bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does imiquimod pretreatment optimize 308‐nm excimer laser (UVB) therapy in psoriasis patients?
Authors: Tacastacas Joselin D. , Oyetakin‐White Patricia , Soler David C. , Young Andrew , Groft Sarah , Honda Kord , Cooper Kevin D. , McCormick Thomas S. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryBackground/PurposePsoriasis continues to be a debilitating skin disease affecting 1–3% of the United States population. Although the effectiveness of several current biologic therapies have described this pathology as a IL‐23, TNF‐a and Th17‐mediated disease, less invasive approaches are still in use and in need of refinement. One of these is the usage of narrow band‐UVB (NB‐UVB) therapy to deplete specifically intra‐epidermal CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells to clear psoriatic plaques.Aims/ObjectivesIn order to improve NB‐UVB therapy, we sought to determine whether skin pre‐treatment with the TLR7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ) would help increase the efficiency of the former at resolving psoriatic plaques.Materials and MethodsEucerin® Original Moisturizing Lotion (topical vehicle) or Aldara® (imiquimod 5% topical cream) were applied for 5 days once daily to a maximum contiguous area of 25 cm2 (5 cm × 5 cm area). Patients were provided with sachets containing 12.5 mg of imiquimod each and were instructed to apply imiquimod (I) to two psoriasis plaques (5 sachets of imiquimod allotted to each plaque). A PHAROS excimer Laser EX‐308 (Ra Medical Systems, Inc. Carlsbad, CA, USA) with an output of monochromatic 308‐nm light and pulse width of 20–50 ns was used for all patients. Punch biopsies of psoriatic lesions (6 mm) were taken at 4 and 48 h after final application of topical treatment with or without excimer laser treatment. Real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR was performed according to manufacturer's instructions and Inmunohistochemistry was used as described before.ResultsOur results suggests that although IMQ seemed to activate the type I interferon pathway as previously described, its concomitant usage with NB‐UVB for clearing psoriatic skin was ineffective. Although upregulation of genes MxA, GRAMD1A and DMXL2 suggested that IMQ treatment did induce skin changes in psoriasis patients, more optimal dosing of IMQ and NB‐UVB might be necessary to achieve desired treatment responses.ConclusionThe observation that psoriasis involvement was not aggravated by usage of topical IMQ was encouraging. Additional observational studies might be necessary to further tailor the combination of IMQ with NB‐UVB therapy to reliably improve the psoriatic pathology.
Selection history alters attentional filter settings persistently and beyond top‐down control
Authors: Kadel Hanna , Feldmann‐Wüstefeld Tobias , Schubö Anna 
Published: February 2017

AbstractVisual selective attention is known to be guided by stimulus‐based (bottom‐up) and goal‐oriented (top‐down) control mechanisms. Recent work has pointed out that selection history (i.e., the bias to prioritize items that have been previously attended) can result in a learning experience that also has a substantial impact on subsequent attention guidance. The present study examined to what extent goal‐oriented top‐down control mechanisms interact with an observer's individual selection history in guiding attention. Selection history was manipulated in a categorization task in a between‐subjects design, where participants learned that either color or shape was the response‐relevant dimension. The impact of this experience was assessed in a compound visual search task with an additional color distractor. Top‐down preparation for each search trial was enabled by a pretrial task cue (Experiment 1) or a fixed, predictable trial sequence (Experiment 2). Reaction times and ERPs served as indicators of attention deployment. Results showed that attention was captured by the color distractor when participants had learned that color predicted the correct response in the categorization learning task, suggesting that a bias for predictive stimulus features had developed. The possibility to prepare for the search task reduced the bias, but could not entirely overrule this selection history effect. In Experiment 3, both tasks were performed in separate sessions, and the bias still persisted. These results indicate that selection history considerably shapes selective attention and continues to do so persistently even when the task allowed for high top‐down control.
Aquaculture of two commercially important molluscs (abalone and limpet): existing knowledge and future prospects
Authors: Mau Anthony , Jha Rajesh 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMolluscan aquaculture produces the most food fish by volume in the global mariculture market. The historical, cultural and ecological value of molluscs makes them a highly sought‐after delicacy in many regions of the world. Specifically, the aquaculture of abalone and that of limpets are two key industries with striking similarities and importance within the context of food production and food security. In this review, the current knowledge of these two commercially important seafood species is explored for a comprehensive understanding of its aquaculture status. The various culture methods and systems, animal nutrition and necessary improvements are discussed for abalone and limpets, respectively. For abalone, the knowledge base is extensive and some reviews have been written to compile essential information regarding different aspects of this healthy industry. For limpets, there is a small collection of aquaculture literature, and this is, to the authors’ knowledge, the first comprehensive review of the research. Our goal was to reveal, within the area of aquaculture research, the current status of both abalone and limpet industries while exposing their respective knowledge gaps for appropriate development of new technologies. With a firm understanding of these molluscs, the production of abalone and limpet will be sustainable for the long term.
Increased Systemic Cytokine/Chemokine Expression in Asthmatic and Non‐asthmatic Patients with Bacterial, Viral or Mixed Lung Infection
Authors: Giuffrida M. J. , Valero N. , Mosquera J. , Duran A. , Arocha F. , Chacín B. , Espina L. M. , Gotera J. , Bermudez J. , Mavarez A. , Alvarez‐Mon M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study was aimed to determine the profiles of serum cytokines (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐4, IL‐5) and chemokines (MCP‐1: monocyte chemoattract protein‐1 and RANTES: regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted) in individuals with an asthmatic versus a non‐asthmatic background with bacterial, viral or mixed acute respiratory infection. Asthmatic (n = 14) and non‐asthmatic (n = 29) patients with acute viral, bacterial or mixed (bacterial and viruses) respiratory infection were studied. Patients were also analysed as individuals with pneumonia or bronchitis. Healthy individuals with similar age and sex (n = 10) were used as controls. Cytokine/chemokine content in serum was determined by ELISA. Increased cytokine/chemokine concentration in asthmatic and non‐asthmatic patients was observed. However, higher concentrations of chemokines (MCP‐1 and RANTES) in asthmatic patients infected by viruses, bacteria or bacteria and viruses (mixed) than in non‐asthmatic patients were observed. In general, viral and mixed infections were better cytokine/chemokine inducers than bacterial infection. Cytokine/chemokine expression was similarly increased in both asthmatic and non‐asthmatic patients with pneumonia or bronchitis, except that RANTES remained at normal levels in bronchitis. Circulating cytokine profiles induced by acute viral, bacterial or mixed lung infection were not related to asthmatic background, except for chemokines that were increased in asthmatic status.
Culture and the Confederate flag: Attitudes toward a divisive symbol
Authors: Talbert Ryan D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe Confederate flag remains a controversial symbol. This article reviews research on attitudes toward the Confederate flag and its public display. In order to better understand the divisiveness of the flag, I outline a historical timeline of the U.S. South and the Confederate flag while emphasizing the association between race and politics within the region. Culture is crucial to this paper because the flag is rooted in cultural constructions of its symbolism, and because opinions toward the flag shed light on the process of cultural change. Overall, this work synthesizes existing research on attitudes and legislative voting patterns focused on the flag and provides a foundation and suggestions for future inquiry into the topic. As a case study analyzing the manner in which “unsettled times” (Swidler, 1986) produce climates conducive to social change, I argue that the Charleston Emanuel AME Church shootings created an opportunity to remove the Confederate flag from the South Carolina capitol grounds. I conclude by viewing the flag debate within a society that has and continues to perpetuate racial inequities. Future research has the task of analyzing implications of Confederate flag support hopefully leading to the elimination of ideologies that spur racial violence.
More‐than‐human families: Pets, people, and practices in multispecies households
Authors: Irvine Leslie , Cilia Laurent 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAlthough humans have coexisted with dogs and cats for thousands of years, that coexistence has taken on various meanings over time. Only recently have people openly included their pets as members of the family. Yet, because of the cultural ambivalence toward animals, what it means for a pet to “be” a family member remains unsettled. Drawing from research on family practices including kinship, household routines, childhood socialization, and domestic violence, this paper considers how pets participate in “doing” family and what their presence means for this social arrangement long considered quintessentially human. Today's more‐than‐human families represent a hybrid of relations, human and animal and social and natural, rather than an entirely new kind of family. Becoming family has always been contingent on a cast of nonhuman characters, and recognition of the “more‐than‐human” can enhance sociological understanding, not only of the family but also of other aspects of social life.
The role of dentate nuclei in human oculomotor control: insights from cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis
Authors: Rosini Francesca , Pretegiani Elena , Mignarri Andrea , Optican Lance M. , Serchi Valeria , De Stefano Nicola , Battaglini Marco , Monti Lucia , Dotti Maria T. , Federico Antonio , Rufa Alessandra 
Published: February 2017

Key points
A cerebellar dentate nuclei (DN) contribution to volitional oculomotor control has recently been hypothesized but not fully understood.
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare neurometabolic disease typically characterized by DN damage.
In this study, we compared the ocular movement characteristics of two sets of CTX patients, with and without brain MRI evidence of DN involvement, with a set of healthy subjects.
Our results suggest that DN participate in voluntary behaviour, such as the execution of antisaccades, and moreover are involved in controlling the precision of the ocular movement.
The saccadic abnormalities related to DN involvement were independent of global and regional brain atrophy.
Our study confirms the relevant role of DN in voluntary aspects of oculomotion and delineates specific saccadic abnormalities that could be used to detect the involvement of DN in other cerebellar disorders.
AbstractIt is well known that the medial cerebellum controls saccadic speed and accuracy. In contrast, the role of the lateral cerebellum (cerebellar hemispheres and dentate nuclei, DN) is less well understood. Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a lipid storage disorder due to mutations in CYP27A1, typically characterized by DN damage. CTX thus provides a unique opportunity to study DN in human oculomotor control. We analysed horizontal and vertical visually guided saccades and horizontal antisaccades of 19 CTX patients. Results were related to the presence/absence of DN involvement and compared with those of healthy subjects. To evaluate the contribution of other areas, abnormal saccadic parameters were compared with global and regional brain volumes. CTX patients executed normally accurate saccades with normal main sequence relationships, indicating that the brainstem and medial cerebellar structures were functionally spared. Patients with CTX executed more frequent multistep saccades and directional errors during the antisaccade task than controls. CTX patients with DN damage showed less precise saccades with longer latencies, and more frequent directional errors, usually not followed by corrections, than either controls or patients without DN involvement. These saccadic abnormalities related to DN involvement but were independent of global and regional brain atrophy. We hypothesize that two different cerebellar networks contribute to the metrics of a movement: the medial cerebellar structures determine accuracy, whereas the lateral cerebellar structures control precision. The lateral cerebellum (hemispheres and DN) also participates in modulating goal directed gaze behaviour, by prioritizing volitional over reflexive movements.
Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Results From a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Thiel Danielle M. , Sayah Fatima Al , Vallance Jeff , Johnson Steven T. , Johnson Jeffrey A. 
Published: February 2017

Background:The objective was to investigate the longitudinal relationship between physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in adults with type 2 diabetes.Methods:Data were from a prospective cohort of adults with type 2 diabetes. Weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was reported using the Godin Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, and HRQL was reported using the SF-12 and 5-level EQ-5D. Participants were categorized based on current weekly MVPA recommendations. Multivariable linear regression was used to explore associations between MVPA and HRQL, and multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the direction of change in HRQL after 1 year.Results:Mean age of participants (N = 1948) was 64.5 ± 10.8 years and 45% were female. Participants reported a mean of 84.1 ± 172.4 min of MVPA/week, and 21% (n = 416) met weekly MVPA recommendations. MVPA was associated with differences in the physical functioning (b = 5.42; P < .001), general health (b = 2.45; P = .037), and vitality (b = 2.83; P = .016) SF-12 dimensions. Participants who met recommendations were less likely to report a decline (vs. no change) in EQ-5D index score (OR = 0.75; 95% CI [0.57, 0.99]), and SF-12 physical component summary (OR = 0.67; 95% CI [0.50, 0.90]), compared with participants not meeting recommendations.Conclusions:Participants who met weekly MVPA recommendations reported better physical functioning and were more likely to maintain their physical and overall HRQL over time.
Are South African Mothers Moving? Patterns and Correlates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Pregnant Black South African Women
Authors: Watson Estelle D. , Van Poppel Mireille N. M. , Jones Rachel A. , Norris Shane A , Micklesfield Lisa K. 
Published: February 2017

Background:Although physical activity during pregnancy may be beneficial, the prenatal period is a vulnerable time for decreasing physical activity levels and increasing sedentary time.Methods:This longitudinal cohort study measured physical activity using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) in singleton, pregnant women in the second (14–18 wk gestation; n = 332) and third trimester (29–33 wk; n = 256).Results:There was a significant decrease in total MVPA (MET mins/wk) between the second and third trimester (P = .01). The majority of physical activity time was spent in walking for transport (80%), and less than 2% in recreational activities. In both trimesters, being married was inversely associated with walking for transport (second trimester: β = –0.12 95% CI = –0.31 to –0.02, third trimester: β = –0.17 95% CI = –0.47 to –0.07) and owning a car was positively associated with recreational physical activity (second trimester: β = 0.16 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.32, third trimester: β = 0.17 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.27). The women spent an average of 5 hours per day sitting.Conclusions:The low and declining levels of physical activity during pregnancy in this population are a concern. Interventions that include lifestyle education and provision of accessible recreational physical activity programs for pregnant women are needed.
Physical Activity Beliefs in Sedentary, Middle-Aged, Overweight Women
Authors: Yoke Mary 
Published: February 2017

Objective:Physical inactivity, overweight, and obesity are endemic in the United States and in the developed world, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. More information is needed regarding the physical activity beliefs, attitudes, barriers, and perceived self-control among those who are sedentary and weight-challenged. The purpose of this study was to elicit physical activity beliefs about feasibility, pleasure, and movement descriptions from sedentary, middle-aged, overweight women.Methods:Open-ended questions were used throughout individual interviews with 23 participants (age: M = 52.0, SD = 7.3; BMI: M = 34.2, SD = 9.79); attitudes and beliefs regarding physical activity and movement descriptions were documented. Participants were divided into those who were completely sedentary (12 women) and those who regularly engaged in physical activity (11 women).Results:A content analysis revealed that sedentary women were less active and had more perceived barriers to physical activity than active women. The most frequently cited perceived barriers were injuries, caregiving responsibilities, time, age, dislike of sweating, and depression. Sedentary women were less likely to report physical activity as pleasurable; they were also more likely to cite having an exercise buddy as an optimal activity situation. The most frequently cited pleasurable activities in both groups were yoga, movement to music, stretching, and walking.Conclusions:This study provided evidence that perceived barriers to physical activity must be addressed, that low-intensity programs are needed and desired by overweight and sedentary women, and that movement activities must be found that are enjoyable for the target population.
Chemically Modified Human Serum Albumin Potently Blocks Entry of Ebola Pseudoviruses and Viruslike Particles
Authors: Li Haoyang , Yu Fei , Xia Shuai , Yu Yufeng , Wang Qian , Lv Ming , Wang Yan , Jiang Shibo , Lu Lu 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

Ebola virus (EBOV), the causative pathogen of the deadly Ebola virus disease (EVD), can be transmitted via contact with EVD patients, including sexual contact with EVD survivors. At present, no licensed vaccine or therapeutic is available. In this study, we compared eight anhydride-modified proteins for their entry-inhibitory activity against the pseudovirus (PsV) carrying the envelope glycoprotein (GP) of the EBOV Zaire or Sudan species (Zaire PsV and Sudan PsV, respectively). We found that 3-hydroxyphthalic anhydride-modified human serum albumin (HP-HSA) was the most effective in inhibiting the entry of both Zaire PsV and Sudan PsV, with the 50% effective concentration being at the nanomolar level and with HP-HSA being more potent than EBOV-neutralizing antibody MIL77-2 (4G7, a component antibody of the ZMapp drug cocktail). The combination of HP-HSA and MIL77-2 exhibited a synergistic effect. HP-HSA had no obvious
in vitro
or
in vivo
toxicity. The EBOV PsV entry-inhibitory activity of HP-HSA remained intact after storage at 45°C for 8 weeks, suggesting that HP-HSA has the potential for worldwide use, including tropical regions in African countries, as either a therapeutic to treat EBOV infection or a prophylactic microbicide to prevent the sexual transmission of EBOV.
Functional Characterization of the DNA Gyrases in Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Mutants of Francisella novicida
Authors: Caspar Yvan , Siebert Claire , Sutera Vivien , Villers Corinne , Aubry Alexandra , Mayer Claudine , Maurin Max , Renesto Patricia 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

Fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance is a major health concern in the treatment of tularemia. Because DNA gyrase has been described as the main target of these compounds, our aim was to clarify the contributions of both GyrA and GyrB mutations found in
Francisella novicida
clones highly resistant to FQs. Wild-type and mutated GyrA and GyrB subunits were overexpressed so that the
in vitro
FQ sensitivity of functional reconstituted complexes could be evaluated. The data obtained were compared to the MICs of FQs against bacterial clones harboring the same mutations and were further validated through complementation experiments and structural modeling. Whole-genome sequencing of highly FQ-resistant lineages was also done. Supercoiling and DNA cleavage assays demonstrated that GyrA D87 is a hot spot FQ resistance target in
F. novicida
and pointed out the role of the GyrA P43H substitution in resistance acquisition. An unusual feature of FQ resistance acquisition in
F. novicida
is that the first-step mutation occurs in GyrB, with direct or indirect consequences for FQ sensitivity. Insertion of P466 into GyrB leads to a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) comparable to that observed for a mutant gyrase carrying the GyrA D87Y substitution, while the D487E-ΔK488 mutation, while not active on its own, contributes to the high level of resistance that occurs following acquisition of the GyrA D87G substitution in double GyrA/GyrB mutants. The involvement of other putative targets is discussed, including that of a ParE mutation that was found to arise in the very late stage of antibiotic exposure. This study provides the first characterization of the molecular mechanisms responsible for FQ resistance in
Francisella
.
Ga(III) Nanoparticles Inhibit Growth of both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HIV and Release of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 in Coinfected Macrophages
Authors: Choi Seoung-ryoung , Britigan Bradley E. , Narayanasamy Prabagaran 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTTreatment of individuals coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 andMycobacterium tuberculosisis challenging due to the prolonged treatment requirements, drug toxicity, and emergence of drug resistance. Mononuclear phagocytes (MP; macrophages) are one of the natural reservoirs for both HIV andM. tuberculosis. Here, the treatment of HIV andM. tuberculosiscoinfection was studied by preloading human macrophages with MP-targeted gallium (Ga) nanoparticles to limit subsequent simultaneous infection with both HIV andM. tuberculosis. Ga nanoparticles provided sustained drug release for 15 days and significantly inhibited the replication of both HIV andM. tuberculosis. Addition of Ga nanoparticles to MP already infected withM. tuberculosisor HIV resulted in a significant decrease in the magnitude of these infections, but the magnitude was less than that achieved with nanoparticle preloading of the MP. In addition, macrophages that were coinfected with HIV andM. tuberculosisand that were loaded with Ga nanoparticles reduced the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 secretion for up to 15 days after drug loading. Ga nanoparticles also reduced the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 secretion by ionomycin- and lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages, likely by modulating the IκB kinase-β/NF-κB pathway. Delivery of Ga nanoparticles to macrophages is a potent long-acting approach for suppressing HIV andM. tuberculosiscoinfection of macrophagesin vitroand sets the stage for the development of new approaches to the treatment of these important infections.