bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MiR‐320a contributes to atherogenesis by augmenting multiple risk factors and down‐regulating SRF
Authors: Chen Chen , Wang Yan , Yang Shenglan , Li Huaping , Zhao Gang , Wang Feng , Yang Lei , Wang Dao Wen 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAtherosclerosis progress is regulated by a variety of factors. Here, we show that miR‐320a, an intergenic miRNA, is markedly elevated in the peripheral blood of coronary heart disease patients and high‐risk patients. Microarray analysis and qRT‐PCR assays showed that circulating miRNA‐320a was highly expressed in coronary artery disease patients. In vivo study showed that overexpression of miR‐320a resulted in significant increase in levels of plasma lipid (total cholesterol, Triglyceride and low‐density lipoprotein) and serum inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, MCP‐1, sICAM, pSelectin, TNF‐α and fibrinogen). In ApoE−/− mice, miR‐320a expression attenuates endothelium cell function and promotes atherogenesis. Bioinformatics analysis identified serum response factor as a potential target for miR‐320a, which was validated by luciferase reporter activity assay and western‐blot in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, miR‐320a expression inhibits human‐derived endothelium cell proliferation and induces apoptosis. We also found that SP1 transcriptionally up‐regulates hsa‐miR‐320a expression. Our observations indicate that miR‐320a is a key regulator contributing to multiple aspects of atherogenesis.
Autophagy and mitochondrial remodelling in mouse mesenchymal stromal cells challenged with Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Gorbunov Nikolai V. , McDaniel Dennis P. , Zhai Min , Liao Pei‐Jyun , Garrison Bradley R. , Kiang Juliann G. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe bone marrow stroma constitutes the marrow‐blood barrier, which sustains immunochemical homoeostasis and protection of the haematopoietic tissue in sequelae of systemic bacterial infections. Under these conditions, the bone marrow stromal cells affected by circulating bacterial pathogens shall elicit the adaptive stress‐response mechanisms to maintain integrity of the barrier. The objective of this communication was to demonstrate (i) that in vitro challenge of mesenchymal stromal cells, i.e. colony‐forming unit fibroblasts (CFU‐F), with Staphylococcus epidermidis can activate the autophagy pathway to execute antibacterial defence response, and (ii) that homoeostatic shift because of the bacteria‐induced stress includes the mitochondrial remodelling and sequestration of compromised organelles via mitophagy. Implication of Drp1 and PINK1–PARK2‐dependent mechanisms in the mitophagy turnover of the aberrant mitochondria in mesenchymal stromal cells is investigated and discussed.
HIV and STI testing in older adults: an integrative review
Authors: Tillman Jessica L. , Mark Hayley D. 
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectivesTo examine the frequency of human immunodeficiency virus testing and sexually transmitted infection testing among older adults (50 years and older), present factors related to human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infection testing among older adults, and summarise the perspectives and practices of older adults and health care providers related to sexual health communication.BackgroundReported cases of sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus among older adults have increased, therefore refuting the stereotype of the sexually inactive older adult.DesignIntegrative review.MethodsDatabase searches in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science; manual reference list searches; and database searches for articles that cited previously identified articles.ResultsThere is limited research on this topic and considerable diversity in the populations studied and outcomes measured. The search process yielded 20 articles meeting the eligibility criteria. Human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infection testing of older adults are infrequent. Human immunodeficiency virus testing among older adults is associated with perceived risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus and influenced by encouragement from health care providers. Sexually transmitted infection testing due to genital symptoms is more likely than asymptomatic screening. Few providers collect routine sexual histories from older adult patients, although older adults are receptive to sexual history taking.ConclusionsThere are missed opportunities to identify sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus in older adults. Stereotypes and assumptions have hindered providers from identifying and testing older adults at risk for human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections.Relevance to clinical practiceSexual health assessment is essential to comprehensive health care. A sexual history provides information that may indicate human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infection testing. Detection and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections will break the chain of infection and improve quality of life.
PATIENTS’ AND RELATIVES’ EXPERIENCES OF PERITONITIS WHEN USING PERITONEAL DIALYSIS
Authors: Baillie Jessica , Lankshear Annette 
Published: February 2015

SUMMARYBackgroundInternationally, increasing numbers of patients are requiring treatment for end‐stage kidney disease and greater use of peritoneal dialysis is thus being promoted. However, peritonitis can be a significant problem in this population. It is the leading cause of technique failure in patients using peritoneal dialysis and results in considerable morbidity and mortality. There is a dearth of research exploring patients’ and their families’ experiences of peritonitis.ObjectivesThe aim of this paper is to explore patients’ and their families’ perspectives and experiences of peritonitis.DesignAn ethnographic study was conducted in 2011 in the United Kingdom.ParticipantsSixteen patients and nine of their relatives were recruited through purposive and convenience sampling.ApproachIn‐depth interviews were undertaken with patients and their families, who were also observed using peritoneal dialysis in their homes. The data were analysed thematically using Wolcott's (1994) three‐stage approach.ResultsThis article describes four themes: learning about the risk of peritonitis; measures taken to prevent the infection; how participants monitored continuously for signs and symptoms of the infection; how they then identified and intervened once peritonitis was suspected. Overall, peritonitis was associated with fear and uncertainty, pain and learning from episodes of the infection.ConclusionsOverall, peritonitis was a distressing experience that participants sought to prevent. However, there was some confusion amongst participants about the signs and symptoms of the infection and further education for patients and their families is thus crucial.
Stochastic modelling of shifts in allele frequencies reveals a strongly polygynous mating system in the re‐introduced Asiatic wild ass
Authors: Renan Sharon , Greenbaum Gili , Shahar Naama , Templeton Alan R. , Bouskila Amos , Bar‐David Shirli 
Published: February 2015

AbstractSmall populations are prone to loss of genetic variation and hence to a reduction in their evolutionary potential. Therefore, studying the mating system of small populations and its potential effects on genetic drift and genetic diversity is of high importance for their viability assessments. The traditional method for studying genetic mating systems is paternity analysis. Yet, as small populations are often rare and elusive, the genetic data required for paternity analysis are frequently unavailable. The endangered Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus), like all equids, displays a behaviourally polygynous mating system; however, the level of polygyny has never been measured genetically in wild equids. Combining noninvasive genetic data with stochastic modelling of shifts in allele frequencies, we developed an alternative approach to paternity analysis for studying the genetic mating system of the re‐introduced Asiatic wild ass in the Negev Desert, Israel. We compared the shifts in allele frequencies (as a measure of genetic drift) that have occurred in the wild ass population since re‐introduction onset to simulated scenarios under different proportions of mating males. We revealed a strongly polygynous mating system in which less than 25% of all males participate in the mating process each generation. This strongly polygynous mating system and its potential effect on the re‐introduced population's genetic diversity could have significant consequences for the long‐term persistence of the population in the Negev. The stochastic modelling approach and the use of allele‐frequency shifts can be further applied to systems that are affected by genetic drift and for which genetic data are limited.
Proven and probable invasive fungal infections in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: results from an university hospital, 2005–2013
Authors: Sahbudak Bal Zumrut , Yilmaz Karapinar Deniz , Karadas Nihal , Sen Semra , Onder Sivis Zuhal , Akinci Ayse B. , Balkan Can , Kavakli Kaan , Vardar Fadil , Aydinok Yesim 
Published: February 2015

SummaryDespite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The data on IFI among children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) are still scarce, and our aim was to estimate the risk, aetiology and outcome of proven and probable IFIs in children with ALL who did not receive primary prophylaxis over an 8‐year period. Between January 2005 and February 2013, 125 children who were treated for ALL at the Pediatric Hematology Department of the Medical School of Ege University were retrospectively reviewed. Proven and probable IFIs were defined according to revised definitions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group. The proven and probable IFI incidence was 30/125 (24%). Profound neutropenia was detected in 18 (60%) patients, and prolonged neutropenia was detected in 16 (53.3%) of the patients. The most isolated agents were non‐albicans Candida spp. The crude and attributable mortality was 20% and 13.3% respectively. Profound neutropenia was associated with mortality (P < 0.05). The younger patients were especially at risk for proven IFI. Prolonged neutropenia, to be in the induction phase of chemotherapy, and profound neutropenia were found to be the most common predisposing factors for IFI episodes.
Changes in southern Piedmont grassland community structure and nutritive quality with future climate scenarios of elevated tropospheric ozone and altered rainfall patterns
Authors: Gilliland N. J. , Chappelka A. H. , Muntifering R. B. , Ditchkoff S. S. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractForage species common to the southern USA Piedmont region, Lolium arundinacea, Paspalum dilatatum, Cynodon dactylon and Trifolium repens, were established in a model pasture system to test the future climate change scenario of increasing ozone exposure in combination with varying rainfall amounts on community structure and nutritive quality. Forages were exposed to two levels of ozone [ambient (non‐filtered; NF) and twice ambient (2×) concentrations] with three levels of precipitation (average or ±20% of average) in modified open‐top chambers (OTCs) from June to September 2009. Dry matter (DM) yield did not differ over the growing season between forage types, except in primary growth grasses where DM yield was higher in 2× than NF treatment. Primary growth clover decreased in nutritive quality in 2× ozone because of increased concentrations of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). Re‐growth clover exhibited the largest decrease in nutritive quality, whereas grasses were not adversely affected in 2× ozone. Re‐growth grasses responded positively to 2× ozone exposure, as indicated in increased relative food value (RFV) and percentage crude protein (CP) than NF‐exposed re‐growth grasses. Effects of precipitation were not significant over the growing season for primary or re‐growth forage, except in primary growth grasses where DM yield was higher in chambers with above average (+20%) precipitation. Total canopy cover was significantly higher over the growing season in chambers receiving above average precipitation, but no significant effects were observed with ozone. Results indicate shifts in plant community structure and functioning related to mammalian herbivore herbivory in future climate change scenarios.
Do all patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis warrant a trial of therapeutic intervention? A pro‐con perspective
Authors: Moodley Yuben , Corte Tamera , Richeldi Luca , King Talmadge E. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an incurable condition that is characterized by progressive pulmonary fibrosis, architectural distortion of the lung and loss of gas exchange units. Until recently, there was no effective treatment for this condition. However, there were two landmark trials published earlier this year, which have changed the management of this condition. Pirfenidone (Assessment of Pirfenidone to Confirm Efficacy and Safety in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis trial) and nintedanib (Efficacy and Safety of Nintedanib in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis‐1 and ‐2 trials) have both demonstrated positive outcomes in patients with IPF. In this perspective, we critically discuss the role of these agents in IPF and in the broader pulmonary fibrosis population.
Delayed access to treatments for rare diseases: Who's to blame?
Authors: Feltmate Karen , Janiszewski Peter M. , Gingerich Sheena , Cloutier Michael 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe development and commercialization of drugs for rare diseases, termed ‘orphan drugs’, has historically been economically unattractive. However, because of the introduction of legislation that provides financial and regulatory incentives for the development of orphan drugs, new developments are making their way through the regulatory approval processes. Unfortunately, delays in availability of new drugs for treating rare disease continue to persist. This paper reviews the approach of several regulatory jurisdictions to orphan drugs in an effort to determine their relative effectiveness in providing patient access. Generally speaking, regulatory authorities across jurisdictions have recognized the need to enhance timely access to safe, effective treatment for patients with rare diseases and have been able to shift the approval timelines for access to new care. The greater impediment to orphan drug access appears to be funding, particularly in publicly sponsored health‐care systems. Redundancies in federal and provincial reviews of orphan drugs can result in significant delays in access to new drugs. Clearly, more must be done to accelerate access to the treatments so desperately needed by patients. Public payers must be held accountable for their process and decisions—especially for rare disease therapies.
A Hybrid Link‐Node Approach for Finding Shortest Paths in Road Networks with Turn Restrictions
Authors: Li Qingquan , Chen Bi Yu , Wang Yafei , Lam William H. K. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTurn restrictions, such as ‘no left turn’ or ‘no U‐turn’, are commonly encountered in real road networks. These turn restrictions must be explicitly considered in the shortest path problem and ignoring them may lead to infeasible paths. In the present study, a hybrid link‐node Dijkstra's (HLND) algorithm is proposed to exactly solve the shortest path problem in road networks with turn restrictions. A new hybrid link–node labelling approach is devised by using a link–based labelling strategy at restricted nodes with turn restrictions, and a node‐based labelling strategy at unrestricted nodes without turn restrictions. Computational results for several real road networks show that the proposed HLND algorithm obtains the same optimal results as the link‐based Dijkstra's algorithm, while having a similar computational performance to the classical node‐based Dijkstra's algorithm.
Frege on Existence and Non‐existence
Authors: Green Karen 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDespite its importance for early analytic philosophy, Gottlob Frege's account of existence statements, according to which they classify concepts, has been thought to succumb to a number of well‐worn criticisms. This article does two things. First, it argues that, by remaining faithful to the letter of Frege's claim that concepts are functions, the Fregean account can be saved from many of the standard criticisms. Second, it examines the problem that Frege's account fails to generalize to cases which involve definite descriptions and proper names. To deal with this the proffered analysis deviates from the letter of Frege's views, while remaining within its spirit. It proposes, in opposition to Frege, that expressions which grammatically look like singular terms should not always be read as referring to objects, but are sometimes best analysed as indicating functions.
Spatial analysis of under‐5 mortality and potential risk factors in the Basse Health and Demographic Surveillance System, the Gambia
Authors: Quattrochi John , Jasseh Momodou , Mackenzie Grant , Castro Marcia C. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the spatial pattern in under‐5 mortality rates in the Basse Health and Demographic Surveillance System (BHDSS) and to test for associations between under‐5 deaths and biodemographic and socio‐economic risk factors.MethodsUsing data on child survival from 2007 to 2011 in the BHDSS, we mapped under‐5 mortality by km2. We tested for spatial clustering of high or low death rates using Kulldorff's spatial scan statistic. Associations between child death and a variety of biodemographic and socio‐economic factors were assessed with Cox proportional hazards models, and deviance residuals from the best‐fitting model were tested for spatial clustering.ResultsThe overall death rate among children under 5 was 0.0195 deaths per child‐year. We found two spatial clusters of high death rates and one spatial cluster of low death rates; children in the two high clusters died at a rate of 0.0264 and 0.0292 deaths per child‐year, while in the low cluster, the rate was 0.0144 deaths per child‐year. We also found that children born to Fula mothers experienced, on average, a higher hazard of death, whereas children born in the households in the upper two quintiles of asset ownership experienced, on average, a lower hazard of death. After accounting for the spatial distribution of biodemographic and socio‐economic characteristics, we found no residual spatial pattern in child mortality risk.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that significant inequality in under‐5 death rates can occur within a relatively small area (1100 km2). Risks of under‐5 mortality were associated with mother's ethnicity and household wealth. If high mortality clusters persist, then equity concerns may require additional public health efforts in those areas.
The NdhV subunit is required to stabilize the chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase‐like complex in Arabidopsis
Authors: Fan Xiangyuan , Zhang Jiao , Li Wenjing , Peng Lianwei 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase‐like (NDH) complex is involved in cyclic electron transport around photosystem I (PSI) and chlororespiration. Although the NDH complex was discovered more than 20 years ago, its low abundance and fragile nature render it recalcitrant to analysis, and it is thought that some of its subunits remain to be identified. Here, we identified the NDH subunit NdhV that readily disassociates from the NDH complex in the presence of detergent, salt and alkaline solutions. The Arabidopsis ndhv mutant is partially defective in the accumulation of NDH subcomplex A (SubA) and SubE, resulting in impaired NDH activity. NdhV was mainly detected in the wild‐type thylakoid membrane, and its accumulation in thylakoids strictly depended on the presence of the NDH complex. Quantitative immunoblot analysis revealed that NdhV and NdhN occur at close to equimolar concentrations. Furthermore, several NDH subunits were co‐immunopurified with NdhV using a combination of chemical crosslinking and an affinity chromatography assay. These data indicate that NdhV is an intrinsic subunit of NDH. We found that NdhV did not directly affect NDH activity, but that NDH SubA and SubE were more rapidly degraded in ndhv than in the wild type under high‐light treatment. We propose that NdhV is an NDH subunit that stabilizes this complex, especially under high‐light conditions.
Molecular lineage diversity and inter‐oceanic biogeographical history inHiatella(Mollusca, Bivalvia)
Authors: Laakkonen Hanna M. , Strelkov Petr , Väinölä Risto 
Published: February 2015

Hiatellais one of the most widespread marine bivalve genera, occurring in diverse habitats from the temperate to polar latitudes in both hemispheres, and in fossil strata since almost 150 Myr ago. Despite variation in some biological and morphological traits, characters to resolve the current systematic structure consistently across the range of the genus are not known: all samples are often referred to a single species,Hiatella arctica(L.). Exploring the systematics ofHiatellausing partial sequences of three genes (mitochondrialCOI,and the nuclearANTand28S rRNA), we find high diversity of deep lineages (11–22%p‐distance inCOI), and identify at least 13 distinct taxa both by heuristic criteria (congruence of the nuclear and mtDNAdata) and by coalescence‐based analyses. At several localities, two or three of these cryptic species were found in sympatry. In the framework of previous fossil evidence and of hypotheses of paleoceanographical connections, scenarios of the phylogeny and biogeographical history of the identified species at a range of different time scales are outlined. The distinction between the main North Pacific and North AtlanticHiatellaclades and systematic diversification within each of them seem to have followed a Miocene trans‐Panamanian invasion. Apart from such earlier intra‐basin diversification, the data suggest that three successive counter‐invasions from the Pacific to the Atlantic via the Arctic Ocean route have later contributed to the current North AtlanticHiatelladiversity. These invasions probably took place in connection with (i) the Great Trans‐Arctic Biotic Interchange in the Pliocene, (ii) the last interglacial periodc. 120 kya and (iii) the Holocene, postdating the last glaciation. This sequence of trans‐Arctic invasions is largely analogous to that hypothesized for some other boreal‐arctic bivalves.
Genome Sequence of Salmonella Phage χ
Authors: Hendrix Roger W. , Ko Ching-Chung , Jacobs-Sera Deborah , Hatfull Graham F. , Erhardt Marc , Hughes Kelly T. , Casjens Sherwood R. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACT

Salmonella bacteriophage χ is a member of the
Siphoviridae
family that gains entry into its host cells by adsorbing to their flagella. We report the complete 59,578-bp sequence of the genome of phage χ, which together with its relatives, exemplifies a largely unexplored type of tailed bacteriophage.