bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: effect of fibre supplementation on chronic idiopathic constipation in adults
Authors: Christodoulides S. , Dimidi E. , Fragkos K. C. , Farmer A. D. , Whelan K. , Scott S. M. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryBackgroundChronic idiopathic constipation is a common symptom‐based gastrointestinal disorder responsible for a substantial economic health service burden. Current guidelines recommend the use of fibre as a first‐line treatment.AimTo investigate the effect of fibre (including prebiotic) supplementation on global symptom response, stool output, gut microbiota composition and adverse events in adults with chronic idiopathic constipation.MethodsMedline, EmBase, Web of Science, Scopus and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials were searched through to February 2016. Conference proceedings from 2003 to 2015 were hand‐searched. There were no language restrictions. Forest plots with 95%CIs were generated using a random‐effects model.ResultsThe search strategy generated 1072 citations, of which seven individual randomised controlled trials were eligible. Overall, 113 of 147 (77%) patients assigned to fibre responded to therapy, compared with 61 of 140 (44%) allocated to placebo (RRof success to respond 1.71, 95%CI1.20–2.42,P= 0.003). Fibre significantly increased stool frequency (SMD, standardised mean difference = 0.39; 95%CI0.03–0.76;P= 0.03) and softened stool consistency (SMD= 0.35; 95%CI0.04–0.65;P= 0.02) compared with placebo. Flatulence was significantly higher with fibre compared to placebo (SMD0.56, 0.12–1.00,P= 0.01). Overall quality of evidence was low.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis demonstrates that fibre is moderately effective, but also causes moderate gastrointestinal side effects. However, these findings need to be treated with caution due to a high risk of bias. Accordingly, further large, methodologically rigorous trials are required, before any definitive recommendation regarding its risk–benefit profile can be made.PROSPERO registration number CRD42014007005.
Robot‐assisted vs open adrenalectomy: evaluation of cost‐effectiveness and peri‐operative outcome
Authors: Probst Kai Alexander , Ohlmann Carsten‐Henning , Saar Matthias , Siemer Stefan , Stöeckle Michael , Janssen Martin 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesTo compare robot‐assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RALA) and open adrenalectomy (OA) with regard to intra‐operative complications, peri‐operative outcome and cost effectiveness.Subjects and MethodsFunctional and statistical data from patients who underwent OA or RALA between 2001 and 2015 were prospectively recorded including intra‐ and postoperative outcomes. Data on per‐day costs from current census reports (€540/day and €1 145/day for normal and intermediate care [IMC]) were also used to evaluate treatment costs. Additional costs for RALA were assumed at €2288 as reported in the current literature. Patients were matched by American Society of Anesthesiologists score, age, side of surgery and gender for comparison of OA and RALA. A total of 28 matched pairs were analysed with regard to patient characteristics, peri‐operative outcomes and cost‐effectiveness. Statistical significance of outcome variables was determined using Student's t‐test and Pearson's chi‐squared test.ResultsAs a result of the matching process, patient groups did not differ in their main characteristics. Length of hospital stay was shorter for RALA than for OA (11.1 ± 4.8 vs 6.8 ± 1.2 days; P < 0.01) as was IMC treatment (2.3 ± 1.7 vs 1.2 ± 0.4 days; P < 0.01). The mean operating time was longer for RALA (128.5 ± 46.5 vs 102.2 ± 44.5 min; P = 0.03), but the last 10 RALA procedures (mean: 97.1 ± 35.2 min) were similar to OA. The rate of complications was similar in the two groups. Estimated costs were €8 627.5 for OA and €7 334 for RALA.ConclusionsThe study showed that RALA was safe and cost‐effective compared with OA. Increasing experience leads to similar operating times, putting high‐volume centres at an advantage.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and CCR2/CCR5 Antagonist Activity of Cenicriviroc in Participants With Mild or Moderate Hepatic Impairment
Authors: Lefebvre E , Gottwald M , Lasseter K , Chang W , Willett M , Smith PF , Somasunderam A , Utay NS 
Published: May 2016

Cenicriviroc, a dual CCR2/CCR5 antagonist, is being evaluated for treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis (CENTAUR; NCT02217475). As it is metabolized by the liver, cenicriviroc was investigated in hepatic‐impaired participants for pharmacokinetic changes. Participants with mild‐to‐moderate hepatic impairment (HI) (Child–Pugh class A (N = 7) or B (N = 8)) and matched controls (N = 15) received cenicriviroc 150 mg once daily for 14 days. Serial blood samples were obtained on Days 1 and 14. Safety, tolerability, and effects on CCR2/CCR5 ligands, cytokines, and bacterial translocation biomarkers were evaluated. Cenicriviroc exposures were increased by moderate HI (AUC0‐τ 55%, Cmax 29% higher) but were not with mild HI (AUC0‐τ 38%, Cmax 40% lower). Cenicriviroc was well tolerated. Rapid and potent CCR2/CCR5 blockade was observed, not associated with increases in hepatic inflammation or bacterial translocation biomarkers. Study findings suggest that cenicriviroc 150 mg can be used in patients with mild‐to‐moderate HI.
Glucodynamics of long‐acting basal insulin peglispro compared with insulin glargine at steady state in patients with type 1 diabetes: substudy of a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Morrow L. A. , Hompesch M. , Jacober S. J. , Leng Choi S. , Qu Y. , Sinha V. P. 
Published: May 2016

AimsTo compare, in an open‐label, randomized, crossover phase II substudy, the glucodynamics of insulin glargine and those of basal insulin peglispro (BIL) in patients with type 1 diabetes.MethodsPatients (n = 23) underwent 24‐h euglycaemic clamps after 8 weeks of treatment with glargine or with BIL. Clinically‐titrated basal insulin doses (BIL group 16–64 U; glargine group 19–60 U) were administered on the morning of the clamp.ResultsAt baseline, the patients' mean ± standard deviation (s.d.) body mass index was 26.78 ± 4.20 kg/m2 and glycated haemoglobin was 7.69 ± 0.99%. The mean ± s.d. endpoint dose for the BIL group was 0.42 ± 0.13 U/kg and for the glargine group was 0.42 ± 0.10. The daily mean ± s.d. blood glucose concentration was 7.7 ± 1.2 in the BIL group and 7.9 ± 1.2 mmol/l in the glargine group (p = 0.641). The mean ± s.d. total and nocturnal hypoglycaemia rates/30 days were 2.7 ± 2.3 and 0.5 ± 0.8, respectively, for the BIL group, and 3.0 ± 2.4 and 0.7 ± 1.1, respectively, for the glargine group (p = 0.112 and 0.428). The mean glucose infusion rate (GIR) normalized to insulin unit was lower for BIL than for glargine. One patient in the glargine group and eight patients in the BIL group had minimal (<0.8 g/kg) GIRs over 24 h. The mean ± s.d. total glucose infused over 24 h (GTOT(0–24)) was 1.22 ± 0.82 g/kg in the BIL group and 1.90 ± 1.01 g/kg in the glargine group (p = 0.002). The mean ± s.d. total glucose infused during hours 0–6 (GTOT(0–6)) was 0.21 ± 0.22 in the BIL group and 0.41 ± 0.22 g/kg in the glargine group (p < 0.001), while the mean total glucose infused during hours 18–24 (GTOT(18–24)) in the BIL group was 0.28 ± 0.18 g/kg and in the glargine group was 0.35 ± 0.23 g/kg (p = 0.198). The peak‐to‐trough ratio was 1.41 for BIL versus 2.22 for glargine.ConclusionsBIL has a flatter profile than glargine, with potentially more stable metabolic control. The lower GTOT(0–24) observed in the BIL group is consistent with BIL's reduced peripheral action.
Assault experiences: Lessons learned from mental health nurses in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Cheng‐I , Hsieh Wen‐Po , Lee Li‐Hung , Chen Shu‐Ling 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMental health nurse are frequently subjected to patients' violent and aggressive behaviour. These assault experiences have given rise to mental health nurses' physical and psychological trauma, and negatively impact the quality of patient care. The purpose of the present qualitative study was to understand mental health nurses' experiences of being assaulted, the influences on their patient care, and their perspectives of the effectiveness of in‐service, violence‐prevention education. Ten mental health nurses from two different inpatient mental health facilities were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. Thematic analysis of interview data found six themes: (i) violence is unpredictable; (ii) violence is normal; (iii) lasting psychological trauma; (iv) limited support from peers and the administrator; (v) violence prevention requires team cooperation; and (vi) doubting the effectiveness of in‐service education on violence prevention. Psychiatric ward administrators should assess nurses' learning and skill needs to determine whether these needs are met by existing in‐service training programmes. A culture of safety should also be promoted by building a warm and supportive ward climate for both staff and patients, which would include team cooperation and support for colleagues who suffer a violent incident.
The Risk Effects of Acquiring Distressed Firms
Authors: Bruyland Evy , de Maeseneire Wouter 
Published: May 2016

AbstractExisting research shows that bidder default risk increases following acquisitions due to a rise in post‐acquisition leverage and managerial risk‐taking actions offsetting the potential for asset diversification. This study examines whether the risk effects of acquiring distressed targets are fundamentally different and investigates possible explanations for any dissimilarities. Bidders often acquire relatively smaller distressed targets in domestic and related industries and have a higher initial target stake and more financial flexibility, thereby minimizing risk exposure. Controlling for several characteristics of bidder investment behaviour in both types of deals, however, we find that the increase in bidder default risk is substantially larger when acquiring distressed firms.
Sexual dichromatism in wing pigmentation of New World dragonflies follows Rensch's rule
Authors: Santos E. S. A. , Machado G. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMany animal taxa that display sexual size dimorphism (SSD) exhibit a positive allometric relationship in which the degree of dimorphism increases with body size. This macroevolutionary pattern is known as Rensch's rule. Although sexual selection is hypothesized to be the main mechanism causing this pattern, body size is influenced by several selective forces, including natural and sexual selection. Therefore, by focusing exclusively onSSDone cannot ascertain which of these selective forces drives Rensch's rule. If sexual selection is indeed the main mechanism underlying Rensch's rule, we predict that other sexually selected traits, including coloration‐based ornaments, will also exhibit interspecific allometric scaling consistent with Rensch's rule. We tested this prediction using wing pigmentation of 89 species of dragonflies. Studies show that male wing pigmentation is generally under strong intra‐ and intersexual selection, so that sexual dichromatism in this trait should follow Rensch's rule. Conversely, the available evidence suggests that male body size is usually not sexually selected in dragonflies, so we do not expectSSDto follow Rensch's rule. First, we found that sexual dichromatism in wing pigmentation was consistent with Rensch's rule. The phylogenetic major axis regression slope was significantly greater than one. We also showed that the allometric slope forSSDwas not different from unity, providing no support for Rensch's rule. Our results provide the first evidence that a trait which appears to be under strong sexual selection exhibits a pattern consistent with Rensch's rule.
Formulation of Chestnut Cookies and their Rheological and Quality Characteristics
Authors: Demirkesen Ilkem 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe influences of chestnut flour at different levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) on the rheological properties of rice dough formulations and the quality parameters of gluten‐free cookies were evaluated. Elevated flour replacement levels led to increases in extensional viscosity values reflecting higher force requirement to deform dough samples. Similarly, replacement of rice flour with chestnut flour led to higher complex moduli values. Cookie samples prepared by replacement of 40% rice flour with chestnut flour had the softest texture and elevated levels of chestnut flour increased hardness values. In general, as the higher amounts of rice flour were replaced with chestnut flour, the spread ratio of cookies was decreased. The replacement of rice flour with chestnut flour decreased L* values and increased a* and b* values of the cookie samples. Observing all the evaluated sensory attributes, using 40% flour replacement level in gluten‐free cookie formulation significantly enhanced sensory properties of the cookie samples.Practical ApplicationsChestnut flour provides both health and nutritional benefits. Besides, the ingredients of chestnut flour may positively influence functional properties of dough. The quality of gluten‐free cookies may be improved by the use of chestnut flour in gluten‐free cookie formulations. This study aims to provide experimental evidence for the potential use of chestnut flour as a gluten‐free flour alternative in cookie formulations. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of replacement of rice flour with chestnut flour at different levels on the rheological properties of cookie dough formulations as well as on the quality parameters of cookies were evaluated. The results of the present study showed that the problems associated with using only chestnut or rice flour can be overcome by the potential synergistic effect of using of chestnut and rice flour together in the formulation and this synergic interaction was found to be effective on improving of gluten‐free cookies with desired quality.
Deciphering the epitranscriptome: A green perspective
Authors: Burgess Alice , David Rakesh , Searle Iain Robert 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe advent of high‐throughput sequencing technologies coupled with new detection methods of RNA modifications has enabled investigation of a new layer of gene regulation − the epitranscriptome. With over 100 known RNA modifications, understanding the repertoire of RNA modifications is a huge undertaking. This review summarizes what is known about RNA modifications with an emphasis on discoveries in plants. RNA ribose modifications, base methylations and pseudouridylation are required for normal development in Arabidopsis, as mutations in the enzymes modifying them have diverse effects on plant development and stress responses. These modifications can regulate RNA structure, turnover and translation. Transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA modifications have been mapped extensively and their functions investigated in many organisms, including plants. Recent work exploring the locations, functions and targeting of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), 5‐methylcytosine (m5C), pseudouridine (Ψ), and additional modifications in mRNAs and ncRNAs are highlighted, as well as those previously known on tRNAs and rRNAs. Many questions remain as to the exact mechanisms of targeting and functions of specific modified sites and whether these modifications have distinct functions in the different classes of RNAs.
Preclinical Studies of a Kidney Safe Iodinated Contrast Agent
Authors: Rowe Elizabeth S. , Rowe Vernon D. , Biswas Sangita , Mosher Gerold , Insisienmay Lovella , Ozias Marlies K. , Gralinski Michael R. , Hunter John , Barnett James S. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEContrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI) is a serious complication of the use of iodinated contrast agents. This problem is particularly acute in interventional neurology and interventional cardiology, probably due to the intra‐arterial route of injection, high contrast volumes, and preexisting risk factors of these patients. In an attempt to develop a contrast agent that is less damaging to the kidneys, we have studied the effects of adding a small amount of the substituted cyclodextrin, sulfobutyl‐ether‐β‐cyclodextrin (SBECD), to iohexol in rodent models of renal toxicity.METHODSRenally compromised mice and rats were injected with iohexol and iohexol‐SBECD via the tail vein. The renal pathology, creatinine clearance, and survival benefits of iohexol‐SBECD were studied. The safety of direct intra‐arterial injection of the iohexol‐SBECD formulation was studied in a dog heart model system. Mechanism of action studies in cell culture model using a human kidney cell line was performed using flow cytometry.RESULTSNephrotoxicity was significantly reduced using iohexol‐SBECD compared to iohexol alone, at mole ratios of iohexol:SBECD of 1:0.025. SBECD increased survival from 50% to 88% in a rat survival study. In the dog heart model, iohexol‐SBECD was safe. Cell culture studies suggest that SBECD interferes with the early stages of contrast‐induced apoptosis in a human renal cell line.CONCLUSIONWe have shown that the addition of a small amount of SBECD (one molecule of SBECD per 40 iohexol molecules) significantly protects rodent kidneys from CI‐AKI. Further development of this new formulation of iodinated contrast is warranted.
Aras Ören and the (West) German Left
Authors: Gezen Ela 
Published: May 2016

AbstractExamining both published and unpublished materials overlooked by existing scholarship, this essay sheds light on the transnational formation of literary and political genres through discussion of Aras Ören. As a poet and activist, Ören was one of the earliest and most significant contributors to the emergence of Turkish‐German literature and was affiliated with political circles and aesthetics of writers such as Bertolt Brecht. While focusing on Aras Ören's key role within Die Rote Nelke (an anti‐fascist union of progressive artists allied with communist class struggle), the essay traces the circulation of Turkish working‐class viewpoints into the world of German literary politics. Two years after joining Die Rote Nelke in 1970, Ören became the chair of its disciplinary collective “Group of Writing Workers,” which actively strove to include workers as well as artists in their cultural–political activities. Ören's transnational orientation shaped his milieu through his poetry and his writings about the politicization of literature, the politics of aesthetics, and the social responsibility of the artist in West Berlin during the early 1970s.
Long live the alien: is high genetic diversity a pivotal aspect of crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) long‐lasting and successful invasion?
Authors: Trucchi Emiliano , Facon Benoit , Gratton Paolo , Mori Emiliano , Stenseth Nils Chr. , Jentoft Sissel 
Published: May 2016

AbstractStudying the evolutionary dynamics of an alien species surviving and continuing to expand after several generations can provide fundamental information on the relevant features of clearly successful invasions. Here, we tackle this task by investigating the dynamics of the genetic diversity in invasive crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) populations, introduced to Italy about 1500 years ago, which are still growing in size, distribution range and ecological niche. Using genome‐wide RAD markers, we describe the structure of the genetic diversity and the demographic dynamics of the H. cristata invasive populations and compare their genetic diversity with that of native African populations of both H. cristata and its sister species, H. africaeaustralis. First, we demonstrate that genetic diversity is lower in both the invasive Italian and the North Africa source range relative to other native populations from sub‐Saharan and South Africa. Second, we find evidence of multiple introduction events in the invasive range followed by very limited gene flow. Through coalescence‐based demographic reconstructions, we also show that the bottleneck at introduction was mild and did not affect the introduced genetic diversity. Finally, we reveal that the current spatial expansion at the northern boundary of the range is following a leading‐edge model characterized by a general reduction of genetic diversity towards the edge of the expanding range. We conclude that the level of genome‐wide diversity of H. cristata invasive populations is less important in explaining its successful invasion than species‐specific life‐history traits or the phylogeographic history in the native source range.
A response regulator promotes Francisella tularensis intramacrophage growth by repressing an anti‐virulence factor
Authors: Ramsey Kathryn M. , Dove Simon L. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThe orphan response regulator PmrA is essential for the intramacrophage growth and survival of Francisella tularensis. PmrA was thought to promote intramacrophage growth by binding directly to promoters on the Francisella Pathogenicity Island (FPI) and positively regulating the expression of FPI genes, which encode a Type VI secretion system required for intramacrophage growth. Using both ChIP‐Seq and RNA‐Seq we identify those regions of the F. tularensis chromosome occupied by PmrA and those genes that are regulated by PmrA. We find that PmrA associates with 252 distinct regions of the F. tularensis chromosome, but exerts regulatory effects at only a few of these locations. Rather than by functioning directly as an activator of FPI gene expression we present evidence that PmrA promotes intramacrophage growth by repressing the expression of a single target gene we refer to as priM (PmrA‐repressed inhibitor of intramacrophage growth). Our findings thus indicate that the role of PmrA in facilitating intracellular growth is to repress a previously unknown anti‐virulence factor. PriM is the first bacterially encoded factor to be described that can interfere with the intramacrophage growth and survival of F. tularensis.
A pathogenic long noncoding RNA redesigns the epigenetic landscape of the infected cells by subverting host Histone Deacetylase 6 activity
Authors: Castellano Mayte , Pallas Vicente , Gomez Gustavo 
Published: May 2016

Summary

Viroids – ancient plant‐pathogenic long noncoding RNAs – have developed a singular evolutionary strategy based on reprogramming specific phases of host‐metabolism to ensure that their infection cycle can be completed in infected cells. However, the molecular aspects governing this transregulatory phenomenon remain elusive.

Here, we use immunoprecipitation assays and bisulfite sequencing of rDNA to shown that, in infected cucumber and Nicotiana benthamina plants, Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) recruits and functionally subverts Histone Deacetylase 6 (HDA6) to promote host‐epigenetic alterations that trigger the transcriptional alterations observed during viroid pathogenesis.

This notion is supported by the demonstration that, during infection, the HSVd–HDA6 complex occurs in vivo and that endogenous HDA6 expression is increased in HSVd‐infected cells. Moreover, transient overexpression of recombinant HDA6 reverts the hypomethylation status of rDNA observed in HSVd‐infected plants and reduces viroid accumulation. We hypothesize that the host‐transcriptional alterations induced as a consequence of viroid‐mediated HDA6 recruitment favor spurious recognition of HSVd‐RNA as an RNA Pol II template, thereby improving viroid replication.

Our results constitute the first description of a physical and functional interaction between a pathogenic RNA and a component of the host RNA silencing mechanism, providing novel evidence of the potential of these pathogenic lncRNAs to physically redesign the host‐cell environment and reprogram their regulatory mechanisms.