bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The 5‐lipoxygenase‐activating protein inhibitor, GSK2190915, attenuates the early and late responses to inhaled allergen in mild asthma
Authors: Kent S. E. , Boyce M. , Diamant Z. , Singh D. , O'Connor B. J. , Saggu P. S. , Norris V. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryBackgroundGSK2190915, a potent 5‐lipoxygenase‐activating protein inhibitor, prevents the synthesis of leukotrienes and 5‐oxo‐6,8,11,14‐eicosatetraenoic acid (5‐oxo‐ETE).ObjectiveTo assess the effect of GSK2190915 on the allergen‐induced asthmatic responses.MethodsNineteen eligible male subjects with mild asthma were enrolled in and completed this four‐centre, double‐blind, two‐way crossover study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00748306). Subjects took GSK2190915 100 mg and placebo orally once daily for 5 days in randomized order. On Day 1 and 4 they had a methacholine challenge, on Day 3 they had an inhaled allergen challenge, and on Days 4 and 6 they had sputum induction.ResultsGSK2190915 attenuated the early (0–2 h) and late (4–10 h) asthmatic responses to inhaled allergen compared with placebo. There was a statistically significant attenuation of the early asthmatic response (EAR) by GSK2190915; treatment difference of GSK2190915 vs. placebo for the minimum FEV1 EAR was 0.408 L (0.205, 0.611). There was a statistically significant attenuation of the late asthmatic response (LAR) by GSK2190915; the treatment difference of GSK2190915 vs. placebo for the minimum FEV1 LAR was 0.229 L (0.041, 0.417).There was a statistically significant attenuation of allergen‐induced sputum eosinophil count on Day 4 following GSK2190915: mean treatment difference (95% CI) between GSK2190915 and placebo was −9.95% (−18.15%, −1.77%). Compared with placebo, GSK2190915 100 mg reduced median sputum LTB4 by > 90% on Days 4 and 6. There was no effect on methacholine PC20 post allergen. GSK2190915 was generally well tolerated.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceGSK2190915 shows potential as a treatment for patients with asthma.
Visual attention to health warnings on plain tobacco packaging in adolescent smokers and non‐smokers
Authors: Maynard Olivia M. , Munafò Marcus R. , Leonards Ute 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimsPrevious research with adults indicates that plain packaging increases visual attention to health warnings in adult non‐smokers and weekly smokers, but not daily smokers. The present research extends this study to adolescents aged 14–19 years.DesignMixed‐model experimental design, with smoking status as a between‐subjects factor and pack type (branded or plain pack) and eye gaze location (health warning or branding) as within‐subjects factors.SettingThree secondary schools in Bristol, UK.ParticipantsA convenience sample of adolescents comprising never‐smokers (n = 26), experimenters (n = 34), weekly smokers (n = 13) and daily smokers (n = 14).MeasurementsNumber of eye movements to health warnings and branding on plain and branded packs.FindingsAnalysis of variance, irrespective of smoking status revealed more eye movements to health warnings than branding on plain packs, but an equal number of eye movements to both regions on branded packs (P = 0.033). This was observed among experimenters (P < 0.001) and weekly smokers (P = 0.047), but not among never‐smokers or daily smokers.ConclusionAmong experimenters and weekly smokers, plain packaging increases visual attention to health warnings and away from branding. Daily smokers, even relatively early in their smoking careers, seem to avoid the health warnings on cigarette packs. Adolescent never‐smokers attend the health warnings preferentially on both types of packs, a finding which may reflect their decision not to smoke.
Influence of sumatriptan on gastric accommodation and on antral contraction in healthy subjects assessed by ultrasonography
Authors: Sekino Y. , Yamada E. , Sakai E. , Ohkubo H. , Higurashi T. , Iida H. , Endo H. , Takahashi H. , Koide T. , Sakamoto Y. , Nonaka T. , Gotoh E. , Maeda S. , Nakajima A. , Inamori M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground  Oral sumatriptan administration has been reported to delay gastric emptying after liquid meals. The aim of this study was to determine whether delayed gastric emptying is caused by enhanced gastric accommodation, impaired antral contractions, or both using ultrasonography.Methods  Ten healthy volunteers were enrolled in this randomized two‐way crossover study. After overnight fasting, the subjects received the liquid meal 60 min after ingesting a 50 mg sumatriptan tablet with 50 mL of water or 50 mL of water alone (control). The cross‐sectional area of the proximal stomach was measured in a supine position after every 100 mL. The frequency and amplitude of the antral contractions were measured in a slightly backward sitting position. The intragastric distribution of the liquid meal was assessed by calculating the proximal stomach/distal stomach ratio (prox/distal ratio).Key Results  The cross‐sectional area after drinking 100, 200, and 300 mL of the liquid meal (oral sumatriptan vs control) was 34.49 vs 15.11 cm2 (P = 0.0051), 48.00 vs 30.61 cm2 (P = 0.0166), and 58.67 vs 47.19 cm2 (P = 0.0125), respectively. There was no significant difference in the amplitude of contractions, contraction cycle, motility index, and prox/distal ratio (97.15 vs 97.93%, P = 0.0745; 19.42 vs 19.5 s, P = 0.8590; and 887.58 vs 889.22, P = 0.5751; 9.75 vs 8.41, P = 0.8785; respectively).Conclusions & Inferences  Oral sumatriptan administration enhanced gastric accommodation after the ingestion of liquid nutrients, but had no significant effect on antral contractions or intragastric distribution in healthy subjects.
Adjuvant Selection for Vaccination against Murine Schistosomiasis
Authors: El Ridi R. , Tallima H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSchistosoma mansoni cercariae penetrate mouse epidermis, detach the glycocalyx and transform into schistosomula, triggering innate immune responses by host keratinocytes and Langerhans cells. Schistosomula leave the dermis and enter blood capillaries, releasing excretory/secretory products (ESP), which induce readily detectable primary adaptive immunity responses, dominated by T helper (Th) 1 and 17 cytokines. Partial protection against murine schistosomiasis may be achieved using subunit antigens and Th1 cytokine‐inducing adjuvants. Conversely, resistance to primary and/or secondary schistosomiasis in rats, mice and humans is associated with production of Th2 cytokines. Accordingly, we reasoned that effective vaccination against murine primary schistosomiasis might be achieved provided selection of an adjuvant capable of skewing the S. mansoni larval ESP‐mediated Th1/Th17 immune responses towards a Th2 profile. In an aim to select such an adjuvant, we administered the prototypical Th1 and Th2, respectively, C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice with polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid (Poly I/C), peptidoglycan (PGN), or thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) before exposure to S. mansoni cercariae. Serum antibody reactivity and ex vivo spleen cells (SC) immune responses to larval ESP, in a recombinant or multiple antigen peptide form, were assessed 1 week after infection. Injection with Poly I/C failed to increase interleukin (IL)‐4 and led to elevated gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) levels released by unstimulated or ESP‐stimulated SC. Treatment with PGN triggered hightened amounts of IL‐4, IL‐17 and IFN‐γ released by unstimulated or ESP‐stimulated C57BL/6 SC. In contrast, TSLP succeeded in directing the ESP‐mediated immune responses towards a Th2‐biased profile in prototypical Th1 and Th2 mice.
Upper‐crustal extension during oblique collision: the Temsamane extensional detachment (eastern Rif, Morocco)
Authors: Booth‐Rea Guillermo , Jabaloy‐Sánchez Antonio , Azdimousa Ali , Asebriy Lahcen , Vílchez Mercedes Vázquez , Martínez‐Martínez José Miguel 
Published: August 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 505–512, 2012AbstractThe subducted North Maghrebian passive margin was exhumed in the Tortonian (11–7 Ma) by an upper‐crustal brittle‐ductile extensional detachment and brittle low‐angle normal faults in a continental subduction transform setting. The Temsamane detachment in the eastern Rif is defined by a ductile shear zone approximately 100‐m thick with a low‐angle ramp geometry that cuts down into the Temsamane fold‐nappe stack. The shear zone shows south‐westward kinematics and separates lower‐greenschist (≈400 °C) metapelites of the Temsamane units below from the anchizone and diagenetic rocks (<300–200 °C) of the Ketama‐Aknoul units above. To the east, the detachment becomes brittle, branching into a listric‐fan that cuts through 10–6 Ma sediments and volcanoclastics in the Tres Forcas cape. Both the North Maghrebian and the South Iberian subducted passive margins were exhumed in the Betic and Rif branches of the Gibraltar arc by SW‐directed brittle‐ductile detachments during the late Miocene in an oblique collisional setting.
Identification of marneral synthase, which is critical for growth and development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Go Young S. , Lee Saet B. , Kim Hae J. , Kim Jungmook , Park Hyo‐Young , Kim Jeong‐Kook , Shibata Kyomi , Yokota Takao , Ohyama Kiyoshi , Muranaka Toshiya , Arseniyadis Siméon , Suh Mi C. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryPlants produce structurally diverse triterpenoids, which are important for their life and survival. Most triterpenoids and sterols share a common biosynthetic intermediate, 2,3‐oxidosqualene (OS), which is cyclized by 2,3‐oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC). To investigate the role of an OSC, marneral synthase 1 (MRN1), in planta, we characterized a Arabidopsis mrn1 knock‐out mutant displaying round‐shaped leaves, late flowering, and delayed embryogenesis. Reduced growth of mrn1 was caused by inhibition of cell expansion and elongation. Marnerol, a reduced form of marneral, was detected in Arabidopsis overexpressing MRN1, but not in the wild type or mrn1. Alterations in the levels of sterols and triterpenols and defects in membrane integrity and permeability were observed in the mrn1. In addition, GUS expression, under the control of the MRN1 gene promoter, was specifically detected in shoot and root apical meristems, which are responsible for primary growth, and the mRNA expression of Arabidopsis clade II OSCs was preferentially observed in roots and siliques containing developing seeds. The eGFP:MRN1 was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum in tobacco protoplasts. Taken together, this report provides evidence that the unusual triterpenoid pathway via marneral synthase is important for the growth and development of Arabidopsis.
Population genetic structure of the tropical moss Acanthorrhynchium papillatum as measured with microsatellite markers
Authors: Leonardía A. A. P. , Tan B. C. , Kumar P. P. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractMosses and other bryophytes are vital components of forests, because they sustain a tremendous diversity of invertebrates and influence significant ecological functions. There have been few studies on moss population diversity in Southeast Asia, despite the escalating deforestation in this region of rich biodiversity. The genetic diversity of the tropical moss Acanthorrhynchium papillatum (Harv.) Fleisch., collected from forested areas in Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia, was elucidated using eight microsatellite markers developed for this species. Significant levels of allelic and haplotypic diversity were observed among clumps of the moss. Differences in allelic richness and genotypic diversity among the populations were higher in less disturbed forests compared to the more disturbed areas, suggesting that genetic diversity is affected by habitat quality. Genetic diversity levels within the clumps studied were low, indicating that vegetative reproduction was more important within clumps than sexual reproduction. However, multilocus genotypes of samples within the clumps studied were not all alike, providing evidence of microsatellite mutation or of occasional sexuality. Despite the isolation of populations, A. papillatum can introduce genetic variability by mutation among vegetatively propagated individuals. This study provides baseline information on the genetic diversity of A. papillatum tropical rain forests.
Local plant density, pollination and trait–fitness relationships in a perennial herb
Authors: Weber A. , Kolb A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBoth differences in local plant density and phenotypic traits may affect pollination and plant reproduction, but little is known about how density affects trait–fitness relationships via changes in pollinator activity. In this study we examined how plant density and traits interact to determine pollinator behaviour and female reproductive success in the self‐incompatible, perennial herb Phyteuma spicatum. Specifically, we hypothesised that limited pollination service in more isolated plants would lead to increased selection for traits that attract pollinators. We conducted pollinator observations and assessed trait–fitness relationships in a natural population, whose individuals were surrounded by a variable number of inflorescences. Both local plant density and plant phenotypic traits affected pollinator foraging behaviour. At low densities, pollinator visitation rates were low, but increased with increasing inflorescence size, while this relationship disappeared at high densities, where visitation rates were higher. Plant fitness, in terms of seed production per plant and per capsule, was related to both floral display size and flowering time. Seed production increased with increasing inflorescence size and was highest at peak flowering. However, trait–fitness relationships were not density‐dependent, and differences in seed production did not appear to be related to differences in pollination. The reasons for this remain unclear, and additional studies are needed to fully understand and explain the observed patterns.
Biochemical response and induced resistance against anthracnose (Colletotrichum camelliae) of camellia (Camellia pitardii) by chitosan oligosaccharide application
Authors: Li S.‐j. , Zhu T.‐h. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThis study demonstrated that disease resistance against anthracnose (caused by Colletotrichum camelliae) in camellia (Camellia pitardii) could be induced by chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) applied to leaves at 50 µg/ml. The induced resistance lasted for 10–15 days, with the optimum induced effect against anthracnose occurring by the third day. Following treatment with C. camelliae alone, COS alone and C. camelliae and COS combined, camellia plants showed different responses, which included the activity of H2O2, the defence‐related enzymes, such as polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, catalase, phenylalanine ammonialyase, and concentration of soluble proteins. Plants that received COS treatments consistently had higher levels of biochemical activity than plants not treated with COS. Assessment of anthracnose severity on infected plants, as evidenced by reduced lesions on leaves, indicated that COS‐induced camellia plants had significantly lower disease ratings. To our knowledge, we are first to report the inducement by COS on camellia against anthracnose.
The response of genetically distinct bread wheat genotypes to salinity stress
Authors: Ali Zulfiqar , Salam Abdus , Azhar Faqir Muhammad , Khan Iftikhar Ahmad , Khan Asif Ali , Bahadur Sultan , Mahmood Tariq , Ahmad Ashfaq , Trethowan Richard 
Published: August 2012

With 4 figures and 3 tables
AbstractSoil salinity reduces crop yield in many areas of the world. Ninety‐eight hexaploid wheat inbreds differing in geographic origin and belonging to six diverse adaptation groups were studied in control, EC‐10 and EC‐15 dS/m treatments to evaluate variability for salt tolerance and to assess the usefulness of early growth stage salinity assessment in the determination of adult plant salinity response. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed among the 98 inbreds, three NaCl treatments and their interactions for relative growth rate (RGR), biomass, fertile tillers, grains/spike, 100‐grain weight and grain yield. A range of responses were observed with an increasing salinity for most characters among the inbreds tested. The three evaluation systems (solution culture, raised beds in the field with added salt, naturally saline field conditions) were effective in assessing variability for salt tolerance in wheat germplasm. Assessment of salinity tolerance at the seedling stage correlated well with adult plant response under field conditions, and several highly stable sources of salinity tolerance were identified.
Ways of regulating one's drinking: A factor analysis of a Finnish general population sample
Authors: Huhtanen Petri , Raitasalo Kirsimarja 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThis article studies the various ways of regulating drinking used by Finns and how these vary between men and women, and in different groups of age, educational attainment and alcohol consumption.Design and MethodsThe data consist of a cross‐section of survey data collected in Finland in 2005. The response rate was 53%. The analysis was restricted to respondents who had used alcohol in the last 12 months and were between 15 and 71 years of age (n = 1013). A factor analysis was performed to discover underlying dimensions in the ways of regulation. In order to study the relationship between the ways of regulation and drinking habits, correlations and regression analyses were used.ResultsThe ways of regulating one's drinking extracted to three factors which were named self‐control, social control and external control. Self‐control was the most common way of regulation. Stronger reliance on external control of drinking increased the probability of heavy alcohol use.Discussion and conclusionsThese survey results indicate that external control of drinking, for example the restriction of availability of alcohol, could have a greater impact on heavy drinking than on moderate drinking.
Psychotropic drug use and alcohol drinking in community‐dwelling older Australian men: the CHAMP study
Authors: Ilomäki Jenni , Gnjidic Danijela , Hilmer Sarah N. , Le Couteur David G. , Naganathan Vasi , Cumming Robert G. , Waite Louise M. , Seibel Markus J. , Blyth Fiona M. , Handelsman David J. , Bell J. Simon 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimTo explore the association between psychotropic drug use and alcohol drinking in community‐dwelling older Australian men.Design and MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional population‐based study using baseline data collected between 2005 and 2007 from 1705 participants in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP) conducted in Sydney, Australia. All participants were men aged ≥70 years. The prevalence of antidepressant and sedative or anxiolytic drug use was ascertained at clinical examinations and alcohol drinking was self‐reported. Logistic regression models were used to compute the unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between sedative or anxiolytic use and antidepressant use with drinking patterns.ResultsIn the study sample, 8.0% used an antidepressant, 5.7% used a sedative or anxiolytic, 33.7% were daily drinkers, 13.9% were binge drinkers, 19.2% were heavy drinkers and 11.0% were problem drinkers. Overall, 27.1% of antidepressant users were daily drinkers and 42.7% of sedative or anxiolytic users were daily drinkers. Sedative or anxiolytic use was associated with daily drinking (prevalence ratio = 1.42; 95% confidence intervals 1.09–1.76) but not with other drinking patterns. The associations between antidepressant use and alcohol drinking were not statistically significant.Discussion and ConclusionsPotential psychotropic drug–alcohol interactions were common in older Australian men. Users of sedative or anxiolytic drugs were more likely to engage in daily drinking compared with non‐users of sedative or anxiolytic drugs. Clinicians should monitor patients prescribed sedative or anxiolytic drugs for possible adverse events arising from concomitant use with alcohol.
The effect of a structured empathy course on the students of a medical and a nursing school
Authors: Ozcan C.T. , Oflaz F. , Bakir B. 
Published: August 2012

OZCAN C.T., OFLAZ F. & BAKIR B. (2012) The effect of a structured empathy course on the students of a medical and a nursing school. International Nursing ReviewAim:  The study aims to determine the effect of an empathy course for medical and nursing school students in one university in Turkey. Being able to relate to others empathetically is important for health professionals who need to develop therapeutic relationships with people who are sick, weak, sensitive and vulnerable. Professionals need empathic communication skills and professionalism not only for patients and their families but also for colleagues and other members of the health team.Method:  All first year students (257) from a medical and a nursing school in one Turkish university in 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 were enrolled to the study. The course included 10 h of lectures on empathy and communication skills given through five consecutive weeks with 2 h in a week in the first year of both schools. Data were collected by using the Empathic Communication Skills Scale (ECSS), and the Empathic Tendency Scale (ETS) before and after the course. There were 143 medical students and 83 nursing students (total: 226, 88%) who completed the ECSS and ETS in a pre‐/post‐test study.Findings:  Results demonstrated that all students received significantly higher scores for the final application than for initial scores on both scales. This implied that the targeted educational programme could have a positive effect on learning empathy and gaining empathy skills and tendency.Conclusion:  Effective educational programmes might facilitate and improve empathic skills and empathic tendency of medical and nursing students, and both male and female students benefitted from the empathy course.
Informal Employment Dispute Resolution among Low‐Wage Non‐Union Workers: Does Managerially Initiated Workplace Voice Enhance Equity and Efficiency?
Authors: Charlwood Andy , Pollert Anna 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe decline of collective industrial relations has shifted the focus of industrial relations research to the study of individual employment disputes. In this article, we investigate whether employer‐initiated workplace voice is associated with improved resolution of individual complaints or grievances workers make against employers. We find that our measure of workplace voice is associated with less serious problems, more informal methods of dispute resolution, more satisfactory outcomes for workers and lower quit rates. However, these findings need to be set against generally low rates of satisfactory dispute resolution for all employees in our sample.