bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CCAR‐1 is a negative regulator of the heat‐shock response in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Brunquell Jessica , Raynes Rachel , Bowers Philip , Morris Stephanie , Snyder Alana , Lugano Doreen , Deonarine Andrew , Westerheide Sandy D. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDefects in protein quality control during aging are central to many human diseases, and strategies are needed to better understand mechanisms of controlling the quality of the proteome. The heat‐shock response (HSR) is a conserved survival mechanism mediated by the transcription factor HSF1 which functions to maintain proteostasis. In mammalian cells, HSF1 is regulated by a variety of factors including the prolongevity factor SIRT1. SIRT1 promotes the DNA‐bound state of HSF1 through deacetylation of the DNA‐binding domain of HSF1, thereby enhancing the HSR. SIRT1 is also regulated by various factors, including negative regulation by the cell‐cycle and apoptosis regulator CCAR2. CCAR2 negatively regulates the HSR, possibly through its inhibitory interaction with SIRT1. We were interested in studying conservation of the SIRT1/CCAR2 regulatory interaction in Caenorhabditis elegans, and in utilizing this model organism to observe the effects of modulating sirtuin activity on the HSR, longevity, and proteostasis. The HSR is highly conserved in C. elegans and is mediated by the HSF1 homolog, HSF‐1. We have uncovered that negative regulation of the HSR by CCAR2 is conserved in C. elegans and is mediated by the CCAR2 ortholog, CCAR‐1. This negative regulation requires the SIRT1 homolog SIR‐2.1. In addition, knockdown of CCAR‐1 via ccar‐1 RNAi works through SIR‐2.1 to enhance stress resistance, motility, longevity, and proteostasis. This work therefore highlights the benefits of enhancing sirtuin activity to promote the HSR at the level of the whole organism.
Changes of the echocardiographic parameters in chronic heart failure patients with Ile337val, Glu23lys, and Ser1369ala polymorphisms of genes encoding the ATP‐sensitive potassium channels subunits in the Ukrainian population
Authors: Strutynskyi R. B. , Voronkov L. G. , Nagibin V. S. , Mazur I. D. , Stroy D. , Dosenko V. E. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDifferent allelic variants of genes that encode ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels’ subunits may contribute to the development of heart failure. The purpose of the work to investigate SNPs in genes that encode KATP channels in relation to echocardiographic parameters in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. Ninety‐nine people with CHF of ischemic origin with left ventricular systolic dysfunction were examined. The control group is represented by 108 clinically healthy subjects. KCNJ11 polymorphisms Ile337Val and Glu23Lys, and ABCC8 polymorphism Ser1369Ala were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction. In CHF patients, the frequency of the Ile337Val genotype was: Ile/Ile, 40.4%; Ile/Val, 45.5%; and Val/Val, 14.1%. The patients with the Val/Val genotype had left ventricular (LV) mass that was 334.15 g, which was 27.3% (P < 0.05) lower versus Ile/Val patients (425.48 g). The index of this parameter was also significantly lower (28.4%, P < 0.05). In CHF patients, the frequency of Glu23Lys and Ser1369Ala was: Glu/Glu and Ser/Ser, 43.4%; heterozygote, 44.4%; Lys/Lys and Ala/Ala, 12.2%. The patients with the Lys/Lys and Ala/Ala genotypes had a significantly lower LV mass index and LV end‐diastolic volume (22.9% and 26.8%, P < 0.05) versus heterozygotes. Thus, the greatest LV mass and LV end‐diastolic volume values are associated with heterozygotes, while the smallest are associated with minor homozygotes.
Long‐term use of continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion therapy in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Mallappa Ashwini , Nella Aikaterini A. , Sinaii Ninet , Rao Hamsini , Gounden Verena , Perritt Ashley F. , Kumar Parag , Ling Alexander , Liu Chia‐Ying , Soldin Steven J. , Merke Deborah P. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackgroundIn a phase 2 short‐term (6 months) study of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion (CSHI) was found to be a safe, effective and well‐tolerated method of replacing cortisol with improved disease and patient‐related outcomes.ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of long‐term CSHI.DesignSingle‐centre, open‐label, phase 2 extension study.PatientsFive adults with classic CAH.MeasurementsBiomarkers of disease control, metabolic indices and health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) estimates.ResultsSix of eight patients chose to continue on long‐term CSHI therapy. Compared to baseline, eighteen months of CSHI resulted in decreased (P = 0.043) 0700‐hour ACTH, 17‐hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and progesterone; increased whole‐body lean mass (P = 0.024); and improved HRQoL, especially symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (P = 0.003). Findings at six and eighteen months did not differ, and improvements achieved in androgen control, lean body mass and HRQoL after 6 months of CSHI were maintained at eighteen months. The hydrocortisone dose appeared to decrease with time [6 vs 18 months: 38.3 ± 8.8 vs 33.6 ± 12.2 mg/day (P = 0.062)], especially in women receiving oral contraceptives. Reduction of testicular adrenal rest and adrenal size observed at 6 months remained stable. In one patient, an adrenal adenoma continually decreased over time. Subjective improvement in hirsutism was reported.ConclusionsLong‐term use of CSHI is a safe and well‐tolerated treatment option in a select set of adults with classic CAH. Improvements observed short term in disease control and subjective health status continued long term.
Melatonin secretion following brain midline irradiation is diminished, but not correlated with subjective sleep disturbances
Authors: Rosenkranz Esther , Thissen Andrea , Siegel Sonja , Piroth Marc , Clusmann Hans , Gebauer Judith , Brabant Georg , Kreitschmann‐Andermahr Ilonka 
Published: July 2018

SummaryObjectiveCranial irradiation for brain tumours or leukaemias has been related to cognitive, endocrine and psychosocial late effects as well as sleep disturbances and increased daytime sleepiness. Studies suggest that cranial irradiation might impact on pineal melatonin secretion. Melatonin is an important regulator in human circadian rhythms and the sleep‐wake cycle. The objective of this study was to investigate melatonin secretion, subjective sleep parameters and their interplay in a cohort of cranially irradiated head and brain tumour and leukaemia survivors at least 3 years after radiotherapy.DesignCross‐sectional study.PatientsThirty‐eight adults.MeasurementsMelatonin secretion was evaluated by measuring its metabolite 6‐sulphatoxymelatonin in collected overnight urine. Subjective sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The Beck Depression Inventory II was used to screen for depressive symptoms because of their impact on sleep.ResultsPatients irradiated in the brain midline had significantly lower melatonin secretion (P = 0.008). Subjects exhibited a high prevalence of sleeping difficulties, daytime sleepiness and depression, with females and overweight subjects particularly affected. Melatonin values and subjective sleep parameters did not correlate with each other or with treatment and most patient variables.ConclusionsOur data suggest that radiation exposure to the pineal gland negatively affects melatonin secretion. This lack of pineal melatonin does not influence subjective sleep quality. As melatonin has important antioxidant and cancer‐protective effects, further research is necessary to elucidate whether these patients have an increased risk of developing secondary neoplasms and other radiation late effects.
β‐catenin regulates IRF3‐mediated innate immune signalling in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ding Chengming , He Jun , Zhao Jun , Li Junhua , Chen Jie , Liao Wenyan , Zeng Yi , Zhong Jing , Wei Chaoying , Zhang Liming , Zhou Mei , Jia Zeming , Zhang Yaoting , Li Hui , Zhou Yuzheng , Xiao Xiaolong , Han Dong , Li Chong , Zhu Zhu , Xia Zanxian , Peng Jian 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveβ‐catenin is one of the most critical oncogenes associated with many kinds of human cancers, especially in the human CRC. Innate immunity recognizes tumour derived damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and primes the anti‐tumour adaptive responses. While the function of β‐catenin in CRC tumourigenesis is well established, its impact on innate immune evasion is largely unknown. The aim of this study is to characterize the role of β‐catenin in inhibiting RIG‐I‐like receptor (RLR)‐mediated IFN‐β signalling in colorectal cancer.Materials and MethodsImmunohistochemical staining and western blotting were conducted to study the expression of β‐catenin, IRF3 and phospho‐IRF3 (p‐IRF3) in CRC samples and cell lines. Plaque assay determining virus replication was performed to assess the regulation of β‐catenin on IFN‐β signalling. The inhibition of β‐catenin on RLR‐mediated IFN‐β signalling was further studied by real‐time analyses and reporter assays in the context of lentiviral‐mediated β‐catenin stably knocking down. Lastly, co‐immunoprecipitation and nuclear fractionation assay were conducted to monitor the interaction between β‐catenin and IRF3.ResultsWe found that high expression of β‐catenin positively correlated with the expression of IRF3 in CRC cells. Overexpression of β‐catenin increased the viral replication. Conversely knocking down of β‐catenin inhibited viral replication. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that β‐catenin could inhibit the expression of IFN‐β and interferon‐stimulated gene 56 (ISG56). Mechanistically, we found that β‐catenin interacted with IRF3 and blocked its nuclear translocation.ConclusionOur study reveals an unprecedented role of β‐catenin in enabling innate immune evasion in CRC.
Effect of contrasting tillage and cropping systems on soil aggregation, carbon pools and aggregate‐associated carbon in rainfed Vertisols
Authors: Somasundaram J. , Chaudhary R. S. , Awanish Kumar D. , Biswas A. K. , Sinha N. K. , Mohanty M. , Hati K. M. , Jha P. , Sankar M. , Patra A. K. , Dalal R. , Chaudhari S. K. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryWorldwide, conservation agriculture practices involving minimal soil disturbances and retention of crop residue (>30%) have been practised increasingly and recognized to enhance soil health by optimizing key soil attributes. However, little information is available on the short‐term effects of conservation agriculture practices on soil properties under rainfed Vertisols of Central India. Thus, our aim was to study the short‐term effects of contrasting tillage treatments and cropping systems on soil aggregation, aggregate‐associated carbon (C), carbon pools and crop productivity. This study comprised three tillage systems (TS), reduced tillage (RT), no tillage (NT) with retention of crop residue and conventional tillage (CT), together with four cropping systems (CS), namely soya bean (Glycine max L.) + pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) (2:1), soya bean–wheat (Titricum durum L.), maize (Zea mays L.) + pigeon pea (1:1), and maize–chickpea Cicer arietinum L.). The experiment was laid out in a split‐plot design with three replicates. Soil samples were collected at four depths: 0–5, 5–15, 15–30 and 30–45 cm from the experimental field after completion of four crop cycles. Results indicated that at depths 0–5 and 5–15 cm, tillage and cropping system had a significant effect on aggregate mean weight diameter (MWD). The MWDs of 0.97 and 0.94 mm were larger for NT than CT (0.77 and 0.83 mm) at 0–5‐ and 5–15‐cm depths, respectively. Water‐stable aggregates (WSAs) were also larger for NT (70.74%) and RT (70.09%) than CT (59.50%) at 0–5 cm. Tillage practice, cropping system and their interaction had a greater effect (P < 0.05) on the content of aggregate‐associated C for large macroaggregates (LM). There was more aggregate‐associated C for NT and RT at 0–5‐cm depth than for CT. Cropping system also had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on aggregate‐associated C at 0–5‐cm depth. Soil organic C (%) fractions were in the order of non‐labile >very labile >less labile >labile for 0–5‐ and 5–15‐cm depths after four crop cycles. Less labile and non‐labile C fractions contributed >50% of TOC, indicating a more recalcitrant form of carbon present in the soil. Tillage had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on crop yields after four crop cycles. Conservation agriculture can have a positive effect on aggregate stability, aggregate‐associated C and different carbon pools in a Vertisol.Highlights
Does conservation agriculture affect soil aggregation, aggregate stability and carbon pools more than conventional tillage?
The SOC concentration increases with aggregate size and provides physical protection and stabilization of carbon (C).
Aggregate‐associated C content was significantly affected by tillage practices and cropping system.
Less labile and non‐labile C fractions contribute >50% TOC in the rainfed Vertisols of central India.
Biodiversity monitoring, earth observations and the ecology of scale
Authors: Anderson Christopher B. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHuman activity and land‐use change are dramatically altering the sizes, geographical distributions and functioning of biological populations worldwide, with tremendous consequences for human well‐being. Yet our ability to measure, monitor and forecast biodiversity change – crucial to addressing it – remains limited. Biodiversity monitoring systems are being developed to improve this capacity by deriving metrics of change from an array of in situ data (e.g. field plots or species occurrence records) and Earth observations (EO; e.g. satellite or airborne imagery). However, there are few ecologically based frameworks for integrating these data into meaningful metrics of biodiversity change. Here, I describe how concepts of pattern and scale in ecology could be used to design such a framework. I review three core topics: the role of scale in measuring and modelling biodiversity patterns with EO, scale‐dependent challenges linking in situ and EO data and opportunities to apply concepts of pattern and scale to EO to improve biodiversity mapping. From this analysis emerges an actionable approach for measuring, monitoring and forecasting biodiversity change, highlighting key opportunities to establish EO as the backbone of global‐scale, science‐driven conservation.
Rapid shifts in distribution and high‐latitude persistence of oceanographic habitat revealed using citizen science data from a climate change hotspot
Authors: Champion Curtis , Hobday Alistair J. , Tracey Sean R. , Pecl Gretta T. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe environmental effects of climate change are predicted to cause distribution shifts in many marine taxa, yet data are often difficult to collect. Quantifying and monitoring species’ suitable environmental habitats is a pragmatic approach for assessing changes in species distributions but is underdeveloped for quantifying climate change induced range shifts in marine systems. Specifically, habitat predictions present opportunities for quantifying spatiotemporal distribution changes while accounting for sources of natural climate variation. Here we demonstrate the utility of a marine‐based habitat model parameterized using citizen science data and remotely sensed environmental covariates for quantifying shifts in oceanographic habitat suitability over 22 years for a coastal‐pelagic fish species in a climate change hotspot. Our analyses account for the effects of natural intra‐ and interannual climate variability to reveal rapid poleward shifts in core (94.4 km/decade) and poleward edge (108.8 km/decade) oceanographic habitats. Temporal persistence of suitable oceanographic habitat at high latitudes also increased by approximately 3 months over the study period. Our approach demonstrates how marine citizen science data can be used to quantify range shifts, but necessitates shifting focus from species distributions directly, to the distribution of species’ environmental habitat preferences.
Validation of the Haemophilia & Exercise Project‐Test‐Questionnaire (HEP‐Test‐Q)—An instrument for the assessment of subjective physical functioning in children with haemophilia
Authors: von Mackensen S. , Hilberg T. , Valentino L. A. , Kurnik K. , Khair K. 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionContemporary haemophilia management recommends sport and physical activity in children with haemophilia. Assessment of subjective physical functioning requires standardized and validated instruments.AimsTo adapt and psychometrically test the adult Haemophilia & Exercise Project‐Test‐Questionnaire (HEP‐Test‐Q) for children (aged 6‐17 years).MethodsIn discussion rounds with children, single items of the adult HEP‐Test‐Q were reformulated to make them understandable without changing the item concept. The validation of the child‐adapted version in children with haemophilia (n = 228) included pre‐testing with feasibility testing, cognitive interviewing (n = 34), pilot‐testing of the revised version in the EIS Study (n = 67) and field‐testing in the SO‐FIT Study (n = 127).ResultsPre‐testing revealed a completion time of 8.2 ± 4.1 minutes and children liked the instrument. Cognitive interviews demonstrated that most items were easy to understand; 9 items were reformulated. Pilot‐testing demonstrated good psychometric characteristics in terms of reliability (α = .94 Total Score) and validity. Convergent validity testing showed moderate correlations with the Haemo‐QoL (r = −.491), but low correlations with the Petrini Score (r = −.293). Known groups’ validity revealed significant differences in clinical subgroups; chronic pain (P < .002) and target joints (P < .021). Field‐testing confirmed psychometric characteristics; Cronbach's alpha ranged from α = .80 (“endurance”) to α = .94 (Total Score). The child‐adapted HEP‐Test‐Q showed moderate correlations with the PedHAL (r = .634, P < .0001) and the Haemo‐QoL SF (r = −.575, P < .0001). Known groups’ validity testing proved that the HEP‐Test‐Q could discriminate between clinical subgroups.ConclusionThe child‐adapted HEP‐Test‐Q is a short, practical and acceptable instrument for the assessment of subjective physical functioning. Outcomes can be compared to adults because item concepts are identical to the adult version.
Emotional distress in haemophilia: Factors associated with the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms among adults
Authors: Pinto P. R. , Paredes A. C. , Moreira P. , Fernandes S. , Lopes M. , Carvalho M. , Almeida A. 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionHaemophilia is related to several clinical and psychosocial challenges that have been associated with increased emotional distress. These may impact on disease adjustment and health outcomes, reinforcing the attention given to psychosocial health of people with haemophilia (PWH), in the scope of optimal comprehensive care.AimTo identify potentially modifiable factors associated with the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms among adult PWH.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional observational study examining socio‐demographic, clinical and psychosocial variables among 102 patients with haemophilia A or B who participated on a mail survey of haemophilia in Portugal.ResultsPeople with haemophilia revealing higher anxiety and depression symptoms were more likely to have had, in the previous year, more urgent hospital visits due to haemophilia, more bleeding episodes, more affected joints and pain, as well as worst levels of perceived functionality and quality of life. After controlling for demographic (age and education) and clinical (haemophilia severity and joint deterioration) variables in multivariate hierarchical logistic regression analyses, professional status (OR = 4.646, P = .004; OR = 3.333, P = .029) and pain interference (OR = 1.397, P = .011; OR = .1.347, P = .037) were significantly associated with both anxiety and depression symptoms. Additionally, physical activity (OR = 0.302, P = .024) and the perception of consequences underlying haemophilia (OR = 1.600, P = .012) also emerged as key factors significantly associated with depression symptoms.ConclusionCurrent findings increased knowledge on factors associated with anxiety and depression among PWH. These highlight potential intervention targets, which are amenable to change through evidence‐based tailored interventions aiming to decrease emotional distress, promote well‐being and improving haemophilia‐related health outcomes among these patients.
Clinical and radiologic results after open‐wedge high tibial osteotomy in haemophilic knee arthropathy with varus deformity
Authors: Cho Y. J. , Song S. J. , Rhyu K. H. , Jang T. S. , Park C. H. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe previous studies have described only closed‐wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in haemophilic arthropathy (HA).AimThe purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic results after open‐wedge HTO in HA with varus knee deformity.MethodsWe included 13 open‐wedge HTOs in HA performed between 2005 and 2016. The mean age of patients was 28.9 years. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC), and range of motion (ROM) indices were assessed. Any complications or requirements for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were investigated. Mechanical axis (MA), minimal joint space width (mJSW) and Pettersson score were measured. Bone union rates at 3 and 6 months postoperative were evaluated.ResultsVAS improved from 5.1 to 2.4 (P < .001). WOMAC was 66.5 preoperatively, and 26.6 postoperatively (P < .001). Pre‐ and postoperative ROM did not differ significantly. There were no cases of HTO converted to TKA, but one case of HTO required TKA 152 months postoperative. No complications were observed. The MA was corrected from varus 5.1° to valgus 1.2° (P < .001). Pre‐ and postoperative mJSW did not significantly differ. Pettersson score improved from 3.84 to 2.47 (P < .001). The bone union rates at the osteotomy gap were 45.2% and 67.8% at 3 and 6 months postoperative.ConclusionsOpen‐wedge HTO should be considered in cases of HA with varus deformity in young haemophilic patients, even though inflammatory arthritis is not an optimal indication for this procedure. It can be an appropriate treatment with respect to the choice to postpone TKA.
Effect of peroxyl radicals on the structure and gel properties of isolated rabbit meat myofibrillar proteins
Authors: Wang Zhaoming , He Zhifei , Gan Xiao , Li Hongjun 
Published: July 2018

SummaryWe investigated the effect of peroxyl radicals (ROO·), which are products of lipid peroxidation, on the structure and gel properties of myofibrillar proteins (MPs) isolated from rabbit meat. 2,2′‐Azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) was heated to stably derive ROO·. As the AAPH concentration increased, the protein carbonyl compounds significantly accumulated (P < 0.05), and the total sulfhydryl content was significantly lost (P < 0.05). Circular dichroism spectra, UV absorption spectra, intrinsic fluorescence spectra and surface hydrophobicity revealed that ROO· caused protein unfolding and conformational changes in MPs. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) analysis indicated that moderate (0–3 mm) and relatively high (5 and 10 mm) AAPH concentrations could lead to protein crosslinking and protein aggregation, respectively. These changes in protein structure could influence the gelling properties of MPs. Low‐level protein oxidation could increase gel strength and water holding capacity, whereas high‐level protein oxidation could reduce gel properties.