bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frailty Is Related to Subjective Cognitive Decline in Older Women without Dementia
Authors: Gifford Katherine A. , Bell Susan P. , Liu Dandan , Neal Jacquelyn E. , Turchan Maxim , Shah Avantika S. , Jefferson Angela L. 
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVESPhysical frailty (or loss of physiologic reserve) is associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may represent early pathologic changes of dementia. The association between these disease markers is unclear.DESIGNCross‐sectional analysis.SETTINGCommunity‐based participants from the Vanderbilt Memory & Aging Project.PARTICIPANTSA total of 306 older adults with normal cognition (NC; n = 174) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 132).MEASUREMENTSFrailty was measured using standard methods, and a composite frailty score was calculated. SCD was quantified using the Everyday Cognition Scale (ECog; total score and four domain scores). Objective cognition was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Proportional odds models, stratified by sex, related the frailty composite to MoCA and total ECog score adjusting for age, education, body mass index, cognitive diagnosis, depressed mood, Framingham Stroke Risk Profile, apolipoprotein E (APOE ε4) carrier status, and height (for gait speed models). Secondary models related individual frailty components to SCD domains and explored associations in NC only.RESULTSIn women, frailty composite was related to MoCA (odds ratio [OR] = .56; P = .04), a finding attenuated in sensitivity analysis (OR = .59; P = .08). Frailty composite related to ECog total (OR = 2.27; P = .02), planning (OR = 2.63; P = .02), and organization scores (OR = 2.39; P = .03). Increasing gait speed related to lower ECog total (OR = .06; P = .003) and memory scores (OR = .03; P < .001). Grip strength related to lower ECog planning score (OR = .91; P = .04). In men, frailty was unrelated to objective and subjective cognition (P values >.07). Findings were consistent in the NC group.CONCLUSIONFrailty component and composite scores are related to SCD before the presence of overt dementia. Results suggest that this association is present before overt cognitive impairment. Results suggest a possible sex difference in the clinical manifestation of frailty, with primary associations noted in women. Further studies should investigate mechanisms linking early changes among frailty, SCD, and cognition. J Am Geriatr Soc, 1–9, 2019. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1803–1811, 2019
Alterations in synaptic function and plasticity in Huntington disease
Authors: Smith‐Dijak Amy I. , Sepers Marja D. , Raymond Lynn A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHuntington disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of the CAG repeat region in the first exon of the huntingtin gene. Neurodegeneration, which begins in the striatum and then spreads to other brain areas, is preceded by dysfunction in multiple aspects of neurotransmission across a variety of brain areas. This review will provide an overview of the neurochemical mediators and modulators of synaptic transmission that are disrupted in HD. This includes classical neurotransmitters like glutamate and gamma‐aminobutyric acid, modulators such as dopamine, adenosine and endocannabinoids, and molecules like brain‐derived neurotrophic factor which affect neurotransmission in a more indirect manner. Alterations in the functioning of these signaling pathways can occur across multiple brain regions such as striatum, cortex and hippocampus, and affect transmission and plasticity at the synapses within these regions, which may ultimately change behaviour and contribute to the pathophysiology of HD. The current state of knowledge in this area has already yielded useful information about the causes of synaptic dysfunction and selective cell death. A full understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of disruptions in synaptic function and plasticity will lend insight into the development of the symptoms of HD, and potential drug targets for ameliorating them.
image
The host defense peptide LL‐37 is internalized by human periodontal ligament cells and prevents LPS‐induced MCP‐1 production
Authors: Aidoukovitch Alexandra , Anders Emma , Dahl Sara , Nebel Daniel , Svensson Daniel , Nilsson Bengt‐Olof 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe human host defense peptide LL‐37 both shows antimicrobial effects and modulates host cell properties. Here, we assess the effects of synthesized LL‐37 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation in human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and investigates underlying mechanisms.BackgroundLL‐37 has been detected in the periodontal tissues, but its functional importance for PDL cell innate immune responses is not known.MethodsHuman PDL cells were obtained from premolars extracted on orthodontic indications. Cellular pro‐inflammatory monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) mRNA expression was determined using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. MCP‐1 protein production was assessed by western blot and ELISA. Internalization of LL‐37 by PDL cells was visualized by immunocytochemistry. Nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B‐cell (NF‐κB) activity was assessed by western blot of phosphorylated p65, phosphorylated p105, and IκBα proteins. Binding of LL‐37 to PDL cell DNA was determined by isolation and purification of DNA and dot blot for LL‐37 immunoreactivity.ResultsTreatment with LL‐37 (1 µmol/L) for 24 hours prevented LPS‐induced stimulation of MCP‐1 expression analyzed both on transcript and on protein levels. Stimulation with LL‐37 (1 µmol/L) for 24 hours had no effect on toll‐like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 transcript expression, suggesting that LL‐37 acts downstream of the TLRs. Preincubation with LL‐37 for 60 minutes followed by stimulation with LPS for 24 hours in the absence of LL‐37 completely prevented LPS‐evoked MCP‐1 transcript expression, implying that LL‐37 acts intracellularly and not via binding and neutralization of LPS. In PDL cells stimulated with LL‐37 for 60 minutes, the peptide was internalized as demonstrated by immunocytochemistry, suggesting an intracellular mechanism of action. LL‐37 immunoreactivity was observed both in the cytosol and in the nucleus. Downregulation of LPS‐induced MCP‐1 by LL‐37 was not mediated by reduction in NF‐κB activity as shown by unaltered expression of phosphorylated p65, phosphorylated p105, and IκBα NF‐κB proteins in the presence of LL‐37. Immunoreactivity for LL‐37 was observed in PDL cell DNA treated with but not without 0.1 and 1 µmol/L LL‐37 for 60 minutes in vitro.ConclusionLL‐37 abolishes LPS‐induced MCP‐1 production in human PDL cells through an intracellular, NF‐κB‐independent mechanism which probably involves direct interaction between LL‐37 and DNA.
The World is Not Enough*
Authors: Howard Nathan Robert , Laskowski N. G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThroughout his career, Derek Parfit made the bold suggestion, at various times under the heading of the “Normativity Objection,” that anyone in possession of normative concepts is in a position to know, on the basis of their competence with such concepts alone, that reductive realism in ethics is not even possible. Despite the prominent role that the Normativity Objection plays in Parfit's non‐reductive account of the nature of normativity, when the objection hasn't been ignored, it's been criticized and even derided. We argue that the exclusively negative attention that the objection has received has been a mistake. On our reading, Parfit's Normativity Objection poses a serious threat to reductivism, as it exposes the uneasy relationship between oura prioriknowledge of a range of distinctly normative truths and the package of semantic commitments that reductivists have typically embraced since the Kripkean revolution.
MiR319 mediated salt tolerance by ethylene
Authors: Liu Yanrong , Li Dayong , Yan Jianping , Wang Kexin , Luo Hong , Zhang Wanjun 
Published: May 2019

SummarySalinity‐induced accumulation of certain microRNAs accompanied by gaseous phytohormone ethylene production has been recognized as a mechanism of plant salt tolerance. MicroRNA319 (miR319) has been characterized as an important player in abiotic stress resistance in some C3 plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana and rice. However, its role in the dedicated biomass plant switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a C4 plant, has not been reported. Here, we show crosstalk between miR319 and ethylene (ET) for increasing salt tolerance. By overexpressing Osa‐MIR319b and a target mimicry form of miR319 (MIM319), we showed that miR319 positively regulated ET synthesis and salt tolerance in switchgrass. By experimental treatments, we demonstrated that ET‐mediated salt tolerance in switchgrass was dose‐dependent, and miR319 regulated the switchgrass salt response by fine‐tuning ET synthesis. Further experiments showed that the repression of a miR319 target, PvPCF5, in switchgrass also led to enhanced ethylene accumulation and salt tolerance in transgenic plants. Genome‐wide transcriptome analysis demonstrated that overexpression of miR319 (OE‐miR319) down‐regulated the expression of key genes in the methionine (Met) cycle but promoted the expression of genes in ethylene synthesis. The results enrich our understanding of the synergistic effects of the miR319‐PvPCF5 module and ethylene synthesis in the salt tolerance of switchgrass, a C4 bioenergy plant.
Identification of genetic variation in Brassica napus seeds for tocopherol content and composition using near‐infrared spectroscopy technique
Authors: Xu Jingjing , Nwafor Chinedu Charles , Shah Nadil , Zhou Yuanwei , Zhang Chunyu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTocopherol is an essential fat‐soluble nutrient for humans. Increasing the tocopherol content in Brassica napus seeds can add value to rapeseed vegetable oil; this has become an important breeding target. However, there is no efficient and non‐destructive method for selecting rapeseed accessions with high tocopherol contents. Here, we report the first near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS)‐based technique for predicting rapeseed tocopherol content. Individual seed tocopherol compositions were estimated from 373 rapeseed genotypes of different origins. This method and chemical methods produced comparable predicted values of the tocopherol constituents in the seeds. Three equations were generated for the prediction of tocopherol content by using a modified partial least squares (MPLS) model. The total tocopherol content for the determination coefficient of cross‐validation (R2cv) (0.74), determination coefficient (RSQ) (0.76) and one minus the ratio of unexplained variance to total variance (1‐VR) (0.65) values indicates a strong correlation between the calibration and validation sets. Overall, our model confirmed the NIRS method as feasible for predicting tocopherol content in rapeseed and as an efficient screening tool for future breeding programs.
Pectin methyl esterases and rhamnogalacturonan hydrolases: weapons for successful Monilinia laxa infection in stone fruit?
Authors: Baró‐Montel N. , Vall‐llaura N. , Usall J. , Teixidó N. , Naranjo‐Ortíz M. A. , Gabaldón T. , Torres R. 
Published: May 2019

The secretion of cell wall‐degrading enzymes is one of the mechanisms used by necrotrophic fungi to colonize host tissues. However, information about virulence factors of Monilinia spp., the causal agents of brown rot in stone fruit, is scarce. Plant cell walls have three main components that are broken down by fungal enzymes: cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. In order to identify Monilinia laxa candidate proteins involved in pectin hydrolysis, two in vitro approaches were conducted: (i) phenotypic and ecophysiological characterization of growth of the pathogen at different pHs, in glucose‐ and pectin‐containing solid media for 7 days' incubation; and (ii) expression analysis of genes encoding M. laxa pectin methyl esterases (MlPMEs) and rhamnogalacturonan hydrolases (MlRG‐HYDs) after incubation for 0.5, 2, 6, 24 and 48 h in glucose‐ and pectin‐containing liquid media. Phenotypic tests showed the role of carbon source on M. laxa growth rate and aggressiveness, and indicated that pectinases were greatly affected by pH. Gene expression analyses uncovered differences among members of each family of pectinases and between the two families, defining sets of genes expressed at earlier (0.5–6 h) and later (48 h) phases. Notably, the up‐ or down‐regulation of these target genes was carbon source‐dependent. Finally, an in vivo study confirmed the synergistic and complementary role that these genes play in the M. laxa–stone fruit pathosystem. Based on these results, it is hypothesized that MlPME2, MlRG‐HYD1 and MlRG‐HYD2 may be potential virulence factors of M. laxa in the process from infection to colonization.
Concentrations of minerals in the canine prostatic fluid
Authors: Umbach Anne‐Kathrin , Failing Klaus , Goericke‐Pesch Sandra , Wehrend Axel 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCurrent knowledge about the composition of the prostate fluid in healthy male dogs is limited and restricted to small case numbers. Furthermore, published data often vary significantly regarding sample processing and analytical methods. Therefore, we aimed to provide data on the composition of electrolytes and minerals in the canine prostatic fluid in a larger population (n = 30 dogs/samples) and to compare these results with the existing literature. Concentrations of sodium, potassium and copper analysed in our population were most consistent with those in the literature. Different to this, concentrations of total calcium, magnesium, zinc and inorganic phosphate varied. Whereas magnesium, zinc and inorganic phosphate seemed to depend on the analysis method, total calcium concentrations differed if centrifugation was performed or not. Our results clearly indicate a need for standardization of methods for analysis of seminal plasma components.
Models are a “metaphor in your brain”: How potential and preservice teachers understand the science and engineering practice of modeling
Authors: Carpenter Stacey L. , Iveland Ashley , Moon Sungmin , Hansen Alexandria K. , Harlow Danielle B. , Bianchini Julie A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe investigated beginning secondary science teachers’ understandings of the science and engineering practice of developing and using models. Our study was situated in a scholarship program that served two groups: undergraduate STEM majors interested in teaching, or potential teachers, and graduate students enrolled in a teacher education program to earn their credentials, or preservice teachers. The two groups completed intensive practicum experiences in STEM‐focused academies within two public high schools. We conducted a series of interviews with each participant and used grade‐level competencies outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards to analyze their understanding of the practice of developing and using models. We found that potential and preservice teachers understood this practice in ways that both aligned and did not align with the NGSS and that their understandings varied across the two groups and the two practicum contexts. In our implications, we recommend that teacher educators recognize and build from the various ways potential and preservice teachers understand this complex practice to improve its implementation in science classrooms. Further, we recommend that a variety of practicum contexts may help beginning teachers develop a greater breadth of understanding about the practice of developing and using models.
Forest disturbance and vector transmitted diseases in the lowland tropical rainforest of central Panama
Authors: Loaiza Jose R. , Rovira Jose R. , Sanjur Oris I. , Zepeda Jesus Altagracia , Pecor James E. , Foley Desmond H. , Dutari Larissa , Radtke Meghan , Pongsiri Montira J. , Molinar Octavio Smith , Laporta Gabriel Z. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo explore possible changes in the community attributes of haematophagous insects as a function of forest disturbance. We compare the patterns of diversity and abundance, plus the behavioural responses of three epidemiologically distinct vector assemblages across sites depicting various levels of forest cover.MethodsOver a 3‐year period, we sampled mosquitoes, sandflies and biting‐midges in forested habitats of central Panama. We placed CDC light traps in the forest canopy and in the understorey to gather blood‐seeking females.ResultsWe collected 168 405 adult haematophagous dipterans in total, including 26 genera and 86 species. Pristine forest settings were always more taxonomically diverse than the disturbed forest sites, confirming that disturbance has a negative impact on species richness. Species of Phlebotominae and Culicoides were mainly classified as climax (i.e. forest specialist) or disturbance‐generalist, which tend to decrease in abundance along with rising levels of disturbance. In contrast, a significant portion of mosquito species, including primary and secondary disease vectors, was classified as colonists (i.e. disturbed‐areas specialists), which tend to increase in numbers towards more disturbed forest habitats. At pristine forest, the most prevalent species of Phlebotominae and Culicoides partitioned the vertical niche by being active at the forest canopy or in the understorey; yet this pattern was less clear in disturbed habitats. Most mosquito species were not vertically stratified in their habitat preference.ConclusionWe posit that entomological risk and related pathogen exposure to humans is higher in pristine forest scenarios for Culicoides and Phlebotominae transmitted diseases, whereas forest disturbance poses a higher entomological risk for mosquito‐borne infections. This suggests that the Dilution Effect Hypothesis (DEH) does not apply in tropical rainforests where highly abundant, yet unrecognised insect vectors and neglected zoonotic diseases occur. Comprehensive, community level entomological surveillance is, therefore, the key for predicting potential disease spill over in scenarios of pristine forest intermixed with anthropogenic habitats. We suggest that changes in forest quality should also be considered when assessing arthropod‐borne disease transmission risk.
Novel approaches for predicting efficiency in helically coiled tube flocculators using regression models and artificial neural networks
Authors: Oliveira D. S. , Teixeira E. C. , Donadel C. B. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this paper, prediction models for turbidity removal efficiency (TRE) in helically coiled tube flocculators (HCTFs) are presented. The TRE was determined by physically modelling a compact, high‐performance and low detention time clarification system composed of a HCTF coupled to a decantation system. The values of hydrodynamic representative parameters of the flow were determined by CFD modelling. Eighty‐four different configurations of HCTFs were evaluated. Multiple linear/non‐linear regression and artificial neural network analyses were performed. A determination coefficient (R2) of 0.81 was obtained using multiple linear regression with the geometric and hydraulic parameters. In this model, the root mean squared error (RMSE) was 3.29%. Adding hydrodynamic parameters and using the artificial neural networks, R2 reaches 0.96 and RMSE decay to 1.58%. These results indicate that the use of effective efficiency prediction models can be helpful in the design of new flocculation units and for the improvement of existing ones.
Dynamic Warm-Up With a Weighted Vest: Improvement of Repeated Change-of-Direction Performance in Young Male Soccer Players
Authors: Turki Olfa , Dhahbi Wissem , Gueid Sabri , Hmaied Sami , Souaifi Marouen , Khalifa Riadh 
Published: May 2019

Purpose: To explore the effect of 4 different warm-up strategies using weighted vests and to determine the specific optimal recovery duration required to optimize the repeated change-of-direction (RCOD) performance in young soccer players. Methods: A total of 19 male soccer players (age 18 [0.88] y, body mass 69.85 [7.68] kg, body height 1.75 [0.07] m, body mass index 22.87 [2.23] kg·m−2, and body fat percentage 12.53% [2.59%]) completed the following loaded warm-up protocols in a randomized, counterbalanced cross-over, within-participants order and on separate days: weighted vest with a loading of 5% (WUV5%), 10% (WUV10%), 15% (WUV15%) body mass, and an unloaded condition (control). RCOD performance (total time, peak time, and fatigue index) was collected during the preintervention phase (5 min after the dynamic stretching sequence) for baseline values and immediately (at 15 min), at 4- and 8-minute postwarm-up intervention. Results: For each postwarm-up tested, recovery times (ie, 15 s, 4 min, and 8 min), of both total and peak times were faster following WUV5%, WUV10%, and WUV15%, compared with the unloaded condition (P ≤.001–.031, d = 1.28–2.31 [large]). There were no significant differences (P = .09–1.00, d = 0.03–0.72 [trivial–moderate]) in-between recovery times in both total and peak times following WUV5%, WUV10%, and WUV15%. However, baseline fatigue index score was significantly worse than all other scores (P ≤.001–.002, d = 1.35–2.46 [large]) following the loaded conditions. Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that a dynamic loaded warm-up increases an athlete’s initial RCOD performance up to the 8-minute postwarm-up intervention. Therefore, strength coaches need to consider using weighted vests during the warm-up for trained athletes in order to acutely optimize RCODs.
The Increased Effectiveness of Loaded Versus Unloaded Plyometric Jump Training in Improving Muscle Power, Speed, Change of Direction, and Kicking-Distance Performance in Prepubertal Male Soccer Players
Authors: Negra Yassine , Chaabene Helmi , Sammoud Senda , Prieske Olaf , Moran Jason , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Nejmaoui Ali , Granacher Urs 
Published: May 2019

Purpose: To examine the effects of loaded (LPJT) versus unloaded plyometric jump training (UPJT) programs on measures of muscle power, speed, change of direction (CoD), and kicking-distance performance in prepubertal male soccer players. Methods: Participants (N = 29) were randomly assigned to a LPJT group (n = 13; age = 13.0 [0.7] y) using weighted vests or UPJT group (n = 16; age = 13.0 [0.5] y) using body mass only. Before and after the intervention, tests for the assessment of proxies of muscle power (ie, countermovement jump, standing long jump); speed (ie, 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprint); CoD (ie, Illinois CoD test, modified 505 agility test); and kicking-distance were conducted. Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences. Results: Within-group analyses for the LPJT group showed large and very large improvements for 10-m sprint time (effect size [ES] = 2.00) and modified 505 CoD (ES = 2.83) tests, respectively. For the same group, moderate improvements were observed for the Illinois CoD test (ES = 0.61), 5- and 20-m sprint time test (ES = 1.00 for both the tests), countermovement jump test (ES = 1.00), and the maximal kicking-distance test (ES = 0.90). Small enhancements in the standing long jump test (ES = 0.50) were apparent. Regarding the UPJT group, small improvements were observed for all tests (ES = 0.33–0.57), except 5- and 10-m sprint time (ES = 1.00 and 0.63, respectively). Between-group analyses favored the LPJT group for the modified 505 CoD (ES = 0.61), standing long jump (ES = 0.50), and maximal kicking-distance tests (ES = 0.57), but not for the 5-m sprint time test (ES = 1.00). Only trivial between-group differences were shown for the remaining tests (ES = 0.00–0.09). Conclusion: Overall, LPJT appears to be more effective than UPJT in improving measures of muscle power, speed, CoD, and kicking-distance performance in prepubertal male soccer players.