bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL‐13‐producing BLT1‐positive CD8 cells are increased in asthma and are associated with airway obstruction
Authors: Dakhama A. , Collins M. L. , Ohnishi H. , Goleva E. , Leung D. Y. M. , Alam R. , Sutherland E. R. , Martin R. J. , Gelfand E. W. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe role of CD8 T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of asthma is not well understood. We investigated whether a subset of IL‐13‐producing BLT1‐positive CD8 T lymphocytes are present in asthmatic airways and are associated with impaired lung function.MethodsBronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells were obtained from asthmatic (n = 39) and healthy control (n = 28) subjects. Cells were stimulated with phorbol ester and ionomycin in the presence of brefeldin A and stained for CD8, BLT1, and intracellular IL‐13. The frequency of IL‐13‐producing BLT1‐positive CD8 T lymphocytes was compared between the two groups and related to lung function, serum IgE levels, and reticular basement membrane (RBM) thickness.ResultsA subset of CD8 T lymphocytes expressing BLT1 and producing IL‐13 were detected in the airways of all asthmatic subjects. The frequency of this subset among recovered lymphocytes was significantly higher in the airways of asthmatic subjects compared with controls (mean ± SEM: 16.2 ± 1.4 vs 5.3 ± 0.5, respectively, P < 0.001) and correlated positively with serum IgE levels and RBM thickness. More importantly, the frequency of CD8 T lymphocytes co‐expressing BLT1 and IL‐13 was inversely related to FEV1 and FEF[25–75] percent predicted values (P < 0.001).ConclusionsA subset of CD8 T lymphocytes expressing BLT1 and producing IL‐13 is present in the airways of asthmatics. The accumulation of these cells is associated with airway obstruction, suggesting that they may play a significant pathogenic role in bronchial asthma.
Role of comorbid conditions in asthma hospitalizations in the south of France
Authors: Aubas C. , Bourdin A. , Aubas P. , Gamez A. S. , Halimi L. , Vachier I. , Malafaye N. , Chanez P. , Molinari N. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundReasons for asthma hospitalizations are dynamic and complex. Comorbid conditions are important contributors to most chronic diseases today. We aim to characterize and describe risk factors associated with hospitalizations due to asthma in the Languedoc‐Roussillon region (France) in 2009.MethodsProgramme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information (PMSI) data records from 2009 were sorted using selected International Classification of Diseases (ICD10) codes eliciting three groups of asthma hospitalizations according to acute severity. All available data including demographics, comorbid conditions, past hospitalizations either related or unrelated to asthma, seasonality and distance to medical facilities were used to compare the subjects within the three groups.ResultsOne thousand two hundred and eighty‐nine hospitalizations due to asthma exacerbation were found, concerning 1122 patients. We observed significant differences within the groups, using univariate analysis, concerning duration of hospitalizations (mean ± SD, 4.9 ± 5.9 days vs 6.4 ± 6.8 vs 15.8 ± 16.8, P < 0.001), deaths (percentage, 0.03% vs 1.50% vs 9.20%, P < 0.001) and numbers of comorbid conditions (0.80 ± 0.95 vs 0.75 ± 0.97 vs 1.74 ± 1.36, P < 0.001). Recurrent admissions for asthma during the period 2006–2008 were significantly more frequent in the more severe group (1.93 ± 3.91 vs 2.56 ± 4.47 vs 2.81 ± 3.97, P = 0.006). In the multivariate model, age and number of comorbid conditions were independently associated with severe hospitalizations and deaths.ConclusionsAsthma hospitalizations can be appropriately assessed using PMSI coding databases. In this study, age and the presence of comorbid conditions are the major risk factors for asthma hospitalizations and deaths.
Vitamin D and intraocular pressure – results from a case –control and an intervention study
Authors: Krefting Einar Andreas , Jorde Rolf , Christoffersen Terje , Grimnes Guri 
Published: April 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To study the associations between serum 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, vitamin D administration and intraocular pressure (IOP).Methods:  The design of the study included a nested case–control study and a randomized controlled intervention trial. In the first part, healthy Caucasians with high or low serum 25(OH)D levels were recruited from a population‐based study. IOP of the right eye was measured by the use of a rebound tonometer. In the second part, those with low serum 25(OH)D levels were randomized to receive either capsules of vitamin D3 20 000 IU twice per week or placebo for 6 months before IOP was measured again.Results:  Intraocular pressure in the 87 participants with low serum 25(OH)D levels (mean 40.1 ± 12.9 nm) did not differ from IOP in the 42 participants with high serum 25(OH)D levels (mean 85.1 ± 14.0 nm) (15.9 ± 3.3 mmHg versus 15.6 ± 3.1 mmHg, p = 0.56, independent t‐test). After intervention, IOP decreased by −0.8 ± 2.1 mmHg (p = 0.017, paired t‐test) in the vitamin D group (n = 39) and −0.8 ± 2.5 mmHg (p = 0.059) in the placebo group (n = 39), but the change was not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.92, independent t‐test).Conclusion:  This study in healthy participants revealed no associations between serum 25(OH)D levels and IOP, and administration of vitamin D3 to participants with low levels of 25(OH)D did not affect IOP. These results do not support a role of vitamin D in the regulation of IOP.
Jesson, Jill & Peacock, Graham (2012) The really useful ict bookRoutledge (New York & London) isbn 978‐0‐415‐59277‐2 216 pp £24.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415592772/
Authors: Cowan John 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThis is written as an up‐to‐date guide to the effective and imaginative use of information technology in primary classrooms, in a range of subjects and activities. However, much of its content and approach will offer ideas and inspiration to those who teach at other levels. If the content of this book may well be relevant, I recommend you buy your own copy.John Cowan
Powell, Robert G & Powell, Dana L (2012) Classroom communication and diversityRoutledge (New York & London) isbn 978‐0‐415‐87719‐0 279 pp £25.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415877190/
Authors: Dettori Giuliana 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThis interesting book, addressed both to novice and to experienced teachers, provides a theoretical and practical framework to foster positive communication in today's diverse classroom and to help educators view diversity as a valuable resource. It highlights the importance of the context in which communication takes place, because this can determine the emergence of different facets of diversity. If this book's content is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend you arrange to borrow a copy for a time.Giuliana Dettori
Accelerated Tau Aggregation, Apoptosis and Neurological Dysfunction Caused by Chronic Oral Administration of Aluminum in a Mouse Model of Tauopathies
Authors: Oshima Etsuko , Ishihara Takeshi , Yokota Osamu , Nakashima‐Yasuda Hanae , Nagao Shigeto , Ikeda Chikako , Naohara Jun , Terada Seishi , Uchitomi Yosuke 
Published: April 2013

AbstractTo clarify whether long‐term oral ingestion of aluminum (Al) can increase tau aggregation in mammals, we examined the effects of oral Al administration on tau accumulation, apoptosis in the central nervous system (CNS) and motor function using tau transgenic (Tg) mice that show very slowly progressive tau accumulation. Al‐treated tau Tg mice had almost twice as many tau‐positive inclusions in the spinal cord as tau Tg mice without Al treatment at 12 months of age, a difference that reached statistical significance, and the development of pretangle‐like tau aggregates in the brain was also significantly advanced from 9 months. Al exposure did not induce any tau pathology in wild‐type (WT) mice. Apoptosis was observed in the hippocampus in Al‐treated tau Tg mice, but was virtually absent in the other experimental groups. Motor function as assessed by the tail suspension test was most severely impaired in Al‐treated tau Tg mice. Given our results, chronic oral ingestion of Al may more strongly promote tau aggregation, apoptosis and neurological dysfunction if individuals already had a pathological process causing tau aggregation. These findings may also implicate chronic Al neurotoxicity in humans, who frequently have had mild tau pathology from a young age.
The Effect of Teachers' Memory‐Relevant Language on Children's Strategy Use and Knowledge
Authors: Grammer Jennie , Coffman Jennifer L. , Ornstein Peter 
Published: April 2013

Building on longitudinal findings of linkages between aspects of teachers' language during instruction and children's use of mnemonic strategies, this investigation was designed to examine experimentally the impact of instruction on memory development. First and second graders (N = 54, Mage = 7 years) were randomly assigned to a science unit that varied only in teachers' use of memory‐relevant language. Pretest, posttest, and 1‐month follow‐up assessments revealed that although all participating children learned new information as a result of instruction, those exposed to memory rich teaching exhibited greater levels of strategic knowledge and engaged in more sophisticated strategy use in a memory task involving instructional content than did students exposed to low memory instruction. The findings provide support for a causal linkage between teachers' language and children's strategic efforts.
ZAP70 expression in regulatory T cells in allergic rhinitis: effect of immunotherapy
Authors: Ciebiada M. , Kasztalska K. , Gorska‐Ciebiada M. , Górski P. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryBackgroundSome allergic diseases may be accompanied by inappropriate number or malfunction of regulatory T cells, which seems to be modified by specific immunotherapy (SIT).ObjectivesTo assess if immunotherapy affects regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) and their expression of zeta chain associated protein kinase (Zap70), which is essential for T cell activation and intracellular signal downstream transduction.MethodsA 3‐year prospective, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial of grass SIT was conducted. Forty‐one patients sensitized to grass pollen with intermittent allergic rhinitis were randomized to receive SIT (n = 21) or placebo (n = 20) and 15 healthy were included as a control. Concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (ENO), lung function, symptom scores, the subsets of regulatory T cells (CD4+ CD25hiCD127low) which express ZAP70 and the level of ZAP70 expression in this subset were assessed at baseline and during the treatment period: before the onset, at the height of the pollen season and after the end of the pollen season.ResultsThe concentration of nitric oxide and the symptom score were significantly higher in allergic rhinitis patients as compared with the control group. Natural allergen stimulation diminished both the numbers of regulatory T cells that express ZAP70 and the expression of Zap70 within these cells. In the second year of treatment, immunotherapy reduced significantly the symptom scores, concentrations of ENO (P < 0.01), intensively increased expression of ZAP70 in regulatory T cells (P < 0.001) and the percentage of cells that express ZAP70 (P < 0.05) at the height of the pollen season. Placebo treatment did not reduce scores, ENO (P > 0.05) nor had influence on Zap70 expression (P > 0.05).ConclusionsSIT with grass pollen effectively reduces rhinitis severity and affects allergic airway inflammation reflected by reduction of ENO. Beneficial role of immunotherapy may result not only from the induction of Treg numbers but especially from cell activation and restitution of Treg intracellular signal transduction.
A Minority Subpopulation of CD133+/EGFRvIII+/EGFR− Cells Acquires Stemness and Contributes to Gefitinib Resistance
Authors: Liu Xu‐Jie , Wu Wen‐Tao , Wu Wei‐Hua , Yin Feng , Ma Si‐Hai , Qin Jia‐Zhen , Liu Xiu‐Xiu , Liu Yi‐Nan , Zhang Xiao‐Yan , Li Peng , Han Shuo , Liu Kai‐Yu , Zhang Jin‐Ming , He Qi‐Hua , Shen Li 
Published: April 2013

SummaryAimsTo study the contribution of epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) to glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) stemness and gefitinib resistance.MethodsCD133+ and CD133− cells were separated from EGFRvIII+ clinical specimens of three patients with newly diagnosed GBM. Then, RT‐PCR was performed to evaluate EGFRvIII and EGFR expression in CD133+ and CD133− cells. The tumorigenicity and stemness of CD133+ cells was verified by intracranial implantation of 5 × 103 cells into immunodeficient NOD/SCID mice. Finally, cells were evaluated for their sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibition by gefitinib.ResultsRT‐PCR results showed that the sorted CD133+ cells expressed EGFRvIII exclusively, while the CD133− cells expressed both EGFRvIII and EGFR. At 6–8 weeks postimplantation, CD133+/EGFRvIII+/EGFR− cells formed intracranial tumors. Cell counting kit‐8 results showed that the IC50 values of the three isolated EGFRvIII+ cell lines treated with gefitinib were 14.44, 16.00, and 14.66 μM, respectively, whereas the IC50 value of an isolated EGFRvIII− cell line was 8.57 μM.ConclusionsEGFRvIII contributes to the stemness of cancer stem cells through coexpression with CD133 in GBMs. Furthermore, CD133+/EGFRvIII+/EGFR− cells have the ability to initiate tumor formation and may contribute to gefitinib resistance.
Bariatric surgery attrition secondary to psychological barriers
Authors: Mahony D. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryDespite the effectiveness of bariatric surgery only 49% of the patients that enroll in bariatric surgery programmes complete the surgery. This study attempts to identify psychological barriers to bariatric surgery. A sample of 471 patients who were screened for medical indications for surgery, adequate health insurance and medical/psychological contraindications, were used. Participants were predominantly female (71.8%) and Caucasian (68.4%) with a mean body mass index (±standard deviation [SD]) of 47.84 (±7.53) and mean age (±SD) of 40.59 (±10.79). A total of 69.2% completed surgery (63.2% gastric bypass, 35.6% gastric band, 1.2% gastric sleeve). Participants with lower levels of global surgical anxiety, a preference for the gastric bypass, a childhood or adolescent onset of obesity, and more experience dieting, were more likely to complete surgery. No significant differences were found among groups for specific surgical anxieties or medical comorbidities. These findings suggest that factors that patients routinely report as surgical motivators, including comorbidities, may be necessary, but are not sufficient, for surgical completion. Other factors, such as a global surgical anxiety, and the patient's belief in their ability to lose weight without surgery, may play a large role in surgical attrition.
Predictors of cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients after stress myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Furuhashi Tatsuhiko , Moroi Masao , Joki Nobuhiko , Hase Hiroki , Minakawa Megumi , Masai Hirofumi , Kunimasa Taeko , Fukuda Hiroshi , Sugi Kaoru 
Published: April 2013

AbstractCardiovascular prognosis in patients under normal stress myocardial perfusion images (MPI) is generally excellent. However, this is not true for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) treated by hemodialysis. This study evaluated prognostic factors of adverse cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients in whom stress MPI was performed. Pharmacological stress MPI was performed in 88 hemodialysis patients, and we retrospectively followed‐up for 26 months. Cardiovascular events included cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and unstable angina. Cardiovascular events occurred in 16 patients (18%). Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that peripheral artery disease (PAD) and parameters of stress MPI were significant predictors of cardiovascular events. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that only PAD (hazard ratio = 6.54; P = 0.002), and abnormal stress MPI (hazard ratio = 8.26; P = 0.008) were independent and significant predictors of cardiovascular events. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed better prognosis in patients with normal stress MPI than in patients with abnormal stress MPI (P < 0.001, log–rank test). However, in patients with normal stress MPI, cardiovascular events occurred in 10 of the 76 patients (13%). Among patients with normal stress MPI, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with no PAD had better prognosis than patients with PAD (P = 0.001, log–rank test). In hemodialysis patients, both PAD and stress MPI were powerful cardiovascular predictors. Normal stress MPI alone cannot guarantee good prognosis in terms of cardiovascular events. Consideration of PAD may improve the predictive value of stress MPI in some patients.
Obesity in Children With Headaches: Association With Headache Type, Frequency, and Disability
Authors: Ravid Sarit , Shahar Eli , Schiff Aharon , Gordon Shirie 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the association between obesity and the different types of primary headaches, and the relation to headache frequency and disabilityBackgroundThe association between obesity and headache has been well established in adults, but only a few studies have examined this association in children, in particular, the relationship between obesity and different types of primary headaches.MethodsThe authors retrospectively evaluated 181 children evaluated for headaches as their primary complaint between 2006 and 2007 in their Pediatric Neurology Clinic. Data regarding age, gender, headache type, frequency, and disability, along with height and weight were collected. Body mass index was calculated, and percentiles were determined for age and sex. Headache type and features were compared among normal weight, at risk for overweight, and overweight children.ResultsA higher prevalence (39.8%) of obesity was found in our study group compared with the general population. The diagnosis of migraine, but not of tension‐type headache, was significantly associated with being at risk for overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 2.37, 95% confidence interval 1.21‐4.67, P = .01) or overweight (OR = 2.29, 95% confidence interval 0.95‐5.56, P = .04). A significant independent risk for overweight was present in females with migraine (OR = 4.93, 1.46‐8.61, P = .006). Regardless of headache type, a high body mass index percentile was associated with increased headache frequency and disability, but not with duration of attack.ConclusionsObesity and primary headaches in children are associated. Although obesity seems to be a risk factor for migraine more than for tension‐type headache, it is associated with increased headache frequency and disability regardless of headache type.
Non‐invasive liver fibrosis score calculated by combination of virtual touch tissue quantification and serum liver functional tests in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Takaki Shintaro , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Miyaki Daisuke , Nakahara Takashi , Naeshiro Noriaki , Murakami Eisuke , Tanaka Mio , Honda Yohji , Yokoyama Satoe , Nagaoki Yuko , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Hiramatsu Akira , Tsuge Masataka , Hiraga Nobuhiko , Imamura Michio , Hyogo Hideyuki , Aikata Hiroshi , Takahashi Shoichi , Arihiro Koji , Chayama Kazuaki 
Published: April 2013

AimAcoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technology, involving the shear wave velocity (SWV) with virtual touch tissue quantification (VTTQ), are currently available for the assessment of liver fibrosis, while there is no index derived from the combination of SWV and blood tests. The aim of this study was to develop a new index for assessment of liver fibrosis.MethodsThe subjects were 176 consecutive patients with hepatitis C (training set [n = 120] and validation set [n = 56]) who underwent liver biopsy in our institution.ResultsIn the training set, SWV, international normalized ratio (INR) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) correlated independently and significantly with fibrosis. According to this, we developed the VIA index = −1.282 + 0.965 × SWV + 1.785 INR + 0.00185 ALT. The areas under the receiver–operator curve (AUROC) of the VIA index were 0.838 for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis (≥F2), 0.904 for the severe fibrosis (≥F3) and 0.958 for the cirrhosis (F4) in the training set. While in the validation set, AUROC of the VIA index were 0.917 for F2 or higher, 0.906 for F3 or higher and 1.000 for F4, respectively. AUROC of the VIA index was improved compared to SWV alone, equivalent for VIA for the diagnosis of F2 or higher, and superior to that of FIB‐4 index and aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index for the diagnosis of F3 or higher and F4.ConclusionThe VIA index is potentially more useful for assessment of liver fibrosis than SWV alone, and easily and accurately measures liver fibrosis stage.
Effect of reaction pH and CuSO4 addition on the formation of catechinone due to oxidation of (+)‐catechin
Authors: Matsubara T. , Wataoka I. , Urakawa H. , Yasunaga H. 
Published: April 2013

SynopsisA novel hair dyeing technique being milder and safer for a human body is desired. The oxidation product of (+)‐catechin, catechinone, was invented as a safer dyestuff for hair colouring under such the situation. The preparation of catechinone by a chemical oxidation is a practical way and the objective of the study is clarify the effect of the solution pH and in the presence or absence of Cu2+ on the formation rate and yield of catechinone in order to improve the efficiency of the dye formation. The catechinone formation was monitored by ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy. Catechinone was prepared chemically from (+)‐catechin in aqueous solution with O2 gas introduced over a pH range of 7.1–11.7. The rate and amount of the dye formation increase with increasing pH. Dissociation of the hydroxyl group of the catechol part of (+)‐catechin is significant for the oxidation of (+)‐catechin and promotes the dye production. This is because the deprotonated (+)‐catechin has a higher reactivity with O2. The production of catechinone is accelerated by the addition of CuSO4 and the production rate reaches the maximum at pH = 8.8. (+)‐Catechin ‐ Cu2+ complexes are formed and the formation promotes the oxidation of the catechol part of (+)‐catechin at pH ≤ 8.8. On the other hand, the complex becomes too stable to proceed for the oxidation reaction at pH > 8.8.
Effect of Heat Treatment Schedules and Glass Powder Particle Size on Glass Infiltration in Porous Alumina Preforms
Authors: Bajpai Preeti , Bhargava Parag 
Published: April 2013

Glass infiltrated alumina is one of the popular materials for fabrication of dental prostheses. Achieving complete and uniform glass infiltration is important to achieve desired properties in dental prostheses. This study examined the role of various factors on glass infiltration in sintered porous alumina preforms (porosity ~ 27%). Observations on infiltration in porous alumina samples at a heating rate of 3°C/min at 1100°C for 2 h showed residual glass on the surfaces of the samples indicating incomplete infiltration. Rapid heating of the samples to the peak infiltration temperature by introducing the samples into a preheated furnace resulted in complete infiltration of glass into the samples in <90 min. In addition to heating rate during infiltration, influence of soaking duration and the particle size of glass powder on glass infiltration were also examined.