bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Sativex®‐like combination of phytocannabinoids as a disease‐modifying therapy in a viral model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Feliú A , Moreno‐Martet M , Mecha M , Carrillo‐Salinas F J , de Lago E , Fernández‐Ruiz J , Guaza C 
Published: April 2015

Background and PurposeSativex® is an oromucosal spray, containing equivalent amounts of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)‐botanical drug substance (BDS), which has been approved for the treatment of spasticity and pain associated to multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we investigated whether Sativex may also serve as a disease‐modifying agent in the Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus‐induced demyelinating disease model of MS.Experimental ApproachA Sativex‐like combination of phytocannabinoids and each phytocannabinoid alone were administered to mice once they had established MS‐like symptoms. Motor activity and the putative targets of these cannabinoids were assessed to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. The accumulation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) and astrogliosis were assessed in the spinal cord and the effect of Sativex on CSPGs production was evaluated in astrocyte cultures.Key ResultsSativex improved motor activity – reduced CNS infiltrates, microglial activity, axonal damage – and restored myelin morphology. Similarly, we found weaker vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 staining and IL‐1β gene expression but an up‐regulation of arginase‐1. The astrogliosis and accumulation of CSPGs in the spinal cord in vehicle‐infected animals were decreased by Sativex, as was the synthesis and release of CSPGs by astrocytes in culture. We found that CBD‐BDS alone alleviated motor deterioration to a similar extent as Sativex, acting through PPARγ receptors whereas Δ9‐THC‐BDS produced weaker effects, acting through CB2 and primarily CB1 receptors.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe data support the therapeutic potential of Sativex to slow MS progression and its relevance in CNS repair.
Chloride channels mediate sodium sulphide‐induced relaxation in rat uteri
Authors: Mijušković Ana , Kokić Aleksandra Nikolić , Dušić Zorana Oreščanin , Slavić Marija , Spasić Mihajlo B , Blagojević Duško 
Published: April 2015

Background and PurposeHydrogen sulphide reduces uterine contractility and is of potential interest as a treatment for uterine disorders. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of sodium sulphide (Na2S)‐induced relaxation of rat uterus, investigate the importance of redox effects and ion channel‐mediated mechanisms, and any interactions between these two mechanisms.Experimental ApproachOrgan bath studies were employed to assess the pharmacological effects of Na2S in uterine strips by exposing them to Na2S with or without Cl− channel blockers (DIDS, NFA, IAA‐94, T16Ainh‐A01, TA), raised KCl (15 and 75 mM), K+ channel inhibitors (glibenclamide, TEA, 4‐AP), L‐type Ca2+ channel activator (S‐Bay K 8644), propranolol and methylene blue. The activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured in homogenates of treated uteri. The expression of bestrophin channel 1 (BEST‐1) was determined by Western blotting and RT‐PCR.Key ResultsNa2S caused concentration‐dependent reversible relaxation of spontaneously active and calcium‐treated uteri, affecting both amplitude and frequency of contractions. Uteri exposed to 75 mM KCl were less sensitive to Na2S compared with uteri in 15 mM KCl. Na2S‐induced relaxations were abolished by DIDS, but unaffected by other modulators or by the absence of extracellular HCO3−, suggesting the involvement of chloride ion channels. Na2S in combination with different modulators provoked specific changes in the anti‐oxidant profiles of uteri. The expression of BEST‐1, both mRNA and protein, was demonstrated in rat uteri.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe relaxant effects of Na2S in rat uteri are mediated mainly via a DIDS‐sensitive Cl−‐pathway. Components of the relaxation are redox‐ and Ca2+‐dependent.
Universal Parenting Programme Provision in England; Barriers to Parent Engagement in the CANparent Trial, 2012–2014
Authors: Cullen Stephen M. , Cullen Mairi‐Ann , Lindsay Geoff 
Published: April 2015

The CANparent trial, 2012–2014, was a government initiative in four English areas designed to develop a market in universal parenting support. Fourteen parenting class providers offered classes to all parents of children aged 0–5 in the areas. In three areas, all eligible parents received £100 vouchers exchangeable for a parenting class. Pre‐trial planning was that take‐up would amount to 20 000 parents. However, only 14 per cent of these parents took advantage of the offer. This article utilises 42 interviews with providers, and two parent surveys over two time periods (n = 1510 and n = 1603) to review barriers to engagement with universal parenting support programmes.
The impact of commissioning for rhinosinusitis in England
Authors: Soni‐Jaiswal A. , Philpott C. , Hopkins C. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo assess the compliance of clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in England with the ENT‐UK rhinosinusitis commissioning guide produced in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons England and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence. We also aimed to assess the ease of accessibility of data from CCGs.DesignAudit of compliance of English CCGs with the ENT‐UK rhinosinusitis commissioning guide.SettingCCGs in EnglandParticipantsA total of 58 of the 221 CCGs in England were included and chosen because they were the first CCGs authorised by NHS England, or alternately, the CCGs forecasted to have a deficit in their first year of operation. Their websites were reviewed; when information was not easily accessible, a freedom of information request was submitted to the relevant CCG.Main outcome measuresCompliance with commissioning guidelines for rhinosinusitis.ResultsThirteen percent of CCGs had restrictive referral criteria in place, largely unrelated to published evidence‐based guidance. The routine use of multiple courses of oral steroids, prescription of antibiotics, CT scanning within primary care, and delaying referral for a year, prior to referral to a specialist were recommended against published advice.ConclusionsRestricting access to surgery may contribute to poorer outcomes and a decrease in the patient's quality of life. This is against the NHS constitution and is open to legal challenge. We encourage all ENT surgeons to review policies of their local CCG and engage with commissioners to ensure that their patients have evidence‐based care.
Health‐related quality of life in 794 patients with a peripheral facial palsy using the FaCE Scale: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kleiss I. J. , Hohman M. H. , Susarla S. M. , Marres H. A. M. , Hadlock T. A. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo describe the health‐related quality of life of patients visiting a tertiary referral centre for facial palsy, and to analyse factors associated with health‐related quality of life, using the FaCE Scale instrument.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingThe Facial Nerve Center at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, a tertiary referral centre.ParticipantsPatients with a peripheral facial palsy visiting the centre for an initial consultation between August 2007 and June 2012.Main outcome measuresThe total FaCE score and the FaCE social function subdomain. Multiple regression models were developed to identify factors associated with the total FaCE score and FaCE social function score.ResultsA total of 794 patients with a mean age of 47.0 ± 16.0 years were analysed in this study, of which 59.9% were female. The mean House–Brackmann, Sunnybrook, total FaCE and FaCE social function scores were 3.6 ± 1.5, 48.2 ± 21.2, 47.3 ± 19.3 and 55.5 ± 19.2, respectively. Increasing age (r = −0.229, P < 0.001) was associated with a lower total FaCE score. Female gender (r = −4.422, P = 0.033) and increased duration of palsy (r = −0.018, P = 0.041) were associated with lower FaCE social function scores.ConclusionsWhile counselling patients on what to expect during the recovery process after facial paralysis is an important part of any clinical visit, FaCE score correlations suggest that female patients with chronic facial palsy and increased age constitute a patient category that may require additional time and attention to prevent or mitigate psychosocial dysfunction.
Remote surveillance after colorectal cancer surgery: an effective alternative to standard clinic‐based follow‐up
Authors: Siddika A. , Tolia‐Shah D. , Pearson T. E. , Richardson N. G. B. , Ross A. H. McL. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimMost colorectal cancer recurrences are asymptomatic and are detected through routine postoperative clinic surveillance programmes with associated investigations. However, attendance at these clinics has a financial cost and may be associated with an increase in patient anxiety and dissatisfaction. The results of a remote follow‐up system developed for selected patients are reported.MethodA remote surveillance programme has been in place in our institution for over 9 years. Patients having elective and emergency treatment for colorectal cancer were enrolled. The timeliness of the investigation, detection of local recurrence and distant metastases and overall 5‐year survival rates were determined. A cost review and patient satisfaction survey were performed.ResultsThe programme was suitable for over 900 patients who had received surgery for colorectal cancer between 2004 and 2012, representing some 50% of the total number of patients treated in this period. Of these, 811 (90%) had investigations carried out on time. Five‐year survival rates were comparable with national data. Cost‐minimization analysis demonstrated a financial saving of 63% and a 75% reduction in clinic appointments. High levels of overall patient satisfaction (97%) were noted with the programme.ConclusionA remote surveillance system after colorectal cancer surgery is a safe and cost‐effective alternative to traditional clinic‐based follow up and has high patient satisfaction.
High arterial ligation and risk of anastomotic leakage in anterior resection for rectal cancer in patients with increased cardiovascular risk
Authors: Boström P. , Haapamäki M. M. , Matthiessen P. , Ljung R. , Rutegård J. , Rutegård M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimControversy still exists as to whether division of the inferior mesenteric artery close to the aorta influences the risk of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer. This population‐based study was carried out to evaluate the independent association between high arterial ligation and anastomotic leakage in patients with increased cardiovascular risk.MethodAll 2673 cases of registered anterior resection for rectal cancer from 2007 to 2010 were identified from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and cross‐referenced with the Prescribed Drugs Registry, rendering a cohort of all patients with increased cardiovascular risk. Operative charts and registered data were reviewed for 722 patients. The association between high tie and anastomotic leakage, as quantified by ORs and 95% CIs, was evaluated in a logistic regression model, with adjustment for confounding, including assessment of interaction.ResultsSymptomatic anastomotic leakage occurred in 12.3% (41/334) of patients in the high tie group and in 10.6% (41/388) in the low tie group. The use of high tie was not independently associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leakage (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.61–1.84). In a post‐hoc analysis, patients with a history of manifest cardiovascular disease and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score III–IV seemed to be at greater risk (OR = 3.66; 95% CI: 1.04–12.85).ConclusionIn the present population‐based, observational setting, high tie was not independently associated with an increased risk of symptomatic anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer. However, this conclusion may not hold for patients with severe cardiovascular disease.
Eye Movements Reveal the Influence of Event Structure on Reading Behavior
Authors: Swets Benjamin , Kurby Christopher A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWhen we read narrative texts such as novels and newspaper articles, we segment information presented in such texts into discrete events, with distinct boundaries between those events. But do our eyes reflect this event structure while reading? This study examines whether eye movements during the reading of discourse reveal how readers respond online to event structure. Participants read narrative passages as we monitored their eye movements. Several measures revealed that event structure predicted eye movements. In two experiments, we found that both early and overall reading times were longer for event boundaries. We also found that regressive saccades were more likely to land on event boundaries, but that readers were less likely to regress out of an event boundary. Experiment 2 also demonstrated that tracking event structure carries a working memory load. Eye movements provide a rich set of online data to test the cognitive reality of event segmentation during reading.
Earnings inequality and informal employment in Russia
Authors: Lukiyanova Anna 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we explore the relationship between informality and earnings inequality using the data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS‐HSE) for 2000–2010. We determine that during the entire period, earnings inequality was substantially higher in the informal sector. Informality increases earnings polarization, widening both tails of the earnings distribution. Nonetheless, inequality has declined in both formal and informal sectors. In the formal sector, changes in the distribution of monthly earnings between 2000 and 2010 were primarily generated by changes in the distribution of hourly earnings. In the informal sector, reduction of variation in monthly earnings went through two channels: declining differences in hourly rates and considerable compositional shifts within the informal sector. The results point to the importance of distributional analysis of earnings gaps and explicit accounting for the sector choice.
Gall‐forming insects in a lowland tropical rainforest: low species diversity in an extremely specialised guild
Authors: BUTTERILL PHILIP T. , NOVOTNY VOJTECH 
Published: April 2015

1. Gall‐forming insects are a guild of endophages that exhibit a high level of fidelity to their host plants, however, their level of host specificity is seldom explicitly tested.2. Gall‐forming insect taxa from 32 species of woody tropical plants with resolved phylogenetic relationships were collected and reared, representing 15 families from all the major clades of angiosperms, at three lowland rainforest locations in Madang, Papua New Guinea (PNG).3. More than 8800 galled plant parts were collected from 78 gall morphospecies at an average of 2.4 per host plant. Total species richness at the sampling sites was estimated to be 83–89. All but one morphospecies were monophagous resulting in an effective specialisation of 0.98.4. Specific leaf weight, foliar nitrogen, the presence of latex, and the successional preference of plant species all gave a phylogenetic signal, but only plant successional preference influenced the species richness of galls on analysis of phylogenetically independent contrasts. Gall species were distributed randomly among host plant species and showed no preference for any particular plant lineage. Furthermore, most gall‐forming taxa were evenly dispersed across the host plant phylogeny.5. In the tropical rainforests of New Guinea, gall‐forming insects are ubiquitous but occur in species‐poor assemblages. Local species richness is closely tied to the diversity of angiosperms owing to very high host specificity.6. Finally, galler species richness data from the literature across habitats and latitudes were compared and suggest that tropical rainforests may be richer in galls than previously acknowledged.
Depth‐related responses of soil microbial communities to experimental warming in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhang B. , Chen S. Y. , Zhang J. F. , He X. Y. , Liu W. J. , Zhao Q. , Zhao L. , Tian C. J. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryAlthough the effect of experimental warming on soil microorganisms has been well documented at surface horizons, less is known about its influence in subsurface horizons. An experiment was therefore carried out in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau to examine the responses of microbial communities to experimental warming at five soil depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40 and 40–50 cm). Plots were passively warmed for 3 years in open‐top chambers and compared with adjacent control plots at ambient temperature. Soil microbial communities were assessed by using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Our results showed clearly that 3 years of experimental warming increased microbial biomass consistently and significantly throughout the upper 50‐cm soil profiles, as indicated by the changes in both microbial biomass carbon (C) and total PLFA contents. The composition of microbial communities was also affected significantly by warming, but its effect depended on soil depth. While warming induced a community shift towards bacteria at the 0–10‐cm depth, it tended to shift microbial communities towards fungi at the other, deeper, layers. These results indicate that warming had strong effects on soil microbial communities, including even those residing in subsurface horizons, which may help us to understand the microbial mediation of the feedback between terrestrial C cycling and climate warming.
Valproate in the treatment of epilepsy in girls and women of childbearing potential
Authors: Tomson Torbjörn , Marson Anthony , Boon Paul , Canevini Maria Paola , Covanis Athanasios , Gaily Eija , Kälviäinen Reetta , Trinka Eugen 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThis document provides guidance on the use of valproate in girls and women of childbearing age from a joint Task Force of the Commission on European Affairs of the International League Against Epilepsy (CEA‐ILAE) and the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), following strengthened warnings from the Coordination Group for Mutual Recognition and Decentralised Procedures‐Human (CMDh) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which highlight the risk of malformations and developmental problems in infants who are exposed to valproate in the womb. To produce these recommendations, the Task Force has considered teratogenic risks associated with use of valproate and treatment alternatives, the importance of seizure control and of patient and fetal risks with seizures, and the effectiveness of valproate and treatment alternatives in the treatment of different epilepsies. The Task Force's recommendations include the following: (1) Where possible, valproate should be avoided in women of childbearing potential. (2) The choice of treatment for girls and women of childbearing potential should be based on a shared decision between clinician and patient, and where appropriate, the patient's representatives. Discussions should include a careful risk–benefit assessment of reasonable treatment options for the patient's seizure or epilepsy type. (3) For seizure (or epilepsy) types where valproate is the most effective treatment, the risks and benefits of valproate and other treatment alternatives should be discussed. (4) Valproate should not be prescribed as a first‐line treatment for focal epilepsy. (5) Valproate may be offered as a first‐line treatment for epilepsy syndromes where it is the most effective treatment, including idiopathic (genetic) generalized syndromes associated with tonic–clonic seizures. (6) Valproate may be offered as a first‐line treatment in situations where pregnancy is highly unlikely (e.g., significant intellectual or physical disability). (7) Women and girls taking valproate require regular follow‐up for ongoing consideration of the most appropriate treatment regimen.
A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes of the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae (Nematoda: Rhabditida) in Damascus countryside of Syria
Authors: Jawish A. , Al‐assas K. , Basheer A. 
Published: April 2015

A survey of entomopathogenic nematodes was conducted in Damascus countryside from January 2011 to December 2013. Soil samples were tested for the presence of steinernematid and heterorhabditid nematodes by baiting with Galleria mellonella larvae. Of the 189 soil samples studied 17 were positive for entomopathogenic nematodes (9%), with 11 of these positive samples (65%) containing Heterorhabditis and 6 (35%) Steinernema isolates. Morphological studies were carried out to characterize eight isolates. The Heterorhabditis isolates collected in Syria were identified as Heterorhabditis zealandica (Poinar, 1990), Heterorhabditis indica (Poinar et al., 1992) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar, 1990). Heterorhabditis zealandica was isolated from 4 sites. Heterorhabditis indica and H. bacteriophora were isolated from two sites each. Entomopathogenic nematodes were mainly found in stone fruit orchards and apple orchards but also in citrus groves, vineyards, and walnut orchards.
Revue bibliographique: la maladie de la tache auréolée du blé
Authors: Benslimane H. 
Published: April 2015

La tache helminthosporienne, maladie du blé, communément désignée par l'appellation anglo‐saxonne « tan spot » est mondialement rencontrée dans les champs de blé, et peut causer d'importantes pertes. Elle est provoquée par un ascomycète Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis, dont les différents isolats semblent très variables sur le plan génétique. Cette maladie est caractérisée par des symptômes typiques, une tache nécrotique entourée d'une chlorose. Huit races de son agent causal sont actuellement reconnues, sur la base des symptômes induits (Chlorose/Nécrose) sur une gamme d'hôtes différentielle. Ces symptômes sont le résultat d'une interaction spécifique entre la plante‐hôte et au moins trois toxines spécifiques à l'hôte, Ptr ToxA, Ptr ToxB et Ptr ToxC. L'analyse de cette interaction a démontré que celle‐ci apparait comme l'image inversée du modèle du gène pour gène décrit par de Flore. Le présent article est une première revue bibliographique en langue française cernant les grands aspects de cette maladie, son épidémiologie et la diversité de son agent causal.
Effect of several insecticides on pomegranate aphid, Aphis punicae (Passerini) (Homoptera: Aphididae) and its predators under field conditions
Authors: Abd‐Ella A. A. 
Published: April 2015

The pomegranate aphid, Aphis punicae (Passerini) (Homoptera: Aphididae) is one of the most important pests in Egypt on pomegranate trees. The study presented in this paper was conducted from 2012 to 2013 to compare the efficiency and selectivity of neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and dinotefuran), organophosphate (malathion) and carbamate (pirimicarb) insecticides against pomegranate aphid and the associated predators, Coccinella undecimpunctata Linnaeus, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) and Syrphus corolla Fabricius. These insecticides significantly reduced the pomegranate aphid population by an average of between 70.6 and 90.7%. The effects persisted for up to 15 days after the end of treatment. The greatest control of A. punicae was achieved by thiamethoxam > acetamiprid > imidacloprid > pirimicarb > dinotefuran > malathion. Acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, malathion and pirimicarb were harmful to predators and the observed reduction ranged from 75.4 to 100% and dinotefuran was moderately harmful to lacewings with an average reduction about 64.4%. These results suggested that the neonicotinoid insecticides can be considered as promising candidates for controlling the pomegranate aphid as, although they do have harmful to moderately harmful effects on predators, they are significantly less toxic to these beneficial organisms than malathion and pirimicarb.