bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell proliferation, apoptosis and accumulation of lipid droplets in U937-1 cells incubated with eicosapentaenoic acid
Authors: FINSTAD Hanne S. , DREVON Christian A. , KULSETH Mari Ann , SYNSTAD Anne V. , KNUDSEN Eirunn , KOLSET Svein Olav 
Published: August 2015

The monocytic cell line U937-1 was cultured in the presence of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5, n-3) (EPA) or oleic acid (18:1, n-9) (OA). EPA caused a dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation, whereas OA had no effect. At the highest EPA concentrations, 120 and 240 µM, inhibition of cell proliferation was accompanied by initiation of apoptosis. A concentration of 60 µM EPA caused a 35% reduction in cell proliferation without inducing apoptosis, and was therefore used for further studies. Addition of antioxidants or inhibitors of eicosanoid synthesis had no influence on the reduced cell proliferation after EPA treatment. The inhibition required continuous presence of EPA in the incubation medium as the cells resumed a normal proliferation rate when they were placed in EPA-free medium. The inhibition of proliferation was not accompanied by differentiation into macrophage-like cells, as expression of serglycin and the ability to perform respiratory burst was unaffected by EPA. Expression of CD23 mRNA increased when the cells were incubated with EPA, but to a smaller extent than after retinoic acid (RA) or PMA treatment. Furthermore, expression of the monocytic differentiation markers CD36 and CD68 was lower in cells treated with EPA or OA when compared with untreated cells. The cell cycle distribution of U937-1 cells was similar in cells incubated with EPA or PMA, whereas RA-treated cells accumulated in the G1 phase. Side scatter increased in cells incubated with EPA and OA, which was ascribed to an accumulation of lipid droplets after examination of the cells by electron microscopy. The number of droplets per cell was higher in cells exposed to EPA than OA. The cellular triacylglycerol (TAG) increased 5.5- and 15.5-fold after incubation with OA and EPA respectively. No difference in the cellular content of cholesterol compared with untreated cells was observed. The TAG fraction in EPA-treated cells contained high amounts of EPA and docosapentaenoic acid and minor amounts of docosahexaenoic acid, whereas OA-treated cells had high levels of OA in the TAG. In cells incubated with a sulphur-substituted EPA, only minor effects on cell proliferation and no accumulation of cellular TAG were observed. These findings may indicate the existence of other mechanisms for regulation of cell behaviour by very-long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids than the well established lipid peroxide and eicosanoid pathways.
Purification and characterization of a lysophosphatidic acid-specific phosphatase
Authors: HIROYAMA Masami , TAKENAWA Tadaomi 
Published: August 2015

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-specific phosphatase was purified 3300-fold from bovine brain cytosol. The purification was achieved by (NH4)2SO4 fractionation and several chromatography steps, such as Q-Sepharose, DEAE-5PW, Superdex 200 and heparin–Sepharose. The final enzyme preparation showed a single band of molecular mass 44 kDa on SDS/PAGE under reducing conditions. The enzyme activity was completely dependent on the presence of detergents such as Triton X-100, CHAPS, cholate and octyl-β-glucoside. The activity was independent of Mg2+; other cations were inhibitory. The enzyme hydrolysed LPA specifically but not cardiolipin, tetraoleoyl-bisphosphatidic acid, ceramide 1-phosphate or sphingosine 1-phosphate, although phosphatidic acid was hydrolysed slightly. The purified enzyme hydrolysed 1-oleoyl LPA at a rate of 1.1 µmol/min per mg of protein when assayed with LPA as Triton X-100 mixed micelles. The Km value for LPA was 38 µM. NaF and N-ethylmaleimide markedly inhibited the activity, but propranolol had a less potent inhibitory effect. The LPA-specific phosphatase might have an important role in LPA elimination.
Anti-cancer-prostaglandin-induced cell-cycle arrest and its modulation by an inhibitor of the ATP-dependent glutathione S-conjugate export pump (GS-X pump)
Authors: ISHIKAWA Toshihisa , AKIMARU Kunihiro , NAKANISHI Makoto , TOMOKIYO Keiichiro , FURUTA Kyoji , SUZUKI Masaaki , NOYORI Ryoji 
Published: August 2015

The A and J series of prostaglandins (PGs) accumulate in the nuclei to suppress the proliferation of cancer cells. Here we report that Δ7-PGA1 methyl ester, a synthetic anti-cancer PG, increased the level of mRNA for the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 in human leukaemia HL-60 cells. The induction of p21 was associated with the accumulation of hypophosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (pRB) and the suppression of c-myc gene expression. Since the p53 gene is deleted in HL-60 cells, the anti-cancer PG is suggested to inhibit cancer cell growth by inducing p21 via a p53-independent pathway. Unlike HL-60 cells, cisplatin-resistant HL-60/R-CP cells were insensitive to Δ7-PGA1 methyl ester. While c-myc expression was transiently suppressed, neither G1 arrest nor hypophosphorylation of pRB was observed with the anti-cancer PG. Plasma membrane vesicles from HL-60/R-CP cells showed an enhanced level of GS-X pump (ATP-dependent glutathione S-conjugate export pump) activity towards the glutathione S-conjugate of Δ7-PGA1 methyl ester (Km 110 nM). GIF-0019 {N-carbomethoxy-S-[5-(4-benzoylphenyl)pentyl]glutathione dimethyl ester}, a specific inhibitor of the GS-X pump, dose-dependently enhanced the cellular sensitivity of HL-60/R-CP cells to Δ7-PGA1 methyl ester and induced G1 arrest. The GS-X pump is suggested to play a pivotal role in modulating the biological action of the anti-cancer PG.
Activation of phospholipase A2 in human neutrophils by polyunsaturated fatty acids and its role in stimulation of superoxide production
Authors: ROBINSON Brenton S. , HII Charles S. T. , FERRANTE Antonio 
Published: August 2015

Although polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown to stimulate neutrophil responses such as the oxygen-dependent respiratory burst (superoxide production), the mechanisms involved still remain undefined. Here we investigate the effect of PUFA on the phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-signal transduction process in human neutrophils. Exogenous eicosatetraenoic acid [arachidonic acid; C20:4(n-6)] or docosahexaenoic acid [C22:6(n-3)] promoted the release of [3H]C20:4(n-6) from prelabelled neutrophils in a time- and dose-dependent manner, which is indicative of PLA2 activation. The release of [3H]C20:4(n-6) from the cells by C20:4(n-6) and C22:6(n-3) was suppressed by PLA2 inhibitors. Other PUFA {eicosapentaenoic [C20:5(n-3)], octadecatrienoic [γ-linolenic; C18:3(n-6)] and octadecadienoic [linoleic; C18:2(n-6)] acids} also had the ability to release [3H]C20:4(n-6); however, certain C20:4(n-6) derivatives [15-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid, 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and C20:4(n-6) methyl ester] and saturated fatty acids [octadecanoic (stearic; C18:0) and eicosanoic (arachidic; C20:0) acids] had no significant effect. Treatment of the neutrophils with exogenous C22:6(n-3) caused the mass of endogenous unesterified C20:4(n-6) to increase. Incubation of the leucocytes with C20:4(n-6) or C22:6(n-3) evoked activation of the 85 kDa cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) and the 14 kDa secretory PLA2 (sPLA2), but not the cytosolic Ca2+-independent PLA2. In contrast, C20:0 did not activate any of the PLA2 isoforms. Activation of cPLA2 by PUFA was found to precede that of sPLA2. C22:6(n-3), C20:4(n-6) and other PUFA induced punctate localization of cPLA2 in the cells, which was not observed with saturated fatty acids. Pretreatment of the leucocytes with PLA2 inhibitors markedly decreased superoxide production induced by C20:4(n-6). These results show that PUFA activate PLA2 in neutrophils, which might have a mandatory role in biological responses.
Sex equity in French newspaper photographs: A content analysis of 2012 Olympic Games by L'Equipe
Authors: Delorme Nicolas , Testard Nadège 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe aim of this article was to examine sex equity in the photographic coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games by a French sports daily newspaper. A sample of 1073 photographs was collected and analysed. A content analysis was carried out focusing on the number of photographs, the space they cover, their location and position, the type and colour of shot and the sport they depict. A significant under‐representation of female athletes’ photographs was found. However, contrary to most of previous research in this field, the other quantitative and qualitative variables do not show any differences. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation between the number of photographs for each sport and the number of French medals was found (for women, for men and for the whole sample), suggesting that the photographic coverage of this event is mainly based on the success of French athletes independently of their sex.
Politicization and the Two Modes of Evaluating Judicial Decisions
Authors: Woodson Benjamin 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSince courts lack control of the purse and the sword, understanding what causes the public to accept court decisions is essential. Using three studies, this paper shows that the public’s perception of the process judges use to make decisions changes the determinants of acceptance. When judges are perceived as using a principled decision-making process, institutional loyalty determines acceptance. When judges are perceived as using a politicized decision-making process, agreement with the policy implications of a decision determines acceptance. These results emphasize the importance of decision-making process perceptions in ensuring that courts can induce voluntary acceptance of their decisions.
Partnering for real world learning, sustainability, tourism education
Authors: Jennings Gayle , Cater Carl I. , Hales Rob , Kensbock Sandra , Hornby Glen 
Published: August 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this article is to study how real world learning was used to engender and enhance sustainability principles and practices with 11 micro-, small- and medium-tourism business enterprises and 101 university tourism students enrolled across three university courses.Design/methodology/approach– Action research processes were used to focus curricula on “education about and for sustainability”. A participatory paradigm informed the action research processes. The key methodology was qualitative. Empirical materials were generated through lived experiences, reflexive team conversations, team journals, reflexive journals and student learning materials. Reflexive conversations and reflective dialogue framed interpretations.Findings– The action research process found that pedagogies, andragogies and ethnogogies that emphasize social processes of meaning making and sensemaking enhance and engender “education about sustainability” and “education for sustainability”, especially when coupled with real world learning as a platform for social and profession-building processes between university students, course teaching staff and industry, in this case, micro-, small- and medium-tourism entrepreneurs.Research limitations/implications– The qualitative findings of this action research study are specific to the participants involved. Generalizability to other university and business settings and goodness of fit require further study.Practical implications– Insights are provided with regard to implementing real world learning in university undergraduate and postgraduate courses by partnering with industry and focusing on education for sustainability (EfS). A demonstration of the effectiveness of action research as a tool for changing curricula is provided.Social implications– Learning is a social process of meaning making. Time for real world social interaction is critical for learning. Partnering with industry complements student learning and facilitates the translation of theory into practice.Originality/value– EfS is engendered and enhanced when learning-teaching engagements are predicated on real world settings, circumstances and experiences.
Mercury exposure, stress and prolactin secretion in an Arctic seabird: an experimental study
Authors: Tartu Sabrina , Bustamante Paco , Angelier Frédéric , Lendvai Ádám Z. , Moe Børge , Blévin Pierre , Bech Claus , Gabrielsen Geir W. , Bustnes Jan Ove , Chastel Olivier 
Published: August 2015

Summary

Life‐history theory predicts that long‐lived organisms should reduce parental effort under inclement environmental conditions in order to favour long‐term survival.

Seabirds are long‐lived top predators often exposed to environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals such as mercury (Hg). Hg‐contaminated birds show disrupted parental behaviour.

Avian parental behaviour is governed by two key hormones in birds: corticosterone (CORT, a glucocorticoid hormone) and prolactin (PRL, a pituitary hormone involved in parental care). Any disruption of these hormones may alter the ability of an individual to adjust parental behaviour to environmental conditions.

The first aim of this study was to describe the relationships between blood Hg concentrations, plasma PRL and reproductive performance in Arctic black‐legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla). We a found negative relationship between plasma initial PRL and blood Hg concentrations in males. Moreover, Hg concentration was negatively related to breeding success in chick‐rearing males.

Secondly, to study the effect of a chronic increase in CORT levels on the Hg–PRL relationship, we experimentally increased stress with CORT pellet implantation. We predicted that Hg and CORT would act synergistically on PRL and an increase in CORT concentration would steepen the Hg–PRL relationship. However, adding CORT did not steepen the Hg–PRL relationship. Hatching success was significantly lower in CORT‐implanted males than in controls, and breeding success was not reduced in CORT‐implanted male kittiwakes with high levels of blood Hg.

Our results suggest that Hg may impair reproductive performance through a disruption of PRL secretion. Contrary to our prediction, Hg and CORT did not act synergistically and the underlying mechanisms associating CORT and Hg with PRL might be more complex than a single interaction between two factors.
Secondary health conditions experienced by people with spinal cord injury within community living: Implications for a National Disability Insurance Scheme
Authors: Callaway Libby , Barclay Linda , McDonald Rachael , Farnworth Louise , Casey Jackie 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundAustralia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides supports for individuals, delivered through a personalised participant planning process, to influence choice and goal attainment.AimThis study aimed to use both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the impact of secondary health conditions on the experiences of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) who have returned to community living, in the context of Australia's National Disability Strategy and recently launched NDIS. Exploration of lived experience of health conditions following SCI utilising this mixed methods approach may offer important insights for effective planning within an NDIS.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey using the Spinal Cord Injury Secondary Conditions Scale (SCISCS), demographic questionnaire and in‐depth interview was undertaken with 33 people with SCI living in the community. Demographic and SCISCS data were reported using descriptive statistics. Interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed and analysed thematically.ResultsParticipants were on average 58.5 years of age and 20 years post‐injury. Five key themes emerged relating to (i) spasm and pain; (ii) sexual dysfunction; (iii) pressure areas; (iv) fatigue; and (v) the impact of secondary health conditions on life role participation and choice of supports and equipment.ConclusionSecondary health conditions can significantly impact occupational participation following SCI. Appropriate intervention, including customised equipment and direct support, if delivered as part of an effective NDIS, may prevent or reduce the severity of these conditions and offer the potential to influence health and participation outcomes of people who have returned to community living.
Financial Strain and Medication Adherence among Diabetes Patients in an Integrated Health Care Delivery System: The Diabetes Study of Northern California (DISTANCE)
Authors: Lyles Courtney R. , Seligman Hilary K. , Parker Melissa M. , Moffet Howard H. , Adler Nancy , Schillinger Dean , Piette John D. , Karter Andrew J. 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo examine self‐reported financial strain in relation to pharmacy utilization adherence data.Data Sources/Study SettingSurvey, administrative, and electronic medical data from Kaiser Permanente Northern California.Study DesignRetrospective cohort design (2006, n = 7,773).Data Collection/Extraction MethodsWe compared survey self‐reports of general and medication‐specific financial strain to three adherence outcomes from pharmacy records, specifying adjusted generalized linear regression models.Principal FindingsEight percent and 9 percent reported general and medication‐specific financial strain. In adjusted models, general strain was significantly associated with primary nonadherence (RR = 1.37; 95 percent CI: 1.04–1.81) and refilling late (RR = 1.34; 95 percent CI: 1.07–1.66); and medication‐specific strain was associated with primary nonadherence (RR = 1.42, 95 percent CI: 1.09–1.84).ConclusionsSimple, minimally intrusive questions could be used to identify patients at risk of poor adherence due to financial barriers.
Modeling Area‐Level Health Rankings
Authors: Courtemanche Charles , Soneji Samir , Tchernis Rusty 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveRank county health using a Bayesian factor analysis model.Data SourcesSecondary county data from the National Center for Health Statistics (through 2007) and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (through 2009).Study DesignOur model builds on the existing county health rankings (CHRs) by using data‐derived weights to compute ranks from mortality and morbidity variables, and by quantifying uncertainty based on population, spatial correlation, and missing data. We apply our model to Wisconsin, which has comprehensive data, and Texas, which has substantial missing information.Data Collection MethodsThe data were downloaded fromwww.countyhealthrankings.org.Principal FindingsOur estimated rankings are more similar to theCHRs for Wisconsin than Texas, as the data‐derived factor weights are closer to the assigned weights for Wisconsin. The correlations between theCHRs and our ranks are 0.89 for Wisconsin and 0.65 for Texas. Uncertainty is especially severe for Texas given the state's substantial missing data.ConclusionsThe reliability of comprehensiveCHRs varies from state to state. We advise focusing on the counties that remain among the least healthy after incorporating alternate weighting methods and accounting for uncertainty. Our results also highlight the need for broader geographic coverage in health data.
Globus Pallidus Necrosis Unrelated to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Retrospective Analysis of 27 Cases of Basal Ganglia Necrosis
Authors: Yarid Nicole A. , Harruff Richard C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBilateral globus pallidus necrosis is said to be characteristic of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. However, there has been no scientific test of this hypothesis. To examine the assertion that globus pallidus necrosis is typical of CO poisoning, this study examined autopsy cases from the King County Medical Examiner's Office (KCMEO) between 1994 and 2013. Twenty‐seven cases with bilateral basal ganglia lesions were identified and examined for associated or causative disease or injury with the following results: 10 cases of drug overdose, seven heart disease, three asphyxia, two chronic ethanolism, two Huntington‐like disorder, and one case each of remote trauma, rheumatic heart disease, and cerebral artery gas embolism. Additionally, review of all known cases at KCMEO of CO poisoning found no evidence of globus pallidus or basal ganglia necrosis. Thus, this study provides no support for the assertion that globus pallidus necrosis is characteristic of CO poisoning.
Giant Diaphragmatic Lipoma: Two Autopsy Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Margiotta Gabriele , Carlini Luigi , Carnevali Eugenia , Lancia Massimo , Gabbrielli Mario , Bacci Mauro 
Published: August 2015

AbstractLipomas are common benign tumors most frequently found within the subcutaneous areas of the body. Deep‐seated lipomas are rare and tend to be larger than cutaneous ones. Lipomas are rarely seen in the thoracic cavity, and they are usually located in the mediastinum, bronchiole, and lungs. Diaphragmatic lipomas have been occasionally reported in the literature, the first being described by Clark et al. in 1886. The authors report two rare cases of giant diaphragmatic lipoma incidentally found during forensic autopsies. In the first case, a Caucasian 85‐year‐old woman burned to death with another passenger, after her methane‐fueled car collided with another car on a highway near Terni, Umbria, Italy. In the second case, a Caucasian 45‐year‐old man collapsed while walking through the countryside of Perugia. In either case, a large mass in the thorax was observed. The definitive pathologic diagnosis was giant intrathoracic diaphragmatic lipoma without evidence of malignancy. The authors also review the relevant literature and discuss differential diagnoses. These case reports contribute to the establishment of the actual incidence of diaphragmatic lipomas.
Attempted Serial Neonaticides: Case Report and a Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Barros Alcina Juliana Soares , Rosa Regis Goulart , Telles Lisieux Elaine de Borba , Taborda José Geraldo Vernet 
Published: August 2015

AbstractNeonaticide is an infant murder occurring on the day of birth. The case reports found in the literature are often focused on the mother as the agent in the context of pregnancy denial, dissociative symptoms, or psychosis. However, this report describes a rare case of attempted serial neonaticides, in which the acts were committed by a nurse at the nursery of a referral hospital inBrazil. The authors describe a forensic psychiatric evaluation for criminal responsibility and correlate the information from this particular case with relevant forensic themes, namely neonaticide,Munchausen by proxy syndrome, and serial healthcare killers.
A Longitudinal Study on Human Outdoor Decomposition in Central Texas
Authors: Suckling Joanna K. , Spradley M. Katherine , Godde Kanya 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe development of a methodology that estimates the postmortem interval (PMI) from stages of decomposition is a goal for which forensic practitioners strive. A proposed equation (Megyesi et al. 2005) that utilizes total body score (TBS) and accumulated degree days (ADD) was tested using longitudinal data collected from human remains donated to the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF) at Texas State University‐San Marcos. Exact binomial tests examined the rate of the equation to successfully predict ADD. Statistically significant differences were found between ADD estimated by the equation and the observed value for decomposition stage. Differences remained significant after carnivore scavenged donations were removed from analysis. Low success rates for the equation to predict ADD from TBS and the wide standard errors demonstrate the need to re‐evaluate the use of this equation and methodology for PMI estimation in different environments; rather, multivariate methods and equations should be derived that are environmentally specific.