bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating production risks for wheat producers in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Wang Ke 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the production risk for winter wheat producers in Beijing, China, particularly in its 13 districts.Design/methodology/approachA parametric approach is used to model wheat‐yield distribution for samples and the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test is used to choose the most appropriate yield distribution. Parameters of the special yield distribution are estimated through the maximum likelihood estimation approach.FindingsThe Burr distribution is found to be the most appropriate parametric distribution to model winter wheat‐production risks for the districts of Beijing, except in the districts of Fengtai and Shunyi. Findings also show that the Johnson family distribution is the most appropriate model for these two districts (SB for the Fengtai District and SU for the Shunyi District). The wheat‐production loss ratios of the Beijing districts are between 6 and 15 percent, which is considered medium range in most regions. The highest production risks are located in the Western regions of Beijing (Mentougou and Fengtai) while the lowest production risk is located in the Southeastern region of Beijing (Daxing District).Originality/valueTo generate an objective yield trend and an accurate production risk assessment, linear moving average, instead of linear (or quadratic) regression, is used in this paper.
Do anxiety and depression have a common pathophysiological mechanism?
Authors: Boyer P. 
Published: May 2010

Objective: To review, examine and propose a common mechanism for anxiety and depression based on modifications observed in neurotransmitter systems (mainly noradrenergic and serotonergic) and dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Method: The relevant papers were identified by searches in Medline, Excerpta Medica, PsychLIT and other databases. The primary reports were reviewed and classified into animal and human data concerning: modifications of the monoamine receptors in anxiety and depression, pathophysiology of endocrine factors in anxiety and depression, patho‐physiology of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the pathophysiology of the HPA dysregulation in anxiety and in depression. In addition, a proposed model of a neuroendocrine continuum for anxiety and depression, in which anxiety occurs first during the life course and major depressive episodes occur later, was examined. Results: Based on the available literature, increased concentrations of corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) in the cerebrospinal fluid has been reported in both anxiety and depression. However, release of other peptides or hormones of the HPA axis is regulated differently in the two disorders. Anxiety is characterized by hypocortisolemia, supersuppression after dexamethasone and increased numbers of glucocorticoid receptors, whereas depression is characterized by hypercortisolemia, non‐suppression after dexamethasone and decreased numbers of gluco‐corticoid receptors. A ‘neuroendocrine continuum’ model is proposed to explain these differences. A general desensitization of CRF receptors at pituitary, limbic (amygdala) and cortical as well as hippocampal levels could be secondary to the loss of hippocampal inhibition resulting from hippocampal damage linked to repeated stressing events. Conclusion: The proposed hypothesis remains to be tested by examination of either the changes in receptors and neurotransmission or the mech‐anisms underlying the dysregulation of endocrine factors.
Venlafaxine XR in the treatment of anxiety
Authors: Hackett D. 
Published: May 2010

Objective: To present the results of numerous studies that assessed the efficacy, safety and tolerability of venlafaxine extended release (XR) in treating anxiety disorders, particularly generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Method: Efficacy was assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, Clinical Global Impressions scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and other instruments. Standard safety and tolerability assessments were used. Results: In four placebo‐controlled trials, venlafaxine XR was effective and well tolerated in patients with GAD. Several additional smaller studies found venlafaxine XR effective in treating anxiety associated with social phobia, obsessive‐compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Conclusion: Venlafaxine XR has both short‐ and long‐term efficacy and tolerability in treating symptoms of long‐term anxiety and comorbid anxiety and depression, and in achieving remission in GAD patients. These characteristics, combined with early onset of anxiolytic action and dose–response effect, make it a logical choice for treating anxiety occurring alone or comorbidly with depression.
The European Service Mapping Schedule (ESMS): development of an instrumentfor the description and classificationof mental health services
Authors: Johnson S. , Kuhlmann R. ,   EPCAT group
Published: May 2010

Objective: This paper describes the development of an instrument for description and classification of mental health services and for measurement of service use. Purposes to be served by the instrument include: (i) identification of gaps in the spectrum of services in a catchment area; (ii) obtaining background information which may be important to understanding why apparently similar interventions lead to different outcomes in different areas; (iii) investigating how introduction of a particular type of service influences use of other local services; and (iv) understanding the relationship between sociodemographic factors and service use. Method: The instrument was developed through meetings of an international expert panel and pilot stages in several European countries. Results: Use of the European Mapping Service Mapping Schedule (ESMS) appears feasible in several countries and allowed description and classification of the full range of services identified within each of the study catchment areas. Conclusion: The ESMS promises to fill a gap in the technology available for mental health services research. Further practical experiences of its use for a variety of purposes in a variety of settings are now needed to indicate how far the ESMS does successfully generate data which are useful to researchers and planners.
The influence of citalopram on interdigestive gastrointestinal motility in man
Authors: Janssen P. , Vos R. , Tack J. 
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther2010;32:289–295SummaryBackground Administration of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5HT) and selective 5HT receptor ligands modifies interdigestive motility in animals and in man.Aim To study the effect of citalopram, a selective 5‐HT reuptake inhibitor, on interdigestive motility in man.Methods In 20 healthy subjects, antroduodenojejunal motor activity was studied manometrically. Basal interdigestive motor activity was recorded until the passage of two activity fronts. Ten minutes after the second activity front, placebo or 20 mg of citalopram was administered intravenously in a double‐blind randomized fashion. Recording continued until the passage of two more activity fronts had occurred.Results Administration of citalopram induced a premature small intestinal phase 3 after 35 ± 6.4 min, compared to 120 ± 17 min after placeboP < 0.01. Citalopram shortened MMC cycle length at the expense of phase 1 and phase 2 and significantly increased the motility index during phase 2 in the antrum and the small intestine.Conclusions In the interdigestive state in man, intravenous administration of the selective 5‐HT reuptake inhibitor citalopram induces a premature intestinal phase 3 and suppresses gastric activity fronts. Phase 2 motility is stimulated both in the stomach and in the small bowel after citalopram. These data suggest that 5HT is involved in the control of interdigestive motility.
Various effects of different probiotic strains in allergic disorders: an update from laboratory and clinical data
Authors: Özdemir Ö 
Published: May 2010

SummaryEpidemiological data show that allergic children have a different intestinal flora from healthy children with higher levels of Clostridia and lower levels of Bifidobacteria. Nonetheless, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli are found more commonly in the composition of the intestinal flora of non-allergic children. Probiotics are ingested live microbes that can modify intestinal microbial populations in a way that benefits the host and they are represented mainly by Lactobacilli. Enhanced presence of probiotic bacteria in the intestinal microbiota is found to correlate with protection against atopy. There is also very promising evidence to recommend the addition of probiotics to foods for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases. Clinical improvement, especially in allergic rhinitis and immunoglobulin (Ig)E-sensitized (atopic) eczema, has been reported in most of the published studies. However, clinical benefit of probiotic therapy depends upon numerous factors, such as type of bacterium, dosing regimen, delivery method and other underlying host factors, e.g. the age and diet of the host. Selection of the most beneficial probiotic strain, the dose and the timing of supplementation still need to be determined. This review helps understanding of the role of probiotics in various allergic diseases, explaining laboratory and clinical data in light of recent literature.
A role for human endogenous retrovirus-K (HML-2) in rheumatoid arthritis: investigating mechanisms of pathogenesis
Authors: Freimanis G , Hooley P , Ejtehadi H Davari , Ali H A , Veitch A , Rylance P B , Alawi A , Axford J , Nevill A , Murray P G , Nelson P N 
Published: May 2010

Summary
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections within the human genome. These molecular fossils draw parallels with present-day exogenous retroviruses and have been linked previously with immunopathology within rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Mechanisms of pathogenesis for HERV-K in RA such as molecular mimicry were investigated. To clarify a role for HERVs in RA, potential autoantigens implicated in autoimmunity were scanned for sequence identity with retroviral epitopes. Short retroviral peptides modelling shared epitopes were synthesized, to survey anti-serum of RA patients and disease controls. A novel real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was also developed to quantify accurately levels of HERV-K (HML-2) gag expression, relative to normalized housekeeping gene expression. Both serological and molecular assays showed significant increases in HERV-K (HML-2) gag activity in RA patients, compared to disease controls. The real-time PCR assay identified significant up-regulation in HERV-K mRNA levels in RA patients compared to inflammatory and healthy controls. Exogenous viral protein expression and proinflammatory cytokines were also shown to exert modulatory effects over HERV-K (HML-2) transcription. From our data, it can be concluded that RA patients exhibited significantly elevated levels of HERV-K (HML-2) gag activity compared to controls. Additional factors influencing HERV activity within the synovium were also identified. The significant variation in RA patients, both serologically and transcriptionally, may be an indication that RA is an umbrella term for a number of separate disease entities, of which particular HERV polymorphisms may play a role in development.
Ketamine reduces inducible superoxide generation in human neutrophilsin vitroby modulating the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated pathway
Authors: Lu Huang-Wei , He Guan-Nan , Ma Hong , Wang Jun-Ke 
Published: May 2010

SummaryMany cellular stresses and inflammatory stimuli can activate p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), a serine/threonine kinase in the MAPK family. The different stimuli act via different receptors or signalling pathways to induce phosphorylation of the cytosolic protein p47phox, one subunit of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. Formyl–methionyl–leucyl–phenylalanine (fMLP) has been shown to induce the p38 MAPK phosphorylation during the respiratory burst in human neutrophils. Here, we show that treatment with S(+)-ketamine or R(-)-ketamine at different concentrations (50, 100, 200, 400 µM) reduced fMLP-induced superoxide anion generation and p47phox phosphorylation in neutrophils in a concentration-dependent manner (y = −0·093x + 93·35 for S(+)-ketamine and y = −0·0982x + 95·603 for R(-)-ketamine, respectively). While treatment with 50 µM ketamine inhibited fMLP-induced superoxide generation by 10%, treatment with 400 µM S(+)-ketamine and R(-)-ketamine reduced fMLP-induced superoxide generation to 60·5 ± 8·3% and 60·0 ± 8·5%, respectively, compared with that in neutrophils treated with fMLP alone. Furthermore, treatment with ketamine down-regulated both fMLP-induced p47phox and isoproterenol-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation and superoxide production. Interestingly, treatment with SB203580, the p38 MAPK inhibitor, also mitigated fMLP-induced superoxide anion generation and p38 MAPK and p47phox phosphorylation as well as apoptosis in a concentration-dependent fashion in neutrophils. Therefore, ketamine racemes inhibited fMLP-induced superoxide anion generation and p47phox phosphorylation by modulating fMLP-mediated p38 MAPK activation in neutrophils.
Altered expression of signalling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family receptors CS1 (CD319) and 2B4 (CD244) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kim J R , Mathew S O , Patel R K , Pertusi R M , Mathew P A 
Published: May 2010

SummaryCS1 (CRACC, CD319) and 2B4 (CD244), members of the signalling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family receptors, regulate various immune functions. Genes encoding SLAM family receptors are located at 1q23, implicated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we have investigated the expression and alternative splicing of CS1 and 2B4 in immune cells from SLE patients. The surface expression of CS1 and 2B4 on total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), T, B, natural killer (NK) cells and monocytes in 45 patients with SLE and 30 healthy individuals was analysed by flow cytometry. CS1-positive B cell population was increased significantly in SLE patients. Because CS1 is a self-ligand and homophilic interaction of CS1 induces B cell proliferation and autocrine cytokine secretion, this could account for autoreactive B cell proliferation in SLE. The proportion of NK cells and monocytes expressing 2B4 on their surface was significantly lower in patients with SLE compared to healthy controls. Our study demonstrated altered expression of splice variants of CS1 and 2B4 that mediate differential signalling in PBMC from patients with SLE.
Dietetic students’ performance of activities in an objective structured clinical examination
Authors: Lambert L. , Pattison D. J. , De Looy A. E. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackground: Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) have been used to assess the key clinical skills of many health professions; however, this form of assessment is not reported to have been used extensively for dietetic students. The present study explored which key dietetic skills could be assessed by an OSCE and which activity students performed best.Methods: An OSCE of six activities, two involving simulated patients, was developed to assess key dietetic clinical skills. Thirty‐five level two dietetic students undertook the OSCE, which was marked using structured marking tools. A self‐administered questionnaire was also used to obtain data concerning student’s opinion on the OSCE process and the time allowed for each activity.Results: Six activities were incorporated into the OSCE, involving communication, discriminatory and interpretation and food knowledge skills. The OSCE activity students performed least well involved knowledge of portion sizes and the carbohydrate content of specific foods. The activities that students performed best were the two activities in which mainly communication skills were assessed in simulated dietetic consultations using actors as standardised patients.Conclusions: A dietetic OSCE was generally positively accepted by the students and offers a very effect form of assessment of key dietetic skills. Students performed better at activities requiring communication skills than those requiring greater discriminatory and interpretation and food knowledge skills. Students’ food knowledge skills require reinforcing to ensure that they acquire the knowledge and skills that are unique to dietitians.
Association between IL‐17F Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to and Severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Authors: Paradowska‐Gorycka A. , Wojtecka‐Lukasik E. , Trefler J. , Wojciechowska B. , Lacki J. K. , Maslinski S. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractInterleukin‐17F (IL‐17F) is a novel proinflammatory cytokine. IL‐17F gene is an excellent candidate for chronic inflammatory disease. We investigated the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and His161Arg (7488A/G; rs763780) and Glu126Gly (7383A/G; rs2397084) polymorphism of IL‐17F gene. The gene polymorphisms in 220 Polish patients with RA and 106 healthy subjects were amplified by polymerase chain reaction with restriction endonuclease mapping. Overall, the polymorphisms of the IL‐17F gene were not correlated with susceptibility to RA in Polish population. However, the IL‐17F His161Arg variant was associated with parameters of disease activity, such as number of tender joints, HAQ score or DAS‐28‐CRP. Moreover, our findings have shown that Glu126Gly IL‐17F gene polymorphism may be correlated with longer disease duration in patients with RA. Our results for the first time showed the relationship between IL‐17F gene polymorphisms and severity of RA.
Inhibition of Alloantigen‐Primed Memory CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells by Hematopoietic Chimerism in Mice
Authors: Lan T. , Chen J. , Xia J. , Wang Y. , Xie B. , Wang F. , Qi Z. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractDonor‐reactive memory T cells present a special hurdle in transplantation. Although hematopoietic chimerism is effective for inducing donor‐specific tolerance, the effects on memory T cells are unclear. Here, we induced stable chimerism and tolerance in mice (Tolerance group, n = 6) by donor‐specific transfusion (DST) plus anti‐CD154 monoclonal antibody (mAb), avoiding the toxic myeloablative conditioning treatment to assist bone marrow transplantation (DST/aCD154&BMTx). We then transferred memory CD4+ or CD8+ T cells from donor antigen primed mice to the tolerance‐induced recipients 4 days after heart transplantation (Tol/CD4+ Tm group and Tol/CD8+ Tm group, n = 6, respectively), but neither of these memory T‐cell subsets had an effect on the permanent graft survival (median survival time > 100 days). The unaltered rate of memory T cells in spleen and anergy to donor antigen in vitro demonstrated that these memory T cells were well controlled. The chimerism‐promoting protocol DST/aCD154&BMTx produced an immune environment that included high levels of regulatory T cells (Tregs), microchimerism and TGF‐β, all of which may act in suppressing the donor‐reactive memory CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. These findings have potentially important implications for designing approaches to suppressing memory T cells for success of transplantation.
Persistent Ex Vivo Low Number and Functional In Vitro Recovery of Circulating γδ T Cells after Removal of a Cutaneous Primary Melanoma
Authors: Provinciali M. , Re F. , Tucci M. G. , Ricotti F. , Lattanzio F. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe recently described γδ T cells alterations in patients with a cutaneous primary melanoma. To evaluate whether γδ T cells alterations persisted after melanoma removal, we performed a follow‐up study comparing the number and function of γδ T lymphocytes from 19 subjects, 4 years after the removal of a cutaneous primary melanoma, with the data obtained in the same subjects before the surgical intervention and with control donors. The number of circulating γδ+ T cells after melanoma removal was not recovered to the levels found in controls. γδ+ T cells producing TNF‐α or IFN‐γ were increased after melanoma removal in comparison with the same subjects before surgical intervention or with control donors. After in vitro culture, both the percentage and the expansion of γδ T cells were recovered to the values found in controls. In conclusion, the functional capacity of γδ T cells was in vitro recovered after melanoma removal, whereas their ex vivo number remained at lower levels than control donors.
An Optimized CFSE‐based T‐cell Suppression Assay to Evaluate the Suppressive Capacity of Regulatory T‐Cells Induced by Human Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells
Authors: Boks M. A. , Zwaginga J. J. , Van Ham S. M. , Ten Brinke A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn autoimmune diseases or transplant graft rejection, a therapy that will prevent or reduce the present immune activation is highly desired. Ex vivo generated tolerogenic dendritic cells (DC) are considered to have a strong potential as cellular therapy for these diseases. One of the mechanisms of immune suppression mediated by tolerogenic DC is the induction of regulatory T‐cells (Treg). Consequently, the efficacy of such DC to induce Treg will reflect their tolerogenic capacity. Because no specific markers have been described for human induced (i)Treg yet, the Treg can only be appreciated by functionality. Therefore, we have optimized an in vitro suppression assay to screen for human DC‐induced‐Treg activity. IL‐10‐generated tolerogenic DC were used to induce Treg that were previously shown to effectively suppress the proliferation of responder T‐cells stimulated with allogeneic mature DC (mDC). Our results show that the suppressive capacity of IL‐10 DC‐induced Treg measured in the suppression assay increases with the iTreg dose and decreases with higher numbers of antigen‐presenting cells (APC) as T‐cell stimulation. Lowering the ratio between responder T‐cells and stimulator mDC present in the coculture clearly improved the read‐out of the suppression assay. Furthermore, mDC‐primed T‐cells in the suppression assay were shown to be an essential control condition. In conclusion, we recommend titrations of both APC and iTreg in the suppression assay and to include a negative control condition with T‐cells primed by mDC, to distinguish specific and functional suppression by iTreg from possible generalized suppressive activity.
Honeybees facilitate the invasion of Phyla canescens (Verbenaceae) in Australia – no bees, no seed!
Authors: GROSS C L , GORRELL L , MACDONALD M J , FATEMI M 
Published: May 2010

Gross CL, Gorrell L, MacDonald MJ & Fatemi M (2010). Honeybees facilitate the invasion of Phyla canescens (Verbenaceae) in Australia – no bees, no seed!Weed Research50, 364–372.SummarySeveral environmental weeds rely on the pollination services of introduced bees. The transfer of this knowledge to weed control management has not been fully explored. In part, this may be because it is difficult to quantify the economic impact of environmental weeds. This diminishes the prospects for expensive research and development required for integrated weed management. In this study, we examine the reproductive ecology of Phyla canescens, a species native to South America that is an aggressive agricultural and environmental weed in many parts of the world. We found that P. canescens is self‐compatible, but not capable of automatic self‐pollination. A vector is required to effect seed set. Field studies showed that 45% of seeds produced through open pollination are viable. Using exclosure cages, we showed that non‐native Apis mellifera L. (honeybee) was the primary floral visitor and pollinator. Honeybee abundance was positively correlated with P. canescens abundance. Within the study site of 0.51 ha, almost 500 000 seeds ha−1 would be produced annually, as a result of honeybee pollination. This study shows that a shared evolutionary history is not required for honeybees to be successful pollinators. Facilitation is demonstrated through the obligate need for pollinators and the successful recruitment of the species through seed. Models for the control of feral honeybees in agricultural systems require development.