bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
African trypanosomes and brain infection – the unsolved question
Authors: Mogk Stefan , Boßelmann Christian M. , Mudogo Celestin N. , Stein Jasmin , Wolburg Hartwig , Duszenko Michael 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTAfrican trypanosomes induce sleeping sickness. The parasites are transmitted during the blood meal of a tsetse fly and appear primarily in blood and lymph vessels, before they enter the central nervous system. During the latter stage, trypanosomes induce a deregulation of sleep–wake cycles and some additional neurological disorders. Historically, it was assumed that trypanosomes cross the blood–brain barrier and settle somewhere between the brain cells. The brain, however, is a strictly controlled and immune‐privileged area that is completely surrounded by a dense barrier that covers the blood vessels: this is the blood–brain barrier. It is known that some immune cells are able to cross this barrier, but this requires a sophisticated mechanism and highly specific cell–cell interactions that have not been observed for trypanosomes within the mammalian host. Interestingly, trypanosomes injected directly into the brain parenchyma did not induce an infection. Likewise, after an intraperitoneal infection of rats, Trypanosoma brucei brucei was not observed within the brain, but appeared readily within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the meninges. Therefore, the parasite did not cross the blood–brain barrier, but the blood–CSF barrier, which is formed by the choroid plexus, i.e. the part of the ventricles where CSF is produced from blood. While there is no question that trypanosomes are able to invade the brain to induce a deadly encephalopathy, controversy exists about the pathway involved. This review lists experimental results that support crossing of the blood–brain barrier and of the blood–CSF barrier and discuss the implications that either pathway would have on infection progress and on the survival strategy of the parasite. For reasons discussed below, we prefer the latter pathway and suggest the existence of an additional distinct meningeal stage, from which trypanosomes could invade the brain via the Virchow–Robin space thereby bypassing the blood–brain barrier. We also consider healthy carriers, i.e. people living symptomless with the disease for up to several decades, and discuss implications the proposed meningeal stage would have for new anti‐trypanosomal drug development. Considering the re‐infection of blood, a process called relapse, we discuss the likely involvement of the newly described glymphatic connection between the meningeal space and the lymphatic system, that seems also be important for other infectious diseases.
Computed insight into a peptide inhibitor preventing the induced fit mechanism of MurA enzyme from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Lima Anderson H. , dos Santos Alberto M. , Alves Cláudio Nahum , Lameira Jerônimo 
Published: October 2016

UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine enolpyruvyl transferase (MurA) is one of the key enzymes involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis. The peptide HESFWYLPHQSY (called PEP 1354) is an inhibitor of MurA with an IC50 value of 200 μm. In this article, we have used the FlexPepDock ab‐initio protocol from the Rosetta program homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations to analyze, for the first time, the interaction of the PEP 1354 peptide with MurA enzyme from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MurA‐PA). Our modeling results suggest that the peptide binds to the same active site as the natural substrate UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine (UNAG). Additionally, the MurA–peptide complex revealed that the peptide seems to prevent the closure of the Pro114‐123 loop and, consequently, the open–closed transition of the MurA structure.
The Signature of Maternal Social Rank in Placenta Deoxyribonucleic Acid Methylation Profiles in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Massart Renaud , Suderman Matthew J. , Nemoda Zsofia , Sutti Sheila , Ruggiero Angela M. , Dettmer Amanda M. , Suomi Stephen J. , Szyf Moshe 
Published: October 2016

The effects of social status on human health can be modeled in captive cohorts of nonhuman primates. This study shows that maternal social rank is associated with broad changes in DNA methylation in placentae of rhesus monkeys (N = 10). Differentially methylated genes between social ranks are enriched in signaling pathways playing major roles in placenta physiology. Moreover, the authors found significant overlaps with genes whose expression was previously associated with social rank in adult rhesus monkeys (Tung et al., 2012) and whose methylation was associated with perinatal stress in newborn humans and rhesus monkeys (Nieratschker et al., 2014). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that system‐wide epigenetic changes in multiple tissues are involved in long‐term adaptations to the social environment.
Gonadal tumour risk in 292 phenotypic female patients with disorders of sex development containing Y chromosome or Y‐derived sequence
Authors: Huang He , Wang Chunqing , Tian Qinjie 
Published: October 2016

SummaryObjectivePhenotypic female disorders of sex development (DSD) patients with Y chromosome or Y‐derived sequence have an increased risk of gonadal germ cell tumours (GCTs). The objective of the study was to evaluate tumour risk of DSD, summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with GCTs and propose management suggestions.MethodsMedical records of 292 patients diagnosed DSD and undergoing bilateral gonadectomy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1996 to March 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Tumour histopathological types, risks and clinical characteristics were evaluated.ResultsThe tumours in DSD included gonadoblastoma, seminoma, dysgerminoma, Sertoli cell tumour, yolk sac tumour and choriocarcinoma. The overall GCTs risk was 15·41% and 46, XY pure gonadal dysgenesis (46, XY PGD) carried the highest risk up to 23·33%, followed by complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS). The risk of mixed gonadal dysgenesis (GD) or 46, XY 17 alpha‐hydroxylase/17, 20‐lyase deficiency (46, XY 17 OHD) was <10%, and no tumour was found in five testis regression patients. The ages (years) of tumour diagnosed ranged from 11 to 29 [18 (15, 21) years]. The median age of androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) with tumours was comparatively late [19 (18, 24) years], while GCTs occurred during adolescence in 46, XY PGD [17 (15, 20) years] and mixed GD [15 (15, 17) years]. Sex hormone levels were generally unaffected by gonadal GCTs. The positive tumour marker rate before surgery was 58·82% (10/17). Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was observed in six cases with dysgerminoma/seminoma. Remarkably elevated α‐fetoprotein (AFP) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was seen in cases with yolk sac tumour or choriocarcinoma, respectively. Mild hyperandrogenism was observed in seven cases with GCTs. Fourteen of 17 pelvic masses found before operation was later proved malignant.ConclusionDisorders of sex development patients with Y chromosome materials have a significantly increased risk of GCTs. Gonadoblastoma and dysgerminoma/seminoma are the most prevalent GCTs and 46, XY PGD carries the highest tumour presence and malignancy risk. AIS could postpone bilateral gonadectomy until or after adolescence, while others with streak gonads should undergo surgery as soon as diagnosis. Specific serum tumour markers could be used in predicting GCTs and monitoring. Optimal care and close follow‐up are required.
Contact between birth parents and children in kinship care in a sample from Spain
Authors: León Esperanza , Jiménez‐Morago Jesús M. , Muñoz‐Silva Alicia 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWithin the context of kinship care, the main objectives of this work are to study the characteristics of contact between foster children and their birth parents, and their relationship with key variables of fostering, the children and their kinship caregivers. The sample included 189 children from Spain and their kinship families. A semi‐structured placement interview and two scales relating to the child–caregiver relationship and child's psychological adjustment were used with the kinship families. The results revealed a significant percentage of foster children who had no family contact. Various visit types, frequencies and durations were described. Kinship care with contact, compared with placements without contact, was frequently characterized by the absence of professional supervision, and an affectionate child–caregiver relationship; moreover, children with contact were perceived to have fewer serious behaviour and socio‐emotional problems and a greater probability of family reunification. The regression analysis showed that the main predictors for how caregivers assessed contact were the children's emotional reaction during visits and the quality of the relationship between the kinship families and the birth parents. These results suggest the need for further research about contact, which will certainly have a major impact on professional intervention with these families.
Jean Baudrillard and the Limits of Critical Media Literacy
Authors: Kline Kip 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMarxian education scholars have successfully established critical media literacy as a specific response to concerns about contemporary media's problems and possibilities with regard to youth. This development has made a significant contribution to the intersection of media, critical theory, and pedagogy. Yet, the theoretical foundations of critical media literacy limit its capacity to confront the trajectory of contemporary media and communication technologies. Here, Kip Kline offers Jean Baudrillard's media theory as a possible corrective to the undertheorization of media at the level of form that contributes to the inefficacy of critical media literacy.
Restriction spectrum imaging reveals decreased neurite density in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Loi Richard Q. , Leyden Kelly M. , Balachandra Akshara , Uttarwar Vedang , Hagler Donald J. , Paul Brianna M. , Dale Anders M. , White Nathan S. , McDonald Carrie R. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryObjectiveDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has become a popular tool for delineating the location and extent of white matter injury in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, DTI yields nonspecific measures that are confounded by changes occurring within both the intracellular and extracellular environments. This study investigated whether an advanced diffusion method, restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) could provide a more robust measure of white matter injury in TLE relative to DTI due to RSI's ability to separate intraaxonal diffusion (i.e., neurite density; ND) from diffusion associated with extraaxonal factors (e.g., inflammation; crossing fibers).MethodsRSI and DTI scans were obtained on 21 patients with TLE and 11 age‐matched controls. RSI‐derived maps of ND, isotropic‐hindered (IH) and isotropic‐free (IF) water, and crossing fibers (CFs) were compared to DTI‐derived fractional anisotropy (FA) maps. Voxelwise and tract‐based analyses were performed comparing patients with TLE to controls on each diffusion metric.ResultsReductions in FA were seen primarily in frontotemporal white matter in TLE, and they were most pronounced proximal to the seizure focus. Reductions in ND corresponded to those seen in the FA maps; however, ND reductions were greater in magnitude, more lateralized to the epileptogenic hemisphere, and showed a broader pattern. Increases in IF/IH and effects from CFs also contributed to reduced FA in the ipsilateral parahippocampal cingulum and fornix, with decreases in IH extending into extratemporal regions. Reduced ND of the uncinate fasciculus was associated with longer disease duration, whereas FA was not associated with any clinical variables.SignificanceRSI may provide a more specific measure of white matter pathology in TLE, distinguishing regions primarily affected by axonal/myelin loss from those where CFs and increases in extracellular water also play a role. By providing a more specific measure of axonal/myelin loss, RSI‐derived ND may better reflect overall white matter burden in epilepsy.
Will phenotypic plasticity affecting flowering phenology keep pace with climate change?
Authors: Richardson Bryce A. , Chaney Lindsay , Shaw Nancy L. , Still Shannon M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractRising temperatures have begun to shift flowering time, but it is unclear whether phenotypic plasticity can accommodate projected temperature change for this century. Evaluating clines in phenological traits and the extent and variation in plasticity can provide key information on assessing risk of maladaptation and developing strategies to mitigate climate change. In this study, flower phenology was examined in 52 populations of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) growing in three common gardens. Flowering date (anthesis) varied 91 days from late July to late November among gardens. Mixed‐effects modeling explained 79% of variation in flowering date, of which 46% could be assigned to plasticity and genetic variation in plasticity and 33% to genetics (conditional R2 = 0.79, marginal R2 = 0.33). Two environmental variables that explained the genetic variation were photoperiod and the onset of spring, the Julian date of accumulating degree‐days >5 °C reaching 100. The genetic variation was mapped for contemporary and future climates (decades 2060 and 2090), showing flower date change varies considerably across the landscape. Plasticity was estimated to accommodate, on average, a ±13‐day change in flowering date. However, the examination of genetic variation in plasticity suggests that the magnitude of plasticity could be affected by variation in the sensitivity to photoperiod and temperature. In a warmer common garden, lower‐latitude populations have greater plasticity (+16 days) compared to higher‐latitude populations (+10 days). Mapped climatypes of flowering date for contemporary and future climates illustrate the wide breadth of plasticity and large geographic overlap. Our research highlights the importance of integrating information on genetic variation, phenotypic plasticity and climatic niche modeling to evaluate plant responses and elucidate vulnerabilities to climate change.
Responses of herbage P, Ca, K and Mg content and Ca/P and K/(Ca + Mg) ratios to long‐term continuous and discontinued cattle grazing on a rough fescue grassland
Authors: Gao X. , Hao X. , Marchbank D. H. , Beck R. , Willms W. D. , Zhao M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractHerbage minerals affect performance of grazing cattle. We investigated the response of herbage P, K, Ca and Mg contents and Ca/P and K/(Ca + Mg) ratios to long‐term stocking rate, continuous vs. discontinued grazing practice, and sampling year. Cattle had been stocked at 2·4 and 4·8 animal unit months ha−1 since 1949. Exclosures were installed in April 1998. Herbage samples were collected near peak herbage mass in 2001, 2003, 2008 and 2012 and analysed for mineral content. Mineral contents were similar between the two stocking rates, but were lower (P < 0·05) under discontinued than continuous stocking, with the exception of similar P contents. The content of P and K in herbage was higher and the content of Ca and Mg was lower (P < 0·05) in years with greater precipitation and lower temperatures. Herbage mineral content, with the exception of P, exceeded minimum recommended levels for cattle. Given the low P content in herbage (0·74–1·19 g kg−1) and high Ca/P ratios during the dry and hot year (of 2001), a dietary P supplement should be considered for cattle grazing rough fescue grassland in drought years. The low K/(Ca + Mg) ratios (<2·2) suggest there is little risk of grass tetany in cattle grazing on this grassland.
Corporations and Business Associations from the Commercial Revolution to the Age of Discovery: Trade, Jurisdiction and the State, 1200–1600
Authors: Cavanagh Edward 
Published: October 2016

AbstractCorporations changed the face of Christendom and then proceeded to change the face of the world. This article, focusing principally upon the late medieval period, will explore the extent to which the early modern expansion of European people and ideas during the ‘age of discovery’ occurred as a result of the development of human associationism. Corporations, associations, syndicates, guilds and companies laid many of the institutional platforms of Western imperialism. Before that could happen, the imperfect extension of jurisdiction over the domestic and foreign activities of these entities demanded new judicial and legislative innovations across late medieval Europe. In response to recent economic and historical interest in the early modern trading company, this article explores some of the legal and political conditions of the Middle Ages that allowed for the expansion of Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and in the process offers an introductory way to perceive of empire, trade and jurisdiction without the state.
At Her Majesty's Pleasure: Criminal Insanity in 19th‐Century Britain
Authors: Evans Catherine L. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractCriminal insanity cases tried in common law courts in the 19th century attracted the sustained attention of doctors, lawyers, government officials and members of the public. This intense interest was due, in part, to the drama of these cases. However, criminal insanity and the criminally insane also prompted experts and others to contemplate intractable, metaphysical questions about the limits of sanity, the existence of free will and the justification of judicial punishment. This essay argues that, while scholars working in the field of what might be called ‘forensic psychiatry studies’ are acutely conscious of the many ways in which the history of criminal insanity intersects with broader histories of the mind sciences, law and the self, criminal insanity remains largely, and regrettably, tangential to these broader literatures. The essay describes some new directions in the scholarship on criminal insanity that promise to enrich forensic psychiatry studies and also, it is hoped, related fields.
Grey zone lymphoma with features intermediate between diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and classical Hodgkin lymphoma: a clinicopathological study of 14 Epstein–Barr virus‐positive cases
Authors: Elsayed Ahmed A , Satou Akira , Eladl Ahmed E , Kato Seiichi , Nakamura Shigeo , Asano Naoko 
Published: October 2016

AimsTo investigate the clinicopathological features of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive grey zone lymphoma (GZL) with features intermediate between diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL).Methods and resultsWe investigated the clinicopathological features of 14 cases of EBV‐positive GZL in Japan. The control group included 173 cases of EBV‐positive CHL and 64 cases of EBV‐positive DLBCL of the elderly (polymorphous type). The patients were 10 men and four women with a median age of 62 years. Twelve patients (86%) had advanced clinical stage, 11 (79%) had B‐symptoms, eight (57%) had mediastinal disease, 10 (71%) had elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and five (36%) had thrombocytopenia. All cases had CHL‐like morphology but strongly expressed at least one B‐cell marker. The neoplastic cells were Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg‐like cells, but with a large number of mononuclear variants. EBV‐positive GZL patients were more significantly more likely than EBV‐positive CHL patients to have advanced clinical stage (P = 0.023), presence of B‐symptoms (P = 0.011), elevated serum LDH levels (P = 0.047), thrombocytopenia (P = 0.042), and mediastinal involvement (P = 0.023). The progression‐free survival (PFS) of EBV‐positive GZL patients was significantly poorer than that of EBV‐positive CHL patients (P = 0.043) but no difference from EBV‐positive DLBCL patients was observed (P = 0.367).ConclusionsEBV‐positive GZL patients have significantly worse PFS than EBV‐positive CHL patients, and are significantly more likely to have adverse clinical parameters such as advanced clinical stage, presence of B‐symptoms, and thrombocytopenia. Further studies are needed to better characterize this entity, which may require the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Biophenol extracts from olive oil mill wastewaters by membrane separation and adsorption resin
Authors: Savarese Maria , De Marco Elena , Falco Salvatore , D'Antuoni Isabella , Sacchi Raffaele 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThe disposal of olive oil mill wastewater, the main effluent resulting from the production of olive oil, presents technical difficulties which are still unsolved. Several techniques have been proposed for the treatment of this effluent, but only a few processes have been applied at pilot or industrial scale and, nowadays, the management of olive oil mill wastewaters represents an environmental problem in the olive oil‐producing countries. Tests were carried out at pilot scale, by means of a plant with 1 m3 h−1 capacity; a process for the treatment and valorisation of olive mill wastewaters was reported. By this process, it was possible to produce starting from olive mill wastewaters resulting from a three‐phase milling system, 62% of purified water, which could be reused in the industrial processes, and a concentrated phenolic extract (9.5% total phenols), which could be used in food, cosmetic or animal feed industry.
Whole grains and resistant starch rich, reduced‐calorie biscuit diet as a hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic and insulin stimulator in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Aggarwal Dipesh , Sabikhi Latha , Lamba Heena , Chaudhary Neha , Kapila Rajeev 
Published: October 2016

SummaryA fibre‐enriched, reduced‐calorie biscuit [formulated biscuit (FB)] was evaluated for its antidiabetic and antilipidaemic potential in streptozotocin‐induced diabetes in Wistar rats against control biscuit (CB) having high calorie and low fibre content. Animals were allocated into five groups: a control group fed with synthetic diet, two diabetes‐induced groups (CBD and FBD) and two nondiabetic groups (CBND and FBND). CBD and CBND were fed with synthetic diet + CB while FBD and FBND were fed with synthetic diet + FB. After 6 weeks of feeding, the change in weight of nondiabetic group fed with FB (+16.20%) was nonsignificantly lower compared to control (+33.01%) and CB‐fed (+34.55%) group. Nonsignificant loss in body weight was observed among diabetic group fed with FB (−11.76%) or CB (−36.88%). Feeding of FB led to a significant decrease in fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL‐C, VLDL‐C and atherosclerotic index and increase the HDL‐C. Histological examination showed that feeding of FB was able to partially recover the destroyed β‐cell in STZ‐induced diabetic rats.
Sustained Engagement to Create Resilient Communities: How a Collaborative Design Approach can Broker and Mobilise Practitioner–Participant Interaction
Authors: McAra Marianne 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWhen conducting research with young people, studies consistently cite the need to establish trust and rapport with participants. However, what frequently goes unreported is how to evolve these often highly fragile research relationships, and the subtle tensions and negotiations that can occur. In this article I reflect on my experience of collaborating with a group of young people, identified by their school teachers as vulnerable and at risk of falling through the educational net post compulsory schooling. Through a reflexive approach, this article explores how the use of a participatory filmmaking method enabled and sustained a research relationship between the participants and myself, outlining how trust and rapport gradually emerged. Drawing on relational ethics, I describe the catalysing and democratising role creativity played in gaining insights into group dynamics and the implicit strategies adopted by the young people in the search for social self‐empowerment.