bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review: Induced pluripotent stem cell models of frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Preza E. , Hardy J. , Warner T. , Wray S. 
Published: June 2016

The increasing prevalence of dementia in the ageing population combined with the lack of treatments and the burden on national health care systems globally make dementia a public health priority. Despite the plethora of important research findings published over the past two decades, the mechanisms underlying dementia are still poorly understood and the progress in pharmacological interventions is limited. Recent advances in cellular reprogramming and genome engineering technologies offer an unprecedented new paradigm in disease modeling. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have enabled the study of patient‐derived neurons in vitro, a significant progress in the field of dementia research. The first studies using iPSCs to model dementia have recently emerged, holding promise for elucidating disease pathogenic mechanisms and accelerating drug discovery. In this review, we summarize the major findings of iPSC‐based studies in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and FTD overlapping with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FTD/ALS). We also discuss some of the main challenges in the use of iPSCs to model complex, late‐onset neurodegenerative diseases such as dementias.
Biological nitrification inhibition by rice root exudates and its relationship with nitrogen‐use efficiency
Authors: Sun Li , Lu Yufang , Yu Fangwei , Kronzucker Herbert J. , Shi Weiming 
Published: June 2016

Summary

Microbial nitrification in soils is a major contributor to nitrogen (N) loss in agricultural systems. Some plants can secrete organic substances that act as biological nitrification inhibitors (BNIs), and a small number of BNIs have been identified and characterized. However, virtually no research has focused on the important food crop, rice (Oryza sativa).

Here, 19 rice varieties were explored for BNI potential on the key nitrifying bacterium Nitrosomonas europaea. Exudates from both indica and japonica genotypes were found to possess strong BNI potential. Older seedlings had higher BNI abilities than younger ones; Zhongjiu25 (ZJ25) and Wuyunjing7 (WYJ7) were the most effective genotypes among indica and japonica varieties, respectively.

A new nitrification inhibitor, 1,9‐decanediol, was identified, shown to block the ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) pathway of ammonia oxidation and to possess an 80% effective dose (ED80) of 90 ng μl−1. Plant N‐use efficiency (NUE) was determined using a 15N‐labeling method. Correlation analyses indicated that both BNI abilities and 1,9‐decanediol amounts of root exudates were positively correlated with plant ammonium‐use efficiency and ammonium preference.

These findings provide important new insights into the plant–bacterial interactions involved in the soil N cycle, and improve our understanding of the BNI capacity of rice in the context of NUE.
Granzyme B‐truncated VEGF fusion protein represses angiogenesis and tumor growth of OSCC
Authors: Lv X‐Z , Zheng M‐Y , Lin Z‐Q , Zhao M , Wang H , Zeng W‐S 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antitumor effects of fusion protein hGrB‐TV of human granzyme B (hGrB) and truncated vascular endothelial growth factor (tVEGF) on human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in vitro and in vivo.MethodsThe fusion protein hGrB‐TV was expressed and purified from E. coli bacteria by affinity chromatography. The cytotoxcity of hGrB‐TV on VEGFR‐2 (Flk‐1)+ OSCC cells was analyzed in vitro. The antitumor therapeutic study was conducted on OSCC xenografts in vivo.ResultsThe purified hGrB‐TV fusion protein was selectively internalized into VEGFR‐2 (Flk‐1)+ OSCC cells and endothelial cells. It can cleave inactive caspase 3 into its active p20 form. The hGrB‐TV showed dose‐dependent cytotoxicity on VEGFR‐2+ SCC‐9 cells. The morphological changes and cytolysis were appeared within dozen minutes. However, no cytotoxicity was observed on VEGFR‐2− cells. The hGrB alone or tVEGF alone did not have any toxicity on SCC‐9 cells. In addition, hGrB‐TV treatment completely destroyed the vasculature of the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) in vivo and consequently led to chick embryo development arrest. Most importantly, the fusion protein hGrB‐TV inhibited tumor angiogenesis and growth of human OSCC xenografts in nude mice without any apparent toxicity.ConclusionsThe fusion protein hGrB‐TV specifically inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth of OSCC; hGrB‐TV is a powerful and safe therapeutic molecule for tumor therapy.
Optimized preoperative fasting times decrease ketone body concentration and stabilize mean arterial blood pressure during induction of anesthesia in children younger than 36 months: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Dennhardt Nils , Beck Christiane , Huber Dirk , Sander Bjoern , Boehne Martin , Boethig Dietmar , Leffler Andreas , Sümpelmann Robert 
Published: June 2016

SummaryBackgroundIn pediatric anesthesia, preoperative fasting guidelines are still often exceeded.ObjectiveThe objective of this noninterventional clinical observational cohort study was to evaluate the effect of an optimized preoperative fasting management (OPT) on glucose concentration, ketone bodies, acid–base balance, and change in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) during induction of anesthesia in children.MethodsChildren aged 0–36 months scheduled for elective surgery with OPT (n = 50) were compared with peers studied before optimizing preoperative fasting time (OLD) (n = 50) who were matched for weight, age, and height.ResultsIn children with OPT (n = 50), mean fasting time (6.0 ± 1.9 h vs 8.5 ± 3.5 h, P < 0.001), deviation from guideline (ΔGL) (1.2 ± 1.4 h vs 3.7 ± 3.1 h, P < 0.001, ΔGL>2 h 8% vs 70%), ketone bodies (0.2 ± 0.2 mmol·l−1 vs 0.6 ± 0.6 mmol·l−1, P < 0.001), and incidence of hypotension (MAP <40 mmHg, 0 vs 5, P = 0.022) were statistically significantly lower and MAP after induction was statistically significantly higher (55.2 ± 9.5 mmHg vs 50.3 ± 9.8 mmHg, P = 0.015) as compared to children in the OLD (n = 50) group. Glucose, lactate, bicarbonate, base excess, and anion gap did not significantly differ.ConclusionOptimized fasting times improve the metabolic and hemodynamic condition during induction of anesthesia in children younger than 36 months of age.
Risk Factors for Premature Hair Graying in Young Turkish Adults
Authors: Akin Belli Asli , Etgu Fatma , Ozbas Gok Seyran , Kara Bilge , Dogan Gursoy 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundPremature hair graying (PHG) is a common condition resulting in loss of self‐esteem. Studies investigating PHG risk factors for both sexes with a large number of patients are scarce. We sought to investigate the socioclinical risk factors for PHG in young Turkish men and women and the differences between the sexes.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in 1,119 participants who answered a survey about PHG and some socioclinical characteristics between February and July 2015. The number of gray hairs, onset age of hair graying, and family history of PHG were asked about, as well as demographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, sports life, diet, medical history, educational status, occupation, marital status, monthly income, and Fitzpatrick skin type.ResultsOf 1,119 participants, 315 (28.1%) had PHG and 804 did not. Maternal and paternal PHG, alcohol consumption, presence of chronic disease, educational status, hair loss, perceived stress scale (PSS) score, age, and height were significantly higher in subjects with PHG. Rates of maternal and paternal PHG were high in women with PHG, and the rate of paternal PHG was high in men with PHG. According to the multivariate ordinal regression analysis, PSS score, age, hair loss, and family history of PHG were correlated with the severity of PHG.ConclusionPHG is closely related to factors causing oxidative stress, such as emotional stress, alcohol consumption, and chronic diseases in genetically predisposed men and women.
The experience of nurses working within a voluntary network: a qualitative study of health care for undocumented migrants
Authors: Sandblom Maria , Mangrio Elisabeth 
Published: June 2016

PurposeTo illuminate the experience of nurses providing health care to undocumented migrants in a voluntary network.Methods and sampleIn a qualitative study, semistructured interviews were conducted with RNs regarding their experience of providing health care to undocumented migrants within a voluntary network. The interview transcripts were analysed using the inductive method of content analysis.FindingsThree main categories emerged – structural inadequacy, ethical dilemmas and challenges, and personal impact and insights. The informants were driven by a strong ethical approach and a great sense of responsibility as human beings and as nurses.ConclusionEngaging with the voluntary network allowed the informants to cope with their frustration and feelings of inadequacy which emerged when confronted with institutionalised injustice in the conventional healthcare system.
Whole body frontal plane mechanics across walking, running, and sprinting in young and older adults
Authors: Kulmala J‐P. , Korhonen M. T. , Kuitunen S. , Suominen H. , Heinonen A. , Mikkola A. , Avela J. 
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the whole body frontal plane mechanics among young (26 ± 6 years), early old (61 ± 5 years), and old (78 ± 4 years) adults during walking, running, and sprinting. The age‐groups had similar walking (1.6 m/s) and running (4.0 m/s) speeds, but different maximal sprinting speed (young 9.3 m/s, early old 7.9 m/s, and old 6.6 m/s). Surprisingly, although the old group exerted much lower vertical ground reaction force during running and sprinting, the hip frontal plane moment did not differ between the age‐groups. Kinematic analysis demonstrated increased hip adduction and pelvis drop, as well as reduced trunk lateral flexion among old adults, especially during sprinting. These alterations in the hip and pelvis motions may reflect insufficient force production of hip abductors to stabilize the pelvis during single‐limb support, while limited trunk lateral flexion may enhance control of the mediolateral balance. On the other hand, larger trunk side‐to‐side movement among the young and early old adults may provide a mechanism to prevent the increase of the hip frontal moment despite greater vertical ground reaction force. This, in turn, can assist hip abductors to maintain stability of the pelvis during sprinting while allowing powerful force generation by a large adductor muscle group.
Efficacy of ACL injury risk screening methods in identifying high‐risk landing patterns during a sport‐specific task
Authors: Fox A. S. , Bonacci J. , McLean S. G. , Saunders N. 
Published: June 2016

Screening methods sensitive to movement strategies that increase anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loads are likely to be effective in identifying athletes at‐risk of ACL injury. Current ACL injury risk screening methods are yet to be evaluated for their ability to identify athletes' who exhibit high‐risk lower limb mechanics during sport‐specific maneuvers associated with ACL injury occurrences. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of two ACL injury risk screening methods in identifying high‐risk lower limb mechanics during a sport‐specific landing task. Thirty‐two female athletes were screened using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) and Tuck Jump Assessment. Participants' also completed a sport‐specific landing task, during which three‐dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were collected. One‐dimensional statistical parametric mapping was used to examine the relationships between screening method scores, and the three‐dimensional hip and knee joint rotation and moment data from the sport‐specific landing. Higher LESS scores were associated with reduced knee flexion from 30 to 57 ms after initial contact (P = 0.003) during the sport‐specific landing; however, no additional relationships were found. These findings suggest the LESS and Tuck Jump Assessment may have minimal applicability in identifying athletes' who exhibit high‐risk landing postures in the sport‐specific task examined.
Central and peripheral fatigue in knee and elbow extensor muscles after a long‐distance cross‐country ski race
Authors: Boccia G. , Dardanello D. , Zoppirolli C. , Bortolan L. , Cescon C. , Schneebeli A. , Vernillo G. , Schena F. , Rainoldi A. , Pellegrini B. 
Published: June 2016

Although elbow extensors (EE) have a great role in cross‐country skiing (XC) propulsion, previous studies on neuromuscular fatigue in long‐distance XC have investigated only knee extensor (KE) muscles. In order to investigate the origin and effects of fatigue induced by long‐distance XC race, 16 well‐trained XC skiers were tested before and after a 56‐km classical technique race. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) and rate of force development (RFD) were measured for both KE and EE. Furthermore, electrically evoked double twitch during MVC and at rest were measured. MVC decreased more in KE (−13%) than in EE (−6%, P = 0.016), whereas the peak RFD decreased only in EE (−26%, P = 0.02) but not in KE. The two muscles showed similar decrease in voluntary activation (KE −5.0%, EE −4.8%, P = 0.61) and of double twitch amplitude (KE −5%, EE −6%, P = 0.44). A long‐distance XC race differently affected the neuromuscular function of lower and upper limbs muscles. Specifically, although the strength loss was greater for lower limbs, the capacity to produce force in short time was more affected in the upper limbs. Nevertheless, both KE and EE showed central and peripheral fatigue, suggesting that the origins of the strength impairments were multifactorial for the two muscles.
Comparison of the activation peptide regions of protease‐activated receptors (PAR) in members of the Family Felidae
Authors: Boudreaux Mary K. , Barnes Sara Madison 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundThere is limited information regarding the nucleotides encoding or the predicted amino acid composition of protease‐activated receptors (PAR) in cats.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to determine the nucleotide sequence and predicted amino acid composition of the activation peptide regions of protease‐activated receptors PAR1, PAR3, and PAR4 in Felidae family members.MethodsGenomic DNA isolated from whole blood samples collected from 10 domestic cats and 45 big cats representing 11 species was subjected to PCR using primers flanking the coding regions for the activation peptides of PAR1, PAR3, and PAR4. PCR products were isolated from agarose gels and submitted for sequencing. Nucleotide sequence data was used to predict the amino acid composition of the activation peptide and flanking regions of the 3 receptors. Predicted amino acid sequences were compared between Felidae members and to human beings.ResultsVariations in the predicted amino acid composition of the activation peptides and flanking regions of the various PAR were observed when comparing Felidae family members to each other and to human beings.ConclusionsWhile the activation peptide regions of the various PAR tend to be conserved, there are differences that may impact the ability of some agonists to mediate biased signaling events documented to occur in human platelets.
A physiological increase in maternal cortisol alters uteroplacental metabolism in the pregnant ewe
Authors: Vaughan O. R. , Davies K. L. , Ward J. W. , de Blasio M. J. , Fowden A. L. 
Published: June 2016

Key pointsFetal nutrient supply is dependent, in part, upon the transport capacity and metabolism of the placenta.The stress hormone, cortisol, alters metabolism in the adult and fetus but it is not known whether cortisol in the pregnant mother affects metabolism of the placenta.In this study, when cortisol concentrations were raised in pregnant sheep by infusion, proportionately more of the glucose taken up by the uterus was consumed by the uteroplacental tissues while less was transferred to the fetus, despite an increased placental glucose transport capacity. Concomitantly, the uteroplacental tissues produced lactate at a greater rate.The results show that maternal cortisol concentrations regulate uteroplacental glycolytic metabolism, producing lactate for usein utero.Prolonged increases in placental lactate production induced by cortisol overexposure may contribute to the adverse effects of maternal stress on fetal wellbeing.AbstractFetal nutrition is determined by maternal availability, placental transport and uteroplacental metabolism of carbohydrates. Cortisol affects maternal and fetal metabolism, but whether maternal cortisol concentrations within the physiological range regulate uteroplacental carbohydrate metabolism remains unknown. This study determined the effect of maternal cortisol infusion (1.2 mg kg−1 day−1i.v.for 5 days,n = 20) on fetal glucose, lactate and oxygen supplies in pregnant ewes on day ∼130 of pregnancy (term = 145 days). Compared to saline infusion (n = 21), cortisol infusion increased maternal, but not fetal, plasma cortisol (P < 0.05). Cortisol infusion also raised maternal insulin, glucose and lactate concentrations, and blood pH,and HCO3−concentration. Although total uterine glucose uptake determined by Fick's principle was unaffected, a greater proportion was consumed by the uteroplacental tissues, so net fetal glucose uptake was 29% lower in cortisol‐infused than control ewes (P < 0.05). Concomitantly, uteroplacental lactate production was > 2‐fold greater in cortisol‐ than saline‐treated ewes (P < 0.05), although uteroplacental O2consumption was unaffected by maternal treatment. Materno‐fetal clearance of non‐metabolizable [3H]methyl‐d‐glucose and placentalSLC2A8(glucose transporter 8) gene expression were also greater with cortisol treatment. Fetal plasma glucose, lactate or α‐amino nitrogen concentrations were unaffected by treatment although fetal plasma fructose and hepatic lactate dehydrogenase activity were greater in cortisol‐ than saline‐treated ewes (P < 0.05). Fetal plasma insulin levels and body weight were also unaffected by maternal treatment. During stress, cortisol‐dependent regulation of uteroplacental glycolysis may allow increased maternal control over fetal nutrition and metabolism. However, when maternal cortisol concentrations are raised chronically, prolonged elevation of uteroplacental lactate production may compromise fetal wellbeing.
Technical Note: An investigation of polarity effects for wide‐angle free‐air chambers
Authors: Shen H. , Culberson W. S. , Ross C. K. 
Published: June 2016

Purpose:Wide‐angle free‐air chambers (WAFACs) are used as primary standard measurement devices for establishing the air‐kerma strength of low‐energy, low‐dose rate brachytherapy seeds. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is commissioning a primary standard wide‐angle free‐air chamber (NRC WAFAC) to serve the calibration needs of Canadian clients. The University of Wisconsin has developed a similar variable‐aperture free‐air chamber (UW VAFAC) to be used as a research tool. As part of the NRC commissioning, measurements were carried out for both polarities of the applied bias voltage and the resulting effects were observed to be very large. Similar effects were identified with the UW VAFAC. The authors describe the measurements carried out to determine the underlying causes of the polarity effect and the approach used to eliminate it.Methods:The NRC WAFAC is based on the WAFAC design developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the USA. Charge measurements for 125I and 241Am sources were carried out for both negative and positive polarities on the NRC WAFAC and UW VAFAC. Two aperture sizes were also investigated with the UW VAFAC. In addition, measurements on the NRC WAFAC were carried out with a small bias between the collecting electrode and the shield foil at the downstream end of the chamber. To mitigate all of the polarity effects, the downstream surface of the collecting electrode was covered with a thin layer of graphite on both the NRC and UW chambers.Results:Both chamber designs showed a difference of more than 30 % between the charge collected with positive and negative bias voltages for the smallest electrode separation. It was shown for the NRC WAFAC that charge could be collected in the small gap downstream of the collecting volume by applying a voltage between the shield foil and the collecting electrode, even though an insulating foil (Mylar or polyimide film) separated the conducting surface from the small gap region. The unwanted additional current was shown to be proportional to the size of the aperture for the UW VAFAC. The extra ionization produced in the small gap region was eliminated for both chambers by covering the insulating side of the collecting electrode with a grounded conducting layer.Conclusions:The small gap region downstream of the collecting electrode in the NRC WAFAC and UW VAFAC can serve as an unwanted source of ion current. It is concluded that a residual electric field in the small gap region may lead to ion transport and to charge being trapped on the surface of the foil. The foil then acts as a capacitor with an equal charge, but of opposite sign, being attracted to the conducting surface. Covering the back of the collecting electrode surface with a grounded conducting layer eliminated the polarity effect.
Correlation of FMISO simulations with pimonidazole‐stained tumor xenografts: A question of O2 consumption?
Authors: Wack L. J. , Mönnich D. , Yaromina A. , Zips D. , Baumann M. , Thorwarth D. 
Published: June 2016

Purpose:To compare a dedicated simulation model for hypoxia PET against tumor microsections stained for different parameters of the tumor microenvironment. The model can readily be adapted to a variety of conditions, such as different human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenograft tumors.Methods:Nine different HNSCC tumor models were transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice. Tumors were excised and immunoflourescently labeled with pimonidazole, Hoechst 33342, and CD31, providing information on hypoxia, perfusion, and vessel distribution, respectively. Hoechst and CD31 images were used to generate maps of perfused blood vessels on which tissue oxygenation and the accumulation of the hypoxia tracer FMISO were mathematically simulated. The model includes a Michaelis–Menten relation to describe the oxygen consumption inside tissue. The maximum oxygen consumption rate M0 was chosen as the parameter for a tumor‐specific optimization as it strongly influences tracer distribution. M0 was optimized on each tumor slice to reach optimum correlations between FMISO concentration 4 h postinjection and pimonidazole staining intensity.Results:After optimization, high pixel‐based correlations up to R2 = 0.85 were found for individual tissue sections. Experimental pimonidazole images and FMISO simulations showed good visual agreement, confirming the validity of the approach. Median correlations per tumor model varied significantly (p < 0.05), with R2 ranging from 0.20 to 0.54. The optimum maximum oxygen consumption rate M0 differed significantly (p < 0.05) between tumor models, ranging from 2.4 to 5.2 mm Hg/s.Conclusions:It is feasible to simulate FMISO distributions that match the pimonidazole retention patterns observed in vivo. Good agreement was obtained for multiple tumor models by optimizing the oxygen consumption rate, M0, whose optimum value differed significantly between tumor models.