bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age‐associated alterations in CD8α+ dendritic cells impair CD8 T‐cell expansion in response to an intracellular bacterium
Authors: Li Gang , Smithey Megan J. , Rudd Brian D. , Nikolich‐Žugich Janko 
Published: August 2012

SummaryAge‐associated decline in immunity to infection has been documented across multiple pathogens, yet the relative contributions of the aged priming environment and of lymphocyte‐intrinsic defects remain unclear. To address the impact of the aging environment on T‐cell priming, adult naïve OT‐I TCR transgenic CD8 T cells, specific for the H‐2Kb‐restricted immunodominant OVA257‐264 epitope, were transferred into adult or old recipient mice infected with the recombinant intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes carrying the chicken ovalbumin protein (Lm‐OVA). We consistently found that adult OT‐I CD8 expansion was reduced in aged recipient mice, and this correlated with numeric, phenotypic, and functional defects selectively affecting CD8α+ dendritic cells (DC). Following Lm‐OVA infection, aged mice failed to accumulate CD8α+ DC in the spleen, and these cells expressed much lower levels of critical costimulatory molecules in the first three days following infection. Further, aged CD8α+ DC showed impaired uptake of the bacteria at very early time points following infection. Treatment of aged mice with Flt3 ligand (Flt3L) improved the number of DC present in the spleen prior to Lm‐OVA infection, and improved, but did not reconstitute, OT‐I expansion to Lm‐OVA infection. These results suggest that age‐associated changes in antigen uptake, pathogen sensing, and/or antigen presentation contribute to impaired adaptive immune responses to microbial pathogens with aging.
Application technique affects the potential of mineral concentrates from livestock manure to replace inorganic nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Klop G. , Velthof G. L. , van Groenigen J. W. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIt has been suggested that mineral concentrates (MCs) produced from livestock manure might partly replace inorganic N fertilizers, thereby further closing the nitrogen (N) cycle. Here, we quantified nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and N loss pathways associated with MCs, compared with inorganic fertilizer and manure. In a 26‐day greenhouse experiment with ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), the effects of application technique (surface application vs. injection) and N source (control, two types of MC, three inorganic fertilizers or pig slurry) were compared. We measured yield, ammonia volatilization, nitrous oxide emission and denitrification. With surface application, NUE for MCs (38% for MC1 and 22% for MC2) was significantly lower than for calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN; 61%) and comparable with PS (25%). This was most likely due to higher ammonia emissions. After injection, the NUE of MC was comparable with that of CAN. Denitrification and N2O emission from surface‐applied MC were comparable with those from surface‐applied PS. After injection, MC behaved similarly to inorganic fertilizers. We conclude that MCs should be injected to maximize NUE and to fulfil their potential as inorganic fertilizer replacement. Significant NUE differences between MCs suggest the possibility for further optimization of the MC production process.
Functional and morphological properties of pericytes in suburothelial venules of the mouse bladder
Authors: Hashitani Hikaru , Mitsui Retsu , Shimizu Yuki , Higashi Ryuhei , Nakamura Keiichiro 
Published: August 2012

Background and PurposeIn suburothelial venules of rat bladder, pericytes (perivascular cells) develop spontaneous Ca2+ transients, which may drive the smooth muscle wall to generate spontaneous venular constrictions. We aimed to further explore the morphological and functional characteristics of pericytes in the mouse bladder.Experimental ApproachThe morphological features of pericytes were investigated by electron microscopy and fluorescence immunohistochemistry. Changes in diameters of suburothelial venules were measured using video microscopy, while intracellular Ca2+ dynamics were visualized using Fluo‐4 fluorescence Ca2+ imaging.Key ResultsA network of α‐smooth muscle actin immunoreactive pericytes surrounded venules in the mouse bladder suburothelium. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that this network of stellate‐shaped pericytes covered the venules, while transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the venular wall consisted of endothelium and adjacent pericytes, lacking an intermediate smooth muscle layer. Pericytes exhibited spontaneous Ca2+ transients, which were accompanied by phasic venular constrictions. Nicardipine (1 μM) disrupted the synchrony of spontaneous Ca2+ transients in pericytes and reduced their associated constrictions. Residual asynchronous Ca2+ transients were suppressed by cyclopiazonic acid (10 μM), 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (10 μM), U‐73122 (1 μM), oligomycin (1 μM) and SKF96365 (10 μM), but unaffected by ryanodine (100 μM) or YM‐244769 (1 μM), suggesting that pericyte Ca2+ transients rely on Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum via the InsP3 receptor and also require Ca2+ influx through store‐operated Ca2+ channels.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe pericytes in mouse bladder can generate spontaneous Ca2+ transients and contractions, and thus have a fundamental role in promoting spontaneous constrictions of suburothelial venules.
Chlamydia trachomatis in fallopian tubes of women undergoing laparoscopy for ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Stamatopoulos Nicole , Casikar Ishwari , Reid Shannon , Roy Bronwen , Branley James , Mongelli Max , Condous George 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesTo study whether Chlamydia trachomatis is absent or persists in a latent state in the fallopian tube at the time of laparoscopic salpingectomy for tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP).MethodsWe examined tissue of the fallopian tubes for the presence of C. trachomatis from women who underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy for EP. Presence or absence of C. trachomatis was assessed using both Probe Tec ET (define Tec and ET please) and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Ausdiagnositic STD 6 assays) DNA amplification.ResultsFresh tubal tissue from 17 women with histological confirmation of EP was examined in a hospital setting for the presence of C. trachomatis. The presence of C. trachomatis DNA was confirmed by PCR using a commercial test (BD ProbeTec™ ET System), and a real‐time enhanced PCR able to detect few copies of the organism. Chlamydia DNA was detected in 0/16 tubal specimens, and in one case, the PCR analysis was not possible for presence of inhibitors.ConclusionsWe did not find any evidence of latent infection of C. trachomatis in the fallopian tube at the time of laparoscopic salpingectomy for EP in our study. Although the numbers are small, our results suggest that EP can be considered a late complication of the tubal damage resulted from a previous acute Chlamydia infection and that EP may not be related to a latent persistence of Chlamydia in the fallopian tube.
Post‐mortem sperm retrieval in Australasia
Authors: Kroon Benjamin , Kroon Frederick , Holt Saul , Wong Brittany , Yazdani Anusch 
Published: August 2012

Post‐mortem Sperm Retrieval (PMSR) is seldom requested in Australasia. The retrieval of sperm is permitted only by prior written consent or by order of the court. Sperm should be retrieved within 24 h following death; however, collection within 36 h may still be successful. The clinical response to such a request must be mindful of complex ethical and legal considerations. Clear, accessible and consistent law in this area would benefit medical, legal and societal stakeholders.
Effect of a Restorative Model of Posthospital Home Care on Hospital Readmissions
Authors: Tinetti Mary E. , Charpentier Peter , Gottschalk Margaret , Baker Dorothy I. 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesTo compare readmissions of Medicare recipients of usual home care and a matched group of recipients of a restorative model of home care.DesignQuasiexperimental; matched and unmatched.SettingCommunity, home care.ParticipantsSeven hundred seventy individuals receiving care from a large home care agency after hospitalization.InterventionA restorative care model based on principles adapted from geriatric medicine, nursing, rehabilitation, goal attainment, chronic care management, and behavioral change theory.MeasurementsHospital readmission, length of home care episode.ResultsAmong the matched pairs, 13.2% of participants who received restorative care were readmitted to an acute hospital during the episode of home care, versus 17.6% of those who received usual care. Individuals receiving the restorative model of home care were 32% less likely to be readmitted than those receiving usual care (conditional odds ratio = 0.68, 95% confidence interval = 0.43–1.08). The mean length of home care episodes was 20.3 ± 14.8 days in the restorative care group and 29.1 ± 31.7 days in the usual care group (P < .001). Results were similar in unmatched analyses.ConclusionAlthough statistical significance was marginal, results suggest that the restorative care model offers an effective approach to reducing the occurrence of avoidable readmissions. It was previously shown that the restorative model of home care was associated with better functional recovery, fewer emergency department visits, and shorter episodes of home care. This model could be incorporated into usual home care practices and care delivery redesign.
Self‐Reported Dietary Intake of Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium and Risk of Dementia in the Japanese: The Hisayama Study
Authors: Ozawa Mio , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Ohara Tomoyuki , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Doi Yasufumi , Hata Jun , Uchida Kazuhiro , Shirota Tomoko , Kitazono Takanari , Kiyohara Yutaka 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesTo investigate whether higher intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium reduces the risk of incident dementia.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThe Hisayama Study, in Japan.ParticipantsOne thousand eighty‐one community‐dwelling Japanese individuals without dementia aged 60 and older.MeasurementsA 70‐item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess potassium, calcium, and magnesium intakes. Hazard ratios (HRs) for the development of all‐cause dementia and its subtypes were estimated using Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsDuring a 17‐year follow‐up, 303 participants experienced all‐cause dementia; of these, 98 had vascular dementia (VaD), and 166 had Alzheimer's disease (AD). The multivariable‐adjusted HRs for the development of all‐cause dementia were 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.30–0.91), 0.64 (95% CI = 0.41–1.00), and 0.63 (95% CI = 0.40–1.01) for the highest quartiles of potassium, calcium, and magnesium intake, respectively, compared with the corresponding lowest quartiles. Similarly, the HRs for the development of VaD were 0.20 (95% CI = 0.07–0.56), 0.24 (95% CI = 0.11–0.53), and 0.26 (95% CI = 0.11–0.61) for the highest quartiles of potassium, calcium, and magnesium intake, respectively. There was no evidence of a linear association between these mineral intakes and the risk of AD.ConclusionHigher self‐reported dietary intakes of potassium, calcium, and magnesium reduce the risk of all‐cause dementia, especially VaD, in the general Japanese population.
Accuracy of Premium Calculation Models for CAT Bonds—An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Galeotti Marcello , Gürtler Marc , Winkelvos Christine 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCAT bonds are of significant importance in the field of alternative risk transfer. Because the market of CAT bonds is not complete, the application of an appropriate pricing model is of high relevance. We apply different premium calculation models to compare them with regard to their predictive power. Without taking the financial crisis into account, a version of the Wang transformation model and the linear model are the most accurate ones. In contrast, under consideration of the financial crisis, all analyzed models are approximately equivalent. Furthermore, we find that CAT bond specific information does not improve out‐of‐sample results.
Synthesis and Luminescent Properties of a New Eu3+‐Doped Li1+x (Ta1−zNbz)1−xTixO3 Red Phosphor
Authors: Nakano Hiromi , Ozono Keita , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Fujihara Shinobu 
Published: August 2012

A new red phosphor based on the Li1+x (Ta1−zNbz)1−xTixO3 (LTNT, 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.25, 0 ≤ z ≤ 0.625) solid solution as a host material has been synthesized. This host material is known as an M‐phase and has a superstructure similar to that of the Li1+x−yNb1−x−3yTix+4yO3 (LNT) solid solution. An Eu3+‐doped LTNT has been prepared by sintering at 1413 K–1433 K for 24 h in a conventional electric furnace; the optimal sintering temperature for obtaining higher photoluminescence (PL) intensity was found to be 1423 K. Interestingly, bright red emission due to the hypersensitive 5D0‐7F2 transition in Eu3+ was observed under direct excitation of the 4f electron at 541 (7F0‐5D1) or 398 nm (7F0‐5L6). The PL intensity of the LTNT phosphor was found to be dependent on the concentration of Eu3+, Ti4+, Nb5+, and Ta5+ ions. The PL intensity upon excitation at 541 nm was higher than that at 398 nm with decreasing Nb2O5 content in the LTNT host material. The highest PL intensity was achieved for the composition Li1.11Ta0.89Ti0.11O3 doped with 2.5 wt% of Eu2O3.
Sales location among semi‐subsistence cassava farmers in Benin: a heteroskedastic double selection model
Authors: Takeshima Hiroyuki , Winter‐Nelson Alex 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn much of rural Africa, high transaction costs limit farmers’ market participation and thus their potential for income growth. Transaction costs can affect not only whether a farmer sells product but also whether sales occur at the farm gate or at a market. If production behavior is related to a chosen sales location, then analysis of interventions can be improved by explicit consideration of the decision of where to sell. This article develops a double‐selection model that explains consumption and production decisions by semi‐subsistence farmers who first decide whether to be a seller and then whether to sell at the farm gate or at an off‐farm location before deciding on production and consumption. The study tests the validity of this dual‐criteria model against a single‐criterion model in which a grower first decides to be a seller and then decides production, consumption, and sales location simultaneously. The results suggest that the dual‐criteria model provides more information than the single‐criterion model using a sample of cassava producer in Benin.
Cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling and structure is regulated by degree and duration of mechanical load variation
Authors: Ibrahim Michael , Kukadia Punam , Siedlecka Urszula , Cartledge James E. , Navaratnarajah Manoraj , Tokar Sergiy , Van Doorn Carin , Tsang Victor T. , Gorelik Julia , Yacoub Magdi H. , Terracciano Cesare M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCardiac transverse (t)‐tubules are altered during disease and may be regulated by stretch‐sensitive molecules. The relationship between variations in the degree and duration of load and t‐tubule structure remains unknown, as well as its implications for local Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release (CICR). Rat hearts were studied after 4 or 8 weeks of moderate mechanical unloading [using heterotopic abdominal heart–lung transplantation (HAHLT)] and 6 or 10 weeks of pressure overloading using thoracic aortic constriction. CICR, cell and t‐tubule structure were assessed using confocal‐microscopy, patch‐clamping and scanning ion conductance microscopy. Moderate unloading was compared with severe unloading [using heart‐only transplantation (HAHT)]. Mechanical unloading reduced cardiomyocyte volume in a time‐dependent manner. Ca2+ release synchronicity was reduced at 8 weeks moderate unloading only. Ca2+ sparks increased in frequency and duration at 8 weeks of moderate unloading, which also induced t‐tubule disorganization. Overloading increased cardiomyocyte volume and disrupted t‐tubule morphology at 10 weeks but not 6 weeks. Moderate mechanical unloading for 4 weeks had milder effects compared with severe mechanical unloading (37% reduction in cell volume at 4 weeks compared to 56% reduction after severe mechanical unloading) and did not cause depression and delay of the Ca2+ transient, increased Ca2+ spark frequency or impaired t‐tubule and cell surface structure. These data suggest that variations in chronic mechanical load influence local CICR and t‐tubule structure in a time‐ and degree‐dependent manner, and that physiological states of increased and reduced cell size, without pathological changes are possible.
The role of gape‐limitation in intraguild predation between endangered Mohave tui chub and non‐native western mosquitofish
Authors: Henkanaththegedara Sujan M. , Stockwell Craig A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIntraguild predation (IGP) is a mechanism that may facilitate the co‐existence of native species with non‐native invasive species. We conducted laboratory predation trials to assess the role of predator gape‐limitation in the context of IGP between the endangered Mohave tui chub (Siphateles bicolor mohavensis) and invasive western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). Larval tui chubs had significantly lower (χ2 = 74.74; P < 0.001) survival in the presence of female mosquitofish (10.0%) than in the presence of male mosquitofish (73.3%). Reciprocally, adult tui chubs preyed upon adult mosquitofish, causing a significantly lower (χ2 = 11.33; P < 0.001) survival for male mosquitofish (60%) compared to female mosquitofish survival (96.7%). Vulnerability modelling revealed that mosquitofish with a body depth < 4.6 mm and a larval tui chub with a body depth < 1.2 mm were completely vulnerable to predation by adult Mohave tui chub and adult mosquitofish, respectively. IGP in this study system is size‐structured based on gape‐size limitation and may have some conservation implications for the recovery of endangered Mohave tui chub. Our findings also provide an important caveat to the dogmatic view of mosquitofish as a threat whenever they invade. It is important to note that many previous studies that reported negative impacts of mosquitofish involved native species with relatively small body sizes, often the same size as mosquitofish.
Die‐Off Ratio Correlates with IncreasedTNF‐α:IL‐10 Ratio and DecreasedIVFSuccess Rates Correctable withHumira
Authors: Winger Edward E. , Reed Jane L. , Ashoush Sherif , El‐Toukhy Tarek , Taranissi Mohamed 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundHuman embryos develop at varying rates in culture, with only a fraction of the eggs retrieved developing to ‘transfer quality’ embryos. We investigated whether the ratios between the number of eggs retrieved or the number of pro‐nucleate embryos formed and the number of Day 3 embryos with ≥5 cells [oocyte ‘die‐off ratios’ (DOR)] were correlated with the chance ofIVFsuccess, independent of other factors such as embryo grade score and patient's age. We also investigated what factors may be correlated with this ratio.Methods608IVFfresh cycles in subfertile women were retrospectively evaluated. For each cycle, an oocyteDORnumber was calculated as follows: Number of eggs retrieved divided by the number of Day 3 embryos with ≥5 cells. This number was correlated with the subsequent success rates for the index cycles. A ‘post‐fertilization’ or ‘embryo’ die‐off ratio (EDOR; the number of pro‐nucleate embryos/the number of day 3 embryos ≥5 cells) was also calculated.ResultsThe oocyteDORshowed a reverse linear correlation withIVFlive birth rate. Live birth rate = (−5.75;DOR) +71.6 (withDOR > 1;P ≤ 0.005;R = −0.87). In addition, the oocyteDORcontinued to show an inverse correlation with success rates even when embryo quality and patient's age were held constant. The post‐fertilization orEDORalso continued to show a statistically significant negative correlation with live birth rate (R = −0.91;P ≤ 0.01). The preconceptionTNF‐α:IL‐10 ratio, an immmunologic marker (drawn 3.3 ± 2.6 months preconception), was more strongly correlated with high oocyteDORthan either age or number of eggs retrieved (P = 0.04, 0.14, 0.72, respectively). When anti‐TNF‐α therapy (Humira) was given preconception, the oocyteDOR's negative effect on live birth rate was nearly eliminated (correlation coefficient between oocyteDORand live birth rate: cycles using noHumira,R = −0.90,P ≤ 0.006; cycles usingHumira,R = 0.25,P ≤ 0.55).ConclusionsIn subfertile women undergoingIVF, the oocyteDORmay help predictIVFsuccess rates. This factor may offer an additional tool to help improve implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and live birth rate per embryo transferred for an upcomingIVFcycle. Although many mechanisms may contribute to the oocyteDOR's negative effect onIVFsuccess rates, its correlation with elevated preconceptionTNF‐α:IL‐10 ratio and correction withHumira suggests a strong immunologic component that may be treatable.
Candida albicans adherence to an acrylic resin modified by experimental photopolymerised coatings: an in vitro study
Authors: Lazarin Andrea Azevedo , Zamperini Camila Andrade , Vergani Carlos Eduardo , Wady Amanda Fucci , Giampaolo Eunice Teresinha , Machado Ana Lucia 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThis study evaluated whether photopolymerised coatings containing zwitterion or hydrophilic monomers would reduce the adhesion of Candida albicans to an acrylic resin.Materials and methodsDisc‐shaped samples (n = 468) were fabricated with rough or smooth surfaces. The samples did not receive any surface treatment (control) or were coated with one of the following experimental coatings (2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate – HE; 3‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate – HP; and 2‐trimethylammonium ethyl methacrylate chloride – T; and sulfobetaine methacrylate – S). The concentrations of the constituent monomers were 25, 30 or 35%. The water contact angles of the samples were measured, and half of the samples were exposed to saliva. The adherent yeast cells were counted after crystal violet staining.ResultsFor the smooth samples, the groups S35, HP35 and HE35 showed significantly lower number of adhered Candida than control, in the absence of saliva. There were no significant differences among the experimental and control groups for the rough samples, but the saliva decreased the cell numbers for groups S25, S30 and HP30. The photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the changes in the chemical compositions of the experimental samples.ConclusionsThe experimental photopolymerised coatings changed the chemical composition and decreased C. albicans adhesion in the groups S35, HP35 and HE35, suggesting that they should be further investigated.
Terson's syndrome: Subarachnoid haemorrhage presenting as sudden visual loss
Authors: Moynihan Gerard , Robinson Kent 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSubarachnoid haemorrhage is a condition that usually presents with headache and altered mental state. We report the case of a 50‐year‐old man with subarachnoid haemorrhage who presented with Terson's syndrome. This is a condition where there is retinal or vitreous haemorrhage secondary to subarachnoid or subdural haemorrhage.