bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progressive resistance training prevents loss of muscle mass and strength in bile duct‐ligated rats
Authors: Aamann Luise , Ochoa‐Sanchez Rafael , Oliveira Mariana , Tremblay Mélanie , Bémeur Chantal , Dam Gitte , Vilstrup Hendrik , Aagaard Niels Kristian , Rose Christopher F. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundLoss of muscle mass and strength is common in cirrhosis and increases the risk of hyperammonaemia and hepatic encephalopathy. Resistance training optimizes muscle mass and strength in several chronic diseases. However, the beneficial effects of resistance training in cirrhosis remain to be investigated. Bile duct‐ligated (BDL) rats develop chronic liver disease, hyperammonaemia, reduced muscle mass and strength. Our aim was to test the effects of resistance training on muscle mass, function and ammonia metabolism in BDL‐rats.MethodsA group of BDL‐rats underwent a progressive resistance training programme and a group of non‐exercise BDL‐rats served as controls. Resistance training comprised of ladder climbing with a progressive increase in carrying weights attached to the tail. Training was performed 5 days a week during 4 weeks. Muscle strength and body composition were assessed using grip strength and EchoMRI. Weight and circumference of the gastrocnemius muscle (normalized to bodyweight), plasma ammonia and glutamine synthetase protein expression and activity were assessed.ResultsBDL + exercise rats had significantly larger gastrocnemius circumference compared to non‐exercise BDL‐rats: ratio 0.082 vs 0.075 (P < 0.05). Gastrocnemius muscle weight was higher in exercisers than controls: 0.006 vs 0.005 (P < 0.05). A tendency towards a lower plasma ammonia in the exercise group compared to controls was observed (P = 0.10). There were no differences in lean body mass, GS protein expression and activity between the groups.ConclusionResistance training in rats with chronic liver disease beneficially effects muscle mass and strength. The effects were followed by non‐significant reduction in blood ammonia; however, a tendency was observed.
Nutrient release from sediments and biological nitrogen fixation: Advancing our understanding of eutrophication sources in Lake Victoria, Tanzania
Authors: Shayo Salome , Limbu Samwel M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntensification of anthropogenic activities in the three riparian countries bordering the shoreline of Lake Victoria is exacerbating eutrophication in the main body of the lake. The present study evaluated the importance of sediments and biological nitrogen fixation as sources of nutrient enrichment into Lake Victoria in Magu, Mwanza and Kayenze bays influenced by different anthropogenic activities, over a period of 7 months. Kayenze Bay is a relatively pristine site, while higher anthropogenic activities occur in the Magu Bay and Mwanza North Bay areas. Sediment cores were retrieved from each sampling site and transported to the laboratory for nutrient concentrations and flux analyses. In situ nitrogen fixation rates also were measured in the water column. The results indicated the sediment–water interface in Magu Bay exhibited significantly higher concentrations of nitrate‐N and a net release of nitrate‐N, compared to Mwanza North Bay and Kayenze Bay (p < 0.001). The sediment–water interface in Magu Bay also exhibited a significant net release of total phosphate towards the water column, compared to Mwanza Bay (p < 0.001). The sediment–water interface in Mwanza North Bay exhibited higher ammonium‐N concentrations, and net release of ammonium‐N and total nitrogen than did Magu and Kayenze Bays (p < 0.001). The sediment–water interface in Mwanza and Magu Bays exhibited higher total nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphate concentrations than Kayenze Bay (p < 0.001). Their sediments also released net fluxes of soluble reactive phosphate to the water column than did Kayenze Bay (p < 0.001). In contrast, the Kayenze Bay sediments acted as a sink of ammonium‐N from the water column, compared to Mwanza North and Magu Bays (p < 0.001). Biological nitrogen fixation rates were significantly higher during the rainy season than the dry season (p < 0.05), although no spatial variations in biological nitrogen fixation existed among the three sites (p > 0.05). The present study indicated the water column and sediments in Magu Bay and Mwanza North Bay, characterized by high anthropogenic activities are rich in nitrate‐N, ammonium‐N, total nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphate, compared to the relative pristine Kayenze Bay. Anthropogenic activities and sediments may well be important sources of nutrients enrichment to the overlaying waters, thereby enhancing eutrophication of Lake Victoria. Management strategies are required to reduce external releases and internal nutrient fluxes to enhance the lake ecosystem health.
Development of a real‐time patient‐reported outcome measure for symptom assessment in patients with functional dyspepsia using the experience sampling method
Authors: Smeets Fabiënne G. M. , Keszthelyi Daniel , Vork Lisa , Tack Jan , Talley Nicholas J. , Simren Magnus , Aziz Qasim , Ford Alexander C. , Conchillo José M. , Kruimel Joanna W. , Van Os Jim , Masclee Ad A. M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundPatient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to assess symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). Current end‐of‐day questionnaires have several limitations including sensitivity to recall and ecological bias. The experience sampling method (ESM) is characterized by random and repeated assessments across momentary states in daily life and therefore less sensitive to these limitations. This study describes the development of a novel PROM based on ESM technology.MethodsAn initial draft of the PROM was developed based on literature. Focus group interviews with FD patients according to Rome IV criteria, and an expert meeting with international opinion leaders in the field of functional gastrointestinal disorders were conducted in order to select items for the PROM. Cognitive interviews were performed to evaluate patients’ understanding of the selected items and to create the definitive PROM.Key resultsA systematic literature search revealed 59 items across four domains (ie, physical status; mood and psychological factors; context and environment; and nutrition, medication, and substance use). After patient focus group interviews and an international expert meeting, the number of items was reduced to 33. Cognitive interviews resulted in some minor linguistic changes in order to improve patients’ understanding.Conclusions and inferencesA novel digital ESM‐based PROM for real‐time symptom assessment in patients with functional dyspepsia was developed. This novel PROM has the potential to identify individual symptom patterns and specific triggers for dyspeptic symptoms, and optimize treatment strategies.
Potentiation of serotonin signaling protects against intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury in mice
Authors: Tackett John J. , Gandotra Neeru , Bamdad Michaela C. , Muise Eleanor D. , Cowles Robert A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundKnock‐out of serotonin re‐uptake transporters (SERT) or use of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) potentiates enteric serotonin (5‐HT) signaling and stimulates enterocyte proliferation. We hypothesized that increased serotonin signaling would mitigate epithelial injury from intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R).MethodsMice lacking SERT (SERTKO mice) and wild‐type littermates (WTLM) were subjected to intestinal ischemia by superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion. At intervals post‐laparotomy with or without ischemia, ileum was harvested and prepared for staining. A WTLM subgroup treated with SSRI after SMA occlusion followed by reperfusion was also sacrificed and analyzed. Mucosal injury was scored, percentage of injured villi calculated, and enterocyte proliferation measured. Lastly, staining for enterocytes, enteroendocrine cells, and goblet cells, villus epithelial cellular make‐up was investigated at baseline and 14 days after injury. Measurements were compared between groups using t test and chi‐squared test.Key resultsMucosal injury after I/R was significantly decreased in SERTKO and SSRI‐treated mice compared to WTLM at all intervals except baseline. Enterocyte proliferation was greater in SERTKO and SSRI‐treated mice without alteration in cellular composition along villi (P > 0.05).Conclusions and inferencesPotentiation of 5‐HT signaling is associated with mucosal protection from intestinal I/R injury without alterations in villus cell distribution, possibly via increased rates of enterocyte renewal.
Targeting epigenetic mechanisms for chronic visceral pain: A valid approach for the development of novel therapeutics
Authors: Louwies Tijs , Ligon Casey O. , Johnson Anthony C. , Greenwood‐Van Meerveld Beverley 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundChronic visceral pain is persistent pain emanating from thoracic, pelvic, or abdominal origin that is poorly localized with regard to the specific organ affected. The prevalence can range up to 25% in the adult population as chronic visceral pain is a common feature of many visceral disorders, which may or may not be accompanied by distinct structural or histological abnormalities within the visceral organs. Mounting evidence suggests that changes in epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the top‐down or bottom‐up sensitization of pain pathways and the development of chronic pain. Epigenetic changes can lead to long‐term alterations in gene expression profiles of neurons and consequently alter functionality of peripheral neurons, dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord, and brain neurons. However, epigenetic modifications are dynamic, and thus, detrimental changes may be reversible. Hence, external factors/therapeutic interventions may be capable of modulating the epigenome and restore normal gene expression for extended periods of time.PurposeThe goal of this review is to highlight the latest discoveries made toward understanding the epigenetic mechanisms that are involved in the development or maintenance of chronic visceral pain. Furthermore, this review will provide evidence supporting that targeting these epigenetic mechanisms may represent a novel approach to treat chronic visceral pain.
Expression polymorphism at the ARPC4 locus links the actin cytoskeleton with quantitative disease resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Badet Thomas , Léger Ophélie , Barascud Marielle , Voisin Derry , Sadon Pierre , Vincent Remy , Le Ru Aurélie , Balagué Claudine , Roby Dominique , Raffaele Sylvain 
Published: November 2018

Summary

Quantitative disease resistance (QDR) is a form of plant immunity widespread in nature, and the only one active against broad host range fungal pathogens. The genetic determinants of QDR are complex and largely unknown, and are thought to rely partly on genes controlling plant morphology and development.

We used genome‐wide association mapping in Arabidopsis thaliana to identify ARPC4 as associated with QDR against the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Mutants impaired in ARPC4 showed enhanced susceptibility to S. sclerotiorum, defects in the structure of the actin filaments and in their responsiveness to S. sclerotiorum. Disruption of ARPC4 also alters callose deposition and the expression of defense‐related genes upon S. sclerotiorum infection.

Analysis of ARPC4 diversity in A. thaliana identified one haplotype (ARPC4R) showing a c. 1 kbp insertion in ARPC4 regulatory region and associated with higher level of QDR. Accessions from the ARPC4R haplotype showed enhanced ARPC4 expression upon S. sclerotiorum challenge, indicating that polymorphisms in ARPC4 regulatory region are associated with enhanced QDR.

This work identifies a novel actor of plant QDR against a fungal pathogen and provides a prime example of genetic mechanisms leading to the recruitment of cell morphology processes in plant immunity.
The Phytophthora sojae RXLR effector Avh238 destabilizes soybean Type2 GmACSs to suppress ethylene biosynthesis and promote infection
Authors: Yang Bo , Wang Yuyin , Guo Baodian , Jing Maofeng , Zhou Hao , Li Yufei , Wang Haonan , Huang Jie , Wang Yan , Ye Wenwu , Dong Suomeng , Wang Yuanchao 
Published: November 2018

Summary

Phytophthora pathogens secrete many effector proteins to manipulate host innate immunity. PsAvh238 is a Phytophthora sojae N‐terminal Arg‐X‐Leu‐Arg (RXLR) effector, which evolved to escape host recognition by mutating one nucleotide while retaining plant immunity‐suppressing activity to enhance infection. However, the molecular basis of the PsAvh238 virulence function remains largely enigmatic.

By using coimmunoprecipitation and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis, we identified the 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate synthase (ACS) isoforms, the key enzymes in ethylene (ET) biosynthesis, as a host target of PsAvh238.

We show that PsAvh238 interacts with soybean ACSs (GmACSs) in vivo and in vitro. By destabilizing Type2 GmACSs, PsAvh238 suppresses Type2 ACS‐catalyzed ET biosynthesis and facilitates Phytophthora infection. Silencing of Type2 GmACSs, and inhibition of ET biosynthesis or signaling, increase soybean susceptibility to P. sojae infection, supporting a role for Type2 GmACSs and ET in plant immunity against P. sojae. Moreover, wild‐type P. sojae but not the PsAvh238‐disrupted mutants, inhibits ET induction and promotes P. sojae infection in soybean.

Our results highlight the ET biosynthesis pathway as an essential part in plant immunity against P. sojae and a direct effector target.
Isoprenoid biosynthesis in the diatom Haslea ostrearia
Authors: Athanasakoglou Anastasia , Grypioti Emilia , Michailidou Sofia , Ignea Codruta , Makris Antonios M. , Kalantidis Kriton , Massé Guillaume , Argiriou Anagnostis , Verret Frederic , Kampranis Sotirios C. 
Published: November 2018

Summary

Diatoms are eukaryotic, unicellular algae that are responsible for c. 20% of the Earth's primary production. Their dominance and success in contemporary oceans have prompted investigations on their distinctive metabolism and physiology. One metabolic pathway that remains largely unexplored in diatoms is isoprenoid biosynthesis, which is responsible for the production of numerous molecules with unique features.

We selected the diatom species Haslea ostrearia because of its characteristic isoprenoid content and carried out a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis and functional characterization of the genes identified.

We functionally characterized one farnesyl diphosphate synthase, two geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthases, one short‐chain polyprenyl synthase, one bifunctional isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase – squalene synthase, and one phytoene synthase. We inferred the phylogenetic origin of these genes and used a combination of functional analysis and subcellular localization predictions to propose their physiological roles.

Our results provide insight into isoprenoid biosynthesis in H. ostrearia and propose a model of the central steps of the pathway. This model will facilitate the study of metabolic pathways of important isoprenoids in diatoms, including carotenoids, sterols and highly branched isoprenoids.
A review of reviews: Sedentary behaviour and cardiovascular disease specific to older people
Authors: Dickins Kirsten A. , Buchholz Susan W. , Rivero Tania , Miller Corinne 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of sedentary behaviour and cardiovascular disease impacts the health of older people, potentially leading to serious and negative health consequences.AimThe purpose of this umbrella review was to identify the systematic reviews that explore the association between sedentary behaviour and cardiovascular disease specific to older people.MethodsAn umbrella review was undertaken to systematically search five databases. Papers included were published between 2011 and 2015.ResultsA search yielded 2,163 results. Six reviews met the inclusion criteria. While all six systematic reviews included older people in the overall sample, only one systematic review focused on an entirely older person population. Three of the six systematic reviews provided a meta‐analysis, but none of the reviews reported a separate subgroup analysis for a discrete sample of older peopleConclusionThis umbrella review demonstrates that while sedentary behaviour is associated with cardiovascular disease, a gap exists in the analysis on the relationship specific to older persons.Implications for PracticeInterventions aimed at reducing sedentary behaviour may improve cardiovascular health and well‐being among older people.
Effects of an animal‐assisted intervention on social behaviour, emotions, and behavioural and psychological symptoms in nursing home residents with dementia
Authors: Wesenberg Sandra , Mueller Christoph , Nestmann Frank , Holthoff‐Detto Vjera 
Published: November 2018

AimThe positive effects of animal‐assisted interventions (AAIs) in people with dementia have been frequently reported in the literature. However, it remains unclear if the positive effects are directly due to the presence of the animal. The aim of this study was to investigate if the inclusion of an animal adds value to psychosocial interventions for people with dementia.MethodsThe study followed a within‐subject design with two studied conditions (AAI and control intervention) and several measurement points (baseline (i.e. at beginning of the intervention), after 3 months, and after 6 months). Nineteen nursing home residents with dementia participated in the AAI (with a dog) and the control intervention. Both interventions were delivered as weekly group sessions over a period of 6 months. Outcomes examined were social interaction, emotional expression, and behavioural and psychological symptoms. These outcomes were evaluated by using video recordings at baseline and after 3 and 6 months.ResultsNineteen patients with moderate to moderately severe dementia who lived in two nursing homes in Germany were included. During the AAI, we detected significantly longer and more frequent periods of positive emotions (pleasure) and social interaction (e.g. touch, body movements) than during the control intervention.ConclusionThe presence of a dog appears to have beneficial effects on psychosocial intervention for people with dementia.
“I Just Don't Think She Has a Presidential Look”: Sexism and Vote Choice in the 2016 Election*
Authors: Knuckey Jonathan 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesThis article examines the effect of both modern and traditional sexism on vote choice in the 2016 presidential election, and posits that they played a major role in explaining Hillary Clinton's defeat to Donald Trump.MethodsData from the 2016 American National Election Study are analyzed using a logistic regression model.ResultsBoth modern and traditional sexism exerted a statistically significant effect on presidential vote choice in 2016. Indeed, its effect rivaled that of racial resentment and was only exceeded by partisanship.ConclusionWhile a variety of factors may have cost Hillary Clinton the presidency in 2016, sexism needs to be addressed as one of those factors. More broadly, the findings of this article suggest that women candidates continue to face obstacles and are evaluated differently than men, especially when running for the most visible offices in American politics.
In vivo detection of protein cysteine sulfenylation in plastids
Authors: De Smet Barbara , Willems Patrick , Fernandez‐Fernandez Alvaro D. , Alseekh Saleh , Fernie Alisdair R. , Messens Joris , Van Breusegem Frank 
Published: November 2018

SummaryProtein cysteine thiols are post‐translationally modified under oxidative stress conditions. Illuminated chloroplasts are one of the important sources of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and are highly sensitive to environmental stimuli, yet a comprehensive view of the oxidation‐sensitive chloroplast proteome is still missing. By targeting the sulfenic acid YAP1C‐trapping technology to the plastids of light‐grown Arabidopsis cells, we identified 132 putatively sulfenylated plastid proteins upon H2O2 pulse treatment. Almost half of the sulfenylated proteins are enzymes of the amino acid metabolism. Using metabolomics, we observed a reversible decrease in the levels of the amino acids Ala, Asn, Cys, Gln, Glu, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Phe, Ser, Thr and Val after H2O2 treatment, which is in line with an anticipated decrease in the levels of the glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid metabolites. Through the identification of an organelle‐tailored proteome, we demonstrated that the subcellular targeting of the YAP1C probe enables us to study in vivo cysteine sulfenylation at the organellar level. All in all, the identification of these oxidation events in plastids revealed that several enzymes of the amino acid metabolism rapidly undergo cysteine oxidation upon oxidative stress.
Human T‐cell lymphotropic virus: A simulation model to estimate residual risk with universal leucoreduction and testing strategies in Canada
Authors: O'Brien Sheila F. , Yi Qi‐Long , Goldman Mindy , Grégoire Yves , Delage Gilles 
Published: November 2018

Background and ObjectivesIn Canada, transfusion transmission risk of Human T‐cell lymphotropic virus ‐I/II (HTLV) is addressed by universal leucoreduction and universal antibody testing. We aimed to estimate the risk with the current policy, if testing only first‐time donors and if testing were stopped.Materials and MethodsMonte Carlo simulation was employed to estimate the proportion of red cell concentrate, random donor platelet and apheresis platelet units that would be released into inventory in each scenario (10 billion donors each). The model estimated the number of HTLV‐positive donations not intercepted by testing, randomly assigned the number of HTLV particles/100 leucocytes using proportions from published data and randomly selected a postleucoreduction leucocyte count from quality control data. Units were considered infectious if ≥9 × 104 copies of HTLV provirus.ResultsWith universal leucoreduction in place, the residual risk of releasing an HTLV potentially infectious unit with universal testing was 1 in 1·2 billion units (0, 1 in 55·9 million), with testing only first‐time donors 1 in 7·1 million (0, 1 in 1·05 million) and with no testing 1 in 1·0 million (0, 1 in 178 600). The efficacy of leucoreduction was >99·5% (lower bound 95·7%) for all scenarios.ConclusionWith universal leucoreduction in place, switching from universal testing to testing first‐time donors would incur very low risk.