bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil autophagy and extracellular DNA traps contribute to airway inflammation in severe asthma
Authors: Pham D. L. , Ban G.‐Y. , Kim S.‐H. , Shin Y. S. , Ye Y.‐M. , Chwae Y.‐J. , Park H.‐S. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryBackgroundAutophagy and neutrophil extracellular DNA traps (NETs) are implicated in asthma; however, their roles in asthma pathogenesis have not been elucidated.ObjectivesWe compared autophagy and NET production levels from peripheral blood neutrophils (PBNs) of patients with severe asthma (SA) and non‐severe asthma (NSA). Additionally, we investigated the inflammatory effects of NETs on human airway epithelial cells (AECs) and peripheral blood eosinophils (PBEs).MethodsPeripheral blood neutrophils from patients with SA (n = 30) and NSA (n = 38) were treated with interleukin (IL)‐8 (100 ng/mL). Autophagy (light chain 3‐II expression) and NET production levels were evaluated by Western blot, immunofluorescence microscopy, and PicoGreen assay. The effects of NETs on AECs were assessed by investigating cell death, cell detachment, expression of occludin and claudin‐1, and IL‐8 production; the effects of NETs on PBEs were examined by investigating the activation and release of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN).ResultsUntreated and IL‐8‐treated PBNs from the SA group produced higher autophagy and NET levels compared with those from the NSA group (P < 0.01). IL‐8 increased autophagy and NET levels in PBNs from the SA group, but not from the NSA group. NET levels were correlated with autophagy levels in PBNs (P < 0.001). IL‐8‐induced NET production levels negatively were correlated with FEV1/FVC (r = −0.700, P = 0.016). NETs induced cell death, detachment, degradation of occludin and claudin‐1, and IL‐8 production from AECs. Higher levels of NET‐induced ECP and EDN were released from PBEs in SA compared with NSA groups.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceNeutrophil autophagy and NETs could enhance asthma severity by damaging airway epithelium and triggering inflammatory responses of AECs and PBEs. Modulating neutrophil autophagy and NET production may be a new target therapy for SA.
Long‐term reduction in food allergy susceptibility in mice by combining breastfeeding‐induced tolerance and TGF‐β‐enriched formula after weaning
Authors: Rekima A. , Macchiaverni P. , Turfkruyer M. , Holvoet S. , Dupuis L. , Baiz N. , Annesi‐Maesano I. , Mercenier A. , Nutten S. , Verhasselt V. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryBackgroundOral tolerance induction in early life is a promising approach for food allergy prevention. Its success requires the identification of factors necessary for its persistence.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess in mice duration of allergy prevention by breastfeeding‐induced oral tolerance and whether oral TGF‐β supplementation after weaning would prolong it.MethodsWe quantified ovalbumin (OVA) and OVA‐specific immunoglobulin levels by ELISA in milk from the EDEN birth cohort. As OVA‐specific Ig was found in all samples, we assessed whether OVA‐immunized mice exposed to OVA during lactation could prevent allergic diarrhoea in their 6‐ and 13‐week‐old progeny. In some experiments, a TGF‐β‐enriched formula was given after weaning.ResultsAt 6 weeks, only 13% and 34% of mice breastfed by OVA‐exposed mothers exhibited diarrhoea after six and seven OVA challenges vs. 44% and 72% in mice breastfed by naïve mothers (P = 0.02 and 0.01). Protection was associated with decreased levels of MMCP1 and OVA‐specific IgE (P < 0.0001). At 13 weeks, although OVA‐specific IgE remained low (P = 0.001), diarrhoea occurrence increased to 32% and 46% after six and seven OVA challenges in mice breastfed by OVA‐exposed mothers. MMCP1 levels were not significantly inhibited. Supplementation with TGF‐β after weaning induced a strong protection in 13‐week‐old mice breastfed by OVA‐exposed mothers compared with mice breastfed by naive mothers (0%, 13% and 32% of diarrhoea at the fifth, sixth and seventh challenges vs. 17, 42 and 78%; P = 0.05, 0.0043 and 0.0017). MMCP1 levels decreased by half compared with control mice (P = 0.02). Prolonged protection was only observed in mice rendered tolerant by breastfeeding and was associated with an improved gut barrier.ConclusionsIn mice, prevention of food allergy by breastfeeding‐induced tolerance is of limited duration. Nutritional intervention by TGF‐β supplementation after weaning could prolong beneficial effects of breast milk on food allergy prevention.
The colostomy impact score: development and validation of a patient reported outcome measure for rectal cancer patients with a permanent colostomy. A population‐based study
Authors: Thyø A. , Emmertsen K. J. , Pinkney T. D. , Christensen P. , Laurberg S. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimThe aim was to develop and validate a simple scoring system evaluating the impact of colostomy dysfunction on quality of life (QOL) in patients with a permanent stoma after rectal cancer treatment.MethodIn this population‐based study, 610 patients with a permanent colostomy after previous rectal cancer treatment during the period 2001–2007 completed two questionnaires: (i) the basic stoma questionnaire consisting of 22 items about stoma function with one anchor question addressing the overall stoma impact on QOL and (ii) the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ) C30. Answers from half of the cohort were used to develop the score and subsequently validated on the remaining half. Logistic regression analyses identified and selected items for the score and multivariate analysis established the score value allocated to each item.ResultsThe colostomy impact score includes seven items with a total range from 0 to 38 points. A score of ≥ 10 indicates major colostomy impact (Major CI). The score has a sensitivity of 85.7% for detecting patients with significant stoma impact on QOL. Using the EORTC QLQ scales, patients with Major CI experienced significant impairment in their QOL compared to the Minor CI group.ConclusionThis new scoring system appears valid for the assessment of the impact on QOL from having a permanent colostomy in a Danish rectal cancer population. It requires validation in non‐Danish populations prior to its acceptance as a valuable patient‐reported outcome measure for patients internationally.
The association between intensified medical treatment, time to surgery and ileocolic specimen length in Crohn's disease
Authors: de Groof E. J. , Gardenbroek T. J. , Buskens C. J. , Tanis P. J. , Ponsioen C. Y. , D'Haens G. R. A. M. , Bemelman W. A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimDuring the last decade, treatment protocols have changed for patients with ileocolic Crohn's disease. Anti‐tumour necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) has become part of standard medical treatment, usually in a step‐up approach. The aim was to analyse if improved medical treatment has resulted in more limited ileocolic resections and a longer interval between diagnosis and surgery.MethodPatients undergoing ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease were included (1999–2014). Patient characteristics were compared to the results of a population‐based study (between 2004 and 2010) previously performed in the catchment area of the present tertiary referral centre. Time trends were analysed using the Cochrane–Armitage trend, Spearman's correlation coefficient and linear regression.ResultsIn total, 195 patients undergoing ileocolic resection were included. Patient characteristics were not significantly different from the background cohort, confirming a representative study group. Sixty‐three patients were men (32.3%, median age at surgery 30.0 years, interquartile range 23.0–40.0). Anti‐TNF and immunomodulator use prior to surgery increased significantly during the study period (χ2 = 49.1, P < 0.001). Over the years, a significant increase in time from diagnosis to operation was found (median 39.0 months, interquartile range 12.0–86.0, rho 0.175, P = 0.014). The length of the resected ileum did not change significantly (median 20.0 cm, interquartile range 12.0–30.0, rho −0.107, P = 0.143). The number of fistulas or postoperative complications that needed re‐intervention was not significantly different between the groups with or without anti‐TNF.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that over time patients with ileocolic Crohn's disease who eventually underwent ileocolic resection have been treated more intensively medically; however, this did not result in reduced specimen size.
Core Intuitions About Persons Coexist and Interfere With Acquired Christian Beliefs About God
Authors: Barlev Michael , Mermelstein Spencer , German Tamsin C. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis study tested the hypothesis that in the minds of adult religious adherents, acquired beliefs about the extraordinary characteristics of God coexist with, rather than replace, an initial representation of God formed by co‐option of the evolved person concept. In three experiments, Christian religious adherents were asked to evaluate a series of statements for which core intuitions about persons and acquired Christian beliefs about God were consistent (i.e., true according to both [e.g., “God has beliefs that are true”] or false according to both [e.g., “All beliefs God has are false”]) or inconsistent (i.e., true on intuition but false theologically [e.g., “God has beliefs that are false”] or false on intuition but true theologically [e.g., “All beliefs God has are true”]). Participants were less accurate and slower to respond to inconsistent versus consistent statements, suggesting that the core intuitions both coexisted alongside and interfered with the acquired beliefs (Experiments 1 and 2). In Experiment 2 when responding under time pressure participants were disproportionately more likely to make errors on inconsistent versus consistent statements than when responding with no time pressure, suggesting that the resolution of interference requires cognitive resources the functioning of which decreases under cognitive load. In Experiment 3 a plausible alternative interpretation of these findings was ruled out by demonstrating that the response accuracy and time differences on consistent versus inconsistent statements occur for God—a supernatural religious entity—but not for a natural religious entity (a priest).
Children's Representation and Imitation of Events: How Goal Organization Influences 3‐Year‐Old Children's Memory for Action Sequences
Authors: Loucks Jeff , Mutschler Christina , Meltzoff Andrew N. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractChildren's imitation of adults plays a prominent role in human cognitive development. However, few studies have investigated how children represent the complex structure of observed actions which underlies their imitation. We integrate theories of action segmentation, memory, and imitation to investigate whether children's event representation is organized according to veridical serial order or a higher level goal structure. Children were randomly assigned to learn novel event sequences either through interactive hands‐on experience (Study 1) or via storybook (Study 2). Results demonstrate that children's representation of observed actions is organized according to higher level goals, even at the cost of representing the veridical temporal ordering of the sequence. We argue that prioritizing goal structure enhances event memory, and that this mental organization is a key mechanism of social‐cognitive development in real‐world, dynamic environments. It supports cultural learning and imitation in ecologically valid settings when social agents are multitasking and not demonstrating one isolated goal at a time.
More than marine: revealing the critical importance of mangrove ecosystems for terrestrial vertebrates
Authors: Rog Stefanie M. , Clarke Rohan H. , Cook Carly N. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimDespite mangrove forests spanning marine, freshwater and terrestrial realms, their function as terrestrial ecosystems has been largely ignored. In the light of the rapid global decline of mangroves, it is critical to build a more holistic understanding to plan for effective management of the whole ecosystem. This study examines the importance of mangrove forests for terrestrial vertebrates.LocationGlobal mangrove forests.MethodsAn extensive review of records of the use of global mangrove forests by the most poorly studied terrestrial vertebrate groups: mammals, reptiles and amphibians. We explored the species richness and distribution of these groups, along with their ecological characteristics. We also explored the relationship between animal and plant species richness across the distribution of mangrove forests.ResultsMangroves are used by a remarkable number of terrestrial mammal, reptile and amphibian species (n = 464); five times more than previously reported. The diversity of species uncovered by this study, almost half of which are of conservation concern, underscores the value of mangroves as terrestrial ecosystems. Most species were facultative users of mangroves; however, there are critical knowledge gaps in how these species interact with these ecosystems. We found a positive global correlation between animal and mangrove plant richness.Main conclusionsThis study highlights that mangrove forests are considerably more important for terrestrial animals than generally acknowledged. We present the most comprehensive review of the importance of mangrove forests for terrestrial vertebrates, but also reveal significant knowledge gaps in the ecology of these ecosystems. Our study uncovers evidence that these habitats may be increasingly important as refuges for species from anthropocentric disturbance. Our findings emphasize the importance of moving beyond viewing mangroves as marine ecosystems, towards recognizing their cross‐realm importance. Without such a shift, there will be significant limitations in our ability to manage and conserve these ecosystems.
Adolescents’ inhibitory control: keep it cool or lose control
Authors: Aïte Ania , Cassotti Mathieu , Linzarini Adriano , Osmont Anaïs , Houdé Olivier , Borst Grégoire 
Published: November 2016

AbstractInhibitory control (i.e., the ability to resist automatisms, temptations, distractions, or interference and to adapt to conflicting situations) is a determinant of cognitive and socio‐emotional development. In light of the discrepancies of previous findings on the development of inhibitory control in affectively charged contexts, two important issues need to be addressed. We need to determine (a) whether cool inhibitory control (in affectively neutral contexts) and hot inhibitory control (in affectively charged contexts) follow the same developmental pattern and (b) the degree of specificity of these two types of inhibitory control at different ages. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the developmental patterns of cool and hot inhibitory control and the degree of specificity of these abilities in children, adolescents and adults. Typically developing children, adolescents, and adults performed two Stroop‐like tasks: an affectively neutral one (Cool Stroop task) and an affectively charged one (Hot Stroop task). In the Cool Stroop task, the participants were asked to identify the ink color of the words independent of color that the words named; in the Hot Stroop task, the participants were asked to identify the emotional expression of a face independent of the emotion named by a simultaneously displayed written word. We found that cool inhibitory control abilities develop linearly with age, whereas hot inhibitory control abilities follow a quadratic developmental pattern, with adolescents displaying worse hot inhibitory control abilities than children and adults. In addition, cool and hot inhibitory control abilities were correlated in children but not in adolescents and adults. The present study suggests (a) that cool and hot inhibitory control abilities develop differently from childhood to adulthood – i.e., that cool inhibition follows a linear developmental pattern and hot inhibition follows an adolescent‐specific pattern – and (b) that they become progressively more domain‐specific with age.
Human gingival fibroblasts induced and differentiated into vascular endothelial‐like cells
Authors: Liu Xuqian , Wang Jie , Dong Fusheng , Li Hexiang , Hou Yali 
Published: November 2016

A novel method for repair of vascular disease, mechanical damage, and tissue rebuilding is urgently required. Vascular endothelial cells (VECs) play an essential role in vascular rebuilding and vasotransplantation. In the present study, human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were cultured and induced into endothelial‐like cells in vitro in order to confirm that HGFs with stem cell properties possessed the potential for differentiation into endothelial‐like cells. The epithelium was extracted from normal human gingiva consisting of epithelium and connective tissue, which was isolated from patients. The identification of HGFs and induced endothelial‐like cells were confirmed by flow cytometry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), immunocytochemical stain (ICS), and immunofluorescence stain (ISA). The morphology of human gingival fibroblasts with 8 ng/mL VEGF165 induced for different periods of days were observed by inverted microscope. Before induction, flow cytometry analysis showed that HGFs were positive for vimentin, but negative for CD31. RT–PCR, ICS, and ISA showed vimentin, S100A4, α‐SMA, collagen III, and S100A4 were specifically expressed in these fibroblast cells. After induction, ICS showed induced vascular endothelial‐like cells were positive for CD34 and CD31; ISA showed cells induced were positive for vWF and E‐cadherin; RT–PCR results demonstrated that tie2 was specifically expressed in the cells induced. Flow cytometry analysis of the transformation efficiency from HGFs to endothelial‐like cells. In conclusion, we found that HGFs possessed capacity for being induced and differentiated into vessel endothelial‐like cells with typical and specific morphological, ultrastructural, and immunological characters of endothelial‐like cells by induction with VEGF.
Prospective evaluation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3rd Edition in very‐low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Agarwal Pratibha K , Shi Luming , Daniel Lourdes M , Yang Phey Hong , Khoo Poh Choo , Quek Bin Huey , Zheng Qishi , Rajadurai Victor S 
Published: November 2016

AimTo evaluate the predictive and concurrent diagnostic agreement of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3rd Edition (ASQ‐3) with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd Edition (Bayley‐III) in infants born preterm and very‐low‐birthweight (PT/VLBW; ≤1250g).MethodWe evaluated 141 PT/VLBW infants (68 males, 73 females) born at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital between January 2010 and December 2011, to determine predictive and concurrent diagnostic agreement between the ASQ‐3 at 9, 12, 18, and 24 months corrected age and Bayley‐III at 24 months. Cut‐offs on the ASQ‐3 at 24 months were estimated by receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsSixty (43%) and 25 (18%) failed in any domain of the ASQ‐3 and Bayley‐III (<70) respectively. A negative predictive value (NPV) >98% was achieved for the motor domain from 9 months, and >90% for the communication domain and the overall results at 24 months. Optimal referral ASQ‐3 score at 24 months to achieve 100% NPV was 243.InterpretationIn PT/VLBW infants, ASQ‐3 screening at 24 months can reduce the need for costly psychometric assessments in children with normal results. Clinicians can be assured of normal motor development at 9 months using the ASQ‐3, but should continue to screen children on other domains.
Embryonic developmental process governing the conspicuousness of body stripes and blue tail coloration in the lizard Plestiodon latiscutatus
Authors: Kuriyama Takeo , Hasegawa Masami 
Published: November 2016

SUMMARYThe combination of body stripes and vivid blue tail color has independently evolved in different lizard families. To understand how and when lizards developed this coloration, we microscopically compared the embryonic development of pigment cells in two island populations of Plestiodon latiscutatus that exhibit either striped and blue tailed or inconspicuously striped and blue tailed juveniles, based on the newly determined 12 normal developmental stages of embryos from shortly after egg laying to just before hatching. We focus on the role of the melanophores in the body stripe and the role of iridophore morphotypes in the extent of blue tail coloration. The melanophore density in the black background region was higher in lizards with vivid stripes than in lizards with drab stripes. Iridophores started to fill the dermal space that was not yet occupied by melanophores, which resulted in a higher iridophore density in stripes than in the inter‐stripe regions. We also discovered that iridophores with thin platelets reflecting blue structural coloration appeared at a specific region in the tail at stage 11. The position of the tail where iridophores emerged coincided with the boundary area separating anterior brown and green colored tail from posterior blue colored tail after hatching.
Culture and its influences on dental education
Authors: Chuenjitwongsa S. , Bullock A. , Oliver R. G. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIntroductionCulture is an important factor influencing how students develop learning and how educators provide support to students. The aim of this paper is to explore a concept of national European cultures, and relationships between culture and educational practice with the intention of helping the dental profession gain a better understanding of effective teaching and learning in dentistry.ContentCulture represents the collective behaviours, values and beliefs of people in a society. How people react to education is partly explained by culture. Students utilise different culturally based strategies to develop learning. We apply Hofstede's model to explore European cultures and implications for dental education and educational practice. Most Western students possess assimilating learning styles enabling them to learn effectively in student‐centred contexts while most Eastern students have accommodating learning styles and are more familiar with teacher‐centred learning. Eastern students may need to adapt their approach to learning to better benefit from student‐centred learning.ConclusionCulture influences students’ learning and educational practice. Dental educators should be aware of such influences and provide support that acknowledges students’ different cultural backgrounds. Cultural competence is fundamental for effective teaching and learning in dentistry.
Basic Self‐Awareness
Authors: Billon Alexandre 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBasic self‐awareness is the kind of self‐awareness reflected in our standard use of the first‐person. Patients suffering from severe forms of depersonalization often feel reluctant to use the first‐person and can even, in delusional cases, avoid it altogether, systematically referring to themselves in the third‐person. Even though it has been neglected since then, depersonalization has been extensively studied, more than a century ago, and used as probe for understanding the nature and the causal mechanisms of basic self‐awareness. In this paper, I argue that depersonalized patients indeed have an impaired basic self‐awareness, and that their study allows us both to favor one specific theory of basic self‐awareness and to understand what is wrong with its rivals. According to the favored theory, which I call Cartesian, we are basically self‐aware in virtue of being acquainted with ourselves through introspection.