bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Russia's social upper class: from ostentation to culturedness
Authors: Schimpfossl Elisabeth 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis article discusses examples of strategies employed by representatives of Russia's new social upper class to acquire social distinction. By the late 2000s many of the upper‐class Russians included in this study distanced themselves from the conspicuous ostentation ascribed to the brutish 1990s. Instead, they strove to gain legitimacy for their social position by no longer aggressively displaying their wealth, but instead elaborating more refined and individualized tastes and manners and reviving a more cultured image and self‐image. These changes found their expression in various modes of social distinction ranging from external signs, such as fashion and cars, to ostentation vicariously exercised through the people these upper‐class Russians surrounded themselves with.The article will trace these interviewees' strategies for distinction in the late 2000s by discussing tastes in lifestyle and consumption as well as adornment through sartorial signs and through vicarious ostentation, as exemplified by their choice of female company. Changing attitudes towards vehicles and modes of transport, with special regards to the Moscow Metro, will serve as a further illustration of modes of distinction. Crucial for this discussion is the role of the Russian/Soviet intelligentsia, both for vicarious status assertion and elite distinction anchored in the interviewees' social backgrounds.
Verification of the anatomy and newly discovered histology of the G‐spot complex
Authors: Ostrzenski A , Krajewski P , Ganjei‐Azar P , Wasiutynski AJ , Scheinberg MN , Tarka S , Fudalej M 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesTo expand the anatomical investigations of the G‐spot and to assess the G‐spot's characteristic histological and immunohistochemical features.DesignAn observational study.SettingInternational multicentre.PopulationEight consecutive fresh human female cadavers.MethodsAnterior vaginal wall dissections were executed and G‐spot microdissections were performed. All specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The tissues of two women were selected at random for immunohistochemical staining.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was to document the anatomy of the G‐spot. The secondary outcome measures were to identify the histology of the G‐spot and to determine whether histological samples stained with H&E are sufficient to identify the G‐spot.ResultsThe anatomical existence of the G‐spot was identified in all women and was in a diagonal plane. In seven (87.5%) and one (12.5%) of the women the G‐spot complex was found on the left or right side, respectively. The G‐spot was intimately fused with vessels, creating a complex. A large tangled vein‐like vascular structure resembled an arteriovenous malformation and there were a few smaller feeding arteries. A band‐like structure protruded from the tail of the G‐spot. The size of the G‐spot varied. Histologically, the G‐spot was determined as a neurovascular complex structure. The neural component contained abundant peripheral nerve bundles and a nerve ganglion. The vascular component comprised large vein‐like vessels and smaller feeding arteries. Circular and longitudinal muscles covered the G‐complex.ConclusionThe anatomy of the G‐spot complex was confirmed. The histology of the G‐spot presents as neurovascular tissues with a nerve ganglion. H&E staining is sufficient for the identification of the G‐spot complex.
Daidzein stimulates collagen synthesis by activating the TGF‐β/smad signal pathway
Authors: Zhao Di , Shi Yuling , Dang Yongyan , Zhai Yimiao , Ye Xiyun 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of daidzein on collagen metabolism and its underlying mechanism in cultured skin fibroblast and nude mouse skin.MethodsSkin fibroblasts were exposed to different concentrations of daidzein (0.5–50 μg/mL) for 24 h or 48 h, respectively. Female nude mice were treated topically with 200 μg/mL daidzein once a day for 6 weeks. Cell viability and cell cycle were determined by MTT and flow cytometer. The transcriptional activity of collagen type I was evaluated and the expression of procollagen, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP1) and MMP2 were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. A Western blot analysis was applied to detect the levels of phosphorylated‐Smad2 and Smad3.ResultsIn the daidzein‐treated cells the expression of type I procollagen increased markedly while the expressions of MMP1, and MMP2 was significantly inhibited. Additionally, the mouse skin showed more collagen deposition after daidzein treatment. The levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, phosphorylated‐smad2 and smad3 were also higher in the daidzein treated skin fibroblasts than in the controls.ConclusionsThe results showed that daidzein treatment can increase skin collagen synthesis and inhibit collagen degradation in vitro and in vivo. It seems that TGF‐β/smad signalling pathways play an important role in daidzein‐induced collagen accumulation.
Suboptimal care and metabolic acidemia is associated with neonatal encephalopathy but not with neonatal seizures alone: a population‐based clinical audit
Authors: Jonsson Maria , Ågren Johan , Nordén‐Lindeberg Solveig , Ohlin Andreas , Hanson Ulf 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the incidence of moderate to severe neonatal encephalopathy (NE) and neonatal seizures without encephalopathy, and the association with metabolic acidemia. Secondly, to investigate the occurrence of suboptimal intrapartum care and its impact on neonatal outcome.DesignClinical audit.SettingTwo university hospitals in Sweden.PopulationNeonates ≥34 weeks with moderate or severe NE and neonatal seizures alone, i.e. without encephalopathy, from a population of 71 189 births, where umbilical blood gases were routinely analyzed.MethodsNeonates were categorized depending on the presence of metabolic acidemia at birth by umbilical artery pH < 7.00, base deficit ≥12 mmol/L. Records were audited for suboptimal care and a decision was made on whether management was assessed to have impacted neonatal outcome.Main outcome measuresEncephalopathy and seizures alone.ResultsWe identified 80 neonates with NE and 30 with seizures alone, of which 48 (60%) and none, respectively, had metabolic acidemia. Suboptimal care could be assessed in 77 and occurred in 28 (36%) NE cases and in one neonate with seizures alone (p < 0.001). In 47 NE cases with metabolic acidemia, suboptimal care occurred in 22 (47%) vs. 6/30 (20%) without metabolic acidemia (p = 0.02). Suboptimal care had an impact on outcome in 18/77 (23%) NE cases but in no cases with seizures alone.ConclusionSuboptimal care was commonly seen with NE, particularly in neonates with metabolic acidemia, and also affected neonatal outcome. No such associations were found in neonates with seizures alone.
Stem cell therapy for bone repair: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of preclinical studies with large animal models
Authors: Liao Yun , Zhang Xiao‐Long , Li Ling , Shen Fu‐Ming , Zhong Ming‐Kang 
Published: March 2014

AimInjury to bone is a significant clinical challenge, due to its limited regenerative capacity. The current methods of repairing bone defect are surgical, highly invasive and not always successful. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of preclinical studies involving large animals with bone defects were conducted to determine the treatment outcomes with stem cell therapies.MethodsA random effects meta‐analysis of the available studies was conducted to assess the treatment outcomes including the rate of new bone formation and new bone mineral density (BMD). Stratified analyses were also conducted by separating studies based on each characteristic independently.ResultsPooled analysis of 20 preclinical studies showed a significant beneficial effect of stem cell therapy in increasing new bone formation (17.79%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.54, 25.03; P < 0.001) and BMD (276.94 mg cm−2, 95% CI, 62.71, 491.17; P < 0.001) for disease amelioration. Regarding new bone formation, a statistical improvement was similarly detected from randomized controlled trial groups (17.06%, 95% CI, 8.87, 25.24; P < 0.001) and cohort groups (17.43%, 95% CI, 10.79, 24.07; P < 0.001). Exploratory stratified analysis yielded significant predictors of new bone formation including cell number (<107 vs. ≥107; P = 0.048) and the route of cell delivery (combining with matrix scaffold showed more effect than direct cell injection, P = 0.041). The effect of stem cell therapy diminished after 12 weeks.ConclusionThe study results suggest that stem cell therapy improves new bone formation and BMD in bone defect models. Future trials should focus on the transplantation of ≥107 stem cells, especially using slow release biodegradable scaffolds or repetitive cell injections.
Modelling of Human Transplacental Transport as Performed in Copenhagen, Denmark
Authors: Mathiesen Line , Mørck Thit Aarøe , Zuri Giuseppina , Andersen Maria Helena , Pehrson Caroline , Frederiksen Marie , Mose Tina , Rytting Erik , Poulsen Marie S. , Nielsen Jeanette KS. , Knudsen Lisbeth E. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPlacenta perfusion models are very effective when studying the placental mechanisms in order to extrapolate to real‐life situations. The models are most often used to investigate the transport of substances between mother and foetus, including the potential metabolism of these. We have studied the relationships between maternal and foetal exposures to various compounds including pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated flame retardants, nanoparticles as well as recombinant human antibodies. The compounds have been studied in the human placenta perfusion model and to some extent in vitro with an established human monolayer trophoblast cell culture model. Results from our studies distinguish placental transport of substances by physicochemical properties, adsorption to placental tissue, binding to transport and receptor proteins and metabolism. We have collected data from different classes of chemicals and nanoparticles for comparisons across chemical structures as well as different test systems. Our test systems are based on human material to bypass the extrapolation from animal data. By combining data from our two test systems, we are able to rank and compare the transport of different classes of substances according to their transport ability. Ultimately, human data including measurements in cord blood contribute to the study of placental transport.
The Inhibitory Effect of Intravesical Fisetin against Bladder Cancer by Induction of p53 and Down‐Regulation of NF‐kappa B Pathways in a Rat Bladder Carcinogenesis Model
Authors: Li Jing , Qu Weixing , Cheng Yongyi , Sun Yi , Jiang Yazhuo , Zou Tiejun , Wang Zhiping , Xu Yonggang , Zhao Huacai 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntravesical chemotherapy after transurethral resection has been widely used as an adjuvant therapy to prevent recurrence and progression of superficial bladder cancer. Due to the insufficiency of the current chemotherapeutics, there is an urgent need to search for more novel, effective and safe intravesical agents. Previously, we have proved the in vitro apoptotic effects of fisetin, a dietary flavonoid, on bladder carcinoma cells. In the present study, we have further explored its intravesical efficacy and investigated the underlying mechanisms of its inhibitory effect of bladder cancer through an autochthonous rat model of bladder cancer induced by intravesical N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU). We found that fisetin‐induced apoptosis in bladder cancer is mediated via modulation of two related pathways: up‐regulation of p53 and down‐regulation of NF‐κB pathway activity, causing changes in the ratio of pro‐ and antiapoptotic proteins. Meanwhile, administration of fisetin significantly reduced the incidence of MNU‐induced bladder tumours by suppressing NF‐κB activation and modulating the expression of NF‐κB target genes that regulate cell proliferation and cell apoptosis. Our study suggests that the activation of p53 and inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway may play important roles in the fisetin‐induced apoptosis in bladder cancer. Furthermore, intravesical fisetin effectively inhibited, without any toxicity, the carcinogenesis of bladder cancer in MNU‐initiated rats. These findings identify the in vivo chemopreventive efficacy of fisetin and suggest that fisetin could be used as a novel, effective and safe intravesical agent for bladder cancer.
Schistosome infection is negatively associated with mite atopy, but not wheeze and asthma in Ghanaian Schoolchildren
Authors: Obeng B. B. , Amoah A. S. , Larbi I. A. , de Souza D. K. , Uh H.‐W. , Fernández‐Rivas M. , van Ree R. , Rodrigues L. C. , Boakye D. A. , Yazdanbakhsh M. , Hartgers F. C. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryBackgroundEpidemiological evidence suggests that helminth infection and rural living are inversely associated with allergic disorders.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the effect of helminth infections and urban versus rural residence on allergy in schoolchildren from Ghana.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study of 1385 children from urban‐high socio‐economic status (SES), urban‐low SES and rural schools, associations between body mass index (BMI), allergen‐specific IgE (sIgE), parasitic infections and allergy outcomes were analysed. Allergy outcomes were skin prick test (SPT) reactivity, reported current wheeze and asthma.ResultsHelminth infections were found predominantly among rural subjects, and the most common were hookworm (9.9%) and Schistosoma spp (9.5%). Being overweight was highest among urban‐high SES (14.6%) compared to urban‐low SES (5.5%) and rural children (8.6%). The prevalence of SPT reactivity to any allergen was 18.3%, and this was highest among rural children (21.4%) followed by urban‐high SES (20.2%) and urban‐low SES (10.5%) children. Overall, SPT reactivity to mite (12%) was most common. Wheeze and asthma were reported by 7.9% and 8.3%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, factors associated with mite SPT were BMI (aOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.28–4.60, P = 0.007), schistosome infection (aOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.05–0.41) and mite sIgE (aOR 7.40, 95% CI 5.62–9.73, P < 0.001) but not area. However, the association between mite IgE and SPT differed by area and was strongest among urban‐high SES children (aOR = 15.58, 95% CI 7.05–34.43, P < 0.001). Compared to rural, urban‐low SES area was negatively associated with current wheeze (aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.20–0.83, P = 0.013). Both mite sIgE and mite SPT were significantly associated with current wheeze and asthma.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceInfection with schistosomes appeared to protect against mite SPT reactivity. This needs to be confirmed in future studies, preferably in a longitudinal design where schistosome infections are treated and allergic reactions reassessed.
Outbreak of contact sensitization to methylisothiazolinone: an analysis of French data from the REVIDAL‐GERDA network
Authors: Hosteing Stéphanie , Meyer Nicolas , Waton Julie , Barbaud Annick , Bourrain Jean‐Luc , Raison‐Peyron Nadia , Felix Brigitte , Milpied‐Homsi Brigitte , Ferrier Le Bouedec Marie‐Christine , Castelain Michel , Vital‐Durand Dominique , Debons Michèle , Collet Evelyne , Avenel‐Audran Martine , Mathelier‐Fusade Pascale , Vermeulen Christophe , Assier Haudrey , Gener Gwendoline , Lartigau‐Sezary Isabelle , Catelain‐Lamy Amandine , Giordano‐Labadie Françoise ,   On behalf of REVIDAL‐GERDA network
Published: March 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe preservative methylisothiazolinone (MI) is used in combination with methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), but the MCI/MI mixture has been identified as highly allergenic. MI is considered to be less allergenic, and since the mid‐2000s has been widely used alone, but is now clearly identified as a contact allergen. The French Vigilance Network for Dermatology and Allergy of the Study and Research Group on Contact Dermatitis (REVIDAL‐GERDA) added MI to its baseline patch testing series in 2010.ObjectiveTo evaluate the change in the proportion of MI‐positive tests in France between 2010 and 2012.Patients/materials/methodsWe conducted a nationwide, multicentre, retrospective study of all MI‐tested patients between 2010 and 2012.ResultsSixteen centres participated in the study (7874 patients were tested). Patch tests were performed mainly at a concentration of MI 200 ppm aq. We observed a significant increase in the proportion of MI‐positive tests in 2012 and 2011 as compared with 2010 (5.6%, 3.3%, and 1.5%, respectively; p < 0.001).ConclusionsWe report a significant increase in the number of MI‐positive tests. MI is confirmed to be a rapidly emerging allergen, as also observed in other European countries.
When Is Perception Top‐Down and When Is It Not? Culture, Narrative, and Attention
Authors: Senzaki Sawa , Masuda Takahiko , Ishii Keiko 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPrevious findings in cultural psychology indicated that East Asians are more likely than North Americans to be attentive to contextual information (e.g., Nisbett & Masuda, ). However, to what extent and in which conditions culture influences patterns of attention has not been fully examined. As a result, universal patterns of attention may be obscured, and culturally unique patterns may be wrongly assumed to be constant across situations. By carrying out two cross‐cultural studies, we demonstrated that (a) both European Canadians and Japanese attended to moving objects similarly when the task was to simply observe the visual information; however, (b) there were cultural variations in patterns of attention when participants actively engaged in the task by constructing narratives of their observation (narrative construction). These findings suggest that cultural effects are most pronounced in narrative construction conditions, where the need to act in accordance with a culturally shared meaning system is elicited.
A Hierarchical Bayesian Modeling Approach to Searching and Stopping in Multi‐Attribute Judgment
Authors: van Ravenzwaaij Don , Moore Chris P. , Lee Michael D. , Newell Ben R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn most decision‐making situations, there is a plethora of information potentially available to people. Deciding what information to gather and what to ignore is no small feat. How do decision makers determine in what sequence to collect information and when to stop? In two experiments, we administered a version of the German cities task developed by Gigerenzer and Goldstein (1996), in which participants had to decide which of two cities had the larger population. Decision makers were not provided with the names of the cities, but they were able to collect different kinds of cues for both response alternatives (e.g., “Does this city have a university?”) before making a decision. Our experiments differed in whether participants were free to determine the number of cues they examined. We demonstrate that a novel model, using hierarchical latent mixtures and Bayesian inference (Lee & Newell, ) provides a more complete description of the data from both experiments than simple conventional strategies, such as the take–the–best or the Weighted Additive heuristics.
Testing for taxonomic bias in the future diversity of Australian Odonata
Authors: Bush Alex , Nipperess David A. , Theischinger Gunther , Turak Eren , Hughes Lesley 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimInvertebrates are often overlooked in assessments of climate change impacts. Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) are a significant component of freshwater macroinvertebrate diversity and are likely to be highly responsive to a changing climate. We investigate whether climate change could lead to significant alteration of continental patterns of diversity and whether vulnerable species are taxonomically clustered.LocationAustralia.MethodsHabitat suitability of 270 odonate species was modelled, and a simplified phylogeny was developed based on taxonomic relationships and expert opinion. These maps were then combined to compare species richness, endemism, taxonomic diversity (TD) and taxonomic endemism (TE) under climate change scenarios, and estimate turnover in species composition. Based on the concentration of vulnerable species in regions associated with Gondwanan relicts, we tested the possibility that a focus on species loss would underestimate loss of evolutionary diversity.ResultsSpecies richness of Australian Odonata is concentrated in the Wet Tropics, central‐north Australia and south‐east Queensland. Several additional regions support endemic assemblages, including the Victorian alpine region, the Pilbara and far south‐western Australia. Major shifts in composition are expected across most of the east coast in response to climate change, and Tasmania has the potential to become a major refuge for mainland species. For many regions, the loss of TD is greater than expected based on the changes in species richness, and the loss of suitable habitat was unevenly distributed among families. However, the potential loss of evolutionary diversity among vulnerable species was not significantly different from random.Main conclusionsThe major shifts in the distribution of Australian odonate diversity predicted to occur under climate change imply major challenges for conservation of freshwater biodiversity overall. Although major evolutionary losses may be avoided, climate change is still a serious threat to Australia's Odonata and poses an even greater threat to Australian freshwater biodiversity as a whole.
Diabetes autoantibodies do not predict progression to diabetes in adults: the Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: Dabelea D. , Ma Y. , Knowler W. C. , Marcovina S. , Saudek C. D. , Arakaki R. , White N. H. , Kahn S. E. , Orchard T. J. , Goldberg R. , Palmer J. , Hamman R. F. ,   The Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimsTo determine if the presence of diabetes autoantibodies predicts the development of diabetes among participants in the Diabetes Prevention Program.MethodsA total of 3050 participants were randomized into three treatment groups: intensive lifestyle intervention, metformin and placebo. Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 65 autoantibodies and insulinoma‐associated‐2 autoantibodies were measured at baseline and participants were followed for 3.2 years for the development of diabetes.ResultsThe overall prevalence ofGADautoantibodies was 4.0%, and it varied across racial/ethnic groups from 2.4% among Asian‐Pacific Islanders to 7.0% among non‐Hispanic black people. There were no significant differences inBMIor metabolic variables (glucose, insulin, HbA1c, estimated insulin resistance, corrected insulin response) stratified by baselineGADantibody status.GADautoantibody positivity did not predict diabetes overall (adjusted hazard ratio 0.98; 95%CI0.56–1.73) or in any of the three treatment groups. Insulinoma‐associated‐2 autoantibodies were positive in only one participant (0.033%).ConclusionsThese data suggest that ‘diabetes autoimmunity’, as reflected byGADantibodies and insulinoma‐associated‐2 autoantibodies, in middle‐aged individuals at risk for diabetes is not a clinically relevant risk factor for progression to diabetes.