bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceiving monetary loss as due to inequity reduces behavioral and cortical responses to pain
Authors: Mancini Alessandra , Betti Viviana , Panasiti Maria Serena , Pavone Enea Francesco , Aglioti Salvatore Maria 
Published: April 2014

AbstractStudies indicate that physical and social pain may share some mechanisms and neural correlates. Nothing is known, however, on whether the neural activity in the nociceptive system, as indexed by laser‐evoked potentials (LEPs), is modified when suffering the consequences of a conspecific violating social norms. To explore this issue, we created an interaction scenario where participants could gain money by performing a time‐estimation task. On each win‐trial, another player connected online could arbitrarily decide to keep the participant's pay‐off for him‐ or herself. Thus, participants knew that monetary loss could occur because of their own failure in performing the task or because of the inequitable behavior of another individual. Moreover, participants were asked to play for themselves or on behalf of a third party. In reality, the win/loss events were entirely decided by anad hocprogrammed computer. At the end of the interaction, participants reported if they believed the game‐playing interaction was real. Results showed that the loss due to the opponent's inequitable behavior brought about a reduction both in pain intensity self‐reports and in the amplitude ofLEPs' components (i.e.N2,N2/P2,P2a,P2b). Importantly, both the behavioral and neurophysiological effects were found in the participants who believed their deserved payoff was stolen by their opponent. Furthermore, reduction of vertex components was present only when the inequitable behavior was directed toward the self. These results suggest that, far from being a private experience, pain perception might be modulated by the social saliency of interpersonal interactions.
In utero cannabinoid exposure alters breathing and the response to hypoxia in newborn mice
Authors: Tree Keda C. , Scotto di Perretolo Maud , Peyronnet Julie , Cayetanot Florence 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCannabis is one of the most commonly used recreational drugs at ages highly correlated with potential pregnancy. Endocannabinoid signalling regulates important stages of neuronal development. When cannabinoid receptors, which are widely distributed through the nervous system, are activated by exogenous cannabinoids, breathing in adult rats is depressed. Here, we show that, in newborn mice, endocannabinoids, through the activation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), participate in the modulation of respiration and its control. Blocking CB1Rs at birth suppressed the brake exerted by endocannabinoids on ventilation in basal and in hypoxic conditions. The number of apnoeas and their duration were also minimized by activation of CB1Rs in normoxic and in hypoxic conditions. However, prenatal cannabis intoxication, caused by a daily injection of WIN55,212‐2, in pregnant mice durably modified respiration of the offspring, as shown by hyperventilation in basal conditions, an altered chemoreflex in response to hypoxia, and longer apnoeas. When CB1Rs were blocked in WIN55,212‐2 treated newborns, persistent hyperventilation was still observed, which could partly be explained by a perturbation of the central respiratory network. In fact, in vitro medullary preparations from WIN55,212‐2 treated pups, free of peripheral or of supramedullary structures, showed an altered fictive breathing frequency. In conclusion, the endocannabinoid pathway at birth seems to modulate breathing and protect the newborn against apnoeas. However, when exposed prenatally to an excess of cannabinoid, the breathing neuronal network in development seems to be modified, probably rendering the newborn more vulnerable in the face of an unstable environment.
The effect of an essential‐oils mouthrinse as compared to a vehicle solution on plaque and gingival inflammation: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Van Leeuwen MPC , Slot DE , Van der Weijden GA 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this review was to systematically evaluate the effects of an alcohol vehicle solution (V‐Sol) compared with an essential‐oils mouthwash (EOMW) and if available with a water‐based control (WC) on plaque, gingival inflammation parameters and extrinsic tooth staining.Materials and MethodsThe PubMed‐MEDLINE, Cochrane‐CENTRAL and EMBASE databases were searched. Where appropriate, a meta‐analysis was performed, and difference of means (DIFFM) as calculated.ResultsIn total, 971 unique papers were found of which five met the eligibility criteria. The DIFFM of the meta‐analysis of four 6‐month studies showed that the EOMW provided significantly better plaque control (DIFFM = 0.39, P < 0.00001) and gingival inflammation reduction as measured by the Löe and Silness Index (DIFFM = 0.36, P = 0.00001) as compared to the V‐Sol. Regarding extrinsic tooth staining, a small but significant difference (DIFFM = −0.08, P = 0.03) was observed.ConclusionLimited data, but with a low risk of bias, were available to assess the potential benefit of the alcohol‐containing V‐Sol. ‘High’‐ and ‘moderate’‐quality data were available for the analysis of plaque and gingivitis, respectively. Within these limitations, EOMW appears to provide a significant oral health benefit during the 6 months of use. The data retrieved for this review suggest that the essential oils produce an effect on plaque and gingivitis that extends beyond the V‐Sol. Furthermore, the V‐Sol proved to be no different from a WC.
T‐cell selection and intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Ai Teresa L. , Solomon Benjamin D. , Hsieh Chyi‐Song 
Published: April 2014

SummaryAlthough intestinal bacteria live deep within the body, they are topographically on the exterior surface and thus outside the host. According to the classic notion that the immune system targets non‐self rather than self, these intestinal bacteria should be considered foreign and therefore attacked and eliminated. While this appears to be true for some commensal bacterial species, recent data suggest that the immune system actively becomes tolerant to many bacterial organisms. The induction or activation of regulatory T (Treg) cells that inhibit, rather than promote, inflammatory responses to commensal bacteria appears to be a central component of mucosal tolerance. Loss of this mechanism can lead to inappropriate immune reactivity toward commensal organisms, perhaps contributing to mucosal inflammation characteristic of disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Treg functional stability and its responsiveness to the microenvironment
Authors: Barbi Joseph , Pardoll Drew , Pan Fan 
Published: April 2014

SummaryRegulatory T cells (Tregs) prevent autoimmunity and tissue damage resulting from excessive or unnecessary immune activation through their suppressive function. While their importance for proper immune control is undeniable, the stability of the Treg lineage has recently become a controversial topic. Many reports have shown dramatic loss of the signature Treg transcription factor Forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) and Treg function under various inflammatory conditions. Other recent studies demonstrate that most Tregs are extremely resilient in their expression of Foxp3 and the retention of suppressive function. While this debate is unlikely to be settled in the immediate future, improved understanding of the considerable heterogeneity within the Foxp3+ Treg population and how Treg subsets respond to ranging environmental cues may be keys to reconciliation. In this review, we discuss the diverse mechanisms responsible for the observed stability or instability of Foxp3+ Treg identity and function. These include transcriptional and epigenetic programs, transcript targeting, and posttranslational modifications that appear responsive to numerous elements of the microenvironment. These mechanisms for Treg functional modulation add to the discussion of Treg stability.
International Nurses Day and press coverage in South Africa
Authors: van Zyl G.S. , Christofides N.J. 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundIn some countries, nursing's appeal as a profession is diminishing, partly due to poor press coverage and the media's portrayal of an over‐loaded, poorly paid profession. The media is important for shaping public perceptions and raising policy issues. International Nurses Day gives nurses an opportunity to profile their critical contribution to quality health care.AimTo determine the influence of this commemorative day on press coverage about nursing by examining whether there was a difference in the proportion of South African press articles on nursing between January–April and May–June 2010.MethodsA quantitative content analysis was conducted of all press articles mentioning ‘nursing’ or ‘nurse/s’ in the South African lay press from 1 January–31 June 2010. Articles were coded for theme, slant and prominence, and inter‐coder reliability was assessed. Descriptive statistics with chi square or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the two time periods.ResultsWe identified 242 articles in 95 publications. The month of May had almost double the press coverage of January. International Nurses Day articles were mainly positive, and appeared in May to June in weekly community publications rather than in daily national and regional newspapers. When they were excluded, most articles portrayed nursing negatively.LimitationsThe 6‐month period may not be representative of the entire year. Only the dominant topic was coded, which possibly influenced the analysis.ConclusionInternational Nurses Day positively influenced the extent and slant of press coverage. Efforts to sustain coverage beyond the event through strategic partnerships and media engagement should be strengthened.Implications for nursing and health policyThe media's portrayal of nurses and nursing may influence the choice of nursing as a career. International Nurses Day is an opportunity to portray nursing positively. Media training may help nurses to advocate for their profession in the media.
Association of Pulse Wave Velocity and Pulse Pressure With Decline in Kidney Function
Authors: Kim Chang Seong , Kim Ha Yeon , Kang Yong Un , Choi Joon Seok , Bae Eun Hui , Ma Seong Kwon , Kim Soo Wan 
Published: April 2014

The association between arterial stiffness and decline in kidney function in patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well established. This study investigated whether pulse wave velocity (PWV) and pulse pressure (PP) are independently associated with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and rapid decline in kidney function in early CKD. Carotid femoral PWV (cfPWV), brachial‐ankle PWV (baPWV), and PP were measured in a cohort of 913 patients (mean age, 63±10 years; baseline estimated GFR, 84±18 mL/min/1.73 m2). Estimated GFR was measured at baseline and at follow‐up. The renal outcome examined was rapid decline in kidney function (estimated GFR loss, >3 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year). The median follow‐up duration was 3.2 years. Multivariable adjusted linear regression model indicated that arterial PWV (both cfPWV and baPWV) and PP increased as estimated GFR declined, but neither was associated with kidney function after adjustment for various covariates. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that cfPWV and baPWV were not associated with rapid decline in kidney function (odds ratio [OR], 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41–4.65; OR, 2.51, 95% CI, 0.66–9.46, respectively), but PP was (OR, 1.22, 95% CI, 1.01–1.48; P=.045). Arterial stiffness assessed using cfPWV and baPWV was not correlated with lower estimated GFR and rapid decline in kidney function after adjustment for various confounders. Thus, PP is an independent risk factor for rapid decline in kidney function in populations with relatively preserved kidney function (estimated GFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2).
From Business to Politics: Cross‐Border Inter‐Firm Networks and Policy Spillovers in the EU's Eastern Neighbourhood
Authors: Turkina Ekaterina , Postnikov Evgeny 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe European Union (EU) encourages cross‐border inter‐firm networks as a part of its external governance approach. What is the effect of these networks? Do they lead to regulatory convergence aroundEUstandards in the eastern neighbourhood? Using original survey data, as well as data on regional enterprise‐related regulations, this article argues that the density of interaction among private actors and between private actors and regional governments in such networks create conditions for private actors to lobby for regulatory change, resulting in approximations toEUstandards. By testing the transnational mechanisms of policy change, the article points to the possibility of integration, even in the absence of membership prospects. However, the findings also indicate that the extent of regulatory change is conditioned by cross‐border network structure as well as the institutional distance between the partnering regions.
The Limits of Normalization: Taking Stock of theEU‐USComparative Literature
Authors: Tortola Pier Domenico 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis article contributes to the research on the normalization ofEuropeanUnion (EU) studies by presenting an analysis and assessment of theEU‐UScomparative literature. Using an original and comprehensive data set of 104 publications, it shows not only that these comparisons have grown considerably since the early 1990s, but also and more interestingly thatEU‐USscholarship itself has increasingly conformed to mainstream political science by becoming more diverse, causal in nature and empirically inclusive. Unlike other accounts of normalization, however, it is argued here that these transformations are only partly desirable, and that a better direction for the future is to developEU‐USresearch as a distinct programme withinEUstudies, centred on a ‘dual mission’ – theoretical and empirical – that accepts political science's scope and explanatory objectives, but at the same time sees the two cases as worthy of being studied in isolation owing to their importance and the political value of their comparison.
EUTrade in Financial Services withASEAN, Policy Coherence for Development and Financial Crisis
Authors: Robles Alfredo C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn the wake of the financial crisis, negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) withSoutheastAsia has become a priority for theEuropeanUnion (EU). Paradoxically, all the indications are that theEUwill demand thatIndonesia,Malaysia, thePhilippines andThailand liberalize financial services trade with theEU. This article asks whether theEU's policy undermines coherence betweenEUtrade and development policies. It argues that theEUandAssociation ofSoutheastAsianNations (ASEAN) agree that financial services are crucial for development, but that they differ on the approach to liberalization: theEUadvocates broad‐ranging liberalization, whereasASEANcountries favour a cautious approach, conditioned by their experience of theAsian financial crisis. In view of this divergence, theEUwill have to rethink its approach to financial services trade liberalization in negotiations withASEANcountries.
OASIS regulates chondroitin 6‐O‐sulfotransferase 1 gene transcription in the injured adult mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Okuda Hiroaki , Tatsumi Kouko , Horii‐Hayashi Noriko , Morita Shoko , Okuda‐Yamamoto Aya , Imaizumi Kazunori , Wanaka Akio 
Published: April 2014

AbstractOld astrocyte specifically induced substance (OASIS), a basic leucine zipper transcription factor of the cAMP response element binding/Activating transcription factor family, is induced in reactive astrocytes in vivo and has important roles in quality control of protein synthesis at the endoplasmic reticulum. Reactive astrocytes produce a non‐permissive environment for regenerating axons by up‐regulating chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). In this study, we focus on the potential role of OASIS in CSPG production in the adult mouse cerebral cortex. CS‐C immunoreactivity, which represents chondroitin sulfate moieties, was significantly attenuated in the stab‐injured cortices of OASIS knockout mice compared to those of wild‐type mice. We next examined expression of the CSPG‐synthesizing enzymes and core proteins of CSPGs in the stab‐injured cortices of OASIS knockout and wild‐type mice. The levels of chondroitin 6‐O‐sulfotransferase 1 (C6ST1, one of the major enzymes involved in sulfation of CSPGs) mRNA and protein increased after cortical stab injury of wild‐type, but not of OASIS knockout, mice. A C‐terminal deletion mutant OASIS over‐expressed in rat C6 glioma cells increased C6ST1 transcription by interacting with the first intron region. Neurite outgrowth of cultured hippocampal neurons was inhibited on culture dishes coated with membrane fractions of epidermal growth factor‐treated astrocytes derived from wild type but not from OASIS knockout mice. These results suggest that OASIS regulates the transcription of C6ST1 and thereby promotes CSPG sulfation in astrocytes. Through these mechanisms, OASIS may modulate axonal regeneration in the injured cerebral cortex.
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OASIS, an ER stress‐responsive CREB/ATF family member, is up‐regulated in the reactive astrocytes of the injured brain. We found that the up‐regulated OASIS is involved in the transcriptional regulation of C6ST1 gene, which promotes chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) sulfation. We conclude that OASIS functions as an anti‐regenerative transcription factor by establishing a non‐permissive microenvironment to regenerating axons.
The voltage‐gated calcium channel blocker lomerizine is neuroprotective in motor neurons expressing mutant SOD1, but not TDP‐43
Authors: Tran Luan T. , Gentil Benoit J. , Sullivan Kathleen E. , Durham Heather D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractExcitotoxicity and disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis have been implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and limiting Ca2+ entry is protective in models of ALS caused by mutation of SOD1. Lomerizine, an antagonist of L‐ and T‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels and transient receptor potential channel 5 transient receptor potential channels, is well tolerated clinically, making it a potential therapeutic candidate. Lomerizine reduced glutamate excitotoxicity in cultured motor neurons by reducing the accumulation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ and protected motor neurons against multiple measures of mutant SOD1 toxicity: Ca2+ overload, impaired mitochondrial trafficking, mitochondrial fragmentation, formation of mutant SOD1 inclusions, and loss of viability. To assess the utility of lomerizine in other forms of ALS, calcium homeostasis was evaluated in culture models of disease because of mutations in the RNA‐binding proteins transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) and Fused in Sarcoma (FUS). Calcium did not play the same role in the toxicity of these mutant proteins as with mutant SOD1 and lomerizine failed to prevent cytoplasmic accumulation of mutant TDP‐43, a hallmark of its pathology. These experiments point to differences in the pathogenic pathways between types of ALS and show the utility of primary culture models in comparing those mechanisms and effectiveness of therapeutic strategies.
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Calcium sensitivity is a factor in motor neuron vulnerability in ALS. The voltage‐gated calcium channel blocker lomerizine normalized [Ca2+] and reduced toxicity of mutant Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD1) causing familial ALS1. Calcium homeostasis was not disrupted in motor neurons expressing ALS‐associated mutants of TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) or FUS, nor was lomerizine protective, affirming differences in pathogenic mechanism and therapeutic efficacy in the forms of ALS.
Treatment of dentin hypersensitivity with a low‐level laser‐emitting toothbrush: double‐blind randomised clinical trial of efficacy and safety
Authors: Ko Y. , Park J. , Kim C. , Park J. , Baek S.H. , Kook Y.A. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryDentin hypersensitivity (DH) is defined as pain derived from exposed dentin in response to chemical, thermal, tactile, or osmotic stimuli that cannot be explained as having arisen from any other dental defect or disease. The aim of this trial was to test the efficacy and the safety of a low‐level laser‐emitting toothbrush on management of DH. A prospective, double blind, randomised clinical trial was designed; 96 individuals with hypersensitive teeth without caries or fracture were selected as subjects. The subjects were randomly allocated to either the test group with the 635 nm per 6 mW laser‐emitting toothbrush, or the control group with the 635 nm per 12·9 μW light‐emitting diode (LED) toothbrush. An air blast was applied with a dental air syringe held 3 mm away from the selected tooth and a visual analogue scale (VAS: 0–10) was used to quantify subjective pain. Assessments were completed at a screening visit and after 2‐week and 4‐week of using a test/control toothbrush. Results demonstrated that the use of both control and test toothbrushes resulted in decreased discomfort after 4 weeks. In the test group, pain intensity scores decreased from 5·8 ± 1·2 to 2·3 ± 1·6, and in the control group, the scores decreased from 6·4 ± 1·3 to 5·5 ± 2·0 (P < 0·05). This decrease was significantly greater in the test group. There were no significant adverse events or side effects. It was concluded that the use of the low‐level laser emitting toothbrush is a safe and effective treatment option for the management of DH.
Iridescent flowers? Contribution of surface structures to optical signaling
Authors: van der Kooi Casper J. , Wilts Bodo D. , Leertouwer Hein L. , Staal Marten , Elzenga J. Theo M. , Stavenga Doekele G. 
Published: April 2014

Summary

The color of natural objects depends on how they are structured and pigmented. In flowers, both the surface structure of the petals and the pigments they contain determine coloration. The aim of the present study was to assess the contribution of structural coloration, including iridescence, to overall floral coloration.

We studied the reflection characteristics of flower petals of various plant species with an imaging scatterometer, which allows direct visualization of the angle dependence of the reflected light in the hemisphere above the petal. To separate the light reflected by the flower surface from the light backscattered by the components inside (e.g. the vacuoles), we also investigated surface casts.

A survey among angiosperms revealed three different types of floral surface structure, each with distinct reflections. Petals with a smooth and very flat surface had mirror‐like reflections and petal surfaces with cones yielded diffuse reflections. Petals with striations yielded diffraction patterns when single cells were illuminated. The iridescent signal, however, vanished when illumination similar to that found in natural conditions was applied.

Pigmentary rather than structural coloration determines the optical appearance of flowers. Therefore, the hypothesized signaling by flowers with striated surfaces to attract potential pollinators presently seems untenable.