bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelet Adhesion under Flow
Authors: RUGGERI ZAVERIO M. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTPlatelet‐adhesive mechanisms play a well‐defined role in hemostasis and thrombosis, but evidence continues to emerge for a relevant contribution to other pathophysiological processes, including inflammation, immune‐mediated responses to microbial and viral pathogens, and cancer metastasis. Hemostasis and thrombosis are related aspects of the response to vascular injury, but the former protects from bleeding after trauma, while the latter is a disease mechanism. In either situation, adhesive interactions mediated by specific membrane receptors support the initial attachment of single platelets to cellular and extracellular matrix constituents of the vessel wall and tissues. In the subsequent steps of thrombus growth and stabilization, adhesive interactions mediate platelet‐to‐platelet cohesion (i.e., aggregation) and anchoring to the fibrin clot. A key functional aspect of platelets is their ability to circulate in a quiescent state surveying the integrity of the inner vascular surface, coupled to a prompt reaction wherever alterations are detected. In many respects, therefore, platelet adhesion to vascular wall structures, to one another, or to other blood cells are facets of the same fundamental biological process. The adaptation of platelet‐adhesive functions to the effects of blood flow is the main focus of this review.
The effects of scattering-layer composition, animal size, and numerical density on the frequency response of volume backscatter
Authors: Benoit-Bird Kelly J. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Benoit-Bird, K. J. 2009. The effects of scattering-layer composition, animal size, and numerical density on the frequency response of volume backscatter. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 582–593. Land-associated, sound-scattering layers of mesopelagic micronekton surround the Hawaiian Islands. These animals undergo diel migrations during which they split into multiple, distinct layers that have differences in animal density, taxonomic composition, and size. A video-camera system capable of quantitatively estimating the biological constituency of the layers was combined with a four-frequency, vessel-mounted, echosounder system (38, 70, 120, and 200 kHz) to examine the effects of layer features on the frequency response of volume backscatter. Volume scattering was correlated with animal density at all frequencies, but the effects of animal length and layer composition were frequency-specific. Only scattering at 70 kHz matched the predictions of volume scattering based on the mean echo strengths and densities estimated from camera profiles, suggesting different scattering mechanisms at other frequencies. Differences in volume scattering between pairs of frequencies, however, did strongly correlate with animal length and layer composition and could be used as measures of the biological properties of layers. Applying this technique to the data shows strong partitioning of habitat by taxa and animal size in space and time, indicating the importance of competition in structuring the community.
Treatment of microcystic lymphangioma with OK‐432 after intralesional excision
Authors: YABE Tetsuji , TAKAHASHI Makoto 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTMicrocystic lymphangioma is difficult to treat with sclerotherapy or surgical resection alone. It is impossible to inject sclerosing agents into multiple cysts and surgical resection may sacrifice neighboring organs. We report a case of clinically regressed microcystic lymphangioma by sclerotherapy with OK‐432 after intralesional excision. This is an alternative effective method in the treatment of microcystic lymphangioma. However, because histological examination revealed remaining lymphangioma, the possibility of recurrence remains.
Transepithelial activation of human leukocytes by probiotics and commensal bacteria: Role of Enterobacteriaceae‐type endotoxin
Authors: Baeuerlein Annette , Ackermann Stefanie , Parlesak Alexandr 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACTThe goal of the current study was to clarify whether commercially available probiotics induce greater trans‐epithelial activation of human leukocytes than do commensal, food‐derived and pathogenic bacteria and to identify the compounds responsible for this activation. Eleven different bacterial strains, and some of their pathogen‐associated molecular patterns, were incubated apically on a confluent layer of intestinal epithelial cells (Caco‐2), which were basolaterally co‐cultured with human mononuclear leukocytes. Only Gram‐negative bacteria having Enterobacteriaceae‐type endotoxin (commensal Escherichia coli K12, probiotic E. coli Nissle, EPEC) induced basolateral production of TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL 6, 8, and 10. Gram‐positive probiotics (Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp.) had virtually no effect. In addition, commensals (Enterococcus faecalis, Bacteroides vulgatus) and food fermenters (Lactobacillus spp.) did not stimulate leukocytes transepithelially. Endotoxin from E. coli and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium induced comparable transepithelial stimulation of leukocytes, but not endotoxin from B. vulgatus or lipoteichoic acid from E. faecalis. Endotoxin‐binding agents (polymyxin, colistin) completely abrogated transepithelial activation of leukocytes. Enterobacteriaceae‐type endotoxin is a crucial factor in transepithelial stimulation of leukocytes, regardless of whether it is produced by probiotics or other bacteria. Hence, transepithelial stimulation of leukocytes’ innate immune response seems to not be linked to the health‐promoting effects of probiotics.
Climate change and its impact on the forests of Kilimanjaro
Authors: Hemp Andreas 
Published: February 2009

AbstractCloud forests are of great importance in the hydrological functioning of watersheds in subhumid East Africa. However, the montane forests of Mt. Kilimanjaro are heavily threatened by global change impacts. Based on an evaluation of over 1500 vegetation plots and interpretation of satellite imagery from 1976 and 2000, land‐cover changes on Kilimanjaro were evaluated and their impact on the water balance estimated. While the vanishing glaciers of Kilimanjaro attract broad interest, the associated increase of frequency and intensity of fires on the slopes of Kilimanjaro is less conspicuous but ecologically far more significant. These climate change‐induced fires have lead to changes in species composition and structure of the forests and to a downward shift of the upper forest line by several hundred metres. During the last 70 years, Kilimanjaro has lost nearly one‐third of its forest cover, in the upper areas caused by fire, on the lower forest border mainly caused by clearing. The loss of 150 km2 of cloud forest – the most effective source in the upper montane and subalpine fog interception zone – caused by fire during the last three decades means a considerable reduction in water yield. In contrast to common belief, global warming does not necessarily cause upward migration of plants and animals. On Kilimanjaro the opposite trend is under way, with consequences more harmful than those due to the loss of the showy ice cap of Africa’s highest mountain.
Impact of climate variability on vegetative cover in the Butana area of Sudan
Authors: Elhag Muna , Walker Sue 
Published: February 2009

AbstractClimate variability has an impact on the renewable natural resources. This impact is strong in regions with a delicate balance between climate and ecosystem, like the Sahelian regions. Rainfall is the most important climatic factor influencing livelihoods in Butana, north‐eastern part of Sudan. All people and their livestock depend on the amount of rainfall that falls and supports plant growth. Butana area experienced severe drought in 1984, 1990 and 2000. Linear relationships between the long‐term rainfall and AVHRR/NDVI data were developed for four separate zones in the Butana area. There is a significant correlation between peak NDVI (beginning of September) and cumulative rainfall for July and August, but weak relationships resulted when annual rainfall and cumulative NDVI were used. This is because the NDVI reached a plateau as the rainfall increased, then it remained constant despite further increases in rainfall. The departure from the long‐term average of NDVI for each pixel was calculated using the departure average vegetation method. The area had a high percentage of departure during the drought years and the NDVI recovered during the following year when the rainfall was above the average. It can be noted that the area adjacent to the irrigated scheme showed considerable decrease in NDVI. This may be due to overexploitation by the nomads during the drought year.
Drivers of ecosystem change and their impacts on human well‐being in Lake Victoria basin
Authors: Odada Eric O. , Ochola Washington O. , Olago Dan O. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTo offer an increased understanding of the spatial patterns, temporal, social and physical predictors of the conversion and transformations of land use in Lake Victoria basin, an assessment of proximate and underlying forces is presented. This study discusses key theoretical underpinnings for the manifold linkages existing between selected drivers of land‐use changes around the basin and their consequences on human well‐being. Using a meta‐analytical research design, the paper analyses ecosystems level cases of the causes of land use and cover changes in the basin, to determine any spatio‐temporal or institutional patterns and dynamics. A suite of recurrent core variables has been identified to influence land use and cover changes in the basin. The most prominent of these at the underlying category are climatic factors, economic factors, institutions, national and regional policies, population growth and other remote influences. At the proximate level, these factors drive cropland expansion, overgrazing, infrastructure extension and rates of land degradation. These are supported by empirical evidence from the basin. This assessment is crucial for appropriate local and transboundary policy interventions, which have to be fine‐tuned to the locale‐specific dynamic patterns associated with the inherent ecosystems changes.
Prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among Mexican adolescents
Authors: Pineda‐Lucatero A. G. , Trujillo‐Hernández B. , Millán‐Guerrero R. O. , Vásquez C. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground  To determine the characteristics and prevalence of previous child sexual abuse among a group of Mexican junior high school students.Methods  A total of 1067 adolescents of both genders were selected to fill out a survey about child sexual abuse.Results  The prevalence of child sexual abuse was 18.7% (n = 200). It was more frequent in girls (58%) than in boys (42%). Sexual abuse involved physical contact in 75% of those cases reporting abuse. The aggressors were neighbours (50.3%), relatives (36.8%) and strangers (13.9%). Abuse was committed through deception in 90% of the cases and involved physical mistreatment in 10% of the cases. Of the victims, 14.4% had spoken about the problem and 3.7% had taken legal action. And 9.6% of those surveyed stated that they required psychological counselling.Conclusions  In the population studied, the prevalency of child sexual abuse was greater than that reported in Mexico City (4.3–8.4%), although it was similar to that found in the Spanish child population (15–23%). The risk of sexual abuse is greater for girls and the principal aggressors are male neighbours, family friends and relatives; the abuse is committed in the home of the aggressor or the victim and very few cases are reported to the authorities.
‘Jumping through hoops’: parents' experiences with seeking respite care for children with special needs
Authors: Doig J. L. , McLennan J. D. , Urichuk L. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground  Respite care may act as a means to reduce stress and fatigue in people caring for a dependent who has a disability. Despite this, a variety of barriers may exist to obtaining such services. This study explored caregivers' experiences seeking respite care for their children with special needs within a province in Canada.Methods  Caregivers were recruited from two agencies providing respite care for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other mental health and developmental difficulties. In total, 10 caregivers participated in in‐depth individual interviews. A constructivist grounded theory approach was employed in the design and analysis of the data.Results  Caregivers discussed their frustrations with the process of finding and obtaining respite care, a course of action described as ‘jumping through hoops’. This construct was composed of subcategories emphasizing the complexity of ‘navigating the system’, the bidirectional process of ‘meeting the requirements’ and the challenges of ‘getting help’.Conclusions  The collective experiences of these caregivers point to the need for more flexibility and co‐ordination of respite care services for children with special needs.
Effects of fully established Sure Start Local Programmes on 3‐year‐old children and their families living in England: a quasi‐experimental observational study
Authors: Reading Richard 
Published: February 2009

.

Melhuish E.,
Belsky J.,
Leyland A. H.,
Barnes J. &
(
2008
)

,
372
,
1641
–
1647
.

DOI: 10.1016/S0140‐6736(08)61687‐6
.
Background  Sure Start Local Programmes (SSLPs) are area‐based interventions to improve services for young children and their families in deprived communities, promote health and development, and reduce inequalities. We therefore investigated whether SSLPs affect the well‐being of 3‐year‐old children and their families.Methods  In a quasi‐experimental observational study, we compared 5883 3‐year‐old children and their families from 93 disadvantaged SSLP areas with 1879 3‐year‐old children and their families from 72 similarly deprived areas in England who took part in the Millennium Cohort Study. We studied 14 outcomes – children's immunizations, accidents, language development, positive and negative social behaviours and independence; parenting risk; home‐learning environment; father's involvement; maternal smoking, body‐mass index and life satisfaction; family's service use; and mother's rating of area.Findings  After we controlled for background factors, we noted beneficial effects associated with the programmes for five of 14 outcomes. Children in the SSLP areas showed better social development than those in the non‐SSLP areas, with more positive social behaviour (mean difference 0.45, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.80, P = 0.01) and greater independence (0.32, 0.18 to 0.47, P < 0.0001). Families in SSLP areas showed less negative parenting (−0.90, −1.11 to −0.69, P < 0.0001) and provided a better home‐learning environment (1.30, 0.75 to 1.86, P < 0.0001). These families used more services for supporting child and family development than those not living in SSLP areas (0.98, 0.86 to 1.09, P < 0.0001). Effects of SSLPs seemed to apply to all subpopulations and SSLP areas.Interpretation  Children and their families benefited from living in SSLP areas. The contrast between these and previous findings on the effect of SSLPs might indicate increased exposure to programmes that have become more effective. Early interventions can improve the life chances of young children living in deprived areas.
The role of welfare state principles and generosity in social policy programmes for public health: an international comparative study
Authors: Reading Richard 
Published: February 2009

.

Lundberg O.,
Yngwe M.,
Stjärne M.,
Elstad J.,
Ferrarini T.,
Kangas O.,
Norström T.,
Palme J.,
Fritzell J. & for
(
2008
)

,
372
,
1633
–
1640
.

DOI: 10.1016/S0140‐6736(08)61686‐4
.
Background  Many important social determinants of health are also the focus for social policies. Welfare states contribute to the resources available for their citizens through cash transfer programmes and subsidized services. Although all rich nations have welfare programmes, there are clear cross‐national differences with respect to their design and generosity. These differences are evident in national variations in poverty rates, especially among children and elderly people. We investigated to what extent variations in family and pension policies are linked to infant mortality and old‐age excess mortality.Methods  Infant mortality rates and old‐age excess mortality rates were analysed in relation to social policy characteristics and generosity. We did pooled cross‐sectional time‐series analyses of 18 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries during the period 1970–2000 for family policies and 1950–2000 for pension policies.Findings  Increased generosity in family policies that support dual‐earner families is linked with lower infant mortality rates, whereas the generosity in family policies that support more traditional families with gainfully employed men and homemaking women is not. An increase by one percentage point in dual‐earner support lowers infant mortality by 0.04 deaths per 1000 births. Generosity in basic security type of pensions is linked to lower old‐age excess mortality, whereas the generosity of earnings‐related income security pensions is not. An increase by one percentage point in basic security pensions is associated with a decrease in the old age excess mortality by 0.02 for men as well as for women.Interpretation  The ways in which social policies are designed, as well as their generosity, are important for health because of the increase in resources that social policies entail. Hence, social policies are of major importance for how we can tackle the social determinants of health.
Constitutive expression of Bcl-2 in the haematopoietic compartment alters the metabolism of iron and increases resistance to mycobacterial infection
Authors: Flórido M , Borges M , Rodrigues P , Vale-Costa S , Salomé Gomes M , Appelberg R 
Published: February 2009

SummaryMice expressing a vav-bcl-2 transgene were tested for their resistance to an experimental infection with Mycobacterium avium. When compared with control littermates, transgenic mice exhibited an increase in the resistance to infection which was independent of B or T lymphocytes and did not require the production of gamma interferon. Macrophages from both control and transgenic mice showed equal permissiveness to M. avium growth in vitro. Finally, transgenic mice expressed diminished circulating iron levels which correlated with the increased resistance to infection.
Cell contact, prostaglandin E2 and transforming growth factor beta 1 play non-redundant roles in human mesenchymal stem cell induction of CD4+CD25Highforkhead box P3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: English K , Ryan J M , Tobin L , Murphy M J , Barry F P , Mahon B P 
Published: February 2009

SummaryAdult human mesenchymal stromal or stem cells (MSC) can differentiate into a variety of cell types and are candidate cellular therapeutics in regenerative medicine. Surprisingly, these cells also display multiple potent immunomodulatory capabilities, including allosuppression, making allogeneic cell therapy a possibility. The exact mechanisms involved in regulatory T cell induction by allogeneic human MSC was examined, using purified CD4+ populations and well-characterized bone marrow-derived adult human MSC. Allogeneic MSC were shown to induce forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ and CD25+ mRNA and protein expression in CD4+ T cells. This phenomenon required direct contact between MSC and purified T cells, although cell contact was not required for MSC induction of FoxP3 expression in an unseparated mononuclear cell population. In addition, through use of antagonists and neutralizing antibodies, MSC-derived prostaglandins and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were shown to have a non-redundant role in the induction of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells. Purified CD4+CD25+ T cells induced by MSC co-culture expressed TGF-β1 and were able to suppress alloantigen-driven proliferative responses in mixed lymphocyte reaction. These data clarify the mechanisms of human MSC-mediated allosuppression, supporting a sequential process of regulatory T cell induction involving direct MSC contact with CD4+ cells followed by both prostaglandin E2 and TGF-β1 expression. Overall, this study provides a rational basis for ongoing clinical studies involving allogeneic MSC.
Innate immunity and inflammation – two facets of the same anti-infectious reaction
Authors: Si-Tahar M , Touqui L , Chignard M 
Published: February 2009

SummaryInnate immunity is the host's first line of defence against infection. In this review, we present the innate immune response implicated in three examples of pulmonary infection of viral, fungal and bacterial origin. We show that this defence against infection can be a double-edged sword. Thus, the same cells, molecules and mechanisms involved in this protective process can also be involved in deleterious inflammation. A delicate balance between immunity and inflammation is therefore required, making it possible to fight pathogens effectively while limiting inflammation that might be damaging to the host.
Finite element analysis of the effects of three preparation techniques on stresses within roots having curved canals
Authors: Cheng R. , Zhou X.‐D. , Liu Z. , Yang H. , Gao Q.‐H. , Hu T. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim  To compare stress distribution within roots having curved canals prepared by three preparation techniques when subjected to occlusal loads and condensation loads as a consequence of different filling techniques.Methodology  Three preparation techniques (crown‐down, step‐back and reverse‐flaring) were compared by finite element analysis (FEA). Based on an established FEA model within curved canal, three modified models prepared by different preparation techniques were established by replacing original canal with prepared ones. FEA was performed to investigate the stress distribution under occlusal forces, which were simulated by loads of 500 N in four directions (buccal, lingual, mesial and distal), at 0 (vertical), 30, 45 and 60° to the longitudinal axis of the tooth. In addition, vertical and lateral condensation processes at the curvature were simulated to determine the influence of different canal filling techniques on stress distribution.Results  When the occlusal and the filling loads were applied, stress distribution around the curvature and the orifice had little change on the three modified prepared models. The reverse‐flaring technique resulted in the least stress with the lateral condensation process. In the case of vertical condensation, the maximum von Mises stress (46.205 MPa) occurred near the loading site. The model also revealed a tendency for stress concentration (30.635 MPa) just below the compacting level.Conclusions  The study confirms that appropriate canal preparation techniques in simulated curved canals have little influence on stress distribution around the curvature or the orifice. However, vertical compaction induced high stress in the region just below the loading site.
Wheat cultivars grown under organic agriculture and the bread making performance of stone‐ground whole wheat flour
Authors: Gélinas Pierre , Morin Caroline , Reid Judith Frégeau , Lachance Pierre 
Published: February 2009

SummaryStone‐ground whole wheat flour is characterised by coarse bran particles and high germ content. Five wheat cultivars were grown over a 3‐year period in eight organic farms in Quebec (Eastern Canada) to determine their respective effects on the quality of stone‐ground whole wheat bread flour. Grain yield (1.2–3.9 t ha−1), grain protein content (11.3–13.1%, based on 13.5% moisture) and dough mixing stability (6.9–11.1 min) of whole wheat flour varied much according to the farming sites. Whole wheat flour from AC Brio significantly gave the lowest pan bread volume (P < 0.05) and best results were obtained with Celtic (whatever the farming site) and site #5 (whatever the cultivar, probably with the exception of AC Brio). Thorough wheat cultivar selection and organic field management would be critical to get whole wheat bread with the highest specific volume.