bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytomegalovirus-mediated activation of pyrimidine biosynthesis drives UDP–sugar synthesis to support viral protein glycosylation
Authors: DeVito Stefanie Renee , Ortiz-Riaño Emilio , Martínez-Sobrido Luis , Munger Joshua 
Published: December 2014

Significance
Viruses use the host cell to provide the energy and molecular subunits to assemble viral progeny. The progeny of a variety of viral families possess envelope glycoproteins that are essential for viral infection. The production of these functional glycoproteins requires an ample supply of UDP–sugar subunits that serve as the substrates for glycosylation reactions. Our results indicate that human cytomegalovirus induces a viral metabolic program that activates pyrimidine biosynthesis to drive UDP–sugar biosynthesis. This metabolic activation is important for viral protein glycosylation and high-titer viral replication. Further, our results suggest that this metabolic link between pyrimidine and UDP–sugar biosynthesis is shared between evolutionarily diverse viral families, which may provide novel avenues for antiviral therapeutic intervention.
Inhibition of malaria parasite growth by quinomycin A and its derivatives through DNA-intercalating activity
Authors: Hayase Hiroki , Watanabe Nobumoto , Lim Chung Liang , Nogawa Toshihiko , Komatsuya Keisuke , Kita Kiyoshi , Osada Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Quinomycin A and its derivatives were identified as potent antimalarial (Plasmodium falciparum) agents in a screen of the RIKEN NPDepo chemical library. IC50 values of quinomycin A and UK-63,598 were approximately 100 times lower than that of the antimalarial drug chloroquine. This activity was mitigated by the addition of plasmid DNA, suggesting that these compounds act against parasites by intercalating into their DNA.
Core subjects at the end of primary school: identifying and explaining relative strengths of children with specific language impairment (SLI)
Authors: Durkin Kevin , Mok Pearl L. H. , Conti‐Ramsden Gina 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn general, children with specific language impairment (SLI) tend to fall behind their typically developing (TD) peers in educational attainment. Less is known about how children with SLI fare in particular areas of the curriculum and what predicts their levels of performance.AimsTo compare the distributions of performance of children with SLI in three core school subjects (English, Mathematics and Science); to test the possibility that performance would vary across the core subjects; and to examine the extent to which language impairment predicts performance.Methods & ProceduresThis study was conducted in England and reports historical data on educational attainments. Teacher assessment and test scores of 176 eleven‐year‐old children with SLI were examined in the three core subjects and compared with known national norms. Possible predictors of performance were measured, including language ability at ages 7 and 11, educational placement type, and performance IQ.Outcomes & ResultsChildren with SLI, compared with national norms, were found to be at a disadvantage in core school subjects. Nevertheless, some children attained the levels expected of TD peers. Performance was poorest in English; relative strengths were indicated in Science and, to a lesser extent, in Mathematics. Language skills were significant predictors of performance in all three core subjects. PIQ was the strongest predictor for Mathematics. For Science, both early language skills at 7 years and PIQ made significant contributions.Conclusions & ImplicationsLanguage impacts on the school performance of children with SLI, but differentially across subjects. English for these children is the most challenging of the core subjects, reflecting the high levels of language demand it incurs. Science is an area of relative strength and mathematics appears to be intermediate, arguably because some tasks in these subjects can be performed with less reliance on verbal processing. Many children with SLI do have the potential to reach or exceed educational targets that are set at national levels for TD children.
Evaluation of a healthy ageing intervention for frail older people living in the community
Authors: McNamara Beverley , Rosenwax Lorna , Lee Elinda AL , Same Anne 
Published: December 2014

AimTo evaluate a healthy ageing intervention in the form of a program of physical and social activity for frail older people living in the community.MethodsNew members of an activity program were surveyed before and after attending the program and interviewed face‐to‐face prior to the program, immediately after the program and through a telephone interview two months following the program.ResultsProgram participants reported better health, social function and mental well‐being; greater engagement in household and leisure activities; and increased enjoyment and confidence through participating in the program. Some participants could not attend the whole program due to poor health or difficulties securing transport.ConclusionThe results suggest the program was successful in enhancing the health and well‐being of those community‐dwelling older adults who stayed in the program. However, the high drop‐out rate suggests that flexibility is required in community‐based healthy ageing programs.
The endocrine disruptor bisphenol A may play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescent girls
Authors: Akın Leyla , Kendirci Mustafa , Narin Figen , Kurtoglu Selim , Saraymen Recep , Kondolot Meda , Koçak Selda , Elmalı Ferhan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimExperimental in vitro studies have shown that bisphenol A affects steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis and ovarian morphology. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A in the aetiopathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents and its relationship with metabolic parameters, insulin resistance and obesity in this population.MethodsA total of 112 girls with PCOS and 61 controls between 13 and 19 years of age were enrolled in the study. Serum bisphenol A levels were measured by high‐pressure liquid chromatography. An oral glucose tolerance test was also performed.ResultsAdolescents with PCOS had markedly increased serum bisphenol A levels (mean: 1.1 ng/mL 95% CI: 1.0–1.2) than controls (mean: 0.8 ng/mL 95% CI: 0.6–0.9, p = 0.001). When we compared the subgroups according to obesity, the main factor determining the significant increase in bisphenol A was the presence of PCOS, but not obesity (p = 0.029). Bisphenol A was significantly correlated with total testosterone (r = 0.52), free testosterone (r = 0.44), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (r = 0.37) and Ferriman–Gallwey score (r = 0.43) (p < 0.05).ConclusionAdolescents with PCOS had higher serum bisphenol A levels than controls, independent of obesity. Bisphenol A concentrations were significantly correlated with androgen levels, leading us to consider that bisphenol A might play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of PCOS in adolescents.
Controlled infection with a therapeutic virus defines the activation kinetics of human natural killer cellsin vivo
Authors: El-Sherbiny Y M , Holmes T D , Wetherill L F , Black E V I , Wilson E B , Phillips S L , Scott G B , Adair R A , Dave R , Scott K J , Morgan R S M , Coffey M , Toogood G J , Melcher A A , Cook G P 
Published: December 2014

SummaryHuman natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in anti-viral immunity. However, studying their activation kinetics during infection is highly problematic. A clinical trial of a therapeutic virus provided an opportunity to study human NK cell activation in vivo in a controlled manner. Ten colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases received between one and five doses of oncolytic reovirus prior to surgical resection of their tumour. NK cell surface expression of the interferon-inducible molecules CD69 and tetherin peaked 24–48 h post-infection, coincident with a peak of interferon-induced gene expression. The interferon response and NK cell activation were transient, declining by 96 h post-infection. Furthermore, neither NK cell activation nor the interferon response were sustained in patients undergoing multiple rounds of virus treatment. These results show that reovirus modulates human NK cell activity in vivo and suggest that this may contribute to any therapeutic effect of this oncolytic virus. Detection of a single, transient peak of activation, despite multiple treatment rounds, has implications for the design of reovirus-based therapy. Furthermore, our results suggest the existence of a post-infection refractory period when the interferon response and NK cell activation are blunted. This refractory period has been observed previously in animal models and may underlie the enhanced susceptibility to secondary infections that is seen following viral infection.
Association of polymorphisms in interleukin (IL)-12A and -B genes with rheumatoid arthritis in a Chinese population
Authors: Wang E-Y , Yang Q , Liao Z-G 
Published: December 2014

Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by synovial infiltrates and progressive cell-mediated destruction of the joints, which results in significant disability and early mortality. Genetic factors may play an important role in the development of RA. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of common polymorphisms in interleukin (IL)-12A and IL-12B genes with RA in a Chinese Han population. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-12 genes were genotyped in 412 patients with RA and 279 control subjects using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP). Our data showed that IL-12B gene SNPs rs3212227 and rs6887695 were observed as a risk factor of RA. The minor allele (C) frequency of IL-12B gene rs3212227 and rs6887695 increased the risk of RA. Individuals carrying the rs3212227/rs6887695 C/C haplotype were associated with a significantly increased risk of RA. RA patients with the C allele of IL-12B gene rs6887695 was a protective factor to erosive arthropathy. Carriers of the C allele of IL-12B gene rs3212227 were significantly more likely to be RF-positive. No significant association was observed between rs2243115 in IL-12A and RA, due probably to the limited power. These results suggest that common variants in IL-12B may contribute to the development of RA in the Chinese population.
Endothelial Function and Vascular Properties in Children with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Hadeed Khaled , Hascoet Sébastien , Castex Marie‐Pierre , Munzer Caroline , Acar Philippe , Dulac Yves 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder characterized by recurrent painful crises with ischemia resulting from vascular occlusion. Adults with SCD have increased arterial stiffness and reduced flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), due to impaired release of substances such as nitric oxide.AimWe aimed to assess the vascular properties of carotid and brachial arteries in children with SCD compared with a control group without cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsThirty patients with SCD, mean age 12.3 ± 4.5 years, were prospectively enrolled. A control group was made up of 30 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy subjects. Carotid intima–media thickness (IMT), cross‐sectional compliance (CSC), cross‐sectional distensibility (CSD), diastolic wall stress (DWS), incremental elastic modulus (Einc), and FMD were determined in both groups.ResultsThere was no significant difference in FMD between the two groups (8.2 ± 5.0% in the SCD group vs. 9.3 ± 4.2% in the control group, P = 0.15). There was no significant correlation between FMD and age, hemoglobin, LDH level, or transcranial Doppler findings. CSD was significantly elevated in the SCD group (0.96 ± 0.44 vs. 0.59 ± 0.21, P = 0.0002), whereas DWS and Einc were significantly lower in the SCD group. CSC did not differ significantly between the two groups.ConclusionsChildren with SCD have no marked endothelial dysfunction or change in arterial stiffness. These manifestations may be related to disease severity and duration. Changes may become evident later in life as the disease progresses.
Vagus nerve stimulation reduces cardiac electrical instability assessed by quantitative T‐wave alternans analysis in patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy
Authors: Schomer Andrew C. , Nearing Bruce D. , Schachter Steven C. , Verrier Richard L. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryObjectiveThe cardiac component of risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and alterations in cardiac risk by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) are not well understood. We determined changes in T‐wave alternans (TWA), a proven noninvasive marker of risk for sudden cardiac death in patients with cardiovascular disease, and heart rate variability (HRV), an indicator of autonomic function, in association with VNS in patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy.MethodsAmbulatory 24‐h electrocardiograms (N = 9: ages 29–63, six males) were analyzed.ResultsMean TWA during the interictal period was 37 ± 3.1 μV (mean ± SEM) in lead V1 for nine patients monitored following implantation of the VNS system (n = 7) or battery change (n = 2). Of these, six patients also monitored prior to implantation (n = 5) or battery change (n = 1) showed abnormally high TWA levels pre‐VNS (60.0 ± 4.3 μV), which were significantly reduced by 24.3 μV (to 35.7 ± 4.8 μV, p = 0.02) after VNS settings were adjusted for desired clinical response. TWA in four (67%) of the six patients was reduced in association with VNS to levels below the 47‐μV cut point of abnormality. The decrease in TWA was correlated with VNS intensity (r = 0.88, p < 0.02). In addition, low‐frequency HRV was reduced by 60% (805.61 ± 253.96 to 323.49 ± 102.74 msec2, p = 0.05) and low‐to high‐frequency HRV ratio by 32% (3.34 ± 0.57 to 2.26 ± 0.31, p = 0.025), indicating a change in autonomic balance in favor of parasympathetic dominance.SignificanceThis is the first report that elevated levels of TWA in patients with drug‐refractory partial‐onset seizures were reduced in association with VNS, potentially by improving sympathetic/parasympathetic balance. VNS may have a cardioprotective role at stimulation settings typically used for seizure control. These findings indicate the utility of TWA for tracking improvement in cardiac status in this population.
Integrated analysis of profitable stocking‐rate decisions in pasture‐based dairy systems
Authors: Romera A. J. , Doole G. J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA nonlinear optimization model of a pasture‐based dairy farm, located in the Waikato region of New Zealand, is used to provide an integrated analysis of profitable stocking‐rate decisions for pasture‐based dairy production, across a range of alternative milk and nitrogen fertilizer prices. Previous research has identified that operating profit increases either in a linear or concave fashion as stocking rate is lifted. This study shows that both views are relevant, depending on the magnitude of milk and nitrogen fertilizer prices. A lower milk price and/or higher per‐unit cost for nitrogen fertilizer reduces profit at higher stocking rates, as the cost of maintaining a larger herd through pronounced feed deficits is magnified. In contrast to previous research, nitrogen fertilizer and imported supplement are shown to be highly complementary strategies under profitable farm management. Model output demonstrates that decreasing stocking rates to reduce leaching, in most cases, will impose a cost in terms of both production and profit. Overall, this work indicates the key importance of stocking‐rate decisions to profitable grazing strategies, relative to those concerning milk per cow. Nevertheless, it is the inherent linkages between stocking rate and the multiple elements of a grazing system that infers this importance, highlighting the need to carefully consider all management levers.
Patient engagement with research: European population register study
Authors: McKevitt Christopher , Fudge Nina , Crichton Siobhan , Bejot Yannick , Daubail Benoît , Di Carlo Antonio , Fearon Patricia , Kolominsky‐Rabas Peter , Sheldenkar Anita , Newbound Sophie , Wolfe Charles DA ,   the European Implementation Score (EIS) Collaborative Group
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundLay involvement in implementation of research evidence into practice may include using research findings to guide individual care, as well as involvement in research processes and policy development. Little is known about the conditions required for such involvement.AimTo assess stroke survivors’ research awareness, use of research evidence in their own care and readiness to be involved in research processes.MethodsCross sectional survey of stroke survivors participating in population‐based stroke registers in six European centres.ResultsThe response rate was 74% (481/647). Reasons for participation in register research included responding to clinician request (56%) and to ‘give something back’ (19%); however, 20% were unaware that they were participating in a stroke register. Research awareness was generally low: 57% did not know the purpose of the register they had been recruited to; 73% reported not having received results from the register they took part in; 60% did not know about any research on stroke care. Few participants (7.6%) used research evidence during their consultations with a doctor. The 34% of participants who were interested in being involved in research were younger, more highly educated and already research aware.ConclusionsAcross Europe, stroke survivors already participating in research appear ill informed about stroke research. Researchers, healthcare professionals and patient associations need to improve how research results are communicated to patient populations and research participants, and to raise awareness of the relationship between research evidence and increased quality of care.
Comparison of fruit and vegetable consumption among Native and non‐Native American populations in rural communities
Authors: Cho Soo Hyun , Chang Kuo‐Liang , Yeo Jeonghee , Wounded Head Lorna , Zastrow Marjorie , Zdorovtsov Christina , Skjonsberg Larissa , Stluka Suzanne 
Published: December 2014

AbstractFruit and vegetable consumption of Native Americans was compared with that of non‐Native Americans and determinants of fruit and vegetable intake for both populations were found based upon the Theory of Planned Behavior. A one‐time survey was conducted as part of a larger research project funded by the South Dakota Department of Health. The survey was administered in local grocery stores and supermarkets in six South Dakota communities, including two located on Native American reservations. Of the 1000 distributed surveys, 499 were returned with 230 being usable, resulting in a response rate of 49.9%. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test and two regression models were tested using SAS 9.2 software. Dependent variables were fruit and vegetable intake. Attitudes towards health, fruit and vegetable consumption, perceived difficulty, subjective norm and intention were also measured. Community size, family income, employment status and participation in food assistance programmes [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Women, Infants, and Children (SNAP or WIC)] were socio‐demographic control variables. Overall, Native American participants consumed more fruit and vegetables at home and had a more positive attitude towards healthy diets than non‐Native American participants. SNAP or WIC participation, family health, exercise, intention to live healthier than parents, buying healthy food, and fruit and vegetable consumption when eating out were positively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption among Native Americans, while participation in the SNAP or WIC programme had a negative influence on consumption among non‐Native American participants. Family health, exercise, buying healthy food, fruit and vegetable when eating out, and intention to buy healthy food were positively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption among the non‐Native American population. Theory of Planned Behavior variables (e.g. attitude towards healthy food) significantly contributed to the model explaining fruit and vegetable consumption. The fact that SNAP and WIC participation had an opposite influence on the two populations warrants further research.
Reducing child poverty and assessing targeting performance: Governmental cash transfers in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Ke‐Mei , Leu Chao‐Hsien , Wang Te‐Mu 
Published: December 2014

In this study, we focused on child poverty and examined the targeting performance of governmental cash benefits in Taiwan, and whether they successfully alleviate child poverty when budget constraints are imposed. We employed data from the cross‐sectional Survey of Family Income and Expenditure 2010, which was conducted by the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics of the Executive Yuan in Taiwan. We investigated efficiency and effectiveness, using the IRIS, Beckerman, and Shapley approaches, to measure targeting performance. The results suggest that few transfer programmes perform well in terms of both target efficiency and effectiveness; this generates trade‐offs and paradoxes between efficiency or effectiveness, undercoverage or leakage, vertical or horizontal efficiency, and universal or selective benefits. We conclude by suggesting social policy implications based on the findings.Key Practitioner Message: ● Using different approach (targeting performance) to analyse child poverty; ● Using targeting efficiency and effectiveness to analyse whether governmental cash benefits ameliorate child poverty given specific budget constraints.
Spontaneous nocardial brain abscess in a juvenile rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Ferrecchia Christie E. , Ducore Rebecca M. , Colgin Lois M.A. , Lewis Anne D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundA juvenile rhesus macaque presented with blindness, ataxia, and head tilt.MethodsPostmortem gross and microscopic examination, histochemical staining and bacterial culture were performed.ResultsNocardia sp. was identified as the etiologic agent of a primary pneumonia with secondary cerebral abscessation.ConclusionsNocardiosis should be a differential diagnosis for patients with neurologic disease.