bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reciprocal expression of IL‐25 and IL‐17A is important for allergic airways hyperreactivity
Authors: Barlow J. L. , Flynn R. J. , Ballantyne S. J. , McKenzie A. N. J. 
Published: July 2011

Summary
Background Interleukin (IL)‐25 (IL‐17E) is a potent inducer of the type‐2 immune effector response. Previously we have demonstrated that a neutralizing anti‐IL‐25 antibody, given during the establishment of ovalbumin‐specific lung allergy, abrogates airways hyperreactivity.
Objective Blocking IL‐25 results in the suppression of IL‐13, a cytokine known to exacerbate pulmonary inflammation, and an unexpected reciprocal increase in IL‐17A. The role of IL‐17A in asthma is complex with reports of both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory functions. Our aim was to determine the influence of IL‐17A in regulating IL‐25‐dependent lung allergy.
Method Neutralizing antibodies to IL‐25 and/or IL‐17A were administered during an experimental model of allergic asthma. Bronchoalveolar cell infiltrates and lung cytokine production were determined to assess lung inflammation. Invasive plethysmography was undertaken to measure lung function.
Results Neutralization of IL‐25 correlated with a decrease in IL‐13 levels and an increase in IL‐17A production, and an accompanying prevention of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Notably, the blocking of IL‐17A reversed the protective effects of treating with anti‐IL‐25 antibodies, resulting in the re‐expression of several facets of the lung inflammatory response, including IL‐13 and eotaxin production, eosinophilia and AHR. Using mice over‐expressing IL‐13 we demonstrate that treatment of these mice with anti‐IL‐25 fails to suppress IL‐13 levels and in turn IL‐17A levels remain suppressed.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance IL‐13 is known to be an important inducer of lung inflammation, causing goblet cell hyperplasia and promoting airways hyperreactivity. Our data now demonstrate that IL‐13 also plays an important role in the genesis of lung inflammation downstream of IL‐25 by suppressing a protective IL‐17A response. These findings also highlight the important reciprocal interplay of the IL‐17 family members, IL‐25 and IL‐17A, in regulating allergic lung responses and suggest that the balance of IL‐17A, together with IL‐25, will be an important consideration in the treatment of allergic asthma.
Cite this as: J. L. Barlow, R. J. Flynn, S. J. Ballantyne and A. N. J. McKenzie, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1447–1455.
Altered phenotype of regulatory T cells associated with lack of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-specific suppressive function
Authors: Burton C T , Westrop S J , Eccles-James I , Boasso A , Nelson M R , Bower M , Imami N 
Published: June 2011

SummaryMechanisms by which CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) mediate suppression of virus-specific responses remain poorly defined. Adenosine, mediated via CD39 and CD73, has been shown to play a role in the action of murine Tregs. In this study we investigate the phenotype of Tregs in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection, and the function of these cells in response to HIV-1-Gag and cytomegalovirus (CMV) peptides. Phenotypic data demonstrate a decrease in forkhead box transcription factor 3 (FoxP3+) Treg numbers in the peripheral blood of HIV-1+ individuals compared to healthy controls, which is most pronounced in those with high HIV-1 RNA plasma load. Due to aberrant expression of CD27 and CD127 during HIV-1 disease, these markers are unreliable for Treg identification. The CD3+CD4+CD25hiCD45RO+ phenotype correlated well with FoxP3 expression in both the HIV-1+ and seronegative control cohorts. We observed expression of CD39 but not CD73 on Tregs from HIV-1+ and healthy control cohorts. We demonstrate, through Treg depletion, the suppressive potential of Tregs over anti-CMV responses in the context of HIV-1 infection; however, no recovery of the HIV-1-specific T cell response was observed indicating a preferential loss of HIV-1-specific Treg function. We propose that before immunotherapeutic manipulation of Tregs is considered, the immunoregulatory profile and distribution kinetics of this population in chronic HIV-1 infection must be elucidated fully.
Identification of a novel mutation in the exon 2 splice donor site of the POU1F1/PIT‐1 gene in Japanese identical twins with mild combined pituitary hormone deficiency
Authors: Inoue Hiroshi , Mukai Tokuo , Sakamoto Yukiko , Kimura Chizuko , Kangawa Natsumi , Itakura Mitsuo , Ogata Tsutomu , Ito Yoshiya , Fujieda Kenji ,   on behalf of the Japan Growth Genome Consortium
Published: July 2011

SummaryContext  To date, approximately 35 different POU1F1 mutations have been described in patients with familial and sporadic combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) from different ethnic backgrounds. The majority are missense mutations clustered within the conserved POU‐specific and POU‐homeo domains, encoded by exons 4 and 6, respectively.Objectives  This study aimed to identify the molecular basis and clinical characteristics of a Japanese CPHD family with a novel POU1F1 mutation.Design  The POU1F1 gene was sequenced in identical twin brothers with mild CPHD. The mutation identified was also evaluated in family members as well as 188 Japanese controls and then examined in functional studies.Results  A novel heterozygous splice site mutation (Ex2 + 1G>T; c.214 + 1G>T) was detected. This mutation was also present in their undiagnosed mother, but not in any of the controls. In vitro splicing studies suggested this mutation to result in an in‐frame skipping of exon 2, thus producing an internally deleted protein lacking most of the R2 transactivation subdomain (TAD‐R2). Heterologous expression studies of the mutated POU1F1 protein showed only modest reductions in its transactivation activities in HEK293T cells, while acting as a dominant‐negative inhibitor of the endogenous activities of POU1F1 in pituitary GH3 cells.Conclusions  This is the first report of a mutation at the exon 2 donor splice site of POU1F1, affecting TAD‐R2. The addition of this mutation to the growing list of pathological POU1F1 mutations may provide deeper insights into clinical heterogeneity in the expressions of individual mutations and a better understanding of the structure–function relationships of POU1F1.
Estimation and application of near‐surface full waveform redatuming operators
Authors: Haffinger Peter , Verschuur Eric 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTLand seismic data quality can be severely affected by near‐surface anomalies. The imprint of a complex near‐surface can be removed by redatuming the data to a level below the surface, from where the subsurface structures are assumed to be relatively smooth. However, to derive a velocity‐depth model that explains the propagation effects of the near‐surface is a non‐trivial task. Therefore, an alternative approach has been proposed, where the redatuming operators are obtained in a data‐driven manner from the reflection event related to the datum. In the current implementation, the estimation of these redatuming operators is done in terms of traveltimes only, based on a high‐frequency approximation. The accompanying amplitudes are usually derived from a local homogeneous medium, which is obviously a simplification of reality. Such parametrization has produced encouraging results in the past but cannot completely remove the near‐surface complexities, leaving artefacts in the redatumed results. In this paper we propose a method that estimates the redatuming operators directly from the data, i.e., without using a velocity model, in a full waveform manner, such that detailed amplitude and phase variations are included. The method directly outputs the inverse propagation operators that are needed for true‐amplitude redatuming. Based on 2D synthetic data it is demonstrated that the resulting redatuming quality is improved and artefacts are reduced.
Gene expression profiling in male genital lichen sclerosus
Authors: Edmonds Emma , Barton Geraint , Buisson Sandrine , Francis Nick , Gotch Frances , Game Laurence , Haddad Munther , Dinneen Michael , Bunker Chris 
Published: June 2011

SummaryMale genital lichen sclerosus (MGLSc) has a bimodal distribution in boys and men. It is associated with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The pathogenesis of MGLSc is unknown. HPV and autoimmune mechanisms have been mooted. Anti extracellular matrix protein (ECM)1 antibodies have been identified in women with GLSc. The gene expression pattern of LSc is unknown. Using DNA microarrays we studied differences in gene expression in healthy and diseased prepuces obtained at circumcision in adult males with MGLSc (n = 4), paediatric LSc (n = 2) and normal healthy paediatric foreskin (n = 4). In adult samples 51 genes with significantly increased expression and 87 genes with significantly reduced expression were identified; paediatric samples revealed 190 genes with significantly increased expression and 148 genes with significantly reduced expression. Concordance of expression profiles between adult and paediatric samples indicates the same disease process. Functional analysis revealed increased expression in the adult and child MGSLc samples in the immune response/cellular defence gene ontology (GO) category and reduced expression in other categories including genes related to squamous cancer. No specific HPV, autoimmune or squamous carcinogenesis‐associated gene expression patterns were found. ECM1 and CABLES1 expression were significantly reduced in paediatric and adult samples respectively.
Chemical and microstructural evaluation of ‘hard‐to‐cook’ phenomenon in legumes (pinto bean and small‐type lentil)
Authors: Pirhayati Mansoureh , Soltanizadeh Nafiseh , Kadivar Mahdi 
Published: June 2011

SummarySome physicochemical and microstructural characteristics of hard‐to‐cook (HTC) and easy‐to‐cook (ETC) pinto beans and small‐type lentils were compared. The development of HTC seeds was monitored over 6 months for changes in physicochemical properties. Results indicated that hardness, extent of water absorption and solid loss of HTC legumes were, respectively, 21–97%, 7–72% and 62–236% higher than those of ETC legumes. In addition, darkening of HTC beans and lentils was significantly higher than those of ETC ones. Scanning electron microscope observations indicated deteriorations in cytoplasmic contents of cotyledon cells of hard seeds. Phytic acid and total phenolic contents were, respectively, decreased 36–61% and 43–61% during storage, whereas hardness of seeds was increased 3–6 times. The soaking of hard seeds in sodium solutions resulted in the improvement in legume texture.
Effects of oxidative modification on thermal aggregation and gel properties of soy protein by peroxyl radicals
Authors: Wu Wei , Hua Yufei , Lin Qinlu , Xiao Huaxi 
Published: June 2011

SummaryEffects of protein oxidation on thermal aggregation and gel properties of soy protein by 2,2′‐azobis (2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)‐derived peroxyl radicals were investigated in this article. Incubation of soy protein to increase concentration of AAPH resulted in a decrease in particle size and content of thermal aggregates during thermal‐induced denaturation. Protein oxidation resulted in a decrease in water‐holding capacity (WHC), gel hardness and gel strength of soy protein gel. An increase in coarseness and interstice of the gel network was accompanied by uneven distribution of interstice as extent of oxidation of soy protein increased. A decrease in disulphide content and formation of oxidation aggregates in the process of oxidative modification were contributed to the decline of particle size and content of thermal aggregates during thermal‐induced denaturation, leading to a decrease in WHC, gel hardness and gel strength of soy protein gel.
Characterisation of processing wastes of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) and Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi) harvested in Australia
Authors: He Shan , Franco Chris , Zhang Wei 
Published: June 2011

SummaryAtlantic Salmon (AS) and Yellowtail Kingfish (YTK) are two major commercial fish species in Australia. During food processing, waste material of 40–50% of the whole AS and YTK is generated, including the head, skin, frame, belly flap and viscera. This material is usually discarded even though it is rich in protein and fat. The aim of this study was to characterise the composition of these wastes for their potential applications. The contents of protein and fat in these wastes are 10–20% and 20–30%, respectively. Profiles of amino acids, fatty acids and minerals showed they are good sources of essential amino acids (20–30% of total amino acids), omega‐3 fatty acids (about 20% of total fatty acids) and various elements. For example, AS viscera is high in zinc (740 mg kg−1). Molecular weight distribution of the protein was mainly between 25 and 250 kDa. The potential commercial applications of these wastes are discussed on the basis of these analyses.
Dough characteristics of wheat flour milled from wheat grains stored in spike form
Authors: Karaoğlu Mehmet Murat 
Published: June 2011

SummaryThis study compares the effects of storage form (grain and spike) of wheat as well as grain moisture content (12%, 14% and 16%), storage time (0, 3, 6 and 9 months) and temperature (10, 20 and 30 °C) on rheological (farinograph and extensograph) characteristics of dough obtained from stored wheat. While water absorption, stability and degree of softening of wheat stored in spike form were 61.2%, 15.8 min and 25.9 Brabender unit (BU), these values of wheat stored in grain form were 60.8%, 14.1 and 29.1 BU, respectively. Resistance to extension and dough energy of wheat stored in grain form were significantly higher than those of wheat stored in spike form, while extensibility was significantly lower. Storage in spike form had a positive effect on all farinograph and extensograph characteristics of wheat stored under nonoptimal storage conditions such as high grain moisture content, high temperature and long storage time.
Acrylamide and methylglyoxal formation in potato chips by microwaving and frying heating
Authors: Ye Haiqing , Miao Yutian , Zhao Chengcheng , Yuan Yuan 
Published: June 2011

SummaryIn our present paper, the effect of important α‐dicarbonyl compounds of methylglyoxal on the formation of acrylamide was quantified in potato chips systems. Methylglyoxal was regarded as the main α‐dicarbonyl compound, and its formation was detected by HPLC method. There heating methods were used to study the effect on acrylamide formation. The results showed that microwaving treatment could form more acrylamide compared with frying method. After 2 min of microwaving treatment at 700 W, the acrylamide content was sharply increased from 1.77 ± 0.37 to 72.93 ± 0.72 μmol kg−1. Microwaving treatment would promote the formation of methylglyoxal compared with frying treatment at 160 and 180 °C in potato chips. A typical linear growth curve prepared by plotting acrylamide levels vs. methylglyoxal content formed under different heating condition was observed: y = −41.33 + 0.17x (r = 0.965). This study revealed for the first time that there is a significant correlation between methylglyoxal and acrylamide in potato chips, thus confirming the important role of dicarbonyls in the formation of acrylamide in potato chips.
Information‐seeking behaviour of nurses: where is information sought and what processes are followed?
Authors: O’leary Denise Fiona , Mhaolrúnaigh Siobhán Ni 
Published: June 2011

o’leary d.f. & ni mhaolrúnaigh s. (2012)  Information‐seeking behaviour of nurses: where is information sought and what processes are followed? Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(2), 379–390.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study on how nurses inform their decision‐making in the workplace.Background.  Despite the growing availability of research evidence, nurses have been slow to adopt it into their daily decision‐making.Method.  The study was undertaken in Ireland between 2006 and 2007 using a sequential mixed methods approach. In phase 1, the views of a quota sample of 29 nurses were explored using semi‐structured interviews incorporating vignettes. Phase 2 involved the design and dissemination of a survey to a disproportionate stratified random sample of 1356 nurses. The response rate was 29%.Findings.  In decision‐making, nurses accessed other people, especially nursing colleagues, the most frequently. Sources that provided prepackaged information such as guidelines were favoured over sources that provided access to original research. The process of information‐seeking for routine and non‐routine decisions was different. Nurses making routine decisions relied mostly on their experience and an assessment of the patient. In non‐routine decision‐making, participants experienced more uncertainty about their decisions. Accordingly, sources of information used were more varied and the information‐seeking process more extensive. The study highlighted the complexities of establishing whether information used in decision‐making is research based or not.Conclusion.  Routine practices should be reviewed and updated regularly through organizational mandates, as nurses do not generally question them. Research information to inform non‐routine decision‐making must be easily available to nurses in their workplace, as information searches generally prioritize finding enough, rather than the best, information to make a decision.
A systematic model to compare nurses’ optimal and actual competencies in the clinical setting
Authors: Meretoja Riitta , Koponen Leena 
Published: July 2011

meretoja r. & koponen l. (2012) A systematic model to compare nurses’ optimal and actual competencies in the clinical setting. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(2), 414–422.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study to develop a model to compare nurses’ optimal and actual competencies in the clinical setting.Background.  Although future challenge is to focus the developmental and educational targets in health care, limited information is available on methods for how to predict optimal competencies.Method.  A multidisciplinary group of 24 experts on perioperative care were recruited to this study. They anticipated the effects of future challenges on perioperative care and specified the level of optimal competencies by using the Nurse Competence Scale before and after group discussions. The expert group consensus discussions were held to achieve the highest possible agreement on the overall level of optimal competencies. Registered Nurses (n = 87) and their nurse managers from five different units conducted assessments of the actual level of nurse competence with the Nurse Competence Scale instrument. Data were collected in 2006–2007.Results.  Group consensus discussions solidified experts’ anticipations about the optimal competence level. This optimal competence level was significantly higher than the nurses’ self‐reported actual or nurse managers’ assessed level of actual competence. The study revealed some competence items that were seen as key challenges for future education of professional nursing practice.Conclusion.  It is important that the multidisciplinary experts in a particular care context develop a share understanding of the future competency requirements of patient care. Combining optimal competence profiles to systematic competence assessments contribute to targeted continual learning and educational interventions.
Type 2 diabetes: how do Thai Buddhist people with diabetes practise self‐management?
Authors: Lundberg Pranee C. , Thrakul Supunnee 
Published: June 2011

lundberg p.c. & thrakul s. (2012) Type 2 diabetes: how do Thai Buddhist people with diabetes practise self‐management? Journal of Advanced Nursing68(3), 550–558.AbstractAims.  This paper is a report of a study of how Thai Buddhist people with type 2 diabetes practice self‐management.Background.  The importance of diabetes self‐management is recognized in the literature. However, research on self‐care management in Thailand, in particular concerning Buddhist people with type 2 diabetes, is scarce.Methods.  A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Purposive convenience sampling was used, and thirty men and women with diabetes, aged 28–79 years, participated. Data were collected from June to August 2009 and analysed by use of manifest and latent content analysis.Findings.  Five themes of self‐management among Thai Buddhist people with type 2 diabetes were identified: cultural influence on disease control, Buddhism and Thai culture, struggle for disease control, family support and economy a high priority.Conclusion.  Even though the Buddhist people with diabetes had certain self‐management capabilities, many had poor control of their blood sugar levels and needed assistance. Reference to Buddhist moderation can be an effective means of helping the people with diabetes better manage their disease and change their lifestyles. In addition to cultural and religious traditions, family, economy and social environment should be taken into account both in the care and in interventions aimed at helping people with diabetes cope and empowering them to control their disease.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with cancer in northern Turkey: analysis of cost and satisfaction
Authors: Aydin Avci Ilknur , Koç Zeliha , Sağlam Zeynep 
Published: June 2011

Aims and objectives.  The aims of this study were to determine (1) the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use among patients with cancer, (2) the method of use of the particular therapy, (3) the reasons for using complementary and alternative medicine therapies, (4) the benefits experienced by the use of complementary and alternative medicine, (5) the source of information about complementary and alternative medicine therapies and, (6) the satisfaction and cost of complementary and alternative medicine.Background.  Complementary and alternative medicine consists of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices and products that are not considered at present to be a part of conventional medicine. The majority of patients who use complementary and alternative medicine use more than one method. Complementary and alternative medicine use is more common in cases of advanced disease or poor prognosis.Design.  This is a descriptive study of complementary and alternative medicine.Methods.  This study was conducted in the Chemotherapy Unit at Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey, between 18 March 2008–30 June 2008. Two hundred fifty‐three patients with cancer, among 281 patients who applied to the chemotherapy clinic between these dates, agreed to take part in the study with whom contact could be made were included. A questionnaire including descriptive characteristics in collecting data, characteristics about diseases and their treatments, complementary and alternative medicine information and implementation situations and a control list about complementary and alternative medicine implementations were given. The collected data were evaluated by computer using descriptive statistics, the chi‐square test and Student’s t‐test.Results.  In this study, 94·1% of the patients were content with medical treatment, 58·9% of them used complementary and alternative medicine treatments, 41·1% did not use any complementary and alternative medicine treatments. The satisfaction level of the patients with complementary and alternative medicine methods was slightly above mediocre (2·33 SD 0·64, on a scale of 1–3). The average cost per capita spent by the patients using complementary and alternative medicine for all the different methods was US$288·26.Conclusions.  It was determined that although patients did not have enough knowledge about complementary and alternative medicine methods, the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine and satisfaction levels are high that complementary and alternative medicine users spend substantial sums of money for these methods.Relevance to clinical practice.  To sustain medical treatment and prognosis of cancer, it is important for nurses to consult with their patients regarding the use and potential risks of some complementary and alternative medicine.