bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variable access to quality nutrition information regarding inflammatory bowel disease: a survey of patients and health professionals and objective examination of written information
Authors: Prince Alexis C. , Moosa Arifa , Lomer Miranda C. E. , Reidlinger Dianne P. , Whelan Kevin 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundPatients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) report a range of nutritional and dietary problems and high‐quality written information should be available on these. There is little research investigating the availability and quality of such information for patients with IBD.ObjectiveThis study assessed the type and quality of written information on nutrition and diet available to patients with IBD and the opinions of patients and health professionals.Setting and ParticipantsSeventy‐two patients with IBD were recruited from a large gastroenterology outpatient centre in England. One hundred dietitians from across the United Kingdom were also recruited.MethodsFace‐to‐face surveys were conducted with patients with IBD. Questions regarding the use, format and usefulness of dietary information received were probed. Dietitians were surveyed regarding written dietary information used in clinical practice. Samples of IBD‐specific dietary information used across the UK were objectively assessed using two validated tools.Main ResultsThe majority of patients rated written information as ‘good’ or ‘very good’, with the most useful information relating to ‘general diet and IBD’. Forty‐nine (49%) dietitians reported gaps in written information available for patients with IBD. Fifty‐three different samples of IBD‐specific information sheets were returned, with widely variable objective quality ratings. Commercially produced written information scored greater than locally produced information (BMA tool, P < 0.05).ConclusionsPatient access to high‐quality, written, IBD‐specific dietary information is variable. IBD‐specific written nutrition information needs to be developed in accordance with validated tools to empower patients, encourage self‐management and overcome nutritional implications of IBD.
Describing drivers of and barriers to persistence with tiotropium in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Bereznicki Bonnie J , Peterson Gregory M , Jackson Shane L , Walters Haydn , Hardley Felicity L , Gavagna Guy A , Marshall David C 
Published: June 2014

Abstract

Objective
To understand the factors influencing persistence with tiotropium in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods
Patients classified as ‘persistent’ or ‘non-persistent’ with tiotropium were identified from pharmacy dispensing records. Patients were compared for health status, beliefs and behaviours using data from questionnaires and interviews.

Key findings
Perceptions of the risks and benefits of medication, fear of worsening illness, and the GP's emphasis on the importance of the medication were key determinants of tiotropium persistence.

Conclusions
Perceptions, attitudes and beliefs of patients and doctors influence persistence with tiotropium. These complex interactions need to be targeted to improve persistence with medicines in COPD.
Advanced Chamfering Technology for Edge Strengthening
Authors: Lee Hoikwan , Kim Seungho 
Published: June 2014

Damage‐free chamfering method for strengthening a glass edge was introduced and its effect on the edge property was discussed in detail. The chamfered surface was evaluated using an optical microscope, a confocal LSM, and a birefringence measurement system. The mechanical properties were characterized by measuring hardness, Young's modulus, and bending strength. The results revealed that the cut edge of 0.55t thin glass sheet containing median cracks and chips was exfoliated uniformly to a thickness of 200 μm, and a smooth edge surface was created (Ra = 0.03 μm). We also reported that the chamfered surface had a compressive stress enabling hardness and Young's modulus increase, and the edge strength improved from 117 to 199 MPa.
Genetic diversity and population structure of long‐tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) populations in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Nikzad Sonia , Tan Soon Guan , Yong Seok Yien Christina , Ng Jillian , Alitheen Noorjahan Banu , Khan Razib , Rovie‐Ryan Jeffrine J. , Valdiani Alireza , Khajeaian Parastoo , Kanthaswamy Sree 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe genetic diversity and structure of long‐tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Peninsular Malaysia, a widely used non‐human primate species in biomedical research, have not been thoroughly characterized.MethodsThirteen sites of wild populations of long‐tailed macaques representing six states were sampled and analyzed with 18 STR markers.ResultsThe Sunggala and Penang Island populations showed the highest genetic diversity estimates, while the Jerejak Island population was the most genetically discrete due to isolation from the mainland shelf. Concordant with pairwise Fst estimates, STRUCTURE analyses of the seven PCA‐correlated clusters revealed low to moderate differentiation among the sampling sites. No association between geographic and genetic distances exists, suggesting that the study sites, including island study sites, are genetically if not geographically contiguous.ConclusionsThe status of the genetic structure and composition of long‐tailed macaque populations require further scrutiny to develop this species as an important animal model in biomedical research.
Narcissism and Other‐Derogation in the Absence of Ego Threat
Authors: Park Sun W. , Colvin C. Randall 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe relation between narcissism and other‐derogation has been examined primarily in the context of ego threat. In three studies, we investigated whether narcissistic individuals derogate others in the absence of ego threat. In Study 1, 79 judges watched four videotaped dyadic interactions and rated the personality of the same four people. In Study 2, 66 judges rated the personality of a friend. In Study 3, 72 judges considered the average Northeastern University student and rated the personality of this hypothetical person. Across the three studies, targets' personality characteristics were described on the 100‐item California Adult Q‐Sort (CAQ; Block, 2008). Judges' ratings of targets were compared to a CAQ prototype of the optimally adjusted person to assess target‐derogation. Judges' narcissism and other‐derogation were positively related in Studies 1 and 2. Narcissism positively predicted and self‐esteem negatively predicted target‐derogation after controlling for each other in Study 3. Narcissistic individuals derogate others more than non‐narcissistic individuals regardless of whether ego threat is present or absent.
Psychosocial Functioning and School Achievement of Children With Mild Intellectual Disability in Polish Special, Integrative, and Mainstream Schools
Authors: Szumski Grzegorz , Karwowski Maciej 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe authors sought to assess the effectiveness of integrative and inclusive education in Poland as well as to determine the relations between the psychosocial functioning and school achievement of pupils with mild intellectual disability attending special, integrative, and mainstream schools. Nearly 900 (n = 859) grade four pupils rated their social and emotional integration within their school and took a school achievement test. Pupils from integrative and mainstream schools achieved significantly higher scores in the school achievement test than pupils from special schools, whereas students from special schools were significantly better integrated emotionally and socially than integrative and mainstream school students. Additionally, emotional integration was a positive predictor for school achievement of pupils attending special schools. Among pupils attending integrative and mainstream schools, the relationship between emotional and social integration and school achievement was more complex and curvilinear: The highest results were achieved by the best and the worst integrated pupils. These findings are discussed in the context of inclusive education theory.
Primary biliary cirrhosis: proposal for a new simple histological scoring system
Authors: Wendum Dominique , Boëlle Pierre‐Yves , Bedossa Pierre , Zafrani Elie‐Serge , Charlotte Frédéric , Saint‐Paul Marie‐Christine , Michalak Sophie , Chazouillères Olivier , Corpechot Christophe 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsA simple and reproducible evaluation of non diagnostic histological lesions related to prognosis remains crucial in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Presently there is no satisfactory simple scoring system analysing them reliably. We elaborated a semi‐quantitative scoring system that assesses fibrosis, lymphocytic interface hepatitis (LIH) and ductopenia, separately. This study was aimed to evaluate its intra/interobserver reproducibility and its correlation with the main biochemical data.MethodsLiver biopsies from 33 consecutive newly diagnosed PBC patients were independently analysed by five liver pathologists. Fibrosis was classified into five stages (portal/periportal fibrosis/few septa/numerous septa/cirrhosis) and LIH into four grades. The bile duct ratio (BDR), i.e. ratio of the number of portal tracts with ducts to total number of portal tracts, Ludwig's and Scheuer's stages were evaluated. Intra and interobserver agreements were assessed. Histological results were correlated to the biochemical data.ResultsMost patients had an early disease on clinical and biological parameters. The biopsies measured 23 mm on average (range 12 – 40 mm). Intraobserver reproducibility was substantial for fibrosis (κ = 0.68), LIH (κ = 0.69) and BDR (ICC = 0.69). Interobserver agreement for fibrosis was fair with the 5‐class system (κ = 0.36), moderate with a 4‐class system (κ = 0.56). moderate for LIH (κ = 0.59) and BDR (ICC = 0.50). Ludwig's and Scheuer's staging showed a fair interobserver agreement (κ = 0.32, κ = 0.31 respectively). Our system showed better correlations with biochemistry than Ludwig's and Scheuer's systems did.ConclusionsThis simple scoring system, assessing fibrosis, LIH and BDR separately, has a substantial intraobserver and a moderate interobserver reproducibility. Its prognostic relevance has to be evaluated.
Differential affinities of MinD and MinE to anionic phospholipid influence Min patterning dynamics in vitro
Authors: Vecchiarelli Anthony G. , Li Min , Mizuuchi Michiyo , Mizuuchi Kiyoshi 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe E. coli Min system forms a cell‐pole‐to‐cell‐pole oscillator that positions the divisome at mid‐cell. The MinD ATPase binds the membrane and recruits the cell division inhibitor MinC. MinE interacts with and releases MinD (and MinC) from the membrane. The chase of MinD by MinE creates the in vivo oscillator that maintains a low level of the division inhibitor at mid‐cell. In vitro reconstitution and visualization of Min proteins on a supported lipid bilayer has provided significant advances in understanding Min patterns in vivo. Here we studied the effects of flow, lipid composition, and salt concentration on Min patterning. Flow and no‐flow conditions both supported Min protein patterns with somewhat different characteristics. Without flow, MinD and MinE formed spiraling waves. MinD and, to a greater extent MinE, have stronger affinities for anionic phospholipid. MinD‐independent binding of MinE to anionic lipid resulted in slower and narrower waves. MinE binding to the bilayer was also more susceptible to changes in ionic strength than MinD. We find that modulating protein diffusion with flow, or membrane binding affinities with changes in lipid composition or salt concentration, can differentially affect the retention time of MinD and MinE, leading to spatiotemporal changes in Min patterning.
An investigation of Candida species isolated from blood cultures during 17 years in a university hospital
Authors: Kazak E. , Akın H. , Ener B. , Sığırlı D. , Özkan Ö. , Gürcüoğlu E. , Yılmaz Emel , Çelebi Solmaz , Akçağlar Sevim , Akalın Halis 
Published: June 2014

SummaryCandidemia is the most frequent manifestation observed with invasive candidiasis. The aim of this study was to analyse the trends of candidemia in a large tertiary‐care hospital to determine the overall incidence during January 1996–December 2012, as well as to determine the susceptibility of 453 isolates according to the revised Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) breakpoints. Candidemia episodes in adult and paediatric patients were retrospectively analysed from the laboratory data of Uludağ University Healthcare and Research Hospital. The 17‐year period studied was divided into three periods (1996–2001, 2002–2007 and 2008–2012) for better comparison, and candidemia incidence was determined by the ratio of total number of patients with candidemia per 1000 patients admitted to the hospital and per 10 000 patient days in these three periods. Redefined CLSI M27‐A3 breakpoints were used for interpretation of antifungal susceptibility results. Candidemia incidence was determined as 2.2, 1.7 and 1.5 per 1000 admitted patients during 1996–2001, 2002–2007 and 2008–2012 respectively. A significantly decreased candidemia incidence was obtained in the third period. C. albicans (43.8%) was the most common candidemia agent, followed by C.parapsilosis (26.5%) in all three periods. According to the revised CLSI breakpoints, there was fluconazole resistance in C. albicans, C.parapsilosis, C.tropicalis and C.glabrata species (1.4%, 18.2%, 2.6% and 14.3% respectively). Almost all Candida species were found susceptible to voriconazole except one C.glabrata (7.1%) isolate. Candidemia is an important health problem. Local epidemiological data are determinative in the choice of appropriate antifungal treatment agents.
Pathophysiology and Japanese clinical characteristics in Marfan syndrome
Authors: Fujita Daishi , Takeda Norifumi , Imai Yasushi , Inuzuka Ryo , Komuro Issei , Hirata Yasunobu 
Published: June 2014

AbstractMarfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant heritable disorder of the connective tissue, caused by mutations of the gene FBN1, which encodes fibrillin‐1, a major component of the microfibrils of the extracellular matrix. Fibrillin‐1 interacts with transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and dysregulated TGF‐β signaling plays a major role in the development of connective tissue disease and familial aortic aneurysm and dissection, including Marfan syndrome. Losartan, an angiotensin II blocker, has the potential to reduce TGF‐β signaling and is expected to be an additional therapeutic option. Clinical diagnosis is made using the Ghent nosology, which requires comprehensive patient assessment and has been proven to work well, but evaluation of some of the diagnostic criteria by a single physician is difficult and time‐consuming. A Marfan clinic was established at the University of Tokyo Hospital in 2005, together with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, pediatricians, orthopedists, and ophthalmologists in one place, for the purpose of speedy and accurate evaluation and diagnosis of Marfan syndrome. In this review, we discuss the recent progress in diagnosis and treatment of Marfan syndrome, and the characteristics of Japanese patients with Marfan syndrome.
Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Study of Pod-Intravaginal Rings Delivering Antiretroviral Combinations for HIV Prophylaxis in a Macaque Model
Authors: Moss John A. , Srinivasan Priya , Smith Thomas J. , Butkyavichene Irina , Lopez Gilbert , Brooks Amanda A. , Martin Amy , Dinh Chuong T. , Smith James M. , Baum Marc M. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

Preexposure prophylaxis using oral regimens involving the HIV nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC) demonstrated efficacy in three clinical trials. Adherence was determined to be a key parameter for success. Incorporation of the TDF-FTC combination into intravaginal rings (IVRs) for sustained mucosal delivery could increase product adherence and efficacy compared with those of oral and vaginal gel formulations. A novel pod-IVR technology capable of delivering multiple drugs is described; this constitutes the first report of an IVR delivering TDF and FTC, as well as a triple-combination IVR delivering TDF, FTC, and the entry inhibitor maraviroc (MVC). The pharmacokinetics and preliminary local safety of the two combination pod-IVRs were evaluated in the pig-tailed macaque model. The devices exhibited sustained release at controlled rates over the 28-day study period. Median steady-state drug levels in vaginal tissues in the TDF-FTC group were 30 μg g
−1
(tenofovir [TFV],
in vivo
hydrolysis product of TDF) and 500 μg g
−1
(FTC) and in the TDF-FTC-MVC group were 10 μg g
−1
(TFV), 150 μg g
−1
(FTC), and 20 μg g
−1
(MVC). No adverse events were observed, and there were no toxicological findings. Mild-to-moderate increases in inflammatory infiltrates were observed in the vaginal tissues of some animals in both the presence and the absence of the IVRs. The IVRs did not disturb the vaginal microbiota, and levels of proinflammatory cytokines remained stable throughout the study. Pod-IVR candidates based on the TDF-FTC combination have potential for the prevention of vaginal HIV acquisition and merit clinical investigation.
RS1 Satellite Phage Promotes Diversity of Toxigenic Vibrio cholerae by Driving CTX Prophage Loss and Elimination of Lysogenic Immunity
Authors: Kamruzzaman M. , Robins William Paul , Bari S. M. Nayeemul , Nahar Shamsun , Mekalanos John J. , Faruque Shah M. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

In El Tor biotype strains of toxigenic
Vibrio cholerae
, the CTXϕ prophage often resides adjacent to a chromosomally integrated satellite phage genome, RS1, which produces RS1ϕ particles by using CTX prophage-encoded morphogenesis proteins. RS1 encodes RstC, an antirepressor against the CTXϕ repressor RstR, which cooperates with the host-encoded LexA protein to maintain CTXϕ lysogeny. We found that superinfection of toxigenic El Tor strains with RS1ϕ, followed by inoculation of the transductants into the adult rabbit intestine, caused elimination of the resident CTX prophage-producing nontoxigenic derivatives at a high frequency. Further studies using
recA
deletion mutants and a cloned
rstC
gene showed that the excision event was
recA
dependent and that introduction of additional copies of the cloned
rstC
gene instead of infection with RS1ϕ was sufficient to enhance CTXϕ elimination. Our data suggest that once it is excised from the chromosome, the elimination of CTX prophage from host cells is driven by the inability to reestablish CTXϕ lysogeny while RstC is overexpressed. However, with eventual loss of the additional copies of
rstC
, the nontoxigenic derivatives can act as precursors of new toxigenic strains by acquiring the CTX prophage either through reinfection with CTXϕ or by chitin-induced transformation. These results provide new insights into the role of RS1ϕ in
V. cholerae
evolution and the emergence of highly pathogenic clones, such as the variant strains associated with recent devastating epidemics of cholera in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Haiti.
Parasite-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/trans-Sialidase of Trypanosoma cruzi Links Neurotrophic Signaling to Cardiac Innate Immune Response
Authors: Salvador Ryan , Aridgides Daniel , PereiraPerrin Mercio 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe Chagas' disease parasiteTrypanosoma cruzielicits a potent inflammatory response in acutely infected hearts that keeps parasitism in check and triggers cardiac abnormalities. A most-studied mechanism underlying innate immunity inT. cruziinfection is Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation by lipids and other parasite molecules. However, yet-to-be-identified pathways should exist. Here, we show thatT. cruzistrongly upregulates monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1)/CCL2 and fractalkine (FKN)/CX3CL1 in cellular and mouse models of heart infection. Mechanistically, upregulation of MCP-1 and FKN stems from the interaction of parasite-derived neurotrophic factor (PDNF)/trans-sialidase with neurotrophic receptors TrkA and TrkC, as assessed by pharmacological inhibition, neutralizing antibodies, and gene silencing studies. Administration of a single dose of intravenous PDNF to naive mice results in a dose-dependent increase in MCP-1 and FKN in the heart and liver with pulse-like kinetics that peak at 3 h postinjection. Intravenous PDNF also augments MCP-1 and FKN in TLR signaling-deficient MyD88-knockout mice, underscoring the MyD88-independent action of PDNF. Although single PDNF injections do not increase MCP-1 and FKN receptors, multiple PDNF injections at short intervals up the levels of receptor transcripts in the heart and liver, suggesting that sustained PDNF triggers cell recruitment at infection sites. Thus, given that MCP-1 and FKN are chemokines essential to the recruitment of immune cells to combat inflammation triggers and to enhance tissue repair, our findings uncover a new mechanism in innate immunity againstT. cruziinfection mediated by Trk signaling akin to an endogenous inflammatory and fibrotic pathway resulting from cardiomyocyte-TrkA recognition by matricellular connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2).
Endotoxin-Induced Endothelial Fibrosis Is Dependent on Expression of Transforming Growth Factors β1 and β2
Authors: Echeverría César , Montorfano Ignacio , Tapia Pablo , Riedel Claudia , Cabello-Verrugio Claudio , Simon Felipe 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT
During endotoxemia-induced inflammatory disease, bacterial endotoxins circulate in the bloodstream and interact with endothelial cells (ECs), inducing dysfunction of the ECs. We previously reported that endotoxins induce the conversion of ECs into activated fibroblasts. Through endotoxin-induced endothelial fibrosis, ECs change their morphology and their protein expression pattern, thereby suppressing endothelial markers and upregulating fibrotic proteins. The most commonly used fibrotic inducers are transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and TGF-β2. However, whether TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 participate in endotoxin-induced endothelial fibrosis remains unknown. We have shown that the endotoxin-induced endothelial fibrosis process is dependent on the TGF-β receptor, ALK5, and the activation of Smad3, a protein that is activated by ALK5 activation, thus suggesting that endotoxin elicits TGF-β production to mediate endotoxin-induced endothelial fibrosis. Therefore, we investigated the dependence of endotoxin-induced endothelial fibrosis on the expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2. Endotoxin-treated ECs induced the expression and secretion of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2. TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 downregulation inhibited the endotoxin-induced changes in the endothelial marker VE-cadherin and in the fibrotic proteins α-SMA and fibronectin. Thus, endotoxin induces the production of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 as a mechanism to promote endotoxin-induced endothelial fibrosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that endotoxin induces endothelial fibrosis via TGF-β secretion, which represents an emerging source of vascular dysfunction. These findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanism of endotoxin-induced endothelial fibrosis, which could be useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.