bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term declines of native trees in an oceanic island's tropical forests invaded by alien plants
Authors: Florens F.B. Vincent , Baider Cláudia , Seegoolam Nooshruth B. , Zmanay Zeyn , Strasberg Dominique 
Published: October 2016

AbstractQuestionHow did the native and alien woody plant communities of protected lowland wet forests of a tropical oceanic island change in the presence of understorey invasive alien plants over the medium (21–27 yrs) and longer term (68 yrs)?LocationBel Ombre, Brise Fer and Macchabé forests in the Black River Gorges National Park (BRGNP), Mauritius (20°22′10″–20°28′17″ S, 57°24′45″–57°27′12″ E).MethodsRandom and replicated vegetation plots were sampled in two protected forest areas whose communities of woody plants were surveyed 21 and 27 yrs previously, and in another protected and similar forest that was surveyed 68 yrs earlier, to identify species and measure stem diameters so as to permit comparisons at the three sites over these time periods.ResultsInvasion by woody alien plants has progressed through time at all three sites, comprised mostly of the understorey and shade‐tolerant Strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum). Concomitantly, although reductions in native woody plant species richness of large trees (≥10 cmDBH) were not statistically significant at the community level, their densities and basal area had roughly halved in 68 yrs. Comparisons with the studies 21–27 yrs previously confirmed the tendency towards a reduction in density of larger trees, besides indicating a trend towards decline in species richness of smaller understorey trees.ConclusionAn unabated replacement of native by alien trees over the longer term is occurring in protected areas of the lowland wet forests of theBRGNPand presumably in other similarly invaded areas. Our work stresses the importance of long‐term monitoring in elucidating impacts of invasive alien plants at the community level, particularly when dealing with slow‐growing and long‐lived species. Plausible mechanisms bringing about the observed changes and that have been found at the same or similar sites, include reduced regeneration, growth, production of flowers and fruits and increased mortality of native trees when these grow among invasive alien plants. The control of invasive alien plants, where they invade tropical forests, should be a central conservation objective even in better preserved and well protected areas.
Changes in the tumor microenvironment during lymphatic metastasis of lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ikemura Shinnosuke , Aramaki Nao , Fujii Satoshi , Kirita Keisuke , Umemura Shigeki , Matsumoto Shingo , Yoh Kiyotaka , Niho Seiji , Ohmatsu Hironobu , Kuwata Takeshi , Kojima Motohiro , Ochiai Atsushi , Betsuyaku Tomoko , Tsuboi Masahiro , Goto Koichi , Ishii Genichiro 
Published: October 2016

Metastasis and growth in neoplastic lesions requires the multistep regulation of microenvironmental factors. We aimed to elucidate the microenvironmental changes in the process of lymphatic metastasis of lung squamous cell carcinoma. We examined the morphological characteristics of 102 cases of primary tumor (PT), 50 of intralymphatic tumor (ILT), 51 of lymph node (LN) micrometastasis (LN‐Mic; ≤2 mm in size), and 82 of LN macrometastasis (LN‐Mac; ≥10 mm in size). Afterwards we evaluated the expression of nine molecules (epidermal growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2, CD44, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1, Podoplanin, E‐cadherin, S100A4, geminin, and ezrin) in matched PT, ILT, LN‐Mic, and LN‐Mac from 23 of these cases. The number of smooth muscle actin α‐positive fibroblasts, CD34‐positive microvessels and CD204‐positive macrophages were also examined. As a result, the mitotic index of tumor cells was significantly lower in ILT and LN‐Mic than PT and LN‐Mac (P < 0.001). Moreover, stromal reaction in ILT and LN‐Mic was less prominent than in PT and LN‐Mac (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical study revealed that epidermal growth factor receptor expression level and frequency of geminin‐positive cells in ILT and LN‐Mic were significantly lower than in PT and LN‐Mac (P < 0.05). The number of stromal cells indicated by staining of CD34, CD204, and smooth muscle actin α in ILT and LN‐Mic was also significantly lower than in PT and LN‐Mac (P < 0.05). In lung squamous cell carcinoma, drastic microenvironmental changes (e.g., growth factor receptor expression and proliferative capacity of tumor cells and structural changes in stromal cells) occur during both the process of lymphatic permeation and the progression into macrometastases.
Power Difference and Risk Perception: Mapping Vulnerability within the Decision Process of Pregnant Women towards Clinical Trial Participation in an Urban Middle‐Income Setting
Authors: Den hollander Geerte C. , Browne Joyce l. , Arhinful Daniel , van der Graaf Rieke , Klipstein‐Grobusch Kerstin 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTo address the burden of maternal morbidity and mortality in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), research with pregnant women in these settings is increasingly common. Pregnant women in LMIC‐context may experience vulnerability related to giving consent to participate in a clinical trial. To recognize possible layers of vulnerability this study aims to identify factors that influence the decision process towards clinical trial participation of pregnant women in an urban middle‐income setting. This qualitative research used participant observation, in‐depth interviews, and focus group discussion with medical staff and pregnant women eligible for trial participation, at a regional hospital in Accra, Ghana. Besides lack of familiarity with modern scientific concepts, specific factors influencing the decision‐making process were identified. These include a wide power difference between health provider and patient, and a different perception of risk through externalization of responsibility of risk management within a religious context as well as a context shaped by authority. Also, therapeutic misconception was observed. The combination of these factors ensued women to rely on the opinion of the medical professional, rather than being guided by their own motivation to participation. Although being a (pregnant) woman per se should not render the label of being vulnerable, this study shows there are factors that influence the decision process of pregnant woman towards trial participation in a LMIC context that can result in vulnerability. The identification of context‐specific factors that can create vulnerability facilitates adaptation of the design and conduct of research in a culturally competent manner.
Effects of advanced carbohydrate counting guided by an automated bolus calculator in Type 1 diabetes mellitus (StenoABC): a 12‐month, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hommel E. , Schmidt S. , Vistisen D. , Neergaard K. , Gribhild M. , Almdal T. , Nørgaard K. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimsTo test whether concomitant use of an automated bolus calculator for people with Type 1 diabetes carrying out advanced carbohydrate counting would induce further improvements in metabolic control.MethodsWe conducted a 12‐month, randomized, parallel‐group, open‐label, single‐centre, investigator‐initiated clinical study. We enrolled advanced carbohydrate counting‐naïve adults with Type 1 diabetes and HbA1c levels 64–100 mmol/mol (8.0–11.3%), who were receiving multiple daily insulin injection therapy. In a 1:1‐ratio, participants were randomized to receive training in either advanced carbohydrate counting using mental calculations (MC group) or advanced carbohydrate counting using an automated bolus calculator (ABC group) during a 3.5‐h group training course. For 12 months after training, participants attended a specialized diabetes centre quarterly. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c from baseline to 12 months.ResultsBetween August 2012 and September 2013, 168 participants (96 men and 72 women) were recruited and randomly assigned to the MC group (n = 84) and the ABC group (n = 84). Drop‐out rates were 23.8 and 21.4%, respectively (P = 0.712); 130 participants completed the study. The baseline HbA1c was 75 ± 9 mmol/mol (9.0 ± 0.8%) in the MC group and 74 ± 8 mmol/mol (8.9 ± 0.7%) in the ABC group. At 12 months, change in HbA1c was significant within both groups: MC group: ‐2 mmol/mol (95% CI ‐4 to ‐1) or ‐0.2% (95% CI ‐0.4 to ‐0.1; P = 0.017) and ABC group: ‐5 mmol/mol (95% CI ‐6 to ‐3) or ‐0.5% (95% CI ‐0.6 to ‐0.3; P < 0.0001), but HbA1c reductions were significantly greater in the ABC group (P = 0.033). No episodes of severe hypoglycaemia were reported.ConclusionsPeople with Type 1 diabetes initiating advanced carbohydrate counting obtained significantly greater HbA1c reductions when guided by an automated bolus calculator (NCT02084498).
Progesterone analogue protects stressed photoreceptors via bFGF‐mediated calcium influx
Authors: Wyse‐Jackson Alice C. , Roche Sarah L. , Ruiz‐Lopez Ana M. , Moloney Jennifer N. , Byrne Ashleigh M. , Cotter Thomas G. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractRetinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a degenerative retinal disease leading to photoreceptor cell loss. In 2011, our group identified the synthetic progesterone ‘Norgestrel’ as a potential treatment for RP. Subsequent research showed Norgestrel to work through progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) activation and upregulation of neuroprotective basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Using trophic factor deprivation of 661W photoreceptor‐like cells, we aimed to further elucidate the mechanism leading to Norgestrel‐induced neuroprotection. In the present manuscript, we show by flow cytometry and live‐cell immunofluorescence that Norgestrel induces an increase in cytosolic calcium in both healthy and stressed 661Ws over 24 h. Specific PGRMC1 inhibition by AG205 (1 μm) showed this rise to be PGRMC1‐dependent, primarily utilizing calcium from extracellular sources, for blockade of L‐type calcium channels by verapamil (50 μm) prevented a Norgestrel‐induced calcium influx in stressed cells. Calcium influx was also shown to be bFGF‐dependent, for siRNA knock down of bFGF prevented Norgestrel‐PGRMC1 induced changes in cytosolic calcium. Notably, we demonstrate PGRMC1‐activation is necessary for Norgestrel‐induced bFGF upregulation. We propose that Norgestrel protects through the following pathway: binding to and activating PGRMC1 expressed on the surface of photoreceptor cells, PGRMC1 activation drives bFGF upregulation and subsequent calcium influx. Importantly, raised intracellular calcium is critical to Norgestrel's protective efficacy, for extracellular calcium chelation by EGTA abrogates the protective effects of Norgestrel on stressed 661W cells in vitro.
Joint Action and the Expression of Shared Intentions: An Expanded Taylorian Account
Authors: Bowden Sean 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAfter having identified several shortcomings of the so‐called ‘standard accounts’ of shared intentions, this paper will develop a novel framework for understanding such intentions. The framework to be advanced hinges on a notion of ‘expression’, as well as on the claim that shared intentions are expressed—that is, manifested, grasped, shaped and clarified—throughout the unfolding of the joint actions they animate, as well as in the various expressive activities and behaviours that accompany joint action. This claim will be defended with particular reference to the work of Charles Taylor on expression, as well as recent work on embodied cognition.
TLR4‐induced B7‐H1 on keratinocytes negatively regulates CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells responses in oral lichen planus
Authors: Zhang Jing , Tan Ya‐qin , Wei Ming‐hui , Ye Xiao‐jing , Chen Guan‐ying , Lu Rui , Du Ge‐fei , Zhou Gang 
Published: October 2016

AbstractOral lichen planus (OLP) is a T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune mucocutaneous disease affected by the interactions among the keratinocytes, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. B7‐H1 induced by Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) can suppress T‐cell immune reaction, thereby resulting in immune tolerance. However, the role of TLR‐mediated B7‐H1 on keratinocytes in the immune response of OLP is still unknown. The present study showed that TLR4 could induce time‐coursed B7‐H1 expression on oral keratinocytes, and blocking NF‐κB or PI3K/mTOR pathway downregulated B7‐H1 transcriptional expression. Moreover, TLR4‐stimulated oral keratinocytes inhibited the proliferation of OLP CD4+ T cells and OLP CD8+ T cells, and simultaneously prompted their apoptosis. Blockade of keratinocyte‐associated B7‐H1 restored the declined proliferation of OLP CD4+ T cells and OLP CD8+ T cells, and prevented their increased apoptosis. Therefore, TLR4‐upregulated B7‐H1 on keratinocytes could decelerate immune responses of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in OLP.
A methodology for assessing the effect of portfolio management on NPD performance based on Bayesian network scenarios
Authors: Yang Ying , Xu Dong‐Ling 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFirm growth and profitability come primarily from new product development. Portfolio management has been emphasized in improving new product development (NPD) performance under multiple project environments. However, few researchers have demonstrated the consequence of different combinations of portfolio management practices on NPD performance. In this study, a decision support methodology based on Bayesian network scenarios is used to simulate the effect of portfolio management on NPD performance in uncertain environments. Firstly, portfolio management factors are identified and performance criteria determined. And then, the causal relationships among the factors are modelled within similar time frames, and a Bayesian network model is developed by parameter learning from data. A case study is carried out for project/portfolio managers in Chinese firms. The most informative factors affecting NPD performance are identified by sensitive analysis, and the best and worst scenarios with different combinations of portfolio management practices are analysed. The study extends the application of Bayesian networks to assess the performance under changing conditions and highlights some managerial suggestions to improve NPD performance.
Recombinant B‐domain‐deleted porcine sequence factor VIII (r‐pFVIII) for the treatment of bleeding in patients with congenital haemophilia A and inhibitors
Authors: Mahlangu J. N. , Andreeva T. A. , Macfarlane D. E. , Walsh C. , Key N. S. 
Published: October 2016

IntroductionDevelopment of inhibitors to human FVIII (hFVIII) significantly complicates the control of bleeding events in patients with haemophilia A.AimThis prospective, multicentre, open‐label, non‐comparative, Phase II study evaluated the haemostatic activity of a recombinant B‐domain‐deleted porcine FVIII (r‐pFVIII), in the treatment of non‐life/non‐limb‐threatening bleeding in individuals with haemophilia A and FVIII inhibitors.MethodsAcute bleeding episodes in patients with pFVIII inhibitor titres <0.8 BU mL−1 were treated with 50 U kg−1 body weight r‐pFVIII. Those with pFVIII inhibitor titres of >0.8 BU mL−1 received an initial calculated r‐pFVIII loading dose followed by 50 U kg−1 treatment dose. Treatment continued at 6‐hourly intervals until bleeding was determined, controlled or till a maximum of eight doses was reached.ResultsAll 25 bleeding episodes in nine patients (mean age: 23.7 years; range: 14–34 years) were controlled successfully with eight or fewer injections of r‐pFVIII. The median time from bleeding onset to the administration of r‐pFVIII was 5.7 h (range: 1.5–20.0 h). Twenty of the bleeding episodes (80%) were controlled with one treatment dose of r‐pFVIII (with or without a loading dose, median dose: 200.8 U kg−1; range: 50–576 U kg−1) regardless of pFVIII level. r‐pFVIII was well tolerated and no treatment‐emergent serious adverse events were considered by the investigator to be related to r‐pFVIII administration.ConclusionThe results suggest that FVIII replacement therapy with r‐pFVIII could be a viable alternative to bypassing agents for the treatment of bleeding episodes in individuals with haemophilia A and FVIII inhibitors.
Circulating CD14+HLA‐DR−/low myeloid‐derived suppressor cells predicted early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after surgery
Authors: Gao Xing‐Hui , Tian Lu , Wu Jiong , Ma Xiao‐Lu , Zhang Chun‐Yan , Zhou Yan , Sun Yun‐Fan , Hu Bo , Qiu Shuang‐jian , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Guo Wei , Yang Xin‐Rong 
Published: October 2016

AimMyeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play an important role in tumor progression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of MDSCs for early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients undergoing curative resection.MethodsMyeloid‐derived suppressor cells were measured by flow cytometry. The correlation between MDSCs and tumor recurrence was analyzed using a cohort of 183 patients who underwent curative resection between February 2014 and July 2015. Prognostic significance was further assessed using Kaplan–Meier survival estimates and log–rank tests.ResultsIn vivo, CD14+HLA‐DR−/low MDSCs inhibit T cell proliferation and secretion. The frequency of CD14+HLA‐DR−/low MDSCs was significantly higher in HCC patients (3.7 ± 5.3%, n = 183) than in chronic hepatitis patients (1.4 ± 0.6%, n = 25) and healthy controls (1.1 ± 0.5%, n = 50). High frequency of MDSCs was significantly correlated with recurrence (time to recurrence) (P < 0.001) and overall survival (P = 0.034). Patients with HCC in the high MDSC group were prone to more vascular invasion (P = 0.018) and high systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) (P = 0.009) than those in the low MDSC group. Scatter‐plot analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between the SII level and the frequency of MDSCs (r = 0.188, P = 0.011). Patients with HCC with a high MDSC frequency and high SII level had significantly shorter time to recurrence (P < 0.001) and overall survival (P = 0.028) than those with a low MDSC frequency and low SII.ConclusionsAn increased frequency of MDSCs was correlated with early recurrence and predicted the prognosis of patients with HCC undergoing curative resection. The HCC patients with high frequency of MDSCs should be provided more advanced management and frequent monitoring.
Evaluation of new chlorhexidine‐ and cetylpyridinium chloride‐based mouthrinse formulations adjunctive to scaling and root planing: pilot study
Authors: García‐Gargallo M , Zurlohe M , Montero E , Alonso B , Serrano J , Sanz M , Herrera D 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effect of two newly formulated chlorhexidine (CHX) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) mouthrinses after scaling and root planing (SRP) in terms of clinical, microbiological, patient‐based variables and adverse events, with a positive control with the same active components, already marketed and tested.MethodsA pilot, randomized clinical trial, double‐blind, parallel design with 1‐month follow‐up was conducted. Chronic periodontitis patients requiring non‐surgical periodontal therapy were enrolled and randomly assigned to: (i) SRP and test‐1 (new reformulation: 0.12% CHX and 0.05% CPC); (ii) SRP and test‐2 (new formulation: 0.03% CHX and 0.05% CPC); or (iii) SRP and positive control (commercial product: 0.12% CHX and 0.05% CPC). All variables were evaluated at baseline and 1 month after SRP. Quantitative variables were compared by means of anova or Kruskal–Wallis test and qualitative variables by chi‐square or McNemar tests.ResultsThirty patients (10 per group) were included. After 1 month, there were significant differences among groups in plaque levels (P = 0.016) as test‐1 showed less sites with plaque than test‐2 (31.15% [standard error‐SE 2.21%] versus 49.39% [SE 4.60%), respectively). No significant differences were found for global patient perception of the product or in adverse effects. Test groups showed better results in levels and proportions (P = 0.022) of Capnocytophaga spp.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this pilot study, it can be concluded that the newly formulated 0.12% CHX and 0.05% CPC mouthrinse showed larger plaque level reductions, without showing more adverse effects, when compared to the other two mouthrinses, after SRP.
Obesity and hypertension in Australian young people: results from the Australian Health Survey 2011–2012
Authors: Kim S. , Lewis J. R. , Baur L. A. , Macaskill P. , Craig J. C. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundFew studies have focused on the prevalence of obesity and hypertension among young people (ages 15–24).AimTo characterise the prevalence of obesity and systolic hypertension in young people aged 15–24 years across Australia.MethodsUsing data from the 2011–2012 Australian Health Survey, a national cross‐sectional population‐based survey, we included 2163 young people aged 15–24 years. Risk factors were estimated using multinomial logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of obesity increased from 8% to 15% through the ages of 15–24 among males, but the prevalence of overweight and obesity were both 14% for females across all age groups. Low levels of physical activity were a strong risk factor for obesity for both males (odds ratio (OR) 5.95, 95% confidence intervals (CI)1.83–19.36) and females (OR 3.20 95% CI 0.69–14.87). Low socioeconomic status was associated with obesity among females only (first quintile OR 4.65, 95% CI 1.97–10.99). Although the prevalence of hypertension was low (4% males, 3% females), the prevalence of high normal blood pressure was substantial, especially among males (28% males, 14% females).ConclusionsOverweight, obesity and high normal blood pressure were highly prevalent among Australian young people. Low levels of physical activity were identified as a risk factor for obesity for both male and females. Programmes targeting physical activity participation may need to be tailored differently for males and females, with a focus on females during early adolescence but early adult life for males.
Vector Stochastic Processes with Pólya‐Type Correlation Structure
Authors: Ma Chunsheng 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThis paper introduces a simple method to construct a stationary process on the real line with a Pólya‐type covariance function and with any infinitely divisible marginal distribution, by randomising the timescale of the increment of a second‐order Lévy process with an appropriate positive random variable. With the construction method extended to the multivariate case, we construct vector stochastic processes with Pólya‐type direct covariance functions and with any specified infinitely divisible marginal distributions. This makes available a new class of non‐Gaussian vector stochastic processes with flexible correlation structure for use in modelling and simulation.