bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties and validity of Beck Depression Inventory II in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sacco R. , Santangelo G. , Stamenova S. , Bisecco A. , Bonavita S. , Lavorgna L. , Trojano L. , D'Ambrosio A. , Tedeschi G. , Gallo A. 
Published: January 2016

Background and purposeDepression is the most common psychiatric disorder in multiple sclerosis (MS). Self‐report depression scales are frequently used as screening, diagnostic and grading instruments. This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Beck Depression Inventory second edition (BDI‐II) for assessing depressive disorders in a sample of Italian MS patients.MethodsThe sample included 141 consecutive non‐demented MS patients who completed the BDI‐II and the Chicago Multiscale Depression Inventory (CMDI). MS patients also completed a clinical interview, a neurological/neuropsychological examination and a Fatigue Severity Score (FSS) questionnaire in order to assess divergent validity.ResultsThe BDI‐II showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.89) and good convergent and divergent validity. With respect to CMDI serving as the ‘gold standard’, the receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that BDI‐II is an adequate diagnostic measure and that the optimum total cut‐off score was 18.5. Such score identified clinically relevant depressive symptoms in 25.5% of our MS sample.ConclusionsThe BDI‐II is a simple, reliable and valid tool for detecting and grading depressive symptoms in Italian MS patients.
The influence of socioeconomic status on health resource utilization in pediatric epilepsy in a universal health insurance system
Authors: Puka Klajdi , Smith Mary Lou , Moineddin Rahim , Snead O. Carter , Widjaja Elysa 
Published: January 2016

SummaryObjectivesIt is unknown if there is a disparity in health resource utilization (HRU) among children with epilepsy in a universal health insurance system. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether socioeconomic status (SES) influenced the pattern of HRU among children with epilepsy, and to determine if neurology visits were associated with emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations.MethodsHealth administrative databases were used to identify HRU among children with epilepsy in Ontario, Canada. The frequency of neurology visits, ED visits, and hospitalizations were assessed for 1 year. SES was measured using dissemination area income and deprivation index. The association between SES and HRU was evaluated, adjusting for age, sex, residence, and comorbidities. Subsequently, we assessed whether neurology visits influenced ED visits and hospitalizations, adjusting for age, sex, residence, comorbidities, and SES.ResultsDeprivation index was a more sensitive measure of disparity in HRU than dissemination area income. Status epilepticus–related ED visits and hospitalizations were most expensive but accounted for a small proportion of total costs. Higher deprivation was associated with fewer neurology visits (relative risk [RR] 0.85–0.89), more frequent ED visits (RR 1.08–1.36), and hospitalizations (RR 1.27). Increased neurology visits were associated with more frequent ED visits (RR 1.10) and hospitalizations (RR 1.15). The associations between neurology visits and ED visits as well as hospitalizations varied by deprivation index, in that neurology visits were associated with increased ED visits and hospitalizations and the increase was higher in the most deprived relative to the least deprived (all p < 0.0001).SignificanceWe found disparity in HRU by SES despite the universal health insurance system. More frequent neurology visits were associated with more frequent ED visits and hospitalizations after adjusting for SES, probably related to epilepsy severity. Our study identified an at‐risk population for high resource use that may require additional support to reduce ED visits and hospitalizations.
Dermal adipocytes and hair cycling: is spatial heterogeneity a characteristic feature of the dermal adipose tissue depot?
Authors: Kruglikov Ilja L. , Scherer Philipp E. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAdipocytes are widely distributed in the dermis, in a unique fat depot referred to as dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT). In rodents, dWAT is present as widespread thin layers, whereas in pigs and humans, it is present in clusters referred to as ‘dermal cones’ around the pilosebaceous units. This distinct layer of fat cells located above the subcutaneous white adipose tissue is important for proper hair follicle (HF) cycling in rodents. Murine HFs produce spatially restricted synchronous patches after their second postnatal cycle which correlates with the spatial heterogeneity of murine dWAT. Similarly, the cycling of HFs in humans may also be related to the spatial distribution of dWAT, making the difference between murine and human HF cycling of more quantitative than of qualitative nature. This should allow the production of small spatially correlated HF patches in human skin, and we propose that this process can be regulated by paracrine signalling involving a number of signalling modules, including the hedgehog pathway. This pathway is an established player in HF cycling, but is also involved in the regulation of adipogenesis and may therefore be a key regulator of the process across species. We also suggest that the spatial heterogeneity of dWAT is connected not only to HF cycling, but may also be related to other physiological and pathological processes in the skin.
Seasonal and inter‐island variation in the foraging strategy of the critically endangered Red‐headed Wood Pigeon Columba janthina nitens in disturbed island habitats derived from high‐throughput sequencing
Authors: Ando Haruko , Setsuko Suzuki , Horikoshi Kazuo , Suzuki Hajime , Umehara Shoko , Yamasaki Michimasa , Hanya Goro , Inoue‐Murayama Miho , Isagi Yuji 
Published: January 2016

We studied the feeding ecology of the critically endangered Red‐headed Wood Pigeon Columba janthina nitens, a subspecies endemic to a very remote and highly disturbed oceanic island chain, the Ogasawara Islands. An analysis based on high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) was undertaken on 627 faecal samples collected over 2 years from two island habitats, and food availability and the nutrient composition of the major fruits were also estimated. The HTS diet analysis detected 122 food plant taxa and showed clear seasonal and inter‐island variation in the diet of the Pigeons. The results indicated a preference for lipid‐rich fruits, but the diet changed according to the availability of food resources, perhaps reflecting the foraging strategy of the Pigeons in isolated island habitats with poor food resources. Pigeons also frequently consumed introduced plants at certain times of year, perhaps compensating for the lack of preferred native food resources. However, the degree of dependence on introduced plants appeared to differ between the two island habitats, so the different impacts of introduced plant eradication on the foraging conditions for the Pigeons on each island should be considered. HTS diet analysis combined with field data may be useful for monitoring the foraging conditions of endangered species and may also inform an appropriate conservation strategy in oceanic island ecosystems with complicated food webs that include both native and introduced species.
Multiple pathways regulate Cten in colorectal cancer without a Tensin switch
Authors: Thorpe Hannah , Akhlaq Maham , Jackson Darryl , Ghamdi Saleh Al , Storr Sarah , Martin Stewart , Ilyas Mohammad 
Published: January 2016

SummaryCTEN/TNS4 is a member of the Tensin gene family. It localizes to focal adhesions and induces cell motility. The mechanisms regulating Cten expression are unclear although we have shown regulation by Kras in the colon and pancreas. In normal mammary cell lines, it is reportedly upregulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and STAT3 signalling and upregulation is accompanied by downregulation of Tensin 3 (Tensin switch). In this study, we investigated the roles of EGFR and STAT3 signalling in the regulation of Cten in colorectal cancer (CRC). In addition, we investigated calpain – a regulator of focal adhesion‐associated proteins whose relevance to Cten has not been investigated. CRC cell lines were stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF). This resulted in an increase in Cten and Tensin 3 protein. Kras was knocked down and this resulted in downregulation of Cten and Tensin 3. We next investigated the role of STAT3 signalling. Activation and knockdown of STAT3 resulted in downregulation and upregulation, respectively, of Cten. Inhibition of calpain resulted in upregulation of both Cten and Tensin 3. As the regulators of Cten also seemed to regulate Tensin 3, we tested the interaction between Cten and Tensin 3. Cten was forcibly expressed or knocked down resulting, respectively, in upregulation and downregulation of Tensin 3. We conclude that in CRC, Cten is upregulated by EGFR and Kras but downregulated by STAT3. We show that calpain may be a negative regulator of Cten and that a Tensin switch does not occur and, if anything, Cten stabilizes Tensin 3.
Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide attenuates trauma‐/haemorrhagic shock‐induced acute lung injury through inhibiting oxidative stress and the NF‐κB‐dependent inflammatory/MMP‐9 pathway
Authors: Song Zhi , Zhao Xiu , Liu Martin , Jin Hongxu , Wang Ling , Hou Mingxiao , Gao Yan 
Published: January 2016

SummaryAcute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most serious complications in traumatic patients and is an important part of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) is a peptide with a wide range of biological activity. In this study, we investigated local changes in oxidative stress and the NF‐κB‐dependent matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) pathway in rats with trauma/haemorrhagic shock (TH/S)‐induced ALI and evaluated the effects of pretreatment with rhBNP. Forty‐eight rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham operation group, model group, low‐dosage rhBNP group and high‐dosage rhBNP group (n = 12 for each group). Oxidative stress and MPO activity were measured by ELISA kits. MMP‐9 activity was detected by zymography analysis. NF‐κB activity was determined using Western blot assay. With rhBNP pretreatment, TH/S‐induced protein leakage, increased MPO activity, lipid peroxidation and metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 activity were inhibited. Activation of antioxidative enzymes was reversed. The phosphorylation of NF‐κB and the degradation of its inhibitor IκB were suppressed. The results suggested that the protection mechanism of rhBNP is possibly mediated through upregulation of anti‐oxidative enzymes and inhibition of NF‐κB activation. More studies are needed to further evaluate whether rhBNP is a suitable candidate as an effective inhaling drug to reduce the incidence of TH/S‐induced ALI.
Treatment with Mesna and n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ameliorates experimental ulcerative colitis in rats
Authors: Triantafyllidis Ioannis , Poutahidis Theofilos , Taitzoglou Ioannis , Kesisoglou Isaak , Lazaridis Charalampos , Botsios Dimitrios 
Published: January 2016

SummaryOxidative damage is a central feature of ulcerative colitis. Here, we tested whether the antioxidant Mesna, when administered alone or in combination with n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs), affects the outcome of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)‐induced ulcerative colitis in rats. After the induction of colitis, DSS‐treated rats were further treated orally (p.o), intraperitoneally (i.p) or intrarectally (i.r) for either 7 or 14 days with Mesna, n‐3 PUFAs or both. Rats were euthanized at the end of each treatment period. Clinical disease activity index was recorded throughout the experiment. At necropsy colorectal gross lesions were scored. Colitis was scored histologically, and the expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO), caspase‐3, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κΒ) in colonic tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Mesna alone was sufficient to significantly reduce colorectal tissue damage when administered orally or intraperitoneally. Orally coadministered n‐3 PUFAs enhanced this effect, resulting in the significant suppression of DSS colitis after 7 days, and a remarkable recovery of colorectal mucosa was evident after 14 days of treatment. The amelioration of colon pathology co‐existed with a significant decrease in MPO expression, overexpression of iNOS and reduction of nuclear NF‐κB p65 in inflammatory cells, and the suppression of apoptosis in colonic epithelial cells. The simultaneous administration of Mesna and n‐3 PUFAs is particularly effective in ameliorating DSS colitis in rats, by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, probably through a mechanism that involves the inhibition of NF‐κB and overexpression of iNOS.
Reduced AMPKα2 protein expression restores glucose‐induced insulin secretion in islets from calorie‐restricted rats
Authors: Amaral Maria Esméria C. , Ribeiro Rosane A. , Vanzela Emerielle C. , Barbosa‐Sampaio Helena C. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryIn a state of caloric restriction (CR), improved insulin action was associated with the activation of AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK). Here, we verified whether AMPK was involved in impaired β‐cell function in islets from rats subjected to CR for 21 days.Eight‐week‐old male rats were distributed into a control (CTL) group that was fed an isocaloric diet ad libitum or a CR group that received 60% of the food consumed by the CTL group. From days 18–21, CTL and CR rats were treated with sense (CTLS and CRS) or antisense (CTLAS and CRAS) AMPKα2 oligonucleotides.Caloric restriction was associated with decreased body weight, perigonadal fat pads and insulinaemia, while higher glucose tolerance was observed in CRS rats. Antisense treatment normalized insulinaemia and glucose tolerance in CRAS rats and increased cholesterolaemia in CRAS and CTLAS groups. These effects were associated with reduced pAMPK/AMPK protein expression in the liver of rats treated with antisense oligonucleotides. Additionally, CRS islets showed higher pAMPK/AMPK content and lower glucose‐induced insulin release. As expected, antisense oligonucleotides against AMPKα2 efficiently reduced pAMPK/AMPK protein in CRAS and CTLAS islets. The lower AMPK content in CRAS islets normalized the insulin secretion in islets exposed to 16.7 mM glucose. In addition, CTLAS islets presented higher insulin secretion at 2.8 and 16.7 mM glucose. These findings support the hypothesis that higher AMPK protein expression is involved in impaired β‐cell function in islets from rats subjected to CR for 21 days.
Clinical implications of intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Yamashita Shinichi , Ito Akihiro , Mitsuzuka Koji , Tochigi Tatsuo , Namima Takashige , Soma Fumihiko , Aizawa Masataka , Ioritani Naomasa , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Arai Yoichi 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo characterize the site and clinical implications of intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.MethodsPatients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma between 2000 and 2011 at 12 institutions participating in the Tohoku Urological Evidence‐Based Medicine Study Group were included in the present study. Those who underwent prior or simultaneous radical cystectomy were excluded. The site of intravesical recurrence was investigated, and the survival curves after radical nephroureterectomy were analyzed retrospectively using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate analyses of factors predicting survival were carried out.ResultsA total of 534 patients were eligible for the present study. With a median follow up of 47 months, 205 patients (38.4%) had intravesical recurrence. The intravesical recurrence‐free survival rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 74.6%, 62.5% and 56.3%, respectively. In a subset of 137 patients with intravesical recurrence who did not have bladder cancer before or at the diagnosis of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, the most frequent site of intravesical recurrence was around the cystotomy (52.6%), followed by at the posterior wall (39.4%) and at the bladder neck (35.8%). A total of 36 patients (17.6%) developed muscle‐invasive bladder cancer after radical nephroureterectomy. On multivariate analyses for the subset of patients with non‐muscle invasive (≤pT1) upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, intravesical recurrence was an independent predictor of cancer‐specific survival (HR 4.27, P = 0.016) and overall survival (HR 3.00, P = 0.018).ConclusionsMost intravesical recurrences occur around the site of bladder mucosal injury within 1 year after radical nephroureterectomy, providing important insight into the mechanism of intravesical recurrence. Intravesical recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy had an impact on oncological outcomes of patients with non‐muscle invasive upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.
Habitat utilization by the Cape porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis in a savanna ecosystem
Authors: de Villiers Marienne S. , van Aarde Rudolph J. , Dott Hector M. 
Published: January 2016

Habitat utilization on three scales by Cape porcupines (Hystrix africaeaustralis) was investigated in a savanna ecosystem at Nylsvley Nature Reserve in the northern Transvaal, South Africa.On the macroscale, radiotelemetry indicated that porcupines preferred broad‐leaf Burkea savanna to Acacia savanna. The individual variation in macroscale habitat preferences indicates that porcupines may be constrained in their use of habitats by territoriality.On the intermediate scale, no specific feeding areas within the home ranges of porcupines could be identified by using overlapping radiotelemetry circles.On the microscale, observations of two leash‐walked porcupines indicated that feeding patches are not randomly located but correspond to the distribution of certain plant species important in the diet of porcupines. Patches may be identified or protected by means of scent‐marking.
ECG Features Associated With Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Combined AFFIRM and AF‐CHF Analysis
Authors: ANDRADE JASON G. , ROY DENIS , WYSE D. GEORGE , DORIAN PAUL , TALAJIC MARIO , LEDUC HUGUES , CADRIN‐TOURIGNY JULIA , SHOHOUDI AZADEH , MACLE LAURENT , THIBAULT BERNARD , GUERRA PETER G. , RIVARD LÉNA , DUBUC MARC , KHAIRY PAUL 
Published: January 2016

ECG and Cardiovascular Outcomes in AFBackgroundThe association between standard parameters from a simple 12‐lead ECG (i.e., QRS duration and PR, JT, and QT intervals) and adverse cardiovascular outcomes (cardiovascular mortality, all‐cause mortality, arrhythmic mortality, and hospitalizations) in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been previously studied.Methods and ResultsA pooled analysis of patient‐level data was conducted on 5,436 patients, age 68.2 ± 8.3 years, 34.8% female, with a history of non‐permanent AF randomized in AFFIRM and AF‐CHF trials. The predictive value of ECG parameters was assessed in AF and sinus rhythm in multivariate Cox regression models. During a follow‐up of 40.8 ± 16.3 months, QRS duration >120 milliseconds was independently associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.21–1.76] in AF, P < 0.001), cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.75, 95% CI (1.15–2.65) in sinus rhythm, P = 0.009; HR 1.56, 95% CI [1.27–1.93] in AF, P < 0.001), arrhythmic mortality (HR 1.90, 95% CI [1.09–3.32] in sinus, P = 0.024; HR 1.84, 95% CI [1.35–2.51] in AF, P < 0.001), any hospitalization (HR 1.15, 95% CI [1.02–1.29] in AF, P = 0.027), and cardiovascular hospitalization (HR 1.21, 95% CI [1.06–1.37] in AF; P = 0.004). Increased PR interval (>200 milliseconds) was independently associated with cardiovascular (HR 1.56, 95% CI [1.11–2.21], P = 0.010) and arrhythmic (HR 1.91, 95% CI [1.14–3.18], P = 0.004) mortality. The JT and QTc intervals were not predictive of mortality.ConclusionsSimple parameters from standard ECGs are significantly and independently associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with a history of AF.
HIF‐1α regulates EMT via the Snail and β‐catenin pathways in paraquat poisoning‐induced early pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Zhu Yong , Tan Jiuting , Xie Hui , Wang Jinfeng , Meng Xiaoxiao , Wang Ruilan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractParaquat (PQ) poisoning‐induced pulmonary fibrosis is one of the primary causes of death in patients with PQ poisoning. Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) are involved in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Snail and β‐catenin are two other factors involved in promoting EMT. However, the relationship among HIF‐1α, Snail and β‐catenin in PQ poisoning‐induced pulmonary fibrosis is not clear. Our research aimed to determine whether the regulation of HIF‐1α in EMT occurs via the Snail and β‐catenin pathways in PQ poisoning‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. Sixty‐six Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly and evenly divided into a control group and a PQ group. The PQ group was treated with an intragastric infusion of a 20% PQ solution (50 mg/kg) for 2, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hrs. A549 and RLE‐6TN cell lines were transfected with HIF‐1α siRNA for 48 hrs before being exposed to PQ. Western blotting, real‐time quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and other assays were used in our research. In vivo, the protein levels of HIF‐1α and α‐SMA were increased at 2 hrs and the level of ZO‐1 (Zonula Occluden‐1) was reduced at 12 hrs. In vitro, the transient transfection of HIF‐1α siRNA resulted in a decrease in the degree of EMT. The expression levels of Snail and β‐catenin were significantly reduced when HIF‐α was silenced. These data demonstrate that EMT may be involved in PQ poisoning‐induced pulmonary fibrosis and regulated by HIF‐1α via the Snail and β‐catenin pathways. Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of PQ poisoning‐induced pulmonary fibrosis.