bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adventures within the speckled band: heterogeneity, angiogenesis, and balanced inflammation in the tuberculous granuloma
Authors: Matty Molly A. , Roca Francisco J. , Cronan Mark R. , Tobin David M. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryRecent work in a variety of animal models, including mice, zebrafish, and macaques, as well as in humans, has led to a reassessment of several tenets of mycobacterial infection. In this review, we describe new findings about the composition and dynamics of the tuberculous granuloma, the central host structure in mycobacterial infection, as well as inflammatory mediators that drive a successful anti‐microbial response on one hand and pathological inflammation on the other. We highlight granuloma heterogeneity that emerges in the context of infection, the functional consequences of angiogenesis in tuberculous granulomas, and data that balanced inflammation in humans, with a central role for tumor necrosis factor, appears to play a key role in optimal defense against mycobacterial infection. These findings have suggested new and specific host‐directed therapies that await further clinical exploration.
TB drug development: immunology at the table
Authors: Nathan Carl , Barry Clifton E. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryOur understanding of the host‐pathogen relationship in tuberculosis (TB) can help guide drug discovery in at least two ways. First, the recognition that host immunopathology affects lesional TB drug distribution means that pharmacokinetic evaluation of drug candidates needs to move beyond measurements of drug levels in blood, whole lungs, or alveolar epithelial lining fluid to include measurements in specific types of lesions. Second, by restricting the replication of M. tuberculosis (Mtb) subpopulations in latent TB infection and in active disease, the host immune response puts Mtb into a state associated with phenotypic tolerance to TB drugs selected for their activity against replicating Mtb. This has spurred a major effort to conduct high throughput screens in vitro for compounds that can kill Mtb when it is replicating slowly if at all. Each condition used in vitro to slow Mtb's replication and thereby model the phenotypically drug‐tolerant state has advantages and disadvantages. Lead candidates emerging from such in vitro studies face daunting challenges in the design of proof‐of‐concept studies in animal models. Moreover, some non‐replicating subpopulations of Mtb fail to resume replication when plated on agar, although their viability is demonstrable by other means. There is as yet no widely replicated assay in which to screen compounds for their ability to kill this ‘viable but non‐culturable’ subpopulation. Despite these hurdles, drugs that can kill slowly replicating or non‐replicating Mtb may offer our best hope for treatment‐shortening combination chemotherapy of TB.
Differences in soil characteristics between field and forest may influence the distribution of an invasive earthworm
Authors: Ransom Tami S. , Billak Brittany J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn northern North America, invasive earthworms (including the nightcrawler Lumbricus terrestris) have been dispersing from points of introduction and dramatically affecting soil structure, soil food webs, and forest floor dynamics. However, little is known about the factors influencing the local distribution of invasive earthworms south of the Wisconsinan glaciation. Earthworms were sampled at suspected sites of introduction near Mountain Lake Biological Field Station, Virginia, USA. The density of invasive earthworms decreased as distance from suspected sites of introduction increased; native earthworms displayed the opposite relationship. However, the distance that L. terrestris was found into the forest was less than expected given dispersal rates calculated from more northern invasions. We also found correlations among population densities of L. terrestris and physical–chemical properties of the soil, and differences between field and forest soils in terms of temperature, moisture, and soil chemical properties. We conducted two experiments to analyze some factors possibly responsible for the observed distribution: (1) temperature and moisture, and (2) soil type (field vs. forest) and food resources. Our results suggest that L. terrestris may not disperse as far into forested habitats of the Southern Appalachians compared to northern forests due to local physical‐chemical soil characteristics.
An exploratory study to identify risk factors for the development of capecitabine‐induced Palmar Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE)
Authors: Law Annie , Dyson Sue , Anthony Denis 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimsTo identify pre‐treatment risk factors for the development of Palmar Plantar Erythrodysesthesia in participants receiving capecitabine monotherapy. Specifically the hypothesis that avoidance of activities that cause friction and pressure cause Palmar Plantar Erythrodysesthesia was tested.BackgroundPrevious literature showed contradictory evidence on the subject of predictors of chemotherapy‐induced Palmar Plantar Erythrodysesthesia. There is a lack of empirical evidence to support the theory that Palmar Plantar Erythrodysesthesia is caused by damage to the microcapillaries due to everyday activities that cause friction or pressure to the hands or feet.DesignProspective epidemiological study of risk factors.MethodsProspective data collection. All patients prior to commencing capecitabine monotherapy between 11 June 2009–31 December 2010, were offered recruitment into the study and followed up for six cycles of treatment (n = 174). Data were collected during semi‐structured interviews, from participants' diaries, physical examination of the hands and feet and review of notes. Data relating to activities that cause friction, pressure or heat were collected.Data were analysed using bivariate (chi‐square and independent groups Student'st) tests where each independent variable was analysed against Palmar Plantar Erythrodysesthesia.ResultsThe only variables that were associated with an increased risk of Palmar Plantar Erythrodysesthesia were a tendency to have warm hands and pre‐existing inflammatory disease.ConclusionsThis study gives no support for the hypothesis that avoidance of activities that cause friction and pressure cause Palmar Plantar Erythrodysesthesia.
Predictors of engagement in postpartum weight self‐management behaviours in the first 12 weeks after birth
Authors: Ohlendorf Jennifer M. , Weiss Marianne E. , Oswald Debra 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimTo explore factors that influence postpartum weight self‐management behaviours. Transitions Theory and the Integrated Theory of Health Behaviour Change guided selection of variables. Transition conditions, level of patient activation and social facilitation were examined for association with postpartum weight self‐management behaviours.BackgroundRetention of pregnancy weight increases risk of overweight and obesity later in life. Little is known about what women do to self‐manage return to pre‐pregnant weight and how providers can influence their behaviours.DesignProspective, longitudinal, correlational.MethodsData collection occurred from March through October, 2013. One hundred and twenty‐four women completed surveys during postpartum hospitalization; telephone interviews were completed by 91 women at 6 weeks and 66 women at 12 weeks. Standard and hierarchical multiple regression methods were used for analyses.ResultsTransition difficulty was negatively associated with patient activation and immediate postbirth patient activation was positively associated with eating behaviours at 6 weeks, eating behaviours at 12 weeks and physical activity at 12 weeks. Social support and social influence were not significant predictors in the regression models.ConclusionPatients experiencing a difficult postpartum transition have lower activation levels; those less activated are less probably to engage in weight self‐management behaviours in the 12 weeks following their baby's birth. Patient activation level should be considered in tailoring promotion of healthy postpartum weight management.
The regulation of connective tissue growth factor expression influences the viability of human trabecular meshwork cells
Authors: Kuespert Sabrina , Junglas Benjamin , Braunger Barbara M. , Tamm Ernst R. , Fuchshofer Rudolf 
Published: February 2015

AbstractConnective tissue growth factor (CTGF) induces extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and contractility in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. Both processes are involved in the pathogenesis of primary open‐angle glaucoma. To date, little is known about regulation and function of CTGF expression in the trabecular meshwork (TM). Therefore, we analysed the effects of different aqueous humour proteins and stressors on CTGF expression in HTM cells. HTM cells from three different donors were treated with endothelin‐1, insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1, angiotensin‐II, H2O2 and heat shock and were analysed by immunohistochemistry, real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blotting. Viability after H2O2 treatment was measured in CTGF silenced HTM‐N cells and their controls. Latrunculin A reduced expression of CTGF by about 50% compared to untreated HTM cells, whereas endothelin‐1, IGF‐1, angiotensin‐II, heat shock and oxidative stress led to a significant increase. Silencing of CTGF resulted in a delayed expression of αB‐crystallin and in reduced cell viability in comparison to the controls after oxidative stress. Conversely, CTGF treatment led to a higher cell viability rate after H2O2 treatment. CTGF expression is induced by factors that have been linked to glaucoma. An increased level of CTGF appears to protect TM cells against damage induced by stress. The beneficial effect of CTGF for viability of TM cells is likely associated with the effects on increased ECM synthesis and higher contractility of the TM, thereby contributing to reduced aqueous humour outflow facility causing increased intraocular pressure.
DICER1 regulated let‐7 expression levels in p53‐induced cancer repression requires cyclin D1
Authors: Sun Xin , Tang Shou‐Ching , Xu Chongwen , Wang Chenguang , Qin Sida , Du Ning , Liu Jian , Zhang Yiwen , Li Xiang , Luo Gang , Zhou Jie , Xu Fei , Ren Hong 
Published: February 2015

AbstractLet‐7 miRNAs act as tumour suppressors by directly binding to the 3′UTRs of downstream gene products. The regulatory role of let‐7 in downstream gene expression has gained much interest in the cancer research community, as it controls multiple biological functions and determines cell fates. For example, one target of the let‐7 family is cyclin D1, which promotes G0/S cell cycle progression and oncogenesis, was correlated with endoribonuclease DICER1, another target of let‐7. Down‐regulated let‐7 has been identified in many types of tumours, suggesting a feedback loop may exist between let‐7 and cyclin D1. A potential player in the proposed feedback relationship is Dicer, a central regulator of miRNA expression through sequence‐specific silencing. We first identified that DICER1 is the key downstream gene for cyclin D1‐induced let‐7 expression. In addition, we found that let‐7 miRNAs expression decreased because of the p53‐induced cell death response, with deregulated cyclin D1. Our results also showed that cyclin D1 is required for Nutlin‐3 and TAX‐induced let‐7 expression in cancer repression and the cell death response. For the first time, we provide evidence that let‐7 and cyclin D1 form a feedback loop in regulating therapy response of cancer cells and cancer stem cells, and importantly, that alteration of let‐7 expression, mainly caused by cyclin D1, is a sensitive indicator for better chemotherapies response.
In Vivo Characterization of Carotid Neointimal Hyperplasia by use of Optical Coherence Tomography: Before and After Cutting Balloon Angioplasty
Authors: Blackham Kristine A. , Kim Benny S. , Jung Richard S. , Badve Chaitra , Manjila Sunil , Sila Cathy A. , Bambakidis Nicholas C. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTOptical coherence tomography (OCT) is a modern intravascular imaging modality that has the capability to provide detailed, in vivo characterization of the arterial wall and atherosclerotic plaque. The current understanding of the appearance of atherosclerotic plaque via OCT is largely based on coronary arterial studies where OCT information has been employed to guide therapeutic management and permits the immediate evaluation of percutaneous intervention. The clinical success of OCT in the coronary arteries has laid the foundation for investigation of the carotid artery and thus, stroke risk assessment. We report the novel use of OCT for tissue characterization of severe stenosis subsequent to carotid artery stenting (CAS), both before and after treatment with cutting balloon angioplasty.
Safety and Efficacy of Thulium Laser Prostatectomy Versus Transurethral Resection of Prostate for Treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: JIANG HongJing , ZHOU Yu 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to objectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of Thulium laser prostatectmy (TmLRP) versus transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) in treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).MethodsOnline databases such as Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Chinese biomedicine literature database were searched by randomized control trial (RCT), quasi‐randomized control trial (Q‐RCT) and case control study (CCSs) about TmLRP versus TURP for the treatment of BPH. After study selection, assessment and data extraction conducted, Meta‐analyses were performed by using the RevMan 5.2 software.ResultsSix studies involving 640 patients were included and the results of follow‐up time was 1 year. The results of meta‐analyses showed that: (i) safety indicators: compared with TURP, TmLRP was associated with less decrease of serum sodium salt, less blood transfusion, shorter catheterization time hospital time and more operation time. No differences were noted in the TUR syndrome, recatheterization rate, transitory urge incontinence, stress incontinence urethral stricture and retrograde ejaculation. (ii) Efficacy indicators (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS], post‐void residual [PVR], Qmax, quality of life [QoL]): Compared with the baseline, significant improvement in IPSS, QoL, Qmax and PVR were obvious improvement before and after surgery in both groups. There were statistical differences in IPSS at 12 months, QoL at 1, 6 months and Qmax 1, 6 months between the two groups.ConclusionsTmLRP is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Compared with TURP, TmLRP was not only associated with less decrease of serum sodium salt, less blood transfusion, shorter catheterization time and hospital time, but also may be superior to TURP in efficacy.
Genetic reconstructions of invasion history
Authors: Cristescu Melania E. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA diverse array of molecular markers and constantly evolving analytical approaches have been employed to reconstruct the invasion histories of the most notorious invasions. Detailed information on the source(s) of introduction, invasion route, type of vectors, number of independent introductions and pathways of secondary spread has been corroborated for a large number of biological invasions. In this review, I present the promises and limitations of current techniques while discussing future directions. Broad phylogeographic surveys of native and introduced populations have traced back invasion routes with surprising precision. These approaches often further clarify species boundaries and reveal complex patterns of genetic relationships with noninvasive relatives. Moreover, fine‐scale analyses of population genetics or genomics allow deep inferences on the colonization dynamics across invaded ranges and can reveal the extent of gene flow among populations across various geographical scales, major demographic events such as genetic bottlenecks as well as other important evolutionary events such as hybridization with native taxa, inbreeding and selective sweeps. Genetic data have been often corroborated successfully with historical, geographical and ecological data to enable a comprehensive reconstruction of the invasion process. The advent of next‐generation sequencing, along with the availability of extensive databases of repository sequences generated by barcoding projects opens the opportunity to broadly monitor biodiversity, to identify early invasions and to quantify failed invasions that would otherwise remain inconspicuous to the human eye.
Highly variable reproductive isolation among pairs ofCatostomusspecies
Authors: Mandeville Elizabeth G. , Parchman Thomas L. , McDonald David B. , Buerkle C. Alex 
Published: February 2015

AbstractHybridization between diverged taxa tests the strength of reproductive isolation and can therefore reveal mechanisms of reproductive isolation. However, it remains unclear how consistent reproductive isolation is across species' ranges and to what extent reproductive isolation might remain polymorphic as species diverge. To address these questions, we compared outcomes of hybridization across species pairs ofCatostomusfishes in three rivers in the Upper Colorado River basin, where an introduced species,C. commersoni, hybridizes with at least two native species,C. discobolusandC. latipinnis. We observed substantial heterogeneity in outcomes of hybridization, both between species pairs and across geographically separate rivers within each species pair. We also observed hybridization of additional related species with our focal species, suggesting that reproductive isolation in this group involves interactions of multiple evolutionary and ecological factors. These findings suggest that a better understanding of the determinants of variation in reproductive isolation is needed and that studies of reproductive isolation in hybrids should consider how the dynamics and mechanisms of reproductive isolation vary over ecological space and over evolutionary time. Our results also have implications for the conservation and management of native catostomids in the Colorado River basin. Heterogeneity in outcomes of hybridization suggests that the threat posed by hybridization and genetic introgression to the persistence of native species probably varies with extent of reproductive isolation, both across rivers and across species pairs.
Identification in Structural Vector Autoregressive Models with Structural Changes, with an Application to US Monetary Policy
Authors: Bacchiocchi Emanuele , Fanelli Luca 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA growing line of research makes use of structural changes and different volatility regimes found in the data in a constructive manner to improve the identification of structural parameters in structural vector autoregressions (SVARs). A standard assumption made in the literature is that the reduced form unconditional error covariance matrix varies while the structural parameters remain constant. Under this hypothesis, it is possible to identify the SVAR without needing to resort to additional restrictions. With macroeconomic data, the assumption that the transmission mechanism of the shocks does not vary across volatility regimes is debatable. We derive novel necessary and sufficient rank conditions for local identification of SVARs, where both the error covariance matrix and the structural parameters are allowed to change across volatility regimes. Our approach generalizes the existing literature on ‘identification through changes in volatility’ to a broader framework and opens up interesting possibilities for practitioners. An empirical illustration focuses on a small monetary policy SVAR of the US economy and suggests that monetary policy has become more effective at stabilizing the economy since the 1980s.
A new method to evaluate the positional stability of a self‐drilling miniscrew
Authors: Chen G. , Chen S. , Zhang X. Y. , Jiang R. P. , Liu Y. , Shi F. H. , Xu T. M. 
Published: February 2015

Structured AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the positional stability of miniscrews during orthodontic treatment change in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).Setting and Sample PopulationTwenty adult volunteers were enrolled.MethodsIn all participants, at least two maxillary first premolars were extracted because of protrusion. Each volunteer received six miniscrews in the maxilla, including two loaded miniscrews to retract anterior teeth and four unloaded miniscrews. CBCT scans were obtained at the beginning of space closure (T1) and approximately 11.8 months later (T2). Three‐dimensional miniscrew models were constructed at T1 and T2, and the central axes were calculated using a principal component analysis (PCA) technique. Finally, we measured and compared the angle change of all the miniscrews from T1 to T2.ResultsThe angle change values of the unloaded and loaded miniscrews were 1.64 ± 1.25° and 1.67 ± 1.15°, respectively. No significant differences in the angle change were observed.ConclusionCone‐beam computed tomography images revealed both the unloaded and loaded miniscrews to be positionally stable during en‐masse retraction in this study.
Nanoparticles for controlled delivery and sustained release of chlorhexidine in the oral environment
Authors: Garner S , Barbour ME 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesChlorhexidine (CHX) is in widespread use as a topical antimicrobial agent. Within the field of oral medicine, it is used in the prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia as well as in the treatment of oral candidosis and microbial‐associated lichenoid reactions. The objective of this study was to develop a strategy for controlled, sustained topical delivery of CHX using nanoparticle technology.MethodsChlorhexidine was applied to hydroxyapatite, selected as a tooth analogue, as conventional CHX digluconate solutions and as aqueous suspensions of CHX hexametaphosphate nanoparticles with total CHX concentrations of 1, 2.2 and 5 mM. Soluble CHX release from the treated hydroxyapatite was monitored over a period of 7 days.ResultsA repeated‐measures ANOVA with post hoc LSD test indicated that CHX release was 2–3× greater, and sustained for longer, when CHX was delivered as CHX hexametaphosphate nanoparticles than in aqueous solution with 2.2 and 5 mM CHX (P = 0.020 and 0.013, respectively), but there was no statistically significant difference at 1 mM CHX (P = 0.172).ConclusionsChlorhexidine hexametaphosphate nanoparticles increased both the local dose and duration of soluble CHX delivery when applied to hydroxyapatite surfaces. This may provide a means to deliver a sustained dose of CHX with less frequent interventions.
‘The Imperial Spirit’: British Fascism and Empire, 1919–1940
Authors: Stocker Paul 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis article analyses the relationship between British fascism and Empire during the interwar period. Based on the premise that historians have neglected the imperial dimension of fascist ideology in interwar Britain, a brief review of existing scholarship will be undertaken before an analysis of fascist ideological conceptions of the British Empire. Looking at the three major fascist parties during the interwar era, the British Fascisti (BF), Imperial Fascist League (IFL) and British Union of Fascists (BUF), it will be demonstrated that whilst unequivocal support for the Empire was a consistent theme throughout fascist rhetoric, individual parties adapted their imperial visions according to their respective ideology. For the BF, the Empire was under constant threat from communist subversion at home and abroad. The IFL looked to demonstrate how international Jewry was attempting to destroy the British Empire. The BUF, developing the most sophisticated ideology and policies relating to Empire, believed a unified ‘organic’ Empire must be consolidated through trade and one ruler if Britain was to remain a global power fit to fight off the pincers of Jewish and communist subversion. This article will conclude by highlighting the need for further enquiry into the relationship between the extreme right and Empire.