bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of anti‐Müllerian hormone, CDKN1B, connexin 43, androgen receptor and steroidogenic enzymes in the equine cryptorchid testis
Authors: Almeida J. , Conley A. J. , Ball B. A. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryReasons for performing studyCryptorchidism affects 2–8% of male horses and the affected testis undergoes a disruption of normal spermatogenesis. The underlying molecular changes are poorly understood in the cryptorchid equine testis.ObjectivesCompare the expression of anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), anti‐Müllerian hormone receptor (AMHR2), androgen receptor (AR), cyclin kinase inhibitor (CDKN1B), connexin 43 (Cx43), 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5‐Δ4‐ isomerase (3βHSD), P450c17 hydroxylase/lyase (P450c17) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) in the undescended testis of cryptorchid stallions with that of normal stallions.MethodsUndescended, abdominal testes from four cryptorchid stallions between 2 and 3 years of age were collected during routine castrations along with normally descended testes from normal stallions between 2 and 3 years of age (n = 7). Samples were analysed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real‐time PCR.ResultsCryptorchid testes had increased AMH and AMHR2 immunolabelling when compared with normal testes, which indicates failure of maturation of Sertoli cells and/or lack of testosterone suppression. Failure of Sertoli cell maturation in the cryptorchid testis may also be attributed to AR abnormalities and/or a consequence of lack of testosterone suppression due to decreased 3βHSD. Cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDKN1B) was not expressed in Sertoli cells of cryptorchid testes suggesting that Sertoli cells are still proliferating, which is also a characteristic of the immature testis. In addition, Cx43 expression is decreased in the cryptorchid testis, indicating a disruption in intercellular communication.ConclusionsUndescended testes of cryptorchid horses present characteristics of immaturity suggesting that the failure of Sertoli cell maturation may be a consequence of cryptorchidism.Potential relevanceThis study provides a better understanding of the effect of cryptorchidism on testicular function in stallions.
A role for p21‐activated kinase 7 in the development of gastric cancer
Authors: Gu Jun , Li Keqiang , Li Maolan , Wu Xiangsong , Zhang Lin , Ding Qichen , Wu Wenguang , Yang Jiahua , Mu Jiasheng , Wen Hao , Ding Qian , Lu Jianhua , Hao Yuan , Chen Lei , Zhang Wenjie , Li Songgang , Liu Yingbin 
Published: October 2012

p21‐activated kinase (PAK)7 (also known as PAK5) is a member of the group B PAK family of serine/threonine protein kinases, which are effectors of the small GTPases Rac and CDC42. PAK7 can promote neurite outgrowth, induce microtubule stabilization, and activate cell survival signaling pathways. However, the role of PAK7 in cancer is still poorly understood. Here, we showed that PAK7 expression was upregulated in different gastric cancer cell lines and gastric cancer tissues, as compared with human embryonic kidney 293 cells and adjacent normal tissues, respectively. The results suggested that PAK7 expression was related to gastric cancer progression. Thus, we employed lentivirus‐mediated small interfering RNA to inhibit PAK7 expression, to investigate the role of PAK7 in human gastric carcinogenesis. RNA interference efficiently downregulated expression of PAK7 in SGC‐7901 and MGC‐803 cells at both mRNA and protein levels. Knockdown of PAK7 inhibited human gastric cancer cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, in concordance with the downregulation of CDK2, CDC25A, and cyclin D1. Our data suggest that PAK7 is a new hallmark of gastric cancer, in which PAK7 might contribute to gain of tumor growth potential, acting by affecting the expression of cell cycle regulators. Therefore, PAK7 may be an attractive candidate as a therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
The effect of the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) on spring and annual herbage production in urine patches when applied in late summer or early autumn
Authors: O'Connor P. J. , Lynch M. B. , Cahalan E. , O'Donovan M. , Hennessy D. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA cut plot experiment was undertaken at two sites in Ireland, one a free‐draining acid brown earth at Moorepark (MPK) and the other a fine loam soil with imperfect drainage at Johnstown Castle (JC). The effect of applying the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide (DCD) at 10 kg ha−1 in July, August and September or not applying DCD to plots receiving synthetic urine or zero urine on spring and annual herbage production was examined. In the experiment, each site received 350 kg nitrogen (N) fertilizer ha−1 year−1. The application of DCD in August at a rate of 10 kg ha−1 significantly increased spring and annual herbage production by 14 and 15%, respectively, at MPK, when applied following urine application in year 1. There was no effect of DCD applied in year 1 on herbage production at JC. The application of DCD in August resulted in lower soil total oxidized N (TON) content up to sampling day 56 post‐urine application, at MPK in year 1, retaining higher N content in the soil. There was no effect of DCD on any of the parameters measured in year 2 at MPK or at JC. Urine application did not increase spring herbage production at either site. Urine application significantly increased annual herbage production at MPK only in year 1. Urine application increased annual herbage N uptake, herbage crude protein (CP) content and soil mineral N at both sites in both years.
‘The missing links’: understanding how context and mechanism influence the impact of public involvement in research
Authors: Staley Kristina , Buckland Sarah A. , Hayes Helen , Tarpey Maryrose 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIntroductionIt is now more widely recognized that public involvement in research increases the quality and relevance of the research. However, there are also more questions as to exactly how and when involvement brings added value.The nature of the current evidence of impactBased on the findings of recent literature reviews, most reports of public involvement that discuss impact are based on observational evaluations. These usefully describe the context, the type of involvement and the impact. However, the links between these factors are rarely considered. The findings are therefore limited to identifying the range of impacts and general lessons for good practice. Reflecting on the links between context, mechanism and outcome in these observational evaluations identifies which aspects of the context and mechanism could be significant to the outcome. Studies that are more in line with the principles of realistic evaluation can test these links more rigorously. Building on the evidence from observational evaluations to design research that explores the ‘missing links’ will help to address the question ‘what works best, for whom and when’.ConclusionsWe conclude that a more intentional and explicit exploration of the links between context, mechanism and outcome, applying the principles of realistic evaluation to public involvement in research, should lead to a more sophisticated understanding of the factors that increase or decrease the likelihood of positive outcomes. This will support the development of more strategic approaches to involvement maximizing the benefits for all involved.
Buprenorphine treatment of opioid‐dependent pregnant women: a comprehensive review
Authors: Jones Hendrée E. , Heil Sarah H. , Baewert Andjela , Arria Amelia M. , Kaltenbach Karol , Martin Peter R. , Coyle Mara G. , Selby Peter , Stine Susan M. , Fischer Gabriele 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimsThis paper reviews the published literature regarding outcomes following maternal treatment with buprenorphine in five areas: maternal efficacy, fetal effects, neonatal effects, effects on breast milk and longer‐term developmental effects.MethodsWithin each outcome area, findings are summarized first for the three randomized clinical trials and then for the 44 non‐randomized studies (i.e. prospective studies, case reports and series and retrospective chart reviews), only 28 of which involve independent samples.ResultsResults indicate that maternal treatment with buprenorphine has comparable efficacy to methadone, although difficulties may exist with current buprenorphine induction methods. The available fetal data suggest buprenorphine results in less physiological suppression of fetal heart rate and movements than methadone. Regarding neonatal effects, perhaps the single definitive conclusion is that prenatal buprenorphine treatment results in a clinically significant less severe neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) than treatment with methadone. The limited research suggests that, like methadone, buprenorphine is compatible with breastfeeding. Data available thus far suggest that there are no deleterious effects of in utero buprenorphine exposure on infant development.ConclusionsWhile buprenorphine produces a less severe neonatal abstinence syndrome than methadone, both methadone and buprenorphine are important parts of a complete comprehensive treatment approach for opioid‐dependent pregnant women.
Predicting treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome in infants born to women maintained on opioid agonist medication
Authors: Kaltenbach Karol , Holbrook Amber M. , Coyle Mara G. , Heil Sarah H. , Salisbury Amy L. , Stine Susan M. , Martin Peter R. , Jones Hendrée E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimTo identify factors that predict the expression of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in infants exposed to methadone or buprenorphine in utero.Design and SettingMulti‐site randomized clinical trial in which infants were observed for a minimum of 10 days following birth, and assessed for NAS symptoms by trained raters.ParticipantsA total of 131 infants born to opioid dependent mothers, 129 of whom were available for NAS assessment.MeasurementsGeneralized linear modeling was performed using maternal and infant characteristics to predict: peak NAS score prior to treatment, whether an infant required NAS treatment, length of NAS treatment and total dose of morphine required for treatment of NAS symptoms.FindingsOf the sample, 53% (68 infants) required treatment for NAS. Lower maternal weight at delivery, later estimated gestational age (EGA), maternal use of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), vaginal delivery and higher infant birthweight predicted higher peak NAS scores. Higher infant birthweight and greater maternal nicotine use at delivery predicted receipt of NAS treatment for infants. Maternal use of SSRIs, higher nicotine use and fewer days of study medication received also predicted total dose of medication required to treat NAS symptoms. No variables predicted length of treatment for NAS.ConclusionsMaternal weight at delivery, estimated gestational age, infant birthweight, delivery type, maternal nicotine use and days of maternal study medication received and the use of psychotropic medications in pregnancy may play a role in the expression of neonatal abstinence syndrome severity in infants exposed to either methadone or buprenorphine.
Infections and obstetric outcomes in opioid‐dependent pregnant women maintained on methadone or buprenorphine
Authors: Holbrook Amber M. , Baxter Jason K. , Jones Hendrée E. , Heil Sarah H. , Coyle Mara G. , Martin Peter R. , Stine Susan M. , Kaltenbach Karol 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimsTo characterize infections and compare obstetric outcomes in opioid‐dependent pregnant women who participated in a randomized clinical trial comparing agonist medications, methadone and buprenorphine.DesignIncidence of infections was identified as part of the screening medical assessment. As part of a planned secondary analysis, analysis of variance and polytomous logistic regressions were conducted on obstetric outcome variables using treatment randomization condition (maternal maintenance with either methadone or buprenorphine) as the predictor variable, controlling for differences between study sites.SettingSix United States sites and one European site that provided comprehensive treatment to opioid‐dependent pregnant women.ParticipantsPregnant opioid‐dependent women (n = 131) who delivered while participating in the Maternal Opioid Treatment: Human Experimental Research (MOTHER) study.MeasurementsObstetric, infectious and other maternal medical complications captured by medical records, physical examination, blood tests and self‐report. Neonatal medical complications captured by medical records.FindingsHepatitis C was the most common infection (32.3%), followed by hepatitis B (7.6%) and chlamydia (6.1%) among participants at study enrollment. Maternal methadone versus buprenorphine maintenance was associated with a higher incidence of preterm labor (P = 0.04) and a significantly higher percentage of signs of respiratory distress in neonates at delivery (P = 0.05). Other medical and obstetric complications were infrequent in the total sample, as well as in both methadone and buprenorphine conditions.ConclusionsBuprenorphine appears to have an acceptable safety profile for use during pregnancy.
A randomised controlled trial of dexmedetomidine for suspension laryngoscopy
Authors: Liu C. , Zhang Y. , She S. , Xu L. , Ruan X. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryWe randomly allocated 80 patients to intravenous dexmedetomidine (0.25, 0.5, or 1 μg.kg−1) or placebo 15 min before anaesthetic induction. Dexmedetomidine 0.5 and 1.0 μg.kg−1 significantly reduced the mean (95% CI) propofol effect‐site concentrations by 0.83 (0.63–1.03) μg.ml−1, p = 0.001 and 1.29 (1.12–1.46) μg.ml−1, p = 0.0003 at intubation, by 1.05 (0.85–1.25 μg.ml−1, p = 0.0006 and 1.33 (1.15–1.51) μg.ml−1, p = 0.0002 when surgery started, and by 0.59 (0.39–0.79) μg.ml−1, p = 0.030 and 0.72 (0.57–0.87) μg.ml−1, p = 0.004 on completion of surgery, respectively. Patients’ tracheas were extubated sooner after 0.5 and 1.0 μg.kg−1 dexmedetomidine, by 5.36 (2.39–8.32) min, p = 0.009 and 7.37 (3.24–11.51) min p = 0.003, respectively. Tachycardic responses to intubation were present in five placebo patients and no dexmedetomidine patients. Bradycardia was treated after dexmedetomidine in six patients: five after 1.0 μg.kg−1; and one after 0.25 μg.kg−1. Single‐dose dexmedetomidine can reduce anaesthetic requirements, with both desirable and undesirable haemodynamic effects.
CD133: holy of grail of neuro‐oncology or promiscuous red‐herring?
Authors: Donovan L. K. , Pilkington G. J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe CD133 glycoprotein is a controversial cancer stem cell marker in the field of neuro‐oncology, based largely on the now considerable experimental evidence for the existence of both CD133+ve and CD133−ve populations as tumour‐initiating cells. It is thought that decreasing oxygen tension enhances the complex regulation and phenotype of CD133 in glioma. In light of these ideologies, establishing the precise functional role of CD133 is becoming increasingly critical. In this article, we review the complex regulation of CD133 and its extracellular epitope AC133, and associated alterations, to tumour cell behaviour by hypoxia. Furthermore, its role in functional modulation of tumours, rather than determination of a specific stem cell type is therefore alluded to, while evidence for and against its ability as a cancer stem cell marker in primary brain tumours, is critically evaluated. Thus, the suggestion that CD133 may be a central ‘holy grail’ in identifying core cells for propagation of malignant glial neoplasms seems increasingly less convincing. It remains to be seen, however, whether CD133 is randomly expressed on such brain tumour cell populations or whether it is of major significance to brain biological behaviour.
Unravelling the retention of proliferation and differentiation potency in extensive culture of human subcutaneous fat‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in different media
Authors: Dhanasekaran M. , Indumathi S. , Rashmi M. , Rajkumar J. S. , Sudarsanam D. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectivesThis study has intended to investigate longevity of subcutaneous fat‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (SF‐MSCs) under extensive culturing. It has also focused on optimization of culture media for them over prolonged periods in vitro.Materials and methodsWe evaluated SF‐MSCs with reference to phenotypic characterization, proliferative ability, karyotype stability and differentiation potency with early (P3) and late passage (P20) conditions, using four different media, DMEM‐LG, ALPHA‐MEM, DMEM‐F12 and DMEM‐KO.ResultsThis study unravels retention of SF‐MSC characteristics in facets of phenotypic expression profile (CD 90, CD 105, CD 73, CD 34, CD 29, CD 54, CD 49d, CD 117, HLA‐DR, CD 166, CD 31, CD 44), proliferative characteristics, karyotyping and differentiation potency prolonged culturing to P25 in all media. Population doubling time (PDT) in Alpha MEM, DMEM LG, DMEM F 12, DMEM KO were identified to be (1.81, 1.84, 1.9, 2.08 days) at early passage and (2.93, 2.94, 3.12, 3.06 days) at late passage. As a corollary, Alpha MEM and DMEM LG serve as appropriate basal media for SF‐MSC when proliferative potency is considered.ConclusionsIn research, it is imperative that SF‐MSC uphold their expansion potency in the aforesaid attributes in all media over extensive culturing, thereby transforming their colossal in vitro potency, with the aim of curing a wide horizon of diseases.
The mechanisms of nadroparin‐mediated inhibition of proliferation of two human lung cancer cell lines
Authors: Carmazzi Y. , Iorio M. , Armani C. , Cianchetti S. , Raggi F. , Neri T. , Cordazzo C. , Petrini S. , Vanacore R. , Bogazzi F. , Paggiaro P. , Celi A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectivesClinical data suggest that heparin treatment improves survival of lung cancer patients, but the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. We investigated whether low molecular weight heparin nadroparin, directly affects lung cancer cell population growth in conventionally cultured cell lines.Materials and methodsA549 and CALU1 cells’ viability was assessed by MTT and trypan blue exclusion assays. Cell proliferation was assessed using 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine incorporation. Apoptosis and cell‐cycle distribution were analysed by flow cytometry; cyclin B1, Cdk1, p‐Cdk1 Cdc25C, p‐Cdc25C and p21 expressions were analysed by western blotting. mRNA levels were analysed by real time RT‐PCR.ResultsNadroparin inhibited cell proliferation by 30% in both cell lines; it affected the cell cycle in A549, but not in CALU‐1 cells, inducing arrest in the G2/M phase. Nadroparin in A549 culture inhibited cyclin B1, Cdk1, Cdc25C and p‐Cdc25C, while levels of p‐Cdk1 were elevated; p21 expression was not altered. Dalteparin caused a similar reduction in A549 cell population growth; however, it did not alter cyclin B1 expression as expected, based on previous reports. Fondaparinux caused minimal inhibition of A549 cell population growth and no effect on either cell cycle or cyclin B1 expression.ConclusionsNadroparin inhibited proliferation of A549 cells by inducing G2/M phase cell‐cycle arrest that was dependent on the Cdc25C pathway, whereas CALU‐1 cell proliferation was halted by as yet not elucidated modes.
Moral status: what a bad idea!
Authors: Silvers A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundAdvocates of people with disabilities sometimes have advanced their cause within a conceptual frame of human exceptionalism, shaped specifically by one or another proposal about a moral property or capacity with which human individuals alone are endowed.MethodsThis essay is a philosophical reflection about the notion of moral status.ResultsArguments presented here show, however, that framing the pursuit of protection for people with disabilities in terms of humanity's exceptional moral status is more hazardous than helpful.ConclusionsAppeals to moral status do not settle debates about whether there are obligations to provide protection and support for individuals with disabilities because the idea of moral status is as contentious as the disagreements it is invoked to resolve.
Physical health outcomes in prisoners with intellectual disability: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dias S. , Ware R. S. , Kinner S. A. , Lennox N. G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundPeople with intellectual disability (ID) in the general population and people in prison experience unrecognised medical conditions and inadequate disease prevention. Among prisoners, those with an ID may be particularly disadvantaged. The aim of this study was to identify demographic, health and health‐related characteristics of adult prisoners who screened positive for ID.MethodsCross‐sectional data were collected via face‐to‐face administration of a structured questionnaire in seven prisons in Queensland, Australia, between 2008 and 2010. Participants were adult prisoners within 6 weeks of release from custody. We identified ID using a pragmatic screening tool. Prisoners who scored <85 on the Hayes Ability Screening Index and either (a) reported having attended a special school or (b) reported having been diagnosed with an ID were considered to have screened positive for ID. We compared the characteristics of participants who screened positive and negative for ID using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsScreening positive for ID was associated with younger age, identifying as Indigenous and lower educational achievement. Prisoners who screened positive for ID were more likely to have been diagnosed with medical conditions such as heart disease (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval = 2.1; 1.0–4.2) and hearing problems (2.2; 1.3–3.7), after adjustment for age, sex, education level and Indigenous status. Screen‐positive prisoners were less likely to have received preventive care interventions such as testing for hepatitis A infection (0.4; 0.2–0.6), and immunisation for tuberculosis (0.4; 0.2–0.8). Prisoners with possible ID were more likely to be obese (1.7; 1.1–2.7).ConclusionsAdult prisoners who screen positive for ID have worse health outcomes than their non‐disabled peers. An improved understanding of physical health characteristics prior to release can direct treatment and support pathways out of the criminal justice system and inform transitional planning of health services for this profoundly disadvantaged group.