bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demography and speciation history of the homoploid hybrid pinePinus densataon the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: GAO JIE , WANG BAOSHENG , MAO JIAN‐FENG , INGVARSSON PÄR , ZENG QING‐YIN , WANG XIAO‐RU 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPinus densatais an ecologically successful homoploid hybrid that inhabits vast areas of heterogeneous terrain on the south‐eastern Tibetan Plateau as a result of multiple waves of colonization. Its region of origin, route of colonization onto the plateau and the directions of introgression with its parental species have previously been defined, but little is known about the isolation and divergence history of its populations. In this study, we surveyed nucleotide polymorphism over eight nuclear loci in 19 representative populations ofP. densataand its parental species. Using this information and coalescence simulations, we assessed the historical changes in its population size, gene flow and divergence in time and space. The results indicate a late Miocene origin forP. densataassociated with the recent uplift of south‐eastern Tibet. The subsequent differentiation between geographical regions of this species began in the late Pliocene and was induced by regional topographical changes and Pleistocene glaciations. The ancestralP. densatapopulation had a large effective population size but the central and western populations were established by limited founders, suggesting that there were severe bottlenecks during the westward migration out of the ancestral hybrid zone. After separating from their ancestral populations, population expansion occurred in all geographical regions especially in the western range. Gene flow inP. densatawas restricted to geographically neighbouring populations, resulting in significant differentiation between regional groups. The new information on the divergence and demographic history ofP. densatareported herein enhances our understanding of its speciation process on the Tibetan Plateau.
Glucose‐dependent trafficking of 5‐HT3 receptors in rat gastrointestinal vagal afferent neurons
Authors: Babic T. , Troy A. E. , Fortna S. R. , Browning K. N. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground  Intestinal glucose induces gastric relaxation via vagally mediated sensory‐motor reflexes. Glucose can alter the activity of gastrointestinal (GI) vagal afferent (sensory) neurons directly, via closure of ATP‐sensitive potassium channels, and indirectly, via the release of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) from mucosal enteroendocrine cells. We hypothesized that glucose may also be able to modulate the ability of GI vagal afferent neurons to respond to the released 5‐HT, via regulation of neuronal 5‐HT3 receptors.Methods  Whole‐cell patch clamp recordings were made from acutely dissociated GI‐projecting vagal afferent neurons exposed to equiosmolar Krebs’ solution containing different concentrations of d‐glucose (1.25–20 mmol L−1) and the response to picospritz application of 5‐HT assessed. The distribution of 5‐HT3 receptors in neurons exposed to different glucose concentrations was also assessed immunohistochemically.Key Results  Increasing or decreasing extracellular d‐glucose concentration increased or decreased, respectively, the 5‐HT‐induced inward current and the proportion of 5‐HT3 receptors associated with the neuronal membrane. These responses were blocked by the Golgi‐disrupting agent Brefeldin‐A (5 μmol L−1) suggesting involvement of a protein‐trafficking pathway. Furthermore, l‐glucose did not mimic the response of d‐glucose implying that metabolic events downstream of neuronal glucose uptake are required to observe the modulation of 5‐HT3 receptor mediated responses.Conclusions & Inferences  These results suggest that, in addition to inducing the release of 5‐HT from enterochromaffin cells, glucose may also increase the ability of GI vagal sensory neurons to respond to the released 5‐HT, providing a means by which the vagal afferent signal can be amplified or prolonged.
Phytochrome B inhibits binding of phytochrome‐interacting factors to their target promoters
Authors: Park Eunae , Park Jeongmoo , Kim Junghyun , Nagatani Akira , Lagarias J. Clark , Choi Giltsu 
Published: July 2012

SummaryPhytochromes are red and far‐red light receptors in plants that mediate critical responses to light throughout the lifecycle. They achieve this in part by targeting negatively acting bHLH transcription factors called phytochrome‐interacting factors (PIFs) for degradation within the nucleus. However, it is not known whether protein degradation is the primary mechanism by which phytochromes inhibit these repressors of photomorphogenesis. Here, we use chromatin immunoprecipitation to show that phyB inhibits the regulatory activity of PIF1 and PIF3 by releasing them from their DNA targets. The N‐terminal fragment of phyB (NG‐GUS‐NLS; NGB) also inhibits binding of PIF3 to its target promoters. However, unlike full‐length phyB, NGB does not promote PIF3 degradation, establishing the activity of NGB reflects its ability to inhibit PIF binding to DNA. We further show that Pfr forms of both full‐length phyB and NGB inhibit DNA binding of PIF1 and PIF3 in vitro. Taken together, our results indicate that phyB inhibition of PIF function involves two separate processes: sequestration and protein degradation.
Clinical signs, therapy and zoonotic risk of pet guinea pigs with dermatophytosis
Authors: Kraemer A. , Hein J. , Heusinger A. , Mueller R. S. 
Published: July 2012

SummarySystematic studies about pet guinea pigs with dermatophytosis are rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical signs, therapy and zoonotic risk of pet guinea pigs with dermatophytosis. Questionnaires from both owners (n = 74) of pet guinea pigs with dermatophytosis and their veterinarians (n = 101) were analysed regarding clinical signs, therapy and data pertinent to zoonotic potential. Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes was found in 97% of cases. In the weeks preceding the onset of the clinical signs, a new guinea pig joined the household in 43% of cases. One third of the affected guinea pigs had lived in the household for less than 3 months. Predominant clinical signs were alopecia (83%), scaling (73%) and crusting (70%). The most commonly affected body site was the head (75%). In approximately one quarter of the cases humans showed clinical signs of dermatophytosis, in half the households, only children were affected. Skin lesions were seen most often on the face, the neck and the arms. Pet guinea pigs carrying dermatophytes must be considered a serious zoonotic risk for their owners, especially for children. A major risk factor for dermatophytosis seems to be a recent acquisition of a new guinea pig.
Transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells ameliorates vascular dysfunction and portal hypertension in carbon tetrachloride‐induced rat liver cirrhotic model
Authors: Sakamoto Masaharu , Nakamura Toru , Torimura Takuji , Iwamoto Hideki , Masuda Hiroshi , Koga Hironori , Abe Mitsuhiko , Hashimoto Osamu , Ueno Takato , Sata Michio 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground and AimIn cirrhosis, sinusoidal endothelial cell injury results in increased endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and decreased nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, leading to portal hypertension. However, the effects of transplanted endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) on the cirrhotic liver have not yet been clarified. We investigated whether EPC transplantation reduces portal hypertension.MethodsCirrhotic rats were created by the administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) twice weekly for 10 weeks. From week 7, rat bone marrow‐derived EPCs were injected via the tail vein in this model once a week for 4 weeks. Endothelial NOS (eNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and caveolin expressions were examined by Western blots. Hepatic tissue ET‐1 was measured by a radioimmunoassay (RIA). Portal venous pressure, mean aortic pressure, and hepatic blood flow were measured.ResultsEndothelial progenitor cell transplantation reduced liver fibrosis, α‐smooth muscle actin‐positive cells, caveolin expression, ET‐1 concentration and portal venous pressure. EPC transplantation increased hepatic blood flow, protein levels of eNOS and VEGF. Immunohistochemical analyses of eNOS and isolectin B4 demonstrated that the livers of EPC‐transplanted animals had markedly increased vascular density, suggesting reconstitution of sinusoidal blood vessels with endothelium.ConclusionsTransplantation of EPCs ameliorates vascular dysfunction and portal hypertension, suggesting this treatment may provide a new approach in the therapy of portal hypertension with liver cirrhosis.
Prevalence of disturbed bowel functions and its association with disturbed bladder and sexual functions in the male population
Authors: Gwee Kok‐Ann , Siah Kewin Tien Ho , Wong Reuben K , Wee Sharon , Wong Mee‐Lian , Png Damian J C 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground and AimChronic constipation is usually associated with young women, and urinary and sexual dysfunction has been reported as co‐morbidity. Elderly men also appear to suffer from chronic constipation, as well as lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction, but their association as co‐morbidity has not been studied in the community. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of bowel symptoms in our community with particular reference to the association with urinary and sexual dysfunction in the male population.MethodsA population‐based cross–sectional survey involving 2276 subjects (1143 male, 1133 female) representative of the Singapore population demographics was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of chronic bowel disturbances, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and erectile dysfunction (ED).ResultsThe prevalence of chronic constipation was 25.1% overall, with the highest in men aged ≥ 70 years (35.8%) followed by women aged 20–29 years (30.5%). The commonest symptoms reported in chronic constipation were hard stool (95.1%), straining (90.9%) and incomplete evacuation (53.8%). Bloating was often experienced by 25.5% of the community, among whom 61.1% had some form of bowel disturbance. In men aged ≥ 30 years, LUTS (7.8% v 3.1%) and ED (60.5% v 48.6%) were more common in men with than without chronic constipation; constipation was an independent predictor of ED.ConclusionsIn this Asian urban community, chronic constipation was more common than previously suspected, and urinary and erectile dysfunction were found to be co‐morbidity in men.
Peripancreatic vascular involvements of autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Ishikawa Takuya , Itoh Akihiro , Kawashima Hiroki , Ohno Eizaburo , Itoh Yuya , Nakamura Yosuke , Hiramatsu Takeshi , Miyahara Ryoji , Ohmiya Naoki , Haruta Jyunichi , Goto Hidemi , Hirooka Yoshiki 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough peripancreatic vascular lesions are occasionally encountered in autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), there are few reports focusing on these involvements. We aimed to investigate the peripancreatic vascular involvements associated with AIP.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 54 AIP patients who met the International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for AIP between July 2003 and October 2010. All of the 54 patients were subjected to multiphasic multidetector computed tomography, and the prevalence, location and prognosis of peripancreatic vascular involvements were investigated.ResultsOf the 54 AIP patients, 24 (44.4%) exhibited involvements in the form of peripancreatic vascular lesions (stenoses of the splenic vein in 22 and of the superior mesenteric‐portal vein in 13, development of perigastric collateral circulation in 18, gastric varices with a red color sign in one and thrombosis inside the portal vein in one). Diffuse‐type AIP was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of vascular involvements compared with focal‐type AIP (P = 0.033). A total of 14 out of 16 patients who underwent corticosteroid treatment showed improvement in vascular lesions. One case followed up without corticosteroid treatment and presenting an obstruction of the splenic vein exhibited involvements in the form of an infarction and hemorrhagic cysts of the spleen and ultimately underwent distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy.ConclusionsAutoimmune pancreatitis patients show a high prevalence of peripancreatic vascular involvements. Thus, patients with vascular involvements are suitable candidates for steroid therapy with evaluation of its potential merits and demerits, even if they are asymptomatic.
Hallucinations in severe, repeated Sydenham's chorea in an Indigenous girl in North‐West Queensland
Authors: Kuzulugil Deniz , Sheldrick Kyle , Wood Angela , Whitehall John 
Published: July 2012

AbstractSydenham's chorea is a cardinal feature of rheumatic fever. It is known by its dyskinesia and susceptibility to carditis, but associated psychiatric disorder is being recognised. This has included tics and obsessive compulsive disorder, but we report hallucinations in an indigenous girl, suffering her third bout of chorea.
Double representation of the wrist and elbow in human motor cortex
Authors: Strother Lars , Medendorp W. Pieter , Coros Alexandra M. , Vilis Tutis 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMovements of the fingers, hand and arm involve overlapping neural representations in primary motor cortex (M1). Monkey M1 exhibits a core–surround organisation in which cortical representation of the hand and fingers is surrounded by representations of the wrist, elbow and shoulder. A potentially homologous organisation in human M1 has only been observed in a single study, a functional MRI (fMRI) study by [J.D. Meier, T.N. Aflalo, S. Kastner & M.S. Graziano.(2008) J Neurophysiol, 100(4), 1800–1812]. The results of their study suggested a double representation of the wrist in human M1, an unprecedented finding. Our purpose was to document and simultaneously provide evidence that would extend the presence of double representation of the wrist to that of the elbow. Using fMRI, we observed somatotopic maps in M1 and the supplementary motor area (SMA), the only other cortical area that showed robust within‐limb somatotopy during self‐timed finger, wrist and elbow movements. We observed double wrist and elbow representation that bracketed finger fMRI responses in M1 and the SMA. Our results show that the cortical locations of these double representations are well predicted by local cortical anatomy. Double representation of the wrist and elbow is important because it violates the traditional somatotopic progression in M1 but it is consistent with the representation of synergistic movements involving adjacent effectors.
Understanding Deception: Disentangling Skills from Conviction
Authors: Humphreys Les , Peelo Moira 
Published: July 2012

AbstractDeception is often associated with economic gain and white‐collar crime. But studying deception highlights the need for criminologists and practitioners to move beyond legal definitions and conviction rates when attempting to achieve depth in understanding criminality, its motivations and possible specialisms. Further, to explore the complexity of deception requires recognition of the range of skills inherent in this modus operandi, which is better recognised as a potentially‐criminal tool found in much criminal behaviour. Theories that attempt to explain specialisation need to move on from a focus on crimes committed and give appropriate attention to skills employed.
Benefits of oral Polypodium Leucotomos extract in MM high‐risk patients
Authors: Aguilera P. , Carrera C. , Puig‐Butille J.A. , Badenas C. , Lecha M. , González S. , Malvehy J. , Puig S. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground  UV radiation and the presence of melanocytic nevi are the main risk factors of sporadic melanoma (MM). Protection of skin by an oral photoprotective agent would have substantial benefits.Objective  We investigated the possible role of an oral Polypodium leucotomos (PL) extract to improve systemic photoprotection in patients at risk of skin cancer analyzing the ability to decrease UV‐induced erythema. We also studied the interaction among MC1R polymorphisms and CDKN2A status with the minimal erythematous dose (MED) and their influence in the response after oral PL.Methods  A total of 61 patients (25 with familial and/or multiple MM, 20 with sporadic MM and 16 with atypical mole syndrome without history of MM) were exposed to varying doses of artificial UVB radiation without and after oral administration of a total dose of 1080mg of PL.Results  Oral PL treatment significantly increased the MED mean in all group patients (0.123 to 0.161 J/cm2, p<0.05). Although not significant, we noticed a stronger effect of PL on the MED of patients with familial MM compared to those with MM (U=273, p=0.06). Among the patients with familial MM, those exhibiting a mutated CDKN2A and/or polymorphisms in MC1R had the bigger differences in response to treatment with PL.Limitations  Reduced number of patients. No control population.Conclusions  Administration of PL leads to a significant reduction of sensitivity to UVR (p<0.05) in all patients. Dark‐eye patients and patients with higher UVR sensibility (lower basal MED) would be the most benefited from oral PL treatment.
Musculoskeletal growth in the upper arm in infants after obstetric brachial plexus lesions and its relation with residual muscle function
Authors: RUOFF JOHANNA M , VAN DER SLUIJS JOHANNES A , VAN OUWERKERK WILLEM J , JASPERS RICHARD T 
Published: July 2012

Aim  Denervation after obstetric brachial plexus lesion (OBPL) is associated with reduced musculoskeletal growth in the upper arm. The aim of this study was to investigate whether reduced growth of upper arm flexor and extensor muscles is related to active elbow function and humeral length.Method  In this study, 31 infants age less than 6 months (mean age 4.3mo; range 2.1–5.9mo; 17 males; 14 females;) with unilateral OBPL (Narakas class I, 19; II, 3; III, 2; and IV, 7) treated at the VU medical centre, in whom neurosurgical reconstruction was considered were prospectively studied using magnetic resonance imaging of both arms at a mean age of 4.3 months. Humeral length and the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of elbow flexor and extensor muscles were measured in both upper arms. Paresis of elbow function was estimated when the infants were a mean age of 4.5 months using the Gilbert score.Results  Both flexor and extensor CSAs were significantly smaller on the affected side than on the unaffected side (88% [SD 32%], p=0.020, and 88% [SD 24%], p=0.001 respectively), as was humeral length (96% [SD 7%], p=0.005) (unaffected side 100% in all cases). There was no relation between the reduction in flexor and extensor CSA and residual muscle function. In 17 out of 31 patients, hypertrophy of flexor and/or extensor muscles was observed. Humeral length was not related to muscle parameters.Interpretation  Denervation has different effects on muscle growth and function as well as bone growth. In young infants with an OBPL, muscle size is not a predictor of muscle function. Flexion contractures of the elbow later in childhood may not be explained by a dominance of flexor muscle mass in infants.
Aspects of care culture in municipal care for elderly people: a hermeneutic documentary analysis of reports of abuse
Authors: Rytterström Patrik , Arman Maria , Unosson Mitra 
Published: July 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 354–362

Aspects of care culture in municipal care for elderly people: a hermeneutic documentary analysis of reports of abuse
Introduction:  Care culture is an important contextual factor in care practice. Care culture refers to a process of creating meaning out of tradition, horizon and bildung. The care culture is often taken into consideration in situations that go beyond the everyday routine, such as cases of abuse. In Sweden, health care professionals are obliged to document and report any suspected bad conditions. Although the reports have the potential to communicate underlying values and assumptions about the care culture, such studies have not been performed.Aim:  The aim of this study was to understand how elderly care abuse in institutions could be understood from a care culture perspective.Design and methods:  A hermeneutic documentary analysis was conducted on 269 incident reports concerning suspected mistreatment of the elderly in three municipalities in Sweden. The hermeneutic analysis followed a four‐stage process: selecting and reading the text, setting out the context, closing the hermeneutic circle, and finally creating a conceptual bridge towards a critical understanding from a phenomenological lifeworld perspective.Findings:  The care of the elderly in the municipality was based on a social culture that placed residents’ needs at the centre. Following routines were considered important in preventing mistreatment and were intended to ensure that all patients were treated fairly and equally. Care was described as task oriented and often lacking in interpersonal relations. From a phenomenological lifeworld perspective, it was interpreted that in the municipalities’ care of the elderly, there was a focus on elderly people’s freedom at the expense of the vulnerability aspects of well‐being.Conclusion:  Raising awareness of the care culture underlying abuse could help to improve understanding of care practice. Change may be only possible when reflected on the existing perspectives underpinning the care culture, and integrate them into a broader framework for caring.
Repressed and silent suffering: consequences of childhood sexual abuse for women’s health and well‐being
Authors: Sigurdardottir Sigrun , Halldorsdottir Sigridur 
Published: July 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 422–432

Repressed and silent suffering: consequences of childhood sexual abuse for women’s health and well‐being
Research results indicate that psychological trauma in childhood caused by child sexual abuse can have serious and widespread consequences for health and well‐being. The purpose of this study was to examine the consequences of childhood sexual abuse for women’s health and well‐being. The research methodology was phenomenology. Seven women with a history of childhood sexual abuse were interviewed twice with 1–6 months interval. For all the women, the abuse started when they were between 4 and 5. All of them were repeatedly violated and traumatized ever since then and were even still being victimized at the time of the interviews. The main result of the study is that time does not heal all wounds. All the women described great repressed and silent suffering in all aspects of life, and the abuse is still seriously affecting them and their loved ones. As children, they had learning problems, experienced bullying and had unexplained physical symptoms. In adulthood, they have been suffering multiple physical and psychological symptoms: five of them have fibromyalgia; all of them have been suffering chronic and widespread pain; they have all been dealing with depression and difficulty with close connections, and they all have trouble trusting others. Because they were kids, they have been using the health service to a great extent but without adequate help. It is important for health professionals to know the symptoms and consequences of childhood sexual abuse to be able to respond to adult survivors in a supportive and caring way. More effective therapeutic measures have to be developed to decrease their suffering.