bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host lung immunity is severely compromised during tropical pulmonary eosinophilia: role of lung eosinophils and macrophages
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Sharma Aditi , Vishwakarma Achchhe Lal , Agnihotri Promod Kumar , Sharma Sharad , Srivastava Mrigank 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Eosinophils play a central role in the pathogenesis of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, a rare, but fatal, manifestation of filariasis. However, no exhaustive study has been done to identify the genes and proteins of eosinophils involved in the pathogenesis of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia. In the present study, we established a mouse model of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia that mimicked filarial manifestations of human tropical pulmonary eosinophilia pathogenesis and used flow cytometry-assisted cell sorting and real-time RT-PCR to study the gene expression profile of flow-sorted, lung eosinophils and lung macrophages during tropical pulmonary eosinophilia pathogenesis. Our results show that tropical pulmonary eosinophilia mice exhibited increased levels of IL-4, IL-5, CCL5, and CCL11 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung parenchyma along with elevated titers of IgE and IgG subtypes in the serum. Alveolar macrophages from tropical pulmonary eosinophilia mice displayed decreased phagocytosis, attenuated nitric oxide production, and reduced T-cell proliferation capacity, and FACS-sorted lung eosinophils from tropical pulmonary eosinophilia mice upregulated transcript levels of ficolin A and anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2, but proapoptotic genes Bim and Bax were downregulated. Similarly, flow-sorted lung macrophages upregulated transcript levels of TLR-2, TLR-6, arginase-1, Ym-1, and FIZZ-1 but downregulated nitric oxide synthase-2 levels, signifying their alternative activation. Taken together, we show that the pathogenesis of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia is marked by functional impairment of alveolar macrophages, alternative activation of lung macrophages, and upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes by eosinophils. These events combine together to cause severe lung inflammation and compromised lung immunity. Therapeutic interventions that can boost host immune response in the lungs might thus provide relief to patients with tropical pulmonary eosinophilia.
The Healthy Activity Program lay counsellor delivered treatment for severe depression in India: Systematic development and randomised evaluation
Authors: Chowdhary Neerja , Anand Arpita , Dimidjian Sona , Shinde Sachin , Weobong Benedict , Balaji Madhumitha , Hollon Steven D. , Rahman Atif , Wilson G. Terence , Verdeli Helena , Araya Ricardo , King Michael , Jordans Mark J. D. , Fairburn Christopher , Kirkwood Betty , Patel Vikram 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundReducing the global treatment gap for mental disorders requires treatments that are economical, effective and culturally appropriate.AimsTo describe a systematic approach to the development of a brief psychological treatment for patients with severe depression delivered by lay counsellors in primary healthcare.MethodThe treatment was developed in three stages using a variety of methods: (a) identifying potential strategies; (b) developing a theoretical framework; and (c) evaluating the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the psychological treatment.ResultsThe Healthy Activity Program (HAP) is delivered over 6–8 sessions and consists of behavioral activation as the core psychological framework with added emphasis on strategies such as problem-solving and activation of social networks. Key elements to improve acceptability and feasibility are also included. In an intention-to-treat analysis of a pilot randomised controlled trial (55 participants), the prevalence of depression (Beck Depression Inventory II ⩾19) after 2 months was lower in the HAP than the control arm (adjusted risk ratio = 0.55, 95% CI 0.32–0.94, P = 0.01).ConclusionsOur systematic approach to the development of psychological treatments could be extended to other mental disorders. HAP is an acceptable and effective brief psychological treatment for severe depression delivered by lay counsellors in primary care.
Long-Acting PASylated Leptin Ameliorates Obesity by Promoting Satiety and Preventing Hypometabolism in Leptin-Deficient Lepob/ob Mice
Authors: Bolze Florian , Morath Volker , Bast Andrea , Rink Nadine , Schlapschy Martin , Mocek Sabine , Skerra Arne , Klingenspor Martin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBody weight loss of Lepob/ob mice in response to leptin is larger than expected from the reduction in energy intake alone, suggesting a thermogenic action of unknown magnitude. We exploited the superior pharmacological properties of a novel long-acting leptin prepared via PASylation to study the contribution of its anorexigenic and thermogenic effects. PASylation, the genetic fusion of leptin with a conformationally disordered polypeptide comprising 600 Pro/Ala/Ser (PAS) residues, provides a superior way to increase the hydrodynamic volume of the fusion protein, thus retarding kidney filtration and extending plasma half-life. Here a single PAS(600)-leptin injection (300 pmol/g) resulted in a maximal weight reduction of 21% 6 days after application. The negative energy balance of 300 kJ/(4 d) was driven by a decrease in energy intake, whereas energy expenditure remained stable. Mice that were food restricted to the same extent showed an energy deficit of only 220 kJ/(4 d) owing to recurring torpor bouts. Therefore, the anorexigenic effect of PAS(600)-leptin contributes 75% to weight loss, whereas the thermogenic action accounts for 25% by preventing hypometabolism. In a second experiment, just four injections of PAS(600)-leptin (100 pmol/g) administered in 5- to 6-day intervals rectified the Lepob/ob phenotype. In total, 16 nmol of PAS(600)-leptin per mouse triggered a weight loss of 43% within 20 days and normalized hypothermia and glucose homeostasis as well as hepatic steatosis. The beneficial properties of PAS(600)-leptin are substantiated by a comparison with previous studies in which approximately 400 nmol (∼25-fold) unmodified leptin was mandatory to achieve similar improvements.
Epigenetic regulator Lid maintains germline stem cells through regulating JAK-STAT signaling pathway activity
Authors: Tarayrah Lama , Li Yuping , Gan Qiang , Chen Xin 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTSignaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms have both been shown to play essential roles in regulating stem cell activity. While the role of either mechanism in this regulation is well established in multiple stem cell lineages, how the two mechanisms interact to regulate stem cell activity is not as well understood. Here we report that in the Drosophila testis, an H3K4me3-specific histone demethylase encoded by little imaginal discs (lid) maintains germline stem cell (GSC) mitotic index and prevents GSC premature differentiation. Lid is required in germ cells for proper expression of the Stat92E transcription factor, the downstream effector of the Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway. Our findings support a germ cell autonomous role for the JAK-STAT pathway in maintaining GSCs and place Lid as an upstream regulator of this pathway. Our study provides new insights into the biological functions of a histone demethylase in vivo and sheds light on the interaction between epigenetic mechanisms and signaling pathways in regulating stem cell activities.
Cleanliness is next to godliness: mechanisms for staying clean
Authors: Amador Guillermo J. , Hu David L. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTGetting dirty is a fundamental problem, and one for which there are few solutions, especially across the enormous range of animal size. How do both a honeybee and a squirrel get clean? In this Review, we discuss two broad types of cleaning, considered from the viewpoint of energetics. Non-renewable cleaning strategies rely upon the organism as an energy source. Examples include grooming motions, wet-dog shaking or the secretion of chemicals. Renewable cleaning strategies depend on environmental sources of energy, such as the use of eyelashes to redirect incoming wind and so reduce deposition onto the eye. Both strategies take advantage of body hair to facilitate cleaning, and honeybees and squirrels, for example, each have around 3 million hairs. This hair mat increases the area on which particles can land by a factor of 100, but also suspends particles above the body, reducing their adhesion and facilitating removal. We hope that the strategies outlined here will inspire energy-efficient cleaning strategies in synthetic systems.
The rectal complex and Malpighian tubules of the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni): regional variations in Na+ and K+ transport and cation reabsorption by secondary cells
Authors: O'Donnell Michael J. , Ruiz-Sanchez Esau 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT
In larvae of most Lepidoptera the distal ends of the Malpighian tubules are closely applied to the rectal epithelia and are ensheathed within the perinephric membrane, thus forming the rectal complex. The cryptonephric Malpighian tubules within the rectal complex are bathed in fluid within a functional compartment, the perinephric space, which is separate from the haemolymph. In this study, the scanning ion-selective electrode technique (SIET) was used to measure transport of Na+ and K+ across the rectal complex and across multiple regions of the Malpighian tubules of larvae of the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni. Measurements were made in an intact preparation in which connections of the tubules upstream to the rectal complex and downstream to the urinary bladder and gut remained intact. SIET measurements revealed reabsorption of Na+ and K+ across the intact rectal complex and into the bath (haemolymph), with K+ fluxes approximately twice as large as those of Na+. Analyses of fluxes in larvae with empty guts, found in recently moulted larvae, versus those with full guts highlighted differences in the rates of K+ or Na+ transport within tubule regions that appeared morphologically homogeneous, such as the rectal lead. The distal rectal lead of larvae with empty guts reabsorbed K+, whereas the same region secreted K+ in tubules of larvae with full guts. SIET measurements of the ileac plexus also indicated a novel role for secondary (type II) cells in cation reabsorption. Secondary cells reabsorb K+, whereas the adjacent principal (type I) cells secrete K+. Na+ is reabsorbed by both principal and secondary cells, but the rate of reabsorption by the secondary cells is approximately twice the rate in the adjacent principal cells.
Long‐Acting Reversible Contraceptives for Incarcerated Women: Feasibility and Safety of On‐Site Provision
Authors: Sufrin Carolyn , Oxnard Tianyi , Goldenson Joe , Simonson Kristin , Jackson Andrea 
Published: October 2015

CONTEXTMany incarcerated women have an unmet need for contraception. Providing access to long‐acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods—IUDs and implants—before release is one strategy to meet this need and potentially prepare them for reentry to the community, but the safety and feasibility of providing these methods in this setting have not been described.METHODSA retrospective descriptive study of all LARC insertions at the San Francisco County Jail in 2009–2014 was conducted. Data from community clinic and jail clinic databases were assessed to examine baseline characteristics of LARC initiators, complications from insertion, method continuation, and pregnancy and reincarceration rates. Correlates of method discontinuation were assessed in multivariate logistic regression analyses.RESULTSEighty‐seven LARC devices were inserted during the study period—53 IUDs and 34 implants. There were no cases of pelvic inflammatory disease or other insertion complications in IUD users and no serious complications in implant users. Median duration of known use was 11.4 months for IUDs and 12.9 months for implants. Women who discontinued a LARC method most commonly cited a desire to get pregnant (32%). Black women were more likely than whites to discontinue use (odds ratio, 4.4).CONCLUSIONSIt is safe and feasible to provide LARC methods to incarcerated women. Correctional facilities should consider increasing access to all available contraceptives, including LARC methods, in a noncoercive manner as a strategy to reduce reproductive health disparities among marginalized women at high risk of unplanned pregnancies.
Selected Properties Of Thermally Sprayed Oxide Ceramic Coatings
Authors: Czupryński A. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
The article presents the results of the study on exploitation properties of flame sprayed ceramic coatings produced by oxide ceramic material in the form of powder on the aluminum oxide Al2O3 matrix with 3% titanium oxide TiO2 addition and also on the zirconium oxide (ZrO2) matrix with 30% calcium oxide (CaO) on the substrate of unalloyed structural steel of S235JR grade. As a primer powder, metallic powder on the base of Ni-Al-Mo has been applied. Plates with dimensions of 5×200×300 mm and also front surfaces of ∅40×50 mm cylinders have been flame sprayed. Spraying of primer coating has been done using RotoTec 80 torch and external specific coating has been done with CastoDyn DS 8000 torch. Investigations of coating properties are based on metallography tests, phase composition research, measurement of microhardness, coating adhesion to the ground research (acc. to EN 582:1996 standard), abrasive wear resistance (acc. to ASTM G65 standard) and erosion wear resistance (acc. to ASTM G76-95 standard) and thermal stroke study. Performed tests have shown that the flame spraying with 97%Al2O3 powder containing 3% TiO2 and also by the powder based on zirconium oxide (ZrO2) containing 30% calcium oxide (CaO) performed in a wide range of technological parameters allow to obtain high quality ceramic coatings with thickness up to ca. 500 μm on a steel substrate. The primer coating sprayed with the Ni-Al-Mo powder to the steel substrate and external coatings sprayed has the of mechanical bonding character. The coatings are characterized by high adhesion to the substrate and also high erosion and abrasive wear resistance and the resistance for cyclic thermal stroke.
Biomechanical Analysis Of The Intervertebral Disc Implant Using The Finite Element Method
Authors: Kajzer W. , Kajzer A. , Pindycki I. 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Dysfunctions of the vertebral column belong to a group of civilisation diseases and they affect approximately 80% of population. The underlying cause is modern (sedentary) lifestyle, low locomotive activity of people and frequent motor vehicle and sports accidents. Despite civilisation’s progress, no injury prophylactics or prevention of dysfunctions of the vertebral column have been introduced. The key element influencing function of the vertebral column is the intervertebral disc. It enables multidimensional movements and constitutes a basic connective element between the joints of the vertebral column. It also enables performing basic daily activities. Acting as a “damper”, it cushions vibrations and transmits loads between the vertebrae. One of the diseases affecting the intervertebral disc is discopathy. This is the most common degenerative disease, which can be treated by both conservative and surgical treatment. After removal of the damaged disc, it can be replaced by an adequate implant, which will assume its function. The implant will be expected to restore the vertebral column motor function, as well as to eliminate the pain resulting from compression of the spine caused by the damaged disc.
This paper presents a biomechanical analysis using the finite element method for the L2-L3 vertebrae system with natural intervertebral disc, and the L2-L3 – implant of the intervertebral disc system. Two cases of the system vertebrae-implant were analysed which differed in the placement of the artificial disc in the intervertebral space. Within the conducted analysis, the state of displacement, strain and stress of reduced analysed systems and their individual elements was determined. A comparative analysis of the results and calculations was performed, also conclusions and observations were formulated, constituting a starting point for building more advanced calculation models and further analyses of such implants.
Symphyotrichum ciliatum an Invasive Species in the Romanian Flora – Contributions to the Knowledge of the Vegetative Organs Structure
Authors: Sârbu Anca , Smarandache Daniela 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Symphyotrichum ciliatum (Ledeb.) G.L. Nesom is an adventive plant first reported in Romania in 1967, which has spread rapidly over the last few decades in Moldova, Muntenia and, more recently, in Transylvania. Although the species has been known for a while in Europe and Romania, there is no information about the anatomy of the vegetative organs of this invasive taxon. This paper presents a series of structural aspects of the vegetative body, of Symphyotrichum ciliatum collected from a sandy and salty substrate (Sacalin Island - Danube Delta). These demonstrate the ability of this plant to adapt to the environment and its capacity to achieve a wide spread. As such, although this plant is an annual species, the root and stem achieve secondary growth in their width, which offers robustness to the corm; the palisade tissue has an ecvifacial disposition which enhances efficiency in capturing light, especially on sandy soil that reflects light; there are aeriferous and aquiferous formations that ensure efficiency in adapting to a wet and relatively salty environment. These results are documented by original photographs of optical microscopy and a distribution map of the taxon in Romania as at 2011.
Differentiation of the concentration of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants in lake sediments depending on the catchment management (Lake Gopło case study)
Authors: Juśkiewicz Włodzimierz , Marszelewski Włodzimierz , Tylmann Wojciech 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
This paper presents the results of the study on the concentration of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including PAHs and PCBs, in the bottom sediments of Lake Gopło. This lake is significantly elongated (about 25 km); its longitudinal profile is diversified, and there are deeps and thresholds impeding the flow of water. The shoreline is varied, which is characteristic of tunnel valley lakes. The catchment has a typical agricultural character with a point arrangement of industrial centres. The analysis of the diversity of the concentration of heavy metals and POPs was based on 37 samples from two representative cores: one collected in the northern part of the lake, the catchment of which shows an industrial character, and the second one in the southern part where the catchment is agricultural in character.
In the sediments, the content of the following heavy metals was analysed: Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, Cr, Hg and As, as well as PAHs and PCBs. The sediment age was determined by the 210Pb dating method. In order to assess the contamination level of the bottom sediments with heavy metals, the contamination factor (CF) and degree of contamination (DC) were calculated. Moreover, the impact of the changes in the catchment’s land use over the past 100 years was determined. The results showed that the sediments from the industrial part of the lake significantly exceed the geochemical background for both the heavy metals from the group identified as industrial pollution and from the group of agricultural pollutants. The southern core shows only a slight increase in the amount of pollution from the agricultural group, lack of industrial pollution and a low degree of contamination. A slight increase in persistent organic pollutants is also recorded, without any apparent effect on the state of the deposited sediment. The 210PB dating enabled the main stages of human impact to be determined: the pre-industrial revolution, from the beginning of industrialisation to the 1950s, intensive human impact from the 1960s to the 1980s, and a gradual decrease in the human impact starting from the 1990s. In addition, attention was paid to the changing sedimentation rate.
The morphology of the Luciąża River valley floor in the vicinity of the Rozprza medieval ring-fort in light of geophysical survey
Authors: Kittel Piotr , Sikora Jerzy , Wroniecki Piotr 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Multidisciplinary research (including magnetic survey, earth resistance survey, geological mapping, detailed archaeological surface survey and geochemical prospection) was undertaken on an area of about 0.7–9.0 hectares (depending on the method) in the close surroundings of the medieval ring-fort relicts in central Poland. The geophysical studies of the vicinity of the Rozprza ring-fort were part of a multi-method complementary non-destructive archaeological survey. The ring-fort is situated in the Luciąża River (Vistula River basin) valley floor and the flood plain morphology is very important for the reconstruction of palaeoenvironmental conditions of settlement location. Results of aerial photographs and geophysical prospection allowed the discovery of traces of sub-fossil palaeomeanders of different sizes as well as relicts of archaeological features (system of ramparts and moats). It was possible due to the application of high resolution archaeo-geophysical surveys. Both natural structures and also anthropogenic features registered with geophysics have been verified by geological sounding. The surface geology structure of the close vicinity of the ring-fort has been recognised in detail and selected organic deposits of palaeochannel fills and overbank covers have been 14C dated. The Rozprza ring-fort was situated in a defensive location on the surface of a sandy terrace remnant in the central part of a (partly) swampy valley floor. The accumulation of recorded fills of palaeochannels and moats covers the whole Holocene, as documented by 14C data. It gives the possibility for future detailed palaeoenvironmental studies. The results of geophysical studies, due to their known precise location, allow the effective planning of further research activities, both archaeological and palaeoenvironmental.