bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A role for interleukin‐17A in modulating intracellular survival of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin in murine macrophages
Authors: Ling Wai Lim , Wang Liang Jie , Pong John C. H. , Lau Allan S. Y. , Li James C. B. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryInterleukin 17A IL‐17A is a crucial immunomodulator in various chronic immunological diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The cytokine has also been demonstrated to control the pathogenesis of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis by dysregulating production of cytokines and chemokines and promoting granuloma formation. Whether IL‐17A regulates innate defence mechanisms of macrophages in response to mycobacterial infection remains to be elucidated. In the current report, we investigated the effects of IL‐17A on modulating the intracellular survival of Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) in RAW264.7 murine macrophages. We observed that IL‐17A pre‐treatment for 24 hr was able to synergistically enhance BCG‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. We further delineated the mechanisms involved in this synergistic reaction. IL‐17A was found to specifically enhanced BCG‐induced phosphorylation of Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), but not of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. By using a specific JNK inhibitor (SP600125), we found that the production of NO in BCG‐infected macrophages was significantly suppressed. Taken together, we confirmed the involvement of the JNK pathway in IL‐17A‐enhanced NO production in BCG‐infected macrophages. We further demonstrated that IL‐17A significantly enhanced the clearance of intracellular BCG by macrophages through an NO‐dependent killing mechanism. In conclusion, our study revealed an anti‐mycobacterial role of IL‐17A through priming the macrophages to produce NO in response to mycobacterial infection.
The×Effectiveness of Gap Insurance With Respect to Basis Risk in a Shareholder Value Maximization Setting
Authors: Gatzert Nadine , Kellner Ralf 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe purchase of index‐linked alternative risk transfer instruments can lead to basis risk, if the insurer's loss is not fully dependent on the index. One way to reduce basis risk is to additionally purchase gap insurance, which fills the gap between an insurer's actual loss and the index‐linked instrument's payout. The previous literature detects gains in the effectiveness of this hedging strategy in a mean–variance framework. The aim of this article is to extend this analysis and to examine the effectiveness of gap insurance in a shareholder value maximization framework under solvency constraints. Our results show that purchasing gap insurance can generally increase the hedging effectiveness in multiple ways by reducing basis risk, thus increasing shareholder value and, at the same time, lowering shortfall risk.
Robust Hedging of Longevity Risk
Authors: Cairns Andrew J. G. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTWe consider situations where a pension plan has opted to hedge its longevity risk using an index‐based longevity hedging instrument such as a q‐forward or deferred longevity swap. The use of index‐based hedges gives rise to basis risk, but benefits, potentially, from lower costs to the hedger and greater liquidity. We focus on quantification of optimal hedge ratios and hedge effectiveness and investigate how robust these quantities are relative to inclusion of recalibration risk, parameter uncertainty, and Poisson risk. We find that strategies are robust relative to the inclusion of parameter uncertainty and Poisson risk. In contrast, single‐instrument hedging strategies are found to lack robustness relative to the inclusion of recalibration risk at the future valuation date, although we also demonstrate that some hedging instruments are more robust than others. To address this problem, we develop multi‐instrument hedging strategies that are robust relative to recalibration risk.
Aberrant fucosylation of glycosphingolipids in human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues
Authors: Zhu Jian , Wang Yanping , Yu Yunhui , Wang Zheng , Zhu Tingting , Xu Xiukun , Liu Haiyan , Hawke David , Zhou Dapeng , Li Yunsen 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgrounds & AimsGlycosylation promoting or inhibiting tumour cell invasion and metastasis is of crucial importance in current cancer research. Tumour‐associated carbohydrate antigens are predominantly expressed on the tumour cell surface. Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are members of the family. To perform glycosphingolipidomic assays on neutral GSLs obtained from solid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and paired peritumoural tissues by linear ion trap quadrupole‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.MethodsQualitative and quantitative analysis of fucosylated neutral GSLs was performed in the positive ion mode on the LTQ‐XL mass spectrometer and MALDI‐TOF‐MS.ResultsA group of fucosylated neutral GSLs in HCC was found to be expressed higher in the tumour tissues, as their proportion in total cellular GSLs was 3.3‐fold higher in the tumour tissues than in the peritumoural tissues (P < 0.01). Moreover, qualitative analysis of the aberrant fucosylated GSLs were completed, and seven types of fucosylated GSLs that contained terminal Fuca2Gal‐ structure were identified by mass spectrometry.ConclusionsOur results may lead to improved immunotherapy of HCC and contribute to understanding the role of aberrant fucosylated GSLs in the development and progress of HCC in following studies.
Diagnostic accuracy of arterial line blood gas measurements as an estimate of arteriovenous fistula recirculation
Authors: Kirmizis Dimitrios , Kougioumtzidou Ourania , Vakianis Pantelis 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimWe studied the diagnostic accuracy of blood gas determination as a novel method for the estimation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) recirculation (RC).MethodsIn 25 patients on chronic haemodialysis, with failure of a previously well functioning native AVF (mean two‐needle urea‐based RC: 41 ± 10%), arterial line (AL) as well as a peripheral vein (PV) blood samples drawn by the end of a 4 h haemodialysis session, before and after the surgical repair of their AVF.ResultsCompared to PV samples, patients with RC had significantly higher AL blood pCO2 and pO2 values (P < 0.001) and lower AL blood pH and K+ values (P < 0.001), findings that were reversed after the surgical restoration of adequate AVF function. On regression analysis, urea RC values were correlated positively with AL pCO2 values (r = 0.683, P < 0.001) and negatively with AL pH values (r = 0.896, P < 0.001). AL pCO2 > 40 mmHg was shown to have the best sensitivity and AL pH < 7.25 the best specificity. RC index, that is, the AL pCO2/pH ratio, was found to have superior test characteristics compared to pH and pCO2 (sensitivity 95% and specificity 88% for values >5.5) making it a powerful diagnostic as well as screening tool.ConclusionWe propose the regular AL blood gas measurement as a novel method of AVF function surveillance and RC diagnosis. AL blood pH < 7.25, pCO2 > 40 mmHg and RC index > 5.5, escorted by rather high pO2 and low K+ by the end of dialysis session, but probably earlier as well, signify an important RC (>20%) and warrant further investigation of AVF patency.
Alpha‐synuclein expression patterns in the colonic submucosal plexus of the aging Fischer 344 rat: implications for biopsies in aging and neurodegenerative disorders?
Authors: Phillips R. J. , Martin F. N. , Billingsley C. N. , Powley T. L. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundThis experiment assessed normative expression patterns of alpha‐synuclein (SYNC), including ganglionic remodeling and development of SYNC pathologies, in the submucosal plexus (SMP) of the colon during healthy aging. The observations address age‐associated changes in bowel function and are relevant to evaluations of SMP‐containing colonic biopsies for SYNC or synucleinopathies associated with aging and peripheral neurodegenerative diseases.MethodsColonic submucosal whole mounts from groups of virgin male Fischer 344 rats (n ≥ 8 per group) at 4, 8, 16, and 24 months of age were processed immunohistochemically for SYNC and the pan‐neuronal marker HuC/D. In addition, macrophages immunoreactive for MHCII were examined. Stereological protocols were used to generate unbiased estimates of neuron density, neurons per ganglion, neurons per ganglionic area, and neuron size.Key ResultsThe protein SYNC was expressed in a subpopulation of SMP neurons, in both nucleus and cytoplasm. The general age‐associated pattern across different cell counts was an increase in the number of SYNC+ neurons between 4 and 8 months of age, with progressively decreasing numbers of both SYNC+ and SYNC‐ neurons over the remaining lifespan. The soma size of SYNC+ neurons increased progressively with age. Aggregated SYNC occurred in the aging SMP, and macrophages with alternatively activated profiles were located adjacent to pathological SYNC deposits, consistent with ongoing phagocytosis.Conclusions & InferencesChanges in SYNC expression with age, including a baseline of accumulating synucleinopathies in the healthy aging SMP, need to be considered when interpreting either functional disturbances or biopsies of the aging colon.
A genome‐wide screen for ethylene‐induced Ethylene Response Factors (ERFs) in hybrid aspen stem identifies ERF genes that modify stem growth and wood properties
Authors: Vahala Jorma , Felten Judith , Love Jonathan , Gorzsás András , Gerber Lorenz , Lamminmäki Airi , Kangasjärvi Jaakko , Sundberg Björn 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Ethylene Response Factors (ERFs) are a large family of transcription factors that mediate responses to ethylene. Ethylene affects many aspects of wood development and is involved in tension wood formation. Thus ERFs could be key players connecting ethylene action to wood development.

We identified 170 gene models encoding ERFs in the Populus trichocarpa genome. The transcriptional responses of ERF genes to ethylene treatments were determined in stem tissues of hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × tremuloides) by qPCR. Selected ethylene‐responsive ERFs were overexpressed in wood‐forming tissues and characterized for growth and wood chemotypes by FT‐IR.

Fifty ERFs in Populus showed more than five‐fold increased transcript accumulation in response to ethylene treatments. Twenty‐six ERFs were selected for further analyses. A majority of these were induced during tension wood formation. Overexpression of ERFs 18, 21, 30, 85 and 139 in wood‐forming tissues of hybrid aspen modified the wood chemotype. Moreover, overexpression of ERF139 caused a dwarf‐phenotype with altered wood development, and overexpression of ERF18, 34 and 35 slightly increased stem diameter.

We identified ethylene‐induced ERFs that respond to tension wood formation, and modify wood formation when overexpressed. This provides support for their role in ethylene‐mediated regulation of wood development.
Differences in Healthcare Utilization and Associated Costs Between Patients Prescribed vs. Nonprescribed Opioids During an Inpatient or Emergency Department Visit
Authors: Xie Lin , Joshi Ashish V. , Schaaf David , Mardekian Jack , Harnett James , Shah Nilay D. , Baser Onur 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesCompare healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs between patients prescribed opioids (RxOP) and those who were not (NoRxOP) during an emergency department (ED) or inpatient visit.MethodsRetrospective cohort analysis was performed (January 2006 to September 2010). Continuously eligible RxOP patients in ED/inpatient settings (January 2007 to September 2009) were included if age was ≥ 12 years by initial prescription date (or random date between first ED/inpatient admission and September 30, 2009 [NoRxOP patients]).Healthcare resource utilization and costs for 12 months after initial prescription were compared. Univariate descriptive analyses were performed for baseline and outcome variables and compared using appropriate tests. Risk adjustment compared HCRU between RxOP and NoRxOP cohorts for the postindex period.ResultsOf 27,599 eligible patients, RxOP patients (n = 18,819) were younger, less likely to be male, more likely to reside in southern United States and to have Preferred Provider Organization health plans, and had lower comorbidity index scores, compared with NoRxOP patients (n = 8,780). RxOP patients were less likely to have nonpain‐related comorbidities and more frequently diagnosed with pain‐related comorbidities.Unmatched and propensity‐matched RxOP patients experienced higher HCRU and costs in all subcategories (total, inpatient, outpatient ED, physician, pharmacy, other outpatient settings). Opioid abuse frequency was low in patients with common diagnoses/procedures within 3 months before initial prescription (0.48%). Average time to abuse was < 1 year (201 days).ConclusionMost patients were prescribed opioids initially during ED/inpatient visits and incurred higher HCRU than those not prescribed opioids. Among those with diagnosed opioid abuse after initiating opioids, time to diagnosis was rapid (range: 14 to 260 days) for patients with common diseases and procedures.
Sunburn Risk Among Children and Outdoor Workers in South Africa and Reunion Island Coastal Sites
Authors: Wright Caradee Y. , Brogniez Colette , Ncongwane Katlego P. , Sivakumar Venkataraman , Coetzee Gerrie , Metzger Jean‐Marc , Auriol Frédérique , Deroo Christine , Sauvage Béatrice 
Published: June 2013

AbstractTo estimate potential sunburn risk for schoolchildren and outdoor workers, ground‐based ambient solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) measurements were converted into possible child (5% of ambient solar UVR) and outdoor worker (20% of ambient solar UVR) solar UVR exposures by skin type and season for three coastal sites: Durban, Cape Point (South Africa) and Saint Denis (Reunion Island, France). Cumulative daily ambient solar UVR levels were relatively high at all sites, especially during summer, with maximum values of about 67, 57 and 74 Standard Erythemal Dose (SED) (1 SED = 100 J m−2) at Durban, Cape Point and Saint Denis respectively. Sunburn risk was evident for both children and outdoor workers, especially those with skin types I and II (extremely to moderately sensitive) during summer, early autumn and/or late spring at all three sites. Although results need to be verified with real‐time, instantaneous and nonintegrated personal solar UVR measurements, this understanding of sunburn risk is useful for initiating the development skin cancer prevention and sun protection awareness campaigns in both countries.
The Use of Solar Radiation by the Photosynthetic Bacterium, Rhodopseudomonas palustris: Model Simulation of Conditions Found in a Shallow Pond or a Flatbed Reactor
Authors: Ritchie Raymond J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractPhotosynthetic bacteria are attractive for biotechnology because they produce no oxygen and so H2‐production is not inhibited by oxygen as occurs in oxygenic photoorganisms. Rhodopseudomonas palustris and Afifella marina containing BChl a can use irradiances from violet near‐UV (VNUV) to orange (350–650 nm) light and near‐infrared (NIR) light (762–870 nm). Blue diode‐based pulse amplitude modulation technology was used to measure their photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR). ETR vs Irradiance curves fitted the waiting‐in‐line model—ETR = (ETRmax × E/Eopt) × exp (1 − E/Eopt). The equation was integrated over pond depth to calculate ETR of Afifella and Rhodopseudomonas in a pond up to 30 cm deep (A376, 1 cm = 0.1). Afifella saturates at low irradiances and so photoinhibition results in very low photosynthesis in a pond. Rhodopseudomonas saturates at ≈15% sunlight and shows photoinhibition in the surface layers of the pond. Total ETR is ≈335 μmol (e−) m−2 s−1 in NUV + photosynthetically active radiation light (350–700 nm). Daily ETR curves saturate at low irradiances and have a square‐wave shape: ≈11–13 mol (e−) m−2 day−1 (350–700 nm). Up to 20–24% of daily 350–700 nm irradiance can be converted into ETR. NIR is absorbed by water and so competes with the bacterial RC‐2 photosystem for photons.
Adult attachment style and cortisol responses across the day in older adults
Authors: Kidd Tara , Hamer Mark , Steptoe Andrew 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe association between cortisol and adult attachment style, an important indicator of social relationships, has been relatively unexplored. Previous research has examined adult attachment and acute cortisol responses to stress in the laboratory, but less is known about cortisol levels in everyday life. The present study examined adult romantic attachment style and cortisol responses across the day. Salivary cortisol was collected at six time points during the course of the day in 1,807 healthy men and women from a subsample of the Whitehall II cohort. Significant associations were found between attachment on cortisol across the day and slope of cortisol decline. The lowest cortisol output was associated with fearful attachment, with preoccupied attachment having the highest levels and a flatter cortisol profile. The results tentatively support the proposition that attachment style may contribute to HPA dysregulation.
Epidemiology of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Littlewood Chris , May Stephen , Walters Stephen 
Published: June 2013

Background An understanding of the epidemiology of a problem is central to facilitating clinical understanding, resource allocation and future research priorities. Objectives To systematically review and report incidence, prevalence, risk and prognostic factors for rotator cuff tendinopathy. Methods An electronic search of MEDLINE, CiNAHL, PsychINFO to December 2012 was complemented by hand and citation-searching. Studies were selected in relation to pre-defined criteria. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. Results The incidence of rotator cuff tendinopathy ranges from 0.3% to 5.5% and annual prevalence from 0.5% to 7.4%. There is limited evidence suggesting that increasing age and other personal, work-related and psychosocial factors are associated with onset. There is strong evidence suggesting that high baseline pain and disability and previous episodes of shoulder pain are associated with an unfavourable outcome and strong evidence suggesting that biomedical diagnosis is not associated with outcome. Other factors were identified but were only supported by moderate or limited evidence. Conclusions Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common problem but uncertainty remains regarding the true extent and risk factors associated with onset. High baseline pain and disability and previous episodes are associated with an unfavourable outcome but biomedical diagnosis is not associated with outcome.
Distinct Functional Regions of the Human Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor
Authors: Sunagawa K. , Omagari D. , Nishiyama M. , Asano M. , Okudera M. , Sugitani M. , Nemoto N. , Komiyama K. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) is a type I transmembrane protein that is expressed on the surfaces of glandular and intestinal epithelial cells. The extracellular portion of the pIgR is composed of six different domains. Domain 6 is involved in the enzymatic cleavage and release of the pIgR into the intestinal lumen as a free secretory component (fSC). A highly conserved 9‐amino acid sequence is present in this region in various species. Although mutations in domain 6 are associated with particular diseases, such as IgA nephropathy and Epstein–Barr virus‐related nasopharyngeal cancer, and the glutamic acid residues in the conserved 9‐amino acid sequence are expected to be indispensable for the secretion of fSC, the importance of these residues has not been examined. In the present study, we attempted to examine the role of these residues in the enzymatic cleavage of the pIgR. The enzymatic cleavage of the pIgR was not affected by the presence of an alanine to valine substitution at position 580 or glutamine to alanine substitutions at positions 606 and/or 607, or the deletion of the whole 9‐amino acid conserved sequence. Intriguingly, the 10 amino acid sequences flanking the N‐ and C‐terminal ends of the conserved 9‐amino acid sequence had opposite effects on pIgR cleavage. Namely, the N‐terminal and C‐terminal sequences enhanced and reduced pIgR cleavage efficiency, respectively. These results indicated that the pIgR can be divided into several functionally distinct regions.
Cord Blood Monocytes, Neutrophils and Lymphocytes from Preterm and Full‐Term Neonates Show Multiple Aberrations in Signalling Profiles Measured Using Phospho‐Specific Whole‐Blood Flow Cytometry
Authors: Nupponen I. , Kuuliala A. , Siitonen S. , Repo H. , Kuuliala K. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractImmaturity of the immune system renders newborns susceptible to infections. We searched for aberrations in leucocyte signalling profiles, using phospho‐specific whole‐blood flow cytometry, in cord blood of nine preterm (two born before 32nd gestational week) and nine full‐term infants, born by caesarean section. Thirteen adults served as reference subjects. Monocyte NF‐κB phosphorylation following tumour necrosis factor (TNF) or bacterial stimulation was higher in preterm neonates than in full‐term neonates or adults, p38 phosphorylation following bacterial stimulation was higher in both preterm and full‐term neonates than in adults, while STAT1 phosphorylation by IFN‐γ or IL‐6, STAT3 phosphorylation by IL‐6 and STAT5 phosphorylation by GM‐CSF were lower in both full‐term and preterm neonates than in adults. Neutrophil STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation following IFN‐γ stimulation and STAT5 phosphorylation following GM‐CSF stimulation were lower in newborn neonates than in adults. In both CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes, NF‐κB phosphorylation by TNF was higher and STAT5 phosphorylation by IL‐2 was lower in preterm and full‐term newborns than in adults. STAT6 phosphorylation by IL‐4 was comparable in monocytes and lymphocytes of newborns and adults. The results suggest that innate immune signalling pathways responding to inflammatory stimuli are strongly functional in leucocytes of preterm neonates, which may render these neonates susceptible to inappropriate tissue injury. In leucocytes of both preterm and full‐term newborns, responses needed against intracellular pathogens, and regulatory functions show immaturities, possibly contributing to worse control of infections.
Costs and benefits of erosion control measures in the UK
Authors: Posthumus H. , Deeks L. K. , Rickson R. J. , Quinton J. N. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractSoil erosion is a key threat to ecosystem services. This study assesses the cost‐effectiveness of erosion control measures based on an ecosystem services approach. The economic appraisal consists of an assessment (i.e. quantification and valuation) of the on‐site and off‐site impacts of soil erosion, and its mitigation, on ecosystem services. Many erosion control measures result in negative financial and economic returns. This explains why farmers are generally reluctant to implement erosion control measures without compensation. Based on the assessment described in this study, tramline management, mulching, buffer strips, high‐density planting and sediment traps are the most cost‐effective erosion control measures for agriculture in the UK. Contour ploughing also appears to be cost‐effective, but this measure is not appropriate in all circumstances and therefore cannot be widely promoted. However, actual cost‐effectiveness of erosion control measures will differ for local circumstances, and it is therefore advised that individual assessments are made at farm level or field level before recommendations are made to farmers.