bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary aldosteronism: functional histopathology and long‐term follow‐up after unilateral adrenalectomy
Authors: Volpe Cristina , Hamberger Bertil , Höög Anders , Mukai Kuniaki , Calissendorff Jan , Wahrenberg Hans , Zedenius Jan , Thorén Marja 
Published: October 2014

SummaryObjectivesTo investigate the long‐term outcome after unilateral adrenalectomy in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) and to establish the role of functional pathology for the final diagnosis of aldosterone‐producing adenoma (APA) or hyperplasia.DesignA single‐centre, retrospective cohort study in a hospital setting.PatientsConsecutive patients with PA, n = 120, who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy between 1985 and 2010. Preoperative and postoperative data were analysed. To indicate the site of aldosterone secretion in the resected adrenal, we added functional methods to routine histopathology, using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to detect the presence of enzymes needed for aldosterone (CYP11B2) and cortisol (CYP11B1, CYP17A1) synthesis.ResultsThe median follow‐up was 5 years and the cure rate of PA 91%. Hypertension was improved in 97% and normalized in 38%. Functional histopathology changed the final diagnosis from APA to hyperplasia in 6 cases (7%). Five of these had no expression of or staining for aldosterone synthase in the adenoma, but only in nodules in the adjacent cortex. All except one APA patient were cured of PA. They had lower preoperative serum potassium and higher 24‐h urinary aldosterone than patients with hyperplasia. Among patients with hyperplasia 16 of 26 were cured.ConclusionsMost patients were cured of PA by unilateral adrenalectomy. Almost all noncured benefitted from the operation as the blood pressure improved. Functional histopathology proved helpful in the distinction between APA and hyperplasia, and we recommend that functional histopathology should be added to routine histopathology to improve the diagnostic evaluation and aid in tailoring the follow‐up.
Performance of zirconia abutments for implant‐supported single‐tooth crowns in esthetic areas: a retrospective study up to 12‐year follow‐up
Authors: Passos Sheila Pestana , Linke Bernie , Larjava Hannu , French David 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this clinical study was to assess complications, success, and survival rates of zirconia abutments from different implant designs.Material and methodsAnterior implant‐supported single‐tooth restorations, after 1–12 years of clinical function, were evaluated. One hundred and fifty‐eight zirconia implant abutments placed in 141 patients were evaluated. Mechanical complications were observed, such as presence or absence of abutment fractures and loss of retention. In addition, the peri‐implant parameters were observed. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact tests, and bone level was analyzed using the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U‐test for non‐normally distributed data.ResultsSixteen restorations exhibited different complications. However, no significant difference was observed between the standard and platform switching. The standard platforms exhibited higher marginal bone loss than platform switching design followed up to 5 years. Platform switching has a potentially higher risk of fracture in some designs. In our study, one standard platform as well as two‐platform switch designs seem to withstand fracture in the anterior area, regardless of the implant width. Survival and success rates were 93.8% and 81.2% (up to >7 years ≤12), respectively, for standard platform; and 90 and 84% (up to >2 years ≤5), respectively, for platform switching.ConclusionsIn general, standard platform implants restored with zirconia abutments were successful for the longest periods of observation and are a viable treatment alternative in anterior areas. Some of the studied designs of platform switching implants with zirconia abutments performed well for up to 5 years.
Melatonin induces apoptosis through biomolecular changes, in SK‐LU‐1 human lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Plaimee P. , Weerapreeyakul N. , Thumanu K. , Tanthanuch W. , Barusrux S. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectivesAnti‐cancer effects of melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine, an indole‐amine), have been widely reported, however, little has been known, regarding its mechanism(s) of action in lung cancer. Thus, we investigated its induction of apoptosis through biomolecular changes (lipid, protein and nucleic acid/DNA) in the SK‐LU‐1 human lung cancer cell line.Materials and methodsWe used Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy, and conventional methods, to confirm changes in lipid (annexin V/PI staining for membrane alteration), protein (caspase‐3/7 protein activity) and DNA (DAPI staining for DNA fragmentation).ResultsWe observed from FTIR data that melatonin increased lipid content and reduced intensity of nucleic acid/DNA, confirmed by annexin V/PI and DAPI respectively. Secondary protein structure at 1656 cm−1 (α‐helix) was reduced and peak position of β‐sheet structure (1637 cm−1) was shifted to lower frequency. Alteration in apoptotic proteins was demonstrated via caspase‐3/7 activity induction.ConclusionsHigh melatonin concentration exerted anti‐cancer effects by changing biomolecular structure of lipids, nucleic acids and proteins, supporting its enhancement of apoptotic induction.
α‐Synuclein staging in the amygdala of a Parkinson's disease model: cell types involved
Authors: Flores‐Cuadrado Alicia , Ubeda‐Bañon Isabel , Saiz‐Sanchez Daniel , de la Rosa‐Prieto Carlos , Martinez‐Marcos Alino 
Published: October 2014

AbstractLewy bodies (ubiquitin and α‐synuclein aggregates) can be detected in brain areas in a predictable sequence of six neuropathological stages in Parkinson's disease. Brainstem and olfactory structures are involved in stage 1, whereas the substantia nigra and amygdala are involved in stage 3, prior to cortical spreading. Amygdaloid pathology has been suggested to contribute to non‐motor symptoms such as olfactory dysfunction and emotional impairment. This work analysed the distribution of α‐synuclein at 16, 30, 43 and 56 weeks in the basolateral, central and cortical amygdaloid complexes of A53T transgenic mice. The expression of calbindin, calretinin and somatostatin was compared in control and transgenic animals. Co‐localisation of these markers with α‐synuclein was performed. Triple labeling of calbindin, somatostatin and α‐synuclein was also investigated. Quantification was carried out using an optical dissector, ImageJ software and confocal microscopy. α‐Synuclein‐positive cells were mainly concentrated in the basolateral and cortical amygdaloid complexes with a non‐significant increase over time from 16 to 30–43 weeks and a significant decrease thereafter. The expression of interneuron markers showed a significant decrease with aging in control animals. When comparing these markers between control and transgenic mice, calretinin was moderately decreased, but calbindin and somatostatin were highly reduced, particularly in the cortical amygdaloid complex. α‐Synuclein mostly co‐localised with calbindin and a number of these cells also co‐expressed somatostatin. These data on α‐synucleinopathy staging in the amygdala could help to explain non‐motor symptoms as well as to understand the progression of Parkinson's disease in the brain.
Intimate Rendezvous in a Tritrophic Context? Nothing but the Girls for Male Lysiphlebus testaceipes
Authors: Auguste Alexandra , Fauvergue Xavier 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn insects, mating often occurs after natal dispersal, and hence relies on a coevolved combination of sexual communication and movement allowing mate encounter. Volatile sex pheromones are widespread, generally emitted by females and triggering in‐flight orientation of conspecific males. In parasitoid wasps, unmated females can start laying unfertilized eggs via parthenogenesis so that host patches could serve as sites of rendezvous for mating. Males could therefore use cues associated with host patches to focus their search on females that have successfully found oviposition sites. We hypothesized that in parasitoids exploiting herbivorous hosts, sex pheromones, and herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPV) should act in synergy, triggering male orientation toward ovipositing females. We tested this hypothesis with the aphid parasitoid Lysiphlebus testaceipes. Results from both field and laboratory experiments show that males are strongly attracted to virgin females, but that volatiles from aphid‐infested plants have no effect on male orientation, neither has a cue, nor in interaction with the female sex pheromone. The absence of synergy between sex pheromones and HIPV contrasts with results on other species and raises interesting questions on mating systems and sexual selection in parasitoid wasps.
Modelling of environmental flow options for optimal Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, embryo survival during hydropeaking
Authors: Casas‐Mulet R. , Alfredsen K. , Killingtveit Å. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRecent findings on the causes of Atlantic salmon embryo mortality during winter in a hydropeaking river suggest that long duration drawdowns during very cold periods are the most likely cause of mortality in the ramping zone. This paper presents a framework in which thresholds for optimal embryo survival at the microscale are linked to physical habitat requirements at the mesoscale and integrated into alternative hydropower operations at the catchment scale. The connections within this framework are derived from a one‐dimensional hydraulic model at the mesoscale and a hydropower simulation programme at the catchment scale. The economic costs and feasibility of several alternative options for hydropeaking operation that would comply with ecological requirements for optimal survival of embryos were evaluated. A method to assess a wide range of alternative hydropower options that considers key factors to mitigate the conflicting requirements of ecological targets, technical feasibility and economics is presented. Targeted alternative environmental flow releases to meet specific ecological objectives are often more effective than general operational rules to comply with legislation. The development of well‐informed and targeted mitigation strategies is important for future environmental hydropower management.
Native and exotic plant cover vary inversely along a climate gradient 11 years following stand‐replacing wildfire in a dry coniferous forest, Oregon, USA
Authors: Dodson Erich K. , Root Heather T. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCommunity re‐assembly following future disturbances will often occur under warmer and more moisture‐limited conditions than when current communities assembled. Because the establishment stage is regularly the most sensitive to climate and competition, the trajectory of recovery from disturbance in a changing environment is uncertain, but has important consequences for future ecosystem functioning. To better understand how ongoing warming and rising moisture limitation may affect recovery, we studied native and exotic plant composition 11 years following complete stand‐replacing wildfire in a dry coniferous forest spanning a large gradient in climatic moisture deficit (CMD) from warm and dry low elevation sites to relatively cool and moist higher elevations sites. We then projected future precipitation, temperature and CMD at our study locations for four scenarios selected to encompass a broad range of possible future conditions for the region. Native perennials dominated relatively cool and moist sites 11 years after wildfire, but were very sparse at the warmest and driest (high CMD) sites, particularly when combined with high topographic sun exposure. In contrast, exotic species (primarily annual grasses) were dominant or co‐dominant at the warmest and driest sites, especially with high topographic sun exposure. All future scenarios projected increasing temperature and CMD in coming decades (e.g., from 4.5% to 29.5% higher CMD by the 2080's compared to the 1971–2000 average), even in scenarios where growing season (May‐September) precipitation increased. These results suggest increasing temperatures and moisture limitation could facilitate longer term (over a decade) transitions toward exotic‐dominated communities after severe wildfire when a suitable exotic seed source is present.
Litter type control on soil C and N stabilization dynamics in a temperate forest
Authors: Hatton Pierre‐Joseph , Castanha Cristina , Torn Margaret S. , Bird Jeffrey A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWhile plant litters are the main source of soil organic matter (SOM) in forests, the controllers and pathways to stable SOM formation remain unclear. Here, we address how litter type (13C/15N‐labeled needles vs. fine roots) and placement‐depth (O vs. A horizon) affect in situ C and N dynamics in a temperate forest soil after 5 years. Litter type rather than placement‐depth controlled soil C and N retention after 5 years in situ, with belowground fine root inputs greatly enhancing soil C (x1.4) and N (x1.2) retention compared with aboveground needles. While the proportions of added needle and fine root‐derived C and N recovered into stable SOM fractions were similar, they followed different transformation pathways into stable SOM fractions: fine root transfer was slower than for needles, but proportionally more of the remaining needle‐derived C and N was transferred into stable SOM fractions. The stoichiometry of litter‐derived C vs. N within individual SOM fractions revealed the presence at least two pools of different turnover times (per SOM fraction) and emphasized the role of N‐rich compounds for long‐term persistence. Finally, a regression approach suggested that models may underestimate soil C retention from litter with fast decomposition rates.
Attention to negative emotion is related to longitudinal social network change: The moderating effect of interdependent self‐construal
Authors: Li Tianyuan , Fung Helene H , Isaacowitz Derek M , Lang Frieder R 
Published: October 2014

AimMany previous studies have investigated older adults' attentional preference toward different emotions. Interdependent self‐construal is identified to be an important moderator of this phenomenon. However, despite the important social functions of emotions, the social consequence of older adults' emotional preferences in attention have not yet been examined. The current study tested how older adults' attentional preferences assessed in the laboratory influenced changes in their real‐life social network, and how interdependent self‐construal moderated this effect.MethodsA total of 45 older adults aged 60–84 years participated in an eye‐tracking session that measured their attentional preference to emotional faces versus neutral faces. After that, participants completed the Self‐Construal Scale. Participants' social network was then assessed by the Social Convoy Questionnaire twice over a 2‐year period.ResultsInterdependent self‐construal significantly moderated the effect of attention to angry and sad faces on older adults' real‐life social network changes. For older adults with a higher level of interdependent self‐construal, more attention toward negative emotions was related to longitudinal decreases in the number of their emotionally close social partners.ConclusionsThe present study shows the important role of attentional preferences in older adults' social network maintenance. It identified a real‐life macro level social outcome of a micro level laboratory phenomenon, which can be an important direction for future research. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1079–1086.
The Net Promoter Score – an asset to patient experience surveys?
Authors: Krol Maarten W. , de Boer Dolf , Delnoij Diana M. , Rademakers Jany J. D. J. M. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn the search for more straightforward ways of summarizing patient experiences and satisfaction, there is growing interest in the Net Promoter Score (NPS): How likely is it that you would recommend our company to a friend or colleague?ObjectiveTo assess what the NPS adds to patient experience surveys. The NPS was tested against three other constructs already used in current surveys to summarize patient experiences and satisfaction: global ratings, recommendation questions and overall scores calculated from patient experiences. To establish whether the NPS is a valid measure for summarizing patient experiences, its association with these experiences should be assessed.MethodsAssociations between the NPS and the three other constructs were assessed and their distributions were compared. Also, the association between the NPS and patient experiences was assessed. Data were used from patient surveys of inpatient hospital care (N = 6018) and outpatient hospital care (N = 10 902) in six Dutch hospitals.ResultsAnalyses showed that the NPS was moderately to strongly correlated with the other three constructs. However, their distributions proved distinctly different. Furthermore, the patient experiences from the surveys showed weaker associations with the NPS than with the global rating and the overall score.ConclusionsBecause of the limited extent to which the NPS reflects the survey results, it seems less valid as a summary of patient experiences than a global rating, the existing recommendation question or an overall score calculated from patient experiences. In short, it is still unclear what the NPS specifically adds to patient experience surveys.
The English Gentry and Military Service, 1300–1450
Authors: King Andy 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe period 1300–1450 has been seen by historians as crucial to the formation of the English social class, which would become known as the gentry. This was also a period when England was heavily engaged in warfare, with the Anglo‐Scottish wars and the Hundred Years War against France. The essay will survey the various approaches historians have taken to assess the changing relationship between concepts of gentility, the gentry and military service in late‐medieval England. It will discuss the contribution of research into subjects such as heraldry and the county community; how the question relates to the slowly reviving debate about ‘bastard feudalism’; and the impact of computer databases on research.
Cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 regulates degranulation in human eosinophils
Authors: Odemuyiwa Solomon O. , Ilarraza Ramses , Davoine Francis , Logan Michael R. , Shayeganpour Anooshirvan , Wu Yingqi , Majaesic Carina , Adamko Darryl J. , Moqbel Redwan , Lacy Paige 
Published: October 2014

SummaryDegranulation from eosinophils in response to secretagogue stimulation is a regulated process that involves exocytosis of granule proteins through specific signalling pathways. One potential pathway is dependent on cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) and its effector molecules, p35 and p39, which play a central role in neuronal cell exocytosis by phosphorylating Munc18, a regulator of SNARE binding. Emerging evidence suggests a role for Cdk5 in exocytosis in immune cells, although its role in eosinophils is not known. We sought to examine the expression of Cdk5 and its activators in human eosinophils, and to assess the role of Cdk5 in eosinophil degranulation. We used freshly isolated human eosinophils and analysed the expression of Cdk5, p35, p39 and Munc18c by Western blot, RT‐PCR, flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation. Cdk5 kinase activity was determined following eosinophil activation. Cdk5 inhibitors were used (roscovitine, AT7519 and small interfering RNA) to determine its role in eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) secretion. Cdk5 was expressed in association with Munc18c, p35 and p39, and phosphorylated following human eosinophil activation with eotaxin/CCL11, platelet‐activating factor, and secretory IgA‐Sepharose. Cdk5 inhibitors (roscovitine, AT7519) reduced EPX release when cells were stimulated by PMA or secretory IgA. In assays using small interfering RNA knock‐down of Cdk5 expression in human eosinophils, we observed inhibition of EPX release. Our findings suggest that in activated eosinophils, Cdk5 is phosphorylated and binds to Munc18c, resulting in Munc18c release from syntaxin‐4, allowing SNARE binding and vesicle fusion, with subsequent eosinophil degranulation. Our work identifies a novel role for Cdk5 in eosinophil mediator release by agonist‐induced degranulation.
The presence of interleukin‐27 during monocyte‐derived dendritic cell differentiation promotes improved antigen processing and stimulation of T cells
Authors: Jung Joo‐Yong , Roberts Lawton L. , Robinson Cory M. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryDendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen‐presenting cells necessary to establish effective adaptive immune responses. The cytokine environment that exists at the time of DC differentiation may be an important but often ignored determinant in the phenotypic and functional properties of DCs. Interleukin‐27 (IL‐27) is a unique cytokine that has both inflammatory and immune suppressive activities. Although it can both promote and oppose activity of different T‐cell subsets, mostly anti‐inflammatory activity has been described toward macrophages and DCs. However, the specific effect of IL‐27 during DC differentiation and how that may change the nature of the antigen‐presenting cell has not been investigated. In this report, we show that IL‐27 treatment during monocyte‐derived DC differentiation enhanced the ability to process antigens and stimulate T‐cell activity. DCs differentiated in the presence of IL‐27 showed enhanced acidification of latex bead‐containing phagosomes that was consistent with elevated expression of vacuolar‐ATPases. This resulted in inhibition of intracellular growth of Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the levels of MHC class II surface expression were higher in DCs differentiated in the presence of IL‐27. Production of IL‐12 was also significantly increased during S. aureus infection of IL‐27‐differentiated DCs. The net effect of these activities was enhanced CD4+ T‐cell proliferation and T helper type 1 cytokine production. These findings are important to a wide number of immunological contexts and should be considered in the development of future vaccines.
Tunable Emission Phosphor Ca4Y6O(SiO4)6:Ce3+, Eu2+: Luminescence and Energy Transfer
Authors: Li Panlai , Wang Zhijun , Guo Qinglin , Yang Zhiping 
Published: October 2014

A series of Ca4–yY6–xO(SiO4)6: xCe3+, yEu2+ samples are synthesized by a high‐temperature solid‐state method. Under 356 nm excitation, Ca4Y6O(SiO4)6:Ce3+ presents a strong blue emission band at 426 nm which are assigned to 4f05d1→4f1 transition of Ce3+ ion. Ca4Y6O(SiO4)6:Eu2+ shows green emission under 380 nm radiation excitation, and the peak locates at 527 nm which is mainly due to transitions of Eu2+ from 4f7 ground state to 4f65d1 excited state. Under 356 nm excitation, a remarkable energy transfer from Ce3+ to Eu2+ exists in Ca4Y6O(SiO4)6, and the result reveals that the mechanism of energy transfer is a resonant type via a nonradiative dipole–dipole interaction. The hues of Ca4Y6O(SiO4)6:Ce3+, Eu2+ can be adjusted by the energy transfer from Ce3+ to Eu2+ ions, and a white emission can be achieved by tuning the ratio of Ce3+ to Eu2+. The results mean that Ce3+ may be the effective sensitizer for Eu2+‐doped Ca4Y6O(SiO4)6.