bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interest group–party linkage in the twenty‐first century: Evidence from Denmark, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom
Authors: Rasmussen Anne , Lindeboom Gert‐Jan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis article systematically investigates interest group–party interactions in the Netherlands, Denmark and the United Kingdom based on cross‐national surveys with responses from 1,225 interest groups. The findings show that interest groups and parties still interact in the beginning of the twenty‐first century, but that the vast majority of their interaction involves a low degree of institutionalisation. Using fractional logit analysis, it is demonstrated that the strength of interest group–party linkage is primarily affected by systematic differences in state–society structures and organisational group characteristics. Moreover, differences are found in what conditions different types of interaction. Whereas historical legacies and partisan origin influence an interest group's structural party links, group resources make interactions of a less institutionalised, ad hoc nature more likely.
NF‐κB‐dependent IL‐8 induction by prostaglandin E2 receptors EP1 and EP4
Authors: Neuschäfer‐Rube F , Pathe‐Neuschäfer‐Rube A , Hippenstiel S , Kracht M , Püschel GP 
Published: August 2012

Background and PurposeRecent studies suggested a role for PGE2 in the expression of the chemokine IL‐8. PGE2 signals via four different GPCRs, EP1‐EP4. The role of EP1 and EP4 receptors for IL‐8 induction was studied in HEK293 cells, overexpressing EP1 (HEK‐EP1), EP4 (HEK‐EP4) or both receptors (HEK‐EP1 + EP4).Experimental ApproachIL‐8 mRNA and protein induction and IL‐8 promoter and NF‐κB activation were assessed in EP expressing HEK cells.Key ResultsIn HEK‐EP1 and HEK‐EP1 + EP4 but not HEK or HEK‐EP4 cells, PGE2 activated the IL‐8 promoter and induced IL‐8 mRNA and protein synthesis. Stimulation of HEK‐EP1 + EP4 cells with an EP1‐specific agonist activated IL‐8 promoter and induced IL‐8 mRNA and protein, whereas a specific EP4 agonist neither activated the IL‐8 promoter nor induced IL‐8 mRNA and protein synthesis. Simultaneous stimulation of HEK‐ EP1 + EP4 cells with both agonists activated IL‐8 promoter and induced IL‐8 mRNA to the same extent as PGE2. In HEK‐EP1 + EP4 cells, PGE2‐mediated IL‐8 promoter activation and IL‐8 mRNA induction were blunted by inhibition of IκB kinase. PGE2 activated NF‐κB in HEK‐EP1, HEK‐EP4 and HEK‐EP1 + EP4 cells. In HEK‐EP1 + EP4 cells, simultaneous activation of both receptors was needed for maximal PGE2‐induced NF‐κB activation. PGE2‐stimulated NF‐κB activation by EP1 was blocked by inhibitors of PLC, calcium‐signalling and Src‐kinase, whereas that induced by EP4 was only blunted by Src‐kinase inhibition.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese findings suggest that PGE2‐mediated NF‐κB activation by simultaneous stimulation of EP1 and EP4 receptors induces maximal IL‐8 promoter activation and IL‐8 mRNA and protein induction.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori Infection by the Probiotic Strains Lactobacillus johnsonii MH‐68 and L. salivarius ssp. salicinius AP‐32
Authors: Hsieh Pei‐Shan , Tsai Yi‐Chun , Chen Yi‐Chun , Teh Su‐Fen , Ou Chung‐Mou , King V. An‐Erl 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe current therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection includes antimicrobial agents and proton pump inhibitors. We have examined the ability of Lactobacillus spp. to inhibit H. pylori infection.Materials and MethodsProbiotic strains isolated from samples of adult feces, infant feces, breast milk, and vaginal swab collected from healthy volunteers in Taiwan and commercially available strains were screened for antagonism toward H. pylori. Inhibition liquid culture assay was used to screen potential anti‐H. pylori activity. Then, we performed agar plate inhibition assay, and assays to determine the capacity of probiotics for adhesion, and inhibition and killing of H. pylori, and measured the levels of IL‐8 and IL‐10. Using animal models, we studied regulation of gastric acid and histopathological changes accompanying anti‐H. pylori activity.ResultsWe found that six of the tested strains suppressed urease activity of H. pylori: Lactobacillus acidophilus TYCA08, L. acidophilus TYCA15, L. johnsonii MH‐68, and L. salivarius subsp. salicinius AP‐32 were more effective than the others. In vivo, L. johnsonii MH‐68 and L. salivarius subsp. salicinius AP‐32 alone or in combination, reduced the H. pylori load in the gastric mucosa, and also reduced inflammatory chemokine expression and lymphocyte infiltration.ConclusionsLactobacillus johnsonii MH‐68 and L. salivarius subsp. salicinius AP‐32 effectively suppress H. pylori viability, and when used as probiotics, they may help decrease the occurrence of gastritis, and even reduce the risk of H. pylori infection.
Multiple partial melting events in the Sulu UHP terrane: zircon U–Pb dating of granitic leucosomes within amphibolite and gneiss
Authors: LIU F. L. , ROBINSON P. T. , LIU P. H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThin layers and lenses of granitic leucosome are widely distributed within amphibolites, paragneisses and orthogneisses of the Sulu UHP terrane. They are parallel to, or cross‐cut, foliations in the host rocks at different scales and show evidence of coalescence and migration to form centimetre‐ to decimetre‐scale segregations. Variously migmatized rocks extend at least 350 km from SW Sulu (Maobei) to NE Sulu (Weihai), in a band at least 50 km wide. A combined study of mineral inclusions, cathoduluminescence (CL) images, U–Pb LA‐ICP‐MS dates, and in‐situ trace element compositions of zircon provide clear evidence on the nature and timing of partial melting in these UHP rocks. Most zircon from the granitic leucosomes occurs as distinct overgrowths around inherited (igneous or metamorphic) cores or as new, euhedral crystals. The overgrowths and new crystals commonly show perfectly euhedral shapes, have pronounced oscillatory zoning and contain felsic mineral inclusions, such as Kfs + Pl + Qtz ± Ilm ± monazite (Mon). In contrast, the inherited igneous or metamorphic cores are rounded or irregular, contain low‐P or UHP mineral inclusions and show clear dissolution textures. These data suggest that the new zircon is anatectic in origin and that it grew during partial melting of the UHP rocks. The REE patterns of the anatectic zircon show steep slopes from the HREE to LREE with strongly to moderately negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.31–0.72) and pronounced positive Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 6.8–26.5). Abundant U–Pb spot analyses of the anatectic zircon reveal two discrete and meaningful ages of partial melting within the Sulu UHP terrane. Anatectic zircon from 12 granitic leucosomes within amphibolites, paragneisses, and orthogneisses from Sulu UHP slices II and III yields consistent mean U–Pb ages of 219.0 ± 1.2 to 218.3 ± 1.6 Ma, 218.8 ± 2.0 to 217.3 ± 1.7 Ma and 218.2 ± 1.4 to 215.0 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively. In contrast, anatectic zircon from six granitic leucosomes within paragneisses and orthogneisses from Sulu UHP slice III records younger mean U–Pb ages of 151.9 ± 1.3 to 151.1 ± 1.8 Ma and 155.9 ± 1.8 to 153.7 ± 1.7 Ma, respectively. These data imply that the Sulu UHP terrane experienced two Mesozoic partial melting events. The first partial melting event (219–215 Ma) was probably associated with a Late Triassic granulite facies stage of ‘hot’ exhumation, whereas the second (156–151 Ma) is interpreted as the result of Middle‐Late Jurassic extension and thinning of the previously thickened crust of the Sulu UHP terrane. Both partial melting events induced extensive retrograde metamorphism of the eclogites and their country rocks.
Porphyra (Bangiophyceae) Transcriptomes Provide Insights Into Red Algal Development And Metabolism
Authors: Chan Cheong Xin , Blouin Nicolas A. , Zhuang Yunyun , Zäuner Simone , Prochnik Simon E. , Lindquist Erika , Lin Senjie , Benning Christoph , Lohr Martin , Yarish Charles , Gantt Elisabeth , Grossman Arthur R. , Lu Shan , Müller Kirsten , W. Stiller John , Brawley Susan H. , Bhattacharya Debashish 
Published: August 2012

The red seaweed Porphyra (Bangiophyceae) and related Bangiales have global economic importance. Here, we report the analysis of a comprehensive transcriptome comprising ca. 4.7 million expressed sequence tag (EST) reads from P. umbilicalis (L.) J. Agardh and P. purpurea (Roth) C. Agardh (ca. 980 Mbp of data generated using 454 FLX pyrosequencing). These ESTs were isolated from the haploid gametophyte (blades from both species) and diploid conchocelis stage (from P. purpurea). In a bioinformatic analysis, only 20% of the contigs were found to encode proteins of known biological function. Comparative analysis of predicted protein functions in mesophilic (including Porphyra) and extremophilic red algae suggest that the former has more putative functions related to signaling, membrane transport processes, and establishment of protein complexes. These enhanced functions may reflect general mesophilic adaptations. A near‐complete repertoire of genes encoding histones and ribosomal proteins was identified, with some differentially regulated between the blade and conchocelis stage in P. purpurea. This finding may reflect specific regulatory processes associated with these distinct phases of the life history. Fatty acid desaturation patterns, in combination with gene expression profiles, demonstrate differences from seed plants with respect to the transport of fatty acid/lipid among subcellular compartments and the molecular machinery of lipid assembly. We also recovered a near‐complete gene repertoire for enzymes involved in the formation of sterols and carotenoids, including candidate genes for the biosynthesis of lutein. Our findings provide key insights into the evolution, development, and biology of Porphyra, an important lineage of red algae.
Evaluation of the Retention Force of Double Conical Crowns Used in Combination with a Galvanoforming and Casting Fabrication Technique
Authors: Gurbulak Aysegul G. , Kilic Kerem , Eroğlu Zekiye , Gercekcioglu Eyup , Kesim Bulent 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose: The aim of this study was to measure the in vitro retention force of double conical crowns fabricated using primary galvanoforming and secondary casting techniques and those fabricated using primary casting and secondary galvanoforming techniques under simulated clinical conditions before and after a wear test.Materials and Methods: Primary galvanoformed crowns (n = 10) with non‐noble secondary crowns (n = 10; group A) and primary non‐noble crowns (n = 10) with secondary galvanoformed crowns (n = 10; group B) were fabricated. Each primary and secondary crown was embedded in acrylic resin and weighed with a digital balance. Retention forces were then measured using a universal testing device. To simulate wear, specimens were inserted and separated horizonatally 3285 times in wear equipment with artificial saliva. Retention forces and weights of the double crowns were then remeasured. Data were analyzed using paired t‐tests and Wilcoxon tests, and the groups were compared using Mann–Whitney U‐tests.Results: In group A, the wear test had a significant influence on the retentive force (p < 0.05), but wear produced no significant difference in weight (p > 0.05). In group B, the wear test had a significant influence on the retentive force (p < 0.05), and wear produced a significant difference in weight (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that the use of different combinations of galvanoforming and casting techniques in the fabrication of conical crowns significantly affected retention force.
Transcranial Doppler with Bubble Study as a Method to Detect Extracardiac Right‐to‐Left Shunts in Patients with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Goutman Stephen A. , Katzan Irene L. , Gupta Rishi 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEParadoxical embolism through extracardiac right‐to‐left shunts (ECRLS) may represent an under‐detected stroke mechanism. Stroke patients without evidence of cardiac right‐to‐left shunt (RLS) on echocardiogram may benefit from transcranial Doppler with bubble study (TCD‐b) to aid in recognition of stroke etiology. This study assesses the usefulness of TCD‐b in the stroke evaluation.METHODSRetrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing TCD‐b performed in our neurovascular laboratory from February 2005 to August 2009. Echocardiography results were reviewed in patients with positive TCD‐b. Detailed medical record review was performed on patients with positive TCD‐b and negative echocardiogram findings for RLS.RESULTSOf 502 patients undergoing TCD‐b, 48.4% (n = 243) had a positive study suggesting the presence of RLS. Of these, 59.2% (n = 144) had an echocardiogram demonstrating a cardiac RLS, 26% (n = 63) had echocardiograms without evidence of cardiac RLS, and 14.8% (n = 36) had no echocardiogram. Data on the evaluation to determine source of potential shunting in patients with discrepant findings was available in 11(17.5%). Of these, 63.6% (7/11) had potential mechanisms for positive TCD‐b: one pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (AVM), one arteriovenous fistula thrombus, one parietal AVM, and four had malignancy.CONCLUSIONSTCD‐bubble studies may prove useful in uncovering treatable causes of stroke.
Influence of implant neck design and implant–abutment connection type on peri‐implant health. Radiological study
Authors: Peñarrocha‐Diago M. A. , Flichy‐Fernández A. J. , Alonso‐González R. , Peñarrocha‐Oltra D. , Balaguer‐Martínez J. , Peñarrocha‐Diago M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo carry out a comparative study of two implants with different neck features and prostheses platform connection (machined with external connection and rough‐surfaced with switching platform) upon peri‐implant marginal bone loss, before and after functional loading.Material and methodsA randomized, prospective radiological study was made. Eighteen totally edentulous patients were selected. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the type of implant neck used: (a) Osseous®, with machined surface, without microthreads, external connection, and without platform switching; and (b) Inhex®, with treated surface, microthreads, internal connection, and platform switching. Mesial and distal marginal bone loss was measured. Implant success was assessed according to the criteria of Buser. Control timepoints were as follows: (a) at implant placement; (b) at prosthesis placement; (c) 6 months after loading; (d) 12 months after loading.ResultsFifteen patients that received 120 dental implants were included: 47% Osseous® group and 53% Inhex® group. Global mean marginal bone loss with Osseous® was 0.27 ± 0.43 mm and 0.38 ± 0.51 mm as determined 6 and 12 months after prosthetic loading, respectively, whereas in the case of Inhex® was 0.07 ± 0.13 and 0.12 ± 0.17 mm. These differences were statistically significant (P = 0.047). Difference between Osseous® and Inhex® in maxilla (P = 0.272) and mandibular (P = 0.462) bone loss were not statistically significant.ConclusionsBone loss after 6 and 12 months proved statistically significant between two groups, with comparatively greater loss in the case of Osseous® implants vs. Inhex® implants. Regardless the heterogeneity of the two groups (neck shape, microthreads, surface texture), the implant–abutment connection appears to be a significant factor on peri‐implant crestal bone levels. Anyway, in both groups, the values obtained were within normal ranges described in the literature.
Immunomodulation of dendritic cells differentiated in the presence of nicotine with lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Yanagita Manabu , Mori Kenta , Kobayashi Ryohei , Kojima Yuko , Kubota Mikiko , Miki Koji , Yamada Satoru , Kitamura Masahiro , Murakami Shinya 
Published: August 2012

Tobacco smoking is a significant risk factor for periodontal diseases. Nicotine, one of the most studied constituents in cigarette smoke, is thought to modify immune responses. Dendritic cells (DCs), which are key mediators between innate and adaptive immunity, stimulate naive T cells to differentiate to effector T‐cell subsets that may be actively involved in the immunopathogenesis of periodontal diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of nicotine and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis, alone and in combination, on the functions of human monocyte‐derived DCs to elucidate the mechanism of tissue destruction of smoking‐associated periodontal diseases. P. gingivalis LPS‐stimulated DCs differentiated with nicotine (NiDCs) induced lower T‐cell proliferation and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR expression, but elevated expression of programmed cell death ligand 1. Additionally, NiDCs impaired interferon‐γ production but maintained interleukin (IL)‐5 and IL‐10 production in co‐cultured T cells. Furthermore, NiDCs produced lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines compared with DCs differentiated in the absence of nicotine. Interestingly, NiDCs preferentially produced the T helper 2 (Th2)‐type chemokines macrophage chemotactic protein‐1 and macrophage‐derived chemokine. These results suggest that the presence of nicotine during differentiation of DCs modulates the immunoregulatory functions of P. gingivalis LPS‐stimulated DCs.
Community neonatal practices and its association with skilled birth attendance in rural Haryana, India
Authors: Upadhyay Ravi P , Rai Sanjay K , Anand Krishnan 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAim:  The study aimed to document home‐based neonatal care practices and their association with type of birth attendance.Methods:  This study was conducted in rural Haryana on mothers who had delivered a live baby one to 2 months prior to interview. The study instrument, administered through home visits, had questions related to cord care, breastfeeding, thermal care, baby handling and healthcare seeking. Logistic regression was performed to test for association [OR; 95% CI] of key newborn care practices with skilled birth attendance.Results:  Of the 415 mothers interviewed, 26.7% applied nothing on umbilicus; 15% were kept in skin‐to‐skin contact with mother; 20.2% were exclusively breastfed in first month. Seeking care in private sector and cost incurred in the treatment for a neonatal illness was significantly higher for male babies. Delivery by skilled birth attendant (68.5%) was associated with applying nothing on the cord [1.8; 1.01–3.25], in skin‐to‐skin contact with mother for ≥6 h a day [2.21; 1.18–4.13], bathing the baby after third day [14.63; 6.85–31.21] and exclusive breastfeeding [8.84; 3.42–22.8].Conclusion:  The results of this study call for not only upscaling skilled birth attendance but also improving the quality of care currently provided.
Analysis and impact of delays in ambulance to emergency department handovers
Authors: Cone David C , Middleton Paul M , Marashi Pour Sadaf 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectivesDelays in the clinical handover of patient care from emergency medical services (EMS) to the ED because of ED crowding are a substantial problem for many EMS systems. This study was conducted to quantify handover delays experienced by the Ambulance Service of New South Wales (ASNSW), and to investigate patient and system factors associated with handover delay.MethodsA retrospective study of EMS dispatch and ambulance patient care records was conducted for all patients transported by ASNSW in January/April/July/October 2009. Patient characteristics and time intervals were summarised using descriptive statistics, with handover delay categorised as <30 min, 30–60 min and ≥60 min. Times are reported as HH:MM:SS. Partial proportional odds models were used to investigate factors associated with delays.ResultsOf 141 381 transports, 12.5% of patients experienced a handover delay of 30–60 min, and 5% a delay of ≥60 min. The median handover interval was 00:15:46 (IQR 00:08:58–00:24:52, maximum 08:43:13). Patients transported to large hospitals were more likely to experience a delay of ≥30 min (odds ratio [OR] 14.57, 95% CI 11.41–18.60) or ≥60 min (OR 15.75, 95% CI 12.27–20.23) than those transported to small hospitals. Patients in major cities were more likely to experience delays than those in other areas, and patients ≥65 years were more likely to experience delays than those <16 years. Delays were most likely in winter. Cardiac and major trauma patients had the lowest likelihood of experiencing delays.ConclusionsHandover delays are relatively common at the EMS/ED interface in New South Wales, and are most pronounced at large hospitals, in urban areas and during winter.
Morbidity associated with amphetamine‐related presentations to an emergency department: A record linkage study
Authors: Fatovich Daniel M , Davis Geoff , Bartu Anne 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveAmphetamine use is a global public health problem. We examined hospitalisations in a cohort of 138 patients who presented with an amphetamine‐related problem to an ED in 2005.MethodsA record linkage study, using the morbidity, ED and mortality databases in the Data Linkage Unit of the Department of Health, Western Australia. The main outcome measures were hospital separations and length of stay (LOS) 5 years before and 4 years after entry into the cohort.ResultsOne hundred and thirty patients (94%) with an amphetamine‐related presentation had a link with the hospital morbidity dataset. The most common diagnosis before and after cohort entry was mental disorders (before: F00‐F99; 405 separations, total LOS 2570 days; after: 309 separations, total LOS 3671 days). Injury and poisoning was the next most common in both time periods. Men had an increased relative risk (RR) for all days of psychiatric care (RR 2.12, 95% CI 1.04–4.35). After adjusting for age and sex, the highest risks of increased LOS occurred within 1 year before (RR 2.22, 95% CI 1.01–4.91) and 2 years post entry into the cohort (RR 4.21, 95% CI 1.87–9.46 and RR 2.82, 95% CI 1.25–6.34). There were four (2.9%, 95% CI 0.9–7.7%) deaths, which occurred within 2 years post cohort entry.ConclusionAmphetamine‐related presentations to the ED are associated with a significant cluster of hospitalisations around that episode. This is most prominent for psychiatric diagnoses, with a large increase in the total LOS in the year following cohort entry. Counselling less risky behaviour might decrease the burden of illness.
Expression of genes involved in susceptibility to multifactorial autoimmune diseases: estimating genotype effects
Authors: de Almeida E. Rocha Amazonas , Petzl‐Erler M. L. 
Published: August 2012

SummarySeveral single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, but the mechanisms responsible for the associations are poorly understood. To test the hypothesis that the variation of the basal levels of the gene products is significantly influenced by genetic polymorphism, we investigated whether SNPs in genes CD40, CD28, CTLA4, CD80, CD86, BAFF and IL6 are affecting mRNA or protein expression. The surface expression of the proteins on unstimulated monocytes, B cells, NK cells, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells, as well as the mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was compared among healthy volunteers with different genotypes. Despite the low basal expression level and large interindividual variation, average BAFF expression was significantly higher in carriers of genotype C/C of the BAFF‐871C>T SNP (rs9514828) when compared with carriers of the C/T and T/T genotypes. Genotype C/C carriers presented higher levels of the protein on CD8+ T cells, monocytes and NK cells and of mRNA in PBMC. Moreover, carriers of T allele of CTLA4‐318C>T (rs5742909) showed a significantly increased expression of CTLA‐4 on CD8+ T cells. No significant variation among genotypes was found in the protein or mRNA levels of other investigated genes.