bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined cytotoxic activity of an infectious, but non‐replicative herpes simplex virus type 1 and plasmacytoid dendritic cells against tumour cells
Authors: Thomann Sabrina , Boscheinen Jan B. , Vogel Karin , Knipe David M. , DeLuca Neal , Gross Stefanie , Schuler‐Thurner Beatrice , Schuster Philipp , Schmidt Barbara 
Published: July 2015

SummaryMalignant melanoma is an aggressive tumour of the skin with increasing incidence, frequent metastasis and poor prognosis. At the same time, it is an immunogenic type of cancer with spontaneous regressions. Most recently, the tumoricidal effect of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and their capacity to overcome the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment are being investigated. In this respect, we studied the effect of the infectious, but replication‐deficient, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1) d106S vaccine strain, which lacks essential immediate early genes, in pDC co‐cultures with 11 melanoma cell lines. We observed a strong cytotoxic activity, inducing apoptotic and necrotic cell death in most melanoma cell lines. The cytotoxic activity of HSV‐1 d106S plus pDC was comparable to the levels of cytotoxicity induced by natural killer cells, but required only a fraction of cells with effector : target ratios of 1 : 20 (P < 0·05). The suppressive activity of cell‐free supernatants derived from virus‐stimulated pDC was significantly neutralized using antibodies against the interferon‐α receptor (P < 0·05). In addition to type I interferons, TRAIL and granzyme B contributed to the inhibitory effect of HSV‐1 d106S plus pDC to a minor extent. UV‐irradiated viral stocks were significantly less active than infectious particles, both in the absence and presence of pDC (P < 0·05), indicating that residual activity of HSV‐1 d106S is a major component and sensitizes the tumour cells to interferon‐producing pDC. Three leukaemic cell lines were also susceptible to this treatment, suggesting a general anti‐tumour effect. In conclusion, the potential of HSV‐1 d106S for therapeutic vaccination should be further evaluated in patients suffering from different malignancies.
Effectiveness of a partnership‐based self‐management programme for patients with mild and moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jonsdottir Helga , Amundadottir Olof R. , Gudmundsson Gunnar , Halldorsdottir Bryndis S. , Hrafnkelsson Birgir , Ingadottir Thorbjorg Soley , Jonsdottir Rosa , Jonsson Jon Steinar , Sigurjonsdottir Ellen D. , Stefansdottir Ingibjorg K. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the effectiveness of a 6‐month, partnership‐based self‐management programme for patients with mild and moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.BackgroundSelf‐management is a widely valued concept used to address contemporary issues of chronic health problems. Findings of self‐management programmes for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are inconclusive.DesignPragmatic randomized control trial.MethodsPatients, 45‐65 years old, with mild and moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were invited with a family member. Experimental group (n = 48) participated in a 6‐month, partnership‐based self‐management programme consisting of: (a) three to four conversations between nurse and patient‐family member; (b) 6 months of smoking cessation; and (c) interdisciplinary team‐patient‐family member group meeting. Control group (n = 52) received usual care. Data were collected at months zero, six and 12. The trial lasted from June 2009–March 2013.ResultsPatients with mild and moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who participated in the partnership‐based self‐management programme perceived less intrusiveness of the disease and its treatment than patients in the control group. Patients in the experimental group did not have better health‐related quality of life, less anxiety or depression, increased physical activity, fewer exacerbations or better smoking status than patients in the control group. Patients in both groups found participation in the research useful and important.ConclusionThe partnership‐based self‐management programme had benefits concerning perception of the intrusiveness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its treatment on lifestyles, activities and interests for young patients with the disease in its early stages. High satisfaction in control group, low family attendance and the relatively short treatment period may explain the less than expected benefits of the programme.
(Not) in the Hands of the Member States: How the European Commission Influences EU Security and Defence Policies
Authors: Riddervold Marianne 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe European Union's (EU) Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is run using special procedures. The Member States have not delegated powers to the supranational institutions. Yet a number of studies challenge the assumption that policy‐making lies exclusively with Member States’ governments. The Commission's putative influence within the CFSP, however, remains to be studied systematically from an analytical perspective. Aiming to fill this gap in the literature, this article asks how the Commission de facto influences EU foreign and security policies beyond its delegated powers. Two least likely cases are analysed: the launch of EU naval mission Atalanta and the adoption of an EU Maritime Security Strategy. By adressing this question, the article contributes to a better understanding of the level of EU foreign policy integration. It also adds knowledge on the possible causes of this development, and thus to the EU integration literature more generally.
‘Multiple Bilateralism’ within the European Union: the Dutch Coalition‐Building Network during the Budget Negotiations
Authors: Uilenreef Arjan 
Published: July 2015

Abstract‘Multiple bilateralism’ stresses the manner in which bilateral relations between the Member States operate in function of the multilateral EU negotiation process. In order to explore how multiple bilateralism works, a network analysis has been made of the Dutch coalition‐building effort during the negotiation on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014–2020. It examines the interaction between the various actors involved in this process, such as the ministries in The Hague, the EU institutions in Brussels, the governments of other Member States and the embassies abroad. Specific attention is given to this last type of actor. Contrary to what is often assumed, bilateral embassies’ contribution to the negotiation process is relatively modest. Only a few embassies, namely those in the largest EU Member States, were able to play a more important role and direct contact with Member States’ capitals was considered to be the predominant channel for success.
Evidence, discovery and justification: the case of evidence‐based medicine
Authors: Gaeta Rodolfo , Gentile Nelida 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to develop some thoughts on philosophical issues surrounding evidence‐based medicine (EBM), especially related to its epistemological dimensions. After considering the scope of several philosophical concepts that are relevant to the discussion, and drawing some distinctions among different aspects ofEBM, we evaluate the status ofEBMand suggest thatEBMis mainly a meta‐methodology. Then, we outline an evaluation of the thesis thatEBMis a ‘new paradigm’ in the practice of medicine. We argue thatEBMdoes not seem to have arisen in the wayKuhn imagined paradigms to arise but as a conscious, deliberate proposal, more as programme than as a reality. Furthermore, there is something paradoxical about appealing to evidence or to the best evidence as a way of promoting a new paradigm. For the proposal seems to assume that there is something that by its own virtue is the best evidence for a given time. But this idea would have been rejected byKuhn. IfEBMinvolves a genuine new alternative in the field of medicine and shows a way in which the discipline will endure henceforth, this indicates that it is not whatKuhn once called a ‘paradigm’ and even, paradoxically, it is good evidence that scientific paradigms do not exist, at least in medicine.
Epistylis portoalegrensis n. sp. (Ciliophora, Peritrichia): A New Freshwater Ciliate Species from Southern Brazil
Authors: Kühner Steffen , Simão Taiz L. L. , Safi Lúcia S. L. , Gazulha Fernanda B. , Eizirik Eduardo , Utz Laura R. P. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe peritrich ciliate Epistylis portoalegrensis n. sp. was found in two bodies of freshwater located in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Morphological features were investigated using live and protargol‐stained specimens. The zooids presented a vase to cylindrical shape narrowed at the scopula, and a mean size of 131 × 37 μm in vivo. A C‐shaped macronucleus lay in the middle of the cell close to a single contractile vacuole. The oral infraciliature was typical for the genus, with all infundibular polykineties composed by three distinct rows of kinetosomes. Colonies are often nonbranched with no lateral stalk, carrying several zooids stemming from a single point. Specimens from the two sampling sites showed identical arrangement of the infraciliature, similar morphometry, identical 18S rDNA sequences, and a single nucleotide difference across the more variable ITS regions. Molecular phylogenetic analyses placed E. portoalegrensis in a well‐supported clade containing other Epistylis species, within the order Vorticellida.
Modelling and mapping groundwater flooding at the ground surface in Chalk catchments
Authors: Morris S.E. , Cobby D. , Zaidman M. , Fisher K. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThere are several mapping products available that depict areas susceptible to groundwater flooding; however, they are not comparable in detail to the risk maps developed for fluvial, tidal and surface water flooding that are used by risk management authorities. This paper reports on a new approach to groundwater flood risk mapping for unconfined Chalk aquifers. This approach recognises the synergies between surface water flooding and groundwater flooding once groundwater has emerged at the surface. The volume of groundwater at the surface is modelled by identifying the zone of groundwater emergence and calculating the rate of emergence using a Darcy approach. Flow is then routed using a bespoke two‐dimensional hydraulic model to give the depth and extent of groundwater flooding. These groundwater emergence and routing maps are calibrated on measured groundwater flow and observed flood extents. The maps are anticipated to be used to plan for and manage future groundwater flooding events.
Predict esophageal varices via routine trans‐abdominal ultrasound: A design of classification analysis model
Authors: Zhang Chao‐Xue , Xu Jian‐Ming , Li Jia‐Bin , Kong De‐Run , Wang Ling , Xu Xiao‐Yong , Zhao Dong‐Mei 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsUpper gastrointestinal endoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis of esophageal varices. Trans‐abdominal ultrasound, as a noninvasive routine examination for the follow‐up of cirrhosis patient, is safe, cheap, easy to perform, and plays an important role. In this study, we attempt to design a practical classification analysis model to predict esophageal varices via ultrasound.MethodsCompared with endoscopy, the ultrasound qualitative signs (lower esophageal Doppler signals, left gastric vein hepatofugal flow, and paraumbilical vein recanalization) and quantitative parameters (spleen diameter, spleen vein diameter, portal vein diameter, and portal vein velocity) have been evaluated in 286 cirrhosis patients.ResultsThe classification analysis model is designed as that: the patients are defined with esophageal varices high risk, who with any ultrasound qualitative signs or who with spleen diameter greater than 162 mm without qualitative parameters. The sensitivity for detecting esophageal varices is 97.5% and the specificity is 82.6%, while the positive predictive value is 96.7%, negative predictive value is 83.4%, and the omission diagnostic rate is 2.5%.ConclusionsThis classification analysis model design includes ultrasound qualitative signs and spleen diameter, which can be detected easily via routine ultrasound without other auxiliary. The classification analysis model is useful in detecting esophageal varices, which may be a supplement for predicting of esophageal varices, and reducing the frequency of endoscopy in the follow‐up of cirrhosis patients.
Coeliac disease: the association between quality of life and social support network participation
Authors: Lee A. R. , Wolf R. , Contento I. , Verdeli H. , Green P. H. R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere is little information available on the use of social support systems for patients with coeliac disease (CD). We performed a cross‐sectional study aiming to examine the association between participation in different types of social support networks and quality of life (QOL) in adults withCD.MethodsA survey including a validatedCDspecificQOLinstrument was administered online and in‐person to adults withCDwho were following a gluten‐free diet. Participation in social support networks (type, frequency and duration) were assessed.ResultsAmong the 2138 participants, overallQOLscores were high, averaging 68.9 out of 100. Significant differences inQOLscores were found for age, length of time since diagnosis and level of education. Most (58%) reported using no social support networks. Of the 42% reporting use of social support networks (online 17.9%, face‐to‐face 10.8% or both 12.8%),QOLscores were higher for those individuals who used only face‐to‐face social support compared to only online support (72.6 versus 66.7;P < 0.0001). A longer duration of face‐to‐face social support use was associated with higherQOLscores (P < 0.0005). By contrast, a longer duration and increased frequency of online social support use was associated with lowerQOLscores (P < 0.03).ConclusionsParticipation in face‐to‐face social support networks is associated with greaterQOLscores compared to online social support networks. These findings have potential implications for the management of individuals withCD. Emphasis on face‐to‐face support may improve long‐termQOLand patient outcomes.
A Market‐Based Framework for Quantifying Displaced Production from Recycling or Reuse
Authors: Zink Trevor , Geyer Roland , Startz Richard 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe most significant environmental benefit of recycling or reusing a wide range of products and materials is typically the potential to displace primary material production; lack of displacement significantly reduces the environmental benefits of these activities. Because no consensus method to estimate displacement rate has emerged, environmental assessments have tended to assume that displacement occurs on a one‐to‐one basis. However, displaced production is a complex phenomenon governed primarily by market mechanisms, rather than physical relationships. This article advances the understanding of displacement by presenting a market‐based framework describing the displacement relationship and a methodology for quantifying displacement rate based on partial equilibrium modeling. Using this methodology, a general symbolic equation for displacement rate after an increase in recycling is derived. The model highlights the market mechanisms that govern displaced production and identifies five price response parameters that affect displacement rate. Results suggest that one‐to‐one displacement occurs only under specific parameter restrictions that are unlikely in competitive commodity markets, but zero displacement is possible if secondary materials are poor substitutes for primary materials; displacement is likely to be reduced if secondary materials have inferior technical properties. The presented methodology can be generally applied to any system in which recycled or reused materials are substitutes or complements for primary materials. Implications for improving recycling and reuse efficacy and environmental assessment methodology are discussed, and suggestions are presented for expanding the displacement methodology in future research.
How a radial focal incision influences the internal shear distribution in articular cartilage with respect to its zonally differentiated microanatomy
Authors: Nickien Mieke , Thambyah Ashvin , Broom Neil D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractArticular surface fibrillation and the loss of both transverse interconnectivity and zonal differentiation are indicators of articular cartilage (AC) degeneration. However, exactly how these structural features affect the load‐redistributing properties of cartilage is still poorly understood. This study investigated how a single radial incision made to varying depths with respect to the primary zones of AC influenced its deformation response to compression. Three depths of incision were applied to cartilage‐on‐bone tissue blocks: one not exceeding the transition zone; one into the mid‐radial zone; and one down to the calcified cartilage. Also included were non‐incised controls. All samples were compressed to a near‐equilibrium strain using a flat‐faced indenter that incorporated a central relief channel within which the incision could be positioned lengthwise along the channel axis. Employing fixation under load followed by decalcification, the structural responses of the cartilage‐on‐bone samples were investigated. The study provides an analysis of the micro‐morphological response that is characteristic of a completely normal cartilage‐on‐bone system but which contains a defined degree of disruption induced by the focal radial incision. The resulting loss of transverse continuity of the cartilage with respect to its zonally differentiated structure is shown to lead to an altered pattern of internal matrix shear whose intensity varies with incision depth.
The Motherhood Wage Penalty and Its Determinants: A Public–Private Comparison
Authors: Duvivier Chloé , Narcy Mathieu 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe investigate whether public and private sector employees bear a different wage penalty for having children. According to our estimates, the total motherhood wage penalty is much larger in the private than in the public sector. Nevertheless, in both sectors, we find no unexplained penalty once we control for potential determinants of the family pay gap, namely, a reduced labour supply of mothers, child‐related career interruptions, less access to management positions, and adjustments in working conditions. Finally, only child‐related career interruptions play a different role in explaining the motherhood wage penalty in each sector.
Perspectives and reflections on the practice of behaviour change communication for infant and young child feeding
Authors: Pelto Gretel H. , Martin Stephanie L. , van Liere Marti J. , Fabrizio Cecilia S. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBehaviour change communication (BCC) is a critical component of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) interventions. In this study we asked BCC practitioners working in low‐ and middle‐income countries to participate in an examination of BCC practice. We focus here on results of their personal reflections related to larger issues of practice. We used a combination of iterative triangulation and snowball sampling procedures to obtain a sample of 29 BCC professionals. Major themes include (1) participants using tools and guidelines to structure their work, and many consider their organisation's tools to be their most important contribution to the field; (2) they value research to facilitate programme design and implementation; (3) half felt research needed to increase; (4) they have a strong commitment to respecting cultural beliefs and culturally appropriate programming; (5) they are concerned about lack of a strong theoretical foundation for their work. Based on participants' perspectives and the authors' reflections, we identified the following needs: (1) conducting a systematic examination of the alternative theoretical structures that are available for nutrition BCC, followed by a review of the evidence base and suggestions for future programmatic research to fill the gaps in knowledge; (2) developing a checklist of common patterns to facilitate efficiency in formative research; (3) developing an analytic compendium of current IYCF BCC guidelines and tools; (4) developing tools and guidelines that cover the full programme process, including use of innovative channels to support ‘scaling up nutrition’; and (5) continued support for programmes of proven effectiveness.
Nutrient supplementation may adversely affect maternal oral health – a randomised controlled trial in rural Malawi
Authors: Harjunmaa Ulla , Järnstedt Jorma , Dewey Kathryn G. , Ashorn Ulla , Maleta Kenneth , Vosti Stephen A. , Ashorn Per 
Published: July 2015

AbstractNutritional supplementation during pregnancy is increasingly recommended especially in low‐resource settings, but its oral health impacts have not been studied. Our aim was to examine whether supplementation with multiple micronutrients (MMN) or small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements affects dental caries development or periodontal health in a rural Malawian population. The study was embedded in a controlled iLiNS‐DYAD trial that enrolled 1391 pregnant women <20 gestation weeks. Women were provided with one daily iron–folic acid capsule (IFA), one capsule with 18 micronutrients (MMN) or one sachet of lipid‐based nutrient supplements (LNS) containing protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and 21 micronutrients. Oral examination of 1024 participants was conducted and panoramic X‐ray taken within 6 weeks after delivery. The supplement groups were similar at baseline in average socio‐economic, nutritional and health status. At the end of the intervention, the prevalence of caries was 56.7%, 69.1% and 63.3% (P = 0.004), and periodontitis 34.9%, 29.8% and 31.2% (P = 0.338) in the IFA, MMN and LNS groups, respectively. Compared with the IFA group, women in the MMN group had 0.60 (0.18–1.02) and in the LNS group 0.59 (0.17–1.01) higher mean number of caries lesions. In the absence of baseline oral health data, firm conclusions on causality cannot be drawn. However, although not confirmatory, the findings are consistent with a possibility that provision of MMN or LNS may have increased the caries incidence in this target population. Because of the potential public health impacts, further research on the association between gestational nutrient interventions and oral health in low‐income settings is needed.
Ecological connectivity shapes quasispecies structure of RNA viruses in an Antarctic lake
Authors: López‐Bueno A. , Rastrojo A. , Peiró R. , Arenas M. , Alcamí A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRNA viruses exist as complex mixtures of genotypes, known as quasispecies, where the evolution potential resides in the whole community of related genotypes. Quasispecies structure and dynamics have been studied in detail for virus infecting animals and plants but remain unexplored for those infecting micro‐organisms in environmental samples. We report the first metagenomic study of RNA viruses in an Antarctic lake (Lake Limnopolar, Livingston Island). Similar to low‐latitude aquatic environments, this lake harbours an RNA virome dominated by positive single‐strand RNA viruses from the order Picornavirales probably infecting micro‐organisms. Antarctic picorna‐like virus 1 (APLV1), one of the most abundant viruses in the lake, does not incorporate any mutation in the consensus sequence from 2006 to 2010 and shows stable quasispecies with low‐complexity indexes. By contrast, APLV2‐APLV3 are detected in the lake water exclusively in summer samples and are major constituents of surrounding cyanobacterial mats. Their quasispecies exhibit low complexity in cyanobacterial mat, but their run‐off‐mediated transfer to the lake results in a remarkable increase of complexity that may reflect the convergence of different viral quasispecies from the catchment area or replication in a more diverse host community. This is the first example of viral quasispecies from natural aquatic ecosystems and points to ecological connectivity as a modulating factor of quasispecies complexity.