bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining an epithelial repair factor and anti‐fibrotic with a corticosteroid offers optimal treatment for allergic airways disease
Authors: Patel K P , Giraud A S , Samuel C S , Royce S G 
Published: April 2016

Background and PurposeWe evaluated the extent to which individual versus combination treatments that specifically target airway epithelial damage [trefoil factor‐2 (TFF2)], airway fibrosis [serelaxin (RLX)] or airway inflammation [dexamethasone (DEX)] reversed the pathogenesis of chronic allergic airways disease (AAD).Experimental ApproachFollowing induction of ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced chronic AAD in 6–8 week female Balb/c mice, animals were i.p. administered naphthalene (NA) on day 64 to induce epithelial damage, then received daily intranasal administration of RLX (0.8 mg·mL−1), TFF2 (0.5 mg·mL−1), DEX (0.5 mg·mL−1), RLX + TFF2 or RLX + TFF2 + DEX from days 67–74. On day 75, lung function was assessed by invasive plethysmography, before lung tissue was isolated for analyses of various measures. The control group was treated with saline + corn oil (vehicle for NA).Key ResultsOVA + NA‐injured mice demonstrated significantly increased airway inflammation, airway remodelling (AWR) (epithelial damage/thickness; subepithelial myofibroblast differentiation, extracellular matrix accumulation and fibronectin deposition; total lung collagen concentration), and significantly reduced airway dynamic compliance (cDyn). RLX + TFF2 markedly reversed several measures of OVA + NA‐induced AWR and normalized the reduction in cDyn. The combined effects of RLX + TFF2 + DEX significantly reversed peribronchial inflammation score, airway epithelial damage, subepithelial extracellular matrix accumulation/fibronectin deposition and total lung collagen concentration (by 50–90%) and also normalized the reduction of cDyn.Conclusions and ImplicationsCombining an epithelial repair factor and anti‐fibrotic provides an effective means of treating the AWR and dysfunction associated with AAD/asthma and may act as an effective adjunct therapy to anti‐inflammatory corticosteroids.
An improved approach for geocoding Canadian postal code–based data in health‐related studies
Authors: Rosu Andrei , Chen Dongmei 
Published: April 2016

Key Messages

An enhanced postal code geocoding approach improves positional accuracy compared to the traditional approach.
The improved geocoded postal codes were in closer proximity to residential areas by approximately 25 m at the urban level and 300 m at the rural level for Ontario.
The improvement in positional accuracy can potentially reduce bias and false conclusions in public health and other population‐based studies.
A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing computer‐assisted cognitive rehabilitation, stimulant medication, and an active control in the treatment of ADHD
Authors: Azami Saeed , Moghadas Alireza , Sohrabi‐Esmrood Faramarz , Nazifi Morteza , Mirmohamad Mahdieh , Hemmati Fatemeh , Ahmadi Ameneh , Hamzeh‐poor Pariya , Khari Saeedeh , Lakes Kimberley 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundThis research aimed to compare computer‐assisted cognitive rehabilitation (CACR) psychostimulants (MED) and placebo CACR (PCACR) in the treatment of ADHD using a multiarm parallel design.MethodsThirty‐four boys with ADHD, aged 7–12, were randomly assigned to either CACR (n = 12), MED (n = 11), or PCACR (n = 11). However, the study was not blinded and medication doses might be suboptimal given the lack of titration. Continuous performance test, Tower‐of‐London, forward/backward digit span, span board, Raven's progressive matrices, and SNAP‐IV were completed at baseline, posttest, and follow‐up.ResultsComputer‐assisted cognitive rehabilitation outperformed both MED and PCACR on backward digit span at posttest and PCACR at follow‐up. CACR outperformed PCACR and MED on forward digit span at posttest and PCACR at follow‐up. CACR outperformed MED on span board at posttest. CACR outperformed PCACR and MED on Raven's matrices at posttest. CACR and PCACR scored lower than MED on ADHD‐PHI at posttest. CACR scored lower than MED on ADHD‐C at posttest.ConclusionsImmediately after interventions, CACR improved certain simple executive functions (EFs) as much as active stimulant medication. On complex EFs, CACR was superior to active stimulant medication and PCACR. CACR reduced behavioral symptoms of ADHD more than active stimulant medication. However, at 3‐month follow‐up, maintenance of the CACR gains was weak.
Early Life Stress: What Is the Human Chapter of the Mammalian Story?
Authors: Gunnar Megan R. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAbout the time I started kindergarten, a researcher in a laboratory far away picked up a baby rat, handled it briefly, and returned it to the nest. The rat grew up to be resilient to stress, as did its brothers and sisters who were also handled. The effect was traced to changes in the brain's regulation of the body's stress and emotion systems. Thus was born the field of early experiences and stress. Years later, as a research assistant, I pondered why babies cried when uncontrollable toys made loud noises and stumbled into the same field of early experiences and stress. I have spent more than 35 years trying to use our vast knowledge of the neurobiology of stress and development in animals to understand how adverse care during early human development affects physical and mental health. This essay traces my own development as I have sought to understand the human chapter in this mammalian story.
Five‐year change in refraction and its ocular components in the 40‐ to 64‐year‐old population of the Shahroud eye cohort study
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Iribarren Rafael , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Fotouhi Akbar 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundTo assess 5‐year refractive changes and their related factors in the 40‐ to 64‐year‐old population of Shahroud, Iran.DesignProspective cohort study.ParticipantsOf the 5190 participants of Phase I, 4737 participated in Phase II (response rate = 91.3%).MethodsParticipants were tested by refraction, visual acuity, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy and biometry. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent more negative than −0.5 dioptre (D) and hyperopia as a spherical equivalent more positive than +0.5 D.Main Outcome MeasuresMean 5‐year change in spherical equivalent refraction.ResultsThe mean 5‐year change in spherical equivalent refraction was +0.24 D (95% CI: +0.22 to +0.25). After 5 years, 4.77% (95% CI: 4.08 to 5.46) of subjects developed at least 0.5 D of myopia and 22.27% (95% CI: 20.97 to 23.57) developed at least 0.5 D of hyperopia. Five‐year changes in refraction included a hyperopic shift in all age groups. The greatest hyperopic shift was seen in middle‐aged women. The greatest loss of lens power was observed in hyperopic women and the least in myopic men. Nuclear cataract was associated with a myopic shift in refraction. The axial length and the corneal power had very small changes during this period. Myopes showed the greatest increase in axial length. Corneal power increased by a very small amount in all refractive groups.ConclusionsThe most important biometric index related to hyperopic shifts, which were greater in magnitude in women, was loss of lens power, whereas nuclear cataract was associated with myopic shifts.
Early identification of cerebral visual impairments in infants born extremely preterm
Authors: Pel Johan J M , Dudink Jeroen , Vonk Mark , Plaisier Annemarie , Reiss Irwin K M , van der Steen Johannes 
Published: April 2016

AimChildren born extremely preterm are at risk of visual processing problems related to brain damage. Damage in visual pathways can remain undetected by conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional consequences cannot always be predicted. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of processing visual information in infants born extremely preterm at a corrected age of 1 year using a communication‐free visual function test based on eye tracking.MethodInfants born extremely preterm (<29wks’ gestation) without apparent white and grey matter damage on conventional MRI at 30 weeks’ postmenstrual age were included (19 males, 1.01y [0.96–1.24] (median [25th–75th centiles]); 11 females, 0.99y [0.98–1.01]). At the corrected age of 1 year, reaction times to fixation (RTF) of specific visual properties displayed on an eye‐tracker monitor were quantified and compared with results from a comparison group (eight males, 1.28y [1.01–1.33]; nine females, 1.10y [0.90–1.20]).ResultsThe infants in the preterm group had longer response times in detecting colour patterns (red–green) and motion compared with infants in the comparison group. No impairments were detected in oculomotor functions (saccades, pursuit, and fixations).InterpretationThe data suggest that delays in processing visual information can be identified in children born extremely preterm. The delays might be ascribed to deficits in neuronal connectivity in visual pathways at a microstructural level.
Magnetic resonance imaging arterial‐spin‐labelling perfusion alterations in childhood migraine with atypical aura: a case–control study
Authors: Boulouis Grégoire , Shotar Eimad , Dangouloff‐Ros Volodia , Grévent David , Calmon Raphaël , Brunelle Francis , Naggara Olivier , Kossorotoff Manoelle , Boddaert Nathalie 
Published: April 2016

AimAtypical migraine with aura can be challenging to diagnose. Arterial‐spin‐labelling (ASL) is able to non‐invasively quantify brain perfusion. Our aim was to report cerebral blood flow (CBF) alterations using ASL, at the acute phase of atypical migraine with aura in children.MethodPaediatric patients were retrospectively included if (1) referred for acute neurological deficit(s), (2) underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at presentation with ASL sequence, and (3) had subsequent diagnosis of migraine with aura. Neurological symptom‐free controls were matched for age. Twenty‐eight regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on CBF maps for each participant/control.ResultsTen patients were included (median age 13y, range 8–16y). Eight of 10 had multiple aura symptoms during the episode. For every patient, CBF was decreased in a brain region consistent with symptoms when MRI was performed less than 14 hours after onset (n=7 patients) and increased if the MRI was performed 17 hours or more after (n=4 MRIs).InterpretationMRI–ASL appears to be a promising tool for the diagnostic workup and differentials exclusion in paediatric migraine with aura. Constant and time‐consistent non‐territorial CBF modifications were found in our sample providing additional insight to migraine with aura pathophysiology. The authors encourage implementing this sequence at the acute phase of unexplained paediatric neurological deficits, with or without accompanying headache.
Aliskiren directly improves endothelial progenitor cell function from Type II diabetic patients
Authors: Chang Ting‐Ting , Wu Tao‐Cheng , Huang Po‐Hsun , Chen Jia‐Shiong , Lin Liang‐Yu , Lin Shing‐Jong , Chen Jaw‐Wen 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundEndothelial progenitor cell (EPC) functions are impaired in the presence of diabetes mellitus. Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor, which is expected to modify proangiogenic cells. This study aimed to investigate whether and how aliskiren could improve the function of EPCs from patients with type II diabetes (T2DM).Materials and methodsEndothelial progenitor cells fibronectin adhesion assay, chamber assay and in vitro tube formation assay were used to estimate the degree of EPC adhesion, migration and tube formation abilities. EPC protein and mRNA expressions were evaluated by Western blot and quantitative RT‐PCR, respectively. EPC vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) expression was knocked down by VEGF and (P)RR siRNA.ResultsAliskiren (0·1 or 10 μM) dose‐dependently improved functions and increased both VEGF and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) expression of EPCs from patients with T2DM or EPCs from healthy volunteers and treated with high glucose. Transfection with VEGF siRNA significantly reduced the aliskiren‐induced SDF‐1α expression. Furthermore, (P)RR siRNA transfection impaired the aliskiren‐induced VEGF and SDF‐1 expression.ConclusionsThe results show that aliskiren improved EPC function from patients with T2DM in a dose‐dependent manner probably via the (P)RR and VEGF/SDF‐1α‐related mechanisms.
Endohyphal bacteria from fungal endophytes of the Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) exhibit in vitro bioactivity
Authors: Pakvaz S. , Soltani J. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryEndohyphal organisms of endophytic fungi can induce, or promote, beneficial effects of their respective host fungi to the host plant that harbours them. The Cupressaceae plant family (Coniferales) hosts highly bioactive endophytic fungi. Here, we show that a fraction of such endophytic fungi harbours bioactive endohyphal bacteria with a non‐obligatory symbiotic lifestyle. Indeed, 5 of 16 (31.25%) endophytic fungi of Cupressus sempervirens harboured endofungal bacterial strains of Bacillaceae (G+, Bacilli) and Sphingomonadaceae (G−, α‐Proteobacteria), that is Bacillus pumilus (from the fungi Leptosphaeria CSE211 and Pyrenochaeta CSE134), Bacillus subtilis (from the fungi Leptosphaeria CSE212 and Ascorhizoctonia CSE148) and Sphingomonas paucimobilis (from the fungus Ascorhizoctonia CSE195). Notably, each endophytic fungal species contained only one endofungal bacterial species that was stably maintained in symbiosis over several rounds of subculturing. Moreover, we investigated whether cypress endofungal bacteria (CEB) could benefit their host fungus competing with other fungi and bacteria or the host plant against the invading microorganisms. In vitro assays indicated that CEB possessed antagonistic activity against cypress endophytic and pathogenic microbiome. Also, CEB metabolites and volatile compounds (VOCs) exhibited antifungal and antibacterial activity against the target microbiome. Bioactivity of CEB was less than that of the endophytic microbiome of Cupressaceae, on which we reported earlier. In conclusion, our work is the first to document endohyphal bacteria of fungal endophytes of C. sempervirens and the bioactivity of such endohyphal symbionts. These findings implicate a complicated interrelationship among host plant, endophytic microbiome and endofungal bacteria, which might be of high importance for evolutionary, as well as environmental and agricultural studies. Eventually, endohyphal bacteria may be introduced as a novel source for lead molecule discovery.
Allegiance and knowledge levels of professionals working with early intensive behavioural intervention in autism
Authors: Långh Ulrika , Hammar Martin , Klintwall Lars , Bölte Sven 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimEarly intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often delivered using a community model. Behaviour modification experts train and supervise non‐experts (e.g. preschool personnel) to teach children according to applied behaviour analysis principles in their natural environment. Several factors predict EIBI outcomes in ASD, for example, knowledge of EIBI and EIBI allegiance among trainers. The aim of the present study was to survey levels of knowledge about and allegiance towards EIBI.MethodsFormal knowledge of EIBI and EIBI allegiance was surveyed in supervised preschool staff conducting EIBI (n = 33), preschool staff not involved in EIBI (n = 26), behaviour modification experts (n = 60), school staff (n = 25) and parents of children with ASD (n = 150) [N = 294]. A 27‐item (15 knowledge and 12 allegiance questions) online questionnaire was collected.ResultsSupervised preschool staff conducting EIBI had more knowledge than preschool staff not using EIBI, but they were not more allegiant. Compared with behaviour modification experts, the supervised EIBI preschool staff group showed markedly less knowledge and allegiance.ConclusionsFindings indicate potential for improvement regarding formal knowledge levels of preschool staff delivering EIBI to children with ASD in real‐world settings. In addition, fostering EIBI allegiance might be prioritized when teaching EIBI among non‐experts. Broadly increased EIBI knowledge levels among all preschool teachers should be achieved by adding behaviour modification techniques to common university curricula in preschool education. Allegiance of preschool personnel might be accomplished by EIBI supervisors meeting skepticism in practice with conveyance of evidence‐based principles and discussions of ethical issues.
Neurovestibular analysis and falls in Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonism
Authors: Venhovens J. , Meulstee J. , Bloem B. R. , Verhagen W. I. M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe primary aim of our study was to determine the extent of vestibular dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Our secondary aim was to determine if vestibular dysfunction in PD is a risk factor for falling. The tertiary aim was to determine both the extent of vestibular dysfunction and if this dysfunction is a risk factor for falling in patients with atypical parkinsonism (AP). Twenty‐five healthy subjects, 30 PD patients and 14 AP patients were matched for age and gender in a case‐control study design. All subjects underwent clinical neurological and neurotological assessments, cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs), subjective visual vertical measurements, and videonystagmography with caloric and rotatory chair stimulation. Ninety per cent of PD patients (27 of 30) and all 14 AP patients had signs of vestibular dysfunction on laboratory examinations. The evoked potential (VEMPs and BAEPs) test results of PD patients showed significant prolongation of the p13, n1 and interpeak III–V latencies on the symptomatic brainstem side (0.003 ≤ P ≤ 0.019) compared with healthy subjects. Also, vestibular testing abnormalities were correlated with an increased risk for falling when fallers among PD and AP patients were compared with the non‐fallers (P ≤ 0.001). To conclude, vestibular dysfunction on vestibular laboratory testing is highly prevalent in both PD and AP patients compared with healthy subjects, and is associated with an increased risk for falling.
Toll‐Interleukin 1 Receptor domain‐containing adaptor protein positively regulates BV2 cell M1 polarization
Authors: Gong Leilei , Wang Hanxiang , Sun Xiaolei , Liu Chun , Duan Chengwei , Cai Rixin , Gu Xingxing , Zhu Shunxing 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMicroglial activation, including classical (M1) and alternative (M2) activation, plays important roles in the development of several central nervous system disorders and promotes tissue reconstruction. Toll‐like receptor (TLR)4 is important for microglial polarization. TIR domain‐containing adaptor protein (TIRAP) is an intracellular adaptor protein, which is responsible for the early phase of TLR4 activation. The role of TIRAP in BV2 cell M1 polarization is still unknown. In this study, we showed that TIRAP expression is greatly elevated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon (IFN)‐γ‐treated microglia. TIRAP overexpression promoted BV2 microglial M1 polarization by increasing M1‐related marker production (inducible nitric oxide synthase, CD86, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐α). In contrast, TIRAP knockdown prevented M1‐related marker production. Mechanistically, TIRAP could interact with TNF Receptor‐Associated Factor 6 (TRAF6) to increase M1‐related marker production in TIRAP overexpressed and LPS/IFN‐γ‐treated BV2 cells. In addition, silencing of TIRAP effectively inhibited the activation of the Transforming Growth Factor‐Beta‐Activated Kinase 1/I‐Kappa‐B Kinase /Nuclear Factor of Kappa Light Polypeptide Gene Enhancer in B‐Cells (TAK1/IKK/NF‐κB) signalling pathway and the phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen‐activated protein kinases, which were activated by LPS/IFN‐γ stimulation. Thus, our results suggest that TIRAP positively regulated BV2 microglial M1 polarization through TLR4‐mediated TAK1/IKK/NF‐κB, mitogen‐activated protein kinases and Akt signalling pathways.
Determinants of brain metabolism changes in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Chassoux Francine , Artiges Eric , Semah Franck , Desarnaud Serge , Laurent Agathe , Landre Elisabeth , Gervais Philippe , Devaux Bertrand , Helal Ourkia Badia 
Published: April 2016

SummaryObjectiveTo determine the main factors influencing metabolic changes in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) due to hippocampal sclerosis (HS).MethodsWe prospectively studied 114 patients with MTLE (62 female; 60 left HS; 15‐ to 56‐year‐olds) with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography and correlated the results with the side of HS, structural atrophy, electroclinical features, gender, age at onset, epilepsy duration, and seizure frequency. Imaging processing was performed using statistical parametric mapping.ResultsIpsilateral hypometabolism involved temporal (mesial structures, pole, and lateral cortex) and extratemporal areas including the insula, frontal lobe, perisylvian regions, and thalamus, more extensively in right HS (RHS). A relative increase of metabolism (hypermetabolism) was found in the nonepileptic temporal lobe and in posterior areas bilaterally. Voxel‐based morphometry detected unilateral hippocampus atrophy and gray matter concentration decrease in both frontal lobes, more extensively in left HS (LHS). Regardless of the structural alterations, the topography of hypometabolism correlated strongly with the extent of epileptic networks (mesial, anterior‐mesiolateral, widespread mesiolateral, and bitemporal according to the ictal spread), which were larger in RHS. Notably, widespread perisylvian and bitemporal hypometabolism was found only in RHS. Mirror hypermetabolism was grossly proportional to the hypometabolic areas, coinciding partly with the default mode network. Gender‐related effect was significant mainly in the contralateral frontal lobe, in which metabolism was higher in female patients. Epilepsy duration correlated with the contralateral temporal metabolism, positively in LHS and negatively in RHS. Opposite results were found with age at onset. High seizure frequency correlated negatively with the contralateral metabolism in LHS.SignificanceEpileptic networks, as assessed by electroclinical correlations, appear to be the main determinant of hypometabolism in MTLE. Compensatory mechanisms reflected by a relative hypermetabolism in the nonepileptic temporal lobe and in extratemporal areas seem more efficient in LHS and in female patients, whereas long duration, late onset of epilepsy, and high seizure frequency may reduce these adaptive changes.
A simple damage model for concrete considering irreversible mode‐II microcracks
Authors: Yu Z. , Shan Z. , Ouyang Z. , Guo F. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA simple damage model with the concept of mode‐II microcracks on crack wall contributing to the irreversible strains for concrete is developed. By applying the micromechanics method, a microcell‐based damage model is introduced to understand the damage behaviour. Further, by introducing the physical interpretation of the damage variable using thermodynamic method, a novel damage variable (irreversible‐damage variable) is proposed to describe the irrecoverable strains generated by both mode‐II microcracks and irreversible‐frictional sliding. With this methodology, a simple continuum damage mechanics model is developed in which both elastic and irreversible damages are considered. As demonstrated by the comparison with experimental results, the proposed model is characterized by accuracy of solutions, sufficiency of physical sense and convenience of implementation.