bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Segmental fibre type composition of the rat iliopsoas muscle
Authors: Vlahovic Hrvoje , Bazdaric Ksenija , Marijancic Verner , Soic‐Vranic Tamara , Malnar Daniela , Arbanas Juraj 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe iliopsoas of the rat is composed of two muscles – the psoas major muscle and the iliacus muscle. The psoas major muscle arises from all the lumbar vertebrae and the iliacus muscle from the fifth and sixth lumbar vertebrae and ilium. Their common insertion point is the lesser trochanter of the femur, and their common action is the lateral rotation of the femur and flexion of the hip joint. Unlike humans, the rat is a quadruped and only occasionally rises up on its hind legs. Therefore, it is expected that the fibre type composition of the rat iliopsoas muscle will be different than that of humans. The iliopsoas muscle of the rat is generally considered to be a fast muscle. However, previous studies of the fibre type composition of the rat psoas muscle showed different results. Moreover, very little is known about the composition of the rat iliacus muscle. The aim of our study was to examine the fibre type composition of the rat iliopsoas muscle in order to better understand the complex function of the listed muscle. The psoas major muscle was examined segmentally at four different levels of its origin. Type I, IIA, IIB and IIX muscle fibres were typed using monoclonal antibodies for myosin heavy chain identification. The percentage of muscle fibre types and muscle fibre cross‐sectional areas were calculated. In our study we showed that in the rat iliopsoas muscle both the iliacus and the psoas major muscles had a predominance of fast muscle fibre types, with the highest percentage of the fastest IIB muscle fibres. Also, the IIB muscle fibres showed the largest cross‐sectional area (CSA) in both muscles. As well, the psoas major muscle showed segmental differences of fibre type composition. Our results showed changes in percentages, as well as the CSAs of muscle fibre types in cranio‐caudal direction. The most significant changes were visible in type IIB muscle fibres, where there was a decrease of percentages and the CSAs from the cranial towards the caudal part of the muscle. From our results it is evident that the rat iliopsoas muscle has a heterogeneous composition and is composed of all four muscle fibre types. Primarily, it is a fast, dynamic muscle with a predominance of fast type IIB muscle fibres with the largest CSAs. The composition of the rat psoas major muscles changes in a cranio‐caudal direction, thus pointing to a more postural role of the caudal part of the muscle.
Development of actinobacterial resources for functional cosmetics
Authors: Dahal Ram Hari , Shim Dong Seop , Kim Jaisoo 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBackgroundActinobacteria usually produce different functional compounds for various applications.ObjectiveThe aim of this research was to develop actinobacterial resources through the isolation and identification of soil bacteria with antibacterial and enzyme inhibitory activities for cosmetics application.MethodsSoil bacteria were isolated and tested for antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis using the spotting method. Isolates exhibiting antibacterial activities were assayed for tyrosinase inhibition, elastase inhibition, and free radical scavenging activity.ResultsTwelve actinobacterial strains were found to inhibit the growth of P. acnes and S. epidermidis. Among them, ten were from the genus Streptomyces and the other two were from the genera Actinokineospora and Calidifontibacter, and potentially represented novel species. For tyrosinase inhibition activities, when compared with arbutin (IC50=47.84±0.36 μg mL−1), strain T65 had similar activity with an IC50 value of 49.05±3.29 μg mL−1. For elastase inhibition, strains T65, T811, and R311 had similar activities with IC50 values of 10.78±1.88 μg mL−1, 10.19±0.82 μg mL−1, and 10.19±2.1 μg mL−1, respectively, which had similar inhibitory activity to the IC50 value of the standard oleanolic acid (8.94±1.38 μg mL−1). For DPPH radical scavenging activities, two strains, R311 and T327, with IC50 values of 6.11±1.17 μg mL−1 and 5.25±0.93 μg mL−1, respectively, had slightly lower activities than ascorbic acid (IC50=4.08±0.03 μg mL−1).ConclusionAmong twelve strains of actinobacteria, the most effective strains were selected for the inhibition of both P. acnes and S. epidermidis as well as for enzyme activities. Actinobacterial strains isolated in this study could be used to produce active metabolites for cosmetics applications.
Echocardiographic Estimates of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction Do Not Predict the Clinical Course in Elderly Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure: Impact of Early Diastolic Mitral Annular Velocity
Authors: Takaya Yoichi , Akagi Teiji , Kijima Yasufumi , Nakagawa Koji , Watanabe Nobuhisa , Oe Hiroki , Taniguchi Manabu , Ito Hiroshi 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effect of echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction on acute congestive heart failure after transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in elderly patients.BackgroundAlthough there is concern that LV diastolic dysfunction develops acute congestive heart failure after ASD closure, limited information is available regarding the influence, especially in elderly patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction.MethodsTwo hundred consecutive patients older than 60 years were divided into 3 groups according to echocardiographic LV diastolic dysfunction: severe (early diastolic mitral annular velocity [e’] <5.0 cm/s), mild (5.0≤ e’ <8.0 cm/s), and normal (e’ ≥ 8.0 cm/s). Changes in plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were evaluated.ResultsNo patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction developed acute congestive heart failure immediately after the procedure. BNP levels unchanged after the procedure in patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction (126 ± 181 to 131 ± 148 pg/ml, P = 0.885), and this increase in BNP levels was not different from that between the diagnosis of ASD and the procedure. The change in BNP levels in patients with severe LV diastolic dysfunction, who were frequently treated with diuretics before the procedure, was equivalent to that in patients with mild LV diastolic dysfunction and normal LV diastolic function (5 ± 119 vs. 16 ± 101 vs. 9 ± 131 pg/ml, P = 0.724).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that transcatheter ASD closure under volume management is safe and valuable in elderly patients with echocardiographic severe LV diastolic dysfunction.
Increased cortical porosity in women with hip fracture
Authors: Sundh D. , Nilsson A. G. , Nilsson M. , Johansson L. , Mellström D. , Lorentzon M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundHip fractures cause increased mortality and disability and consume enormous healthcare resources. Only 46% of hip fracture patients have osteoporosis at the total hip according to dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurement. Cortical porosity increases with ageing and is believed to be important for bone strength.ObjectiveTo investigate whether older women with hip fracture have higher cortical porosity than controls, and if so whether this difference is independent of clinical risk factors and areal bone mineral density (aBMD).MethodsFrom an ongoing population‐based study, we identified 46 women with a prevalent X‐ray‐verified hip fracture and 361 control subjects without any fractures. aBMD was measured with DXA. High‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to measure bone microstructure at the standard (ultradistal) site and at 14% (distal) of the tibial length.ResultsWomen with a previous hip fracture had lower aBMD at the femoral neck (−11.8%) and total hip (−14.6%) as well as higher cortical porosity at the ultradistal (32.1%) and distal (29.3%) tibia compared with controls. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, with adjustment for covariates (age, height, weight, smoking, calcium intake, physical activity, walk time, oral glucocorticoids, parental hip fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, previous fall, current bisphosphonate treatment and femoral neck aBMD), cortical porosity at the ultradistal [odds ratio per standard deviation increase (95% confidence interval) 2.61 (1.77–3.85)] and distal [1.57 (1.12–2.20)] sites was associated with prevalent hip fracture.ConclusionCortical porosity was associated with prevalent hip fracture in older women independently of femoral neck aBMD and clinical risk factors.
Parental Child‐Rearing Conflicts Through Adolescence: Trajectories and Associations With Child Characteristics and Externalizing Patterns
Authors: Helland Maren S. , Kjeldsen Anne , von Soest Tilmann , Røysamb Espen , Gustavson Kristin , Nilsen Wendy 
Published: January 2017

Research on longitudinal interparental conflict patterns and offspring development is scarce. The population‐based TOPP study (N = 459) was used to investigate (1) child‐rearing conflict trajectories through four time points during childhood and adolescence (ages 8–16), and (2) associations between conflict trajectories and child characteristics (i.e., birth order, gender, externalizing patterns from early childhood). Latent profile analysis identified six distinct trajectories. Conflict levels decreased for most respondents over the adolescent offspring period, but offspring's birth order and externalizing problems were related to less typical trajectories and higher levels of conflict. Onset of externalizing problems was of additional importance for the course of parental child‐rearing conflicts. The results highlight the perception of the whole family as an interwoven system.
Inception and utility of a renal replacement registry using administrative health data in North‐East Italy
Authors: Valent Francesca , Busolin Anna , Boscutti Giuliano 
Published: January 2017

SUMMARYBackgroundDisease registries are useful tools for public health planning, evaluating clinical practice and providing information on cohorts of patients.MethodsThe administrative databases of the regional health information system of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy were used to build a regional registry of the resident population in renal replacement therapy (including dialysis and renal transplantation), through an algorithm taking into account hospital discharge and outpatient ambulatory care data. The registry includes an anonymous univocal identifier, the start date for the replacement therapy and changes of status (haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, renal transplantation). Data from the registry were used to estimate incidence rate, prevalence and mortality of patients receiving renal replacement therapy in 2014. In addition, we described an example of how the registry can be used to assess the prevalence of selected comorbidities.ResultsIn Friuli Venezia Giulia in 2014, we estimated an incidence rate of renal replacement therapy of 166 per million inhabitants and a prevalence of 1,400 per million inhabitants. A total of 10% of the patients died in the study year. Hypertension, heart disease and diabetes mellitus were common co‐morbidities.ConclusionThe registry allows us to estimate the incidence rate and prevalence of renal replacement therapy and also to investigate specific issues regarding these patients through record linkage with other administrative health databases.
Impaired N‐linked glycosylation of uptake and efflux transporters in human non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Clarke John D. , Novak Petr , Lake April D. , Hardwick Rhiannon N. , Cherrington Nathan J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsN‐linked glycosylation of proteins is critical for proper protein folding and trafficking to the plasma membrane. Drug transporters are one class of proteins that have reduced function when glycosylation is impaired. N‐linked glycosylation of plasma proteins has also been investigated as a biomarker for several liver diseases, including non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The purpose of this study was to assess the transcriptomic expression of genes involved in protein processing and glycosylation, and to determine the glycosylation status of key drug transporters during human NAFLD progression.MethodsHuman liver samples diagnosed as healthy, steatosis, and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) were analysed for gene expression of glycosylation‐related genes and for protein glycosylation using immunoblot.ResultsGenes involved in protein processing in the ER and biosynthesis of N‐glycans were significantly enriched for down‐regulation in NAFLD progression. Included in the down regulated N‐glycan biosynthesis category were genes involved in the oligosaccharyltransferase complex, N‐glycan quality control, N‐glycan precursor biosynthesis, N‐glycan trimming to the core, and N‐glycan extension from the core. N‐glycan degradation genes were unaltered in the progression to NASH. Immunoblot analysis of the uptake transporters organic anion transporting polypeptide‐1B1 (OATP1B1), OATP1B3, OATP2B1, and Sodium/Taurocholate Co‐transporting Polypeptide (NTCP) and the efflux transporter multidrug resistance‐associated protein 2 (MRP2) demonstrated a significant loss of glycosylation following the progression to NASH.ConclusionsThese data suggest that the loss of glycosylation of key uptake and efflux transporters in humans NASH may influence transporter function and contribute to altered drug disposition observed in NASH.
Critical analysis of water governance challenges of Songkhla Lake Basin, Thailand
Authors: Cookey Peter E. , Darnsawasdi Rotchanatch , Ratanachai Chatchai 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe present study examines water governance challenges in the Songkhla Lake Basin (SLB) with the aim of evaluating and analysing policies, legislations, regulations, institutions and actors responsible for the current state of the basin. The present study adopted three methodological approaches, including literature reviews, face‐to‐face expert interviews and field survey to investigate governance challenges confronting the SLB. It identified six major governance challenges that combined to produce current barriers to sustainable governance, resulting in depletion and deterioration of the SLB resource system. Moving forward will require pursuit of better resource management and governance systems, which will require strengthening of the Songkhla Lake Basin Committee to play a much needed coordinating and policy harmonization role to promote coherent actions among the formal and informal actors in the basin. Review of existing water resources and related governance instruments to make them appropriate, adequate and relevant for the sustainability of the SLB also is essential.
Diversity of anaerobic bacteria in sediments from a subtropical reservoir
Authors: Maintinguer Sandra I. , Sakamoto Isabel K. , Adorno Maria Angela T. , Varesche Maria Bernadete A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA descriptive analysis of microbial communities from two different sediment locations in a subtropical reservoir was undertaken, using DGGE and 16S rRNA gene clone library. This study evaluated bacterial diversity in the sediment of a subtropical reservoir, based on quantitative and qualitative analyses of sulphate‐reducing bacteria (SRB), denitrifying bacteria (DB) and hydrogen‐producing bacteria (HPB). The sediment samples were taken from a subtropical reservoir (Ibiúna, SP, Brazil), being collected at two contrasting sites, including (A) at a 4 m depth and (B) at an 11 m depth of the water column. The anaerobic bacteria population density in the sediment was estimated with the most probable number (MPN) method. The microbial diversity of the sediment was assessed by molecular biology analyses for the domain Bacteria. Increased cell count numbers were observed in sample A for DB. The count for sample B was higher for SRB and HPB. Both sediment communities (A and B samples) exhibited a high diversity. They were similar to the phyla Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Fusobacteria, Deferribacteres, Verrucomicrobia and uncultivated bacteria. The environmental conditions of sediments from tropical climates were mainly sunlight during the day and temperatures around 25 °C, which would favour the maintenance of nutrients and the available organic matter for establishing the anaerobic bacteria populations. The microbial diversity observed for both samples indicates new possibilities for application of the sediment reservoir in regard to biotechnological processes such as the operation of anaerobic reactors for wastewater and toxic compound treatment, bioenergy generation and production of biogases such as hydrogen and methane.
Mycorrhizal specificity does not limit the distribution of an endangered orchid species
Authors: Waud Michael , Brys Rein , Van Landuyt Wouter , Lievens Bart , Jacquemyn Hans 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWhat factors determine the distribution of a species is a central question in ecology and conservation biology. In general, the distribution of plant species is assumed to be controlled by dispersal or environmentally controlled recruitment. For plant species which are critically dependent on mycorrhizal symbionts for germination and seedling establishment, specificity in mycorrhizal associations and availability of suitable mycorrhizal fungi can be expected to have a major impact on successful colonization and establishment and thus ultimately on a species distribution. We combined seed germination experiments with soil analyses and fungal assessments using 454 amplicon pyrosequencing to test the relative importance of dispersal limitation, mycorrhizal availability and local growth conditions on the distribution of the orchid speciesLiparis loeselii, which, despite being widely distributed, is rare and endangered in Europe. We compared local soil conditions, seed germination and mycorrhizal availability in the soil between locations in northern Belgium and France whereL. loeseliioccurs naturally and locations where conditions appear suitable, but where adults of the species are absent. Our results indicated that mycorrhizal communities associating withL. loeseliivaried among sites and plant life cycle stages, but the observed variations did not affect seed germination, which occurred regardless of currentL. loeseliipresence and was significantly affected by soil moisture content. These results indicate thatL. loeseliiis a mycorrhizal generalist capable of opportunistically associating with a variety of fungal partners to induce seed germination. They also indicate that availability of fungal associates is not necessarily the determining factor driving the distribution of mycorrhizal plant species.
The population genomic signature of environmental association and gene flow in an ecologically divergent tree speciesMetrosideros polymorpha(Myrtaceae)
Authors: Izuno Ayako , Kitayama Kanehiro , Onoda Yusuke , Tsujii Yuki , Hatakeyama Masaomi , Nagano Atsushi J. , Honjo Mie N. , Shimizu‐Inatsugi Rie , Kudoh Hiroshi , Shimizu Kentaro K. , Isagi Yuji 
Published: January 2017

AbstractGenomewide markers enable us to study genetic differentiation within a species and the factors underlying it at a much higher resolution than before, which advances our understanding of adaptation in organisms. We investigated genomic divergence inMetrosideros polymorpha, a woody species that occupies a wide range of ecological habitats across the Hawaiian Islands and shows remarkable phenotypic variation. Using 1659 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers annotated with the genome assembly, we examined the population genetic structure and demographic history of nine populations across five elevations and two ages of substrates on Mauna Loa, the island of Hawaii. The nine populations were differentiated into two genetic clusters distributed on the lower and higher elevations and were largely admixed on the middle elevation. Demographic modelling revealed that the two genetic clusters have been maintained in the face of gene flow, and the effective population size of the high‐altitude cluster was much smaller. AFST‐based outlier search among the 1659SNPs revealed that 34SNPs (2.05%) were likely to be under divergent selection and the allele frequencies of 21 of them were associated with environmental changes along elevations, such as temperature and precipitation. This study shows a genomic mosaic ofM. polymorpha, in which contrasting divergence patterns were found. While most genomic polymorphisms were shared among populations, a small fraction of the genome was significantly differentiated between populations in diverse environments and could be responsible for the dramatic adaptation to a wide range of environments.
The genetic architecture of defence as resistance to and tolerance of bacterial infection in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Howick Virginia M. , Lazzaro Brian P. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDefence against pathogenic infection can take two forms: resistance and tolerance. Resistance is the ability of the host to limit a pathogen burden, whereas tolerance is the ability to limit the negative consequences of infection at a given level of infection intensity. Evolutionarily, a tolerance strategy that is independent of resistance could allow the host to avoid mounting a costly immune response and, theoretically, to avoid a co‐evolutionary arms race between pathogen virulence and host resistance. Biomedically, understanding the mechanisms of tolerance and how they relate to resistance could potentially yield treatment strategies that focus on health improvement instead of pathogen elimination. To understand the impact of tolerance on host defence and identify genetic variants that determine host tolerance, we defined genetic variation in tolerance as the residual deviation from a binomial regression of fitness under infection against infection intensity. We then performed a genomewide association study to map the genetic basis of variation in resistance to and tolerance of infection by the bacterium Providencia rettgeri. We found a positive genetic correlation between resistance and tolerance, and we demonstrated that the level of resistance is highly predictive of tolerance. We identified 30 loci that predict tolerance, many of which are in genes involved in the regulation of immunity and metabolism. We used RNAi to confirm that a subset of mapped genes have a role in defence, including putative wound repair genes grainy head and debris buster. Our results indicate that tolerance is not an independent strategy from resistance, but that defence arises from a collection of physiological processes intertwined with canonical immunity and resistance.