bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The male ScreenING Study: prevalence of HPV‐related genital and anal lesions in an urban cohort of HIV‐positive men in Germany
Authors: Fuchs W. , Wieland U. , Skaletz‐Rorowski A. , Brockmeyer N.H. , Swoboda J. , Kreuter A. , Michalik C. , Potthoff A. ,   the Competence Network for HIV/AIDS
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundHuman papillomaviruses (HPV) induce condylomata, anogenital cancers and their precursor lesions as anal or penile intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN/PIN). HIV‐positive individuals have an increased risk for the development of anogenital HPV‐induced lesions.ObjectiveEstimation of the prevalence of HPV‐related anogenital benign and malignant lesions in HIV‐infected men attending a screening programme.MethodsFour hundred HIV‐positive men [98% men who have sex with men (MSM)] were enrolled in this prospective study from 2008 to 2011. All patients received an inspection of the anogenital region, digital rectal examination, high‐resolution anoscopy (HRA), anal cytology, anal/penile histology if required, and HPV‐typing of anal and penile swabs.ResultsAt baseline, 75% (n = 302) of the men had abnormal anal cytological/histological results. 41% presented with low‐grade (n = 164), 24% with high‐grade anal dysplasia (n = 95) and two men with invasive anal cancer. 2.3% had PIN (n = 9) and one patient had penile cancer at baseline. Throughout the study period, 75% had anal dysplasia (low‐grade n = 177, high‐grade n = 125), 3.3% (n = 13) had PIN and two further patients developed anal cancer. Within the study period, 52.8% (n = 211) had condylomata (49% anal, 15% penile, 11% anal plus penile condylomata). At baseline, 88.5% of anal and 39.3% of penile swabs were HPV‐DNA positive, and 77.8% of anal and 26.5% of penile swabs carried high‐risk HPV‐types. HPV16 was the most frequent HPV‐type.ConclusionHIV‐positive MSM have a high risk for HPV‐induced condylomata, (pre)malignant anogenital lesions and anogenital cancers. Screening for HPV‐induced dysplasia is crucial to avoid progression to invasive carcinomas. Additionally, HPV‐vaccination recommendations should be extended to high‐risk populations.
The Role of Mothers' Communication in Promoting Motivation for Math and Science Course‐Taking in High School
Authors: Hyde Janet S. , Canning Elizabeth A. , Rozek Christopher S. , Clarke Emily , Hulleman Chris S. , Harackiewicz Judith M. 
Published: February 2016

In the context of concerns about American youths' failure to take advanced math and science (MS) courses in high school, we examined mothers' communication with their adolescent about takingMScourses. At ninth grade, U.S. mothers (n = 130) were interviewed about their responses to hypothetical questions from their adolescent about the usefulness of algebra, geometry, calculus, biology, chemistry, and physics. Responses were coded for elaboration and making personal connections to the adolescent. The number of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses taken in 12th grade was obtained from school records. Mothers' use of personal connections predicted adolescents'MSinterest and utility value, as well as actualMScourse‐taking. Parents can play an important role in motivating their adolescent to takeMScourses.
Cicca acida L.: phytochemistry and pharmacological studies
Authors: Ghosh Tarafdar Ramananda , Nath Sushmita , Das Talukdar Anupam , Dutta Choudhury Manabendra 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Cicca acida L., is reported with traditional and pharmacological uses, and a good number of pure compounds have been isolated from its different parts. But published information is sporadic and fragmentary in nature. Therefore, it is imperative to have a comprehensive account of all of its medicinal potentialities with critical analysis. In this review, the traditional reports, phytochemical and pharmacology studies associated with Cicca acida have been compiled to figure out the net possibilities for its application in modern medicine.

Key findings
Careful scrutiny reveals that the plant possesses a huge range of medicinal properties, but published report analysis suggests that the plant is effectively used as antibacterial, hepatoprotective, anticonceptive and antidiabetic purposes. The published papers revealed the bioactivity of only 04 compounds. This indicates that a good number of isolated major compounds of this plant are yet to be pharmacologically investigated.

Conclusion
Intensive study of Cicca acida showed that despite of its plentiful isolated molecules, the effort leading to final product stage seems to be less. Therefore, the plant and its compounds need concentrated effort towards establishment of its therapeutic potentialities.
Influence of retinoic acid on human gingival epithelial barriers
Authors: Groeger S. , Jarzina F. , Windhorst A. , Meyle J. 
Published: February 2016

Background and ObjectivesThe gingival epithelium plays an important role in the protection of oral tissues from microbial challenge. Oral keratinocytes form a barrier and show various cellular contacts, including tight junctions (TJ). To analyse the barrier function in vitro the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) is commonly used. Retinoic acid (RA) is an important signalling molecule in most tissues, including epithelial differentiation. RA signalling is mediated through three RA receptors. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of RA on human gingival barriers in vitro.Material and MethodsImmortalized human gingival keratinocytes were seeded on culture plate inserts. The effect of RA with and without infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis W83 on the barrier was analysed by TER measurements. The expression of TJ proteins was investigated by western blot.ResultsDuring differentiation, mean TER increased from 16 (1 h), 43 (4 h) to 62 (6 h) Ohm × cm2. Addition of 15 μm RA increased TER by +19 after 1 h, +25 after 4 h and +16 Ohm × cm2 after 6 h. The pan‐RA receptor inhibitor BMS 493 resulted in TER values comparable to the control. The mean established TER of the control was approximately 110 Ohm × cm2. Addition of 15 μm RA elevated TER to 127 Ohm × cm2 after 1 h, 150 Ohm × cm2 after 4 h and 189 Ohm × cm2 after 6 h (p ≤ 0.01). RA plus infection with P. gingivalis W83 further increased the TER increasing effect but could not prevent the destruction of TER induced by bacterial infection. The protein expression of the TJ proteins claudin 4 and occludin was enhanced while ZO‐1 was downregulated after 1 h of RA incubation.ConclusionRA provides barrier‐positive elements to the gingival epithelial cell model that is accompanied by altered expression of TJ proteins.
Correlation of Urine and Serum Biomarkers with Renal Damage and Survival in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Proteinuric Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hokamp J.A. , Cianciolo R.E. , Boggess M. , Lees G.E. , Benali S.L. , Kovarsky M. , Nabity M.B. 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundUrine protein loss is common in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate new biomarkers of glomerular and tubulointerstitial (TI) damage compared with histology and as survival indicators in dogs with naturally occurring, proteinuric CKD.AnimalsOne hunderd and eighty dogs with naturally occurring kidney disease.MethodsRetrospective study using urine, serum, and renal biopsies from dogs with kidney disease, 91% of which had proteinuric CKD. Biomarkers were evaluated and correlated with pathologic renal damage, and significant associations, sensitivities, and specificities of biomarkers for renal disease type were determined.ResultsFractional excretions of immunogloblin M (IgM_FE) and immunoglobulin G (IgG_FE) correlated most strongly with glomerular damage based on light microscopy (r = 0.58 and 0.56, respectively; P < .01). Serum creatinine (SCr) correlated most strongly with TI damage (r = 0.70, P < .01). Urine IgM/creatinine and urine NAG/creatinine had the highest sensitivity (75%) and specificity (78%) for detection of immune complex‐mediated glomerulonephritis. Although individually most biomarkers were significantly associated with decreased survival time (P < .05), in a multivariate analysis, SCr, IgM_FE, and glomerular damage based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were the only biomarkers significantly associated with survival time (SCr: P = .001; IgM_FE: P = .008; TEM: P = .017).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceNovel urine biomarkers and FEs are useful for detection of glomerular and TI damage in dogs with proteinuric CKD and might predict specific disease types and survival.
Review: Novel treatment strategies targeting alpha‐synuclein in multiple system atrophy as a model of synucleinopathy
Authors: Valera E. , Monzio Compagnoni G. , Masliah E. 
Published: February 2016

Neurodegenerative disorders with alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn) accumulation (synucleinopathies) include Parkinson's disease (PD), PD dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Due to the involvement of toxic α‐syn aggregates in the molecular origin of these disorders, developing effective therapies targeting α‐syn is a priority as a disease‐modifying alternative to current symptomatic treatments. Importantly, the clinical and pathological attributes of MSA make this disorder an excellent candidate as a synucleinopathy model for accelerated drug development. Recent therapeutic strategies targeting α‐syn in in vivo and in vitro models of MSA, as well as in clinical trials, have been focused on the pathological mechanisms of α‐syn synthesis, aggregation, clearance, and/or cell‐to‐cell propagation of its neurotoxic conformers. Here we summarize the most relevant approaches in this direction, with emphasis on their potential as general synucleinopathy modifiers, and enumerate research areas for potential improvement in MSA drug discovery.
Increased motor axonal persistent sodium currents predict rapid functional declines in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Shibuya Kazumoto , Misawa Sonoko , Kimura Hideki , Noto Yu‐ichi , Sekiguchi Yukari , Iwai Yuta , Shimizu Toshio , Mizuno Toshiki , Nakagawa Masanori , Kuwabara Satoshi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have shown that increased motor axonal excitability is associated with shorter survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.AimTo study the axonal excitability properties related with motor functional decline.MethodsA total of 60 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients were prospectively evaluated at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Motor function was evaluated with the revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale. Multiple axonal excitability indices, such as strength‐duration time constant (a measure of persistent sodium currents), supernormality and threshold electrotonus, were measured in median nerve motor axons at the wrist. Univariate and multivariate mixed model analyses were used to examine whether clinical and neurophysiological factors were associated with a decline of revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale scores.ResultsIn univariate analyses, revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale changes were significantly worse in patients with longer strength‐duration time constant (P = 0.034) and lower vital capacity (P = 0.012). Age, sex, onset site and other excitability indices did not relate with speed of motor decline. Multivariate analysis also showed the longer strength‐duration time constant (P = 0.021) and decreased vital capacity (P = 0.020) groups were significantly associated with rapid revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale declines.ConclusionsGreater axonal persistent sodium currents in motor axons are presumably associated with more rapid functional declines in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Suppression of persistent sodium currents could be a treatment option for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy after methanol poisoning
Authors: Naito Hiroyuki , Kurashige Takashi , Kobayashi Megumi , Naito Kasane , Naka Hiromitsu , Tokinobu Hiroshi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA 27‐year‐old Japanese man ingested methanol. He presented with reduced vision and lost consciousness after 2 days. He became comatose and developed metabolic acidosis, but improved and was discharged after 18 days. A brain magnetic resonance imaging–fluid attenuation inversion recovery sequence showed lesions in the putamen, caudate nucleus and subcortical white matter of both cerebral hemispheres. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed a low N‐acetylaspartate level, and high choline and lactic acid levels in the right putamen lesion, indicating that recovery coincided with symptom improvement. These magnetic resonance spectroscopy features might reflect the neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction and anaerobic glycolysis caused by the effect of formic acid, a metabolite of methanol.
Evolutionary dynamics and biogeography ofMusaceae reveal a correlation between the diversification of the banana family and the geological and climatic history of Southeast Asia
Authors: Janssens Steven B. , Vandelook Filip , De Langhe Edmond , Verstraete Brecht , Smets Erik , Vandenhouwe Ines , Swennen Rony 
Published: February 2016

SummaryTropical Southeast Asia, which harbors most of the Musaceae biodiversity, is one of the most species‐rich regions in the world. Its high degree of endemism is shaped by the region's tectonic and climatic history, with large differences between northern Indo‐Burma and the Malayan Archipelago. Here, we aim to find a link between the diversification and biogeography of Musaceae and geological history of the Southeast Asian subcontinent.The Musaceae family (including fiveEnsete, 45Musaand oneMusellaspecies) was dated using a large phylogenetic framework encompassing 163 species from all Zingiberales families. Evolutionary patterns within Musaceae were inferred using ancestral area reconstruction and diversification rate analyses.All three Musaceae genera –Ensete,MusaandMusella– originated in northern Indo‐Burma during the early Eocene.Musaspecies dispersed from ‘northwest to southeast’ into Southeast Asia with only few back‐dispersals towards northern Indo‐Burma.Musaceae colonization events of the Malayan Archipelago subcontinent are clearly linked to the geological and climatic history of the region.Musaspecies were only able to colonize the region east of Wallace's line after the availability of emergent land from the late Miocene onwards.
Plant VAP27 proteins: domain characterization, intracellular localization and role in plant development
Authors: Wang Pengwei , Richardson Christine , Hawkins Timothy J. , Sparkes Imogen , Hawes Chris , Hussey Patrick J. 
Published: February 2016

Summary

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is connected to the plasma membrane (PM) through the plant‐specific NETWORKED protein, NET3C, and phylogenetically conserved vesicle‐associated membrane protein‐associated proteins (VAPs).

Ten VAP homologues (VAP27‐1 to 27‐10) can be identified in the Arabidopsis genome and can be divided into three clades. Representative members from each clade were tagged with fluorescent protein and expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Proteins from clades I and III localized to the ER as well as to ER/PM contact sites (EPCSs), whereas proteins from clade II were found only at the PM. Some of the VAP27‐labelled EPCSs localized to plasmodesmata, and we show that the mobility of VAP27 at EPCSs is influenced by the cell wall. EPCSs closely associate with the cytoskeleton, but their structure is unaffected when the cytoskeleton is removed.

VAP27‐labelled EPCSs are found in most cell types in Arabidopsis, with the exception of cells in early trichome development. Arabidopsis plants expressing VAP27‐GFP fusions exhibit pleiotropic phenotypes, including defects in root hair morphogenesis. A similar effect is also observed in plants expressing VAP27 RNAi. Taken together, these data indicate that VAP27 proteins used at EPCSs are essential for normal ER–cytoskeleton interaction and for plant development.
Middle Jurassic vegetation dynamics based on quantitative analysis of spore/pollen assemblages from the Ravenscar Group, North Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Slater Sam M. , Wellman Charles H. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractQuantitative analysis of the distribution of dispersed spores and pollen (sporomorphs) has been used to assess temporal floral variation through the Middle Jurassic Ravenscar Group (Aalenian–Bathonian), North Yorkshire, UK. Aalenian, Bajocian and Bathonian strata possess relatively distinct sporomorph and palynofacies assemblages, which potentially reflect a dynamic history regarding the nature of parent vegetation. Specifically, Aalenian palynofloras are composed of a heterogeneous mixture of conifers, ferns, simple monosulcate pollen producers, sphenophytes and Caytoniales; Bajocian palynofloras are codominated by conifers and ferns; and Bathonian palynofloras are highly rich and contain assemblages of abundant ferns, conifers, lycophytes, pteridosperms/conifers and Caytoniales. Individual‐ and sample‐based rarefaction demonstrates that Bathonian samples are richer than Aalenian and Bajocian samples. Temporal variations in assemblages are a result of long‐term depositional and possible climatic fluctuations through the Middle Jurassic. Ordinations of sporomorph data using non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) demonstrate that short‐term variations between samples are largely governed by taphonomic biases as a result of slight changes in depositional processes, which give rise to highly variable catchment areas that supply deposits with sporomorphs. Long‐term compositional changes are apparent in sporomorph assemblages regardless of lithology/local depositional environments, suggesting that long‐term variations are more substantial than short‐term variations and potentially include genuine regional temporal changes in parent vegetation. Relating sporomorph assemblages with their respective depositional environments and relative catchment area sizes using lithological and palynofacies information suggests that the basin interior was occupied by mostly low‐standing species and extrabasinal vegetation was dominated by coniferous taxa. Comparisons of the dispersed sporomorph and plant megafossil records indicate that both fossil assemblages reflect different aspects of the palaeoflora due to a multitude of taphonomic and ecological biases. Such biases include variation in sporomorph production levels, depositional environment and differential sporomorph and parent plant durability.
Pigeonpea breeding in eastern and southern Africa: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Kaoneka Seleman R. , Saxena Rachit K. , Silim Said N. , Odeny Damaris A. , Ganga Rao Nadigatla Veera Prabha Rama , Shimelis Hussein A. , Siambi Moses , Varshney Rajeev K. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPigeonpea (Cajanus cajan[L.]Millspaugh) is an important multipurpose grain legume crop primarily grown in tropical and subtropical areas ofAsia,Africa andLatinAmerica. InAfrica, the crop is grown for several purposes including food security, income generation, livestock feed and in agroforestry. Production inEastern andSouthernAfrica (ESA) is however faced with many challenges including limited use of high‐yielding cultivars, diseases and pests, drought, under‐investment in research and lack of scientific expertise. The aim of this review is to highlight the challenges facing pigeonpea breeding research inESAand the existing opportunities for improving the overall pigeonpea subsector in the region. We discuss the potential of the recently available pigeonpea genomic resources for accelerated molecular breeding, the prospects for conventional breeding and commercial hybrid pigeonpea, and the relevant seed policies, among others, which are viewed as opportunities to enhance pigeonpea productivity.
Small‐Town Policy Makers
Authors: Trautman Rhonda Riherd 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSmall‐town local governments face unique challenges when it comes to policy making. This essay reviews some of those barriers and considers why they occur and why they are unique to small towns. In addition, it includes some examples of how to overcome these challenges from the perspective of a former mayor, local legislator, and member of the academic community. The essay also explores why traditional theories of public policy implementation often fail to describe policy making at the local level because of the unique environment that exists in small‐town governments.
Suicide Risk Documented During Veterans' Last Veterans Affairs Health Care Contacts Prior to Suicide
Authors: Denneson Lauren M. , Kovas Anne E. , Britton Peter C. , Kaplan Mark S. , McFarland Bentson H. , Dobscha Steven K. 
Published: February 2016

A total of 295 veterans who died by suicide in 2009 across 11 states and received Veterans Affairs (VA) health care in the 6 months prior to death were identified. The suicide risk factors documented and the care received at these veterans' last VA contacts are described, and the study explores whether veterans present differently to VA care (i.e., different risk factors documented or different care settings accessed) based on the proximity of their last contact to suicide. Many veterans were seen in primary care (n = 136; 46%) for routine follow‐up (n = 168; 57%). Fifty‐three (18%) were assessed for suicidal thoughts; 20 (38%) of whom endorsed such thoughts. Although higher frequencies of some risk factors at last contacts more proximal to suicide compared to those more distal were observed, findings overall highlight the challenges clinicians face detecting enhanced risk prior to suicide.
Enhancement of the rootability of a structurally fragile tropical soil using gypsum and leguminous residues to increase the yield of maize
Authors: Moura E. G. , Sena V. G. L. , Sousa C. C. M. , Silva F. R. , Coelho M. J. A. , Macedo V. R. A. , Aguiar A. C. F. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn humid tropical areas, a combination of factors related to soil conditions for root development contribute to decreased nutrient use efficiency. Our aim was to evaluate the combined effects of the application of gypsum and mulch from leguminous trees on rootability of root zone soil, root growth, phosphorus recovery efficiency and maize yield in a sandy loam soil prone to hardsetting. The experiment involved a randomized block design with four replications and six treatments: no residue or gypsum (control, C); leguminous residues (L); leguminous residues and 6 t/ha of gypsum (LG6); urea and 6 t/ha of gypsum (UG6); leguminous residues, urea and 6 t/ha of gypsum (LUG6); and leguminous residues, urea and 12 t/ha of gypsum (LUG12). Application of gypsum plus leguminous residues enhanced soil rootability, when applied to a tropical Arenic Hapludult, through the combined effects of increased porosity and decreased penetration resistance. These improvements facilitated root growth in deeper soil layers and greater nutrient uptake. Application of leguminous residues increased the input and retention of calcium in deeper layers. The use of large amounts of gypsum with leguminous residue, despite a significant increase in phosphorus uptake, did not result in a proportional increase in maize yield. Given the small differences in calcium content between the 6 and 12 t/ha gypsum treatments, applying a low dose of gypsum combined with leguminous residue, rather than administering a single large gypsum dose, is recommended for tropical sandy loam soils with low cation retention capacities.