bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin‐(1–7) induces cerebral ischaemic tolerance by promoting brain angiogenesis in a Mas/eNOS‐dependent pathway
Authors: Jiang Teng , Yu Jin‐Tai , Zhu Xi‐Chen , Zhang Qiao‐Quan , Tan Meng‐Shan , Cao Lei , Wang Hui‐Fu , Lu Jie , Gao Qing , Zhang Ying‐Dong , Tan Lan 
Published: May 2014

Background and PurposeAs a newer component of the renin–angiotensin system, angiotensin‐(1–7) [Ang‐(1–7) ] has been shown to facilitate angiogenesis and protect against ischaemic damage in peripheral tissues. However, the role of Ang‐(1–7) in brain angiogenesis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Ang‐(1–7) could promote angiogenesis in brain, thus inducing tolerance against focal cerebral ischaemia.Experimental ApproachMale Sprague‐Dawley rats were i.c.v. infused with Ang‐(1–7), A‐779 (a Mas receptor antagonist), L‐NIO, a specific endothelial NOS (eNOS) inhibitor, endostatin (an anti‐angiogenic compound) or vehicle, alone or simultaneously, for 1–4 weeks. Capillary density, endothelial cell proliferation and key components of eNOS pathway in the brain were evaluated. Afterwards, rats were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO), and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), infarct volume and neurological deficits were measured 24 h later.Key ResultsInfusion of Ang‐(1–7) for 4 weeks significantly increased brain capillary density via promoting endothelial cell proliferation, which was accompanied by eNOS activation and up‐regulation of NO and VEGF in brain. These effects were abolished by A‐779 or L‐NIO. More importantly, Ang‐(1–7) improved rCBF and decreased infarct volume and neurological deficits after pMCAO, which could be reversed by A‐779, L‐NIO or endostatin.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis is the first evidence that Ang‐(1–7) promotes brain angiogenesis via a Mas/eNOS‐dependent pathway, which enhances tolerance against subsequent cerebral ischaemia. These findings highlight brain Ang‐(1–7)/Mas signalling as a potential target in stroke prevention.
Streptococcus bovis infection and colorectal neoplasia: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Krishnan S. , Eslick G. D. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimA meta‐analysis was conducted to determine the risk associated with Streptococcus bovis infection and the occurrence of colorectal neoplasia (CRN). The level of risk remains unknown.MethodWe conducted a search of MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE up to January 2014. We used a random‐effects model to analyse the data.ResultsWe identified 48 studies concerning three main topics: S. bovis septicaemia, S. bovis endocarditis and S. bovis faecal carriage. The total sample sizes were 1729, 807 and 1145, respectively; the 48 studies included 9 case–control studies and 39 case series. Overall, the presence of S. bovis infection was found to be significantly associated with the presence of CRN. Streptococcus bovis endocarditis showed the strongest association in analyses of case–control studies and case series (OR 14.54, 95% CI 5.66–37.35, test for heterogeneity I2 = 43.53; event rate of 0.53, 95% CI 0.45–0.61, test for heterogeneity I2 = 53.50). Similarly, S. bovis septicaemia was also associated with a high level of concurrence with CRN (OR 7.48, 95% CI 3.10–18.06, test for heterogeneity I2 = 43.32; event rate 0.49, 95% CI 0.42–0.56, test for heterogeneity I2 = 69.97). Patients with CRN were found to have a higher incidence of S. bovis in faeces upon stool culture (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.14–5.58, test for heterogeneity I2 = 69.17).ConclusionThe meta‐analysis showed a statistically significant association between the presence of S. bovis endocarditis or S. bovis septicaemia and CRN. Furthermore, there is a statistically significant increase in likelihood of finding S. bovis in the stool of individuals with CRN.
Control of type 2 diabetes after 1 year of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in the helping evaluate reduction in obesity (HERO) study
Authors: Edelman S. , Ng‐Mak D. S. , Fusco M. , Ashton D. , Okerson T. , Liu Q. , Jin J. , Dixon J. B. 
Published: May 2014

AimsThe 5‐year, open‐label, prospective, observational helping evaluate reduction in obesity (HERO) study (N = 1106) examines efficacy and safety of the LAP‐BAND AP® laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) in obese patients. This interim analysis assessed the control of type 2 diabetes (T2D), 1 year after the implantation of the LAGB.MethodsBaseline T2D was defined by chart review or use of antidiabetic medications or haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥7.0%. Control of T2D at 1 year was defined as A1c <7.0% (with or without antidiabetic medications).ResultsAfter 1 year, 187 of 273 patients with T2D at baseline had adequate data available to assess T2D status, of which 135 patients (72.2%) achieved target control of T2D compared with 42.8% control rate at baseline. Independent predictors of achieving target control at 1 year included the following: (i) shorter diabetes duration odds ratio (OR) 0.914 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.839, 0.995, p = 0.038], (ii) not using insulin therapy OR 0.16 (95% CI, 0.06, 0.47, p < 0.001) and (iii) greater mean % weight loss OR 1.176 (95% CI, 1.093, 1.266, p < 0.001). Patients using insulin at baseline were 84% less likely to achieve control of T2D after 1 year; each additional year of diabetes at baseline reduced the likelihood of good control by 9%; and each 1% of weight loss increases the likelihood of good control by 18%. Rates of device‐related adverse events and reoperations were low and were not significantly different between patients with and without baseline T2D at 1 year.ConclusionsGreater % weight loss, not using insulin therapy, and shorter disease duration predicted increased likelihood of target control of T2D, 1 year after implantation of the LAGB.
Training based on mirror visual feedback influences transcallosal communication
Authors: Avanzino Laura , Raffo Alessia , Pelosin Elisa , Ogliastro Carla , Marchese Roberta , Ruggeri Piero , Abbruzzese Giovanni 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMirror visual feedback (MVF) therapy has been demonstrated to be successful in neurorehabilitation, probably inducing neuroplasticity changes in the primary motor cortex (M1). However, it is not known whether MVF training influences the hemispheric balance between the M1s. This topic is of extreme relevance when MVF training is applied to stroke rehabilitation, as the competitive interaction between the two hemispheres induces abnormal interhemispheric inhibition (IHI) that weakens motor function in stroke patients. In the present study, we evaluated, in a group of healthy subjects, the effect of motor training and MVF training on the excitability of the two M1s and the IHI between M1s. The IHI from the ‘active’ M1 to the opposite M1 (where ‘active’ means the M1 contralateral to the moving hand in the motor training and the M1 of the seen hand in the MVF training) increased, after training, in both the experimental conditions. Only after motor training did we observe an increase in the excitability of the active M1. Our findings show that training based on MVF may influence the excitability of the transcallosal pathway and support its use in disorders where abnormal IHI is a potential target, such as stroke, where an imbalance between the affected and unaffected M1s has been documented.
Effect of environmental factors on the flight activity ofTrialeurodes vaporariorum(Westwood) under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Bonsignore Carmelo Peter 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe flight activity of the greenhouse whiteflyTrialeurodes vaporariorum(Westwood) was monitored over a 3‐year period in greenhouses containing tomato and zucchini crops. The environmental factors affecting its flight activity and dispersal were analyzed. Among the climatic variables, temperature had a positive impact onT. vaporariorumflight, whereas relative humidity had only a weak effect. More flights were made during the morning and afternoon, with fewer flights occurring when the temperature was above 25°C in greenhouses containing zucchini or above 30°C in those containing tomato; no flights were recorded when the temperature was 12.30°C in either setting. Flight typology, classified as short, long or dispersal, and covering a few centimeters to more than 2–3 m, was influenced by the vegetative condition of the plants. As the plants aged and declined in condition, the number of short flights decreased, whereas the number of long and dispersal flights increased. Based on these results, we can conclude that the dispersal ofT. vaporariorumin greenhouses containing either tomato or zucchini crops is generally influenced by environmental factors, which also affect the type of flight, with a trade‐off between short and long dispersal flights. However, adult dispersal is driven not only by temperature, but also by other factors, such as conspecific density and time of the day. Therefore, producers must consider such factors when aiming to reduce the dispersal of pest insects within greenhouses and, thus, to maintain the productivity of their crops.
Polo pony injuries: player‐owner reported risk, perception, mitigation and risk factors
Authors: Inness C. M. , Morgan K. L. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyPolo, one of the world's oldest sports, is unique in merging human skill and balance with animal agility and performance in a contact sport. These modern‐day ‘centaurs’ offer medical, dental and veterinary scientists an unrivalled, if quirky, opportunity to collaborate. Collection of epidemiological data on injuries to UK polo riders and ponies is the first step.ObjectivesTo measure the reported risk and risk factors for injuries to UK polo ponies, their perception and mitigation by player‐owners.Study designA retrospective cohort design and telephone interviews were used.MethodsData on equine injuries, preseason training and risk perception were collected from a random sample of player‐owners using a structured questionnaire. Injuries were defined as requiring veterinary treatment. Frequencies were represented as percentages and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Risk factors for injuries were identified by univariable and multivariable analyses.ResultsThe cumulative incidence of player‐owner‐reported injury was 10.6% (95% CI 8.4–12.7). Tendon injuries were most common (4.3%; 95% CI 2.9–5.7), followed by wounds and splints. The only risk factor was stabling all season (odds ratio 4.79; 95% CI 1.46–15.73). Tendon injuries were perceived as the major risk and hard ground the most important risk factor. Risk mitigation practices were bandaging before exercise (45.7%; 95% CI 34.8–56.5), checking tendons (84.0%; 95% CI 76.0–91.9), cold hosing (40.7%; 95% CI 30.0–51.4), bandaging (38.3%; 95% CI 27.7–48.9) and using clays and coolants after exercise (24.7%; 15.3–34.1). Cuts and wounds were considered most frequent by only 2.5% (95% CI 0.0–3.6) of players but were the second most common injury, accounting for 21.6% of veterinary treatments. Splints accounted for 12.5% of injuries.ConclusionsThe risk of injury to polo ponies is similar to that in the general horse population; musculoskeletal injuries, particularly tendon injuries, are most common, followed by wounds and splints. The association between stabling and injury, risk factors for wounds and splints and efficacy of cooling tendons post exercise warrant further study.
Occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias in Standardbred racehorses
Authors: Slack J. , Boston R. C. , Soma L. R. , Reef V. B. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyCardiac arrhythmias are a recognised but poorly characterised problem in the Standardbred racehorse. Frequency data could aid the development of cardiac arrhythmia screening programmes.ObjectivesTo characterise the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias in Standardbreds prior to racing and in the late post race period using a handheld, noncontinuous recording device.Study designProspective, observational study, convenience sampling.MethodsNoncontinuous electrocardiographic recordings were obtained over a 12 week period from Standardbred horses competing at a single racetrack. Electrocardiograms were obtained before racing and between 6 and 29 min after the race using a handheld recording device. Prevalence of arrhythmias was calculated for all horses and overall frequency of arrhythmias was calculated for race starts and poor performers. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias.ResultsA total of 8657 electrocardiogram recordings were obtained from 1816 horses. Six horses had atrial fibrillation after racing (prevalence = 0.11%, frequency = 0.14%), one horse had supraventricular tachycardia before racing (prevalence = 0.06%, frequency = 0.02%), and 2 horses had ventricular tachyarrhythmias after racing (prevalence = 0.06%, frequency = 0.05%). The frequency of atrial fibrillation among race starts with poor performance was 1.3–2.0%. Increasing age was a significant risk factor for the presence of atrial premature contractions before racing and atrial fibrillation and ventricular ectopy after racing.ConclusionsBoth physiological and pathological cardiac arrhythmias can be detected in apparently healthy Standardbred horses in the prerace and late post race period using noncontinuous recording methods. Future studies should examine cumulative training or racing hours as a risk factor for cardiac arrhythmia. The prevalence and frequency information may be useful for track veterinarians and regulatory personnel following trends in cardiac arrhythmias.
Skin‐penetrating methotrexate alleviates imiquimod‐induced psoriasiform dermatitis via decreasing IL‐17‐producing gamma delta T cells
Authors: Byamba Dashlkhumbe , Kim Do Young , Kim Dae‐Suk , Kim Tae‐Gyun , Jee Hyunjoong , Kim Sung Hee , Park Tae‐Yoon , Yang Sang‐Hwa , Lee Sang‐Kyou , Lee Min‐Geol 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAccumulating evidence has shown that the Toll‐like receptor 7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ) induces psoriasiform skin inflammation in mice and that this inflammation is dependent on the IL‐23/IL‐17 axis. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the main source of IL‐17 is not Th17 but is dermal gamma delta (γδ) T cells in mouse psoriasiform skin. Recent advances in the understanding of immunopathogenesis of psoriasis led to an alteration in the treatment paradigm to the use of highly efficacious biologics. However, their high cost impedes the extensive use of these agents. Thus, inexpensive and safe medications are still considered valuable. In this study, we introduce the therapeutic efficacy of a newly formulated methotrexate (MTX), a chemical conjugate of MTX with cell permeable peptide, for the treatment of psoriasis. Topically applied skin‐penetrating (SP)‐MTX reduced the psoriasiform skin phenomenon, epidermal thickness and infiltrating immune cells into the dermis. IL‐17A‐producing dermal γδ T cells in the cellular infiltrate that contribute IL‐23/IL‐17 axis were well abrogated by SP‐MTX. Furthermore, SP‐MTX had no toxic effects on liver, kidney or myeloid cells, unlike systemic administration of MTX. In conclusion, topically applied SP‐MTX ameliorated psoriasiform skin inflammation in mice with the criteria of clinical phenomenon, histopathology and immunology, without inducing systemic toxic effects.
Treatment of Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Horses Using an Intravenous Combination of Sodium Pentosan Polysulfate, N‐Acetyl Glucosamine, and Sodium Hyaluronan
Authors: Koenig Toby J. , Dart Andrew J. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Horadagoda Neil , Bell Robin J. , Perkins Nigel , Dart Christina , Krockenberger Mark , Jeffcott Leo B. , Little Christopher B. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of sodium pentosan polysulfate (PPS), N‐acetyl glucosamine (NAG), and sodium hyaluronan (HA) in horses with induced osteoarthritis (OA).Study DesignExperimental.AnimalsAdult Standard bred horses (n = 16).MethodsOA was induced arthroscopically in 1 intercarpal joint; 8 horses were administered 3 mg/kg PPS, 4.8 mg/kg NAG, and 0.12 mg/kg HA (PGH), intravenously (IV), weekly and 8 horses were administered an equivalent volume of saline IV until study completion (day 70). Horses underwent a standardized treadmill exercise program. Clinical and radiographic findings and synovial fluid analysis were evaluated throughout the study. Macroscopic, histologic, histochemical, and biochemical findings were evaluated after necropsy. Comparisons of interest included OA and non‐OA joints of saline treated horses and OA joints of PGH treated horses and OA joints of saline treated horses. Results were statistically analyzed with significance set atP < .05.ResultsOA caused increases in clinical assessment scores, synovial fluid variables, radiographic, macroscopic, and histologic cartilage scores, synovial fluid and cartilage chondroitin sulfate 846‐epitope and glycosaminoglycan concentration. Total radiographic scores, total macroscopic joint pathology and macroscopic cartilage pathology scores were significantly reduced in horses treated with PGH compared with saline treated horses. Synovial fluid total protein concentration and white blood cell count were higher in OA joints of PGH treated horses compared with saline treated horses. There were no other significant differences between treatment groups.ConclusionsImprovements in macroscopic variables were not supported by other outcomes. Further evidence is needed before PGH can be recommended as a therapeutic option for osteoarthritis in horses.
How Hispanic patients address ambiguous versus unambiguous bias in the doctor's office
Authors: Bean Meghan G. , Covarrubias Rebecca , Stone Jeff 
Published: May 2014

AbstractTwo studies examined Hispanic individuals' preferences for using ten different bias reduction strategies when interacting with a doctor whose beliefs about their group were either ambiguous or clearly biased. Consistent with predictions, participants who imagined interacting with a doctor whose beliefs were ambiguous preferred strategies that facilitate positive doctor–patient interactions, whereas participants whose doctor explicitly endorsed negative stereotypes about their group preferred strategies that address stereotype content. The results also revealed that, regardless of whether the doctor's beliefs were ambiguous or clearly biased, stigma consciousness predicted participants' preferences for using strategies that address stereotype content. These findings suggest that both doctors' behavior and individual‐level factors influence how minority individuals choose to behave in a healthcare setting.
Patients are not fully human: a nurse's coping response to stress
Authors: Trifiletti Elena , Di Bernardo Gian Antonio , Falvo Rossella , Capozza Dora 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this article, dehumanization of patients was studied as a strategy used by nurses to cope with stress. Affective organizational commitment (AOC) and affective commitment to patients (ACP) were tested as moderators. We also explored how nurses' humanity attributions to their in‐group relate to stress symptoms. Participants were nurses working in different wards of an Italian urban hospital. Findings showed that perceiving patients as not fully human was related to lower levels of stress symptoms for nurses with high AOC and ACP, but not for nurses with low AOC and ACP. Moreover, for highly committed nurses, the attribution of uniquely human traits to the in‐group was associated with increased stress symptoms. Implications of findings for the relationship between nurses and patients are discussed.
Wolbachiaeffects in natural populations ofChorthippus parallelusfrom the Pyrenean hybrid zone
Authors: Zabal‐Aguirre M. , Arroyo F. , García‐Hurtado J. , de la Torre J. , Hewitt G. M. , Bella J. L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe evaluate for the first time the effect ofWolbachiainfection, involving two different supergroups, on the structure and dynamics of the hybrid zone between two subspecies ofChorthippus parallelus(Orthoptera) in the Pyrenees.Wolbachiainfection showed no effects on female fecundity or a slight increment in females infected by F supergroup, although in the last case it has to be well established. Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is confirmed in crosses carried out in the field between individuals from a natural hybrid population. ThisCI, registered as the relative reduction in embryo production (sh), was ofsh = 0.355 andsh = 0.286 in unidirectional crosses involving B and F supergroups, respectively.CIalso occurred in bidirectional crosses (sh = 0.147) but with a weaker intensity. The transmission rates of the twoWolbachiastrains (B and F) were estimated by the optimization of a theoretical model to reach the infection frequencies observed in certain population. To fit this scenario, both supergroups should present transmission rates close to 1. Further, we have simulated the infection dynamics, and hence, the capacity ofWolbachiato structure the population of the host insects and to affect to reproduction and genetic introgression in the hybrid zone. This represents a first example of the influence ofWolbachiain an insect natural hybrid zone.
Haldane's rule revisited: do hybrid females have a shorter lifespan? Survival of hybrids in a recent contact zone between two large gull species
Authors: Neubauer G. , Nowicki P. , Zagalska‐Neubauer M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHaldane's rule predicts that particularly high fitness reduction should affect the heterogametic sex of interspecific hybrids. Despite the fact that hybridization is widespread in birds, survival of hybrid individuals is rarely addressed in studies of avian hybrid zones, possibly because of methodological constraints. Here, having applied capture–mark–recapture models to an extensive, 19‐year‐long data set on individually marked birds, we estimate annual survival rates of hybrid individuals in the hybrid zone between herring (Larus argentatus) and Caspian (Larus cachinnans) gulls. In both parental species, males have a slightly higher survival rate than females (model‐weighted mean ± SE: herring gull males 0.88 ± 0.01, females 0.87 ± 0.01, Caspian gull males 0.88 ± 0.01, females 0.87 ± 0.01). Hybrid males do not survive for a shorter time than nonhybrid ones (0.88 ± 0.01), whereas hybrid females have the lowest survival rate among all groups of individuals (0.83 ± 0.03). This translates to a shorter adult (reproductive) lifespan (on average by 1.7–1.8 years, i.e. ca 25%) compared with nonhybrid females. We conclude that, in line with Haldane's rule, the lower survival rate of female hybrids may contribute to selection against hybrids in this hybrid zone.
Establishment of a new cell line susceptible to Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3) and possible latency ofCyHV‐3 by temperature shift in the cells
Authors: Imajoh M , Fujioka H , Furusawa K , Tamura K , Yamasaki K , Kurihara S , Yamane J , Kawai K , Oshima S 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA new cell line namedCCF‐K104 predominantly consisting of fibroblastic cells showed optimal growth at temperatures from 25 °C to 30 °C. Serial morphological changes in the cells induced by Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV‐3) included cytoplasmic vacuolar formation, cell rounding and detachment. Mature virions were purified fromCyHV‐3‐infectedCCF‐K104 cells by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation and had a typical herpesvirus structure on electron microscopy. InfectiousCyHV‐3 was produced stably inCCF‐K104 cells over 30 viral passages. Our findings showed thatCCF‐K104 is a useful cell line for isolation and productive replication ofCyHV‐3. A temperature shift from 25 °C to 15 °C or 35 °C did not allow serial morphological changes as observed at 25 °C for 14 days. Under the same conditions, real‐timePCRshowed thatCyHV‐3 was present with low viralDNAloads, suggesting thatCyHV‐3 may establish latent infection inCCF‐K104 cells. Amplification of the left and right terminal repeat sequences of theCyHV‐3 genome arranged in a head‐to‐tail manner was detected by nestedPCRfollowing an upshift in temperature from 25 °C to 35 °C. ThePCRresults suggested that the circular genome may represent a latent form ofCyHV‐3.