bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Islets of Langerhans from prohormone convertase‐2 knockout mice show α‐cell hyperplasia and tumorigenesis with elevated α‐cell neogenesis
Authors: Jones Huw B. , Reens Jaimini , Brocklehurst Simon R. , Betts Catherine J. , Bickerton Sue , Bigley Alison L. , Jenkins Richard P. , Whalley Nicky M. , Morgan Derrick , Smith David M. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryAntagonism of the effects of glucagon as an adjunct therapy with other glucose‐lowering drugs in the chronic treatment of diabetes has been suggested to aggressively control blood glucose levels. Antagonism of glucagon effects, by targeting glucagon secretion or disabling the glucagon receptor, is associated with α‐cell hyperplasia. We evaluated the influence of total glucagon withdrawal on islets of Langerhans using prohormone convertase‐2 knockout mice (PC2‐ko), in which α‐cell hyperplasia is present from a young age and persists throughout life, in order to understand whether or not sustained glucagon deficit would lead to islet tumorigenesis. PC2‐ko and wild‐type (WT) mice were maintained drug‐free, and cohorts of these groups sampled at 3, 12 and 18 months for plasma biochemical and morphological (histological, immunohistochemical, electron microscopical and image analytical) assessments. WT mice showed no islet tumours up to termination of the study, but PC2‐ko animals displayed marked changes in islet morphology from α‐cell hypertrophy/hyperplasia/atypical hyperplasia, to adenomas and carcinomas, these latter being first encountered at 6–8 months. Islet hyperplasias and tumours primarily consisted of α‐cells associated to varying degrees with other islet endocrine cell types. In addition to substantial increases in islet neoplasia, increased α‐cell neogenesis associated primarily with pancreatic duct(ule)s was present. We conclude that absolute blockade of the glucagon signal results in tumorigenesis and that the PC2‐ko mouse represents a valuable model for investigation of islet tumours and pancreatic ductal neogenesis.
Effects of pepsin hydrolysis on the soy β‐conglycinin aggregates formed by heat treatment at different pH
Authors: He Xiu‐Ting , Yang Xiao‐Quan , Zhang Jin‐Bo 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe effects of pepsin hydrolysis on the β‐conglycinin aggregates formed by heat treatment at different pH were investigated. Results showed that fibrils were still observed, whereas the random aggregates were easily to be digested in the simulated gastric fluid. Electrophoresis and molecular weight analysis indicated that large aggregates still existed after pepsin treatment for fibrils. Hydrolysis resulted in changes in the apparent viscosity (ηapp) of 6% fibril solutions. The ηapp at the shear rate range (0–30 s−1) increased in the order of fibrils < fibrils with pepsin for 60 min < fibrils with pepsin for 30 min. Smaller peptide/fibril fragments were generated, and additional aggregates were reformed during the hydrolysis process, as evidenced by thioflavin T and atomic force microscopy images. The native β‐conglycinin hydrolysates comprised a mixture of polypeptides enriched in about 47 kDa. These findings would provide valuable information about effects of enzymatic hydrolysis on plant oligometric globulin aggregates.
Exploring factors that contribute to dose administration aid incidents and identifying quality improvement strategies: the views of pharmacy and nursing staff
Authors: Gilmartin Julia F-M , Marriott Jennifer L , Hussainy Safeera Y 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background
Dose administration aids (DAAs) organise medicines that have been repacked according to the day of the week and time of the day in which they must be taken. In Australia, DAAs are commonly prepared by pharmacy staff for residential aged care facility (RACF) medicine administration. Although the limited available literature indicates that DAA incidents of inaccurate or unsuitable medicine repacking do occur, there is a paucity of qualitative research identifying quality improvement strategies for this service.

Objectives
This study aims to investigate the perceived contributing factors to DAA incidents and strategies for quality improvement in RACFs and pharmacies.

Methods
Health professional perceptions were drawn from three structured focus groups, including six pharmacists, five nurses, a pharmacy technician and a personal care worker. Participants were involved in the preparation, supply or use of DAAs at pharmacies or RACFs that were involved in a previous DAA audit. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Key findings
Four major themes were identified as contributing to DAA incidents, with quality improvement strategies aligned to those same four themes: communication, knowledge and awareness, medicine handling and attitude. Strategies included improving interprofessional communication and addressing the limitations associated with RACF medicine records; targeting medicine knowledge gaps and increasing awareness of DAA incidents; encouraging greater care when preparing and checking DAAs; and fostering a team mentality among members of the aged care team.

Conclusions
Recommendations include using current findings to develop multidisciplinary quality improvement initiatives to prevent DAA incidents and to improve the quality of this pharmacy medicine supply service.
Sterols and steroids in a freshwater crustacean (Proasellus meridianus): hormonal response to nutritional input
Authors: Mondy Nathalie , Grossi Vincent , Cathalan Eva , Delbecque Jean‐Paul , Mermillod‐Blondin Florian , Douady Christophe J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractFor crustaceans that eat shredded plant material in freshwater habitats, the amount and the composition of food greatly vary over time because of the seasonal succession of plant fragments and algal biomass. The acquisition of elements necessary for growth, immune defense, and reproduction depends largely on this variation in food type and availability. In particular, sterols that are required as cellular membrane components and as precursors of ecdysteroids (molting hormones) must be acquired through food because crustaceans do not synthesize the steroid nucleus de novo. The present study examined the possible link between nutrition, sterols, and ecdysteroids in an isopod, Proasellus meridianus. In a first step, quantitative and qualitative analyses of sterols of P. meridianus were performed by gas‐chromatography/mass spectrometry. The results suggested that members of P. meridianus are able to convert dietary plant sterols into cholesterol required for growth and reproduction. In a second step, by manipulating food availability and using an enzyme immuno‐assay, we showed that ecdysteroid content in males and females (ovigerous or not) of P. meridianus decreased significantly after a starvation period. A nutritional input following this starvation period triggered an increase in the ecdysteroid contents of these animals. The comparable ecdysteroid responses to food pulses in males and females suggested that a nutritional control on steroid hormones regulated growth or gametogenesis rather than egg maturation. Thus, it appears that P. meridianus possesses an efficient stop‐and‐go endocrine system that may have been selectively favored in response to seasonal pulses of food.
Trichostatin A, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, suppresses proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in retinal pigment epithelium cells
Authors: Xiao Wei , Chen Xiaoyun , Liu Xialin , Luo Lixia , Ye Shaobi , Liu Yizhi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells are the major pathological changes in development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), which leads to severe visual impairment. Histone deacetylases (HDACs)‐mediated epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in controlling various physiological and pathological events. However, whether HDACs are involved in the regulation of proliferation and EMT in PRE cells remains unidentified. In this study, we evaluated the expression profile of HDAC family (18 genes) and found that some of class I and class II HDACs were up‐regulated in transforming growth factor‐β2 (TGF‐β2)/TGF‐β1‐stimulated RPE cells. Tricostatin A (TSA), a class I and II HDAC inhibitor, suppressed the proliferation of RPE cells by G1 phase cell cycle arrest through inhibition of cyclin/CDK/p‐Rb and induction of p21 and p27. In the meantime, TSA strongly prevented TGF‐β2–induced morphological changes and the up‐regulation of α‐SMA, collagen type I, collagen type IV, fibronectin, Snail and Slug. We also demonstrated that TSA affected not only the canonical Smad signalling pathway but also the non‐canonical TGF‐β/Akt, MAPK and ERK1/2 pathways. Finally, we found that the underlying mechanism of TSA affects EMT in RPE cells also through down‐regulating the Jagged/Notch signalling pathway. Therefore, this study may provide a new insight into the pathogenesis of PVR, and suggests that epigenetic treatment with HDAC inhibitors may have therapeutic value in the prevention and treatment of PVR.
Nanofiber‐expanded human umbilical cord blood–derived CD34+ cell therapy accelerates cutaneous wound closure in NOD/SCID mice
Authors: Kanji Suman , Das Manjusri , Aggarwal Reeva , Lu Jingwei , Joseph Matthew , Pompili Vincent J. , Das Hiranmoy 
Published: January 2014

AbstractNanofiber‐expanded human umbilical cord blood–derived CD34+ cell therapy has been shown to have potential applications for peripheral and myocardial ischaemic diseases. However, the efficacies of expanded CD34+ cell therapy for treating cutaneous wounds and its mechanisms of action have yet to be established. Using an excisional wound model in non‐obese diabetic/severe combined immune deficient mice, we show herein that CD34+ cells accelerate the wound‐healing process by enhancing collagen synthesis, and increasing fibroblast cell migration within the wound bed. Concomitantly, reduced levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) such as MMP1, MMP3, MMP9 and MMP13 were detected in the wound beds of animals treated with CD34+ cells compared with vehicle‐treated controls. CD34+ cells were found to mediate enhanced migration and proliferation of dermal fibroblast cells in vitro. Moreover, CD34+ cells secrete collagen in a serum‐deprived environment. In mechanistic studies, co‐culture of CD34+ cells with primary skin fibroblasts increased the expression of collagen1A1, a component of type 1 collagen, and decreased the expression of MMP1 in fibroblast cells in the presence of a proteasome inhibitor. Finally, CD34+ cell–mediated functions were transcriptionally regulated by the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases pathway. Collectively, these data provide evidence of therapeutic efficacy and a novel mechanism of nanofiber‐expanded CD34+ cell–mediated accelerated wound healing.
Serum miR‐206 and other muscle‐specific microRNAs as non‐invasive biomarkers for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Hu Jun , Kong Min , Ye Yuanzhen , Hong Siqi , Cheng Li , Jiang Li 
Published: January 2014

AbstractCreatine kinase has been utilized as a diagnostic marker for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), but it correlates less well with the DMD pathological progression. In this study, we hypothesized that muscle‐specific microRNAs (miR‐1, ‐133, and ‐206) in serum may be useful for monitoring the DMD pathological progression, and explored the possibility of these miRNAs as potential non‐invasive biomarkers for the disease. By using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in a randomized and controlled trial, we detected that miR‐1, ‐133, and ‐206 were significantly over‐expressed in the serum of 39 children with DMD (up to 3.20 ± 1.20, 2−ΔΔCt): almost 2‐ to 4‐fold enriched in comparison to samples from the healthy controls (less than 1.15 ± 0.34, 2−ΔΔCt). To determine whether these miRNAs were related to the clinical features of children with DMD, we analyzed the associations compared to creatine kinase. There were very good inverse correlations between the levels of these miRNAs, especially miR‐206, and functional performances: high levels corresponded to low muscle strength, muscle function, and quality of life. Moreover, by receiver operating characteristic curves analyses, we revealed that these miRNAs, especially miR‐206, were able to discriminate DMD from controls. Thus, miR‐206 and other muscle‐specific miRNAs in serum are useful for monitoring the DMD pathological progression, and hence as potential non‐invasive biomarkers for the disease.
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There has been a long‐standing need for reliable, non‐invasive biomarkers for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We found that the levels of muscle‐specific microRNAs, especially miR‐206, in the serum of DMD were 2‐ to 4‐fold higher than in the controls. High levels corresponded to low muscle strength, muscle function, and quality of life (QoL). These miRNAs were able to discriminate DMD from controls by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analyses. Thus, miR‐206 and other muscle‐specific miRNAs are useful as non‐invasive biomarkers for DMD.
Attitudinal Factors Protective Against Youth Smoking: An Integrative Review
Authors: Arens Carissa Renée , White Tiffany Lynn , Massengill Nichole 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPurposeThis review examines recent literature with the purpose of uncovering associations between attitudinal factors and smoking among youth populations.Organizing Construct and MethodsResearchers conducted an integrative review of the literature in late 2012 and early 2013. As inclusion criteria, potential articles were measured against the following statement: “There is valid evidence of (an) attitudinal factor(s) potentially associated with smoking among youth.”FindingsResearchers employed the salutogenic model as a theoretical framework to analyze search results. The narrative synthesis indicates that primary attitudinal factors protective against smoking among youth include the following: (a) a perception that there is little benefit to smoking, (b) a belief that smoking is likely harmful and addictive in the short term, and (c) a denial that smoking provides stress abatement, makes one look cool or more grown‐up, or is common and accepted. Moreover, research signals that youth who smoke often demonstrate essentially the opposite beliefs and attitudes.ConclusionsFindings suggest attitudinal factors play a role in protection against youth smoking. Those youth who assign realistic values to smoking risks and benefits are more equipped to engage in the health‐protective behavior of not smoking. Youth, adolescents, and young adults appear vulnerable to inappropriate designation of risk and benefit values of smoking. Theoretical interpretation suggests that bolstering attitudinal factors during youth might counteract immature risk assessment. These findings justify further research related to protective mechanisms against youth smoking and youth‐based smoking prevention interventions.Clinical RelevanceThe establishment of associations between attitudinal factors and protection against smoking can help determine interventions effective in reducing smoking among youth.
Safewards: the empirical basis of the model and a critical appraisal
Authors: Bowers L. , Alexander J. , Bilgin H. , Botha M. , Dack C. , James K. , Jarrett M. , Jeffery D. , Nijman H. , Owiti J. A. , Papadopoulos C. , Ross J. , Wright S. , Stewart D. 
Published: January 2014

Accessible summary
In the previous paper we described a model explaining differences in rates of conflict and containment between wards, grouping causal factors into six domains: the staff team, the physical environment, outside hospital, the patient community, patient characteristics and the regulatory framework.
This paper reviews and evaluates the evidence for the model from previously published research.
The model is supported, but the evidence is not very strong. More research using more rigorous methods is required in order to confirm or improve this model.
AbstractIn a previous paper, we described a proposed model explaining differences in rates of conflict (aggression, absconding, self‐harm, etc.) and containment (seclusion, special observation, manual restraint, etc.). The Safewards Model identified six originating domains as sources of conflict and containment: the patient community, patient characteristics, the regulatory framework, the staff team, the physical environment, and outside hospital. In this paper, we assemble the evidence underpinning the inclusion of these six domains, drawing upon a wide ranging review of the literature across all conflict and containment items; our own programme of research; and reasoned thinking. There is good evidence that the six domains are important in conflict and containment generation. Specific claims about single items within those domains are more difficult to support with convincing evidence, although the weight of evidence does vary between items and between different types of conflict behaviour or containment method. The Safewards Model is supported by the evidence, but that evidence is not particularly strong. There is a dearth of rigorous outcome studies and trials in this area, and an excess of descriptive studies. The model allows the generation of a number of different interventions in order to reduce rates of conflict and containment, and properly conducted trials are now needed to test its validity.
Functional and phylogenetic diversity of woody plants drive herbivory in a highly diverse forest
Authors: Schuldt Andreas , Assmann Thorsten , Bruelheide Helge , Durka Walter , Eichenberg David , Härdtle Werner , Kröber Wenzel , Michalski Stefan G. , Purschke Oliver 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Biodiversity loss may alter ecosystem processes, such as herbivory, a key driver of ecological functions in species‐rich (sub)tropical forests. However, the mechanisms underlying such biodiversity effects remain poorly explored, as mostly effects of species richness – a very basic biodiversity measure – have been studied. Here, we analyze to what extent the functional and phylogenetic diversity of woody plant communities affect herbivory along a diversity gradient in a subtropical forest.

We assessed the relative effects of morphological and chemical leaf traits and of plant phylogenetic diversity on individual‐level variation in herbivory of dominant woody plant species across 27 forest stands in south‐east China.

Individual‐level variation in herbivory was best explained by multivariate, community‐level diversity of leaf chemical traits, in combination with community‐weighted means of single traits and species‐specific phylodiversity measures. These findings deviate from those based solely on trait variation within individual species.

Our results indicate a strong impact of generalist herbivores and highlight the need to assess food‐web specialization to determine the direction of biodiversity effects. With increasing plant species loss, but particularly with the concomitant loss of functional and phylogenetic diversity in these forests, the impact of herbivores will probably decrease – with consequences for the herbivore‐mediated regulation of ecosystem functions.
Almost‐Ontology: Why Epistemicism Cannot Help Us Avoid Unrestricted Composition or Diachronic Plenitude
Authors: Steen İrem Kurtsal 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThat any filled location of spacetime contains a persisting thing has been defended based on the ‘argument from vagueness.’ It is often assumed that since the epistemicist account of vagueness blocks the argument from vagueness it facilitates a conservative ontology without gerrymandered objects. It doesn't. The epistemic vagueness of ordinary object predicates such as ‘bicycle’ requires that objects that can be described asalmost‐but‐not‐quite‐bicycleexist even though they fall outside the predicate's sharp extension. Since the predicates that begin with ‘almost’ are vague as well, epistemicism's ontological backdrop is far from the conservative picture it is thought to enable.
Streptococcus pyogenes Cervical Intertrigo with Secondary Bacteremia
Authors: López‐Corominas Victoria , Yagüe Francisca , Knöpfel Nicole , Dueñas Joaquín , Gil José , Martín‐Santiago Ana , Hervás Juan A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWe report a 12‐month‐old infant girl with cervical intertrigo caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. This form of intertrigo has been reported in only five children, but it is clearly underestimated. It should be suspected for well‐demarcated beefy‐red lesions of the neck not responding to antifungal therapy. A rapid streptococcal antigen test of a lesion specimen is a useful diagnostic tool. Our patient was notable for the development of S. pyogenes bacteremia, a complication that has not been previously associated with this condition.
Two Cases of Lichen Striatus with Prolonged Active Phase
Authors: Feely Meghan A. , Silverberg Nanette B. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractLichen striatus is a localized, eczematous disorder distributed along the lines of Blaschko, primarily affecting children. In the literature, lesions have been described as having an active phase of inflamed lesions for 6 to 12 months followed by flattening and persistent pigmentary alteration. We describe two girls who had prolonged active‐phase lesions for 2.5 and 3.5 years, respectively. Practitioners should be aware that lesions of lichen striatus may have a prolonged active phase.
Late‐onset Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Perez‐Ordoño L. , Hoyo I. , Sanclemente G. , Ricart M.J. , Cofan F. , Perez‐Villa F. , de la Bellacasa J. Puig , Moreno A. , Cervera C. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAnti‐Pneumocystis prophylaxis is recommended for at least 6–12 months after solid organ transplantation, as most cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) occur during the first year post transplantation. Herein, we report 4 cases of late‐onset PCP (>1 year post transplant). PCP appeared in a range of 50–68 months post transplant. Two cases had history of humoral rejection episodes treated with rituximab, and the other 2 had low CD4+ T‐cell count (<200 cells/mm3) at the time of diagnosis. All 4 patients survived. In conclusion, although the number of cases is low, we must be aware of the possibility of late‐onset PCP in solid organ transplant patients. The role of previous use of rituximab or persistent CD4+ T‐cell lymphopenia should be addressed in future studies.