bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of discrete epitopes of Ro52p200 and association with fetal cardiac conduction system manifestations in a rodent model
Authors: Hoxha A , Ruffatti A , Ambrosi A , Ottosson V , Hedlund M , Ottosson L , Anandapadamanaban M , Sunnerhagen M , Sonesson S-E , Wahren-Herlenius M 
Published: August 2016

Summary
Congenital heart block (CHB) is a potentially lethal condition characterized by a third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB). Despite anti-Ro52 antibodies being detected in nearly 90% of mothers of affected children, CHB occurs in only 1–2% of anti-Ro/Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen A (SSA) autoantibody-positive pregnancies. Maternal antibodies have been suggested to bind molecules crucial to fetal cardiac function; however, it remains unknown whether a single antibody profile associates with CHB or whether several specificities and cross-reactive targets exist. Here, we aimed to define further the reactivity profile of CHB-associated antibodies towards Ro52p200 (amino acid 200-239). We first analysed reactivity of a monoclonal anti-Ro52 antibody shown to induce AVB in rats (7.8C7) and of sera from anti-Ro52p200 antibody-positive mothers of children with CHB towards a panel of modified Ro52p200 peptides, and subsequently evaluated their potential to induce AVB in rats upon transfer during gestation. We observed that CHB maternal sera displayed a homogeneous reactivity profile targeting preferentially the C-terminal part of Ro52p200, in contrast to 7.8C7 that specifically bound the p200 N-terminal end. In particular, amino acid D233 appeared crucial to maternal antibody reactivity towards p200. Despite low to absent reactivity towards rat p200 and different binding profiles towards mutated rat peptides indicating recognition of different epitopes within Ro52p200, immunoglobulin (Ig)G purified from two mothers of children with CHB could induce AVB in rats. Our findings support the hypothesis that several fine antibody specificities and cross-targets may exist and contribute to CHB development in anti-Ro52 antibody-positive pregnancies.
Association of FOXE1 polyalanine repeat region with thyroid cancer is dependent on tumour size
Authors: Raimundo Joana , Alvelos Maria I. , Azevedo Teresa , Martins Teresa , Rodrigues Fernando J. , Lemos Manuel C. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryObjectivePolymorphisms in the thyroid transcription factor forkhead factor E1 (FOXE1) gene have been implicated in the genetic susceptibility to differentiated thyroid cancer, but little is known about their effect on tumour characteristics. The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of the FOXE1 polyalanine repeat region to the susceptibility to thyroid cancer and to its clinical characteristics.Design, patients and measurementsA total of 500 patients with sporadic thyroid cancer (440 papillary and 60 follicular thyroid carcinoma) and 502 healthy controls were included in this case–control association study. The number of FOXE1 alanine repeats in each subject was determined by PCR and multiplex fragment analysis by capillary electrophoresis. FOXE1 genotype and allele frequencies among groups were compared by logistic regression and adjusted for sex and age at diagnosis. Data were analysed according to cancer subtype, tumour size and the presence of lymph node or distant metastasis.ResultsFOXE1 alleles with 16 or more alanine repeats were more frequent in patients with tumour size > 1 cm compared to tumour size ≤ 1 cm (adjusted OR 1·44; 95% CI 1·05‐1·88; P = 0·019). Genotypes containing at least one allele with 16 or more alanine repeats were associated with larger tumour size (adjusted OR 1·71; 95% CI 1·15‐2·57; P = 0·009). No significant differences were observed between cancer subtypes or the presence/absence of metastasis.ConclusionsFOXE1 polyalanine repeat polymorphisms are associated with thyroid cancer, but only for tumours larger than 1 cm, suggesting a role in disease progression.
Modelling and projecting the response of local assemblage composition to land use change across Colombia
Authors: Echeverría‐Londoño Susy , Newbold Tim , Hudson Lawrence N. , Contu Sara , Hill Samantha L. L. , Lysenko Igor , Arbeláez‐Cortés Enrique , Armbrecht Inge , Boekhout Teun , Cabra‐García Jimmy , Dominguez‐Haydar Yamileth , Nates‐Parra Guiomar , Gutiérrez‐Lamus Doris L. , Higuera Diego , Isaacs‐Cubides Paola Johanna , López‐Quintero Carlos A. , Martinez Eliana , Miranda‐Esquivel Daniel Rafael , Navarro‐Iriarte Luis Eduardo , Noriega Jorge Ari , Otavo Samuel Eduardo , Parra‐H Alejandro , Poveda Katja , Ramirez‐Pinilla Martha P. , Rey‐Velasco Juan Carlos , Rosselli Loreta , Smith‐Pardo Allan H. , Urbina‐Cardona José Nicolás , Purvis Andy 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimUnderstanding the impact of land use change within assemblages is fundamental to mitigation policies at local and regional scale. Here, we aim to quantify how site‐level terrestrial assemblages are responding to land use change in Colombia a mega‐diverse country and to project future biodiversity under different scenarios of land use change associated with climate change policies.LocationColombia (northern South America).MethodsWe collated original biodiversity data from 17 publications (285 sites) that examined how human impact affects terrestrial biodiversity in Colombia. From each site we estimated compositional intactness (i.e. compositional similarity to undisturbed sites). We fitted generalized linear mixed‐effects models to estimate how these measures of local biodiversity vary across land use habitats. Using space‐for‐time substitution, we applied our estimates to hindcast biodiversity changes since 1500 and project future changes under climate change policies of the four representative concentration pathways (RCPs).ResultsAssemblages in urban, cropland and pasture sites were compositionally very different from those in primary vegetation. We infer that average compositional intactness has been reduced by 18% across Colombia to date, with strong regional variation. The best RCP scenario for future biodiversity is GCAM‐RCP4.5, a path that favours the expansion of secondary forests under a strong carbon market; while the worst is MESSAGE‐RCP8.5, ‘the business‐as‐usual’ scenario.Main conclusionsLand use change has driven an increasing change in the composition of ecological assemblages in Colombia. By 2095, the implementation of carbon markets policy of climate change from GCAM‐RCP4.5 could mitigate these changes in community composition. In contrast, the business‐as‐usual scenario MESSAGE‐RCP8.5 predicts a steep community change placing the quality of ecosystems at risk.
Isolated cleft of both the anterior and posterior mitral valve leaflets
Authors: Aksu Hale Unal , Aslan Muzaffer , Ozturk Derya , Yalcin Ahmet Arif , Yıldırım Aydın 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA 37 year‐old female patient in whom the transthoracic echocardiography examination revealed dilatation of left heart chambers with left ventricular ejection fraction of 30% and moderate‐to‐severe mitral valve regurgitation was admitted to our hospital. On 2DTEE examination, mitral valve was normal; however, on 3D images, clefts of both anterior and posterior leaflets were revealed. Isolated cleft mitral valve without any other feature of atrioventricular septal defect is uncommon. 2D echocardiography has limited capability in defining the complex 3D anatomic characteristics of the cleft. 3DTEE allows to visualize the cleft position, morphology, and size, and it is important for surgical planning.
The unique psychostimulant profile of (±)‐modafinil: investigation of behavioral and neurochemical effects in mice
Authors: Mereu Maddalena , Chun Lauren E. , Prisinzano Thomas E. , Newman Amy H. , Katz Jonathan L. , Tanda Gianluigi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBlockade of dopamine (DA) reuptake via the dopamine transporter (DAT) is a primary mechanism identified as underlying the therapeutic actions of (±)‐modafinil (modafinil) and its R‐enantiomer, armodafinil. Herein, we explored the neurochemical and behavioral actions of modafinil to better characterize its psychostimulant profile. Swiss‐Webster mice were implanted with microdialysis probes in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAS) or core (NAC) to evaluate changes in DA levels related to acute reinforcing actions of drugs of abuse. Additionally, subjective effects were studied in mice trained to discriminate 10 mg/kg cocaine (i.p.) from saline. Modafinil (17–300 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased NAS and NAC DA levels that at the highest doses reached ~300% at 1 h, and lasted > 6 h in duration. These elevated DA levels did not show statistically significant regional differences between the NAS and NAC. Modafinil produced cocaine‐like subjective effects at 56–100 mg/kg when administered at 5 and 60 min before the start of the session, and enhanced cocaine effects when the two were administered in combination. Despite sharing subjective effects with cocaine, modafinil's psychostimulant profile was unique compared to that of cocaine and like compounds. Modafinil had lower potency and efficacy than cocaine in stimulating NAS DA. In addition, the cocaine‐like subjective effects of modafinil were obtained at lower doses and earlier onset times than expected based on its dopaminergic effects. These studies suggest that although inhibition of DA reuptake may be a primary mechanism underlying modafinil's therapeutic actions, non DA‐dependent actions may be playing a role in its psychostimulant profile.
Life Inside an Acorn: How Microclimate and Microbes Influence Nest Organization in Temnothorax Ants
Authors: Karlik Joseph , Epps Mary Jane , Dunn Robert R. , Penick Clint A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractNests provide a buffer against environmental variation, but conditions may also vary at different locations within a nest. Conditions can vary based on abiotic factors, such as moisture and temperature, as well as biotic factors, such as the presence of microbes and potential pathogens. Therefore, characterizing how animals adjust their position inside their nests to track microclimate preferences while at the same time preventing pathogen exposure is necessary to understand the benefits nests provide. Here we studied how colonies of the acorn‐nesting ant Temnothorax curvispinosus responded to experimental manipulation of moisture, temperature, and microbial growth inside their nests. Colonies showed no response to differences in moisture and moved to the bottom of the acorn regardless of moisture treatment. When nests were heated from the top to simulate warming by the sun, workers preferentially moved brood to the warm, upper half of the acorn, which would stimulate brood development. Finally, the strongest factor that influenced colony position was the presence of microbes inside the nest—colonies avoided the bottom of the nest when it was inoculated with microbes, and colonies in new acorns shifted to the top of the acorn over time as mold and other microbes had time to grow. The relatively strong response of T. curvispinosus to microbial growth inside their nests suggests that pathogen pressures—in addition to microclimate—have a significant impact on how colonies use nest spaces. Social insects are known to invest heavily in antimicrobial compounds that kill or slow the growth of microbes, but avoidance may represent an additional line of defense to prevent pathogen exposure.
Recommendations for the future of recreational fisheries to prepare the social‐ecological system to cope with change
Authors: Arlinghaus R. , Cooke S. J. , Sutton S. G. , Danylchuk A. J. , Potts W. , Freire K. de M. F. , Alós J. , da Silva E. T. , Cowx I. G. , van Anrooy R. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis paper presents conclusions and recommendations that emerged from the 7th World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC) held in Campinas, Brazil in September 2014. Based on the recognition of the immense social and economic importance of recreational fisheries coupled with weaknesses in robust information about these fisheries in many areas of the world, particularly in many economies in transition, it is recommended to increase effort to build effective governance arrangements and improve monitoring and assessment frameworks in data‐poor situations. Moreover, there is a need to increase interdisciplinary studies that will foster a systematic understanding of recreational fisheries as complex adaptive social‐ecological systems. To promote sustainable recreational fisheries on a global scale, it is recommended the detailed suggestions for governance and management outlined in the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries: Recreational Fisheries are followed.
Climate change is projected to reduce carrying capacity and redistribute species richness in North Pacific pelagic marine ecosystems
Authors: Woodworth‐Jefcoats Phoebe A. , Polovina Jeffrey J. , Drazen Jeffrey C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractClimate change is expected to impact all aspects of marine ecosystems, including fisheries. Here, we use output from a suite of 11 earth system models to examine projected changes in two ecosystem‐defining variables: temperature and food availability. In particular, we examine projected changes in epipelagic temperature and, as a proxy for food availability, zooplankton density. We find that under RCP8.5, a high business‐as‐usual greenhouse gas scenario, increasing temperatures may alter the spatial distribution of tuna and billfish species richness across the North Pacific basin. Furthermore, warmer waters and declining zooplankton densities may act together to lower carrying capacity for commercially valuable fish by 2–5% per decade over the 21st century. These changes have the potential to significantly impact the magnitude, composition, and distribution of commercial fish catch across the pelagic North Pacific. Such changes will in turn ultimately impact commercial fisheries’ economic value. Fishery managers should anticipate these climate impacts to ensure sustainable fishery yields and livelihoods.
Microbial communities and diazotrophic activity differ in the root‐zone of Alamo and Dacotah switchgrass feedstocks
Authors: Rodrigues Richard R. , Moon Jinyoung , Zhao Bingyu , Williams Mark A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractNitrogen (N) bioavailability is a primary limiting nutrient for crop and feedstock productivity. Associative nitrogen fixation (ANF) by diazotrophic bacteria in root‐zone soil microbial communities have been shown to provide significant amounts of N to some tropical grasses, but this potential in switchgrass, a warm‐season, temperate, US native, perennial tallgrass has not been widely studied. ‘Alamo’ and ‘Dacotah’ are cultivars of switchgrass, adapted to the southern and northern regions of the United States, respectively, and offer an opportunity to better describe this plant–bacterial association. The nitrogenase enzyme activity, microbial communities, and amino acid profiles in the root‐zones of the two ecotypes were studied at three different plant growth stages. Differences in the nitrogenase enzyme activity and free soluble amino acid profiles indicated the potential for greater nitrogen fixation in the high productivity Alamo compared with the lower productivity Dacotah. Changes in the amino acid profiles and microbial community structure (rRNA genes) of the root‐zone suggest different plant–bacterial interactions can help to explain differences in nitrogenase activity. PICRUSt analysis revealed functional differences, especially nitrogen metabolism, that supported ecotype differences in root‐zone nitrogenase enzyme activity. It is thought that the greater productivity of Alamo increased the belowground flow of carbon into roots and root‐zone habitats, which in turn support the high energy demands needed to support nitrogen fixation. Further research is thus needed to understand plant ecotype and cultivar trait differences that can be used to breed or genetically modify crop plants to support root‐zone associations with diazotrophs.
Preliminary evidence that rivastigmine‐induced inhibition of serum butyrylcholinesterase activity improves behavioral symptoms in Japanese patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bando Nobuyasu , Nakamura Yu 
Published: August 2016

AimTo investigate whether the inhibitory rate of serum butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity in Japanese patients with Alzheimer's disease is correlated with cognitive function, behavioral symptoms and caregiver burden.MethodsA total of 61 patients with mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's disease who were not undergoing cholinesterase enzyme inhibitor/memantine combinatorial treatment received a rivastigmine (18 mg) patch for 24 weeks. The rate of inhibition of BuChE was correlated with scores obtained on cognitive (Mini‐Mental State Examination), behavioral (the Japanese version of the modified Crichton Geriatric Behavioral Rating Scale [CGBRS] and Vitality Index [VI]) and burden (the Japanese version of Zarit Burden Inventory [ZBI]) scales; and the Clinical Global Impression of Change scale.ResultsThe serum BuChE activity showed a significant decrease after 24 weeks compared with baseline (P < 0.001). Overall, significant effects were found in the Mini‐Mental State Examination score, VI score and modified CGBRS score. We then divided patient groups into a high inhibitory rate (≥40%) group and a low inhibitory rate (<40%) group; there were significant improvements in the Mini‐Mental State Examination score, VI score and modified CGBRS score in both groups. However, favorable results were seen in cooperation, restlessness and leisure on modified CGBRS subscales in the high inhibitory rate group (P < 0.001, P = 0.007, P < 0.001, respectively), and rehabilitation and other activities on VI subscales in the high inhibitory rate group (P = 0.005) compared with those in the low inhibitory rate group.ConclusionsDemonstrable significant improvements in behavioral symptoms, such as low cooperation, restlessness or low activities in patients with Alzheimer's disease, were achieved on inhibition of BuChE at a rate of 40% or more. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1306–1312.
Personal Support Worker (PSW)‐supported home hemodialysis: A paradigm shift
Authors: Pierratos Andreas , Tremblay Melanie , Kandasamy Gokulan , Woodward Graham , Blake Peter , Graham Janet , Hebert Marc , Harvey Rebecca 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIntroduction: Despite improving clinical outcomes associated with the use of home hemodialysis (HD), its utilization is low in most countries. The inability or unwillingness of patients and their families to participate in their own treatment is one of the most important barriers to the adoption of home HD.Methods: We hypothesized that paid helper‐delivered home HD supported by public funds would be successful and welcomed by patients and be delivered at an affordable cost. We conducted a pilot project to dialyze six patients at home using Personal Support Workers (PSW) and resolve regulatory, organizational and financial constraints.Findings: cWe provided publically‐funded PSW‐supported home HD to six patients. We describe the administrative structure of the pilot project allowing scalability and turnkey operation in the province of Ontario. Regulatory and insurance concerns were resolved and patients and staff were enthusiastic. The projected total dialysis cost, when economies of scale are met, are expected to be lower than the cost of in‐center HD.Discussion: A second phase of the project is currently under way including 8 hospitals and 67 patients. If equally successful, it may have significant implications for the delivery of care for End Stage Renal Disease in Ontario and similar jurisdictions. It promises to increase the utilization of home dialysis possibly at a lower cost than in‐center HD. This would be particularly important in providing dialysis in underserviced and geographically hard to access areas.
Safety of fondaparinux for prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolism in urological malignancy: A prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hata Kenichi , Kimura Takahiro , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Ishii Gen , Kido Masahito , Yamamoto Toshihiro , Sasaki Hiroshi , Miki Jun , Yamada Hiroki , Furuta Akira , Miki Kenta , Egawa Shin 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivesTo prospectively evaluate the safety of postoperative fondaparinux in comparison with low molecular weight heparin in patients undergoing uro‐oncological surgery.MethodsThe present study was a prospective, single‐blind, non‐inferiority randomized trial. A total of 359 patients undergoing surgery for urological malignancy were enrolled from January 2011 to December 2012. A total of 298 of these patients (fondaparinux group, 152; low molecular weight heparin group, 146) were evaluable for the intention‐to‐treat‐analysis. Patients were randomly assigned to low‐dose unfractionated heparin, 5000 units twice daily until postoperative day 1 plus either fondaparinux 2.5 mg once daily or low molecular weight heparin 2000 units twice daily until postoperative day 5. The primary end‐point was postoperative bleeding as by independent review, and the study was powered to show the non‐inferiority of fondaparinux versus low molecular weight heparin. The other adverse events were evaluated. D‐dimer and soluble fibrin monomer complex levels were measured perioperatively.ResultsBleeding occurred in 21 patients (12 in the fondaparinux group and 9 in low molecular weight heparin group, respectively). No significant differences were detected in the incidence of postoperative bleeding and the other adverse events between the two groups. The D‐dimer was elevated on postoperative day 1 in one patient (16.6 μg/mL). In another patient, the soluble fibrin monomer complex was elevated (109 μg/mL).ConclusionsFondaparinux is non‐inferior to low molecular weight heparin with respect to risk of bleeding. The favorable safety profile of fondparinux supports its prophylactic use as an alternative to low molecular weight heparin after surgery for urological malignancy.
Atorvastatin promotes the expansion of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and attenuates murine colitis
Authors: Lei Aihua , Yang Qiong , Li Xing , Chen Haiwen , Shi Maohua , Xiao Qiang , Cao Yingjiao , He Yumei , Zhou Jie 
Published: August 2016

SummaryStatins, widely prescribed as cholesterol‐lowering drugs, have recently been extensively studied for their pleiotropic effects on immune systems, especially their beneficial effects on autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. However, the mechanism of statin‐induced immunosuppression is far from understood. Here, we found that atorvastatin promoted the expansion of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) both in vitro and in vivo. Atorvastatin‐derived MDSCs suppressed T‐cell responses by nitric oxide production. Addition of mevalonate, a downstream metabolite of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, almost completely abrogated the effect of atorvastatin on MDSCs, indicating that the mevalonate pathway was involved. Along with the amelioration of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) ‐induced murine acute and chronic colitis, we observed a higher MDSC level both in spleen and intestine tissue compared with that from DSS control mice. More importantly, transfer of atorvastatin‐derived MDSCs attenuated DSS acute colitis and T‐cell transfer of chronic colitis. Hence, our data suggest that the expansion of MDSCs induced by statins may exert a beneficial effect on autoimmune diseases. In summary, our study provides a novel potential mechanism for statins‐based treatment in inflammatory bowel disease and perhaps other autoimmune diseases.