bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute Uterine Irritation Provokes Colonic Motility via Transient Receptor Potential A1-dependent Spinal NR2B Phosphorylation in Rats
Authors: Peng Hsien-Yu , Yeh Chou-Ming , Cheng Jen-Kun , Chau Yat-Pang , Ruan Ting , Chen Gin-Den , Hsieh Ming-Chun , Lai Cheng-Yuan , Lin Tzer-Bin 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background:
Patients with inflammatory gynecological/obstetrical problems often complain of irritable bowel syndrome. The authors examined whether acute uterus irritation reflexively provokes colonic motility in rat preparations.

Methods:
A modified colon manometry and striated abdominal muscle electromyogram activity in response to mustard oil (MO) instillation into the uterine horn were continuously recorded in anesthetized rats. The lumbosacral (L6-S1) dorsal horn was dissected to assess the level and the cellular location of phosphorylated NR2B subunit using Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis, respectively. Finally, the uterine transient receptor potential A1 or spinal NR2B subunit was pharmacologically blocked to elucidate its roles.

Results:
MO (0.1%, 0.2 ml) injected into the lower uterine horn dramatically provoked colonic hypermotility characterized by rhythmic colonic contractions (about 3–4 contractions per 10 min, n = 7) accompanied by synchronized electromyogram firing in the abdominal muscle (about 4–5 folds of control, n = 7). In addition to provoking colonic hypermotility, MO administration also up-regulated phosphorylated (about 2–3 folds of control, n = 7), but not total, NR2B expression in the dorsal horn neurons. Both intrathecal Ro 25–6981 (a selective NR2B subunit antagonist; 10 μM, 10 μl) and intrauterine HC-030031 (a selective transient receptor potential A1 receptor antagonist; 30 mg/kg, 0.2 ml) injected before the MO instillation attenuated the MO-induced colonic hypermotility and spinal NR2B phosphorylation.

Conclusion:
The comorbidity of gynecological/obstetrical and gastrointestinal problems is not coincidental but rather causal in nature, and clinicians should investigate for gynecological/urological diseases in the setting of bowel problems with no known pathological etiology.
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for the Treatment of Achalasia in Children
Authors: Familiari Pietro , Marchese Michele , Gigante Giovanni , Boskoski Ivo , Tringali Andrea , Perri Vincenzo , Costamagna Guido 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTPeroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a new endoscopic technique for the treatment of esophageal achalasia, with excellent results in adults. Three children with classic‐type achalasia (mean age 9.6 years) underwent POEM in a single center. Mean basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure and Eckard score were 34.6 mmHg and 5.3, respectively. Mean length of myotomy was 10 cm. On average, POEM was completed in 60.6 minutes. No patients experienced postoperative complications or gastroesophageal reflux disease. In the 2 patients who completed a 12‐month follow‐up, complete symptoms relief was documented (Eckard score 0), as well as a significant drop of the basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure.
Fostering strategic awareness at an organization's boundary
Authors: Davis Peter S. , Allen Joseph A. , Dibrell Clay 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of strategy messages emanating from both top and middle/supervisory managers regarding five different aspects of strategy on strategic awareness among boundary personnel.Design/methodology/approachThe results come from a survey of bank tellers and customer service representatives within a single large regional bank.FindingsThe findings support a differential main effect on strategic awareness among boundary personnel depending on the source of messages, whether top management or middle management. More interestingly, there appears to be an interaction effect between the two sources regarding which will be the dominant information source for boundary personnel.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey data were collected within a single banking institution at one time point.Practical implicationsThe results provide useful information concerning the efficacy of messages concerning strategy from middle and top management in organizations.Originality/valueThe paper extends past research by investigating different levels of strategic understanding within the firm across different levels and determining information dissemination strategies for increasing the level of strategic awareness among boundary personnel.
Destrudo‐L
Authors: Larsson Gerry , Fors Brandebo Maria , Nilsson Sofia 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a short and easy to use yet psychometrically sound instrument designed to measure destructive leadership behaviours in a military context.Design/methodology/approachFirst, examples of destructive leadership behaviours in a military context were collected using a qualitative approach. Second, these examples were operationalised and pilot tested, which resulted in a 20‐item questionnaire called Destrudo‐L. Third, data were collected from three Swedish military groups (n=428). Dimensionality of the instrument was analysed using structural equation modelling. Conventional psychometric assessments of reliability and validity were performed.FindingsA nested hierarchical model with a general factor and the following specific factors emerged: arrogant, unfair; threats, punishments, overdemands; ego‐oriented, false; passive, cowardly; and uncertain, unclear, messy. Meaningful subgroup differences and relationships with a criterion variable (lack of motivation/propensity to leave) were found. More use of active forms was reported by subordinates of younger military commanders and more use of passive forms was marked by subordinates of senior military managers.Practical implicationsThe instrument is easy to administer and interpret (norm values are provided) and can be used in leader evaluation, as well as leader development, contexts.Originality/valueThe main contribution is methodological – the development of a new scale. Additional findings are a strong positive correlation between active and passive forms of destructive leadership behaviours in a military context, as well as significant differences between groups with different ranks.
Why does a good thing become too much? Interactions between foliar nutrients and toxins determine performance of an insect herbivore
Authors: Tao Leiling , Berns Alexandra R. , Hunter Mark D. 
Published: August 2013

Summary

In terrestrial ecosystems, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are generally believed to be the most limiting factors for organisms across different trophic levels. However, accumulating evidence suggests that dietary nutrient concentrations higher than optimal can lead to decreases in consumer growth rate.

In the current study, we explored mechanisms underlying the negative effects of high nutrient availability on the performance of a specialist herbivore. Specifically, we investigated the responses of the monarch caterpillar Danaus plexippus to natural and experimental variation in N and P concentrations of three species of milkweed plants (Asclepias syriaca, Asclepias curassavica and Asclepias incarnata) that also varied in their foliar toxin concentrations.

We found that high foliar N concentrations in milkweed were associated with decreases in the growth rate of D. plexippus larvae. However, such negative effects of N were only found when larvae were feeding on A. curassavica, which also had high foliar concentrations of cardenolide, a widespread chemical defence in the genus Asclepias. Foliar N concentration was not correlated with cardenolide concentration. Rather, the per unit toxicity of cardenolide was higher as N increased in excess of demand, resulting in deleterious effects of N. Our results suggest that interactions between nutrient concentrations in excess of demand and high dietary toxin concentrations provide an additional mechanism by which high nutrient availability can reduce the performance of consumers.
Insulin‐like growth factor 1 and growth rate in nestlings of a wild passerine bird
Authors: Lodjak Jaanis , Mägi Marko , Tilgar Vallo 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPost‐natal growth rate is an important life‐history trait that is strongly associated with survival during the transition to independence and the overwinter period. In laboratory conditions, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) has been shown to be one of the main hormones regulating growth and development in maturing vertebrates. However, the extent to which plasmaIGF‐1 enhances growth in free‐living animals, particularly in birds, is still unclear.In this study, we used brood size manipulation in free‐living great tits (Parus major) to investigate how changes in nestling nutritional condition and post‐natal growth rate are related to nestlingIGF‐1 levels.Nestlings in reduced broods had increased post‐natal growth rate, better body condition and also higherIGF‐1 levels prior to fledging than those in control and enlarged broods. PlasmaIGF‐1 levels were higher in the middle of the nestling period, when growth rate is most rapid, than in the pre‐fledging stage.Our results suggest that nestling plasmaIGF‐1 varies depending upon resource (e.g. food) availability and potentially plays an important role in regulating the post‐natal growth and development of wild passerines in a time‐specific manner.
Phylogenetic conservatism in plant phenology
Authors: Davies T. Jonathan , Wolkovich Elizabeth M. , Kraft Nathan J. B. , Salamin Nicolas , Allen Jenica M. , Ault Toby R. , Betancourt Julio L. , Bolmgren Kjell , Cleland Elsa E. , Cook Benjamin I. , Crimmins Theresa M. , Mazer Susan J. , McCabe Gregory J. , Pau Stephanie , Regetz Jim , Schwartz Mark D. , Travers Steven E. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPhenological events – defined points in the life cycle of a plant or animal – have been regarded as highly plastic traits, reflecting flexible responses to various environmental cues.The ability of a species to track, via shifts in phenological events, the abiotic environment through time might dictate its vulnerability to future climate change. Understanding the predictors and drivers of phenological change is therefore critical.Here, we evaluated evidence for phylogenetic conservatism – the tendency for closely related species to share similar ecological and biological attributes – in phenological traits across flowering plants. We aggregated published and unpublished data on timing of first flower and first leaf, encompassing ˜4000 species at 23 sites across theNorthern Hemisphere. We reconstructed the phylogeny for the set of included species, first, using the software program Phylomatic, and second, fromDNAdata. We then quantified phylogenetic conservatism in plant phenology within and across sites.We show that more closely related species tend to flower and leaf at similar times. By contrasting mean flowering times within and across sites, however, we illustrate that it is not the time of year that is conserved, but rather the phenological responses to a common set of abiotic cues.Our findings suggest that species cannot be treated as statistically independent when modelling phenological responses.Synthesis. Closely related species tend to resemble each other in the timing of their life‐history events, a likely product of evolutionarily conserved responses to environmental cues. The search for the underlying drivers of phenology must therefore account for species' shared evolutionary histories.
Desiccation sensitivity and successful cryopreservation of oil seeds of European hazelnut (Corylus avellana)
Authors: Michalak M. , Plitta B.P. , Chmielarz P. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe sensitivity of a Polish provenance of dormant Corylus avellana seeds to extreme desiccation and cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen (LN, −196°C) was investigated. No sensitivity to desiccation was observed as seeds readily germinated and exhibited seedling emergence, even when the critical water content (WC) of seeds (nuts devoid of pericarp) was reduced to 0.027 g H2O/g dry mass, g g−1 by drying. Results of germination and seedling emergence tests indicated that seeds tolerated cooling in LN when desiccated to a WC in the range of 0.05–0.10 and 0.08–0.10 g g−1, respectively. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of long‐term cryopreservation of European hazelnut seeds. As the seeds of this species have been classified in several different categories (orthodox, suborthodox and recalcitrant), based on their response to desiccation and low temperature, the assignment of the seeds of hazelnut to a specific category is provided and discussed.
Registry of gastric cancer treatment evaluation (REGATE): I baseline disease characteristics
Authors: Bang Yung‐Jue , Yalcin Suayib , Roth Arnaud , Hitier Simon , Ter‐Ovanesov Mikhail , Wu Chew‐Wun , Zalcberg John 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimsA better understanding of treatment patterns and outcomes in different countries should improve the management of patients with gastric cancer globally. The REgistry of GAstric Cancer Treatment Evaluation (REGATE) study was established to evaluate variations in gastric cancer disease characteristics and treatment patterns in different parts of the world.MethodsREGATE was a prospective international registry enrolling patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer at any stage of the disease.ResultsA total of 10 299 patients (65% male; mean age 59 years) were recruited in 22 countries between 2004 and 2008. Tumor location at a proximal site was more common in Europe, Latin America and North Africa (approximately 20%) than in Asia‐Pacific, where antral location predominated. Signet‐ring cell histology predominated except in Europe, where adenocarcinoma was most prevalent. Stage I cancers were more frequent in Asia‐Pacific (39%) versus other regions (6−18%), whereas stage IV cancers were more frequent outside Asia‐Pacific. Surgery was planned for most patients, although in general fewer patients actually received surgery than originally planned. Adjuvant therapy and palliative care were generally used more frequently than originally planned. Overall, 15% of patients received no treatment (Asia‐Pacific 8%; Indian subcontinent 25%).ConclusionsThese results provide a comprehensive database representative of gastric cancer disease characteristics and treatment patterns across the world.
Mycobacteria in Finnish cooling tower waters
Authors: Torvinen Eila , Suomalainen Sini , Paulin Lars , Kusnetsov Jaana 
Published: August 2013

Evaporative cooling towers are water systems used in, e.g., industry and telecommunication to remove excess heat by evaporation of water. Temperatures of cooling waters are usually optimal for mesophilic microbial growth and cooling towers may liberate massive amounts of bacterial aerosols. Outbreaks of legionellosis associated with cooling towers have been known since the 1980's, but occurrences of other potentially pathogenic bacteria in cooling waters are mostly unknown. We examined the occurrence of mycobacteria, which are common bacteria in different water systems and may cause pulmonary and other soft tissue infections, in cooling waters containing different numbers of legionellae. Mycobacteria were isolated from all twelve cooling systems and from 92% of the 24 samples studied. Their numbers in the positive samples varied from 10 to 7.3 × 104 cfu/L. The isolated species included M. chelonae/abscessus, M. fortuitum, M. mucogenicum, M. peregrinum, M. intracellulare, M. lentiflavum, M. avium/nebraskense/scrofulaceum and many non‐pathogenic species. The numbers of mycobacteria correlated negatively with the numbers of legionellae and the concentration of copper. The results show that cooling towers are suitable environments for potentially pathogenic mycobacteria. Further transmission of mycobacteria from the towers to the environment needs examination.
Seed bank and its restoration potential in Estonian flooded meadows
Authors: Metsoja Jaak‐Albert , Neuenkamp Lena , Zobel Martin 
Published: August 2013

AbstractQuestionsWhat is the overall restoration potential of the persistent soil seed bank of abandoned flooded meadows? To what degree does the share of typical flooded meadow species in the soil seed bank change during secondary succession from traditionally managed hayfields to stages overgrown by woody vegetation?LocationFlooded meadows in Alam‐Pedja Nature Reserve, central Estonia (26°14′ E, 58°33′ N).MethodsThe species composition of above‐ground vegetation and the persistent soil seed bank were investigated with PerMANOVA and non‐metric multidimensional scaling in mown, 25‐yr abandoned and 50‐yr abandoned sedge and tall forb meadows subjected to annual flooding. Particular attention was given to typical flooded meadow species in the persistent soil seed bank. General linear models and non‐parametric tests were used to assess successional trends in seed bank richness, density, similarity to target vegetation and percentage of flooded meadow species to assess the restoration potential of the soil seed bank.ResultsThe cessation of traditional management has led to considerable changes in both above‐ground and seed bank communities, differences between successional stages being more pronounced in the soil seed bank. The density of the seed bank was higher in abandoned meadows. Diversity in the vegetation and soil seed bank was lowest in the 25‐yr abandoned tall forb meadows. Although the soil seed bank similarity to above‐ground mown meadows (locally defined target vegetation) was relatively low across different successional stages, the proportion of flooded meadow species in the seed bank remained high – even after 50‐yr abandonment, on average 42% of emerged seeds from sedge meadow and 34% from tall forb meadow were typical flooded meadow species.ConclusionsAbandoned floodplain meadows in central Estonia still contain a relatively large grassland community species pool, including a large and effective soil seed bank. The soil seed bank could thus play an important role in the restoration of abandoned and overgrown meadow communities. Targeted experiments addressing the optimal techniques for activating the soil seed bank in flooded meadow soil are needed.
Antidepressant tolerability in anxious and depressed youth at high risk for bipolar disorder: a prospective naturalistic treatment study
Authors: Strawn Jeffrey R , Adler Caleb M , McNamara Robert K , Welge Jeffrey A , Bitter Samantha M , Mills Neil P , Barzman Drew H , Cerullo Michael A , Chang Kiki D , Strakowski Stephen M , DelBello Melissa P 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveDepressive and anxiety disorders are common in youth who are at risk for bipolar disorder (i.e., youth who have at least one parent with bipolar disorder) and antidepressants are commonly prescribed as treatment. However, there are few data regarding the safety and tolerability of antidepressants in this population. Therefore, we sought to prospectively examine the effects of these medications in children and adolescents who are diagnosed with depressive or anxiety disorders and have a parent with bipolar I disorder.MethodsYouth aged 9–20 years, with at least one parent with bipolar I disorder [high risk (HR)], were recruited (n = 118) and assessed using semi‐structured diagnostic interviews. Participants were prospectively evaluated using a modified version of the Longitudinal Interval Follow‐up Evaluation to assess changes in affective and anxiety symptoms and were treated naturalistically.ResultsOver the course of 43–227 weeks (mean duration of follow‐up: 106 ± 55 weeks), 21% (n = 25) of youth had antidepressant exposure and, of these, 57% (n = 12) had an adverse reaction (e.g., irritability, aggression, impulsivity, or hyperactivity) that led to antidepressant discontinuation. Those patients who experienced an adverse reaction were significantly younger than those who did not (p = 0.02) and discontinuation of antidepressant therapy secondary to an adverse event occurred at an average of 16.7 ± 17.4 weeks (median: 11 weeks, range: 2–57 weeks). Cox proportional hazard analyses yielded a hazard ratio of 0.725 (p = 0.03), suggesting that there is a 27% decrease in the likelihood of an antidepressant‐related adverse event leading to discontinuation with each one‐year increase in age.ConclusionsAntidepressant medications may be poorly tolerated in youth with a familial risk for developing mania. Controlled studies further assessing treatments for depression and anxiety in HR youth are urgently needed.
Thompson, Phillip M (2012) Returning to realityLutterworth (Cambridge) isbn 978‐0‐7188‐9295‐1 130 pp £15 (paper and e‐book) http://www.lutterworth.com/product_info.php/products_id/1842
Authors: Hammer Sara 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThis book offers a broad‐brush critique of the role of technology in modern life as seen through the spiritual lens of Thomas Merton's writing. The author, a theologian, argues that we must carefully balance the benefits of modern technology with its perils if we are to retain our humanity, as well as any vestige of the contemplative life. His general focus and generalising style mean that there is little here that specifically relates to, or would interest those in, educational technology. Target readers include theologians, philosophers and anyone interested.Sara Hammer
Parents’ experiences with physical and occupational therapy for their young child with cerebral palsy: a mixed studies review
Authors: Kruijsen‐Terpstra A. J. A. , Ketelaar M. , Boeije H. , Jongmans M. J. , Gorter J. W. , Verheijden J. , Lindeman E. , Verschuren O. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractUnderstanding the experiences of parents with their child's intervention might help meet the needs of parents and, subsequently get them engaged in their child's intervention. As parents’ early beliefs regarding their child's intervention has consequences for treatment participation, it is important to understand these parental perspectives. The aim of this mixed studies review was to give an overview of the experiences and related factors of parents of young children (0–5 years of age) with cerebral palsy in relation to the physical and/or occupational therapy of their child in a rehabilitation setting. The literature was searched systematically for qualitative and quantitative studies published between January 1990 and July 2011. Inclusion criteria were (1) the study population consisted of parents of children with cerebral palsy, with at least 25% of children under the age of five; (2) children had received physical and/or occupational therapy in a rehabilitation setting; and (3) the experiences of the parents with their child's therapy were addressed. Data were synthesized with the framework synthesis method resulting in a conceptual framework describing the factors that are related to the parents’ experiences with their child's interventions. A total of 13 studies (eight qualitative and five quantitative) were included and evaluated. Parents expressed various aspects in context, process and outcomes when asked about their experiences with their child's intervention. They had different needs over time and needed time to build a collaborative relationship with their child's therapists. The proposed framework acknowledges the various aspects in context, process and outcomes that parents reported when asked about their experiences. Knowing this, the importance of the broader context of the child in a family should be acknowledged; realizing the impact that the demands of daily life, supports and resources provided to parents, attitudes in the community and culture have on parental experiences.