bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A series of flexible design adaptations to the Nikon E‐C1 and E‐C2 confocal microscope systems for UV, multiphoton and FLIM imaging
Authors: BOTCHWAY STANLEY W. , SCHERER KATHRIN M. , HOOK STEVE , STUBBS CHRISTOPHER D. , WESTON ELEANOR , BISBY ROGER H. , PARKER ANTHONY W. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryMultiphoton microscopy is widely employed in the life sciences using extrinsic fluorescence of low‐ and high‐molecular weight labels with excitation and emission spectra in the visible and near infrared regions. For imaging of intrinsic and extrinsic fluorophores with excitation spectra in the ultraviolet region, multiphoton excitation with one‐ or two‐colour lasers avoids the need for ultraviolet‐transmitting excitation optics and has advantages in terms of optical penetration in the sample and reduced phototoxicity. Excitation and detection of ultraviolet emission around 300 nm and below in a typical inverted confocal microscope is more difficult and requires the use of expensive quartz optics including the objective. In this technical note we describe the adaptation of a commercial confocal microscope (Nikon, Japan E‐C1 or E‐C2) for versatile use with Ti‐sapphire and OPO laser sources and the addition of a second detection channel that enables detection of ultraviolet fluorescence and increases detection sensitivity in a typical fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy experiment. Results from some experiments with this setup illustrate the resulting capabilities.
Tripchlorolide ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by down‐regulating ERK1/2‐NF‐κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zeng Yu‐qi , Zhang Jing , Pan Xiao‐dong , Kang De‐yong , Huang Tian‐wen , Chen Xiao‐chun 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTripchlorolide (T4), an extract of the natural herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has been found to possess anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. In the current study, these actions were evaluated in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis by scoring the clinical signs, observing the infiltration of inflammatory cells and myelin sheath in the lumbar spinal cord of EAE mice. The results demonstrated that T4 (at a dose of 40 μg/kg) significantly reduced the severity of EAE and slowed down the ongoing EAE. Further analysis showed that T4 suppressed the mRNA and protein levels of the transcription factors T‐bet and RoRrt and mRNA levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐17 in the spinal cords. Furthermore, T4 down‐regulated the ERK1/2‐NF‐κB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. At 40 μg/kg, T4 did not induce side effects on hematological parameters. These findings suggest that T4 ameliorates EAE by immunosuppression, providing a new insight into T4 application in multiple sclerosis treatment.
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Tripchlorolide (T4), a traditional Chinese herbal compound, has been found to possess anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive functions, but the underlying mechanism is not clear. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that T4 can ameliorate inflammatory infiltrates and demyelination in EAE‐inflicted animals. T4 may work by down‐regulating ERK1/2‐NF‐κВ and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, and altering the expression of cytokines. Our findings suggest that T4 may be a promising novel therapeutic option for the treatment of MS. MOG35‐55, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide; T4, tripchlorolide; NF‐κB, nuclear factor kappa B; ERK1/2, extracelluar regulated kinase1/2; JNK, Jun N‐terminal kinases; JAK, Janus protein‐tyrosine kinases; STAT, signal transducer and activator of transcription; IL‐4, interleukin‐4; IL‐5, interleukin‐5; IL‐17, interleukin‐17; IFN‐γ, and interferon‐γ.
Extracellular α‐synuclein alters synaptic transmission in brain neurons by perforating the neuronal plasma membrane
Authors: Pacheco Carla R. , Morales Camila N. , Ramírez Alejandra E. , Muñoz Francisco J. , Gallegos Scarlet S. , Caviedes Pablo A. , Aguayo Luis G. , Opazo Carlos M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIt has been postulated that the accumulation of extracellular α‐synuclein (α‐syn) might alter the neuronal membrane by formation of ‘pore‐like structures’ that will lead to alterations in ionic homeostasis. However, this has never been demonstrated to occur in brain neuronal plasma membranes. In this study, we show that α‐syn oligomers rapidly associate with hippocampal membranes in a punctate fashion, resulting in increased membrane conductance (5 fold over control) and the influx of both calcium and a fluorescent glucose analogue. The enhancement in intracellular calcium (1.7 fold over control) caused a large increase in the frequency of synaptic transmission (2.5 fold over control), calcium transients (3 fold over control), and synaptic vesicle release. Both primary hippocampal and dissociated nigral neurons showed rapid increases in membrane conductance by α‐syn oligomers. In addition, we show here that α‐syn caused synaptotoxic failure associated with a decrease in SV2, a membrane protein of synaptic vesicles associated with neurotransmitter release. In conclusion, extracellular α‐syn oligomers facilitate the perforation of the neuronal plasma membrane, thus explaining, in part, the synaptotoxicity observed in neurodegenerative diseases characterized by its extracellular accumulation.
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We propose that α‐synuclein (α‐syn) oligomers form pore‐like structures in the plasma membrane of neurons from central nervous system (CNS). We believe that extracellular α‐syn oligomers facilitate the formation of α‐syn membrane pore‐like structures, thus explaining, in part, the synaptotoxicity observed in neurodegenerative diseases characterized by its extracellular accumulation. We think that alterations in ionic homeostasis and synaptic vesicular depletion are key steps that lead to synaptotoxicity promoted by α ‐syn membrane pore‐like structures.
Developing clinical leaders: the impact of an action learning mentoring programme for advanced practice nurses
Authors: Leggat Sandra G. , Balding Cathy , Schiftan Dan 
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectivesTo determine whether a formal mentoring programme assists nurse practitioner candidates to develop competence in the clinical leadership competencies required in their advanced practice roles.BackgroundNurse practitioner candidates are required to show evidence of defined clinical leadership competencies when they apply for endorsement within the Australian health care system. Aiming to assist the candidates with the development or enhancement of these leadership skills, 18 nurse practitioner candidates participated in a mentoring programme that matched them with senior nurse mentors.DesignA pre‐postlongitudinal intervention study.MethodEighteen nurse practitioner candidates and 17 senior nurses participated in a voluntary mentoring programme that incorporated coaching and action learning over 18 months in 2012 and 2013. Participants completed a pen and paper questionnaire to document baseline measures of self‐reported leadership practices prior to commencement of the programme and again at the end of the programme.ResultsThe mentors and the nurse practitioner candidates qualitatively evaluated the programme as successful and quantitative data illustrated significant improvement in self‐reported leadership practices among the nurse practitioner candidates. In particular, the nurse practitioner candidates reported greater competence in the transformational aspects of leadership, which is directly related to the nurse practitioner candidate clinical leadership standard.ConclusionsA formal, structured mentoring programme based on principles of action learning was successful in assisting Australian advanced practice nurses enhance their clinical leadership skills in preparation for formal endorsement as a nurse practitioner and for success in their advanced practice role.Relevance to clinical practiceMentoring can assist nurses to transition to new roles and develop knowledge and skills in clinical leadership essential for advanced practice roles. Nurse managers should make greater use of mentoring programmes to support nurses in their transition to new roles.
Persons with psychosis perceptions of participating in a lifestyle intervention
Authors: Wärdig Rikard , Bachrach‐Lindström Margareta , Hultsjö Sally , Lindström Torbjörn , Foldemo Anniqa 
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectivesTo describe how persons with psychosis perceive participation in a lifestyle intervention, and use these perceptions to present factors to for consideration in future interventions.BackgroundMetabolic syndrome is common in persons with psychosis. A healthy lifestyle is the primary option for preventing and treating metabolic syndrome, which is why the importance of lifestyle interventions has come into focus among health care professionals. Identifying perceptions of participation in a lifestyle intervention can increase the understanding of how to design future interventions.DesignA qualitative, phenomenographic approach was selected, using semi‐structured interviews.MethodsThe sample consisted of 40 participants with a psychotic disorder, who had undergone a lifestyle intervention focusing on theoretical education in healthy eating and physical activities. The interviews were conducted in 2011 and 2012, six to seven months after the intervention had been completed.ResultsThe findings comprise three categories that emphasise the need for a moderate intervention level that facilitates participation and thereby social interactions among group members. The experience of success in the intervention supported the perception of oneself as a capable individual. However, it could also be the opposite, another experience of failure.ConclusionContent in moderation can facilitate participation, and participants can thereby achieve health benefits and find social contacts. In addition to physical activity and lifestyle habits, interventions should have a social focus and be continuous. Professional support is a prerequisite and should facilitate the participants' ability to mirror themselves against healthy people in society by introducing activities that ordinary people do.Relevance for clinical practiceIdentifying perceptions of participation in a lifestyle intervention can increase the understanding of how to design and manage future interventions. This is also an aspect that is important to consider in everyday clinical practice.
Atheroprotective immunity and cardiovascular disease: therapeutic opportunities and challenges
Authors: Nilsson J. , Lichtman A. , Tedgui A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractEmerging knowledge of the role of atheroprotective immune responses in modulating inflammation and tissue repair in atherosclerotic lesions has provided promising opportunities to develop novel therapies directly targeting the disease process in the artery wall. Regulatory T (Treg) cells have a protective role through release of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and suppression of autoreactive effector T cells. Studies in experimental animals have shown that blocking the generation or action of Treg cells is associated with more aggressive development of atherosclerosis. Conversely, cell transfer and other approaches to expand Treg cell populations in vivo result in reduced atherosclerosis. There have been relatively few clinical studies of Treg cells and cardiovascular disease, but the available evidence also supports a protective function. These observations have raised hope that it may be possible to develop therapies that act by enforcing the suppressive activities of Treg cells in atherosclerotic lesions. One approach to achieve this goal has been through development of vaccines that stimulate immunological tolerance for plaque antigens. Several pilot vaccines based on LDL‐derived antigens have demonstrated promising results in preclinical testing. If such therapies can be shown to be effective also in clinical trials, this could have an important impact on cardiovascular prevention and treatment. Here, we review the current knowledge of the mode of action of atheroprotective immunity and of the ways to stimulate such pathways in experimental settings. The challenges in translating this knowledge into the clinical setting are also discussed within the perspective of the experience of introducing immune‐based therapies for other chronic noninfectious diseases.
Molecular Identification of a 16SrII‐A Group‐Related Phytoplasma Associated with Cinnamon Yellow Leaf Disease in China
Authors: Yang Yi , Jiang Lei , Che Hai‐Yan , Cao Xue‐Ren , Yang Jing‐Yu , Sang Li‐Wei , Liu Ai‐Qin , Luo Da‐Quan 
Published: February 2015

AbstractChinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia Presl), an evergreen tree native to China, is a multifaceted medicinal plant. The stem bark of cinnamon is used worldwide in traditional and modern medicines and is one of the most popular cooking spices. In recent years, cinnamon with pronounced yellow leaf symptoms has been observed in their natural habitat in Hainan, China. Phytoplasmas were detected from symptomatic cinnamon trees via polymerase chain reaction using phytoplasma universal primers P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2. No amplification products were obtained from templates of asymptomatic cinnamon trees. These results indicated a direct association between phytoplasma infection and the cinnamon yellow leaf (CYL) disease. Sequence analysis of the CYL phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene determined that CYL phytoplasma is a ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma australasiae’‐related strain. Furthermore, virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern analysis and phylogenetic studies showed that CYL phytoplasma belongs to the peanut witches’‐broom (16SrII) group, subgroup A. This is the first report of a 16SrII group phytoplasma infecting cinnamon under natural conditions.
Sexual Dysfunction in Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Tran Jana K. , Dunckel Gina , Teng Ellen J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIntroductionVeterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience high rates of sexual dysfunction. However, the topic of sexual dysfunction is often overlooked clinically and underexamined in the PTSD research literature. Clinician assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunction are particularly important for Veterans, who are at increased risk of exposure to trauma.AimReview the literature regarding sexual dysfunction among Veterans with PTSD.MethodReview of the literature.ResultsSexual dysfunction, including erectile difficulties in males and vaginal pain in females, is common among Veterans with PTSD. Several underlying mechanisms may account for the overlap between PTSD and sexual dysfunction. Certain barriers may contribute to the reluctance of providers in addressing problems of sexual dysfunction in Veterans with PTSD.ConclusionsWith the high likelihood of sexual dysfunction among Veterans with PTSD, it is important to consider the integration of treatment strategies. Efforts to further the research on this important topic are needed.
Daily Associations Between Partner Responses and Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction in Couples Coping with Provoked Vestibulodynia
Authors: Rosen Natalie O. , Muise Amy , Bergeron Sophie , Delisle Isabelle , Baxter Mary Lou 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Women with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) experience a recurrent vulvo-vaginal pain triggered primarily during sexual intercourse. Although affected couples report adverse effects on their sexual and global romantic relationships, few studies have examined interpersonal factors that may influence their sexual and relationship satisfaction. Cross-sectional studies have shown that greater partner solicitous and negative responses and lower facilitative responses are associated with poorer sexual and relationship satisfaction in women with PVD.

Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate the within-person associations between partner responses to painful intercourse and the sexual and relationship satisfaction of affected couples.

Methods
In a dyadic daily experience study, 69 women (Mage = 28.46, SD = 6.66) diagnosed with PVD and their cohabitating male partners (Mage = 30.29, SD = 8.13) reported on male partner responses, as well as sexual and relationship satisfaction on sexual intercourse days (M = 6.81; SD = 5.40) over 8 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures
Dependent measures were the (i) Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale and (ii) Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction Scale.

Results
On sexual intercourse days when women perceived more facilitative partner responses than usual and on days when they perceived lower negative partner responses than usual, they reported higher sexual and relationship satisfaction. On sexual intercourse days when men reported more solicitous responses than usual, both they and their female partners reported lower sexual satisfaction.

Conclusions
Interventions aimed at improving the day-to-day sexual and relationship satisfaction of couples with PVD should target increasing facilitative and decreasing negative and solicitous partner responses.
A twin and molecular genetics study of sleep paralysis and associated factors
Authors: Denis Dan , French Christopher C. , Rowe Richard , Zavos Helena M. S. , Nolan Patrick M. , Parsons Michael J. , Gregory Alice M. 
Published: February 2015

SummarySleep paralysis is a relatively common but under‐researched phenomenon. In this paper we examine prevalence in a UK sample and associations with candidate risk factors. This is the first study to investigate the heritability of sleep paralysis in a twin sample and to explore genetic associations between sleep paralysis and a number of circadian expressed single nucleotide polymorphisms. Analyses are based on data from the Genesis1219 twin/sibling study, a community sample of twins/siblings from England and Wales. In total, data from 862 participants aged 22–32 years (34% male) were used in the study. This sample consisted of monozygotic and dizygotic twins and siblings. It was found that self‐reports of general sleep quality, anxiety symptoms and exposure to threatening events were all associated independently with sleep paralysis. There was moderate genetic influence on sleep paralysis (53%). Polymorphisms in the PER2 gene were associated with sleep paralysis in additive and dominant models of inheritance—although significance was not reached once a Bonferroni correction was applied. It is concluded that factors associated with disrupted sleep cycles appear to be associated with sleep paralysis. In this sample of young adults, sleep paralysis was moderately heritable. Future work should examine specific polymorphisms associated with differences in circadian rhythms and sleep homeostasis further in association with sleep paralysis.
Post‐transcriptional regulation of gene PA5507 controls Pseudomonas quinolone signal concentration in P. aeruginosa
Authors: Tipton Kyle A. , Coleman James P. , Pesci Everett C. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryPseudomonas aeruginosa can sense and respond to a myriad of environmental signals and utilizes a system of small molecules to communicate through intercellular signaling. The small molecule 2‐heptyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4‐quinolone (Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal [PQS]) is one of these signals and its synthesis is important for virulence. Previously, we identified an RpiR‐type transcriptional regulator, QapR, that positively affects PQS production by repressing the qapR operon. An in‐frame deletion of this regulator caused P. aeruginosa to produce a greatly reduced concentration of PQS. Here, we report that QapR translation is linked to the downstream gene PA5507. We found that introduction of a premature stop codon within qapR eliminates transcriptional autorepression of the qapR operon as expected but has no effect on PQS concentration. This was investigated with a series of lacZ reporter fusions which showed that translation of QapR must terminate at, or close to, the native qapR stop codon in order for translation of PA5507 to occur. Also, it was shown that truncation of the 5′ end of the qapR transcript permitted PA5507 translation without translation of QapR. Our findings led us to conclude that PA5507 transcription and translation are both tightly controlled by QapR and this control is important for PQS homeostasis.
Widely distributed hot and cold spots in meiotic recombination as shown by the sequencing of rice F2 plants
Authors: Si Weina , Yuan Yang , Huang Ju , Zhang Xiaohui , Zhang Yanchun , Zhang Yadong , Tian Dacheng , Wang Cailin , Yang Yonghua , Yang Sihai 
Published: February 2015

Summary

Numerous studies have argued that environmental variations may contribute to evolution through the generation of novel heritable variations via meiotic recombination, which plays a crucial role in crop domestication and improvement. Rice is one of the most important staple crops, but no direct estimate of recombination events has yet been made at a fine scale.

Here, we address this limitation by sequencing 41 rice individuals with high sequencing coverage and c. 900 000 accurate markers.

An average of 33.9 crossover (c. 4.53 cM Mb−1) and 2.47 non‐crossover events were detected per F2 plant, which is similar to the values in Arabidopsis. Although not all samples in the stress treatment group showed an increased number of crossover events, environmental stress increased the recombination rate in c. 28.5% of samples. Interestingly, the crossovers showed a highly uneven distribution among and along chromosomes, with c. 13.9% of the entire genome devoid of crossovers, including 11 of the 12 centromere regions, and c. 0.72% of the genome containing large numbers of crossovers (> 50 cM Mb−1).

The gene ontology (GO) categories showed that genes clustered within the recombination hot spot regions primarily tended to be involved in responses to environmental stimuli, suggesting that recombination plays an important role for adaptive evolution in rapidly changing environments.
Optical edge effects create conjunctival indentation thickness artefacts
Authors: Sorbara Luigina , Simpson Trefford L. , Maram Jyotsna , Song Eun Sun , Bizheva Kostadinka , Hutchings Natalie 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposeConjunctival compression observed in ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR‐OCT) images of contact lens edges could be actual tissue alteration, may be an optical artefact arising from the difference between the refractive indexes of the lens material and the conjunctival tissue, or could be a combination of the two. The purpose of this study is to image the artefact with contact lenses on a non‐biological (non‐indentable) medium and to determine the origins of the observed conjunctival compression.MethodsTwo‐dimensional cross‐sectional images of the edges of a selection of marketed silicone hydrogel and hydrogel lenses (refractive index ranging from 1.40 to 1.43) were acquired with a research grade UHR‐OCT system. The lenses were placed on three continuous surfaces, a glass sphere (refractive index n = 1.52), a rigid contact lens (n = 1.376) and the cornea of a healthy human subject (average n = 1.376). The displacement observed was analysed using ImageJ.ResultsThe observed optical displacement ranged between 5.39(0.06) μm with Acuvue Advance and 11.99(0.18) μm with Air Optix Night & Day when the lens was imaged on the glass reference sphere. Similarly, on a rigid contact lens displacement ranged between 5.51(0.03) and 9.72(0.12) μm. Displacement was also observed when the lenses were imaged on the human conjunctiva and ranged from 6.49(0.80) μm for the 1‐day Acuvue Moist to 17.4(0.22) μm for the Pure Vision contact lens.ConclusionsAn optical displacement artefact was observed when imaging a contact lens on two rigid continuous surfaces with UHR‐OCT where compression or indentation of the surface could not have been a factor. Contact lenses imaged in situ also exhibited displacement at the intersection of the contact lens edge and the conjunctiva, likely a manifestation of both the artefact and compression of the conjunctiva.