bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exosomes from adipose‐derived stem cells ameliorate phenotype of Huntington's disease in vitro model
Authors: Lee Mijung , Liu Tian , Im Wooseok , Kim Manho 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHuntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by the aggregation of mutant Huntingtin (mHtt). Adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) have a potential for use in the treatment of incurable disorders, including HD. ASCs secrete various neurotrophic factors and microvesicles, and modulate hostile microenvironments affected by disease through paracrine mechanisms. Exosomes are small vesicles that transport nucleic acid and protein between cells. Here, we investigated the therapeutic role of exosomes from ASCs (ASC‐exo) using in vitro HD model by examining pathological phenotypes of this model. Immunocytochemistry result showed that ASC‐exo significantly decreases mHtt aggregates in R6/2 mice‐derived neuronal cells. Western blot result further confirmed the reduction in mHtt aggregates level by ASC‐exo treatment. ASC‐exo up‐regulates PGC‐1, phospho‐CREB and ameliorates abnormal apoptotic protein level in an in vitro HD model. In addition, MitoSOX Red, JC‐1 and cell viability assay showed that ASC‐exo reduces mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis of in vitro HD model. These findings suggest that ASC‐exo has a therapeutic potential for treating HD by modulating representative cellular phenotypes of HD.
Neural correlate of spatial (mis‐)localization during smooth eye movements
Authors: Dowiasch Stefan , Blohm Gunnar , Bremmer Frank 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe dependence of neuronal discharge on the position of the eyes in the orbit is a functional characteristic of many visual cortical areas of the macaque. It has been suggested that these eye‐position signals provide relevant information for a coordinate transformation of visual signals into a non‐eye‐centered frame of reference. This transformation could be an integral part for achieving visual perceptual stability across eye movements. Previous studies demonstrated close to veridical eye‐position decoding during stable fixation as well as characteristic erroneous decoding across saccadic eye‐movements. Here we aimed to decode eye position during smooth pursuit. We recorded neural activity in macaque area VIP during steady fixation, saccades and smooth‐pursuit and investigated the temporal and spatial accuracy of eye position as decoded from the neuronal discharges. Confirming previous results, the activity of the majority of neurons depended linearly on horizontal and vertical eye position. The application of a previously introduced computational approach (isofrequency decoding) allowed eye position decoding with considerable accuracy during steady fixation. We applied the same decoder on the activity of the same neurons during smooth‐pursuit. On average, the decoded signal was leading the current eye position. A model combining this constant lead of the decoded eye position with a previously described attentional bias ahead of the pursuit target describes the asymmetric mislocalization pattern for briefly flashed stimuli during smooth pursuit eye movements as found in human behavioral studies.
Early glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and protein phosphatase 2A independent tau dephosphorylation during global brain ischaemia and reperfusion following cardiac arrest and the role of the adenosine monophosphate kinase pathway
Authors: Majd Shohreh , Power John H. T. , Koblar Simon A. , Grantham Hugh J. M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAbnormal tau phosphorylation (p‐tau) has been shown after hypoxic damage to the brain associated with traumatic brain injury and stroke. As the level of p‐tau is controlled by Glycogen Synthase Kinase (GSK)‐3β, Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase (AMPK), different activity levels of these enzymes could be involved in tau phosphorylation following ischaemia. This study assessed the effects of global brain ischaemia/reperfusion on the immediate status of p‐tau in a rat model of cardiac arrest (CA) followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We reported an early dephosphorylation of tau at its AMPK sensitive residues, Ser396 and Ser262after 2 min of ischaemia, which did not recover during the first two hours of reperfusion, while the tau phosphorylation at GSK‐3β sensitive but AMPK insensitive residues, Ser202/Thr205 (AT8), as well as the total amount of tau remained unchanged. Our data showed no alteration in the activities of GSK‐3β and PP2A during similar episodes of ischaemia of up to 8 min and reperfusion of up to 2 h, and 4 weeks recovery. Dephosphorylation of AMPK followed the same pattern as tau dephosphorylation during ischaemia/reperfusion. Catalase, another AMPK downstream substrate also showed a similar pattern of decline to p‐AMPK, in ischaemic/reperfusion groups. This suggests the involvement of AMPK in changing the p‐tau levels, indicating that tau dephosphorylation following ischaemia is not dependent on GSK‐3β or PP2A activity, but is associated with AMPK dephosphorylation. We propose that a reduction in AMPK activity is a possible early mechanism responsible for tau dephosphorylation.
Rapid genetic and ecological differentiation during the northern range expansion of the venomous yellow sac spider Cheiracanthium punctorium in Europe
Authors: Krehenwinkel Henrik , Rödder Dennis , Năpăruş‐Aljančič Magdalena , Kuntner Matjaž 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAlthough poleward range expansions are commonly attributed to global change, a complex interaction of ecological and evolutionary factors might contribute to expansion success. Here, we study the expansion of the yellow sac spider Cheiracanthium punctorium, a medically important species in Central Europe. Using microsatellite markers and DNA sequences, morphological and climate niche analyses, we identify factors associated with the spider's expansion success. Our results indicate that the species' initial expansion has been triggered by environmental change and preadaptation in the source populations. However, despite extensive gene flow, expanding populations maintain genetic and morphological differentiation from native ones, which is correlated with climatic niche differences. Moreover, expanding spiders might have temporarily escaped an eggsac parasite that causes high mortality in the native range. Hence, our results paint a complex picture of diverse factors associated with expansion success. We speculate that expanding populations might be capable of adapting to novel ecological conditions in northern Europe. This could allow a substantial range expansion, much farther than by environmental change alone. Our distribution model predicts that the spider will soon massively spread over most of northern Europe, bringing along considerable health concerns.
Direct approach to the nasal cavity through a bone flap for the treatment of a large nasal cyst
Authors: Bolz N. , Bucheli M. , Fürst A. E. , Del Chicca F. , Jackson M. A. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryA 21‐year‐old Warmblood mare was referred to the Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, because of recurrent unilateral nasal discharge 3 months after partial removal of a large cyst from the left maxillary and frontal sinuses. Endoscopic, radiographic and computed tomographic examinations showed that the remnant of the cyst, which originally had extended from the left maxillary and frontal sinuses into the left nasal cavity, had expanded and was obliterating the left middle nasal meatus. A direct surgical approach to the cyst through the left nasal and maxillary bones rostral to the facial crest was chosen, which allowed evaluation and removal of the entire cyst. Endoscopic examination 3 days post operatively showed no remnants of the cyst, and the mare was discharged in good health. Re‐examination one year later showed no recurrence of the cyst.
Feasibility and safety of lumbosacral epiduroscopy in the standing horse
Authors: Shrauner B. , Blikslager A. , Davis J. , Campbell N. , Law M. , Lustgarten M. , Prange T. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryReasons for performing studyThe large size of the adult horse prevents the use of advanced imaging modalities in most areas of the axial skeleton, including the lumbosacral vertebral column. Traditional imaging techniques are frequently unable to pinpoint the underlying pathology in horses with caudal back pain. In man, lumbosacral epiduroscopy is used to diagnose and treat subjects with chronic back and leg pain. This technique may close the diagnostic gap in horses with similar clinical signs.ObjectivesTo evaluate the safety and feasibility of lumbosacral epiduroscopy in the standing adult horse.Study designDescriptive, experimental study.MethodsSeven adult horses weighing 504–578 kg were sedated and restrained in stocks in preparation for aseptic surgery. Vascular dilators of increasing size were inserted cranial to the first moveable vertebra caudal to the sacrum to facilitate a minimally invasive approach into the epidural space. A flexible video‐endoscope was introduced and advanced as far as its 60‐cm working length permitted. Pre‐, intra‐ and post‐operative plasma cortisol samples were collected, and neurological and lameness examinations were performed prior to and during the 2 weeks following the procedure. Post‐mortem examinations were conducted in 5 of the 7 horses.ResultsStanding lumbosacral epiduroscopy was well tolerated by all horses. The anatomic structures in the epidural space (dura mater, spinal nerve roots, fat and blood vessels) were followed as far cranial as the thoracolumbar region. No complications related to the procedure were noted in the 2‐week monitoring period following epiduroscopy. Small, organised haematomas were identified in the sacral epidural space during necropsy in one horse. No abnormalities were seen in the other 4 animals.ConclusionsLumbosacral epiduroscopy can be performed safely in sedated standing horses. The procedure may become a valuable diagnostic tool in horses with caudal back or hindlimb pain of unknown origin.
Necessary elements of precautionary management: implications for the Antarctic toothfish
Authors: Abrams Peter A , Ainley David G , Blight Louise K , Dayton Paul K , Eastman Joseph T , Jacquet Jennifer L 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe review the precautionary approach to fisheries management, propose a framework that will allow a systematic assessment of insufficient precaution and provide an illustration using an Antarctic fishery. For a single‐species fishery, our framework includes five attributes: (1) limit reference points that recognize gaps in our understanding of the dynamics of the species; (2) accurate measures of population size; (3) ability to detect population changes quickly enough to arrest unwanted declines; (4) adequate understanding of ecosystem dynamics to avoid adverse indirect effects; and (5) assessment of the first four elements by a sufficiently impartial group of scientists. We argue that one or more of these elements frequently fail to be present in the management of many fisheries. Structural uncertainties, which characterize almost all fisheries models, call for higher limit points than those commonly used. A detailed look into the five elements and associated uncertainties is presented for the fishery on the Antarctic toothfish in the Ross Sea (FAO/CCAMLR Area 88.1, 88.2), for which management was recently described as ‘highly precautionary’. In spite of having features that make the Ross Sea fishery ideal for the application of the precautionary approach, gaps in our knowledge and failure to acknowledge these gaps mean that current regulation falls short of being sufficiently precautionary. We propose some possible remedies.
Contrasting effects of tropical cyclones on the annual survival of a pelagic seabird in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Nicoll Malcolm A. C. , Nevoux Marie , Jones Carl G. , Ratcliffe Norman , Ruhomaun Kevin , Tatayah Vikash , Norris Ken 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTropical cyclones are renowned for their destructive nature and are an important feature of marine and coastal tropical ecosystems. Over the last 40 years, their intensity, frequency and tracks have changed, partly in response to ocean warming, and future predictions indicate that these trends are likely to continue with potential consequences for human populations and coastal ecosystems. However, our understanding of how tropical cyclones currently affect marine biodiversity, and pelagic species in particular, is limited. For seabirds, the impacts of cyclones are known to be detrimental at breeding colonies, but impacts on the annual survival of pelagic adults and juveniles remain largely unexplored and no study has simultaneously explored the direct impacts of cyclones on different life‐history stages across the annual life cycle. We used a 20‐year data set on tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean, tracking data from 122 Round Island petrels and long‐term capture–mark–recapture data to explore the impacts of tropical cyclones on the survival of adult and juvenile (first year) petrels during both the breeding and migration periods. The tracking data showed that juvenile and adult Round Island petrels utilize the three cyclone regions of the Indian Ocean and were potentially exposed to cyclones for a substantial part of their annual cycle. However, only juvenile petrel survival was affected by cyclone activity; negatively by a strong cyclone in the vicinity of the breeding colony and positively by increasing cyclone activity in the Northern Indian Ocean where they spend the majority of their first year at sea. These contrasting effects raise the intriguing prospect that the projected changes in cyclones under current climate change scenarios may have positive as well as the more commonly perceived negative impacts on marine biodiversity.
Inhibition by ultraviolet and photosynthetically available radiation lowers model estimates of depth‐integrated picophytoplankton photosynthesis: global predictions for Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus
Authors: Neale Patrick J. , Thomas Brian C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPhytoplankton photosynthesis is often inhibited by ultraviolet (UV) and intense photosynthetically available radiation (PAR), but the effects on ocean productivity have received little consideration aside from polar areas subject to periodic enhanced UV‐B due to depletion of stratospheric ozone. A more comprehensive assessment is important for understanding the contribution of phytoplankton production to the global carbon budget, present and future. Here, we consider responses in the temperate and tropical mid‐ocean regions typically dominated by picophytoplankton including the prokaryotic lineages, Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus. Spectral models of photosynthetic response for each lineage were constructed using model strains cultured at different growth irradiances and temperatures. In the model, inhibition becomes more severe once exposure exceeds a threshold (Emax) related to repair capacity. Model parameters are presented for Prochlorococcus adding to those previously presented for Synechococcus. The models were applied to estimate midday, water column photosynthesis based on an atmospheric model of spectral radiation, satellite‐derived spectral water transparency and temperature. Based on a global survey of inhibitory exposure severity, a full‐latitude section of the mid‐Pacific and near‐equatorial region of the east Pacific were identified as representative regions for prediction of responses over the entire water column. Comparing predictions integrated over the water column including versus excluding inhibition, production was 7–28% lower due to inhibition depending on strain and site conditions. Inhibition was consistently greater for Prochlorococcus compared to two strains of Synechococcus. Considering only the surface mixed layer, production was inhibited 7–73%. On average, including inhibition lowered estimates of midday productivity around 20% for the modeled region of the Pacific with UV accounting for two‐thirds of the reduction. In contrast, most other productivity models either ignore inhibition or only include PAR inhibition. Incorporation of Emax model responses into an existing spectral model of depth‐integrated, daily production will enable efficient global predictions of picophytoplankton productivity including inhibition.
Barium Isotopic Compositions of Geological Reference Materials
Authors: van Zuilen Kirsten , Nägler Thomas F. , Bullen Thomas D. 
Published: May 2016

The interest in variations of barium (Ba) stable isotope amount ratios in low and high temperature environments has increased over the past several years. Characterisation of Ba isotope ratios of widely available reference materials is now required to validate analytical procedures and to allow comparison of data obtained by different laboratories. We present new Ba isotope amount ratio data for twelve geological reference materials with silicate (AGV‐1, G‐2, BHVO‐1, QLO‐1, BIR‐1, JG‐1a, JB‐1a, JR‐1 and JA‐1), carbonate (IAEA‐CO‐9) and sulfate matrices (IAEA‐SO‐5 and IAEA‐SO‐6) relative to NIST SRM 3104a. In addition, two artificially fractionated in‐house reference materials BaBe12 and BaBe27 (δ137/134Ba = −1.161 ± 0.049‰ and −0.616 ± 0.050‰, respectively) are used as quality control solutions for the negative δ‐range. Accuracy of our data was assessed by interlaboratory comparison between the University of Bern and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Data were measured by MC‐ICP‐MS (Bern) and TIMS (USGS) using two different double spikes for mass bias correction (130Ba–135Ba and 132Ba–136Ba, respectively). MC‐ICP‐MS measurements were further tested for isobaric and non‐spectral matrix effects by a number of common matrix elements. The results are in excellent agreement and suggest data accuracy.
Changing trends in diagnosis, staging, treatment and survival in lung cancer: comparison of three consecutive cohorts in an Australian lung cancer centre
Authors: Denton E. J. , Hart D. , Wainer Z. , Wright G. , Russell P. A. , Conron M. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundLung cancer accounts for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The effect of recent changes in demographics and management on outcomes in Australia has not been clearly defined.AimsTo compare three consecutive lung cancer cohorts to evaluate emergent differences in diagnosis, management and mortality.MethodsFor comparative analysis, 2119 lung cancer patients were divided into three successive cohorts. Current death data were sought from the Victorian Cancer Registry.ResultsAge at diagnosis, mode of presentation and pathology did not significantly differ between the groups. Significantly more females were diagnosed with lung cancer in the most recent cohort (P = 0.04). Amongst non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients, there were more adenocarcinomas and less large cell carcinomas in the latest cohort (P = <0.01). More patients from the most recent cohort were staged pathologically and via positron emission tomography and fewer were clinically staged (P = <0.01). The most recent cohort had a greater proportion of Stage IV disease (P = <0.01) and more curative surgical or combined modality radiotherapy and chemotherapy versus palliative radiotherapy or supportive care (P = <0.01). Overall 5‐year survival improved significantly in the most recent cohort, even after adjustment for age, gender and stage (P = <0.01).ConclusionComparison of three lung cancer patient cohorts diagnosed between 2001 and 2013 highlights emergent changes in lung cancer demographics, management and outcomes. These include recent increases in proportion of females, pathological and positron emission tomography staging, and Stage IV disease, as well as improved survival despite later stage disease.
LL37:DNA complexes provide antimicrobial activity against intracellular bacteria in human macrophages
Authors: Stephan Alexander , Batinica Marina , Steiger Julia , Hartmann Pia , Zaucke Frank , Bloch Wilhelm , Fabri Mario 
Published: May 2016

SummaryAs part of the innate host response neutrophils release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), protein:DNA complexes that contain a number of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as cathelicidin. Human cathelicidin in its active form, LL37, has potent antimicrobial activity against bacteria. However, whether LL37 derived from NETs contributes to antimicrobial activity against intracellular pathogens remains unclear. Here, we report that NETs induced by mycobacteria contain cathelicidin. Human macrophages internalized NET‐bound cathelicidin, which is transported to lysosomal compartments. Furthermore, using a model of in vitro‐generated LL37:DNA complexes we found that LL37 derived from such complexes attacks mycobacteria in macrophage phagolysosomes resulting in antimicrobial activity. Taken together, our results suggest a mechanism by which LL37 in complex with DNA contributes to host defence against intracellular bacteria in human macrophages.
Reduced immunogenicity of Plasmodium falciparum gamete surface antigen (Pfs48/45) in mice after disruption of disulphide bonds – evaluating effect of interferon‐γ‐inducible lysosomal thiol reductase
Authors: Merino Kristen M. , Bansal Geetha P. , Kumar Nirbhay 
Published: May 2016

SummarySexual stages of Plasmodium are critical for malaria transmission and stage‐specific antigens are important targets for development of malaria transmission‐blocking vaccines. Plasmodium falciparum gamete surface antigen (Pfs48/45) is important for male gamete fertility and is being pursued as a candidate vaccine antigen. Vaccine‐induced transmission‐blocking antibodies recognize reduction‐sensitive conformational epitopes in Pfs48/45. Processing and presentation of such disulphide‐bond‐constrained epitopes is critical for eliciting the desired immune responses. Mice lacking interferon‐γ‐inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT), an enzyme that mediates reduction of S‐S bonds during antigen processing, were employed to investigate immunogenicity of Pfs48/45. It has been well established that the ability to reduce S‐S bonds in antigens guides effective T‐cell immune responses; however, involvement of GILT in the induction of subsequent B‐cell responses has not been explored. We hypothesized that the ability to reduce S‐S bonds in Pfs48/45 will impact the generation of T‐cell epitopes, and so influence helper T‐cell responses required for specific B‐cell responses. Non‐reduced and reduced and alkylated forms of Pfs48/45 were employed to evaluate immune responses in wild‐type and GILT knockout mice and studies revealed important differences in several immune response parameters, including differences in putative T‐cell epitope recognition, faster kinetics of waning of Pfs48/45‐specific IgG1 antibodies in knockout mice, differential patterns of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐4 secretions by splenocytes, and possible effects of GILT on induction of long‐lived plasma cells and memory B cells responsible for antigen‐recall responses. These studies emphasize the importance of antigen structural features that significantly influence the development of effective immune responses.