bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of intracrystalline and surface‐bound osteopontin on the attachment of calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals to Madin‐Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells in ultrafiltered human urine
Authors: Thurgood Lauren A. , Sørensen Esben S. , Ryall Rosemary L. 
Published: September 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Osteopontin has been shown to both promote and inhibit the attachment of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals to cultured renal epithelial cells in aqueous media. In this study we examined the role of OPN on the growth and attachment of calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals, to which it more readily associates, to renal epithelial cells using urine as the binding medium. We showed that OPN inhibits the growth of COD crystals and that it reduces the binding of COD crystals to cells.OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of intracrystalline (IC), surface‐bound (SB) and combined IC + SB osteopontin (OPN) on the binding of urinary calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals to Madin‐Darby canine kidney (MDCK‐II) cells in ultrafiltered (UF) human urine.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
14C‐oxalic acid‐labelled urinary COD crystals containing IC OPN were generated in pooled UF human urine containing human milk OPN at concentrations of 0, 1.0 and 5.0 mg/L. Additional labelled crystals were nucleated from a separate sample of the same pooled UF urine, to which were later added the same amounts of protein to produce crystals with SB OPN. COD crystals with IC+SB OPN were prepared using a combination of both techniques. Control crystals were prepared in the absence of OPN.
Crystals were incubated with MDCK‐II cells for up to 180 min in UF urine adjusted to 8 mm Ca2+.
Binding values for individual concentrations at specific time points and overall differences between binding curves were compared using the Mann‐Whitney U‐test.
Crystal morphology and attachment to the cells were confirmed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).
RESULTS
The sizes of crystals precipitated from UF urine in the presence of 0, 1 and 5 mg/L OPN were 21.9 µm, 19.3 µm and 16.5 µm, indicating that OPN had inhibited crystal growth in a dose‐dependent fashion.
Binding curves for control crystals were smooth, while those of the IC and IC+SB COD crystals associated with 1 and 5 mg/L OPN were bimodal, as were those of the 1 mg/L SB crystals. This suggests that OPN induces or potentiates a transient response that enables MDCK‐II cells to release COD crystals after they have attached.
Although OPN generally reduced the binding of urinary COD crystals to MDCK‐II cells, at times it also appeared to mediate adhesion. It is possible therefore that OPN can reduce or increase crystal binding, and that our data represent the net effect of its opposing inhibitory or promotory properties.
CONCLUSIONS
In UF urine, OPN inhibits the growth of COD crystals and reduces the binding of urinary COD crystals to MDCK‐II cells, regardless of whether it is IC, SB, or IC+SB.
Future studies aimed at clarifying the effects of OPN, or indeed any urinary component, on crystal–cell interaction, should use crystals precipitated from urine and be performed under urinary conditions.
Prevalence, awareness and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Switzerland: the CoLaus study
Authors: Kaiser A. , Vollenweider P. , Waeber G. , Marques‐Vidal P. 
Published: September 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 190–197 (2012)AbstractAims  To assess the prevalence, awareness and treatment levels of Type 2 diabetes in a Swiss city.Methods  Population‐based cross‐sectional study of 6181 subjects (3246 women) aged 35–75 years living in Lausanne, Switzerland. Type 2 diabetes was defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7 mmol/l and/or oral hypoglycaemic treatment and/or insulin.Results  Total prevalence of Type 2 diabetes was 6.3% (95% confidence interval: 5.7–7.0%), higher in men (9.1%) than in women (3.8%, P < 0.001) and increased with age. Two‐thirds (65.3%; 60.4–70.0%) of participants with Type 2 diabetes were aware of their status and among those aware 86.0% (81.5–90.3%) were treated. Treatment was more frequent in men (91.3%) than in women (75.9%, P < 0.001). Two‐thirds of those treated for Type 2 diabetes were on monotherapy. Biguanides were prescribed in 65.0% of Type 2 diabetes patients and represented 48% of all antidiabetic drugs. Multivariable analysis showed male gender, increasing age, waist or BMI to be positively associated with prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, while leisure‐time physical activity and alcohol consumption were negatively associated. Among participants presenting with Type 2 diabetes, increasing age was positively associated with awareness of Type 2 diabetes. Among subjects diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, male gender and increasing age were positively associated with treatment.Conclusion  Prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in Switzerland is estimated to be between 5.7% and 7.0%. Two‐thirds of patients with Type 2 diabetes are aware of their status, and over three quarters of those aware are treated.
Oral contraception enhances growth hormone responsiveness to hyper‐ and hypoglycaemia
Authors: Friedrich A. , Ludwig A. K. , Jauch‐Chara K. , Loebig M. , Rudolf S. , Tauchert S. , Diedrich K. , Schweiger U. , Oltmanns K. M. 
Published: September 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 345–350 (2012)AbstractAims  Plasma glucose levels influence growth hormone concentrations. Oral contraceptives are known to affect circulating growth hormone levels and glucose metabolism. While growth hormone plays an important role in hypoglycaemia counter‐regulation, it has been shown that oral contraceptives increase growth hormone concentrations. In this context, we tested if serum growth hormone concentrations display a differential response on glycaemic variations in healthy women using oral contraceptives and those not using contraceptives.Methods  Fifteen healthy women with oral contraceptive treatment and 10 without participated in a stepwise hyper‐ and hypoglycaemic glucose clamp procedure. Serum growth hormone concentrations were measured at euglycaemic baseline and subsequently at plasma glucose plateaus of 8.8, 6.8, 4.8 and 2.8 mmol/l.Results  Growth hormone values were significantly higher in women using oral contraceptives throughout the experiments (P = 0.001). Hyperglycaemia decreased growth hormone concentrations in women using oral contraceptives (P = 0.009), but not in those who were not using oral contraceptives (P = 0.241). Hypoglycaemia significantly elevated growth hormone concentrations in women using oral contraceptives (P = 0.009), but not in those not using oral contraceptives (P = 0.094). Maximum growth hormone values were reached at the end of the hypoglycaemic plateau, with significantly higher concentrations in the group using oral contraceptives than in the group not using oral contraceptives (P = 0.016).Conclusion  Healthy women on oral contraceptive treatment display an increased responsiveness of growth hormone to hypoglycaemic, as well as hyperglycaemic conditions and generally higher serum growth hormone concentrations than women without oral contraceptives. Given the known boosting effects of growth hormone on hypoglycaemic hormonal counter‐regulation, oral contraceptives may thus be a pharmacological candidate contributing to combat hypoglycaemia unawareness in women with diabetes in the future.
Peak Union Campaigning: Fighting for Rights at Work in Australia
Authors: Ellem Bradon 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMany peak unions are in crisis, their traditional reliance on economic or political exchange with employers and the state undermined through falling union membership and the collapse of national bargaining systems. New methods, chiefly as agents of mobilization, and new sources of power, including community organizations, are often advanced as solutions. In Australia, where trade unions faced a fundamental and immediate threat from a national government after an election in 2004, the ‘Your Rights at Work’ campaign signalled a shift in peak union strategy. Although this campaign unseated the government in 2007, its legacy is unclear: reviving the power of peak unions and conceptualizing the means to do so remain difficult.
British men’s hair color preferences: An assessment of courtship solicitation and stimulus ratings
Authors: SWAMI VIREN , BARRETT SEISHIN 
Published: September 2011

Swami, V. & Barrett, S. (2011). British men’s hair color preferences: An assessment of courtship solicitation and stimulus ratings. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 595–600.Two studies examined the influence of women’s hair color on approach behavior by British men and on ratings of physical attractiveness and personality. In Study 1, a female confederate whose hair color was dyed blonde, brunette, or red was instructed to sit in several nightclubs. It was found that she was approached significantly more frequently by men in the blonde condition. In Study 2, images of the same confederate were rated by 126 men. Results showed that the brunette stimulus was rated as more physically attractive, intelligent, approachable, competent, and arrogant, whereas the blonde stimulus was rated as more needy. These results are discussed in relation to the literature on hair color and attractiveness, but also in terms of women’s own perceptions of their hair color.
Governance Characteristics and the Market Reaction to the SEC's Proxy Access Rule
Authors: Akyol Ali C. , Lim Wei Fen , Verwijmeren Patrick 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWe examine the wealth effects of the Security and Exchange Commission's (SEC) recent proxy access rule to facilitate director nominations by shareholders. We focus on how a firm's governance characteristics affect the market reaction to the rule. We find more negative announcement effects for firms with high probabilities of being targeted by shareholders. The announcement effects of the proxy access rule are positively related to the fraction of independent directors and the ratio of non‐cash‐based compensation, while announcement effects are inversely correlated with board size. Our findings suggest that the marginal shareholder does not perceive the proposed rule as value increasing.
Identification of an emulsifier and conditions for preparing stable nanoemulsions containing the antioxidant astaxanthin
Authors: Kim D‐M. , Hyun S‐S. , Yun P. , Lee C‐H. , Byun S‐Y. 
Published: September 2011

SynopsisIn this study, oil‐in‐water nanoemulsions of astaxanthin were prepared by high‐pressure homogenization. The influence of emulsifying conditions including emulsifier type, concentration, passing time, astaxanthin concentration and coantioxidants were optimized. The stabilities of nanoemulsions were measured using zetasizer, FF‐SEM, TEM, colorimeter and particle size analyzer. The mean diameter of the dispersed particles containing astaxanthin ranged from 160 to 190 nm. The size distribution was unimodal and extended from 100 to 200 nm. The nanoemulsions prepared with glyceryl citrate/lactate/linoleate/oleate (glyceryl ester) had smaller particle size and narrower size distribution than the emulsion prepared with hydrogenated lecithin. Stable incorporation of astaxanthin in nanoemulsion was performed and checked using HPLC, FF‐SEM and TEM. The nanoemulsion was not significantly affected during storage under light and thermal condition for one month indicating that the nanoemulsion had a zeta potential of less than −41 mV, indicating a stable colloid.
Genetic diversity and structure in two spotted hyena populations reflects social organization and male dispersal
Authors: Watts H. E. , Scribner K. T. , Garcia H. A. , Holekamp K. E. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPopulations of large carnivores are particularly vulnerable to demographic changes that can reduce genetic diversity and threaten the persistence of these species. Although the spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta is the most abundant large carnivore in Africa, it has been extirpated locally from many areas. In this study, we compare genetic diversity, patterns of relatedness and genetic structure in spotted hyenas, in order to investigate whether social structure and male dispersal patterns may serve to buffer this species from potential losses of genetic diversity. Using 10 microsatellite markers, we compared two Kenyan populations of spotted hyenas that have experienced different recent population histories. The Masai Mara population has remained large and stable, whereas the Amboseli population has recently recovered from a demographic bottleneck. Despite these historical differences, we found no difference in genetic diversity between the two populations (HO, Mara: 0.598 ± 0.060; Amboseli: 0.577 ± 0.071; P=0.76). Patterns of relatedness within and between clans were similar in both populations, except that immigrant males appeared to be more closely related to one another in Amboseli than in the Mara. This difference in relatedness among immigrant males appears to reflect differences between populations in patterns of immigration. Hierarchical analysis of the population genetic structure revealed significant genetic differentiation among spotted hyena clans within populations (FSC=0.055, FST=0.108) and among spotted hyena study populations (FCT=0.057). We suggest that behavioral traits of the spotted hyena, particularly the predominance of male dispersal, were important in the maintenance of genetic variation in the Amboseli population.
Diabetic neuropathy enhances voltage‐activated Ca2+ channel activity and its control by M4 muscarinic receptors in primary sensory neurons
Authors: Cao Xue‐Hong , Byun Hee Sun , Chen Shao‐Rui , Pan Hui‐Lin 
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 594–603.AbstractPainful neuropathy is one of the most serious complications of diabetes and remains difficult to treat. The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) agonists have a profound analgesic effect on painful diabetic neuropathy. Here we determined changes in T‐type and high voltage‐activated Ca2+ channels (HVACCs) and their regulation by mAChRs in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a rat model of diabetic neuropathy. The HVACC currents in large neurons, T‐type currents in medium and large neurons, the percentage of small DRG neurons with T‐type currents, and the Cav3.2 mRNA level were significantly increased in diabetic rats compared with those in control rats. The mAChR agonist oxotremorine‐M significantly inhibited HVACCs in a greater proportion of DRG neurons with and without T‐type currents in diabetic than in control rats. In contrast, oxotremorine‐M had no effect on HVACCs in small and large neurons with T‐type currents and in most medium neurons with T‐type currents from control rats. The M2 and M4 antagonist himbacine abolished the effect of oxotremorine‐M on HVACCs in both groups. The selective M4 antagonist muscarinic toxin‐3 caused a greater attenuation of the effect of oxotremorine‐M on HVACCs in small and medium DRG neurons in diabetic than in control rats. Additionally, the mRNA and protein levels of M4, but not M2, in the DRG were significantly greater in diabetic than in control rats. Our findings suggest that diabetic neuropathy potentiates the activity of T‐type and HVACCs in primary sensory neurons. M4 mAChRs are up‐regulated in DRG neurons and probably account for increased muscarinic analgesic effects in diabetic neuropathic pain.
Knockout of G protein β5 impairs brain development and causes multiple neurologic abnormalities in mice
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Hua , Pandey Mritunjay , Seigneur Erica M. , Panicker Leelamma M. , Koo Lily , Schwartz Owen M. , Chen Weiping , Chen Ching‐Kang , Simonds William F. 
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 544–554.AbstractGβ5 is a divergent member of the signal‐transducing G protein β subunit family encoded by GNB5 and expressed principally in brain and neuronal tissue. Among heterotrimeric Gβ isoforms, Gβ5 is unique in its ability to heterodimerize with members of the R7 subfamily of the regulator of G protein signaling proteins that contain G protein‐γ like domains. Previous studies employing Gnb5 knockout (KO) mice have shown that Gβ5 is an essential stabilizer of such regulator of G protein signaling proteins and regulates the deactivation of retinal phototransduction and the proper functioning of retinal bipolar cells. However, little is known of the function of Gβ5 in the brain outside the visual system. We show here that mice lacking Gβ5 have a markedly abnormal neurologic phenotype that includes impaired development, tiptoe‐walking, motor learning and coordination deficiencies, and hyperactivity. We further show that Gβ5‐deficient mice have abnormalities of neuronal development in cerebellum and hippocampus. We find that the expression of both mRNA and protein from multiple neuronal genes is dysregulated in Gnb5 KO mice. Taken together with previous observations from Gnb5 KO mice, our findings suggest a model in which Gβ5 regulates dendritic arborization and/or synapse formation during development, in part by effects on gene expression.
Self‐care ability among home‐dwelling older people in rural areas in southern Norway
Authors: Dale Bjørg , Söderhamn Ulrika , Söderhamn Olle 
Published: September 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 113–122

Self‐care ability among home‐dwelling older people in rural areas in southern NorwayIntroduction:  The growing number of older people is assumed to represent many challenges in the future. Self‐care ability is a crucial health resource in older people and may be a decisive factor for older people managing daily life in their own homes. Studies have shown that self‐care ability is closely related to perceived health, sense of coherence and nutritional risk.Aim:  The aim of this study was to describe self‐care ability among home‐dwelling older individuals living in rural areas in southern Norway and to relate the results to general living conditions, sense of coherence, screened nutritional state, perceived health, mental health and perceived life situation.Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was carried out in rural areas in five counties in 2010. A mailed questionnaire, containing background variables, health‐related questions and five instruments, was sent to a randomly selected sample of 3017 older people (65+ years), and 1050 respondents were included in the study. Data were analysed with statistical methods.Results:  A total of 780 persons were found to have higher self‐care ability and 240 to have lower self‐care ability using the Self‐care Ability Scale for the Elderly. Self‐care ability was found to be closely related to health‐related issues, self‐care agency, sense of coherence, nutritional state and mental health, former profession, and type of dwelling. Predictors for high self‐care ability were to have higher self‐care agency, not receiving family help, having low risk for undernutrition, not perceiving helplessness, being able to prepare food, being active and having lower age.Conclusions:  When self‐care ability is reduced in older people, caregivers have to be aware about how this can be expressed and also be aware of their responsibility for identifying and mapping needs for appropriate support and help, and preventing unnecessary and unwanted dependency.
Landscape context affects the success of habitat restoration: large‐scale colonization patterns of saproxylic and fire‐associated species in boreal forests
Authors: Kouki Jari , Hyvärinen Esko , Lappalainen Harri , Martikainen Petri , Similä Maarit 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAim  Restoration of habitats may be used as a conservation tool when ecosystems have lost their natural structure, dynamics or functioning over large areas. Controlled and planned use of fire could be an effective way to restore habitats of many threatened species in boreal forests where fire suppression has been effective. We asked whether the large‐scale landscape context affects the occurrence of rare and threatened species in forest habitats that have been burned to restore their fire‐related structures.Location  Boreal forests in southern Finland.Methods  We designed a large‐scale field experiment that included nine Pinus sylvestris forests (5–10 ha each) in southern Finland. Sites were located in two regions: (1) in eastern region with shorter management history and (2) in western region where intensive forestry has continued longer. We evaluated whether restoration of dead/burned wood is beneficial for rare and conservation‐dependent species and measured the recovery of pyrophilous and red‐listed insects (beetles and flatbugs) in burned forests, using standardized sampling effort. Altogether, 956 individuals of 29 red‐listed and pyrophilous species were sampled.Results  Rare species colonized areas quickly, but there was a clear difference in species richness between the regions. The eastern forests harboured higher species richness after restoration. In these sites, the average species richness was 13.7 species per site, whereas in western forests it was 5.0 species per site. Similar pattern was also observed in subgroups: the corresponding numbers for pyrophilous species were 9.7 vs. 3.8, for red‐listed 8.7 vs. 2.3 and for red‐listed pyrophiles 4.7 vs. 1.2.Main conclusions  Introducing fire back to boreal forests can aid in the recovery of rare species, but the landscape context considerably affects the success of restoring species. If restored habitats are located in landscapes that have lost their natural properties long ago, the success of restoration seems to be more challenging than in landscapes where habitats have been modified more recently.
Personal Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by U.S. Health Care Workers
Authors: Johnson Pamela Jo , Ward Andrew , Knutson Lori , Sendelbach Sue 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveTo examine personal use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among U.S. health care workers.DataData are from the 2007 Alternative Health Supplement of the National Health Interview Survey. We examined a nationally representative sample of employed adults (n = 14,329), including a subsample employed in hospitals or ambulatory care settings (n = 1,280).Study DesignWe used multivariate logistic regression to estimate the odds of past year CAM use.Principal FindingsHealth care workers are more likely than the general population to use CAM. Among health care workers, health care providers are more likely to use CAM than other occupations.ConclusionsPersonal CAM use by health care workers may influence the integration of CAM with conventional health care delivery. Future research on the effects of personal CAM use by health care workers is therefore warranted.
Nonfinancial Barriers and Access to Care for U.S. Adults
Authors: Kullgren Jeffrey T. , McLaughlin Catherine G. , Mitra Nandita , Armstrong Katrina 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveTo identify prevalences and predictors of nonfinancial barriers that lead to unmet need or delayed care among U.S. adults.Data Source2007 Health Tracking Household Survey.Study DesignReasons for unmet need or delayed care in the previous 12 months were assigned to one of five dimensions in the Penchansky and Thomas model of access to care. Prevalences of barriers in each nonfinancial dimension were estimated for all adults and for adults with affordability barriers. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between individual, household, and insurance characteristics and barriers in each access dimension.Principal FindingsEighteen percent of U.S. adults experienced affordability barriers and 21 percent experienced nonfinancial barriers that led to unmet need or delayed care. Two‐thirds of adults with affordability barriers also reported nonfinancial barriers. Young adults, women, individuals with lower incomes, parents, and persons with at least one chronic illness had higher adjusted prevalences of nonfinancial barriers.ConclusionsNonfinancial barriers are common reasons for unmet need or delayed care among U.S. adults and frequently coincide with affordability barriers. Failure to address nonfinancial barriers may limit the impact of policies that seek to expand access by improving the affordability of health care.