ghrelin and glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1), and pro‐inflammatory cytokines typically associated with early life stress; and that some of these obesity‐related biomarkers were in turn related to emotion regulation. Future work should evaluate how obesity may affect multiple domains of development, and consider modeling common physiological pathways related to stress, health, and school readiness.
The sedative effects and the attenuation of cardiovascular and arousal responses during anesthesia induction and intubation in pediatric patients: a randomized comparison between two different doses of preoperative intranasal dexmedetomidine
Authors: Wang Shan‐Shan , Zhang Ma‐Zhong , Sun Ying , Wu Chi , Xu Wen‐Yin , Bai Jie , Cai Mei‐Hua , Lin Lin 
Published: November 2013

SummaryObjectivePremedication with intranasal dexmedetomidine (DEX) has shown to be an effective sedative in pediatric patients. This prospective, randomized, and controlled investigation was designed to evaluate whether the difference in intranasal DEX dosing would produce different beneficial effects on the attenuation of cardiovascular and arousal responses during anesthesia induction and intubation.MethodsForty children, aged from 3 to 6 years, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II and scheduled for elective adenotonsillectomy randomly received intranasal DEX 1 μg·kg−1 (group D1) or 2 μg·kg−1 (group D2) 30 min before anesthesia induction. Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane in oxygen flow. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) as measurements of cardiovascular response and bispectral index (BIS) as an index of arousal response were recorded every 5 min after intranasal DEX administration and measured every 1 min for 5 min after intubation. Sedation status, behavior scores, and mask induction scores were also assessed.ResultsMean arterial pressure did not show statistical differences during the anesthesia induction, but did demonstrate significantly milder responses to laryngoscopy and intubation in group D2 compared with group D1. Change in HR was consistent with MAP during laryngoscopy and intubation. Patients who received 2 μg·kg−1 DEX presented with deeper sedation and less anxiety by the assessments of the alertness scale, behavior score, and BIS scores. Group D2 dosing achieved more favorable scores in children undergoing mask induction.ConclusionIntranasal DEX 2 μg·kg−1 administered 30 min before anesthesia induction provides considerable effect to attenuate the increase in MAP caused by intubation response. Changes in HR and BIS also demonstrate that this kind of premedication provides effective attenuation of intubation response. And preoperative intranasal DEX 2 μg·kg−1 produces optimal‐sedation, more favorable anesthesia induction course in pediatric patients. Premedication of intranasal DEX is a considerable way to blunt cardiovascular and arousal responses to endotracheal intubation.
Exploring the experience of hearing voices from a first person perspective: A meta‐ethnographic synthesis
Authors: Holt Lucy , Tickle Anna 
Published: November 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this review was to identify, appraise, and synthesize the current peer‐reviewed qualitative literature which explores the phenomenon of hearing voices from a first person perspective.MethodsA comprehensive systematic search of the literature was conducted. Seven studies utilizing various qualitative methodologies met the criteria to be included in the synthesis. An appraisal tool (Walsh & Downe, 2005, J. Adv. Nurs., 50, 204–211) was used to assess their quality. A meta‐ethnographic approach was used to synthesize the data extracted from them.ResultsThe interpretation of the findings suggested five key themes: identity of the voice(s), power of the voice(s), impact of hearing voices on relationships, relationship with the voice(s), and the distinction between thoughts and voices. The identity of the voices seemed inextricably linked to the perceived power the voice(s) wielded over the voice hearer. The quality of the studies included in the synthesis varied greatly.ConclusionsThe findings of this synthesis highlight the importance of the voice hearer's individual frame of reference for understanding their experience. Clinical implications include the need for mental health professionals to explore an individual's understanding of their experience of hearing voices and address the perceived power of the voice(s). Further research is indicated in this area with a focus of improving the quality of qualitative research studying this phenomenon.Practitioner points

There are multiple frames of reference in which to understand an individual's experience of hearing voices.

Mental health professionals should attend to the meaning and understanding voice hearers give to the experience.
Tennessee Health Plan Tobacco Cessation Coverage
Authors: Kolade Folasade M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the smoking cessation coverage available from public and private Tennessee health plans.Design and SampleCross‐sectional study. The sampling frame for private plans was a register of licensed plans obtained from the Tennessee Commerce Department. Government websites and reports provided TennCare data.MeasuresData were abstracted from plan manuals and formularies for benefit year 2012. Classification of coverage included comprehensive—all seven recommended medications plus individual and group counseling; moderate—at least two forms of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) plus bupropion and varenicline and one form of counseling; inadequate—at least one treatment, or none—no medications or counseling, or coverage only for pregnant women.ResultsOf nine private plans, one provided comprehensive coverage; two, moderate coverage; four, inadequate coverage, as did TennCare; and two plans provided no coverage. Over 362,800 smokers had inadequate access to cessation treatments under TennCare, while 119,094 smokers had inadequate or no cessation coverage under private plans.ConclusionIn 2012, Tennessee fell short of Healthy People goals for total managed care and comprehensive TennCare coverage of smoking cessation. If Tennessee mandates that all health plans provide full coverage, 481,900 smokers may immediately be in a better position to quit.
Storage time affects umbilical cord blood viability
Authors: Guttridge Martin G. , Soh Teck Guan , Belfield Heli , Sidders Chris , Watt Suzanne M. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundCryopreserved umbilical cord blood (CB) is increasingly used as a cell source to reconstitute marrow in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. Delays in cryopreservation may adversely affect cell viability, thereby reducing their potential for engraftment after transplantation.Study Design and MethodsThe impact of delayed cryopreservation for up to 3 days on the viability of both CD45+ and CD34+ cell populations in 28 CB donations with volumes of 58.40 ± 15.4 mL (range, 39.4‐107.4 mL) was investigated to establish whether precryopreservation storage time could be extended from our current time of 24 to 48 hours in line with other CB banks. Viability was assessed on 3 consecutive days, both before and after cryopreservation, by flow cytometry using 7‐aminoactinomycin D (7‐AAD) and annexin V methods.ResultsThe results using 7‐AAD and annexin V indicated the viability of CD34+ cells before cryopreservation remained high (>92.33 ± 4.11%) over 3 days, whereas the viability of CD45+ cells decreased from 86.36 ± 4.97% to 66.24 ± 7.78% (p < 0.0001) by Day 3. Storage time significantly affected the viability of CD34+ cells after cryopreservation. Using 7‐AAD, the mean CD34+ cell viability decreased by approximately 5% per extra day in storage from 84.30 ± 6.27% on Day 1 to 79.01 ± 7.44% (p < 0.0057) on Day 2 and to 73.95 ± 7.54% (p < 0.0001) on Day 3. With annexin V staining CD34+ cell viability fell by approximately 7% per extra day in storage from 77.17 ± 8.47% on Day 1 to 69.56 ± 13.30% (p < 0.0194) on Day 2 and to 62.89 ± 15.22% (p < 0.0002) on Day 3.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that extended precryopreservation storage adversely affects viability and should be avoided.