bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inter‐ and intra‐laboratory standardization of TUNEL assay for assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation
Authors: Ribeiro S. , Sharma R. , Gupta S. , Cakar Z. , De Geyter C. , Agarwal A. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryOne of the challenges with the sperm DNA fragmentation results is the inconsistency and the large variability in the results obtained by different techniques. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay quantifies the incorporation of fluoresceinated dUTP into single‐ and double‐strand DNA breaks by labeling the 3′‐OH terminal with TdT. The goal of this study was optimize the TUNEL protocol for assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation by standardization of the method and comparison of the data across two reference laboratories (i) at Basel, Switzerland and (ii) Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA. Semen samples from 31 subjects grouped into three cohorts. Sperm DNA fragmentation was data measured by two experienced operators at two different laboratories using identical semen samples, assay kit, protocol and acquisition settings using identical flow cytometers (BD Accuri C6). No significant differences were observed between the duplicates in any of the experiments performed. By including an additional washing step after fixation in paraformaldehyde, a high correlation was seen between the two laboratories (r = 0.94). A strong positive correlation was observed between the average sperm DNA fragmentation rates (r = 0.719). The mean sperm DNA fragmentation measured in each laboratory was similar. Both flow cytometers were identical in their settings and performance. This inter‐ and intra‐laboratory study establishes that TUNEL is a reproducible assay when utilizing a standardized staining protocol and flow cytometer acquisition settings. Standardization and consensual guidelines for TUNEL validate the assay and establishes TUNEL as a robust test for measuring sperm DNA fragmentation especially in a multicenter setting.
Effects of exercise training intensity on cardiac autonomic regulation in habitual smokers
Authors: Kim Choun‐Sub , Kim Maeng‐Kyu , Jung Hye‐Young , Kim Mi‐Ji 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundThe sympathoexcitatory effects of cigarette smoking cause an autonomic imbalance that may lead to cardiovascular disease. Aerobic training improves autonomic function by developing cardiorespiratory fitness; however, it is still uncertain whether aerobic training ameliorates the compromised autonomic modulation in smokers. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks' aerobic training at different exercise intensities on autonomic regulation in habitual smokers.MethodsHealthy males (n = 34) were randomly assigned to a moderate‐intensity aerobic training (MAT, 60% of heart rate reserve [HRR]), a high‐intensity training group (HAT, 75% HRR), or a control group (CG). Training groups performed 8 weeks' aerobic training on a treadmill (3 times/week), but all subjects continued to smoke cigarettes as usual. Heart rate variability was monitored to evaluate the effect of aerobic training on autonomic regulation.ResultsAerobic training improved autonomic balance despite the continued smoking. In the time domain, rMSSD and pNN50 were significantly increased in HAT than in CG. On spectral analysis, the absolute and normalized units of high frequency (HF) were significantly increased in HAT, whereas the LF/HF ratio and the normalized unit of LF were significantly decreased compared to that in CG. SD1 and the SD1/SD2 ratio of the Poincaré plot analysis were significantly increased compared to CG. Although MAT showed a similar tendency to HAT in nonlinear indexes, there were no significant differences compared to CG.ConclusionAerobic training, particularly high‐intensity training, increases the parasympathetic contribution to the sympathovagal system, leading to an improvement in autonomic balance despite continued cigarette smoking.
Vps15p regulates the distribution of cup‐shaped organelles containing the major eisosome protein Pil1p to the extracellular fraction required for endocytosis of extracellular vesicles carrying metabolic enzymes
Authors: Stein Kathryn , Winters Chelsea , Chiang Hui‐Ling 
Published: March 2017

Background InformationExosomes are small vesicles secreted from virtually every cell from bacteria to humans. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a model system to study trafficking of small vesicles in response to changes in the environment. When yeast cells are grown in low glucose, vesicles carrying gluconeogenic enzymes are present as free vesicles and aggregated clusters in the cytoplasm. These vesicles are also secreted into the periplasm and account for more than 90% of total extracellular organelles, while less than 10% are larger 100–300 nm structures with unknown functions. When glucose is added to glucose‐starved cells, secreted vesicles are endocytosed and then targeted to the vacuole. Recent secretomic studies indicated that more than 300 proteins involved in diverse biological functions are secreted during glucose starvation and endocytosed during glucose re‐feeding. We hypothesised that extracellular vesicles are internalised using novel mechanisms independent of clathrin‐mediated endocytosis.ResultsOur results showed that vesicles carrying metabolic enzymes were endocytosed at a fast rate, whereas vesicles carrying the heat shock protein Ssa1p were endocytosed at a slow rate. The PI3K regulator Vps15p is critical for the fast internalisation of extracellular vesicles. VPS15 regulates the distribution of the 100–300 nm organelles that contain the major eisosome protein Pil1p to the extracellular fraction. These Pil1p‐containing structures were purified and showed unique cup‐shape with their centres deeper than the peripheries. In the absence of VPS15, PIL1 or when PIL1 was mutated, the 100–300 nm structures were not observed in the extracellular fraction and the rapid internalisation of vesicles was impaired.ConclusionsWe conclude that VPS15 regulates the distribution of the 100–300 nm Pil1p‐containing organelles to the extracellular fraction required for fast endocytosis of vesicles carrying metabolic enzymes. This work provides the first evidence showing that Pil1p displayed unique distribution patterns in the intracellular and extracellular fractions. This work also demonstrates that endocytosis of vesicles is divided into a fast and a slow pathway. The fast pathway is the predominant pathway and is used by vesicles carrying metabolic enzymes. Cup‐shaped Pil1p‐containing structures are critical for the rapid endocytosis of vesicles into the cytoplasm.SignificanceThis work provides the first evidence showing that Pil1p displayed unique distribution patterns in the intracellular and extracellular fractions. This work also demonstrates that endocytosis of vesicles is divided into a fast and a slow pathway. The fast pathway is the predominant pathway and is used by vesicles carrying metabolic enzymes. Cup‐shaped Pil1p‐containing structures are critical for the rapid endocytosis of vesicles into the cytoplasm.
Genetic Syndromes and Developmental Risk for Autism Spectrum and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders: Insights From Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Doherty Brianna R. , Scerif Gaia 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMany genetic markers are associated with atypical developmental outcomes. In this article, we review evidence from studies on the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability, fragile X syndrome (FXS). We aim to highlight general developmental consequences as well as specific implications for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including the complexity of characterizing ASD and ADHD symptoms in FXS. We address three issues: First, links among genes, brain, and cognition need to be situated in a developmental context, even in a monogenic disorder like FXS. Second, the comparatively early age of diagnosis of FXS offers the opportunity to study developmental trajectories of risk and resilience for a complex, behaviorally defined disorder highly associated with FXS but diagnosed later: ASD. Third, the high occurrence of both ASD and ADHD in FXS allows for a novel investigation of their comorbidity, with important caveats.
Minimizing species extinctions through strategic planning for conservation fencing
Authors: Ringma Jeremy L. , Wintle Brendan , Fuller Richard A. , Fisher Diana , Bode Michael 
Published: March 2017

AbstractConservation fences are an increasingly common management action, particularly for species threatened by invasive predators. However, unlike many conservation actions, fence networks are expanding in an unsystematic manner, generally as a reaction to local funding opportunities or threats. We conducted a gap analysis of Australia's large predator‐exclusion fence network by examining translocation of Australian mammals relative to their extinction risk. To address gaps identified in species representation, we devised a systematic prioritization method for expanding the conservation fence network that explicitly incorporated population viability analysis and minimized expected species’ extinctions. The approach was applied to New South Wales, Australia, where the state government intends to expand the existing conservation fence network. Existing protection of species in fenced areas was highly uneven; 67% of predator‐sensitive species were unrepresented in the fence network. Our systematic prioritization yielded substantial efficiencies in that it reduced expected number of species extinctions up to 17 times more effectively than ad hoc approaches. The outcome illustrates the importance of governance in coordinating management action when multiple projects have similar objectives and rely on systematic methods rather than expanding networks opportunistically.
In vitro efficacy of a novel potassium oxalate hydrogel for dentin hypersensitivity
Authors: Varoni Elena M. , Zuccheri Tommaso , Carletta Andrea , Palazzo Barbara , Cochis Andrea , Colonna Martino , Rimondini Lia 
Published: March 2017

A novel potassium oxalate‐based hydrogel is proposed for treating dentin hypersensitivity and this study evaluates its in vitro performance as a remineralizing, desensitizing agent. Etched disks of human dentin were treated for 10 or 20 min using the test hydrogel, to mimic a professional application with dental mouth guards. Dentin disks were evaluated in terms of permeability indexes in a fluid‐filled system, the surface morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy, and the structural properties were studied using X‐ray diffraction analysis. The potassium oxalate hydrogel significantly reduced dentin permeability, in a time‐dependent manner, and occluded most of the patent dentinal tubules via crystal precipitation, forming a remineralized layer. After hydrogel treatments, an acid solution (pH 4.2) was applied to the disks for 30 s, or 1, 2, or 5 min, in order to reproduce a plaque‐like oral acidity, and further analysis showed a good resistance of the remineralized layer to the acid challenge. The potassium oxalate‐based hydrogel showed a better performance over commercially available products and artificial saliva, appearing a promising candidate for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.
Regulatory T‐cell cytokines in patients with nonsegmental vitiligo
Authors: Kidir Mehtap , Karabulut Ayse A. , Ercin Mustafa E. , Atasoy Pınar 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo, the role of suppressor cytokines, such as transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), associated with regulatory T‐cells (Treg) is not completely known. In this study, the role of Treg‐cell functions in the skin of patients with nonsegmental vitiligo was investigated. Lesional and nonlesional skin samples from 30 adult volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 36 years with nonsegmental vitiligo were compared with normal skin area excision specimens of 30 benign melanocytic nevus cases as controls. All samples were evaluated staining for forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), TGF‐β, and IL‐10 using the standardized streptavidin–biotin immunoperoxidase immunohistochemistry method. Foxp3 expression was lower in lesional vitiligo skin specimens compared to controls; it was also lower in lesional vitiligo specimens than nonlesional vitiligo specimens. IL‐10 levels were lower in lesional vitiligo specimens compared to the controls, whereas IL‐10 expression was significantly lower in lesional specimens compared with nonlesional specimens. TGF‐β expression was higher in both lesional and nonlesional skin specimens of patients with vitiligo compared to controls. TGF‐β expression was lower in lesional skin specimens than nonlesional skin specimens. In addition, there was no significant correlation between Foxp3 expression with TGF‐β and IL‐10 expressions in lesional skin specimens in the vitiligo group. In this study, results supporting the contribution of Treg cells and IL‐10 deficiency to the autoimmune process were obtained. Therefore, future studies are necessary to demonstrate the definitive role of Treg‐cell functions in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo.
L'Allergie Croisee Tuberculinique, Microbienne et Trichophytinique
Authors: Laborie F. , Laborie R. , Vignal N. , Mourgues G. 
Published: March 2017

Conclusions et résuméNos recherches nous ont permis régulièrement de constater au cours de séries de tests, que des sujets atteints d'affections allergiques microbiennes, dues par exemple au staphylocoque doré, comme les eczémas diathésiques, les eczématides de l'enfant et de l'adulte, et que des animaux atteints d'affections analogues, ne présentaient, malgré des tests positifs à la tuberculine ni dans le passé ni pendant des dizaines d'années que se sont poursuivies ces observations sur certains de ces sujets, aucune affection inte rcur rente par le bacille de Koch.Il a pu être de même constaté que des bovins tuberculeux ou des humains a tteints de lupus présentaient eux aussi des tests positifs non seulement à la tuberculine, antigène spécifique de leur allergie primaire, mais aussi au staphylocoque doré pathogène et à la trichophytine, sans pour cela offrir aucun fondement pathogénique à cette allergie microbienne croisée. Mais toujours dans tous ces cas on notait une forte augmentation des bêta‐globulines. Il apparaît donc que l'allergie microbienne quand elle est primaire semble bien exercer un pouvoir immunologique dominant et même prémunir contre le bacille de Koch. A l'appui de la prédominance du staphylocoque doré pathogène sur le bacille de Koch nous signalerons également le fait bactériologique suivant. Lors d'un ensemencement simultané sur milieu de Löwenstein du B.K. et du staphylocoque doré, en donnant une avance de 15 jours à l'ensemencement avec le B.K., seul le staphylocoque doré pathogène forme des colonies marquées et donne une couleur verte intense au milieu primitivement couleur coquille d'oeuf.L'ensemble de ces constatations nous a conduit à mettre en application pratique les résultats de ces recherches qui pourraient avoir une portée aussi imprévue qu'importante basée sur cette allergie croisée tuberculinique‐microbienne‐mycosique ou la primauté de l'allergie microbienne confère en même temps qu'une allergie tuberculinique une immunité contre la tuberculose.C'est ainsi que se poursuivent depuis plusieurs années des expérimentations sur des animaux, chez lesquels par une allergisation microbienne active, nous essayons d'obtenir dans des conditions bien établies une prémunition et peutêtre un traitement contre le Tubercule.
Skin Response to Solenamine, a Hemolytic Component of Fire‐ant Venom
Authors: Jung R. C. , Derbes V. J. , Burch A. D. 
Published: March 2017

Summary and ConclusionsSolenamine, the hemolytic component of fire‐ant venom, when injected into the skin of rabbits provokes a tissue response identical in type and course to that induced by the fire‐ant sting. Because of the mechanical difficulty of simulating the stinging apparatus, the component must be injected dissolved in a vehicle. The increased volume results in a more extensive lesion. A concentration of 0.2 mg. of hemolytic component in 0.1 ml. of sesame oil is enough to provoke tissue response but insufficient to produce necrosis. Injection of 2 mg. in 0.1 ml. of sesame oil is followed by necrosis.
Physical Geography
Authors: Cañizares Orlando 
Published: March 2017

Summary and ConclusionsPhysical geography plays an important role in the occurrence and distribution of cutaneous diseases in tropical America. The four main types of climate of dermatologic interest in this region are the tropical rain forest, the tropical savanna, the desert and the mountain climate. They have definite and different effects on the development and distribution of skin diseases, with each region presenting its own characteristic pattern.The role of trace elements in the soil deserves more concentrated study, coordinated with allied sciences,to elucidate its possible relationship to causation of disease.
Cognitive Ability in Late Life and Onset of Physical Frailty: The Lothian Birth Cohort 1936
Authors: Gale Catharine R. , Ritchie Stuart J. , Cooper Cyrus , Starr John M. , Deary Ian J. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate whether poorer cognitive ability is a risk factor for development of physical frailty and whether this risk varies according to cognitive domain.DesignProspective longitudinal study with 6‐year follow‐up.SettingEdinburgh, Scotland.ParticipantsMembers of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (N = 594).MeasurementsFrailty was assessed at ages 70 and 76 using the Fried criteria. Cognitive function was assessed at age 70, 73, and 76. Factor score estimates were derived for baseline level of and change in four cognitive domains: visuospatial ability, memory, processing speed, and crystallized cognitive ability.ResultsHigher baseline levels of processing speed, memory, visuospatial ability and crystallized ability at age 70, and less decline in speed, memory, and crystallized ability were associated with less risk of becoming physically frail by age 76. When all cognitive domains were modelled together, processing speed was the only domain associated with frailty risk, for a standard deviation (SD) increment in initial level of processing speed, the risk of frailty was 47% less (0.53 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33–0.85) after adjustment for age, sex, baseline frailty status, social class, depressive symptoms, number of chronic physical diseases, levels of inflammatory biomarkers, and other cognitive factor score estimates; for a SD increment in processing speed change (less decline) risk of frailty was 74% less (RRR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.16–0.42). When additional analyses were conducted using a single test of processing speed that did not require fast motor responses (inspection time), results were similar.ConclusionsThe speed with which older adults process information and the rate at which this declines over time may be an important indicator of the risk of physical frailty.
Improving diabetes care for people with intellectual disabilities: a qualitative study exploring the perceptions and experiences of professionals in diabetes and intellectual disability services
Authors: Brown M. , Taggart L. , Karatzias T. , Truesdale M. , Walley R. , Northway R. , Macrae S. , Carey M. , Davies M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundGlobally, diabetes is increasing with concerns about the impact on outcomes, including premature death and the costs associated with managing the condition. Research indicates that adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are two to three times more likely to develop diabetes; however, there has been limited focus on diabetes service utilisation in this population. The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions and experiences of diabetes and ID practitioners.MethodsA series of 1:1 semi‐structured interviews were undertaken in one Scottish health service area. In total, 29 qualitative interviews were conducted: 10 with diabetes practitioners from primary and secondary care, 14 from ID services and 5 from community care services regarding diabetes service provision for this population. Thematic content analysis was undertaken to identify the themes and subthemes.ResultsThree main themes were identified: (1) enabling access to services to meet diabetes‐related care needs of people with ID; (2) communication and service improvements between staff, patients and across services; and (3) providing person‐centred diabetes care and developing adapted resources to increase patient self‐care.ConclusionsThe findings of this study have important international implications in how diabetes practitioners plan and deliver services for people with ID and other vulnerable groups with limited cognitive ability and communication skills and difficulties in self‐management. The findings highlight that access to diabetes education and adapted resources is needed, and if ‘reasonable adjustments’ are made to service provision and practice, people with ID can benefit from improved healthcare. Developing joint clinics to share knowledge and resources between diabetes and ID practitioners may improve service delivery and continuity of care, and thereby diminish the costs of not providing quality care.
Assessment of the effect of grape seed cake inclusion in the diet of healthy fattening‐finishing pigs
Authors: Taranu I. , Habeanu M. , Gras M. A. , Pistol G. C. , Lefter N. , Palade M , Ropota M. , Sanda Chedea V. , Marin D. E. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryModulatory capacity of bioactive compounds from different wastes has been scarcely investigated in pigs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of grape seed cakes (GS diet) on performance and plasma biochemistry parameters as health indicators, as well as on several markers related to inflammation and antioxidant defence in the liver of fattening‐finishing pigs. Twelve cross‐bred pigs (TOPIG) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental diets: control and 5% grape seed cake diet during finishing period (24 days). No effect of GS diet on pig performance and blood biochemistry was observed. However, GS diet decreased significantly (−9.05%, p < .05) the cholesterol concentration (85.71 ± 0.94 mg/dl vs 94.24 ± 2.16 mg/dl) and increased IgA level (+49.90%, p < .05) in plasma (5.04 ± 0.5 mg/ml vs 3.36 ± 0.7 mg/ml). GS cakes decreased the inflammatory response in the liver of pigs fed with GS diet by lowering the Gene expression and protein concentration of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐8, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ) as well as the mRNA abundances of NF‐κB signalling molecules. The antioxidant status was not increased by GS diet. The gene expression and activity of catalase decreased significantly. The gene expression of Nrf2, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and heat‐shock protein decreased, and no effect on their activity was observed with the exception of catalase activity which decreased. However, TBARS was reduced significantly. GS diet showed a modulatory effect on antioxidative status as well as anti‐inflammatory and hypocholesterolic properties without effect on pig performance.