bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between cortisol reactivity to psychosocial stress and declarative memory decline during aging: Impact of age and sex
Authors: dos Santos Aline Talita , Leyendecker Dayse Maria D. , Costa Ana Lucia Siqueira , de Souza‐Talarico Juliana Nery 
Published: August 2017

AimTo analyze the relationship between memory performance and the neuroendocrine and cardiovascular response to acute psychosocial stress in healthy older people, and the sex and age impact in this relationship.MethodsWe randomly selected 100 literate older adults, without cognitive or functional impairment. The neuroendocrine stress response was evaluated by measuring the concentration of salivary cortisol, whereas cardiovascular reactions were determined based on blood pressure and heart rate measures taken before, during and after participant exposure to an acute psychosocial stressor (the Trier social stress test [TSST]). Memory performance was evaluated by applying the word pairs test before and after the TSST.ResultsA significant reduction in the word pair test scores was observed after the TSST, and a negative correlation between cortisol concentration and immediate and delayed recall of the word pair. Cortisol concentration associated with age, sex and education explained memory performance variability before and after the TSST.ConclusionsThe results showed that the influence of acute stress on memory performance during aging might vary according to age and sex, highlighting potential differences in the vulnerability of older individuals to the neurotoxic effects of stress exposure on memory and consequently on the development of cognitive disorders. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 169–176.
Interdependence of physical inactivity, loss of muscle mass and low dietary intake: Extrapulmonary manifestations in older chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Yoshimura Kazuya , Sato Susumu , Muro Shigeo , Yamada Minoru , Hasegawa Koichi , Kiyokawa Hirofumi , Mishima Michiaki , Aoyama Tomoki 
Published: August 2017

AimExtrapulmonary manifestations, such as reductions in skeletal muscle and physical inactivity, are important clinical features of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and might depend on the severity of COPD. As it is still unclear whether the relationship between muscle loss and physical inactivity is dominated by a disease‐specific relationship or caused by patient factors, including physiological aging, we aimed to investigate the pulmonary or extrapulmonary factors associated with physical inactivity among older COPD patients.MethodsA total of 38 older male COPD patients (aged ≥65 years) were enrolled, and were evaluated cross‐sectionally. Skeletal muscle mass was measured using bioelectrical impedance, and physical activity and energy intake were recorded for 2 weeks using a pedometer and diary.ResultsDaily step counts were successfully evaluated in 28 participants (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s [%predicted; %FEV1]; 49.5%), and ranged widely. The mean step counts was 5166 steps/day, and found to have a significant relationship with dyspnea (r = −0.46), diffusing capacity (r = 0.47), %FEV1 (r = 0.44), skeletal muscle index (r = 0.59) and total dietary intake (r = 0.47), but not with age (P = 0.14). A stepwise multivariate analysis showed that the skeletal muscle index (β = 0.50) and total dietary intake (β = 0.35) were significant determinants of the daily step count (R2 = 0.46, p < 0.01).ConclusionsAlthough various pulmonary factors are associated with daily physical activity, skeletal muscle mass and dietary intake are more closely correlated with physical activity in COPD patients. Because physical inactivity might be the strongest predictor of prognosis, the present results suggest that a comprehensive treatment strategy must be considered for older COPD patients to improve their extrapulmonary manifestations and pulmonary dysfunction. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 88–94.
The construct of maternal positivity in mothers of children with intellectual disability
Authors: Jess M. , Hastings R. P. , Totsika V. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundDespite the elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depression reported by mothers of children with intellectual disabilities (ID), these mothers also experience positive well‐being and describe positive perceptions of their child. To date, maternal positivity has been operationalised in different ways by using a variety of measures. In the present study, we tested whether a latent construct of maternal positivity could be derived from different measures of positivity.MethodOne hundred and thirty‐five mothers of 89 boys and 46 girls with ID between 3 and 18 years of age completed measures on parental self‐efficacy, their satisfaction with life, family satisfaction, their positive affect and their positive perceptions of their child with ID. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis of latent positivity and subsequently tested its association with child social skills and behaviour problems, and maternal mental health.ResultsA latent maternal positivity factor achieved a statistically good fit by using the five observed indicators of positivity. Parental self‐efficacy had the strongest loading on the latent factor. Maternal positivity was significantly negatively associated with maternal psychological distress, maternal stress and child problem behaviours and positively associated with child positive social behaviour.ConclusionsThese findings lend support to the importance of examining parental positivity in families raising a child with ID, and using multiple indicators of positivity. Associations with negative psychological outcomes suggest that interventions focused on increasing parental positivity may have beneficial effects for parents. Further research is needed, especially in relation to such interventions.
Relating appendicular skeletal variation of sigmodontine rodents to locomotion modes in a phylogenetic context
Authors: Carvalho Coutinho Ludmilla , Alves de Oliveira João 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSigmodontinae rodents constitute the second‐largest subfamily among mammals. Alongside the taxonomic diversity, they are also ecologically diverse, exhibiting a wide array of locomotion modes, with semifossorial, terrestrial, semiaquatic, scansorial, arboreal, and saltatorial forms. To understand the ecomorphologic aspects that allow these rodents to display such locomotion diversity, we analyzed 35 qualitative characters of the appendicular skeleton (humerus, ulna, radius, scapula, femur, tibia, ilium, ischium and pubis) in 795 specimens belonging to 64 species, 34 genera and 10 tribes, representing all locomotion modes assigned to this subfamily. We performed a statistical analysis based upon the coefficient of trait differentiation to test the congruence of character states and the different locomotion modes. We also mapped characters states in a molecular phylogeny in order to reconstruct ancestral states and to evaluate how appendicular characters evolved within main lineages of Sigmodontinae radiation under a phylogenetic framework. The statistical analyses revealed six characters related to specific locomotion modes, except terrestrial. The mapping and parsimony ancestral states reconstruction identified two characters with phylogenetical signal and eight characters that are exclusively or more frequently recorded in certain modes of locomotion, four of them also detected by the statistical analysis. Notwithstanding the documented morphological variation, few changes characterize the transition to each of the locomotion modes, at least regarding the appendicular skeleton. This finding corroborates previous results that showed that sigmodontines exhibit an all‐purpose appendicular morphology that allows them to use and explore a great variety of habitats.
Archosauriform endocranial morphology and osteological evidence for semiaquatic sensory adaptations in phytosaurs
Authors: Lessner Emily J. , Stocker Michelle R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe examination of endocranial data of archosauriforms has led to advances on the evolution of body size, nerve pathways, and sensory abilities. However, much of that research has focused on bird‐line archosaurs, resulting in a skewed view of Archosauria. Phytosauria, a hypothesized sister taxon to or early‐branching member of Archosauria, provides a potential outgroup condition. Most previous phytosaur endocranial studies were executed without the use of modern technology and focused on derived members of Phytosauria. We present a comparative CT examination of the internal cranial anatomy of Wannia scurriensis, the most basal known parasuchid phytosaur. Wannia scurriensis shows some overall similarity with extant crocodylians and derived phytosaurs in general endocranial shape, a large hypophyseal fossa, and trigeminal (CN V) innervation, but as a whole, the endocast has noticeable differences to crocodylians and other phytosaurs. The pineal region is expanded dorsally as in other phytosaurs but also laterally (previously unrecognized). CN V exits the pons in a more dorsal position than in Parasuchus hislopi, Machaeroprosopus mccauleyi, or Smilosuchus gregorii. Wannia scurriensis also exhibits a larger hypophyseal fossa relative to brain size than observed in P. hislopi or S. gregorii, which may indicate more rapid growth. The well‐preserved semicircular canals have lateral canals that are angled more anteroventrally than in derived phytosaurs. Extensive facial innervation from the large CN V indicates increased rostrum sensitivity and mechanoreceptive abilities as in Alligator mississippiensis. These endocranial similarities among phytosaurs and with Alligator indicate conserved ecological and functional results of an aquatic lifestyle, and highlight a need for further exploration of endocranial anatomy among Archosauriformes.
Patient interest in and familiarity with anti‐aging therapies: A survey of the general dermatology clinic population
Authors: Darland Allison M , Chubb Heather A , Sachs Dana L , Helfrich Yolanda R 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe appearance of aging skin is a common complaint among dermatology patients. There is an expanding market for anti‐aging therapies, but little information is available regarding which patients utilize these treatments and patient preferences regarding treatment.AimsTo describe the patient population utilizing anti‐aging therapies, assess patient familiarity with treatment options, and learn where treatment information is most often obtained.Patients/MethodsThree hundred patients were surveyed in the University of Michigan General Dermatology Clinic.ResultsFifty‐three percent of the general dermatology patient population has used an anti‐aging treatment in the past; 66% reported interest in the future use. Interest is high among all genders, ages, and incomes. Most subjects obtained treatment information from magazines, but subjects were more likely to pursue treatment if information was obtained from a dermatologist.ConclusionDemographics of anti‐aging therapy are changing, and a wide variety of patients pursue treatment. Patients are largely unfamiliar with most treatment options and are more likely to pursue treatment after receiving treatment information from a dermatologist. The information presented in this study is helpful to both dermatologists and marketers of anti‐aging products.
Immune response of patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis challenged with a symbiotic
Authors: Mimura Maria Angela Martins , Borra Ricardo Carneiro , Hirata Cleonice Hitomi Watashi , de Oliveira Penido Norma 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundThere are indications that Th1 polarization of immune response plays an important role in the pathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), and that the use of probiotics can stimulate immune regulatory activity, influencing the course of the disease. The aim of this study was to characterize the initial immune profile of RAS patients and evaluate clinical and serological response following a challenge with symbiotic treatment containing fructooligosaccharide, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium.MethodsThe immune responses of the 45 patients with RAS, submitted to symbiotic or placebo for 120 days, in relation to 30 RAS‐free controls, were evaluated over a period of 6 months. Peripheral blood was collected from all patients at 0 (T0), 120 (T4), and 180 days (T6) after the start of treatment and Th1 (IL12‐p70, IFN‐γ), Th2 (IL‐4), Treg (IL‐10), Th17 (IL‐17A), inflammatory (TNF‐α, IL‐6)‐associated cytokines, and clinical parameters were quantified.ResultsAt T0, significant differences were found in the serological levels of the IFN‐γ, IL‐4, and IL‐6 cytokines of the RAS patients in comparison with the controls. It was observed that the cytokine profile of the RAS group was comprised of 2 distinct clusters: a pure Th2 and a Mixed (Th1/Th2) subtype and that symbiotic treatment induced an improvement in pain and an increase in IFN‐γ levels, producing a reduction in Th2 response.ConclusionsIn RAS, symbiotic treatment based on a fructooligosaccharide, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium composition produced an alteration in the Th2 serological immune profile in the direction of Th1 and improved pain symptomatology.
Genistein exerts potent antitumour effects alongside anaesthetic, propofol, by suppressing cell proliferation and nuclear factor-κB-mediated signalling and through upregulating microRNA-218 expression in an intracranial rat brain tumour model
Authors: Zheng Yuzhen , Liu Haigen , Liang Yu 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Objective
This study was implemented to evaluate the effect of genistein and propofol on intracranial tumour model.

Methods
Male Fischer 344 rats were subjected to intracranial implantation of 9L gliosarcoma cells. Genistein (100 or 200 mg/kg b.wt) was administered orally regularly from 3rd day after implantation to 25th day. Propofol (20 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered once every 5 days till 25th day and was administered 2 h after genistein.

Key findings
Human gliosarcoma cells (U251) exposed to genistein (12.5–200 μg) for 24 h exhibited reduced cell viability as assessed by MTT assay and Hoechst staining. In intracranial tumour model, genistein treatment either with or without administration of propofol significantly reduced tumour volume and extended survival time of tumour-bearing rats. Genistein, either alone or with propofol upregulated pro-apoptotic proteins (Bad and Bax) and miRNA-218 expression and also had induced activation of cleaved caspase-3. Activated NF-κB signalling and overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) were reduced.

Conclusions
Genistein and propofol effectively inhibited growth of gliosarcoma cells and induced apoptosis. Genistein administration with propofol was found to be more effective than propofol or genistein alone suggesting the positive effects of genistein on propofol-mediated antitumour effects and vice versa.
Maternal administration of melatonin exerts short‐ and long‐term neuroprotective effects on the offspring from lipopolysaccharide‐treated mice
Authors: Domínguez Rubio Ana Paula , Correa Fernando , Aisemberg Julieta , Dorfman Damián , Bariani María Victoria , Rosenstein Ruth Estela , Zorrilla Zubilete María , Franchi Ana María 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPreterm birth is a major contributor to early and delayed physical and cognitive impairment. Epidemiological and experimental data indicate that maternal infections are a significant and preventable cause of preterm birth. Recently, melatonin has been suggested to exert neuroprotective effects in several models of brain injury. Here, we sought to investigate whether the administration of melatonin is able to prevent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced fetal brain damage in a model of LPS‐induced preterm labor. For this purpose, 15‐day pregnant BALB/c mice received intraperitoneally 2 doses of LPS or vehicle: the first one at 10:00 hours (0.26 mg/kg) and the second at 13:00 hours (0.52 mg/kg). On day 14 of pregnancy, a group of mice was subcutaneously implanted with a pellet of 25 mg melatonin. This experimental protocol resulted in 100% of preterm birth and pup death in the LPS group and a 50% of term birth and pup survival in the melatonin + LPS group. In the absence of melatonin, fetuses from LPS‐treated mothers showed histological signs of brain damage, microglial/macrophage activation, and higher levels of IL‐1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and neuronal NOS mRNAs as well as increased histone acetyltransferase activity and histone H3 hyperacetylation. In contrast, antenatal administration of melatonin prevented LPS‐induced fetal brain damage. Moreover, when behavioral traits were analyzed in the offspring from control, melatonin, and melatonin + LPS, no significant differences were found, suggesting that melatonin prevented LPS‐induced long‐term neurodevelopmental impairments. Collectively, our results suggest that melatonin could be a new therapeutic tool to prevent fetal brain damage and its long‐term consequences induced by maternal inflammation.
Melatonin ameliorates hypoglycemic stress‐induced brain endothelial tight junction injury by inhibiting protein nitration of TP53‐induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator
Authors: Wang Cheng‐kun , Ahmed Muhammad Masood , Jiang Quan , Lu Nan‐nan , Tan Chao , Gao Yin‐ping , Mahmood Qaisar , Chen Dan‐yang , Fukunaga Kohji , Li Mei , Chen Zhong , Wilcox Christopher S. , Lu Ying‐mei , Qin Zheng‐hong , Han Feng 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSevere hypoglycemia has a detrimental impact on the cerebrovasculature, but the molecular events that lead to the disruption of the integrity of the tight junctions remain unclear. Here, we report that the microvessel integrity was dramatically compromised (59.41% of wild‐type mice) in TP53‐induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) transgenic mice stressed by hypoglycemia. Melatonin, a potent antioxidant, protects against hypoglycemic stress‐induced brain endothelial tight junction injury in the dosage of 400 nmol/L in vitro. FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) imaging data of endothelial cells stressed by low glucose revealed that TIGAR couples with calmodulin to promote TIGAR tyrosine nitration. A tyrosine 92 mutation interferes with the TIGAR‐dependent NADPH generation (55.60% decreased) and abolishes its protective effect on tight junctions in human brain microvascular endothelial cells. We further demonstrate that the low‐glucose‐induced disruption of occludin and Caludin5 as well as activation of autophagy was abrogated by melatonin‐mediated blockade of nitrosative stress in vitro. Collectively, we provide information on the detailed molecular mechanisms for the protective actions of melatonin on brain endothelial tight junctions and suggest that this indole has translational potential for severe hypoglycemia‐induced neurovascular damage.
Universal Citizenship Through the Discourse and Policy of Rafael Correa
Authors: Pugh Jeffrey D. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article investigates political opportunities and constraints associated with incorporating the concept of universal citizenship into migration debates. Analyzing the speeches of Ecuador's president Rafael Correa over eight years, the article argues that Correa strategically crafted a narrative of universal citizenship to undergird politically beneficial policies. Political constraints from constituents and rivals, and the populist nature of his governing style, hollowed out progressive migration policy innovations to the point that universal citizenship became a rhetorical device more than a substantive policy agenda. Through this empirical case, the article develops a more nuanced critical understanding of universal citizenship discourses as sites for negotiating the relationship between states and migrants.
Genomic variation across two barn swallow hybrid zones reveals traits associated with divergence in sympatry and allopatry
Authors: Scordato Elizabeth S. C. , Wilkins Matthew R. , Semenov Georgy , Rubtsov Alexander S. , Kane Nolan C. , Safran Rebecca J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHybrid zones are geographic regions where isolating barriers between divergent populations are challenged by admixture. Identifying factors that facilitate or inhibit hybridization in sympatry can illuminate the processes that maintain those reproductive barriers. We analysed patterns of hybridization and phenotypic variation across two newly discovered hybrid zones between three subspecies of barn swallow (Hirundo rustica). These subspecies differ in ventral coloration and wing length, traits that are targets of sexual and natural selection, respectively, and are associated with genome‐wide differentiation in allopatry. We tested the hypothesis that the degree of divergence in these traits is associated with the extent of hybridization in secondary contact. We applied measures of population structure based on >23,000SNPs to confirm that named subspecies correspond to distinct genomic clusters, and assessed coincidence between geographic clines for ancestry and phenotype. Although gene flow was ongoing across both hybrid zones and pairwiseFSTbetween subspecies was extremely low, we found striking differences in the extent of hybridization. In the more phenotypically differentiated subspecies pair, clines for ancestry, wing length and ventral coloration were steep and coincident, suggestive of strong isolation and, potentially, selection associated with phenotype. In the less phenotypically differentiated pair, gene flow and phenotypic variation occurred over a wide geographic span, indicative of weaker isolation. Traits associated with genome‐wide differentiation in allopatry may thus also contribute to isolation in sympatry. We discuss potentially important additional roles for evolutionary history and ecology in shaping variation in the extent hybridization between closely related pairs of subspecies.
Pediatric liver transplant patients’ transition to adulthood: Patient and parent experiences
Authors: Sarigol Ordin Yaprak , Karayurt Özgül , Ünek Tarkan , Astarcıoğlu İbrahim 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis qualitative research study describes the experiences of child and adolescent liver transplant recipients and their parents during the patients’ transition to adulthood. Data were collected from pediatric liver transplant recipients and their parents during individual interviews, and these were later analyzed using conventional content analysis. Seven main themes emerged: coping, self‐management, body image, social relationships, academic life, work life, and live donors. Study results revealed that the patients who received liver transplants during their childhood and adolescence used both effective and ineffective strategies to cope with the difficulties they faced during the transition period into adulthood. The parents experienced many problems: on learning of their child's need for a transplant, parents were advised that they should consider becoming a live donor. This very difficult decision was a source of great stress and required serious consideration. After transplantation the parents wanted their children to have autonomy but could not encourage them because of concerns for their health.