bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary chicory root and chicory inulin trigger changes in energetic metabolism, stress prevention and cytoskeletal proteins in the liver of growing pigs – a proteomic study
Authors: Lepczyński A. , Herosimczyk A. , Ożgo M. , Marynowska M. , Pawlikowska M. , Barszcz M. , Taciak M. , Skomiał J. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryCurrently, a wide array of plant preparations exerting health‐promoting properties are commonly used as feed additives. Among them, Cichorium intybus L. have gained considerable attention as a source of compounds showing prebiotic character. Large body of evidence suggests that products of prebiotic fermentation (short‐chain fatty acids) may influence the expression of genes encoding liver enzymes involved in the regulation of energetic metabolism. Given the above, the present study was aimed at estimating the influence of a diet supplemented with chicory root or water extract of chicory inulin on liver proteome in growing pigs. The study was performed on 24 castrated male piglets (PIC × Penarlan P76). Animals were assigned to three equal groups (n = 8) and fed cereal‐based isoenergetic diets: control and supplemented with 2% of inulin extract from chicory root or 4% of dried chicory root. Liver proteins were separated using two‐dimensional electrophoresis, followed by the identification of statistically valid protein spots with the aid of MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. Both experimental factors significantly modulated the expression of liver proteins associated with energetic metabolism, particularly those involved in cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism. Additionally, both dietary additives induced increased expression of proteins involved in hepatocyte protection against oxidative stress. In the present study, we have shown for the first time that diet supplementation with dried chicory root or inulin caused significant changes in the expression of liver cytoskeletal proteins. Close attention should be paid to the downregulation of cytokeratin 18, hepatic acute phase protein that can enhance the anti‐inflammatory properties of inulin‐type fructans.
Inducible expression of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 8 in chronic periodontitis and gingival epithelial cells
Authors: Aung W. P. P. , Chotjumlong P. , Pata S. , Montreekachon P. , Supanchart C. , Khongkhunthian S. , Sastraruji T. , Krisanaprakornkit S. 
Published: November 2016

Background and ObjectivesThe expression of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 8 (ADAM8) is associated with several inflammatory diseases. Elevated ADAM8 levels have been shown in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis. The objective of this study was to investigate ADAM8 expression in chronic periodontitis tissues compared with that in normal tissues. ADAM8 expression and its inductive mechanism were examined in human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) and human gingival fibroblasts.Material and MethodsTotal RNA and protein were extracted from gingival biopsies of 33 patients with chronic periodontitis and those of 23 healthy volunteers. ADAM8 mRNA and protein expression was analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. ADAM8 expression in control and stimulated cells in the presence or absence of specific inhibitors for mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways was assayed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence.ResultsADAM8 mRNA and protein expression in chronic periodontitis tissues was significantly greater than that in normal tissues (p < 0.01). Significantly increased ADAM8 expression was detected in the gingival epithelium of chronic periodontitis tissues (p < 0.001). ADAM8 mRNA expression in HGECs, but not in human gingival fibroblasts, was significantly induced by stimulation with Fusobacterium nucleatum (p < 0.05), partially via the p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway. ADAM8 expression in the cell lysates and on the surface of HGECs was induced by stimulation with F. nucleatum.ConclusionADAM8 expression is increased in inflamed chronic periodontitis tissues and localized within gingival epithelium, consistent with an upregulation of ADAM8 expression in F. nucleatum‐stimulated HGECs, suggesting a possible role of ADAM8 in innate immunity of periodontal tissue.
Serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2‐binding protein for patients with chronic hepatitis B and C: a comparative study
Authors: Nishikawa H. , Enomoto H. , Iwata Y. , Kishino K. , Shimono Y. , Hasegawa K. , Nakano C. , Takata R. , Nishimura T. , Yoh K. , Ishii A. , Aizawa N. , Sakai Y. , Ikeda N. , Takashima T. , Iijima H. , Nishiguchi S. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryWe compared Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive Mac‐2‐binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP) levels between patients with chronic hepatitis B (n=249) and chronic hepatitis C (n=386) based on the degree of liver fibrosis. We examined WFA+‐M2BP levels in patients with F4 (cirrhosis), F3 or more (advanced fibrosis) and F2 or more (significant fibrosis) in the two groups. We further examined the relationship between five fibrosis markers and the degree of fibrosis. The WFA+‐M2BP values ranged from 0.25 cut‐off index (COI) to 12.9 COI in patients with hepatitis B and 0.34–20.0 COI in patients with hepatitis C (P<.0001). The median WFA+‐M2BP values in F4 in the two groups were 2.83 COI in patients with hepatitis B and 5.03 COI in patients with hepatitis C (P=.0046). The median WFA+‐M2BP values in F3 or more in the two groups were 1.79 COI in patients with hepatitis B and 3.79 COI in patients with hepatitis C (P<.0001). The median WFA+‐M2BP values in F2 or more in the two groups were 1.49 COI in the hepatitis B cohort and 3.19 COI in the hepatitis C group (P<.0001). Among five liver fibrosis markers, WFA+‐M2BP had the highest correlation coefficient (rs=.629) in terms of correlation with the degree of fibrosis in the patients with hepatitis C and had the second highest rs value (.415) in the hepatitis B group. Although WFA+‐M2BP could be a useful indicator of liver fibrosis, WFA+‐M2BP levels in the two groups significantly differed even in the same degree of fibrosis. Individual cut‐off values in each aetiology for the degree of fibrosis should be determined.
Thrombocytopenia in chronic liver disease
Authors: Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThrombocytopenia is a common haematological disorder in patients with chronic liver disease. It is multifactorial and severity of liver disease is the most influential factor. As a result of the increased risk of bleeding, thrombocytopenia may impact upon medical procedures, such as surgery or liver biopsy. The pathophysiology of thrombocytopenia in chronic liver disease has long been associated with the hypothesis of hypersplenism, where portal hypertension causes pooling and sequestration of all corpuscular elements of the blood, predominantly thrombocytes, in the enlarged and congested spleen. Other mechanisms of importance include bone marrow suppression by toxic substances, such as alcohol or viral infection, and immunological removal of platelets from the circulation. However, insufficient platelet recovery after relief of portal hypertension by shunt procedures or minor and transient recovery after splenic artery embolization have caused many to question the importance and relative contribution of this mechanism to thrombocytopenia. The discovery of the cytokine thrombopoietin has led to the elucidation of a central mechanism. Thrombopoietin is predominantly produced by the liver and is reduced when liver cell mass is severely damaged. This leads to reduced thrombopoiesis in the bone marrow and consequently to thrombocytopenia in the peripheral blood of patients with advanced‐stage liver disease. Restoration of adequate thrombopoietin production post‐liver transplantation leads to prompt restoration of platelet production. A number of new treatments that substitute thrombopoietin activity are available or in development.
Safety and Effectiveness of Mirabegron in Patients with Overactive Bladder in a Real‐World Clinical Setting: A Japanese Post‐Marketing Study
Authors: NOZAWA Yumiko , KATO Daisuke , TABUCHI Hiromi , KUROISHI Kentarou 
Published: November 2016

ObjectivesTo provide real‐world data on Japanese patients with overactive bladder (OAB) initiating treatment with the β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, mirabegron. This study examined prescribing patterns, adverse drug reaction (ADR) incidence, and treatment effectiveness.MethodsFull medical histories, including prior/concomitant drug use, were collected before initiating mirabegron treatment. After 12 weeks mirabegron, physicians assessed ADR incidence and treatment effectiveness. Residual urine volume was assessed and patients completed the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and International Prostate Symptom Score‐Quality of Life (I‐PSS QoL) surveys at Baseline and 12 weeks. Data were collected between April 2012 and July 2014.ResultsOf 9795 OAB patients (46.8% male; 80.8% ≥65 years), 71.7% had coexisting disease [notably benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, 32.4%), hypertension (31.9%), and diabetes mellitus (9.4%)] and 53.4% reported concomitant drug use (27.8% α1‐antagonists, 6.3% anticholinergics). The incidence of total ADRs was 6.07% [including constipation (0.97%), thirst (0.47%), and dysuria (0.44%)], of serious ADRs, 0.21%, of cardiovascular ADRs, 0.48% and of urinary retention, 0.31%. Incidence of total ADRs in patients with concomitant cardiovascular disease was 10.09% and of those related to urinary retention in men with untreated BPH, 0.88%. After 12 weeks treatment, physicians judged mirabegron as “effective” in 80.7% of patients, 63.6% of patients achieved the three‐point minimal clinically important change from Baseline in the mean OABSS, and the I‐PSS QoL decreased significantly from Baseline (−2.1 ± 1.77; P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn the clinical setting, mirabegron is well tolerated, with no unanticipated ADRs, and is an effective treatment for Japanese patients with OAB.
Patterns ofMHC‐dependent mate selection in humans and nonhuman primates: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Winternitz J. , Abbate J. L. , Huchard E. , Havlíček J. , Garamszegi L. Z. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractGenes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in vertebrates are integral for effective adaptive immune response and are associated with sexual selection. Evidence from a range of vertebrates supportsMHC‐based preference for diverse and dissimilar mating partners, but evidence from human mate choice studies has been disparate and controversial. Methodologies and sampling peculiarities specific to human studies make it difficult to know whether wide discrepancies in results among human populations are real or artefact. To better understand what processes may affectMHC‐mediated mate choice across humans and nonhuman primates, we performed phylogenetically controlled meta‐analyses using 58 effect sizes from 30 studies across seven primate species. Primates showed a general trend favouring moreMHC‐diverse mates, which was statistically significant for humans. In contrast, there was no tendency forMHC‐dissimilar mate choice, and for humans, we observed effect sizes indicating selection of bothMHC‐dissimilar andMHC‐similar mates. Focusing onMHC‐similar effect sizes only, we found evidence that preference forMHCsimilarity was an artefact of population ethnic heterogeneity in observational studies but not among experimental studies with more control over sociocultural biases. This suggests that human assortative mating biases may be responsible for some patterns ofMHC‐based mate choice. Additionally, the overall effect sizes of primateMHC‐based mating preferences are relatively weak (Fisher's Z correlation coefficient for dissimilarity Zr = 0.044, diversity Zr = 0.153), calling for careful sampling design in future studies. Overall, our results indicate that preference for moreMHC‐diverse mates is significant for humans and likely conserved across primates.
Transcriptome‐based phylogeny of endemic Lake Baikal amphipod species flock: fast speciation accompanied by frequent episodes of positive selection
Authors: Naumenko Sergey A. , Logacheva Maria D. , Popova Nina V. , Klepikova Anna V. , Penin Aleksey A. , Bazykin Georgii A. , Etingova Anna E. , Mugue Nikolai S. , Kondrashov Alexey S. , Yampolsky Lev Y. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractEndemic species flocks inhabiting ancient lakes, oceanic islands and other long‐lived isolated habitats are often interpreted as adaptive radiations. Yet molecular evidence for directional selection during species flocks radiation is scarce. Using partial transcriptomes of 64 species of Lake Baikal (Siberia, Russia) endemic amphipods and two nonendemic outgroups, we report a revised phylogeny of this species flock and analyse evidence for positive selection within the endemic lineages. We confirm two independent invasions of amphipods into Baikal and demonstrate that several morphological features of Baikal amphipods, such as body armour and reduction in appendages and sensory organs, evolved in several lineages in parallel. Radiation of Baikal amphipods has been characterized by short phylogenetic branches and frequent episodes of positive selection which tended to be more frequent in the early phase of the second invasion of amphipods into Baikal when the most intensive diversification occurred. Notably, signatures of positive selection are frequent in genes encoding mitochondrial membrane proteins with electron transfer chain and ATP synthesis functionality. In particular, subunits of both the membrane and substrate‐level ATP synthases show evidence of positive selection in the plankton speciesMacrohectopus branickii, possibly indicating adaptation to active plankton lifestyle and to survival under conditions of low temperature and high hydrostatic pressures known to affect membranes functioning. Other functional categories represented among genes likely to be under positive selection include Ca‐binding muscle‐related proteins, possibly indicating adaptation to Ca‐deficient low mineralization Baikal waters.
Local adaptation at higher trophic levels: contrasting hyperparasite–pathogen infection dynamics in the field and laboratory
Authors: Parratt Steven R. , Barrès Benoit , Penczykowski Rachel M. , Laine Anna‐Liisa 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPredicting and controlling infectious disease epidemics is a major challenge facing the management of agriculture, human and wildlife health. Co‐evolutionarily derived patterns of local adaptation among pathogen populations have the potential to generate variation in disease epidemiology; however, studies of local adaptation in disease systems have mostly focused on interactions between competing pathogens or pathogens and their hosts. In nature, parasites and pathogens are also subject to attack by hyperparasitic natural enemies that can severely impact upon their infection dynamics. However, few studies have investigated whether this interaction varies across combinations of pathogen–hyperparasite strains, and whether this influences hyperparasite incidence in natural pathogen populations. Here, we test whether the association between a hyperparasitic fungus,Ampelomyces,and a single powdery mildew host,Podosphaera plantaginis,varies among genotype combinations, and whether this drives hyperparasite incidence in nature. Laboratory inoculation studies reveal that genotype, genotype × genotype interactions and local adaptation affect hyperparasite infection. However, observations of a natural pathogen metapopulation reveal that spatial rather than genetic factors predict the risk of hyperparasite presence. Our results highlight how sensitive the outcome of biocontrol using hyperparasites is to selection of hyperparasite strains.
Intentionality and Content in McDowell
Authors: Philie Patrice 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn its most general form, the issue of intentionality takes the following shape: How can something be about something else? In basic cases, this relation is one between a subjective occurrence and a state of affairs, allowing the problem of intentionality to be articulated in this manner: What makes it the case that a subjective occurrence has the capacity to be about something external to it? The views of John McDowell on intentionality form the focus of this article. They are examined through the notion of content and via the later Wittgenstein's standpoint on content and intentionality. The main objective is to reach a conspicuous perspective of McDowell's stance on intentionality in order to uncover its presuppositions. This leads to the identification of a pivotal point of tension in McDowell's philosophical commitments, in particular the extent to which he can legitimately claim to be a quietist.
Prospects for improving neovascularization of the ischemic heart: Lessons from development
Authors: Smart Nicola 
Published: November 2016

AbstractNeovascularization of the ischemic myocardium postinfarction is necessary to restore blood flow to vulnerable cardiomyocytes and will be indispensable for prospective regenerative strategies, to perfuse newly formed myocardium. Therapeutic attempts to enhance new vessel formation have, to date, yielded modest clinical benefits, and innovative approaches are now needed. Intrinsic mechanisms are initiated by the heart in an attempt to rebuild injured vessels, but these are poorly understood. Insight into the underlying mechanisms may reveal targets for therapeutically augmenting this low‐level neovascular response. Starting from a limited number of descriptive studies, this review summarizes what is known of coronary neovascularization and explores putative mechanisms and cellular sources which may endogenously contribute, or that may be pharmacologically triggered, to support vasculo‐ or angiogenesis. As injury responses in the adult frequently recapitulate embryological processes, a particular focus is placed on the developmental mechanisms of coronary vessel formation. An understanding of the cellular sources and the regulatory pathways used by the embryo may reveal novel targets for reactivating coronary vessel and myocardial regeneration.
Transformation of the cucurbit powdery mildew pathogen Podosphaera xanthii by Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Martínez‐Cruz Jesús , Romero Diego , de Vicente Antonio , Pérez‐García Alejandro 
Published: November 2016

Summary

The obligate biotrophic fungal pathogen Podosphaera xanthii is the main causal agent of powdery mildew in cucurbit crops all over the world. A major limitation of molecular studies of powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphales) is their genetic intractability. In this work, we describe a robust method based on the promiscuous transformation ability of Agrobacterium tumefaciens for reliable transformation of P. xanthii.

The A. tumefaciens‐mediated transformation (ATMT) system yielded transformants of P. xanthii with diverse transferred DNA (T‐DNA) constructs. Analysis of the resultant transformants showed the random integration of T‐DNA into the P. xanthii genome. The integrations were maintained in successive generations in the presence of selection pressure.

Transformation was found to be transient, because in the absence of selection agent, the introduced genetic markers were lost due to excision of T‐DNA from the genome.

The ATMT system represents a potent tool for genetic manipulation of P. xanthii and will likely be useful for studying other biotrophic fungi. We hope that this method will contribute to the development of detailed molecular studies of the intimate interaction established between powdery mildew fungi and their host plants.
The transcription factor OBP4 controls root growth and promotes callus formation
Authors: Ramirez‐Parra Elena , Perianez‐Rodriguez Juan , Navarro‐Neila Sara , Gude Inmaculada , Moreno‐Risueno Miguel A. , del Pozo Juan C. 
Published: November 2016

Summary

Plant growth and development require a continuous balance between cell division and differentiation. In root meristems, differentiated cells acquire specialized functions, losing their mitotic potential. Some plant cells, such as pericycle cells, have a remarkable plasticity to regenerate new organs. The molecular mechanisms underlying cell reprogramming are not completely known.

In this work, a functional screening of transcription factors identified Arabidopsis OBP4 (OBF Binding Protein 4) as a novel regulator of root growth and cell elongation and differentiation.

Overexpression of OBP4 regulates the levels of a large number of transcripts in roots, many involved in hormonal signaling and callus formation. OBP4 controls cell elongation and differentiation in root cells. OBP4 does not induce cell division in the root meristem, but promotes pericycle cell proliferation, forming callus‐like structures at the root tip, as shown by the expression of stem cell markers. Callus formation is enhanced by ectopic expression of OBP4 in the wild‐type or alf4‐1, but is significantly reduced in roots that have lower levels of OBP4.

Our data provide molecular insights into how differentiated root cells acquire the potential to generate callus, a pluripotent mass of cells that can regenerate fully functional plant organs.
Environmental interventions for altering eating behaviours of employees in the workplace: a systematic review
Authors: Allan J. , Querstret D. , Banas K. , de Bruin M. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryEnvironmental, or ‘choice‐architecture’, interventions aim to change behaviour by changing properties/contents of the environment and are commonly used in the workplace to promote healthy behaviours in employees. The present review aimed to evaluate and synthesize the evidence surrounding the effectiveness of environmental interventions targeting eating behaviour in the workplace. A systematic search identified 8157 articles, of which 22 were included in the current review. All included studies were coded according to risk of bias and reporting quality and were classified according to the emergent typology of choice‐architecture interventions. More than half of included studies (13/22) reported significant changes in primary measures of eating behaviour (increased fruit/veg consumption, increased sales of healthy options and reduction in calories purchased). However, only one study produced a small significant improvement in weight/body mass index. Many studies had a high or unknown risk of bias; reporting of interventions was suboptimal; and the only trial to measure compensatory behaviours found that intervention participants who ate less during the intervention ate more out with the workplace later in the day. Hence, we conclude that more rigorous, well‐reported studies that account for compensatory behaviours are needed to fully understand the impact of environmental interventions on diet and importantly on weight/body mass index outcomes.