bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester inhibits nuclear factor-κB and protein kinase B signalling pathways and induces caspase-3 expression in primary human CD4+ T cells
Authors: Wang L-C , Chu K-H , Liang Y-C , Lin Y-L , Chiang B-L 
Published: January 2010

Summary
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component in propolis, is known to have anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. In this study, the effects of CAPE on the functions of primary human CD4+ T cells were evaluated in vitro. CAPE significantly suppressed interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-5 production and proliferation of CD4+ T cells stimulated by soluble anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies in both healthy subjects and asthmatic patients. CAPE inhibited nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation and protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation, but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in T cells. CAPE also induced active caspase-3 expression in CD4+ T cells; CCR4+CD4+ T cells were more sensitive to CAPE induction than CXCR3+CD4+ T cells. Together, these results indicate that CAPE inhibits cytokine production and proliferation of T cells, which might be related to the NF-κB and Akt signalling pathways, and that CCR4+CD4+ T cells are more sensitive to CAPE inhibition. This study provides a new insight into the mechanisms of CAPE for immune regulation and a rationale for the use of propolis for the treatment of allergic disorders.
High-density lipoprotein affects antigen presentation by interfering with lipid raft: a promising anti-atherogenic strategy
Authors: Wang S-H , Yuan S-G , Peng D-Q , Zhao S-P 
Published: January 2010

Summary
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Immunomodulation of atherosclerosis emerges as a promising approach to prevention and treatment of this widely prevalent disease. The function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to promote reverse cholesterol transport may explain the ability of its protection against atherosclerosis. Findings that HDL and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) inhibited the ability of antigen presenting cells (APCs) to stimulate T cells might be attributed to lipid raft, a cholesterol-rich microdomain exhibiting functional properties depending largely upon its lipid composition. Thus, modulating cholesterol in lipid raft may provide a promising anti-atherogenic strategy.
Prevention and treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis with clonotypic CDR3 peptides: CD4+ FoxP3+ T‐regulatory cells suppress interleukin‐2‐dependent expansion of myelin basic protein‐specific T cells
Authors: Buenafe Abigail C. , Andrew Shayne , Afentoulis Michael , Offner Halina , Vandenbark Arthur A. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryT‐cell receptor (TCR)‐derived peptides are recognized by the immune system and are capable of modulating autoimmune responses. Using the myelin basic protein (MBP) TCR 1501 transgenic mouse model, we demonstrated that TCR CDR3 peptides from the transgenic TCR can provide a protective effect when therapy is initiated before the induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). More importantly, TCR CDR3 peptide therapy can ameliorate the disease when administered after EAE onset. Concurrent with the therapeutic effects, we observed reduced T‐cell proliferation and reduced interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) levels in response to stimulation with MBP‐85‐99 peptide in splenocyte cultures from mice receiving TCR CDR3 peptides compared with that of control mice. Moreover, we found that Foxp3+ CD4 T cells from mice protected with TCR CDR3 peptide are preferentially expanded in the presence of IL‐2. This is supportive of a proposed mechanism where Foxp3+ T‐regulatory cells induced by therapy with MBP‐85‐99 TCR CDR3 peptides limit expansion and the encephalitogenic activity of MBP‐85‐99‐specific T cells by regulating the levels of secreted IL‐2.
Analysis of channel shapes in track membranes by scanning electron microscopy
Authors: ORELOVICH O.L. , SARTOWSKA B.A. , PRESZ A. , APEL P. YU. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryControl over pore geometry opens the way to a number of new applications of track‐etch membranes (TMs). A special method of etching was developed to produce TMs with non‐cylindrical pore profile. The direct observation of channel shape on fractures of track membranes was performed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM images of the surface and cross‐section of TMs with different pore morphology are shown. The channel diameter as a function of the depth below surface was measured and quantitative analysis was realized.
Asymmetry of the two‐beam geometry in EMCD experiments
Authors: RUSZ J. , OPPENEER P.M. , LIDBAUM H. , RUBINO S. , LEIFER K. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryWe analyse theoretically the influence of the asymmetry of the two‐beam geometry on quantitative measurements of the energy‐loss magnetic chiral dichroism. Our simulations indicate that this asymmetry is not very strong inside or close to the Thales circle, but in other regions of the diffraction plane it can hinder an accurate extraction of the orbital to spin moment ratio.
Mechanical alloying and high pressure processing of a TiAl‐V intermetallic alloy
Authors: DYMEK S. , WRÓBEL M. , WITCZAK Z. , BLICHARSKI M. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryAn alloy with a chemical composition of Ti‐45Al‐5V (at.%) was synthesized by mechanical alloying in a Szegvari‐type attritor from elemental powders of high purity. Before compaction, the powders were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning as well as transmission electron microscopy. The compaction of powders was carried out by hot isostatic pressing and hot isostatic extrusion. The resulting material was subjected to microstructural and mechanical characterization. The microstructure investigated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy supplemented by X‐ray diffraction revealed that the bulk material was composed of a mixture of TiAl‐ and Ti3Al‐based phases, however, the typical lamellar microstructure for such alloys was not observed. The materials exhibited exceptionally high yield strength together with satisfactory ductility and fracture toughness. The high strength was unequivocally due to grain refinement and the presence of oxide dispersoid.
Transmission electron microscopy study of Ar‐filled bubbles in steel
Authors: KLIMENKOV M. , LINDAU R. , MÖSLANG A. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryAr‐filled bubbles in an oxide‐dispersion‐strengthened (ODS) alloy were characterized by analytical transmission electron microscopy. Energy dispersive X‐ray analysis combined with nanoscale imaging was employed for quantitative analysis of Ar gas locked in a bubble 6 nm in size. As the Ar bubbles are formed at the ODS particles – matrix interface, the known Ti2Y2O7 composition and size of ODS particles served as a reference in quantification of the Ar signal and for the calculation of the bubble size and the Ar density inside. The Ar pressure was also calculated by modified Van der Waals equation.
Quantitative analysis and modelling of hepatic iron stores using stereology and spatial statistics
Authors: GHUGRE N.R. , GONZALEZ‐GOMEZ I. , SHIMADA H. , COATES T.D. , WOOD J.C. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryHepatic iron overload is a common clinical problem resulting from hyperabsorption syndromes and from chronic transfusion therapy. Not only does iron loading vary between reticuloendothelial stores and hepatocytes, but iron is heterogeneously distributed within hepatocytes as well. Since the accessibility of iron particles to chelation may depend, in part, on their distribution, we sought to characterize the shape and scale of iron deposition in humans with transfusional iron overload. Toward this end, we performed a histological analysis of iron stores in liver biopsy specimens of 20 patients (1.3–57.8 mg iron/g dry tissue weight) with aid of electron and light microscopy. We estimated distributions related to variability in siderosomal size, proximity of iron centres and inter‐cellular iron loading. These distributions could be well modelled by Gamma distribution functions over most of the pathologic range of iron concentrations. Thus, for a given liver iron burden, a virtual iron‐overloaded liver could be created that served as a model for the true histologic appearance. Such a model may be helpful for understanding the mechanics of iron loading or in predicting response to iron removal therapy.
Risk‐reducing mastectomy and salpingo‐oophorectomy in unaffected BRCA mutation carriers: uptake and timing*
Authors: Skytte A‐B , Gerdes A‐M , Andersen MK , Sunde L , Brøndum‐Nielsen K , Waldstrøm M , Kølvraa S , Crüger D 
Published: January 2010

Skytte A‐B, Gerdes A‐M, Andersen MK, Sunde L, Brøndum‐Nielsen K, Waldstrøm M, Kølvraa S, Crüger D. Risk‐reducing mastectomy and salpingo‐oophorectomy in unaffected BRCA mutation carriers: uptake and timing.Once female carriers of a BRCA mutation are identified they have to make decisions on risk management. The aim of this study is to outline the uptake of risk‐reducing surgery in the Danish population of BRCA mutation positive women and to search for factors affecting this decision. We analysed data from 306 healthy BRCA carriers with no personal history of ovarian or breast cancer. We found a 10‐year uptake of 75% for risk‐reducing salpingo‐oophorectomy and 50% for risk‐reducing mastectomy by time to event analysis. Age and childbirth influenced this decision. The uptake rate has not changed significantly over the last decade. Risk‐reducing surgeries are widely acceptable among Danish BRCA mutation positive women and the uptake of prophylactic mastectomy is higher than in most other countries.
Clinical and molecular aspects of aniridia
Authors: Kokotas H , Petersen MB 
Published: January 2010

Kokotas H, Petersen MB. Clinical and molecular aspects of aniridia.Aniridia is a severe, congenital ocular malformation inherited in an autosomal‐dominant fashion with high penetrance and variable expression. Eye morphogenesis in humans involves a molecular genetic cascade in which a number of developmental genes interact in a highly organized process during the embryonic period to produce functional ocular structures. Among these genes, paired box gene 6 (PAX6) has an essential role as it encodes a phylogenetically conserved transcription factor almost universally employed for eye formation in animals with bilateral symmetry, despite widely different embryological origins. To direct eye development, PAX6 regulates the tissue‐specific expression of diverse molecules, hormones, and structural proteins. In humans, PAX6 is located in chromosome 11p13, and its mutations lead to a variety of hereditary ocular malformations of the anterior and posterior segment, among which aniridia and most probably foveal hypoplasia are the major signs. Aniridia occurs due to decreased dosage of the PAX6 gene and exists in both sporadic and familial forms. The mutations are scattered throughout the gene and the vast majority of those reported so far are nonsense mutations, frameshift mutations, or splicing errors that are predicted to cause pre‐mature truncation of the PAX6 protein, causing haploinsufficiency. Here we review the data regarding the mechanisms and the mutations that relate to aniridia.
Suspected allergy to local anaesthetics: follow‐up in 135 cases
Authors: HARBOE T. , GUTTORMSEN A. B. , AAREBROT S. , DYBENDAL T. , IRGENS Å. , FLORVAAG E. 
Published: January 2010

Background: Local anaesthetics (LA) are generally considered safe with respect to allergy. However, various clinical reactions steadily occur. Even though most reactions are manifestations of reflexes to perceptive stimuli, uncertainty often remains regarding a possible allergic mechanism. This uncertainty later leads to an avoidance of local anaesthesia and unnecessarily painful interventions, resource‐consuming general anaesthesia or even the risk of re‐exposure to other yet unidentified allergens. In the present study, follow‐up procedures at an allergy clinic were analysed to examine the frequency of identified causative agents and pathogenetic mechanisms and evaluate the strength of the diagnostic conclusions.Method: The medical records of 135 cases with alleged allergic reactions to LA were reviewed. Diagnoses were based on case histories, skin tests, subcutaneous challenge tests and in vitro IgE analyses.Results: Two events (1.5%) were diagnosed as hypersensitivity to LA, articaine–adrenaline and tetracaine–adrenaline, respectively. Ten reactions (7%) were diagnosed as IgE‐mediated allergy to other substances including chlorhexidine, latex, triamcinolone and possibly hexaminolevulinate. As challenge testing was not consistently performed with the culprit LA compound, follow‐ups were short of definitely refuting hypersensitivity in 61% of the cases. The reported clinical manifestations were in general diagnostically unspecific, but itch and generalised urticaria were most frequent in test‐positive cases.Conclusion: Reactions during local anaesthesia are rarely found to be an IgE‐mediated LA allergy. Whenever the clinical picture is compatible with allergy, other allergens should also be tested.
Effect of Population Density and Female Body Size on Number and Size of Offspring in a Species with Size‐Dependent Contests over Resources
Authors: Rauter Claudia M. , Mcguire Michael J. , Gwartney Melissa M. , Space Jason E. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWhen size‐dependent contests over resources influence reproductive success, the trade‐off between number and size of offspring depends on the frequency of contests. Under these circumstances, clutch size should decrease and offspring size should increase as contests become more frequent. We tested these predictions with the burying beetleNicrophorus pustulatusthrough manipulation of rearing densities. Burying beetles reproduce on small vertebrate carcasses, a rare but high quality food source for the larvae. Large beetles are more likely to win contests over carcasses and gain exclusive access to a carcass. The winner of a contest kills eggs and larvae already present on a carcass. As a result of the rarity of carcasses, burying beetles are unlikely to breed more than once. As predicted, brood size ofN. pustulatusdecreased with increasing rearing density. Despite a negative correlation between brood size and larval mass, larval mass did not increase with increasing rearing density. This may be due to the special biology ofN. pustulatuswhich can use snake eggs for reproduction. Potentially larger supply of resources and generally small population densities ofN. pustulatusmay weaken selection on body size and thus the correlation between brood size and larval mass. As size‐dependent constraints can limit reproductive phenotypes, we examined whether female size influenced reproductive phenotype. Small females produced larger broods with smaller, but more variable, offspring than large females. Mechanical constraints of egg size seem an unlikely explanation for the differences because burying beetles can compensate for small egg size through parental care. Energetic constraints may impact small females because body mass and brood size of small females decreased with increasing density. Yet, at all density levels small females produced larger, not smaller, broods than large females. The larger and more variable broods of small females seem to be in agreement with a bet‐hedging strategy.
Patterns of Aggression and Operational Sex Ratio Within Alternative Male Phenotypes in Atlantic Salmon
Authors: Weir Laura K. , Grant James W. A. , Hutchings Jeffrey A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe intensity of male–male aggression during mating is predicted to increase with the operational sex ratio (OSR) (the ratio of sexually active males to females). We observed aggressive behaviour in relation to OSR within alternative phenotypes (large anadromous males and small ‘sneaker’ mature male parr) of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, as they competed for access to anadromous females in large outdoor arenas immediately prior to spawning events as well as throughout the spawning season. Anadromous males were primarily aggressive outside of spawning events, and their aggression increased with OSR over a narrow range of 0.08–4. By contrast, mature male parr were aggressive just prior to spawning, with a decrease in aggression over a broad range of OSRs from 1 to 7.4. Similarly, literature data for three other salmonid species indicated a decrease in aggression with increasing OSRs over a range of 1–6.33. These observations suggest that there is considerable variability in competitive behaviour, even within alternative phenotypes. Because our data are derived from repeated observations on the same individuals of different genetic origin, further confirmation of these findings is desirable. Nevertheless, our study underscores the importance of measuring competitive behaviour and OSR at ecologically relevant spatial and temporal scales, both of which may differ between alternative maturation phenotypes.
One House Two Families: Petrel Squatters Get a Sniff of Low‐Cost Breeding Opportunities
Authors: Bonadonna Francesco , Mardon Jérôme 
Published: January 2010

SummaryBurrowing is a widespread nesting behaviour, found in vertebrates and invertebrates. It is particularly common in small procellariiform seabirds such as blue petrels (Halobaena caerulea) and Antarctic prions (Pachyptila desolata), two closely related petrel species. However, digging a burrow is costly and alternative strategies may evolve. Accordingly, blue petrel males can adopt two alternative nesting strategies: digging a new burrow or squatting in an empty one. Importantly, a blue petrel squatter arriving at the colony to breed is more likely to find empty Antarctic prion burrows than empty blue petrel burrows, since the former species only start breeding a month later. However, squatting in a prion’s burrow is risky for blue petrels as the legitimate owner very often returns and claims the burrow back, thus ruining the squatter’s breeding attempt. We present here results of a survey of two sympatric colonies of blue petrels and Antarctic prions on Kerguelen Island. Our data show that blue petrel squatters preferentially occupy blue petrel empty burrows. To investigate potential underlying mechanisms behind this preference, we used a simple Y‐maze design to show that blue petrels can discriminate and prefer their specific odour over the prion odour. Our results confirm the existence of alternative burrowing strategies in blue petrels and suggest that squatters could use olfaction to avoid the less suitable Antarctic prion burrows.
Avoidance of Filial Cannibalism in the AmphipodGammarus pulex
Authors: Lewis Susan E. , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Lagerstrom Erin K. , Clarke Hazel C. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAdult animals that cannibalise juvenile conspecifics may gain energy but also risk filial cannibalism, that is, consumption of their own offspring. However, individuals vary in the magnitude of the costs and benefits of cannibalism depending on factors such as their current energy reserves or the probability that they have offspring in the vicinity. They may therefore also vary in the extent to which they participate in cannibalism. This study investigated whether the sex or brooding status of adult amphipods (Gammarus pulex) influenced whether they participated in cannibalism of juveniles. For females carrying embryos within their brood pouch, we also investigated two hypotheses to explain the presence or absence of cannibalistic behaviour by determining whether cannibalism was correlated with factors that might reflect energy demands (body length, brood size), or that might reflect a temporal change in cannibalistic behaviour (corresponding to stage of brood development). All reproductive classes of adults participated in some level of juvenile cannibalism, but females carrying offspring at an advanced stage of development (close to emergence from the brood pouch) consumed significantly fewer juveniles than other groups. Females thus appear to significantly reduce cannibalism of juveniles concurrent with the time when their own eggs are hatching within the brood pouch, prior to the release of their offspring. Because the experiment tested female responses to unfamiliar juveniles, this reflects a temporal change in behaviour rather than a response to phenotypic recognition cues, although additional direct recognition cannot be ruled out. Brooding females with large brood sizes or large body lengths, which might have disproportionately greater energetic demands, were not more likely to cannibalise juveniles. We also noted that juveniles that survived in trials where cannibalism occurred were significantly more likely to be found at the water surface, suggesting a possible adaptation to escape cannibalistic adults. Overall, our results provide evidence that amphipods use indirect temporal cues to avoid filial cannibalism.
Size‐Assortative Shoaling in the Guppy (Poecilia reticulata): The Role of Active Choice
Authors: Jones Katherine A. , Croft Darren P. , Ramnarine Indar W. , Godin Jean‐Guy J. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractMany fish species exhibit size‐assortative shoaling, which is often thought to be driven by predation risk. Recent fieldwork has revealed that guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are more size assorted in high‐predation populations than in low‐predation ones. However, size assortment does nonetheless occur in some low‐predation populations, suggesting that predation is unlikely the sole driving force behind size‐assortment. Here, we investigated in the laboratory the potential role of active choice in size‐assortative shoaling in wild‐caught female guppies originating from two populations of the same river system in Trinidad. Small or large focal females from each population were offered a binary choice of shoaling with either four small female conspecifics or four large ones. Observed shoaling preferences depended on the body size of the focal fish, suggesting phenotype‐mediated conflict over group composition. Large focal fish preferred to shoal with the size‐matched stimulus shoal of large fish. In contrast, small focal fish did not shoal assortatively but also preferred to shoal with larger females. Our results suggest that size‐assortative shoaling in female guppies is likely to be due to factors other than active choice, such as habitat segregation and sexual harassment.
Impact of health literacy and patient trust on glycemic control in an urban USA population
Authors: Mancuso Josephine M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractDiabetes, with its consequences of premature death, complications, and economic costs, is a precursor to a public health crisis that is expected to worsen over the next several decades. The improvement of diabetes outcomes, specifically glycemic control as measured by glycosylated hemoglobin concentration (HbA1c), can impact this critical situation. A quantitative study was conducted that examined health literacy and patient trust as predictors of glycemic control. The related factors of demographics, socioeconomic status, diabetes knowledge, self‐care activities, and depression were also considered. Implementing a cross‐sectional, predictive design, a convenience sample of 102 patients with diabetes was recruited from two urban primary care clinics in the USA. A simultaneous multiple regression was conducted. The regression analysis was significant, with patient trust and depression accounting for 28.5% of the variance in HbA1c. There was a significant positive relationship between socioeconomic status and health literacy and between diabetes knowledge and health literacy. The results support promotion of the patient–provider relationship, depression screening among individuals with diabetes, and exploration of new strategies for diabetes education. Future research is needed to advance the framework, ascertain which factors engender patient trust, and determine the role of health literacy in glycemic control.