bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of cannabinoids on generic traits of neurodegeneration
Authors: Fagan S G , Campbell V A 
Published: October 2013

In an increasingly ageing population, the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease are rising. While the aetiologies of these disorders are different, a number of common mechanisms that underlie their neurodegenerative components have been elucidated; namely neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced trophic support. Current therapies focus on treatment of the symptoms and attempt to delay the progression of these diseases but there is currently no cure. Modulation of the endogenous cannabinoid system is emerging as a potentially viable option in the treatment of neurodegeneration. Endocannabinoid signalling has been found to be altered in many neurodegenerative disorders. To this end, pharmacological manipulation of the endogenous cannabinoid system, as well as application of phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids have been investigated. Signalling from the CB1 and CB2 receptors are known to be involved in the regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis, mitochondrial function, trophic support and inflammatory status, respectively, while other receptors gated by cannabinoids such as PPARγ, are gaining interest in their anti‐inflammatory properties. Through multiple lines of evidence, this evolutionarily conserved neurosignalling system has shown neuroprotective capabilities and is therefore a potential target for neurodegenerative disorders. This review details the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and highlights the beneficial effects of cannabinoid treatment.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids 2013. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐6
Short‐term exposure to oleandrin enhances responses to IL‐8 by increasing cell surface IL‐8 receptors
Authors: Raviprakash Nune , Manna Sunil Kumar 
Published: October 2013

Background and PurposeOne of the first steps in host defence is the migration of leukocytes. IL‐8 and its receptors are a chemokine system essential to such migration. Up‐regulation of these receptors would be a viable strategy to treat dysfunctional host defence. Here, we studied the effects of the plant glycoside oleandrin on responses to IL‐8 in a human monocytic cell line.Experimental ApproachU937 cells were incubated with oleandrin (1‐200 ng mL−1) for either 1 h (pulse) or for 24 h (non‐pulse). Apoptosis; activation of NF‐κB, AP‐1 and NFAT; calcineurin activity and IL‐8 receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2) were measured using Western blotting, RT‐PCR and reporter gene assays.Key ResultsPulse exposure to oleandrin did not induce apoptosis or cytoxicity as observed after non‐pulse exposure. Pulse exposure enhanced activation of NF‐κB induced by IL‐8 but not that induced by TNF‐α, IL‐1, EGF or LPS. Exposure to other apoptosis‐inducing compounds (azadirachtin, resveratrol, thiadiazolidine, or benzofuran) did not enhance activation of NF‐κB. Pulse exposure to oleandrin increased expression of IL‐8 receptors and chemotaxis, release of enzymes and activation of NF‐κB, NFAT and AP‐1 along with increased IL‐8‐mediated calcineurin activation, and wound healing. Pulse exposure increased numbers of cell surface IL‐8 receptors.Conclusions and ImplicationsShort‐term (1 h; pulse) exposure to a toxic glycoside oleandrin, enhanced biological responses to IL‐8 in monocytic cells, without cytoxicity. Pulse exposure to oleandrin could provide a viable therapy for those conditions where leukocyte migration is defective.
Comparison of two commonly used reference materials for exercise bicycle tests with a Swedish clinical database of patients with normal outcome
Authors: Brudin L. , Jorfeldt L. , Pahlm O. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundReference values for working capacity, blood pressure, heart rate, perceived exertion, etc. during bicycle exercise tests have been sought after for many years. This is because earlier commonly used reference values for physical work capacity have been either too low or too high when compared to the clinical experience of several Swedish departments of clinical physiology. The aim of the study was to compare two commonly used reference materials with normal outcomes from a clinical database.MethodsData from a clinical database of standardized exercise tests in Kalmar, Sweden, between 2004 and 2012, and having been judged as normal, were divided into 5‐year categories of 5–10 to 75–80 years of age covering people from 7 to 80 years of age.ResultsMaximal working capacity (Wmax), maximal heart rate, maximal systolic blood pressure and maximal perceived exertion are presented for each of the 15 age categories. Regression equations are also presented for each sex with age and height as independent predictors. Quantitative comparisons of Wmax are calculated for the three materials and possible explanations discussed.ConclusionsValues of Wmax lie between the two reference materials most commonly used in Sweden. In addition, the present material covers subjects aged 7–19 years.
Depressive symptoms linked to 1‐h plasma glucose concentrations during the oral glucose tolerance test in men and women with the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Birnbaum‐Weitzman O. , Goldberg R. , Hurwitz B. E. , Llabre M. M. , Gellman M. D. , Gutt M. , McCalla J. R. , Mendez A. J. , Schneiderman N. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimsThe addition of the 1‐h plasma glucose concentration measure from an oral glucose tolerance test to prediction models of future Type 2 diabetes has shown to significantly strengthen their predictive power. The present study examined the relationship between severity of depressive symptoms and hyperglycaemia, focusing on the 1‐h glucose concentration vs. fasting and 2‐h glucose measures from the oral glucose tolerance test.MethodsParticipants included 140 adults with the metabolic syndrome and without diabetes who completed a baseline psychobiological assessment and a 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test, with measurements taken every 30 min. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory.ResultsMultivariate linear regression revealed that higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of 1‐h plasma glucose concentrations after adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, BMI, antidepressant use and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein. Results were maintained after controlling for fasting glucose as well as for indices of insulin resistance and secretion. Neither fasting nor 2‐h plasma glucose concentrations were significantly associated with depressive symptoms.ConclusionsElevated depressive symptoms in persons with the metabolic syndrome were associated with greater glycaemic excursion 1‐h following a glucose load that was not accounted for by differences in insulin secretory function or insulin sensitivity. Consistent with previous findings, this study highlights the value of the 1‐h plasma glucose measurement from the oral glucose tolerance test in the relation between depressive symptoms and glucose metabolism as an indicator of metabolic abnormalities not visible when focusing on fasting and 2‐h post‐oral glucose tolerance test measurements alone.
A plastic shakedown constitutive curve based on uniaxial ratcheting behavior of 304 stainless steel at room temperature
Authors: Jiang G. , Sun L. , Liu Y. , Chen G. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTOn the basis of the Bauschinger effect, a relationship between the elastic space defined in this study and the accumulated plastic strain is measured in uniaxial ratcheting tests of 304 stainless steel at room temperature. According to this relationship, a new model of uniaxial ratcheting is established and used to simulate uniaxial ratcheting behavior. The results of simulation agree well with the experimental results. These results demonstrate that the relationship between the elastic space and the accumulated plastic strain plays an important role in uniaxial ratcheting simulation. Furthermore, by taking into account the interaction of ratcheting and viscoplasticity, the relationships among elastic space, accumulated plastic strain and loading cases are discussed. It can be seen that, when the stress ratio R of valley stress versus peak stress is not less than zero, the accumulated plastic strain is a function of the peak stress. So, a constitutive curve is obtained to describe the stable states of plastic shakedown for 304 stainless steel material under the stress ratio R ≥ 0. It can be used to determine the accumulated plastic strain of engineering structures under cyclic loading only by an elastic–plastic analysis.
Circumpolar assessment of permafrost C quality and its vulnerability over time using long‐term incubation data
Authors: Schädel Christina , Schuur Edward A. G. , Bracho Rosvel , Elberling Bo , Knoblauch Christian , Lee Hanna , Luo Yiqi , Shaver Gaius R. , Turetsky Merritt R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractHigh‐latitude ecosystems store approximately 1700 Pg of soil carbon (C), which is twice as much C as is currently contained in the atmosphere. Permafrost thaw and subsequent microbial decomposition of permafrost organic matter could add large amounts of C to the atmosphere, thereby influencing the global C cycle. The rates at which C is being released from the permafrost zone at different soil depths and across different physiographic regions are poorly understood but crucial in understanding future changes in permafrost C storage with climate change. We assessed the inherent decomposability of C from the permafrost zone by assembling a database of long‐term (>1 year) aerobic soil incubations from 121 individual samples from 23 high‐latitude ecosystems located across the northern circumpolar permafrost zone. Using a three‐pool (i.e., fast, slow and passive) decomposition model, we estimated pool sizes for C fractions with different turnover times and their inherent decomposition rates using a reference temperature of 5 °C. Fast cycling C accounted for less than 5% of all C in both organic and mineral soils whereas the pool size of slow cycling C increased with C : N. Turnover time at 5 °C of fast cycling C typically was below 1 year, between 5 and 15 years for slow turning over C, and more than 500 years for passive C. We project that between 20 and 90% of the organic C could potentially be mineralized to CO2 within 50 incubation years at a constant temperature of 5 °C, with vulnerability to loss increasing in soils with higher C : N. These results demonstrate the variation in the vulnerability of C stored in permafrost soils based on inherent differences in organic matter decomposability, and point toward C : N as an index of decomposability that has the potential to be used to scale permafrost C loss across landscapes.
Antiretroviral treatment‐based cost saving interventions may offset expenses for new patients and earlier treatment start
Authors: Angeletti C , Pezzotti P , Antinori A , Mammone A , Navarra A , Orchi N , Lorenzini P , Mecozzi A , Ammassari A , Murachelli S , Ippolito G , Girardi E 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesCombination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has become the main driver of total costs of caring for persons living with HIV (PLHIV). The present study estimated the short/medium‐term cost trends in response to the recent evolution of national guidelines and regional therapeutic protocols for cART in Italy.MethodsWe developed a deterministic mathematical model that was calibrated using epidemic data for Lazio, a region located in central Italy with about six million inhabitants.ResultsIn the Base Case Scenario, the estimated number of PLHIV in the Lazio region increased over the period 2012–2016 from 14 414 to 17 179. Over the same period, the average projected annual cost for treating the HIV‐infected population was €147.0 million. An earlier cART initiation resulted in a rise of 2.3% in the average estimated annual cost, whereas an increase from 27% to 50% in the proportion of naïve subjects starting cART with a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based regimen resulted in a reduction of 0.3%. Simplification strategies based on NNRTIs co‐formulated in a single tablet regimen and protease inhibitor/ritonavir‐boosted monotherapy produced an overall reduction in average annual costs of 1.5%. A further average saving of 3.3% resulted from the introduction of generic antiretroviral drugs.ConclusionsIn the medium term, cost saving interventions could finance the increase in costs resulting from the inertial growth in the number of patients requiring treatment and from the earlier treatment initiation recommended in recent guidelines.
Gendered Prison Work: Female Prison Officers in the Local Prison System, 1877–1939
Authors: Johnston Helen 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis article examines the working lives of female prison officers between 1877 and 1939. It documents a relatively under‐researched, but important, period in the history of women's imprisonment in England. In doing so it aims to uncover the working lives of female officers, the role and daily duties of officers, the development of training schools for female staff and to understand the ambiguous role of officers in the ‘reform’ of prisoners during these decades. The research contextualises the work of the female officer within the changing female prison estate and declining female prison population in this period and examines the ways in which gender and class combined in prison work.
Punish or Reform? Predicting Prison Staff Punitiveness
Authors: Kelly Dominic 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPublic views regarding the punishment of offenders have been extensively examined. Yet, the opinions of prison staff have been relatively less well documented, despite the clear implications of such views in officers' use of personal discretion on the job. The aim of the study was to assess the nature and sources of punitive attitudes among prison staff from a maximum‐security prison, using surveys. It was found that the most punitive staff members had less experience and minimal contact with prisoners. The least punitive staff were those with many years of service and whose work involved direct engagement in aspects of prisoner care and rehabilitation. The implications of these findings for the recruitment and training of prison staff are discussed.
Trace metal contents of three tricalcium silicate materials: MTA Angelus, Micro Mega MTA and Bioaggregate
Authors: Kum K. Y. , Kim E.‐C. , Yoo Y.‐J. , Zhu Q. , Safavi K. , Bae K. S. , Chang S. W. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate the levels of nine metals [aluminium (Al), antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and molybdenum (Mo)] in MTA Angelus, Micro Mega MTA and Bioaggregate using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES).MethodologyEach material (0.2 g) was digested using a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acids and then filtered. The levels of nine metals in the resulting filtrates were measured by ICP‐OES. The results were statistically analysed using one‐way anova and the Bonferroni test.ResultsMTA Angelus contained more aluminium, beryllium and chromium than Micro Mega MTA (P < 0.05), whilst their levels of arsenic, cadmium and iron were similar. Antimony, lead and molybdenum were not detected in any of the three tested cements. Bioaggregate contained trace amounts of aluminium.ConclusionsMTA Angelus and Micro Mega MTA contained small amounts of seven tested metal oxides. Bioaggregate only contained trace amounts of aluminium.
Primary over‐expression of AβPP in muscle does not lead to the development of inclusion body myositis in a new lineage of the MCK‐AβPP transgenic mouse
Authors: Luo Yue‐Bei , Johnsen Russell D. , Griffiths Lisa , Needham Merrilee , Fabian Victoria A. , Fletcher Sue , Wilton Steve D. , Mastaglia Frank L. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study is to determine whether primary over‐expression of AβPP in skeletal muscle results in the development of features of inclusion body myositis (IBM) in a new lineage of the MCK‐AβPP transgenic mouse. Quantitative histological, immunohistochemical and western blotting studies were performed on muscles from 3 to 18 month old transgenic and wild‐type C57BL6/SJL mice. Electron microscopy was also performed on muscle sections from selected animals. Although western blotting confirmed that there was over‐expression of full length AβPP in transgenic mouse muscles, deposition of amyloid‐β and fibrillar amyloid could not be demonstrated histochemically or with electron microscopy. Additionally, other changes typical of IBM such as rimmed vacuoles, cytochrome C oxidase‐deficient fibres, upregulation of MHC antigens, lymphocytic inflammatory infiltration and T cell fibre invasion were absent. The most prominent finding in both transgenic and wild‐type animals was the presence of tubular aggregates which was age‐related and largely restricted to male animals. Expression of full length AβPP in this MCK‐AβPP mouse lineage did not reach the levels required for immunodetection or deposition of amyloid‐β as in the original transgenic strains, and was not associated with the development of pathological features of IBM. These negative results emphasise the potential pitfalls of re‐deriving transgenic mouse strains in different laboratories.
Use of cone beam CT in children and young people in three United Kingdom dental hospitals
Authors: Hidalgo‐Rivas Jose Alejandro , Theodorakou Chrysoula , Carmichael Fiona , Murray Brenda , Payne Martin , Horner Keith 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundThere is limited evidence about the use of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) in paediatric dentistry. Appropriate use of CBCT is particularly important because of greater radiation risks in this age group.AimTo survey the use of CBCT in children and young people in three Dental Hospitals in the United Kingdom (UK), with special attention paid to aspects of justification and optimisation.DesignRetrospective analysis of patient records over a 24‐month period, looking at CBCT examinations performed on subjects under 18 years of age. Clinical indications, region of interest, scan field of view (FoV), incidental findings and exposure factors used were recorded.ResultsThere were 294 CBCT examinations performed in this age group, representing 13.7% of all scanned patients. CBCT was used more frequently in the >13 year age group. The most common use was for localisation of unerupted teeth in the anterior maxilla and the detection of root resorption. Optimisation of X‐ray exposures did not appear to be consistent.ConclusionsWhen planning a CBCT service for children and young people, a limited FoV machine would be the appropriate choice for the majority of clinical requirements. It would facilitate clinical evaluation of scans, would limit the number of incidental findings and contribute to optimisation of radiation doses.
Improving agricultural economic efficiency in Brazil
Authors: Souza Geraldo da Silva e , Gomes Eliane Gonçalves 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this article, we use Brazilian census data (1995/1996 and 2006) to model agricultural production at the state level in Brazil. Cost‐efficiency measurements are computed using data envelopment analysis techniques, and the response is assessed via fractional regression. We examine the effects of time, geographic region, education, and investment in agricultural research on economic efficiency. We found that investment in agricultural research and regional dummies have a significant effect on efficiency measurements. On average, South and Southeast states are more efficient than other states. An increase in cost efficiency can be accomplished through investment in agricultural research.
Do Atrial Differences in Endothelial Damage, Leukocyte and Platelet Activation, or Tissue Factor Activity Contribute to Chamber‐Specific Thrombogenic Status in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation?
Authors: JESEL LAURENCE , ARENTZ THOMAS , HERRERA‐SIKLODY CLAUDIA , TRENK DIETMAR , ZOBAIRI FATIHA , ABBAS MALAK , WEBER REINHOLD , MINNERS JAN , TOTI FLORENCE , MOREL OLIVIER 
Published: October 2013

Atrial Differences in Endothelial Damage, Leukocyte and Platelet ActivationBackgroundThrombi form mainly in the left rather than the right atria of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the reason of this predilection being unknown.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether atrial‐specific differences in endothelial damage, leukocyte activation, platelet stimulation, and tissue factor activity occur in patients with AF.MethodsTwenty‐two patients (16 men, 6 women; age 56 ± 8 years; 16 paroxysmal AF, 6 persistent AF) with AF undergoing pulmonary vein isolation were investigated. Blood samples from the left and the right atrium were obtained at the start of the procedure. Microparticles (MPs) released by apoptotic/stimulated cells were measured by capture assays. Their procoagulant abilities were quantified by functional prothrombinase and tissue factor assays and their cellular origin were determined (endothelium, platelet, leukocyte). Platelet reactivity was evaluated by whole blood flow cytometry for expression of platelet P‐selectin (CD62P), active glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor (PAC‐1). Platelet aggregation was evaluated using ADP, TRAP and collagen‐induced whole blood aggregometry.ResultsThere were no atrial‐specific differences in the levels of total procoagulant MPs, leukocyte‐derived‐MPs or platelet‐derived MPs. Conversely, endothelial‐derived MPs and tissue factor activity and collagen‐induced platelet aggregation were slightly elevated in the right atrium (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur data show no evidence for increased thrombogenic status in the left atrium that would account for its greater propensity for thrombus formation in patients with AF.
The Cochrane Skin Group: a vanguard for developing and promoting evidence‐based dermatology
Authors: Reddi Anand , Prescott Laura , Doney Elizabeth , Delamere Finola , Kollipara Ramya , Dellavalle Robert P , Williams Hywel C 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThe Cochrane Skin Group (CSG) is part of the international Cochrane Collaboration (http://www.cochrane.org/). The CSG prepares, maintains and disseminates high quality evidence‐based summaries on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. We present a synopsis of the history, scope and priorities of the CSG. In addition, we report outcomes of CSG reviews and critically assess clinical value.MethodsDescriptive analysis of systematic reviews published by the CSG since its inception including output, impact factor, associated methodological studies, and influence in clinical guidelines, promoting patient and public engagement and in triggering new primary research.ResultsThe CSG started in 1997, and has published 61 reviews, 34 protocols and 31 registered titles by August 2013. The CSG scope includes 1000 skin diseases; 80% of reviews cover the top ten diagnoses and 40% of reviews provide clear guidance for clinical practice. CSG reviews had an impact factor of 6.1 in 2011 which places it alongside top dermatology journals. CSG reviews are typically broad in focus and have been shown to be of better quality than non‐Cochrane reviews. They are highly cited in clinical guidelines. Several reviews have identified evidence gaps that have led to better primary research.ConclusionsThe CSG has emerged as a vanguard of evidence‐based dermatology by growing a community interested in applying best external evidence to the care of skin patients and by identifying topics for research. CSG reviews are high impact, clinically relevant and have tangibly influenced international dermatology clinical practice guidelines and new research.