bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of types of electoral rigging, socio-economic status, politics and voting behavior in the formation of attitudes toward electoral integrity
Authors: Ahmad Saeed , Mustafa Mudasir , Ullah Ahsan , Shoaib Muhammad , Mushtaq Muhammad , Ali Wasif 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
This study aims to examine the associations between socioeconomic status, types of rigging (pre- polling-day and post-), politics and voting behavior, vote casting and perceptions of rigging in Pakistan’s most recent elections, and attitudes toward electoral integrity.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from students at three different universities. In all, 748 units of analysis (488 male and 260 female) recorded their responses by means of a self-structured questionnaire. Linear regression was applied to measure the associations between variables, and the reliability and validity of the scales were tested.

Findings
A significant relationship was found between pre-poll rigging, post-poll rigging, politics and voting behavior, socioeconomic characteristics (i.e. age, education, father’s education, background or place of residence and monthly household incomes), the perception of rigging in the last elections and attitudes toward electoral integrity.

Practical implications
Pakistan’s history has been blemished by electoral malpractices during both de facto and de jure regimes. Attention has formerly been paid to either polling-day or post-election rigging. The relationship of electoral integrity with different factors explored in this study have usually been ignored or overlooked. The findings of this study would help policy-makers, youth experts and academicians to reorient their behaviors to strengthen political stability, the rule of law and the continuation of democracy via their participation in the system.

Originality/value
To the researchers’ best knowledge, there has not been a single peer-reviewed study of Pakistan which has explored the associations between the variables examined for this study. The main academic challenge the researchers faced was to find a standardized and contextualized scale or tool to explore how different types of vote-rigging affected attitudes toward electoral integrity. Thus, the structured scales for types of rigging and electoral integrity developed here would be useful for future studies in the field of electoral integrity in democratic countries.
Involvement of ERK1/2 in Cx43 depression induced by macrophage migration inhibitory factor in atrial myocytes
Authors: Li Xin , Rao Fang , Deng Chun‐Yu , Wei Wei , Liu Fang‐Zhou , Yang Hui , Wang Zhao‐Yu , Kuang Su‐Juan , Chen Xiao‐Yan , Xue Yu‐Mei , Wu Shu‐Lin 
Published: April 2017

SummaryConnexin 43 (Cx43) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study sought to investigate the effect of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a pleiotropic cytokine, on Cx43 expression and activity and determine the intracellular signalling pathways. Cx43 protein and mRNA levels were assayed using immunofluorescence, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and western blot. We found that increased MIF and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) expression was accompanied by a significant reduction in Cx43 protein expression in atrial tissues from patients with AF compared with those with sinus rhythm. In cultured atrium‐derived myocytes (HL‐1 cells), mouse recombinant‐MIF (rMIF, 20 or 40 nmol/L, 24 hours) down‐regulated gene and protein expression of Cx43 in a concentration‐dependent manner. U0126, a specific inhibitor of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) could reverse the decrease in expression of Cx43 protein induced by rMIF. Further studies revealed that rMIF (40 nmol/L, 15, 30, and 45 minutes) was able to stimulate phospho‐Erk1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204) production in a time‐dependent manner. These results suggest that MIF is involved in the pathogenesis of AF, probably by down‐regulating the protein and gene expression of Cx43 via ERK1/2 kinase activation. Our findings represent a potential pathogenic mechanism in AF.
Silencing of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 inhibits proliferation and migration of melanoma cells and induces apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Yue , Peng Ge , Wang Ying , Cui Lixia , Wu Wenqing , Wang Luan , Liu Chengyu , Han Xiuping 
Published: April 2017

SummaryMelanoma is an aggressive skin malignancy with a high mortality. Astrocyte elevated gene‐1 (AEG‐1), a downstream target of Ras and c‐Myc, has been implicated in the development of multiple tumours, but its role in melanoma remains unclear. In the present study, the role of AEG‐1 in melanoma was explored through AEG‐1 silencing. Our results showed that silencing AEG‐1 inhibited the proliferation of melanoma cells, induced cell cycle arrest, and reduced levels of cyclin A, cyclin B, cyclin D1, cyclin E, and cyclin‐dependent kinase 2. AEG‐1silencing also induced apoptosis in melanoma cells and altered the levels of cleaved caspase‐3, B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) and Bcl‐2 associated X protein. Moreover, silencing AEG‐1 suppressed the migration and invasion of melanoma cells, reduced the expressions and activities of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9, and inhibited the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway in melanoma cells. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that AEG‐1 silencing inhibited the growth of melanoma xenografts in nude mice. In summary, our study demonstrates an oncogenic role of AEG‐1 in melanoma and suggests that AEG‐1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of melanoma.
Clarification of serotonin‐induced effects in peripheral artery disease observed through the femoral artery response in models of diabetes and vascular occlusion: The role of calcium ions
Authors: Stojanović Marko , Prostran Milica , Janković Radmila , Radenković Miroslav 
Published: April 2017

SummaryRecent findings have demonstrated that serotonin is an important participant in the development and progression of peripheral artery diseases. Taking this into consideration, the goals of this study were to investigate the effects of serotonin on isolated Wistar rat femoral arteries in both healthy and diabetic animals, with and without artery occlusion, with a particular focus on determining the role of calcium in this process. Contraction experiments with serotonin on intact and denuded femoral artery rings, in the presence or absence of nifedipine and ouabain (both separately, or in combination), as well as Ca2+‐free Krebs‐Ringer bicarbonate solution were performed. The serotonin‐induced results were concentration dependent, but only in healthy animals. The endothelium‐dependent contraction of the femoral artery was assessed. In healthy animals, the endothelium‐reliant part of contraction was dependent on the extracellular calcium, while the smooth muscle‐related part was instead dependent on the intracellular calcium. In diabetic animals, both nifedipine and ouabain influenced serotonin‐induced vascular effects by blocking intracellular calcium pathways. However, this was diminished after the simultaneous administration of both blockers.
Mixing of water masses caused by a drifting iceberg affects bacterial activity, community composition and substrate utilization capability in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Dinasquet Julie , Richert Inga , Logares Ramiro , Yager Patricia , Bertilsson Stefan , Riemann Lasse 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThe number of icebergs produced from ice‐shelf disintegration has increased over the past decade in Antarctica. These drifting icebergs mix the water column, influence stratification and nutrient condition, and can affect local productivity and food web composition. Data on whether icebergs affect bacterioplankton function and composition are scarce, however. We assessed the influence of iceberg drift on bacterial community composition and on their ability to exploit carbon substrates during summer in the coastal Southern Ocean. An elevated bacterial production and a different community composition were observed in iceberg‐influenced waters relative to the undisturbed water column nearby. These major differences were confirmed in short‐term incubations with bromodeoxyuridine followed by CARD‐FISH. Furthermore, one‐week bottle incubations amended with inorganic nutrients and carbon substrates (a mix of substrates, glutamine, N‐acetylglucosamine, or pyruvate) revealed contrasting capacity of bacterioplankton to utilize specific carbon substrates in the iceberg‐influenced waters compared with the undisturbed site. Our study demonstrates that the hydrographical perturbations introduced by a drifting iceberg can affect activity, composition, and substrate utilization capability of marine bacterioplankton. Consequently, in a context of global warming, increased frequency of drifting icebergs in polar regions holds the potential to affect carbon and nutrient biogeochemistry at local and possibly regional scales.
Survival of micro‐organisms and organic acid profile of probiotic Cheddar cheese from buffalo milk during accelerated ripening
Authors: Murtaza Mian A , Huma Nuzhat , Shabbir Muhammad A , Murtaza Mian S , Anees‐ur‐Rehman Muhammad 
Published: April 2017

The study aimed to assess the impact of ripening at elevated temperatures on the survival of probiotic micro‐organisms and production of organic acids in Cheddar cheese. Cheese was manufactured from buffalo milk using lactococci starters along with different probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilusLA‐5,Bifidobacterium bifidumBb‐11 andBifidobacterium longumBB536) as adjunct cultures. The cheeses were ripened at 4–6 °C or 12–14 °C for 180 days and examined for composition, organic acids and microbial survival. The production of organic acids was accelerated at 12–14 °C when compared to normal ripening temperatures. The probiotic bacteria increased production of lactic and acetic acids, compared to cheese made with lactococci alone. The survival of the mesophilic starters was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in all the cheese samples ripened at the higher temperature. However, the probiotic bacteria remained viable (>7.0 log10cfu/g) throughout the 180 days of ripening, irrespective of temperature. It was concluded that Cheddar containing additional probiotic cultures can effectively be ripened at elevated temperatures without any adverse effects.
Food Evolution: The Impact of Society and Science on the Fermentation of Cocoa Beans
Authors: Ozturk Gulustan , Young Glenn M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCocoa is part of the cultural heritage in many areas of South and Central America and has played an important role in the history of human culture there. The modern methods of cocoa bean production for the purpose of the manufacture of modern chocolate are tied to the origin and development of cocoa bean fermentation and processing methods and the science of microbiology. To date, however, there has not been a study that discusses the impacts of both science and culture on the evolution of cocoa beans and cocoa bean processing. This work provides both a detailed overview of the evolution and historical development of cocoa, from its earliest forms to modern chocolate manufacturing, an in‐depth discussion of the biochemistry of cocoa bean fermentation, as well as a compilation of primary research studies with details on fermentation methods, the scientific bases of interactions in microbial fermentations, and methods for their investigation, as well as metabolites that are produced. As a result, we present here the major microorganisms among all the ones that have been identified in previous studies. This database will aid researchers seeking standardized inoculants to drive cocoa bean fermentation, as well as serve as a guide for inventorying and assessing other food evolution–related studies regarding traditional and artisanal‐based food systems.
Retrospective evaluation of premenopausal hormone‐sensitive breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant gonadotropin‐releasing hormone analogue: Anatolian Society of Medical Oncology (ASMO) study
Authors: Demirci Ayşe , Alkış Necati , Dane Faysal , Durnalı Ayşe , Yazıcı Ömer Kamil , Rzayev Rashad , Kaya Serap , Yazılıtaş Doğan , İnanç Mevlüde , Özçelik Melike , Akman Tülay , Kaplan Mehmet Ali , Günaydın Yusuf , Ulaş Arife , Sönmez Özlem , Tokluoğlu Saadet , Gököz Doğu Gamze , Bal Öznur , Gümüş Mahmut 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimThe goal of this study is to evaluate possible factors affecting the survival of patients treated with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues.MethodsDemographic characteristics, treatment modalities, overall survival (OS) and the possible factors affecting the survival a total of 554 premenopausal breast cancer patients in Turkey evaluated retrospectively.ResultsThe median duration of GnRH analogues use was 22 ± 13.6 (range, 1–87) months. Patients were divided into three groups according to the duration of GNRH analogues use; 4–12 months (Group A), 13–24 months (Group B) and ≥25 months (Group C). Overall, 530 patients were analyzed; 23.2%, 45.8%, 30.9% of the patients were in Group A, B and C, respectively. The median follow‐up duration was 34 ± 30.3 (range, 4–188) months. The OS in patients ≤35 years of age was found to be significantly longer than that of patients >35 years of age in Group B (log rank, P = 0.023). The disease‐free survival of the patients in Group A was significantly shorter than that of patients in Group C (log rank, P = 0.003). The OS of Group A patients was significantly shorter in comparison to that of Group B and Group C patients (log rank, P = 0.000) and the OS of Group B patients was significantly shorter than Group C (log rank, P = 0,000).ConclusionThere is currently no definite data on the optimal duration of GnRH analogues use. One of the important results of this study that will provide an insight to the future studies is the improvement gained in OS by the increase in the duration of GnRH analogues use.
Soy isoflavones enhance β‐defensin synthesis and secretion in endometrial epithelial cells with exposure to TLR3 agonist polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid
Authors: Srisomboon Yotesawee , Poonyachoti Sutthasinee , Deachapunya Chatsri 
Published: April 2017

AbstractProblemβ‐defensins are important innate chemical barriers that protect the endometrium from pathogen invasion. The effects of soy isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, on the expression and secretion of porcine β‐defensins (PBD) in endometrial epithelial cells were investigated under normal or poly I:C‐stimulated conditions.Method of studyPrimary cultured porcine endometrial epithelial (PE) cells were pretreated with genistein or daidzein followed by poly I:C inoculation. During treatment, the culture media were analyzed for PBD 1‐4 secretion by ELISA and the total RNA for PBD gene expression by quantitative RT‐PCR.ResultsPorcine endometrial epithelial cells constitutively expressed PBD 1‐4 and secreted PBD‐1, PBD‐2, and PBD‐4. Genistein and daidzein enhanced PBD‐2 expression and PBD‐2 and PBD‐3 secretion. These compounds also potentiated PBD‐2 and PBD‐3 expression and secretion which were upregulated by poly I:C.ConclusionSoy isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, could be potentially used for promoting the innate host defense of endometrium against infection.
Trafficking in US Agriculture
Authors: Izcara Palacios Simón Pedro , Yamamoto Yasutaka 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBased on a qualitative methodology that includes in‐depth interviews with 90 Mexican migrant smugglers and 45 Central American farmworkers, this article analyzes the three separate elements of trafficking in US agriculture, namely acts, means, and purposes. We conclude that some US employers participate in human trafficking by financing or helping to recruit and transport Mexican and Central American migrants to the US by means of “abuse of a position of vulnerability” for the purposes of involuntary servitude, debt bondage, and sex exploitation.
Does endothelial tetrahydrobiopterin control the endothelial NO synthase coupling state in arterial resistance arteries?
Authors: Münzel Thomas , Daiber Andreas 
Published: April 2017

Linked ArticleThis article is a Commentary on Chuaiphichai S, Crabtree MJ, McNeill E, Hale AB, Trelfa L, Channon KM et al. (2017). A key role for tetrahydrobiopterin‐dependent endothelial NOS regulation in resistance arteries: studies in endothelial cell tetrahydrobiopterin‐deficient mice. Br J Pharmacol 174: 657–671. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.13728
Reactive oxygen species: key regulators in vascular health and diseases
Authors: Chen Qishan , Wang Qiwen , Zhu Jianhua , Xiao Qingzhong , Zhang Li 
Published: April 2017

ROS are a group of small reactive molecules that play critical roles in the regulation of various cell functions and biological processes. In the vascular system, physiological levels of ROS are essential for normal vascular functions including endothelial homeostasis and smooth muscle cell contraction. In contrast, uncontrolled overproduction of ROS resulting from an imbalance of ROS generation and elimination leads to the development of vascular diseases. Excessive ROS cause vascular cell damage, the recruitment of inflammatory cells, lipid peroxidation, activation of metalloproteinases and deposition of extracellular matrix, collectively leading to vascular remodelling. Evidence from a large number of studies has revealed that ROS and oxidative stress are involved in the initiation and progression of numerous vascular diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis, restenosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Furthermore, considerable research has been implemented to explore antioxidants that can reduce ROS production and oxidative stress in order to ameliorate vascular diseases. In this review, we will discuss the nature and sources of ROS, their roles in vascular homeostasis and specific vascular diseases and various antioxidants as well as some of the pharmacological agents that are capable of reducing ROS and oxidative stress. The aim of this review is to provide information for developing promising clinical strategies targeting ROS to decrease cardiovascular risks.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc
Sulfur‐containing gaseous signal molecules, ion channels and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Yu Wen , Jin Hongfang , Tang Chaoshu , Du Junbao , Zhang Zhiren 
Published: April 2017

Sulfur‐containing gaseous signal molecules including hydrogen sulphide and sulfur dioxide were previously recognized as toxic gases. However, extensive studies have revealed that they can be generated in the cardiovascular system via a sulfur‐containing amino acid metabolic pathway, and have an important role in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. Ion channels are pore‐forming membrane proteins present in the membrane of all biological cells; their functions include the establishment of a resting membrane potential and the control of action potentials and other electrical signals by conducting ions across the cell membrane. Evidence has now accumulated suggesting that the sulfur‐containing gaseous signal molecules are important regulators of ion channels and transporters. The aims of this review are (1) to discuss the recent experimental evidences in the cardiovascular system regarding the regulatory effects of sulfur‐containing gaseous signal molecules on a variety of ion channels, including ATP‐sensitive potassium, calcium‐activated potassium, voltage‐gated potassium, L‐ and T‐type calcium, transient receptor potential and chloride and sodium channels, and (2) to understand how the gaseous signal molecules affect ion channels and cardiovascular diseases.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc
Primary ecological succession in vascular epiphytes: The species accumulation model
Authors: Woods Carrie L. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractEpiphytes are integral to tropical forests yet little is understood about how succession proceeds in these communities. As trees increase in size they create microhabitats for late‐colonizing species in both small and large branches while maintaining small tree microhabitats for early colonizing species in the small and young branches. Thus, epiphyte succession may follow different models depending on the scale: at the scale of the entire tree, epiphytes may follow a species accumulation model where species are continuously added to the tree as trees increase in size but at the scale of one zone on a branch (e.g., inner crown: 0–2 m from the trunk), they may follow the replacement model of succession seen in terrestrial ecosystems. Assuming tree size as an indicator of tree age, I surveyed 61 Virola koschnyi trees of varying size (2.5–103.3 cm diameter at breast height) in lowland wet tropical forest in Costa Rica to examine how epiphyte communities change through succession. Epiphyte communities in small trees were nested subsets of those in large trees and epiphyte communities became more similar to the largest trees as trees increased in size. Furthermore, epiphyte species in small trees were replaced by mid‐ and late‐successional species in the oldest parts of the tree crown but dispersed toward the younger branches as trees increased in size. Thus, epiphyte succession followed a replacement model in particular zones within treecrowns but a species accumulation model at the scale of the entire tree crown.
A genetic risk score that includes common type 2 diabetes risk variants is associated with gestational diabetes
Authors: Kawai V. K. , Levinson R. T. , Adefurin A. , Kurnik D. , Collier S. P. , Conway D. , Stein C. M. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryObjectiveGestational diabetes (GDM) is characterized by maternal glucose intolerance that manifests during pregnancy. Because GDM resembles type 2 diabetes (T2DM), shared genetic predisposition is likely but has not been established. We tested the hypothesis that a genetic risk score (GRS) that included variants known to be associated with T2DM is associated with GDM.Study designWe conducted a case‐control study using the Vanderbilt Medical Center biobank (BioVU) and calculated a simple‐count GRS using 34 variants previously associated with T2DM or fasting glucose in the general population, or with GDM or glucose intolerance in pregnancy. We assessed the association of the GRS with GDM adjusting for maternal age, parity, and body mass index (BMI) and calculated the area under the curve for the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (c‐statistic).Study populationAmong Caucasian women, we identified 458 cases of GDM and 1538 pregnant controls with normal glucose tolerance.ResultsCases of GDM had a higher number of risk alleles compared to controls (38.9±4.0 vs 37.4±4.0 risk alleles, P=1.6×10−11). The GRS was significantly associated with GDM; the adjusted odds ratio associated with each additional risk allele was 1.10 (95% CI: 1.07‐1.13, P=6×10−11). Clinical variables predicted the risk of GDM (c‐statistic 0.67, 95% CI: 0.64‐0.70), and adding the GRS modestly improved prediction (0.70, 95% CI: 0.67‐0.73).ConclusionsAmong Caucasian women, a GRS that included common T2DM genetic risk variants was associated with increased risk of GDM but showed limited utility in the identification of GDM cases.