bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune complexes and late complement proteins trigger activation of Syk tyrosine kinase in human CD4+ T cells
Authors: Chauhan A K , Moore T L 
Published: October 2011

SummaryIn systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the autoantibodies that form immune complexes (ICs) trigger activation of the complement system. This results in the formation of membrane attack complex (MAC) on cell membrane and the soluble terminal complement complex (TCC). Hyperactive T cell responses are hallmark of SLE pathogenesis. How complement activation influences the T cell responses in SLE is not fully understood. We observed that aggregated human γ-globulin (AHG) bound to a subset of CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and this population increased in the SLE patients. Human naive CD4+ T cells, when treated with purified ICs and TCC, triggered recruitment of the FcRγ chain with the membrane receptor and co-localized with phosphorylated Syk. These events were also associated with aggregation of membrane rafts. Thus, results presented suggest a role for ICs and complement in the activation of Syk in CD4+ T cells. Thus, we propose that the shift in signalling from ζ-chain-ZAP70 to FcRγ chain-Syk observed in T cells of SLE patients is triggered by ICs and complement. These results demonstrate a link among ICs, complement activation and phosphorylation of Syk in CD4+ T cells.
Juvenile hormone titre and related gene expression during the change of reproductive modes in the pea aphid
Authors: Ishikawa A. , Ogawa K. , Gotoh H. , Walsh T. K. , Tagu D. , Brisson J. A. , Rispe C. , Jaubert‐Possamai S. , Kanbe T. , Tsubota T. , Shiotsuki T. , Miura T. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMost aphids show reproductive polyphenism, i.e. they alternate their reproductive modes from parthenogenesis to sexual reproduction in response to short photoperiods. Although juvenile hormone (JH) has been considered a likely candidate for regulating the transition from asexual to sexual reproduction after photoperiod sensing, there are few studies investigating the direct relationship between JH titres and the reproductive‐mode change. In addition, the sequencing of the pea aphid genome has allowed identification of the genes involved in the JH pathway, which in turn allows us to examine their expression levels in relation to the reproductive‐mode change. Using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry in the pea aphid, JHIII titre was shown to be lower in aphids producing sexual morphs under short‐day conditions than in aphids producing parthenogenetic morphs under long‐day conditions. The expression levels of genes upstream and downstream of JH action were quantified by real‐time quantitative reverse‐transcription‐PCR across the reproductive‐mode change. The expression level ofJH esterase, which is responsible for JH degradation, was significantly higher in aphids reared under short‐day conditions. This suggests that the upregulation of the JH degradation pathway may be responsible for the lower JHIII titre in aphids exposed to short‐days, leading to the production of sexual morphs.
Pain management in neonates: a survey of nurses and doctors
Authors: Akuma Akuma O , Jordan Sue 
Published: October 2011

Akuma A.O. & Jordan S. (2012) Pain management in neonates: a survey of nurses and doctors. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(6), 1288–1301.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a descriptive survey of nurses’ and doctors’ knowledge and reported practice regarding procedural pain assessment and management in neonatal intensive care units.Background.  There are concerns that pain is often unrecognized and under‐treated in neonates. Current guidelines advocate administration of analgesia and comfort measures, but may be vulnerable to inter‐professional differences in guideline implementation.Methods.  All nurses and doctors working in all seven neonatal intensive care units in one area of the United Kingdom were surveyed between January to August 2007. Lead clinicians distributed and collected anonymous questionnaires.Findings.  Response rate was 44% (62 doctors, 137 nurses). Internal consistency was high, overall Cronbach’s alpha 0·976. Respondents were knowledgeable, mean score 82% (SD13·3%). They agreed that neonates feel pain and need analgesia. Chest drain insertion was perceived to be the most painful procedure, heel‐prick the least. Respondents reported that analgesia and comfort measures were not usually administered for most procedures: nurses were more likely than doctors to report adhering to guidelines advocating administration of analgesia and comfort measures. Statistically significant differences between current and optimal practice were acknowledged. Few (21% and 37%) had received training on neonatal pain and fewer (2·5%) employed recognized pain assessment instruments. Pain management guidelines were available to 29(47%) doctors and 85(62%) nurses; 20(18%) reported that these had been audited.Conclusion.  Clinicians were knowledgeable about neonatal pain, but gaps between knowledge and practice remain. This hiatus could be bridged by providing research evidence for the efficacy of guidelines incorporating validated pain assessment instruments.
Family members' reports of the technology use of family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Palmer S. B. , Wehmeyer M. L. , Davies D. K. , Stock S. E. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground  A nationwide survey of family members of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities ranging in age from birth through adulthood was conducted to replicate a similar effort by Wehmeyer and update the knowledge base concerning technology use by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Method  Survey responses provided information about use of technology for mobility, hearing and vision, communication, independent living, and in the area of computer use. In addition, survey items queried the use of electronic and information technology devices such as use of email, mobile telephones and digital cameras.Results  Survey results showed that although the use of computers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is more prevalent, other technology use frequency is much the same as in the late 1990s. However, technology needs did vary among school‐age individuals over time.Conclusion  Implications of results for technology use of people with disabilities are discussed through the lens of frequency of use and needs for individuals with disabilities.
Insomnia in untreated sleep apnea patients compared to controls
Authors: BJÖRNSDÓTTIR ERLA , JANSON CHRISTER , GÍSLASON THORARINN , SIGURDSSON JÓN F. , PACK ALLAN I. , GEHRMAN PHILIP , BENEDIKTSDÓTTIR BRYNDÍS 
Published: October 2011

SummaryInsomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often coexist, but the nature of their relationship is unclear. The aims of this study were to compare the prevalence of initial and middle insomnia between OSA patients and controls from the general population as well as to study the influence of insomnia on sleepiness and quality of life in OSA patients. Two groups were compared, untreated OSA patients (n = 824) and controls ≥ 40 years from the general population in Iceland (n = 762). All subjects answered the same questionnaires on health and sleep and OSA patients underwent a sleep study. Altogether, 53% of controls were males compared to 81% of OSA patients. Difficulties maintaining sleep (DMS) were more common among men and women with OSA compared to the general population (52 versus 31% and 62 versus 31%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Difficulties initiating sleep (DIS) and DIS + DMS were more common among women with OSA compared to women without OSA. OSA patients with DMS were sleepier than patients without DMS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale: 12.2 versus 10.9, P < 0.001), while both DMS and DIS were related to lower quality of life in OSA patients as measured by the Short Form 12 (physical score 39 versus 42 and mental score 36 versus 41, P < 0.001). DIS and DMS were not related to OSA severity. Insomnia is common among OSA patients and has a negative influence on quality of life and sleepiness in this patient group. It is relevant to screen for insomnia among OSA patients and treat both conditions when they co‐occur.
Critical Role of γ4 Chain in the Expression of Functional Vγ4Vδ1 T Cell Receptor of Gastric Tumour‐Infiltrating γδT Lymphocytes
Authors: Jiang Y. , Tang F. , Li Z. , Cui L. , He W. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractVγ4Vδ1 T cell receptor (TCRγ4δ1)‐expressing γδT cells were the most dominant subset in gastric tumour‐infiltrating γδT cells (γδTIL) we recently analyzed. To study the essential roles of γ and δ chains in assembly and function of TCRγ4δ1, we sequenced and constructed them into lentiviral vectors for the reconstitution of TCRγ4δ1 using different modalities of transduction. We were able to efficiently reconstitute TCRγ4δ1 with functional activities when both γ4 and δ1 chains are coexpressed in TCR‐negative J.RT3‐T3.5 cells. However, the expression of δ1 chain is greatly diminished when γ4 expression is absent, suggesting that the coexpressing γ4 is critical in maintaining the folding and stability of δ1 product. To functionally study the reconstituted TCRγ4δ1, we examined the cytolytic activity of TCRγ4δ1‐reconstituted J.RT3‐T3.5 cells and cytokine secretion and found the receptors are fully functional, but their functionality also requires the presence of γ4. Our results demonstrated that γ4 is critical for the stability of δ1 and the function of TCRγ4δ1.
Effects of Composition and Share of Seed Coatings on the Mobilization Efficiency of Cereal Seeds During Germination
Authors: Gorim L. , Asch F. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractCereal production systems are increasingly threatened by suboptimal water supply or intermittent drought spells early in the planting season. Seed coated with hydrophilic materials or hydro‐absorbers that increase the amount of water available for germination and seedling development is a promising approach to improving stand establishment under changing conditions. Barley, rye and wheat grains with combinations of hydro‐absorber, humic acid and Biplantol® in different shares of the total seed mass were germinated in plates at 25 °C on moist filter paper. Germination rates, resource partitioning and mobilization efficiency were assessed and compared with those of uncoated seeds. Results show a strong influence of coat thickness and composition on the germination rate and the efficiency of mobilization of carbohydrates stored in the endosperm. In general, coating significantly reduced germination rate and total germination as compared to uncoated seeds in all cereals tested. Differences in coating thickness had a distinct effect on germination rate for most combinations of coatings and species. Germination rates increased with increasing coat size. This effect was most pronounced for coatings containing hydro‐absorbers and least pronounced for coatings containing humic acid or Biplantol®. Coating generally increased the amount of carbohydrates partitioned to the roots, and thick coating increased the efficiency of grain reserve mobilization compared with the uncoated seeds. Differences between species and the implications for coating‐related changes in germination metabolism are discussed.
Characterization of Drought‐Tolerance Traits in Nodulated Soya Beans: The Importance of Maintaining Photosynthesis and Shoot Biomass Under Drought‐Induced Limitations on Nitrogen Metabolism
Authors: Fenta B. A. , Driscoll S. P. , Kunert K. J. , Foyer C. H. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractDrought is the single most important factor limiting soya bean (Glycine max L. Merr.) yields in the field. The following study was therefore undertaken to identify phenotypic markers for enhanced drought tolerance in nodulated soya beans. Leaf and nodule parameters were compared in three genotypes: Prima 2000, glyphosate‐resistant A5409RG and Jackson, which had similar shoot biomass and photosynthesis rates at the third trifoliate leaf stage under water‐replete conditions. When water was withheld at the third trifoliate leaf stage, photosynthesis, nodule numbers, nodule biomass and symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) were greatly decreased. Significant cultivar–drought interactions were observed with respect to photosynthesis, which also showed a strong positive correlation with nodule SNF, particularly under drought conditions. Prima leaves had high water‐use efficiencies, and they also maintained high photosynthetic electron transport efficiencies under long‐term drought. Moreover, Prima had the highest shoot biomass under both water‐replete and drought conditions. A‐5409RG was the most drought‐sensitive genotype showing early closure of stomata and rapid inhibition of photosynthesis in response to drought. In addition to classifying the genotypes in relation to drought tolerance, the results demonstrate that the ability to sustain shoot biomass under nitrogen limitation is an important parameter, which can be easily applied in germplasm screening for drought tolerance in soya bean.
In vitro Embryo Production in Llamas (Lama glama) from In vivo Matured Oocytes with Raw Semen Processed with Androcoll‐E using Defined Embryo Culture Media
Authors: Trasorras V , Giuliano S , Chaves G , Neild D , Agüero A , Carretero M , Pinto M , Baca Castex C , Alonso A , Rodríguez D , Morrell JM , Miragaya M 
Published: October 2011

ContentsThe aim of this study was to carry out in vitro fertilization using spermatozoa selected with Androcoll‐E™ and to evaluate the efficiency of the culture medium DMEM‐F12 for in vitro embryo development in the llama. Twelve adult females from 18 superstimulated (67%) were used as oocyte donors. They were superstimulated with 1500 IU of eCG and after 5 days, received a single dose of buserelin. Twenty hours post‐injection, follicular aspiration was conducted by flank laparotomy. Semen collections were performed under general anesthesia by electroejaculation of the male. The ejaculates were processed with a solution of collagenase (0.1%) and an Androcoll‐E™ column was used to improve the sample. Sixty nine COCs were recovered from 79 aspirated follicles (87% recovery). Only expanded COCs were used (n = 67); they were randomly placed in groups of 1–5 in Fertil‐TALP and the sperm suspension (20 × 106 live spermatozoa/ml) was added to each fertilization microdroplet. After 24 h, they were randomly placed in one of two culture media: SOF (n = 34) or DMEM‐F12 (n = 33) and incubated for 6 days in humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2, 5% O2 and 90% N2 at 38°C. The blastocyst rate was 20% (7/34) in SOF medium (3 hatched, 2 expanded and 2 early blastocysts) and 15% (5/33) in DMEM medium (all expanded blastocysts). In conclusion, using Androcoll‐E™ it is possible to select good quality spermatozoa from llama ejaculates for in vitro fertilization and to produce blastocysts in DMEM‐F12 medium. This is also the first time that hatched llama blastocysts have been produced after culture in a defined medium such as SOFaa.
Influence of Sexual Stimulation and the Administration of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin on Plasma Testosterone Levels in Dogs
Authors: Santana M , Batista M , Alamo D , Cabrera F , González F , Gracia A 
Published: October 2011

ContentsThe influence of sexual stimulation and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration on plasma testosterone concentrations was assessed in five male Beagles. Each dog was exposed to three experimental treatments: C treatment (Control, no stimulation), hCG treatment (dogs were SC injected with 1000 IU of hCG) and sexually stimulated (SS) treatment where semen was collected from the males. All dogs were exposed to all treatments, one per week for three consecutive weeks, with a 1 week of rest between treatments. Blood samples were taken with the same time intervals (0, 10, 30, 60 and 120 min) relative to treatments. Plasma testosterone concentrations were determined with a solid‐phase I125 radioimmunoassay. In the control treatment, the testosterone plasma levels did not show significant changes throughout the tested period (mean values ranging between 2.8 and 4.7 ng  / ml); the hCG group presented a significant increase (p < 0.05) in plasma testosterone levels 30 min after hCG administration and had the highest value (8.7 ng  / ml) at 120 min post‐hCG. Finally, the SS group revealed a slight reduction in testosterone concentration immediately after ejaculation, but the values remained nearly unaltered until 120 min after semen collection. When the groups were compared, the hCG group showed higher plasma testosterone values (p < 0.05) than did the C and SS groups, starting at 30 min and continuing until the end of sampling. This study demonstrates that sexual stimulation associated with semen collection does not produce transitory modifications in plasma testosterone concentrations.
Bovine Oocyte Meiotic Inhibition Before In Vitro Maturation and Its Value to In Vitro Embryo Production: Does it Improve Developmental Competence?
Authors: Bilodeau‐Goeseels S 
Published: October 2011

ContentsThe efficiency of bovine in vitro embryo production has remained low despite extensive effort to understand the effects of culture conditions, media composition and supplementation. As bovine oocytes resume meiosis spontaneously when cultured, it was hypothesized that preventing meiosis in vitro before in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) would allow more oocytes to acquire developmental competence. This article reviews some of the factors involved in meiotic arrest as well as the effects of meiotic inhibition before IVM on bovine oocytes developmental competence following IVF. Follicular components and cAMP‐elevating agents can delay or inhibit meiosis in various proportions of oocytes; however, few studies have examined their effects on development following IVM and IVF because they are not practical (follicular components) or have a transient effect on meiosis (cAMP‐elevating agents). Protein synthesis or phosphorylation inhibition prevented meiosis in high percentages of oocytes; however, these non‐specific inhibitions led to lower developmental competence compared with non‐arrested oocytes. Maturation promoting factor (MPF) inhibition with specific inhibitors has been examined in several studies. Despite faster maturation following removal from inhibition and some structural damage to the oocytes, MPF inhibition generally led to blastocyst rates similar to control, non‐arrested oocytes. Future work will involve evaluating the effects on arrested oocytes of molecules that can improve developmental competence in non‐arrested oocytes. It is also anticipated that new IVM systems that take into consideration new knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the control of meiosis will be developed. Moreover, global gene expression analysis studies will also provide clues to the culture conditions required for optimal expression of developmental competence.
Western Australian emergency department presentations related to child maltreatment and intentional injury: Population level study utilising linked health and child protection data
Authors: O'Donnell Melissa , Nassar Natasha , Jacoby Peter , Stanley Fiona 
Published: October 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study is to determine the proportion of child maltreatment‐related emergency department (ED) presentations in Western Australia (WA) and describe the type of injuries associated with them. It is also to investigate the proportion of maltreatment‐related ED presentations resulting in hospitalisation, the proportion referred to the Department for Child Protection and their outcomes.Methods:  This is a retrospective cohort study of all children aged 0–17 years residing in WA from 2001 to 2005 who had an ED presentation recorded in the ED Data Collection. This study used de‐identified administrative data linked across the Departments of Health and Child Protection.Results:  Only 0.03% of ED presentations were identified as maltreatment related and 0.2% for all intentional injury presentations. One in five children with maltreatment‐related ED presentations was admitted to hospital and a similar proportion had a notification to Department for Child Protection and 87% of these subsequently substantiated.Conclusions:  This study showed that there are limitations with ED data for child maltreatment surveillance in WA and raises concerns that there may be missed opportunities for identifying maltreatment and for referring families for further assessment and support. Recommendations are provided to improve maltreatment surveillance and ED data, particularly for the identification of external causes of injury.
Comments on the taxonomic treatment of Micractinium reisseri (Chlorellaceae, Trebouxiophyceae), a common endosymbiont in Paramecium
Authors: Hoshina Ryo 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYMicractinium reisseri Hoshina, Iwataki et Imamura (Chlorellaceae, Trebouxiophyceae), an alga symbiotic with the ciliate Paramecium bursaria (Ehrenberg) Focker, was recently renamed M. conductrix (K. Brandt) Pröschold et Darienko. The name ‘conductrix’ was originally given to an algal endosymbiont of Hydra, a genus of Hydrozoa. Here, I outline key differences between symbionts of hydra and Paramecium, and therefore, argue against the validity of the taxonomic treatment of M. reisseri by Pröschold and colleagues.
Obesity, obstructive sleep apnoea and metabolic syndrome
Authors: LAM JAMIE CHUNG MEI , MAK JUDITH CHOI WO , IP MARY SAU MAN 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTOSA is increasingly recognized as a major health problem in developed countries. Obesity is the most common risk factor in OSA and hence, the prevalence of OSA is undoubtedly rising given the epidemic of obesity. Recent data also suggest that OSA is highly associated with the metabolic syndrome, and it is postulated that OSA contributes to cardiometabolic dysfunction, and subsequently vasculopathy.Current evidence regarding the magnitude of impact on ultimate cardiovascular morbidity or mortality attributable to OSA‐induced metabolic dysregulation is scarce. Given the known pathophysiological triggers of intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation in OSA, the potential mechanisms of OSA–obesity–metabolic syndrome interaction involve sympathetic activation, oxidative stress, inflammation and neurohumoral changes. There is accumulating evidence from human and animal/cell models of intermittent hypoxia to map out these mechanistic pathways.In spite of support for an independent role of OSA in the contribution towards metabolic dysfunction, a healthy diet and appropriate lifestyle modifications towards better control of metabolic function are equally important as CPAP treatment in the holistic management of OSA.