bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutrient supply enhanced the increase in intrinsic water‐use efficiency of a temperate seminatural grassland in the last century
Authors: Köhler Iris H. , Macdonald Andy , Schnyder Hans 
Published: July 2012

AbstractUnder the increase in atmospheric CO2 during the last century, variable increases in the intrinsic water‐use efficiency (Wi), i.e., the ratio between carbon assimilation rate (A) and stomatal conductance (gs), of C3 vegetation have been observed. Here, we ask if long‐term nutrient status and especially nitrogen supply have an effect on the CO2 response of Wi in a temperate seminatural C3 grassland. This analysis draws on the long‐term trends (1915–2009) in Wi, derived from carbon isotope analysis, of archived hay and herbage from the Park Grass Experiment at Rothamsted (South‐East England). Plant samples came from five fertilizer treatments, each with different annual nitrogen (N; 0, 48 or 96 kg ha−1), phosphorus (P; 0 or 35 kg ha−1) and potassium (K; 0 or 225 kg ha−1) applications, with lime as required to maintain soil pH near 7. Carbon isotope discrimination (13Δ) increased significantly (P < 0.001) on the Control (0.9‰ per 100 ppm CO2 increase). This trend differed significantly (P < 0.01) from those observed on the fertilized treatments (PK only: 0.4‰ per 100 ppm CO2 increase, P < 0.001; Low N only, Low N+PK, High N+PK: no significant increase). The 13Δ trends on fertilized treatments did not differ significantly from each other. However, N status, assessed as N fertilizer supply plus an estimate of biologically fixed N, was negatively related (r2 = 0.88; P < 0.02) to the trend for 13Δ against CO2. Other indices of N status exhibited similar relationships. Accordingly, the increase in Wi at High N+PK was twice that of the Control (+28% resp. +13% relative to 1915). In addition, the CO2 responsiveness of 13Δ was related to the grass content of the plant community. This may have been due to the greater CO2 responsiveness of gs in grasses relative to forbs. Thus, the greater CO2 response of grass‐rich fertilized swards may be related to effects of nutrient supply on botanical composition.
Use of complementary and alternative therapy among patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Authors: Alaaeddine Nada , Okais Jad , Ballane Liliane , Baddoura Rafic M 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  We wanted to assess the prevalence of complementary and alternative therapy use among patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis in the Lebanese population and to determine the perceived efficacy and side effects of complementary and alternative therapy in the treatment of these diseases.Background.  Complementary and alternative therapy has become popular among patients with chronic illnesses because of its widespread use. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two diseases associated with severe pain, inflammation and limited activity. Although both are quite common in Lebanon, no studies were conducted in our country to portray complementary and alternative therapy use in their treatment.Design.  Descriptive cross‐sectional study.Methods.  Conducted individualised questionnaire‐based interviews among 250 adult patients, ranging between the ages of 20–90 years and diagnosed with either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. The questionnaire included demographic information, clinical information, use of conventional therapies and complementary and alternative therapy, and the disease status before and after complementary and alternative therapy use.Results.  Fifty‐eight (23·2%) patients used complementary and alternative therapy in addition to their conventional medications in the treatment of either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Most herbal medicine users (63·8%) believed that complementary and alternative therapy was beneficial. The disease status measured by the intensity of pain, sleeping pattern and level of activities was significantly improved after using complementary and alternative therapy (p = 0·01). Forty‐eight (82·75%) patients were using herbals as complementary and alternative therapy, 14 (24·1%) of whom have sought medical care because of potential concomitant drug‐complementary and alternative therapy side effects. However, these side effects were not serious and reversible.Conclusion and recommendations.  Although complementary and alternative therapy might have beneficial effects in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, patients should be cautious about their use and should necessarily inform their health care providers about the consumption of any products other than their conventional medicines.Relevance to clinical practice.  It is quite essential for health care professionals to be knowledgeable about the use of complementary and alternative medicine therapies when providing medical care to patients with arthritis.
Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone Signalling Downstream of Calmodulin
Authors: Melamed P. , Savulescu D. , Lim S. , Wijeweera A. , Luo Z. , Luo M. , Pnueli L. 
Published: July 2012

Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates reproduction via binding a G‐protein coupled receptor on the surface of the gonadotroph, through which it transmits signals, mostly via the mitogen‐activated protein (MAPK) cascade, to increase synthesis of the gonadotrophin hormones: luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH). Activation of the MAPK cascade requires an elevation in cytosolic Ca2+ levels, which is a result of both calcium influx and mobilisation from intracellular stores. However, Ca2+ also transmits signals via an MAPK‐independent pathway, through binding calmodulin (CaM), which is then able to bind a number of proteins to impart diverse downstream effects. Although the ability of GnRH to activate CaM was recognised over 20 years ago, only recently have some of the downstream effects been elucidated. GnRH was shown to activate the CaM‐dependent phosphatase, calcineurin, which targets gonadotrophin gene expression both directly and indirectly via transcription factors such as nuclear factor of activated T‐cells and Nur77, the Transducer of Regulated CREB (TORC) co‐activators and also the prolyl isomerase, Pin1. Gonadotrophin gene expression is also regulated by GnRH‐induced CaM‐dependent kinases (CaMKs); CaMKI is able to derepress the histone deacetylase‐inhibition of β‐subunit gene expression, whereas CaMKII appears to be essential for the GnRH‐activation of all three subunit genes. Asides from activating gonadotrophin gene expression, GnRH also exerts additional effects on gonadotroph function, some of which clearly occur via CaM, including the proliferation of immature gonadotrophs, which is dependent on calcineurin. In this review, we summarise these pathways, and discuss the additional functions that have been proposed for CaM with respect to modifying GnRH‐induced signalling pathways via the regulation of the small GTP‐binding protein, Gem, and/or the regulator of G‐protein signalling protein 2.
Free Water Can Leach Mycotoxins from Fusarium‐infected Wheat Heads
Authors: Gautam Pravin , Dill‐Macky Ruth 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the impact of free environmental moisture, such as from rainfall, on disease development and mycotoxin production and accumulation in planta. In greenhouse experiments in 2009, two single Fusarium graminearum isolates were used to inoculate spikes of three wheat cultivars: ‘Alsen’, ‘2375’ and ‘Wheaton’ at anthesis. On each wetting event/sampling day (7, 14, 21 or 28 days after inoculation), FHB severity was assessed and five pots of each of the two cultivar/isolate treatments were subjected to a wetting event. At the end of the wetting event, the spikes were sampled both from the plants that received the wetting treatment and those that did not and analysed for mycotoxins. Run‐off water samples were also taken 3 h after the start of irrigation and immediately after the wetting treatment concluded and analysed for mycotoxins. The results showed despite statistically similar FHB severity, the levels of DON and other mycotoxins detected were significantly lower in the plants receiving a single wetting event compared to the control. The levels of DON in wetted plants were lower up to 36% in ‘Alsen’, 52% in ‘2375’ and 41% in ‘Wheaton’ compared to that of corresponding controls. DON and 15‐ADON were also detected in run‐off water from the inoculated heads of all cultivars examined. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that DON and its derivatives produced in planta can be leached out from the host tissues by free water on contact with plant surfaces.
Infiltrating Foxp3+ Regulatory T cells and Histopathological Features in Canine Classical and Spermatocytic Seminomas
Authors: Kim JH , Chon SK , Im KS , Kim NH , Cho KW , Sur JH 
Published: July 2012

ContentsIn humans, regulatory T (T reg) cells are known to play a critical role in both the regulation of immune homoeostasis and the progression of cancer. However, there is little information about the identification, characterization and the function of T reg cells in canine tumours. We identified T reg cells in 28 canine seminoma samples using a Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) antibody and investigated the relationship between T reg cell infiltration and histopathological features of classical and spermatocytic seminomas (SE and SS, respectively). The Foxp3 protein showed nuclear immunostaining in infiltrating lymphocytes, and Foxp3+ cells were diffused or focally distributed in seminoma tissues. Foxp3+ cells were frequently present in the SS histotype, in seminomas that showed no evidence of tumour cell invasion into the vessels and in seminomas showing a diffuse growth pattern with three cell types. Neither the SE/SS histotype nor the histopathological features of the tumour correlated with Foxp3+ cell counts. These results indicate that Foxp3+ T reg cells may be associated with a less malignant histological phenotype or may not play a critical role in the immune response of canine seminomas. Moreover, Foxp3+ T reg cells may be associated with SS seminoma, but further studies, involving a larger number of samples, are required to better understand whether these cells play a critical role in the immune response in canine seminomas. This is the first report to demonstrate the characteristics of T reg cell infiltration in canine seminoma.
Vitrification of Immature Feline Oocytes with a Commercial Kit for Bovine Embryo Vitrification
Authors: Apparicio M , Ruggeri E , Luvoni GC 
Published: July 2012

ContentsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a commercial kit for bovine embryo vitrification for cryopreserving cat oocytes and to evaluate comparatively the effects of its use with slow freezing procedure on cryotolerance in terms of morphology and oocyte resumption of meiosis. Germinal vesicle stage oocytes isolated from cat ovaries were either vitrified (n = 72) using a vitrification kit for bovine embryo or slow frozen (n = 69) by exposing oocyte to ethylene glycol solution before being transferred to a programmable embryo freezer. After thawing and warming, oocytes were cultured for 48 h and then were examined for meiosis resumption using bisbenzimide fluorescent staining (Hoechst 33342). Fresh immature oocytes (n = 92) were used as the control group. The proportion of oocytes recovered in a morphologically normal state after thawing/warming was significantly higher in frozen oocytes (94.5%) than in the vitrified ones (75%, p < 0.01). Morphological integrity after culture was similar in vitrified (73.6%) and slow frozen oocytes (76.8%); however, only 37.5% of the morphologically normal oocytes resumed meiosis after vitrification compared to 60.9% of those submitted to slow freezing procedure (p < 0.01). Fresh oocytes showed higher morphological integrity (91.3%) and meiosis resumption rates (82.6%, p < 0.002) than cryopreserved oocytes, irrespective of the procedure used. These results suggest that immature cat oocytes vitrified with a kit for bovine embryos retain their capacity to resume meiosis after warming and culture, albeit at lower rates than slow frozen oocytes. Vitrification and slow freezing methods show similar proportions of oocytes with normal morphology after culture, which demonstrate that thawed and warmed oocytes that resist to cryodamage have the same chances to maintain their integrity after 48 h of culture.
Colloidal Centrifugation of Stallion Semen Results in a Reduced Rate of Sperm DNA Fragmentation
Authors: Crespo F , Gutiérrez‐Cepeda L , Gosalvez J , Serres C , Johnston SD 
Published: July 2012

ContentsStallion spermatozoa recovered and examined immediately after colloidal centrifugation resulted in a higher straight‐line velocity (VSL) than sperm processed using direct conventional centrifugation (p = 0.000), but there was no differences in the progressive motility or sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) as determined by the sperm chromatin dispersion assay. However, when centrifuged spermatozoa were incubated at 37°C for 24 h to determine the rate of SDF (r‐SDF), a lower r‐SDF (p = 0.0011) was observed in those sperm recovered after colloidal separation (0.5 ± 0.1%/h) compared to direct (1.2 ± 0.4%/h) or no centrifugation (r‐SDF  =  1.2  ± 0.3%/h). These results confirm that colloidal separation of stallion spermatozoa results in prolonged sperm DNA longevity, but these differences were only apparent following a period of incubation and dynamic assessment. Consequently, we strongly recommend the use of the dynamic form of the SDF assay for evaluating centrifugation and/or other ex vivo procedures, as a single basal assessment of SDF may inadvertently result in a false‐positive evaluation of DNA quality.
Acute alveolitis following infliximab therapy for psoriasis
Authors: Bale Jessica , Chee Paul 
Published: July 2012

AbstractInfliximab is a high‐affinity recombinant chimeric immunoglobulin‐1 monoclonal antibody directed against tumour necrosis factor‐alpha. It is used to treat a range of inflammatory disorders including psoriatic joint and skin changes. Acute interstitial lung disease is a rare but potentially fatal complication of therapy. We report the case of a 67‐year‐old man with severe psoriasis who presented with acute alveolitis shortly after his third infusion of infliximab. The infliximab was discontinued and investigations did not reveal an infective cause. His respiratory signs and symptoms improved quickly with corticosteroid therapy. Clinicians should be aware of this uncommon but potentially serious complication.
Early origins of heart disease: Low birth weight and the role of the insulin‐like growth factor system in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Wang Kimberley CW , Botting Kimberley J , Padhee Monalisa , Zhang Song , McMillen I Caroline , Suter Catherine M , Brooks Doug A , Morrison Janna L 
Published: July 2012

Summary

Epidemiological studies indicate that poor growth before birth is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and an increased risk of death from heart disease later in life.

In fetal life, the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) system has been implicated in physiological growth of the heart, whereas in postnatal life IGFs can be involved in both physiological and pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

A reduction in substrate supply in fetal life, resulting in chronic hypoxaemia and intrauterine growth restriction, results in increased cardiac IGF‐1R, IGF‐2 and IGF‐2R gene expression; and there is also evidence for a role of the IGF‐2 receptor in the ensuing cardiac hypertrophy.

The persistent high level of cardiac IGF‐2R gene expression from fetal to postnatal life may be due to epigenetic changes in key cardiac hypertrophy regulatory pathways.
Sphincter‐sparing anal‐fissure surgery: a 1‐year prospective, observational, multicentre study of fissurectomy with anoplasty
Authors: Abramowitz L. , Bouchard D. , Souffran M. , Devulder F. , Ganansia R. , Castinel A. , Suduca J.‐M. , Soudan D. , Varastet M. , Staumont G. ,   for the GREP: Groupe de Recherche En Proctologie de la Société Nationale Française de Colo‐Proctologie; and the CREGG: Club de Réflexion des cabinets et Groupe d’Hépato‐Gastroentérologie
Published: July 2012

AbstractAim  Internal sphincterotomy is the standard surgical treatment for chronic anal fissure, but is frequently complicated by anal incontinence. Fissurectomy is proposed as an alternative technique to avoid sphincter injury. We describe 1‐year outcomes of fissurectomy.Method  This was a prospective, multicentre, observational study. All patients with planned surgery for chronic anal fissure were included and had fissurectomy. Data were collected before surgery, at healing, and 1 year after fissurectomy. Patient self‐assessed anal symptoms and quality of life (using the 36‐item short‐form health survey [SF‐36] questionnaire). Presurgical and postsurgical variables were compared using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test for paired samples.Results  Two‐hundred and sixty‐four patients were included (median age, 45 years; 52% women). Anoplasty was associated with fissurectomy in 83% of the 257 documented cases. The main complications were urinary retention (n = 3), local infection (n = 4) and faecal impaction (n = 1). Healing was achieved in all patients at a median of 7.5 weeks after surgery. No recurrence occurred. At 1 year, 210 (79%) questionnaires were returned. Median anal pain had dropped from 7.3/10 to 0.1/10 (P < 0.001), anal discomfort had decreased from 5.0/10 to 0.1/10 (P < 0.001) and the Knowles–Eckersley–Scott Symptom constipation score had decreased from 9/45 to 5/45 (P < 0.001). There was a nonsignificant increase in the Wexner anal incontinence score, from 1/20 to 2/20. De‐novo clinically significant anal incontinence (Wexner score > 5) affected 7% of patients at 1 year, but presurgical incontinence had disappeared in 15% of patients. All SF‐36 domains significantly improved. Anoplasty did not impact any result.Conclusion  Given its high rate of healing and low rate of de‐novo anal incontinence, fissurectomy with anoplasty is a valuable sphincter‐sparing surgical treatment for chronic anal fissure.
Can quote competition reduce preferenced trading? A reexamination of the SEC’s 1997 order handling rules
Authors: Rhee S. Ghon , Tang Ning 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn 1997, the SEC implemented the new order handling rules (OHRs) on the NASDAQ. We observe that some uncompetitive positions gained market share without improving quote competitiveness after the implementation of the OHRs. Also observed is a significant decline in the sensitivity of trading volume to quote competitiveness, indicating lower incentive for NASDAQ dealers to engage in quote competition in the post‐OHR regime. We find that positions that gained trading volume without improving quote competitiveness were less competitive and were more closely associated with stocks showing low information asymmetry, which suggests that preferenced trading might be responsible for the decline in the trading volume sensitivity. Examining entries and exits around the periods of adopting OHRs, we observe net entry of uncompetitive positions and net exit of competitive positions, which indicates that preferenced trading crowded out quote competition subsequent to the OHRs. Our findings suggest that forcing intense quote competition alone produced an unwanted effect that preferencing emerged as a more attractive alternative to quote competition.
Sedative load and functional outcomes in community‐dwelling older Australian men: the CHAMP study
Authors: Gnjidic Danijela , Le Couteur David G. , Hilmer Sarah N. , Cumming Robert G. , Blyth Fiona M. , Naganathan Vasi , Waite Louise , Handelsman David J. , J.S. Bell 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the association between sedative load and functional outcomes in community‐dwelling older Australian men. A total of 1696 males aged ≥ 70 years, enrolled in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project, were studied. Participants underwent assessments during 2005–2007. Sedative load was computed using a published model. Outcomes included activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), physical performance measures and a clinical diagnosis of cognitive impairment. Of the participants, 15.3% took medications with sedative properties. After adjusting for age, education, depressive symptoms and comorbidities, participants who took one medication with sedation as a prominent side effect (sedative load = 1) had odds ratio (OR) of 2.15 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.20–3.85) for ADL disability, compared with participants with sedative load = 0. Participants who took at least one primary sedative or two medications with sedation as a prominent side effect (sedative load ≥ 2) had an OR of 1.55 (95% CI: 1.02–2.35) for IADL disability, compared with participants with sedative load = 0. The mean 6‐m walking speed (P = 0.001) and grip strength (P = 0.003) were significantly different between sedative load groups in unadjusted models only. No association between sedative load and poorer performance on balance and chair stands tests or cognitive impairment was observed. Participants with sedative load of one were more likely to report ADL disability, whereas participants with sedative load of ≥2 were more likely to report IADL disability. Higher sedative load was not associated with poorer physical performance or cognitive impairment in older Australian men.
Binocular coordination in response to two‐dimensional, three‐dimensional and stereoscopic visual stimuli
Authors: Blythe Hazel I , Holliman Nicolas S , Jainta Stephanie , Tbaily Lee W , Liversedge Simon P 
Published: July 2012

Citation information: Blythe HI, Holliman NS, Jainta S, Tbaily LW & Liversedge SP. Binocular coordination in response to two‐dimensional, three‐dimensional and stereoscopic visual stimuli. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 397–411. doi:10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012.00926.xAbstractPurpose:  We were particularly interested in whether binocular coordination when viewing stereoscopic images would be more comparable to when viewing a 2D representation, or when viewing a real stimulus array in depth.Methods:  Data are reported from an experiment examining binocular coordination in response to stereoscopically presented stimuli. Movements of both eyes were recorded as participants viewed LED stimuli in a real scene with depth, a 2D image of the scene, and a stereoscopic image of the scene.Results:  When viewing real LEDs, vergence during saccades re‐aligned the eyes in depth where necessary, with smaller adjustments during the following fixation. In contrast, when viewing the stereoscopic representation, vergence during saccades did not re‐align the eyes in depth. The only effect of target depth on vergence occurred during the following fixation.Conclusions:  We conclude that disparity in parafoveal objects, in isolation from other depth cues (and, minimally, conflicting with blur), was insufficient for the visual system to target saccades appropriately in depth.