bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet: Metabolic and Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Tosti Valeria , Bertozzi Beatrice , Fontana Luigi 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Consuming a Mediterranean diet rich in minimally processed plant foods has been associated with a reduced risk of developing multiple chronic diseases and increased life expectancy. Data from several randomized clinic trials have demonstrated a beneficial effect in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and breast cancer. The exact mechanism by which an increased adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet exerts its favorable effects is not known. However, accumulating evidence indicates that the five most important adaptations induced by the Mediterranean dietary pattern are: (a) lipid-lowering effect, (b) protection against oxidative stress, inflammation and platelet aggregation, (c) modification of hormones and growth factors involved in the pathogenesis of cancer, (d) inhibition of nutrient sensing pathways by specific amino acid restriction, and (e) gut microbiota-mediated production of metabolites influencing metabolic health. More studies are needed to understand how single modifications of nutrients typical of the Mediterranean diet interact with energy intake, energy expenditure, and the microbiome in modulating the key mechanisms that promote cellular, tissue, and organ health during aging.
Peer supporters’ experiences on an Australian perinatal mental health helpline
Authors: Biggs Laura J , McLachlan Helen L , Shafiei Touran , Small Rhonda , Forster Della A 
Published: December 2017

SummaryPerinatal mental health is an important public health issue, and peer support is a potentially important strategy for emotional well-being in the perinatal period. PANDA Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia provides support to individuals impacted by perinatal mental health issues via the National Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Helpline. Callers receive peer support from volunteers and counselling from paid professional staff. The views and experiences of PANDA peer support volunteers have not previously been studied. We conducted two focus groups and an online survey to explore the experiences of women providing volunteer peer support on the Helpline. Data collection took place in October and November 2013. Two social theories were used in framing and addressing the study aims and in interpreting our findings: the Empathy–Altruism Hypothesis, and the Helper Therapy Principle. All PANDA volunteers were invited to participate (n = 40). Eight volunteers attended a focus group, and 11 survey responses were received. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. All survey respondents ‘strongly agreed’ that they felt positive about being part of PANDA. Thematic analysis of data from focus groups and open-ended survey responses identified the following themes: motivated to help others, supported to support callers, helping to make a difference and emotional impacts for volunteers. Respondents described a strong desire to support others experiencing emotional distress as a motivator to volunteer. Although perinatal peer support services are designed to benefit those who receive support, this study suggests volunteers may also experience personal benefits from the role.
Smoking status and attractiveness among exemplar and prototypical identical twins discordant for smoking
Authors: Skinner Andrew L. , Woods Andy , Stone Christopher J. , Penton-Voak Ian , Munafò Marcus R. 
Published: December 2017

Smoking is associated with negative health of skin and increased signs of facial ageing. We aimed to address two questions about smoking and appearance: (1) does facial appearance alone provide an indication of smoking status, and (2) how does smoking affect the attractiveness of faces? We used faces of identical twins discordant for smoking, and prototypes made by averaging the faces of the twins. In Task 1, we presented exemplar twin sets and same sex prototypes side-by-side and participants (
n
= 590) indicated which face was the smoker. Participants were blind to smoking status. In Task 2 a separate sample (
n
= 580) indicated which face was more attractive. For the exemplar twin sets, there was inconclusive evidence participants selected the smoking twin as the smoker more often, or selected the non-smoking twin as the more attractive more often. For the prototypes, however, participants clearly selected the smoking prototypes as the smoker more often, and the non-smoking prototypes as the more attractive. Prototypical faces of smokers are judged more attractive and correctly identified as smokers more often than prototypical faces of matched non-smokers. We discuss the possible use of these findings in smoking behaviour change interventions.
A conserved tad pilus promotes Vibrio vulnificus oyster colonization
Authors: Pu Meng , Duriez Patrick , Arazi Mattan , Rowe‐Magnus Dean A. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryVibrio vulnificus has the highest death rate (>35%) and per‐case economic burden ($3.3 million) of any foodborne pathogen in the United States. Infections occur via open wounds or following ingestion of contaminated seafood, most infamously oysters. We isolated a 1000th generation descendant, designated NT that exhibited increased biofilm and aggregate formation relative to its parent. We identified two significant causal changes underlying these phenotypes. First, the entire 24‐kb capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis locus, which is essential for virulence but inhibits biofilm formation, had been purged from the genome. However, NT formed more extensive biofilms and aggregates than a defined cps mutant, suggesting that additional factor(s) contributed to its phenotypes. Second, the expression of a tight adherence (tad) pilus locus was elevated in NT. Deletion of the associated pilin (flp) decreased NT biofilm and aggregate formation. Furthermore, NTΔflp strains were deficient relative to NT in an oyster colonization model, demonstrating a positive correlation between the biofilm and aggregation phenotypes associated with Tad pilus production and efficient bacterial retention by feeding oysters. Despite being widely distributed in the Vibrionaceae, this is the first demonstration of a bona fide physiological role for a Tad pilus in this bacterial family.
Review article: Best practice management of common ankle and foot injuries in the emergency department (part 2 of the musculoskeletal injuries rapid review series)
Authors: Strudwick Kirsten , McPhee Megan , Bell Anthony , Martin‐Khan Melinda , Russell Trevor 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAnkle and foot injuries are the most common musculoskeletal injuries presenting to Australian EDs and are associated with a large societal and economic impact. The quality of ED care provided to patients with ankle and foot fractures or soft tissue injuries is critical to ensure the best possible outcomes for the patient. This rapid review investigated best practice for the assessment and management of common ankle and foot injuries in the ED. Databases including PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, TRIP and the grey literature, including relevant organisational websites, were searched in 2017. Primary studies, systematic reviews and guidelines were considered for inclusion. English language articles published in the last 12 years that addressed the acute assessment, management or prognosis in the ED were included. Data extraction of included articles was conducted, followed by quality appraisal to rate the level of evidence where possible. The search revealed 1242 articles, of which 71 were included in the review (n = 22 primary articles, n = 35 systematic reviews and n = 14 guidelines). This rapid review provides clinicians managing fractures and soft tissue injuries of the ankle and foot in the ED a summary of the best available evidence to enhance the quality of care for optimal patient outcomes. Following a thorough history and physical examination, including the application of the Ottawa ankle rules, ED clinicians should not only provide a diagnosis, but rate the severity of soft tissue injuries, or stability of fractures and dislocations, which are the pivotal decision points in guiding ED treatment, specialist referral and the follow‐up plan.
Sex hormone‐binding globulin is associated with androgen deficiency features independently of total testosterone
Authors: Rastrelli Giulia , Corona Giovanni , Cipriani Sarah , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario 
Published: December 2017

SummaryObjectiveIt is recognized that total testosterone (TT) does not sufficiently describe androgen status when sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) is altered. However, in humans, evidence supporting the existence of a hypogonadism due to low T bioactivity is scanty. The aim of the study was to assess whether changes in SHBG levels, independently of TT, are associated with subjective and objective androgen‐dependent parameters.DesignCross‐sectional observation.PatientsTwo thousand six hundred and twenty‐two men (aged 51.1 ± 13.5 years) attending a Sexual Medicine and Andrology Outpatient Clinic for sexual dysfunctions.MeasurementsAll patients underwent a standardized diagnostic protocol before starting any treatment. Clinical and biochemical parameters have been collected. Higher ANDROTEST score has been used as a comprehensive marker of more severe hypogonadal symptoms. Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and haematocrit have been used as objective surrogate markers of T bioactivity.ResultsAfter adjusting for TT and lifestyle, SHBG showed a significant positive association with ANDROTEST score (B = 0.79 [0.61; 0.96], P < .0001). Conversely, higher SHBG, independently of TT, was negatively related to PSA (B = −0.86 [−0.83; −0.89]; P < .0001) and haematocrit (B = −0.64 [−0.88; −0.40]; P < .0001), after adjustment for the aforementioned confounders along with age and body mass index. Furthermore, a relationship between SHBG and lipids or blood pressure was found, with lower SHBG levels associated with a worse metabolic profile, independently of TT.ConclusionsHigher SHBG, independently of TT, is associated with either subjective or objective androgen deficiency features. This indicates that besides a hypogonadism due to an impaired T production, a hypogonadism due to a lower biological activity of T does exist.
Relationships of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone after obesity surgery
Authors: Hewitt Stephen , Aasheim Erlend Tuseth , Søvik Torgeir Thorson , Jahnsen Jørgen , Kristinsson Jon , Eriksen Erik Fink , Mala Tom 
Published: December 2017

SummaryObjectiveThe high prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) after obesity surgery is a concern for long‐term bone health. Limited knowledge exists about optimal vitamin D and suppression of parathyroid hormone (PTH) after these procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of SHPT and its relation to vitamin D status.DesignA cross‐sectional study at Oslo University Hospital, Norway.PatientsA total of 502 consecutive patients, age 22‐64 years, attending 2‐year follow‐up after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass.MeasurementsA serum intact PTH >7.0 pmol/L in the absence of elevated serum ionized calcium (iCa) was considered as SHPT. Vitamin D status was defined by serum concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (S‐25(OH)D).ResultsAltogether, 171 patients (34%) had SHPT. The prevalence of SHPT varied across the range of S‐25(OH)D (P < 0.001), being highest (71%) with S‐25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L. Compared with S‐25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L, the prevalence of SHPT was lower with S‐25(OH)D ≥ 50 nmol/L (29.0%; RR = 0.64 (95%‐CI:0.50‐0.81)) and S‐25(OH)D ≥ 75 nmol/L (27.7%; RR = 0.61 (95%‐CI:0.44‐0.84)). S‐25(OH)D ≥ 100 nmol/L was associated with the lowest PTH and the lowest prevalence of SHPT (16.0%; RR = 0.35 (95%‐CI:0.14‐0.88) compared with S‐25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) and the most normal calcium distribution. These associations were most pronounced with iCa in the lower range. A synergistic association was found for S‐25(OH)D and iCa on SHPT.ConclusionsVitamin D deficient patients had the highest prevalence of SHPT 2 years after gastric bypass. PTH and the prevalence of SHPT were notably lower with S‐25(OH)D ≥ 100 nmol/L, compared with lower target levels.
Sex steroid hormones and brain function:PETimaging as a tool for research
Authors: Moraga‐Amaro R. , van Waarde A. , Doorduin J. , de Vries E. F. J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSex steroid hormones are major regulators of sexual characteristic among species. These hormones, however, are also produced in the brain. Steroidal hormone‐mediated signalling via the corresponding hormone receptors can influence brain function at the cellular level and thus affect behaviour and higher brain functions. Altered steroid hormone signalling has been associated with psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Neurosteroids are also considered to have a neuroprotective effect in neurodegenerative diseases. So far, the role of steroid hormone receptors in physiological and pathological conditions has mainly been investigated post mortem on animal or human brain tissues. To study the dynamic interplay between sex steroids, their receptors, brain function and behaviour in psychiatric and neurological disorders in a longitudinal manner, however, non‐invasive techniques are needed. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non‐invasive imaging tool that is used to quantitatively investigate a variety of physiological and biochemical parameters in vivo. PET uses radiotracers aimed at a specific target (eg, receptor, enzyme, transporter) to visualise the processes of interest. In this review, we discuss the current status of the use of PET imaging for studying sex steroid hormones in the brain. So far, PET has mainly been investigated as a tool to measure (changes in) sex hormone receptor expression in the brain, to measure a key enzyme in the steroid synthesis pathway (aromatase) and to evaluate the effects of hormonal treatment by imaging specific downstream processes in the brain. Although validated radiotracers for a number of targets are still warranted, PET can already be a useful technique for steroid hormone research and facilitate the translation of interesting findings in animal studies to clinical trials in patients.
Anatomical map of the cranial vasculature and sensory ganglia
Authors: Taberner Laura , Bañón Aitor , Alsina Berta 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThere is growing evidence of a direct influence of vasculature on the development of neurons in the brain. The development of the cranial vasculature has been well described in zebrafish but its anatomical relationship with the adjacent developing sensory ganglia has not been addressed. Here, by 3D imaging of fluorescently labelled blood vessels and sensory ganglia, we describe for the first time the spatial organization of the cranial vasculature in relation to the cranial ganglia during zebrafish development. We show that from 24 h post‐fertilization (hpf) onwards, the statoacoustic ganglion (SAG) develops in direct contact with two main blood vessels, the primordial hindbrain channel and the lateral dorsal aortae (LDA). At 48 hpf, the LDA is displaced medially, losing direct contact with the SAG. The relationship of the other cranial ganglia with the vasculature is evident for the medial lateral line ganglion and for the vagal ganglia that grow along the primary head sinus (PHS). We also observed that the innervation of the anterior macula runs over the PHS vessel. Our spatiotemporal anatomical map of the cranial ganglia and the head vasculature indicates physical interactions between both systems and suggests a possible functional interaction during development.
Structure analysis and conditions of formation of akimotoite in the Tenham chondrite
Authors: Tschauner O. , Ma C. , Prescher C. , Prakapenka V. B. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAkimotoite (Mg,Fe)SiO3 is one of the most common mineralogical indicators for high‐level shock metamorphism in meteorites. First described 1997, its occurrence has been amply confirmed in a number of highly shocked chondrites. Yet, a thorough structure analysis of natural akimotoite has remained extant. Here we report accurate cell parameters, fractional atomic coordinates, and site occupancies for natural akimotoite from the holotype specimen based on synchrotron microdiffraction. The variation of unit cell shape and volume with Fe content define mixing volumes. Based on the mixing volume relation for akimotoite and hemleyite, we constrain the unit cell volume of endmember hemleyite to 273.8 ± 1.0 Å3. We show that mixing is nearly ideal for low Fe content but evolves to positive excess volume toward the Fe endmember. Based on this finding and the actual composition of akimotoite in Tenham, we show that this mineral has formed by solid–solid transformation prograde from enstatite, not by crystallization from melt.
Type IV secretion in Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria
Authors: Grohmann Elisabeth , Christie Peter J. , Waksman Gabriel , Backert Steffen 
Published: December 2017

SummaryType IV secretion systems (T4SSs) are versatile multiprotein nanomachines spanning the entire cell envelope in Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. They play important roles through the contact‐dependent secretion of effector molecules into eukaryotic hosts and conjugative transfer of mobile DNA elements as well as contact‐independent exchange of DNA with the extracellular milieu. In the last few years, many details on the molecular mechanisms of T4SSs have been elucidated. Exciting structures of T4SS complexes from Escherichia coli plasmids R388 and pKM101, Helicobacter pylori and Legionella pneumophila have been solved. The structure of the F‐pilus was also reported and surprisingly revealed a filament composed of pilin subunits in 1:1 stoichiometry with phospholipid molecules. Many new T4SSs have been identified and characterized, underscoring the structural and functional diversity of this secretion superfamily. Complex regulatory circuits also have been shown to control T4SS machine production in response to host cell physiological status or a quorum of bacterial recipient cells in the vicinity. Here, we summarize recent advances in our knowledge of ‘paradigmatic’ and emerging systems, and further explore how new basic insights are aiding in the design of strategies aimed at suppressing T4SS functions in bacterial infections and spread of antimicrobial resistances.
Post‐transfusion changes in serum hepcidin and iron parameters in preterm infants
Authors: Stripeli Fotini , Kapetanakis John , Gourgiotis Dimitris , Drakatos Antonis , Tsolia Maria , Kossiva Lydia 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundPacked red blood cell transfusion is common in preterm neonates. Hepcidin acts as a negative feedback iron regulator. Iron parameters such as immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) and high‐light‐scatter reticulocytes (HLR) are used to clarify iron metabolism. Very little is known about the regulation of hepcidin in preterm infants because most reports have evaluated prohepcidin. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate serum hepcidin and establish hematological parameters in preterm infants after transfusion.MethodsThe subjects consisted of 19 newborns (10 boys) with mean gestational age 29.1 ± 2.0 weeks, who had been transfused at the chronological age of 44.84 ± 19.61 days. Blood sample was collected before the transfusion and thereafter at 5 days and at 1 month. Serum hepcidin and other iron parameters were evaluated.ResultsMean serum hepcidin before and 5 days after transfusion was significantly different (5.5 ± 5.1 vs 10 ± 7.9 ng/mLrespectively,P= 0.005).IRFand %HLRwere also decreased significantly, 5 days after transfusion (0.4 ± 0.2 vs 0.2 ± 0.1,P= 0.009; 1.4 ± 1.5% vs 0.5 ± 0.4%,P= 0.012, respectively). Changes in hepcidin 5 days after transfusion were correlated significantly with changes in mean corpuscular hemoglobin (β, 0.13;SE, 0.05;P= 0.017), total iron binding capacity (β, 3.74;SE, 1.56;P= 0.016) and transferrin (β, 2.9,SE, 1.4;P= 0.039).ConclusionsSerum hepcidin concentration, along withIRFandHLR, are potentially useful in estimating pre‐ and post‐transfusion iron status. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of hepcidin compared with ordinary iron parameters in premature infants.
A diaper bank and home visiting partnership: Initial exploration of research and policy questions
Authors: Sadler Lois S. , Condon Eileen M. , Deng Shirley Z. , Ordway Monica Roosa , Marchesseault Crista , Miller Andrea , Alfano Janet Stolfi , Weir Alison M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe cost of diapering an infant can place a significant financial strain on families living in poverty. Partnerships between diaper banks and home visiting programs for young families may offer an innovative solution to expanding the reach and impact of diaper banks in low‐income communities. The purpose of this pilot study was to uncover preliminary information about the functions of diaper distribution through home visiting programs, and to inform future research and policy questions regarding diaper distribution to families in need.Design and SampleIn this descriptive qualitative pilot study, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 6 home visitors from Minding the Baby® (MTB), a home visiting intervention for young parents. MTB clinicians routinely distribute diapers in partnership with The Diaper Bank in Connecticut. We used directed content analysis to code and analyze interview transcripts.Results/ConclusionThese preliminary findings indicate that partnerships between home visiting programs and diaper banks may benefit families by improving diaper access, reducing stigma, and fostering trusting relationships with home visitors. Home visiting program benefits including engagement or re‐engagement with families may need to be balanced with potential effects on clinical and therapeutic relationships. Recommendations for next steps in research and related policy questions are discussed.
The effect of Cyanidin‐3‐o‐glucoside on UVA‐induced damage in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Wu Shi , Hu Yunfeng , Li Zhen , Bai Weibin , Zhao Jiayi , Huang Cuiqin , Li Qin , Fan Chongzhu , Deng Liehua , Lu Daxiang 
Published: December 2017

SummaryBackground/purposeUltraviolet‐A (UVA) radiation can induce photoaging and skin cancer, but means to prevent or treat UVA‐induced skin damage require further study. We investigated the effects of cyanidin‐3‐o‐glucoside (C3G), a monomer of anthocyanin, on UVA‐induced damage in primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and we identify possible mechanisms underlying the protective effects of this compound.MethodsPrimary HDFs were pretreated with 80 μmol/L C3G for 2 hours and UVA irradiated at 12 J/cm2. The cells were then incubated with 80 μmol/L C3G for 12 hours after irradiation. HDFs were randomly divided into control, UVA treatment, C3G, and UVA treatment plus C3G pretreatment groups.ResultsC3G increased the cell viability of primary HDFs and decreased UVA‐induced ROS production and apoptosis rate. Compared to the UVA group, the UVA plus pretreatment with C3G group displayed increased Bcl‐2 expression and Bcl‐2/Bax ratio, decreased cleaved caspase‐3 and p‐P38 levels, and increased ERK phosphorylation; no significant effect on p‐JNK levels was observed.ConclusionC3G reduced UVA‐induced HDF oxidative damage and apoptosis, likely be related to the down‐regulation of p‐P38, up‐regulation of ERK protein phosphorylation.