bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antileishmanial Activity, Cytotoxicity and Mechanism of Action of Clioquinol Against Leishmania infantum and Leishmania amazonensis Species
Authors: Tavares Grasiele de Sousa Vieira , Mendonça Débora Vasconcelos Costa , Lage Daniela Pagliara , Granato Juliana da Trindade , Ottoni Flaviano Melo , Ludolf Fernanda , Chávez‐Fumagalli Miguel Angel , Duarte Mariana Costa , Tavares Carlos Alberto Pereira , Alves Ricardo José , Coimbra Elaine Soares , Coelho Eduardo Antonio Ferraz 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this study, a quinoline derivate, clioquinol (5‐chloro‐7‐iodoquinolin‐8‐ol), was evaluated against Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania infantum promastigotes and amastigotes. The cytotoxicity in murine macrophages and human red blood cells, as well as the efficacy in treating infected macrophages and the inhibition of infection using pre‐treated parasites were also evaluated. Results showed that clioquinol inhibited L. amazonensis and L. infantum promastigotes with effective concentration 50% (EC50) values of 2.55 ± 0.25 and 1.44 ± 0.35 μg/mL, respectively, and of 1.88 ± 0.13 and 0.98 ± 0.17 μg/mL against axenic amastigotes, respectively. The cytotoxic EC50 concentrations of clioquinol in murine macrophages and human red blood cells were, respectively, 255 ± 23 and 489 ± 20 μg/mL. With these results, the selectivity index was calculated, showing values of 99.9 and 177.1 against promastigotes, respectively, and of 135.6 and 260.1 against axenic amastigotes, respectively. Significant reductions in the percentage of infected macrophages after treatment using clioquinol were also observed, as well as when parasites were pre‐treated with clioquinol and used to infect murine macrophages. The mechanism of action of clioquinol was investigated in L. amazonensis, and results revealed morphological and biochemical alterations in the clioquinol‐treated parasites, including reduction in cell volume, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, increase in the ROS production and rupture of the plasma membrane. The externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) at the cell surface was evaluated in treated parasites that had been doubly labelled with annexin and propidium iodide (PI). The results showed no significant difference for PS exposure when compared to the untreated control, although a significant increase in the PI/annexin V‐labelled cell population was found in the treated parasites. Results suggest that clioquinol induces a discontinuity of the parasite membrane, possibly related to a characteristic event of cell death caused by necrosis. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the antileishmanial activity of clioquinol against two relevant Leishmania species and suggests that the mitochondria of the parasites may be a possible biological target leading to parasite necrosis. Our findings suggest that clioquinol may have a potential application in treatment of leishmaniasis and further studies should be performed in infected mammalian hosts.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity levels among forensic inpatients with learning disability
Authors: Russell Rachel , Chester Verity , Watson James , Nyakunuwa Canisius , Child Lucy , McDermott Mary , Drake Sharon , Alexander Regi T. 
Published: February 2018

Accessible Summary

This study looked at how many people with learning disabilities in a forensic unit were overweight or obese, and whether people put on weight in the service.

The study showed that lots of people put on weight while they were in the service. It might be due to people struggling to exercise and the food provided in hospitals.

This research matters to people with learning disabilities because being overweight and obese can lead to other physical issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. Being overweight also affects how confident a person is and can lead to feeling depressed.

We now need to look at ways we can support people with learning disabilities in all settings to stay healthy, enjoy exercise, and lose weight if they want to.

AbstractBackgroundInpatient mental health settings have been described as “obesogenic,” due to factors including psychotropic medication, high‐calorie food provision, restricted physical activity and sedentary lifestyles. No research has investigated the prevalence of obesity among forensic inpatients with learning disability, despite this population's increased risk.Materials and MethodsThe weight and body mass index (BMI) data of 46 inpatients (15 women and 31 men) within a specialist learning disability forensic service was examined on, and during admission.ResultsOnly 13% of inpatients were a normal weight at admission, whereas 87% were overweight or obese. During admission, 61% gained weight, and 2% maintained. However, 37% lost weight, although many of this group remained overweight/obese. Women gained more weight during their admission, but were also more successful in losing weight. There was no correlation between length of stay and weight.ConclusionsThe results highlight the need for effective, gender‐sensitive weight management interventions within similar services nationally.
A long‐term follow‐up study of the Hand Eczema Trial (HET): a randomized clinical trial of a secondary preventive programme introduced to Danish healthcare workers
Authors: Graversgaard Christine , Agner Tove , Jemec Gregor B. E. , Thomsen Simon F. , Ibler Kristina S. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryBackgroundPreventive skin care programmes have shown beneficial effects on the prevalence and severity of hand eczema, but most trials only report short‐term outcomes. One such trial was the randomized Hand Eczema Trial (HET, 2009) investigating the effects of a secondary prevention programme in healthcare workers. Positive results have been reported at 5‐month follow‐up.ObjectivesTo examine the long‐term (42–47 months) effects of the HET.MethodsThe present study was a follow‐up questionnaire study on the effect of the intervention. Outcomes were the presence and severity of hand eczema, health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL), skin protective behaviour, and knowledge of skin protection. A supplementary outcome was general improvement/worsening of hand eczema.ResultsComparison of the outcomes at follow‐up showed no marked differences between the two groups. General improvement was reported by 70% in the intervention group and by 54% in the control group (p = 0.25). A small, statistically significant improvement was found regarding HR‐QoL in the intervention group only (p = 0.015).ConclusionsThe impact of an intervention that is effective after 5 months is attenuated over time, with no long‐term effect on the outcomes examined. We suggest that skin care education should be repeated at regular intervals.
Phylogenetic dimension of tree communities reveals high conservation value of disturbed tropical rain forests
Authors: Santo‐Silva Edgar E. , Santos Bráulio A. , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Melo Felipe P. L. , Faria Deborah , Cazetta Eliana , Mariano‐Neto Eduardo , Hernández‐Ruedas Manuel A. , Tabarelli Marcelo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimThe conversion of old‐growth tropical forests into human‐modified landscapes threatens biodiversity worldwide, but its impact on the phylogenetic dimension of remaining communities is still poorly known. Negative and neutral responses of tree phylogenetic diversity to land use change have been reported at local and landscape scales. Here, we hypothesized that such variable responses to disturbance depend on the regional context, being stronger in more degraded rain forest regions with a longer history of land use.LocationSix regions in Mexico and Brazil.MethodsWe used a large vegetation database (6,923 trees from 686 species) recorded in 98 50‐ha landscapes distributed across two Brazilian and four Mexican regions, which exhibit different degrees of disturbance. In each region, we assessed whether phylogenetic alpha and beta diversities were related to landscape‐scale forest loss, the percentage of shade‐intolerant species (a proxy of local disturbance) and/or the relatedness of decreasing (losers) and increasing (winners) taxa.ResultsContrary to our expectations, the percentage of forest cover and shade‐intolerant species were weakly related to phylogenetic alpha and beta diversities in all but one region. Loser species were generally as dispersed across the phylogeny as winner species, allowing more degraded, deforested and species‐poorer forests to sustain relatively high levels of evolutionary (phylogenetic) diversity.Main conclusionOur findings support previous evidence indicating that traits related to high susceptibility to forest disturbances are convergent or have low phylogenetic signal. More importantly, they reveal that the evolutionary value of disturbed forests is (at least in a phylogenetic sense) much greater than previously thought.
Use of a clinical decision support tool for the management of traumatic dental injuries in the primary dentition by novice and expert clinicians
Authors: Machado Jessica P. , Lam Xuan T. , Chen Jung‐Wei 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackground/AimStudies reveal many dental students and general dentists have inadequate knowledge about treating children who sustain traumatic dental injuries. The aims of this study were to assess dental trauma knowledge among novice clinicians and expert pediatric dentists and determine the effectiveness of a clinical decision support tool (CDST) for the management of trauma scenarios. A secondary purpose was to compare the effects of a print and mobile app format of the CDST.MethodsA print and mobile app CDST was developed based upon current AAPD and IADT clinical guidelines. Baseline knowledge for dental students (n = 84) and pediatric dentists (n = 60) was assessed using a multiple‐choice Pre‐test. A Post‐test was used to evaluate changes in the knowledge level following the random assignment of participants into 3 groups: Group A (control) had no CDST provided; Group B (print CDST) had access to the print paper pamphlet; and Group C (mobile app CDST) had access to the mobile app on a handheld device for use during the Post‐test. Test scores and time required to complete each test were recorded.ResultsPediatric dentists scored significantly higher and required less time on both the Pre‐test (P < .001) and Post‐test (P < .05) compared to dental students. Dental students and pediatric dentists who had access to the mobile app CDST scored significantly higher (P < .05) in the Post‐test compared to the control and the print CDST groups. Post‐test time for the dental students in the mobile app group was significantly longer (P < .001) compared to the control and print format.ConclusionExpert pediatric dentists demonstrated greater knowledge of dental trauma compared to novice clinicians. The mobile app clinical decision support tool was a more effective means of improving the diagnosis and management of traumatic dental injuries by both dental students and pediatric dentists than the print CDST.
Citrus gummosis incidence and role of ants (Lasius grandis) and snails (Helix aspersa) as vectors of the disease in Tunisia
Authors: Benfradj N. , Vettraino A. M. , Tomassini A. , Bruni N. , Vannini A. , Boughalleb‐M'Hamdi N. 
Published: February 2018

SummarySurveys were conducted between November 2011 and December 2013 to determine the distribution and the incidence of citrus gummosis in Tunisia. Forty‐two citrus orchards in three different citrus areas were surveyed. Symptoms of gummosis were observed in 59.52% of the orchards. The highest incidence was observed in the Cap Bon area. The involvement of some invertebrates in the epidemiology of citrus gummosis was also confirmed. Species of ants (Lasius grandis), snails (Helix aspersa and Rumina decollata) and worms (Armadillidium vulgare) collected from 2012 until 2014 were tested for the presence of Oomycetes. Phytophthora nicotianae and Phytopythium vexans were isolated from the bodies of Lasius grandis and also from bodies and faeces of Helix aspersa. However, no Oomycetes were isolated from the bodies of Rumina decollata and Armadillidium vulgare. In vitro assays, Helix aspersa was fed with P. nicotianae‐ and Ph. vexans‐infected citrus bark showed the existence of those pathogens in 79.1% of the faeces of snails. In vivo assays, snails and ants were able to transmit the pathogens vertically from the base of potted 2‐year‐old trees citrus variety Clementine Mandarin cv. Hernandina, to other parts of the tree.
Synaptic function and plasticity in identified inhibitory inputs onto VTA dopamine neurons
Authors: Polter Abigail M. , Barcomb Kelsey , Tsuda Ayumi C. , Kauer Julie A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractVentral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons are key components of the reward pathway, and their activity is powerfully controlled by a diverse array of inhibitory GABAergic inputs. Two major sources of GABAergic nerve terminals within the VTA are local VTA interneurons and neurons in the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg). Here, using optogenetics, we compared synaptic properties of GABAergic synapses on VTA dopamine neurons using selective activation of afferents that originate from these two cell populations. We found little evidence of co‐release of glutamate from either input, but RMTg‐originating synaptic currents were reduced by strychnine, suggesting co‐release of glycine and GABA. VTA‐originating synapses displayed a lower initial release probability, and at higher frequency stimulation, short‐term depression was more marked in VTA‐ but not RMTg‐originating synapses. We previously reported that nitric oxide (NO)‐induced potentiation of GABAergic synapses on VTA dopaminergic cells is lost after exposure to drugs of abuse or acute stress; in these experiments, multiple GABAergic afferents were simultaneously activated by electrical stimulation. Here we found that optogenetically‐activated VTA‐originating synapses on presumptive dopamine neurons also exhibited NO‐induced potentiation, whereas RMTg‐originating synapses did not. Despite providing a robust inhibitory input to the VTA, RMTg GABAergic synapses are most likely not those previously shown by our work to be persistently altered by addictive drugs and stress. Our work emphasises the idea that dopamine neuron excitability is controlled by diverse inhibitory inputs expected to exert varying degrees of inhibition and to participate differently in a range of behaviours.
Evaluation of a pinhole castration technique in ponies: Comparing single with double ligation (using silk or catgut) of the spermatic cord
Authors: Mir M. Y. , Fazili M. R. , Dar K. H. , Mir M. S. , Qureshi S. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe objective of the study was to evaluate a pinhole castration technique in male ponies. Adult ponies (n = 12) were randomly allotted to one of the two equal groups. Both of the groups were anaesthetised with xylazine–ketamine–diazepam and had single (SLS,SLC) ligation of the spermatic cord on one side and double (DLS,DLC) ligation on the other side using silk (Group T1) and catgut (Group T2). Single ligation whether using silk or catgut (SLSandSLC) was completed in 3.50 ± 0.34 min.DLStook 6.66 ± 0.49 min andDLC7.16 ± 0.47 min. Scrotal oedema was noticed in all of the ponies from Day 1 to Day 15. The scrotal circumference and testicular volume in animals of both of the groups showed a significant (P<0.05) increase from Day 1 to Day 4. Orchiectomy to recover testicular remnants was performed in all of the animals on Day 41. Straw‐coloured fluid accumulation was noticed in seven testicular remnants (4 T1 and 3 T2). One testicle from GroupDLSshowed suppuration. Multiple gross and histological abnormalities were detected in all double ligated testes. The changes were more severe in theDLSthan theDLCgroup and their epididymis (n = 3) also showed necrosis, fibroplasia and an obstructed lumen. Severe adhesions had developed in three and one testicle only fromthe SLSandSLCgroups respectively. The remaining testes and epididymis in both of these groups showed only mild‐to‐moderate adhesions. From this study, it was concluded that castration may not be achieved by percutaneous single ligation of the spermatic cord in ponies. Although double ligation induces marked gross and histopathological changes, assessments of the testosterone levels and sperm analysis are required before recommending this procedure. Use of silk for ligation of the spermatic cord is advantageous over catgut but maintenance of strict asepsis is mandatory.
Idiopathic renal haematuria in an Egyptian Arabian stallion
Authors: Martin L. M. , Jochems B. C. , Lattimer J. C. , Johnson P. J. , Whelchel D. D. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryA 17‐year‐old Egyptian Arabian stallion was presented for haematuria and blood clots in the urine of 4 days’ duration. During micturition, haematuria was noted mid‐stream with passage of blood clots occurring at the end of urination. Physical examination findings were unremarkable aside from pale mucous membranes. Cystoscopic examination revealed intermittent passage of frank blood (with clots) from the left ureteral orifice compared to grossly normal‐appearing urine issuing from the right ureteral orifice. Transcutaneous ultrasonographic evaluation of the right kidney yielded normal findings while the left kidney exhibited pyelectasia, a decreased cortico‐medullary ratio, and markedly increased echogenicity of the renal pelvis. Diagnosis of idiopathic renal haematuria was confirmed at necropsy.
Crystal structures of sampatrilat and sampatrilat‐Asp in complex with human ACE – a molecular basis for domain selectivity
Authors: Cozier Gyles E. , Schwager Sylva L. , Sharma Rajni K. , Chibale Kelly , Sturrock Edward D. , Acharya K. Ravi 
Published: February 2018

Angiotensin‐1‐converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc metallopeptidase that consists of two homologous catalytic domains (known as nACE and cACE) with different substrate specificities. Based on kinetic studies it was previously reported that sampatrilat, a tight‐binding inhibitor of ACE, Ki = 13.8 nm and 171.9 nm for cACE and nACE respectively [Sharma et al., Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling (2016), 56, 2486–2494], was 12.4‐fold more selective for cACE. In addition, samAsp, in which an aspartate group replaces the sampatrilat lysine, was found to be a nonspecific and lower micromolar affinity inhibitor. Here, we report a detailed three‐dimensional structural analysis of sampatrilat and samAsp binding to ACE using high‐resolution crystal structures elucidated by X‐ray crystallography, which provides a molecular basis for differences in inhibitor affinity and selectivity for nACE and cACE. The structures show that the specificity of sampatrilat can be explained by increased hydrophobic interactions and a H‐bond from Glu403 of cACE with the lysine side chain of sampatrilat that are not observed in nACE. In addition, the structures clearly show a significantly greater number of hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions with sampatrilat compared to samAsp in both cACE and nACE consistent with the difference in affinities. Our findings provide new experimental insights into ligand binding at the active site pockets that are important for the design of highly specific domain selective inhibitors of ACE.DatabaseThe atomic coordinates and structure factors for N‐ and C‐domains of ACE bound to sampatrilat and sampatrilat‐Asp complexes (6F9V, 6F9R, 6F9T and 6F9U respectively) have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank, Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ (http://www.rcsb.org/).
Global patterns of nonanalogous climates in the past and future derived from thermal and hydraulic factors
Authors: Li Qin , Kou Xiaojun , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Liu Shirong , Ge Jianping 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNonanalogous climates (NACs), climates without modern analogs on Earth, challenge our understanding of eco‐evolutionary processes that shape global biodiversity, particularly because of their propensity to promote novel ecosystems. However, NAC studies are generally inadequate and partial. Specifically, systematic comparisons between the future and the past are generally lacking, and hydraulic NACs tend to be underemphasized. In the present study, by adopting a frequency distribution‐based method that facilitates the procedures of contributions parsing and conducting multiple comparisons, we provide a global overview of multidimensional NACs for both the past and the future within a unified framework. We show that NACs are globally prevalent, covering roughly half of the land area across the time‐periods under investigation, and have a high degree of spatial structure. Patterns of NACs differ dramatically between the past and the future. Hydraulic NACs are more complex both in spatial patterns and in major contributions of variables than are thermal NACs. However, hydraulic NACs are more predictable than originally thought. Generally, hydraulic NACs in the future (2100 AD) exhibit comparable predictability to thermal NACs in the last glacial maximum (LGM) (21k BP). Identifying these NAC patterns has potential implications on climate‐adaptive managements and preparing in advance to possibly frequent novel ecosystems. However, a learning‐from‐the‐past strategy might be of limited utility for management under present circumstances.
Carbon quality and soil microbial property control the latitudinal pattern in temperature sensitivity of soil microbial respiration across Chinese forest ecosystems
Authors: Wang Qingkui , Liu Shengen , Tian Peng 
Published: February 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of soil organic C (SOC) decomposition is critical to quantifying the climate–carbon cycle feedback and predicting the response of ecosystems to climate change. However, the driving factors of the spatial variation inQ10at a continental scale are fully unidentified. In this study, we conducted a novel incubation experiment with periodically varying temperature based on the mean annual temperature of the soil origin sites. A total of 140 soil samples were collected from 22 sites along a 3,800 km long north–south transect of forests in China, and theQ10of soil microbial respiration and corresponding environmental variables were measured. Results showed that changes in theQ10values were nonlinear with latitude, particularly showing lowQ10values in subtropical forests and highQ10values in temperate forests. The soil C:N ratio was positively related to theQ10values, and coniferous forest soils with lowSOCquality had higherQ10values than broadleaved forest soils with highSOCquality, which supported the “C quality temperature” hypothesis. Out of the spatial variations inQ10across all ecosystems, gram‐negative bacteria exhibited the most importance in regulating the variation inQ10and contributed 25.1%, followed by the C:N ratio (C quality), fungi, and the fungi:bacteria ratio. However, the dominant factors that regulate the regional variations inQ10differed among the tropical, subtropical, and temperate forest ecosystems. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of C quality and microbial controls overQ10value in China's forest ecosystems. Meanwhile, C dynamics in temperate forests under a global warming scenario can be robustly predicted through the incorporation of substrate quality and microbial property into models.