bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liver X receptor activation protects against inflammation and enhances autophagy in myocardium of neonatal mouse challenged by lipopolysaccharides
Authors: Liu Peng , He Siyi , Gao Junwei , Li Jingwei , Fan Xiaotang , Xiao Ying-Bin 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Liver X receptors (LXRs) has been emerged as negative regulators of cardiomyocytic inflammation. The cellular process of autophagy is believed to play a protective role in myocardium during the inflammatory status. In this study, we investigated the role of LXRs agonist TO901317 (TO) on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced myocardial inflammation and autophagy. The results showed that TO pretreatment significantly reduced the LPS-induced infiltration of inflammatory cells, elevation of NF-κB protein, TNF-α, and IL-6 mRNA levels in the myocardium. Moreover, LPS stimulated autophagy in neonatal mice heart, and this effect was further enhanced by TO pretreatment as evidenced by increased LC3-II/GAPDH ratio increment. Furthermore, TUNEL assay revealed LPS stimulation also increased the number of apoptotic cells in the myocardium, and the increment was inhibited by TO pretreatment. Our findings suggested that attenuation of inflammation and apoptosis, and enhancement of autophagy by TO may contribute to the protection of myocardium under inflammatory condition.
Effect of nodakenin on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions
Authors: Park Sae-Jin , Cha Hae-Sim , Lee Yong-Hyeon , Kim Wan-Joong , Kim Dae-Hyun , Kim Eok-Cheon , Lee Kwang-Ho , Kim Tack-Joong 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Nodakenin, derived from the roots of Angelica gigas Nakai, is an important natural resource and medicinal material with anti-allergic and anti- inflammatory activities. We have previously shown that nodakenin inhibits IgE/Ag-induced degranulation in mast cells. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of nodakenin on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)- like skin lesions in ICR mice. Scratching behavior, skin severity score, blood IgE level, and skin thickness were improved in DNCB-induced AD-like ICR mice. Our results showed that nodakenin suppressed the increase of AD-like skin lesions in ICR mice. These results suggest that nodakenin may be a potential therapeutic resource for AD as well as an adjunctive agent to control itching associated with AD.
Matching Patterns of Gene Expression to Mechanical Stiffness at Cell Resolution through Quantitative Tandem Epifluorescence and Nanoindentation
Authors: Milani Pascale , Mirabet Vincent , Cellier Coralie , Rozier Frédérique , Hamant Olivier , Das Pradeep , Boudaoud Arezki 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Cell differentiation has been associated with changes in mechanical stiffness in single-cell systems, yet it is unknown whether this association remains true in a multicellular context, particularly in developing tissues. In order to address such questions, we have developed a methodology, termed quantitative tandem epifluorescence and nanoindentation, wherein we sequentially determine cellular genetic identity with confocal microscopy and mechanical properties with atomic force microscopy. We have applied this approach to examine cellular stiffness at the shoot apices of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants carrying a fluorescent reporter for the CLAVATA3 (CLV3) gene, which encodes a secreted glycopeptide involved in the regulation of the centrally located stem cell zone in inflorescence and floral meristems. We found that these CLV3-expressing cells are characterized by an enhanced stiffness. Additionally, by tracking cells in young flowers before and after the onset of GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN expression, we observed that an increase in stiffness coincides with this onset. This work illustrates how quantitative tandem epifluorescence and nanoindentation can reveal the spatial and temporal dynamics of both gene expression and cell mechanics at the shoot apex and, by extension, in the epidermis of any thick tissue.
Demographic legacies of fire history in an African savanna
Authors: Levick Shaun R. , Baldeck Claire A. , Asner Gregory P. 
Published: June 2014

Summary

Fire is a key determinant of woody vegetation structure in savanna ecosystems, acting both independently and synergistically through interactions with herbivores. Fire influences biodiversity and ecological functioning, but quantifying its effects on woody structure is challenging at both species and community scales.

Deeper insight into fire effects, and fire–herbivore interactions, can be gained through the examination of species‐specific demographic and dynamic changes occurring across areas with different fire regimes in the presence of large herbivores. We used the Carnegie Airborne Observatory (an integrated LiDAR and imaging spectroscopy system) to map woody tree structure, species and dynamics over a four‐year interval across two adjacent savanna landscapes with contrasting fire histories in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

A history of higher fire frequency was associated with reduced woody canopy cover (17% vs. 23%) and an increased overall rate of treefall (27% vs. 18%). The landscape with a history of higher fire frequency displayed a shift in woody canopy height distribution from a unimodal curve to a bimodal pattern at the community scale, with large reductions in height classes <7 m.

Differences in tree height distributions and treefall rates across sites were underpinned by species‐specific responses to fire frequency. Acacia nigrescens displayed the highest rates of treefall, most likely related to elephant activity, with losses exceeding 40% in the 6‐ to 9‐m height classes.

Synthesis. Our findings indicate that fire history imparts demographic legacies not only on vegetation structure, but also on current vegetation dynamics. Current treefall rates of certain tree species are exacerbated by a history of higher fire frequency. Species‐specific and context‐conscious investigations are critical for elucidating the driving mechanisms underlying broader community patterns.
Lichens as ecological indicators in urban areas: beyond the effects of pollutants
Authors: Munzi Silvana , Correia Otilia , Silva Patricia , Lopes Nuno , Freitas Catarina , Branquinho Cristina , Pinho Pedro 
Published: June 2014

Summary

In this work, we hypothesized that in urban areas with reduced pollution levels, local climatic conditions can be an important driver of lichen diversity. Thus, lichen functional groups could be used to study the effects of the urban heat island, characterized by higher temperature and lower humidity in urban than in peri‐urban areas. To test this hypothesis, we sampled functional groups of epiphytic lichens in 48 forest remnants of a Mediterranean urban area (Almada, Portugal).

Of all tested functional groups (including those most closely associated with air pollution), groups related to water requirements showed the most significant correlations with surrounding artificial areas, roads and forest. These results suggest that the current major driver of lichen diversity is the climate within the urban area rather than air pollution, as frequently assumed.

The analysis of local climate using meteorological data of temperature and humidity confirmed the existence of urban heat island in the study area.

Synthesis and applications. The analysis of lichen functional groups gave an integrated response to the climatic modifications occurring in urban areas, namely to the urban heat island, suggesting that lichens can be used as a tool to evaluate the impact of urban areas on local climate and the effectiveness of mitigation and adaptation strategies if pollution levels are low.
Intracellular Oceanospirillales inhabit the gills of the hydrothermal vent snail Alviniconcha with chemosynthetic, γ‐Proteobacterial symbionts
Authors: Beinart R. A. , Nyholm S. V. , Dubilier N. , Girguis P. R. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryAssociations between bacteria from the γ‐Proteobacterial order Oceanospirillales and marine invertebrates are quite common. Members of the Oceanospirillales exhibit a diversity of interactions with their various hosts, ranging from the catabolism of complex compounds that benefit host growth to attacking and bursting host nuclei. Here, we describe the association between a novel Oceanospirillales phylotype and the hydrothermal vent snail Alviniconcha. Alviniconcha typically harbour chemoautotrophic γ‐ or ε‐Proteobacterial symbionts inside their gill cells. Via fluorescence in situ hybridization and transmission electron microscopy, we observed an Oceanospirillales phylotype (named AOP for ‘Alviniconcha Oceanospirillales phylotype’) in membrane‐bound vacuoles that were separate from the known γ‐ or ε‐Proteobacterial symbionts. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we surveyed 181 Alviniconcha hosting γ‐Proteobacterial symbionts and 102 hosting ε‐Proteobacterial symbionts, and found that the population size of AOP was always minor relative to the canonical symbionts (median 0.53% of the total quantified 16S rRNA genes). Additionally, we detected AOP more frequently in Alviniconcha hosting γ‐Proteobacterial symbionts than in those hosting ε‐Proteobacterial symbionts (96% and 5% of individuals respectively). The high incidence of AOP in γ‐Proteobacteria hosting Alviniconcha implies that it could play a significant ecological role either as a host parasite or as an additional symbiont with unknown physiological capacities.
An introduction to radar image processing in ecology
Authors: Stepanian Phillip M. , Chilson Phillip B. , Kelly Jeffrey F. 
Published: June 2014

Summary

Use of radar in ornithology, chiropterology and entomology continues to increase, driven in part by widespread online data availability. In addition to research applications, rapid growth in areas such as wind energy and aviation has prompted the use of radar for conservation. While a variety of research applications motivate ecologists to gain basic radar literacy, the ability to process and analyse radar data sets can be a daunting task that may dissuade inexperienced ecological radar users. This effect is exacerbated by vague radar methodologies in the ecology literature, as well as the combination of complex techniques and unfamiliar terminology in other radar‐focused disciplines.

While radar data come in many formats and levels of detail, a common type is the two‐dimensional radar image. As rasters of data with associated spatial coordinates, radar images are relatively easy to manipulate, especially for those familiar with basic raster computations. Furthermore, because radar image data require relatively small storage space, they can be readily downloaded from a number of online sources. With this in mind, radar images provide a convenient foundation for ecological applications.

A primer on radar image interpretation and processing is presented, with a focus on image composition for typical atmospheric surveillance radar scans. Additionally, a selection of existing ecological radar image processing methods are overviewed. As a starting point, a basic algorithm for automated image processing is outlined that may be modified to create specialized workflows. Three examples of the application of this algorithm are included, illustrating its modification and use for automated feature extraction.

By outlining a basic algorithm, we hope to provide a clear starting point for the beginning radar user. When combined with additional existing methods, this algorithm provides a wide range of refinements and modifications that can pave a path towards sophisticated radar processing workflows. In the long term, the ability of ecologists to independently analyse radar data will lead to better ecological interpretation of radar data and a more informed application to conservation policy.
A series of severe necrotising soft‐tissue infections in a regional centre in Sweden
Authors: BRINK M. , ARNELL P. , LYCKE H. , ROSEMAR A. , HAGBERG L. 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundNecrotising soft‐tissue infections (NSTIs) are rare conditions with high morbidity and mortality. Patients with NSTIs are often transferred to tertiary hospitals, but the question of whether the potential benefits of highly specialised care outweigh the risks associated with inter‐hospital transfers has been raised.MethodsProspective study including all patients with NSTIs treated at the intensive care unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital/East between January 2008 and December 2011.ResultsTwenty‐nine patients with NSTIs were identified. Their median age was 54 years and 69% were men. Major co‐morbidities were present in 45%. Seventeen patients (59%) were referred from other hospitals. Only 33% of the patients were correctly diagnosed or suspected of having NSTIs in the emergency department. Group A Streptococcus was the most common microbiological finding (41%), followed by Enterobacteriaceae (17%). The median time from hospitalisation to the first dose of antibiotics was 6 h and the median time to primary surgery was 16 h. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was given to 86%, and intravenous immunoglobulin was given in 52% of the cases. The 30‐day mortality was 14% (4/29). The times to the first dose of antibiotics, intensive care unit admission and primary surgery did not differ between transferred and directly admitted patients, and there was no difference in outcome between the groups.ConclusionsPatients with NSTIs develop severe local and systemic symptoms and require extremely resource‐demanding hospitalisation. Inter‐hospital transfer was not associated with a delay in key interventions and could not be identified as a risk factor for adverse outcome.
Association between Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells enrichment, nasal polyps and allergy in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Miljkovic D. , Bassiouni A. , Cooksley C. , Ou J. , Hauben E. , Wormald P. ‐J. , Vreugde S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundGroup 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) were shown to be involved in the initiation and coordination of Th2‐type immune responses in allergic disease animal models. Recently, ILC2s enrichment was noted in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients; however, the role of ILC2s in coordinating the Th2 response in CRS remains to be elucidated. Here, we characterize the ILC2 compartment in CRS by investigating the correlations between ILC2s, Th2 cells and Th2 cytokines expression in CRS patients.MethodsWe used flow cytometric analysis of sinonasal mucosal tissues of 29 CRS patients and 5 controls to quantify ILC2s and Th2 cells. Messenger RNA expression levels of IL‐5, IL‐13, IL‐25, IL‐33, TSLP and GATA3 were determined using qRT‐PCR.ResultsILC2s were significantly enriched in nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients. Multivariate linear regression showed a significant positive association of ILC2 numbers with CRSwNP and allergic CRS and a negative association with the number of previous endoscopic sinus surgeries. Group 2 innate lymphoid cell numbers significantly correlated with Th2 cell frequencies. Messenger RNA expression levels of IL‐5 and IL‐13 were increased in CRSwNP compared with controls, while mRNA levels of IL‐25 and GATA3 were significantly reduced.ConclusionsOur results characterize the complex interactions between ILC2s and other Th2 response elements in the context of CRS and suggest that ILC2 enrichment occurs in CRSwNP and in allergic CRS patients.
The response of the neuronal adaptive system to background illumination and readaptation to dark in the immature retina
Authors: Wang Ling , el Azazi Mildred , Eklund Anders , Burstedt Marie , Wachtmeister Lillemor 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPurposeDevelopmental characteristics of the neuronal adaptive system of the retina, focusing on background light (BGL) adaptation and readaptation functions, were studied by measuring the oscillatory response (SOP) of the electroretinogram (ERG).MethodsDigitally filtered and conventional ERGs were simultaneously recorded. Rats aged 15 and 17 days were studied during exposure to BGLs of two mesopic intensities and during readaptation to dark.ResultsResults were compared to adult rats. In ‘low mesopic’ BGL SOP instantly dropped significantly to about half of its dark‐adapted (DA) value contrary to mature rats, in which the SOP significantly increased. In ‘high mesopic’ BGL SOP decreased to about 20% and 30% of DA values in immature and adult rats, respectively. The process of recovery of SOP in darkness lacked the transient enhancement immediately as BGL was turned off, characteristic of adult rats. There were no major age differences in adaptive behaviour of a‐wave. In young rats, recovery of b‐wave was relatively slower.ConclusionsProperties of BGL adaptation and readaptation functions of the neuronal adaptive system in baby retina differed compared to the adult one by being less forceful and more restrained. Handling of mesopic illumination and recovery in the dark was immature. Development of these functions of the neuronal adaptive system progresses postnatally and lags behind that of the photoreceptor response and seems to be delayed also compared to that of the bipolar response.
Exploring the longitudinal relationships between the use of grammar in text messaging and performance on grammatical tasks
Authors: Wood Clare , Kemp Nenagh , Waldron Sam 
Published: June 2014

Research has demonstrated that use of texting slang (textisms) when text messaging does not appear to impact negatively on children's literacy outcomes and may even benefit children's spelling attainment. However, less attention has been paid to the impact of text messaging on the development of children's and young people's understanding of grammar. This study therefore examined the interrelationships between children's and young adults’ tendency to make grammatical violations when texting and their performance on formal assessments of spoken and written grammatical understanding, orthographic processing and spelling ability over the course of 1 year. Zero‐order correlations showed patterns consistent with previous research on textism use and spelling, and there was no evidence of any negative associations between the development of the children's performance on the grammar tasks and their use of grammatical violations when texting. Adults’ tendency to use ungrammatical word forms (‘does you’) was positively related to performance on the test of written grammar. Grammatical violations were found to be positively associated with growth in spelling for secondary school children. However, not all forms of violation were observed to be consistently used in samples of text messages taken 12 months apart or were characteristic of typical text messages. The need to differentiate between genuine errors and deliberate violation of rules is discussed, as are the educational implications of these findings.
Clinical activity of everolimus in relapsed/refractory marginal zone B‐cell lymphomas: results of a phase II study of the International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group
Authors: Conconi Annarita , Raderer Markus , Franceschetti Silvia , Devizzi Liliana , Ferreri Andrés J. M. , Magagnoli Massimo , Arcaini Luca , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Martinelli Giovanni , Vitolo Umberto , Kiesewetter Barbara , Porro Elena , Stathis Anastasios , Gaidano Gianluca , Cavalli Franco , Zucca Emanuele 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group coordinated a phase II trial to evaluate the activity and safety of everolimus in marginal zone lymphomas (MZLs). Thirty patients with relapsed/refractory MZLs received everolimus for six cycles or until dose‐limiting toxicity or progression. Median age was 71 years (range, 51–88 years). Twenty patients had extranodal, six splenic, four nodal MZL. Twenty‐four patients had stage III–IV. Median number of prior therapies was two (range 1–5). Seventeen patients had early treatment discontinuation, in most cases due to toxicity. Median number of cycles was 4·5 (range, 1–16). Among the 24 assessable patients, the overall response rate (ORR) was 25% (95% confidence interval: 10–47). Grade 3–4 adverse events were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia (17% of patients, each), infections (17%), mucositis and odontogenic infections (13%) and lung toxicity (3%). The median response duration was 6·8 months (range, 1·4–11·1+). After a median follow‐up of 14·5 months, five deaths were reported: four deaths were due to lymphoma, one was due to toxicity. In an intent‐to‐treat analysis, the projected median progression‐free survival was 14 months. The moderate antitumour activity of everolimus in relapsed/refractory MZLs and the observed toxicity limit its therapeutical applicability in these indolent entities. Lower doses of the drug and, perhaps, different strategies including combination with additional agents need to be explored.
Tackling student binge drinking: Pairing incongruent messages and measures reduces alcohol consumption
Authors: Hutter Russell R. C. , Lawton Rebecca , Pals Elisah , O'Connor Daryl B. , McEachan Rosemary R. C. 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesExcessive alcohol consumption is a persistent problem in Northern European cultures. Across a 2‐week period, we tested the effect of varying message frames, message types, and response measures, in reducing alcohol consumption.DesignThree hundred and twenty‐three respondents were allocated to a 2 (message frame: gain vs. loss) × 2 (message type: health vs. social) × 2 (response type: engaging vs. refraining) mixed design.MethodBinge drinking and units consumed were measured at Time 1 and Time 2 (2 weeks later). Participants read (following Time 1) a gain‐ or loss‐framed message on binging emphasizing either social or health consequences and answered engaging in or refraining from drinking attitude measures.ResultsNo main effects were identified. The key finding was that gain‐framed messages, when used in conjunction with engage response measures (an incongruous pairing), were highly effective in reducing alcohol consumption 2 weeks later compared with the other message frame/response measure combinations.ConclusionsWe suggest that for prevention behaviours, gain‐framed messages, when paired with engage response measures, initiate an inconsistency resolution process. Together, our findings emphasize the importance of message frame and response type when seeking to reduce alcohol consumption using persuasive health messages.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Evidence for the efficacy of message framing on health‐related behaviours is inconsistent. This could be determined by the type of behaviours and how they are measured. While much is known about framing effects for prevention or detection behaviours, less is known about the effects for abstinence behaviours including binge drinking. Furthermore, little is known about message frames when they are incongruous with behavioural measures.

What does this study add?

Shows the effect of using gain‐framed messages with engage response measures in reducing alcohol consumption.

Provides the first evidence that the efficacy of message frames are influenced by the measures used.