bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypocretin/orexin knock‐out mice display disrupted behavioral and dopamine responses to cocaine
Authors: Shaw Jessica K. , Ferris Mark J. , Locke Jason L. , Brodnik Zachary D. , Jones Sara R. , España Rodrigo A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe hypocretin/orexin (HCRT) system is implicated in reward and reinforcement processes through actions on the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system. Here we provide evidence for the relationship between HCRT and DA in vivo in anesthetized and freely moving mice. The ability of cocaine to elicit reward‐related behaviors in mice lacking the HCRT prepro‐peptide (HCRT knock‐out; KO) and wild‐type controls was determined using conditioned place preference. Using a combination of microdialysis and in vivo fast scan cyclic voltammetry in anesthetized and freely moving mice, we investigated the underlying role of HCRT in the regulation of DA release and uptake. We show that, unlike wild‐type mice, HCRT KO mice fail to develop characteristic conditioned place preference for cocaine. These mice also demonstrated reduced DA release and uptake under baseline conditions in both anesthetized and freely moving experiments. Further, diminished DA signaling in HCRT KO mice persists following administration of cocaine. These findings indicate that HCRT is essential for the expression of behaviors associated with the rewarding effects of cocaine, and suggest that HCRT regulation of reward and reinforcement may be related to disruptions to DA neurotransmission.
Cost‐effectiveness of treating wet age‐related macular degeneration at the Kuopio University Hospital in Finland based on a two‐eye Markov transition model
Authors: Vottonen Pasi , Kankaanpää Eila 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPurposeWet age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, which can be treated with regular intraocular anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. In this study, we wanted to evaluate whether less frequent injections of aflibercept would make it more cost‐effective when compared with ranibizumab and low priced bevacizumab.MethodsWe used a two‐eye model to simulate the progression and the treatment of the disease. We selected an 8‐year period, 3‐month cycles and five health states based on the visual acuity of the better‐seeing eye. The transition probabilities and utilities attached to the health states were gathered from previous studies. We conducted the analysis from the hospital perspective and we used the health care costs obtained from Kuopio University Hospital. The costs of intraocular adverse events were taken into account.ResultsThe incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) with 3% discount rate (€/QALY) for aflibercept compared with monthly bevacizumab was 1 801 228 and when compared with ranibizumab given as needed, theICERwas minus 3 716 943. The sensitivity analysis showed that a change of 20% of the estimated model parameters or a longer follow‐up period did not influence these conclusions.ConclusionA two‐eye Markov transition model was developed to analyse the cost‐effectiveness of wetAMDtreatment, as quality of life years (QALYs) are largely based on the visual acuity of the better‐seeing eye. Monthly injected bevacizumab was the most cost‐effective treatment and monthly ranibizumab the least effective.
Evidence for a functional role of calsequestrin 2 in mouse atrium
Authors: Gergs U. , Fahrion C. M. , Bock P. , Fischer M. , Wache H. , Hauptmann S. , Schmitz W. , Neumann J. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimSeveral genetically modified mice models were studied so far to investigate the role of cardiac calsequestrin (CSQ2) for the contractile function of the ventricle and for the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia. Using a CSQ2 knockout mouse, we wanted to study also the atrial function of CSQ2.MethodsThe influence of CSQ2 on atrial function and, for comparison, ventricular function was studied in isolated cardiac preparations and by echocardiography as well as electrocardiography in mice with deletion of CSQ2.ResultsUsing deletion of exon 1, we have successfully generated a constitutive knockout mouse of the calsequestrin 2 gene (CSQ2−/−). CSQ2 protein was absent in the heart (atrium, ventricle), but also in oesophagus and skeletal muscle of homozygous knockout mice. In 6‐month‐old CSQ2−/− mice, relative left atrial weight was increased, whereas relative heart weight was unchanged. The staircase phenomena in paced left atrial preparations on force of contraction and the post‐rest potentiation were different between wild type and CSQ2−/− indicative for a decreased sarcoplasmic Ca2+ load and supporting an important role of CSQ2 also in the atrium. The incidence of arrhythmias was increased in CSQ2−/−. In 2‐year‐old CSQ2−/− mice, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure were noted possibly as a result of chronically increased cytosolic Ca2+ levels.ConclusionThese data suggest a functional role of CSQ2 not only in the ventricle but also in the atrium of mammalian hearts. Loss of CSQ2 function can cause not only arrhythmias, but also cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Estimation of nutrient excretion factors of broiler and layer chickens in Japan
Authors: Ogino Akifumi , Murakami Hitoshi , Yamashita Takahiro , Furuya Motohiro , Kawahara Hirofumi , Ohkubo Takako , Osada Takashi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe estimated the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) excretion factors of broiler and layer chickens in Japan, using two approaches and the latest data available. In the top‐down approach, we determined the nutrient amounts in the feeds and those in the products (i.e. the liveweight gain, eggs), and the national nutrient excretions were determined as the difference between these amounts. We then calculated the nutrient excretion factors by dividing the national excretions by the number of animals. In the bottom‐up approach, we calculated the amounts of nutrients in the feed and product per head using productivity parameters (feed conversion ratio, etc.). The differences between these amounts were considered the nutrient excretion factors. The average nutrient excretion factors of broilers (g/day/head) estimated using the top‐down and bottom‐up approaches were: N, 1.40 and 1.87; P, 0.36, 0.50; K, 0.54, 0.77; Mg, 0.13, 0.18, respectively. The excretion factors obtained by the top‐down approach can be used to calculate the national/regional excretions. The two approaches resulted in almost the same excretion factors for layers, and the average nutrient excretion factors of layers (g/day/head) estimated were: N, 2.20; P, 0.55; K, 0.68; Mg, 0.23. The estimated excretion factors for N (only) are smaller than the reported factors.
ExorcisingGrice's ghost: an empirical approach to studying intentional communication in animals
Authors: Townsend Simon W. , Koski Sonja E. , Byrne Richard W. , Slocombe Katie E. , Bickel Balthasar , Boeckle Markus , Braga Goncalves Ines , Burkart Judith M. , Flower Tom , Gaunet Florence , Glock Hans Johann , Gruber Thibaud , Jansen David A. W. A. M. , Liebal Katja , Linke Angelika , Miklósi Ádám , Moore Richard , van Schaik Carel P. , Stoll Sabine , Vail Alex , Waller Bridget M. , Wild Markus , Zuberbühler Klaus , Manser Marta B. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTLanguage's intentional nature has been highlighted as a crucial feature distinguishing it from other communication systems. Specifically, language is often thought to depend on highly structured intentional action and mutual mindreading by a communicator and recipient. Whilst similar abilities in animals can shed light on the evolution of intentionality, they remain challenging to detect unambiguously. We revisit animal intentional communication and suggest that progress in identifying analogous capacities has been complicated by (i) the assumption that intentional (that is, voluntary) production of communicative acts requires mental‐state attribution, and (ii) variation in approaches investigating communication across sensory modalities. To move forward, we argue that a framework fusing research across modalities and species is required. We structure intentional communication into a series of requirements, each of which can be operationalised, investigated empirically, and must be met for purposive, intentionally communicative acts to be demonstrated. Our unified approach helps elucidate the distribution of animal intentional communication and subsequently serves to clarify what is meant by attributions of intentional communication in animals and humans.
Duration of action of two insulin glargine products,LY2963016insulin glargine and Lantus insulin glargine, in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Linnebjerg Helle , Lam Eric Chen Quin , Zhang Xin , Seger Mary E. , Coutant David , Chua Laiyi , Kapitza Christoph , Heise Tim 
Published: August 2016

AimsLY2963016(LY IGlar) and Lantus (IGlar) are insulin glargine products manufactured by distinct processes, but with identical amino acid sequences. This study compared the duration of action ofLY IGlarandIGlarin subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).Materials and methodsThis was a randomized, double‐blind, single‐dose, two‐period, crossover study. Twenty subjects underwent 42‐hour euglycaemic clamps after a single subcutaneous 0.3‐U/kg dose ofLY IGlarorIGlar. In this study, the duration of action was defined as the time required for blood glucose levels to rise consistently above a predefined cut‐off of 8.3 mmol/L (150 mg/dL) from a state of euglycaemia. Blood samples were collected to measure blood glucose for pharmacodynamic (PD) evaluations.ResultsEnd of action was reached within 42 hours in 26 of 40 clamps (13LY IGlarand 13IGlar). The median duration of action for all subjects was 37.1 and 40.0 hours, and the mean duration of action (calculated using only patients who reached end of action) was 23.8 and 25.5 hours forLY IGlarandIGlar, respectively. The duration of action was demonstrated to be similar between the treatments using time‐to‐event analysis (log‐rank test of equality p = .859). Following administration ofLY IGlarandIGlar, thePDparameters of maximum glucose infusion rate (Rmax) and total glucose infusion during the clamp (Gtot) were comparable.ConclusionLY IGlarandIGlarhad similar duration of action and comparablePDparameters in subjects withT1DM.
The ability of anterior thalamic signals to predict seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy in kainate‐treated rats
Authors: Yang An‐chao , Meng Da‐wei , Liu Huan‐guang , Shi Lin , Zhang Kai , Qiao Hui , Yang Lin‐chang , Hao Hong‐wei , Li Lu‐ming , Zhang Jian‐guo 
Published: August 2016

SummaryObjectiveTo analyze the local field potential (LFP) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) of epileptic rats using the Generic Osorio‐Frei algorithm (GOFA), and to determine the ability of the ANT LFP to predict clinical seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy.MethodsGOFA is an advanced real‐time technique used to detect and predict seizures. In this article, GOFA was utilized to process the electrical signals of ANT and the motor cortex recorded in 12 rat models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) induced via the injection of kainic acid into the unilateral hippocampus. The electroencephalography (EEG) data included (1) 161 clinical seizures (each contained a 10‐min segment) involving the ANT and cortical regions and (2) one hundred three 10‐min segments of randomly selected interictal (no seizure) data.ResultsMinimal false‐positives (0.51 ± 0.36/h) and no false‐negatives were detected based on the ANT LFP data processed using GOFA. In ANT LFP, the delay from electrographic onset (EO) to automated onset (AO) was 1.24 ± 0.47 s, and the delay from AO to clinical onset (CO) was 7.73 ± 3.23 s. The AO time occurred significantly earlier in the ANT than in the cortex (p = 0.001). In 75.2% of the clinical onsets predicted by ANT LFP, it was 1.37 ± 0.82 s ahead of the prediction of cortical potentials (CPs), and the remainder were 0.84 ± 0.31 s slower than the prediction of CPs.SignificanceANT LFP appears to be an optimal option for the prediction of seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy. It was possible to upgrade the responsive neurostimulation system to emit electrical stimulation in response to the prediction of epileptic seizures based on the changes in the ANT LFP.
Physiological plasticity and local adaptation to elevated pCO2 in calcareous algae: an ontogenetic and geographic approach
Authors: Padilla‐Gamiño Jacqueline L. , Gaitán‐Espitia Juan Diego , Kelly Morgan W. , Hofmann Gretchen E. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractTo project how ocean acidification will impact biological communities in the future, it is critical to understand the potential for local adaptation and the physiological plasticity of marine organisms throughout their entire life cycle, as some stages may be more vulnerable than others. Coralline algae are ecosystem engineers that play significant functional roles in oceans worldwide and are considered vulnerable to ocean acidification. Using different stages of coralline algae, we tested the hypothesis that populations living in environments with higher environmental variability and exposed to higher levels of pCO2 would be less affected by high pCO2 than populations from a more stable environment experiencing lower levels of pCO2. Our results show that spores are less sensitive to elevated pCO2 than adults. Spore growth and mortality were not affected by pCO2 level; however, elevated pCO2 negatively impacted the physiology and growth rates of adults, with stronger effects in populations that experienced both lower levels of pCO2 and lower variability in carbonate chemistry, suggesting local adaptation. Differences in physiological plasticity and the potential for adaptation could have important implications for the ecological and evolutionary responses of coralline algae to future environmental changes.
Bioenergy production and forest landscape change in the southeastern United States
Authors: Costanza Jennifer K. , Abt Robert C. , McKerrow Alexa J. , Collazo Jaime A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractProduction of woody biomass for bioenergy, whether wood pellets or liquid biofuels, has the potential to cause substantial landscape change and concomitant effects on forest ecosystems, but the landscape effects of alternative production scenarios have not been fully assessed. We simulated landscape change from 2010 to 2050 under five scenarios of woody biomass production for wood pellets and liquid biofuels in North Carolina, in the southeastern United States, a region that is a substantial producer of wood biomass for bioenergy and contains high biodiversity. Modeled scenarios varied biomass feedstocks, incorporating harvest of ‘conventional’ forests, which include naturally regenerating as well as planted forests that exist on the landscape even without bioenergy production, as well as purpose‐grown woody crops grown on marginal lands. Results reveal trade‐offs among scenarios in terms of overall forest area and the characteristics of the remaining forest in 2050. Meeting demand for biomass from conventional forests resulted in more total forest land compared with a baseline, business‐as‐usual scenario. However, the remaining forest was composed of more intensively managed forest and less of the bottomland hardwood and longleaf pine habitats that support biodiversity. Converting marginal forest to purpose‐grown crops reduced forest area, but the remaining forest contained more of the critical habitats for biodiversity. Conversion of marginal agricultural lands to purpose‐grown crops resulted in smaller differences from the baseline scenario in terms of forest area and the characteristics of remaining forest habitats. Each scenario affected the dominant type of land‐use change in some regions, especially in the coastal plain that harbors high levels of biodiversity. Our results demonstrate the complex landscape effects of alternative bioenergy scenarios, highlight that the regions most likely to be affected by bioenergy production are also critical for biodiversity, and point to the challenges associated with evaluating bioenergy sustainability.
Association between vitamin D deficiency and pre‐existing resistance‐associated hepatitis C virus NS5A variants
Authors: Okubo Tomomi , Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Shimada Noritomo , Abe Hiroshi , Yoshizawa Kai , Arai Taeang , Nakagawa Ai , Itokawa Norio , Kondo Chisa , Aizawa Yoshio , Iwakiri Katsuhiko 
Published: August 2016

AimAlthough interferon‐free therapy with direct‐acting antivirals has developed as a standard of care for chronic hepatitis C, the existence of resistance‐associated variants (RAVs) has a negative impact on treatment results. Recently, several studies indicated a relationship between chronic hepatitis C and serum vitamin D levels. However, the relationship between RAVs at the hepatitis C virus non‐structure 5A (NS5A) region and serum vitamin D level has not yet been examined.MethodsAmong patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C who were enrolled in a multicenter cooperative study, our subjects comprised 247 patients in whom it was possible to measure RAVs at the NS5A region. These RAVs were measured using a direct sequencing method.ResultsThe median age of patients was 70 years (range, 24–87 years), and the number of female patients was 135 (54.7%). The median serum 25(OH) D3 level was 22 ng/mL (range, 6–64 ng/mL). L31 and Y93 RAVs at the NS5A region were detected in 3.7% (9/247) and 13.4% (33/247) of patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH) D3 ≤ 20 ng/mL) (P = 5.91 × 10⁻5, odds ratio = 5.015) and elderly age (>70 years) (P = 1.85 × 10−3, odds ratio = 3.364) as contributing independent factors associated with the presence of the L31 and/or Y93 RAVs. The Y93H RAV was detected in 25.9% (29/112) of patients with a vitamin D deficiency, and in 8.9% (12/135) of those with a serum 25(OH) D3 level >20 ng/mL (P = 4.90 × 10−3).ConclusionWe showed that RAVs at the NS5A region are associated with vitamin D deficiency and elderly age, which may have a negative influence on innate/adaptive immune responses to hepatitis C virus infection.
Short‐term and long‐term outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy, microwave ablation, and open hepatectomy for small hepatocellular carcinoma: a 5‐year experience in a single center
Authors: Li Wenda , Zhou Xue , Huang Zejian , Zhang Kelin , Luo Xuan , Zhong Jinyi , Chen Yajin 
Published: August 2016

AimLaparoscopic hepatectomy (LH), microwave ablation (MWA), and open hepatectomy (OH) are three widely used methods to treat small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, few studies have compared the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of these three treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate their effectiveness.MethodsThe data were reviewed from 280 patients with HCCs measuring ≤3 cm (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage 0 or A) who received LH (n = 133), OH (n = 87), or MWA (n = 60) in our research center from 2005 to 2010. Short‐term outcomes included intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and length of hospital stay. The disease‐free survival and overall survival rates were analyzed as long‐term outcomes.ResultsThe patients in the MWA and LH groups showed better short‐term outcomes compared with those in the OH group. There were no significant differences in overall survival rates among the three treatments. The LH group showed significantly lower recurrence rates than the MWA group (P = 0.0146).ConclusionsLaparoscopic hepatectomy may be a better option for patients with small HCC located on the liver surface and left lateral lobe. The short‐term outcome of MWA is promising, although the high risk of local recurrence after the operation should be considered when planning treatment.
Functional properties of granular cold‐water swelling maize starch: effect of sucrose and glucose
Authors: Hedayati Sara , Shahidi Fakhri , Koocheki Arash , Farahnaky Asgar , Majzoobi Mahsa 
Published: August 2016

SummaryIn this study, granular cold‐water swelling (GCWS) maize starch was prepared by alcoholic‐alkaline treatment and its functional properties were determined at different concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of dry starch weight basis) of sucrose and glucose as two common sweeteners. Light micrographs revealed that control GCWS starch has a wrinkled surface; however, as the sugar content increased, the granules became smoother and at high sugar levels, the wrinkles were totally diminished. Sugars also brought about significant functional changes. The water absorption, cold‐water viscosity, textural parameters and freeze–thaw stability of the samples increased, whereas turbidity decreased by increasing the concentration of sugars. Generally, the extent of these changes in samples with sucrose was greater than those with glucose.
Association of interleukin‐16 polymorphisms with disease progression and susceptibility in endometriosis
Authors: Azimzadeh P. , Khorram Khorshid H. R. , Akhondi M. M. , Shirazi A. 
Published: August 2016

SummaryInterleukin‐16 (IL‐16) is a multifunctional pro‐inflammatory cytokine that was previously found in association with complex disorders, and it is now cleared that this cytokine plays a critical role in regulation of cellular functions such as homoeostasis. Due to the complexity of endometriosis and its resemblance to cancer, we designed present case–control study to determine the effects of genetic polymorphisms of the human IL‐16 gene on Iranian women's susceptibility to endometriosis. A total of 126 patients with endometriosis (stages I–IV) and 144 healthy women as control group were recruited to the study. We genotyped four single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL‐16 gene (rs11556218 T>G, rs4778889 T>C, rs4072111 C>T and rs1131445 C>T). Genotyping was performed using PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Our results showed that genotype distribution in two exonic polymorphisms including rs11556218 and rs4072111 was significantly different between Endometriosis patients and healthy individuals (P < 0.05). We have also found an association between rs4072111 and rs1131445 with progression to the severe stages (III–IV) of endometriosis (P < 0.05). Finally, we may conclude that IL‐16 gene polymorphisms are highly associated with increased risk of endometriosis and could be considered as a susceptibility factor for endometriosis.