bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproduction in the Mediterranean endemic gorgonian Spinimuricea klavereni (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Plexauridae)
Authors: Topçu Nur Eda , Öztürk Bayram 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSpinimuricea klavereni is a Mediterranean endemic gorgonian that is rarely encountered, probably because it typically occurs at depths below 50 m. It is exceptionally common in the northern Marmara Sea, with an unusually shallow upper depth limit of ~20 m. The reproductive biology of this species was studied during a one year period off Büyükada, in the northeastern Marmara Sea. Spinimuricea klavereni is a gonochoric broadcast spawner with an almost even sex ratio. Colonies were ~15 cm in height at first reproduction. Gametogenesis was continuous, characterized by high male and female fecundities year‐round. Oocytes and sperm sacs of all developmental stages were found throughout the year, with small‐sized oocytes and sperm sacs dominant throughout the year. The reproduction of S. klavereni did not seem to exhibit any marked seasonal pattern, unlike most other studied Mediterranean octocorals. Modest variation in gamete output was probably related to slight alterations in food availability and temperature. The non‐seasonal reproductive pattern we observed may be related to the low intra‐annual variation in temperature in the Marmara Sea, and the fact that the mesotrophic‐eutrophic level of productivity in the Marmara Sea can support the energetic requirements of continuous gametogenesis in this gorgonian. Whether these patterns are local adaptations or intrinsic characteristics for this Mediterranean endemic species remains to be studied.
Distribution patterns of some species of Scatopsidae (Insecta: Diptera) and the effect of microclimate on their flight activity
Authors: Peng R. , Sutton S. L. , Fletcher C. R. 
Published: January 2016

Temporal and spatial distribution of common species of Scatopsidae and the effect of microclimate on their flight behaviour have been studied using suction traps and computer‐linked micro‐meteorological stations in northern England. The flight patterns of spatial and temporal abundance were basically the same between two years. All species showed their active peak in the afternoons. There was a marked concentration at 5 m height and 5 m away from an emergent hedgerow tree for all common species of scatopsids. The behaviour of mating, swarming and congregating were observed.Four commonest species, Rhegmoclema cooki, R. coxendix, Anapausis soluta and Scatopse notata, all showed very similar responses to the light intensity, temperature and humidity in their daily flight performance. However, the spatial distributions of these species were not determined by these physical factors. It is suggested that the combination of their mating swarming behaviour and the wind circulation is important.
A metasynthesis of factors affecting self‐management of chronic illness
Authors: Schulman‐Green Dena , Jaser Sarah S. , Park Chorong , Whittemore Robin 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimTo identify factors that may serve as facilitators and barriers to self‐management described by adults living with chronic illness by conducting a qualitative metasynthesis.BackgroundSelf‐management is an individuals' active management of a chronic illness in collaboration with their family members and clinicians.DesignQualitative metasynthesis.Data sourcesWe analysed studies (N = 53) published between January 2000–May 2013 that described factors affecting self‐management in chronic illness as reported by adults aged over 18 years with chronic illness.Review methodsSandelowsi and Barroso approach to qualitative metasynthesis: literature search; quality appraisal; analysis and synthesis of findings.ResultsCollectively, article authors reported on sixteen chronic illnesses, most commonly diabetes (N = 28) and cardiovascular disease (N = 20). Participants included men and women (mean age = 57, range 18‐94) from 20 countries representing diverse races and ethnicities. We identified five categories of factors affecting self‐management: Personal/Lifestyle Characteristics; Health Status; Resources; Environmental Characteristics; and Health Care System. Factors may interact to affect self‐management and may exist on a continuum of positive (facilitator) to negative (barrier).ConclusionUnderstanding factors that influence self‐management may improve assessment of self‐management among adults with chronic illness and may inform interventions tailored to meet individuals' needs and improve health outcomes.
Pax8 plays a pivotal role in regulation of cardiomyocyte growth and senescence
Authors: Wu Yihao , Zhou Xi , Huang Xiaoyan , Xia Quan , Chen Zhe , Zhang Xingwei , Yang Deye , Geng Yong‐jian 
Published: January 2016

AbstractCongenital heart disease (CHD) is a worldwide health problem, particularly in young populations. In spite of the advancement and progress in medical research and technology, the underlying causative factors and mechanisms of CHD still remain unclear. Bone morphogenetic protein receptor IA (ALK3) mediates the development of ventricular septal defect (VSD). We have recently found that paired box gene 8 (Pax8) may be the downstream molecule of ALK3. Paired box gene 8 plays an essential role in VSD, and apoptosis and proliferation imbalance leads to septal dysplasia. Recent studies have also disclosed that cellular senescence also participates in embryonic development. Whether programmed senescence exists in cardiac organogenesis has not ever been reported. We hypothesized that together with various biological processes, such as apoptosis, enhanced cellular senescence may occur actively in the development of Pax8 null mice murine hearts. In H9C2 myogenic cells, Pax8 overexpression can rescue caspase‐dependent apoptosis induced by ALK3 silencing. Senescent cells and senescence‐associated mediators in Pax8 knockout hearts increased compared with the wild‐type ones in an age‐dependent manner. These results suggest that Pax8 maybe the downstream molecule of ALK3, it mediates the murine heart development perhaps via cellular senescence, which may serve as a mechanism that compensates for the cell loss via apoptosis in heart development.
MiR‐17~92 ablation impairs liver regeneration in an estrogen‐dependent manner
Authors: Zhou Yongjie , Zhang Lei , Ji Hongjie , Lu Xufeng , Xia Jie , Li Li , Chen Fei , Bu Hong , Shi Yujun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAs one of the most important post‐transcriptional regulators, microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in diverse biological processes, including the regulation of cell proliferation. MiR‐17~92 has been found to act as an oncogene, and it is closely associated with cell proliferation. However, its role in liver regeneration is still unclear. We generated a hepatocyte‐specific miR‐17~92‐deficient mouse and used a mouse model with 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) or intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride to demonstrate the role of MiR‐17~92 in liver regeneration. In quiescent livers, the expression of the miR‐17~92 cluster showed a gender disparity, with much higher expression in female mice. The expression of four members of this cluster was found to be markedly reduced after 70% PH. The ablation of miR‐17~92 led to obvious regeneration impairment during the early‐stage regeneration in the female mice. Ovariectomy greatly reduced miR‐17~92 expression but significantly promoted liver regeneration in wild‐type mice. In addition, early regeneration impairment in miR‐17~92‐deficient livers could be largely restored following ovariectomy. The proliferation suppressors p21 and Pten were found to be the target effectors of miR‐17~92. MiR‐17~92 disruption resulted in elevated protein levels of p21 and Pten in regenerating livers. MiR‐17~92 functions as a proliferation stimulator and acts in an oestrogen‐dependent manner. The loss of this miRNA results in increases in p21 and Pten expression and therefore impairs liver regeneration in female mice.
Annual Research Review: The role of the environment in the developmental psychopathology of autism spectrum condition
Authors: Mandy William , Lai Meng‐Chuan 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundAlthough autism spectrum condition (ASC) is strongly genetic in origin, accumulating evidence points to the critical roles of various environmental influences on its emergence and subsequent developmental course.MethodsA developmental psychopathology framework was used to synthesise literature on environmental factors associated with the onset and course of ASC (based on a systematic search of the literature using PubMed, PsychInfo and Google Scholar databases). Particular emphasis was placed on gene–environment interplay, including gene–environment interaction (G × E) and gene–environment correlation (rGE).ResultsBefore conception, advanced paternal and maternal ages may independently enhance offspring risk for ASC. Exogenous prenatal risks are evident (e.g. valproate and toxic chemicals) or possible (e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and processes endogenous to the materno‐foeto‐placental unit (e.g. maternal diabetes, enhanced steroidogenic activities and maternal immune activation) likely heighten offspring vulnerability to ASC. Folate intake is a prenatal protective factor, with a particular window of action around 4 weeks preconception and during the first trimester. These prenatal risks and protective mechanisms appear to involve G × E and potentially rGE. A variety of perinatal risks are related to offspring ASC risk, possibly reflecting rGE. Postnatal social factors (e.g. caregiver–infant interaction, severe early deprivation) during the first years of life may operate through rGE to influence the likelihood of manifesting a full ASC phenotype from a ‘prodromal’ phase (a proposal distinct to the discredited and harmful ‘refrigerator mother hypothesis’); and later postnatal risks, after the full manifestation of ASC, shape life span development through transactions mediated by rGE. There is no evidence that vaccination is a postnatal risk for ASC.ConclusionsFuture investigations should consider the specificity of risks for ASC versus other atypical neurodevelopmental trajectories, timing of risk and protective mechanisms, animal model systems to study mechanisms underlying gene–environment interplay, large‐sample genome–envirome designs to address G × E and longitudinal studies to elucidate how rGE plays out over time. Clinical and public health implications are discussed.
Changes in serum adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and normal pregnant women during mid‐ and late pregnancy
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Hao‐hang , Lu Jia‐hui , zheng Si‐yuan , Long Tao , Li Ying‐tao , Wu Wei‐zhen , Wang Fang 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo observe the longitudinal changes in serum adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein (AFABP), carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism parameters in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during mid‐ and late pregnancy periods, as well as to identify whether there is any association between AFABP and development of GDM.Materials and MethodsA total of 40 GDM and 240 normal glucose tolerance participants were enrolled at 24–28 weeks and completed the study. The clinical features, serum AFABP, other adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, retinol‐binding protein 4), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and lipid profiles were measured in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.ResultsCompared with the normal glucose tolerance group, the GDM group showed greater levels of AFABP, leptin and retinol‐binding protein 4; and a decreased level of adiponectin (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) during mid‐ and late pregnancy periods. Prepregnancy body mass index was the independent factor impacting serum AFABP levels in the second (β = 0.567, P = 0.004) and third trimesters (β = 0.619, P = 0.001). Furthermore, GDM was independently associated with AFABP concentrations in multiple regression analysis in the second and third trimester (all P < 0.01). Serum AFABP, leptin and retinol‐binding protein 4 are risk factors for GDM; adiponectin is a protective factor for GDM (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe GDM group had a higher level of AFABP during mid‐ and late stages of pregnancy; prepregnancy body mass index and GDM were the independent factors with respect to serum AFABP. AFABP might be closely related to obesity, insulin resistance and leptin resistance in pregnancy, and is a major risk factor for GDM.
Diatom Vacuolar 1,6‐β‐Transglycosylases can Functionally Complement the Respective Yeast Mutants
Authors: Huang Weichao , Río Bártulos Carolina , Kroth Peter G. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDiatoms are unicellular photoautotrophic algae, which can be found in any aquatic habitat. The main storage carbohydrate of diatoms is chrysolaminarin, a nonlinear β‐glucan, consisting of a linear 1,3‐β‐chain with 1,6‐β‐branches, which is stored in cytoplasmic vacuoles. The metabolic pathways of chrysolaminarin synthesis in diatoms are poorly investigated, therefore we studied two potential 1,6‐β‐transglycosylases (TGS) of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum which are similar to yeast Kre6 proteins and which potentially are involved in the branching of 1,3‐β‐glucan chains by adding d‐glucose as 1,6‐side chains. We genetically fused the full‐length diatom TGS proteins to GFP and expressed these constructs in P. tricornutum, demonstrating that the enzymes are apparently located in the vacuoles, which indicates that branching of chrysolaminarin may occur in these organelles. Furthermore, we demonstrated the functionality of the diatom enzymes by expressing TGS1 and 2 proteins in yeast, which resulted in a partial complementation of growth deficiencies of a transglycosylase‐deficient ∆kre6 yeast strain.
Response of Vitamin D Concentration to Vitamin D3 Administration in Older Adults without Sun Exposure: A Randomized Double‐Blind Trial
Authors: Schwartz Janice B. , Kane Lynn , Bikle Daniel 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo determine the dose‐response relationship between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and supplemental vitamin D3 in elderly nursing home residents.DesignRandomized double‐blind investigation.SettingNursing home.ParticipantsOf 81 women (n = 51) and men (n = 30) (mean age 87.4 ± 8) enrolled, 72 completed the study.InterventionSixteen weeks of oral vitamin D3 at 800, 2,000, or 4,000 IU/d or 50,000 IU/wk.MeasurementsThe main outcome was 25(OH)D concentrations (tandem mass spectrometry) after 16 weeks. Free 25(OH)D and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were also analyzed. Safety monitoring of calcium and estimated glomerular filtration rate was performed, and adherence and clinical status were measured.Results25(OH)D concentrations increased with dose (P < .001) and were higher with 50,000 IU/wk (P < .001) than other doses and with 4,000 IU/d than 800 or 2,000 IU/d, but 800 IU and 2,000 IU/d did not differ. One subject receiving 800 IU/d had concentrations less than 20 ng/mL. All subjects receiving more than 2000 IU/d had concentrations of 20 ng/mL and greater. Free 25(OH)D concentrations rose with total 25(OH) vitamin D. Total and free 25(OH)D were related to calcium concentrations; only free 25(OH)D was related to iPTH.Conclusion25(OH)D increased linearly with 800 to 4,000 IU/d and 50,000 IU/wk of vitamin D3, without a ceiling effect. Data suggest that some elderly adults will require more than 800 IU/d of vitamin D3 to ensure adequate vitamin D levels. Changes in 25(OH)D with vitamin D3 were related to starting concentrations (greatest with the lowest concentrations and unchanged with 800 and 2,000 IU/d if 20–40 ng/mL). Relationships between serum calcium and iPTH and free 25(OH)D suggest the potential for free 25(OH)D in defining optimal 25(OH)D concentrations.
Frailty and Mortality Outcomes in Cognitively Normal Older People: Sex Differences in a Population‐Based Study
Authors: Bartley Mairead M. , Geda Yonas E. , Christianson Teresa J. H. , Shane Pankratz V. , Roberts Rosebud O. , Petersen Ronald C. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo characterize frailty in cognitively normal older adults at baseline and to investigate the relationship between frailty and mortality.DesignPopulation‐based prospective cohort study: Mayo Clinic Study of Aging.SettingOlmsted County, Minnesota.ParticipantsCognitively normal older persons aged 70 and older (mean age 78.8 ± 5.2, 50.2% male; N = 2,356).MeasurementsFrailty was assessed at baseline using a 36‐item Frailty Index. Four frailty subgroups were identified based on the Frailty Index (≤0.10 (fit), 0.11–0.20 (at risk), 0.21–0.30 (frail), >0.30 (frailest)). All participants underwent comprehensive clinical and cognitive assessments. The association between frailty and mortality was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsThe median Frailty Index was 0.17 (interquartile range 0.11–0.22). Frailty increased with age and was more common in older men than in older women. Over a median follow‐up of 6.5 years (range 7 days to 8.9 years), 500 of the 2,356 participants died, including 292 men. The frailest participants had the greatest risk of death (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.69–5.68). The association was stronger in women (HR = 5.26, 95% CI = 2.88–9.61) than men (HR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.98–5.02).ConclusionBaseline frailty was common, especially in older men, and increased with age. Frailty was associated with significantly greater risk of death, particularly in women. These sex differences should be considered when designing a geriatric care plan.
Effect of Pain and Mild Cognitive Impairment on Mobility
Authors: Schepker Caroline A. , Leveille Suzanne G. , Pedersen Mette M. , Ward Rachel E. , Kurlinski Laura A. , Grande Laura , Kiely Dan K. , Bean Jonathan F. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo examine the effect of pain and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)—together and separately—on performance‐based and self‐reported mobility outcomes in older adults in primary care with mild to moderate self‐reported mobility limitations.DesignCross‐sectional analysis.SettingAcademic community outpatient clinic.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older in primary care enrolled in the Boston Rehabilitative Impairment Study in the Elderly who were at risk of mobility decline (N = 430).MeasurementsParticipants with an average score greater than three on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) were defined as having pain. MCI was defined using age‐adjusted scores on a neuropsychological battery. Multivariable linear regression models assessed associations between pain and MCI, together and separately, and mobility performance (habitual gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery), and self‐reports of function and disability in various day‐to‐day activities (Late Life Function and Disability Instrument).ResultsThe prevalence of pain was 34% and of MCI was 42%; 17% had pain only, 25% had MCI only, 17% had pain and MCI, and 41% had neither. Participants with pain and MCI performed significantly worse than all others on all mobility outcomes (P < .001). Participants with MCI only or pain only also performed significantly worse on all mobility outcomes than those with neither (P < .001).ConclusionMild to moderate pain and MCI were independently associated with poor mobility, and the presence of both comorbidities was associated with the poorest status. Primary care practitioners who encounter older adults in need of mobility rehabilitation should consider screening them for pain and MCI to better inform subsequent therapeutic interventions.
Comparison of Handgrip and Leg Extension Strength in Predicting Slow Gait Speed in Older Adults
Authors: Fragala Maren S. , Alley Dawn E. , Shardell Michelle D. , Harris Tamara B. , McLean Robert R. , Kiel Douglas P. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Dam Thuy‐Tien L. , Ferrucci Luigi , Guralnik Jack M. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Vassileva Maria T. , Gudnason Vilmunder , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Koster Annemarie , Newman Anne , Siggeirsdottir Kristin , Satterfield Suzanne , Studenski Stephanie A. , Kenny Anne M. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo compare the relative predictive power of handgrip and leg extension strength in predicting slow walking.DesignReport of correlative analysis from two epidemiological cohort studies.SettingFoundation of the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project.ParticipantsMen and women aged 67 to 93 (N = 6,766).MeasurementsLeg strength, handgrip strength, and gait speed were measured. Strength cutpoints associated with slow gait speed were developed using classification and regression tree analyses and compared using ordinary least squares regression models.ResultsThe cutpoints of lower extremity strength associated with slow gait speed were 154.6 N‐m in men and 89.9 N‐m in women for isometric leg extension strength and 94.5 N‐m in men and 62.3 N‐m in women for isokinetic leg extension strength. Weakness defined according to handgrip strength (odds ratios (OR) = 1.99 to 4.33, c‐statistics = 0.53 to 0.67) or leg strength (ORs = 2.52 to 5.77; c‐statistics = 0.61 to 0.66) was strongly related to odds of slow gait speed. Lower extremity strength contributed 1% to 16% of the variance and handgrip strength contributed 3% to 17% of the variance in the prediction of gait speed depending on sex and mode of strength assessment.ConclusionMuscle weakness of the leg extensors and forearm flexors is related to slow gait speed. Leg extension strength is only a slightly better predictor of slow gait speed. Thus, handgrip and leg extension strength appear to be suitable for screening for muscle weakness in older adults.
Effects of a High‐Intensity Functional Exercise Program on Dependence in Activities of Daily Living and Balance in Older Adults with Dementia
Authors: Toots Annika , Littbrand Håkan , Lindelöf Nina , Wiklund Robert , Holmberg Henrik , Nordström Peter , Lundin‐Olsson Lillemor , Gustafson Yngve , Rosendahl Erik 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of a high‐intensity functional exercise program on independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and balance in older people with dementia and whether exercise effects differed between dementia types.DesignCluster‐randomized controlled trial: Umeå Dementia and Exercise (UMDEX) study.SettingResidential care facilities, Umeå, Sweden.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older with a dementia diagnosis, a Mini‐Mental State Examination score of 10 or greater, and dependence in ADLs (N = 186).InterventionNinety‐three participants each were allocated to the high‐intensity functional exercise program, comprising lower limb strength and balance exercises, and 93 to a seated control activity.MeasurementsBlinded assessors measured ADL independence using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Barthel Index (BI) and balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) at baseline and 4 (directly after intervention completion) and 7 months.ResultsLinear mixed models showed no between‐group effect on ADL independence at 4 (FIM=1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI)=−1.6–4.3; BI=0.6, 95% CI=−0.2–1.4) or 7 (FIM=0.8, 95% CI=−2.2–3.8; BI=0.6, 95% CI=−0.3–1.4) months. A significant between‐group effect on balance favoring exercise was observed at 4 months (BBS=4.2, 95% CI=1.8–6.6). In interaction analyses, exercise effects differed significantly between dementia types. Positive between‐group exercise effects were found in participants with non‐Alzheimer's dementia according to the FIM at 7 months and BI and BBS at 4 and 7 months.ConclusionIn older people with mild to moderate dementia living in residential care facilities, a 4‐month high‐intensity functional exercise program appears to slow decline in ADL independence and improve balance, albeit only in participants with non‐Alzheimer's dementia.