bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BH3‐only protein Bim predicts advanced stage of cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Gambichler T. , Rooms I. , Scholl L. , Stockfleth E. , Stücker M. , Sand M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundBim having strong pro‐apoptotic effects belongs to the BH3‐only proteins of the Bcl‐2 protein family and contributes to survival pathways in cancer cells.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate Bim protein expression in cutaneous melanoma (CM).MethodsBim protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in primary and metastatic melanomas and correlated with clinical and histopathological features.ResultsThe Bim immunoreactivity score of the primary melanomas investigated (4.6 ± 1.5) was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than that observed in metastases (2.8 ± 1.1). Low Bim expression was significantly associated with primary nodular melanoma type (P = 0.005). Moreover, Bim expression was significantly inversely correlated with tumour thickness (r = −0.36; P = 0.0035), advanced stage of disease (stage III and IV; r = −0.60; P < 0.0001), disease relapse (r = −0.18; P = 0.034) and disease‐related death (r = −0.19; P = 0.026). Advanced stage of disease was independently predicted by low Bim expression (P = 0.0010, odds ratio: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.10–0.56) on multivariate analysis; however, Bim was not shown to be an independent predictor for disease relapse (P = 0.40) and disease‐related death (P = 0.77).ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that Bim protein expression is significantly inversely correlated with melanoma features that are associated with worse prognosis. We have shown that Bim protein expression in CM is an independent predictor for advanced disease confirming that this pro‐apoptotic BH3‐only protein might be a potent biomarker and promising therapeutic target.
Pyoderma gangrenosum during pregnancy – treatment options revisited
Authors: Vigl K. , Posch C. , Richter L. , Monshi B. , Rappersberger K. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundPyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, ulcerating neutrophilic dermatosis of unknown aetiology; PG during pregnancy is particularly rare. The disease is frequently associated with immune‐mediated, inflammatory diseases.ObjectiveDiagnosis of PG can be challenging and relies upon exclusion of other causes such as traumas, infections, vascular diseases or neoplasms. Treatment options during pregnancy are limited.MethodsTo evaluate current treatment options for PG during pregnancy, we present a case of multilocular PG during the patient's first trimester. In conjunction with a comprehensive review of previously published cases of PG during gravidity, we discuss available treatment modalities including immunosuppressants and TNFα inhibitors.ResultsOur patient highlights the importance of including PG as a potential differential diagnosis of cutaneous ulcers during gravidity. Treatment with systemic glucocorticoids is effective and safe for the health of the mother and the unborn.ConclusionIn pregnant females, it is particularly important to diagnose PG and control disease activity due to the risk of pathergy and wound healing deficiencies during delivery and post‐partum. A limited number of treatment options are available to date, which require a precise risk–benefit evaluation.
The clinical and histopathological characteristics of early‐onset basal cell carcinoma in Asians
Authors: Yang M.Y. , Kim J.M. , Kim G.W. , Mun J.H. , Song M. , Ko H.C. , Kim B.S. , Kim H.S. , Kim M.B. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) is by far the most common cancer in white populations. In addition, recent reports have demonstrated an increasing incidence of BCC in Korea. We have observed a significant number of early‐onset BCC cases in which the disease occurred in patients younger than 50 years.ObjectiveTo investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of early‐onset BCC in an Asian population, specifically in Koreans.MethodsOne hundred and five patients with early‐onset BCC were enrolled from a total of 1047 BCC patients who underwent surgery between January 1997 and December 2014 (942 patients over the age of 50 years were designated as the control group).ResultsEarly‐onset BCC accounted for 10.03% of all 1047 cases and the incidence over time displayed an incremental trend. The early‐onset group displayed similar results as the control group, with a predominance of female BCC patients and the majority of tumours displaying the following characteristics: small in size, occurring in sun‐exposed areas and belonging to the noduloulcerative clinical subtype and nodular histopathological subtype. In comparison with a previous study in a Western population, the incidence of the disease in non‐exposed areas of the body, as well as the proportion of tumours of the superficial histological subtype, were lower in Asian patients.ConclusionAlthough the clinicopathological characteristics of BCC are well‐known, these characteristics have not been determined for early‐onset BCC in an Asian population. Therefore, this study is the first report on early‐onset BCC in Asians, specifically in a Korean patient group.
Colonization and demographic expansion of freshwater fauna across the Hawaiian archipelago
Authors: Alda F. , Gagne R. B. , Walter R. P. , Hogan J. D. , Moody K. N. , Zink F. , McIntyre P. B. , Gilliam J. F. , Blum M. J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIt is widely accepted that insular terrestrial biodiversity progresses with island age because colonization and diversification proceed over time. Here, we assessed whether this principle extends to oceanic island streams. We examined rangewide mtDNA sequence variation in four stream‐dwelling species across the Hawaiian archipelago to characterize the relationship between colonization and demographic expansion, and to determine whether either factor reflects island age. We found that colonization and demographic expansion are not related and that neither corresponds to island age. The snail Neritina granosa exhibited the oldest colonization time (~2.713 mya) and time since demographic expansion (~282 kya), likely reflecting a preference for lotic habitats most prevalent on young islands. Conversely, gobioid fishes (Awaous stamineus, Eleotris sandwicensis and Sicyopterus stimpsoni) colonized the archipelago only ~0.411–0.935 mya, suggesting ecological opportunities for colonization in this group were temporally constrained. These findings indicate that stream communities form across colonization windows, underscoring the importance of ecological opportunities in shaping island freshwater diversity.
Risk stratification of patients with shoulder pain seen in physical therapy practice
Authors: Rodeghero Jason R , Cleland Joshua A , Mintken Paul E , Cook Chad E 
Published: June 2016

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesMusculoskeletal shoulder pain is commonly treated in physical therapy. There is inconsistency in the literature regarding patient characteristics related to prognosis. Having prognostic information could be useful for improving clinical efficiency and decreasing the cost of associated care. The objective of this study was to identify predictive characteristics related to patients with shoulder pain who have a high‐risk of a bad prognosis (lowest functional recovery compared with visit utilization) as well as those who are at low‐risk of a bad prognosis (highest functional recovery compared with visit utilization).MethodsWe completed a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort using data obtained from an existing commercial outcomes database. Data from 5214 patients with shoulder pain were analysed to determine predictive characteristics that identify patients who either have a low‐risk or a high‐risk of a bad prognosis to physical therapy care. Multinomial regression was used to identify significant patient characteristics predictive of treatment response.ResultsStatistically significant predictors of high‐risk categorization included older age, no surgical history, insurance designated as worker's compensation, litigation or automotive and three or more co‐morbidities. Predictors of low risk categorization were younger age, shorter duration of symptoms, no surgical history and payer type.ConclusionSelected variables were associated with both poor and good recovery. Further research on prognosis, efficacy of physical therapy care and cost appear warranted for patients with shoulder pain.
Mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium marinum in reared mullets: first evidence from Sardinia (Italy)
Authors: Antuofermo E , Pais A , Polinas M , Cubeddu T , Righetti M , Sanna M A , Prearo M 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMycobacterium marinum is a slow‐growing non‐tuberculous mycobacterium, and it is considered the most common aetiologic agent of mycobacteriosis in wild and cultured fish. The diagnosis is principally made by histology when positive Ziehl–Neelsen stain granulomas are detected. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of mycobacteriosis in extensively cultured Mugilidae of two lagoons (Cabras and San Teodoro) from Sardinia by the use of histology, microbiology, PCR and DNA sequencing. Nine of 106 mullets examined were affected by mycobacteriosis, and the spleen was the most affected organ. The histology detected higher rate (100%) of infection in spleen than the culture and PCR (75% and 62.5%, respectively). The sequencing of hsp65 gene identified M. marinum as the primary cause of mycobacteriosis in the mullets examined. Mullets affected by mycobacteriosis were mainly fished in the San Teodoro lagoon characterized by critical environmental conditions. Histology remains the most common method in detecting fish affected by mycobacteriosis, and PCR‐based methods are essential for species identification. Our finding are worthy of attention because mycobacteriosis caused by M. marinum in reared mullets was evidenced for the first time in Sardinia, suggesting that this disease may be underestimated also in other cultured fish species.
Effects of Processing and Storage Preservation Technologies on Nutritional Quality and Biological Activities of Edible Fungi: A Review
Authors: Xue Zhaohui , Hao Jingfeng , Yu Wancong , Kou Xiaohong 
Published: June 2016

AbstractConsumption of edible fungi, which are rich in nutritional and bioactive components, plays an important role in human health. A gradual decline in moisture, sensory properties, quality of edible fungi is observed after harvest. The recent studies on the changes of nutritional quality and biological activities of edible fungi during processing and postharvest storage have been summarized in this review. In addition, the study discusses the recycling of waster that is produced in processing. The action of bioactive components and their proposed mechanisms of action have also been discussed to accelerate the further exploration and utilization of edible fungi.Practical ApplicationsNutritional contents and bioactive components of edible fungi have a direct dependence on the type of processing and storage preservation technique used, which influences the chemical composition and commercial value of edible fungi. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the information described to date about the effects of processing and storage on edible fungi, to give further detailed guidance for obtaining a technological and economic alternative for use with edible fungi, with special emphasis on the various mechanisms potentially involved. It is clear that further scientific studies need incorporate these technologies into the value‐added edible fungi and edible fungi‐related products.
Outcomes of a community‐based weight management programme for morbidly obese populations
Authors: Nield L. , Kelly S. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundMorbid obesity is an ongoing concern worldwide. There is a paucity of research reporting primary care outcomes focussed on complex and morbidly obese populations. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends a specialist, multidisciplinary weight management team for the successful management of such populations. This is the first service evaluation reporting both primary (weight change) and secondary [body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, physical activity levels, fruit and vegetable intake, Rosenberg self‐esteem score] outcomes in these patients.MethodsThe present study comprised a prospective observational study of a cohort data set for patients (n = 288) attending their 3‐month and 6‐month (n = 115) assessment appointments at a specialist community weight management programme.ResultsPatients had a mean (SD) initial BMI of 45.5 (6.6) kg m–²; 66% were females. Over 80% of patients attending the service lost some weight by 3 months. Average absolute weight loss was 4.11 (4.95) kg at 3 months and 6.30 (8.41) kg at 6 months, equating to 3.28% (3.82%) and 4.90% (6.26%), respectively, demonstrating a statistically significant weight change at both time points (P < 0.001). This meets NICE best practice guidelines for the commissioning of services leading to a minimum of 3% average weight loss, with at least 30% of patients losing at ≥5% of their initial weight. Waist measurement and BMI were reduced significantly at 3 months. Improvements were also seen in physical activity levels, fruit and vegetable consumption, and self‐esteem levels (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThis service was successful in aiding weight loss in morbidly obese populations. The findings of the present study support the view that weight‐loss targets of 3% are realistic.
RLS3, a protein with AAA+ domain localized in chloroplast, sustains leaf longevity in rice
Authors: Lin Yanhui , Tan Lubin , Zhao Lei , Sun Xianyou , Sun Chuanqing 
Published: June 2016

AbstractLeaf senescence plays an important role in crop developmental processes that dramatically affect crop yield and grain quality. The genetic regulation of leaf senescence is complex, involving many metabolic and signaling pathways. Here, we identified a rapid leaf senescence 3 (rls3) mutant that displayed accelerated leaf senescence, shorter plant height and panicle length, and lower seed set rate than the wild type. Map‐based cloning revealed that RLS3 encodes a protein with AAA+ domain, localizing it to chloroplasts. Sequence analysis found that the rls3 gene had a single‐nucleotide substitution (G→A) at the splice site of the 10th intron/11th exon, resulting in the cleavage of the first nucleotide in 11th exon and premature termination of RLS3 protein translation. Using transmission electron microscope, the chloroplasts of the rls3 mutant were observed to degrade much faster than those of the wild type. The investigation of the leaf senescence process under dark incubation conditions further revealed that the rls3 mutant displayed rapid leaf senescence. Thus, the RLS3 gene plays key roles in sustaining the normal growth of rice, while loss of function in RLS3 leads to rapid leaf senescence. The identification of RLS3 will be helpful to elucidate the mechanisms involved in leaf senescence in rice.
Effect of dietary threonine on laying performance and intestinal immunity of laying hens fed low‐crude‐protein diets during the peak production period
Authors: Azzam M. M. M. , Dong X. Y. , Zou X. T. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThreonine (Thr) may be a limiting amino acid for laying hens fed diets with lowered protein level. An experiment was conducted to examine laying performance, and the intestinal immune function of laying hens provided diets varying in digestible Thr levels. Lohmann Brown laying hens (n = 480), 28 weeks of age, were allocated to six dietary treatments, each of which included five replicates of 16 hens. Dietary crude protein (CP) 16.18% diet was offered as the positive control diet. L‐Thr was added to the negative diet (14.16% CP) by 0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 g/kg, corresponding 0.44%, 0.43%, 0.49%, 0.57%, 0.66% and 0.74% digestible Thr. At 40 weeks, a reduction in CP level decreased laying performance (p < 0.05). In the low CP, increasing dietary Thr increased (p < 0.05) egg production and egg mass and rose to a plateau between 0.57% and 0.66%. The hens fed 0.66% Thr showed the lowest value (p < 0.05) of feed conversion ratio (FCR). Serum level of uric acid showed the lowest values (p < 0.05) at 0.57–0.66%. In addition, serum‐free Thr maximized (p < 0.05) between 0.66% and 0.74%. Digestive trypsin activity decreased (p < 0.05) when hens fed the low‐CP diet compared with hens fed CP (16.18%) and hens fed 0.57–0.66%. Expressions of ileal MUC2 mRNA maximized (p < 0.05) at 0.66% Thr. Occludin mRNA increased with increasing Thr level (p < 0.05). sIgA mRNA reached to the maximum level (p < 0.05) at 0.66% and 0.74% Thr. INF‐γ mRNA reached to the lowest level (p < 0.05) at 0.65%. Expressions of ileal IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐1β mRNA decreased with increasing Thr level (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Thr supplementation resulting in optimal laying performance and stimulated the mucosal immune system, suggesting that it is a limiting amino acid in the low‐crude‐protein diet of laying hens during the peak production period.
Circadian variation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 availability in the rat brain
Authors: Elmenhorst David , Mertens Kristina , Kroll Tina , Oskamp Angela , Ermert Johannes , Elmenhorst Eva‐Maria , Wedekind Franziska , Beer Simone , Coenen Heinz H. , Bauer Andreas 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThe metabotrophic subtype 5 glutamate receptor (mGluR5) plays a critical role in synaptic plasticity besides its involvement in numerous neurological disorders, such as depression. As mGluR5 availability in humans is altered in sleep deprivation, we hypothesized that mGluR5 availability underlies a circadian variation. To investigate whether mGluR5 underlies potential circadian changes we measured its density in a randomized fashion at six different daytimes in 11 adult Sprague–Dawley rats. mGluR5 density was quantified by positron emission tomography (PET) using the radioactive ligand [11C]ABP688. [11C]ABP688 uptake was quantified in nine regions of interest with a reference tissue model. Significant differences in the binding potential (BPND) and therefore mGluR5 availability between the different circadian times were found in cortex, cingulate cortex, amygdala, caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens. Further post‐hoc statistical analysis (Tukey–Kramer test) of the different time‐points revealed significant changes in BPND between 07:00 hours (start of light‐on phase) and 15:00 hours (last time‐point of the light‐on phase) in the caudate putamen. This study shows that mGluR5 availability is increased during the light‐on, or sleep phase, of rodents by approximately 10%. Given that altered mGluR5 densities play a role in psychiatric disorders, further investigation is warranted to evaluate their circadian involvement in mood changes in humans.
Small Artery Elastin Distribution and Architecture—Focus on Three Dimensional Organization
Authors: Hill Michael A. , Nourian Zahra , Ho I‐Lin , Clifford Philip S. , Martinez‐Lemus Luis , Meininger Gerald A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe distribution of ECM proteins within the walls of resistance vessels is complex both in variety of proteins and structural arrangement. In particular, elastin exists as discrete fibers varying in orientation across the adventitia and media as well as often resembling a sheet‐like structure in the case of the IEL. Adding to the complexity is the tissue heterogeneity that exists in these structural arrangements. For example, small intracranial cerebral arteries lack adventitial elastin while similar sized arteries from skeletal muscle and intestinal mesentery exhibit a complex adventitial network of elastin fibers. With regard to the IEL, several vascular beds exhibit an elastin sheet with punctate holes/fenestrae while in others the IEL is discontinuous and fibrous in appearance. Importantly, these structural patterns likely sub‐serve specific functional properties, including mechanosensing, control of external forces, mechanical properties of the vascular wall, cellular positioning, and communication between cells. Of further significance, these processes are altered in vascular disorders such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus where there is modification of ECM. This brief report focuses on the three‐dimensional wall structure of small arteries and considers possible implications with regard to mechanosensing under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Offshore and coastal common bottlenose dolphins of the western South Atlantic face‐to‐face: What the skull and the spine can tell us
Authors: Costa Ana P. B. , Rosel Patricia E. , Daura‐Jorge Fábio G. , Simões‐Lopes Paulo C. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe taxonomy of Tursiops truncatus in the western South Atlantic is not resolved. Two different hypotheses have been proposed: (1) offshore and coastal ecotypes with a parapatric distribution, and (2) two species, T. truncatus and T. gephyreus, living in sympatry. To test these hypotheses, we examined a total of 100 physically mature skulls and 35 vertebral columns from the suggested overlap zone in southern Brazil. In all skulls, 24 measurements, four alveoli counts and two categorical variables were analyzed. Vertebral formula was determined and five measurements were taken from selected vertebrae. Multivariate analyses were conducted for skull and vertebral data. Results revealed the presence of two well‐separated groups. Specimens of Group1 had smaller skulls and shorter body lengths, but more vertebrae, than Group2. The morphological characteristics of each group corresponded well with two ecotypes of common bottlenose dolphins reported in other ocean basins. Therefore, we assigned the specimens of Group1 to the offshore ecotype, and Group2 to the coastal ecotype. Differences in the geographic locations and ratio of strandings supported the parapatric hypothesis. The significant morphological differentiation observed suggests the presence of different subspecies, but an additional independent line of evidence is needed to hypothesize whether they represent different species.
An engineered promoter driving expression of a microbial avirulence gene confers recognition of TAL effectors and reduces growth of diverse Xanthomonas strains in citrus
Authors: Shantharaj Deepak , Römer Patrick , Figueiredo Jose F. L. , Minsavage Gerald V. , Krönauer Christina , Stall Robert E. , Moore Gloria A. , Fisher Latanya C. , Hu Yang , Horvath Diana M. , Lahaye Thomas , Jones Jeffrey B. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryXanthomonas citri ssp. citri (X. citri), causal agent of citrus canker, uses transcription activator‐like effectors (TALEs) as major pathogenicity factors. TALEs, which are delivered into plant cells through the type III secretion system (T3SS), interact with effector binding elements (EBEs) in host genomes to activate the expression of downstream susceptibility genes to promote disease. Predictably, TALEs bind EBEs in host promoters via known combinations of TALE amino acids to DNA bases, known as the TALE code. We introduced 14 EBEs, matching distinct X. citri TALEs, into the promoter of the pepper Bs3 gene (ProBs31EBE), and fused this engineered promoter with multiple EBEs (ProBs314EBE) to either the β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene or the coding sequence (cds) of the pepper gene, Bs3. TALE‐induced expression of the Bs3 cds in citrus leaves resulted in no visible hypersensitive response (HR). Therefore, we utilized a different approach in which ProBs31EBE and ProBs314EBE were fused to the Xanthomonas gene, avrGf1, which encodes a bacterial effector that elicits an HR in grapefruit and sweet orange. We demonstrated, in transient assays, that activation of ProBs314EBE by X. citri TALEs is T3SS dependent, and that the expression of AvrGf1 triggers HR and correlates with reduced bacterial growth. We further demonstrated that all tested virulent X. citri strains from diverse geographical locations activate ProBs314EBE. TALEs are essential for the virulence of X. citri strains and, because the engineered promoter traps are activated by multiple TALEs, this concept has the potential to confer broad‐spectrum, durable resistance to citrus canker in stably transformed plants.