bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capturing invisible dimensions of terrorist victimisation through photography and video: Theoretical background for a research in progress in the Basque country
Authors: Varona Gema
Published: April 2016

Memorialisation is experienced by victims of traumatic events as a form of
justice. Victims? and society right to memory is mentioned in the Basque Law
4/2008 on recognition and protection of terrorism victims and the Spanish Law
29/2011 on recognition and integral protection of terrorism victims. Drawing
from critical victimology and memory studies, this contribution aims at
addressing current criticism by some victims? organizations with regard to
memory public policies in this field. It particularly addresses ways of
restoration through memory linked to the meaning of spaces of victimisation
by examining the work of different photographers on making aspects of those
victimisations visible for the contested purpose of remembering. First the
conceptual framework on space, victimisation and memory is presented. Then it
is related to the results of qualitative research by the Basque Institute of
Criminology. At the end the micro, meso and macro aspects of local
intervention proposals on restorative memory, including ethical remarks are
commented.
Cyber stalking victimisation of women: Evaluating the effectiveness of current laws in India from restorative justice and therapeutic jurisprudential perspectives
Authors: Halder Debarati
Published: April 2016

Victimisation of women through cyber stalking is one of the most serious
crimes against women. Many countries including India have developed laws
regulating cyber stalking. This article argues that since both, restorative
justice (RJ) and therapeutic jurisprudence (TJ) are victim oriented, the
issue of cyber stalking of women may be dealt with by RJ process and the laws
in this regard must be analysed by the legal actors with a background in RJ
and TJ philosophy. India had earlier taken up therapeutic punishment policy
to enforce rights of the accused. But the modern principles of TJ have still
not been considered in the RJ background in cyber stalking cases. This
article therefore examines whether RJ and TJ principles can replace
retributive principles for cyber stalking victimisation. It also examines the
Indian cyber stalking law from RJ and TJ perspectives to assess its
effectiveness for victims.
Restorative justice and the relationship of perpetrator and victim of crime
Authors: Bulatovic Aleksandra
Published: April 2016

Restorative justice as the theoretical foundation of social reaction to crime
is one of the key themes of contemporary criminological discourse. The idea
of crime as a conflict between perpetrator and victim of crime is included in
the core ideas related to the concept of restorative justice, which differs
from traditional understanding of crime as a relationship between the state
and the individual. This change in perspective on crime points towards social
reaction to crime that differs from traditional criminal justice system. As
the restoration process of relationship damaged by crime is directly related
to possibilities of participation in the very process, institutionalisation
of that participation sets the scope of restorative process. In this article,
the author points towards the traditional criminal justice and restorative
justice processes, focusing the relationship of perpetrator and victim of
crime and the process of conflict resolution. The aim of the article is to
highlight the conflict perspective as a defining element of the relationship
between offender and victim, and to underline the effectiveness of
restorative justice as social reaction to crime, which contributes to
optimisation of the relationship between the offender and the community.
Victims‘ rights: The European court of human rights' practice and legislation in Serbia
Authors: Kovacevic Milica
Published: April 2016

The paper deals with rights and position of victims in international
documents, with special reference to the standards created by the European
Court of Human Rights through its practice. This paper aims to provide brief
analysis of some of the most important international documents, which set
forth basic rights for victims, including: right to participate in the
criminal proceedings, right to protection and the right to compensation. The
paper intends to analyze these key right (standards, principles) through
relevant case law of the European Court of Human Rights, given that the
wording of the relevant documents does not determine what entails the
realization of a specific standard in real life. The main purpose of the
article is to examine the compliance of regulations and practices in Serbia
with international standards on the status and the rights of victims, from
which some recommendations for improvement might arise.
Altered Brain Response to Drinking Glucose and Fructose in Obese Adolescents
Authors: Jastreboff Ania M. , Sinha Rajita , Arora Jagriti , Giannini Cosimo , Kubat Jessica , Malik Saima , Van Name Michelle A. , Santoro Nicola , Savoye Mary , Duran Elvira J. , Pierpont Bridget , Cline Gary , Constable R. Todd , Sherwin Robert S. , Caprio Sonia
Published: April 2016

Increased sugar-sweetened beverage consumption has been linked to higher rates of obesity. Using functional MRI, we assessed brain perfusion responses to drinking two commonly consumed monosaccharides, glucose and fructose, in obese and lean adolescents. Marked differences were observed. In response to drinking glucose, obese adolescents exhibited decreased brain perfusion in brain regions involved in executive function (prefrontal cortex [PFC]) and increased perfusion in homeostatic appetite regions of the brain (hypothalamus). Conversely, in response to drinking glucose, lean adolescents demonstrated increased PFC brain perfusion and no change in perfusion in the hypothalamus. In addition, obese adolescents demonstrated attenuated suppression of serum acyl-ghrelin and increased circulating insulin level after glucose ingestion; furthermore, the change in acyl-ghrelin and insulin levels after both glucose and fructose ingestion was associated with increased hypothalamic, thalamic, and hippocampal blood flow in obese relative to lean adolescents. Additionally, in all subjects there was greater perfusion in the ventral striatum with fructose relative to glucose ingestion. Finally, reduced connectivity between executive, homeostatic, and hedonic brain regions was observed in obese adolescents. These data demonstrate that obese adolescents have impaired prefrontal executive control responses to drinking glucose and fructose, while their homeostatic and hedonic responses appear to be heightened. Thus, obesity-related brain adaptations to glucose and fructose consumption in obese adolescents may contribute to excessive consumption of glucose and fructose, thereby promoting further weight gain.
Early Low-Fat Diet Enriched With Linolenic Acid Reduces Liver Endocannabinoid Tone and Improves Late Glycemic Control After a High-Fat Diet Challenge in Mice
Authors: Demizieux Laurent , Piscitelli Fabiana , Troy-Fioramonti Stephanie , Iannotti Fabio Arturo , Borrino Simona , Gresti Joseph , Muller Tania , Bellenger Jerome , Silvestri Cristoforo , Di Marzo Vincenzo , Degrace Pascal
Published: April 2016

Evidence suggests that alterations of glucose and lipid homeostasis induced by obesity are associated with the elevation of endocannabinoid tone. The biosynthesis of the two main endocannabinoids, N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol, which derive from arachidonic acid, is influenced by dietary fatty acids (FAs). We investigated whether exposure to n-3 FA at a young age may decrease tissue endocannabinoid levels and prevent metabolic disorders induced by a later high-fat diet (HFD) challenge. Three-week-old mice received a 5% lipid diet containing lard, lard plus safflower oil, or lard plus linseed oil for 10 weeks. Then, mice were challenged with a 30% lard diet for 10 additional weeks. A low n-6/n-3 FA ratio in the early diet induces a marked decrease in liver endocannabinoid levels. A similar reduction was observed in transgenic Fat-1 mice, which exhibit high tissue levels of n-3 FA compared with wild-type mice. Hepatic expression of key enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism was concomitantly changed. Interestingly, some gene modifications persisted after HFD challenge and were associated with improved glycemic control. These findings indicate that early dietary interventions based on n-3 FA may represent an alternative strategy to drugs for reducing endocannabinoid tone and improving metabolic parameters in the metabolic syndrome.
Tumor Necrosis Factor/Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Signaling Augments Resistance Artery Myogenic Tone in Diabetes
Authors: Sauvé Meghan , Hui Sonya K. , Dinh Danny D. , Foltz Warren D. , Momen Abdul , Nedospasov Sergei A. , Offermanns Stefan , Husain Mansoor , Kroetsch Jeffrey T. , Lidington Darcy , Bolz Steffen-Sebastian
Published: April 2016

Diabetes strongly associates with microvascular complications that ultimately promote multiorgan failure. Altered myogenic responsiveness compromises tissue perfusion, aggravates hypertension, and sets the stage for later permanent structural changes to the microcirculation. We demonstrate that skeletal muscle resistance arteries isolated from patients with diabetes have augmented myogenic tone, despite reasonable blood glucose control. To understand the mechanisms, we titrated a standard diabetes mouse model (high-fat diet plus streptozotocin [HFD/STZ]) to induce a mild increase in blood glucose levels. HFD/STZ treatment induced a progressive myogenic tone augmentation in mesenteric and olfactory cerebral arteries; neither HFD nor STZ alone had an effect on blood glucose or resistance artery myogenic tone. Using gene deletion models that eliminate tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or sphingosine kinase 1, we demonstrate that vascular smooth muscle cell TNF drives the elevation of myogenic tone via enhanced sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling. Therapeutically antagonizing TNF (etanercept) or S1P (JTE013) signaling corrects this defect. Our investigation concludes that vascular smooth muscle cell TNF augments resistance artery myogenic vasoconstriction in a diabetes model that induces a small elevation of blood glucose. Our data demonstrate that microvascular reactivity is an early disease marker and advocate establishing therapies that strategically target the microcirculation.
Type 1 Diabetes Genetic Risk Score: A Novel Tool to Discriminate Monogenic and Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Patel Kashyap A. , Oram Richard A. , Flanagan Sarah E. , De Franco Elisa , Colclough Kevin , Shepherd Maggie , Ellard Sian , Weedon Michael N. , Hattersley Andrew T.
Published: April 2016

Distinguishing patients with monogenic diabetes from those with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is important for correct diagnosis, treatment, and selection of patients for gene discovery studies. We assessed whether a T1D genetic risk score (T1D-GRS) generated from T1D-associated common genetic variants provides a novel way to discriminate monogenic diabetes from T1D. The T1D-GRS was highly discriminative of proven maturity-onset diabetes of young (MODY) (n = 805) and T1D (n = 1,963) (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve 0.87). A T1D-GRS of >0.280 (>50th T1D centile) was indicative of T1D (94% specificity, 50% sensitivity). We then analyzed the T1D-GRS of 242 white European patients with neonatal diabetes (NDM) who had been tested for all known NDM genes. Monogenic NDM was confirmed in 90, 59, and 8% of patients with GRS <5th T1D centile, 50–75th T1D centile, and >75th T1D centile, respectively. Applying a GRS 50th T1D centile cutoff in 48 NDM patients with no known genetic cause identified those most likely to have a novel monogenic etiology by highlighting patients with probable early-onset T1D (GRS >50th T1D centile) who were diagnosed later and had less syndromic presentation but additional autoimmune features compared with those with proven monogenic NDM. The T1D-GRS is a novel tool to improve the use of biomarkers in the discrimination of monogenic diabetes from T1D.
Metabolic Networks and Metabolites Underlie Associations Between Maternal Glucose During Pregnancy and Newborn Size at Birth
Authors: Scholtens Denise M. , Bain James R. , Reisetter Anna C. , Muehlbauer Michael J. , Nodzenski Michael , Stevens Robert D. , Ilkayeva Olga , Lowe Lynn P. , Metzger Boyd E. , Newgard Christopher B. , Lowe William L.
Published: April 2016

Maternal metabolites and metabolic networks underlying associations between maternal glucose during pregnancy and newborn birth weight and adiposity demand fuller characterization. We performed targeted and nontargeted gas chromatography/mass spectrometry metabolomics on maternal serum collected at fasting and 1 h following glucose beverage consumption during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for 400 northern European mothers at ∼28 weeks' gestation in the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Study. Amino acids, fatty acids, acylcarnitines, and products of lipid metabolism decreased and triglycerides increased during the OGTT. Analyses of individual metabolites indicated limited maternal glucose associations at fasting, but broader associations, including amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, were found at 1 h. Network analyses modeling metabolite correlations provided context for individual metabolite associations and elucidated collective associations of multiple classes of metabolic fuels with newborn size and adiposity, including acylcarnitines, fatty acids, carbohydrates, and organic acids. Random forest analyses indicated an improved ability to predict newborn size outcomes by using maternal metabolomics data beyond traditional risk factors, including maternal glucose. Broad-scale association of fuel metabolites with maternal glucose is evident during pregnancy, with unique maternal metabolites potentially contributing specifically to newborn birth weight and adiposity.
Empagliflozin, via Switching Metabolism Toward Lipid Utilization, Moderately Increases LDL Cholesterol Levels Through Reduced LDL Catabolism
Authors: Briand François , Mayoux Eric , Brousseau Emmanuel , Burr Noémie , Urbain Isabelle , Costard Clément , Mark Michael , Sulpice Thierry
Published: April 2016

In clinical trials, a small increase in LDL cholesterol has been reported with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. The mechanisms by which the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin increases LDL cholesterol levels were investigated in hamsters with diet-induced dyslipidemia. Compared with vehicle, empagliflozin 30 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks significantly reduced fasting blood glucose by 18%, with significant increase in fasting plasma LDL cholesterol, free fatty acids, and total ketone bodies by 25, 49, and 116%, respectively. In fasting conditions, glycogen hepatic levels were further reduced by 84% with empagliflozin, while 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase activity and total cholesterol hepatic levels were 31 and 10% higher, respectively (both P < 0.05 vs. vehicle). A significant 20% reduction in hepatic LDL receptor protein expression was also observed with empagliflozin. Importantly, none of these parameters were changed by empagliflozin in fed conditions. Empagliflozin significantly reduced the catabolism of 3H-cholesteryl oleate–labeled LDL injected intravenously by 20%, indicating that empagliflozin raises LDL levels through reduced catabolism. Unexpectedly, empagliflozin also reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption in vivo, which led to a significant increase in LDL- and macrophage-derived cholesterol fecal excretion (both P < 0.05 vs. vehicle). These data suggest that empagliflozin, by switching energy metabolism from carbohydrate to lipid utilization, moderately increases ketone production and LDL cholesterol levels. Interestingly, empagliflozin also reduces intestinal cholesterol absorption, which in turn promotes LDL- and macrophage-derived cholesterol fecal excretion.
Quantification of the Contribution of GLP-1 to Mediating Insulinotropic Effects of DPP-4 Inhibition With Vildagliptin in Healthy Subjects and Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Using Exendin [9-39] as a GLP-1 Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Nauck Michael A. , Kind Joachim , Köthe Lars D. , Holst Jens J. , Deacon Carolyn F. , Broschag Matthias , He Yan Ling , Kjems Lise , Foley James
Published: April 2016

We quantified the contribution of GLP-1 as a mediator of the therapeutic effects of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibition (vildagliptin) by using the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin [9-39] in patients with type 2 diabetes and in healthy subjects. Thirty-two patients with type 2 diabetes and 29 age- and weight-matched healthy control subjects were treated in randomized order with 100 mg once daily vildagliptin or placebo for 10 days. Meal tests were performed (days 9 and 10) without and with a high-dose intravenous infusion of exendin [9-39]. The main end point was the ratio of the areas under the curve (AUCs) of integrated insulin secretion rates (total AUCISR) and glucose (total AUCglucose) over 4 h after the meal. Vildagliptin treatment more than doubled responses of intact GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and lowered glucose responses without changing AUCISR/AUCglucose in healthy subjects. Vildagliptin significantly increased this ratio by 10.5% in patients with type 2 diabetes, and exendin [9-39] reduced it (both P < 0.0001). The percentage reduction in the AUCISR/AUCglucose ratio achieved with exendin [9-39] was significantly smaller after vildagliptin treatment than after placebo treatment (P = 0.026) and was equivalent to 47 ± 5% of the increments due to vildagliptin. Thus, other mediators appear to contribute significantly to the therapeutic effects of DPP-4 inhibition.
Surface Preserving Targeted Preparation using Focused Ion Beam Demonstrated by the Example of Oxide layers on Ni-Ti Alloys
Authors: Freiberg K. E. , Hanke R. , Rettenmayr M. , Undisz A.
Published: April 2016

The use of focused ion beams, whilst permitting the targetted preparation of thin specimens for Transmission Electron Microscopy, also results in modification of the material to be investigated as a result of energy being transferred into the material. This undesirable effect is normally limited to the surface of the material, which is particularly unfavourably orientated towards the impinging ion beam. If the crystal structure and composition of areas close to the surface of such specimens need to be characterised, protective layers may be used. However, those layers, depending on the applied deposition technique, may interact with the sample surface as well thus affecting the results of the analysis. In the work presented here, the possible interactions which might occur between the various protective coatings of ion-beam deposited Platinum, electron beam deposited Platinum, Silicon Oxide or adhesively bonded Gold foil and the subsequent FIB-preparation of the oxide layers on Ni-Ti alloys are investigated, with respect to and how these might affect the TEM-images obtained of areas close to the surface of such specimens. It is shown that the use of adhesively bonded Gold foil as a protective coating, in particular, permits comprehensive characterisation of the surface, including the use of high-resolution TEM, to be carried out, up to the surface of the Oxide layer itself.
Systematic Review of the Relationship between Vitamin D and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Rimmelzwaan Lisanne M. , van Schoor Natasja M. , Lips Paul , Berendse Henk W. , Eekhoff Elisabeth M.W.
Published: April 2016

Background: Although vitamin D may have both protective and symptomatic effects in Parkinson’s disease (PD), the evidence is scarce and not well understood. Also, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D) is suggested to play a neuroprotective and neurotrophic role in the brain. Therefore, this review investigates the relationship between vitamin D and PD.

Objective: Investigate the evidence for a relationship between vitamin D and PD by summarizing observational and interventional studies in humans, as well as relevant experimental studies.

Methods: A systematic search was made in the Medline, Cochrane and Embase databases (from inception to March 2014). All identified titles were independently evaluated by two reviewers. Articles were selected based on the presence of PD-related outcome data. Included were observational studies (including genetic studies) and interventional studies in humans, as well as relevant animal studies.

Results: A total of 20 studies (14 observational, 1 interventional and 5 rodent studies) were selected for analysis. Eight observational studies showed that serum 25(OH) D levels tend to be low in PD. One observational study indicated that low serum 25(OH) D may worsen automatic postural responses and one interventional study suggested that vitamin D supplementation can prevent worsening (based on the Hoehn and Yahr rating scale). Studies in rodent models of PD showed a protective effect of vitamin D treatment on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Results of genetic studies on the association between vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and the risk of PD were contradictory.

Conclusion: The literature supports possible protective and symptomatic effects of vitamin D in PD. However, more observational and interventional studies in humans are needed to confirm and further elucidate the suggested beneficial effect of vitamin D on PD.
Impact of Falls on Physical Activity in People with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Hiorth Ylva Hivand , Larsen Jan Petter , Lode Kirsten , Tysnes Ole-Bjørn , Godfrey Alan , Lord Sue , Rochester Lynn , Pedersen Kenn Freddy
Published: April 2016

Background: A complex relationship exists between motor impairment, physical activity (sedentary behavior, standing and ambulatory activity) and falls in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Objective: To explore associations between recent fall history and the ability to retain an active lifestyle as determined by the volume, pattern and variability of physical activity in people with PD.

Methods: Forty-eight participants with PD were recruited from the Norwegian ParkWest study. Body posture and ambulatory activity were monitored objectively over 7 days using the activPAL3 TM accelerometer. Clinical assessments included the Hoehn and Yahr stage, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor section and Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Structured interviews were performed to obtain information about demographics, fall history last 6 months, mobility and dementia.

Results: Participants with a fall history ( n = 20) spent more time sedentary and less time standing than non-falling participants ( n = 28). There were no significant differences regarding pattern or variability of sedentary behavior, standing or ambulatory activity in falling versus non-falling participants. Confidence in being able to get up from floor contributed significantly to time spent in sedentary behavior and ambulatory activity in participants with fall history, whereas motor impairment was significantly associated with time spent in all facets of physical activity for non-falling participants.

Conclusions: Fall history in our PD cohort was associated with a more sedentary lifestyle, but not less ambulatory activity. More emphasis on improving the capacity to safely complete activities of daily living and increase confidence in getting up from floor may reduce sedentary behavior in people with PD.
Associations between TOMM40 Poly-T Repeat Variants and Dementia in Cases with Parkinsonism
Authors: Lindqvist Daniel , Prokopenko Inga , Londos Elisabet , Middleton Lefkos , Hansson Oskar
Published: April 2016

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD)-related pathologies.

Objective: To investigate the role of the Translocase of the Outer Mitochondrial Membrane 40 homolog ( TOMM40) variants in PD without dementia (PDND), PD with dementia (PDD) and in Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Methods: 248 individuals, including 92 PDND, 55 PDD, and 101 DLB, were included. The rs10524523 locus in the TOMM40 gene ( TOMM40 poly-T repeat) is characterized by a variable number of T residues that were classified into three groups based on length; short (S), long (L), and very long (VL). We tested log-additive genetic model of association with dementia and adjusted for age, sex, and APOE ɛ4 carrier status. We analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of A β42 and Tau, biomarkers related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Results: PDD/DBL status and abnormal CSF AD biomarkers (A β42 and A β42/Tau ratio) were both associated with the APOE ɛ4 allele ( p <  0.014) and the L allele of TOMM40 poly-T repeat ( p <  0.008). The VL allele was less frequently observed in the PDD/DLB group ( p = 0.013). In APOE- ɛ4 adjusted analyses, the relationships between the L and VL alleles and dementia status as well as CSF AD biomarkers were not significant. When adjusting for APOE- ɛ4, however, there were associations between S carrier status and PDD/DLB ( p = 0.019) and abnormal CSF levels of A β42/Tau ratio ( p = 0.037) although these were not significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons.

Conclusion: Our results do not support the notion that TOMM40 poly-T repeat variants have independent effects on PDD and DLB pathology. This relationship seems to be driven by APOE- ɛ4.
Improvement in Language Function Correlates with Gait Improvement in Drug-naïve Parkinson’s Disease Patients Taking Dopaminergic Medication
Authors: Murakami Hidetomo , Momma Yutaro , Nohara Tetsuhito , Mori Yukiko , Futamura Akinori , Sugita Toshihisa , Ishigaki Seiichiro , Katoh Hirotaka , Kezuka Machiko , Ono Kenjiro , Miller Michael W. , Kawamura Mitsuru
Published: April 2016

Background: Dopaminergic drugs, the gold standard for motor symptoms, are known to affect cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients.

Objective: We compared the effects of dopaminergic treatment on motor and cognitive function in drug-naïve patients.

Methods: Dopaminergic medication (levodopa, dopamine agonist, selegiline) was given to 27 drug-naïve PD patients and increased to a dose optimal for improved motor symptoms. Patients were tested prior to, and 4–7 months after, drug initiation. Motor function was assessed using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Cognitive function was assessed using both the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J) and the Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination (COGNISTAT-J). Improvements from baseline for both motor and cognitive assessment were compared.

Results: Mean score of all motor assessments (UPDRS total score of Parts II and III, and sub-scores of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, gait, and postural instability) and certain cognitive assessments (MoCA-J total score and subscore of delayed recall) significantly improved with dopaminergic medication. Gait score improvement showed significant positive correlation with improvement in MoCA-J language domain and in language-comprehension subtests of COGNISTAT-J using Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis showed gait score improvement significantly correlated with improvements in the subtests of language-comprehension in COGNISTAT-J.

Conclusion: There is correlated improvement in both gait and language function in de novo PD patients in response to dopaminergic drugs. Gait and language dysfunction in these patients may share a common pathophysiology linked to dopamine deficits.
Implication of Alpha-Synuclein Phosphorylation at S129 in Synucleinopathies: What Have We Learned in the Last Decade?
Authors: Oueslati Abid
Published: April 2016

Abnormal accumulation of proteinaceous intraneuronal inclusions called Lewy bodies (LBs) is the neurpathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. These inclusions are mainly constituted of a presynaptic protein, α-synuclein ( α-syn). Over the past decade, growing amounts of studies reported an aberrant accumulation of phosphorylated α-syn at the residue S129 (pS129) in the brain of patients suffering from PD, as well as in transgenic animal models of synucleinopathies. Whereas only a small fraction of α-syn (<4%) is phosphorylated in healthy brains, a dramatic accumulation of pS129 (>90%) has been observed within LBs, suggesting that this post-translational modification may play an important role in the regulation of α-syn aggregation, LBs formation and neuronal degeneration. However, whether phosphorylation at S129 suppresses or enhances α-syn aggregation and toxicity in vivo remains a subject of active debate. The answer to this question has important implications for understanding the role of phosphorylation in the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies and determining if targeting kinases or phosphatases could be a viable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of these devastating neurological disorders. In the present review, we explore recent findings from in vitro, cell-based assays and in vivo studies describing the potential implications of pS129 in the regulation of α-syn physiological functions, as well as its implication in synucleinopathies pathogenesis and diagnosis.
Are Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease Ready for the Clinic in 2016?
Authors: Barker Roger A. , Parmar Malin , Kirkeby Agnete , Björklund Anders , Thompson Lachlan , Brundin Patrik
Published: April 2016

Recent news of an impending clinical cell transplantation trial in Parkinson’s disease using parthenogenetic stem cells as a source of donor tissue have raised hopes in the patient community and sparked discussion in the research community. Based on discussions held by a global collaborative initiative on translation of stem cell therapy in Parkinson’s disease, we have identified a set of key questions that we believe should be addressed ahead of every clinical stem cell-based transplantation trial in this disorder. In this article, we first provide a short history of cell therapy in Parkinson’s disease and briefly describe the current state-of-art regarding human stem cell-derived dopamine neurons for use in any patient trial. With this background information as a foundation, we then discuss each of the key questions in relation to the upcoming therapeutic trial and critically assess if the time is ripe for clinical translation of parthenogenetic stem cell technology in Parkinson’s disease.
Fast Characterization Method for Modeling Battery Relaxation Voltage
Authors: Li An , Pelissier Serge , Venet Pascal , Gyan Philippe
Published: April 2016

After the end of a charging or discharging sequence, the battery voltage keeps evolving towards a finite value, during hours or even days, although no current is exchanged with the battery. This corresponds to the battery relaxation. In the context of electric vehicles (EV), a good measurement of the voltage at rest allows an accurate estimation of the battery state of charge (SoC). The characterization of the battery voltage at different levels of SoC after the full relaxation would be very time consuming. In this paper, a fast method to extrapolate long relaxation voltage is proposed. It needs only one complete measurement of relaxation at one given SoC and could give accurate voltage estimation at other states of charge from short and partial measurement. This generic method was validated on three different cells and could be easily extended to any type of battery.
Bayesian Genetic Association Test when Secondary Phenotypes Are Available Only in the Case Group
Authors: Kim Yongku , Kwak Minjung
Published: April 2016

In many case-control genetic association studies, a secondary phenotype that may have common genetic factors with disease status can be identified. When information on the secondary phenotype is available only for the case group due to cost and different data sources, a fitting linear regression model ignoring supplementary phenotype data may provide limited knowledge regarding genetic association. We set up a joint model and use a Bayesian framework to estimate and test the effect of genetic covariates on disease status considering the secondary phenotype as an instrumental variable. The application of our proposed procedure is demonstrated through the rheumatoid arthritis data provided by the 16th Genetic Analysis Workshop.
Entropy Generation on MHD Casson Nanofluid Flow over a Porous Stretching/Shrinking Surface
Authors: Qing Jia , Bhatti Muhammad , Abbas Munawwar , Rashidi Mohammad , Ali Mohamed
Published: April 2016

In this article, entropy generation on MHD Casson nanofluid over a porous Stretching/Shrinking surface has been investigated. The influences of nonlinear thermal radiation and chemical reaction have also taken into account. The governing Casson nanofluid flow problem consists of momentum equation, energy equation and nanoparticle concentration. Similarity transformation variables have been used to transform the governing coupled partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations. The resulting highly nonlinear coupled ordinary differential equations have been solved numerically with the help of Successive linearization method (SLM) and Chebyshev spectral collocation method. The impacts of various pertinent parameters of interest are discussed for velocity profile, temperature profile, concentration profile and entropy profile. The expression for local Nusselt number and local Sherwood number are also analyzed and discussed with the help of tables. Furthermore, comparison with the existing is also made as a special case of our study.
Decentralized Renewable Hybrid Mini-Grids for Sustainable Electrification of the Off-Grid Coastal Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Majbaul , Bhattacharyya Subhes
Published: April 2016

Lack of access to energy is considered as a serious bottleneck for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. Despite earning recognition for promoting solar home systems, most of the rural areas and remote islands of the country still remain non-electrified due to very high unit cost and low quality of electricity from solar home systems (SHS) coupled with only few hours of restricted usages in the evening. Considering the resource potential and demand characteristics at the local level, the present study investigates the hybrid renewable mini-grid approach as a possible solution for universal electricity access in the country. Using Hybrid Optimisation of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) simulation model, the study, covering the whole coastal region of Bangladesh, shows that it is possible to offer a much better quality electricity for 12 h to 18 h a day for as low as USD 0.29–USD 0.31/kWh. Hybrid models suggested in this study can be replicated along the coastal belt and remote islands to obtain maximum diffusion of this technology and hence universal electrification.
Preparation and Characterization of Tetra-Imidazolium Hydroxide Polyphenylene Membranes via Nickel Catalyzed C–C Coupling Polymerization
Authors: Jang Hohyoun , Lee Soonho , Ha Jaeseong , Choi Kunyoung , Ryu Taewook , Kim Kyunghwan , Jeon Heung-Seok , Kim Whangi
Published: April 2016

Imidazolium hydroxide anion exchange membranes functionalized with conjugated tetraphenylethylene moieties were synthesized via Ni(0) catalyzed polymerization by sequential chloromethylation, substitution with imidazoliums and ion exchange. Moreover, with their pendant benzoyl groups the copolymers showed high molecular weight, durability, thermo-oxidative stability, high solubility in polar aprotic solvents and strong chemical and thermal stability in comparison to alkyl quaternary ammonium-functionalized polymers. The proposed polymer membranes, without ether linkages, demonstrated improved performance in ion exchange capacity, water uptake, ion conductivity, and thermal stability. The polymer membranes were studied by 1H-NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, water uptake, ion exchange capacity and ion conductivity. Surface morphologies were assessed by atomic force microscope (AFM). The synthesized polymers may have applications as fuel cell membranes because of their excellent ion conductivity.
Disturbance Agents and Their Associated Effects on the Health of Interior Douglas-Fir Forests in the Central Rocky Mountains
Authors: Giunta Andrew , Jenkins Michael , Hebertson Elizabeth , Munson Allen
Published: April 2016

Interior Douglas-fir is a prevalent forest type throughout the central Rocky Mountains. Past management actions, specifically fire suppression, have led to an expansion of this forest type. Although Douglas-fir forests cover a broad geographic range, few studies have described the interactive effects of various disturbance agents on forest health conditions. In this paper, we review pertinent literature describing the roles, linkages, and mechanisms by which disturbances, including insect outbreaks, pathogens, fire, and other abiotic factors, affect the development, structure, and distribution of interior montane forests primarily comprised of Douglas-fir. We also discuss how these effects may influence important resource values such as water, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, timber, and recreation. Finally, we identify gaps where further research may increase our understanding of these disturbance agents, their interacting roles, and how they influence long-term forest health.
Oral Health Behavior and Lifestyle Factors among Overweight and Non-Overweight Young Adults in Europe: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study
Authors: Nihtila Annamari , West Nicola , Lussi Adrian , Bouchard Philippe , Ottolenghi Livia , Senekola Egita , Llodra Juan , Viennot Stephane , Bourgeois Denis
Published: April 2016

Being overweight is a risk factor for many chronic diseases including oral diseases. Our aim was to study the associations between oral health behavior, lifestyle factors and being overweight among young European adults, 2011–2012. The subjects constituted a representative sample of adult population aged 18–35 years from eight European countries participating in the Escarcel study. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on dietary habits, oral health behavior, smoking, exercise, height, and weight. Overweight was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 using the World Health Organization criteria. Mean BMI was 23.2 (SD 3.48) and 24.3% of the study population were overweight. Those who were overweight drank more soft drinks (p = 0.005) and energy drinks (p = 0.006) compared with those who were non-overweight. Brushing once a day (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3-2.0), emergency treatment as the reason for last dental visit (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3–1.9) and having seven or more eating or drinking occasions daily (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1–1.7) were statistically significantly associated with overweight. Associations were found between oral health behavior, lifestyle and overweight. A greater awareness of the detrimental lifestyle factors including inadequate oral health habits among overweight young adults is important for all healthcare providers, including oral health care professionals.
Effect of Organic Production Systems on Quality and Postharvest Performance of Horticultural Produce
Authors: Ceglie Francesco , Amodio Maria , Colelli Giancarlo
Published: April 2016

Organic standards include a well-defined set of practices and a list of technical tools that are permitted by regulation. Organic products are mainly purchased for their safety and absence of synthetic pesticide residues. Furthermore, a diet based on organic products claims to provide health benefits due to the high nutritional value compounds that are more concentrated in organic products compared to conventional ones. As the scientific basis of the differences between organically- and conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables is under debate, some of the published work, together with some recent unpublished results, will be covered in the present review. In addition, the effect of different approaches to organic horticultural production will be described. Many studies have confirmed lower nitrate content, especially in leafy vegetables, and higher antioxidant compounds in organically-grown fruits in comparison to conventional ones. A recent study reported organic kiwifruit as higher in ascorbic acid and total phenol content than conventional kiwifruit. These differences were maintained throughout cold storage. Similarly, in organic grapes, antioxidant-related compounds were significantly higher than in conventionally-grown grapes. Analogous results were obtained with organic strawberries grown in protected conditions. However, conventional products usually result in higher moisture content, and this should be taken into account to confirm the differences on a dry matter basis. Possible explanations for the effects of organic farming practices on nutritional quality and postharvest performance of fresh produce are the following: (i) organic amendments provide a high input of exogenous organic matter and of nutrients for a long period; in contrast, mineral fertilizers, allowed only in conventional farming systems, are highly concentrated in nutrients that are directly available for root uptake in a shorter time period; (ii) the use of synthetic pesticides (only possible in conventional agriculture) slows down defence mechanisms against pathogens, with the consequence of favoring primary metabolism; (iii) cultural practices may result in different plant composition and nutritional quality, which in turn influence cold storage performance of the products as these differences, both in fertility and pest management, affect the allocation of secondary plant metabolites (such as ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds).
Genome-Wide Mapping of Growth-Related Quantitative Trait Loci in Orange-Spotted Grouper (Epinephelus coioides) Using Double Digest Restriction-Site Associated DNA Sequencing (ddRADseq)
Authors: Yu Hui , You Xinxin , Li Jia , Liu Hankui , Meng Zining , Xiao Ling , Zhang Haifa , Lin Hao-Ran , Zhang Yong , Shi Qiong
Published: April 2016

Mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) is essential for the discovery of genetic structures that related to complex quantitative traits. In this study, we identified 264,072 raw SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) by double digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq), and utilized 3029 of these SNPs to construct a genetic linkage map in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) using a regression mapping algorithm. The genetic map contained 24 linkage groups (LGs) spanning a total genetic distance of 1231.98 cM. Twenty-seven significant growth-related QTLs were identified. Furthermore, we identified 17 genes (fez2, alg3, ece2, arvcf, sla27a4, sgk223, camk2, prrc2b, mchr1, sardh, pappa, syk, tert, wdrcp91, ftz-f1, mate1 and notch1) including three (tert, ftz-f1 and notch1) that have been reported to be involved in fish growth. To summarize, we mapped growth-related QTLs in the orange-spotted grouper. These QTLs will be useful in marker-assisted selection (MAS) efforts to improve growth-related traits in this economically important fish.
Power Frequency Magnetic Fields Affect the p38 MAPK-Mediated Regulation of NB69 Cell Proliferation Implication of Free Radicals
Authors: Martínez María , Úbeda Alejandro , Moreno Jorge , Trillo María
Published: April 2016

The proliferative response of the neuroblastoma line NB69 to a 100 µT, 50 Hz magnetic field (MF) has been shown mediated by activation of the MAPK-ERK1/2 pathway. This work investigates the MF effect on the cell cycle of NB69, the participation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal (JNK) kinases in the field-induced proliferative response and the potential involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the activation of the MAPK-ERK1/2 and -p38 signaling pathways. NB69 cultures were exposed to the 100 µT MF, either intermittently for 24, 42 or 63 h, or continuously for periods of 15 to 120 min, in the presence or absence of p38 or JNK inhibitors: SB203580 and SP600125, respectively. Antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was used as ROS scavenger. Field exposure induced transient activation of p38, JNK and ERK1/2. The MF proliferative effect, which was mediated by changes in the cell cycle, was blocked by the p38 inhibitor, but not by the JNK inhibitor. NAC blocked the field effects on cell proliferation and p38 activation, but not those on ERK1/2 activation. The MF-induced proliferative effects are exerted through sequential upregulation of MAPK-p38 and -ERK1/2 activation, and they are likely mediated by a ROS-dependent activation of p38.
Autophagic Cell Death and Apoptosis Jointly Mediate Cisatracurium Besylate-Induced Cell Injury
Authors: Zhuang Haixia , Tian Weili , Li Wen , Zhang Xingli , Wang Jingjing , Yang Yue , Liu Xin , Xia Zhengyuan , Feng Du , Zhang Liangqing
Published: April 2016

Cisatracurium besylate is an ideal non-depolarizing muscle relaxant which is widely used in clinical application. However, some studies have suggested that cisatracurium besylate can affect cell proliferation. Moreover, its specific mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, we found that the number of GFP-LC3 (green fluoresent protein-light chain 3) positive autophagosomes and the rate of mitochondria fracture both increased significantly in drug-treated GFP-LC3 and MitoDsRed stable HeLa cells. Moreover, cisatracurium promoted the co-localization of LC3 and mitochondria and induced formation of autolysosomes. Levels of mitochondrial proteins decreased, which were reversed by the lysosome inhibitor Bafinomycin A1. Similar results with evidence of dose-dependent effects were found in both HeLa and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). Cisatracurium lowered HUVEC viability to 0.16 (OD490) at 100 µM and to 0.05 (OD490) after 48 h in vitro; it increased the cell death rate to 56% at 100 µM and to 60% after 24 h in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (p < 0.01). Cell proliferation decreased significantly by four fold in Atg5 WT (wildtype) MEF (mouse embryonic fibroblast) (p < 0.01) but was unaffected in Atg5 KO (Knockout) MEF, even upon treatment with a high dose of cisatracurium. Cisatracurium induced significant increase in cell death of wild-type MEFs even in the presence of the apoptosis inhibitor zVAD. Thus, we conclude that activation of both the autophagic cell death and cell apoptosis pathways contributes to cisatracurium-mediated cell injury.
Electrospun 3D Fibrous Scaffolds for Chronic Wound Repair
Authors: Chen Huizhi , Peng Yan , Wu Shucheng , Tan Lay
Published: April 2016

Chronic wounds are difficult to heal spontaneously largely due to the corrupted extracellular matrix (ECM) where cell ingrowth is obstructed. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) biodegradable scaffold mimicking native ECM to replace the missing or dysfunctional ECM, which may be an essential strategy for wound healing. The 3D fibrous scaffolds of poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were successfully fabricated by liquid-collecting electrospinning, with 5~20 µm interconnected pores. Surface modification with the native ECM component aims at providing biological recognition for cell growth. Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) successfully infiltrated into scaffolds at a depth of ~1400 µm after seven days of culturing, and showed significant progressive proliferation on scaffolds immobilized with collagen type I. In vivo models showed that chronic wounds treated with scaffolds had a faster healing rate. These results indicate that the 3D fibrous scaffolds may be a potential wound dressing for chronic wound repair.