bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Age Trajectories of Health: Evidence from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Ching , Chiu Ching‐Ju , Wray Linda A. , Beverly Elizabeth A. , Tseng Shuo‐Ping 
Published: February 2015

Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used, its effect on health outcomes is not well understood. This study employed a cohort sequential design to investigate levels and rates of change in health from midlife to older adulthood in TCM users and nonusers. A sample of 1,302 community‐dwelling adults aged 53 to 80 was selected from individuals interviewed in the 1999 Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (TLSA) and reinterviewed in 2003 and 2007. TCM users were identified as participants who reported visiting a Chinese medicine clinic in the year before each of the three interviews. Health outcomes included physical function, self‐rated health, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms. Approximately one in five adults reported that they used TCM in at least one wave of the 3 interview years, but less than one in twenty across all waves. Controlling for time‐varying sociodemographic and health conditions, levels and rates of change in physical and cognitive function did not differ according to TCM use. Although adults who reported using TCM had higher depressive symptoms (βTCM = 0.979, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.200–1.758) and poorer self‐rated health (βTCM = −0.267, 95% CI = −0.267 to −0.081) at baseline, their rates of change in these outcomes did not differ from those who did not use TCM. Subgroup analyses revealed that TCM use benefited adults with higher depressive symptoms by attenuating worsening depressive symptoms (βTCM×Age = −0.221, 95% CI = −0.434 to −0.007). Further research aimed at understanding the specific mechanisms by which TCM affects health outcomes is warranted.
Regulation of RAGE splicing by hnRNP A1 and Tra2β‐1 and its potential role in AD pathogenesis
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Yan , Li Hong‐Lei , Su Jia‐Bin , Ding Fei‐Hong , Zhao Jing‐Jing , Chai Fang , Li Yuan‐Xin , Cui Shi‐Cao , Sun Feng‐Yan , Wu Zhi‐Ying , Xu Ping , Chen Xian‐Hua 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene expresses two major alternative splicing isoforms, full‐length membrane‐bound RAGE (mRAGE) and secretory RAGE (esRAGE). Both isoforms play important roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, either via interaction of mRAGE with β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) or inhibition of the mRAGE‐activated signaling pathway. In the present study, we showed that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) and Transformer2β‐1 (Tra2β‐1) were involved in the alternative splicing of mRAGE and esRAGE. Functionally, two factors had an antagonistic effect on the regulation. Glucose deprivation induced an increased ratio of mRAGE/esRAGE via up‐regulation of hnRNP A1 and down‐regulation of Tra2β‐1. Moreover, the ratios of mRAGE/esRAGE and hnRNP A1/Tra2β‐1 were increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from AD patients. The results provide a molecular basis for altered splicing of mRAGE and esRAGE in AD pathogenesis.
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The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene expresses two major alternative splicing isoforms, membrane‐bound RAGE (mRAGE) and secretory RAGE (esRAGE). Both isoforms play important roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Mechanism for imbalanced expression of these two isoforms in AD brain remains elusive. We proposed here a hypothetic model to illustrate that impaired glucose metabolism in AD brain may increase the expression of splicing protein hnRNP A1 and reduce Tra2β‐1, which cause the imbalanced expression of mRAGE and esRAGE.
Sexual Satisfaction and Distress in Sexual Functioning in a Sample of the BDSM Community: A Comparison Study Between BDSM and Non-BDSM Contexts
Authors: Monteiro Pascoal Patrícia , Cardoso Daniel , Henriques Rui 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Little attention has been paid to distress in sexual functioning or the sexual satisfaction of people who practice BDSM (Bondage and Discipline, Domination and Submission, Sadism and Masochism).

Aim
The purpose of this study was to describe sociodemographic characteristics and BDSM practices and compare BDSM practitioners' sexual outcomes (in BDSM and non-BDSM contexts).

Methods
A convenience sample of 68 respondents completed an online survey that used a participatory research framework. Cronbach's alpha and average inter-item correlations assessed scale reliability, and the Wilcoxon paired samples test compared the total scores between BDSM and non-BDSM contexts separately for men and women. Open-ended questions about BDSM sexual practices were coded using a preexisting thematic tree.

Main Outcome Measures
We used self-reported demographic factors, including age at the onset of BDSM interest, age at first BDSM experience, and favorite and most frequent BDSM practices. The Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction measured the amount of sexual distress, including low desire, arousal, maintaining arousal, premature orgasm, and anorgasmia.

Results
The participants had an average age of 33.15 years old and were highly educated and waited 6 years after becoming interested in BDSM to act on their interests. The practices in which the participants most frequently engaged did not coincide with the practices in which they were most interested and were overwhelmingly conducted at home. Comparisons between genders in terms of distress in sexual functioning in BDSM and non-BDSM contexts demonstrate that, with the exception of maintaining arousal, we found distress in sexual functioning to be statistically the same in BDSM and non-BDSM contexts for women. For men, we found that distress in sexual functioning, with the exception of premature orgasm and anorgasmia, was statistically significantly lower in the BDSM context. There were no differences in sexual satisfaction between BDSM and non-BDSM contexts for men or women.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that BDSM sexual activity should be addressed in clinical settings that account for BDSM identities, practices, relationships, preferences, sexual satisfaction, and distress in sexual function for men and women. Additional research needs are identified, such as the need to define distressful sexual functioning experiences and expand our understanding of the development of BDSM sexual identities.
Evidence for an active rare biosphere within freshwater protists community
Authors: Debroas Didier , Hugoni Mylène , Domaizon Isabelle 
Published: February 2015

AbstractStudies on the active rare biosphere at the RNA level are mainly focused on Bacteria and Archaea and fail to include the protists, which are involved in the main biogeochemical cycles of the earth. In this study, the richness, composition and activity of the rare protistan biosphere were determined from a temporal survey of two lakes by pyrosequencing. In these ecosystems, the always rare OTUs represented 77.2% of the total OTUs and 76.6% of the phylogenetic diversity. From the various phylogenetic indices computed, the phylogenetic units (PUs) constituted exclusively by always rare OTUs were discriminated from the other PUs. Therefore, the rare biosphere included mainly taxa that are distant from the reference databases compared to the dominant ones. In addition, the rarest OTUs represented 59.8% of the active biosphere depicted by rRNA and the activity (rRNA:rDNA ratio) increased with the rarity. The high rRNA:rDNA ratio determined in the rare fraction highlights that some protists were active at low abundances and contribute to ecosystem functioning. Interestingly, the always rare and active OTUs were characterized by seasonal changes in relation with the main environmental parameters measured. In conclusion, the rare eukaryotes represent an active, dynamic and overlooked fraction in the lacustrine ecosystems.
Unravelling the role of SNM1 in the DNA repair system of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Sullivan James A. , Tong Jie Lun , Wong Martin , Kumar Ambika , Sarkar Hajrah , Ali Sarah , Hussein Ikran , Zaman Iqra , Meredith Emma Louise , Helsby Nuala A. , Hu Longqin , Wilkinson Shane R. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryAll living cells are subject to agents that promote DNA damage. A particularly lethal lesion are interstrand cross‐links (ICL), a property exploited by several anti‐cancer chemotherapies. In yeast and humans, an enzyme that plays a key role in repairing such damage are the PSO2/SNM1 nucleases. Here, we report that Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of African trypanosomiasis, possesses a bona fide member of this family (called TbSNM1) with expression of the parasite enzyme able to suppress the sensitivity yeast pso2Δ mutants display towards mechlorethamine, an ICL‐inducing compound. By disrupting the Tbsnm1 gene, we demonstrate that TbSNM1 activity is non‐essential to the medically relevant T. brucei life cycle stage. However, trypanosomes lacking this enzyme are more susceptible to bi‐ and tri‐functional DNA alkylating agents with this phenotype readily complemented by ectopic expression of Tbsnm1. Genetically modified variants of the null mutant line were subsequently used to establish the anti‐parasitic mechanism of action of nitrobenzylphosphoramide mustard and aziridinyl nitrobenzamide prodrugs, compounds previously shown to possess potent trypanocidal properties while exhibiting limited toxicity to mammalian cells. This established that these agents, following activation by a parasite specific type I nitroreductase, produce metabolites that promote formation of ICLs leading to inhibition of trypanosomal growth.
Intraosseous vascular access in critically ill adults—a review of the literature
Authors: Garside Joanne , Prescott Stephen , Shaw Susan 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe IO route is an established method of obtaining vascular access in children in acute and emergency situations and is now increasingly being used in adults as an alternative to intravenous access, yet a paucity of evidence exists regarding its use, effectiveness and implementation.Aim and objectivesThe aim of this literature review is to present a detailed investigation critiquing contemporary practices of intraosseous (IO) vascular access in adult patients. Specific objectives identified led to the exploration of clinical contexts, IO device/s and anatomical sites; education and training requirements; implications and recommendations for emergency health care practice and any requirements for further research.Search strategiesAn exploratory literature review was undertaken in acknowledgement of the broad and complex nature of the project aim. Five electronic search engines were examined iteratively from June 2013 to February 2014. The search terms were ‘intraosseous’ and ‘adult’ which were purposely limited because of the exploratory nature of the review. Studies that met the inclusion criteria of primary research articles with an adult focus were included. Research with a paediatric focus was excluded. Secondary research, reviews, case reports, editorials and opinion papers were excluded.ConclusionIO vascular access is considered an alternative intravascular access route although debate considering the preferred anatomical site is ongoing. Documented practices are only established in pre‐hospital and specialist emergency department settings; however, variety exists in policy and actual practice. Achieving insertion competence is relatively uncomplicated following minimal preparation although ongoing skill maintenance is less clear. IO vascular access is associated with minimal complications although pain is a significant issue for the conscious patient especially during fluid administration.Relevance to clinical practiceThe IO route is clearly a valuable alternative to problematic intravascular access. However, further research, including cost effectiveness reviews, is required to gain clarity of whole acute care approaches.
Natural variation in flavonol and anthocyanin metabolism during cold acclimation in Arabidopsis thaliana accessions
Authors: SCHULZ ELISA , TOHGE TAKAYUKI , ZUTHER ELLEN , FERNIE ALISDAIR R. , HINCHA DIRK K. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn plants from temperate climates such as Arabidopsis thaliana, low, non‐freezing temperatures lead to increased freezing tolerance in a process termed cold acclimation. During cold acclimation, massive changes in gene expression and in the content of primary metabolites and lipids have been observed. Here, we have analysed the influence of cold acclimation on flavonol and anthocyanin content and on the expression of genes related to flavonoid metabolism in 54 Arabidopsis accessions covering a wide range of freezing tolerance. Most flavonols and anthocyanins accumulated upon cold exposure, but the extent of accumulation varied strongly among the accessions. This was also true for most of the investigated transcripts. Correlation analyses revealed a high degree of coordination among metabolites and among transcripts, but only little correlation between metabolites and transcripts, indicating an important role of post‐transcriptional regulation in flavonoid metabolism. Similarly, levels of many flavonoid biosynthesis genes were correlated with freezing tolerance after cold acclimation, but only the pool sizes of a few flavonols and anthocyanins. Collectively, our data provide evidence for an important role of flavonoid metabolism in Arabidopsis freezing tolerance and point to the importance of post‐transcriptional mechanisms in the regulation of flavonoid metabolism in response to cold.
Floral diversity and pollination strategies of three rheophytic Schismatoglottideae (Araceae)
Authors: Low S. L. , Wong S. Y. , Ooi I. H. , Hesse M. , Städler Y. , Schönenberger J. , Boyce P. C. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractHomoplastic evolution of ‘unique’ morphological characteristics in the Schismatoglottideae – many previously used to define genera – prompted this study to compare morphology and function in connection with pollination biology for Aridarum nicolsonii, Phymatarum borneense and Schottarum sarikeense. Aridarum nicolsonii and P. borneense extrude pollen through a pair of horned thecae while S. sarikeense sheds pollen through a pair of pores on the thecae. Floral traits of spathe constriction, presence and movement of sterile structures on the spadix, the comparable role of horned thecae and thecae pores, the presence of stamen‐associated calcium oxalate packages, and the timing of odour emission are discussed in the context of their roles in pollinator management. Pollinators for all investigated species were determined to be species of Colocasiomyia (Diptera: Drosophilidae).
PAR’s Social Equity Footprint
Authors: Gooden Susan T. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDuring the 75th anniversary of Public Administration Review (PAR), this article examines the social equity scholarship published in PAR from 1940 to 2013. Less than 5 percent of all articles published in PAR since its inception focus on social equity. The articles published in PAR are primarily concentrated within the areas of personnel and public policy. Very few articles were published in the areas of budgeting or ethics. While social equity scholarship published in PAR has made a valuable contribution to understanding the career inequities of women and minorities in the public sector, scholars and professionals need to more thoroughly examine the black box of agency practice and structural inequities to examine why they persist. The challenge for future social equity research in public administration is to examine broader dimensions of equity and to understand how social inequities in administration can be mitigated.
The Politics of Jurisprudence Revisited: A Swedish Realist in Historical Context
Authors: Cotterrell Roger 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis article argues that juristic theories must be understood in relation to the historical conditions in which they have emerged. This is not to reduce theories to their context but to gain essential insight into their aims, meaning, and scope with the aid of such “external” reference points. Here I use the ideas of the Swedish legal realist Vilhelm Lundstedt to illustrate these claims, choosing his juristic theory for this purpose specifically because it has been so widely seen (at least by non‐Scandinavian interpreters) as deeply puzzling and “extreme.” The article argues that his central ideas are readily intelligible in historical context. But such a contextual examination of juristic ideas also makes it possible to assess what in them can properly travel beyond immediate context: in other words, what insights about the nature of the jurist's task can legitimately be taken from them for more universal application. Lundstedt's work, despite having been largely ignored or excluded from international juristic debate, has something to offer here if seen through a contextualising lens that sets the possibilities for its broader application in sharp relief.
Asking the Sovereignty Question in Global Legal Pluralism: From “Weak” Jurisprudence to “Strong” Socio‐Legal Theories of Constitutional Power Operations
Authors: Přibáň Jiří 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe article examines recent theories of legal and constitutional pluralism, especially their adoption of sociological perspectives and criticisms of the concept of sovereignty. The author argues thatJohnGriffiths's original dichotomy of “weak” and “strong” pluralism has to be reassessed because “weak” jurisprudential theories contain useful sociological analyses of the internal differentiation and operations of specific legal orders, their overlapping, parallel validity and collisions in global society. Using the sociological methodology of legal pluralism theories and critically elaborating on Teubner's societal constitutionalism, the author subsequently reformulates the question of sovereignty as a sociological problem of complex power operations communicated through the constitutional state's organization and reconfigured within the global legal and political framework.
The Chlamydomonas cell cycle
Authors: Cross Frederick R. , Umen James G. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe position of Chlamydomonas within the eukaryotic phylogeny makes it a unique model in at least two important ways: as a representative of the critically important, early‐diverging lineage leading to plants; and as a microbe retaining important features of the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) that has been lost in the highly studied yeast lineages. Its cell biology has been studied for many decades and it has well‐developed experimental genetic tools, both classical (Mendelian) and molecular. Unlike land plants, it is a haploid with very few gene duplicates, making it ideal for loss‐of‐function genetic studies. The Chlamydomonas cell cycle has a striking temporal and functional separation between cell growth and rapid cell division, probably connected to the interplay between diurnal cycles that drive photosynthetic cell growth and the cell division cycle; it also exhibits a highly choreographed interaction between the cell cycle and its centriole–basal body–flagellar cycle. Here, we review the current status of studies of the Chlamydomonas cell cycle. We begin with an overview of cell‐cycle control in the well‐studied yeast and animal systems, which has yielded a canonical, well‐supported model. We discuss briefly what is known about similarities and differences in plant cell‐cycle control, compared with this model. We next review the cytology and cell biology of the multiple‐fission cell cycle of Chlamydomonas. Lastly, we review recent genetic approaches and insights into Chlamydomonas cell‐cycle regulation that have been enabled by a new generation of genomics‐based tools.
A clinical governance framework for blood services
Authors: Williamson L. M. , Benjamin R. J. , Devine D. V. , Katz L. M , Pink J. ,   the Alliance of Blood Operators Medical Directors Group
Published: February 2015

Background and ObjectivesThe elements of clinical governance, which ensure excellence in clinical care, can be applied to blood services. In this survey, their application in a range of blood providers was gauged, with the aim of identifying best practice and producing a generalizable framework.Materials and MethodsThe Medical Directors of members of the Alliance of Blood Operators surveyed how different elements of clinical governance operated within their organizations and developed recommendations applicable in the blood service environment.ResultsThe recommendations that emerged highlighted the importance of an organization's culture, with the delivery of optimal clinical governance being a corporate responsibility. Senior management must agree and promote a set of values to ensure that the system operates with the patient and donor at its heart. All staff should understand how their role fits into the ‘journey to the patient’, and a culture of openness promoted. Thus, reporting of errors and risks should be actively sought and praised, with penalties applied for concealment. Systems should exist to collect, analyse and escalate clinical outcomes, safety data, clinical risk assessments, incident reports and complaints to inform organizational learning.ConclusionClinical governance principles from general health care can be applied within blood services to complement good manufacturing practice. This requires leadership, accountability, an open culture and a drive for continuous improvement and excellence in clinical care.