bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced plasma concentration of branched-chain amino acids in sarcopenic older subjects: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ottestad Inger , Ulven Stine M. , Øyri Linn K. L. , Sandvei Kristin S. , Gjevestad Gyrd O. , Bye Asta , Sheikh Navida A. , Biong Anne S. , Andersen Lene F. , Holven Kirsten B. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBranched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential amino acids that are necessary for muscle mass maintenance. Little is known about the plasma concentrations of BCAA and the protein intake in relation to sarcopenia. We aimed to compare the non-fasting plasma concentrations of the BCAA and the dietary protein intake between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults. Norwegian older home-dwelling adults (≥70 years) were invited to a cross-sectional study with no other exclusion criteria than age. Sarcopenic subjects were defined by the diagnostic criteria by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Non-fasting plasma concentrations of eight amino acids were quantified using NMR spectroscopy. Protein intake was assessed using 2×24-h dietary recalls. In this study, ninety out of 417 subjects (22 %) were sarcopenic, and more women (32 %) than men (11 %) were sarcopenic (P<0·0001). Sex-adjusted non-fasting plasma concentrations of leucine and isoleucine, and the absolute intake of protein (g/d), were significantly lower among the sarcopenic subjects, when compared with non-sarcopenic subjects (P=0·003, P=0·026 and P=0·003, respectively). A similar protein intake was observed in the two groups when adjusted for body weight (BW) and sex (1·1 g protein/kg BW per d; P=0·50). We show that sarcopenia is associated with reduced non-fasting plasma concentration of the BCAA leucine and isoleucine, and lower absolute intake of protein. More studies are needed to clarify the clinical relevance of these findings, related to maintenance of muscle mass and prevention of sarcopenia.
The benign helminth Hymenolepis diminuta ameliorates chemically induced colitis in a rat model system
Authors: Jirků Pomajbíková Kateřina , Jirků Milan , Levá Jana , Sobotková Kateřina , Morien Evan , Parfrey Laura Wegener 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta is a model for the impact of helminth colonization on the mammalian immune system and a candidate therapeutic agent for immune mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). In mice, H. diminuta protects against models of inflammatory colitis by inducing a strong type 2 immune response that is activated to expel the immature worm. Rats are the definitive host of H. diminuta, and are colonized stably and over long time periods without harming the host. Rats mount a mild type 2 immune response to H. diminuta colonization, but this response does not generally ameliorate colitis. Here we investigate the ability of different life cycle stages of H. diminuta to protect rats against a model of colitis induced through application of the haptenizing agent dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (DNBS) directly to the colon, and monitor rat clinical health, systemic inflammation measured by TNFα and IL-1β, and the gut microbiota. We show that immature H. diminuta induces a type 2 response as measured by increased IL-4, IL-13 and IL-10 expression, but does not protect against colitis. In contrast, rats colonized with mature H. diminuta and challenged with severe colitis (two applications of DNBS) have lower inflammation and less severe clinical symptoms. This effect is not related the initial type 2 immune response. The gut microbiota is disrupted during colitis and does not appear to play an overt role in H. diminuta-mediated protection.
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT METHODS GUIDELINES FOR MEDICAL DEVICES: HOW CAN WE ADDRESS THE GAPS? THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Polisena Julie , Castaldo Rossana , Ciani Oriana , Federici Carlo , Borsci Simone , Ritrovato Matteo , Clark Daniel , Pecchia Leandro 
Published: June 2018

Objectives:Current health technology assessment (HTA) methods guidelines for medical devices may benefit from contributions by biomedical and clinical engineers. Our study aims to: (i) review and identify gaps in the current HTA guidelines on medical devices, (ii) propose recommendations to optimize the impact of HTA for medical devices, and (iii) reach a consensus among biomedical engineers on these recommendations.Methods:A gray literature search of HTA agency Web sites for assessment methods guidelines on devices was conducted. The International Federation of Medical and Biological Engineers (IFMBE) then convened a structured focus group, with experts from different fields, to identify potential gaps in the current HTA guidelines, and to develop recommendations to fill these perceived gaps. The thirty recommendations generated from the focus group were circulated in a Delphi survey to eighty-five biomedical and clinical engineers.Results:Thirty-two panelists, from seventeen countries, participated in the Delphi survey. The responses showed a strong agreement on twenty-seven of thirty recommendations. Some uncertainties remain about the methods to accurately assess the effectiveness and safety, and interoperability of a medical device with other devices or within the clinical setting.Conclusions:As medical devices differ from drug therapies, current HTA methods may not accurately reflect the conclusions of their assessment. Recommendations informed by the focus group discussions and Delphi survey responses aimed to address the perceived gaps, and to provide a more integrated approach in medical device assessments in combining engineering with other perspectives, such as clinical, economic, patient, human factors, ethical, and environmental.
Genotype replacement of the human parainfluenza virus type 2 in Croatia between 2011 and 2017 – the role of neutralising antibodies
Authors: Šantak M. , Lang Balija M. , Mlinarić Galinović G. , Ljubin Sternak S. , Vilibić-Čavlek T. , Tabain I. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPreviously we reported on the HPIV2 genotype distribution in Croatia 2011–2014. Here we expand this period up to 2017 and confirm that G1a genotype has replaced G3 genotype from the period 2011–2014. Our hypothesis was that the G1a-to-G3 genotype replacement is an antibody-driven event. A cross-neutralisation with anti-HPIV2 sera specific for either G1a or G3 genotype revealed the presence of genotype-specific antigenic determinants. By the profound,in silicoanalyses three potential B cell epitopic regions were identified in the hemagglutinin neuraminidase (regions 314–361 and 474–490) and fusion protein (region 440–484). The region identified in the fusion protein does not show any unique site between the G1a and G3 isolates, five differentially glycosylated sites in the G1a and G3 genotype isolates were identified in epitopic regions of hemagglutinin neuraminidase. All positively selected codons were found to be located either in the region 314–316 or in the region 474–490 what indicates a strong positive selection in this region and reveals that these regions are susceptible to evolutionary pressure possibly caused by antibodies what gives a strong verification to our hypothesis that neutralising antibodies are a key determinant in the inherently complex adaptive evolution of HPIV2 in the region.
Effects of day length on pollen tube elongation, embryo formation and seed development after flowering in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
Authors: Isobe Katsunori , Sugiyama Hikaru , Tamamushi Katsura , Shimizu Taito , Kobashi Kana , Higo Masao 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of day length after flowering on pollen tube elongation, embryo formation and seed development. The quinoa varieties used in this study were Amarilla de Marangani (valley type) and NL-6 (sea-level type). After sowing, the quinoa plants were cultivated in growth cabinets. From sowing to flowering, plants were exposed to a 15 h day length regime. After flowering, the plants were grown under either a 15 h or 11 h day length regime. The elongation of the pollen tube and the formation of the early embryo were not inhibited in either Amarilla de Marangani or NL-6 under the 11 or 15 h day length regimes. Although growth of the embryo in NL-6 was not inhibited by the 15 h day length regime after flowering, the same was not observed in the case for Amarilla de Marangani. In Amarilla de Marangani, seed diameter at 8 and 14 days after flowering under the 11 h day length regime was larger than that of seeds grown under the 15 h day length regime. Thus, the decrease in the number of seeds in Amarilla de Marangani grown under the 15 h day length regime may be caused by the suspension of embryo growth after fertilization.
Impact of a gestational exposure to diesel exhaust on offspring gonadal development: experimental study in the rabbit
Authors: Bourdon M. , Torres-Rovira L. , Monniaux D. , Faure C. , Levy R. , Tarrade A. , Rousseau-Ralliard D. , Chavatte-Palmer P. , Jolivet G. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe aim of the present work was to address experimentally the possible impact of exposure to air pollution during gestation on the differentiation and function of the gonads of the offspring using a rabbit model. Rabbits were exposed daily to diluted diesel exhaust gas or filtered air from the 3rd until the 27th day of gestation, during which time germ cells migrate in genital ridges and divide, and fetal sex is determined. Offspring gonads were collected shortly before birth (28th day of gestation) or after puberty (7.5 months after birth). The structure of the gonads was analyzed by histological and immunohistological methods. Serum concentrations of testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone were determined using ELISA. The morphology and the endocrine function of the gonads collected just at the arrest of the exposure were similar in polluted and control animals in both sexes. No differences were observed as well in gonads collected after puberty. Sperm was collected at the head of the epididymis in adults. Sperm motility and DNA fragmentation were measured. Among all parameters analyzed, only the sperm DNA fragmentation rate was increased three-fold in exposed males. Mechanisms responsible for these modifications and their physiological consequences are to be further clarified.
Forensic Odontology: Automatic Identification of Persons Comparing Antemortem and Postmortem Panoramic Radiographs Using Computer Vision
Authors: Heinrich Andreas , Güttler Felix , Wendt Sebastian , Schenkl Sebastian , Hubig Michael , Wagner Rebecca , Mall Gita , Teichgräber Ulf 
Published: June 2018

Purpose In forensic odontology the comparison between antemortem and postmortem panoramic radiographs (PRs) is a reliable method for person identification. The purpose of this study was to improve and automate identification of unknown people by comparison between antemortem and postmortem PR using computer vision.
Materials and Methods The study includes 43 467 PRs from 24 545 patients (46 % females/54 % males). All PRs were filtered and evaluated with Matlab R2014b including the toolboxes image processing and computer vision system. The matching process used the SURF feature to find the corresponding points between two PRs (unknown person and database entry) out of the whole database.
Results From 40 randomly selected persons, 34 persons (85 %) could be reliably identified by corresponding PR matching points between an already existing scan in the database and the most recent PR. The systematic matching yielded a maximum of 259 points for a successful identification between two different PRs of the same person and a maximum of 12 corresponding matching points for other non-identical persons in the database. Hence 12 matching points are the threshold for reliable assignment.
Conclusion Operating with an automatic PR system and computer vision could be a successful and reliable tool for identification purposes. The applied method distinguishes itself by virtue of its fast and reliable identification of persons by PR. This Identification method is suitable even if dental characteristics were removed or added in the past. The system seems to be robust for large amounts of data.
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Citation Format
Approaches for Performing Reductions under Continuous-Flow Conditions
Authors: Riley Darren , Neyt Nicole 
Published: June 2018

A concise overview of approaches to perform reductions of various functionalities including aldehydes, ketones, esters, imines, ­nitriles, nitro groups, alkenes and alkynes under continuous-flow conditions are highlighted and discussed in this short review.1	Introduction2	Reduction of Aldehydes, Ketones and Esters3	Reduction of Imines and Nitriles4	Reduction of Nitro Groups5	Reduction of Alkenes6	Partial Reduction of Alkynes7	Conclusion
Thrombocytopenia and Platelet Dysfunction in Acute Tropical Infectious Diseases
Authors: Hapsari Putri Indri , Tunjungputri Rahajeng , De Groot Philip , van der Ven Andre , de Mast Quirijn 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThrombocytopenia is a well-known manifestation of acute tropical infectious diseases. The role of platelets in infections has received much attention recently because of their emerging activities in modulation of inflammatory responses, host defense, and vascular integrity. However, while many studies have addressed thrombocytopenia in tropical infections, abnormalities in platelet function have been largely overlooked. This is an important research gap, as platelet dysfunction may contribute to the bleeding tendency that characterizes some tropical infections. The development of novel platelet function assays that can be used in thrombocytopenic conditions (e.g., flow cytometry assays) has contributed to important new insights in recent years. In this review, the importance of platelets in tropical infections is discussed with special emphasis on the underlying mechanisms and consequences of thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction in these infections. Special attention is paid to malaria, a disease characterized by microvascular obstruction in which bleeding is rare, and to infections in which bleeding is common, such as dengue, other viral hemorrhagic fevers, and the bacterial infection leptospirosis. Given the importance of platelet function abnormalities in these infections, the development of affordable assays for monitoring of platelet function in low-resource countries, as well as pharmacologic interventions to prevent or reverse platelet function abnormalities, might improve clinical care and the prognosis of these infections.
Gravity of human impacts mediates coral reef conservation gains
Authors: Cinner Joshua E. , Maire Eva , Huchery Cindy , MacNeil M. Aaron , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Mora Camilo , McClanahan Tim R. , Barnes Michele L. , Kittinger John N. , Hicks Christina C. , D’Agata Stephanie , Hoey Andrew S. , Gurney Georgina G. , Feary David A. , Williams Ivor D. , Kulbicki Michel , Vigliola Laurent , Wantiez Laurent , Edgar Graham J. , Stuart-Smith Rick D. , Sandin Stuart A. , Green Alison , Hardt Marah J. , Beger Maria , Friedlander Alan M. , Wilson Shaun K. , Brokovich Eran , Brooks Andrew J. , Cruz-Motta Juan J. , Booth David J. , Chabanet Pascale , Gough Charlotte , Tupper Mark , Ferse Sebastian C. A. , Sumaila U. Rashid , Pardede Shinta , Mouillot David 
Published: June 2018

Significance
Marine reserves that prohibit fishing are a critical tool for sustaining coral reef ecosystems, yet it remains unclear how human impacts in surrounding areas affect the capacity of marine reserves to deliver key conservation benefits. Our global study found that only marine reserves in areas of low human impact consistently sustained top predators. Fish biomass inside marine reserves declined along a gradient of human impacts in surrounding areas; however, reserves located where human impacts are moderate had the greatest difference in fish biomass compared with openly fished areas. Reserves in low human-impact areas are required for sustaining ecological functions like high-order predation, but reserves in high-impact areas can provide substantial conservation gains in fish biomass.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived glial cells and neural progenitors display divergent responses to Zika and dengue infections
Authors: Muffat Julien , Li Yun , Omer Attya , Durbin Ann , Bosch Irene , Bakiasi Grisilda , Richards Edward , Meyer Aaron , Gehrke Lee , Jaenisch Rudolf 
Published: June 2018

Significance
We describe the ability of the Zika virus to infect various cells of the fetal brain, modeled from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a patient and grown in identical conditions. Zika is associated with microcephaly, while the similar dengue virus is not. We described differences in the behavior of these two viruses. Zika often fails to trigger efficient antiviral responses, surviving encounters with brain immune cells, and killing immature nerve cell precursors that have poor innate antiviral defenses. Precursors of the brain’s immune cells, microglia, circulating in the fetus, may take the virus to the fetal brain where it will stall growth or cause cell death. We show that interferon-γ efficiently protects against this viral transfer.
Microglia inhibit photoreceptor cell death and regulate immune cell infiltration in response to retinal detachment
Authors: Okunuki Yoko , Mukai Ryo , Pearsall Elizabeth A. , Klokman Garrett , Husain Deeba , Park Dong-Ho , Korobkina Ekaterina , Weiner Howard L. , Butovsky Oleg , Ksander Bruce R. , Miller Joan W. , Connor Kip M. 
Published: June 2018

Significance
Photoreceptor cell death resulting from retinal detachment (RD) causes significant visual loss. While the immune system is activated during RD, its role is still unclear. Microglia are resident immune cells in the retina and are thought to be either protective or deleterious in response to neuronal injury, suggesting context-dependent effects. Here, we demonstrate that microglia limit retinal damage during acute injury, since microglial ablation led to increased photoreceptor death. Microglial morphological–activation changes triggered their migration into injured tissue where they formed intimate connections with infiltrating immune cells and phagocytized injured photoreceptors. These findings provide insight into the microglial response and function during RD, indicating microglia promote photoreceptor survival during acute phase injury by removing potentially damaging cell debris.
Reproduction in the Baka pygmies and drop in their fertility with the arrival of alcohol
Authors: Ramirez Rozzi Fernando V. 
Published: June 2018

SignificanceHumans are a polymorphic species with a broad geographical distribution. Diversity in growth and development plays an important role in biological adaptation and can be addressed through studies of life-history variation across different populations, particularly in hunter-gatherer societies. This paper reports the results from our study on fertility and mortality in the Baka pygmies based on individuals of known age. The Baka are characterized by low infant and juvenile mortalities, slow growth, and high fertility at an early age. However, the arrival of cheap alcohol has drastically reduced fertility early in life, which seriously compromises this population’s survival. We provide empirical evidence of the effects of alcohol consumption on the fertility rate of a hunter-gatherer society.
Genetic and developmental origins of a unique foraging adaptation in a Lake Malawi cichlid genus
Authors: Conith Moira R. , Hu Yinan , Conith Andrew J. , Maginnis Maura A. , Webb Jacqueline F. , Albertson R. Craig 
Published: June 2018

Significance
Biologists have long been captivated by novel traits because they provide insights into both the origin of and constraints on morphological variation. The iconic adaptive radiations of cichlid fishes have led to incredible diversity of form, including some species with an exaggerated snout. This novelty is mechanically integrated with the upper jaw, appears to be under directional selection, and is found in one of the most ecologically successful cichlid lineages. We used protein manipulation, gene expression, and genetic mapping to implicate the Tgfβ pathway in the development of this unusual trait. Given the functions of Tgfβ signaling in tissue proliferation, migration, invasion, and organ fibrosis, this represents an example of the cooption of existing pathways in the evolution of novelty.
Coordinated prefrontal–hippocampal activity and navigation strategy-related prefrontal firing during spatial memory formation
Authors: Negrón-Oyarzo Ignacio , Espinosa Nelson , Aguilar-Rivera Marcelo , Fuenzalida Marco , Aboitiz Francisco , Fuentealba Pablo 
Published: June 2018

Significance
Learning the location of relevant places is an iterative process in which animals gradually adjust and optimize their navigation patterns to reach the target. This cognitive operation requires the interplay between the hippocampus, which represents the animal’s current location, and the prefrontal cortex, which implements the selection of adaptive behavioral responses. Yet, how do these structures interact during spatial learning? By recording neural activity in freely behaving mice, we found that the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus gradually increase their oscillatory synchrony as learning progresses, whereas the firing patterns of prefrontal neurons represent the behavioral goal exclusively when the optimal trajectory is selected. These findings provide insight into the cortical dynamics underlying spatial learning.
A nonequilibrium force can stabilize 2D active nematics
Authors: Maitra Ananyo , Srivastava Pragya , Marchetti M. Cristina , Lintuvuori Juho S. , Ramaswamy Sriram , Lenz Martin 
Published: June 2018

Significance
Living systems differ from dead matter in one crucial aspect: They are driven by internal engines. In anisotropic fluids, the widely accepted framework of active matter theory predicts that this necessarily leads to an instability from quiescence to large-scale and eventually incoherent motion. Here we challenge this common wisdom by reexamining the symmetries of the most ubiquitous experimental geometry for active systems. We uncover an additional coupling between activity and motion that can make an active system even more stable than its passive counterpart, while preserving other hallmarks of nonequilibrium physics. Our results challenge common views on active matter and clarify the interpretation of multiple experiments.
Ab initio spectroscopy and ionic conductivity of water under Earth mantle conditions
Authors: Rozsa Viktor , Pan Ding , Giberti Federico , Galli Giulia 
Published: June 2018

Significance
Despite more than a century of study, the properties of water at high pressure and temperature remain difficult to measure. First-principles computations are ideal tools to study matter under extreme conditions, as they require neither assumptions about chemical bonds nor experimental data for fitting interatomic potentials. Here we carry out first-principles simulations to study the diffusivity, vibrational properties, and conductivity of water in a controversial region of its phase diagram (1,000 K, 10–20 GPa). Our results provide insight into water’s dissociation mechanism, the origin of its large ionic conductivity, and the spectroscopic signatures of ionic species. We predict Raman and infrared spectra at several conditions, which will serve as a guide for future experiments.