bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors precipitating erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent responsiveness in a European haemodialysis cohort: case‐crossover study
Authors: Gillespie Iain A. , Macdougall Iain C. , Richards Sharon , Jones Vincent , Marcelli Daniele , Froissart Marc , Eckardt Kai‐Uwe ,   on behalf of the ARO Steering Committee
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposeHyporesponsiveness to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) is clinically and economically important in the treatment of anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Previous studies focused on baseline predictors of ESA hyporesponsiveness, rather than factors associated with the transition to this state. Reversibility of ESA hyporesponsiveness has also not been studied previously.MethodsCase‐crossover methodology was applied to a cohort of 6645 European CKD patients undergoing haemodialysis and prescribed ESAs. Ninety‐day ESA exposure periods were defined, haemoglobin (Hb) response was calculated using the last 30 days of one period and the first 30 days of the next, and periods were classified based on a median ESA dose (80.8 IU/kg/week) and a 10 g/dL Hb threshold. Clinical, dialysis and laboratory data from patients' first hyporesponsive ‘case’ period was compared with the preceding responsive ‘control’ period using conditional logistic regression. A similar approach was applied to hyporesponsiveness reversal.ResultsOf the patients, 672 experienced hyporesponsiveness periods with preceding responsive periods; 711 reversed to normality from hyporesponsiveness periods. Transition to hyporesponsiveness was associated with hospitalization, vascular access changes or worsening inflammation, with these factors accounting for over two‐thirds of transitions. Findings were largely insensitive to alternative ESA doses and Hb thresholds. Continued hospitalization, catheter insertion and uncontrolled secondary hyperparathyroidism were associated with a lack of regain of responsiveness.ConclusionsTransition to hyporesponsiveness is linked to the development of conditions such as hospitalization events, vascular access issues or episodes of systemic inflammation. However, a third of hyporesponsive episodes remain unexplained. © 2015 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Do Chest Expansion Exercises Aid Re‐shaping the Diaphragm Within the First 72 Hours Following Lung Transplantation in a Usual Interstitial Pneumonia Patient?
Authors: Polastri Massimiliano , Venturini Erika , Pastore Saverio , Dell'Amore Andrea 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackground and PurposeUsual interstitial pneumonia is a chronic pulmonary disease, and it is characterized by progressive and rapid lung fibrosis and typically affects patients older than 50 years. This study sought to discuss the use of chest expansion exercises during the immediate post‐operative phase in a lung transplantation recipient.MethodsThis was a non‐experimental case report study. A 58‐year‐old man who was affected by usual interstitial pneumonia with severe respiratory insufficiency requiring continuous oxygen therapy underwent double lung transplantation. Pre‐operative x‐ray showed elevation of the diaphragm. Rehabilitation treatment started within the first 24 h. Pain intensity was assessed using a numeric rating scale, and pulmonary function was evaluated based on variation in tidal volume. Each treatment lasted about 1 h, and the sessions were initially carried out twice daily, increasing over the intensive care unit stay to three or four times daily.ResultsAt 72 h, the tidal volume increased to 850–900 mL (approximately 400 mL more than baseline) during the chest expansion exercises. The diaphragm began to gradually lower. Chest x‐ray examination on post‐operative day 6 showed further reshaping of the diaphragm.ConclusionChest expansion exercises seem to be suitable in order to re‐establish lung volume and diaphragmatic function as early as within the first 72 h after bilateral lung transplantation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crude extract of Rheum palmatum L. Induces cell cycle arrest S phase and apoptosis through mitochondrial‐dependent pathways in U‐2 OS human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Lin Chin‐Chung , Lee Ming‐Huei , Lin Ju‐Hwa , Lin Meng‐Liang , Chueh Fu‐Shin , Yu Chien‐Chih , Lin Jing‐Pin , Chou Yu‐Cheng , Hsu Shu‐Chun , Chung Jing‐Gung 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTCancer is the second cause of death in children. Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of solid bone cancer primarily affecting adolescents and young adults. In the Chinese population, the crude extract of Rheum palmatum L. (CERP) has been used for treating different diseases, including SARS, rheumatoid arthritis, coxsackievirus B3, and human colon cancer cell, pancreatic cancer. There are no reports on CERP and human osteosarcoma cells. The present study examined effects of CERP on cytotoxicity including cell cycle distribution and cell death (apoptosis) in U‐2 OS human osteosarcoma cells. CERP significantly induced S phase arrest in U‐2 OS cells in a dose‐dependent. CERP produced DNA damage and DNA condensation. Other effects of CERP were stimulation of ROS and Ca2+, mitochondria impairment, and activation of caspase‐3, −8, and −9. CERP increased the levels of Bax, Bak, Bad, cyclin B, Fas, PARP, GRP78, GADD153, AIF, Endo G, Calpain‐2, p21, and p27, but decreased the levels of Bcl‐2, BCL‐X, XIAP, Akt, CDC25A, CDK2, Cyclin A, and Cyclin E of U‐2 OS cells. It was also observed that CERP promoted the expression of AIF, Endo G, GADD153, and cytochrome c. These results indicate that CERP has anticancer effects in vitro and provide the foundation for in vivo studies of animal models of osteosarcoma. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 957–969, 2016.
Variation in irradiance, soil features and regeneration patterns in experimental forest canopy gaps
Authors: Vilhar Urša , Roženbergar Dušan , Simončič Primož , Diaci Jurij 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Key message

Natural regeneration of beech, maple and fir was investigated in relation to irradiance, ground vegetation and soil features. Seedling establishment may be favoured by creating small and irregular gaps and by successive extension of gaps along the sun-exposed gap edge.

Context

To successfully manage natural regeneration, it is important to understand the interactions of forest gap micro-climates and soil features.

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify conditions for successful natural regeneration of European beech, sycamore maple and silver fir in mixed forests.

Methods

Seedling growth and survival were recorded within and around two artificial gaps, and the relationships to irradiance, ground vegetation and soil features were examined. A simple conceptual model was applied to identify optimal micro-sites for regeneration.

Results

Ground vegetation hindered the establishment of natural regeneration in the centre of the gaps. Small seedlings of maple and beech were more abundant within the small gap and along gap edges; beech had the highest density on sun-exposed edges and maple on shaded gap edges. Tall beech and maple seedlings were more abundant along sun-exposed gap edges. Greater variability of irradiance in the larger gap contributed to greater micro-site heterogeneity relative to the small gap.

Conclusions

Seedling establishment may be favoured by creating small and irregular gaps and by successive extension of gaps along the sun-exposed gap edge. Circular gaps with diameters greater than stand height contribute to increased ground vegetation coverage and hinder tree regeneration, including semi-shade tolerant maple and spruce.
Gender differences in socio-demographic, clinical characteristics and psychiatric diagnosis in/of suicide attempters in a Mexican population
Authors: Fresán Ana , González-Castro Thelma Beatriz , Peralta-Jiménez Yesenia , Juárez-Rojop Isela , Pool-García Sherezada , Velázquez-Sánchez Martha Patricia , López-Narváez Lilia , Tovilla-Zárate Carlos Alfonso 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to analyse demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as psychiatric diagnoses to identify gender differences in patients with attempted suicide in a Mexican population.MethodsBetween September 2010 and September 2012, 140 suicide attempts were documented in the Department of Psychiatry at the General Hospital of Comalcalco (Hospital General de Comalcalco in Spanish) in Tabasco, Mexico. Diagnoses were established using the DSM-IV questionnaire in which Axis I and II were considered. The Suicide Intent Scale was also applied.ResultsIn our sample, 63.6% were females and 36.4% males. With regard to socio-demographic characteristics, the predominant marital status in males was single, and in females married (χ2=5.93, df=2,p=0.05). In occupation the male group was mainly unemployed and housewife in females (χ2=55.51, df=4,p<0.001). Male subjects were more likely to consume alcohol (χ2=20.40, df=1,p≤0.001), cannabis (χ2=16.62, df=1, p≤0.001) or tobacco. The prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis was significantly different because, the male group was mainly diagnosed with substance-related disorders, whereas female participants showed a prevalence of stress-related disorders (χ2=34.17, gl=4,p=0.0001).ConclusionOur results provide evidence that the characteristics of suicide attempt are different by gender in the Mexican population. Interventions are necessary for the development of prevention strategies that may lead to a reduction in suicidal behaviour. These preventive activities should consider the occupation for the female group and consumption of alcohol, cannabis or tobacco in the male group.
Frasnian (Late Devonian) conodonts and environment at the northern margin of the Algerian Sahara platform: the Ben Zireg section
Authors: MAHBOUBI ABDESSAMED , FEIST RAIMUND , CORNÉE JEAN-JACQUES , MEHADJI ABDELKADER OUALI , GIRARD CATHERINE 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe Ben Zireg anticline NW of Bechar yields the currently most-important Frasnian succession on the northern margin of the Algerian Sahara. It represents 26.5 m of calcilutites which are attributed to the middle–late Frasnian. As the early Frasnian is not represented, the succession rests conformably on undifferentiated, probably late Givetian, substrate. Fine-scaled conodont biostratigraphy reveals a continuous sequence of Montagne Noire Zones 5–13, superseded by the earliest Famennian LowertriangularisZone. The deposits are organized into 15 sedimentary cycles that are initially condensed and become dilated upwards. Conodont biofacies indicate an overall deepening towards the top of the section with an episode of slight shallowing at the MN11/12 transition marked by an increase of ancyrodellids, which is also seen in the Marhouma section of the Ougarta region (SW Algeria). Homogeneous calcareous microfacies with only a few shaly intercalations determine a predominantly oxygenated depositional environment on an outer platform, submarine rise or ramp setting. This is also indicated by relatively low sedimentation rates which are similar in selected sections from the Tafilalt platform, and contrast with those from the Marhouma trough and the Maider basin. Unlike other Frasnian successions south of the Atlas Fault, but similar to the Moroccan Meseta, the Upper Kellwasser horizon is clearly discriminated at Ben Zireg by an outstanding occurrence of black shales on top of the oxygenated latest Frasnian deposits.
The microbe-mediated mechanisms affecting topsoil carbon stock in Tibetan grasslands
Authors: Yue Haowei , Wang Mengmeng , Wang Shiping , Gilbert Jack A , Sun Xin , Wu Linwei , Lin Qiaoyan , Hu Yigang , Li Xiangzhen , He Zhili , Zhou Jizhong , Yang Yunfeng 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Warming has been shown to cause soil carbon (C) loss in northern grasslands owing to accelerated microbial decomposition that offsets increased grass productivity. Yet, a multi-decadal survey indicated that the surface soil C stock in Tibetan alpine grasslands remained relatively stable. To investigate this inconsistency, we analyzed the feedback responses of soil microbial communities to simulated warming by soil transplant in Tibetan grasslands. Whereas microbial functional diversity decreased in response to warming, microbial community structure did not correlate with changes in temperature. The relative abundance of catabolic genes associated with nitrogen (N) and C cycling decreased with warming, most notably in genes encoding enzymes associated with more recalcitrant C substrates. By contrast, genes associated with C fixation increased in relative abundance. The relative abundance of genes associated with urease, glutamate dehydrogenase and ammonia monoxygenase (ureC, gdh and amoA) were significantly correlated with N2O efflux. These results suggest that unlike arid/semiarid grasslands, Tibetan grasslands maintain negative feedback mechanisms that preserve terrestrial C and N pools. To examine whether these trends were applicable to the whole plateau, we included these measurements in a model and verified that topsoil C stocks remained relatively stable. Thus, by establishing linkages between microbial metabolic potential and soil biogeochemical processes, we conclude that long-term C loss in Tibetan grasslands is ameliorated by a reduction in microbial decomposition of recalcitrant C substrates.
Botulinum toxin A complex exploits intestinal M cells to enter the host and exert neurotoxicity
Authors: Matsumura Takuhiro , Sugawara Yo , Yutani Masahiro , Amatsu Sho , Yagita Hideo , Kohda Tomoko , Fukuoka Shin-Ichi , Nakamura Yutaka , Fukuda Shinji , Hase Koji , Ohno Hiroshi , Fujinaga Yukako 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTo cause food-borne botulism, botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) in the gastrointestinal lumen must traverse the intestinal epithelial barrier. However, the mechanism by which BoNT crosses the intestinal epithelial barrier remains unclear. BoNTs are produced along with one or more non-toxic components, with which they form progenitor toxin complexes (PTCs). Here we show that serotype A1 L-PTC, which has high oral toxicity and makes the predominant contribution to causing illness, breaches the intestinal epithelial barrier from microfold (M) cells via an interaction between haemagglutinin (HA), one of the non-toxic components, and glycoprotein 2 (GP2). HA strongly binds to GP2 expressed on M cells, which do not have thick mucus layers. Susceptibility to orally administered L-PTC is dramatically reduced in M-cell-depleted mice and GP2-deficient (Gp2−/−) mice. Our finding provides the basis for the development of novel antitoxin therapeutics and delivery systems for oral biologics.
Controlling the Spins Angular Momentum in Ferromagnets with Sequences of Picosecond Acoustic Pulses
Authors: Kim Ji-Wan , Vomir Mircea , Bigot Jean-Yves 
Published: February 2015

AbstractControlling the angular momentum of spins with very short external perturbations is a key issue in modern magnetism. For example it allows manipulating the magnetization for recording purposes or for inducing high frequency spin torque oscillations. Towards that purpose it is essential to modify and control the angular momentum of the magnetization which precesses around the resultant effective magnetic field. That can be achieved with very short external magnetic field pulses or using intrinsically coupled magnetic structures, resulting in a transfer of spin torque. Here we show that using picosecond acoustic pulses is a versatile and efficient way of controlling the spin angular momentum in ferromagnets. Two or three acoustic pulses, generated by femtosecond laser pulses, allow suppressing or enhancing the magnetic precession at any arbitrary time by precisely controlling the delays and amplitudes of the optical pulses. A formal analogy with a two dimensional pendulum allows us explaining the complex trajectory of the magnetic vector perturbed by the acoustic pulses.
Delay-induced patterns in a two-dimensional lattice of coupled oscillators
Authors: Kantner Markus , Schöll Eckehard , Yanchuk Serhiy 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe show how a variety of stable spatio-temporal periodic patterns can be created in 2D-lattices of coupled oscillators with non-homogeneous coupling delays. The results are illustrated using the FitzHugh-Nagumo coupled neurons as well as coupled limit cycle (Stuart-Landau) oscillators. A “hybrid dispersion relation” is introduced, which describes the stability of the patterns in spatially extended systems with large time-delay.
Analysis of gene–environment interactions in postnatal development of the mammalian intestine
Authors: Rakoff-Nahoum Seth , Kong Yong , Kleinstein Steven H. , Subramanian Sathish , Ahern Philip P. , Gordon Jeffrey I. , Medzhitov Ruslan 
Published: February 2015

Significance
The mammalian intestine provides a key interface with several essential environmental factors, including nutrients, toxins, resident microbiota, and pathogens. Consequently, the intestine undergoes major developmental transitions that correspond to dramatic changes in the environment: one at birth and the other at weaning. These transitions reflect both developmental and environmentally induced changes in intestinal gene expression. Here, we performed a systematic analysis of global gene expression that is associated with developmental timing versus the changes that are due to the innate immune signaling pathways mediated by toll-like receptor (TLR) and IL-1 receptor families. The results reveal distinct roles of these pathways in intestinal adaptation throughout postnatal development.
Arterial Stiffness: A Novel Risk Factor for Kidney Injury Progression?
Authors: Georgianos Panagiotis I. , Sarafidis Pantelis A. , Liakopoulos Vassilios 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Arterial stiffness is typical feature of vascular remodeling in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Increased arterial stiffness raises flow and pressure pulsatility and is considered the principle pathogenic mechanism of isolated systolic hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and congestive heart failure. Apart from the impact of arterial stiffness on left ventricular afterload, downstream transmission of pressure pulsatility to the level of microcirculation is suggested to promote injury of other susceptible organs. This may be of particular importance for kidney injury progression, since passive renal perfusion along with low resistance and input impedance in renal microvessels make kidneys particularly vulnerable to the damaging effect of systemic pulsatile pressure. Recent studies have provided evidence that arterial stiffness culminates in elevated pulsatility and resistance in renal microvasculature, promoting structural damage of small intra-renal arterioles. Further, prospective observational studies have shown that reduced aortic compliance is closely associated with the annual rate of renal function decline and represents independent predictor of kidney injury progression to end-stage renal disease among patients with CKD. This article provides insights into the cross-talk between macrocirculation and renal microcirculation and summarizes the currently available clinical evidence linking increased arterial stiffness with kidney disease progression.
The impact of ocean acidification and warming on the skeletal mechanical properties of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus from laboratory and field observations
Authors: Collard Marie , Rastrick Samuel P. S. , Calosi Piero , Demolder Yoann , Dille Jean , Findlay Helen S. , Hall-Spencer Jason Michael , Milazzo Marco , Moulin Laure , Widdicombe Steve , Dehairs Frank , Dubois Philippe 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIncreased atmospheric CO2 concentration is leading to changes in the carbonate chemistry and the temperature of the ocean. The impact of these processes on marine organisms will depend on their ability to cope with those changes, particularly the maintenance of calcium carbonate structures. Both a laboratory experiment (long-term exposure to decreased pH and increased temperature) and collections of individuals from natural environments characterized by low pH levels (individuals from intertidal pools and around a CO2 seep) were here coupled to comprehensively study the impact of near-future conditions of pH and temperature on the mechanical properties of the skeleton of the euechinoid sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. To assess skeletal mechanical properties, we characterized the fracture force, Young's modulus, second moment of area, material nanohardness, and specific Young's modulus of sea urchin test plates. None of these parameters were significantly affected by low pH and/or increased temperature in the laboratory experiment and by low pH only in the individuals chronically exposed to lowered pH from the CO2 seeps. In tidal pools, the fracture force was higher and the Young's modulus lower in ambital plates of individuals from the rock pool characterized by the largest pH variations but also a dominance of calcifying algae, which might explain some of the variation. Thus, decreases of pH to levels expected for 2100 did not directly alter the mechanical properties of the test of P. lividus. Since the maintenance of test integrity is a question of survival for sea urchins and since weakened tests would increase the sea urchins' risk of predation, our findings indicate that the decreasing seawater pH and increasing seawater temperature expected for the end of the century should not represent an immediate threat to sea urchins vulnerability.
Cell totipotency: molecular features, induction, and maintenance
Authors: Lu Falong , Zhang Yi 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
In mammals, pluripotent stem cells can give rise to every cell type of embryonic lineage, and hold great potential in regenerative medicine and disease modeling. Guided by the mechanism underlying pluripotency, pluripotent stem cells have been successfully induced through manipulating the transcriptional and epigenetic networks of various differentiated cell types. However, the factors that confer totipotency, the ability to give rise to cells in both embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages still remain poorly understood. It is currently unknown whether totipotency can be induced and maintained in vitro. In this review, we summarize the current progress in the field, with the aim of providing a foundation for understanding the mechanisms that regulate totipotency.