bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disparities in Age‐Associated Cognitive Decline Between African‐American and Caucasian Populations: The Roles of Health Literacy and Education
Authors: Gupta Vishal K. , Winter Michael , Cabral Howard , Henault Lori , Waite Katherine , Hanchate Amresh , Bickmore Timothy W. , Wolf Michael S. , Paasche‐Orlow Michael K. 
Published: June 2016

ObjectivesTo examine health literacy as a mediator of racial disparities in cognitive decline as measured by executive function in elderly adults.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingSecondary analysis of ElderWalk trial in Boston, Massachusetts.ParticipantsEnglish‐speaking African‐American and Caucasian individuals in a walking intervention for community‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older without dementia at baseline who completed baseline and 12‐month evaluations (N = 198).MeasurementsHealth literacy was measured using the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults. Fluid and crystallized cognitive functions were measured at baseline and 12 months using the Trail‐Making Test Part B minus Part B (TMT B–A) and the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT). Associations between health literacy and 12‐month cognitive decline were modeled using multivariate linear regression.ResultsParticipants with higher health literacy and education experienced less cognitive decline than those with limited health literacy according to the TMT B–A (P = .01). After adjusting for covariates, Caucasian participants (n = 63) experienced less decline than African‐American participants (n = 135) on TMT B–A (P = .001) and COWAT (P = .001). Adjusting for health literacy led to a 25.3% decrease in the point estimate for racial difference in TMT B–A and a 19.5% decrease in COWAT. Although independently related to cognitive decline, educational attainment did not mediate racial differences.ConclusionHealth literacy is a partial mediator of racial disparities in cognitive decline. These results indicate the need to develop interventions to mitigate cognitive decline that individuals with low heath literacy can use and to modify the healthcare environment to better accommodate this population.
Behavioural and cognitive outcomes in young children of mothers with intellectual impairments
Authors: Powell R. M. , Parish S. L. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundDespite an increase in international studies examining the experiences of parents with intellectual impairments and their children, few have utilised population‐based data. This study investigated the behavioural and cognitive outcomes of 3‐year‐old US children of mothers with intellectual impairments compared with children of mothers without intellectual impairments.MethodsThis study employed a secondary analysis of the Fragile Families Child and Wellbeing Study, a longitudinal birth cohort study in the US. Our analytic sample included mothers with intellectual impairments (n = 263) and a comparison group of mothers without intellectual impairments (n = 1298), as well as each sampled mother's focal child. When weighted, Fragile Families is representative of all births in US cities with populations over 200 000.ResultsChildren of mothers with intellectual impairments had poorer behavioural and cognitive outcomes in comparison to same‐age children of mothers without intellectual impairments. Notably, however, children of mothers with intellectual impairments were not at increased risk of being aggressive unless their family income was below 200% of the federal poverty level. Further, families headed by mothers with intellectual impairments experienced multiple hardships related to socioeconomic factors, limited social supports and poor self‐reported health.ConclusionAppropriate policies and programmes must be developed and implemented to effectively support these families, such as increased financial benefits.
Therapy and clinical trials in frontotemporal dementia: past, present, and future
Authors: Tsai Richard M. , Boxer Adam L. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a common form of dementia with heterogeneous clinical presentations and distinct clinical syndromes. This article will review currently available therapies for FTD, its related disorders and their clinical evidence. It will also discuss recent advancements in FTD pathophysiology, treatment development, biomarker advancement and their relation to recently completed or currently ongoing clinical trials as well as future implications.
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Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a type of dementia with distinct clinical syndromes. Current treatments involve off‐label use of medications for symptomatic management and cannot modify disease course. Advancements in FTD pathophysiology, genetics, and biomarkers have led to development of small molecules targeting the underlying pathology in hopes of achieving a disease‐modifying effect. This article will review current therapies for FTD, discuss advancements in FTD pathophysiology, therapy development, biomarker advancement, their relation to recent clinical trials and future implications.This article is part of the Frontotemporal Dementia special issue.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of serum human epididymis protein 4 in patients with primary fallopian tube carcinoma
Authors: Mi Dong , Zhang Yue‐Xiang , Wang Cheng‐Jin , Feng Qiang , Qi Pei , Chen Shu‐Qin 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of our study was to assess the levels of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) with the common tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) in the diagnosis and monitoring of therapy for primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC).MethodsSerum HE4 and CA125 levels from 82 PFTC patients and 154 patients with benign pelvic masses as the control were measured by Roche electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. HE4 determinations for surgery response and recurrence monitoring were assessed in PFTC patients.ResultsSerum HE4 and CA125 concentrations were significantly higher in PFTC patients compared with those seen in patients with benign pelvic masses (P < 0.001). Compared with CA125, HE4 had higher specificity, but lower sensitivity whether at early or advanced stage, and the combination of HE4 + CA125 led to higher sensitivity and specificity. HE4 + CA125 performed significantly better than CA125 or HE4 alone in early stage patients. In early stage the sensitivity was 35.7% for HE4 and 64.3% for CA125, while sensitivity for the combination of HE4 and CA125 could reach 71.4%. Furthermore, the two markers were associated with the progression and histology of PFTC. Serum HE4 level was closely correlated with surgical therapy. PFTC patients displayed a greater decline in the level of HE4 compared with CA125 (76.4% vs 55.7%). Combined with CA125, HE4 elevation better predicted recurrence in PFTC patients.ConclusionsThis study indicated that serum HE4 levels are closely associated with PFTC and the outcome of surgical therapy and recurrence in Chinese patients.
Genetics of parathyroid tumours
Authors: Thakker R. V. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPrimary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), due to parathyroid tumours, may occur as part of a complex syndrome or as an isolated (nonsyndromic) disorder, and both forms can occur as familial (i.e. hereditary) or nonfamilial (i.e. sporadic) disease. Syndromic PHPT includes multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) types 1 to 4 (MEN1 to MEN4) and the hyperparathyroidism‐jaw tumour (HPT‐JT) syndrome. Syndromic and hereditary PHPT are often associated with multiple parathyroid tumours, in contrast to sporadic PHPT, in which single parathyroid adenomas are more common. In addition, parathyroid carcinomas may occur in ~15% of patients with the HPT‐JT syndrome. MEN1 is caused by abnormalities of the MEN1 gene which encodes a tumour suppressor; MEN2 and MEN3 are due to mutations of the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto‐oncogene, which encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor; MEN4 is due to mutations of a cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor (CDNK1B); and HPT‐JT is due to mutations of cell division cycle 73 (CDC73), which encodes parafibromin. Nonsyndromic PHPT, which may be hereditary and referred to as familial isolated hyperparathyroidism, may also be due to MEN1, CDC73 or calcium‐sensing receptor (CASR) mutations. In addition, ~10% of patients presenting below the age of 45 years with nonsyndromic, sporadic PHPT may have MEN1, CDC73 or CASR mutations, and overall more than 10% of patients with PHPT will have a mutation in one of 11 genes. Genetic testing is available and of value in the clinical setting, as it helps in making the correct diagnosis and planning the management of these complex disorders associated with parathyroid tumours.
Targeting orphan G protein‐coupled receptors for the treatment of diabetes and its complications: C‐peptide and GPR146
Authors: Kolar G. R. , Grote S. M. , Yosten G. L. C. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractG protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most abundant receptor family encoded by the human genome and are the targets of a high percentage of drugs currently in use or in clinical trials for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes and its associated complications. Thus, orphan GPCRs, for which the ligand is unknown, represent an important untapped source of therapeutic potential for the treatment of many diseases. We have identified the previously orphan GPCR, GPR146, as the putative receptor of proinsulin C‐peptide, which may prove to be an effective treatment for diabetes‐associated complications. For example, we have found a potential role of C‐peptide and GPR146 in regulating the function of the retinal pigment epithelium, a monolayer of cells in the retina that serves as part of the blood–retinal barrier and is disrupted in diabetic macular oedema. However, C‐peptide signalling in this cell type appears to depend at least in part on extracellular glucose concentration and its interaction with insulin. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of orphan GPCRs with a special focus on C‐peptide and GPR146, including past and current strategies used to ‘deorphanize’ this diverse family of receptors, past successes and the inherent difficulties of this process.
Spinal Cord MR Diffusion Properties in Patients with Degenerative Cervical Cord Compression
Authors: Keřkovský Miloš , Bednařík Josef , Jurová Barbora , Dušek Ladislav , Kadaňka Zdeněk , Kadaňka Zdeněk , Němec Martin , Kovaľová Ivana , Šprláková‐Puková Andrea , Mechl Marek 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has previously been used as a biomarker of myelopathy in patients with degenerative cervical cord compression (DCCC). However, many factors may affect the diffusion properties of the spinal cord. This prospective study seeks to identify sources of variability in spinal cord DTI parameters in both DCCC patients and healthy subjects.METHODSThe study group included 130 patients with DCCC confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and 71 control subjects without signs of DCCC. DTI data of the cervical spine were acquired in all subjects. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured at different levels of the spinal cord (SCLs). Statistical data analysis was then used to determine diffusion parameters in terms of age, sex, SCL, and spinal cord compression.RESULTSSignificant variations in FA and ADC values emerged when several spinal cord levels were mutually compared in the control group. FA values correlated significantly with age in the DCCC group and sex had a significant influence on ADC values in both groups. The two diffusion parameters in the DCCC group differed significantly between patients with clinical signs of mild‐to‐moderate myelopathy compared with asymptomatic patients, and correlated with measurements of spinal canal morphology.CONCLUSIONSDiffusion parameters of the cervical spinal cord were thus shown to respond significantly to spinal cord compression, but were subject to interaction with several other factors including sex, age, and SCL. These findings may be important to the interpretation of DTI measurements in individual patients.
Comparative genomics revealed the origin and evolution of autophagy pathway
Authors: Yang Jian , Chai Xiao‐Qiang , Zhao Xian‐Xian , Li Xiao 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAutophagy is prevalent in eukaryotic organisms. Massive research efforts have focused on the mechanism and functionality of autophagy in eukaryotes, for example, their role in human diseases. However, little is known about how this fundamental pathway evolved; in particular, there is an absence of research in prokaryotes. Here, we carried out a comparative genomics analysis among 84 species ranging from eukaryotes to eubacteria and archaebacteria. We found that most of the core proteins in the autophagy pathway were ubiquitous in eukaryotes, whereas the distribution of proteins involved in selective autophagy were limited. In prokaryotes, distant homologs of autophagy‐related proteins were also found. Species in Cyanobacteria and Euryarchaeota possess relatively more of these homologs compared to other prokaryotes, which indicated the prokaryotic origin of some autophagy‐related proteins. Phylogenic tree analysis and the distribution of homologs suggested that the presence of proteins involved in autophagosome formation should be an important sign of autophagy. Furthermore, we found that distribution of mitochondrial protein importing‐related proteins was quite similar to that of autophagy‐related proteins in eukaryotes and that their phylogenic profile was closer to that of several core autophagy proteins compared with 16S/18S ribosomal RNAs, suggesting the engulfment of mitochondria may be the driving force for the evolution of autophagy. Autophagy may have evolved as a quality control system for mitochondria at the very beginning of evolution of eukaryotes. This research shed light on the prokaryotic origin of autophagy and provided a new perspective that mitochondria and autophagy may interplay during the course of eukaryotic evolution.
In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization of a Fully Felinized Therapeutic Anti‐Nerve Growth Factor Monoclonal Antibody for the Treatment of Pain in Cats
Authors: Gearing D.P. , Huebner M. , Virtue E.R. , Knight K. , Hansen P. , Lascelles B.D.X. , Gearing R.P. , Drew A.C. 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundLimited options are available for the treatment of pain in cats. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that neutralize nerve growth factor (NGF) have demonstrated analgesic capacity in rodent models, people with osteoarthritis, and dogs with degenerative joint disease.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThis study describes the design and characterization of a fully felinized anti‐NGF monoclonal antibody. In vitro potency, pharmacokinetics, and the ability of the antibody to treat pain in a self‐resolving, acute inflammation model were investigated in cats.AnimalsThirty‐eight cats at a research colony at Charles River Laboratories, Ireland.MethodsFelinized anti‐NGF mAb, NV‐02, was produced using a complementary DNA (cDNA)‐based method (PETization). Purified NV‐02 was tested for affinity, potency, and immunoreactivity in vitro, then for safety and plasma pharmacokinetic distribution in vivo, and analgesic efficacy in a model of kaolin‐induced inflammatory pain.ResultsAnti‐NGF mAb, NV‐02 neutralized NGF with high affinity and potency and did not bind complement. NV‐02‐administered SC had a plasma half‐life of 7–15 days and was well tolerated at dosages up to 28 mg/kg. A dosage of 2 mg/kg NV‐02 SC significantly decreased signs of lameness on day 2 (P = .0027), day 3 (P = .016), day 4, (P = .0063), day 5 (P = .0085), day 6 (P = .0014), and day 7 (P = .0034) after induction of inflammation.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe high affinity, long plasma half‐life, safety, and analgesic efficacy of felinized anti‐NGF mAb (NV‐02) support further investigation of the analgesic potential of this antibody in the cat.
Effects of Thyroxin and Domperidone on Oocyte Maturation and Spawning Performances in the Rabbit Fish, Siganus guttatus
Authors: Pham Hung Q. , Le Hoang M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThyroxin (T4) is proven to have various functions in fish reproduction. In this study, we investigated oocyte maturation and spawning performance in the rabbit fish, Siganus guttatus, orally exposed to different doses of T4 (0.05, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg fish) during vitellogenesis. No statistically significant differences of reproductive characteristics were observed among the treatments. However, the group that was exposed to the dose of 0.5 mg/kg spawned after receiving a hormone injection. The findings suggest that feeding T4 during vitellogenesis did not advance oocyte maturation, but probably could induce spawning in rabbit fish. In a separate experiment, we investigated the effects of orally administered domperidone (DOM) on reproductive performances of the female rabbit fish. The study showed that oral administration of DOM during the early stages of the reproductive cycle had no significant effects on oocyte maturation and spawning performance. Overall, these findings suggest that DOM may not be needed for the induction of maturation and spawning of this species under aquaculture conditions. These practical investigations were conducted with a view to attempt reducing drug use, production costs, and support sustainable aquaculture.
Reflected‐light Influences the Coloration of the Peppermint Shrimp, Lysmata boggessi (Decapoda: Caridea)
Authors: Calvo Natalia S. , RoldÁn‐Luna Magaly , Argáez‐Sosa Jorge A. , Martínez‐Moreno Gemma L. , Mascaró Maite , Simões Nuno 
Published: June 2016

AbstractOne alternative to contribute to the reduction of the pressure on coral reef ecosystems brought about by an increasing demand for marine aquarium ornamentals is to improve and further develop the culture of desirable species for trade. Peppermint shrimp from the genus Lysmata are among the most intensively traded decapod in the trade and while several studies have been conducted to improve its culture, individuals obtained from culture facilities are generally paler than those collected from the wild. Because color is a fundamental component of the price tag on most marine ornamental live species, poorly colored animals command a lower price, reducing competitiveness. In this study, we evaluate the influence of tank background color (reflected light) on the morphological coloration change of Lysmata boggessi. In a 15‐d experiment, 30 individuals were exposed either to reflected‐red or white light and the relative change of coloration between initial and final moments was quantified with photography (RGB color model). At the end of the experimental period, shrimp exposed to red‐reflected light presented a more intense red coloration than those exposed to white‐reflected light. These results demonstrate that a simple change in background tank color can enhance shrimp external coloration. Such a cheap‐to‐implement procedure can support the culture of more colorful, hence more valuable ornamental shrimp that can compete with those captured from the wild.
Memantine‐induced sustained unconsciousness
Authors: Kitagawa Naoyuki , Sakurai Michio 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMemantine, which is an N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist, is used for symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Here, we present two cases of sustained unconsciousness after the use of memantine. Both cases developed consciousness disturbance after administration of memantine, and one showed myoclonus in the extremities. The elevated blood concentration of memantine might have been responsible for the unconsciousness in these cases. Ketamine, which is used as an anesthetic agent, is also a non‐competitive N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist. It is possible that memantine exerts a sedative effect in a similar manner to ketamine. Care should be taken in use of memantine in elderly patients or in those with renal impairment.
Can deep brain stimulation be a therapeutic option for Parkinson's disease dementia?
Authors: Kim Han‐Joon , Jeon Beomseok , Lee Jee‐Young , Paek Sun Ha 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundAlthough dementia is regarded as a contraindication for deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease, there exist patients with Parkinson's disease dementia who can benefit motorically from deep brain stimulation.AimTo review the clinical outcome of deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease dementia and discuss whether deep brain stimulation can be a therapeutic option in those patients.MethodsWe report five patients who underwent bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation despite the presence of dementia at the preoperative evaluations because of the presence of medically intractable motor and non‐motor symptoms that could be relieved by deep brain stimulation.ResultsAfter surgery, motor symptoms improved greatly, and some non‐motor symptoms also improved in all patients. However, in four patients, the motor improvements lasted just 2 or 3 years, and then, the patients deteriorated with the emergence of end‐stage problems despite there being more continued benefit that could not have been achieved by medical treatment. The remaining one patient showed excellent response until the last follow‐up at 7 years after surgery.ConclusionDeep brain stimulation provides some benefit not provided by medical treatment alone to patients with Parkinson's disease dementia, although its benefits do not last as long as in non‐demented patients. However, this benefit does not necessarily mean that deep brain stimulation can be performed in patients with Parkinson's disease dementia. More discussion is required on whether deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease dementia can be justified and in which patients it should be carried out.
The Arabidopsis leaf transcriptome reveals distinct but also overlapping responses to colonization by phyllosphere commensals and pathogen infection with impact on plant health
Authors: Vogel Christine , Bodenhausen Natacha , Gruissem Wilhelm , Vorholt Julia A. 
Published: June 2016

Summary

Plants are colonized by a variety of bacteria, most of which are not pathogenic. Currently, the plant responses to phyllosphere commensals or to pathogen infection in the presence of commensals are not well understood.

Here, we examined the transcriptional response of Arabidopsis thaliana leaves to colonization by common commensal bacteria in a gnotobiotic system using RNA sequencing and conducted plant mutant assays.

Arabidopsis responded differently to the model bacteria Sphingomonas melonis Fr1 (S.Fr1) and Methylobacterium extorquens PA1 (M.PA1). Whereas M.PA1 only marginally affected the expression of plant genes (< 10), S.Fr1 colonization changed the expression of almost 400 genes. For the latter, genes related to defense responses were activated and partly overlapped with those elicited by the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 (Pst). As S.Fr1 is able to mediate plant protective activity against Pst, we tested plant immunity mutants and found that the pattern‐recognition co‐receptor mutant bak1/bkk1 showed attenuated S.Fr1‐dependent plant protection.

The experiments demonstrate that the plant responds differently to members of its natural phyllosphere microbiota. A subset of commensals trigger expression of defense‐related genes and thereby may contribute to plant health upon pathogen encounter.