bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective role of olesoxime against wild‐type α‐synuclein‐induced toxicity in human neuronally differentiated SHSY‐5Y cells
Authors: Gouarné C , Tracz J , Paoli M Giraudon , Deluca V , Seimandi M , Tardif G , Xilouri M , Stefanis L , Bordet T , Pruss R M 
Published: September 2014

Background and PurposeParkinson's disease (PD) is usually diagnosed clinically from classical motor symptoms, while definitive diagnosis is made postmortem, based on the presence of Lewy bodies and nigral neuron cell loss. α‐Synuclein (ASYN), the main protein component of Lewy bodies, clearly plays a role in the neurodegeneration that characterizes PD. Additionally, mutation in the SNCA gene or copy number variations are associated with some forms of familial PD. Here, the objective of the study was to evaluate whether olesoxime, a promising neuroprotective drug can prevent ASYN‐mediated neurotoxicity.Experimental ApproachWe used here a novel, mechanistically approachable and attractive cellular model based on the inducible overexpression of human wild‐type ASYN in neuronally differentiated human neuroblastoma (SHSY‐5Y) cells. This model demonstrates gradual cellular degeneration, coinciding temporally with the appearance of soluble and membrane‐bound ASYN oligomers and cell death combining both apoptotic and non‐apoptotic pathways.Key ResultsOlesoxime fully protected differentiated SHSY‐5Y cells from cell death, neurite retraction and cytoplasmic shrinkage induced by moderate ASYN overexpression. This protection was associated with a reduction in cytochrome c release from mitochondria and caspase‐9 activation suggesting that olesoxime prevented ASYN toxicity by preserving mitochondrial integrity and function. In addition, olesoxime displayed neurotrophic effects on neuronally differentiated SHSY‐5Y cells, independent of ASYN expression, by promoting their differentiation.Conclusions and ImplicationsBecause ASYN is a common underlying factor in many cases of PD, olesoxime could be a promising therapy to slow neurodegeneration in PD.
Beery‐Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual‐Motor Integration (Beery‐VMI): lessons from exploration of cultural variations in visual‐motor integration performance of preschoolers
Authors: Lim C. Y. , Tan P. C. , Koh C. , Koh E. , Guo H. , Yusoff N. D. , See C. Q. , Tan T. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundVisual‐motor integration (VMI) is important in children's development because it is associated with the performance of many functional skills. Deficits in VMI have been linked to difficulties in academic performance and functional tasks. Clinical assessment experience of occupational therapists in Singapore suggested that there is a potential difference between the VMI performance of Singaporean and American children. Cross‐cultural studies also implied that culture has an influence on a child's VMI performance, as it shapes the activities that a child participates in. The purpose of this study was to (1) explore if there was a difference between the VMI performance of Singaporean and American preschoolers, and (2) determine if there were ethnic differences in the VMI performance of Singaporean preschoolers.MethodsThe Beery‐VMI, which was standardized in America, is commonly used by occupational therapists in Singapore to assess the VMI ability of children. We administered the Beery‐VMI (fifth edition) full form test (excluding the supplemental tests) to 385 preschoolers (mean age = 63.3 months) from randomly selected schools in Singapore. We compared the scores of Singaporean preschoolers with those of the American standardization norms using the one‐sample t‐test. Scores of different ethnic groups among the Singapore population were also compared using a one‐way anova, followed by the Bonferroni post‐hoc test.ResultsSingaporean preschoolers and the standardization sample of American children performed significantly differently in all age groups (P < 0.05). Among the Singapore population, the scores were also significantly different (P < 0.05) between the (i) Chinese and Malay and (ii) Chinese and Indians ethnic groups.ConclusionPreschoolers from different cultural and ethnic groups had different VMI performance. Certain cultural beliefs and practices may affect VMI performance. Clinicians should exercise caution when using an assessment in communities and cultures outside the ones on which it was standardized.
Atopy and cause‐specific mortality
Authors: Skaaby T. , Husemoen L. L. N. , Thuesen B. H. , Hammer‐Helmich L. , Linneberg A. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundAtopy is the familial or personal propensity to develop immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against common environmental allergens and is associated with high risk of allergic disease. It has been proposed that atopy may have effects on risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.ObjectivesWe investigated the association of atopy with all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality.MethodsWe included a total of 14 849 individuals from five Danish population‐based cohorts with measurements of atopy defined as serum‐specific IgE positivity against inhalant allergens. Participants were followed by linkage to the Danish Registry of Causes of Death to obtain information on mortality status and cause of death (median follow‐up time 11.3 years). The relative mortality risk was estimated by Cox regression and expressed as hazard ratios, HRs (95% confidence intervals, CIs).ResultsA total of 1776 person died during follow‐up. The mortality risk for atopics vs. non‐atopics was: for all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.17); neoplasms (HR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.69, 1.06); endocrine, nutritional and metabolic disorders (HR = 1.48, 95% CI: 0.71, 3.08); mental and behavioural disorders (HR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.18, 4.30); diseases of the nervous system (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 0.65, 2.87); diseases of the circulatory system (HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.78, 1.29); diseases of the respiratory system (HR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.55, 1.60); and diseases of the digestive system (HR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.98).Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceWe found no statistically significant association between atopy and all‐cause mortality. However, atopy was associated with a significantly higher risk of dying from mental and behavioural disorders and gastrointestinal diseases, particularly liver diseases, and a lower risk of dying from breast cancer, but these associations were not statistically significant when applying the Bonferroni adjusted significance level. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
The association between paracetamol use and asthma: causation or coincidence?
Authors: Weatherall M. , Ioannides S. , Braithwaite I. , Beasley R. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryA better understanding of the causation of asthma and allergic disorders could potentially lead to intervention strategies that reduce their prevalence and severity. One potential causative factor is the use of paracetamol. Most of the evidence for the link with asthma is from non‐experimental studies of paracetamol exposure in utero, infancy, childhood and adult life; however, it has been difficult to rule out confounding and bias in the associations observed. The two randomized clinical trials of the effect of paracetamol in patients with asthma have been difficult to interpret, due to methodological issues. There have been no randomized controlled trials of paracetamol use and the development of asthma. Both asthma and paracetamol use are common, and so even if there is a relatively small effect of paracetamol exposure on the development of asthma or its severity, then such an effect would be of major public health significance. It is proposed that randomized controlled trials of the effect of paracetamol on the development of asthma and its severity are a high research priority.
Long‐term evaluation of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in a feline model of chronic allergic asthma
Authors: Trzil J. E. , Masseau I. , Webb T. L. , Chang C.‐H. , Dodam J. R. , Cohn L. A. , Liu H. , Quimby J. M. , Dow S. W. , Reinero C. R. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) decrease airway eosinophilia, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and remodelling in murine models of acutely induced asthma. We hypothesized that MSCs would diminish these hallmark features in a chronic feline asthma model.ObjectiveTo document effects of allogeneic, adipose‐derived MSCs on airway inflammation, AHR, and remodelling over time and investigate mechanisms by which MSCs alter local and systemic immunologic responses in chronic experimental feline allergic asthma.MethodsCats with chronic, experimentally induced asthma received six intravenous infusions of MSCs (0.36–2.5 × 10E7 MSCs/infusion) or placebo bimonthly at the time of study enrollment. Cats were evaluated at baseline and longitudinally for 1 year. Outcome measures included: bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology to assess airway eosinophilia, pulmonary mechanics and clinical scoring to assess AHR, and thoracic computed tomographic (CT) scans to assess structural changes (airway remodelling). CT scans were evaluated using a scoring system for lung attenuation (LA) and bronchial wall thickening (BWT). To assess mechanisms of MSC action, immunologic assays including allergen‐specific IgE, cellular IL‐10 production, and allergen‐specific lymphocyte proliferation were performed.ResultsThere were no differences between treatment groups or over time with respect to airway eosinophilia or AHR. However, significantly lower LA and BWT scores were noted in CT images of MSC‐treated animals compared to placebo‐treated cats at month 8 of the study (LA P = 0.0311; BWT P = 0.0489). No differences were noted between groups in the immunologic assays.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceWhen administered after development of chronic allergic feline asthma, MSCs failed to reduce airway inflammation and AHR. However, repeated administration of MSCs at the start of study did reduce computed tomographic measures of airway remodelling by month 8, although the effect was not sustained at month 12. Further study of MSC therapy including repeated MSC administration is warranted to assess impact on remodelling in chronic asthma.
A randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of the sandwich bone augmentation technique in increasing buccal bone thickness during implant placement. II. Tomographic, histologic, immunohistochemical, and RNA analyses
Authors: Fu Jia‐Hui , Rios Hector , Al‐Hezaimi Khalid , Oh Tae‐Ju , Benavides Erika , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the biologic and structural phenotypes of the bone regenerated via the sandwich bone augmentation (SBA) technique, on buccal implant dehiscence defects.Material and MethodsTwenty‐six patients with one buccal implant dehiscence defect each were randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups received a standardized amount of mineralized cancellous and cortical allogenic bone graft. In the test group, a bovine pericardium membrane was placed over the graft, while no membrane was placed in the control group. After 6 months of healing, a bone core biopsy of the regenerated bone was harvested and processed for histologic, immunohistochemical, mRNA, and micro‐computed tomography (μCT) analyses. Of the 26 bone core biopsies, only six cores from the test group and six cores from the control group were suitable for the analysis.ResultsBone volume (BV) in the test group was maintained, but tissue maturation appeared to be delayed. In contrast, tissue maturation appeared to be completed in the control group, but BV was compromised. Micro‐CT analysis showed that specimens from the control group were more structured and mineralized compared with those from the test group. Histologic analysis showed more residual graft particles scattered in a loose fibrous connective tissue matrix with sparse bone formation in the test group, while the control group showed obvious vital bone formation surrounding the residual graft particles. Positive periostin (POSTN), sclerostin, and runt‐related transcription factor‐2 (RUNX2) immunoreactivities were detected in both the control and test groups. However, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive was mostly noted in the control group. There were significant differences in POSTN, RUNX2 and VEGF expressions between the test and control groups.ConclusionThese findings indicated that the SBA technique was an effective method in preserving adequate structural volume while promoting new vital bone formation. Use of the collagen barrier membrane has successfully maintained the volumetric dimensions of the ridge but might have slowed down the complete maturation of the outermost layer of the grafted site.
Predator responses to novel haemolymph defences of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera) larvae
Authors: Welch Kelton D. , Lundgren Jonathan G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMany herbivorous arthropods use defensive chemistry to discourage predators from attacking. This chemistry relies on the ability of predators to rapidly learn to recognize and avoid offensive stimuli. Western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), employs multifaceted chemical defences in its haemolymph, which may contribute significantly to its success as a major economic pest. Here, we test the hypothesis that agrobiont predators can rapidly learn to recognize and avoid WCR larvae, and will thereby reduce their contribution to WCR suppression. In controlled feeding assays, the effectiveness of WCR haemolymph defences varied across three predator taxa (crickets, centipedes, and ants). Centipedes (Chilopoda: Lithobiidae) were minimally affected by WCR defences, but crickets [Gryllus pennsylvanicus Burmeister (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)] spent less time feeding on WCR than on an undefended control prey, house fly maggots. However, we uncovered no evidence indicating that experienced crickets rapidly learn to avoid WCR larvae, indicating that haemolymph defences offer few, if any, survival benefits for WCR. Colonies of ants [Lasius neoniger Emery (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)] switched from low worker participation in initial attacks on WCR to higher worker participation in subsequent attacks, indicating an attempt to overcome, rather than avoid, WCR haemolymph defences. These results suggest that a diverse assemblage of natural enemies will show a diverse array of behavioural responses to toxic pest prey, and highlight the importance of behavioural diversity in driving the function of natural enemy assemblages.
Central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis: a systematic review
Authors: Singh T. D. , Fugate J. E. , Rabinstein A. A. 
Published: September 2014

The purpose was to perform a systematic review of studies on central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis [forms of osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS)] and define the spectrum of causes, risk factors, clinical and radiological presentations, and functional outcomes of this disorder. A thorough search of the literature was conducted using multiple databases (PubMed, Ovid Medline and Google) and bibliographies of key articles to identify all case series of adult patients withODSpublished from 1959 to January 2013. Only series with five or more cases published in English were considered. Of the 2602 articles identified, 38 case series were included comprising a total of 541 patients who fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The most common predisposing factor was hyponatremia (78%) and the most common presentation was encephalopathy (39%). Favorable recovery occurred in 51.9% of patients and death in 24.8%. Liver transplant patients withODShad a combined rate of death and disability of 77.4%, compared with 44.7% in those without liver transplantation (P < 0.001).ODSis found to have a good recovery in more than half of cases and its mortality has decreased with each passing decade. Favorable prognosis is possible in patients ofODS, even with severe neurological presentation. Further research is required to confirm the differences found in liver transplant recipients.
Investigating inhibitory control in children with epilepsy: An fMRI study
Authors: Triplett Regina L. , Velanova Katerina , Luna Beatriz , Padmanabhan Aarthi , Gaillard William D. , Asato Miya R. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryObjectiveDeficits in executive function are noted increasingly in children with epilepsy and have been associated with poor academic and psychosocial outcomes. Impaired inhibitory control contributes to executive dysfunction in children with epilepsy; however, its neuroanatomic basis has not yet been investigated. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to probe the integrity of activation in brain regions underlying inhibitory control in children with epilepsy.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study consisted of 34 children aged 8–17 years: 17 with well‐controlled epilepsy and 17 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Participants performed the antisaccade (AS) task, representative of inhibitory control, during fMRI scanning. We compared AS performance during neutral and reward task conditions and evaluated task‐related blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) activation.ResultsChildren with epilepsy demonstrated impaired AS performance compared to controls during both neutral (nonreward) and reward trials, but exhibited significant task improvement during reward trials. Post hoc analysis revealed that younger patients made more errors than older patients and all controls. fMRI results showed preserved activation in task‐relevant regions in patients and controls, with the exception of increased activation in the left posterior cingulate gyrus in patients specifically with generalized epilepsy across neutral and reward trials.SignificanceDespite impaired inhibitory control, children with epilepsy accessed typical neural pathways as did their peers without epilepsy. Children with epilepsy showed improved behavioral performance in response to the reward condition, suggesting potential benefits of the use of incentives in cognitive remediation.
Important ecological traits for selecting Biserrula pelecinus L. (biserrula) genotypes for their potential introduction into agricultural systems
Authors: Loi A. , Franca A. , Nutt B. J. , Yates R. J. , D'Antuono M. F. , Howieson J. G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAn investigation of eleven genotypes and two cultivars of Biserrula pelecinus L. (biserrula) was conducted in Western Australia to study their ecological and agronomic traits. All biserrula genotypes were productive in the 2 years of testing, with dry‐matter production ranging from 3·5 to 4·9 t ha−1 and seed yield ranging from 314 to 1381 kg ha−1. Biserrula has high initial levels of hard seededness (95–100%) and a more gradual hard seed breakdown (68–92%) in summer. The high levels of hard seed decreased the seedling densities of biserrula in the second year, while were at highest levels in the third year after the plots were cropped to wheat. A further experiment was conducted to study the interaction between spray‐topping and seed set. This study showed subterranean clover seed yields were more tolerant to herbicides than a number of biserrula genotypes. There were significant responses to the herbicides within the biserrula genotypes, and 95GCN59 was less affected. The rhizobium experiment showed a strong host strain/interaction and has emphasized the importance of simultaneous breeding and selection of plant germplasm run in parallel with the selection of elite strains of rhizobia such as WSM1497 to optimize nitrogen fixation.
Clinical significance of intragraft miR‐122 and ‐155 expression after liver transplantation
Authors: Asaoka Tadafumi , Hernandez Dayami , Tryphonopoulos Panagiotis , Tekin Akin , Garcia Jennifer , Nishida Seigo , Fan Ji , Beduschi Thiago , Vianna Rodrigo , Ruiz Phillip 
Published: September 2014

AimRecurrent hepatitis C (RHC) and acute cellular rejection (AR) remain critical problems following liver transplantation (LT) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive recipients because of the similar clinical features. Discrimination between these conditions can be problematic, and adjunctive biomarkers would be useful to discriminate these processes. The aim of our study was to investigate the possibility of the intragraft miR‐122 and ‐155 expression as new biomarkers after LT.MethodsA total of 29 HCV positive recipients were enrolled in this study. Intragraft expressions of miR‐122 and ‐155 were studied between RHC predominant (n = 17) and AR predominant cases (n = 12) using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, we investigated the correlations between these expression levels and clinical serum parameters.ResultsIntragraft miR‐122 expression had a good correlation with serum alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.02), but it was not correlated with the serum HCV viral load. The expression levels of miR‐122 in the AR group were significantly higher than those in the RHC group (P = 0.0006) and, inversely, the expression levels of miR‐155 in the AR group were significantly lower than those in the RHC group (P = 0.01).ConclusionOur study emphasizes a useful pattern of miR‐122 and ‐155 as ancillary markers to discriminate AR predominant cases from RHC in HCV positive patients after LT.
Prospective study of the safety and efficacy of intermittent inflow occlusion (Pringle maneuver) in living donor left hepatectomy
Authors: Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Soyama Akihiko , Hidaka Masaaki , Kinoshita Ayaka , Adachi Tomohiko , Kitasato Amane , Kuroki Tamotsu , Eguchi Susumu 
Published: September 2014

AimThe impact of intermittent inflow occlusion (Pringle maneuver) in living donor hepatectomy on the outcome of both the donor and the recipient is unknown. The aim of this study is to elucidate the safety and efficacy of Pringle maneuver in living donor hepatectomy.MethodsTwenty consecutive cases of living donors who underwent left hepatectomy were prospectively divided into two groups, with (Group A, n = 10) or without (Group B, n = 10) the Pringle maneuver during hepatectomy. Intraoperative blood loss, postoperative liver functions in the donors and recipient outcome were reviewed.ResultsMedian blood loss was significantly less in group A than in group B. Median alanine aminotransferase was significantly higher on postoperative day 1 in group A than in group B, but the difference was not significant at 7 days after surgery. Eight of 10 recipients in each group survived with good graft function with a median follow‐up period of 20 months in group A and 19 months in group B.ConclusionThe Pringle maneuver was safely applied in living donor hepatectomy, but the only benefit was the reduction of blood loss during the donor surgery, and no positive impact on the recipient outcome.