bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nasal cytokine responses to natural colds in asthmatic children
Authors: Lewis T. C. , Henderson T. A. , Carpenter A. R. , Ramirez I. A. , McHenry C. L. , Goldsmith A. M. , Ren X. , Mentz G. B. , Mukherjee B. , Robins T. G. , Joiner T. A. , Mohammad L. S. , Nguyen E. R. , Burns M. A. , Burke D. T. , Hershenson M. B. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe mechanisms by which viruses induce asthma exacerbations are not well understood.ObjectiveWe characterized fluctuations in nasal aspirate cytokines during naturally occurring respiratory viral infections in children with asthma.MethodsSixteen children underwent home collections of nasal aspirates when they were without cold symptoms and again during self‐reported respiratory illnesses. The presence of viral infection was ascertained by multiplex PCR. Cytokines were measured using multiplex immune assay. mRNA expression for selected markers of viral infection was measured using RT‐PCR. A cumulative respiratory symptom score was calculated for each day of measurement. Generalized estimated equations were used to evaluate associations between viral infection and marker elevation, and between marker elevation and symptom score.ResultsThe 16 patients completed a total of 37 weeks of assessment (15 ‘well’ weeks; 22 self‐assessed ‘sick’ weeks). Viral infections were detected in 3 of the ‘well’ weeks and 17 of the ‘sick’ weeks (10 rhinovirus, three coronavirus, two influenza A, two influenza B, two respiratory syncytial virus, one parainfluenza). Compared to virus‐negative well weeks, nasal aspirate IFN‐γ, CXCL8/IL‐8, CXCL10/IP‐10, CCL5/RANTES, CCL11/eotaxin‐1, CCL2/MCP‐1, CCL4/MIP‐1β, CCL7/MCP‐3, and CCL20/MIP3α protein levels increased during virus‐positive sick weeks. Only a subset of cytokines (IFN‐γ, CXCL8, CCL2, CCL4, CCL5, and CCL20) correlated with self‐reported respiratory tract symptoms. While many aspirates were dilute and showed no mRNA signal, viral infection significantly increased the number of samples that were positive for IFN‐λ1, IFN‐λ2/3, TLR3, RIG‐I, and IRF7 mRNA.Conclusions and clinical relevanceWe conclude that in children with asthma, naturally occurring viral infections apparently induce a robust innate immune response including expression of specific chemokines, IFNs, and IFN‐responsive genes.
Higher TSH level is a risk factor for differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Kim Hee Kyung , Yoon Jee Hee , Kim Soo Jeong , Cho Jin Seong , Kweon Sun‐Seog , Kang Ho‐Cheol 
Published: August 2012

SummaryObjectivesHigher thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are associated with differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC). To validate this association, we compared TSH levels obtained from euthyroid patients with DTC with TSH levels from controls in the general population.Design and patientsThe case group included 1759 patients with DTC, who underwent thyroid surgery at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital. The control group (n = 1548), who had participated in the Thyroid Disease Prevalence Study were used as a healthy control group. The subjects were divided into four groups of similar size according to their TSH levels, with the first quartile used as a reference group.ResultsThe mean TSH level of the case group was significantly higher than the mean TSH level of the control group (1.95 ± 0.9 mIU/l vs 1.62 ± 0.8 mIU/l, P < 0.001), and was associated with DTC risk. Multiple logistic regression, after controlling for age, gender and the presence of a family history of thyroid cancer, showed that the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the second, third and fourth quartiles of TSH levels were 1.27 (1.03–1.57), 1.55 (1.25–1.92) and 2.21 (1.78–2.74) respectively. No significant differences were observed in mean TSH levels in patients with different tumour stages and tumour sizes.ConclusionHaving a high TSH level within the normal range is an independent risk factor for DTC, and may contribute to the initiation of thyroid carcinogenesis. TSH levels in patients with thyroid nodules may be used as diagnostic adjuncts for the identification of high‐risk patients, who require further investigation and/or surgical intervention.
A simple new non‐invasive sweat indicator test for the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Papanas N. , Boulton A. J. M. , Malik R. A. , Manes C. , Schnell O. , Spallone V. , Tentolouris N. , Tesfaye S. , Valensi P. , Ziegler D. , Kempler P. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA simple non‐invasive indicator test (Neuropad®) has been developed for the assessment of sweating and, hence, cholinergic innervation in the diabetic foot. The present review summarizes current knowledge on this diagnostic test. The diagnostic ability of this test is based on a colour change from blue to pink at 10 min, with excellent reproducibility, which lends itself to patient self‐examination. It has a high sensitivity (65.1–100%) and negative predictive value (63–100%), with moderate specificity (32–78.5%) and positive predictive value (23.3–93.2%) for the diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It also has moderate to high sensitivity (59.1–89%) and negative predictive value (64.7–91%), but low to moderate specificity (27–78%) and positive predictive value (24–48.6%) for the diagnosis of diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy. There are some data to suggest that Neuropad can detect early diabetic neuropathy, but this needs further evaluation. It remains to be established whether this test can predict foot ulceration and amputation, thereby contributing to the identification of high‐risk patients.Diabet. Med. 30, 525–534 (2013)
A Delphi approach to define learning outcomes and assessment
Authors: Tonni I. , Oliver R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to use a Delphi process for curriculum revision facilitating staff collaboration and curriculum ‘alignment’ in the orthodontic specialist training programme in Cardiff.MethodA 2‐round modified Delphi process was employed to achieve consensus amongst a heterogeneous panel with regard to the learning outcomes and assessment methods, which initially were defined according to formal directives and local initiatives. The panel comprised of nine staff members (five consultants, a professor, a reader, a lecturer and a student) who were working in the orthodontic department in Cardiff and involved in the process of curriculum revision.ResultsThe response rate to the questionnaires was 77.8%. The staff members' consensus achieved in the Delphi process was 98.4% for the learning outcomes and assessment. The results of the Delphi process provided a list of outcomes and their appropriate assessment methods for the specialist orthodontist in Cardiff.Discussion and ConclusionThe results show that the Delphi process was an efficient and cost‐effective technique to achieve consensus of opinion on the learning outcomes and the assessment methods for the specialist orthodontist as part of the process of curriculum revision in Cardiff.
Climate change and the optimal flowering time of annual plants in seasonal environments
Authors: Johansson Jacob , Bolmgren Kjell , Jonzén Niclas 
Published: August 2012

AbstractLong‐term phenology monitoring has documented numerous examples of changing flowering dates during the last century. A pivotal question is whether these phenological responses are adaptive or not under directionally changing climatic conditions. We use a classic dynamic growth model for annual plants, based on optimal control theory, to find the fitness‐maximizing flowering time, defined as the switching time from vegetative to reproductive growth. In a typical scenario of global warming, with advanced growing season and increased productivity, optimal flowering time advances less than the start of the growing season. Interestingly, increased temporal spread in production over the season may either advance or delay the optimal flowering time depending on overall productivity or season length. We identify situations where large phenological changes are necessary for flowering time to remain optimal. Such changes also indicate changed selection pressures. In other situations, the model predicts advanced phenology on a calendar scale, but no selection for early flowering in relation to the start of the season. We also show that the optimum is more sensitive to increased productivity when productivity is low than when productivity is high. All our results are derived using a general, graphical method to calculate the optimal flowering time applicable for a large range of shapes of the seasonal production curve. The model can thus explain apparent maladaptation in phenological responses in a multitude of scenarios of climate change. We conclude that taking energy allocation trade‐offs and appropriate time scales into account is critical when interpreting phenological patterns.
Optimization of culture of mesenchymal stem cells: a comparison of conventional plate and microcarrier cultures
Authors: Chang J. , Lei H. , Liu Q. , Qin S. , Ma K. , Luo S. , Zhang X. , Huang W. , Zuo Z. , Fu H. , Xia Y. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectivesThere has been increasing interest in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) because of their potential use for regenerative therapy; however, there is no well‐defined protocol for MSCs culture. This study compares techniques of conventional plate and microcarrier culturing of MSCs.Methods and resultsHere, different conditions for isolation and expansion of rat MSCs have been examined and it was found that plating density and plating time in primary culture played important roles for culture of these rat MSCs. When plated at 108/cm2 density for 72 h, in primary culture, recycling stem cells (RS cells) predominated, and characteristics of rat MSCs (including morphology, growth rate, phenotype and differentiation potentials) remained stable during expansion until passage 14. For subculture of the cells, it was found that their growth rate when incubated at 33 °C was higher than those incubated at 37 °C, and maximal increase was 10‐ and 6‐fold respectively. When cultured using microcarriers, at a density of 1 × 105/mg beads, growth kinetics, phenotype and differentiation potentials also remained constant for cells between passage 2nd and 14th; their maximal number increased 16‐fold.ConclusionsCompared to conventional plate culture, culture using gelatine porous microcarrier Cultispher‐S was superior for large‐scale production of rat MSCs.
EGF signalling pathway regulates colon cancer stem cell proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Feng Y. , Dai X. , Li X. , Wang H. , Liu J. , Zhang J. , Du Y. , Xia L. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectivesCancer stem cells (CSCs) compose a subpopulation of cells within a tumour that can self‐renew and proliferate. Growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b‐FGF) promote cancer stem cell proliferation in many solid tumours. This study assesses whether EGF, bFGF and IGF signalling pathways are essential for colon CSC proliferation and self‐renewal.Material and methodsColon CSCs were cultured in serum‐free medium (SFM) with one of the following growth factors: EGF, bFGF or IGF. Characteristics of CSC gene expression were evaluated by real time PCR. Tumourigenicity of CSCs was determined using a xenograft model in vivo. Effects of EGF receptor inhibitors, Gefitinib and PD153035, on CSC proliferation, apoptosis and signalling were evaluated using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and western blotting.ResultsColon cancer cell HCT116 transformed to CSCs in SFM. Compared to other growth factors, EGF was essential to support proliferation of CSCs that expressed higher levels of progenitor genes (Musashi‐1, LGR5) and lower levels of differential genes (CK20). CSCs promoted more rapid tumour growth than regular cancer cells in xenografts. EGFR inhibitors suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis of CSCs by inhibiting autophosphorylation of EGFR and downstream signalling proteins, such as Akt kinase, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2).ConclusionsThis study indicates that EGF signalling was essential for formation and maintenance of colon CSCs. Inhibition of the EGF signalling pathway may provide a useful strategy for treatment of colon cancer.
Korean mistletoe lectin regulates self‐renewal of placenta‐derived mesenchymal stem cells via autophagic mechanisms
Authors: Choi J. H. , Lyu S. Y. , Lee H. J. , Jung J. , Park W. B. , Kim G. J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe balance between survival and death is a key point for regulation of physiology of stem cells. Recently, applications of natural products to enhance efficiencies in culturing and differentiation of stem cells are increasing. Korean mistletoe lectin (Viscum album L. var. coloratum agglutinin, VCA) has been known to be toxic to some cancer cells, but it is still unclear whether VCA has a cytotoxic or indeed a proliferative effect on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Here, we have compared effects of VCA in naïve placenta‐derived stem cells (PDSCs), immortalized PDSCs and cancer cells (HepG2), and analysed their mechanisms.Materials and methodsMTT assay was performed to analyse effects of VCA on naïve PDSCs, immortalized PDSCs and HepG2. FACS, ROS, caspase‐3 assay, western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to detect signalling events involved in self‐renewal of the above cell types.ResultsVCA had cancer cell‐specific toxicity to HepG2 cells even with low concentrations of VCA (1–5 pg/ml), toxicity was observed to immortalized PDSCs and HepG2s, while proliferation of naïve PDSCs was significantly increased (P < 0.05). ROS production by VCA treatment in naïve PDSCs was significantly lower compared to controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, autophagy was activated in naïve PDSCs treated with VCA through increase in type II LC3 and decrease in phosphorylated mTOR.ConclusionsVCA can promote MSC proliferation through an activated autophagic mechanism.
Estimating changes in mean population age using the death distributions of live‐captured medflies
Authors: CAREY JAMES R. , PAPADOPOULOS NIKOS T. , PAPANASTASIOU STELLA , DIAMANTIDIS ALEXANDROS , NAKAS CHRISTOS T. 
Published: August 2012

1. A simple, low‐cost approach to estimating population ageing was introduced based on a modified version of the captive cohort method – a technique developed earlier (Careyet al.,Aging Cell,7, 426–437, 2008) in which information on the remaining lifespans of live‐captured medflies of unknown age is used to estimate the overall population age structure.2. To test this approach approximately 1200 medflies near Volos, Greece were live captured from daily sampling over a 3‐month field season.3. This simplified method reported: (i) an extraordinary post‐capture longevity of wild medflies in early season (>200 days in longest lived); (ii) a decrease of 50–75 days in the mean longevity from early‐season to late‐season flies; (iii) seasonality of frailty as indicated by the shorter‐lived flies in late autumn; (iv) cessation of fly emergence in late season as indicated by the absence of long‐lived individuals (indicating newly emerged at capture) sampled in the autumn; and (v) increase in mean age from about 20 days in early season to approximately 60 days in late season.4. The applications of this simplified captive cohort method are discussed, including its use in the analysis of insect vector populations,Drosophilaecology and ageing in the wild, demographic toxicology, and age bias in sampling.
Larger wildflower plantings increase natural enemy density, diversity, and biological control of sentinel prey, without increasing herbivore density
Authors: BLAAUW BRETT R. , ISAACS RUFUS 
Published: August 2012

1. An important means of conserving beneficial insects in resource‐limited habitats is to meet their ecological requirements, which may be achieved by providing areas containing flowering plants that bloom throughout the season, but little is known about the importance of wildflower plot size for supporting natural enemies or the biological control they provide.2. Wildflowers were established in plots of sizes ranging from 1 to 100 m2, and found that natural enemy density, group richness, and diversity of natural enemy groups increased with plot size.3. The density of insect herbivores was lower in all flower plots than in the control samples, whereas the diversity of herbivore groups was significantly higher in flower plots.4. Comparing population growth of sentinel soybean aphids (Aphis glycines Matsumura) among plot sizes, aphid colonies were smaller as plot size increased.5. Providing beneficial insects with flowering resources resulted in significantly more natural enemies and greater pest control than in smaller flower plots or mown grass areas.6. These results indicate that the density, diversity, and function of natural enemies are sensitive to the size of wildflower plantings, even at relatively small scales. Therefore, larger wildflower plots are more suitable for the conservation of beneficial insects and their provision of natural pest control.
Semi‐field experiments investigating facilitation: arrival order decides the interrelationship between two saproxylic beetle species
Authors: VICTORSSON JONAS 
Published: August 2012

1. Acanthocinus aedilis (Linnaeus) and Rhagium inquisitor (Linnaeus) both colonise the cambial layer in newly dead Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L. and thus are potential competitors.2. Species interactions and in particular priority effects were investigated in an experiment with a replacement series design. Four pairs of adult beetles were released on each of 91 caged pine bolts (0.35 m long, 13 replicates). To test for priority effects, a 2‐week interval was used to separate the species.3. The interrelationship in simultaneous coexistence was positive for A. aedilis and negative for R. inquisitor (+,−). Acanthocinus aedilis produced 161% more offspring per female in coexistence than alone. Rhagium inquisitor had lower offspring quality in coexistence where its larvae weighed 39% less than in one‐species bolts.4. The interrelationship depended on arrival order. When A. aedilis had priority the interaction was again advantageous to A. aedilis (+,−) but when R. inquisitor had priority no species interaction occurred (0,0). Both species therefore fared better when having priority.5. Facilitation in cerambycids is novel and the facilitative effect on A. aedilis could be oviposition incitement or resource enhancement by R. inquisitor.
Are patterns in the taxonomic, biological and ecological traits of water beetles congruent in Mediterranean ecosystems?
Authors: PICAZO FÉLIX , MILLÁN ANDRÉS , DOLÉDEC SYLVAIN 
Published: August 2012

Summary1. Coleoptera species show considerable diversity in life histories and ecological strategies, which makes possible their wide distribution in freshwater habitats, including highly stressed ones such as saline or temporary waterbodies. Explaining how particular combinations of traits allow species to occupy distinctive habitats is a central question in ecology.2. A total of 212 sites, sampled over a wide range of inland aquatic habitats in the south‐eastern Iberian Peninsula, yielded 272 species belonging to 68 genera and 11 families. The affinities of genera for 11 biological and 11 ecological traits, gathered from literature and the authors’ own expertise, were used to assess the degree of congruence between taxonomic, biological and ecological traits.3. Taxonomic richness was significantly related to the number of both biological and ecological trait categories, with the richest families also showing the highest functional and ecological diversity. A fuzzy correspondence analysis performed on the abundance‐weighed array of biological traits separated genera according to categories of diet, feeding habits, respiration, reproduction and locomotion. A similar analysis of ecological traits revealed that preferences related to longitudinal distribution (headwater to mouth), local habitat and current velocity best discriminated genera. At the family level, there was a distinctive functional grouping of genera based on biological traits. Only Elmidae showed noticeable homogeneity across genera for both biological and ecological traits.4. Co‐inertia analysis demonstrated a significant match between biological and ecological traits (Rv‐correlation = 0.35, P < 0.001). Elmidae genera displayed the highest concordance, whereas Hydraenidae demonstrated the lowest.5. These results indicate that the predominance of habitat filtering processes in headwater streams yields biological trait conservatism (as shown by Elmidae genera), as well as trait convergence for some specific traits (for instance, respiration) among certain Dytiscidae genera and other typical rheophilic taxa, whereas other biotic factors, such as competition among species, appear more prominent in less stressed habitats. Further knowledge of traits, especially regarding physiological capabilities, is needed to better understand water beetle life history strategies.
Use of a morphology‐based functional approach to model phytoplankton community succession in a shallow subtropical lake
Authors: SEGURA ANGEL M. , KRUK CARLA , CALLIARI DANILO , FORT HUGO 
Published: August 2012

Summary1. We use morphology‐based functional groups (MBFGs) of phytoplankton to predict ecological performance of groups with a mechanistic model. We evaluate MBFGs’ performance in relation to hypothetical examples of succession and compare it with empirical data for a shallow subtropical hypertrophic lake (Lake Rodó, Uruguay).2. Our model predicts a trade‐off between maximum growth rate (μmax) and competitive ability (Tilman’s R*) for most MBFGs. The model predicts that phytoplankton succession will proceed from groups with high surface/volume, high μmax and without specialised structures (opportunists) towards the dominance of large colonial or filamentous algae with lower μmax and specialised traits (gleaners). These predictions are generally congruent with empirical data for Lake Rodó.3. The MBFG classification explained ecological performance of phytoplankton community dynamics while reducing system dimensionality. Despite species aggregation, MBFGs can resolve the occurrence of potentially noxious groups and thus is a promising tool for understanding and managing ponds and lakes.
Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire: a new sleep disorders questionnaire based on the International Classification of Sleep Disorders‐2
Authors: KERKHOF GERARD A. , GEUKE MONIQUE E. H. , BROUWER ANNA , RIJSMAN ROSELYNE M. , SCHIMSHEIMER ROB JAN , VAN KASTEEL VIVIANE 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe primary objectives of this study were to construct a self‐assessment questionnaire for sleep disorders based on the International Classification of Sleep Disorders‐2, and to evaluate the questionnaire’s psychometric properties with respect to its total score and the individual scores for each of the six sleep disorders. In total, 1269 patients, clinically diagnosed with a sleep disorder, and 412 subjects without sleep complaints were enrolled into this study. Principal components analysis confirmed that the Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire differentially represented the six symptom clusters associated with International Classification of Sleep Disorders‐2 classifications. The Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire’s total score distinguished patients with a clinically diagnosed sleep disorder from individuals without sleep complaints, with area under the receiver operating curve P(A) of 0.95. The internal reliability coefficient alpha was 0.90 and, applying the Youden criterion as cutoff score, the overall accuracy was 88% (κ: 0.75). Subsequently, the six diagnostic groups of sleep‐disordered patients could be differentiated reliably, with P(A) values ranging between 0.69 and 0.95, alpha coefficients ranging between 0.73 and 0.81 and an overall percentage of 85% correctly classified patients (κ = 0.80), indicating a substantial to excellent agreement between the primary diagnoses and the Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire classifications.