bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Readapting the adaptive immune response – therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis
Authors: Sage Andrew P , Mallat Ziad 
Published: January 2017

Cardiovascular diseases remain a major global health issue, with the development of atherosclerosis as a major underlying cause. Our treatment of cardiovascular disease has improved greatly over the past three decades, but much remains to be done reduce disease burden. Current priorities include reducing atherosclerosis advancement to clinically significant stages and preventing plaque rupture or erosion. Inflammation and involvement of the adaptive immune system influences all these aspects and therefore is one focus for future therapeutic development. The atherosclerotic vascular wall is now recognized to be invaded from both sides (arterial lumen and adventitia), for better or worse, by the adaptive immune system. Atherosclerosis is also affected at several stages by adaptive immune responses, overall providing many opportunities to target these responses and to reduce disease progression. Protective influences that may be defective in diseased individuals include humoral responses to modified LDL and regulatory T cell responses. There are many strategies in development to boost these pathways in humans, including vaccine‐based therapies. The effects of various existing adaptive immune targeting therapies, such as blocking critical co‐stimulatory pathways or B cell depletion, on cardiovascular disease are beginning to emerge with important consequences for both autoimmune disease patients and the potential for wider use of such therapies. Entering the translation phase for adaptive immune targeting therapies is an exciting and promising prospect.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Targeting Inflammation to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.22/issuetoc and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.v82.4/issuetoc
Developmental Pathways to Preference and Popularity in Middle Childhood
Authors: van den Berg Yvonne H. M. , Deutz Marike H. F. , Smeekens Sanny , Cillessen Antonius H. N. 
Published: January 2017

This study examined the associations between children's early life experiences with parents, ego resiliency and ego undercontrol, and peer group social status in a longitudinal, multimethod study from infancy to middle childhood. Participants were 129 children (52% boys) who were followed from 15 months of age to 9 years and their primary caregivers from the Nijmegen Longitudinal Study on Infant and Child Development. The measurements included observations of parent–child interaction, teacher ratings of ego resiliency and ego undercontrol, and peer‐reported social status. Quality of parental interactive behavior was associated with ego resiliency and ego undercontrol. Ego resiliency and ego undercontrol were uniquely related to preference and popularity. The findings provide insight into the developmental pathways leading to the two distinct types of social status.
Assessment of carotid artery intima‐media thickness in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Liao L.‐J. , Cho T.‐Y. , Huang T.‐W. 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveThis study compares the carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) in different severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients and assesses the role of OSA in carotid artery vasculopathy with control of multiple co‐morbidities.Study designProspective case–control study.SettingTertiary referral centre.ParticipantsThis study recruited 36 volunteers without the complaints of sleep‐disordered breathing, 27 patients with mild–moderate OSA and 39 patients with severe OSA.Main outcome measuresThe CIMT was measured using a Toshiba Aplio 500 ultrasound system (Otawara, Japan) with a 5–14 MHz L probe.ResultsBilateral and mean CIMT in healthy control, mild–moderate OSA and severe OSA were 0.69 ± 0.14, 0.72 ± 0.24 and 0.94 ± 0.33, respectively (P < 0.01 in anova test). Post hoc tests show that the severe OSA group had significantly higher mean CIMT than the control and mild–moderate OSA groups (P < 0.01). With the cut‐off as 1 mm, the increased risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) for mild–moderate and severe OSA were 11% and 39%, respectively, while no patient in the healthy control group was at risk of CVD. Multivariate linear regression could not prove that OSA itself was an independent factors for increased CIMT (mild–moderate OSA β: 0, [−0.12, 0.13]; severe OSA β: 0.08, [−0.06, 0.22], both P > 0.05) after adjusting age, hypertension and body mass index.ConclusionAutomated measurement of the CIMT can be a useful tool for CVD risk assessment in patients with OSA. Severity of OSA may be an intermediate factor between multiple co‐morbidities and carotid atherosclerotic change.
An undergraduate Otolaryngology curriculum comparison in the United Kingdom using a curriculum evaluation framework
Authors: Steven R.A. , Mires G.J. , Lloyd S.K.W. , McAleer S. 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveTo compare undergraduate otolaryngology curricula in the United Kingdom. To develop a tool which would allow undergraduate specialty curricula to be compared.DesignDevelopment of a curriculum evaluation framework (CEF) and survey.SettingUK medical schools.ParticipantsOtolaryngology curricula were requested from all 32 UK medical schools who award a primary medical qualification. Nineteen curricula were received and examined.Main outcome measuresThematic and content analysis of curriculum documents were undertaken. Outcome measures include an examination of curriculum content and methods, type of assessment and alignment of curricula with the General Medical Council's Tomorrow's Doctors document.ResultsLearning objectives were listed by 18 of the 19 medical schools who responded. The most commonly included theme was clinical conditions (100%). Psychosocial aspects of otolaryngology was the least covered theme (37%). Examination skills was covered by the majority (74%). Outpatient clinics and theatre attendance were the most commonly utilised teaching methods (47%). Student checklists were the most common form of assessment (32%). Only four medical schools linked their curricula to the GMC's Tomorrow's Doctors document.ConclusionsThe development of a CEF allowed for a systematic comparison of curricula. This study, evaluating otolaryngology curricula, has highlighted the variability of curricula from both a content and methods perspective in the UK. The study provides those involved with curriculum planning an overview of the main themes currently taught in the UK and offers examples of individual topics. It also offers an insight into the way in which otolaryngology is taught in the UK.
Myocardial layer‐specific analysis in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia using speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Leng Zhaoting , Li Rongjuan , Li Yijia , Wang Lvya , Wang Yueli , Yang Ya 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common and serious monogenic disorder of lipid metabolism, causing premature coronary heart disease (CHD) due to accelerated atherosclerosis from birth, and the study of left ventricular (LV) function of this disease is seldom. The purpose of this study was to explore the value of layer‐specific strain on assessing the early damage of LV function in asymptomatic and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) well‐preserved patients with heterozygous FH (HeFH).MethodsA total of 49 patients aged 38.7±8.7 diagnosed with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and who had undergone transthoracic echocardiography from 2010 to 2016 were included in this study. A total 32 healthy volunteers aged 35.6±10.3 were included as control group. Longitudinal and circumferential strains of the endocardium, myocardium, and epicardium (LSendo, LSmyo, and LSepi and CSendo, CSmyo, and CSepi) were obtained by a software enabling the analysis of strains in three myocardial layers.ResultsIn longitudinal strain (LS), the LS of endocardium (LSendo) and the LS of myocardium (LSmyo) are significantly reduced in patients with HeFH (P<.001 in both). In circumferential strain (CS), only the CS of endocardium (CSendo) is significantly reduced (P<.001). The degree of reduction in strain is positively correlated with the TC and LDLC.ConclusionsLayer‐specific evaluation of the left ventricle has great value in evaluating early impairment of LV in patients with FH. And this relatively novel technique may made it possible to help us understand the process of LV impairment in patients with FH better, thus preventing further damage.
Respiratory impairment in multiple sclerosis: a study of respiratory function in wheelchair‐bound patients
Authors: Levy J. , Bensmail D. , Brotier‐Chomienne A. , Butel S. , Joussain C. , Hugeron C. , Prigent H. 
Published: January 2017

Background and purposeRespiratory disorders are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in multiple sclerosis (MS). Mainly reported in walking patients, they are poorly explored when walking is severely impaired. To characterize respiratory impairment in patients with advanced MS.MethodsFrom 2012 to 2015, patients with MS with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of ≥7 who were referred for functional and rehabilitation evaluation underwent pulmonary function tests to study lung volumes, cough efficacy and respiratory muscle pressures.ResultsAmong 73 patients with a median EDSS score of 8 [7.5; 8.5], 72.6% had impaired respiratory function with a mean vital capacity (VC) of 57.9 ± 33.5% of theoretical value. Severe impairment (VC < 50%) was found for 34 (46.6%) patients. Cough was impaired in 45 (61.6%) patients, with a mean cough peak flow of 3.14 ± 1.9 L/s and severe impairment (cough peak flow < 2.67 L/s) in 27 (37.0%) patients. Overall, the results suggested predominant expiratory muscle dysfunction and non‐predominant diaphragm impairment. EDSS score was correlated with VC but not with any other clinical data.ConclusionRestrictive respiratory failure is frequent in severely impaired patients with MS, predominantly involves expiratory muscles, does not involve diaphragm weakness and is associated with cough impairments.
Can oral health education be delivered to high‐caries‐risk children and their parents using a computer game? – A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Aljafari Ahmad , Gallagher Jennifer Elizabeth , Hosey Marie Therese 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundFamilies of children undergoing general anaesthesia (GA) for caries management requested that oral health advice is delivered using audio‐visual media.ObjectiveTo compare an oral health education computer game to one‐to‐one education.DesignA blind randomised controlled trial of 4‐ to 10‐year‐old children scheduled for GA due to caries. Primary outcome measures were (1) parent and child satisfaction with education method; (2) improvements in child's dietary knowledge; and (3) changes in child's diet and toothbrushing habits. Measures were taken at baseline, post‐intervention, and three months later.ResultsOne hundred and nine families took part. Both methods of education were highly satisfactory to children and parents. Children in both groups showed significant improvement in recognition of unhealthy foods immediately post‐education (P < 0.001). Fifty‐five per cent of all participants completed telephone follow‐up after 3 months and reported improvements in diet, including reducing sweetened drinks (P = 0.019) and non‐core foods (P = 0.046) intake, with no significant differences between the groups. Children reported twice‐daily toothbrushing but no changes in snack selection. Attendance for a 3‐month dental review was poor (11%).ConclusionOral health education using a computer game can be as satisfactory and as effective in improving high‐risk‐children's knowledge as one‐to‐one education. The education received can lead to the positive dietary changes in some families.
Comparison of calculated and experimentally determined SID of CP and AA in complex diets differing in AA contents for grower finisher pigs
Authors: Büsing K. , Berk A. , Müller S. , Kieckhäven S. , Krüger K. , Zeyner A. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryIn practice, the content of standardized ileal digestible AA in complex feeds for pigs is calculated on the basis of tabulated values for individual feedstuffs. It comes into question, however, whether this truly reflects an accurate content based upon the estimate made for the individual feedstuffs. The objective of this study was to compare standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and selected AA in complex feeds for grower and finisher pigs either calculated or experimentally determined. Six diets with increasing AA levels were prepared for grower (BW from 30 to 70 kg) and finisher (BW from 70 to 120 kg) feed. Crystalline L‐lys, DL‐met and L‐thr were added to both diets, L‐trp and L‐val only to the grower feed. SID of both CP and AA was calculated from feed tables and experimentally determined in six adult minipigs (MINILEWE) with ileorectal anastomosis. With increasing AA levels, experimentally determined SID of supplemented AA increased (p < 0.05), but SID of CP (p ≥ 0.05) was not affected. In both grower and finisher feed, calculated and experimentally determined SID of CP, Met, Cys, Trp, Ile and Tyr differed by more than 2% units, but those of Lys and His only in the finisher feed. Yet this effect was not directly consistent. The margin of error following estimation of SID of AA via tabulated values for individual feedstuffs, however, seems to be acceptable for practical use.
Computed Regioselectivity and Conjectured Biological Activity of Ene Reactions of Singlet Oxygen with the Natural Product Hyperforin
Authors: Abramova Inna , Rudshteyn Benjamin , Liebman Joel F. , Greer Alexander 
Published: January 2017

AbstractHyperforin is a constituent of St. John's wort and coexists with the singlet oxygen sensitizer hypericin. Density functional theory, molecular mechanics and Connolly surface calculations show that accessibility in the singlet oxygen “ene” reaction favors the hyperforin “southwest” and “southeast” prenyl (2‐methyl‐2‐butenyl) groups over the northern prenyl groups. While the southern part of hyperforin is initially more susceptible to oxidation, up to 4 “ene” reactions of singlet oxygen can take place. Computational results assist in predicting the fate of adjacent hydroperoxides in hyperforin, where the loss of hydrogen atoms may lead to the formation of a hydrotrioxide and a carbonyl instead of a Russell reaction.
The Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Transition Economies: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Tokunaga Masahiro , Iwasaki Ichiro 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we conduct a meta‐analysis of studies that empirically examine the relationship between economic transformation and foreign direct investment (FDI) performance in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union over the past quarter century. More specifically, we synthesise the empirical evidence reported in previous studies that deal with the determinants of FDI in transition economies, focusing on the impacts of transition factors. We also perform meta‐regression analysis to specify determinant factors of the heterogeneity among the relevant studies and the presence of publication‐selection bias. We find that the existing literature reports a statistically significant non‐zero effect as a whole, and a genuine effect is confirmed for some FDI determinants beyond the publication‐selection bias.
Methodological Considerations When Quantifying High-Intensity Efforts in Team Sport Using Global Positioning System Technology
Authors: Varley Matthew C. , Jaspers Arne , Helsen Werner F. , Malone James J. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose:Sprints and accelerations are popular performance indicators in applied sport. The methods used to define these efforts using athlete-tracking technology could affect the number of efforts reported. This study aimed to determine the influence of different techniques and settings for detecting high-intensity efforts using global positioning system (GPS) data.Methods:Velocity and acceleration data from a professional soccer match were recorded via 10-Hz GPS. Velocity data were filtered using either a median or an exponential filter. Acceleration data were derived from velocity data over a 0.2-s time interval (with and without an exponential filter applied) and a 0.3-second time interval. High-speed-running (≥4.17 m/s2), sprint (≥7.00 m/s2), and acceleration (≥2.78 m/s2) efforts were then identified using minimum-effort durations (0.1–0.9 s) to assess differences in the total number of efforts reported.Results:Different velocity-filtering methods resulted in small to moderate differences (effect size [ES] 0.28–1.09) in the number of high-speed-running and sprint efforts detected when minimum duration was <0.5 s and small to very large differences (ES –5.69 to 0.26) in the number of accelerations when minimum duration was <0.7 s. There was an exponential decline in the number of all efforts as minimum duration increased, regardless of filtering method, with the largest declines in acceleration efforts.Conclusions:Filtering techniques and minimum durations substantially affect the number of high-speed-running, sprint, and acceleration efforts detected with GPS. Changes to how high-intensity efforts are defined affect reported data. Therefore, consistency in data processing is advised.
Acute Caffeine Ingestion on Performance in Young Judo Athletes
Authors: Astley Camilla , Souza Diego , Polito Marcos 
Published: January 2017

Purpose:To compare the acute effect of caffeine ingestion on performance in young judo athletes.Method:In a randomized double-blind design, eighteen judo athletes (16.1 ± 1.4 yrs.) were evaluated on three nonconsecutive days. On the first day, the special judo fitness test (SJFT) was used as a control session. On the second day, the sample was randomly divided into two equal groups. One group received 4 mg.kg-1 of caffeine (capsule) and the other group received a placebo. After resting for 60 min, the sample performed the SJFT. On the final day of testing, the same procedure was performed but the substance ingested was exchanged between the groups.Results:Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded throughout the applications of the SJFTs. Caffeine ingestion did not induce changes in HR, but reduced the RPE compared with the placebo session (7.0 ± 1.1 vs 8.2 ± 2.0; p < .05), increased the number of throws applied (29.0 ± 2.6 vs 22.1 ± 3.4; p < .01) and reduced the SJFT index (12.2 ± 0.5 vs. 15.7 ± 0.9; p < .001).Conclusion:4 mg.kg-1 did not alter HR but improved performance on SJFT in young judo athletes and reduced the RPE.
Molecular Diffusion through Cyanobacterial Septal Junctions
Authors: Nieves-Morión Mercedes , Mullineaux Conrad W. , Flores Enrique 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria grow as filaments in which intercellular molecular exchange takes place. During the differentiation of N
2
-fixing heterocysts, regulators are transferred between cells. In the diazotrophic filament, vegetative cells that fix CO
2
through oxygenic photosynthesis provide the heterocysts with reduced carbon and heterocysts provide the vegetative cells with fixed nitrogen. Intercellular molecular transfer has been traced with fluorescent markers, including calcein, 5-carboxyfluorescein, and the sucrose analogue esculin, which are observed to move down their concentration gradient. In this work, we used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) assays in the model heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium
Anabaena
sp. strain PCC 7120 to measure the temperature dependence of intercellular transfer of fluorescent markers. We find that the transfer rate constants are directly proportional to the absolute temperature. This indicates that the “septal junctions” (formerly known as “microplasmodesmata”) linking the cells in the filament allow molecular exchange by simple diffusion, without any activated intermediate state. This constitutes a novel mechanism for molecular transfer across the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, in addition to previously characterized mechanisms for active transport and facilitated diffusion. Cyanobacterial septal junctions are functionally analogous to the gap junctions of metazoans.

IMPORTANCE
Although bacteria are frequently considered just as unicellular organisms, there are bacteria that behave as true multicellular organisms. The heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria grow as filaments in which cells communicate. Intercellular molecular exchange is thought to be mediated by septal junctions. Here, we show that intercellular transfer of fluorescent markers in the cyanobacterial filament has the physical properties of simple diffusion. Thus, cyanobacterial septal junctions are functionally analogous to metazoan gap junctions, although their molecular components appear unrelated. Like metazoan gap junctions, the septal junctions of cyanobacteria allow the rapid intercellular exchange of small molecules, without stringent selectivity. Our finding expands the repertoire of mechanisms for molecular transfer across the plasma membrane in prokaryotes.
Dissecting Bacterial Cell Wall Entry and Signaling in Eukaryotic Cells: an Actin-Dependent Pathway Parallels Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis
Authors: Loh Lip Nam , Gao Geli , Tuomanen Elaine I. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThe Gram-positive bacterial cell wall (CW) peptidoglycan-teichoic acid complex is released into the host environment during bacterial metabolism or death. It is a highly inflammatory Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) ligand, and previousin vivostudies have demonstrated its ability to recapitulate pathological features of pneumonia and meningitis. We report that an actin-dependent pathway is involved in the internalization of the CW by epithelial and endothelial cells, in addition to the previously described platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFr)-dependent uptake pathway. Unlike the PAFr-dependent pathway, which is mediated by clathrin and dynamin and does not lead to signaling, the alternative pathway is sensitive to 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride (EIPA) and engenders Rac1, Cdc42, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling. Upon internalization by this macropinocytosis-like pathway, CW is trafficked to lysosomes. Intracellular CW trafficking is more complex than previously recognized and suggests multiple points of interaction with and without innate immune signaling.IMPORTANCEStreptococcus pneumoniaeis a major human pathogen infecting the respiratory tract and brain. It is an established model organism for understanding how infection injures the host. During infection or bacterial growth, bacteria shed their cell wall (CW) into the host environment and trigger inflammation. A previous study has shown that CW enters and crosses cell barriers by interacting with a receptor on the surfaces of host cells, termed platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFr). In the present study, by using cells that are depleted of PAFr, we identified a second pathway with features of macropinocytosis, which is a receptor-independent fluid uptake mechanism by cells. Each pathway contributes approximately the same amount of cell wall trafficking, but the PAFr pathway is silent, while the new pathway appears to contribute to the host inflammatory response to CW insult.