bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental effects on the reproduction and fecundity of the introduced calcareous sponge Paraleucilla magna in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Lanna Emilio , Paranhos Rodolfo , Paiva Paulo C. , Klautau Michelle 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe calcareous sponge Paraleucilla magna (Porifera, Calcarea) has been the subject of several studies in the last decade. It was first described along the Brazilian coast, where it is considered cryptogenic, and was subsequently found in the Mediterranean, where it is considered invasive. The wide artificial distribution of this species allows us to compare different aspects of the biology of an introduced species in different locations. Here, we analysed the effects of selected environmental parameters on the reproductive dynamics of P. magna in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) over 18 months and compared our results with those obtained for the same species in the Mediterranean Sea. Specimens were collected monthly and analysed through histological methods. The density of reproductive elements in each month was calculated, and the effects of environmental parameters (photoperiod, precipitation, temperature, phytoplankton and bacterioplankton) were analysed using a regression tree analysis. Paraleucilla magna was reproductive throughout the study period. The densities of the reproductive elements (oocytes, embryos and larvae) showed no seasonality, and this species presented one of the highest reproductive efforts documented to date in the phylum Porifera (99.0 oocytes · mm−3; 89.0 embryos · mm−3; 319.0 larvae · mm−3). The main environmental parameters related to the reproduction of P. magna were temperature, photoperiod and bacterioplankton. Temperature was the main driver associated with the densities of oocytes and embryos, while bacterioplankton was the main driver of larvae (positive relationships). In Rio de Janeiro, larvae were present and continuously released. This strategy is different from that observed in the Mediterranean, where a larger larval output was observed but only during the summer months. Our results show that P. magna is a species with a strong invasive potential, considering its high and continuous reproductive effort. This high fecundity stimulated by high temperatures may be a key factor contributing to the growth of P. magna populations and its invasion of new areas.
Sacral nerve stimulation changes rectal sensitivity and biomechanical properties in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Fassov J. , Brock C. , Lundby L. , Drewes A. M. , Gregersen H. , Buntzen S. , Laurberg S. , Krogh K. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundSacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has been demonstrated to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life in selected patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The mechanisms of action, however, remain unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of SNS on rectal sensitivity and biomechanical properties in patients with IBS.MethodsTwenty patients with diarrhea‐predominant (n = 11) or mixed (n = 9) IBS were treated with SNS in a controlled, randomized crossover trial. They were randomized to either 1 month of SNS (ON) or placebo (OFF) with the opposite setting for the next month. Sensory and biomechanical parameters were assessed by multimodal rectal stimulation at the end of each period. IBS‐specific symptoms were evaluated at baseline and at the end of each treatment period.Key ResultsCold stimuli were better tolerated in the ON period (19.9 °C[±0.6]) compared to the OFF period (21.8 °C[±0.6]; p = 0.03). Significantly lower cross‐sectional areas were needed to elicit sensory responses in the ON period (1545 mm2[±95]) compared to the OFF period (1869 mm2[±92]; p = 0.015). The association between reduced sensory threshold and improvement of constipation was of borderline significance (p = 0.05). Wall stiffness was significantly lower in the ON period (192 mmHg[±10]) compared to the OFF period (234 mmHg[±10]; p = 0.004). Reduced wall stiffness was significantly associated with improved overall GSRS‐IBS symptom score (p = 0.01). Reduced sensory threshold to stretch (p = 0.02) and reduced wall stiffness (p < 0.001) were predictors of the GSRS‐IBS symptom score.Conclusions & InferencesSNS for diarrhea‐predominant and mixed IBS relaxes the rectal wall, while making it more sensitive to stretch and less sensitive to cold. Reduced wall stiffness and increased sensitivity to stretch are associated with improved GSRS‐IBS symptom score.
Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Super‐Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: A Combination of Predictive Factors
Authors: YANAGISAWA SATOSHI , INDEN YASUYA , SHIMANO MASAYUKI , YOSHIDA NAOKI , FUJITA MASAYA , OHGUCHI SHIOU , ISHIKAWA SHINJI , KATO HIROYUKI , OKUMURA SATOSHI , MIYOSHI AYA , NAGAO TOMOYUKI , YAMAMOTO TOSHIHIKO , HIRAI MAKOTO , MUROHARA TOYOAKI 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundPatients with greater improvement of cardiac function after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation are identified as “super‐responders.” However, it remains unclear which kind of preimplant assessments could accurately predict outcomes after CRT. Thus, we aimed to examine the essential predicting factors for super‐response to CRT, and to construct an accurate predictable model.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the CRT patients who underwent implantation at Nagoya University Hospital. Super‐responders are defined as those who show a relative reduction in left ventricular end‐systolic volume ≥30% after 6 months of CRT.ResultsEighty patients (mean age, 67.8 ± 10.2 years) were included. Twenty‐two patients received upgrading procedure to CRT implantation. Six months after the implantation, 29 patients (36%) were super‐responders. Multiple logistic regression analysis shows that consistent right ventricular pacing with a previous device (odds ratio [OR] 7.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52–34.9; P = 0.013), lack of prior history of ventricular arrhythmia (OR 5.32, 95% CI 1.52–18.6; P = 0.009), and smaller left atrial diameter (LAD) (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86–0.98; P = 0.014) are independent predictors for CRT super‐responders. The use of a combination of these predictive factors could increase the certainty with which a greater response to CRT is predicted and the presence of such a combination could improve prognosis.ConclusionGreater response to biventricular pacing occurs more frequently in patients with consistent right ventricular pacing, lack of prior history of ventricular arrhythmia, and smaller LAD. An association between patient background characteristics and a super‐response to CRT was also identified.
Three year outcome of childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome under a unified immunosuppressive protocol
Authors: Hibino Satoshi , Uemura Osamu , Nagai Takuhito , Yamakawa Satoshi , Iwata Naoyuki , Ito Hidekazu , Nakano Masaru , Tanaka Kazuki 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis retrospective study was performed to assess the 3 year outcome of a unified protocol for childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.MethodsCyclosporine A (CsA) or CsA plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) were used in patients without remission on high‐dose steroid therapy. CsA was maintained at an area under the whole blood concentration–time curve up to 4 h after dose (AUC0–4) of 1500 and 2000 ng·h/mL in steroid‐dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) and steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), respectively. Ninety‐one children were enrolled in the study (SDNS, n = 64; SRNS, n = 18). Patients were divided into minimal change (MC) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) groups. Three year outcome was evaluated using clinical severity defined as degree of dependence on immunosuppressive therapy for maintenance of remission.ResultsIn the SDNS group, the numbers of MC and no biopsy were 51 and 13, respectively. No patient had FSGS. Twelve SRNS patients had FSGS and six had MC. In SDNS, 15/64 patients (23%) received no medication. CsA was effective as steroid‐sparing agent in 31/38 patients (82%). MMF was effective in all eight patients for whom CsA was unsuccessful. Remission rate in the SRNS group was 14/18 (78%; eight with CsA, and six with a combination of CsA + MMF). Five of the 14 SRNS remission patients received methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Four were resistant to therapy, and had impaired renal function. The clinical severity of MC and FSGS overlapped.ConclusionsTreatment with CsA and combination of CsA plus MMF was useful for SDNS and for remission induction in SRNS.
Modulation of Immune Response by RAGE and TLR4 Signalling in PBMCs of Diabetic and Non‐Diabetic Patients
Authors: Frasnelli S. C. T. , de Medeiros M. C. , Bastos A. de S. , Costa D. L. , Orrico S. R. P. , Rossa Junior C. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractDiabetes is associated with increased glucose levels and accumulation of glycated products. It is also associated with impairment in the immune response, such as increased susceptibility to infections. In this study, we assessed the possible interactions between TLR4 and RAGE signalling on apoptosis and on the expression of inflammatory cytokines in PBMC from individuals with and without diabetes. PBMCs were isolated from seven diabetic patients and six individuals without diabetes and stimulated in vitro with bacterial LPS (1 μg/ml) associated or not with BSA‐AGE (200 μg/ml). This stimulation was performed for 6 h, both in the presence and in the absence of inhibitors of TLR4 (R. sphaeroides LPS, 20 μg/ml) and RAGE (blocking monoclonal antibody). Apoptosis at early and late stages was assessed by the annexin‐V/PI staining using flow cytometry. Regulation of TNF‐α and IL‐10 gene expression was determined by RT‐qPCR. PBMCs from diabetes patients tended to be more resistant apoptosis. There were no synergistic or antagonistic effects with the simultaneous activation of TLR4 and RAGE in PBMCs from either diabetes or non‐diabetes group. Activation of TLR4 is more potent for the induction of TNF‐α and IL‐10; RAGE signalling had a negative regulatory effect on TNF‐α expression induced by LPS. TLR and RAGE do not have relevant roles in apoptosis of PBMCs. The activation of TLR has greater role than RAGE in regulating the gene expression of IL‐10 and TNF‐α.
Tranilast Inhibits the Function of Cancer‐Associated Fibroblasts Responsible for the Induction of Immune Suppressor Cell Types
Authors: Ohshio Y. , Hanaoka J. , Kontani K. , Teramoto K. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractCancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the dominant stromal component in the tumour microenvironment (TME), playing critical roles in generation of pro‐tumourigenic TME; however, their contribution to suppression of antitumour immune responses has not been fully understood. To elucidate the interaction between CAFs and immune suppressor cells, we examined whether inhibition of CAFs function would impair the induction of immune suppressor cell types in vitro. In this study, we applied an anti‐allergic and antifibrotic agent tranilast, which is used clinically, and evaluated a potential of tranilast to serve as a CAFs inhibitor. CAFs that had been isolated from E.G7 or LLC1 tumour‐bearing mice were cultured in the presence of tranilast, and thereafter, CAFs functions on the secretion of some soluble factors as well as the induction of immune suppressor cells were evaluated. As a result, tranilast inhibited the proliferation of CAFs and reduced the levels of stromal cell‐derived factor‐1, prostaglandin E2 and transforming growth factor‐β1 from CAFs in a dose‐dependent manner. On the other hand, tranilast exerted no inhibitory effects on immune cells at doses under 100 μm. The induction of regulatory T cells and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells from their progenitor cells was suppressed in the medium that CAFs had been cultured in the presence of tranilast; however, these findings were not observed when those progenitor cells were cultured in the medium containing tranilast alone. These data demonstrate that tranilast inhibits CAFs function, which is responsible for the induction of immune suppressor cells, and possesses a potential to serve as a specific CAFs inhibitor.
Race in the Color‐blind Era: Deracialization and Black Elected Officials
Authors: Johnson Lawrence 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis paper reviews the emergence of Black elected officials and the deracialization concept within the literature of Blacks politics. The aim is to provide an overview of the critical issues and debates regarding Black elected officials since the Civil Rights Movement. I contend that an understanding of deracialization as an analytical construct, to assess the viability of Black elected officials and election outcomes, is clearer when examined from the perspective of structural change. Rather than just examining specific candidates and campaigns, a sociological approach that situates Black elected officials within the macro changes of society explains the contradiction of greater political representation yet persistent racial inequality. I conclude this paper with a brief discussion of how the study of deracialization as racial phenomena can be advanced through critical discourse analysis that identifies candidates within social networks of power and influence.
Personality and Creativity: The Dual Pathway to Creativity Model and a Research Agenda
Authors: Baas Matthijs , Roskes Marieke , Sligte Daniel , Nijstad Bernard A. , De Dreu Carsten K. W. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractTo better understand the relation between personality traits and creativity, we invoke the Dual‐Pathway to Creativity model (DPCM) that identifies two pathways to creative outcomes: (1) flexible processing of information (cognitive flexibility) and (2) persistent probing, and systematically and incrementally combining elements and possibilities (cognitive persistence). DPCM further proposes that dispositional or situational variables may influence creativity through either their effects on flexibility or persistence. Here, we propose the idea that approach‐related traits (e.g., openness to experience, extraversion, positive affectivity, and power‐motivation) may lead to greater creativity because they link to enhanced cognitive flexibility, whereas avoidance‐related traits (e.g., negative affectivity and neuroticism) under the right circumstances may lead to greater creativity because they link to enhanced cognitive persistence. Empirical support for this proposition is discussed, and a research agenda for future work on personality and creativity is set.
The inter‐kingdom volatile signal indole promotes root development by interfering with auxin signalling
Authors: Bailly Aurélien , Groenhagen Ulrike , Schulz Stefan , Geisler Markus , Eberl Leo , Weisskopf Laure 
Published: September 2014

SummaryRecently, emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has emerged as a mode of communication between bacteria and plants. Although some bacterial VOCs that promote plant growth have been identified, their underlying mechanism of action is unknown. Here we demonstrate that indole, which was identified using a screen for Arabidopsis growth promotion by VOCs from soil‐borne bacteria, is a potent plant‐growth modulator. Its prominent role in increasing the plant secondary root network is mediated by interfering with the auxin‐signalling machinery. Using auxin reporter lines and classic auxin physiological and transport assays we show that the indole signal invades the plant body, reaches zones of auxin activity and acts in a polar auxin transport‐dependent bimodal mechanism to trigger differential cellular auxin responses. Our results suggest that indole, beyond its importance as a bacterial signal molecule, can serve as a remote messenger to manipulate plant growth and development.
A multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluating the use of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allografts and multilayer compression therapy vs. multilayer compression therapy alone in the treatment of venous leg ulcers
Authors: Serena Thomas E. , Carter Marissa J. , Le Lam T. , Sabo Matthew J. , DiMarco Daniel T. ,   EpiFix VLU Study Group
Published: September 2014

AbstractVenous leg ulcers produce significant clinical and economic burdens on society and often require advanced wound therapy. The purpose of this multicenter, randomized, controlled study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of one or two applications of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allograft and multilayer compression therapy vs. multilayer compression therapy alone in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. The primary study outcome was the proportion of patients achieving 40% wound closure at 4 weeks. Of the 84 participants enrolled, 53 were randomized to receive allograft and 31 were randomized to the control group of multilayer compression therapy alone. At 4 weeks, 62% in the allograft group and 32% in the control group showed a greater than 40% wound closure (p = 0.005), thus showing a significant difference between the allograft‐treated groups and the multilayer compression therapy alone group at the 4‐week surrogate endpoint. After 4 weeks, wounds treated with allograft had reduced in size a mean of 48.1% compared with 19.0% for controls. Venous leg ulcers treated with allograft had a significant improvement in healing at 4 weeks compared with multilayer compression therapy alone.
Effects of Dosage, Comorbidities, and Food on Isoniazid Pharmacokinetics in Peruvian Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Requena-Méndez Ana , Davies Geraint , Waterhouse David , Ardrey Alison , Jave Oswaldo , López-Romero Sonia Llanet , Ward Stephen A. , Moore David A. J. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Poor response to tuberculosis (TB) therapy might be attributable to subtherapeutic levels in drug-compliant patients. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters can be affected by several factors, such as comorbidities or the interaction of TB drugs with food. This study aimed to determine the PK of isoniazid (INH) in a Peruvian TB population under observed daily and twice-weekly (i.e., biweekly) therapy. Isoniazid levels were analyzed at 2 and 6 h after drug intake using liquid chromatography mass spectrometric methods. A total of 107 recruited patients had available PK data; of these 107 patients, 42.1% received biweekly isoniazid. The mean biweekly dose (12.8 mg/kg of body weight/day) was significantly lower than the nominal dose of 15 mg/kg/day (
P
< 0.001), and this effect was particularly marked in patients with concurrent diabetes and in males. The median maximum plasma concentration (
C
max
) and area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 6 h (AUC
0–6
) were 2.77 mg/liter and 9.71 mg·h/liter, respectively, for daily administration and 8.74 mg/liter and 37.8 mg·h/liter, respectively, for biweekly administration. There were no differences in the
C
max
with respect to gender, diabetes mellitus (DM) status, or HIV status. Food was weakly associated with lower levels of isoniazid during the continuation phase. Overall, 34% of patients during the intensive phase and 33.3% during the continuation phase did not reach the
C
max
reference value. However, low levels of INH were not associated with poorer clinical outcomes. In our population, INH exposure was affected by weight-adjusted dose and by food, but comorbidities did not indicate any effect on PK. We were unable to demonstrate a clear relationship between the
C
max
and treatment outcome in this data set. Twice-weekly weight-adjusted dosing of INH appears to be quite robust with respect to important potentially influential patient factors under program conditions.
N
-Butyl-[1-(4-Methoxy)Phenyl-9
H
-β-Carboline]-3-Carboxamide Prevents Cytokinesis in Leishmania amazonensis
Authors: Stefanello T. F. , Panice M. R. , Ueda-Nakamura T. , Sarragiotto M. H. , Auzély-Velty R. , Nakamura C. V. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Leishmaniasis, a complex of diseases caused by protozoa of the genus
Leishmania
, is endemic in 98 countries, affecting approximately 12 million people worldwide. Current treatments for leishmaniasis have many disadvantages, such as toxicity, high costs, and prolonged treatment, making the development of new treatment alternatives highly relevant. Several studies have verified the antileishmanial activity of β-carboline compounds. In the present study, we investigated the
in vitro
antileishmanial activity of
N
-butyl-[1-(4-methoxy)phenyl-9
H
-β-carboline]-3-carboxamide (β-CB) against
Leishmania amazonensis
. The compound was active against promastigote, axenic amastigote, and intracellular amastigote forms of
L. amazonensis
, exhibiting high selectivity for the parasite. Moreover, β-CB did not exhibit hemolytic or mutagenic potential. Promastigotes treated with the alkaloid presented rounding of the body cell, cell membrane projections, an increase in the number of promastigotes presenting two flagella, and parasites of abnormal phenotype, with three or more flagella and/or nuclei. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the subpopulation of cells in the G
2
/M stage of the cell cycle. Altogether, these results suggest that β-CB likely prevents cytokinesis, although it does not interfere with the duplication of cell structures. We also verified an increase in O
2
·−
production and the accumulation of lipid storage bodies. Cell membrane integrity was maintained, in addition to the absence of phosphatidylserine externalization, DNA fragmentation, and autophagosomes. Although the possibility of an apoptotic process cannot be discarded, β-CB likely exerts its antileishmanial activity through a cytostatic effect, thus preventing cellular proliferation.
In Vitro
Susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates to an Oral Carbapenem Alone or in Combination with β-Lactamase Inhibitors
Authors: Horita Yasuhiro , Maeda Shinji , Kazumi Yuko , Doi Norio 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the antituberculosis (anti-TB) activity of five β-lactams alone or in combination with β-lactamase inhibitors against 41 clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, including multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains. Of those, tebipenem, an oral carbapenem, showed the most potent anti-TB activity against clinical isolates, with a MIC range of 0.125 to 8 μg/ml, which is achievable in the human blood. More importantly, in the presence of clavulanate, MIC values of tebipenem declined to 2 μg/ml or less.