bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arginase inhibition improves endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus despite intensive glucose‐lowering therapy
Authors: Mahdi A. , Kövamees O. , Checa A. , Wheelock C. E. , von Heijne M. , Alvarsson M. , Pernow J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundArginase is implicated in the pathogenesis behind endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by its inhibition of nitric oxide formation. Strict glycaemic control is not sufficient to improve endothelial function or cardiovascular outcomes in patients with T2DM, thus other treatment strategies are needed. We hypothesized that arginase inhibition improves endothelial function beyond glucose‐lowering therapy following glucose optimization in patients with poorly controlled T2DM.Methods and resultsEndothelial function was evaluated in 16 patients with poorly controlled T2DM (visit 1) and 16 age‐matched controls using venous occlusion plethysmography. T2DM patients were re‐evaluated (visit 2) after intensive glucose‐lowering regimen. Endothelium‐dependent (EDV) and ‐independent (EIDV) vasodilatations were evaluated before and after 120 min intra‐arterial infusion of the arginase inhibitor N(ω)‐hydroxy‐nor‐L‐arginine (nor‐NOHA). HbA1c was reduced from 87 ± 17 (visit 1) to 65 ± 11 mmol mol−1 (visit 2, P < 0.001). Basal EDV, but not EIDV, was significantly lower in patients with T2DM than in healthy subjects (P < 0.05). EDV and EIDV were unaffected by glucose‐lowering regimen in patients with T2DM. Arginase inhibition enhanced EDV in T2DM patients both at visit 1 and visit 2 (P < 0.01). There was no difference in improvement in EDV between the two occasions. EIDV was unaltered by nor‐NOHA in T2DM at visit 1, but was slightly improved at visit 2.ConclusionsArginase inhibition improves endothelial function in patients with poorly controlled T2DM, which is maintained following glucose optimization. Thus, arginase inhibition is a promising therapeutic target beyond glucose lowering for improving endothelial function in T2DM patients.
Expression profile of adiponectin and adiponectin receptors in high‐fat diet feeding chickens
Authors: Chen Ching‐Yi , Chen Yu‐Jen , Ding Shih‐Torng , Lin Yuan‐Yu 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAdiponectin is a circulatory cytokine secreted from adipose tissues and exerts critical metabolic functions in mammals. However, expression profiles of adiponectin and adiponectin receptors in the avian species that may be very different from mammals, especially under affluent nutrition conditions, remain unexplored to examine the effects of adiponectin and adiponectin receptors in chicken adipose tissues under high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding. Twenty Taiwan country chickens (L2 bred) of 12 weeks old were challenged with a 10% high‐fat diet for 6 weeks. Results showed that body weights and plasma triglycerides, cholesterol and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4) were all increased in the HFD treatments. Interestingly, we first demonstrated that chicken circulating macromolecule adiponectin and fat disulphide‐bond A oxidoreductase‐like protein (DsbA‐L), a regulator involved in adiponectin secretion, were elevated upon HFD feeding. Moreover, the mRNA expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptors as well as additional adipose‐related genes such as fatty acid synthase (FAS), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were also increased in the chicken abdominal fats under HFD conditions. These results suggest that HFD treatment alters adiponectin and metabolic genes in chicken adipose tissues. In conclusion, in the present study, we examine expression profiles of adiponectin, adiponectin receptors, adiponectin secretion regulator DsbA‐L, and metabolic genes in chicken fats upon HFD supplementation and provide new insights for how adiponectin entail the pathophysiologically obesogenic conditions in the avian species.
Effects of feed form and xylanase supplementation on metabolizable energy partitioning in broiler chicken fed wheat‐based diets
Authors: Nourmohammadi Rouhollah , Khosravinia Heshmatollah , Afzali Nazar 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAn experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feed form and xylanase supplementation on the growth performance, energetic efficiencies, energy partitioning, and nitrogen (N) balance of Ross 308 male broilers fed wheat‐based diets. The experiment was conducted as a 2 × 2 × 5 factorial arrangement with 2 levels of feed forms (mash or pellets) and xylanase (0 or 500 mg/kg), and five feeding levels (ad libitum, 85%, 70%, 55%, and 40% of ad libitum intake). Each of the 20 dietary treatments was fed to 5 replicate pens (5 birds/pen) from 22 to 42 days of age. A significant interaction between feed form and xylanase on was observed for average daily feed intake and heat production (p < 0.01). Pelleting and dietary supplementation with xylanase increased average daily gain and feed conversion ratio but decreased (p < 0.05) average daily feed intake. Broilers fed xylanase‐supplemented diet ingested and pelleted diet retained more than in those fed the mash form or the diet without xylanase. Xylanase and pellets decreased (p < 0.01) heat production and metabolizable energy intake (MEI), but increased retained energy (p < 0.05). The birds fed xylanase also needed less MEI per gram of N retained than those fed the diets without enzyme (p < 0.01). Estimation of both metabolizable and net energy requirements for maintenance as a function of BW0.75 showed that requirements for broilers fed pelleted diet and xylanase‐supplemented diet were lower than in those fed mash form or the diet without xylanase (p < 0.01). The higher energetic efficiencies for retention were estimated in the birds offered pelleted and xylanase‐supplemented diets compared with the values determined for those fed the diet with mash form or the diet without xylanase (p < 0.05). The efficiency of energy utilization for protein for birds fed xylanase‐supplemented diets was higher (p < 0.01) than those fed diets without xylanase, and fat deposition for broilers fed the pelleted diet was greater than those fed the mash diet (p < 0.01). Because MEI for maintenance requirements represents a large portion of the MEI, the results from this experiment could be considered in calculation of energy requirements for finishing broilers fed wheat‐based diets.
Renal phosphorus excretion in adult healthy cats after the intake of high phosphorus diets with either calcium monophosphate or sodium monophosphate
Authors: Dobenecker Britta , Hertel‐Böhnke Peggy , Webel Anna , Kienzle Ellen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRenal and faecal phosphorus excretion of adult healthy European shorthaired cats after the intake of high phosphorus diets (meat/rice based) with either calcium monophosphate (HP‐CaP) or sodium monophosphate (HP‐NaP) as main phosphorus source was compared. The control diets (CON‐CaP and CON‐NaP, respectively) did not contain any added phosphorus. Calcium/phosphorus ratio was adjusted to 1.3/1 by adding calcium carbonate. Twenty‐three cats were available for the trials. All cats were fed the control diets for 29 days; then, the HP diets were tested for 29 days against controls in a crossover design. Faeces and urine were collected in the last 10 days of each trial. Phosphorus in food, faeces and urine was measured by photometry after wet digestion. Phosphorus intake amounted to 84 ± 10 mg/kg body weight (BW) in CON‐NaP (n = 13) and to 74 ± 7 in CON‐CaP (n = 12). In the HP groups, the intake was 255 ± 34 mg/kg BW (HP‐NaP; n = 13) and 216 ± 20 mg/kg BW (HP‐CaP; n = 12). The sodium monophosphate in group HP‐NaP led to a higher renal phosphorus excretion (83 ± 15 mg/kg BW) than the calcium monophosphate (25 ± 5 mg/kg BW; p < 0.05), even though the apparent phosphorus digestibility was higher in HP‐CaP than in HP‐NaP (p < 0.05). Faecal calcium excretion was strictly correlated to faecal phosphorus excretion (r2 = 0.98). The same was true for calcium and phosphorus balance (r2 = 0.89). In group HP‐NaP, seven of 13 cats showed glucosuria. By contrast, in HP‐CaP glucosuria was not observed. Highly water‐soluble inorganic phosphorus sources such as sodium phosphate are likely to lead to phosphaturia and may present a risk for renal health of cats.
Why are woody plants fleshy‐fruited at low elevations? Evidence from a high‐elevation oceanic island
Authors: Albert Sébastien , Flores Olivier , Rouget Mathieu , Wilding Nicholas , Strasberg Dominique 
Published: August 2018

AbstractQuestionThe composition of fruit types, fleshy vs dry fruits, greatly influences the functioning of plant communities. Literature documenting spatial patterns of fruit types at fine scale is abundant. However, studies at larger geographical scale remain scarce, especially on high‐elevation oceanic islands that provide a great environmental heterogeneity. Here, we investigated how abiotic factors explained the proportion of fleshy‐fruited species (pFF) on Réunion. We asked (a) which abiotic factors were most related to pFF, (b) if fleshy‐fruited canopy species were more sensitive than fleshy‐fruited shrubs to harsh climatic conditions and (c) what are the relationships between pFF, endemism and phylogenetic relatedness.LocationRéunion (3,070 m a.s.l), Mascarene archipelago, South‐West Indian Ocean.MethodsWe used a dataset of 429 vegetation plots and assigned fruit types, growth forms and geographical distribution to 213 native woody species. Phylogenetic trees were constructed for each plot. We used GLMs to measure the relationship between pFF and abiotic factors, controlling for spatial autocorrelation. We then assessed the relationship between pFF, the standardized net relatedness index and the proportion of endemic species.ResultsThe top model explained 78% of the variation in pFF. Elevation was by far the best predictor, with pFF decreasing from 81% at 50 m a.s.l to 0% at 3,000 m a.s.l. At low elevations, pFF was higher on the wet windward (81%) than on the leeward (70%) where phylogenetic clustering was evident. Almost half (48%) of woody plants was fleshy‐fruited trees at low elevations. The proportion of fleshy‐fruited trees declined sharply with elevation and was significantly related to precipitation of the driest month contrary to the proportion of fleshy‐fruited shrubs that showed a hump shaped pattern along elevational gradient and no correlation with precipitation of the driest month. At high elevations, most plant assemblages were phylogenetically clustered and strongly dominated by single‐island endemic dry‐fruited plants.ConclusionsThe striking relationship between pFF and elevation, the shift among fleshy‐fruited growth forms along climatic gradients and the phylogenetic clustering of assemblages subjected to harsh climatic conditions, suggested that climatic factors were the main drivers of the distribution of fruit types on Réunion. To explain the absence of fleshy‐fruited species at high elevations, we hypothesized that native fleshy‐fruited lineages lacked the evolutionary potential to adapt and fleshy‐fruited cold‐adapted lineages had major difficulties reaching Réunion.
Environmental extremes drive population structure at the northern range limit of Atlantic salmon in North America
Authors: Sylvester Emma V. A. , Beiko Robert G. , Bentzen Paul , Paterson Ian , Horne John B. , Watson Beth , Lehnert Sarah , Duffy Steven , Clément Marie , Robertson Martha J. , Bradbury Ian R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractConservation of exploited species requires an understanding of both genetic diversity and the dominant structuring forces, particularly near range limits, where climatic variation can drive rapid expansions or contractions of geographic range. Here, we examine population structure and landscape associations in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) across a heterogeneous landscape near the northern range limit in Labrador, Canada. Analysis of two amplicon‐based data sets containing 101 microsatellites and 376 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 35 locations revealed clear differentiation between populations spawning in rivers flowing into a large marine embayment (Lake Melville) compared to coastal populations. The mechanisms influencing the differentiation of embayment populations were investigated using both multivariate and machine‐learning landscape genetic approaches. We identified temperature as the strongest correlate with genetic structure, particularly warm temperature extremes and wider annual temperature ranges. The genomic basis of this divergence was further explored using a subset of locations (n = 17) and a 220KSNParray.SNPs associated with spatial structuring and temperature mapped to a diverse set of genes and molecular pathways, including regulation of gene expression, immune response, and cell development and differentiation. The results spanning molecular marker types and both novel and established methods clearly show climate‐associated, fine‐scale population structure across an environmental gradient in Atlantic salmon near its range limit in North America, highlighting valuable approaches for predicting population responses to climate change and managing species sustainability.
The timing of frugivore‐mediated seed dispersal effectiveness
Authors: González‐Varo Juan P. , Arroyo Juan M. , Jordano Pedro 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe seed dispersal effectiveness framework allows assessing mutualistic services from frugivorous animals in terms of quantity and quality. Quantity accounts for the number of seeds dispersed and quality for the probability of recruitment of dispersed seeds. Research on this topic has largely focused on the spatial patterns of seed deposition because seed fates often vary between microhabitats due to differences in biotic and abiotic factors. However, the temporal dimension has remained completely overlooked despite these factors—and even local disperser assemblages—can change dramatically during long fruiting periods. Here, we test timing effects on seed dispersal effectiveness, using as study case a keystone shrub species dispersed by frugivorous birds and with a fruiting period of 9 months. We evaluated quantity and quality in different microhabitats of a Mediterranean forest and different periods of the fruiting phenophase. We identified the bird species responsible for seed deposition through DNA barcoding and evaluated the probability of seedling recruitment through a series of field experiments on sequential demographic processes. We found that timing matters: The disperser assemblage was temporally structured, seed viability decreased markedly during the plant's fruiting phenophase, and germination was lower for viable seeds dispersed in the fruiting peak. We show how small contributions to seed deposition by transient migratory species can result in a relevant effectiveness if they disperse seeds in a high‐quality period for seedling recruitment. This study expands our understanding of seed dispersal effectiveness, highlighting the importance of timing and infrequent interactions for population and community dynamics.
Haptic exploration attenuates and alters somatosensory cortical oscillations
Authors: Kurz Max J. , Wiesman Alex I. , Coolidge Nathan M. , Wilson Tony W. 
Published: August 2018

Key points
Several behavioural studies have shown the sensory perceptions are reduced during movement; yet the neurophysiological reason for this is not clear.
Participants underwent stimulation of the median nerve when either sitting quietly (i.e. passive stimulation condition) or performing haptic exploration of a ball with the left hand.
Magnetoencephalographic brain imaging and advanced beamforming methods were used to identify the differences in somatosensory cortical responses.
We show that the neural populations active during the passive stimulation condition were strongly gated during the haptic exploration task.
These results imply that the reduced haptic perceptions might be governed by gating of certain somatosensory neural populations.
AbstractSeveral behavioural studies have shown that children have reduced sensory perceptions during movement; however, the neurophysiological nexus for these altered perceptions remains unknown. We used magnetoencephalographic brain imaging and advanced beamforming methods to address this knowledge gap. In our experiment, a cohort of children (aged 10–18 years) underwent stimulation of the median nerve when either sitting quietly (i.e. passive stimulation condition) or performing haptic exploration of a ball with the left hand. Our results revealed two novel observations. First, there was a relationship between the child's age and the strength of the beta (18–26 Hz) response seen within the somatosensory cortices during the passive stimulation condition. This suggests that there may be an age‐dependent change in the processing of peripheral feedback by the somatosensory cortices. Second, all of the cortical regions that were active during the passive stimulation condition were almost completely gated during the haptic task. Instead, the haptic task involved neural oscillations within Brodmann area 2, which is known to convey less spatially precise tactile information but is involved in the processing of more complex somatosensations across the respective digits. These results imply that the reduced somatosensory perceptions seen during movements in healthy children may be related to the gating of certain neural generators, as well as activation of haptic‐specific neural generators within the somatosensory cortices. The utilization of such haptic‐specific circuits during development may lead to the enhanced somatosensory processing during haptic exploration seen in healthy adults.
On remarkable Pachylaelaps species with unusual sperm induction system in females (Acari, Mesostigmata, Pachylaelapidae)
Authors: Masan Peter , Mojahed Samaneh , Hajizadeh Jalil , Hosseini Reza , Ahadiyat Ali 
Published: August 2018

In our study of the pachylaelapid mites from Iran, a new remarkable species, Pachylaelaps (Pachylaelaps) prodigiosus sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on adult stages found in soil detritus of broadleaved deciduous forest habitats. The sperm induction system detected in females of the new species is unusual in having its tubular structures exclusively associated with coxae III instead of coxae IV, as found in all other members of the genus. An adult male of P. (P.) grandis Koroleva, 1977, a similar species with analogous sperm induction system in female, is described for the first time. A new species group in the subgenus Pachylaelaps, represented by P. (P.) grandis, P. (P.) kirghizorum Koroleva, 1977 and P. (P.) prodigiosus sp. nov., is newly constituted, and its specific characters of insemination apparatus discussed.
Field detection devices for screening the quality of medicines: a systematic review
Authors: Vickers Serena , Bernier Matthew , Zambrzycki Stephen , Fernandez Facundo M , Newton Paul N , Caillet Céline 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundPoor quality medicines have devastating consequences. A plethora of innovative portable devices to screen for poor quality medicines has become available, leading to hope that they could empower medicine inspectors and enhance surveillance. However, information comparing these new technologies is woefully scarce.MethodsWe undertook a systematic review of Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and SciFinder databases up to 30 April 2018. Scientific studies evaluating the performances/abilities of portable devices to assess any aspect of the quality of pharmaceutical products were included.ResultsForty-one devices, from small benchtop spectrometers to ‘lab-on-a-chip’ single-use devices, with prices ranging from <US$10 to >US$20 000, were included. Only six devices had been field-tested (GPHF-Minilab, CD3/CD3+, TruScan RM, lateral flow dipstick immunoassay, CBEx and Speedy Breedy). The median (range) number of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) assessed per device was only 2 (1–20). The majority of devices showed promise to distinguish genuine from falsified medicines. Devices with the potential to assay API (semi)-quantitatively required consumables and were destructive (GPHF-Minilab, PharmaChk, aPADs, lateral flow immunoassay dipsticks, paper-based microfluidic strip and capillary electrophoresis), except for spectroscopic devices. However, the 10 spectroscopic devices tested for their abilities to quantitate APIs required processing complex API-specific calibration models. Scientific evidence of the ability of the devices to accurately test liquid, capsule or topical formulations, or to distinguish between chiral molecules, was limited. There was no comment on cost-effectiveness and little information on where in the pharmaceutical supply chain these devices could be best deployed.ConclusionAlthough a diverse range of portable field detection devices for medicines quality screening is available, there is a vitally important lack of independent evaluation of the majority of devices, particularly in field settings. Intensive research is needed in order to inform national medicines regulatory authorities of the optimal choice of device(s) to combat poor quality medicines.
Designing the landscape for technological development in neonatal neurocritical care
Authors: Hamilton Colin , Phaal Robert , Brahmbhatt Mita , Jarritt Peter , Austin Topun 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesTo identify current ‘gaps’ in clinical practice or therapeutic knowledge of the care of neonatal neurointensive care patients and to determine the impact healthcare technologies can have on improving outcomes.DesignThe Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing’s (IfM) roadmapping methodology.SettingCambridge, UK.Participants16 delegates were selected through professional networks. They provided coverage of academia and clinical skills, as well as expertise in neonatology, engineering and technology development.Main outcome measuresA ‘strategic landscape’ has been developed with ‘landmarks’ identified as ‘trends or drivers’, ‘patient pathway experience and unmet needs’ and ‘enabling project or resources’. Priorities were voted on by delegates.Results26 strategic ‘landmarks’ were identified, and of these 8 were considered ‘trends or drivers’, 8 ‘patient pathway experience and unmet needs’ and 10 as ‘enabling project or resources’. Of these, five priorities for the future of neonatal neurocritical care were identified by a voting process: real-time video monitoring for parents; individualised management of preterm infants in neonatal neurocritical care based on real-time multimodal monitoring; continuous electroencephalogram monitoring for early seizure diagnosis; neuroprotection: understanding basic mechanisms; and sleep measurement.ConclusionsThrough the use of the IfM methodology, a list of priorities has been developed for future work into improving the experience and possible outcomes of newborn infants with brain injuries and their families. While not an exhaustive list, it provides the beginning for a national conversation on the topic.