bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
17β‐Oestradiol promotes differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into dopamine neurons via cross‐talk between insulin‐like growth factors‐1 and oestrogen receptor β
Authors: Li Hong , Ding Chenyue , Ding Zhi‐liang , Ling Mingfa , Wang Ting , Wang Wei , Huang Boxian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHuman embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can self‐renew and differentiate into all cell lineages. E2 is known to exhibit positive effects on embryo development. Although the importance of E2 in many physiological processes has been reported, to date few researchers have investigated the effects of E2 on hESCs differentiation. We studied the effects of E2 on dopamine (DA) neuron induction of hESCs and its related signalling pathways using the three‐stage protocol. In our study, 0.1 μM E2 were applied to hESCs‐derived human embryoid bodies (hEBs) and effects of E2 on neural cells differentiation were investigated. Protein and mRNA level assay indicated that E2 up‐regulated the expression of insulin‐like growth factors (IGF)‐1, ectoderm, neural precursor cells (NPC) and DA neuron markers, respectively. The population of hESC‐derived NPCs and DA neurons was increased to 92% and 93% to that of DMSO group, respectively. Furthermore, yield of DA neuron‐secreted tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine was also increased. E2‐caused promotion was relieved in single inhibitor (ICI or JB1) group partly, and E2 effects were repressed more stronger in inhibitors combination (ICI plus JB1) group than in single inhibitor group at hEBs, hNPCs and hDA neurons stages. Owing to oestrogen receptors regulate multiple brain functions, when single or two inhibitors were used to treat neural differentiation stage, we found that oestrogen receptor (ER)β but not ERα is strongly repressed at the hNPCs and hDA neurons stage. These findings, for the first time, demonstrate the molecular cascade and related cell biology events involved in E2‐improved hNPC and hDA neuron differentiation through cross‐talk between IGF‐1 and ERβin vitro.
Selective elimination of neuroblastoma cells by synergistic effect of Akt kinase inhibitor and tetrathiomolybdate
Authors: Navrátilová Jarmila , Karasová Martina , Kohutková Lánová Martina , Jiráková Ludmila , Budková Zuzana , Pacherník Jiří , Šmarda Jan , Beneš Petr 
Published: February 2017

AbstractNeuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumour of infancy. Pathological activation of glucose consumption, glycolysis and glycolysis‐activating Akt kinase occur frequently in neuroblastoma cells, and these changes correlate with poor prognosis of patients. Therefore, several inhibitors of glucose utilization and the Akt kinase activity are in preclinical trials as potential anti‐cancer drugs. However, metabolic plasticity of cancer cells might undermine efficacy of this approach. In this work, we identified oxidative phosphorylation as compensatory mechanism preserving viability of neuroblastoma cells with inhibited glucose uptake/Akt kinase. It was oxidative phosphorylation that maintained intracellular level of ATP and proliferative capacity of these cells. The oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors (rotenone, tetrathiomolybdate) synergized with inhibitor of the Akt kinase/glucose uptake in down‐regulation of both viability of neuroblastoma cells and clonogenic potential of cells forming neuroblastoma spheroids. Interestingly, tetrathiomolybdate acted as highly specific inhibitor of oxygen consumption and activator of lactate production in neuroblastoma cells, but not in normal fibroblasts and neuronal cells. Moreover, the reducing effect of tetrathiomolybdate on cell viability and the level of ATP in the cells with inhibited Akt kinase/glucose uptake was also selective for neuroblastoma cells. Therefore, efficient elimination of neuroblastoma cells requires inhibition of both glucose uptake/Akt kinase and oxidative phosphorylation activities. The use of tetrathiomolybdate as a mitochondrial inhibitor contributes to selectivity of this combined treatment, preferentially targeting neuroblastoma cells.
Use of the low‐FODMAP diet in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Gibson Peter R 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS)‐like symptoms are not uncommon in patients with quiescent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While gluten‐free diet is applied by patients, there are no reported interventional studies. The low‐FODMAP diet, on the other hand, has efficacy similar to that seen in patients with IBS in three unblinded or observational studies of IBD cohorts who had well‐controlled inflammatory disease and in one small randomized cross‐over study. FODMAP intake by patients with IBD is not elevated, and, in one study, fructan intakes were lower in patients with Crohn's disease than in controls. There is no clear relationship between the level of FODMAP intake and intestinal inflammation. The risk of compromising nutritional status with a restrictive diet must be seriously considered especially as under‐nutrition is already common in this patient population. The effects of FODMAPs on the gut microbiota of patients with Crohn's disease mimic that in IBS, with a balance between prebiosis from the addition of FODMAPs and loss of prebiosis from their reduction. As undernutrition is common in IBD, the use of restrictive diets should be supervised by a dietitian. Thus, low‐FODMAP diet is a viable option for IBS‐like symptoms but should be carefully supervised to mitigate risk.
Food regulations: low FODMAP labeling and communication goals
Authors: Méance Séverine , Giordano Josy , Chuang Emil , Schneider Heinrich 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThere is growing clinical evidence in support of a diet for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that is low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP). This low FODMAP diet is gaining acceptance globally among clinicians and IBS sufferers alike. However, there is disparity concerning the success rates of the FODMAP diet between patients, which can be attributed to differences in the recommended diet itself and to adherence issues. To address the differences in the diet, a generally accepted science‐based definition of the analytical criteria for low FODMAP products suitable for a low FODMAP diet should be developed. To address the adherence challenge, regulators should permit manufacturers of low FODMAP products to communicate the benefits of a low FODMAP diet on product labels and promotional material which will facilitate people with IBS' selection and use low FODMAP foods.
What is gluten?
Authors: Biesiekierski Jessica R 
Published: February 2017

AbstractGluten is the main storage protein of wheat grains. Gluten is a complex mixture of hundreds of related but distinct proteins, mainly gliadin and glutenin. Similar storage proteins exist as secalin in rye, hordein in barley, and avenins in oats and are collectively referred to as “gluten.” The objective was to discuss the biochemical and functional properties of the gluten proteins, including structure, sources, and dietary intakes. Literature was reviewed from food science and nutrition journals. The gluten protein networks vary because of different components and sizes, and variability caused by genotype, growing conditions, and technological processes. The structures and interactions of this matrix contribute to the unique properties of gluten. The resulting functions are essential to determining the dough quality of bread and other baked products. Gluten is heat stable and has the capacity to act as a binding and extending agent and is commonly used as an additive in processed foods for improved texture, moisture retention, and flavor. Gliadin contains peptide sequences that are highly resistant to gastric, pancreatic, and intestinal proteolytic digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. The average daily gluten intake in a Western diet is thought to be 5–20 g/day and has been implicated in several disorders. Gluten containing grains (wheat, rye, barley, and oats) are important staple foods. Gluten is among the most complex protein networks and plays a key role in determining the rheological dough properties.
Cross‐cultural and psychological issues in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Sahoo Swapnajeet , Padhy Susanta Kumar 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders encountered by gastroenterologists worldwide. Of all the etiological factors that had been postulated to explain the pathophysiology of IBS, cultural and psychological factors are unique and difficult to understand. Culture plays an important role in coloring the presentation of IBS, and many a times, it has a significant role in several treatment aspects too. Psychological aspects like personality profiles, family relationships, societal myths, and abuse in any form are equally important in the management perspectives of IBS. In this brief review, we had tried to specifically focus on these aspects in IBS and have explained the evidences in favor of these factors. Knowledge about various cross‐cultural aspects and psychological factors in patients with IBS is essential for taking an appropriate history and for undertaking a holistic approach for the management of the same. A collaborative team effort by psychiatrists and gastroenterologists could help in reducing the burden of this difficult to treat functional bowel disorder.
Effect of weather on temporal pain patterns in patients with temporomandibular disorders and migraine
Authors: Cioffi I. , Farella M. , Chiodini P. , Ammendola L. , Capuozzo R. , Klain C. , Vollaro S. , Michelotti A. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryPatients with masticatory muscle pain and migraine typically report that the intensity of pain fluctuates over time and is affected by weather changes. Weather variables, such as ambient temperature and humidity, may vary significantly depending on whether the individual is outdoor or indoor. It is, therefore, important to assess these variables at the individual level using portable monitors, during everyday life. This study aimed to determine and compare the temporal patterns of pain in individuals affected with facial and head pain and to investigate its relation with weather changes. Eleven patients (27·3 ± 7·4 years) with chronic masticatory muscle pain (MP) and twenty (33·1 ± 8·7 years) with migraine headache (MH) were asked to report their current pain level on a visual analogue scale (VAS) every hour over fourteen consecutive days. The VAS scores were collected using portable data‐loggers, which were also used to record temperature, atmospheric pressure and relative humidity. VAS scores varied markedly over time in both groups. Pain VAS scores fluctuate less in the MP group than in the MH group, but their mean, minimum and maximum values were higher than those of migraine patients (all P < 0·05). Pain scores <2 cm were more common in the MH than in the MP group (P < 0·001). Perceived intensity of pain was negatively associated with atmospheric pressure in the MP group and positively associated with temperature and atmospheric in the MH group.Our results reveal that patients with masticatory muscle pain and patients with migraine present typical temporal pain patterns that are influenced in a different way by weather changes.
Early Detection and Treatment of Atrial Arrhythmias Alleviates the Arrhythmic Burden in Paced Patients: The SETAM Study
Authors: AMARA WALID , MONTAGNIER CHRISTIAN , CHEGGOUR SAÏDA , BOURSIER MICHEL , GULLY CLAUDE , BARNAY CLAUDE , GEORGER FREDERIC , DEPLAGNE ANTOINE , FROMENTIN STEPHANE , MLOTEK MARCIN , LAZARUS ARNAUD , TAÏEB JERÔME ,   on behalf of the SETAM Investigators
Published: February 2017

BackgroundRemote monitoring (RM) can remotely detect atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs). The benefit of RM compared to conventional follow‐up in the detection and management of ATA was assessed in recipients of dual‐chamber pacemakers.MethodsThe multicenter randomized SETAM study enrolled 595 patients in sinus rhythm with a CHA2DS2‐VASc score ≥2, without ATA history and untreated with antiarrhythmics and antithrombotics, randomly assigned to RM (RM‐ON; n = 291) versus ambulatory follow‐up (RM‐OFF; n = 304) during 12.8 ± 3.3 months. ATA occurrence, burden, and management were analyzed together with adverse clinical events.ResultsPatients were 79 ± 8 years old, 63% men, with a CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 3.7± 1.2. ATA were detected in 83 patients (28%) in the RM‐ON versus 66 (22%) in the RM‐OFF group (P = 0.06). The median time between the pacemaker implantation and the first treated ATA was 114 days [44; 241] in the RM‐ON versus 224 days [67; 366] in the RM‐OFF group (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37–0.86; P = 0.01). Therapies for ATA were initiated in 92 patients and the time to treatment of ATA was shortened by 44% in the RM‐ON group (HR = 0.565; 95% CI: 0.37–0.86; P = 0.01). Over the last 4 months of follow‐up, the mean ATA burden was alleviated by 4 hours/day (18%) in the RM‐ON group. The rate of adverse clinical events was similar in both groups.ConclusionRemotely monitored patients were diagnosed and treated earlier for ATA, and subsequently had a lower ATA burden.
Temperature fine‐tunes Mediterranean Arabidopsis thaliana life‐cycle phenology geographically
Authors: Marcer A. , Vidigal D. S. , James P. M. A. , Fortin M.‐J. , Méndez‐Vigo B. , Hilhorst H. W. M. , Bentsink L. , Alonso‐Blanco C. , Picó F. X. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

To understand how adaptive evolution in life‐cycle phenology operates in plants, we need to unravel the effects of geographic variation in putative agents of natural selection on life‐cycle phenology by considering all key developmental transitions and their co‐variation patterns. We address this goal by quantifying the temperature‐driven and geographically varying relationship between seed dormancy and flowering time in the annual Arabidopsis thaliana across the Iberian Peninsula.

We used data on genetic variation in two major life‐cycle traits, seed dormancy (DSDS50) and flowering time (FT), in a collection of 300 A. thaliana accessions from the Iberian Peninsula. The geographically varying relationship between life‐cycle traits and minimum temperature, a major driver of variation in DSDS50 and FT, was explored with geographically weighted regressions (GWR). The environmentally varying correlation between DSDS50 and FT was analysed by means of sliding window analysis across a minimum temperature gradient.

Maximum local adjustments between minimum temperature and life‐cycle traits were obtained in the southwest Iberian Peninsula, an area with the highest minimum temperatures. In contrast, in off‐southwest locations, the effects of minimum temperature on DSDS50 were rather constant across the region, whereas those of minimum temperature on FT were more variable, with peaks of strong local adjustments of GWR models in central and northwest Spain. Sliding window analysis identified a minimum temperature turning point in the relationship between DSDS50 and FT around a minimum temperature of 7.2 °C. Above this minimum temperature turning point, the variation in the FT/DSDS50 ratio became rapidly constrained and the negative correlation between FT and DSDS50 did not increase any further with increasing minimum temperatures.

The southwest Iberian Peninsula emerges as an area where variation in life‐cycle phenology appears to be restricted by the duration and severity of the hot summer drought. The temperature‐driven varying relationship between DSDS50 and FT detected environmental boundaries for the co‐evolution between FT and DSDS50 in A. thaliana. In the context of global warming, we conclude that A. thaliana phenology from the southwest Iberian Peninsula, determined by early flowering and deep seed dormancy, might become the most common life‐cycle phenotype for this annual plant in the region.
Resource‐directed foraging of the Neotropical mistletoe Struthanthus flexicaulis (Loranthaceae)
Authors: Mourão F. A. , Pereira Pinheiro R. B. , Jacobi C. M. , Figueira J. E. C. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Some parasitic plants are capable of vegetative propagation, which allows them access to new hosts and improves nutrient availability. We aimed to determine what factors positively influence this propagation in the xylem‐tapping Struthanthus flexicaulis, focusing on the use of directed foraging as a means of optimising access to resources.

The study site was a rupicolous plant community in southeast Brazil. We evaluated how the success of branch propagation (by contagion) of the mistletoe is influenced by the crown height and density of its main host, the legume Mimosa calodendron. Oriented foraging was tested through comparing the response of mistletoe branches toward a potential host (resources) or a plastic net (no resources).

Successful contagion was related to high density and the departure height of a branch from a host crown. In a high‐density area, 89% of branches reached a new host versus 21% in a low‐density area. Formation of an appressorium on either the plastic nets or hosts elicited branch growth reorientation towards it, as well as development of new branches. These responses were significantly stronger towards hosts than nets, and attributed to effective xylem tapping.

The foraging strategy of S. flexicaulis benefits from branch response (growth and reorientation) to the development of appressoria and their resulting haustoria. The growth of appressoria on non‐resource substrates and the ensuing response optimises the mistletoe spread by allowing these substrates to act as physical support for spreading branches and to infect a host that was previously out of reach.
Fusarium species associated with stalk rot and head blight of grain sorghum in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Kelly L. A. , Tan Y. P. , Ryley M. J. , Aitken E. A. B. 
Published: February 2017

Historical records report Fusarium moniliforme sensu lato as the pathogen responsible for Fusarium diseases of sorghum; however, recent phylogenetic analysis has separated this complex into more than 25 species. During this study, surveys were undertaken in three major sorghum‐producing regions in eastern Australia to assess the diversity and frequency of Fusarium species associated with stalk rot‐ and head blight‐infected plants. A total of 523 isolates were collected from northern New South Wales, southern Queensland and central Queensland. Nine Fusarium species were isolated from diseased plants. Pathogenicity tests confirmed F. andiyazi and F. thapsinum were the dominant stalk rot pathogens, whilst F. thapsinum and species within the F. incarnatum–F. equiseti species complex were most frequently associated with head blight.
Avoiding the Asymmetry Problem
Authors: Timmerman Travis 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIf earlier‐than‐necessary death is bad because it deprives individuals of additional good life, then why isn't later‐than‐necessary conception bad for the same reason? Deprivationists have argued that prenatal non‐existence is not bad because it is impossible to be conceived earlier, but postmortem non‐existence is bad because it is possible to live longer. Call this the Impossibility Solution. In this paper, I demonstrate that the Impossibility Solution does not work by showing how it is possible to be conceived earlier in the same senses it is possible to live longer. I then offer a solution to the Asymmetry Problem by suggesting a novel way to separate the badness of each type of non‐existence from the type, and frequency, of attitudes we should have towards each type of non‐existence. Even if both types of non‐existence are equally bad, certain contingent facts about our postmortem non‐existence provide reason for the badness of early deaths to be more frequently salient than the badness of late conceptions.
A Flexible Hierarchical Bayesian Modeling Technique for Risk Analysis of Major Accidents
Authors: Yu Hongyang , Khan Faisal , Veitch Brian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSafety analysis of rare events with potentially catastrophic consequences is challenged by data scarcity and uncertainty. Traditional causation‐based approaches, such as fault tree and event tree (used to model rare event), suffer from a number of weaknesses. These include the static structure of the event causation, lack of event occurrence data, and need for reliable prior information. In this study, a new hierarchical Bayesian modeling based technique is proposed to overcome these drawbacks. The proposed technique can be used as a flexible technique for risk analysis of major accidents. It enables both forward and backward analysis in quantitative reasoning and the treatment of interdependence among the model parameters. Source‐to‐source variability in data sources is also taken into account through a robust probabilistic safety analysis. The applicability of the proposed technique has been demonstrated through a case study in marine and offshore industry.
Financing Public Education Facilities: The Role of Elderly Populations and Geographic Mobility
Authors: Schlaffer James S. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to explore how the age distribution of voters and their mobility affects the probability of passing bonds for the purpose of improving education facilities and to demonstrate the differential motivations within elderly populations rather than viewing elderly voters as a single voting bloc.MethodThe study examines California education bond results using logistic regressions to determine the effect that the elderly population as a percent of the population has on the probability of passage. The study also includes the percentage of the elderly population that recently moved into the school district to account for differences in community connection among elderly populations.ResultThe result of the study determines that the effect of recent elderly movers on the probability of bond passage is found to be negative, whereas no evidence is found that older households resist educational funding.ConclusionThe conclusion of this study is that part of the reason why the previous literature surrounding the “Gray Peril” has been inconclusive is that the elderly population is not uniform in its opposition to education spending and that other factors such as community connection help determine the strength of that opposition in the elderly community.
Housework Allocation in Germany: The Role of Income and Gender Identity
Authors: Procher Vivien , Ritter Nolan , Vance Colin 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesThis article analyzes how couples allocate housework against the backdrop of three questions: (1) Does an individual's income—both in absolute and relative terms—influence his or her contribution to housework? (2) If so, does the magnitude of this influence differ by gender? and (3) How important are traditional gender roles on housework allocation?MethodsWe apply panel regression techniques to longitudinal German household data.ResultsWe find that as both the share and absolute level of income increase, the amount of housework undertaken by wives and husbands decreases. Traditional gender roles also underpin housework allocation, which is evidenced by women increasing their housework if they earn more than their partner.ConclusionWhile we find a negative association between earnings and housework, policy measures to ease the double burden borne by working women may have only a modest effect owing to the persistence of traditional gender conceptions.