bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overweight dogs are more likely to display undesirable behaviours: results of a large online survey of dog owners in the UK
Authors: German Alexander J. , Blackwell Emily , Evans Mark , Westgarth Carri 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMuch of the global canine population is now overweight, and this can adversely affect health, lifespan and quality of life. Undesirable behaviours are also common in pet dogs, and these can adversely affect welfare, as well as being stressful to owners. However, links between obesity and behavioural disorders have never previously been explored. An online survey was conducted between June and August in 2014, coinciding with the broadcast of a National UK television programme, exploring dog health, welfare and behaviour. Information gathered included signalment, overweight status and the prevalence of a range of undesirable behaviours. Fisher's exact test and OR were used to determine associations between overweight status and owner-reported behaviours. A total of 17 028 responses were received. After data verification, the final dataset comprised 11 154 dogs, 1801 (16·1 %) of which were reported by owners to be overweight. Owners of overweight dogs were more likely to see them as ‘a baby’ (P < 0·0001) and allow them to sleep on their bed (P < 0·0001). Overweight dogs were also more likely to guard food (P < 0·0001) and steal food (P < 0·0001). Other undesirable behaviours more commonly reported in overweight dogs included barking, growling or snapping at strangers (P = 0·0011) and other dogs (P = 0·0015), being fearful of outdoors (P < 0·0001), and not always coming back when called (P = 0·0011). Finally, owners were more likely to report that unsociable behaviours adversely affected their dog's health (P < 0·0001). Overweight status is associated with a number of undesirable behaviours in dogs. Further studies are now required to explore the reasons for these associations.
Absolute Dating of Copper and Early Bronze Age Levels at the Eponymous Archaeological Site Bubanj (Southeastern Serbia)
Authors: Bulatović Aleksandar , Vander Linden Marc 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis paper reports the first radiocarbon (14C) dates obtained for the Eneolithic/Bronze Age site of Bubanj, Serbia. Despite featuring prominently in the existing typo-chronological schemes for southeastern Europe, the history of research and recent large-scale destruction of the site had prevented so far the acquisition of samples from secure archaeological contexts. We fill this documentary gap by presenting 10 new14C dates, covering the late 5th, 4th, and 3rd millennia cal BC. These dates are compared to the existing documentation from the literature, in order to assess the placement of Bubanj within its wider archaeological context.
Transformation of excess mortality in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in Taiwan
Authors: Pan Y.-J. , Yeh L.-L. , Chan H.-Y. , Chang C.-K. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundGiven the concerns regarding the adverse health outcomes associated with weight gain and metabolic syndrome in relation to use of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), we aimed in this study to explore whether the increase in the use of SGAs would have any impacts on the trend of excess mortality in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BPD).MethodTwo nationwide samples of individuals with schizophrenia and BPD were identified in Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database in 2003 and in 2008, respectively. Age- and gender-standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for each of the 3-year observation periods. The SMRs were compared between the calendar year cohorts, by disease group, and by causes of death.ResultsThe mortality gap for people with schizophrenia decreased slightly, revealing an SMR of 3.40 (95% CI 3.30–3.50) for the 2003 cohort and 3.14 (3.06–3.23) for the 2008 cohort. The mortality gap for BPD individuals remained relatively stable with only those aged 15–44 years having an SMR rising significantly from 7.04 (6.38–7.76) to 9.10 (8.44–9.79). Additionally, in this group of BPD patients aged 15–44 years, the natural-cause-SMR increased from 5.65 (4.93–6.44) to 7.16 (6.46–7.91).ConclusionsCompared with the general population, the gap in the excess mortality for people with schizophrenia reduced slightly. However, the over 200% difference between the cohorts in the excess mortality for BPD individuals aged 15–44 years could be a warning sign. Future research to further examine the related factors underlying those changes is warranted.
Developing an international scoring system for a consensus-based social cognition measure: MSCEIT-managing emotions
Authors: Hellemann G. S. , Green M. F. , Kern R. S. , Sitarenios G. , Nuechterlein K. H. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundMeasures of social cognition are increasingly being applied to psychopathology, including studies of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Tests of social cognition present unique challenges for international adaptations. The Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, Managing Emotions Branch (MSCEIT-ME) is a commonly-used social cognition test that involves the evaluation of social scenarios presented in vignettes.MethodThis paper presents evaluations of translations of this test in six different languages based on representative samples from the relevant countries. The goal was to identify items from the MSCEIT-ME that show different response patterns across countries using indices of discrepancy and content validity criteria. An international version of the MSCEIT-ME scoring was developed that excludes items that showed undesirable properties across countries.ResultsWe then confirmed that this new version had better performance (i.e. less discrepancy across regions) in international samples than the version based on the original norms. Additionally, it provides scores that are comparable to ratings based on local norms.ConclusionsThis paper shows that it is possible to adapt complex social cognitive tasks so they can provide valid data across different cultural contexts.
Administration frequency as well as dosage of PTH are associated with development of cortical porosity in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Takakura Aya , Lee Ji-Won , Hirano Kyoko , Isogai Yukihiro , Ishizuya Toshinori , Takao-Kawabata Ryoko , Iimura Tadahiro 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTo investigate whether the administration frequency of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is associated with the development of cortical porosity, this study established 15 dosage regimens of teriparatide [human PTH(1–34), TPTD] with four distinct concentrations and four distinct administration frequencies of TPTD to 16-week-old ovariectomized rats. Our analyses demonstrated that the bone mineral density, mechanical properties, and bone turnover were associated with the total amount of TPTD administered. Our observations further revealed that the cortical porosity was markedly developed as a result of an increased administration frequency with a lower concentration of total TPTD administration in our setting, although the highest concentration also induced cortical porosity. Deconvolution fluorescence tiling imaging on calcein-labeled undecalcified bone sections also demonstrated the development of cortical porosity to be closely associated with the bone site where periosteal bone formation took place. This site-specific cortical porosity involved intracortical bone resorption and an increased number and proximity of osteocytic lacunae, occasionally causing fused lacunae. Taken together, these findings suggested the involvement of local distinctions in the rate of bone growth that may be related to the site-specific mechanical properties in the development of cortical porosity induced by frequent and/or high doses of TPTD.
Doubling of coastal flooding frequency within decades due to sea-level rise
Authors: Vitousek Sean , Barnard Patrick L. , Fletcher Charles H. , Frazer Neil , Erikson Li , Storlazzi Curt D. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractGlobal climate change drives sea-level rise, increasing the frequency of coastal flooding. In most coastal regions, the amount of sea-level rise occurring over years to decades is significantly smaller than normal ocean-level fluctuations caused by tides, waves, and storm surge. However, even gradual sea-level rise can rapidly increase the frequency and severity of coastal flooding. So far, global-scale estimates of increased coastal flooding due to sea-level rise have not considered elevated water levels due to waves, and thus underestimate the potential impact. Here we use extreme value theory to combine sea-level projections with wave, tide, and storm surge models to estimate increases in coastal flooding on a continuous global scale. We find that regions with limited water-level variability, i.e., short-tailed flood-level distributions, located mainly in the Tropics, will experience the largest increases in flooding frequency. The 10 to 20 cm of sea-level rise expected no later than 2050 will more than double the frequency of extreme water-level events in the Tropics, impairing the developing economies of equatorial coastal cities and the habitability of low-lying Pacific island nations.
Brain iron chelation by deferiprone in a phase 2 randomised double-blinded placebo controlled clinical trial in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Martin-Bastida Antonio , Ward Roberta J. , Newbould Rexford , Piccini Paola , Sharp David , Kabba Christina , Patel Maneesh C. , Spino Michael , Connelly John , Tricta Fernando , Crichton Robert R. , Dexter David T. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with increased iron levels in the substantia nigra (SNc). This study evaluated whether the iron chelator, deferiprone, is well tolerated, able to chelate iron from various brain regions and improve PD symptomology. In a randomised double-blind, placebo controlled trial, 22 early onset PD patients, were administered deferiprone, 10 or 15 mg/kg BID or placebo, for 6 months. Patients were evaluated for PD severity, cognitive function, depression rating and quality of life. Iron concentrations were assessed in the substantia nigra (SNc), dentate and caudate nucleus, red nucleus, putamen and globus pallidus by T2* MRI at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Deferiprone therapy was well tolerated and was associated with a reduced dentate and caudate nucleus iron content compared to placebo. Reductions in iron content of the SNc occurred in only 3 patients, with no changes being detected in the putamen or globus pallidus. Although 30 mg/kg deferiprone treated patients showed a trend for improvement in motor-UPDRS scores and quality of life, this did not reach significance. Cognitive function and mood were not adversely affected by deferiprone therapy. Such data supports more extensive clinical trials into the potential benefits of iron chelation in PD.
Identification of a High-Affinity Pyruvate Receptor in Escherichia coli
Authors: Behr Stefan , Kristoficova Ivica , Witting Michael , Breland Erin J. , Eberly Allison R. , Sachs Corinna , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Hadjifrangiskou Maria , Jung Kirsten 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTwo-component systems are crucial for signal perception and modulation of bacterial behavior. Nevertheless, to date, very few ligands have been identified that directly interact with histidine kinases. The histidine kinase/response regulator system YehU/YehT ofEscherichia coliis part of a nutrient-sensing network. Here we demonstrate that this system senses the onset of nutrient limitation in amino acid rich media and responds to extracellular pyruvate. Binding of radiolabeled pyruvate was found for full-length YehU in right-side-out membrane vesicles as well as for a truncated, membrane-integrated variant, confirming that YehU is a high-affinity receptor for extracellular pyruvate. Therefore we propose to rename YehU/YehT as BtsS/BtsR, after “Brenztraubensäure”, the name given to pyruvic acid when it was first synthesized. The function of BtsS/BtsR was also assessed in a clinically relevant uropathogenicE.colistrain. Quantitative transcriptional analysis revealed BtsS/BtsR importance during acute and chronic urinary-tract infections.
Compromised neuroplasticity in cigarette smokers under nicotine withdrawal is restituted by the nicotinic α4β2-receptor partial agonist varenicline
Authors: Batsikadze G. , Paulus W. , Hasan A. , Grundey J. , Kuo M.-F. , Nitsche M. A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractNicotine modulates neuroplasticity and improves cognitive functions in animals and humans. In the brain of smoking individuals, calcium-dependent plasticity induced by non-invasive brain stimulation methods such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and paired associative stimulation (PAS) is impaired by nicotine withdrawal, but partially re-established after nicotine re-administration. In order to investigate the underlying mechanism further, we tested the impact of the α4β2-nicotinic receptor partial agonist varenicline on focal and non-focal plasticity in smokers during nicotine withdrawal, induced by PAS and tDCS, respectively. We administered low (0.3 mg) and high (1.0 mg) single doses of varenicline or placebo medication before stimulation over the left motor cortex of 20 healthy smokers under nicotine withdrawal. Motor cortex excitability was monitored by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced motor evoked potential amplitudes for 36 hours after plasticity induction. Stimulation-induced plasticity was absent under placebo medication, whereas it was present in all conditions under high dose. Low dose restituted only tDCS-induced non-focal plasticity, producing no significant impact on focal plasticity. High dose varenicline also prolonged inhibitory plasticity. These results are comparable to the impact of nicotine on withdrawal-related impaired plasticity in smokers and suggest that α4β2 nicotinic receptors are relevantly involved in plasticity deficits and restitution in smokers.
PII Protein-Derived FRET Sensors for Quantification and Live-Cell Imaging of 2-Oxoglutarate
Authors: Lüddecke Jan , Francois Liliana , Spät Philipp , Watzer Björn , Chilczuk Tomasz , Poschet Gernot , Hell Rüdiger , Radlwimmer Bernhard , Forchhammer Karl 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe citric acid cycle intermediate 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG, a.k.a. alpha-ketoglutarate) links the carbon and nitrogen metabolic pathways and can provide information on the metabolic status of cells. In recent years, it has become exceedingly clear that 2-OG also acts as a master regulator of diverse biologic processes in all domains of life. Consequently, there is a great demand for time-resolved data on 2-OG fluctuations that can’t be adequately addressed using established methods like mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analysis. Therefore, we set out to develop a novel intramolecular 2-OG FRET sensor based on the signal transduction protein PII from Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. We created two variants of the sensor, with a dynamic range for 2-OG from 0.1 µM to 0.1 mM or from 10 µM to 10 mM. As proof of concept, we applied the sensors to determine in situ glutamine:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase (GOGAT) activity in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 cells and measured 2-OG concentrations in cell extracts from Escherichia coli in vitro. Finally, we could show the sensors’ functionality in living human cell lines, demonstrating their potential in the context of mechanistic studies and drug screening.
Associations between prediagnostic blood glucose levels, diabetes, and glioma
Authors: Schwartzbaum Judith , Edlinger Michael , Zigmont Victoria , Stattin Pär , Rempala Grzegorz A. , Nagel Gabriele , Hammar Niklas , Ulmer Hanno , Föger Bernhard , Walldius Göran , Manjer Jonas , Malmström Håkan , Feychting Maria 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPrevious literature indicates that pre-diagnostic diabetes and blood glucose levels are inversely related to glioma risk. To replicate these findings and determine whether they could be attributed to excess glucose consumption by the preclinical tumour, we used data from the Apolipoprotein MOrtality RISk (AMORIS) (n = 528,580) and the Metabolic syndrome and Cancer project (Me-Can) cohorts (n = 269,365). We identified individuals who were followed for a maximum of 15 years after their first blood glucose test until glioma diagnosis, death, emigration or the end of follow-up. Hazard ratios (HRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and their interactions with time were estimated using Cox time-dependent regression. As expected, pre-diagnostic blood glucose levels were inversely related to glioma risk (AMORIS, Ptrend = 0.002; Me-Can, Ptrend = 0.04) and pre-diagnostic diabetes (AMORIS, HR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.53). During the year before diagnosis, blood glucose was inversely associated with glioma in the AMORIS (HR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.93) but not the Me-Can cohort (HR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.56). This AMORIS result is consistent with our hypothesis that excess glucose consumption by the preclinical tumour accounts for the inverse association between blood glucose and glioma. We discuss additional hypothetical mechanisms that may explain our paradoxical findings.
Improved growth performance, food efficiency, and lysine availability in growing rats fed with lysine-biofortified rice
Authors: Yang Qing-Qing , Suen Pui Kit , Zhang Chang-Quan , Mak Wan Sheung , Gu Ming-Hong , Liu Qiao-Quan , Sun Samuel Sai-Ming 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Rice is an excellent source of protein, and has an adequate balance of amino acids with the exception of the essential amino acid lysine. By using a combined enhancement of lysine synthesis and suppression of its catabolism, we had produced two transgenic rice lines HFL1 and HFL2 (High Free Lysine) containing high concentration of free lysine. In this study, a 70-day rat feeding study was conducted to assess the nutritional value of two transgenic lines as compared with either their wild type (WT) or the WT rice supplemented with different concentrations of L-lysine. The results revealed that animal performance, including body weight, food intake, and food efficiency, was greater in the HFL groups than in the WT group. Moreover, the HFL diets had increased protein apparent digestibility, protein efficiency ratio, and lysine availability than the WT diet. Based on the linear relationship between dietary L-lysine concentrations and animal performance, it indicated that the biological indexes of the HFL groups were similar or better than that of the WT20 group, which was supplemented with L-lysine concentrations similar to those present in the HFL diets. Therefore, lysine-biofortified rice contributed to improved growth performance, food efficiency, and lysine availability in growing rats.
Interplay between CCN1 and Wnt5a in endothelial cells and pericytes determines the angiogenic outcome in a model of ischemic retinopathy
Authors: Lee Sangmi , Elaskandrany Menna , Lau Lester F. , Lazzaro Douglas , Grant Maria B. , Chaqour Brahim 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCYR61-CTGF-NOV (CCN)1 is a dynamically expressed extracellular matrix (ECM) protein with critical functions in cardiovascular development and tissue repair. Angiogenic endothelial cells (ECs) are a major cellular source of CCN1 which, once secreted, associates with the ECM and the cell surface and tightly controls the bidirectional flow of information between cells and the surrounding matrix. Endothelium-specific CCN1 deletion in mice using a cre/lox strategy induces EC hyperplasia and causes blood vessels to coalesce into large flat hyperplastic sinuses with no distinctive hierarchical organization. This is consistent with the role of CCN1 as a negative feedback regulator of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor activation. In the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), pericytes become the predominant CCN1 producing cells. Pericyte-specific deletion of CCN1 significantly decreases pathological retinal neovascularization following OIR. CCN1 induces the expression of the non-canonical Wnt5a in pericyte but not in EC cultures. In turn, exogenous Wnt5a inhibits CCN1 gene expression, induces EC proliferation and increases hypersprouting. Concordantly, treatment of mice with TNP470, a non-canonical Wnt5a inhibitor, reestablishes endothelial expression of CCN1 and significantly decreases pathological neovascular growth in OIR. Our data highlight the significance of CCN1-EC and CCN1-pericyte communication signals in driving physiological and pathological angiogenesis.
Lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB nuclear translocation is primarily dependent on MyD88, but TNFα expression requires TRIF and MyD88
Authors: Sakai Jiro , Cammarota Eugenia , Wright John A. , Cicuta Pietro , Gottschalk Rachel A. , Li Ning , Fraser Iain D. C. , Bryant Clare E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTLR4 signalling through the MyD88 and TRIF-dependent pathways initiates translocation of the transcription factor NF-κB into the nucleus. In cell population studies using mathematical modeling and functional analyses, Chenget al. suggested that LPS-driven activation of MyD88, in the absence of TRIF, impairs NF-κB translocation. We tested the model proposed by Chenget al. using real-time single cell analysis in macrophages expressing EGFP-tagged p65 and a TNFα promoter-driven mCherry. Following LPS stimulation, cells lacking TRIF show a pattern of NF-κB dynamics that is unaltered from wild-type cells, but activation of the TNFα promoter is impaired. In macrophages lacking MyD88, there is minimal NF-κB translocation to the nucleus in response to LPS stimulation, and there is no activation of the TNFα promoter. These findings confirm that signalling through MyD88 is the primary driver for LPS-dependent NF-κB translocation to the nucleus. The pattern of NF-κB dynamics in TRIF-deficient cells does not, however, directly reflect the kinetics of TNFα promoter activation, supporting the concept that TRIF-dependent signalling plays an important role in the transcription of this cytokine.
Protective effect of antioxidants on the pre-maturation aging of mouse oocytes
Authors: Liang Li-Feng , Qi Shu-Tao , Xian Ye-Xing , Huang Lin , Sun Xiao-Fang , Wang Wei-Hua 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPre-maturation aging of immature oocytes may adversely affect the fate of an oocyte. Oxidative stress is one of the most detrimental factors affecting oocyte developmental competence and maturation during aging. In this study, experiments were designed to examine whether supplementation of antioxidants in a culture medium could protect immature mouse oocytes from damages caused by oxidative stress. Mouse oocytes at germinal vesicle stage were prevented from meiosis resumption and cultured in a medium with or without antioxidants for 12–36 h to allow oocytes to undergo aging. After aging, oocytes were cultured for maturation. Nuclear maturation, mitochondria activity, spindle morphology and DNA integrity were examined after maturation. It was found that antioxidants had protective effects on the oocytes in terms of nuclear maturation, functional mitochondria, spindle morphology and DNA integrity. As aging time was prolonged from 12 to 36 h, the protective effect of antioxidants became more obvious. However, as compared with oocytes without aging, it was found that aging significantly inhibited nuclear maturation, impaired mitochondria function, and damaged the spindle and DNA. These results indicate that pre-maturation aging is detrimental to oocytes’ competence to undergo maturation and other cellular activities, and antioxidants can protect oocytes from damages caused by aging.