bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny and systematics of Protodrilidae (Annelida) inferred with total evidence analyses
Authors: Martínez Alejandro , Di Domenico Maikon , Rouse Greg W. , Worsaae Katrine 
Published: July 2014

AbstractProtodrilidae is a group of small, superficially simple‐looking annelids, lacking chaetae and appendages, except for two prostomial palps. Originally considered to be one of the primitive “archiannelid” families, its affinity within Annelida is still highly debated. Protodrilids are found worldwide in the interstices of intertidal and subtidal marine sediments. Despite their simple appearance they constitute one of the most species‐rich interstitial families, with 36 described species in two genera, Protodrilus and the gutless Astomus. Here we present the first phylogenetic study of Protodrilidae employing five gene fragments, 55 morphological characters and 73 terminals (including seven outgroups) analysed under direct optimization and parsimony as well as model‐based methods. The large data set includes all 36 described species of Protodrilidae (17 of which are represented only by the morphological partition) as well as 30 undescribed or uncertain species (represented by both morphology and molecules). This comprehensive, inclusive and combined analysis revealed a new perspective on the phylogeny of Protodrilidae: the family is shown to contain six cosmopolitan subclades, each supported by several morphological apomorphies, and with the genus Astomus consistently nested among the other five clades rather than next to these. Consequently, the diagnosis of Protodrilus is emended, Astomus remains unchanged and the four remaining lineages are diagnosed and named Megadrilus n. gen, Meiodrilus gen. nov., Claudrilus n. gen and Lindrilus gen. nov. Character transformations showed that large size and presence of pigmentation, oviducts and eyes are plesiomorphies of the family, retained in Protodrilus, Megadrilus gen. nov. and Lindrilus gen. nov. These features are secondarily lost in the gutless Astomus with epidermal uptake of nutrients, as well as in Meiodrilus gen. nov. and some species of Claudrilus n. gen, with smaller size correlated to life in interstices of finer sediments.
High‐Density Lipoprotein: A Novel Target for Antirestenosis Therapy
Authors: Yin Kai , Agrawal Devendra K. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRestenosis is an integral pathological process central to the recurrent vessel narrowing after interventional procedures. Although the mechanisms for restenosis are diverse in different pathological conditions, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, and myofibroblasts transition have been thought to play crucial role in the development of restenosis. Indeed, there is an inverse relationship between high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). However, relatively studies on the direct assessment of HDL effect on restenosis are limited. In addition to involvement in the cholesterol reverse transport, many vascular protective effects of HDL, including protection of endothelium, antiinflammation, antithrombus actions, inhibition of SMC proliferation, and regulation by adventitial effects may contribute to the inhibition of restenosis, though the exact relationships between HDL and restenosis remain to be elucidated. This review summarizes the vascular protective effects of HDL, emphasizing the potential role of HDL in intimal hyperplasia and vascular remodeling, which may provide novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for antirestenosis.
NIH Career Development Awards in Clinical and Translational Science Award Institutions: Distinguishing Characteristics of Top Performing Sites
Authors: Guerrero Lourdes R. , Nakazono Terry , Davidson Pamela L. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTPurposeTo identify and disseminate the organizational characteristics of “top performing” National Institute of Health (NIH) Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) institutions in regards to career development, using the number of new K awards received per year to rank institutions and comparing these with non‐CTSA institutions.MethodsThe authors analyzed the organizational characteristics of all 61 CTSA institutions from 2006 to 2013 using the American Association of Medical Colleges Organizational Characteristics Database and K Award funding details using NIH RePORT.ResultsFive of the “top 10 performing” institutions are in the western region, and six out of the ten are public schools. Three of the “top 10 performing” institutions receive most of their K awards through two funding mechanisms—the K08 (mentored clinical scientist research award) and K23 (mentored patient‐oriented research career development awards). Notably, these three institutions lack a KL2 program.ConclusionThe CTSA network of institutions is committed to developing the next generation of physician scientists in order to meet the pressing health needs of society. Educators and evaluators within this network may need to provide training to junior investigators beyond the traditional KL2 programs in order to advance their career development as physician scientists and clinical translational researchers.
Double‐balloon enteroscopy for choledochojejunal anastomotic stenosis after hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic operation
Authors: Sakakihara Ichiro , Kato Hironari , Muro Shinichiro , Noma Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Naoki , Harada Ryo , Horiguchi Shigeru , Tsutsumi Koichiro , Okada Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Kazuhide , Sadamori Hiroshi , Yagi Takahito 
Published: July 2014

Background and AimThere have been few reports on the success rate of balloon dilation and stent deployment using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography by double‐balloon enteroscopy (DBE‐ERCP) or on the follow‐up period after stent removal in patients with a reconstructed digestive tract and stenosis of choledochojejunal anastomosis. The present study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of DBE‐ERCP in patients with a reconstructed digestive tract and stenosis of choledochojejunal anastomosis.MethodsForty‐four patients with stenosis of choledochojejunal anastomosis underwent DBE‐ERCP at Okayama University Hospital between April 2008 and January 2012 (107 procedures). Rates of reaching choledochojejunal anastomosis, stent deployment, and restenosis after stent removal were retrospectively evaluated.ResultsInsertion of DBE into the choledochojejunal anastomotic site succeeded in 38 of 44 patients (86.4%), and anastomotic dilation and stent deployment succeeded in 36 of 44 patients (81.8%). In 32 of 44 patients (72.7%), their anastomotic stenoses were improved, and they achieved stent removal. After stent removal, restenosis of choledochojejunal anastomosis was detected in seven of 32 patients; however, the resolution of restenosis was achieved in all seven of those patients.ConclusionDilation of choledochojejunal anastomosis combined with stent deployment using DBE‐ERCP seems to be a viable first‐line treatment for patients with stenosis of choledochojejunal anastomosis.
Monetary Discipline as a Substitute for Fiscal Reforms and Market Liberalisations
Authors: Dalmazzo Alberto 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn an economy with wage‐setting unions where the government has gains from redistribution, we analyse the incentive of incumbent politicians to implement monetary discipline (e.g. by joining a monetary union) against the adoption of fiscal reforms, or deregulation in product markets. We show that monetary discipline can be a ‘substitute’ both for better (i.e. less distortionary) fiscal policies and for deregulation in product markets.
Learning and Signals under Discretionary Monetary Policy
Authors: Marzioni Stefano 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper aims at assessing the relevance of communicating central bank's forecasts to the private sector under discretionary monetary policy. In a New Keynesian environment, the central bank and the private sector have different information sets. The private sector uses the central bank's expectations as a signal in order to update its priors, which are constituted by standard adaptive learning expectations. E‐stability is positively affected by a high correlation between actual inflation and the signal about inflation. Numerical simulations show that the presence of signals is beneficial both in the long and in the short run.
Antennal and behavioral responses of female Maruca vitrata to the floral volatiles of Vigna unguiculata and Lablab purpureus
Authors: Wang Pan , Zhang Na , Zhou Li‐Lin , Si Sheng‐Yun , Lei Chao‐Liang , Ai Hui , Wang Xiao‐Ping 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn many herbivorous insects, the attraction to suitable host plants is in part mediated by similar olfactory cues from different host plants. This study investigated the electrophysiological and behavioral responses of female Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) to floral volatiles from two host plants, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walpers and Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet (both Fabaceae). Qualitative and quantitative differences were found between the odor profiles of two host plants by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Nine electroantennography‐active compounds were detected in the headspace collections of the two host plants by means of coupled GC‐electroantennographic detection. In a wind tunnel, female behaviors (upwind flight and source approach) were not affected by stimuli or their interaction with host plants, but the behaviors were influenced by host plants. A mixture of the nine bioactive compounds, including limonene, 1,3‐diethylbenzene, benzaldehyde, acetophenone, 4‐ethylbenzaldehyde, 1‐(4‐ethylphenyl)‐ethanone, 2‐methyl‐3‐phenylpropanal, 1H‐indol‐4‐ol, and 1,1′‐(1,4‐phenylene)bis‐ethanone mimicking L. purpureus (in a ratio of 0.4:9.7:2.4:5.7:78.1:4.8:100:0.6:30.3) attracted significantly more females approaching the sources compared with the mixture of compounds mimicking V. unguiculata (in a ratio of 0.3:1.4:1.6:3.7:50.8:3.2:100:4.2:16.7). Further bioassays revealed that a subtractive 4‐component blend [limonene, 1,3‐diethylbenzene, 4‐ethylbenzaldehyde, and 1‐(4‐ethylphenyl)‐ethanone in a ratio of 0.4:9.7:78.1:4.8] was essential for maximal attraction. Our study suggested that female M. vitrata might use similar odors from V. unguiculata and L. purpureus to locate suitable hosts and that an artificial lure, containing the major floral volatiles released by the two host plants, might be useful in exploring efficiency monitoring and/or control strategies of this moth in the field.
No association between multiple sclerosis and periodontitis after adjusting for smoking habits
Authors: Gustavsen M. W. , Celius E. G. , Moen S. M. , Bjølgerud A. , Berg‐Hansen P. , Nygaard G. O. , Sandvik L. , Lie B. A. , Harbo H. F. 
Published: July 2014

Background and purposePeriodontitis has been reported to be associated with several systemic disorders, and recently a possible relationship with multiple sclerosis (MS) was suggested. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between periodontitis and MS in a Norwegian cohort.MethodsA case−control study in 756 MS patients and 1090 controls was conducted, and logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, gender, place of residence, mononucleosis and smoking, was performed to investigate the association between MS and periodontitis.ResultsIn the unadjusted analysis a higher prevalence of periodontitis was seen in MS patients, but this difference was not statistically significant after adjusting for the covariates.ConclusionsThe previously suggested association between MS and periodontitis is not supported in this study. Our results underline the importance of adjusting for relevant covariates in epidemiological research.
‘Upgrading’ psoriasis responsibly
Authors: Boehncke Sandra , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPsoriasis is a ‘pacemaker’ in dermatology. Substantial progress has been made regarding our understanding of its pathophysiology and genetic background, fuelling developments in cutaneous biology in general. Besides, the clinical perspective on psoriasis is currently changing, taking into consideration comorbidity and the systemic dimensions of this seemingly organ‐specific inflammation. The availability of drugs exhibiting fewer contraindications and improved long‐term safety opened a discussion around replacing a relatively limited (regarding both objectives and duration) ‘therapeutic’ by a much broader ‘management’ approach when it comes to treating psoriasis as a systemic disease. The question arises whether this ‘upgrade’ is warranted.
Is Nox4 a key regulator of the activated state of fibroblasts in systemic sclerosis?
Authors: Böhm Markus , Dosoki Heba , Kerkhoff Claus 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases consists of phagocytic gp91phox and six‐related isoforms. Recent evidence indicates that the NADPH oxidase isoform Nox4 controls vascular, renal and pulmonary injury. We propose that Nox4 is an intrinsic regulator of the activated state of dermal fibroblasts in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Profibrotic cytokines on the one hand and antifibrogenic factors such as α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone on the other hand may target Nox4 as an intracellular nodal point. Via increased or decreased generation of reactive oxygen species and/or hydrogen peroxide, Nox4 could orchestrate collagen synthesis, differentiation of dermal fibroblasts into a profibrotic myofibroblast phenotype and thus dermal fibrosis. Confirmation of this hypothesis will have important consequences in our understanding of the activated state of dermal fibroblasts in SSc. Based on the availability of clinically useful Nox4 inhibitors, novel antifibrotic therapies of SSc can be envisioned.
Joint Hypermobility and Headache: Understanding the Glue That Binds the Two Together – Part 1
Authors: Neilson Derek , Martin Vincent T. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundHeritable connective tissue disorders (HCTD) present with a wide array of findings, including headache. Because of their unusual substrate, headaches in HCTD can derive from both common and uncommon circumstances.MethodsLiterature review.ResultsEhlers–Danlos hypermobile type can be recognized by multiple joint findings and its tendency to progress to a multisystem chronic pain syndrome. Ehlers–Danlos classic type also manifests joint laxity and similar pain complaints, but is differentiated by its skin laxity and fragility. Ehlers–Danlos vascular type presents the most severe risk due to blood vessel and hollow organ rupture. Marfan syndrome demonstrates skeletal abnormalities, lens dislocations, and aortic root dilation that can result in dissection.ConclusionsIn a headache patient, recognizing the presence of an HCTD improves the strategy for diagnosis and management. A brief review of findings related to joints, skin, and arteries may prompt further investigation into the HCTDs.
The influence of educational level and oral hygiene behaviours on DMFT index and CPITN index in an adult Italian population: an epidemiological study
Authors: Vano M , Gennai S , Karapetsa D , Miceli M , Giuca MR , Gabriele M , Graziani F 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate the influence of educational level and oral hygiene behaviours on the prevalence and severity of dental caries and periodontal disease in an adult Italian population attending the Oral Hygiene department of a public Dental Clinic.MethodsDental caries was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization criteria. The DMFT index (decayed, missing, filled tooth) was used to record the dental caries' experience. The periodontal status was assessed using the community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN). Questionnaires on educational level and oral hygiene behaviours were also collected.ResultsA total of 350 patients were enrolled. The mean DMFT value reported was 4.37 ± 3.06, and higher values were observed for male patients (P < 0.05). Increased CPITN scores and DMFT values were significantly correlated with lower level of education (P < 0.05). Subjects of high educational status showed significantly better oral hygiene habits (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe oral health status, in terms of periodontal disease and dental caries, appears correlated with patients' educational level.
Chitosan nanoparticle coatings reduce microbial growth on fresh‐cut apples while not affecting quality attributes
Authors: Pilon Lucimeire , Spricigo Poliana C. , Miranda Marcela , de Moura Márcia R. , Assis Odilio Benedito G. , Mattoso Luiz Henrique C. , Ferreira Marcos David 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis study addressed the effects of chitosan‐based nanoparticles on microbiological quality, colour, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) and firmness of fresh‐cut ‘Gala’ apple slices during storage at 5 °C for 10 days. The treatments carried out were as follows: (i) slices pulverised with 110‐nm chitosan nanoparticles, (ii) slices pulverised with 300‐nm chitosan nanoparticles, (iii) 2 g L−1 chitosan dissolved in 2% citric acid and (iv) noncoated samples. There was an increase in chroma and a proportional decrease in hue angle and lightness. Browning of the slices coated with conventional chitosan and control was slightly intense than those coated with chitosan nanoparticles of 110 and 300 nm. The PPO and PDO activities increased with time for all samples, with irrelevant difference among the treatments. Flesh firmness did not change for any treatment and period. Coatings with chitosan nanoparticles of 110 nm showed higher antimicrobial activity against moulds and yeasts, and mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria than the other treatments. No Salmonella, and total and faecal coliforms were detected. This investigation supports the potential use of chitosan nanoparticles as edible coatings in controlling microbial activity in fresh‐cut apples.
Antioxidant activity and physicochemical properties of chitosan films incorporated with Lycium barbarum fruit extract for active food packaging
Authors: Wang Qian , Tian Fangyuan , Feng Ziqian , Fan Xueying , Pan Zetong , Zhou Jiang 
Published: July 2014

SummaryActive packaging film was developed by incorporating Lycium barbarum fruit extract (LFE) into chitosan. The effects of LFE on physicochemical properties of the chitosan/LFE films were evaluated. When the weight ratio of LFE to chitosan was increased from 0:1 to 1:1, DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity of the chitosan/LFE films increased near ten‐folds and reached up to 35.8%; water vapour permeability of the chitosan/LFE films decreased 43.0% from 5.67 g m mm−2 day−1 kPa−1, and water solubility decreased from 100% to 24.52% because of interactions between LFE and hydrophilic groups of chitosan confirmed by FTIR. However, the chitosan/LFE films became darker after LFE was incorporated. The pure chitosan film showed better tensile strength (23.19 MPa) and elongation at break (22.29%) than the chitosan/LFE films (15.52 MPa and 9.58% for the one with weight ratio of LFE to chitosan of 0.6:1).
Efficacy of patient‐initiated follow‐up clinics in secondary care: a systematic review
Authors: Taneja A. , Su'a B. , Hill A. G. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPatient‐initiated follow up (PIFU) is an initiative that allows patients to initiate hospital follow‐up appointments on an ‘as required’ basis compared with the traditional ‘physician‐initiated’ model. The main principle is to reduce inappropriate regular follow‐up appointments. In this systematic review, we attempt to address its efficacy for outpatient secondary level care. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines, an electronic literature search was performed independently by two authors using pre‐defined search terms across EMBASE, Ovid MedLine, PubMed, PSYCINFO and the Cochrane Library databases. Articles were included if they specifically evaluated any aspect of PIFU. Studies evaluating non‐outpatient‐based, primary level‐based and nurse‐led clinic appointments were excluded. A total of 747 articles was reviewed, and six were finally included for the systematic review. Three studies analysed efficacy of PIFU with regards to rheumatological disease and found that there was no deleterious clinical effect and a trend towards increased satisfaction and quality of life including lower costs in the PIFU group. Two studies looked at PIFU and inflammatory bowel disease and identified some clinical benefit and lower costs and equivalent satisfaction and QoL with the PIFU group. A further study looked at PIFU in stage 1 breast cancer and did not find any significant differences in outcomes. There is evidence to suggest that PIFU systems result in fewer overall outpatient appointments in secondary care led services while maintaining equivalent if not better patient satisfaction, quality of life and clinical outcomes across a range of chronic conditions.
Polypharmacy among nonagenarians/centenarians in rural China
Authors: Lu J. , Yang M. , Luo L. , Hao Q. , Dong B. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the prevalence and relevant factors of polypharmacy in nonagenarian and centenarians.AimThe aim of this study is to examine the prevalence and associated factors of polypharmacy in a sample of nonagenarians and centenarians living in a rural area of China.MethodsThe data were from the ‘Project of Longevity and Aging in Dujiangyan’ study. Medication use and relevant covariates were obtained by face‐to‐face interviews. Minor polypharmacy was defined as the concomitant use of two to four medications, whereas major polypharmacy referred to the concomitant use of five or more medications.ResultsWe included 859 participants with mean age of 93.7 ± 3.3 years. The number of chronic diseases was 1.4 ± 1.2 per subject, whereas the number of drugs was 0.8 ± 1.4 per subject. The prevalence of minor polypharmacy and major polypharmacy was 16.5% and 3.7% respectively. Illiteracy (odds ratio (OR) 2.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52 to 5.66), cognitive impairment (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.44 to 6.88), hypertension (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.46 to 5.67), respiratory disease (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.08 to 4.58), osteoarthritis (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.51), and cancer (OR 10.70, 95% CI 1.90 to 126.80) were positively associated with minor polypharmacy. Illiteracy (OR 4.24, 95% CI 1.53 to 11.81), hypertension (OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.22 to 9.49) and cancer (OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.14 to 10.12) were also positively associated with major polypharmacy.ConclusionsAlthough most subjects suffer from some chronic diseases, minor polypharmacy and major polypharmacy are not common among nonagenarians/centenarians in rural China.
Understanding Public Attitudes to Science
Authors: Skinner Gideon , Shah Jayesh Navin 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
What does a medical records database in England have to do with genetically modified crops or climate change? Gideon Skinner and Jayesh Navin Shah of Ipsos MORI summarise a comprehensive new study on people's attitudes to science and scientists in the UK, and the lessons for policy-makers and researchers.
In Situ Fabrication of B4C–NbB2 Eutectic Composites by Spark–Plasma Sintering
Authors: Demirskyi Dmytro , Sakka Yoshio 
Published: July 2014

This contribution reports, for the first time, the sintering, microstructure and properties of in situ synthesized/consolidated eutectic composites by spark–plasma sintering (SPS). SPS involves a number of processing parameters that may be used to tailor the composition of eutectic composites. It was shown that pressure may be used as a means of controlling the eutectic formation. By changing the pressure, temperature and composition, we propose a processing route that results in the in situ formation of strengthened eutectic composites, consisting of a matrix (B4C, and B4C–NbB2 composite) and also containing regularly distributed whiskers of NbB2. The composites with the eutectic composition of 35 mol.% NbB2 obtained by SPS exhibit a high Vickers hardness (26–27 GPa) and indentation fracture toughness (~6 MPa·m1/2).