bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased peroxiredoxin 4 levels in patients with prediabetes compared to normal glucose tolerance subjects
Authors: Gateva Antoaneta , Assyov Yavor , Velikova Tsvetelina , Kamenov Zdravko 
Published: June 2016

SummaryBackgroundPeroxiredoxin 4 is a part of endogen antioxidant system and its levels are elevated in oxidative stress conditions. Its levels are positively associated with cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to compare serum peroxiredoxin 4 levels between obese subjects with prediabetes and with normal glucose tolerance.MethodsIn this study, we included 80 patients with mean age 50·4 ± 10·6 years and divided them into two age and BMI‐matched groups – group 1 with obesity without glycaemic disturbances (n = 41) and group 2 with obesity and prediabetes (n = 39). Oral glucose tolerance test with measurement of immunoreactive insulin was performed in all participants, and the levels of peroxiredoxin 4 were measured using ELISA method.ResultsWe found significantly higher levels of peroxiredoxin 4 in patients with prediabetes compared to controls (2851·2 ± 4576·6 pg/ml vs 1088·0 ± 753·3 pg/ml; P = 0·022). There was a mild but statistically significant correlation between peroxiredoxin 4 and weight (r = 0·232; P = 0·038), waist circumference (r = 0·239; P = 0·044), creatinine (r = 0·264; P = 0·019), liver enzymes (ASAT – r = 0·289; P = 0·019 and ALAT – r = 0·305; P = 0·07) and white blood cells count (r = 0·317; P = 0·005). There was no difference in peroxiredoxin 4 levels in patients with and without insulin resistance, as well as with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS), although the levels of peroxiredoxin 4 increased with the number of components of MetS.ConclusionsThe levels of peroxiredoxin 4 are higher in patients with prediabetes, but are similar in subjects with and without insulin resistance, which suggests that the main factor for its increased levels is hyperglycaemia and not insulin sensitivity state.
Sequential morphometric evaluation at UnicCa® and SLActive® implant surfaces. An experimental study in the dog
Authors: Favero Vittorio , Lang Niklaus P. , Favero Riccardo , Carneiro Martins Neto Evandro , Salata Luiz A. , Botticelli Daniele 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimTo study sequential osseointegration around implants with nano‐technologically modified surfaces at different periods of healing.Materials and methodsAfter 3 months, two different implant systems with different nano‐technologically modified surfaces were randomly installed in the edentulous molar regions of the mandible of 12 dogs. One surface was acid‐etched surface, and subsequently modified with calcium ions (UnicCa®), while the other was a hydrophilic sandblasted with large grit and acid‐etched (SLActive®) surface. The implants were fully submerged, and biopsies were obtained representing the healing after 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks (n = 6 per period).A morphometric evaluation of densities of new soft tissues (provisional matrix and immature bone marrow), new and old bone, mature bone marrow, vessels and other tissues (bone debris/particles and clot) was performed in the spongiosa compartment of the sites of implantation.ResultsAfter 1 week of healing, the soft tissues, mainly composed of provisional matrix, were present at 41.5 ± 23.9% and 30.1 ± 20.0% at the UnicCa® and SLActive surfaces, respectively. These percentages were >40% at both surfaces after 2 weeks of healing, presenting greater amount of immature bone marrow. Subsequently, these percentages decreased up to disappear after 8 weeks of healing. New bone increased progressively between 1 and 8 weeks of healing from 8.2 ± 3.0% to 77.1 ± 6.4% and from 6.8 ± 2.8% to 67.9 ± 6.8% at the UnicCa® and SLActive®, respectively. Old bone decreased progressively over time.ConclusionsThe patterns of healing at highly hydrophilic surfaces occurred through the early formation of a provisional matrix followed by the formation of new bone and marrow at various stages of maturation. The healing was similar to those described in different animal models, anatomical sites and surgical procedures.
Social Outcomes of Community‐based Rangeland Management in Mongolian Steppe Ecosystems
Authors: Ulambayar Tungalag , Fernández‐Giménez María E. , Baival Batkhishig , Batjav Batbuyan 
Published: June 2016

AbstractCommunity‐based rangeland management (CBRM) has been promoted as a promising option for achieving both rangeland conservation and community well‐being. However, research on its effectiveness is limited, and the reported outcomes are mixed, especially with regard to socioeconomic outcomes. We measured social outcomes of CBRM in Mongolia by comparing 77 formally organized pastoral groups with 65 traditional herder neighborhoods across four ecological zones. We used household surveys, focus groups, and interviews to measure livelihoods, social capital, and management behavior. Members of CBRM groups were significantly more proactive in addressing resource management issues and used more traditional and innovative rangeland management practices than non‐CBRM herders. However, the group types did not differ in social capital or on most livelihood measures. Our results demonstrate that formal CBRM is strongly associated with herder behavior, but calls for consideration of how to reach livelihood outcomes, a key incentive for community‐based conservation.
Antarctic biogeography revisited: updating the Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions
Authors: Terauds Aleks , Lee Jasmine R. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions (ACBRs), originally proposed in 2012, are now established as an important tool in Antarctic science, conservation, management and policy. Here, we provide a revised version of the ACBRs, reflecting updates in underlying spatial layers, together with the results of new analyses justifying the inclusion of a 16th bioregion. This updated version now covers all ice‐free areas of Antarctica and is publicly available through the Australian Antarctic Data Centre. In light of the interest in the ACBRs across a variety of research fields, we also provide a new set of summary statistics for the updated spatial layer, including landscape metrics, climate data, protected area coverage and an overview of human activity. The updated ACBRs represent a contemporary, practical and evidence‐based foundation for understanding, conserving and managing Antarctic biodiversity at a continental scale.
Patch exploitation strategies of parasitoids under indirect intra‐ and inter‐specific competition
Authors: ROBERT FÉLIX‐ANTOINE , BRODEUR JACQUES , BOIVIN GUY 
Published: June 2016

1. Insect parasitoids are expected to evolve behavioural strategies to exploit resources in competitive environments optimally. Indirect competition between parasitoids is particularly common because exploited host patches remain available in the environment for other foraging individuals.2. The effects of indirect competition on the behaviour of two closely related generalist egg parasitoids were investigated: Trichogramma pintoi Voegelé and Trichogramma minutum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Patch residence time, a patch‐leaving mechanism, and progeny sex allocation of females foraging were analysed: (i) alone, (ii) in patches partially parasitised by conspecifics, and (iii) in patches partially parasitised by heterospecifics.3. Each species responded differently to indirect competition. Trichogramma pintoi females shortened their patch residence times, but they did not adjust their progeny sex ratios. In contrast, T. minutum females did not modify their patch residence times, but they did increase their progeny sex ratios in response to competition. Both Trichogramma species used host rejection, either by antenna rejection or by ovipositor rejection, as a patch‐leaving mechanism.4. In agreement with a companion study of direct competition using the same model species, the present results indicate that even amongst closely related species, responses to competition can vary considerably.
Neuronal networks in epileptic encephalopathies with CSWS
Authors: Japaridze Natia , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Dierck Carina , von Spiczak Sarah , Boor Rainer , Mideksa Kidist G. , Anwar Rauf A. , Deuschl Günther , Stephani Ulrich , Siniatchkin Michael 
Published: June 2016

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of our study was to investigate the neuronal networks underlying background oscillations of epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep (CSWS).MethodsSleep electroencephalography (EEG) studies before and after the treatment were investigated in 15 patients with CSWS. To investigate functional and effective connectivity within the network generating the delta activity in the background sleep EEG, the methods of dynamic imaging of coherent sources (DICS) and renormalized partial directed coherence (RPDC) were applied.ResultsIndependent of etiology and severity of epilepsy, background EEG pattern in patients with CSWS before treatment is associated with the complex network of coherent sources in medial prefrontal cortex, somatosensory association cortex/posterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, middle temporal gyrus/parahippocampal gyrus/insular cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum. The analysis of information flow within this network revealed that the medial parietal cortex, the precuneus, and the thalamus act as central hubs, driving the information flow to other areas, especially to the temporal and frontal cortex. The described CSWS‐specific pattern was no longer observed in patients with normalized sleep EEG. In addition, frequency of spiking showed a strong linear correlations with absolute source power, source coherence strength, and source RPDC strength at both time points: (1) Spike and wave index (SWI) versus absolute source power at EEG1 (r = 0.56; p = 0.008) and at EEG2 (r = 0.45; p = 0.009); (2) SWI versus source coherence strength at EEG1 (r = 0.71; p = 0.005) and at EEG2 (r = 0.52; p = 0.006); and (3) SWI versus source RPDC strength at EEG1 (r = 0.65; p = 0.003) and at EEG2 (r = 0.47; p = 0.009).SignificanceThe leading role of the precuneus and thalamus in the hierarchical organization of the network underlying the background EEG points toward the significance of fluctuations of vigilance in the generation of CSWS. This hierarchical network organization appears to be specific for CSWS as it is resolved after successful treatment.
5‐Hydroxytryptophan, a precursor for serotonin synthesis, reduces seizure‐induced respiratory arrest
Authors: Zhang Honghai , Zhao Haiting , Yang Xiaoxuan , Xue Qingsheng , Cotten Joseph F. , Feng Hua‐Jun 
Published: June 2016

SummaryObjectiveThe DBA/1 mouse is a relevant animal model of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), as it exhibits seizure‐induced respiratory arrest (S‐IRA) evoked by acoustic stimulation, followed by cardiac arrhythmia and death. Defects in serotonergic neurotransmission may contribute to S‐IRA. The tryptophan hydroxylase‐2 (TPH2) enzyme converts L‐tryptophan to 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP), a precursor for central nervous system (CNS) serotonin (5‐HT) synthesis; and DBA/1 mice have a polymorphism that decreases TPH2 activity. We, therefore, hypothesized that supplementation with 5‐HTP may bypass TPH2 and suppress S‐IRA in DBA/1 mice.MethodsTPH2 expression was examined by Western blot in the brainstem of DBA/1 and C57BL/6J mice both with and without acoustic stimulation. Changes in breathing and cardiac electrical activity in DBA/1 and C57BL/6J mice that incurred sudden death during generalized seizures evoked by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) were studied by plethysmography and electrocardiography. The effect of 5‐HTP administration on seizure‐induced mortality evoked by acoustic stimulation or by PTZ was investigated in DBA/1 mice.ResultsRepetitive acoustic stimulation resulted in reduced TPH2 protein in the brainstem of DBA/1 mice as compared with C57BL/6J mice. S‐IRA evoked by acoustic stimulation in DBA/1 mice was significantly reduced by 5‐HTP. Following S‐IRA, cardiac electrical activity could be detected for minutes before terminal asystole and death in both DBA/1 and C57BL/6J mice after PTZ treatment. The incidence of S‐IRA by PTZ administration was greater in DBA/1 than in C57BL/6J mice, and administration of 5‐HTP also significantly reduced S‐IRA by PTZ in DBA/1 mice.SignificanceOur data suggest that S‐IRA is the primary event leading to death incurred in most DBA/1 and some C57BL/6J mice during PTZ‐evoked seizures. Suppression of S‐IRA by 5‐HTP suggests that 5‐HT transmission contributes to the pathophysiology of S‐IRA, and that 5‐HTP, an over‐the‐counter supplement available for human consumption, may be clinically useful in preventing SUDEP.
Song and Male Quality in Prairie Warblers
Authors: Byers Bruce E. , Akresh Michael E. , King David I. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractTo determine if the songs of male prairie warblers could potentially reveal to female listeners information about the quality of singers, we compared various aspects of prairie warbler song structure and performance to attributes that might reflect a male singer's potential to enhance the fitness of his mate. We found that all the tested male attributes—arrival date, age, body size, annual survival, and fledging success—were associated with singing, most with multiple aspects of singing. Several of the song traits that were associated with potential indicators of male quality had also been found previously to be good predictors of female social mate choice. In particular, longer songs with longer elements, performed at lower frequency and with greater consistency, were associated with both female mate choice and potential indicators of quality. Thus, female prairie warblers may assess potential mates with the help of a set of song characteristics that collectively reveal an array of attributes that together indicate overall male quality.
Personality in Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) and its Effect on Their Breeding Success
Authors: Colchester Claire , Harrison Nancy M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn this study, we investigated whether blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) showed consistent variation in neophobia responses. The experiment represents a test of how personality, consistent individual differences in behaviour, may have fitness consequences. The experimental design consisted of a control observation followed by two neophobia tests, during which the parent's behaviour was recorded using the instantaneous sampling method. Blue tits showed consistent variation in neophobia responses, which was related to total offspring biomass, but not to mean offspring weight or fledging success. General linear mixed models analyses suggest that there may be ideal neophobia trait combinations in breeding pairs that maximise breeding success.
Controversial role of mast cells in skin cancers
Authors: Varricchi Gilda , Galdiero Maria R. , Marone Giancarlo , Granata Francescopaolo , Borriello Francesco , Marone Gianni 
Published: June 2016

AbstractCancer development is a multistep process characterized by genetic and epigenetic alterations during tumor initiation and progression. The stromal microenvironment can promote tumor development. Mast cells, widely distributed throughout all tissues, are a stromal component of many solid and haematologic tumors. Mast cells can be found in human and mouse models of skin cancers such as melanoma, basal and squamous cell carcinomas, primary cutaneous lymphomas, haemangiomas and Merkel cell carcinoma. However, human and animal studies addressing potential functions of mast cells and their mediators in skin cancers have provided conflicting results. In several studies, mast cells play a pro‐tumorigenic role, whereas in others, they play an anti‐tumorigenic role. Other studies have failed to demonstrate a clear role for tumor‐associated mast cells. Many unanswered questions need to be addressed before we understand whether tumor‐associated mast cells are adversaries, allies or simply innocent bystanders in different types and subtypes of skin cancers.
IL‐17A promotes neutrophilic inflammation and disturbs acute wound healing in skin
Authors: Takagi Naoyuki , Kawakami Kazuyoshi , Kanno Emi , Tanno Hiromasa , Takeda Atsushi , Ishii Keiko , Imai Yoshimichi , Iwakura Yoichiro , Tachi Masahiro 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn the wound healing process, neutrophils are the first inflammatory cells to move to the wound tissues. They sterilize wounds by killing microbes, and they stimulate other immune cells to protect the host from infection. In contrast, neutrophil‐derived proteases cause damage to host tissues, so neutrophils play dual opposite roles in wound healing. Interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) is a proinflammatory cytokine that promotes the recruitment of these cells. The role of this cytokine in the wound healing process is not fully clarified. In the present study, therefore, we examined how defect in IL‐17A production affected the wound healing in skin. IL‐17A‐knockout (KO) mice showed promoted wound closure, myofibroblast differentiation and collagen deposition and decreased the neutrophil accumulation compared with wild‐type (WT) mice. In contrast, the administration of recombinant IL‐17A led to delayed wound closure, low collagen deposition and accelerated neutrophilic accumulation. In addition, the treatment of IL‐17A‐administered mice with a neutrophil elastase inhibitor improved the wound repair to the same level as that of WT mice. These results indicated that IL‐17A hampered the wound healing process and suggested that neutrophilic inflammation caused by IL‐17A may be associated with impaired wound healing in skin.
Evaluation of prognostic indices in elderly hospitalized patients
Authors: Monacelli Fiammetta , Tafuro Manuela , Molfetta Luigi , Sartini Marina , Nencioni Alessio , Cea Michele , Borghi Roberta , Montecucco Fabrizio , Odetti Patrizio 
Published: June 2016

AimPrognosis informs the physician's decision‐making process, especially for frail older adults. So far, any non‐disease‐specific index has proven full evidence for routine use in clinical practice. Here, we aimed at assessing, prospectively, the calibration and discriminating accuracy of validated prognostic indices in a cohort of elderly hospitalized patients.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study that enrolled elderly patients (n = 100). The patients' assessment included clinical variables, as well as the following five prognostic indices of mortality: (i) Levine index (2007); (ii) Walter index (2001); (iii) CARING (C, primary diagnosis of cancer; A, ≥ 2 admissions to the hospital for a chronic illness within the last year; R, resident in a nursing home; I, intensive care unit admission with multiorgan failure, NG, noncancer hospice guidelines [meeting ≥ 2 of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's guidelines]) criteria of Fischer (2006–2011); (iv) Silver Code of Di Bari (2010); and (v) Burden of Illness Score for Elderly Persons of Inouye (2003).ResultsPatients' clinical characteristics: 70% women (age 86.20 ± 0.69 years), 30% men (age 85.40 ± 1.07 years), Comorbidity Illness rating scale (CIRS) 4.3 ± 0.61 and Barthel Index 28 ± 0.54. Walter and Burden of Illness Score for Elderly Persons scores showed similar prediction rates when compared with the expected validated values (ancova: F = 14.00, P < 0.008). Burden of Illness Score for Elderly Persons was the most calibrated and accurate index (receiver operating characteristic curve 0.72; P < 0.02).ConclusionsNone of the assessed prognostic indices, in a “real world” scenario, afforded the optimal predictive accuracy (receiver operating characteristic curve 0.90); all these indices are still far from a robust answer to the prognosis in older age, reflecting a poor ability to encompass the spectrum of frailty. Effort should be made to tailor the prognostication in geriatrics, moving from a disease‐centered model to a precision model, tailored to the frail phenotype. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1015–1021.
Multifaceted changes and mortality in older people: A longitudinal study in Taiwan
Authors: Tzeng Huei‐Jia , Lee Miaw‐Chwen 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimHuman life expectancy has increased steadily over the past two centuries. In the context of aging, resilience appears to be central to improving quality of life and preserving independence in later years. The present study investigated multifaceted changes and their association with mortality in older people in Taiwan.MethodsThe present study used older participants aged 60 years or older from the first and second waves (1989 and 1993) of the longitudinal Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan. Multifaceted changes comprised chronic conditions, self‐rated health, activities of daily living, depression, life satisfaction, social engagement and religious activity. “Positive change” was defined as stable or improving indicator scores from 1989 to 1993. Logistic regressions and Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine associations of positive changes with sociodemographic characteristics and with mortality.ResultsThe percentages of positive changes in indicators of respondents ranged from 47% for activities of daily living to 78% for religious activity. The probability of positive changes for chronic conditions, life satisfaction, social engagement, and religious activity were lower in men, singles, less educated and the oldest respondents than in their counterparts. Lower mortality rates were observed in respondents with positive changes of self‐rated health (HR = 0.72), activities of daily living (HR = 0.67), life satisfaction (HR = 0.85) and religious activity (HR = 0.79).ConclusionsVarious changes were valid predictors of mortality in old age. None of the multifaceted aspects of change should be overlooked when designing policies for aging well and active aging in later life. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 959–966.
Efficacy of beta‐hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate supplementation in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Fitschen Peter J. , Biruete Annabel , Jeong Jinny , Wilund Kenneth R. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroduction: Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients suffer from a number of co‐morbidities including declines in muscle mass and physical function. Beta‐hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate (HMB) is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine that has been shown to improve lean mass and physical function in elderly and clinical populations, but had not been studied in MHD patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of HMB in this population. Methods: We performed a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial to assess the effects of daily HMB supplementation on co‐morbidities in MHD patients. MHD patients were recruited and assigned to either daily supplementation with HMB (n = 16) or placebo (n = 17) for 6 months. Measurements of body composition, bone density, strength, physical function, fall risk, quality of life, and blood parameters were measured at baseline and 6 months. Blood was drawn at baseline, 3, and 6 months to measure compliance. Findings: No significant effects of HMB on body composition, bone density, strength, physical function, fall risk, quality of life, or blood parameters were observed. On analysis of plasma HMB concentrations, 5 of 16 patients (31%) in the HMB group were found to be noncompliant at 3 or 6 months. Therefore, we performed a per‐protocol analysis with compliant participants only and observed no significant differences in our outcomes of interest. Discussion: These results do not support the efficacy of HMB to attenuate co‐morbid conditions in MHD patients. Moreover, this highlights the need for future interventions targeted at reducing pill burden and improving pill compliance in this population.