bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemically verified smoking cessation and vaping beliefs among vape store customers
Authors: Tackett Alayna P. , Lechner William V. , Meier Ellen , Grant DeMond M. , Driskill Leslie M. , Tahirkheli Noor N. , Wagener Theodore L. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimsTo evaluate biochemically verified smoking status and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use behaviors and beliefs among a sample of customers from vapor stores (stores specializing in ENDS).Design, Setting and ParticipantsA cross‐sectional survey of 215 adult vapor store customers at four retail locations in the Midwestern United States; a subset of participants (n = 181) also completed exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) testing to verify smoking status.MeasurementsOutcomes evaluated included ENDS preferences, harm beliefs, use behaviors, smoking history and current biochemically verified smoking status.FindingsMost customers reported starting ENDS as a means of smoking cessation (86%), using newer‐generation devices (89%), vaping non‐tobacco/non‐menthol flavors (72%) and using e‐liquid with nicotine strengths of ≤20 mg/ml (72%). There was a high rate of switching (91.4%) to newer‐generation ENDS among those who started with a first‐generation product. Exhaled CO readings confirmed that 66% of the tested sample had quit smoking. Among those who continued to smoke, mean cigarettes per day decreased from 22.1 to 7.5 (P <0.001). People who reported vaping longer [odds ratio (OR) = 4.659, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.001–10.846], using newer‐generation devices (OR = 2.950, 95% CI = 1.037–8.395) and using non‐tobacco and non‐menthol flavors (OR = 2.626, 95% CI = 1.133–6.085) were more likely to have quit smoking.ConclusionsAmong vapor store customers in the United States who use electronic nicotine delivery devices to stop smoking, vaping longer, using newer‐generation devices and using non‐tobacco and non‐menthol flavored e‐liquid appear to be associated with higher rates of smoking cessation.
IL‐33 promotes the induction of immunoglobulin production after inhalation of house dust mite extract in mice
Authors: Canbaz D. , Utsch L. , Logiantara A. , van Ree R. , van Rijt L. S. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe initial immune response to house dust mite (HDM) is orchestrated by an interplay between epithelial cells (ECs) and dendritic cells (DCs). Innate cytokines released by HDM‐exposed ECs activate airway DCs and effector inflammatory cells, which together induce a HDM‐specific Th2 cell response. Here, we investigate the respective roles of DCs and IL‐33 in sensitization to HDM.MethodBalb/c mice were exposed via the airways to different HDM extracts, differing in at least endotoxin levels [Lotox (LT) and HiTox (HT)]. Alternatively, HDM‐pulsed DCs in the presence or absence of additional LT‐HDM, or administration of LT‐HDM plus recombinant IL‐33, were intratracheally (i.t.) administered to induce allergic airway inflammation. Eosinophil recruitment, cytokine production, serum immunoglobulins, and airway histology were analyzed.ResultsDirect exposure of airways with HT‐HDM induced an eosinophilic airway inflammation, Th2 cytokine production, and an increase in total IgE and HDM IgG1, while LT‐HDM was not able to do so. In contrast, i.t. instillation of LT‐HDM‐pulsed DCs induced a similar airway inflammation, mucus production, and cytokine production, but IgE or HDM IgG1 was not induced. Administration of HDM‐pulsed DCs together with LT‐HDM, to supply B cells with unprocessed antigen, was not sufficient to induce antibody production. Simultaneous administration of recombinant IL‐33 with LT‐HDM induced an antibody response, besides a cellular immune response.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that HDM‐pulsed DCs were able to drive a Th2 response but that IL‐33 was needed to induce a humoral immune response to a single inhalational challenge to HDM.
Cross‐sectional study of the sperm quality in semen samples from spinal cord injured men after long‐term cryopreservation
Authors: Krebs J. , Göcking K. , Kissling‐Niggli M. , Pannek J. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe deterioration of semen quality occurs very early after spinal cord injury (SCI). Thus, routine cryopreservation of semen early after injury has been recommended. However, there is currently a lack of data concerning the effects of long‐term cryopreservation on the quality of spermatozoa from SCI men. We have therefore investigated the quality of spermatozoa from SCI men before and after long‐term cryopreservation. The semen cryobank of a SCI rehabilitation center was screened for samples with a storage duration of more than 3 years, to carry out a cross‐sectional study regarding the sperm quality of semen samples from SCI men. Semen quality analysis was carried out according to the WHO‐Guidelines. The quality of 28 semen samples from 16 SCI men was investigated prior to and a median 11 years (95% CI 7–13 years) after cryopreservation. Prior to cryopreservation, ejaculate volume (median = 1.7 mL, 95% CI 1–3 mL) and sperm concentration (median = 106 × 106/mL, 95% CI 82–132 × 106/mL) were within normal limits, but total sperm motility (median = 19%, 95% CI 13–22%) and viability (median = 27%, 95% CI 19–45%) were reduced. Cryopreservation resulted in a significant (p < 0.0001) decrease in total sperm motility (median = 2.5%, 95% CI 0–4%) and viability (median = 7%, 95% CI 6–13%). There were no significant (p = 0.75) differences between the semen parameters of samples collected early (up to 3 weeks) after SCI and those collected later. Complete SCI had a significantly (p < 0.0001) negative effect on the sperm viability of the fresh semen samples, and tetraplegia had a significantly (p < 0.035) negative effect on both pre‐cryopreservation sperm viability and post‐cryopreservation motility. The assisted ejaculation technique had no significant (p > 0.053) effect on semen quality. Long‐term cryopreservation of semen from SCI men results in essentially immotile sperm with minimal viability. Thus, routine long‐term cryobanking of semen harvested early after SCI cannot be recommended.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: infliximab and immunosuppressant therapy vs. infliximab alone for active ulcerative colitis
Authors: Christophorou D. , Funakoshi N. , Duny Y. , Valats J.‐C. , Bismuth M. , Pineton De Chambrun G. , Daures J.‐P. , Blanc P. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe benefit of the combination of infliximab (IFX) and immunosuppressant (IS) therapy is debated in ulcerative colitis (UC).AimsTo determine whether the combination of IFX and IS therapy is more effective than infliximab alone for active UC regardless of prior IS use.MethodsWe identified all controlled trials including patients with moderate‐to‐severe active UC, treated by either IFX or combined IFX‐IS therapy. The main outcome was clinical remission at 4–6 months. Two statistical methods were used, Mantel‐Haenszel and Der‐Simonian and Laird. Inter‐trial heterogeneity was taken into account and publication bias was assessed.ResultsFour controlled trials were analysed and included in the meta‐analysis. These four trials included 765 patients, 389 treated with IFX alone and 376 treated with IFX and IS. At 4–6 months' therapy, the clinical remission rate was significantly lower for the IFX monotherapy group OR 0.50, 95% CI [0.34–0.73], P < 0.01 (P‐heterogeneity = 0.49). The Harbord test did not show evidence of publication bias (P = 0.29). Calculation of an adjusted OR using the Duval and Tweedie method did not significantly modify results [OR 0.63, 95% CI (0.47–0.85)]. According to Orwin's formula, four additional medium‐sized nonsignificant studies would be necessary to reduce the effect size to a nonsignificant value. At 12 months of therapy, there was no significant difference between the two groups: OR 0.60, 95% CI [0.17–2.06], P = 0.41 (P‐heterogeneity = 0.01).ConclusionCombination therapy with IFX‐IS is more effective than IFX alone for achieving and maintaining clinical remission at 4–6 months for patients with moderate‐to‐severe ulcerative colitis, regardless of prior IS use.
Current status of a randomized controlled trial examining laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer in Japan
Authors: Katai Hitoshi 
Published: February 2015

AbstractMore than 20 years after the introduction of laparoscopic gastrectomy, two ongoing, large‐scale randomized controlled trials are currently being conducted in Japan: JCOG0912 for patients with stage I disease and JLSSG0901 for patients with advanced cancer. Both trials are designed to evaluate the non‐inferiority of laparoscopic‐assisted distal gastrectomy to its open counterpart. The primary end‐point of JCOG0912 is overall survival, whereas that of JLSSG0901 is relapse‐free survival. Quality control for the surgeries is being strictly performed in each study; eligibility criteria apply to participating surgeons and a central review of the surgical procedure has been conducted. The accrual of patients for JCOG0912 and for JLSSG0901 (phase II) is complete, and the disclosure of level I evidence is being awaited.
Phenotypic plasticity and karyotype conservation in allopatric populations of Astyanax aff. fasciatus (Teleostei, Characiformes) at the Upper Paraná river basin
Authors: Pazza Rubens , Argento Rayra F. M. , Mariano Igor H. S. , Kavalco Karine F. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractGenus Astyanax is known by its wide genetic and morphological diversity. Among the South America's fish, it is one of the most studied groups and with greatest number of characterized population. At the present work, the combined approach of morphological and genetic data analysis was applied. Cytogenetic and morphometric studies were performed in populations of Astyanax aff. fasciatus originating from Paranaíba river and São João river, both from the hydrographic basin of Paranaíba river. Fish originating from a third place at the Mogi‐Guaçu river (Tietê river's basin) and with 2n = 46 chromosomes also went through morphometric analysis. The morphologic data evidenced the populational structuring, following the geographical distribution of the subjects. Cytogenetic data disclosed the same diploid number and karyotype formula for both populations. The other cytogenetic markers comply with the literature. These data show that the two populations of A. aff. fasciatus do not differ among themselves concerning the chromosomal structure, but they structure themselves regarding morphometry. Aspects of evolution of the group are discussed facing this study.
Efficacy of a non‐drinking mental simulation intervention for reducing student alcohol consumption
Authors: Conroy Dominic , Sparks Paul , de Visser Richard 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesTo assess the impact of a mental simulation intervention designed to reduce student alcohol consumption by asking participants to imagine potential positive outcomes of and/or strategic processes involved in not drinking during social occasions.DesignEnglish university students aged 18–25 years (n = 211, Mage = 20 years) were randomly allocated to one of four intervention conditions. The dependent variables were weekly alcohol consumption, heavy episodic drinking (HED) frequency and frequency of social occasions at which participants did not drink alcohol when others were drinking alcohol (‘episodic non‐drinking’). Measures of alcohol‐related prototypes (i.e., prototypical non‐drinker, prototypical regular drinker) were used to compute sociability prototype difference scores as a potential mediator of any intervention effects. All measures were taken at baseline and at 2‐ and 4‐week follow‐up.MethodsParticipants completed one of four exercises involving either imagining positive outcomes of non‐drinking during a social occasion (outcome condition); imagining strategies required for non‐drinking during a social occasion (process condition); imagining both positive outcomes and required strategies (combined condition); or completing a drinks diary task (control condition).ResultsLatent growth curve analyses revealed a more substantial rate of decrease in weekly unit consumption and HED frequency among outcome condition and process condition participants, relative to control condition participants. Non‐significant differences were found between the combined condition and the control condition. Across the whole sample, an inverted U‐shape trend indicated an initial increase in episodic non‐drinking before it returned to baseline levels.ConclusionThis study provides preliminary evidence that mental simulation interventions focused on non‐drinking can successfully promote behaviour change.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

UK drinking recommendations advise two ‘dry days’ per week (NHS, 2014).

Benefits of, and strategies involved in, social non‐drinking exist (Conroy & de Visser, 2014).

Mental simulation interventions may help reduce student drinking (Hagger, Lonsdale, & Chatzisarantis, 2012; Hagger, Lonsdale, Koka et al., 2012).

What does this study add?

Demonstrates efficacy of a novel ‘non‐drinking’ mental simulation exercise.

Suggests that healthier alcohol prototypes can be encouraged via a health promotion intervention.

Shows potential utility of ‘episodic non‐drinking’ as an indicator of health‐adherent drinking.
Progression of Seed‐Induced Aβ Deposition within the Limbic Connectome
Authors: Ye Lan , Hamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Fritschi Sarah K. , Eisele Yvonne S. , Obermüller Ulrike , Jucker Mathias , Walker Lary C. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAn important early event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the aberrant polymerization and extracellular accumulation of amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ). In young transgenic mice expressing the human Aβ‐precursor protein (APP), deposits of Aβ can be induced by the inoculation of minute amounts of brain extract containing Aβ aggregates (“Aβ seeds”), indicative of a prion‐like seeding phenomenon. Moreover, focal intracerebral injection of Aβ seeds can induce deposits not only in the immediate vicinity of the injection site, but, with time, also in distal regions of the brain. However, it remains uncertain whether the spatial progression of Aβ deposits occurs via nonsystematic diffusion from the injection site to proximal regions or via directed transit along neuroanatomical pathways. To address this question, we analyzed the spatiotemporal emergence of Aβ deposits in two different APP‐transgenic mouse models that had been previously inoculated with Aβ seeds into the hippocampal formation. The results revealed a specific, neuroanatomically constrained pattern of induced Aβ deposits in structures corresponding to the limbic connectome, supporting the hypothesis that neuronal pathways act as conduits for the movement of proteopathic agents among brain regions, thereby facilitating the progression of disease.
Where to Live? How Morphology and Evolutionary History Predict Microhabitat Choice by Tropical Tadpoles
Authors: Marques Nubia S. , Nomura Fausto 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTadpoles have diverse morphologies and occupy diverse habitats. The morphological differences between tadpoles can be represented by linear and geometric measurements and used to explain the organization of tadpole assemblages. However, the effects of evolutionary history must be isolated from the morphological differences before we can determine which patterns result from the use and sharing of common ecological resources. Here, we aimed to determine how morphological similarities and phylogenetic distances affect microhabitat choice by tadpoles. We analyzed the tadpoles of 101 anuran species and classified them according to ecomorphological guild, habitat use, position in the water column, and floor substrate. We used geometric and traditional morphometric approaches to describe the morphological variation among tadpoles and calculated the patristic distance for each species. Afterwards, we used morphometric and phylogenetic matrices as predictors of the variance in the ecological matrix, using a partial redundancy analysis. When we used traditional morphometric data, phylogeny explained a large amount of the ecological variation. By contrast, when we used geometric morphometric data, morphology and phylogeny explained similar amounts of the ecological variation, showing that the technique used to extract morphological variation affects the results. We provide evidence that both morphology, as a surrogate for contemporary factors, and evolutionary inertia are important in determining the behavior of tadpoles. Thus, niche conservatism can be important in modeling the behavior of tadpoles, but does not explain all the preferences of tadpoles.
Downregulation of TPTE2P1 Inhibits Migration and Invasion of Gallbladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Lv Wenjie , Wang Lei , Lu Jianhua , Mu Jiasheng , Liu Yingbin , Dong Ping 
Published: February 2015

Human gallbladder cancer is a rare malignancy disease but having poor prognosis over the world. Previous studies have put forward that PTEN is a tumour suppressor in regulating many cellular processes, similar activities have been observed for its mammal homologue TPTE2. In this study, we attempted to unravel the underlying mechanistic basis of the role of TPTE2 and its pseudogene TPTE2P1 in gallbladder cancer. We employed lentivirus‐mediated RNA interference as an efficient tool to silence endogenous TPTE2P1 transcription in the gallbladder cancer cell line GBC‐SD/M. The effects of TPTE2P1 on cell migration and invasion were determined by transwell assays. We figured that depletion of TPTE2P1 remarkably inhibited gallbladder cancer cell migration and invasion capacity in vitro and elevated the expression of β‐catenin via epithelial–mesenchymal transition signalling. Our findings revealed the functional role of TPTE2P1 in human gallbladder cancer and suggested that TPTE2P1 could serve as a promising therapeutic target and a palliation option in human gallbladder cancer.
Probing the Conformational Dynamics of the Bioactive Peptide TLQP‐21 in Solution: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Chakraborty Sandipan , Akhter Shamim , Requena Jesús R. , Basu Soumalee 
Published: February 2015

VGF‐derived peptide, TLQP‐21, is a physiologically active neuropeptide exhibiting important roles in energy expenditure and balance, gastric contractility, reproduction, pain modulation, and stress. Although the physiological functions of the peptide constitute a research area of considerable interest, structural information is clearly lacking. Here, using extensive 550 nanoseconds molecular dynamics simulation in explicit water model, we have explored the folding energy landscape of the peptide. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis have been used to identify highly populated conformational states of the peptide in solution. The most populated structure of the peptide adopts a highly compact globular form stabilized by several hydrogen‐bonding interactions and π‐cationic interactions. Strong surface complementarity of hydrophobic residues allows tighter spatial fit of the residues within the core region of the peptide. Our simulation also predicts that the peptide is highly flexible in solution and that the region A7‐R9 and three C‐terminal residues, P19‐R21, possess strong helical propensity.
Nonpharmacological interventions aimed at modifying health and behavioural outcomes for adults with asthma: a critical review
Authors: Yorke J. , Fleming S. , Shuldham C. , Rao H. , Smith H.E. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryEvidence suggests that living with asthma is linked with psychological and behavioural factors including self‐management and treatment adherence, and therefore, there is a reasonable hypothesis that nonpharmacological treatments may improve health outcomes in people living with this condition. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of nonpharmacological interventions for adults with asthma was designed. Databases searched included The Cochrane Airways Group Register of trials, CENTRAL and Psychinfo. The literature search was conducted until May 2014. Twenty‐three studies met the inclusion criteria and were organized into four groups: relaxation‐based therapies (n = 9); mindfulness (n = 1), biofeedback techniques (n = 3); cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT) (n = 5); and multicomponent interventions (n = 5). A variety of outcome measures were used, even when trials belonged to the same grouping, which limited the ability to conduct meaningful meta‐analyses. Deficiencies in the current evidence base, notably trial heterogeneity, means that application to clinical practice is limited and clear guidelines regarding the use of nonpharmacological therapies in asthma is limited. Relaxation and CBT, however, appear to have a consistent positive effect on asthma‐related quality of life and some psychological outcomes, and lung function (relaxation only). Future trials should be informed by previous work to harmonize the interventions under study and outcome measures used to determine their effectiveness; only then will meaningful meta‐analyses inform clinical practice.
Immune deficiency: changing spectrum of pathogens
Authors: Duraisingham S S , Manson A , Grigoriadou S , Buckland M , Tong C Y W , Longhurst H J 
Published: February 2015

Summary
Current UK national standards recommend routine bacteriology surveillance in severe antibody-deficient patients, but less guidance exists on virology screening and viral infections in these patients. In this retrospective audit, we assessed the proportion of positive virology or bacteriology respiratory and stool samples from patients with severe, partial or no immune deficiency during a 2-year period. Medical notes were reviewed to identify symptomatic viral infections and to describe the course of persistent viral infections. During the 2-year period, 31 of 78 (39·7%) severe immune-deficient patients tested had a positive virology result and 89 of 160 (55.6%) had a positive bacteriology result. The most commonly detected pathogens were rhinovirus (12 patients), norovirus (6), Haemophilus influenzae (24), Pseudomonas spp. (22) and Staphylococcus aureus (21). Ninety-seven per cent of positive viral detection samples were from patients who were symptomatic. Low serum immunoglobulin IgA levels were more prevalent in patients with a positive virology sample compared to the total cohort (P = 0·0078). Three patients had persistent norovirus infection with sequential positive isolates for 9, 30 and 16 months. Virology screening of symptomatic antibody-deficient patients may be useful as a guide to anti-microbial treatment. A proportion of these patients may experience persistent viral infections with significant morbidity.