bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silencing of tripartite motif (TRIM) 29 inhibits proliferation and invasion and increases chemosensitivity to cisplatin in human lung squamous cancer NCI‐H520 cells
Authors: Liu Chunxiao , Huang Xiaoxi , Hou Shengcai , Hu Bin , Li Hui 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundTRIM29 belongs to the tripartite motif (TRIM) protein family. It has been reported to be a tumor suppressor or have oncogenic function in many cancer types. The aim of this study was to investigate whether downregulation of TRIM29 by small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) could inhibit cell proliferation and invasion and increase chemosensitivity to cisplatin in human lung squamous cancer NCI‐H520 cells in vitro.MethodsWe transformed TRIM29 siRNA into NCI‐H520 cells. Real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting assay were employed to determine TRIM29 messenger (m)RNA and protein expressions. MTT assay was used to determine the cell proliferation. Transwell invasion assay was used to determine the cell invasion. An Annexin V‐propidium iodide (AnnV/PI) staining apoptosis test was used for detecting apoptosis.ResultsTRIM29 siRNA could specifically and efficiently suppress TRIM29 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Silencing of the TRIM29 by siRNA in NCI‐H520 cells inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. TRIM29 knockdown resulted in chemosensitivity enhancement in NCI‐H520 cells.ConclusionDownregulation of TRIM29 can lead to potent antitumor activity and chemosensitizing effect in human lung squamous cancer NCI‐H520 cells.
Correction to ‘Phylogenetic evidence for a shift in the mode of mammalian body size evolution at the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary’, and a note on fitting macroevolutionary models to comparative paleontological data sets
Authors: Slater Graham J. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIn this note, I correct two errors from an earlier paper that investigated tempo and mode of mammalian body size evolution across the Cretaceous‐Palaeogene boundary. Both errors arose from use of branch length rescaling under the Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck process, which I here show to be inappropriate for non‐ultrametric trees. Correction of these errors does not change the conclusions of my original study. However, recognition of the underlying problem highlights that comparative methods developed by biologists for examining trait evolution on ultrametric trees may not always be appropriate for paleontological datasets.
EAACI Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines. Food allergy health‐related quality of life measures
Authors: Muraro A. , Dubois A. E. J. , DunnGalvin A. , Hourihane J. O'B. , de Jong N. W. , Meyer R. , Panesar S. S. , Roberts G. , Salvilla S. , Sheikh A. , Worth A. , Flokstra‐de Blok B. M. J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractInstruments have been developed and validated for the measurement of health‐related quality of life in patients with food allergy. This guideline has been prepared by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology's (EAACI) Guidelines for Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Group. It draws on a systematic review of the literature on quality of life instruments for food allergy and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE II) guideline development process. Guidance is provided on the use of such instruments in research, and the current limitations of their use in clinical practice are described. Gaps in current knowledge as well as areas of future interest are also discussed. This document is relevant to healthcare workers dealing with food‐allergic patients, scientists engaging in food allergy research and policy makers involved in regulatory aspects concerning food allergy and safety.
Distal Limb Perfusion: Achilles' Heel in Peripheral Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Mohite Prashant N. , Fatullayev Javid , Maunz Olaf , Kaul Sundip , Sabashnikov Anton , Weymann Alexander , Saez Diana G. , Patil Nikhil P. , Zych Bartlomiej , Popov Aron F. , DeRobertis Fabio , Bahrami Toufan , Amrani Mohamed , Simon Andre R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a temporary mechanical circulatory assist method that offers circulatory as well as respiratory support efficiently via peripheral access; however, it is liable to complications. Limb ischemia is one of the notorious complications of ECMO but can be avoided utilizing a proper distal limb perfusion method. A retrospective study of patients undergoing peripheral venoarterial (VA) ECMO for various reasons between June 2010 and December 2012 was performed. All patients were evaluated by our multidisciplinary team for suitability as candidates for ECMO. A peripheral VA‐ECMO circuit was implanted via groin: inflow cannula in the femoral vein, an outflow cannula and distal‐perfusion cannula, or an introducer sheath in the femoral artery. During the study period, 83 patients underwent various types of ECMO; 45 received peripheral VA‐ECMO. Distal limb perfusion was achieved with an introducer sheath (6–8 Fr) in 13 cases and with a distal‐perfusion cannula (10–12 Fr) in 32 cases. Nine (20%) patients developed signs of ischemia; five (11.2%) were treated conservatively, while four (8.8%) required surgical intervention. One patient required a below‐knee amputation. The incidences of limb ischemia and limb ischemia requiring surgical intervention were significantly higher for the introducer sheath compared with the cannula (30.6 vs. 15.6% and 15.4 vs. 6.25%, respectively). Moreover, the patients supported on ECMO with a distal‐perfusion cannula spent a significantly longer time on ECMO compared with the ones in whom an introducer sheath was used (11.9 ± 9.1 vs. 7.7 ± 4.3 days). The mean cannula size was significantly greater than the mean introducer sheath size (11.1 ± 1.3 vs. 7.0 ± 1.1 Fr). Use of a distal‐perfusion cannula is a most reliable method of limb perfusion in peripheral VA‐ECMO. The cannula can ensure adequate and smooth perfusion of the limb owing to its large caliber, its less turbulent flow, the ability it provides to monitor the flow, and the option to attach a side port.
Scale‐dependent effects of grazing and topographic heterogeneity on plant species richness in a Dutch salt marsh ecosystem
Authors: Ruifrok Jasper L. , Postma Froukje , Olff Han , Smit Christian 
Published: May 2014

AbstractQuestionFor over three decades, low‐intensity grazing has been used to maintain or increase plant species richness in European natural areas, but the effects are highly variable. Thus far, good predictors of whether grazing will have positive effects on plant species richness are limited. How does the interplay between low‐intensity grazing and topographic heterogeneity affect plant species richness at different spatial scales?LocationLong‐term grazed and ungrazed salt marshes of the Dutch Wadden Sea island of Schiermonnikoog.MethodsWe selected ten plots of 2200 m2 in grazed and ungrazed areas of our study sites, and recorded and compared plant species richness in 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 m2 subplots. Topographic heterogeneity was quantified at the plot scale using the standard deviation of the elevation derived from a high‐resolution (5 m × 5 m) digital elevation model. We calculated species–area relationships to analyse our data.ResultsWe found that large‐scale topographic heterogeneity (based on the whole plot of 2200 m2) positively affects plant species richness at all scales (even at the smallest 0.1‐m2 scale), and that grazing has a positive additive effect at the small scales (0.1 and 10 m2). While grazing also had a positive effect on species richness at larger scales (1000 m2), the strength of the effect was dependent on the topographic heterogeneity at that scale. The effectiveness of grazing for increased plant species richness was highest at low topographic heterogeneity, and lowest at intermediate topographic heterogeneity. Effects of intermediate heterogeneity were probably counterbalanced by the effects of grazing.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the variation in elevation is an important predictor of whether low‐intensity grazing has positive effects on plant species richness or not. Grazing appears most beneficial at low topographic heterogeneity, but whether these findings hold for other grazed ecosystems will depend on several factors, most importantly, the relationship between topographic and abiotic heterogeneity. Results of our study are highly relevant for the application of low‐intensity grazing as tool for conservation management in salt marshes and other natural areas.
The role of speech prosody and text reading prosody in children's reading comprehension
Authors: Veenendaal Nathalie J. , Groen Margriet A. , Verhoeven Ludo 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundText reading prosody has been associated with reading comprehension. However, text reading prosody is a reading‐dependent measure that relies heavily on decoding skills. Investigation of the contribution of speech prosody – which is independent from reading skills – in addition to text reading prosody, to reading comprehension could provide more insight into the general role of prosody in reading comprehension.AimsThe current study investigates how much variance in reading comprehension scores is explained by speech prosody and text reading prosody, after controlling for decoding, vocabulary, and syntactic awareness.SampleA battery of reading and language assessments was performed by 106 Dutch fourth‐grade primary school children.MethodsSpeech prosody was assessed using a storytelling task and text reading prosody by oral text reading performance. Decoding skills, vocabulary, syntactic awareness, and reading comprehension were assessed using standardized tests.ResultsHierarchical regression analyses showed that text reading prosody explained 6% of variance and that speech prosody explained 8% of variance in reading comprehension scores, after controlling for decoding, vocabulary, and syntactic awareness. Phrasing was the significant factor in both speech and text reading. When added in consecutive order, phrasing in speech added 5% variance to phrasing in reading. In contrast, phrasing in reading added only 3% variance to phrasing in speech.ConclusionsThe variance that speech prosody explained in reading comprehension scores should not be neglected. Speech prosody seems to facilitate the construction of meaning in written language.
Calculated globulin (CG) as a screening test for antibody deficiency
Authors: Jolles S , Borrell R , Zouwail S , Heaps A , Sharp H , Moody M , Selwood C , Williams P , Phillips C , Hood K , Holding S , El Shanawany T 
Published: May 2014

Summary
Calculated globulin (total protein – albumin) is usually tested as part of a liver function test profile in both primary and secondary care and determines the serum globulin concentration, of which immunoglobulins are a major component. The main use hitherto of calculated globulin is to detect paraproteins when the level is high. This study investigated the potential to use low levels of calculated globulin to detect antibody deficiency. Serum samples with calculated globulin cut-off &lt; 18 g/l based on results of a pilot study were collected from nine hospitals in Wales over a 12-month period. Anonymized request information was obtained and the samples tested for immunoglobulin levels, serum electrophoresis and, if appropriate, immunofixation. A method comparison for albumin measurement using bromocresol green and bromocresol purple was undertaken. Eighty-nine per cent (737 of 826) samples had an immunoglobulin (Ig)G level of &lt; 6 g/l using the bromocresol green methodology with a cut-off of &lt; 18 g/l, and 56% (459) had an IgG of &lt; 4 g/l. Patients with both secondary and primary antibody deficiency were discovered and serum electrophoresis and immunofixation showed that 1·2% (10) had previously undetected small paraproteins associated with immune-paresis. Using bromocresol purple, 74% of samples had an IgG of &lt; 6 g/l using a cut-off of &lt; 23 g/l. Screening using calculated globulin with defined cut-off values detects both primary and secondary antibody deficiency and new paraproteins associated with immune-paresis. It is cheap, widely available and under-utilized. Antibody-deficient patients have been discovered using information from calculated globulin values, shortening diagnostic delay and time to treatment with immunoglobulin replacement therapy.
Anti-atherogenic peptide Ep1.B derived from apolipoprotein E induces tolerogenic plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Bellemore S M , Nikoopour E , Au B C Y , Krougly O , Lee-Chan E , Haeryfar S M , Singh B 
Published: May 2014

SummaryTolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which in turn suppress effector T cell responses. We have previously shown the induction of DCs from human and mouse monocytic cell lines, mouse splenocytes and human peripheral blood monocytes by a novel apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-derived self-peptide termed Ep1.B. We also showed that this C-terminal region 239–252 peptide of ApoE has strong anti-atherogenic activity and reduces neointimal hyperplasia after vascular surgery in rats and wild-type as well as ApoE-deficient mice. In this study, we explored the phenotype of DC subset induced by Ep1.B from monocytic cell lines and from the bone marrow-derived cells. We found Ep1.B treatment induced cells that showed characteristics of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). We explored in-vitro and in-vivo effects of Ep1.B-induced DCs on antigen-specific T cell responses. Upon in-vivo injection of these cells with antigen, the subsequent ex-vivo antigen-specific proliferation of lymph node cells and splenocytes from recipient mice was greatly reduced. Our results suggest that Ep1.B-induced pDCs promote the generation of Treg cells, and these cells contribute to the induction of peripheral tolerance in adaptive immunity and potentially contribute its anti-atherogenic activity.
The role of tissue diagnosis prior to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Daniel E. S. , Gibbs P. , Guerrieri M. , Faragher I. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimNeoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is the standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer, with diagnostic work‐up routinely including a biopsy confirming invasive carcinoma. For the occasional patient where initial biopsies reveal only dysplasia, or even normal epithelium, repeat biopsy is currently advised, but this may delay therapy and repeat biopsy has potential adverse effects. The study aimed to determine, in the setting of clinical findings and imaging demonstrating locally advanced rectal cancer, whether the absence of a tissue diagnosis prior to commencing chemoradiation compromises patient outcome.MethodA review was conducted of our database, including comprehensive treatment and outcome details, in which consecutive patients with colorectal cancer have been enrolled since 1997 at a single institution. All records for patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer were reviewed to identify patients for whom treatment was initiated before a tissue diagnosis was obtained, and to assess any consequences of this.ResultsOf 254 patients who had received neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer, 16 (6.3%) were found to have had neoadjuvant therapy without a tissue diagnosis of invasive cancer. Compared with cases where a tissue diagnosis had been obtained, median age (59 vs 63 years, P = 0.497), sex (75% vs 71.3% male, P = 0.955) and tumour location (56.3% vs 73.5% < 8 cm, P = 0.230) were similar. Of these, 14 (87.5%) had adenocarcinoma identified on histopathology review of the surgical specimen. Three patients were considered to have had complete pathological responses with mucin lakes within the muscularis propria (n = 2) or lymph nodes (n = 1) or fibrosis (n = 3). One of these had no mucin evident and only fibrosis; thus final pathological proof of invasive cancer was present in 15 (93.5%) patients. There were no local recurrences, but three of the 16 (18.8%) cases developed distant recurrence.ConclusionFor the small number of cases without a confirmatory tissue diagnosis before chemoradiation, no adverse consequences were identified. In particular the initial diagnosis was confirmed in 15 out of 16 cases following pathological examination of the operative specimen. We would suggest that, where clinical and radiological features support a diagnosis of locally advanced rectal cancer, proceeding directly to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in the absence of a biopsy demonstrating invasive cancer may not be unreasonable, particularly where repeat biopsy would delay the commencement of treatment.
Local excision of T1 and T2 rectal cancer: proceed with caution
Authors: Elmessiry M. M. , Van Koughnett J. A. M. , Maya A. , DaSilva G. , Wexner S. D. , Bejarano P. , Berho M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimThis study aimed to compare the clinical outcome between local excision (LE) and total mesorectal excision (TME) for early rectal cancer.MethodAfter Institutional Review Board approval, charts of patients with T1 or T2 N0M0 rectal adenocarcinoma treated by curative LE or TME without preoperative radiotherapy from 2004 to 2012 were reviewed. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using chi‐square analysis and the ANOVA test. Kaplan–Meier analysis compared survival rates.ResultsThe study included 153 patients: 79 underwent TME and 74 LE. Postoperative infection was more common after TME (P = 0.009). There was tumour involvement of the margins in 13.5% after LE compared with 0% after TME (P = 0.001). Of the patients treated initially by LE, 13.5% had additional surgery for unfavourable histological findings and 4.1% had residual tumour. Median follow up was 35 (17–96) months. No deaths were recorded in 56 patients with a pT1 lesion. There was no significant difference in local recurrence (P = 0.332) or 3‐year disease‐free survival (DFS; P = 0.232) between patients having LE or TME. The 68 patients with a T2 lesion had higher local recurrence (P = 0.025) and lower DFS following LE compared with TME (P = 0.044). There was no difference in overall survival (P = 0.351).ConclusionLE of early rectal cancer is associated with higher local recurrence and decreased DFS. These disadvantages are significant for T2 lesions.
CCR2 antagonism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Di Prospero N. A. , Artis E. , Andrade‐Gordon P. , Johnson D. L. , Vaccaro N. , Xi L. , Rothenberg P. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimsMacrophage recruitment through C‐C motif chemokine receptor‐2 (CCR2) into adipose tissue is believed to play a role in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The objective of this Phase 2 proof‐of‐concept study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of JNJ‐41443532, an orally bioavailable CCR2 antagonist, in patients with T2DM.MethodsThis was a 4‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, multicenter study. A total of 89 patients were randomized to receive either 250‐ or 1000‐mg of JNJ‐41443532 twice daily, 30‐mg of pioglitazone once daily (reference arm), or placebo. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in 23‐h weighted mean glucose (WMG); secondary endpoints included change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin resistance (Homeostatic Model Assessment [HOMA‐IR]), insulin secretion (HOMA‐%B) and body weight.ResultsAbsorption of JNJ‐41443532 into the systemic circulation occurred at a median tmax of 2 h, and the mean t½ was approximately 8 h for both doses; plasma systemic exposures increased slightly more than dose‐proportionally. After 4 weeks, reductions in 23‐h WMG and FPG were observed in all treatment groups compared with placebo and were significantly lower for 250‐mg JNJ‐41443532 and pioglitazone. HOMA‐IR was lower for all treatment groups, but significantly lower only for pioglitazone. Conversely, HOMA‐%B was increased for all groups, but significantly increased only for 250‐mg JNJ‐41443532. All groups, including placebo, had decreased body weight over time. There were no clinically significant findings during routine safety assessments and the incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events was similar across all groups.ConclusionsAdministration of JNJ‐41443532 resulted in modest improvement in glycaemic parameters compared with placebo, and was generally well tolerated in patients with T2DM.
Incidence of Gremmeniella abietina in planted seedlings of Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris in northern Finland
Authors: Kaitera J. , Mäkitalo K. , Hantula J. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe ascomycete Gremmeniella abietina causes a disease (scleroderris canker) on conifers. The pathogen kills terminal shoots and branches of Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies, sporulates on host shoots and causes leader changes (i.e. dieback). Damage caused by G. abietina was investigated in young P. abies and P. sylvestris plantations in northern Finland. Side branches from seedlings of both species and the main stems of P. sylvestris were collected from three sites in two locations (Poksa 1 and 2, Kivalo) in northern Finland. The number of cankers and leader changes was counted in branches of each age (i.e. year) in a total of ca. 6300 shoots of P. abies and 1200 shoots of P. sylvestris. Cankers were common on both P. abies and P. sylvestris in Poksa 1 (2002–2008) and on P. abies in Poksa 2 (1998–2001). In Kivalo, cankers occurred only sporadically on P. sylvestris. Leader changes were most frequent in 1999–2009 in Poksa 1, in 2001–2009 in Poksa 2 and in 2003 in Kivalo. Cankers and other symptoms of infection were more obscure on P. abies than on P. sylvestris. According to both conidial morphology and molecular analysis, the strain of G. abietina infecting both P. abies and P. sylvestris was small‐tree type (STT). This is the first report of G. abietina, STT or B type, injuring P. abies in plantations.
First report of Laimaphelenchus heidelbergi (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) in Europe
Authors: Maleita C. , Costa S. R. , Abrantes I. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryA survey of nematodes associated with branches of cork oak, Quercus suber, a species in decline since the second half of the 20th century, was conducted on two farms located in Alentejo, Portugal. Using specific morphological characters, some nematodes were identified as belonging to the genus Laimaphelenchus and one of the isolates being identified as L. heidelbergi. This research aimed to characterize the Portuguese L. heidelbergi isolate using morphobiometrical and molecular analyses and to analyze its phylogenetic relationship to other Laimaphelenchus spp. Morphometric and morphological characteristics of L. heidelbergi females and males were similar to the original description. For molecular analyses, the mitochondrial DNA region from the cytochrome oxidase subunit I and the D2/D3 expansion segments of the large subunit of rDNA were amplified and sequenced. In phylogenetic analyses, sequences of the Portuguese L. heidelbergi isolate clustered with sequences from the Australian isolate. Laimaphelenchus heidelbergi was originally described from wood of Pinus radiata growing in Australia and is here reported for the first time in Europe and Portugal. Cork oak is a new host record for L. heidelbergi.