bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐18a modulates P53 expression by targeting IRF2 in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Chen Yan‐Jie , Wu Hao , Zhu Ji‐Min , Li Xiao‐Dan , Luo Si‐Wei , Dong Ling , Liu Tao‐Tao , Shen Xi‐Zhong 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:MicroRNA‐18a (miR‐18a) has been reported to be upregulated in gastric cancer (GC) tissues compared with normal gastric tissues. However, little is known about its prognostic value and biological roles.Methods:In this study, miR‐18a expression in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) tissues and adjacent non‐tumor tissues was validated by in situ hybridization, and the predictive values of miR‐18a were explored. The biological roles of miR‐18a and the underlying signal pathway were investigated in GC cell lines.Results:Overexpressed intra‐tumoral miR‐18a was associated with poor survival rate and was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival rate (P < 0.001) in GC patients. Forced expression of miR‐18a remarkably enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in GC cells, while inhibition of miR‐18a caused the opposite effects. Further study showed that miR‐18a suppressed the expression of interferon regulatory factor 2 (IRF2) by directly binding to its 3′‐untranslated region. Moreover, miR‐18a expression levels are inversely correlated with IRF2 in human GC tissues. Western blot showed that forced expression of miR‐18a could not only downregulate the expression of IRF2, but also inhibit the expression of P53, suggesting that IRF2 might play as a tumor suppressor by regulating P53 signaling in GC.Conclusion:miR‐18a modulated P53 expression by directly targeting IRF2 and had a high predictive value for prognosis of GAC patients. These results may lead to identification of therapeutic candidates of GC.
Tracking workforce diversity in dentistry: importance, methods, and challenges
Authors: Mertz Elizabeth , Wides Cynthia , Cooke Alexis , Gates Paul E. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe objectives of this paper are to describe sources of data on underrepresented minority (URM) dental providers and to perform a structured critique of primary survey research on African American (AA), Hispanic/Latino (HL), and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) dentists.MethodsA national sample survey was conducted between October 2012 and March 2013, and secondary datasets were assessed for comparability. The survey used 21 sampling frames, with censuses of AI/AN and nonurban dentists, and assessed demographics, education, practice history, patient population, volunteerism, experiences with discrimination, and opinions on issues in dentistry. The survey was developed with constituent input, pilot‐tested, and distributed online and through US mail with three reminder postcards, phone, and email follow‐up. Continuing education credit and entry to a prize drawing were provided for participation.ResultsExisting data sources cannot answer critical research questions about URM dentists. Using best practices, the survey received a 34 percent adjusted response rate. Selection likelihood and measurable response bias were adjusted for using base and poststratification weights.ConclusionsThe survey design was consistent with best practices, and our response analytics provide high confidence that the survey produced data representative of the URM dentist population. Enhanced study design, content, and response rates of existing survey efforts would be needed to provide a more robust body of knowledge on URM providers, perspectives, and practices.
Barriers and Facilitators to Substance Use Treatment in the Rural South: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Browne Teri , Priester Mary Ann , Clone Stephanie , Iachini Aidyn , DeHart Dana , Hock Robert 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPurposeLittle qualitative research has examined factors associated with care in substance abuse treatment agencies in Southeastern rural communities. This study explored client‐ and agency stakeholder‐perceived barriers and facilitators to substance use treatment delivery in southeastern rural communities.MethodsGroup and individual interviews were conducted with 40 key stakeholders and 40 clients at 9 substance abuse agencies serving rural communities in a southeastern state. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to substance abuse services in rural communities.FindingsFour primary themes emerged from the client and stakeholder interviews as both barriers and facilitators: availability of services for individuals with substance use disorders; access to the current technology for client services and agency functioning; cost of services; and stigma.ConclusionsThis study identifies novel barriers and facilitators to substance use care in the rural South and highlights essential areas for consideration when developing and implementing substance use care in this geographic region. These findings can be used as guidelines to provide better care to individuals with substance use disorders living in rural communities.
Biased introgression of mitochondrial and nuclear genes: a comparison of diploid and haplodiploid systems
Authors: Patten Manus M. , Carioscia Sara A. , Linnen Catherine R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractHybridization between recently diverged species, even if infrequent, can lead to the introgression of genes from one species into another. The rates of mitochondrial and nuclear introgression often differ, with some taxa showing biases for mitochondrial introgression and others for nuclear introgression. Several hypotheses exist to explain such biases, including adaptive introgression, sex differences in dispersal rates, sex‐specific prezygotic isolation and sex‐specific fitness of hybrids (e.g. Haldane's rule). We derive a simple population genetic model that permits an analysis of sex‐specific demographic and fitness parameters and measures the relative rates of mitochondrial and nuclear introgression between hybridizing pairs. We do this separately for diploid and haplodiploid species. For diploid taxa, we recover results consistent with previous hypotheses: an excess of one sex among the hybridizing migrants or sex‐specific prezygotic isolation causes a bias for one type of marker or the other; when Haldane's rule is obeyed, we find a mitochondrial bias inXYsystems and a nuclear bias inZWsystems. For haplodiploid taxa, the model reveals that owing to their unique transmission genetics, they are seemingly assured of strong mitochondrial biases in introgression rates, unlike diploid taxa, where the relative fitness of male and female hybrids can tip the bias in either direction. This heretofore overlooked aspect of hybridization in haplodiploids provides what is perhaps the most likely explanation for differential introgression of mitochondrial and nuclear markers and raises concerns about the use of mitochondrialDNAbarcodes for species delimitation in these taxa.
In Vivo Capillary Loop Hemoglobin Spectroscopy in Labial, Sublingual, and Periodontal Tissues
Authors: Townsend David , D'Aiuto Francesco , Deanfield John 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveReproducible estimates of hemoglobin absorption spectra from human capillaroscopy images of arterioles, capillaries, and venules in sublingual and labial mucosa in vivo and venules in the tissues lining the periodontal pocket.MethodBy reducing the size of both the imaging lens and the light guide to a maximum 1 mm diameter and opposing them with a gap of 600 μm we have been able to transmit light through the loop of tissues which moves into the gap between the lens and light guide when these are placed in contact with the labial and sublingual oral mucosa. This allows in vivo transillumination of the microvessels supplying the mucosa.ResultsImages from five volunteers showed similar patterns and the ratio of optical densities at 410 nm and 430 nm had a range from 2.5 at 90–100% saturation to 0.5 at zero % saturation. Measured optical density ratios ranged from 0.5 to 1.6 ± 0.1 in the afferent arm of the capillary loops and 0.5 to 1.1 ± 0.1 in the efferent arm of the capillary loops.ConclusionIn vivo spectroscopic hemoglobin optical density ratios in oral mucosal microvessels show a qualitatively consistent result within the expected in vitro parameters.
The Effects of Arterial Hypertension and Age on the Sublingual Microcirculation of Healthy Volunteers and Outpatients with Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Kanoore Edul Vanina S. , Ince Can , Estenssoro Elisa , Ferrara Gonzalo , Arzani Yanina , Salvatori Carolina , Dubin Arnaldo 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo quantitatively assess the effects of age, blood pressure, chronic arterial hypertension, and physical activity on sublingual microcirculation in ambulatory volunteers.MethodsSublingual microcirculation was assessed in 61 volunteers with or without chronic arterial hypertension.ResultsVolunteers with chronic arterial hypertension had lower TVDall vessels, and TVDsmall vessels and PVDsmall vessels than those without this condition (16.0 ± 1.4 vs. 17.2 ± 1.6 mm/mm2, p < 0.01, 15.1 ± 1.3 vs. 16.1 ± 1.7 mm/mm2, p < 0.04, and 15.1 ± 1.3 vs. 16.1 ± 1.7 mm/mm2, p < 0.04, respectively). Mean blood pressure correlated with TVDall vessels (r = −0.34, p < 0.01), TVDsmall vessels (r = −0.31, p < 0.02), and PVDsmall vessels (r = −0.27, p < 0.04) but not with other microvascular variables. Age was not correlated with any microcirculatory variables. Physical activity correlated with TVDall vessels and RBCVsmall vessels (r = 0.30, p < 0.02 and r = −0.47, p < 0.001, respectively). Chronic arterial hypertension was the only independent determinant of PVDsmall vessels.ConclusionsPreexistent chronic arterial hypertension was associated with lower vascular densities. In contrast, age showed no effect on sublingual microcirculation.
Identification of genetic and environmental factors stimulating excision from Streptomyces scabiei chromosome of the toxicogenic region responsible for pathogenicity
Authors: Chapleau Mélanie , Guertin Julien F. , Farrokhi Ali , Lerat Sylvain , Burrus Vincent , Beaulieu Carole 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe genes conferring pathogenicity in Streptomyces turgidiscabies, a pathogen causing common scab of potato, are grouped together on a pathogenicity island (PAI), which has been found to be mobile and appears to transfer and disseminate like an integrative and conjugative element (ICE). However, in Streptomyces scabiei, another common scab‐inducing species, the pathogenicity genes are clustered in two regions: the toxicogenic region (TR) and the colonization region. The S. scabiei 87.22 genome was analysed to investigate the potential mobility of the TR. Attachment sites (att), short homologous sequences that delineate ICEs, were identified at both extremities of the TR. An internal att site was also found, suggesting that the TR has a composite structure (TR1 and TR2). Thaxtomin biosynthetic genes, essential for pathogenicity, were found in TR1, whereas candidate genes with known functions in recombination, replication and conjugal transfer were found in TR2. Excision of the TR1 or TR2 subregions alone, or of the entire TR region, was observed, although the excision frequency of TR was low. However, the excision frequency was considerably increased in the presence of either mitomycin C or Streptomyces coelicolor cells. A composite TR structure was not observed in all S. scabiei and Streptomyces acidiscabies strains tested. Of the ten strains analysed, seven lacked TR2 and no TR excision event could be detected in these strains, thus suggesting the implication of TR2 in the mobilization of S. scabiei TR.
Integrated non‐invasive measurements reveal swallowing and respiration coordination recovery after unilateral stroke
Authors: Wang C.‐M. , Shieh W.‐Y. , Chen J.‐Y. , Wu Y.‐R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundOropharyngeal dysphagia is common after a stroke. Understanding the physiology of swallowing and its coordination with respiration in stroke recovery is crucially important.MethodsA non‐invasive swallowing assessment method was used to detect oropharyngeal swallowing and respiration coordination simultaneously during the swallowing process. This system detected movement of the larynx, submental muscle activity, and nasal airflow. Six different sizes of water boluses (maximum of 20 mL) were swallowed and assessed for each subject.Key ResultsWe recruited 59 healthy participants and 38 first ever unilateral stroke patients completed baseline and follow‐up assessments at 3, 6, and 9 months poststroke. The results showed that oropharyngeal swallowing parameters in unilateral stroke deviate from normal patterns. For respiration coordination, the unilateral stroke group had longer swallowing apnea duration but similar frequencies of pre‐ and postswallowing respiratory phase patterns compared with the healthy controls. The probability of piece‐meal deglutition was higher in the stroke group than in the control group. Additionally, there were gradually decreasing piece‐meal deglutition probabilities among the stroke patients at follow‐up, and none differed statistically from those of the controls at 6 months poststroke.Conclusions & InferencesThe non‐invasive swallowing and respiration assessment method applied in this study detected the changes manifested in swallowing and respiration during the subacute phase of recovery in 6 months after a unilateral stroke. The study results serve as a baseline for further research and help advance dysphagia research methodologies. These assessments may be combined with bedside evaluations for clinical application.
Spatial variation in pollinator‐mediated selection on phenology, floral display and spur length in the orchidGymnadenia conopsea
Authors: Chapurlat Elodie , Ågren Jon , Sletvold Nina 
Published: July 2015

SummarySpatial variation in plant–pollinator interactions may cause variation in pollinator‐mediated selection on floral traits, but to establish this link conclusively experimental studies are needed.We quantified pollinator‐mediated selection on flowering phenology and morphology in four populations of the fragrant orchidGymnadenia conopsea, and compared selection mediated by diurnal and nocturnal pollinators in two of the populations.Variation in pollinator‐mediated selection explained most of the among‐population variation in the strength of directional and correlational selection. Pollinators mediated correlational selection on pairs of display traits, and on one display trait and spur length, a trait affecting pollination efficiency. Only nocturnal pollinators selected for longer spurs, and mediated stronger selection on the number of flowers compared with diurnal pollinators in one population. The two types of pollinators caused correlational selection on different pairs of traits and selected for different combinations of spur length and number of flowers.The results demonstrate that spatial variation in interactions with pollinators may result in differences in directional and correlational selection on floral traits in a plant with a semi‐generalized pollination system, and suggest that differences in the relative importance of diurnal and nocturnal pollinators can cause variation in selection.
An orbital floor fracture may not always be the cause of new‐onset diplopia: Literature review of the aetiology and types of diplopia
Authors: Kyriakidou E. , O'Connor N. , Larkin E.B. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPersistent diplopia is a well‐recognised complication following orbital trauma. Other sequelae include limited extraocular movement and enophthalmos. Rarely co‐existing causes may account for these symptoms. We report a case where delayed repair of right orbital floor and medial wall fractures did not lead to resolution of the diplopia and the strabismus in the right eye. Further investigations including haematological and biochemistry indices revealed low thiamine levels related to previous excess alcohol misuse. Once treated with thiamine supplement, a remarkable improvement in their eye symptoms was observed.
Sun exposure inversely related to food sensitization during infancy
Authors: Matsui Teruaki , Tanaka Kajiyo , Nakagawa Tomoko , Sasaki Kemal , Nakata Joon , Sugiura Shiro , Kando Naoyuki , Ito Komei 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundAutumn and winter birth (AWB) has been reported to be a risk factor for the development of food allergies. However, the association between seasonal factors and allergic sensitization during early infancy remains unclear.MethodsWe collected data from 732 patients regarding the total and specific immunoglobulin E (tIgE, sIgE) levels in infants younger than 6 months old from November 2001 to October 2012 from the institutional clinical database system. We then analyzed the relationship between the birth month and the value of each parameter. Furthermore, we identified any correlations between the number of sensitized patients and the monthly climatological parameters.ResultsThe number of tIgE samples obtained from AWB patients (n = 482) was 2.1 times higher than that from patients born in the spring and summer (SSB, n = 225). The number of sIgE samples to egg white, cow's milk, and wheat, the sensitized ratio and the median sIgE titer were also all higher in AWB. The number of sensitized AWB patients to these allergens was 2.75, 3.05, and 3.97 times higher, respectively. A periodic change in the number of sensitized patients was observed annually (highest in October‐November and lowest in May). Among the climatological parameters examined, the average solar radiation during the 3‐month period after birth showed the strongest negative correlation with the number of sensitized patients (egg white: r = −0.976, cow's milk: r = −0.969, wheat: r = −0.975).ConclusionsThe amount of solar radiation immediately after birth had a strong negative correlation with allergen sensitization before 6 months of age.
Rapid modulation of ultraviolet shielding in plants is influenced by solar ultraviolet radiation and linked to alterations in flavonoids
Authors: Barnes Paul W. , Tobler Mark A. , Keefover‐Ring Ken , Flint Stephan D. , Barkley Anne E. , Ryel Ronald J. , Lindroth Richard L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe accumulation of ultraviolet (UV)‐absorbing compounds (flavonoids and related phenylpropanoids) and the resultant decrease in epidermal UV transmittance (TUV) are primary protective mechanisms employed by plants against potentially damaging solar UV radiation and are critical components of the overall acclimation response of plants to changing solar UV environments. Whether plants can adjust this UV sunscreen protection in response to rapid changes in UV, as occurs on a diurnal basis, is largely unexplored. Here, we use a combination of approaches to demonstrate that plants can modulate their UV‐screening properties within minutes to hours, and these changes are driven, in part, by UV radiation. For the cultivated species Abelmoschus esculentus, large (30–50%) and reversible changes in TUV occurred on a diurnal basis, and these adjustments were associated with changes in the concentrations of whole‐leaf UV‐absorbing compounds and several quercetin glycosides. Similar results were found for two other species (Vicia faba and Solanum lycopersicum), but no such changes were detected in Zea mays. These findings reveal a much more dynamic UV‐protection mechanism than previously recognized, raise important questions concerning the costs and benefits of UV‐protection strategies in plants and have practical implications for employing UV to enhance crop vigor and quality in controlled environments.
Prompt diagnosis and management of Epstein–Barr virus‐associated post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder and hemophagocytosis: A dreaded complication in a post‐liver transplant child
Authors: Jha Bhawna , Mohan Neelam , Gajendra Smeeta , Sachdev Ritesh , Goel Shalini , Sahni Tushar , Raina Vimarsh , Soin A 
Published: July 2015

AbstractEBV‐associated PTLD is increasingly recognized as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in both solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Mortality rates due to PTLD and virus‐induced HLH are reported to be quite high. We report a case of EBV‐associated PTLD and HLH in a child after liver transplantation who was successfully managed due to timely intervention. This case highlights that measurement of EBV load by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays is an important aid in the surveillance and diagnosis of PTLD and early detection of EBV‐induced PTLD, and aggressive treatment with rituximab is a key to survival in patients who have undergone liver transplantation.
The role of fast and slow EEG activity during sleep in males and females with major depressive disorder
Authors: Cheng Philip , Goldschmied Jennifer , Deldin Patricia , Hoffmann Robert , Armitage Roseanne 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSleep difficulties are highly prevalent in depression, and appear to be a contributing factor in the development and maintenance of symptoms. However, despite the generally acknowledged relationship between sleep and depression, the neurophysiological substrates underlying this relationship still remain unclear. Two main hypotheses were tested in this study. The first hypothesis states that sleep in depression is characterized by inadequate generation of restorative sleep, as indexed by reduced amounts of slow‐wave activity. Conversely, the second hypothesis states that poor sleep in depression is due to intrusions of fast‐frequency activity that may be reflective of a hyperaroused central nervous system. This study aimed to test both hypotheses in a large sample of individuals with clinically validated depression, as well as to examine sex as a moderator. Results suggest that depression is better characterized by an overall decrease in slow‐wave activity, which is related to elevated anxious and depressed mood the following morning. Results also suggest that females may be more likely to experience fast frequency activity related to depression symptom severity.
What Have We Learned about the Performance of Council‐Manager Government? A Review and Synthesis of the Research
Authors: Carr Jered B. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe 100th anniversary of the International City/County Management Association provides an excellent point to review and assess research on the performance of the council‐manager form of government. The development of the council‐manager form arguably has been the most important innovation in American local government over the last century, yet its impact on the performance of municipal governments is not well understood. This article reviews and assesses the empirical evidence for 10 propositions that council‐manager governments perform better than mayor‐council governments. This evidence indicates that although progress has been made on demonstrating differences in representation and functionality, the proposition that council‐manager governments are better managed than mayor‐council governments has yet to be seriously engaged in this literature. Filling this critical gap requires progress in two areas: the development of theory to explain why council‐manager governments are better‐managed organizations and the production of evidence assessing the major propositions of this theory.