bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐reported sleep disturbances and prostate cancer morbidity and mortality in Swedish men: A longitudinal study over 40 years
Authors: Tan Xiao , Cedernaes Jonathan , Forsberg Lars A. , Schiöth Helgi B. , Benedict Christian 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe present study, with an observational period of about 40 years, examined the association between self‐reported sleep disturbances (i.e. problems with falling and staying asleep; use of hypnotics) and prostate cancer morbidity and mortality in initially 2322 men (all 50 years old at baseline). Self‐reported sleep disturbances and established risk factors (e.g. age, lower urinary tract symptoms, smoking and family history of cancer) were measured at ages 50 and 70 years. Information about prostate cancer diagnosis and deaths as a result of prostate cancer was available from the National Cancer Registry and the Swedish Civil Registry of Morbidity. During the observational period, 263 participants developed prostate cancer (11% of the total cohort); 146 of them died as a result of prostate cancer. There was no association between sleep disturbances and prostate cancer morbidity or mortality (hazard ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79, 1.52, and hazard ratio 1.21, 95% CI 0.77, 1.91, respectively). Similar findings were observed when examining associations between single sleep disturbance parameters and prostate cancer morbidity and mortality. Our study does not provide evidence that reports of sleep disturbances increase the risk of prostate cancer morbidity or mortality in middle to older‐aged men. Therefore, assessing subjective sleep problems may not meaningfully help to identify men at risk of developing prostate cancer or dying of this devastating condition.
Comparison of overall survival between antiviral‐induced viral suppression and inactive phase chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Cho Y. Y. , Lee J.‐H. , Chang Y. , Nam J. Y. , Cho H. , Lee D. H. , Cho E. J. , Lee D. H. , Yu S. J. , Lee J. M. , Kim Y. J. , Yoon J.‐H. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryNucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs) reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, the risk of HCC is reportedly higher for NA‐treated patients than for patients in the inactive CHB phase. This study aimed to compare the long‐term outcomes of CHB patients with NA‐induced viral suppression and those of patients with inactive CHB. This retrospective study involved 1118 consecutive CHB patients whose HBV DNA level was continuously <2000 IU/mL during follow‐up with/without antiviral agents. The patients were classified into inactive CHB (n = 373) or NA groups (n = 745). The primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary endpoints included development of HCC and other liver‐related events. The median duration of follow‐up was 41.0 (interquartile range = 26.5‐55.0) months. The difference in overall survival between the NA group vs. the inactive CHB group was not significant (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.33‐1.85; P = .57). The NA group showed a significantly higher risk of HCC (HR = 3.44; 95% CI = 1.82‐6.52; P < .01), but comparable risk for non‐HCC liver‐related events (HR = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.66‐1.59; P = .93), compared with the inactive CHB group. Among patients with cirrhosis, the NA group showed a significantly lower risk of death (HR = 0.31; 95% CI = 0.097‐0.998; P = .05) and non‐HCC liver‐related events (HR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.31‐0.83; P < .01), but a slightly higher risk of HCC (HR = 2.39; 95% CI = 0.85‐6.75; P = .09), compared to the inactive CHB group. The overall survival of untreated patients with inactive CHB and of CHB patients achieving viral suppression with NA was comparable. However, NA treatment of cirrhotic patients was significantly associated with longer overall survival and lower risk of liver‐related events.
Effect of temperature on an alga‐grazer trophic transfer: A dual stable isotope (13C, 15N) labeling experiment
Authors: Legrand Erwann , Martin Sophie , Leroux Cédric , Riera Pascal 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this study, we examined the impact of temperature on the carbon and nitrogen trophic transfers from a macroalga to a macro‐grazer by the use of dual 13C‐ and 15N‐labeling. Using an experimental approach in mesocosms, individuals of the urchin Psammechinus miliaris were maintained for 1 month at 17°C (mean summer temperature in the Bay of Brest) and at 20°C (maximum summer temperature) and fed with 13C‐ and 15N‐labeled Solieria chordalis. The results showed that the urchins’ 13C uptake was 0.30 µg13C g dry weight (DW)−1 at 17°C and 0.14 µg13C g DW−1 at 20°C at the end of the experiment. The lower uptake at the higher temperature may be attributed to a decrease in metabolic activity at 20°C, involving lower feeding and/or respiration rates. Conversely, no significant effect of temperature was detected on 15N uptake. At the end of the experiment, the urchins’ 15N uptake was 0.04 µg15N g DW−1 at 17°C and 0.03 µg15N g DW−1 at 20°C. This suggests that temperature may affect carbon and nitrogen trophic fluxes differently. The use of dual isotope labeling offers interesting prospects and needs to be further extended in order to better understand trophic interactions in marine communities and the consequences of current environmental changes, such as global warming.
The sphingosine analog fingolimod (FTY720) enhances tone and contractility of rat gastric fundus smooth muscle
Authors: Kraft M. , Zettl U. K. , Noack T. , Patejdl R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundSphingosine and its metabolite sphingosine phosphate (S1P) regulate a multitude of biological functions, including the contractile state of smooth. Gastrointestinal side effects have been reported in patients treated withFTY720, a sphingosine analog that is approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects ofFTY720 on rat gastric fundus smooth muscle under basal conditions and during activation induced by high‐K+solution.MethodsIsometric contractions of isolated circular strips of gastric fundus smooth muscle were recorded using the organ bath method. The effects ofFTY720 or vehicle were recorded under control conditions and in the presence of indomethacin, L‐NAME,HA‐1100, nifedipine,JTE‐013, and suramin. Tone and contractions recorded in the presence ofFTY720 or vehicle are reported as % of the amplitude of an initial high‐K+contraction obtained under control conditions.Key ResultsFrom a concentration of 10 μmol L−1onwards,FTY720 increased the tone, reaching 8.9% ± 7.5% at 100 μmol L−1(P < .05). With indomethacin in the solution, the effects ofFTY720 were enhanced (32.1% ± 7.7%;P < .001). TheFTY720‐induced increase in tone was abolished in the absence of extracellular Ca2+and reduced by nifedipine,HA‐1100,JTE‐013, and suramin. Furthermore,FTY720 increased high‐K+contractions in the presence of indomethacin.Conclusions & InferencesFTY720 increases tone and contractile responses to depolarization in gastric fundus smooth muscle by triggering calcium entry and calcium sensitization in a S1P receptor‐dependent manner. Taken together, the experimental results presented in this work suggest thatFTY720 may increase gastric tone and contractility in patients.
Control of the inflammatory response during pregnancy: potential role of VIP as a regulatory peptide
Authors: Ramhorst Rosanna , Calo Guillermina , Paparini Daniel , Vota Daiana , Hauk Vanesa , Gallino Lucila , Merech Fatima , Grasso Esteban , Leirós Claudia Pérez 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA network of cell–cell communications through contact and soluble factors supports the maternal–placental interaction and provides a suitable environment for fetal growth. Trophoblast cells take center stage at these loops: they interact with maternal leukocytes to sustain the varying demands of gestation, and they synthesize hormones, cytokines among other factors that contribute to the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Here, we discuss vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and its potential as a regulatory neuropeptide in pregnancy. VIP is synthesized by trophoblast cells; it regulates trophoblast cell function and interaction with the major immune cell populations present in the pregnant uterus. VIP activity produces an anti‐inflammatory microenvironment by modulating the functional profile of monocytes, macrophages, and regulatory T cells. Trophoblast VIP inhibits neutrophil extracellular trap formation and accelerates neutrophil apoptosis, enabling their silent clearance by phagocytic cells. The effects of VIP on the trophoblast–immune interaction are consistent with its regulatory role throughout pregnancy for immune homeostasis maintenance. These observations may provide new clues for pharmacological targeting of pregnancy complications associated with exacerbated inflammation.
Attention in working memory: attention is needed but it yearns to be free
Authors: Rhodes Stephen , Cowan Nelson 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRecent theoretical development of working memory has emphasized the role of attention in several active processes supporting maintenance. Although this development is certainly welcome and has accounted for a number of phenomena, there are findings that cannot be readily accounted for through the active use of attention in refreshing or removal of information. We review these findings and suggest that, whenever the circumstances allow, participants attempt to reduce the load on attention by making use of stored concepts in long‐term memory (LTM) or off‐loading new configurations, forming new long‐term memories. Newly formed groups and configurations in LTM constitute a list‐ or array‐wide version of the consolidation of information into memory to prevent forgetting in a manner that reduces the need for continued attention to the material. This suggestion leads to a number of interesting questions at the behavioral and neural levels, which we also discuss.
Music‐supported therapy for stroke motor recovery: theoretical and practical considerations
Authors: Chen Joyce L. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMusic may confer benefits for well‐being and health. What is the state of knowledge and evidence for a role of music in supporting the rehabilitation of movements after stroke? In this brief perspective, I provide background context and information about stroke recovery in general, in order to spark reflection and discussion for how we think music may impact motor recovery, given the current clinical milieu.
Insight into the physiological role of water absorption via the leaf surface from a rehydration kinetics perspective
Authors: Guzmán‐Delgado Paula , Mason Earles J. , Zwieniecki Maciej A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSoil water transported via the petiole is a primary rehydration pathway for leaves of water‐stressed plants. Leaves may also rehydrate by absorbing water via their epidermal surfaces. The mechanisms and physiological relevance of this water pathway, however, remain unclear, as the associated hydraulic properties are unknown. To gain insight into the foliar water absorption process, we compared rehydration kinetics via the petiole and surface of Prunus dulcis and Quercus lobata leaves. Petiole rehydration could be described by a double exponential function suggesting that 2 partly isolated water pools exist in leaves of both species. Surface rehydration could be described by a logistic function, suggesting that leaves behave as a single water pool. Whereas full leaf rehydration via the petiole required approximately 20 min, it took over 150 and 300 min via the surface of P. dulcis and Q. lobata, respectively. Such differences were attributed to the high resistance imposed by the leaf surface and especially the cuticle. The minimum resistance to surface rehydration was estimated to be 6.6 × 102 (P. dulcis) and 2.6 × 103 MPa·m2·s·g−1 (Q. lobata), which is remarkably higher than estimated for petiole rehydration. These results are discussed in a physiological context.
Bovine foetal sex determination—Different DNA extraction and amplification approaches for efficient livestock production
Authors: Ristanic M , Stanisic Lj , Maletic M , Glavinic U , Draskovic V , Aleksic N , Stanimirovic Z 
Published: May 2018

ContentsFoetal sex determination using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in mammals is based on the amplification of gender‐specific foetal DNA sequences circulating in maternal blood. The bovine synepitheliochorial placenta does not allow a direct contact between the trophoblast and the maternal blood, resulting in difficult passage of foetal DNA and, consequently, its very small amounts in maternal bloodstream. Circulating cell‐free foetal DNA (ccffDNA) encompasses short nucleotide fragments (300–600 bp) in maternal circulation. The aim of this study was to assess this non‐invasive method in accurate prenatal sexing in early and late gestational periods in comparison with ultrasound diagnostics. As various DNA isolation and amplification methods were tested, their success in obtaining reliable results was evaluated. Two groups were tested, each consisting of 20 pregnant cows. Blood of a bull and a non‐pregnant heifer was the controls. Extraction of foetal DNA was accomplished by three different methods: using tubes with silicone membranes, a single‐tube extraction without silicone membranes and phenol–chloroform extraction. Following each extraction method, foetal DNA was amplified using PCR and real‐time PCR with both bAML and TSPY primers in a separate reaction. Positive results were obtained only after amplification of foetal DNA extracted with a single‐tube extraction kit. In comparison with ultrasound examination results and foetal gender recorded at birth, the sensitivity of the PCR test was 90% in Group I, but the technique failed to detect male foetuses in Group II. The real‐time PCR test sensitivity in Group I was 90% and in Group II 91.6%.
Metabolic reconstructions identify plant 3‐methylglutaconyl‐CoA hydratase that is crucial for branched‐chain amino acid catabolism in mitochondria
Authors: Latimer Scott , Li Yubing , Nguyen Thuong T.H. , Soubeyrand Eric , Fatihi Abdelhak , Elowsky Christian G. , Block Anna , Pichersky Eran , Basset Gilles J. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryThe proteinogenic branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine and valine are essential nutrients for mammals. In plants, BCAAs double as alternative energy sources when carbohydrates become limiting, the catabolism of BCAAs providing electrons to the respiratory chain and intermediates to the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Yet, the actual architecture of the degradation pathways of BCAAs is not well understood. In this study, gene network modeling in Arabidopsis and rice, and plant‐prokaryote comparative genomics detected candidates for 3‐methylglutaconyl‐CoA hydratase (4.2.1.18), one of the missing plant enzymes of leucine catabolism. Alignments of these protein candidates sampled from various spermatophytes revealed non‐homologous N‐terminal extensions that are lacking in their bacterial counterparts, and green fluorescent protein‐fusion experiments demonstrated that the Arabidopsis protein, product of gene At4g16800, is targeted to mitochondria. Recombinant At4g16800 catalyzed the dehydration of 3‐hydroxymethylglutaryl‐CoA into 3‐methylglutaconyl‐CoA, and displayed kinetic features similar to those of its prokaryotic homolog. When at4g16800 knockout plants were subjected to dark‐induced carbon starvation, their rosette leaves displayed accelerated senescence as compared with control plants, and this phenotype was paralleled by a marked increase in the accumulation of free and total leucine, isoleucine and valine. The seeds of the at4g16800 mutant showed a similar accumulation of free BCAAs. These data suggest that 3‐methylglutaconyl‐CoA hydratase is not solely involved in the degradation of leucine, but is also a significant contributor to that of isoleucine and valine. Furthermore, evidence is shown that unlike the situation observed in Trypanosomatidae, leucine catabolism does not contribute to the formation of the terpenoid precursor mevalonate.
Advances in cellular and integrative control of oxygen homeostasis within the central nervous system
Authors: Ramirez Jan Marino , Severs Liza J. , Ramirez Sanja C. , Agosto‐Marlin Ibis M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMammals must continuously regulate the levels of O2 and CO2, which is particularly important for the brain. Failure to maintain adequate O2/CO2 homeostasis has been associated with numerous disorders including sleep apnoea, Rett syndrome and sudden infant death syndrome. But, O2/CO2 homeostasis poses major regulatory challenges, even in the healthy brain. Neuronal activities change in a differentiated, spatially and temporally complex manner, which is reflected in equally complex changes in O2 demand. This raises important questions: is oxygen sensing an emergent property, locally generated within all active neuronal networks, and/or the property of specialized O2‐sensitive CNS regions? Increasing evidence suggests that the regulation of the brain's redox state involves properties that are intrinsic to many networks, but that specialized regions in the brainstem orchestrate the integrated control of respiratory and cardiovascular functions. Although the levels of O2 in arterial blood and the CNS are very different, neuro‐glial interactions and purinergic signalling are critical for both peripheral and CNS chemosensation. Indeed, the specificity of neuroglial interactions seems to determine the differential responses to O2, CO2 and the changes in pH.
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The Effects of Structured Exercise or Lifestyle Behavior Interventions on Long-Term Physical Activity Level and Health Outcomes in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression
Authors: Mosalman Haghighi Marjan , Mavros Yorgi , Fiatarone Singh Maria A. 
Published: May 2018

Background: Systematically evaluate the effects of structured exercise and behavioral intervention (physical activity [PA] alone/PA + diet) on long-term PA in type 2 diabetes. Methods: Systematic search of 11 databases (inception to March, 2017). Randomized controlled trials investigating structured exercise/behavioral interventions in type 2 diabetes reporting PA outcomes ≥6 months were selected. Results: Among 107,797 citations retrieved, 23 randomized controlled trials (including 18 behavioral programs and 5 structured exercise) met inclusion criteria (n = 9640, 43.6% men, age = 60.0 (4.0) y). All structured exercise trials demonstrated increased objective PA outcomes relative to control (pooling was inappropriate; I2 = 92%). Of 18 behavioral interventions, 10 increased PA significantly, with effect sizes ranging from 0.2 to 6.6 (pooling was inappropriate; I2 = 96%). After removing 1 outlier, the remaining 17 studies significantly improved PA (pooled effect size = 0.34), although smaller compared with structured exercise. After removing the outlier, meta-regression also revealed significant direct relationships between total contacts (r = .50, P < .01) and more face-to-face counseling (r = .75, P < .001) and increased PA. However, long-term changes in PA and HbA1c were not related. Conclusion: Both structured exercise and behavioral interventions increased PA in type 2 diabetes, although effect sizes were larger for supervised exercise. The effectiveness of behavioral programs was improved when delivery included more extensive and face-to-face contact.
Characterization of the Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Activity of New Nonpeptidic Small-Molecule Cyclophilin Inhibitors with the Potential for Broad Anti-Flaviviridae Activity
Authors: Nevers Quentin , Ruiz Isaac , Ahnou Nazim , Donati Flora , Brillet Rozenn , Softic Laurent , Chazal Maxime , Jouvenet Nolwenn , Fourati Slim , Baudesson Camille , Bruscella Patrice , Gelin Muriel , Guichou Jean-François , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel , Ahmed-Belkacem Abdelhakim 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Although members of the
Flaviviridae
display high incidence, morbidity, and mortality rates, the development of specific antiviral drugs for each virus is unlikely. Cyclophilins, a family of host peptidyl-prolyl
cis-trans
isomerases (PPIases), play a pivotal role in the life cycles of many viruses and therefore represent an attractive target for broad-spectrum antiviral development. We report here the pangenotypic anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity of a small-molecule cyclophilin inhibitor (SMCypI). Mechanistic and modeling studies revealed that the SMCypI bound to cyclophilin A in competition with cyclosporine (CsA), inhibited its PPIase activity, and disrupted the CypA-nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) interaction. Resistance selection showed that the lead SMCypI hardly selected amino acid substitutions conferring low-level or no resistance
in vitro
. Interestingly, the SMCypI selected D320E and Y321H substitutions, located in domain II of the NS5A protein. These substitutions were previously associated with low-level resistance to cyclophilin inhibitors such as alisporivir. Finally, the SMCypI inhibited the replication of other members of the
Flaviviridae
family with higher 50% effective concentrations (EC
50
s) than for HCV. Thus, because of its chemical plasticity and simplicity of synthesis, our new family of SMCypIs represents a promising new class of drugs with the potential for broad-spectrum anti-
Flaviviridae
activity as well as an invaluable tool to explore the role of cyclophilins in viral life cycles.
Complete Genome Sequence of Geobacter sulfurreducens Strain YM18, Isolated from River Sediment in Japan
Authors: Inoue Kengo , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Kawano Yoshihiro , Hayashi Tetsuya 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Geobacter sulfurreducens
is known to be a dominant species in the anode biofilms of microbial fuel cells. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
G. sulfurreducens
strain YM18. Strain YM18 was isolated from a biofilm formed on an anode poised at −400 mV (versus an Ag/AgCl electrode) in a bioelectrochemical system.
High-Quality Draft Single-Cell Genome Sequence Belonging to the Archaeal Candidate Division SA1, Isolated from Nereus Deep in the Red Sea
Authors: Ngugi David K. , Stingl Ulrich 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT
Candidate division SA1 encompasses a phylogenetically coherent archaeal group ubiquitous in deep hypersaline anoxic brines around the globe. Recently, the genome sequences of two cultivated representatives from hypersaline soda lake sediments were published. Here, we present a single-cell genome sequence from Nereus Deep in the Red Sea that represents a putatively novel family within SA1.
Draft Genome Sequence of “Candidatus Phycosocius bacilliformis,” an Alphaproteobacterial Ectosymbiont of the Hydrocarbon-Producing Green Alga Botryococcus braunii
Authors: Tanabe Yuuhiko , Yamaguchi Haruyo , Watanabe Makoto M. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

“
Candidatus
Phycosocius bacilliformis” is an alphaproteobacterial ectosymbiont of the hydrocarbon-producing green alga
Botryococcus braunii
. We sequenced the whole genome of “
Ca.
P. bacilliformis” BOTRYCO-2, isolated from a two-membered culture with
B. braunii
. The genome contains approximately 3.3 Mb, with an average G+C content of 56.91% and 3,125 predicted protein-coding genes.
Genome Sequence of the Symbiotic Type Strain Mesorhizobium helmanticense CSLC115N Isolated from Lotus corniculatus Nodules
Authors: Sannazzaro Analía I. , Torres Tejerizo Gonzalo A. , Caballero Marina , Dip Diana , Pistorio Mariano , Estrella María Julia 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Mesorhizobium helmanticense
is a novel species that was isolated from root nodules of
Lotus corniculatus
grown in an alfisol soil from Carbajosa de la Sagrada, a Mediterranean region in the province of Salamanca in northwest Spain. The whole-genome sequence of the type strain
M. helmanticense
CSLC115N is reported in this study.