bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory, cardio-metabolic and diabetic profiling of chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Balõtšev R. , Koido K. , Vasar V. , Janno S. , Kriisa K. , Mahlapuu R. , Ljubajev U. , Parksepp M. , Veiksaar P. , Volke V. , Lang A. , Haring L. , Zilmer M. , Vasar E. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundThere is a growing interest in low-grade inflammatory and metabolic alterations in patients with chronic schizophrenia (SCH).MethodsInflammatory (tumor-necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interferon-γ [IFN-γ], interleukins [IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10], monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 [MCP-1]) and growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], epidermal growth factor [EGF]) were measured in blood serum samples of 105 SCH patients and 148 control subjects (CS). Simultaneously the clinical biomarkers (C-reactive protein [CRP], triglycerides [TG], low-density lipoprotein [LDL-c] and high-density lipoprotein [HDL-c] cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c]) were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated for patients.ResultsSeveral cyto-/chemokines (IFN-γ, MCP-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10) were significantly (P < 0.0000001) elevated in SCH patients compared to CS. Odds ratios, obtained from logistic regression analyses, were significantly elevated for IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, INF-γ, and decreased for TNF-α in SCH group. Among the patients, higher IL-2, IL-6, INF-γ and lower MCP-1 levels as well as male gender were together significant (P < 0.000001) predictors of higher HbA1c levels, and TG/HDL-c parameter was associated with ratios of INF-γ/IL-10 (P = 0.004), and INF-γ/IL-4 (P = 0.049), HbA1c (P = 0.005), INF-γ (P = 0.009), as well as LDL-c (P = 0.02) levels.ConclusionsIL-2, IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ were the most significant SCH-related markers among the measured cytokines in our patient group. Furthermore, significant associations between pro-/anti-inflammatory imbalance and HbA1c as well as cardio-metabolic risk marker (TG/HDL-c) were observed, indicating higher risks of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases among SCH patients.
Are major depression and bipolar disorder neuropsychologically distinct? A meta-analysis of comparative studies
Authors: Samamé C. , Szmulewicz A.G. , Valerio M.P. , Martino D.J. , Strejilevich S.A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundNeuropsychological deficits are present in both major depression and bipolar disorder. So far, however, reports directly comparing these mood disorders with regard to cognitive outcomes have been scant and yielded inconsistent results. This work aims to combine the findings of comparative studies of cognition in major depression and bipolar disorder in order to explore whether these neuropsychiatric conditions present with distinct cognitive features.MethodsThe main online databases were extensively searched to retrieve reports assessing neurocognitive functioning in two groups of mood disorder patients, one with major depressive disorder and another with bipolar disorder, both in the same phase of illness. Between-group effect sizes for cognitive variables were obtained from selected studies and pooled by means of meta-analytic procedures.ResultsDuring euthymia, a significant overall effect size (Hedges’g = 0.64, P < 0.001) favoring major depressive disorder was found for verbal memory as assessed with list learning tests, whereas no significant between-group differences were found for the remaining variables analyzed. During depressive episodes, similar cognitive outcomes were observed between groups.ConclusionAt present, it is not possible to postulate specific neuropsychological profiles for major depression and bipolar disorder in light of available evidence. It remains to be ascertained whether the differences found for verbal memory constitute an expression of distinct underlying mechanisms or whether they are best explained by sample characteristics or differential exposure to variables with a negative impact on cognition.
Use of atomoxetine and suicidal ideation in children and adolescents: Results of an observational cohort study within general practice in England
Authors: Davies M. , Coughtrie A. , Layton D. , Shakir S.A.S. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimTo investigate the association between atomoxetine, a drug used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and suicidal ideation, within a cohort of 2–18-year-old patients in England.MethodsThe study was conducted using the observational cohort technique of Modified prescription event monitoring (M-PEM). Patients prescribed atomoxetine were identified from dispensed prescriptions issued by primary care physicians. A customised postal GP questionnaire was used to capture outcome data for suicidal ideation. A matched pair cohort analysis was performed within patients to compare the risk of suicidal ideation in the period after starting atomoxetine with the risk prior to starting atomoxetine; this was stratified by age and concomitant use of methylphenidate. Additional information on patient characteristics, and events of interest was also collected; individual cases of suicidal ideation were qualitatively assessed for drug relatedness.ResultsOf the final cohort (n = 4509); 85.5% male (n = 3857), median age 11 years (IQR: 9,14). Primary prescribing indication for atomoxetine was ADHD (n = 4261, 94.6%). Almost a quarter of the cohort had been co-prescribed methylphenidate. Results of the matched pair cohort analysis indicated that the period after starting atomoxetine was not associated with an increase in the incidence of suicidal ideation compared to the period prior to starting treatment (RR: 0.71; CI: 0.48–1.07; P-value: 0.104). Individual case assessment of suicidal ideation suggested a causal association within a number of cases.ConclusionsThis study found no evidence of an increased risk of suicidal ideation during treatment with atomoxetine, compared to the period prior to starting treatment. Amongst age specific subgroups, this risk may change. Nonetheless, individual case assessment suggested a causal relationship in some patients, hence physicians need to be aware of the possibility of developing this event, and furthermore consider how best to detect it in this paediatric population. This study demonstrates the importance of combining quantitative statistical analyses with a qualitative case series assessment.
Attentional focus moderates the relationship between attention to threat bias and delusion-like experiences in healthy adults
Authors: Prochwicz K. , Kłosowska J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe role of cognitive biases in delusion and delusion-like experiences has been widely investigated in recent years. However, little is known about individual differences, which may influence association between cognitive biases and formation of delusional beliefs. The aim of this study was to examine the moderating effect of self-reported attentional control on the relationship between attention to threat bias (ATB) and delusion-like experiences (DLEs) in healthy adults.MethodsParticipants (n = 138) completed the Davos Assessment of the Cognitive Biases Scale (DACOBS), the Attentional Control Scale (ACS) and the Peters et al. Delusions Inventory (PDI). The moderation analysis was performed to check the influence of different components of attentional control (i.e. general ability to allocate attention, focusing, shifting and divide attention) on the interplay between ATB and DLEs.ResultsThe results supported the moderation model. Specifically, we found that a higher level of ability to focus attention is associated with a stronger effect of attention to threat bias on the overall frequency of DLEs. Our results indicate that ATB contributes to the number of DLEs only in individuals with high and moderate capacity to focus attention, whereas in those who scored low on the ACS focusing attention subscale, the presence of attentional bias does not influence the frequency of DLEs.ConclusionsOur findings show that the individual difference variable, such as ability to voluntarily focus attention, may moderate the relationship between attention to threat bias and delusion-like experiences in healthy adults.
Rumen fluke (Calicophoron daubneyi) on Welsh farms: prevalence, risk factors and observations on co-infection withFasciola hepatica
Authors: JONES RHYS ALED , BROPHY PETER M. , MITCHELL E. SIAN , WILLIAMS HEFIN WYN 
Published: November 2016

SUMMARYReports ofCalicophoron daubneyiinfecting livestock in Europe have increased substantially over the past decade; however, there has not been an estimate of its farm level prevalence and associated risk factors in the UK. Here, the prevalence ofC. daubneyiacross 100 participating Welsh farms was recorded, with climate, environmental and management factors attained for each farm and used to create logistic regression models explaining its prevalence. Sixty-one per cent of farms studied were positive forC. daubneyi, with herd-level prevalence for cattle (59%) significantly higher compared with flock-level prevalence for sheep (42%,P= 0·029). Co-infection betweenC. daubneyiandFasciola hepaticawas observed on 46% of farms; however, a significant negative correlation was recorded in the intensity of infection between each parasite within cattle herds (rho = −0·358,P= 0·007). Final models showed sunshine hours, herd size, treatment regularity againstF. hepatica, the presence of streams and bog habitats, and Ollerenshaw index values as significant positive predictors forC. daubneyi(P< 0·05). The results raise intriguing questions regardingC. daubneyiepidemiology, potential competition withF. hepaticaand the role of climate change inC. daubneyiestablishment and its future within the UK.
A novel mutant p53 binding partner BAG5 stabilizes mutant p53 and promotes mutant p53 GOFs in tumorigenesis
Authors: Yue Xuetian , Zhao Yuhan , Huang Grace , Li Jun , Zhu Junlan , Feng Zhaohui , Hu Wenwei 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTumor suppressor p53 is the most frequently mutated gene in human tumors. Many tumor-associated mutant p53 (mutp53) proteins gain new tumor-promoting activities, including increased proliferation, metastasis and chemoresistance of tumor cells, which are defined as gain-of-functions (GOFs). Mutp53 proteins often accumulate at high levels in human tumors, which is important for mutp53 to exert their GOFs. The mechanism underlying mutp53 proteins accumulation in tumors is not fully understood. Here, we report that BAG5, a member of Bcl-2-associated athanogene (BAG) family proteins, promotes mutp53 accumulation in tumors, which in turn enhances mutp53 GOFs. Mechanistically, BAG5 interacts with mutp53 proteins to protect mutp53 from ubiquitination and degradation by E3 ubiquitin ligases MDM2 and CHIP, which in turn promotes mutp53 protein accumulation and therefore GOFs in promoting cell proliferation, tumor growth, cell migration and chemoresistance. BAG5 is frequently overexpressed in many human tumors and the overexpression of BAG5 is associated with poor prognosis of cancer patients. Altogether, this study revealed that inhibition of mutp53 degradation by BAG5 is a novel and critical mechanism underlying mutp53 protein accumulation and GOFs in cancer. Furthermore, our results also uncovered that promoting mutp53 accumulation and GOFs is a novel mechanism of BAG5 in tumorigenesis.
Geographic distribution at subspecies resolution level: closely related Rhodopirellula species in European coastal sediments
Authors: Žure Marina , Fernandez-Guerra Antonio , Munn Colin B , Harder Jens 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Members of the marine genus Rhodopirellula are attached living bacteria and studies based on cultured Rhodopirellula strains suggested that three closely related species R. baltica, ‘R. europaea’ and ‘R. islandica’ have a limited geographic distribution in Europe. To address this hypothesis, we developed a nested PCR for a single gene copy detection of a partial acetyl CoA synthetase (acsA) from intertidal sediments collected all around Europe. Furthermore, we performed growth experiments in a range of temperature, salinity and light conditions. A combination of Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and Minimum Entropy Decomposition (MED) was used to analyze the sequences with the aim to explore the geographical distribution of the species and subspecies. MED has been mainly used for the analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and here we propose a protocol for the analysis of protein-coding genes taking into account the degeneracy of the codons and a possible overestimation of functional diversity. The high-resolution analysis revealed differences in the intraspecies community structure in different geographic regions. However, we found all three species present in all regions sampled and in agreement with growth experiments we demonstrated that Rhodopirellula species do not have a limited geographic distribution in Europe.
Happy together: microbial communities that hook up to swap electrons
Authors: Lovley Derek R 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The discovery of direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) and cable bacteria has demonstrated that microbial cells can exchange electrons over long distances (μm–cm) through electrical connections. For example, in the presence of cable bacteria electrons are rapidly transported over centimeter distances, coupling the oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds in anoxic sediments to oxygen reduction in overlying surficial sediments. Bacteria and archaea wired for DIET are found in anaerobic methane-producing and methane-consuming communities. Electrical connections between gut microbes and host cells have also been proposed. Iterative environmental and defined culture studies on methanogenic communities revealed the importance of electrically conductive pili and c-type cytochromes in natural electrical grids, and demonstrated that conductive carbon materials and magnetite can substitute for these biological connectors to facilitate DIET. This understanding has led to strategies to enhance and stabilize anaerobic digestion. Key unknowns warranting further investigation include elucidation of the archaeal electrical connections facilitating DIET-based methane production and consumption; and the mechanisms for long-range electron transfer through cable bacteria. A better understanding of mechanisms for cell-to-cell electron transfer could facilitate the hunt for additional electrically connected microbial communities with omics approaches and could advance spin-off applications such as the development of sustainable bioelectronics materials and bioelectrochemical technologies.
Enhanced microbial electrosynthesis by using defined co-cultures
Authors: Deutzmann Jörg S , Spormann Alfred M 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Microbial uptake of free cathodic electrons presents a poorly understood aspect of microbial physiology. Uptake of cathodic electrons is particularly important in microbial electrosynthesis of sustainable fuel and chemical precursors using only CO2 and electricity as carbon, electron and energy source. Typically, large overpotentials (200 to 400 mV) were reported to be required for cathodic electron uptake during electrosynthesis of, for example, methane and acetate, or low electrosynthesis rates were observed. To address these limitations and to explore conceptual alternatives, we studied defined co-cultures metabolizing cathodic electrons. The Fe(0)-corroding strain IS4 was used to catalyze the electron uptake reaction from the cathode forming molecular hydrogen as intermediate, and Methanococcus maripaludis and Acetobacterium woodii were used as model microorganisms for hydrogenotrophic synthesis of methane and acetate, respectively. The IS4-M. maripaludis co-cultures achieved electromethanogenesis rates of 0.1–0.14 μmol cm−2 h−1 at −400 mV vs standard hydrogen electrode and 0.6–0.9 μmol cm−2 h−1 at −500 mV. Co-cultures of strain IS4 and A. woodii formed acetate at rates of 0.21–0.23 μmol cm−2 h−1 at −400 mV and 0.57–0.74 μmol cm−2 h−1 at −500 mV. These data show that defined co-cultures coupling cathodic electron uptake with synthesis reactions via interspecies hydrogen transfer may lay the foundation for an engineering strategy for microbial electrosynthesis.
“Big Data” for breast cancer: where to look and what you will find
Authors: Clare Susan E , Shaw Pamela L 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAccessing the massive amount of breast cancer data that are currently publicly available may seem daunting to the brand new graduate student embarking on his/her first project or even to the seasoned lab leader, who may wish to explore a new avenue of investigation. In this review, we provide an overview of data resources focusing on high-throughput data and on cancer-related data resources. Although not intended as an exhaustive list, the information included in this review will provide a jumping-off point with descriptions of and links to the various data resources of interest. The review is divided into six sections: (1) compendia of data resources; (2) biomolecular repository “Hubs”; (3) a list of cancer-related data resources, which provides information on contents of the resource and whether the resource enables upload and analysis of investigator provided data; (4) a list of seminal publications containing specific breast cancer data, e.g., publications from METBRIC, Sanger, TCGA; (5) a list of journals focused on data science that include cancer-related “Big Data”; and (6) miscellaneous resources.
Prenatal maternal depression is associated with offspring inflammation at 25 years: a prospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Plant D T , Pawlby S , Sharp D , Zunszain P A , Pariante C M 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAnimal studies and a handful of prospective human studies have demonstrated that young offspring exposed to maternal prenatal stress show abnormalities in immune parameters and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function. No study has examined the effect of maternal prenatal depression on offspring inflammation and HPA axis activity in adulthood, nor the putative role of child maltreatment in inducing these abnormalities. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and awakening cortisol were measured at age 25 in 103 young-adult offspring of the South London Child Development Study (SLCDS), a prospective longitudinal birth cohort of mother–offspring dyads recruited in pregnancy in 1986. Maternal prenatal depression was assessed in pregnancy at 20 and 36 weeks; offspring child maltreatment (birth 17 years) was assessed at offspring ages 11, 16 and 25; and offspring adulthood depression (18–25 years) was assessed at age 25. Exposure to maternal prenatal depression predicted significantly elevated offspring hs-CRP at age 25 (odds ratio=11.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.1, 127.0), P=0.041), independently of child maltreatment and adulthood depression, known risk factors for adulthood inflammation. In contrast, maternal prenatal depression did not predict changes in offspring adulthood cortisol; however, offspring exposure to child maltreatment did, and was associated with elevated awakening cortisol levels (B=161.9, 95% CI (45.4, 278.4), P=0.007). Fetal exposure to maternal depression during pregnancy has effects on immune function that persist for up to a quarter of a century after birth. Findings are consistent with the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis for the biological embedding of gestational psychosocial adversity into vulnerability for future physical and mental illness.
Bifidobacterium longum 1714 as a translational psychobiotic: modulation of stress, electrophysiology and neurocognition in healthy volunteers
Authors: Allen A P , Hutch W , Borre Y E , Kennedy P J , Temko A , Boylan G , Murphy E , Cryan J F , Dinan T G , Clarke G 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe emerging concept of psychobiotics—live microorganisms with a potential mental health benefit—represents a novel approach for the management of stress-related conditions. The majority of studies have focused on animal models. Recent preclinical studies have identified the B. longum 1714 strain as a putative psychobiotic with an impact on stress-related behaviors, physiology and cognitive performance. Whether such preclinical effects could be translated to healthy human volunteers remains unknown. We tested whether psychobiotic consumption could affect the stress response, cognition and brain activity patterns. In a within-participants design, healthy volunteers (N=22) completed cognitive assessments, resting electroencephalography and were exposed to a socially evaluated cold pressor test at baseline, post-placebo and post-psychobiotic. Increases in cortisol output and subjective anxiety in response to the socially evaluated cold pressor test were attenuated. Furthermore, daily reported stress was reduced by psychobiotic consumption. We also observed subtle improvements in hippocampus-dependent visuospatial memory performance, as well as enhanced frontal midline electroencephalographic mobility following psychobiotic consumption. These subtle but clear benefits are in line with the predicted impact from preclinical screening platforms. Our results indicate that consumption of B. longum 1714 is associated with reduced stress and improved memory. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the benefits of this putative psychobiotic in relevant stress-related conditions and to unravel the mechanisms underlying such effects.
Dissection of major depressive disorder using polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia in two independent cohorts
Authors: Whalley H C , Adams M J , Hall L S , Clarke T-K , Fernandez-Pujals A M , Gibson J , Wigmore E , Hafferty J , Hagenaars S P , Davies G , Campbell A , Hayward C , Lawrie S M , Porteous D J , Deary I J , McIntosh A M 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is known for its substantial clinical and suspected causal heterogeneity. It is characterized by low mood, psychomotor slowing and increased levels of the personality trait neuroticism; factors also associated with schizophrenia (SCZ). It is possible that some cases of MDD may have a substantial genetic loading for SCZ. The presence of SCZ-like MDD subgroups would be indicated by an interaction between MDD status and polygenic risk of SCZ on cognitive, personality and mood measures. Here, we hypothesized that higher SCZ polygenic risk would define larger MDD case–control differences in cognitive ability, and smaller differences in distress and neuroticism. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for SCZ and their association with cognitive variables, neuroticism, mood and psychological distress were estimated in a large population-based cohort (Generation Scotland: Scottish Family Health Study, GS:SFHS). The individuals were divided into those with, and without, depression (n=2587 and n=16 764, respectively) to test for the interactions between MDD status and schizophrenia risk. Replication was sought in UK Biobank (UKB; n=6049 and n=27 476 cases and controls, respectively). In both the cohorts, we found significant interactions between SCZ-PRS and MDD status for measures of psychological distress (βGS=−0.04, PGS=0.014 and βUKB=−0.09, PUKB⩽0.001 for GS:SFHS and UKB, respectively) and neuroticism (βGS=−0.04, PGS=0.002 and βUKB=−0.06, PUKB=0.023). In both the cohorts, there was a reduction of case–control differences on a background of higher genetic risk of SCZ. These findings suggest that depression on a background of high genetic risk for SCZ may show attenuated associations with distress and neuroticism. This may represent a causally distinct form of MDD more closely related to SCZ.