bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transgenerational and within‐generation plasticity shape thermal performance curves
Authors: Cavieres Grisel , Alruiz José M. , Medina Nadia R. , Bogdanovich José M. , Bozinovic Francisco 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThermal performance curves (TPCs) compute the effects of temperature on the performance of ectotherms and are frequently used to predict the effect of environmental conditions and currently, climate change, on organismal vulnerability and sensitivity. Using Drosophila melanogaster as an animal model, we examined how different thermal environments affected the shape of the performance curve and their parameters. We measured the climbing speed as a measure of locomotor performance in adult flies and tested the ontogenetic and transgenerational effects of thermal environment on TPC shape. Parents and offspring were reared at 28 ± 0ºC (28C), 28 ± 4ºC (28V), and 30 ± 0ºC (30C). We found that both, environmental thermal variability (28V) and high temperature (30C) experienced during early ontogeny shaped the fruit fly TPC sensitivity. Flies reared at variable thermal environments shifted the TPC to the right and increased heat tolerance. Flies held at high and constant temperature exhibited lower maximum performance than flies reared at the variable thermal environment. Furthermore, these effects were extended to the next generation. The parental thermal environment had a significative effect on TPC and its parameters. Indeed, flies reared at 28V whose parents were held at a high and constant temperature (30C) had a lower heat tolerance than F1 of flies reared at 28C or 28V. Also, offspring of flies reared at variable thermal environment (28V) reached the maximum performance at a higher temperature than offspring of flies reared at 28C or 30C. Consequently, since TPC parameters are not fixed, we suggest cautiousness when using TPCs to predict the impact of climate change on natural populations.
Association of heart rate with mortality in sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Sartipy Ulrik , Savarese Gianluigi , Dahlström Ulf , Fu Michael , Lund Lars H. 
Published: January 2019

AimsTo assess the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and mortality, and also the association between resting heart rate (HR) and mortality in both sinus rhythm (SR) and AF in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Methods and resultsA total of 9090 patients with HFpEF (ejection fraction ≥ 50%) were included from the Swedish Heart Failure registry; 4296 (47%) had SR and 4794 (53%) had AF. Patients with AF were older (80.3 vs. 75.0 years) and more symptomatic compared with patients in SR. The outcome measure was all‐cause mortality. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for AF vs. SR was 1.21 (1.11–1.32). Compared with HR ≤ 60 b.p.m., the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were in SR: 1.06 (0.92–1.21) for HR 61–70 b.p.m., 1.30 (1.12–1.52) for HR 71–80 b.p.m., 1.27 (1.07–1.51) for HR 81–90 b.p.m., and 1.77 (1.45–2.17) for HR > 90 b.p.m. Due to non‐proportional hazards in AF, hazard ratios were estimated in three time periods. Compared with HR ≤ 60 b.p.m., the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were in AF: 1.30 (1.07–1.57), 1.07 (0.83–1.39), and 1.01 (0.70–1.48) for HR 61–70 b.p.m., 1.35 (1.12–1.62), 0.99 (0.77–1.27), and 0.96 (0.66–1.40) for HR 71–80 b.p.m., 1.41 (1.16–1.73), 1.01 (0.76–1.36), and 0.79 (0.51–1.22) for HR 81–90 b.p.m., and 1.78 (1.46–2.17), 1.08 (0.80–1.46), and 0.73 (0.46–1.17) for HR > 90 b.p.m., during 0–2, 2–4, and 4–6 years of follow‐up, respectively.ConclusionIn a large and unselected cohort of patients with HFpEF, AF was independently associated with all‐cause mortality. A higher HR was associated with increased mortality in SR. In AF, the effect of a higher HR on mortality was only present during the first years of follow‐up, with convergence in outcomes according to baseline HR groups over long‐term follow‐up.
The contribution of active and passive mechanisms of 5mC and 5hmC removal in human T lymphocytes is differentiation‐ and activation‐dependent
Authors: Vincenzetti Lucia , Leoni Cristina , Chirichella Michele , Kwee Ivo , Monticelli Silvia 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn mammals, the 5’‐methylcytosine (5mC) modification in the genomic DNA contributes to the dynamic control of gene expression. 5mC erasure is required for the activation of developmental programs and occurs either by passive dilution through DNA replication, or by enzymatic oxidation of the methyl mark to 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), which can persist as such or undergo further oxidation and enzymatic removal. The relative contribution of each mechanism to epigenetic control in dynamic biological systems still remains a compelling question. To explore this critical issue, we used primary human T lymphocytes, in which two cellular states can be clearly identified, namely quiescent naïve T cells, which are slowly or rarely proliferating, and rapidly proliferating activated T cells. We found that active mechanisms of methylation removal were selectively at work in naïve T cells, while memory T lymphocytes entirely relied on passive, replication‐dependent dilution, suggesting that proliferative capacity influences the choice of the preferential demethylation mechanism. Active processes of demethylation appear to be critical in quiescent naïve T lymphocytes for the maintenance of regulatory regions poised for rapid responses to physiological stimuli.
Motor performance during experimental pain: The influence of exposure to contact sports
Authors: Thornton Claire , Sheffield David , Baird Andrew 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundAthletes who play contact sports are regularly exposed to pain, yet manage to perform complex tasks without significant decrement. Limited research has suggested that superior pain tolerance in contact athletes may be important in this context and this may be altered via experience of pain. Other psychological variables such as challenge states, pain bothersomeness and coping style may also influence skill execution during pain.MethodsForty experienced contact athletes (>3 years experience), 40 novice contact athletes (<6 months experience) and 40 non‐contact athletes performed a motor task both in pain and without pain. During the pain condition, pressure pain was induced and half of each group were given challenge instructions and the other half threat based instructions. Measures of cognitive appraisal, heart rate variability, pain bothersomeness, tolerance and intensity and coping styles were taken.ResultsContact athletes, regardless of experience, performed better during pain compared to the non‐contact athletes, this relationship was mediated by pain tolerance and physical bothersomeness. During the threat condition, experience of contact sports moderated performance. Contact athletes were challenged by the pain, regardless of the instructions given, had higher direct coping and found pain less psychologically bothersome. Experienced contact athletes had higher pain tolerance and reported pain as less intense than the other groups.ConclusionsAthletes who play contact sports may have better coping and adjustment to experimental pain, especially during threatening conditions. Performance during experimental pain is mediated by pain tolerance and physical pain bothersomeness.SignificanceAthletes with even relatively small amounts of contact sport experience perform better during experimental pain than athletes who play non‐contact sports. Experienced contact athletes had higher levels of direct coping and were more challenged and less threatened by pain than non‐contact athletes.
Lumbosacral radicular pain during micturition, defecation or orgasm
Authors: Haddad Rebecca , Hentzen Claire , Le Breton Frederique , Sheikh Ismael Samer , Amarenco Gerard 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to describe, in a cohort of patients followed for bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunctions, the occurrence of radicular pain during micturition, defecation and/or orgasm.MethodsThe study included all patients referred in our neuro‐urology department and who suffered from radicular pain before, during or after micturition, defecation and/or orgasm. Data included demographic and medical variables, urodynamic and perineal electromyographic diagnosis.ResultsA total of 30 patients (men: 70%, mean age 45.4 ± 11.8,) complained of radicular pain before, during or after orgasm (51.4%), micturition (34.3%), or defecation (14.3%). In 30% of cases, radiculopathy was found and was predicted by micturition pain. Other pathologies were as follows: vertebral (16.5%), pelvis and sacral (16.5%), inflammatory central nervous system (10%) lesions and peripheral neuropathies (6.7%). Neurological level of injury was between the lumbar and the sacral level. All spinal cord lesions were lesions of the conus medullaris. Patients also complained of lower urinary tract symptoms (70%), sexual (63.3%) and bowel (60%) disorders. In most cases, the urodynamic diagnosis was neurogenic bladder with peripheral abnormalities and the electromyographic diagnosis was distal neuropathy.ConclusionRadicular pain occurring during micturition, defecation or orgasm is a rare condition. The most common underlying lesion seems to be radiculopathy, from lumbar to sacral spine. The presence of these symptoms, in the absence of any known neurological condition, should suggest the practitioner a radiculopathy in most of the cases. In consequence, appropriate additional tests should be offered to these patients.SignificanceFew data are available on sciatica during micturition, defecation or orgasm. This study underlines the need for appropriate tests if a patient complaint from this type of symptom. Indeed, the most common underlying lesion is a radiculopathy but can also be a lesion of conus medullaris.
Detection of RNA‐protein interactions using a highly sensitive non‐radioactive electrophoretic mobility shift assay
Authors: Daras Gerasimos , Alatzas Anastasios , Tsitsekian Dikran , Templalexis Dimitris , Rigas Stamatis , Hatzopoulos Polydefkis 
Published: January 2019

AbstractElectrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) is a sensitive technique useful in the identification and characterization of protein interactors with nucleic acids. This assay provides an efficient method to study DNA or RNA binding proteins and to identify nucleic acid substrates. The specific interaction plays important roles in many biological processes such as transcription, translation, splicing, and global gene expression. In this article, we have modified the EMSA technique and developed a non‐radioactive straightforward method to study and determine RNA‐protein interactions. The labeling of target RNAs by 3'‐end biotinylation and the detection of biotin reactivity to streptavidin‐conjugated horseradish peroxidase is a highly sensitive approach capable to detect the formation of RNA‐protein complexes. Overall, we provide a complete technical guide useful to determine in vitro RNA‐protein interactions and analyze RNA target specificity.
Decreased epileptogenesis in mice lacking the System xc− transporter occurs in association with a reduction in AMPA receptor subunit GluA1
Authors: Sears Sheila M. S. , Hewett James A. , Hewett Sandra J. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryObjectiveAlthough the cystine/glutamate antiporter System xc− (Sxc−) plays a permissive role in glioma‐associated seizures, its contribution to other acquired epilepsies has not been determined. As such, the present study investigates whether and how Sxc− contributes to the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) chemical kindling model of epileptogenesis.MethodsMale Sxc− null (sut/sut) mice and their wild‐type littermates were administered PTZ (i.p.) daily for up to 21 days (kindling paradigm). Seizure severity was scored on a 5‐point behavioral scale. Mossy fiber sprouting, cellular degeneration, and Sxc− light chain (xCT) messenger RNA (mRNA) were explored using Timm staining, thionin staining, and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), respectively. Levels of reduced and oxidized glutathione and cysteine were determined via high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Plasma membrane protein levels of glutamate and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunits as well as the K+/Cl− co‐transporter KCC2 were quantified via western blot analysis.ResultsRepeated administration of PTZ produced chemical kindling in only 50% of Sxc− null mice as compared to 82% of wild‐type littermate control mice. Kindling did not result in any changes in xCT mRNA levels assessed in wild‐type mice. No cellular degeneration or mossy fiber sprouting was discernible in either genotype. Except for a small, but significant, decrease in oxidized cysteine in the hippocampus, no other change in measured redox couples was determined in Sxc− null mice. Cortical levels of the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit GluA1 were decreased in Sxc− null mice as compared to wild‐type littermates, whereas all other proteins tested showed no difference between genotypes.SignificanceThis study provides the first evidence that Sxc− signaling contributes to epileptogenesis in the PTZ kindling model of acquired epilepsy. Further data indicate that a reduction in AMPA receptor signaling could underlie the resistance to PTZ kindling uncovered in Sxc− null mice.
Disinfection Byproducts Bind Human Estrogen Receptor-α
Authors: Holmes Breanne E. , Smeester Lisa , Fry Rebecca C. , Weinberg Howard S. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Disinfection byproducts are formed during most drinking water treatment and presently number &gt;800, some of which are implicated in human health outcomes including bladder cancer and infertility, with unknown mechanisms of action. In particular, it is not yet understood whether these compounds can disrupt the estrogen-signaling pathway through binding to the human estrogen receptor (ER). In the present study, 21 disinfection byproducts, selected for their predicted involvement in endocrine-related diseases and their structural diversity, were individually evaluated for their binding affinity to the human ER and in silico, and then a subset of these chemicals was studied in binary mixtures with the known weak estrogen, 4-n-nonylphenol. Individually, 9 of the 21 disinfection byproducts were able to weakly bind to the ER, with affinities ranging from log median inhibitory concentration values of –3.83 to –2.19 M. In binary mixtures, the chemicals followed concentration addition, with their weak binding affinities having little contribution to the overall mixture affinity. These results demonstrate the variety of small-molecule disinfection byproduct structures that are capable of binding to the ER, and that their weak binding can still be of importance when overall human exposure to mixtures of disinfection byproducts in disinfected drinking water is considered. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;9999:1–9. © 2019 SETAC
Abstract
More than 800 disinfection byproducts have been identified. Among them, some structurally diverse compounds are able to bind to the human estrogen receptor.
Effect of microencapsulation on concentration of isoflavones during simulated in vitro digestion of isotonic drink
Authors: Wyspiańska Dorota , Kucharska Alicja Z. , Sokół‐Łętowska Anna , Kolniak‐Ostek Joanna 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIsotonic drinks, fortified with microencapsulated maltodextrin and inulin isoflavone extract, were evaluated by organoleptic assessment and color measurement on the CIE L*a*b scale, then they were subjected to in vitro digestion. Changes of concentrations of isoflavones released during digestion of drinks and their ability to neutralize free radicals (ABTS) were determined. The effect of microencapsulation and storage on isoflavone content in isotonic drinks was also evaluated. In the organoleptic evaluation, beverages without additives and beverages fortified with microencapsulated extract were evaluated as better than a beverage with pure extract. Microencapsulation largely eliminated the unpleasant taste and odor of isoflavones and masked their color. Before digestion, isotonic drinks contained 29.07–43.17 μg of isoflavones in 1 ml. Microencapsulated isoflavones were released gradually during simulated digestion. The highest recovery of these compounds was observed for glycoside and malonylate derivatives of daidzein. Daidzin and genistin with encapsulation showed bioavailability of 0.02%–0.07%. The use of inulin as a carrier increased the stability of microcapsules during the storage of isotonic beverages. Microencapsulated of isoflavones from soybeans can increase the health benefits of conventional beverages available on the market.
Hydrolyzation of mogrosides: Immobilized β‐glucosidase for mogrosides deglycosylation from Lo Han Kuo
Authors: Wang Hsueh‐Ting , Yang Jin‐tong , Chen Kuan‐I , Wang Tan‐Ying , Lu Ting‐Jang , Cheng Kuan‐Chen 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAn immobilized enzyme system for bioconversion of Lo Han Kuo (LHK) mogrosides was established. β‐Glucosidase which was covalently immobilized onto the glass spheres exhibited a significant bioconversion efficiency from pNPG to pnitrophenol over other carriers. Optimum operational pH and temperature were determined to be pH 4 and 30°C. Results of storage stability test demonstrated that the glass sphere enzyme immobilization system was capable of sustaining more than 80% residual activity until 50 days, and operation reusability was confirmed for at least 10 cycles. The Michaelis constant (Km) of the system was determined to be 0.33 mM. The kinetic parameters, rate constant (K) at which Mogrosides conversion was determined, the τ50 in which 50% of mogroside V deglycosylation/mogroside IIIE production was reached, and the τ complete of complete mogroside V deglycosylation/mogroside IIIE production, were 0.044/0.017 min−1, 15.6/41.1 min, and 60/120 min, respectively. Formation of the intermediates contributed to the kinetic differences between mogroside V deglycosylation and mogroside IIIE formation.
Composite Membranes of PVDF Nanofibers Impregnated with Nafion for Increased Fuel Concentrations in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Li Y. , Hui J. , Kawchuk J. , O'Brien A. , Jiang Z. , Hoorfar M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSerious methanol crossover of Nafion greatly limits the use of increased fuel concentrations in methanol fuel cells, which results in a decreased power density. To lower the methanol crossover of Nafion, thin layers of PVDF nanofibers were successfully electrospun and impregnated with a Nafion solution to create novel fuel cell membranes. The morphological structures, mechanical properties, thermal stabilities, chemical resistance and proton conductivity were investigated for each composite membrane. The performances of membranes with different layers of PVDF nanofibers were evaluated, using a single cell direct methanol fuel cell with 10M methanol fuel. In comparison with membranes of pure Nafion, the introduction of PVDF fiber mats greatly enhanced the membrane's thermal and oxidation stabilities, suppressed swelling ratios and water uptake, and increase fuel cell performance.
Study of Toxic Elements in River Water and Wetland Using Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) as Pollution Monitor
Authors: Srivastava Alok , Chahar Vikas , Sharma Vishal , Swain Kollola K. , Hoyler Friedrich , Murthy Ganti S. , Scherer Ulrich W. , Rupp Hildegard , Knolle Friedhart , Maekawa Miyuki , Schnug Ewald 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe concentration of toxic elements present in surface water of Sutlej River and Harike wetland besides Eichhornia crassipes, commonly known as water hyacinth, is estimated employing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Toxic elements such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), uranium (U), and zinc (Zn) are identified in the river as well as in Harike wetland catchment. Accumulation of elements in different parts of the water hyacinth plant is observed with the roots exhibiting maximum affinity followed by stem and then leaves. The removal efficacy of pollutants by water hyacinth is estimated using bioconcentration factor (BCF) index. It is found to be different for different elements, with Mn showing the highest and U the lowest magnitude. The study carried out in the present work indicates that rhizofiltration could play an important role in controlling pollutant load.
Carbon dioxide separation using α‐alumina ceramic tube supported cellulose triacetate‐tributyl phosphate composite membrane
Authors: Shankar Kunalan , Kandasamy Palanivelu 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCarbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere lead to global warming and unpredictable climate change via the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide from industrial sources can be captured by the membrane separation technique to mitigate the greenhouse effect. In this research, a polymer solution was prepared by blending a cellulose triacetate (CTA) polymer with a tri‐n‐butyl phosphate (TBP) additive. The polymer solution was coated on an alumina (α‐Al2O3) tube, which acted as a support material, to prepare a composite membrane for the CO2 separation. The composite membrane that was prepared was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. The CO2 permeance and the selectivity for the prepared composite membrane were evaluated using a constant pressure‐variable volume method. The influence of the concentration of CTA and TBP, polymer solution preparation time, number of sequential dip coating, and the feed gas pressure on the CO2, N2, and CH4 gas separation performances was examined. The highest CO2 permeance of 129 GPU and the selectivity of 19.9 versus N2 and 10.6 against CH4 were obtained for the pure gases, and a CO2 permeance of 116 GPU and selectivity of 17.1 against N2 were obtained for a mixture of gases (15% CO2/85% N2). © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcomes following radiation for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Associations between immune suppression and recurrence
Authors: Arbab Mona , Margalit Danielle N. , Tishler Roy B. , Rabinowits Guilherme , Pashtan Itai M. , Borgelt Bruce B. , Powlis William , Holdsworth Clay H. , Warren Laura E. , Schoenfeld Jonathan D. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundData evaluating outcomes and patterns of recurrence following radiation therapy (RT) for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the head and neck are limited.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 111 head and neck cSCC patients treated with RT at 4 affiliated institutions.ResultsWith median follow‐up of 7 months, there were 29 (26%) recurrences, 73% of which were nodal (n = 21). Immunosuppression (IS) was the only factor associated with recurrence (47% in IS, 22% in non‐IS, P = .04), and also with time to recurrence in multivariate analysis (HR 5.5; P = .03). No factors were associated with recurrence among patients who received definitive RT. The majority of patients who recurred were salvaged with surgery (n = 20, 69%).ConclusionIn a cohort of cSCC treated with radiotherapy, there was an association between IS and increased failure risk. The majority of failures were salvaged surgically.