bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is there evidence that walking groups have health benefits? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hanson Sarah , Jones Andy 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo assess the health benefits of outdoor walking groups.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of walking group interventions examining differences in commonly used physiological, psychological and well-being outcomes between baseline and intervention end.Data sourcesSeven electronic databases, clinical trial registers, grey literature and reference lists in English language up to November 2013.Eligibility criteriaAdults, group walking outdoors with outcomes directly attributable to the walking intervention.ResultsForty-two studies were identified involving 1843 participants. There is evidence that walking groups have wide-ranging health benefits. Meta-analysis showed statistically significant reductions in mean difference for systolic blood pressure −3.72 mm Hg (−5.28 to −2.17) and diastolic blood pressure −3.14 mm Hg (−4.15 to −2.13); resting heart rate −2.88 bpm (−4.13 to −1.64); body fat −1.31% (−2.10 to −0.52), body mass index −0.71 kg/m2(−1.19 to −0.23), total cholesterol −0.11 mmol/L (−0.22 to −0.01) and statistically significant mean increases in VO2maxof 2.66 mL/kg/min (1.67–3.65), the SF-36 (physical functioning) score 6.02 (0.51 to 11.53) and a 6 min walk time of 79.6 m (53.37–105.84). A standardised mean difference showed a reduction in depression scores with an effect size of −0.67 (−0.97 to −0.38). The evidence was less clear for other outcomes such as waist circumference fasting glucose, SF-36 (mental health) and serum lipids such as high-density lipids. There were no notable adverse side effects reported in any of the studies.ConclusionsWalking groups are effective and safe with good adherence and wide-ranging health benefits. They could be a promising intervention as an adjunct to other healthcare or as a proactive health-promoting activity.
Targeting LUNX Inhibits Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Zheng Xiaohu , Cheng Min , Fu Binqing , Fan Xiaolei , Wang Qing , Yu Xiaoqing , Sun Rui , Tian Zhigang , Wei Haiming 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
There remains a great need for effective therapies for lung cancer, the majority of which are non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Here, we report the identification of a novel candidate therapeutic target, LUNX, as a molecule overexpressed in primary NSCLC and lymph node metastases that is associated with reduced postoperative survival. Functional studies demonstrated that LUNX overexpression promoted lung cancer cell migration and proliferation by interactions with the chaperone protein 14-3-3. Conversely, LUNX silencing disrupted primary tumor growth, local invasion, and metastatic colonization. The finding that LUNX was expressed on cell membranes prompted us to generate and characterize LUNX antibodies as a candidate therapeutic. Anti-LUNX could downregulate LUNX and reduce lung cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Administered in vivo to mice bearing lung cancer xenografts, anti-LUNX could slow tumor growth and metastasis and improve mouse survival. Together, our work provides a preclinical proof of concept for LUNX as a novel candidate target for immunotherapy in lung cancer. Cancer Res; 75(6); 1080–90. ©2015 AACR.
Identification of Chimeric Antigen Receptors That Mediate Constitutive or Inducible Proliferation of T Cells
Authors: Frigault Matthew J. , Lee Jihyun , Basil Maria Ciocca , Carpenito Carmine , Motohashi Shinichiro , Scholler John , Kawalekar Omkar U. , Guedan Sonia , McGettigan Shannon E. , Posey Avery D. , Ang Sonny , Cooper Laurence J.N. , Platt Jesse M. , Johnson F. Brad , Paulos Chrystal M. , Zhao Yangbing , Kalos Michael , Milone Michael C. , June Carl H. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis study compared second-generation chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) encoding signaling domains composed of CD28, ICOS, and 4-1BB (TNFRSF9). Here, we report that certain CARs endow T cells with the ability to undergo long-term autonomous proliferation. Transduction of primary human T cells with lentiviral vectors encoding some of the CARs resulted in sustained proliferation for up to 3 months following a single stimulation through the T-cell receptor (TCR). Sustained numeric expansion was independent of cognate antigen and did not require the addition of exogenous cytokines or feeder cells after a single stimulation of the TCR and CD28. Results from gene array and functional assays linked sustained cytokine secretion and expression of T-bet (TBX21), EOMES, and GATA-3 to the effect. Sustained expression of the endogenous IL2 locus has not been reported in primary T cells. Sustained proliferation was dependent on CAR structure and high expression, the latter of which was necessary but not sufficient. The mechanism involves constitutive signaling through NF-κB, AKT, ERK, and NFAT. The propagated CAR T cells retained a diverse TCR repertoire, and cellular transformation was not observed. The CARs with a constitutive growth phenotype displayed inferior antitumor effects and engraftment in vivo. Therefore, the design of CARs that have a nonconstitutive growth phenotype may be a strategy to improve efficacy and engraftment of CAR T cells. The identification of CARs that confer constitutive or nonconstitutive growth patterns may explain observations that CAR T cells have differential survival patterns in clinical trials. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(4); 356–67. ©2015 AACR.
Two-Trace Model for Spike-Timing-Dependent Synaptic
Plasticity
Authors: Echeveste Rodrigo , Gros Claudius 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
We present an effective model for timing-dependent synaptic plasticity (STDP) in terms of two interacting traces, corresponding to the fraction of activated NMDA receptors and the concentration in the dendritic spine of the postsynaptic neuron. This model intends to bridge the worlds of existing simplistic phenomenological rules and highly detailed models, thus constituting a practical tool for the study of the interplay of neural activity and synaptic plasticity in extended spiking neural networks. For isolated pairs of pre- and postsynaptic spikes, the standard pairwise STDP rule is reproduced, with appropriate parameters determining the respective weights and timescales for the causal and the anticausal contributions. The model contains otherwise only three free parameters, which can be adjusted to reproduce triplet nonlinearities in hippocampal culture and cortical slices. We also investigate the transition from time-dependent to rate-dependent plasticity occurring for both correlated and uncorrelated spike patterns.
Time to Guideline-Based Empiric Antibiotic Therapy in the Treatment of Pneumonia in a Community Hospital
Authors: Erwin Beth L. , Kyle Jeffrey A. , Allen Leland N. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose: The 2005 American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America (ATS/IDSA) guidelines for hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and health care-associated pneumonia (HCAP) stress the importance of initiating prompt appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy. This study’s purpose was to determine the percentage of patients with HAP, VAP, and HCAP who received guideline-based empiric antibiotic therapy and to determine the average time to receipt of an appropriate empiric regimen. Methods: A retrospective chart review of adults with HAP, VAP, or HCAP was conducted at a community hospital in suburban Birmingham, Alabama. The hospital’s electronic medical record system utilized International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision ( ICD-9) codes to identify patients diagnosed with pneumonia. The percentage of patients who received guideline-based empiric antibiotic therapy was calculated. The mean time from suspected diagnosis of pneumonia to initial administration of the final antibiotic within the empiric regimen was calculated for patients who received guideline-based therapy. Results: Ninety-three patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall guideline adherence rate for empiric antibiotic therapy was 31.2%. The mean time to guideline-based therapy in hours:minutes was 7:47 for HAP and 28:16 for HCAP. For HAP and HCAP combined, the mean time to appropriate therapy was 21:55. Conclusion: Guideline adherence rates were lower and time to appropriate empiric therapy was greater for patients with HCAP compared to patients with HAP.
Trans-pinnal movement of methimazole: an in vitro study showing that methimazole can cross from the inner to outer pinna of cats
Authors: Hill Kate E , Chambers J Paul , Jones Boyd R , Bolwell Charlotte F , Aberdein Dani , Mills Paul C 
Published: January 2015

Objectives The aim of the study was to determine if methimazole applied in a transdermal formulation to the internal pinna will cross to the external pinna in an in vitro Franz cell model. Methods The ears from six cats were harvested soon after death. Whole ears were mounted onto Franz-type diffusion cells with the stratum corneum of the inner pinnae uppermost. A commercial transdermal preparation containing methimazole (0.1 ml/10 mg) was applied to the inner pinnae. At 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24 and 30 h, a 200 µl sample of reservoir solution was removed to determine the methimazole concentration by high-performance liquid chromatography. The ears were then dissected, separating the internal pinna from the cartilage and the external pinna, before the methimazole concentration was measured at each site. The thickness of the different regions of the ear was measured on paraffin histology sections. Results Mean ± SD methimazole concentrations at 30 h for the right and left ear, respectively, were: inner ear, 1.25 ± 0.53 mg/g, 0.39 ± 0.26 mg/g; cartilage, 1.36 ± 0.47 mg/g, 0.33 ± 0.20 mg/g; and outer ear, 1.0 ± 0.32 mg/g, 0.33 ± 0.14 mg/g. There was a difference between the left and right ears ( P <0.001). Minimal methimazole concentrations were detected in the receptor fluid. The mean methimazole concentration absorbed by the skin after application of 10 mg was, for the right ear, 3.65 ± 1.27 mg/g and, for the left, 1.08 ± 0.27 mg/g. There was no correlation between methimazole concentrations and thickness of each region of the ear. Conclusions and relevance Methimazole in a lipophilic vehicle applied to the inner pinna will penetrate to the outer pinna of cats in an in vitro model, which may have safety implications for humans associated with cats treated with transdermal methimazole. Substantial inter-individual variation was found. Further research is required in the area of transdermal penetration of drugs in cats.
COORDINATION IN BRAZILIAN PHARMACEUTICAL SUPPLY CHAINS
Authors: Souza Miguel Priscila Laczynski de , Reis Manoel de Andrade e Silva 
Published: January 2015

Supply chain coordination (SCC) can be a challenge for many organizations as different firms in the same chain has different expectations and interdependencies (Arshinder & Deshmukh, 2008). Lack of SCC can result in the bullwhip effect and poor performance for a firm and its partners. By investigating the phenomenon in the Brazilian pharmaceutical supply chain using a qualitative research, this paper aims to understand the main issues that avoid a better integrated chain. Results of 21 interviews suggested that the lack of coordination in this environment was influenced by the network design and the history of the sector in Brazil, as well as scarce resources.DOI: 10.12660/joscmv7n2p75-90URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv7n2p75-90
Culture and identification of Borrelia spirochetes in human vaginal and seminal secretions
Authors: Middelveen Marianne J. , Burke Jennie , Sapi Eva , Bandoski Cheryl , Filush Katherine R. , Wang Yean , Franco Agustin , Timmaraju Arun , Schlinger Hilary A. , Mayne Peter J. , Stricker Raphael B. 
Published: January 2015

Background:Recent reports indicate that more than 300,000 cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed yearly in the USA. Preliminary clinical, epidemiological and immunological studies suggest that infection with the Lyme disease spirocheteBorrelia burgdorferi(Bb) could be transferred from person to person via intimate human contact without a tick vector. Detecting viableBorreliaspirochetes in vaginal and seminal secretions would provide evidence to support this hypothesis.Methods:Patients with and without a history of Lyme disease were selected for the study after informed consent was obtained. Serological testing for Bb was performed on all subjects. Semen or vaginal secretions were inoculated into BSK-H medium and cultured for four weeks. Examination of genital cultures and culture concentrates for the presence of spirochetes was performed using light and darkfield microscopy, and spirochete concentrates were subjected to Dieterle silver staining, anti-Bb immunohistochemical staining, molecular hybridization and PCR analysis for further characterization. Immunohistochemical and molecular testing was performed in three independent laboratories in a blinded fashion. Positive and negative controls were included in all experiments.Results:Control subjects who were asymptomatic and seronegative for Bb had no detectable spirochetes in genital secretions by PCR analysis. In contrast, spirochetes were observed in cultures of genital secretions from 11 of 13 subjects diagnosed with Lyme disease, and motile spirochetes were detected in genital culture concentrates from 12 of 13 Lyme disease patients using light and darkfield microscopy. Morphological features of spirochetes were confirmed by Dieterle silver staining and immunohistochemical staining of culture concentrates. Molecular hybridization and PCR testing confirmed that the spirochetes isolated from semen and vaginal secretions were strains ofBorrelia, and all cultures were negative for treponemal spirochetes. PCR sequencing of cultured spirochetes from three couples having unprotected sex indicated that two couples had identical strains of Bbsensu strictoin their semen and vaginal secretions, while the third couple had identical strains ofB. hermsiidetected in their genital secretions.Conclusions:The culture of viableBorreliaspirochetes in genital secretions suggests that Lyme disease could be transmitted by intimate contact from person to person.
Galhas de insetos em uma área de transição caatinga-cerrado no Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Costa Elaine Cotrim , Carvalho-Fernandes Sheila Patrícia , Santos-Silva Juliana 
Published: January 2015

The caatinga-cerrado transition environments in Caetité, state of Bahia, Brazil, were investigated in order to contribute to the knowledge of the host plants and galling insects. Forty-three gall morphotypes were found, in 17 plant families. Leguminosae and Myrtaceae were the families with the greatest richness of galls, with 15 and five morphotypes, respectively. Galls occurred mainly on leaves (70%), and were predominantly globoid (58%), isolated (67.44%), unilocular (82.6%) and green (51%). Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) was the main gall inducing family. The fauna associated with the galls comprised parasitoids, inquilines, successors and predators. We recorded for the first time pseudoscorpions in galls of Myrcia tomentosa.
Spaces for reading, a cartography of used books in urban Latin America
Authors: Schwartz Marcy 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
This article explores the spatial dimensions of used books in Latin American cities. Used books are sold in shops and on the street, recirculated in public book exchanges, and collected in small neighbourhood libraries. Public parks, art installations and even novels feature used books prominently. The routes and itineraries of used books map an alternative consumer culture that challenges or defies the neo-liberal economy that has dominated the region for several decades. Whether through grass-roots solidarity initiatives or broad-based municipal programming, used books occupy Latin American cities and reveal a persistent culture of the book in the region. The article offers examples of used book sales and circulation in Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Lima and New York, and contributes to the current turn in the history of the book towards material culture that examines the process, use and value of the book in its social, cultural, economic and political context.
Sydney’s Chinatown/Chinese cities
Authors: McNeill Donald 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Interpreting the inscription of ‘Chineseness’ in cities beyond China is a challenging process. This article reflects upon some recent architectural and urban design issues in what is known as Sydney’s ‘Chinatown’. Drawing on some of the insights provided in Li Shiqao’s recent book, Understanding the Chinese City (2014), it provides a commentary on some of the challenges facing architects and urban designers in their attempts to rearticulate Sydney’s Chinatown. This comes at a time when development processes in central Sydney are seen as being driven by apparently contradictory forces of supertall apartment building design and fine-grain, low-rise ‘heritage’ streetscapes.
Alternating hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in a toddler with a homozygous p.R1419H ABCC8 mutation: an unusual clinical picture
Authors: Harel Shira , Cohen Ana S.A. , Hussain Khalid , Flanagan Sarah E. , Schlade-Bartusiak Kamilla , Patel Millan , Courtade Jaques , Li Jenny B.W. , Van Karnebeek Clara , Kurata Harley , Ellard Sian , Chanoine Jean-Pierre , Gibson William T. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractInheritance of two pathogenicSingle nucleotide polymorphism microarray and Sanger sequencing were performed. Western blot, rubidium efflux, and patch clamp recordings interrogated the expression and activity of the mutant protein.A 16-month-old girl of consanguineous descent manifested hypoglycemia. She had dysregulation of insulin secretion, with postprandial hyperglycemia followed by hypoglycemia. Microarray revealed homozygosity for the regions encompassingThis is the first description of a homozygous p.R1419H mutation. Our findings highlight that homozygous loss-of-function mutations of
Taxonomy and distribution of the Brazilian species of Thylamys (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) / La taxonomie et la distribution des espèces brésiliennes du genre Thylamys (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae)
Authors: Carmignotto Ana Paula , Monfort Talitha 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe recent increase in mammal inventories and the widespread use of pitfall traps as a major capture method in Brazil have increased the number of non-volant small mammal specimens in scientific collections, providing new information on natural history, geographical range, and taxonomic status of many marsupials and rodents. To date, however, little is known about the Brazilian species of the marsupial genus Thylamys : the number of species in the country is disputed, as are their names and geographic distribution. Thus, the aim of this study was to define the Brazilian species of the genus, delimiting their taxonomic status and distributional range. We provide qualitative and quantitative data on external and skull morphology for specimens housed in scientific collections. A study of the material available allowed us to recognize the occurrence of three species in Brazil: Thylamys karimii (Petter, 1968), T. macrurus (Olfers, 1818) and T. velutinus (Wagner, 1842). For each of these we provide redescriptions, a discussion of local and geographic variations, geographic distribution, taxonomy, age class differentiation, sexual dimorphism, and natural history.
Population abundance of the common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius in the Haut Niger National Park, Republic of Guinea / Abondance de la population d'hippopotame commun Hippopotamus amphibius dans le Parc National du Haut Niger, République de Guinée
Authors: Brugière David , Magassouba Bakary , Sylla Amidou , Diallo Halimou , Sow Mamadou 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe Republic of Guinea is thought to contain the largest population of common hippopotamus in West Africa. However, no systematic field survey has been carried out recently and the information available is limited to informal observations. To clarify the status of the common hippopotamus in Guinea, we carried out a biannual population survey along the section of the Niger River (the largest river in Guinea) within the Haut Niger National Park. We counted 93 hippopotamuses in 28 groups in the dry season and 77 hippopotamuses in 23 groups in the wet season. Mean group size and number of neonates did not change between the seasons. Hippopotomuses were more numerous along the river sections bordering uncultivated floodplains. This underlines the significance of this habitat (which is used as a grazing area) for conservation of this species. Haut Niger National Park is the most important protected area in Guinea for conservation of the common hippopotamus. Hippopotamus-human and -cattle conflicts in terms of floodplain use in the park's buffer zone should be closely monitored. Floodplain conversion to rice fields represents one of the most important threats to the long-term conservation of hippopotamus populations in Guinea.
Notes on home range and habitat use of three small carnivore species in a disturbed vegetation mosaic of southeastern Brazil / Notes sur le territoire et l'utilisation de l'habitat de trois espèces de petits carnivores dans une végétation mosaïque perturbée au Sud Est du Brésil
Authors: Michalski Fernanda , Crawshaw Peter G. , Oliveira Tadeu Gomes de , Fabián Marta Elena 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe home range and habitat use of three carnivore species was investigated in a disturbed forest of southeastern Brazil. Three jaguarundis ( Herpailurus yagouaroundi ), two crab-eating foxes ( Cerdocyon thous ), and two tayras ( Eira barbara ) were radio-tracked to test the hypothesis that home ranges and habitat use would differ between the proportion of habitat types available. The largest home ranges were those of one male jaguarundi (2047 ha) and the male crab-eating fox (1053 ha). The smallest were those of the females of crab-eating fox (48 ha) and jaguarundi (188 ha). The female jaguarundi was the only individual to show a significant difference between observed and expected habitat use. All species used disturbed habitats (secondary forest, grassland savanna, and Eucalyptus plantation) to varying degrees. Thus, these species showed great flexibility in their use of disturbed habitats.
Common hippopotamus ( Hippopotamus amphibius ): a survey on the River Djerem, Mbam-Djerem National Park, Cameroon / Hippopotames ( Hippopotamus amphibius ): l'inventaire des populations sur la rivière Djerem, Parc National de Mbam Djerem, Cameroun
Authors: Nchanji Anthony Chifu , Fotso Roger C. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractInformation on the population of common hippopotamus ( Hippopotamus amphibius ) in Cameroon is limited. Consequently, management decisions are based on guesses. We surveyed common hippos on the River Djerem in Mbam-Djerem National Park, from April to June 2001 by sailing on the river at 1.5 km/h and counting hippopotamus that emerged to the water surface. We also recorded their tracks along the river banks. We found at least 18 hippos in April and 79 during May–June on the river, suggesting that there were either different numbers at each of the periods or approximately the same numbers, but with individuals responding differently to the physiological and noise stimuli used in the study. However, the observation of numerous fresh outlet tracks of hippos at pools where they were not directly sighted suggests higher numbers on the river during each of the periods. Hunting of hippopotamus in the past for trophies (canines) threatened their survival and accounts for the relatively low numbers observed compared to an earlier survey in the River Bénoué. There are hopes for a future population increase with increased law enforcement in the recently created Mbam-Djerem National Park.