bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delayed post-injury administration of C5a improves regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in mice
Authors: Guo Q , Cheng J , Zhang J , Su B , Bian C , Lin S , Zhong C 
Published: July 2013

Summary
The activation of a complement system can aggravate the secondary injury after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, it was reported recently that the activation of a complement could have both a secondary injury and a neuroprotective effect, in which C5a is the most important factor, but there is no direct evidence for this dual effect of C5a after SCI. In order to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of C5a after SCI, in this study ectogenic C5a was injected intraperitoneally before/after SCI in vivo, or administrated to mechanically injured neurones in vitro; following this, neurone apoptosis, neurite outgrowth, axonal regeneration and functional recovery were investigated. The in-vivo experiments indicated that, following treatment with C5a 24 h before or immediately after injury, locomotor function was impaired significantly. However, when treatment with C5a took place 24 h after injury, locomotor function improved significantly. In-vitro experiments indicated that a certain concentration of C5a (50–100 nM) could inhibit caspase-3-mediated neurone apoptosis by binding to its receptor CD88, and that it could even promote the neurite outgrowth of uninjured neurones. In conclusion, delayed post-injury administration of C5a within a certain concentration could exert its neuroprotective effect through inhibiting caspase-3-mediated neurone apoptosis and promoting neurite outgrowth of uninjured neurones as well. These data suggest that C5a may have opposite functions in a time- and concentration-dependent manner after SCI. The dual roles of C5a have to be taken into account when measures are taken to inhibit complement activation in order to promote regeneration after SCI.
Double‐balloon enteroscopy in the diagnosis of suspected isolated Crohn's disease of the small bowel
Authors: Schulz Christian , Mönkemüller Klaus , Salheiser Maxi , Bellutti Michael , Schütte Kerstin , Malfertheiner Peter 
Published: July 2013

Background and AimDiagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) with isolated involvement of the small bowel remains a major challenge. Diagnostic procedures allowing direct insight into the midgut have become available with the introduction of double‐balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and video‐capsule endoscopy (VCE). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of DBE in the diagnosis of isolated CD of the small bowel.MethodsSixteen patients (seven males) with suspected CD of the small bowel after exclusion of abnormal changes in the upper gastrointestinal tract and colon by esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy including histology underwent DBE and high‐resolution transabdominal ultrasound.ResultsIn seven of 16 (44%) patients, abnormal macroscopic findings were detected by DBE (e.g. ileitis terminalis, inflammatory stenosis, aphthous lesions or jejunal ulcers). In one of thecases, histology confirmed pathognomonic findings consistent with CD. However, the diagnosis of CD was confirmed in 11/16 (69%) patients taking into account the clinical presentation and course of the disease as well as the endoscopic and imaging results.ConclusionsIn cases of CD with clinical expression limited to the small bowel, DBE is a helpful tool. Nevertheless, in these patients, the combination of clinical findings and additional imaging modalities is required for confirmation of the diagnosis. A suggestive medical history, high‐resolution ultrasound, EGD and colonoscopy lead the algorithm before the assessment with DBE.
Classification of intellectual disability using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children: Full Scale IQ or General Abilities Index?
Authors: Koriakin Taylor A , Mccurdy Mark D , Papazoglou Aimilia , Pritchard Alison E , Zabel T Andrew , Mahone E Mark , Jacobson Lisa A 
Published: July 2013

AimWe examined the implications of using the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) versus the General Abilities Index (GAI) for determination of intellectual disability using the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children, fourth edition (WISC‐IV).MethodChildren referred for neuropsychological assessment (543 males, 290 females; mean age 10y 5mo, SD 2y 9mo, range 6–16y) were administered the WISC‐IV and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, second edition (ABAS‐II).ResultsGAI and FSIQ were highly correlated; however, fewer children were identified as having intellectual disability using GAI (n=159) than when using FSIQ (n=196). Although the 44 children classified as having intellectual disability based upon FSIQ (but not GAI) had significantly higher adaptive functioning scores than those meeting intellectual disability criteria based upon both FSIQ and GAI, mean adaptive scores still fell within the impaired range. FSIQ and GAI were comparable in predicting impairments in adaptive functioning.InterpretationUsing GAI rather than FSIQ in intellectual disability diagnostic decision‐making resulted in fewer individuals being diagnosed with intellectual disability; however, the mean GAI of the disqualified individuals was at the upper end of criteria for intellectual impairment (standard score 75), and these individuals remained adaptively impaired. As GAI and FSIQ were similarly predictive of overall adaptive functioning, the use of GAI for intellectual disability diagnostic decision‐making may be of limited value.
Evaluation of knowledge and attitudes among primary care physicians in Cavan–Monaghan as ‘gatekeepers‐in‐waiting’ for the introduction of Carepath for Overcoming Psychosis Early (COPE)
Authors: Nkire Nnamdi , Sardinha Savio , Nwosu Bosah , McDonough Catherine M. , De Coteau Pamela A. , Duffy Illona , Waddington John L. , Russell Vincent 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate general practitioners' current knowledge of and attitudes towards psychosis and its management by Cavan–Monaghan Mental Health Service, Ireland, prior to their involvement in the introduction of an early intervention service.MethodsAs part of a continuing medical education programme for psychosis, delivered to all 32 general practitioners practising in this region, participants were asked to complete a 29‐item questionnaire designed to assess their baseline knowledge and attitudes.ResultsAll 32 general practitioners participated in the study. Although 17% had received no previous psychiatric training, 93% described their knowledge of psychiatric disorders as average or above average. However, only 53% could correctly identify all of a set of psychiatric symptoms related to psychosis. Only 50% felt comfortable initiating treatment for psychotic symptoms. Whereas only 40% had heard of the early intervention model, 89% believed it to be advantageous. Easy accessibility to services and rapid assessment of patients referred were most commonly reported as helpful. However, concerns were expressed about the potential for associated increases in workload.ConclusionsAs ‘gatekeepers‐in‐waiting’, these general practitioners will have a vital role in effective implementation of the early intervention service for psychosis. However, their knowledge needs improvement, through regular educational sessions, and this service must be responsive to their needs. In addition, general practitioners' concerns regarding the potential for increased workload must be adequately addressed in order to maintain enthusiasm and collaboration at the interface between primary care and mental health services, particularly in the context of early intervention.
Distribution and biology of the yellow‐spotted longicorn beetle Psacothea hilaris hilaris (Pascoe) in Italy
Authors: Lupi D. , Jucker C. , Colombo M. 
Published: July 2013

The Asiatic yellow‐spotted longicorn beetle, Psacothea hilaris hilaris, was found for the first time in Northern Italy in 2005. As this xylophagous insect is considered one of the most important pests of Morus spp. and of Ficus carica in its countries of origin, a multi‐year study was carried out to determine the spread of the pest in Northern Italy, to evaluate its establishment potential and to improve knowledge on its biology in the new habitat. The survey confirmed that P. hilaris hilaris has established in Italy and has colonized an area of about 60 km2. The species overwinters as eggs or larvae. Adults are present from June to October. Damage has been recorded mostly on Ficus carica plants, and very rarely on Morus alba. Both young and older plants, healthy and weakened hosts can be attacked by the pest. Severely attacked plants become weakened and eventually die.
Plasma and synovial fluid concentration of doxycycline following low‐dose, low‐frequency administration, and resultant inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase‐13 from interleukin‐stimulated equine synoviocytes
Authors: Maher M. C. , Schnabel L. V. , Cross J. A. , Papich M. G. , Divers T. J. , Fortier L. A. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryReasons for studyTo determine whether low‐dose, low‐frequency doxycycline administration is capable of achieving chondroprotective concentrations within synovial fluid (SF) while remaining below minimum inhibitory concentration 90 (MIC90) of most equine pathogens and would be an option in the management of osteoarthritis.ObjectivesTo determine whether low‐dose, low‐frequency oral administration of doxycycline can attain in vivo SF concentrations capable of chondroprotective effects through reduction of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐13 activity, while remaining below MIC90 of most equine pathogens.Study designDescriptive pharmacokinetic study with crossover design.MethodsTwo groups of 6 horses received oral doxycycline. Plasma and SF doxycycline concentrations were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. Group 1 received 5 mg/kg bwt q. 24 h with 21 blood and 8 SF samples collected over 120 h; Group 2 received 5 mg/kg bwt q. 48 h with 27 blood and 11 SF samples collected over 192 h. Cultured synoviocytes were treated with interleukin‐1α (1 ng/ml) for 24 h to stimulate MMP synthesis, and then SF was added to the culture medium for 96 h. MMP‐13 protein and mRNA were measured in synoviocyte culture medium and synoviocytes, respectively.ResultsMean doxycycline concentration ≥0.043 μg/ml (previously demonstrated to inhibit MMP‐13) was achieved in plasma by t = 0.25 h and SF by t = 48 h in Group 1, and in plasma by t = 0.17 h and SF by t = 1 h in Group 2. Synoviocyte culture medium containing doxycycline from Groups 1 and 2 had significantly decreased active MMP‐13 protein concentration, and synoviocytes cultured in this medium had significantly decreased MMP‐13 gene expression compared to controls. Plasma doxycycline concentration in both groups and SF doxycycline concentration in Group 2 demonstrated a cumulative effect.ConclusionsLow‐dose orally administered doxycycline achieves SF concentrations in vivo capable of diminishing MMP‐13 expression. This study supports the use of doxycycline as a disease modifying osteoarthritic drug.
Amino acid composition of epilithic biofilm and benthic animals in a large Siberian river
Authors: Kolmakova Anzhelika A. , Gladyshev Michail I. , Kalachova Galina S. , Kravchuk Elena S. , Ivanova Elena A. , Sushchik Nadezhda N. 
Published: July 2013

Summary

We studied amino acid (AA) composition of epilithic biofilms and zoobenthos near the shore at a middle section of the Yenisei River (Siberia, Russia). We hypothesised that there was an imbalance between the composition and content of amino acids in the biofilm and its consumers, the zoobenthos, as well as between those in the zoobenthos and fish.

Based on monthly sampling from 2007 to 2010, there was seasonal variation in AA profiles in the epilithic biofilms, probably caused by the succession of microalgal and cyanobacterial species.

Overall, there was an imbalance in the percentage of the essential amino acids (lysine and histidine) between benthic animals and their food (the epilithic biofilm), which suggests that benthic animals may be limited by food quality. Moreover, the zoobenthos had a significantly higher content of AA, relative to carbon, than the biofilm.

Based on sampling in 2012, there was an imbalance between the AA profiles of zoobenthos and that of their main consumer, the Siberian grayling (Thymallus arcticus), particularly in the percentages of two essential amino acids, lysine and leucine.

In terms of overall content of essential amino acids, the nutritional value to fish of gammarids, which have recently invaded the river, was significantly lower than that of indigenous taxa, trichopteran and chironomid larvae.
Negative effects of climate warming on maize yield are reversed by the changing of sowing date and cultivar selection in Northeast China
Authors: Liu Zhijuan , Hubbard Kenneth G. , Lin Xiaomao , Yang Xiaoguang 
Published: July 2013

AbstractNortheast China (NEC) accounts for about 30% of the nation's maize production in China. In the past three decades, maize yields in NEC have increased under changes in climate, cultivar selection and crop management. It is important to investigate the contribution of these changing factors to the historical yield increases to improve our understanding of how we can ensure increased yields in the future. In this study, we use phenology observations at six sites from 1981 to 2007 to detect trends in sowing dates and length of maize growing period, and then combine these observations with in situ temperature data to determine the trends of thermal time in the maize growing period, as a measure of changes in maize cultivars. The area in the vicinity of these six sites accounts for 30% of NEC's total maize production. The agricultural production systems simulator, APSIM‐Maize model, was used to separate the impacts of changes in climate, sowing dates and thermal time requirements on maize phenology and yields. In NEC, sowing dates trended earlier in four of six sites and maturity dates trended later by 4–21 days. Therefore, the period from sowing to maturity ranged from 2 to 38 days longer in 2007 than it was in 1981. Our results indicate that climate trends alone would have led to a negative impact on maize. However, results from the adaptation assessments indicate that earlier sowing dates increased yields by up to 4%, and adoption of longer season cultivars caused a substantial increase in yield ranging from 13% to 38% over the past 27 years. Therefore, earlier sowing dates and introduction of cultivars with higher thermal time requirements in NEC have overcome the negative effects of climate change and turned what would have otherwise been a loss into a significant increase in maize yield.
Towards personalizing haemophilia care: using the Haemophilia Severity Score to assess 178 patients in a single institution
Authors: Vyas S. , Enockson C. , Hernandez L. , Valentino L. A. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryThe phenotypic variability in haemophilia is well documented; however, the biological basis beyond factor VIII and IX activities to explain the differing clinical pictures of the disease remains unclear. It has therefore been of interest to explore other modulators of the disease's variability. Furthermore, a scoring system that reflects the multiple facets of haemophilia symptoms would be useful to compare patients via a comprehensive assessment tool. To this end, Schulman et al., created a measure known as the Haemophilia Severity Score (HSS) as one way to compare phenotypic severity. The aim of this study was to document the differing symptomatology of haemophilia patients using the HSS. Clinical data for 178 haemophilia patients without inhibitors were reviewed and annual incidence of haemarthrosis, orthopaedic joint scores and annual factor usage calculated. Each parameter was then entered into the formula to create the HSS for haemophilia A and B patients with mild, moderate and severe factor deficiencies. Variability in the HSS for patients with the same baseline level of factor was observed for all three deficiency levels and both haemophilia types. In addition, we found that moderate and severe haemophilic B patients tended to have more morbidity based on the above calculations than the haemophilic A counterparts. The HSS is a comprehensive tool that allows for easy numerical comparison of haemophilic patients and elucidates the variable clinical presentation of the disease. The HSS could be used to stratify patients via other possible modulators of haemophilia and discover other aetiologies of the disease.
Tonsil surface epithelium is ideal for monitoring Ki‐67 immunohistochemical staining
Authors: Hsu Chih‐Yi , Yang Ching‐Fen , Liao Li‐Rung , Ho Hsiang‐Ling , Ho Donald Ming‐Tak 
Published: July 2013

AimsTo identify an easily obtainable non‐neoplastic tissue that can be used as control material for monitoring optimal Ki‐67 immunohistochemical staining.Methods and resultsVarious tissues, including tonsil (60), uterine cervix (31), breast skin (26), oesophagus (15), stomach (15), small intestine (15) and colon (16), were studied in the search for ideal control tissue. Tonsil surface epithelium is superior to other tissues because it displayed an easily recognized Ki‐67 staining pattern including high positive (parabasal layer), low positive (intermediate layer) and negative (basal and superficial layers) zones. Moderate to weak staining of the majority of the intermediate cells could serve as a threshold for positive staining. Of the variables potentially affecting staining results that were tested, the pretreatment solution for antigen retrieval had the greatest impact, of which pH 9 EDTA was far better than pH 6 citrate solution.ConclusionsTonsil surface epithelium is a useful control for monitoring Ki‐67 staining. Achieving optimal staining results could minimize variations in Ki‐67 index due to differences in the staining methods used by different laboratories.
The roles of vitamin D in seborrhoeic keratosis: possible genetic and cellular signalling mechanisms
Authors: Lương K. v. q. , Nguyễn L. T. H. 
Published: July 2013

SynopsisObjectiveWe review the relationship between vitamin D and seborrhoeic keratosis (SK).MethodsReview literature from MEDLINE.ResultsVitamin D3 supplementation can improve SK lesions. Genetics‐based studies have identified the proteins that link vitamin D to SK pathology. Vitamin D also exerts its effect on SK through cell signalling mechanisms.ConclusionVitamin D plays a role in SK. Calcitriol is the best form of vitamin D for use in patients with SK because it is the active form of the vitamin D3 metabolite and its receptors are present in the skin. Further investigation of the effects of calcitriol in patients with SK is warranted.
Blood Pressure Reclassification in Adolescents Based on Repeat Clinic Blood Pressure Measurements
Authors: Becton Lauren J. , Egan Brent M. , Hailpern Susan M. , Shatat Ibrahim F. 
Published: July 2013

The common assumption is that blood pressure (BP) will decrease on subsequent readings. The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence and direction of BP classification change with repeat measurements and compare common clinical characteristics of groups of patients who do and do not have a change in BP classification. A nationally representative subsample of 1725 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years from the National Health and Nutrition Survey were analyzed. Three BP measurements were obtained. Patients were classified based on the first and the average of 3 BP measurements as having normal BP, hypertension, and/or prehypertension. Of the 1725 adolescents, 1569 (90.9%) maintained BP classification, 107 (6.2%) had a reduction in their classification, and 49 (2.9%) had an increase in their classification. Comparing the two groups that changed BP classification to the group without change, C‐reactive protein and body mass index (BMI) z score were significantly higher in the groups that had a change in BP classification (P=.02 and <.001, respectively). After adjusting for other variables, higher BMI value was significantly associated with change in BP classification. With repeat measurements, the majority (~91%) did not have a change in classification. Obesity was a significant predictor of the 9% that had a change in classification. Repeat BP measurements in obese adolescents may lead to more accurate classification of BP status.
A novel human anti‐VCAM‐1 monoclonal antibody ameliorates airway inflammation and remodelling
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hyun , Sohn Jung‐Ho , Ryu Su Yeon , Hong Chein‐Soo , Moon Kyung D. , Park Jung‐Won 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAsthma is a chronic inflammatory disease induced by Type 2 helper T cells and eosinophils. Vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) has been implicated in recruiting eosinophils and lymphocytes to pathological sites in asthma as a regulatory receptor. Accordingly, monoclonal antibody (mAb) against VCAM‐1 may attenuate allergic inflammation and pathophysiological features of asthma. We attempted to evaluate whether a recently developed human anti‐VCAM‐1 mAb can inhibit the pathophysiological features of asthma in a murine asthma model induced by ovalbumin (OVA). Leucocyte adhesion inhibition assay was performed to evaluate the in vitro blocking activity of human anti‐VCAM‐1 mAb. OVA‐sensitized BALB/c mice were treated with human anti‐VCAM‐1 mAb or isotype control Ab before intranasal OVA challenge. We evaluated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis, measured inflammatory cytokines and examined histopathological features. The human anti‐VCAM‐1 mAb bound to human and mouse VCAM‐1 molecules and inhibited adhesion of human leucocytes in vitro. AHR and inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were reduced in mice treated with human anti‐VCAM‐1 mAb as compared with a control Ab. The levels of interleukin (IL)‐5 and IL‐13, as well as transforming growth factor‐β, in lung tissue were decreased in treated mice. Human anti‐VCAM‐1 mAb reduced goblet cell hyperplasia and peribronchial fibrosis. In vivo VCAM‐1 expression decreased in the treated group. In conclusion, human anti‐VCAM‐1 mAb attenuated allergic inflammation and the pathophysiological features of asthma in OVA‐induced murine asthma model. The results suggested that human anti‐VCAM‐1 mAb could potentially be used as an additional anti‐asthma therapeutic medicine.
Survival of Arcobacter butzleri in Apple and Pear Purees
Authors: Lee Min Hwa , Choi Changsun 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis study examined the survival of Arcobacter butzleri in apple and pear purees. The apple and pear purees were prepared by following a previous study and these were spiked with 6.90–7.44 log10 cfu/g of A. butzleri ATCC49616, A. butzleri CAU076046 and A. butzleri CAU080180, respectively. The number of bacteria, pH value, sugar contents and water activity of apple and pear purees stored at 4 and 20C for 48 h were measured. The population of all strains significantly decreased in apple and pear purees at 8, 12, 24 and 48 h (P < 0.01). Each A. butzleri strain was reduced by 7 log10 cfu/g after 24–48 h in apple or pear purees at 4C. A. butzleri strain CAU080180 was not detected within 12 h and the others were not detected at 20C within 24–48 h. A. butzleri CAU076046 was more resistant in the purees than the other two strains. No significant difference in the pH values, sugar content or water activity was observed between 0 and 48 h. We demonstrated that the number of A. butzleri significantly decreased in apple and pear purees.Practical ApplicationsArcobacter butzleri causes gastroenteritis in children, elderly and immunocompromised patients. The contamination of A. butzleri occurred not only in meats but also in vegetable or fruits. This study demonstrated that A. butzleri was reduced in the apple or pear purees during storage. The combination of pH, organic acids and flavonoids synergistically inhibit the survival of A. butzleri in purees.