bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative teratogenicity analysis of valnoctamide, risperidone, and olanzapine in mice
Authors: Wlodarczyk Bogdan J , Ogle Krystal , Lin Linda Ying , Bialer Meir , Finnell Richard H 
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesBased on the recent findings from animal studies, it has been proposed that the therapeutic use of valnoctamide, an anxiolytic drug developed in the early 1960s, be extended to treat other neurological disorders such as epilepsy and bipolar disease. Given the scarcity of adequate data on its prenatal toxicity, a comparative teratogenicity study of valnoctamide and two of the most commonly used drugs to treat bipolar disorder, risperidone and olanzapine, was carried out in a mouse model system.MethodsPregnant dams were treated with the aforementioned three drugs at the dose levels calculated as an equal proportion of the respective LD50 values of these drugs. The main reproductive indices examined included the numbers of implantations and resorptions, viable and dead fetuses, and fetal gross, visceral and skeletal abnormalities.ResultsThe outcomes of the present study indicated that olanzapine was the most teratogenic of the three drugs, inducing maternal‐, embryo‐, and fetotoxicity. Risperidone also exerted a significant prenatal toxicity, but its adverse effect was less pronounced than that induced by olanzapine. Valnoctamide did not show any teratogenic effect, even when used in relatively higher dosages than olanzapine and risperidone. The observed increased skeletal abnormalities in one of the valnoctamide treatment groups were nonspecific and, as such, signaled a modest developmental delay rather than an indication that the compound could induce structural malformations.ConclusionsUnder our experimental conditions, valnoctamide demonstrated the lowest prenatal toxicity of the three tested drugs.
A new insight into masticatory function and its determinants: a latent class analysis
Authors: Feizi Awat , Keshteli Ammar Hassanzadeh , Khazaei Saber , Adibi Peyman 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectiveMasticatory function is an important factor for preservation of general health. Epidemiologic data on masticatory function and its determinants among Iranian population are sparse, and no study has evaluated masticatory function using latent class analysis (LCA). This study was conducted to investigate the masticatory function and its determinants among a large sample of Iranian adults.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study among 8691 adults, masticatory function was investigated using a validated questionnaire. LCA and latent class regression (LCR) were applied to identify classes of masticatory function and its potential determinants, respectively. In addition, multigroup LCA was conducted based on gender and age categories.ResultsIn total, 11.24% and 24.87% of participants had poor and moderate masticatory function, respectively. Males (class size: 14.33%) were more likely to have poor masticatory function than females (class size: 2.35%) (P < 0.001). The results of LCR showed that higher age [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.09, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.07–1.11, P < 0.001], male gender (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.01–1.87, P < 0.05), and low physical activity (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.08–1.85, P < 0.05) were associated with poor masticatory function. Nonsmokers had a lower chance of being in poor masticatory function class than heavy smokers (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.11–0.38, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe prevalence of poor masticatory function is high among Iranian adults. Aging, male gender, low levels of physical activity, and smoking were found to be associated with poor masticatory function.
Eosinophils: important players in humoral immunity
Authors: Berek C 
Published: August 2015

SummaryEosinophils perform numerous tasks. They are involved in inflammatory reactions associated with innate immune defence against parasitic infections and are also involved in pathological processes in response to allergens. Recently, however, it has become clear that eosinophils also play crucial non-inflammatory roles in the generation and maintenance of adaptive immune responses. Eosinophils, being a major source of the plasma cell survival factor APRIL (activation and proliferation-induced ligand), are essential not only for the long-term survival of plasma cells in the bone marrow, but also for the maintenance of these cells in the lamina propria which underlies the gut epithelium. At steady state under non-inflammatory conditions eosinophils are resident cells of the gastrointestinal tract, although only few are present in the major organized lymphoid tissue of the gut – the Peyer’s patches (PP). Surprisingly, however, lack of eosinophils abolishes efficient class-switching of B cells to immunoglobulin (Ig)A in the germinal centres of PP. Thus, eosinophils are required to generate and to maintain mucosal IgA plasma cells, and as a consequence their absence leads to a marked reduction of IgA both in serum and in the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT). Eosinophils thus have an essential part in long-term humoral immune protection, as they are crucial for the longevity of antibody-producing plasma cells in the bone marrow and, in addition, for gut immune homeostasis.
Predicting consequences of climate change for ecosystem functioning: variation across trophic levels, species and individuals
Authors: Best Rebecca J. , Stone Michelle N. , Stachowicz John J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimMaintenance of ecosystem function under climate change may depend on variation in the way species within functional guilds and individuals within species respond to changes in temperature. What level of variation among and within species do we need to understand, and is it predictable from distribution and trait data?LocationNorthern California, USA.MethodsWe used a mesocosm experiment and a set of feeding trials to test the ability of a guild of marine invertebrate grazers to control benthic algal blooms along a local temperature gradient. We investigate links between the locally disjunct distributions of these species, their temperature tolerance traits and the temperature dependence of their population growth and grazing rates.ResultsWe found that the effect of increased temperature on population growth rates is independent of species interactions, but strongly species specific. This variation among herbivores is only partly predictable from differences in species distributions and traits, but translated into large differences in their ability to control macroalgae. Further, these species effects were amplified at warmer temperatures. Finally, we found evidence for a strong response to temperature in the feeding rates of the most important consumer over the course of the experiment, resulting in almost as much variation in grazing rates within one species as the average difference between species.Main conclusionsThese results illustrate the importance of understanding the variation in responses to temperature among species within a trophic level, among populations within key species and potentially within populations over time. However, this variation is not easily predicted. Further research is needed to uncover links between individuals' thermal optima and their current and future temperature niche.
Predicting regional densities from bird occurrence data: validation and effects of species traits in a Macaronesian Island
Authors: Carrascal Luis M. , Aragón Pedro , Palomino David , Lobo Jorge M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimQuantifying species abundances is costly, especially when many species are involved. To overcome this problem, several studies have predicted local abundances (at the sample unit level) from species occurrence distribution models (SODMs), with differences in predictive performance among studies. Surprisingly, the ability of SODM to predict regional abundances of an entire area of interest has never been tested, despite the fact that it is an essential parameter for species conservation and management. We tested whether local and regional abundances of 21 terrestrial bird species could be predicted from SODMs in an exhaustively surveyed island, and examined the variation explained by species‐specific traits.LocationLa Palma Island, Canary Islands.MethodsWe firstly assessed two types of algorithms representing the two main families of SODMs. We built models using presence/absence (boosted classification trees) and presence/background (MaxEnt) data as a function of relevant environmental predictors and tested their ability to predict the observed local abundances. The predicted probabilities of occurrence (Pi) were translated into animal numbers (n′) using the revisited equation ni′ = −ln(1−Pi), and we obtained regional abundances (for the whole island).ResultsPredictive ability of presence/absence models was superior than that of MaxEnt. At the regional level, the observed average densities of all species were highly predictable from occurrence probabilities (R2 = 93.5%), without overall overestimation or underestimation. Interspecific variation in the accuracy of predicted regional density was largely explained (R2 = 73%), with habitat breath and variation in local abundance being the traits of greatest importance.Main conclusionsDespite uncertainties associated with local predictions and the idiosyncrasies of each species, our procedures enabled us to predict regional abundances in an unbiased way. Our approach provides a cost‐effective tool when a large number of species are involved. Furthermore, the influence of species‐specific traits on the prediction accuracy provides insights into sampling designs for focal species.
Tissue Doppler Imaging predicts central sleep apnea in patients with chronic heart failure: data from the Daunia Registry
Authors: Correale Michele , Brunetti Natale Daniele , Forte Lucia , Passero Tommaso , Monaco Ilenia , Ferraretti Armando , Totaro Antonio , Carpagnano Giovanna Elisiana , Foschino Barbaro Maria Pia , Di Biase Matteo , Lacedonia Donato 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundTissue Doppler imaging (TDI) is used to improve risk stratification in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). So far, few studies have used this method to investigate the characteristics of subjects with CHF and Cheyne–Stokes breathing (CSB). The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate whether TDI assessment may predict the presence of CSB in patients with CHF.Materials and methodsA total of 41 consecutive patients with CHF enrolled in the Daunia Heart Failure Registry underwent echocardiography assessment and nocturnal polygraphy to evaluate the presence of sleep apnea and CSB. Conventional echocardiography and TDI parameters were calculated. We have also quantified by TDI a combined index (EAS index) of diastolic and systolic performance: E'/(A' × S').ResultsSubjects with evidence of CSB (N = 8) were characterized by lower values of A' (5·03 ± 2·64 vs. 7·88 ± 2·64 cm/s, P < 0·01). A' and EAS index values were related to Cheyne–Stokes episode rates (r = −0·49 and 0·52, P < 0·05 and <0·01 respectively), EAS index values also with the number of episodes of central apnea (r = 0·39, P < 0·05). A' values predicted the presence of CSB at poly‐somnography examination with an OR 0·62 (95% CI 0·40–0·96, P < 0·05) even after correction for age and gender.ConclusionsTissue Doppler imaging values (A') are associated with the presence of sleep apnea at nocturnal polygraphy.
Inhibition of nonhomologous end joining to increase the specificity of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
Authors: Vartak Supriya V. , Raghavan Sathees C. 
Published: August 2015

DNA repair, one of the fundamental processes occurring in a cell, safeguards the genome and maintains its integrity. Among various DNA lesions, double‐strand breaks are considered to be the most deleterious, as they can lead to potential loss of genetic information, if not repaired. Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination are two major double‐strand break repair pathways. SCR7, a DNA ligase IV inhibitor, was recently identified and characterized as a potential anticancer compound. Interestingly, SCR7 was shown to have several applications, owing to its unique property as an NHEJ inhibitor. Here, we focus on three main areas of research in which SCR7 is actively being used, and discuss one of the applications, i.e. genome editing via CRISPR/Cas, in detail. In the past year, different studies have shown that SCR7 significantly increases the efficiency of precise genome editing by inhibiting NHEJ, and favouring the error‐free homologous recombination pathway, both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, we discuss the current applications of SCR7 to shed light on the unique property of the small molecule of having distinct applications in normal and cancer cells, when used at different cellular concentrations.
Effect of native vitamin D3 supplementation on refractory chronic hepatitis C patients in simeprevir with pegylated interferon/ribavirin
Authors: Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Shimada Noritomo , Yoshizawa Kai , Abe Hiroshi , Asano Toru , Ohkubo Yusuke , Araki Masahiro , Ikegami Tadashi , Okubo Tomomi , Kondo Chisa , Osada Yuji , Nakatsuka Katsuhisa , Chuganji Yoshimichi , Matsuzaki Yasushi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko , Aizawa Yoshio 
Published: August 2015

AimProtease inhibitors with pegylated interferon (PEG IFN)/ribavirin improve a sustained virological response (SVR) rate to approximately 90% in chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b patients with IL28B rs8099917 genotype TT, but yield only approximately 50% in those with the unfavorable non‐TT. Among such treatment‐refractory patients, serum vitamin D levels could influence the SVR rate. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effect of native vitamin D supplementation in simeprevir with PEG IFN/ribavirin for 1b patients with non‐TT.MethodsPatients were randomly assigned to receive simeprevir (100 mg/day) for 12 weeks plus PEG IFN/ribavirin for 24 weeks (control group, n = 58), or vitamin D (2000 IU/day) for 16 weeks including a lead‐in phase plus PEG IFN/ribavirin for 24 weeks (vitamin D group, n = 57). The primary end‐point was sustainably undetectable viremia 24 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR).ResultsSVR rates were 37.9% in the control group and 70.2% in the vitamin D group. In subgroup analysis, SVR rates of prior null responders were 11.8% and 54.5%, respectively. SVR rates for advanced fibrosis were 28.6% and 65.4%. SVR rates for patients with vitamin D3 deficiency at the baseline were 25.0% in the control group and 66.7% in the vitamin D group. Overall, the SVR rate was significantly higher in patients with high serum 25(OH)D3 levels at the beginning of combination therapy than in those with low serum 25(OH)D3 levels.ConclusionNative vitamin D3 supplementation improved SVR rates in simeprevir with PEG IFN/ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b patients with refractory factors.
Going green to fit in – understanding the impact of social norms on pro‐environmental behaviour, a cross‐cultural approach
Authors: Culiberg Barbara , Elgaaied‐Gambier Leila 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWhile most research on the determinants of pro‐environmental behaviour has focussed on individual predispositions, this article specifically addresses the role of social norms in the adoption of such behaviours. Our main assumption is that individual pro‐environmental behaviour is influenced by perceived descriptive and injunctive norms from relevant others (family and friends) which, in turn, are influenced by the perceived pro‐environmental norm at the country level (PNCL). This model was tested in two different cultural contexts: Slovenia (N=246) and France (N=215) using a moderated mediation approach. Our results confirm the mediator effect of relevant others’ norms in the relationship between the PNCL and individual behaviour for the whole sample. Yet it appears that the French subjects are less sensitive to the indirect effect of the norm at the country level. Implications for public authorities and companies are discussed.
Association between diabetes mellitus and oncological outcomes in bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy
Authors: Oh Jong Jin , Kang Min Yong , Jo Jung Ki , Lee Hak Min , Byun Seok‐Soo , Lee Sang Eun , Lee Sangchul , Hong Sung Kyu 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the association between diabetes mellitus and oncological outcomes in urothelial bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy.MethodsFrom January 2004 to December 2014, 200 non‐metastatic urothelial bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy were divided into two groups according to diabetes mellitus status at the time of surgery. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis were used to assess the association between diabetes mellitus and urothelial bladder cancer recurrence‐free, cancer‐specific and overall mortality.ResultsOf the 200 patients, 28 (14%) had diabetes mellitus and presented similar preoperative factors and pathological findings after radical cystectomy, including pathological stage, grade, lymph node invasion and positive surgical margin compared with non‐diabetes mellitus patients (n = 172). The 5‐year cancer‐specific survivals were 92.3% and 62.1% in the non‐diabetes mellitus and diabetes mellitus groups, respectively (P = 0.022). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that diabetes mellitus was a significant predictor for cancer‐specific mortality (hazard ratio 1.785, P = 0.038). The 5‐year overall survival rate was 92.1% and 59.4% in the non‐diabetes mellitus and diabetes mellitus groups, respectively (P = 0.014), and diabetes mellitus was a significant factor for overall mortality by multivariate Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio 1.281, P = 0.042).ConclusionsAmong bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy, the diabetes mellitus patients had worse cancer‐specific mortality and overall mortality outcomes than the non‐diabetes mellitus patients. The mechanism of association between diabetes mellitus and urothelial bladder cancer should be investigated to validate the present results in a future prospective study.
Adults with sickle cell disease may perform cognitive tests as well as controls when processing speed is taken into account: a preliminary case–control study
Authors: Crawford Regina D. , Jonassaint Charles R. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to: (1) evaluate cognitive function among adults with sickle cell disease using a computer‐administered neuropsychological test; and (2) replicate previously identified differences in processing speed between patients with sickle cell disease and controls.BackgroundPrevious evidence suggests that, compared with controls, adult patients with sickle cell disease have poorer cognitive functioning across most domains but the most significant deficits appear to be in the area of processing speed.DesignCross‐sectional case–control study conducted from June 2008–June 2010.MethodsCognitive functioning was measured using computerized, self‐administered, neuropsychological tests among 31 patients with sickle cell disease and 17 controls matched for age, gender and race. The assessment averaged 30 minutes and scores were recorded for seven computerized tests: verbal and visual memory, finger tapping, symbol digit coding, Stroop test, shifting attention and continuous performance.ResultsPatients with sickle cell disease scored 10·76 points lower on the CNS Vital Signs processing speed domain than controls. Although non‐significant, patients scored 5·73 points lower on the full index than controls but after adjusting for processing speed, mean scores for patients were 3 points greater compared with controls. Differences in executive functioning and attention were not significant and memory did not differ between groups.ConclusionUsing a brief, computer‐administered 30‐minute neuropsychological test, we were able to replicate previous findings showing a greater than 10‐point deficit in processing speed among patients with sickle cell disease. When differences in processing speed are taken into account, patients perform equally well or better than controls on cognitive tasks.
In vivo confocal microscopy of basal cell carcinoma: a systematic review of diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Kadouch D.J. , Schram M.E. , Leeflang M.M. , Limpens J. , Spuls P.I. , de Rie M.A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent type of skin cancer. Histologic analysis of punch biopsy or direct excision specimen is used to confirm clinical diagnosis. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a non‐invasive imaging modality that could facilitate early diagnosis and minimize unnecessary invasive procedures. We systematically reviewed diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of RCM in diagnosing primary BCCs to judge its usefulness. Eligible studies were reviewed for methodological quality using the QUADAS‐2 tool. We used the bivariate random‐effects model to calculate summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity. Six studies met the selection criteria and were included for analysis. The meta‐analysis showed a summary estimate of sensitivity 0.97 (95% CI, 0.90–0.99) and specificity 0.93 (95% CI, 0.88–0.96). All but one of the QUADAS‐2 items showed a high or unclear risk of bias with regards to patient selection. RCM may be a promising diagnostic tool, but the limited number of available studies and potential risk of bias of included studies do not allow us to draw firm conclusions. Future accuracy studies should take these limitations into account.
Recognizing the impact of ambient air pollution on skin health
Authors: Mancebo S. E. , Wang S. Q. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAmbient air pollution is a known public health hazard that negatively impacts non‐cutaneous organs; however, our knowledge regarding the effects on skin remains limited. Current scientific evidence suggests there are four mechanisms by which ambient air pollutants cause adverse effects on skin health: (i) generation of free radicals, (ii) induction of inflammatory cascade and subsequent impairment of skin barrier, (iii) activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and (iv) alterations to skin microflora. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on ambient air pollutants and their relevant sources, and highlight current evidence of the effects on skin.