bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MP29‐02 reduces nasal hyperreactivity and nasal mediators in patients with house dust mite‐allergic rhinitis
Authors: Kortekaas Krohn I. , Callebaut I. , Alpizar Y. A. , Steelant B. , Van Gerven L. , Skov P. S. , Kasran A. , Talavera K. , Wouters M. M. , Ceuppens J. L. , Seys S. F. , Hellings P. W. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundNasal hyperreactivity (NHR) is an important clinical feature of allergic rhinitis (AR). The efficacy of MP29‐02 (azelastine hydrochloride (AZE) and fluticasone propionate [FP]) nasal spray on local inflammatory mediators and NHR in AR is unknown. We tested if MP29‐02 decreases inflammatory mediators and NHR in AR and if this effect is due to restoration of nasal epithelial barrier function.MethodsA 4‐week double‐blinded placebo‐controlled trial with MP29‐02 treatment was conducted in 28 patients with house dust mite (HDM) AR. The presence of NHR was evaluated by measuring reduction in nasal flow upon cold dry air exposure. The effects of AZE ± FP on barrier integrity and airway inflammation were studied in a murine model of HDM‐induced NHR and on reduced activation of murine sensory neurons and human mast cells.ResultsMP29‐02 but not placebo reduced NHR (P < .0001 vs P = .21), levels of substance P (P = .026 vs P = .941), and β‐hexosaminidase (P = .036 vs P = .632) in human nasal secretions. In wild‐type C57BL6 mice, the reduction in β‐hexosaminidase levels (P < .0001) by AZE + FP treatment upon HDM challenge was found in parallel with a decreased transmucosal passage (P = .0012) and completely reversed eosinophilic inflammation (P = .0013). In vitro, repeated applications of AZE + FP desensitized sensory neurons expressing the transient receptor potential channels TRPA1 and TRPV1. AZE + FP reduced MC degranulation to the same extent as AZE alone.ConclusionMP29‐02 treatment reduces inflammatory mediators and NHR in AR. The effects of AZE + FP on MC degranulation, nasal epithelial barrier integrity, and TRP channels provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis.
Board of Directors and CSR in Banking: The Moderating Role of Bank Regulation and Investor Protection Strength
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer , García‐Meca Emma 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper brings together research on boards of directors as the backbone of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in the banking industry. The underlying idea is that some characteristics of bank boards, in particular independence and gender diversity, may impact the CSR commitments of banks. By making use of a sample of 159 banks in nine countries during the period 2004–2010, our empirical evidence suggests that banks with more independent directors and more female members on their boards incline toward socially responsible behaviour. Our results also suggest that institutional factors play a significant role in these effects. They show that in greater regulatory and stronger investor protection environments, board independence and gender diversity have more influence on the social behaviour of banks.
Morphological characteristics of the papillae and lingual epithelium of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Ciena Adriano Polican , Santos Amilton Cesar dos , Vasconcelos Bruno Gomes , Rici Rose Eli Grassi , de Assis Neto Antônio Chaves , de Almeida Sonia Regina Yokomizo , Miglino Maria Angélica , Watanabe Ii‐sei 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe structural elements, tridimensional aspects of the lingual papillae, yours connective tissue cores (CTCs) and the ultrastructure of the dorsal epithelium surface of the tongue of guinea pig are examined. Filiform papillae and their CTCs lie throughout the tongue surface, featuring subtypes and different shapes. Fungiform papillae are dome‐shaped, and their CTCs are few, with heterogenic disposition among the filiform papillae in the lingual apex and body and in grooves stretching to the side margin among the foliate papillae towards the lingual apex. Foliate papillae are well developed, and their CTCs are composed of five pairs of parallel seams limited by deep grooves placed bilaterally in the caudal region. Two vallate papillae are observed in the caudal region and reveal specialized structures which are developed and differentiated when they present compound elements by a double epithelial projection, in a column, similar to the shape of the foliate papilla. Further, the epithelium is organized by layers with ultrastructural components. Therefore, we conclude that the structural descriptions, dimensional aspects of tongue papillae, their CTCs and the ultrastructure of the tongue epithelium of guinea pigs are similar to other rodent mammals, however, with new descriptions as double epithelial projection constituting each vallate papilla.
Acetylcholine stored in dendritic cells plays a role in the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into a Th1 phenotype
Authors: Matsueda Hideyo , Kawano Masaaki , Takagi Rie , Koshimizu Kenji , Matsushita Sho 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveImmune cells, particularly dendritic cells (DC), express choline acetyltransferase, an enzyme essential for the production of acetylcholine (ACh); thus, DC appear to store ACh. However, the immunological role of intracytoplasmic ACh within DC is largely unknown.MethodsTo examine the role of ACh during adaptive responses, naïve CD4+ T cells were stimulated with anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28 antibodies in the presence or absence of ACh. Next, monocyte‐derived DC (Mo‐DC) were stained with an anti‐ACh antibody to investigate the intracytoplasmic storage of ACh.ResultsThe results showed that Mo‐DC stored ACh in the intracytoplasmic space. Stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (a Th1‐inducing agent) increased the levels of ACh in Mo‐DC; however, levels decreased under conditions that mimicked the interaction between DC and naïve CD4+ T cells. Interferon‐γ secretion increased preferentially in the presence of ACh, suggesting that naïve CD4+ T cells differentiate into T helper (Th)1 cells in the presence of ACh.ConclusionsThese observations suggest that Mo‐DC increase ACh storage in the presence of a Th1 adjuvant and release it during the interaction between DC and naïve CD4+ T cells, thereby driving their differentiation into Th1 cells. Thus, DC might utilize ACh to regulate the Th1 population in response to certain antigens.
Route to improving Type 1 diabetes mellitus glycaemic outcomes: real‐world evidence taken from the National Diabetes Audit
Authors: Heald A. H. , Livingston M. , Fryer A. , Moreno G. Y. C. , Malipatil N. , Gadsby R. , Ollier W. , Lunt M. , Stedman M. , Young R. J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimTo use general practice‐level data for England, available through the National Diabetes Audit, and primary care prescribing data to identify prescription treatment factors associated with variations in achieved glucose control (HbA1c).MethodsGeneral practice‐level National Diabetes Audit data on Type 1 diabetes, including details of population characteristics, services, proportion of people achieving target glycaemic control [HbA1c ≤58 mmol/mol (7.5%)] and proportion of people at high glycaemic risk [HbA1c >86 mmol/ml (10%)], were linked to 2013–2016 primary care diabetes prescribing data on insulin types and blood glucose monitoring for all people with diabetes.ResultsA wide variation was found between the 10th percentile and the 90th percentile of general practices in both target glycaemic control (15.6% to 44.8%, respectively) and high glycaemic risk (4.8% to 28.6%, respectively). Our analysis suggests that, given the extrapolated total of 280 000 people with Type 1 diabetes in the UK, there may be the potential to increase the number of those within target glycaemic control from 80 000 to 101 000; 53% of this increase (11 000 people) would result from service improvements and 47% (10 000 people) from medication and technology changes. The same improvements would also provide the opportunity to reduce the number of people at high glycaemic risk from 42 000 to 26 500. A key factor associated with practice‐level target HbA1c achievement would be greater use of insulin pumps for up to an additional 56 000 people.ConclusionIf the HbA1c achievement rates in service provision, medication and use of technology currently seen in practices in the 90th percentile were to be matched with regard to HbA1c achievement rates in all general practices, glycaemic control might be improved for 36 500 people, with all the attendant health benefits.
Impact of differing glucose‐lowering regimens on the pattern of association between glucose control and survival
Authors: Currie Craig J. , Holden Sarah E. , Jenkins‐Jones Sara , Morgan Christopher Ll , Voss Bernd , Rajpathak Swapnil N. , Alemayehu Berhanu , Peters John R. , Engel Samuel S. 
Published: November 2017

AimsTo characterize survival in relation to achieved glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level within alternative glucose‐lowering regimens with differing risks of hypoglycaemia.MethodsData were extracted from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink and the corresponding Hospital Episode Statistics. Patients with type 2 diabetes prescribed glucose‐lowering therapy in monotherapy or dual therapy with metformin between 2004 and 2013 were identified. Risk of all‐cause mortality within treatment cohorts was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model, introducing mean HbA1c as a quarterly updated, time‐dependent covariable.ResultsThere were 6646 deaths in a total follow‐up period of 374 591 years. Survival for lower (<7%) vs moderate HbA1c levels (≥7%, <8.5%) differed by cohort: metformin, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95‐1.12); sulphonylurea, aHR 1.11 (95% CI 0.99‐1.25); insulin, aHR 1.47 (95% CI 1.25‐1.72); combined regimens with low hypoglycaemia risk, aHR 1.02 (95% CI 0.94‐1.10); and combined regimens with higher hypoglycaemia risk excluding insulin, aHR 1.24 (95% CI 1.13‐1.35) and including insulin, aHR 1.28 (95% CI 1.18‐1.37). Higher HbA1c levels were associated with increased mortality in regimens with low hypoglycaemia risk. Post hoc analysis by HbA1c deciles revealed an elevated risk of all‐cause mortality for the lowest deciles across all cohorts, but particularly in those regimens associated with hypoglycaemia. High HbA1c was associated with no difference, or a small increase in mortality risk in regimens with increased risk of hypoglycaemia.ConclusionsThe pattern of mortality risk across the range of HbA1c differed by glucose‐lowering regimen. Lower HbA1c was associated with increased mortality risk compared with moderate control, especially in those regimens associated with hypoglycaemia. High levels of HbA1c were associated with the expected elevated mortality risk in regimens with low hypoglycaemia risk.
The association between oral health status and respiratory pathogen colonization with pneumonia risk in institutionalized adults
Authors: Hong CHL , Aung MM , Kanagasabai K , Lim CA , Liang S , Tan KS 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the oral health and the prevalence of pre‐existing oral colonization with respiratory pathogens in dependent elderly, and whether these factors influence pneumonia development.Materials and MethodsParticipants residing in a long‐term care facility received bedside oral examinations, and information on their oral health (caries status, calculus index and debris index) was obtained. Samples from the tongue and teeth were collected at baseline and at time of pneumonia development. Sputum was collected at the time of pneumonia diagnosis. Samples were assessed for Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae by polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThis was a 1‐year longitudinal study of 60 dependent elderly (mean age: 64.2 ± 14.1 years). Seventeen patients (28.3%) developed pneumonia. The mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index were 22.8 ± 9.2 and 4.0 ± 1.0, respectively. At baseline, 48.3% were orally colonized with ≥1 respiratory pathogens. The presence of H. influenzae (P = .002) and P. aeruginosa (P = .049) in the sputum was significantly associated with their colonization on the tongue at baseline. In the bivariate analyses, pneumonia development was associated with naso‐gastric feeding tube (P = .0001), H. influenzae (P = .015) and P. aeruginosa (P = .003) tongue colonization at baseline and calculus index (P = .002). Multivariate analyses revealed that calculus index (P = .09) and the presence of tracheostomy (P = .037) were associated with pneumonia.ConclusionsThe calculus amount and tongue colonization with respiratory pathogens are risk factors for pneumonia development. Oral hygiene measures to remove tongue biofilm and calculus may reduce pneumonia development.
Astrocyte elevated gene‐1 promotes invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in bladder cancer cells through activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
Authors: Yang Xiaoming , Shi Lei , Yi Chengzhi , Yang Yang , Chang Liansheng , Song Dongkui 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo determine the impact of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 on the invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of bladder cancer cells in vitro and metastasis in vivo.MethodsGain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies were carried out to investigate the biological roles of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 in bladder cancer cell invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and lung metastasis. The mechanism underlying the activity of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 was examined.ResultsOverexpression of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 led to a significant increase in the invasive ability of UMUC3 and T24 bladder cancer cells in Matrigel invasion assays. In contrast, silencing of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 restrained bladder cancer cell invasion. Overexpression of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 downregulated E‐cadherin and upregulated vimentin and Twist1, while silencing of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 exerted an opposite effect. Mechanistically, astrocyte elevated gene‐1 overexpression promoted the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in bladder cancer cells. Treatment with WP1066, a specific signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inhibitor, significantly abolished astrocyte elevated gene‐1‐induced invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in UMUC3 cells. In vivo studies showed that astrocyte elevated gene‐1 overexpression stimulated the growth of UMUC3 xenograft tumors and lung metastasis.ConclusionsAstrocyte elevated gene‐1 shows the ability to promote bladder cancer metastasis, which is causally linked to induction of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Therefore, targeting astrocyte elevated gene‐1 might offer therapeutic benefits in treating metastatic bladder cancer.
Larval Echinococcus multilocularis infection reduces dextran sulphate sodium‐induced colitis in mice by attenuating T helper type 1/type 17‐mediated immune reactions
Authors: Wang Junhua , Goepfert Christine , Mueller Norbert , Piersigilli Alessandra , Lin Renyong , Wen Hao , Vuitton Dominique A. , Vuitton Lucine , Mueller Christoph , Gottstein Bruno 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThe tumour‐like growth of larval Echinococcus multilocularis tissue (causing alveolar echinococcosis, AE) is directly linked to the nature/orientation of the periparasitic host immune‐mediated processes. Parasite‐mediated immune suppression is a hallmark triggering infection outcome in both chronic human and murine AE. So far, little is known about secondary systemic immune effects of this pathogen on other concomitant diseases, e.g. endogenous gut inflammation. We examined the influence of E. multilocularis infection on murine dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) ‐induced colitis. At 3 months after E. multilocularis infection (chronic stage), the mice were challenged with 3% DSS in the drinking water for 5 days plus subsequently with tap water (alone) for another 4 days. After necropsy, fixed tissues/organs were sectioned and stained with haematoxylin & eosin for assessing inflammatory reactions. Cytokine levels were measured by flow cytometry and quantitative RT‐PCR. Colitis severity was assessed (by board‐certified veterinary pathologists) regarding (i) colon length, (ii) weight loss and (iii) a semi‐quantitative score of morphological changes. The histopathological analysis of the colon showed a significant reduction of DSS‐induced gut inflammation by concomitant E. multilocularis infection, which correlated with down‐regulation of T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th17 T‐cell responses in the colon tissue. Echinococcus multilocularis infection markedly reduced the severity of DSS‐induced gut inflammation upon down‐regulation of Th1/Th17 cytokine expression and attenuation of CD11b+ cell activation. In conclusion, E. multilocularis infection remarkably reduces DSS‐induced colitis in mice by attenuating Th1/Th17‐mediated immune reactions.
Self‐compassion and psychological distress in parents of young people and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Robinson Suzanne , Hastings Richard P. , Weiss Jonathan A. , Pagavathsing Jaffni , Lunsky Yona 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundParenting an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can be challenging, particularly during adulthood. It is important to better understand ways of supporting families as individuals with IDD age. Self‐compassion is a potential internal coping resource for parents, and is strongly linked to positive mental health outcomes, though research has yet to examine it in parents of adults with IDD.MethodThe current study examines the association between self‐compassion and measures of well‐being for 56 parents of adults with IDD.ResultsGreater self‐compassion was related to lower levels of stress and depression, even after accounting for other known stressors, such as economic disadvantage, having a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, and high parent burden.ConclusionsSelf‐compassion may offer resiliency against these parenting challenges.
Efficacy of statin delivery as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Akram Zohaib , Vohra Fahim , Javed Fawad 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe action of statins in stimulating bone formation and having other pleiotropic effects, such as anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, has justified their use as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of statin delivery as an adjunct to SRP in the treatment of CP. Electronic searches were conducted using the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, up until July 2017. The primary outcome was probing depth (PD), while the secondary outcomes were changes in clinical attachment level (CAL) and bone defect (BD) fill. Eleven studies were included, and all showed significant PD reduction, CAL gain, and BD fill with adjunctive statin delivery compared to SRP alone. The meta‐analysis showed significant improvement in periodontal parameters for atorvastatin (PD: weighted mean difference [WMD] = −1.84, −2.56 to −1.12, P < .001; CAL: WMD = −2.31, −3.58 to −1.03, P < .001; BD fill: WMD = 2.66, −3.92 to −1.39, P < .001), simvastatin (PD: WMD = −1.91, −2.27 to −1.55, P < .001; CAL: WMD = −1.91, −2.27 to −1.55, P = .001; BD: WMD = −1.52, −2.20 to −0.85, P < .001), and rosuvastatin (PD: WMD = −0.94, −1.32 to −0.55, P < .001; CAL: WMD = −1.00, −1.41 to −0.60, P < .001; BD fill: WMD = −1.30, −1.80 to −0.79, P < .001). Adjunctive statin delivery appears to be effective in reducing PD, CAL gain, and BD fill in CP, and therefore, these drugs could be a promising therapeutic option for periodontal regeneration in future.
Poly‐L‐lactic acid for the Improvement of photodamage and rhytids of the décolletage
Authors: Wilkerson Eric C , Goldberg David J 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundPoly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) is a biostimulatory filler approved for use in HIV lipoatrophy as well as cosmetic improvement in facial folds and wrinkles in immunocompetent patients. Similar to the face and hands, the décolletage is commonly subject to photodamage and the resulting appearance of rhytids and crepiness, which could benefit from PLLA treatment.ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of injected PLLA for the improvement in rhytids and crepiness of the décolletage.MethodsIn this open‐label, prospective, interventional study, 25 healthy female volunteers aged 40‐to‐70 years with moderate‐to‐severe crepiness and wrinkling of the décolletage were injected with 1 vial of PLLA at each of three treatments. The Fabi‐Bolton 5‐point chest wrinkling scale was used by both investigators and subjects to assign pretreatment and post‐treatment follow‐up scores at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Adverse events were reported at each visit.ResultsAll post‐treatment mean scores had statistically significant improvement compared to the pretreatment baseline means as rated by both investigators and subjects. At 1 month following the last treatment, compared to baseline, investigators rated 83% of subjects had improved by at least one point on the scale. Subjects rated 74% of subjects improved by at least one point. At 6 months, 90% of subjects, as rated by the investigators, and 57% of subjects, as rated by the subjects, had improvement from baseline.ConclusionPLLA is safe and effective for improvement in the rhytids and skin quality of the photodamaged décolletage.
Long‐term survival with bevacizumab in heavily pretreated and platinum‐resistant mucinous ovarian cancer: A case report
Authors: Tarumi Yosuke , Mori Taisuke , Matsushima Hiroshi , Kokabu Tetsuya , Tsuchiya Hiroshi , Kitawaki Jo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe prognosis of patients with recurrent and platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer is quite poor. Randomized trials have shown that bevacizumab (BEV) can be effective, even in platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer, but only a few such cases of long‐term survival with BEV have been reported. Furthermore, there is no consensus on how many cycles of BEV should be administered. Herein, we report a case of refractory mucinous ovarian cancer showing long‐term survival after six cycles of weekly paclitaxel with BEV followed by 26 cycles of BEV maintenance. Although six prior chemotherapy regimens resulted in progressive disease, the BEV treatment controlled the patient’s ascites and improved her performance status. For a further 30 months and 32 cycles of BEV, neither progression of the disease nor severe adverse events have been observed. Our case demonstrates that BEV administration could result in a favorable outcome in heavily pretreated and platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer patients.