bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P38 MAPK inhibition enhancing ATO‐induced cytotoxicity against multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Wen Jianguo , Cheng Haiyun Y. , Feng Yongdong , Rice Lawrence , Liu Shangfeng , Mo Albert , Huang James , Zu Youli , Ballon Douglas J. , Chang Chung‐Che 
Published: July 2010

SummaryThe resistance to arsenic trioxide (ATO) treatment is relatively common (55–80%) in multiple myeloma patients. This study found that ATO at clinically achievable concentrations (2–7 μmol/l) activated p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) in both myeloma cell lines and primary myeloma cells, a finding not previously well‐documented in myeloma cells. Inhibition of p38 MAPK activation by pharmacological inhibitors (SB203580) or downregulation of p38 MAPK by siRNA significantly increased the apoptosis and/or growth inhibition induced by ATO treatment in myeloma cells. Combination of ATO and p38 MAPK inhibition abolished the interleukin‐6 enhanced protection of myeloma cells against ATO treatment. The ATO‐resistant cell line developed in our laboratory showed an increase in p38 MAPK activation. The increase of apoptosis by the combination of ATO and SB203580 was accompanied by the activation of caspase‐9 and caspase‐8 suggesting that both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways are involved. Additionally, the p38 MAPK activation by ATO was associated with increased phosphorylation and upregulated expression of Heat shock protein 27. These results suggest that ATO‐induced p38 MAPK activation plays an important role in the resistance to ATO in myeloma cells and that p38 MAPK inhibition may overcome resistance to ATO treatment in myeloma patients.
Mast cells protect against airway Mycoplasma pneumoniae under allergic conditions
Authors: Michels N. M. , Chu H. W. , LaFasto S. C. , Case S. R. , Minor M. N. , Martin R. J. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryBackground
Infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) in asthma can occur both acutely and chronically with an associated Th2 inflammatory response and/or increased numbers of bronchial mast cells. Mast cells have previously been shown to promote mycoplasma clearance in mice; however, it is unknown whether mast cells would aid Mp clearance under allergic conditions.Objective
Our aim was to determine the impact of allergic inflammation on mast cell‐mediated lung Mp clearance. Furthermore, as we have previously demonstrated an essential role for IL‐6 in lung Mp clearance we also investigated the role of mast cell‐derived IL‐6.Methods
Mast cell‐deficient (WBB6F1/J‐KitW/KitW‐v) mice were challenged with ovalbumin to induce airway inflammation before Mp infection. The role of mast cell‐derived IL‐6 in bacterial clearance was further investigated by reconstitution of mast cell‐deficient mice with IL‐6−/− mast cells.Results
Allergic mast cell‐deficient mice exhibited increased lung Mp burden compared with control littermates. Intravenous adoptive transfer of wild‐type and IL‐6−/− mast cells significantly improved Mp clearance in mast cell‐deficient mice. Acutely after Mp infection, allergen‐challenged mast cell‐deficient mice had increased levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and TNF‐α in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The total number of neutrophils was also increased in mast cell‐deficient mice.Conclusions
Our results establish that mast cells aid host defense against Mp in an allergic setting and that while IL‐6 is necessary for lung Mp clearance, mast cell‐derived IL‐6 is not required. Cite this as: N. M. Michels, H. W. Chu, S. C. LaFasto, S. R. Case, M. N. Minor and R. J. Martin, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1406–1413.
Hyaluronic acid metabolism is increased in unstable plaques
Authors: Bot Pieter T. , Pasterkamp Gerard , Goumans Marie‐José , Strijder Chaylendra , Moll Frans L. , De Vries Jean‐Paul , Pals Steven T. , De Kleijn Dominique P. , Piek Jan J. , Hoefer Imo E. 
Published: July 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (9): 818–827AbstractBackground  Hyaluronic acid is expressed in atherosclerotic lesions, but its exact role in atherosclerotic disease remains unknown. As degradation of hyaluronic acid by hyaluronidase into low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMW‐HA) is associated with inflammation and Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 activity, we hypothesized that hyaluronic acid metabolism is increased in plaques with unstable characteristics like large lipid core, high number of macrophages, MMP‐9 activity, low collagen and smooth muscle cell content.Materials and methods  Protein was isolated from 68 carotid artery specimens. The adjacent plaque segment was characterized for the histological parameters: lipid core, macrophage, collagen, smooth muscle cell (SMC) content and the amount of intra‐plaque thrombus. Hyaluronidase activity, total hyaluronic acid and LMW‐HA expression, the standard hayaluronic acid receptor CD44s and the VEGF‐A binding isoform CD44v3, MMP‐9 activity and the plaque instability associated growth factor Vascular Endothial Growth Factor (VEGF)‐A were analysed and correlated with histological characteristics.Results  Hyaluronidase activity, LMW‐HA and CD44 expression (CD44s, CD44v3) levels were increased in atheromatous plaques compared with fibrous plaques. Total hyaluronic acid did not correlate with plaque instability. MMP‐9 activity correlated with CD44s, hyaluronidase and LMW‐HA expression. CD44v3 correlated with the angiogenic factor VEGF‐A. In vitro stimulation of macrophages with LMW‐HA increased MMP‐9 activity.Conclusions  We show for the first time that increased hyaluronic acid metabolism and elevated CD44 levels are associated with plaque destabilization potentially by increased MMP‐9 activity and stimulation of angiogenesis.
Risk factors and early detection of atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: De Groot Lodewijk , Posthumus Marcel D. , Kallenberg Cees G. M. , Bijl Marc 
Published: July 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (9): 835–842AbstractBackground  Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). This cannot be explained alone by the increased prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors like smoking and hypertension. Other factors therefore seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in RA.Methods  Literature was searched for epidemiology and pathophysiology of atherosclerosis in RA, with special focus on the role of advanced glycation end products (AGE’s), endothelial activation, endothelial dysfunction and premature atherosclerosis as measured by intima media thickness (IMT). Finally, a literature search was performed on therapeutic strategies to prevent atherosclerosis in RA.Results  In RA increased AGE accumulation, endothelial activation, endothelial dysfunction and premature atherosclerosis can be identified. Treatment of RA activity by multiple disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARD’s) has shown to be effective in reducing premature atherosclerosis in RA.Conclusion  Cardiovascular disease is increased in RA. Tight disease control and treatment of other risk factors is recommended to prevent morbidity and mortality due to CVD in RA.
Ecological immunology and tolerance in plants and animals
Authors: Baucom Regina S. , de Roode Jacobus C. 
Published: July 2010

Summary1. Most animal studies of ecological immunology have focused on parasite resistance: defence mechanisms through which animals prevent infection or reduce parasite growth. Resistance mechanisms have obvious fitness benefits by reducing the fitness losses attributed to infection.2. Intriguingly, animal researchers have largely ignored the role of tolerance mechanisms, through which hosts do not reduce parasite infection or growth, but alleviate the negative fitness consequences of parasite infection or growth instead. This omission stands in sharp contrast with the plant literature, where tolerance has been studied for decades and led to many important insights.3. Here, we show that the plant literature has a lot to offer for understanding defence against parasites in animals. We argue that the prevailing views on tolerance in the plant literature should direct research on animals, and that theoretical ecological and evolutionary studies should be built on tolerance measures that are feasible and relevant in empirical studies.4. Studying tolerance will enhance our understanding of how animals deal with parasites in their natural environments and may provide novel ways to combat disease.
Expressed sequence tags from the midgut of Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Simpson R. M. , Newcomb R. D. , Gatehouse H. S. , Crowhurst R. N. , Chagné D. , Gatehouse L. N. , Markwick N. P. , Beuning L. L. , Murray C. , Marshall S. D. , Yauk Y.‐K. , Nain B. , Wang Y.‐Y. , Gleave A. P. , Christeller J. T. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe midgut is a key tissue in insect science. Physiological roles include digestion and peritrophic membrane function, as well as being an important target for insecticides. We used an expressed sequence tag (EST) approach to identify candidate genes and gene families involved in these processes in the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Two cDNA libraries were constructed from dissected midgut of third to fifth instar larvae. Clustering analysis of 6416 expressed sequence tags produced 1178 tentative unique genes comprising 725 tentative contigs and 453 singletons. The sequences show similar codon usage to sequences from other lepidopterans, a Kozak consensus sequence similar to Drosophila and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected at a frequency of 1.35/kb. The identity of the most common Interpro families correlates well with major known functions of the midgut. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted on representative sequences from selected multigene families. Gene families include a broad range of digestive proteases, lipases and carbohydrases that appear to have degradative capacity against the major food components found in leaves, the diet of these larvae; and carboxylesterases, glutathione‐S‐transferases and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, potentially involved in xenobiotic degradation. Two of the larger multigene families, serine proteases and lipases, expressed a high proportion of genes that are likely to be catalytically inactive.
MTA and F‐doped MTA cements used as sealers with warm gutta‐percha. Long‐term study of sealing ability
Authors: Gandolfi M. G. , Prati C. 
Published: July 2010

Gandolfi MG, Prati C. MTA and F‐doped MTA cements used as sealers with warm gutta‐percha. Long‐term study of sealing ability. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 889–901, 2010.AbstractAim  To evaluate the long‐term sealing ability (up to 6 months) of two experimental calcium silicate MTA cements used as root canal sealers in association with warm gutta‐percha.Methodology  Calcium silicate (MTA) and calcium‐fluoro‐silicate powders were prepared. Sodium fluoride was included in FMTA (Fluoride‐doped Mineral Trioxide Aggregate) as an expansive and retardant agent. Single‐rooted teeth were instrumented with NiTi rotary instruments, filled with warm gutta‐percha in association with one of the experimental sealers or with AH Plus as a control (n = 20 for each sealer) and stored at 37 °C. Sealing was assessed at 24, 48 h, 1, 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6 months by a fluid filtration method. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis (SEM/EDX) was used to study the dentine/sealer interface of roots stored for 6 months and the surface of cement disks stored for 24 h.Results  All sealers revealed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05) in fluid filtration after the first 2 weeks. No statistically significant differences were observed between FMTA and AH Plus at all analysis times. At short times (24, 48‐h), no statistically significant differences were found between the experimental cements and AH Plus. At long‐term evaluations (1, 3, 6 months), FMTA and AH Plus sealed significantly better (P < 0.05) than MTA. FMTA was associated with lower fluid filtration rates, and the seal was stable from 48 h to 6 months, thus proving the most effective material. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis of root sections filled with calcium silicate sealers revealed the formation of a blend layer of gutta‐percha and cement consequent to the warm gutta‐percha condensation technique. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis of 24‐h‐stored disks identified a Ca‐rich coating on the outer surface consisting of globular particles (calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate), and a deeper internal Ca‐ and Si‐rich region consisting of needle‐like ettringite crystals and round formations of calcium silicate hydrate gel.Conclusion  Fluoride‐doped MTA demonstrated stable sealing during a period of up to 6 months and significantly better than conventional calcium silicate MTA cements and comparable to AH Plus. The study supports the suitability of calcium silicate MTA cements as sealers in association with warm gutta‐percha for root filling.
Push‐out strength of methacrylate resin‐based sealers to root canal walls
Authors: Costa J. A. , Rached‐Júnior F. A. , Souza‐Gabriel A. E. , Silva‐Sousa Y. T. C. , Sousa‐Neto M. D. 
Published: July 2010

Costa JA, Rached‐Júnior FA, Souza‐Gabriel AE, Silva‐Sousa YTC, Sousa‐Neto MD. Push‐out strength of methacrylate resin‐based sealers to root canal walls. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 698–706, 2010.AbstractAim  To assess the push‐out strength of Epiphany SE, Epiphany and Hybrid Root SEAL to the dentine walls of root canals.Methodology  Sixty roots of canines were prepared and distributed to six groups (n = 10) according to the filling material: GI – Epiphany SE, GII – Epiphany primer and sealer, GIII – Epiphany primer, sealer and resinous solvent, GIV – Clearfil DC Bond and Epiphany sealer, GV – Clearfil, Epiphany sealer and solvent and GVI – Hybrid Root SEAL. Resilon cones were used in all groups. Roots were sectioned transversally to obtain three slices from each third. One slice was subjected to the push‐out test (MPa), and results were analysed by anova and Tukey’s test (P < 0.05). The other two slices were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Failure mode was also analysed.Results  A statistically significant difference (P <0.05) occurred between Hybrid Root SEAL (5.27 ± 2.07) and the other materials, GI (0.40 ± 0.23), GII (0.78 ± 0.45), GIII (0.57 ± 0.28), GIV (0.40 ± 0.24) and GV (0.50 ± 0.41), which did not differ significantly from each other (P > 0.05). Adhesive failures predominated in groups I, II, IV and V, whilst mixed and cohesive failures were the most frequent in groups III and VI, respectively. There were gaps in the adhesive interface of GI and GII, continuity areas of the filling material with dentine in GIV and GV and good adaptation of the interface of GVI.Conclusion  Hybrid Root SEAL had greater push‐out strength to root canal dentine than Epiphany SE and Epiphany. The use of primer, solvent and adhesive system did not influence the adhesion of Epiphany.
Termination of pregnancy services: experiences of gynaecological nurses
Authors: Nicholson Jackie , Slade Pauline , Fletcher Joanne 
Published: July 2010

nicholson j., slade p. & fletcher j. (2010) Termination of pregnancy services: experiences of gynaecological nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(10), 2245–2256.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study to identify the experience of gynaecological nurses involved with termination of pregnancy.Background.  Staff involved with termination of pregnancy have been found to experience both positive and negative views. Varying processes and experiences for staff have been identified, from termination of pregnancy work being emotionally draining and stressful to there being a process of care that evolves with greater experience.Methods.  A purposive sample of seven gynaecological nurses currently working in a termination of pregnancy service was recruited. Data were collected between October 2007 and January 2008 using interviews and standardized questionnaires. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.Results.  Eight superordinate themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Unconditional acceptance and understanding of termination of pregnancy, (2) Strategies for managing the demands and challenges, (3) What we do for patients and job satisfaction, (4) Challenges to unconditional acceptance, (5) Juggling the contrasting needs and demands of patients, (6) The most demanding aspects of the role, (7) The significance of personal experience and (8) The service context. Some of the experiences were interpreted as ways in which nurses justified their role. The themes were understood in terms of a balance between strains, coping and contextual influences.Conclusion.  Providing a recognized supportive supervisory environment might allow for the acknowledgement of the unique challenges staff in termination of pregnancy services face, and might enhance a sense of validation within the organization and hence staff wellbeing.
Vulnerability related to oral health in early childhood: a concept analysis
Authors: Mattheus Deborah J. 
Published: July 2010

mattheus d.j. (2010) Vulnerability related to oral health in early childhood: concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(9), 2116–2125.AbstractAim.  This article is a report of the analysis of the concept of vulnerability and its relationship to oral health in early childhood.Background.  Poor oral health is a continued problem for children worldwide. Vulnerability increases the probability of poor oral health outcomes. The lack of clarity of the concept of vulnerability creates difficulty in understanding this multi‐factoral condition.Data sources.  Data source included 34 articles covering the period 2000–2009 from a variety of disciplines, including nursing, dentistry, medicine and public health.Methods.  The concept analysis was conducted using Rodgers’ evolutionary method. The literature was analysed and a social ecology model was used to frame the discussion, recognizing family and community influences on children’s oral health.Results.  The context of oral health in early childhood contributes to the changes in the concept vulnerability. The attributes are closely related to family and community factors and identified as limited parental income, parental education, community‐based services and fluoride; and exposure to poor parental habits, parental neglect and harmful toxins. The primary antecedent is identified as a form of limited protection from exposure to various circumstances.Conclusion.  Children with limited protection have increased vulnerability and greater probability of poor health outcomes. Nurses who understand the concept of vulnerability related to oral health and can identify factors that create protection and are capable of decreasing vulnerability through parent education, community awareness and policy changes that support children and families.
Satisfaction Scale for Community Nursing: development and validation
Authors: Cheng Winnie Lai Sheung , Lai Claudia Kam Yuk 
Published: July 2010

cheng w.l.s. & lai c.k.y. (2010) Satisfaction Scale for Community Nursing: development and validation. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(10), 2331–2340.AbstractAim.  This study is a report of the development and testing of the Satisfaction Scale for Community Nursing for measuring patient satisfaction with community nursing.Background.  Measuring patient satisfaction with a psychometrically sound instru‐ment is important if patient judgment is used as a quality indicator to evaluate the quality of the service.Methods.  Service users and providers participated in generating items for a questionnaire related to the concept of patient satisfaction. A convenient sample of 121 patients receiving care from the Community Nursing Service was recruited to pilot the questionnaire for its initial validation in 2005. Content validity and factor analysis of the draft questionnaire were assessed. Psychometric properties of the final questionnaire were assessed using data from 80 patients in a validation study conducted during 2006.Results.  A 17‐item satisfaction questionnaire with a five‐point Likert scale measuring three quality domains was developed: technical competence, coordination of services and interpersonal relationships in community nursing. Cronbach’s alpha was 0·90. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation yielded three factors with eigenvalues >1; these accounted for 76·6% of the total variance. The factor loadings of the items ranged from >0·64 to 0·84. The concurrent validity of the scale associated with two conceptually related variables was 0·61 (P < 0·05) and 0·66 (P < 0·05).Conclusion.  The questionnaire may be valuable for assessing the satisfaction level of clients with community nursing service in meeting their expectations, and thus for enhancing treatment adherence and improving the quality of care.
Experiences of drug use and ageing: health, quality of life, relationship and service implications
Authors: Roe Brenda , Beynon Caryl , Pickering Lucy , Duffy Paul 
Published: July 2010

roe b., beynon c., pickering l. & duffy p. (2010) Experiences of drug use and ageing: health, quality of life, relationship and service implications. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(9), 1968–1979.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of an exploration of older people’s experiences of substance use in the context of ageing, and its impact on health, quality of life, relationships and service use.Background.  Use of illicit drugs by older people is a neglected policy, research and service provision and is generally perceived as a lifestyle of younger populations.Method.  A convenience sample of 11 people aged 49–61 years (mean 57 years) in contact with voluntary sector drug treatment services participated in qualitative semi‐structured tape‐recorded interviews and thematic content analysis was performed. The data were collected in 2008.Findings.  Drug use can have negative impacts on health status, quality of life, family relationships and social networks that accrue with age. Participants were identified as early or later onset users of drugs due to the impact of life events and relationships. A range of substances had been used currently and throughout their lives, with no single gateway drug identified as a prelude to personal drug careers. Life review and reflection were common, in keeping with ageing populations, along with regret of ever having started to use drugs. Living alone and their accommodation made them more susceptible to social isolation, and they reported experiences of death and dying of their contemporaries and family members earlier than usual in the life course.Conclusion.  Older people who continue to use drugs and require the support of services for treatment and care are an important emerging population and their specific needs should recognized.