bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin enhances neural stem cell differentiation and engraftment by increasing mitochondrial function
Authors: Mendivil‐Perez Miguel , Soto‐Mercado Viviana , Guerra‐Librero Ana , Fernandez‐Gil Beatriz I. , Florido Javier , Shen Ying‐Qiang , Tejada Miguel A. , Capilla‐Gonzalez Vivian , Rusanova Iryna , Garcia‐Verdugo José M. , Acuña‐Castroviejo Darío , López Luis Carlos , Velez‐Pardo Carlos , Jimenez‐Del‐Rio Marlene , Ferrer José M. , Escames Germaine 
Published: April 2017

AbstractNeural stem cells (NSCs) are regarded as a promising therapeutic approach to protecting and restoring damaged neurons in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease (PD and AD, respectively). However, new research suggests that NSC differentiation is required to make this strategy effective. Several studies have demonstrated that melatonin increases mature neuronal markers, which reflects NSC differentiation into neurons. Nevertheless, the possible involvement of mitochondria in the effects of melatonin during NSC differentiation has not yet been fully established. We therefore tested the impact of melatonin on NSC proliferation and differentiation in an attempt to determine whether these actions depend on modulating mitochondrial activity. We measured proliferation and differentiation markers, mitochondrial structural and functional parameters as well as oxidative stress indicators and also evaluated cell transplant engraftment. This enabled us to show that melatonin (25 μM) induces NSC differentiation into oligodendrocytes and neurons. These effects depend on increased mitochondrial mass/DNA/complexes, mitochondrial respiration, and membrane potential as well as ATP synthesis in NSCs. It is also interesting to note that melatonin prevented oxidative stress caused by high levels of mitochondrial activity. Finally, we found that melatonin enriches NSC engraftment in the ND mouse model following transplantation. We concluded that a combined therapy involving transplantation of NSCs pretreated with pharmacological doses of melatonin could efficiently restore neuronal cell populations in PD and AD mouse models depending on mitochondrial activity promotion.
Direct‐acting antiviral therapy decreases hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence rate in cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Virlogeux Victor , Pradat Pierre , Hartig‐Lavie Kerstin , Bailly François , Maynard Marianne , Ouziel Guillaume , Poinsot Domitille , Lebossé Fanny , Ecochard Marie , Radenne Sylvie , Benmakhlouf Samir , Koffi Joseph , Lack Philippe , Scholtes Caroline , Uhres Anne‐Claire , Ducerf Christian , Mabrut Jean‐Yves , Rode Agnès , Levrero Massimo , Combet Christophe , Merle Philippe , Zoulim Fabien 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackground and AimsArrival of direct‐acting antiviral agents against hepatitis C virus with high‐sustained virological response rates and very few side effects has drastically changed the management of hepatitis C virus infection. The impact of direct‐acting antiviral exposure on hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after a first remission in patients with advanced fibrosis remains to be clarified.Methods68 consecutive hepatitis C virus patients with a first hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and under remission, subsequently treated or not with a direct‐acting antiviral combination, were included. Clinical, biological and virological data were collected at first hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis, at remission and during the surveillance period.ResultsAll patients were cirrhotic. Median age was 62 years and 76% of patients were male. Twenty‐three patients (34%) were treated with direct‐acting antivirals and 96% of them achieved sustained virological response. Median time between hepatocellular carcinoma remission and direct‐acting antivirals initiation was 7.2 months (IQR: 3.6‐13.5; range: 0.3‐71.4) and median time between direct‐acting antivirals start and hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence was 13.0 months (IQR: 9.2‐19.6; range: 3.0‐24.7). Recurrence rate was 1.7/100 person‐months among treated patients vs 4.2/100 person‐months among untreated patients (P=.008). In multivariate survival analysis, the hazard ratio for hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after direct‐acting antivirals exposure was 0.24 (95% confidence interval: 0.10–0.55; P<.001).ConclusionsHepatocellular carcinoma recurrence rate was significantly lower among patients treated with direct‐acting antivirals compared with untreated patients. Given the potential impact of our observation, large‐scale prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these results.
Genetic differentiation of the soft shore barnacle Fistulobalanus albicostatus (Cirripedia: Thoracica: Balanomorpha) in the West Pacific
Authors: Chang Yen Wei , Chan Joanna S. M. , Hayashi Ryota , Shuto Takuho , Tsang Ling Ming , Chu Ka Hou , Chan Benny K. K. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis study examined the phylogeography of the barnacle Fistulobalanus albicostatus, which inhabits mangroves and estuarine shores in the West Pacific. Differentiation in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 12S ribosomal RNA (12S) genes of 401 specimens of F. albicostatus was examined in samples from 16 locations in the West Pacific, ranging from Honshu to Southern China. Our results revealed that F. albicostatus comprises two major clades exhibiting a COI divergence ranging from 1.25% to 2.8%. Clade A demonstrated the widest distribution, ranging from Japan to China, and was divided into three subclades occurring in the South China Sea (A1), Okinawa (A2), and Honshu, Korea and Qingdao (A3). Clade B was determined to be endemic to Okinawa; i.e. two endemic lineages occur in this island. Thus, F. albicostatus resembles several inter‐tidal species in having clades that are endemic to Okinawan waters. Nevertheless, in contrast to the rocky inter‐tidal barnacles Tetraclita spp. and Chthamalus malayensis, F. albicostatus was not found to be separated into continental and oceanic populations, but instead is divided into northern and southern clades, probably because of the Yangtze River discharge, which limits gene flow between the northern and southern populations.
Biofilm dispersal: multiple elaborate strategies for dissemination of bacteria with unique properties
Authors: Guilhen Cyril , Forestier Christiane , Balestrino Damien 
Published: April 2017

SummaryIn most environments, microorganisms evolve in a sessile mode of growth, designated as biofilm, which is characterized by cells embedded in a self‐produced extracellular matrix. Although a biofilm is commonly described as a “cozy house” where resident bacteria are protected from aggression, bacteria are able to break their biofilm bonds and escape to colonize new environments. This regulated process is observed in a wide variety of species; it is referred to as biofilm dispersal, and is triggered in response to various environmental and biological signals. The first part of this review reports the main regulatory mechanisms and effectors involved in biofilm dispersal. There is some evidence that dispersal is a necessary step between the persistence of bacteria inside biofilm and their dissemination. In the second part, an overview of the main methods used so far to study the dispersal process and to harvest dispersed bacteria was provided. Then focus was on the properties of the biofilm‐dispersed bacteria and the fundamental role of the dispersal process in pathogen dissemination within a host organism. In light of the current body of knowledge, it was suggested that dispersal acts as a potent means of disseminating bacteria with enhanced colonization properties in the surrounding environment.
Oral paracoccidioidomycosis: Retrospective analysis of 55 Brazilian patients
Authors: Trindade Aline Heloísa , Meira Henrique Côrtes , Pereira Igor Figueiredo , de Lacerda Julio César Tanos , de Mesquita Ricardo Alves , Santos Vagner Rodrigues 
Published: April 2017

SummaryParacoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a rare fungal infection in the world, but endemic and acquired exclusively in Latin America, with the highest prevalence in South America and Brazil, particularly. Changes in oral cavity are common and constitute the first clinical manifestation in many patients. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of oral PCM and analyse the profile of the disease and patients. Retrospective research, consisting of information present in the medical records in the period 1998‐2015, whose histopathological diagnosis was oral PCM. Fifty‐five oral PCM cases were confirmed. Of these patients, 90.9% were males and 9.1% were females. The average age was 49.66 years and the most reported occupation was rural workers. The painful symptomatology was present in 61.82% of patients. Erythematous lesions were predominant in 73% of them. In single lesions (22 cases), the most common locations were jugal mucosa and tongue. In multiple involvement (30 cases), the most affected regions were lips, jugal mucosa and alveolar ridge. Epidemiology of PCM, was similar to several other studies, especially in Brazil. This is the most important fungal infection in Latin America and the recognition of oral lesions is extremely important, as is often the first and in many cases the only manifestation of the disease.
Early life antibiotic use and the risk of asthma and asthma exacerbations in children
Authors: Ahmadizar Fariba , Vijverberg Susanne J. H. , Arets Hubertus G. M. , de Boer Anthonius , Turner Steve , Devereux Graham , Arabkhazaeli Ali , Soares Patricia , Mukhopadhyay Somnath , Garssen Johan , Palmer Colin N. A. , de Jongste Johan C. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Duijts Liesbeth , van Meel Evelien R. , Kraneveld Aletta D. , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke H. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe use of antibiotic therapy early in life might influence the risk of developing asthma. Studies assessing the influence of early life antibiotic use on the risk of asthma exacerbations are limited, and the results are inconsistent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the association between use of antibiotic during the first 3 years of life and the risk of developing childhood asthma and the occurrence of asthma exacerbations.MethodsData from four large childhood cohorts were used; two population‐based cohorts to study the risk of developing asthma: Generation R (n=7393, The Netherlands) and SEATON (n=891, Scotland, UK), and two asthma cohorts to assess the risk of asthma exacerbations: PACMAN (n=668, The Netherlands) and BREATHE (n=806, Scotland, UK). Odds ratios (ORs) were derived from logistic regression analysis within each database followed by pooling the results using a fixed‐ or random‐effect model.ResultsAntibiotic use in early life was associated with an increased risk of asthma in a meta‐analysis of the Generation R and SEATON data (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.04‐4.60; I2: 76.3%). There was no association between antibiotic use in early life and risk of asthma exacerbations later in life in a meta‐analysis of the PACMAN and BREATHE data (OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.65‐1.32; I2: 0.0%).ConclusionChildren treated with antibiotic in the first 3 years of life are more likely to develop asthma, but there is no evidence that the exposure to antibiotic is associated with increased risk of asthma exacerbations.
Febrile status epilepticus due to respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Uda Kazuhiro , Kitazawa Katsuhiko 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundFebrile status epilepticus can have neurological sequelae. The type of sequelae, however, depend on the etiology, including infection due to viral agents such as the influenza virus. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in childhood may also contribute to this. The aim of this study was therefore to characterize febrile status epilepticus associated with RSV infection, and to determine whether this type of infection is a risk factor for neurological sequelae in febrile status epilepticus.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of children aged ≤3 years with febrile status epilepticus who were admitted to a tertiary hospital between January 2007 and December 2011. The differences between the RSV‐positive and RSV‐negative groups were evaluated according to the demographic and clinical data.ResultsA total of 99 patients with febrile status epilepticus who had been tested for RSV infection were identified. Three patients in the RSV‐positive group (n = 19) and four in the RSV‐negative group (n = 80) presented with bronchiolitis. The incidence of intubation and anti‐seizure drug treatment in the RSV‐positive group was significantly higher than in the ‐negative group. While all of the patients in the RSV‐negative group recovered completely, six patients in the RSV‐positive group developed encephalopathy and profound neurological sequelae. In five of the six patients, diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed subcortical white matter lesions.ConclusionsRSV infection in the absence of bronchiolitis can initially present as febrile status epilepticus and subsequently develop into acute encephalopathy with profound neurological sequelae.
Surplus liquidity, central bank losses and the use of reserve requirements in emerging markets
Authors: Hoffmann Andreas , Loeffler Axel 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSince the turn of the millennium, stocks of foreign reserves held by central banks in many emerging markets and developing countries have exceeded currency in circulation. To steer money market rates, these central banks have been absorbing liquidity from, rather than providing it to, the banking sector in their regular monetary policy operations. When interest rates in countries with major reserve currencies are low, the yield on foreign reserves is low. A higher interest rate on liquidity‐absorbing operations may expose central banks to losses. Although a central bank is not a profit‐maximizing institution, central bank losses can undermine the independence of the central bank. Using data for a large panel of central banks, this paper provides some evidence that central banks tend to apply low‐remunerated reserve requirements when profitability is at stake.
Good Moral Judgment and Decision‐Making Without Deliberation
Authors: Ferrin Asia 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIt is widely accepted in psychology and cognitive science that there are two “systems” in the mind: one system (System 1) is characterized as quick, intuitive, perceptive, and perhaps more primitive, while the other (System 2) is described as slower, more deliberative, and responsible for our higher‐order cognition. I use the term “reflectivism” to capture the view that conscious reflection—in the “System 2” sense—is a necessary feature of good moral judgment and decision‐making. This is not to suggest that System 2 must operate alone in forming our moral decisions, but that it plays a normatively ineliminable role. In this paper, I discuss arguments that have been offered in defense of reflectivism. These arguments fit into two broad categories; let us think of them as two sides of a coin. On the first side are arguments about the efficaciousness of conscious reasoning—for example, without conscious deliberation we will make bad moral judgments and decisions. On the other side of the coin are arguments about the centrality of conscious deliberation to normative actions—for example, without conscious deliberation we are no more agential than animals or automatons. Despite their attractiveness, I argue that these arguments do not successfully establish that reflection is a necessary component of good moral judgment and decision‐making. If I am right, the idea that good moral judgment and decision‐making can result from entirely automatic and subconscious processes gains traction. My goal in this paper is to show that reflectivism fails to include the full range of cases of moral decision‐making and that a theory of automaticity may do a better job. I briefly discuss at the end of the paper how an account of successful automatic moral judgment and decision‐making might begin to take shape.
Quine on the Nature of Naturalism
Authors: Verhaegh Sander 
Published: April 2017

AbstractQuine's metaphilosophical naturalism is often dismissed as overly “scientistic.” Many contemporary naturalists reject Quine's idea that epistemology should become a “chapter of psychology” (1969a, 83) and urge for a more “liberal,” “pluralistic,” and/or “open‐minded” naturalism instead. Still, whenever Quine explicitly reflects on the nature of his naturalism, he always insists that his position is modest and that he does not “think of philosophy as part of natural science” (1993, 10). Analyzing this tension, Susan Haack has argued that Quine's naturalism contains a “deep‐seated and significant ambivalence” (1993a, 353). In this paper, I argue that a more charitable interpretation is possible—a reading that does justice to Quine's own pronouncements on the issue. I reconstruct Quine's position and argue (i) that Haack and Quine, in their exchanges, have been talking past each other and (ii) that once this mutual misunderstanding is cleared up, Quine's naturalism turns out to be more modest, and hence less scientistic, than many contemporary naturalists have presupposed. I show that Quine's naturalism is first and foremost a rejection of the transcendental. It is only after adopting a broadly science‐immanent perspective that Quine, in regimenting our language, starts making choices that many contemporary philosophers have argued to be unduly restrictive.
High clinical suspicion of donor‐derived disease leads to timely recognition and early intervention to treat solid organ transplant‐transmitted lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
Authors: Mathur Gagan , Yadav Kunal , Ford Bradley , Schafer Ilana J. , Basavaraju Sridhar V. , Knust Barbara , Shieh Wun‐Ju , Hill Sam , Locke Garret D. , Quinlisk Patricia , Brown Shelley , Gibbons Ardith , Cannon Deborah , Kuehnert Matthew , Nichol Stuart T. , Rollin Pierre E. , Ströher Ute , Miller Rachel 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDespite careful donor screening, unexpected donor‐derived infections continue to occur in organ transplant recipients (OTRs). Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is one such transplant‐transmitted infection that in previous reports has resulted in a high mortality among the affected OTRs. We report a LCMV case cluster that occurred 3 weeks post‐transplant in three OTRs who received allografts from a common organ donor in March 2013. Following confirmation of LCMV infection at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, immunosuppression was promptly reduced and ribavirin and/or intravenous immunoglobulin therapy were initiated in OTRs. The liver recipient died, but right kidney recipients survived without significant sequelae and left kidney recipient survived acute LCMV infection with residual mental status deficit. Our series highlights how early recognition led to prompt therapeutic intervention, which may have contributed to more favorable outcome in the kidney transplant recipients.
Early clinical xenotransplantation experiences—An interview with Thomas E. Starzl, MD, PhD
Authors: Cooper David K. C. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDr Thomas E. Starzl, who died on March 4, 2017, was one of the great pioneers of organ transplantation. He was also a pioneer in the field of xenotransplantation. In 1964, he carried out baboon kidney transplants in six patients with terminal renal disease for whom no living or deceased donor became available; graft survival was for 19‐60 days, the grafts being lost largely through continuous complement activation. Between 1966 and 1974, he carried out one ex vivo liver perfusion and three orthotopic liver transplants using chimpanzees as sources of organs; graft survival was for <14 days. In 1992 and 1993, his team carried out baboon liver transplantation in two patients with cirrhosis from hepatitis B infection; graft survival was for 70 and 26 days, respectively. This early clinical experience is briefly discussed. Toward the end of his life, Dr Starzl was somewhat disillusioned by what he considered excessive regulation of medical research in the United States and believed that new advances were now likely to take place in countries such as China, where the regulatory framework is less developed.
Impact of Lifestyle Strategies on Longer-Term Physical Activity and Weight
Authors: Lott Margaret P. , Kriska Andrea , Barinas-Mitchell Emma , Wang Li , Storti Kristi , Winger Daniel G. , Conroy Molly B. 
Published: April 2017

Background:Lifestyle interventions promote increased physical activity (PA) and weight loss; however, relapse to sedentary behavior and weight regain are common.Methods:We analyzed baseline and 24-month data from participants in the Slow the Adverse Vascular Effects (SAVE) study. SAVE included an 18-month behavioral intervention. At 24 months, participants completed a survey about lifestyle strategies used in past 6 months. PA levels were assessed with the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire. We compared change in weight, BMI, and PA from baseline to 24 months by use of strategies vs. no use.Results:214 participants (61%) completed 24-month visit. 74% were female and 86% were white. At 24 months, 65% used self-monitoring, 67% group/commercial support, 94% other behavioral skills, and 27% used professional support within past 6 months. At 24 months, participants who used self-monitoring (5.2 vs. –0.8 MET-hr/wk; P = .001) and group/commercial support (4.3 vs. 0 MET-hrs/wk; P = .01) had greater PA increases compared with those who did not use strategies. Participants who used other behavioral strategies had a significantly greater percent decrease in weight than those who did not.Conclusions:Of the lifestyle strategies used following intervention, self-monitoring and group/commercial support may be particularly important in longer-term PA levels.
Results From the First French Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents
Authors: Aucouturier Julien , Ganière Caroline , Aubert Salomé , Riviere Fabien , Praznoczy Corinne , Vuillemin Anne , Tremblay Mark S , Duclos Martine , Thivel David 
Published: April 2017

Background:Many countries publish periodic Report Cards on physical activity for children and youth. This paper presents the results from the first French Report Card providing a systematic synthesis and assessment of the national engagements to facilitate childhood physical activity.Methods:A search for nationally representative data on 8 indicators of physical activity was conducted and the data were assessed by an expert panel according to international procedures. Whether children across France are achieving specific benchmarks was rated using an established grading framework [A, B, C, D, F, or INC (incomplete)]. Data were interpreted, grades assigned and detailed in the 2016 Report Card that was produced and disseminated.Results:The expert panel awarded the following grades: Overall Physical Activity: INC; Organized Sport Participation: D; Active Transportation: D; Sedentary Behaviors: D; Family and Peers: INC; School: B; Community and the Built Environment: INC; Government Strategies and Investment: INC.Conclusions:The grades reveal that efforts must be done to improve youth’s physical activity and that several gaps in the literature still need to be addressed. Collectively the results highlight that children’s physical activity levels are low and that further national supports and investments are needed to promote childhood healthy active living in France.