bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL‐33 stimulates CXCL8/IL‐8 secretion in goblet cells but not normally differentiated airway cells
Authors: Tanabe T. , Shimokawaji T. , Kanoh S. , Rubin B. K. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryBackgroundIL‐13, a helper T cell type 2 (Th2) cytokine, transforms cultured airway epithelial cells to goblet cells, and this is not inhibited by corticosteroids. IL‐33 stimulates Th2 cytokines and is highly expressed in airways of persons with asthma. The effect of IL‐33 on goblet cell differentiation and cytokine secretion has not been described.ObjectiveWe examined the effect of IL‐33 on CXCL8/IL‐8 secretion from goblet or normally differentiated human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells and signalling pathways associated with IL‐33 activation in these cells.MethodsNormal human bronchial epithelial cells were grown to goblet or normally differentiated ciliated cell phenotype at air–liquid interface in the presence or absence of IL‐13. After 14 days, differentiated cells were exposed to IL‐33 for 24 h.ResultsCXCL8/IL‐8 secretion into the apical (air) side of the goblet cells was greater than from normally differentiated cells (P < 0.01), and IL‐33 stimulated apical CXCL8/IL‐8 release from goblet cells, but not from normally differentiated cells (P < 0.01). IL‐33 increased ERK 1/2 phosphorylation in goblet cells (P < 0.05), and PD98059, a MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor, attenuated IL‐33‐stimulated CXCL8/IL‐8 secretion from goblet cells (P < 0.001). IL‐13 induced ST2 mRNA (P < 0.02) and membrane‐bound ST2 protein expression on the apical side surface of goblet cells compared with normally differentiated cells, and neutralization with anti‐ST2R antibody attenuated IL‐33‐induced apical CXCL8/IL‐8 secretion from goblet cells (P < 0.02).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceGoblet cells secrete CXCL8/IL‐8, and this is increased by IL‐33 through ST2R‐ERK pathway, suggesting a mechanism for enhanced airway inflammation in the asthmatic airway with goblet cell metaplasia.
Positive reactions to placebo in children undergoing double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge
Authors: Ahrens B. , Niggemann B. , Wahn U. , Beyer K. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe gold standard in the diagnosis of food allergy is the double‐blind, placebo‐controlled oral food challenge (DBPCFC). During this challenge, patients receive the allergenic food and placebo on separate randomized days, while being monitored for clinical reactions. Interestingly, some reactions are assessed as positive although the patients had received placebo. The aim of our study was to analyze incidence and characteristics of positive placebo reactions during DBPCFCs.MethodsIn food‐allergic children, we retrospectively analyzed positive placebo reactions in DBPCFCs in 740 placebo challenges in our department. Individual characteristics were compared, such as age or IgE levels, as well as clinical symptoms.ResultsOf all placebo challenges, 2.8% (21 of 740) were assessed as positive. Young children (age ≤ 1.5 years) had more (P = 0.047) positive placebo challenges (4.0%) compared to older children (age > 1.5 years; 1.5%). Children with positive placebo challenges had higher levels of total IgE (median 201 kU/L) compared to negatively classified children (median 110 kU/L). In children with positive placebo reactions, skin symptoms were observed significantly more often, with a worsening of atopic eczema (AE) as the most reported symptom.ConclusionPlacebo reactions in DBPCFC are not common. Worsening of AE is the most frequent clinical reaction associated with positive placebo challenges, and young children (age ≤ 1.5 years) seem to be affected more often. Therefore – contrary to current recommendations – DBPCFC tests should be considered in infants and young children, especially those with a history of AE.
Trap colour, size, and borders alter catches of Bactericera cockerelli in a potato crop
Authors: Taylor N.M. , Butler R.C. , Vereijssen J. , Davidson M.M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractVisual cues play a key role in host finding in many phytophagous insects, including the tomato potato psyllid (TPP), Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), a serious pest of solanaceous crops. This study evaluated the response of TPP to sticky traps of one of three colours, up to four sizes, and with or without green borders in an organic potato crop in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. On average, large traps caught a higher density of TPP than small traps (with or without border; 25 and 14 TPP per 100 cm2, respectively). Tomato potato psyllid density on the green border was affected by the colour of the centre trap; a blue centre resulted in substantially fewer TPP on the green border than a yellow centre (9.0 vs. 69.6 TPP per 100 cm2). Trap catches in early summer were male biased, whereas catches of male and female TPP in late summer were approximately equal.
Effective salvage therapy for high‐risk relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia with cisplatin in combination with high‐dose cytarabine and etoposide
Authors: Lee Yun‐Gyoo , Kwon Ji‐hyun , Kim Inho , Yoon Sung Soo , Lee Jong‐Seok , Park Seongyang 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed at evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of the combination regimen of high‐dose cytarabine, etoposide and cisplatin (HAEP) in adult patients with high‐risk relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).MethodsFrom January 2001 to December 2012, 49 relapsed or refractory AML patients [36 men; 13 women; median age, 42 (range, 18–71) yr; patients aged >60 yr, 8] were treated with HAEP [high‐dose cytarabine (2 g/m2), etoposide (100 mg/m2) and cisplatin (20 mg/m2) for five alternative days] as salvage therapy. Patients who had the first relapse at <6 months after an initial complete remission (CR), had a second or subsequent relapse, were primary refractory to ≥2 courses of front‐line conventional induction chemotherapy or were refractory to re‐induction chemotherapy after any relapse was eligible for HAEP treatments.ResultsThe overall CR + CR without platelet recovery (CRp) rates among 49 evaluable patients were 31% [95% confidence interval (CI), 17–44%]. Of the eight patients aged ≥60 yr, none showed any response to HAEP treatment. The CR + CRp rate was 54% in patients with second or greater relapse and 25% in patients refractory to re‐induction therapy after relapse. In multivariate analysis, younger age, favourable cytogenetics and no prior salvage chemotherapy were independent predictors for better responses.ConclusionOur findings suggest that HAEP is an effective salvage chemotherapy for patients aged <60 yr with high‐risk relapsed or refractory AML.
External validation and clinical evaluation of the International Prognostic Score of Thrombosis for Essential Thrombocythemia (IPSET‐thrombosis) in a large cohort of Chinese patients
Authors: Fu Rongfeng , Xuan Min , Lv Cuicui , Zhang Liyan , Li Huiyuan , Zhang Xian , Zhang Donglei , Sun Tiantian , Xue Feng , Liu Xiaofan , Liang Haoyue , Zhang Lei , Yang Renchi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectivesIn patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), vascular complications contribute to both morbidity and mortality. To better predict the occurrence of thrombotic events, an International Prognostic Score of thrombosis for ET (IPSET‐thrombosis) was recently developed. We hereby presented an external validation and analysis of this model in a large Cohort of Chinese Patients.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the characteristics and risk factors for thrombosis in 970 Chinese patients with ET and estimated the clinical implications of the IPSET‐thrombosis model.ResultsThe median follow‐up was 49 months (range, 0–360). Chinese ET patients had similar clinical characteristics as Caucasian patients. Similar to the IPSET‐thrombosis study, our multivariate analysis revealed age >60 (HR = 1.949), previous thrombosis (HR = 2.484), JAK2V617F mutation (HR = 1.719), and cardiovascular risk factors (HR = 1.877) as independent risk factors for thrombosis. We confirmed that the above risk factors in IPSET‐thrombosis, when compared with traditional risk factors (e.g., age ≥60 and previous thrombotic events), were more predictive of thrombotic events (C‐index 0.714 vs. 0.647). Classification by IPSET‐thrombosis risk groups revealed different cumulative thrombosis‐free survival (P < 0.001). For treatment, patients in the intermediate‐ and high‐risk group derived clinical benefit from cytoreductive agents (P < 0.05), but those in the low‐risk group did not (P = 0.446). The lower risk of thrombosis on cytoreductive therapy was related to decrease in leukocyte count during the disease course.ConclusionsWe validate the reproducibility of IPSET‐thrombosis in Chinese ET patients and provide key clinical implications.
Adipose tissue‐resident regulatory T cells: phenotypic specialization, functions and therapeutic potential
Authors: Cipolletta Daniela 
Published: January 2014

SummaryFoxp3+ CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, recognized to be one of the most important defences of the human body against an inappropriate immune response, have recently gained attention from those outside immunology thanks to the compelling evidence for their capability to exert non‐canonical immune functions in a variety of tissues in health and disease. The recent discovery of the differences between tissue‐resident Treg cells and those derived from lymphoid organs is affecting the mindset of many investigators now questioning the broad applicability of observations originally based on peripheral blood/lymphoid organ cells. So far, the best characterized ‘Treg flavour’ comes from studies focused on their role in suppressing adipose tissue inflammation and obesity‐driven insulin resistance. Adipose tissue derived Treg cells are distinct from their counterparts in lymphoid organs based on their transcriptional profile, T‐cell receptor repertoire, and cytokine and chemokine receptor expression pattern. These cells are abundant in visceral adipose tissue of lean mice but their number is greatly reduced in insulin‐resistant animal models of obesity. Interestingly, peroxisome‐proliferator‐activated receptor γ expression by visceral adipose tissue Treg cells is crucial for their accumulation, phenotype and function in the fat and surprisingly necessary for complete restoration of insulin sensitivity in obese mice by the anti‐diabetic drug Pioglitazone. This review surveys recent findings relating to the unique phenotype and function of adipose tissue‐resident Treg cells, speculates on the nature of their dynamics in lean and obese mouse models, and analyses their potential therapeutic application in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Improved Dielectric and Nonlinear Electrical Properties of Fine‐Grained CaCu3Ti4O12 Ceramics Prepared by a Glycine‐Nitrate Process
Authors: Thongbai Prasit , Yamwong Teerapon , Maensiri Santi , Amornkitbamrung Vittaya , Chindaprasirt Prinya 
Published: January 2014

Pure CaCu3Ti4O12 was successfully prepared by a glycine‐nitrate process using a relatively low calcination temperature and short reaction time of 760°C for 4 h. Fine‐grained CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics with dense microstructure and small grain size were obtained after sintering for 1 h. The nonlinear coefficient of a fine‐grained CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramic calculated in the range 1–10 mA/cm2 was found to be very high of ~16.39 with high breakdown electric field strength of 1.46 × 104 V/cm. This fine‐grained CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramic also exhibited a very low loss tangent of 0.017 at 20°C with temperature stability over the range −55°C to 85°C. The grain growth rate of the CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics was found to be very fast after increasing the sintering time from 1.5 to 3 h, leading to formation of a coarse‐grained CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramic with grain size of about 100–200 μm. The dielectric permittivity of this coarse‐grained ceramic was found to be as high as 1.03 × 105 with a low loss tangent of 0.054.
Initial Stages of ZrB2–30 vol% SiC Oxidation at 1500°C
Authors: Shugart Kathleen , Jennings Wayne , Opila Elizabeth 
Published: January 2014

The initial oxidation behavior of ZrB2–30 vol% SiC was analyzed with the goal of understanding any relationship to the variable oxidation performance observed at longer times. A box furnace was used to oxidize samples for times as short as 10 s and up to 100 min at 1500°C in air. The samples were characterized using mass change, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy to explore the oxidation behavior. The presence of borosilicate glass and ZrO2 was observed on the surface at times as early as 10 s. Bubble formation in the borosilicate glass was observed after 30 s of oxidation and is attributed to uneven distribution of the glass. The impact of surface roughness on oxidation was also explored and found to be negligible for times greater than 30 s.
Assessing entrepreneurial and regional‐economic flood impacts on a globalized production facility
Authors: Pfurtscheller C. , Vetter M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIndirect economic losses and business interruption effects triggered by natural hazards are widely underestimated by corporate managements. They can exceed direct damages in the case of flood events and are difficult to evaluate because of missing data and methods on a micro‐scale. Existing data can be used for meso‐analysis, but are of little relevance for either mitigation policies or cost‐efficient technical mitigation measures for individual flood‐prone premises. The study represents an interdisciplinary collaboration for improving risk management strategies based on a flood scenario for an individual production company in Austria with high regional‐economic impact. Based on flood modelling, using LiDAR data as source, and on expert judgements, we analyse the entrepreneurial and regional‐economic impacts of a specific production site. The flood model used is based on an HQ100 with a climate change variability of 3%, which is mainly triggered by a change in air temperature and successively increasing heavy rainfall events. The main objective for this assessment is to give result‐based recommendations to improve public and private risk management of the affected area and to provide data for cost–benefit frameworks for technical and nontechnical prevention. Overall, we calculated a total decline of revenues of approximately 14.1 to 14.3 million euros, even though the production site experiences only shallow flooding.
How does it really feel to be in my shoes? Patients' experiences of compassion within nursing care and their perceptions of developing compassionate nurses
Authors: Bramley Louise , Matiti Milika 
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectivesTo understand how patients experience compassion within nursing care and explore their perceptions of developing compassionate nurses.BackgroundCompassion is a fundamental part of nursing care. Individually, nurses have a duty of care to show compassion; an absence can lead to patients feeling devalued and lacking in emotional support. Despite recent media attention, primary research around patients' experiences and perceptions of compassion in practice and its development in nursing care remains in short supply.DesignA qualitative exploratory descriptive approach.MethodsIn‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 10 patients in a large teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic networks were used in analysis.ResultsThree overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) what is compassion: knowing me and giving me your time, (2) understanding the impact of compassion: how it feels in my shoes and (3) being more compassionate: communication and the essence of nursing.ConclusionCompassion from nursing staff is broadly aligned with actions of care, which can often take time. However, for some, this element of time needs only be fleeting to establish a compassionate connection. Despite recent calls for the increased focus compassion at all levels in nurse education and training, patient opinion was divided on whether it can be taught or remains a moral virtue. Gaining understanding of the impact of uncompassionate actions presents an opportunity to change both individual and cultural behaviours.Relevance to clinical practiceIt comes as a timely reminder that the smallest of nursing actions can convey compassion. Introducing vignettes of real‐life situations from the lens of the patient to engage practitioners in collaborative learning in the context of compassionate nursing could offer opportunities for valuable and legitimate professional development.
The influence of the initiation of an exercise programme on seroma formation and dehiscence following breast cancer surgery
Authors: Petito Eliana L , Esteves Marcella T , Elias Simone , Facina Gil , Nazário Afonso CP , Gutiérrez Maria GR 
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectivesTo verify whether early (first post‐operative day) or late initiation (after removal of the continuous suction drain) of a functional rehabilitation exercise programme influences the incidence of seroma formation and dehiscence for women after breast cancer surgery.BackgroundBenefits of early implementation of an exercise programme initiated with women in the first days following breast cancer surgery are widely known. However, the safe initiation of the exercises is still a controversial issue and some authors correlate early initiation of the exercises with an increase in seroma formation.DesignA prospective, randomised, controlled clinical trial.MethodsSeventy‐seven women were randomly assigned to initiate the programme on post‐operative day 1 (early group = 40) or after removal of the drain (late group = 37) and were monitored until the 45th post‐operative day. Patients in the early group were instructed to perform the exercises daily at home, beginning on post‐operative day 1, while those of the late group began the exercises after the drain was removed. The assessment for seroma formation and dehiscence was performed on post‐operative days 7 and 45.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference regard to seroma formation between early group and late group. Also there was no association between the presence of dehiscence and early exercises.ConclusionThe early initiation of the exercises for women, following breast cancer surgery, constitutes a safe practice for the rehabilitation. However, these findings need to be further explored and confirmed in a larger sample.Relevance to clinical practiceStudies showing evidence that early functional rehabilitation process is a safe practice for women having surgery for breast cancer, as well as the present research, are of interest to health professionals who care for these patients and contribute to the wider global clinical community.
Clinical role of the nurse: concept analysis
Authors: Mendes Maria A , da Cruz Diná ALM , Angelo Margareth 
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectivesTo identify the attributes of the concept ‘clinical role of the nurse’ in the literature.BackgroundThe concept of nurses' clinical role is frequently mentioned in literature, but hardly explored in conceptual terms. This has implications for nursing practice and education.DesignQualitative and descriptive study, which corresponds to the first phase in the concept development of the qualitative concept analysis method – identification of concept attributes.MethodsThe critical literature analysis method was used to identify the antecedents, defining attributes and consequences of the nurse's clinical role. A systematic literature search was undertaken in International Literature in Health Sciences, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences.ResultsThe clinical role was shown to be a process of complex interaction between nurse and patient, with critical thinking, informed experience and a sense of clinical autonomy as its antecedents. Consequences of nurses' clinical role include transformations in the organisation and process of nursing practice. A theoretical proposal was elaborated for the concept of the clinical role of the nurse, identifying the defining attributes, antecedents and consequences.ConclusionsThe clinical role of the nurse concept that was developed represents innovative evidence on the theme. Nevertheless, a deeper understanding of nurses' clinical role is needed, as well as refinement of its conceptual components. This study should be integrated into a field research project, designed to illuminate how nurses manifest and articulate the concept in clinical practice.Relevance to clinical practiceKnowledge of clinical role attributes, associated with nursing competencies, can contribute to reflection on the dimensions involved in nursing practice and inform not only teaching and professional practice, but also health policies.
Dreaming of Flying When Grounded: Occupational Identity and Occupational Fantasies of Furloughed Airline Pilots
Authors: Fraher Amy L. , Gabriel Yiannis 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis article analyses the effects of job loss on the occupational identities of a group ofUnitedStates pilots, laid off (or ‘furloughed’) twice by their employer in the decade following 9/11. Using a narrative methodology, the paper examines how the childhood dream of flying, referred to as the Phaëthon dream, serves as an identity anchor that sustained their occupational identities. When the circumstances of the aviation industry (restructuring, outsourcing, and downsizing) led to extensive lay‐offs, this identity anchor functioned in two contrasting ways. Some pilots moved on to retrain and start new careers, without abandoning their occupational identities or relinquishing the dream of flying. Another group of pilots, however, were stuck in occupational limbo waiting to be recalled by their employer, unwilling to forsake this dream and refusing to contemplate a move that would decisively take them out of their pilot seats. The paper's contribution lies in theorizing how a dream originating in childhood, linked to a long‐standing archetype of flying and subsequently hardened into a shared occupational fantasy, acts as an identity anchor and how this shapes responses to the trauma of job loss. The paper concludes by linking the Phaëthon dream to its mythological counterpart in order to highlight its enduring, shared, and unconscious character.
Vaginal Microbiota of Spayed Dogs with or without Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Hutchins R.G. , Vaden S.L. , Jacob M.E. , Harris T.L. , Bowles K.D. , Wood M.W. , Bailey C.S. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundLimited information is available regarding the vaginal microbiota of normal spayed dogs and spayed dogs with recurrentUTIs. Vaginal lactic acid‐producing bacteria (LAB) have been associated with decreased frequency of recurrent urinary tract infection in women and may have a protective role within the urinary tract of female dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesSpayed dogs with historical recurrentUTIwill have decreased prevalence ofLABand increased prevalence of uropathogenic bacterial populations in the vaginal microbiota when compared with the vaginal microbiota of healthy, spayed dogs.AnimalsTwenty‐one client‐owned adult spayed female dogs with historical recurrentUTIand 23 healthy, spayed female dogs without a history of recurrentUTI.MethodsDogs were placed into a recurrentUTIgroup or control group in this prospective study. Bacterial populations were isolated and characterized from vaginal swabs obtained from each dog.ResultsThe most common bacterial isolates obtained from the vaginal tract of all dogs wereEscherichia coli(11/44) andS. pseudintermedius(13/44).E. coliwas isolated from the vaginal tract of 8 of 21 (38%) dogs in therUTIgroup and 3 of 23 (13%) dogs in the control group (P = .08). LAB were isolated from 7 of the 44 dogs. Two of these 7 dogs were in therUTIgroup and 5 of the 7 dogs were in the control group.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe vaginal microbiota of spayed female dogs with recurrentUTIwas similar to the control population of normal, spayed female dogs.