bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of gene expression levels of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R) in vitiligo
Authors: Nagui Noha A , Mahmoud Sara B , Abdel Hay Rania M , Hassieb May M , Rashed Laila A 
Published: October 2015

AbstractProopiomelanocortin (POMC) and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) are regulators of melanogenesis and pigmentation. Our objective was to estimate their levels, searching for a possible role of the melanocortin system in vitiligo. This study included 40 vitiligo patients and 40 controls. Skin biopsies were taken from lesional and non‐lesional skin of patients and from the non‐sun exposed skin of controls to detect the expression of POMC and MC1R using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Both factors were significantly lower in lesional than non‐lesional skin and controls, while they were significantly higher in non‐lesional skin than in controls. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between lesional levels of POMC and MC1R, as well as between non‐lesional levels of POMC and MC1R in the patients. On the other hand, we found a statistically significant negative correlation between the lesional and non‐lesional levels of POMC, as well as between the lesional and non‐lesional levels of MC1R in the patients. As a conclusion, the melanocortin system could play a role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo or could be affected as the end result of the disease.
The effects of metformin treatment of gestational diabetes on maternal weight and glucose tolerance postpartum – a prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Pellonperä Outi , Rönnemaa Tapani , Ekblad Ulla , Vahlberg Tero , Tertti Kristiina 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionMetformin seems to reduce gestational weight gain compared with insulin in women with gestational diabetes (GDM). Women with GDM requiring insulin are more likely to develop abnormal glucose tolerance postpartum than women treated with diet only. In this prospective follow‐up study of a randomized clinical trial, we investigated the effect of metformin treatment in women with GDM on weight gain and glucose tolerance postpartum.Materials and MethodsWomen with GDM with two or more pathologic glucose values at 2‐h 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were recruited. Those needing medication to achieve sufficient glycemic control were randomized at 22–34 weeks of gestation to either metformin (n = 110) or insulin (n = 107) treatment until delivery. A third GDM group (n = 128) requiring no medication had only diet treatment. Weight, OGTT and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were determined at 6–8 weeks and 1 year postpartum.ResultsAt least one postpartum visit was attended by 104, 101 and 120 women in the metformin, insulin and diet‐only groups, respectively. No significant differences were found in the change of weight, HbA1c or OGTT glucose values between the groups during the study (p ≥ 0.121 in all comparisons). One year postpartum the diet‐only group had less impaired glucose tolerance compared with the metformin and insulin groups (7.1%, 19.1% and 15.6%, respectively; overall p = 0.039) and a lower incidence of diabetes (p = 0.027).ConclusionsShort‐term metformin therapy does not affect weight, HbA1c or OGTT glucose values postpartum compared with insulin or diet‐only treatments. Women with GDM requiring no medication are least likely to develop impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes postpartum.
Augmentation of Voluntary Locomotor Activity by Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation in Motor‐Incomplete Spinal Cord‐Injured Individuals
Authors: Hofstoetter Ursula S. , Krenn Matthias , Danner Simon M. , Hofer Christian , Kern Helmut , McKay William B. , Mayr Winfried , Minassian Karen 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe level of sustainable excitability within lumbar spinal cord circuitries is one of the factors determining the functional outcome of locomotor therapy after motor‐incomplete spinal cord injury. Here, we present initial data using noninvasive transcutaneous lumbar spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to modulate this central state of excitability during voluntary treadmill stepping in three motor‐incomplete spinal cord‐injured individuals. Stimulation was applied at 30 Hz with an intensity that generated tingling sensations in the lower limb dermatomes, yet without producing muscle reflex activity. This stimulation changed muscle activation, gait kinematics, and the amount of manual assistance required from the therapists to maintain stepping with some interindividual differences. The effect on motor outputs during treadmill‐stepping was essentially augmentative and step‐phase dependent despite the invariant tonic stimulation. The most consistent modification was found in the gait kinematics, with the hip flexion during swing increased by 11.3° ± 5.6° across all subjects. This preliminary work suggests that tSCS provides for a background increase in activation of the lumbar spinal locomotor circuitry that has partially lost its descending drive. Voluntary inputs and step‐related feedback build upon the stimulation‐induced increased state of excitability in the generation of locomotor activity. Thus, tSCS essentially works as an electrical neuroprosthesis augmenting remaining motor control.
Respiratory syncytial virus induces phosphorylation of mTOR at ser2448 in CD8 T cells from nasal washes of infected infants
Authors: de Souza A P Duarte , de Freitas D Nascimento , Antuntes Fernandes K E , D'Avila da Cunha M , Antunes Fernandes J L , Benetti Gassen R , Fazolo T , Pinto L A , Scotta M , Mattiello R , Pitrez P M , Bonorino C , Stein R T 
Published: October 2015

Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-specific CD8+ T cell responses do not protect against reinfection. Activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) impairs memory CD8+ T cell differentiation. Our hypothesis was that RSV inhibits the formation of CD8+ T cells memory responses through mTOR activation. To explore this, human and mouse T cells were used. RSV induced mTOR phosphorylation at Ser2448 in CD8 T cells. mTOR activation by RSV was completely inhibited using rapamycin. RSV-infected children presented higher mTOR gene expression on nasal washes comparing to children infected with metapneumovirus and rhinovirus. In addition, RSV-infected infants presented a higher frequency of CD8+ pmTORser2448+ T cells in nasal washes compared to RSV-negative infants. Rapamycin treatment increased the frequency of mouse CD8 RSV-M282–90 pentamer-positive T cells and the frequency of RSV-specific memory T cells precursors. These data demonstrate that RSV is activating mTOR directly in CD8 T cells, indicating a role for mTOR during the course of RSV infection.
Interaction of a dengue virus NS1-derived peptide with the inhibitory receptor KIR3DL1 on natural killer cells
Authors: Townsley E , O'Connor G , Cosgrove C , Woda M , Co M , Thomas S J , Kalayanarooj S , Yoon I-K , Nisalak A , Srikiatkhachorn A , Green S , Stephens H A F , Gostick E , Price D A , Carrington M , Alter G , McVicar D W , Rothman A L , Mathew A 
Published: October 2015

Summary
Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) interact with human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands and play a key role in the regulation and activation of NK cells. The functional importance of KIR–HLA interactions has been demonstrated for a number of chronic viral infections, but to date only a few studies have been performed in the context of acute self-limited viral infections. During our investigation of CD8+ T cell responses to a conserved HLA-B57-restricted epitope derived from dengue virus (DENV) non-structural protein-1 (NS1), we observed substantial binding of the tetrameric complex to non-T/non-B lymphocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from a long-standing clinical cohort in Thailand. We confirmed binding of the NS1 tetramer to CD56dim NK cells, which are known to express KIRs. Using depletion studies and KIR-transfected cell lines, we demonstrated further that the NS1 tetramer bound the inhibitory receptor KIR3DL1. Phenotypical analysis of PBMC from HLA-B57+ subjects with acute DENV infection revealed marked activation of NS1 tetramer-binding natural killer (NK) cells around the time of defervescence in subjects with severe dengue disease. Collectively, our findings indicate that subsets of NK cells are activated relatively late in the course of acute DENV illness and reveal a possible role for specific KIR–HLA interactions in the modulation of disease outcomes.
Temperature and time variations during osteotomies performed with different piezosurgical devices: an in vitro study
Authors: Delgado‐Ruiz R. A. , Sacks D. , Palermo A. , Calvo‐Guirado J. L. , Perez‐Albacete C. , Romanos G. E. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this experimental in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of the piezoelectric device in temperature and time variations in standardized osteotomies performed with similar tip inserts in bovine bone blocks.MethodsTwo different piezosurgical devices were used the OE‐F15® (Osada Inc., Los Angeles, California, USA) and the Surgybone® (Silfradent Inc., Sofia, Forli Cesena, Italy). Serrated inserts with similar geometry were coupled with each device (ST94 insert/test A and P0700 insert/test B). Osteotomies 10 mm long and 3 mm deep were performed in bone blocks resembling type II (dense) and type IV (soft) bone densities with and without irrigation. Thermal changes and time variations were recorded. The effects of bone density, irrigation, and device on temperature changes and time necessary to accomplish the osteotomies were analyzed.ResultsThermal analysis showed significant higher temperatures during piezosurgery osteotomies in hard bone without irrigation (P < 0.05). The type of piezosurgical device did not influence thermal variations (P > 0.05). Time analysis showed that the mean time values necessary to perform osteotomies were shorter in soft bone than in dense bone (P < 0.05).ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this in vitro study, it may be concluded that the temperature increases more in piezosurgery osteotomies in dense bone without irrigation; the time to perform the osteotomy with piezosurgery is shorter in soft bone compared to hard bone; and the piezosurgical device have a minimal influence in the temperature and time variations when a similar tip design is used during piezosurgery osteotomies.
From species distributions to meta‐communities
Authors: Thuiller Wilfried , Pollock Laura J. , Gueguen Maya , Münkemüller Tamara 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe extent that biotic interactions and dispersal influence species ranges and diversity patterns across scales remains an open question. Answering this question requires framing an analysis on the frontier between species distribution modelling (SDM), which ignores biotic interactions and dispersal limitation, and community ecology, which provides specific predictions on community and meta‐community structure and resulting diversity patterns such as species richness and functional diversity. Using both empirical and simulated datasets, we tested whether predicted occurrences from fine‐resolution SDMs provide good estimates of community structure and diversity patterns at resolutions ranging from a resolution typical of studies within reserves (250 m) to that typical of a regional biodiversity study (5 km). For both datasets, we show that the imprint of biotic interactions and dispersal limitation quickly vanishes when spatial resolution is reduced, which demonstrates the value of SDMs for tracking the imprint of community assembly processes across scales.
Functional trait diversity across trophic levels determines herbivore impact on plant community biomass
Authors: Deraison Hélène , Badenhausser Isabelle , Loeuille Nicolas , Scherber Christoph , Gross Nicolas 
Published: October 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the consequences of trophic interactions for ecosystem functioning is challenging, as contrasting effects of species and functional diversity can be expected across trophic levels. We experimentally manipulated functional identity and diversity of grassland insect herbivores and tested their impact on plant community biomass. Herbivore resource acquisition traits, i.e. mandible strength and the diversity of mandibular traits, had more important effects on plant biomass than body size. Higher herbivore functional diversity increased overall impact on plant biomass due to feeding niche complementarity. Higher plant functional diversity limited biomass pre‐emption by herbivores. The functional diversity within and across trophic levels therefore regulates the impact of functionally contrasting consumers on primary producers. By experimentally manipulating the functional diversity across trophic levels, our study illustrates how trait‐based approaches constitute a promising way to tackle existing links between trophic interactions and ecosystem functioning.
Evolutionary mechanisms of habitat invasions, using the copepodEurytemora affinisas a model system
Authors: Lee Carol Eunmi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe study of the copepodEurytemora affinishas provided unprecedented insights into mechanisms of invasive success. In this invited review, I summarize a subset of work from my laboratory to highlight key insights gained from studyingE. affinisas a model system. Invasive species with brackish origins are overrepresented in freshwater habitats. The copepodE. affinisis an example of such a brackish invader, and has invaded freshwater habitats multiple times independently in recent years. These invasions were accompanied by the evolution of physiological tolerance and plasticity, increased body fluid regulation, and evolutionary shifts in ion transporter (V‐type H+ATPase, Na+, K+‐ATPase) activity and expression. These evolutionary changes occurred in parallel across independent invasions in nature and in laboratory selection experiments. Selection appears to act on standing genetic variation during invasions, and maintenance of this variation is likely facilitated through ‘beneficial reversal of dominance’ in salinity tolerance across habitats. Expression of critical ion transporters is localized in newly discovered Crusalis leg organs. Increased freshwater tolerance is accompanied by costs to development time and greater requirements for food. High‐food concentration increases low‐salinity tolerance, allowing saline populations to invade freshwater habitats. Mechanisms observed here likely have relevance for other taxa undergoing fundamental niche expansions.
What factors are influencing tea consumption among Chinese urban residents? An empirical study
Authors: Chen Fuqiao , Li Shujie , Jiang Renhua , Jiang Aiqin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractUsing primary data collected from a questionnaire survey in 12 cities in China, we set up a model to analyze the influencing factors of Chinese urban residents' tea consumption. Three groups of factors are considered in the model, i.e., demographic and personal characteristics, economic factors and consumption habits. Research findings indicate that tea consumption is significantly impacted by gender difference, personal income, consumption atmosphere and habitual factors. This has important policy implications for tea marketing. First of all, it is essential to develop more tea products that cater to the needs of urban females while at the meantime securing the steady growth of tea consumption among males. Second, in light of the consumption discrepancies between families, areas and occupations, differentiated marketing strategies should be created with an emphasis on cultivating and taking advantage of consumption atmosphere in the society. In addition, income disparities call for diversified tea products with affordable prices. It is also suggested that educational programs on tea consumption be advocated to promote the consumption frequency and quantity of tea both in China and in other countries.
Molecular characterization of T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin domain‐3 and Galectin‐9 genes of swamp‐ and riverine‐type water buffaloes
Authors: Duran P. L. H. , Padiernos R. B. C. , Abella E. A. , Konnai S. , Mingala C. N. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryMolecular characterization of T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin domain‐3 (TIM‐3) and Galectin‐9 (GAL‐9) genes of swamp‐ and riverine‐type water buffaloes was conducted to compare these genes with other species; determine the unique characteristic specific in water buffalo; and provide baseline information for the assessment of disease progression in buffalo species. TIM‐3 and GAL‐9 genes were amplified, purified, sequenced and characterized. The sequence result of TIM‐3 in both types of water buffaloes contained 843 nucleotides encoding to 280 amino acids while GAL‐9 of swamp‐type and riverine‐type water buffaloes contained 1023 and 972 nucleotides encoding to 340 and 323 amino acids, respectively. Meanwhile, the nucleotide and amino sequence of TIM‐3 in water buffalo were 83–98% and 94–97% identical with other artiodactyl species, respectively. On the other hand, GAL‐9 nucleotide and amino acid sequence in water buffalo were 85–98% and 76–96% identical with other artiodactyl species. The tyrosine‐kinase phosphorylation motif and potential glycosylation sites were conserved within the tribe Bovinae. It is imperative to have further studies in the assessment of the role of these genes in disease progression in water buffalo during chronic infection. The study is the first report that describes the genetic characteristic of TIM‐3 and GAL‐9 genes in water buffalo.
Improving discharge planning communication between hospitals and patients
Authors: New P. W. , McDougall K. E. , Scroggie C. P. R. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundA potential barrier to patient discharge from hospital is communication problems between the treating team and the patient or family regarding discharge planning.AimTo determine if a bedside ‘Leaving Hospital Information Sheet’ increases patient and family's knowledge of discharge date and destination and the name of the key clinician primarily responsible for team–patient communication.MethodsThis article is a ‘before‐after’ study of patients, their families and the interdisciplinary ward‐based clinical team. Outcomes assessed pre‐implementation and post‐implementation of a bedside ‘Leaving Hospital Information Sheet’ containing discharge information for patients and families. Patients and families were asked if they knew the key clinician for team–patient communication and the proposed discharge date and discharge destination. Responses were compared with those set by the team. Staff were surveyed regarding their perceptions of patient awareness of discharge plans and the benefit of the ‘Leaving Hospital Information Sheet’.ResultsSignificant improvement occurred regarding patients' knowledge of their key clinician for team–patient communication (31% vs 75%; P = 0.0001), correctly identifying who they were (47% vs 79%; P = 0.02), and correctly reporting their anticipated discharge date (54% vs 86%; P = 0.004). There was significant improvement in the family's knowledge of the anticipated discharge date (78% vs 96%; P = 0.04). Staff reported the ‘Leaving Hospital Information Sheet’ assisted with communication regarding anticipated discharge date and destination (very helpful n = 11, 39%; a little bit helpful n = 11, 39%).ConclusionsA bedside ‘Leaving Hospital Information Sheet’ can potentially improve communication between patients, families and their treating team.
Microbiota and host immune responses: a love–hate relationship
Authors: Tomkovich Sarah , Jobin Christian 
Published: October 2015

SummaryA complex relationship between the microbiota and the host emerges early at birth and continues throughout life. The microbiota includes the prokaryotes, viruses and eukaryotes living among us, all of which interact to different extents with various organs and tissues in the body, including the immune system. Although the microbiota is most dense in the lower intestine, its influence on host immunity extends beyond the gastrointestinal tract. These interactions with the immune system operate through the actions of various microbial structures and metabolites, with outcomes ranging from beneficial to deleterious for the host. These differential outcomes are dictated by host factors, environment, and the type of microbes or products present in a specific ecosystem. It is also becoming clear that the microbes are in turn affected and respond to the host immune system. Disruption of this complex dialogue between host and microbiota can lead to immune pathologies such as inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes and obesity. This review will discuss recent advances regarding the ways in which the host immune system and microbiota interact and communicate with one another.
Altered transcription of inflammation‐related genes in dental pulp of coeliac children
Authors: Bossù Maurizio , Montuori Monica , Casani Daniela , Di Giorgio Gianni , Pacifici Andrea , Ladniak Barbara , Polimeni Antonella 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundCoeliac disease is a chronic small intestinal immune‐mediated enteropathy precipitated by exposure to dietary gluten, and possible relationships between coeliac disease and dental pathogenic conditions during childhood have been poorly investigated.AimThe dental pulp plays a pivotal role in the immune defence against possible entry of pathogens from teeth, and the aim of this work was to investigate quantitative transcription levels of selected genes (IL‐9, IL‐11, IL‐15, IL‐18, IL‐21, IL‐27, MICA, IFN‐γ) coding for pro‐inflammatory immune innate activities in the pulp of primary teeth from healthy children and children with coeliac disease.DesignThe pulp from primary teeth of 10 healthy children and 10 children with coeliac disease was used to extract RNA and prepare cDNA for quantitative PCR transcription analysis employing commercial nucleotide probes for selected genes.ResultsIn children with coeliac disease, the genes coding for pro‐inflammatory cytokines IFN‐γ, IL‐11, IL‐18, and IL‐21 were significantly overexpressed, suggesting the possible importance of these cytokines in the relationships between coeliac disease and dental disorders.ConclusionFor the first time, we reported in dental pulp of children possible relationships between coeliac disease and modulation in transcription of cytokine‐dependent inflammatory activities.
Examining the moral grey zone: The role of moral disengagement, authenticity, and situational strength in predicting unethical managerial behavior
Authors: Knoll Michael , Lord Robert G. , Petersen Lars‐Eric , Weigelt Oliver 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn the business context, there is a broad spectrum of practices that potentially harm others, yet might benefit the organization. We examined the influence of individual and situational differences in predicting (un)ethical behavior in these moral gray zones using an in‐basket exercise that included covert moral issues in which managers could give unethical instructions to their followers. Results show that individual differences in moral disengagement directly predicted unethical behavior and functioned as a mediator of the relationship between authenticity and unethical behavior. Furthermore, effects differed in weak compared to strong situations. Study 2, replicated the results from Study 1, developed a direct test of the situational strength hypothesis, and showed that high versus low situation strength moderated the relation of moral disengagement to unethical behavior.