bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Hispanics living in Puerto Rico: A population‐based study
Authors: González‐Pons María , Soto‐Salgado Marievelisse , Sevilla Javier , Márquez‐Lespier Juan M. , Morgan Douglas , Pérez Cynthia M. , Cruz‐Correa Marcia 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori is an important etiologic factor for peptic ulcers and gastric cancer, one of the top ten leading causes of cancer death in Puerto Rico. However, the prevalence of H. pylori infections in this population was previously unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the seroprevalence of H. pylori and its associated risk factors in Puerto Rico.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional study was designed using an existing population‐based biorepository. Seropositivity was determined using the Premier™ H. pylori immunoassay. Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence was estimated with 95% confidence using marginal standardization following logistic regression. To assess the risk factors associated with H. pylori seropositivity, a multivariable log‐binomial model was fitted to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI).ResultsA total of 528 population‐based serum samples were analyzed. The mean age of the study population was 41 ± 12 years, of whom 55.3% were females. The overall seroprevalence of H. pylori was 33.0% (95% CI = 28.3%‐38.1%). Increasing age and having <12 years of education were significantly (P < .05) associated with H. pylori seropositivity in the multivariable model; however, residing in counties with low population density reached marginal significance (P = .085).ConclusionsWe report that H. pylori infection is common among Hispanics living in Puerto Rico. The H. pylori seroprevalence observed in Puerto Rico is similar to the seroprevalence reported in the overall population of the United States. The association between H. pylori seroprevalence and the risk factors analyzed offers insight into the epidemiology of gastric cancer in Puerto Rico and warrants further investigation.
HbAHP‐25 attenuates HIV‐1 gp120 mediated inflammation and barrier dysfunction
Authors: Bashir T , Reddy KVR 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesDevelopment of HbAHP‐25, a peptide that prevents HIV‐1 entry into cells by blocking gp120‐CD4 interaction, as a topical anti‐HIV drug, necessitates that it is first tested for toxic or abrasive effects on genital epithelial cells and also on the vaginal microbiome. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to investigate whether: (1) HbAHP‐25 has any adverse effect on growth and membrane integrity of various cell lines, and (2) HbAHP‐25 neutralizes gp120 mediated insults on genital epithelial cells.MethodsMTT and trans‐epithelial resistance (TER) assays were performed to assess the viability and integrity of epithelial cells. Real‐time PCR and Immunofluorescence/Western blotting were used to decipher the expression of tight junction proteins, at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. A multiplex cytokine assay was performed to quantify the cytokines.ResultsHbAHP‐25 had no adverse effect on the viability of VK2/E6E7, End1/E6E7, Ect1/E6E7 and HEC‐1A cells, and also on growth of lactobacilli. The barrier integrity of HbAHP‐25‐treated cells remained unaltered. Expression of tight junction proteins, Claudin‐1 and ZO‐1, at transcript and protein levels, remained unaltered in HbAHP‐25‐treated HEC‐1A cells. Interestingly, HbAHP‐25 treatment prevented the breach of barrier integrity caused by gp120. Further, HbAHP‐25 did not elicit the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Instead, the in vitro induction of inflammatory cytokines by gp120 was also abrogated in the presence of HbAHP‐25.ConclusionHbAHP‐25 is exceedingly safe to genital epithelial cells and attenuates HIV‐1 gp120‐mediated barrier dysfunction by limiting excessive inflammation. This study provides significant evidences in the favor of HbAHP‐25's potential as a topical anti‐HIV agent.
Diets rich in saturated fat and fructose induce anxiety and depression‐like behaviours in the rat: is there a role for lipid peroxidation?
Authors: Gancheva Silvia , Galunska Bistra , Zhelyazkova‐Savova Maria 
Published: December 2017

SummaryEpidemiological studies reveal associations between obesity/metabolic syndrome and mood disorders. We assessed behavioural changes in rats fed diets enriched in fat and fructose in different proportions and correlated the observed alterations with biochemical changes induced by the diets. Three groups of rats were used as follows: control (C) animals fed regular rat chow, rats fed high‐fat diet (HF) and rats fed high‐fat and high‐fructose diet (HFHF). HF and HFHF animals were also given a 10% fructose solution as drinking water. Behavioural and biochemical parameters were determined. Anxiety was measured by the open‐field and the social interaction test. Depression‐like behaviour was evaluated by the forced swimming test. The object recognition test was utilized to assess effects on memory. Diet‐exposed animals displayed signs of anxiety in the open‐field (HF rats had reduced central time; HFHF rats had reduced number of central entries) and in the social interaction test (decreased time of interaction in HF group). In the forced swimming test, the immobility time was prolonged in the HFHF group. While different measures of anxiety scores correlated with visceral adiposity and dyslipidemia, results from both social interaction and forced swimming tests were significantly associated with lipid peroxidation, which in turn also correlated with the metabolic parameters. The experimental diets did not affect the object recognition memory. Both experimental diets induced metabolic derangements in rats and provoked similar anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviours. Lipid peroxidation seems to play a role in translating diet‐induced metabolic alterations into behavioural disorders.
Further Mining the Predictability of Moving Averages: Evidence from the US Stock Market
Authors: Ma Chaoqun , Wen Danyan , Wang Gang‐Jin , Jiang Yong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMost studies on the predictability of moving average (MA) technical analysis use the discrete (buy/sell) trading recommendations. However, it is possibly incomplete or unreliable to explore the predictability of MA by only employing its generated trading signals. To further explore the forecastability of MA, we study its measurable impact on the stock market returns by using a conventional predictive regression framework. Our empirical study on the US stock market with respect to more detailed price information finds, (i) that the proposed predictor, MADP (MA based on daily prices) shows significant predictability in‐ and out‐of‐sample, and significantly outperforms the historical average (HA) benchmark as well as the MA based on monthly prices, (ii) that the predictability of MADP centers on the short‐term lags (within the most recent 10 days) and disappears when lags are beyond 20 days, and (iii) that the economic evaluation of the portfolios based on trading strategies confirms the superior performance of MADP with short‐term lags against the benchmark even though considering transaction costs.
Corruption scandals, scandal clusters and contemporary politics in New Zealand
Authors: Barrett Patrick , Zirker Daniel 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWhile New Zealand enjoys a widely held view that it symbolises the qualities of a corruption‐free democracy, over the past several years corruption scandals have increased markedly in number and intensity. It appears that corruption is becoming a part of the language of politics in New Zealand in a new way. This article explores this proposition with a particular focus on the incidence and character of corruption scandals during politically significant periods. It is an exploratory and admittedly impressionistic analysis that surveys the incidence of corruption scandals between 2000 and 2016. The article examines media reports of corruption scandals and the apparent and periodic appearance of the accumulation of corruption scandals, or scandal clusters. The primary goal is to explore whether such clusters are evident in media reports, whether these appear to be qualitatively different in concentration and intensity, and if so, to ask what new questions this raises for further research.
Utility of a Precision Medicine Test in Elderly Adults with Symptoms Suggestive of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ladapo Joseph A. , Budoff Matthew J. , Sharp David , Kuo Jane Z. , Huang Lin , Maniet Bruce , Herman Lee , Monane Mark 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundDiagnosing obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) is challenging in elderly adults, and current diagnostic approaches for CAD expose these individuals to risks from contrast dye and invasive procedures.DesignA Registry to Evaluate Patterns of Care Associated with the Use of Corus CAD in Real World Clinical Care Settings (PRESET; NCT01677156), pragmatic clinical trial.SettingCommunity, 21 primary care practices.ParticipantsOf 566 stable, nonacute outpatients presenting with symptoms suggestive of obstructive CAD, the 176 who were aged 65 and older (median age 70, 61% female) were the current study participants.InterventionBlood‐based precision medicine test, incorporating age, sex, and gene expression score (ASGES) to improve clinical decision‐making and quality of care.MeasurementsInformation on demographic characteristics, clinical factors, ASGES results (range 1–40; low (≤15), high (>15)), referral patterns to cardiology and advanced cardiac testing, and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) was collected in a subgroup analysis of elderly adults in the PRESET Registry. Follow‐up was for 1 year after ASGES testing.ResultsMedian ASGES was 25, and 40 (23%) participants had a low score. Clinicians referred 12.5% of participants with a low ASGES and 49.3% with a high ASGES to cardiology or advanced cardiac testing (odds ratio for referral = 0.12, P < .001, adjusted for participants demographics and clinical covariates). Higher scores were associated with greater likelihood of posttest cardiac referral. At 1‐year follow‐up, the incidence of a MACE or revascularization was 10% (13/136) in the high ASGES group and 0% (0/40) in the low ASGES group (P = .04).ConclusionThe ASGES test showed potential clinical utility in the evaluation of elderly outpatients with symptoms suggestive of obstructive CAD. Test use may reduce unnecessary referrals and the risk of procedure‐related complications in individuals with low ASGES, who are unlikely to benefit from further testing, while also identifying individuals who may benefit from further cardiac evaluation and management.
In vitro effect of antiretroviral drugs on cultured primary astrocytes: analysis of neurotoxicity and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition
Authors: Latronico Tiziana , Pati Ilaria , Ciavarella Rossana , Fasano Anna , Mengoni Fabio , Lichtner Miriam , Vullo Vincenzo , Mastroianni Claudio Maria , Liuzzi Grazia Maria 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThere is little information available on the possible toxic effects that antiretroviral (ARV) drugs used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected subjects, may have on the central nervous system (CNS) resident cells. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the efficacy of the ARV drugs may also be due to their ability to exert extravirological effects on factors responsible for the development of HIV brain injury, e.g., matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This study investigates the toxicity of three different ARV drugs and on their ability to modulate levels and expression of gelatinases A (MMP‐2) and B (MMP‐9) in astrocytes. Primary cultures of rat astrocytes were activated by exposure to lipopolysaccaride (LPS) and simultaneously treated with darunavir, maraviroc, or raltegravir, used alone or in combination. Among the tested drugs, maraviroc was the less toxic for astrocytes. At toxic concentration (TC50), the studied drugs induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting that the oxidative stress may represent a mechanism of ARV toxicity. As assessed by gelatin zymography and RT‐PCR, the single antiretroviral drugs reduced levels and expression of both MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 through the inhibition of the signaling transduction pathway of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2, which is involved in the regulation of MMP‐9 gene. A synergistic inhibition of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 was observed with combinations of the studied ARV drugs. The present results indicate that maraviroc, darunavir, and raltegravir, through their ability to inhibit MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 at doses non‐toxic for astrocytes, might have a great potential for the management of HIV‐associated neurological complications.
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Chemical hypoxia‐induced integrated stress response activation in oligodendrocytes is mediated by the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (NRF2)
Authors: Teske Nico , Liessem Annette , Fischbach Felix , Clarner Tim , Beyer Cordian , Wruck Christoph , Fragoulis Athanassios , Tauber Simone C. , Victor Marion , Kipp Markus 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe extent of remyelination in multiple sclerosis lesions is often incomplete. Injury to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells can be a contributing factor for such incomplete remyelination. The precise mechanisms underlying insufficient repair remain to be defined, but oxidative stress appears to be involved. Here, we used immortalized oligodendrocyte cell lines as model systems to investigate a causal relation of oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling cascades. OLN93 and OliNeu cells were subjected to chemical hypoxia by blocking the respiratory chain at various levels. Mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative stress levels were quantified by flow cytometry. Endoplasmic reticulum stress was monitored by the expression induction of activating transcription factor 3 and 4 (Atf3, Atf4), DNA damage‐inducible transcript 3 protein (Ddit3), and glucose‐regulated protein 94. Lentiviral silencing of nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 or kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 was applied to study the relevance of NRF2 for endoplasmic reticulum stress responses. We demonstrate that inhibition of the respiratory chain induces oxidative stress in cultured oligodendrocytes which is paralleled by the expression induction of distinct mediators of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, namely Atf3, Atf4, and Ddit3. Atf3 and Ddit3 expression induction is potentiated in kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1‐deficient cells and absent in cells lacking the oxidative stress‐related transcription factor NRF2. This study provides strong evidence that oxidative stress in oligodendrocytes activates endoplasmic reticulum stress response in a NRF2‐dependent manner and, in consequence, might regulate oligodendrocyte degeneration in multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders.
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Neurobiology of gender identity and sexual orientation
Authors: Roselli C. E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSexual identity and sexual orientation are independent components of a person's sexual identity. These dimensions are most often in harmony with each other and with an individual's genital sex, although not always. The present review discusses the relationship of sexual identity and sexual orientation to prenatal factors that act to shape the development of the brain and the expression of sexual behaviours in animals and humans. One major influence discussed relates to organisational effects that the early hormone environment exerts on both gender identity and sexual orientation. Evidence that gender identity and sexual orientation are masculinised by prenatal exposure to testosterone and feminised in it absence is drawn from basic research in animals, correlations of biometric indices of androgen exposure and studies of clinical conditions associated with disorders in sexual development. There are, however, important exceptions to this theory that have yet to be resolved. Family and twin studies indicate that genes play a role, although no specific candidate genes have been identified. Evidence that relates to the number of older brothers implicates maternal immune responses as a contributing factor for male sexual orientation. It remains speculative how these influences might relate to each other and interact with postnatal socialisation. Nonetheless, despite the many challenges to research in this area, existing empirical evidence makes it clear that there is a significant biological contribution to the development of an individual's sexual identity and sexual orientation.
Towards understanding the dose and timing effect of hydrocortisone treatment on the scleral ossicle system within the chicken eye
Authors: Hammer Christine L. , Franz‐Odendaal Tamara A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPrevious work, almost four decades ago, showed that hydrocortisone (HC) treatment reduces the number of skeletogenic condensations that give rise to the scleral ossicles in the chicken eye. The scleral ossicles are a ring of overlapping intramembranous bones, the sclerotic ring, and are present in most reptiles, including birds. The scleral condensations that give rise to the scleral ossicles are induced by a series of overlying thickenings (or papillae) of the conjunctival epithelium. Here, we further explore the effects of altering the dosage and timing of HC treatment on the morphology and number of skeletogenic condensations and conjunctival papillae. We show that high doses can completely obliterate the entire sclerotic ring. Significantly, the reduction in papillae number we observed was less extreme than that of the scleral condensations, indicating that additional factors contribute to the observed skeletogenic condensation loss. Via immunohistochemical analyses, we show that HC treatment alters the spatial expression pattern of several extracellular matrix components (tenascin‐C, decorin and procollagen I) and also alters the vasculature network within the sclera. This research provides important insights into understanding the role of the scleral tissue components in ossicle development within the vertebrate eye.
STRO‐1 confers myofibroblast transdifferentiation in fibroblasts derived from oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: Yu Cheng‐Chia , Liao Yi‐Wen , Yu Chuan‐Hang , Chang Yu‐Chao 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundSTRO‐1 is a mesenchymal cell marker present on all clonogenic stromal precursors. Current evidence has indicated that the pathogenesis of fibrotic changes may be mediated by stemness properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of STRO‐1 in areca quid chewing‐associated oral submucous fibrosis (OSF).MethodsThirty OSF specimens and ten normal buccal mucosae were examined by immunohistochemistry. The activity of STRO‐1 from fibroblasts cultured from normal buccal mucosa (BMFs) and OSF (OSFFs) were measureed and the effect of arecoline, a major areca nut alkaloid, on STRO‐1 in BMFs was evaluated. Compared the activities between sorted STRO‐1+ cells and STRO‐1− cells from OSFF were measured by collagen gel contraction, migration, invasion abilities, and the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and pro‐α1 (I) chain of type I collagen.ResultsOur results first showed that the expression of STRO‐1 was more evident in areca quid chewing‐associated OSF than normal buccal mucosa tissues (P < .05). Arecoline dose‐dependently activated the level of STRO‐1 in BMFs (P < .05). The relative expression of STRO‐1 was significantly higher in OSFFs compared with BMFs (P < .05). In addition, the sorted STRO‐1+ cells from OSFFs exhibited higher collagen gel contraction, migration, and invasion abilities as well as elevated expression of α‐SMA and pro‐α1 (I) chain of type I collagen than the negative subset (P < .05).ConclusionThese findings suggested that the stemness marker STRO‐1 may be a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of areca quid chewing‐associated OSF.
Digitized Speech Characteristics in Patients with Maxillectomy Defects
Authors: Elbashti Mahmoud E. , Sumita Yuka I. , Hattori Mariko , Aswehlee Amel M. , Taniguchi Hisashi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeAccurate evaluation of speech characteristics through formant frequency measurement is important for proper speech rehabilitation in patients after maxillectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of digital acoustic analysis and vowel pentagon space for the prediction of speech ability after maxillectomy, by comparing the acoustic characteristics of vowel articulation in three classes of maxillectomy defects.Materials and MethodsAramany's classifications I, II, and IV were used to group 27 male patients after maxillectomy. Digital acoustic analysis of five Japanese vowels—/a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, and /u/—was performed using a speech analysis system. First formant (F1) and second formant (F2) frequencies were calculated using an autocorrelation method. Data were plotted on an F1‐F2 plane for each patient, and the F1 and F2 ranges were calculated. The vowel pentagon spaces were also determined. One‐way ANOVA was applied to compare all results between the three groups.ResultsClass II maxillectomy patients had a significantly higher F2 range than did Class I and Class IV patients (p = 0.002). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the F1 range between the three classes. The vowel pentagon spaces were significantly larger in class II maxillectomy patients than in Class I and Class IV patients (p = 0.014).ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that the acoustic characteristics of maxillectomy patients are affected by the defect area. This finding may provide information for obturator design based on vowel articulation and defect class.
Three‐Dimensional Static Articulation Accuracy of Virtual Models—Part II: Effect of Model Scanner‐CAD Systems and Articulation Method
Authors: Yee Sophia Hui Xin , Esguerra Roxanna Jean , Chew Amelia Anya Qin'An , Wong Keng Mun , Tan Keson Beng Choon 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeAccurate maxillomandibular relationship transfer is important for CAD/CAM prostheses. This study compared the 3D‐accuracy of virtual model static articulation in three laboratory scanner‐CAD systems (Ceramill Map400 [AG], inEos X5 [SIR], Scanner S600 Arti [ZKN]) using two virtual articulation methods: mounted models (MO), interocclusal record (IR).Materials and MethodsThe master model simulated a single crown opposing a 3‐unit fixed partial denture. Reference values were obtained by measuring interarch and interocclusal reference features with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). MO group stone casts were articulator‐mounted with acrylic resin bite registrations while IR group casts were hand‐articulated with poly(vinyl siloxane) bite registrations. Five test model sets were scanned and articulated virtually with each system (6 test groups, 15 data sets). STL files of the virtual models were measured with CMM software. dRR, dRC, and dRL, represented interarch global distortions at right, central, and left sides, respectively, while dRM, dXM, dYM, and dZM represented interocclusal global and linear distortions between preparations.ResultsMean interarch 3D distortion ranged from –348.7 to 192.2 μm for dRR, –86.3 to 44.1 μm for dRC, and –168.1 to 4.4 μm for dRL. Mean interocclusal distortion ranged from –257.2 to –85.2 μm for dRM, –285.7 to 183.9 μm for dXM, –100.5 to 114.8 μm for dYM, and –269.1 to –50.6 μm for dZM. ANOVA showed that articulation method had significant effect on dRR and dXM, while system had a significant effect on dRR, dRC, dRL, dRM, and dZM. There were significant differences between 6 test groups for dRR, dRL dXM, and dZM. dRR and dXM were significantly greater in AG‐IR, and this was significantly different from SIR‐IR, ZKN‐IR, and all MO groups.ConclusionsInterarch and interocclusal distances increased in MO groups, while they decreased in IR groups. AG‐IR had the greatest interarch distortion as well as interocclusal superior‐inferior distortion. The other groups performed similarly to each other, and the overall interarch distortion did not exceed 0.7%. In these systems and articulation methods, interocclusal distortions may result in hyper‐ or infra‐occluded prostheses.