bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of male floating behaviour and floater reproduction in a threatened population of the hihi (Notiomystis cincta)
Authors: Brekke Patricia , Ewen John G. , Clucas Gemma , Santure Anna W. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFloating males are usually thought of as nonbreeders. However, some floating individuals are able to reproduce through extra‐pair copulations. Floater reproductive success can impact breeders’ sex ratio, reproductive variance, multiple paternity and inbreeding, particularly in small populations. Changes in reproductive variance alter the rate of genetic drift and loss of genetic diversity. Therefore, genetic management of threatened species requires an understanding of floater reproduction and determinants of floating behaviour to effectively conserve species. Here, we used a pedigreed, free‐living population of the endangered New Zealand hihi (Notiomystis cincta) to assess variance in male reproductive success and test the genetic (inbreeding and heritability) and conditional (age and size) factors that influence floater behaviour and reproduction. Floater reproduction is common in this species. However, floater individuals have lower reproductive success and variance in reproductive success than territorial males (total and extra‐pair fledglings), so their relative impact on the population's reproductive performance is low. Whether an individual becomes a floater, and if so then how successful they are, is determined mainly by individual age (young and old) and to lesser extents male size (small) and inbreeding level (inbred). Floating males have a small, but important role in population reproduction and persistence of threatened populations.
Portal or subcutaneous insulin infusion: efficacy and impact on liver inflammation
Authors: Dal Stéphanie , Jeandidier Nathalie , Schaschkow Anaïs , Spizzo Anne‐Hélène , Seyfritz Elodie , Sookhareea Cynthia , Bietiger William , Péronet Claude , Moreau François , Pinget Michel , Maillard Elisa , Sigrist Séverine 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntraperitoneal insulin allows physiological portal insulin administration and first‐pass hepatic insulin extraction, but the impact on liver metabolism and inflammation is unknown. Our objective was to compare the impact, on metabolic control and liver function, of the same dose of insulin administered either intraperitoneally or subcutaneously during continuous infusion in diabetic rats. Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control (C), untreated diabetic (streptozotocin, 100 mg/kg) and diabetic rats treated by continual subcutaneous Insuplant® infusion (CSII) and continual intraperitoneal Insuplant® infusion (CPII) of 2 UI/200 g/day (via an osmotic mini‐pump for 1–4 weeks). Insulin signalling pathways were analysed through hepatic expression of growth hormone receptor and phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1. Metabolic control was determined by measurement of body weight, blood glucose and fructosamine. Liver function was assessed by measuring insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), with global inflammation assessed by levels of alpha‐2‐macroglobulin (α2M) and lipid peroxidation in plasma. Liver inflammation was evaluated by quantification of hepatic macrophage infiltration and reactive oxygen species production. CPII induced a better improvement in metabolic control and liver function than CSII, producing a significant decrease in blood glucose and fructosamine, coupled with increased IGF‐1 and hepatic glycogen storage. Moreover, liver oxidative stress and liver inflammation were reduced. Such observations indicate that the same insulin level in CPII improves glucose control and hepatic glucose metabolism and function, attenuating the hepatic inflammatory response to diabetes. These data demonstrate the importance of focusing on therapeutics to allow first‐pass hepatic insulin extraction or prevent diabetic complications.
Do Geographic Concentration and Vertically Related Variety Foster Firm Productivity? Micro‐Evidence from Italy
Authors: Cainelli Giulio , Ganau Roberto , Iacobucci Donato 
Published: June 2015

AbstractUsing a large unbalanced panel dataset of more than 12,000 Italian manufacturing firms for the period 1999–2007, this paper investigates the role of geographic concentration and related variety on firms' total factor productivity (TFP). The main idea is that diversification—captured by a measure of vertically related variety—promotes firm innovativeness and, consequently, productivity, but when the technology has been consolidated, firms join specialized clusters that enhance efficiency. Our results suggest that the effect on firms' TFP of geographic concentration is stronger than that of related variety. We also confirm previous findings on the relevance of agglomeration forces for small firms compared with medium and large firms, where these agglomerative forces do not seem to influence TFP.
Clinicopathological and immunohistological features of polypoid endometriosis
Authors: Stewart Colin JR , Bharat Chrianna 
Published: June 2015

AimsTo compare clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of polypoid endometriosis (PE) and non‐polypoid endometriosis (NPE).Methods and resultsFifteen cases of PE and 20 cases of NPE were assessed. All cases were stained immunohistochemically for CD10 and p16 and the proportion of p16‐positive stromal and epithelial cells was estimated. On review, 10 PE cases resembled NPE histologically but occurred at mucosal or serosal surfaces, or within cyst cavities, that permitted polyp formation. These cases had a similar age distribution and immunohistochemical profile to NPE. The remaining five PE cases showed histological similarity to eutopic endometrial polyps; these occurred in older patients, and showed significantly greater stromal and epithelial p16 immunoreactivity.ConclusionsThere are two main subgroups of PE. The majority of cases in this series showed similar histological features to NPE, but involved anatomical sites that facilitated exophytic or polypoid growth. The remaining PE cases resembled eutopic endometrial polyps histologically and immunophenotypically and they occurred in older patients. These findings suggest that such lesions are ‘true’ polyps sharing a pathogenetic relationship with similar lesions arising in the endometrium.
Fibulin‐5 regulates keloid‐derived fibroblast‐like cells through integrin beta‐1
Authors: Furie N. , Shteynberg D. , Elkhatib R. , Perry L. , Ullmann Y. , Feferman Y. , Preis M. , Flugelman M. Y. , Tzchori I. 
Published: June 2015

SynopsisObjectiveKeloid scar is pathological tissue that appears after skin injury, and that is more aggressive than hypertrophic scars. Keloid scars are characterized by increased proliferation of fibroblast‐like cells (FLCs) and the accumulation of extracellular matrix, mainly collagen. Fibulin‐5, a glycoprotein secreted by many cell types, is a component of the extracellular matrix. We investigated the effect of fibulin‐5 on the adhesion and proliferation of FLCs derived from keloid scars and the role of integrin beta‐1 in these activities.MethodsFibroblast‐like cells were isolated from six keloid scars and cultured on plates coated with fibulin‐5 or with gelatin. Cells were incubated for 72–96 h to examine proliferation rates and incubated for 240 min, with washings at 20, 40, 60, 90, 120, 180 min, to assess adhesion rates. To examine the role of integrin beta‐1, the anti‐human integrin beta‐1 (CD29) antibody was added to the culture medium.ResultsFibroblast‐like cells from keloids cultured on a fibulin‐5‐coated surface showed a significantly reduced proliferation rate and a delayed adhesion rate, compared to cells cultured on gelatin‐coated dishes. Adherence of these cells to fibulin‐5 pre‐coated wells was significantly reduced in the presence of anti‐human integrin beta‐1 (CD29) antibodies. Our current findings are similar to previously observed reduced proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells overexpressing fibulin‐5. We did not test the effects of fibulin‐5 on normal fibroblasts.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the pivotal role of the extracellular protein, fibulin‐5, on the adhesion and proliferation of human keloid‐derived cells, through binding to integrin beta‐1.
Gender differences in chewing discomfort in older South Koreans
Authors: Kim Y‐J , Kim C‐B , Ahn Y‐H , Chung W‐G , Kim N‐H 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimsThe purpose of this study was to identify gender differences in chewing discomfort among elderly Koreans.MethodsThis study used data from 56 616 (weighted sample: 5 638 394) subjects aged over 65 years who participated in the 2011 Community Health Survey in Korea. Of them, 23 059 (weighted sample: 2 368 200, 42.0%) were men and 33 357 (weighted sample: 3 270 194, 58.0%) were women. Data were analysed using chi‐square tests and hierarchical logistic regression analyses, with SPSS 20.0. Chewing discomfort was set as the dependent variable, and independent variables were divided into socio‐economic factors (place of residence, age, education, monthly household income, basic living security stipend, private insurance, economic activity, living arrangements), general health factors (hypertension, diabetes) and oral health factors (tooth defects, denture use, subjective periodontal health status).ResultsA greater proportion of women (50.2%) than men (42.6%) exhibited chewing discomfort (P < 0.001). In men, place of residence, monthly household income, private health insurance, tooth defects and periodontal health were associated with chewing discomfort (P < 0.05). In women, age, education level, basic living security stipend and denture use were associated with chewing discomfort (P < 0.05).ConclusionsElderly Korean women experience more severe chewing discomfort than their male counterparts. The factors associated with chewing also differ by gender.
Who buys from farmers’ markets and farm shops: The case of Germany
Authors: Bavorova Miroslava , Unay‐Gailhard Ilkay , Lehberger Mira 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn this article, we analyze the influence of sociodemographic factors and consumer attitudes toward direct marketing products and sources (outlets) on the frequency of buying food from farmers’ markets and farm shops. By conducting an intercept survey with pedestrians in 2011 and 2012, we interviewed a total of n = 550 consumers. The target regions of the study were the Eastern German federal states. The study uses two ordered logit regression models to investigate consumers’ shopping behaviour at farmers’ markets and farm shops separately. We find that different factors significantly influence consumers’ buying behaviour at the two direct marketing outlets. Specifically, both a more favorable view toward the freshness of directly marketed foods and the intention to support local producers are positively related to consumers’ purchase frequency from farmers’ markets. In contrast, consumers’ purchase frequency from farm shops is significantly influenced by their perception of the cost of the products, confidence in food producers of directly marketed products, perception of the safety of the food and perception of the accessibility of farm shops. The study results indicate that considering consumer behaviour separately for different direct marketing channels for food rather than considering the entire category of local food outlets may provide new and valuable insights.
Genetics of common variable immunodeficiency: role of transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor
Authors: Sathkumara H. D. , De Silva N. R. , Handunnetti S. , De Silva A. D. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryCommon variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common clinically manifested primary immunodeficiency, which represents a heterogeneous group of hypogammaglobulinemias of largely unknown molecular defects. The hallmark of the disease is the elevated susceptibility to recurrent infections of respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, mainly due to encapsulated bacteria while a significant proportion of patients with CVID develop autoimmune and lymphoproliferative complications. The primary cause of CVID is still not known. However, a number of distinct genetic defects including in inducible co‐stimulator (ICOS), B‐cell‐activating factor receptor (BAFFR) and transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) have been identified in a minority of patients with CVID. Mutations in tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) member, TACI, are more frequently found to be associated to the disease in about 10% of patients with CVID, but may require additional immunologic defects for complete expression of the phenotype, as unaffected heterozygotes have also been described. Clinically, patients with TACI mutations could present with the complete spectrum of complications seen in CVID. Recent animal studies have provided substantial information on TACI signalling, yet it still offers an outstanding opportunity for further exploration of the aetiology, as a large part of it remains poorly understood. In this review, we aim at giving an insight into the genetics underlying the CVID and particularly at outlining the role of TACI and its relative contribution to the development of CVID‐like phenotypes in human.
Possible pathophysiology of ketamine‐related cystitis and associated treatment strategies
Authors: Jhang Jia‐Fong , Hsu Yung‐Hsiang , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: June 2015

AbstractKetamine‐related cystitis is characterized by ketamine‐induced urinary frequency and bladder pain. It has become a serious problem in recent years. The most typical grossly pathological bladder change with ketamine related cystitis is a contracted bladder and bladder wall thickening. Ulcerative cystitis with an easily bleeding mucosa is a common cystoscopic finding. Microscopically, the urothelium is denuded and is infiltrated by inflammatory cells, such as mast cells and eosinophils. The pathogenesis of ketamine‐related cystitis is complicated and involves many different pathways. Past evidence suggests a direct toxic effect, bladder barrier dysfunction, neurogenic inflammation, immunoglobulin‐E‐mediated inflammation, overexpression of carcinogenic genes, abnormal apoptosis and nitric oxide synthase‐mediated inflammation contribute to the pathogenesis of ketamine‐related cystitis. The first step to managing ketamine‐related cystitis is always asking patients to cease ketamine. Medical treatment might be helpful in patients with early ketamine‐related cystitis and abstinence from ketamine. Several case studies showed that the intravesical installation of hyaluronic acid and intravesical injection of botulinum toxin type A were effective for symptom relief in selected patients. For patients with irreversible pathological change, such as contracted bladder, augmentation enterocystoplasty might be the only solution to increase bladder capacity and relieve intractable bladder pain.
Palonosetron with aprepitant plus dexamethasone to prevent chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting during gemcitabine/cisplatin in urothelial cancer patients
Authors: Kitamura Hiroshi , Takahashi Atsushi , Hotta Hiroshi , Kato Ryuichi , Kunishima Yasuharu , Takei Fumiyasu , Horita Hiroki , Masumori Naoya ,   the Sapporo Medical University Urologic Oncology Consortium
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the appearance of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting, and to compare the antiemetic efficacy of the triple combination of palonosetron, aprepitant and dexamethasone with that of our old regimen using first‐generation 5‐hydroxytryptamine 3‐receptor antagonists and dexamethasone during gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy in patients with advanced urothelial cancer.MethodsWe carried out a multi‐institutional study including 122 patients who received gemcitabine and cisplatin for advanced urothelial cancer between February 2005 and January 2012. Uncontrolled chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting events were identified through records of nausea and vomiting, additional infusion, rescue medications, and/or records of food intake.ResultsFirst‐generation 5‐hydroxytryptamine 3‐receptor antagonists (ondansetron or granisetron) plus dexamethasone were used for 75 patients (cohort 1), and palonosetron with dexamethasone plus aprepitant for 47 patients (cohort 2). Patients in cohort 2 had significantly higher complete response (defined as no emetic episodes and no rescue medication use) rates than those in cohort 1 during the overall phase in the first cycle (85.7% vs 65.3%, P = 0.012), and all cycles (78.7% vs 50.7%, P = 0.0019) of gemcitabine and cisplatin. Patients in cohort 2 were more likely to achieve more favorable chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting control; that is, a lower grade of nausea, vomiting or anorexia, lower incidence of rescue therapy required, and shorter time to become chemotherapy‐induced nausea‐ and vomiting‐free than patients in cohort 1.ConclusionsThe present results show that palonosetron in combination with aprepitant and dexamethasone is more effective to prevent chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in urothelial cancer patients treated with gemcitabine and cisplatin than first‐generation 5‐hydroxytryptamine 3‐receptor antagonists plus dexamethasone.
Identification of a subgroup with worse prognosis among patients with poor‐risk testicular germ cell tumor
Authors: Kojima Takahiro , Kawai Koji , Tsuchiya Kunihiko , Abe Takashige , Shinohara Nobuo , Tanaka Toshiaki , Masumori Naoya , Yamada Shigeyuki , Arai Yoichi , Narita Shintaro , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Habuchi Tomonori , Nishiyama Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo clarify the significance of the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group classification in the 2000s, especially in intermediate‐ and poor‐prognosis testicular germ cell tumor in Japan.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 117 patients with intermediate‐ and poor‐prognosis testicular non‐seminomatous germ cell tumor treated at five university hospitals in Japan between 2000 and 2010. Data collected included age, levels of tumor markers, spread to non‐pulmonary visceral metastases, treatment details and survival.ResultsThe median follow‐up period of all patients was 57 months. A total of 50 patients (43%) were classified as having intermediate prognosis, and 67 patients (57%) as poor prognosis according to the International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group classification. As first‐line chemotherapy, 92 patients (79%) received bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin. Of all patients, 74 patients (63%) received second‐line chemotherapy. The most commonly used second‐line chemotherapy regimens were a combination of taxanes, ifosfamide and platinum in 49 cases (66%). Overall, 33 patients (28%) received third‐line chemotherapy. A total of 88 patients (75%) underwent post‐chemotherapy surgery. The 5‐year overall survival for intermediate (n = 50) and poor prognosis (n = 67) was 89% and 83% (P = 0.21), respectively. In poor prognosis patients, patients with two or more risk factors (any of high lactic dehydrogenase, alpha‐fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin levels, and presence of non‐pulmonary visceral metastases) had significantly worse survival than those with only one risk factor (71% and 91%, respectively, P = 0.01).ConclusionsThe 5‐year overall survivals of poor‐prognosis testicular non‐seminomatous germ cell tumor patients reached 83%. Further stratification of poor‐prognosis patients based on a number of risk factors has the potential to further identify those with poorer prognosis.
The p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade modulates T helper type 17 differentiation and functionality in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Di Mitri Diletta , Sambucci Manolo , Loiarro Maria , De Bardi Marco , Volpe Elisabetta , Cencioni Maria Teresa , Gasperini Claudio , Centonze Diego , Sette Claudio , Akbar Arne N. , Borsellino Giovanna , Battistini Luca 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade is required for the induction of a T helper type 17 (Th17) ‐mediated autoimmune response, which underlies the development and progression of several autoimmune diseases, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the contribution of p38 phosphorylation to human Th cell differentiation has not been clarified. Here we demonstrate that the p38 signalling pathway is implicated in the generation of Th17 lymphocytes from human CD4+ CD27+ CD45RA+ naive T cells, both in healthy donors and in patients affected by the relapsing–remitting form of MS. Our data also indicate that p38 activation is essential for interleukin‐17 release from central memory lymphocytes and committed Th17 cell clones. Furthermore, CD4+ T cells isolated from individuals with relapsing–remitting MS display an altered responsiveness of the p38 cascade, resulting in increased p38 phosphorylation upon stimulation. These findings suggest that the p38 signalling pathway, by modulating the Th17 differentiation and response, is involved in the pathogenesis of MS, and open new perspectives for the use of p38 inhibitors in the treatment of Th17‐mediated autoimmune diseases.
Soft X‐ray Spectromicroscopic Investigation of Synthetic C‐S‐H and C3S Hydration Products
Authors: Bae Sungchul , Taylor Rae , Hernández‐Cruz Daniel , Yoon Seyoon , Kilcoyne David , Monteiro Paulo J.M 
Published: June 2015

Calcium silicate hydrates (C‐S‐H), the primary binding phase in concrete, is the most prominent physiochemical factor controlling the mechanical and chemical properties in the production of concrete. This paper reports the local‐binding structure and morphological details of C‐S‐H as determined by high‐resolution X‐ray spectromicroscopy. Hydrated tricalcium silicate (C3S) was used to determine the properties and role of the outer products (Op) of C3S. C‐S‐H with different molar ratios of Ca/Si, were synthesized (Syn‐CSH) to quantitatively evaluate the effect of silicate polymerization on Ca L and Si K edge of C‐S‐H. Near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy of Syn‐CSH showed no variation in peak positions and energy separation for CaLIII, II edge for the Ca/Si ratios investigated. Compared to Syn‐CSH, C3S, when hydrated for 17 d, had a similar local structure around Ca. Si K edge NEXAFS analysis on Syn‐CSH showed a tendency for the peak positions of both the Si K edge and the peak induced by multiple scattering to shift to higher energy levels. The results also indicated that the distance between the two peaks increased with a decrease of the Ca/Si ratio in Syn‐CSH. Silicate polymerization influenced the multiple scattering of distant shell atoms more than the binding energy of the core atoms. Op of C3S had a uniform and higher degree of silicate polymerization compared to the core area. The results imply that Op reduces the hydration process of C3S into the core area thereby playing a key role on the properties of concrete upon formation.